Longtime news radio pro Kathy Walker announces that she is “sunsetting” her life as a full-time broadcaster
and regional news director position with iHeartMedia’s KOA, Denver. She says, “iHeartMedia has graciously agreed to keep me part time, so you will still hear me anchor a newscast here or there… I have been honored to talk and write my way through 35 years at KOA.”
Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts chart for May based on U.S. unique monthly audience and NPR’s “NPR News Now” remains ranked #1, followed by The New York Times’ “The Daily” at #2 and NPR’s “Up First” at
#3. Radio-related podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” steady at #6, iHeartPodcasts’ “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” rising two spots to #9, and Silverloch’s “VINCE” falling two places to #20. See the complete chart here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Debt Ceiling Debate
2. Trump Issues Travel Ban
3. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt
4. Biden Actions Investigation
5. Trump vs Harvard and Columbia
Sports media personality Stephen A. Smith is joining SiriusXM to produce two programs for the satcaster. SiriusXM says the multi-year agreement includes Smith hosting a new, daily sports talk show on the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel in addition to a weekly program covering current events, pop culture, and social
commentary on “everything beyond the world of sports – from politics and social issues to entertainment news, pop culture trends and more.” Smith comments, “To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So, I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That in itself is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics and social commentary… let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!” Stephen A. Smith is a featured commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s “First Take.” Since 2021 he has been an analyst on “NBA Countdown,” ESPN and ABC’s longstanding NBA pregame show.
Audacy promotes Michael Biemolt to president of digital sales. In this role, Biemolt will spearhead all national and local digital sales strategies, focusing on Audacy’s “dedication to delivering innovative solutions
and outcomes that matter for its partners.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero says, “Our growing digital portfolio will benefit from this new organizational structure, setting Audacy up perfectly for further success. With Michael at the helm, we will lean into his expertise, experience and creativity to further energize our digital sales, unlocking new opportunities and creating better workflows and results for our local and national teams. We’re excited about what this means for our client partners and colleagues.” Biemolt most recently served as executive vice president at Audacy where he was responsible for leading digital transformation efforts and helping grow national sales capabilities.
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Big, Beautiful Bill / Musk Criticism
2. Trump Doubles Steel & Aluminum Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
3. Hegseth to Rename USNS Harvey Milk
4. ICE Raids / Deportations
5. Emergency Abortion Policy
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
When Georgia-based nationally syndicated radio personality, and Second Amendment advocate Mark Walters (longtime host of “Armed American Radio”) learned that ChatGPT had falsely claimed he was involved in a criminal embezzlement scheme, he did what few in the media world have dared to do. Walters stood up when others were silent, and took on an incredibly powerful tech company, one of the biggest in the world, in a court of law.
Taking the Fight to Big Tech
Walters, by filing suit against OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, become the first person in the United States to test the boundaries of defamation law in the age of generative artificial intelligence.
His case was not simply about clearing his name. It was about drawing a line. Can artificial intelligence generate and distribute false and damaging information about a real person without any legal accountability?
While the court ultimately ruled in OpenAI’s favor on specific legal procedure concerns, the impact of this case is far from finished. Walters’ lawsuit broke new ground in several important ways:
— It was the first known defamation lawsuit filed against an AI developer based on content generated by an AI system.
— It brought into the open critical questions about responsibility, accuracy, and liability when AI systems are used to produce statements that sound human but carry no editorial oversight.
— It continued to add fuel to the conversation of the effectiveness of “use at your own risk” disclaimers when there is real world reputational damage hanging in the balance.
Implications for the Radio and Podcasting Community
For those spoken-word creators, regardless of platform on terrestrial, satellite, or the open internet, this case is a wake-up call, your canary in a coal mine. Many shows rely on AI tools for research, summaries, voice generation, or even show scripts. But what happens when those tools get it wrong? (Other than being embarrassed, and in some cases fined or terminated) And worse, what happens when those errors affect real people?
The legal system, as has been often written about, is still playing catch-up. Although the court ruled that the fabricated ChatGPT statement lacked the necessary elements of defamation under Georgia law, including provable harm and demonstrable fault, the decision highlighted how unprepared current frameworks are for this fast-moving, voice-driven digital landscape.
Where the Industry Goes from Here
Walters’ experience points to the urgent need for new protection and clearer guidelines:
— Creators deserve assurance that the tools they use are built with accountability in mind. This would extend to copyright infringement and to defamation.
— Developers must be more transparent about how their systems operate and the risks they create. This would identify bias and attempt to counteract it.
— Policymakers need to bring clarity to who bears responsibility when software, not a person, becomes the speaker.
A Case That Signals a Larger Reckoning
Mark Walters may not have won this round in court, but his decision to take on a tech giant helped illuminate how quickly generative AI can create legal, ethical, and reputational risks for anyone with a public presence. For those of us working in media, especially in formats built on trust, voice, and credibility, his case should not be ignored.
“This wasn’t about money. This was about the truth,” Walters tells TALKERS. “If we don’t draw a line now, there may not be one left to draw.”
Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/Associate Publisher at TALKERS; Senior Partner at Harrison Media Law; and Executive Producer at Goodphone Communications. He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724-484-3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com. He teaches “Legal Issues in Digital Media” and serves as a regular contributor to industry discussions on fair use, AI, and free expression.
Cumulus Media officially names Derek Hunter afternoon drive talk host at “News Talk 105.9” WMAL-FM, Washington, DC. Hunter has been a regular fill-in host on the station since 2011. Hunter is also a senior columnist for Townhall.com, a podcaster, and a former managing editor at The Daily Caller. He previously
served as a fill-in host for “The Rush Limbaugh Show.” WMAL program director Bill Hess says, “We’re thrilled to have Derek’s fresh voice and perspective on our fulltime lineup. His width of interests will make for a fun and informative afternoon program as we wrestle this news cycle each day.” Hunter comments, “I couldn’t be more excited – this is a homecoming for me. Returning to where I first hosted is a great feeling. I’ve been fortunate to fill in across the lineup – from ‘O’Connor and Company’ to Chris Plante, and even for Rush Limbaugh. To now have a permanent home here is incredibly special. I want to thank Bill Hess, Jeff Boden, and all of Cumulus for this amazing opportunity.”
Woodward Community Media announces a frequency swap and programming changes to its stations in Springfield, Illinois that will take effect on July 1. News/talk WMAY-AM/FM is moving from 92.7 FM to 97.7 FM. The company’s rock WQLZ is returning to its old home at 92.7. The “AM Springfield” morning show
hosted by Sam Madonia and Greg Halbleib moves from sister sports talk station WFMB-AM/W222CG to WMAY-AM/FM. Current WMAY morning personality Patrick Pfingsten moves to the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart as host of “PM Springfield.” Back over at Sports Radio 92.3 FM/1450 AM, the station debuts a new morning show called, “The Morning Huddle with Darin Pritchett.” Woodward market manager Kevin O’ Dea says, “We’ve heard our listeners loud and clear. These changes allow us to better serve our audiences with the content they love, while strengthening our ties to the community.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt
2. ICE Arrests / Student Visas Policy
3. Ukraine Drone Strikes on Russia
4. Colorado Fire Attack
5. Deadly Gaza Violence
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
“Fewer than half of Americans plan to travel this Summer,” according to a Bankrate survey, and “cost is a major concern.”
— Just 46% plan to travel, 38% domestically and 15% internationally (with some overlap between the two).
— 65% of non-travelers cite a lack of interest in traveling currently. “Not being able to take time off work and travel being too much of a hassle both came in at 16%.”
— “The expense of everyday life tops the reasons people can’t afford to travel.”
— “15% of respondents said they were worried about flight safety. That comes on the heels of several high-profile aviation incidents in the United States.”
This isn’t bad news. It’s an open door.
Programming/Promotion ideas:
— Local Day Trips vignettes (within 90-minute drive)
— Grilling tips (local chef? listener suggestions?)
— Weekend activities/events calendar
— Near the water? “Shorecast”
— Online Staycation Directory
— Listener photos (garden, patio, pool, grill-N-chill)
Any/all-of-the-above are sponsorable. Prospects:
— Outdoor furniture retailers
— Home improvement stores (paint, decking, lighting)
— Grill/smoker shops & barbecue supply
— Pest control services
— HVAC (air conditioner tune-ups)
— Pool and hot tub installers, maintenance
— Gazebo/screenhouse/awning installers
— Water parks/mini golf/drive-in movies
— Ice cream stands, craft breweries
PS: Tomorrow’s bumpers:
“Ode to Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentry, and “Desiree” by Neil Diamond. Both begin “It was the third of June…”
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Winners in this year’s annual Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association have been announced. The RTDNA competition has been presented since 1971 and now
encompasses four divisions: Local TV and Radio; Network, Syndication Service, Program Service TV and Radio; Digital News Organizations; and Student Awards. RTDNA says the Murrow Awards “recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community. Murrow Award-winning work demonstrates the excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.” You can see the winners across the 14 regions here.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Tariffs Ruling
2. Big, Beautiful Bill
3. Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russia
4. Colorado Flamethrower Attack
5. ICE Arrests / Student Visas Policy
According to SFGate, Cumulus Media San Francisco made the transition to its new broadcast center at “2001 Junipero Serra Blvd. in an office complex near Daly City’s Century Theatres.” The news site reports
that the KNBR “‘Papa and Silver’ midday show signed off from the 750 Battery St. studios just before 2:00 pm. After a break, the ‘Dirty Work’ afternoon show went live from Daly City.” The story notes that sports talk KNBR was originally KPO-AM when it launched on April 17, 1922 with its tower on top of the Hale Brothers department store at 901 Market Street. Read the SFGate story here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (5/26-30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt
2. Trump Tariffs Rulings
3. Trump vs Harvard / Chinese Student Visas Policy
4. Musk to Leave DOGE
5. Israel-Gaza War / Iran Nuclear Talks
6. Russia-Ukraine War / Trump-Putin Tensions
7. FBI-ICE Arrests
8. Golden Dome Defense System
9. Pardons & Commutations
10.Diddy Trial
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Mike Johnson
3. Alan Garber
4. Elon Musk
5. Benjamin Netanyahu
6. Vladimir Putin
7. Xi Jinping
8. Jake Tapper
9. Todd & Julie Chrisley
10.Sean “Diddy” Combs
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (5/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Judges Block Trump Tariffs
2. Musk to Leave DOGE
3. Chinese Student Visas Scrutinized
4. Trump Pardons & Commutations
5. Israel-Gaza War / Iran Nuclear Talks
This week’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at the effects of reach on and advertiser’s “mental availability.” The piece quotes authors Les Binet and Sarah Carter from their book, 66 Ways To Screw It Up: How Not to Plan, “The single most important factor
driving brand preference is ‘mental availability’: how well known a brand is, and how easily it comes to mind. Brands with low mental availability tend to struggle, rejected in favor of more familiar rivals. Or not considered in the first place. Brands with high mental availability don’t have to push so hard to sell, so tend to have higher market shares and better margins.” The authors also advise, “Always aim to get more customers from all segments of the market. It’s the main way brands grow.” The blog post concludes that AM/FM radio makes your media plan better by increasing reach. One example is illustrated as follows: Edison’s “Share of Ear” study of ad-supported audio reveals the combined persons 18+ daily reach of Pandora and Spotify is only 12% of Americans. Adding podcasts causes reach to surge to 29%. The introduction of AM/FM radio lifts daily reach to 74%. See the full blog post here.
iHeartMedia’s BIN: Black Information Network announces its collaboration with The Obama Foundation to advance community engagement with youth. “This multi-year collaboration — the first of its kind for BIN — brings together its mission to inform, educate and elevate Black voices with The Obama Foundation’s commitment to empowering individuals and communities to create lasting
change. Both organizations share a vision of advancing equity, social justice and civic engagement for future generations.” BIN president Tony Coles adds, “This powerful collaboration will deliver important, unbiased information to our audiences, promote civic engagement, and foster inclusive dialogue. In today’s news environment, our responsibility is to ensure the stories, commitment and goals of civic and community leaders are heard by our listeners and carried forward by future generations.” BIN will advance the mission of the Obama Presidential Center in the runup to opening in 2026 by sharing and distributing stories focused on President Obama’s legacy, community-driven initiatives on the South Side of Chicago and engaging in national conversations around equity, democracy and change.
The most discussed stories yesterday (5/27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump vs Harvard
2. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt
3. Trump Pardons Chrisleys
4. New Student Visa Policies
5. Russia-Ukraine War / Trump-Putin Tensions
Longtime Philadelphia-based radio talk show host Dom Giordano is launching a new weekly podcast today (5/27) devoted to exploring America’s politically charged education system with a focus on protecting the rights of parents to engage in school choice and select the best school for their child. The show will feature a blend of commentary from Giordano on the hottest aspects of the evolving issues plus interviews with leaders from the American education system.
A presentation of Giordano Productions, LLC, the program is titled, “Old School, New School, Next
School with Dom Giordano” – a phrase inspired by the recent TALKERS conference “Generations 2025” held earlier this year in conjunction with IBS NY 2025. The podcast will be carried on the industry’s major platforms.
Long referred to as the Dean of Philadelphia News/Talk Radio, Giordano, the seasoned midday (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) host of Audacy’s WPHT, has been a mainstay of local Philadelphia talk radio since 1987 where he has developed a national reputation in the industry for his knowledge and even-handedness. He offers an intelligent “guy next door” sensibility on the full spectrum of contemporary issues with a particular strength in education that goes back to his local roots in Pennsylvania.
Born and raised in South Philly, Giordano began his unique path to broadcasting as a high school teacher in the Delaware Valley, where he received widespread media coverage for his innovative teaching and motivational techniques. He was hired at WWDB Radio in 1987, becoming one of the nation’s first teachers-turned-talk show hosts. In 2000, he joined CBS-owned-and-operated (now Audacy) WPHT where he has been ever since. A perennial fixture on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” – the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – he is a frequent guest commentator on the national cable news/talk TV channels and writes frequent columns for newspapers throughout the region.
The podcast’s debut installment today features a conversation with special guest Ryan N. Boyer, business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Consortium – an aggregation of more than 50 labor unions and 40,00 workers. Giordano tells TALKERS, “We focused on how and why this major labor leader could be such a strong supporter of school choice.” Boyer states, “I’d be a hypocrite to oppose school choice – because I’ve exercised it myself.”
Next week’s second installment will feature an interview with Stacy Garrity, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The discussion will address the cost savings of school choice and how the issue will play out in the upcoming governor’s race against one of the Democrats’ leading presidential candidates, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
To listen to “Old School, New School, Next School with Dom Giordano,” please click HERE.
Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon host Jeff Katz at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond participating in the first-ever “Say Their Names” marathon. Katz joined some 200 people chosen – including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin – to recite the names of the almost 12,000 Virginia military heroes who died in service of their nation. The marathon took place over the course of 12 hours and included those who died in conflicts from World War II through the Global War on Terror.
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio announces the opening of the application window for the “MIW Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship.” MIW says the program offers “a transformative year-long experience, connecting the mentee with some of the most accomplished programming
minds in the business. Through personalized conversations, strategic connections, and unique opportunities, the program aims to empower and elevate the mentee’s career within the radio industry.” This mentorship is open to one female brand manager, content/program director, assistant program director, or music director from any U.S.-based format. “The ‘MIW Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship’ program is a cornerstone of our mission to empower women in radio,” says MIW board president Sheila Kirby. “This initiative not only fosters personal and professional growth but also builds a stronger and more inclusive future for the industry. We’re excited to welcome another talented mentee into this life-changing program.” Learn more and apply here.
Pictured above at South Carolina’s Walhalla Performing Arts Center is WORD-FM, Greenville talk host Joey Hudson (left) taking part in an onstage ceremony honoring Gospel artist Jason Crabb (second from left). During the event, Crabb was presented with a proclamation from South Carolina State Senate president Thomas Alexander (second from right) lauding him for his many contributions to Christian music as well as “his strong walk of faith.”
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump’s Putin Criticism / Russia-Ukraine War
2. EU Tariff Pause
3. Big, Beautiful Bill
4. Memorial Day Holiday
5. Gaza Peace Plan
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (5/19-23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Big, Beautiful Bill / Medicaid-SNAP Cuts
2. The Economy / U.S. Bond Rating
3. Biden Health Coverup
4. Deadly Jewish Museum Attack
5. Golden Dome Defense System
6. Trump-Ramaphosa Meeting
7. Immigration / SCOTUS Venezuelan Gang Ruling
8. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
9. Pentagon Accepts Qatar Jet
10.Andrew Cuomo Investigation / Jim Irsay Dies
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Mike Johnson
3. Scott Bessent
4. Joe Biden-Jake Tapper
5. Cyril Ramaphosa
6. Xi Jinping
7. Vladimir Putin
8. Elon Musk
9. Andrew Cuomo
10.Jim Irsay
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Back in March, former Bay Area sports personalities Tom Tolbert, Paul McCaffrey, and John Lund – along with programmer Jeremiah Crowe – launched the digital audio platform Bay Area Sports Collective. Now, the company adds three new podcasts to its offerings. Jeremy Affeldt’s “Built For
The Storm,” “Girl, How’d You Get That Gig?” hosted by Amy Gutierrez and Celeste Gehring, and Rod Brooks’ “Quality Hang with Rod Brooks & Friends” debut on Friday (5/23). Jeremiah Crowe says, “After launching Bay Area Sports Collective in early March, it became apparent there were other hosts who wanted to join our team. We are proud to expand our growing podcast network with additional hosts the local Bay Area sports fans know and trust. The future looks bright for the collective and our fans.”
WPRO-AM, Providence producer and talk host Bill Bartholomew says he’s considering running for lieutenant governor in Rhode Island next year. According to a story in the Boston Globe, Bartholomew
hasn’t committed to the run by opening a campaign account but confirms to the paper he’s seriously considering challenging incumbent Sabina Matos. The story notes that Matos’ 2023 run for congress was marred by a “signature-collecting scandal that led to a campaign worker being charged with a felony.” Bartholomew is the producer and sometimes fill-in host for WPRO’s “Dan Yorke Show.” See the Globe story here.
Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for April based on weekly average downloads and
NPR’s “NPR News Now” and “Up First” remain in the #1 and #2 positions, respectively. Other radio-related podcasts of note include Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” steady at #6, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” falling five places to #8 and iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” dipping one place to #14. See the complete ranker here.
Premiere Networks syndicated personalities and podcasters Angela Yee and Amy Brown were honored at the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s 50th Annual Gracie Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles Tuesday night (5/20). Additional iHeartMedia honorees included Hannah Storm and Ester Dillard from BIN: Black Information Network. Pictured above are (from l-r): iHeartMedia executive vice president of programming Thea Mitchem, Yee, Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott, Brown, Brown’s daughter Stachira Brown, Premiere Networks vice president of international business development Tanya Juhasz, and Dillard.
The most discussed stories yesterday (5/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Big, Beautiful Bill / Treasury Bonds Status
2. Trump-Ramaphosa Meeting
3. Deadly Jewish Museum Attack
4. Pentagon Accepts Qatar Jet
5. Golden Dome Defense System
Edison Research releases its Q1 2025 Top U.K. Podcasts chart and “The Joe Rogan Experience”
keeps its place at the top of the chart, above a host of U.K.-produced podcasts. Edison notes that on this edition of its chart, the U.S.-based true crime podcast “Rotten Mango” breaks into the Top 25 for the first time, mirroring the show’s ascent in the U.S. chart. Host Stephanie Soo currently is providing daily updates from inside the courtroom at the high-profile Sean “Diddy” Combs trial in New York.
The most discussed stories yesterday (5/20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Big, Beautiful Bill / Medicaid-SNAP Cuts
2. Golden Dome Defense System
3. Immigration / SCOTUS Venezuelan Gang Ruling
4. Biden Health Coverup
5. Andrew Cuomo Investigation