TALKERS News Notes
RTDNA’s Dan Shelley to Retire. RTDNA president and CEO Dan Shelley is reriting at the end of 2025 after more than 25 years with the organization. The RTDNA board of directors voted to approve current executive director Tara Puckey as the new president and CEO beginning in January of 2026.
Two Media Companies Announces Q1 Earnings Reports. Townsquare Media will release first quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, May 8. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain first quarter 2025 financial results that day 8:00 am ET and Saga Communications will release its First Quarter 2025 results at 9:00 am ET while holding a conference call at 11:00 am ET that morning.
humbled and honored to be taking over the time slot occupied by Tom Sullivan at KFBK, a radio station with a rich history of producing superior news/talk programs. Never have I enjoyed producing and delivering a program more than these last six years as I have co-hosted the morning news show on KFBK with Cristina Mendonsa. I’m very proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the opportunity 
to have worked with Cristina and everyone behind the scenes who made it happen. Now it’s on to a new chapter.” Mendonsa continues as host of “The KFBK Morning News” and will be joined by Mark Demsky, who will serve as news anchor and present special report segments. Demsky joined KFBK last year after serving as a sports anchor and reporter at KTXL-Fox 40 in Sacramento. Mendosa says, “This next chapter is about helping listeners wake up to what really matters, stories that affect their lives. After 30 years in journalism and a multi-generational connection to Northern California, our goal is to bring listeners smart, relevant news with a balanced perspective, cutting through the noise to bring more insight.” 
Radio sells advertisers our listeners’ attention. For a hundred years, our inventory has largely been commercials. Now, as our wandering audience leads us to more revenue channels, are we hooked on spots?
operating income was approximately $38.6 million, an increase of 1.7% from the same period in 2023. Net loss was approximately $35.7 million for the quarter, compared to net loss of $11.0 million for the same period in 2023. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III states, “Our Adjusted EBITDA of $103.5 million came in at the mid-point of guidance, helped by strong political advertising revenues in the radio division. The radio outperformance was offset by declines in both advertising and affiliate revenues at the cable TV segment, as audience delivery continued to underperform expectations. We are however seeing some stabilization in the first quarter cable TV delivery, which should help to mitigate the continuing decline of linear TV subscribers. First quarter core radio revenue demand weakened, with pacings down 13.6%, although the second quarter is showing signs of improvement, with core pacings currently down 1.7%.” 
Podcasting is no longer a niche platform lacking scale. Podcasts deserve a larger role in media plans as opposed to “test and learn” experimental buys. 158 million Americans, 55% of persons 12+, are reached monthly. Among persons 18-34, 18-49, and 25-54, monthly reach is now 65% to 73%; 2) It is feasible to consider shifting TV budgets to podcasting given that podcast 18-34 weekly reach (52%) is as big as TV’s (52%); 3) Brands targeting women should give podcasts a starring role in media plans: Podcast female audiences have hit record highs in habituation and reach; 4) Among male demographics, monthly reach is now in the low 70% range; and 5) Adopt agency media legend Arnie Semsky’s “5% solution” to podcasts: Allocate 5% of digital ad budgets to podcasts. 
Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley says, “2024 was a transformative year for Beasley as we took decisive actions to strengthen our balance sheet, streamline our operations, and position the company for long-term success. Through disciplined cost management and strategic capital initiatives, we achieved approximately $20.0 million in annualized expense reductions, improved our leverage profile, 
and enhanced our financial flexibility. These efforts, combined with the continued momentum of our digital business—now representing nearly 20% of total revenue—have reinforced our ability to navigate industry challenges while capitalizing on new growth opportunities in audio and digital media. As we enter 2025, we remain focused on executing our strategy to drive sustainable revenue growth, expand our digital offerings, and optimize our sales approach. We see substantial opportunities in harnessing data-driven insights, enhancing direct-to-consumer engagement, and providing our advertisers with cutting-edge marketing solutions. With a refined portfolio of premium brands, a leaner and more agile cost structure, and a strengthened financial foundation, Beasley is well-positioned to accelerate our digital evolution and deliver long-term value for our shareholders, audiences, and partners.”
commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of my life. With my extraordinary fellow commissioners and the incredible career staff at the agency, we have worked hard to connect all Americans, promote innovation, protect consumers, and ensure national security. I have learned so much from my time in this position, particularly when I have heard directly from Americans on the issues that matter to them. I have been inspired by the passion, engagement and commitment I have seen from colleagues, advocates, and industry. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to working with the chairman and my fellow commissioners, and all FCC staff, to further the mission of the agency.” Starks is one of two Democrats currently serving on the Commission.
Television Stations; and Peter H. Smyth, former chairman and CEO Greater Media, to its board of directors. Broadcasters Foundation chair Scott Herman comments, “We are delighted that broadcast executives of this caliber will serve on our Board. Their advocacy for our charitable mission is exemplary. Their input and ideas will help us continue to reach out to broadcasters across America to help those in our business who are in critical need.”
Observation, as a heavy CNBC viewer: Artificial Intelligence is to 2025 what Dot Com was to the late 1990s, game-changer… and shiny object.
the “Private Economic Council” – a Washington, DC-based organization composed of “influential business leaders, entrepreneurs and economists promoting free market tax policies, advocating for taxpayers, and helping to support and promote President Trump’s economic agenda.” It also includes former Trump senior economic advisor and former member of the Wall Street Journal editorial board Steve Moore, Papa John’s founder John Schnatter, and former U.S. congressman and current Liberty University School of Business Dean Dave Brat.
discussion that will include experts educating New Jersey residents about how to identify threats and what to do when one’s personal safety is in jeopardy. The program will also expose the growing threat posed to children who are increasingly being groomed and recruited by extremists online. He says, “Law enforcement is increasingly concerned about both foreign and domestic threats. But the rate at which extremists are targeting our children is particularly alarming.” On-air guests will include: Carl Priddy, acting assistant special agent in charge of counterterrorism for the Newark FBI office; Laurie R. Doran, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Adam McMahon, assistant professor of political science at Rider University; and John Pizzuro, CEO of Raven and former commander of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Catsimatidis says, “With the addition of The StoneZONE, radio audiences will have Roger’s perspective on news of the day in real-time. Our world is moving quicker than ever before, and listeners want to hear Roger’s insider’s understanding of what’s really going on in politics.” Following each evening’s broadcast, a video version of that StoneZONE will soon be exclusively available on Stone’s StoneZONE Rumble channel. This new show is in addition to the syndicated Sunday “Roger Stone Show” that also airs on WABC.
Jim Gearhart is a remarkable on-air talent who was the AM drive host on New Jerey 101.5 for 20-plus years. In the 1960’s he was a star on WCBS-AM and WNEW. The illustration is an ad for his 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show on WNBC circa 1968.
…..FIVE TO BE INDUCTED: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct Dennis & Kathi Brown, Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into the NBA Hall of Fame on August 12th in La Vista during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 123 members with these pending inductees…..
IBA AND RVA TO HOST LIVE VIDEO STREAMING WEBINAR: The Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA) is producing another “Lunch and Learn” workshop in partnership with the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA). The workshops are free online sessions and feature industry experts with practical solutions to radio’s most pressing problems. “Is Video the New Audio?” is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 1:00 pm ET.
The 45-minute session will include a Q&A and will be available for replay to all registrants. Registration is free (link: https://www.coolradiostreaming.com/) and IBA membership is not required.
The syndicated “Armed American Radio” live stream hosted by successful broadcaster-Second Amendment defender Mark Walters is now available Monday through Friday 4:00-5:00 pm ET and Sundays 8:00-11:00 pm ET on You Tube at Armed American Radio, on Rumble at Armed American Radio, on Facebook Live at 
Whitepaper: The Extraordinary Cost of Dull,” the analysis notes that 1) Neutrality, the absence of emotion, is the most common reaction to ads; 2) Business-to-business ads are even duller with greater neutral “feeling nothing” responses; and 3) 
Don McLean recalls the newspaper headline on February 3, 1959: “Three Rock’n’roll Stars Killed in Plane Crash.” He says, “I cried,” telling AARP Magazine that, years later, “I had my tape machine on, and this song just came out of me: ‘A long, long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me smile…’”
Here’s the script:
The Milwaukee Brewers have announced that Bob Uecker, the legendary radio voice who had called their games since 1971, died this morning (1/16) at the age of 90. He was fondly known throughout the sport as “Mr. Baseball.” Uecker was widely admired for his sense of humor and gained national acclaim for his role as announcer Harry Doyle in the “Major League” movies. A Milwaukee native, Uecker was an MLB catcher for six seasons, playing his first two years with his then-hometown Milwaukee Braves and winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. Uecker was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, which honors a broadcaster every year.
The “Inauguration: 2025” special is available to radio stations for download upon request. Stations may contact: 
The extended deadline is February 6, 2025, while the regular deadline, with no additional fee, is January 30, 2025. The Gracie Awards, presented by AWMF, has recognized programming and individual excellence by women across all media for five decades. A full list of the categories, including new categories for 2025 can be found HERE. The Gracie Awards Gala will be May 20 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire hotel and the Gracie Awards Luncheon will be held on June 18 at Cipriani 42nd Street, New York. The 2025 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates are from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Entry details, including pricing and updated categories, can be viewed at 
Newsweek has added 660 AM The Answer (KSKY) in Dallas as an affiliate for its conservative syndicated program, “The Josh Hammer Show.” Hammer is Newsweek‘s senior editor-at-large. The one-hour weekly show, which began as a podcast, will air on the Salem station Saturdays at 7:00 pm.
The show, available on all podcast platforms and YouTube, offers an in-depth look at the untold truths behind success. Each episode features unfiltered conversations with top achievers from various fields, including guests such as Nikki Haley, Layne Norton, Dan Martell, and Will Guidara.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all journey,” said Coleman. “Front Row Seat creates a space for listeners to hear the untold stories and the real, sometimes messy, path to becoming the best version of themselves. I have so much fun doing this show – it’s incredibly rewarding to dive deep into these conversations, and I can’t wait to share these incredible stories with our audience.”
Brian Lawlor, president, Scripps Sports, has been named the recipient of the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) 2025 Golden Mic Award, to be presented at the annual black-tie fundraiser on Monday, March 10 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
The BFOA is the only charity devoted exclusively to helping broadcasters in need from illness or tragedy…..
Veteran broadcaster Michelle Jerson‘s weekly one-hour travel/parenting program “Passport Mommy” has been added to WPHT,Philadelphia on Saturdays at 12:00 noon. The informational and entertaining show is distributed by Radio America.Stations interested can contact Jennifer Dedes at Radio America: jdedes@radioameria.com…..iHeartMedia announced (1/13) the latest podcast programming for iHeart Women’s Sports. Eight new shows will launch on the network in early 2025 featuring renowned female athletes like Ashlyn Harris, Mel Reid, Lexie Brown and more. The new expanded lineup further emphasizes iHeartMedia’s stated commitment to bringing equitable media coverage to women’s sports…..TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is available to do interviews on talk shows across the nation to discuss the latest music video release by Gunhill Road (the perennial pop music ensemble in which he is a member) – an anthemic tribute to talk radio – which has been gathering tens of thousands of views and downloads around the globe. Harrison talks about the state of talk radio in 2025 and its continuing importance as a vital communications/cultural venue. Harrison can be reached via email at info@talkers.com. To view the video, please click 
Premiere’s “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” Joins Albuquerque’s The Rock of Talk – AM 1600 KIVA. AM 1600 KIVA announced (1/8) the addition of “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” to the station’s weekday lineup, effective immediately. The program joins the station live in the Monday through Friday, 4:00 am – 7:00 am MST timeslot. DelGiorno joins The Rock of Talk’s blue-chip lineup that includes “The Glenn Beck Program,” “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” “The Sean Hannity Show,” “The Jesse Kelly Show,” “The Bill O’Reilly Show,” “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory” and others.
“I couldn’t be happier to offer nearly 24 hours of live programming on the station, and having Michael DelGiorno on board makes this even more possible!” said Eddy Aragon, owner of AM 1600 KIVA – The Rock of Talk. “’Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno’ is another top-notch show from a quality company that advertisers will absolutely love.” “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to connect with Albuquerque listeners,” said DelGiorno. “We appreciate Eddy’s trust and look forward to making our mark on The Rock of Talk!”
The Las Vegas-based physician and highly respected talker of medical and social issues launched the show at KLAV as a single station entity back on January 9, 2009, and then added KDWN January 31st that same month. Wachs is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare media on a number of fronts from charity initiatives to consciousness raising. The program was recently picked up by syndicator Talk Media Network (TMN) where Wachs tells TALKERS she is excited to be and is optimistic about the successful program’s continuing growth. The show airs live daily during middays.