The most discussed stories yesterday (1/26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Bonneville’s conservative talk KTTH, Seattle “Seattle Red” adds Salem Radio Network’s Scott Jennings to its lineup airing from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Station program director Jason Antebi says, “Scott Jennings
is a fearless communicator with unmatched credibility. His experience, intelligence, and no-nonsense delivery make him a strong addition to our primetime lineup. Scott doesn’t just react to the news — he shapes the conversation and arms listeners with insight they can use.” Jennings comments, “I’m thrilled to join the lineup at Seattle Red! My mission is to debunk liberal narratives, bring forward blockbuster news-making conversations, and give the audience a daily dose of common sense. Can’t wait to be part of this terrific station!”
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
The plague of pessimism about the future of radio is fueled internally by radio employees. Doomsayers are logically found in the sales department. All day, salespeople meet with buyers. A buyer’s job is to negotiate a lower price by arguing radio’s negatives. The wall of negativity thrives within the work environment of a seller. Tough. But there is little or no reason for pessimism.
Kevin O’ Leary (a.k.a. “Mr. Wonderful” on TV’s Shark Tank) is a pragmatic investor. When asked about AI’s impact on radio, he says, “It’s the same phobia we had when television hit radio. ‘Oh, it’s going to decimate radio!’ No, it’s not. The art form exists today, even bigger, terrestrial, and in space. To me, AI is just a tool.” (Variety. January 5, 2026)
Surprising to many, radio’s audience numbers today are virtually the same as they were in 1970.
Radio Listenership Today (2020s)
Weekly Reach: As of 2022–2023, approximately 82% to 88% of Americans aged 12 and older listen to terrestrial (AM/FM) radio in a given week.
Monthly Reach: Nielsen data indicates that AM/FM radio reaches 91% of U.S. adults each month.
Daily Listening: Approximately 66% of U.S. adults listen to broadcast or streaming AM/FM radio on a daily basis.
Resiliency: Despite the rise of podcasts and music streaming, 55% of Gen Z in the U.S. still listen to AM/FM radio every day, and it remains the top reach medium, even exceeding social media.
1970s: The era of AM to FM transition and the peak of top-40 terrestrial radio, with 25 million CB radios also becoming popular in the mid-70s.
Today: While reach is still high, the amount of time spent listening is more fragmented, with radio facing competition from streaming (Spotify/Apple Music) and podcasts, although it remains the dominant ad-supported audio choice in cars.
CB radio, cassettes, 8-tracks, CDs, DVDs, Walkman, iTunes, iPhones, SiriusXM, Spotify, podcasts, Pandora… all terminators of radio. None of them made a dent. The killer of radio will be radio’s odd internal pessimism that while predicting doom that never comes drives actions that are suicidal: Elimination of audience qualitative research. Tracking. More Tracking. (Radio Fracking!) No external marketing. Endless talent cuts. No contests. (A $1,000 national contest WOW!) None of those cuts are good business because they cut potential revenues.
And yet there is a relentless, funded determination to end all FCC ownership caps allowing companies to buy more radio stations to operate with great Panglossian efficiency!
Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
For years, “protect your name and likeness” sounded like lawyer advice in search of a problem. Abstract. Defensive. Easy to ignore. That worked when misuse required effort, intent, and a human decision-maker willing to cross a line.
AI changed that.
When Matthew McConaughey began trademarking his name and persona-linked phrases (“alright, alright, alright”), it was not celebrity vanity. It was an acknowledgment that identity has become a transferable commodity, whether the person attached to it consents or not.
A voice is no longer just expressive. It is functional. It can be sampled, trained, replicated, and redeployed at scale. Not as a parody. Not as commentary. As a substitute. When a synthetic version of you can narrate ads, read copy, or deliver endorsements you never approved, the injury is not hypothetical. It is economic.
We have already seen this play out. In the past two years, synthetic versions of well-known voices have been used to sell products the real person never endorsed, often through social media ad networks. These were not deep-fake jokes or parody videos. They were commercial voice reads. The pitch was simple: if it sounds credible, it converts. By the time the real speaker objected, the ad had already run, the money had moved, and responsibility had dissolved into a stack of platform disclaimers.
This is where many creators misunderstand trademark law. They think it is about logos and merchandise. It is not. Trademarks protect source identification. Meaning, if the public associates a name, phrase, or expression with you as the origin, that association has legal weight. McConaughey’s filings reflect that reality. Certain phrases signal him instantly. That signaling function has value, and trademark law is designed to prevent identity capture before confusion spreads.
Right of publicity laws still matter. They protect against unauthorized commercial use of name, image, and often voice. But they are largely reactive. Trademarks allow creators to draw boundaries in advance, before identity becomes unmoored from its source.
This is not a celebrity problem. Local radio hosts, podcasters, commentators, and long-form interviewers trade on recognition and trust every day. AI does not care about fame tiers. It cares about recognizable signals.
You do not need to trademark everything. You do need to know what actually signifies you, and decide whether to protect it, because in an AI-driven media economy, failing to define your identity does not preserve flexibility. It invites identity capture.
Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.
Former Chicago sports talk radio host Terry Boers has died at 75. Boers, co-hosted the “Boers & Bernstein” show on Audacy’s WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” from 1999 through 2016. He retired from the station in
January of 2017. WSCR operations manager Mitch Rosen posted the following to social media: “The Score lost one of our own today. Terry Boers passed away today surrounded by loved ones. Terry was one of the founding fathers of The Score and one of the most popular people on the air and in The Score hallways. Terry was original, funny, smart, witty and most importantly a beautiful person. Terry’s family’s wish is there won’t be a funeral, but The Score will celebrate his life on the air next week. So today and forever, RIP Terry Boers.” Boer was one of the original hosts on “The Score when it launched in January 1992. Boers had worked for years in the newspaper business, including as a sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.
The most discussed stories over the weekend (1/24-25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez responds to the Commission’s Guidance on Political Equal Opportunities Requirement for Broadcast Television Stations that it issued on January 21, taking an opposing view from FCC Chair Brendan Carr. She states: “Nothing has
fundamentally changed with respect to our political broadcasting rules. The FCC has not adopted any new regulation, interpretation, or Commission-level policy altering the long-standing news exemption or equal time framework. For decades, the Commission has recognized that bona fide news interviews, late-night programs, and daytime news shows are entitled to editorial discretion based on newsworthiness, not political favoritism. That principle has not been repealed, revised, or voted on by the Commission. This announcement therefore does not change the law, but it does represent an escalation in this FCC’s ongoing campaign to censor and control speech.
“The First Amendment does not yield to government intimidation. Broadcasters should not feel pressured to water down, sanitize, or avoid critical coverage out of fear of regulatory retaliation. Broadcast stations have a constitutional right to carry newsworthy content, even when that content is critical of those in power. That does not change today, it will not change tomorrow, and it will not change simply because of this Administration’s desire to silence its critics.”
Talk host Rich Valdés, who succeeded the late Jim Bohannon on the Westwood One network, announces his next move as he joins Global
Media Federation and its streaming network Festiva TV syndication partnership. The deal will make Valdés’ late-night show exclusively in Spanish to Roku’s 90 million+ subscribed households. Valdés’ English-language show continues to be available via iHeartRadio, and Valdés says he is “completely open to English syndication opportunities across terrestrial radio, cable television, and streaming platforms like Rumble—building on my ongoing work in those spaces.”
Retired WGN, Chicago journalist Steve Bertrand is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the RTDNA Foundation’s 2026 First Amendment Awards taking place at the Watergate Hotel in Washington on March 12. RTDNA says it “is celebrating Steve Bertrand
with the Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor designated contributions to local news. Bertrand has been a trusted voice on WGN Radio for four decades, anchoring news since 1992 and earning the confidence of generations of Chicago listeners. Over his career, he covered many of the most significant local and national events of the past 40 years while mentoring colleagues and helping define the standard for excellence in local radio journalism. His retirement in 2025 marks the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to informing the public and strengthening the role of local news.”
TALKERS magazine is pleased to announce that it will again serve as the presenting sponsor of the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference.
IBS NYC 2026 – America’s preeminent annual college radio and media
gathering – will take place February 19-21 at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in midtown Manhattan.
In making the announcement, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “Campus broadcasting continues to take on a growing importance as the radio industry (and its related fields) seeks to connect with and develop a new generation of professional practitioners as well as engaged audiences going further into the digital era. TALKERS is proud to be able to provide major financial support, encouragement, experience, and advice to the dedicated producers of this very special event for the second consecutive year. I highly recommend that radio and media professionals attend this dynamic gathering because the grass roots future of the field oozes out of its meeting rooms, exhibition areas, and hallways. It is a great gathering at which to network with almost a thousand up and coming stars in both talent and management.”
For general information please click HERE.
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Continue to follow breaking news and details about IBS NYC 2026 during the days and weeks ahead here in TALKERS. Register now to take advantage of remarkable discounts for those that sign up early.
Ocean State Media announces that it has acquired WVEI-FM, Westerly, Rhode Island from Audacy to replace its five-signal network that carries public radio content from NPR and others. WVEI has been the
Providence market outlet for Audacy’s sports talk WEEI-FM, Boston for more than two decades. Audacy closed the WVEI offices in 2023. Ocean State Media president and CEO Pam Johnston says they are spending $4.9 million on the new FM. “From an operational and financial standpoint, we are going to be financing the cost of this frequency, which will allow us to eventually sell all the frequencies that we currently have. And so over time we believe that this transaction actually is going to pay for itself.” She says making it easier for listeners is important, “One signal reaching much farther than our current series of five different signals, a greater experience where you don’t have to change the channel as you move your way through Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.”
On the heels of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce last week in which he reiterated the Commission’s duty to enforce broadcast licensees’ obligations to
serve in the public interest, the FCC yesterday issued a Guidance on Political Equal Opportunities Requirement for Broadcast Television Stations. While the memorandum is written to television stations, it obvious applies to radio stations as well. The memo ultimately addresses the 1959 order that exempts broadcasters from providing equal time to qualified candidates on any: (1) bona fide newscast; (2) bona fide news interview; (3) bona fidenews documentary (if the appearance of the candidate is incidental to the presentation of the subject or subjects covered by the news documentary); or (4) on-the-spot coverage of bona fide news events (including but not limited to political conventions and activities incidental thereto). Programs such as “The Tonight Show” and “The View” are cited as entertainment shows in which an interview segment can qualify as a bona fide news interview. Regarding this, the memo concludes with two important paragraphs:
“Concerns have been raised that the industry has taken the Media Bureau’s 2006 staff-level decision to mean that the interview portion of all arguably similar entertainment programs whether late night or daytime—are exempted from the section 315 equal opportunities requirement under a bona fide news exemption. This is not the case. As noted above, these decisions are fact specific, and the exemptions are limited to the program that was the subject of the request.
Importantly, the FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption. Moreover, a program that is motivated by partisan purposes, for example, would not be entitled to an exemption under longstanding FCC precedent. Any program or station that wishes to obtain formal assurance that the equal opportunities requirement does not apply (in whole or in part) is encouraged to promptly file a petition for declaratory ruling that satisfies the statutory requirements for a bona fide news exemption.”
Triton Digital released its U.S. Podcast Ranker for December 2025, based on weekly average downloads for participating networks, and
iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” was #1, followed by Audacy’s “48 Hours” at #2 and Salem Media Group’s “Charlie Kirk Show” at #3. Other talk radio-related shows include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” at #10, iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” at #11, and “Armstrong & Getty on Demand” at #14. See the full ranker here.
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals is granting Nielsen an administrative stay of the District Court’s order pending a decision by a three-judge motions panel. That means Nielsen can continue to operate its radio ratings business as usual until the panel rules on Nielsen’s
appeal of the District Court’s ruling on Cumulus’ request to seal the record and protect witnesses’ identities. That request was granted by the District Court. Cumulus Media is suing Nielsen alleging that the company is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. 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.
At last week’s appearance before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce, FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez testified about her concerns with
the way the commission is operating. She took issue with FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s interpretation of how the Commission should ensure that licensees operate in the public interest. She stated, “For months, this FCC has asserted an apparent roving mandate to police speech that this Administration does not like, invoking an undefined and unchecked concept known as the ‘public interest’ standard.
Instead of functioning as a principle intended to serve the public, this standard is being treated as a license to weigh in on content, viewpoint, and editorial judgment.
This is not what the FCC was created to do. The Commission’s job is not to police content, root out media bias, or guarantee favorable coverage for any administration. Its responsibility is to regulate communications infrastructure and markets, not censor the speech that flows through them.
The First Amendment protects against government interference with speech, and the Communications Act prohibits the FCC from engaging in censorship. In a free society, the government does not decide what speech is acceptable or aligned with its views. When the government’s media regulator claims the power to judge content or police bias, we move away from oversight and closer toward censorship and control.
That is why it is so important for the FCC to clearly define what it means by the public interest standard, something I have called on it to do repeatedly. It is also why Congress must insist on guardrails that prevent content-based regulation and protect against the FCC acting as an arbiter of speech.”
Cumulus Media partners with Toronto-based media technology company Eon Media to develop and monetize AI-enabled projects for audio. Cumulus says new AI-powered technologies will optimize its 395 U.S. radio stations and digital assets to “drive and measure consumer and
audience engagement – a considerable value add for Cumulus Media and its stakeholders and an important next step in the development of advanced capabilities for the audio sector.” Cumulus adds that Eon Media is an award-winning technology company for media that harnesses state-of-the-art artificial intelligence that is fully built in-house to extract metadata from media assets, including segments, stories, categories, audio transcription, music recognition, people mentioned, demographics, and much more. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “We are excited to join forces with Eon Media to create innovative solutions that will provide Cumulus Media with access to new market opportunities and untapped monetization paths. Importantly, this partnership will significantly enhance our ability to drive greater discoverability. By expanding touchpoints and engagement opportunities, we ensure our listeners and audiences can connect with our content more easily and more often than ever.”
The National Association of Broadcasters is testifying on behalf of over-the-air broadcasters who would like to see the Federal Communications Commission’s radio and television station ownership caps eliminated. In lengthy testimony regarding the 2022 Quadrennial Regulatory Review – Review of the Commission’s Broadcast Ownership Rules and Other Rules Adopted Pursuant to Section 202 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, NAB says that, unlike those arguing to keep or even strengthen ownership caps, those asking for their removal are providing real-world testimony. The NAB writes, “They documented in detail the vast
competition local radio stations today face for audiences and vital advertising revenues from online and satellite content providers and digital ad platforms not subject to any comparable restrictions on their scale and scope; the dire negative effects that consumer and advertiser substitution of competing digital audio content and advertising for traditional radio has had on the listenership and advertising revenues garnered by local radio stations, including in mid-sized and small markets; and how the retention of asymmetric ownership restrictions has prevented radio broadcasters from gaining local scale to take advantage of important economic efficiencies, obtain investment capital, and better compete for audiences and advertising revenues, and thus enhance – or even maintain – their provision of news, emergency information, and valued entertainment and sports programming in local communities across the country at no cost to the public.” Responding to testimony from musicFirst Coalition and the Future of Music Coalition – referred to as the Coalitions – NAB writes, “First, the fact that the Coalitions continue to hold themselves out as protectors of small, local independent broadcasters not just borders on the absurd but crosses over into full-blown absurdity. The Coalitions represent the interests of the music industry, which is dominated by three consolidated international record labels. Compared to even the largest radio station groups, the giant record labels are the 800-pound gorillas of the music world. Those three labels earn billions more in revenue than the approximately 11,000 full-power commercial AM/FM stations combined. As NAB earlier reported, the three major music companies jointly generated about $2.9 million per hour in 2023. In remarkable contrast, in 2023 and 2024 the vast majority of radio stations garnered less – and often much less – than $2.9 million per year in advertising revenues. Needless to say, the Coalitions have never explained how local radio stations earning such low levels of revenue (and even lower, if any, profits) are supposed to keep talented employees and provide high quality programming, including popular music, sports, and informational programming, such as weather updates and emergency information, OTA and free to the public without achieving increased local scale, greater economic efficiencies, and more robust ad revenues. See the NAB’s complete testimony here.
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio announces the MIW Erica Farber Mentorship in Management Class of 2026. MIW says, “This prestigious initiative selects four exceptional women from across the radio industry – spanning sales, marketing, programming, and digital – to participate in a year-long mentorship experience designed to accelerate leadership development and career advancement.” They are (from l-r): Angela Williams, manager of business operations, Crawford Media Group, Chicago; Bridget England, program director & morning show host at 96 Rock, Cincinnati, Cumulus; Cassie Reimold, regional digital sales manager, Salem Media, Tampa, Orlando & Atlanta; and Kelly Harlow Pruitt, general sales manager, Cumulus Media, Indianapolis.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Often, when visiting client stations, I ride shotgun on a sales call, and it’s always a masterclass. Retailers have a canny, insightful feel for their customers (our listeners). And accompanying these reps, I feel like I’m “Dancing With The Stars.”
Cold calling still rattles many new sellers, even some veterans. The fear is understandable: interrupting strangers to ask for their time sounds like a recipe for rejection. And seems old-school, but the cold call isn’t a relic – it’s a differentiator. Done right, it’s not a pitch. It’s about discovery.
Here’s what successful sellers I work with seem to have in common:
Lately, I’m impressed by how reps are using Artificial Intelligence… not as a crutch, but to collaborate. Various vendors are hawking apps that will write – even voice – spots. Whenever I’m given a demo, I ask for copy about a restaurant my wife and I frequent. And what comes back is painfully generic – “in a relaxing atmosphere” – rather than capturing the experience. DO exploit AI. But ask it for copy concepts, and use it as a first draft, always to frame the prospect’s words.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
The most discussed stories over the weekend (1/17-18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Salem Media and WIND-AM, Chicago “AM 560 The Answer” morning drive host Dan Proft agree to a two-year extension to keep him on the air through December of 2027. Salem regional VP and WIND general
manager John Gallagher says, “The combination of Dan Proft’s intellect and his exceptional interviewing skills is why he’s the best morning radio host in Chicago. His knowledge of the issues that affect the people of Illinois is unmatched. This contract extension solidifies the Chicago Morning Answer brand and the top conservative talk radio line-up in the nation.” Proft comments, “I’m excited to extend my run on Chicago’s Morning Answer, and I am honored to be trusted with such an important platform during these turbulent times. Nothing short of the future of the United States and Western civilization, by extension, is on the line, and I’m humbled to be able to lend my voice to the fight. I want to thank AM 560’s management, along with our loyal, intelligent listeners and our accomplished and thoughtful guests, for their ongoing support.”
Audacy is dropping the classic hip hop on WBMX and adding the 104.3 FM frequency to sports talk WSCR-AM “670 The Score,” beginning
February 2. Audacy Chicago SVP and market manager Kevin Cassidy states, “Chicago fans are the best in the world, and they deserve coverage that matches their passion. Our roster features the best talent in the city with unmatched dedication to delivering the latest sports news and insight. We’re excited to expand The Score’s reach through this FM simulcast, bringing our premier sports content to an even wider audience so they can join the conversation and stay connected to their favorite Chicago teams.”
Salem Media today promotes Carolyn Cassidy to vice president & regional general manager in which she’ll continue to oversee Salem’s operations in Columbus, Tampa, Orlando, and Miami, while expanding
her leadership role as part of the company’s Senior Leadership Team. Salem says, “Cassidy has been an integral part of Salem for many years, beginning with her leadership in Columbus, where she cultivated a strong culture of teamwork, community involvement, and business growth. She later took on management of Salem’s Tampa market, followed by oversight of Orlando and, most recently, Miami.” Salem president of broadcast media Allen Power adds “Carolyn has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, market insight, and a deep commitment to Salem’s mission. Her ability to lead multiple large and diverse markets with both strategic focus and personal care makes her an outstanding addition to our VP ranks.”
In testimony before the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce yesterday (1/14), FCC chairman Brendan Carr addressed a number of issues including ownership caps and broadcasters’ requirement to serve the public interest. In his prepared remarks, Carr anticipated questions about the commission’s role in scrutinizing content and stated, “The FCC is working to empower local broadcasters to serve the public interest and meetthe needs of their communities. As Congress, the Supreme Court, and the FCC have all
made clear, broadcasters are different than every other distributor of media. Specifically, broadcasters are required by both the Communications Act and the terms of their FCC-issued licenses to operate in the public interest. This sets them apart from cable channels, podcasts, streaming services, social media, and countless other types of distributors that have no public interest obligation. The FCC’s broadcast hoax rule, its news distortion policy, its political equal opportunity regulation, its prohibition on obscene, indecent, and profane content, its localism requirements — all of those and more apply uniquely to broadcasters. Congress has instructed the FCC to enforce public interest requirements on broadcasters. The FCC should do exactly that.” Carr added, “To ensure that broadcasters can meet their public interest obligations, the FCC has taken a number of actions, including seeking public comment for the first time in more than 15 years on the relationship between the large, national programmers on the one hand and the many local broadcast television stations on the other. Comments in that proceeding suggest that many local broadcasters are concerned that the national programmers have amassed enormous power and influence in recent years and have made it more challenging for local broadcasters to fulfill their public interest obligations. The FCC is going to continue its efforts to empower local broadcasters to meet their public interest obligations.”
AdLarge Acquires Inlet Media. AdLarge is acquiring the assets of technology platform Inlet Media, Inc that it has used for nearly two years to onboard, distribute, and monetize audio and video content through its AI-powered podcast and creator workflows. As part of the transaction, Patrick Cedrowski, co-founder of Inlet Media, has been named chief technology officer of AdLarge and the fwd. network. Brian Egan, co-founder of Inlet Media and longtime AdLarge and fwd. network team member, has been promoted to vice president and head of product.
NHPR Partners with The Podglomerate. New Hampshire Public Radio enters into an exclusive sales partnership with Portsmouth-based podcast agency The Podglomerate,, in which The Podglomerate will serve as the exclusive sales partner for podcasts produced by NHPR. NHPR director of on-demand audio Rebecca Lavoie says,“Partnering with The Podglomerate is a natural next step in our relationship. We’ve worked with them on several marketing campaigns, and are impressed with their steadfast advocacy for our journalism. They also have some of the most innovative approaches to monetization I’ve seen in the industry.”
Edison Presenting “Evolving Ear” Webinar. Edison Research will present, “The Evolving Ear: How New Listeners are Shaping Podcast’s New Chapter,” in a webinar on January 27 at 2:00 pm ET. Edison says, “The future of podcasting may be unpredictable, but listener trends offer the best clues about where it’s headed. Drawing from over 20 years of Edison Research data, senior research director Gabriel Soto will explore how the next wave of podcast consumers is shaping the medium.” Get more info and register here.
Radio Mercury Awards Call for Entry. Call for Entry for the 2026 Radio Mercury Awards is officially open. Entrants have the opportunity to be awarded in 17 categories along with the Best of Show recognition. Call for Entry deadline is Monday, April 6, 2026. Finalists for the show will be announced in early May, and winners will be announced at the live Radio Mercury Awards event on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at SONY Hall in New York City. For more information regarding entry categories, guidelines, entry fees and deadlines, available sponsorship information and more, click here.
Nielsen Audio’s managing director Rich Tunkel says that U.S. District Court Judge Jeanette Vargas’ order that his company is enjoined from enforcing its Network Policy — in which clients wanting to buy network ratings must also buy the local ratings — and from charging a
commercially unreasonable rate for its Nationwide Report may cause it to have to do away with the Nationwide Report altogether. This testimony accompanied Nielsen’s request for a stay pending appeal as it appeals to the Second Circuit. This is the latest in action in Cumulus’ suit alleging that 
Nielsen is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. Judge Vargas denied the stay pending appeal but did grant an administrative stay will be in effect only until January 16, 2026, to allow Nielsen time to file a motion for a stay in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Tunkel’s testimony states that the order would cause Nielsen “significant irreparable harm if required to comply with the Court’s ruling during the pendency of Nielsen’s appeal… As a result, Nielsen would not be able to apply that policy in any of the at least ten negotiations with clients that Nielsen expects to have in 2026. If Nielsen is unable to apply the Network Policy, then it will be hindered in its ability to ensure that it can recover the costs of collecting the local radio-ratings data that make up the Nationwide report and spread those costs appropriately across the customers that use the products generated from those joint costs. If Nielsen cannot recover these costs, then it may have to retire the Nationwide report, similar to when Nielsen retired its other national data product, RADAR. If it does not retire the Nationwide report, it may have to pass a higher share of the costs of collecting local data on to other customers, including local radio stations, hurting Nielsen’s negotiating position with respect to those customers, as well as those customers themselves.”
WTOP names veteran journalist John Wordock business reporter, effective January 26. Wordock, who was heard on WTOP in the past when he handled business report duties for MarketWatch Radio, most recently
served as a media consultant. He states, “WTOP is setting the pace for the radio industry in our digital world. It’s a leader both in Washington and in the country. I look forward to joining its award-winning newsroom and evolving business reporting in the age of social video, YouTube, podcasts, and whatever comes next.” WTOP says it will expand the scope of its business reporting under Wordock’s leadership, including by Wordock producing original video content and written articles for WTOP.com and the station’s social media channels. WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler comments, “Evolution is more important than ever in the news industry. We need to meet our consumers where they are and bring them the stories they need in the formats they want. John brings a wealth of multi-platform experience and business expertise to WTOP, and we can’t wait for news consumers in the DMV to be reintroduced to him.”
Audacy sports talk WSSP-AM/W289CB “105.7 The Fan” in Milwaukee brings Tim Allen back to its airwaves to host the new “Brewers Hot Stove Show,” airing weekdays at 5:00 pm ET, starting January 14 and running
through March 25. Allen will also host a post-game show, adding to the station’s 2026 Brewers coverage, which also includes Tommy Wortz’s “Lead Off Show.” Audacy Wisconsin SVP and market manager Jason Bjorson says, “If you’re going to be the number one sports radio station in Milwaukee, then you have to have the best coverage of the Brewers. Tim Allen is the definitive voice of the franchise’s fanbase, and his presence solidifies our commitment to local listeners.” Allen states, “I’m very appreciative to have my post-game show back on ‘The Fan’ in Milwaukee and now on the Wisconsin Sports Radio Network. We started this post-game show on ‘The Fan’ 21 years ago, and to have it continue with them is a pretty special feeling.”
WABC and Cuomo Talking About a Weekend Show. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis are talking about a new, weekend talk show that the Cuomo would host. The New York Post reports that during Cuomo’s appearance on Catsimatidis’ “Roundtable” show, Catsimatidis stated, “I hear you may be talking a little bit more on WABC radio in the near future,” with Cuomo replying, “I think your station has an audience that is participatory, and large. It’s very important… that we understand what’s going on and have informed dialogue and your station is a great vehicle to do that.”
WWO and Barbasol Celebrate 20 Years. Cumulus Media’s Westwood One and Barbasol are celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of sports media’s longest running brand partnerships: Barbasol’s sponsorship of the NFL on Westwood One. Westwood One president & Cumulus EVP Collin Jones says, “Long-term partnerships like this aren’t built on transactions, they’re built on alignment, honesty, and a willingness to evolve together. Barbasol activates with authenticity and consistency, whether supporting our talent, engaging fans, or backing causes that mean something to the players and analysts our listeners know and love. That’s why it works, why it’s lasted—and why we’re thrilled to mark 20 years with the brand. A special thanks to the Barbasol team and Murray family for their enduring partnership.”
Skyview Brings Doughty Aboard. Skyview Networks names Brian Doughty director, network sales. The company says that in this role, he’ll will work closely with its experienced sales team to continue elevating the overall sales strategy, utilizing his knowledge of the industry to deliver results for sports and network audio partners.
MIW Names Four to Board of Directors. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors, along with the appointment of current Board Member Randi P’Pool to the Executive Board as Secretary. New board members include: Townsquare Media’s Allyson Hillman, Audacy’s Kieran Geffert, Radio One’s Lauren “Lo” Sessions-Barker, and Salem Media Group’s Linnae Young.
Jim and Bob Karam, owners of news/talk/sports, WSAR-AM, Fall River, Massachusetts, announce that they have stuck a deal to sell the station to Fall River Reporter publisher Michael Silvia and sitting Fall River city
councilor Cliff Ponte. WPRI-TV, Providence reports that the new owners say “they’re going to shift programming to cover 100% local content focusing on Fall River and its suburbs while still keeping Celtics and Patriots broadcasts.” Ponte tells WPRI, “This station has been a part of my life for more than two decades. I got my start behind the microphone here as a teenager, learning the ropes at WSAR and later moved to other stations in Cape Cod and Providence.” The report says that Silvia will serve as the station’s general manager, Ponte will serve as program director, and current station general manager Sue Nadar will move to the role of sales manager. See the WPRI story here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Evidence that your correspondent is a nerd: my airplane read for my CES back-N-forth was Successful AI Product Creation: A 9-Step Framework by Shub Agarwal (Wiley). If you haven’t got time for all 307 pages, here’s what I gleaned, pertinent to radio:
Strategic Philosophy
• AI succeeds only when it solves real business problems, not when used as a novelty.
• Begin every AI project with: “What measurable problem are we solving?”
• Align AI use with station strategy — audience growth, advertiser ROI, efficiency, or content quality.
Tactical Applications for Radio
• Show prep: summarize trending topics, generate local angles, suggest guests.
• Automate routine production (editing, scheduling, metadata tagging) to free creative staff.
• Voice tracking with guardrails — use AI to extend live talent, not replace it.
• News: Employ AI to summarize complex stories quickly for on-air and digital use.
• Sales: Personalize ad copy to make spots more relevant. Automate proposal and spec-spot creation to shorten turnaround time.
Think of AI as “augmentation, not automation.” AVOID making radio sound robotic. Use these tools to make radio smarter, faster, and more human. Enhance talent; don’t erase it. Protect authenticity and listener trust — radio’s enduring differentiator. Develop a station AI policy covering attribution, verification, and data privacy.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
Talk show hosts are not motivated or driven like disk jockeys or salespeople. Most general managers have never managed talk show hosts. Few program directors have managed talk show hosts. My career has been blessed with daily exchanges with the best talk show hosts in history. Here are some suggestions I would like to share on how to have a superior relationship with talk stars.
• Listen to the show. Talk hosts are performers committing an unnatural act. They are on a stage with no audience. They hear no applause, little immediate feedback, and this leads to paranoia. Was that topic good? Was the joke funny? You’re the audience.
• Give one “note” at a time. Whatever method you use to motivate a salesperson, do the opposite with on-air talent. Talk talent cannot work harder. They are working as hard as they possibly can every moment. You don’t have to motivate them to go on more sales calls. The motivation comes from telling a host what you enjoyed – what you thought was fun or funny. Compliments won’t make them take it easy; it will make them want more compliments – applause. Applause is the motivation.
You may hear several elements on a show that could be improved. Keep the list to yourself. Select the most urgent item that could be improved and share that one and only that one. Bring up another suggestion next week. Offering more than one “repair” can be devastating. Surround all suggestions with many compliments. It works.
• Unless a talent posts under your station’s actual social media account, their social media posts are frankly none of your business. Facebook is just not as important – not as your station. Let it go.
• No other entertainer has as hard a job as a radio talk show host. Talk show hosts have to create multiple hours from scratch. Actors on a sitcom need to learn 22 minutes of script – script they didn’t write; 11 writers did that for them. How much are you paying for writers for your talk shows? Oh! Entertainers in other media have production assistants, interns, writers, coaches, dressers, rehearsals. How much support staff do your hosts have? Oh! Talk show hosts perform a daily miracle for your company. Lunch barter isn’t enough.
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.