Today (9/25), FOX Sports Radio launches “College Football with
Stugotz & The Bear” via iHeartPodcasts. The new show – starring Jon “Stugotz” Weiner and Chris “The Bear” Fallica – drops twice weekly in which they “take listeners on a fun, fast-paced ride through the biggest stories and best moments in college football.”
Audacy is combining the talents of its sports talk hosts at stations in markets within the NFL’s NFC North division to launch “Inside the North,” a brand-new, weekly one-hour show focusing on the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota 
Vikings. The host of the program will be WSCR-FM, Chicago personality David Haugh and will feature a panel of NFL experts including former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt, former Packers kicker Mason Crosby, former Lions (and Packers) offensive lineman T.J. Lang and former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway. It will aur Sunday mornings on WSCR-FM; WXYT-FM, Detroit; WSSP-FM, Milwaukee; and WCCO-AM, Minneapolis. In addition to the Sunday morning broadcasts, video episodes will drop early on YouTube every Friday evening. Audacy sports format VP Mitch Rosen says, “The NFC North features some of the most passionate fanbases and intense rivalries in all of football. By combining David Haugh’s signature hosting with the firsthand perspective of four iconic division figures, ‘Inside the North’ delivers unmatched context and insider access to these markets every single week.”
iHeartMedia announces its new partnership with the BFL – Beach Football League – that will “integrate iHeart’s expansive live radio, digital, podcast, social and live event platforms into the BFL’s growing national footprint, 
supporting event promotion, fan engagement, entertainment programming, athlete storytelling, and community initiatives surrounding BFL events across the country.” Just what is the Beach Football League? It’s a new sports league founded by former NFL linebacker Tully Banta-Cain. “The BFL combines professional tackle football on sand with music, celebrity appearances, youth camps and festival-style beachfront entertainment experiences.” The partnership began last weekend with the Santa Cruz Beach Classic and continues with this Saturday’s Fiesta Hermosa Sunset Showdown.
ESPN announces the return of the two-show ESPN Radio College Football Tailgate starring Amber Wilson and Jonathan Zaslow. The Friday night show is “Amber & Ian: On the Road” airing from 7:00 pm to 10:00
pm ET. The Saturday program is called “College Football Tailgate” hosted by Wilson and Zaslow and airs at 10:00 am ET. ESPN VP of digital & audio production Justin Craig says, “College football is all about passion, tradition, and community. We’re thrilled to bring that energy directly to fans every weekend with ESPN Radio’s College Football Tailgate. Amber and Jonathan are the perfect voices to capture the excitement on campus, and this tour allows us to not only showcase the games, but also connect with the next generation of fans and broadcasters in a truly meaningful way.”
Good Karma Brands’ WMVP-AM “ESPN Chicago” is presenting the third annual “Football Fest” at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on August 25. GKB says, “The highly anticipated event, now in its third year, is back with even more excitement, special guests, and unique experiences for fans. We are thrilled to
welcome back ESPN NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Field Yates, who will be sharing their expert insights and engaging with fans throughout the event.” ESPN Chicago director of content Danny Zederman states, “‘Football Fest’ is the unofficial kickoff of the NFL season, and I am excited about this year’s fest, from the stars we’ll have in the room to the show we have planned. We listened to fan feedback, and we’ve added new ways for fans to interact with their favorite ESPN Chicago and Bears Radio Network personalities, as well as a live onstage version of our fan-favorite, unfiltered podcast ‘Crosstalk Unhinged’ with Carm, Jurko, Waddle, and Silvy.”
Cumulus Media announces a new partnership with Rhode Island Football Club to broadcast select matches for the club’s inaugural 2024 season on WPRV-AM, Providence “790 The Score” and
news/talk/sports WXLM-AM, New London. The first match aired last Saturday (3/16) versus New Mexico United. An additional nine matches will air on the two stations. Cumulus regional vice president Holly Paras says, “I am delighted that our stations will enter into this new broadcasting partnership with Rhode Island FC and help to bring the Southern New England community the passion and drama of this new team and exciting sport.”
Talk media personality Dr. Asa Andrew will be presenting this year at the annual 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame
weekend on behalf of the NFL Alumni Health. A special panel has been put together that will be led and moderated by Doctor Asa on the topics of mental health, performance, 
longevity, and living a healthier lifestyle. In partnership with Hall of Fame legend Ray Lewis, Doctor Asa will be leading some powerful fireside chats with some of the all-time NFL greats, including Emmitt Smith, Terrell Owens, Warren Sapp, and more. Doctor Asa says, “It’s an honor to be invited to speak at such a prestigious event. Being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the league’s highest honor. It means that these champions used their natural talent, overcame tremendous adversity, and found a way to win in every area of life.” Hall of Fame weekend takes place August 4-6 in Canton, Ohio.
Good Karma Brands announces the return of ESPN Chicago’s “Football Fest” to the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on Sunday, August 27. The event will feature WMVP “ESPN Chicago” personalities Tom Waddle, Marc Silverman, David Kaplan, Carmen DeFalco, Jonathan Hood, Peggy Kusinski, Dionne Miller, Chris Bleck,
Adam Abdalla, and Jeff Meller. It will also include members of the Chicago Bears Radio Network team, including Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, and Jason McKie. Celebrity guests will include Dan “Big Cat” Katz, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, and ESPN fantasy football expert Field Yates. “ESPN Chicago” director of content Danny Zederman says, “We are so excited for ‘Football Fest,’ particularly this year as we enter our first season as the radio home of the Chicago Bears Radio Network. ‘ESPN Chicago’ is at the center of Chicago’s football universe and this event will be a great way to kick off the season.”
iHeartMedia and Packers Extend Relationship. The NFL’s Green Bay Packers and iHeartMedia Milwaukee announce a multi-year renewal of their broadcast partnership to continue delivering Packers football and comprehensive gameday coverage. Game broadcasts emanate from WRIT-FM, Milwaukee “95.7 BIG FM” and are also heard on iHeartMedia’s WOKY-AM, Milwaukee “FOX Sports 920”; WIBA-AM/FM, Madison and WBIZ-FM, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
WNYC to Launch New Limited Series. Public radio outlet WNYC, New York is unveiling two new limited series that will join the live broadcast schedule for the fall. “Please Advise,” is a call-in advice program, and “Who’s Running This Place?” is a call-in politics program. WNYC says, “Covering a wide variety of topics, including elections, transportation, relationships and personal finance, these programs will offer New Yorkers more consistent opportunities to learn from experts, ask their own questions and find new ways to connect with the city.”
WYPR, Baltimore to Launch New Local Show. Baltimore Public Media’s WYPR-FM will debut a new program in October hosted by New York Times bestselling author and journalist D. Watkins titled, “The Engagement.” WYPR says the show is a “new locally produced, news-driven public affairs program, in which Watkins brings “his experience across journalism, literature, television, film and education to conversations about the news, politics, community, arts and culture shaping Baltimore, Maryland and the broader region.”
FOX Sports Radio Preps for NFL Season. FOX Sports Radio, a division of Premiere Sports Network, announces its weekend lineup for the 2026 football season. Among the new voices is Anita Marks, who will partner with Greg Cosell, NFL analyst and senior producer at NFL Films, who joined the network last season. They’ll host Sunday mornings from 8:00 am to 10:00 am providing previews of the biggest matchups in the NFL.
Compass Media Begins 18th Season of NFL Coverage. Compass Media Networks announces its 18th season covering the NFL continues this season with a slate of broadcasts of Sunday NFL Doubleheaders, coast-to-coast coverage of the Dallas Cowboys, and exclusive audio coverage of the Las Vegas Raiders. Compass general manager and VP of sports Robert Blum says, “This upcoming season is packed with incredible and compelling games, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our affiliates.”
Westwood One Begins 40th Consecutive Season of NFL Coverage. Cumulus Media’s Westwood One – the official network audio broadcast partner of the NFL – announces its 2026 NFL season programming lineup as it celebrates its 40th consecutive season presenting audio game coverage. Westwood One will broadcast Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, eight International Games, late-season Saturday games, and more.
Steve Gruber’s “One Nation” Hits #6 on Billboard Chart. Michigan Talk Network host Steve Gruber and his band The Freedom Project reached notable heights on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart this summer. The song peaked at #6 during the week of July 11. See the video for the song here.
WURD Sets November 20 for Founders Day Gala. Urban talk WURD, Philadelphia announces that it will celebrate “the life and legacy of its founder, Walter P. Lomax Jr., M.D., and the extraordinary contributions of Black Philadelphians” at its 2026 Founder’s Day Gala on November 20 at the Barnes Foundation.
New Orleans sports talk radio host Mike Detillier died at age 65 after a brief battle with cancer. The WWL, New Orleans personality had just learned of his terminal diagnosis and had planned to tell his listeners about it today (9/8), which would have been his 66th birthday. Audacy reports that the longtime NFL and college football 
analyst was just diagnosed less than two weeks ago. Detillier had prepared the following: “Last week, I was rushed to the hospital for stomach pain. After several CAT scans and tests, doctors broke the unbelievable news: I have metastatic pancreatic cancer. Stage 4. Incurable. While it’s an incredibly emotional time, I want to thank everyone – the listeners, the whole team at WWL radio and Audacy, New Orleans, and all those who put up with me over the years – from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to let me live my passion: The game of football. Hosting SportsTalk with Bobby J, Deuce, Hoss, Steve, and the whole crew – working for WWL has been the honor of a lifetime.” WWL brand manager Diane Newman comments, “Mike Detillier captured the heart of our community with his honesty, buoyant personality, and his rich and deep fact-loaded analysis. He became a reflection of this region’s pure passion for football better than just about anybody. Mike is dedicated and has a true love of the game at every level – high school, college, and NFL. And he’s navigated his role with the utmost respect and admiration for players and coaches, and you see that respect in return. His connection to them is as authentic as his accent. And, when we made that decision to put our two Cajuns together to host ‘SportsTalk,’ you could almost hear something click. When you turn the dial and put on Bobby Hebert & Mike Detillier – you’ve tuned into unbridled magic. “
ESPN Radio and Good Karma Sports announce the return of ESPN Radio’s College Football Campus Tour. ESPN and Good Karma say, “Leading directly into the featured ESPN Radio game of the week, the Campus Tour brings a national pregame broadcast and interactive Fan Zone experience to some of the 
biggest college football matchups of the 2026 season.” The tour will make 10 campus stops across the country, beginning Saturday, September 5, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when Clemson takes on LSU. Additional stops throughout the season include College Station, Texas; Louisville, Ky.; State College, Pa.; Gainesville, Fla.; Austin, Texas; Oxford, Miss.; and a return to Baton Rouge, with additional tour locations and matchups to be announced. At each stop, ESPN Radio hosts Jonathan Zaslow and Amber Wilson will broadcast live for at least two hours leading up to kickoff.
Windy City sports media personality Jason Goff is joining Hubbard’s digital platform 312 Sports. Goff is pictured above (second from the left) along with Cody Delmendo (left), Dan Bernstein (second from right), and Matt Abbatacola(right) at Double Clutch Brewing in Evanston during the 312 Sports Year One Anniversary Party. Hubbard says Goff will launch a new podcast, “Jason Goff: Unscripted,” followed by a twice-weekly national football show with a partner to be announced. Goff started his media career producing the “Boers & Bernstein” show on WSCR, Chicago. John Goforth is general manager of Hubbard’s Gamut Podcast Network and he says, “This is a memorable stretch in sports media, nationally and here at home, and a lot of good people are figuring out what comes next. There’s no joy in that. But it has clarified something: audiences follow people, not call letters. Jason’s talent, his experience and his roots in this city make him a natural fit for what we’re building. He had his pick of what to do next and he chose to build it here, with us, in the city that made him.”
iHeartMedia sports talker KVET, Austin “1300 The Zone” expands the morning drive show by and hour, to have “The Morning Kickoff” 
with Mike Hardge and Mark Henry air from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. Station program director Bryan Erickson says, “With the 2026 college football season just around the corner, this move gives Longhorn fans another hour of the in-depth analysis, big-name interviews and passionate discussion they’ve come to expect from Hardge and Henry.”
Nancy Mace Launches YouTube Show. Outgoing South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace launched her new YouTube talk show on Sunday (8/16). She describes her new show as a media destination in which “a bulldog leaves Washington to take the fight to the people.”
Leyden Joins AdLarge. AdLarge appoints Nicole Pezzola Leyden vice president, brand partnerships, in which she’ll “focus on developing strategic sponsorship opportunities and integrated marketing programs for advertisers.” Has served with organizations including TED, Scripps Networks, Discovery, and the NHL.
The Big Ten and Compass Renew. The Big Ten Network and Compass Media Networks agree to a multi-year extension for the exclusive national audio rights to the TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament and Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game along with the expansion of rights to include the exclusive rights to broadcast the Allstate Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Sports media personality Tom “Goz” Goslowski will host a new football program titled, “Bills Gameday With Goz,” this fall on 
Cumulus Media’s WSKO-AM, Syracuse “The Score 1260,” where he previously hosted the morning drive program. Station program director Rick Roberts says, “We’re excited to welcome Goz back to ‘The Score 1260.’ His football expertise, broadcasting experience, and Central New York roots make him a perfect fit for our lineup and for Bills fans throughout the region.”
Clay Travis to Launch New Media Venture. After selling his Outkick platform to Fox Corporation earlier this year, Front Office Sports is reporting that Clay Travis is working on launching a new sports and politics media platform. The publication says that Travis has filed a trademark application for the name, “Sports & State.” See the Front Office Sports story here.
KBNW, Spokane to Carry Vandals Sports. KBNW, Spokane has aligned with Learfield’s Idaho Vandals Sports Properties to carry Idaho Vandals football and men’s basketball for the next two seasons. KBNW market manager Roger Nelson says, “We are excited to partner with Idaho Vandals Sports Properties to bring Idaho football and basketball game broadcasts to the Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene market. The Vandals have a rich history in football and men’s basketball and have long been a leader in the Big Sky Conference. Approximately 16% of the University of Idaho’s alumni base reside in the Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene metro and we look forward to developing a strong partnership with the Vandals and their fans.”
Rob Parker to Receive Innovator Award. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) announces that in conjunction with the induction of its 2026 Hall of Game class, it is recognizing FOX Sports Radio personality Rob Parker with the second annual JL Wilkinson “Innovator” Award during ceremonies on Saturday, September 26 at the Gem Theater in Kansas City.
Dickey Broadcasting Company announces, “an exciting new chapter” for Sports Radio 680 The Fan in Atlanta as veteran broadcaster John Kincade joins Matt Chernoff weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm for the all-new “Kincade & Chernoff Show.” The pairing brings together two of Atlanta’s most respected and recognizable sports radio personalities. The new show will feature the latest sports news, interviews, and debate.
As part of this programming change, station personality Chuck Oliver will continue to play an “impactful” role on The Fan while expanding his focus on “The Chuck Oliver Show,” heard across the Southern Sports Today Network. According to station management, Oliver remains an integral part of 680 The Fan’s programming and will continue to provide the station’s signature college football coverage and analysis through exclusive segments, special features, and fan-favorite promotions including “Win Chuck’s Dinner.” With his nationally recognized expertise, Oliver will also devote additional attention to growing “The Chuck Oliver Show,” further expanding coverage of SEC and ACC football, the College Football Playoff, recruiting, and the biggest stories from across the college football landscape throughout the Southeast.
“This is an exciting opportunity for all of our brands,” said David Dickey, president of Dickey Broadcasting Company. “John and Matt are an outstanding combination for afternoon drive, and our listeners should know that Chuck Oliver isn’t going anywhere. Chuck remains a huge part of The Fan and will continue to be our premier voice for college football through regular appearances, features, and promotions, while also expanding the reach of ‘The Chuck Oliver Show’ across the Southern Sports Today Network. These moves strengthen our commitment to delivering best-in-class sports programming both locally and throughout the Southeast.”
As Buffalo Bills football returns to Cumulus Media’s 97 Rock/WGRF-FM, the station is bringing back two of Western New York’s most respected and recognizable sports voices. Veteran broadcasters Paul Peck and Kevin Sylvester will join the station’s Bills coverage team, delivering in-depth analysis, insight, and entertainment as part of an expanded pregame lineup this season. Peck and Sylvester will host the first two hours of 97 Rock’s game day coverage, beginning four hours before kickoff each week. They will be followed by NFL Draft and Buffalo Bills analyst Chris Trapasso and former Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse, giving fans a full four hours of comprehensive pregame coverage leading into every Bills game. Joe Russo, program director, 97 Rock, tells TALKERS, “Together, Paul and Kevin bring decades of experience covering the teams, players, and moments that have defined Buffalo sports. Their deep local roots, combined with their passion for entertaining fans, make them the perfect team to help launch a new era of Bills coverage on 97 Rock. We are so excited to welcome them to our team.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
In Full Stack Human: The Mindset Upgrade You Need to Stay Human in a World Ruled by Technology (2026, Wiley Books) Dara Simkin and Tane Hunter describe a 2026 media landscape where people face information overload, shrinking attention spans, negativity fatigue, algorithmic manipulation, and constant distraction.
The irony is that radio may win the future not by becoming more like technology, but by becoming more human. In an age of artificial everything, that’s the sustainable competitive advantage local radio has. And the more crowded the media landscape becomes, the more valuable radio’s unique strengths become.
Consider what today’s digital platforms do best. They personalize content as algorithms learn what users like and deliver more of it. Streaming services can build custom playlists. Social media feeds are tailored to individual interests. AI can generate content instantly.
What those platforms cannot do is belong to a community. Spotify doesn’t know why I-95 is jammed. TikTok doesn’t care that the town council just approved a controversial zoning change. An AI-generated playlist can’t tell listeners where to find shelter during a storm or why Friday night’s high school football game matters. Local radio can. And as media becomes increasingly global, local content becomes increasingly scarce. And scarcity creates value.
Citing research, the book points to another opportunity: Digital platforms are optimized to trigger emotion, especially outrage and conflict – the 1990s talk radio caricature on steroids. The result is a public that often feels overwhelmed, exhausted, and anxious.
Listeners want information, and are looking for context, usefulness, connection, and (dare we?) a reason to smile. Stations willing to do more than simply amplify the argument du jour become indispensable. Winners deliver local information, from trusted voices, a genuine connection that answers the listener’s constant question: “What’s in this for me?”
Click here to read a free sample chapter of “Full Stack Human: The Mindset Upgrade You Need to Stay Human in a World Ruled by Technology.”
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Audacy’s sports talk WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” unveils its newest afternoon drive show, “The Final Drive,” hosted by former Ravens linebacker Femi Ayanbadejo with co-hosts Ken Weinman and Tim Barbalace. “105.7 The Fan” brand manager 
Joe LaCroix says, “Femi’s sports knowledge spans far beyond football, encompassing the entire Charm City sports scene. His fearless opinions and local sports knowledge will complement Ken’s fiery takes and Tim’s sharp insights. We can’t wait for our listeners to experience the next chapter of afternoons with ‘The Final Drive.’” Ayanbadejo’s radio experience began in 2012 with contributions to several programs, including “The Scott Garceau Show,” Ravens game-day radio with Gerry Sandusky, and, most recently, “The Bruce and Femi Show” on “105.7 The Fan.”
Cumulus and Memphis Tigers Renew. Cumulus Media Memphis renews its agreement with Univerity of Memphis’ Tiger Sports Properties (the locally based team of Learfield) in which WKIM-FM “News Talk 98.9 The Roar of Memphis” will continue to serve as the exclusive radio home for University of Memphis Tiger football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball, along with football and men’s basketball coaches’ shows.
Williams Named Interim Communications Contact for Beasley. With Heidi Raphael leaving Beasley Media Group to lead the New York State Broadcasters Association after August 14, Jennifer Williams will serve as interim communications contact on behalf of Caroline Beasley and the company until the end of the year.
Hidden Brain and PRX Ink Distribution Deal. Social sciences program “Hidden Brain” moves from distributor NPR to PRX beginning October 1, 2026. Host Shankar Vedantam says, “I’m delighted that ‘Hidden Brain’ will join PRX and its portfolio of innovative and beloved radio programs. We’re excited to continue to work with the many stations that carry ‘Hidden Brain,’ and to collaborate with PRX on new ways to serve our broadcast listeners and the public media community.”
Cumulus Media’s sports talk WNML, Knoxville “The Sports Animal” brings Eric Cain (right) aboard as co-host of the afternoon drive 
program “Tyler & Cainer,” alongside Tyler Ivens (left) beginning Monday (7/13). Cain fills the spot vacated by Will West who is leaving the program for a digital sales manager position with the company. According to Knox News, Cain has been a regular contributor, producer and host on the station in addition to being host of the “Locked on Vols” podcast and a writer and podcast host for Volquest. See the Knox News story here.
Bonneville’s sports talk KIRO-AM “Seattle Sports” is the new Seattle home for Washington State University Athletics including Cougar Football and Men’s Basketball broadcasts. The Cougar Sports Network, managed by Playfly Sports, remains the official 
radio and digital broadcasting network for Washington State Athletics. “Seattle Sports” program director Kyle Brown says, “We’re thrilled to partner with Washington State University Athletics at such an exciting time, as the new Pac-12 takes shape and the Kirby Moore era begins. This renewed and expanded partnership allows us to deliver even more coverage for Cougar fans through enhanced on-air programming, original video content, and the Seattle Sports app.”