The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Budget Battle/Government Shutdown Threat
2. DOGE/Trump-Musk Relationship
3. Tariffs and Financial Markets
4. Israel-Gaza War/Russia-Ukraine War
5. Mark Carney to Replace Justin Trudeau
SmileyAudioMedia’s talk KBLA, Los Angeles will debut, “Conversation Live: Altadena Rising,” hosted by James Farr on Saturday (3/8) at 10:00 am. The program will track the recovery of Altadena in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. Company founder Tavis Smiley says, “We will use this Black-owned media
platform to ensure that California, the nation, and the world hear the stories of those impacted in Altadena. People have short attention spans, and many will forget the fire and its aftermath in the coming weeks and months. We intend to keep the focus on the families in Altadena and amplify their voices.” Farr adds, “Eaton was more than a fire. It was the destruction of a Black stronghold where 80% of residents were homeowners. These families weren’t just living here; they were building generational wealth. That’s why this show matters – because rebuilding Altadena isn’t just about homes, it’s about justice.” In the days following the fire, Farr co-produced KBLA’s three-hour live remote broadcast from the impact zone, ensuring survivors’ voices were heard.
BIA Advisory Services is estimating that U.S. local advertising revenue in 2025 will reach $171 billion, excluding political spending, an increase of 6.1% over 2024. BIA vice president of forecasting and analysis
Nicole Ovadia says, “Our latest forecast indicates that local advertising is showing resilience, despite the ongoing changes in the economic landscape. Although we expect core advertising to remain stable, we’ve adjusted our outlook to account for various market factors like interest rates and consumer sentiment and significant changes in media consumption patterns that are driving digital growth.” The forecast indicates strong growth in several sectors: Real Estate at 9.3%, Restaurants at 9.2%, and Retail at 6.8%. The Education and Automotive verticals are also experiencing substantial growth, with increases of 5% each.
Audacy is presenting an Audacy Insights Series webinar titled, “Audio Measurement: New Tools, AI Enhancements, and the Best Way to Track Conversions” on Wednesday, March 12 at 2:00 pm ET. The
company says, “The key to success isn’t just great creative – it’s having the right measurement tools in place. Join us for an exclusive webinar where top marketing and measurement experts will break down how to track, optimize, and maximize your audio campaigns across the full funnel.” Topics covered will include: Measurement that drives impact; Optimizing for better performance; AI-powered innovation; Real-world success stories; and The future of measurement. Register for the webinar here.
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M Sterling
Host, Sterling Every Damn Night
WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, Syndicated, TMN
During my tenure at NBC, once a month the division heads would meet at the behest of the CEO to report on their progress and trends in their sector. As the executive vice president of the FM division, I took a seat in that formidable group and tried to keep my remarks as brief as possible. What could I possibly say that would be more damn important than the words of the president of NBC News or the NBC Television network? In addition to NBC’s CEO, the CEO of owner RCA would often join the fun.
Cable TV was flourishing, and CNN had just launched. I was at least 15 years younger than everyone in that meeting and had a different perspective on cable. Therefore, I was shocked by this exchange:
The CEO asked the president of NBC News what he thought of CNN. The President of NEWS said these exact words:
“It might do well for breaking news but otherwise it will not take the place of our news.”
Next on the staff meeting agenda was a discussion of HBO. Should NBC run spots for HBO? Again, the group did not think HBO would be much of a factor on the entertainment menu. They agreed to run the spots promoting HBO. Yes, I objected but lost.
In its first three decades, CNN was a serious factor for news, ratings, and revenue. CNN brilliantly made partnership deals with local TV stations to exchange stories and carriage. Independent TV stations could tap CNN feeds for breaking news coverage. Those deals, requiring no cable, established CNN at viewer level in every city.
HBO last year won more Emmys than NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX combined. In fact only one Emmy went to a traditional network last year: “Abbott Elementary,” ABC.
Radio’s inherent advantage over all other mass media is its distribution system. Elegant and free, it just works! A decision was made about 10 years ago by many radio companies to use radio’s power, clout, and credibility to promote podcasts. Podcasts… hard to find, hard to hear, and requiring expensive equipment that suffers from buffering now. The hidden reason for the podcast push is that Wall Street doesn’t love legacy media. They like new things even if the new thing is deeply flawed. When needing money or liquidation, legacy media companies proudly point to their listening STREAMS.
Commercial broadcasters have proven to be not so great at podcasting. Of course not. It’s a different medium: On-demand audio that can be paused and reviewed. Radio DJs and talk hosts were never trained or attracted to audio creation that is blind to time of day and repeated. It’s different. Why promote it? It’s like NBC promoting HBO.
The good news? Wall Street is realizing the proven appeal of legacy media: The George Soros Funds invested in Audacy. Apollo Advisors, the first-in money for Sirius, now owns Cox Broadcasting. Time to stop throwing our time spent listening and creative energy at podcasts that price their audience lower than legacy media. Bad business.
The wise way to benefit from the podcast revenue opportunity is to buy what works. Acquire existing, successful podcasts and aggregators.
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 Holland Cooke
Consultant
Often, Millennials and GenZ-ers sound like they’ve replaced “T” with a soft “H.”
“Putin” comes out “Pooh’in.” “Groton” becomes “Groh’en.” “Dayton?” “Dayh’en.” Cold outside? Wear your “mih’ens.” Shark attack! Who got “bih’en?”
It’s as though as the “T” was “forgoh’en.” It’s not the way the script is “wrih’en,” just the way they read it. The biggest retail advertising spenders are radio’s lifelong habitual users: adults. Sound grown-up.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
During the fourth quarter of 2024, iHeartMedia brought in $1.1 billion, an increase of 4.8% over the same period in 2023. For the full year of 2024, revenue was $3.85 billion, an increase of 3% over the full year of 2023. The company breaks down its operating results by division and Multiplatform Group (which includes
radio stations) Q4 2024 revenue was $684 million, flat compared to Q4 of 2023. The company’s Digital Audio Group Q4 2024 revenue was $339 million, an increase of 7%. Withing the Digital Audio Group, podcast revenue was $140 million, an increase of 6%. For the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reports net income of $31.9 
million. For the full year of 2024, it reports a net loss of $1 billion. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “Our fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $246 million was up 18.2% vs. prior year, our highest percentage increase in almost three years, and our consolidated revenues were up 4.8% compared to the prior year, demonstrating the inherent operating leverage in this business. We are pleased that we successfully completed the comprehensive exchange transaction discussed last quarter – extending the majority of our debt maturities by three years; keeping our consolidated annual cash interest expense essentially flat; and providing overall debt reduction. This provides the company with the flexibility to remain focused on creating shareholder value in 2025 and beyond.”
Richmond sports talk host Big Al Coleman calls it a career and he did his final broadcast on Summit Media’s sports talk WURV-HD2/W291CL, Richmond. According to a story from WTVR-TV, Richmond,
Coleman has been a fixture in Richmond sports talk for more than 30 years on numerous stations in the market. He began his working life as a stockbroker but caught the sports talk bug in the 1990s. He says, “Everybody to a person said to me, ‘Don’t quit your day job. You can’t do a sports talk show in Richmond, Virginia, five days a week. It ain’t gonna work…’ It worked. It worked.” He laments that the business isn’t what it was back in the day, “There’s not the same camaraderie. It’s not the same fun that it used to be.” But he adds, “It’s still fun; I still like doing the show. But it’s just time for me to go.” See the WTVR-TV story here.
The California governor is launching new podcast via iHeartPodcasts titled, “This is Gavin Newsom.” iHeart
says, “Governor Newsom is going solo and diving into the real issues that matter – government, politics, affordability, quality of life, and the cultural moments shaping our world. No spin, no script, just real talk about what impacts listeners most.”
Las Vegas-based talk media personality Wayne Allyn Root announces that his Talk Media Network nationally syndicated radio show will be simulcast as a two-hour podcast on UntamedNation.com and
streamed live on Rumble, and soon on both YouTube and X. Root tells TALKERS, “I’m thrilled to announce I’m now part of ‘Untamed Nation’ two hours a day. This gives my fans a daily choice – they can listen to my talk show on the radio, or they can watch both hours streamed as a podcast. Untamed is quite a unique platform. Untamed cuts through the noise and brings the truth to light. We are bold, empowering, and disruptive. No filters, no fear. Just raw untamed truth. It’s the perfect platform for ‘the loudest MAGA mouth in the world.’”
iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God announce that the Black Effect Podcast Festival will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. Charlamagne Tha God will join the festival alongside some of the Black Effect’s most popular personalities for a day full of live podcast
tapings and discussions aimed at aspiring podcasters in the Black community. He says, “We’re excited to return to Atlanta, building on the incredible momentum of the podcast industry and the growing impact of Black creators in the space. As the influence of Black voices continues to shape culture and drive conversations, The Black Effect remains committed to powerful storytelling, meaningful brand collaborations and unforgettable live experiences. This year, we’re celebrating not just where we’ve been – we’re embracing the limitless future of Black podcasting and the influence it holds.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Budget Battle
2. Musk’s “Justify Your Job” Email
3. Tariffs and Inflation Fears
4. Russia-Ukraine War/U.S. Minerals Deal
5. Immigration Gold Card
An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday (2/19) titled, “Restoring Democracy and Accountability in Government requires that all federal agencies – those set up by Congress as independent agencies – run all action through the White House before it becomes official. The order implies that the agencies in question – including the Federal Communications Commission – are under the purview of the
executive branch and must therefore: “(1) submit draft regulations for White House review—with no carve-out for so-called independent agencies, except for the monetary policy functions of the Federal Reserve; and (2) consult with the White House on their priorities and strategic plans, and the White House will set their performance standards. The Office of Management and Budget will adjust so-called independent agencies’ apportionments to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely. The President and the Attorney General (subject to the President’s supervision and control) will interpret the law for the executive branch, instead of having separate agencies adopt conflicting interpretations.” The order also argues that since the president is elected by the people and all agencies are accountable to the American people, therefore the president represents the will of the people. Critics of the move are questioning the constitutionality of the order and some expect this matter will be decided by the courts.
National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt spoke at The Media Institute’s 2025 Communications Forum yesterday (2/19) and addressed a number of issues including NAB’s belief that the Federal Communications Commission’s broadcast ownership rules need to be modified. However, he also addressed what he called the “elephant in the room.” “This is a challenging time to be a broadcast journalist.
It’s not easy to report on the deluge of information (and misinformation on social media) that is shaping our world. Especially in cutting through polarized rhetoric to find the truth. And yet, there has never been a more critical time to arm Americans with the facts and let them make their own decisions. To fulfill this mission, our newsrooms must be able to report without fear or favor. This isn’t just a constitutionally protected right – it is fundamental to serving our communities. And it’s a right we’ve had to defend time and time again since our country’s founding. Efforts to limit the ability of broadcasters to report the facts hinders the public’s right to know and chills free speech. Americans deserve the full and fair reporting that broadcasters provide and NAB strongly defends our members’ First Amendment rights and their vital role in maintaining an informed public. Our democracy relies on journalists’ ability to report the news without the risk of government retribution. In a media environment flooded with social media misinformation and cable news politicization, this role has never been more important.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Delete this phrase from commercial copy you craft for local advertisers: “In these uncertain times…”
For two reasons. First, many people are optimistic now. Second, those who are suffering get it. Rubbing their nose in it just piles-on; and clichés risk blending-into the blah-blah-blah.
Instead, simply delete the sentence. Give copy room to breathe, to avoid radio’s commercial motormouth caricature.
That next sentence probably includes The Magic Words: “YOU” and/or “YOUR.” If it doesn’t, change that too.
For more click here.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
The proposed sale of news/talk WDAY-AM/K226CL, Fargo, North Dakota from Forum Communications Company to Bakken Beacon Media LLC’s subsidiary Flag Family survived an informal objection from private citizen Leann Wolff. Flag Family has been operating the station for the past four years and when the proposed sale was announced, Wolff filed an objection with the FCC citing social media comments from Flag Family co-owner Scott Hennen about the state of journalism in the U.S., including the statement, “journalism is dead.” Wolff questioned Flag Family’s fitness to operate the station in light of the comments but the
Commission stated that Hennen was expressing “his own individual opinion on the current state of journalism,” but “even if it was assumed that such an opinion might be expressed on WDAY under BBM’s ownership, that is not a ground for the FCC to deny or withhold consent to the instant assignment.” The Commission further states, “We reject the assertion that Hennen’s social media comments justify a denial of the proposed assignment applications. The Objection does not cite to any provision under the Act or the rules, any cases, or any Commission policy for its argument that Hennen’s social media comments are pertinent to our review of the Applications. We disagree with Wolff’s argument that Hennen’s viewpoint on the state of journalism, as expressed in his social media comments, is in any way relevant to our determination of BBM’s qualifications to hold a license or whether the proposed assignment would serve the public interest. As the Commission has stated, licensees have broad discretion based on their First Amendment right to free speech to choose, in good faith, the programming they believe serves the needs and interests of their communities. Indeed, the Commission does not interfere with the programming decisions of licensees, nor does it consider issues of programming choice when reviewing an application for the assignment or transfer of a broadcast license.”
The radio program “Online Tonight” – first launched in 1994 – is returning to national syndication after an extended hiatus. The program is hosted by Max Smart and airs live on both Saturdays and Sundays from
11:00 pm to 2:00 am ET. The program says that Smart, who worked as an Apple repair technician and with Steve Jobs in the late 1980s at the computer firm NeXT, “has been at the forefront of innovation. He built large-scale telecommunications networks, is an inventor, a former child actor, and a VO artist. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, pop culture fanatic, or just love to consume interesting content, ‘Online Tonight’ offers something for everyone.”
Longtime WFAN, New York sports talk host Richard Neer is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Neer is a five-decade-plus veteran of two heritage Big Apple radio stations – sports talker WFAN (where he still hosts a show) and, before that, seminal album rocker WNEW-FM. He is the author of the landmark best-seller FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard, 2001) and the popular series of Riley King detective novels. Harrison and Neer – whose friendship dates back to their days together in rock radio of the late 60s/early 70s – engage in a fast-paced, spirited conversation about the confluence of pop culture elements surrounding and emerging from the just-concluded Super Bowl LIX, dissecting its ratings, commercials, politics, music, customs, and social impact. Not to be missed. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here. www.MHInterview.com
RADIO HITS DIGITAL MILESTONE. The radio industry has reached a significant milestone in its digital transformation, hitting $2.1 billion in digital revenue in 2024, according to the latest annual digital benchmarking report from RAB and Borrell Associates Inc. The 13th annual report highlights the increasing role of digital advertising in stabilizing the industry’s financial outlook, with digital revenue now accounting for nearly 25% of the average radio station’s total income…..SPEAKING OF YOUTUBE.Shelly Palmer reports: Shortly after it launched, YouTube changed the way we consumed video. It grew powerful in tandem with the evolution of smartphones as it redefined our video viewing experiences. Now, YouTube has transcended its original form factors to officially become a television-first platform. CEO Neal Mohan revealed that viewers now watch more than one billion hours of content on their TVs every day, surpassing mobile viewing. For the past two years, YouTube has been the most-watched streaming service in the U.S., according to Nielsen. The shift toward TV screens is no accident. YouTube has redesigned its TV app to function more like a traditional streaming service…..SUPER BOWL AUDIENCE HITS HISTORIC HIGH. An estimated 127.7 million viewers tuned in for Super Bowl LIX (2/9) according to Nielsen, making it the largest audience for a Super Bowl and for a single-network telecast in TV history. Super Bowl LIX aired on FOX, FOX Deportes and Telemundo and streamed on Tubi from approximately 6:42 PM ET to 10:16 PM ET. This flies in the face of all other pop culture media trends which follow a pattern of fractionalization…..AAR CONTINUES TO GROW. 
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 Facebook.com/armedamericanradio, on X (Twitter) @aarmark and www.armedamericanradio.com. Now streaming the live video feed on multiple platforms for viewers, the show’s podcast just crossed 20 million downloads last week.
Comrex has released Hotline, a new Gagl offering available for clients located in the United States. Gagl Standard (available since 2023) is an audio subscription service that works in conjunction with Comrex IP audio codecs such as ACCESS or BRIC-Link. It allows up to five remote contributors to connect at the same time using consumer-grade equipment such as laptops and smartphones. They just plug in a headset, click a link, and are connected. 
Mix-minus is handled internally by Gagl. Since guests or reporters are using equipment they are already familiar with, Gagl is accessible to everyone. Even if no conferencing is desired, Gagl provides a simple way to bridge the audio from computer and smartphone browsers to Comrex codecs, avoiding the need for a hardware codec in the field.
Gagl Standard is available worldwide for $35 per month or $350 per year.
Gagl + Hotline takes that one step further. In addition to all Gagl Standard features, one guest or contributor can also connect by dialing a 10-digit phone number provided with each Gagl + Hotline subscription. Four additional participants can “Gagl”-in using the standard browser link. If the Hotline caller uses an AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon cell phone, these calls will sound dramatically improved, with much higher fidelity than a normal phone call. The caller’s HD Voice audio will be presented within the Gagl interface for use on-air. Alternatively, Gagl can be configured to pass Hotline calls directly to your codec for unattended operation.
Gagl + Hotline is available in the United States only for $50 per month or $500 per year.
Providing flexibility for guests who can’t come into the studio was a driving force behind Gagl’s creation following the COVID pandemic. Gagl + Hotline creates even more options for anyone to connect to the studio – whether it be a VIP, a non-technical guest, a reporter with breaking news, or the unexpected drop-in – and have them sound so good that you’d never know they were calling from a cell phone. Gagl + Hotline is simple for contributors to use, and studios get to use a Comrex hardware codec they may already have to stream that high-quality audio with familiar pro-grade audio outputs that integrate into their studio console. In addition, Comrex has released Gagl Solo, a stripped-down version of Gagl Standard for a single participant to connect to the studio. No paid subscription is required to use Gagl Solo.
For more information on Gagl or other Comrex products, please visit the Comrex website at www.comrex.com or contact Comrex at 1-978-784-1776 or email info@comrex.com.
Just hours after the series of devastating wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, iHeart LA and the Dream Center – a resource center focused on providing support to those affected by homelessness, hunger and crisis – launched a national and local media campaign that asked local listeners to contribute essential items and cash to support those affected by the fires, many of whom had lost everything. 
What followed was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded any expectation, and which – thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbors and communities – has become one of the largest grassroots giving efforts in iHeart’s history.
Since the fundraising and donation effort launched on Tuesday, Jan 7:
• Over 8,000 people have volunteered;
• More than 80,000 individuals have received essential supplies like food, water, diapers, clothing and more onsite;
• Over 19,000 cars have gone through the Dream Center supply line;
• The initiative has raised over $15 million in cash and in-kind donations, with contributions still being accepted.
The results are testament to the power of local communities, which historically come together to support one another during times of disaster and crisis.
“The strength, generosity and resiliency of our LA communities is truly powerful — and the way our broadcast radio listeners have come together to support one another is incredibly humbling,” said Paul Corvino, division president for iHeart LA. “While iHeart and the Dream Center were instrumental in connecting those in need with those eager to help, it was the community itself that has been incredibly inspirational, and which has been vital in keeping these efforts alive and ensuring that support is still available to those who need it the most, when they need it.”
“The outpouring of love and generosity we have witnessed in response to this crisis has been nothing short of extraordinary. In times of disaster, it is the strength of our community that shines the brightest, and we are humbled to see so many individuals stepping up to help their neighbors in need,” said Matthew Barnett, founder of Dream Center. “Thanks to our partnership with iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and community members, we have been able to provide essential aid to thousands who have lost so much. This effort is a testament to the power of compassion and unity, and we remain committed to serving those in need for as long as it takes.”
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.”
By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling, Host
Sterling Every Damn Night, WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, TMN
PPM meter measurement accurately reflects how most people listen to the radio. When a station is engaging, they leave the station on. When they are bored, they change the station. Station surfing can happen dozens of times an hour. The diary could not measure typical listener behavior. Diaries were a reflection of recall. No listener, driving at 70 MPH pulled over to write down station changes, they just guessed at their recalled radio behaviors and wrote them down.
The biggest flaw or fraud of both diary and PPM data editing was corrected this week by Nielsen.
• Nielsen/Arbitron has measured radio listening in 15-minute intervals, AQH, since the 1920s.
• The change to three minutes is intended to reflect changing listening habits and attention spans.
• The change is expected to benefit advertisers by increasing the number of people tallied who hear their ads.
• The change is also expected to benefit stations by increasing the number of quarter-hours they receive credit for.
Good news, it’s working. In an analysis of the first week of the new editing technique, ACs and adult music FMs have seen increases in AQH as high a 40%.
• Talk shows have enjoyed jumps of 25-31%
• The new editing strategy amplifies the inherent nature of the Meter: More topics the better. More change, the better.
A serious burden dumped on talk radio was the distorted edict that format consistency is essential to success. It is. And that’s exactly what it means FORMATICS, NOT TOPICS.
“Formatics” cover station ID, branding elements, promo production, audio processing, phone number pitch, service element placement. BUT NOT THE SAME DAMN TOPIC ALL DAY.
The same topic all day is why stations that once had double digit shares, are selling off transmitter land to keep bond holders at bay.
People in social situations who only talk about one thing quickly lose friend and are considered bores. Sure, a few people hang around them all day, but new friends are rare. Do you see similarities to the belief that TALK is high AQH but low cume? Low cume is a bad, unstable business. The new Nielsen editing rewards with higher AQH but only if content delivers constant surprises.
Consultant Walter Sabo a.k.a. Walter M Sterling has a nightly show “Sterling Every Damn Night” heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 10:00 pm – 1:00 am. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs Sundays 10:00 pm – 1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com or Sabowalter@gmail.com. Meet Walter Sabo at GENERATIONS 2025 in NYC on March 8.
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
The intersection of copyright and fair use remains a gray area for media creators, especially in music. Two cases – Pop Smoke’s use of an interview clip in “Tunnel Vision (Outro)“ and Bruno Mars’ use of a voicemail from Halle Berry in “Calling All My Lovelies“ – offer crucial lessons. While one led to legal action, the other was resolved without litigation, underscoring the importance of understanding copyright laws when using external audio.
The Pop Smoke Case: Unpermitted Use Leads to Legal Action
In 2020, journalist Victoria Inoyo sued Pop Smoke’s record labels, alleging they used a 16-second interview clip without permission. She sought $1.5 million in damages, credit as a writer, and a share of publishing revenue. The case was settled out of court, but Inoyo was not credited as a songwriter. This highlights the importance of obtaining permission before using recorded speech, even if it features an artist discussing themselves.
The Bruno Mars Case: A Voicemail Used with Permission
Bruno Mars featured a voicemail from actress Halle Berry in “Calling All My Lovelies“ from his 2016 album “24K Magic.” The voicemail added a playful and personal touch to the song, and because Berry gave explicit permission for its use, no legal issues arose. This highlights the importance of obtaining proper authorization when incorporating third-party audio.
Key Takeaways for Media Creators
1. Copyright Still Applies to Spoken Word – Just because audio clips discuss an artist does not mean they are free to use.
2. Fair Use is Not a Guarantee – Using spoken-word content in a transformative manner does not automatically qualify it as fair use.
3. Seek Permission When Possible – Negotiating proper licensing before using copyrighted speech can prevent legal disputes.
4. Personal vs. Third-Party Audio – Bruno Mars’ use of Halle Berry’s voicemail did not lead to litigation, demonstrating how securing consent can help avoid legal issues.
For media creators, these cases illustrate the need for careful legal consideration. Proper permissions and clear transformative intent can mean the difference between a seamless creative process and a costly legal battle.
Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/associate publisher, TALKERS; senior partner, Harrison Media Law; and executive producer, Goodphone Communications. He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724.484.3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com
By Michael Harrison
Publisher, TALKERS
To say that I am excited about the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference coming up in New York City on Friday March 7 and Saturday March 8 is an understatement. I am proud that TALKERS has taken on the role of “presenting sponsor” of the entire event and that this year’s iteration of the annual “TALKERS” conference will be taking a unique and groundbreaking turn toward the future of radio-oriented broadcasting within the context of the industry’s leading youth-oriented gathering.
On Saturday March 8, TALKERS will be presenting an exciting and hopefully productive set of consecutive sessions collectively titled “GENERATIONS 2025.” The theme: “Old School, New School, Next School: Learning from Each Other.” It will be happening on Saturday March 8 between 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm and feature more than 19 luminous industry speakers who will be there to both inform and learn from the hundreds of leading college broadcasters from across America who will be in attendance.
If professional radio is truly concerned about an aging audience and a deteriorating “farm system” from which to recruit new talent, it’s time to connect with the largest concentration of young broadcasters and listeners found on the planet in America’s dynamic campus radio station and communications department scene.
Here are just three (of many) pointers I hope to share with the young radio broadcasters (and I know I will learn a lot – as I always do – just being in their presence):
• Radio will no longer be defined by the platform or “band” upon which it is delivered. We all know that. But for it to survive as anything other than a public utility (i.e. a soulless audio delivery system), it must maintain the magic and esthetic that has carried “radio” across more than a century of glorious history. It must bring the essence of its specialnessto its necessary co-existence with extended video, graphic and digital cousin platforms. Be proud to be radio.
• Professionals in the radio (especially talent) business and increasingly related “other” media would be wise to think entrepreneurially. At this point, most do not; they maintain an “employee” mentality – and that is an economic and soul-busting liability as we rapidly morph into the NEXT school. You no longer have to “break in” to the business by getting past a gatekeeper for the honor of creating product on a real platform. You can make your own real platform as well as the business structure to support those efforts. Learn business. Start a production company.
• Learn how to use Big Tech platforms such as YouTube (their algorisms are a blessing and a curse) but beware of the suppressive techniques employed by their owners to mysteriously control how the game is scored. Stay on top of that. The 21st century will require an updated approach to bolstering the increasingly quaint First Amendment.
Please read the stories directly below for up-to-date information about this important two-day event coming up in March.
Michael Harrison is the publisher of TALKERS. His email is michael@talkers.com.
Tom Kraeutler, the well-known author, home improvement expert, and longtime “Money Pit” radio show host passed away Sunday (2/2), after complications from surgery. Kraeutler was an accomplished craftsman, educator, and former chair of New Jersey’s first regulatory authority for licensing home inspectors. His weekly radio show is heard on 462 stations; and he assembled a deep trove of information at MoneyPit.com and the most-listened-to podcast on its topic. He appeared on Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, The History Channel, HGTV and DIY Network; and contributed to or was interviewed by House Beautiful, Smart Money, Reader’s Digest and hundreds of websites and newspapers across the USA. With Leslie Segrete, he authored My Home My Money Pit: Your Guide to Every Home Improvement Adventure; and in 2024 Wiley published his helpful Home Maintenance for Dummies. 20+ year radio co-host Segrete recalls “When my kids were born, Tom was there in the hospital. When my husband died, he held my hand and got me back to work. He was way more than just a friend and coworker. He was family.” He is survived by his wife Susan, and children Thomas, Sara, and Trevor. As Tom’s production company, Squeaky Door Productions, explores succession options, the weekly radio show will continue, cohosted by Leslie Segrete.
Bonneville Phoenix announced 1/30 that longtime employee Erin Maloney has been named program director at Arizona Sports 98.7 (KMVP-FM) and ESPN 620 (KTAR-AM). “From starting as an intern in 2012 and growing into leadership roles throughout her career, no one is more passionate about our sports brands than Erin,” said Bonneville Phoenix SVP/MM Ryan Hatch. “She is so well respected by everyone in the market, and we are very excited for her to take this next step.” “I’m truly honored to step into the role of program director of Arizona Sports,” said Maloney.
“Working alongside the best in the business is not just a privilege, it’s a dream come true. I look forward to leading an exceptional team of talented individuals who consistently set the standard for excellence in the industry and taking Arizona Sports to new heights.” Maloney most recently served as APD and will replace programming veteran Brian Long who recently returned to Southern California to be with his family and program iHeart’s KFI AM 640, as well as KLAC-AM and KEIB-AM. Arizona Sports is the flagship station for the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona State University football and basketball.
By Kathy Carr
President, Howie Carr Radio Network (HCRN)
TALKERS EXCLUSIVE
After the first White House press briefing by the youngest presidential press secretary in history, the calls, emails and texts keep flowing in to me about Karoline Leavitt.
Even some of my liberal relatives have said, “She sounds very confident and knowledgeable.” That’s because she is, I texted back. Often in this business, people will try to push a young person in front of you. They will tell you, in all sincerity if not total accuracy, that this person is the next big star. In the case of Karoline Leavitt, my client was right.
Back in 2022, we were at a client remote, and the owner told me he wanted to introduce us to this young lady who had been a White House aide near the end of Trump’s term. “She is going places,” our client told us.
At age 24, Karoline was running for Congress in the seacoast district of New Hampshire. She was an underdog in the GOP primary to an establishment candidate, as well as a former U.S. senator’s wife. Don’t worry about it, our client told us, Karoline is going to win. When you hear something like that, you try not to roll your eyes, but you are, shall we say, skeptical.
But this time, at a car dealership in Portsmouth, it took about 45 seconds to realize that she had it. She worked the showroom like a seasoned political pro, shaking every hand in the place. She looked me in the eye and shook my hand firmly, but not too firmly. She spoke in complete sentences with no ahhhs or ummms. She didn’t punctuate every sentence with some variation of “like” or “you know.”
Despite being heavily outspent, Karoline handily won the GOP primary against her older, better-financed opponents. I truly felt she was going to defeat the Democrat incumbent. I donated to her campaign more than once.
We were stunned when she did not win. I spoke to her the day after the loss and told her that although it might not seem like it now, everything happens for a reason and that something better is coming. I was just trying to make her feel better, but this time it was true.
Soon after her defeat, we met for lunch, and I tried to recruit her as a full-time employee for our radio network. She politely declined, but did work for us as a freelancer and fill-in talk show host. (She was great!) At the end of her stint, she took us out to dinner, picked up the check, gave us a bottle of champagne and posted a video on her (very popular) social media promoting Howie’s latest book. We left dinner that night thinking, Karoline is going places.
So, there she was this week at the podium in the Brady Briefing Room in her beautiful magenta jacket and perfect make-up. But this is no dumb blonde. Her poise is beyond impressive, and everyone now realizes she is not just a pretty face. To the briefing she brought no binder, just brains.
In the winter of 2023, knowing that President Trump was going to run again, we invited her to dinner with us at Mar-A-Lago. Howie made a point of saying hello to POTUS and putting in a good word for the president’s former White House aide. With thumbs up, she posed for a quick photo with President Trump and Howie. She was wearing a jazzy crème and green dress – she always looks like a million bucks!
We are not the sole reason she was hired for the campaign, but we are proud to have played even a small part.
People often ask me what the most rewarding part is about being in the media. Some think it is the money, influence or perks. Those are all great but what a rush it is to see the next big star being born. And her name is Karoline Leavitt.
Kathy Carr is president of HCRN which distributes the Howie Carr Show and Grace Curley Show. She can be reached at Kathycarr@Howiecarrshow.com
Lee Habeeb, the host and founder of the popular syndicated news/talk radio series “Our American Stories,” is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel production “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Habeeb is one of the most accomplished and influential storytellers in news/talk radio. He is the creator and host of one of the most innovative and well-received syndicated talk radio shows to come down the pike in many years. It’s called “Our American Stories” – one of the premiere storytelling shows and podcasts in America. It’s a standout show listeners can go to for comfort and inspiration and hear positive, redemptive stories about a good and great country. Two hours a day, five days a week, our guest and his amazing team of broadcast professionals tell the story of America to Americans. There’s no debate. No opinion. No politics. No news. Just stories that bring people together around common values, themes, and the founding principles and ideals of our nation. Stories that create a space for listeners to escape the news and noise of the day and be moved and informed. Habeeb’s talk show credentials are formidable. He co-founded Laura Ingraham’s national radio show in 2001, moved to Salem Media in 2008 as VP of content, and launched “Our American Stories” in 2016. He’s a University of Virginia Law School graduate, a Newsweek essayist, and lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his wife Valerie and daughter Reagan. He is currently ranked #11 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. Harrison and Habeeb engage in an illuminating conversation about the importance of history and the power of storytelling. Don’t miss this! Watch the podcast in its entirety here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (1/27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1.Justice Department Firings
2. New Defense Department Policies
3. DeepSeek’s Effects on U.S. Tech
4. Immigration/Deportations
5. RFK Jr. Confirmation Hearings
Sports talk radio personalities Ross Peterson and Travis Justice exited iHeartMedia’s sports talk KXNO, Des Moines on November 4 of 2024 as the company was making staff cuts across the country. But the two
decided they didn’t want to call it quits and began formulating a plan to take their talents to the digital realm. According to a report in the Des Moines Register, they are launching the streaming program “The Rush” today (1/27). The 6:00 am to 8:00 am show streams live on YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms five days per week. The duo survived a round of layoffs in 2020 after their program was canceled but listener blowback caused management to bring them back. Read the Register story here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
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…’”
Consider bumping with Buddy Holly/Richie Valens/Big Bopper hooks and noting the occasion. If you can get away with playing it, Google “American Pie,” and script a short story cool enough to keep someone in a parked car: “They were en route to a ‘Winter Dance Party Tour’ concert in Fargo, North Dakota, but they never made it.” Many who have loved the song for years might figure its lyrics are just randomly nostalgic and not know.
Listeners HEAR stuff like that; and you sound less robotic than so much of what radio has become. You seem to actually know what day it is, especially if they heard you play “I Got You Babe” the day before (It’s Grounnndhog Dayyy!”). Or if you bump or play “Vehicle” by The Ides of March…on The Ides of March,” the 15th.
On Mother’s Day (May 11 this year) the Intruders’ “I’ll Always Love My Mama” is sweet. On Father’s Day (June 15), The Winstons’ “Color Him Father.” And scoff now and believe me later: Dads will be moved-to-tears by “The Men in My Little Girl’s Life” by Mike Douglas.
If corporate isn’t listening, sneak in “Ode To Billy Joe” on “the third of June, another sleepy, dusty delta day.” And “do you remember the twenty-first of September?” (Earth Wind & Fire). Radio is defending against AI-in-the-cloud competitors. So, seem human. I can help. Download my 2025 Events & Occasions Calendar, and fill-in local events and occasions. It’s a free PDF at HollandCooke.com
Holland Cooke is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn