Industry News

WNIR, Akron’s Carey Coleman Exits Station for Congressional Run

Longtime Northeastern Ohio media figure Carey Coleman is exiting his evening talk show on WNIR-FM, Akron to run for U.S. Rep. in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. Before becoming at talk radio host,img Coleman was a television meteorologist who worked in the Cleveland market at WKYC-TV and WOIO-TV, as well as with The Weather Channel and CNN. Carey’s campaign website says “understands the real challenges facing working families: rising costs, government overreach, and a political system that puts insiders ahead of citizens. He is running for Congress to restore fiscal discipline, secure our borders, defend constitutional freedoms, support law enforcement, and ensure parents have a strong voice in their children’s education.”

Industry News

Edison Research Releases Top 50 Podcasts Report for Q4 of 2025

Edison Research is publishing its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. based on reach for Q4 2025 among weekly podcast consumers ages 13+. The listimg ranks podcasts based on total audience reach from Edison Podcast Metrics. At #1 is “The Joe Rogan Experience,” followed by “Crime Junkie” at #2 and “The Daily” at #3. Other news/talk media related shows of note include “The Megyn Kelly Show” at #13, “The Tucker Carlson Show” at #20, “The Charlie Kirk Show” at #47, and “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #48.  See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Podtrac Unveils New Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking

Podtrac releases the first edition of its Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking that now includes the following when constructing its rankings: audio episode downloaded on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast apps; Videoimg episodes viewed and streamed on YouTube and Spotify; and Podcast video clips played on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Under this new format, Podtrac’s Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking for December 2025 ranks “The Meidas Touch Podcast” #1, followed by “The Joe Rogan Experience” at #2, and “The Rest is History” at #3. Other news/talk media related shows of note include: “The Tucker Carlson Show” at #12, and “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #17. See more about this ranker here.

Industry News

Rich Valdés Inks Deal for Spanish Language Show

Talk host Rich Valdés, who succeeded the late Jim Bohannon on the Westwood One network, announces his next move as he joins Globalimg Media Federation and its streaming network Festiva TV syndication partnership. The deal will make Valdés’ late-night show exclusively in Spanish to Roku’s 90 million+ subscribed households. Valdés’ English-language show continues to be available via iHeartRadio, and Valdés says he is “completely open to English syndication opportunities across terrestrial radio, cable television, and streaming platforms like Rumble—building on my ongoing work in those spaces.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (January 19-23, 2026)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (1/19-23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Trump at Davos / Greenland Strategy
  2. ICE Raids-Protests / Administrative Warrants
  3. Affordability / Financial Markets Activity
  4. Board of Peace
  5. SCOTUS Hears Lisa Cook Case
  6. Clintons-Contempt of Congress Charges / Epstein Files
  7. Jack Smith Testimony
  8. Iran Protests-Deaths
  9. Halligan Exits Justice Department
  10. Indiana Wins Football Championship / NFL Playoffs

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Mark Rutte
  3. Mette Frederiksen / Lars Løkke Rasmussen
  4. Gavin Newsom
  5. Vladimir Putin
  6. Volodymyr Zelenskyy
  7. Lisa Cook
  8. Bill & Hillary Clinton
  9. Jack Smith
  10. Lindsey Halligan

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

FCC Issues Guidance on Equal Opportunity Issues

On the heels of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce last week in which he reiterated the Commission’s duty to enforce broadcast licensees’ obligations toimg serve in the public interest, the FCC yesterday issued a Guidance on Political Equal Opportunities Requirement for Broadcast Television Stations. While the memorandum is written to television stations, it obvious applies to radio stations as well. The memo ultimately addresses the 1959 order that exempts broadcasters from providing equal time to qualified candidates on any: (1) bona fide newscast; (2) bona fide news interview; (3) bona fidenews documentary (if the appearance of the candidate is incidental to the presentation of the subject or subjects covered by the news documentary); or (4) on-the-spot coverage of bona fide news events (including but not limited to political conventions and activities incidental thereto). Programs such as “The Tonight Show” and “The View” are cited as entertainment shows in which an interview segment can qualify as a bona fide news interview. Regarding this, the memo concludes with two important paragraphs:

“Concerns have been raised that the industry has taken the Media Bureau’s 2006 staff-level decision to mean that the interview portion of all arguably similar entertainment programs whether late night or daytime—are exempted from the section 315 equal opportunities requirement under a bona fide news exemption. This is not the case. As noted above, these decisions are fact specific, and the exemptions are limited to the program that was the subject of the request.

Importantly, the FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption. Moreover, a program that is motivated by partisan purposes, for example, would not be entitled to an exemption under longstanding FCC precedent. Any program or station that wishes to obtain formal assurance that the equal opportunities requirement does not apply (in whole or in part) is encouraged to promptly file a petition for declaratory ruling that satisfies the statutory requirements for a bona fide news exemption.”

Industry News

Talk Host Larry O’Connor Named Editor of Townhall.com

Salem Media Group’s Townhall Media announces that it is naming WMAL-FM, Washington morning drive talk host Larry O’Connor as editor of Townhall.com, effective immediately. Townhall Media says, “Larry O’Connor is a trusted conservative voice known for credibility,img clarity, and consistency, earning the respect of audiences, peers, and industry leaders alike. He brings decades of experience across writing, podcasts, broadcast, and live events, along with a proven record of leadership, audience growth, and editorial excellence to one of the nation’s most influential conservative platforms. O’Connor is known for his deep understanding of the political and cultural landscape. His career spans multiple media formats, and he has built a large, loyal national audience by combining sharp analysis, principled conservatism, and engaging conversations.” O’Connor has been writing for Townhall and HotAir since 2016. His daily podcast, LARRY, is streamed at 12:00 noon ET on Townhall.com and YouTube. O’Connor comments, “Townhall has been a cornerstone of the conservative movement for decades, and I’m incredibly honored and excited to take on the role of editor. This is a platform with a powerful legacy, an outstanding team of contributors, and a loyal audience that cares deeply about ideas, culture, and the future of our country. I’m eager to build on that foundation, elevate strong conservative voices, and help Townhall continue to inform, challenge, and inspire readers every day.”

Industry News

Las Vegas Talk Host Alan Stock Named to Governor’s Antisemitism Working Group

Las Vegas talk radio host Alan Stock joins the Antisemitism Working Group created by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and announced in December. Lombardo’s office says the Antisemitism Working Group “willimg bring together leaders from Nevada’s Jewish community, educators, advocates, and law enforcement professionals to advise the governor on emerging challenges, community safety concerns, and long-term policy solutions.” Stock tells TALKERS, “The group will provide an important opportunity for Jewish community leaders to share their perspectives and ensure that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo hears directly from those affected as we work together to address antisemitism in Nevada. Policy recommendations will be due by April 15, shaping the agenda for Nevada’s 2027 legislative session.” Stock hosts his daily morning program “Vegas @ 8” on news/talk KXNT and produces commentaries that air three times per day on the Audacy station.

Industry News

Nielsen Gets Administrative Stay as Cumulus Suit Awaits Appeals Court Panel

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals is granting Nielsen an administrative stay of the District Court’s order pending a decision by a three-judge motions panel. That means Nielsen can continue to operate its radio ratings business as usual until the panel rules on Nielsen’simg appeal of the District Court’s ruling on Cumulus’ request to seal the record and protect witnesses’ identities. That request was granted by the District Court. Cumulus Media is suing Nielsen alleging that the company is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. At the heart of the complaint is the charge that Nielsen is providing access to the national broadcast radio ratings only if the client spends a lot of extra money on the separate local ratings. Cumulus argues that Nielsen’s policy forces them to buy ratings in U.S. markets where it doesn’t operate stations in order to have the complete national ratings data.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: The Fearless Cold Caller

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgOften, when visiting client stations, I ride shotgun on a sales call, and it’s always a masterclass. Retailers have a canny, insightful feel for their customers (our listeners). And accompanying these reps, I feel like I’m “Dancing With The Stars.”

Cold calling still rattles many new sellers, even some veterans. The fear is understandable: interrupting strangers to ask for their time sounds like a recipe for rejection. And seems old-school, but the cold call isn’t a relic – it’s a differentiator. Done right, it’s not a pitch. It’s about discovery.

Here’s what successful sellers I work with seem to have in common:

  • — Their goal isn’t a cold close.It’s to open a conversation about helping a business grow. They are confident in what radio advertising – done right – can accomplish.
  • — They do homework beforehand, checking the prospect’s website, social feeds, Google reviews, and its other advertising. So, they can go in with something specific to reference. Some bring “an actual commercial that got results for a business like yours, somewhere else.” When I do a station sales meeting, I leave behind a thumb drive of successful spots from other markets. Retailers are wary of experiments, and curious for proven concepts.
  • — They lead with curiosity. Like a job interview, you are judged more by the-questions-you-ask than the-information-you-give. Productive questions I hear include, “How are you attracting new customers right now?” and, “What’s been working best for you lately… and what’s been frustrating?” and, “Have you ever used local radio to tell your story?” Ask, “What’s the biggest mistake consumers make when planning a kitchen remodel [or purchasing whatever else the prospect sells]?” And, “Why buy from YOU?” Entrepreneurs like to talk about their business. Let them, and take notes, recording on your smartphone.
  • — They present a no-risk offer that invests in the prospect’s growth. Hearing is believing, so “Let me take what-you’ve-told-me and bring back a message that tells your story, at no cost or obligation to you.” Rather than describing that story, spec spots demonstrate it. Note: “spots,” plural.
  • — They bring back two spec spots, so the choice is this-or-that rather than yes-or-no. Not two versions of the same concept, but two different approaches. One might be a live read mock-up; the other a fully produced commercial, incorporating copy points from the prospect’s existing marketing material, and from that first-call interview…
  • — If possible, they use the prospect’s voice. If he or she can read without sounding sing-songy, bring back a draft script. Here’s a straight pitchI wrote for the guy who maintains my home water system. More often, the most productive use of the prospect’s voice is unscripted sound bites lifted from the smartphone after that first call, wrapped with lean announcer copy, like this. Either way, spots like these can get people telling the advertiser “I heard you on the radio.” 😉
  • — If that doesn’t close, they offer to re-do the spec spot, based on feedback from that second call. This persistence demonstrates a partnership with the prospect’s success, and shares authorship of the final version.
  • — They anticipate rejection, and prep responses to common objections. They understand that “no” often means “not now.” Seeming super-appreciative for the prospect’s time, they thank him or her and ask “to check-back with you” in the future. They track attempts, conversations, and follow-ups.

Lately, I’m impressed by how reps are using Artificial Intelligence… not as a crutch, but to collaborate. Various vendors are hawking apps that will write – even voice – spots. Whenever I’m given a demo, I ask for copy about a restaurant my wife and I frequent. And what comes back is painfully generic – “in a relaxing atmosphere” – rather than capturing the experience. DO exploit AI. But ask it for copy concepts, and use it as a first draft, always to frame the prospect’s words.

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

WTCM, Traverse City’s Ron Jolly & Colleen Wares McClelland to Retire

Michigan talk radio hosts Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland – host and co-host of the “Ron Jolly Show” on Midwestern Broadcasting’simg news/talk WTCM, Traverse City, announce that they are retiring from the station after their last show on April 10. TraverseTicker reports their brief on-air announcement in which Ron Jolly stated, that it was “not an easy thing to leave” but that “all the circumstances add up to that. We will make the most of it. The hardest part is leaving. We can’t see you, you can’t see us, but we are connected. See the TraverseTicker story here.

Industry News

Salem and Dan Proft Agree to Extension

Salem Media and WIND-AM, Chicago “AM 560 The Answer” morning drive host Dan Proft agree to a two-year extension to keep him on the air through December of 2027. Salem regional VP and WIND generalimg manager John Gallagher says, “The combination of Dan Proft’s intellect and his exceptional interviewing skills is why he’s the best morning radio host in Chicago. His knowledge of the issues that affect the people of Illinois is unmatched. This contract extension solidifies the Chicago Morning Answer brand and the top conservative talk radio line-up in the nation.” Proft comments, “I’m excited to extend my run on Chicago’s Morning Answer, and I am honored to be trusted with such an important platform during these turbulent times. Nothing short of the future of the United States and Western civilization, by extension, is on the line, and I’m humbled to be able to lend my voice to the fight. I want to thank AM 560’s management, along with our loyal, intelligent listeners and our accomplished and thoughtful guests, for their ongoing support.”

Industry News

Adam Carolla Re-Ups with PodcastOne and Joins SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly Channel

Comedian and podcaster Adam Carolla signs a multiyear extension with PodcastOne to continue producing his eponymous podcast. At the same time, it’s being announced that beginning January 26, “The Adam Carollaimg Podcast” joins SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Channel for same-day distribution of Carolla’s daily show, Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:00 am – 9:00 am ET. PodcastOne co-founder Kit Gray states, “PodcastOne is thrilled to extend our relationship with Adam and his ‘The Adam Carolla Show.’ Adam has paved the way for podcasters around the globe and his podcast is continuously growing with audiences and with advertisers. We’re proud to be working alongside one of the greatest in the business as he sets the tone for success in the genre.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (January 12-16, 2026)

Here are the most-talked-about stories of the past week (1/12-16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. ICE Activities and Protests
  2. Iran Protests and Turmoil
  3. U.S. Policy on Venezuela
  4. Trump’s Greenland Ambitions
  5. Economy / Inflation / Interest Rates/ Tariffs
  6. Russia-Ukraine War
  7. Israel-Gaza Tensions
  8. Boeing Crash Investigation Findings
  9. NFL Playoffs / NCAA Betting Scandal
  10. Epstein Files

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Renee Nicole Good / Kristi Noem / Tim Walz
  3. Nicolás Maduro / Maria Corina Machado
  4. Masoud Pezeshkian / Ali Khamenei
  5. Marco Rubio / JD Vance
  6. Jens-Frederik Nielsen / Mette Frederiksen
  7. Mike Johnson / Pete Hegseth / Pam Bondi
  8. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
  9. Benjamin Netanyahu
  10. Jeffrey Epstein

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Audacy Adds Full-Market FM to The Score in Chicago

Audacy is dropping the classic hip hop on WBMX and adding the 104.3 FM frequency to sports talk WSCR-AM “670 The Score,” beginningimg February 2. Audacy Chicago SVP and market manager Kevin Cassidy states, “Chicago fans are the best in the world, and they deserve coverage that matches their passion. Our roster features the best talent in the city with unmatched dedication to delivering the latest sports news and insight. We’re excited to expand The Score’s reach through this FM simulcast, bringing our premier sports content to an even wider audience so they can join the conversation and stay connected to their favorite Chicago teams.”

Industry News

Salem Promotes Cassidy to VP/Regional GM

Salem Media today promotes Carolyn Cassidy to vice president & regional general manager in which she’ll continue to oversee Salem’s operations in Columbus, Tampa, Orlando, and Miami, while expandingimg her leadership role as part of the company’s Senior Leadership Team. Salem says, “Cassidy has been an integral part of Salem for many years, beginning with her leadership in Columbus, where she cultivated a strong culture of teamwork, community involvement, and business growth. She later took on management of Salem’s Tampa market, followed by oversight of Orlando and, most recently, Miami.” Salem president of broadcast media Allen Power adds “Carolyn has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, market insight, and a deep commitment to Salem’s mission. Her ability to lead multiple large and diverse markets with both strategic focus and personal care makes her an outstanding addition to our VP ranks.”

Industry News

Connoisseur Media Partners with Audiospace for Digital Assets

Connoisseur Media partners with software solution firm Audiospace for the company to develop its digital radio platforms. Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “The culture of Connoisseur Media is about being local and about meeting our audiences where they are. Today, that meansimg having a first-class digital experience alongside fantastic local programming.  Audiospace understands that and they understand radio.  They’re not just building apps and websites, they are helping us connect with our listeners while also unlocking new revenue opportunities for our advertisers.  We thrilled to be working with Audiospace, we expect this partnership to help take Connoisseur Media’s digital game to the next level.” The first websites and apps were successfully launched in early December, with additional releases scheduled in the coming weeks.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

AdLarge Acquires Inlet Media. AdLarge is acquiring the assets of technology platform Inlet Media, Inc that it has used for nearly two years to onboard, distribute, and monetize audio and video content through its AI-powered podcast and creator workflows. As part of the transaction, Patrick Cedrowski, co-founder of Inlet Media, has been named chief technology officer of AdLarge and the fwd. network. Brian Egan, co-founder of Inlet Media and longtime AdLarge and fwd. network team member, has been promoted to vice president and head of product.

NHPR Partners with The Podglomerate. New Hampshire Public Radio enters into an exclusive sales partnership with Portsmouth-based podcast agency The Podglomerate,, in which The Podglomerate will serve as the exclusive sales partner for podcasts produced by NHPR. NHPR director of on-demand audio Rebecca Lavoie says,“Partnering with The Podglomerate is a natural next step in our relationship. We’ve worked with them on several marketing campaigns, and are impressed with their steadfast advocacy for our journalism. They also have some of the most innovative approaches to monetization I’ve seen in the industry.”

Edison Presenting “Evolving Ear” Webinar. Edison Research will present, “The Evolving Ear: How New Listeners are Shaping Podcast’s New Chapter,” in a webinar on January 27 at 2:00 pm ET.  Edison says, “The future of podcasting may be unpredictable, but listener trends offer the best clues about where it’s headed. Drawing from over 20 years of Edison Research data, senior research director Gabriel Soto will explore how the next wave of podcast consumers is shaping the medium.” Get more info and register here. 

Radio Mercury Awards Call for Entry. Call for Entry for the 2026 Radio Mercury Awards is officially open. Entrants have the opportunity to be awarded in 17 categories along with the Best of Show recognition. Call for Entry deadline is Monday, April 6, 2026. Finalists for the show will be announced in early May, and winners will be announced at the live Radio Mercury Awards event on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at SONY Hall in New York City. For more information regarding entry categories, guidelines, entry fees and deadlines, available sponsorship information and more, click here.