Industry News

Former Trump Fixer’s Show Debuts Sunday

The new weekend talk radio program featuring former Trump Organization lawyer Michael Cohen debuts on Sunday at 5:00 pm ET on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. For its debut, the “When You Know… You Know with Michael Cohen” will feature imgguests including Jerry Falwell Jr. and Anthony Scaramucci. Red Apple is also promoting the companion podcast, “When the When You Know, You Know… Unleashed” podcast saysing, “the conversations get even bolder. Free from FCC broadcast regulations and with no topics off limits, the podcast is already generating buzz among high-profile political figures eager to join Cohen for candid, unfiltered conversations that will take listeners even deeper inside the stories, scandals, and personalities shaping the headlines.”

Industry Views

Harrison and Elci Discuss 250th Anniversary and Talk Industry Issues

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TALKERS founder Michael Harrison was interviewed by guest host Lee Elci on multi-media talk star Wayne Allyn Root‘s nationally syndicated program “The WAR Zone” this past Tuesday (7/7).  Elci, the daily morning host on WJJF, New London, CT, is an occasional guest host on the popular “WAR Zone” show.  Harrison and Elci engaged in a candid examination of the state of politics and media in America at this drama-filled juncture in the nation’s history.  Not to be missed.  To see the uninterrupted excerpted dialogue, please click here.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: “Programming News/Talk Radio”

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TALKERS continues to post a plethora of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is a panel discussion titled, “Programming News/Talk Radio,” which explores the intricacies of spoken word radio’s most popular and influential format – news/talk.  Moderated by WRVA, Richmond afternoon star, Jeff Katz, the panel includes (in alphabetical order): Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WFEA, Manchester, NH; Allan Lamberti, program director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; Lisa Polizzi, brand manager, WBEN-AM, Buffalo; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio; and Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia. Stay tuned to TALKERS for continuous daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

WURD Presents Freedom Journeys Salon

Urban talk WURD, Philadelphia is presenting Freedom Journeys Salon tomorrow (7/3) from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Love Lab. The station says the event is part of Freedom Journeys, WURD Radio’s year-long initiative commemorating the nation’s 250th imganniversary by celebrating 250 remarkable Philadelphians whose lives and legacies have shaped the city, the nation, and our history. The event features a live panel discussion moderated by station personality Solomon Jones that includes: Michael Coard, host of Radio Courtroom, attorney, and founder of the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition; Karen Warrington, award-winning news director and arts advocate; Dr. Anthony Monteiro, scholar and founder of The Saturday Free School for Philosophy and Black Liberation; and Rev. Carolyn Cavaness, pastor of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Industry News

Lyn Joins Worldwide News Network

Red Apple Audio Networks announces that it has hired former CBS Radio News anchor Stacy Lyn for its Worldwide News Network. RAAN says, “Lyn brings more than three decades of broadcast journalism experience, including coverage of the White House, Congress, national elections, and major breaking news events. Her distinguished career includes reporting and anchoring roles in major markets and on national platforms, earning her numerous industry honors, including an Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence, a Gracie Award, an Associated Press imgAward for Outstanding Newscast, and more.” Red Apple SVP, news & programming Lee Harris says, “Stacy Lyn is exactly the kind of broadcast news anchor we set out to recruit when we launched the Worldwide News Network. She is a proven broadcaster with tremendous credibility and a long track record of delivering breaking news and major stories with accuracy, clarity, and professionalism. Stacy’s experience covering the highest levels of government and the biggest stories in America will be an enormous asset to our affiliates and listeners.” Other former CBS Radio broadcasters now serving with Worldwide News Network include Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, and Matt Pieper.

Industry News

Hurley in the Morning Charity Golf Open Raises More than 35 Grand

The 19th Annual “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Golf Open held at the Linwood Country Club (6/18) raised more than $35,000 for the 2026 installment. “Remarkably, for 19 consecutive years… it has never rained on our event,” said event founder and chairman, Harry Hurley – the long-running morning host on WPG, Atlantic City.  “The Linwood Country Club is one of the finest private golf courses in America, and the food is world class,” Hurley added.  The “Hurley in the Morning” Charity annual golf tournament and dinner / silent auction have now raised more than $ 2 million over the past 19 years. The next annual Hurley charity dinner and silent auction will be held on Friday, October 2 at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. The guest of honor and keynote speaker will be the legendary recording artist Tony Orlando. Harry Hurley, described by Michael Harrison as talk radio’s “pound-for-pound champion,” is a former recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award.

Industry Views

Former CBS Radio Head Dan Mason Guests on TALKERS Podcast – Discusses New Memoir, Colorful Career, Biz Philosophy, and the State of Radio

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Dan Mason, former president / CEO of CBS Radio, is this week’s special guest on the TALKERS video podcast, “Up Close Far Out.”

Podcast host Michael Harrison and Mason engage in a robust conversation about radio prompted by the release of Mason’s new book, FEARLESS: The Life and Times of a Media Maverick.  All profits generated by the sale of the memoir are being donated to the Broadcasters Foundation of America – the non-profit organization that helps those in need in the radio and television industries that Mason serves as chairman emeritus.

Mason is one of the most influential radio broadcasters of the modern era.  As head of CBS Radio from 2007 to 2015, he oversaw all aspects relating to the company’s portfolio of 117 stations across 26 markets, including all the top 10. In a prior stint at CBS Radio, he held the presidency from 1995 to 2002.  In addition to his roles at CBS, he advised and managed a number of other major broadcast organizations including serving as president of Westinghouse’s Group W Radio in the early 1990s

In 2016, Mason was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame and, in 2022, into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. He was a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, which presented him with the 2012 National Radio Award for outstanding leadership within the radio industry.  Michael Harrison states, “Dan Mason was one of the major leaders who guided radio from the analog to the digital era.”

To view this conversation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Rare Interview with David Clayton-Thomas About BS&T Found in TALKERS Archives – Broadcasters Invited to Use at Will

The Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter whose powerhouse voice propelled Blood, Sweat & Tears to the summit of popular music, died peacefully last evening at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. He was 84.

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TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison was friends with Clayton-Thomas and the group back in the early 1970s while he was the morning host at pioneering album rocker WNEW-FM, New York.  However, by the mid-seventies, Harrison lost touch with Clayton-Thomas and the group.  Move the clock ahead to March of 2020 and David Clayton-Thomas was promoting a new solo album – the latest of many that enjoyed hit status in his native Canada – and Harrison had the opportunity to catch up with his old friend in an interview conducted during the height of the COVID pandemic. Clayton-Thomas was quarantining in Toronto, and Harrison was doing the same in Massachusetts. TALKERS has isolated a segment of the archival interview with the rock legend in which Clayton-Thomas recounts the history of how he joined the band.  Interested broadcasters wishing to use any or all of this clip are free to do so.  Please click here. (Photo credit: Marie Byers)

Industry News

Radio Talk Show Host Martha Zoller Passes Away

As TALKERS reported in a breaking news alert yesterday afternoon (6/22), North Georgia-based talk radio mainstay Martha Zoller passed away at the age of 67 on Monday.  Zoller recently announced in TALKERS that she imgwould be retiring from daily talk show hosting later this summer on Jacobs Media’s WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, where she presided over a hugely popular midday program since 2019. The decision was made due to heart-related health issues.  She planned to remain with the powerful station as an occasional political consultant and commentator. Zoller, the 2023 recipient of the TALKERS “Woman of the Year” award, was an influential figure in Georgia politics having run for Congress in the U.S. 9th District as a Republican in 2012. Before that she served her first stint as a radio talk show host in North Georgia for a number of years. She was also a member of the State Board of Education representing District 9 in Northeast, Georgia in addition to engaging in a number of other community-oriented activities.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “We knew that she was dealing with heart issues after a recent, unexpected cardiac episode and her withdrawal from a speaking role at the recent TALKERS conference, but this terrible news came as a shock because we all thought she was basically on the mend.  Martha was a woman of great strength, energy, and character – a truly beloved figure in the broadcasting industry. This is a horrible loss to her family and friends, as well as being a devastating blow to talk radio in America.”

Memorial Park Funeral Home Riverside Chapel in Gainesville will be handling funeral arrangements.

See a video excerpt of Zoller accepting the “Woman of the Year” award from TALKERS in 2023 here.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: Panel Discussion – “The Big Picture”

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TALKERS continues to post videos of sessions recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the day’s events. Today’s entry is a high-powered panel discussion titled, “The Big Picture.” Moderated by TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, the panelists include (in alphabetical order): Steve Jones, president, CEO, and chairman, Skyview Networks; Frank Morano, member, New York City Council / former host, WABC, New York; Chris Oliviero, chief business officer, Audacy; Tavis Smiley, owner / host, KBLA, Los Angeles; and Rich Valdés, host, “This is America with Rich Valdés.”  The fast-paced conversation focuses on the question “What is ‘radio’ and what does it need to do to survive and thrive in the digital era?” It explores changing technology, sociology, revenue generation, entrepreneurism, algorithms, programming options, race relations, the generational divide, and more. Not to be missed! Stay tuned to TALKERS for daily postings of sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this dynamic discussion in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Gelman and Clarke Join BFoA Board of Directors

The Broadcasters Foundation of America elects two media executives to its board of directors as Michael Gelman, executive producer of “Live with Kelly & Mark,” and Tim Clarke, most recently with Audacy as SVP and head of digital audio content join imgthe organization. BFoA chair Scott Herman says, “We are honored to welcome Michael and Tim to the Broadcasters Foundation board of directors. Both are highly accomplished leaders whose careers reflect excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to our industry. Their insights, relationships, and strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue to grow awareness of the Foundation’s mission and ensure that broadcasters across the country know that help is available when they need it most.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Dr. Daliah Show Adds New Affiliate. Witchta’s Big Talker KQAM adds the Talk Media Network program “The Dr. Daliah Show” hosted by Dr. Daliah Wachs to its lineup for Sunday evenings.

Bulls and “The Score” Renew. Audacy’s sports talk WSCR-FM, Chicago “104.3 The Score” signs a multiyear multiplatform radio broadcast contract extension with the Chicago Bulls. As part of the agreement, 104.3 The Score will continue as the flagship radio station of the Bulls, airing all regular season and postseason games.

BIA Names Guerity to VP Post.  BIA Advisory Services appoints Michael Guerity vice president of market intelligence & strategic communications in which he’ll oversee strategic communications, market positioning, research storytelling, content development, and industry engagement while helping shape the development, delivery, and application of BIA’s U.S. local advertising forecast intelligence, market analysis, and strategic insights for organizations across the media and advertising ecosystem.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: Keynote One-On-One with Red Apple Media CEO, John Catsimatidis

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One of the highlights of the recent presentation of TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter on June 5 at Hofstra University is a candid one-on-one keynote conversation between special guest, Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis and TALKERS founder & publisher Michael Harrison. The video recording of the session is now posted on the TALKERSMEDIA YouTube channel (@talkersmedia).

Catsimatidis is a self-made grocery business and energy industry mogul whose media holdings include radio stations 77 WABC, New York and WLIR-FM, Long Island; syndication firm, Red Apple Audio Networks; and the recently launched Worldwide News Network. He is also a very active radio talk show host in his own right.

Harrison and Catsimatidis discuss an array of broadcasting topics including the future of radio as a viable business and platform, as well as his plans for the expansion of the Red Apple Media companies. The conversation includes Catsimatidis’ non-filtered views on journalism and politics, as well as his foray into motion picture acting. To view the interview in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

iHeart Continues Sports Deals with NXXT Golf Partnership

iHeartMedia is adding another partnership to its portfolio sports relationships. NXXT Golf and iHeartMedia have a deal that makes it the Official Media Partner of NXXT Golf. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “This partnership with NXXT Golf reflects iHeartMedia’s imgcommitment to fueling the future of sport by connecting fans with the athletes and moments that define the next generation of the game. We’re proud to amplify NXXT Golf’s mission through the power of radio, podcasts and streaming audio – bringing new audiences to the sport and supporting the next generation of elite talent.” As a cornerstone of the partnership, iHeartMedia will serve as a title and presenting sponsor across NXXT Golf’s premier event portfolio – including the NXXT Faldo Junior Tour, the NXXT Women’s Pro Tour, and the season’s most prestigious championship events.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Generates Treasure Trove of Content and Takeaways

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Pictured above:  The “Programming News/Talk” panel at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter.  Appearing l-r: Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia, PA; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio;  Lisa Polizzi, brand manager, WBEN, Buffalo, NY;  Michael Czarnecki, program director, WFEA, Manchester, NH;  Allan Lamberti, program director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; and Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network / Salem News Channel / Salem Podcast Network. imgPictured at left: Moderator, Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond, VA.

The 28th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – took place at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the Long Island, NY campus of Hofstra University this past Friday (6/5). It was produced in conjunction with Hofstra’s multi-Marconi Award winning campus radio station, WRHU-FM. The vibrant, sold-out gathering presented 65 speakers and 338 registered attendees engaged in the sharing of perspectives, advice, and ideas within the fertile environment of dynamic collegial networking.

The main themes of the conference included an intense focus on the future of radio and talk media in the multi-platform digital world of the second quarter of the 21st century.  These included exploration of such existential questions as how to gain profile traction in a noisy world; how to regain the public’s trust in the media; how to meet the challenge of generating revenue in a fractured and challenging economy; what entrepreneurial opportunities exist for individuals and independent companies in this new environment; how to expand programming options; how to recruit new talent; how to attract younger demos; how to deal with the enormous unforgiving power of algorithms in scoring the game; how to effectively control and exploit AI; how to make a living in this business; and so much more.

Speakers and attendees included a cross-section of talk media professionals from the worlds of talent, management, ownership, syndication, journalism, engineering, politics, sports, the law, academia, and music – even pro-wrestling!

Beginning next week, TALKERS will provide in-depth photo, video, and story coverage of the historic event.  Stand by! 

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Provided Color with Insight Into the Modern Era of Talk Media

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Pictured above: The dynamic duo of Beth Troutman (l) and Bo Thompson (r), co-hosts of the highly successful WBT, Charlotte morning show, “Good Morning BT,” got rave reviews for their presentation “Behind the Scenes at a Major News/Talk Morning Show” at TALKERS 2026 on June 5 at Hofstra University.  In addition to their conference presentation, their four-hour show that morning emanated live from Hofstra’s state-of-the-art WRHU-FM studios. Michael Harrison describes the duo – ranked number 49 on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred – as “engaging, informative, and dazzling.”

Stay tuned to TALKERS for extensive text, photo, and video coverage of the Talk Media conference of the year in the coming days, weeks and months ahead. 

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 – Hailed as a Stunning Industry Revival

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TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (l) and Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis (r) pictured above in ‘Keynote One-on-One” conversation at TALKERS 2026.

The 28th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – took place at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the Long Island, NY campus of Hofstra University this past Friday (6/5). It was produced in conjunction with Hofstra’s multi-Marconi Award winning campus radio station, WRHU-FM. The vibrant, sold-out gathering presented 65 speakers and 338 registered attendees engaged in the sharing of perspectives, advice, and ideas within the fertile environment of dynamic collegial networking.

The main themes of the conference included an intense focus on the future of radio and talk media in the multi-platform digital world of the second quarter of the 21st century.  These included exploration of such existential questions as how to gain profile traction in a noisy world; how to regain the public’s trust in the media; how to meet the challenge of generating revenue in a fractured and challenging economy; what entrepreneurial opportunities exist for individuals and independent companies in this new environment; how to expand programming options; how to recruit new talent; how to attract younger demos; how to deal with the enormous unforgiving power of algorithms in scoring the game; how to effectively control and exploit AI; how to make a living in this business; and so much more.

Speakers and attendees included a cross section of talk media professionals from the words of talent, management, ownership, syndication, journalism, engineering, politics, sports, the law, academia, and music – even pro-wrestling!

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison expressed his deep gratitude to the industry: “We worked day and night for months putting this one together, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Heartfelt thanks to our speakers, attendees, and sponsors, as well as our dear friends and partners at Hofstra University, where it all started for me.”

TALKERS VP / executive editor Kevin Casey states, “We have enough text, photos, and video from this historic media event to keep us busy putting it together and maximizing the intellectual riches for a long time to come. It was a content motherlode!”  TALKERS will provide full coverage of TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter over the coming days, weeks and months on its website, newsletter and video channel. Stand by!

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 to Present “The Big Picture” Super Panel

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TALKERS 2026 will continue to present one of the iconic conference’s most popular and impactful panel discussions – “The Big Picture.”

This year’s lineup of panelists is nothing short of superb: Steve Jones, president, CEO & Chairman, Skyview Networks; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks; Chris Oliviero, chief business officer, Audacy; Frank Morano, Member, New York City Council / former host, WABC, New York; Tavis Smiley, owner/host, KBLA, Los Angeles; and Rich Valdés, host, “This Is America with Rich Valdés,” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison will moderate.

“The Big Picture” panel is more pertinent this year than ever before. According to Harrison, “Our goal will be to do exactly what the title implies – present a big picture overview of the state of radio and talk media as we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, drawing upon the expertise and experience of a remarkably diverse and accomplished set of panelists. We will examine the relentless cultural, political, financial, and technological forces at work in America (and the world) that will impact the future of our field and its role in society at present and during the turbulent days ahead.”

The panel discussion that will tackle the big questions facing the talk media and radio industries will take place this Friday, June 5 – just three days from now – between 2:20 pm and 3:00 pm on Television Soundstage “A” at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. This is the location at which all of the conference events will unfold.

All of the sessions at TALKERS 2026, including this one, will be video recorded for later playback on a number of platforms including the TALKERS MEDIA channel on YouTube.  For more information about registration, hotel and sponsorship, please click here.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

John Catsimatidis Set to Keynote 28th TALKERS Conference Heading Stellar Lineup of 60-plus Speakers

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WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks / Worldwide News Network owner John Catsimatidis has been named keynote speaker for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter set for Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra University. 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 – entrepreneurism. John Catsimatidis is presently setting a stunning 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. The entire agenda of TALKERS 2026 will be video recorded including one-on-one interviews with attendees as well as speakers for later playback to a worldwide audience. For the latest agenda, hotel and sponsorship info, please click here.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

Joe Pags to Deliver Wrap Up Address at TALKERS Conference

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Nationally syndicated news/talk radio star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo – whose national Compass Media Networks program (“The Joe Pags Show”) originates 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET daily from its flagship KTSA, San Antonio – will play a multi-faceted role at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter. In addition to reprising his memorable performance of the National Anthem on the saxophone and participating on the panel, “Gaining Traction in a Noisy Digital World,” Pags will deliver the conference’s closing address titled, “Be Ready When You Get That Call.”  The speech will be delivered at the event’s closing reception and wrap up the conference on what organizer Michael Harrison describes as “a positive note.”  Harrison says, “Joe Pags is an inspirational combination of superb talent and entrepreneurial energy – just what’s needed to make it during these challenging times.” Pags is a top 10 inductee in the TALKERS Heavy Hundred.  To see the latest conference registration, hotel and sponsorship information, please click here

Industry News

Heritage Band Gunhill Road Cracks a Million Listens/Views Fueled by Talk Radio Exposure

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Talk radio-fueled music group Gunhill Road has surpassed one million listens and views on a variety of online platforms including YouTube. The four-member ensemble, consisting of Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and (TALKERS founder) Michael Harrison, has found a new worldwide online audience fueled largely by interviews and airplay on news/talk radio, specifically over the past six years. The group is known for its provocative lyrics and subject matter (which makes it popular with talk show hosts), along with eye-catching videos (produced by Matthew B. Harrison) and an array of superbly played musical styles. Gunhill Road has been writing and recording a wide variety of songs contained in four albums since the late-sixties, including the 1973 top 40 hit single, “Back When My Hair Was Short.” The group’s colorful history was the subject of a 2017 feature film documentary titled, “Every 40 Years.” They will be releasing their long-awaited fifth album in late June.

​Formed in Mount Vernon, New York by Steve Goldrich and Glenn Leopold in the late-sixties and named after an iconic thoroughfare in the Bronx, Gunhill Road has grown through several musical and personnel chapters for more than a half century. In its current incarnation, Gunhill Road addresses such compelling themes as politics, technology, relationships, aging, animal welfare, modern anxiety, the First Amendment and other issues that are aligned with the topics discussed on talk radio.

​Gunhill Road’s internet hits include:

“Idiots” click here

“AI (No Robots Were Injured in the Recording of this Song)” click here

“Close My Ears” click here

“Damn Scammers” click here

“Don’t Stop Talking” click here

“I Know You’re Real” click here

For more information about Gunhill Road call Barbara Kurland at TALKERS: 413-565-5413

Industry Views TALKERS 2026

A Thank You to TALKERS and the Voices Behind the Mic

By Jessica Crotty
CEO
C. Crane

imgRadio has always been about connection, the feeling of belonging to something larger than yourself, of being drawn into a story told by a voice you trust. Perhaps, that’s why you tune in as well. There is little that is more rewarding for us than finding a way to connect you to what you want to hear, whether that’s your favorite jazz station, a particular show, or your former alma mater’s student-run station. It’s why we do what we do, and why we show up for the people who keep those stories alive.

If you’ve ever wondered where the people who make talk radio gather – the hosts, station owners, program directors, engineers, the visionaries behind the scenes and in front of the mic – look no further than TALKERSTALKERS magazine’s annual conference is one of the industry’s premier meeting grounds, where talk radio and the evolving world of spoken-word media get taken seriously as a craft, a business, and a cultural force. Talk radio: The original influencer.

Michael Harrison has spent decades as one of radio’s most honest champions. He has consistently pushed the industry to think harder, challenge the status quo, and defend the freedom of speech that gives every great story room to breathe.

Crane was part of that world very early on, when we attended our first TALKERS conference in New York. We’ve been back many times since as attendees and sponsors, and Michael and the TALKERS crew have always been genuinely good to us. We make the radios people use to listen to radio, and being welcomed into the room where those stories get made is something we don’t take for granted.

Over the years, those rooms have introduced us to some extraordinary people. Gene Burns was a favorite long before seeing him at TALKERS. C. Crane had advertised with him on KGO, and his gift for drawing you in came through in everything he did. He hosted many shows over his career; “Dining Around with Gene Burns” was a personal favorite, and Gene and his producer Joel Riddell could point you to the best restaurant in almost any city and just nail it. The speech Gene gave on freedom of speech was one of the best I’ve ever heard, a fierce and passionate defense that stayed with you long after it ended. I also remember the head engineer ar WOR (at the time), Thomas Ray, taking the time to walk me through the mechanics of radio towers while I was manning our booth. That kind of generous, unguarded knowledge sharing is something you don’t forget.

We’ll be back in New York again this year for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter. The landscape continues to change, but what hasn’t changed is the seriousness with which the people in that room take their craft, and their commitment to the stories only radio tells. We’re proud to be part of it. Thank you, TALKERS. Thank you to everyone in that room, past and present, who continues to show up for this event and for radio. We certainly wouldn’t be the company we are without you.

Jessica Crotty is the CEO of C. Crane, a major manufacturer and distributor of radios and radio-oriented devices.  She can be reached via email at jcrotty@ccrane.com. Meet her at TALKERS 2026 on June 5 at Hofstra University.

Industry News

Red Apple’s News Network Announces Journalist Hires; Announces Launch Date of May 23

Red Apple Audio Networks will launch its 24-hour national radio news service – Worldwide News Network – on Saturday, May 23. The company says the previously announced venture led by VP of news Lee Harris will deliver to stations “professionally produced top and bottom of the hour newscasts every hour, seven days a week, while simultaneously igniting one of the most aggressive newsroom staffing initiatives in radio imgsyndication.” Red Apple says is has brought aboard former CBS Radio broadcast journalists Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, and Matt Pieper as “the first major hires in what will be a rapid buildout of the network’s team of elite news anchors, correspondents, writers, and producers.” Harris says, “We are assembling top-tier journalists and building a modern radio news operation rooted in speed, authority, and facts – one that stations can rely on and listeners can trust.” Red Apple Media owner and CEO John Catsimatidis adds, “Our mission is to be the most trusted news gathering organization in media. We are creating a powerful, around-the-clock newsroom designed to compete at the highest level of broadcast audio news. Facts are what will drive the Worldwide News Network. We’re looking forward to our expansion in the European markets.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 to Feature Major Programming News/Talk Radio Panel

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More than 60 speakers are set to tackle the major issues facing the talk media universe at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter set for Friday, June 5 at Hofstra University on Long Island. One of the featured sessions of this power-packed day is “Programming News/Talk Radio.”

Moderated by afternoon drive talk show host Jeff Katz of WRVA, Richmond, the featured speakers on this panel include (in alphabetical order):  Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WFEA, Manchester, NH; Allan Lamberti, program director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; Lisa Polizzi, brand manager, WBEN, Buffalo; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio; and Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia.

The session, described by TALKERS VP / executive editor Kevin Casey as “a lightening-paced overview of the key issues facing programmers of the news/talk format during this amazingly volatile and transitional era” will run between 11:35 am and 12:20 pm.  For more details about TALKERS 2026, please click here.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

Lee Habeeb to Kick Off TALKERS 2026 Discussing “The Art of Storytelling”

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TALKERS 2026, the 28th annual installment of the longest running and most important national talk media industry gathering, is less than a month away and on track to be an early sellout.  Set for Friday, June 5 on the beautiful Long Island campus of Hofstra University, the historic conference will again present more than 60 outstanding speakers in a power packed day of non-stop conversation about the state and future of talk radio and the talk media industry.

The day will launch with a breakfast discussion of “The Art of Storytelling” presented by Lee Habeeb, CEO, host, and producer of the tremendously successful syndicated series, “Our American Stories” which offers an impressive roster of hundreds of news/talk stations across the nation with extremely well written and exquisitely produced overviews of uniquely American aspects of history and popular culture.

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison says, “Lee Habeeb is one of the most important and original broadcasters in the modern talk radio industry. ‘Our American Stories’ consistently delivers a very high level of contemporary spoken word programming that fits the format but broadens its boundaries in a positive manner that rises above hackneyed political ideology. It is no surprise that, since its launch, the show has consistently been one of the classiest and fastest growing syndicated properties in the business.” Harrison concludes, “Everyone talks about the fundamental importance of storytelling in the talk biz. It is only logical that TALKERS 2026 would present the industry’s leading storyteller as a featured speaker.”

For more information about TALKERS 2026, please click here.