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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 new lead TV play-by-play voice for Marlins games on FanDuel Sports Network.  A graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse, McMullen spent the previous three seasons on the radio broadcast for the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate. Before then, he called games for the Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod League (2018) and the Short Season Auburn Doubledays of the Nationals’ system (’19). The Chicago native’s other experience includes serving as director of podcasting for Just Baseball Media, hosting the network’s flagship show “The Just Baseball Show,” play calling for ESPN+/Learfield and working as part of the broadcast and production teams for various programs during his time at Syracuse. A rotation of analysts will team up with McMullen in the booth: Rod Allen, Jeff Nelson, Gaby Sánchez and Kelly Saco. Joining the mix will be three-time Emmy Award winner and longtime FanDuel Sports Network host and reporter Craig Minervini as well as former Marlins All-Star reliever and SiriusXM MLB analyst A.J. Ramos. McMullen will make his Marlins Radio Network debut on Feb. 22, when the Marlins open Grapefruit League action against the Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. He will call every Spring Training and regular-season game on WINZ 940, the Marlins’ English radio flagship station, and develop ancillary Marlins Radio Network content with pregame show host Stephen Strom.  “We can’t wait to introduce Jack to the South Florida community as we enter an exciting chapter of Marlins baseball, and we know Jack is the perfect fit to tell our story,” Marlins vice president of public relations and communications Jon Erik Alvarez said. “His broadcast style, baseball knowledge and vast multimedia experience will connect with our listeners and extend the reach beyond the booth as we look to improve upon the recent growth of the Marlins Radio Network.”

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.

Building on the success of last year’s campaign, KBLA will tailor brand-specific health messaging to the Black community, use strategic alliances to create a healthful behavior pipeline, create culturally and socially sensitive health education opportunities, and enhance knowledge and awareness among Black community stakeholders.

The initiative plans a robust schedule of climate/Black health-themed broadcasts and special programming during the next 12 months, free community events each quarter, a one-of-a-kind Black health online portal, two town halls broadcast nationally from Los Angeles, and a savvy social media and marketing campaign. Last year, KBLA Talk 1580 hosted a national conversation live on C-SPAN. It will do so again this year with the theme, “Narrowing the Gap: Addressing Health Disparities Among African Americans.” KBLA is being joined in this effort by an array of public and private partners.

“The harsher impacts of climate change weigh heavily on communities of color, as we can see with the impact of the wildfires on historic Black communities like Altadena where lives were lost, property was destroyed, and these toxic air pollutants are likely to cause even greater harm in the months and years to come,” stated Tavis Smiley, KBLA’s chief visionary officer, host of the nationally syndicated “Tavis Smiley Show,” and 2023 recipient of the coveted “Freedom of Speech” Award from TALKERS.  “There is real concern that these wildfires may leave even more inequity in their wake.”

As a Black-owned and operated major media company focused on these underserved communities, and as the most ‘trusted, credible and reliable’ media source in Southern California for African Americans and beyond, we are committed to doing more than talk in these troubled times,” added Smiley. “KBLA assigns itself the task of elevating the climate conversation connected to Black health outcomes by amplifying the voices of those who are most impacted by the climate catastrophes we are all witnessing in real-time.”

Red Apple Music Networks, the music radio unit of Red Apple Audio Networks, has expanded its national syndication with one of America’s most popular, trusted, and beloved music radio personalities Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow. “Cousin Brucie‘s Rock & Roll Party” airs live on Saturdays from 6:00-10:00 pm ET and is the second music radio program from the network, whose flagship is the iconic talker 77WABC, New York.

Cousin Brucie has a long and storied career with 77WABC, where he was on the air during the early days of rock ‘n’ roll and introduced fans to The Beatles, Motown, 60s Soul, surf music, and more. He even interviewed The Beatles when they first came to the U.S. in 1964!

Fast forward to 2020… John Catsimatidis purchases 77WABC and brings Cousin Brucie, who had been on SiriusXM, back to radio and his legions of fans. Last year, when Now and Then, a new Beatles song that used AI to fill in John Lennon’s voice, Paul McCartney recorded a personalized message for Cousin Brucie to play on his “Rock & Roll Party.”

“We are giving radio stations across America the opportunity to experience the success we have had with Cousin Brucie in New York,” said Catsimatidis. “Brucie is passionate about his show, the music, and his listeners and that is a large part of why his fans are so loyal.”

“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!”

Morrow has 80,000 followers on Facebook where he interacts directly with his listeners throughout the week. Every Saturday, he posts a video to share with fans who his special guest will be that evening. Recent guests included rock ‘n’ roll superstars Ringo Star, Frankie Valli, Darlene Love, Dion DiMucci, Mike Love, and Ronnie Spector.  

“The goal with our networks is to deliver top-quality programming and nationally recognizable talent like Cousin Brucie to radio stations across the country,” stated Chad Lopez, president of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “Brucie has unparalleled access to the artists who performed the biggest hits of the 50s and 60s, bringing listeners closer to the music they love.”

Morrow is a past recipient of the TALKERS Lifetime Achievement Award and is considered by the publication’s editorial board to be a “talker” as much as a “disc jockey” where he is positioned, as described by Michael Harrison, in a “pop cultural stew at the very nexus of cross-generational history with interviews, storytelling and conversations.” Red Apple Music Networks also syndicates “Sundays with Sinatra with Joe Piscopo.”

Longtime talk radio mainstay and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member, Jeff Katz is this week’s guest on “UP CLOSE FAR OUT with Michael Harrison.”  Katz is the tremendously popular 3:00 pm – 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 supplementing his daily “take” on the issues as a champion of law enforcement, the needy, disaster victims and the disabled.  A former recipient of the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award, Katz has received numerous honors over the years from service organizations and 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 where he is sure to make a positive difference in people’s lives. 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.  It’s emotional, compelling and touches directly upon the very heart of 21st century radio.

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 HERE.

As Michael Harrison wrote in TALKERS at the start of the new year’s first full week (1/6), “Each year at this time, I am invariably asked by broadcasters, reporters, and friends, ‘What do you think we’ll be talking about in the new year ahead?’  And each year I give the same answer:  THE UNEXPECTED.”

Here we go again. Within what seems like mere moments after the optimistic news broke that California was again gaining population after years of depletion, the apocalyptic wildfires that sprung out of heavy winds and dry conditions in the Pacific Palisades pounced upon L.A. County and circled its metro like a raging beast from hell – thrusting local radio into its familiar role as a vital informational first responder.  Add to that, radio’s invaluable service as an emotional support provider for a confused and terrified public is on display.  TALKERS is receiving reports from Southern California and points throughout the Golden State that radio is, indeed, rising to the occasion with many all-news, talk and public radio outlets taking a wall-to-wall, “all hands-on deck” personnel policy both in studio and remote scenarios. This is especially important in areas where the power has gone out and car or battery-driven radios provide instant access to weather, traffic and other vital facts. The fires have also set off figurative sparks in terms of political finger pointing and emotional venting regarding budgets, preparedness, and general political accountability. Major industries – housing, entertainment, sports, healthcare and public safety – are being shaken to the core. No venue performs the service of unpacking all that on a mass level better than live, local, spoken word radio.

Broadcasters Foundation to the Rescue. As the wildfires continue to rage and spread in the Los Angeles area, the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) wants to remind broadcasters in Southern California that Emergency Grants are available for those who qualify.  “We have set aside Emergency Grant Dollars to provide financial assistance to broadcasters in LA who are in need,” stated Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation.

The BFOA Emergency Grant Application Process is streamlined to deliver financial aid to those in need as speedily as possible, usually within weeks.  Historically, it can take a week or more for victims of disasters like these wildfires to apply because their lives have been upended and they may not have immediate access to the internet, etc. For those broadcasters, the BFOA has set up an emergency phone number at 212-373-8250. To apply directly on line, broadcasters may go to www.broadcastersfoundation.org

The top story yesterday (1/8) on news/talk radio and related media venues was the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. In addition to prompting around the clock public safety information, the natural disaster stirred up emotional conversation about political accountability and speculation about what lies ahead in terms of the economy, housing, the environment, and SoCal-based industries including entertainment, tourism, and sports.  That was followed by heated analysis of the changes at Meta and Facebook regarding censorship and fact checking.  Discussion also continued about the many facets of the presidential transition currently underway, the state of Trump’s dangling legal issues, and U.S. foreign relations per the Middle East and Eastern Europe according to the ongoing research of TALKERS.

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.” Read More Here *NOTE: “Raised” includes closed proceeds and investments committed / in process of closing.

Alan Jurison Joins Quu to Lead Innovation and Special Projects.  Quu, Inc., an industry leader providing convenient deployment of visual content for radio, announces today (1/7) that Alan Jurison has joined the company to focus on special projects and innovation. Reporting to Joe Marshall, Quu’s senior director of technical services, Jurison will spearhead initiatives to enhance radio broadcasts with dynamic visual programming and sales messaging.  Jurison brings extensive experience from his time as senior operations engineer at iHeartMedia, where he was known for innovative work in technology and strategy. “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 ajurison@myquu.com.

After making great strides with ratings, revenue, podcasts, local in-market promotions, and a national, live political forum (“The Gathering”) in 2024, which included expanding to 27 affiliates, the Compass Media Networks syndicated Erick Erickson Show starts today (1/6) with an additional 29 affiliates, bringing the total to 56.   Effective today, the following stations will start airing the Erick Erickson Show: KBYR, Anchorage, AK; KLOO, Corvallis, OR; WDBT, Dothan, AL; KSLM, Salem, OR; KSUE, Susanville, CA; WTNY, Watertown, NY; and the Supertalk FM network in Mississippi (WRQO, Brookhaven, MS; WXRZ, Corinth, MS; WTCD, Greenwood, MS; WOSM, Gulfport, MS; WFMM; Hattiesburg, MS; WFMN, Jackson, MS; WLAU, Laurel, MS; WZKR, Meridian, MS; WTNM, Oxford, MS; WKBB, Starkville, MS; WMPK, Summit, MS; WFTA in Tupelo, MS and it will also move into the live spot on KROF in Lafayette, LA. The show is a longtime staple of Cox Media Group’s 95.5 WSB, Atlanta where it airs 12:00 noon- 3:00 pm daily. In 2024, Erickson conducted live events in Las Vegas, Tulsa, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Athens, and Orlando, covering his own costs so stations could make more money.  “The Gathering” attracted 1,000 attendees from 47 states to hear from key Republican figures like Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Mitch McConnell. In 2025, Erickson tells TALKERS, “We plan to expand this event to other markets.”

BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 comprehensive national audio news network specializing in what it describes as “objective, accurate and trusted continual news with a Black voice and perspective,” today (1/6) announced Terry Foxx has joined as VP, news and content effective immediately.  In his new role, Foxx will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of BIN: Black Information Network’s newsroom and its team of journalists, with a focus on development of news content and original programming.  “I am excited to have Terry join BIN: Black Information Network,” said Tony Coles, the network’s president. “In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, the role of news in shaping public discourse has never been more important. We’re confident his contributions will strengthen our position as a leader in delivering inclusive and impactful news and content to our audiences.”  Prior to his new role with BIN, Foxx served as regional director of talk programming for iHeartMedia Austin/San Antonio. His career includes roles at KUT-FM, University of Texas, and major stations such as WPLJ-FM, New York; B96, Chicago; KKDA-FM, Dallas; and WZGC-FM, Atlanta.

“I am thrilled to contribute to the growth and success of BIN: Black Information Network,” Foxx tells TALKERS. “BIN is a vital platform for amplifying diverse voices and delivering trusted, relevant news to our communities. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact and further strengthen the connection between BIN and the audiences we serve.”  BIN is distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app, available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices, as well as on local AM/FM broadcast radio stations across America, including Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.

The John Fredericks Media Network, which lays claim to be the largest independently owned and operated news-talk-sports network in America, has expanded its operations in West Virginia. Fredericks radio company, Disruptor Radio, LLC has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) with LHTC-Radio Division to acquire it’s nine stations in West Virginia, which include:

• WGYE 102.7 FM / 95.3 FM – Morgantown WV, Mannington WV

• WMMN AM 920 / 95.7 FM – Fairmont WV, North Central WV, Wheeling WV

• WHTI 105.7 FM – Clarksburg WV

• WZST 100.9 FM – Morgantown WV

• WBKE AM 1490 / 98.3 FM – Morgantown WV, Fairmont WV, Grafton WV

• WRLF 94.3 FM – Morgantown WV, North Central WV, Fairmont WV

Disruptor Radio will take over operational control of the above stations effective today (1/6) through a License Management Agreement (LMA) with LHTC-Radio division until the sale formally closes. Both the LMA and APA have been filed with the FCC and is a matter of public record. The URL is WVTheTorch.com and a radio APP is available. The addition of the West Virginia radio cluster gives Fredericks’ company a total of 22 signals from West Virginia to Georgia.  The new West Virginia stations will air the JFRN lineup of populist proprietary hosts and sports. The full lineup can be found at WVTheTorch.com.

WVTheTorch.com and WZST 100.9 FM will remain the flagship radio network for WVU Athletics, which airs WVU Mountaineer football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball on all WV channels except WGYE and WHTI. WVTheTorch.com and its affiliated network carries the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL.

Fredericks tells TALKERS, “This West Virginia opportunity is key to our growth plan, as it dovetails nicely with our Pittsburgh footprint and reaches a very pro-populist, pro America First and pro-Trump area of America. West Virginian’s voted overwhelmingly -over 70 percent- for President-elect Donald Trump, who also carried Morgantown and the county. We are excited about offering listeners in West Virginia a choice from the stale, woke and warmed over pablum served up every day by the corporatists and conservative Inc. bunch that regurgitates FOX and RINO RNC talking points of the day.” Fredericks, whose show airs weekdays 6:00 am-10:00 am, Fredericks lives in Pittsburgh, PA and will be covering the White House live from Washington, D.C. most weekdays.

Anne Fredericks, Disruptor Radio’s CEO is credited as the ultimate architect of the company’s growth and acquisition strategy.  She tells TALKERS, “We’ve built a burgeoning national legion of devout and dedicated listeners across the country who yearn for the truth and a commonsense approach. We don’t rely on click bait for ad revenue and this approach has forged an unshakable bond with our audience.” She adds, “As a result, we are singularly focused on advertiser ROI, over-serving our customers, and a commitment to their economic success and enduring engagement.”

2024 has been a dramatic year of challenges, struggles, and measurable change for the nation, society, and our industry of talk radio and its related talk media platforms.  The chart below lists the 10 most talked about Stories, Topics and People discussed on talk shows across the nation during the past 12-month period, according to the research of TALKERS. In some cases, we listed several items as ties – because words and ideas overlap and can be somewhat amorphous. None of these items were discussed in a vacuum – the connections between individual stories and news items, the topics they cover, and the people who played them out under the spotlight of public scrutiny are quite entangled to say the least. We describe some issues as “umbrella” topics. Talk radio also has its own unique focus on populist issues that in many cases tend to be ignored by what is still referred to as the so-called “mainstream” or “legacy” media. (For example, talk radio was talking about public concern over immigration reform long before Donald Trump came down that elevator in 2015.) Conversely, there are “big” stories out there that talk radio leaves to the other media and generally ignores.

The biggest and most challenging issues that faced our industry in 2024 include:

• Economics of the radio industry.  Major companies continued to be preoccupied with financial survival and avoiding bankruptcy. The growing preponderance of layoffs across the industry has been heartbreaking. Can radio afford to do “radio” properly anymore? Talk radio is subject to the trials and tribulations of the larger radio industry. It is not surrounded by a protective force field simply because it is important.

• Podcasting and fractionalization. The burgeoning digital media ecosystem originally spawned and inspired by talk radio’s lead now competes with the medium within the interactive marketplace of ideas.  Talk radio faces the challenge of expanding to a multi-platform environment such as podcasting and video streaming while maintaining its special “radio” esthetic.

• Growing demographic divide.  With each passing year, radio (including talk) faces increasing abandonment by the new crop of adults who weren’t born until after 9/11.  This is a major problem no matter what pro-radio research and ratings company report.

• Freedom of speech.  Not only was the First Amendment under assault in 2024 from a number of directions – but so was an increasing level of intolerance by corporate America and the disease of hyper-wokeness for controversy.  Not good.

• AM radio in the dashboard.  The stated intention of the automobile manufacturers to eliminate AM radios from the dashboards of new vehicles is at least five years premature and extremely damaging to the interests of the public as well as the radio industry. The problem is compounded by the damage this issue does to radio’s image in the business world simply by having it being a much-discussed issue at all.

Let’s resolve to overcome some of these challenges in 2025.  Happy New Year!

Fisher House Foundation is announcing a Holiday Season edition of “The Fisher House Story.” Hear the demo and register today at radio.fisherhouse.org. “The Fisher House Story” is provided in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as 30-minute public affairs show for all formats in the U.S. and around the world.  The free 3-hour, 1-hour, 25- and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by long-time WMAL, Washington, DC radio personality Larry O’Connor and feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey.  This program is appropriate for the entire Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year season and is a fitting and inspirational holiday programming alternative for all formats.  The show features interviews with wounded warriors and veterans including heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom, the Vietnam War and an incredible, emotional story of one of America’s World War II living legends. Listeners will hear their stories fighting for our freedoms, the injuries and illnesses they endured. and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they go through their painful and painstaking recoveries.  Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact TALKERS Heavy Hundred member Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.

TALKERS encourages its readers in the professional media community to post the brand-new music video for the talk radio anthem “Don’t Stop Talking” by Gunhill Road on their websites.  The song is a non-partisan celebration of talk radio, liberty, and the First Amendment and should proudly be shared with the public.

Here’s what to do:   

Go to www.TalkRadioForever.com. The exact YouTube page featuring the song will load. If you haven’t already liked the video and subscribed to the channel – please do so.

Underneath the video is the “Share” button. Press it and a window will pop up.

The first option for sharing is “Embed.” Press it and another window will pop up.

Press the copy button in the lower right corner. This highlights and copies all of the code necessary to paste into your own site.

This code creates a YouTube player with the song ready to go.

There are other sharing options including linking, posting to Facebook, Linked-in and the like, and sharing with a friend directly via text, email or What’s App.

Plus there’s always www.TalkRadioForever.com.

KBLA Talk 1580 today (12/10) announces a bold new weekday line-up of some the nation’s “most progressive and provocative voices” beginning Monday, January 6, 2025. Dr. Cornel West , renown scholar and former independent candidate for president, and former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. will join KBLA White House correspondent Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey and nationally syndicated hosts Tavis Smiley (9:00 am – 12:00 noon) and D.L. Hughley (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm PT) who already appear weekdays on KBLA Talk 1580, the flagship station of SmileyAudioMedia, Inc., based in Los Angeles.

Dr. West is co-hosting the show “Truth Time” with public intellectual, former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner (12:00 noon – 1:00 pm PT). Each day the two will sound off on the news of the day from what the station describes as an “unapologetically progressive” perspective. “The Jesse Jackson Jr. Show” (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm PT) will feature daily commentary from the former congressman on trending topics and a broad range of guests who will mix it up with Jackson.  “A More Perfect Union” with Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm PT) will serve as a daily pop culture and political news digest with unfiltered conversations, unafraid to say the quiet part out loud “without fluff, fear, or favor.”

“I am both humbled and deliciously proud that Dr. Cornel West, Nina Turner and Jesse Jackson Jr. have decided to join us at KBLA Talk 1580 as we continue to build the most innovative and empowering Black talk media platform in the nation,” Smiley, founder of SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. and chief visionary officer for KBLA Talk 1580 tells TALKERS. “No talk station in America can match the intellectual firepower that we will be launching on Monday, January 6th.  KBLA Talk 1580 is proud to have more Black women hosts than any talk station in the country including Dominque DiPrima, the first Black woman to host her own radio talk show in L.A. morning drive, and Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of BlackPAC.  “After all the bickering about Black men during the recent presidential campaign, now is the time to pass the mic to more Black men of different generations to facilitate conversations you won’t find anywhere else,” concludes Smiley. “It’s going to be a rough four years. This is what resistance looks like.”

Listeners can tune into KBLA Talk 1580 live daily by downloading the KBLA1580 app, listen online at the KBLA1580 website, or by watching on the KBLA1580 YouTube Channel. All shows hosted by Smiley, West/Turner, Jackson and Quartey will be available daily on all major podcast platforms after live broadcast.

Mike Gallagher and Hugh Hewitt Fill in for Dennis Prager on the High Seas.  With his Salem Radio Network (SRN) colleague Dennis Prager still sidelined after a serious back injury suffered during a fall last month, talk host Mike Gallagher boarded the Rotterdam – one of Holland America’s newest ships – to pinch hit on a Prager Listener Cruise to Aruba and other Caribbean destinations last week.  SRN’s Hugh Hewitt hosted the first half of the cruise which offered daily in-person presentations for listeners in the ship’s theater. (Ever the showman, Gallagher also entertained Prager listeners with a rendition of the “Guys and Dolls” Broadway hit “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat.”) Gallaher (pictured above during one of the events onboard) admits, “Dennis’s listeners are so loyal, I initially feared they might make Hugh and me walk the plank, but we had a fantastic time, and it was a great tribute to Dennis on the high seas.”

PodcastOne Officially Launches PodcastOne Pro.  PodcastOne has announced the launch of a full-service solution that specializes in transforming podcasts into polished on-air productions for brands and professionals. PodcastOne Pro offers customizable services, with à la carte options to meet exact production needs, or a full 360° solution.Services include access to top-of-the-line podcasting studios and equipment (audio and video), strategy, program production, editing, guest booking, distribution, paywall options and promotion across PodcastOne’s existing network of podcasts. “As the only public pure-play podcast company in the United States, PodcastOne is uniquely positioned to help brands, businesses and content creators reach their target audiences more effectively while keeping loyal podcast listeners entertained and engaged,” said Jim Lally, head of business development for PodcastOne. “Branded podcasts are financially and logistically challenging for many companies to produce in-house. With the official launch of PodcastOne Pro, we’re able to offer a tailored podcast production solution to our clients that leverages our current infrastructure, which ultimately, drives higher margins, diversifies our revenue streams, and lowers costs for clients.”  Coinciding with the launch of PodcastOne Pro, PodcastOne is set to debut its new state of the art podcast production studio in Beverly Hills.  To learn more about PodcastOne Pro or get a quote for plans starting at $500, please visit www.podcastonepro.com.

RNC Chair Michael Whatley Credits WBT Listeners with Delivering NC to Trump.  WBT, Charlotte afternoon drive star Brett Winterble was joined by Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Whatley, yesterday (11/25) to talk about the GOP’s election victories.  During the conversation in which Whatley discussed the election’s immediate impact on issues ranging from wars in the Middle East and Central Europe to immigration and the economy, Whatley credited Radio One’s WBT listeners with helping secure the victory for Donald Trump in North Carolina.  Winterble is a rising star in the talk radio industry currently ranked at # 41 on the 2024 TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America.  To listen to the conversation between Winterble and Whatley please click here.

The Performance Racing Network (PRN) Taps Brad Gillie to Assume Role of Lead Anchor Alongside Mark Garrow beginning with the 2025 NASCAR season. Gillie will be replacing longtime lead anchor Doug Rice who has retired after a distinguished 36-year career left a void few could fill. “The obvious choice to succeed me is Brad Gillie,” Rice tells TALKERS. “He has been an integral part of our broadcast team for decades. He is an excellent broadcaster that our fans trust and are very familiar with, which I know will make this a smooth transition.”  Gillie has spent more than two decades working in motorsports. His career started in 1998 at Texas Motor Speedway where he spent 16 years in a variety of positions.  In 2006, Gillie began broadcasting live NASCAR events with PRN, where he could be heard in any broadcast position. “I am truly grateful to PRN and Speedway Motor Sports for the opportunity to continue building on a long legacy of exceptional broadcasts,” said Gillie. “It is an honor to move up to the anchor chair and, along with our great team, deliver the excitement of NASCAR to our listeners and affiliate stations. I also want to thank Doug Rice for his friendship and mentorship. His values and commitment to excellence have made PRN an elite network recognized throughout the motorsports and radio industries.”

FOLLOW UP TO YESTERDAY’S STORY: 77WABC, New York Partners with AARP NY, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities for Annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway During Holiday Season.  WABC Radio continues its self-stated “commitment to the community” with its annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway, in collaboration with AARP New York, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. The first 5,000 turkeys will be handed out before Thanksgiving, and the remaining 5,000 will be distributed before Christmas and the Holiday Season. The annual Turkey Giveaway kicked off at 10:00 am yesterday morning (11/25) when turkeys were handed out by John and Margo Catsimatidis, Curtis Sliwa, Sid Rosenberg, and other WABC Radio and New York celebrities from the 77WABC Trolley at St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church on W. 49th St. in New York City. “WABC Radio is an emergency broadcast station, a responsibility that extends to helping people in the greater New York City community year-round,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media, 77WABC, and Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets. “Working with AARP New York and The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, we are bringing much-needed help, and hopefully joy, to those in our community who are in need and deserve happiness and a good meal for the Holiday Season.” Pictured above, John and Margo Catsimatidis participating in the holiday initiative.

Cumulus Media announces(11/21) that it has promoted Marv Nyren to regional vice president of Cumulus Media in Chicago, IL, and Minneapolis, MN. Nyren currently serves as VP/MM for Cumulus Chicago and adds oversight responsibilities for Cumulus Minneapolis to his purview.  Nyren joined Cumulus Media in 2017 as VP/MM of Cumulus Chicago. Prior to that, he was vice president, corporate sponsorships for Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ-FM. Nyren also held roles as president/regional vice president for iHeartMedia’s 13 radio stations in Jacksonville, FL, and Brunswick, GA, and was regional VP/MM for Emmis Media for 12 years, managing the company’s stations in Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Indianapolis.  Dave Milner, president, operations, Cumulus Media, tells TALKERS, “Marv brings a wealth of experience across multiple U.S. markets to this expanded role. Known for his highly effective and impactful leadership in Chicago, Marv will be a tremendous asset to our talented teams and strong brands in the Twin Cities.” Marv Nyren comments, “I’m deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Cumulus Chicago team, and now, expanding to the Minneapolis market is truly a dream come true. Being part of both teams is a privilege, and I’m excited to contribute and make a positive impact in both markets.”

Last night (11/17), President-elect Donald Trump announced his selection of Brendan Carr to be the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  Trump praised Carr as a “warrior for free speech” and someone who has “fought against the regulatory lawfare that has stifled Americans’ Freedoms and held back our Economy.”  Trump further stated, Carr will “end the regulatory onslaught that has been crippling America’s Job Creators and Innovators and ensure that the FCC delivers for rural America.”  Carr is currently the leading Republican in the FCC. He is one of five commissioners leading the agency, all of whom are appointed by the president pending Senate confirmation.  In response to the nomination, Carr thanked Trump in a post on X, saying, “I am humbled and honored to serve as chairman of the FCC. Now we get to work.”  In a follow up post, Carr stated, “We must dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans.”  Carr was the central figure in the complaint against NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” for having VP Kamala Harris in a skit on the program without extending a similar opportunity to Donald Trump to remain in accordance with FCC rules to ensure equal time is granted on networks.  At that time, Carr posted to X, “This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC’s Equal Time rule,” he said on X. “The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct – a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election.”  (EDITOR’S NOTE:  Some of the recent information being disseminated about broadcasting “networks” being licensed by the FCC has been misstated or misinterpreted by politicians and the media alike.  For the most part, TV networks are non-licensed content providers.  The licenses are held by the individual stations, groups of stations and their owners with whom they affiliate.)

NAB response to selection of Carr:  In response to the announcement that Commissioner Brendan Carr will be named Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman, the following statement can be attributed to National Association of Broadcasters (NAB president and CEO, Curtis LeGeyt: “NAB congratulates Commissioner Carr on his selection as the next chairman of the FCC. Commissioner Carr has been a steadfast leader in holding Big Tech accountable and supporting policies that will allow local broadcast stations to better compete with these behemoths and thrive. We are excited to continue our work with the chairman-designate to level the playing field and remove regulatory barriers that impede investment in local broadcast newsrooms. Together we will ensure local television and radio stations can innovate and continue to serve communities across the country.”

Today is Veterans Day 2024 (11/11) – an extremely important date on the news/talk media calendar.

In honor of Veterans Day and to support the veteran community, Beasley Media Group is dedicating the entire month of November to shining a spotlight on the important services available for veterans and their families. Through its Beasley Best Community of Caring initiative, the company will air public service announcements, conduct interviews with veteran organizations, and share stories across its 57 radio stations to raise awareness about resources and services for those who have served.

Beasley Media Group has partnered with organizations such as the Cohen Veterans Network and Home Base Veteran and Family Care to help provide critical information and support. These organizations provide a variety of services ranging from mental health support and family care to employment resources for veterans and their families.

In the Fort Myers market, special public service announcements will air across all five Beasley radio properties throughout Veterans Day, highlighting the valuable programs and services offered by Home Base Florida.

“We would like to thank our valued veterans for their outstanding service and show support to them and their families,” said Beasley Media Group chief communications officer, Heidi Raphael.

Throughout the initiative, Beasley Media Group will encourage listeners to learn more about the services offered by these organizations and to support veterans not just during the month of November, but year-round.

Journalism is alive and well within certain college radio circles. On Election Night (11/5), the WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM student broadcast team hosted live coverage from the Searle Center on Hillsdale College’s campus in Hillsdale, MI and invited students, faculty, and staff to attend and watch election results roll in and listen to analysis. Student anchors were joined by the presidents of Hillsdale College Republicans and Hillsdale College Democrats, three members of the Hillsdale faculty, a candidate for the Michigan State House, a candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, and reporters from the Detroit News, the Daily Caller, the Center Square, and the Daily Signal. Back at the WRFH studios, the station’s news team worked to update listeners with results from state and local races all night long. More than 200 people came out to the broadcast in action. WRFH GM Scot Bertram tells TALKERS, “It was a home-run event!  Students work hard to prep for this quite unpredictable night. There’s an enormous amount of planning and research involved to set everything up. Then the night unfolds, and they realize it’s a ton of fun, as well. I’ve heard from more than a few students who took part in our previous Election Night events that it’s one of their best experiences on campus and really drew them deeper into the journalism program here at Hillsdale.”