Industry News

Report: Jim Miller Gone from SiriusXM NFL Channel Under Mysterious Circumstances

According to a report from Awful Announcing, sports talk host Jim Miller is no longer co-hosting the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel’s “Movin’ the Chains with Pat Kirwan.” Kirwan and Miller were supposed to work together from Super Bowl week in San Francisco, but Miller was noticeably absent,img causing listeners to speculate about his status. Earlier this week Kirwan addressed the matter saying, “As most of you have noticed, Jim Miller was not with us last week at the Super Bowl. We’re going to let all of you know, today, that Jim is no longer a member of the SiriusXM team. We’re grateful for all of Jim’s insights and contributions through his many years on SiriusXM, and I’m personally grateful to have him as my on-air teammate for a long time. I wish him the best going forward, as all of you will as well. For the sake of Jim, we should leave this subject as it is and hope and pray that he gets on with his life and things go well.”

Industry News

WTOP to Present “250 Years of America Series”

Hubbard Radio all-news outlet WTOP-FM, Washington is recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States with a 20-week, multi-part editorial series titled, “250 Years of America,” that explores “the innovations, breakthroughs, and pivotal moments that have defined the nation since its inception.” It will debut on President’s Day and running through July 4.img WTOP says its journalists will examine the following seven pillars as defining points of American progress: The Federal Workforce (WTOP reporter Jimmy Alexander), Defense (WTOP National Security Correspondent JJ Green), Energy (WTOP reporter and anchor Nick Iannelli), Transportation (WTOP aviation and transportation reporter Dan Ronan), Healthcare (WTOP producer and reporter Acacia James), Technology (WTOP anchor John Aaron) and Homeownership (WTOP reporter Linh Bui). Hubbard DC VP and general manager Joel Oxley comments, “This series reflects WTOP’s commitment to thoughtful, fact-driven journalism with national importance but more importantly, local impact. As the country reflects on 250 years of progress, we’re proud to provide context, insight, and perspective on how we got here and where we’re headed as part of the community at the epicenter of this story, our nation’s capital.”

Industry News

KFI, Los Angeles Adds “Monks & Merrill” to Shuffled Lineup

iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles makes some program schedule changes that include the new “Monks & Merrill” show and the shifting of John Kobylt back to afternoons and Tim Conway Jr. back to the evening daypart. Beginning Monday (2/17), the John Kobylt Show will air from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by the Tim Conway Jr. Show from 6:00 p to 10:00img pm. Talk show hosts Chris Merrill and Michael Monks partner for the “Monks & Merrill” shows that will air from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. An hour is shaved off the late morning “Gary & Shannon” show [Gary Hoffmann and Shannon Farren] that will air from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Chris Merrill, who’s been heard on KFI in the past, was most recently with Bonneville’s KTAR-FM, Phoenix. Michael Monks an award-winning senior reporter/host for KFI News. Station brand manager Brian Long says, “The chance to put John Kobylt back in drivetime and move Tim Conway Jr. and his entertaining brand of talk a bit later for the evening crowd is a homerun for the KFI listeners. Starting the day with ‘Wake- Up Call,’ Bill Handel, ‘Gary & Shannon,’ our award-winning news team, and now the addition of the new ‘Monks & Merrill’ show makes KFI the most stimulating talk lineup in America.”

Industry News

WDUN Talk Star Martha Zoller Suffers Heart Attack

WDUN (AM 550 / FM 102.9), Gainesville, GA talk show host Martha Zoller was struck by a heart attack this past Thursday (2/5). Fortunately, she received immediate medical attention, and doctors say she is likely on the path to a smooth recovery.  The imgconservative star of Northern Georgia’s most powerful and influential news/talk outlet is also an author, columnist, former U.S. Congressional candidate, and ubiquitous media presence. She is the recipient of numerous local, regional, and national awards including being named the TALKERS “Woman of the Year” in 2024.  Zoller tells TALKERS, “Thankfully, I was at church when this happened. Thank you to my church and the fantastic paramedics at the Hall County Fire Department and the team at Northeast Georgia Health System. I’m going home with a lot of work to do. Thankfully, we live in the community I’m in. There are too many people to thank. You know who you are, thank you! I will see you, hear you soon.” Zoller can be reached via email at martha@marthazoller.com.

Industry News

Audacy Releases 2026 State of Audio: Sports Fandom

Audacy releases its 2026 State of Audio: Sports Fandom report featuring data supporting the value of sports fans, especially die-hard fans, to marketers trying to reach those demographics. Some of the findings of theimg report include: When it comes to audio’s value versus TV, diehard fans are 1.4 times more likely to tune into pre- and post-game shows on radio than on TV; Local voices matter as 79% of fans say sports make them feel part of a community. Many mute national broadcasts to follow local radio calls that capture their city’s emotion and history. Audacy adds that it now ranks #1 in sports talk reach across radio and television, surpassing ESPN and FS1; When it comes to reaching Gen Z, younger fans aren’t disengaged, they follow personalities, podcasts, and audio creators instead of networks; It’s a myth that only marketing beer and betting works on sports audio: sports audio drives measurable results beyond traditional categories, with web traffic lifts on air days vs. off-air days: +105% for financial services, +42% home improvement, +22% grocery, +10% automotive. See the report here.

Industry News

“That KEVIN Show” Racking Up New Affiliates

Salem Radio Network’s “That KEVIN Show” is adding new affiliates. Hostimg Kevin McCullough tells TALKERS that as of the end of January, weekly affiliates taking one or both of his weekday, or weekend “That KEVIN Shows” is up to 693. He adds, “Not only have former Eric Metaxas stations been quick to jump on board, but we are also increasingly replacing some Charlie Kirk slots as well. New adds include: KLBE-FM, Bismarck; KOMT-FM, Lake View, Arkansas; and KWPM-AM/FM, West Plains, Missouri.

Industry News

Jessica Reid Named 2026 MIW Digital Mentee

Mentoring & Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces that Jessica Reid of Townsquare Media Northwest Michigan as the 2026 MIW Digital Mentee. MIW says “The Digital Mentorship program continues to elevateimg rising leaders in digital sales and strategy, providing direct access to industry executives, structured mentorship, and strategic guidance at a time when audio and digital integration has never been more critical to client success.” Reid comments, “I’m honored to be selected as an MIW Digital Mentee. This mentorship is an opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills, learn from industry leaders shaping the future of digital and audio, and continue delivering smarter, more effective advertising solutions in a rapidly evolving media landscape.”

Industry News

FCC’s Gomez Challenges “The View” Investigation

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez issues a statement in response to the Commission’s plan to investigate ABC television’s “The View,” ostensibly for violating the FCC’s equal time rule. Gomez says, “Let’s beimg clear on what this is. This is government intimidation, not a legitimate investigation. Like many other so-called ‘investigations’ before it, the FCC will announce an investigation but never carry one out, reach a conclusion, or take any meaningful action. The real purpose is to weaponize the FCC’s regulatory authority to intimidate perceived critics of this Administration and chill protected speech. That is not how a free society operates. The First Amendment protects the right of daytime and late-night programs to cover newsworthy issues and express viewpoints without government interference. I urge broadcasters and their parent networks to stand strong against these unfounded attacks and continue exercising their constitutional rights without fear or favor.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Social Media That Clicks

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIf you’re on-air, it’s an important part of your job. Here’s what I see and hear working:

  • Daily Presence. Not just for-the-sake-of-posting, but to engage. Ask questions that spark conversation, reply to comments, repost listeners’ content (very flattering – they’ll repost you).
  • Share behind-the-scenes moments from the studio – inviting, insightful – not silly or self-amused. Watch how the cast of “This Morning with Gordon Deal” executes “When the Mic is Off.”
  • Tell stories. And at today’s blurry, attention-starved tempo, “word economy” is more imperative than ever. Make your point, without long setups, rambling, needless repetition or inside jokes… then get out. Like on-air breaks, every post has a purpose: entertain, inform, or connect. And a beginning, middle and end.
  • Stay in Your Lane. If the station doesn’t do politics, don’t do politics in social media. If the station is upbeat, you stay upbeat.
  • Done right, short video is powerful. Think: appetizer. 10- to 20-second clips can tease show content, or react to trending topics.
  • Consistency beats perfection. To differentiate you from soulless robotic new-tech audio competitors, raw beats polished, authentic beats staged, frequent beats flawless.
  • Close the loop on-air. Reward engagement with shout-outs. Superfans drive ratings.

As with on-air work:

  • Ask yourself: Why does this matter to listeners? How can I make this relatable? How can I make this interactive?
  • Avoid taking “lazy radio” habits online: reading long articles, bits with no payoff, inside jokes.

 Execute with intention and heart, and you’ll stand out in a world full of noise.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Report: Digital Ads Account for 25% of Radio Industry Revenue

According to the RAB’s 14th Annual Digital Benchmarking Report, produced by Borrell Associates Inc, digital advertising revenue reached $2.3 billion in 2025, accounting for one-quarter of all radio industryimg advertising revenue and stabilizing total industry sales. Moreover, Borrell forecasts digital revenue will grow slightly faster this year – 9.5% versus 7.8% in 2025 – reaching $2.5 billion. According to Borrell’s study, the average station generated $511,873 in digital revenue in 2025, and the average market cluster made $2,263,431. RAB president Mike Hulvey states, “Advertisers are recognizing the digital services and products that exist as part of broadcast radio’s marketing toolbox and are taking advantage of it. Today’s marketers are digitally savvy and understand the need to meet their customers wherever they are and across radio’s platforms.”

Industry News

Stewart Named SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia Tucson

iHeartMedia Tucson names Bill Stewart SVP of programming for the cluster that includes news/talk KNST-AM, sports talk KTZR-AM “FOXimg Sports 1450” and six music brands. He joins the Tucson operations from iHeartMedia’s Spokane station group. Southwest area president Steve Earnhart states, “We’re excited to have Bill join our team in Tucson. He brings a deep understanding of how to build strong, relevant brands that connect with listeners and communities.  His leadership and programming vision will continue to elevate our stations and deliver compelling content that reflects the energy, culture, and voice of Tucson.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Announces Executive Appointments

iHeartMedia names Matt Ginn division president of community markets. I, effectively immediately. Ginn joins the company from his most recent role with TEGNA as head of sales enablement and business development. Inimg his new role with iHeartMedia he’ll “be responsible for helping local sales teams operate efficiently by providing them with the tools, training, and best practices needed to deliver strong results and measurable value for advertisers in today’s evolving media landscape.” President of community markets John Karpinski says, “Matt brings a rare combination of experience across every level of sales leadership and enablement. His background imgin developing people, sharpening processes and driving modern revenue strategy will help us to continue to grow and elevate iHeartMedia’s commitment to drive results for advertisers. His understanding of how high-performing organizations operate will help us accelerate what’s working and raise the bar even further. We’re fired up to have him on board and excited for the impact he’s going to make across our division.” In addition, iHeartMedia appoints Wayne Jones metro president for the Texas community markets, overseeing operational sales efficiency in Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Waco, McAllen and Bryan. Jones comes to iHeartMedia from Urban One in Houston, where he served as the director of sales and business.

Industry News

WCCO, Minneapolis Presents 17th “End Hunger Together Radiothon”

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Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis raised $742,602 to benefit Second Harvest Heartland during its 17th annual “End Hunger Together Radiothon.” The station says this year’s total marks the highest amount raised in the event’s history. WCCO brand manager Brad Lane comments, “All I can say is…WOW. This record-breaking result belongs to our fans and sponsors; they didn’t just meet the moment — they transcended it — and the impact will be felt by thousands of neighbors who need it most. Once again this illustrates what’s possible when a community is galvanized by compassion and purpose. We’re incredibly proud to partner with Second Harvest Heartland and honored to use ‘CCO Radio’s legacy platform to help turn generosity into real, measurable impact for families across Minnesota.”

Industry News

Nielsen Granted Stay Pending Appeal in Cumulus Anti-Trust Suit and Separately Files Countersuit Against Cumulus

Nielsen wins a round in its defense against Cumulus Media’s anti-trust claims as the Second Circuit Court of Appeals grants the stay pending appeal that it had sought as well as that Court granting its motion to sealimg its opposition. Regarding the stay pending appeal, this give Nielsen the ability to do its business as usual while the claim makes its way through the courts. Nielsen also filed an Answer and Counterclaim with the United States District Court for Southern New York. It that filing it rejects all of Cumulus claims against it and then makes counterclaims. Nielsen claims “Cumulus has engaged in imgan illicit pressure campaign to extract favorable contract terms from Nielsen and undermine Nielsen’s position in the radio ratings market. While Cumulus was stringing Nielsen along during negotiations for a new services agreement to begin in 2026, behind the scenes, Cumulus intentionally and in bad faith breached multiple provisions of its existing contract with Nielsen by secretly handing over Nielsen’s crown jewels—itsproprietary and confidential radio ratings data—to Nielsen’s direct competitor.” Other claims Nielsen is making include that Cumulus negotiated in bad faith by refusing to engage with or counter Nielsen’s offers during the negotiation period and that Cumulus “retained counsel and launched a lawfare campaign, threatening antitrust litigation unless Nielsen capitulated to its demands, even though Nielsen has no obligation to renew its contract with Cumulus.” Nielsen also says Cumulus “supplied Nielsen’s confidential and proprietary information” to competitor Eastlan Ratings. Nielsen is asking that Cumulus’ suit be thrown out and that it receives from Cumulus attorneys’ fees and damages as determined by the court.

Industry News

Harris Launches Vegas Crime Files Podcast

Las Vegas-based talk media personality Heidi Harris is debuting a new podcast in the true crime genre. She tells TALKERS, “My newest podcast is finally here! ‘Vegas Crime Files!’ I’ve been working so hard on this and I’m really excited about it. ‘Vegas Crime Files’ pulls back the curtain onimg infamous and fascinating lesser-known crimes through firsthand accounts from those who investigated, prosecuted, and survived them. No Googled stories or AI scripts. Details you will hear nowhere else, from the people who are free to discuss what really happened in Vegas.” Harris says her first episode asks, “Who’s the guy in the barrel that was found in Lake Mead? I speak to the cold case detective who worked the case, and a journalist who grew up with the guy who just might be in the barrel!”

Industry News

NRG to Sell Omaha Stations to Usher Media

NRG Media is getting out of the radio business in the Omaha market as it files to sell news/talk KOIL-AM, sports talk KOZN-AM, along with music formatted stations KQKQ-FM, KZOT-AM, and KOPW-FM to Usher Mediaimg LLC. Separately it is filing to sell KOOO-FM to Nebraska Public Media. This is NRG Media’s second deal with Usher Media. In November of last year, it agreed to sell its Tri-Cities, Nebraska station group to Usher for $3.75 million. Company officer Alan Usher comments, “This acquisition is a statement of belief in Omaha and in Nebraska. Local radio matters. Local leadership matters. We are committed to building a broadcast presence that reflects the strength of this community and delivers real value to the businesses and people who call it home.” Kalil & Co. was the exclusive broker for this deal.

Industry News

Connoisseur Names Frisk Palm Springs Market Manager

Connoisseur Media names Sommer Frisk market manager for its Palm Springs cluster that includes “K-NEWS” (KNWZ-AM, KNWQ-AM, K284CR), sports talk KKUU-HD2 “ESPN 103.9,” and six music brands.img  Frisk is also serving the company as regional manager for Alaska and Salt Lake City. She was most recently with Cumulus Media as VP and market manager for the Oxnard-Ventura, California market. Connoisseur Western Region SVP Tina Murley says, “Sommer’s leadership, passion for local media, and her ability to connect with communities make her an ideal addition to the Connoisseur family. As we deepen presence in Palm Springs, Alaska, and Salt Lake City, Sommer’s strategic vision, commitment to local communities, and operational expertise will be invaluable.”

Industry News

Carolin Retires from Salem; Mosher and Murphy Promoted

Salem Media is promoting two executives as Atlanta-based regional vice president and general manager Val Carolin retired from the company on January 30. Salem president of broadcast media Allen Power says, “Valimg has become a valued partner for me in his years with Salem. He has led with trust, affirmation, and high standards – a leadership style worth emulating.” In the wake of Carolin’s retirement, Jason Mosher is promoted from regional director of sales to regional general manager, overseeing the Atlanta and Pittsburgh markets. Also, Mike Murphy is promoted to regional general manager, adding Cleveland to his existing oversight of the Twin Cities market. Power says, “These moves ensure strong continuity of leadership while positioning Salem for continued growth in these key markets. We’re extremely proud of Jason and Mike for their well-earned promotions, and we extend our deepest appreciation to Val for his decades of service and the impact he’s had across our company.”

Industry News

Federal News Network Contracts with Leadership Connect

Hubbard Radio’s Federal News Network (including WFED-AM, Washington, DC) announces a strategic partnership with Leadership Connect, a provider of government, policy, and contracting intelligence.img Hubbard says the collaboration brings together Federal News Network’s trusted reporting with Leadership Connect’s proprietary data and analysis to deliver deeper context and insight across the federal marketplace. Federal News Network publisher Jeffrey Wolinsky states, “Our mission has always been to support federal executives with the insights they need to lead effectively. This partnership with Leadership Connect allows us to enrich our reporting with deeper data, ensuring our audience receives more impactful content than ever before. We are thrilled to integrate these resources to better serve the federal community.”