SABO SEZ: What Happened to Sex?
By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling Every Damn Night
Sterling on Sunday Syndicated, TMN
Talk radio has a long incredibly successful run of shows about sex.
SEX SELLS. What happened to shows on radio that talk about sex? In the olden days, numerous shows focused on sex and relationships. Traditionally, time liberates cultural tolerance of conversations about sexual intimacy. Television, films and print have progressed to broaden the variety of subjects welcomed by the audiences.
Our history was lusty:
Dr. Ruth Westheimer launched on WYNY-FM, New York in 1980 on Sunday nights for 15 minutes. She read letters on the air. Quickly the show progressed to one, then two hours taking live phone calls. GM Dan Griffin never blinked. The station was owned by NBC/RCA, which housed the original standards and practices department, a department, not a deeply disliked single corporate attorney. Every week NBC Standards visited my office (I was the EVP in charge of the division not some hack from finance) and Dan Griffin’s office. We invited Standards to share their concerns with Dr. Ruth directly. She was 4’11”, had two bullet wounds in her legs from fighting for the Israeli Army, and two PhDs. That suggestion sent the censors back to their martinis.
After one year, Dr. Ruth, a radio star, was on the cover of PEOPLE and represented by William Morris Talent.
To this day, no one has achieved a higher share of 18–34-year-olds than Dr. Ruth on WYNY. Dr. Ruth was brought to WYNY by Betty Elam and Mitch Lebe. We told Dr. Ruth to say “blow jobs” and “vagina” as often as possible.
Sally Jesse Raphael hosted a show on NBC Talknet for 14 years. Sally’s was a national show about personal relationships and sex. Previously, she had won audience shares on local stations, WMCA, New York and WIOD, Miami. Then she launched 19 years of success on TV talking about relationships and sex!
Dr. Judy Kurianski, Dr. Toni Grant, and Dr. Laura Schlesinger were major, highly paid stars from discussing sex and relationships in highly entertaining shows.
Many top talk stations added relationship shows to their schedule hosted by skilled broadcasters such as on WRKO, Boston’s “Two Chicks Dishing,” Mary Walter on New Jersey 101.5, and Erin Sommers on WTKS, Orlando… “A lot of my friends who don’t like anal sex really enjoy rimming.” Number 1 men 18-34 first book. And, of course, the legendary morning stars such as Bubba the Love Sponge, Steve Dahl, Stevens and Pruitt, and the king, Howard Stern.
Oh, and please no nonsense about advertiser sensitivity to sex talk. Brands are spending billions on “influencers” whose videos run next to images of extreme sex acts and TV shows celebrating drugs, nudity and other good stuff.
Sex talk equals women ratings, younger ratings, engaged listens. This one’s easy.
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. He can be phoned at 646-678-1110.
Radio Networks names two media sales pros to the organization. Rosanne Tipton joins Key-United as VP, sales and brand partnerships, and 
Robbie Eisen, joins as director of strategic research and planning. Key-United president of sales Ron Russo, says, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome both Rosanne and Robbie to the sales organization. Their energy, drive, and passion for building meaningful relationships perfectly align with our commitment to service and partnership. We’re confident they will make an immediate impact and accelerate the outstanding results our agency and client partners have come to expect from Key-United.”
revenue increased $47.7 million, or 14.1%, driven primarily by continuing increases in demand for digital and podcast advertising, as well as increased non-cash trade revenue resulting from strategic marketing initiatives. Multiplatform Group revenue decreased $19.2 million, or 2.8%, primarily resulting from lower political revenues, as 2024 was a presidential election year, as well as a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions.
Your prospect – or, worse, an existing advertiser with cold feet – says “We tried radio. It didn’t work.” Often, the copy is the culprit, because it’s inside-out.
strength of the video podcast and podcast clips, while “The Joe Rogan Experience” is #2 with consumption split almost evenly between audio and a combination of video podcast and podcast clips. Perhaps not surprisingly, NPR’s “NPR News Now” (#4) consumption came primarily from audio with about 20% coming from podcast clips. Candace Owens’ “Candace” leapt 71 places to finish the January period at #10. Her program’s consumption was primarily a split between video podcast and podcast clips. 
posts remain unchanged – iHeart Audience Networks’ “Stuff You Should Know” at #1 and Audacy Podcast Network’s “48 Hours.” Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” falls only one spot to #4. Other noteworthy shows include iHeart Audience Network’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” rises on place to #10 and Audioboom’s “The Bulwark Takes” climbs nine places to #21. 
Indiana Wesleyan University, effective July 1. SRN VP/news Tom Tradup says, “Greg is the consummate professional whose solid coverage will be sorely missed by our Washington Bureau and by our listeners nationwide.” Tradup says Clugston served on the White House Travel Pool and often traveled on Air Force One covering President Trump for SRN News.
president Julie Talbott says, “We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, and it has been an honor to work with him and his family throughout the past two decades of his ‘Keep Hope Alive’ radio show. Santita Jackson is uniquely positioned to carry forward his legacy and his unwavering commitment to community and social justice – values he championed so powerfully for listeners and stations across the country.” iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman adds, “Rev. Jackson has been a transformative voice in American life, and it was a privilege to work with him dating back to ‘The Jesse Jackson Show’ with Quincy Jones in the 1990s. We’ve valued our relationship with him over the years and look forward to celebrating his lasting impact on the national conversation and our culture – an influence that will continue to resonate for generations.”
Christianity. This podcast is an extension of the conversations I’m already having – about faith, family, and what it means to live with conviction in a liberal culture. I’m excited to bring those discussions to a wider audience.” Salem Media SVP of content Phil Boyce states, “Danielle represents the next generation of conservative voices. As Salem continues to invest in new talent and new platforms, her voice reflects both where the conservative audience is headed and the future we’re building at the Salem Podcast Network.”
daily lineup: “Daybreak with Brian and Jamie” airing 6:00 am to 9:00 am (starring Brian Noonan and Jamie Martinson); “The Jeff Santos Show,” airing from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm; and “Nite Lite With Pete Schwaba and Greg Bach” airing from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Civic Media vice president of product Aaron Carreno said, “We’re excited to refresh our programming with the addition of new radio shows and a continuous stream of digital content that meets audiences wherever they are. This growth reflects our commitment to delivering fresh voices, diverse perspectives, and engaging storytelling across every platform. By strengthening both our on-air and digital presence, we’re creating more opportunities for our community to connect, discover, and stay informed—anytime, anywhere.”
If you work in radio, you’ve heard every flavor of AI anxiety. Some fear it will wipe out jobs. Others treat it like a super shortcut – cranking-out spots, promos, and proposals faster and cheaper. Kate O’Neill’s “
TALKERS magazine, the leading trade publication serving America’s professional broadcast talk radio and associated digital communities since 1990, is pleased to participate as the presenting sponsor of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference for the second consecutive year. The conference is currently underway in New York.
radio industry (and its related fields) seeks to connect with and develop a next generation of professional practitioners as well as engaged audiences. TALKERS is honored to again provide financial support, encouragement, experience, and advice to the dedicated organizers of this very special event.
I am pleased to be speaking this weekend at the IBS New York 2026 conference in New York City. Thank you, TALKERS magazine, for being the presenting sponsor of this important, timely annual event along with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS).
“Podcasting’s momentum strengthened in 2025, with audio remaining the foundation of the medium while video helped bring in new audiences. What’s most compelling is the diversity podcasting now delivers across content, platforms, and consumers. Triton’s report highlights where new listeners are engaging and how their evolving behaviors – including shopping and purchase intent – are creating a highly engaged audience that is increasingly attractive for brand investment.” One key finding from the study is that “consumption preferences vary sharply by genre. Categories primarily consumed via audio are Science (58%), History (56%), Fiction (54%), Arts (51%), and True Crime (50%), while Music (34%), Sports (32%), Kids & Family (31%), Comedy (30%), News (30%) skew more heavily toward exclusive video consumption. This emphasizes a need for differentiated content and monetization strategies.” 
strategy and drive expansion across Compass Media Networks’ national audio portfolio. Compass SVP affiliate sales and content Nancy Abramson says, “Sydney has consistently demonstrated exceptional sales skills and a deep understanding of the affiliate marketplace. This promotion is well deserved and recognizes her ability to build strong partnerships and deliver results.” 
Debbie Kenyon states, “In Detroit, the Lions represent our resilience and our pride. We are honored to extend our long-standing partnership with the team, serving as the bridge between the field and the fans. This extension underscores our deep commitment to the team and to delivering the most authentic and highest quality game-day experience to the dedicated Lions fans across the region and beyond.” “97.1 The Ticket” will continue to air the “Lions Review Show” hosted by play-by-play voice for the Lions Radio Network, Dan Miller and “97.1 The Ticket” hosts Will Burchfield and Bob Wojnowski. Throughout the season, guests, including starting quarterback Jared Goff and head coach Dan Campbell, will make weekly appearances on the morning and midday shows.
politics, and beyond. Filmed from Hannity’s new set in Florida, dubbed the personal ‘man cave,’ the show will offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the conversations that take place when the cameras stop rolling.” FOX News Digital and New Media president Porter Berry says, “Sean Hannity remains one of the most influential voices in media, grounded by the same values and work ethic that defined his early days. We’re thrilled to expand our podcast portfolio with one of the most accomplished broadcasters to ever pick up a microphone.” Hannity comments, “I’ve always been interested in how people got to where they are – the risks they took, the failures they pushed through, and the lessons that don’t make it on TV. This podcast is a chance to slow down and have those conversations, no scripts, no talking points, just real discussions with people who have something meaningful to say.” In addition to the podcast, Hannity will continue to host his Premiere Networks nationally syndicated radio program, “The Sean Hannity Show,” while sunsetting “Sean” on FOX Nation. 
interview due to potential implications under the Federal Communications Commission’s “equal time” rule. The rule requires broadcast licensees to provide equal opportunities to legally qualified candidates for public office if one candidate is given airtime.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has indicated that the Commission is reviewing how those exemptions are applied, particularly in the context of high-profile entertainment programs that feature political figures. While no formal rule change has been adopted, CBS reportedly acted out of caution, concerned that airing the interview could trigger equal-time obligations for opposing candidates.
Every radio conference agenda and much of what’s-up in the trade press and chat groups is about exploiting Artificial Intelligence. Often these conversations land in one of two places: fear (“Will this replace us?”) or fascination (“Look what it can do!”). Both miss the point.
response to Nielsen’s Counterclaims, including any motion to dismiss the Counterclaims and March 16 for Nielsen to notify the Court whether it intends to file an amended pleading. If Nielsen doesn’t amend its Counterclaims, then April 3 is the deadline for Nielsen to file its opposition to Cumulus’s 
motion to dismiss the Counterclaims, if any, and April 17 for Cumulus to file a reply, if any. Then, if Nielsen amends its Counterclaims, April 24 is the date for Cumulus to file its response to Nielsen’s amended Counterclaims, including any motion to dismiss the amended Counterclaims. May 15 is the deadline for Nielsen to file its opposition to Cumulus’s motion to dismiss the amended Counterclaims, if any, and May 28 is the deadline for Cumulus to file a reply, if any.
The Hub – The Voice for Freedom.” The station features Salem Radio Network programming including Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt, Larry Elder, and Scott Jennings, plus Compass Media Network’s Erick Erickson. The station is also airing local agribusiness programming from hosts Tony St. James and Steven Orr in morning drive. 
“Darn, if we were on FM everything would get better.” Not true. This writer launched many of the successful talk formats on FM stations in the early 1990s. The ones that worked, such as KLSX, Los Angeles; WTKS, Orlando; and New Jersey 101.5 in Trenton, were produced for the unique demands of FM. Then and today, the FM band cume utilized the radio in a completely different manner than AM audiences. The competition on FM isn’t another talk show. It’s Chapelle Roan and Taylor Swift. Ya know, billion-dollar Taylor Swift. The production values of FM music stations set the expectations of “the sound.” “Let’s pay some bills…” Followed by bumper music! Followed by eight minutes of commercials for Med Alert is just not what FMers are used to hearing on Elvis Duran. (Elvis is doing a talk show.)
report include: When it comes to audio’s value versus TV, diehard fans are 1.4 times more likely to tune into pre- and post-game shows on radio than on TV; Local voices matter as 79% of fans say sports make them feel part of a community. Many mute national broadcasts to follow local radio calls that capture their city’s emotion and history. Audacy adds that it now ranks #1 in sports talk reach across radio and television, surpassing ESPN and FS1; When it comes to reaching Gen Z, younger fans aren’t disengaged, they follow personalities, podcasts, and audio creators instead of networks; It’s a myth that only marketing beer and betting works on sports audio: sports audio drives measurable results beyond traditional categories, with web traffic lifts on air days vs. off-air days: +105% for financial services, +42% home improvement, +22% grocery, +10% automotive. 
Kevin McCullough tells TALKERS that as of the end of January, weekly affiliates taking one or both of his weekday, or weekend “That KEVIN Shows” is up to 693. He adds, “Not only have former Eric Metaxas stations been quick to jump on board, but we are also increasingly replacing some Charlie Kirk slots as well. New adds include: KLBE-FM, Bismarck; KOMT-FM, Lake View, Arkansas; and KWPM-AM/FM, West Plains, Missouri.
clear on what this is. This is government intimidation, not a legitimate investigation. Like many other so-called ‘investigations’ before it, the FCC will announce an investigation but never carry one out, reach a conclusion, or take any meaningful action. The real purpose is to weaponize the FCC’s regulatory authority to intimidate perceived critics of this Administration and chill protected speech. That is not how a free society operates. The First Amendment protects the right of daytime and late-night programs to cover newsworthy issues and express viewpoints without government interference. I urge broadcasters and their parent networks to stand strong against these unfounded attacks and continue exercising their constitutional rights without fear or favor.”
If you’re on-air, it’s an important part of your job. Here’s what I see and hear working:
TALKERS magazine, the leading trade publication serving America’s professional broadcast talk radio and associated digital communities since 1990, is pleased to participate as the presenting sponsor of the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference for the second consecutive year.
