Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (July 7 – July 11, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/7-7/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Deadly Texas Floods / Warning System Scrutiny
2. Epstein “Client List” Mystery
3. SCOTUS Mass Firings Ruling / IRS Churches Ruling
4. Judge Blocks Birthright Citizenship Order
5. ICE Raids / Masked Agents Controversy
6. Russia Bombs Kyiv / Trump-Putin Tensions
7. Trump Tariffs
8. Musk’s “America Party”
9. Netanyahu-Trump Visit
10.Iran Nuclear Capabilities

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Pam Bondi
4. Stephen Miller
5. Karoline Leavitt
6. Vladimir Putin
7. Elon Musk
8. Benjamin Netanyahu
9. Greg Abbott
10.Jerome Powell

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

Industry News

SRN Launches Texas Disaster Relief Effort

Salem Radio Network is partnering with international non-profit relief agency Food for the Poor to rush emergency relief kits to flood-ravaged Texas. SRN talk hosts Mike Gallagher, Chris Stigall, Hugh Hewitt,img and Larry Elder are supporting this campaign on their programs. SRN vice president/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says Food for the Poor’s “decades of providing disaster relief throughout our hemisphere which – in coordination with trusted partners in San Antonio – will assure swift, professional response to communities affected by Central Texas flooding.”

Industry News

WABC Partners with Shriners Children’s for Charity Softball Game

WABC Radio is partnering with Shriners Children’s for a charity softball game called Day of Champions on Sunday, July 20, at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. It will feature a softball game between members of the NYPD versus members of the FDNY with net proceeds going to Shriners Children’s. Johnimg Sterling, who hosts a Saturday afternoon sports talk program on 77WABC, will provide play-by-play of the game, as well as the Little League pre-game.  This event includes pre-game activities for families including meet-and-greet opportunities with 77WABC on-air personalities and sports legend Dwight Gooden, Fastest Pitch and Home Run Derby contests, Kids Zone, Sports Memorabilia Silent Auction and more!  Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis says, “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay. At WABC Radio, we are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and, together, provide a fun-filled day for our community while supporting this great mission.”

Industry News

SiriusXM Reveals All-Star Week Coverage

SiriusXM is offering subscribers coverage of the events of Major League Baseball’s 2025 All-Star Week. On July 13 at 5:00 pm ET, SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio channel will offer live coverage of the first round of theimg MLB Draft hosted by SiriusXM’s Dani Wexelman and Grant Paulsen with former MLB general managers Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette. SiriusXM will also cover the Home Run Derby on July 14 beginning with a Media Day show at 2:00 pm ET. The All-Star Game will be broadcast on July 15 with pre-game coverage starting at 5:00 pm ET.

Industry News

Little Change at the Top of Podtrac’s June Podcast Ranker

NPR’s “NPR News Now” stays at #1 on Podtrac’s June 2025 Top Podcasts chart based on U.S. uniqueimg monthly audience. In fact, the top eight spots are the same as the May ranker, including FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” holding on to the #5 spot. One move of note is Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” jumping 12 places to the #19 rank. See Podtrac’s rank of the top 20 U.S. podcasts here.

2025 Heavy Hundred 76-100

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 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 2025 Heavy Hundred #77: Rob Carson, Newsmax

77. Rob Carson – Newsmax

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #78: Joe Piscopo, WNYM, New York

78. Joe Piscopo – WNYM, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #79: Russ Rollins, WTKS-FM, Orlando

79. Russ Rollins – WTKS-FM, Orlando

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #80: Dan Mandis, WWTN-FM, Nashville

80. Dan Mandis – WWTN-FM, Nashville

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #81: Bill Brady, KFNX, Phoenix

81. Bill Brady – KFNX, Phoenix

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #82: Mark Davis, KSKY, Dallas

82. Mark Davis – KSKY, Dallas

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #83: Mo Kelly, KFI, Los Angeles

83. Mo Kelly – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #84: Rod Arquette, KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

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

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #85: Terry Gross, NPR

85. Terry Gross – NPR

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #86: Paul Vandenburgh, WGDJ, Albany

86. Paul Vandenburgh – WGDJ, Albany

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #87: Tony Katz, WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

87. Tony Katz – WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #88: Martha Zoller, WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA

88. Martha Zoller – WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #89: Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James, KTAR-FM, Phoenix

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

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #90: John DePetro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

90. John DePetro – WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #91: Mark Walters, Armed American Radio

91. Mark Walters – Armed American Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #92: Paul Gleiser, KTBB, Tyler, TX

92. Paul Gleiser – KTBB, Tyler, TX

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #93: Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

93. Joyce Kaufman – WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #94: Andy Hooser, KQAM, Wichita

94. Andy Hooser – KQAM, Wichita

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #95: Steve Gruber, Michigan Talk Network

95. Steve Gruber – Michigan Talk Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #96: Rick Smith, The Rick Smith Show

96. Rick Smith – The Rick Smith Show

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #97: Joe Thomas, WTON, Staunton, VA / Talk Media Network

97. Joe Thomas – WTON, Staunton, VA / Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #98: Sam Bushman, Liberty News Radio Network

98. Sam Bushman – Liberty News Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #99: Lisa Wexler, WICC, Bridgeport, CT

99. Lisa Wexler – WICC, Bridgeport, CT

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #100: Lee Elci, WJJT-FM, New London, CT

100. Lee Elci – WJJT-FM, New London, CT

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 51-75

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #51: Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM

51. Michael Smerconish – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #52: Chris Plante, Westwood One

52. Chris Plante – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #53: Gary & Shannon, KFI, Los Angeles

53. Gary & Shannon – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #54: Rita Cosby, WABC, New York

54. Rita Cosby – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #55: Ross Kaminsky, KOA, Denver

55. Ross Kaminsky – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #56: Jeff Deminski, WKXW-FM, Trenton

56. Jeff Deminski – WKXW-FM, Trenton

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #57: Lincoln Ware, WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

57. Lincoln Ware – WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #58: Tom Bauerle, WBEN-AM, Buffalo

58. Tom Bauerle – WBEN-AM, Buffalo

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #59: Dan Yorke, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

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

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #60: Jennifer Horn, KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

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

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #61: Hal Jay & Ernie Brown, WBAP, Dallas

61. Hal Jay & Ernie Brown – WBAP, Dallas

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #62: John Curley, KIRO-FM, Seattle

62. John Curley – KIRO-FM, Seattle

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #63: Eric Von Haessler, WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

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

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #64: James T. Harris, KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

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

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #65: Gene Valicenti, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

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

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #66: Guy Benson, FOX News Radio

66. Guy Benson – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #67: Bill Cunningham, WLW, Cincinnati

67. Bill Cunningham – WLW, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #68: Dr. Daliah Wachs, Talk Media Network

68. Dr. Daliah Wachs – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #69: C4 & Bryan Nehman, WBAL, Baltimore

69. C4 & Bryan Nehman – WBAL, Baltimore

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #70: Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott, WCBM, Baltimore

70. Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott – WCBM, Baltimore

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #71: Jay Weber, WISN, Milwaukee

71. Jay Weber – WISN, Milwaukee

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #72: Mark Reardon, KFTK-FM, St. Louis

72. Mark Reardon – KFTK-FM, St. Louis

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #73: Karen Hunter, SiriusXM

73. Karen Hunter – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #74: Gordon Deal, Compass Media Networks

74. Gordon Deal – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #75: Clyde Lewis, Ground Zero Media

75. Clyde Lewis – Ground Zero Media

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 26-50

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #26: Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network

26. Howie Carr – Howie Carr Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #27: Kim Komando, WestStar TalkRadio Network

27. Kim Komando – WestStar TalkRadio Network


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #28: John Kobylt, KFI, Los Angeles

28. John Kobylt – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #29: Larry O’Connor, WMAL-FM, Washington

29. Larry O’Connor – WMAL-FM, Washington


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #30: Wayne Allyn Root, Talk Media Network

30. Wayne Allyn Root – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #31: Asa Andrew M.D., Doctor Asa Show

31. Asa Andrew M.D. – Doctor Asa Show


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #32: Chad Benson, Radio America

32. Chad Benson – Radio America


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #33: Erick Erickson, Compass Media Networks

33. Erick Erickson – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #34: Mandy Connell, KOA, Denver

34. Mandy Connell – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #35: Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond

35. Jeff Katz – WRVA, Richmond


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #36: Armstrong & Getty, KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

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

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #37: Brett Winterble, WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

37. Brett Winterble – WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #38: Rich Valdés, Westwood One

38. Rich Valdés – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #39: Mark Simone, WOR, New York

39. Mark Simone – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #40: Charlie Kirk, Salem Radio Network

40. Charlie Kirk – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #41: Bill O’Reilly, Key Networks

41. Bill O’Reilly – Key Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #42: John Fredericks, John Fredericks Radio Network

42. John Fredericks – John Fredericks Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #43: Hugh Hewitt, Salem Radio Network

43. Hugh Hewitt – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #44: Tim Conway, Jr, KFI, Los Angeles

44. Tim Conway, Jr – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #45: Stephanie Miller, WYD Media

45. Stephanie Miller – WYD Media

TALKERS 2025 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 2025 Heavy Hundred #47: Doug Stephan, Stephan MultiMedia

47. Doug Stephan – Stephan MultiMedia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #48: Vince Coglianese, Westwood One

48. Vince Coglianese – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #49: John Catsimatidis, WABC, New York

49. John Catsimatidis – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #50: Bob Sirott, WGN, Chicago

50. Bob Sirott – WGN, Chicago

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 1-25

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred – the 100 most important radio talk show hosts in America

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #1: Sean Hannity, Premiere Networks

1. Sean Hannity – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #2: Dave Ramsey, Ramsey Networks

2. Dave Ramsey – Ramsey Networks


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #3: Brian Kilmeade, FOX News Radio

3. Brian Kilmeade – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #4: Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, Premiere Networks

4. Clay Travis & Buck Sexton – Premiere Networks


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #5: Dana Loesch, Radio America

5. Dana Loesch – Radio America

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #6: Michael Berry, KTRH, Houston / Premiere Networks

6. Michael Berry – KTRH, Houston / Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #7: Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, KTSA, San Antonio / Compass Media Networks

7. Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo – KTSA, San Antonio / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #8: Thom Hartmann, WYD Media

8. Thom Hartmann – WYD Media


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #9: Mike Gallagher, Salem Radio Network

9. Mike Gallagher – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #10: Lee Habeeb, Premiere Networks

10. Lee Habeeb – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #11: Glenn Beck, Premiere Networks

11. Glenn Beck – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #12: Mark Levin, Westwood One

12. Mark Levin – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #13: Sid Rosenberg, WABC, New York

13. Sid Rosenberg – WABC, New York


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #14: Lars Larson, KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

14. Lars Larson – KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #15: Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia

15. Dom Giordano – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #16: Tavis Smiley, KBLA, Los Angeles

16. Tavis Smiley – KBLA, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #17: Bill Handel, KFI, Los Angeles

17. Bill Handel – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #18: George Noory, Premiere Networks

18. George Noory – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #19: Harry Hurley, WPG, Atlantic City

19. Harry Hurley – WPG, Atlantic City

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #20: Walter Sterling, WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network

20. Walter Sterling – WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #21: Ben Shapiro, Westwood One

21. Ben Shapiro – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #22: Howard Stern, SiriusXM

22. Howard Stern – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #23: Todd Starnes, KWAM, Memphis / Syndication

23. Todd Starnes – KWAM, Memphis / Syndication

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #24: Rich Zeoli, WPHT, Philadelphia

24. Rich Zeoli – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #25: Jimmy Failla, FOX News Radio

25. Jimmy Failla – FOX News Radio

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

Industry Views

Monday Memo: X Marks the Spot – Radio’s Most Valuable Demo

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIpsos Generations Report 2025: “Right now, it’s Generation X who are the highest-earning generation in the US, surpassing both Boomers and Millennials.”

Born 1965 to 1980, they grew up with an AM/FM radio habit. And – as they are about to inherit a LOT of money from wealthy grandparent Silents and Boomer parents over the next few decades – which prospective advertisers want to meet them?

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Prospect banks, financial planners, real estate agents, and wellness and eldercare consultants and Elder Law and Trust attorneys.

Recommended commercial creative: advertorial. “Tell ‘em and you’ll sell ‘em,” with spots disguised as informative features. Sample topics:

— “5 Inheritance Mistakes to Avoid”
— “How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Will”
— “Downsizing Without Downgrading”
— “Kids, Parents, and Cash”

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

Industry News

Salem Launches “The Scott Jennings Show”

Salem Media Group announces the launch of “The Scott Jennings Show,” new daily program that airs weekdays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET, effective July 14 on the Salem Radio Network and on demand via the Salem Podcast Network. Jennings is a longtime conservative political strategist who also serves as aimg contributor to CNN. Jennings says, “We’re going on offense. Every day, I’ll take calls, interview big names, and take the fight directly to the liberal machine. It’s time to bust the narratives and bring back some plain old common sense.” Salem SVP Phil Boyce comments, “Scott Jennings is a disruptor. He’s the Lone Ranger of the CNN panel, armed with facts and fearless in delivery. He doesn’t just survive in hostile territory — he dominates. Now, with a national platform on Salem, Scott becomes a daily fixture in the battle to save the country.” Jennings new show replaces “The Jack Posobiec Show” in the SRN live broadcast slot, while Posobiec continues as a force on SPN with exclusive podcast content.

Industry News

Wayne Allyn Root and The Gateway Pundit Partner for Podcast

Nationally syndicated talk media personality Wayne Allyn Root is partnering with The Gateway Pundit on his two-hour daily video podcast that’s being renamed, “Wayne Allyn Root’s WAR Zone, Presented by The Gateway Pundit.” This makes “WAR Zone” the official podcast of TheGatewayPundit.com and will beimg featured live each night from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET.  Root says, “Tens of millions of die-hard Trump supporters go to theGatewayPundit.com 24/7 for the news and opinions that you won’t find in the mainstream media. It’s the perfect platform and synergy for my podcast. This is a marriage made in heaven. My daily podcast offers raw truth, the most exciting content for MAGA fans, and the most intense, passionate, combative, controversial, in-your-face, high-energy show anywhere in American media, combined with the biggest personality, and the loudest MAGA mouth on the planet. My show takes your breath away. It’s two hours of ‘pedal to the metal, balls to the walls,’ without taking a breath.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Feature the Moments That Matter

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgAre archived shows – whole hours – your station’s only on-demand offering? It’s an easy checkbox: post the aircheck, call it a podcast.

And why not? In our on-demand culture, why expose this work – and its sponsors – only to those who happened to be listening in real-time? But few listeners will sit through an hour – or three – of linear audio. Most don’t when listening live. They’re busy. The only person who hears the whole show is the host (which is why I cringe when I hear “hour number three”).

Trim the fat, serve the steak 

Many more will be interested in highlights, those couple minutes of Pet Pro Dr. Donna Stone’s tips for “Helping Your Critters Keep Their Cool During a Long Hot Summer,” or whatever “money moments” aired.

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— Give these excerpts a title, incorporating words someone might include in Search. Add a sharable description. Let MS Copilot or ChatGPT make you a graphic. For this example, make it a cute puppy.
— In addition to the station’s website, these clips should be all over your social media. Think of your whole show as a movie. Hashtag-laden Tweets that include a click-to-listen link are the trailer. Script several versions and post at intervals.
— Get good at this, and your posts will get shared.
–And Dr. Donna can share her moment to her followers.

This is something music station morning shows do better than talk stations, because archiving whole songs is taboo. They’re forced to cull. 

Find the time

It’s an investment in reach, relevance, and revenue. Don’t just archive – curate. You can find new ears, using these audio appetizers to offer people who don’t know your show to try the entrée.

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

Industry News

MIW Announced 3rd Annual Speak Up! Mentorship Program

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the launch of the third annual “Speak Up!” Mentorship Program in partnership with Media Staffing Network. The application window opens today and will remain open through Friday, July 18, 2025. Created in honor of the late Laurie Kahn, founder of Media Staffing Network and a tireless advocate for women in media, Speak Up! is a year-long mentorship initiativeimg designed for women working in small to medium radio markets across any department. One deserving candidate will be selected to receive personalized coaching and mentorship from MIW’s network of experienced female executives as well as certified coaches from Media Staffing Network. MIW Board president Sheila Kirby says, “MIW is proud to continue honoring Laurie Kahn’s legacy through the Speak Up! Program. Each year, we have the opportunity to support emerging female leaders and help them find their voice and path to growth in our industry. This program represents the very heart of our mission.”Get more information and apply here.

Industry News

Radio Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces 10 new inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame forimg 2025. The inductees will be honored at the in-person 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on October 30 at the Swissotel Hotel in Chicago. Among this year’s inductees are: Colin Cowherd, host of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”; Mike McVay of McVay Media; and Julie Talbott, president of Premiere Networks. See the complete list of nominees here.

Industry News

Audacy Shuttering Pineapple Street Studios

Numerous news outlets, including Variety, Bloomberg and Podnews.net, are reporting that Audacy is closing podcast production house Pineapple Street Studios. Pineapple Street was acquired by then-Entercom inimg 2019 for $18 million as the podcast industry was really taking off in terms of listenership. Podnews.net notes, “Audacy shut Cadence13 (a $50mn purchase) in March 2024, and rebranded Podcorn ($22.5mn) as Audacy Creator Lab in April this year.” An Audacy spokesperson says in a statement, “This difficult decision aligns our resources with our core strengths and the most promising growth areas for our podcasting business. We’re sorry to say goodbye to talented colleagues and are grateful for their contributions.”

Industry News

KSTA, San Antonio the New Home for the Joe Pags Show

Talk radio star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo will be heard in his home market of San Antonio on Alpha Media’s news/talk KTSA, effective July 1. The Joe Pags show is nationally syndicated to some 170 affiliates via Compass Media Networks and will air on KTSA in the 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm daypart. Alpha Media SVP andimg market manager Lance Hawkins says, “Joe Pags represents everything we value at KTSA. He’s dynamic, authentic, and rooted in Texas values. Our mission is to build radio brands that are Live and Local, deeply involved in the communities they serve, and always evolving. Pags’ addition to KTSA proves that mission in action.” Pags says that his welcome to KTSA is both professional and personal. “I am thrilled to call KTSA the new flagship for the Joe Pags Show. I’ve been based in San Antonio for 20 years and have always been a fan of the amazing hosts on KTSA. It’s truly an honor to get back on the air in SA and talk with these amazing people on their ride home once again. I can’t thank Jeff Warshaw, Lance Hawkins, Greg Martin, and Dax Davis enough for this remarkable opportunity!” Alpha Media is being acquired by Connoisseur Media and FCC approval is expected by this fall.

Industry News

Michael Harrison: “We Need to Invent New Dirty Words”

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The recent utterance of the so-called “F-bomb” by President Donald Trump during an impromptu Whiteimg House lawn press conference sparked a wave of on-air and online conversations about the state of the media and appropriate use of the English language in the rapidly changing digital era.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison appeared as a guest this morning (6/25) on the highly popular Gene Valicenti morning drive show on WPRO-AM, Providence sharing his take on the matter including legal and cultural aspects of whether to bleep or “let it fly.”  To listen to the interview, please click here.

Industry News

Skyview Kicks Off BFoA Giving Day with $10k Donation

The Broadcasters Foundation of America reports that Skyview Networks is making a $10,000 corporate donation to cover any Skyview employee matches. BFOA Giving Day is today (6/24) when everyone in broadcasting is asked to consider a contribution of any amount. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “Weimg are grateful to Steve and Ken Thiele (founder & executive chairman) for their magnanimous corporate contribution to support the work of the Broadcasters Foundation. With support like this from the broadcast industry, the Broadcasters Foundation can continue to deliver much-needed aid to those in our business who need it most. We hope this match campaign inspires other organizations to find impactful ways to support our unique mission.” For information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to make a donation or apply for aid, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org,

Industry Views

Monday Memo: On-Demand is In-Demand

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIf you saved back issues from when TALKERS was a print tabloid, dig-down about 20 years into the stack. A couple times a year beginning then, I was reporting from conferences then called The Podcast and New Media Expo, which later evolved into NMX and BlogWorld and other incarnations.

As I was typing-as-fast-as-I-could in the back row, I was hearing a new medium take shape.

— These energized events had the mojo radio conventions used to. But radio was already struggling as consolidation eliminated many on-air jobs, cutbacks that continue today.
— But plucky podcasters were already self-publishing about high-affinity Long Tail topics too narrowcast for AM/FM radio. And because it is what we then called “the World Wide Web,” they were growing a following far beyond local broadcasters’ signal footprints.

Remember iPod? Suddenly, EVERYONE had one. Then, just-as-suddenly, everyone didn’t. Because Apple rolled-out iPhone, which could also tote your tunes, and do thousands of other things. Yet the term “podcasting” – which first referred to the device – endures.

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What’s remarkable about the podcasting phenomenon, is that users – not the device manufacturer – came up with the idea. iPod was designed as a music player. But it was We The People who reckoned that audio-is-audio and started self-publishing radio-without-radio.

“P-O-D” = “Programming On-Demand.” Think Netflix for audio.

— But unlike Netflix, stations aren’t investing aggressively in on-demand content. Short-staffed, it’s all they can do to feed multiple transmitters robotic programming.
— Meanwhile, enthused podcasters are generating content, some of which is amusing quirky boutique topics. Others are doing local news, now in shorter supply from AM/FM radio.
— Smart stations buddy-up with these DIY creators, showcasing their sponsorable stuff. They create audio, we sell audio.

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

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Do You Really Think the Back of Your Head is Worth Watching?

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
and TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgThe drive to stream video of radio shows has always been risky. Remember your shock when you first saw one of your radio heroes? Video streaming can present a constant disconnect between the show in the listener’s head and the show on the stream. Many stations make the disconnect worse by streaming terrible video images. Combine the trauma of how a host really looks with a dreary TV show and the package cannot benefit the relationship between station and listener/viewer.

Too many stations stream from one or two fixed cameras in the studio. That picture looks like a police interrogation room. Some stations embarrassingly use one camera on a two person show. The result is a shot of the face of one host and the back of the head of the other, for the entire show. OMG.

Done right, video should enhance the listening experience, it should make the hosts more attractive, more engaging, and more entertaining.

Mistake: Many radio hosts ignore the cameras during spot breaks. These hosts go silent during spots, giving a viewer absolutely no reason to stream. Obviously, if one sits in silence during the break the image presented is pure boredom. On the radio, the listener hears commercials. On their stream they see a silent radio host doing nothing. Double disappointment.

Producing video that enhances a radio show experience takes planning and commitment. One technically simple way to make video work for a host is to address the audience directly during commercial breaks. One on one. The moment a break starts, smart hosts and anchors address the camera and candidly speak with the viewer. Their conversation is topical, urgent and fun.

Engaging the viewer during radio commercial breaks provides added value to a stream and a reason to watch.

Some examples worth watching are found in these links:

— B-93, Grand Rapids morning host Aly Mac never stops talking with streaming viewers. She does itimg right, two shows… one on the radio, one on the stream. Seamless and fun.
— WPHT produces a TV show with switching, graphics that flows with the radio show.
— Baylee Martin is a TV anchor who could teach the industry how to conduct an on-air show enhanced by the stream.  Hearst should sell schedules in her stream content. Have a look, she’s a streaming savant.

When streaming, consider if the video stream is helping or hurting the radio show. If the “reveal” is the back of a head, hurting!

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.

Industry News

BFoA Media Mixer in New York City

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Last Wednesday (6/18), the Broadcasters Foundation of America held one of its popular Media Mixer events in New York City designed to give “junior people in broadcasting the opportunity to network with executives and to increase awareness or the charitable mission of the BFOA to help broadcasters in acute need.” Pictured above is BFoA chairman and former CBS Radio COO Scott Herman (center) speaking with two attendees.

Industry News

WRHU Radio Hofstra Celebrates Gracie Honors

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The student news team of WRHU-FM Radio Hofstra University earned two Gracie awards from the Alliance for Women in Media. WRHU general manager John Mullen says that the organization has the largest radio news team on Long Island with more than 60 student journalists. They earned the Gracie’s for WRHU-FM’s morning drive talk program and their live, locally focused half-hour afternoon drive news show. Pictured above are Hofstra president Susan Poser with the WRHU staff, Mullen, Pro in Residence Doualy Xaykaothao; WRHU alums Jamie Morris, morning host WKJY-FM, Hempstead; Heather Cohen, president the Weiss Agency; Dean Mark Lukasiewicz, and Liane Souza, director of affiliate sales for Compass Media Networks.