Industry News

Dr. Daliah Wachs Show Supports Magical Forest Charity Event

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Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk radio host Dr. Daliah Wachs with her show’s Christmas tree at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest event in Southern Nevada that runs from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Dr. Wachs tells TALKERS that Opportunity Village helps those with intellectual disabilities and their families through enrichment, empowerment, and employment programs and services. Sponsors like her decorate a tree that comprises a huge beautiful magical forest that serves as a major fundraiser for their programs and employment placement. She says, “It’s super cool and our show has helped support their mission for years. We create a ‘medical’ tree with an EKG sign and its one of our favorite local charities we support.”

Industry Views

TALKERS Exclusive: Why AM Radio Still Matters – And Why Cities Must Step Up to Save It

By Frank Morano
City Councilor
New York City 51st District
Staten Island

imgFor most of my life, the sound of an AM signal has been my constant companion. Long before I ever spoke into a microphone professionally, I was the kid hiding under the covers with a transistor radio, slowly turning the dial, discovering voices, ideas, communities, and worlds far beyond my bedroom. AM radio didn’t just shape my career – it shaped who I am.

That’s why, as both a lifelong AM radio listener and a longtime AM broadcaster (77WABC and WNYM-AM “970 The Answer”), I’m introducing legislation in the New York City Council to require that all City-owned and City-contracted vehicles continue to include functioning AM receivers. I’m proud of my work in government, but this one is personal. Because AM radio isn’t just entertainment or nostalgia – it’s infrastructure. It’s public safety. It’s the backbone of our emergency communications system. And it’s in danger.

When Everything Else Fails, AM Radio Doesn’t  

We don’t have to imagine what happens when modern communications collapse. We’ve lived it.

On September 11, 2001, when cell networks jammed almost immediately, millions of New Yorkers turned to AM radio for news, instructions, and reassurance.

In the 2003 Northeast Blackout, AM signals were among the very few communications systems still functioning across multiple states.

During Superstorm Sandy, when much of the region lost power and internet for days, AM remained a critical lifeline for emergency updates, evacuation information, and weather alerts.

These weren’t theoretical scenarios. They were real moments of crisis – and AM radio proved its value every single time.

When the lights go out, AM stays on. When cell networks are overwhelmed, AM cuts through. When the internet fails, AM continues broadcasting. It is the most resilient form of mass communication ever created, and FEMA and the National Weather Service still rely on AM frequencies for a reason: they reach people when nothing else can.

AM Radio Is Still the Soundtrack of America 

Beyond emergencies, AM radio remains woven into the cultural fabric of this country. It’s where Americans talk to each other – about politics, sports, faith, overnight oddities, neighborhood issues, and everything in between. It’s one of the last places where anyone can call in, join the conversation, and be part of a community.

The same AM dial that once carried the voices announcing D-Day, the moon landing, and the gritty street reporting of New York legends still carries the news, opinions, and debates that shape American life today. There is something uniquely democratic about the AM band: it is accessible, unpretentious, inexpensive, and available to everyone.

That’s worth preserving. Especially now, as some automakers – particularly in the electric vehicle space – phase AM radios out of new models, citing interference or cost concerns.

Cities and States Can Lead Where Washington Waits 

Congress is considering the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,” and I support it wholeheartedly. But federal action can take time. Cities and states can move faster.

New York City’s legislation can be a model:

  • If municipalities require AM receivers in the vehicles they procure…
  • If state governments do the same for their fleets…
  • And if enough jurisdictions stand firm…

Automakers will have no choice but to keep AM radio in every vehicle they sell.

Government can’t – and shouldn’t – tell anyone what to listen to. But we absolutely can ensure that the option to listen still exists. And that, when disaster strikes, the public can rely on a system proven over nearly a century to work under the toughest circumstances imaginable.

The Signal Must Go On 

AM radio isn’t a relic. It’s a lifeline. It’s a civic space. It’s one of the last great mediums that belongs to the people. As someone who owes much of his career – and much of his identity – to those airwaves, I feel a responsibility to protect them.

By acting locally here in New York City, I hope we inspire communities across the country to do the same. If we want the AM dial to be there for the next blackout, the next storm, or the next unthinkable moment, the time to act is now.

Because when everything else goes silent, AM radio still speaks.

And we need to make sure it always will. 

Frank Morano was recently elected City Councilor representing New York City’s 51st district. Prior to that he forged a distinguished career in talk radio at WABC and WNYM in New York. Councilor Morano can be reached via email at  frank@moranoforcouncil.com.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

MIW Announces Digital Sales Mentorship Program. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the second annual Digital Sales Mentorship Program designed to accelerate the growth and professional development of women in digital radio sales. It provides one exceptional female seller or manager with personalized, hands-on mentorship from an accomplished industry leader. The selected mentee will receive monthly one-on-one coaching from an experienced mentor, access to digital subject-matter experts, and targeted guidance across key areas of digital revenue strategy. Find out more and apply here.

WABC Presents Future of NYC Presser. Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York is presenting a live press conference at 11:00 am ET on the future of New York City under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. It’s being hosted by WABC’s Dominic Carter with panelists including Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis, former Governor David Paterson, political activist Fernando Mateo, and Kathryn Wylde president of the Partnership for NYC.

Industry News

Commissioner Gomez Criticizes FCC’s News Distortion Policy

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez releases a critique of what she is calling the Commission’s “improper use of the News Distortion policy.” She says, “The FCC does not have the authority, the ability, or the constitutional right to go after broadcasters for their news content. The Communications Act forbids the Commission from censoring broadcasters, and the Firstimg Amendment protects journalistic choices from government intimidation. Nevertheless, this FCC has deployed a vague and ineffective News Distortion policy as a weapon to stretch its licensing authority and pressure newsrooms. The First Amendment is a pillar of our democracy. As federal regulators, we must respect the rule of law, uphold the Constitution, and ensure that a free press is never subjected to regulatory interference by the FCC.” The FCC’s News Distortion Policy was created in 1949 and has been criticized from time to time over the years. It has rarely been invoked until now. A Petition for Special Relief before the FCC signed by 11 people, including former FCC Chairman Thomas E. Wheeler, asks that the Commission repeal the news distortion policy. They cite case law, saying, “In Moody v. NetChoice, LLC, the Supreme Court, applying the First Amendment, reaffirmed that the government has no role in ‘un-biasing’ the media. In direct contradiction to that decision, the news distortion policy seeks to mold the speech of private broadcasters to the FCC’s own view of what is correct, complete, and accurate news. The First Amendment forbids the government from embarking on such a project.”

Industry News

Saga Declares Dividend

Saga Communications’ board of directors declares a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share.img The dividend will be paid on December 12, 2025, to shareholders of record on November 24, 2025. The aggregate amount of the payment to be made in connection with the quarterly dividend will be approximately $1.6 million. The quarterly dividend will be funded by cash on the company’s balance sheet. Including this dividend, Saga Communications will have paid over $141 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012.

Industry News

JVC’s Food Fight Against Hunger Benefits Long Island Residents

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

Industry News

Salem Adds Kevin McCullough to SRN Afternoon Lineup

Salem Media Group announces that its Salem Radio Network is bringing Kevin McCullough’s “That KEVIN Show” to its daily schedule beginning November 24. It will air in the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET daypart, taking the place of “The Eric Metaxas Show.”  across SRN stations nationwide.img About his show, McCullough says, “‘That KEVIN Show’ doesn’t whisper opinions – it detonates them. In a media world allergic to truth and humor, we bring both, with a healthy dose of common sense. I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity to grow this show with the team at Salem, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.” McCullough is already in the Salem sphere as a columnist for Townhall.com and a regular contributor to the Salem News Channel and BizTV. Salem SVP of spoken word format Phil Boyce comments, “Kevin McCullough is one of the most engaging communicators in talk radio. He brings a bold voice with strong convictions, a great sense of humor, and a deep faith that shines through in every broadcast. We’re thrilled to welcome That KEVIN Show to SRN and know it will connect powerfully with listeners across both our news/talk and Christian talk stations.” The KEVIN Show will also produce weekend editions airing from 8:00 am to 10:00 am ET on the Salem News Channel and 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET on SRN Radio.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: P1s and Meters are Not Your Friends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Industry News

St. John Upped to DOS for Bonneville Seattle

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

Industry News

MIW Announces 2nd Annual Erica Farber Mentorship Program

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces that applications are now open for the 2nd Annual Erica Farber Mentorship in Management Program. This program is designed to empower and elevate women in senior leadership roles across all areas of radio – including sales, marketing, programming, digital, and beyond. Get more info and apply here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (11/10)

The most discussed stories yesterday (11/10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Tentative Government Reopening Deal / Air Travel Chaos
  2. Veterans Day
  3. Trump’s $2,000 Tariff Dividend
  4. Trump Asks SCOTUS to Vacate E. Jean Carroll Award
  5. SCOTUS Refuses to Overturn Gay Marriage Ruling
Industry Views

Monday Memo: “What NEXT???” is The New Normal

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIf you’re a news/talk station, be known-for-knowing what’s happening. My client stations routinely invite tune-in “for a quick [name of network] news update, every hour, throughout your busy day.”

Then, when The Big Story blocks-out-the-sun:

If you automate syndicated shows, who will get alerts and can take the story wall-to-wall joining continuing network coverage?

    • Got station news HR? What’s your plan for covering a major local event? Stations I work with are “news partners” with local TV stations. Radio simulcasts TV coverage…and takes them where TV otherwise isn’t, in-car. Win-win.

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  • If you’re a music station with a news/talk cluster mate, gauge whether an event warrants promoting that the brother station is on-the-story, or if you should simulcast.

Regardless of format, think car radio. People near TV will likely be watching.

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

Industry News

Audacy Launches Detroit Sports Network

Audacy is launching “97.1 Detroit Sports Radio Network” on December 1, what it calls “a new, centralized hub for sports fans across Michigan.” The company’s “97.1 The Ticket” (WXYT-FM, Detgroit) will serve as “the flagship station of the first-of-its-kind statewide platform produced andimg distributed by Audacy to unite the biggest sports voices, markets, and fans.” Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon says, “The launch of ‘97.1 Detroit Sports Radio Network’ represents a massive commitment to our listeners and an exciting chapter in our growth. We are excited to partner with Townsquare Media and other media companies to expand our footprint across all of Michigan and to deliver great content to the dedicated fan base we serve. We are proud to deliver best-in-class sports coverage to the entire state, solidifying our position as the essential source for Michigan sports audio content now and for years to come.” The network’s first affiliates include Townsquare Media’s WFGR in Grand Rapids, WJIM in Lansing, WBCK in Battle Creek, and WKMI in Kalamazoo, plus Blarney Stone Broadcasting’s WGRY in Roscommon. Additional affiliates will be announced in the upcoming months.

Industry News

Erick Erickson Joins AJC as Opinion Contributor

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

Industry News

News/Talk Radio Covers Elections

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New York City’s mayoral race was being watched across the country and Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York presented a bi-partisan Roundtable of its hosts and local political figures to analyze and discuss the race. Pictured above in the station’s Studio 77 in Manhattan are (from l-r): WABC owner and talk host John Catsimatidis; Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, co-host of 77WABC’s “The Rev & The Rabbi”; Fernando Mateo, NYC businessman, activist, and politician; Dominic Carter, host of the “Dominic Carter Show” on 77WABC; former New York Governor David Paterson; and former Congressman Anthony Weiner. Elsewhere, on the nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show,” media personality Megyn Kelly joined to discuss the New York City mayoral election and key races across the country. She and Erickson also explored Charlie Kirk’s influence, the future of the Republican Party, and its path forward. Former Vice President Mike Pence also appeared on the program to discuss his upcoming book, What Conservatives Believe. He and Erickson discussed Pence’s unique relationship with the late Dick Cheney, key accomplishments of the Trump-Pence administration, and the troubling rise of antisemitism on both the left and the right. Photo by Michelle Jerson

Industry News

Audacy SVP/Sports Lee Davis to Retire

Audacy’s SVP of sports monetization Lee Davis is retiring. The former WFAN, New York VP andimg general manager has been in his current role since 2023. Audacy notes that Davis “rejoined Audacy in 2018 to lead the reboot of Audacy’s TWIN platform.” Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “Lee has been a valued colleague and leader whose experience, dedication, and steady guidance have made a lasting impact on Audacy (as well as the companies he has worked at throughout his career). His contributions and presence will be greatly missed.”

Industry News

Fisher House Foundation Offers Veterans Day Edition of Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey

Fisher House Foundation is announcing a Veterans Day edition of “Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey” is available to stations free of charge. The radio special is available to news/talk stations in varying lengths as well as a 30-minute public affairs show suitable for all radio formats in the U.S. and around the world. The three-hour, one-hour, 25-minute and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by longtime radio personality Larry O’Connor and featuresimg stories of America’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. This program is appropriate for the entire Veterans Day Weekend and is a fitting, patriotic, and inspirational holiday programming alternative for all formats. Listeners will hear their emotional stories fighting for our freedoms, how they sustained their injuries, and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they endure their painful and painstaking recoveries. This year’s program features a special focus on the incredibly inspiring victories our wounded warriors enjoy on the field of competitive, adaptive sports. Fisher House supports the Wounded Warrior Games and the lnvictus Games as a vital part of the physical, emotional, and mental healing process for our wounded veterans. Listeners will hear about the riveting war stories detailing the injuries these heroes sustained, the ensuing medical and therapeutic healing process, right through the triumph on the field of international sports, as these brave veterans continue their dedication of service, representing America in international competition. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Larry O’Connor at 562.665.9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.

Industry News

Clay Travis Puts $100k of His Own Money on the Line in Women’s Soccer Controversy

Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk host Clay Travis is offering $100,000 to any male soccer player who can say he identifies as female and makes a women’s pro soccer team. This comes on the heels of the controversy generated by the disagreement between Angel City Football Club players Elizabeth Eddy – who penned an op-ed calling for a gender eligibilityimg policy in the National Women’s Soccer League and teammates Sarah Gorden and Angelina Anderson who strenuously object to the idea. Travis – co-host of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show – said on the program, “If you are a male soccer player, and you are listening to us right now, D1, I would encourage you to go to open tryouts. If you make a women’s soccer team or they ban you – just say you identify as a woman – if you make a women’s soccer team, I’ll pay you 100 grand. Challenge out there for every man listening to us right now. I want one of you out there to try to make a women’s pro soccer team – just tell them if they question you, ‘hey, I identify as a woman,’ and I want you to make the team because if they don’t have this rule in place, it would be transphobic for them to stop you from being able to become a male identifying as a woman professional athlete. And I think you might be able to score fifty goals in a year and maybe this is what needs to happen in the National Women’s Soccer League.”

Industry News

WJR, Detroit Legend Warren Pierce Dies at 82

Warren Pierce, legendary WJR-AM, Detroit personality, died on Friday (10/31) at the age of 82. Pierce served with WJR for almost 40 years and, according to the Detroit Free Press, “was saidimg to have interviewed tens of thousands of celebrities, authors, politicians and other assorted newsmakers during his long radio career.” The Free Press obit states, “He filled a variety of roles for WJR across the decades beginning in the 1970s. Whether hosting a weekday morning or afternoon slot or doing a weekend shift, he drew fans with his friendly, upbeat style and filled ‘The Warren Pierce Show’ with a mix of interviews, movie reviews, news and weather.  A dedicated fan of University of Michigan football, Pierce also did sideline reporting for WJR’s coverage of Wolverines games during the era of coach Bo Schembechler.” He left WJR in 1993 and joined WJBK-TV, Detroit as a morning news anchor. See the Detroit Free Press story here.

Industry News

Civic Media Host Jane Matenear Announces Retirement

Wisconsin radio personality current host of “Matenaer On Air” on several of Civic Media’s news/talk stations, Jane Matenaer, announces her retirement after 44 years in the business. She says, “When I started my radio career, my goal was to be a ‘cool, nighttime rock chick.’img Tragically, I was none of those things. Fortunately, I had the support of those who believed I had potential and encouraged me to follow a slightly different path — to morning radio. And while I never envisioned eventually moving from music to talk radio, the transition has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and these last three years at Civic Media have been the proudest of my 40-plus year career.” Prior to joining Civic Media, Matenaer served with Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee in the newsroom and in morning drive. She adds, “As I head toward retirement, I want to take this moment to thank my current and former colleagues and mentors. You are among the most talented, dedicated and hilarious people on the planet. Thank you to Civic Media, for believing in a 60-something woman to host her own show and for your commitment to community-based radio and to a healthy democracy.”

Industry News

KOA, Denver Officially Unveils New Morning Lineup

iHeartMedia Denver confirms the news shared on social media by talk host Ross Kaminsky that TALKERS reported last week. On Monday, November 10, KOA will debut the “Ross Kaminsky on the News, with Jeana Gondek,” program from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. The showimg follows the 5:00 am hour of “Colorado’s Morning News” anchored by Gondek. Michael Brown, former FEMA Administrator and nationally syndicated host of “The Situation with Michael Brown,” moves from sister KHOW to the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart. The rest of the day’s local programming is Mandy Connell from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm; KOA Sports with Dave Logan and Ryan Edwards from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by “Broncos Country Tonight with Benjamin Allbright and Nick Ferguson.”

Industry Views

TALKERS EXCLUSIVE: Talk-Show-Host-Turned-City-Councilor Frank Morano Shares Insider’s View of WABC and the Intense NYC Mayoral Race

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As November 4 approaches, the 2025 New York City mayoral race and talk radio powerhouse WABC are entangled in a political drama worthy of several books and a movie, not to mention big time radio ratings! Key players include Curtis SliwaJohn CatsimatidisAndrew CuomoSid Rosenberg, and of course, Zohran Mamdani.

Bringing it all to life is former WABC rising talk show star Frank Morano, who is this week’s guest on “Up Close Far Out” hosted by Michael Harrison on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel.

Morano recently walked away from his “The Other Side of Midnight” show to compete in and win a special election for the seat vacated by a retiring city councilor from his home district #51 on the South Shore of Staten Island. Morano is now running for reelection to his own full term in the NYC election. Harrison predicts that his political future is bright.

In this candid conversation, Morano focuses on the mayoral election, personalities, and struggles in what Harrison describes as “improvisational theater set at the intersection of politics and talk radio.”  Morano also discusses how talk radio prepared him for his new political mission.

To connect to the conversation between Frank Morano and Michael Harrison, please click here.   

Industry News

Mike Gallagher Broadcasts from Jerusalem

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Pictured above is Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher on the set today at Jewish News Syndicate in Jerusalem as he broadcasts his program. Upon the news of President Trump’s peace deal between Israel and Hamas, Gallagher announced he would travel to Israel to report to his listeners from the Holy Land. Gallagher’s in-studio guests on today’s program included Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Industry News

KFGO’s Don Haney and MPR’s Gunderson Retiring

Two of the Fargo-Moorhead market’s longest-serving news pros are retiring. KFGO, Fargo’simg Don Haney and Minnesota Public Radio’s Dan Gunderson will leave their respective employers over the next 10 days. Both news pro spoke with Forum Communications’ The Forum about their careers. Haney covered news in Fargo for nearly 50 years. He joined WDAY in 1982, then imgmoved to KFGO in 1995. Seventy-two year old Haney has been working part time with KFGO since last spring. Gunderson, who joined MPR in 1987, say he got into journalism because he enjoyed writing so much. About his radio work he says, “I liked the idea of taking voices and sounds and putting them together in something interesting. It’s like a craft, where you take this raw material, interviews, and facts, and you try to make it into something meaningful.” See the Forum’s story here.

Industry News

WUSF, Tampa GM JoAnn Urofsky to Retire

After 33 years of service, WUSF-FM, Tampa general manager JoAnn Urofsky will soon retireimg from the public media organization based at The University of South Florida, capping a career of 45 years in radio and public media. She says, “My time at WUSF has been incredibly rewarding. I am proud that our commitment to public service – building community through trusted journalism, classical music, jazz, and culture – has remained steadfast. As I step away, I’m confident this mission is in excellent hands with a new generation of talented leaders and innovators dedicated to serving the community through public media.”

Industry News

Audacy: All-News Ratings Are Up as People Seek “Established Credibility & Trust”

Audacy SVP, research & insights Ray Borelli writes that “with nearly two-thirds of U.S. households now either cord-cutters or cord-nevers, accessing credible and trusted local news is harder today than ever before.” He adds, “Furthermore, distrust in social media is likely fueling aimg 16% year-over-year decline in the percentage of Americans who say they get their news ‘often’ from apps like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.2. In this rapidly changing landscape, consumers are increasingly turning to All News Radio for local news, trusted voices, and fact-based reporting.” Borelli cites as evidence for this Nielsen data indicating that Audacy all-news stations are up 11% versus last year and adds that’s coming off a presidential election year. Ben Mevorach is vice president of news at WINS, New York and he says, “As the number of places to get news continues to grow, the number of places to find news that is credible, trustworthy, and without bias is rapidly shrinking. People constantly tell us that 1010 WINS is their sole source for news they can trust.” Read Borelli’s complete story here.

Industry News

Cumulus’ WFNC Helps Promote Air Angels: Flight Helene Film

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Veterans Day (November 11) is the day of the world premiere of the Just Do GOOD Entertainment-produced film, Air Angels: Flight Helene, that honors the “everyday heroes who sprang into action during Hurricane Helene” in September of 2024. The film – which tells the inspiring stories of individuals who selflessly used their own aircraft, vehicles, time, and resources to rescue and support strangers stranded during the aftermath of catastrophic Hurricane Helene – premieres at Cameo Art House Theatre in Fayetteville, North Carolina and Cumulus Media’s news/talk WFNC-AM/HD2, Fayetteville is sponsoring the showing and station morning host Gilbert Baez – and Emmy Award-winning journalist and Army Rangers veteran – will host the screenings. Gilbert will offer his personal perspective of what it was like to film Air Angels this past summer and share his experiences with catastrophic storms. Baez says, “It’s going to be a pleasure to host the premiere of Air Angels in downtown Fayetteville. I’m also very proud that Cumulus agreed to be a media partner since I host a morning show on one of its stations. It’s exciting and an honor to work with Valerie Smaldone. For years, she’s been a well-known radio voice in New York. Now, Valerie is a tv and film producer who develops outstanding special programming.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Hannah Brown-Kitchens (strategic data analyst, Cumulus Media), Smaldone (co-founder Just Do GOOD Entertainment), Baez, and Tish Boden (VP/market manager, Cumulus Media).

Industry News

NPR & WBUR Announces Changes to “Here & Now”

NPR and WBUR, Boston announce three new appointments at that nationally syndicated midday news program, “Here & Now,” heard on 500 NPR member stations across the country.img Award-winning journalist Indira Lakshmanan is the new co-host of “Here & Now,” debuting in Late November alongside Scott Tong and Robin Young. Additionally, Peter O’Dowd, the senior editor who has stepped in regularly as a host for several years on “Here & Now,” takes on a new role as correspondent and regular fill-in host. And international news industry pro Allan Price joins to lead the team as the new executive producer. NPR says that according to Nielsen ratings data, “Here & Now” is the third most-listened-to NPR news program after “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”

Industry News

Bibi Farber Performs Guest Vocals on New Gunhill Road Song

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Bibi Farber (right), daughter of the late talk radio legend Barry Farber, has recorded a guest vocal appearance on a brand new Gunhill Road song titled, “You Don’t Seem Old to Me,” which will appear on the group’s forthcoming fifth album. The track is a sentimental love songimg examining the lifelong love affair of a fictional couple from childhood to old age – an emotional roller coaster ride reflecting the romantic ups and downs of a complex relationship. The tear-jerker is a departure from the heavy-hitting social commentaries that have made Gunhill Road a favorite among talk radio hosts and audiences for the past half decade.  The intriguing group, formed in the late 1960s, is still going strong with core members Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and Michael HarrisonMatthew B. Harrison produces the ensemble’s videos that employ leading-edge techniques and technology. Ms. Farber, who shares lead vocals on the song with Brian Koonin, is a talented singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist with a number of singles, albums and television commercial soundtracks among her credits. She is presently an advocate for the well-being of nursing home residents and organizer of initiatives to bring live music into their lives. To watch the music video for “You Don’t Seem Old to Me,” please click here.  To learn more about Bibi Farber please click here.

Industry News

Dr. Murray Sabrin Interviewed on TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel

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Noted “public intellectual,” Dr. Murray Sabrin is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel series “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Sabrin, a prolific author, Substack columnist and public speaker, has been one of the most sought-after guests in news/talk media for the past three decades. He’s one of America’s most visible experts on libertarianism and free market economics – ideologies that have strong followings within the influential arena of talk radio. Sabrin is emeritus professor of finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey, associated scholar at the Mises Institute, and a former Libertarian Party standard bearer in the Garden State. He is the founder of a grassroots movement, “Make Americans Financially Independent (MAFI)” – a counterpoint to the present tendency toward runaway, unconstitutional government spending that has led the U.S. to take on trillions of dollars in stifling debt. Harrison probes the present-day nuances of libertarianism and questions its practicality in 21st century America. Among numerous provocative questions, he asks: Where does President Donald Trump fit along the spectrum of libertarian thought? Are Americans – in general – intelligent, altruistic, and educated enough to take on the societal responsibilities of a true libertarian society? To view this timely video in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Report: Curtis Sliwa Angrily Quits WABC

According to the New York Post, WABC talk radio host Curtis Sliwa – currently a Republican candidate for mayor of New York City – fumed on the station’s morning show with Sid Rosenberg that he will never be seen in the studios of WABC again after station owner Johnimg Catsimatidis and others urged him to exit the mayoral race to give former Governor Andrew Cuomo a better chance of beating Democrat Zohran Mamdani. During his on-air conversation with Rosenberg, Sliwa “accused colleagues of betraying him” and he told Rosenberg WABC is “giving preferable treatment” to Cuomo. Catsimatidis later told the Post, “Regardless of all the news going around, I’ve always said great things about Curtis Sliwa, about how well he knows the city. But in a places like New York City where 70% of New York City are Democrats, the real Democrat is Andrew Cuomo, not Zohran Mamdani and Democrats should vote for Cuomo. Catsimatidis added, “I’ve never asked that he leave the race but recommended that a lot of other people have said he should.” Sliwa said on the air that he’s had to hire private security due to threats against him and his wife. “If anything happens to me or anything happens to my wife, because of this frenzy that I hear constantly coming from some of your colleagues there at WABC, it’s on you guys and you gals. My life is on the line here.” Sliwa’s radio show is currently off the air due to his active political campaign.  Read the Post story here.