Bill O’ Reilly is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Video Podcast
Is the new communications technology a threat to free speech and privacy? Has the presidency become too much of a media and cultural focal point in our society? How important is character versus competency in judging public officials? What impact is AI having on academic honesty? Is YouTube creating a sea change in the national media landscape? These questions and more are tackled in a fascinating interview conducted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison with radio, TV, and online talk icon, Bill O’ Reilly on this week’s installment of “Up Close Far Out” presented by the new TALKERS Media YouTube channel. In addition to being a major cable news/talk TV pioneer and a successful cross-platform talk media commentator still going and growing in the digital era, O’ Reilly is the author of 18 consecutive #1 New York Times best sellers. Harrison and O’ Reilly discuss his new release, Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden among an array of topics. Don’t miss this! To view the program in its entirety, please click here.
Across the nation, talk media hosts from radio, television, cable, podcasting, and YouTube channels were literally working overtime immediately before, during, and after the historic ABC News presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. TALKERS received reports from across the talk industry that, unlike so many events of this nature that prove disappointing, this debate delivered an edge-of-the-seat, non-stop drama that evoked comparisons to an emotional sporting event like a 12 round heavyweight championship bout during the golden age of boxing. Legendary WPHT, Philadelphia midday host Dom Giordano was in attendance reporting for his station as well as hundreds of others across America that tapped into his swing state perspective on an ad hoc basis. 
Giordano tells TALKERS, “Being in the Spin Room was like being in the middle of multiple simultaneous rugby scrums while trying to discuss the most sensitive issues for our country.” During post-debate coverage, lead election anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum announced that FOX News Media sent letters to both the Harris and Trump campaigns around 7:30 pm before last night’s debate requesting the opportunity to host an additional debate in October. Here’s an excerpt from the letter:
as well as streaming on the WGMD app, and TalkOfDelmarva.com. That will be accompanied by a real-time, interactive blogging event at RealNewsTalk.com. FOX News Media will present live coverage surrounding the debate with special programming available across all of FOX News Media’s key platforms, including FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio and FOX Nation. Cumulus media/Westwood One host Dan Bongino will host a special live edition of his podcast on Rumble preceding and during the debate beginning at 8:00 pm ET.
The annual Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 
WABC CEO/owner John Catsimatidis was joined by a wide array of friends and stars from the worlds of radio, television, politics, and entertainment this past Friday evening (9/6) at his annual charity gala celebrating his 76th birthday. The event took place at Cipriani, the swank hotspot on 42nd Street near Grand Central Station. Joining the billionaire mogul of the broadcasting, grocery, and energy industries, were WABC figures including “Cousin” Bruce Morrow and Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez. This year’s event benefited the Tunnel To Towers Foundation, the New York City Police Athletic League, and St. Francis Feed the Hungry. The event drew more than 600 attendees, including politicians, celebrities, and WABC Radio clients. The evening included performances by Tony Orlando and Dawn, Andy Kim, and more. Pictured at the party (left to right): Vinnie Medugno, Joe Piscopo, Tony Orlando, Margo Catsimatidis, Cousin Brucie Morrow, and John Catsimatidis. For more extensive coverage of the spectacular event, check out the New York Post’s Page Six by 
iHeartMedia Tulsa has expanded the reach of 1300 The Patriot (KAKC-AM), “Oklahoma’s home for Real Talk,” to additional platforms. The station is now simulcasting to its new home on 93.5 FM and 106.1 HD2, in addition to its current frequency at 1300 AM and streaming on iHeartRadio. “‘The Patriot’ has become a trusted voice in Oklahoma, and this expansion is a testament to its success,” says JC Lowe, area president for iHeartMedia Tulsa. “By broadening our reach to FM and HD, we’re ensuring that even more listeners can engage with the high-quality talk and news content that ‘The Patriot’ delivers every day.” JJ Ryan, SVP/programming iHeart Media Tulsa adds, “The expansion to FM and HD radio allows our audience to enjoy ‘The Patriot’ on whichever platform they prefer — whether that’s on AM, FM, HD radio, or digitally through iHeartRadio. Regional news director and PD Brian Gann has done an outstanding job in transforming KAKC-AM into a trusted source for both local and national news. We’re proud to continue offering top-tier programming from national personalities including Michael DelGiorno, Glenn Beck, and Clay Travis & Buck Sexton.”
Connoisseur Media tells TALKERS about a variety of significant changes for its Western Connecticut news/talk powerhouse, WICC 600 AM, Bridgeport – changes inspired by the closing of Audacy’s WCBS 880 in adjacent New York City. 
WICC is now “The Voice of Connecticut” expanding its reach by simulcasting on 95.9 FM, previously home to classic rock formatted “The Fox.” This strategic move is designed to strengthen WICC’s position as Fairfield County’s premier source for news, talk, and information. A pivotal part of this transformation is WICC’s new affiliation with CBS News, which will provide national news coverage at the top of every hour. Station officials tell TALKERS, this partnership reinforces WICC’s role as the region’s trusted news source, delivering timely and credible information to the communities it serves. “This rebranding and expansion to 95.9 FM represents a pivotal moment for WICC,” stated Keith Dakin, VP of Programming for Connoisseur Media. “The talent on our team, coupled with our new affiliation with CBS News, will allow us to meet the demand for news and talk programming in Southern Connecticut. We’re excited about this next phase and looking forward to serving a much wider geography and bigger audience.” But, as the saying goes, that’s not all. A new local daytime show from 12:00 noon-2:00 pm ET will be added beginning September 30th hosted by Brigitte Quinn who was the creator, host, and managing editor of “Newsline” on WCBS 880. She was the station’s first female morning-drive anchor and later anchored mornings on 1010 WINS. Quinn’s TV career includes roles at MSNBC, NBC News at Sunrise, and Fox News Channel. Quinn remarks, “Ever since my family and I moved back to beautiful Connecticut, I’ve become a faithful WICC listener. I’m delighted to be joining such a great news/talk radio station, ‘The Voice of Connecticut.’” Quinn’s addition brings WICC’s entire daytime lineup local as she joins talk hosts Melissa Sheketoff 5:00 am -10:00 am, Lisa Wexler 10:00 am-12:00 noon and Paul Pacelli from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm. New additions to weekend programming also include Emmy nominee Chef Plum, Mike Cerulli of WTNH, New Haven, and Dave Ruden of the Ruden Report covering local high school sports. The station plans to continue evolving in this direction with one more critical news reporter position to fill. “We invite Fairfield County listeners to tune in to ‘The Voice of Connecticut,’” says Kristin Okesson, SVP of Connoisseur Media Connecticut. 
“Our affiliation with CBS News paired with these exciting changes in programming reinforces our commitment to deliver modern, engaging content and we’re confident that our audiences will appreciate the new ‘voice’ they hear. I’m especially proud that our daytime shows are hosted by four incredibly talented hosts – three of them in particular are outstanding women in their own right.” WICC can be streamed at 
iHeartMedia announced today (9/6) that Jill Strada has been named Senior Vice President of Programming for Atlanta, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Atlanta has six radio stations in the market comprised of talk, news, and music formats. Estrada will be responsible for oversight of all the Atlanta stations. She will report to market president Spencer Bynes who tells TALKERS, “We are thrilled to welcome Jill Strada to the iHeart Atlanta team. Jill has a remarkable talent for launching, developing, and elevating brands in fiercely competitive markets. Her proven track record of success and unwavering dedication to excellence make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team.” Strada joins the Atlanta market from Cox Media Group Miami, where she most recently served as director of operations.
Longtime talk media host, commentator and director of the 
WABC, New York/Red Apple Media owner/CEO John Catsimatidis continues to add intriguing live elements to the lineup of his radio station and leverage them into product for his growing syndication platform, Red Apple Audio Networks. The latest such addition to the station and network is unapologetically controversial political strategist Roger Stone. Since the 1970s, Stone has worked on the campaigns of Republican politicians, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Jack Kemp, Bob Dole, and most recently, Donald Trump. Stone’s show is heard on WABC, Sunday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. The first two hours focus on national and world news and are available to radio stations across the nation via the Red Apple Audio Network. The third hour is specific to WABC and issues focused on the New York area. In making the announcement about his new association with Stone, Catsimatidis tells TALKERS, “His insightful commentary on the political landscape and what’s ahead for America will be of tremendous value to our listeners in New York, around the country, and around the world.” Stone adds, “John has done a great job bringing in big names from politics, business, and entertainment and I’m looking forward to enjoying being on the radio, sharing my perceptions about what’s going on in Washington and the world, and connecting with listeners across America.”
The New York Festivals® 2025 
Hubbard Radio’s innovative Twin Cities talk outlet, “myTalk 107.1” (KTMY, Minneapolis-St. Paul) is teaming up with noted filmmaker/author/social activist Justin Baldoni 
and two domestic violence agencies to host a roundtable to discuss the pain and trauma of domestic violence. myTalk 107.1’s Brittany Arneson, Kendall Mark and Colleen Lindstrom will lead the conversation live on the radio from 3:00 to 4:30 pm CT tomorrow (9/5). The program will also be available on demand. Station officials tell TALKERS, the goal of the discussion is “to create an open dialogue to help remove unwarranted shame from victims and bring the issue into the light to work toward a solution.” Justin Baldoni produced, directed, and played a leading role in the film “It Ends With Us” which has brought domestic violence to the forefront,
spurring honest and open conversations about an issue that is too often not discussed. The film has grossed over $275 million worldwide. Joining the conversation will be representatives from two agencies – No More Foundation and Tubman. 
No More Foundation is a national agency with a mission to “end domestic and sexual violence by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change.” Tubman is a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based domestic abuse agency with a mission “to advance opportunities for change so that every person can experience safety, hope, and healing.” myTalk 107.1 has hosted a series of award-winning roundtable discussions about important issues inspired by current events and pop culture news. Past roundtables have tackled teen suicide, sexual harassment, and transgender issues.
Salem Radio Network talk host (and former political candidate) Larry Elder will host a two-hour Trump/Harris Pre-Debate Special from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Eastern next Tuesday, September 10th prior to the start of the ABC News debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. 
The program will air live on the Salem Radio Network (SRN) and on Salem News Channel (SNC) and will feature analysis and insight from Elder, as well as SRN/SNC talk hosts Mike Gallagher (reporting live from a debate-watching party in Tampa), 
Dr. Sebastian Gorka, and Dennis Prager. Additional perspective on the issues facing America in advance of the debate will be supplied by Tony Perkins, president of D.C.-based Family Research Council and host of the weekly Salem Media Group news program, “This Week on the Hill.” Phil Boyce, Salem’s SVP/spoken word formats, tells TALKERS, “Larry Elder’s solid experience as a talk show host – as well as perspective he gained as a candidate for Governor of California and President of the United States – makes him uniquely qualified for this pre-debate special role. His insight and knowledge are unmatched.” 
NOTE: Current SRN Larry Elder affiliates will receive the special as Hour #2 and Hour #3 on Tuesday’s (9/10) program; non-Elder stations wishing to clear the special can contact the Salem Radio Network affiliate representative for their region: East of the Mississippi, 
Michael Berry has been added to Premiere Networks all-star line-up of nationally-syndicated talk talent. Effective October 7, Houston’s top-rated talk show host will be available to stations nationwide on a two-hour weekday evening program. Currently heard on 25 affiliates in independent syndication across the U.S., “The Michael Berry Show” will continue to originate from iHeartMedia Houston’s NewsRadio 740 KTRH in the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm CT weekday timeslot. “The Michael Berry Show” features the colorful radio personality and “Czar of Talk” as he discusses news, politics, and culture with his insightful and straightforward commentary that’s accessible to a broad range of listeners. 
“I’m fired up to join the team that brought Rush Limbaugh, my hero, to America, alongside my talented friends Clay Travis, Buck Sexton and Jesse Kelly, and legends like Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck,” Berry tells TALKERS. “Being a part of the talk radio industry is already a literal dream come true, but being supported and represented by Premiere, the best in the biz, is big time.” “Michael has become one of the top voices in the world of talk radio, and we’re excited to expand his program to even more stations across the country,” said Julie Talbott, president of Premiere Networks. “His relatable style, keen intellect and deep connection with listeners drive success for affiliates and sponsors alike, which are qualities we look for in our syndication partners.” Ranked at a lofty #7 on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred, Berry is one of the most original conservative voices in talk media. With a career spanning over two decades, his radio journey began in 2005 with his weekend program, “Michael Berry’s Real Estate Review,” on NewsRadio 740 KTRH. His success led to a weekday talk show on Talk Radio 950 KPRC, where he quickly gained a loyal following. During that time, he also hosted various timeslots on KPRC, in addition to serving as operations director for KTRH, KPRC, and KBME from 2007 to 2011. Before his radio career, Berry served as a three-term Houston City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem. During his tenure, he was named “Councilman of the Year” by the Houston Police Officers Union. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston, a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, and an LL.M. in International Commercial Law from the University of Nottingham. He has worked as an attorney, real estate developer, and restaurateur. Berry is a passionate supporter of veterans’ causes serving as the national spokesman of Camp Hope, which assists veterans and their families beating PTSD. He does an annual drive for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and hosts an annual adoption and fostering special, as well as yearly specials focused on mothers, fathers, veterans, law enforcement and teachers. Berry resides in Houston with his wife, former Texas Secretary of State, Nandita Venkateswaran Berry, who hails from India, and their two sons, both of whom were born in Ethiopia. For more information, click here to visit his website. 
Here’s an industry experiment worthy of widespread attention. United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) has launched an exclusive radio “pop-up” station on 98.7FM WEPN, the former home of ESPN Radio in New York City. This past weekend (8/31), the Emmis Corporation station became “TJ98.7: A Pop-Up Station” as a limited engagement, and features an ambitious mix of contemporary programming, including the rapidly growing morning program, “The TJ Show,” hosted by Z100 Alumni, TJ Taormina. 
The innovative project marks TJ Taormina’s return to the NYC radio market with the mission of offering listeners a fresh blend of music and what is described as “joyful talk” content, aiming to redefine what’s possible for the radio experience by blending traditional broadcasting with modern, interactive elements. The station also features voices from YES Network and Inside Edition’s Steve Kamer, and former “Good Day” talk show co-host, Jai Kershner. Radio.Cloud powers the project with its leading-edge cloud-based automation platform, allowing the network to customize local and national content. United Stations COO Charles Steinhauer tells TALKERS, “I want to thank Emmis Corporation for helping us continue our long-standing commitment to fun and new ideas in the audio space. The TJ Show has been growing in each market of operation – it’s unique and joyful and I’m looking forward to the reaction of the NYC audience.” The pop-up station will be available for a limited time. TJ Taormina, is a multi-dimensional radio talent who deserves the attention of talk stations looking for new directions as well as those with music formats. Now reaching over 60 markets, the TJ Show continues to grow and it will be interesting to see how this adventurous experiment develops. For more information, click here 
TALKERS Heavy Hundred mainstay and Radio Hall of Fame inductee Kim Komando, in addition to broadcasting a tremendously successful syndicated show heard on over 510 radio stations, has developed a newsletter titled The Current that has amassed more than 509,000 subscribers. Komando – known as “America’s Digital Goddess” – is the nation’s leading talk media technology specialist and as computerization, social media, AI, VR and other manifestations of the high-tech world continue to gain importance in the lives of people, so has her program grown in pertinence and dominance. Although she has been sending newsletters since the 1990s, Komando tells TALKERS, “This one is different” adding, “It’s a way for me to truly connect with my audience. Today, if you’re not tech aware you are tech left-behind in the dust.” Each morning, The Current goes out to more than 509,000 followers. Kim covers the tech news of the day (focusing only on the news that impacts everyday people), along with her trusted tips and advice. She edits and approves every single issue herself. She says, “In a world of impersonal social media and overproduced advertising, email is a rare opportunity to speak directly to the reader. The inbox is a powerful place to build trust and share important information.” She’s looking to grow The Current from over half a million to a million subscribers. And she’s looking now for other hosts and broadcasters to help spread the word. Through an exclusive affiliate program, Komando is offering fellow broadcasters $1 per subscriber that they send her way. Her team does all the back-end work to track it, and participants get a check each month. Komando states, “Hosts, stations, and shows make money and their audiences find a great new way to keep up with tech. The math is simple: They give me 1,000 subscribers and I send them $1,000!” 
92.5 FOX News, WFSX-FM, Fort Myers/Naples, FL is looking for an “energetic and experienced” talk host to join their team. The Sun Broadcasting-owned station describes the opportunity as follows: “This isn’t just a job; it’s a golden opportunity to secure your dream role in sunny Southwest Florida. We’re on the hunt for a seasoned broadcaster who can captivate our loyal and massive audience with compelling story-telling skills, unique insights, and a strong grasp of conservative values.” For more information about the opportunity and its benefits along with contact information, please