Industry News

Comrex Releases FieldLink Cloud Service

Comrex officially releases its new FieldLink Cloud subscription service. This expands the service of the FieldLink sideline reporter codec released in 2025 that replaces expensive wireless mic/IFB solutions and efficiently move audio to and from sideline reporters and the press box using smartphones. With a directional, private, imgwireless access point, sideline reporters use their smartphones to send and receive high-quality, low-delay audio using the free Comrex FieldTap app. This new option provides more connectivity options such as 4G/5G, and public Wi-Fi services. FieldLink Cloud is a Comrex-managed server that gets around complex router and firewall issues to make connections fast and simple. It uses both iOS and Android devices and the device’s default web browser to give the user a simple, yet comprehensive interface for connection, control and statistical feedback when connected to the FieldLink codec. Comre4x says that for a limited time, customers purchasing a FieldLink sideline reporter codec will receive a free, one-year subscription for FieldLink Cloud. Subscription signup is all managed through the FieldLink codec’s front panel OLED screen and is fast and simple. FieldLink and Comrex’s suite of broadcast reliable products will be on display at the NAB New York Show October 21 and 22 at the Javits Convention Center. Visit Comrex at Booth 445.

Industry News

Retired Radio Exec Rod Calarco Dies at 79

Retired radio executive Rod Calarco (John Anthony Calarco) died imgon October 12 at 79. Calarco served with CBS Radio for 28 years, beginning as a salesperson at WCBS-AM before rising to vice president and general manager of WCBS-FM. His career also included positions at ABC Television, CBS-owned WCAU-AM, Philadelphia and The CBS National Sales Rep Firm in Chicago. He began his career in sales at WFAS-AM in White Plains, New York, returning years later as general manager, a position he held until his retirement.

Industry News

Cumulus Exits Chapter 11 Reorganization

Cumulus Media Inc announces today (10/16) that is has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from the Chapter 11 reorganization process, following receipt of all required approvals, including from the Federal Communications imgCommission. Cumulus canceled 100% of its existing funded indebtedness – approximately $600 million – in exchange for 100% of the Company’s reorganized equity and $50 million of new convertible notes issued to former lenders. Cumulus is now a privately owned company with a new board of directors but retains its existingimg management team. Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner states, “I am grateful to our lenders and noteholders for their collaboration throughout this process, and to our employees, vendors, affiliates, customers, and partners for their continued trust and support. Emerging with a significantly stronger balance sheet, we are more committed than ever to providing engaging content across our national footprint, serving as a lifeline and voice for the local communities we serve, driving meaningful growth for our advertising partners, and delivering value for our new shareholders.”

Industry News

WPHT, Philly Talk Host Kathy Barnette Presenting Second Annual F3 Forum

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For the second consecutive year, WPHT, Philadelphia talk show host, community activist, and former U.S. Senate candidate Kathy Barnette is presenting what is billed as the F3 Forum. The one-day event focuses on faith, family, and the future of education in America.  Barnette tells TALKERS, “The gathering of educators, pasters, and community leaders will explore improving the condition of education in Philadelphia and America – what works, and how we can create the conditions for success.  The F3 Forum takes place next Saturday, October 24 between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at Brand Mills in Philadelphia.  It promises to be an uplifting and important event. For complete information including registration and agenda details, please click here. www.kathybarnette.com.

Industry News

Terry Gross to Interview Sir Paul McCartney at The Town Hall in NYC

WHYY is presenting a live event at The Town Hall in New York City on November 23 titled, “A Conversation for the Ages: Terry Gross in Conversation with Paul McCartney.” WHYY says, “The event offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience an intimate, live conversation between one of the world’s most influential musicians imgand one of America’s most accomplished interviewers. It’s the culminating celebration of Gross’s 50 years with ‘Fresh Air,’ honoring five decades of curiosity, thoughtful listening, music and revealing conversations.” Gross says, “I was 13, screaming in the movie theater, when A Hard Day’s Night came out. It is an honor to now have the opportunity to talk with Sir Paul, on stage, about different chapters of his life and music. Is there a better way to celebrate my 50th anniversary hosting Fresh Air? Absolutely not! Thank you, Sir Paul.” The event will directly benefit public media and WHYY president and CEO Bill Mazzarro says, “We’re deeply grateful for his generosity and for everyone joining us to help sustain public media and Fresh Air’s work for generations to come.”

Industry News

Chris Jones Named GSM at CMG Atlanta

Cox Media Group names Chris Jones general sales manager for Cox Media Group’s Atlanta stations including news/talk WSB-imgAM/WSBB-FM “95.5 WSB.” Jones comes to CMG from his most recent post as SVP of sales with iHeartMedia. CMG Altanta director of sales Kris Hackett Lucas says, “We’re excited to welcome Chris to an already exceptional sales team at CMG Atlanta. He brings fresh energy and proven leadership that will help us build on our momentum and raise the bar even higher. I’m confident Chris will make an immediate impact—creating new opportunities for our clients, inspiring our team, and helping drive our sales organization forward.”

Industry News

TALKERS to Serve as the Presenting Sponsor for 2027 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference – Harrisons Set to Speak

imgFor the third consecutive year, TALKERS will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Conference. The event – IBSNYC – the longest running and most important national gathering of campus radio and mediacommunicators, will take place February 25-27, 2027, at the Sheraton Times Square hotel in the heart of Manhattan. It will bring together almost 1,000 outstanding broadcasters from university, college and high school radio-TV stations and departments of communication. Its power packed agenda of speeches, panels, workshops, exhibits, award ceremonies, and networking opportunities will cover the ever-expanding spectrum of platforms and issues unfolding before young practitioners entering the field of modern communications. This outstanding event is a must-attend for bright industry newcomers who are serious about developing careers in a landscape marked by unprecedentedly rapid change as well as established players determined to keep up with what’s coming and discover new colleagues.

mattybheadshotTALKERS VP / associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison will again join the roster of outstanding IBSNYC speakers.  Harrison, senior partner in the firm of Harrison Media Law, is a media and intellectual property attorney and author who advises radio hosts, digital content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights.

Michael Harrison to Deliver Keynote Address

imgTALKERS founder, publisher, and radio industry icon, Michael Harrison will deliver one of the conference’s two keynote addresses.  The speech, titled, “Five Things Every Communicator Must Know to Survive and Even Thrive During the Next Five Years,” promises to be a riveting, eye-opening highlight of the conference.

Harrison states, “TALKERS is dedicated to the future of this industry and its pioneering visionaries. This amazing conference is the epicenter of that dynamic scene.”

IBSNYC 2027 has been designed for affordability and the convenience of its attendees.  The time to register for the conference and hotel, in order to take advantage of these stunning discounts, is now! For full information, please click here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 12-16)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/12-16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Midterms / Trump on the Campaign Trail
  2. The Economy / Inflation
  3. Russian Diesel Deal
  4. Russia-Ukraine War / Starlink Issue
  5. Ilhan Omar Investigation
  6. Katie Zacharia Controversy / Guilfoyle-Deters Case
  7. China-Houthis Connection
  8. AI / Data Centers Controversies
  9. Cornell Rape Case
  10. Hasan Execution

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. James Talarico / Ken Paxton
  3. JD Vance
  4. Vladimir Putin
  5. Volodymyr Zelensky
  6. Scott Bessent
  7. Ilhan Omar
  8. Kimberly Guilfoyle / Eric Deters
  9. Katie Zacharia
  10. Pete Hegseth / Nidal Hasan

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Nielsen: Just Because it’s Easy to Measure Doesn’t Mean it’s Effective

A new Insights piece from Nielsen looks at radio and podcasting’s value to advertisers. Titled, Everyone. Everywhere., it begins, “In the era of constant digital scrolling and fragmented attention, it’s easy for marketers to be lured by the ‘new and next.’ We often prioritize platforms based on how easily we can track a click, sometimes imgforgetting that ease of measurement doesn’t always equal effectiveness. Yet there is a legacy powerhouse that continues to outperform nearly every other medium in the one metric that matters most: actual human reach. That’s radio.” The piece underscores radio’s reach, zeroing in on the fact that radio doesn’t just reach older demos, every month it reaches the 87% of adults 18-34 – the demo often described as “digital only.” Additionally, the report says, “Americans spend nearly four hours a day with audio. Of the ad-supported time advertisers can actually buy, radio and podcasts account for 82%, while streaming music services account for only 16%. An audio plan built without both radio and podcasts misses most of the audience.”

But what about digital’s ease of attribution? The report says a survey of marketers ranked radio last out of 10 channels in perceived effectiveness, “yet it delivered a weighted ROI of $2.00, second only to social media at $2.22 and ahead of TV, display, search and CTV. Podcasts performed well too, at $1.49, comparable to TV and display. The lesson is to scale into digital without substituting away from high-reach, high-return platforms like radio.” See the rest of the story here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

KQED’s Shafer to Retire. KQED, San Francisco air personality and senior politics correspondent Scott Shafer announces he’s retiring from the public radio station. Shafer joined KQED in 1998 as host of the now statewide syndicated show, “The California Report.” Currently, Shafer hosts, “Political Breakdown.” He comments, “Working for KQED has given me a front row seat to historic events and people, and a chance to cover controversial and important issues. I am profoundly grateful to KQED for giving me the support, encouragement, resources and independence to follow those stories wherever they led.”

Ford Foundation Supports HCBU Radio Preservation. The Ford Foundation is committing $750,000 to the HBCU Radio Preservation Project that provided unrestricted budget infusions to 14 HBCU radio stations through a non-competitive formula-based grant process. HBCU RPP Director Jocelyn Robinson says, “We are grateful to the Ford Foundation for recognizing the critical needs and importance of supporting HBCU radio stations. While the funds have been used to meet present day needs, they are also helping secure longevity and support the continued relevance of these stations to their communities.”

Industry News

Civic Media to Acquire 16 Signals in Iowa and Illinois

Wisconsin-based media company Civic Media, Inc has entered into an agreement with three separate companies to acquire their radio imgstation assets. Those companies – Pritchard Broadcasting Corp., Titan Broadcasting, LLC, and Galesburg Broadcasting Company – are turning over 16 radio signals in Iowa and Illinois to Civic Media for a price yet to be announced. The stations include sports talk KBKB-AM, Fort Madison, Iowa; news/talk KBUR-AM, Burlington, Iowa; and news/talk/sports WGIL-AM, Galesburg, Illinois. Civic Media currently operates radio stations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.

Industry News

Shuttered CBS News Radio Honored for Overall Excellence from RTDNA

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Pictured above are 25 former CBS News Radio staff onstage at New York City’s Gotham Hall during Monday’s Radio Television Digital News Association Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala. Five months after CBS closed the radio news department it was honored with national awards for Overall Excellence and Best Newscast in the Network Radio category (CBS World News Roundup: Plane Crash at DCA). Several of the honorees held up signs reading, “Fired for Overall Excellence.” The group received a standing ovation from the journalists in the room.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Tanner to Exit NYPR. New York Public Radio president and CEO Christy Tanner is stepping down after just eight months in the position, according to Gothamist. Tanner joined shortly after the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provided funding for public media across the country, shut down due to funding cuts imposed by Congress and President Donald Trump. New York Public Radio did not provide a reason for Tanner’s exit.

MIW Announces Digital Sales Mentorship. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the return of its Digital Sales Mentorship Program. The year-long program is designed to strengthen the digital expertise and leadership skills of women working in radio and digital media sales, providing one selected mentee with personalized, hands-on mentorship from an accomplished industry leader. Get more info and apply here.

Industry News

“The Clay and Buck Show” Joins WZFG, Fargo

Flag Family Media adds Premiere Networks’ “The Clay & Buck Show” to the program schedule on WZFG-AM “Fargo’s AM 1100 The Flag/92.3 FM.” Flag Family Media co-owner Scott Hennen imgcomments, “Clay Travis and Buck Sexton are proven winners, and we are thrilled to welcome their show to our Flag Family team. Broadcasting from Fargo, N.D., in one of the nation’s most competitive talk radio markets, this 50 kW conservative blowtorch reaches highly engaged listeners across North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota. The combination of our proven local talk programming and Clay and Buck will be unbeatable. Our P1s crave insight and informed opinion on every angle of this consequential election, and nobody delivers that better than Clay Travis and Buck Sexton.”

Industry News

Former Exec David Yadgaroff Inducted into KYW Hall of Fame

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Audacy all-news KYW-AM/FM announces that it has inducted longtime Philadelphia radio executive David Yadgaroff into the KYW Newsradio Hall of Fame, “recognizing his decades of leadership, dedication and contributions to one of the region’s most trusted news organizations.” KYW brand manager Kristina Koppeser says, “David’s connection to KYW Newsradio spans more than three decades, and his impact on the station and the people who have worked here is immeasurable He has been a tremendous advocate for KYW, its journalists and its role in this community. This honor is a fitting recognition of a career defined by leadership, mentorship and an unwavering belief in the power of local radio.” Yadgaroff retired from Audacy in May 2026 following a 36-year radio career.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Beasley Schedules Q3 Report. Beasley Broadcast Group says it will report is Q3 2026 earnings on Monday, November 9, before the markets open and a conference call is scheduled for 11:00 am ET that day.

Saga’s Q3 Report to Be Released. Saga Communications announces that it will release its 3rd Quarter 2026 earnings results at 9:00 am ET on Thursday, November 12 and will holding a conference call on the same date at 11:00 am ET.

Louisville Public Media Hires Two. Louisville Public Media brings two new staffers aboard as Krystal Goodner becomes the local host of “All Things Considered” on October 19 and Veronica Roessler becomes the company’s community engagement and events manager.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Stop Selling Commercials

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgNo, don’t stop selling them entirely. But you have lots more in your repertoire, including the shiny objects advertisers are now buying instead of commercials… and the trust that can drive attention to them.

The Big Idea: Local retailers don’t want commercials. They want attention, trustworthiness, customer traffic and sales.

Stop selling containers

“60-second spots” describes what the station delivers, not what the advertiser receives. Example: Help a bank or insurance agent or some other local business sound like an institution, because listeners associate it with weather. Increasingly it is extreme, often suddenly. Via repetition, you have pre-sold “the WXXX Unibank Storm Center Forecast” that will enable listeners when conditions threaten their routine.

And don’t just sell ‘em that intro, and the ROS 60s that explain the advertiser’s outcome. When I meet with client station reps, we brainstorm how to flex each of their various platforms to do what it does best:

  • Live on-air broadcast (now referred to as “the linear feed” by competitors who sell all the other stuff): Spots deliver reach, repetition, urgency, credibility, #1 in-car audio.
  • Streaming: Extends the linear feed to that-thing-in-the-pocket-we-used-to-call-a-phone – and on the smart speakers that resurrected in-home listening. On both: the sponsor’s pre-roll.
  • Podcasts and/or weekend ask-the-expert shows: Demonstrate expertise in next-level-of-detail, enhancing trustworthiness. An attorney isn’t buying airtime. She is becoming the local voice people already trust when they eventually need an attorney. Real estate agents I work with pre-sell themselves this way.
  • Station website: Explain, register, download, redeem.
  • Email and text database: Reach listeners directly, and with alerts.
  • Social media: Show faces, link to clips, encourage sharing and interaction.
  • Events: Personal contact unavailable from streams or SiriusXM.

Selling “digital” as a mysterious add-on misses the point. Each platform should move the prospect closer to the desired outcome.

Bundle what only you can offer

  • Got major league play-by-play? When you take a client or prospect to a game, bring ‘em up to the booth. Introduce them to the radio voices, who will pose for selfies with that great view of the field or rink down below. Those pictures will be on Facebook THE MINUTE your guests get back to their seats.
  • Breakfast with your morning show cast?
  • VIP concert experience? Make up some laminated logo’d lanyard passes.
  • Private tasting event?
  • WHAT OTHER “access to restricted areas” can you come up with?

Try this, with American Heart Month ahead in February (and National Wear Red Day on Friday February 5):

Stage a “Know Your Numbers” event, offering free screenings for high blood pressure – quick, painless, familiar and broadly relevant. If available, cholesterol screening, and/or cardio-vascular risk questionnaire.

Prospects: fitness centers – or ANY retailer who wants traffic. Incentives could include same-day store coupon for everyone screened; or enter-to-win smartwatch/fitness tracker, gym membership, or a heart-healthy grocery basket.

Sure, spots-R-us, but they’re just one asset in your inventory.

When a prospective client says “We tried radio. It didn’t work,” I ask to hear the commercial 

Within seconds I can tell why. It opens with the business name. It lists products. It rattles off prices. It stuffs in an address, a website, a phone number, and a slogan. Then it ends. Nothing happened. Nothing memorable. Nothing emotional. Nothing that gave a listener a reason to care. Yet radio gets blamed. Like blaming a fishing rod because you cast with no bait.

FREE for TALKERS subscribers, my E-book “The Outcome Method: A Storytelling Framework for More Effective Local Advertising.” [PDF]  

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 Views

DEA Honors John and Margo Catsimatidis, WABC Radio’s ‘Back the Blue’ Team for Standing With NYPD Detectives

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By Robert Pearl

The Detectives’ Endowment Association honored 77 WABC Radio owners John and Margo Catsimatidis (pictured above) as its 2026 People of the Year, recognizing their longstanding commitment to New York’s law enforcement community and the influential role of WABC’s “Back the Blue” team in bringing the voices and concerns of police officers and detectives to the public.

The awards dinner, held October 8 at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, Queens, marked the 109th year of the DEA, which represents the men and women of the NYPD who investigate the city’s most serious crimes. DEA president Scott Munro and the association’s leadership welcomed law enforcement representatives, supporters and distinguished guests for an evening celebrating service, sacrifice and the partnerships that sustain the department’s mission.

For the DEA, recognizing the Catsimatidis and WABC was about more than media visibility. It acknowledged the importance of having influential business leaders and broadcasters willing to stand publicly with the men and women who protect New York, particularly at a time when the challenges facing law enforcement remain a subject of intense public debate.

“Back the Blue” honorees included WABC personalities Sid Rosenberg, Dominic Carter, Rita Cosby and Greg Kelly, whose programs and commentary give law enforcement issues a prominent place in the station’s coverage. Through interviews, news discussions and dedicated segments, the team helps bring the realities of police work, the sacrifices of officers and the concerns of their families to a broad audience.

Munro emphasized the importance of that platform, noting that WABC provides detectives with a voice and helps communicate their experiences to New Yorkers. He also praised John and Margo Catsimatidis for their philanthropy, civic leadership and longstanding support for police and community initiatives.

John Catsimatidis, the self-made businessman whose Red Apple Group interests include supermarkets, energy and real estate, has built WABC into an important part of his New York business portfolio. His weekday program, “Cats & Cosby,” features Rita Cosby, while “The Cats Roundtable” airs on weekends. Margo Catsimatidis has also played a significant role in the couple’s business and charitable endeavors.

Their support extends well beyond broadcasting. For decades, the couple has supported the Police Athletic League, including holiday initiatives for children, and contributed to charitable, civic and medical causes. Their work reflects an understanding that public safety involves not only policing but also investing in young people and strengthening the communities officers serve.

During his remarks, John Catsimatidis recalled the couple’s longstanding involvement with youth programs and the importance of giving children opportunities to succeed. Such efforts, alongside their backing of law enforcement, demonstrate how private-sector leadership can complement the work of public servants.

Rosenberg, host of “Sid & Friends in the Morning,” praised the Catsimatidis and spoke directly about the difficulties officers face. He stressed that detectives and police officers deserve recognition, fair treatment and the support of public officials as they confront the risks inherent in their work.

The evening also recognized actor, producer and singer Donnie Wahlberg with the Detective Steven McDonald Humanitarian Award. Best known to many viewers for portraying NYPD Detective Danny Reagan on “Blue Bloods,” Wahlberg has supported the DEA and its Widows’ and Children’s Fund. Unable to attend because of filming commitments, he delivered a video message expressing gratitude and directing attention to detectives and the families of fallen officers.

The association presented its inaugural President’s Award to Steven Palladino, its director of interagency community partnerships, honoring his service, philanthropy and commitment to detectives and their families. Munro cited Palladino’s work helping raise more than $200,000 for line-of-duty families over the preceding two years.

The program included the NYPD Honor Guard, Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, the national anthem, invocation and dinner, bringing together members of law enforcement and their supporters.

As New York marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, the gathering carried particular significance. The DEA continues to remember detectives and other NYPD members killed that day, as well as those who later died from illnesses related to their service.

The awards underscored a central message: law enforcement cannot stand alone. Support from community leaders, charitable partners and a prominent media organization such as WABC helps ensure that detectives’ work, sacrifices and concerns remain part of the public conversation. For the DEA, the Catsimatidis and the “Back the Blue” team represent partners willing to use their resources and reach to stand alongside New York’s Finest.

Robert Pearl is a Brooklyn-based journalist who writes about New York City media, politics, and culture.  He can be emailed at pearlknows@yahoo.com.

Industry News

Jeff Katz Helps Lead “Shredtoberfest”

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Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz helping the Central Virginia-based non-profit organization “Tech For Troops” which provides education and training for veterans who are returning to civilian life and/or seeking new careers post service. The group also accepts donations of electronics which it then repairs and provides free of charge to vets. Katz created “Shredtoberfest” in which – for a $5.00 donation – community members had their old hard drives shredded all while enjoying beer, brats, pretzels and a going away gift donated by Jeff.

Industry News

Industry Mourns Passing of CRN Digital Talk Founder Mike Horn

CRN Digital Talk Radio Networks founder Mike Horn has died at 74, after a long illness. Horn – then an air personality on KFI-AM, Los Angeles founded Cable Radio Network in 1983 as a service that provided commercial radio programming to local cable television systems. After imglearning that KMET, Los Angeles was earning ratings in the Phoenix market because it was airing on a local cable system, he launched the radio-on-television concept in the San Fernando Valley on cable provider King Cable. The business grew from there as Horn got more local cable systems to use CRN. Years later, Horn transitioned CRN from music to talk programming as CRN Talk and finally to CRN Digital Talk Radio in 2007. In addition to providing celebrities such as Ed McMahon, Robert Conrad and talk radio legend Barry Farber with platforms for talk shows, Horn himself hosted programs centered on his interests in food and wine. Horn’s daughter Jennifer Horn serves as the vice president of CRN Digital Talk Radio and is the host of “The Morning Answer” on Salem Media’s KRLA, Los Angeles and KTIE, San Bernardino.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison issued the following statement on the passing of Michael J. Horn, “Mike Horn was a true talk radio hero. He had the vision of an eagle, the ears of a programmer, and a heart of pure gold. His ingenious invention – ‘CRN’ – provided the industry for decades with an ever-evolving alternative platform for a wide variety of programs, running the gamut from undiscovered gems to pre-maturely discarded treasures.”