Industry News

Gregg Henson Named WHO, Des Moines Program Director

Programming pro Gregg Henson is named program director for iHeartMedia’s “NewsRadio 1040” WHO, Des Moines. iHeartMedia EVP of programming Steve Geofferies says “NewsRadio 1040 WHO is one of the most respected news talk stations in Iowa, built on a strong foundation of trusted voices and programming. Gregg’s experience and leadershipimg will support our strong team and help WHO continue delivering the high-quality programming listeners rely on every day.” Henson most recently served with Cumulus Media as PD and morning host at classic rock WLAV-FM and country WTNR-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During his career he’s programmed news/talk outlets including WRVA, Richmond; WPGB-FM, Pittsburgh; and WOWO, Fort Wayne. Henson comments, “I’m incredibly excited to return to iHeartMedia and work with the legendary staff at NewsRadio 1040 WHO. WHO’s legacy of trusted news and strong local voices is unmatched, and I’m focused on building on that foundation and continuing to deliver relevant, impactful programming for listeners across Iowa.”

Industry News

WWO Confirms Return of Bongino Streaming Show and Podcast

Cumulus Media confirms that former FBI deputy director Dan Bongino is back with the company as Westwood One will serve as the exclusive sales partner for his new show that will stream live daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET exclusively via Rumble with recorded audio available on all major podcast platforms. The new show launches on February 2. Cumulusimg Media | Westwood One says, “The relaunch marks Bongino’s most extensive digital commitment to date, designed to meet increasing audience demand for long-form and in-depth content. The two-hour format strengthens the show’s position as a major voice in independent media, offering a highly engaging, daily destination for listeners seeking headline analysis, guest interviews, cultural commentary, and special ‘Bongino Army’ segments.” Bongino comments, “I’m excited to get back behind the mic and reconnect directly with the audience. This show has always been about cutting through the noise and talking honestly about what matters. We’re coming back bigger, bolder, and always unfiltered — exactly how people want it.” Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network president Collin Jones adds, “Dan Bongino is back! Few voices in talk media command the loyalty and firepower that Dan brings. His audience? Formidable. His influence? Undeniable. This promises to be an incredible journey as Dan drives the national conversation daily on the most important issues at hand, with authority that has been hard-fought and well-earned. Westwood One is beyond proud to help power the next chapter of ‘The Dan Bongino Show.’”

Industry News

Joe Thomas Broadcasts from CES2026

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Nationally syndicated morning drive host Joe Thomas (center) is pictured here at last week’s CES2026 trade show in Las Vegas where he broadcast to his “First Thing Today” show to his 50-plus affiliates via Talk Media Network. Thomas says, “It’s an amazing event and if you dig past the robot lawn mowers and giant TV’s you’ll find amazing folks like Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ Dr. Alex Creely (left) and Siemens’ Dr. Thiago Ribeiro (right). Thanks to Holland Cooke who convinced me years ago that it doesn’t matter what your politics are, this impacts everybody! (and you all should read Lawrence Ford‘s new book, The World DOES Need You!)”

Industry Views

CES2026: ICYMI

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgCars were some of the big stars at CES. Not flying cars, which were news there, years ago. But cars that drive themselves, and how the cars we still drive are safer and smarter — some smaller, very inexpensive — and electric cars that go longer between charges. Solar powered cars are coming, among other sustainability breakthroughs like farming with less chemicals and appliances that use lots less energy.

But the biggest buzz this year was Artificial Intelligence, the secret sauce in much, possibly most, of what’s new. There is angst about AI, forecast to eliminate as many as half of entry‑level white‑collar jobs within five years. In the session “Future-Ready: Shaping the Workforce in the AI Era,” employers were urged to “Reimagine, not adapt” workflows. “And put your employees at the center of reimagination.” It’s all happening quickly. One speaker quipped “ChatGPT is SO 2022.”

Watch/read/hear/download my week-long coverage from Las Vegas at HollandCooke.com. MUST-SEE: Video of the Caterpillar keynote.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Audacy Goes with Podscribe for Measurement

Audacy names Podscribe its preferred measurement partner beginning in this year. Podscribe will enable attribution across most of Audacy’s digital portfolio, including streaming audio, podcasting, CTV, and display, with client-facingimg dashboards and API access that support automated reporting and portfolio-level insights. The collaboration will also support select broadcast attribution initiatives within Audacy’s radio portfolio, complementing existing measurement partners. Audacy president of digital sales Michael Biemolt says, “Audacy consistently strives to deliver measurable results for advertisers, and our partnership with Podscribe further strengthens that promise. With enhanced attribution and transparency across our portfolio, we’re giving clients even greater confidence in how Audacy drives performance at scale.”

Industry News

New York Broadcasters Association Searching for New President

New York State Broadcasters Association president David Donovan reveals that he will be stepping down from his post at the end of 2026 after 15 years leading the organization. NYSBA says that Donovan will continue to lead its government relations efforts. That said, the organization is forming a search committee to begin the process of selecting a newimg president. NYSBA chairman Chris Musial states, “David is doing an outstanding job, but he believes the time has come to turn over management of the Association to the next generation. The Board of Directors is delighted he will continue to lead our lobbying efforts in Albany and Washington.  The NYSBA Board and Executive Search Committee look forward to advancing the important work of Broadcasters on Multiple Platforms as we begin this search.” Donovan comments, “It has been a great run. Our goal is to bring someone on board earlier in the year to have a smooth transition. NYSBA has an outstanding Board of Directors and the best staff of any association in America.” Resumes will be accepted until February 28, 2026. See the job description here.

Industry News

Dan Bongino Teases Return to Media

Dan Bongino, who left his Westwood One radio show and podcast to take on the deputy director position with the FBI, is teasing a return to media. Bongino, a veteran and former Secret Service agent before getting into talk media, announced late last year that he would be leaving the FBI, is expected to get back into media, posted the following to X: “Thanks forimg everything while we worked on cleaning up. Working in the administration was the experience of a lifetime. I’ll have some announcements coming up but I’m taking a couple of days to spend with the family. A couple of things: Thank you for your interest in the show and its return date. We will have something for you soon. The Trump team is not kidding around. It’s an otherworldly experience from the other side. He’s determined and focused. And having been around quite a few Presidents, this one broke the mold.  If we blocked you, it’s because we care so little about your bullsh*t that we deem it not worthy of even seeing. If you’re bitching and whining about it that means you can’t exist without seeing and commenting on ours. You’ll need to get over that. We do it because there’s nothing black-pillers and anti-Trumpers want more than to create division and drama. We’re about results, and we’ll talk about some of it soon.”  

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: The Myth of Mentorship

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgAdvice columns blanketing sites like LinkedIn, the Skimm, and Forbes 2.0 – aimed at recent graduates – encourage their readers to seek and bond with an at-work mentor.  After years of skimming “5 bullet” articles, I have reached the tipping point and I’m not going to take it anymore: Seeking a mentor as a career strategy is horrible advice. Just horrible.

Here’s what I experienced. My first job out of Syracuse University was at RKO Radio in Manhattan. An FM. OMG. The job was promotional support and a weekend talk show. After that, NBC local, ABC network, NBC corporate, ABC corporate… all before I was 30. No mentor.

Seek-a-mentor articles are usually aimed at women. It is even worse advice for women. Here’s why:

1. No one wants to be your mentor out of kindness and heavenly points. They only want to be your mentor if you are wired to someone powerful. Someone you can tell how wonderful they are to you

2. Your mentor’s reputation becomes yours! If your mentor is thought a jerk or is fired out of general hatred, you will be fired pretty soon. At NBC, the perception was that NBC CEO Fred Silverman was my mentor. I was terminated about a week after Fred left the building. The reason I was given by my direct report was, “You were too closely associated with Fred.” Fact: I spoke to Fred once during my three-year NBC tenure. (Much later Fred and I became close friends and how lucky I was!)

3. The mentee’s expectations are always too broad. Each of us is good at one or two skills. “mentor” implies a much wider menu of advice than is realistic.

4. One day, the mentor will be proven wrong on a key issue and the mentee will be very confused.

Best advice ever: You have no friends at work. Co-workers, yes. Work-wife? Work-husband? No, no, no!

The greatest gift you can give a co-worker is a request for advice. Each co-worker has strengths. Identify those strengths and tap into those. One request of a colleague is flattering. Ten requests for help is a sign of weakness and you will be eaten.

In any business, especially “glamour” businesses, your goal is to not be eaten by people jealous of you.  You could be eaten for any reason because the jobs are sparse and security is mercurial.

Obviously, a job is a job. It is not a social club. Early in a person’s work life, it is tempting to make the workplace a surrogate family. That could get you eaten. Do your job. Go home.

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.

Industry News

Brandon Tierney Transitions to Streaming Show

Former WFAN, New York sports talk host Brandon Tierney has launched his streamingimg sports talk show just a couple of weeks after being ousted from WFAN due to the return of Craig Carton to that station’s afternoon daypart. Tierney and co-host Sal Licata were let go on December 19. Tierney’s new show “BT Unleashed” is streamed on YouTube and other platforms. Tierney tells the Brooklyn Reporter, “I thought it was a pretty easy decision. I felt the iron was hot. I certainly felt a desire for more of my work and I wanted to get right back out there. People understand that it was an abrupt ending at the FAN and that this is a pretty dramatic transformation.” See the Brooklyn Reporter story here. 

Industry News

WABC, New York Adds Concha to Weeknights

Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC, New York adds Joe Concha to its weeknight lineup,img airing from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Concha has been hosting a Sunday show from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon and will continue in that role. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis says, “Joe is exactly the kind of smart, credible, non-nonsense voice we promised our listeners. Listeners trust Joe and his ratings success backs that up. We are delighted to add him to our weeknight programming.” Concha is a columnist, author, and FOX News contributor. 

Industry News

Jon “Stugotz” Weiner to Debut with iHeartMedia in January

Sports talk media personality Jon “Stugotz” Weiner joins iHeartMedia for a long-term, multiplatform partnership. Weiner rose to prominence as co-host of the Dan LeBatard show, based in South Florida. When LeBatard parted ways from ESPN, Weiner went with him to his Meadowlark Media platform. As part of his agreement with iHeartMedia, Weiner will launch a new weekday afternoon program on FOX Sports Radio in January, originating fromimg iHeartMedia’s studios in South Florida and airing in the 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm slot being vacated by Doug Gottlieb. iHeartMedia says, “Designed as a live radio extension of his popular podcast ‘Stugotz and Company,’ the show will bring together his regular crew along with a rotating cast of guest co-hosts, blending old friends and new voices.” Additionally, the Stugotz Podcast Network will launch with iHeartPodcasts, featuring “Stugotz and Company” and “God Bless Football,” plus more content to be launched later. Weiner says, “There was a ton of interest and a lot of great conversations, but it became obvious to me rather quickly that iHeart and FOX Sports Radio were going to be the landing spot. I miss doing live radio, and I was looking for a partner to grow my two existing podcasts and help us build out a network. To be able to partner with the biggest and best digital company on the planet – and host a daily, two-hour live radio show with two Hall of Famers, Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd, as lead-ins – is a place, quite frankly, I never imagined arriving at, and an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: The Earth Moved

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgNetwork TV often delivers Nielsen hashmarks. No viewers! The no numbers reports started coming in over 20 years ago and they met with silence. Often on Holiday nights, long weekends, NBC, CBS, ABC or FOX delivered no measurable audience. Simultaneously, online video stars were attracting millions of views. In 2007, the media world witnessed the audience shift from broadcast TV to online video. In the following years, media buyers made the definition of a bad investment: Between the time a buy was placed on network TV to the day of air, the audience diminished. Every month. Year after year.

Marketing types refer to the adoption rate of new ideas in stages:

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Last week, YouTube entered the golden phase: Laggards. There has been a misperception that YouTube viewers skewed young. That was never true. Their viewership demographic has always matched the demographic spread of America. That means month after month for 20 years, YouTube has been embraced by all demographics at higher and higher rates. Now YouTube has scored the final 10% of adopters: Laggards.

YouTube Wins the Oscars

The Oscars. A major ratings-generating, newsworthy event on YouTube. In Variety, questions were asked. The wrong questions: How will advertising be handled? Will there be a new category for Influencers? On demand? Wrong questions.

The answer is: The Oscars are on YouTube!  Game over for ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX. The final segment of the population that frequented broadcast TV will now come to YouTube. The Oscars were the most efficient way to appeal to the laggards.

BONUS: The Oscars announcement just mentioned a key part of the deal: The entire library of the Academy of Arts and Sciences will be uploaded to YouTube. Hundreds of thousands of films from around the world, of all genres coming to YouTube.

And what was the deal? How much did Google pay? It doesn’t matter. Google’s challenge is how to get rid of all of their cash!

The Oscars will be on YouTube. Mark the date. The media landscape has changed forever.

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.

Industry News

WISN’s Yount Moves to Morning Drive; Goch Joins for News & Middays

iHeartMedia Milwaukee unveils its new daily lineup in the aftermath of longtime morning host Jay Weber’s leaving mornings for a twice-weekly podcast role. Current late morning host img Benjamin Yount is taking over the 6:00 am to 9:00 am show hosting duties. Yount has been with the station since 2018 as host and news director. He comments, “WISN has always been about serving Wisconsin with smart, honest conversation, and I’m honored to take on imgmorning drive. Our listeners count on us to start their day informed and engaged, and I’m excited to continue that in a new time slot while keeping the same commitment to strong local coverage.” Jason Goch, who has been a fill-in host on WISN, moves into the morning news anchor and late morning talk host role. He’ll handle news duties during Yount’s program and host his own talk show from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Station program director Jerry Bott states, “This lineup builds on WISN’s momentum and reflects our focus on serving listeners with strong, credible voices throughout the day. Benjamin has earned the trust of our audience and brings proven ratings success to morning drive, while Jason is a terrific addition whose experience and versatility strengthen our local programming bench.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Sound Thinking

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Each week here, TALKERS affords me a voice in the career conversation we all share. Iimg appreciate this real estate, and your feedback.

To say thanks, publisher Michael Harrison and I have a stocking stuffer for you, an anthology of all 2025 “Monday Memo” columns. Included: additional pieces I filed on Tuesdays of holiday weeks when TALKERS didn’t publish on Mondays; and daily reports during the Consumer Electronics Show and NAB Show, both of which I have covered for this publication for decades; and additional reports on news and trends pertinent to you, my fellow storyteller.

Here ya go, an instant E-book download: http://getonthenet.com/SoundThinking.pdf

And here’s to 2026!

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

iHeartMedia Announces Executive Promotions

iHeartMedia announces three executive promotions. Mark Glynn rises division president of community markets in which he’ll oversee 20 markets across the Nebraska, Iowa, Pacific, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Alaska regions. He’s been serving as area president for Seattle/Spokane. Jeff Thomas also rises to division president of community markets, leading 27 markets in Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Hawaii and Mid Northimg regions. President of community markets John Karpinski says, “Mark and Jeff consistently demonstrate exceptional leadership in developing business, cultivating long-standing client relationships, and building high-performing sales teams. Their strategic vision and deep understanding of our business will be instrumental as we continue to invest in our people and platforms. I am excited to see the impact they will have across even more markets.” Additionally, Marshal Burgess, currently president of the Portland market, is promoted to region president of the Pacific Northwest Area expanding his responsibilities to include Seattle, Portland, and Spokane. Division president Nick Gnau states, “Marshal has been a cornerstone of iHeart’s success in the Pacific Northwest, consistently driving growth and fostering strong relationships throughout the region. With a deep understanding of the business and a proven leadership track record, he is well-positioned to lead the region and drive success.”

Industry News

Saga Buys Back 2.8% of Common Stock

Saga Communications repurchases 184,215 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.1 million, or $11.50 per share, through a privately negotiated transaction. The repurchased shares represent approximately 2.8% of theimg company’s currently outstanding common stock, based on 6,556,621 shares outstanding as of December 11, 2025. After closing, these shares were returned to treasury and are no longer outstanding. Chief financial officer Samuel Bush says, “We are pleased to announce the completion of a privately negotiated stock repurchase transaction, which underscores our ongoing commitment to deliver value to our shareholders. This transaction reflects our confidence in the company’s long-term strategy and financial strength, while providing us with greater flexibility to manage our capital structure. We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation and generating a meaningful return for all stakeholders.”

Industry News

MIW to Present Radio Management Webinar

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc is presenting a webinar titled, “Management 101: Becoming an Impactful Leader,” taking place January 15, 2026 at 2:00 pm ET. MIWimg says, “This interactive session brings together four distinguished executives representing key areas across today’s audio landscape, offering attendees an opportunity to learn practical leadership skills, modern management strategies, and actionable insights for navigating a rapidly evolving industry.” Panelists will include: Erik Hellum, chief operating officer, Townsquare Media Group; Dara M. Kalvort, VP of digital sales, StreamGuys; Kieran Geffert, SVP and market manager, Audacy San Francisco; and Mary Boyle, VP & general manager, WGN Radio Chicago – Nexstar Media Inc. Register for the webinar here.

Industry News

Report: FCC Scrutiny of KCBS Forced Changes in News Coverage

A report in the Los Angeles Times details KCBS-AM, San Francisco’s brush with the FCC in the aftermath of its reporting the movements of ICE agents in the Bay Area. The LA TimesByron Tau writes, “KCBS radio reported on immigration agents in unmarked vehicles, drawing conservative backlash and a federal investigation from FCC Chairman Brendanimg Carr. Facing regulatory scrutiny, the San Francisco Bay Area station demoted well-regarded journalists and sharply curtailed its political coverage for months. As pressure has eased, KCBS has gradually resumed more ambitious reporting, reflecting tensions between regulatory oversight and editorial independence.” Carr accused the station of failing to operate in the public interest and threatened an investigation. This was enough for Audacy management to back off its reporting. Tau writes, “KCBS demoted a well-liked anchor and dialed back on political programming, people said. For months, reporters were dissuaded from pursuing political or controversial topics and instead encouraged to focus on human interest stories, according to the current and former staffers.” The piece notes that anchor Bret Burkhart, the one to first present the ICE actions on the radio, was demoted. He eventually left the station for another position. See the Los Angeles Times story here.

Industry News

Stern to Stay with SiriusXM for Three More Years

SiriusXM and Howard Stern announce that Stern will continue to host his program on the satellite service for three more years. Stern told listeners, “I am happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all. More free time and continuing to be on the radio. Yes,img we are coming back for three years. Thanks to the good folks here at SiriusXM, who I told you, I really do adore. I was able to create Robin [Quivers] a more flexible schedule and so we’ll be back. I know you and I have talked about it privately Robin, even though you’re pretending you didn’t know the announcement. But I did check with my Robin to see that she was up for it as well because if Robin wasn’t up for it, then I wasn’t going to do it. I still do love being on the radio. I think the show is better than ever, I really do believe that in my heart.” Stern’s five-year, $100 million contract ends this month and speculation about whether he and SiriusXM would be able to come to terms on a new deal or even if Stern wanted to continue began last summer with many media pundits predicting the end of their relationship.

Industry News

Radio Mambí Programming Ceases

Live talk programming ended on Friday (12/12) on Latino Media Network’s WAQI-AM Miami Radio Mambí, putting to an end 40 years of Spanish-language talk with roots in the Cuban exile community. Launched in 1985 by Cuban-American businessman Amancio Suárez, theimg station featured a strong anti-communist tone. Station general manager Mike Sena says the reason for the change is financial. “Like our beautiful city, Radio Mambí, its audience and the media industry are evolving rapidly, which presents financial challenges for many in the market.” The station is continuing to broadcast, airing archived programming, music, and Spanish-language broadcasts of the NBA’s Miami Heat and MLB’s Miami Marlins. The Miami Herald says staffers that have lost their jobs include Jorge Luis Sánchez Grass, José Luis Nápoles, José Carlucho, Lilliet Rodríguez and Lucy Pereda. See the Miami Herald story here.

Industry Views

“2025: Top Ten Findings”

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIf you missed yesterday’s webinar, look for the replay which will be posted today at EdisonResearch.com and which explains these trends well.

If you’re in broadcast radio, reading this list – which presenters offered “in no particular order” – you might feel like you’ve missed a memo… or a decade:

  • #10: Video is redefining the podcast landscape.
  • #9: YouTube is the top platform for podcast consumption and discovery for Gen Z.
  • #8: TikTok is a platform for discovery for music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
  • #7: Podcast fandom goes beyond listening.
  • #6: Women’s voices matter in podcasts and music.
  • #5a: Majority of all daily listening time is spent with ad-supported audio.
  • #5b: Time spent with streaming music shifts from free to paid streaming music platforms.
  • #4: In-car audio shifts to digital.
  • #3: Shifting ad budget to podcasts can increase reach.
  • #2: Smart speaker adoption varies by country.
  • #1: Consumption of AI-narrating audio is increasing.
  • “Bonus Finding:” More than 30% of Americans are awake by 6:00 am.

Recommendation for radio broadcasters: Make #4 our Priority Number One, defending a hill radio still holds. Audit your station’s app experience. And consider that Bonus Finding evidence that morning drive survived the pandemic shutdown after all.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

WFAN Names Craig Carton Afternoon Host

Last Wednesday, TALKERS published a report by The Athletic columnist Andrew Marchand that Craig Carton had negotiated a deal to return to the air at Audacy sports talker WFAN, New York. Now, Audacy confirms that with the announcement that Carton will indeed be back hosting afternoon drive beginning January 5. Carton left his role with WFAN in June of 2023 to focus on his morning show at FS1, however his FS1 show was cancelled this summer. Carton willimg host the show with WFAN personality Chris McMonigle. Audacy New York market president and chief business officer Chris Oliviero says, “Craig Carton’s return reaffirms WFAN’s position as New York’s premier sports destination for big personalities, compelling conversation, and highly engaging content that is difficult to ignore. Our 2026 lineup has familiar marquee voices all day and all night, guaranteeing that whenever you tune into ‘The Fan,’ you will be smack dab in the middle of the New York sports culture.” Carton states, “WFAN has always been home to me. Having the opportunity to return and rejoin the best sports talk station in the world is an opportunity I am eagerly looking forward to and beyond excited for.” Carton’s return bumps current afternoon team Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber to middays and current hosts Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata will exit. Additionally, “Evan and Tiki” executive producer Tommy Lugauer will host a new evening show titled, “After Hours.”

Industry News

Audacy to Present Amazon DSP Webinar

On December 17 at 2:00 pm ET, local marketing experts from Audacy and Amazon will present a webinar on programmatic media buying using Amazon DSP. Audacy says that the webinar will show a number of things about Amazon DSP, including: 1) 1st party data for high-intent shoppers. The platform is for moreimg than just retail businesses. From brands to home services to manufacturers — if your customers are shopping online, you’ll be able to find them, right at the point of purchase; 2) Move the dollars that matter. Learn why successful advertisers are shifting traditional TV budgets to Amazon DSP to reach ready-to-buy audiences more efficiently; and 3) Prove performance with clarity. See real results from local case studies that connect campaign exposure to leads, site visits, and sales. See more and register here.

Industry News

Entries Open for 2026 Edward R. Murrow Awards

The Radio Television Digital News Association announces that the entry period for the 2026 Edward R. Murrow Awards is now open. RTDNA says the Murrow Awards are dedicated to “recognizing outstanding achievements in both professional and student-level broadcast and digital journalism. The Murrow Awards,img first handed out in 1971, are among the most prestigious in journalism. In 2025, about 5,000 entries were submitted in the professional and student categories, also making it one of the most competitive.” To be eligible, work must have been published between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. This year, RTDNA is offering an Early Bird Discount for entries submitted by 5:00 pm ET on Tuesday, January 20. The final entry deadline is 5:00 pm ET Thursday, February 19. Entrants can find complete rules and category descriptions here. Regional winners will be announced in the spring. All regional winners automatically advance to the national competition, which will be announced in August. National winners will be celebrated at the 2025 Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala, to be held October 12, 2026, at Gotham Hall in New York City.

Industry News

Geary Yonker Joins Paragon

Paragon announces that public radio sponsorship sales pro Geary Yonker is joining Paragon as sponsorship consultant. Paragon CEO Mike Henry says, “Geary’s established role in producing sponsorship revenue for WBEZ Chicago, Sound Opinions, and with events is invaluable for Paragon clients. Public radio stations need increased sponsorship revenue and new revenue streams ensure sustainability, and Geary will help them reach their income goals.”

Industry News

WWO: Podcast Audience Media Age Rises 10 Years

Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group blog reveals data from Edison Research’s ongoing Share of Ear study, specifically data from the third quarter of 2025. Among the key takeaways from the study are: 1) AM/FM radio dominates ad-supported audio with a 64% share, followed by podcasts at 20%;img 2) Marketers and media agencies significantly overestimate audience shares to Pandora/Spotify and massively underestimate AM/FM radio audiences; and 3) Interestingly, as older demographics flock to podcasts, the median age of the podcast audience ages sharply from 29 in 2017 to 39. The study notes that “in 2017, podcasts’ daily reach was greatest among 18-24s. Eight years later, podcasts’ daily reach has surged, especially in older demographics. The older the age group, the greater the growth in the podcast daily audience. Today, podcasts’ greatest reach centers on 25-44s, with significant growth among 45-64s.” See the full blog post here.

Industry News

John Whitmer Promoted to KNSS, Wichita Morning Co-Host

Audacy’s KNSS, Wichita names John Whitmer co-host of the “Woodward and Whit” morning show with Ted Woodward, effective January 5, 2026. Whitmer succeeds Steve McIntosh following his retirement. Audacy Wichita SVP and market manager Tommy Castor says, “We are excited to welcome Johnimg Whitmer to the KNSS morning show alongside Ted Woodward. ‘Woodward and Whit’ will build on the foundation of smart, local conversation that our listeners expect by delivering the essential news, candid analysis and enjoyable banter that starts the day right. This is a powerful pairing that promises to keep the Wichita community informed and engaged.” Whitmer has been hosting an eponymous two-hour weekend show for KNSS since 2018. He’s a veteran of Kansas politics having served in roles for local, state, and national Republican campaigns. Whitmer currently serves as the Chairman of the Sedgwick County Republicans. He says, “I’m honored to join Ted Woodward on ‘Woodward & Whit,’ stepping into the big shoes left by Steve McIntosh, who dedicated over 50 years to Wichita mornings. I look forward to bringing news coverage, straight talk, common-sense discussion and a little fun to help our community start the day on the right note.”

Industry News

Shawn Ryan Inches into Top 5 on Podtrac Podcast Ranker

Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts ranker for November based on U.S. unique monthly audience and whileimg the top three remain unchanged – #1 “NPR News Now,” #2 “The Daily,” and #3 “Up First from NPR” – Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” climbs two places to #4. Other news/talk media-related podcasts of note include the “FOX News Hourly Update” falling two places to #6, “The Tucker Carlson Show” rising two places to #17, and Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” regressing eight places to #19. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Jeff Katz Scores Thousands of Views of Drunk Raccoon Interview

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WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz took advantage of the story of the raccoon that got into an Ashland, Virginia liquor store, broke some liquor bottles, drank some of the booze and passed out. He’s pictured above “interviewing” the raccoon on his show. Katz tells TALKERS the store is just 15 miles north of Richmond and it’s all that anyone is talking about, so he decided to create the photo and share it on social media with links to his show.

Industry News

Report: Craig Carton Returning to WFAN Afternoons

According to a report in The Athletic by Andrew Marchand, former WFAN, New York personality Craigimg Carton is finalizing a deal to return to the station in afternoon drive. This comes several months after Carton exited FS1 where he hosted a couple of different versions of a morning show that, from a ratings standpoint, never took off the way FS1 execs had hoped. Carton’s return will reportedly bump current afternoon team Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber to middays which would force the station to cut ties with current midday hosts Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata. As for Carton’s co-host, Marchand is reporting that overnight host Chris McMonigle is the leading candidate for that role.

Industry News

FOX News Media Promotes Hasnie to Anchor and White House Correspondent

FOX News Media promotes Aishah Hasnie to anchor and White House correspondent. FOX News Mediaimg president and executive editor Jay Wallace adds that Hasnie will anchor her own solo signature program on Saturday afternoons from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm ET, effective January 10. Wallace says, “Aishah’s knowledge of Washington makes her a perfect addition to our stellar White House team of correspondents, and we are confident she will excel in the anchor chair as well.” Hasnie joined FOX News Channel in 2019.

Industry News

McGuinness Named iHeartMedia CFO

Michael McGuinness rises from his EVP, deputy chief financial officer and head of investor relationsimg position to chief financial officer for iHeartMedia, effective January 1, 2026. At that time his salary will rise from $925,000 to $1.2 million and his bonus target increases to 150% of his base salary and his annual long-term incentive grant will have a target grant date fair value of $1.5 million. McGuinness’ employment contract runs through June 30 of 2030. McGuinness reports to former chief financial officer and current president and chief operating officer Rich Bressler.