Edison Research announces it is presenting a webinar to reveal data from its research report, The Podcast
Consumer. Edison says the webinar will cover the current size and habits of the U.S. podcast audience and explore how things have changed over time. The webinar is July 23 at 2:00 pm ET. You can register here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Senate Passes DOGE Cuts
2. The Epstein Case / MAGA Rift
3. Financial Markets Activity / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Russia Intensifies Ukraine Strikes
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
In radio and podcasting, editing isn’t just technical – it shapes narratives and influences audiences. Whether trimming dead air, tightening a guest’s comment, or pulling a clip for social media, every cut leaves an impression.
But here’s the legal reality: editing also creates risk.
For FCC-regulated broadcasters, that risk isn’t about content violations. The FCC polices indecency, licensing, and political fairness – not whether your edit changes a guest’s meaning.
For podcasters and online creators, the misconception is even riskier. Just because you’re not on terrestrial radio doesn’t mean you’re free from scrutiny. Defamation, false light, and misrepresentation laws apply to everyone — whether you broadcast on a 50,000-watt signal or a free podcast platform.
At the end of the day, it’s not the FCC that will hold you accountable for your edits. It’s a judge.
1. Alex Jones and the $1 Billion Lesson
Alex Jones became infamous for promoting conspiracy theories on Infowars, especially his repeated claim that the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax – supported by selectively aired clips and distorted facts.
The result? Nearly $1 billion in defamation verdicts after lawsuits from victims’ families.
Takeaway: You can’t hide behind “just asking questions” or “it was my guest’s opinion.” If your platform publishes it – over the airwaves or online – you’re legally responsible for the content, including how it’s edited or framed.
2. Katie Couric and the Gun Rights Group Edit
In “Under the Gun,” filmmakers inserted an eight-second pause after Katie Couric asked a tough question, making it seem like a gun rights group was stumped. In reality, they had answered immediately.
The group sued for defamation. The case was dismissed, but reputations took a hit.
Takeaway: Even subtle edits – like manufactured pauses – can distort meaning and expose creators to risk.
3. FOX News and the Dominion Settlement
FOX News paid $787 million to Dominion Voting Systems after airing content suggesting election fraud – often based on selectively edited interviews and unsupported claims.
Though FOX is (among other things) a cable network, the impact shook the media world. Broadcasters reassessed risks, host contracts, and editorial practices.
Takeaway: Major networks aren’t the only ones at risk. Radio hosts and podcasters who echo misleading narratives may face similar legal consequences.
4. The Serial Podcast and the Power of Editing
“Serial” captivated millions by exploring Adnan Syed’s murder conviction. While no lawsuit followed, critics argued the producers presented facts selectively to build a certain narrative.
Takeaway: Even without a lawsuit, editing shapes public perception. Misleading edits may not land you in court but can damage trust and invite scrutiny.
Whether you’re behind a radio microphone or a podcast mic, your editing decisions carry weight – and legal consequence.
The FCC might care if you drop an indecent word on air, but they won’t be the ones suing you when a guest claims you twisted their words. That’s civil law, where defamation, false light, and misrepresentation have no broadcast exemption.
There’s one set of rules for editing that every content creator lives by – and they’re written in the civil courts, not the FCC code.
Edit with care.
Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.
FOX News enters into a licensing agreement with the “Ruthless” podcast as part of its new media expansion. At the same time, Porter Berry – current president and editor-in-chief of FOX News Digital – adds new media to his role. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott states, “The FOX News Media ecosystem we have built over the past seven years continues to thrive and set new records, and the ‘Ruthless’ deal is a natural extension of our powerhouse brand as audiences reshape how they consume quality content. We have cultivated an unrivaled bench of successful personalities who are well-positioned to excel in today’s evolving media landscape, where podcasting offers the kind of deep engagement our platforms are known for. Porter is a talented executive whose leadership will enhance these new media ventures and creators, while further strengthening FOX News Digital.” Ruthless is hosted by public affairs and digital advocacy consulting firm Cavalry’s founding partners Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan and John Ashbrook as well as Shashank Tripathi, pseudonymously known as “Comfortably Smug.” They were represented by Workhouse Media’s John McConnell. About their new partnership with FOX, the co-hosts say, “We are thrilled to take ‘Ruthless’ to the next level through this strategic partnership. There is a growing appetite for authentic political and cultural conversations, and our podcast delivers with no-holds-barred, irreverent takes that deeply resonate with our dedicated audience.”
Audacy welcomes Bruce Logan to the Houston station group as vice president of programming and
operations for the cluster that includes sports talk KILT-AM, sports betting KIKK-AM and four music brands. Logan says, “I’m so excited to be returning to Audacy and Houston! Thanks to Sarah Frazier, Brian Purdy, Tim Roberts, Dave Richards, Jeff Sottolano and Chris Oliviero for once again handing me the keys to these legendary Houston brands. I know Houston is hot, I know it’s where to find the best queso in the world, and I know how to help teams achieve success! We start immediately.”
Red Apple Media brings Bert Goldman aboard as chief technology officer. For Goldman, whose career has included stops at ABC/Disney Radio Division, Nationwide Communications, and Shamrock Broadcasting, this
is a return to WABC. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis says, “As Red Apple Media continues to enlarge its footprint in radio, we recognized a need for an engineering specialist with insights that will bolster our growth strategy as we identify properties for our expansion. Bert’s experience made him the perfect choice.” Goldman comments, “I’m eager to come home to 77WABC and join Red Apple Media as it enters its next growth phase. John has revived AM talk radio with big-name hosts and created renewed excitement for broadcast radio overall.”
Chicago sports media personality Harry Teinowitz has died at the age of 64. The Chicago Sun-Times reports
that Teinowitz, former co-host of the “Mac, Jurko and Harry” show with Dan McNeil and John Jukovich on WMVP, Chicago’s, had been ill in recent years, having received a liver transplant and suffering from liver and heart issues. Teinowitz began his radio career as part of the morning show on crosstown competitor WSCR. He also did on-air appearances on WLUP-FM and WGN-AM. See the Chicago Sun-Times story here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Epstein Case Controversies
2. Russian Strikes on Ukraine / Trump Threatens Sanctions
3. Inflation Ticks Up / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Trump Tariffs
Hubbard Radio names Nick Beyer the new VP/market manager for its Seattle cluster that includes alternative talk KKNW-AM, four music brands and the 2060 Digital Seattle office. Beyer began his radio career at the
Hubbard Seattle stations (then owned by Sandusky) and rose through the ranks in promotions, sales, and on-air roles, and was selected for Hubbard’s inaugural NextGen Leadership program. Most recently, Beyer held senior sales leadership positions at CRISTA Media and iHeartMedia Seattle. Beyer says, “I’m incredibly honored to return to where it all began. Hubbard Radio Seattle is home, and I can’t wait to work with this amazing team to serve our listeners, clients, and community.”
The July 10 season premiere of “Celebrity Family Feud,” hosted by Steve Harvey, featured a showdown between “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Rich Eisen Show.” Dan Patrick and The Danettes – Marvin, Fritzy, Seton and Paul (pictured above) – made it to the Fast Money round to take home the $25,000 prize, which will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Milford. You can find the episode on Hulu.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. SCOTUS Education Dept. Ruling
2. Epstein Case Controversies
3. Trump Reverses Course on Ukraine
4. EU and Mexico Tariffs
5. The Economy / Inflation
The Federal Communications Commission announces its latest effort to remove outdated and unnecessary rules and regulations as part of its “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative. Specifically, the action will remove from its regulations approximately 2,991 words and 41 rules or requirements concerning utility-style burdens on the
Internet adopted under the Biden Administration and network interconnection. FCC chairman Brendan Carr says, “We’re continuing to clean house at the FCC, working to identify and eliminate rules that no longer serve a purpose, have been on our books for decades, and have no place in the current Code of Federal Regulations. Today’s action is just the latest step the FCC is taking to follow the Trump Administration’s effort to usher in prosperity through deregulation. And it’s just one of many, with more on the horizon, so stay tuned.”
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Epstein “Client List” Mystery
2. Death at California ICE Raid
3. Trump’s Tariffs / Financial Markets Activity
4. Fed Renovations Criticism
5. Trump vs Rosie O’Donnell
The editors of TALKERS magazine, with input from industry leaders, present the 2025 edition of “The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” – a popular feature that has come to be known as “The Heavy Hundred.”
Debuting in 1996, this marks the 29th consecutive year of the TALKERS Heavy Hundred existing as an iconic radio industry standard. It actually launched one year earlier in 1995 but only focused on 25 hosts in that first installment.
The criteria used to determine the individual broadcasters included in the list are clearly detailed in a disclaimer posted at the beginning of the feature. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “In addition to the standard 11 factors considered – which include [in alphabetical order] courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, ratings, recognition, revenue, service, talent and uniqueness – the editors strongly considered the quality of entrepreneurship for 2025 which has become increasingly important as the industry hurtles deeper into the digital era and faces emerging challenges which require an expanded set of business skills and layers of emotional fortitude.”
Casey continues, “A number of this year’s inductees have ‘put their money where their mouth is’ and own their own stations or syndication businesses. In 2025, we see that as a deeply personal commitment to the future of the radio medium.”
This year’s list is sponsored by GuestBooker.com and co-sponsored by C. Crane Radio for which TALKERS is grateful.
Last month, Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw filed suit in Superior Court in Connecticut against Soros Fund Management and the company’s Michael Del Nin for breach of contract, unfair trade practices and more. Warshaw alleges that he had a deal with Soros Fund Management’s Michael Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try to acquire Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage the
business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” While both parties were doing due diligence on the CMG deal, Warshaw learned that an Audacy majority stake holder was willing to sell its stake in the company. Warshaw says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024. Warshaw alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. After that though, Warshaw says Del Nin balked and denied there was ever an agreement, calling any such claims “fabricated.” Now, Soros and Del Nin filed both a Motion to Dismiss saying the “Court lacks personal jurisdiction over Mr. Del Nin under Connecticut’s long-arm statute”; and a Motion to Revise that asks Warshaw to revise his complaint with specific details about his contracts – written or verbal – that he claims were breached, and more. In the Motion to Revise, Soros and Del Nin imply that Warshaw doesn’t have the contractual proof necessary to support his claim.
Katz Radio presents more data that supports the notion that radio’s effectiveness is misperceived by marketing professionals. The report cites data from Nielsen’s Global Annual Marketing Survey that asked
marketers about perceived media effectiveness in which radio came in last place, behind all measured traditional and digital media types. According to Nielsen’s global ROI benchmarks, radio delivers the second highest return for advertisers, second only to social media. Nielsen’s ROI benchmarks show radio delivers higher returns for advertisers than all other other traditional media. While radio is perceived to be less effective than digital media, it delivers an ROI +30% higher than video and display, and +70% higher than search and CTV. See more about the study here.
Pictured above is Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher this morning (7/11) on media row at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Tampa. Salem says the event, sponsored by SRN personality Charlie Kirk, drew thousands of young conservatives from all 50 states for workshops and speeches from Kirk, Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem, Dr. Ben Carson and other conservative leaders as they map game plans for the 2026 midterm elections.
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.
Audacy says that its Dallas news/talk station KRLD-AM “NewsRadio 1080” and Austin news/talk KJCE-AM have been keeping Texans informed since the deadly floods began in the early morning of July 4. The company says that “NewsRadio 1080” and Texas State Networks reporter Christopher Fox has been
tirelessly reporting from along the river between Kerrville and Centerpoint, Texas, “delivering succinct and informative reports on NewsRadio 1080, additional Audacy stations, and various CBS affiliates across the country. His Texas State Network reporting includes hourly newscasts reaching over 100 affiliates in 86 markets.” KRLD brand manager and Audacy news/talk foremat vice president Drew Anderssen says, “‘NewsRadio 1080’has been a critical lifeline for Texans. Our commitment to timely and essential news, weather and traffic information never wavered in the early days of this tragedy, over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and we are committed to continuing our compassionate and impactful coverage in the days ahead.”
On Monday (7/7), Audacy news/talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo unveiled a new program lineup that includes a new show hosted by Joe Beamer airing in the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm daypart. Beamer had been co-host of the
station’s morning show alongside Brian Mazurowski, who continues hosting the morning show. Other changes include David Bellavia’s show airing an hour earlier (9:00 am to 1:00 pm), and Tom Bauerle’s afternoon drive show beginning an hour later at 3:00 pm. The station also adds FOX News Radio programs “Will Cain Country” (7:00 pm to 8:00 pm) and “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” (8:00 pm to 10:00 pm), as well as FOX News hourly reports.
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. John
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.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Tariffs
2. Texas Floods Aftermath
3. ICE Raids / Masked Agents Controversy
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. Bedford Confirmed as FAA Administrator
Two programs hosted by Mark Walters pick up new affiliates as the weekly “Armed American Radio” show
and the “AAR Daily Defense Hour” join the programming at Omni Broacasting’s WTKE in the Ft. Walton Beach-Destin, Florida market. Additionally, the “Armed American Radio” show is being distributed by CRN Talk to cable systems operated by Cox Communications, Optimum TV, and Xfinity Stream.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. SCOTUS Mass Firings Ruling
2. Trump-Putin Tensions
3. Texas Floods Aftermath
4. Trump Suggests Feds Run DC
5. IRS Churches Ruling
iHeartMedia’s sports talk KXNO, Des Moines is debuting its new program lineup after the departure of a number of local hosts over the past six months or so. Last year, the “Murph and Andy Show” starring Keith Murphy and Andy Fales exited for a podcast initiative. Also exiting were Ross Peterson in late 2024 and
morning drive personality Travis Justice in January of this year. New in morning drive are Heather Burnside (who moves from the PM drive show) and Alec Busse hosting “The 1st Quarter.” Ken Miller and Trent Condon continue in the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm slot, and program director and personality Sean Roberts partners with Lucas Strain for the afternoon drive “Off the Bench” show. Overtime Iowa – a “best of the day” program – airs from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
NPR’s “NPR News Now” stays at #1 on Podtrac’s June 2025 Top Podcasts chart based on U.S. unique
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.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/7) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Deadly Texas Floods Aftermath
2. Trump Announces More Tariffs
3. Netanyahu Visits Trump
4. Musk’s “America Party”
5. Epstein “Client List” Controversy
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Ipsos 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?
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
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Deadly Texas Floods
2. Big, Beautiful Bill Passes
3. Musk’s “America Party”
4. Netanyahu to Meet with Trump
5. DOJ: No Epstein Client List
FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez is calling out Paramount for its settlement with Donald Trump over what she calls “a meritless lawsuit regarding a CBS News interview last year.” Gomez says, “This moment marks a dangerous precedent for the First Amendment, and it should alarm anyone who values a free and independent press. Despite repeated attempts to deny the obvious, this Paramount Payout is a desperate
move to appease the Administration and secure regulatory approval of a major transaction currently pending before the FCC. For months, it has been clear that this lawsuit was entirely meritless, just like the complaint now before the Commission. The transcript and video of the 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Harris show no evidence of wrongdoing, only the standard editorial judgments used across the news industry to ensure clarity and brevity. Had Paramount chosen to fight this in court, they would have prevailed on the facts and the law. But instead of standing on principle, Paramount opted for a payout. That decision now casts a long shadow over the integrity of the transaction pending before the FCC. Given the extraordinary public interest in this deal, the novel legal questions raised by the lawsuit and its resolution, and the repeated calls from lawmakers for transparency, I once again urge the FCC to bring this matter before the full Commission for a vote. Approving this transaction behind closed doors and under the cover of bureaucratic process would be a shameful outcome that denies the American people the transparency and accountability they deserve, especially when press freedom is at stake.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota yesterday (7/2) to promote the FCC’s “Build America Agenda.” Carr said, “Our ‘Build America Agenda’ will focus on delivering on a number of core objectives. We will unleash high-speed infrastructure builds. We will restore America’s leadership in wireless. We will boost the U.S. space economy. We will advance our national security. And we will
strengthen America’s tower and telecom workforce. We will deliver on all of this by implementing smart policies while carrying out a massive and comprehensive deregulatory agenda. As we do so, we will be guided at the agency by a few simple ideas. For one, we will keep the Gretzky test front and center. We want to keep our eye on where the proverbial puck is going, not where it has been. For another, we are going to take a first principles approach. Just because a regulation has been on the books for 30 years, we are not going to keep it there simply out of a sense of inertia. For still another, we will focus on competition as it exists today. The old regulatory silos have been breaking down for quite some time, so the agency must move forward with a keen understanding of today’s converged markets. We are going to focus on outcomes, rather than process to nowhere. We are going to have a bias towards action. After all, delay has an unappreciated economic and social cost. We are going to push for simple, clear rules, rather than complex and bespoke frameworks. And we are going to support U.S. businesses and domestic onshoring.”
Iconic broadcasting industry trade publication, TALKERS is pleased to announce that it will again be teaming up with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) in presenting and sponsoring the forthcoming IBSNYC26 conference for the second consecutive year. The event will again take place at the centrally located Sheraton Times Square hotel in midtown Manhattan and embrace the “Generations” theme that
made last year’s mingling of student and professional broadcasters such a resounding success. The dates are set for Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “There are exciting things happening at the radio stations and communication departments of high school, college, and university campuses across America. These institutions and creative outposts embody a spirit emanating from its practitioners as well as its audiences that bode well for the future of general radio, talk media and digital communications. This tremendous source of talent, ideas and energy has been burgeoning right under the noses of our professional industry for years. It’s time to harness that obvious synergy at this pivotal juncture.” More details including agenda, registration, hotel and sponsorship information will be posted in TALKERS in the coming weeks. Save the dates!