Morning Host Bill Keeler Exits WIBX-AM, Utica
Morning drive host Bill Keeler’s show at Townsquare Media’s news/talk WIBX-AM, Utica, New York has been cancelled. Last Thursday (8/20) Keeler posted the following to social media: “I was informed today, following my program, that the morning show on 
WIBX has been cancelled by corporate. As a result, my last day with Townsquare Media was today, although I was told I could apply for other positions that might be available with the company outside the market. Based on what I’ve seen happening throughout the radio industry nationwide, I knew a day like this could eventually come, although I certainly didn’t expect it to happen today. I’m extremely thankful for the nearly 13 years I’ve spent at the Marcy studios, and especially grateful for the people I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. These are some of the most talented people in the industry, and many of them have become very close friends.” WIBX has not announced its longterm plans for the morning drive program.
race. Elci said he intended to not talk about his candidacy or issues relevant to the race but Marx says her request for equal time is in line with FCC regulations and that Elci has to either leave the air until after election day or she gets four hours of airtime to comply with the law. Elci tells CT Insider he’s not involved in the negotiations, “If it were up to me, it would be done a different way. Unfortunately, I don’t know what the final deal is and I guess it’s still a work in progress. Look, I don’t want to come off the air. That’s the last thing I want, and, you know, it’s killing me that I haven’t worked this week. I feel like I’ve let my listeners down. I feel like I let a lot of people down when it comes to this, and I’m getting pulled in a lot of directions for this.” WJJF-FM Saturday morning host Rocky is filling in for Elci. 
with a shared commitment to Christian ministry and faithful stewardship. As a private company, Salem will continue operating its radio, digital, streaming, podcasting, television and publishing platforms while working with WaterStone to pursue new opportunities for investment and growth.” Salem CEO David Santrella adds, “This is an exciting day for Salem and the beginning of an important new chapter for our company. Salem enters this partnership with strong momentum, an extraordinary portfolio of talent and brands, and more ways than ever to reach audiences across the country. With WaterStone alongside us, we are positioned to invest for the future while remaining firmly committed to the mission that has guided this company from the very beginning.”
income testified against Trump in congress and in court. But Cohen says he’s spoken with Trump several times over the past year and the president agreed to do the interview. WABC says, “The coming-together of these two political heavyweights comes at a particularly intriguing time. Cohen and Trump have been publicly at odds for years, making this unexpected sit-down impossible to ignore. Whatever the answer, Cohen interviewing Trump is sure to generate attention and plenty of questions about what happened to one of the most complicated relationships in modern politics.”
held by Chris Salcedo, who is leaving the station after a 14-year stint. KSEV says, “Radio host Craig Collins will bring his youth and experience from major talk stations including WGN Radio in Chicago and 93 WIBC in Indianapolis, as well as national guest-hosting work for ‘The Dana Show’ and ‘The Chad Benson Show.’ Award-winning Houston investigative journalist Wayne Dolcefino will join Collins as a regular contributor.” 
2:00 pm daypart. iHeartMedia region program director Bryan Erickson says, “We’re excited to have Matt and Ross bringing their unique blend of energy, insight and humor to mornings. They’ve built a strong connection with Houston sports fans, and we’re confident they’ll be a great way to start the day. We’re equally excited for Dan Mathews to take over middays, where his deep sports knowledge and strong local perspective will continue to serve listeners throughout the day.”
categories based on average weekly downloads in the following order: Comedy (44.5%), News (25.7%), and Society & Culture (21.2%) and reports that the genres with the largest quarter-over-quarter reach growth are: News (+8.4%), True Crime (+1.8%), Sports (+1.1%), and Comedy (+2.1%). Triton says its data reveals podcasts that grew from Q1 to Q2 of this year on its ranker include: “The Ramsey Show” (up 14 places to #16); “The Shawn Ryan Show” (up 32 spots to #22); “The Dan Bongino Show” (up 16 places to #50); and “The Tucker Carlson Show” (up 10 spots to #9).
Ballroom in New York City. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “NAB is honored to recognize Joel Oxley for his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the radio industry. For more than three decades at WTOP and Federal News Network, and over 15 years at Hubbard Radio, Joel has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to local journalism, innovation and public service. Under his leadership, WTOP has become one of the nation’s premier news operations, setting the standard for excellence in local broadcasting while serving the Washington, DC community with trusted journalism. His integrity, vision and dedication have left an enduring mark on our industry, making him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.”
Media’s longstanding commitment to operating its broadcast radio stations in a manner that serves the public interest, advances localism, supports public safety and responds to the needs and interests of the communities it is privileged to serve.” Additionally, Berner addressed the company’s newsrooms and wrote: “Preserving our coverage of newsworthy events, and their impact on our local communities, is exceedingly important to Cumulus Media. The stronger financial foundation that our financial reorganization will afford us is intended to preserve and strengthen, not diminish, our ability to serve local audiences. Consistent with that objective, we commit to maintaining our existing newsroom staffing levels for a minimum of two years following approval of the requested applications.”
growth include: SiriusXM’s “Megyn Kelly Show” – up 115% among weekly U.S. consumers 13+; Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” up 107%; “The Tucker Carlson Show” – up +13%; Premiere Networks’ “Glenn Beck Program – up 11%; and Premiere’s “Sean Hannity Show” – up +5%. Edison says its data indicates Cumulus Podcast Networks’ “Dan Bongino Show” lost the most audience – down 62% – but notes that Bongino’s leave from the business to serve as Deputy Director of the FBI is likely a factor. Elsewhere, podcasts shedding audience include The Daily Wire’s “Ben Shapiro Show” – down 19%; and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Mark Levin Show” – down 16%. 
with MSG Networks to simulcast the morning and afternoon drive shows on WEPN/WHSQ “ESPN New York” on the cable network. Good Karma says, “Beginning Sept. 8, ESPN New York’s morning show featuring Rick DiPietro and Dave Rothenberg, as well as its afternoon show with Don La Greca, Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg, will both be simulcast by MSG Networks.”
rights, including the Second Amendment, educate and inform Americans about firearms rights and legislation, and raise awareness of the issues impacting gun owners.” Further details regarding AAR content distribution and original programming will be announced as projects develop. Walters says, “I’m honored and thrilled to partner Armed American Radio and CCW Broadcast Media, LLC together with C3 Entertainment, Inc. These are historic times for our constitutional rights. We are excited to unite the important current events of the day together with history in an enlightening, entertaining, and educational format that will remind all Americans not only WHY we are the greatest nation the world has ever seen but HOW we got here and WHAT must be done going forward to preserve our uniquely American way of life!”
media buying workflow.” The press release explains: “Unlike traditional automation, which follows predefined workflows, agentic media buying enables AI agents to evaluate campaign objectives, identify opportunities and execute approved media buying decisions dynamically within clearly defined business rules. Human expertise remains central to strategy, governance and oversight, while AI improves the speed, efficiency and adaptability of campaign execution.” The companies say they plan to implement the technology for broadcast audio in the near future.
stations and Hillsdale College’s WRFH, Hillsdale, Michigan came in at #5 and Hofstra University’s WRHU, Hempstead, New York was ranked #15. Both stations have historically been closely aligned with the talk radio industry. Both stations are led by professional broadcasters. WRHF’s general manager is Scot
Bertram and WRHU’s general manager is John T. Mullen, both longtime commercial broadcasting pros who moved into academia. It should also be noted that The Bold Gold Media Foundation – launched by Bold Gold Media owner Vince Benedetto – has been a benefactor of WRHF, Hillsdale for a number of years. 
on September 10 (produced by Spero Pictures and directed by award-winning filmmaker Matthew Thayer) that explores the religious question: Does God still speak through prophets today? The film includes one of the final recorded interviews with Charlie Kirk that was filmed just weeks before his death. In the interview, Kirk reflects on the role of biblical prophecy and spiritual discernment. You can watch the official trailer at SalemNOW.com.
contracts. The two were part of a round of layoffs at the station last month. The two posted to X: “‘Beyond the Bench’ will not be airing for the time being. We are currently being pursued in a legal matter by our past employer, and as a result, we need to step away temporarily while that situation is addressed. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported the show and hope to be back soon. In addition, we will provide updates as we are able and will let everyone know when we have more information. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
broadcasters Jim Dunaway, Ryan Brown and Lance Taylor and will officially join “Sport & State” on August 24. “The Next Round” president and general manager Bo O’Neal states, “‘The Next Round’ has proven that a great live sports show doesn’t have to be confined by a radio signal or a geographic market. What Jim, Ryan and Lance have built is pretty remarkable. They’ve created independent, personality-driven sports content with an audience that reaches well beyond Alabama. What Clay is building with Sport & State aligns perfectly with who we are and feels like the natural next step for us. We’re not changing what The Next Round is. We’re giving it a much bigger stage. It’s an incredible opportunity for the guys, our team, our advertising partners and everyone who has played a part in making ‘The Next Round’ successful.”