Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This
role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/25-29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. The Economy / Fed Policy / Trump-Cook Battle
2. Tariffs on India
3. Troops in DC / Union Station Takeover
4. Deadly Minneapolis School Shooting
5. Redistricting
6. CDC Director Firing / COVID Shots
7. ICE Raids / Abrego Garcia Case
8. Bolton Raid
9. Russia-Ukraine War / Israel’s Gaza Attacks
10.Kelce-Swift Engagement
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jerome Powell / Lisa Cook
3. Muriel Bowser
4. Stephen Miller
5. Pam Bondi
6. Greg Abbott / Gavin Newsom
7. Susan Monarez
8. Kilmar Abrego Garcia
9. John Bolton
10. Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Data from Edison Research’s Infinite Dial and Edison Podcast Metrics reveals how important video content is to people just discovering podcasts and those likely to in the future. Edison calls the audience that started consuming podcasts within the last year “First-Years,” and those consuming for five years or more,
“Longtimers” and notes that 77% of “First-Years” are consuming podcasts while actually watching the video compared to 69% of “Longtimers” doing the same. Edison says that most new consumers and established podcast fans are actively watching while listening to video podcasts but that video is even more important for engaging with new audiences. While “Longtimers” currently have an affinity for audio only podcasts, that may change over time. Edison concludes that although podcasting is an audio-first platform, “many creators and marketers are likely missing an audience acquisition and engagement opportunity by not considering how to fit video content and video platforms into their strategic planning.”
NPR names Scott Detrow full-time host of the weekday edition of “All Things Considered,” effective September 29. Detrow will continue as a host of NPR’s daily news podcast “Consider This.” Detrow has
hosted the weekend edition of “All Things Considered” since May of 2023. He says, “I’m really excited and honored to step into this role. I’m mindful of just how important All Things Considered’s legacy is for listeners, and I also know just how much I’ve loved working with the show’s team these past two years on weekends. I can’t wait to bring listeners the news five days a week now. And at this moment where we are all focusing on strengthening the entire public media network and working together more closely than ever before, I’m proud that I started out as an ‘All Things Considered’ host at a NPR Member station, and now will be doing that job nationally.”
WHYY, Philadelphia and public media distributor PRX are launching “Sports in America,” a new weekly public radio show and podcast hosted by journalist David Greene, on Tuesday, September 30. PRX is representing the show from WHYY in the public radio marketplace and also serves as podcast distributor. Greene comments, “I’ve always felt unique in the public radio world. I love immersive conversations that
breathe, peel back layers, and allow a person to reveal their truth. I’m also an obsessive – and my wife would say, annoying – sports fan who will joyously listen to hours of loud Pittsburgh sports talk radio. What’s missing in my life? A show that honors the best of what we do in public media and also brings the spark and energy sports fans relish. We’ve nailed it with ‘Sports in America.’ And what better time than now, as sports are one rare thing we all still show up for together.” Greene hosted NPR’s “Morning Edition” for more than a decade and hosted NPR’s morning news podcast, “Up First.” He also serves as the host of public radio’s politics program “Left, Right & Center” from KCRW and PRX.
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
Pictured above is talk radio personality Simon Conway (WHO, Des Moines; WMT, Cedar Rapids; and WOC, Quad Cities; WFLF, Orlando) at the White House with Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz. Conway says that for the third time in seven months he’s been invited to interview senior members of the Trump Administration. During this visit he also spoke with SBA administrator Kelly Loeffler, US Border Patrol chief Mike Banks, and director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett. Conway says, “As a radio host it is truly an honor to be invited to the White House for these opportunities.”
Audacy Podcasts is partnering with sports personalities Dan Hanzus and Marc Sessler to handle sales and distribution for the “Heed the Call NFL Podcast.” The duo are well known for their work with the NFL’s
“Around The NFL” podcast. As “Heed the Call NFL Podcast” moves to Audacy on September 1, four new episodes will continue to be released weekly during the NFL season on YouTube and everywhere podcasts are available. Audacy head of podcasts Leah Reis-Dennis says, “Dan and Marc are pioneers in sports podcasting and two of the most respected voices in the NFL media landscape. Their compelling mix of expertise, authenticity, and humor has built a passionate following and we’re proud to bring ‘Heed the Call NFL Podcast’ into the Audacy family as we continue to expand our industry-leading sports audio lineup.”
Audacy’s “I’m Listening” Returns. Audacy’s mental health initiative, “I’m Listening,” is again presenting its annual broadcast special in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and National Suicide Prevention Month. All Audacy stations nationwide will air the “I’m Listening” broadcast that week. Radio personality and co-host of NBC’s “TODAY” and host of “The Voice,” Carson Daly, and Audacy’s nationally syndicated country host, Katie Neal, host of “Katie and Company,” will host the special.
New Affiliate for RMWorldTravel. The nationally syndicated travel program “RMWorldTravel with Robert & Mary Carey and Rudy Maxa” adds East Carolina Radio Inc’s WZPR-FM, Nags Head, North Carolina to its roster of affiliates. The show is now heard on 610 stations every week.
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Lisa Cook Sues Trump Administration
2. Troops in DC / Trumps Teases Baltimore & Chicago
3. ICE Raids / Abrego Garcia Case
4. Tariffs / The Economy
5. Kelce-Swift Engagement
iHeartMedia New York and Charlamagne Tha God are partnering with Mental Wealth Alliance to celebrate World Mental Health Day by hosting the fifth annual Mental Wealth Expo on October 11, 2025 at the Joel and Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center at NJIT in Newark, NJ. Charlamagne Tha God says, “As we prepare for the fifth annual Mental Wealth Expo, my excitement continues to grow. Partnering with iHeartRadio and Mental Wealth Alliance each year to invest in our collective mental wealth, fills me with pride. With the guidance and support of Dr. Alfiee [Breland-Noble] as our chief mental wealth officer, we are creating spaces of hope, healing and empowerment that uplift Black communities and beyond. This isn’t just about talking about mental health, it’s about transforming how we experience it together.”
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Fires Fed’s Lisa Cook
2. Trump’s Military Takeover of U.S. Cities
3. Israel Attacks Kill Journalists
4. Redistricting
5. ICE Raids / Abrego Garcia Case
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Last week’s column previewed “CeaseFire,” C-SPAN’s antidote to the caricature cable news shouting match. Thanks to all who offered feedback when we wondered “WHAT IF…?” for talk radio.
Recent report from Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism: People are disabling news alerts, “either because they feel they get too many or because they are not useful.”
People are anxious. Even a robot can read-the-room, as I learned by asking ChatGPT: “In USA society generally, list unmet needs.” Among them:
Belonging Without Division
— People crave community but are tired of being forced to choose sides.
— Unmet need: A way to feel connected and purposeful without being tribalized by politics, race, class, or ideology.
Trusted, Nuanced Information
— There’s information overload, but trust is at an all-time low.
— Unmet need: Sources that feel both credible and fair-minded, without sensationalism, bias, or agenda-chasing.
Civility in Public Discourse
— Public conversation often feels like a battleground.
— Unmet need: Spaces — digital or real-world — where disagreement is safe, not destructive or humiliating.
Mental & Emotional Support
— Rising anxiety, loneliness, and burnout affect people across all ages.
— Unmet need: Accessible, non-stigmatized mental health support, including community-based emotional infrastructure (not just therapy apps).
Work That Feels Worthwhile
— Many jobs pay the bills but feel meaningless.
— Unmet need: Opportunities to do work that’s valued, not just productive — where dignity and contribution matter as much as output.
Financial Security That Isn’t Fragile
— Even middle-class households feel one emergency away from disaster.
— Unmet need: Stability and predictability — not just income, but housing, healthcare, and retirement that won’t evaporate with one bad break.
Intergenerational Connection
— Older and younger generations increasingly live in separate realities.
— Unmet need: Meaningful contact across age lines, where wisdom flows both directions — not just tech tutoring and nursing homes.
Shared Purpose
— Many feel like they’re drifting — or living someone else’s script.
— Unmet need: A sense of contribution to something bigger than self, not through ideology but through everyday roles, responsibilities, and relationships.
Consider as you pose call-in topics and choose interview guests.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
“1300 The Zone” Adds Longhorns Show. iHeartMedia’s KVET-AM, Austin “1300 The Zone” announces a new partnership with the “3rd & Longhorn” football show to deliver expanded coverage of the Texas Longhorns’ 2025 college football season, including the launch of a brand-new postgame show. The “3rd & Longhorn Postgame Show” will air live on “1300 The Zone” immediately following every Texas Longhorns football game.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Economy / Powell Open to Rate Cuts
2. Guard Troops in DC
3. Raid on John Bolton’s Office
4. Redistricting
5. Abrego Garcia Case
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/18-22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Russia-Ukraine Negotiations
2. Texas & California Redistricting
3. The Economy/Fed Policy
4. Tariffs
5. Federal Takeover of DC
6. The Epstein Files
7. ICE Raids
8. Israel-Gaza War
9. Trump vs The Smithsonian
10.Trump Voting System Criticisms / Newsmax-Dominion Settlement
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Vladimir Putin
3. Volodymyr Zelensky
4. Greg Abbott
5. Gavin Newsom
6. Jerome Powell / Lisa Cook
7. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
8. Kristi Noem
9. Pam Bondi
10.Benjamin Netanyahu
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Good Karma Brands’ WMVP-AM “ESPN Chicago” revamps its program schedule as it adds the nationally syndicated Rich Eisen Show to the midday daypart. Effective September 2, the lineup will be as follows:
ESPN Radio’s “Unsportsmanlike” starring Evan Cohen, Chris Canty and Michelle Smallmon from 5:00 am to 6:00 am; “Kap and J. Hood” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am; “Carmen and Jurko” from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon; Rich Eisen from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm; “Bleck and Abdalla” from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and “Waddle and Silvy” from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. ESPN Chicago director of content Danny Zederman states, “Our lineup has never been stronger. Adding a powerhouse like Rich Eisen to our midday slot not only gives our fans one of the most respected voices in sports, but we’ve also expanded our local content with an uninterrupted hour of ‘Bleck and Abdalla.’ This combination of national and local perspectives makes us the go-to station for sports fans in Chicago.”
National Association of Broadcasters announce that Mike McVay will be honored with the 2025 NAB National Radio Award. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “NAB is thrilled to recognize Mike for
his remarkable contributions to the radio industry over the past four decades. Mike’s deep expertise, creative vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped countless careers, inspired new generations of broadcasters and driven innovation in every corner of the audio industry. His ability to nurture talent and create programming that resonates with audiences makes him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.” McVay is president of McVay Media and recently served as EVP of content and programming for Cumulus Media and the Westwood One radio network. NAB says the celebrated media strategist, programmer, talent coach and industry leader will receive this prestigious accolade during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards at the 2025 NAB Show New York.
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
Good Karma Brands promotes Tommy Lam to market manager for KSPN-AM “ESPN Los Angeles.” Lam previously served as general sales manager and senior director of marketing. Good Kama SVP Sam Pines
says, “Tommy’s deep roots in the Los Angeles media landscape, combined with his passion for building brands and connecting with the community, make him the ideal leader for ‘ESPN LA.’ He has excelled at leading teammates across sales, marketing, and support, serving as a strong conduit between those areas and the content team. His proven track record of innovation and results will continue to elevate the brand’s reach and impact with fans and partners.” Lam comments, “I am honored to take on this role and continue building on ESPN LA’s momentum. Los Angeles is one of the most dynamic sports markets in the world, and I’m excited to work with our talent team to deliver outstanding experiences for our fans, partners and teammates.”
WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (pictured above) has a hot dog dish named after him at the Texas Inn diner (known to locals as The T-Room) in Richmond. Each sale of the Katz Dog – a Nathan’s hot dog – will provide a donation to Special Olympics Virginia.
WEEI/NESN Radio-Telethon Raises $5.7 Million for Cancer. Audacy’s sports talk WEEI, Boston announces that the 2025 WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon raised more than $5.7 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a new record in the 23-year history of the event. Audacy adds, “With the generous support of the Jimmy Fund community and Red Sox Nation, the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon has now raised more than $78 million to strike out cancer since the first broadcast in 2002.”
Salem Names New Board Chair. Salem Media Group appoints Richard A. von Gnechten as chairman of the board, with responsibilities of overseeing Board and Annual Stockholders meetings. Edward G. Atsinger, III retains the title of executive chairman with responsibilities of overseeing operations of the company and will remain in his role through December 31, 2025.
Saga Announces Dividend. Saga Communications declares a quarterly dividend to stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 26 who will be paid a dividend of 0.25 per share. Saga says this represents a dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.7%.