The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Tariff Deals
2. Jobs Numbers / Erika McEntarfer Fired
3. Texas Redistricting Controversy
4. The Epstein Files
5. Loni Anderson Dies
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Legal Group, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
A New Jersey radio station thought they were just being clever online. They scanned a photo from New Jersey Monthly, cropped out the photographer’s credit line, and posted it on Facebook – inviting listeners to edit and reshare it for fun. ying to engage listeners to interact with the station with more than just their ears.”
But that station, WKXW 101.5, ended up in federal court.
Photographer Peter Murphy sued for copyright infringement and removal of attribution. The Third Circuit ruled against the station – finding that the image was used without permission, credit removed, and the photographer’s ability to license his work damaged.
It wasn’t fair use. It was infringement.
Fair Use Won’t Save You from Getting Sued
Fair use isn’t a free pass – it’s a defense. That means someone’s already accused you of infringement, and now it’s on you to justify it.
Even when it works, fair use still costs time and money. In the WKXW case, the station used the entire photo, failed to transform it, and encouraged widespread online sharing. The court saw that as market harm – one of the most important fair use factors.
And don’t assume you’re safe just because it wasn’t part of the broadcast. Courts have made clear that even social media posts by broadcasters can undermine the value of the original and trigger liability.
Don’t Ignore It Just Because It Feels Small
In my own experience with clients fending off these kinds of claims, sometimes it’s obvious. Other times it’s a bluff. But even bogus claims can cost you if you don’t take them seriously from the beginning.
License It, Link to It, or Leave It
If you didn’t create it or license it, don’t assume it’s fair game. Look for content with clear reuse rights. Better yet – link to the source instead of copying it.
Because if a copyright holder comes after you, your intentions won’t matter. Only your rights will.
Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonLegalGroup.com or read more at TALKERS.com.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/28-8/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. The Epstein Files
2. Tariff Deals
3. Fed Interest Rates Policy
4. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
5. Colleges Settle with Trump
6. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations
7. ICE Raids
8. Texas Redistricting Map
9. Russia-Ukraine War
10.Deadly NYC Shooting
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Ghislaine Maxwell
4. Bill Clinton
5. Barack Obama / Joe Biden
6. Jerome Powell
7. Benjamin Netanyahu
8. Mike Johnson
9. Vladimir Putin
10.Shane Tamura
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
JVC Broadcasting will begin airing its Florida Man Radio Network programming on recently acquired WYOO, Panama City “NewsTalk 101.1,” effective August 4. JVC says WYOO will carry the full Florida Man Radio
lineup anchored by Shannon Burke (PM drive) and Bubba the Love Sponge (AM drive), and will welcome Panama City’s own Brian Rust to the network as the new 9:00 am to 12:00 noon host. JVC CEO John Caracciolo says, “This is more than a format flip; it’s a statement. By bringing WYOO into the Florida Man Radio Network, we’ve created a single, dominant talk radio platform that spans from Pensacola through Panama City and beyond. The Florida Panhandle is one of the most politically engaged and conservative regions in the country. This move allows us to deliver content that speaks directly to the values, voice, and lifestyle of real Floridians.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
2. The Epstein Files
3. Tech Stocks Soar
4. Fed Holds Interest Rates
5. Trade Deals
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
And TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
Reviewing radio’s challenges:
— Trouble attracting and growing younger demos
— Trouble appealing to youth-oriented advertisers
— Trouble generating excitement in our culture
— Trouble owning a seat in the news media
— Trouble attracting out of college/high school employees
in sales, management on air.
The answer is: Top 40 or, if you must, CHR. The answer has always been Top 40.
The brilliant Allen Shaw, president ABC FM Radio, CEO Beasley Broadcasting, CEO/owner Centennial, said, “And Top 40 will always have an important place in radio because it plays the most popular music therefore it will always have an audience.”
In reviewing Spring Nielsens, it is hard to find a Top 40 station that is #1 6+ in any city. Consider how odd that is. Since 1955 there have been hundreds of Top 40 stations that attracted dominant shares of audience.
No, not audience: fans. Passionate fans because music is passion. New music is more passion. Cultural pebbles between the songs dropped by passionate radio stars compel even more passion.
Big contests. Big promotions. Breaking music trends. Huge voices. Pounding jingles. Prizes: Trips to see Taylor Swift in the studio – in England. A week off from school, on us! Free pizza for 50 of your friends – for a year. A new red, customized Z-93 car in your driveway on your birthday. Ed Sheeran plays your prom! A limo to school on opening day. Big Time Rush sings at your street fair.
Alex Warren writes a song for you – and performs it for you. Gift certificates for CAMEO. The Apple package… an iPhone, iPad and MacBook Air.
Media Buyer: Hop on the station yacht this summer, let’s go for a sunset party cruise. One buyer wins this custom Mustang. Wherever you go on vacation, tab’s on us.
Excited? Radio is good at contesting, better than any other medium. Excitement in thin air is what radio does… well, used to do.
Of course radio is a low choice among fresh grads, 18-24s, and media buyers. Radio stopped making the best radio, stunning, pulsing, sexy, unpredictable. We stopped rolling out the red carpet: Hot, current, daring, dangerous… Top 40.
You were drawn to radio because of Top 40. Make that.
Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.
Last week (7/24-25), Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta hosted the 25th annual “95.5 WSB Care-a-Thon,” benefiting the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare
of Atlanta. And raised an event record of more than $2.1 million. WSB director of operations Ken Charles says, “95.5 WSB has the most generous listeners in the country, without them this is not possible. I am blessed to work with the most passionate, dedicated and hardworking team in the business. I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved over these incredible and inspirational 38 hours.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Colleges Settle with Trump Administration
2. The Fed and Interest Rates
3. The Epstein Files
4. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations
5. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Many readers and subscribers of TALKERS trace their radio industry roots back to the golden days when the radio programming and record promotion businesses were so symbiotic that the major trade publication serving this two-headed conglomeration was actually called Radio & Records: “The Industry’s Newspaper.”
On September 10, 2025, music and radio industry veterans from across the USA will come together at the 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion. The event will again take place at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The Music Industry Reunion prides itself on bringing together the best of the music business from around the world for this special evening of memories, laughter, and hugs. Past reunions in New York and Los Angeles have reunited over 500 industry influencers, industry legends and icons as well as the brightest radio, music, management, publicity, and marketing professionals in the business. Attendees can enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres as well as chips and salsa, along with $5 tequila shots. Additionally, the Sagebrush Cantina’s full menu will be available to purchase.
According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “For those of us who were lucky enough to be a part of that wild and crazy chapter of pop culture biz history – especially as it played out in Southern California – this is one of the greatest, most beloved industry events of the year… pure history, nostalgia, and fun!”
Advance tickets are $35 (+Eventbrite service processing fee) and available at this link: https://tinyurl.com/mir10th
The luxurious Anza Hotel has King Suites available at a special Music Industry Reunion rate of $118, which includes access to the hotel’s bar, pool, gym, and free parking. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the event. Use Code: 250911LA10 at 818.222.5300 or follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/mir10hotel
Connect with The Music Industry Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MusicBusinessReunion The 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion is coordinated by legendary music biz promoters Jon Scott and Kenny Ryback. Jon Scott 818.601.1283 jonpaulscott@gmail.com Kenny Ryback 747.666.5465 kenny.ryback@gmail.com
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. Gaza Starvation Controversy
3. Fed Interest Rate
4. Deadly NYC Shooting
5. U.S.-E.U. Trade Deal
Talk radio host Joe Thomas says his Talk Media Network-syndicated program “First Thing Today” is launching a live Saturday morning edition beginning August 2. Thomas says, “The workplace paradigm has changed. Most Americans work just as much on Saturday as they do Monday-Friday, so they need to be up on the news and need a chance to talk about it just as much then.” He notes that his first affiliate for this Saturday edition is JVC Broadcasting’s WRCN, Riverhead, New York (Long Island). Thomas says, “WRCN is where my career really took off. I learned so much there, met my wife there, had our first child while I was there so it was a thrill to hear that John Caracciolo and JVC were bringing me back to 103.9 FM on Long Island for the first time since 1995!” Stations interested in the show can inquire via: willis@talkmedianetwork.com.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files / Maxwell Interviews
2. U.S.-EU Tariff Deal
3. Trump in Scotland
4. Trump vs The Fed
5. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
iHeartMedia Norfolk announced today (7/25) the debut of BIN 92.1 FM, Norfolk’s Black Information Network, effective immediately. The Black Information Network has transitioned from 105.3 FM (WNOH) to its new home at 92.1 FM (WHBT), where it will continue delivering what is described as “nonstop, reliable news coverage shaped by the Black community.” According to iHeartMedia Norfolk market president, Denene Moore, “Listeners can count on the same high-quality journalism, in-depth reporting, and culturally relevant storytelling—now on 92.1 FM and available on the iHeartRadio app.” Moore continues, “BIN has become a vital voice in communities across the country, and we’re proud to continue that trusted news and perspective here in Norfolk. This move ensures that our listeners have access to the stories that matter most, told through a lens that reflects their experiences and voices.”
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/21-7/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. The Epstein Files
2. The Economy / Trump vs Powell
3. Trump Negotiates with Colleges
4. U.S.-Japan Tariff Deal
5. Gaza Violence-Food Crisis
6. House Approves “Golden Dome” Funding
7. ICE Raids
8. Coldplay Couple
9. Extreme Weather
10.Ozzy Osbourne/Malcom Jamal Warner/Hulk Hogan/Chuck Mangione Deaths
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Ghislaine Maxwell
4. Jerome Powell
5. Mike Johnson
6. Scott Bessent
7. Marco Rubio
8. Andy Byron / Kristin Cabot
9. Ozzy Osbourne / Malcolm Jamal Warner
10.Hulk Hogan / Chuck Mangione
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/223) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. Columbia & Harvard Cases
3. The Economy / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Tariffs
Sports talk media personality Rich Eisen is returning to the ESPN radio fold, effective September 2. ESPN says “The Rich Eisen Show” will be available nationally on ESPN Radio, in addition to Disney+ and ESPN+
live in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart. The show will be simulcast live on Disney+ every day and on ESPN+ during select weeks in the year. In addition to his weekday show, Eisen brings his full podcast lineup from The Rich Eisen Podcast Network to ESPN platforms. Eisen says, “Once we struck a deal with Disney for the video version of The Rich Eisen Show, it made complete sense to migrate the audio version to ESPN Radio, where I got started in the terrestrial radio world almost 30 years ago. It’s just another way to return to my roots with my old and now new friends at ESPN and GKB. I couldn’t be more excited about our future together on multiple platforms.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. House Approves “Golden Dome” Funding
3. U.S.-Japan Tariff Deal
4. Trump vs Powell
5. Ozzy Osbourne Dies
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. Tariffs / Trump vs Powell
3. MLK Jr. Files Released
4. Malcolm-Jamal Warner Death
5. Gaza Violence
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. The Economy / Interest Rates
3. ICE Raids
4. Gaza Violence
5. Extreme Weather-Flooding
FCC commissioner Anna M. Gomez says in a statement that Congress’ vote to claw back money appropriated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is not about saving money but about controlling speech. She says, “This action is a key step in a coordinated campaign to silence public media, and the latest attempt by this administration to censor and control speech. We’ve yet to see any effort to probe,
defund, or threaten news outlets that support the government’s views, and there’s a reason for that. This has never been about saving money. It’s about silencing those who report the news accurately, without fear or favor. The true cost of this one-sided attack on free speech will be felt most by small and rural communities across the country. Much like the disappearance of local newspapers, cutting off support for public stations could create a new kind of ‘news desert.’ In many hard-to-reach areas, these stations may be the only source for the public to receive emergency alerts, traffic updates, and information about local events and ways to stay engaged in their own neighborhoods. Defunding them strips away these essential services and further isolates the very communities these stations seek to serve. The FCC is playing a dangerous game with its own baseless attacks on public broadcast stations. Its role should be to protect and expand the public’s access to timely, accurate news that is free from political interference. I will continue fighting this FCC’s politically motivated efforts to investigate and harass these stations.”
Townsquare Media names Dan Endom regional market president for its station groups in the Lubbock and
Amarillo markets. Those markets include news/talk KFYO and talk KKAM/K280GU in Lubbock and news/talk KIXZ, Amarillo. Most recently, he served as president of iHeartMedia’s Nashville station group.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/14-7/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. The Epstein Controversy / MAGA Rift
2. Congress Passes DOGE Cuts
3. Financial Markets Activity / Trump vs Powell
4. Trump Tariffs
5. ICE Raids
6. Russia Intensifies Ukraine Strikes
7. SCOTUS Education Dept. Ruling
8. FEMA Criticisms / Texas Foods Aftermath
9. Bove Nomination
10.Trump vs Rosie O’Donnell
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Pam Bondi / Dan Bongino
4. Ghislaine Maxwell
5. Jerome Powell
6. Stephen Miller
7. Vladimir Putin
8. Kristi Noem / David Richardson
9. Emil Bove
10. Rosie O’Donnell
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Audacy SVP of research & insights Ray Borelli writes in an insights piece that data consistently shows that in marketing mix models (MMMs), there is a large gap in the perception of its effectiveness versus how it actually performs. Borelli writes, “Despite outperforming most channels in ROI, Audio can be overlooked by
marketers, not because it’s ineffective, but because it’s quietly efficient.” He adds, “Low levels of variability and the lack of granular data at the campaign and market levels can cloud the results. Smaller campaign investments can also fly under the radar, making it harder for models to detect Audio’s true impact.” Borelli says Audacy is working with other audio companies and with partners like the RAB and IAB to provide more granular data and to standardize model inputs. “We’re running model audits and retroactive studies to properly demonstrate Audio’s impact including replacing media plan data with ‘as-run’ actuals because as-run data provides significantly more variation, which stimulates the models to more effectively identify radio’s correlation with sales results.” See the complete piece here.
Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for June (June 2 – 29) based on weekly average downloads
and NPR’s most popular podcasts – “NPR News Now” and “Up First” – maintain their first and second-place finishes, respectively. Changes of note from May to June include Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” rising three places to #5, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” rising one spot to #10, and iHeartRadio’s “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton” falling two places to #16. See the complete ranker here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Senate Passes DOGE Cuts
2. The Epstein Case / MAGA Rift
3. Financial Markets Activity / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Russia Intensifies Ukraine Strikes