The most discussed stories yesterday (5/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Red Apple Media files applications with the FCC to acquire WCRN-AM, Worcester, Massachusetts from Carter Broadcasting for $1.45 million. This will be the first signal acquired by John Catsimatidis’ media 
company outside of the New York City market. The station is currently airing a news/talk format of local, syndicated and brokered programming. Local air personalities include the daily morning show hosts Hank Stolz and Ben White (“Talk of the Commonwealth”) and longtime New England talk host Frankie Boyer who is heard in middays. Red Apple will assume operations under a local marketing agreement until the deal closes. Red Apple and Catsimatidis have made no indication of the company’s intent for future programming.
iHeartMedia names Michael Johnson Jr. program director for sports talk WUCF-FM “FOX Sports 97.9” news/talk WPOP-AM NewsRadio 1410 in Hartford and news/talk WELI-AM and sports talk WAVZ-AM “FOX Sports 
1300” in New Haven. iHeartMedia SVP of programming Dylan Sprague says, “Michael’s energy, passion and leadership make him a strong fit to lead our Sports and Talk portfolio in Hartford and New Haven. These are powerful brands and we’re excited to build on their success under Michael’s leadership.” Johnson comments, “I am thrilled to begin this next chapter at iHeart. Sports fans are passionate and engaged. I am eager to grow all of the stations, deepen the connections with listeners and continue expanding our digital presence.”
TALKERS 2026, the 28th annual installment of the longest running and most important national talk media industry gathering, is less than a month away and on track to be an early sellout. Set for Friday, June 5 on the beautiful Long Island campus of Hofstra University, the historic conference will again present more than 60 outstanding speakers in a power packed day of non-stop conversation about the state and future of talk radio and the talk media industry.
The day will launch with a breakfast discussion of “The Art of Storytelling” presented by Lee Habeeb, CEO, host, and producer of the tremendously successful syndicated series, “Our American Stories” which offers an impressive roster of hundreds of news/talk stations across the nation with extremely well written and exquisitely produced overviews of uniquely American aspects of history and popular culture.
TALKERS founder Michael Harrison says, “Lee Habeeb is one of the most important and original broadcasters in the modern talk radio industry. ‘Our American Stories’ consistently delivers a very high level of contemporary spoken word programming that fits the format but broadens its boundaries in a positive manner that rises above hackneyed political ideology. It is no surprise that, since its launch, the show has consistently been one of the classiest and fastest growing syndicated properties in the business.” Harrison concludes, “Everyone talks about the fundamental importance of storytelling in the talk biz. It is only logical that TALKERS 2026 would present the industry’s leading storyteller as a featured speaker.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Jason Reddick’s The Complete Guide to AI Side Hustles is aimed at beginners trying to build passive income. But read it through a broadcaster’s lens and it suggests a blueprint for how radio talent and podcasters can leverage AI to expand their influence, diversify revenue, and stay indispensable in a media economy that rewards relevance and speed.
His central thesis is simple: AI doesn’t create talent – it amplifies it. And that’s especially advantageous if you are already a communicator.
AI Enhanced Audio Services: Your Voice, Supercharged
Reddick writes about “leveraged skills,” and the most leveraged skill you have is your voice. Consider exploiting AI tools to offer:
Each of these is high-trust, high-value, and repeatable. Businesses want a real human voice, and if you’re on radio or have a popular podcast, local businesses already know and trust your voice. AI simply lets you scale it.
Repurposing: Your Secret Weapon
Reddick emphasizes turning one idea into multiple assets. You already generate hours of content. With AI, that becomes:
You’re already doing the hard part. AI helps multiply the output.
“Small, Fast, Useful”
Reddick likes what he calls “microproducts” – simple digital items that solve a problem quickly. As a broadcaster or podcaster, you already know how to explain things clearly and in plain English.
Whether you are repackaging interviews you already do or advertisers you already have (or want), or exploring your own personal interests, or simply addressing the everyday issues you yourself confront as a consumer, what can AI help you produce?
Why These Work: They’re “evergreen” (relevant today and a year from now), high-utility (solves a problem quickly, low-lift (AI drafts, you refine), and trust-based (your voice + clarity = credibility).
If AI can scale your talent, the only limit now is your imagination. You can read the first two chapters of “The Complete Guide to AI Side Hustles,” free, 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 WPHT, Philadelphia-based “Kathy Barnette Show” has launched into national syndication via her non-profit Seed & Root Initiative. The weekly show has been airing live on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am ET since January and is now being delivered nationally via the Salem Radio Network and by download. Barnette recently announced the national launch of her program at the recent Philadelphia Seed & Roots Summit at the Independence Center that drew fellow Black conservatives as well as Democrats to discuss important issues facing families today.
Barnette – a former U.S. Senate candidate in Pennsylvania – tells TALKERS, “America is at a crossroads, and I believe my voice comes at a critical time. I don’t talk about poverty or perseverance from a spreadsheet – I’ve lived it. From a pig farm in Alabama to the halls of corporate America, from serving in the military to building a national platform, I’ve seen firsthand what faith, discipline, and hard work can achieve. My show is about bringing authenticity, courage, and moral clarity back to the airwaves – and planting the kind of seeds that will offer shade for generations to come.”
Last week (5/2), Barnette devoted an episode of her radio show to the topic, “Breaking the Democrat Lock: Black Men Speak.” She tells TALKERS, “I brought Black men into the studio to discuss the ongoing shift in Black voter sentiment away from the Democrat Party after nearly 70 years of Democrats holding a dominant share of the Black vote. We explored a central question: What changed? What’s driving the erosion?”
Pictured (l-r): William Small II, congressional candidate 3rd CD; Amir Collins, 17-year-old Big Brother volunteer; Kathy Barnette; John Hemphill III, U.S. Air Force Gulf War veteran; and John Allante McAuley, PA GOP State Committee candidate. The child pictured in front is William Small III.
Barnette, a home school teaching mother of two, was the national grassroots director and senior advisor for Vivek Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign and is the author of Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: Being Black and Conservative in America (Center Street, 2020).
The most discussed stories over the weekend (5/9-10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Saga Communications reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and states net revenue was $22.9 million, a decrease of 5.6% from the same period in 2025. The company also reports and operating loss of $3.3 million compared to $2.3 million for the same quarter last year. Additionally, station operating income decreased 62% to $900,000. Sag
a is reporting a net loss of $2.4 million for the quarter compared to the net loss of $1.6 million it reported in Q1 of 2025. Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on March 20, 2026. The aggregate amount of the quarterly dividend was approximately $1.6 million. With payment of this most recent declaration Saga will have paid over $145 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012.
One of the most popular panel discussions of the annual TALKERS conference – “The Big Picture” – will again be featured at the forthcoming 28th installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering. Moderated by TALKERS publisher/founder Michael Harrison (pictured here) and featuring a remarkable, diverse lineup of industry luminaries, the session tackles the major issues – social, political, 
technological, and financial – facing the talk media business in the current environment of rapid change. Described as the fastest-moving 40 minutes in the broadcasting conference arena, this year’s panelists will include (in alphabetical order): Steve Jones, president, CEO & chairman, Skyview Networks; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks; Frank Morano, member, New York City Council / former host, WABC, New York; Chris Olivero, Chief Business Officer, Audacy; Tavis Smiley, owner/host, KBLA, Los Angeles; and Rich Valdés, host, “This Is America with Rich Valdés.” The session will take place between 2:20 pm and 3:00 pm at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter on Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra University on Long Island. Harrison states, “This rapid-fire session of heavyweights ties it all together in terms of trying to make sense of the uncertainties we presently face in the talk media business.” For more information about TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter, please click here.
Podtrac releases its U.S. Top Podcasts chart for April 2026 based on unique monthly audience for participating networks and there’s little 
change, especially at the top of the ranker where NPR’s “NPR News Now” (#1), The New York Times’ “The Daily” (#2), “Up First from NPR” (#3), NBCUniversal’s “Dateline NBC” (#4), and FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” (#5) fill out the top five. Moves of note include comic Tim Dillon entering the top 20 at #19 with his “The Tim Dillon Show” and Disney’s “20/20” joining the chart at #20. See the complete ranker here.
Las Vegas-based talk radio host Steve Sanchez is expanding his 
eponymous program, adding affiliate stations KAAA, Kingman, AZ; KZZZ, Bullhead City, AZ/Laughlin, NV; KKFT, Reno, NV; and KXEX, Fresno, CA. Sanchez’s program airs live from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm nightly on Audacy’s KMXB-HD3/K268CS, Las Vegas “101.5 FM K-DAWN.” Sanches says, “We’re building a platform that reaches audiences on air, online, and on demand. The expansion reflects continued growth of ‘The Steve Sanchez Show’ across both broadcast and digital platforms.”
Cumulus Media’s Wisconsin radio stations WOSH, Oshkosh “NewsTalk 93.9 & 1490” and WNAM, Neenah-Menasha were honored with four 
Awards for Excellence at the 2026 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards Gala presented last Saturday (5/2). Cumulus notes that in the Medium Market News & Talk Stations Division, WOSH took First Place honors for Best Interview with hosts Steve Edwards and Ron Ross discussing WNAM’s final day of broadcasting on December 31, 2025, after 78 years on air. Program director Steve Edwards (pictured here with the awards) says, “We are thrilled to see NewsTalk WOSH and WNAM honored with four Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards. The commitment to excellence and community-focused broadcasting continues to set the standard – these awards are well deserved.”
American Public Media announces that Kimberly Adams is being promoted to host of the flagship weekday morning program, “Marketplace Morning Report.” Adams has been serving as senior Washington correspondent and host of the podcast, “Make Me Smart.” Marketpl
ace VP and general manager Neal Scarbrough says, “We are thrilled about this next chapter for the ‘Morning Report,’ and our audience should be too. Kimberly has distinguished herself as a ground-breaking, multiplatform correspondent and host who has built an unwavering connection with our audience. Beyond her diligent reporting, listeners have embraced Kimberly’s leadership and versatility as the host of ‘Call to Mind,’ ‘Marketplace Tech,’ and ‘Make Me Smart.’ This is an exciting time for the millions of listeners who start their day with the ‘Marketplace Morning Report.’”
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (5/4-8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Audacy’s new Los Angeles sports talk station is set to launch on May 18 on KNX-FM branded as “97.1 The Fan.” The company revealing its daily 6:00 am to 6:00 pm programming lineup. The morning drive show is “Derek & Decker” featuring five-time NBA champ Derek Fisher and former MLB player Cody Decker. The midday show is “Brock & Alex” with NFL veteran Brock Vereen and Emmy-winning broadcaster Alex 
Curry. The afternoon drive program is “D-Mac & Reiter” starring sports media personality Doug McKain and columnist and sports radio pro Bill Reiter. “97.1 The Fan” brand manager Andrew Williams states, “Los Angeles is a sports powerhouse with a deep connection between teams, fans, and culture, and this new lineup brings together championship-level personalities, veteran player perspective, and sharp analytical expertise. We’re building a full-scale, live and local LA sports network that brings sports to the FM dial and across multiple platforms to meet our audiences where they are. We’re excited to give fans an unparalleled listening and viewing experience that’s as entertaining and authentic as it is insightful.”
Newsmax says that it has hit a major milestone in its digital expansion, surpassing 25 million followers across all social media platforms. The company says that its continuous and significant growth in social media followers – up 25% from a year ago – underscores the brand’s 
“accelerating reach and deepening engagement with audiences nationwide.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “This growth shows that Newsmax is truly touching a nerve with audiences. We are continuing to execute on our strategy to reach all people on all platforms, and the results speak for themselves. Passion for our brand remains incredibly strong. We’re seeing audiences actively seek out Newsmax across platforms, share our content, and become part of a growing community that values our reporting and viewpoint.”
iHeartMedia strikes a deal with navigation platform MapQuest to give users the ability to listen to streaming radio while using the navigation 
platform via a “Live Radio” button in the upper right corner of the dashboard. The companies say mobile app integration is planned for a future phase. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “This partnership puts iHeart’s live radio in front of MapQuest’s millions of monthly users, giving consumers more of the content they seek. It’s a simple, intuitive way to extend our reach and enhance how people experience audio on the go.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (5/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Last Saturday (5/2), Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality Glenn Beck in conjunction with non-profit organization Moms for Liberty and the American Journey Experience (a museum, research library and education center focused on American history that’s operated by Beck’s charitable organization Mercury One), hosted an America’s 250th Anniversary celebration on Ellis Island titled, “Sea to Shining Sea.” The exclusive event featured performances by award‑winning singer Mary Millben and contest winners Grace Allen, Derek Hinckley and Chrissy Owens, who were selected from entries submitted to “The Glenn Beck Program” and trained with renowned vocal coach Roger Love. The event also included special guest speakers and a live performance with a 51‑piece orchestra featuring two original songs written by Beck titled, “They Came for the Hope” and “O, Lady of Liberty.” Pictured above in the Ellis Island Great Hall are (from l-r): Derek Hinckley, Grace Allen, Chrissy Owens, Joy Horn, Glenn Beck, and Colleen Shelton.
Media personality Joy Taylor is joining Urban One to launch a short-form sports commentary series titled, “The Daily Play with Joy Taylor.” The company says it will be distributed across its audio platforms Radio One, REACH Media, and the Urban One Podcast Network. Urban One says 
the Monday through Friday program “cuts through the noise of the standard 24-hour sports cycle” in which “Taylor delivers 5-10 minutes of sharp insight, authentic commentary, and cultural depth, offering perspective on the headlines that matter most. The show is built on the philosophy that ‘nobody breaks down the game like a woman who actually knows it.’” Taylor adds, “I wanted to create something fast, focused, and always authentic. Sports fans are busy, but they want the context behind the conversation. With ‘The Daily Play,’ I’m giving them what it means and what to watch next – in just a few minutes. Joining Urban One allows me to talk directly to a loyal, engaged audience across the country. I’m excited to get back to my radio roots!”
As part of Philly Tech Week, WURD Radio is hosting “Ready, Set, Grow: Digital Business Foundations” tomorrow (5/7) from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at P4 Hub. The station says the free event brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and industry experts for a practical conversation 
on how to use digital tools and strategies to grow and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Especially as the city of Philadelphia prepares for a surge of global visitors tied to events including the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the MLB All-Star Game, local businesses face a potentially golden opportunity. “Ready, Set, Grow: Digital Business Foundations” is designed to ensure they are prepared to capture that opportunity by strengthening their digital presence, improving customer experience, and increasing visibility. The evening will feature a fireside chat and panel discussion moderated by author and tech influencer Stephanie “TechLifeSteph” Humphrey, host of “Life & Tech” on WURD Radio.
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One says “America at Night with McGraw Milhaven” has added 25 new affiliates since the launch of the show in December, expanding the show’s national footprint to 280 affiliates coast 
to coast. New station partnerships include WCCO-AM, Minneapolis; KTRS-AM, St. Louis; WPRO-AM, Providence; and KCMO-AM, Kansas City. The show airs live weeknights from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET. Westwood One says, “McGraw Milhaven delivers appointment listening for late-night audiences, featuring host McGraw Milhaven’s signature mix of compelling interviews, sharp analysis, and positive energy listener interactions. Milhaven brings both authority and approachability to national late-night talk radio – offering a fresh, contemporary voice grounded in experience.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (5/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Three new executives join New York Public Radio (WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio). Ru 
Sharma joins as chief people officer, Emily Christner is named chief growth and engagement officer, and Patti Cohen is the new SVP of analytics, insights and research. NYPR president and CEO Christy Tanner states, “Ru, Emily, and Patti will be essential partners to the New York Public Radio team as we work together to expand our position as an iconic center of excellence, operating in public service to our city, with global impact.”
Lotus Communications has an opportunity for an account executive at its Seattle station group that includes all-news KNWN-AM/FM, talk KVI, and country KPLZ. The successful candidate for this position will: Generate revenue for the station 
and meet monthly goals through effective outside sales techniques; Develop new business through selling commercial advertising time and other station products by reaching out to local businesses and other advertisers; Create and present advertising strategies and ideas for local businesses incorporating radio, online and digital mediums; Provide input on sales promotion ideas to sales management; and more. See more and apply here.