2025 Heavy Hundred 76-100

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #76: Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins, Compass Media Networks

76. Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #77: Rob Carson, Newsmax

77. Rob Carson – Newsmax

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #78: Joe Piscopo, WNYM, New York

78. Joe Piscopo – WNYM, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #79: Russ Rollins, WTKS-FM, Orlando

79. Russ Rollins – WTKS-FM, Orlando

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #80: Dan Mandis, WWTN-FM, Nashville

80. Dan Mandis – WWTN-FM, Nashville

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #81: Bill Brady, KFNX, Phoenix

81. Bill Brady – KFNX, Phoenix

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #82: Mark Davis, KSKY, Dallas

82. Mark Davis – KSKY, Dallas

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #83: Mo Kelly, KFI, Los Angeles

83. Mo Kelly – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #84: Rod Arquette, KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

84. Rod Arquette – KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #85: Terry Gross, NPR

85. Terry Gross – NPR

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #86: Paul Vandenburgh, WGDJ, Albany

86. Paul Vandenburgh – WGDJ, Albany

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #87: Tony Katz, WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

87. Tony Katz – WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #88: Martha Zoller, WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA

88. Martha Zoller – WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #89: Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James, KTAR-FM, Phoenix

89. Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James – KTAR-FM, Phoenix

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #90: John DePetro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

90. John DePetro – WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #91: Mark Walters, Armed American Radio

91. Mark Walters – Armed American Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #92: Paul Gleiser, KTBB, Tyler, TX

92. Paul Gleiser – KTBB, Tyler, TX

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #93: Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

93. Joyce Kaufman – WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #94: Andy Hooser, KQAM, Wichita

94. Andy Hooser – KQAM, Wichita

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #95: Steve Gruber, Michigan Talk Network

95. Steve Gruber – Michigan Talk Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #96: Rick Smith, The Rick Smith Show

96. Rick Smith – The Rick Smith Show

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #97: Joe Thomas, WTON, Staunton, VA / Talk Media Network

97. Joe Thomas – WTON, Staunton, VA / Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #98: Sam Bushman, Liberty News Radio Network

98. Sam Bushman – Liberty News Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #99: Lisa Wexler, WICC, Bridgeport, CT

99. Lisa Wexler – WICC, Bridgeport, CT

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #100: Lee Elci, WJJT-FM, New London, CT

100. Lee Elci – WJJT-FM, New London, CT

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 51-75

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #51: Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM

51. Michael Smerconish – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #52: Chris Plante, Westwood One

52. Chris Plante – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #53: Gary & Shannon, KFI, Los Angeles

53. Gary & Shannon – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #54: Rita Cosby, WABC, New York

54. Rita Cosby – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #55: Ross Kaminsky, KOA, Denver

55. Ross Kaminsky – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #56: Jeff Deminski, WKXW-FM, Trenton

56. Jeff Deminski – WKXW-FM, Trenton

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #57: Lincoln Ware, WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

57. Lincoln Ware – WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #58: Tom Bauerle, WBEN-AM, Buffalo

58. Tom Bauerle – WBEN-AM, Buffalo

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #59: Dan Yorke, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

59. Dan Yorke – WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #60: Jennifer Horn, KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

60. Jennifer Horn – KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #61: Hal Jay & Ernie Brown, WBAP, Dallas

61. Hal Jay & Ernie Brown – WBAP, Dallas

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #62: John Curley, KIRO-FM, Seattle

62. John Curley – KIRO-FM, Seattle

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #63: Eric Von Haessler, WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

63. Eric Von Haessler – WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #64: James T. Harris, KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

64. James T. Harris – KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #65: Gene Valicenti, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

65. Gene Valicenti – WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #66: Guy Benson, FOX News Radio

66. Guy Benson – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #67: Bill Cunningham, WLW, Cincinnati

67. Bill Cunningham – WLW, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #68: Dr. Daliah Wachs, Talk Media Network

68. Dr. Daliah Wachs – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #69: C4 & Bryan Nehman, WBAL, Baltimore

69. C4 & Bryan Nehman – WBAL, Baltimore

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #70: Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott, WCBM, Baltimore

70. Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott – WCBM, Baltimore

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #71: Jay Weber, WISN, Milwaukee

71. Jay Weber – WISN, Milwaukee

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #72: Mark Reardon, KFTK-FM, St. Louis

72. Mark Reardon – KFTK-FM, St. Louis

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #73: Karen Hunter, SiriusXM

73. Karen Hunter – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #74: Gordon Deal, Compass Media Networks

74. Gordon Deal – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #75: Clyde Lewis, Ground Zero Media

75. Clyde Lewis – Ground Zero Media

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 26-50

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #26: Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network

26. Howie Carr – Howie Carr Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #27: Kim Komando, WestStar TalkRadio Network

27. Kim Komando – WestStar TalkRadio Network


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #28: John Kobylt, KFI, Los Angeles

28. John Kobylt – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #29: Larry O’Connor, WMAL-FM, Washington

29. Larry O’Connor – WMAL-FM, Washington


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #30: Wayne Allyn Root, Talk Media Network

30. Wayne Allyn Root – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #31: Asa Andrew M.D., Doctor Asa Show

31. Asa Andrew M.D. – Doctor Asa Show


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #32: Chad Benson, Radio America

32. Chad Benson – Radio America


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #33: Erick Erickson, Compass Media Networks

33. Erick Erickson – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #34: Mandy Connell, KOA, Denver

34. Mandy Connell – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #35: Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond

35. Jeff Katz – WRVA, Richmond


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #36: Armstrong & Getty, KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

36. Armstrong & Getty – KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #37: Brett Winterble, WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

37. Brett Winterble – WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #38: Rich Valdés, Westwood One

38. Rich Valdés – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #39: Mark Simone, WOR, New York

39. Mark Simone – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #40: Charlie Kirk, Salem Radio Network

40. Charlie Kirk – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #41: Bill O’Reilly, Key Networks

41. Bill O’Reilly – Key Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #42: John Fredericks, John Fredericks Radio Network

42. John Fredericks – John Fredericks Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #43: Hugh Hewitt, Salem Radio Network

43. Hugh Hewitt – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #44: Tim Conway, Jr, KFI, Los Angeles

44. Tim Conway, Jr – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #45: Stephanie Miller, WYD Media

45. Stephanie Miller – WYD Media

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #46: Simon Conway, WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

46. Simon Conway – WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #47: Doug Stephan, Stephan MultiMedia

47. Doug Stephan – Stephan MultiMedia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #48: Vince Coglianese, Westwood One

48. Vince Coglianese – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #49: John Catsimatidis, WABC, New York

49. John Catsimatidis – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #50: Bob Sirott, WGN, Chicago

50. Bob Sirott – WGN, Chicago

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 1-25

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred – the 100 most important radio talk show hosts in America

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #1: Sean Hannity, Premiere Networks

1. Sean Hannity – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #2: Dave Ramsey, Ramsey Networks

2. Dave Ramsey – Ramsey Networks


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #3: Brian Kilmeade, FOX News Radio

3. Brian Kilmeade – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #4: Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, Premiere Networks

4. Clay Travis & Buck Sexton – Premiere Networks


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #5: Dana Loesch, Radio America

5. Dana Loesch – Radio America

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #6: Michael Berry, KTRH, Houston / Premiere Networks

6. Michael Berry – KTRH, Houston / Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #7: Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, KTSA, San Antonio / Compass Media Networks

7. Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo – KTSA, San Antonio / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #8: Thom Hartmann, WYD Media

8. Thom Hartmann – WYD Media


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #9: Mike Gallagher, Salem Radio Network

9. Mike Gallagher – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #10: Lee Habeeb, Premiere Networks

10. Lee Habeeb – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #11: Glenn Beck, Premiere Networks

11. Glenn Beck – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #12: Mark Levin, Westwood One

12. Mark Levin – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #13: Sid Rosenberg, WABC, New York

13. Sid Rosenberg – WABC, New York


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #14: Lars Larson, KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

14. Lars Larson – KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #15: Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia

15. Dom Giordano – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #16: Tavis Smiley, KBLA, Los Angeles

16. Tavis Smiley – KBLA, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #17: Bill Handel, KFI, Los Angeles

17. Bill Handel – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #18: George Noory, Premiere Networks

18. George Noory – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #19: Harry Hurley, WPG, Atlantic City

19. Harry Hurley – WPG, Atlantic City

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #20: Walter Sterling, WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network

20. Walter Sterling – WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #21: Ben Shapiro, Westwood One

21. Ben Shapiro – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #22: Howard Stern, SiriusXM

22. Howard Stern – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #23: Todd Starnes, KWAM, Memphis / Syndication

23. Todd Starnes – KWAM, Memphis / Syndication

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #24: Rich Zeoli, WPHT, Philadelphia

24. Rich Zeoli – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #25: Jimmy Failla, FOX News Radio

25. Jimmy Failla – FOX News Radio

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

Industry News

Date Set for Posting 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

 

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The TALKERS editorial board has announced the date of the 2025 edition of the TALKERS “100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” – also known as the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred.” The prestigious list will be posted Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

This will mark the 30th anniversary of one of the most popular annual features published by TALKERS magazine since its debut as a list of 25 in 1995 (it expanded to 100 in 1996) and comes in conjunction this Summer with TALKERS magazine’s 35th anniversary as a broadcasting industry trade journal.

According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “The criteria for inclusion in the class of 2025 will remain radio-centric, however, with additional weight given to influence wielded in associated talk media platforms such as audio and video podcasting along with other means of online distribution appropriate to evident changes in the industry.”  Casey adds, “But the criteria that all inductees in the Heavy Hundred must have a regularly scheduled professional show on the air at a minimum of one terrestrial or satellite radio station at ‘press time’ will continue.”

Industry News

Starnes Draws Hundreds to New Book Launch

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KWAM, Memphis owner and nationally syndicated talk host Todd Starnes (center) is pictured above with his co-author Michelle Cox (left) and Newsmax correspondent Caleb Parke at the launch gala for Starnes’ and Cox’s new book, Star-Spangled Blessings: Devotions For Patriots (2025, Post Hill Press). Also joining the launch celebration were: KWAM morning show host Steve Gill and Paul Shanklin, the former parody writer for Rush Limbaugh.

Industry News

Retired Pats Center Andrews to Contribute to “98.5 The Sports Hub”

Recently retired New England Patriots center David Andrews is joining Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” as a contributor starting with the 2025 season. Andrews won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and he’ll appear on “The Zolak & Bertrand Show” with a weekly appearanceimg throughout the Patriots season. Andrews will also be featured on The Sports Hub Patriots Radio Network Pregame Show and will co-host a video podcast with Alex Barth. WBZ-FM program director Rick Radzik says, “David’s leadership and deep understanding of the game made him a standout on the field, and we’re excited to bring that same level of insight and authenticity to our listeners. He’s a natural fit for our lineup and the perfect voice to help break down the season from a player perspective.” Andrews comments, “I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with ‘The Sports Hub’ since coming to New England 10 years ago. I’m looking forward to providing my analysis and perspective across the station’s various platforms this season.”

Industry News

WABC Owner John Catsimatidis Honored at Fair Media Council Folio Awards

John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media Group and WABC, New York, was honored with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award for WABC Radio, New York, from the Fair Media Council Folio Awards lastimg Thursday (6/12) in New York City. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to WABC Radio in recognition of a century of broadcasting leadership and its continued role as a vital force in American media. During his acceptance speech, Catsimatidis stated, “92% of the American people believed what Walter Cronkite said, and I think news has to get back to that situation and that’s what we’re doing at WABC.” He added, “I am honored to accept the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of WABC Radio, Margo [Catsimatidis], Chad [Lopez], and the entire team. We are committed to common sense, presenting all sides of a story, and letting the listeners decide.”

Industry News

Beasley Unveils “Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo”

 

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Beasley Media Group announces that the afternoon drive show on WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” is “Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo” and debuts on Monday (6/9), airing from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Bill Colarulo (above, left) had been a fill-in host with the station before becoming a full-time part of the station’s midday Mike Missanelli show. Colarulo takes over the role that opened up when Tryrone Johnson exited the station at the end of April. Ricky Bottalico (above, right) and Sylvana Kelleher had been part of that show. Bottalico says, “I’ve never been one to sugarcoat things, and that’s exactly what this show is about – raw, real, and unfiltered. Philly fans deserve honesty, and Bill and I are here to give it to them straight – no fluff, just great sports talk.” Colarulo adds, “This city lives and breathes sports, and getting the chance to be part of that conversation every afternoon with Ricky is something I don’t take for granted. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to bring passionate, informed, and entertaining Philly sports talk to our listeners every day.” Station PD Scott Masteller says, “I’m thrilled to bring Ricky and Bill together for afternoons on ‘The Fanatic.’ Ricky’s passion, energy, and deep knowledge of the game, combined with Bill’s sharp analysis and connection with our audience, make for a dynamic duo that’s going to resonate with Philly sports fans in a big way.”

Industry News

WGN’s John Williams Honored by Chicago Headline Club

WGN, Chicago talk host John Williams was honored with the “Best Featured Reporter or Host” Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline Club. The station says Williams last received a Peter Lisagor award in this category in 2023. In 2024, John Williams and his producer Pete Zimmermanimg earned a Peter Lisagor Award for their 2023 interview with the student editor of The Daily Northwestern. Williams also accepted the William Booth Award from The Salvation Army at their annual Chicago Civic Luncheon held May 8 at Navy Pier. The William Booth Award is one of the highest awards conferred upon an individual by The Salvation Army and honors people who show strong character and commitment to their community. Williams hosts a radiothon on WGN Radio every December for the organization. In addition to his on-air work, Williams also hosts “The Mincing Rascals” award-winning podcast featuring a roundtable discussion with Chicago journalists about top news stories released every Wednesday.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Give Credit

By Walter Sabo

a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, “Sterling On Sunday,” TMN

imgRight now, dozens of well-suited, over-priced, unpleasant lawyers are fighting in Hollywood over the title credit their client should receive on a movie, TV show, or book cover. Placement within the credit roll at the end of a show is a battleground of egos and legalities. Part of the process of securing proper credit is governed by multiple union rules negotiated by multiple unions and corporate dictates of corporate masters. (You don’t get to be CEO of Paramount by being a nice guy.)

In most mass media, getting credit for the hard work of creating mass media is a very serious matter. What’s the “title slide” credit for you and your colleagues?

To your listener, you are a star. For no cost, you, your station, and our industry would benefit from building a credit roll at the end of each of your shows. Radio has a first class array of production software, processing and SFX libraries. Use those assets to create on air credit rolls for talent, PAs, anyone who touches a show.

The result: Credited employees will grow prouder of their work. They will be recognized by their friends. Advertisers will know their messages are part of a “big thing” and invest with confidence. Subliminally running credits for your station’s team puts radio on the same plateau as movies, TV, print. For free.

Consider every opportunity to elevate the stature of radio stars. When you have a substitute host or DJ please don’t say, “filling in for…” say, “guest starring.” How does your talent present themselves away from the station on remotes or appearances? KMART rack or Dress for Success? Fact: Management of other media say that radio executives and sales people “dress poorly.” Really, that’s their view of radio personnel. Lousy dressers. Easy fix.

Kudos to George Noory. At the end of each show, he credits his predecessors; all-night radio stars who, through the decades, explored UFO’s and non-traditional topics. George’s humble announcement celebrates radio’s robust history and places Noory in an all-hit lineup.

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

Red Apple Makes John Sterling Show Official

Red Apple Media makes the news reported earlier this week by the New York Post official that legendary New York Yankees play-by-play announcer John Sterling will host an hour-long sports talk show on Saturdays at 4:00 pm. Sterling says, “This is a thrill… the ballgame’s NOT over. I am eager to connect with sports fans on 77 WABC and looking forward to bringing the biggest names in sports on the air to share their stories and insights with listeners.”

Industry News

PodcastOne Partners with Flightpath for Predictive Analytics

PodcastOne partners with Flightpath to use its predictive analytics platform. PodcastOne says the move will provide its sales and operations teams with the tools to optimize yield, unlock revenue potential, execute faster,img and make more strategic decisions. PodcastOne director of podcast business Michal Ksepko says, “Flightpath gives us the clarity and efficiency we need as our business scales. From forecasting to cross-platform analysis, their tools are helping us operate smarter and drive stronger results for both our creators and brand partners.”

Industry News

Jimmy Steal Featured at Programming Webinar

Benztown, along with P1 Media Group, Global Radio Ideas Facebook Group, and Collective Heads consultant img Jimmy Steal are presenting a free webinar for radio professionals around the globe titled, “Creating On-Air Megastars and Programming Legendary Radio Station.” The 45-minute webinar will be hosted by Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann and P1 Media Group partner Ken Benson and will feature programming pro Jimmy Steal. Register for the webinar here.

Industry News

Hillsdale College Students Honored with Students Awards from MAB

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Hillsdale College students took first place in six categories in the Michigan Student Broadcast Awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, and WRFH, Hillsdale “Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM” was named College Audio Station of the Year. WRFH general manager Scot Bertram says, “It is exciting to see our students’ work recognized once again. They consistently produce excellent content, and these awards are a testament to their skill and creativity.” WRFH was named College Audio Station of the Year for the third consecutive year and fourth time since 2019. Above is a group of Hillsdale students celebrating their honors. See the complete list of student winners here.

Industry News

WSCR’s Dan Bernstein Fired After Bizarre Social Media Spat

Chicago sports talk host Dan Bernstein is out at Audacy’s sports talk WSCR “670 The Score.” This happens less than a week after Bernstein into a back-and-forth on social media with a follower. In a storyimg by Brandon Contes for Awful Announcing, he writes that Bernstein was taken off of his regular afternoon show with co-host Marshall Harris after threatening to reveal the identities of a follower’s children as retaliation for that person accusing Bernstein of lying about releasing a fish that he had caught and posted a picture of. Bernstein write on social media, “I never respond to trolls, but questioning my sportsmanship and conservation awareness sets me off. Wanna fight? I’m a bad enemy. Want your kids involved?” Read the Awful Announcing report here.

Industry News

Red Apple to Syndicate Anthony Cumia Weekend Show

Red Apple Audio Networks announces that it is offering the new “Anthony Cumia Show” in national syndication. Cumia’s program airs live on WABC, New York on Sunday evenings from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Speaking about his return to terrestrial radio, Cumia says, “I missed radio, and I am thrilled at theimg interest from radio stations nationwide. Radio is a great way to engage with the audience, and now that Red Apple Audio Networks is taking the show national, I can’t wait to connect with listeners in other markets.” Red Apple and 77WABC Radio president Chad Lopez states, “Radio clearly wants Anthony Cumia, as dozens of inquiries came in asking about syndication. We shifted into high gear and moved quickly. One of our advantages at Red Apple Media is that we can swiftly pivot to meet market demand.”

Industry News

Audacy Lays Off Several Hundred Staffers in Post-Chapter 11 Move

The radio industry knew these cuts were coming as the rumors of a company-wide RIF were plentiful. On Thursday (3/6), Audacy made the staff reduction that affects people across all departments – corporate, on-air, and off-air. An Audacy spokesperson issued the following statement: “Audacy has made workforceimg reductions to ensure a strong and resilient future for the business. We are streamlining resources to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape and to best position Audacy to continue serving listeners and advertisers with excellence.” The Desk is reporting a list of those affected by the cuts and in the spoken-word formats, those people include: WINS, New York sports director Marc Ernay; KNX, Los Angeles reporter Charles Feldman; WWL, New Orleans news staffer Mark Menard; KMOX, St. Louis digital content producer Wilson Truong; and others. Read The Desk’s coverage here.

Industry News

Newsmax Closes Preferred Offering; Preparing for IPO

Newsmax Inc. announces the closing of its previously announced offering of Series B Preferred Stock. Newsmax says the offering exceeded its initial target of $150 million with the company closing last week on its maximum offering amount with gross proceeds of $225 million, before the deduction of placement agent fees and other offering expenses. More than 8,000 accredited investors participated in the private offering.img Now, is submitting IPO offering materials with the SEC and is seeking a public offering with a planned listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NMAX” later this year. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy states, “This achievement reflects the strong results Newsmax has demonstrated and testifies to the trust and support the company maintains with investors, viewers and friends. We’d also like to thank Digital Offering LLC, for their expertise, hard work and their positive commitment to supporting us throughout this process. We are excited to be one step closer to our upcoming IPO which will provide us a tremendous opportunity for growth. A public offering will allow tens of thousands of Americans to directly partner with us and join our news revolution. We look forward to delivering long-term value to all of our shareholders.”

Industry News

Townsquare Announces New $490 Million Credit Agreement

Townsquare Media Inc announces a new $490 million credit agreement with Bank of America. The dealimg provides Townsquare with a five-year, $470 million senior secured term loan facility and a five-year, $20 million senior secured revolving credit facility. Townsquare used $453 million of net proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facility plus cash on hand to redeem the outstanding 6.875% senior secured notes due 2026. Both the term loan and the credit revolver mature on February 19 of 2030.

Industry News

Report: Red Apple Chief Catsimatidis Supports Family Friend Over Frank Morano for Staten Island Council Seat

According to a story at SILive, Red Apple Media Group owner John Catsimatidis is throwing his support behind Republican Staten Island City Council seat candidate Griffin Fossella over fellow Republican and WABC overnight host Frank Morano. Catsimatidis says he’s a longtime family friend of the Fossellas andimg that Griffin Fossella worked for him on his 2013 NYC mayoral campaign. Responding to the issue, Morano tells SILive, “We all have personal relationships in this race. I’m proud to have the support of the Staten Island Republican Party… and I look forward to debating my opponent on the issues impacting South Shore residents. John [Catsimatidis] is a good friend and has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to do a nationally syndicated radio show. I’ll always be grateful to him for every opportunity he’s given me.” Catsimatidis says of Morano, “He’s a good broadcaster and he always has a job at WABC.”

Industry News

Red Apple Launches “The StoneZONE”

Red Apple Audio Networks and 77WABC Radio are debuting a new evening show starring political strategist Roger Stone titled, The StoneZONE that will air live from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET. Red Apple chief Johnimg Catsimatidis says, “With the addition of The StoneZONE, radio audiences will have Roger’s perspective on news of the day in real-time. Our world is moving quicker than ever before, and listeners want to hear Roger’s insider’s understanding of what’s really going on in politics.” Following each evening’s broadcast, a video version of that StoneZONE will soon be exclusively available on Stone’s StoneZONE Rumble channel. This new show is in addition to the syndicated Sunday “Roger Stone Show” that also airs on WABC.

Industry News

Sports Journalist Lesley Visser to be Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at NYF TV & Film Awards

NY Festival Photo
New York Festivals® Television & Film Awards
  has announced that it will honor pioneering sports journalist and broadcasting groundbreaker Lesley Visser with the New York Festivals 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. NYF states, “A true innovator in sports journalism, Visser has made history as the first woman to achieve numerous milestones in the industry, earning her place as the most highly acclaimed female sportscaster of all time.”  NY FestThe New York Festivals Lifetime Achievement Award, launched in 2011, honors prominent industry leaders, innovators, and driving forces in the broadcast world whose groundbreaking accomplishments have advanced their field and left a lasting impact on the industry. The award recipient will be celebrated at the annual Storytellers Gala virtual event, which will recognize TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards trophy winners in May 2025.  “I am deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Television and Film Awards,” said Visser, “and I love that it will be presented at the Storytellers Gala. The heart of any sports journalist is dedicated to telling stories. I’m grateful to CBS for giving me this opportunity for more than 30 years, and I salute the men and women who have won this honor before me.”  A nine-time Hall of Fame inductee, Lesley Visser has a long list of “firsts” to her credit. She was the first woman inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the first to win the Lifetime Achievement Sports Emmy, and the first recipient of the Vin Scully Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. Lesley’s memoir, Sometimes You Have to Cross When It Says Don’t Walk, reflects her impressive journey of breaking barriers and has been optioned for both TV and film.  The annual TV & Film Awards Storytellers Gala, featuring winners and industry executives from around the globe, will be streamed in May 2025. View the 2024 Storytellers Gala.  To view entry details, competition rules and regulations, and 2025 categories visit HERE.