Industry News

Gunhill Road Drops Issue-Oriented Music Video Focusing on the Non-Stop Noise of Contentious Media in a Crisis-Ridden Era

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Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has been creating issue-oriented reflections of the times since the iconic “Back When My Hair Was Short” hit the charts in the early 70s, is back with another powerful music video. The brand new, gritty rocker, “Close My Ears,” captures the sheer angst of today’s anxiety pandemic fueled by contentious talk mediaimg and the gut-wrenching chaos of informational overload. Non-partisan lyrics cry out: “Too much information clogging up my brain… and I can’t change the station; it’s driving me insane!” Co-written and performed by band members Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and Michael Harrison, the dramatic images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of exasperated people being driven to the brink of madness by the pressure of what feels like non-stop, negative NOISE. Produced by Matthew B. Harrison, the video asks, is the remedy to drop off the grid and go live in the woods? Gunhill Road has amassed a huge worldwide following gathering almost a half million listens, views and downloads driven largely by airplay and exposure on talk radio! To view “Close My Ears,” please click here: closemyears.com. To arrange an interview about the song and the times it reflects with band member (and TALKERS publisher) Michael Harrison please email info@talkers.com or call 413-565-5413. To check out the launch of Michael Harrison’s national media tour in support of the new “Close My Ears” music video, check out his October 9 appearance on the Lee Elci morning show on WJJF (94.9 News Now), New London, CT and Patriot.TV by clicking here.

Industry News

Joe Pags Proves You Can Go Home Again!

Nationally syndicated talk radio host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo’s program is now being heard on Connoisseur Media’s news/talk WSGW-AM/FM – the very station where he got his start 30 years ago. Pags tells TALKERS, “On October 3, 1995, I was given the shot to fill in for theimg legendary Art Lewis on news/talk powerhouse WSGW in Saginaw, Michigan. Art’s show was the first show I’d ever done in talk radio and I’d filled in a time or two before this date.  But, on THAT date, the OJ Simpson verdict came in and was announced. I gave my opinion of disbelief.  Outlined why I felt that way and the phones melted down for the subsequent three hours. I was in Heaven and realized this is what I was meant to do. I’d done weekend news updates on WSGW before that as I was also finding my way on TV at WEYI (the NBC affiliate) in Saginaw/Flint.  But, there was something different about talk radio for me… A few days ago, WSGW brought me back. I am thrilled. Feels like home again. I feel a great kinship with all of my 170+ stations and that will never change. I owe every PD or owner that gives my show and me a shot a ton – but, getting back on WSGW is very special.” Pags adds, Thank you to Jeff Warshaw at Connoisseur Media, Dave Maurer who gave me that first shot back in the day at WSGW, Mark Thomas for bringing me back and great folks like Charlie Rood and Curt Harding who were there back in the day and, of course, Art Lewis who trusted my 29-year-old self with this show when he was off!”

Industry Views

Why “Play the Clip” Still Matters

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgEvery talk host knows the move: play the clip. It might be a moment from late-night TV, a political ad, or a viral post that sets the table for the segment. It’s how commentary comes alive – listeners hear it, react to it, and stay tuned for your take.

That simple act is powered by a fragile piece of legal machinery known as the Fair Use Balancing Act. Without it, half of talk radio, podcasting, and online news/talk commentary wouldn’t exist. Fair Use allows creators to quote, parody, or critique copyrighted material without permission – but only when the new use transforms the old. It’s the backbone of what we now call “react” or “remix” culture.

Fair use isn’t a license; it’s a defense. When you rely on it, you admit you used someone else’s work and trust that a judge will see your purpose – criticism, news, education – as transformative. That’s a high-wire act few think about when the mic is hot.

The doctrine works on a sliding scale: courts weigh four factors – purpose, nature, amount, and market effect. In plain English, they ask, Did you change the meaning? Did you take too much? Did you cost the owner money? There are neither checklists nor guarantees.

That flexibility is what makes American media vibrant – and also what keeps lawyers busy. Each decision takes time, context, and money. The price of creative freedom is uncertainty.

The same logic now drives the debate over AI training and voice cloning. Machines don’t “comment” on your broadcast; they absorb it. And if courts treat that as transformative analysis instead of reproduction, the next generation of “hosts” may not need microphones at all.

For broadcasters, that’s the new frontier: your archives, tone, and phrasing are training data. Once ingested, they can be repurposed, remixed, and re-voiced without violating traditional copyright rules. The Fair Use Balancing Act may protect innovation – but it rarely protects the innovator.

Fair use was designed to keep culture evolving, not to leave creators behind. It balances a creator’s right to profit against society’s right to build upon shared work. But balance only works if both sides know the weight they’re carrying.

Every time you play the clip, remember you’re exercising one of the oldest and most essential freedoms in media. Just make sure the next voice that plays you is doing the same thing – for the right reasons, and under the same rules.

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

Industry News

Salem Co-Founder Ed Atsinger Takes Final Compensation in Company Stock

Salem Media Group announces that Edward G. Atsinger III, co-founder and executive chairman of the company, is agreeing to receive the remaining portion of his 2025 compensation in the form of Restricted Class A Common Stock rather than cash. The company says thisimg decision reflects Atsinger’s continued commitment to the long-term success and stability of the company. Atsinger’s stock award totals 218,067 shares, represents the cash compensation amount due totaling $168,500. Additionally, in January 2025, Atsinger was granted 400,000 Restricted Class A Common Stock in the Company, pursuant to a Grant Memo dated January 17, 2025. Under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan, unvested shares typically terminate upon an employee’s separation. However, in acknowledgment of Atsinger’s decades of leadership and enduring contributions, the board waived the forfeiture provision to allow his Stock Compensation and Stock Bonus to remain in effect after December 31, 2025. The existing time and performance-based vesting schedule for the Stock Bonus will remain unchanged.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 13-17, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/13-17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. 1. Israel-Hamas Accord Aftermath
  2. 2. ICE Raids / Guard Troops Rulings
  3. 3. Government Shutdown / Judge Blocks Shutdown Layoffs
  4. 4. CIA Operations in Venezuela / Deadly U.S. Boat Strike
  5. 5. Young Republicans Group Chat Controversy
  6. 6. SCOTUS Hears Voting Rights Act Arguments
  7. 7. The Economy / U.S.-China Tariffs Spat
  8. 8. John Bolton Indictment
  9. 9. Zelensky-Trump Meeting
  10. 10. Diane Keaton Dies

People

  1. 1. Donald Trump
  2. 2. Benjamin Netanyahu
  3. 3. JB Pritzker
  4. 4. Susan Illston
  5. 5. J.D. Vance
  6. 6. Brett Kavanaugh
  7. 7. Xi Jinping
  8. 8. John Bolton
  9. 9. Volodymyr Zelensky
  10. 10. Diane Keaton

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Cleveland Launches Sports Station; Announces Deal with Rock Entertainment Group

iHeartMedia launches a new sports talk outlet in Cleveland on WMMS-HD2/W256BT as SportsRadio 99.1 and announces a broadcast partnership with Rock Entertainment Group that brings expanded coverage of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Monsters and Clevelandimg Charge to listeners. Cavaliers games will air live on rock WMMS-FM and news/talk WTAM-AM/W295DE. The AHL’s Cleveland Monsters games will air on “SportsRadio 99.1” and NBA G league’s Charge games air on hip hop WAKS-HD2/W291BV “REAL 106.1.” iHeartMedia area president Keith Hotchkiss comments, “It’s an honor to continue our decades-long partnership with the Cavs Operating Company and we’re excited to bring this innovative new partnership to life with Rock Entertainment Group. Combining this coverage with iHeart’s unparalleled reach of more than 90% of our markets, we’re excited to give sports fans access to the great coverage Rock Entertainment Sports will provide.” The new station will also simulcast of select Rock Entertainment Sports Network programming and coverage of additional Ohio-based sporting events.

Industry News

MIW Names McNally 2026 Operations Mentee

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation announce that Eunice McNally is the 2026 mentee for the MIW NABLFimg LAUNCH Program. McNally currently serves as broadcast operations manager for Townsquare Media in Texas. MIW board president Sheila Kirby says, “Eunice is exactly the kind of emerging leader LAUNCH was built to champion. Her hands-on operations experience at Townsquare and iHeart, paired with a learner’s mindset and obvious passion for the craft, signal real leadership potential. We’re excited to provide the mentorship, access, and support that will help her accelerate the next stage of her career.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/15)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Judge Blocks Shutdown Layoffs
    2. ICE Raids in Chicago
    3. SCOTUS Hears Voting Rights Act Arguments
    4. Israel-Hamas Accord Aftermath
    5. CIA Operations in Venezuela
Industry News

News Organizations Band Together Against Pentagon Media Requirements

The Department of War is asking news organizations to sign an agreement to adhere to strict reporting procedures – including a ban on reporting on classified information – to have access to Pentagon officials and, in an unusual show of solidarity in these times, ABC News, CBS News,img CNN, FOX News Media, NBC News, and Newsmax are declining to sign the agreement. A joint statement from ABC News, CBS News, CNN, FOX News Media, and NBC News says, “Today, we join virtually every other news organization in declining to agree to the Pentagon’s new requirements, which would restrict journalists’ ability to keep the nation and the world informed of important national security issues. The policy is without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections. We will continue to cover the U.S. military as each of our organizations has done for many decades, upholding the principles of a free and independent press.” Newsmax adds, “We are working in conjunction with other media outlets to resolve the situation. We believe the requirements are unnecessary and onerous and hope that the Pentagon will review the matter further.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Davis to SVP of Programming in Minneapolis

iHeartMedia announced today that Rich Davis is promoted to SVP of programming forimg Minneapolis and program director of KEEY FM. The Twin Cities cluster of stations includes news/talk KTLK and sports talk KXFM-FM “KFAN.” This move comes as Gregg Swedberg transitions to a new strategic advisor role with the company. Davis says, “When I first got to KDWB in 1997 I never dreamed I’d one day get the chance to take over for the legendary Gregg Swedberg. I hope to make him proud and continue our success with these amazing teams and brands in the Twin Cities.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/14)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Federal Firings
    2. ICE Raids
    3. Israel-Hamas Peace Accord
    4. Deadly U.S. Boat Strike
    5. The Economy / U.S.-China Tariffs Spat
Industry News

WHYY and Penn State Agree to Deal to Save WPSU-FM

After declining a proposal last month that would have required Penn State University to pay $17.6 million to transfer public media outlet WPSU-FM, State College, PA to Philadelphia’s public media firm WHYY, a new deal has been approved by the school’s trustees that will allow WPSU-FM to avoid shutting down at in June of next year. After last month’s failed transaction, Board of Trustees chairmanimg David Kleppinger says the school received a lot of public comments expressing concern about the loss of the station. As reported by Penn State, the new proposed transition includes commitments for WHYY to operate WPSU for at least three years after the transfer and to offer existing WPSU employees the opportunity to apply for comparable positions. Penn State also plans to transfer endowments and gifts designated for WPSU to WHYY. The story says, “Penn State will not be required to provide additional subsidy funds as previously negotiated. Rather, WHYY will first secure at least $8.36 million in outside financing. WHYY president and CEO Bill Marrazzo said that effort is already well underway and that PSU alumni are making contributions.”

Industry News

Phil Hendrie Makes Off-Broadway Debut

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Pictured above is the cast of the Off-Broadway play, The Pitch, in which Premiere Networks star Phil Hendrie (center) plays the intimidating IRS agent Mel. Premiere Networks and Hendrie recently announced reuniting and partnering on his long-running podcast, “The World of Phil Hendrie” that features a modern-day satirical view of the world through the eyes of Hendrie and his multiverse of characters.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/13)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Israel-Gaza Peace Accord
    2. Government Shutdown / Federal Firings
    3. ICE Raids / ‘Fat’ Guardsmen Fired
    4. The Economy / U.S.-China Tariffs Spat
    5. Zelensky & Trump to Meet at White House
Industry News

Salem Amidst Companywide Reduction in Force

Last week, Salem Media Group began a round of companywide layoffs that include staffers at radio stations across the country. KLUP-AM, San Antonio program director Barry Besse isimg among those exiting the company and he posted to Facebook: “After 15 years at Salem Media San Antonio and a total of 17 years with Salem as a company I was a part of a massive companywide reduction in workforce. Over the years Salem has tried its best not to have a reduction in workforce but like most corporations it had to happen. I’m not bitter or angry I understand how this business works. I was proud of the work I did for Salem Media Group and even prouder to have worked with the people I did.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Podcasting Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgThe most common mistake podcasters make is assuming the microphone alone creates an audience. Too many would-be hosts hit Record without a clear strategy for WHY they’re doing a show, WHO it’s for, and what makes it DIFFERENT from millions of other podcasts.

Here’s where radio people have an edge. They already understand what makes audio work, fundamentals instructive to pure-play podcasters:

Know your listener. The #1 podcasting error is failing to define the audience. A show that tries to appeal to “everyone” ends up resonating with no one. In radio, you wouldn’t program an AC station to please hard rock fans; the same logic applies here. Create a mental picture of your ideal listener and talk to that person… as an individual. A radio show might have thousands of listeners, but they’re listening one-at-a-time. Podcasting is even more intimate. It’s the opposite of “Hi everybody.”

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Prep like it matters. Many podcasters think conversation is enough. But even the loosest-sounding successful shows are tightly structured. Radio taught you this already: segments, clocks, and story arcs keep things moving. Format your podcast.

Edit ruthlessly. The average podcast listener has thousands of options. Rambling is death. Trimming, pacing interviews, and cutting inside jokes shows respect for your listener’s time. Walking-the-walk, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison takes a mere 44 seconds to explain in this video.

Be consistent. If your show drops sporadically, you won’t build loyalty. Listeners want reliability, whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Radio wouldn’t move a morning show around the schedule; don’t do it with your podcast.

Think discoverability. A podcast isn’t a “Field of Dreams” (if you build it, they will come). Great audio needs marketing: social media clips, smart SEO in show notes, cross-promotion, and ideally, visibility on your broadcast platforms.

Make it about them, not you. This is the big one. Too many podcasts are self-indulgent — hosts talking about what interests them. Successful shows flip the script: What does my audience care about, and how can I deliver it in a way only I can?

The bottom line: Radio has invested 100 years doing what podcasting is just learning — creating focused, disciplined, listener-first audio. Bring those habits with you, and you’ll click, while others are still figuring it out.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

Audacy Expands Partnership with DC’s Monumental Sports

Audacy and Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announce a multi-year extension of their broadcast and content partnership. Some features of the new deal include sports talk WJFK-FM, Washington “106.7 The Fan” now serving as the flagship station for the NBA’simg Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals. “The Sports Junkies” show, which also simulcasts every weekday morning on MNMT, will now be available to watch live and on demand on 106.7 The Fan’s YouTube channel. Additionally, “BMitch and Finlay,” airing daily from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, will now simulcast on MNMT starting November 3. Audacy Washington DC SVP and market manager Ivy Savoy-Smith says, “We are excited to extend and expand our partnership with Monumental Sports to enhance the listening and viewing experience for fans. Being the flagship station for the Wizards and Capitals solidifies our position as the top destination for D.C. sports fans. Through the expansion of our television and YouTube simulcast, we are creating more dynamic content for our audiences.”

Industry News

Salem’s Pavlich Covering Trump in Israel

imgSalem Radio Network is providing coverage of President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel as headdresses the Israeli Knesset and personally greets Israeli hostages released as part of the Israel-Hamas peace plan he negotiated. Townhall.com editor Katie Pavlich is among six American media members in the out-of-town travel pool accompanying President Trump on Air Force One.  Pavlich will be filing reports as she follows Trump’s schedule.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (10/11-12)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Hamas Releases Living Hostages
    2. ICE Raids / Illinois Guard Ruling
    3. Government Shutdown
    4. The Economy / China Tariffs
    5. Diane Keaton Dies
Industry News

UPDATE: Conservative Media Factions Fighting Each Other Over Administration Approval

Since TALKERS ran the following story yesterday (10/9), we learned about another angle to this story and have updated it.

There is no unity for the various conservative media outlets fighting for both viewers/listeners and the approval of the Trump Administration. Since 2016 it’s been widely reported that President Donald Trump watches FOX News Channel constantly. But a recent interview with Donald Trump Jr. by Chris Salcedo on Newsmax TV indicates that, at least for the president’simg eldest son, FNC is in the doghouse. Newsmax published an account of the interview which quotes Trump Jr. saying, “Honestly, I don’t watch it anymore because it is so ridiculous. They try so hard to be unbiased that they’re actually biased against conservatives at this point. But this shouldn’t be surprising. These are networks that banned me for two-and-a-half. I’m barely on anymore. I know my father was banned.” However, TALKERS has learned that Donald Trump Jr. appeared on FOX News Channel four times recently – on August 13 and September 3, 11, and 12. He told Salcedo img“FOX’s approach has left conservatives silenced while Democrats and establishment figures get free rein.” The president recently complained about FNC in a post on Truth Social in which he singled out White House correspondent Peter Doocy for talking to Arizona Senator Mark Kelly about his healthcare agenda. He wrote, “Why is Fox News and Peter Doocy putting on Democrat Senator Mark Kelly to talk about, totally unabated or challenged, Healthcare?” SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly recently complained about FOX News Channel’s coverage of Charlie Kirk’s slaying, saying, “It’s really bothering me how FOX News is talking about Charlie, like he was theirs — he wasn’t. It’s a lie. Just stop.”

Industry News

Civic Media Expands News/Talk in Milwaukee Market

Civic Media announces its news/talk outlet WAUK-AM – licensed to Jackson, Wisconsin adds FM translator W262CJ, Milwaukee at 100.3 FM to the station’s broadcast that enlarges its signal in the Milwaukee market. Civic Media adds that in conjunction with FM translator launch onimg October 6, it debuted a new morning program it says is designed specifically for Milwaukee commuters. Civic Media says, “‘All News All Morning’ is hosted by veteran broadcaster Dan Hanni and features a format that syncs with the average commute time in Milwaukee. Every 20 minutes, listeners will hear local news, traffic, sports, and weather, ensuring they stay informed no matter when they tune in during their drive.” WAUK regional president and general manager Chris Moreau comments, “This is a no-frills approach to delivering what people look for in the morning. News and information that they can use to start the day without wading through padding, filler, fluff, and partisan opinion. And they can hear it all within the average commute time in Milwaukee.”

Industry News

Report: WPEN-FM to Feature Rotating Co-Hosts for Jon Marks Show

Crossing Broad’s Kevin Kinkead reports that new WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” midday host Jon Marks is announcing the regular appearances of former Fanatic hosts including Harry Mayes and Jason Myrtetus on the program. Marks tweeted that they will be “part of the rotating co-host chair, once or twice a week to start.” See the full story here.

Industry News

Beasley CFO Burrows Resigns, Company Names Greening Chief Accounting Officer

Beasley Media Group reveals in an 8-K filing with the SEC that chief financial officer Lauren Burrows is resigning from the company effective October 17, “in order to pursue other opportunities. The resignation was not due to any disagreement with the Company on anyimg matter relating to its operations, policies, or practices.” Company CEO Caroline Beasley will serve as principal financial officer on an interim basis. At the same time, the company announces the promotion of Shaun Greening to chief accounting officer. Greening joined Beasley in 2000 and has been serving as vice president of financial reporting. Greening joins John Coury, who was recently promoted to corporate controller and director of treasury. Caroline Beasley states, “Shaun brings extensive experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a proven track record of success to his role. Together with John, their leadership will be instrumental in supporting our continued growth and long-term success.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 6-10, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/6-10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. 1. Gaza Cease Fire
  1. 2. Government Shutdown / Furloughs
  1. 3. The Economy / Tariffs
  1. 4. ICE Raids
  1. 5. National Guard Troop Deployment
  1. 6. James Indictment
  1. 7. Comey Indictment
  1. 8. Russia-Ukraine War
  1. 9. Vaccine and Health Care Controversies
  1. 10. Epstein Files / Maxwell Pardon Speculation

                People

  1. 1. Donald Trump
  1. 2. Pam Bondi
  1. 3. Letitia James / James Comey
  1. 4. Benjamin Netanyahu
  1. 5. Gavin Newsom / JB Pritzker
  1. 6. Pete Hegseth
  1. 7. Chuck Schumer / Hakeem Jeffries
  1. 8. Mike Johnson
  1. 9. RFK, Jr
  2. 10. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Buck Sexton Interviews Taiwan President During Fact-Finding Mission

 

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Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk host Buck Sexton (above left) is seen here with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (right) during his week-long fact-finding mission to the nation. As part of his trip, Sexton sat down for an exclusive interview with President Lai. The two discussed the rising tensions with China, including Xi Jinping’s expanding military presence in the Taiwan Strait and the South and East China Seas. President Lai also emphasized Taiwan’s growing importance in the global AI race and delivered a direct message to President Donald Trump, urging vigilance and strategic focus. Sexton co-hosts “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” for Premiere Networks.

Industry News

Australian Media Pro Joins New York Festivals Radio Awards Advisory Board

The New York Festivals 2026 Radio Awards announces that broadcaster and publisher of radioinfo and Radio Today Australia Steve Ahern joins the New York Festivals Radio Awards Advisory Board. NYFestivals says Ahern “brings more than four decades of leadership,img innovation, and influence across the global audio and broadcasting industry to the Advisory Board. His extensive experience will further strengthen the Radio Awards’ mission to honor groundbreaking storytelling and celebrate excellence across all genres of audio content.” New York Festivals EVP Rose Anderson adds, “Every year, we work with our advisory board and industry thought leaders to make sure that our categories recognize the innovative audio content being created today world-wide and reflect our commitment to the power of the individual voice. With Steve’s addition to the Board, we gain the 360-degree perspective of someone who is on top of all the new developments in the world of sound in our ever-changing and interconnected world.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/8)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Plan
    2. Government Shutdown / Furloughs
    3. FAA Shortages / Flight Delays
    4. Trump Deploys Guard Troops to Chicago and Portland
    5. Katie Porter Campaign Controversy
Industry News

Mark Handwerger to Lead Connoisseur Portland

Connoisseur Media names Mark Handwerger market manager for the Portland station group that includes news/talk KXL-FM. Handwerger has been serving as director of sales for theimg cluster that was recently acquired from Alpha Media. Handwerger, who assumes his new role on October 16, will take over for current market manager Robert Dove, who is retiring at the end of the year and will transition to an advisory role until then. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “Portland is a major part of who we are. It’s a great market with incredible talent and strong brands. Mark’s the right person to lead this next chapter. He understands how to connect with the community and drive results, and that’s exactly what we want in a local leader.”

Industry News

Urban One Announces Management Promotions

Urban One announces a number of promotions in operations and programming across several of its markets. At the Radio One Washington DC station group, A Plus is named operations manager for the cluster that includes news/talk WOL. In Cleveland Matt Myers is the newimg operations manager for the station group that includes news/talk WERE-AM. Urban One SVP of programming Colby Tyner comments, “These leadership changes reflect the incredible depth of talent within Radio One. It’s exciting to see so many of our team members grow within the company and take on new challenges across markets. By empowering our brightest minds to share fresh ideas and perspectives, we ensure our stations remain dynamic, creative, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.”

Industry News

KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno Helps Raise Funds for Central California Food Bank

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Cumulus Media’s KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno “NewsTalk 580/105.9 KMJ” recently partnered with local agriculture company GAR to present the 12th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive and raised a record-breaking $534,917 for the Central California Food Bank. KMJ broadcast live from The Market in Fresno on September 19. Over the past 12 years the annual event has raised more than $35 million for the Central California Food Bank. Pictured above at the radiothon are KMJ morning drive personalities Greg Lane (left) and Randy James (right). KMJ VP and market manager Patty Hixson says, “Our listeners continue to overwhelm me with their generosity and graciousness. We are so thankful for them and for the GAR team, who always assist us in taking care of those people in need in our community. Such a blessing to have these incredible partners!”

Industry News

WMAY-AM/FM, Springfield Raises Funds for Local Charity

Woodward Community Media news/talk WMAY-AM/FM, Springfield, Illinois presented a remote radio broadcast on October 3 during morning drive to raise funds for the St. Martin De Porresimg Center and raised more than $47,000 thanks to an anonymous donor who matched every dollar given with an additional $2, effectively tripling the impact of each contribution. AM Springfield host Sam Madonia states, “St. Martin de Porres Center is one of our favorite causes because it helps with a large need in our city. Many residents get the food they need as well as clothing and other items through the work of the center and its volunteer-only staff.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/7)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/7) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / FAA Shortages-Flight Delays
    2. Pam Bondi Senate Hearing
    3. Maxwell Pardon Speculation
    4. ICE Raids / Guard Troops to Chicago
    5. Gaza Ceasefire Talks