Industry News

Lazarus to Receive BFoA’s Golden Mic Award

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that VERSANT CEO Mark Lazarus will be honored with the 2026 Golden Mic Award on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Plaza Hotel in Newimg York City. The annual black-tie Golden Mic gala is the biggest fundraiser for the BFoA, which is devoted exclusively to helping radio and television professionals in need of financial assistance due to critical illness or tragedy. Lazarus says, “I am deeply honored to receive the Golden Mic Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America, an organization that stands at the heart of our industry’s values – service, compassion, and community. Broadcasting has always been about connecting people, and the Foundation’s work reminds us of the profound responsibility and privilege we have to support one another, especially in times of need.”

Industry News

Kathy Barnette Show Goes into National Syndication

The WPHT, Philadelphia-based “Kathy Barnette Show” is going into national syndication via her non-profit Seed & Root Initiative. The weekly show airs live on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am ET and is delivered via the Salem Radio Network and by download. Barnette announced the national launch of her program at the recent Philadelphia Seed & Roots Summit at theimg Independence Center that drew fellow Black conservatives and Democrats to discuss important issues facing families today. Barnette says, “America is at a crossroads, and I believe my voice comes at a critical time. I don’t talk about poverty or perseverance from a spreadsheet – I’ve lived it. From a pig farm in Alabama to the halls of corporate America, from serving in the military to building a national platform, I’ve seen firsthand what faith, discipline, and hard work can achieve. My show is about bringing authenticity, courage, and moral clarity back to the airwaves – and planting the kind of seeds that will offer shade for generations to come.” Barnette was the national grassroots director and senior advisor Vivek Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign and is the author of Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: Being Black and Conservative in America (2020, Center Street).  

Industry News

Bonneville Sports Network Targets Sports Advertisers

Bonneville International is launching the Bonneville Sports Network to leverage the power of the company’s sports brands for advertisers who wish to buy nationally across markets or fully ownimg their local market. Bonneville says, “The platform brings together Arizona Sports, Seattle Sports, Denver Sports, Sactown Sports, and KSL Sports in Salt Lake City, delivering more than 63 hours of live sports programming every day across audio, video, digital, and social channels.” Bonneville president and CEO Tanya Vea adds, “Bonneville Sports Network gives advertisers both flexibility and scale. Our network reaches fans wherever and whenever they engage with sports, across every platform. Advertisers can now leverage that strength in a way that aligns with their goals, whether they’re pursuing national reach or meaningful local impact.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (November 17 – 21, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (11/17-21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

                Stories

  1. The Epstein Files
  2. Megyn Kelly “Pedo” Comments
  3. Trump-MBS Meeting
  4. Trump vs Reporters
  5. ICE Raids
  6. Trump -Mamdani Meeting
  7. Comey Prosecution Errors
  8. Texas Redistricting Ruling
  9. UN Approves Trump’s Gaza Plan
  10. Venezuela Military Operations

                People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
  3. Megyn Kelly
  4. Mohammed bin Salman
  5. Catherine Lucey / Mary Bruce
  6. Zohran Mamdani
  7. Mike Johnson
  8. Lindsey Halligan / James Comey
  9. Jeffrey Brown / David Guaderrama
  10. Nicolás Madura

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

Industry News

KMOX. St. Louis Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

Audacy’s news/talk KMOX, St Louis is celebrating 100 years of service to its listeners. Today (11/20), KMOX celebrating its centennial anniversary with over 10 hours of exclusive programming featuring current and former KMOX talent, as well as recognizing 12 stationimg pioneers. Audacy St. Louis SVP and market manager Becky Domyan states, “For 100 years, KMOX has kept St. Louis informed and connected, a legacy we are incredibly proud of. We now honor the pioneers who helped build this station. They are the definitive voices and leaders who became synonymous with KMOX and defined a century of service. We look forward to building on their foundation and continuing to serve as the home for news St. Louisans rely on for the next hundred years.” Pioneers include former KMOX general manager Robert Hyland, sports broadcaster Bob Costas, former station hosts Jack Carney, Rex Davis, Bob Hardy, Anne Keefe, John McCormick and Jim White, former St. Louis Cardinals play-by-play announcers Jack Buck, Harry Caray and France Laux, and former St. Louis Blues play-by-play announcer Dan Kelly.

Industry News

Triton Digital: Charlie Kirk Podcast Remains #3 in October Ranker

Triton Digital publishes its U.S. Podcast Ranker for the month of October – ranked by weekly average downloads for participating shows – and there is no movement among the top fiveimg shows. NPR’s “NPR News Now” and “Up First” rank #1 and #2, respectively, and Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” remains ranked #3, more than a month after his slaying on September 10. Other talk radio-related podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” climbs one place to #12; iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” falls two places to #18; and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Mark Levin Show” rises four places to #34. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Our American Stories’ Lee Habeeb Tells Boston Massacre Trial Story as Part of White House’s “Story of America” Series

img“Our American Stories” founder and host Lee Habeeb was tapped by the White House to tell the story of John Adams and his defense of the Redcoats in the trial the Boston Massacre. This is part of the White House’s America 250 “Story of America” series that’s being created in partnership with Hillsdale College and the US Department of Education. You can see the story that Habeeb wrote here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: I Was Banned by WBIR-TV

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgFinally. Not by Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, nope; I was banned from a WBIR anchor’s video live stream.

Background:

Throughout the country, bored local TV anchors and radio hosts set up their phone on their desk and stream their newscasts. During their breaks, they address the Live Stream with actual news, real news, top-of-minders that are far more compelling than the accident at 5th and Piedmont that gets on the air.

Some of the live streams are truly entertaining and would pull 20 shares if aired. While watching the featured TikTok WBIR-TV stream, the anchor at the desk was having her nails done. A co-worker showed off her spectacular, exotic, eccentric nails. Any father of daughters could appreciate her next level of nail art. It was news. In the live stream comments, I typed… show the nails on the air. They are fantastic. Of course, that never happened. Instead, the anchor ran with the story of a Casey’s chain store open for a third shift. “It’s kind of like a store that never sleeps,” center store manager Kimberly Hunley said.

The nails were stunning, but the passion of the anchor and her co-workers was the actual news. The team’s focus on the nails was compelling. Their passion was the news. News belongs on the air.

BANNED!  Saturday morning. After my third polite comment urging the WBIR team to show the nails on the air, I was banned from commenting on the stream. A first. Finally, I said something so offensive, so contrary to the news narrative that I was banned.

[EDITOR’S NOTE:  What the heck did you say, Walter?]

Get Your New Playlist at Thanksgiving

This holiday the rule at dinner will be, don’t talk about politics. Pay close attention to what is discussed. Make notes. If your station wants younger demos, FM music-type demos, trust that the Thanksgiving conversation is an all-hits conversation. Hosts that aren’t afraid to air the hits get ratings.

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

Fisher House Thanksgiving Edition Now Available at No Cost

Fisher House Foundation is making its Thanksgiving Week edition of “Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey” available to stations for free. You can check out a demo and register here. “Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey” is a radio special provided in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show suitable for allimg formats. The program is available in three versions: three-hour, one-hour, 25-minutes and 30-minutes and are hosted by radio personality Larry O’Connor, morning drive host at WMAL-FM, Washington, DC. It features stories of America’s military heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Listeners will hear their emotional stories fighting for our freedoms, how they sustained their injuries, and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they endure their painful and painstaking recoveries. This year’s program features a special focus on the incredibly inspiring victories our wounded warriors enjoy on the field of competitive, adaptive sports. Fisher House supports the Wounded Warrior Games and the lnvictus Games as a vital part of the physical, emotional, and mental healing process for our wounded veterans. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.

Industry News

Madson Promoted to Brand Manager for “ESPN 1320” Sacramento

Audacy promotes Kyle Madson to brand manager for sports talk KIFM, Sacramento “ESPNimg 1320.” Madson will continue his role as co-host of “The Insiders,” that airs daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Audacy Sacramento SVP and market manager Aaron Miller says, “Since Kyle joined ESPN 1320, he has demonstrated incredible initiative and passion for sports radio. We’re excited for him to take on this new role and eager to see how he continues to contribute to the success of the station.” About his promotion, Madson comments, “I love radio. I love Sacramento. I love this station. I’m so excited to lead ‘ESPN 1320’ to the heights I know it can climb to.”

Industry News

Cumulus: YouTube Hits All-Time High as Podcast Platform

Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights publish the Podcast Download – Fall 2025 Report, what they call “a comprehensive evaluation of the latest podcast audience trends.” The firms say that the 15th edition of the study examines the habits of weekly podcast consumers and concludes that there are differences in consumption patterns among those who prefer listening or watching podcasts. Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group senior insights manager img Elizabeth Mayer states, “In our continued focus on YouTube and watchable podcasts, this edition of the Podcast Download reveals YouTube at an all-time high for consumption. Regardless of tenure or heavy usage, YouTube remains in the top spot, which speaks to podcast consumers seeking out watchable podcasts. 12% of weekly podcast consumers use Smart TVs where video components are intuitive and easy to access to listen to podcasts.” Signal Hill Insights president and CEO Paul Riismandel adds, “Audio is still key. While we see yet another bump in the preference to use YouTube for podcasts, we don’t see notable change in the number of weekly podcast consumers who are only watching their podcasts. This segment remains a tiny minority – just 8% in this report.” See more and download the full report here.

Industry News

Connoisseur to Sell Bakersfield Cluster

Connoisseur Media enters into an agreement to sell its Bakersfield, California radio stations to local operator Frequency Broadcasting, Inc. The station group includes news/talk KNZR-AM/FM, CHR KLLY-FM, and rhythmic oldies KKBB-FM. This transaction is pending regulatory approvalimg by the FCC and is expected to close early next year. Connoisseur Media says the sale is “another step in the company’s efforts to concentrate on markets where it can execute its successful playbook. It is one element in the strategic plan for the markets acquired in Connoisseur Media’s acquisition of Alpha Media that took place in September.” Connoisseur Media founder and CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Bakersfield was a market that did not fit into the long-term plans we have for Connoisseur. We looked for a local operator that we felt could devote the time and energy that Bakersfield deserves. We are confident that we have found that in Frequency and the Hill family operation.”

Industry News

Urban One Announces Securities Exchange Offer

Urban One has begun an offer to exchange any and all of its outstanding 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 held by Eligible Holders for newly issued 7.625% Senior Securedimg Notes due 2031, to be issued by the company and guaranteed by each existing and future subsidiaries of the company, and cash. In connection with the Exchange Offer, Urban One begins offer to purchase up to $185 million in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes for up to $111 million in cash. In connection with the Exchange Offer, the company is also offering Eligible Holders the right to subscribe to purchase up to $60.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.500% first lien senior secured notes due 2030.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (November 10 – 14, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (11/10-14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Government Reopens / Air Travel Chaos
  2. The Epstein Files
  3. The Economy
  4. ICE Raids
  5. SCOTUS Hears Tariffs Case / $2,000 Tariff Dividends
  6. “Narco-Terrorist” Strikes / Venezuela Mobilizes Military
  7. MAGA Youth and Anti-Semitism
  8. Trump-Ingraham Interview
  9. Comey and James Challenge Halligan Prosecution
  10. SCOTUS Won’t Revisit Gay Marriage

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Mike Johnson
  3. Chuck Schumer
  4. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
  5. Adelita Grijalva
  6. Pete Hegseth / Nicolás Maduro
  7. Nick Fuentes
  8. Laura Ingraham
  9. Lindsey Halligan / James Comey / Letitia James
  10. Kim Davis

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

Industry News

JVC’s Food Fight Against Hunger Benefits Long Island Residents

img

JVC Broadcasting’s annual Food Fight Against Hunger was held last weekend (11/8-9) on Long Island as JVC’s seven-station group – including news/talk “LI News Radio” – collected food and donations to help Long Island families in need this holiday season. The two-day event gathered 22,000 pounds of food, 60 gift cards totaling $1,055, 8 turkey certificates totaling $240, and cash donations totaling $538. JVC Broadcasting CEO John Caracciolo comments, “We are so proud of our incredible staff for giving up their weekend to help our Long Island community. This is how local radio shines – people helping people, neighbors helping neighbors. JVC and our listeners continue to prove that local radio is better than all the rest. I wouldn’t trade this job for anything. We have the best team in radio and I am just proud that they let me work with them every day.” Pictured above from left to right is “Big 98.1” morning host The Wiseman with Santa and a listener making a donation.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: P1s and Meters are Not Your Friends

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgOne of my first jobs out of college was working in the marketing department of WNBC-AM, New York. Yes, “Imus In The Morning” (Don Imus – not nice), Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow – nicest star who ever lived). One of my tasks was to pull ratings numbers from the computer for the sales department. I was fascinated by TIME SPENT LISTENING (TSL) and CUME numbers. I’d rank them, compare, trend them every way imaginable.

The station with the longest TIME SPENT LISTENING (TSL): The Greek language station. The station with the shortest TSL, WABC – a Top 40 rocker. The station with the highest cume, WABC.

Legendary WABC programmer Rick Sklar explained, “We wanted to be everybody’s second favorite station. Everybody’s!” WABC had a 5 million cume. Listeners always came back to WABC. That was the plan.

Regardless of the genre, building a station that everyone comes back to has been the successful tactic of all of my programming work: AC, urban, oldies and yes, talk. New Jersey 101.5, WTKS-FM, Orlando and others were designed to appeal to many listeners over and over rather than just a small group of people who never leave. What’s a more stable, predictable business?  One that counts on a single listener for one hour of listening or four listeners for fifteen minutes each?

A deep, profound study of P1s and TSL can only have one result: Declining cume. It is a fatal myth that talk is a “low cume, high TSL format.” It can be, and it will die.  Or it can be and has been a high cume, low TSL business that grows, is stable, and predictable. The key is careful rotation of topics, urgency, top-of-mind subjects, no theory, and lots of weather.

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

St. John Upped to DOS for Bonneville Seattle

Bonneville International promotes Crista St. John to director of sales for the Seattle market that includes news/talk KIRO-FM, KIRO-AM “Seattle Sports,” conservative talk KTTH-AM “Seattle Red,” and MyNorthwest.com. St. John, who has been serving as general sales manager,img comments, “I’m honored and excited to take on this new role and continue building on the incredible momentum our teams have created. Bonneville Seattle is home to passionate, talented individuals who care deeply about our brands, our partners, and our community. I look forward to helping us grow even stronger – together.” Bonneville Seattle SVP and market manager Cathy Cangiano states, “Crista has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to relationship-building. Her promotion is a testament to the impact she’s made and the confidence we have in her ability to lead us into the future. Crista was the clear choice for this role, and I’m thrilled to partner with her as we shape the next chapter for Bonneville Seattle. Her vision and energy will be instrumental in our continued growth.”

Industry News

Beasley Third Quarter Revenue Down 12.4%

Beasley Media Group reveals operating results for the third quarter of 2025 and reports net revenue of $51 million a decline of 12.4% compared to Q3 of 2024. Beasley says the performance was in line with its guidance and “reflects continued softness in the traditionalimg agency advertising market, partially offset by sustained growth in high-margin, owned-and-operated digital revenue and local direct sales.” Beasley recorded an operating loss of approximately $300,000 in the third quarter of 2025, compared to an operating income of $1.2 million in the imgprior year quarter. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Our third quarter results demonstrate continued operational discipline. While advertising demand remains challenging, particularly within agency channels, the quality of our revenue mix continues to strengthen, led by sustained growth and record margins in our digital business. Digital revenue now represents roughly one-quarter of total company revenue, with owned-and-operated products driving margin expansion and scalability. At the same time, our cost-reduction initiatives are yielding tangible, lasting benefits. We’ve reduced total station operating and corporate expenses by $15 million year-to-date, while improving organizational efficiency and positioning Beasley to generate higher returns on every dollar of revenue. As we move into the fourth quarter, we remain focused on disciplined execution, strengthening our balance sheet through planned asset sales, and advancing our strategy to deliver sustainable shareholder value.”

Industry News

WABC’s John Catsimatidis Mulls Moving to Florida

As New York City businesspeople prepare for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to assume control of the city, some are saying they will re-locate their businesses from New York City for fear of how Mamdani policies will affect their bottom line. Red Apple Media and WABC owner John Catsimatidis is one of those. He is featured in a piece in Forbes in which he says, “I think a lotimg of businesspeople are reducing their exposure to New York City.” He tells Forbes he’s looking for “friendly states.” “The key word is a commonsense place to do business in.” Catsimatidis, whose business interests include Gristedes supermarkets and a controlling share of D’Agostino stores, was irked by Mamdani’s promise of opening “cheap city-run grocery stores” in each of the boroughs. Catsimatidis tells Forbes, “‘We don’t have any profit margins,’ he says, explaining that his stores have been losing money for ‘at least two years.’ He blames the state of the city: ‘Shoplifting is up to an all-time high. A lot of stuff is being closed up, which means that it’s not easy for people to shop, so sales are down.’” Catsimatidis does not talk about his radio businesses in the article but given how much effort he’s put into covering local New York news and his hiring local talk hosts and journalists, it’s hard to imagine him running the radio stations from another state such as Florida. Read the Forbes story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (November 3 – 7, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (11/3-7) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Government Shutdown / Air Travel Disruption
  2. SNAP Benefits / Medicaid Subsidies Battle
  3. Elections Aftermath / California Redistricting Battle
  4. SCOTUS Hears Tariffs Arguments
  5. The Economy / Recession Fears
  6. The Tucker Carlson-Fueled MAGA Schism
  7. ICE Raids / Pope Leo Speaks Out
  8. Trump “60 Minutes” Interview
  9. Suspected “Narco-Terrorist” Strikes
  10. Pelosi to Retire / Dick Cheney Dies

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Zohran Mamdani
  3. Mikie Sherrill / Abigail Spanberger
  4. Gavin Newsom
  5. Ted Cruz / Marjorie Taylor Greene
  6. Sean Duffy / Bryan Bedford
  7. Tucker Carlson / Nick Fuentes
  8. Pope Leo
  9. Nancy Pelosi
  10. Dick Cheney

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

Industry News

Top Five Unchanged on Podtrac’s October Top Podcasts Chart

NPR’s “NPR News Now” keeps its place at the top of Podtrac’s Top Podcasts chart based onimg U.S. unique monthly audience for October 2025. The New York Times’ “The Daily” is #2, NPR’s “Up First” is #3, followed by the “FOX News Hourly Update” at #4 and “Dateline NBC” at #5. DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” rises two places to #8, while Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” falls five places to #11. See the complete chart here.

Industry News

Erick Erickson Joins AJC as Opinion Contributor

Nationally syndicated talk radio host Erick Erickson has begun writing opinion pieces for Theimg Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  The Compass Media Networks host is heard in Atlanta on Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM. His first piece was printed in September in the wake of the slaying of Charlie Kirk. His latest column is titled, “Democrats are hungry, Republicans complacent and all politics is national,” and you can read that here.