The most discussed stories yesterday (8/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Audacy sports talker WSCR, Chicago “The Score” let talk hosts Mike Mulligan and Marshall Harris go after Friday’s programs aired. Mulligan had co-hosted the station’s morning drive program 
since 2008, originally with Brian Hanley and most recently with David Haugh. Harris became a full-time co-host of the midday show with Leila Rahimi in 2024. The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that former WGN-TV sports anchor Jarrett Payton – the son of Bears legend Walter Payton – will be announced as the new morning drive co-host sometime today. It appears Rahimi and Mark Grote will continue as hosts of the midday show. Audacy has not publicly commented on the changes but it’s reasonable to assume that there was a fiscal component to the moves. Read the Sun-Times story here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
The most important sentence in Sharon Gai’s How to Do More With Less: Future-Proofing Yourself in an AI Economy (Wiley) isn’t about technology at all. It’s about leverage. She writes that the goal is to stop being “the busy bee” and instead become “the beekeeper… someone that controls the ‘bees’ to get what you want.” That’s the wakeup call radio needs right now.
Because while our industry debates whether AI is a threat, the rest of the world has already moved on. Gai describes watching Alibaba engineers generate hundreds of thousands of ad banners in seconds – work that once required “thousands of designers” and weeks of back and forth. That moment, she says, was when she realized “the next era of work had already started.” Radio is still acting like it hasn’t.
AI won’t replace radio. But it will replace radio people who don’t use it.
Gai is blunt: “Will AI replace workers? Absolutely.” But she adds the part radio needs to hear: it replaces tasks first, not people. The winners are the ones who learn to orchestrate the tools. For radio, that means:
This isn’t theory. It’s survival.
The OnePerson BillionDollar Company — and The OnePerson Radio Station
Gai cites Sam Altman’s prediction that AI will enable “one-person billion-dollar companies.” Radio should hear a different version: the one-person radio station. Not as a cost cutting fantasy — as a competitive necessity.
A single operator, armed with AI tools, can now:
Small market owners — the ones already stretched thin — stand to gain the most.
The Real Message for Radio
Gai’s book isn’t about replacing humans. It’s about reclaiming agency in an AI-driven economy. Radio needs that mindset more than any legacy medium. Because the question isn’t whether AI will change radio.
It’s whether radio chooses to be the bee… or the beekeeper.
To read 2 sample chapters, free, click here.
Holland Cooke is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Morning drive host Bill Keeler’s show at Townsquare Media’s news/talk WIBX-AM, Utica, New York has been cancelled. Last Thursday (8/20) Keeler posted the following to social media: “I was informed today, following my program, that the morning show on 
WIBX has been cancelled by corporate. As a result, my last day with Townsquare Media was today, although I was told I could apply for other positions that might be available with the company outside the market. Based on what I’ve seen happening throughout the radio industry nationwide, I knew a day like this could eventually come, although I certainly didn’t expect it to happen today. I’m extremely thankful for the nearly 13 years I’ve spent at the Marcy studios, and especially grateful for the people I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. These are some of the most talented people in the industry, and many of them have become very close friends.” WIBX has not announced its longterm plans for the morning drive program.
The most discussed stories over the weekend (8/22-23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Michael Cohen – President Donald Trump’s former attorney and “fixer” – interviewed the president for his radio show on WABC, New York that will air in its entirety on his Sunday program that airs from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Cohen – who was sentenced to three years in prison for lying to congress and failing to report millions in 
income testified against Trump in congress and in court. But Cohen says he’s spoken with Trump several times over the past year and the president agreed to do the interview. WABC says, “The coming-together of these two political heavyweights comes at a particularly intriguing time. Cohen and Trump have been publicly at odds for years, making this unexpected sit-down impossible to ignore. Whatever the answer, Cohen interviewing Trump is sure to generate attention and plenty of questions about what happened to one of the most complicated relationships in modern politics.”
Longtime WPHT, Philadelphia midday personality Dom Giordano tells TALKERS that the “dumbing down of America” is one of the most pressing topics on the minds of Americans “still able to engage in critical thinking.” The man dubbed “the Dean of Philadelphia Talk Radio” says, “Wherever I go, one of the concerns I hear expressed most consistently by listeners, voters, parents, consumers and citizens, from all ends of the political spectrum, is how worried and even angry they are about the dismal state of American education, not to mention public discourse in the nation’s media.” Giordano, a former schoolteacher, who hosts the weekly podcast “Old School, New School, Next School,” is one of talk media’s most outspoken experts on education and advocates for it being addressed “before we are no longer capable of operating a reasonably functional democracy in America.” On the podcast, now in its second year, Giordano interviews experts and offers insights about a wide variety of topics from school choice to parental rights, including screen time, social media, and fundamental educational values such as the importance of history and civics. Giordano encourages talk hosts to take advantage of the hook provided by back-to-school season to address this topic and, as he puts it, “make America smart again.” To listen to Giordano’s podcast, please click here.
Buffalo radio legend Sandy Beach has died at the age of 86. Beach spent much of his career in the Buffalo market, including the last 23 years at WBEN-AM, Buffalo. Beach joined WKBW, Buffalo in 1968 when it was a Top 40 station. He worked in a number of markets during his 60-year career, including Hartford, 
Dallas, San Francisco, and Milwaukee. Former Audacy Buffalo general manager Tim Wenger posted his thoughts about Beach’s passing and wrote: “When I was asked about programming WBEN ‘back in the day’ and what I would do first, I quickly said I would go to Milwaukee and bring Sandy Beach back to Buffalo and talk radio, where he belongs. I got the job, I got Sandy, and I never looked back. Sandy quickly became an institution on WBEN and a co-worker so many cherished and loved off the microphone and respected for his unrivaled wit, intelligence, logic and even sometimes caustic sense of humor on the air. The most-asked question I get when I encounter WBEN listeners is, hands-down, ‘How is Sandy Beach?’ Susan and I had the privilege of continuing our close friendship with Sandy and I can assure you that his humor, personality and wit was with him until his brief illness took hold.”
The National Association of Broadcasters will present the 2026 NAB National Radio Award to Hubbard Radio Washington DC president and general manager Joel Oxley during the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner on October 20 at the Edison 
Ballroom in New York City. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “NAB is honored to recognize Joel Oxley for his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the radio industry. For more than three decades at WTOP and Federal News Network, and over 15 years at Hubbard Radio, Joel has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to local journalism, innovation and public service. Under his leadership, WTOP has become one of the nation’s premier news operations, setting the standard for excellence in local broadcasting while serving the Washington, DC community with trusted journalism. His integrity, vision and dedication have left an enduring mark on our industry, making him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.”
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/17-21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Edison Research says its recent review of the audience numbers for conservative podcasts reveals the programs that have seen their audience increase and decrease from the fourth quarter of 2024 to the second quarter of 2026. Shows showing significant 
growth include: SiriusXM’s “Megyn Kelly Show” – up 115% among weekly U.S. consumers 13+; Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” up 107%; “The Tucker Carlson Show” – up +13%; Premiere Networks’ “Glenn Beck Program – up 11%; and Premiere’s “Sean Hannity Show” – up +5%. Edison says its data indicates Cumulus Podcast Networks’ “Dan Bongino Show” lost the most audience – down 62% – but notes that Bongino’s leave from the business to serve as Deputy Director of the FBI is likely a factor. Elsewhere, podcasts shedding audience include The Daily Wire’s “Ben Shapiro Show” – down 19%; and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Mark Levin Show” – down 16%. See the full story here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Dr. Daliah Joins WFEA, Manchester. The Talk Media Network syndicated program “The Dr. Daliah Wachs Show” is joining the weekend schedule at Saga Communications’ news/talk WFEA, Manchester, New Hampshire.
KUT Names Philpott Morning Edition Host. Public radio outlet KUT, Austin names journalist Ben Philpott the new local host of NPR’s “Morning Edition.” KUT says, “Ben has been with KUT News since the newsroom launched in 2002 and was its first political reporter, covering eight Texas legislative sessions and presidential campaigns before becoming managing editor. He succeeds Jennifer Stayton, who steps away from ‘Morning Edition’ after 22 years to lead KUT News’ reporting initiative on aging in Central Texas.”
WUSF Welcomes Ira Glass. Public radio station WUSF, Tampa is bringing “This American Life” creator and host Ira Glass to town for an in-person solo show at the Tampa Theatre on December 5.
WNYC Adds Council Speaker Segment. WNYC, New York’s “The Brian Lehrer Show” is adding a “Speak with the Speaker,” interview and call-in segment with New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. Lehrer says, “We’re excited that Speaker Menin will be joining our show more regularly, offering New Yorkers insights into the work of the City Council. We’re dedicated to offering listeners an opportunity to both hear from their elected officials in their own words and ask their own questions about the issues that matter most.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The TALKERS Heavy Hundred documents the most important talk-media personalities in America. It stands as a continuous historical record of the people who have shaped talk radio, podcasting and spoken-word media. This archive brings the rankings together in one place, year by year, exactly as each edition was published.
Current editionThe 2026 TALKERS Heavy Hundred – Ranks 1–25
Published annually by TALKERS magazine. Every edition from 2012 through 2026. Page breaks follow the ranking ranges as each edition was originally presented.
Ranks 1–10Ranks 11–20Ranks 21–35Ranks 36–50Ranks 51–65Ranks 66–80Ranks 81–95Ranks 96–100
The 2012 edition was published across eight pages. The final page also carries the Talkers 250 listing, which continues the roster beyond rank 100 with hosts 101 to 250 arranged in alphabetical order.
The Heavy Hundred of Sports Talk ranks the most important sports talk hosts in America. It is available for selected years.
This archive preserves the rankings as originally published. Where errors have been documented, corrections are recorded; where original materials survived, they have been restored to their published form. Rankings are not revised after publication.
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is launching a syndicated radio show starring Dan Bongino that will debut next Monday (8/24). The program is called “The Bongino Report PM with Dan Bongino and Shawn Farash” that will air live 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. 
Bongino returned to the Cumulus fold doing his podcast that’s sold by the Cumulus Podcast Network after leaving his assistant director position with the FBI. The new show will feature Shawn Farash hosting the first hour and Bongino hosting hours two and three. Bongino comments, “I’m excited to partner with Shawn to bring listeners a daily program focused on the stories that matter most. Our goal is simple: deliver honest analysis and keep our
audience informed and engaged. Radio remains one of the most powerful ways to connect directly with people, and I’m excited to be back on Westwood One!” Farash adds, “This is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with listeners across the country every day. Working alongside Dan and the team at Westwood One allows us to bring a fresh, energetic approach to afternoons while staying focused on the stories our audience cares about most.”
The most discussed stories over the weekend (8/15-16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/10-14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
President Donald Trump is nominating Danielle Thumann Severs for a seat on the Federal Communications Commission. She has served two stints at the FCC focusing on matters before the Wireline Competition Bureau, the Public Safety and Homeland 
Security Bureau, as well as the agency’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr states, “I want to congratulate Danielle on her nomination to serve as a Commissioner on the FCC. Danielle is a dedicated public servant and has worked with skill and distinction on some of the most important matters before the agency. Danielle has delivered policy wins across the FCC’s economic agenda – from bridging the digital divide and protecting consumers to advancing public safety. With the advice and consent of the Senate, Danielle would make a terrific Commissioner.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The most discussed stories over the weekend (8/8-9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research: