Pictured here is USA Radio nationally syndicated talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root showing off the style that has named to the 14th Annual International Best Dressed List. He joins other notables on this year’s list including Melania Trump, President Joe Biden, and new Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Root’s style was described as “former President Donald Trump’s New York-style of dressing meets Vegas flair!”
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct John Knicely, Kevin Kugler, Steve Lundy and Ken Siemek into the NBA Hall of Fame on August 11. Kevin Kugler began his career KAWL, York and hosted “Big
Red Wrap Up” and other programs on Nebraska Educational Television. He hosted “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” on Omaha’s KOZN for 12 years. As a play-by-play announcer for FOX, he’s called more than 100 NFL games since 2020 along with college basketball, Major League Baseball, the UFL and other events. Steve Lundy has worked at some of Nebraska’s legendary radio stations, including KOIL, KKAR, and KLIN.
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
TALKERS magazine, the leading trade publication serving America’s professional broadcast talk radio and associated digital communities since 1990, is pleased to participate as the presenting sponsor of the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference for the second consecutive year.
IBS NYC 2026 – America’s preeminent annual college radio and media gathering – will take place February 19-21 at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in midtown Manhattan. The non-profit, volunteer-driven, IBS has been diligently serving student broadcasters since 1940, and its services are needed today more than ever.
Campus broadcasting continues to take on growing importance as the radio industry (and its related fields) seeks to connect with and develop a next generation of professional practitioners as well as engaged audiences. TALKERS is honored to again provide financial support, encouragement, experience, and advice to the dedicated organizers of this very special event.
We highly recommend that radio and media professionals attend this dynamic gathering because the grass roots future of the field oozes out of its content-rich meeting rooms, exhibition areas, and hallways. It provides fertile ground at which to network with almost a thousand wide-eyed up and coming stars in both talent and management – the next generation of professional industry movers and shakers. From the high school, college, and university perspective, the fact that it continues to be a must-attend conference for dedicated students of communication and professional media hopefuls remains a self-evident truth. Here, in the early stages of the second quarter of the 21st century, everybody’s in show biz and everybody’s a star. To quote Ray Davies, “There are stars in every city, in every house and on every street.”
The skills of modern communication are a vocational necessity well beyond entering a career in radio, TV or podcasting. The abilities to produce a podcast, YouTube video, social media campaign, cogent press release, or “talk show” constitute a minimal level of modern age literacy needed in almost all fields of endeavor going forward.
Since its launch nearly four decades ago, TALKERS magazine has been a potent presence at the intersection of media creation, education, and accountability. That’s why our support of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference isn’t just symbolic – it’s practical.
The next generation of broadcasters, podcasters, digital hosts, producers, and media entrepreneurs is already building the future of this industry. IBS has been helping them do that – consistently, seriously, and without shortcuts – for decades.
Campus stations are often where experimentation happens first:
IBS recognizes that reality and treats student media creators with the same seriousness the industry demands at the professional level. This aligns directly with our TALKERS mission: supporting informed, responsible, creative media across emerging platforms.
We’re not simply sponsoring a conference. We’re investing in the people who will define the next era of media.
For more information on the 2026 IBS conference, please click HERE.
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.
LEVAS Communications’ urban talk WURD, Philadelphia is launching a listener support campaign with the stated goal of raising $100,000. The station says, “WURD Radio, the only Black-owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania and a vital voice for the Black community, is proud to announce the launch of its “STAND WITH WURD” listener support
campaign. Running throughout February, this critical initiative coincides with the historic 100th anniversary of Black History Month. In an era where Black media faces unprecedented challenges — algorithms that actively silence Black voices, deep fakes and misinformation targeting our communities, and the actual arrest of Black journalists — WURD Radio is an independent platform that remains so due in large part to listener support.” WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax states, “WURD is a place for critical conversations and truth-telling. If we want to preserve Black history, we must preserve WURD. We are watching a coordinated effort to erase our history and silence our people. We cannot let that happen.”
Two days ago, TALKERS reported that WIBC, Indianapolis late morning host Rob Kendall had been ordered off the air at the Urban One news/talker but was still on the payroll. Now, TALKERS learns via Kendall’s Facebook post that he has been let go. He writes I his post: “Today was my last day as a part of 93.1 WIBC. I want to thank the literally hundreds of thousands of you who became a part of my radio family the
last 9 years. Being your voice, using my platform to speak up for you, to take on the powerful, the connected, the politicians, has been the greatest honor of my professional life. You have responded with incredible ratings and support of our advertisers that stood behind me. In the process we have formed an unbreakable bond. In the end, the show was always about us. In a battle together. I also want to thank those of you who have written letters in support of me the last 3 weeks. I was so moved by the outcry demanding this beautiful thing we’ve forged together keep going at the place we made it happen. If you want the answers why it will not occur, that’s a question for Urban One. We have some amazing things coming soon! Our bond is so much bigger than any singular platform or frequency. You have proven that in recent weeks. I can’t wait to tell you all about our new opportunities together in the near future. In the meantime, thank you for all YOU have given to me the last 9 years. Your loyalty and dedication allowed me to live out my boyhood dream. I will never be able to thank you enough.” Kendall hasn’t publicized his plans for the future but appears to be leaning toward a digital platform as he’s continuing to post Indiana and Indianapolis news via social media.
KDKA Radio personality Chris Moore is retiring from the Audacy news/talk station after his last show on February 15. Moore delivered the news to his audience on his 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Sunday program. He
said, “Having our meaningful discussions about world and local issues, as well as more mundane issues with you has been one of the highlights of my career.” In a piece posted to KDKA’s website, the station says Moore’s health and mobility issues, combined with the recent winter weather forced him to consider his future. “‘The Moore of Pittsburgh’ has been a local weekend staple since 1994 and Chris has provided countless hours of entertaining radio that made listeners smile, think and participate.” Moore is also the founder and co-chairperson of the educational committee of the Frank Bolden Urban Journalism Workshop of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation where a Chris Moore Internship was named in his honor in 2024.
WIBC-FM, Indianapolis late morning personality Rob Kendall has been off of the “Casey and Kendall” show – co-hosted with Casey Daniels – since January 15. Kendall tells the Indianapolis Star he thinks it’s a
contract dispute Urban One management but he’s not exactly sure why. Kendall’s contract expired in October and his attorney Jay Kanzler says the problem is not about money. He tells the Star, “It’s not like he walked in there and demanded more money. People are scratching their heads.” Kendall began speaking with management prior to his October contract date asking “to discuss new marketing ideas and flexibility in his role in a challenging radio industry.” When those efforts failed, he hired Kanzler who reached out to management. But, Kendall and Kanzler say neither of them have heard back from the company. Read the Indy Star piece here.
The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Ernest A. Liebre, SVP and institutional financial advisor at CAPTRUST, is named
the recipient of the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award. BFoA Chair Scott Herman says, “Ernest exemplifies the values at the heart of the Broadcasters Foundation — generosity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. His dedication to our mission and his longstanding support of the broadcasting community make him an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award.”
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was a guest on 77WABC Radio owner John Catsimatidis’ “Cats Roundtable” show last month and during that appearance Catsimatidis told Cuomo, “I hear you may be
talking a little bit more on WABC radio in the near future.” That has become reality as Red Apple Media announces the launch of “The Pulse of the People,” starring Cuomo. The one-hour show premiered yesterday (2/1) at 5:00 pm. Catsimatidis states, “Today on WABC Radio we are introducing a new program, ‘The Pulse of the People,’ hosted by former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The show will focus on listener calls and open discussion about the issues, concerns, and views of New Yorkers. WABC Radio believes in bipartisan conversation and thoughtful discussion of solutions, and we invite listeners to tune in and be part of the discussion.” Cuomo comments, “This is a moment when our country has rarely felt more divided, politics more polarizing, and public discourse more toxic. ‘The Pulse of the People’ is about cutting through the noise and the rancor to have real, substantive, fact-based conversations about the issues that actually affect people’s lives. I’ve spent my career focused on making government work and getting results, and that’s the same straightforward, problem-solving approach I’ll bring to this program.”
January 31 marked the 35th anniversary of local real estate businessman-turned-broadcaster Michael “MZ” Zwerling‘s purchase of KSCO-AM 1080, Santa Cruz. Zwerling, pictured below with Amy Hau, his life partner and co-host on KSCO’s “Saturday Special,” grew up
listening to the 10k flamethrower, with a history dating back to 1947, that blankets the Santa Cruz / Monterey / Salinas market and most of the Central California coast. Since acquiring the station, Zwerling has operated it hands-on as a conservative-leaning news-talker featuring a carefully crafted balance between local programming with a parade of hometown personalities (including local superstar Dave Michaels) and a menu of leading syndicated talent. It was one of the original affiliates of Rush Limbaugh and carried the iconic show until his passing in 2021. Zwerling tells 
TALKERS, “Back then I was 39 years old and never dreamed I’d last this long as a real broadcaster.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison – a longtime fan of KSCO – stated, “Congratulations to Michael Zwerling and all the folks at one of America’s most colorful radio stations, for keeping the spirit of independent local broadcasting alive through the many obstacles and changes that have proven challenging for the practitioners of this wonderful industry. They are champions of a major slice of grassroots Americana represented by the modern era of talk radio.” Today, KSCO maintains its powerful presence in the world-famous market at 1080 AM with the addition of three FM translator signals at 104.1, 95.7, and 107.9. The station still broadcasts from a historic art deco building located on the beach in Santa Cruz and continues to surprise its listeners with unexpected twists and turns in what Harrison describes as “one of radio’s longest running reality shows.”
Bonneville’s KIRO Newsradio in Seattls is adding Radio America’s nationally syndicated “Chad Benson Show” to its daily lineup, airing from
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm beginning tonight (2/2). KIRO-FM director of news and talk programming Bryan Buckalew states, “Chad has a unique ability to break down complex issues in a way that’s engaging and accessible. He respects the intelligence of the audience, values facts, and understands how to connect with listeners in a meaningful way. He’s a strong addition to our evening programming.”
According to a piece in The Hollywood Reporter, the Federal Communications Commission’s recent Guidance on Equal Opportunity Issues was pointed toward broadcast TV license holders and not radio is because, as FCC chairman Brendan Carr states, “There wasn’t a relevant precedent that we saw that was being misconstrued on the radio side as
that wasn’t part of anything in that decision. It was focused on the potential misreading of precedents on the broadcast TV side. Of course, as you know, the rule applies to broadcast, radio and TV, but that one was focused on those TV precedents.” The memo to broadcast TV was relative to the 1996 bona fide news interview exemption that came about in the wake of an interview Jay Leno did with then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on “The Tonight Show.” The FCC Media Bureau ruled that “The Tonight Show” did not have to give Schwarzenegger’s opponent equal time because that interview segment qualified as a bona fide news interview. This matter doesn’t seem to be a big one for news/talk radio since news/talk stations are viewed as news outlets, on top of the fact that most talk radio hosts would love the opportunity to interview candidates with whom they might not personally agree. See The Hollywood Reporter story here.
iHeartMedia and the Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar announce that iHeartPodcasts will be the official podcast partner for the 2026 Web Summit Qatar. The third edition of Web Summit Qatar is expected to bring more than 30,000 technology and business leaders,
founders, world-leading investors, media and more than 1,600 startups to the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from February 1-4. iHeart Media says that this year’s Centre Stage sessions will welcome Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group along with other leading podcast talent including Questlove, host of “The Questlove Show”; Steven Bartlett, host of the podcast “The Diary of a CEO”; Arabic sensation Islam Fawzy and more. The event will also serve as the official launch of iHeartArabi, iHeartPodcasts Arabic show slate. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “At iHeart we believe in fostering conversations that lead to creative and innovative ideas and solutions, and our partnership with the GCO continues to expand the boundaries of podcasting. Our goal is to work together to generate the kind of discussions and interactions that enhance and grow the future of this medium for audiences everywhere.”
According to the Daily Herald, officials in suburban Elk Grove Village are extending the deadline to begin construction on a data center campus on the current site of WGN-AM, Chicago’s broadcast towers. The original deal
required that construction was to have begun in 2025, but village officials agreed to push the deadline back to September of 2017. The Daily Herald story reports, “Nexstar Media Group’s original plans called for selling off the southern 35 acres of the 102-acre property for a three-building data center campus, ancillary electrical substation, and six public pickleball courts to be leased to the Elk Grove Park District. The primary 750-foot radio tower and its 250-foot backup were to be demolished, replaced and relocated slightly to the north, while the small building that houses the station’s transmitters and backup studio would have remained intact.” Nexstar says the transmitter move would not affect listeners’ ability to hear the station. See the Daily Herald story here.
SiriusXM Reveals Super Week Programming. SiriusXM says it is presenting comprehensive coverage of Super Bowl LX Week from San Francisco next week. Subscribers will get multiple game broadcasts, a dedicated pop-up channel, plus exclusive live sports and entertainment programming originating from the Super Bowl LX Media Center.
Benztown Offering Free Winter Games AudioPack. Benztown is offering radio stations its Winter Games AudioPack at no charge. Benztown says it “brings the excitement and action of the upcoming Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 to stations and includes sound effects, music beds, and sweepers – everything stations need to quickly produce timely, high impact imaging that will take their listeners to Italy for all the Olympic feels and chills.”
FOX Sports Radio says it will be on location at the media center at
Moscone Center in San Francisco next week (February 2-6) for the 26th annual Super Week. Shows originating from San Francisco will include “Stugotz and Company LIVE!,” “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox,” “Covino & Rich,” and “The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington.” The “Dan Patrick Show” will broadcast live from China Basin Park.
“America Tonight with Kate Delaney” adds new affiliate stations as Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis is now airing the program from 12:00 midnight to 2:00 am as is Genesis Communications’ WHBO-AM, Tampa.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces that the Radio Hall of Fame is accepting suggestions for 2026 nominees beginning February 1 through March 31. The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in Chicago at the Fairmont Chicago Hotel on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Find out more here.
WABC, New York morning drive personality Sid Rosenberg celebrated his 10-year anniversary on the station with a special seven-hour live broadcast from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm broadcast from WABC’s Studio 77 event space. Joining Rosenberg live on the air were Red Apple Media and WABC owners John and Margo Catsimatidis. Special guests via phone included President Donald Trump, Lara Trump, Sean Hannity, Bruce Blakeman, Bill O’Reilly, Charles McCord, and more. In addition to the celebration of Rosenberg’s 10 years, New York State Broadcasters Association president Dave Donovan honored Rosenberg with the organization’s Service to New York Award. Rosenberg comments, “Ten years at WABC has been the honor of my career. This station gave me a microphone, a family, and the freedom to be unapologetically myself every morning. I’m incredibly grateful to John and Margo Catsimatidis, Chad Lopez, and the entire WABC team for believing in me, and to the listeners who’ve been with me through every high and low. This anniversary isn’t about looking back — it’s about how much more we’re going to do together.”
JVC Broadcasting’s Spanish talk WLIM-AM/W227CL “EnVivo 93.3FM and 1440AM” announces the return of the Latino Business Awards. The station says that “following the success of its inaugural year, the 2026 awards will
once again bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners who are making a powerful impact across Long Island.” The 2026 Latino Business Awards Gala will take place on May 14 at Stereo Garden in Patchogue, New York. JVC Broadcasting CEO John Caracciolo says, “Latino-owned businesses are essential to the strength and growth of our local economy. Through the Latino Business Awards, we proudly highlight the entrepreneurs whose dedication, innovation, and leadership continue to move our communities forward.” Station operations manager Ana María Carballo adds, “These awards go beyond recognition — they tell the story of perseverance, sacrifice, and success behind every Latino-owned business. We are honored to provide a platform that celebrates their contributions and inspires future generations of entrepreneurs.”
KFXN, Minneapolis “KFAN” late morning host and Minnesota Vikings play-by-play voice Paul Allen is off the air at the iHeartMedia sports talk outlet after apologizing for comments he made on Friday (1/23) about ICE protesters. During a discussion with former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway and Vikings beat reporter Alec Lewis, Allen veered into
politics. It started with addressing the freezing weather with Allen bringing up exploding trees. Then he said, “I’m beginning to wonder if, in conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay? Those are the things that I’ve been thinking about this morning.” Greenway said, “Yeah, probably not going to touch that one,” then Allen added, “Everybody’s catching strays this week. Flores, Kevin Stefanski from Baker, Charlie Biatch caught one out of nowhere. Paid protesters caught one this morning.” Prior to Monday’s program, KFAN aired Allen’s apology in which he said, in part, “While it was never meant with any ill intent or political affront, I absolutely and wholeheartedly want to apologize to those who genuinely were hurt or offended by it… As I’ve stated many times before, we serve you, not the other way around. We are very fortunate and thank you for counting on us as long as you have. It means more than you’ll ever know. My best was lacking Friday, and for that I am sorry. I am taking a few days off but wanted to express these thoughts and my sincere apology, with you, before I do.” It’s unclear whether Allen is serving an official suspension by station management and how long he’ll be off the air.
Don’t miss this deep-dive analysis of the “dumbing down of America” as WPHT, Philadelphia midday host (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) Dom Giordano joins Michael Harrison as this week’s guest on the YouTube TALKERS Media Channel’s “Up Close Far Out.” Recognized as one of the most important radio talk show hosts in America for almost four decades,
Giordano is a political commentator, social generalist and seasoned expert on education. He is a former Pennsylvania-based schoolteacher whose keen insights, innovative ideas, and communication skills were discovered by talk radio in Philadelphia in 1987 when, after serving as a dependable “go-to” source on education, he became a fulltime host on WWDB-FM. In 2000, he moved over to powerhouse WPHT 1210 am in Philly where he has been broadcasting ever since. In addition to his enduring radio presence, Giordano hosts several podcasts including the groundbreaking “Old School, New School, Next School” which takes a critical-but-constructive view of America’s education crisis and is must-listening for parents who care about their kids and the future of America. Get ready for a no-holds-barred view of such hot topics as school choice, the tyranny of social media, the distraction of smart phones, short term attention spans, bullying, the threat of guns and violence, responsible parenting, media complacency, and a whole lot more. View the conversation in its entirety here.
Bonneville’s conservative talk KTTH, Seattle “Seattle Red” adds Salem Radio Network’s Scott Jennings to its lineup airing from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Station program director Jason Antebi says, “Scott Jennings
is a fearless communicator with unmatched credibility. His experience, intelligence, and no-nonsense delivery make him a strong addition to our primetime lineup. Scott doesn’t just react to the news — he shapes the conversation and arms listeners with insight they can use.” Jennings comments, “I’m thrilled to join the lineup at Seattle Red! My mission is to debunk liberal narratives, bring forward blockbuster news-making conversations, and give the audience a daily dose of common sense. Can’t wait to be part of this terrific station!”
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
The plague of pessimism about the future of radio is fueled internally by radio employees. Doomsayers are logically found in the sales department. All day, salespeople meet with buyers. A buyer’s job is to negotiate a lower price by arguing radio’s negatives. The wall of negativity thrives within the work environment of a seller. Tough. But there is little or no reason for pessimism.
Kevin O’ Leary (a.k.a. “Mr. Wonderful” on TV’s Shark Tank) is a pragmatic investor. When asked about AI’s impact on radio, he says, “It’s the same phobia we had when television hit radio. ‘Oh, it’s going to decimate radio!’ No, it’s not. The art form exists today, even bigger, terrestrial, and in space. To me, AI is just a tool.” (Variety. January 5, 2026)
Surprising to many, radio’s audience numbers today are virtually the same as they were in 1970.
Radio Listenership Today (2020s)
Weekly Reach: As of 2022–2023, approximately 82% to 88% of Americans aged 12 and older listen to terrestrial (AM/FM) radio in a given week.
Monthly Reach: Nielsen data indicates that AM/FM radio reaches 91% of U.S. adults each month.
Daily Listening: Approximately 66% of U.S. adults listen to broadcast or streaming AM/FM radio on a daily basis.
Resiliency: Despite the rise of podcasts and music streaming, 55% of Gen Z in the U.S. still listen to AM/FM radio every day, and it remains the top reach medium, even exceeding social media.
1970s: The era of AM to FM transition and the peak of top-40 terrestrial radio, with 25 million CB radios also becoming popular in the mid-70s.
Today: While reach is still high, the amount of time spent listening is more fragmented, with radio facing competition from streaming (Spotify/Apple Music) and podcasts, although it remains the dominant ad-supported audio choice in cars.
CB radio, cassettes, 8-tracks, CDs, DVDs, Walkman, iTunes, iPhones, SiriusXM, Spotify, podcasts, Pandora… all terminators of radio. None of them made a dent. The killer of radio will be radio’s odd internal pessimism that while predicting doom that never comes drives actions that are suicidal: Elimination of audience qualitative research. Tracking. More Tracking. (Radio Fracking!) No external marketing. Endless talent cuts. No contests. (A $1,000 national contest WOW!) None of those cuts are good business because they cut potential revenues.
And yet there is a relentless, funded determination to end all FCC ownership caps allowing companies to buy more radio stations to operate with great Panglossian efficiency!
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.
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
For years, “protect your name and likeness” sounded like lawyer advice in search of a problem. Abstract. Defensive. Easy to ignore. That worked when misuse required effort, intent, and a human decision-maker willing to cross a line.
AI changed that.
When Matthew McConaughey began trademarking his name and persona-linked phrases (“alright, alright, alright”), it was not celebrity vanity. It was an acknowledgment that identity has become a transferable commodity, whether the person attached to it consents or not.
A voice is no longer just expressive. It is functional. It can be sampled, trained, replicated, and redeployed at scale. Not as a parody. Not as commentary. As a substitute. When a synthetic version of you can narrate ads, read copy, or deliver endorsements you never approved, the injury is not hypothetical. It is economic.
We have already seen this play out. In the past two years, synthetic versions of well-known voices have been used to sell products the real person never endorsed, often through social media ad networks. These were not deep-fake jokes or parody videos. They were commercial voice reads. The pitch was simple: if it sounds credible, it converts. By the time the real speaker objected, the ad had already run, the money had moved, and responsibility had dissolved into a stack of platform disclaimers.
This is where many creators misunderstand trademark law. They think it is about logos and merchandise. It is not. Trademarks protect source identification. Meaning, if the public associates a name, phrase, or expression with you as the origin, that association has legal weight. McConaughey’s filings reflect that reality. Certain phrases signal him instantly. That signaling function has value, and trademark law is designed to prevent identity capture before confusion spreads.
Right of publicity laws still matter. They protect against unauthorized commercial use of name, image, and often voice. But they are largely reactive. Trademarks allow creators to draw boundaries in advance, before identity becomes unmoored from its source.
This is not a celebrity problem. Local radio hosts, podcasters, commentators, and long-form interviewers trade on recognition and trust every day. AI does not care about fame tiers. It cares about recognizable signals.
You do not need to trademark everything. You do need to know what actually signifies you, and decide whether to protect it, because in an AI-driven media economy, failing to define your identity does not preserve flexibility. It invites identity capture.
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.
Longtime Northeastern Ohio media figure Carey Coleman is exiting his evening talk show on WNIR-FM, Akron to run for U.S. Rep. in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. Before becoming at talk radio host,
Coleman was a television meteorologist who worked in the Cleveland market at WKYC-TV and WOIO-TV, as well as with The Weather Channel and CNN. Carey’s campaign website says “understands the real challenges facing working families: rising costs, government overreach, and a political system that puts insiders ahead of citizens. He is running for Congress to restore fiscal discipline, secure our borders, defend constitutional freedoms, support law enforcement, and ensure parents have a strong voice in their children’s education.”
Talk host Rich Valdés, who succeeded the late Jim Bohannon on the Westwood One network, announces his next move as he joins Global
Media Federation and its streaming network Festiva TV syndication partnership. The deal will make Valdés’ late-night show exclusively in Spanish to Roku’s 90 million+ subscribed households. Valdés’ English-language show continues to be available via iHeartRadio, and Valdés says he is “completely open to English syndication opportunities across terrestrial radio, cable television, and streaming platforms like Rumble—building on my ongoing work in those spaces.”
Retired WGN, Chicago journalist Steve Bertrand is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the RTDNA Foundation’s 2026 First Amendment Awards taking place at the Watergate Hotel in Washington on March 12. RTDNA says it “is celebrating Steve Bertrand
with the Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor designated contributions to local news. Bertrand has been a trusted voice on WGN Radio for four decades, anchoring news since 1992 and earning the confidence of generations of Chicago listeners. Over his career, he covered many of the most significant local and national events of the past 40 years while mentoring colleagues and helping define the standard for excellence in local radio journalism. His retirement in 2025 marks the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to informing the public and strengthening the role of local news.”
TALKERS magazine is pleased to announce that it will again serve as the presenting sponsor of the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference.
IBS NYC 2026 – America’s preeminent annual college radio and media
gathering – will take place February 19-21 at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in midtown Manhattan.
In making the announcement, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “Campus broadcasting continues to take on a growing importance as the radio industry (and its related fields) seeks to connect with and develop a new generation of professional practitioners as well as engaged audiences going further into the digital era. TALKERS is proud to be able to provide major financial support, encouragement, experience, and advice to the dedicated producers of this very special event for the second consecutive year. I highly recommend that radio and media professionals attend this dynamic gathering because the grass roots future of the field oozes out of its meeting rooms, exhibition areas, and hallways. It is a great gathering at which to network with almost a thousand up and coming stars in both talent and management.”
For general information please click HERE.
The event is extremely affordable. Attendees are encouraged to lock in the low rate of $139 (available until January 31) by clicking HERE.
A limited number of rooms at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel are available at only $199 per night. For rooms, please click HERE.
The powerful agenda is coming together. Check its development, thus far, by clicking HERE.
Continue to follow breaking news and details about IBS NYC 2026 during the days and weeks ahead here in TALKERS. Register now to take advantage of remarkable discounts for those that sign up early.
On the heels of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce last week in which he reiterated the Commission’s duty to enforce broadcast licensees’ obligations to
serve in the public interest, the FCC yesterday issued a Guidance on Political Equal Opportunities Requirement for Broadcast Television Stations. While the memorandum is written to television stations, it obvious applies to radio stations as well. The memo ultimately addresses the 1959 order that exempts broadcasters from providing equal time to qualified candidates on any: (1) bona fide newscast; (2) bona fide news interview; (3) bona fidenews documentary (if the appearance of the candidate is incidental to the presentation of the subject or subjects covered by the news documentary); or (4) on-the-spot coverage of bona fide news events (including but not limited to political conventions and activities incidental thereto). Programs such as “The Tonight Show” and “The View” are cited as entertainment shows in which an interview segment can qualify as a bona fide news interview. Regarding this, the memo concludes with two important paragraphs:
“Concerns have been raised that the industry has taken the Media Bureau’s 2006 staff-level decision to mean that the interview portion of all arguably similar entertainment programs whether late night or daytime—are exempted from the section 315 equal opportunities requirement under a bona fide news exemption. This is not the case. As noted above, these decisions are fact specific, and the exemptions are limited to the program that was the subject of the request.
Importantly, the FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption. Moreover, a program that is motivated by partisan purposes, for example, would not be entitled to an exemption under longstanding FCC precedent. Any program or station that wishes to obtain formal assurance that the equal opportunities requirement does not apply (in whole or in part) is encouraged to promptly file a petition for declaratory ruling that satisfies the statutory requirements for a bona fide news exemption.”
Las Vegas talk radio host Alan Stock joins the Antisemitism Working Group created by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and announced in December. Lombardo’s office says the Antisemitism Working Group “will
bring together leaders from Nevada’s Jewish community, educators, advocates, and law enforcement professionals to advise the governor on emerging challenges, community safety concerns, and long-term policy solutions.” Stock tells TALKERS, “The group will provide an important opportunity for Jewish community leaders to share their perspectives and ensure that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo hears directly from those affected as we work together to address antisemitism in Nevada. Policy recommendations will be due by April 15, shaping the agenda for Nevada’s 2027 legislative session.” Stock hosts his daily morning program “Vegas @ 8” on news/talk KXNT and produces commentaries that air three times per day on the Audacy station.
At last week’s appearance before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce, FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez testified about her concerns with
the way the commission is operating. She took issue with FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s interpretation of how the Commission should ensure that licensees operate in the public interest. She stated, “For months, this FCC has asserted an apparent roving mandate to police speech that this Administration does not like, invoking an undefined and unchecked concept known as the ‘public interest’ standard.
Instead of functioning as a principle intended to serve the public, this standard is being treated as a license to weigh in on content, viewpoint, and editorial judgment.
This is not what the FCC was created to do. The Commission’s job is not to police content, root out media bias, or guarantee favorable coverage for any administration. Its responsibility is to regulate communications infrastructure and markets, not censor the speech that flows through them.
The First Amendment protects against government interference with speech, and the Communications Act prohibits the FCC from engaging in censorship. In a free society, the government does not decide what speech is acceptable or aligned with its views. When the government’s media regulator claims the power to judge content or police bias, we move away from oversight and closer toward censorship and control.
That is why it is so important for the FCC to clearly define what it means by the public interest standard, something I have called on it to do repeatedly. It is also why Congress must insist on guardrails that prevent content-based regulation and protect against the FCC acting as an arbiter of speech.”