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.

Industry News

Two Named to KYW Newsradio Hall of Fame

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Audacy’s KYW-AM/FM, Philadelphia inducts two of its most respected and recognizable voices into the KYW Newsradio Hall of Fame. Reporter/anchor John Ostapkovich and business editor/anchor Vince Hill were selected by their peers and colleagues to join the roster of “journalists who have shaped the legacy of trusted news in the Philadelphia region.” Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “This recognition speaks to the legacy of excellence that John and Vince have helped build at KYW Newsradio. Their voices have been a trusted part of daily life in the region for decades, and their dedication to storytelling, accuracy and integrity continues to resonate across our newsroom.” Pictured above are (from l-r): Yadgaroff, Hill, Ostapkovich, and KYW assistant brand manager Tom Rickert.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Davis to SVP of Programming in Minneapolis

iHeartMedia announced today that Rich Davis is promoted to SVP of programming forimg Minneapolis and program director of KEEY FM. The Twin Cities cluster of stations includes news/talk KTLK and sports talk KXFM-FM “KFAN.” This move comes as Gregg Swedberg transitions to a new strategic advisor role with the company. Davis says, “When I first got to KDWB in 1997 I never dreamed I’d one day get the chance to take over for the legendary Gregg Swedberg. I hope to make him proud and continue our success with these amazing teams and brands in the Twin Cities.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/14)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Federal Firings
    2. ICE Raids
    3. Israel-Hamas Peace Accord
    4. Deadly U.S. Boat Strike
    5. The Economy / U.S.-China Tariffs Spat
Industry News

WHYY and Penn State Agree to Deal to Save WPSU-FM

After declining a proposal last month that would have required Penn State University to pay $17.6 million to transfer public media outlet WPSU-FM, State College, PA to Philadelphia’s public media firm WHYY, a new deal has been approved by the school’s trustees that will allow WPSU-FM to avoid shutting down at in June of next year. After last month’s failed transaction, Board of Trustees chairmanimg David Kleppinger says the school received a lot of public comments expressing concern about the loss of the station. As reported by Penn State, the new proposed transition includes commitments for WHYY to operate WPSU for at least three years after the transfer and to offer existing WPSU employees the opportunity to apply for comparable positions. Penn State also plans to transfer endowments and gifts designated for WPSU to WHYY. The story says, “Penn State will not be required to provide additional subsidy funds as previously negotiated. Rather, WHYY will first secure at least $8.36 million in outside financing. WHYY president and CEO Bill Marrazzo said that effort is already well underway and that PSU alumni are making contributions.”

Industry News

KXEL-AM Broadcasts “Iowa’s Roast & Ride” Veteran’s Benefit

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NRG Media’s news/talk KXEL-AM, Waterloo/Cedar Rapids, Iowa broadcast from the 10th annual “Iowa’s Roast & Ride” at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Saturday (10/11). The event is sponsored by Mission Iowa to support Iowa-based veterans causes. Pictured above is KXEL host Jeff Stein (left) with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (right). Stein broadcast a 90-minute program prior to the event that included special guests Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, as well as state GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann and representatives from Blue Star Mothers of Iowa. Stein says, “It was our privilege to be invited by the organizers again this year to share the excitement of the event with our audience. The only thing we couldn’t share with them was the tasty Iowa pork sandwiches, and I did my best to represent listeners at the buffet line, as well.”

Industry News

Phil Hendrie Makes Off-Broadway Debut

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Pictured above is the cast of the Off-Broadway play, The Pitch, in which Premiere Networks star Phil Hendrie (center) plays the intimidating IRS agent Mel. Premiere Networks and Hendrie recently announced reuniting and partnering on his long-running podcast, “The World of Phil Hendrie” that features a modern-day satirical view of the world through the eyes of Hendrie and his multiverse of characters.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/13)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Israel-Gaza Peace Accord
    2. Government Shutdown / Federal Firings
    3. ICE Raids / ‘Fat’ Guardsmen Fired
    4. The Economy / U.S.-China Tariffs Spat
    5. Zelensky & Trump to Meet at White House
Industry News

Salem Amidst Companywide Reduction in Force

Last week, Salem Media Group began a round of companywide layoffs that include staffers at radio stations across the country. KLUP-AM, San Antonio program director Barry Besse isimg among those exiting the company and he posted to Facebook: “After 15 years at Salem Media San Antonio and a total of 17 years with Salem as a company I was a part of a massive companywide reduction in workforce. Over the years Salem has tried its best not to have a reduction in workforce but like most corporations it had to happen. I’m not bitter or angry I understand how this business works. I was proud of the work I did for Salem Media Group and even prouder to have worked with the people I did.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Podcasting Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgThe most common mistake podcasters make is assuming the microphone alone creates an audience. Too many would-be hosts hit Record without a clear strategy for WHY they’re doing a show, WHO it’s for, and what makes it DIFFERENT from millions of other podcasts.

Here’s where radio people have an edge. They already understand what makes audio work, fundamentals instructive to pure-play podcasters:

Know your listener. The #1 podcasting error is failing to define the audience. A show that tries to appeal to “everyone” ends up resonating with no one. In radio, you wouldn’t program an AC station to please hard rock fans; the same logic applies here. Create a mental picture of your ideal listener and talk to that person… as an individual. A radio show might have thousands of listeners, but they’re listening one-at-a-time. Podcasting is even more intimate. It’s the opposite of “Hi everybody.”

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Prep like it matters. Many podcasters think conversation is enough. But even the loosest-sounding successful shows are tightly structured. Radio taught you this already: segments, clocks, and story arcs keep things moving. Format your podcast.

Edit ruthlessly. The average podcast listener has thousands of options. Rambling is death. Trimming, pacing interviews, and cutting inside jokes shows respect for your listener’s time. Walking-the-walk, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison takes a mere 44 seconds to explain in this video.

Be consistent. If your show drops sporadically, you won’t build loyalty. Listeners want reliability, whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Radio wouldn’t move a morning show around the schedule; don’t do it with your podcast.

Think discoverability. A podcast isn’t a “Field of Dreams” (if you build it, they will come). Great audio needs marketing: social media clips, smart SEO in show notes, cross-promotion, and ideally, visibility on your broadcast platforms.

Make it about them, not you. This is the big one. Too many podcasts are self-indulgent — hosts talking about what interests them. Successful shows flip the script: What does my audience care about, and how can I deliver it in a way only I can?

The bottom line: Radio has invested 100 years doing what podcasting is just learning — creating focused, disciplined, listener-first audio. Bring those habits with you, and you’ll click, while others are still figuring it out.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

Audacy Expands Partnership with DC’s Monumental Sports

Audacy and Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announce a multi-year extension of their broadcast and content partnership. Some features of the new deal include sports talk WJFK-FM, Washington “106.7 The Fan” now serving as the flagship station for the NBA’simg Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals. “The Sports Junkies” show, which also simulcasts every weekday morning on MNMT, will now be available to watch live and on demand on 106.7 The Fan’s YouTube channel. Additionally, “BMitch and Finlay,” airing daily from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, will now simulcast on MNMT starting November 3. Audacy Washington DC SVP and market manager Ivy Savoy-Smith says, “We are excited to extend and expand our partnership with Monumental Sports to enhance the listening and viewing experience for fans. Being the flagship station for the Wizards and Capitals solidifies our position as the top destination for D.C. sports fans. Through the expansion of our television and YouTube simulcast, we are creating more dynamic content for our audiences.”

Industry News

Salem’s Pavlich Covering Trump in Israel

imgSalem Radio Network is providing coverage of President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel as headdresses the Israeli Knesset and personally greets Israeli hostages released as part of the Israel-Hamas peace plan he negotiated. Townhall.com editor Katie Pavlich is among six American media members in the out-of-town travel pool accompanying President Trump on Air Force One.  Pavlich will be filing reports as she follows Trump’s schedule.

Industry News

FOX’s Guy Benson Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

FOX News Radio host and FOX News contributor Guy Benson shared a health update toimg listeners describing his recent skin cancer diagnosis. Benson detailed his diagnosis, removal, and treatment process of a melanoma while emphasizing the importance of regular dermatology visits and self-checking for skin abnormalities. You can hear Benson discuss his diagnosis here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (10/11-12)

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

  1. 1. Hamas Releases Living Hostages
    2. ICE Raids / Illinois Guard Ruling
    3. Government Shutdown
    4. The Economy / China Tariffs
    5. Diane Keaton Dies
Industry News

Mike Gallagher to Broadcast from Israel

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In the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire, Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher is announcing plans to broadcast his nationally syndicated talk show from Israel. “The Mike Gallagher Show” will originate from Jerusalem on October 29, 30 and 31. SRN says the programs will feature interviews with officials from the Israeli Defense Forces, the Netanyahu government, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee among others. Pictured above is Gallagher (right) interviewing International Fellowship of Christians and Jews president Yael Eckstein (left) and getting her reactions to the news of the impending release of the hostages.

Industry News

UPDATE: Conservative Media Factions Fighting Each Other Over Administration Approval

Since TALKERS ran the following story yesterday (10/9), we learned about another angle to this story and have updated it.

There is no unity for the various conservative media outlets fighting for both viewers/listeners and the approval of the Trump Administration. Since 2016 it’s been widely reported that President Donald Trump watches FOX News Channel constantly. But a recent interview with Donald Trump Jr. by Chris Salcedo on Newsmax TV indicates that, at least for the president’simg eldest son, FNC is in the doghouse. Newsmax published an account of the interview which quotes Trump Jr. saying, “Honestly, I don’t watch it anymore because it is so ridiculous. They try so hard to be unbiased that they’re actually biased against conservatives at this point. But this shouldn’t be surprising. These are networks that banned me for two-and-a-half. I’m barely on anymore. I know my father was banned.” However, TALKERS has learned that Donald Trump Jr. appeared on FOX News Channel four times recently – on August 13 and September 3, 11, and 12. He told Salcedo img“FOX’s approach has left conservatives silenced while Democrats and establishment figures get free rein.” The president recently complained about FNC in a post on Truth Social in which he singled out White House correspondent Peter Doocy for talking to Arizona Senator Mark Kelly about his healthcare agenda. He wrote, “Why is Fox News and Peter Doocy putting on Democrat Senator Mark Kelly to talk about, totally unabated or challenged, Healthcare?” SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly recently complained about FOX News Channel’s coverage of Charlie Kirk’s slaying, saying, “It’s really bothering me how FOX News is talking about Charlie, like he was theirs — he wasn’t. It’s a lie. Just stop.”

Industry News

Civic Media Expands News/Talk in Milwaukee Market

Civic Media announces its news/talk outlet WAUK-AM – licensed to Jackson, Wisconsin adds FM translator W262CJ, Milwaukee at 100.3 FM to the station’s broadcast that enlarges its signal in the Milwaukee market. Civic Media adds that in conjunction with FM translator launch onimg October 6, it debuted a new morning program it says is designed specifically for Milwaukee commuters. Civic Media says, “‘All News All Morning’ is hosted by veteran broadcaster Dan Hanni and features a format that syncs with the average commute time in Milwaukee. Every 20 minutes, listeners will hear local news, traffic, sports, and weather, ensuring they stay informed no matter when they tune in during their drive.” WAUK regional president and general manager Chris Moreau comments, “This is a no-frills approach to delivering what people look for in the morning. News and information that they can use to start the day without wading through padding, filler, fluff, and partisan opinion. And they can hear it all within the average commute time in Milwaukee.”