An Attack on One Is an Attack on All: Why the Radio Industry Must Respond
By Larry O’Connor
Talk Radio Host
WMAL-FM, Washington, DC
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder, one would expect every company that owns a talk radio station, every network that syndicates conservative voices, and every corporation that employs talk radio hosts to issue a unified statement of defiance. This was not just an attack on Charlie; it was an attack on the entire industry of talk radio, on the free exchange of ideas, and on the First Amendment itself. Yet, shockingly, most of these companies have remained silent. That silence is unacceptable. At a moment like this, the industry should stand shoulder to shoulder and declare to the world: we will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will never abandon the microphone.
We Will Not Be Silenced
The news of Charlie Kirk’s brutal murder has shaken us to our core. For those of us behind a microphone each day, it was not just an attack on a friend, a colleague, or a leader – it was an attack on our entire industry, our movement, and the very principle of free speech.
Charlie was more than a conservative activist. He was a broadcaster, a communicator, a man who understood the power of radio and its unmatched ability to reach Americans where they live, work, and drive. He embraced our medium because he knew it could bypass the gatekeepers and speak truth directly to millions. And for that reason – because he was effective, fearless, and unrelenting – he was targeted.
Let’s be clear: this was not random violence. This was political violence. It was meant to silence a voice. And in silencing that voice, it was meant to intimidate the rest of us. To scare us into pulling our punches. To warn us that telling the truth has consequences.
Well, here’s the truth: we will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced.
Conservative talk radio is the last truly free public square in America. We don’t answer to corporate boardrooms in New York or Silicon Valley. We answer to our listeners – the American people. Every morning and every afternoon, millions tune in because they know they will hear what the mainstream media refuses to cover. They come to us because they trust us to tell it straight. And if anyone thinks the murder of Charlie Kirk is going to drive us off the airwaves, they don’t understand who we are.
The history of talk radio is the history of resilience. From Rush Limbaugh to Charlie Kirk, our voices have endured smear campaigns, advertiser boycotts, government threats, and now, tragically, deadly violence. Yet every time they try to shut us down, we come back stronger. Every time they think they’ve broken us, our audience grows.
Charlie’s death is a wound, but it is also a call to arms – not with weapons, but with words. Words of truth. Words of conviction. Words that cannot be cancelled, cannot be censored, and cannot be silenced by fear.
As an industry, we stand together today. Whether you broadcast from a major market station or a small-town affiliate, whether your show runs nationally or locally, we are united. Charlie’s microphone may have been forced into silence, but ours will burn brighter because of it. We will carry his message, his courage, and his relentless pursuit of truth forward.
To Charlie’s family, we grieve with you. To our listeners, we stand with you. And to those who think violence can silence ideas: you are wrong. The ideas of liberty, faith, and American exceptionalism will ring louder than ever.
Charlie Kirk is gone, but the cause he championed lives on. His voice echoes in every one of ours. And we will keep talking. We will keep broadcasting. We will keep fighting – together.
Because in the end, freedom always wins.
Larry OConnor is the morning drive host at Cumulus Media’s WMAL-FM, Washington, DC. He can be emailed at stagerightblogger@gmail.com.
Grief for the loss of Charlie Kirk is palpable around the world. Broadcasters who interviewed him or had anything to do with the Turning Point organization were deeply touched by his tragic death.
across key iHeartMedia markets including: Rochester, Minnesota; Bismarck, Minot, Dickinson, and Grand Forks in North Dakota; and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. iHeartMedia division president Shosh Abromovich says, “I’m thrilled to welcome Dee Doers as Area President over our six MidNorth markets. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Dee brings strategic vision and a proven track record of driving growth. He’s the ideal leader to take these markets to even greater heights.” Doers previously served the company’s Minneapolis market as vice president of sales.
exclusive sales rep for the Australian market. With this deal, Australian advertisers will be able to access Audacy’s titles as part of their audio campaigns. The partnership broadens the breadth of available content for LiSTNR audiences and increases the reach for clients, with access to a range of titles including “Office Ladies with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsley,” “Fly on the Wall with David Spade and Dana Carvey,” “Search Engine,” “The Moth” and dozens of podcasts from CBS Sports and CBS News & Entertainment.
Salem Media Group announces that to honor Salem Radio Network talk host Charlie Kirk, Vice President JD Vance is guest hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” today (9/15) at 12:00 noon ET. This special broadcast live from The White House will air on the Salem Radio Network and will be simulcast on Salem News Channel. Vice President Vance tweeted on Sunday, “I will have the honor of hosting the Charlie Kirk Show. Please join me as I pay tribute to my friend.” Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “The Vice President and Second Lady Usha Vance flew to Phoenix to be with the Kirk family immediately following last Wednesday’s assassination, and they also flew Charlie’s coffin home from Utah on Air Force Two.”
Radio programmers and sales managers know the drill: The GM drops an idea, a client makes a request, or a listener offers feedback – and the reflex is to jump straight into execution. But what if the real opportunity lies not in what’s asked for, but in what’s actually needed?
The Nashville-based “George Plaster Show,” with co-hosts Kelly Holcomb and Billy Derrick, is now heard on Saga Communications’ sports talk WKFN-AM/W281BT in Clarksville, Tennessee. Clarksville Now reportsPlaster said he’s excited for the opportunity to be here and tap into a new market of sports fans. “I’m very excited about being in Clarksville. For me, this is about adding listeners – listeners who knew me from years ago. I think we’re going to do really well here, it’s a market that has a lot of sports fans, and we just simply want to tap into it.” “The George Plaster Show” will air live from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. 
least $3.4 million from the university to operate the station. TribLive reports, “Penn State officials said they proposed transferring the operating assets of WPSU to WHYY and provide a $17 million subsidy structured to decrease over five years, to give WHYY an opportunity to help WPSU reach a financial break-even point and continue broadcasting across central Pennsylvania.” That proposal was not accepted by the trustees. 
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of eight new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2025, recognizing radio broadcasters who have passed away. This year’s inductees include longtime WLS-AM, Chicago morning drive cohost Don Wade and nationally syndicated host Dale Sommers “The Truckin’ Bozo.” Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig Kitchin comments, “Each of these individuals contributed to the growth and vibrance of our radio industry and are worthy of induction. I’m thrilled to see recognition for their talents and efforts and heartened that their family, friends and colleagues can witness this well-deserved honor.” 
and the countless people whose lives he touched through his words, his work, and his unwavering commitment to faith and country.” Salem CEO David Santrella is quoted saying, “Charlie was more than a broadcaster – he was a fearless defender of truth and a faithful servant of God. This assassination was not just an attack on Charlie, it was an attack on free speech and on the values Charlie championed every day. His absence leaves a tremendous void, but his legacy of faith, courage, and conviction will continue to inspire generations.” Salem Media chief strategy officer Bradley Parscale stated, “I have had the privilege of working with Charlie for nearly a decade. He was part of the Salem family. His voice was fearless, unyielding, and relentless in the defense of faith and freedom. This heinous act of evil was meant to silence him, but as Christians, we know darkness cannot overcome the light. Charlie’s influence cannot and will not be silenced.” The company added, “Charlie’s partnership with Salem Media was defined by his uncompromising defense of biblical values, liberty, and truth. Through his nationally syndicated show and podcast, he reached millions who relied on his voice to cut through lies, honor truth, and give courage to those fighting for faith and freedom.”
intends to have the station back on the air within a few weeks and it will continue to air an oldies format. Civic Media will add W262CJ at 100.3 FM to the simulcast of talk WAUK-AM, Waukesha which is also heard on W266DR, Waukesha at 101.1 FM. The 100.3 FM signal gives the station a presence in the center of Milwaukee. Civic Media regional president Chris Moreau says, “We’re thrilled to expand our presence in Milwaukee, our largest metro market. These acquisitions allow us to better serve listeners across southeastern Wisconsin with our commitment to local news coverage and quality programming. The extended coverage area creates exciting opportunities for both our audience and advertising partners.”
Connoisseur Media promotes Ed Oliveira to operations manager for Connoisseur Media’s Connecticut stations. Oliveira has been with Connoisseur Media for more than a decade, most recently as director of traffic & creative services. Oliveira says, “I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to take on this expanded role. This feels like a natural step for me, and I appreciate [SVP of Connecticut operations] Kristin Okesson for believing in me and my abilities. One person that has been a near-constant in my career is Keith Dakin. Having the opportunity to receive the baton from him and building on his work is a task I take on with pride. I am beyond excited to expand my role with the amazing people on this team. They are so good that operations could probably run on its own BUT I am ecstatic they chose me to oversee it.”
The Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group unveils an audio planning guide based on data from Edison Research and Nielsen data. Saying that there are incorrect assumptions among strategists and media planners about which audio media have the most listeners, chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard underscores that AM/FM radio is still the dominant ad-supported audio platform with a 66% share. Podcasting is second with a 20% share and this is true across all demographics. For those who are all-in on digital audio only, Bouvard says they are missing 70% of the potential audience as ad-supported Spotify, Pandora and podcasts reach only 30% of the U.S. in a typical day. Further, Bouvard says the data suggests an optimal allocation of audio ad spend: “The ideal allocation for a 25-54 audio plan is 62% AM/FM radio, 24% podcasts, 12% music streaming (Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music), and 2% SiriusXM satellite radio.” 
2013. Company CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Keith’s programming expertise and leadership have been a major contributor to Connoisseur’s growth and success. As we expand our footprint, Keith is the ideal leader to develop and implement our programming strategy across the country. His passion for music, content, and his commitment to local communities will ensure that our stations continue to succeed.” Dakin comments, “It is truly an honor to move into this larger role with the newly expanded Connoisseur Media. I am extremely excited to work day-to-day with this unbelievable roster of programmers and air talent. I can’t wait to dig in and make great radio with this tremendously creative staff. Thank you so much to Jeff Warshaw who has been a true champion of mine since I started here. His leadership, vision, and commitment to real radio will hopefully give this industry the shot in the arm it needs.”
“The most common type [of shotgun pleading] – by a long shot – is a complaint containing multiple counts where each count adopts the allegations of all preceding counts, causing each successive count to carry all that came before and the last count to be a combination of the entire complaint.” The suit was dismissed without prejudice which gives Newsmax the opportunity to file an amended complaint, but it must do so by September 11 and “must not contain any successive counts that incorporate all prior allegations.” Judge Cannon also adds that if an amended complaint is filed, “each count must identify the particular legal basis for liability and contain specific factual allegations that support each cause of action within each count.
Woodward Community Media makes talk programming leadership moves that it says “strengthens its talk radio leadership with a key promotion and new hire.” Alex Thomas is promoted to brand manager fornews/talk WHBY-AM/W278AU and sports talk WSCO-AM/W256DD in Appleton, Wisconsin. At the same time, Paul Johnson joins the company as the new assistant brand manager for the Woodward Community Media Talk Team. Johnson most recently served with Midwest Communications. Thomas says, “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to be brand manager of such prestigious stations of WHBY & The Score. With WHBY celebrating its 100th year Anniversary and WSCO’s local sports presence, it’s an honor to represent Woodward Community Media as the talk station brand manager. I look forward to continuing our community impact and highlighting the Fox Valley with great local radio programming.” Johnson comments, “I’m excited to be part of the team at Woodward Community Media! So many talented individuals on staff, and I feel very fortunate to join the team at WHBY and WSCO with the goal of providing great local radio to the listeners of the Fox Valley.”
Superman just flew into court – not against Lex Luthor, but against Midjourney. Warner Bros. Discovery is suing the AI platform, accusing it of stealing the studio’s crown jewels: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, and more.
My kitchen faucet wouldn’t shut off. It died, of old age. Things start doing that when your “new” house turns 25.
Hillsdal 101.7 FM – is managed by Scot Bertram, who says, “‘The Radio Free Hillsdale Hour’ is designed to bring listeners as close to the Hillsdale experience as possible without having to be on campus. You can’t get [to Hillsdale] unless you intentionally want to be here. We have many people who like Hillsdale, love Hillsdale, admire Hillsdale. The show is an attempt to allow them to be close to what we’re doing without being here on campus.” Bertram says that Vince Benedetto, president and founder of Bold Gold Media Group, airs the “Radio Free Hillsdale Hour” on two of his 15 stations and says the show gives variety to his stations, which mostly broadcast conservative talk radio focused on current events.
Sunday morning 8:00 am to 10:00 am show with Mike Harmon. Also, WGFX-FM, Nashville host Buck Reising joins longtime friend and FSR weekend personality Jason Fitz to co-anchor “Buck & Fitz” on Saturdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET. Fangirl Sports Network Founder and KNBR 49ers correspondent Tracy Sandler and Spectrum News Sports host and sideline reporter Nikki Kay are joining Alex Curry and Carmen Vitali on the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturday program.