Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher (left) and his regular guest host & WORD-FM, Greenville host Joey Hudson (right) served as co-emcees at a Statewide Candidates Forum in Upstate South Carolina sponsored by 989 WORD-FM. During the forum, South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Everette surprised hudson by presenting him with the state’s highest civilian honor “The Order of the Palmetto,” issued by Governor Henry McMaster.
By Walter Sabo
A.K.A Walter Sterling
Host, The Other Side of Midnight
WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks
Billionaires make predominantly good investments, which is why they are billionaires.
John Malone saved Sirius with a $500 million investment just days from the company missing payroll. He remains the controlling shareholder.
Warren Buffett just made a significant investment in highly profitable SiriusXM.
George Soros owns Audacy. Audacy’s robust list of major market radio stations are jewels that require a better financial structure. Soros Fund Management bought $400,000,000 of the company’s debt and controlling ownership. Note that Soros now owns all but one of the country’s all-news stations.
Apollo Advisor’s billionaire CEO Marc Rowan – a former candidate for Secretary of the U.S. Treasury – owns Cox Radio and Television. Apollo was an original investor in Sirius.
John Catsimatidis wrote a check for WABC-AM and is buying more properties. Radio properties. Cats owns an oil refinery, land, and the Gristedes supermarket chain, but his focus is on WABC Radio.
The health of radio? The future? Those sharp investors, brutal businesspeople, determine the business future of radio, and they are apparently very optimistic!
Failing industries don’t expand
In 1970, there were 2,126 commercial stations in the U.S.
Today there are:
Sell the biggest number
Cable channels are investor valued by “Homes Passed.” Not audience or cash flow. How many people who can see the programming rather than how many people actually see the programming. Now apply that logic to radio station values.
BILLBOARDS sell impressions. Impressions represent the total number of people who could potentially see a billboard ad. That is the biggest number by which billboard can be measured, so that’s what they sell.
DIRECT MAIL is the number one local ad medium. It is data driven beyond your wildest dreams. Direct mail automation uses real-time signals and integrated data to deliver mail at the most meaningful point in the customer journey. For example, when someone abandons a shopping cart or repeatedly views a product online, you can design a programmatic mailing campaign to automatically send print pieces in response to that specific consumer behavior.
Rather than pushing the biggest, stable number – CUME – radio sells the smallest measurements. Radio’s 100+ years of success, astonishing outlet growth, 92% penetration of American homes, 65% daily population usage deserve has earned a much higher commercial unit price.
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 “The Other Side of Midnight” is heard on WABC, New York and the Red Apple Audio Network 1:00 am – 5:00 am. 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. He can be phoned at 646-678-1110.
Connecticut probate judge and WICC, Bridgeport talk host Lisa Wexler has earned the Democratic Party endorsement to run for another four-year term as probate judge for the Westport/Weston District. This will be the second time Wexler is running as a Democrat, having been elected previously as both a Democrat and as a Republican. Westport attorney Andrew Nevas nominated Wexler. He says, “I have been practicing law for many years, and have appeared before hundreds of judges. I have also appeared 
before Judge Wexler hundreds of times in connection with a variety of different matters. I feel confident in saying that I have never appeared before a judge with as much compassion and empathy as Judge Wexler… She always homes in on the issues that are most important to the people involved. For while many judges view cases as purely legal matters, Judge Wexler knows that for the people involved, it can be a daunting, intimidating and frightening experience. She never forgets that the individuals before her are people with hopes, dreams and fears, not just parties to a legal case. She understands the importance of letting people who appear before her have a voice and be heard.” Wexler’s radio program is heard daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Audacy sports talk WSCR-FM, Chicago “104.3 The Score” recently partnered with the Chicago Cubs and Cubs Charities for the third annual “Cubs for a Cure” radiothon and raised more than $805,000 with all radiothon proceeds go towards BrainUp, a nonprofit 
committed to raising awareness for brain cancer. Audacy Chicago VP of sports programming Mitch Rosen says, “More than 1,900 listeners rallied together to pledge donations, and we are deeply moved by their incredible generosity. Through the stories shared by our hosts and guests, we see firsthand how cancer impacts families. This radiothon is a reminder that no one has to fight alone. Our heartfelt thanks go out to our community, sponsors, team, and our great partner, the Chicago Cubs.”
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (5/25-29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Radio Hall of Fame inductee Mike McVay, president of McVay Media Consulting, will serve as moderator of a panel discussion titled, “Gaining Traction in a Noisy Digital World,” at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter. The panel, sponsored by C. Crane Radio, will be introduced by Heavy Hundred talk show host Lee Elci of WJJF, New London, CT. Speakers include (in alphabetical order): Heavy Hundred member Rob Carson, host, Newsmax Radio; super-agent Heather Cohen, president, The Weiss Organization; publicity specialist Sherry Goldman, founder, Goldman Communications Group, Inc.; PR wizard Ryan McCormick, co-founder, Goldman McCormick Public Relations; and Heavy Hundred star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, host, “The Joe Pags Show.”
The session will be exploring insights and answers to such timely questions as: How does an individual performer, or even an entire company, gain traction in achieving recognition against a backdrop of noise, distraction, ever-changing technology, shrinking attention spans, and endless exotic competition?
TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter will be held just over a week from now, Friday, June 5 at Hofstra University on Long Island. For registration, hotel and sponsorship information, please click here.
Morning drive host Scott DeLucia (pictured here) is retiring from his role as ringleader of Bryan Broadcasting news/talk WTAW, College Station’s “The Infomaniacs” program, effective June 5. Last week, DeLucia told listeners, “It’s been the tradition of the show generally that when one of us leaves to go do something different or not do 
anything at all we kind of announce it ahead of time. And so today it’s my turn.” He added, “I figure if I’ve done it for 59 years it’s probably enough. Everything’s fine, my health is fine, my wife’s health is fine, we’re just deciding that it’s time to go enjoy the rest of our life that won’t include getting up at 4:20 in the morning. So, we’re going to do that.” A succession plan is in place as DeLucia introduced Tucker “Frito” Young as the newest member of “The Infomaniacs” yesterday (5/27). Young says, “I was excited by the opportunity, mostly because growing up in College Station and Bryan and around the area, if you listen to radio, you would listen to you (Scott) and Jay and Tom and everybody else. So, this is kind of like being on the radio show of record for the Brazos Valley.”
WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks / Worldwide News Network owner John Catsimatidis has been named keynote speaker for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter set for Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra University. Publisher Michael Harrison states, “The selection of ‘Cats’ as keynoter is in keeping with one of the major themes of this year’s edition of the iconic industry event – entrepreneurism. John Catsimatidis is presently setting a stunning example of entrepreneurism at work in giving an injection of much needed energy, focus and life to the medium of radio.” Harrison will serve as facilitator of the presentation in a Q&A / interview style format – a role he has played before with the dynamic billionaire media, grocery, and energy mogul. The entire agenda of TALKERS 2026 will be video recorded including one-on-one interviews with attendees as well as speakers for later playback to a worldwide audience. For the latest agenda, hotel and sponsorship info, please click here.
AdLarge and the fwd. network announce that “Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky” officially joined the fwd. network portfolio. Activist, writer, producer, public speaker, and Vanity Fair contributing editor was recognized at the recent 50th Annual 
Gracie Awards, where she received the Gracie Award for “Best Audio Podcast Host” for her program that centers around “meaningful and revealing conversations about identity, resilience and finding our way back to ourselves.” Named one of Rolling Stone’s “Top 10 New Podcasts of 2025” and included in The Guardian’s “20 Best Podcasts of 2025,” Lewinsky’s program about exploring vulnerability, identity, resilience, and how we make sense of the world through the broader lens of reclaiming has featured such notable guests as Miley Cyrus, John Oliver, Lena Dunham, Lizzo, Malala, Olivia Munn, Alan Cumming, and Dylan Mulvaney. She says, “Reclaiming has always been about creating honest conversations around identity, humanity, and what it means to move forward after difficult experiences. I’m excited to partner with the fwd. network, a team that understands the importance of meaningful storytelling and supporting voices that challenge, connect, and inspire.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (5/26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Nationally syndicated news/talk radio star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo – whose national Compass Media Networks program (“The Joe Pags Show”) originates 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET daily from its flagship KTSA, San Antonio – will play a multi-faceted role at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter. In addition to reprising his memorable performance of the National Anthem on the saxophone and participating on the panel, “Gaining Traction in a Noisy Digital World,” Pags will deliver the conference’s closing address titled, “Be Ready When You Get That Call.” The speech will be delivered at the event’s closing reception and wrap up the conference on what organizer Michael Harrison describes as “a positive note.” Harrison says, “Joe Pags is an inspirational combination of superb talent and entrepreneurial energy – just what’s needed to make it during these challenging times.” Pags is a top 10 inductee in the TALKERS Heavy Hundred. To see the latest conference registration, hotel and sponsorship information, please click here.
Longtime market president Margie Tasseff announces her retirement from iHeartMedia’s Mansfield and Marion, Ohio markets where she led news/talk WMAN-AM and sports talk WNCO “FOX Sports 1340” in Mansfield and news/talk WMRN in Marion plus six 
music brands. iHeartMedia area president Matt Bell says, “Margie’s passion for this business, her commitment to the Mansfield and Marion communities and the relationships she built over nearly four decades have left an incredible mark on our company and everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her. She has been a trusted leader, mentor and advocate for both our employees and our partners, and her presence will truly be missed. We are deeply grateful for everything she has contributed to iHeartMedia and wish her nothing but happiness and success in this next chapter.” Reflecting on her career, Tasseff comments, “Spending 39 years with one employer is truly uncommon. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built together over the years — from the friendships and partnerships to the impact we’ve made through local radio. I’ve been fortunate to grow professionally while working with outstanding colleagues and serving a community that has meant so much to me. These stations will always hold a special place in my heart.”
The morning radio program “American Ground Radio” is airing on Salem Media’s news/talk WWRC-AM, Washington “AM 570 The Answer” at 7:00 am. The program is hosted by Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. About the show, Salem says, “Known for their conversational style and sharp perspective, Parr and Avallone have built a growing national audience by creating a bridge between traditional American values and today’s biggest issues. Each episode features special guests, listener call-ins, and thoughtful discussion on the stories shaping the country.” WWRC general manager David Howard adds, “We’re thrilled to bring American Ground Radio to the heart of our nation’s capital. Stephen and Louis create a space where listeners can engage, be inspired, and find common ground.” Pictured above are Parr (left), and Avallone (center) interviewing House Speaker Mike Johnson (right).
Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR, Detroit is named Commercial Station of the Year by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, marking the 9th consecutive year that 760 WJR has taken Station of the Year honors. The station has been honored as the top commercial station in Michigan for 28 of the last 32 years. Additionally, WJR received 11 MAB Broadcast Excellence “Best” Awards and 10 “Merit” Awards. Cumulus RVP and market manager Steve Finateri comments, “What an honor to be recognized by MAB as we continue to raise the bar for providing the highest quality news, information, and insights for our listeners and community. Congratulations to WJR program director Ann Thomas and the extraordinary WJR team, who have earned our listeners’ trust for many years and continue to build on that every day. A special thanks to the MAB and our listeners and partners for their ongoing support.” Pictured above is the WJR staff at the recent awards ceremony.
Earlier this week, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s 51st Annual Gracie Awards annual gala took place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. Winners included FOX Sports Radio’s Carmen Vitali and former co-host Alex Curry, were honored in the Weekend Host/Personality category for their “FOX Sports Saturday” show. Pictured here are Curry and FOX EVP Scott Shapiro.
Public media firm WNYC in New York names Sonia Rao the culture reporter joining the WNYC / Gothamist newsroom. Rao will cover the arts, with a specialty in film, television, and food. She has covered arts and culture for a decade, most recently as a features reporter and critic at The Washington Post.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (5/18-22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
By Charles Heller
Host
“Swap Shop Radio”
“Liberty Watch Radio”
KVOI – AM 1030, Tucson
Adam Smith‘s “invisible hand” is a metaphor he used to describe how individuals pursuing their own self-interest in competitive markets can unintentionally produce socially beneficial outcomes – such as efficient allocation of resources and increased wealth. Smith uses the phrase in The Theory of Moral Sentiments in 1759 and more famously in The Wealth of Nations in1776.
Radio’s ability to connect to a phone line to air has evolved since its inception in World War II. Barry Gray is widely credited for being an establishing influence for the talk show format (although it is difficult to truly identify “firsts” in radio). As the story goes, initially a disc jockey, Gray was working for New York City radio station WOR in 1945 when bandleader Woody Herman called in while Gray was talking about him. Gray shared his end of the call with the audience, and the spontaneous live narrative was a hit with both his listeners and station managers. This led to the invention of the “delay” unit and contributed to the practice of connecting live listeners to the air.
Since the 1950s, programs all across the country began to arise that offered people the ability to buy and sell their own goods over the radio, starting first in rural markets. One of the longest running of them started in 1950 on WLIL in Tennessee and runs daily from 9:00 to 10:30 am. I have heard programs like it in my travels across the country from Sycamore, IL to Baltimore, MD, which have a Sunday morning trading program. Today, most markets have one form or another of those shows, either on a daily basis in smaller markets, or in some cases, covering large market areas. I heard one in Bentonville, AR station that took calls from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas while I was listening.
These programs enhance people’s ability to live their lives more easily, by offering a format for buying, selling, and trading goods in the free market. Those programs also use the influence of radio to form all important communities of interest that are part of the glue that keeps a free republic together, as the great Tucson Broadcaster John C. Scott said, “over this back yard fence.”
This month marks the start of my 28th year of broadcasting “The Swap Shop” on AM 1030 KVOI. In 27 years, the program has only missed two weeks of broadcast. It has become what the great Dave Sitton of ESPN and FOX used to call “appointment radio” for a lot of folks in the Tucson market. I have listeners in Maine that call in for non-rusted auto parts, and a loyal listener in Traverse City, MI and a submarine hunter in the Navy in Norfolk, VA.
I call Swap Shop, “The unregulated free market, governed only by common courtesy and common sense, where you are free to buy, sell or trade anything lawful and moral.” All of these shows do a lot more for people besides the enabling of the free market. My favorites have been a lady who called in when her parakeet got out, and a fellow who called 45 minutes later from his garage sale where the parakeet flew in. They both just happened to be listeners. Another favorite was an older lady whose husky had gotten out during a thunderstorm. She called in tears. The animal control officer who had the dog in her truck heard it and called her, returning her dog.
My point is that as broadcasters, we are all stewards of that “unseen hand” of the free market, either by enabling the free trade in goods between private parties or enabling our advertisers to become known and trusted by their communities. If you run a Swap Shop type program, or know of one in other markets, I’d like to hear from you. Let’s develop an informal network of us around the country.
Charles Heller hosts “Swap Shop Radio” and “Liberty Watch Radio” 0n AM 1030 KVOI, Tucson. He can be reached via email at charles@libertywatchradio.com.
Longtime WOLB, Baltimore personality Larry Young (l) is pictured with Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore (r) at a Town Hall-style meeting Tuesday evening (5/19) at which the state’s first Black chief executive, a Democrat, delivered his assessment of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session. Young, a former recipient of the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award, is legendary for his decades of community service throughout Baltimore and Maryland.
Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM, “98.5 The Sports Hub” is hosting the 15th Annual “Who’s Your Caddy” Golf Classic on Monday, June 8, at Brookmeadow Country Club that will, with a major assist from the Boston Bruins Foundation, raise funds to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts. This year’s event will feature a new fan-
focused opportunity called, “We Need A 4th,” giving listeners the chance to bid online for the opportunity to join either the Fred Toucher, Rob ‘Hardy’ Poole & Jon Wallach foursome or the Tony Massarotti, Mike Felger & Jim Murray foursome. The highest bidder for each group will earn a coveted spot as the fourth player. Massarotti states, “We launched this event 15 years ago with the goal of combining our passion for sports, entertainment, and giving back. To see how much this tournament has grown over the years – and the incredible support from listeners, sponsors, and local organizations – has been truly rewarding. We’re excited to make this year’s event another memorable day for a great cause.” Since its launch in 2011, the “Who’s Your Caddy” Golf Classic has raised more than $300,000 for charities including Boston Children’s Hospital Pediatric Care Unit, Jaylen Brown’s 7uice Foundation, and now Special Olympics Massachusetts.
Talk radio-fueled music group Gunhill Road has surpassed one million listens and views on a variety of online platforms including YouTube. The four-member ensemble, consisting of Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonin, and (TALKERS founder) Michael Harrison, has found a new worldwide online audience fueled largely by interviews and airplay on news/talk radio, specifically over the past six years. The group is known for its provocative lyrics and subject matter (which makes it popular with talk show hosts), along with eye-catching videos (produced by Matthew B. Harrison) and an array of superbly played musical styles. Gunhill Road has been writing and recording a wide variety of songs contained in four albums since the late-sixties, including the 1973 top 40 hit single, “Back When My Hair Was Short.” The group’s colorful history was the subject of a 2017 feature film documentary titled, “Every 40 Years.” They will be releasing their long-awaited fifth album in late June.
Formed in Mount Vernon, New York by Steve Goldrich and Glenn Leopold in the late-sixties and named after an iconic thoroughfare in the Bronx, Gunhill Road has grown through several musical and personnel chapters for more than a half century. In its current incarnation, Gunhill Road addresses such compelling themes as politics, technology, relationships, aging, animal welfare, modern anxiety, the First Amendment and other issues that are aligned with the topics discussed on talk radio.
Gunhill Road’s internet hits include:
“AI (No Robots Were Injured in the Recording of this Song)” click here
“Don’t Stop Talking” click here
“I Know You’re Real” click here
For more information about Gunhill Road call Barbara Kurland at TALKERS: 413-565-5413
By Jessica Crotty
CEO
C. Crane
Radio has always been about connection, the feeling of belonging to something larger than yourself, of being drawn into a story told by a voice you trust. Perhaps, that’s why you tune in as well. There is little that is more rewarding for us than finding a way to connect you to what you want to hear, whether that’s your favorite jazz station, a particular show, or your former alma mater’s student-run station. It’s why we do what we do, and why we show up for the people who keep those stories alive.
If you’ve ever wondered where the people who make talk radio gather – the hosts, station owners, program directors, engineers, the visionaries behind the scenes and in front of the mic – look no further than TALKERS. TALKERS magazine’s annual conference is one of the industry’s premier meeting grounds, where talk radio and the evolving world of spoken-word media get taken seriously as a craft, a business, and a cultural force. Talk radio: The original influencer.
Michael Harrison has spent decades as one of radio’s most honest champions. He has consistently pushed the industry to think harder, challenge the status quo, and defend the freedom of speech that gives every great story room to breathe.
Crane was part of that world very early on, when we attended our first TALKERS conference in New York. We’ve been back many times since as attendees and sponsors, and Michael and the TALKERS crew have always been genuinely good to us. We make the radios people use to listen to radio, and being welcomed into the room where those stories get made is something we don’t take for granted.
Over the years, those rooms have introduced us to some extraordinary people. Gene Burns was a favorite long before seeing him at TALKERS. C. Crane had advertised with him on KGO, and his gift for drawing you in came through in everything he did. He hosted many shows over his career; “Dining Around with Gene Burns” was a personal favorite, and Gene and his producer Joel Riddell could point you to the best restaurant in almost any city and just nail it. The speech Gene gave on freedom of speech was one of the best I’ve ever heard, a fierce and passionate defense that stayed with you long after it ended. I also remember the head engineer ar WOR (at the time), Thomas Ray, taking the time to walk me through the mechanics of radio towers while I was manning our booth. That kind of generous, unguarded knowledge sharing is something you don’t forget.
We’ll be back in New York again this year for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter. The landscape continues to change, but what hasn’t changed is the seriousness with which the people in that room take their craft, and their commitment to the stories only radio tells. We’re proud to be part of it. Thank you, TALKERS. Thank you to everyone in that room, past and present, who continues to show up for this event and for radio. We certainly wouldn’t be the company we are without you.
Jessica Crotty is the CEO of C. Crane, a major manufacturer and distributor of radios and radio-oriented devices. She can be reached via email at jcrotty@ccrane.com. Meet her at TALKERS 2026 on June 5 at Hofstra University.
The Radio Hall of Fame announces this year’s class of inductees and among them are iHeartMedia chairman Bob Pittman and WFAN, New York morning drive personality Boomer Esiason. The 2026 inductees will be honored at the 2026 Induction Ceremony on Thursday, October 8 at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. See all the inductees here.
This week’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at the average American commute as well at the commutes of marketers and media agency pros. Two separate studies were commissioned to look into commuting habits and some of the takeaways from those studies include: 1) 64% of marketers and media agencies say they commute most or all days, an all-time 
high since 2022 and 28% indicate they commute some days; 2) 85% of average Americans are commuting to work, slightly less than marketers and media agencies (92%); 3) Since AM/FM radio is the “soundtrack of the American worker,” it is the ideal media platform for advertisers; 4) AM/FM radio’s share of ad-supported audio in the car has been consistently dominant at an 83% share, according to Edison Research’s Q1 2026 “Share of Ear” report; 5) Average Americans are clocking slightly more days at work (4.7) compared to the advertising industry (4.4); and 5) Marketers/agencies and average Americans are most likely to work in the office Monday through Thursday with Friday seeing the lowest % of in-office work for both groups. See the full blog post here.
Rick Thomas is leaving Beasley Media Group effective June 1 to begin a new chapter “with a focus on spending more time with his family.” He’s been serving as brand manager for the six-station cluster that includes sports talk WJBR-AM “Florida Alumni Radio.” Beasley chief content 
officer Justin Chase comments, “Rick has been a steady, respected leader and a true partner across our teams. From leading nationally as a format leader at Summit Media and guiding successful multi-format brands in Tampa, New York, and Los Angeles, Rick brought an incredible depth of experience and strategic vision to Beasley. He has always led with passion, integrity, creativity, and a genuine commitment to both the brands and people around him. We’re grateful for the impact he made across the Tampa cluster and throughout the company, and we wish Rick and his family nothing but the very best in the future.”