PA Official on Leave After Suggesting KDKA-AM/FM Talk Host Kill Himself
KDKA-AM/FM, Pittsburgh afternoon drive talk host Colin Dunlap was recently suggesting to his listeners that staying indoors to avoid the smoky conditions was fine if you have health conditions, but otherwise do what you like. Patch.com reports that Dunlap said, “If you’re A-OK with things and you feel like, well, you know we’re all gonna die someday anyway, what’s one day of walking
around getting a little smoke in my lungs, then go out and live your life. I find the pandemonium about some smoky conditions in Western Pennsylvania for like 26 hours to be over the top – especially when you consider this: some of our grandparents lived like this every day here and smoked a pack a day on top of it.” The communications director for Allegheny County executive Sara Innamorato, Abigail Gardner, testily responded to Dunlap suggesting he go smoke a pack on a bridge – and then jump.” Gardner later apologized for her “lapse in judgement.” See the Patch.com story here.
“Globalization and the deconstruction of community and country, an addictive media system that runs on algorithms we don’t understand and can’t escape, the unpredictability of climate change, Gilded Age-level inequality, and the worry that generative AI will control rather than be controlled by us.”
No two summers have been alike since the pandemic upended listeners’ lives and retailers’ businesses. So, we’ve seen this movie before. To sound relevant and relatable and helpful, connect the dots:
signals as WGN, Chicago; KMOX, St. Louis and 18 other affiliate stations. Sterling says, “There is something magical about overnight radio. It’s the one part of the day when listeners let down their guard and have real conversations. They share their stories, their questions, their experiences, and together we explore the fascinating, funny, mysterious, and sometimes unbelievable side of life. To be heard on legendary stations like WABC, WGN, and KMOX is both a professional milestone and a personal honor. I’m excited to spend the nights with listeners across America and build a community where every voice matters and every story is worth telling.”
Now, the station announces that Malloy is returning to the station on July 13 to resume his role as co-host of the “Dennis & Judi Show.” This change doesn’t put Franco’s current co-host Eric Johnson out on the street. The former, longtime “New Jersey 101.5” program director is returning to management as operations manager and program director. He will serve as a fill-in talk host on the station and will spin records during
the station’s weekend music programs. Johnson says, “So here is where we are. Dennis and Judi are back together on July 13. I am moving into a role that lets me put 48 years of experience to work shaping what New Jersey radio sounds like across three markets. And I will still be here, writing about this state I have loved my whole life, and showing up on the air when you need a familiar voice.”
will take on the role of digital sales manager for Cumulus Knoxville. He says he will continue to be heard on air as part of the Tennessee football postgame show. He told his listeners, “I want the next chapter in my life to be where I’m no longer the main character, but that I’m able to help other people to be the best version of the main character themselves.” He added, “I’m tired. This is a grind. This [new management position] opens up more time that I can spend with my wife. This opens up a situation where I can step in and grow other people.” 
governors, senators, local leaders, neighbors, and listeners who care deeply about their communities. I’ve had a front-row seat to history, politics, and the people who shape North Georgia. I am grateful for every conversation, every caller, and every experience I’ve had on WDUN.” While Zoller is stepping away from the daily program, WDUN listeners will continue to hear her on the station through the Martha Zoller Minute, as well as in her ongoing role as a local political correspondent for WDUN. The station says it will keep the time slot local, with more details to be announced in the coming days about how local voices, local issues, and local conversations will continue to be featured. Jacobs Media Corporation chairman and CEO Jay Jacobs states, “Martha has been a valued colleague, trusted voice, and dear friend to so many of us at WDUN. For decades, she has brought integrity, intelligence, and passion to every conversation, helping listeners better understand the issues that shape our community, our state, and our nation. We are deeply grateful for her service and thrilled that her voice will remain part of the Jacobs Media family through her continued work as our senior political analyst.”
…I’m sharing promo copy now airing on my client stations, which addresses listeners’ – and advertisers’ — 2026 apprehensions:
and television professionals facing acute hardship due to catastrophic illness, disaster, or other life-altering circumstances. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “We have a responsibility to stand beside our fellow broadcasters when devastating illness or catastrophe turns their lives upside down. Giving Day is an opportunity for every broadcaster — individuals and companies alike — to make a meaningful difference for colleagues facing unimaginable challenges. Our industry takes care of its own, and together we can ensure no broadcaster faces hardship alone.” 
chair Patrick Mara, but Fredericks says he thinks it’s important to try to build something for Republicans in deep-blue DC. In a campaign video, Fredericks says Republicans have “‘zero representation, zero respect, zero results’ — and [he] promises to promote an ‘agenda that’s going to make your life better: Get rid of the rats, lower rents.’” 
anything at all we kind of announce it ahead of time. And so today it’s my turn.” He added, “I figure if I’ve done it for 59 years it’s probably enough. Everything’s fine, my health is fine, my wife’s health is fine, we’re just deciding that it’s time to go enjoy the rest of our life that won’t include getting up at 4:20 in the morning. So, we’re going to do that.” A succession plan is in place as DeLucia introduced Tucker “Frito” Young as the newest member of “The Infomaniacs” yesterday (5/27). Young says, “I was excited by the opportunity, mostly because growing up in College Station and Bryan and around the area, if you listen to radio, you would listen to you (Scott) and Jay and Tom and everybody else. So, this is kind of like being on the radio show of record for the Brazos Valley.”
designed to meet listeners throughout their daily lives. Salem SVP David Bingham comments, “As we’ve seen strong engagement with ‘Your Nightly Prayer,’ we recognized a natural opportunity to serve our audience even more deeply. ‘Your Nightly Scripture’ is the perfect companion for listeners who want to end their day not only in prayer but grounded in God’s Word. At night, when many people are still carrying the stress and noise of the day, Scripture has a unique way of bringing peace, calm, and renewed perspective.”
program is hosted by husband-and-wife team Jeremy and Amy Long. It is currently also heard on digital stations throughout the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand and beyond. Seaboard marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei says, “I was hooked the moment Jeremy and I first started talking about travel. Travel is a topic people are extremely passionate about. This will go well with our growing portfolio of lifestyles shows which include a wrestling show and program about pets.”
with those breaks filled by exclusive bonus segments, behind‑the‑scenes moments, extended discussions and original content – resulting in nearly three continuous hours of programming each day.” iHeartMedia chairman Bob Pittman comments, “The Breakfast Club has always been at the center of culture, breaking artists, shaping conversations, and reflecting real life in real time. Taking this show live every day to a global audience on Netflix is a powerful example of how we’re expanding the reach of our biggest brands while giving audiences entirely new ways to experience them. Whether it’s morning in NYC or the afternoon in London, the conversation is live and reaching the world in real time.”
many other prominent political and religious leaders including Rev. Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse; Pastor Allen Jackson of World Outreach Church in Tennessee; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Evangelist Alex McFarland; U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC); Dr. Erwin Lutzer, former head of Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute; and United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. SRN vice president of News and Talk Programming Tom Tradup says, “This special series will give national prominence to the religious freedoms Americans are blessed to enjoy in the words of men and women who are strong leaders in both political and religious life in our nation.”
These are scary times. People on all sides of the mic are on the front lines. Not just “them,” otherwise referred to as the audience. We try to fool ourselves into thinking that society and civilization are relatively “safe.” However, simply being alive and stepping outside in the morning, turning on the computer, or checking the annoyingly smart phone, puts us smack dab in the middle of a war. Literally and figuratively. But like so much else in this modern era, this war lacks foundation.
on how to use digital tools and strategies to grow and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Especially as the city of Philadelphia prepares for a surge of global visitors tied to events including the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the MLB All-Star Game, local businesses face a potentially golden opportunity. “Ready, Set, Grow: Digital Business Foundations” is designed to ensure they are prepared to capture that opportunity by strengthening their digital presence, improving customer experience, and increasing visibility. The evening will feature a fireside chat and panel discussion moderated by author and tech influencer Stephanie “TechLifeSteph” Humphrey, host of “Life & Tech” on WURD Radio.
University on Long Island. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “The selection of ‘Cats’ as keynoter is in keeping with one of the major themes of this year’s edition of the iconic industry event – radio, talk media, and entrepreneurism. John Catsimatidis is presently setting the greatest example of entrepreneurism at work in giving an injection of much needed energy, focus and life to the medium of radio.” Harrison will serve as facilitator of the presentation in a Q&A / interview style format – a role he has played before with the dynamic billionaire media, grocery, and energy mogul.
Catsimatidis will be joined by more than 60 speakers comprised of legendary industry figures as well as fresh faces and rising stars. A detailed agenda including speakers and schedule – a “who’s who” of industry luminaries – will be posted in TALKERS this coming Tuesday (4/28). See the link below for the names of all speakers booked to date.
Harrison continues, “This important conference will illuminate the forward path of the expanding talk media universe, including all aspects of digital communications from AI and podcasting to streaming networks. As has been its tradition, this latest TALKERS conference will approach the onrushing future of the talk business from a radio perspective. This crucial gathering will cover the new undeniable realities of the radio business for those who not only want to survive but thrive as well. It will be about opportunities, networking, and entrepreneurism for individuals in talent, programming, sales, marketing, and management who are serious about staying in the game.”
on consumer lifestyles, purchasing behavior and cross-platform media usage while TOMA.Solutions adds a powerful layer of competitive insight by measuring “Top-of-Mind Awareness,” revealing which local brands own the first-to-mind position in their categories. Cumulus president of operations Dave Milner says, “Today’s advertisers want more than audience delivery. They want insight, clarity, and a stronger connection between marketing decisions and business results. By integrating specialized resources like The Media Audit and TOMA.Solutions into our broader research suite, our teams in these markets provide an even deeper level of local intelligence, helping our clients build more precise and effective campaigns.”
To quote a radio friend, “Some talk show hosts think the news of the day only exists to serve up interesting fodder for their shows.” Many media practitioners, whose jobs encompass letting their audiences know about the pain and suffering of “others,” feel personally exempt from experiencing a connection to the talking points of poverty, ignorance, violence, and injustice that they eagerly collect (and even welcome) as fresh “content” for their platforms. It’s all just “material” to them.
president Mike Thomas says, “Rich is one of the most dynamic and entertaining voices in Boston media, with a proven ability to connect with audiences across platforms. Paired with Ted’s championship pedigree and insight, and Ken’s deep understanding of the station and its audience, this show brings together a unique combination of credibility, energy and perspective that will resonate with Boston sports fans.” Shertenlieb says, “I’m thrilled to be at WEEI and reunite with my buddy and one of my favorite colleagues, Ted Johnson, and work with Ken to see what we can build together. The station’s connection to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund makes this deeply personal, given the role those organizations have played in saving my wife’s life. I’m grateful for this next chapter and can’t wait to get started.”