Industry News

Dr. Daliah Wachs Show Supports Magical Forest Charity Event

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Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk radio host Dr. Daliah Wachs with her show’s Christmas tree at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest event in Southern Nevada that runs from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Dr. Wachs tells TALKERS that Opportunity Village helps those with intellectual disabilities and their families through enrichment, empowerment, and employment programs and services. Sponsors like her decorate a tree that comprises a huge beautiful magical forest that serves as a major fundraiser for their programs and employment placement. She says, “It’s super cool and our show has helped support their mission for years. We create a ‘medical’ tree with an EKG sign and its one of our favorite local charities we support.”

Industry News

Radio Executive and Station Owner Willard Lochridge Dies at 85

Longtime radio executive and station owner Willard Lochridge died on November 13 at age 85.img 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.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (11/18)

The most discussed stories yesterday (11/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Jeffrey Epstein Files
  2. Trump-MBS Meeting
  3. Texas Redistricting Ruling
  4. Trump vs Reporters
  5. ICE Raids
Industry News

Madson Promoted to Brand Manager for “ESPN 1320” Sacramento

Audacy promotes Kyle Madson to brand manager for sports talk KIFM, Sacramento “ESPNimg 1320.” Madson will continue his role as co-host of “The Insiders,” that airs daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Audacy Sacramento SVP and market manager Aaron Miller says, “Since Kyle joined ESPN 1320, he has demonstrated incredible initiative and passion for sports radio. We’re excited for him to take on this new role and eager to see how he continues to contribute to the success of the station.” About his promotion, Madson comments, “I love radio. I love Sacramento. I love this station. I’m so excited to lead ‘ESPN 1320’ to the heights I know it can climb to.”

Industry News

KARN, Little Rock Helps Raise Funds for Arkansas Food Bank

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Pictured above are staff members from Cumulus Media’s news/talk KARN-FM, Little Rock at the United We Feed Food Drive to benefit the Arkansas Food Bank held on November 6 and 7 that helped raise 4,000 pounds of food and $8,075.

Industry News

KRLD, Dallas-Fort Worth Raises $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation

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NewsRadio 1080 in Dallas raised over $30,000 benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas during a live broadcast on November 13. Pictured above with Make-A-Wish recipient Luke and his family are KRLD morning host Joe Kelley (bottom, left), midday host Mike Rogers (rear, second from left) and reporter and weekend anchor Austin York (rear, right).

Industry Views

Monday Memo: The Power of Pause in Local Radio

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIn 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.

Cashman defines pause as the conscious act of stepping back to gain perspective before moving forward. Leaders who constantly react miss opportunities for growth and innovation. Those who pause, he argues, engage with more clarity, creativity, and authenticity.

Think about the daily grind in local radio. The PD is juggling ratings pressure, expense challenges, talent issues, and a half-dozen urgent emails from corporate. The sales manager is chasing month-end, writing copy on deadline, and fielding calls from advertisers. In that swirl, it’s tempting to equate motion with progress. Yet, as Cashman warns, constant motion without reflection leads to burnout, blind spots, and missed chances to connect.

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For broadcasters, pause can take many forms:

  • Programming: Instead of cranking out another promo, take time to ask if the message really resonates with the community. What do listeners need from us right now?
  • Sales: Before pitching another rate card, pause to explore the client’s true business challenge. That deeper understanding can unlock bigger, longer-term partnerships.
  • Leadership: In staff meetings, pause to let quieter voices contribute. The next big idea might come from someone who usually doesn’t speak up.

Cashman links pause to authenticity. When leaders slow down enough to be present, they foster trust. In local radio, where credibility is everything, that authenticity builds loyalty with both audiences and advertisers.

He also reminds us that pause is not about inaction. It’s about deliberate action. A well-timed pause before responding to a crisis on-air, before agreeing to a questionable promotion, or before rushing through a strategic decision can be the difference between a misstep and a breakthrough.

For local stations, the takeaway is clear: The pace isn’t going to slow down. The emails will keep coming, the ratings will keep posting, and the deadlines will keep looming. But leaders who carve out moments of pause will not only preserve their sanity – they’ll make better decisions, inspire their teams, and serve their communities more meaningfully.

Pause. Reflect. Then lead forward.

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

Industry News

Connoisseur to Sell Bakersfield Cluster

Connoisseur Media enters into an agreement to sell its Bakersfield, California radio stations to local operator Frequency Broadcasting, Inc. The station group includes news/talk KNZR-AM/FM, CHR KLLY-FM, and rhythmic oldies KKBB-FM. This transaction is pending regulatory approvalimg by the FCC and is expected to close early next year. Connoisseur Media says the sale is “another step in the company’s efforts to concentrate on markets where it can execute its successful playbook. It is one element in the strategic plan for the markets acquired in Connoisseur Media’s acquisition of Alpha Media that took place in September.” Connoisseur Media founder and CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Bakersfield was a market that did not fit into the long-term plans we have for Connoisseur. We looked for a local operator that we felt could devote the time and energy that Bakersfield deserves. We are confident that we have found that in Frequency and the Hill family operation.”

Industry News

Simon Conway Show Raises Funds for Childhood Cancer

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The Simon Conway Show’s Pinky Swear Radiothon raised $238,293 to support the families of kids with cancer in the five-and-a-half-hour event last week. Pictured above with WHO, Des Moines-based talk host Simon Conway is James, who as a baby was diagnosed with cancer. Now, he is a healthy eight-year-old about to take part in his first swim meet. Conway says, “I always say I have the best audience in talk radio and every year they prove me right, but with the very short amount of time we had, this fundraising effort was truly astonishing.”

Industry News

Urban One Announces Securities Exchange Offer

Urban One has begun an offer to exchange any and all of its outstanding 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 held by Eligible Holders for newly issued 7.625% Senior Securedimg Notes due 2031, to be issued by the company and guaranteed by each existing and future subsidiaries of the company, and cash. In connection with the Exchange Offer, Urban One begins offer to purchase up to $185 million in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes for up to $111 million in cash. In connection with the Exchange Offer, the company is also offering Eligible Holders the right to subscribe to purchase up to $60.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.500% first lien senior secured notes due 2030.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

MIW Announces Digital Sales Mentorship Program. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the second annual Digital Sales Mentorship Program designed to accelerate the growth and professional development of women in digital radio sales. It provides one exceptional female seller or manager with personalized, hands-on mentorship from an accomplished industry leader. The selected mentee will receive monthly one-on-one coaching from an experienced mentor, access to digital subject-matter experts, and targeted guidance across key areas of digital revenue strategy. Find out more and apply here.

WABC Presents Future of NYC Presser. Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York is presenting a live press conference at 11:00 am ET on the future of New York City under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. It’s being hosted by WABC’s Dominic Carter with panelists including Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis, former Governor David Paterson, political activist Fernando Mateo, and Kathryn Wylde president of the Partnership for NYC.

Industry News

Rich Valdes Exits Westwood One’s “America at Night”; McGraw Milhaven to Assume Host Duties

TALKERS has learned that talk show personality Rich Valdés has exited his position as host ofimgimg Westwood One’s long running, late night program “America at Night,” as of last night’s program (11/13). His replacement will be KTRS, St. Louis morning host McGraw Milhaven, slated to begin on December 1.  Valdes took over the reins of the program in upon the passing of its longtime host Jim Bohannon in October of 2022. Stay tuned for updates and developments as they are available. Milhaven states, “I’m deeply grateful to Westwood One for entrusting me with “America at Night” — a show that builds on a proud tradition of engaging listeners during one of radio’s most meaningful times. It’s both an incredible honor and a profound responsibility. From listening to Larry King and Jim Bohannon in high school — too intimidated to call in — to now being named host of this show, this journey has exceeded anything I could have imagined. My nightly mission is simple: to seek out great stories from great storytellers — and to share a few of my own along the way.” 

Industry News

Allen Sliwa Joins “AM 570 LA Sports”

iHeartMedia’s KLAC, Los Angeles “AM 570 LA SPORTS” adds NBA analyst Allen Sliwa as an on-air contributor to its NBA and Los Angeles Lakers coverage. Sliwa is host of the YouTubeimg show, “Hoops Talk.” Sliwa will provide expert insight, analysis and commentary across AM 570 LA SPORTS content throughout the NBA season, including featured segments available on the iHeartRadio app. Sliwa previously served on the Lakers Radio broadcast in pre-game, halftime, and post-game coverage. KLAC program director Brian Long says, “Allen is one of the premier voices covering the Lakers. With the excitement surrounding the team this season, his perspective and passion will be a great addition to our coverage and valuable voice for Lakers fans in Southern California and across the country.”

Industry News

JVC’s Food Fight Against Hunger Benefits Long Island Residents

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JVC Broadcasting’s annual Food Fight Against Hunger was held last weekend (11/8-9) on Long Island as JVC’s seven-station group – including news/talk “LI News Radio” – collected food and donations to help Long Island families in need this holiday season. The two-day event gathered 22,000 pounds of food, 60 gift cards totaling $1,055, 8 turkey certificates totaling $240, and cash donations totaling $538. JVC Broadcasting CEO John Caracciolo comments, “We are so proud of our incredible staff for giving up their weekend to help our Long Island community. This is how local radio shines – people helping people, neighbors helping neighbors. JVC and our listeners continue to prove that local radio is better than all the rest. I wouldn’t trade this job for anything. We have the best team in radio and I am just proud that they let me work with them every day.” Pictured above from left to right is “Big 98.1” morning host The Wiseman with Santa and a listener making a donation.

Industry News

Harrison “Close My Ears Tour” Tackles National Anxiety Issues

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TALKERS founder Michael Harrison has been busy addressing the most pressing talk radio issues being discussed in the media today during what is being called the “Close My Ears Tour” in support of the latest Gunhill Road track, “Close My Ears.” Gunhill Road is the perennial four-man music group of which Harrison is a member, along with Steve GoldrichPaul Reisch, and Brian Koonin. Among their extensive repertoire of contemporary styles going all the way back to the early 1970s (and their early hit, “Back When My Hair Was Short”), the ensemble specializes in issue-oriented songs (and leading-edge music videos produced by Matthew B. Harrison) that have gathered a worldwide following of more than a half million fans fueled largely by airplay and interviews on talk radio. The group’s latest non-partisan release, “Close My Ears,” focuses on the wave of anxiety sweeping the nation over the political contentiousness spewing from the media during this age of what Harrison describes as “non-stop noise.” Harrison says, “The song addresses, and thus gives us the opportunity to discuss, the threats of inflation, recession, war, pollution, nuclear annihilation, political strife, crime, homelessness, depression, anxiety, widespread ignorance, pandemics, fake news, and a growing lack of trust in institutions, both private and public.”  To book an interview with Michael Harrison, call TALKERS at 413-565-5413 or email info@talkers.com. To listen to an interview with Harrison conducted on November 6 by Dave Michaels on KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA, please click here. To view the “Close My Ears” music video, please click here.

Industry News

WGN, Chicago Wins Three Silver Dome Awards

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Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN, Chicago was honored with 2025 Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) Silver Dome Awards, including two for the WGN Radio newsroom. The awards were announced on November 6 at a reception held at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago. WGN Radio won Silver Dome Awards for Best Continuing Coverage – “Trial of Michael Madigan”; Best Feature – “Chicago Teachers Told to Pass Migrant Students” by Sylvia Snowden and Ryan Burrow; and Best Radio Personality – John Williams. Additionally, IBA also recognized Dave Eanet, whose two stints on WGN Radio encompass more than 30 years, with the 2025 Chicago/W. Russell Withers Jr. Broadcast Pioneer Award. The award is named after the late W. Russell Withers Jr, founding father of the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation.

Industry News

WKZE’s “Voices of Valor” Connects Generations Through Local Radio This Veterans Day

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WKZE 98.1 FM, Red Hook, NY is showing how local radio can unite a community through storytelling with “Voices of Valor” — a month-long series honoring Hudson Valley veterans and celebrating the power of service across generations.  Airing throughout November in recognition of Veterans Day, “Voices of Valor features heartfelt, first-person stories from members of Red Hook’s VFW Post 7765, giving listeners a direct connection to the men and women who’ve proudly served their country and community.

Produced by Red Hook High School student Olive Haley (pictured above interviewing local vet, Enrique Flores) and supervised by station staff member and recent SUNY New Paltz graduate Alyssa Sciarrone, “Voices of Valor was recorded at WKZE’s Red Hook studios and blends authentic veteran narratives with the station’s signature AAA / Americana sound. The project highlights how local media, students, and community organizations can come together to preserve local stories while engaging the next generation of broadcasters.

“It’s inspiring to see young, talented storytellers like Olive take up the mantle of local broadcasting,” said Dr. Andy Gladding, WKZE’s new co-owner. “Projects like ‘Voices of Valor show that local radio remains a powerful bridge – connecting young storytellers, community institutions, and listeners through shared experience.”

This initiative also marks a new era for the heritage AAA station – now under new ownership for the first time in 20 years – as WKZE expands its mission to foster hands-on opportunities for students and aspiring broadcasters to engage with local radio. According to station co-owner Katie Gladding, this is just the beginning. “Andy and I want WKZE to be a place for all members of the community to feel welcome to share and connect. Our doors and airwaves are open to anyone who wants to experience the magic of FM, and there is no better place for that than WKZE. Dr. Andy Gladding is also chief engineer at Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM and Salem NY’s WMCA 570 / WNYM 970.

Listeners can hear “Voices of Valor” throughout November on 98.1 FM and via wkze.com.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: P1s and Meters are Not Your Friends

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgOne of my first jobs out of college was working in the marketing department of WNBC-AM, New York. Yes, “Imus In The Morning” (Don Imus – not nice), Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow – nicest star who ever lived). One of my tasks was to pull ratings numbers from the computer for the sales department. I was fascinated by TIME SPENT LISTENING (TSL) and CUME numbers. I’d rank them, compare, trend them every way imaginable.

The station with the longest TIME SPENT LISTENING (TSL): The Greek language station. The station with the shortest TSL, WABC – a Top 40 rocker. The station with the highest cume, WABC.

Legendary WABC programmer Rick Sklar explained, “We wanted to be everybody’s second favorite station. Everybody’s!” WABC had a 5 million cume. Listeners always came back to WABC. That was the plan.

Regardless of the genre, building a station that everyone comes back to has been the successful tactic of all of my programming work: AC, urban, oldies and yes, talk. New Jersey 101.5, WTKS-FM, Orlando and others were designed to appeal to many listeners over and over rather than just a small group of people who never leave. What’s a more stable, predictable business?  One that counts on a single listener for one hour of listening or four listeners for fifteen minutes each?

A deep, profound study of P1s and TSL can only have one result: Declining cume. It is a fatal myth that talk is a “low cume, high TSL format.” It can be, and it will die.  Or it can be and has been a high cume, low TSL business that grows, is stable, and predictable. The key is careful rotation of topics, urgency, top-of-mind subjects, no theory, and lots of weather.

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.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Q3 Revenue Dips 1.1%

iHeartMedia’s third quarter 2025 financial results are in and the company is reporting revenue of $997 million, a decline of 1.1% from the same period in 2024. iHeartMedia’s Multiplatform Group (including radio stations) revenue was $591 million – down 5% from Q3 of 2024 – and the company’s Digital Audio Group revenue was $342 million – up 14% over Q3 of 2024). Notably, the company’s Podcast Revenue was $140 million, up 22% year-over-year. iHeartMediaimg chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “We’re pleased with our third quarter performance, generating Adjusted EBITDA of $205 million, slightly above the midpoint of our guidance range, and our consolidated revenue was down 1.1% compared to prior year, at the high end of our guidance, and up 2.8% excluding political revenue. And we continue to take important steps in the evolution of our company – last week we announced our new relationship with Amazon Ads, which will provide advertisers using Amazon DSP access to our vast audio portfolio, and just this morning we announced our new TikTok partnership, which will bring TikTok creators into iHeart’s ecosystem. We are committed to exploring new ways to unlock the value of our unparalleled assets, maximizing the unique position we occupy in the evolving media landscape, and creating innovative cross-platform opportunities to bring new products and services to our consumers and our advertising partners.”

Industry News

Salem Media Group Q3 Net Revenue Falls 12.6%

Salem Media Group reveals its operating results for the third quarter of 2025 and reports that netimg revenue was $51.3 million, a decline of 12.6% from the same period in 2024. The company’s broadcast revenue was $40.7 million, down 11.5% from Q3 of 2024, and digital media revenue was $10.5 million, down 3% from the same period a year ago. The company posted a net loss of $2.3 million compared to the net loss of $6.6 million it posted in Q3 of 2024.

Industry News

St. John Upped to DOS for Bonneville Seattle

Bonneville International promotes Crista St. John to director of sales for the Seattle market that includes news/talk KIRO-FM, KIRO-AM “Seattle Sports,” conservative talk KTTH-AM “Seattle Red,” and MyNorthwest.com. St. John, who has been serving as general sales manager,img 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.”

Industry News

Don Miller Returns to JVC’s Florida Man Radio Network

JVC Broadcasting’s Florida Man Radio Network announces the return of “The Don Miller Show” to the weekday lineup airing live from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. JVC Broadcasting calls Miller’s show “a powerful mix of street-smart insight, bold commentary, and real-life conversations. Withimg more than 20 years in Florida talk radio, Don Miller has built a reputation for being candid, unfiltered and deeply connected to the community.” Company market manager John Griffo says, “We’re thrilled to welcome Don back home to Florida Man Radio. He brings a voice that’s bold, thought-provoking, and completely authentic — exactly what Florida Man Radio is all about.” Flordia Man Radio is heard on WZLB, Ft. Walton Beach; WYOO, Panama City; and WYGC, Gainesville. JVC Broadcasting CEO John Caracciolo says there are more affiliate stations coming for the format. “Florida Man Radio is one of the most real and entertaining talk networks on the air right now,” said Caracciolo. “We’re building something different — live, local, and full of personality. This is talk radio the way it’s supposed to be, unfiltered and unafraid.”

Industry News

Beasley Third Quarter Revenue Down 12.4%

Beasley Media Group reveals operating results for the third quarter of 2025 and reports net revenue of $51 million a decline of 12.4% compared to Q3 of 2024. Beasley says the performance was in line with its guidance and “reflects continued softness in the traditionalimg agency advertising market, partially offset by sustained growth in high-margin, owned-and-operated digital revenue and local direct sales.” Beasley recorded an operating loss of approximately $300,000 in the third quarter of 2025, compared to an operating income of $1.2 million in the imgprior year quarter. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Our third quarter results demonstrate continued operational discipline. While advertising demand remains challenging, particularly within agency channels, the quality of our revenue mix continues to strengthen, led by sustained growth and record margins in our digital business. Digital revenue now represents roughly one-quarter of total company revenue, with owned-and-operated products driving margin expansion and scalability. At the same time, our cost-reduction initiatives are yielding tangible, lasting benefits. We’ve reduced total station operating and corporate expenses by $15 million year-to-date, while improving organizational efficiency and positioning Beasley to generate higher returns on every dollar of revenue. As we move into the fourth quarter, we remain focused on disciplined execution, strengthening our balance sheet through planned asset sales, and advancing our strategy to deliver sustainable shareholder value.”

Industry News

Townsquare Media Q3 Net Revenue Falls 7.4%

Townsquare Media’s third quarter 2024 financial results are in and the company reports net revenue of $106.8 million, a decline of 7.4% compared to the same period a year ago. The company reports a net loss of $5.5 million for the period after posting net income of $11.3 million a year ago. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson states, “In the first nine months of 2025,img Townsquare’s total Digital net revenue increased +2.1% year-over-year, representing 55% of the Company’s total net revenue, and Digital Segment Profit increased +3.6% year-over-year, operating at a 26% profit margin, and representing 55% of our total Segment Profit. In particular, I’d like to highlight the strong performance of our Direct Digital Advertising revenue streams img(including the direct sales of our owned and operated digital properties and our programmatic offering), which increased +7% year-over-year in the third quarter, partially offsetting the significant short-term headwinds we are currently facing due to the deterioration in online audience trends; and the strong profit performance of Townsquare Interactive, which delivered Segment Profit growth of +21% year-over-year in the third quarter (+$1.1 million) and +19% year-over-year in the September year-to-date period (+$3.0 million). Despite numerous headwinds that we have encountered, we are proud that the execution of our Digital First Local Media strategy has allowed us to deliver excellent results for our clients, while also producing strong cash flow from operations due to the thoughtful and deliberate management of our expense base.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

McVay to Consult Zeno Media. Zeno Media, a global streaming and podcast infrastructure company serving diaspora communities in over 100 countries, announces the appointment of Mike McVay as a strategic advisor. In this role he’ll work closely with Zeno’s leadership team to sharpen content strategy, strengthen programming innovation, and help scale the company’s audio business across traditional, digital, and streaming platforms.

Jones to Interview Couric at Gracies Leadership Awards. The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) announces that “TODAY” co-host Sheinelle Jones will conduct a fireside chat with award-winning journalist Katie Couric at the November 18 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards at Tribeca 360° in New York City. Couric will be honored with the distinguished Gracies Icon Award in recognition of her groundbreaking career and contributions to media.

WRKO Raises $137k for Disabled Vets. iHeartMedia Boston’s news/talk WRKO raised $137,736 during the tenth annual DAV Radiothon to benefit the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts last Friday. WRKO personalities Jeff Kuhner, Chuck Zodda, Mike Armstrong, and Howie Carr encouraged listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. Since 2016, DAV Radiothon has raised over $1,263,000 to benefit veterans in the community.

Industry News

Saga Communications Q3 Net Revenue Falls 1.8%

Saga Communications reports operating results for the third quarter of 2025 and states that net revenue was $28.2 million, a decrease of 1.8% from the same period in 2024. Station operating expense increased $2 million or 8.7% for the quarter to $24.7 million compared to the sameimg period last year. Saga says this was primarily the result of an industry wide settlement with two music licensing organizations (ASCAP and BMI) resulting in a retroactive rate adjustment of approximately $2.1 million covering the period from January 1, 2022, to the quarter ended September 30, 2025. Station operating expense would have decreased $120 thousand or 0.5% for the quarter without this settlement. For the quarter, Saga had an operating loss of $626 thousand compared to operating income of $1.6 million for the same quarter last year and station operating income decreased $2.5 million to $3.5 million. Without the settlement the operating loss would have been operating income of $1.5 million compared to $1.6 million and station operating income would have been $5.6 compared to $6.0 million for the same quarter last year. Saga reports a net loss of $532,000for the quarter compared to net income of $1.3 million for the third quarter last year. Saga says its balance sheet reflects $34.2 million in cash and short-term investments as of November 3, 2025.

Industry News

WABC’s John Catsimatidis Mulls Moving to Florida

As New York City businesspeople prepare for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to assume control of the city, some are saying they will re-locate their businesses from New York City for fear of how Mamdani policies will affect their bottom line. Red Apple Media and WABC owner John Catsimatidis is one of those. He is featured in a piece in Forbes in which he says, “I think a lotimg 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. Read the Forbes story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (November 3 – 7, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (11/3-7) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Government Shutdown / Air Travel Disruption
  2. SNAP Benefits / Medicaid Subsidies Battle
  3. Elections Aftermath / California Redistricting Battle
  4. SCOTUS Hears Tariffs Arguments
  5. The Economy / Recession Fears
  6. The Tucker Carlson-Fueled MAGA Schism
  7. ICE Raids / Pope Leo Speaks Out
  8. Trump “60 Minutes” Interview
  9. Suspected “Narco-Terrorist” Strikes
  10. Pelosi to Retire / Dick Cheney Dies

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Zohran Mamdani
  3. Mikie Sherrill / Abigail Spanberger
  4. Gavin Newsom
  5. Ted Cruz / Marjorie Taylor Greene
  6. Sean Duffy / Bryan Bedford
  7. Tucker Carlson / Nick Fuentes
  8. Pope Leo
  9. Nancy Pelosi
  10. Dick Cheney

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

Industry News

Amazon Ads and iHeartMedia Expand Partnership

The expansion of the relationship between Amazon Ads and iHeartMedia is something the latter says will “soon extend the scale and reach of broadcast radio to Amazon DSP.” Amazon says DSP is “an omnichannel media solution that simplifies the ad buying experience.” This new dealimg provides advertisers using Amazon DSP access to iHeartMedia’s streaming audio portfolio. The companies add that access to iHeartPodcasts and the scale and reach of its broadcast radio stations will follow in 2026. Meredith Goldman is director, Amazon DSP, Amazon Ads and she imgsays, “Our partnership with iHeart allows Amazon DSP customers to reach relevant audio audiences with simplified campaign management and unique measurement capabilities. Integrations like this enable advertisers to build more comprehensive omnichannel strategies that connect brands with consumers throughout their journey across media.” iHeartMedia chief business officer Liz Coffey adds, “Making iHeart’s premium audio inventory available through Amazon DSP, unlocks scale with deep listener engagement and proven performance. And with accessibility to Broadcast Radio inventory soon to follow, this partnership is another step in making broadcast radio behave like digital media; addressable, measurable, and available programmatically, so marketers of all sizes can buy with greater ease and consistency.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (11/5)

The most discussed stories yesterday (11/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Government Shutdown / SNAP Benefits / Air Travel
  2. SCOTUS Hears Tariffs Arguments
  3. Elections Aftermath / California Redistricting Battle
  4. ICE Raids / Pope Leo Speaks Out
  5. UPS Plane Crash
Industry News

News/Talk Radio Covers Elections

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New York City’s mayoral race was being watched across the country and Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York presented a bi-partisan Roundtable of its hosts and local political figures to analyze and discuss the race. Pictured above in the station’s Studio 77 in Manhattan are (from l-r): WABC owner and talk host John Catsimatidis; Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, co-host of 77WABC’s “The Rev & The Rabbi”; Fernando Mateo, NYC businessman, activist, and politician; Dominic Carter, host of the “Dominic Carter Show” on 77WABC; former New York Governor David Paterson; and former Congressman Anthony Weiner. Elsewhere, on the nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show,” media personality Megyn Kelly joined to discuss the New York City mayoral election and key races across the country. She and Erickson also explored Charlie Kirk’s influence, the future of the Republican Party, and its path forward. Former Vice President Mike Pence also appeared on the program to discuss his upcoming book, What Conservatives Believe. He and Erickson discussed Pence’s unique relationship with the late Dick Cheney, key accomplishments of the Trump-Pence administration, and the troubling rise of antisemitism on both the left and the right. Photo by Michelle Jerson

Industry News

Fisher House Foundation Offers Veterans Day Edition of Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey

Fisher House Foundation is announcing a Veterans Day edition of “Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey” is available to stations free of charge. The radio special is available to news/talk stations in varying lengths as well as a 30-minute public affairs show suitable for all radio formats in the U.S. and around the world. The three-hour, one-hour, 25-minute and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by longtime radio personality Larry O’Connor and featuresimg stories of America’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 Veterans Day Weekend and is a fitting, patriotic, and inspirational holiday programming alternative for all formats. Listeners will hear their emotional stories fighting for our freedoms, how they sustained their injuries, and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they endure their painful and painstaking recoveries. This year’s program features a special focus on the incredibly inspiring victories our wounded warriors enjoy on the field of competitive, adaptive sports. Fisher House supports the Wounded Warrior Games and the lnvictus Games as a vital part of the physical, emotional, and mental healing process for our wounded veterans. Listeners will hear about the riveting war stories detailing the injuries these heroes sustained, the ensuing medical and therapeutic healing process, right through the triumph on the field of international sports, as these brave veterans continue their dedication of service, representing America in international competition. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Larry O’Connor at 562.665.9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.