Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 20-24, 2025)
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/20-24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
- 1. Government Shutdown
- 2. ICE Raids / Chicago Guard Troops Ruling
- 3. Trump’s White House Ballroom Project
- 4. Israel-Hamas Peace Process
- 5. Trump Demands Cash from Justice Department
- 6. “No Kings” Protests
- 7. Louvre Jewelry Heist
- 8. Trump Commutes Santos’ Sentence
- 9. Alleged Drug Boats Strikes
- 10.Mob-Linked Sports Rigging Case
People
- 1. Donald Trump
- 2. Mike Johnson
- 3. Chuck Schumer / Hakeem Jeffries
- 4. Karoline Leavitt
- 5. J.D. Vance / Benjamin Netanyahu
- 6. George Santos
- 7. Pete Hegseth
- 8. Vladimir Putin
- 9. Robert DeNiro / Stephen Miller
- 10.Chauncey Billups / Terry Rozier
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
as news director at KRGV-TV, Weslaco “ABC 5” in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, where he led a bilingual newsroom. Cumulus Albuquerque OM and program director Aaron “Buck” Burnett says, “Zoltan is exactly the kind of newsroom leader Albuquerque needs right now — grounded, relentless, and passionate about storytelling that matters. He’s built winning, trusted newsrooms in every market he’s touched, and we’re thrilled to have him guiding KKOB’s next chapter.” Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo comments, “KKOB has always been a trusted voice for New Mexico, and my mission is to strengthen that trust every day. This newsroom will focus on local truth first — fast, fair, and useful information that helps our audience make sense of what’s happening in their communities.”
revocation of accreditation for Nielsen Audio Diary markets as reported in the RMR and TAPSCAN Web including Bryan College Station, Texas; Hudson Valley; Killeen-Temple, Texas; Odessa- Midland, Texas; Portsmouth-Dover-Rochester, New Hampshire; Reno; and Trenton. At the same time, the MRC has approved accreditations for all of Nielsen’s 28 PPM markets.
and the gut-wrenching chaos of informational overload. Non-partisan lyrics cry out: “Too much information clogging up my brain… and I can’t change the station; it’s driving me insane!” Co-written and performed by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonin, and Michael Harrison, the dramatic images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of exasperated people being driven to the brink of madness by the pressure of what feels like non-stop, negative NOISE. Produced by 
Every talk host knows the move: play the clip. It might be a moment from late-night TV, a political ad, or a viral post that sets the table for the segment. It’s how commentary comes alive – listeners hear it, react to it, and stay tuned for your take.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces that Kim Komando will serve as emceefor the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony being held on October 30 in Chicago. Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig Kitchin says, “We’re grateful to Kim Komando for helping us to create a most special evening for each of our 2025 inductees. She knows the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve the recognition of such an induction.”
Mansour go as part of the company’s nationwide reduction in force. Mansour has been with the station for the past 18 years, most recently as senior executive in audio and digital marketing. He posted to social media, “What a ride it’s been. From creating dynamic content and marketing some of the biggest brands and personalities in the Twin Cities, to leading teams, driving revenue, and collaborating with some of the most talented people in media, I’ve learned, grown, and had an absolute blast along the way.” 
among those exiting the company and he posted to Facebook: “After 15 years at Salem Media San Antonio and a total of 17 years with Salem as a company I was a part of a massive companywide reduction in workforce. Over the years Salem has tried its best not to have a reduction in workforce but like most corporations it had to happen. I’m not bitter or angry I understand how this business works. I was proud of the work I did for Salem Media Group and even prouder to have worked with the people I did.” 
The most common mistake podcasters make is assuming the microphone alone creates an audience. Too many would-be hosts hit Record without a clear strategy for WHY they’re doing a show, WHO it’s for, and what makes it DIFFERENT from millions of other podcasts.
successful political and cultural programs.” The new Megyn Kelly channel will also feature brand-new programming, including the debut of an exclusive daily after-show program. Additional series, shows, and specials will be announced in the coming weeks. Kelly comments, “Linear television news is dead. People can’t stand those stilted, censored conversations anymore, which is exactly why this medium is thriving. I’m thrilled to deliver our bold brand of no-BS news live on SiriusXM and to be expanding my relationship with such a stellar, blue-chip brand and great partner. Soon our listeners will have the Megyn Kelly Channel to enjoy and trust for the conversations and content they love.”
Finateri says, “Marie Osborne is one of Michigan’s most respected broadcasters. Her high standards for broadcasting integrity have earned her this important role with WJR, helping us to maintain our brand as Michigan’s most trusted media outlet serving listeners throughout the Great Lakes region.” Osborne comments, “Being able to help our listeners process all that is unfolding in this impactful moment in history is a privilege and being able to do it at WJR is an honor. The commitment to community and news here at WJR runs deep, it is at the heart of all we do and I’m looking forward to carrying on this vital tradition in my new role.”
Morning Drive with Casey & Elliott” after almost six years co-hosting the program with Sean Casey. WCBM announces that the program is being re-branded as “Casey & Company” and will feature newscaster Maggie Hunter, the “king of all traffic” Chuck Whitaker, sportscaster Gary Stein and executive producer Kristen Haegerich. Elliott originally joined the program as a part-time guest in 2015 before rising to co-host in 2019.
company’s four stations that includes sports talk KKSE-AM/FM. Clary most recently served with Salem Media Group as regional multimedia sales manager and takes over for Dave Fleck who left the company to start up his own company. Clary comments, “I am incredibly excited to join an organization with such a passionate fan base and an unparalleled portfolio of teams and venues. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of the KSE family.”
These aren’t just bulletin boards. They’re extensions of your station, where listeners expect to be acknowledged and advertisers expect to see results.