HC at the NAB: Radio, One Way or Another
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
These conventions used to be about making-the-most-of those towers behind radio stations that played in several rooms at home and occupied two knobs and six buttons in the dashboard. Back to the future…
“Take every available opportunity to connect with audiences.”
Longtime programmer turned podcaster Buzz Knight moderated the session, “Cross-Platform Content Wins – Radio and Podcast Success Stories.” And here’s one now, a radio news guy I’d like to clone, WBZ-AM, Boston’s Matt Shearer, the next-gen’ talent whose skill set and perspective yields the sort of content that takes radio beyond those towers.
Shearer told us he “had been making video from my radio pieces. Now, I’m making radio from my video.” Whereupon Alpha Media EVP of content Phil Becker urged broadcasters to “focus on THAT they use you, not WHERE they use you.” And noting that – as “streaming services have divided audiences” – South Carolina Public Radio director Sean Birch recognizes that “We have to hit a bunch of audiences all at once.”
Common thread in panelists’ remarks: Broadcast and podcast listeners “are very different audiences;” and “we have to be where people are.” Still, revenue stacks-up in two piles: broadcast bucks and digital dimes. And Hubbard Radio EVP/programming Greg Strassell reckons, “Any engagement you do is an opportunity to promote the mothership.” Hubbard’s WTOP, Washington simulcasts its on-air programming via YouTube, and Greg says average Time Spend Listening there is 17 minutes.
“Using Social Media to Develop Community”
In this session, Beasley Media Group’s Dave Snyder recommends a Basic Success Framework:
— Understand your community. Rather than thinking platform (“We need to be on TikTok”), limit your reach to platforms that offer the most engagement potential. “Not all platforms will be a fit for your content.”
— Set your goals. What does success look like? Gauge value by engagement counts like Comments and Likes, rather than mere Views.
— Be authentic. Build brand guidelines, and have a moderation policy, and a style/tone guide. AI is a useful tool, “but it’s not authentic.”
Develop Engagement. Social media gives broadcasters a unique potential to:
— Share a behind-the-scenes view as content is created, “how the sausage is made,” giving your community a different perspective.
— Expose the community to content creators’ personalities. Building community is only possible if people feel like they actually “know” you.
— Interact with the audience. “Community building can’t just be about pushing content. Engagement flows two ways.”
Keep it going. “Once you have your Framework and Content plan, then comes the hard part.”
— “Consistency and cadence is probably the most important part of growing a consistently engaged community.”
— “Use ‘the whole buffalo.’ Optimize your content for cross-platform use.”
— Use analytics to “build on what works and chuck what doesn’t.”
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Carr of “illegally targeting broadcast networks and media companies perceived to be unfavorably covering the Trump Administration – wasting critical agency resources on bogus investigations in the process.” The lawmakers are also questioning Carr’s “commitment to his agency’s independence, given his frequent trips with the president to Mar-a-Lago and his targeting of entities that the president has criticized or sued in his personal capacity.” Committee Ranking Members says that “under Carr’s leadership, the FCC has harassed CBS for routine editing practices, reinstated lawfully denied complaints against ABC and NBC, launched a bogus investigation into KCBS-AM in San Jose simply for reporting publicly available information, and directed the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to launch investigations into NPR and PBS based on false allegations.” The Committee is requesting documents and communications “related to its investigations of media entities,” “all communications between Carr and current White House officials and between Carr and other Trump Administration officials that relate to investigations,” as well as Carr’s travel records. 
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.
Television Stations; and Peter H. Smyth, former chairman and CEO Greater Media, to its board of directors. Broadcasters Foundation chair Scott Herman comments, “We are delighted that broadcast executives of this caliber will serve on our Board. Their advocacy for our charitable mission is exemplary. Their input and ideas will help us continue to reach out to broadcasters across America to help those in our business who are in critical need.”
for the class of 2025 is Monday, March 31 at 11:59 pm PT. You can visit 
Now, is submitting IPO offering materials with the SEC and is seeking a public offering with a planned listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NMAX” later this year. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy states, “This achievement reflects the strong results Newsmax has demonstrated and testifies to the trust and support the company maintains with investors, viewers and friends. We’d also like to thank Digital Offering LLC, for their expertise, hard work and their positive commitment to supporting us throughout this process. We are excited to be one step closer to our upcoming IPO which will provide us a tremendous opportunity for growth. A public offering will allow tens of thousands of Americans to directly partner with us and join our news revolution. We look forward to delivering long-term value to all of our shareholders.”
will air on SiriusXM’s Stars channel from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein comments, “Page Six has been a powerhouse for all celebrity news for nearly half a century, and by teaming up with our in-house experts here at SiriusXM, this new show is sure to be the ultimate destination for pop culture fans. With the launch of ‘Page Six Radio,’ we are transforming the publication’s stories to a dynamic new format that will expand its reach and resonate with SiriusXM listeners who turn to the platform for all the latest entertainment news.”
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.”
by a political appointee instead of a career agent. The role of the deputy director is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the bureau’s law enforcement. The Journal also reports that new FBI director Kash Patel had “offered Republican senators private assurances that he would name a special agent with bureau experience” in order to provide “operational expertise and experience.” The FBI Agents Association has made no public statement so far. Cumulus Media issued the following statement: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dan Bongino on his decision to take on the role of deputy director of the FBI. Dan has entertained and informed tens of millions of listeners every day and we are grateful for our successful partnership. We look forward to welcoming Dan back in the future. We truly value our audience, advertisers, and affiliates and remain dedicated to bringing them the next exciting chapter for this programming soon. Dan’s last show will be Friday, March 14.”
that Griffin Fossella worked for him on his 2013 NYC mayoral campaign. Responding to the issue, Morano tells SILive, “We all have personal relationships in this race. I’m proud to have the support of the Staten Island Republican Party… and I look forward to debating my opponent on the issues impacting South Shore residents. John [Catsimatidis] is a good friend and has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to do a nationally syndicated radio show. I’ll always be grateful to him for every opportunity he’s given me.” Catsimatidis says of Morano, “He’s a good broadcaster and he always has a job at WABC.”
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.”
Commission stated that Hennen was expressing “his own individual opinion on the current state of journalism,” but “even if it was assumed that such an opinion might be expressed on WDAY under BBM’s ownership, that is not a ground for the FCC to deny or withhold consent to the instant assignment.” The Commission further states, “We reject the assertion that Hennen’s social media comments justify a denial of the proposed assignment applications. The Objection does not cite to any provision under the Act or the rules, any cases, or any Commission policy for its argument that Hennen’s social media comments are pertinent to our review of the Applications. We disagree with Wolff’s argument that Hennen’s viewpoint on the state of journalism, as expressed in his social media comments, is in any way relevant to our determination of BBM’s qualifications to hold a license or whether the proposed assignment would serve the public interest. As the Commission has stated, licensees have broad discretion based on their First Amendment right to free speech to choose, in good faith, the programming they believe serves the needs and interests of their communities. Indeed, the Commission does not interfere with the programming decisions of licensees, nor does it consider issues of programming choice when reviewing an application for the assignment or transfer of a broadcast license.”
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 
To say that I am excited about the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference coming up in New York City on Friday March 7 and Saturday March 8 is an understatement. I am proud that TALKERS has taken on the role of “presenting sponsor” of the entire event and that this year’s iteration of the annual “TALKERS” conference will be taking a unique and groundbreaking turn toward the future of radio-oriented broadcasting within the context of the industry’s leading youth-oriented gathering.
If professional radio is truly concerned about an aging audience and a deteriorating “farm system” from which to recruit new talent, it’s time to connect with the largest concentration of young broadcasters and listeners found on the planet in America’s dynamic campus radio station and communications department scene.
SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. announced today (1/31) that its flagship Los Angeles-based radio station, KBLA Talk 1580, will launch year two of its Climate Justice work. This $2 million, 12-month campaign will link and combat the relationship between climate change and poor health outcomes for African Americans, other people of color, and the poor. The campaign was recently named a national semifinalist for the American Climate Leadership Awards 2025 by ecoAmerica. Climate inequities have taken a toll with multiple health triggers in the Black community, such as extreme heat and poor air quality, made worse by the recent wildfires.
Offering LLC and says the deadline to apply for shares in the pre-public offering private placement is Friday (1/31). Newsmax says that its private placement investments are near the $185 million mark. Newsmax has made information about the offering available via its NewsmaxInvest.com site. The offering is available to accredited investors with an annual income of $200,000 or a $1 million-plus net worth.
Spadea – morning drive host at WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” – and his employer Townsquare Media created an illegal “shadow campaign.” The complaint says Townsquare used radio, social media and public events to promote Spadea’s campaign thereby providing him with “hundreds of thousands of dollars” worth of advertising. Ciattarelli is asking the Commission to deny Spadea’s campaign access to matching public funds and to fine Townsquare for the campaign violations. Spadea’s campaign says the complaint is baseless and that it has complied with election law throughout his campaign. 
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. 
“Cousins, being on radio again, playing the best music, and connecting with listeners is as exciting for me now as it was in 1964,” said Morrow. “The magic of radio, the beauty of theater of the mind is unduplicated. I’m looking forward to the fun we’re going to have on radio stations across America!”
Longtime talk radio mainstay and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member, Jeff Katz is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Katz is the tremendously popular 3:00 – 6:00 pm host at Audacy’s WRVA, Richmond, VA where he has developed a national reputation within the broadcasting industry as a champion of public service and community outreach. 
In addition to being a compelling political commentator and dazzlingly entertaining personality, Katz – a former Philadelphia police officer – has worked tirelessly for years as a champion of law enforcement, the needy, and the disabled. A former recipient of the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award, Katz has received numerous honors over the years from public officials including the President of the United States, Director of the FBI, and Governor of Virginia. Just recently, VA Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Katz to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. Katz and Harrison discuss radio’s handling of the current water crisis afflicting central Virginia, which has been overshadowed, in terms of national attention, by the Southern California wildfire disaster, in addition to the importance of radio as an invaluable societal safety net. Don’t miss this. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click 
Newsmax Raises $150 Million in Pre-IPO Plan.* Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy reports “We did it!” According to the ascending multi-platform news organization’s founder, “When we announced our plan to go public, we also announced our plan to raise $150 million in Preferred Shares before we became listed.” Ruddy tells TALKERS, “I am glad to report Newsmax hit the $150 million* mark over the Christmas-New Year’s holiday. In fact, we have raised $153 million*, having exceeded our target by $3 million. And we have thousands of investors who are still in the process of buying Preferred Shares!
So, Newsmax has decided to extend our offering to $175 million – an increase of $25 million above our target raise.” Ruddy concludes, “Newsmax expects to close on the remaining $22 million remaining very soon.” 
“Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about elevating radio technology and helping the industry understand the critical role of metadata, especially in the digital dashboard,” Jurison tells TALKERS. “Joining Quu is an incredible opportunity to build on that mission. I’m eager to contribute to this talented team’s efforts to strengthen radio stations’ relationships with their listeners and advertising clients.” “Alan’s innovative mindset and technical expertise make him an exceptional addition to Quu,” said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu. “His vision aligns perfectly with our goals to help radio boost ratings and generate new revenue through visual solutions that engage and retain audiences.” Alan will be at CES in Las Vegas this week, where he looks forward to connecting with industry peers. Interested in meeting up? Contact Alan at 
The horrific murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson at the hands of Luigi Mangione at the end of 2024 was a wake-up call for the talk media industry.