Industry News

Alvord Joins Compass Media in Affiliate Sales

Compass Media Networks names Carter Alvord to the position of associate director of affiliate sales, sports & news/talk programming. Alvord is a 2026 Bucknell University graduate who’s imgbeen interning with Compass Media Networks since June 2024. In his new position he’ll assist with growth of the company’s featured play-by-play sports including NFL Football, NCAA Football & Basketball and heritage news/talk programming including “This Morning with Gordon Deal” and Erick Erickson. Alvord says, “Growing up listening to ‘Anna & Raven’ sparked my passion for radio. It is an honor to join Compass Media Networks, and I am thrilled to work shoulder to shoulder with Rob Blum and the rest of the affiliate sales team to super serve our affiliates and content partners.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/29)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. SCOTUS Rulings
  2. U.S.-Iran Negotiations
  3. Heatwave
  4. ICE Checkpoints
  5. Moscow Drone Attacks
Industry News

TALKERS 2026 Video: Panel Discussion – “Independent Station Ownership”

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TALKERS continues to post a tsunami of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is an enlightening panel discussion titled, “Independent Station Ownership.”  The moderator is John Caracciolo, founder / CEO, JVC Broadcasting. Panelists include Vince Benedetto, founder / CEO, Bold Gold Media Group;  Paul Gleiser, owner / operator, KTBB, Tyler, TX; Joe Thomas, co-owner / morning host,  WTON, Staunton-Harrisonburg, VA; and Paul Vandenburgh, owner / morning host, WGDY, Albany, NY. The discussion covers a candid exploration of the challenges and solutions facing independent station and group operators at this point in the evolution of the industry.  It presents a cautiously optimistic but realistic view of radio and station ownership as a going concern. Not to be missed! Stay tuned to TALKERS for continuous daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgNo two summers have been alike since the pandemic upended listeners’ lives and retailers’ businesses. So, we’ve seen this movie before. To sound relevant and relatable and helpful, connect the dots:

Gas prices and pricier airfares are scortching summer getaways many hoped for. Are there family day trips and local attractions that locals might take for granted, or not know about?

Do “Fun-formation.” Inflation is pinching everyone in every way… including YOU. Notice how you yourself are coping and share on-air. And interview locals who can suggest money-saving life hacks. Including… advertisers you have made household names. Airing their advice will result in even more “I heard you on the radio.”

Start with financial advisors. Heavy AM/FM users are in the worry-about-IRA / 401K demographic.

It’s a safe bet that listeners have the talk radio gloom-N-doom script memorized. Stuff like the above HELPS them.

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

Job Opportunity

Saga Seeks News and Sports Pro for Spencer, Iowa Market

Saga Communications’ Spencer Media Group is seeking a full-time news reporter and sports play-by-play announcer for its Spencer, Iowa station group. The company says: “We value creativity and the desire to win. We’re looking for someone who has the skills and ability to gather and write local news stories, conduct imginterviews for audio actualities, anchor local newscasts and post stories on website and social media, etc. This person will also be responsible for doing play-by-play of regional High School football and basketball games during the season.  Some evenings and weekends will be required… We need someone who understands small-market, local radio and is willing to be involved in the community. Send your cover letter, resume, audio demo(s), and references to Kevin Tlam at ktlam@spencermediagrp.com.

Industry News

Hurley in the Morning Charity Golf Open Raises More than 35 Grand

The 19th Annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Golf Open held at the Linwood Country Club (6/18) raised more than $35,000 for the 2026 installment. “Remarkably, for 19 consecutive years… it has never rained on our event,” said event founder and chairman, Harry Hurley – the long-running morning host on WPG, Atlantic City.  “The Linwood Country Club is one of the finest private golf courses in America, and the food is world class,” Hurley added.  The “Hurley in the Morning” Charity annual golf tournament and dinner / silent auction have now raised more than $ 2 million over the past 19 years. The next annual Hurley charity dinner and silent auction will be held on Friday, October 2 at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. The guest of honor and keynote speaker will be the legendary recording artist Tony Orlando. Harry Hurley, described by Michael Harrison as talk radio’s “pound-for-pound champion,” is a former recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award.

Industry Views

The Most Valuable Commodity AI Can’t Generate

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By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
imgThroughout the TALKERS 2026 conference, there was a recurring theme that bears repeating:

Technology creates abundance. Authenticity creates value.

Throughout human history, creating media required expensive equipment, specialized knowledge, or access to someone willing to open the door. Each technological leap removed another layer of friction. Desktop publishing challenged traditional print. Digital audio transformed radio production. YouTube made anyone with a camera a broadcaster or “content creator.” Podcasting removed the need for a transmitter. Today, generative AI can help write scripts, edit video, compose music, translate languages, and produce polished content in minutes.

That isn’t the end of creativity. It’s the beginning of an era with more creativity than we’ve ever seen.

We should cautiously embrace it.

Every time technology lowers the barrier to creation, more people get the opportunity to tell stories, share ideas, build businesses, and reach audiences that were once inaccessible. That’s a remarkable thing.

Abundance, however, changes the economics.

When content was scarce, simply producing it created value. Today, content is everywhere. Tomorrow, there will be even more. Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing creators nearly as much as it’s multiplying them.

When everyone can create, audiences need a different way to decide what deserves their attention.

They look for authenticity.

Authenticity isn’t about perfection. It isn’t about expensive production. It isn’t even about whether AI helped along the way. It’s about whether audiences believe there is a real person behind the work, someone with genuine experience, judgment, and something worth saying.

That idea also explains why fair use has always mattered.

Fair use protects commentary, criticism, reporting, scholarship, and parody because those activities add something new to the conversation. Copyright law has long recognized that society benefits when creators contribute insight rather than simply repeat what already exists. The principle hasn’t changed. The tools have.

Media has entered another frontier. The rules are still developing. Business models continue to evolve. New voices appear every day. Some will succeed because they mastered the latest technology.

The most enduring voices will succeed because people trust them.

Broadcasters have always understood this, even if we didn’t always describe it that way. Listeners return because they believe the personality behind the microphone.

The same is true for podcasters, streamers, YouTubers, journalists, and creators of every kind.

Technology will continue creating abundance. That’s worth celebrating.

The opportunity now is to create something abundance cannot replace.

Authenticity.

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@HarrisonLegalGroup.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

 

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (June 27-28)

1. Iran War Escalation
2. Economy / Stock Market / Inflation
3. Great American State Fair Controversy
4. DC Reflection Pool Controversy
5. Venezuela Earthquake
Industry News

TALKERS 2026 Video: Joe Pags Advises “Be Ready When You Get That Call”

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TALKERS continues to post a cornucopia of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is an advisory message from Compass Media Networks syndicated talk radio star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo titled, “Be Ready When You Get That Call.” Introduced by programming legend David Bernstein, Pags advises radio broadcasters to be ready to take advantage of all the marvelous technology available to continue broadcasting independently on a moment’s notice when you get the dreaded call from your station or platform claiming that “budget cuts” are forcing their hand to drop your show. Don’t miss this informative and inspirational address! Stay tuned to TALKERS for daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. There’s plenty more to come next week. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

John Kincade to Return to Dickey’s “The Fan”

Atlanta sports media pro John Kincade is returning Dickey Broadcasting Company as part of what the company calls “a new long-term agreement, marking a significant and exciting reunion for both the veteran broadcaster and the Atlanta-based media organization.” While details about Kincade’s role, including when imghe’ll be on the air, will come at a later date, Dickey says Kincade is “a familiar and respected voice in sports radio, [who] previously built a strong connection with listeners during his 20-year tenure with the station, becoming a trusted presence in the market.” The company adds, “His addition reflects DBC’s broader commitment to industry-leading investment in its people, technology, and strategic partnerships ensuring the company remains at the forefront of sports media. By continually enhancing its talent roster, embracing innovative broadcasting tools, and strengthening collaborations across the industry, Dickey Broadcasting Company is well positioned to inform, entertain, and serve its audience at the highest level.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Expands Amazon Ads Relationship

iHeartMedia says it is expanding its advertising relationship with Amazon Ads, which is serving as a local reseller of its audio and video inventory, including Prime Video, Twitch, Amazon Music, Fire TV and Alexa. The company adds that iHeartMedia customers can now leverage Amazon DSP including Amazon’s authenticated first-party shopping, browsing and streaming signals across iHeart’s imgowned-and-operated digital inventory both locally and nationally, including digital, audio, podcasts and creator-led content, creating a more unified path for advertisers to activate multi-platform campaigns at scale. iHeartMedia chief business officer Lisa Coffey comments, “Advertisers are increasingly looking for media solutions that combine scale, intelligence and simplicity across channels. By combining Amazon Ads’ shopping insights and advertising technology with iHeart’s audio leadership, we’re creating a more seamless, data-informed way for brands to create more effective campaigns across sound and sight.”

Industry News

LABF Produces America’s 250th Anniversary Content

The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation is releasing a new series of pre‑produced radio and television spots as part of its “Before It Was History, It Was Broadcast” initiative supporting America’s 250th Anniversary. LABF says the new :30 spots feature archival audio and visuals drawn from the Library of American Broadcasting Special Collection at the University of Maryland. Each piece highlights the essential role radio and television stations have played in documenting the nation’s most defining moments as they unfolded. Topics covered range from children’s programming and game shows to “I Love Lucy” and historic moments of national consequence. LABF co-chairs Deborah Parenti and Dave “Chachi” Denes say, “Broadcasters have always been the trusted link between historic events and the communities they serve. These spots celebrate the journalists, storytellers, and stations that have brought defining moments into America’s homes. They also showcase the incredible depth of the library’s archival treasures.”

Industry News

Free Fisher House Radio Special Available for Fourth of July Weekend

Fisher House Foundation is offering its Independence Day edition of “The Fisher House Story” to talk stations for free. “The Fisher House Story” radio special is available in varying lengths – three-hour, one-hour, 30-minutes and 25-minutes for news/talk stations plus a 30-minute public affairs version for all radio formats. It’s imghosted by nationally syndicated talk radio pro Larry O’Connor features interviews with wounded warriors and veterans including heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom, the Vietnam War and an incredible, emotional story of one of America’s World War II living legends. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care. Register for the show here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 22-26)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/22-26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Iran Negotiations / War Powers Resolution
  2. Primary Elections
  3. Housing Bill / SAVE America Act
  4. Reflecting Pool Controversy / America 250 Kickoff
  5. SCOTUS Rulings
  6. Gas Prices / Tech Stocks
  7. AI Concerns
  8. Texas Immigration Center Shooting Convictions
  9. Keir Starmer Resigns
  10. Alan Greenspan / Clive Davis / David Clayton Thomas Deaths

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. JD Vance / Marco Rubio
  3. Benjamin Netanyahu
  4. Bill Cassidy
  5. Mike Johnson
  6. Zohran Mamdani
  7. Darializa Avila Chevalier
  8. Keir Starmer
  9. Alan Greenspan
  10. Clive Davis / David Clayton Thomas

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

TALKERS 2026 Video: Panel Discussion – “Gaining Traction in a Noisy Digital World”

Gaining Traction copyTALKERS continues to post a treasure trove of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is an extremely informative panel discussion full of takeaways titled, “Gaining Traction in a Noisy Digital World.” The featured speakers include introducer Lee Elci, host, WJJF, New London; moderator Mike McVay, president, McVay Media Consulting; and panelists (in alphabetical order) Rob Carson, host, Newsmax; Heather Cohen, president, The Weiss Agency; Sherry Goldman, founder, Goldman Communications Group; Ryan McCormick, co-founder Goldman McCormick PR; and Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, host, “The Joe Pags Show.” Take a deep dive into the complicated world of social media and generating content designed to get noticed in a world of distraction. Don’t miss this! Stay tuned to TALKERS for daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this dynamic discussion in its entirety, please click here.

Industry Views

Former CBS Radio Head Dan Mason Guests on TALKERS Podcast – Discusses New Memoir, Colorful Career, Biz Philosophy, and the State of Radio

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Dan Mason, former president / CEO of CBS Radio, is this week’s special guest on the TALKERS video podcast, “Up Close Far Out.”

Podcast host Michael Harrison and Mason engage in a robust conversation about radio prompted by the release of Mason’s new book, FEARLESS: The Life and Times of a Media Maverick.  All profits generated by the sale of the memoir are being donated to the Broadcasters Foundation of America – the non-profit organization that helps those in need in the radio and television industries that Mason serves as chairman emeritus.

Mason is one of the most influential radio broadcasters of the modern era.  As head of CBS Radio from 2007 to 2015, he oversaw all aspects relating to the company’s portfolio of 117 stations across 26 markets, including all the top 10. In a prior stint at CBS Radio, he held the presidency from 1995 to 2002.  In addition to his roles at CBS, he advised and managed a number of other major broadcast organizations including serving as president of Westinghouse’s Group W Radio in the early 1990s

In 2016, Mason was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame and, in 2022, into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. He was a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, which presented him with the 2012 National Radio Award for outstanding leadership within the radio industry.  Michael Harrison states, “Dan Mason was one of the major leaders who guided radio from the analog to the digital era.”

To view this conversation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Rare Interview with David Clayton-Thomas About BS&T Found in TALKERS Archives – Broadcasters Invited to Use at Will

The Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter whose powerhouse voice propelled Blood, Sweat & Tears to the summit of popular music, died peacefully last evening at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. He was 84.

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TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison was friends with Clayton-Thomas and the group back in the early 1970s while he was the morning host at pioneering album rocker WNEW-FM, New York.  However, by the mid-seventies, Harrison lost touch with Clayton-Thomas and the group.  Move the clock ahead to March of 2020 and David Clayton-Thomas was promoting a new solo album – the latest of many that enjoyed hit status in his native Canada – and Harrison had the opportunity to catch up with his old friend in an interview conducted during the height of the COVID pandemic. Clayton-Thomas was quarantining in Toronto, and Harrison was doing the same in Massachusetts. TALKERS has isolated a segment of the archival interview with the rock legend in which Clayton-Thomas recounts the history of how he joined the band.  Interested broadcasters wishing to use any or all of this clip are free to do so.  Please click here. (Photo credit: Marie Byers)

Industry News

The Morse Report Joins Radio America’s Helios Media

Radio America is announcing that its podcast network Helios Media is adding “The Morse Report” with Matt Morse to it offerings. Radio America says, “Morse delivers daily news, imganalysis and commentary to an audience of millions who feel underserved by mainstream outlets. His direct, no-nonsense style has built one of the most loyal and engaged followings in independent media, with over 800,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 166 million total views.” Helios Media president and CEO Mike Paradiso comments, “Matt has built a loyal and highly engaged audience through his independent, insightful commentary on the news and cultural issues shaping America. His authentic voice and growing influence have made him one of the most promising rising stars in independent media.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Cuts Hit KXNO, Des Moines Hosts

As the staffing cuts announced by iHeartMedia become public, we’re learning about some of those who worked in spoken-word formats who’ve been affected. Sports talk hosts at the company’s KXNO, Des Moines exiting the station include: Sean Roberts, imgLucas Strain and Connor Ferguson of the afternoon show “Off The Bench” are out, as are hosts of “The 1st Quarter,” Heather Burnside and Alec Busse. Roberts says in a Facebook post, “Earlier today after our show myself as many others were laid off at iHeart Des Moines. I’m not angry or am going to blame anyone… it’s part of the business. You can have good ratings, good revenue etc… Doesn’t matter… your number on that excel sheet can be picked any day. I sit here proud of my career in radio and proud of what we did at KXnO. I’ve been doing sports talk radio in Des Moines since 2014 and it’s been a hell of a ride with so many people to thank.”

Industry News

Fabian to Lead Cumulus Boise

Cumulus Media appoints Mike Fabian vice president / market manager for its Boise operations that includes news/talk KBOI-imgAM/FM and sports talk KTIK-FM “953FM The Ticket,” plus three music brands. Fabian most recently served with Townsquare Media in Arizona. Fabian states, “I am honored to join the Boise team and look forward to becoming part of both the organization and this remarkable community. Throughout my career, I have always believed that great teams and strong relationships are the foundation of success. I am excited to work alongside this talented group, serve the Boise community, and help build on the strong tradition these stations have established.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/24)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. U.S.-Iran Negotiations / War Powers Resolution Fails
  2. Housing Bill / SAVE America Act
  3. Tuesday Primary Results
  4. America 250 Kickoff
  5. Reflecting Pool Controversy
Industry News

TALKERS 2026 Video: Special Presentation – “Behind the Scenes at a Major News/Talk Morning Show” – Spotlight on WBT’s Bo Thompson & Beth Troutman

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TALKERS continues to post a treasure trove of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the day’s events. Today’s entry is an informative and uplifting presentation titled, “Behind the Scenes at a Major News/Talk Morning Show.” The featured speakers are the wake-up duo of the highly successful “Good Morning BT” show at the legendary WBT, Charlotte – Bo Thompson & Beth Troutman. The engaging “BT” pair provide candid insights into the mechanics and chemistry that go into the creation of a modern era news/talk morning show and the very nature of the two-host paradigm. Don’t miss this! Stay tuned to TALKERS for daily postings of sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this dynamic discussion in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Staff Cuts Happening as Company “Evolving” Programming

iHeartMedia alerts its employees via a memo from chief programming officer Tom Poleman and Multiplatform Group CEO Ann Marie Licata that it will be eliminating some positions as the imgcompany works to become more nimble. The memo also notes that while it will be creating new roles to this end in the future, the unfortunate reality is that some people are going to lose their jobs. “We have given this a great deal of thought and do not take this step lightly; we are deeply grateful for the contributions of those affected, and we’re committed to supporting them through this transition.”

Industry News

WABC’s Sid Rosenberg to Join NYSBA Hall of Fame

WABC, New York morning drive host Sid Rosenberg is being inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of imgFame. He’ll officially join the Hall on October 22 during a ceremony at the Rainbow Room in New York City. NYSBA says in a letter to Rosenberg,” Your career has been outstanding… while successful at WFAN and 1010 WINS, you have become a radio legend in your 10 years at 77WABC. From co-hosting the “Bernie and Sid” in 2016 to today’s “Sid and Friends in the Morning,” you have blazed a path in the tough New York City market.”

Industry News

It’s Official: Walter Sterling Named Host of The Other Side of Midnight

Red Apple Audio Networks and WABC Radio make it official that Walter Sterling is the new, permanent host of the nationally syndicated program, “The Other Side of Midnight,” that airs live Monday through Friday from 1:00 am to 5:00 am ET. In addition to its flagship WABC, New York, the program is also heard on such imgsignals as WGN, Chicago; KMOX, St. Louis and 18 other affiliate stations. Sterling says, “There is something magical about overnight radio. It’s the one part of the day when listeners let down their guard and have real conversations. They share their stories, their questions, their experiences, and together we explore the fascinating, funny, mysterious, and sometimes unbelievable side of life. To be heard on legendary stations like WABC, WGN, and KMOX is both a professional milestone and a personal honor. I’m excited to spend the nights with listeners across America and build a community where every voice matters and every story is worth telling.”