Industry News

Hubbard Promotes Wolinsky to Publisher of Federal News Network

Hubbard Broadcasting Washington D.C. announces Jeffrey Wolinsky is rising from director of Federal sales to publisher at the company’s Federal News Network. Hubbard says Federal News Network is “an industry leading trusted news and marketing platform that focuses on the issues and topics affecting the federal government and federal government contracting community.” Joel Oxley is vice president and general manager at WTOP News and Federal News Network. He says, “Each time I have brought new opportunities to Jeffrey he has used his creativity and collaborative approach to create success for our audience, our advertisers and our team. His expertise specifically in identifying trends our organization can leverage to better deliver on our mission will take a higher profile. Leading to even greater overall success. Jeffrey’s vision for the future will align directly with our goal of being the go-to source of federal news for employees and contractors and bringing new products and opportunities to market.” Wolinsky has served at Hubbard DC for the past 20 years.

Industry News

“On Purpose with Jay Shetty” Joins iHeartPodcast Network

iHeartMedia announces that the health and wellness podcast, “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” joins the iHeartPodcast Network. The press release says the mission of the podcast is “to reach people in today’s global, hyper-connected world – as 1 in 4 people have suffered from loneliness and depression – the biggest factor this generation has ever faced. Despite the pandemic pushing people into overload, creators like Jay Shetty have opened up their heart, mind and platform to reinforce today’s greatest lesson – that vulnerability is a great strength and that people are stronger together.” Shetty comments, “‘On Purpose’ is on a journey to help make people happier, healthier and more healed. Through insightful and vulnerable conversations with icons, experts and cultural figures and weekly workshops, ‘On Purpose’ is dedicated to giving our community the habits and tools to live a more fulfilling life. I’m so grateful for our loyal and ever-growing community who come back every day to listen, learn and grow. As the podcast has scaled globally it made perfect sense to join together with the number one podcast publisher – iHeartMedia. We are so excited for this new chapter for ‘On Purpose.’”

Industry News

Networking at Radiodays Europe

The 13th Radiodays Europe convention took place in Prague this week (3/26-28) and American radio companies had a presence there. Benztown, MusicMaster, P1 Media Group, and Xperi welcomed more than 50 guests aboard a party boat to network and talk about the radio business. Pictured above are (from l-r): Christos Papadas, Skai Group in Athens; Ken Benson, P1 Media Group; Masa Patterson, Benztown; and Andy Sannemann, Benztown.

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Ups Sousa to Director of Affiliate Sales

Compass Media Networks promotes Liane Sousa to the position of director of affiliate sales. New York-based Sousa joined the company in 2019 and Compass says she’ll continue to manage and affiliate content partnerships for morning shows including “DeDe in the Morning” and “Anna & Raven” as well as “The Baka Boyz” Monday – Friday show and numerous weekend mix shows. Liane has recently added “The Frank Ski Show with Nina Brown” and John Tesh’s “Intelligence For Your Life” to her portfolio. She says, “Thank you Peter, Hiram, Nancy, and Adam for your endless support and guidance. I’m so proud to be a part of Compass Media Networks’ talented team and deliver the best product lineup in our industry while serving the utmost value to our content partners and affiliates.”

Job Opportunity

AUN Television Network Seeking Ground Level Entry Executive

Rick Trader, president/CEO of the AUN Television Network informs TALKERS that he is looking to expand his two-year-old ultra-conservative audio and video talk media platform. He’s looking for a sales and management executive (as well as acquiring additional programming). Over the past two years, AUN (American Uncensored Network) – which is billed as a “conservative/faith-based network” – has gained clearance on some 11 TV stations in California and Nevada. Its shows are hosted by an array of well-known commentators as well as up-and-comers. Trader tells TALKERS he “honestly believes AUN is one of the fastest growing TV and streaming networks in the country.” He states, “Now it is time to expand once again. Our goal is to be broadcasting in every major market in the next two years! This is maybe where an ambitious, hard-working manager can become part of this dream. I am looking to develop a management team to make it happen. If a candidate has expertise in managing finances and accounting, recruiting, human resources, overseeing and developing technologies, as well as creating company policy, sales and marketing, then such an individual might be looking for the challenge of a lifetime.” Trader continues, “I am looking to work with conservative/faithful, passionate ideologs like myself who are concerned with the direction our great republic is heading and want to return it to the Judeo-Christian, faith-based patriotic roots our founding fathers created! Here is the catch: all our progress and success has been achieved on a very tight budget! In fact, we cannot offer salaries. What we can offer is incentives for those who produce to be rewarded.” Interested candidates can contact Rick Trader, president/CEO, AUN TV Network at auntv@yahoo.com.

Industry News

Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network Debuts

Premiere Networks announces the launch of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network with the debut of “The Tudor Dixon Podcast.” Dixon was the 2022 Republican candidate for governor of Michigan. Premiere says, “The new podcast is focused on the important issues that affect the American way of life. From politics to parenting, Dixon – a businesswoman, breast-cancer survivor, and working mom of four girls – will dive deep into a wide variety of topics that touch our lives, while welcoming experts, insiders and headline makers for candid conversations.” Dixon comments, “I’m thrilled to take this leap into the podcasting world and am incredibly grateful to both Clay and Buck for encouraging and supporting me in this new venture. Listeners can expect to hear unique and unabashedly American stories not covered by the corporate media, as well as commentary from expert guests who will get to the truth about the issues impacting you and your family. I look forward to starting this new journey and bringing these stories to the forefront!”

Industry News

“The Professional Homegirl” Joins Black Effect Podcast Network

iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God announce that “The Professional Homegirl Podcast” joins The Black Effect Podcast Network beginning March 21. The program, hosted by Eboné Almon, explores the lives of anonymous women who have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Almon says, “Since 2019, my mission has been to amplify the voices of women of color. I wanted to normalize conversations within my community to humanize women, especially Black women, that took roads less traveled. Through this new partnership with The Black Effect Podcast Network, I hope to tell more compelling stories and create a space where women of color don’t have to look far to see themselves.”

Industry News

iHeartPodcast Network to Present Influencer Summit

The iHeartPodcast Network announces what it is calling “an industry-first Influencer Summit where some of the most successful podcast creators will open the mic and teach marketers the art of podcast advertising” on Wednesday, April 26, at the iHeartMedia executive offices in New York City. The company says, “The hands-on educational event will feature diverse podcast authorities such as the wildly popular media personality and founder of The Black Effect Podcast Network, Charlamagne tha God; the woman behind the successful ‘Stuff You Missed in History Class’ podcast, Holly Frey; and esteemed journalist, author and co-founder of Pushkin Industries, Malcolm Gladwell, joined with today’s biggest marketers to explain why podcasting is growing rapidly and how brands need to adapt, invest and create audio advertising that resonates with podcast fans.” iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “Podcasters are the most creative, fastest-growing, diverse wave of influencers to hit content and marketing in years – just as influencer marketing more generally was becoming a key new way to reach audiences. This event came together because our podcast creators are deeply invested in the brands and advertising that become part of their shows, that they asked us to give them a chance to sit down with marketers at scale and talk about what makes host-read creative work. What really differentiates podcasting and our iHeartPodcast Network from other mediums is that creators and fans expect the advertising to be endemic to the shows, often voiced by the hosts and authentic to the listening experience. This is a chance to roll up our sleeves and co-create, collaborate and showcase the simplicity, speed and creative potential of podcasting.”

Industry News

Townsquare Media Q4 2022 Net Revenue Up 8.8%; Full Year Up 10.8%

Townsquare Media reports operating results from the fourth quarter of 2022 and for the full year. Net revenue for Q4 of 2022 was $120.3 million, an increase of 8.8% over the same period in 2021. For the full year of 2022, net revenue was $463 million, an increase of 10.8% over the full year of 2021. While net income was up over 100% in Q4 of 2022 over Q4 of 2021, net income for the full year 2022 was $14.4 million, down 23.4% over the full year 2021. While Broadcast Advertising net revenue for the full year 2022 was up 3.8% over the full year 2021, Townsquare is upbeat about its Digital segment. CEO Bill Wilson says, “I am proud to report that Townsquare’s transformation into a Digital First Local Media Company allowed us to deliver record results in 2022 despite a progressively challenging economic landscape… 2022 was a significant inflection point for our company. It marked the first year where radio no longer comprised the majority of our revenue and profit, further separating Townsquare from our local media peers, and placing a spotlight on our world-class team and our unique and differentiated strategy, assets, platforms and solutions. Our growth engine has been and will continue to be our digital solutions, which were the primary driver of our 2022 growth. Total digital revenue increased +16% year-over-year (and +12% in the fourth quarter) to $231 million, and total digital Adjusted Operating Income increased +12% year-over-year to $69 million, representing a 30% profit margin. We believe Townsquare’s ability to drive profitable, sustainable digital growth is a key differentiator for our company, and we reaffirm our expectation that our digital revenue will grow to at least $275 million by 2024. We are uniquely positioned as a Digital First Local Media Company focused principally on markets outside of the Top 50 in the United States, with a resilient digital growth engine supported by both a recurring subscription digital marketing solutions business, with a large addressable market and limited competition, and a highly differentiated digital advertising technology platform. We believe that our business model and strategy position us to weather the current economic environment better than most… Our success has been and will continue to be the result of the Townsquare Team focusing on what we do best: creating high quality, local original content for our audiences and delivering creative and cost-effective marketing solutions for our local clients with strong return on investment.”

Industry News

KMG Networks to Distribute “Podcast Radio” to U.S. Stations

U.S. firm KMG Networks is partnering with UK-based broadcaster Tindle Media Group to serve as distributor for the American version of the radio station format “Podcast Radio” that is expected to commence in the spring of this year. Tindle Media Group says, “Podcast Radio launched three years ago in the UK and uses the trust and familiarity people have for their local radio stations to help them sample and choose from curated podcasts. Podcast Radio broadcasts 24/7 online and via app and smart speakers. It is monetized by selling traditional on-air advertising and sponsorships, inserting commercials into its online audio stream, partnering with international content makers, and making original podcasts and bespoke audio content that resonate with audiences.”

Uncategorized

iHeartMedia Q4 2022 Net Revenue Rises 6%; Full Year Up 10%

iHeartMedia reveals operating results from the fourth quarter of 2022 and for the full year of 2022. The company says net revenue for Q4 was $1.12 billion, an increase of 6% over the same period in 2021, and full year net revenue for 2022 was $3.9 billion, up 10% over the previous year. The company reports net income of $80.6 million for Q4 of 2022 and a net loss of $262 million for the full year. iHeartMedia breaks its results into three segments. The Multiplatform Group (including broadcast stations, networks and sponsorships & events) reports Q4 revenue of $732 million – a 0.9% increase over Q4 2021. Broadcast revenue grew $3 million, while Networks declined $5.5 million (4.1%). Revenue from Sponsorship and Events increased by $8.1 million (12.1%). The Digital Audio Group reports revenue of $301 million in Q4 of 2022 – up 10.2% over Q4 of ’21. Podcast revenue increased by $16.4 million (16.9%). The Audio & Media Services Group reports Q4 2022 revenue of $94.5 million – an increase of 44.3% over the same period in 2021. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “We are pleased to report another quarter of solid operating results for iHeart in consumer usage, revenue, and earnings growth. The fourth quarter was our best quarter for Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA – and on a full-year basis, in 2022 we generated the highest revenue and the second highest Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow year in iHeart’s history. Even in this continuing challenging and uncertain economic environment, we continue to make strong progress in our transformation of iHeart into a true multiplatform audio company – driven by innovation, supported by data and technology, and powered by the largest sales force in audio – and we are positioning iHeart to take advantage of the coming economic recovery.”

Industry News

Edison: SXM Podcast Network Tops Based on Reach

Edison Research’s latest ranking of the Top Podcast Networks in the U.S. based on total network reach for Q3-Q4 2022 among weekly podcast listeners age 13+ is released and SiriusXM Podcast Network (formerly SXM Media), Spotify, and iHeartRadio take the top three spots, respectively. This ranker – measuring reach as a percentage of the weekly podcasting audience – is based on total audience reach from Edison Podcast Metrics, and Edison says the Q3-Q4 ranker includes increased sample size implemented last year and is based on surveys of 10,579 weekly podcast listeners age 13+. The rest of the top 10 are: 4) Wondery/Audible/Amazon Music, 5) Audioboom, 6) The New York Times, 7) NPR, 8)Audacy, 9) Acast Creator Network, and 10) Cumulus Podcast Network.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Zanetis to EVP of Sales, Markets Automotive

iHeartMedia promotes Joey Zanetis from his previous role as SVP of automotive business development and partnerships to EVP, sales, markets automotive, effective immediately. In his new role, Zanetis will be responsible for representing iHeartMedia in the industry; developing, leading and owning the iHeartMedia revenue performance for the markets automotive category; and unifying iHeart’s approach to markets automotive across the space. He will oversee an automotive advertising business that consults with thousands of tier 2 and tier 3 automotive clients across the iHeartMedia enterprise. iHeartMedia EVP sales and operations John Karpinski says, “There is no success without a successor, so I’m really excited for Joey to take the reins of the iHeart automotive markets division. Throughout the years, Joey has not only shown himself to be an amazing leader by driving measurable success for clients and iHeart but has also proven to be great at ‘coaching up’ his team. I’m excited for Joey to build on the success he’s had on the West Coast with our entire automotive organization.”

Industry News

Superadio Networks Promotes Three

Superadio Networks LLC announces promotions in three of its offices. In New York, Raphael George is upped to director, affiliate sales and content. In this expanded role George assumes oversight of affiliate relations as well as new programming and content strategy. Chicago-based affiliate sales pro Kimberly Sawyer is promoted to media relations and affiliate sales manager. In her new role, Sawyer adds expanded Radio Media Tour outreach to her station relations duties. And in the Superadio Boston office, Dianne Cook is named operations and distribution manager overseeing both the affiliation process and distribution. Superadio president Eric Faison states, “These appointments are well deserved. Dianne, Raphael and Kim are invaluable contributors to the success of the company and have been integral in maintaining the high standards in customer service and quality programming that are synonymous with Superadio.”

Industry News

Skyview Networks Investigating Technical Interruptions

Skyview Networks issued a statement to its affiliate stations after they began having issues receiving news programming via XDS receiver that affected transmission of CBS Radio News and ABC News Radio. Skyview stated: “Skyview Networks experienced unauthorized access to its IT environment, resulting in interrupted technical services. Immediately upon learning of the incident, Skyview activated its comprehensive incident response plan. We have initiated advanced monitoring and threat detection across our systems and data. We have also engaged third party forensic experts to help us contain and investigate the incident. These efforts are fully underway.” Skyview also cautions affiliates to not reboot their XDS receiver.

Industry News

Iverson Joins Key Networks as Senior Account Executive

Key Networks appoints Mike Iverson senior account executive in which he’ll represent Key Networks’ clients, including Bloomberg Radio, to create new sales opportunities and revenue streams for the company. Las Vegas-based Iverson will report directly to Jason Wilberding, president of sales for Key Networks. Iverson most recently served Ryan Seacrest Enterprises as SVP, sales and corporate partnerships. Wilberding says, “Mike is the consummate marketing and sales innovator with excellent relationships spanning his 30-plus years as a broadcast professional. I have worked with Mike at Viacom/CBS, Spanish Broadcasting and iHeart/Premiere, and have competed with him, as well. His creative approach to working with clients makes him an outstanding addition to Key Networks.” Iverson comments, “I’m excited to be a part of the incredible team at Key Networks and to work with a fresh-thinking, entrepreneurial company setting new standards for radio syndication with pre-eminent brands like Bloomberg Radio. It is energizing to have the opportunity to move quickly and effectively for clients in an environment that feels much like a start-up. I’m also thrilled to join forces once again with Jason Wilberding.”

Industry News

Chris Stigall’s Daily Podcast Joins the Salem Podcast Network

The daily podcast hosted by Chris Stigall officially joins the Salem Podcast Network. Stigall hosts the “Philadelphia’s Morning Answer” program on Salem Media Group’s WNTP, Philadelphia “AM 990, The Answer” and hosts the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon talk program on Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM, Kansas City. He says, “I want to thank the Salem Podcast Network for bringing our podcast into their family of great shows. As a radio guy my entire career, I wasn’t sure how the podcast version would be received when we launched. Our advertising partners who invested in the show early as well as the smartest audience in the digital space have helped our young podcast crest four million downloads, and we’re just getting started!” Salem SVP of spoken word Phil Boyce adds, “Chris Stigall is a special host who has developed a unique relationship with a very loyal audience. We saw this when we brought him over to ‘AM 990 The Answer’ a few years ago, and we know he will have the same reaction from audiences nationwide with his podcast.”

Industry News

“Mike Crispi Unafraid” Joins Salem Podcast Network

Salem Media Group announces that the program “Mike Crispi Unafraid” officially joins the Salem Podcast Network. The daily show is hosted by television reporter, talk show host, and political operative Mike Crispi. Salem says, “During the 2020 election, he provided live coverage of political rallies and grassroots conservative events on Right Side Broadcasting. In the last year, he has hosted one of the most popular live shows on Rumble. He has worked on multiple campaigns at both the state and federal levels, including his own congressional campaign in New Jersey. Crispi comments, “It is a great honor to join forces with Salem Media. I have long admired their hosts, programming, and vision for the future of conservative media. This podcast has been a success since we started it last year, and I couldn’t think of a more genuine and authentic partner to help take it to the next level.”

Industry News

Driven by Talk Radio, Gunhill Road Song “Idiots” Continues to Resonate on Internet

The sharply satirical song “Idiots” from the forthcoming fifth album by heritage rock band Gunhill Road continues to gather an international following on the internet.  Released in August 2022, the music video of the catchy song passed the 70,000 unique views mark this weekend on YouTube – making it the most-listened-to song in the 53 year old band’s colorful history since its 1973 hit single “Back When My Hair Was Short” (also a provocative social commentary).  TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, who along with Steve Goldrich, Paul Reich and Brian Koonin, is a member of Gunhill Road and co-writer/lead vocalist for “Idiots,” says, “We are so grateful to talk radio for embracing this song and giving it an amazing amount of airplay – either in snippets or the entire piece – that has driven interest in the song, downloads on the internet and views of the video.  Fortunately, the words and theme of ‘Idiots’ ties into talk radio’s topic menu, psyche and environment in a non-partisan, ‘equal opportunity offender’ way. I mean, who can stand the negative impact that widespread idiocy is having on our society, culture and democracy?”  To view the “Idiots” music video, please click here. To arrange having Michael Harrison as a guest, please email info@talkers.com.

Industry News

Syndicated Host Rob Carson Debuts on ‘The Pulse of New Hampshire’ Network

Newsmax Radio’s “The Rob Carson Show” begins airing live today (1/3) on Binnie Media’s multi-signal network of news/talk stations branded “The Pulse of New Hampshire.” Carson’s program airs from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm on WTSN-FM, Dover; WTPL-FM, Hillsborough; WEMJ-FM, Laconia; as well as two HD2 signals. Newsmax says the network reaches a combined population of nearly a million listeners. Newsmax Radio CEO Lee Kinberg says, “I know firsthand the power of Binnie Media’s talk stations and we look forward to working with their great team and bringing Rob Carson to one of the most politically influential audiences in the country.” Binnie Media VP of programming Michael Czarnecki comments, “In the world of talk radio, we find so much of the same programming. We are thrilled at the addition of Rob Carson as this move, along with the recent addition of ‘America at Night’, and the rest of our dynamic lineup, make for a unique form of talk radio. Offering educated discussions and different perspectives on the topics of each day.” Carson’s program is now airing in 16 rated markets. In addition to the radio show and podcast, “Rob Carson’s What in the World,” a humorous review of the week’s news, airs every weekend on Newsmax TV.

Industry News

Dynamic TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter Agenda Emerging

The 28th installment of the iconic TALKERS conference is only one month away, and its power-packed agenda features an array of more than 60 speakers representing the past, present, and future of talk media with a focus on radio’s changing role in the digital era.

Here’s the way it is shaping up thus far:

8:00 am – 9:00 am

BREAKFAST

Sponsored by the Sean Hannity Show

8:20 am to 8:25 am (during breakfast)

EMCEE GREETING: “WELCOME TO TALKERS 2026”

Emcee: Kevin Casey, VP/Executive Editor, TALKERS

____________________________________________________________

8:25 am to 8:45 am (during breakfast)

SPECIAL KICKOFF ADDRESS: “THE ART OF STORY TELLING”

Speaker: Lee Habeeb, CEO/Host/Producer, “Our American Stories”/ American Private Radio ____________________________________________________________

 8:50 am to 9:00 am (during breakfast)

ONE-ON-ONE CHAT: “DOING TALK ON A MUSIC STATION”

Speaker:  Mike “Bax” Baxendale, Morning Co-Host, WAQY-FM (Rock102), Springfield, MA

Facilitator: Harry Hurley, Morning Host, WPG, Atlantic City, NJ

____________________________________________________________

9:00 am to 9:05 am

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Performing on Sax: Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Host, “The Joe Pags Show”

____________________________________________________________

9:05 am to 9:25 am

SPECIAL ADDRESS: “REFLECTIONS ON RADIO – PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE”

Speaker: Walter Sterling, Host, WABC, New York

Introducer: Lee Harris, VP, News WABC, New York and The Worldwide News Network

____________________________________________________________

9:30 am to 10:00 am

PANEL DISCUSSION: “GAINING TRACTION IN A NOISY DIGITAL WORLD”

Sponsored by C. Crane

Moderator: Mike McVay, President, McVay Media Consulting

Panelists: Heather Cohen, President, The Weiss Organization; Sherry Goldman, founder, Goldman Communications Group, Inc.; Ryan McCormick, Co-Founder, Goldman McCormick Public Relations; Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Host, “The Joe Pags Show”

Introduction: Lee Elci, Host, WJJF, New London, CT

____________________________________________________________

10:10 am to 10:40 am

PANEL DISCUSSION: “INDEPENDENT STATION OWNERSHIP”  

Sponsored by Our American Stories

Moderator: John Caracciolo, CEO, JVC Broadcasting

Panelists: Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; John Fredericks, CEO/Host, John Fredericks Media Network; Paul Gleiser, Owner, KTBB, Tyler, TX; Joe Thomas, Co-Owner, WTON, Staunton, VA / Host, Talk Media Network; Michael “MZ” Zwerling, Owner, KSCO, Santa Cruz

____________________________________________________________

 10:45 am to 11:20 am

PANEL DISCUSSION: “BRAVE NEW WORLD”

Sponsored by The Ramsey Show

Moderator: David Bernstein, Professor, Caldwell College / General Manager Broadcast Operations, TALKERS

Panelists: Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College; George Capalbo, VP/Chief Technical Officer, Backbone Networks; John Mullen, General Manager, WRHU, Hofstra University; Shawn Novatt, Director, WHPC, Nassau College / Conference Chairperson, Intercollegiate Broadcasting System; Norm Prusslin, Founder/Advisor, WUSB-FM, Stony Brook University / Board Chairperson, Intercollegiate Broadcasting System

____________________________________________________________

 11:25 am to 11:45 am

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: “THE INNER WORKINGS OF A MORNING SHOW”

Sponsored by “The Dr. Asa Show”

Speakers: Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman, Morning Show Co-Hosts, WBT, Charlotte ____________________________________________________________

 11:50 am to 12:05 pm

ONE-ON-ONE CHAT: “WHAT DOES TALK RADIO HAVE IN COMMON WITH PRO WRESTLING?”

Speaker: Dr. Asa Andrew, Host, “The Doctor Asa Show” / Head of Sports Medicine, Ringside Physician, TNA Wrestling

Facilitator: Harry Hurley, Morning Host, WPG, Atlantic City

____________________________________________________________

12:15 pm to 12:40 pm

 PANEL DISCUSSION: “PROGRAMMING NEWS/TALK RADIO”

Sponsored by Premiere Networks

“Studio A” Television Sound Stage

Moderator: Jeff Katz, Host, WRVA, Richmond, VA

Panelists: Phil Boyce, Senior VP, Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network; Michael Czarnecki, Program Director, WFEA, Manchester; Allan Lamberti, Program Director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; Lisa Polizzi, Brand Manager, WBEN, Buffalo; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio; Greg Stocker, Brand Manager, WPHT, Philadelphia

____________________________________________________________

 12:45 pm to 1:00 pm

SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE: FROM CAB DRIVER TO TALK STAR

Speaker: Jimmy Failla, Host, Fox News Radio / TV

____________________________________________________________

1:00 pm to 2:15 pm

LUNCH

Sponsored by Newsmax

________________________________________________________

1:30 pm to 1:35 pm (during lunch)

SPECIAL WELCOME TO HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

Speaker: Mark Lukasiewicz, Dean, School of Communication, Hofstra University

_________________________________________________________

1:40 pm to 1:45 pm (during lunch)

SPECIAL WELCOME FROM NEWSMAX

Speaker: Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio

____________________________________________________________

KEYNOTE ONE-ON-ONE

1:50 pm to 2:15 pm (during end of lunch)

Special Guest Speaker: John Catsimatidis, Owner, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks

Facilitator: Michael Harrison, Publisher / Founder, TALKERS

____________________________________________________________

2:20 pm to 3:00 pm

PANEL DISCUSSION: “THE BIG PICTURE”

Sponsored by Gunhill Road

Panelists: 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; Rich Valdés, Host, “This Is America with Rich Valdés,”

Moderator: Michael Harrison, Publisher / Founder, TALKERS

____________________________________________________________

 3:05 pm to 3:20 pm

FIRESIDE CHAT: “ONE-ON-ONE WITH TODD STARNES”

Sponsored by Comrex

Special Guest: Todd Starnes, Owner, KWAM, Memphis / Host “The Todd Starnes Show” / Host, Newsmax TV

Facilitator: Harry Hurley, Morning Host, WPG, Atlantic City

____________________________________________________________

3:30 pm to 4:10 pm

PANEL DISCUSSION: “OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AS A TALK MEDIA TALENT”

Sponsored by Backbone Networks

Moderator: Mike Gallagher, Salem Radio Network

Panelists: 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 McCullaugh, Host, “That KEVIN Show,” Salem Radio Network; McGraw Milhaven, Program Director, KTRS, St. Louis / Host, “America at Night,” Westwood One; Dr. Daliah Wachs, Host, Talk Media Network.

____________________________________________________________

4:15 pm to 4:55 pm

PANEL DISCUSSION: “JOURNALISM, ETHICS, THE LAW, AND CREDIBILITY IN AN ERA OF FAKES”

Sponsored by Radio America

Moderator: Dom Giordano, Host, WPHT, Philadelphia

Panelists: Lee Harris, VP, News WABC, New York and The Worldwide News Network; Matthew B. Harrison, Associate Publisher, TALKERS / Senior Partner, Harrison Legal Group; Joe Salzone, News Director, Operations Manager, Cayuga Media Group / Morning Host, WHCU, Ithica, NY: Lisa Wexler, Host WICC, Bridgeport, CT; Martha Zoller, Host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA

Introduction: Mark Goldman, Managing Partner, Goldman McCormick Public Relations

____________________________________________________________

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Sponsored by Red Apple Audio Networks

CLOSING RECEPTION

Various speakers TBD

Crane Radio Drawing / Door Prizes

(Program subject to change.)

Conference Registration and Hotel Information

To register for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

To book a hotel room at the nearby Long Island Marriott – Uniondale, please click here: www.TalkersRoomRate.com  or call 516-794-3800 and mention TALKERS 2026.  Act quickly because the number of rooms available at the hotel for this event are limited.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: You Will Save the Aircheck

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgMay the Fourth be with you today, as DJs and talk hosts are bumping with Star Wars music. And with Mother’s Day looming, here’s a tune that can be a wake-up call for forgetful listeners this Friday and Saturday – and a topic for Sunday’s show if you’re live-N-local then.

Got a mom in your family? Make a fuss. She earns it, every day. And if your mom has passed, I suspect that you have found – as my brothers and sisters and I have – that she never really leaves you. And THAT is a call-in/text-in topic that always clicks: “The best advice she ever gave you?”

You will hear stories. Some are so laugh-out-loud familiar that you may finish the caller’s sentence. Other callers’ tearful reminiscences will hit a nerve.

Emotion drives engagement. The most shared moments aren’t the clever bits that jingle-out. They’re the ones that connect. When listeners hear someone choke up talking about Mom’s advice, they lean in. That’s the magic of radio: real people, real time. Whether it’s “Star Wars Day” or “Mother’s Day,” what keeps radio relevant is what keeps it human: shared moments that make listeners feel seen.

And set a reminder now: Same bit for (and approaching) Father’s Day, June 21 this year.

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

Industry News

Salem Media to Syndicate Larry O’Connor Morning Show

Salem Media announces that the “O’Connor & Company” morning show hosted by Larry O’Connor will begin airing across the Salem Radio Network’s 140-plus affiliates and simulcast on the Salem News Channel as its national morning drive program beginning Monday (5/4). The program will continue to air as the imgmorning program on Cumulus Media’s WMAL-FM, Washington, DC. O’Connor also serves as editor of Salem’s Townhall.com. Salem says, “By aligning O’Connor’s leadership role at Townhall.com with his national radio and television presence – and his growing digital footprint – Salem is further strengthening its integrated, cross-platform content strategy. This move positions O’Connor at the forefront of conservative political discourse while reinforcing Salem Media’s role as a leading destination for news, commentary, and influential voices.” Salem SVP of content Phil Boyce adds, “Larry is the go-to media voice for the people shaping policy in our nation’s capital. He’s built a show insiders rely on and an audience that cares deeply about the direction of the country. We’re proud to imgexpand that success across our national lineup, leading the conversation every morning across America.” O’Connor says, “We’re excited to bring ‘O’Connor & Company’ to a broader national audience while maintaining the strong foundation and audience connection the show has built in Washington. At the same time, we’re building the future of media across radio, streaming, and digital platforms with Townhall and the Salem News Channel. Salem’s integrated vision aligns perfectly with my work across platforms, including my daily streaming show “LARRY,” and makes this an incredibly exciting next chapter. I’m also thrilled that my longtime collaborator and executive producer Heather Hunter will continue with the program as we expand nationwide.”

Industry Views

Conservative Talk Media Star Larry O’ Connor Interviewed on Harrison Podcast

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Cumulus Media’s WMAL-FM, Washington, DC morning show mainstay Larry O’ Connor is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel video podcast, “Up Close Far Out.” The episode, hosted by radio industry icon Michael Harrison, dives into the details surrounding the just-announced expansion of O’Connor’s DC-based 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET daily “O’ Connor and Company” to now being carried on the Salem Radio Network and Salem News Network’s 140-plus affiliates. Harrison also probes O’Connor’s position on a wide variety of political and social issues making for a fascinating discussion about the brave new world into which our society is rapidly transitioning. To experience the video in its entirety, please click HERE.

Industry News

John Catsimatidis Set to Keynote 28th TALKERS Conference Heading Stellar Lineup of 60+ Speakers

WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks owner John Catsimatidis has been named keynote speaker for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter set for Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra imgUniversity on Long Island. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “The selection of ‘Cats’ as keynoter is in keeping with one of the major themes of this year’s edition of the iconic industry event – radio, talk media, and entrepreneurism.  John Catsimatidis is presently setting the greatest example of entrepreneurism at work in giving an injection of much needed energy, focus and life to the medium of radio.”  Harrison will serve as facilitator of the presentation in a Q&A / interview style format – a role he has played before with the dynamic billionaire media, grocery, and energy mogul.

imgCatsimatidis will be joined by more than 60 speakers comprised of legendary industry figures as well as fresh faces and rising stars. A detailed agenda including speakers and schedule – a “who’s who” of industry luminaries – will be posted in TALKERS this coming Tuesday (4/28).   See the link below for the names of all speakers booked to date.

The power-packed, one-day agenda is being organized and designed to address the field of talk media’s most pressing and existential issues. imgHarrison continues, “This important conference will illuminate the forward path of the expanding talk media universe, including all aspects of digital communications from AI and podcasting to streaming networks. As has been its tradition, this latest TALKERS conference will approach the onrushing future of the talk business from a radio perspective. This crucial gathering will cover the new undeniable realities of the radio business for those who not only want to survive but thrive as well. It will be about opportunities, networking, and entrepreneurism for individuals in talent, programming, sales, marketing, and management who are serious about staying in the game.”

Attendance at the conference is only open to members of the working media and directly associated industries as well as students enrolled in accredited learning institutions. All attendees will be required to register in advance on the phone payable by credit card. Because attendance will be limited to maintain intimacy, the conference is again expected to be an early sellout. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $260. All registrations are non-refundable. This power-packed, one-day event is being presented in association with Hofstra’s multi-award-winning station, WRHU Radio, and the school’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.

For more detailed agenda info please click here 

Conference Registration and Hotel Information

To register for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

To book a hotel room at the nearby Long Island Marriott – Uniondale, please click here: www.TalkersRoomRate.com  or call 516-794-3800 and mention TALKERS 2026.  Act quickly because the number of rooms available at the hotel for this event are limited.

Industry News

Cumulus Reports 2026 Q1 Revenue Down 12.2%

Cumulus Media is first out of the gate reporting its operating results for the first quarter of 2026. Net revenue for the company was $164.4 million, a decline of 12.2% from the same period in 2025. Cumulus saw its net loss shrink by almost half to $16.9 million compared to Q1 of img2025. The company reports declines in all segments of its business; even digital revenue was off 8.3% ($33.5 million). Network spot revenue was down 25% ($33 million), and broadcast spot revenue was $67.7 million, a decline of 16.3% from Q1 of 2025. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “We are pleased to report first quarter earnings. The Court’s recent approval of our reorganization plan marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening our financial foundation and positioning the company to compete in the evolving media landscape. While we await FCC approval of the plan, we remain focused on leveraging our core strengths to drive long-term value creation.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Triton Digital Collaborates with Nielsen Audio. Nielsen and Triton Digital are collaborating to integrate Triton Digital’s Podcast Metrics Demos+ into Nielsen’s cross-media planning tool, Nielsen Media Impact (NMI). Managing director of Nielsen Audio Rich Tunkel says, “Our collaboration with Triton Digital makes it easier for advertisers to evaluate and plan podcasts alongside, and with the same level of precision, comparability and confidence as other media channels, delivering a critical need.”

Seaboard Networks to Distribute Wrestling Show. Seaboard Networks is now distributing “Wrestling with Heart by Stanley Karr” – a one-hour program hosted by wrestling fanatic Stanley Karr. Seaboard’s marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei states, “Wrestling has a fan base of millions of people. This is a good place for them to enjoy banter on their favorite topic.”

Nielsen Names DeTraglia to Executive Post. Nielsen is appointing Julie DeTraglia head of content and strategic insights. In this role, she’ll lead strategy for Nielsen’s editorial marketing content, which includes social media, insights articles, client communications, events, sales enablement tools and podcasts. Nielsen head of global marketing Sacha Weinberg states, “Julie has a rare talent for transforming data into clear, actionable strategy. She doesn’t just look at where the market has been – she identifies the signals that tell us where it’s going next. Her ability to synthesize deep historical insights with current market dynamics will be a gamechanger for how we deliver value to our clients in a constantly evolving landscape.” DeTraglia most recently served as vice president of ads measurement at Netflix.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: The 2026 Win-Win Audio Alliance

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgStations I work with are confronting a generational revenue issue: Local direct retail business owners who are Baby Boomers are retiring. And their heirs are moving the radio dollars that built their parents’ businesses to search engine optimization and elsewhere-digital. The narrative we present them: “Radio is ‘a reach engine’” for the digital content people their age personally favor. In this mode, the station feels less like “your father’s Oldsmobile;” and more present tense. Many of these next-generation businesspeople are avid podcast listeners, and that presents an opportunity.

If you still have a stack of TALKERS issues going back 36 years to when it was a newsprint trade delivered by snail mail – you will find my reports from the very first podcasting conventions. I wrote then that the energy in those rooms felt like radio conventions felt before consolidation thinned our herd. As AM/FM programming was settling into predictable grooves – music “safe lists” and talk radio’s political caricature – enthused podcasters were gleefully coloring outside the lines. Many podcast topics were too narrowcast for broadcast radio, whose superpower will always be relevant, helpful local content. Yet podcasters were already building listener communities, and finding related advertisers, on what we then called “the World Wide Web.”

Back to the future: Among takeaways from last week’s NAB Show: Podcasters are no longer the Rodney Dangerfields of audio. 2026 Edison Research pegged the turning point: Time Spent Listening to podcasts has surpassed TSL to spoken word radio. Podcasting is now mainstream media, available on smartphones and smart speakers, which outnumber many households’ radio receivers.

Meanwhile, radio’s own podcast efforts have been – putting it charitably – underoptimized.

  • Too many talk stations simply post hourlong airchecks. No highlights. No hooks. Magic moments – the caller who lit up the board, the guest who surprised you, the host who finally said the thing everyone else tiptoed around – are buried inside a 48minute block like a prize in a cereal box. And listeners won’t dig. Research also tells us that podcast listeners’ attention span is less-forgiving than radio listeners.
  • Without stopping the music on FM, some smart DJs are also podcasting about their personal passions. Ditto the radio talkers who podcast hobby topics and other things off topic to their on-air show. But for many radio personalities, being told to – effectively – do a second show for the station’s podcast repertoire? It’s just one more thing dumped on them as cutbacks continue.

Here’s the opportunity: Radio has what podcasters want, and podcasters have what radio needs.

  • Radio = credibility. Anyone with a USB mic can podcast. But stations have earned trust. While many podcasters toil in obscurity, radio can promote them to its habitual listeners. Where better to find audio consumers? People tune-in without being nudged by an algorithm. And even as touchscreen dashboards now hide AM/FM among umpteen audio alternatives, broadcast radio is still #1 in-car.
  • Podcasters excel where radio rarely ventures: narrowcast depth. They cover high affinity topics that don’t justify live airtime but can absolutely attract targeted advertisers. These would-be influencers build communities. They create evergreen content. They understand digital promotion instinctively.

Put these two together and you get a synergy that moves the needle for broadcasters and podcasters… and advertisers.

For all these reasons – and because consolidation, automation, and syndication have clobbered radio’s farm team – stations and podcasters should seek each other out. 1 + 1 can = 3… or more, with coordinated, scalable workflow. Here’s the schematic.

There’s more on podcasting in my daily TALKERS updates from last week’s NAB Show. If you missed any, they’re archived at HollandCooke.com

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

Industry News

SRN Reacts Quickly to WHCD Shooting

Salem Radio Network reacted swiftly to the breach of security and shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday night. SRN VP of news & talk programming Tom Tradup says that SRN Special Reports were fed starting just four minutes after the first shots were fired and the president was evacuated from the head table by Secret Service agents. TOWNHALL.com’s Larry O’Connor went live on imgYouTube less than 20 minutes after the shots were fired with analysis and perspective including multiple videos from different angles, as well as his own experiences over the years attending D.C. events. Tradup adds, “I am so very proud of our Salem news professionals at SRN News and TOWNHALL.com who quickly and concisely kept our audiences up-to-the-minute as this unprecedented drama unfolded.”

Industry News

Marketing Execs Launch Bubbler; Announce Partnership with iHeartPodcasts

Marketing pros Gayle Troberman, former CMO for iHeartMedia and David Alberts, former chief creative officer for Grey London are launching Bubbler Media Group, a “conversation company designed to break the marketing cycle of safe thinking and predictable playbooks.” The company’s press release says Bubbler “is a marketing company designed for marketers by marketers built to spark and scale human conversations as a catalyst for ideas and growth. Through imgprovocative podcasts, unexpected live experiences, and new research, tools and planning solutions, Bubbler is designed to get brands into the conversation in fresh ways.” As part of its launch, Bubbler announces a partnership with iHeartMedia to develop and distribute a slate of original business and marketing podcasts, with more than 10 original podcasts slated for this year. President of iHeartPodcasts Will Pearson says, “The iHeartPodcast Network has always been focused on the new genres and audiences we can reach through this incredible medium – and the ‘business-to-business’ space is a perfect example of that. Creating a slate in podcasting for marketing executives to have meaningful, deep conversations with each other about the world of business and advertising will have immense value for our listeners and brand partners alike.”

Industry Views

TALKERS Books Announces Publication of Playing the Clip: The Digital Media Creator’s Legal Guide to Fair Use

TALKERS Books announces the release of, Playing the Clip: The Digital Media Creator’s Legal Guide to Fair Use, by media attorney (and imgTALKERS magazine associate publisher) Matthew B. Harrison, a work designed for today’s news/talk media environment where audio, video, screenshots, and quotes are not just supporting elements – but serve as the actual content itself. This technique has become particularly prevalent on YouTube and even cable news/talk TV but increasingly appears in audio form as what used to be called “actualities” – sound from another source.

The book introduces and defines what TALKERS identifies as the “Play the Clip” technique: the now-standard practice across broadcasting, podcasting, streaming, and social platforms of presenting the source material rather than merely describing it. Although this practice has become ubiquitous, it leaves content creators and providers vulnerable to legal ambiguity, uncertainty, and consequences.

At a time when creators increasingly rely on third-party media to inform, critique, and engage audiences, Playing the Clip addresses a persistent gap between how content is created and how the law evaluates it. Theimg book explains the legal concept of fair use not as a permission structure, but as a legal defense raised after copying has already occurred – an uncomfortable but essential distinction that underpins the entire analysis.

Rather than offering abstract theory or checklist-style guidance, the book focuses on how courts actually evaluate real-world uses. It examines the operational realities creators face: platform incentives, inconsistent enforcement, monetization pressures, and the false sense of security created by what “everyone else is doing.”

The central premise is straightforward: infringement is the starting point, not the conclusion- and fair use, when it applies, is the justification that must be built from there.

Playing the Clip is now available:

  • Print Edition (Amazon): $24.95
  • Kindle Edition (Amazon): Limited-time promotional price of $1.00

Free to TALKERS subscribers

In addition, TALKERS is making the book available at no cost to its readership for a limited time.

Below is a form just for TALKERS readers. Just submit your email address to receive access to a free digital copy, available in either EPUB or PDF format, depending on preference. This offer is intended to ensure that working media creators -regardless of platform or budget – can access the material during its initial release window. To receive a free book, please click here.

Industry News

Cumulus v. Nielsen: Harm Has Already Happened

The latest court filing in the Cumulus v Nielsen monopolistic practices suit tells the court it is no longer asking it to prevent harm, it’s asking the court to recognize that the harm has already happened. The filing states: “After a three-day evidentiary hearing, the District Court ruled for Cumulus, finding that Nielsen’s unlawful tying would irreparably injureimg Cumulus’s relationships with advertisers, goodwill, and market share, and push it towards financial collapse. The District Court accordingly enjoined Nielsen’s anticompetitive conduct. imgNielsen’s brief attacks those findings as speculative, asserting that Cumulus never showed any real risk of bankruptcy or any other non-compensable harm, but one of those irreparable harms has now come to pass: After a motions panel stayed the injunction, Cumulus declared bankruptcy—citing “the Nielsen network tying policy” as a significant contributing cause. The other harms identified by the District Court remain today and have become increasingly urgent, as Cumulus will lose access to Nationwide this September.” TALKERS associate publisher and Harrison Media Law senior partner Matthew B. Harrison comments, “Cumulus has fundamentally shifted the posture of this case. What began as a forward-looking claim of irreparable harm is now being presented as a realized outcome, following its Chapter 11 filing. The appellate court is no longer being asked to prevent potential damage, but to assess whether the harm that has already occurred can be attributed to Nielsen’s challenged conduct — or to broader economic pressures facing the radio industry.”