FOX News Radio host and FOX News contributor Guy Benson shared a health update to
listeners describing his recent skin cancer diagnosis. Benson detailed his diagnosis, removal, and treatment process of a melanoma while emphasizing the importance of regular dermatology visits and self-checking for skin abnormalities. You can hear Benson discuss his diagnosis here.
Guy Gordon leaves Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR-AM, Detroit after declining to take the company’s offer to move from mornings to early afternoon and take a 60% pay cut, according to a story by Neal Rubin in the Detroit Free Press. Gordon says he understands that the request by management was due to
a budget crunch – the company has been eliminating positions at stations across the country. He says he didn’t have “an inkling” that his job was at risk, “I probably should have. Radio is really tough now.” Gordon has been a host on the morning show since June of 2023 and was on in afternoons six years prior to that. During his long career in Detroit, he worked as 11:00 pm news anchor at WXYZ-TV and as morning anchor on WDIV-TV. He told his listeners, “If this is the end of the career, I have no grievances. I’m Lou Gehrig without the horrible disease. I’m the luckiest man on Earth.” See the Detroit Free Press story here.
Bonneville’s news/talk KTTH, Seattle announces a new program lineup effective on January 1 that
includes two FOX News Radio personalities. “The Guy Benson Show” will air from 12:00-3:00 pm and “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” is being delay 
broadcast in the 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am daypart. KTTH program director Jason Antebi states, “We’re incredibly excited to add Guy Benson’s fresh conservative perspective to our primetime lineup. Guy’s political acumen, ability to break down complex issues in ways making it easy to follow, and his pulse on what’s happening from Washington state to Washington, DC will be a huge asset for the KTTH audience.” Benson is the political editor of Townhall.com and a FOX News contributor.
Las Vegas-based talk media personality Heidi Harris is debuting a new podcast in the true crime genre. She tells TALKERS, “My newest podcast is finally here! ‘Vegas Crime Files!’ I’ve been working so hard on this and I’m really excited about it. ‘Vegas Crime Files’ pulls back the curtain on
infamous and fascinating lesser-known crimes through firsthand accounts from those who investigated, prosecuted, and survived them. No Googled stories or AI scripts. Details you will hear nowhere else, from the people who are free to discuss what really happened in Vegas.” Harris says her first episode asks, “Who’s the guy in the barrel that was found in Lake Mead? I speak to the cold case detective who worked the case, and a journalist who grew up with the guy who just might be in the barrel!”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Often, when visiting client stations, I ride shotgun on a sales call, and it’s always a masterclass. Retailers have a canny, insightful feel for their customers (our listeners). And accompanying these reps, I feel like I’m “Dancing With The Stars.”
Cold calling still rattles many new sellers, even some veterans. The fear is understandable: interrupting strangers to ask for their time sounds like a recipe for rejection. And seems old-school, but the cold call isn’t a relic – it’s a differentiator. Done right, it’s not a pitch. It’s about discovery.
Here’s what successful sellers I work with seem to have in common:
Lately, I’m impressed by how reps are using Artificial Intelligence… not as a crutch, but to collaborate. Various vendors are hawking apps that will write – even voice – spots. Whenever I’m given a demo, I ask for copy about a restaurant my wife and I frequent. And what comes back is painfully generic – “in a relaxing atmosphere” – rather than capturing the experience. DO exploit AI. But ask it for copy concepts, and use it as a first draft, always to frame the prospect’s words.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Bonneville’s sports talk KHTK, Sacramento “Sactown Sports 1140” moves
midday talk host Allen Stiles (right) to afternoons to join “The Drive Guys with Kevin Gleason” (left) as a co-host, effective January 12. The station says, “Allen is no stranger to Sactown Sports listeners. He has already been a key part of the Sactown Sports family as the host of ‘The Allen Stiles Show, which currently airs weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, building a strong connection with the audience through his knowledge, passion, and engaging style.” The station has not indicated its plans for the midday daypart.
Longtime talk radio host and conservative media personality Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, died on Sunday (1/4) at age 80. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced his death in a post on the social media saying, “Michael
Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals.” Reagan began his talk radio career in the late 1980’s first doing commentary on KABC, Los Angeles and then hosting his own show on KSDO, San Diego. For years his radio program was distributed nationally by Radio America and then by Premiere Networks. At the time of his death, Reagan was serving as a columnist for Newsmax. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Michael Reagan was one of the pioneering talents that launched news/talk radio to new levels of achievement and influence in the 90s, in addition to forging a successful decades-spanning career as a host and commentator. From a media industry standpoint, he was a self-made man, never leaning on his famous family connection as an advantage. Off the air, he was a regular guy. On the air, he was just plain good.”
New Affiliates for Erick Erickson. Nationally syndicated talk host Erick Erickson adds new affiliate stations including WMAC, Macon, Georgia; Virginia Talk Radio Network’s WIQO-FM, WBLT-AM/FM and WMNA-FM; WUSX-FM, Seaford, Delaware; WETR-AM/FM, Knoxville; and WBRP-FM, Baton Rouge.
MIW Management Webinar Set for January 15. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc are presenting a webinar titled, “Management 101: Becoming an Impactful Leader,” next Wednesday, January 15 at 2:00 pm ET. Media executives including Townsquare Media Group COO Erik Hellum, StreamGuys’ Dara M. Kalvort, Audacy San Francisco’s Kieran Geffert, and WGN Radio’s Mary Boyle will appear as panelists. You can register here.
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc is presenting a webinar titled, “Management 101: Becoming an Impactful Leader,” taking place January 15, 2026 at 2:00 pm ET. MIW
says, “This interactive session brings together four distinguished executives representing key areas across today’s audio landscape, offering attendees an opportunity to learn practical leadership skills, modern management strategies, and actionable insights for navigating a rapidly evolving industry.” Panelists will include: Erik Hellum, chief operating officer, Townsquare Media Group; Dara M. Kalvort, VP of digital sales, StreamGuys; Kieran Geffert, SVP and market manager, Audacy San Francisco; and Mary Boyle, VP & general manager, WGN Radio Chicago – Nexstar Media Inc. Register for the webinar here.
Pictured above at right is Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher with loyal listener Joyce – who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Gallagher had received an e-mail from Joyce telling him she was about to hit the century mark, which he shared during his daily on-air visit with Salem-Dallas colleague Mark Davis, who suggested to Gallagher that he make her birthday even more special by paying her a personal visit. Gallagher says, “Joyce is awesome. She listens on her iPad and e-mails me occasionally. As Thanksgiving approaches, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to get to meet this 100-year-old listener. The intimacy of talk radio leads to special moments like these and I give thanks for being part of our industry.”
iHeartMedia sports talk KBME-AM, Houston “SportsTalk 790” announces its new morning show that will debut on Monday. “The Morning Drive with Dan & Cole” is hosted by Houston natives
Dan Mathews and Cole Thompson. Thompson has been with KBME for the past year producing “The A-Team” on the station and hosting, “The Night Cap.” Mathews began his career covering Houston sports and worked in Atlanta at Audacy’s WZGC-FM and Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN-AM. Station program director Chris Gordy states, “We’re thrilled to add Cole to mornings, alongside Dan. Both guys eat, sleep and breathe all things Houston sports, and bring a passion and enthusiasm to kick off each morning right.”
WGN Radio announces that market news pro and afternoon news anchor Steve Bertrand will retire from radio on November 13 after a 40-year career with the Nexstar Media Group station.
WGN VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “From joining WGN Radio in 1985 during the Wally Phillips era to anchoring news on the ‘Lisa Dent Show’ today, throughout his 40 eventful years here Steve has faithfully maintained the highest standards of journalistic integrity, combined with his own unique gift for playful on air banter which is sure to be missed by colleagues and listeners alike.” Bertrand comments, “I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the history of radio. As a kid, I dreamed of one day living in Chicago. I never imagined I’d be part of her daily conversation. I will forever be grateful to the legends I worked with and, most especially, the listeners who made it all happen. I’ve had the privilege of being part of a pretty amazing family for 40 years.”
NBCUniversal announces that iHeartMedia is serving as its exclusive audio partner for the upcoming Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games taking place from February 6 to February 22. As part of the partnership, iHeartRadio will provide 24/7 play-by-play audio channels of
NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Games. It will also produce a new Winter Games season of “Two Guys, Five Rings” hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, produce Olympic-specific episodes of some of its podcasts, and promote tune-in for NBCU’s coverage. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “We’re eager to build upon our relationship with NBCUniversal and once again deliver premium audio coverage of the Olympic Games, this time focusing on the awe-inspiring athletes and incredible stories set to come from the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. As the leading destination for sports audio, we’re excited to deepen the connection between audiences and the athletes they love.”
According to the New York Post, WABC talk radio host Curtis Sliwa – currently a Republican candidate for mayor of New York City – fumed on the station’s morning show with Sid Rosenberg that he will never be seen in the studios of WABC again after station owner John
Catsimatidis and others urged him to exit the mayoral race to give former Governor Andrew Cuomo a better chance of beating Democrat Zohran Mamdani. During his on-air conversation with Rosenberg, Sliwa “accused colleagues of betraying him” and he told Rosenberg WABC is “giving preferable treatment” to Cuomo. Catsimatidis later told the Post, “Regardless of all the news going around, I’ve always said great things about Curtis Sliwa, about how well he knows the city. But in a places like New York City where 70% of New York City are Democrats, the real Democrat is Andrew Cuomo, not Zohran Mamdani and Democrats should vote for Cuomo. Catsimatidis added, “I’ve never asked that he leave the race but recommended that a lot of other people have said he should.” Sliwa said on the air that he’s had to hire private security due to threats against him and his wife. “If anything happens to me or anything happens to my wife, because of this frenzy that I hear constantly coming from some of your colleagues there at WABC, it’s on you guys and you gals. My life is on the line here.” Sliwa’s radio show is currently off the air due to his active political campaign. Read the Post story here.
iHeartMedia has been cutting staff at radio stations across the country and talk hosts are part of this reduction in force. Some of those affected by the cuts include sports talk radio personalities Steve Czaban – who co-hosted the Czabe & Butch program with Brian Butch on the
company’s WRNW-FM, Milwaukee “97.3 The Game,” and KBME-AM, Houston “SportsTalk 790” morning host Sean Salisbury. Salisbury tweeted, “It’s been a hell of a run the last 8 years [at] SportsTalk 790. I fully understand the financial decisions that corporate has to make. I appreciate the great bosses at iHeart that I got to work with and here in Houston, who have become friends too. Very grateful for good coworkers and the talent you hear daily on the SportsTalk 790 lineup. I’m so blessed to have worked with special teammates/friends on my show every morning, you know my love for you guys!” Also, a victim of this latest round of cuts is Salt Lake City market manager Joyce Wirthlin.
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
As a media consultant, my team has had the privilege of being engaged extensively by members of the C-Suite. Becoming a member of the C-Suite is a common goal. To get into any group, acceptance often depends on acting and appearing like established members. Here are some of the actions observed of business masters whom we consulted:
Arrive First
Let’s start with Walter Anderson, CEO PARADE magazine. PARADE was then owned by Newhouse and was the most-read publication in the English language with 30-million-plus readers. Walter Anderson was a rock star. For years he was an award-winning editor and proud of his publication. He was a gifted leader. Smart writers and graphic designers want to work for Anderson. He’s that guy! It was an honor to have lunch with him… always at the Four Seasons.
Lunch at 12:30 pm. I’d arrive at 12:25 pm – Anderson was well seated. Lunch at 12:30, I’d arrive at 12:15 pm and Anderson was well seated. I had to arrive at 11:30 am to “beat” him to the 12:30 pm table. When I finally arrived at 11:30, he was startled that I arrived first. Score! I shared this story with the manager of the Four Seasons, Julian Niccolini. Julian smiled and said, “The most powerful person always arrives first.”
Arriving first is control, preemptive and, yes, powerful. Arrive first in all actions. The first one in a room can rearrange the chairs and name plates. Arriving first for a meeting gives a person a moral upper hand!
Answer Emails Fast
Our clients have included a long list of CEOs, presidents, and CBOs. Who answers their emails first? The most powerful: Bob Pittman, CEO, iHeartMedia; Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks; Kelli Turner, CEO, Audacy; Bob McAllan, CEO, Press Broadcasting; Joe Clayton (deceased), CEO Sirius; Scott Greenstein, president, SiriusXM; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Soundmind; Tim McCarthy, CEO, Broadcasters Foundation; Alan Shaw, CEO, Centennial Broadcasting; and Chris Oliviero, CBO, Audacy all answer their email super fast. (There are other contacts who answer fast, but this is the CEO/president list.) Most of the other CEOs and presidents who answer late or not at all are bankrupt.
Thank You First
Powerful people send thank you notes – fast. After an event, they send thank you to the host before going to bed. Powerful execs study when people in their industry get an award or promotion and then write notes of congratulations – and stamp it. No emails. Those real letters are saved – forever. Thank you, Cathy Black!
Know Thy Numbers
Powerful executives are never vague about numbers. Vagueness invites suspicion and erodes confidence. BUT, the powerful are not driven by the numbers. The numbers are not front and center in conversations.
RKO chairman Tom O’Neil hired my company to consult all of their radio stations. Tom was charming, in charge, and larger than life. RKO owned Frontier Airlines. Over lunch, he casually mentioned the passenger load on Frontier that day. He knew those numbers and the ratings for WOR midday. Pass the bread.
Once a year, PARADE and all Newhouse pubs presented their business plans to the Newhouse brothers directly. Participating in that meeting, I saw that the Newhouses expected the CEOs to know their numbers. The CEOs of their pubs presented the numbers. No CFOs, no accountants, and no business managers were allowed in the business plan meetings. CEO direct to owner.
C-Suite members show up first, answer emails fast, know their numbers cold and send thank you notes.
Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
Have you noticed a profile pattern for the mass shooters and political assassins? 20-30 years old. Living at home or close.
Here’s a deep dive, highly predictive profile that was written by a true radio GREAT:
“He’s a crown prince as a teenager. A crown prince when he suddenly finds his crown gone and he’s just a commoner and he must enter the next stage of life – well I’ll tell you what happens: He generally doesn’t, that’s why you have a new generation of guys who have not taken on family or familiar responsibilities.
They are not about to give up the Crown Prince role and so we have a whole new generation of porn readers who will forever and ever and ever be catered to, and they get to the point where they cater to themselves. Many of them never grow up.
There is more than one guy who is 30 years old today who is totally, completely being supported by his mother and father. And as a matter of course, because he is after all a Crown Prince and a Crown Prince has prerogatives and one of them is to live off the family larder, he will continue to do this throughout most of his life.
This is a very new thing in America, and I say we have not seen the end of it. We’ve only seen the very beginning of it now. He who is really searching for identity.
I’m gonna make a suggestion here. I will suggest that this man is a dangerous man. Any man who has been suppressed, any man who has lost identity is a man who is prone to take up with wild, divergent, and often quite dangerous and irrational political crusades merrily to give himself his own identity, something, some charge that he can ride on.”
Jean Shepherd
WOR Radio Star
Author, A Christmas Story
from audiobook, LIFE IS, 1965
Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.
by Robert Pearl
Exclusive to TALKERS
New York’s Cipriani 42nd Street once again played host to one of radio’s most anticipated annual events of the year: the annual “77 WABC Gala,” held this past Friday (9/5). The spectacular evening blended star-studded entertainment, heartfelt tributes, and plenty of radio family camaraderie – all while raising funds for three cornerstone charities: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Police Athletic League, and Shriners Children’s Hospital.
The night doubled as the unofficial kickoff to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, with patriotic spirit filling the storied hall. Guests were treated to a spectacular mix of tradition and pageantry: bagpipes opened the evening, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a soaring rendition of the national anthem from tenor Chris Macchio, fresh from performing at President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration. Later, country music legend Lee Greenwood brought the house to its feet with “God Bless the USA,” a fitting soundtrack to the night’s theme.
Radio Legend Served as Emcee
The event was emceed by “Cousin” Bruce Morrow, who set the tone with trademark warmth and humor. Featured performances by Vinnie Medugno, and Joe Piscopo with homage to Frank Sinatra classics. Fellow WABC hosts and personalities were out in force: Sid Rosenberg (with wife Danielle), Curtis and Nancy Sliwa, Dominic Carter, Greg Kelly (joined by his father, longtime NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly), Lionel and his wife Lynn Shaw (founder of Lynn’s Warriors), Brian Kilmeade, Rita Cosby, Lisa G, Anthony Cumia, news director James Flippant, and anchor Liz Ratoballi.
WABC owner John Catsimatidis and Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez anchored the front row, alongside Margo Catsimatidis, who was celebrated as the event’s “First Lady of WABC.” Longtime friend (and WOR personality) Mark Simone – dubbed “Mr. New York”- was on hand, underscoring the collegiality of the broader talk radio community. The gala also drew figures beyond radio, including Mayor Eric Adams and his electoral rival Curtis Sliwa sitting a few tables apart, economic voice Larry Kudlow, the relentless patriot and activist artist Scott LoBaido, Newsmax’s Johnny Tobacco of Wiseguys, and philanthropist Frank Siller of Tunnel to Towers.
Charity with Purpose
While the evening sparkled with entertainment and personality, its heart was rooted in the causes it championed. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, founded in honor of fallen firefighter Stephen Siller, continues its mission of supporting first responders and veterans, promising to pay off the mortgages of the fallen. The Police Athletic League, New York City’s largest independent youth development nonprofit, provides educational and recreational programs to children in need. And Shriners Children’s Hospital, a global leader in pediatric specialty care, ensures children receive treatment regardless of a family’s ability to pay. These organizations were not just beneficiaries but central characters in a story of service, community, and giving back.
A Night of Theater and Patriotism
Beyond the music, the gala leaned into a spectacle. Impersonators dressed as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Uncle Sam strolled the ballroom, taking pictures with guests. Later, Lady Liberty herself dramatically popped out of a massive birthday cake as red, white, and blue balloons cascaded from the ceiling. Guests waved WABC-branded light sticks in rhythm with the performances, further amplifying the carnival-like energy.
And as tradition dictates, September’s Virgo birthdays were honored in grand style. Joe Piscopo led a rousing “Happy Birthday” for John Catsimatidis and fellow celebrants, which seamlessly transitioned into a full-throated “God Bless America,” with the entire ballroom on its feet.
Political Undertones in a Festive Setting
While the evening was designed as a patriotic celebration, politics were never far from the surface. Just hours before the gala, Mayor Adams publicly doubled down on his mayoral campaign, brushing aside speculation of a possible exit. At Cipriani, Adams was greeted politely – but the room roared when Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa was announced, highlighting the unique political currents swirling through the city and this radio community.
Still, the prevailing message was unity and celebration. “We celebrate America together,” said Greenwood before launching into his anthem. It was a fitting capstone to an event that blended entertainment, politics, and philanthropy in a way unique to WABC.
As the gala wound down, guests departed with gift bags in hand, many still humming Greenwood’s refrain. With its mix of glamour, gravitas, and good causes, the 2025 WABC Gala set the stage not just for America’s 250th birthday, but also for the enduring influence of talk radio as a cultural and political force.
Robert Pearl is a New York City-based freelance journalist. He can be reached at pearlknows@yahoo.com.
Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR, Detroit appoints Ryan Ermanni host of the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show, effective today (7/7). Ermanni is well known in the Detroit market as co-host of “The Nine” on WJBK-TV FOX 2 Detroit where he served for more than 20 years. Cumulus Detroit/Ann Arbor regional VP and market
manager Steve Finateri says, “Ryan Ermanni is not only a seasoned broadcaster with deep roots in Detroit media, he’s also a longtime fan of WJR. His passion for Detroit, his engaging on-air presence, and his respect for what WJR represents make him a perfect fit for our team.” Ermanni comments, “I am so honored to be a part of the WJR daily lineup. I’ve always considered myself just a regular guy from the neighborhood who happens to have a really cool job. The WJR call letters mean something to me, as they do for many people who have grown up in our city and our state. I hope to build the same trust and connection here on WJR as I did at FOX 2. I’m not your typical newsman. I wear my personality on my sleeve, and I react to stories the way someone might if they were sitting at home or in their car. We joke that I’m a “man of the people” — and honestly, I take that as the highest compliment. What you see is what you get. So, if you spot me around town, don’t be shy – come say hello.”
Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago announces a deal with FOX News Audio to air FOX content
on the station including “The Guy Benson Show,” which airs live from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm, plus hourly news updates, breaking news coverage, and long-form specials. Cumulus regional VP and Chicago market manager Marv Nyren says, “We are thrilled to deliver the FOX News Audio product to our listeners, as it perfectly aligns with 890 WLS-AM and will give the audience a news service that meets their expectations.”
The AWM Foundation presented the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City yesterday (6/18). Host Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline” led the program alongside a lineup of presenters that included WFAN’s Boomer Esiason, iHeartMedia’s Medha Gandhi, CNN’s Erica Hill, and NBC News’ Vicky Nguyen. Pictured above is “CBS Sunday Morning” host Jane Pauley (left) presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime colleague and friend, “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent Martha Teichner (right).
WCBM Adds Ted Cruz Podcast. The Baltimore news/talk station adds Premiere Networks’ podcast starring Ted Cruzand Ben Ferguson. Station PD Sean Casey says, “Talk Radio 680 WCBM is thrilled to add Senator Cruz and Verdict to our weekend lineup. We feel it’s important to feature strong conservative voices like Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson during this crucial time. I’m confident our listeners will look forward to hearing ‘Verdict with Ted Cruz’ every Sunday night.”
America Tonight Adds Affiliate. The nationally syndicated “America Tonight” program starring Kate Delaney adds new affiliate WVLK, Lexington, Kentucky “Newstalk 590 and 97.3 FM.”
Juju Chang to Host Gracies Luncheon. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation announce that ABC News “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang is hosting the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon in New York City on Wednesday, June 18 at Cipriani 42nd Street. The Luncheon will also feature presenters including Arielle Chambers (ESPN), Boomer Esiason (WFAN), Medha Gandhi (iHeartMedia), Erica Hill (CNN), and Vicky Nguyen (NBC News).
WWO Presents College World Series. Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, and in conjunction with the NCAA Radio Network, will be home to the NCAA Division I Men’s College World Series Championship Finals, live from Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska beginning June 21. Kevin Kugler will call all the action and will be joined in the booth by Scott Graham and field reporter Connor Happer.
Sports media personality Stephen A. Smith is joining SiriusXM to produce two programs for the satcaster. SiriusXM says the multi-year agreement includes Smith hosting a new, daily sports talk show on the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel in addition to a weekly program covering current events, pop culture, and social
commentary on “everything beyond the world of sports – from politics and social issues to entertainment news, pop culture trends and more.” Smith comments, “To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So, I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That in itself is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics and social commentary… let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!” Stephen A. Smith is a featured commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s “First Take.” Since 2021 he has been an analyst on “NBA Countdown,” ESPN and ABC’s longstanding NBA pregame show.
Longtime Philadelphia-based radio talk show host Dom Giordano is launching a new weekly podcast today (5/27) devoted to exploring America’s politically charged education system with a focus on protecting the rights of parents to engage in school choice and select the best school for their child. The show will feature a blend of commentary from Giordano on the hottest aspects of the evolving issues plus interviews with leaders from the American education system.
A presentation of Giordano Productions, LLC, the program is titled, “Old School, New School, Next
School with Dom Giordano” – a phrase inspired by the recent TALKERS conference “Generations 2025” held earlier this year in conjunction with IBS NY 2025. The podcast will be carried on the industry’s major platforms.
Long referred to as the Dean of Philadelphia News/Talk Radio, Giordano, the seasoned midday (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) host of Audacy’s WPHT, has been a mainstay of local Philadelphia talk radio since 1987 where he has developed a national reputation in the industry for his knowledge and even-handedness. He offers an intelligent “guy next door” sensibility on the full spectrum of contemporary issues with a particular strength in education that goes back to his local roots in Pennsylvania.
Born and raised in South Philly, Giordano began his unique path to broadcasting as a high school teacher in the Delaware Valley, where he received widespread media coverage for his innovative teaching and motivational techniques. He was hired at WWDB Radio in 1987, becoming one of the nation’s first teachers-turned-talk show hosts. In 2000, he joined CBS-owned-and-operated (now Audacy) WPHT where he has been ever since. A perennial fixture on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” – the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – he is a frequent guest commentator on the national cable news/talk TV channels and writes frequent columns for newspapers throughout the region.
The podcast’s debut installment today features a conversation with special guest Ryan N. Boyer, business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Consortium – an aggregation of more than 50 labor unions and 40,00 workers. Giordano tells TALKERS, “We focused on how and why this major labor leader could be such a strong supporter of school choice.” Boyer states, “I’d be a hypocrite to oppose school choice – because I’ve exercised it myself.”
Next week’s second installment will feature an interview with Stacy Garrity, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The discussion will address the cost savings of school choice and how the issue will play out in the upcoming governor’s race against one of the Democrats’ leading presidential candidates, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
To listen to “Old School, New School, Next School with Dom Giordano,” please click HERE.
Las Vegas-based, nationally syndicated talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root says it was his text to President Donald Trump that spurred him to pardon baseball great Pete Rose and that has led Major League Baseball to remove Rose from the “banned” list, paving the way for his eligibility for the Hall of
Fame. Root tells TALKERS that he was a friend of Pete Rose. They both lived in Las Vegas, Rose was a guest on Root’s radio show and that led to Root and Rose starring in a national TV commercial together and becoming fast friends. Root wrote a column in 2020 imploring the president to pardon Rose, but it was this February when Root felt compelled to text the president. Root says that within 15 minutes of his sending that text the president announced he would pardon Rose. Root adds, “This all started with an interview on my radio show. I’m sure Pete is looking down from heaven with a big smile. His final dream was to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s about to come true. All because of a Vegas friendship late in Pete’s life with a guy who just happened to know the President of the United States! Thank you, President Trump.”
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN
Right now, dozens of well-suited, over-priced, unpleasant lawyers are fighting in Hollywood over the title credit their client should receive on a movie, TV show, or book cover. Placement within the credit roll at the end of a show is a battleground of egos and legalities. Part of the process of securing proper credit is governed by multiple union rules negotiated by multiple unions and corporate dictates of corporate masters. (You don’t get to be CEO of Paramount by being a nice guy.)
In most mass media, getting credit for the hard work of creating mass media is a very serious matter. What’s the “title slide” credit for you and your colleagues?
To your listener, you are a star. For no cost, you, your station, and our industry would benefit from building a credit roll at the end of each of your shows. Radio has a first class array of production software, processing and SFX libraries. Use those assets to create on air credit rolls for talent, PAs, anyone who touches a show.
The result: Credited employees will grow prouder of their work. They will be recognized by their friends. Advertisers will know their messages are part of a “big thing” and invest with confidence. Subliminally running credits for your station’s team puts radio on the same plateau as movies, TV, print. For free.
Consider every opportunity to elevate the stature of radio stars. When you have a substitute host or DJ please don’t say, “filling in for…” say, “guest starring.” How does your talent present themselves away from the station on remotes or appearances? KMART rack or Dress for Success? Fact: Management of other media say that radio executives and sales people “dress poorly.” Really, that’s their view of radio personnel. Lousy dressers. Easy fix.
Kudos to George Noory. At the end of each show, he credits his predecessors; all-night radio stars who, through the decades, explored UFO’s and non-traditional topics. George’s humble announcement celebrates radio’s robust history and places Noory in an all-hit lineup.
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
Ramsey Solutions CEO Dave Ramsey publishes his latest book titled, “Build a Business You Love,” (2025, Ramsey Press). In this new book, Ramsey shares his 30-plus years of building a business from a one-
man operation to a $250 million-a-year company with over 1,000 employees and a nationally recognized brand. Ramsey says the book draws on his hard-earned lessons, equipping readers at every stage of business to grow themselves, lead their teams and scale their businesses. He says, “Running a business is the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but it can also be the greatest thing you’ve ever done. If you’re not careful, you can wind up hating what you’re trying to build. I’m a guy who’s lived it and made it work — someone who’s messed up a lot and gotten back up after being knocked down. This book isn’t theory. It’s the blueprint for building something you can be proud of.” See more about the book here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
These conventions used to be about making-the-most-of those towers behind radio stations that played in several rooms at home and occupied two knobs and six buttons in the dashboard. Back to the future…
“Take every available opportunity to connect with audiences.”
Longtime programmer turned podcaster Buzz Knight moderated the session, “Cross-Platform Content Wins – Radio and Podcast Success Stories.” And here’s one now, a radio news guy I’d like to clone, WBZ-AM, Boston’s Matt Shearer, the next-gen’ talent whose skill set and perspective yields the sort of content that takes radio beyond those towers.
Shearer told us he “had been making video from my radio pieces. Now, I’m making radio from my video.” Whereupon Alpha Media EVP of content Phil Becker urged broadcasters to “focus on THAT they use you, not WHERE they use you.” And noting that – as “streaming services have divided audiences” – South Carolina Public Radio director Sean Birch recognizes that “We have to hit a bunch of audiences all at once.”
Common thread in panelists’ remarks: Broadcast and podcast listeners “are very different audiences;” and “we have to be where people are.” Still, revenue stacks-up in two piles: broadcast bucks and digital dimes. And Hubbard Radio EVP/programming Greg Strassell reckons, “Any engagement you do is an opportunity to promote the mothership.” Hubbard’s WTOP, Washington simulcasts its on-air programming via YouTube, and Greg says average Time Spend Listening there is 17 minutes.
“Using Social Media to Develop Community”
In this session, Beasley Media Group’s Dave Snyder recommends a Basic Success Framework:
— Understand your community. Rather than thinking platform (“We need to be on TikTok”), limit your reach to platforms that offer the most engagement potential. “Not all platforms will be a fit for your content.”
— Set your goals. What does success look like? Gauge value by engagement counts like Comments and Likes, rather than mere Views.
— Be authentic. Build brand guidelines, and have a moderation policy, and a style/tone guide. AI is a useful tool, “but it’s not authentic.”
Develop Engagement. Social media gives broadcasters a unique potential to:
— Share a behind-the-scenes view as content is created, “how the sausage is made,” giving your community a different perspective.
— Expose the community to content creators’ personalities. Building community is only possible if people feel like they actually “know” you.
— Interact with the audience. “Community building can’t just be about pushing content. Engagement flows two ways.”
Keep it going. “Once you have your Framework and Content plan, then comes the hard part.”
— “Consistency and cadence is probably the most important part of growing a consistently engaged community.”
— “Use ‘the whole buffalo.’ Optimize your content for cross-platform use.”
— Use analytics to “build on what works and chuck what doesn’t.”
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
PBS CEO Paula Kerger and NPR CEO Katherine Maher testified before the House Subcommittee on Delivering On Government Efficiency yesterday (3/26) during hearing titled, “Anti-American Airwaves: Holding the Heads of NPR and PBS Accountable.” The Hill reports that Maher faced “intense questioning from Republican members over NPR’s ignoring of the Hunter Biden laptop scandal during the 2020
election, its reporting on the origins of the coronavirus in China, and the investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia during his first term. U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) told Maher, “You guys were 0-for-3 on three of the biggest stories in the country.” Maher was also pressed by U.S. Rep. William Timmons (R-SC) about comments she made before she was CEO of NPR in which she called Donald Trump a sociopath, a racist and deranged and asked how she could helm a news organization with that kind of inherent bias. She replied, “There is strong firewall between me and the newsroom,” and said her political thinking and personal worldview have changed in recent years, adding, “I regret those tweets; I would not tweet them again today.” The story notes that Maher said she “respected” the lawmakers’ concerns and promised NPR is doing more under her watch to “beef up our editorial standards” and “make sure we have more points of view reflected in every story.” Read The Hill’s coverage here.
The Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated program “Armed American Radio,” hosted by Mark Walters, adds new affiliates as Steckline Communications’ KGYN-AM, Guymon, Oklahoma; K292HJ, Liberal, Kansas; and Taylor Made Broadcasting’s KGLC-FM, Miami, Oklahoma add the show to their lineups.
PodcastOne will participate in the upcoming 37th Annual ROTH Conference taking place March 16-18. PodcastOne president Kit Gray and CFO Ryan Carhart will host one-on-one meetings with institutional investors on site during this annual invitation-only event.
Legendary radio figure, Gary Stevens, passed away on Monday (2/17) in Delray Beach, FL, at the age of 84. Stevens succeeded in a number of phases of the radio business from being a major star DJ on groundbreaking top 40 outlet WMCA, New York in the 60s as one of the iconic “Good Guys” to achieving influence as a radio company manager, program distributor, media investment banker, and station broker (where he profitably rode the consolidation wave). He was known for his innovation in all these fields. He served as president of Doubleday Broadcasting in the late 70s, investments advisor with Wertheim Schroeder & Co., Inc. in the late 80s and as the head of his own firm, Gary Stevens & Co. in the 90s. During his stellar career, he served on a number of boards at major radio organizations including Saga Communications, where he briefly served as interim chairman upon the death of Ed Christian in 2022, and industry associations including the NAB and RAB. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison comments, “Although Gary Stevens’ accomplishments and influence on the radio industry stretched over more than half a century and was quite profound – kids of my generation, who had the opportunity to grow up in New York during the swingin’ sixties, will always remember him as one of the glorious WMCA Good Guys. His passing truly marks the end of an era.”
Noted industry historian and video chronicler, Art “Radio’s Best Friend” Vuolo reports to TALKERS, “Gary was the last of the WMCA Good Guys still alive, I took a fantastic B&W film from NYU’s film department that I guess ran on WNET Channel 13 in NY back in 1967 and added titles (a.k.a. supers) so each DJ would be identified and put an opening slate (in color) at the start. Gary Stevens is probably the most prominently featured in this film with some great behind-the-scenes insight as to how top 40 radio was done in America’s top market. 1010 WINS had already bowed out and gone all-news in April of 1965, so it was WMCA and WABC who were dukin’ it out in 1967. However, in the spring of 1966, WOR-FM was a new tend-setter on FM with rock n’ roll. Here’s the link (player below) to the amazing film. Enjoy every second!”
The Miami Marlins announced this morning (2/7) the hiring of Jack McMullen as the lead play-by-play announcer on the Marlins Radio Network. McMullen takes over for Kyle Sielaff, who is the new lead TV play-by-play voice for Marlins games on FanDuel Sports Network. A graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse, McMullen spent the previous three seasons on the radio broadcast for the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate. Before then, he called games for the Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod League (2018) and the Short Season Auburn Doubledays of the Nationals’ system (’19). The Chicago native’s other experience includes serving as director of podcasting for Just Baseball Media, hosting the network’s flagship show “The Just Baseball Show,” play calling for ESPN+/Learfield and working as part of the broadcast and production teams for various programs during his time at Syracuse. A rotation of analysts will team up with McMullen in the booth: Rod Allen, Jeff Nelson, Gaby Sánchez and Kelly Saco. Joining the mix will be three-time Emmy Award winner and longtime FanDuel Sports Network host and reporter Craig Minervini as well as former Marlins All-Star reliever and SiriusXM MLB analyst A.J. Ramos. McMullen will make his Marlins Radio Network debut on Feb. 22, when the Marlins open Grapefruit League action against the Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. He will call every Spring Training and regular-season game on WINZ 940, the Marlins’ English radio flagship station, and develop ancillary Marlins Radio Network content with pregame show host Stephen Strom. “We can’t wait to introduce Jack to the South Florida community as we enter an exciting chapter of Marlins baseball, and we know Jack is the perfect fit to tell our story,” Marlins vice president of public relations and communications Jon Erik Alvarez said. “His broadcast style, baseball knowledge and vast multimedia experience will connect with our listeners and extend the reach beyond the booth as we look to improve upon the recent growth of the Marlins Radio Network.”