SABO SEZ: Jay Clark, A Real Program Director
By Walter Sabo
A.K.A Walter Sterling
Host, The Other Side of Midnight
WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks
Jay Clark was the first program director of WABC as a talk station. He set the tone and path for modern talk radio. This week I had Jay on as a special guest on the Red Apple Audio Networks all night show, “The Other Side of Midnight.” We celebrated the anniversary, May 10, (1982) of WABC’s switch from music to talk on the giant signal at 770 AM.
There could not have been a better owner at launch: ABC Inc. Facts about ABC Inc (that’s it, it was just ABC Ink):
- ABC Inc. had launched KABC, Los Angeles and KGO, San Francisco in the mid 1960s. By 1982, when WABC switched to talk, those two stations were golden businesses. KABC was the highest grossing station in any
format in America. KGO was the killer biller in San Francisco. The execs who ran them were mighty proud: Ben Hoberman, Ed McLaughlin, Al Racco, Chuck Debere. Yes, they ran those stations, but they also invented the caller-driven talk format. There were other winning talk stations, but they were guest centric rather than listener centric (i.e. WOR, WGN). At the time, there were 43 stations listed as “talk” stations. 43. Not many models. - Clark explained that KABC and KGO took 10 years to turn a profit. The business assumption was that WABC would also take 10 years to achieve that goal. Audience research, which came back after the switch, showed it would take 10 years to win a viable audience. 10 years was fine with ABC management. That’s what it would take. It took 11.
- WABC launched primarily as live and local. Upper radio management was passionate about the talk format, they freakin’ loved everything about it. They understood its prestige. It was and is a sales format. Management nurtured talk radio and evolved it. They were committed to talk and understood the key fact for growth: YOU CAN’T SAVE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS. At the time management’s love was essential to success because New York’s feelings for WABC as a rocker ran deep, and not many citizens or clients were in a hurry to witness its end. They were, however, in a hurry to tune to the FM band.
When walking the halls of WABC during the first talk year, one could feel the excitement and the pride. Those feelings permeated the airwaves and propelled success. One can’t find feelings on a spreadsheet, one can’t find success on a spread sheet either.
The return of feelings
When John Catsimitidis bought WABC, pride and passion returned to the halls and to the air. John and bride Margo love the station, the staff, the format, and the potential. “Cats” and station president Chad Lopez have a simple goal: “We want it to be number one.” You would be shocked at how many managers I’ve met who will never be number one – of any format – because they don’t want to be. They actually say they don’t want to be number one… or can’t.
As of today, as it was at launch, WABC’s owner is proud and passionate and will be number one. PD Kevin Droesch is very much in the Jay Clark school of understanding talent and winning.
Sure, sure you could be a cynic and assume I’m writing this because I work for Red Apple Media. But I don’t assume that you’ve met me.
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 “The Other Side of Midnight” is heard on WABC, New York and the Red Apple Audio Network 1:00 am – 5:00 am. 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. He can be phoned at 646-678-1110.
District race today (5/12) from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The forum featuring candidates State Rep. Chris Rabb, Dr. Ala Stanford and State Sen. Sharif Street is being moderated by WURD Radio hosts Dr. James Peterson, Joann Bell and Solomon Jones. on Tuesday, May 12, from 5–6 p.m. during a special edition of Evening WURDs. The station will also host a live remote Election Night Special on Tuesday, May 19, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm from Honeysuckle on Broad St. 
dcast and an extension of The Breakfast Club’s popular “Front Page News” radio segment. Black Effect says host Mimi Brown expands her on-air coverage of the most-talked-about news stories each weekday into easily digestible 10-to-12-minute episodes that will give listeners more of the headline-making details they crave.
a decline of 7.9% from last year and broadcast advertising revenue was $38.6 million, down 6.6% from the same period a year ago. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson comments, “With our digital growth engine driving our performance, each year our business mix continues to shift to a greater percentage of both digital revenue and profit. In the first quarter, 59% of our total revenue and 63% of our total Segment Profit was generated from our differentiated digital solutions – each our highest percentages ever. Our Digital Advertising revenue returned to high-single digit revenue growth in Q1, which we believe will continue throughout the year due to the consistent performance of our digital programmatic offering and the success of our Media Partnership division; the strong revenue growth of the direct sales of our local owned and operated digital properties; and the stabilization of our online audience and remnant revenue. I would also like to highlight Townsquare Interactive’s strong profit performance, with Segment Profit margin of 34% in Q1, representing year-over-year margin expansion.” The company also announced that its board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share payable on August 3, 2026 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 27, 2026.
company outside of the New York City market. The station is currently airing a news/talk format of local, syndicated and brokered programming. Local air personalities include the daily morning show hosts Hank Stolz and Ben White (“Talk of the Commonwealth”) and longtime New England talk host Frankie Boyer who is heard in middays. Red Apple will assume operations under a local marketing agreement until the deal closes. Red Apple and Catsimatidis have made no indication of the company’s intent for future programming. 
Jason Reddick’s The Complete Guide to AI Side Hustles is aimed at beginners trying to build passive income. But read it through a broadcaster’s lens and it suggests a blueprint for how radio talent and podcasters can leverage AI to expand their influence, diversify revenue, and stay indispensable in a media economy that rewards relevance and speed.
a is reporting a net loss of $2.4 million for the quarter compared to the net loss of $1.6 million it reported in Q1 of 2025. Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on March 20, 2026. The aggregate amount of the quarterly dividend was approximately $1.6 million. With payment of this most recent declaration Saga will have paid over $145 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012.
d replaces it with FOX Sports Radio’s “The Odd Couple” with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington. Napear broke the news himself tweeting out, “BREAKING NEWS: I was just informed they are pulling the plug on my show. My thanks to you for your support and @RyaninSactown who did a great job.” Napear references on-air producer Ryan Bohamera. Napear was a host on KHTK, Sacramento and TV voice of the NBA’s Kings but was fired after a media exchange with DeMarcus Cousins over the Black Lives Matter movement. 
ace VP and general manager Neal Scarbrough says, “We are thrilled about this next chapter for the ‘Morning Report,’ and our audience should be too. Kimberly has distinguished herself as a ground-breaking, multiplatform correspondent and host who has built an unwavering connection with our audience. Beyond her diligent reporting, listeners have embraced Kimberly’s leadership and versatility as the host of ‘Call to Mind,’ ‘Marketplace Tech,’ and ‘Make Me Smart.’ This is an exciting time for the millions of listeners who start their day with the ‘Marketplace Morning Report.’”
Former WXYT-FM, Detroit talk host and Motor City sportswriter Pat Caputo died on Thursday (5/7) after a battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 67. Caputo hosted in several dayparts on 97.1 The Ticket during his time with the station. He also was a contributor to WJBK-TV, Detroit. But he was initially known in the Detroit market writing for the Oakland Press from 1983 through 2020. 
Curry. The afternoon drive program is “D-Mac & Reiter” starring sports media personality Doug McKain and columnist and sports radio pro Bill Reiter. “97.1 The Fan” brand manager Andrew Williams states, “Los Angeles is a sports powerhouse with a deep connection between teams, fans, and culture, and this new lineup brings together championship-level personalities, veteran player perspective, and sharp analytical expertise. We’re building a full-scale, live and local LA sports network that brings sports to the FM dial and across multiple platforms to meet our audiences where they are. We’re excited to give fans an unparalleled listening and viewing experience that’s as entertaining and authentic as it is insightful.”
requires Commission approval after a serious look into whether that arrangement serves the American public and protects our national security. Gomez states, “The American public deserves to know who owns the airwaves that carry their news. I am alarmed by what appears to be an effort to rubber stamp a financial structure that places nearly half of one of America’s largest broadcast and media companies into the hands of foreign governments with documented records of press suppression and a troubling willingness to silence journalists. There are serious, unresolved questions about how this foreign investment may jeopardize national security, and this Commission has a legal obligation to answer them before handing wealthy friends of this administration yet another Billionaire Buddy Bypass on a transaction that strikes at the heart of American journalism.” In her statement, Gomez points out that this deal involves sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi investing in a company that controls CBS broadcast stations, as well as major cable news operations including CNN. According to Paramount’s own filing, total foreign ownership of the combined company upon closing would reach approximately 49.5 percent. Nearly half of one of America’s largest broadcast and media companies would be in foreign hands.
“accelerating reach and deepening engagement with audiences nationwide.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “This growth shows that Newsmax is truly touching a nerve with audiences. We are continuing to execute on our strategy to reach all people on all platforms, and the results speak for themselves. Passion for our brand remains incredibly strong. We’re seeing audiences actively seek out Newsmax across platforms, share our content, and become part of a growing community that values our reporting and viewpoint.”
on how to use digital tools and strategies to grow and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Especially as the city of Philadelphia prepares for a surge of global visitors tied to events including the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the MLB All-Star Game, local businesses face a potentially golden opportunity. “Ready, Set, Grow: Digital Business Foundations” is designed to ensure they are prepared to capture that opportunity by strengthening their digital presence, improving customer experience, and increasing visibility. The evening will feature a fireside chat and panel discussion moderated by author and tech influencer Stephanie “TechLifeSteph” Humphrey, host of “Life & Tech” on WURD Radio.
to coast. New station partnerships include WCCO-AM, Minneapolis; KTRS-AM, St. Louis; WPRO-AM, Providence; and KCMO-AM, Kansas City. The show airs live weeknights from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET. Westwood One says, “McGraw Milhaven delivers appointment listening for late-night audiences, featuring host McGraw Milhaven’s signature mix of compelling interviews, sharp analysis, and positive energy listener interactions. Milhaven brings both authority and approachability to national late-night talk radio – offering a fresh, contemporary voice grounded in experience.”
local journalism across the state.” GBH president Susan Goldberg tells the paper the proposed merger of GBH, NEPM, and Cape and Islands radio station CAI will form “one of the largest and most trusted statewide public media newsroom networks in the Commonwealth.” Goldberg adds, “In a media landscape that is constantly changing, and particularly in the 
wake of federal defunding of public media, we are finding new ways to be as impactful as possible for the communities we serve. Simply put, we are stronger together.” Goldberg tells the Globe they have no plans to reduce staff and are planning to invest in new roles. The story adds, “According to the proposal. NEPM will continue to operate as the primary public media provider in Western Massachusetts, maintaining its studios in Springfield and at the University of Massachusetts. Its brand and programming – including local news, music, and educational shows – will remain in place.”
Sharma joins as chief people officer, Emily Christner is named chief growth and engagement officer, and Patti Cohen is the new SVP of analytics, insights and research. NYPR president and CEO Christy Tanner states, “Ru, Emily, and Patti will be essential partners to the New York Public Radio team as we work together to expand our position as an iconic center of excellence, operating in public service to our city, with global impact.”
and meet monthly goals through effective outside sales techniques; Develop new business through selling commercial advertising time and other station products by reaching out to local businesses and other advertisers; Create and present advertising strategies and ideas for local businesses incorporating radio, online and digital mediums; Provide input on sales promotion ideas to sales management; and more. 
Network, and Red Apple has recruited New York radio news legend Lee Harris to serve as vice president of news for WABC Radio and The Worldwide News Network. The company says, “The move positions WABC Radio and Red Apple Audio Networks for a dramatic next chapter, transforming the iconic New York news/talk station’s reach into a 24/7 global audio news presence fueled by streaming technology, smart speakers, mobile platforms, syndication, and digital distribution.” Red Apple owner John 
Catsimatidis says, “Today’s digital technology gives us the power to deliver the truth instantly, not just across America, but across Europe and around the globe. WABC Radio is already heard in all 50 states and in 178 countries through our multi-platform distribution. The Worldwide News Network is the natural next step in building a global destination for fair, balanced, no-nonsense news people can trust.” Lee Harris was the morning news anchor at 1010 WINS in New York for 30 years. Additionally, he has advised broadcasters throughout Europe and Asia, helped launch Moscow’s Kommersant FM as a U.S.-style all-news station, lectured at television and radio outlets across China through the University of Missouri School of Journalism, and served as director of integrated operations and New York bureau chief for cable startup NewsNation. Harris comments, “John Catsimatidis has never thought small, and this venture is no exception. The Worldwide News Network is an ambitious, forward-looking news platform designed for how people consume information today. I am thrilled to join Red Apple Media and WABC Radio at such a transformational moment and help build a news organization with both national strength and international reach.”
listeners and spark meaningful conversations around mental well-being. Throughout the month, Beasley stations nationwide will deliver on-air PSAs, share informative and relatable online stories, and extend supportive messaging through Quu dashboard displays. Beasley chief communications officer Heidi Raphael says, “Mental health touches everyone in some way. If we can use our platforms – on-air, online, and in the car – to encourage even one person to check in, reach out, or take a moment for themselves, then we’re making a difference – and that’s what Community of Caring is all about.”
FM translator W269DL (fed by WGKB-AM and branded “101.7 The Truth”) and, eventually, WNOV-AM “860 The Voice.” Civic Media says it created the Milwaukee Black Media Trust to ensure no individual or corporation can sell, consolidate, or redirect these institutions away from the community they serve. Civic Media CEO Sage Weil comments, “We are very excited about Milwaukee Black Media because it puts these important community media assets under the control of the community that they serve, with a financial structure that benefits the employees doing the work. We look forward to working closely with Milwaukee Black Media to support the new organization’s growth and success in the years to come.” Civic Media will support Milwaukee Black Media’s operations through a services agreement, providing administrative, technology, and sales support services but Milwaukee Black Media will operate with full editorial and programming independence. The newly formed trust entered into a local marketing agreement with Good Karma Brands to program “The Truth,” with an option to purchase the station. Good Karma CEO Craig Karmazin states, “Good Karma Brands is proud to support a model that keeps these important media institutions rooted in the community they serve and expands the opportunity for our teammates. From the start, our focus has been on building a strong platform and positioning it for continued growth and impact.”
across audio and digital channels within a unified framework.” Magellan AI’s platform will leverage iHeartMedia’s simulcast data, which maps listeners exposed to broadcast radio to measurable outcomes. Attribution reporting powered by that data will be available exclusively to advertisers working with iHeartMedia. Magellan AI says, “Advertisers using the solution will gain deeper insights into how radio campaigns deliver full-funnel results, including web visits, form fills, leads and purchases. By combining measurement across the full spectrum of audio and digital channels, Magellan AI provides a complete view of how campaigns perform across the media mix.” iHeartMedia Insights president Lainie Fertick states, “iHeartMedia has always focused on helping advertisers understand the power of audio. By combining Magellan AI’s attribution technology with our proprietary in-market simulcast data, we’re providing brands with deeper visibility into how broadcast radio works alongside podcasts, streaming audio, connected TV, and other channels to drive meaningful results.”
on consumer lifestyles, purchasing behavior and cross-platform media usage while TOMA.Solutions adds a powerful layer of competitive insight by measuring “Top-of-Mind Awareness,” revealing which local brands own the first-to-mind position in their categories. Cumulus president of operations Dave Milner says, “Today’s advertisers want more than audience delivery. They want insight, clarity, and a stronger connection between marketing decisions and business results. By integrating specialized resources like The Media Audit and TOMA.Solutions into our broader research suite, our teams in these markets provide an even deeper level of local intelligence, helping our clients build more precise and effective campaigns.”
To quote a radio friend, “Some talk show hosts think the news of the day only exists to serve up interesting fodder for their shows.” Many media practitioners, whose jobs encompass letting their audiences know about the pain and suffering of “others,” feel personally exempt from experiencing a connection to the talking points of poverty, ignorance, violence, and injustice that they eagerly collect (and even welcome) as fresh “content” for their platforms. It’s all just “material” to them.
commercial radio stations are set to increase by approximately 5% with proposed fees ranging from $395 for small-market Class D AM stations to as much as $25,000 for major market FM stations. The fees are based on population served and station class. For the smallest operators there is a silver lining as stations with a total regulatory fee liability of $1,000 or less for the year may be exempt.
communications and his lasting impact on sports broadcasting. Audacy’s WIP-FM, Philadelphia serves as flagship station for Eagles broadcasts. Reese was honored on April 24 at the Hotel DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware. Fellow 2026 honorees include astronaut Michael Massimino and actress Jane Seymour. Audacy SVP of sales David Yadgaroff comments, “Merrill Reese is a Philadelphia institution and one of the greatest play-by-play broadcasters in NFL history. His passion, professionalism and unmistakable voice have defined generations of Eagles football on the radio. We’re incredibly proud to have him on our team and see him receive this well-deserved and remarkable achievement.” Each recipient receives a $75,000 prize, funded through a trust established by Ralph Hayes.
journalism, research and digital editorial. He also supervises ESPN Audio. Roberts comments, “This has been both a real honor and a blessing to work for and with the most talented people in the industry. I am extremely humbled and grateful to have had the opportunities afforded me as a member of the ESPN leadership team. It has been simply an awesome 22 years.” ESPN president of content Burke Magnus states, “David Roberts has had a long and extremely distinguished career in this industry, and we’ve been fortunate to have him as part of the ESPN team for more than two decades. His leadership has made a tremendous difference, and he will leave a lasting legacy at ESPN. We wish him all the best in retirement.”
Angeles with even more of the best in local news, sports, traffic, and information. Both brands will also be available through the Audacy app, partner streaming platforms, and all social channels.” Audacy West regional president Jeff Federman states, “Los Angeles is the epicenter of the sports world, and ‘97.1 The Fan’ is its new voice. With legendary franchises and global events like the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the time was right to bring our industry-leading sports programming to this market. The Voice of LA Sports will be a 24/7, multiplatform home where fans are part of the conversation every day, building on the same commitment to local connection that has made KNX News a trusted cornerstone in Los Angeles and strengthening our overall offering.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero adds, “This launch further strengthens Audacy as the unrivaled leader in sports audio, reaching more sports listeners than our eight closest competitors combined. Adding Los Angeles – one of the most passionate and influential sports markets in the country – completes our presence across the top 10 markets and meaningfully expands our reach and scale. It allows us to deliver even greater impact for listeners and partners through premium content, unmatched distribution, and deeper fan engagement.”
2025. The company reports declines in all segments of its business; even digital revenue was off 8.3% ($33.5 million). Network spot revenue was down 25% ($33 million), and broadcast spot revenue was $67.7 million, a decline of 16.3% from Q1 of 2025. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “We are pleased to report first quarter earnings. The Court’s recent approval of our reorganization plan marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening our financial foundation and positioning the company to compete in the evolving media landscape. While we await FCC approval of the plan, we remain focused on leveraging our core strengths to drive long-term value creation.”
host Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes aimed at the two. FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez issued a statement about the order, saying, “This is the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date. As part of its ongoing campaign of censorship and control, the White House called publicly for the silencing of a vocal critic, and this FCC has now answered that call. This is an unprecedented and politically motivated attempt to interfere with how broadcasters operate, and this unlawful overreach will fail. This should be a lesson to media companies that no amount of capitulation to this administration will buy them protection. The only choice is to stand up and stand firm in defense of the First Amendment.”
assumed the operations manager role at the company’s WMAL-FM, Washington. Cumulus regional vice president Larry Blumhagen states, “Art has proven to be exceptionally dedicated and creative in his years as APD for KABC. We are eager to watch him bring those qualities to the role of program director for KABC and KSFO.” Webb comments, “I’m excited to step into this role and build on the strong foundation already in place at both stations. Our focus remains on creating engaging, relevant content that truly connects with California listeners while continuing to elevate the incredible work of our talented teams. With such outstanding rosters in Los Angeles and San Francisco, I’m looking forward to sharing in much success together.”
Stations I work with are confronting a generational revenue issue: Local direct retail business owners who are Baby Boomers are retiring. And their heirs are moving the radio dollars that built their parents’ businesses to search engine optimization and elsewhere-digital. The narrative we present them: “Radio is ‘a reach engine’” for the digital content people their age personally favor. In this mode, the station feels less like “your father’s Oldsmobile;” and more present tense. Many of these next-generation businesspeople are avid podcast listeners, and that presents an opportunity.
responsibilities outside of Philadelphia, including the Upstate New York, Mid-Atlantic and New England areas. iHeartMedia EVP of programming Thea Mitchem says, “Jeff is a proven leader with a deep understanding of our brands, our audiences and the power of strong programming. His ability to strategically elevate stations while developing great teams makes him the right choice to lead programming in Philadelphia, and I’m confident he’ll continue to drive success in this important market.”