Nationally syndicated talk radio and talk TV star Dr. Asa (Asa Andrew, MD) has been developing a side career in the professional wrestling business in which he plays the roles of a ringside physician. You can see him in this current developing storyline at TNA Wrestling in which he’s confronted by female wrestling star Tessa Blanchard. See the video here.
Red Apple Audio Networks and 77WABC Radio are debuting a new evening show starring political strategist Roger Stone titled, The StoneZONE that will air live from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET. Red Apple chief John
Catsimatidis says, “With the addition of The StoneZONE, radio audiences will have Roger’s perspective on news of the day in real-time. Our world is moving quicker than ever before, and listeners want to hear Roger’s insider’s understanding of what’s really going on in politics.” Following each evening’s broadcast, a video version of that StoneZONE will soon be exclusively available on Stone’s StoneZONE Rumble channel. This new show is in addition to the syndicated Sunday “Roger Stone Show” that also airs on WABC.
The nationally syndicated “Todd Starnes Show” is joining The Real Talk Radio Network has airing daily on
KRTK, Hermann; KVMO, Vandalia; and KRTE, Steelville in Missouri. For information on carrying Todd’s show, email todd@starnesmediagroup.com.
Major League Soccer’s San Diego FC announces that iHeartMedia’s KGB-AM “San Diego Sports 760 AM” will serve as the club’s official English-language broadcast radio partner while Grupo PSN’s TUDN 1700 AM will be the club’s official Spanish-language radio partner. The multi-year partnerships ensure comprehensive
live match coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive club content for San Diego FC fans across the region. San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn comments, “We are thrilled to welcome iHeartMedia and Grupo PSN as our official radio broadcast partners. These partnerships will allow us to connect with fans in both English and Spanish, ensuring that every moment of San Diego FC’s journey is accessible to our passionate supporters.”
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Elon Musk and DOGE
2. Russia-Ukraine War/Zelensky
3. GOP Pols Hearing from Angry Constituents
4. Pope Francis in Critical Condition
5. Conservatives Win German Elections
The highly decorated Navy Seal who fired the shots that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, Robert J. O’Neill, is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel video, “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” He is one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time having served at SEAL Team Two, SEAL Team Four and eight years at the legendary SEAL Team Six. Taking part in and leading over 400 combat missions, O’Neill operated in the Balkans, Liberia, Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. During his remarkable career, Robert J. O’Neill has been decorated 53 times with medals and honors earned in heroic combat. Harrison and O’Neill engage in an intense conversation about morality, stress, drugs, fear, and the permanent consequences of battle incurred at the most demanding of levels. O’Neill is also the author of the New York Times and London Times bestselling memoir The Operator: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior. To view the video in its entirety, please click here.
KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh talk host and weatherman Jon Burnett died on February 19 at the age of 71. SportSkeeda reports that Burnett died from complications for CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy). He’d
been diagnosed with suspected CTE two years ago and joined the National Sports Brain Bank at the University of Pittsburgh. He told “Pittsburgh Today Live” at the time, “If I can help anybody on this road, who is on this road or will be on this road in the years ahead, I feel better about being able to do that and being able to learn from my experiences.” Burnett played sports throughout his childhood and played college football at the University of Tennessee. (Photo: KDKA) Read the SportSkeeda story here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/17-21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories/Topics
1. Trump-Musk Relationship
2. Musk-DOGE Activities / Federal Firings
3. U.S. Foreign Policy / Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War
4. ICE Deportation Crackdown
5. Trump Nomination Confirmations – Kash Patel
6. NYC Mayor Adams Activities
7. Economy-Inflation-Trump Tariff War / Stock Market Instability
8. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
9. Healthcare / Bird Flu / Measles Outbreak
10.McConnell Won’t Run Again
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
4. Kash Patel / Marco Rubio
5. Benjamin Netanyahu
6. JD Vance / Pam Bondi / Karoline Leavitt
7. Jeff Bezos / Mark Zuckerberg
8. Eric Adams
9. Mitch McConnell
10.Steve Bannon
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday (2/19) titled, “Restoring Democracy and Accountability in Government requires that all federal agencies – those set up by Congress as independent agencies – run all action through the White House before it becomes official. The order implies that the agencies in question – including the Federal Communications Commission – are under the purview of the
executive branch and must therefore: “(1) submit draft regulations for White House review—with no carve-out for so-called independent agencies, except for the monetary policy functions of the Federal Reserve; and (2) consult with the White House on their priorities and strategic plans, and the White House will set their performance standards. The Office of Management and Budget will adjust so-called independent agencies’ apportionments to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely. The President and the Attorney General (subject to the President’s supervision and control) will interpret the law for the executive branch, instead of having separate agencies adopt conflicting interpretations.” The order also argues that since the president is elected by the people and all agencies are accountable to the American people, therefore the president represents the will of the people. Critics of the move are questioning the constitutionality of the order and some expect this matter will be decided by the courts.
Pictured above is Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher (right) at the White House with press secretary Karoline Leavitt (left). Gallagher was in Washington, DC to take part in the White House Media Day event. He recorded one-on-one interviews for his radio program with Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent; senior director for counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka; senior fellow at the Independent Women’s Forum May Mailman; and Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins.
Audacy promotes sports talk personality Jake Vulinec to host of the 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm program “Overtime on The Fan” on WKRK-FM, Cleveland “92.3 The Fan.” Station brand manager Keith Britton comments, “Jake is a rising star in this industry, and we couldn’t be more excited to see him take over ‘Overtime.’ Jake’s
dedication, enthusiasm, and fresh perspective will bring new energy to the show, and we know our audience will love what he brings to the table.” Vulinec joined “92.3 The Fan” in May 2023 as a part-time update anchor and fill-in host. He says, “It’s surreal to me to be starting my career in the place I’ve called home for my entire life. I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to continue to grow alongside the outstanding team at ‘92.3 The Fan’ and the best fanbase in the world. The city of Cleveland and my fellow fans have given so much to me, and now I hope to be able to give some of that back to them.”
Triton Digital is releasing its January 2025 U.S. podcast ranker based on weekly average downloads for participating networks. The top four remain unchanged with NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #1, followed by “Up
First” at #2, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” at #3 and iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” at #4. Changes of note during the January period include: Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rises three spots to the #5 rank; Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” dips two places to the #8 rank; iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” rises one place to #14; and iHeartRadio’s “Armstrong & Getty On Demand” shoots up five places to the #18 rank. See the full U.S. podcast ranker here.
National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt spoke at The Media Institute’s 2025 Communications Forum yesterday (2/19) and addressed a number of issues including NAB’s belief that the Federal Communications Commission’s broadcast ownership rules need to be modified. However, he also addressed what he called the “elephant in the room.” “This is a challenging time to be a broadcast journalist.
It’s not easy to report on the deluge of information (and misinformation on social media) that is shaping our world. Especially in cutting through polarized rhetoric to find the truth. And yet, there has never been a more critical time to arm Americans with the facts and let them make their own decisions. To fulfill this mission, our newsrooms must be able to report without fear or favor. This isn’t just a constitutionally protected right – it is fundamental to serving our communities. And it’s a right we’ve had to defend time and time again since our country’s founding. Efforts to limit the ability of broadcasters to report the facts hinders the public’s right to know and chills free speech. Americans deserve the full and fair reporting that broadcasters provide and NAB strongly defends our members’ First Amendment rights and their vital role in maintaining an informed public. Our democracy relies on journalists’ ability to report the news without the risk of government retribution. In a media environment flooded with social media misinformation and cable news politicization, this role has never been more important.”
Edison Research says that according to data from its ongoing Share of Ear study, Black listeners “lead the charge in audio listening.” The study says that the U.S. Black population spends 4 hours and 23 minutes
listening to audio daily, compared with 3 hours and 50 minutes among the non-Black population – over 30 minutes more per day. “This listening includes music as well as spoken-word content, such as podcasts and talk radio. We often thank creators for the audio masterpieces that captivate us, which are all very much deserved. Today, we also thank Black consumers for fueling the success of musicians, podcasters, and radio hosts.”
Cumulus Media Inc. will host a conference call on Thursday, February 27 at 8:30 am ET to discuss its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 operating results. The company will issues a press release containing a summary of these results prior to the call.
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Blames Zelensky for Russia-Ukraine War
2. DOGE Turns Attention to the Pentagon
3. Hamas Releases More Hostage Bodies
4. Federal Layoffs to Hit IRS
5. Trump’s Move to Kill NYC’s Congestion Pricing
Legendary radio figure, Gary Stevens, passed away on Monday (2/17) in Delray Beach, FL, at the age of 84. Stevens succeeded in a number of phases of the radio business from being a major star DJ on groundbreaking top 40 outlet WMCA, New York in the 60s as one of the iconic “Good Guys” to achieving influence as a radio company manager, program distributor, media investment banker, and station broker (where he profitably rode the consolidation wave). He was known for his innovation in all these fields. He served as president of Doubleday Broadcasting in the late 70s, investments advisor with Wertheim Schroeder & Co., Inc. in the late 80s and as the head of his own firm, Gary Stevens & Co. in the 90s. During his stellar career, he served on a number of boards at major radio organizations including Saga Communications, where he briefly served as interim chairman upon the death of Ed Christian in 2022, and industry associations including the NAB and RAB. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison comments, “Although Gary Stevens’ accomplishments and influence on the radio industry stretched over more than half a century and was quite profound – kids of my generation, who had the opportunity to grow up in New York during the swingin’ sixties, will always remember him as one of the glorious WMCA Good Guys. His passing truly marks the end of an era.”
Noted industry historian and video chronicler, Art “Radio’s Best Friend” Vuolo reports to TALKERS, “Gary was the last of the WMCA Good Guys still alive, I took a fantastic B&W film from NYU’s film department that I guess ran on WNET Channel 13 in NY back in 1967 and added titles (a.k.a. supers) so each DJ would be identified and put an opening slate (in color) at the start. Gary Stevens is probably the most prominently featured in this film with some great behind-the-scenes insight as to how top 40 radio was done in America’s top market. 1010 WINS had already bowed out and gone all-news in April of 1965, so it was WMCA and WABC who were dukin’ it out in 1967. However, in the spring of 1966, WOR-FM was a new tend-setter on FM with rock n’ roll. Here’s the link (player below) to the amazing film. Enjoy every second!”
New York Festivals® Television & Film Awards has announced that it will honor pioneering sports journalist and broadcasting groundbreaker Lesley Visser with the New York Festivals 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. NYF states, “A true innovator in sports journalism, Visser has made history as the first woman to achieve numerous milestones in the industry, earning her place as the most highly acclaimed female sportscaster of all time.” 
The New York Festivals Lifetime Achievement Award, launched in 2011, honors prominent industry leaders, innovators, and driving forces in the broadcast world whose groundbreaking accomplishments have advanced their field and left a lasting impact on the industry. The award recipient will be celebrated at the annual Storytellers Gala virtual event, which will recognize TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards trophy winners in May 2025. “I am deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Television and Film Awards,” said Visser, “and I love that it will be presented at the Storytellers Gala. The heart of any sports journalist is dedicated to telling stories. I’m grateful to CBS for giving me this opportunity for more than 30 years, and I salute the men and women who have won this honor before me.” A nine-time Hall of Fame inductee, Lesley Visser has a long list of “firsts” to her credit. She was the first woman inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the first to win the Lifetime Achievement Sports Emmy, and the first recipient of the Vin Scully Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. Lesley’s memoir, Sometimes You Have to Cross When It Says Don’t Walk, reflects her impressive journey of breaking barriers and has been optioned for both TV and film. The annual TV & Film Awards Storytellers Gala, featuring winners and industry executives from around the globe, will be streamed in May 2025. View the 2024 Storytellers Gala. To view entry details, competition rules and regulations, and 2025 categories visit HERE.
Seven consumer studies commissioned by the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® over an eight-year period find audio listeners are a rich source of in-market financial consumers and drive significant top and bottom funnel impact. The key findings from the studies are outlined on this week’s blog.
Key takeaways:
• Compared to TV viewers, audio listeners are far more likely own investment assets, to be in the market for financial services, and be interested in the category.
• Despite massive TV spending by financial service marketers, TV viewers exhibit low brand equity for financial service brands and weak interest in the category due to the older skew of TV audiences.
• MRI-Simmons: Heavy podcast and AM/FM radio listeners are the ideal audiences for financial brands as they are more likely to be premium clients willing to pay for financial services.
• Case study #1: MESH Experience: Among consumers with $500K+ of investable assets, heavy AM/FM radio listeners are three times more likely than heavy TV viewers to be in the market for a new or additional financial services company.
• Case study #2: AM/FM radio drives strong growth in top funnel measures such as awareness, favorability, and consideration.
• Case study #3: A MARU/Matchbox study of consumers with $1M+ of investable assets found over a six-month period, an AM/FM radio campaign generated double-digit lifts in most measures of brand equity.
• Case study #4: Heavy AM/FM radio listeners are more likely to be active investors and more engaged with the financial category versus heavy TV viewers.
• Case study #5: Heavy AM/FM radio listeners are +44% more likely to be financial ‘thrivers,’ those who like taking investing risks and agree that investing is important.
• Case study #6: Compared to TV viewers, audio listeners are much more likely to have investments across a broad array of assets classes and more likely to invest in major financial brands.
• Case study #7: Harris Poll Brand Tracker: A Westwood One NFL AM/FM radio campaign generates significant brand equity impact far stronger than among TV viewers.
Check out today’s blog post.
View a 15-minute video of the key findings here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Musk DOGE Operations / Trump-Musk Relationship
2. Russia-Ukraine War / U.S. Foreign Policy Shift
3. Israel-Hamas War / Trump Gaza Plan
4. ICE Immigration Crackdown
5. Airline Safety
Build a Business You Love (Ramsey Press, 2025) by Ramsey Solutions CEO and bestselling author Dave Ramsey is now available for preorder. The book will be released on April 15, 2025. In Build a Business You Love, Ramsey shares his 30-plus years of experience building a business from a one-man operation to a $250 million-a-year business with more than 1,000 employees and a nationally known brand. The book draws on Ramsey’s hard-earned lessons, equipping readers at every stage of business to grow themselves, lead their teams and scale their businesses. “There are a lot of theories out there about how to run a business,” Ramsey tells TALKERS. “But you don’t need more theories. You need to hear from someone who’s lived it and made it work – someone who’s messed up a lot and gotten back up after being knocked down. This book will guide entrepreneurs and small business owners through the real steps they need to grow their business, no matter what stage they’re in.” Dave Ramsey is currently ranked #2 on the TALKERS 2024 “Heavy Hundred.” In Build a Business You Love, he breaks down five key Stages of Business, from being stuck in the daily grind to ready to make your mark in the business world:
1. Treadmill Operator:Everything in the business relies on you.
2. Pathfinder:You have a team, but it’s hard to get them on the same page.
3. Trailblazer:Your business is ready to scale, so it’s time to find some leaders.
4. Peak Performer:Your business is thriving, but don’t become complacent.
5. Legacy Builder:You’re creating a lasting impact and building a business that lasts for generations.
On Friday, Feb. 21, WURD Radio will present “Race, Manhood and Power: Commemorating 60 Years Since the Ascension of Malcolm X to Ancestorhood” in partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at CCP’s Winnet Student Life Building Lobby. This live broadcast will be a special edition of “Groundings” with WURD host Brother Shomari. The event and conversation will reflect on the lessons of Malcolm X’s legacy and examine how succeeding generations have – or have not – put them into action. The broadcast is part of a week of programming at CCP led by Brother Shomari that addresses what the station describes as the “urgent challenges” facing Philadelphia’s Black communities today.
“This convening will serve as a re-catalyzation of our previous mobilization efforts, focused on African Diasporic community building in and around the Philadelphia region, and the important leadership linkages that must be facilitated between our culture, communities and campuses to advance Black life and wellbeing,” Brother Shomari said. “A particular lens of this convening is on the purpose, roles, responsibilities and preparation of Black youth and young adults for this cause.”
According to the station, this gathering is a sequel to WURD Radio’s historic 2015 event, “The Invitation,” which explored the impact of racial shifts in Philadelphia and the critical need for stronger Black leadership. “Race, Manhood and Power” will continue that discussion, focusing on intergenerational strategies for building Black community power.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Delete this phrase from commercial copy you craft for local advertisers: “In these uncertain times…”
For two reasons. First, many people are optimistic now. Second, those who are suffering get it. Rubbing their nose in it just piles-on; and clichés risk blending-into the blah-blah-blah.
Instead, simply delete the sentence. Give copy room to breathe, to avoid radio’s commercial motormouth caricature.
That next sentence probably includes The Magic Words: “YOU” and/or “YOUR.” If it doesn’t, change that too.
For more click here.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
HANNITY TO AIR TRUMP MUSK INTERVIEW TONIGHT: Continuing his longtime role as one of the nation’s talk media hosts most-closely-connected to Donald Trump, Sean Hannity’s recently recorded sit-down interview with both President Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk will air on the FOX News Channel’s “Hannity” program this evening (2/18) at 9:00 pm ET. Hannity is also syndicated daily on Premiere Networks and currently holds the number one spot on the TALKERS 2024 “Heavy Hundred.” To see a preview clip of tonight’s interview, please click here. 
…..FIVE TO BE INDUCTED: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct Dennis & Kathi Brown, Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into the NBA Hall of Fame on August 12th in La Vista during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 123 members with these pending inductees…..
IBA AND RVA TO HOST LIVE VIDEO STREAMING WEBINAR: The Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA) is producing another “Lunch and Learn” workshop in partnership with the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA). The workshops are free online sessions and feature industry experts with practical solutions to radio’s most pressing problems. “Is Video the New Audio?” is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 1:00 pm ET.
The 45-minute session will include a Q&A and will be available for replay to all registrants. Registration is free (link: https://www.coolradiostreaming.com/) and IBA membership is not required.
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Musk DOGE Operations / Trump-Musk Relationship
2. Israel-Hamas War / Trump Gaza Plan
3. Russia-Ukraine War / U.S. Foreign Policy Shift
4. Air Travel Safety
5. Presidents Day Reflections