Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This
role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/18-22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Russia-Ukraine Negotiations
2. Texas & California Redistricting
3. The Economy/Fed Policy
4. Tariffs
5. Federal Takeover of DC
6. The Epstein Files
7. ICE Raids
8. Israel-Gaza War
9. Trump vs The Smithsonian
10.Trump Voting System Criticisms / Newsmax-Dominion Settlement
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Vladimir Putin
3. Volodymyr Zelensky
4. Greg Abbott
5. Gavin Newsom
6. Jerome Powell / Lisa Cook
7. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
8. Kristi Noem
9. Pam Bondi
10.Benjamin Netanyahu
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Good Karma Brands’ WMVP-AM “ESPN Chicago” revamps its program schedule as it adds the nationally syndicated Rich Eisen Show to the midday daypart. Effective September 2, the lineup will be as follows:
ESPN Radio’s “Unsportsmanlike” starring Evan Cohen, Chris Canty and Michelle Smallmon from 5:00 am to 6:00 am; “Kap and J. Hood” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am; “Carmen and Jurko” from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon; Rich Eisen from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm; “Bleck and Abdalla” from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and “Waddle and Silvy” from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. ESPN Chicago director of content Danny Zederman states, “Our lineup has never been stronger. Adding a powerhouse like Rich Eisen to our midday slot not only gives our fans one of the most respected voices in sports, but we’ve also expanded our local content with an uninterrupted hour of ‘Bleck and Abdalla.’ This combination of national and local perspectives makes us the go-to station for sports fans in Chicago.”
National Association of Broadcasters announce that Mike McVay will be honored with the 2025 NAB National Radio Award. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “NAB is thrilled to recognize Mike for
his remarkable contributions to the radio industry over the past four decades. Mike’s deep expertise, creative vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped countless careers, inspired new generations of broadcasters and driven innovation in every corner of the audio industry. His ability to nurture talent and create programming that resonates with audiences makes him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.” McVay is president of McVay Media and recently served as EVP of content and programming for Cumulus Media and the Westwood One radio network. NAB says the celebrated media strategist, programmer, talent coach and industry leader will receive this prestigious accolade during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards at the 2025 NAB Show New York.
Lotus Seattle is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing/promotions coordinator. Lotus says, “This role is vital to bringing our brand to life through on-air, digital, and community engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with people, and bring creative energy to our promotions and marketing efforts. See more about this position and apply here.
Good Karma Brands promotes Tommy Lam to market manager for KSPN-AM “ESPN Los Angeles.” Lam previously served as general sales manager and senior director of marketing. Good Kama SVP Sam Pines
says, “Tommy’s deep roots in the Los Angeles media landscape, combined with his passion for building brands and connecting with the community, make him the ideal leader for ‘ESPN LA.’ He has excelled at leading teammates across sales, marketing, and support, serving as a strong conduit between those areas and the content team. His proven track record of innovation and results will continue to elevate the brand’s reach and impact with fans and partners.” Lam comments, “I am honored to take on this role and continue building on ESPN LA’s momentum. Los Angeles is one of the most dynamic sports markets in the world, and I’m excited to work with our talent team to deliver outstanding experiences for our fans, partners and teammates.”
WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (pictured above) has a hot dog dish named after him at the Texas Inn diner (known to locals as The T-Room) in Richmond. Each sale of the Katz Dog – a Nathan’s hot dog – will provide a donation to Special Olympics Virginia.
WEEI/NESN Radio-Telethon Raises $5.7 Million for Cancer. Audacy’s sports talk WEEI, Boston announces that the 2025 WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon raised more than $5.7 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a new record in the 23-year history of the event. Audacy adds, “With the generous support of the Jimmy Fund community and Red Sox Nation, the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon has now raised more than $78 million to strike out cancer since the first broadcast in 2002.”
Salem Names New Board Chair. Salem Media Group appoints Richard A. von Gnechten as chairman of the board, with responsibilities of overseeing Board and Annual Stockholders meetings. Edward G. Atsinger, III retains the title of executive chairman with responsibilities of overseeing operations of the company and will remain in his role through December 31, 2025.
Saga Announces Dividend. Saga Communications declares a quarterly dividend to stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 26 who will be paid a dividend of 0.25 per share. Saga says this represents a dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.7%.
By Jonathan Little
TroyResearch
President
An annual physical is a wise idea. Doc asks, “How are you doing?”. Then he or she asks some detailed questions based on your medical history. Then “how have you been feeling? Any issues?” Doc always orders blood draws to see what might be lurking. Is the statin drug keeping your cholesterol in check? Are you getting plenty of exercise, plenty of sleep? How’s your diet? Over the years, I’ve visited about my health with at least a dozen different doctors. I’m convinced that the good ones always ask good questions and then listen carefully. Good questioner – good listener. That’s the doc I can respect and put my trust in.
If you operate a radio station, your station could benefit from an annual physical. You already know how it’s doing based on ratings, revenue, and profit. Your listeners know how you’re doing for them personally because they’re the users of your radio product. Is it pleasing, challenging, inspiring or annoying, irritating, and easily ignored with a click? If you ask them, they’ll tell you. You should ask them at least once a year.
TroyResearch has been in the business of asking listeners what they think for 27 years. We recently teamed up with Midwest Communications, Inc., in Green Bay to conduct an exploratory research project with their news/talk station WTAQ. TroyResearch’s association with MCI goes back nearly 27 years, doing music and perceptual research for the Duke Wright music stations. The WTAQ project was something new. Our goal was to discover what actionable data the opinions of loyal listeners might produce. TroyResearch worked with VP Programming Jeff McCarthy and Operations Manager Jason Hillery to develop a 25-question study.
Survey respondents were recruited over the air and were encouraged to go to the WTAQ website to take a brief survey. Clearly, we wanted to hear from P1’s, those listeners who produce 60%+ of reported listening. Their answers provided a clear picture of WTAQ loyalists – what they like, what they don’t like, their political affiliation, their listening behaviors (radio, podcasts, TV news, cable news, etc.), favorite news outlets, trustworthiness of news outlets, their thoughts about protests becoming riots, and their favorite podcasts to mention a few.
More than 200 respondents, Persons 18+, completed the WTAQ perceptual study. (32% 18-54, 68% 55+). With Jeff’s and Jason’s permission, we share some results.
Political Affiliation
1% Democrat
78% Republican
15% Independent
6% Other, like Libertarian, Socialist
In car listening
80% Local radio
10% Satellite radio
6% Streaming services like Spotify
3% Podcasts
1% Other like personal playlists
Listening to WTAQ, which simulcasts
76% FM
9% AM
8% Streaming from WTAQ app
6% Streaming from a smart device
1% Streaming from WTAQ.com
Where do you get your news? (Select all that apply)
93% Radio
46% Broadcast TV (local channels)
41% Cable news like Fox, CNN, MSNBC
29% Social Media like X, Facebook, Tiktok
16% Internet news like NY Post, Washington Post
10% Newspaper
12% Other
Your primary news source
58% Radio
15% Cable news like Fox, CNN, MSNBC
8% Broadcast TV (local channels)
7% Internet news like NY Post, Washington Post
7% Social Media like X, Facebook, Tiktok
3% Other
1% Newspaper
When does a protest/demonstration become a riot? (Select all that apply)
85%+ When protesters strike police, throw projectiles, set fires, do property damage
75% When protesters spit on police officers
60% When protesters burn the American flag
37% When protesters curse at police officers
Do you listen to podcasts?
23% Frequently
29% Occasionally
35% Rarely
13% Never
What podcast platform do you use? (Select all that apply)
32% YouTube
25% Spotify
19% iHeart
19% Apple
10% Amazon
2% Rumble
1% The Blaze
1% Daily Wire
As a broadcaster that reports news and information, WTAQ is interested in knowing how trustworthy you consider the reporting presented by these companies. (1 = very untrustworthy, 5 = very trustworthy)
4.43 WTAQ Radio, Green Bay
3.78 Fox News
3.59 Fox 11, Green Bay
2.92 WBAY, Channel 2, Green Bay
2.83 WFRV, Channel 5, Green Bay
2.77 WHBY Radio, Appleton
2.71 NBC 26, Green Bay
2.22 Green Bay Press Gazette
2.01 Wisconsin State Journal
1.99 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
1.46 MSNBC
1.37 CNN
WTAQ asked the 0-10 Customer Endorsement Score question – “On a scale of 0-10 how likely would you be to recommend WTAQ to a friend or colleague?” Those scores reflect the listeners’ opinions of how the station is doing and it’s a forecast of WTAQ’s future. As a rule, a CES of 50 or higher indicates a healthy and sustainable product. WTAQ scored a strong 73 Customer Endorsement Score.
VP Jeff McCarthy and OM Jason Hillery are pleased with the results of this exploratory study. The WTAQ Sales Team is delighted with the data.
Good questioner … Good listener! WTAQ asked good questions. And now their leadership team is “listening” to the answers and determining what adjustments, if any, may result in improved ratings, revenue, and profit, on the way to an 80 Customer Endorsement Score with the next WTAQ study.
Jonathan Little is president of TroyResearch. He can be phoned at 608-219-1077 or emailed via: jlittle@troyresearch.net
Nielsen releases its latest Podcasting Today report that reveals a number of things including that podcasts represent about one-fifth (19%) of daily ad-supported audio listening time – second only to radio in the
U.S. Other takeaways include: Listeners aged 18-34 spend 32% of their daily ad-supported audio time with podcasts; and podcasts consistently drive top funnel advertising impact. Nielsen says its Podcast Brand Impact Database draws on nearly 2,000 case studies and shows that podcast ads continue to drive strong brand awareness, motivate listeners to learn more, and purchase products. See the full report here.
According to a report from Yahoo Entertainment, Howard Stern appears to have struck a new deal to remain with SiriusXM. This comes a couple of weeks after reports indicated that Stern and the satcaster
would go their separate ways when his current contract ends later this year. The Yahoo story says, “A source affirmed that everything is a done deal in this regard, and all previous reports of him exiting the company were pure fallacy, per RadarOnline. The man of the hour himself also dropped a big hint on his social media, teasing an answer to all the questions hovering around his career very soon.” Stern’s own Instagram account posted the following: “Now we can reveal that all the questions will be answered. All the truths will be told by the one man truly on the inside: Howard Stern will speak. Tuesday, September 2.” Read the Yahoo story here.
Triton Digital publishes its July 2025 U.S. podcast ranker based on weekly average downloads for publishers who opt in and NPR’s “NPR New Now” and “Up First” stay in the #1 and #2 spots, respectively.
Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” remains ranked #5 while Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” rises one place to #6. Other talk radio related shows of note include: Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” dipping three places to #13; iHeart Audience Network’s “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” rising two places to # 14; and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Mark Levin Show” falling six places to #35. See the complete ranker here.
Premiere Networks is celebrating the 100-affiliate mark for “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno.” This comes as iHeartMedia’s WKIP, Poughkeepsie “NewsRadio 1450/1370 WKIP” adds the show to the
6:00 am to 9:00 am slot. DelGiorno comments, “I love every listener and city equally, but I’d place Poughkeepsie in the memorable class alongside Nashville (my first affiliate), Detroit (my 50th), and now Poughkeepsie (100th). I’ll always remember this moment! I’m thrilled to be on the Hudson River, serving this great audience, and I look forward to seeing where the river leads me in the months and years ahead.”
Donal Ware Celebrating BOXTOROW’s 20th Anniversary. Sports talk host Donal Ware is celebrating
his program’s 20th anniversary with a live broadcast on SiriusXM (Channel 380), Big Sports TV, and the BOXTOROW YouTube channel. The event is tomorrow (8/20) in Raleigh at North Hills Main District and will feature appearances by legendary college football coach Bill Hayes, Raleigh sports talk host Adam Gold, Raleigh Mayor Pro Tempore Corey Branch and Durham Mayor Leo Williams.
SiriusXM Unveils College Football Schedule. SiriusXM is presenting coverage of the opening week of the 2025 college football season kicks off by offering 97 live game broadcasts between August 23 and September 1. During the rest of the season, SiriusXM will carry dozens of game broadcasts each week involving teams from the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC and other conferences, plus Notre Dame, Army, Navy, HBCU football and more.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
As TV touts its perennial New Fall Season, our DVR is already set to “record series” so we can pick-up where the “Matlock” sequel left-us-hanging; and for a third season of quirky “Elsbeth” (a closet reboot, the female “Columbo”). And where I live – where everyone seems to know everyone – we are salivating for “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”
Enduring as its hourglass, “The Days of Our Lives” – which NBC punted to Peacock – is renewed for season #61. As Max reverts to the HBO brand, “The White Lotus” will be back for its 4th. “American Idol” will vet a 24th crop of crooners; “America’s Funniest Home Videos” will share a 36th batch of bloopers; and America’s argument will remain unresolved on every channel… except one.
Nonprofit C-SPAN – the Switzerland of cable news – presents “CeaseFire,” a weekly show where “Democrats and Republicans come together to solve problems and discuss the great challenges facing our nation… during a time when division and dysfunction dominate the national conversation.”
And who better to U-turn the “Crossfire” template that pits partisan pundits against each other than the suit who oversaw it, longtime CNN EVP and Washington bureau chief Sam Feist, now C-SPAN CEO. “In a media landscape that too often rewards outrage over understanding,” he reckons “‘CeaseFire’ stands out by showing what respectful, principled conversation looks like.”
“Like sands through the hourglass,” radio’s talk format was an early 1990s Revolution. Now – like the AM band it buttressed as long as possible – WHAT IF…
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
The Radio Television Digital News Association announces the winners of the 2025 national Edward R.
Murrow Awards for Television, Radio and Digital news operations at the network, large market and small market levels. Radio Network winners include ABC News, NPR and Canada’s CBC. Radio station winners include: KMOX, St. Louis; WSB, Atlanta; WTOP, Washington; and WWNC, Asheville. The presentation of the awards will take place on October 13 at Gotham Hall in New York City. See all the winners here.
Former longtime KMJ, Fresno news anchor Ron McCary died on Friday (8/15) at the age of 80. According to the station, McCary served with KMJ for almost two decades as a news anchor, traffic reporter, and
anchor of the agriculture report. McCary also taught high school locally and served as a substitute teach until his retirement in 2018. KMJ says, “McCary’s background as an English teacher gave him a solid foundation as a reporter. KMJ staff could turn to him for his historical knowledge, a valuable asset and vital to a newsroom. His command of the English language was equally impressive and he often corrected bemused coworkers and hosts for any grammatical infractions.”
Good Karma Brands’ KSPN-AM “ESPN Los Angeles” extends its partnership with the NFL’s Los Angeles
Rams. ESPN LA VP and market manager Sam Pines says, “The Los Angeles Rams are one of the most exciting and dynamic franchises in the NFL, and we are proud to be their partner and the radio home. This partnership allows us to deliver unmatched access, exclusive content, and the passionate game-day energy Rams fans deserve on the radio, online, on our app, and everywhere else they connect with us and our talent.”
University of Washington Athletics and Huskies Sports Properties today (8/15) announced a multi-year extension of their partnership with iHeartMedia Seattle, strengthening iHeart’s role as Washington’s flagship radio partner.
iHeartMedia Seattle – home to Sports Radio 93.3 KJR FM and 950 KJR AM as well as Washington Athletics – have forged a powerful partnership over the last five years. As part of the expanded agreement, iHeartMedia Seattle will continue to serve as the premier radio destination for Husky sports, bringing football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball coverage to fans across the region.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/11-15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Trump-Putin Summit / Russia Ukraine War
2. Trump Tariffs / Economy / Social Security
3. Texas Redistricting Battle
4. Israel-Gaza War
5. The Epstein Files
6. National Guard in Washington, DC
7. ICE Raids
8. DOJ’s Trump-Russia Investigation
9. Artificial Intelligence
10.Trump Lincoln Center Plans / Melania to Sue Hunter Biden
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
3. Benjamin Netanyahu
4. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
5. Greg Abbott
6. Kristi Noem / Pam Bondi
7. Xi Jinping / Narendra Modi
8. Sam Altman / Elon Musk
9. Sylvester Stallone / Gloria Gaynor / KISS
10.Barack Obama / Joe Biden / Melania Trump / Hunter Biden
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
Artificial intelligence now makes it possible to replicate a human voice with striking accuracy. For broadcasters, podcasters, and content creators, the central question is: When does using or imitating a voice become a legal problem? The answer depends on the person being imitated, the purpose of the use, and the rights attached to that voice. Below is a six-bucket framework to help evaluate the risk.
Bucket 1 – Human Imitation of a Living Person
Example: In Midler v. Ford Motor Co. (1988), Ford hired a singer to imitate Bette Midler’s voice for a commercial after she declined. Legal focus: Right of publicity, false endorsement, misappropriation of identity. Risk: High – especially for commercial use without parody or commentary.
Bucket 2 – AI Cloning of a Living Person
Example: AI trained on hours of a broadcaster’s work generates new scripts in that broadcaster’s voice. Legal focus: Same as Bucket 1, plus emerging AI laws in several states. Risk: Very high – AI makes imitation faster, more precise, and harder to defend as coincidental.
Bucket 3 – AI Cloning of a Deceased Person Within Post-Mortem Publicity Window
Example: An AI-generated George Carlin special, written by humans but performed in a Carlin voice model. Legal focus: Post-mortem right of publicity, lasting 20–100 years depending on the state. Risk: High without estate authorization, even if marketed as a tribute.
Bucket 4 – Historical/Public Domain Figures
Example: Voicing George Washington in an original script. Legal focus: Minimal – rights generally end at death and do not extend for centuries. Risk: Low unless portrayal implies a false endorsement of a current product or service.
Bucket 5 – Corporate Library Owner Using AI to Create New Content
Example: A company acquires a complete host archive, such as Howard Stern’s, and uses AI to create new programming in that voice. Legal focus: Copyright in recordings is separate from publicity rights in the voice. Owning the archive does not automatically permit new performances in that voice. Risk: High without explicit contractual rights to name, likeness, and voice for future works.
Bucket 6 – Inspired-By Voice Not Clearly Identifiable as a Specific Person
Example: An AI voice styled as “a gravelly, old-school talk radio host” without matching a real person. Legal focus: Minimal unless resemblance convinces listeners it is a specific individual. Risk: Low to moderate, depending on closeness to a real identity.
Decision Path
Before using a recognizable voice, ask: 1. Is the person living or deceased? 2. If deceased, are they within their state’s post-mortem publicity period? 3. Is the voice a deliberate imitation? 4. Do you have written permission? 5. Is the purpose parody, commentary, or other transformative use?
Takeaways
Talent: Protect your voice rights in contracts, including AI uses. Buyers: Archive ownership does not guarantee the right to generate new voice content. Creators: Parody and commentary may help, but they are not blanket defenses. As voice cloning becomes more accessible, securing clear rights before production remains the safest path. The cost of permission is almost always less than the cost of defending a lawsuit.
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
New research from Audacy and Vision Insights reveals that the most passionate NFL fans aren’t just watching games – they’re living the NFL lifestyle through sports audio. Over 80% of NFL fans listening to sports talk radio, play-by-play, and sports podcasts identify as avid fans – outpacing TV viewers and social media followers. These listeners are also a marketer’s dream: higher incomes, more spending power, and deeper emotional connections to brands that support their teams. Audacy’s sports network claims to reach more monthly listeners than the next three competitors combined, making it the largest home for NFL diehards.
Please click here for full survey results.
Premiere Networks announced today (8/12) that “Verdict with Ted Cruz” has reached the 200th affiliate milestone with the addition of Audacy’s WRVA 1140 AM / 96.1 FM – Richmond’s News & Talk. Effective immediately, the weekly one-hour program joins the station in the 9:00 pm ET timeslot on Sundays. 
The program is hosted by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Premiere Networks-syndicated radio personality and podcaster Ben Ferguson who break down the most important news stories of the week and what they mean for Americans. “Verdict with Ted Cruz was first launched as a podcast in January 2020. Premiere Networks expanded the podcast into a weekly one-hour radio program for talk radio stations, which debuted on 100 stations in April 2025.
Independent (Starnes Media Group) nationally-syndicated radio host and KWAM, Memphis owner Todd Starnes delivered a keynote address at the 2025 Gun Owners of America Summit in Knoxville, Tennessee. Some 6,000 gun owners and defenders of the Second Amendment attended. GOA also hosted a signing for Starnes. His latest book is titled Star-Spangled Blessings: Devotions For Patriots.
FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez has made no secret of the fact that she’s horrified not by the merger itself but with Paramount’s acquiescence to the Trump Administration in seeking approval to merge with Skydance. Here is her statement in full: “Today marks the final chapter of a dark moment in our nation’s history. After months of cowardly capitulation, including an unprecedented payout to settle a meritless lawsuit in exchange for regulatory approval, Paramount and Skydance have completed their merger, and ‘New Paramount’ will be created.
“This will be a new company, born in shame after trading away fundamental First Amendment principles in
pursuit of pure profit. It embraced this Administration’s radical notion that discriminatory behavior should be tolerated and even embraced, while efforts to expand opportunity for everyone should be rejected.
“More alarmingly, the company agreed to never-before-seen forms of government control over newsroom decisions and editorial judgment – actions that violate both the First Amendment and the law. A government-sanctioned ‘truth arbiter’ will soon arrive at CBS. Their role will be to ensure that journalists at CBS do not criticize this Administration or express views that conflict with its agenda. That should alarm anyone who values the core democratic principle of a free and independent press.
“All of this is being carried out under the guise of combating so-called ‘media bias,’ a term which, in practice, appears to encompass anything or anyone who disagrees with this Administration. Never mind that those now feigning concern over media bias are the same individuals who have spent the past decade attacking the press and sowing public distrust in journalism. And even if such bias did exist to the extent they claim, the last entity the American people should entrust with defining or policing it is the federal government.
“Sadly, this will not be the end of this Administration’s campaign of intervention in media to silence critics, gain favorable coverage, and impose ideological conformity on newsrooms that should remain independent. With longstanding institutions like CBS compromised in this way, it will be up to us – as citizens – to hold this Administration accountable for its abuses.
“I urge others to take notice and find their courage. And I will continue to call out cowardly corporate capitulation for what it is: a betrayal – not just of journalistic independence, but of the public trust.
“Because if the First Amendment is to mean anything at all, it must mean that no government –regardless of party – gets to decide what is true, who gets heard, or which voices are silenced.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) are some 20% of the U.S. population, but control more than 50% of all household wealth. They hold $70+ trillion in assets and spend an estimated $548 billion annually. They are lifelong AM/FM listeners, and they’re redefining what life after 60 looks like. Are you into what they’re up to?
Some are having the time of their lives. Others are confronting new realities. All are seeking relevance, respect, and real-world information. Consider these issues for call-in topics and guest interviews and podcasts. Possibly a sponsored series?
Lifestyle & Purpose
— “How to Make Your Bucket List Actually Happen”
— “Finding Purpose Beyond the 9 to 5”
— “Encore Careers That Start with a Volunteer Gig”
Health & Wellness
— “Sleep After 60: What Changes and What Helps”
— “The Foods That Fight Brain Fog”
— “Fitness Without the Injuries: Smarter Workouts After 50”
Financial Confidence
— “How Much is Enough? Retirement Planning Backwards”
— “Social Security Myths That Could Cost You”
— “Turning Your Home into Income” (downsizing, ADUs, Airbnb)
— “Helping Without Hurting: When Adult Kids Need Financial Help”
Freedom & Adventure
— “How to Travel More for Less”
— “National Parks Over 60: Hidden Gems and Senior Pass Tips”
— “Cool Day Trips”
Home & Relationships
— “Downsize Without Drama”
— “Living With – or Near – Your Kids: Pros, Cons & Boundaries”
— “Home Safety Upgrades You’ll Be Glad You Made”
— “The Second Time-Around Marriage: Legal & Emotional Realities”
— “Grandparenting Without Overstepping”
Learning & Creativity
— “The Science of Lifelong Learning: Why Your Brain Craves It”
— “It’s Never Too Late to Learn an Instrument (or a Language)”
— “Turning Your Life Story Into a Book – Or a Podcast”
— “Digital Detox: How to Stay Connected Without Feeling Glued”
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
Data from a Katz Radio survey of consumers who eat fast food from quick service restaurants (QSRs) at least once a week, are highly responsive to radio messaging. Katz says its study indicates that “radio is an ideal platform for interest among receptive and responsive fast food consumers. It plays a foundational
role in the decision-making journey, often sparking the craving before any digital ad or social scroll can. In fact, the survey shows a measurable lift in intent: consumers targeted by radio campaigns were 4% and 7% more likely to visit, reinforcing radio’s power to drive foot traffic.” Further, the study shows that “89% reported making last-minute meal decisions while in the car—right in radio’s sweet spot. Additionally, 84% believe it’s smart for fast food restaurants to use radio advertising to inform customers about menu items and deals. And notably, 82% admitted that simply hearing ads about food can make them feel hungry, highlighting radio’s unique ability to trigger cravings and drive immediate action.” Read more here.
Audacy flips alternative WSFS-FM, Miramar, Florida – between Miami and Fort Lauderdale – to a simulcast of its Miami sports talker WQAM and is petitioning the FCC to change the calls to WQAM-FM.
The station is at 104.3 FM and boasts a 100,000-watt signal. Audacy regional president Claudia Menegus says, “Miami’s sports fans have an unrivaled passion, and they deserve a destination that matches their energy. By adding this powerful FM signal, we’re not just expanding our reach – we’re solidifying WQAM’s position as the undisputed leader in South Florida sports radio.” The weekday lineup consists of “The Joe Rose Show with Hollywood” (6:00 am to 10:00 am), “Tobin & Leroy” (10:00 am to 2:00 pm) and “Hochman, Crowder & Solana” (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm).
According to a report in The Gazette, KZIA Inc.’s sports talk KGYM-AM, Cedar Rapids, Iowa is canceling two local programs for financial reasons. “The Todd Brommelkamp Show” (6:30 am to 9:00 am) and the
“Gym Class” with Scott Unash and Mark Dukes (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) did their last shows this week. The local show “Spencer on Sports” with Spencer Wagen will continue in its 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot. KZIA Inc. CEO Julie Hein is quoted saying, “Like a lot of media, including your, and national TV and local TV, restaurants, factories, we are experiencing some economic changes. I hope there is a rebound. Scott Unash and Mark Dukes have been legends in this market for decades and have done amazing things for sports in the Corridor. Todd Brommelkamp, to me, was a breath of fresh air and a real leader in talking about the Hawkeyes and all kinds of great things. I adore all of them and I am forever a fan of all three men.” Read The Gazette story here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/4-8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Trump Tariffs
2. The Economy / Fed Policy
3. Texas Redistricting Battle
4. Potential Trump-Putin Meeting
5. The Epstein Files
6. Fort Stewart Shooting
7. ICE Raids / Detention Camp Plans
8. Israel-Gaza War
9. DOJ’s Trump-Russia Investigation
10.Sydney Sweeney Controversy
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jerome Powell
3. Greg Abbott
4. Vladimir Putin
5. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
6. Quornelius Radford
7. Kristi Noem
8. Pam Bondi
9. Benjamin Netanyahu
10.Sydney Sweeney
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Cumulus Media reveals operating results for the second quarter of 2025 and reports net revenue of $186 million, a decline of 9.2% from the same period in 2024. The company’s net loss shrunk to $12.8 million compared to the $27.7 million it reported in Q2 of 2024. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner
says, “While the advertising backdrop for legacy media remains challenging, in the quarter we continued to outperform our radio peers, gaining market share across all broadcast spot revenue channels. We also significantly outperformed in digital, delivering double the growth rate of our radio peers, driven by the 38% year-over-year increase in our digital marketing services business. Additionally, we executed $5 million of annualized cost reductions, bringing total annualized cost reductions to $175 million over the last 5 years. These results underscore our disciplined focus on optimizing performance and investing in growth opportunities despite capital constraints. Looking ahead, while we do not expect near-term relief from market headwinds, we are confident in our ability to position the business for long-term success through strong execution and by capitalizing on the Company’s valuable underlying assets.”
WGN Radio morning drive sports anchor Dave Eanet is retiring from his role on the Bob Sirott morning show. The station announces that Andy Masur will assume the sports anchor position effective August 28. Eanet is not retiring from broadcasting as he’ll continue as play-by-play voice for Northwestern Wildcat
football and men’s basketball games broadcast on WGN and he’ll also serve as a fill-in anchor on the WGN-TV sports desk. Eanet says, “Can’t believe it’s been 41 years since I first set foot in the WGN studios. As I close this chapter of my career, 
the word that comes to mind is ‘grateful.’ I’m so thankful to the entire WGN family for their friendship and support over the years. It’s not just the names you know, but the entire crew on and off the air. I’m forever indebted to the managers, engineers, producers, newspeople, sales team, and all the others who have made WGN such a special place to work. Most of all, I’m thankful to the listeners who have a special relationship with this station.” WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “I am thrilled to share that our own Andy Masur will assume morning show sports duties going forward. Andy is a talented broadcaster who has built a rapport with the WGN Radio audience as a regular fill-in for Dave and as our weekend sports anchor. We are lucky to have him.”