The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump- Zelensky White House Meeting
2. Court Battles Over DOGE Firings
3. U.S. to Exit NATO & UN?
4. GOP Town Halls Blowback
5. Academy Awards
During the fourth quarter of 2024, iHeartMedia brought in $1.1 billion, an increase of 4.8% over the same period in 2023. For the full year of 2024, revenue was $3.85 billion, an increase of 3% over the full year of 2023. The company breaks down its operating results by division and Multiplatform Group (which includes
radio stations) Q4 2024 revenue was $684 million, flat compared to Q4 of 2023. The company’s Digital Audio Group Q4 2024 revenue was $339 million, an increase of 7%. Withing the Digital Audio Group, podcast revenue was $140 million, an increase of 6%. For the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reports net income of $31.9 
million. For the full year of 2024, it reports a net loss of $1 billion. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “Our fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $246 million was up 18.2% vs. prior year, our highest percentage increase in almost three years, and our consolidated revenues were up 4.8% compared to the prior year, demonstrating the inherent operating leverage in this business. We are pleased that we successfully completed the comprehensive exchange transaction discussed last quarter – extending the majority of our debt maturities by three years; keeping our consolidated annual cash interest expense essentially flat; and providing overall debt reduction. This provides the company with the flexibility to remain focused on creating shareholder value in 2025 and beyond.”
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/24-28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories/Topics
1. Trump-Musk Relationship / Trump Cabinet Meeting
2. Musk-DOGE Activities / Federal Firings
3. U.S. Foreign Policy / Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War/ NATO
4. Unemployment Numbers-Inflation-Trump Tariff War / Stock Market Instability
5. ICE Deportation Crackdown / FBI Turmoil
6. Trump First Amendment Issues / GOP Town Halls / Epstein Files
7. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
8. Healthcare / Avian (Bird) Flu / Measles Outbreak
9. LGBTQ Issues
10.Deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
4. Keir Starmer / Emmanuel Macron
5. Benjamin Netanyahu
6. JD Vance / Kash Patel / Karoline Leavitt
7. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
8. Jeff Bezos
9. Mike Johnson
10.Gene Hackman – Betsy Arakawa
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Reporting its operating results for the fourth quarter of 2024 and for the full year of 2024, it says net revenue for Q4 was $218.5 million, a decrease of 1.2% from the same period in 2023. For the full year of 2024, net revenue was $827 million, a decrease of 2.1% from the full year of 2023. The company posts a net loss of $283.3 million for 2024 “compared to net loss of $117.9 million, reflecting a 2024 pre-tax non-cash
impairment charge of $224.5 million compared to a pre-tax non-cash impairment of $65.3 million in 2023, both primarily reflecting FCC-related charges.” Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner states, “Since the pandemic’s onset, the radio industry has experienced tough economic and secular headwinds. In the face of those, we outperformed our peers through the end of 2023 on key metrics including cost takeouts, EBITDA 
margin recovery, free cash flow generation, net leverage, and liquidity. 2024 brought additional challenges, including accelerated national headwinds as well as an industry-wide slowdown in local radio advertising. In response, we doubled down on investing in growth areas, particularly in our digital marketing services business, which is pacing up 30% in Q1. Additionally, we continued evolving our broadcast go-to-market strategies, including with new offerings that are successfully attracting large new broadcast clients, and we drove additional cost efficiencies with 2024 actions that will result in $43 million of annualized fixed cost savings, of which $15 million benefited 2024 with the balance in 2025. Though the industry environment remains challenging for now, our 2024 refinancing efforts provided us with the time needed to both execute our day-to-day blocking and tackling and, in parallel, continue to reimagine the ways in which we can get the most out of our key assets to create new revenue streams and build additional long-term value.”
The California governor is launching new podcast via iHeartPodcasts titled, “This is Gavin Newsom.” iHeart
says, “Governor Newsom is going solo and diving into the real issues that matter – government, politics, affordability, quality of life, and the cultural moments shaping our world. No spin, no script, just real talk about what impacts listeners most.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Cabinet Meeting
2. SCOTUS Pauses Foreign Aid Order
3. Ukraine Minerals Deal
4. Federal Workers Ultimatum
5. Inflation Fears
Cumulus Media says it is expanding its ability to help advertisers connect with consumers on the go via Quu’s in-dash messaging technology across its 400 radio stations. The company’s stations will leverage Quu’s content management system, 24/7 dashboard display monitor, Xperi’s Rapid technology and DTS AutoStage, and more, to enhance in-car listening experiences and help drive ratings and revenue. Some markets will also offer Quu’s patented Content Partnership sponsorship, bringing fresh opportunities for advertisers. Cumulus president of operations Dave Milner states, “Visual content solutions generate sustainable revenue growth and significantly enhance in-car engagement, where listeners spend the most time with our stations. This expansion underscores Cumulus’s commitment to delivering premium content and sales experiences that meet the evolving needs of our audience and clients.”
iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God announce that the Black Effect Podcast Festival will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. Charlamagne Tha God will join the festival alongside some of the Black Effect’s most popular personalities for a day full of live podcast
tapings and discussions aimed at aspiring podcasters in the Black community. He says, “We’re excited to return to Atlanta, building on the incredible momentum of the podcast industry and the growing impact of Black creators in the space. As the influence of Black voices continues to shape culture and drive conversations, The Black Effect remains committed to powerful storytelling, meaningful brand collaborations and unforgettable live experiences. This year, we’re celebrating not just where we’ve been – we’re embracing the limitless future of Black podcasting and the influence it holds.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Budget Battle
2. Musk’s “Justify Your Job” Email
3. Tariffs and Inflation Fears
4. Russia-Ukraine War/U.S. Minerals Deal
5. Immigration Gold Card
By Dr. Andrew Gladding, EdD
Chief Engineer
WMCA / WNYM, New York
The power of broadcast radio stems from its genesis, which is the use of audio technology and storytelling to transmit messages to large audiences. As industry professionals, we are all acquainted with the power and reach that our trade provides. However, all stories must begin with the spark of an idea. In the case of the curious collaboration between a college radio station in New York and a community radio station in South Africa, this idea started with a simple conversation.
The relationship between 88.7FM WRHU Radio Hofstra University and 89.5FM Bush Radio in Cape Town South Africa began purely as a matter of proximity. In the winter of 2018, I happened upon Bush Radio while in South Africa while on a family vacation. Meeting the passionate broadcasters at Bush Radio has resulted in a fruitful broadcast collaboration spanning six years and many exchanges of audio, information and support between our two broadcast organizations. Students at WRHU in New York, WRCT in Pittsburg and members of Bush Radio co-produce a weekly show called “The 1World Community Radio Show,” which features interviews and music from around the world. WRHU’s Ricky Hubert, WRCT’s Cody Hmelar and Bush Radio host Lydia Marwanqana connect weekly to create a truly unique program that provides a world stage for young, aspiring talent. The show has become a centerpiece of programming for both stations and an example of how stations across the globe can work together to create engaging, community focused audio content. It has also allowed staff members from both stations to develop insight into each other’s cultures and communities.
Pictured above (from l-r) are: Sturgeon Records President David Chapman, Salem NY Chief Engineer Andy Gladding, Bush Radio engineer Renato Van Schalkwyk, WRHU general manager John Mullen, Bush Radio managing director Brenda Leonard, Bush Radio host Jasnine Roberts, WCWP general manager Dan Cox and WKZE “Night Shade” host Paul Higgins at the Bush Radio Studios in Salt River, Cape Town.
In the fall of 2024, members of Bush Radio came to New York City and Washington DC to cover the presidential elections. The purpose of the trip was to find new ways to combat journalistic misinformation. The visit exposed Bush Radio staff members to American journalistic values, broadcast operational practices provided the international broadcasters with an up-front look at the US democratic process in action.
In February of this year, In the spirit of maintaining and strengthening our broadcast partnership, five members of New York radio and audio media , including myself, traveled to Cape Town to see how the Bush Radio folks used their FM reach and power to serve their community. The goals of this part of the exchange were to deepen our understanding of South African media, operations, practices and workplace culture. We went into this journey with our minds and hearts wide open, ready to see how the craft that we know and love was practiced on the other side the world.
Pictured above is Andy Gladding working with Bush Radio engineer Renato Van Schalkwyk to install Comrex hardware in the Bush Radio Air Studio.
The results of this visit were eye opening. During our visit to Cape Town, we observed several similarities between our stations in New York and our South African counterparts. The Bush Radio staff was extremely dedicated to their station and took great pride in serving their community. They used their centrally located studies as both a broadcast center and training facility, with a thriving mentorship and intern program. We also noticed that they followed almost identical practices and standards as we do in the USA, ranging from technical specifications for broadcast engineering to maintaining programmatical integrity. Even the energy and excitement among the staff in the studios and reporting from the field was comparable to any well-run US broadcast entity. This is mainly due to the fact that the folks who run Bush Radio, specifically Managing Director Brenda Leonard and Program Director Adrian Louw, execute a comprehensive and extensive training and operational workflow at the station. Bush Radio holds the proud distinction of being the first licensed community radio station in South Africa, which was achieved with great effort and sacrifice during a time when the practice of community radio was non-existent in the country. Therefore, the management is very observant and powerful of the weight that they carry and this respect is passed along to the station members.
We also noticed some stark differences. Due to the relatively young nature of the South African democracy, there appeared to be a deeper connection between station and community. Bush Radio is involved in many different aspects of Cape Town governance, culture and outreach and this is reflected in their on-air product and station ethos. We also observed that many members of the general public were familiar with the station and proudly considered themselves to be regular listeners and supporters. The station was closely intertwined within the fabric of the community, which is both wide and diverse.
We also noticed that there was an intrinsic willingness between Bush and other community stations to work together. During our visit, we had the opportunity to visit a number of stations in communities around the Western Cape region, including Zibonele FM and The Voice of the Cape. We heard the term “partnership” and “sister station” during our visit many times, which demonstrated a visible willingness between teams at different organizations to work together and collaborate. I personally believe that this positive attitude for partnership and outreach has been a driving force in the successful collaboration WRHU has enjoyed with Bush Radio.
During our visit, the New York contingent felt this energy and openness, which in turn motivated us to jump into the spirit of the occasion. I personally worked with the Bush station engineering team on some facility maintenance and technical improvements, while other members of the crew lent their wisdom and knowledge to the venture. Laura Schaffer, the General Manager of Salem Media of New York had sent us down with a “broadcasters care package,” comprised of surplus equipment and spare parts from New York. The staff at Bush Radio was happy to receive the gear and began using it almost immediately.
The exchange of knowledge was not limited to technical engineering. WRHU’s John Mullen and Dan Cox ran a workshop on sales, marketing and workflow, while Sturgeon Records owner and engineer Dave Chapman taught the station members multi-track production. WKZE’s Paul Higgins, a world music producer, worked with the station’s air staff on interviewing techniques and even conducted an interview with famed producer Steve Lillywhite on 89.5FM, which was re-broadcast to the USA live. The experience of giving and sharing knowledge was both exciting and rewarding.
However, what we received in return was even more fulfilling. Even though we were strangers from another part of the world, we felt strangely at home at 89.5FM. The folks at Bush Radio were excited to show us their station, city and culture and made sure that we enjoyed a completely immersive experience. We saw all sides of the area, from the sparkling beaches and stunning views of the harbor from the top of Table Mountain to areas that were struggling and people that were fighting to survive. Throughout all of our travels, we noticed one constant: Radio was an integral part of all of the communities that we visited. Part of this can be attributed to a lack of broadband access across the region, but I personally believe a larger factor was based around the spirit of the South African people trusting in and embracing their local radio stations.
Considering this current period of uncertainty and transition in the US, it was refreshing to experience radio being used as a force for community connectivity, outreach and positivity in a far-away part of the world. Our team returned from the trip, refreshed with new ideas on how we could use our experience to grow and improve our own stations. One of these action items has gone into effect almost immediately. Since our return, the 1World Community Show has grown into an open-source network, which includes new domestic and international partners. Stations on the network now include WRCT-Pittsburgh, WCWP-LIU Post, WKZE-Red Hook, KCSS-UC Stanislaus, WVCR-Siena College and Kinvara Community Radio in Ireland, in addition to WRHU and Bush, all eager to share audio content and ideas. I personally hope to see the connection between all of our stations, along with this beautiful collaborative relationship, grow larger and endure way into the future. As one Bush Radio station member told me, “the color of our skin may be different, we may pray to other gods and we are from separate countries and cultures. However, our love for radio is above all that, which makes us all the same.” Considering the diversity of storytelling that we each do with the power of broadcasting, it’s nice to know that our passion for the craft and industry can unite us and break down barriers. I look forward to our next adventure with the Bush Radio staff. If anyone reading this would like to get involved in radio outreach and establish a similar program or help expand technical support for our new “sister stations,” please feel free to reach out. Your contributions will not be unappreciated. You can find out more about the 1World Community Radio Network at www.1worldcommunityradio.com
Dr. Andrew Gladding his chief engineer at Salem Media Group’s WMCA and WNYM in New York. He can be emailed at andrew.gladding@salemcommunications.com
iHeartMedia announces a multi-year partnership with the Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar to create a thriving podcasting industry in the Middle East and North Africa. iHeartMedia says, “The partnership brings world-class podcasting infrastructure to Qatar and will spark a wave of creative storytelling across the MENA region, leading to the region becoming a global podcasting hub.” iHeartMedia will develop
a state-of-the-art podcast studio in Qatar, accompanied by a lineup of original shows and the introduction of some of the world’s most popular podcasts to Arabic-listening audiences. It will also execute specialized masterclasses to nurture local talent and host global industry events, including Web Summit gatherings, positioning Qatar as a meeting point for the world’s top podcasting voices. iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman comments, “Podcasting has exploded in the US and is now a mass-reach medium. And iHeartMedia, with our expansive network as the #1 podcaster in America, is in a unique position to grow strong listenership around the globe. iHeartPodcasts features a massive catalog of original shows spanning every category and this new partnership creates an opportunity to work with a long roster of incredible creators and distribute even more content to new audiences in the Middle East.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (2/24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Musk vs Federal Workers
2. Russia-Ukraine War/Trump-Macron Meeting
3. Mike Johnson’s Budget Resolution
4. Bongino Named to FBI Post
5. MSNBC Changes
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Elon Musk and DOGE
2. Russia-Ukraine War/Zelensky
3. GOP Pols Hearing from Angry Constituents
4. Pope Francis in Critical Condition
5. Conservatives Win German Elections
The highly decorated Navy Seal who fired the shots that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, Robert J. O’Neill, is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel video, “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” He is one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time having served at SEAL Team Two, SEAL Team Four and eight years at the legendary SEAL Team Six. Taking part in and leading over 400 combat missions, O’Neill operated in the Balkans, Liberia, Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. During his remarkable career, Robert J. O’Neill has been decorated 53 times with medals and honors earned in heroic combat. Harrison and O’Neill engage in an intense conversation about morality, stress, drugs, fear, and the permanent consequences of battle incurred at the most demanding of levels. O’Neill is also the author of the New York Times and London Times bestselling memoir The Operator: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior. To view the video in its entirety, please click here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/17-21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories/Topics
1. Trump-Musk Relationship
2. Musk-DOGE Activities / Federal Firings
3. U.S. Foreign Policy / Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War
4. ICE Deportation Crackdown
5. Trump Nomination Confirmations – Kash Patel
6. NYC Mayor Adams Activities
7. Economy-Inflation-Trump Tariff War / Stock Market Instability
8. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
9. Healthcare / Bird Flu / Measles Outbreak
10.McConnell Won’t Run Again
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
4. Kash Patel / Marco Rubio
5. Benjamin Netanyahu
6. JD Vance / Pam Bondi / Karoline Leavitt
7. Jeff Bezos / Mark Zuckerberg
8. Eric Adams
9. Mitch McConnell
10.Steve Bannon
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The Radio Television Digital News Association is requesting that Associated Press reporters and photographers be reinstated in their access to the Oval Office and Air Force One. The administration revoked the AP’s press pool designation for events occurring in the Oval Office and the president’s aircraft because of the organization’s use of the AP Stylebook. That criticism includes that news organizations are referencing the Gulf of Mexico instead of the Gulf of America. The administration also said the AP is
“weaponizing language through their stylebook to push a partisan worldview in contrast with the traditional and deeply held beliefs of many Americans and many people around the world.” RTDNA president and CEO Dan Shelley states, “The current White House moves targeting one of the world’s oldest and most respected news outlets are outrageous and unacceptable. It is the Trump administration, and not the Associated Press, that is trying to contort facts so that they align with its often divisive, and sometimes completely erroneous, version of the truth. We protest the administration’s actions in this instance and object to its effort to shape shift legitimate fact-based journalism to better resemble its alternative versions of the truth.”
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