Talk Radio Host Joe Pags Swatted; Armed Police Swarm His Home
Nationally syndicated talk radio host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo’s home was swatted last week, bringing heavily armed police officers to his home at 2:35 in the morning. Pags recounted the events for his listeners and posted video of the segment to X. In it, says that he’s usually up until 5:00 am and therefore was awake when his cameras app told him there was something outside his house. His
camera app showed the image you see in the photo here – a man who appears dressed as a cop with an AR-15 outside his house. Pags says he quickly called 911, identified himself, told the operator he thought he was being swatted and asked if the police were at his house. After confirming that it was the police, Pags was able to get the officers to stand down and they were assured there was no reason to be there. Pags tells his listeners that the goal of the swatters was to get him to grab his gun and go outside, in which case he likely would have been killed. You can listen to the show segment here.
has ended operations of news/talk KLIK-AM and its translator K278CT. The station ceased broadcasting on March 14. 
There has never been more news. And news has never been more quotable. It costs two-plus cents to make a penny.
addition, net income (loss) improved $26.9 million year-over-year in the fourth quarter, and $32.1 million in the year, in large part due to a reduction in non-cash impairment charges… Our Broadcast Advertising net revenue declined in-line with our expectations for 2024 (mid-single digit ex-political decline) which aligns with our view that broadcast is a mature cash cow business that will continue to face headwinds going forward, as businesses will continue to share shift from traditional advertising to digital advertising. Thankfully, we are often the beneficiary in that case, as we frequently have the most comprehensive set of digital advertising solutions available in our markets. Digital is and will continue to be Townsquare’s growth engine, and we believe Townsquare’s ability to drive profitable, sustainable digital growth is a key differentiator for our company, and consistent with our strategy of being a Digital First Local Media Company.”
music stations and it Christian contemporary format. It sold a number of other assets during the year. While its broadcasting net revenue was $185.9 million, a decline of 6% from 2023, its digital net revenue was $45 million, an increase of 7.2%. Salem was also able to report net income of $16.2 million for 2024, compared to the net loss of $43.3 million it reported for 2023.
unnecessary regulatory burdens. This follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14192 titled, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation” and Executive Order 14219 titled “Ensuring Lawful Governance And Implementing The President’s ‘Department Of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative.” FCC Chairman Carr says, “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Administration is unleashing a new wave of economic opportunity by ending the regulatory onslaught from Washington. For too long, administrative agencies have added new regulatory requirements in excess of their authority or kept lawful regulations in place long after their shelf life had expired. This only creates headwinds and slows down our country’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. The FCC is committed to ending all of the rules and regulations that are no longer necessary. And we welcome the public’s participation and feedback throughout this process. The American people expect and deserve a government that will efficiently deliver great results. We are committed to doing exactly that at the FCC.” 
to get back to work, “I am so grateful to be alive. The general consensus was that I wasn’t going to make it and here I am! I am overwhelmed and humbled by your love. I am beyond grateful for those that have stuck by me. My radio family includes my listeners, my dear friends, and the wonderful radio companies that continue to support me. It means the world to me. I cannot wait to get back to hosting “Flashback,” KLOS and SoCal Sound. We were told I might not speak or walk again, and my voice is back, and I am doing five hours of physical therapy a day and my walking continues to improve. There is nothing like my radio community. I love you all.”
for the class of 2025 is Monday, March 31 at 11:59 pm PT. You can visit 
is a mistake. Some of the findings include: 1) In a typical day, ad-supported digital audio reaches less than a third of America while AM/FM radio reaches two-thirds of America. Combined, ad-supported digital audio and AM/FM radio reach 74% of the U.S. daily; 2) Between ad-supported Spotify and AM/FM radio, most people only listen to AM/FM radio; 3) Between ad-supported Pandora and AM/FM radio, most people only listen to AM/FM radio; 4) The U.S. ad-supported audio clock: Podcasts and AM/FM radio represent nearly 90% of tuning minutes; 5) With a towering in-car share of 86%, AM/FM radio is the primary way to reach consumers on the path to purchase; The proportion of AM/FM radio in-car listening has surged, returning to pre-pandemic norms. 
interest from radio stations nationwide. Radio is a great way to engage with the audience, and now that Red Apple Audio Networks is taking the show national, I can’t wait to connect with listeners in other markets.” Red Apple and 77WABC Radio president Chad Lopez states, “Radio clearly wants Anthony Cumia, as dozens of inquiries came in asking about syndication. We shifted into high gear and moved quickly. One of our advantages at Red Apple Media is that we can swiftly pivot to meet market demand.”
Now airing the program are Townsquare Media’s KONA-AM, Tri-Cities, Washington; Eifel Tower Broadcasting’s KZHN-AM, Paris, Texas; Vero Beach Broadcasters’ WTTB, Vero Beach, Florida; and Zimmer Midwest Communications’ KWTO, Springfield, Missouri. “The Erick Erickson Show” airs live weekdays from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET.
104.1 that had been the home to hip hop WHHL-FM “HOT 104.1.” In return, KMOX gives up translator K254CR at 98.7 to the hip hop outlet. These changes become effective on March 24. Audacy St. Louis and Wichita SVP and market manager Becky Domyan says, “We’re thrilled to expand KMOX’s reach and bring the trusted news and entertainment our listeners rely on, as well as Cardinals baseball, on an enhanced FM signal that covers the greater St. Louis region.”
requires companies to maintain stockholders’ equity of at least $10 million or meet the alternative compliance standards relating to the market value of the listed securities or the company’s total assets and revenue. Now, Cumulus has until April 21 to provide NASDAQ with a plan to achieve and sustain compliance. If NASDAQ accepts the plan, NASDAQ may grant an extension of up to 180 calendar days to evidence compliance. Cumulus says it is continuing to evaluate potential options to resolve the deficiency and regain compliance, including the possibility of applying to transfer to the NASDAQ Capital Market.
CHQR, Calgary; CHED, Edmonton; CJOB Winnipeg; and CFPL, London. Cooper is focusing on Canadian markets because he was born in Toronto and was heard in Canada on the iHeartRadio talk network. Cooper says, “It’s what happens when you mix relationship advice, scientific breakthroughs, and the world’s weirdest headlines into one show. Somehow, it all makes sense.” Cooper says the show targets the 25-54 demographic. He also serves as technical director and host at Burning Man Radio during his annual Nevada festival pilgrimage. He adds, “What do I know? Talk radio programmers call it a strategic counterprogramming solution, designed to capture audiences from alt-rock or NPR stations.”
Broadcasting the matches will be WPRO-FM personalities Nick Giuliano and Tommy Quinlan. In addition, Rhode Island sportswriter and columnist Kevin McNamara will host a new feature to air on the station every Thursday at 6:20 pm throughout the season titled, “Extra Time with Rhode Island FC.” Cumulus RVP and market manager Holly Paras says, “We are thrilled to continue and expand our broadcast partnership with Rhode Island FC. It’s an exciting time for Rhode Island soccer fans, especially with the opening of the new stadium this year. We look forward to a great season.”
morning drive news anchor, Larry has built a strong connection with our listeners, who have responded very positively to his time as our interim morning show host. His remarkable career, which includes an astounding 97 Emmy awards and stints at WABC Radio, Channel 7 Eyewitness News, WPIX/11 and ‘Access Hollywood,’ speaks for itself. With all of this experience, he’s the ideal choice to wake up the tri-state area.” Longtime New York radio news anchor Jacquelyn Karl will deliver updates on “Mendte in the Morning,” while Natalie Vacca will continue in her role as executive producer.
Observation, as a heavy CNBC viewer: Artificial Intelligence is to 2025 what Dot Com was to the late 1990s, game-changer… and shiny object.
Woodbury, vice president of marketing at iHeartMedia Los Angeles; Sarah Spain, host of iHeart Women’s Sports “Good Game” podcast; and Jessica Marventano, executive vice present of government affairs. The 30-minute special aired on iHeartRadio stations nationwide on March 8 and 9. The interviews were conducted by Debra Mark from KFI, Los Angeles; Nathalie Rodriguez and Erica Rodriguez from WIOD, Miami and Kathy Walker from KOA, Denver.