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

img

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.

Industry News

Bob Fisher Named News & Sports Director for Connoisseur Media Mason City

Bob Fisher is returning to Connoisseur Media’s Mason City, Iowa stations – including news KGLO-AM – as news & sports director, effective immediately. KIMT-TV reports that Fisher will host “The KGLO Morningimg Program” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am daily. Connoisseur Media says that local news and sports updates will begin being heard on all of the Mason City stations during morning and afternoon drive times. Fisher comments, “It’s great to be back to help re-establish KGLO as ‘Your Hometown News Station in North-Central Iowa’ as well as to continue to provide vital local information to our listeners. With their recent purchase of the radio stations, Connoisseur Media has shown a commitment to serving north-central Iowans with quality, local-based information.” Market manager Dalena Barz adds, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Bob back with Connoisseur Media in Mason City. He has been a well-respected voice in our community for over 30 years. He’s always been an integral part of our radio family, and we sincerely say, Welcome back, Bob!” See the KIMT-TV story here.

Industry News

“Money Pit” Radio Show to End After December 27-28 Broadcast

“The Money Pit Radio Show” will air its final broadcast the weekend of December 27–28, according to Sueimg Kraeutler – wife of program founder and host Tom Kraeutler. Tom Kraeutler passed away on February 2 of this year, but the show continued with longtime co-host Leslie Segrete hosting the program. The show was produced by Money Pit Media and Squeaky Door Productions. Sue Kraeutler says, “I want to thank our loyal affiliates and sponsors for believing in us going back to when we first started some 25 years ago. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s time that we closed the Squeaky Door.” “The Money Pit Radio Show” aired on hundreds of radio stations across the U.S.

Industry News

Broadcasters Foundation Seeks Donations on Giving Tuesday

The Broadcasters Foundation of America is seeking donations to help colleagues in need during tomorrow’s Giving Tuesday campaign. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “Requests for aid continue toimg come in every week, and we have to keep up with the demand. We cannot turn our backs on our colleagues who have worked at their local station and are now in desperate need of our help. We ask everyone in radio and television to come together to help our colleagues.” Giving Tuesday donations can be made here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

Industry News

KNSS-AM/FM, Wichita’s Steve McIntosh to Retire

Wichita morning drive personality Steve McIntosh announces his retirement from Audacy’s news/talk KNSS-AM/FM, effective December 12. McIntosh, who co-hosts the “Steve & Ted”img show alongside Ted Woodward, has worked his entire 55-year career in the Wichita market. He got his start in 1970 at KWBB as a news anchor and moved to KEYN-FM in the mid-1970s as news director. He joined KNSS in 1998 as news director and eventually became program director at the station. During his career he’s won numerous awards, including a Marconi Award for Outstanding Talent. Audacy Wichita SVP and market manager Tommy Castor says, “Steve’s name is synonymous with Wichita radio. His leadership, integrity, and unmatched storytelling have shaped this station and enriched the lives of our listeners for more than half a century.” McIntosh comments, “It has been the honor of my life to share Kansas news and Kansas stories with Kansas people. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.” The station will present a public farewell broadcast on December 12.

Industry News

CORRECTION

Yesterday (11/24), TALKERS reported a story about a caller to a radio station telling the hosts he’d found a dead body near his campsite. We incorrectly reported that the radio station was WBAL-AM, Baltimore. The station he called was, in fact, DC101 in Washington. WBAL simply reported the story. TALKERS regrets the error.

Industry News

Gow Communications’ KFNC, Houston Hacked; Racist Content Broadcast

Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC-FM, Houston “ESPN 97.5” was hacked on Sunday afternoon while the station was airing the Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys game andimg racist messages were broadcast for a period of time. Station officials posted the following message to X at around 4:30 pm: “In the past hour, there was audio airing on 97.5 FM signal that didn’t come from the radio station.  Our signal had been hacked.  We are actively trying to rectify the problem. We appreciate the many of you who posted to alert us of the issue.” The station able to return the game broadcast to the air.

Industry News

Study: 96% of Americans Want Car Radios

Research firm Critical Mass Insights says its recent study indicates that 96% of Americans say having a built-in AM/FM radio is important when purchasing a new car, and 98% say it’s important that radio remains easy to find on the dashboard. Critical Mass Insights says that its findings “cut across every demographic group surveyed, with consumers ages 18 to 74 overwhelmingly agreeing that access to radio is essential – even among those who don’timg regularly listen to AM or FM.” Company SVP of research Elizabeth Falke states, “The bottom line here is just how much people value having easy access to both AM and FM radio in their cars. Consumers want radio for a variety of different reasons that are largely unique to local radio – everything from discovering what new music matters to weather updates, the latest sports reports and local news and events.” As the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 makes its way through congress, Falke says its important that manufacturers understand the absence of radio would also influence new car purchasing decisions. The study found that 96% of Americans would miss radio if it were removed and 89% say the lack of a radio would likely keep them from buying that vehicle. She concludes, “This research is crucial for car manufacturers as we see that, immediately, half of consumers wouldn’t even look at buying a car without a radio. The ease and simplicity of radio is embedded in the lives of drivers consuming various forms of audio in their cars.”

Industry News

Erick Erickson Show Raises Funds for Hungry for a Day

The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” helped raise more than $265,000 for Hungry for a Day to provide Thanksgiving meals nationwide. The drive focuses on delivering completeimg holiday dinners – including turkey or smoked ham, sweet or mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, and pie – to families who might otherwise go without. Erickson says, “Every year, my listeners remind me why this show exists – not just to discuss the issues of the day, but to drive real change in people’s lives. In these tough times, knowing we’ve put food on the table for thousands of families fills me with gratitude. This isn’t about politics; it’s about compassion, faith, and stepping up for our neighbors. Hungry for a Day makes it seamless, and our audience makes it extraordinary with an impact from coast to coast.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: I Was Banned by WBIR-TV

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

imgFinally. Not by Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, nope; I was banned from a WBIR anchor’s video live stream.

Background:

Throughout the country, bored local TV anchors and radio hosts set up their phone on their desk and stream their newscasts. During their breaks, they address the Live Stream with actual news, real news, top-of-minders that are far more compelling than the accident at 5th and Piedmont that gets on the air.

Some of the live streams are truly entertaining and would pull 20 shares if aired. While watching the featured TikTok WBIR-TV stream, the anchor at the desk was having her nails done. A co-worker showed off her spectacular, exotic, eccentric nails. Any father of daughters could appreciate her next level of nail art. It was news. In the live stream comments, I typed… show the nails on the air. They are fantastic. Of course, that never happened. Instead, the anchor ran with the story of a Casey’s chain store open for a third shift. “It’s kind of like a store that never sleeps,” center store manager Kimberly Hunley said.

The nails were stunning, but the passion of the anchor and her co-workers was the actual news. The team’s focus on the nails was compelling. Their passion was the news. News belongs on the air.

BANNED!  Saturday morning. After my third polite comment urging the WBIR team to show the nails on the air, I was banned from commenting on the stream. A first. Finally, I said something so offensive, so contrary to the news narrative that I was banned.

[EDITOR’S NOTE:  What the heck did you say, Walter?]

Get Your New Playlist at Thanksgiving

This holiday the rule at dinner will be, don’t talk about politics. Pay close attention to what is discussed. Make notes. If your station wants younger demos, FM music-type demos, trust that the Thanksgiving conversation is an all-hits conversation. Hosts that aren’t afraid to air the hits get ratings.

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

Madson Promoted to Brand Manager for “ESPN 1320” Sacramento

Audacy promotes Kyle Madson to brand manager for sports talk KIFM, Sacramento “ESPNimg 1320.” Madson will continue his role as co-host of “The Insiders,” that airs daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Audacy Sacramento SVP and market manager Aaron Miller says, “Since Kyle joined ESPN 1320, he has demonstrated incredible initiative and passion for sports radio. We’re excited for him to take on this new role and eager to see how he continues to contribute to the success of the station.” About his promotion, Madson comments, “I love radio. I love Sacramento. I love this station. I’m so excited to lead ‘ESPN 1320’ to the heights I know it can climb to.”

Industry News

Urban One Announces Securities Exchange Offer

Urban One has begun an offer to exchange any and all of its outstanding 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 held by Eligible Holders for newly issued 7.625% Senior Securedimg Notes due 2031, to be issued by the company and guaranteed by each existing and future subsidiaries of the company, and cash. In connection with the Exchange Offer, Urban One begins offer to purchase up to $185 million in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes for up to $111 million in cash. In connection with the Exchange Offer, the company is also offering Eligible Holders the right to subscribe to purchase up to $60.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.500% first lien senior secured notes due 2030.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: P1s and Meters are Not Your Friends

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

imgOne of my first jobs out of college was working in the marketing department of WNBC-AM, New York. Yes, “Imus In The Morning” (Don Imus – not nice), Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow – nicest star who ever lived). One of my tasks was to pull ratings numbers from the computer for the sales department. I was fascinated by TIME SPENT LISTENING (TSL) and CUME numbers. I’d rank them, compare, trend them every way imaginable.

The station with the longest TIME SPENT LISTENING (TSL): The Greek language station. The station with the shortest TSL, WABC – a Top 40 rocker. The station with the highest cume, WABC.

Legendary WABC programmer Rick Sklar explained, “We wanted to be everybody’s second favorite station. Everybody’s!” WABC had a 5 million cume. Listeners always came back to WABC. That was the plan.

Regardless of the genre, building a station that everyone comes back to has been the successful tactic of all of my programming work: AC, urban, oldies and yes, talk. New Jersey 101.5, WTKS-FM, Orlando and others were designed to appeal to many listeners over and over rather than just a small group of people who never leave. What’s a more stable, predictable business?  One that counts on a single listener for one hour of listening or four listeners for fifteen minutes each?

A deep, profound study of P1s and TSL can only have one result: Declining cume. It is a fatal myth that talk is a “low cume, high TSL format.” It can be, and it will die.  Or it can be and has been a high cume, low TSL business that grows, is stable, and predictable. The key is careful rotation of topics, urgency, top-of-mind subjects, no theory, and lots of weather.

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

iHeartMedia Q3 Revenue Dips 1.1%

iHeartMedia’s third quarter 2025 financial results are in and the company is reporting revenue of $997 million, a decline of 1.1% from the same period in 2024. iHeartMedia’s Multiplatform Group (including radio stations) revenue was $591 million – down 5% from Q3 of 2024 – and the company’s Digital Audio Group revenue was $342 million – up 14% over Q3 of 2024). Notably, the company’s Podcast Revenue was $140 million, up 22% year-over-year. iHeartMediaimg chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “We’re pleased with our third quarter performance, generating Adjusted EBITDA of $205 million, slightly above the midpoint of our guidance range, and our consolidated revenue was down 1.1% compared to prior year, at the high end of our guidance, and up 2.8% excluding political revenue. And we continue to take important steps in the evolution of our company – last week we announced our new relationship with Amazon Ads, which will provide advertisers using Amazon DSP access to our vast audio portfolio, and just this morning we announced our new TikTok partnership, which will bring TikTok creators into iHeart’s ecosystem. We are committed to exploring new ways to unlock the value of our unparalleled assets, maximizing the unique position we occupy in the evolving media landscape, and creating innovative cross-platform opportunities to bring new products and services to our consumers and our advertising partners.”

Industry News

Amazon Ads and iHeartMedia Expand Partnership

The expansion of the relationship between Amazon Ads and iHeartMedia is something the latter says will “soon extend the scale and reach of broadcast radio to Amazon DSP.” Amazon says DSP is “an omnichannel media solution that simplifies the ad buying experience.” This new dealimg provides advertisers using Amazon DSP access to iHeartMedia’s streaming audio portfolio. The companies add that access to iHeartPodcasts and the scale and reach of its broadcast radio stations will follow in 2026. Meredith Goldman is director, Amazon DSP, Amazon Ads and she imgsays, “Our partnership with iHeart allows Amazon DSP customers to reach relevant audio audiences with simplified campaign management and unique measurement capabilities. Integrations like this enable advertisers to build more comprehensive omnichannel strategies that connect brands with consumers throughout their journey across media.” iHeartMedia chief business officer Liz Coffey adds, “Making iHeart’s premium audio inventory available through Amazon DSP, unlocks scale with deep listener engagement and proven performance. And with accessibility to Broadcast Radio inventory soon to follow, this partnership is another step in making broadcast radio behave like digital media; addressable, measurable, and available programmatically, so marketers of all sizes can buy with greater ease and consistency.”

Industry News

Top Five Unchanged on Podtrac’s October Top Podcasts Chart

NPR’s “NPR News Now” keeps its place at the top of Podtrac’s Top Podcasts chart based onimg U.S. unique monthly audience for October 2025. The New York Times’ “The Daily” is #2, NPR’s “Up First” is #3, followed by the “FOX News Hourly Update” at #4 and “Dateline NBC” at #5. DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” rises two places to #8, while Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” falls five places to #11. See the complete chart here.

Industry News

Erick Erickson Joins AJC as Opinion Contributor

Nationally syndicated talk radio host Erick Erickson has begun writing opinion pieces for Theimg Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  The Compass Media Networks host is heard in Atlanta on Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM. His first piece was printed in September in the wake of the slaying of Charlie Kirk. His latest column is titled, “Democrats are hungry, Republicans complacent and all politics is national,” and you can read that here.