The most discussed stories yesterday (2/19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Blames Zelensky for Russia-Ukraine War
2. DOGE Turns Attention to the Pentagon
3. Hamas Releases More Hostage Bodies
4. Federal Layoffs to Hit IRS
5. Trump’s Move to Kill NYC’s Congestion Pricing
Legendary radio figure, Gary Stevens, passed away on Monday (2/17) in Delray Beach, FL, at the age of 84. Stevens succeeded in a number of phases of the radio business from being a major star DJ on groundbreaking top 40 outlet WMCA, New York in the 60s as one of the iconic “Good Guys” to achieving influence as a radio company manager, program distributor, media investment banker, and station broker (where he profitably rode the consolidation wave). He was known for his innovation in all these fields. He served as president of Doubleday Broadcasting in the late 70s, investments advisor with Wertheim Schroeder & Co., Inc. in the late 80s and as the head of his own firm, Gary Stevens & Co. in the 90s. During his stellar career, he served on a number of boards at major radio organizations including Saga Communications, where he briefly served as interim chairman upon the death of Ed Christian in 2022, and industry associations including the NAB and RAB. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison comments, “Although Gary Stevens’ accomplishments and influence on the radio industry stretched over more than half a century and was quite profound – kids of my generation, who had the opportunity to grow up in New York during the swingin’ sixties, will always remember him as one of the glorious WMCA Good Guys. His passing truly marks the end of an era.”
Noted industry historian and video chronicler, Art “Radio’s Best Friend” Vuolo reports to TALKERS, “Gary was the last of the WMCA Good Guys still alive, I took a fantastic B&W film from NYU’s film department that I guess ran on WNET Channel 13 in NY back in 1967 and added titles (a.k.a. supers) so each DJ would be identified and put an opening slate (in color) at the start. Gary Stevens is probably the most prominently featured in this film with some great behind-the-scenes insight as to how top 40 radio was done in America’s top market. 1010 WINS had already bowed out and gone all-news in April of 1965, so it was WMCA and WABC who were dukin’ it out in 1967. However, in the spring of 1966, WOR-FM was a new tend-setter on FM with rock n’ roll. Here’s the link (player below) to the amazing film. Enjoy every second!”
New York Festivals® Television & Film Awards has announced that it will honor pioneering sports journalist and broadcasting groundbreaker Lesley Visser with the New York Festivals 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. NYF states, “A true innovator in sports journalism, Visser has made history as the first woman to achieve numerous milestones in the industry, earning her place as the most highly acclaimed female sportscaster of all time.” 
The New York Festivals Lifetime Achievement Award, launched in 2011, honors prominent industry leaders, innovators, and driving forces in the broadcast world whose groundbreaking accomplishments have advanced their field and left a lasting impact on the industry. The award recipient will be celebrated at the annual Storytellers Gala virtual event, which will recognize TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards trophy winners in May 2025. “I am deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Television and Film Awards,” said Visser, “and I love that it will be presented at the Storytellers Gala. The heart of any sports journalist is dedicated to telling stories. I’m grateful to CBS for giving me this opportunity for more than 30 years, and I salute the men and women who have won this honor before me.” A nine-time Hall of Fame inductee, Lesley Visser has a long list of “firsts” to her credit. She was the first woman inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the first to win the Lifetime Achievement Sports Emmy, and the first recipient of the Vin Scully Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. Lesley’s memoir, Sometimes You Have to Cross When It Says Don’t Walk, reflects her impressive journey of breaking barriers and has been optioned for both TV and film. The annual TV & Film Awards Storytellers Gala, featuring winners and industry executives from around the globe, will be streamed in May 2025. View the 2024 Storytellers Gala. To view entry details, competition rules and regulations, and 2025 categories visit HERE.
Seven consumer studies commissioned by the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® over an eight-year period find audio listeners are a rich source of in-market financial consumers and drive significant top and bottom funnel impact. The key findings from the studies are outlined on this week’s blog.
Key takeaways:
• Compared to TV viewers, audio listeners are far more likely own investment assets, to be in the market for financial services, and be interested in the category.
• Despite massive TV spending by financial service marketers, TV viewers exhibit low brand equity for financial service brands and weak interest in the category due to the older skew of TV audiences.
• MRI-Simmons: Heavy podcast and AM/FM radio listeners are the ideal audiences for financial brands as they are more likely to be premium clients willing to pay for financial services.
• Case study #1: MESH Experience: Among consumers with $500K+ of investable assets, heavy AM/FM radio listeners are three times more likely than heavy TV viewers to be in the market for a new or additional financial services company.
• Case study #2: AM/FM radio drives strong growth in top funnel measures such as awareness, favorability, and consideration.
• Case study #3: A MARU/Matchbox study of consumers with $1M+ of investable assets found over a six-month period, an AM/FM radio campaign generated double-digit lifts in most measures of brand equity.
• Case study #4: Heavy AM/FM radio listeners are more likely to be active investors and more engaged with the financial category versus heavy TV viewers.
• Case study #5: Heavy AM/FM radio listeners are +44% more likely to be financial ‘thrivers,’ those who like taking investing risks and agree that investing is important.
• Case study #6: Compared to TV viewers, audio listeners are much more likely to have investments across a broad array of assets classes and more likely to invest in major financial brands.
• Case study #7: Harris Poll Brand Tracker: A Westwood One NFL AM/FM radio campaign generates significant brand equity impact far stronger than among TV viewers.
Check out today’s blog post.
View a 15-minute video of the key findings here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Musk DOGE Operations / Trump-Musk Relationship
2. Russia-Ukraine War / U.S. Foreign Policy Shift
3. Israel-Hamas War / Trump Gaza Plan
4. ICE Immigration Crackdown
5. Airline Safety
HANNITY TO AIR TRUMP MUSK INTERVIEW TONIGHT: Continuing his longtime role as one of the nation’s talk media hosts most-closely-connected to Donald Trump, Sean Hannity’s recently recorded sit-down interview with both President Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk will air on the FOX News Channel’s “Hannity” program this evening (2/18) at 9:00 pm ET. Hannity is also syndicated daily on Premiere Networks and currently holds the number one spot on the TALKERS 2024 “Heavy Hundred.” To see a preview clip of tonight’s interview, please click here. 
…..FIVE TO BE INDUCTED: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct Dennis & Kathi Brown, Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into the NBA Hall of Fame on August 12th in La Vista during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 123 members with these pending inductees…..
IBA AND RVA TO HOST LIVE VIDEO STREAMING WEBINAR: The Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA) is producing another “Lunch and Learn” workshop in partnership with the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA). The workshops are free online sessions and feature industry experts with practical solutions to radio’s most pressing problems. “Is Video the New Audio?” is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 1:00 pm ET.
The 45-minute session will include a Q&A and will be available for replay to all registrants. Registration is free (link: https://www.coolradiostreaming.com/) and IBA membership is not required.
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Musk DOGE Operations / Trump-Musk Relationship
2. Israel-Hamas War / Trump Gaza Plan
3. Russia-Ukraine War / U.S. Foreign Policy Shift
4. Air Travel Safety
5. Presidents Day Reflections
New York Festivals Advertising Awards announces the launch of “Rough Cuts with Thiago Cruz,” a new podcast series that brings “raw, unfiltered conversations with some of the most influential creative minds shaping culture today.” Cruz is chief creative officer at Grey New York. In this new podcast he “explores the bold collaborations, career-defining moments, and creative breakthroughs that drive today’s most compelling work.” NYFestivals says, “The podcast’s debut season includes candid discussions with Grindr’s Tristan Pineiro, gaming industry leader Lydia Winters, and branding expert Vivian Odior, among others.” Cruz adds, “Creativity isn’t always neat – it’s messy, unpredictable, and beautifully chaotic. With ‘Rough Cuts,’ we’re celebrating that process and uncovering the real stories behind the work that shapes our culture.” New York Festivals president Scott Rose says, “‘Rough Cuts’ offers an exclusive look into the minds of today’s creative visionaries. We’re thrilled to present this series with Thiago and look forward to sharing the perspectives and insights of those pioneering executives whose work is evolving the industry.” You can find bi-weekly episodes on the New York Festivals YouTube channel. The early deadline to enter the 2025 New York Festivals Advertising Awards is February 28, 2025. For more information including rules and regulations, categories, and how to enter, visit HERE.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/10-14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories/Topics
1. Trump-Musk Oval Office Press Conference / Trump Gaza Intentions
2. Musk-DOGE Activities / Federal Firings
3. U.S. Foreign Policy / Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War
4. Trump Nomination Hearings and Confirmations
5. ICE Migrant Deportation Crackdown / FBI-DOJ Issues / NYC Mayor Adams Activities
6. Economy-Inflation- Trump Tariff War
7. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
8. Healthcare / Bird Flu
9. Gulf of America / Discontinuation of Pennies
10.LGBTQ Issues
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Benjamin Netanyahu / Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
4. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr / Tulsi Gabbard / Kash Patel
5. Joe Biden
6. Xi Jinping
7. Marco Rubio / Pam Bondi / Karoline Leavitt
8. Jeff Bezos / Mark Zuckerberg
9. JD Vance
10.Eric Adams
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, the iconic platform of radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world. Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an
International Day of the United Nations, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD). Each year WRD focuses on a specific theme involving radio that is timely, and important. This year the theme is “Radio and Climate Change.” UNESCO points out: Radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations through climate disasters such as tropical storms and floods. It helps with the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, and dedicated radio shows.
TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who served as executive advisor to UNESCO for last year’s installment of WRD (which celebrated the milestone of radio’s 100-year anniversary), states, “World Radio Day gives broadcasters the opportunity to blow their own horns about the enduring value of this mighty platform. It’s a good thing for the industry, its sponsors and, most importantly, its loyal listeners. Let’s all sing the praises of radio today and every day.” To all radio professionals and volunteers, everywhere in the world, UNESCO salutes your daily work and your commitment to our future.
The company’s Insights from Audacy reports on a recent study from WARC (global trade association World Advertising Research Center) in which top media buyers, sellers, and measurement specialists responsible
for millions in ad investment were surveyed about why audio lags in media investment and why brands stand to benefit from a larger feature in media plans. The study reveals that audio has what brands need most: spectacular reach, high levels of attention, tremendous audience, and powerful performance. As an example, Audacy points to a skin care brand that used a podcast and streaming campaign to drive increased sales. See more about the study here.
The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Deborah Norville, longtime BFoA Board member and two-time EMMY-winning anchor of “Inside Edition,” will emcee this year’s Golden Mic gala and fundraiser on Monday, March 10, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The Golden Mic Award will be
presented to Brian Lawlor, president, Scripps Sports. Additionally, Scott Herman, former COO of CBS Radio and Chair of the BFOA, will pay tribute to Dan Mason, former CEO of CBS Radio and past Chair of the BFOA, with the 2025 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, and Katz Media Group will be recognized with the 2025 Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award. Katz Media Group CEO Mark Gray will accept the award. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We’re excited about this year’s honorees and presenters and extend our thanks to Deborah for serving as the evening’s emcee. While we gather to honor these highly respected and accomplished broadcasters for their contributions to our industry, we must always keep in mind, and in our hearts, the broadcasters who we help when they need us the most.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump and Putin’s Ukraine Call/NATO
2. Frozen Federal Funds
3. Trump’s Gaza Plan/Israel-Hamas War
4. Tax Cuts/Debt Limit Hike
5. Trump Takes Over Kennedy Center
RADIO HITS DIGITAL MILESTONE. The radio industry has reached a significant milestone in its digital transformation, hitting $2.1 billion in digital revenue in 2024, according to the latest annual digital benchmarking report from RAB and Borrell Associates Inc. The 13th annual report highlights the increasing role of digital advertising in stabilizing the industry’s financial outlook, with digital revenue now accounting for nearly 25% of the average radio station’s total income…..SPEAKING OF YOUTUBE.Shelly Palmer reports: Shortly after it launched, YouTube changed the way we consumed video. It grew powerful in tandem with the evolution of smartphones as it redefined our video viewing experiences. Now, YouTube has transcended its original form factors to officially become a television-first platform. CEO Neal Mohan revealed that viewers now watch more than one billion hours of content on their TVs every day, surpassing mobile viewing. For the past two years, YouTube has been the most-watched streaming service in the U.S., according to Nielsen. The shift toward TV screens is no accident. YouTube has redesigned its TV app to function more like a traditional streaming service…..SUPER BOWL AUDIENCE HITS HISTORIC HIGH. An estimated 127.7 million viewers tuned in for Super Bowl LIX (2/9) according to Nielsen, making it the largest audience for a Super Bowl and for a single-network telecast in TV history. Super Bowl LIX aired on FOX, FOX Deportes and Telemundo and streamed on Tubi from approximately 6:42 PM ET to 10:16 PM ET. This flies in the face of all other pop culture media trends which follow a pattern of fractionalization…..AAR CONTINUES TO GROW. 
The syndicated “Armed American Radio” live stream hosted by successful broadcaster-Second Amendment defender Mark Walters is now available Monday through Friday 4:00-5:00 pm ET and Sundays 8:00-11:00 pm ET on You Tube at Armed American Radio, on Rumble at Armed American Radio, on Facebook Live at Facebook.com/armedamericanradio, on X (Twitter) @aarmark and www.armedamericanradio.com. Now streaming the live video feed on multiple platforms for viewers, the show’s podcast just crossed 20 million downloads last week.
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump-Musk Oval Office Presser
2. Trump Gaza Plan / Israel-Hamas War
3. Tariff War / Economy-Inflation
4. Musk-DOGE Activities / U.S. Foreign Policy
5. Immigration Crackdown
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Gaza Plan
2. Tariff War Developments
3. Musk-DOGE Activities / USAID Disruption
4. Immigration Crackdown
5. Economy-Inflation
Just hours after the series of devastating wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, iHeart LA and the Dream Center – a resource center focused on providing support to those affected by homelessness, hunger and crisis – launched a national and local media campaign that asked local listeners to contribute essential items and cash to support those affected by the fires, many of whom had lost everything. 
What followed was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded any expectation, and which – thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbors and communities – has become one of the largest grassroots giving efforts in iHeart’s history.
Since the fundraising and donation effort launched on Tuesday, Jan 7:
• Over 8,000 people have volunteered;
• More than 80,000 individuals have received essential supplies like food, water, diapers, clothing and more onsite;
• Over 19,000 cars have gone through the Dream Center supply line;
• The initiative has raised over $15 million in cash and in-kind donations, with contributions still being accepted.
The results are testament to the power of local communities, which historically come together to support one another during times of disaster and crisis.
“The strength, generosity and resiliency of our LA communities is truly powerful — and the way our broadcast radio listeners have come together to support one another is incredibly humbling,” said Paul Corvino, division president for iHeart LA. “While iHeart and the Dream Center were instrumental in connecting those in need with those eager to help, it was the community itself that has been incredibly inspirational, and which has been vital in keeping these efforts alive and ensuring that support is still available to those who need it the most, when they need it.”
“The outpouring of love and generosity we have witnessed in response to this crisis has been nothing short of extraordinary. In times of disaster, it is the strength of our community that shines the brightest, and we are humbled to see so many individuals stepping up to help their neighbors in need,” said Matthew Barnett, founder of Dream Center. “Thanks to our partnership with iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and community members, we have been able to provide essential aid to thousands who have lost so much. This effort is a testament to the power of compassion and unity, and we remain committed to serving those in need for as long as it takes.”
These were the most discussed stories over the weekend (2/8-9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Build Up to Super Bowl-Trump’s Appearance at Event
2. Trump FOX Interview
3. Trump Position on Canada Becoming 51st State
4. Trump Position Elimination of Pennies
5. Trump Position on U.S. Takeover and Development of Gaza
In honor of Black History Month, WURD Radio presents “Phenomenal Black Philly Writers: Creating Our Essential Reading List to Survive 2025,” an evening of critical literary discussion and cultural exploration. This timely and urgent event will take place this evening from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Learning and Engagement Center at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
WURD Radio (900 AM and 96.1 FM) is the only Black-owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania. Having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, over the past two decades WURD has evolved into a multi-media, multi-platform communications company that reaches deeply into the Black community through radio, video, events, digital and social media. It is considered the go-to media channel to engage, interact and connect with Philadelphia’s Black community. Tune in to WURD Radio on 900 AM and 96.1 FM.
According to the station, this event is in response to a time of extreme anti-intellectualism, the attempted erasure of Black history and identity, and the persistent denial of systemic racial inequality. By focusing on the art of writing as a political act, this event seeks to highlight the critical role of Black writers in shaping discourse on resilience and, most important, truth. The event will be enhanced by the curation of an essential reading list comprised of titles – fiction and nonfiction, poetry and prose — that will be shared with the audience and posted on wurdradio.com.
The evening will begin with a conversation between WURD Radio president and CEO Sara M. Lomax, Jeannine A. Cook of Harriet’s Bookshop, and Sonia Sanchez, a legendary poet, writer and leader in the Black Arts Movement. Following this discussion, WURD Radio host Solomon Jones will moderate a panel featuring Philadelphia writers Lorene Cary, Nancy Gilliam, Tre Johnson and Ursula Rucker, exploring the importance of Black writers politically, historically and spiritually, reaffirming the necessity of their work in today’s climate. Additionally, event attendees will have the opportunity to experience the ongoing Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibit, “The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure,” which powerfully complements the evening’s themes of representation and cultural storytelling.
By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling, Host
Sterling Every Damn Night, WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, TMN
PPM meter measurement accurately reflects how most people listen to the radio. When a station is engaging, they leave the station on. When they are bored, they change the station. Station surfing can happen dozens of times an hour. The diary could not measure typical listener behavior. Diaries were a reflection of recall. No listener, driving at 70 MPH pulled over to write down station changes, they just guessed at their recalled radio behaviors and wrote them down.
The biggest flaw or fraud of both diary and PPM data editing was corrected this week by Nielsen.
• Nielsen/Arbitron has measured radio listening in 15-minute intervals, AQH, since the 1920s.
• The change to three minutes is intended to reflect changing listening habits and attention spans.
• The change is expected to benefit advertisers by increasing the number of people tallied who hear their ads.
• The change is also expected to benefit stations by increasing the number of quarter-hours they receive credit for.
Good news, it’s working. In an analysis of the first week of the new editing technique, ACs and adult music FMs have seen increases in AQH as high a 40%.
• Talk shows have enjoyed jumps of 25-31%
• The new editing strategy amplifies the inherent nature of the Meter: More topics the better. More change, the better.
A serious burden dumped on talk radio was the distorted edict that format consistency is essential to success. It is. And that’s exactly what it means FORMATICS, NOT TOPICS.
“Formatics” cover station ID, branding elements, promo production, audio processing, phone number pitch, service element placement. BUT NOT THE SAME DAMN TOPIC ALL DAY.
The same topic all day is why stations that once had double digit shares, are selling off transmitter land to keep bond holders at bay.
People in social situations who only talk about one thing quickly lose friend and are considered bores. Sure, a few people hang around them all day, but new friends are rare. Do you see similarities to the belief that TALK is high AQH but low cume? Low cume is a bad, unstable business. The new Nielsen editing rewards with higher AQH but only if content delivers constant surprises.
Consultant Walter Sabo a.k.a. Walter M Sterling has a nightly show “Sterling Every Damn Night” heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 10:00 pm – 1:00 am. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs Sundays 10:00 pm – 1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com or Sabowalter@gmail.com. Meet Walter Sabo at GENERATIONS 2025 in NYC on March 8.
These were the most discussed stories this past week (2/3-7) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Stories/Topics
1. Trump Gaza Plan / Israel-Hamas War
2. Musk USAID-DOGE Activities
3. Trump Nomination Hearings
4. ICE Migrant Deportation Crackdown / FBI-DOJ Issues
5. AA Crash Aftermath- Airline Safety / Trump DEI Remarks and Policies
6. Tariff War / U.S. Foreign Policy
7. The Economy / Healthcare-Bird Flu
8. Big Tech / Russia-Ukraine War
9. LGBTQ Issues-Transgender Women in Sports
10. Super Bowl Buzz
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Benjamin Netanyahu
4. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr / Kash Patel
5. Marco Rubio / Pam Bondi
6. Joe Biden
7. Xi Jinping
8. Jeff Bezos / Mark Zuckerberg / Bill Gates
9. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
10. JD Vance / Karoline Leavitt
iHeartMedia announced today (2/6) that longtime executive Bobbie Loesch has been named market president for Pittsburgh, effective immediately. The company is home to six iconic stations with a powerful cross-platform presence delivering a diverse range of music, talk, and news formats. As market president, Loesch will oversee all aspects of operations in Pittsburgh, including sales, promotions and programming. She will report to D.J. Hodge, division president for iHeartMedia. Hodge tells TALKERS, “Bobbie has been an instrumental and driving force behind the success of our Pittsburgh cluster for over 20 years, and her leadership and vision make her the perfect fit to lead the team into the future.” Loesch joined iHeartMedia Pittsburgh in April 2004 as an account executive. She was promoted to VP of sales in 2012, and most recently served as a SVP of sales for seven years. She began her career as an AE for Townsquare Media from 1998-2004 and is a graduate of Liberty University. “I am genuinely honored to be appointed to this role and deeply appreciate the trust placed in me to lead this exceptionally talented team. My colleagues, our partners and our audiences are the cornerstone of our success,” said Loesch. “I am excited to build on our achievements and further elevate our dominance in the market, and I’m eager to continue to help brands harness the unmatched reach, scale and efficiency that only iHeart can deliver.”
FOX News Channel’s Sean Hannity is scheduled to present the first television interview with the newly sworn in Attorney General Pam Bondi this evening (2/6) “Hannity” (9:00 pm – 10:00 pm ET). Bondi will discuss her first actions as Attorney General and other news of the day. Hannity, ranked number one on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred, continues to be one of the most well-connected talk show hosts in America. The 2025 edition of the “Heavy Hundred” is due to be published shortly. Stay tuned…..Super Bowl LIX will be the 52nd time Westwood One will broadcast America’s biggest sporting event. Kevin Harlan will handle play-by-play duties for the Super Bowl for the 15th straight year, with Super Bowl XXXIV MVP and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner returning for the seventh consecutive year as lead analyst. Gene Steratore re-joins the radio broadcast booth as rules analyst for this year’s Super Bowl, and, for the sixth time, Laura Okmin will patrol the sidelines. Scott Graham and three-time Super Bowl champion Devin McCourty will host Westwood One’s pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage live from Caesars Superdome, with former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker also contributing to the pregame coverage. For the first time ever, Westwood One will broadcast the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show featuring Grammy-Award winning artist Kendrick Lamar….. Audacy Minneapolis’ 830 WCCO raised over $427,000 for Second Harvest Heartland during the station’s 16th annual “End Hunger Together” radiothon. The event took place February 4, where 830 WCCO broadcast the radiothon live from Second Harvest Heartland from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm CT…..The Broadcasters Foundation of America has announced that the 2025 Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award will be presented to Katz Media Group and accepted by Mark Gray, its Chief Executive Officer and a longtime BFOA board member, during the BFOA Golden Mic Gala and Fundraiser in New York City on Monday, March 10. The Spirit Award is bestowed upon an individual or company that exhibits the spirit of dedication and relentless drive to the Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission of helping broadcasters in acute need exemplified by its former longtime chairman, Phil Lombardo.
By Michael Harrison
Publisher, TALKERS
To say that I am excited about the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference coming up in New York City on Friday March 7 and Saturday March 8 is an understatement. I am proud that TALKERS has taken on the role of “presenting sponsor” of the entire event and that this year’s iteration of the annual “TALKERS” conference will be taking a unique and groundbreaking turn toward the future of radio-oriented broadcasting within the context of the industry’s leading youth-oriented gathering.
On Saturday March 8, TALKERS will be presenting an exciting and hopefully productive set of consecutive sessions collectively titled “GENERATIONS 2025.” The theme: “Old School, New School, Next School: Learning from Each Other.” It will be happening on Saturday March 8 between 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm and feature more than 19 luminous industry speakers who will be there to both inform and learn from the hundreds of leading college broadcasters from across America who will be in attendance.
If professional radio is truly concerned about an aging audience and a deteriorating “farm system” from which to recruit new talent, it’s time to connect with the largest concentration of young broadcasters and listeners found on the planet in America’s dynamic campus radio station and communications department scene.
Here are just three (of many) pointers I hope to share with the young radio broadcasters (and I know I will learn a lot – as I always do – just being in their presence):
• Radio will no longer be defined by the platform or “band” upon which it is delivered. We all know that. But for it to survive as anything other than a public utility (i.e. a soulless audio delivery system), it must maintain the magic and esthetic that has carried “radio” across more than a century of glorious history. It must bring the essence of its specialnessto its necessary co-existence with extended video, graphic and digital cousin platforms. Be proud to be radio.
• Professionals in the radio (especially talent) business and increasingly related “other” media would be wise to think entrepreneurially. At this point, most do not; they maintain an “employee” mentality – and that is an economic and soul-busting liability as we rapidly morph into the NEXT school. You no longer have to “break in” to the business by getting past a gatekeeper for the honor of creating product on a real platform. You can make your own real platform as well as the business structure to support those efforts. Learn business. Start a production company.
• Learn how to use Big Tech platforms such as YouTube (their algorisms are a blessing and a curse) but beware of the suppressive techniques employed by their owners to mysteriously control how the game is scored. Stay on top of that. The 21st century will require an updated approach to bolstering the increasingly quaint First Amendment.
Please read the stories directly below for up-to-date information about this important two-day event coming up in March.
Michael Harrison is the publisher of TALKERS. His email is michael@talkers.com.
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Gaza Statement
2. Tariff War Developments
3. Musk-DOGE Activities / USAID Disruption
4. Immigration Crackdown
5. Transgender Sports Executive Order
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Gaza Press Conference
2. Tariff War Developments
3. Musk-DOGE Activities / USAID Disruption
4. Nomination Hearings / RFK, Jr
5. Immigration Crackdown
6. Trump Iran Threats
Tom Kraeutler, the well-known author, home improvement expert, and longtime “Money Pit” radio show host passed away Sunday (2/2), after complications from surgery. Kraeutler was an accomplished craftsman, educator, and former chair of New Jersey’s first regulatory authority for licensing home inspectors. His weekly radio show is heard on 462 stations; and he assembled a deep trove of information at MoneyPit.com and the most-listened-to podcast on its topic. He appeared on Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, The History Channel, HGTV and DIY Network; and contributed to or was interviewed by House Beautiful, Smart Money, Reader’s Digest and hundreds of websites and newspapers across the USA. With Leslie Segrete, he authored My Home My Money Pit: Your Guide to Every Home Improvement Adventure; and in 2024 Wiley published his helpful Home Maintenance for Dummies. 20+ year radio co-host Segrete recalls “When my kids were born, Tom was there in the hospital. When my husband died, he held my hand and got me back to work. He was way more than just a friend and coworker. He was family.” He is survived by his wife Susan, and children Thomas, Sara, and Trevor. As Tom’s production company, Squeaky Door Productions, explores succession options, the weekly radio show will continue, cohosted by Leslie Segrete.
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Tariff War
2. Musk-DOGE Activities / USAID Disruption
3. Nomination Hearings / RFK, Jr
4. AA Crash / DEI Controversy
5. Grammys
Listeners to heritage news/talk outlet KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA were treated to an unexpected candid outburst of energetic verbiage this past weekend (2/1) during the long-running show, “The Saturday Special,” hosted by station owner/ host Michael “MZ” Zwerling. This installment of the weekly 10:00 am – 12:00 noon live,
local show was set to be a celebration of the station’s 34th anniversary – marking the day that Zwerling took ownership of the 10k flame thrower at 1080 AM and launched its news/talk format back on February 1, 1991. Zwerling was taking calls from listeners offering congratulations and sharing memories of the station over the years. One of KSCO’s regular callers, “Dave,” took a different course and went off on a political tirade that triggered an emotionally charged negative response from Zwerling resulting in one of the most dramatic live “meltdowns” captured on-air in recent memory. Zwerling’s co-host Amy Hoa had to calm Zwerling down telling him that his blood pressure was rising to a dangerous level. The listener, who was obviously a regular caller to the station was forever banned from appearing on the station again. Warning, the clip contains salty language that might be offensive to some. Listen to the exchange here.
The Wichita Eagle reports that the father-and-son duo of Bob and Jeff Lutz will wrap their daily sports talk show on Audacy’s KFH, Wichita after this Friday’s broadcast. Bob Lutz has been with the station for almost 24 years. His son Jeff joined him in December of 2015 when they debuted an afternoon drive show that aired
from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. In 2022, the Lutzes moved to the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm slot to better accommodate their schedules. Bob Lutz is the founder and executive director of the League 42 baseball league that serves inner city and low-income youths, and Jeff Lutz is a full-time digital producer at KWCH-TV, Wichita. In late 2024, KFH notified the duo that it wanted to move the syndicated Jim Rome show into their time slot and move them to the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm slot. The two tried to produce the show earlier in the day to air at 5:00 but Bob Lutz tells the Eagle that not speaking live with callers took the fun out of the show. Read the Wichita Eagle story here.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Slaps Tariffs on Mexico, Canada & China
2. Trump Firings
3. Elimination of DEI Initiatives
4. DOGE Gains Access to Treasury Payments System
5. DC Air Crash Investigation
Bonneville Phoenix announced 1/30 that longtime employee Erin Maloney has been named program director at Arizona Sports 98.7 (KMVP-FM) and ESPN 620 (KTAR-AM). “From starting as an intern in 2012 and growing into leadership roles throughout her career, no one is more passionate about our sports brands than Erin,” said Bonneville Phoenix SVP/MM Ryan Hatch. “She is so well respected by everyone in the market, and we are very excited for her to take this next step.” “I’m truly honored to step into the role of program director of Arizona Sports,” said Maloney.
“Working alongside the best in the business is not just a privilege, it’s a dream come true. I look forward to leading an exceptional team of talented individuals who consistently set the standard for excellence in the industry and taking Arizona Sports to new heights.” Maloney most recently served as APD and will replace programming veteran Brian Long who recently returned to Southern California to be with his family and program iHeart’s KFI AM 640, as well as KLAC-AM and KEIB-AM. Arizona Sports is the flagship station for the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona State University football and basketball.