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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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

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:

1. 1. Trump Nominations and Appointments
2. 2. Trump Tariff Plans
3. 3. Hunter Biden Pardon
4. 4. Migrant-Border/Economy/Crime
5. 5. DOGE / Trump-Musk-Ramaswamy Relationship
6. 6. Russia-Ukraine War
7. 7. Israel-Hezbollah Cease Fire/South Korea Turmoil
8. 8. Fatal Shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
9. 9. Abortion/Health Care
10. 10. Big Tech Influence / Media Bias

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.

Veteran radio broadcaster Chick Pallotta, a.k.a. Francis Chick Powers, is the creator, executive producer, and host of a long-running, syndicated radio series of individual programs collectively entitled, “The Inside Stories Behind The Christmas Songs.”  These critically-praised programs feature many legendary songwriters of fond memory who explain how their classic, holiday hits originated. Currently, there’s a total of 43 programs: 20 Short-Form programs (crafted as entertainment and informative holiday features where all the verses of a particular Christmas song are wrapped around the songwriter’s narrative), and 23 two-minute programs, suitable for the live and local talk and news/talk stations, providing a type of holiday feel to their regular programming. Additional programs are produced and released yearly. Since 2011, Pallotta has been producing and syndicating these one-of-a-kind holiday vignettes.  During that time, hundreds of stations throughout the U.S.A. and Canada in mostly small, medium-sized and suburban markets, have aired the series. Thus far, the series is being carried on stations having 14 different formats.

Soon-to-turn 78-years old in January, an item on Chick Pallotta’s Christmas wishlist, is to license his intellectual property of interviews with the Christmas songwriters to one of the major radio conglomerates to run during the 2025 Christmas Season. It would include all the elements of his original productions for that company to produce – the scripts, the interview segments, the song soundbites, the music beds, etc. – as it sees fit.  And that company’s own in-house, star radio personality would host the series, thus exposing all of this unique and original content to a new and wider listening audience, carried even on multiple-owned stations in the same city having different formats in the major markets. Pallotta’s only stipulation in a potential agreement would be to protect his current radio affiliates which have provided their loyal and steadfast support to him over the years.   For more info about these available programming elements please click HERE.

Plus there’s more: Pallotta has established another platform for his intellectual property. He’s making on-screen video segments for use in a full, theatrical musical production. A live cast of singers is envisioned to perform a mix of both the traditional Christmas carols and secular holiday hits as well. The visuals are lead-ins, prior to the songs being sung. He’s currently looking for an investor. Just as iHeartRadio produces its “Jingle Ball” concert tour in Madison Square Garden and other select cities annually, Chick is hopeful that in Manhattan’s Theater District itself,  a similar, success story is achievable in a Broadway theater during the 2-month holiday season, running every year, as well.  For more info about the theatrical opportunity, please click HERE to watch three short video segments.  Chick Pallotta can be reached by phone at 718-375-1245.

FOX News Channel and Premiere Networks talk superstar Sean Hannity will host a new long-form interview show for FOX Nation entitled, “Sean” premiering today (12/3) on the platform, announced Lauren Petterson, its president. The new series will feature in-depth sit-down interviews with a variety of guests spanning the world of sports, entertainment, and politics. Pictured above: the episode one kick-off with iconic actor, writer and director Sylvester Stallone alongside his wife, entrepreneur, and model Jennifer Flavin Stallone. In making the announcement, Petterson said, “Sean’s signature political commentary has advanced the cultural conversation while connecting with the FOX News Media audience for more than 28 years. FOX Nation subscribers will have the opportunity to see Sean in a new setting as he conducts long-form interviews with newsmakers and celebrities, delving deep into their life journeys and the challenges and successes they have had along the way.”  Hannity added, “Throughout the course of my career, I’ve had the honor of meeting the world’s most interesting people. It is often the struggles and obstacles they have overcome that make them most captivating. I look forward to sharing these conversations with FOX Nation viewers.”  Featuring a new episode each month, “Sean” captures candid conversations that dive deep into the lives, passions and perspectives of the country’s most interesting people while providing behind-the-scenes stories and unfiltered discussions about the moments that shaped their lives. Following this week’s debut, the second episode will feature a sit-down with Stephen A. Smith, the firebrand commentator and host of ESPN’s “First Take” and podcast “The Stephen A. Smith Show.” In episode three, Hannity will interview celebrity fitness trainer and media personality Jillian Michaels. Additional guests will be announced at a later date.

As the longest-running primetime cable news host in history, Hannity has been known for his provocative style and passionate connection with his audience over the course of his 28 years at FNC. Each night, his primetime program features a signature monologue where he breaks down trending topics of the day, followed by headline-generating interviews. Garnering the highest viewership among cable news in his timeslot, Hannity has averaged nearly 3 million viewers year-to-date, routinely placing as one of the top cable shows overall. Ranked by TALKERS at number one on its “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America, Hannity’s radio show is now carried on more than 730 stations.

This Thursday, December 5th, Hannity will serve as the emcee of FOX Nation’s signature Patriot Awards, a ceremony which honors and recognizes America’s finest patriots, including military veterans, first responders and other inspirational everyday heroes.

Cumulus Media in partnership with Signal Hill Insights, yesterday (12/2) released Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights’ Podcast Download – Fall 2024 Report, a comprehensive evaluation of the latest podcast audience trends. This 13th edition of the study examining the habits of weekly podcast consumers is part of Cumulus Media’s initiative to share insights and research findings with the podcast community.  A key finding uncovered in the Podcast Download Report is that YouTube continues its growth as the dominant podcast platform for consumption, reaching a new high.  “Though it began as an auditory experience, over the past few years we’ve seen the growth of podcast visuals, which go hand-in-hand with the similar ascendance of YouTube as a podcast platform,” said Lauren Vetrano, VP of advertiser studies and insights, Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group®. “We currently see over a third of weekly podcast consumers using YouTube the most for their podcast consumption, up from 28% year over year. Similarly, one in three podcast consumers now prefer podcasts with a video component. Video, and by extension YouTube, cannot be ignored as an important aspect of the podcast experience.”  “Thumbnails turn out to be a key discovery driver on YouTube, especially among younger consumers. 53% of those 18 – 34 say they’ve chosen a podcast on the platform based upon the thumbnail,” said Paul Riismandel, president of Signal Hill Insights. “The title or persons featured in that graphic are the two top reasons for choosing an episode. This finding provides direction for podcasters looking to grow their audiences.”

The Fall 2024 edition reveals valuable insights for content creators and advertisers. Some highlights from the report:

• YouTube is the most utilized podcast listening platform in the U.S. over the past two years: 34% say it is the platform they use the most, followed by Spotify (17%) and Apple (11%)
• As the world’s entertainment search engine, YouTube is the dominant podcast discovery platform where audiences are more likely to find podcasts
• YouTube is the most utilized podcast listening platform among Podcast Newcomers, Podcast Pioneers, and heavy podcast consumers
• Younger podcast consumers are more likely to consume a podcast because of the thumbnail image on YouTube versus older podcast consumers
• Text and the podcast title on the thumbnail are the biggest reasons podcast consumers will pick a podcast on YouTube

Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights’ Podcast Download – Fall 2024 Report is available in full for download here.

Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality Elvis Duran, host of “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show,” was featured on “CBS Sunday Morning” this past weekend (12/1).  Duran was interviewed by correspondent Mo Rocca for an in-depth piece about the magic of radio and how his personality has won him loyal fans, including some of the biggest names in pop music. Duran also discussed how his love for radio began when he was a young child. He shared that the special connection with on-air personalities is what originally drew him to the platform and that unique friendship continues to inspire him every day.  Duran stated, “We are in the friendship business. I think about you (the listener) when you hop in your car in the morning. You’re either leaving a house that may be full of turmoil or going to a job with a boss you don’t like, but I have you for 20, 30 minutes, and I can be your friend,” said Duran. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “CBS Sunday Morning really nailed it with this piece. When the radio industry started telling DJs to ‘shut up and play the music’ and then backed it up by firing almost all the talented disc jockeys to save money, they basically forfeited their ownership of the popular music culture in America – not to mention the very backbone of radio itself, friendship and companionship. Endangered species like Elvis Duran are among the greatest ‘talkers’ out there and prove the potential for integrating talk and pop culture successfully can still keep the idea of ‘radio’ alive for years to come. The terms ‘disc jockey’ and ‘top 40’ are so obsolete.  This is a wonderful permutation of ‘talk radio’ and should be regarded as such.  I hope everyone in the business watches this past Sunday’s report.” Click HERE to watch.

Proving how important live and local weekend news/talk radio can be, New York City Mayor Eric Adams stopped by for an in-studio interview on this past weekend’s edition of “The Rob Astorino Show” (Saturdays 4:00 – 5:00 pm on 710 WOR), where he discussed the idea of working with “Border Czar” Tom Homan in the next administration, and shared his thoughts on the Daniel Penny subway chokehold trial. Pictured above: Astorino (left) and Adams (right) at iHeart’s NYC headquarters. To listen to Saturday’s show (11/30), most of which featured Adams’ guest appearance, please click HERE.

Pew Study:  Newsmax among Top U.S. News Brands.   The ratings competition for eyeballs and eardrums between multi-platform news content providers has grown increasingly fierce as burgeoning interest in politics – especially during this remarkably heated 2024 election cycle – has driven huge audiences to information venues seeking the latest data and ideological affirmation. The correlation between MSNBC’s notable ratings declines after the “Morning Joe” visit to Mar-a-Lago illustrated the sensitivity of branding and audience expectations within this volatile arena.  So, what media outlets did Americans turn to for political news during the heated 2024 presidential election?  Pew Research did some digging to find out and Newsmax has earned bragging rights for being among the top U.S. news brands for Americans seeking political news. The Pew survey for September of 2024 asked close to 10,000 Americans: “What news source do you turn to most often for political news?”  The question was open ended — with Pew giving no possible responses as respondents gave their own answers.  The Pew Study found Newsmax ranked among the top news outlets and networks and tied with media giants X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube — as respondents’ go-to source for citizens seeking political news. Newsmax even ranked ahead of the Associated Press and local news, and was just one percentage point behind NBC, CBS, MSNBC, and The New York Times.  Major established news outlets FOX News, CNN, and ABC News led the pack. “Multiple studies continue to show Newsmax is a major news player, and we are continuing to rise,” Newsmax Inc. CEO Chris Ruddy tells TALKERS. “The credit belongs to our team here and our viewers who are tired of old media and want the quality journalism we’re providing.” The Pew study confirms a recent Reuters Institute study that found Newsmax was one of the top 12 U.S. news brands for Americans.  The Reuters study found 8% of Americans — about 25 million Americans — turn to Newsmax on cable TV for their news at least weekly.  Starting as a conservative website, Newsmax was launched as an entrepreneurial initiative in 1998 by then-independent journalist Ruddy and expanded to include a TV network in 2014 .  Today, Newsmax estimates it reaches more than 40 million Americans through its television channels, online websites, and social media. The company has raised over $100 million for its Preferred Share Offering in its pre-IPO plan and expects to close soon.

Bloomberg Audio Renews Multi-Year Deal With Audacy.  Radio syndication firm, Key Networks and Bloomberg Audio, a leading provider of radio business news in the U.S., announce that Bloomberg Audio and Audacy have renewed their agreement to deliver Bloomberg Audio business and consumer news programming across the majority of Audacy’s 26 all-news and news talk stations. Audacy owns and operates many of the most influential news and news talk stations in America, including 92.3 FM and 1010 WINS in New York, News KNX-FM 97.1 and 1070 AM News Radio (KNX-AM/FM) in Los Angeles, WBBM Newsradio (WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM) in Chicago, and more. Bloomberg Audio has been Audacy’s primary business and consumer news provider for several years. Under the new multi-year agreement, Bloomberg Audio will continue to provide Audacy stations with access to its world-class radio news content, including live, customized reports, “Bloomberg Money Minutes,” and specialty features including: “Bloomberg Business of Sports,” “Bloomberg Business of Entertainment,” “Green Report,” “Small Business Report,” “Real Estate Report,” and more.  “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Bloomberg Radio, a trusted leader in business news, to continue delivering top-tier, timely financial and consumer content to our listeners,” said Jeff Sottolano, chief programming officer, Audacy. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to providing unparalleled business news coverage across our all-news and news talk stations, ensuring our audiences have access to the insights and information they need.”

Rumble Will Host the Uncensored Fourth Season of “Surviving Barstool.” Rumble, the high-growth video platform and cloud services provider, announced that the much-anticipated fourth season of “Surviving Barstool” will move to Rumble, unedited and uncensored, beginning today (12/2). Rumble users and Barstool fans can subscribe to the Barstool Sports Rumble channel here and tune in to watch this season here. YouTube will only carry the censored version of “Surviving Barstool.” “Surviving Barstool” follows 24 of the biggest Barstool employees competing against each other for a $250,000 prize while trapped in the office. The final winner will be decided by the employees who were voted out along the way.

Mural in a Phlash! During these dark, cold days of disappearing promotional budgets and AI voice tracking, how many radio personalities get their likeness painted in a mural on the side of a building?  Well, that warm honor came in one of the coldest places east of the Mississippi River to SiriusXM “’60s Gold” channel morning personality Phlash Phelps in Bradford, PA.  Pictured above: local artists and phans, Greg Souchick (l) and Rick Minard (r) expressed their appreciation for the popular music host with a huge mural on the side of a building in downtown Bradford at 181 Main Street.  Phelps was overwhelmed by the rendering and said he’s headed up to north central Pennsylvania to see it himself.  We’re not sure if any other radio talent has ever had such a tribute.  Phelps said, “I’ve had a racehorse named after me and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, but I’m truly stunned by this incredible mural.  My phans are phantastic!”  Part of Phelps’ schtick is he spells all Fs with PH.  He is known for his fast-talking, retro style of broadcasting and for making American geography a focal point of his show. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Phelps is a remarkably creative disc jockey who uses the element of ‘talk’ in a most entertaining and productive way by tying local towns, villages and communities around America into his show and saluting each with special attention to detail. He is my seven-year-old grandson and geography buff, Oliver Harrison‘s favorite radio star. Don’t think I don’t take notice of such things.” Phelps is heard nationally on SXM’s channel 73 M-F 6:00 am – 12:00 noon ET.

We See a Pattern of Philanthropy Developing Here.77WABC, New York has continually been using its powerful platform to support charities and people in need – in addition to creating exciting live and local talk radio. The station is partnering now with Shriners Children’s™️for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing The Most Amazing Care Anywhere™️. Started on November 18 and running through Giving Tuesday on December 3, 77WABC is running promos on air and in its e-newsletter soliciting donations to Shriners Children’s healthcare system. WABC Radio personality and legendary New York TV anchor Ernie Anastos is the voice of the campaign. On Giving Tuesday, WABC will expand the promotion to include a stream display on the 77WABC app, video social media posts from all talent, and pre-rolls on its podcasts, with the call to action to donate to Shriners Children’s. Donations to Shriners Children’s on Giving Tuesday will be 3X matched by one of their supporters for triple the impact on children’s health. In addition, on Giving Tuesday listeners will be invited to donate $225 per person to the WABC Radio Foundation, with net proceeds earmarked for Shriners Children’s, to be part of an intimate, 40-person audience for a live broadcast of “Sid & Friends In The Morning” with host Sid Rosenberg (pictured above). The live broadcast will take place in January at Studio 77, WABC Radio’s state-of-the-art audio/video event space. These audience members will have the opportunity for a picture with Sid and will receive a Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blanket. In addition, a silent auction to benefit Shriners Children’s will take place for listeners attending the live broadcast, who will have the opportunity to bid on Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blankets. “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “At WABC Radio, we are proud to help support Shriners Children’s mission to deliver specialty medical care to children.”  “77WABC is committed to serving our community across the New York City area,” added Chad Lopez, president, Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “By partnering with Shriners Children’s, we are able to bring awareness and help raise funds for their charitable mission.”

Cox Media Group’s Atlanta Radio Stations Collect Over 8,700 Pounds of Food Providing 12,272 meals for Georgia Families. Cox Media Group Atlanta’s radio stations (including heritage news/talker WSB) partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to collect 8,782 pounds of food leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. The effort by KISS 104.1 (WALR), 95.5 WSB (WSBB-FM/WSB-AM), B98.5 (WSB-FM) and 97.1 The River (WSRV) generated 12,272 meals for food-insecure individuals in Georgia. “We have the best listeners in Atlanta. Each year they support these terrific events and help us do good for the communities we serve,” said Chris Eagan, SVP audience/programming for Cox Media Group. “This is what live and local radio is truly all about.”  “We are grateful to the Cox Media Group radio station teams and personalities who continue to show an unwavering commitment to supporting the Food Bank’s efforts during the holiday season,” said Kyle Waide, president/CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “Our partnership with Cox Media Group helps us amplify the prominent issue of food insecurity among our neighbors, and these events underscore the generosity and willingness of the community to help those in need.”  During the holidays, food becomes a focal point for many family gatherings, which deepens the despair felt by many neighbors who are already struggling. Thirteen percent of Georgians and 18 percent of children in Georgia are estimated to be food insecure. Among communities of color, food insecurity can be as much as two or three times higher than their white neighbors. Every dollar donated can make a giant impact. The Food Bank’s processes and partners help them transform every dollar donated into up to three meals.

TARIFFS?  President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to hit the ground running and begin imposing tariffs on goods imported from Mexico, Canada and China coupled with the harsh response from our neighbors to the north and south topped the TALKERS Yappy List in yesterday’s conversations across talk media in America.  As reported yesterday, there is still a growing fascination – to the point of gossipy entertainment – among hosts and callers regarding the complicated alpha male relationship unfolding between Trump and Elon Musk. After that, Trump’s proposed budget cuts and layoffs of Federal employees, the economy, the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and the Russia-Ukraine war were among the most-talked-about stories followed closely by the migrant crisis and health care/abortion rights, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

RNC Chair Michael Whatley Credits WBT Listeners with Delivering NC to Trump.  WBT, Charlotte afternoon drive star Brett Winterble was joined by Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Whatley, yesterday (11/25) to talk about the GOP’s election victories.  During the conversation in which Whatley discussed the election’s immediate impact on issues ranging from wars in the Middle East and Central Europe to immigration and the economy, Whatley credited Radio One’s WBT listeners with helping secure the victory for Donald Trump in North Carolina.  Winterble is a rising star in the talk radio industry currently ranked at # 41 on the 2024 TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America.  To listen to the conversation between Winterble and Whatley please click here.

The Performance Racing Network (PRN) Taps Brad Gillie to Assume Role of Lead Anchor Alongside Mark Garrow beginning with the 2025 NASCAR season. Gillie will be replacing longtime lead anchor Doug Rice who has retired after a distinguished 36-year career left a void few could fill. “The obvious choice to succeed me is Brad Gillie,” Rice tells TALKERS. “He has been an integral part of our broadcast team for decades. He is an excellent broadcaster that our fans trust and are very familiar with, which I know will make this a smooth transition.”  Gillie has spent more than two decades working in motorsports. His career started in 1998 at Texas Motor Speedway where he spent 16 years in a variety of positions.  In 2006, Gillie began broadcasting live NASCAR events with PRN, where he could be heard in any broadcast position. “I am truly grateful to PRN and Speedway Motor Sports for the opportunity to continue building on a long legacy of exceptional broadcasts,” said Gillie. “It is an honor to move up to the anchor chair and, along with our great team, deliver the excitement of NASCAR to our listeners and affiliate stations. I also want to thank Doug Rice for his friendship and mentorship. His values and commitment to excellence have made PRN an elite network recognized throughout the motorsports and radio industries.”

FOLLOW UP TO YESTERDAY’S STORY: 77WABC, New York Partners with AARP NY, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities for Annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway During Holiday Season.  WABC Radio continues its self-stated “commitment to the community” with its annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway, in collaboration with AARP New York, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. The first 5,000 turkeys will be handed out before Thanksgiving, and the remaining 5,000 will be distributed before Christmas and the Holiday Season. The annual Turkey Giveaway kicked off at 10:00 am yesterday morning (11/25) when turkeys were handed out by John and Margo Catsimatidis, Curtis Sliwa, Sid Rosenberg, and other WABC Radio and New York celebrities from the 77WABC Trolley at St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church on W. 49th St. in New York City. “WABC Radio is an emergency broadcast station, a responsibility that extends to helping people in the greater New York City community year-round,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media, 77WABC, and Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets. “Working with AARP New York and The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, we are bringing much-needed help, and hopefully joy, to those in our community who are in need and deserve happiness and a good meal for the Holiday Season.” Pictured above, John and Margo Catsimatidis participating in the holiday initiative.

President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial (some more than others) ongoing department head nominations topped the list again in yesterday’s conversations across talk media in America.  There is still a growing fascination – to the point of gossipy entertainment – among hosts and callers with the complicated alpha male relationship unfolding between Trump and Elon Musk. The economy and War in the Middle East and Central Europe were again among the most-talked-about stories followed closely by the migrant crisis and health care/abortion rights, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.