Industry News

Bold Gold Foundation Announces 10th Event & Dinner Featuring Jimmy Failla

The non-profit arm of Bold Gold Media Group is The Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation whose goal is to support educational programs that help students prepare for careers in broadcast journalism. The organization announces that its signature Event & Dinner this year will feature national radio and TV host, Jimmy Failla. Failla hosts hisimg nationally syndicated radio show, “FOX Across America,” and his FOX News Channel show, “FOX News Saturday Night.”  The theme for this 10th Event & Dinner at Mohegan Pennsylvania on May 5 is “250 Years of American Liberty!” Bold Gold president Vince Benedetto says, “This being our 10th event and coinciding with imgAmerica’s 250th Birthday, we are doing everything bigger this year. In addition to celebrating 250 years of America, we’ll be celebrating 250 years of freedom of speech… and there is no greater daily example of that freedom that radio broadcasters. Radio, especially talk radio, remains America’s modern town hall. Our efforts at this event will help the next generation of radio broadcasters.” The Bold Gold Foundation will also be honoring Northeast Pennsylvania business leader and philanthropist Robert Tamburro with The Atlas Award for Citizenship.  Bold gold says the Atlas Award is bestowed on individuals who, through their hard work and bold actions, show what is possible to achieve in a free society, and who exhibit extraordinary dedication to the highest ideals of character, community service, entrepreneurialism, patriotism, leadership, and virtue.

Industry News

Andy Hooser Show Goes National Via Talk Media Network

Wichita-based talk radio host Andy Hooser announces that his radio program “The Voice of Reason with Andy Hooser” is going intoimg syndication via Talk Media Network. The program will be fed live weekdays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Hooser says his program is a “one-hour conservative talk program that focuses on recapping the day’s events and brings a fresh perspective on the big stories of the day with fun conversation and great daily guests.” The program is based at Steckline Communications’ KQAM, Wichita where he serves as operations manager.

Industry News

Lotus Names New Managers for Seattle Stations

Lotus Communications names Andrew Adams as general manager for its Seattle stations that includes news/talk KVI-AM, all-news KNWNimg-AM/FM and country KPLZ-FM. At the same time, the company announces that Jeff Connell is the new director of operations & brand management. Adams most recently served with Stephens Media Group in Spokane. Connell rises from his role as regional PD for KPLZ and KTHI-FM, Boise. In his new role, Connell will give up his programming role at KTHI.

Industry News

Edison Research Releases The Infinite Dial 2026

Edison Research presented the results of its ongoing study The Infinite Dial 2026 in a webinar yesterday (3/12). Vice president of Edison Research at SSRS Megan Lazovick revealed the data that Edison says “provides critical insights into digital media behaviors, and, debuting thisimg year, generative AI adoption among American consumers.” Some of the key findings include that online audio consumption has hit an all-time high: 1) 81% of Americans age 12+ (233 million) listened to online audio in the last month, and 76% (219 million) listened in the last week; 2) Americans age 55+ are driving the most recent increases. Monthly online audio listening among this group jumped from 52% in 2024 to 70% in 2026, a gain of nearly 20 percentage points in just two years; 3) 80% of Americans age 12+ (230 million) have ever listened to or watched a podcast, an all-time high; and 4) 58% of Americans age 12+ (167 million) have consumed a podcast in the last month, also an all-time high. See more about the study here.

Job Opportunity

Connoisseur Seeks Long Island Sales Pro

Recent promotions at Connoisseur Media’s Long Island station group have created an opening at director of sales. Connoisseur says it isimg “conducting a search for a new director of sales, a dynamic leader who values their connection with the Long Island community.  The ideal candidate will be a high-energy seller experienced in developing custom marketing solutions leveraging assets like broadcast media, digital capabilities, and event marketing.  Leadership experience, a passion for driving results, and a talent for building strong client relationships are essential.” See more and apply here.

Industry News

Salem Media’s 2025 Total Net Revenue Down 10.5%

Salem Media Group reveals its operating results for 2025 and reports total net revenue of $212.7 million, a decline of 10.5% over 2024’s reported $237.6 million. The company’s total operating expenses roseimg 3.9% to $252.4 million in 2025. After posting net income of $16.2 million in 2024, the company is reporting a net loss of $34.6 million in 2025. Salem reports revenue by segments and the erosion of its broadcast advertising revenue was dramatic after it shut down its Christian music formats and sold numerous radio stations, falling 36% — from $62.6 million in 2024 to $40.75 million in 2025. However, the company’s digital revenue (including advertising, streaming, downloads, and subscriptions) rose 5.5% from $83.8 million in 2024 to $88.4 million in 2025.

Industry News

Urban One’s 2025 Q4 Net Revenue Down 16.5%

Urban One’s operating results for the fourth quarter of 2025 show net revenue of $97.8 million, down 16.5% from the same period in 2024. The company reports broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $23.8 million for Q4, a decrease of 38.3% from the same period in 2024. Urban One reports a net loss of $54.4 million for Q4 of 2025, compared to a net loss of $35.7 million for the same period inimg 2024.  Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III, states, “As expected, we had a tough fourth quarter due to a combination of non-recurring political advertising, soft radio markets and declining audience delivery in our cable television business. Despite this, we were able to achieve full-year Adjusted EBITDA within our previous guidance range at $56.7 million. The biggest revenue drag in the fourth quarter resulted from weak cable TV prime delivery, down approximately 20.0% from the third quarter, although we have seen a significant recovery in the first quarter 2026 as the revised Nielsen methodology has given us an approximate 40.0% – 50.0% lift compared to the fourth quarter 2025. Radio pacings in the first quarter of 2026 are currently down 5%, but we remain positive on the outlook for mid-term political revenues later in the year. I was pleased that we were able to repurchase a significant amount of our 2028 Notes at a discount, extend out the maturity on all but a small stub of the notes, and increase the size and term of our ABL Credit Agreement. This transaction sets up the company with a stable capital structure and extended maturity runway to allow us to continue to de-lever the business. In January 2026 we also regained compliance with the Nasdaq listing requirements by effectuating a 1-for-10 reverse stock split.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/11)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. World Addresses Oil Supply Issues / Financial Markets Tensions
  2. Operation Epic Fury / Iran Bombs Oil Facilities & Middle East Ports
  3. Trump’s Kentucky & Ohio Affordability Tour
  4. Epstein Files
  5. Unfair Trade Practices Probe / Tariffs Ruling
Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/10)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Operation Epic Fury / Iran Strikes Cargo Vessels
  2. Oil Prices Soar / Financial Markets Jitters
  3. Georgia Special Election / GOP Midterms Concerns
  4. Epstein Files / DOJ Investigation Request / New Mexico Ranch Probe
  5. Save America Act
Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/9)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Operation Epic Fury
  2. Oil Prices / Strait of Hormuz Blockade / Financial Markets Respond
  3. Midterm Predictions
  4. Georgia Special Election
  5. Anthropic Sues Pentagon
Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (March 7-8)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (3/7-8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERSresearch:

  1. Operation Epic Fury / Mojtaba Khameini Named Supreme Leader
  2. Oil Prices / Financial Markets Tumble
  3. Noem Ouster Aftermath
  4. Mamdani IED Attack
  5. AI / Memory Chip Shortage
Industry News

Salem News Channel Now Available on Amazon Prime

Salem Media’s streaming television platform Salem News Channel is now available to Amazon Prime Video customers. The company notes that as Amazon Prime Video expands its free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) offerings, Salem News Channel is now available “to a widerimg audience looking for real-time news and opinion.” Salem News VP and general manager Cary Pahigian adds, “Expanding Salem News Channel onto Prime Video allows us to bring our programming to one of the largest streaming audiences in the world. As more viewers shift to streaming platforms for news and commentary, we are focused on ensuring Salem’s voices and perspectives are available wherever audiences are watching.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 2-6)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/2-6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Operation Epic Fury / War Powers Resolution
  2. Strait of Hormuz Blockade / Oil Prices
  3. Financial Markets React
  4. MAGA Fractures
  5. Bondi Subpoenaed in Epstein Files Case / Clintons’ Testimony
  6. Pentagon-Anthropic-OpenAI Deals
  7. Primary Elections
  8. Tariffs Refunds Issue
  9. Kristi Noem Replaced at DHS
  10. Minnesota Fraud Probe / Austin Mass Shooting

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth
  3. Benjamin Netanyahu
  4. Mojtaba Khameini
  5. Pam Bondi
  6. Bill & Hillary Clinton
  7. Dario Amodei / Sam Altman
  8. John Cornyn / Ken Paxton / James Talarico
  9. Kristi Noem / Markwayne Mullin
  10. Tim Walz / Keith Ellison

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

Job Opportunity

WVMT, Burlington Seeks PD/Talk Host

Sison Broadcasting’s news/talk WVMT-AM/W242BK in Burlington, Vermont is looking for a program director/talk host. The company says, “Do you have a passion for compelling conversation? Do you live andimg breathe talk radio? We’re looking for a program director to lead our talk radio stations to the next level.

This position requires the talent to host a conservative talk show while overseeing all aspects of programming, talent development, and content strategy for both our news/talk and sports stations. You’ll drive ratings growth, strengthen audience engagement, and ensure our stations remains trusted and influential voices in the community.

Our candidate will have some level of talk radio experience, strong leadership skills and the ability to adapt to Vermont and Upstate New York.  You’ll need to be a quick study and learn the politics of our market while maintaining an understanding of current events nationally.  Experience with digital content strategy including podcasts, streaming and social media is a must.  Experience and knowledge of VT/NY is a big plus but not an absolute necessity.

This position offers a decent starting salary for the market, a nice benefits package and a four-season lifestyle in a beautiful area of New England.  This is an in-market position.

Please send a copy of your resume along with applicable aircheck to operations manager Ted Richards at ted@star929.com.

Industry News

Cumulus Announces Chapter 11 Pre-Pack to Eliminate $600 Million in Debt

In a surprise announcement this morning (3/5), Cumulus Media Inc reveals it has entered into a comprehensive restructuring support agreement (RSA) with a group of its lenders to eliminate approximatelyimg $600 million of debt, “substantially deleveraging its balance sheet and enhancing its ability to execute on strategic priorities.” The company says it will continue operating in the ordinary course throughout the process, with no impact to employees, partners, or listeners.

Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner states, “While we have outperformed the market on many of our most important metrics, including share gains in both local and digital revenue, the broader imgmacroeconomic and industry-wide pressures we have faced have remained unrelenting. Against that backdrop, it became clear that Cumulus’s remaining debt burden limited our ability to fully realize the company’s potential, and this agreement represents a major step forward. The prepackaged process is intended to address the company’s debt efficiently with no disruption to our operations, our people, and our strategies. On emergence, a stronger financial foundation will better position Cumulus to continue investing in premium content, enriched audience experiences, advertiser performance enhancements, and the ongoing growth of our digital marketing offerings.” Cumulus has filed a proposed Plan of Reorganization that incorporates the terms of the RSA and is subject to approval by the Court. The requisite majority of debtholders committed to vote in favor of the Plan, which calls for the cancellation of 100% of the company’s existing funded indebtedness in exchange for 100% of the company’s reorganized equity and $50 million of new convertible notes, as well as the amendment and restatement of the company’s asset-based revolving credit facility to provide continued liquidity. Cumulus expects that the Court will hold a hearing to consider the approval of the Plan within 60 days of the filing date and that the company will emerge from bankruptcy following receipt of required regulatory approvals from the Federal Communications Commission.

Industry Views

Spring-Forward Show Prep

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgUnless you live in Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) or American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, your clocks will change when we “Spring Forward” on Sunday 3/8.

Every year, that one missing hour becomes a big topic of conversation. So, it’s an opportunity to flex your local radio advantage. Plan now to empathize with the emotional and practical adjustments listeners are confronting, including…  

Darker Mornings
Positive:

  • Later sunrise can feel cozy, especially for people who enjoy easing into the day.
  • Early-morning workers may appreciate the quieter, calmer pre-dawn hours.

Negative:

  • For many, waking up in darkness can be jarring.
  • Kids heading to school and commuters on the road face reduced visibility.

Longer Evenings
Positive:

  • More daylight after work boosts mood, encourages outdoor activity, and feels like the unofficial start of spring.
  • Families get more time outside; businesses tied to recreation, dining, and retail see a lift.

Negative:

  • Evening routines shift, especially for parents managing homework, sports, and bedtime.
  • People who work late may feel the day stretching uncomfortably long.

Sleep Disruption
Positive:

  • Some listeners welcome the psychological “reset” of a seasonal shift.
  • A later sunset can help night owls feel more aligned with the clock.

Negative:

  • Losing an hour can hit hard.
  • Many experience grogginess, irritability, and a few days of circadian chaos.

Health and Mood
Positive:

  • More evening light is a proven mood-booster.
  • For those prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder, the extended daylight is a relief.

Negative:

  • The abrupt change can trigger fatigue, headaches, and short-term stress.
  • Sleep-deprived mornings can amplify anxiety.

Productivity and Daily Rhythm
Positive:

  • Longer evenings can inspire productivity, exercise, and social plans.
  • People feel like they “get their life back” after winter.

Negative:

  • Morning productivity tanks for a few days as bodies adjust.
  • Parents, shift workers, and early risers feel the strain most acutely.

Safety Considerations
Positive:

  • More daylight during high-traffic evening hours improves visibility and reduces accident risk.

Negative:

  • Darker mornings increase hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren.
  • Sleep deprivation contributes to slower reaction times.

Energy Consumption
Positive:

  • Longer daylight in the evening can reduce lighting needs.
  • Outdoor activity replaces indoor energy use.

Negative:

  • Darker mornings mean more lights, heat, and coffee makers running earlier.
  • Any savings are inconsistent and vary by region.

Impact on Schedules
Positive:

  • The seasonal shift feels like a milestone — spring is coming.
  • People use the change as a cue to refresh routines.

Negative:

  • Parents, pet owners, and anyone with a rigid schedule face a tough adjustment.
  • “Losing an hour” becomes a shared gripe.

So, What’s a Radio Station To Do?
This is where local radio can shine – being human, helpful, and hyper-local.

  • Songs about time: Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” etc.
  • Explain the history of Daylight Saving Time(NOTE: it’s “Saving,” not “Savings”).
  • Ask callers how they feel about DST. You’ll get strong opinions on both sides…and stories.
  • “What will you do with your longer evenings?”
  • Giveaways that fit the moment: Coffee cards, breakfast treats, outdoor gear, spring-cleaning kits.
  • Partner with advertisers: “Spring Ahead Specials,” etc.
  • Interview a local health pro about sleep.

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

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: What Happened to Sex?

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling Every Damn Night
Sterling on Sunday Syndicated, TMN

imgTalk radio has a long incredibly successful run of shows about sex.

SEX SELLS. What happened to shows on radio that talk about sex? In the olden days, numerous shows focused on sex and relationships. Traditionally, time liberates cultural tolerance of conversations about sexual intimacy. Television, films and print have progressed to broaden the variety of subjects welcomed by the audiences.

Our history was lusty:

Dr. Ruth Westheimer launched on WYNY-FM, New York in 1980 on Sunday nights for 15 minutes. She read letters on the air. Quickly the show progressed to one, then two hours taking live phone calls. GM Dan Griffin never blinked. The station was owned by NBC/RCA, which housed the original standards and practices department, a department, not a deeply disliked single corporate attorney. Every week NBC Standards visited my office (I was the EVP in charge of the division not some hack from finance) and Dan Griffin’s office. We invited Standards to share their concerns with Dr. Ruth directly. She was 4’11”, had two bullet wounds in her legs from fighting for the Israeli Army, and two PhDs. That suggestion sent the censors back to their martinis.

After one year, Dr. Ruth, a radio star, was on the cover of PEOPLE and represented by William Morris Talent.

To this day, no one has achieved a higher share of 18–34-year-olds than Dr. Ruth on WYNY. Dr. Ruth was brought to WYNY by Betty Elam and Mitch Lebe. We told Dr. Ruth to say “blow jobs” and “vagina” as often as possible.

Sally Jesse Raphael hosted a show on NBC Talknet for 14 years. Sally’s was a national show about personal relationships and sex. Previously, she had won audience shares on local stations, WMCA, New York and WIOD, Miami. Then she launched 19 years of success on TV talking about relationships and sex!

Dr. Judy KurianskiDr. Toni Grant, and Dr. Laura Schlesinger were major, highly paid stars from discussing sex and relationships in highly entertaining shows.

Many top talk stations added relationship shows to their schedule hosted by skilled broadcasters such as on WRKO, Boston’s “Two Chicks Dishing,” Mary Walter on New Jersey 101.5, and Erin Sommers on WTKS, Orlando… “A lot of my friends who don’t like anal sex really enjoy rimming.” Number 1 men 18-34 first book. And, of course, the legendary morning stars such as Bubba the Love SpongeSteve Dahl, Stevens and Pruitt, and the king, Howard Stern.

Oh, and please no nonsense about advertiser sensitivity to sex talk. Brands are spending billions on “influencers” whose videos run next to images of extreme sex acts and TV shows celebrating drugs, nudity and other good stuff.

Sex talk equals women ratings, younger ratings, engaged listens.  This one’s easy.

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.  He can be phoned at 646-678-1110.

Industry News

Audacy: Podcasts Eating into Social Media and Streaming Music

An analysis by Audacy senior manager, research & insights, Deepika P Das concludes that the rise in podcasting is coming at the expense of social media scrolling and music streaming listening. Citing data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear study that notes podcast consumptionimg among adults has surged from just 6% of audio listening in 2015 to 23% in 2025. The two factors responsible for his are new people listening to podcasts (reach) and existing podcast consumers listening more (frequency).  Das says that additional listening is replacing other behaviors. “Nearly four in 10 podcast listeners say the time they spend with podcasts is replacing time spent scrolling social media. Another 34% say it’s replacing time spent listening to streaming music.” Das cites data indicating that “U.S. adults spend an average of 103 minutes per day listening to podcasts, outpacing TikTok (77 minutes), Facebook (69 minutes), and Instagram (65 minutes); and “Podcast listening surpassed streaming music in 2023, and now commands an 11 point share advantage in daily digital ad-supported audio listening.” See the Audacy report here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/4)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Operation Epic Fury / War Powers Resolution
  2. Bondi Subpoenaed in Epstein Files Case
  3. Rising Oil Prices / Financial Markets React
  4. Primary Elections
  5. Kristi Noem Testimony
Industry News

Curtis Sliwa Joins Larry Mendte for WOR Mornings

img

iHeartMedia news/talk WOR, New York announces that longtime NYC media personality Curtis Sliwa is joining the station’s morning drive show alongside Larry Mendte. “Curtis Sliwa and Larry Mendte in the Morning” will debut on Monday (3/9) in the 6:00 am to 10:00 am daypart. Sliwa had been working for crosstown news/talk WABC but took leave to run for mayor of New York on the Republican ticket. He says, “It’s been four months since the end of the New York City Mayoral election and most places I go people have asked me to come back to talk radio, so that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to the best radio station in New York City, joining my friends of 30 years Mark Simone and Sean Hannity. It’s a full circle moment for me as my first radio station appearance for me was in 1971 when WOR’s Arlene Francis interviewed me as a kid, and I’ve been talking on the radio since.” Larry Mendte comments, “I couldn’t be more excited. Curtis is not only a legendary talk radio host, but an iconic New Yorker. What an honor to get to team up with him to get New Yorkers started every weekday.” The station adds that Gracie Award winner and 29-year WOR veteran Natalie Vacca will serve as executive producer for the new show.

Industry News

WISN, Milwaukee’s O’Donnell Apologies for Post Calling for Death to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

WISN, Milwaukee afternoon drive host Dan O’Donnell issues and apology for a social media post in which called for the killing of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. After the U.S. military killed Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, O’Donnell posted an image of Walz in a black turban with the copy, “Now take out the Supremeimg Leader of Minnesota. We will be greeted as liberators. Death to fraud investigations!” Via social media, O’Donnell posted: “I want to take a moment to offer my sincerest apologies for a post I made about Minnesota’s Governor that, quite frankly, I am deeply ashamed of. It was irresponsible and completely inappropriate and I have since taken it down. It served only to deepen divisions at a time when unity and basic human decency are most needed. My primary responsibility as a broadcaster, a father, and a person is to always comport myself professionally, appropriately, and compassionately, and I failed to do that. Again, I am truly, deeply, unequivocally sorry.” Read the BringMetheNews story here.

Industry News

Warshaw Argues Against Soros Fund Management’s Motion to Strike

In a court filing submitted on Monday (3/2), Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw presented the Connecticut Superior Court with his reasons why the court should not grant Soros Fund Management’s motion to strike in his suit against the company for breach of contract, unfair trade practices and more. In the original complaint filed in May of 2025, Warshaw alleges that he had a deal with Soros Fundimg Management’s Michael Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try to acquiring Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage the business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” While both parties were doing due diligence on the CMG deal, Warshaw learned that an Audacy majority stake holder was willing to sell its stake in the company. Warshaw says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024. Warshaw alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. Later, SFM filed a motion to strike arguing that talks between Del Nin and Warshaw did not rise to the level of an employment offer. In his recent filing with the court, Warshaw says SFM reads “the Complaint in the light least favorable to Plaintiff. And they introduce new facts and make factual arguments that must be left for resolution by a jury at trial. Even so, based on the Complaint’s detailed allegations, Defendants’ arguments fall apart. Defendants ask the Court to believe that Jeffrey Warshaw, a veteran executive and dealmaker in radio, attempted to ‘cozy up’ to Defendants, newcomers to radio. But why did they seek an introduction to Warshaw in the first place? Why did they need Warshaw to source the Audacy transaction, and quickly ask him to introduce them to Audacy’s controlling debtholder? Why did Michael Del Nin call Warshaw 107 times between October 2023 and October 2024? On breach of contract, Defendants argue that the Complaint does not plead definite and certain terms of the contract between Warshaw and SFM. That ignores the definiteness of the contract terms alleged, as well as controlling precedent holding that an oral agreement is enforceable so long as missing terms can be ascertained by fair implication or industry custom. Defendants also downplay the value of Warshaw’s sourcing of the Audacy deal and his introduction of Defendants to the firm holding a controlling interest in Audacy debt.”

Industry News

Sales Pros Join Key-United

Key-United, a joint venture between Key Networks and United Stationsimg Radio Networks names two media sales pros to the organization. Rosanne Tipton joins Key-United as VP, sales and brand partnerships, and imgRobbie Eisen, joins as director of strategic research and planning. Key-United president of sales Ron Russo, says, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome both Rosanne and Robbie to the sales organization. Their energy, drive, and passion for building meaningful relationships perfectly align with our commitment to service and partnership. We’re confident they will make an immediate impact and accelerate the outstanding results our agency and client partners have come to expect from Key-United.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/3)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Operation Epic Fury / MAGA Fractures / Oil Prices
  2. Primary Elections
  3. Lutnick to Give Epstein Testimony
  4. Minnesota Fraud Probe
  5. Noem Testimony
Industry News

iHeartMedia Reports 2025 Q4 Revenue Up 0.8%

Releasing its operating results for the fourth quarter of 2025 and for the full year of 2025, iHeartMedia reports consolidated revenue of $1.12, billion, an increase of 0.8% over Q4 of 2024. For the full year of 2025, consolidated revenue was $3.86 billion, an increase of 0.3% over the full year of 2024. For the fourth quarter of 2025, the company says Audioimg revenue increased $47.7 million, or 14.1%, driven primarily by continuing increases in demand for digital and podcast advertising, as well as increased non-cash trade revenue resulting from strategic marketing initiatives. Multiplatform Group revenue decreased $19.2 million, or 2.8%, primarily resulting from lower political revenues, as 2024 was a presidential election year, as well as a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions.

Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “We’re pleased with our fourth quarter results, generating Adjusted EBITDA of $220 million, at the midpoint of our previously provided guidance range, and our consolidated revenue was $1.1 billion, up 0.8% compared to prior year and above our guidance; excluding the impact of political, our consolidated revenue was up 7.7%. Our podcast momentum continues, growing 24.5% compared to prior year, above our guidance of ‘up in the mid-teens,’ and we have the number one audience in podcasting as measured by both Podtrac and Triton. In 2026 a major goal of ours is to return the Multiplatform Group to segment Adjusted EBITDA growth and we continue to invest in our broadcast programmatic efforts and working with partners like Amazon DSP, Yahoo! DSP and other to include our broadcast radio inventory on their programmatic platforms. We also see some of our recent announcements as validation of the power of broadcast radio, with companies like Netflix and TikTok coming to partner with us and our broadcast radio assets.”

Industry News

Dan Brady Promoted at Take On the Day LLC

Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s Take On the Day, LLC and Crossover Media Group Dan Brady is promoted to vice president/general manager in which he’ll oversee the day-to-day operations of the company. Brady moves up from chief call producer, director of podcast operations &img program audio, and vice president of operations roles. Take On The Day CEO Ron Hartenbaum says, “Dan has been critical to the on-going success of the radio program, podcast, live events, and pushing the growth of the video product to new levels of engagement. His ability to get things done is simply amazing.” Brady comments, “I’m humbled to be recognized in this elevated role by the managing partners and more importantly Dr. Laura as we continue to propel her legendary brand. Continuing to work with our partners at SiriusXM and their team in this new capacity is a true honor.”

Industry Views

Reckless Disregard in the Age of AI: What Verification Now Requires

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgAI is now embedded in the modern newsroom. Not as a headline, not as a novelty, but as infrastructure. It drafts outlines, summarizes complex reporting, surfaces background details, and accelerates prep for live conversations. For media creators operating under relentless deadlines, that efficiency is not theoretical. It is practical and daily.

That reality raises a quiet but consequential legal question. When AI contributes to your research, what does verification now require?

Professional hosts are not reading raw chatbot answers on air and calling it journalism. That caricature misses the real issue. What is actually happening is subtler and far more common.

AI now sits inside research workflows. Producers use it for background. Hosts use it to summarize reporting. Teams use it to outline controversies or draft rundowns. Most of the time, it works. Sometimes, however, it invents.

When that invention involves a real person and a serious allegation, the legal analysis looks familiar.

For public figures, defamation requires proof of actual malice – knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth. For private figures, negligence is usually enough. In both cases, the focus is not on the tool. It is on the content creator’s conduct.

AI does not change the elements. It changes the context in which reasonableness is judged.

Courts have long held that repeating a defamatory statement can create liability, even if someone else said it first. If you rely on a blog, and that blog relied on AI, and the allegation is false, the question becomes whether your reliance was reasonable.

Was the source reputable? Was the claim inherently improbable? Were there obvious red flags?  Was contradictory information readily available?

AI’s reputation for “hallucinating” facts now forms part of that backdrop. Widespread awareness that these systems can fabricate citations, merge identities, or invent accusations becomes relevant when a court evaluates your verification choices.

This does not mean using AI indicates reckless disregard. It means using AI does not excuse skipping verification when the stakes are high.

The more specific and damaging the claim, the greater the duty to confirm it through independent, reliable sources. Not another prompt. Not a circular reference to the same unverified blog. Rather, a primary record, official statement, or established reporting.

Documentation matters. If challenged, being able to show that you checked multiple sources before broadcast can be decisive.

None of this is new doctrine. What is new is how seamlessly AI blends into ordinary research habits. That integration makes it easier to forget that the legal question is still about human judgment.

The law will not ask whether your workflow was efficient. It will ask whether your conduct was reasonable under the circumstances.

In the age of AI, verification is not a courtesy. It is risk management.

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.

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Presents Big 10 Basketball Tournament Action

Compass Media Networks is presenting complete and exclusive coverage of the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament beginning onimg Tuesday, March 10 and culminating with the championship game broadcast on Sunday, March 15. “We cannot wait for tip-off,” says Robert Blum, general manager of Compass Media Networks/Sports. “With the expansion of the Big Ten Tournament the six days will be packed with extremely compelling games that will help power the ratings of our affiliates and dazzle our audience.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/2)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Operation Epic Fury / MAGA Fractures / Oil Prices
  2. Clintons’ Epstein Testimony
  3. Texas Senate Primary
  4. Austin Mass Shooting
  5. Tariffs Refunds Issue
Industry News

Connoisseur Closes on Sale of Minnesota and Missouri Stations

Connoisseur Media closes on the sale of 19 signals to two companies. The first is the sale of KLQL-FM and KQAD-AM, in Luverne, Minnesota to Christensen Broadcasting LUV, LLC. That company also operatesimg eight stations in Minnesota. The second deal transfers 17 signals in a number of small markets in the state of Missouri to Carter Media Too, LLC., a Carrollton, Missouri‑based limited liability company led by the Carter Media family. Carter Media Too also operates three radio stations in Missouri plus the streaming platform, MidVid.com. Exclusive broker Kalil & Co says Miles and Michael Carter expressed their enthusiasm for expanding the organization’s footprint and restoring a strong local presence in news, weather, sports, and agriculture.

Industry Views

Progressive Talk Media Star Thom Hartmann Interviewed

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WYD Media nationally syndicated progressive talk show host, Thom Hartmann is Michael Harrison‘s guest this week on Up Close Far Out – a YouTube video presentation of broadcast industry trade publication TALKERS magazine.  Hartmann is one of – if not THE – most influential and longest running progressive radio and talk media commentators on the scene today.  His daily program is heard on several hundred radio stations as well as the SiriusXM Progress 127 channel, Free Speech TV, Substack, YouTube, and Facebook. He is a prolific best-selling author and publishes a widely read daily newsletter, the Hartmann Report. Hartmann is currently ranked number 8 on the prestigious TALKERS Heavy Hundred list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America.  Harrison and Hartmann discuss the state of news/talk media, the challenge of covering the Trump presidency, and both commentators’ concern about the administration’s escalating infringement on First Amendment rights. To experience the video in its entirety please click HERE.

Industry News

Charlie Kirk Show Still Ranks High on Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Chart

Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for January 2026 based on weekly average downloads for participating networks and the top twoimg posts remain unchanged – iHeart Audience Networks’ “Stuff You Should Know” at #1 and Audacy Podcast Network’s “48 Hours.” Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” falls only one spot to #4. Other noteworthy shows include iHeart Audience Network’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” rises on place to #10 and Audioboom’s “The Bulwark Takes” climbs nine places to #21. See the complete chart here.

Industry News

Hillsdale Students Win Awards at IBS NYC 2026

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Two Hillsdale College students took home first-place awards at last weekend’s Intercollegiate Broadcasting System College Media Awards given out at the 86th International IBS Conference in New York City. TALKERS was a presenting sponsor of the conference. Erika Kyba ’26 won first place in the Best Specialty Show (Non-Music) category for her WRFH show, “The Poetry Fix,” a five-minute weekly podcast feature that makes the beauty of classic poetry accessible to a modern audience. Lauren Smyth ’25 was named Best News Director, Radio. Smyth’s role was to ensure that news coverage on WRFH was accurate, timely, educational, and fun. WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM general manager Scot Bertram says, “Our students are dedicated and creative. They consistently produce outstanding content, and it is exciting to see their work recognized among some of the finest programs in the country.”

Industry News

Craig Collins Show to Air on KSEV/KGBC in Houston

Patrick Communications’ news/talk KSEV/KGBC, Houston announces the addition of “The Craig Collins Show” to its daily lineup airing fromimg 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, beginning March 9. The station says, “Craig is a veteran talk show host having previously worked at WGN Radio and 93 WIBC. He is also a frequent guest host with Radio America’s ‘The Dana Show’ and ‘The Chad Benson Show’ and WIBC’s ‘Tony Katz and the Morning News.’” Colling says, “How awesome is it to be at the same radio station I remember reading about in The Way Things Ought To Be! I can’t wait to get started. A big thank you to Bonny, Russell and the entire team at KSEV!”

Industry News

MIW: Gender Analysis Study Reveals Best Management Opportunities for Women Remain in Sales

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc releases the results of its 25th Annual Gender Analysis Study in which it compiles and analyzes the number of women rising to management roles within the radio industry. MIW says the ongoing study “provides one of the longest-running benchmarks of female leadership progress in broadcasting.”img According to the study, 22.07% (2366 stations) had women holding the general manager position in 2025. This is a slight increase from last year where the number was 21.67% and compared to 2004 continues to show solid growth when the percentage of female general managers was only 14.9%. MIW says, “Overall, the best management opportunities for women in radio continues to be in sales management. 35.31% (3561 stations) had a woman sales manager in 2025 which is basically flat from 35.67% in 2024. The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program directors/brand managers. Women currently program 13.02% (289 stations) which is a slight gain from 12.38% in 2024. MIW board president Sheila Kirby comments, “Twenty-five years of data give us clarity. We are encouraged to see movement in general manager and programming roles, particularly within the Top 100 markets. At the same time, flat growth in sales leadership and the continued underrepresentation of women in programming nationally remind us that progress is not automatic. Sustainable advancement requires intention. MIW remains committed to mentoring, advocating, and creating pathways for women to lead at every level of the industry.”

Industry News

Salem’s Greg Clugston to Leave for University Post

Longtime Salem Radio Network White House correspondent Greg Clugston is leaving the radio network to join Communications faculty atimg Indiana Wesleyan University, effective July 1. SRN VP/news Tom Tradup says, “Greg is the consummate professional whose solid coverage will be sorely missed by our Washington Bureau and by our listeners nationwide.” Tradup says Clugston served on the White House Travel Pool and often traveled on Air Force One covering President Trump for SRN News.