Industry News

ABC Responds to FCC About its Targeting “The View”; Says Talk Radio Could Be Next

ABC states in the opening paragraphs of its filing with the FCC that the Commission’s targeting of “The View” over its guest bookings is not consistent and ultimately threatens talk radio as well. The petition states: “These Reply Comments arise from an unusual imgposture. ABC did not come to the Federal Communications Commission asking for anything. The Commission compelled ABC to file the Petition for Declaratory Ruling at issue here, directing the network to explain why the government. should not dictate which political candidates may appear on The View—even though the Commission itself resolved that very question in ABC’s favor more than two decades ago, ruling in 2002 that The View is a bona fide news program not subject to the equal opportunities requirement.

“Members of the public then submitted tens of thousands of comments in the proceeding, the overwhelming majority urging the Commission to respect the broadcaster’s editorial independence. These Reply Comments respond to that record. The commenters are right to be concerned. The First Amendment does not permit the government to sit in an editor’s chair. Yet that is the seat the Commission now proposes to take—deciding which broadcast programs qualify as legitimate news and, for those it finds wanting, compelling them to surrender their airtime to guests they never chose to feature.

“Today, the program in the Commission’s sights is The View. The principle in the balance is far larger: whether a federal regulator may override a broadcaster’s editorial judgment about whom to interview—a judgment the Constitution commits to broadcasters and their audiences, not to the state. Nothing about The View that the law cares about has changed since the Commission last answered that question more than two decades ago. The program remains regularly scheduled, remains under ABC’s control, and remains driven by the same lodestar—newsworthiness—that has long led it to interview the day’s most consequential figures, from Presidents and Senators to Supreme Court Justices. What has changed is not the program but the political climate around it.

“The Commission has trained its attention on daytime and late-night television—programs perceived as unfriendly to the current administration—while leaving untouched the vast landscape of talk radio, where candidates routinely appear without their opponents. A rule pressed against one set of speakers and quietly suspended for another, along lines that track the administration’s political preferences, is not evenhanded regulation. The record here reflects a widespread and well-founded concern that it is not.”

Industry News

Rogers to Shutter Six News and Sports Stations in Canada

Canadian media company Rogers Sports and Media is shutting down six of its news and sports stations, including CISL-AM, Vancouver “Sportsnet 650”; CFAC-AM, Calgary “Sportsnet 960”; CFFR-AM, Calgary “660 NewsRadio”; CXWX-AM, Vancouver; CJNI-FM, Halifax “NewsRadio 95.7”; and CKGL-AM, Kitchener img“570 NewsRadio.”  Yahoo! is reporting that Rogers says the closures will mean layoffs for 80 employees of the stations. Other simultaneous staff reductions at Rogers are costing another 150 people their positions. These cuts are revenue based as Rogers spokesperson Zac Carreiro states, “The media business continues to face headwinds driven by declining advertising revenue and changing audience habits. These changes are part of our plan to focus our investment in areas that will drive growth long-term. After a thorough review of our radio stations, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close six radio stations in four markets due to declining audience and revenue trends.” Rogers will continue operate 44 radio stations in some 30 markets. See the Yahoo! story here.

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Value of News/Talk Audience to Advertisers

In an insight piece titled, Attention is Heard to Earn: News/Talk Already Has It,” Audacy presents a strong argument for the value of the format to advertisers. Some of the key elements of the presentation include: 1) News/talk is now the No. 1 radio format across broadcast and streaming, accounting for 22% of all AM/FM imgstation streaming, nearly 3x the next closest format; 2) One in four Americans now identifies as a “News Fanatic,” checking the news five or more times a day and actively seeking deeper context – not just headlines; 3) News/talk listeners are more loyal than sports fans. Fifty-four percent are primary listeners who spend most of their listening time with news/talk, compared with 41% for sports; 4) Trust remains news/talk’s biggest advantage. Local news radio is trusted by 84% of listeners – higher than broadcast TV, national news radio, or social media; 5) The audience has significant buying power. Median household income is approximately $95,000, with listeners over-indexing for net worth above $2 million; and 6) The advertising works. Among ad-exposed consumers, news/talk campaigns drive 56% awareness, 47% consideration, and 49% purchase/conversion, while Audacy campaigns generate an average 24% lift in website traffic, with some categories seeing increases as high as 67%. See more here.

Industry News

Former Trump Fixer Michael Cohen to Host Show on 77WABC

This coming Saturday (7/12), former Trump Organization attorney Michael Cohen will get behind the microphone for his first radio show on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. Cohen is taking over the Saturday 5:00 pm show while former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo takes the summer off. Cohen – who ended up imgtestifying against his former boss in cases revolving around Stormy Daniels – has apparently made up with President Donald Trump. Or so says WABC owner John Catsimatidis. He tells the New York Post, “I checked with the White House and they had no objection. I understand everything is fine.” Cohen tells the Post, “I was told the president gave me a glowing recommendation for this gig because he believes I’m going to be the next Rush Limbaugh.” Red Apple Media says Cohen program, titled, “When You Know… You Know,” will be a “provocative and bold new one-hour program that promises to expose the truth behind politics, power, betrayal, and the stories the headlines never tell. Drawing on firsthand experience from the highest levels of American politics to federal prison, Cohen will challenge conventional wisdom, expose deception, and deliver the kind of insider perspective few people on the planet can match.” In addition to the radio show, Cohen is also doing a weekly podcast called, “When You Know… You Know Unleashed.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Radio’s 2027 Talent Strategy: Destination by Design

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIf your station is outside the top 50 markets, you already know the pressure points. A mature workforce stretched thin. Fewer applicants for on air and production roles – specifically the younger creators who don’t see radio as their first creative outlet. And a competitive landscape where streaming, satellite, and podcasts divert attention with the gravitational pull of a black hole.

But radio can absolutely attract these next-gen creators. We just can’t do it with yesterday’s playbook. In “Future Work World,” Barry Winkless argues that organizations must intentionally design themselves to “excite, entice, and engage” the next generation of talent. He’s talking about the future of work broadly – but his framework fits independent local radio like a blueprint. Especially in medium and small markets, where stations are fighting a two-front war: defending local relevance while competing with global audio giants. Accordingly…

  1. Redesign roles for the “Work Salad” generation.

One of the book’s core ideas is the rise of “work salads” – workers who blend skills, platforms, and creative identities rather than fitting neatly into a single job description. That’s today’s creator economy in a nutshell. For radio, this means offering roles like host+podcaster+social storyteller; or news voice+explainer video creator+local events personality. Younger creators don’t want an airshift. They want a mix – a portfolio of creative outputs. Stations that offer that mix will win talent that would otherwise bypass radio entirely.

  1. Make your station a Designed Destination.

Winkless’ “Destination Designer” mindset recommends environments where people want to be, because the place itself inspires them. For radio, this means a workplace that feels flexible, fluid, and creatively alive. You don’t need a big market budget to create a big market feel. You need intentionality and a willingness to break from “how we’ve always done it.” Turn a legacy operation into a future ready talent magnet.

  1. Use AI the way creators already do.

In one of the book’s fictional “jumps,” Winkless introduces the “cowerka,” an AI assistant that handles tasks, anticipates needs, and frees humans to focus on what only humans can do. AI can help prep shows, suggesting ways to localize trends and topics. Nextgen creators already use AI as a collaborator. Stations that embrace this reality will feel familiar – and attractive – to them.

  1. Sell the one thing no competitor can match: Local Reach

Streaming platforms offer scale. Podcasts offer intimacy. Satellite offers variety. Only radio offers local presence at scale.

Creators want audiences – podcasters hunger for what radio has: cume. Broadcast radio can give them something TikTok can’t: instant legitimacy in a real community. As I have explained here previously, we position client stations as reach engines: Instead of asking creators to serve radio, radio serves creators.

  1. Tell a Better Story About Who You’re Becoming

Winkless’ “Next Level Storytelling” chapter cautions that your recruitment story can’t be: “We need someone to do afternoons.” Instead: “We’re building the next chapter of local media, and we want creators who want to shape it.”

Creators don’t join job descriptions. They join stories.

The Bottom Line

Local radio doesn’t need to out tech the tech giants. It needs to out human them. By redesigning roles, modernizing culture, embracing AI, and positioning radio as a creator platform – not just a broadcast outlet – stations can attract the next generation of talent that will keep them relevant, resilient, and indispensable.

Your RIGHT NOW opportunity: As fill-in voices cover for vacationing full-timers, you can preview 2027 talent options. To help them smooth-out any rough edges – and assess how well they take direction – here are 12 Tips for the guest-hosts who are not career broadcasters and don’t share our second-nature performance routines.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: “Programming News/Talk Radio”

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TALKERS continues to post a plethora of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is a panel discussion titled, “Programming News/Talk Radio,” which explores the intricacies of spoken word radio’s most popular and influential format – news/talk.  Moderated by WRVA, Richmond afternoon star, Jeff Katz, the panel includes (in alphabetical order): Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WFEA, Manchester, NH; Allan Lamberti, program director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; Lisa Polizzi, brand manager, WBEN-AM, Buffalo; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio; and Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia. Stay tuned to TALKERS for continuous daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: “Brave New World” – A Look at Campus Broadcasting and Radio’s Next Generation

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TALKERS continues to post a motherlode of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is a panel discussion titled, “Brave New World,” which explores the future of radio by presenting an informed overview of what’s happening in campus broadcasting. Moderated by Salem Radio Network and WMAL, Washington, DC syndicated star, Larry O’Connor, the panelists include (in alphabetical order): Scot Bertram, GM, WRFH, Hillsdale College; George Capalbo, VP / chief technical officer, Backbone Networks; Dr. Andy Gladding, chief engineer, Salem Media of New York / chief engineer, WRHU, Hofstra University; Shawn Novatt, director, 90.3 WHPC, Nassau Community College / VP, conference & community colleges, Intercollegiate Broadcasting System;  and Norm Prusslin, founder, advisor, WUSB-FM, Stony Brook University. Stay tuned to TALKERS for continuous daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Steve Czaban Returns to Milwaukee Airwaves on “The Fan”

Sports media pro Steve Czaban returns to the Milwaukee air with a talk show on Audacy’s WSSP-AM/W289CB “The Fan” for an imghour-long morning program with Josh Albrecht. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports the program will also air across Audacy’s Wisconsin Sports Radio Network in markets including Greeb Bay-Appleton, Wausau, Madison, and Duluth-Superior. Czaban previously hosted a morning program on iHeartMedia’s then-sports WRNW-FM “97.3 The Game” that iHeartMedia flipped to AC last fall. See the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel story here.

Industry News

Alvord Joins Compass Media in Affiliate Sales

Compass Media Networks names Carter Alvord to the position of associate director of affiliate sales, sports & news/talk programming. Alvord is a 2026 Bucknell University graduate who’s imgbeen interning with Compass Media Networks since June 2024. In his new position he’ll assist with growth of the company’s featured play-by-play sports including NFL Football, NCAA Football & Basketball and heritage news/talk programming including “This Morning with Gordon Deal” and Erick Erickson. Alvord says, “Growing up listening to ‘Anna & Raven’ sparked my passion for radio. It is an honor to join Compass Media Networks, and I am thrilled to work shoulder to shoulder with Rob Blum and the rest of the affiliate sales team to super serve our affiliates and content partners.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgNo two summers have been alike since the pandemic upended listeners’ lives and retailers’ businesses. So, we’ve seen this movie before. To sound relevant and relatable and helpful, connect the dots:

Gas prices and pricier airfares are scortching summer getaways many hoped for. Are there family day trips and local attractions that locals might take for granted, or not know about?

Do “Fun-formation.” Inflation is pinching everyone in every way… including YOU. Notice how you yourself are coping and share on-air. And interview locals who can suggest money-saving life hacks. Including… advertisers you have made household names. Airing their advice will result in even more “I heard you on the radio.”

Start with financial advisors. Heavy AM/FM users are in the worry-about-IRA / 401K demographic.

It’s a safe bet that listeners have the talk radio gloom-N-doom script memorized. Stuff like the above HELPS them.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: Joe Pags Advises “Be Ready When You Get That Call”

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TALKERS continues to post a cornucopia of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is an advisory message from Compass Media Networks syndicated talk radio star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo titled, “Be Ready When You Get That Call.” Introduced by programming legend David Bernstein, Pags advises radio broadcasters to be ready to take advantage of all the marvelous technology available to continue broadcasting independently on a moment’s notice when you get the dreaded call from your station or platform claiming that “budget cuts” are forcing their hand to drop your show. Don’t miss this informative and inspirational address! Stay tuned to TALKERS for daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. There’s plenty more to come next week. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 22-26)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/22-26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Iran Negotiations / War Powers Resolution
  2. Primary Elections
  3. Housing Bill / SAVE America Act
  4. Reflecting Pool Controversy / America 250 Kickoff
  5. SCOTUS Rulings
  6. Gas Prices / Tech Stocks
  7. AI Concerns
  8. Texas Immigration Center Shooting Convictions
  9. Keir Starmer Resigns
  10. Alan Greenspan / Clive Davis / David Clayton Thomas Deaths

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. JD Vance / Marco Rubio
  3. Benjamin Netanyahu
  4. Bill Cassidy
  5. Mike Johnson
  6. Zohran Mamdani
  7. Darializa Avila Chevalier
  8. Keir Starmer
  9. Alan Greenspan
  10. Clive Davis / David Clayton Thomas

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

The Morse Report Joins Radio America’s Helios Media

Radio America is announcing that its podcast network Helios Media is adding “The Morse Report” with Matt Morse to it offerings. Radio America says, “Morse delivers daily news, imganalysis and commentary to an audience of millions who feel underserved by mainstream outlets. His direct, no-nonsense style has built one of the most loyal and engaged followings in independent media, with over 800,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 166 million total views.” Helios Media president and CEO Mike Paradiso comments, “Matt has built a loyal and highly engaged audience through his independent, insightful commentary on the news and cultural issues shaping America. His authentic voice and growing influence have made him one of the most promising rising stars in independent media.”

Industry News

It’s Official: Walter Sterling Named Host of The Other Side of Midnight

Red Apple Audio Networks and WABC Radio make it official that Walter Sterling is the new, permanent host of the nationally syndicated program, “The Other Side of Midnight,” that airs live Monday through Friday from 1:00 am to 5:00 am ET. In addition to its flagship WABC, New York, the program is also heard on such imgsignals as WGN, Chicago; KMOX, St. Louis and 18 other affiliate stations. Sterling says, “There is something magical about overnight radio. It’s the one part of the day when listeners let down their guard and have real conversations. They share their stories, their questions, their experiences, and together we explore the fascinating, funny, mysterious, and sometimes unbelievable side of life. To be heard on legendary stations like WABC, WGN, and KMOX is both a professional milestone and a personal honor. I’m excited to spend the nights with listeners across America and build a community where every voice matters and every story is worth telling.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: Panel Discussion – “Overcoming Challenges as a Talk Media Talent”

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TALKERS continues to post videos of sessions recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the day’s events. Today’s entry is a fascinatingly candid panel discussion titled, “Overcoming Challenges as a Talk Media Talent.” Moderated by Salem Radio Network syndicated host, Mike Gallagher, the panelists include (in alphabetical order): Kathy Barnette, host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Tara Granahan, host, WPRO, Providence; Andy Hooser, co-owner, Hooser Media Network / host, “Voice of Reason with Andy Hooser;” Kevin McCullough, host, “That KEVIN Show,” Salem Radio Network; McGraw Milhaven, program director, KTRS, St. Louis / host, “America at Night,” Westwood One; and Dr. Daliah Wachs, host, Talk Media Network. The fast-paced conversation focuses on a wide variety of issues faced by talk media personalities in the ever-evolving landscape of today’s turbulent industry. Stay tuned to TALKERS for daily postings of sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this dynamic discussion in its entirety, please click here.

Uncategorized

James Koh Show Joins KNX-FM, Los Angeles Lineup

Audacy sports talk KNX-FM, Los Angeles “ 97.1 The Fan” adds “The James Koh Show” to its weekday lineup airing from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Station brand manager Andrew Williams says, “James brings a rare combination of local roots, national imgperspective, and multi-platform success that aligns perfectly with our vision for the new ‘97.1 The Fan.’” Audacy notes that Koh is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and sports personality with experience at FOX 11, NBC 4, NFL Network, DIRECTV Sports, and the Clippers Radio Network, as well as national work at Amazon Prime Sports, FuboTV, and EA’s official Madden broadcasts. Beyond the microphone, he is an entrepreneur and educator, co-owning a football analytics website and serving as an adjunct journalism professor.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: Panel Discussion – “The Big Picture”

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TALKERS continues to post videos of sessions recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the day’s events. Today’s entry is a high-powered panel discussion titled, “The Big Picture.” Moderated by TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, the panelists include (in alphabetical order): Steve Jones, president, CEO, and chairman, Skyview Networks; Frank Morano, member, New York City Council / former host, WABC, New York; Chris Oliviero, chief business officer, Audacy; Tavis Smiley, owner / host, KBLA, Los Angeles; and Rich Valdés, host, “This is America with Rich Valdés.”  The fast-paced conversation focuses on the question “What is ‘radio’ and what does it need to do to survive and thrive in the digital era?” It explores changing technology, sociology, revenue generation, entrepreneurism, algorithms, programming options, race relations, the generational divide, and more. Not to be missed! Stay tuned to TALKERS for daily postings of sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this dynamic discussion in its entirety, please click here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Improving Results from Endorsement Spots

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgThe stations I work with make big money with live endorsement spots delivered by familiar local on-air personalities. Remember them? With most AM/FM broadcast hours now robotic or non-local, your relationship with the listener is precious and can be leveraged… carefully.

Quality vs. Quantity

The more products or services you endorse, the less special each pitch will be. You’re asking the listener’s trust each time, so asking too often can sound insincere. So back-to-back “I’m [name] for [account]” is verboten, and that can happen when spots you voice air outside your show.

“Tell me a story”

When the late, great Don Hewitt – the father of “60 Minutes” – spoke at a NAB convention years ago, he told us that he was often asked, “Why is this the most successful TV news show of all time?” And he said, “I can tell you in four words: ‘Tell me a story,’” which every piece does.

Describe your personal experience with the advertiser’s product or service in before-and-after fashion – problem was, problem solved – in a relatable way.

OOPS. Are you saying, “I haven’t sold you yet?”

Often, these are long-standing advertiser relationships.  Two cautions:

If you’ve been touting an advertiser for a while, DON’T say so. “For years, I’ve been telling you about [name of business].” Translation: “…and I haven’t sold you yet, have I?” Instead, keep the pitch fresh.

And keep it customer-centric; rather than talking about a store. In one spot I heard, for a sewing supply retailer, the well-intentioned host sounded awestruck as he recited the store’s inventory (“over fifteen hundred bolts of fabric!”). That’s the store’s problem. Instead, solve the listener’s problem: “Imagine the money you could save if you made all your kids’ back-to-school clothes this year?  [advertiser] will give you free sewing lessons!”

Avoid saying…

  • “MY GOOD FRIENDS AT [name of business],” which sounds phony.
  • “All-new:”Say “new,” if it IS new, AND if newness is a listener benefit (and say why).
  • “…AND MUCH MORE,” which means nothing. Weed-out stuff like this, and you’ll give copy more time to breathe.
  • “Needs,” as in: “FOR ALL YOUR [product category] NEEDS” (the ultimate “BLAH, BLAH, BLAH”).

More?

My video “Make Money with Endorsement Spots:” https://youtu.be/fReiC8WLTac

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

“The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” Celebrates Five Years

Premiere Networks’ nationally “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” celebrates five years on air this month. The program debuted on June 21, 2021 airing in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET daypart dominated for years by the late Rush Limbaugh. Now, the imgprogram is hears on more than 550 stations nationwide. Two years later, Premiere launched The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Podcast Network currently offering eight news, politics and culture podcasts. Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott says, “We’re so proud to celebrate this milestone with Clay and Buck. They had enormous shoes to fill when we launched this show, and they’ve surpassed our expectations in every way. Clay and Buck have built a dynamic, high-impact brand of talk radio that continues to grow across multiple platforms and delivers unmatched results for our affiliate and advertising partners. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones together!”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Dr. Daliah Show Adds New Affiliate. Witchta’s Big Talker KQAM adds the Talk Media Network program “The Dr. Daliah Show” hosted by Dr. Daliah Wachs to its lineup for Sunday evenings.

Bulls and “The Score” Renew. Audacy’s sports talk WSCR-FM, Chicago “104.3 The Score” signs a multiyear multiplatform radio broadcast contract extension with the Chicago Bulls. As part of the agreement, 104.3 The Score will continue as the flagship radio station of the Bulls, airing all regular season and postseason games.

BIA Names Guerity to VP Post.  BIA Advisory Services appoints Michael Guerity vice president of market intelligence & strategic communications in which he’ll oversee strategic communications, market positioning, research storytelling, content development, and industry engagement while helping shape the development, delivery, and application of BIA’s U.S. local advertising forecast intelligence, market analysis, and strategic insights for organizations across the media and advertising ecosystem.

Uncategorized

WVON, Chicago Broadcasts Live from Obama Presidential Center Opening

Midway Broadcasting Corporation’s urban talk outlet WVON, Chicago is broadcasting its entire day of programming from the imgObama Presidential Center today (6/19) from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. The station says, “Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a people who transformed adversity into achievement and hope into progress. On this historic day, tune in as your favorite WVON hosts bring you live coverage, special guests, and community reflections from this momentous occasion.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 15-19)

Here are the most-talked-about stories of the past week (6/15-19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Iran Agreement
  2. Gas Prices / Financial Markets Activity
  3. Primary Races / Georgia Shelves Redistricting
  4. DNI Hearing Cancelled / Voter ID Law
  5. JD Vance Book-Appearance on “The View”
  6. Newsoms Investigation
  7. AI Concerns / Data Centers Pushback
  8. SpaceX IPO / Musk First Trillionaire
  9. Ukraine Strikes Moscow
  10. Obama Library Opening

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. JD Vance
  3. Marco Rubio
  4. Benjamin Netanyahu
  5. Rick Jackson / Burt Jones / Mike Collins
  6. Mike Johnson
  7. Jay Clayton
  8. Gavin & Siebel Newsom
  9. Elon Musk
  10. Barack & Michelle Obama

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: Panel Discussion – “Journalism, Ethics, the Law, and Credibility in an Era of Fakes”

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TALKERS continues to post videos of sessions recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the day’s events. Today’s entry is a panel discussion titled, “Journalism, Ethics, the Law, and Credibility in an Era of Fakes.” The moderator is WPHT, Philadelphia midday host Dom Giordano, often referred to as the Dean of Philadelphia talk radio and respected as one of the field’s leading experts on and advocates for education. Panelists include (in alphabetical order): Lisa Wexler, host, WICC, Bridgeport; Sid Rosenberg, host, WABC, New York; Lee Harris, SVP news and programming, WABC, New York / Worldwide News Network; Joe Salzone, news director, Cayuga Media group / host WHCU, Ithaca; and Matthew B. Harrison, associate publisher, TALKERS / senior partner, Harrison Legal Group. Stay tuned to TALKERS for daily postings of sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this dynamic discussion in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Red Apple Ups Harris to SVP of News & Programming

Red Apple Media promotes Lee Harris to SVP of news & programming, up from his vice president of news position with the Worldwide News Network. Now, Harris will also oversee imgprogramming strategy and content development for WABC Radio and Red Apple Audio Networks. Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis states, “Lee is a game-changing talent. His ability to build winning content, lead high-performing teams, and understand what audiences want is second to none. As we continue growing WABC Radio, the Worldwide News Network, and Red Apple Audio Networks, Lee will play a critical role in shaping our future and driving our success worldwide.” Harris, who spent nearly 30 years as a news anchor at 1010 WINS, joined Red Apple Media six weeks ago. He says, “Red Apple Media is one of the most exciting and innovative companies in broadcasting today. Under John’s vision and Chad [Lopez’s] leadership, the company is building something truly unique in American media. I’m honored by this opportunity and energized by the challenge ahead. Together, we’ll continue creating compelling programming, expanding our national and international footprint, and delivering content that informs, entertains, and connects with audiences across the country and around the world.”

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

KBLA, Los Angeles “Talk 1580” is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The station was founded by media entrepreneur and broadcaster Tavis Smiley whose vision was “to create a station that serves as a reliable community resource, to provide information people can use to improve their lives and strengthen their families, and to engage more deeply in civic and cultural issues from a decidedly imgprogressive perspective.” KBLA contributor Dr. Cornel West says, “Tavis Smiley’s programming fills a content vacuum across the United States and is needed more now than ever. Under Tavis’ bold leadership, KBLA and its program hosts have helped to influence, educate, and engage previously marginalized people across this country. I’m excited for what the future holds.” Smiley says, “Five years ago, on Juneteenth, we launched KBLA Talk 1580, with the goal of providing news and information to a part of Los Angeles that had been ignored or pushed to the side for decades. We’re now syndicated in almost 50 markets across the United States with more growth on the horizon. The best is truly yet to come.”