The most discussed stories yesterday (1/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Transition Hearings
2. LA Wildfires – Political Response and Accountability – Social Media Misinformation
3. Israel-Hamas War Cease Fire on Hold
4. Economy – DOGE / Migrant Crisis / Crime
5. Big Tech Influence / TikTok
WVON, Chicago’s premier Black talk station, announced (1/14) that it will be restructuring its weekday lineup beginning on Monday, January 20th. 
Along with restructuring, WVON is ending months of speculation on who will be replacing veteran talk show host Perri Small who retired last November. WVON has tapped former politician Jesse Jackson, Jr to host its afternoon drive show. “The Jesse Jackson Jr Show” will air Monday through Thursday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. This is Jackson Jr’s first foray into broadcasting (with support via the syndication arm of Tavis Smiley‘s Smiley Audio Media). He previously served as a U.S. Representative of Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District from 1995 to 2012. WVON’s current afternoon host, Atiba Buchanan, has agreed to continue his involvement at the station and his new role will be announced shortly. 
WVON has chosen Cleopatra Draper to replace midday host Perri Small for its coveted midday slot. Draper has worked in various capacities at WVON since 2019 including as a fill-in host. She holds a master’s in social work from the University of Illinois Chicago and has a passion for getting young people involved socially and politically in community-building. Draper’s show will air weekdays from 9:00 am-12:00 noon. In addition, WVON’s long-time host Matt McGill will be expanding his show to air weekdays from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm, while Lynn Richardson’s hourly financial show “The Millionaire’s Roundtable” is being moved to 5:00 am as a lead-in to WVON’s morning drive show, “The Rufus Williams’ Show.” This begins a new era of talk radio for Chicago’s Black talk powerhouse which has been among the national leaders of this format since 1986. “We feel our new lineup is optimal for the changes that are occurring in our country and globally,” said company CEO, Melody Spann Cooper. “To have an opportunity to provide a platform for someone as talented as Jesse Jr and to introduce the station to a new generation of thought leaders with Cleopatra, positions WVON to continue to shake things up in Chicago and beyond.” WVON-The Talk of Chicago has established itself as one of Chicago’s premier content providers. For 61 years, the station has been considered one of the most credible African American media institutions in the nation providing an interactive forum for its vast listening audience to discuss social, economic and political issues that impact the Black community locally and nationally. WVON is a subsidiary of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, whose properties also include WRLL Radio and VONtv.
One of talk radio’s most accomplished hosts and programmers, Van Harden has tapped into his long history as a Bible teacher to pen a powerful new book titled Jesus: The Prequel (Xulon Press, 2025). The book examines the question, “Did Jesus exist before He was born in Bethlehem?” “Absolutely!” says Harden, presenting the Biblical evidence of who Jesus was and what He was doing long before we were born and before He was born as a baby in Bethlehem. There is a listing of these things and an explanation of why any of this matters to anyone, especially the reader.
Van Harden is nationally known for his books, inventions and creative radio broadcasts. He recently retired from a 50-year broadcast career, 35 of which was as morning host and PD of heritage station WHO Radio, in Des Moines, where Ronald Reagan spent many of his early radio years. During his leadership, the station won 13 national Marconi Awards, five of which were awarded to him personally for his morning show. However, Harden tells TALKERS, “The most important thing to me has been my 40 years as a Bible teacher. I speak to many groups, secular and otherwise.” Harden insists on teaching right out of the Bible, which he calls our “Owner’s Manual.” He and his wife Becky live in his childhood home in Iowa. He has three grown children and eight grandchildren. To book an interview with Van Harden please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (1/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Transition Hearings
2. LA Wildfires – Political Response and Accountability – Social Media Misinformation
3. Jack Smith Report – Trump Dangling Legal Issues
4. Israel-Hamas War-Hostage Situation / Russia-Ukraine War
5. Economy – DOGE / Migrant Crisis / Crime
These were the most talked about stories of the past weekend (1/11-12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
1. LA Wildfires
2. Trump Confirmation Hearings
3. Tik Tok Controversy
4. Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War
5. NFL Playoffs
The L.A. Wildfire’s Eaton section began “crawling up” the region’s iconic Mt. Wilson yesterday afternoon (1/9) and now (1/10) is threatening the antenna farm and broadcasting transmitters located up there, as well as the historic Mt. Wilson observatory. Should the fire reach the top of the mountain, it could pose significant communications issues and limit the broadcasting capabilities, to one degree or another, of Los Angeles’ major TV and radio stations. According to multiple reports, hand crews have arrived at Mt. Wilson to fight the blaze. Most of Los Angeles’ TV stations broadcast from Mt. Wilson, including KCBS (CBS 2), KNBC (NBC 4), KTLA (Channel 5), KABC (ABC 7), KCAL (Channel 9), KTTV (Fox 11), KCOP (Channel 13), KCET (PBS SoCal 2 Channel 28), KOCE (PBS SoCal 1 Channel 50) and KMEX (Univision 34). FM stations broadcasting from there include KPCC-FM 89.3, KPFK-FM 90.7, KUSC-FM 91.5, KRRL-FM 92.3, KCBS-FM 93.1, KLLI-FM 93.9, KTWV 94.7, KLOS-FM 95.5, KNX-FM 97.1, KKLA-FM 99.5, KKLQ-FM 100.3, KRTH-FM 101.1, KSCA-FM 101.9, KIIS-FM 102.7, KOST-FM 103.5, KBIG-FM 104.3, KKGO-FM 105.1, KPWR-FM 105.9 and KLVE-FM 107.5. Many of the accompanying buildings housing equipment are built of massive cinderblocks hopefully providing an adequate level of protection from the blaze. See more info on the fires below.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (12/9-13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories/Topics
1. Los Angeles County Wildfires
2. Trump Legal Issues – Hush Money Case
3. Presidential Transition – Trump Appointments and Nominations
4. Trump Positions on Canada, Greenland, Denmark, Panama, Mexico
5. Jimmy Carter State Funeral
6. Economy-DOGE / Health Care / Climate Change
7. Migrant Crisis / Crime / Homelessness
8. Facebook Censorship Changes / Tik Tok
9. Israel-Hamas War / Russia-Ukraine War
10. Winter Weather
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Karen Bass / Gavin Newsom
3. Jimmy Carter
4. Joe Biden
5. Elon Musk
6. Barack Obama / George W. Bush / Bill Clinton
7. Justin Trudeau
8. Vivek Ramaswamy
9. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
10. Benjamin Netanyahu / Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Xi Jinping
To see the complete TALKERS charts of the most talked about stories and people, please click HERE.
Radio One’s News Talk 1110/99.3 WBT, Charlotte and Moments of Hope Church tell TALKERS that their collaborative efforts during the 2024 holiday season raised over $300,000. This milestone brings the total funds raised since 2020 as part of the City of Hope CLT campaign to over $1 million, supporting those in need across the Charlotte region and Western North Carolina. 
David Chadwick, senior pastor of Moments of Hope Church and host of “The David Chadwick Show,” one of WBT’s longest-running local programs, reflects, “In 2020, amidst the Covid crisis, Bo Thompson, Pat McCrory and I were talking in the studio at WBT and asking, ‘What can we do to help those in need?’ I knew that Moments of Hope Church had a generous congregation, and I recognized the incredible reach of WBT’s 50,000-watt mic. That conversation sparked the idea of a matching gift from MOHC and WBT to ask its listeners to match the gift during the Christmas season. Since then, the partnership between MOHC, WBT, and all the WBT personalities has raised over $1 million to help feed children in the Charlotte area and, this past year, to help rebuild the lives of victims of hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. It has been an honor to use the gifts that God has given both organizations to help and serve others in need. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.” 
WBT program director, Mike Schaefer, adds: “WBT’s commitment to ‘Lead Local’ goes beyond delivering news and information. For nearly 103 years, this station has been woven into the fabric of Charlotte, and helping those in need is at the core of our mission. Partnering with David and his congregation to serve the most vulnerable among us aligns perfectly with our mission.” Radio One Charlotte and Richmond RVP/GM, Marsha Landess echoed these sentiments: “We are proud to use the WBT platform to support the incredible work that David and his congregation have done. Since 2020, this partnership has demonstrated the power of community, especially in a crisis like Hurricane Helene. Raising over $1M for those in need is a testament to what we can achieve together. We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community we are so proud to be a part of.” The David Chadwick Show airs Sundays from 8:00 am – 9:00 am on WBT, further underscoring the potential productivity of local weekend programming.
Audacy has named (1/6) Ryan Cooley Senior Vice President and Market Manager of its Portland, OR market. In this role, Cooley will oversee the market’s portfolio of brands including 1080 The Fan (KFXX-AM), 92.3 KGON (KGON-FM), ESPN 910 (KMTT-AM), 94/7 Alternative Portland (KNRK-FM), Bella 105 (KRSK-FM), 99.5 The Wolf (KWJJ-FM), 97.1 Charlie (KYCH-FM), CHANNEL Q (KRSK-HD2) and 94/7 Too (KNRK-HD2). “Ryan’s leadership, extensive broadcast experience and love for the Portland community make him a valuable asset to the market,” said Doug Abernethy, regional president, Audacy. “We look forward to seeing him take on this new role and guide the Portland team to achieve even greater success.” “I’m honored to be named Audacy Portland’s next Senior Vice President and Market Manager. I started with this incredible group of stations 20 years ago and being entrusted with the opportunity to help this team reach its full potential is something I don’t take lightly,” said Cooley. “This team is truly special; these radio stations are iconic and the people here are the heart of everything we do. Together, we’re excited to build on this legacy and continue shaping the future of radio in Portland.” Cooley began his career at Audacy in 2005 as a sales associate and climbed the ranks leading teams in Portland, Boston and San Francisco. He helped launch 95.7 The Game in San Francisco (KGMZ-FM) and directed new business development and account growth for WEEI (WEEI-FM) in Boston. Additional roles include account executive, local sales manager, general sales manager and, most recently, director of sales.
By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling, Host
Sterling Every Damn Night, WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, TMN
As a consultant for about 25 years, I witnessed the full range of skill levels in the C-Suite. Bob McAllan of Press Broadcasting was at the top of the food chain because he had a consistent, passionate message: “We have to be number 1.” He was an owner of million+ cumer New Jersey 101.5; WTKS FM, Orlando; and other envied stations. He had to be number 1. He never blinked. No participation trophies with Bob.
Shockingly many other GMs and CEOs do not mimic Bob’s war cry – number 1. Many, too many, executives responsible for AMs just gave up… as early as 1988. In 1988, I worked with a GM who was running a big station in a big city who constantly told me that his number 1 station would just have to die because it was on AM. Damn it, he would do everything to prove AM’s death was inevitable.
He was not alone. Over and over I have encountered owner/managers who refuse to invest or even pay attention to their full- market signal AM stations. (Even some FM managers when asked if they want to be number 1 have actually said to me, “I’m not sure.” Why come to work?)
If an AM station has listed cume, it can grow. Examples:
• WSB AM, Atlanta was sinking from dominance to a mid-level performance. COX radio hired top consultant Greg Moceri in 1995 to improve WSB’s performance. Moceri and, the more recent arrival, PD/ND Ken Charles‘ focus and passion since then has brought WSB back to dominance. Dominance.
• When John Catsimatidis bought WABC it was an almost dead, seriously abused station. It had a 1.7 share. John brought local shows, fun promotions, and pizza to the hallways. Recently WABC, under the guidance of John and Red Apple Media and WABC President Chad Lopez, has earned a 5.0 share. 5.0 in New York City.
• David Yadgaroff Audacy market president and Greg Stocker brand manager of WPHT-AM, Philadelphia air local live 80% of the day. When my show, “Sterling Every Damn Night” launched in May, the time period was 19th in total Adults. Today, with no promotion, politics or sports, it is # 1 Persons 25-54, #1 Men 25-54. # 1 Men 18-49. (Forgive the plug but I’m making a point…)
The shared ingredients of these turnarounds:
• Passionate belief in the show.
• Consistent delivery of entertainment
• No political agenda.
Personal note: Very happy and slightly surprised about the ratings success in Philadelphia but I am puzzled why not one industry type has asked, “What do you talk about every damn night?”
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.
The John Fredericks Media Network, which lays claim to be the largest independently owned and operated news-talk-sports network in America, has expanded its operations in West Virginia. Fredericks radio company, Disruptor Radio, LLC has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) with LHTC-Radio Division to acquire it’s nine stations in West Virginia, which include:
• WGYE 102.7 FM / 95.3 FM – Morgantown WV, Mannington WV
• WMMN AM 920 / 95.7 FM – Fairmont WV, North Central WV, Wheeling WV
• WHTI 105.7 FM – Clarksburg WV
• WZST 100.9 FM – Morgantown WV
• WBKE AM 1490 / 98.3 FM – Morgantown WV, Fairmont WV, Grafton WV
• WRLF 94.3 FM – Morgantown WV, North Central WV, Fairmont WV
Disruptor Radio will take over operational control of the above stations effective today (1/6) through a License Management Agreement (LMA) with LHTC-Radio division until the sale formally closes. Both the LMA and APA have been filed with the FCC and is a matter of public record. The URL is WVTheTorch.com and a radio APP is available. The addition of the West Virginia radio cluster gives Fredericks’ company a total of 22 signals from West Virginia to Georgia. The new West Virginia stations will air the JFRN lineup of populist proprietary hosts and sports. The full lineup can be found at WVTheTorch.com.
WVTheTorch.com and WZST 100.9 FM will remain the flagship radio network for WVU Athletics, which airs WVU Mountaineer football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball on all WV channels except WGYE and WHTI. WVTheTorch.com and its affiliated network carries the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL.
Fredericks tells TALKERS, “This West Virginia opportunity is key to our growth plan, as it dovetails nicely with our Pittsburgh footprint and reaches a very pro-populist, pro America First and pro-Trump area of America. West Virginian’s voted overwhelmingly -over 70 percent- for President-elect Donald Trump, who also carried Morgantown and the county. We are excited about offering listeners in West Virginia a choice from the stale, woke and warmed over pablum served up every day by the corporatists and conservative Inc. bunch that regurgitates FOX and RINO RNC talking points of the day.” Fredericks, whose show airs weekdays 6:00 am-10:00 am, Fredericks lives in Pittsburgh, PA and will be covering the White House live from Washington, D.C. most weekdays.
Anne Fredericks, Disruptor Radio’s CEO is credited as the ultimate architect of the company’s growth and acquisition strategy. She tells TALKERS, “We’ve built a burgeoning national legion of devout and dedicated listeners across the country who yearn for the truth and a commonsense approach. We don’t rely on click bait for ad revenue and this approach has forged an unshakable bond with our audience.” She adds, “As a result, we are singularly focused on advertiser ROI, over-serving our customers, and a commitment to their economic success and enduring engagement.”
2024 has been a dramatic year of challenges, struggles, and measurable change for the nation, society, and our industry of talk radio and its related talk media platforms. The chart below lists the 10 most talked about Stories, Topics and People discussed on talk shows across the nation during the past 12-month period, according to the research of TALKERS. In some cases, we listed several items as ties – because words and ideas overlap and can be somewhat amorphous. None of these items were discussed in a vacuum – the connections between individual stories and news items, the topics they cover, and the people who played them out under the spotlight of public scrutiny are quite entangled to say the least. We describe some issues as “umbrella” topics. Talk radio also has its own unique focus on populist issues that in many cases tend to be ignored by what is still referred to as the so-called “mainstream” or “legacy” media. (For example, talk radio was talking about public concern over immigration reform long before Donald Trump came down that elevator in 2015.) Conversely, there are “big” stories out there that talk radio leaves to the other media and generally ignores.
The biggest and most challenging issues that faced our industry in 2024 include:
• Economics of the radio industry. Major companies continued to be preoccupied with financial survival and avoiding bankruptcy. The growing preponderance of layoffs across the industry has been heartbreaking. Can radio afford to do “radio” properly anymore? Talk radio is subject to the trials and tribulations of the larger radio industry. It is not surrounded by a protective force field simply because it is important.
• Podcasting and fractionalization. The burgeoning digital media ecosystem originally spawned and inspired by talk radio’s lead now competes with the medium within the interactive marketplace of ideas. Talk radio faces the challenge of expanding to a multi-platform environment such as podcasting and video streaming while maintaining its special “radio” esthetic.
• Growing demographic divide. With each passing year, radio (including talk) faces increasing abandonment by the new crop of adults who weren’t born until after 9/11. This is a major problem no matter what pro-radio research and ratings company report.
• Freedom of speech. Not only was the First Amendment under assault in 2024 from a number of directions – but so was an increasing level of intolerance by corporate America and the disease of hyper-wokeness for controversy. Not good.
• AM radio in the dashboard. The stated intention of the automobile manufacturers to eliminate AM radios from the dashboards of new vehicles is at least five years premature and extremely damaging to the interests of the public as well as the radio industry. The problem is compounded by the damage this issue does to radio’s image in the business world simply by having it being a much-discussed issue at all.
Let’s resolve to overcome some of these challenges in 2025. Happy New Year!
TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison will be spending a large part of his holiday doing media interviews across America in support of the new Gunhill Road music video, “Don’t Stop Talking.” The song is an anthem co-written and performed with his bandmates Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, and Brian Koonin in celebration of talk radio. The video component of the project, produced by TALKERS associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison, features clips and images of almost 100 different talk show hosts in action from across the industry. The powerful words and extremely catchy music extoll the virtues of talk radio as a platform for freedom. It encourages hosts and listeners from varied positions on the ideological, geographic, and demographic spectrum to continue using the venue to exercise their First Amendment rights. It contains lines such as “As long as you’ve got a VOICE, don’t ever stop,” “As long as you’ve got TRUTH, don’t ever stop,” and “As long as you’ve got LOVE, don’t ever stop.” During the first week of the song’s release, Harrison has appeared on several shows including “The Todd Starnes Show” on Newsmax 2 (pictured above); Walter Sterling‘s “Sterling Every Damn Night” on WPHT, Philadelphia; Harry Hurley‘s “Hurley in the Morning” on WPG, Atlantic City; “The Dr. Daliah Wachs Show” on Talk Media Network; “The Talk Radio Countdown Show with Doug Stephan” on Radio America and Stephan Multimedia; “The Jeff Katz Show” on WRVA, Richmond; “Liberty Watch Radio with Charles Heller” on KVOI, Tuson; and “Joe Thomas in the Morning” on WTON, Taunton, VA and TMN. Appearances coming up Christmas week include “The Howie Carr Show on WRKO, Boston and the Howie Carr Radio Network; “The Other Side of Midnight with Frank Morano” on the Red Apple Audio Network” (including WABC, New York, WGN, Chicago); and more. Harrison uses the opportunity to discuss the virtues and importance of talk radio in American society, the rapid changes underway in media and technology, and the evolution of pop music as a means of social/political commentary. Harrison plans to book interviews into January of 2025 in support of the project. To arrange an interview, please email info@talkers.com. To view the “Don’t Stop Talking” music video, please click HERE.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (12/9-13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
1. Mangione Murder Case / Health Care
2. Trump Nominations and Appointments
3. Government Shutdown Struggle
4. DOGE-Economy-Inflation-Tariffs-Stock Market
5. Migrant-Border Crisis / Madison School Shootings / Crime
6. Drones
7. Russia-Ukraine War / Middle East Unrest
8. Pelicot Rape Case
9. Big Tech Influence / Media Corruption-Bias
10. Amazon Workers Strike
To see the complete charts of the most talked about stories and people, please click HERE.
KIRO Newsradio, Seattle has named Frank Lenzi as its new news director. Frank joins KIRO from Seattle’s KNWN (formerly KOMO Newsradio), where he has worked for the past 16 years, most recently serving as program director and news director. 
With nearly 30 years of experience in journalism, Lenzi has held roles as morning editor, managing editor, and most recently, news director and program director at KNWN/KOMO. He led coverage of major events such as the 2009 Lakewood Police shooting, the 2014 KOMO TV helicopter crash, and the 2020 police dispersal of the Seattle CHOP Zone. Bonneville Seattle SVP/ market manager Cathy Cangiano tells TALKERS she’s eager for Lenzi to come aboard. “Frank’s extensive experience and proven leadership in the industry make him the perfect fit for our team. His dedication to journalistic excellence and his ability to inspire and lead will keep our newsroom standards high. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas he will bring to KIRO.” 
Bryan Buckalew, KIRO program director, echoed those sentiments. “Frank has a deep commitment to keeping audiences informed and connected. I’m confident he’ll be a great addition to our team.” Lenzi comments, “KIRO has always been the gold standard for radio journalism not only in the Seattle market, but across the country. It is an honor to lead this fine team of veteran broadcasters.” Lenzi will replace outgoing news director Charlie Harger, who will take over as host of “Seattle’s Morning News” on KIRO in January.
Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted hundreds of thousands of worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, released an anthem late last week celebrating talk radio. “Don’t Stop Talking” is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in supporting American freedom of speech and the First Amendment. Non-partisan lyrics ring out: “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!” The original composition co-written by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonin, and TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison encourages dedicated talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and valuable service they provide the nation. The images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of almost 100 individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows. Matthew B. Harrison, who produced the rapidly-paced video components states, “Gunhill Road has achieved enormous internet recognition around the nation and world – much of it fueled by the attention and exposure its unique songs and videos have received on talk radio. This amazing piece is the group’s way of giving back.”
To view the video in its entirety, please click talkradioforever.com. To arrange an interview with Michael Harrison about the song and talk radio’s vital role in the marketplace of ideas, please email info@talkers.com. To download the 1:03 or :40 edits of the song, please click HERE or HERE
CBS Radio is Offering its News/Talk Radio a Holiday Special. The show, titled “CBS News Radio Winter Holiday Special,” is three hours in length and hosted by legendary broadcaster, Gil Gross. It contains holiday fun and facts for airing December 20 through January 1 and available on FTP for multiple airings. Content includes: The story behind the most recorded holiday song of all time: “The Christmas Song,” written by Mel Torme and first recorded by Nat King Cole; The Anti-Santas: The scary monsters from legends around the world who frighten children into being good at Christmastime; and a celebration of the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots campaign, which has provided Christmas cheer around the globe for almost 80 years. Eight (8) minutes local / Six (6) minutes Net each hour. For information contact Amy Bolton at 646-734-2095 or BoltonA@cbsnews.com
Todd Starnes Offering Christmas Special to News/Talk Stations. KWAM, Memphis station owner and nationally syndicated TALKERS Heavy Hundred member Todd Starnes is hosting a three-hour radio Christmas special 
available free of charge to radio stations around the nation.Special guests include Gov. Mike Huckabee, actress Sam Sorbo, and Pastor Robert Jeffress. Stations interested in broadcasting the show should reach out to todd@starnesmediagroup.com.
“Inaugural History Minute” Original Scripts and Produced Features Available During Run Up to January 20. 
Reckoning that “Americans have never seemed more optimistic, eager for the second Trump administration agenda,” consultant Holland Cooke urges that radio “share the buzz” already building ahead of January 20.Cooke’s client stations are selling “Inaugural History Minute” features for air beginning January 5; and he’s offering the scripts for use elsewhere at HollandCooke.com. Worth looking into!
Edison Research with support from LWC Studios, Latino Media Network, Libsyn, SiriusXM Podcast Network, and Uforia Podcasts unveiled the fifth-year anniversary of the “Latino Podcast Listener Report 2024” in a webinar hosted by Gabriel Soto, senior director of research at Edison Research, Elsie Escobar, director of community and content at Libsyn, and Briana Mendez, senior sales marketing manager at SiriusXM Media.
The webinar offered up to five years of trending data and new findings about Latino podcast listeners as well as video interviews of podcast creators discussing how they’ve utilized the studies throughout the years. According to the study, 43% of U.S. Latinos age 18+ are monthly podcast listeners, a 72% increase since 2020 (25%).
Key findings include:
• Female listenership is up: Women now account for half of the U.S. Monthly Latino Listening population, making the composition of Latino podcast listeners 50% women and 50% men for the first time.
• Social media is a dominant source for podcast discovery: 47% of U.S. Latino monthly podcast listeners age 18+ first discovered podcasting by seeing it on social media, compared with 30% in 2020.
• YouTube gains share as the service used most often to listen to podcasts: 40% of U.S. Latino monthly podcast listeners age 18+ say they use YouTube the most to listen to podcasts – a 12-point increase from 2020. Thirty percent search on YouTube most often to find out about podcasts.
• Latino podcast listeners’ preference for video podcasts is up: Since 2021, U.S. Latino monthly podcast listeners age 18+ have increased their consumption of video that they actively watch while listening by 23% (2021: 70% vs. 2024: 86%), surpassing audio only podcasts at 72%.
• Gen Z and Millennial U.S. Latino listeners are more likely to listen or watch podcasts with other people: 43% of U.S. monthly Latino podcast listeners age 18+ have listened to or watched podcasts with others. Listeners aged 18–24 are 47% likely to share their podcast listening experience with others, those aged 25–34 are 46%, and those aged 35–44 are the most likely to listen to or watch podcasts with others at nearly half (49%).
• Latinos are spending most of their days with podcasts for entertainment: 78% of U.S. monthly Latino podcast listeners age 18+ “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” that they listen to podcasts when they want to be entertained – an 8-point increase since 2020.
“Latinos have been trailblazers in podcasting, driving trends from leading the early adoption of YouTube to fueling the rise of video podcast consumption,” said Elsie Escobar, Director of Community and Content at Libsyn. Beyond educational content, Latino listeners are embracing a broader range of podcasts, from entertainment to inspirational stories. This growing diversity creates exciting opportunities for advertisers to connect with a vibrant audience and align brand messaging with their lifestyle interests and values.”
Soto says, “The number of Latinos consuming video podcasts has surpassed the number of those listening to audio-only shows. If the young Latino demographic is any indication of how listening will take shape among the rest of the podcast audience, podcasters will have another reason to consider video as part of their content.”
Click here to download the report.
Vince Benedetto – founder, president and CEO of Bold Gold Media Group – is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The video version is posted on The TALKERS YouTube channel program, “Up Close Far Out.” In addition to being a radio industry rising star among station owners, Benedetto is an accomplished history buff. Harrison and Benedetto engage in a fascinating character study of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. They draw lessons for a better understanding of the demands of leadership in modern times. Bold Gold Media Group owns and operates 15 broadcast radio stations throughout Pennsylvania and New York. Benedetto started the company and acquired his first four radio stations at the age of 29. This remarkable man is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, a former Air Force Captain and Air Force OSI Special Agent, where he worked on counterintelligence, counterterrorism and felony level investigative efforts for the Department of Defense. With a desire to be a media entrepreneur, Benedetto separated from the Air Force in his late 20s and formed Bold Gold, where his growing portfolio of radio stations has become a leader in social and digital media engagement. Benedetto serves as the chairman of the board of the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB). He is a member of the Radio Advertising Bureau’s ‘Sales Advisory Committee’ (SAC). He also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Churchill Society (ICS) and is president of the Churchill Society of Pennsylvania. Don’t miss this illuminating conversation about vital American/world history and its connection to the most important character issues of modern times. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click HERE. To view the video in its entirety, please click HERE.
Audacy has extended the contract of talk show host Steve Sanchez for another year through 2025. Sanchez is heard weekdays 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm and hosts a “carefully curated best-of” program Sundays 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. 
Sanchez was recently featured on Soledad O’ Brien‘s documentary with Scripps Media regarding Latinos in talk radio and how they were swaying the election in the swing state of Nevada (“In Real Life: War on La Radio). Sanchez says, “It is a thrill to be dominating my daypart in format and I feel my audience growing exponentially right now. It’s a pleasure serving the Las Vegas market with the legendary station KDWN.” Sanchez has been named one of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America with his inclusion in the TALKERS 2022 Talkers Heavy Hundred. In 2020, this rising talk radio star was named #25 of the top 30 influencers in Las Vegas by LV magazine.
Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has attracted hundreds of thousands of worldwide followers with its growing repertoire of issue-oriented songs and music videos, released an anthem late last week celebrating talk radio. “Don’t Stop Talking” is an uplifting and infectiously catchy tune about the vital role talk radio plays in supporting American freedom of speech and the First Amendment. Non-partisan lyrics ring out: “As long as you’ve got a voice, don’t ever stop!” and “As long as you’ve got the truth, don’t ever stop!” The original composition co-written by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonin, and Michael Harrison encourages dedicated talk radio practitioners to keep up the good work and valuable service they provide the nation. The images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of almost 100 individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows. Matthew B. Harrison, who produced the video visual components states, “Gunhill Road has achieved enormous internet recognition around the nation and world – much of it fueled by the attention and exposure its unique songs and videos have received on talk radio. This amazing piece is the group’s way of giving back.”
To view the video in its entirety, please click talkradioforever.com. To arrange an interview with Michael Harrison about the song and talk radio’s vital role in the marketplace of ideas, please email info@talkers.com. To download the 1:03 or :40 edits of the song, please click HERE or HERE
Atlanta Hawks and Audacy today (12/13) Extend Their Multi-Year Relationship to Continue Making Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (WZGC-FM) the flagship station of the Atlanta Hawks Radio Network. As part of this agreement, all 82 Hawks NBA games can be heard throughout Georgia on the Atlanta Hawks Radio Network, which consists of affiliate stations in multiple markets and reach millions of listeners throughout the season. 
Atlanta Sports Hall of Famer and Georgia Radio Hall of Famer Steve Holman, also known as the Voice of the Hawks, is in his 40th season and has never missed a Hawks’ regular season or playoff radio broadcast. Holman has totaled more than 3,000 consecutive games. Joining him on the broadcast is station brand manager Mike Conti, who has been with the Hawks Radio Network as a pregame, halftime and postgame host, and as a game commentator, since 2014. “We’ve taken great pride in seeing the growth and success of Sports Radio 92.9 The Game as the flagship station of the Atlanta Hawks Radio Network since its inception,” said Hawks’ president of business enterprise and chief commercial officer Andrew Saltzman. “We are excited that our growing fanbase will continue to enjoy Hawks basketball game coverage on The Game along with compelling sports talk every day from their line-up with the most talented hosts in the business.” “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with the Atlanta Hawks,” said Rick Caffey, SVP/MM of Audacy Atlanta. “With our partnership now in its second decade, we look forward to continuing our comprehensive Hawks coverage on Sports Radio 92.9 The Game, V103, and worldwide on the Audacy app.”
Something Happenin’ Here! The remarkable ratings rise, and buzz being created by Walter M Sterling‘s “Sterling Every Damn Night” (10:00 pm – 1:00 am) on Audacy’s WPHT, Philadelphia is worthy of the entire talk radio industry’s attention. When he started in May, the time period was 18th with a 2.8 Total Adults in Nielsen. In his first month and first hour, the show got a 7.2, # 4. Now the November numbers are a 9.2, total adults, number 2 in Philadelphia. This is AM only. No FM. All this reflects over the air listenership, no stream numbers included. And to the best of our knowledge, there has been no marketing campaign attached to the success. It’s been organic. Sterling (A.K.A. legendary consultant Walter Sabo) has taken quite an original approach to news/talk radio in performing the show – mixing a blend of old-time radio sounders and techniques with idiosyncratic, unexpected takes on everyday topics that impact people’s daily lives. He is clever, funny, surprising and extremely irreverant… And it’s working big time. A word to the wise: check it out. Don’t let this spark go unfanned.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (12/9-13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
1. CEO Murder Suspect Apprehended / Health Care
2. Trump Nominations and Appointments
3. Trump Tariff-Trade War Plans
4. Migrant-Border / Economy / Crime
5. Biden Pardons
6. DOGE / Trump-Musk-Ramaswamy Relationship
7. Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hezbollah Cease Fire
8. Syria Overthrow
9. Abortion Rights
10. Big Tech Influence / Media Bias
To see the complete charts of the most talked about stories and people, please click HERE.
According to a piece by writer Kase Wickman published yesterday (12/10) in Vanity Fair, Kylie Kelce‘s new podcast, “Not Gonna Lie,” has unseated Joe Rogan‘s “The Joe Rogan Experience” from its lofty position at the top of the most-listened charts on both Apple and Spotify.” 
Kylie Kelce, wife of former Philadelpia Eagles star Jason Kelce, sister-in-law of Kansas City Chiefs star (and Taylor Swift boyfriend) Travis Kelce, mother of three (with a fourth on the way), and Dunkin’ Donuts enthusiast, can add another descriptor to that incomplete list: No. 1 podcast host. Wickman writes, “I suspect Rogan will be back in first place soon, but for now, this ranking reinforces the Kelce family’s cultural dominance. (‘If everyone’s going to be talking about me and my family, you might as well hear it from me,’ she says in the show trailer.)” Kelce’s husband Jason and brother-in-law Travis host the popular “New Heights” podcast. The inaugural episode of “Not Gonna Lie,” featuring “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” star Kaitlin Olson as a guest, was published on December 5, with new episodes planned to drop each Thursday. To read Wickman’s entire VF piece, please click HERE.
Vince Benedetto – founder, president and CEO of Bold Gold Media Group – is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube video series, “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” In addition to being a radio industry rising star among the ranks of ownership, Benedetto is an accomplished history buff. The focus of the conversation is a character study of legendary British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The discussion draws lessons and parallels for a better understanding of the demands of leadership in modern times. Bold Gold Media Group owns and operates 15 broadcast radio stations throughout Pennsylvania and New York. Benedetto started the company and acquired his first four radio stations at the age of 29. This remarkable young man is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, a former Air Force Captain and Air Force OSI Special Agent, where he worked on counterintelligence, counterterrorism and felony level investigative efforts for the Department of Defense. With a desire to be a media entrepreneur, Vince separated from the Air Force in his late 20s and formed Bold Gold, where his growing portfolio of radio stations has become a leader in social and digital media engagement. Benedetto serves as the chairman of the board of the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB). He is a member of the Radio Advertising Bureau’s ‘Sales Advisory Committee’ (SAC). He also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Churchill Society (ICS) and is president of the Churchill Society of Pennsylvania. Don’t miss this illuminating conversation about vital American/world history and its connection to the most important character issues of modern times. To view the video in its entirety, please click here.
iHeartMedia Milwaukee’s News/Talk 1130 WISN, the most listened-to radio station in Wisconsin, today announced its new prime-time lineup for 2025, effective January 2, 2025. 
Michael Harrison describes WISN as “one of talk radio’s pound-for-pound ratings champions.” The new programming lineup features well-known, highly rated show hosts who have decades of broadcasting experience and achievement in the Milwaukee market. “WISN is one of the great success stories in the radio industry over the past decade, in terms of both ratings and overall influence,” said Jeff Tyler, area president for HeartMedia Wisconsin. “We are confident that this latest evolution of WISN’s powerful lineup will meet and exceed the expectations of our listeners and our sponsors.”
Here is the Monday – Friday lineup with brief descriptions:
“The Jay Weber Show” (6:00 am – 9:00 am). The new WISN lineup is built on the same solid foundation as the previous lineup. “The Jay Weber Show” continues its legacy as the highest-rated morning show in Milwaukee, with Jay Weber drawing upon 30+ years of broadcast experience in Milwaukee to offer analysis on the biggest stories of the day, delivered with insight and irreverence.
“The Benjamin Yount Show” (9:00 am – 11:00 am). WISN news director Benjamin Yount retains that title and those duties, while adding an opinion-based analytical show in this late morning slot. For the past several years, Yount has been a primary guest-host on all of WISN’s local programs, and has become known for his candid, no-nonsense perspective.
“Clay Travis and Buck Sexton” (11:00 am – 2:00 pm). Syndicated by the Premiere Radio Networks, Travis and Sexton have amassed the largest radio audience in America, with over 500 affiliates nationwide. Their show tackles the highest profile topics from politics to pop culture, and everything in between.
“The Vicki McKenna Show” (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm). McKenna has been a WISN mainstay since 2007, entertaining and informing listeners with opinions and insights delivered with unparalleled passion. This hour can also be heard in Madison, via simulcast on WIBA-AM.
“The Dan O’Donnell Show” (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm). O’ Donnell takes his top-rated midday show, expands it from two to three hours in length, and moves it to afternoon drive. A former winner of an Edward R. Murrow Award for radio journalism, O’ Donnell blends investigative reporting and hard-hitting commentary with a contemporary style of using audio and the overall radio medium to craft a unique, compelling program that has exploded in popularity.
A series of tracking studies measuring American use of video services reveal podcasts and AM/FM radio are ideal marketing platforms for video streamers like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Paramount+, Hulu, and Disney+. Each quarter, Screen Engine/ASI, a leading market researcher for movie studios, video streamers, and TV networks, conducts a study of 2,000 Americans to understand their awareness and usage of video services. 
The Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® conducted an analysis of six recent quarterly studies spanning Spring 2023 to Fall 2024.
Check out the findings that are highlighted on this week’s blog – click here.
Key findings reveal:
• Nielsen: Since 2021, video streaming’s share of TV time spent has soared from 26% to 40%
• Americans are cutting back on the number of ad-free video subscriptions while increasing the number of video services with ads
• Screen Engine/ASI: The audience profile of video streamers closely aligns with podcast and AM/FM radio listeners, not linear TV viewers
• While the profile of heavy audio consumers is a perfect match for the video streaming audience, most of the media budgets go to linear TV
• Despite massive spending on linear TV, ad recall levels for video services among heavy TV viewers are identical to those among heavy audio listeners
• A wide variety of AM/FM radio programming formats provide reach for the video streaming target audience
• Nielsen: At any spend level, AM/FM radio dramatically outreaches linear TV
• Nielsen Media Impact: AM/FM radio makes your TV better: Hulu experiences a +76% increase in reach with a 20% reallocation to AM/FM radio; Much of the reach growth occurs among younger demos and light TV viewers.
To read the full blog post, click here.
View a 17-minute video of key findings here.
To download the accompanying slide set, click here..
By Russ Ray Rollins
Host of Monsters in the Morning
Real Radio 104.1 FM, Orlando
After over three decades as a talk show host, I’ve come to appreciate one essential truth about this industry: there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Program directors, executives, and consultants often believe their advice applies universally, but experience has taught me otherwise. The reality? Not every tip or trick works for every host—or every audience.
One of the most debated techniques in talk radio is the “tease”- that carefully crafted promise of what’s coming next. Let me be upfront: I stopped listening to other radio hosts years ago. Not because I don’t respect or enjoy their work, but because I found myself inadvertently borrowing their ideas. It’s a slippery slope when you admire the craft so deeply.
That said, a while back, I broke my own rule and tuned into a show that had an intriguing topic. They had me hooked – until the host abruptly went to break with, “Coming up next, a representative from the Central Florida Humane Society will be in to talk about the kitten population.” And just like that, I was out. I changed the station and never returned.
Here’s my hot take: I hate the art of the tease.
Over the years, I’ve had countless consultants and program directors insist, “Russ, you have to tease your next segment!” My response? “No, I don’t.” Here’s why:
• A “Tease” Can Be a Turnoff
Sometimes the next segment, by title alone, doesn’t sound exciting—but we can make it fun. A dull-sounding topic doesn’t mean the content itself won’t surprise and engage listeners. Forcing a tease risks losing people before we even get the chance to surprise them.
• Radio is About Being in the Moment
What if I don’t know exactly what’s coming next? Talk radio thrives on spontaneity. Some of the best segments are born during the break—fresh, unfiltered, and relevant to what’s happening in real-time. Why box myself in with a tease that may no longer fit the moment?
• The Sponsored Segment Conundrum
Let’s be honest: not every segment is a home run. Sponsored content or sales-driven segments are part of the job, but they’re rarely the most engaging part of the show. A forced tease in these cases feels insincere, and listeners can tell.
The hosts I’ve always admired – legends like Ron & Ron, Jim Philips, and Howard Stern – didn’t rely on teases to keep me tuned in. I stayed with Ron & Ron out of loyalty. I listened to Jim Philips because I wanted to know what had him fired up that day. I followed Howard Stern because I couldn’t wait to hear the next crazy thing he’d say. None of them felt the need to force-feed a tease.
That’s not to say teases don’t work for some hosts. I’ve heard great teases that kept me glued to the dial. I’ve even used them myself when it made sense – but only when it felt authentic. The problem arises when consultants push the idea that a tease is mandatory in every break.
Talk radio is a deeply personal medium. It’s about connecting with your audience in a way that feels genuine. A great host knows their strengths and plays to them, even if it means breaking the so-called rules.
So, to my fellow talk show hosts: take the advice of consultants and program directors with a grain of salt. What works for one show might not work for you. And if you’re like me, don’t be afraid to ditch the tease. Sometimes, the best way to keep your audience engaged is to simply be yourself.
Russ Ray Rollins is the longtime host of the successful ensemble show, “Monsters in the Morning” heard on Real Radio 104.1 FM, Orlando. He can be emailed at russrollins1@me.com.
iHeartMedia announced yesterday (12/5) that Paul Lambert has been named region president for iHeartMedia Houston, effective immediately. 
He will report to Eddie Martiny, division president, iHeartMedia. In this newly appointed position, Lambert will work closely with the sales, programming and digital teams in the market and will also have direct oversight of the respective sales teams. “I have had the pleasure of working with Paul for over 20 years; I have witnessed him excel in numerous management roles and his track record has been remarkable. I am confident that Paul’s knowledge and leadership skills will allow iHeart Houston to continue its winning ways,” Martiny tells TALKERS. Lambert, a Louisiana native, has been working for iHeartMedia for the past 24 years and most recently served as SVP of Sales in Houston. He started as an account executive and rose through the ranks, working as local sales manager, general sales manager and director of sales. “Under Eddie’s leadership, iHeartMedia Houston has had an almost unmatched winning record. I’m honored to carry the torch on behalf of our wonderful clients and the amazing team of iHeart individuals who make magic happen every day!” said Paul Lambert.
Cumulus Media announced yesterday (12/5) that KCMO 95.7 FM and 710 AM, has added longtime Kansas City broadcaster Kevin Kietzman to the station’s weekday programming lineup with the launch of his new midday show, “Kevin Kietzman Uncanceled.” The program debuted this week and airs on KCMO Monday through Friday from 10:00 am-11:00 am. Kietzman is a well-known voice in the Midwest, having hosted his highly successful sports/talk radio show in Kansas City for over two decades. He is currently the host of the “Kevin Kietzman Has Issues” podcast, covering Kansas City news, sports, and politics. Donna Baker, regional VP/MM, Cumulus Kansas City, tells TALKERS, “Under Pete’s leadership, KCMO Talk Radio is one of the fastest growing stations in the Midwest. Kevin’s passion and commitment to his craft make him the perfect fit for the KCMO Talk Radio audience and our client partners.” Pete Mundo, KCMO PD and morning show host, commented: “During my years in Kansas City, we have delivered on our promise, ‘If it’s happening IN KCMO, it’s ON KCMO.’ There are few who have entertained and informed Kansas City listeners for over two decades like Kevin Kietzman. Kevin’s ability to engage fans, whether the topic of today is our Championship sports teams, the local news landscape, national politics, or the pop culture world, make him the ideal addition to KCMO Talk Radio.” Kevin Kietzman said: “It’s great to be back on radio but even better to be a part of something as exciting as KCMO Talk Radio, now on 95.7 FM. I’ve known Pete Mundo for years and absolutely nobody in KC media works harder or is more dedicated to serving listeners than Pete and the management team at Cumulus Media. It’s a sweet spot to follow his popular morning show where Kansas City listens every day to learn what’s going on throughout Missouri and Kansas.” Kietzman added: “These are historic times. Americans have spoken loudly that we are a free speech society, we have the most popular sports team in the world in our city, and I can’t wait to be back on air to talk about it all. I look forward to hearing from so many of you that have listened throughout the years. Let’s go!”
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (12/2-6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
To see the complete charts of the most talked about stories and people, please click HERE.
Tomorrow (12/5) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s New Jersey 101.5 (WKXW-FM) is presenting a special Town Hall broadcast, “Targeted: Protecting New Jersey Children from Online Predators,” confronting the crisis of online child predators, and how New Jersey children and parents are affected. In what is an alarming statistic, the FBI estimates that 500,000 predators are online daily, with kids between the ages of 12 and 15 most at risk. These predators are lurking on social media sites, online gaming platforms, chatrooms, and anywhere else popular with kids. New Jersey 101.5’s Eric Scott leads the news and digital departments in bringing listeners the most up-to-date information about the ever-changing ways predatory behavior manifests itself on the internet and connected devices. “Our kids are spending considerable time on the internet every day,” Scott warns. “Parents need to understand how to identify where predators are lurking and how to safeguard their children.” The program’s on-air guest panel includes John Pizzuro, CEO of Raven and former commander of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Alicia Kozak, internet safety expert and founder of The Alicia Project; Stephanie Lyon, licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor of clinical psychology at Rutgers University; and Gina Cavallo, a consultant and vice president for the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Online, the program will be streamed live and available for embedding at facebook.com/nj1015/live. The broadcast may also be accessed via nj1015.com, the New Jersey 101.5 YouTube channel, or the free New Jersey 101.5 app.