Industry News

Condo-Bucknell Joins Infinity Networks

Network radio sales and marketing pro Jeanne-Marie Condo-Bucknell joins Audacy’s Infinity Networks as senior revenue leader. Condo-Bucknell served with Skyview Networks for 25 years, leaving the company in April. Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “Jeanne-Marie is a respected and accomplished leader in network radio, and we couldn’t be happier to have her joinimg the Infinity Networks team. Her exceptional reputation for delivering revenue growth, strategic vision, and innovative approach to developing new revenue paths makes her an invaluable addition as we scale Infinity’s sales strategy.” Condo-Bucknell says, “I am truly honored. This is a fantastic next step, doing what I love, centered on driving revenue with an exceptional team. Infinity Networks is making great strides as a network leader, and I look forward to making a significant impact. Driving revenue requires strategic plans with depth-based concepts, stellar industry relationships, fresh ideas, and new revenue paths, all of which Infinity is 100% focused on. We will leverage strategic audio partnerships, cross-generational audience engagement, and unwavering commitment to client service, driving impactful results.”

Industry News

Dr. Murray Sabrin Interviewed on TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel

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Noted “public intellectual,” Dr. Murray Sabrin is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel series “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Sabrin, a prolific author, Substack columnist and public speaker, has been one of the most sought-after guests in news/talk media for the past three decades. He’s one of America’s most visible experts on libertarianism and free market economics – ideologies that have strong followings within the influential arena of talk radio. Sabrin is emeritus professor of finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey, associated scholar at the Mises Institute, and a former Libertarian Party standard bearer in the Garden State. He is the founder of a grassroots movement, “Make Americans Financially Independent (MAFI)” – a counterpoint to the present tendency toward runaway, unconstitutional government spending that has led the U.S. to take on trillions of dollars in stifling debt. Harrison probes the present-day nuances of libertarianism and questions its practicality in 21st century America. Among numerous provocative questions, he asks: Where does President Donald Trump fit along the spectrum of libertarian thought? Are Americans – in general – intelligent, altruistic, and educated enough to take on the societal responsibilities of a true libertarian society? To view this timely video in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 20-24, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/20-24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. 1. Government Shutdown
  2. 2. ICE Raids / Chicago Guard Troops Ruling
  3. 3. Trump’s White House Ballroom Project
  4. 4. Israel-Hamas Peace Process
  5. 5. Trump Demands Cash from Justice Department
  6. 6. “No Kings” Protests
  7. 7. Louvre Jewelry Heist
  8. 8. Trump Commutes Santos’ Sentence
  9. 9. Alleged Drug Boats Strikes
  10. 10.Mob-Linked Sports Rigging Case

People

  1. 1. Donald Trump
  2. 2. Mike Johnson
  3. 3. Chuck Schumer / Hakeem Jeffries
  4. 4. Karoline Leavitt
  5. 5. J.D. Vance / Benjamin Netanyahu
  6. 6. George Santos
  7. 7. Pete Hegseth
  8. 8. Vladimir Putin
  9. 9. Robert DeNiro / Stephen Miller
  10. 10.Chauncey Billups / Terry Rozier

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

Industry News

Report: Curtis Sliwa Angrily Quits WABC

According to the New York Post, WABC talk radio host Curtis Sliwa – currently a Republican candidate for mayor of New York City – fumed on the station’s morning show with Sid Rosenberg that he will never be seen in the studios of WABC again after station owner Johnimg Catsimatidis and others urged him to exit the mayoral race to give former Governor Andrew Cuomo a better chance of beating Democrat Zohran Mamdani. During his on-air conversation with Rosenberg, Sliwa “accused colleagues of betraying him” and he told Rosenberg WABC is “giving preferable treatment” to Cuomo. Catsimatidis later told the Post, “Regardless of all the news going around, I’ve always said great things about Curtis Sliwa, about how well he knows the city. But in a places like New York City where 70% of New York City are Democrats, the real Democrat is Andrew Cuomo, not Zohran Mamdani and Democrats should vote for Cuomo. Catsimatidis added, “I’ve never asked that he leave the race but recommended that a lot of other people have said he should.” Sliwa said on the air that he’s had to hire private security due to threats against him and his wife. “If anything happens to me or anything happens to my wife, because of this frenzy that I hear constantly coming from some of your colleagues there at WABC, it’s on you guys and you gals. My life is on the line here.” Sliwa’s radio show is currently off the air due to his active political campaign.  Read the Post story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/22)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Elimination of Federal Programs
    2. Trump’s White House Ballroom Project
    3. ICE Raids / Chicago Guard Troops Ruling
    4. Israel-Hamas Peace Process
    5. Trump Sanctions Russia’s Oil Giants
Industry News

KKOB Names Csanyi-Salcedo News Director

Cumulus Media appoints Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo news director for News Radio KKOB 770 AM/96.3 FM in Albuquerque. In this role, Csanyi-Salcedo will oversee the station’s news content strategy, newsroom operations, and talent development. Csanyi-Salcedo most recently servedimg as news director at KRGV-TV, Weslaco “ABC 5” in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, where he led a bilingual newsroom. Cumulus Albuquerque OM and program director Aaron “Buck” Burnett says, “Zoltan is exactly the kind of newsroom leader Albuquerque needs right now — grounded, relentless, and passionate about storytelling that matters. He’s built winning, trusted newsrooms in every market he’s touched, and we’re thrilled to have him guiding KKOB’s next chapter.” Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo comments, “KKOB has always been a trusted voice for New Mexico, and my mission is to strengthen that trust every day. This newsroom will focus on local truth first — fast, fair, and useful information that helps our audience make sense of what’s happening in their communities.”

Industry News

Schellhas to Lead iHeartMedia Cincinnati

iHeartMedia names Stefan Schellhas market president for its Cincinnati operations that includes news/talk WLW-AM, news/talk WKRC-AM, and sports talk stations WCKY and WSAI. iHeartMedia division president Dave Carwile states, “We’re thrilled to welcome Stefan Schellhas as the new market president for iHeartMedia Cincinnati. Stefan brings not only a strategic vision and proven leadership, but also a deep-rooted understanding of the Cincinnati market. Having spent years building relationships and driving results across the region, he knows the pulse of the city and what resonates with our listeners and advertising partners. His passion for the community, combined with his commitment to innovation and team development, makes him the ideal leader to guide our Cincinnati brands into the future.” Schellhas was most recently with Sinclair as VP/GM of its Cincinnati stations. Shellhas says, “My career started with an internship at 700 WLW, so returning truly feels like coming full circle. While consumer media habits—driven by technology—have evolved exponentially, what hasn’t changed is that ‘content is king,’ and iHeart continues to lead the way in the audio space. I’m honored to work alongside such a passionate team here in Cincinnati, and together we’ll continue to serve our advertisers and the Greater Cincinnati community.”

Industry News

Cumulus and Audacy Unveil Westwood One Sports

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One and Audacy announced the rebranding of the Infinity Sports Network as Westwood One Sports, effective December 29. The companies say “this strategic move solidifies both companies as recognized leaders in national sports audio. Westwood Oneimg Sports’ 24/7 network will continue to deliver unmatched live coverage, expert commentary, and real-time sports programming to millions of listeners nationwide. This extends a partnership between Westwood One and Audacy that first began with the launch of CBS Sports Radio in 2012.” Westwood One will assume programming imgand distribution for the majority of the lineup of syndicated sports programming, including “The Jim Rome Show,” anchoring the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET daypart. Audacy will continue to produce BetMGM Network programs and additional weekend programming as part of the Westwood One Sports roster. The full programming lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero comments, “Audacy and Westwood One have a long, storied history of collaboration,img and today’s evolution of our national sports partnership is that next chapter in our commitment to our hundreds of affiliates, their listeners, and our client partners. Be it local or national, broadcast or digital, opinion content or play by play, we continue to smartly look at ways to enhance our leadership position in sports content.”  Westwood One & EVP corporate strategy & development, Cumulus Media Collin Jones adds, “Westwood One Sports has always been synonymous with the biggest moments in sports audio. Launching Westwood One Sports 24/7 programming strengthens that legacy and positions us to deliver unmatched coverage and commentary to fans coast-to-coast. We’re excited to work with Audacy to make this transition seamless and impactful.”

Industry News

77WABC Presents “Back The Blue” Tribute

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77WABC’s “Back The Blue” daylong tribute held on Tuesday (10/21) dedicated its programming to honoring the brave men and women in law enforcement. During the opening press conference, WABC owners John and Margo Catsimatidis announced they will be donating $1 million in digital advertising across all Red Apple Group digital assets for a law enforcement recruitment campaign. Pictured above participating in the roundtable discussion are (from l-r): 77WABC air personality Dominic Carter, host of Red Apple Podcast Networks’ “Cop Talk” and retired NYPD detective Kevin Schroeder, Catsimatidis, 77WABC host Sid Rosenberg, and Red Apple Group chief of staff and former head of NY FBI George Venizelos.

Industry News

SiriusXM and the NBA Agree to Multi-Year Renewal

SiriusXM and the NBA say the renewal of their broadcasting agreement will ensure that fansimg throughout North America will continue to have access to every NBA game on SiriusXM as well as select WNBA game broadcasts and the exclusive 24/7 SiriusXM NBA Radio channel. Additionally, the SiriusXM app features 30 dedicated NBA team channels, providing official radio commentary for each team.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/21)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown
    2. Vance in Israel
    3. ICE Raids / Guard Troops
    4. Trump Demands Cash from Justice Department
    5. White House Ballroom Project
Industry News

NewsTalkSTL Adds Susie Moore to Morning Show

NewsTalkSTL announces that effective October 27, Susie Moore will join “The Mike Ferguson Show,” taking over for Gabe Phifer, who exits to spend more time with his family. Moore, deputy managing editor at RedState, has been a regular guest and fill-in host on NewsTalk STL. Mooreimg comments, “It has been such a privilege to be part of the NewsTalkSTL team from the outset. I am thrilled to be joining ‘The Mike Ferguson in the Morning Show’ as co-host. I can’t wait to be part of the conversation with imgMike and our NewsTalkSTL listeners every weekday morning.” Ferguson adds, “Susie is the perfect addition to the show. We’re fortunate to be able to add someone who does such great work in the conservative movement through RedState and knows our community here in St. Louis. Our audience knows Susie, likes her, and respects her. We’re going to miss Gabe, but we’re excited about what Susie brings to the show.” NewsTalk STL is head on three signals in the region: KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; KLJY-HD2, St. Louis; and translator K270BW, Bellefontaine, Missouri.

Industry News

Audacy Launches Wisconsin Sports Radio Network

Audacy unveils the new Wisconsin Sports Radio Network, which the company says “will unite the state’s biggest sports voices, markets and fans onto a statewide platform produced and distributed by Audacy.” Audacy Wisconsin SVP and market manager Jason Bjorson says, “The Wisconsin Sports Radio Network brings our state’s passion for sports under one roof. With ‘Theimg Fan’ leading the charge and these powerhouse affiliates joining forces, fans from Green Bay to Duluth can now experience the best local sports conversation anywhere in Wisconsin.” Audacy’s WSSP-FM, Milwaukee “105.7 The Fan” is serving as the network flagship. The daily program lineup include: “Inside Wisconsin Sports” with Trevor Thomas and Josh Albrecht (6:00 am to 9:00 am); “Nine2Noon with Kuhn” with John Kuhn, Ramie Makhlouf, and Brandon Sneide (9:00 am to 12:00 noon); “The Mason Crosby Show” with Mason Crosby, Mitch “Thunder” Nelles and Tommy Wortz 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm); “Wisconsin Sports Daily” with Steve “Sparky” Fifer and Charlie Uczen (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm); and “Wisconsin Sports Wrap Up” hosted by Tommy Wortz (5:00 pm to 6:00 pm). Initial affiliate stations include Midwest Communications’ WNFL, Green Bay WRIG-AM/FM, Wausau; and WDSM-AM, Superior.

Industry News

Saga Sells 22 Towers to GTC Uno

Saga Communications agrees to sell 22 of its tower sites to GTC Uno, LLC for approximately $10.7 million. Saga says this transaction will continue to allow the company to use the towers with no cash lease payment. Saga Communications president and CEO Chris Forgy says,img “Saga previously announced its plans to optimize our portfolio of assets, and this is a significant step in doing so. We are committed to evaluating every asset we own while still efficiently and effectively operating our businesses.” The company intends to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale to fund stock buybacks, which may include open market repurchases, public and private block trades or other forms of buybacks. The implementation of any stock buyback program remains at the full discretion of the company’s board of directors.

Industry News

KTSA, San Antonio Holds Annual Thanksgiving Fundraiser

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Connoisseur Media’s news/talk KTSA-AM, San Antonio raised $165,601 during its 18th Annual KTSA Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner Radiothon. The funds support the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, considered the largest Thanksgiving event in the United States and founded by San Antonio restaurateur Raul Jimenez 46 years ago. The annual event has grown over the years and now feeds more than 25,000 people in downtown San Antonio each Thanksgiving Day. KTSA says the event provides a warm holiday meal – and a sense of family – to elderly residents, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and anyone in need of community and care. Pictured above are station morning drive personalities Trey Ware (center) and Sean Rima (second from right). Ware says, “It’s such an honor to lead the KTSA Radiothon for the Jimenez Thanksgiving Meal. I love giving back to the community that has given so much to my family for 70 years.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/20)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown
    2. Appeals Court Portland Guard Ruling
    3. “No Kings” Protests
    4. Louvre Jewelry Heist
    5. AWS Outage
Industry News

Media Rating Council Revokes Accreditation for Seven Nielsen Diary Markets

As part of its ongoing work to provide accreditation to various ratings organizations, the Media Rating Council released its most recent accreditation decisions and among them is theimg revocation of accreditation for Nielsen Audio Diary markets as reported in the RMR and TAPSCAN Web including Bryan College Station, Texas; Hudson Valley; Killeen-Temple, Texas; Odessa- Midland, Texas; Portsmouth-Dover-Rochester, New Hampshire; Reno; and Trenton. At the same time, the MRC has approved accreditations for all of Nielsen’s 28 PPM markets.

Industry News

Cumulus Sues Nielsen Alleging Ratings Monopoly

Cumulus Media is suing Nielsen in federal court in New York alleging that the company is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals andimg charge inflated prices, according to a report by Reuters. At the heart of the complaint is the charge that Nielsen is providing access to the national broadcast radio ratings only if the client spends a lot of extra money on imgthe separate local ratings. Cumulus argues that Nielsen’s policy forces them to buy ratings in U.S. markets where it doesn’t operate stations in order to have the complete national ratings data. Nielsen has stated that Cumulus’ suit is “entirely without merit” and “we will respond accordingly.” The complaint also says Nielsen is “degrading product quality, raising prices without justification and blocking competitors from gaining footholds in the industry.” See the Reuters story here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: MTV Closes?

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

imgThe world of blogs and vlogs has been loaded with largely erroneous news of MTV closing. New owner, Paramount Global, is searching for divisions showing no growth. If MTV is now a liability, it may be a target for a shutdown.

Yes, MTV is closing five of its music channels in the UK and Ireland: MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live. The channels will cease broadcasting at the end of 2025, with the final day of transmission being December 31. This decision is due to shifting viewing habits towards streaming platforms and cost-cutting measures by the parent company, Paramount Global. MTV HD will remain on air but will shift focus from music videos to reality programming.

However, MTV U.S. is not closing. MTV in the United Kingdom IS. It is closing by December 31, 2025. They also run MTV HD in the UK, that channel remains open. Two missing letters, U and K, caused an explosion of misinformation.

Punctuation causes similar mistakes.

As a talk media person, you are well aware of Erich von Daniken. His stunning book, Chariotsimg of the Gods has powered thousands of hours of programming fun. Recently, I saw the latest edition of his book.

imgLike many of you, I love “Ancient Aliens” on the History Channel narrated by the formidable Robert Clotworthy. Robert is a great guest on my show, “Sterling Every Damn Night” and he puts up with whatever nonsense that gets tossed at him. Thank you, Robert.

Since von Daniken’s book is so vital to the “Ancient Alien” landscape, I’m curious when was the title of the book changed from the first edition? Next time he’s on the show I’ve got to ask Mr. Clotworthy when did a transporter beam carry away the question mark!?

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

WABC Holds “Back the Blue” Tribute

Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York is holding an event tomorrow (10/21) titled, “Back the Blue”img – A Tribute to Law Enforcement, at its studios in Manhattan that begins with a press conference at 10:00 am followed by a roundtable discussion and lunch. Owner John Catsimatidis will host NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch, DEA president Scott Munro, and NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulatta and others.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (10/18-19)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. “No Kings” Protests
    2. Government Shutdown
    3. ICE Raids
    4. Trump Commutes Santos Sentence
    5. Russia-Ukraine War
Industry News

Gunhill Road Drops Issue-Oriented Music Video Focusing on the Non-Stop Noise of Contentious Media in a Crisis-Ridden Era

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Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has been creating issue-oriented reflections of the times since the iconic “Back When My Hair Was Short” hit the charts in the early 70s, is back with another powerful music video. The brand new, gritty rocker, “Close My Ears,” captures the sheer angst of today’s anxiety pandemic fueled by contentious talk mediaimg and the gut-wrenching chaos of informational overload. Non-partisan lyrics cry out: “Too much information clogging up my brain… and I can’t change the station; it’s driving me insane!” Co-written and performed by band members Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and Michael Harrison, the dramatic images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of exasperated people being driven to the brink of madness by the pressure of what feels like non-stop, negative NOISE. Produced by Matthew B. Harrison, the video asks, is the remedy to drop off the grid and go live in the woods? Gunhill Road has amassed a huge worldwide following gathering almost a half million listens, views and downloads driven largely by airplay and exposure on talk radio! To view “Close My Ears,” please click here: closemyears.com. To arrange an interview about the song and the times it reflects with band member (and TALKERS publisher) Michael Harrison please email info@talkers.com or call 413-565-5413. To check out the launch of Michael Harrison’s national media tour in support of the new “Close My Ears” music video, check out his October 9 appearance on the Lee Elci morning show on WJJF (94.9 News Now), New London, CT and Patriot.TV by clicking here.

Industry Views

Why “Play the Clip” Still Matters

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgEvery talk host knows the move: play the clip. It might be a moment from late-night TV, a political ad, or a viral post that sets the table for the segment. It’s how commentary comes alive – listeners hear it, react to it, and stay tuned for your take.

That simple act is powered by a fragile piece of legal machinery known as the Fair Use Balancing Act. Without it, half of talk radio, podcasting, and online news/talk commentary wouldn’t exist. Fair Use allows creators to quote, parody, or critique copyrighted material without permission – but only when the new use transforms the old. It’s the backbone of what we now call “react” or “remix” culture.

Fair use isn’t a license; it’s a defense. When you rely on it, you admit you used someone else’s work and trust that a judge will see your purpose – criticism, news, education – as transformative. That’s a high-wire act few think about when the mic is hot.

The doctrine works on a sliding scale: courts weigh four factors – purpose, nature, amount, and market effect. In plain English, they ask, Did you change the meaning? Did you take too much? Did you cost the owner money? There are neither checklists nor guarantees.

That flexibility is what makes American media vibrant – and also what keeps lawyers busy. Each decision takes time, context, and money. The price of creative freedom is uncertainty.

The same logic now drives the debate over AI training and voice cloning. Machines don’t “comment” on your broadcast; they absorb it. And if courts treat that as transformative analysis instead of reproduction, the next generation of “hosts” may not need microphones at all.

For broadcasters, that’s the new frontier: your archives, tone, and phrasing are training data. Once ingested, they can be repurposed, remixed, and re-voiced without violating traditional copyright rules. The Fair Use Balancing Act may protect innovation – but it rarely protects the innovator.

Fair use was designed to keep culture evolving, not to leave creators behind. It balances a creator’s right to profit against society’s right to build upon shared work. But balance only works if both sides know the weight they’re carrying.

Every time you play the clip, remember you’re exercising one of the oldest and most essential freedoms in media. Just make sure the next voice that plays you is doing the same thing – for the right reasons, and under the same rules.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com

Industry News

Salem Co-Founder Ed Atsinger Takes Final Compensation in Company Stock

Salem Media Group announces that Edward G. Atsinger III, co-founder and executive chairman of the company, is agreeing to receive the remaining portion of his 2025 compensation in the form of Restricted Class A Common Stock rather than cash. The company says thisimg decision reflects Atsinger’s continued commitment to the long-term success and stability of the company. Atsinger’s stock award totals 218,067 shares, represents the cash compensation amount due totaling $168,500. Additionally, in January 2025, Atsinger was granted 400,000 Restricted Class A Common Stock in the Company, pursuant to a Grant Memo dated January 17, 2025. Under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan, unvested shares typically terminate upon an employee’s separation. However, in acknowledgment of Atsinger’s decades of leadership and enduring contributions, the board waived the forfeiture provision to allow his Stock Compensation and Stock Bonus to remain in effect after December 31, 2025. The existing time and performance-based vesting schedule for the Stock Bonus will remain unchanged.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Remote News Service Adds Six Affiliates. Remote News Service adds new affiliates including Connoisseur Media’s Palm Springs stations, Midwest Communications’ WHBL-AM/FM, Sheboygan; Civic Media’s WAUK-AM, Milwaukee; Telemedia’s Fredericksburg, Virginia stations; Treese Media Group’s WEEU-AM, Reading, Pennsylvania; and Bold Gold Media’s Monticello, New York stations.

BFoA Begins Year-End Giving Campaign. The Broadcasters Foundation of America launches its annual Year-End Giving Campaign that seeks to raise donations from tax-deductible personal and company contributions. The Broadcasters Foundation is a 501c3 charity and the only charity devoted exclusively to helping broadcast colleagues who are in need of financial assistance due to life-altering illness or a disaster. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “Our grants offer a ‘hand-up’ to colleagues during trying times. Monthly and emergency grants are often the only financial resource for our colleagues in need, and the funding for those grants are dependent on donations from individuals and companies from within broadcasting. Our 100% Give with Confidence score from Charity Navigator ensures contributions go directly to those in our business who need it most.” Find out more about giving here.

WNYC Appoints Barba Accountability Editor. The New York City public media firm names Robert Barba an editor on the accountability team, overseeing state issues and politics. Previously, Barba spent seven years at The Wall Street Journal in various editor roles. Prior to that he covered banking and fintech for Bankrate and American Banker.

ESPN Names Cornetts “First Take” Host. ESPN announces that Shae Cornette is the new host of “First Take,” effective November 3. Cornette has been an anchor on SportsCenter and a mainstay across ESPN studio programming since joining ESPN in 2020. “First Take” executive producer and commentator Stephen A. Smith says, “Hosting ‘First Take’ is no easy assignment. It requires confidence, toughness, and real sports insight – and Shae brings all of that and more. I’ve seen her command the desk with poise and passion every time she’s hosted. She’s the real deal, and I’m thrilled to have her officially join the team.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 13-17, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/13-17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. 1. Israel-Hamas Accord Aftermath
  2. 2. ICE Raids / Guard Troops Rulings
  3. 3. Government Shutdown / Judge Blocks Shutdown Layoffs
  4. 4. CIA Operations in Venezuela / Deadly U.S. Boat Strike
  5. 5. Young Republicans Group Chat Controversy
  6. 6. SCOTUS Hears Voting Rights Act Arguments
  7. 7. The Economy / U.S.-China Tariffs Spat
  8. 8. John Bolton Indictment
  9. 9. Zelensky-Trump Meeting
  10. 10. Diane Keaton Dies

People

  1. 1. Donald Trump
  2. 2. Benjamin Netanyahu
  3. 3. JB Pritzker
  4. 4. Susan Illston
  5. 5. J.D. Vance
  6. 6. Brett Kavanaugh
  7. 7. Xi Jinping
  8. 8. John Bolton
  9. 9. Volodymyr Zelensky
  10. 10. Diane Keaton

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

Industry News

iHeartMedia Cleveland Launches Sports Station; Announces Deal with Rock Entertainment Group

iHeartMedia launches a new sports talk outlet in Cleveland on WMMS-HD2/W256BT as SportsRadio 99.1 and announces a broadcast partnership with Rock Entertainment Group that brings expanded coverage of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Monsters and Clevelandimg Charge to listeners. Cavaliers games will air live on rock WMMS-FM and news/talk WTAM-AM/W295DE. The AHL’s Cleveland Monsters games will air on “SportsRadio 99.1” and NBA G league’s Charge games air on hip hop WAKS-HD2/W291BV “REAL 106.1.” iHeartMedia area president Keith Hotchkiss comments, “It’s an honor to continue our decades-long partnership with the Cavs Operating Company and we’re excited to bring this innovative new partnership to life with Rock Entertainment Group. Combining this coverage with iHeart’s unparalleled reach of more than 90% of our markets, we’re excited to give sports fans access to the great coverage Rock Entertainment Sports will provide.” The new station will also simulcast of select Rock Entertainment Sports Network programming and coverage of additional Ohio-based sporting events.

Industry News

KNML, Albuquerque’s Kenny Thomas Adds Weekday Show

Cumulus Media sports talk KNML-AM, Albuquerque “The Sports Animal” promotes University of New Mexico legend and NBA veteran Kenny Thomas to host of the 4:00pm to 6:00 pm show.img Thomas has been and continues his Saturday program “Unfiltered with Kenny Thomas” and his “Lobos Live” show on sister news/talk KKOB-AM/FM. Cumulus Albuquerque program director Brandon Vogt says, “Kenny is authentic, competitive, and connected – the perfect fit for afternoons. He knows this market, he knows our teams, and he knows how to carry a locker room-level conversation on the radio. In this new role, Kenny will make a huge impact in the community and on the airwaves, continuing the tradition of great local sports talk in Albuquerque on New Mexico’s heritage sports station, ‘The Sports Animal.’ We couldn’t be more excited.”

Industry News

Kim Komando to Emcee Radio Hall Induction

imgThe Museum of Broadcast Communications announces that Kim Komando will serve as emceefor the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony being held on October 30 in Chicago. Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig Kitchin says, “We’re grateful to Kim Komando for helping us to create a most special evening for each of our 2025 inductees. She knows the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve the recognition of such an induction.”

Industry News

MIW Names McNally 2026 Operations Mentee

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation announce that Eunice McNally is the 2026 mentee for the MIW NABLFimg LAUNCH Program. McNally currently serves as broadcast operations manager for Townsquare Media in Texas. MIW board president Sheila Kirby says, “Eunice is exactly the kind of emerging leader LAUNCH was built to champion. Her hands-on operations experience at Townsquare and iHeart, paired with a learner’s mindset and obvious passion for the craft, signal real leadership potential. We’re excited to provide the mentorship, access, and support that will help her accelerate the next stage of her career.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/15)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Judge Blocks Shutdown Layoffs
    2. ICE Raids in Chicago
    3. SCOTUS Hears Voting Rights Act Arguments
    4. Israel-Hamas Accord Aftermath
    5. CIA Operations in Venezuela
Industry News

KFI, Los Angeles Talk Host Mo’ Kelly Out in iHeart RIFs

The Los Angeles Daily News reports that as the nationwide reduction in force taking place at iHeartMedia is claiming evening talk host Mo’ Kelly, his producer Tawala Sharp, and station imaging director Clay Roe. Columnist Richard Wagoner writes that in initial reports, ratings had been cited as the cause for the changes but says he doesn’t believe that to be the case. “Rather,img it appears that allowing the former programmer to resign, firing half the news department, and pulling back on advertising and marketing didn’t work the ratings magic they originally had hoped for. In my opinion, KFI has seemed rudderless since Robin Bertolucci left the programming spot last November. The current programmer Brian Long, meanwhile, is also in charge of KLAC (570 AM) and KEIB (1150 AM), but with no time, a limited budget, and a decimated news department, the result is what it is. I don’t blame him at all. For his part, O’Kelly is keeping it positive, posting on Facebook, ‘All jobs end. It is not our lives or our health. Perspective is paramount. There is nothing to be sad about here. I’m genuinely excited for the future.’” Kelly is ranked #83 in the TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred. See the Daily News piece here.