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Industry Views

NAB Show: Hot Digital Trends: What to Know About Video, Podcasts, AI

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgMy notes from a real useful session with Amazon’s Andy Slater, Audacy’s Michael Biemolt, and YouTube’s Neha Taleja, moderated by WTOP’S John Wardock.

Video trends: 

  • Internet Advertising Bureau: Digital video revenue is strong, +25.4% year-over-year.
  • “It’s an accelerant” to podcasting. “Multi-modal engagement finds your audience where they are.”
  • Adding video to audio work builds trust. When they see the-face-behind-the-voice, they know you more.
  • “You’ve likely created the bulk of the content.” Adding video, “you’re repurposing.”
  • Low cost of entry. “You have an iPhone, buy a tripod.”
  • 233 million Americans have at least one smart TV, another distribution channel.
  • To be smart TV-friendly: solid lighting, quality mic, upgrade camera, catchy graphics/colors, make-up.
  • What makes someone click? Thumbnails!
  • NOT doing video is “a lost opportunity.”

Podcasts:

  • Podcast Time Spent Listening recently eclipsed Spoken Word radio TSL.
  • 58% of Americans are monthly podcast consumers.
  • “Audio + Video = podcasting in 2026.”
  • Service used most for consumption: YouTube 39% — Spotify 20% — Apple Podcasts 11%
  • “YouTube [#2 search tool, second only to owner Google] is a podcast discovery engine.”
  • IAB: 2025 podcast revenue: $2.9 billion.
  • “If you’re a radio station, you’re already in the audio business.”
  • Cannibalizing radio listening? No. “Your audience wants to spend time with your talent. Make it more convenient.”
  • “Podcasting was in ‘the training mode.’ Now it’s ready to run a marathon.”

AI trends:

  • Check out new YouTube AI tools! Among features: A/B testing thumbnails.
  • See also: OpusClip, Headliner, Descript, VivIQ, Riverside.
  • AI apps can translate work to other languages.
  • “Use it to save manhours. You have a very smart [virtual] intern.”

During Q+A, I asked: “You’ve given us some real useful ‘Do’s.’ What are the ‘Don’t’s?”

  • “Nonauthentic content”
  • “Anything forced, unnatural”
  • “Not listening. Losing connection with your audience.”
  • “Be careful with sports betting content, which dates quickly, short shelf life.”

If you missed any of this week’s NAB Show updates, 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

Industry News

John Catsimatidis’ Presence Growing with Role in Marty Supreme

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

In a piece by Stephen Battaglio in the Los Angeles Times, billionaire businessman and WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis is profiled as his image soars nationally due to his role in the Oscar-nominated Timothée Chalamet film, Marty Supreme. Battaglio writes, “‘Marty Supreme’ director Josh Safdie cast Catsimatidis as Christopher Galanis, imga financial backer of the table tennis phenom played by Timothée Chalamet in the film. Safdie told Vanity Fair he liked Catsimatidis’ ‘larger-than-life regional businessman’ look, which he noticed when the mogul ran for New York City mayor in 2013.” Interestingly, a key focus in the piece is on Catsimatidis’ ownership of news/talker 77WABC. He writes, “Catsimatidis made millions from buying New York real estate on the cheap in the 1970s when the city was in deep economic trouble. So, he recognized a bargain when his Red Apple Media group bought WABC for $12 million from Cumulus Media.” See the LA Times piece here.

Industry Views

Talk Radio Mile Markers

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Pamela Garber, LMHC
Grand Central Counseling Group
New York

imgIn a piece I recently wrote for TALKERS I encouraged talk show hosts and producers to book more guests from the mental health profession to provide much-needed relief from the alarming level of anxiety afflicting American society. Since then, the non-stop news cycle, replete with the media pushing people’s buttons to keep them sucked in, has me further convinced this need would benefit the medium as well as the public. Win-win.

People today are negatively impacted by fear, pressure, disgust and confusion. Pressure to keep up with runaway technology. Fear of crushing financial responsibilities and institutional betrayal. Anger over ever-lurking danger from scams, identity theft, and violent assault on the street. Confusion over rapidly changing values, diminishment of ethics, and contentious relationships.

The result: talk radio listeners (as well as potential ones) are drowning in anxiety.

Where does the tumult of an increasingly noisy and uncertain world reach a daily crescendo?  On news/talk radio, of course. That unto itself is not a bad thing. The airing of news and views in the public marketplace of ideas is both therapeutic and a healthy exercise of our First Amendment rights. It is also grimly entertaining.

However, as both a therapist in practice for over two decades and a guest on many talk show interviews, I strongly believe that people need an occasional “spoonful” of relief to “help the medicine go down.” It’s not that I’m advocating sugar coating the content. But even just acknowledging the problems real people are facing from a human perspective can alleviate pain.

Mile markers to the rescue

My experience as a running enthusiast evokes a talk radio reference to the “mile markers” that dot the paths of long-distance races.

It was at mile 18 in the New York Marathon when I first yearned for a mile marker. Mile markers are those coveted little stations along the running races where everyone who extends their arm to offer runners a cup of water or Gatorade is Florence Nightingale to each participant who grabs the “reward.”

A little mile marker has such a big impact on going the distance in races (and in life). Life is hilly, sometimes suddenly downhill, with sprints and injuries, struggling to keep pace, and pretending to be slow. Mile markers in real life give us a boost.  That occasional mental health expert popping up every now and then as a news/talk radio element can put things in context, offer solutions, and stop the spread of those deadly words: “I can’t listen to this anymore; It make me too anxious.”

Check out this talk radio hit, “Close My Ears,” by Gunhill Road by clicking here.

Pamela Garber, LMHC is a practicing therapist based in NYC and South Florida and a longtime guest mental health commentator on radio and television news programs across the nation. She can be contacted by phone at 646-745-6709 or email at Pamelagarber@gmail.com.  Her website is Grandcentralcounselinggroup.com.

Industry News

Philadelphia to Be Prominent in Beasley’s America’s 250th Initiative

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Beasley Media Group announces that in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, its Community of Caring Initiative will roll out across on-air, digital, and in-car platforms, leading up to the historic milestone with Philadelphia playing a key role as the birthplace of American independence. The company says that as part of the initiative, stations will air public service announcements multiple times daily, ringing to lifeimg the defining moments of 1776 – from the leadership of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to the actions of the Continental Congress and George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. These messages will be complemented by live and recorded interviews throughout 2026, featuring special guests sharing stories and perspectives tied to America’s founding and evolution. Beasley chief communications officer Heidi Raphael adds, “At this pivotal time in our nation’s history, Philadelphia holds an especially unique and powerful place in telling America’s story. Through our Community of Caring Initiative, we’re proud to share that story across our platforms – connecting our audiences to the past while celebrating what lies ahead.”

Uncategorized

Dr. Asa Andrew Poised at Dynamic Intersection of Radio and Pro Wrestling

By Editor | by Editor

Health/lifestyle syndicated talk media star and ringside physician, Asa Andrew, M.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Asa) finds himself strategically positioned at the dynamic intersection of radio and wrestling as TNA Wrestling announces a collaboration that will integrate its premium live events, weekly television programming, digital platforms, and fan experiences across iHeartMedia’s formidable audio network. Dr. Asa has achieved imgTALKERS “Heavy Hundred” national prominence for years, originally launching his daily three-hour “The Dr. Asa Show” on its flagship radio affiliate, iHeart’s WLAC, Nashville. Andrew has subsequently and simultaneously returned to his roots as a professional wrestler and recently joined TNA Wrestling as the company’s ringside physician and head of sports medicine.

Andrew tells TALKERS, “I am excited to see these two entertainment and media giants come together. Finally, my two passions are aligning synergistically. TNA Wrestling has seen immense expansion this year as its president Carlos Silva led the company into one of its largest growth periods. This includes a major TV network deal with AMC for our weekly live show, ‘Thursday Night iMPACT!,’ as well as filling up arenas in major cities across America with record breaking crowds. Now – from the radio, TV, and podcast studio to the professional wrestling ring – talk media’s ‘America’s Health Coach’ and professional wrestling’s ‘Ringside Physician’ Dr. Asa has a significant cross-section of his brand in one place.”

As part of the agreement, iHeartMedia will serve as the presenting sponsor of the TNA Wrestling Pay-Per-View Pre-Show for all remaining 2026 premium live events. The integration will feature prominent brand visibility across broadcast graphics, in-arena announcements and event marketing. On TNA’s flagship weekly television program, “Thursday Night iMPACT!,” airing nationally on AMC, and streaming on AMC+ in the U.S., and worldwide on TNA+, iHeartMedia will receive premium broadcast integration including sponsorship of the LED Walkout Ramp, one of the most visually recognizable elements of TNA’s live events and television presentations.

Check out Dr. Asa, the ringside physician, in action

Dr. Asa had to respond a real-life medical emergency during a recent TNA World Championship match in New Orleans between current standard bearer Mike Santana and challenger, “Bulletproof” Steve Maclin. Maclin took a superkick and Santana connected with the left side of his jaw almost knocking him out and delivering an instant concussion (as immediately evaluated by referee Alice Lane).  Dr. Asa‘s instincts were equally quick as he was sliding into the ring while referee Lane was throwing up the X sign. That’s when a referee crosses the two forearms to make an X. It signals there is a serious injury and the match needs to pause until a medical doctor can evaluate the wrestler to see if the match is to be stopped or can continue. Dr. Asa made the decision to stop the match, and Maclin was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Thankfully, Maclin only suffered a mild concussion with slight neck pain and spasm. He should be returning to the ring soon once he is medically cleared.  To see a video clip of this incident, please click here. 

Industry Views

Providing Support and Comfort to the Suffering Masses

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Pamela Garber, LMHC
Grand Central Counseling Group
New York

imgIn ongoing discussions about the dwindling relevance of radio in the modern world, the medium is grudgingly defended as a reliable “first responder” during times of public emergencies.

Nothing beats having an old-fashioned battery powered radio handy when confronted by hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, earthquakes, wildfires, floods, blackouts, and (dare I say it) weapons of war. Yes, radio is quite useful in the thick of natural “disasters” when the grid goes down, and the lights go out.

However, we are missing a huge opportunity by limiting radio to the roleimg of modern-day media Sterno.

I’ve been a practicing therapist in New York and South Florida for the past 25 years, and although not a host, I have served, and continue to participate, as a guest on broadcasts across the nation, discussing the emotional connections between hot news topics and people’s feelings. I am not alone in the perception that people of my profession have performed for decades as fully invested members of the talk radio family.

During this period, it has become obvious that the one-time talk radio mainstay of the in-house or “go to” mental health professional has become an endangered species. Some of the biggest names in radio were practicing therapists. They were a familiar part of the talk (even news/talk) format. Without turning this into a historical essay or a scold, it is sad to note that most of them are gone.

Ironically, now more than ever, the deeply troubling events in the world, the nation, and our local communities, constituting news and statistics, are bringing deep emotional pain and crippling anxiety to the masses… especially the kind of people likely to tune in to talk radio. Professionals. Businesspeople. Workers. Parents.

Looking for younger demos? Gen-Z is perhaps the most anxiety-plagued segment of the population. These “kids” need support, guidance, and understanding.

Hurricanes and heat waves are not the only disasters that call for the helpful and healing power of radio.

The hot topics of the day: crime, inflation, corruption, disease, ignorance, racial strife, and identity politics – not to mention the ever-lingering threat of nuclear devastation – are not merely subjects (and excuses) to vent blame, anger and hate. They contribute to an environment of deep fear and institutionalized discomfort. There are millions of real-life, personal “disasters” going on out there, exacerbated by relationship betrayals and family breakdowns, that make a heavy snowstorm feel like an adventure by comparison.

Stoking people’s fear and anger with cherry-picked cherry bombs is only a small part of the equation when it comes to serving the desperate needs of both current and potential listeners.

It would be a good thing to bring back to the talk radio menu some psychology shows and professional purveyors of emotional clarity, available in the local communities, as guests to dole out much sought compassion, empathy, guidance, and old fashioned advice.

Pamela Garber, LMHC is a practicing therapist based in NYC and South Florida and a longtime guest mental health commentator on radio and television news programs across the nation. She can be contacted by phone at 646-745-6709 or email at Pamelagarber@gmail.com.  Her website is Grandcentralcounselinggroup.com.

Industry Views

Take Back the Airwaves: Why Radio’s Future Belongs to Main Street, Not Wall Street

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By John Caracciolo
President/CEO
JVC Broadcasting

imgThe recent shutdown of CBS News Radio isn’t just another media headline – it’s a wake-up call. A clear example of what happens when decisions about our information, our communities, and our voices are made in corporate boardrooms disconnected from real life.

This wasn’t a programming failure. It wasn’t a lack of audience. It was an accounting decision – made by people who don’t live in the communities radio serves, don’t rely on it, and don’t understand its true value. And that’s exactly why they got it wrong.

Radio has never been more important. In an era flooded with misinformation, algorithm-driven content, and faceless digital noise, radio remains immediate, local, and – most importantly – trusted. It’s the one medium that still shows up live, every day, in real time, for real people.

Radio isn’t dying. It’s being stripped down by people who don’t know how to grow it. But here’s the truth: this moment isn’t just a loss – it’s an opening. A rare and powerful opportunity to rebuild something better. Because what’s missing right now isn’t demand. It’s leadership. This is the moment to create a new kind of radio network – one built not for Wall Street, but for Main Street. A network designed to empower local stations, not replace them. One that helps stations monetize their greatest strength: localism. Local voices. Local news. Local advertisers. Local trust.

Let’s be clear about something: consolidation itself isn’t the enemy. When done right, consolidation can be a powerful tool – one that strengthens local newsrooms, provides resources, and creates the scale needed to compete in a modern media landscape. But there’s a line. When consolidation is used purely for profit – when it strips stations of their local identity, cuts talent, and replaces service with spreadsheets – that’s when it fails. Profit must be our servant, not our master. The future of radio depends on getting that balance right. We need smart, strategic growth that invests in journalism, expands local reporting, and gives stations the tools to thrive – not survive. We need leadership that understands scale should support localism, not suffocate it. That’s where the opportunity is right now.

The future is a network that works differently – a network that partners with local stations to amplify their voices, not drown them out. One that provides national scale where it matters – news gathering, distribution, sales infrastructure – while keeping content authentic and rooted in the community. A network that helps local stations win. Because local radio doesn’t need to be replaced – it needs to be reinforced.

Imagine a network that:

  • Delivers credible, trusted national news while allowing stations to localize and own the story • Builds shared revenue models that actually benefit local operators.
  • Gives advertisers access to both national reach and local impact.
  • Invests in talent, not cuts it.
  • Uses modern tools – digital, streaming, social – to extend radio’s reach without losing its soul.

That’s not just possible – it’s necessary. This is how we make radio competitive again. Not by shrinking it, but by strengthening what made it great in the first place. And let’s be honest – no one is better positioned to build this than the people who actually believe in radio. We have the tools. We have the experience. We have the relationships. And most importantly, we understand the audience because we’re part of it.

This is the time to act. The vacuum left by corporate retreat is real, and it won’t stay empty for long. Either Main Street steps in to rebuild radio with purpose, or something else will fill that space – and it won’t have the same commitment to trust, community, or truth.

So, let’s not waste this moment. Let’s take back the airwaves from bureaucratic investors who see radio as a line item instead of a lifeline. Let’s build a network that works for stations, communities, and listeners. Let’s make radio great again – not by looking backward, but by building forward. This isn’t the end of radio. It’s the beginning of its next chapter. And this time, we’re writing it. Let the revolution begin my friends, who’s with me?

John Caracciolo is the president and CEO of JVC Broadcasting.  He can be emailed at johnc@jvcbroadcasting.com or phoned at 631-648-2525.  

Industry News

New Syndicated Radio Programming Initiative Launches

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Maryland Media One announces the launch of Seaboard Networks, a new radio programming and syndication company offering 24/7 turnkey radio formats and syndicated programming to stations nationwide. The company says this initiative involves developing and distributing bothimg music-driven and spoken-word programming. Maryland Media One CEO Steve Clendenin says, “The landscape of radio programming is changing. We’re here to partner with stations to develop and distribute top-tier music and spoken-word formats and content. Our goal is to help stations grow with compelling programming that is affordable, easy to implement, and designed for today’s radio and streaming environment.” Among the first offerings available through Seaboard Networks is the Outdoor Radio Network, a full-time programming format built around hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor lifestyle content.

Industry News

NYFestivals to Honor Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Stephen Capus

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

New York Festivals Television & Film Awards and Radio Awards are honoring distinguished news leader Stephen Capus, president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and former president of NBC News, with the New York Festivals 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2026 Lifetime Award recipient will be celebrated at the annual Storytellers Gala, recognizing TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards trophy winners from around the globe will be streamed on May 21, 2026. Capus says, “It is a profound honor to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award and beimgrecognized alongside this esteemed community of storytellers. This honor is not mine alone, but a testament to the journalists I’ve worked with throughout my career – especially my RFE/RL colleagues who are committed to showing the world what is happening inside places like Ukraine and Iran. Their passion for excellence and dedication to the truth inspires me each day. My deepest gratitude to my family, whose support has made all of this possible.”

New York Festivals says, “Under Capus’s leadership, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty continues its mission to promote democratic values by delivering accurate, uncensored news and fostering open debate in countries where free press is threatened and disinformation is pervasive. Reaching nearly 50 million people each week, RFE/RL fills a critical gap in regions where independent journalism is restricted, banned, or still emerging.” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s programs have earned multiple awards from New York Festivals TV & Film and Radio Grand Juries.  Most recently are 2025 Gold Tower for Human Rights Documentary “How Russian Forces Hunted Down A Ukrainian Shopkeeper In Bucha Bloodbath” (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service); 2025 Gold  Tower for Sports Podcast “Gordafarid” (RFE/RL’s Persian-language service Radio Farda); 2024 Bronze Tower for Social Justice Podcast “Vida” (RFE/RL’s Persian-language service Farda); and 2024 Gold Tower for Human Rights Documentary for “Silent Deportation” (RFE/RL).

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Anatomy of a Results-Producing Spot

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgLet’s start with what NOT to do, The 7 Deadly Sins Of Small Business Advertising:

  1. Talking about yourself too much. Customers care lots less about your story than their problem.
  2. Using clichés. “Quality service,” “relaxing atmosphere,” “friendly staff,” and “committed to excellence” are noise. WORST: the hollow “for all your ____ needs.”
  3. Listing everything you do. Think: message, not menu.
  4. Trying to sound big. Avoid that corporate sound I described in last week’s column here. It distances you from your prospect.
  5. Trying to be clever instead of clear. If they don’t get it instantly, they move on. And you risk seeming unserious.
  6. Too much copy, so the spot sounds rushed, a motor-mouth pitch. Instead, let it breathe.
  7. Ending with a weak call to action. “Visit us today” is not a call to action. It’s a shrug.

Your messaging will instantly improve if – in the words of George Constanza – you “do the opposite” of committing these sins.

A strong ad has four parts:

  1. A clear, strong opening line. “When you lie in bed at night, do you hear a scratching sound?” The opening line should speak directly to the customer’s life. Note Magic Words “you” and “your.” Start in their world – with their dilemma – and walk-them-into your world, how you fix it.
  2. A simple promise. Tell them what they get —  not what you do. “Call before noon and sleep on a new mattress tonight.” Problem solved. A promise is emotional, not technical.
  3. A reason to believe. Keep it short. “Sameday service, even on weekends,” or “We’ve solved this problem for 20 years.”
  4. A strong call to action. Tell them exactly what to do next. Be specific and immediate. “Click to find out – in just seconds – to find out what your house is worth.” Or “Instant cash for your car. Call for our offer.”

This is #3 in my 3-part series about optimizing commercial copy, the fundamentals we’re covering in Sales meetings as I visit client stations this spring. If you missed the first two installments, here are “If It Doesn’t Matter to the Customer, It Doesn’t Matter” and “Your Local Advantage.” And help yourself to my free E-book, “Spot-On: Commercial Copy Points That Earned The Benjamins,” 12 more pages of what-worked, collected in my travels.

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

Industry News

BFOA Gala Raises Funds as it Honors Broadcasters

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

img

The Broadcasters Foundation of America held its annual gala at The Plaza in New York City on Monday evening drawing nearly 300 professionals from radio and television celebrate broadcasting excellence and raise funds for colleagues in need. Honored at this year’s event were sports media personality Stephen A. Smith, who received the inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award; Ernest A. Liebre, SVP and Institutional Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, who was presented with the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award; Mark Lazarus, CEO of VERSANT and former chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, who received the BFOA Golden Mic Award; and Judge Judy Sheindlin, who was honored with the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award. Pictured above (l-r) are BFOA president Tim McCarthy, Stephen A. Smith, Judge Judy Sheindlin; Mark Lazarus; BFOA chair Scott Herman; and Ernest A. Liebre. Photo: Ricardi Media

Job Opportunity

WVMT, Burlington Seeks PD/Talk Host

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Sison Broadcasting’s news/talk WVMT-AM/W242BK in Burlington, Vermont is looking for a program director/talk host. The company says, “Do you have a passion for compelling conversation? Do you live andimg breathe talk radio? We’re looking for a program director to lead our talk radio stations to the next level.

This position requires the talent to host a conservative talk show while overseeing all aspects of programming, talent development, and content strategy for both our news/talk and sports stations. You’ll drive ratings growth, strengthen audience engagement, and ensure our stations remains trusted and influential voices in the community.

Our candidate will have some level of talk radio experience, strong leadership skills and the ability to adapt to Vermont and Upstate New York.  You’ll need to be a quick study and learn the politics of our market while maintaining an understanding of current events nationally.  Experience with digital content strategy including podcasts, streaming and social media is a must.  Experience and knowledge of VT/NY is a big plus but not an absolute necessity.

This position offers a decent starting salary for the market, a nice benefits package and a four-season lifestyle in a beautiful area of New England.  This is an in-market position.

Please send a copy of your resume along with applicable aircheck to operations manager Ted Richards at ted@star929.com.

Industry Views

Spring-Forward Show Prep

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgUnless you live in Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) or American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, your clocks will change when we “Spring Forward” on Sunday 3/8.

Every year, that one missing hour becomes a big topic of conversation. So, it’s an opportunity to flex your local radio advantage. Plan now to empathize with the emotional and practical adjustments listeners are confronting, including…  

Darker Mornings
Positive:

  • Later sunrise can feel cozy, especially for people who enjoy easing into the day.
  • Early-morning workers may appreciate the quieter, calmer pre-dawn hours.

Negative:

  • For many, waking up in darkness can be jarring.
  • Kids heading to school and commuters on the road face reduced visibility.

Longer Evenings
Positive:

  • More daylight after work boosts mood, encourages outdoor activity, and feels like the unofficial start of spring.
  • Families get more time outside; businesses tied to recreation, dining, and retail see a lift.

Negative:

  • Evening routines shift, especially for parents managing homework, sports, and bedtime.
  • People who work late may feel the day stretching uncomfortably long.

Sleep Disruption
Positive:

  • Some listeners welcome the psychological “reset” of a seasonal shift.
  • A later sunset can help night owls feel more aligned with the clock.

Negative:

  • Losing an hour can hit hard.
  • Many experience grogginess, irritability, and a few days of circadian chaos.

Health and Mood
Positive:

  • More evening light is a proven mood-booster.
  • For those prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder, the extended daylight is a relief.

Negative:

  • The abrupt change can trigger fatigue, headaches, and short-term stress.
  • Sleep-deprived mornings can amplify anxiety.

Productivity and Daily Rhythm
Positive:

  • Longer evenings can inspire productivity, exercise, and social plans.
  • People feel like they “get their life back” after winter.

Negative:

  • Morning productivity tanks for a few days as bodies adjust.
  • Parents, shift workers, and early risers feel the strain most acutely.

Safety Considerations
Positive:

  • More daylight during high-traffic evening hours improves visibility and reduces accident risk.

Negative:

  • Darker mornings increase hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren.
  • Sleep deprivation contributes to slower reaction times.

Energy Consumption
Positive:

  • Longer daylight in the evening can reduce lighting needs.
  • Outdoor activity replaces indoor energy use.

Negative:

  • Darker mornings mean more lights, heat, and coffee makers running earlier.
  • Any savings are inconsistent and vary by region.

Impact on Schedules
Positive:

  • The seasonal shift feels like a milestone — spring is coming.
  • People use the change as a cue to refresh routines.

Negative:

  • Parents, pet owners, and anyone with a rigid schedule face a tough adjustment.
  • “Losing an hour” becomes a shared gripe.

So, What’s a Radio Station To Do?
This is where local radio can shine – being human, helpful, and hyper-local.

  • Songs about time: Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” etc.
  • Explain the history of Daylight Saving Time(NOTE: it’s “Saving,” not “Savings”).
  • Ask callers how they feel about DST. You’ll get strong opinions on both sides…and stories.
  • “What will you do with your longer evenings?”
  • Giveaways that fit the moment: Coffee cards, breakfast treats, outdoor gear, spring-cleaning kits.
  • Partner with advertisers: “Spring Ahead Specials,” etc.
  • Interview a local health pro about sleep.

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

Industry News

FOX5’s Natasha Verma to Emcee BFOA Gala and Fundraiser

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that FOX 5 New York’s Natasha Verma is hosting this year’s BFOA Gala and Fundraiser on Monday, March 9, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. BFOA imgpresident Tim McCarthy says, “Verma brings a vibrancy and excitement to our evening. The Annual Gala is our biggest fundraiser, and the money is needed more than ever. The number of requests for aid goes up every year. That means more broadcasters than ever before are aware of our mission and we must answer their cry for help.” As previously announced, this year’s BFOA Gala will also honor VERSANT CEO and former chair of NBCUniversal Media Group Mark Lazarus with the Golden Mic Award, Judge Judy Sheindlin with the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, Stephen A. Smith with the inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award, and Ernest A. Liebre with the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award.

Industry News

Jackson’s Daughter to Continue Premiere’s “Keep Hope Alive” Show

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Premiere Networks announces that the long-running national weekend show “Keep Hope Alive with Rev. Jesse Jackson” will continue under the leadership of the program’s executive producer and host Santita Jackson, the eldest daughter of Rev. Jackson. Premiere Networksimg president Julie Talbott says, “We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, and it has been an honor to work with him and his family throughout the past two decades of his ‘Keep Hope Alive’ radio show. Santita Jackson is uniquely positioned to carry forward his legacy and his unwavering commitment to community and social justice – values he championed so powerfully for listeners and stations across the country.” iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman adds, “Rev. Jackson has been a transformative voice in American life, and it was a privilege to work with him dating back to ‘The Jesse Jackson Show’ with Quincy Jones in the 1990s. We’ve valued our relationship with him over the years and look forward to celebrating his lasting impact on the national conversation and our culture – an influence that will continue to resonate for generations.”

Industry News

FCC Chairman Carr Announces Pledge America Campaign

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr is announcing the agency’s Pledge America Campaign designed to dovetail with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. The announcement says that “consistent with their longstanding public interest obligations, America’s broadcasters play a key role in educating, informing, and entertaining viewers and listeners all across America, and they are particularly well suited to air programming that is responsive to the needs and interests of their local communities.  The Pledge America Campaign enables broadcasters to lend their voices in support of Task Force 250 and the celebration of America’s 250th birthday by airingimg patriotic, pro-America content that celebrates the American journey and inspires its citizens by highlighting the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today.” Carr adds, “On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That revolutionary document set forth our founding principles – including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness – and put America on a collision course with destiny.  Over the following centuries, the American story has defined modern history and spread freedom, opportunity, and prosperity across the globe.  As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, it is important to reflect on the ideals and events that have defined our past while keeping an eye towards our country’s bright future. The White House is leading our national celebration of this historic event with the Salute to America 250 Task Force, which calls on the federal government, among others, to mark this momentous occasion.  As part of this effort, I am calling on broadcasters to pledge to provide programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and our shared history.” Carr shares some examples stations could use, including:

Running PSAs, short segments, or full specials specifically promoting civic education, inspiring local stories, and American history.

  • Including segments during regular news programming that highlight local sites that are significant to American and regional history, such as National Park Service sites.
  • Starting each broadcast day with the “Star Spangled Banner” or Pledge of Allegiance.
  • Airing music by America’s greatest composers, such as John Philip Sousa, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, or George Gershwin.
  • Providing daily “Today in American History” announcements highlighting significant events that took place on that day in history.
  • Partnering with community organizations and other groups that are already working hard to bring America’s stories of unity, perseverance, and triumph to light.
Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Anarchy Wins in Radio

By Editor | by Editor

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling Every Damn Night
Sterling on Sunday Syndicated, TMN

imgI am pleased to be speaking this weekend at the IBS New York 2026 conference in New York City. Thank you, TALKERS magazine, for being the presenting sponsor of this important, timely annual event along with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS).

Attention college students. I will help you get a job in radio because radio wants you and needs you. Call me any time at the number below but read this first:

You got a job and are now going to work at a radio station. You have an idea for a promotion or a promo or a new… anything.

You arrive at the station, and your idea goes on the air. Then get yourself coffee. All before 10:00 am.

No, that would not happen in any other medium. Local TV is the medium that could be spontaneous, filled with local audiences and hosts and entertainment programs but… it’s not! Local TV does local news. The cameras on set don’t move, the format for the newscast is determined by corporate. After the news, the prime-time schedule is determined by corporate. There will be no surprises, no ideas from you at all. “Hey, could you get me a coffee,” says the anchorman to you.

All before 10:00 am.

Movies? Great. You have an idea. You start writing a script.  Great idea. Send it to studio after studio. Rejection, rejection.

You get depressed. You start drinking. Rejection. Finally, you get a meeting with a studio. You’ve been in LA six years, finally a meeting. It goes ok. You drink more. Then you find an AA meeting in the Valley. Any Valley, it’s LA. After seven years, you get on-set to see every word you wrote changed by idiots who don’t get you. All before 10:00 am.

Radio gives you the most control of your creativity and your hard work. Idea? Yes, please. Get a job at a radio station and cause trouble. Challenge everything. Demand change. Many, many of the elements you hear on the radio are ideas I brought to life with co-workers. I rarely point that out, but it’s true. Your turn. Here’s the torch.

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.  He can be phoned at 646-678-1110.

Industry News

WURD, Philly Hosting Billy Preston Screening Event for Black History Month

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Philadelphia urban talk outlet WURD Radio announces it is hosting its signature Black History Month event on Monday (2/23) with an exclusive screening of the documentary film, Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It. Th event takes place at the Barnes Foundation and will include a live panel discussion with the film’s director and special guests. WURD says, “With Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as an executive producer, and Paris Barclay directing, theimg documentary explores the extraordinary life and career of Billy Preston, one of the most influential yet often overlooked musicians in modern music history. Barclay is widely known for his prolific, award-winning work directing major television series, including ‘NYPD Blue,’ ‘The West Wing,’ ‘Sons of Anarchy,’ and ‘ER,’ bringing both historical insight and emotional depth to Preston’s story.” WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Many people know Billy Preston’s music without knowing Billy Preston’s story. His work is woven into some of the most recognizable music ever recorded, yet his life and legacy are not widely understood. This is exactly why we celebrate Black History Month — to recognize the artists, innovators and cultural figures whose influence we experience every day, even when their stories remain untold.”

Industry News

Report: Jim Miller Gone from SiriusXM NFL Channel Under Mysterious Circumstances

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

According to a report from Awful Announcing, sports talk host Jim Miller is no longer co-hosting the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel’s “Movin’ the Chains with Pat Kirwan.” Kirwan and Miller were supposed to work together from Super Bowl week in San Francisco, but Miller was noticeably absent,img causing listeners to speculate about his status. Earlier this week Kirwan addressed the matter saying, “As most of you have noticed, Jim Miller was not with us last week at the Super Bowl. We’re going to let all of you know, today, that Jim is no longer a member of the SiriusXM team. We’re grateful for all of Jim’s insights and contributions through his many years on SiriusXM, and I’m personally grateful to have him as my on-air teammate for a long time. I wish him the best going forward, as all of you will as well. For the sake of Jim, we should leave this subject as it is and hope and pray that he gets on with his life and things go well.”

Industry News

Bonneville Seattle’s Brynna Rogers First Woman to Engineer Super Bowl Radio Broadcast

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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Bonneville Seattle broadcast engineer Brynna Rogers made history yesterday at the first woman in NFL history to engineer a Super Bowl play-by-play radio broadcast. Rogers engineered the game on “Seattle Sports 710 AM” and “KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM.” Prior to the game, Rogers said, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have to stop every once in a while, look around, and take it in – to remind myself that this is really cool and that not many people get to do this.” Speaking about what her duties are during the game, Rogers said, “I mix their mics, I EQ them, I add dynamics, and I apply compression and limiting. Everything happens in real time.” Rogers is pictured above with the Seattle Seahawks radio post-game broadcast crew.

Industry News

WIBC, Indy Lets Rob Kendall Go

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Two days ago, TALKERS reported that WIBC, Indianapolis late morning host Rob Kendall had been ordered off the air at the Urban One news/talker but was still on the payroll. Now, TALKERS learns via Kendall’s Facebook post that he has been let go. He writes I his post: “Today was my last day as a part of 93.1 WIBC. I want to thank the literally hundreds of thousands of you who became a part of my radio family theimg last 9 years. Being your voice, using my platform to speak up for you, to take on the powerful, the connected, the politicians, has been the greatest honor of my professional life. You have responded with incredible ratings and support of our advertisers that stood behind me. In the process we have formed an unbreakable bond. In the end, the show was always about us. In a battle together. I also want to thank those of you who have written letters in support of me the last 3 weeks. I was so moved by the outcry demanding this beautiful thing we’ve forged together keep going at the place we made it happen. If you want the answers why it will not occur, that’s a question for Urban One. We have some amazing things coming soon! Our bond is so much bigger than any singular platform or frequency. You have proven that in recent weeks. I can’t wait to tell you all about our new opportunities together in the near future. In the meantime, thank you for all YOU have given to me the last 9 years. Your loyalty and dedication allowed me to live out my boyhood dream. I will never be able to thank you enough.” Kendall hasn’t publicized his plans for the future but appears to be leaning toward a digital platform as he’s continuing to post Indiana and Indianapolis news via social media.

Industry News

KSCO, Santa Cruz Marks 35th Year of Ownership by Zwerling Broadcasting System (ZBS)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

January 31 marked the 35th anniversary of local real estate businessman-turned-broadcaster Michael “MZ” Zwerling‘s purchase of KSCO-AM 1080, Santa Cruz. Zwerling, pictured below with Amy Hau, his life partner and co-host on KSCO’s “Saturday Special,” grew upimg listening to the 10k flamethrower, with a history dating back to 1947, that blankets the Santa Cruz / Monterey / Salinas market and most of the Central California coast. Since acquiring the station, Zwerling has operated it hands-on as a conservative-leaning news-talker featuring a carefully crafted balance between local programming with a parade of hometown personalities (including local superstar Dave Michaels) and a menu of leading syndicated talent. It was one of the original affiliates of Rush Limbaugh and carried the iconic show until his passing in 2021.  Zwerling tells imgTALKERS, “Back then I was 39 years old and never dreamed I’d last this long as a real broadcaster.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison – a longtime fan of KSCO – stated, “Congratulations to Michael Zwerling and all the folks at one of America’s most colorful radio stations, for keeping the spirit of independent local broadcasting alive through the many obstacles and changes that have proven challenging for the practitioners of this wonderful industry.  They are champions of a major slice of grassroots Americana represented by the modern era of talk radio.” Today, KSCO maintains its powerful presence in the world-famous market at 1080 AM with the addition of three FM translator signals at 104.1, 95.7, and 107.9.  The station still broadcasts from a historic art deco building located on the beach in Santa Cruz and continues to surprise its listeners with unexpected twists and turns in what Harrison describes as “one of radio’s longest running reality shows.”

Industry News

WIND-AM, Chicago Announces “The Real Story” Midday Show

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Salem Media’s Chicago news/talk station WIND “AM 560 The Answer” is expanding its Jeanne Ives-hosted weekend show, “The Real Story,” to a daily airing from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon with the addition of former WIND personality Amy Jacobson (left) joining as co-host. Regional VP andimg station general manager John Gallagher states. Bringing Amy Jacobson back to the station fills a huge void for our audience. She has been relentless in her quest for the truth, and she gets answers that our listeners need to hear. Jeanne Ives (right) is one of the most politically connected people in the state of Illinois. She brings a wealth of knowledge regarding so many issues that affect everyone within our listening area. I am looking forward to the in-depth conversation and new perspective this team will offer.” Ives says, “I am thankful and excited to be a part of the Salem family. Information is power and Amy and I want to bring the ‘Real Story’ on policy along with informed commentary from years of experience knowing the players and politicians to our listeners. We want listeners to be informed, so they can hold the politicians accountable.” Amy Jacobson adds, “I am thrilled to be returning home to ‘AM 560 The Answer.’ Jeanne and I will be part of the strongest conservative lineup in Chicago radio! As many of you know, life takes some unexpected turns, but when you love what you do, the signal always finds its way back.”

Industry News

Podcaster Jiggy Jaguar Covers AVN Awards in Las Vegas

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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Noted talk media personality Jiggy Jaguar (a.k.a. James Lowe) was in Las Vegas last week covering the AVN Adult Entertainment Awards and Expo at the Virgin Hotel in downtown sin city. Jiggy was out doing interviews with adult film stars for his Jiggy Jaguar Show audio and video podcast. He’s pictured here (1/21) with adult film star Silver Foxxey as she was appearing at the STD Hero booth. NOTE: STD Hero, by Better Life Science, featured a prominent, high-traffic booth promoting their at-home STI testing kits with celebrity appearances. The company offered discreet, CLIA-certified, and FDA-cleared, laboratory-based testing for common infections and HPV. 

Job Opportunity

WBAP Seeks Mid-Morning Talk Host

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Cumulus Media is seeking a talk host for the 9:00 am to 11:00 am daypart. The company says, “Candidates must be entertaining, curious, funny, well-read, up on all current events and pop culture, not justimg politics! If you live and breathe politics, this is not the job for you. This is an 8-hour-a-day, full-time job doing prep, research, and living life that translates and relates to a 35-64-year-old. Must have an extremely strong work ethic, be sales department and client friendly, a team player and coachable, embrace all social media platforms daily, be a great interviewer, and have a proven track record of radio ratings success. The right fit for this job is extremely reliable, flexible and passionate about radio and digital audio mediums. Get more info and apply here.