RTDNA Critical of Trump Press Pool Strategy
The Radio Television Digital News Association is strongly condemning President Donald Trump’s edict that he and not the White House Correspondents Association, will be selecting members of the official White House press pool. RTDNA president and CEO Dan Shelley states, “No president, or any public official,
should have the right to handpick the journalists who cover them. Doing so gives them license to select only news outlets whose coverage they deem positive and exclude responsible journalists whose reporting, although fair and accurate, the administration may not like. We call on the Trump administration to reverse this decision without delay so that the American people, and the world, can be assured they are getting a complete and accurate account of the activities of the President of the United States. This is especially critical during times of crisis.”
news/talk WWNC-AM, sports talk WPEK-AM “ESPN Asheville,” plus five music brands. She says, “I couldn’t be more thankful for the mentorship and support I’ve received throughout my career at iHeart, which has brought me to this exciting opportunity. Working alongside such talented colleagues in this beautiful, resilient mountain town is a true privilege. I look forward to continuing to grow with iHeartMedia and helping our amazing clients succeed with the best strategies in the business.”
AM in Louisville and 51 other stations around Kentucky. iHeartMedia Kentucky/Memphis area president Kristy Beebe states, “We are incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Matt Jones and ‘Kentucky Sports Radio.’ Matt’s unique insights and engaging style have made him a beloved figure in the sports community, and we are proud to continue bringing his show to our dedicated audience. This renewal underscores our commitment to delivering top-notch sports content and maintaining our position as the leading audio company in the region.”
Larkin leads Audacy’s portfolio of markets, revenue and content teams, overseeing the company’s extensive audio platform, which includes broadcasting, podcasting, digital, network, live events, music, sports and news. She is also a board member of the Radio Advertising Bureau and has served on the boards of the Florida Association of Broadcasters and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
It’s not easy to report on the deluge of information (and misinformation on social media) that is shaping our world. Especially in cutting through polarized rhetoric to find the truth. And yet, there has never been a more critical time to arm Americans with the facts and let them make their own decisions. To fulfill this mission, our newsrooms must be able to report without fear or favor. This isn’t just a constitutionally protected right – it is fundamental to serving our communities. And it’s a right we’ve had to defend time and time again since our country’s founding. Efforts to limit the ability of broadcasters to report the facts hinders the public’s right to know and chills free speech. Americans deserve the full and fair reporting that broadcasters provide and NAB strongly defends our members’ First Amendment rights and their vital role in maintaining an informed public. Our democracy relies on journalists’ ability to report the news without the risk of government retribution. In a media environment flooded with social media misinformation and cable news politicization, this role has never been more important.”
received a letter that also contained a “suspicious white, powdery substance” and forced the company to evacuate the building for several hours. Station employees continued to broadcast from the parking lot while authorities, including a hazmat team, investigated. They were allowed to return to the building after a period but so far authorities have offered no details on the letter or the powdery substance. 
Mix-minus is handled internally by Gagl. Since guests or reporters are using equipment they are already familiar with, Gagl is accessible to everyone. Even if no conferencing is desired, Gagl provides a simple way to bridge the audio from computer and smartphone browsers to Comrex codecs, avoiding the need for a hardware codec in the field.
The Miami Marlins announced this morning (2/7) the hiring of Jack McMullen as the lead play-by-play announcer on the Marlins Radio Network. McMullen takes over for Kyle Sielaff, who is the 
iHeartMedia announced today (2/6) that longtime executive Bobbie Loesch has been named market president for Pittsburgh, effective immediately. The company is home to six iconic stations with a powerful cross-platform presence delivering a diverse range of music, talk, and news formats. As market president, Loesch will oversee all aspects of operations in Pittsburgh, including sales, promotions and programming. She will report to D.J. Hodge, division president for iHeartMedia. Hodge tells TALKERS, “Bobbie has been an instrumental and driving force behind the success of our Pittsburgh cluster for over 20 years, and her leadership and vision make her the perfect fit to lead the team into the future.” Loesch joined iHeartMedia Pittsburgh in April 2004 as an account executive. She was promoted to VP of sales in 2012, and most recently served as a SVP of sales for seven years. She began her career as an AE for Townsquare Media from 1998-2004 and is a graduate of Liberty University. “I am genuinely honored to be appointed to this role and deeply appreciate the trust placed in me to lead this exceptionally talented team. My colleagues, our partners and our audiences are the cornerstone of our success,” said Loesch. “I am excited to build on our achievements and further elevate our dominance in the market, and I’m eager to continue to help brands harness the unmatched reach, scale and efficiency that only iHeart can deliver.”
Edison Research announces the Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. based on reach for Q4 2024 among weekly podcast listeners age 13+. The list ranks podcasts based on total audience reach from 
WGN AM 720, Chicago today (2/5) announced a multi-year extension with morning show host Bob Sirott who is heard 6:00 am to 10:00 am weekdays. “Management has given me a terrific on-air and behind-the-scenes team, plus freedom to do whatever I want,” Sirott tells TALKERS. “That’s why waking up at 4:30 am is fun now. Actually…that last line is a lie.” Sirott has been the station’s morning drive host since 2020. The station reports, listeners can expect to hear hyper-local stories along with news and conversations related to health, tech, business, travel, entertainment, lifestyle, and where to find the best Chicago-style hot dog. “Bob’s work ethic, focus and character is the stuff of legends in the broadcast industry,” said WGN Radio vice president and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle. “He’s an excellent communicator and continues to strategically engage and connect with the WGN Radio audience daily. Bob is one of the best in the business and we’re proud to have him as part of the WGN Radio team.” Generations of Midwesterners have grown up with lifelong Chicagoan Bob Sirott whose acclaimed broadcast career spans five decades as a radio host, DJ and television news anchor. Sirott is a national Emmy award-winning journalist who received a 2022 Dante Award from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and a 2022 Silver Dome Award from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.
12 years with the station. A report in The Chattanoogan says that Joyce, who hosted the late morning “Brian Joyce Unfiltered” program, “parted ways” with the station last week. Joyce joined WGOW in 2012 and became part of the morning drive show in 2018, alongside Jim Reynolds and Kevin West. In 2023, Cumulus retooled the morning show bringing Jed Mescon aboard to co-host with Reynolds and Joyce moved to the late morning slot. 
The final opportunity to submit entries for the milestone 
managed Cumulus’ Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana stations. Welling takes over for the retiring Chris Monk. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker says, “We are thankful to Chris for the strong foundation he has built for our clusters in Flint and Saginaw and wish him all the best in his retirement. As we look to the future, we are excited to welcome Cody back to Cumulus to take our powerful brands to the next level. Cody is a passionate broadcaster who is dedicated to helping local businesses connect with our audiences and fully leverage the opportunities our traditional and digital assets provide.”
election for the seat held by Republican Joe Borelli who is leaving his post to work as a lobbyist. Borelli would have to leave the Council at the end of this term in December due to term limits. Morano tells the Post he’s running because “he’s watched too many friends and family members leave the Big Apple over ‘woke policies’ driving up crime and costs and owes it to his three-year-old son Carmine to ‘fight.’” Morano could remain with WABC hosting his syndicated show while running but the show would have to be blacked out in the New York market because of campaign regulations. 
Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network, distributed by iHeartPodcasts, and as the name implies will focus on the Trump administration. The focus of the new podcast will be on “the most important piece of news about President Donald Trump as covered on ‘The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show’” and the hosts will provide “comprehensive analysis and commentary, while breaking down the impact the news may have on Americans and their daily lives.” 
“love notes” via the Audacy app’s voicemail feature beginning next month. In March, KYW Newsradio will feature “60 Voices” from the Philadelphia area, with quotes from local community organizers, business leaders, celebrities and hometown heroes, sharing why they love living in the Delaware Valley. Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “Local radio is vital more than ever, and it’s a privilege to work at a media outlet so connected to this region. For generations, Philadelphians have turned to KYW for everything from breaking traffic updates to complex international headlines. When I walked in the door as an account executive in 1992, I was so excited to work at KYW Newsradio. That sense of pride has only grown and intensified. I’m in awe of our team and their impact on the community, and we’re excited to dedicate this year to those who have devoted their lives to reporting the facts.”
(distributed by Premiere Networks) which runs two hours per day, five days per week on stations across the nation, is one of the most innovative and well-received syndicated talk radio shows (as well as podcasts) to come down the pike in many years. It is described by Habeeb as follows: “There’s no debate or opinion. No 
politics. No news. Just stories that bring people together around common values, themes, and the founding principles and ideals of our nation. Stories that create a space for listeners to escape the news and noise of the day and be moved and informed. To listen and learn.” Habeeb’s talk show credentials are formidable. He co-founded Laura Ingraham’s national radio show in 2001, moved to Salem Media in 2008 as VP of content, and launched “Our American Stories” in 2016. He’s a University of Virginia Law School graduate, a Newsweek essayist, and lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his wife Valerie and daughter Reagan. He is currently ranked #11 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. Harrison and Habeeb engage in an illuminating conversation about the importance of history and the power of storytelling. Don’t miss this! 
did editorials on WFAA-TV, Dallas for six years. Krok shared the following message via his social media: “It’s been an amazing 15-year run at the biggest news/talk station in America’s 4th largest market. We’ve gotten to know each other so well, and I can’t wait to share the airwaves again, doing what God made me to do – tell stories, react to life, and have fun together.” Krok tells TALKERS that he has a nice home studio where he fills in on network and local shows. He says he’s available for fill-in work and is ready to talk about his next opportunity. Reach him at: 
iHeartMedia announced today (1/17) that Joyce Wirthlin has been named market president for Salt Lake City, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Salt Lake City is home to six iconic stations featuring music, talk, and news formats on both broadcast and digital platforms. In her new role, Wirthlin will oversee all aspects of operations in Salt Lake City, including sales, promotions and programming. She will report to Nick Gnau, division president for iHeartMedia. “I am very excited to have Joyce leading this team in Salt Lake City. Since the day I started working with Joyce, I was impressed with her leadership, the culture she has built with her team and the deep knowledge of the market. I have no doubt that she will propel this team to the next level!” Gnau tells TALKERS. Wirthlin joined the company in 1998 as VP of Sales. Over the years, she advanced within the organization. Most recently she served as the SVP of sales, where she played a pivotal role shaping sales strategies, fostering team development and strengthening the company’s presence in the market. “I am deeply honored to be appointed market president of iHeartMedia Salt Lake City and grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this exceptional team,” said Wirthlin. “The people here are the core of our success. Together, we are eager to build upon our achievements and continue to shape the future of media in Salt Lake City.
At my very first “Consumer Electronics Show” they were showing-off VCRs. Back to the future. What we have witnessed this week is less about things than experiences.
iHeartMedia announced (1/9) that Emily Magelof has been named director of marketing and promotions for New York, effective immediately. iHeartMedia New York has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than seven stations comprised of music, talk and news formats. Magelof’s responsibilities will include overseeing marketing and promotions for iHeartMedia New York. She will report to Thea Mitchem, EVP of programming, iHeartMedia. “I’m happy to promote Emily to director of marketing and promotions,” said Mitchem. “She is a natural leader with an amazing passion for our brands. I am excited to see her take this team to new levels.” Magelof is a seasoned industry veteran with over a decade of experience. In addition to her work at iHeartMedia, she also held positions at Madison Square Garden and IMG Fashion. “I am truly grateful and excited to step into this new role within iHeartMedia New York,” said Magelof. “It’s an honor to now lead this dynamic marketing and promotions team, that has played such a pivotal role in my growth throughout the years. I look forward to thinking big with my colleagues, embracing new challenges, and continuing to make a positive impact on our incredible brands.”
Salem Radio Network’s (SRN) White House correspondent Greg Clugston (pictured at Trump Tower in NYC) has been providing comprehensive coverage of today’s (1/10/25) historic sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump resulting from 2024 convictions in the so-called “hush money” trial. Clugston – who traveled from Washington, DC to New York City early today – will continue filing SRN News special reports throughout the day from the New York County Criminal Court, the same building where the trial took place.
David Chadwick, senior pastor of Moments of Hope Church and host of “The David Chadwick Show,” one of WBT’s longest-running local programs, reflects, “In 2020, amidst the Covid crisis, Bo Thompson, Pat McCrory and I were talking in the studio at WBT and asking, ‘What can we do to help those in need?’ I knew that Moments of Hope Church had a generous congregation, and I recognized the incredible reach of WBT’s 50,000-watt mic. That conversation sparked the idea of a matching gift from MOHC and WBT to ask its listeners to match the gift during the Christmas season. Since then, the partnership between MOHC, WBT, and all the WBT personalities has raised over $1 million to help feed children in the Charlotte area and, this past year, to help rebuild the lives of victims of hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. It has been an honor to use the gifts that God has given both organizations to help and serve others in need. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.” 
WBT program director, Mike Schaefer, adds: “WBT’s commitment to ‘Lead Local’ goes beyond delivering news and information. For nearly 103 years, this station has been woven into the fabric of Charlotte, and helping those in need is at the core of our mission. Partnering with David and his congregation to serve the most vulnerable among us aligns perfectly with our mission.” Radio One Charlotte and Richmond RVP/GM, Marsha Landess echoed these sentiments: “We are proud to use the WBT platform to support the incredible work that David and his congregation have done. Since 2020, this partnership has demonstrated the power of community, especially in a crisis like Hurricane Helene. Raising over $1M for those in need is a testament to what we can achieve together. We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community we are so proud to be a part of.” The David Chadwick Show airs Sundays from 8:00 am – 9:00 am on WBT, further underscoring the potential productivity of local weekend programming.