Radio: Human Reserved
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Bill Gates has a useful term for something radio should be thinking about: “Human Reserved.” In an essay about a turbulent AI era, he sketches an unsettling future, and – for broadcasters – has a consequential warning… and an opportunity.
As artificial intelligence performs more and more work traditionally done by humans, he suggests there will be activities we could turn over to machines and deliberately choose not to, because something important would be lost. AI can write a weather forecast, summarize a police report, transcribe a school-board meeting, generate a commercial, voice a liner, research a sales prospect, and assemble an hour of music.
As content gets cheap, human presence becomes more valuable
Search results are AI summaries. Social posts, photos, voices, and videos may be synthetic. Gates warns of AI-powered fraud, disinformation, and deepfakes. Amid all that uncertainty, imagine hearing: “I’m here at the courthouse, where the jury just returned a verdict…”
Could AI manufacture that sentence? Sure. But I know who’s saying it. That’s an asset radio shouldn’t automate away.
Yes, use AI aggressively behind the scenes. Let it transcribe meetings, research prospects, clean up audio, draft proposals, repurpose interviews, and handle routine administrative work. Automate tasks. Protect relationships. Let AI summarize the school-board meeting. Then have your reporter tell me what it means to my kid. Let AI draft ten commercials. Have someone who understands the advertiser decide which idea might actually make the phone ring.
Why advertisers still need us?
Soon every local business owner will be able to generate logos, videos, emails, websites, social posts, and commercial scripts almost instantly. So, “We’ll make your commercial” becomes a nearly worthless sales proposition. The station’s value needs to migrate from selling spots and making ads to: We know this market. We know how to get people here to notice you. And we help make your advertising work.
AI will create an infinite supply of information. What’s scarce will be trust, judgment, relevance, relationships, and recognizable local humans. So, radio’s AI strategy can be surprisingly simple: Use AI to DO more. Use humans to MEAN more.
Here is Bill Gates’ essay: https://www.gatesnotes.com/a-turbulent-ai-era-and-critical-choices-to-make
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
deeply rooted community fixture who has worked across nearly every local media outlet. He spent five years as a sportswriter for The Wichita Eagle before joining KNSS Radio in 1995. There, he co-hosted “Steve and Ted in the Morning” alongside fellow Hall of Famer Steve McIntosh for 28 years, where they won a Marconi Award for Outstanding Talent in 2017. Fans also know him as “Ted, the Sports Head,” a familiar voice on KFH Radio (KNSS-FM) for more than three decades.” Woodward and his fellow 2026 inductees will be honored at the KAB Hall of Fame Dinner on October 18 at the Wichita Marriott.
FCC Media Bureau’s decision that those entities could benefit from the LUC. The plaintiffs argued that the Media Bureau’s public notice “unlawfully dilutes [their] and other candidates’ statutory right to buy advertising time at lowest unit charge by insisting that broadcasters make that same right available to political parties and joint fundraising committees in circumstances where their spending cannot, under campaign finance law, be considered spending by or on behalf of a candidate.” The Court ruled that “the LUC requirement and campaign finance statutes are clear that neither political parties nor joint fundraising committees with non-candidate members can be entitled to the LUC.”
Show,” Salem Media’s Hugh Hewitt, Westwood One’s Mark Levin, Radio America’s “The Dana Show,” Talk Media Network’s Dr. Daliah Wachs, and Red Apple Media Networks’ “The Other Side of Midnight” with Walter Sterling. Kemp EVP Marty Basch says, “Kemp Broadcasting is excited to bring something different and compelling to the Las Vegas radio market. 106.9 FM KVGQ combines an outstanding lineup of nationally recognized talk personalities and local voices with the strength and reach of FM radio. We believe Las Vegas listeners deserve a talk station of this caliber.” Kemp adds, “The new station complements 670 AM KMZQ, Kemp’s local talk outlet, which has served the market for nearly a decade. Together, the two stations give the company a talk franchise spanning both national and hometown programming – and give Southern Nevada advertisers a broader platform for reaching engaged, habitual listeners.”
blend of breaking news, insightful commentary, and sharp analysis of the issues driving the national conversation.” The one-hour program is delivered Monday-Friday at 5:00 am ET. Westwood One president Collin Jones adds, “What’s better than Dan Bongino in the morning and afternoon? Twice a day with Dan Bongino coverage! On the heels of launching ‘The Bongino Report FM,’ we’re thrilled to now offer listeners Dan Bongino in the morning with The Bongino Report AM.” Westwood One says this program will be “comprised of edits from his podcast and other fresh content.”
“Rap” was senior vice president of rock promotion at Columbia Records where he served for 33-years during album rock’s golden era, playing a pivotal role in the careers of some of the biggest stars in the business. These included everyone from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd to the Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello to Billy Joel, Judas Priest to Alice In Chains, Journey and many, many more.
Bear Walter Payton, Payton brings extensive broadcasting experience alongside a background in business, public speaking, and philanthropy through the Jarrett Payton Foundation.” Payton says, “I’m truly excited and deeply honored to join the team at ‘The Score.’ I’m looking forward to working alongside everyone there and connecting with the loyal listeners who make this station what it is. This place has always felt like family to me. My dad graced these airwaves back in the ’90s, and the thought of being part of that same legacy means everything. Grateful beyond words for this opportunity. Let’s get to work.” The change comes after Audacy dismissed longtime morning host Mike Mulligan and midday co-host Marshall Harris. The midday show continues with incumbent personalities Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote hosting the “Rahimi & Grote Show.”
thought my time at KNX would be the capper of my on-air career — that I’d retire from there, as so many other great broadcast journalists had. But it was not to be. I got caught in the churn of staff reductions in June 2025. I stayed busy over the next year. I focused on Archer’s Line and co-hosted podcasts with Jack Messenger and my KNX colleague Charles Feldman. I started a voiceover business and anchored for Remote News Service, providing local newscasts for small- and medium-market stations across the country. I applied for as many radio jobs as I could. But given the state of an industry that was letting far more people go than it was taking on, I didn’t have a lot of hope. But life, like Loki, loves messing with your plans. I awoke one morning to a message about an opportunity — and I grabbed it. I have accepted an anchor/reporter position at 95.5 WSB Atlanta. I’ll be working with my old KNX boss, Ken Charles, beginning next month. 
generated a lot of buzz on YouTube and social media as the complete interview aired on Cohen’s WABC program at 5:00 pm on Sunday (8/23). Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for lying to congress and failing to report millions in income and testified against Trump in congress and in court. 
since 2008, originally with Brian Hanley and most recently with David Haugh. Harris became a full-time co-host of the midday show with Leila Rahimi in 2024. The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that former WGN-TV sports anchor Jarrett Payton – the son of Bears legend Walter Payton – will be announced as the new morning drive co-host sometime today. It appears Rahimi and Mark Grote will continue as hosts of the midday show. Audacy has not publicly commented on the changes but it’s reasonable to assume that there was a fiscal component to the moves. 
Oxley retires at year’s end. Moore says, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to build on the extraordinary legacy Joel Oxley has created here in Washington. WTOP, Federal News Network and 2060 Digital are exceptional brands with deep connections to the communities they serve throughout the National Capital Region. I’m energized by the opportunity to work with the talented teams here to build on those strengths and help these businesses continue to evolve and grow. I’m also enormously excited to join Ginny [Hubbard] and the Hubbard leadership team, whose commitment to impartial, trusted journalism, strong local brands and long-term thinking really resonated with me throughout this process.” 
with a shared commitment to Christian ministry and faithful stewardship. As a private company, Salem will continue operating its radio, digital, streaming, podcasting, television and publishing platforms while working with WaterStone to pursue new opportunities for investment and growth.” Salem CEO David Santrella adds, “This is an exciting day for Salem and the beginning of an important new chapter for our company. Salem enters this partnership with strong momentum, an extraordinary portfolio of talent and brands, and more ways than ever to reach audiences across the country. With WaterStone alongside us, we are positioned to invest for the future while remaining firmly committed to the mission that has guided this company from the very beginning.”
Ballroom in New York City. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “NAB is honored to recognize Joel Oxley for his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the radio industry. For more than three decades at WTOP and Federal News Network, and over 15 years at Hubbard Radio, Joel has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to local journalism, innovation and public service. Under his leadership, WTOP has become one of the nation’s premier news operations, setting the standard for excellence in local broadcasting while serving the Washington, DC community with trusted journalism. His integrity, vision and dedication have left an enduring mark on our industry, making him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.”
rights, including the Second Amendment, educate and inform Americans about firearms rights and legislation, and raise awareness of the issues impacting gun owners.” Further details regarding AAR content distribution and original programming will be announced as projects develop. Walters says, “I’m honored and thrilled to partner Armed American Radio and CCW Broadcast Media, LLC together with C3 Entertainment, Inc. These are historic times for our constitutional rights. We are excited to unite the important current events of the day together with history in an enlightening, entertaining, and educational format that will remind all Americans not only WHY we are the greatest nation the world has ever seen but HOW we got here and WHAT must be done going forward to preserve our uniquely American way of life!”
broadcasters Jim Dunaway, Ryan Brown and Lance Taylor and will officially join “Sport & State” on August 24. “The Next Round” president and general manager Bo O’Neal states, “‘The Next Round’ has proven that a great live sports show doesn’t have to be confined by a radio signal or a geographic market. What Jim, Ryan and Lance have built is pretty remarkable. They’ve created independent, personality-driven sports content with an audience that reaches well beyond Alabama. What Clay is building with Sport & State aligns perfectly with who we are and feels like the natural next step for us. We’re not changing what The Next Round is. We’re giving it a much bigger stage. It’s an incredible opportunity for the guys, our team, our advertising partners and everyone who has played a part in making ‘The Next Round’ successful.”
ABC warned that the FCC’s scrutiny of “The View” could reach talk radio. Now the eight ABC-owned television station licensees have taken the agency to court. But the immediate lawsuit is not asking a judge to decide whether “The View” qualifies as news.
Outkick says this new show debut coincides with OutKick integrating as the official sports brand of FOX News Digital on August 24. FOX News Digital editorial executive vice president Tommy Firth says, “This is a pivotal moment for OutKick as the integration with FOX News Digital will expand its reach and influence throughout sports media. Craig Carton’s distinctive voice will resonate with our audience and seamlessly meets this moment for OutKick.” Carton says, “I’m beyond thrilled to be joining OutKick. I’ve always been a fan and appreciate their authenticity and willingness to speak their minds. It’s something I’ve done throughout my career and will do during this next chapter of hosting ‘The Craig Carton Show.’”
campaign, Elci stated that he intends to not discuss campaign issues or his campaign during his program. But incumbent Senator Martha Marx’s campaign is demanding equal time under FCC rules. Marx tells CT Mirror that if Elci wants to stay on the air, then the station has to give her a four-hour show. The other issue is that if Elci stays on the air, it could be considered an in-kind campaign contribution by the station and that could violate Connecticut campaign laws. For his part, Elci tells CT Mirror the station’s lawyers are seeking clarification for elections enforcement officials. He adds, “Big picture is I wouldn’t want to put my station in jeopardy,” he said. 