Sabo Sez: The “Constant Threat” Isn’t Exactly What It’s Cracked Up to Be
By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter Sterling, Radio Talk Show Host
Assessing the hourly threat to the very existence of the medium of radio is a popular hobby among conventioneers. The audience levels for radio are astonishingly constant since 1970, but according to “radio people,” they are living at the edge of a volcano. Spotify radio, SiriusXM radio, Pandora radio, TuneIn radio, Internet radio, there are all kinds of radio! General Motors wants to throw AM/FM radio out of the car as in “do you really need radio in the car?” Radio’s response to the in-car-removal threat is by promising non-stop typhoons and hurricanes.
The actual threats to established radio companies are non-established radio companies. With the death of meaningful on-air competition, a consolidated industry can easily anticipate the strategies of all major “brands” (formerly known as stations). What cannot be anticipated are actions that are a true threat: Outlier owners throwing creative grenades into the sleepy radio ecosystem.
All viable radio formats launched as unanticipated surprises. New formats are greeted with hostility and predictions of doom. All of them. Yes, even adult contemporary. Eventually – or tomorrow – a new format will be deployed by a desperate owner with a handful of stations, an owner with a retailer’s mentality will go for broke with a format – or a series of shows – that will not be anticipated, cannot be duplicated and is not cheap.
See the threat? A true threat will be a new format that successfully attacks the core of dozens – hundreds of established stations, stations owned by venture capital. It will not be anticipated, cannot be duplicated by hundreds of stations and does not “scale” i.e. isn’t cheap. But the new format would be so rapaciously embraced by the public that it would force all other stations to completely change their on-air content and their sales strategies. Imagine the impact of that threat.
Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many others. 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 recently began hosting “Another Side of Midnight” weekends on WABC, New York. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com or phoned at 646-678-1110.
agencies can use AM/FM radio in their upcoming media plans. Some key points include:1) AM/FM radio has a 64% share of ad-supported audio among registered voters; 2) AM/FM radio has substantial shares (62% to 65%) among Independents, Republicans, and Democrats: 3) Marketers and media agencies significantly underestimate AM/FM radio listening shares and dramatically overestimate Spotify and Pandora audiences; and 4) Digital audio only reaches a third of Americans. With AM/FM radio, reach soars to 73%. 
U.S. newspapers has shrunk, but right now it accounts for less than 10% of total revenue. In fact, “Revenue from that cohort has declined 25% over the past few years, while revenue from tech companies has grown roughly 200%.” The story goes on to note, “Over the past few years, the AP’s business has evolved to become less reliant on local newspaper revenue and more reliant on a broader set of customers, including digital outlets, broadcasters and non-news companies.” 
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PD and operations manager Charlie Steele says, “We’re excited to have Leanne back in the family. Her energy and personality will be a great addition to the show, and I’m excited to hear where Joe, Leanne, and DJ Slide take the show next.” Graham comments, “Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in. But seriously, the path of least resistance has a funny way of surprising you. Never in a million years did I imagine my ‘restart button’ would lead me back on air – but I know it’s because it brought me home to my long-lost family at WRNN. I feel like the prodigal daughter finally finding her way back.”
Markets Group, including the radio stations, the iHeart live events and sponsorships; the radio networks businesses, including Premiere and TTWN; the Enterprise Business Development Group; and data targeting and attribution products for broadcast radio. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “We couldn’t be more pleased that Ann Marie will be leading the growth and innovation efforts for our company’s largest segment. In addition to helping businesses and brands grow effectively and efficiently, the Multiplatform Group has been an important engine to develop our own important new businesses – including podcasting and the iHeartRadio digital service – as well as our iconic live music events and awards shows. We look forward to the additional growth that will come as we move broadcast radio into the digital buying world through our data services and programmatic platforms.” The company also announced that Bernie Weiss will be promoted to president of the Markets Group. Weiss will oversee the operations of the company’s 160 markets. Weiss was previously COO of the iHeartMedia Markets Group.
John Rosso states, “We’re really excited to work with NBC Sports and support their continued growth in podcasting. Premium media companies are investing heavily in digital audio, and they need infrastructure they can trust to scale audiences and monetize effectively. Our goal is to make that easier – bringing together hosting, measurement, and monetization in one place so teams can focus on creating great content.”
In 1952, the success formula for today’s radio was discovered and put into practice by two hungry entrepreneurs: Todd Storz and Gordon McLendon. Both men owned dying radio stations in medium and major markets. The industry was suffering from a lack of purpose or solutions due to the advent of television which drove the migration of hit network radio shows to television. Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, and Gertrude Berg were on radio first.
Milner comments, “Joyce is an experienced market leader with deep relationships across Salt Lake City, enabling her to bring sharp local insight and credibility to every client partnership. She excels at delivering integrated marketing solutions, helping clients leverage our multi-platform strategies that maximize the combined power of audio and digital to drive results. Joyce will be a tremendous asset to our Salt Lake City team and a growth catalyst for our clients.”
who founded the company 30 years ago.” Thiele’s message to staff was: “First and foremost, I want to thank you all. Skyview Networks exists, and is respected across the industry, because of the talent, grit and customer commitment each of you bring every day. Since joining Skyview Networks, Steve has expanded our business portfolio and led with a steady focus on growth and stability. It is with this confidence in leadership that Skyview’s trajectory and momentum continues.” Jones adds, “On a personal note, I am proud of the team that has built and sustained Skyview Networks’ reputation across the industry. This company is special because of you. Serving as the leader of Skyview Networks is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am committed to continue leading with transparency, respect and a long‑term focus on our people and business.”
Federation of Taxi Drivers, Fernando Mateo. The new show, “No Excuses with Fernando Mateo” airs Sundays and 6:00 pm. Station owner John Catsimatidis says, “There are 65 million Hispanics in the U.S. and New York City is home to nearly three million of this fast growing population… With Mateo as part of our on-air lineup, we can super serve the needs and interests of the Hispanic community.”
executives who are dedicated to ensuring full transparency and maximum effectiveness from the Broadcasters Foundation. Our goal is to help every broadcaster who qualifies for aid, and we must always have the funds to do so.” BFOA president Tim McCarthy adds, “Our donors have often commented on the fact that they see the money going where it belongs – to the hard-working individuals in our business who are suffering from debilitating illness or disaster and simply need a hand-up during a trying time. These top-tier ratings are a further affirmation of our ongoing commitment to providing aid to broadcast radio and television professionals in critical need – whether behind the mic, in front of the camera, or at a desk.”
signals as WSCR-AM/FM “The Score” and news/talk WCCO-AM. Audacy president and CEO Kelli Turner comments, “Debbie Kenyon has been a pillar of our business for over a quarter century, and her elevation to regional president for our Central region is a testament to her ability to drive innovation and deliver consistent performance. Her appointment supports our commitment to empower our teams and build on our unmatched presence in local markets and communities while fully leveraging our scale and reach.” Kenyon joins Jeff Federman, Mark Hannon, Claudia Menegus and chief business officer Chris Oliviero in regional president roles overseeing key Audacy markets.
that includes news/talk WGAC and four music brands. He previously served as operations manager for Beasley’s Fort Myers stations prior to the sale of the properties to Fort Myers Broadcasting and Sun Broadcasting. Vice president of operations AJ Lurie states, “Adam has a great instinct for what connects with audiences and how to position our brands for growth. We’re looking forward to the energy and perspective he brings as he partners with the team in Augusta.”
Missouri 6th congressional district. Stigall is a Missouri native who graduated from Northwest Missouri State University and who says five generations of his family have called the 6th district home. He says, “After prayer, believe me, a lot of prayer, and careful consideration with my family, on this 250th anniversary of our great country this year, I’ve decided it’s time to join in the fight.” Stigall says he’s leaving Salem Media to run after U.S. Rep. Sam Graves announced he’s not running for reelection. 
directly within Roku’s Live TV guide, allowing viewers to discover as they browse and begin watching instantly. Salem News Channel VP and general manager Cary Pahigian says, “This is a significant expansion of Salem News Channel’s reach, which already increased viewership by over 178% this year. Being part of The Roku Channel opens the door for entirely new audiences to discover the unique news and opinion that SNC provides.” This news comes two weeks after Salem announced Salem News Channel is joining Amazon Prime Video’s free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channel. 
the industry that I love. I will treasure the friendships and relationships I have built over the years. To those who have taken a chance on me, thank you. To those I have had the privilege to work with over the years, thank you. Working in radio has been a tremendous ride and I have enjoyed every minute of it.” Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Zoe’s career in this industry speaks for itself. We appreciate the experience and insight she shared with our team. I personally thank her for her time with Connoisseur Media and wish her a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”
Salem Media is adding “That KEVIN Show” starring Kevin McCullough to three of its owed-and-operated stations. A combination of the Monday-Friday show and the live Saturday edition are joining the program schedule at KDXE, Little Rock; KSLR, San Antonio; and KNTH, Houston. The program is now heard on 419 affiliate stations. 
Baseball across South Florida. WQAM will broadcast all regular season Marlins games, delivering live play-by-play coverage along with pregame and postgame programming to listeners throughout the region. The broadcasts will also be available through the Audacy app, expanding access for fans across digital and streaming platforms.
founder Michael Harrison on WPRO, Providence’s “The News with Gene Valicenti” discussing the shutdown of CBS News Radio. The two seasoned broadcasters took an analytical look at the past 100 years of broadcast journalism – from Edward R. Murrow to modern times – comparing the role and impact of early day giants such as William S. Paley (CBS), David Sarnoff (NBC), and John W. Kluge (Metromedia) to today’s crop of moguls including the Ellison family’s Larry Ellison (Oracle) and his son David Ellison (Skydance Media) who now control Paramount, CBS, and a variety of other media and technological ventures. 
include sports talk WXNT-AM. Cumulus Media president of operations Dave Milner comments, “We are thrilled to promote Darlene to Regional Vice President for Central Indiana, where she will oversee Indianapolis, Kokomo, and Muncie. Since joining Cumulus Media, Darlene has proven to be a strong leader who builds positive, high-performing cultures. Her ability to inspire teams and drive consistent, impactful results makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead this expanded region.”
-FM, licensed to Volga. The transaction is pending regulatory approval by the FCC and is expected to close in early summer of this year. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “The Brookings market did not fit into the long-term vision we set out for Connoisseur. As we pursued a potential sale, we looked for local quality operators to purchase these stations and found that the best operators in the market already worked for us! This is not the first time we have encouraged some of our local management to break into ownership so that they could continue to serve the communities we are so committed to. We are incredibly happy that Cami and her group stepped up to the challenge.”
two FM translators it acquired last fall from Milwaukee Radio Alliance. Civic Media plans to continue to air the classic hits format with local news on the signals. Civic Media operates progressive news/talk WAUK in the market.
Worldwide provides audio creation tools, media intelligence, music analytics and television operations technology. She takes over for Philippe Generali. RCS says, “Her leadership roles in major markets further shaped her as an operator who understands scale, complexity, and the disciplined, data‑driven decision‑making required to deliver strong performance across diverse portfolios.”
In ongoing discussions about the dwindling relevance of radio in the modern world, the medium is grudgingly defended as a reliable “first responder” during times of public emergencies.
of modern-day media Sterno.
outstanding principal amount of the 9.200% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2028. This exchange offer includes an exchange of all of the Existing Second Lien Notes for newly issued 10.000% Senior Secured Second Lien PIK Notes due 2027 at an exchange ratio of 50.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Second Lien Notes tendered for exchange, and an offer to purchase up to $15,899,000 of the Existing First Lien Notes at a price equal to 100% of the par value thereof.
federal law. She says, “The FCC has once again chosen bureaucratic cover over public accountability. This merger was approved behind closed doors with no open process, no full Commission vote, and no transparency for the consumers and communities who will bear the consequences. A transaction of this magnitude, which includes new and novel issues before the FCC, demands open deliberation before the full Commission, not a quiet sign-off meant to avoid public scrutiny. Given the increasingly alarming pace of reckless media consolidation, the American public deserves to know how and why this decision was made.
The recent shutdown of CBS News Radio isn’t just another media headline – it’s a wake-up call. A clear example of what happens when decisions about our information, our communities, and our voices are made in corporate boardrooms disconnected from real life.
If you work in radio, you’ve heard every flavor of AI anxiety. Some fear it will wipe out jobs. Others treat it like a super shortcut – cranking-out spots, promos, and proposals faster and cheaper. Kate O’Neill’s 
all departments who are eager to succeed and chase new opportunities in both terrestrial radio – local and national – and our booming digital business. Between AM 970 with legendary morning man Joe Piscopo, WMCA-NY’s Premier Christian Talk, Salem Radio Network with key hosts like Mike Gallagher and Scott Jennings, Salem Podcast Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Influencer Network, Salem Surround, and more! We have an exciting impactful platform at a flourishing company! Come join us! Email your resume and interest to general manager, Laura Sheaffer 
approximately 700 stations. Variety reports that these cuts come under new management at Paramount Skydance and are part of CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss’ plans to “make CBS News more relevant to younger, digitally savvy generations.” It’s expected that the personnel cuts will affect between 60 and 70 people. 
most in need of support. Today, the weekly talk show continues to focus on the best of New York City, interviewing leaders in travel and tourism, hospitality, Broadway and live entertainment, food & beverage, major sports events, as well as elected officials, heads of NYC’s business improvement districts, celebrities, members of the media and beyond. Kevin McCullough says, “A five-year journey that began buried in COVID has sprouted into the single most compelling argument for the greatest of all cities every single Friday.” Times Square Alliance president Tom Harris comments, “With most talk shows focusing on the worst, it’s refreshing to tune in each week and hear about the best of New York City. I am always honored to be a guest of Cristyne and Kevin and wish them continued success.” 
Right,’ and ‘3 Martini Lunch.’” Radio America president and CEO Mike Paradiso states, “Helios Media is the natural progression of what Radio America has been building for decades – trusted content, powerful reach, and authentic voices that resonate with millions of Americans. With Helios Media, we’re giving creators the tools, the platform, and the audience to stand out in the competitive landscape of podcasting and digital media.” Radio America adds, “While Radio America continues its leadership in radio syndication – home to popular shows like ‘The Dana Show’ with Dana Loesch and ‘The Chad Benson Show’ – Helios Media serves as a distinct brand, purpose-built for podcast development, distribution, marketing and sales, amplifying news, culture, and entertainment stories through voices that challenge the mainstream and speak with conviction.” 
pretends it has the power to control news coverage. In reality, the FCC has vanishingly little power over national news networks. It licenses local broadcast stations, not networks, and no licenses are up for renewal until 2028. Early renewal attempts are exceedingly rare, and the process is so demanding that any effort would almost certainly fail, especially given the well-documented First Amendment violations underlying these moves. These threats are grounded in neither reality nor law and would not survive judicial scrutiny, just as other recent attempts by this Administration to push beyond constitutional limits have repeatedly failed in court.
license renewals come up. The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not. And frankly, changing course is in their own business interests since trust in legacy media has now fallen to an all time low of just 9% and are ratings disasters. The American people have subsidized broadcasters to the tune of billions of dollars by providing free access to the nation’s airwaves. It is very important to bring trust back into media, which has earned itself the label of fake news. When a political candidate is able to win a landslide election victory after in the face of hoaxes and distortions, there is something very wrong. It means the public has lost faith and confidence in the media. And we can’t allow that to happen. Time for change!” Carr included a Truth Social post from President Donald Trump in which he complains about papers such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reporting on a strike against the U.S. base in Saudi Arabia that hit five refueling tanker planes. Trump said the reporting was intentionally wrong. 
company says Total Digital Segment Profit decreased 14.8%; Digital Advertising Segment Profit decreased 28.0%; Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions Segment Profit increased 12.0%; and Broadcast Advertising net revenue decreased 17.8%. Townsquare CEO Bill Wilson comments, “I am pleased to share that Townsquare’s fourth quarter and year end results met our previously issued net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance, reflecting our team’s hard work in the current environment. We are proud that the execution of our Digital First Local Media strategy allowed us to deliver excellent results for our clients, while also outperforming competitors and gaining market share. In 2025, net revenue decreased -2.8% year-over-year excluding political, and -5.2% in total, and Adjusted EBITDA decreased -3.0% year-over-year excluding political, and -12.2% in total. Importantly, due to our strong expense management, Adjusted EBITDA margins excluding political were constant year-over-year, despite revenue declines. In addition, our full year net loss improved by $1.2 million year-over-year, to a net loss of $9.8 million.”