TALKERS Launching YouTube Channel
TALKERS is adding a YouTube channel to its array of talk media platforms. The venue – titled Talkers Media Channel – will initially provide a base for the organization’s conference videos and a platform for its founder Michael Harrison’s reimagined video iteration of his pioneering audio podcast, “Up Close and Far Out.” Videos from the recently held TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond will begin being posted after the July 4th holiday. “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” soft launches today with a conversation between Harrison and radio tech star Kim Komando examining the sociological, biological, and theological implications of artificial intelligence. The Harrison talk show will take several forms including one-on-one interviews, panel discussions and solo commentaries. Harrison and his guests will sometimes appear on camera and on other occasions just be voices enhanced by stunning visuals and music provided by the channel’s producer TALKERS VP/associate publisher, Matthew B. Harrison. The series will be targeted to an audience Harrison describes as “pop culture aficionados, political junkies, media enthusiasts, fans of science, followers of technology and the philosophically curious.” The Harrisons plan to focus heavily upon a stable of guests composed of professionals from the world of talk media covered by TALKERS magazine but stretch beyond that core as well. After it is fully up and running, plans are in place to expand the channel’s menu to include shows and properties produced by an array of content providers. To visit the debut installment of “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison,” please click here.
contribution limit of $5,800. Spadea, Townsquare Media and two other candidates – Jon Bramnick and Jack Ciattarelli – have submitted their responses to the ELEC’s Order to Show Cause. Spadea and his attorneys argue that the ELEC’s Order jumps the gun. “The attempt here to treat the policy and news discussions of Mr. Spadea’s radio program as an in-kind contribution to his campaign unambiguously violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the US Constitution and cannot and would not survive judicial scrutiny. What is rotten is the concept that Mr. Spadea should have to—on short notice in a newly created process, and without any complaint or evidence of a campaign finance violation in this Commission’s jurisdiction— ‘show cause’ and defend himself in advance of exercising his right to free speech.” For their part, lawyers for Bramnick and Ciattarelli cited examples of Spadea discussing issues relevant to New Jersey voters, including how state funds are spent, regularly on his show. The attorney for Ciattarelli writes, “Spadea and Townsquare cannot credibly suggest that allowing Spadea to be on the radio for four hours per day to discuss his opinions on politics and policy issues is not providing his candidacy with a ‘thing of value’ or contribution while at the same time they are charging Ciatarelli $500 per minute for airtime. Once Spadea declared as a candidate and filed a Form-D1 he and his employer became subject to the New Jersey Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting Act.”
programming leadership team, talent, and content creators nationwide. Sottolano will also work closely with the company’s product and technology teams as it enhances its creator tools and delivers new digital experiences for consumers and advertisers. He will also collaborate with its podcast leadership team on the development and launch of new titles. Audacy chief operating officer Susan Larkin states, “Jeff has a track record of success. He and our programming and brand leaders have executed market-winning content strategies and initiatives that deliver for our listeners and advertisers. Jeff’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating our performance across all platforms, and this promotion underscores our confidence in his ability to continue growing our best-in-class brand portfolio.” Sottolano joined Audacy (then-Entercom) in 2001 as an intern and has served as EVP and head of programming since 2021. 
the John Fredericks Radio Network. Carson’s show airs in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart. Additionally, Jeri Lyn Broadcasting’s KHTS-AM, Santa Clarita, California picks up the weekend edition of the “Rob Carson Show” for broadcast Saturdays at 3:00 pm. 
watching video podcasts. Sixty-two percent of weekly podcast listeners 13+ have enjoyed video podcasts passively, with the video content playing in the background while listening to the audio. Meanwhile, the data reveals a compelling point – 72% of weekly podcast listeners 13+ have enjoyed video podcasts actively, meaning they have watched video as they listen to the podcast. Edison says, “Podcasts with video elements also allow creators to repurpose content into short, engaging clips tailor-made for social media platforms – think YouTube shorts, TikTok, or reels on Instagram or Facebook. This strategy can work to enhance a show’s digital presence, while amplifying the reach and engagement of podcasts overall.”
to Bones’ Nashville Podcast Network. In each show, Dr. Josie sits down with co-host Shannon Ella to answer questions she’s constantly hearing at the office, including: What should I feed my dog? How do I potty train my puppy? Do I really need to brush my pet’s teeth? She helps listeners navigate pet ownership through sharing cases she’s seen in her 15+ year career as a veterinarian, answering listener calls, and giving her weekly “Paw & Order” list of things she would never do with her own pets. 
Leland Conway and Mark Larson host from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. KOGO program director Mary Ayala says, “I’m thrilled about our new afternoon lineup. It showcases some incredible local talent who are ready to tackle tough San Diego issues head on in addition to providing listeners with insights and perspectives on national news and politics as we navigate this crucial election year.” Penrose comments, “I am excited about the announcement of this new contract with iHeartMedia and proud to be serving under a great San Diego leadership team. Onward and upward for Newsradio 600 KOGO and San Diego. Let’s GO!”
Kelley is taking the high road, writing in a Facebook post, “Nothing lasts forever. I have spent the last 19 years of my career working for Cox Media Group. But that ended today. I can honestly say that CMG has been the best part of my 41-year career. I walk away with marketable skills, good friends, and countless contacts. Shed no tears for me. I’m blessed beyond words. If you ever get a job offer from CMG, take it. You won’t regret it.”
11:00 pm ET July 15 through July 18 before a live studio audience in Milwaukee’s Deer District. Host Greg Gutfeld, panelist Kat Timpf, and three guests will appear on each show. The live show will follow FOX News Channel’s “Democracy 24: Republican National Convention” special primetime coverage helmed by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.
am to 10:00 am with “news, interviews, and entertainment, with a relaxed vibe that listeners want on weekends.” Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis states, “Presenting listeners with captivating, interesting programming and big-name hosts always wins, and we have seen proof of that with our growing weekend audience. Our listeners on WABC Radio have gravitated towards the interesting programs we deliver on weekends, including ‘The James Golden Show’ on Saturday mornings.”
Celebrity Golf Chair. This year, the Broadcasters Foundation will debut The BFOA Pickleball Challenge, which will take place from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by cocktails and dinner. The Pickleball Challenge is designed to give junior-level broadcast professionals the opportunity to network with their peers and executives, learn more about the Foundation’s charitable purpose, and have fun. MacCourtney states, “The Celebrity Golf Tournament is the second largest Fundraiser for the Broadcasters Foundation. The funds we raise are essential to continuing the Foundation’s mission. Requests for aid continue to escalate and we must be there to help every broadcaster who qualifies.” 
available through both major podcast platforms is a testament to SuperTalk Mississippi Media’s commitment to keeping more and more listeners up to date with what’s going on across the state. I’m very proud of our news team and their ability to not only broadcast accurate news but deliver it to the masses in more ways than just the radio dial.” SuperTalk Mississippi Media news director J.T. Mitchell adds, “While radio is still incredibly effective in delivering news and I don’t believe that’s ever going to change, we want to offer more ways for our listeners to have news at their fingertips. I am so thankful for the team’s willingness to adapt and thrive as we find more ways to reach Mississippians and keep them informed on a daily basis.”
welcome back ESPN NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Field Yates, who will be sharing their expert insights and engaging with fans throughout the event.” ESPN Chicago director of content Danny Zederman states, “‘Football Fest’ is the unofficial kickoff of the NFL season, and I am excited about this year’s fest, from the stars we’ll have in the room to the show we have planned. We listened to fan feedback, and we’ve added new ways for fans to interact with their favorite ESPN Chicago and Bears Radio Network personalities, as well as a live onstage version of our fan-favorite, unfiltered podcast ‘Crosstalk Unhinged’ with Carm, Jurko, Waddle, and Silvy.”
stations mostly for classic hits and adult contemporary music formats. Prior to syndication, Kent worked on the air and in programming at legendary Top 40 stations including WLS, Chicago; KLIF & KFJZ Dallas-Ft Worth; WIBG Philadelphia and more. On the passing of Tom Kent, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “He was a quintessential practitioner of one of America’s great forms of audio art – top 40 radio. The disc jockey, in that now almost completely extinct genre, was a uniquely specialized vocal performer akin to being a singer or musical instrument deftly inserted within the hyper-dynamic backdrop of a symphony known as a radio format. Art Vuolo’s video captures not only the superb talent possessed by Kent in executing this amazing audio choreography – but amply displays his passion for excellence and behind-the-scenes pride. When Kent seamlessly hits the posts on driving rock intros of songs with which he is intimately familiar and pumps his fist with glee when pulling it off, it unleashes an adrenaline rush similar to a pro basketball star landing a slam dunk and swinging that extra second from the rim. 
show will be an extension of his humor and expansive knowledge in sports and culture that’s highlighted every day on @Super70sSports. In addition to the show, Cobb will also make appearances across OutKick programs, including “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” “OutKick The Morning with Charly Arnolt,” “OutKick The Show with Clay Travis” and “Hot Mic with Jonathan Hutton & Chad Withrow.”
$63,000 for unit members in New York or Los Angeles and $58,000 for members in other locations; Annual minimum salary increases of 3% in the first year of the contract, and 2% in the second and third year of the contract; Continued 401(k) match, after the company cut the match for non-union employees; and the right to bargain over any implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. In a statement, the iHeart Podcast Network’s bargaining unit states, “We are incredibly proud to announce the ratification of our first contract. After two long years of bargaining, we’ve landed on a contract that we feel greatly improves our working and everyday lives. We are excited to begin life under a union contract and to continue to advocate for our entire unit.”
When it comes to advertisers who cancel, Elon Musk said it loud and clear at the NY Times Dealbook Summit, “Go F-Yourself.” He claimed advertisers who objected to content on X were “blackmailing him with money” by canceling ad campaigns on his X platform.
about 25 million Americans — turn to Newsmax for their news at least weekly. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Newsmax’s rise is even more stunning considering the newness of our brand, Big Tech efforts to thwart us, and several virtual TV distributors still keeping us from their subscribers.” Newsmax recently announced its plans for an initial public offering later this year with a listing on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq.
sales Robin Sloan says, “I am delighted to welcome Jess Mott to AdLarge and the fwd. network. Her extensive experience and success in driving revenue growth and fostering strategic partnerships will be invaluable as we expand our digital capabilities.”
executives companywide. Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “We are very excited to be among the early users of SPECai. The technology is a game-changing tool for our sales teams to quickly and easily produce great-sounding spec spots for clients in minutes that don’t sound AI-generated, making them very compelling for advertisers. It’s amazing technology for our industry.”
president of operations Dave Milner says, “Alex is an extremely effective and capable leader. His track record in Houston has been outstanding, so it’s a logical progression for him to help lead both Albuquerque and Tucson.” Cadelago comments, “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with our amazing teams in Albuquerque and Tucson and am looking forward to building upon the success Jeff and Ken have achieved in these regions. I would like to thank Mary Berner and Dave Milner for their support in expanding my role with Cumulus, and Dan Bennett for his mentorship over the past 10 years.”
