The most discussed stories yesterday (10/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Cumulus Media appoints Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo news director for News Radio KKOB 770 AM/96.3 FM in Albuquerque. In this role, Csanyi-Salcedo will oversee the station’s news content strategy, newsroom operations, and talent development. Csanyi-Salcedo most recently served
as news director at KRGV-TV, Weslaco “ABC 5” in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, where he led a bilingual newsroom. Cumulus Albuquerque OM and program director Aaron “Buck” Burnett says, “Zoltan is exactly the kind of newsroom leader Albuquerque needs right now — grounded, relentless, and passionate about storytelling that matters. He’s built winning, trusted newsrooms in every market he’s touched, and we’re thrilled to have him guiding KKOB’s next chapter.” Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo comments, “KKOB has always been a trusted voice for New Mexico, and my mission is to strengthen that trust every day. This newsroom will focus on local truth first — fast, fair, and useful information that helps our audience make sense of what’s happening in their communities.”
iHeartMedia names Stefan Schellhas market president for its Cincinnati operations that includes news/talk WLW-AM, news/talk WKRC-AM, and sports talk stations WCKY and WSAI. iHeartMedia division president Dave Carwile states, “We’re thrilled to welcome Stefan Schellhas as the new market president for iHeartMedia Cincinnati. Stefan brings not only a strategic vision and proven leadership, but also a deep-rooted understanding of the Cincinnati market. Having spent years building relationships and driving results across the region, he knows the pulse of the city and what resonates with our listeners and advertising partners. His passion for the community, combined with his commitment to innovation and team development, makes him the ideal leader to guide our Cincinnati brands into the future.” Schellhas was most recently with Sinclair as VP/GM of its Cincinnati stations. Shellhas says, “My career started with an internship at 700 WLW, so returning truly feels like coming full circle. While consumer media habits—driven by technology—have evolved exponentially, what hasn’t changed is that ‘content is king,’ and iHeart continues to lead the way in the audio space. I’m honored to work alongside such a passionate team here in Cincinnati, and together we’ll continue to serve our advertisers and the Greater Cincinnati community.”
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One and Audacy announced the rebranding of the Infinity Sports Network as Westwood One Sports, effective December 29. The companies say “this strategic move solidifies both companies as recognized leaders in national sports audio. Westwood One
Sports’ 24/7 network will continue to deliver unmatched live coverage, expert commentary, and real-time sports programming to millions of listeners nationwide. This extends a partnership between Westwood One and Audacy that first began with the launch of CBS Sports Radio in 2012.” Westwood One will assume programming 
and distribution for the majority of the lineup of syndicated sports programming, including “The Jim Rome Show,” anchoring the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET daypart. Audacy will continue to produce BetMGM Network programs and additional weekend programming as part of the Westwood One Sports roster. The full programming lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero comments, “Audacy and Westwood One have a long, storied history of collaboration,
and today’s evolution of our national sports partnership is that next chapter in our commitment to our hundreds of affiliates, their listeners, and our client partners. Be it local or national, broadcast or digital, opinion content or play by play, we continue to smartly look at ways to enhance our leadership position in sports content.” Westwood One & EVP corporate strategy & development, Cumulus Media Collin Jones adds, “Westwood One Sports has always been synonymous with the biggest moments in sports audio. Launching Westwood One Sports 24/7 programming strengthens that legacy and positions us to deliver unmatched coverage and commentary to fans coast-to-coast. We’re excited to work with Audacy to make this transition seamless and impactful.”
Audacy’s Infinity Networks announces a new content distribution partnership with CBS News Radio. This partnership significantly expands Infinity Networks’ affiliate reach, adding CBS News Radio’s 700 affiliate stations to the Infinity Networks ecosystem. CBS News Radio is owned and
operated by CBS Broadcasting Inc., a subsidiary of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation. Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “This is a major step forward for Infinity Networks and for our partners across the industry. By bringing together a respected brand like CBS News Radio under the Infinity Networks umbrella, we’re creating a scalable platform that enhances the reach and impact of great local and national content for our advertising partners. This expansion underscores our commitment to helping broadcasters grow audiences, strengthen advertiser relationships and deliver exceptional listening experiences everywhere.”
Saga Communications agrees to sell 22 of its tower sites to GTC Uno, LLC for approximately $10.7 million. Saga says this transaction will continue to allow the company to use the towers with no cash lease payment. Saga Communications president and CEO Chris Forgy says,
“Saga previously announced its plans to optimize our portfolio of assets, and this is a significant step in doing so. We are committed to evaluating every asset we own while still efficiently and effectively operating our businesses.” The company intends to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale to fund stock buybacks, which may include open market repurchases, public and private block trades or other forms of buybacks. The implementation of any stock buyback program remains at the full discretion of the company’s board of directors.
Connoisseur Media’s news/talk KTSA-AM, San Antonio raised $165,601 during its 18th Annual KTSA Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner Radiothon. The funds support the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, considered the largest Thanksgiving event in the United States and founded by San Antonio restaurateur Raul Jimenez 46 years ago. The annual event has grown over the years and now feeds more than 25,000 people in downtown San Antonio each Thanksgiving Day. KTSA says the event provides a warm holiday meal – and a sense of family – to elderly residents, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and anyone in need of community and care. Pictured above are station morning drive personalities Trey Ware (center) and Sean Rima (second from right). Ware says, “It’s such an honor to lead the KTSA Radiothon for the Jimenez Thanksgiving Meal. I love giving back to the community that has given so much to my family for 70 years.”
Cumulus Media is suing Nielsen in federal court in New York alleging that the company is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and
charge inflated prices, according to a report by Reuters. At the heart of the complaint is the charge that Nielsen is providing access to the national broadcast radio ratings only if the client spends a lot of extra money on 
the separate local ratings. Cumulus argues that Nielsen’s policy forces them to buy ratings in U.S. markets where it doesn’t operate stations in order to have the complete national ratings data. Nielsen has stated that Cumulus’ suit is “entirely without merit” and “we will respond accordingly.” The complaint also says Nielsen is “degrading product quality, raising prices without justification and blocking competitors from gaining footholds in the industry.” See the Reuters story here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer retired with enough do-re-mi to indulge two passions. He bought the NBA Los Angeles Clippers (for a record $2 billion). And he built USAFacts: “a not-for-profit resource rooted in publicly available data, free from spin or politics.” From its mission statement:
— “Find the numbers: We tap into hundreds of databases at the federal, state, and local level. If it’s tracked, we’ll find it. If it’s not, we’ll tell you that, too.”
— “Put them in context: A stat without context is no better than an opinion. We analyze trends over time so you can see the whole story.”
— “Bring them to life: We turn the numbers into insights you can actually use. No jargon, no spin. Just charts, graphics, and data.”
With so much of talk radio and cable news and social media pandering with affirmation, actual actionable information can differentiate your show or podcast from others that merely entertain outrage. Well-worth a bookmark in your show prep routine.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
The world of blogs and vlogs has been loaded with largely erroneous news of MTV closing. New owner, Paramount Global, is searching for divisions showing no growth. If MTV is now a liability, it may be a target for a shutdown.
Yes, MTV is closing five of its music channels in the UK and Ireland: MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live. The channels will cease broadcasting at the end of 2025, with the final day of transmission being December 31. This decision is due to shifting viewing habits towards streaming platforms and cost-cutting measures by the parent company, Paramount Global. MTV HD will remain on air but will shift focus from music videos to reality programming.
However, MTV U.S. is not closing. MTV in the United Kingdom IS. It is closing by December 31, 2025. They also run MTV HD in the UK, that channel remains open. Two missing letters, U and K, caused an explosion of misinformation.
Punctuation causes similar mistakes.
As a talk media person, you are well aware of Erich von Daniken. His stunning book, Chariots
of the Gods has powered thousands of hours of programming fun. Recently, I saw the latest edition of his book.
Like many of you, I love “Ancient Aliens” on the History Channel narrated by the formidable Robert Clotworthy. Robert is a great guest on my show, “Sterling Every Damn Night” and he puts up with whatever nonsense that gets tossed at him. Thank you, Robert.
Since von Daniken’s book is so vital to the “Ancient Alien” landscape, I’m curious when was the title of the book changed from the first edition? Next time he’s on the show I’ve got to ask Mr. Clotworthy when did a transporter beam carry away the question mark!?
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.
iHeartMedia announces the publication of its third annual study titled, “AudioCon 3.0: The Human Consumer.” The company says this “Human” Consumer study, which brings together research across age groups and demographics, “demonstrates the impact that media and technology are having on consumers, shaping their beliefs and behavior. The study also
provides insights for marketers on how to curate advertising strategies that authentically connect with audiences and build trust in an increasingly fragmented and technology driven world.” The study was fielded through Critical Mass Media for iHeartMedia and found that 82 percent of respondents worry about AI’s societal impact, and 9 in 10 believe it’s important to know the media they consume is created by a real person. iHeartMedia president of insights Lainie Fertick says, “The data shows us that consumers are emotionally driven, digitally fatigued and yearning for authenticity in an increasingly algorithmic world. This is especially critical with rapid technology advancements and the growing use of AI in the media industry. For marketers, it creates both hurdles and unique opportunities to connect with audiences in this new environment.” Key findings from the study include: 1) Children are struggling to be independent in a tech-forward era; 2) Consumers are all online, but they aren’t happy to be there; 3) Trust in online information is at an all-time low; 4) 
Algorithms rule our lives, and consumers know it; 5) Media is dividing us on current events, but all agree that there’s “something going on with those Epstein files”; and 6) Though 97 percent of consumers know what AI is, with 70 percent actually using AI, distrust remains high. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “It’s important for us to remember, as marketers, that we’re in a very delicate position within a turbulent time, both in America and around the world. In a world of digital saturation and AI acceleration, this study reveals that consumers are not just looking for convenience – they’re searching for meaning. Sports, radio, live media and human-led storytelling offer a rare sanctuary of trust, empathy and shared experience. Above all, we must continue listening to Americans more closely than ever before and focus on ways to foster real connection and amplify our collective humanity.”
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
Every talk host knows the move: play the clip. It might be a moment from late-night TV, a political ad, or a viral post that sets the table for the segment. It’s how commentary comes alive – listeners hear it, react to it, and stay tuned for your take.
That simple act is powered by a fragile piece of legal machinery known as the Fair Use Balancing Act. Without it, half of talk radio, podcasting, and online news/talk commentary wouldn’t exist. Fair Use allows creators to quote, parody, or critique copyrighted material without permission – but only when the new use transforms the old. It’s the backbone of what we now call “react” or “remix” culture.
Fair use isn’t a license; it’s a defense. When you rely on it, you admit you used someone else’s work and trust that a judge will see your purpose – criticism, news, education – as transformative. That’s a high-wire act few think about when the mic is hot.
The doctrine works on a sliding scale: courts weigh four factors – purpose, nature, amount, and market effect. In plain English, they ask, Did you change the meaning? Did you take too much? Did you cost the owner money? There are neither checklists nor guarantees.
That flexibility is what makes American media vibrant – and also what keeps lawyers busy. Each decision takes time, context, and money. The price of creative freedom is uncertainty.
The same logic now drives the debate over AI training and voice cloning. Machines don’t “comment” on your broadcast; they absorb it. And if courts treat that as transformative analysis instead of reproduction, the next generation of “hosts” may not need microphones at all.
For broadcasters, that’s the new frontier: your archives, tone, and phrasing are training data. Once ingested, they can be repurposed, remixed, and re-voiced without violating traditional copyright rules. The Fair Use Balancing Act may protect innovation – but it rarely protects the innovator.
Fair use was designed to keep culture evolving, not to leave creators behind. It balances a creator’s right to profit against society’s right to build upon shared work. But balance only works if both sides know the weight they’re carrying.
Every time you play the clip, remember you’re exercising one of the oldest and most essential freedoms in media. Just make sure the next voice that plays you is doing the same thing – for the right reasons, and under the same rules.
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
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/13-17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
iHeartMedia launches a new sports talk outlet in Cleveland on WMMS-HD2/W256BT as SportsRadio 99.1 and announces a broadcast partnership with Rock Entertainment Group that brings expanded coverage of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Monsters and Cleveland
Charge to listeners. Cavaliers games will air live on rock WMMS-FM and news/talk WTAM-AM/W295DE. The AHL’s Cleveland Monsters games will air on “SportsRadio 99.1” and NBA G league’s Charge games air on hip hop WAKS-HD2/W291BV “REAL 106.1.” iHeartMedia area president Keith Hotchkiss comments, “It’s an honor to continue our decades-long partnership with the Cavs Operating Company and we’re excited to bring this innovative new partnership to life with Rock Entertainment Group. Combining this coverage with iHeart’s unparalleled reach of more than 90% of our markets, we’re excited to give sports fans access to the great coverage Rock Entertainment Sports will provide.” The new station will also simulcast of select Rock Entertainment Sports Network programming and coverage of additional Ohio-based sporting events.
Cumulus Media sports talk KNML-AM, Albuquerque “The Sports Animal” promotes University of New Mexico legend and NBA veteran Kenny Thomas to host of the 4:00pm to 6:00 pm show.
Thomas has been and continues his Saturday program “Unfiltered with Kenny Thomas” and his “Lobos Live” show on sister news/talk KKOB-AM/FM. Cumulus Albuquerque program director Brandon Vogt says, “Kenny is authentic, competitive, and connected – the perfect fit for afternoons. He knows this market, he knows our teams, and he knows how to carry a locker room-level conversation on the radio. In this new role, Kenny will make a huge impact in the community and on the airwaves, continuing the tradition of great local sports talk in Albuquerque on New Mexico’s heritage sports station, ‘The Sports Animal.’ We couldn’t be more excited.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
After declining a proposal last month that would have required Penn State University to pay $17.6 million to transfer public media outlet WPSU-FM, State College, PA to Philadelphia’s public media firm WHYY, a new deal has been approved by the school’s trustees that will allow WPSU-FM to avoid shutting down at in June of next year. After last month’s failed transaction, Board of Trustees chairman
David Kleppinger says the school received a lot of public comments expressing concern about the loss of the station. As reported by Penn State, the new proposed transition includes commitments for WHYY to operate WPSU for at least three years after the transfer and to offer existing WPSU employees the opportunity to apply for comparable positions. Penn State also plans to transfer endowments and gifts designated for WPSU to WHYY. The story says, “Penn State will not be required to provide additional subsidy funds as previously negotiated. Rather, WHYY will first secure at least $8.36 million in outside financing. WHYY president and CEO Bill Marrazzo said that effort is already well underway and that PSU alumni are making contributions.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
The most common mistake podcasters make is assuming the microphone alone creates an audience. Too many would-be hosts hit Record without a clear strategy for WHY they’re doing a show, WHO it’s for, and what makes it DIFFERENT from millions of other podcasts.
Here’s where radio people have an edge. They already understand what makes audio work, fundamentals instructive to pure-play podcasters:
Know your listener. The #1 podcasting error is failing to define the audience. A show that tries to appeal to “everyone” ends up resonating with no one. In radio, you wouldn’t program an AC station to please hard rock fans; the same logic applies here. Create a mental picture of your ideal listener and talk to that person… as an individual. A radio show might have thousands of listeners, but they’re listening one-at-a-time. Podcasting is even more intimate. It’s the opposite of “Hi everybody.”
Prep like it matters. Many podcasters think conversation is enough. But even the loosest-sounding successful shows are tightly structured. Radio taught you this already: segments, clocks, and story arcs keep things moving. Format your podcast.
Edit ruthlessly. The average podcast listener has thousands of options. Rambling is death. Trimming, pacing interviews, and cutting inside jokes shows respect for your listener’s time. Walking-the-walk, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison takes a mere 44 seconds to explain in this video.
Be consistent. If your show drops sporadically, you won’t build loyalty. Listeners want reliability, whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Radio wouldn’t move a morning show around the schedule; don’t do it with your podcast.
Think discoverability. A podcast isn’t a “Field of Dreams” (if you build it, they will come). Great audio needs marketing: social media clips, smart SEO in show notes, cross-promotion, and ideally, visibility on your broadcast platforms.
Make it about them, not you. This is the big one. Too many podcasts are self-indulgent — hosts talking about what interests them. Successful shows flip the script: What does my audience care about, and how can I deliver it in a way only I can?
The bottom line: Radio has invested 100 years doing what podcasting is just learning — creating focused, disciplined, listener-first audio. Bring those habits with you, and you’ll click, while others are still figuring it out.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
Salem Radio Network is providing coverage of President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel as headdresses the Israeli Knesset and personally greets Israeli hostages released as part of the Israel-Hamas peace plan he negotiated. Townhall.com editor Katie Pavlich is among six American media members in the out-of-town travel pool accompanying President Trump on Air Force One. Pavlich will be filing reports as she follows Trump’s schedule.
Since TALKERS ran the following story yesterday (10/9), we learned about another angle to this story and have updated it.
There is no unity for the various conservative media outlets fighting for both viewers/listeners and the approval of the Trump Administration. Since 2016 it’s been widely reported that President Donald Trump watches FOX News Channel constantly. But a recent interview with Donald Trump Jr. by Chris Salcedo on Newsmax TV indicates that, at least for the president’s
eldest son, FNC is in the doghouse. Newsmax published an account of the interview which quotes Trump Jr. saying, “Honestly, I don’t watch it anymore because it is so ridiculous. They try so hard to be unbiased that they’re actually biased against conservatives at this point. But this shouldn’t be surprising. These are networks that banned me for two-and-a-half. I’m barely on anymore. I know my father was banned.” However, TALKERS has learned that Donald Trump Jr. appeared on FOX News Channel four times recently – on August 13 and September 3, 11, and 12. He told Salcedo 
“FOX’s approach has left conservatives silenced while Democrats and establishment figures get free rein.” The president recently complained about FNC in a post on Truth Social in which he singled out White House correspondent Peter Doocy for talking to Arizona Senator Mark Kelly about his healthcare agenda. He wrote, “Why is Fox News and Peter Doocy putting on Democrat Senator Mark Kelly to talk about, totally unabated or challenged, Healthcare?” SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly recently complained about FOX News Channel’s coverage of Charlie Kirk’s slaying, saying, “It’s really bothering me how FOX News is talking about Charlie, like he was theirs — he wasn’t. It’s a lie. Just stop.”
Civic Media announces its news/talk outlet WAUK-AM – licensed to Jackson, Wisconsin adds FM translator W262CJ, Milwaukee at 100.3 FM to the station’s broadcast that enlarges its signal in the Milwaukee market. Civic Media adds that in conjunction with FM translator launch on
October 6, it debuted a new morning program it says is designed specifically for Milwaukee commuters. Civic Media says, “‘All News All Morning’ is hosted by veteran broadcaster Dan Hanni and features a format that syncs with the average commute time in Milwaukee. Every 20 minutes, listeners will hear local news, traffic, sports, and weather, ensuring they stay informed no matter when they tune in during their drive.” WAUK regional president and general manager Chris Moreau comments, “This is a no-frills approach to delivering what people look for in the morning. News and information that they can use to start the day without wading through padding, filler, fluff, and partisan opinion. And they can hear it all within the average commute time in Milwaukee.”
Beasley Media Group reveals in an 8-K filing with the SEC that chief financial officer Lauren Burrows is resigning from the company effective October 17, “in order to pursue other opportunities. The resignation was not due to any disagreement with the Company on any
matter relating to its operations, policies, or practices.” Company CEO Caroline Beasley will serve as principal financial officer on an interim basis. At the same time, the company announces the promotion of Shaun Greening to chief accounting officer. Greening joined Beasley in 2000 and has been serving as vice president of financial reporting. Greening joins John Coury, who was recently promoted to corporate controller and director of treasury. Caroline Beasley states, “Shaun brings extensive experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a proven track record of success to his role. Together with John, their leadership will be instrumental in supporting our continued growth and long-term success.”
AWMF Announces Gracies Call for Entries. The AWM Foundation is now accepting entries for the 51st Annual Gracie Awards. AWMF says, “For over five decades, these awards have celebrated outstanding programming by, for, and about women — while funding scholarships and programs that support the next generation of women in media.” All information related to the Call for Entries including entry descriptions and full list of categories can be found here.
NAB Reveals Marconi Awards Hosts. The National Association of Broadcasters announces today that iHeartMedia’s “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” co-hosts Danielle Monaro and Medha Gandhi will host the 2025 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, taking place at The Edison Ballroom on October 21, the evening before NAB Show New York kicks off. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Danielle and Gandhi represent everything that makes local radio special — personality, authenticity and a genuine connection with their audiences.”
Urban One announces a number of promotions in operations and programming across several of its markets. At the Radio One Washington DC station group, A Plus is named operations manager for the cluster that includes news/talk WOL. In Cleveland Matt Myers is the new
operations manager for the station group that includes news/talk WERE-AM. Urban One SVP of programming Colby Tyner comments, “These leadership changes reflect the incredible depth of talent within Radio One. It’s exciting to see so many of our team members grow within the company and take on new challenges across markets. By empowering our brightest minds to share fresh ideas and perspectives, we ensure our stations remain dynamic, creative, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.”
The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that the next Media Mixer will take place at NAB headquarters in Washington DC on Thursday, November 6, from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm and will be hosted by NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt, with special guests Kelly O’Donnell
of NBC and Hubbard Radio president and general manager Joel Oxley. The Media Mixer series is designed to “celebrate the camaraderie of the broadcasting community and bring to light the charitable mission of the BFOA to provide a lifeline to colleagues in acute need from illness or disaster.” BFoA chair Scott Herman says, “We thank the NAB for providing this impressive event space at their headquarters, and we’re grateful to Curtis, Kelly, and Joel for their support in making this event a success for all attendees. Our Media Mixers bring together junior and senior level broadcast professionals and on-air celebrities, while raising the profile of our mission to help every broadcaster who qualifies for aid.” Registration for the event is required and you can do that here.
Media pro Joel Clary joins KSE Media Ventures in Denver as SVP and general manager for the
company’s four stations that includes sports talk KKSE-AM/FM. Clary most recently served with Salem Media Group as regional multimedia sales manager and takes over for Dave Fleck who left the company to start up his own company. Clary comments, “I am incredibly excited to join an organization with such a passionate fan base and an unparalleled portfolio of teams and venues. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of the KSE family.”
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr is agreeing to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee about the issues surrounding ABC/Disney’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel form comments about the death of Charlie Kirk. The date for Carr’s testimony is not set
but sources tell Reuters that it would likely be sometime after November. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz criticized Carr for comments he made on the Benny Johnson podcast about late night talk host Jimmy Kimmel’s joke that appeared to threaten ABC/Disney and promise FCC action against the company if it didn’t take action on its own. On his Premiere Networks distributed podcast, “The Verdict with Ted Cruz,” Cruz said of Carr’s comments, “I got to say that’s right out of ‘Goodfellas.’ That’s right out of a Mafioso coming into a bar going, ‘Nice bar you have here. It would be a shame if something happened to it.’” Carr recently said that’s not what he meant and stated, “We don’t want to see weaponization of government by any administration against any perspective – and that’s certainly not what we’re doing here.”
Premiere Networks and veteran journalist and mtf.tv founder Kevin Cirilli partner for a new podcast titled, “Hello Future with Kevin Cirilli,” to be featured on the iHeartPodcasts platform. “Hello Future” is described as “a daily podcast where tomorrow’s biggest questions come alive.
With topics ranging from Mars and UFOs to flying cars and ‘civilization starter kits,’ each episode blends science, technology, and imagination with the real choices shaping our world.” For example, on this week’s program Cirilli welcomes Harvard astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb for a conversation about comet 3I/ATLAS, alien tech, and the future of space exploration. He also chats with Rich Cooper, vice president of strategic communication and outreach for Space Foundation, about America’s $1 trillion space economy and why investing in space isn’t just about exploration – it’s about building America’s economic future. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott states, “We’re thrilled to welcome ‘Hello Future’ to the network. With years of experience as a journalist covering global affairs, technology and policy, Kevin has the unique ability to connect the dots between science and the future for listeners who crave bold ideas and fresh perspectives on what’s ahead.”
Trust in the news and journalism is an issue that all news platforms are struggling with during this ear of increasing mis- and disinformation. The Radio Television Digital News Association notes that this is especially true with younger news consumers. Working with research and
solutions organization Magid, the RTDNA examines trust in journalism among younger news consumers in 2025. It published the findings earlier this summer. Now, news pros can watch a recording of the webinar that the two organizations conducted to walk journalists through the findings and help them understand how they can improve trust among the next generation of news consumers. Magid VP Pat Maday presents the webinar you can view here.
The Federal Communications Commission is announcing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to begin its 2022 Quadrennial Review of the broadcast ownership rules. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has indicated that he is interested in relaxing the current ownership rules for broadcasters
and radio industry CEOs are pleased with the probability that they will be loosened. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner states, “We’re encouraged that Chairman Carr and the FCC are advancing the 2022 Quadrennial Review. Quickly modernizing the radio ownership rules is essential for listeners who rely on local radio every day. With updated 
rules, companies like ours can invest more locally, diversify our offerings, and compete effectively in today’s rapidly evolving audio landscape. We look forward to working with the Commission to make these updates.” Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “We would like to thank Chairman Carr for moving forward with the quadrennial review on this critical endeavor. This is a defining moment for our industry to ensure that local radio can continue to fulfill its essential public service mission for decades to come. We look forward to working with the Commission to implement common-sense reforms that will allow broadcasters to compete fairly and keep serving the local audiences who rely on us every day.”