Industry News

Bibi Farber Performs Guest Vocals on New Gunhill Road Song

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Bibi Farber (right), daughter of the late talk radio legend Barry Farber, has recorded a guest vocal appearance on a brand new Gunhill Road song titled, “You Don’t Seem Old to Me,” which will appear on the group’s forthcoming fifth album. The track is a sentimental love songimg examining the lifelong love affair of a fictional couple from childhood to old age – an emotional roller coaster ride reflecting the romantic ups and downs of a complex relationship. The tear-jerker is a departure from the heavy-hitting social commentaries that have made Gunhill Road a favorite among talk radio hosts and audiences for the past half decade.  The intriguing group, formed in the late 1960s, is still going strong with core members Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and Michael HarrisonMatthew B. Harrison produces the ensemble’s videos that employ leading-edge techniques and technology. Ms. Farber, who shares lead vocals on the song with Brian Koonin, is a talented singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist with a number of singles, albums and television commercial soundtracks among her credits. She is presently an advocate for the well-being of nursing home residents and organizer of initiatives to bring live music into their lives. To watch the music video for “You Don’t Seem Old to Me,” please click here.  To learn more about Bibi Farber please click here.

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

Radio Hofstra University Wins Fifth Marconi Award

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Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, Hempstead, New York “Radio Hofstra University” was named College Radio Station of the Year at the 2025 National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Radio Awards, the fifth time the station has won the national prestigious award in just over a decade. The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication dean Mark Lukasiewicz comments, “We couldn’t be more proud of our students for this recognition. It reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion they bring to WRHU every day. In a time of turmoil in media, it’s especially meaningful for these young aspiring professionals to be uplifted and celebrated.”

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

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

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

Joe Pags Proves You Can Go Home Again!

Nationally syndicated talk radio host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo’s program is now being heard on Connoisseur Media’s news/talk WSGW-AM/FM – the very station where he got his start 30 years ago. Pags tells TALKERS, “On October 3, 1995, I was given the shot to fill in for theimg legendary Art Lewis on news/talk powerhouse WSGW in Saginaw, Michigan. Art’s show was the first show I’d ever done in talk radio and I’d filled in a time or two before this date.  But, on THAT date, the OJ Simpson verdict came in and was announced. I gave my opinion of disbelief.  Outlined why I felt that way and the phones melted down for the subsequent three hours. I was in Heaven and realized this is what I was meant to do. I’d done weekend news updates on WSGW before that as I was also finding my way on TV at WEYI (the NBC affiliate) in Saginaw/Flint.  But, there was something different about talk radio for me… A few days ago, WSGW brought me back. I am thrilled. Feels like home again. I feel a great kinship with all of my 170+ stations and that will never change. I owe every PD or owner that gives my show and me a shot a ton – but, getting back on WSGW is very special.” Pags adds, Thank you to Jeff Warshaw at Connoisseur Media, Dave Maurer who gave me that first shot back in the day at WSGW, Mark Thomas for bringing me back and great folks like Charlie Rood and Curt Harding who were there back in the day and, of course, Art Lewis who trusted my 29-year-old self with this show when he was off!”

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

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

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

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

TALKERS News Notes

AWMF Announces Gracies Call for Entries. The AWM Foundation is now accepting entries for the 51st Annual Gracie Awards. AWMF says, “For over five decades, these awards have celebrated outstanding programming by, for, and about women — while funding scholarships and programs that support the next generation of women in media.” All information related to the Call for Entries including entry descriptions and full list of categories can be found here.

NAB Reveals Marconi Awards Hosts. The National Association of Broadcasters announces today that iHeartMedia’s “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” co-hosts Danielle Monaro and Medha Gandhi will host the 2025 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, taking place at The Edison Ballroom on October 21, the evening before NAB Show New York kicks off.  NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Danielle and Gandhi represent everything that makes local radio special — personality, authenticity and a genuine connection with their audiences.”

Industry News

NAB to Host Next BFoA Media Mixer

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that the next Media Mixer will take place at NAB headquarters in Washington DC on Thursday, November 6, from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm and will be hosted by NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt, with special guests Kelly O’Donnellimg of NBC and Hubbard Radio president and general manager Joel Oxley. The Media Mixer series is designed to “celebrate the camaraderie of the broadcasting community and bring to light the charitable mission of the BFOA to provide a lifeline to colleagues in acute need from illness or disaster.” BFoA chair Scott Herman says, “We thank the NAB for providing this impressive event space at their headquarters, and we’re grateful to Curtis, Kelly, and Joel for their support in making this event a success for all attendees. Our Media Mixers bring together junior and senior level broadcast professionals and on-air celebrities, while raising the profile of our mission to help every broadcaster who qualifies for aid.” Registration for the event is required and you can do that here.

Industry News

WJR, Detroit Promotes Osborne to Director Position

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR, Detroit promotes award-winning broadcast journalist Marie Osborne to the newly created position of director of community affairs & news. She previously served as senior news analyst. Cumulus regional VP and Detroit market manager Steveimg Finateri says, “Marie Osborne is one of Michigan’s most respected broadcasters. Her high standards for broadcasting integrity have earned her this important role with WJR, helping us to maintain our brand as Michigan’s most trusted media outlet serving listeners throughout the Great Lakes region.” Osborne comments, “Being able to help our listeners process all that is unfolding in this impactful moment in history is a privilege and being able to do it at WJR is an honor. The commitment to community and news here at WJR runs deep, it is at the heart of all we do and I’m looking forward to carrying on this vital tradition in my new role.”

Industry News

Harry Hurley Charity Foundation Hosts 17th Dinner & Silent Auction

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The Harry Hurley Charity Foundation held its 17th annual Charity Dinner & Silent Auction at Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City over the weekend and welcomed more that 300 guests to the event that featured guest of honor Republican nominee for governor of New Jersey Jack Ciattarelli. As usual, this annual charity event, hosted by WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley, brings out the “Who’s Who” of New Jersey potentates from business and politics including hundreds of New Jersey legislators, county leaders, mayors, council members, and a broad section of business and industry leaders. It raised a record $82,000. Over the past 18 years, The Harry Hurley Charity Foundation has raised more than $2 million. Hurley tells TALKERS that next year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker has already been selected and it will be none other than the legendary Tony Orlando. Pictured above are Ciattarelli (left) and Hurley (right).

Industry News

Chris Michaels to Exit WFMD, Frederick

WFMD, Frederick, Maryland program director and morning drive host Chris Michaels announces via Facebook that he’s leaving the station. He posted, “After two and a half wonderful years as co-host of the ‘Morning News Express’ on Free Talk 930 WFMD and as programimg director, I have submitted my notice. I’m grateful to Connoisseur Media, a fantastic company that, at the time, owned WFMD, and to Frank Mitchell, who hired me and trained me, for the opportunity to be part of this legendary station, and to my close friend and mentor, Bob Miller. My passion for radio is strong, and I look forward to returning to the airwaves as soon as my time at WFMD comes to an end. I love the radio industry. Who knows where this journey will take me next, but I hope it will still be in this area. You will hear me on the air again one day, because my radio career is NOT over. I still have a month here, and I am looking forward to finishing my time here. Primarily working with the fantastic team that I get to work with every day.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

SalemNOW Documentary Series Launches. Salem Media Group says that its SalemNOW conservative and Christian streaming service is now streaming “Prescription to Kill,” a true crime docuseries hosted by actor and filmmaker Kevin Sorbo. Salem says the series originated from director Andrew Thibault’s two-year legal battle with the Food and Drug Administration under the Freedom of Information Act that uncovered hundreds of previously withheld reports it says link prescription medications to acts of homicide, including multiple school shootings.

Audacy Hosts Phillies Party. Audacy’s sports talk WIP, Philadelphia – flagship of the MLB’s Phillies – is hosting the second annual Red October Rally today (10/3) from Stateside Live! in celebration of the Phillies’ National League Division Series appearance. WIP is hosting a live broadcast from the team’s postseason rally from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

iHeartMedia Presents Wine on the River Event. iHeartMedia Louisville is producing the sixth annual Wine on the River event on October 11 at The Belvedere in Downtown Louisville. The company’s Louisville stations – including news/talk WHAS – are promoting the event that will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Kentuckiana.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Learn the Habits of Power and Success

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

imgAs a media consultant, my team has had the privilege of being engaged extensively by members of the C-Suite. Becoming a member of the C-Suite is a common goal. To get into any group, acceptance often depends on acting and appearing like established members. Here are some of the actions observed of business masters whom we consulted:

Arrive First

Let’s start with Walter Anderson, CEO PARADE magazine. PARADE was then owned by Newhouse and was the most-read publication in the English language with 30-million-plus readers. Walter Anderson was a rock star. For years he was an award-winning editor and proud of his publication. He was a gifted leader. Smart writers and graphic designers want to work for Anderson. He’s that guy! It was an honor to have lunch with him… always at the Four Seasons.

Lunch at 12:30 pm. I’d arrive at 12:25 pm – Anderson was well seated. Lunch at 12:30, I’d arrive at 12:15 pm and Anderson was well seated. I had to arrive at 11:30 am to “beat” him to the 12:30 pm table. When I finally arrived at 11:30, he was startled that I arrived first. Score! I shared this story with the manager of the Four Seasons, Julian Niccolini. Julian smiled and said, “The most powerful person always arrives first.”

Arriving first is control, preemptive and, yes, powerful. Arrive first in all actions. The first one in a room can rearrange the chairs and name plates. Arriving first for a meeting gives a person a moral upper hand!

Answer Emails Fast

Our clients have included a long list of CEOs, presidents, and CBOs. Who answers their emails first? The most powerful: Bob Pittman, CEO, iHeartMedia; Julie Talbott, president, Premiere Networks; Kelli Turner, CEO, Audacy; Bob McAllan, CEO, Press Broadcasting; Joe Clayton (deceased), CEO Sirius; Scott Greenstein, president, SiriusXM; Kraig Kitchin, CEO, Soundmind; Tim McCarthy, CEO, Broadcasters Foundation; Alan Shaw, CEO, Centennial Broadcasting; and Chris Oliviero, CBO, Audacy all answer their email super fast. (There are other contacts who answer fast, but this is the CEO/president list.) Most of the other CEOs and presidents who answer late or not at all are bankrupt.

Thank You First

Powerful people send thank you notes – fast. After an event, they send thank you to the host before going to bed. Powerful execs study when people in their industry get an award or promotion and then write notes of congratulations – and stamp it. No emails. Those real letters are saved – forever. Thank you, Cathy Black!

 Know Thy Numbers

Powerful executives are never vague about numbers. Vagueness invites suspicion and erodes confidence. BUT, the powerful are not driven by the numbers. The numbers are not front and center in conversations.

RKO chairman Tom O’Neil hired my company to consult all of their radio stations. Tom was charming, in charge, and larger than life. RKO owned Frontier Airlines. Over lunch, he casually mentioned the passenger load on Frontier that day. He knew those numbers and the ratings for WOR midday. Pass the bread.

Once a year, PARADE and all Newhouse pubs presented their business plans to the Newhouse brothers directly. Participating in that meeting, I saw that the Newhouses expected the CEOs to know their numbers. The CEOs of their pubs presented the numbers. No CFOs, no accountants, and no business managers were allowed in the business plan meetings. CEO direct to owner.

C-Suite members show up first, answer emails fast, know their numbers cold and send thank you notes.

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

Bold Gold to Acquire Silent Townsquare Stations

Bold Gold Media Group is adding to its Upstate New York holdings with the acquisition of two signals that Townsquare Media has ceased operating. The signals – WDLA-FM and WDLA-AM,img licensed to Walton, New York – previously aired a country format and a news/talk format, respectively. Bold Gold Media Group president Vince Benedetto says, “We have a deep love and connection to the Catskill Mountains and Delaware County, and we are very much looking forward to bringing our programming to the wonderful community of Walton. For a long time, we have had the privilege serving the neighboring town of Hancock, and very much look forward to extending our local programming to include even more of the residents of Delaware County.”

Industry Views

When Borrowed Becomes Stolen: The Fair Use Line for Talk Hosts and Podcasters

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

imgJimmy Kimmel’s first monologue back after the recent suspension had the audience laughing and gasping, and, in the hands of countless radio hosts and podcasters, replaying. Within hours, clips of his bit weren’t just being shared online. They were being chopped up, (re)framed, and (re)analyzed as if they were original show content. For listeners, that remix feels fresh. For lawyers, it is a fair use minefield.

Playing the Clip, Owning the Take

Audiences increasingly expect their favorite talkers to “play the clip,” whether it is from Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, Sid Rosenberg, or Charlamagne tha God on The Breakfast Club (a show that seems to go viral every other week), and then add their own color commentary, the kind of play-by-play that makes it feel like the home team is calling the action. That format works. It gives context, tone, and a sense of immediacy that no transcript can match. Done right, it is what transforms a broadcast from just a recap into a fulfilling cultural conversation.

But with every replay comes a risk. Fair use does not mean free use. Courts weigh factors like how much of the original work you used, whether your purpose was transformative, and whether your use cuts into the market value of the original. Playing a short excerpt of Kimmel’s joke before riffing on it? Likely fair. Running half the monologue and treating it as your A-block? That edges into trouble, both legally and from a programming perspective. Why would anyone want to hear your take if your “take” is mostly replaying someone else? That is not adding to the common zeitgeist; it is just echoing it.

The Podcaster and Broadcaster Dilemma

Radio hosts have long leaned on “newsworthiness” as a shield. Podcasters often assume the same rules apply. But here is the distinction: news clips and comedy bits are not treated equally in court. A station rebroadcasting a press conference is serving public information. A podcast re-airing Kimmel is competing directly with Kimmel’s own clips on YouTube. One informs, the other risks replacing.

And while linking to ABC or YouTube is a courtesy, just as crediting them in the video itself might be, it does not replace the traffic (and ad dollars) Kimmel’s team expects. The law does not guarantee creators compensation for commentary, but judges do consider market harm. If your listeners stop watching the original because your show already gave them the “best parts,” you have tilted the scale against yourself. John Oliver is often credited (though no one seems able to find the clip): “People are always going to say stupid things, and you’re always going to be able to make jokes about that, but it should be the last thing you add in, because it is the easiest thing.”

Whether he actually said it or not almost proves the point. Recycling someone else’s words without context is the laziest move in the book. And if you cannot find the source? That is about as meta as fair use gets.

The Takeaway

Here is the smart play: use less and say more. A 20-second clip followed by two minutes of commentary is transformative. A five-minute clip with a shrug and a chuckle is not. Audiences do not tune in to hear Kimmel again. They tune in to hear what you think about Kimmel. The moment you let someone else’s content carry your show, you lose both legal ground and creative authority.

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 or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

WURD, Philadelphia Announces Founder’s Day Gala

Urban talk WURD, Philadelphia is preparing to celebrate its annual Founder’s Day Gala on Friday, October 3, at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The evening will include a tribute to WURD founder, Walter P. Lomax Jr., M.D., live music and entertainment, a dance party, the presentation of Community Impact Awards, and the officialimg launch of Freedom Journeys, a new multimedia storytelling initiative celebrating pivotal figures in Philadelphia’s past and present.  Freedom Journeys, created in partnership with Renee Chenault Fattah and Love Now Media, will highlight 250 iconic Black Philadelphians — living and deceased — whose lives and work have helped shape the city. WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Founder’s Day will be a wonderful evening in a beautiful setting — where we will celebrate my father’s life and legacy, have great food, amazing live music and soul-filling affirmations of our culture. But we also aren’t going to shy away from what’s happening in this country. WURD has never done that, and this year’s Freedom Journeys is both celebration and resistance.”

Industry News

Vintage Cable News/Talk Video Documents Early Hannity Performance

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A fascinating example of early cable news/talk television history has been posted today (9/22) on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel series “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” The episode presents key segments from a vintage program that served as one of the forerunners of modern cable news/talk television. This particular installment preserves what was likely the first documented appearance of Sean Hannity hosting a national network cable television program. The series, titled “Talk Live,” ran for several years in the mid-1990s on CNBC. It covered news and politics, as well as a wider scope of popular culture including arts & entertainment. Not only did it feature an array of guest panelists, but it also showcased a variety of guest hosts. Several of them were drawn from the ranks of radio. Talk radio was the hot new thing in the exploding world of interactive post-fairness doctrine media at the time and television executives were trying to identify hosting candidates from radio to make the transition from audio to video. This particular installment was spearheaded by media impresario Roger Ailes, who went on to form the FOX News Channel. It originally ran 31 years ago, on October 15, 1994, and holds particular interest for students and fans of talk media history. Hannity was, at the time, a rising star as a local host on WGST in Atlanta and was most likely being scouted by Ailes for consideration as a TV host for his forthcoming projects. The episode also featured a noteworthy panel booked by then-CNBC producer Vicky Pomerance that included the late radio talk show legend Bob Grant, then of WABC, New York; international talk media mainstay Victoria Jones, then of WWRC, Washington, DC (currently executive director of PR firm, the DC Radio Company); and TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison. Their conversation delivers fascinating retrospective insight into the issues surrounding the burgeoning talk radio medium, circa the mid-1990s, such as the Fairness Doctrine, as well as the growing rift between liberals and conservatives, and the public’s growing disillusionment with the legacy media and political establishment. Looking back at the video, Harrison states, “Watching his performance more than three decades ago, it was evident that Sean was a natural for the medium – displaying remarkable looks, poise, knowledge and glibness that would serve him well as he went on to become a top-rated, long-running superstar at FOX News Channel and one of the most successful radio talk show hosts of all time.” Check out the video by clicking here.

Industry News

Audacy and MOGL Partner for NIL Sports Marketing

Audacy announces a new strategic partnership with MOGL, an athlete influencer technology platform, that will allow it to integrate NIL sponsorships into its sports audio portfolio. Audacy says the collaboration is designed to “give brands streamlined access to college athleteimg influencers while enhancing Audacy’s cross-platform marketing capabilities.” Audacy says MOGL’s AI-powered matching system allows brands to quickly connect with athletes whose profiles align with campaign goals. Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “Sports is where Audacy wins and sports media is evolving beyond traditional boundaries. This partnership with MOGL is a testament to our commitment to innovation, providing a powerful content-driven approach that benefits athletes, schools, and our advertising partners. Together, we’ll empower our clients to deliver authentic, high-impact campaigns that resonate with today’s fans and drive measurable brand outcomes.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Enters into Partnership with Hello Divorce

iHeartMedia and Hello Divorce – a comprehensive online divorce platform built for the mass market – announce a partnership. According to a press release, Hello Divorce combines technology and expert guidance to radically simplify the legal, financial, and emotionalimg complexities of divorce – helping people navigate every stage of the process faster, more affordably, and with far less conflict. Hello Divorce says its service “goes far beyond digitizing forms and redesigns the entire divorce experience with proprietary technology and AI to eliminate costly errors, reduce delays, and remove the bottlenecks that wreak havoc on divorce timelines.” iHeartMedia president of corporate development and ventures Joe Robinson says, “Hello Divorce offers a powerful solution for one of life’s most challenging transitions. This partnership gives them a unique opportunity to connect with people nationwide through our platforms, delivering resources and guidance that can truly make a difference.”

Industry News

Politicians Address FCC Chair Carr’s Kimmel Comments

imgDemocrats in Congress have lashed out at FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for his statements about ABC/Disney and Jimmy Kimmel’s Charlie Kirk bit that got Kimmel suspended from “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Last week, Carr appeared on the Benny Johnson podcast and called Kimmel’s statements “some of the sickest conduct possible” and added, “This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney… We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” ABC/Disney has television affiliates owned by both Nexstar and Sinclair, which objected to Kimmel’s comments and threatened to pull Kimmel’s show from the air. Nexstar has a $6.2 billion imgmerger with Tegna in the works and needs FCC approval and critics of Carr’s comments are calling him out for appearing to threaten ABC. Republican Senator Ted Cruz, on his Premiere Networks podcast ‘The Verdict,’ disagreed with Carr saying, “Let me tell you if the government gets in the business of saying, ‘We don’t like what you the media says. We’re going to ban you from the airwaves if you don’t say what we like.’ That will end up bad for conservatives.” President Trump – who’s publicly mused about investigating his media critics – weighed in after being asked about Cruz’s response by saying, “I think Brendan Carr’s a courageous person. I think Brendan Carr doesn’t like to see the airwaves be used illegal and incorrectly and purposefully horribly.”

Industry News

KYW, Philadelphia Celebrates 60 Years as News Outlet

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Audacy’s KYW Newsradio celebrated its 60th anniversary at Philadelphia’s Bellevue Hotel on September 17. The event was a highlight of the station’s year-long celebrations, including events and on-air programs throughout 2025. The company says the gala marks six decades since the station adopted its all-news format in September 1965 and honors KYW’s enduring legacy as a trusted source for breaking news, traffic, weather and local service journalism. Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “This celebration is the perfect opportunity to bring together the people who have made KYW Newsradio what it is today – clients, partners, community leaders, station friends, staff and alumni. When you’re a part of an institution that has been the constant voice of a city for six decades, you feel the weight and honor of that history every day. It’s a tribute to all those who have contributed to the station, devoted their lives to telling the story of the Delaware Valley, and built the trust we hold with our community.”

Industry News Sarugami

AM Radio Bill Speeds Through Markup in Congress

The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” during a full committee markup on a 50-1 vote. The bill now goes to the House floor for a vote. Amendments to the bill include a shortening of the sunset of the proposed law from 10 to eight years as well as the bill now directing the Government Accountability Office to study the potential impacts of the requirement on automotive innovation and vehicle safety, as well as the feasibility of alternative emergency alert systems. National Association of Broadcasters notes that public sentiment if behind the bill as a recent survey indicates 83% of respondents strongly support keeping AM radio in new cars so drivers can access free emergency warnings and public safety information while on the road. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Today’s decisive committee vote sends a clear message: AM radio remains essential to public safety, and every American deserves access to it in their car. We thank Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis, Ranking Member Pallone and members of the committee for overwhelmingly advancing this bipartisan legislation. Policymakers and consumers alike recognize AM radio’s essential role in delivering emergency alerts and reliable information when it matters most. We urge House and Senate leadership to move swiftly to pass this bill and preserve this vital service for the American public.”

Industry News

WSSP, Milwaukee Announces New Local Shows

Audacy’s sports talk WSSP/WXSS-HD2, Milwaukee “The Fan” is announcing a new program lineup full of local shows. The new lineup includes Trevor Thomas and Josh Albrecht co-hosting “Inside Wisconsinimg Sports” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am, “Nine2Noon” hosted by John  Kuhn and Ramie Makhlouf, “The Mason Crosby Show” with Mitch Thunder Nelles from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm, and “Wisconsin Sports Daily,” hosted Steve “Sparky” Fifer remaining in PM drive. Audacy Wisconsin SVP Jason Bjorson says, “As we celebrate the station’s 20th anniversary, we wanted to match our listeners’ passion by assembling the dream team here at ‘The Fan.’ With legendary names and two former Green Bay Packers players on our roster, we are going full-throttle. We’re excited to bring our fans the best talent in the market and give them the most entertaining sports coverage Wisconsin has to offer.”

Industry News Sarugami

AM/FM Audiences Trending Up

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog reports on data from Nielsen’s national audience service called “Nielsen Nationwide,” in which it released the Spring 2025 (April-May-June) Nationwide study of total listening in the United States. Nielsen Nationwide aggregates listening from all counties including all Portable People Meter markets and all diary markets and the Spring study concludesimg that listening has grown across all demographics and time periods versus the Fall 2024 Nationwide report. Some key takeaways are: 1) Among persons 25-54, total U.S. AM/FM radio AQH has grown +6%, powered by a +19% increase in the Portable People Meter markets; 2) Weekends and nights have the greatest growth compared to Fall 2024; 3) Versus Fall 2024, Spring 2025 total U.S. audience growth is greater among men versus women and has increased in older demographics; and 4) Total U.S. Spring 2025 audience growth is up significantly among college graduates and upscale $75K+ income Americans. The blog post notes that the PPM audience growth is due to Nielsen’s three-minute qualifier modernization, which provides a significantly more comprehensive and realistic definition of AM/FM radio’s audience and their listening behavior. Nielsen found 23% of PPM listening occasions were three or four minutes. Under the old five-minute listening qualifier rule, none of this tuning would have received listening credit. Effective with the January 2025 PPM survey, Nielsen began crediting tuning occasions that are three minutes or greater. See the full blog post here.