Industry News

Dennis Malloy Leaving “New Jersey 101.5” Midday Show

Midday talk host Dennis Malloy announces that he’s leaving his full-time role at Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5 when his current contract expired on July 31. Malloy co-hosts the Dennis & Judi midday show with Judi Franco. He told listeners earlier this week that he thinks the time is right to step into a new role.img “Two of my children live out of state and it’s difficult to sneak in quick visits. But now it won’t be. I’ll get to spend longer periods with my kids and grandkids, and just hopefully take and enjoy what life has to offer. There is no drama and no intrigue. Judi and I are still very good friends, almost like brother and sister. We’re both grateful that they threw us together back in 1997. The chemistry was instant, and the laughter has never stopped. Yeah, there have been some tumultuous times thrown in there as well, but it was all good. So, so, so good. I was lucky enough to be a part of radio’s history in New Jersey. Don’t get me wrong: Our ratings are still very high, and for that, I am extremely grateful. But I will still be a part of the radio station, filling in when the need arises. I’ll possibly be doing some appearances and definitely some writing for NJ1015.com.” Read Malloy’s full post here.

Industry News

WLS-AM and Ray Stevens Ink Renewed Deal

Cumulus Media re-signs morning drive talk host Ray Stevens to a new contract to continue his role with 890 WLS-AM. The station says Stevens’ show debuted last June “and has quickly become a morning ritual for Chicago’s passionate talk radio listeners.” “Ramblin’ Ray Stevens,” served for years as an air personality atimg crosstown country WUSN-FM “US 99” and was honored by the Country Music Association as Major Market Personality of the Year in 2010 and for four consecutive years, was honored as the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Major Market Talent of the Year. Station program director Stephanie Tichenor says, “Ray has been instrumental in bringing Conservative content to morning drive on the Big 89. His energy, his experience, and his ability to deliver the local lens of the right conversation has been invaluable for our listeners. We look forward to the continued growth and success of 890 WLS with Ray Stevens in morning drive.” Stevens comments, “Excited to continue doing wake ups in my hometown of Chicago. I love that WLS management always supports my wild ideas. Ideas that make our city better for every neighborhood and everybody! Pets included! We have a lot of work to do, and we are doing it!”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Present at Cannes Lions Festival

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Pictured above is author Malcolm Gladwell (left) speaking with Questlove (right) at the iHeartCafé at La Californie during the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity on June 17 in Cannes, France as they do a live recording of the iHeartPodcast “Questlove Supreme.” It was just one of many iHeartMedia-presented events held during the weeklong festivaldesigned to demonstrate the creativity and the advertiser value in audio entertainment. Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

Industry News

WRHU Radio Hofstra Celebrates Gracie Honors

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The student news team of WRHU-FM Radio Hofstra University earned two Gracie awards from the Alliance for Women in Media. WRHU general manager John Mullen says that the organization has the largest radio news team on Long Island with more than 60 student journalists. They earned the Gracie’s for WRHU-FM’s morning drive talk program and their live, locally focused half-hour afternoon drive news show. Pictured above are Hofstra president Susan Poser with the WRHU staff, Mullen, Pro in Residence Doualy Xaykaothao; WRHU alums Jamie Morris, morning host WKJY-FM, Hempstead; Heather Cohen, president the Weiss Agency; Dean Mark Lukasiewicz, and Liane Souza, director of affiliate sales for Compass Media Networks.

Industry News

KBLA, Los Angeles Celebrates Fourth Anniversary

Los Angeles talk radio outlet KBLA “Talk 1580” was launched four years ago today (6/19) by Smiley Audio Media owner Tavis Smiley. The company says it is proudly celebrating the anniversary “with four high-profile public events. Since its launch, KBLA Talk 1580 has become the station of choice for Black andimg African American residents, as well as progressive listeners more broadly. KBLA Talk 1580 continues to be the most ‘trusted, credible, and reliable’ media source in Southern California for African Americans and beyond. While KBLA Talk 1580 is unapologetically progressive, the station and its on-air talent prioritize good ideas over ideology.” KBLA will hold a “Juneteenth Backyard Barbecue” today at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Saturday (6/21) KBLA will present an “Empowerment Congress Juneteenth Community Celebration & Dialogue” at The Beehive from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and on Sunday (6/22), station host Dominique DiPrima will moderate a “State of Black Women in Los Angeles” symposium at The Living Room @ Faithful Central Bible Church from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Industry News

Buffalo’s “The Patriot” to Launch on July 4

Buddy Shula’s new radio station WUSW, Niagara Falls, New York – formerly WHLD – will officially launch its conservative talk format on July 4 as “1270 AM The Patriot.” Shula, who operates oldies WECK in theimg Buffalo market, acquired WHDL from Cumulus Media earlier this year. He says, “I’m thrilled to be debuting a local talk station that deals with real issues. I feel the conservative talk lane is open, and that will give listeners a choice of the type of talk that they really want to hear.” The station will feature syndicated shows including Premiere Networks’ “The Sean Hannity Show,” “Glenn Beck,” “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton,” and “Jesse Kelly,” plus Erik Erickson, Lars Larson, Vince Coglianese, and more. New York State Assemblyman David DiPietro will also host a local program.

Industry News

Nielsen: Radio Outperforms Perceived Effectiveness

Nielsen states that its 2025 Annual Marketing Report comes to the conclusion that marketers are driving investment in digital channels because they are perceived to have measurability and direct attribution. Nielsen says ease of measurement does not always equate to effectiveness or higher ROI. “Proprietaryimg KPIs and lower CPMs can be misleading, and a channel’s ability to claim conversion credit doesn’t necessarily translate to real value. This bias can lead to underinvestment in traditional channels, like radio, which, despite being perceived as less effective, can deliver substantial ROI.” The perceived effectiveness of radio by marketers puts it dead last in ROI. But a weighted average shows that radio is second only to social media in ROI. The study also found that “podcasts demonstrate strong ROI, comparable to TV and digital display, yet they are often overlooked or undervalued.” See more about the study here.

Industry News

50th Annual Gracies Luncheon in NYC

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The AWM Foundation presented the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City yesterday (6/18). Host Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline” led the program alongside a lineup of presenters that included WFAN’s Boomer Esiason, iHeartMedia’s Medha Gandhi, CNN’s Erica Hill, and NBC News’ Vicky Nguyen. Pictured above is “CBS Sunday Morning” host Jane Pauley (left) presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime colleague and friend, “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent Martha Teichner (right).

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

PodcastOne Extends A+E Deal. PodcastOne extends its agreement with A+E Networks for the exclusive sales and distribution rights to five true crime podcasts: “Cold Case Files,” “I Survived,” “American Justice,” “City Confidential,” and “Ancient Aliens.” PodcastOne co-founder and president Kit Gray says, “Whether it is a limited series or a weekly production, we provide premiere podcasting services for companies and networks who have been hesitant or lack the internal resources to adapt existing programming into a podcast. By leveraging our strong infrastructure and expert technology within the medium, we can offer tailored services to bridge the gap between television and the world’s fastest growing media platform, podcasting.”

MPR Adds Trustees. The Board of Trustees of Minnesota Public Radio welcomes two new members. Sarah Karon, board president of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County and District 5 Town Commissioner in Longboat Key, Florida, and Dr. Brian Harrison, political scientist and author, were recently elected to the board. MPR CEO Jean Taylor states, “We’re delighted to welcome Sarah and Brian to the MPR Board of Trustees. Both of these new Trustees have great passion for service to their communities and are huge fans of public media. At the same time, they will each bring incredible expertise, perspective, and a track record of success in their own right in the areas of philanthropy and inclusion. Their presence and engagement will make an already strong board even stronger.”

Denes Hosts Warshaw and Parenti on Podcast. Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes talks with Connoisseur Media founder and CEO Jeff Warshaw and Radio Ink president and publisher Deborah Parenti on the two current episodes of his podcast, “Chachi Loves Everybody.”

Job Opportunity

Lotus Seattle Seeks Promotions Staffers

Lotus Seattle Corp is seeking staff for its part-time Promotions Event Staff ON-CALL team members to work at station events and represent stations in a positive, professional manner. Lotus says, “This is a great opportunity to earn extra money by working at various stations’ events including local sporting events,img community events, retail/client events, local fairs and more. You will meet new people and engage with the public. Plus, interact with multi-media marketing pros to get an edge on your career with real world experience. This is a great job for all ages over the age of 18. If you are retired, a veteran, looking to fill some time on the weekends, in college looking for some extra part-time work or interested in the radio and television industry this is a great opportunity.” The position pays $21 per hour. Send your resume here.

Industry News

Podcast Download – Spring 2025 Report Released

Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights are releasing the Podcast Download – Spring 2025 Report, what they call “a comprehensive evaluation of the latest podcast audience trends” that examines the habits of weekly podcast consumers. Cumulus says, “A key finding uncovered in the Podcast Download Report is that audio remains the primary mode of podcast consumption despite growing video options and the rise of YouTube as a podcast platform.” Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group senior insightsimg manager Liz Mayer says, “There is no denying that YouTube is playing an important role in the podcast ecosystem, especially when it comes to discovering new podcasts. However, over half of weekly podcast consumers indicate they consume via audio primarily. So, while the new video capabilities are exciting and need to be focused on, the industry can’t forget that it’s what consumers are hearing that is most important.” Highlights from the report include: 1) Audio remains the primary mode of podcast consumption (58%) despite growing video options; 2) YouTube is the leading podcast platform, yet it is not a walled garden as consumers listen to podcasts across multiple platforms; 3) Podcast discovery: YouTube is the place to be found; 44% of new podcast audiences started listening on YouTube; 4) Downloads and listens underestimate the actual audience: The current download impression model fails to account for co-listening; and 5) Why podcast advertising works so well: Podcasts hosts are three times more influential than social media influencers. See more about the study here.

Industry News

Edison Research to Unveil Gen Z Audio Report

Edison Research says that its new “Gen Z Audio Report” – sponsored by SiriusXM Media – will be releasedimg to the industry in a free webinar on June 25 at 2:00 pm ET. More than 2,000 people ages 13-24 in the U.S. were surveyed for the report. Edison says, “The study explores what shapes the lives of Gen Z – from current issues to overall outlooks, and what their media choices include – from music discovery to their favorite podcasts. Learn how Gen Z listeners use audio, tech, and social media, and most importantly, the role audio plays in their daily lives.” You can register for the webinar here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Stepping-Up and Sounding Solid

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgWith so many of us taking vacation time soon, guest hosts are often local somebodies who are not career broadcasters and don’t share our second-nature performance routines. For their benefit, these tips, based on my experience on both sides of the mic:

Get right into it. When I used to fill-in for Jim Bohannon, I figured that – to his listeners – who-the-heck was I? Lacking the back-story of “a name,” I simply, succinctly, told the truth, “I’m Jim’s pal, Holland Cooke.” Skip the biographical blah-blah-blah that devalues a show by emphasizing that the familiar host is absent. Just tee-up what the show is about this hour… why it matters to those listening… how they will benefit from not wandering-off… and how to join-in.

Make the phone ring. When “FOX Across America” host Jimmy Failla is off, my client Paul Gleiser – owner of affiliate KTBB/Tyler-Longview TX – often fills-in. Paul asked Jimmy for advice. Ever in-character, Failla quipped, “Drive it like you stole it!” So Gleiser is all about call count, teeing-up TWO tempting propositions, one topical, the other a softer “Bonus Question.” As new employment numbers were announced, “The WORST job you ever had?” got callers telling great stories.

“Know what the show was about yesterday,” Paul urges, because political topics tend to change little day-to-day. Avoid this trap: The guest host’s outspoken narrative is a point that’s already been talked-to-death BUT this is HIS shot on a big show, so this is HIS turn to me-too the unison. Better approach: Come up with a new wrinkle.

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Invite participation multiple ways. Many listeners would rather text than call. Welcome them and you’ll sound accessible and at-the-speed-of-life. Note how effectively SiriusXM’s Michael Smerconish polls listeners via social media.

Establish a relationship with the producer “BEFORE the show” Gleiser advises: “Don’t just show up.” Ascertain who-does-what. In some cases, the producer will have booked guests and may suggest or assign call-in topics. Or if – in Jimmy Failla speak – you’re driving, the producer is simply call-screening and running-the-board… which you should NOT attempt if you’re not an experienced broadcaster or if you are unfamiliar with the station’s setup.

Keep re-setting – succinctly, “matter-of-factly,” introducing yourself and your guest-or-topic — going-into and coming-out-of breaks, and at the beginning of each hour. Listeners are constantly tuning-in.

Always and only announce the call-in number immediately after you tell them WHY to call. Most common mistake I hear, even from experienced hosts: They give-out the phone number at the very beginning of the show or hour or segment, then (eventually) they tell you why to call, possibly minutes later (an eternity in live radio). So, they’re haunted by those dreaded “regulars” who already have the number memorized. Make announcing the number your punch line, whether you’re asking opinions on topic du jour or offering access to a guest they’ll want to interact with. Seems like a little thing, but this can make a big difference in how popular you make the station sound.

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

Industry News

Joe Thomas and TMN Broadcast from “Freedomfest”

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Pictured above at the weekend’s “Freedomfest” in Palm Springs, California is Joe Thomas (right) host of “First Thing Today” – syndicated nationally by Talk Media Network – and owner of WTON, Staunton, Virginia speaking with “Freedomfest” founder Mark Skousen (left).  Thomas tells TALKERS, “During a weekend where libertarians faced the debate over Israel’s missile strikes against Iran and whether US borders should be open or not, we brought all of it to our listeners from Portland to Daytona each day!”

Industry News

KXEL, Cedar Rapids Takes Over “Tractorcade”

NRG Media’s news/talk KXEL, Cedar Rapids took over the sponsorship of the “Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade” after another station in the Cedar Rapids and Waterloo markets discontinued its support. Thisimg was the 26th year for the iconic Iowa summertime event that brings some 325 vintage tractors together at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion fairgrounds in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. NRG Media says that while some entities might have been deterred from taking over such a popular and well-established event, company COO/CFO Jim Smith embraced the opportunity. He says, “We’re learning as we go, but we’re learning from people who have done this for a long time – very seasoned – so… it hasn’t been that heavy of a lift because we’re surrounded by good people.”

Industry News

Joe Pags Gets Standing “O” at Righteous Brothers Concert

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Pictured above at the HEB Performance Hall in San Antonio is nationally syndicated talk radio star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo (left) with music legend Bill Medley (right). Medley brought his national Righteous Brothers “Lovin’ Feelin’ Farewell Tour” to San Antonio last Sunday night with singer Bucky Heard taking over for the late Bobby Hatfield. When Medley learned that radio talker Pags was in the audience, he did a special shout-out to the hometown favorite and asked him to stand. Pags received an ovation from the crowd and later met with Medley and Heard backstage. They also recorded a conversation for Pags’ podcast. 

Industry News

FCC’s Media Bureau Publishes Foreign Government Programming Rules

Earlier this week, the FCC’s Media Bureau “released rule modifications to the sponsorship identification requirements for foreign government-provided programming, which require a public disclosure to be made, at the time of broadcast, identifying the foreign source of such programming. The Second Report and Order adopted a revised approach that provides radio and television broadcast licensees with two options forimg demonstrating that they have met their duty of inquiry in seeking to obtain the information needed to determine whether programming is sponsored, paid for, or furnished by a foreign governmental entity.” While this new sponsorship identification requirements for foreign government-provided programming was passed 3-2 by the Commission last summer, it has been challenged in the courts and remains there. Because of this, yesterday’s announcement of the publication of the rules in the federal register also adds that the implementation of the rules are being put off for six months until December 8, 2025. One of the arguments put forth by broadcasters opposed to the new rules is that they put radio and TV stations in the position of having to conduct an investigation in order to comply with the law.

Industry Views

Neutraliars: The Platforms That Edit Like Publishers but Hide Behind Neutrality

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgIn the golden age of broadcasting, the rules were clear. If you edited the message, you owned the consequences. That was the tradeoff for editorial control. But today’s digital platforms – YouTube, X, TikTok, Instagram – have rewritten that deal. Broadcasters and those who operate within the FCC regulatory framework are paying the price.

These companies claim to be neutral conduits for our content. But behind the curtain, they make choices that mirror the editorial judgment of any news director: flagging clips, muting interviews, throttling reach, and shadow banning accounts. All while insisting they bear no responsibility for the content they carry.

They want the control of publishers without the accountability. I call them neutraliars.

A “neutraliar” is a platform that claims neutrality while quietly shaping public discourse. It edits without transparency, enforces vague rules inconsistently, and hides bias behind shifting community standards.

Broadcasters understand the weight of editorial power. Reputation, liability, and trust come with every decision. But platforms operate under a different set of rules. They remove content for “context violations,” downgrade interviews for being “borderline,” and rarely offer explanations. No appeals. No accountability.

This isn’t just technical policy – it’s a legal strategy. Under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, platforms enjoy broad immunity from liability related to user content. What was originally intended to allow moderation of obscene or unlawful material has become a catch-all defense for everything short of outright defamation or criminal conduct.

These companies act like editors when it suits them, curating and prioritizing content. But when challenged, they retreat behind the label of “neutral platform.” Courts, regulators, and lawmakers have mostly let it slide.

But broadcasters shouldn’t.

Neutraliars are distorting the public square. Not through overt censorship, but through asymmetry. Traditional broadcasters play by clear rules – standards of fairness, disclosure, and attribution. Meanwhile, tech platforms make unseen decisions that influence whether a segment is heard, seen, or quietly buried.

So, what’s the practical takeaway?

Don’t confuse distribution with trust.

Just because a platform carries your content doesn’t mean it supports your voice. Every upload is subject to algorithms, undisclosed enforcement criteria, and decisions made by people you’ll never meet. The clip you expected to go viral. Silenced. The balanced debate you aired. Removed for tone. The satire? Flagged for potential harm.

The smarter approach is to diversify your presence. Own your archive. Use direct communication tools – e-mail lists, podcast feeds, and websites you control. Syndicate broadly but never rely solely on one platform. Monitor takedowns and unexplained drops in engagement. These signals matter.

Platforms will continue to call themselves neutral as long as it protects their business model. But we know better. If a company edits content like a publisher and silences creators like a censor, it should be treated like both.

And when you get the inevitable takedown notice wrapped in vague policy language and polished PR spin, keep one word in mind.

Neutraliars.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Woodward Taps DeGroot to Lead Wisconsin Stations

Woodward Communications names B.J. DeGroot market manager for its six-station cluster in Northeast Wisconsin that includes news/talk WHBY and sports talk WSCO-AM/W237AA “The Score” in Appleton. DeGroot has been serving as brand manager for WHBY and “The Score.” Woodward says that DeGroot’s understanding of the local market and his success in brand management has prepared him to lead thisimg diverse group of stations. DeGroot comments, “Leading the entire portfolio of Woodward Community Media stations in Northeast Wisconsin is a significant honor. I’m committed to working with our talented local teams to continue delivering relevant content and strengthening our connection with the community.” The company also announces that Kelly Radandt, who was named director of broadcast in November 2024, will oversee broadcast brands across both Northeast Wisconsin and the company’s Springfield, Illinois stations. DeGroot and Kevin O’Dea, market manager of Springfield, will both report to Radandt. Radandt comments, “This expanded role presents a unique opportunity to unify our broadcast efforts and innovate across markets. I am eager to contribute to Woodward Community Media’s continued success and evolution. Onward!”

Industry News

iHeartMedia and Washington Commanders Extend Deal

The Washington Commanders and iHeartMedia DC are extending their flagship broadcast partnership. Commanders games will continue to be heard on classic rock WBIG “BIG 100.3 FM,” as well as via the station’s website and the iHeartRadio App. iHeartMedia region president Aaron Hyland says, “We are thrilled to extend our dynamic audio partnership with the Washington Commanders, building on the momentum and shared success we’ve achieved together the past three seasons. By harnessing the power of audio across ‘BIG 100’ and our iHeartMedia platforms with broadcast, podcast, and streaming, we’re excited to deliver even more access, energy, and unforgettable gameday moments to Commanders fans throughout the region.”

Industry Views

Is That Even Legal? Talk Radio in the Age of Deepfake Voices: Where Fair Use Ends and the Law Steps In

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgIn early 2024, voters in New Hampshire got strange robocalls. The voice sounded just like President Joe Biden, telling people not to vote in the primary. But it wasn’t him. It was an AI clone of his voice – sent out to confuse voters.

The calls were meant to mislead, not entertain. The response was quick. The FCC banned AI robocalls. State officials launched investigations. Still, a big question remains for radio and podcast creators:

Is using an AI cloned voice of a real person ever legal?

This question hits hard for talk radio, where satire, parody, and political commentary are daily staples. And the line between creative expression and illegal impersonation is starting to blur.

It’s already happening online. AI-generated clips of Howard Stern have popped up on TikTok and Reddit, making him say things he never actually said. They’re not airing on the radio yet – but they could be soon.

Then came a major moment. In 2024, a group called Dudesy released a fake comedy special called, “I’m Glad I’m Dead,” using AI to copy the voice and style of the late George Carlin. The hour-long show sounded uncannily like Carlin, and the creators claimed it was a tribute. His daughter, Kelly Carlin, strongly disagreed. The Carlin estate sued, calling it theft, not parody. That lawsuit could shape how courts treat voice cloning for years.

The danger isn’t just legal – it’s reputational. A cloned voice can be used to create fake outrage, fake interviews, or fake endorsements. Even if meant as satire, if it’s too realistic, it can do real damage.

So, what does fair use actually protect? It covers commentary, criticism, parody, education, and news. But a voice isn’t just creative work – it’s part of someone’s identity. That’s where the right of publicity comes in. It protects how your name, image, and voice are used, especially in commercial settings.

If a fake voice confuses listeners, suggests false approval, or harms someone’s brand, fair use probably won’t apply. And if it doesn’t clearly comment on the real person, it’s not parody – it’s just impersonation.

For talk show hosts and podcasters, here’s the bottom line: use caution. If you’re using AI voices, make it obvious they’re fake. Add labels. Give context. And best of all, avoid cloning real people unless you have their OK.

Fair use is a shield – but it’s not a free pass. When content feels deceptive, the law – and your audience – may not be forgiving.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Harrison Legal Group or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

The American Miracle Premieres at the Kennedy Center

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On June 4, Heroic Pictures and Patterns of Evidence Foundation hosted an exclusive VIP red carpet premiere at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. for the new film, The American Miracle: Our Nation Is No Accident. The film was inspired by talk radio host Michael Medved’s bestselling book of the same name and portrays the successful American Revolution as happening due to the intervening hand of God. The movie was produced and directed by Timothy Mahoney and stars Pat Boone and Kevin Sorbo, among numerous others. Pictured above is Michael Medved with his wife Diane and actors in period costumes.

Industry News

Starnes Named to Board of NACL

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Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk host Todd Starnes delivering a keynote address at the National Association of Christian Lawmakers’ national policy conference at Liberty University. Starnes was recently named to the board of the NACL.

Industry News

FCC Commissioner Simington Announces Surprise Resignation

Republican FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington – who joined the Commission during President Trump’s first term – surprised the industry on Wednesday (6/4) by issuing a statement announcing his exit from the Commission. He said, “I will be concluding my tenure at the Federal Communications Commission at theimg end of this week. It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve the American people as a Commissioner. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility by President Donald J. Trump during his first term. The Commission is in excellent hands under the leadership of my distinguished colleague, Chairman Brendan T. Carr, and is supported by an extraordinary staff whose dedication to public service is second to none. Throughout my tenure, I worked to defend free expression, safeguard national security, and promote infrastructure investment to benefit all Americans… I look forward to continuing to serve the public interest in the years ahead and to contributing to the vital conversations surrounding our communications infrastructure, national security, and technological leadership. I remain committed to advancing the cause of limited government, free speech, and American innovation. These principles guided my time at the Commission and will continue to shape my future endeavors. As I move forward, I remain committed to shaping the future of communications policy and will continue to advocate for the values and priorities that have guided my public service.”

Industry News

Kathy Walker Leaving Full-Time KOA, Denver News Director Post

Longtime news radio pro Kathy Walker announces that she is “sunsetting” her life as a full-time broadcasterimg and regional news director position with iHeartMedia’s KOA, Denver.  She says, “iHeartMedia has graciously agreed to keep me part time, so you will still hear me anchor a newscast here or there… I have been honored to talk and write my way through 35 years at KOA.”

Industry News

WHO-AM, Des Moines Unveils Saturday Agriculture Show

iHeartMedia’s news/talk WHO-AM, Des Moines “NewsRadio 1040 WHO” is launching a new agriculture program titled, “We Speak Farm Saturday,” airing from 5:00 am to 7:00 am. The station says that longtime WHO-AM farm director Bob Quinn, along with co-farm director Duane Murley, producer of ‘The Big Show’img Nathan Fischer, and fellow farm department contributors are teaming up to produce the debut show this Saturday (6/7). WHO adds, “‘We Speak Farm Saturday’ builds upon all that’s delivered throughout the week during ‘The Big Show’ with a Market Recap, a weekly ‘Agriculture USA’ segment from the USDA, insightful conversations on Iowa farming, agronomy and food, and will also cover topics such as gardening, farmers markets, rodeos and county fairs.” WHO program director Cole Blair comments, “We are always looking to deliver more for the hard-working farmers and all those involved in Iowa’s agriculture industry at WHO, so we’re proud to expand our Ag programming with the launch of ‘We Speak Farm Saturday.’ When farmers and Ag industry workers get in the truck, tractor or workplace on Saturday it’s only right we’re there with them, too.”

Industry News

Stephen A. Smith Joins SiriusXM for Daily and Weekly Programs

Sports media personality Stephen A. Smith is joining SiriusXM to produce two programs for the satcaster. SiriusXM says the multi-year agreement includes Smith hosting a new, daily sports talk show on the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel in addition to a weekly program covering current events, pop culture, and socialimg commentary on “everything beyond the world of sports – from politics and social issues to entertainment news, pop culture trends and more.” Smith comments, “To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So, I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That in itself is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics and social commentary… let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!” Stephen A. Smith is a featured commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s “First Take.” Since 2021 he has been an analyst on “NBA Countdown,” ESPN and ABC’s longstanding NBA pregame show.

Industry Views

Mark Walters v. OpenAI: A Landmark Case for Spoken Word Media

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgWhen Georgia-based nationally syndicated radio personality, and Second Amendment advocate Mark Walters (longtime host of “Armed American Radio”) learned that ChatGPT had falsely claimed he was involved in a criminal embezzlement scheme, he did what few in the media world have dared to do. Walters stood up when others were silent, and took on an incredibly powerful tech company, one of the biggest in the world, in a court of law.

Taking the Fight to Big Tech

Walters, by filing suit against OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, become the first person in the United States to test the boundaries of defamation law in the age of generative artificial intelligence.

His case was not simply about clearing his name. It was about drawing a line. Can artificial intelligence generate and distribute false and damaging information about a real person without any legal accountability?

While the court ultimately ruled in OpenAI’s favor on specific legal procedure concerns, the impact of this case is far from finished. Walters’ lawsuit broke new ground in several important ways:

— It was the first known defamation lawsuit filed against an AI developer based on content generated by an AI system.
— It brought into the open critical questions about responsibility, accuracy, and liability when AI systems are used to produce statements that sound human but carry no editorial oversight.
— It continued to add fuel to the conversation of the effectiveness of “use at your own risk” disclaimers when there is real world reputational damage hanging in the balance.

Implications for the Radio and Podcasting Community

For those spoken-word creators, regardless of platform on terrestrial, satellite, or the open internet, this case is a wake-up call, your canary in a coal mine. Many shows rely on AI tools for research, summaries, voice generation, or even show scripts. But what happens when those tools get it wrong? (Other than being embarrassed, and in some cases fined or terminated) And worse, what happens when those errors affect real people?

The legal system, as has been often written about, is still playing catch-up. Although the court ruled that the fabricated ChatGPT statement lacked the necessary elements of defamation under Georgia law, including provable harm and demonstrable fault, the decision highlighted how unprepared current frameworks are for this fast-moving, voice-driven digital landscape.

Where the Industry Goes from Here

Walters’ experience points to the urgent need for new protection and clearer guidelines:

— Creators deserve assurance that the tools they use are built with accountability in mind. This would extend to copyright infringement and to defamation.
— Developers must be more transparent about how their systems operate and the risks they create. This would identify bias and attempt to counteract it.
— Policymakers need to bring clarity to who bears responsibility when software, not a person, becomes the speaker.

A Case That Signals a Larger Reckoning

Mark Walters may not have won this round in court, but his decision to take on a tech giant helped illuminate how quickly generative AI can create legal, ethical, and reputational risks for anyone with a public presence. For those of us working in media, especially in formats built on trust, voice, and credibility, his case should not be ignored.

“This wasn’t about money. This was about the truth,” Walters tells TALKERS. “If we don’t draw a line now, there may not be one left to draw.”

To listen to a longform interview with Mark Walters conducted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, please click here

Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/Associate Publisher at TALKERS; Senior Partner at Harrison Media Law; and Executive Producer at Goodphone Communications. He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724-484-3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com. He teaches “Legal Issues in Digital Media” and serves as a regular contributor to industry discussions on fair use, AI, and free expression.

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Michael Harrison Interviews Mark Walters

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TALKERS EXCLUSIVETALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (left) is pictured conducting an exclusive interview yesterday (6/2) with “Armed American Radio” host Mark Walters (right) about this recent court case and groundbreaking defamation lawsuit against Open AI and ChatGPT.  To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.

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