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“Stuff You Should Know” Tops Triton Digital’s May Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for May (based on weekly average downloads for participating networks) and reports imgthat iHeart Audience Network’s “Stuff You Should Know” rises one place to #1, displacing Audioboom’s “Pod Save America” (#2). Other noteworthy changes include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” falling one spot to #4; Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” moving back four places to #12; and American Public Media Group’s “Marketplace” rising one place to #11. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: Keynote One-On-One with Red Apple Media CEO, John Catsimatidis

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One of the highlights of the recent presentation of TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter on June 5 at Hofstra University is a candid one-on-one keynote conversation between special guest, Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis and TALKERS founder & publisher Michael Harrison. The video recording of the session is now posted on the TALKERSMEDIA YouTube channel (@talkersmedia).

Catsimatidis is a self-made grocery business and energy industry mogul whose media holdings include radio stations 77 WABC, New York and WLIR-FM, Long Island; syndication firm, Red Apple Audio Networks; and the recently launched Worldwide News Network. He is also a very active radio talk show host in his own right.

Harrison and Catsimatidis discuss an array of broadcasting topics including the future of radio as a viable business and platform, as well as his plans for the expansion of the Red Apple Media companies. The conversation includes Catsimatidis’ non-filtered views on journalism and politics, as well as his foray into motion picture acting. To view the interview in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

FOX News Media Unveils America 250 Broadcasts

FOX News Media announces its plan for honoring the 250th birthday of the United States of America with commemorative programming airing from iconic locations across the country before, during and after America 250 festivities. FOX News imgChannel’s live coverage begins on June 24 and concludes on Sunday, July 5, taking place from historic locations as the National Mall, Liberty State Park, Philadelphia, Mount Rushmore, and Teddy Roosevelt’s Presidential Library, among others. Throughout the network’s special coverage, “FOX & Friends,” “America’s Newsroom,” “America Reports,” “The Five,” “Special Report with Bret Baier,” “The Ingraham Angle,” “Jesse Watters Primetime,” “Gutfeld!,” “FOX & Friends Weekend,” “FOX News Live with Aishah Hasnie,” “FOX News Sunday,” “The Sunday Briefing” and “The Big Weekend Show” will all broadcast live from the National Mall as the nation’s capital hosts the event highlighting all 50 states as well as U.S. territories during the Great American State Fair.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Get America 250 Audio for Free. Benztown is offering a free super-duper America 250 Audio Pack that features “25 of the country’s best patriotic and summer sounds, including SFX, liners, music beds, and more.” You can find out more and download the audio pack here.

New iHeart Podcasts Available on Netflix. iHeartMedia says the next phase of its exclusive video podcast partnership with Netflix is taking place and puts shows featuring “some of today’s most influential and culturally resonant voices, including Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson, Lele Pons and Martha Stewart” on the platform.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Video: WABC Personality Walter Sterling Addresses “Reflections on Radio: Past, Present, and Future” at Iconic Talk Media Conference

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TALKERS begins posting video recordings today of the sessions that took place at the recent 28th installment of the iconic talk media industry conference, TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter (6/5). Today’s post features an address by legendary executive-turned-on air personality, Walter Sterling (a.k.a. Walter Sabo) titled, “Reflections on Radio: Past, Present, and Future.”  In it, Sterling talks about some of the great personalities of the past 70-plus years in addition to suggesting techniques that have been and will continue to be effective in the medium throughout all eras. Sterling makes a case for the continuing health of radio and encourages station owners and programmers to hire more women and develop more programming for female demographics.  Lee Harris, VP, The Worldwide News Network provides an introduction. To view this video in its entirety, please click here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Time to Update Baseball Sponsors’ In-Game Spots?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

img“Baseball is back!” was welcome in April (especially after a rough winter in many places). But it sounds embarrassingly old by now.

Does the advertiser have a new offer or other copy change? Even if not, you-being-in-touch sends a message… as does you not-being-in-touch.

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

Red Apple Offers Freedom 250 Music Special

Red Apple Music Networks is making the program, “The Freedom 250 Special: Celebrating 250 Years of America” available to stations. The four-hour show is hosted by legendary radio great Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow and ’70s music star Tony Orlando. Red Apple says the show features “classic American anthems that pay tribute to freedom and resilience, the special spotlights the biggest hits from the most iconic American rock & roll artists from the ‘60s and beyond including: Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, The Ronettes, Chicago, The Commodores, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, Stevie Wonder, Lee Greenwood, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, The Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, and more.” Available to radio stations for barter, the first and third hours of “The Freedom 250 Special: Celebrating 250 Years of America” are hosted by Cousin Brucie, and the second and fourth hours are hosted by Tony Orlando.

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Tackles Radio’s Modern Era Challenges

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Pictured above:  The “Gaining Traction in a Noisy Digital World” panel at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter. Appearing l-r: Moderator Mike McVay, president McVay Media Consulting; Sherry Goldman, founder, Goldman Communications Group; Heather Cohen, president, The Weiss Agency; Rob Carson, host, Newsmax Radio; Ryan McCormick, co-founder, Goldman McCormick PR; and Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, host, “The Joe Pags Show,” Compass Media Networks.

The 28th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – took place at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the Long Island, NY campus of Hofstra University last Friday (6/5). It was produced in conjunction with Hofstra’s multi-Marconi Award winning campus radio station, WRHU-FM. The vibrant, sold-out gathering presented 65 speakers and 338 registered attendees engaged in the sharing of perspectives, advice, and ideas within the fertile environment of dynamic collegial networking.

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Pictured above: “The State of Sports Talk Radio” one-on-one session featuring (l-r) facilitator, Harry Hurley, morning host, WPG, Atlantic City, NJ; and special guest, Ryan Hurley, brand manager, WFAN, New York, NY. NOTE: The Hurleys are not related.

The main themes of the 14-hour conference included an intense focus on the future of radio and talk media in the multi-platform digital world of the second quarter of the 21st century.  These included exploration of such existential questions as how to gain profile traction in a noisy world; how to regain the public’s trust in the media; how to meet the challenge of generating revenue in a fractured and challenging economy; what entrepreneurial opportunities exist for individuals and independent companies in this new environment; how to expand programming options; how to recruit new talent; how to attract younger demos; how to deal with the enormous unforgiving power of algorithms in scoring the game; how to effectively control and exploit AI; how to make a living in this business; and so much more.

Speakers and attendees included a cross-section of talk media professionals from the worlds of talent, management, ownership, syndication, journalism, engineering, politics, sports, the law, academia, and music – even pro-wrestling!

Beginning next week, TALKERS will provide in-depth photo, video, and story coverage of the historic event.  Stand by!

Industry News

KCMO Talk Radio Inks Deal with Mizzou Tigers

Cumulus Media announces a deal with Mizzou Athletics and Learfield’s Central Bank Tiger Network that makes KCMO-AM/KCHZ-FM “Talk Radio 95.7 FM and 710 AM” the new radio home for Mizzou Athletics starting this fall. This agreement includes Mizzou sports coverage in Topeka via new simulcast station KTOP-FM. “KCMO Talk Radio” will serve as the exclusive imgbroadcast radio home for Mizzou football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball. In addition to broadcast coverage, fans will be able to access Mizzou Athletics programming through the KCMO Talk Radio mobile app, online streaming platforms, station websites and exclusive Tigers interviews and content via podcast distribution channels. KCMO program director Pete Mundo comments, “KCMO Talk Radio is proud to be the new home of the Missouri Tigers in Kansas City and Topeka. With Mizzou competing in the SEC, the premier conference in college sports, we’re excited to bring that energy to our listeners. From live game broadcasts and coaches’ shows to exclusive interviews and regular conversation, we’re committed to making Tigers athletics a core part of KCMO Talk Radio and building a true home for Mizzou fans across Kansas City and Topeka.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 8-12)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/8-12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Iran War / Agreement or No Agreement?
  2. Trump in NYC / NBA Finals
  3. The Economy / Inflation / Gas Prices
  4. Primary Elections / Trump Face the Nation Interview
  5. Trump UFC Controversy
  6. Trump Great American State Fair Performers Controversy
  7. Trump Ballroom Project Controversy / Trump DC Reflecting Pool Controversy
  8. AI / Data Center Controversy
  9. Strong El Niño Formed / World Cup
  10. Epstein Files

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Marco Rubio
  3. Benjamin Netanyahu
  4. Todd Blanche
  5. Scott Bessent
  6. Mike Johnson
  7. JD Vance/Pete Hegseth
  8. Zohran Mamdani
  9. Kristen Welker
  10. Jay Clayton

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

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Generates Treasure Trove of Content and Takeaways

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Pictured above:  The “Programming News/Talk” panel at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter.  Appearing l-r: Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia, PA; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio;  Lisa Polizzi, brand manager, WBEN, Buffalo, NY;  Michael Czarnecki, program director, WFEA, Manchester, NH;  Allan Lamberti, program director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; and Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network / Salem News Channel / Salem Podcast Network. imgPictured at left: Moderator, Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond, VA.

The 28th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – took place at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the Long Island, NY campus of Hofstra University this past Friday (6/5). It was produced in conjunction with Hofstra’s multi-Marconi Award winning campus radio station, WRHU-FM. The vibrant, sold-out gathering presented 65 speakers and 338 registered attendees engaged in the sharing of perspectives, advice, and ideas within the fertile environment of dynamic collegial networking.

The main themes of the conference included an intense focus on the future of radio and talk media in the multi-platform digital world of the second quarter of the 21st century.  These included exploration of such existential questions as how to gain profile traction in a noisy world; how to regain the public’s trust in the media; how to meet the challenge of generating revenue in a fractured and challenging economy; what entrepreneurial opportunities exist for individuals and independent companies in this new environment; how to expand programming options; how to recruit new talent; how to attract younger demos; how to deal with the enormous unforgiving power of algorithms in scoring the game; how to effectively control and exploit AI; how to make a living in this business; and so much more.

Speakers and attendees included a cross-section of talk media professionals from the worlds of talent, management, ownership, syndication, journalism, engineering, politics, sports, the law, academia, and music – even pro-wrestling!

Beginning next week, TALKERS will provide in-depth photo, video, and story coverage of the historic event.  Stand by! 

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 Presents 65 Speakers, Draws 338 Attendees, Addresses Hot Issues

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Pictured above: Walter Sterling, host of WABC, New York’s and Red Apple Audio Network’s nightly program, “The Other Side of Midnight,” addressing the topic, “Talk Radio: Past, Present, and Future,” at TALKERS 2026.

The 28th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – took place at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the Long Island, NY campus of Hofstra University this past Friday (6/5). It was produced in conjunction with Hofstra’s multi-Marconi Award winning campus radio station, WRHU-FM. The vibrant, sold-out gathering presented 65 speakers and 338 registered attendees engaged in the sharing of perspectives, advice, and ideas within the fertile environment of dynamic collegial networking.

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Pictured above: Lee Habeeb, CEO, host, and producer of the wildly successful syndicated program, “Our American Stories,” addressing the crowd about “The Art of Story Telling” at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter.

The main themes of the conference included an intense focus on the future of radio and talk media in the multi-platform digital world of the second quarter of the 21st century.  These included exploration of such existential questions as how to gain profile traction in a noisy world; how to regain the public’s trust in the media; how to meet the challenge of generating revenue in a fractured and challenging economy; what entrepreneurial opportunities exist for individuals and independent companies in this new environment; how to expand programming options; how to recruit new talent; how to attract younger demos; how to deal with the enormous unforgiving power of algorithms in scoring the game; how to effectively control and exploit AI; how to make a living in this business; and so much more.

Speakers and attendees included a cross section of talk media professionals from the worlds of talent, management, ownership, syndication, journalism, engineering, politics, sports, the law, academia, and music – even pro-wrestling!

Beginning next week, TALKERS will provide in-depth photo and video coverage of the historic event.  Stand by!

Industry News

Salem Creators Agency Debuts to Represent Faith-Centric and Family-Focused Talent

Salem Creators Agency Debuts to Represent Faith-Centric and Family-Focused Talent

Salem Media reveals the launch of Salem Creators Agency, a new venture it says is focused on “helping faith-centric and family-friendly talent grow their careers across publishing, podcasting, live events, speaking engagements, music, film, and TV.” In conjunction with the launch, SCA signs Christian content creator, speaker, imgand media personality Jason Jackson Jr. as its first client. Salem Media CEO David Santrella states, “For years, we’ve worked alongside some of the most influential voices in media. Many of them are looking for more than platform monetization. They want a partner who not only understands their audience and shares their values but also has the experience to help them continue building their brands. Launching SCA is a natural next step for us.” SCA managing director Andrew Samalot adds, “As we’ve worked alongside creators over the last several years, we’ve seen firsthand that the most successful talent aren’t just building social media audiences – they’re building brands, businesses, and platforms that extend far beyond any single channel. Our role is to help them identify those opportunities, navigate them strategically, and surround them with representation they can trust as they continue growing their influence and impact.”

Industry News

Glenn Beck’s The American Story Offered as Fourth of July Radio Special

Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk star Glenn Beck is presenting a three-hour, Fourth of July radio special for talk radio stations titled, “The American Story.” Billed as a “cinematic-style journey through the chaos, imgcourage, and unlikely twists that built the United States,” the story “uncovers the human drama behind America’s earliest, most pivotal moments. Listeners will meet settlers fighting to survive, preachers sparking mass revival, revolutionaries defying an empire, and founders struggling to invent a functioning nation.” The special will air on more than 350 affiliates of “The Glenn Beck Weekend Program” during the holiday weekend. It’s also available to talk stations in non-competing markets as early as Friday, July 3, and may be aired multiple times throughout the holiday weekend. Hear a clip of the show here.

Industry News

Bryant Rises to SVP at AURN

Bryant Rises to SVP at AURN

American Urban Radio Networks promotes Isaiah Bryant to SVP of revenue & strategic partnerships. AURN CEO Chesley Maddox-Dorsey comments, “Isaiah has consistently demonstrated the vision, imgleadership, and business acumen that have helped drive our growth across audio, digital, podcasting, streaming, and emerging media platforms. As we continue expanding our portfolio and creating innovative opportunities for advertisers and strategic partners, Isaiah’s ability to execute forward-thinking solutions makes him the ideal leader for this role.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 – Hailed as a Stunning Industry Revival

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TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (l) and Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis (r) pictured above in ‘Keynote One-on-One” conversation at TALKERS 2026.

The 28th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – took place at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the Long Island, NY campus of Hofstra University this past Friday (6/5). It was produced in conjunction with Hofstra’s multi-Marconi Award winning campus radio station, WRHU-FM. The vibrant, sold-out gathering presented 65 speakers and 338 registered attendees engaged in the sharing of perspectives, advice, and ideas within the fertile environment of dynamic collegial networking.

The main themes of the conference included an intense focus on the future of radio and talk media in the multi-platform digital world of the second quarter of the 21st century.  These included exploration of such existential questions as how to gain profile traction in a noisy world; how to regain the public’s trust in the media; how to meet the challenge of generating revenue in a fractured and challenging economy; what entrepreneurial opportunities exist for individuals and independent companies in this new environment; how to expand programming options; how to recruit new talent; how to attract younger demos; how to deal with the enormous unforgiving power of algorithms in scoring the game; how to effectively control and exploit AI; how to make a living in this business; and so much more.

Speakers and attendees included a cross section of talk media professionals from the words of talent, management, ownership, syndication, journalism, engineering, politics, sports, the law, academia, and music – even pro-wrestling!

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison expressed his deep gratitude to the industry: “We worked day and night for months putting this one together, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Heartfelt thanks to our speakers, attendees, and sponsors, as well as our dear friends and partners at Hofstra University, where it all started for me.”

TALKERS VP / executive editor Kevin Casey states, “We have enough text, photos, and video from this historic media event to keep us busy putting it together and maximizing the intellectual riches for a long time to come. It was a content motherlode!”  TALKERS will provide full coverage of TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter over the coming days, weeks and months on its website, newsletter and video channel. Stand by!

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Because “Check-Out Our Website” Sounds SO 1995…

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

img…I’m sharing promo copy now airing on my client stations, which addresses listeners’ – and advertisers’ — 2026 apprehensions:

Voice1: Online safety and privacy were already a concern…

Voice2: …and that was BEFORE what we now see Artificial Intelligence doing.

Voice1: But digital media are now part of everyday life, and always will be.

Voice2: So WHERE you get your information matters more than ever.

Voice1: And your-only-local-news-radio also makes [domain name] a place you can visit with confidence…safely and securely.

Voice2: We don’t put spyware or junk on your browser. We don’t spy on you. We don’t violate your privacy.

Voice1: You can trust [domain name]

Here is a produced example, featuring our morning host and anchor: http://getonthenet.com/30-KTBB-Trust.mp3

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 Daily” Overtakes NPR in Podtrac’s May Podcast Ranker

Podtrac publishes its Top Podcasts ranker for May 2026 based on U.S. unique monthly audience and The New imgYork Times’ “The Daily” leaps NPR’s “NPR News Now” to claim the #1 spot. Other podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” rises four places to #13, and Silverloch’s “The Dan Bongino Show” dips two places to #14. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

MIW Opens Application Window for Programming Mentorship

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the opening of applications for its 8th Annual Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship. MIW says, “Designed specifically for women working in radio programming, the year-long mentorship imgconnects one rising programming professional with some of the industry’s most accomplished content leaders. Through personalized mentorship, strategic networking opportunities, and career-focused guidance, the program is designed to help participants strengthen their leadership skills and accelerate their professional growth.” The mentorship is open to one female brand manager, content/program director, assistant program director, or music director from any U.S.-based radio format. Applications are open now and will be accepted through July 2, 2026. Find out more and apply here.

2026 Heavy Hundred 26-50

The 2026 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #26: Chad Benson, Radio America

26. Chad Benson – Radio America

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #27: Ben Shapiro, Westwood One

27. Ben Shapiro – Westwood One


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #28: John Kobylt, KFI, Los Angeles

28. John Kobylt – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #29: Asa Andrew M.D., Doctor Asa Show

29. Asa Andrew M.D. – Doctor Asa Show

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #30: Wayne Allyn Root, Talk Media Network

30. Wayne Allyn Root – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #31: Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond

31. Jeff Katz – WRVA, Richmond

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #32: Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network

32. Howie Carr – Howie Carr Radio Network


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #33: John Catsimatidis, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks

33. John Catsimatidis – WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #34: Mark Simone, WOR, New York

34. Mark Simone – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #35: Kim Komando, WestStar TalkRadio Network

35. Kim Komando – WestStar TalkRadio Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #36: John Fredericks, John Fredericks Radio Network

36. John Fredericks – John Fredericks Radio Network


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #37: Brett Winterble, WBT, Charlotte

37. Brett Winterble – WBT, Charlotte

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #38: Bob Sirott, WGN, Chicago

38. Bob Sirott – WGN, Chicago

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #39: Mandy Connell, KOA, Denver

39. Mandy Connell – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #40: Armstrong & Getty, KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

40. Armstrong & Getty – KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #41: Bill O’Reilly, Key Networks

41. Bill O’Reilly – Key Networks

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #42: Curtis Sliwa & Larry Mendte, WOR, New York

42. Curtis Sliwa & Larry Mendte – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #43: Tim Conway Jr., KFI, Los Angeles

43. Tim Conway Jr. – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #44: Hal Jay & Ernie Brown, WBAP, Dallas

44. Hal Jay & Ernie Brown – WBAP, Dallas

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #45: Stephanie Miller, WYD Media

45. Stephanie Miller – WYD Media

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #46: Simon Conway, WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

46. Simon Conway – WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #47: Eric Von Haessler, WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

47. Eric Von Haessler – WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #48: Vince Coglianese, Westwood One

48. Vince Coglianese – Westwood One

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #49: Bo Thompson & Beth Troutman, WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

49. Bo Thompson & Beth Troutman – WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #50: Hugh Hewitt, Salem Radio Network

50. Hugh Hewitt – Salem Radio Network

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2026 Heavy Hundred 51-75

The 2026 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #51: Rita Cosby, WABC, New York

51. Rita Cosby – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #52: Chris Plante, Westwood One

52. Chris Plante – Westwood One


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #53: Gary Hoffman & Shannon Farren, KFI, Los Angeles

53. Gary Hoffman & Shannon Farren – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #54: Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM

54. Michael Smerconish – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #55: Ross Kaminsky, KOA, Denver

55. Ross Kaminsky – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #56: Jeff Deminski, WKXW-FM, Trenton

56. Jeff Deminski – WKXW-FM, Trenton

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #57: Lincoln Ware, WDBZ, Cincinnati

57. Lincoln Ware – WDBZ, Cincinnati


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #58: Tom Bauerle, WBEN-AM, Buffalo

58. Tom Bauerle – WBEN-AM, Buffalo

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #59: Dan Yorke, WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence

59. Dan Yorke – WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #60: Jennifer Horn, KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

60. Jennifer Horn – KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #61: Gene Valicenti, WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence

61. Gene Valicenti – WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #62: Doug Stephan, Stephan MultiMedia

62. Doug Stephan – Stephan MultiMedia

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #63: Guy Benson, FOX News Radio

63. Guy Benson – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #64: James T. Harris, KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

64. James T. Harris – KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #65: Karen Hunter, SiriusXM

65. Karen Hunter – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #66: Tara Granahan, WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence

66. Tara Granahan – WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #67: McGraw Milhaven, Westwood One

67. McGraw Milhaven – Westwood One

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #68: Dr. Daliah Wachs, Talk Media Network

68. Dr. Daliah Wachs – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #69: C4 & Bryan Nehman, WBAL, Baltimore

69. C4 & Bryan Nehman – WBAL, Baltimore

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #70: Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott, WCBM, Baltimore

70. Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott – WCBM, Baltimore


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #71: Bill Cunningham, WLW, Cincinnati

71. Bill Cunningham – WLW, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #72: John Curley, KIRO-FM, Seattle

72. John Curley – KIRO-FM, Seattle

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #73: Rob Carson, Newsmax

73. Rob Carson – Newsmax

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #74: Gordon Deal, Compass Media Networks

74. Gordon Deal – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #75: Russ Rollins, WTKS-FM, Orlando

75. Russ Rollins – WTKS-FM, Orlando

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2026 Heavy Hundred 76-100

The 2026 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #76: Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins, Compass Media Networks

76. Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #77: Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James, KTAR-FM, Phoenix

77. Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James – KTAR-FM, Phoenix


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #78: Joe Piscopo, WNYM, New York

78. Joe Piscopo – WNYM, New York

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #79: Clyde Lewis, Ground Zero Media

79. Clyde Lewis – Ground Zero Media

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #80: Rod Arquette, KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

80. Rod Arquette – KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #81: Lisa Wexler, WICC, Bridgeport, CT

81. Lisa Wexler – WICC, Bridgeport, CT

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #82: Mark Davis, KSKY, Dallas

82. Mark Davis – KSKY, Dallas


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #83: Dan O’Donnell, WISN, Milwaukee

83. Dan O’Donnell – WISN, Milwaukee

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #84: Dan Mandis, WWTN-FM, Nashville

84. Dan Mandis – WWTN-FM, Nashville

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #85: Kevin McCullough, Salem Radio Network

85. Kevin McCullough – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #86: Paul Vandenburgh, WGDJ, Albany

86. Paul Vandenburgh – WGDJ, Albany


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #87: Mark Walters, Armed American Radio

87. Mark Walters – Armed American Radio

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #88: Tony Katz, WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

88. Tony Katz – WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #89: Andy Hooser, KQAM, Wichita / Hooser Media Network

89. Andy Hooser – KQAM, Wichita / Hooser Media Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #90: Mark Reardon, KFTK-FM, St. Louis

90. Mark Reardon – KFTK-FM, St. Louis

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #91: Bill Brady, KFNX, Phoenix

91. Bill Brady – KFNX, Phoenix

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #92: Bill Spadea, WKXW-FM, Trenton

92. Bill Spadea – WKXW-FM, Trenton


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #93: Steve Gruber, Michigan Talk Network

93. Steve Gruber – Michigan Talk Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #94: Solomon Jones, WURD, Philadelphia

94. Solomon Jones – WURD, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #95: Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

95. Joyce Kaufman – WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #96: Joe Thomas, WTON, Staunton, Virginia / Talk Media Network

96. Joe Thomas – WTON, Staunton, Virginia / Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #97: Lee Elci, WJJT, New London, CT

97. Lee Elci – WJJT, New London, CT


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #98: Rick Smith, The Rick Smith Show

98. Rick Smith – The Rick Smith Show

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #99: John DePetro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

99. John DePetro – WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #100: Sam Bushman, Liberty News Radio Network

100. Sam Bushman – Liberty News Radio Network

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 to Present “The Big Picture” Super Panel

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TALKERS 2026 will continue to present one of the iconic conference’s most popular and impactful panel discussions – “The Big Picture.”

This year’s lineup of panelists is nothing short of superb: Steve Jones, president, CEO & Chairman, Skyview Networks; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks; Chris Oliviero, chief business officer, Audacy; Frank Morano, Member, New York City Council / former host, WABC, New York; Tavis Smiley, owner/host, KBLA, Los Angeles; and Rich Valdés, host, “This Is America with Rich Valdés,” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison will moderate.

“The Big Picture” panel is more pertinent this year than ever before. According to Harrison, “Our goal will be to do exactly what the title implies – present a big picture overview of the state of radio and talk media as we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, drawing upon the expertise and experience of a remarkably diverse and accomplished set of panelists. We will examine the relentless cultural, political, financial, and technological forces at work in America (and the world) that will impact the future of our field and its role in society at present and during the turbulent days ahead.”

The panel discussion that will tackle the big questions facing the talk media and radio industries will take place this Friday, June 5 – just three days from now – between 2:20 pm and 3:00 pm on Television Soundstage “A” at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. This is the location at which all of the conference events will unfold.

All of the sessions at TALKERS 2026, including this one, will be video recorded for later playback on a number of platforms including the TALKERS MEDIA channel on YouTube.  For more information about registration, hotel and sponsorship, please click here.

Industry News

Gallagher and Hudson Emcee South Carolina Candidates Forum

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Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher (left) and his regular guest host & WORD-FM, Greenville host Joey Hudson (right) served as co-emcees at a Statewide Candidates Forum in Upstate South Carolina sponsored by 989 WORD-FM. During the forum, South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Everette surprised hudson by presenting him with the state’s highest civilian honor “The Order of the Palmetto,” issued by Governor Henry McMaster.