Industry News

Eric Bolling Joins New Citizen-Owned Media Platform

Former FOX Broadcasting, Red Seat Ventures, and Newsmax talk host and journalist Eric Bolling is the new senior communications manager and partner at Re:Public, the new “citizen-powered media platform forimg local communities and civic issues.” According to a press statement, Bolling will assist in guiding Re:Public’s strategic communications, serve as voice of the platform in national and regional media, and assist with outreach as Re:Public expands throughout the United States. Bolling says, “Re:Public is an innovative new platform that returns the voice of ordinary Americans to the center of our public life. Local news has been dominated by goliath corporations for too long. Re:Public empowers people with the ability to report what is important in their own neighborhoods — unfiltered, uncensored, and held accountable.”

Industry News

TALKERS Celebrates 35th Anniversary Today

It was 35 years ago today (July 23, 1990) that the first edition of TALKERS rolled off the presses. Then aimg newsprint tabloid, TALKERS proclaimed that “talk radio” was, indeed, an “industry within an industry” and worthy of its own, unique full-service trade publication. Founded by pioneering radio broadcaster (KMET, WNEW-FM, WLIR-FM, WCBS-FM, WPIX, KPRI, CBS, Westwood One, RKO) Michael Harrison, who also brought his experience with publications including Radio & RecordsGoodphone Weekly, and Billboard to the table, the independent journal went on to produce annual conferences, numerous radio shows, and contribute to the ongoing success and influence of a variety of spoken word formats and talk media offshoots.

Industry News

SABO SEZ: Star Search – They’re Out There!

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

imgConventional industry wisdom: “If our morning star leaves, we’re dead. How could we replace them?”

First, loosen up the criteria. There are actual conversations taking place right now at an AC station between executives afraid to hire a great country jock because she has never “done AC.” Let that nonsense go and pay attention to the qualities of a star.

Consulting work brought regular demands to find star talent. Disruptive. Audience builders. Talent can be found anywhere, everywhere when we put down the notion of an ideal resume.

FAVORITE STORY: I was on the 23rd Street bus a few years ago. It was packed. There was a woman on her cell phone giving advice to a caller about living with a man prior to marriage. She had a big personality, easy to hear. New Yorker after New Yorker listened to this intriguing conversation and then… passenger after passenger started to express their opinions to this passenger, on a New York City bus, at rush hour. By the time she had to get off, half the bus was participating with her in her private conversation.

I wrote her a note on my card and asked her to please get in touch with me.

She did. We had coffee for one hour. It seemed like five minutes. Her life story was intriguing, overwhelming, timeless.

Anna Smith. “Anna on the Bus.” I had her in the production room at Audacy in New York and tough big city radio people gathered around the studio and whispered to me, “She should have her own show.”

Anna tells compelling stories: Her father was an 18-wheeler. He would arrive first with his deliveries. Dispatchers usually sent him to the back of the line because he was Black. After waiting for hours to dock, he was fined for late deliveries.

Anna lost several of her seven children to disease and shootings. No anger. Just “the way of the world.” Stories like that. She’s been on my show many times. She’s a radio star.

“Anna on the Bus.”

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

Portland’s “The Fan” Gets New FM Signal; Harrah Named Brand Manager

Audacy’s sports talk KFXX-AM “1080 The Fan” gets a full-market FM signal as the company drops the AC format on KRSK-FM and begins simulcasting on the 105.1 FM frequency, effective today (7/22). Additionally, the station announces that longtime station host Dusty Harrah adds brand manager duties following theimg retirement of Jeff Austin. The station the serves as flagship for University of Oregon Ducks football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. Along with these changes, the station unveils a tweaked program schedule that includes the debut of “The Firm of Harris and Marang,” airing daily from 10:00 pm to 1:00 pm and hosted by Danny Marang and Patrick Harris; “Dirt and Sprague” extending their show an hour from 6:00 am to 10:00 am; and “The Happy Hour with Luke Andersen” airing weekdays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Audacy Portland SVP and market manager Ryan Cooley says, “We’re incredibly excited to bring ‘The FAN’ to the FM dial. This move is long overdue and all about delivering a better listening experience for our audience with clearer sound and great content our fans know and love. For the first time in our history, our entire primetime on-air lineup will be 100% local and led by our new brand manager, Dusty Harrah, a native Oregonian.”

Industry News

FCC’s Trusty Comments on CPB Funding Recission

Newly confirmed FCC commissioner Olivia Trusty issues a statement about the recent recission of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. She states, “I am mindful of the long-standing role that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has played in supporting educational and cultural programming acrossimg the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas. However, Americans are increasingly skeptical of media institutions, with trust in media at historic lows. That reality cannot be ignored. It is not unreasonable for taxpayers to expect transparency, accountability, and balance from any outlet receiving federal support. Nor is it unreasonable for Congress to reassess whether public funding models established in a different media era remain justified today, especially when Americans have more access to more content from more sources than ever before. This action does not signal the end of public media.  Instead, it presents an opportunity for innovation, partnerships, and more localized decision-making. As a regulator, I will continue to support policies that promote access and competition in media, without presupposing that one model of funding or content creation should be immune from public scrutiny or reform.”

Industry News

Carr: FCC to Address Public Safety

Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr, in a blog post, says the FCC is beginning to address public safety as part of its Build America Agenda. He says, “In three weeks, we will vote to begin a ground-up re-examination of the Emergency Alert Systems (EAS).  EAS sends life-saving information using TV and radio outlets, and our Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) distribute the emergency notices weimg receive on our mobile phones.  With underlying frameworks that are 31 and 13 years old respectively, we think it’s time to explore if structural changes to these systems are needed, with an eye towards making sure we are leveraging the latest technology to save lives. Similarly, we will also vote to initiate a review of our system for collecting real-time data on network outages and restoration during and after major disasters.  Since its inception in 2007, our Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) has proven to be a valuable tool for collecting actionable information to help with recovery efforts.  While the DIRS reports are valuable, they can be time-consuming to produce, drawing resources away from responding to an ongoing disaster.  The Commission will vote on reforms to streamline DIRS to make sure that its benefits outweigh its burdens. We’ll close our August meeting by removing unnecessary regulations and injecting common sense across the Commission’s policies—critical features to streamline the implementation of our Build America Agenda.” See the full blog post here.

Industry News

Gomez Speaks Out on CPB Funding Cuts

FCC commissioner Anna M. Gomez says in a statement that Congress’ vote to claw back money appropriated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is not about saving money but about controlling speech. She says, “This action is a key step in a coordinated campaign to silence public media, and the latest attempt by this administration to censor and control speech. We’ve yet to see any effort to probe,img defund, or threaten news outlets that support the government’s views, and there’s a reason for that. This has never been about saving money. It’s about silencing those who report the news accurately, without fear or favor. The true cost of this one-sided attack on free speech will be felt most by small and rural communities across the country. Much like the disappearance of local newspapers, cutting off support for public stations could create a new kind of ‘news desert.’ In many hard-to-reach areas, these stations may be the only source for the public to receive emergency alerts, traffic updates, and information about local events and ways to stay engaged in their own neighborhoods. Defunding them strips away these essential services and further isolates the very communities these stations seek to serve. The FCC is playing a dangerous game with its own baseless attacks on public broadcast stations. Its role should be to protect and expand the public’s access to timely, accurate news that is free from political interference. I will continue fighting this FCC’s politically motivated efforts to investigate and harass these stations.”

Industry News

Townsquare Names Endom to Lead Lubbock and Amarillo Clusters

Townsquare Media names Dan Endom regional market president for its station groups in the Lubbock andimg Amarillo markets. Those markets include news/talk KFYO and talk KKAM/K280GU in Lubbock and news/talk KIXZ, Amarillo. Most recently, he served as president of iHeartMedia’s Nashville station group.

Industry News

GuestBooker.com Making Congressional Directory Available to TALKERS Readers Free of Charge

GuestBooker.com, one of the talk media industry’s leading public relations firms and the lead sponsor of the 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred, is making a limited number of its new 118th Congressional Directoryimg available free of charge to the first 200 TALKERS readers who respond to the offer.  This valuable resource is packed with contact information to reach Members of Congress and their key staffers.  To put your name on the list, please click here

Industry News

Edison Research to Present Podcast Webinar

Edison Research announces it is presenting a webinar to reveal data from its research report, The Podcastimg Consumer. Edison says the webinar will cover the current size and habits of the U.S. podcast audience and explore how things have changed over time. The webinar is July 23 at 2:00 pm ET. You can register here.

Industry Views

The Soundbite Trap: How Editing in Radio and Podcasting Creates Legal Risk

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgIn radio and podcasting, editing isn’t just technical – it shapes narratives and influences audiences. Whether trimming dead air, tightening a guest’s comment, or pulling a clip for social media, every cut leaves an impression.

But here’s the legal reality: editing also creates risk.

For FCC-regulated broadcasters, that risk isn’t about content violations. The FCC polices indecency, licensing, and political fairness – not whether your edit changes a guest’s meaning.

For podcasters and online creators, the misconception is even riskier. Just because you’re not on terrestrial radio doesn’t mean you’re free from scrutiny. Defamation, false light, and misrepresentation laws apply to everyone — whether you broadcast on a 50,000-watt signal or a free podcast platform.

At the end of the day, it’s not the FCC that will hold you accountable for your edits. It’s a judge.

1. Alex Jones and the $1 Billion Lesson

Alex Jones became infamous for promoting conspiracy theories on Infowars, especially his repeated claim that the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax – supported by selectively aired clips and distorted facts.

The result? Nearly $1 billion in defamation verdicts after lawsuits from victims’ families.

Takeaway: You can’t hide behind “just asking questions” or “it was my guest’s opinion.” If your platform publishes it – over the airwaves or online – you’re legally responsible for the content, including how it’s edited or framed. 

2. Katie Couric and the Gun Rights Group Edit

In “Under the Gun,” filmmakers inserted an eight-second pause after Katie Couric asked a tough question, making it seem like a gun rights group was stumped. In reality, they had answered immediately.

The group sued for defamation. The case was dismissed, but reputations took a hit.

Takeaway: Even subtle edits – like manufactured pauses – can distort meaning and expose creators to risk. 

3. FOX News and the Dominion Settlement

FOX News paid $787 million to Dominion Voting Systems after airing content suggesting election fraud – often based on selectively edited interviews and unsupported claims.

Though FOX is (among other things) a cable network, the impact shook the media world. Broadcasters reassessed risks, host contracts, and editorial practices. 

Takeaway: Major networks aren’t the only ones at risk. Radio hosts and podcasters who echo misleading narratives may face similar legal consequences. 

4. The Serial Podcast and the Power of Editing

“Serial” captivated millions by exploring Adnan Syed’s murder conviction. While no lawsuit followed, critics argued the producers presented facts selectively to build a certain narrative. 

Takeaway: Even without a lawsuit, editing shapes public perception. Misleading edits may not land you in court but can damage trust and invite scrutiny.

Whether you’re behind a radio microphone or a podcast mic, your editing decisions carry weight – and legal consequence.

The FCC might care if you drop an indecent word on air, but they won’t be the ones suing you when a guest claims you twisted their words. That’s civil law, where defamation, false light, and misrepresentation have no broadcast exemption.

There’s one set of rules for editing that every content creator lives by – and they’re written in the civil courts, not the FCC code.

Edit with care. 

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Hubbard Names Beyer VP/ Market Manager for Seattle

Hubbard Radio names Nick Beyer the new VP/market manager for its Seattle cluster that includes alternative talk KKNW-AM, four music brands and the 2060 Digital Seattle office. Beyer began his radio career at theimg Hubbard Seattle stations (then owned by Sandusky) and rose through the ranks in promotions, sales, and on-air roles, and was selected for Hubbard’s inaugural NextGen Leadership program. Most recently, Beyer held senior sales leadership positions at CRISTA Media and iHeartMedia Seattle. Beyer says, “I’m incredibly honored to return to where it all began. Hubbard Radio Seattle is home, and I can’t wait to work with this amazing team to serve our listeners, clients, and community.”

Industry News

Dan Patrick Show Wins “Celebrity Family Feud”

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The July 10 season premiere of “Celebrity Family Feud,” hosted by Steve Harvey, featured a showdown between “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Rich Eisen Show.”  Dan Patrick and The Danettes – Marvin, Fritzy, Seton and Paul (pictured above) – made it to the Fast Money round to take home the $25,000 prize, which will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Milford. You can find the episode on Hulu.

Industry News

SABO SEZ: Cash Comes from Ideas, Not Budgets

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

imgThere are two broad categories of thought: Task. Creative. When in creative mode, a person innovates, imagines, plans, and solves problems. An idea bank is a bank! Money grows from the results of imagination: new products, new music, new formats, new sales strategies. Business growth depends on new!

Task mode is focused on the past. Accounting, legal, sorting, painting, mowing, eating, surviving. Tasks are essential activities but financially break even, at best.

Your colleagues probably suffer from thoughts of radio industry consolidation and cutbacks. Personally, there was a moment in my career that still haunts me at this writing. A moment more profound than consolidation or repeal of FCC ownership financial requirements.

The crash moment in the history of radio was when a program director uttered these words:

It’s not in the budget.”

The words were less shocking than the source. Owners and general managers had said, we don’t have the money, but never the program director. Program directors, in my experience, lived in a charged creative fantasy. They imagined better shows, contests, DJ patter, bigger, better, fun-er radio for bigger ratings. Programmers thrived in an environment of creative challenges rather than tasks. PDs were often not even shown their budgets.

Creative-mode results in breathtaking promotions (win a house, win your rent, win a six pack of Corvettes.) Audience-daring formats such as album-oriented rock and all sports. Exciting air talent: Howard SternNeil RogersJake FogelnestJohn Kobylt.

Programmers heard general managers say, “A good salesman is one with a good product.” Or, “If you deliver ratings, the sales department will sell it.” Intuitively, general managers and owners knew that if they kept their programmers and talent on the creative side of their brains, the station could succeed.

There were conversations between general managers and program directors when the PD would have “suggestions” about sales and the GMs would say, “That’s the sales manager’s job” and shut down the PD! Therefore, PDs were kept on the creative side of their brains, the idea bank.

Driving a new idea, a new format, promotion, or on-air technique demands a programmer’s knowledge and passion. Without passion, few new strategies are launched. Birthing a new idea in radio is way too difficult to achieve with just logic. New ideas come to exist by fighting for budgets, fighting to win acceptance from staff.

New ideas are worth the fight because they can bring audience growth and fresh cash.

As the industry puzzles over declining sales, declining youth listening, and declining buzz, don’t blame consolidation and streaming. Blame owners that have given programmers the ultimate excuse to not try new ideas, not push new promotions, not embrace fresh talent, not take risks that lead to growth. “It’s not in the budget.” 

Shut the door on your way out. 

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 Views

Michael Harrison Interviews C. Crane CEO Jessica Crotty About the Future of the AM/FM Receiver and Radio-Oriented Devices

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In its latest post (7/2), “Up Close Far Out” – a YouTube video series hosted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison – takes a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of radio, examining the state of the radio device itself – the actual appliance – from the perspective of those on the front line of its development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution.

What is the state of the gizmos we call “radios” in the early decades of the digital era?

Is radio an obsolete technology on its last legs or is the device going through an exciting evolution in terms of its technology, content and broader societal purpose going forward into a brave new world?

What is the difference between “radio” and the broader term “audio?”

What impact does the prospect of ongoing tariff wars have upon the domestic radio manufacturing industry?  And what exactly does it take to move back and develop a new product such as a modern radio in the USA?

Harrison’s guest, Jessica Crotty, is an important player in that industry. She is the CEO of a small, but highly influential, Northern California-based company – C. Crane – that for more than three decades has specialized in manufacturing, aggregating, distributing and marketing radios and radio-oriented devices for the platform’s most ardent fans.

The company’s focus on radio literally began as a “mom & pop” operation by draftsman, designer and electronics engineer Bob Crane, his wife Sue, and Grandma Faye who ran the fledgling business at the kitchen table of their home north of the “Redwoods Curtain.”

Since selling their first AM antenna, C. Crane has grown into a nationally respected “boutique” electronics company. They have developed several outstanding radios to serve radio listeners who prefer information, talk radio and audio tuned for voice clarity. After several near 7.0 earthquakes, in 1992 they added radio and light products that would become essentials during an emergency event anywhere in the country.

Jessica Crotty launched her professional career with C. Crane almost three decades ago working her way through the ranks from customer service all the way up to being CEO and a company principal.

Crotty and Harrison engage in a candid, information-packed conversation exploring the evolving technical and cultural intersection between radio’s glorious past, underrated present, and potentially impactful, but somewhat ambiguous, future. If you are interested in radio as a broadcaster or a fan, you do not want to miss this interview.

To view the video in its entirety, please click here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Music on the Weekends Can Build Cume

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

imgMusic on the weekend provides multiple positive strategic weapons for talk stations. From launch, “New Jersey 101.5” (1,000,000+ cumer); WTKS-FM “Real Radio,” Orlando; WABC, New York; WPHT, Philadelphia; and other major market winners air music all weekend or on dayparted shows.

When launching WTKS, NJ101.5 and many others, Sabo Media researched talk stations throughout the country to find any facility that did as well or better on the weekend than during the week. Not one. KGO at the time was dominant in San Francisco, but its weekend audience share was HALF its weekday share. Then we studied music formats looking for genre that did better on the weekends than during the week.  Answer: oldies and alternative rock.

Music on the weekend works:

Music prevents an outlet from suffering the negatives of being a “talk station.”Music blows off the chronic callers and people who need the station for companionship. You know who they are.
A carefully chosen song list targets a specific cume. People sample radio on weekends. They have fewer utilitarian needs for radio listening and can indulge in entertainment. When they hear a song they like—they lock in the frequency. The station enjoys fresh sampling. WTKS FM plays alternative rock all weekend, the result is a very young overall cume base.
Music is good for sales.  Clubs, concerts, festivals, and comic cons buy music radio. Music on the weekend keeps talk stations on those buys!
Innovative execs replace infomercials with specialty music shows. They sell those shows to wedding venues, wedding suppliers, party stores, mobile DJs, boat and RV rentals, as well as home improvement retailers.
Publisher Michael Harrison posits that genre and chronological segregation of songs is not as essential today as it was back in the day. 13-year-olds love the Beatles and Beach Boys. Hits are always absolute necessities but “Never My Love” by the Association, “Light My Fire” by the Doors and the #1 song today, “Ordinary,” are all hits and could be played back-to-back.

In most cities, the second highest audience daypart is midday Saturdays. Stations that recognize that fact by offering quality, local, live entertainment grow their cume.

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

Mike Gallagher Broadcasts from Turning Point USA Event

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Pictured above is Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher this morning (7/11) on media row at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Tampa. Salem says the event, sponsored by SRN personality Charlie Kirk, drew thousands of young conservatives from all 50 states for workshops and speeches from Kirk, Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem, Dr. Ben Carson and other conservative leaders as they map game plans for the 2026 midterm elections.

Industry News

JFMN Welcomes Vince Maiocco as Contributor

The John Fredericks Media Network welcomes Taft College head baseball coach and health/physical education professor Vince Maiocco as a regular contributor to the network’s signature sports program,img “Godzilla Wins,” that airs Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:00 am ET. John Fredericks says, “Coach Vince is a tremendous asset to our weekend sports broadcast. He has built an enormous fan base in a short period of time. His insight and knowledge of professional and college sports is enlightening and uncanny. Most importantly, Vince is a dedicated mentor and teacher whose keen analysis engages and informs our listeners as well as our younger contributors, whose careers in broadcasting we are dedicated to growing.” JFMN programming is heard on 23 radio stations, plus via multiple streaming platforms including YouTube Live, Rumble Live, X-Live, GETTR Live, and JFMN.TV.

Industry News

WBEN, Buffalo Unveils Lineup Changes

On Monday (7/7), Audacy news/talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo unveiled a new program lineup that includes a new show hosted by Joe Beamer airing in the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm daypart. Beamer had been co-host of theimg station’s morning show alongside Brian Mazurowski, who continues hosting the morning show. Other changes include David Bellavia’s show airing an hour earlier (9:00 am to 1:00 pm), and Tom Bauerle’s afternoon drive show beginning an hour later at 3:00 pm. The station also adds FOX News Radio programs “Will Cain Country” (7:00 pm to 8:00 pm) and “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” (8:00 pm to 10:00 pm), as well as FOX News hourly reports.

Industry News

WABC Partners with Shriners Children’s for Charity Softball Game

WABC Radio is partnering with Shriners Children’s for a charity softball game called Day of Champions on Sunday, July 20, at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. It will feature a softball game between members of the NYPD versus members of the FDNY with net proceeds going to Shriners Children’s. Johnimg Sterling, who hosts a Saturday afternoon sports talk program on 77WABC, will provide play-by-play of the game, as well as the Little League pre-game.  This event includes pre-game activities for families including meet-and-greet opportunities with 77WABC on-air personalities and sports legend Dwight Gooden, Fastest Pitch and Home Run Derby contests, Kids Zone, Sports Memorabilia Silent Auction and more!  Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis says, “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay. At WABC Radio, we are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and, together, provide a fun-filled day for our community while supporting this great mission.”

Industry News

KMOX and MLB’s Cards Extend Broadcasting Deal

Audacy’s news/talk KMOX-AM/FM, St. Louis announces a multi-year extension of its broadcast partnership with the MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals. KMOX will continue to provide play-by-play coverage of all regular,img postseason and select Spring Training games. KMOX recently integrated new Cardinals coverage, including the “Gas House Gang,” airing weekdays at 12:00 noon and the “Red Bird Rush Hour” airing weeknights at 5:00 pm. Audacy SVP and market manager Becky Domyan says, “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to delivering the content our community loves, and with KMOX now on FM, we’re even more fired up to bring every single game, plus exciting new programming, to more fans than ever before.”

Industry News

KILT-AM Raises $27k for Houston Food Bank

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Audacy sports talk KILT-AM, Houston “SportsRadio 610” raised $27,240 during its inaugural “Reggie and Ron Radiothon” benefiting the Houston Food Bank. All proceeds go toward the Houston Food Bank’s mission to eliminate food insecurity in southeast Texas and ensure Texans have access to nutritious food to fuel a healthy life. Pictured above are (from l-r): “In the Loop” producer Figgy Fig, Ron Hughley, Houston Food Bank’s chief development officer Julie Voss, Reggie Adetula, and “The Drive” producer Tyler Milner.

Industry News

WWO: Audio is Ideal for Finding Job Seekers

This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at data from a commissioned MARU/Matchbox December 2024 study of 1,000 respondents exploring the labor market. Some key findings from the study include: 1) Audio is an ideal advertising environment for recruitment brandsimg and companies seeking to hire, especially among passive job seekers who are less likely to use job sites: Nine out of 10 job seekers are reached by ad-supported audio. Over-the-air AM/FM radio reaches nearly 80% of active and passive job seekers. Six out of 10 active job seekers are reached by podcasts; 2) AM/FM radio streaming’s audience growth has surged among job seekers: Since 2021, AM/FM radio streaming has soared in usage among both active and passive job seekers. Six out 10 active job seekers are reached by AM/FM radio streaming; 3) Passive job seekers outnumber active job seekers by +50%. Active job seekers are growing: The optimal source for filling positions are passive job seekers who outnumber active job seekers by +50%. Active job seekers have surged from 15% in 2018 to 24% currently; and 4) Advertising works: There is a very linear relationship between ad spend, share of voice, ad recall, and market share. The greater the ad spend, the greater the ad recall and market share. See the full blog post here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: X Marks the Spot – Radio’s Most Valuable Demo

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIpsos Generations Report 2025: “Right now, it’s Generation X who are the highest-earning generation in the US, surpassing both Boomers and Millennials.”

Born 1965 to 1980, they grew up with an AM/FM radio habit. And – as they are about to inherit a LOT of money from wealthy grandparent Silents and Boomer parents over the next few decades – which prospective advertisers want to meet them?

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Prospect banks, financial planners, real estate agents, and wellness and eldercare consultants and Elder Law and Trust attorneys.

Recommended commercial creative: advertorial. “Tell ‘em and you’ll sell ‘em,” with spots disguised as informative features. Sample topics:

— “5 Inheritance Mistakes to Avoid”
— “How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Will”
— “Downsizing Without Downgrading”
— “Kids, Parents, and Cash”

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

Industry News

FCC Chairman Carr Promotes Build Agenda in Sioux Falls

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota yesterday (7/2) to promote the FCC’s “Build America Agenda.” Carr said, “Our ‘Build America Agenda’ will focus on delivering on a number of core objectives. We will unleash high-speed infrastructure builds. We will restore America’s leadership in wireless. We will boost the U.S. space economy. We will advance our national security. And we willimg strengthen America’s tower and telecom workforce.  We will deliver on all of this by implementing smart policies while carrying out a massive and comprehensive deregulatory agenda. As we do so, we will be guided at the agency by a few simple ideas. For one, we will keep the Gretzky test front and center. We want to keep our eye on where the proverbial puck is going, not where it has been. For another, we are going to take a first principles approach. Just because a regulation has been on the books for 30 years, we are not going to keep it there simply out of a sense of inertia. For still another, we will focus on competition as it exists today. The old regulatory silos have been breaking down for quite some time, so the agency must move forward with a keen understanding of today’s converged markets.  We are going to focus on outcomes, rather than process to nowhere. We are going to have a bias towards action. After all, delay has an unappreciated economic and social cost. We are going to push for simple, clear rules, rather than complex and bespoke frameworks. And we are going to support U.S. businesses and domestic onshoring.”

Industry News

Torrey Snow Exits WBAL, Baltimore

Hearst news/talk WBAL, Baltimore parts company with afternoon drive talk host Torrey Snow after fiveimg years in that role. Snow doesn’t say much about his departure other than to post to his X account, “It’s been real, WBAL! On to the next great adventure! Thank you all for being part of a wonderful chapter of my life!” WBAL’s website doesn’t reveal what the station plans to air in the PM drive daypart.

Industry News

SAVE THE DATES: TALKERS to Team Up Again with Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) for 2026 Conference

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Iconic broadcasting industry trade publication, TALKERS is pleased to announce that it will again be teaming up with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) in presenting and sponsoring the forthcoming IBSNYC26 conference for the second consecutive year. The event will again take place at the centrally located Sheraton Times Square hotel in midtown Manhattan and embrace the “Generations” theme thatimg made last year’s mingling of student and professional broadcasters such a resounding success. The dates are set for Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “There are exciting things happening at the radio stations and communication departments of high school, college, and university campuses across America. These institutions and creative outposts embody a spirit emanating from its practitioners as well as its audiences that bode well for the future of general radio, talk media and digital communications. This tremendous source of talent, ideas and energy has been burgeoning right under the noses of our professional industry for years. It’s time to harness that obvious synergy at this pivotal juncture.” More details including agenda, registration, hotel and sponsorship information will be posted in TALKERS in the coming weeks. Save the dates!

Industry News

Amy Jacobson Exits WIND, Chicago

Chicago media personality Amy Jacobson announces via X that she has exited Salem Media Group’simg news/talk WIND-AM. On Tuesday she posted, “After 15 1/2 years at WIND AM560 radio, due to staffing reductions, today was my last day on the air. I am still processing this but I am happy to announce I have launched http://AmyJacobsonLive.com where I will be hosting a weekly podcast, posting behind-the-scenes blogs, livestreaming.” Jacobson has been co-hosting the morning show with Dan Proft who appears to be continuing the program solo.

Industry News

Black Information Network Celebrates Five Years on Air

Monday (6/30) marked the fifth anniversary of the launch of BIN: Black Information Network, what iHeartMedia calls “the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective.” The company says, “What began on June 30, 2020, has grown into an essential source of trusted journalism,img storytelling and community engagement. Over the past five years, BIN: Black Information Network has achieved remarkable milestones, including: Surpassing 19 million monthly listeners, a reflection of BIN’s growing influence and strong connection to its target audience; expanding BIN News content to over 100 broadcast radio stations across the U.S., making BIN one of the most widely distributed, Black-focused news audio platforms in the country; and delivering news coverage tailored to 65 of America’s largest Black communities, with reporting that reflects the local realities, perspectives, challenges and triumphs.” BIN president Tony Coles adds, “BIN: Black Information Network has become a trusted and indispensable voice for Black communities in America. In just five years, we’ve transformed how local and national news reaches our audiences. We are giving a voice to the stories that have gone untold for too long. We are providing freedom to journalists to pursue meaningful reporting – and we’re just getting started.”

Industry News

Audacy Content Now Available on iHeartRadio Platform

iHeartMedia and Audacy agree to a content distribution partnership that will have Audacy’s portfolio of more than 240 radio brands and time-shifted podcasts be available on iHeartRadio. iHeartMedia says that through the iHeartRadio app, Audacy content will be available on more than 500 additional platforms and over 2,000 additional devices, including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtualimg assistants, televisions and gaming consoles. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “This is an exciting day for our industry as the addition of Audacy’s stations to iHeartRadio maximizes imgradio’s presence across the country as the most listened to and trusted medium for audiences and consumers. This move gives our listeners even more opportunities to connect with the stations and content most relevant to them, aligning with our mission to always meet our audiences where they are and enhance their experience.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero states, “We believe in the power of being everywhere, and this partnership is a meaningful step in our strategy to ensure our iconic stations, talent and programming are available wherever and however audio is consumed.”

Industry News

Fisher House Special Available for Holiday Weekend

Fisher House Foundation is offering an Independence Day Weekend edition of “The Fisher House Story” available to stations for free. “The Fisher House Story” is available in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show for all formats. The three-hour, one-hour, 25 and 30img-minute radio specials are hosted by longtime radio personality Larry O’Connor and features stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Hear the demo and register today at radio.fisherhouse.org. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care.

Industry News

BIA: Florida Radio Ad Spend to Hit $833 Million in 2025

According to a report on Florida ad revenue for 2025, BIA Advisory predicts that the total for the year will be $12.4 billion, with radio OTA+digital’s share of the pie being $833 million. Radio is fifth in line after #1 mobileimg ($2.7 billion), #2 direct mail ($2.5 billion), #3 PC/laptop ($2.3 billion), and #4 TV OTA+digital ($1.6 billion). The report notes that 64% of the state’s total ad spend in done in three markets: Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Tampa-St. Petersburgh-Sarasota, and Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne. See more about the report here.