SABO SEZ: The Myth of Mentorship
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
Advice columns blanketing sites like LinkedIn, the Skimm, and Forbes 2.0 – aimed at recent graduates – encourage their readers to seek and bond with an at-work mentor. After years of skimming “5 bullet” articles, I have reached the tipping point and I’m not going to take it anymore: Seeking a mentor as a career strategy is horrible advice. Just horrible.
Here’s what I experienced. My first job out of Syracuse University was at RKO Radio in Manhattan. An FM. OMG. The job was promotional support and a weekend talk show. After that, NBC local, ABC network, NBC corporate, ABC corporate… all before I was 30. No mentor.
Seek-a-mentor articles are usually aimed at women. It is even worse advice for women. Here’s why:
1. No one wants to be your mentor out of kindness and heavenly points. They only want to be your mentor if you are wired to someone powerful. Someone you can tell how wonderful they are to you
2. Your mentor’s reputation becomes yours! If your mentor is thought a jerk or is fired out of general hatred, you will be fired pretty soon. At NBC, the perception was that NBC CEO Fred Silverman was my mentor. I was terminated about a week after Fred left the building. The reason I was given by my direct report was, “You were too closely associated with Fred.” Fact: I spoke to Fred once during my three-year NBC tenure. (Much later Fred and I became close friends and how lucky I was!)
3. The mentee’s expectations are always too broad. Each of us is good at one or two skills. “mentor” implies a much wider menu of advice than is realistic.
4. One day, the mentor will be proven wrong on a key issue and the mentee will be very confused.
Best advice ever: You have no friends at work. Co-workers, yes. Work-wife? Work-husband? No, no, no!
The greatest gift you can give a co-worker is a request for advice. Each co-worker has strengths. Identify those strengths and tap into those. One request of a colleague is flattering. Ten requests for help is a sign of weakness and you will be eaten.
In any business, especially “glamour” businesses, your goal is to not be eaten by people jealous of you. You could be eaten for any reason because the jobs are sparse and security is mercurial.
Obviously, a job is a job. It is not a social club. Early in a person’s work life, it is tempting to make the workplace a surrogate family. That could get you eaten. Do your job. Go home.
Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.
airing from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Concha has been hosting a Sunday show from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon and will continue in that role. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis says, “Joe is exactly the kind of smart, credible, non-nonsense voice we promised our listeners. Listeners trust Joe and his ratings success backs that up. We are delighted to add him to our weeknight programming.” Concha is a columnist, author, and FOX News contributor.
iHeartMedia’s studios in South Florida and airing in the 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm slot being vacated by Doug Gottlieb. iHeartMedia says, “Designed as a live radio extension of his popular podcast ‘Stugotz and Company,’ the show will bring together his regular crew along with a rotating cast of guest co-hosts, blending old friends and new voices.” Additionally, the Stugotz Podcast Network will launch with iHeartPodcasts, featuring “Stugotz and Company” and “God Bless Football,” plus more content to be launched later. Weiner says, “There was a ton of interest and a lot of great conversations, but it became obvious to me rather quickly that iHeart and FOX Sports Radio were going to be the landing spot. I miss doing live radio, and I was looking for a partner to grow my two existing podcasts and help us build out a network. To be able to partner with the biggest and best digital company on the planet – and host a daily, two-hour live radio show with two Hall of Famers, Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd, as lead-ins – is a place, quite frankly, I never imagined arriving at, and an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up.”
operations Mark Sullivan comments, “Andrea and I have worked alongside each other for decades and shared in many successes together. She has a long track record of driving results for our Lexington stations, rooted in her passion for the business and service to the community, our advertisers, listeners, and employees. This is a well-deserved opportunity for her, and I’m looking forward to her success in this new role as VP/market manager.” Ayers says, “I’m truly honored to accept the role of VP/market manager for Cumulus Lexington. I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to the table and work alongside such a talented group to drive growth, strengthen relationships, and deliver exceptional results.”
Trump’s historic Executive Order on artificial intelligence promotes America’s leadership in AI and advances our nation’s economic and national security interests. It does so by targeting excessive state regulations that would not only hold America back but insert ideological bias into AI models. President Trump’s decisive action also ensures a policy framework that protects children, prevents online censorship, respects copyrights, and safeguards communities. The FCC welcomes President’s Trump’s direction that the agency initiate a proceeding to determine whether to adopt a Federal reporting and disclosure standard for AI models that preempts conflicting State laws.”
Andy Economos, the founder of Radio Computing Systems (RCS), was a leader in bringing digital tech into the radio industry. In 1980, he was leaving his position as head of technology for NBC Inc. to start his own company. I was EVP of the NBC FM stations. Andy and I were walking to lunch, crossing Sixth Avenue at 49th street and he asked me, “Is there any software your radio stations could use?”
standard in audio, and it’s an honor to join a brand creatively steeped in sports storytelling. Not unlike the Savannah Bananas, I’m prepared to push the limits of sports talk. I’ll deliver for Jimmy in Tucson, Arizona just as much as Joe in Marshall, Texas. And for every groundbreaking Los Angeles Lakers trade, there’s a Boston College linebacker who survived cancer. You’ll hear the same fire and heart for each. We’re going to create something special; I promise you that.” Cumulus SVP sports/content & audience Bruce Gilbert comments, “Drake represents exactly what we’re building – a modern, interactive sports experience that is driven by personalities and fueled by fans – programming that breaks away from the predictable and formulaic. Drake’s ability to entertain, connect, and innovate makes him the ideal voice for mornings on Westwood One.”
My introduction to Rush Limbaugh begins in the fall of 1992. I began listening to Rush’s radio show after seeing him campaigning on stage with George H.W. Bush during the 1992 fall presidential election. Bill Clinton would win the election and so would begin the greatest, media political rivalry ever between Rush Limbaugh and Bill Clinton. Rush’s middle America authentic voice was cutting through the mainstream media noise of the day from a generationally unique perspective. He was the perfect counterculture combatant to Bill Clinton’s political philosophy. Being a baby boomer myself and two years younger than Rush, I was immediately hooked on the EIB radio network!
position the cluster for continued success and growth. They include the promotion of Grant McHill to program director for “NewsRadio 101.1 FM KXL.” McHill has been serving as KXL’s news director. McHill says, “As someone who has worked at KXL for a decade, I appreciate and understand the station’s importance to the community and its potential for growth in Portland and beyond. I am thrilled, honored, and thankful for this opportunity. A huge thank you to Jeff Warshaw, Keith Dakin, Mark Handwerger, and Ross MacLeod for their confidence in me.”
Lochridge entered the business in the sales department and by 1970 became the general manager of WRIF, Detroit. He was promoted by ABC to general manager for WPLJ, New York in 1973. He would serve at KAUM, Houston before returning to New York to serve with ABC Radio Networks. He later joined NBC’s The Source. In 1988 he and his wife purchased a small station in Wickenburg, Arizona.
In an industry built on speed – breaking news, live liners, commercial deadlines – “pause” can feel like a luxury radio can’t afford. But Kevin Cashman’s The Pause Principle: Step Back to Lead Forward (Wiley) argues the opposite: pausing isn’t weakness, it’s a competitive advantage. For local radio leaders, the message couldn’t be timelier.
comments, “I’m honored and excited to take on this new role and continue building on the incredible momentum our teams have created. Bonneville Seattle is home to passionate, talented individuals who care deeply about our brands, our partners, and our community. I look forward to helping us grow even stronger – together.” Bonneville Seattle SVP and market manager Cathy Cangiano states, “Crista has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to relationship-building. Her promotion is a testament to the impact she’s made and the confidence we have in her ability to lead us into the future. Crista was the clear choice for this role, and I’m thrilled to partner with her as we shape the next chapter for Bonneville Seattle. Her vision and energy will be instrumental in our continued growth.”
If you’re a news/talk station, be known-for-knowing what’s happening. My client stations routinely invite tune-in “for a quick [name of network] news update, every hour, throughout your busy day.”
of businesspeople are reducing their exposure to New York City.” He tells Forbes he’s looking for “friendly states.” “The key word is a commonsense place to do business in.” Catsimatidis, whose business interests include Gristedes supermarkets and a controlling share of D’Agostino stores, was irked by Mamdani’s promise of opening “cheap city-run grocery stores” in each of the boroughs. Catsimatidis tells Forbes, “‘We don’t have any profit margins,’ he says, explaining that his stores have been losing money for ‘at least two years.’ He blames the state of the city: ‘Shoplifting is up to an all-time high. A lot of stuff is being closed up, which means that it’s not easy for people to shop, so sales are down.’” Catsimatidis does not talk about his radio businesses in the article but given how much effort he’s put into covering local New York news and his hiring local talk hosts and journalists, it’s hard to imagine him running the radio stations from another state such as Florida. 
Civic Media’s news/talk network, managing schedules, talent, quality control, and compliance with broadcast regulations. Key responsibilities include selecting programs, coaching on-air personalities and shows, developing promotional strategies, and ensuring the station’s sound and content align with its brand and audience needs. They blend creativity and business acumen, using audience research and ratings data to shape programming and achieve business goals.” 
reporter in 1974 and became an anchor in 1979, beginning a 35-year run as a morning drive and sports anchor. Countless Philadelphians came to know Donahue’s voice as he brought the news, traffic, weather, and much-longed-for snow days over the airwaves in his time at the station. He was also a fixture in the city’s sports radio scene, doing play-by-play for the Philadelphia Stars — the city’s USFL team in the 1980s — and was the TV and radio voice of Temple football and basketball for more than two decades.” Donahue retired from KYW in 2014 and was promptly inducted into the KYW Newsradio Hall of Fame. In 2000, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Games. It will also produce a new Winter Games season of “Two Guys, Five Rings” hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, produce Olympic-specific episodes of some of its podcasts, and promote tune-in for NBCU’s coverage. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “We’re eager to build upon our relationship with NBCUniversal and once again deliver premium audio coverage of the Olympic Games, this time focusing on the awe-inspiring athletes and incredible stories set to come from the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. As the leading destination for sports audio, we’re excited to deepen the connection between audiences and the athletes they love.”
Thomas has been and continues his Saturday program “Unfiltered with Kenny Thomas” and his “Lobos Live” show on sister news/talk KKOB-AM/FM. Cumulus Albuquerque program director Brandon Vogt says, “Kenny is authentic, competitive, and connected – the perfect fit for afternoons. He knows this market, he knows our teams, and he knows how to carry a locker room-level conversation on the radio. In this new role, Kenny will make a huge impact in the community and on the airwaves, continuing the tradition of great local sports talk in Albuquerque on New Mexico’s heritage sports station, ‘The Sports Animal.’ We couldn’t be more excited.”
The 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.
When we first covered this case, it felt like only 2024 could invent it – a disgraced congressman, George Santos, selling Cameos and a late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel, buying them under fake names to make a point about truth and ego. A year later, the Second Circuit turned that punchline into precedent. (Read story here: 
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.”
sales effect within six months. Podcasts and AM/FM radio also performed strongly in long-term brand building with impressive brand effects beyond six months. The story notes that the Effie Awards are based on growth factors such as incremental revenue, profit, market share, new customers, loyalty, and price sensitivity. Brands that win Effie Awards drive impressive revenue, profit, and brand effects. The stronger the Effie performance, the greater the ROI and business results. The key takeaway is that “some media do well with short-term impact but have a harder time creating future demand (contesting, promotions, search, digital display). Other media are adept at brand building and creating future demand but have difficulty with short-term sales effect (creators/influencers, TV, PR, online video/CTV, and print). AM/FM radio and podcasts are unique in their ability to drive both short-term sales as well as long-term brand effects.” 
but sources tell Reuters that it would likely be sometime after November. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz criticized Carr for comments he made on the Benny Johnson podcast about late night talk host Jimmy Kimmel’s joke that appeared to threaten ABC/Disney and promise FCC action against the company if it didn’t take action on its own. On his Premiere Networks distributed podcast, “The Verdict with Ted Cruz,” Cruz said of Carr’s comments, “I got to say that’s right out of ‘Goodfellas.’ That’s right out of a Mafioso coming into a bar going, ‘Nice bar you have here. It would be a shame if something happened to it.’” Carr recently said that’s not what he meant and stated, “We don’t want to see weaponization of government by any administration against any perspective – and that’s certainly not what we’re doing here.”
As a media consultant, my team has had the privilege of being engaged extensively by members of the C-Suite. Becoming a member of the C-Suite is a common goal. To get into any group, acceptance often depends on acting and appearing like established members. Here are some of the actions observed of business masters whom we consulted:
guest host because he specifically asked for the honor, so he can share his thoughts and remembrances on the passing of his personal friend. SRN adds, “We have received permission from Premiere Networks to allow Glenn to do this, even though he may be on a competing station in some radio markets. This is one of those rare times where competitors unite for the common good. We wanted our stations to know this special broadcast has been approved. It promises to be memorable radio.” SRN says other major stars will fill in during the coming days. Vice President JD Vance guest-hosted live from The White House on Monday and Tuesday’s show was hosted by Matt Walsh, Michael Knowles and Ben Shapiro.
Amazon learned that there are high volume sales for specific categories of products. High demand equals high value to the seller. Items such as diapers, printer ink, staplers, batteries, etc. Being brilliant, Amazon created “Amazon Basics.” Same products, white labeled. Amazon doesn’t manufacture batteries; they just slap their logos on what America needs most. That’s why Mr. Bezos has a bigger boat than you.
and the countless people whose lives he touched through his words, his work, and his unwavering commitment to faith and country.” Salem CEO David Santrella is quoted saying, “Charlie was more than a broadcaster – he was a fearless defender of truth and a faithful servant of God. This assassination was not just an attack on Charlie, it was an attack on free speech and on the values Charlie championed every day. His absence leaves a tremendous void, but his legacy of faith, courage, and conviction will continue to inspire generations.” Salem Media chief strategy officer Bradley Parscale stated, “I have had the privilege of working with Charlie for nearly a decade. He was part of the Salem family. His voice was fearless, unyielding, and relentless in the defense of faith and freedom. This heinous act of evil was meant to silence him, but as Christians, we know darkness cannot overcome the light. Charlie’s influence cannot and will not be silenced.” The company added, “Charlie’s partnership with Salem Media was defined by his uncompromising defense of biblical values, liberty, and truth. Through his nationally syndicated show and podcast, he reached millions who relied on his voice to cut through lies, honor truth, and give courage to those fighting for faith and freedom.”
New York’s Cipriani 42nd Street once again played host to one of radio’s most anticipated annual events of the year: the annual “77 WABC Gala,” held this past Friday (9/5). The spectacular evening blended star-studded entertainment, heartfelt tributes, and plenty of radio family camaraderie – all while raising funds for three cornerstone charities: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Police Athletic League, and Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Woodward Community Media makes talk programming leadership moves that it says “strengthens its talk radio leadership with a key promotion and new hire.” Alex Thomas is promoted to brand manager fornews/talk WHBY-AM/W278AU and sports talk WSCO-AM/W256DD in Appleton, Wisconsin. At the same time, Paul Johnson joins the company as the new assistant brand manager for the Woodward Community Media Talk Team. Johnson most recently served with Midwest Communications. Thomas says, “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to be brand manager of such prestigious stations of WHBY & The Score. With WHBY celebrating its 100th year Anniversary and WSCO’s local sports presence, it’s an honor to represent Woodward Community Media as the talk station brand manager. I look forward to continuing our community impact and highlighting the Fox Valley with great local radio programming.” Johnson comments, “I’m excited to be part of the team at Woodward Community Media! So many talented individuals on staff, and I feel very fortunate to join the team at WHBY and WSCO with the goal of providing great local radio to the listeners of the Fox Valley.”
Superman just flew into court – not against Lex Luthor, but against Midjourney. Warner Bros. Discovery is suing the AI platform, accusing it of stealing the studio’s crown jewels: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, and more.
According to a report in Barron’s, Premiere Networks talk host Buck Sexton filing a federal lawsuit against RAD Diversified REIT, alleging they defrauded him of more than $100,000. In the complaint, Sexton alleges that RAD founders Dutch Mendenhall and Amy Vaughn solicited cash from him for investment coaching for property deals, neither of which ever happened. The story notes that this suit comes just weeks after Florida’s attorney general announced a probe into RAD saying the firm “appears to be a Ponzi scheme.” Sexton’s attorney writes in the complaint, “Despite being an experienced real estate investor, Mr. Sexton was taken in by the documents and investment returns touted by Mendenhall and his representatives. The defendants’ grand promises of sweeping returns never materialized.” 
exclude or marginalize competitors like Newsmax. Further, Newsmax alleges that FOX News, “described in the complaint as a ‘must-have’ channel for distributors, leverages its market power to impose restrictions that harm consumers, stifle competition, and drive-up costs across the pay TV ecosystem.” Specifically, Newsmax alleges that “FOX conditions access to FOX News on 
agreements by distributors not to carry or to restrict competing right-leaning news channels. If distributors carry Newsmax, FOX forces them to also carry low-demand channels like FOX Business or FOX Sports 2 in their most widely viewed tiers, triggering potentially tens of millions in extra fees. These clauses penalize distributors for placing Newsmax in basic packages by requiring simultaneous promotion of FOX less popular channels.” Also, Newsmax alleges that FOX has pressured its guests to not appear on Newsmax, as well as has run online smear campaigns and hired private investigators targeting Newsmax executives to damage the Company’s credibility. Newsmax is asking the court to: 1) Declare FOX’s conduct unlawful under federal and state antitrust laws; 2) Award monetary damages as permitted by law; 3) Enjoin FOX from continuing exclusionary contracts and monopolistic practices; and 4) Order equitable relief to restore competition in right-leaning pay TV news.
VP of sales for the market. Castor is taking over for Becky Domyan, who continues her role as to serve as SVP and market manager for the St. Louis market. Castor has also co-hosted “Sports Daily” on KFH Radio since 2022. Audacy regional president Brian Purdy says, “Tommy has a proven track record of success and a deep connection to this market, and we couldn’t be happier to have him take the reins to lead Audacy Wichita forward. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Becky for her leadership and impactful work in Wichita. We are thankful for the strong foundation she leaves behind and are confident Tommy will build upon that success.”