The most discussed stories yesterday (4/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump’s Trade War/Markets React
2. Wisconsin & Florida Elections Aftermath
3. Deportations & Detentions
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. Tornadoes & Severe Weather
The newly issued shares of media organization Newsmax went through the roof yesterday – rising to $233 per share from its Monday debut of $14 per share. Newsmax stock trades on the New York Stock
Exchange under the ticker symbol NMAX. CNBC reports that the rise brought the company’s market capitalization to “nearly $30 billion – surpassing the market cap of legacy media companies like Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox Corp.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy told CNBC, “Americans for a long time have been voting with their remote controls, downloads, apps to say they want Newsmax. Now investors powerfully are buying Newsmax shares because they like us, they value us and they want us to keep growing.” See the CNBC story here.
Triton Digital announces that it is adding survey-based listener rankings to the existing U.S. Podcast Ranker to “provide a holistic view of podcast consumption.” The company says the current U.S. Podcast Ranker based on downloads will continue to be issued monthly, for publishers using Triton Digital’s IAB-certified measurement services. It will be supplemented with a quarterly ranking of the podcasts with the
most listeners, based on a nationally representative survey that includes all publishers and podcasts. Triton Digital’s Demos+ audience profiles will also be added to the ranker, which lists the podcasts that most efficiently reach advertisers’ desired audiences, such as various demographic, socio-economic, lifestyle, and purchase intent segments. Triton SVP of measurement & analytics Daryl Battaglia says, “The combination of census-level download measurement blended with survey measurement provides the most comprehensive understanding of podcast audiences and their consumption habits. By adopting new methods to measure audiences and augmenting our current tools, we are enriching the podcast information available to advertisers so they can feel confident in reaching their target audiences.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Today’s “Liberation Day” Tariffs Announcement
2. Wisconsin & Florida Special Elections
3. Sen. Cory Booker Speech
4. Iran-Russia-U.S. Nukes Tensions
5. Trump Third Term Questions
Smiley Audio Media’s talk KBLA, Los Angeles “Talk 1580” is producing a community town hall on April 16 at Robinson Park Recreation Center in Pasadena titled, “The Eaton/Altadena Fire: 100 Days and
Counting.” KBLA personalities Tavis Smiley, Dominique DiPrima, and Nii-Quartelai Quartey will speak with a panel featuring survivors, community leaders, activists, experts, and more to “reflect on the 100 days since the fire erupted and address hard and heart questions about where the community goes from here.” KBLA says this is part of its continuing coverage of the fire, the aftermath, and its long-term impact on the Black community in Altadena. The station also broadcasts a one-hour, weekly live program called “Conversation Live: Altadena Rising,” hosted by James Farr.
When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina last fall, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WWNC, Asheville was a lifeline for residents of the area as cell service was down and power was lost in so many areas. Fast-forward to today and the station is getting some press from CBS News for its work in the ongoing
recovery efforts. The piece singles out WWNC personalities Mark Starling and Tank Spencer for “amplifying the messages of groups such as Valley Strong Disaster Relief” and more to keep the recovery information flowing. Spencer is quoted saying, “You don’t really notice until times of disaster what your community is really made of. They’re gonna make sure that everybody in that community, that nobody wants for anything.” Spencer adds that in the immediate aftermath of the storm, their work was crucial. “The access to the information saved lives. The only thing that was left standing was AM and FM radio, and I think there’s been a rediscovery of that.” See the CBS News piece here.
A bipartisan group of 73 U.S. House members is appealing to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr to “modernize outdated ownership rules that hinder broadcasters nationwide.” The letter says, in part, “While the FCC has made incremental adjustments over the decades, the
fundamental ownership restrictions have remained largely unchanged since the 1990s, imposing undue constraints on broadcasters’ ability to innovate and invest in local content. These regulations are a relic of an era when broadcasters were the only electronic media. Today, any one of the largest Big Tech platforms dwarfs the entire broadcast industry – yet they are held to no similar limitations on their reach. This imbalance places broadcasters at a severe disadvantage in competing for advertising dollars and audience engagement… We urge the FCC to act swiftly in eliminating antiquated ownership restrictions and to embrace a broadcast regulatory framework that reflects the realities of today’s dynamic media ecosystem.” Read the full letter here.
Hubbard Radio announces the official launch of the Gamut Podcast Network, what it calls “a dedicated podcast division that represents a bold and strategic expansion into the ever-evolving world of on-demand media. Gamut now stands as the third foundational pillar of Hubbard’s media strategy – alongside its legacy terrestrial radio operations and its digital marketing arm, 2060 Digital.” The company notes that
many of the shows within the Gamut Podcast Network have already been established across Hubbard’s markets, but this marks a transformation: from podcasts as supplemental to radio, to podcasts as a focused, scalable business in their own right. Hubbard CEO Ginny Hubbard states, “The launch of Gamut is more than a rebrand; it’s a pivotal evolution for our company. By establishing Gamut as a core component of our business, we are embracing the future of media and ensuring Hubbard’s relevance for the next century.” John Goforth joined Hubbard in August and is serving as vice president and general manager of Gamut Podcast Network. He says, “Gamut is designed to reflect both where the industry is and where it’s going. Yes, we’re building a national powerhouse – but we’re just as focused on lifting up unique voices and staying true to the communities we serve. It’s about reach and relevance. That balance is what makes Hubbard special, and it will make Gamut special too.”
Comrex is going to be highlighting new offerings for Gagl service at the NAB Show in Las Vegs next week. Gagl is an audio subscription service that allows contributors to connect to Comrex hardware IP audio codecs using equipment like smartphones or laptops. Gagl Standard enables up to five remote guests or
hosts to connect to each Gagl session. Gagl + Hotline is a premium tier for US-based clients that enhances the audio quality from mobile phone callers. A 10-digit phone number is provided to Hotline subscribers which allows one contributor in the Gagl session to connect by dialing a number instead of clicking a web link. Gagl Solo is available for individuals to connect to the studio at no cost. Comrex is also unveiling its new FieldLink – a hardware-based IP audio codec that serves as a “press box” codec designed to replace expensive wireless mic/IFB solutions and move audio from sideline reporters efficiently to the pressbox. For more information on FieldLink or other Comrex products visit www.comrex.com.
iHeartMedia names Jennifer Stocker area president for the Nebraska-Iowa Area. She’ll oversee markets including: Omaha, Des Moines, Sioux City, Davenport, Ogallala and Cedar Rapids markets. Division
president Shosh Abromovich says, “I am excited to announce that Jen will be leading the Nebraska-Iowa Area! Jen’s strong work ethic, organizational skills, positive attitude, culture-first mentality and competitive drive make her the perfect fit to elevate this Area to new heights. Her passion for our radio brands and profound understanding of the connection with our audience across all platforms will foster growth within our community, advertising partners and team.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (3/31) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump’s Trade War
2. Wisconsin & Florida Elections
3. DOGE/Federal Health Agencies Cuts
4. Trump Third Term
5. Russia-Ukraine War/Trump-Putin Relationship
Radio personality Jim Quinn died on Sunday (3/30) at the age of 82. Pittsburgh’s TribLIVE reports about the career radio host who worked for much of his career as a music jock and morning show host before
transitioning to a conservative talk host in the early 2000s. Quinn started his radio career at KQV, Pittsburgh in the 1960s. Quinn partnered with Don Jefferson for the popular “Quinn and Banana” show on WKTQ in Pittsburgh from 1983 to 1992. The TribLIVE story notes that Quinn took a position at WRRK, Braddock, PA where he honed his conservative talk chops. He partnered with Rose Tennent and had a successful run with “The Warroom with Quinn and Rose” on iHeartMedia’s WPGB-FM, Pittsburgh as well as on satellite radio. See the TribLIVE story here.
Audacy promotes Leah Reis-Dennis to head of podcasts, in which she’ll lead content, partnerships, and marketing for Audacy’s slate of podcasts. Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero says, “Leah has
been instrumental in the growth and success of our podcast portfolio, and we’re honored to elevate her into this expanded leadership role. Her creativity and strategic vision will drive our continued investment in digital audio and podcasting, advancing our content strategy, deepening our partnerships and delivering a premium experience for listeners and innovative solutions for advertisers.” Reis-Dennis joined Audacy in 2022, most recently serving as vice president of podcast content strategy and business development.
Broadcasting technology firm Comrex announces that it will preview FieldLink at this year’s NAB Show taking place in Las Vegas. The company says FieldLink is a new hardware-based IP audio codec that serves as a “press box” codec designed to replace expensive wireless mic/IFB solutions and move audio from sideline reporters efficiently to the pressbox. It uses a directional wireless access point (WAP), sideline reporters can use their smartphones to send and receive high-quality, low-delay audio using the Comrex FieldTap app. FieldLink has pro-grade audio I/O to deliver sideline audio and allow IFB back to reporters. Setup is simple. By scanning a QR code visible on FieldLink’s front panel display, users can easily set their phones to the secure private Wifi network attached to FieldLink and make connections back to the pressbox. An additional upgrade will be available to allow FieldLink to also be your connection back to the studio. Compatible with all Comrex IP codecs, FieldLink can send and receive audio to/from the public internet, while simultaneously handling sideline reporter audio. At this year’s NAB, Comrex will also highlight new offerings for Gagl, the company’s audio subscription service that allows contributors to connect to Comrex hardware IP audio codecs using equipment such as smartphones or laptops.
On the heels of the recent “radio exchange” between members of Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, New York State community broadcasters, and “89.5FM Bush Radio” – a South African community radio station
in Cape Town — in which the broadcasters shared ideas about better serving their communities, the broadcasters came together to record an original song co-written and produced by broadcast engineer Dr. Andy Gladding EdD (WRHU-FM and Salem Media Group New York). The song is performed by DJs from “Bush Radio” and WKZE, Red Hook, New York. See the music video here.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Tariffs and “Liberation Day”
2. Trump Third Term
3. Deportations & Detentions
4. Musk & Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
5. Le Pen Convicted of Embezzlement
The executive order from President Donald Trump to shutter the Voice of America includes radio services Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that were launched in 1950 to counter Soviet propaganda in Europe. The
radio services report in 27 languages serving audiences in 23 countries. On Thursday (3/27), the Trump administration reversed course and restored funding for the news organization two days after a federal judge temporarily blocked the closure saying the president can’t dismantle the organization created by Congress. According to a report in The New York Times, the administration also reinstated 33 employees at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting that targets Cuba’s Communist government. See the Times story here.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gate City Capital Management LLC revealed it is withdrawing its nominees to the board of Saga Communications as Saga requested. Founder and portfolio manager Michael Melby states, “The continued pursuit of our Nominees would not be in the best interest of Gate City or the Company’s shareholders at this time. Gate City appreciated the opportunity to
communicate directly with the Company’s management and directors regarding our views and concerns.” Gate City owns an almost 14% stake in Saga. Melby expresses Gate City’s concerns about Saga, saying, “Gate City’s decision to nominate directors was based on our belief that Saga was determined to pursue its Digital Transformation regardless of the negative impact the transformation could have on Saga’s profitability, cash flow, and share price. Our determination was made following careful analysis and nearly nine months of conversations with the Company’s senior leadership and Board. We repeatedly expressed our concerns 
that Saga lacked the expertise, and the competitive advantages required to succeed in the low-margin and highly competitive digital advertising space. The pursuit of the Digital Transformation would also divert time, attention, and resources away from the Saga’s core broadcast business, where Saga has competitive advantages and earns high incremental margins. Saga also failed to provide investors with any meaningful financial targets or metrics associated with the Digital Transformation including expectations for incremental revenues, costs, margins, and return on investment. Our recommendation that Saga partner with a digitally-savvy company with the capability and experience to execute Saga’s digital strategy without the added costs and risks associated with the transformation was also dismissed.” Melby’s criticism of Saga Communications’ business strategy continues, “In 2024, the Company’s station operating income fell 23.1% year-over-year to $21.1 million, the Company’s operating income fell 79% year-over-year to $2.4 million, and the Company’s operating profit margin fell to 2.1% in 2024 from 10.2% in 2023, a decline of over 800 bps. To make matters worse, this deterioration in financial results occurred during a presidential election year, when Saga should benefit from elevated levels of political spending. Our concern that the pursuit of the Digital Transformation strategy could detract from the Company’s highly profitable broadcast business also appears prescient. On Saga’s Q4 2024 earnings call, the Company noted that it generated $3.3 million in political revenue in 2024. Saga’s 2024 political advertising revenue declined 52% from the $6.9 million generated in 2020 (the last presidential election year) and also fell from the $3.6 million generated in the 2022 midterm election year. The Company’s two largest stations by revenue are located in the battleground states of Ohio and Wisconsin, calling into question the Company’s explanation that Saga’s stations were not in the correct markets. In addition to posting poor financial results, on March 18, 2025, Saga issued a financial filing stating that the Company would be unable to file its 10-K annual report in a timely fashion. This filing further highlights the potential challenges faced by the Company in executing the Digital Transformation.” You can find the full text of Gate City’s filing with the SEC here.
On the heels of the release of its most recent edition of The Infinite Dial research project, Edison Research will have a presence at next week’s Podcast Movement Evolutions event. The research firm will present
sessions including The Fandom Phenomenon that looks at the listening habits of podcast “fans,” “The Business of the First Podcast Election” that analyzes the role that news podcasts played in last fall’s presidential election. Edison says that according to its research, news is the second most-listened-to podcast category after comedy at #1 and ahead of true crime at #3.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/24-28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories/Topics
1. Signal Chat Controversy
2. The Economy-Jobs-Inflation
3. Trump Tariffs / Trump vs Judiciary
4. Musk-DOGE Activities / Federal Firings & Cutbacks / Tesla Under Attack
5. Israel-Hamas War / Russia-Ukraine War
6. Stefanik Withdrawn for U.N. Nomination
7. ICE Deportation Crackdown
8. First Amendment Issues / GOP Town Halls
9. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship / Healthcare-Vaccines
10.March Madness / MLB Season Opens
People
1. Donald Trump / Elon Musk
2. Benjamin Netanyahu
3. Vladimir Putin
4. Volodymyr Zelenskyy
5. Pete Hegseth / Tulsi Gabbard / Mike Waltz
6. Jeffrey Goldberg
7. Elise Stefanik
8. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
9. JD Vance / Marco Rubio
10.Karoline Leavitt
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Talk host Vince Coglianese – host “The VINCE Show” syndicated by Westwood One and the “VINCE” podcast broadcast an interview with President Donald Trump yesterday afternoon. Coglianese’s program
is being distributed in the same daypart – 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET – as Dan Bongino’s show prior to the latter’s giving up his media role to take on the deputy director at the FBI. Trump addressed the issue of Greenland and Vice President J.D. Vance’s trip there this week, saying, “We have to have that land because it’s not possible to properly defend a large section of this Earth – not just the United States – without it.” The president also addressed the Signal group chat matter, telling Coglianese that it was possibly an innocent error made by a lower-level staffer for national security advisor Mike Waltz. He noted that it did not impact the success of the attack, but that they would determine how the error happened so it would not happen in the future.
Audacy regional president Doug Abernethy announces that he is leaving the company after a 10-year
stint, effective May 9. In a memo to fellow staffers, Abernethy says, “It has been a privilege to work alongside you during the past 10-plus years with the company, and for some, my 36 years in the industry. Each market, team and person I have had the pleasure to work with has made a lasting impression on me. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together and confident in your continued success.”
PBS CEO Paula Kerger and NPR CEO Katherine Maher testified before the House Subcommittee on Delivering On Government Efficiency yesterday (3/26) during hearing titled, “Anti-American Airwaves: Holding the Heads of NPR and PBS Accountable.” The Hill reports that Maher faced “intense questioning from Republican members over NPR’s ignoring of the Hunter Biden laptop scandal during the 2020
election, its reporting on the origins of the coronavirus in China, and the investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia during his first term. U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) told Maher, “You guys were 0-for-3 on three of the biggest stories in the country.” Maher was also pressed by U.S. Rep. William Timmons (R-SC) about comments she made before she was CEO of NPR in which she called Donald Trump a sociopath, a racist and deranged and asked how she could helm a news organization with that kind of inherent bias. She replied, “There is strong firewall between me and the newsroom,” and said her political thinking and personal worldview have changed in recent years, adding, “I regret those tweets; I would not tweet them again today.” The story notes that Maher said she “respected” the lawmakers’ concerns and promised NPR is doing more under her watch to “beef up our editorial standards” and “make sure we have more points of view reflected in every story.” Read The Hill’s coverage here.
Urban One, Inc reports its operating results from the fourth quarter of 2024 and reveals net revenue was approximately $117.1 million, a decrease of 2.7% from the same period in 2023. The company reported an operating loss of approximately $1.9 million for the quarter, compared to operating income of approximately $6.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Broadcast and digital
operating income was approximately $38.6 million, an increase of 1.7% from the same period in 2023. Net loss was approximately $35.7 million for the quarter, compared to net loss of $11.0 million for the same period in 2023. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III states, “Our Adjusted EBITDA of $103.5 million came in at the mid-point of guidance, helped by strong political advertising revenues in the radio division. The radio outperformance was offset by declines in both advertising and affiliate revenues at the cable TV segment, as audience delivery continued to underperform expectations. We are however seeing some stabilization in the first quarter cable TV delivery, which should help to mitigate the continuing decline of linear TV subscribers. First quarter core radio revenue demand weakened, with pacings down 13.6%, although the second quarter is showing signs of improvement, with core pacings currently down 1.7%.”
FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez addressed the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit on Wednesday (3/26() and spoke about efforts by the FCC and other government entities to “intimidate private companies because of internal labor practices meant to promote fairness in hiring.” She said, “Private businesses all over the country are under attack. Creeping government intervention is
making companies think twice about the way they describe internal diversity programs. They’re afraid the government may retaliate against them simply because of actions that are responsive to how consumers use their services or choose to buy their products. Sadly, the hard-fought lessons of the civil rights movement are being erased – or worse, distorted – to claim that fairness for all requires discrimination against some. That could not be further from the truth.” Gomez says she’s concerned about the Commission weaponizing “its regulatory authority to enforce government mandates that seek to eliminate voluntary efforts by private companies to increase fair and equal employment opportunities.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (3/26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Signal Group Chat Contoversy
2. New Trump Tariffs on Autos and Parts
3. Trump Demands Defunding of Public Media
4. SCOTUS Upholds Ghost Guns Ban
5. Gazans’ Anti-Hamas Protests
PBS CEO Paula Kerger and NPR CEO Katherine Maher will testify before a House subcommittee today (3/26) during hearing titled, “Anti-American Airwaves: Holding the Heads of NPR and PBS Accountable.” The Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency has the Corporation for Public
Broadcasting’s budget in its sights. NPR.org reports Maher says of the hearing, “This could be a perfect storm. That’s why this moment does feel different. It feels as if this is a time that we really do need to step up and make as clear a case as possible.” U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene chairs the Subcommittee on Delivering On Government Efficiency and she’s quoted saying, “I want to hear why NPR and PBS think they should ever again receive a single cent from the American taxpayer. These partisan, so-called ‘media’ stations dropped the ball on Hunter Biden’s laptop, downplayed COVID-19 origins, and failed to properly report the Russian collusion hoax. Now, it is time for their CEOs to publicly explain this biased coverage.”
The RTDNA Foundation announces the recipients of the 2025 scholarship and fellowship program that is awarding more than $35,000 to 14 students and early career journalists. Scholarship and fellowship winners will attend RTDNA25, taking place June 11-13 in New Orleans. RTDNA says, “Since its
establishment in 1970, the RTDNA Foundation has provided more than $1 million in scholarships and fellowships to about 600 aspiring journalists, fulfilling its role as the educational and charitable wing of the Radio Television Digital News Association. Some have gone on to become reporters, producers and news directors, covering local and national issues that matter to their communities. Others have ventured into related professions, such as White House speechwriters, media regulatory attorneys and journalism educators. Several former recipients have also contributed to RTDNA’s leadership by serving as board members, while many have been honored with prestigious Murrow Awards.” You can see more about the 14 winners here.
National Association of Broadcasters says that state broadcasters associations representing all 50 states, plus DC and Puerto Rico adopted two resolutions. The first resolution urges members of Congress to support the Local Radio Freedom Act, which opposes any new performance fee on local radio stations.
NAB says, “Local radio stations provide trusted news, sports and entertainment to their communities free of charge, but stations’ ability to do so would be greatly threatened if faced with a new performance tax, on top of the hundreds of millions of dollars local stations already pay each year in copyright and streaming fees.” The second resolution calls on legislators to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act that would ensure the continued availability of AM in all newly manufactured vehicles. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “On the heels of an incredibly successful State Leadership Conference, where over 560 local TV and radio broadcasters traveled to Washington, DC to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, congressional support for local radio is strong. State broadcaster associations play a pivotal role in our advocacy efforts, and I am proud to see the collective unity behind these resolutions.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (3/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Defense Group Chat Issue
2. Johnson Suggests Eliminating Federal Courts
3. Trump Trade War/Recession Fears
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. Vance Leads Greenland Delegation
Thursday (3/27) will be the final airing of WGN Radio’s “Walter Jacobson’s Perspective” hosted by legendary news broadcaster and personality Walter Jacobson (pictured here). WGN notes that Jacobson’s commentaries covering local politics and news have been heard on the station since 2014. Jacobson has
had a storied career in Chicago media. First at newspapers, he moved to television in 1963 working at WBBM as a news writer, reporter and political editor. From 1973 to 1982, Jacobson co-anchored WBBM-TV’s “The 10 O’Clock News” with Bill Kurtis and the two dominated the ratings for nine years. His “Perspective” pieces date to those newscasts when Jacobson would deliver them live from his office. WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle comments, “I ‘knew’ Walter Jacobson mostly for his TV news work virtually all my life. He and Bill Kurtis revolutionized the look and feel of television news broadcasts in Chicago at CBS 2 and it’s still talked about by those who watched them in the 70s. Working with him at WGN Radio and getting to know him in-person has been an honor. After seeing firsthand his uncompromising devotion to his craft, it’s easy to see why he is the media legend that he is. Walter’s personality, contributions and ever unique ‘Perspective’ will be greatly missed.”
This week, Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group blog looks at data from the recently published Edison Research project The Infinite Dial. The focus is on podcasting’s rise in reach and the blog points to several takeaways for marketers: 1) Podcasting is now a mass reach media vehicle.
Podcasting is no longer a niche platform lacking scale. Podcasts deserve a larger role in media plans as opposed to “test and learn” experimental buys. 158 million Americans, 55% of persons 12+, are reached monthly. Among persons 18-34, 18-49, and 25-54, monthly reach is now 65% to 73%; 2) It is feasible to consider shifting TV budgets to podcasting given that podcast 18-34 weekly reach (52%) is as big as TV’s (52%); 3) Brands targeting women should give podcasts a starring role in media plans: Podcast female audiences have hit record highs in habituation and reach; 4) Among male demographics, monthly reach is now in the low 70% range; and 5) Adopt agency media legend Arnie Semsky’s “5% solution” to podcasts: Allocate 5% of digital ad budgets to podcasts. See the complete blog post here.