iHeartMedia Tulsa Expands 1300 “The Patriot” to FM and HD
iHeartMedia Tulsa has expanded the reach of 1300 The Patriot (KAKC-AM), “Oklahoma’s home for Real Talk,” to additional platforms. The station is now simulcasting to its new home on 93.5 FM and 106.1 HD2, in addition to its current frequency at 1300 AM and streaming on iHeartRadio. “‘The Patriot’ has become a trusted voice in Oklahoma, and this expansion is a testament to its success,” says JC Lowe, area president for iHeartMedia Tulsa. “By broadening our reach to FM and HD, we’re ensuring that even more listeners can engage with the high-quality talk and news content that ‘The Patriot’ delivers every day.” JJ Ryan, SVP/programming iHeart Media Tulsa adds, “The expansion to FM and HD radio allows our audience to enjoy ‘The Patriot’ on whichever platform they prefer — whether that’s on AM, FM, HD radio, or digitally through iHeartRadio. Regional news director and PD Brian Gann has done an outstanding job in transforming KAKC-AM into a trusted source for both local and national news. We’re proud to continue offering top-tier programming from national personalities including Michael DelGiorno, Glenn Beck, and Clay Travis & Buck Sexton.”
In the opinion of TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, we are entering an era in which it is possible – even likely – for robot voices generated by artificial intelligence to replace at least some human talk show hosts, especially in the wake of relentless corporate cost-cutting by radio’s largest companies. On the music radio side, the process of “voice tracking,” although initially controversial, has become a widely employed budget-tightening process. However, voice tracking still employs organic talent to generate the verbal content.
AI, on the other hand, bypasses the human element completely. In a guest appearance yesterday (8/22) on the Manny Munoz mid-morning show on WIOD, Miami, in which the subject of AI was being discussed, Harrison said, “AI is upping the bar. If talk show hosts don’t stay on their game and avoid relying too heavily on the talking points – if they are not creative thinkers and leaders – they can easily be replaced by computer operators.” Harrison continued, “It won’t be too long from now – actually, it is already possible – that two robots could be having a plausible conversation if both have been fed all the talking points.” Harrison explained, “Each robot will have instant access to all the existent talking points at the speed of light. Robots are already beating human experts at Jeopardy or chess. The only thing a robot can’t do – at least for now – is to be creative outside the realm of what already exists in cyberspace. That’s the challenge facing anyone who wants to be a live traditional radio talk show host in this coming brave new world.” Harrison’s appearance on WIOD was part of his ongoing talk radio “Obsolete Slobs” tour in which he’s been promoting the Gunhill Road music video “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song” (www.
IBS National Conference Set for 2025. The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) has announced its annual conference will be coming back to New York City next year. Set for March 7-8, 2025, the nation’s longest running, largest and most important gathering of college radio broadcasters will be held again at the Sheraton Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. Organizers have plans in the works for activities like additional sessions and tours during the day on Thursday, March 6 as well. Early registrants can save big bucks. $109 per person for up to 10 attendees, then the rest of your staff goes for free! This offer ends October 15, (and then prices and group deals go up). TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who was a featured speaker at last year’s conference says, “One of the most dynamic scenes in radio today connecting the present with the future is playing out on college campuses across the nation. Professional broadcasters interested in the future of this medium and industry should attend this event. I always come away from it invigorated and inspired.” For more info on IBSNYC 2025, please 
Sterling Shines in Philly. In the first two months since the debut of “Sterling Every Damn Night” on WPHT, Philadelphia, the quirky 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight talk show hosted by Walter M Sterling (a.k.a. legendary media consultant Walter Sabo) has been gathering jaw dropping metrics. The show has delivered five times the total share of audience 12+ since the same time last year and has proven to be formidably competitive in every key news/talk radio demo. What makes it so interesting on an industry level is its departure from the standard left-right partisan politics that dominates the news/talk format. It covers what is described as “nightly life” – such as the trouble with customer service, in-laws, schools, and romance. What one talks about with their best friends is what the show discusses. Features on the show include listener calls, plus “People of Walmart,” “True Detective Stories,” and new perspectives on current events: Sterling had the first interview with a citizen of Ukraine while bombs were going off, and a Tel Aviv bus driver sharing thoughts on America’s alleged lack of support for Israel. The show is designed for guards up all night in the building lobby, people getting done with second shift, going on third shift, cramming for finals or trying to get the baby to sleep. This is a show that deserves radio industry attention.
SiriusXM’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention will begin next Monday (8/19) at 7:00 am (ET) with Zerlina Maxwell’s “Mornings with Zerlina” on Progress (channel 127). Throughout the week she’ll interview politicians and experts, as well as provide her analysis of the previous night’s key moments. Another Progress host, Michelangelo Signorile, will walk throughout Chicago’s United Center, interviewing politicians; spokespeople; and experts. “Tell Me Everything” host John Fugelsang (9:00 am – 12:00 noon, ET) will anchor primetime coverage onsite. Meanwhile, SiriusXM POTUS (channel 124) hosts Steve Scully and Julie Mason will do their shows live from Chicago all week. Among others, Mason’s early confirmed guests include Colorado Senator Michael Bennet; Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell; Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley; and Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Weeknight political program “RealClearPolitics” (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, ET) will broadcast live from the POTUS set on “Media Row” throughout the DNC. In addition to hosting their own shows, Scully and Mason will anchor special primetime coverage from inside the arena starting at 8:00 pm (ET), where they’ll provide analysis and also air the night’s big speeches.
the HD2 channel of talk WTKK-FM. It will be branded “FOX Sports 106.1 FM HD2” and feature the full lineup of the FOX Sports Radio network. iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group – Raleigh president Michael Burger says, “Raleigh/Durham has long been a market that has celebrated the best in athletics. Partnering with FOX Sports Radio is an incredible opportunity to share the news and stories that shape the sports world daily. This partnership will also bring unique sponsorships and marketing engagement for existing and new clients. We are incredibly excited to add FOX Sports Radio to our already strong lineup.”
news/talk stations plus the John Fredericks Radio Network. He adds, “This undertaking was never authorized, sanctioned, or endorsed by President Trump or his campaign. Despite several very direct public communications disavowing any affiliation by Trump campaign senior staff, the fake news continued to propagate phony stories, which The Heritage Foundation and their Project 2025 leaders were willing and happy to substantiate. Sources say President Trump made the decision to shut it down himself. Good riddance to yet another grift charade using Trump to raise money.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison commented on Fredericks’ statement saying, “It has been disturbing watching the once-honored think tank known for its even-handed academic fastidiousness devolve into what is now perceived as just another fund-raising propaganda machine in the mud-slinging political wars. This is the kind of credibility squandering that damages the true American conservative moment and people’s confidence in all political organizations.”
syndicated program is heard on 14 affiliate stations throughout New England. Money Matters Radio COO Jason Wolfe comments, “The growth of ‘The Financial Exchange’ throughout New England has attracted interest from stations outside of the region and I’m thrilled to be able to add the show to KBNP. Keith Lyons has had 30-plus years of success in the Portland market and I’m looking forward to bringing our brand of business and financial talk to his station.”
Effective immediately, nine-year iHeartMedia Sacramento market president Sara McClure transfers within the company to become VP of its Unified Partnerships For California division. Replacing McClure as Sacramento market president is Steve Darnell (see story above). iHeartMedia Unified Partnerships president Michael Preacher states, “I am extremely excited to have Sara join our division. She will be broadening her responsibilities and offering her incredible expertise to leading agency partners throughout California.” McClure looks forward to, as she notes, “advancing my career by joining the Unified Partnership division. This incredible team has unlimited possibilities and I’m excited to bring my scope of marketing and big-idea thinking to our partners.” The Chico State University (California) alum has nearly 30 years of experience as a media executive, including director of sales for Entercom Sacramento, as well as positions at CBS Radio and Sinclair Broadcasting. She will report to United Partnerships EVP Breeanna Malik. Unified Partnerships provides advanced media resources for its ad agency partners.
Remember the old Gatorade commercial? The “Be like Mike” jingle accompanied a montage of gravity-defying Michael Jordan dunks.
stations mostly for classic hits and adult contemporary music formats. Prior to syndication, Kent worked on the air and in programming at legendary Top 40 stations including WLS, Chicago; KLIF & KFJZ Dallas-Ft Worth; WIBG Philadelphia and more. On the passing of Tom Kent, TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “He was a quintessential practitioner of one of America’s great forms of audio art – top 40 radio. The disc jockey, in that now almost completely extinct genre, was a uniquely specialized vocal performer akin to being a singer or musical instrument deftly inserted within the hyper-dynamic backdrop of a symphony known as a radio format. Art Vuolo’s video captures not only the superb talent possessed by Kent in executing this amazing audio choreography – but amply displays his passion for excellence and behind-the-scenes pride. When Kent seamlessly hits the posts on driving rock intros of songs with which he is intimately familiar and pumps his fist with glee when pulling it off, it unleashes an adrenaline rush similar to a pro basketball star landing a slam dunk and swinging that extra second from the rim.