Industry News

FCC Chair Carr Lauds Trump’s AI Executive Order

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is stating his support for President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence. Carr states, “Presidentimg Trump’s historic Executive Order on artificial intelligence promotes America’s leadership in AI and advances our nation’s economic and national security interests.  It does so by targeting excessive state regulations that would not only hold America back but insert ideological bias into AI models. President Trump’s decisive action also ensures a policy framework that protects children, prevents online censorship, respects copyrights, and safeguards communities. The FCC welcomes President’s Trump’s direction that the agency initiate a proceeding to determine whether to adopt a Federal reporting and disclosure standard for AI models that preempts conflicting State laws.”

Industry News

Curtis Sliwa to Guest Host on WOR, New York

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New York talk radio host (and Gurdian Angels founder) Curtis Sliwa is getting back behind the mic in NYC for the first time since his unsuccessful bid for mayor. Sliwa – who most recently was hosting a daily show on WABC – will sit in for Mark Simone on iHeartMedia’s WOR December 22 through January 2. Sliwa said he would never return to WABC after the station supported Democrat Andrew Cuomo in the recent mayoral race. Pictured above is WOR program director Tom Cuddy (right) with Sliwa (left). Cuddy says, “Curtis is a true New York original. His energy, knowledge of the city and ability to connect with listeners make him one of the most compelling voices in talk radio. We’re excited to have him on WOR for the holidays.” Sliwa comments, “I’m honored to fill in for Mark Simone. I have worked with him. I have competed against him. He has more connections to those in-the-know than anyone in New York City. I have been in talk radio for 36 years, but ironically it all began when I was a guest on the Arlene Francis show on WOR in 1971. I’ve been talking on the radio ever since, and it doesn’t get any better than to do it back on WOR, where it all started for me.”

Industry News

Radio Mambí Programming Ceases

Live talk programming ended on Friday (12/12) on Latino Media Network’s WAQI-AM Miami Radio Mambí, putting to an end 40 years of Spanish-language talk with roots in the Cuban exile community. Launched in 1985 by Cuban-American businessman Amancio Suárez, theimg station featured a strong anti-communist tone. Station general manager Mike Sena says the reason for the change is financial. “Like our beautiful city, Radio Mambí, its audience and the media industry are evolving rapidly, which presents financial challenges for many in the market.” The station is continuing to broadcast, airing archived programming, music, and Spanish-language broadcasts of the NBA’s Miami Heat and MLB’s Miami Marlins. The Miami Herald says staffers that have lost their jobs include Jorge Luis Sánchez Grass, José Luis Nápoles, José Carlucho, Lilliet Rodríguez and Lucy Pereda. See the Miami Herald story here.

Industry News

Cumulus Topeka OM Lee Exits

Amber Lee exits Cumulus Media’s Topeka station group where she served as operationsimg manager for the cluster that includes news/talk KMAJ-AM “The Big Talker,” sports talk KTOP-AM and four music brands. Lee announced her exit via social media saying, “After 11 years and 11 months, my position with Cumulus was eliminated. Reaching almost 12 years with a single employer is a remarkable feat in media. If you’ve listened, commented on social, came to an event, played a contest, or even waved at me while I was driving that huge van, thank you for engaging. The state of radio today can be hard to love. What’s next for me? TBD.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: AI Headlines, Local Dollars

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgAt the very first CES in 1967, audio cassettes were disrupting 8-track tapes. Back to the future: Artificial Intelligence now threatens to disrupt almost everything.

Each January, this event – which we-who-cover-it are under strict instructions to no longer call “the Consumer Electronics Show” – attracts national news coverage for a week. “Shark Tank” will be holding auditions there. Expect to read, see, and hear lots about Artificial Intelligence and how all sorts of technology is changing our everyday lives. I will be there, covering with daily reports here in TALKERS… and on your station.

Again this year, help yourself to daily locally sponsorable 60-second reports, FREE, for air Monday through Friday January 5-9. I will post the-night-before, in time for next-day morning drive. Simply download from HollandCooke.com. There’s no national spot, so you can sell a local sponsorship. Pitch to local appliance retailers, home security installers, HVAC, computer repair shops, vision & hearing aid centers.

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

Industry News

WFAN Names Craig Carton Afternoon Host

Last Wednesday, TALKERS published a report by The Athletic columnist Andrew Marchand that Craig Carton had negotiated a deal to return to the air at Audacy sports talker WFAN, New York. Now, Audacy confirms that with the announcement that Carton will indeed be back hosting afternoon drive beginning January 5. Carton left his role with WFAN in June of 2023 to focus on his morning show at FS1, however his FS1 show was cancelled this summer. Carton willimg host the show with WFAN personality Chris McMonigle. Audacy New York market president and chief business officer Chris Oliviero says, “Craig Carton’s return reaffirms WFAN’s position as New York’s premier sports destination for big personalities, compelling conversation, and highly engaging content that is difficult to ignore. Our 2026 lineup has familiar marquee voices all day and all night, guaranteeing that whenever you tune into ‘The Fan,’ you will be smack dab in the middle of the New York sports culture.” Carton states, “WFAN has always been home to me. Having the opportunity to return and rejoin the best sports talk station in the world is an opportunity I am eagerly looking forward to and beyond excited for.” Carton’s return bumps current afternoon team Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber to middays and current hosts Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata will exit. Additionally, “Evan and Tiki” executive producer Tommy Lugauer will host a new evening show titled, “After Hours.”

Industry News

Talk Host David Gold Dies at 75

The details are few, but former longtime talk radio host David Gold has died at age 75. Goldimg launched his career in the late 1970s in Denver. He would go on to work at WPLP-AM, Tampa before moving to KLIF, Dallas where he was on air from 1986 to 1997. Dallas talk radio host Mark Davis posted the following to X: “A giant loss in the talk radio family.  My friend David Gold, a trailblazer in our format, a conservative warrior without peer, and the north star of the art form on KLIF when I arrived back in my native Texas in 1994.  David has passed at 75.  Rest in peace, my brother.”

Industry News

Audacy to Present Amazon DSP Webinar

On December 17 at 2:00 pm ET, local marketing experts from Audacy and Amazon will present a webinar on programmatic media buying using Amazon DSP. Audacy says that the webinar will show a number of things about Amazon DSP, including: 1) 1st party data for high-intent shoppers. The platform is for moreimg than just retail businesses. From brands to home services to manufacturers — if your customers are shopping online, you’ll be able to find them, right at the point of purchase; 2) Move the dollars that matter. Learn why successful advertisers are shifting traditional TV budgets to Amazon DSP to reach ready-to-buy audiences more efficiently; and 3) Prove performance with clarity. See real results from local case studies that connect campaign exposure to leads, site visits, and sales. See more and register here.

Industry News

WISN, Milwaukee’s Jay Weber to Transition from Mornings to Podcast Host

WISN, Milwaukee morning drive host Jay Weber will leave his role as morning drive host at the iHeartMedia news/talk station later this month and will begin hosting a twice-weekly podcast beginning in the spring of 2026. Weber has been a talk host with the station for 35 years, the last 18 years in morningimg drive. The station says Weber will remain a contributor to WISN programming and station initiatives. Weber says, “It has been an incredible honor to wake up Wisconsin for the past 35 years, and I’m grateful to every listener who has made this show part of their morning routine. I’m not retiring – just shifting formats – and I’m excited to continue the conversation in a new twice-weekly podcast.” WISN program director Jerry Bott comments, “Jay Weber has been one of the best talk show hosts in America for a long time. He’s built a bond of trust and credibility with his listeners, and after 35 years on the daily morning clock, transitioning to a twice-weekly podcast is much-deserved while still delivering for his loyal listeners. We fully support Jay with his decision and are proud to help him continue his legacy on the iHeart podcast platform.”

Industry News

Harrison to Continue as Advisor to the NY Festivals Radio Awards

After years of service to the New York Festivals Radio Awards, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison willimg continue to be a member of the prestigious organization’s Advisory Board in 2026. Upon receiving this latest appointment (12/9), Harrison stated, “I am honored to be associated with this great group that continues to grow and inspire broadcasting artists and professionals around the world to achieve new levels of quality and positive societal influence – not to mention, unite and provide a sense of cohesiveness to the global media community.” The NY Festivals issued the statement about its Class of 2026: “We anticipate wonderful submissions from around the globe before the deadline. Our Storytellers Gala will salute Radio trophy winners in the spring. Combined with our TV & Film Winners, it will be a celebration of innovative storytellers across all platforms.” For more information, please click here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Kirby and Raphael Join Media Institute Board. Media pros Kathleen Kirby of Wiley Rein LLP and Heidi Raphaelof Beasley Media Group are elected to the board of trustees of The Media Institute. The Media Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization specializing in communications policy and the First Amendment.

Baltimore Public Media Names New Program Director. Baltimore Public Media names Maxie C. Jackson III program director in which he’ll oversee content strategy and programming across WYPR 88.1 FM, WTMD 89.7 FM, and Your Public Studios. Jackson most recently served as executive director of 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, “where he led transformative programming and format strategies that inspired philanthropic investment, drove audience growth, and strengthened the organization’s cultural impact.”

The WBUR Festival Returns This Spring. WBUR, Boston announces the return of The WBUR Festival happening Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, 2026. The event features “speakers, captivating conversations, musical performances, multiple stages and a vibrant street scene along Commonwealth Avenue.”

Industry News

John Whitmer Promoted to KNSS, Wichita Morning Co-Host

Audacy’s KNSS, Wichita names John Whitmer co-host of the “Woodward and Whit” morning show with Ted Woodward, effective January 5, 2026. Whitmer succeeds Steve McIntosh following his retirement. Audacy Wichita SVP and market manager Tommy Castor says, “We are excited to welcome Johnimg Whitmer to the KNSS morning show alongside Ted Woodward. ‘Woodward and Whit’ will build on the foundation of smart, local conversation that our listeners expect by delivering the essential news, candid analysis and enjoyable banter that starts the day right. This is a powerful pairing that promises to keep the Wichita community informed and engaged.” Whitmer has been hosting an eponymous two-hour weekend show for KNSS since 2018. He’s a veteran of Kansas politics having served in roles for local, state, and national Republican campaigns. Whitmer currently serves as the Chairman of the Sedgwick County Republicans. He says, “I’m honored to join Ted Woodward on ‘Woodward & Whit,’ stepping into the big shoes left by Steve McIntosh, who dedicated over 50 years to Wichita mornings. I look forward to bringing news coverage, straight talk, common-sense discussion and a little fun to help our community start the day on the right note.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: AI Collaboration

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgNews people I coach reckon that my epitaph will read: “Consequence, not Process.”

Too often, news copy – while factually correct – is arcane minutes-of-the-meeting stuff, rather than emphasizing impact on the listener’s routine.

Process: “The Transit board revised its fare structure.”

Consequence: “Riding the bus will cost 50 cents more starting Monday.”

Process: “The district reallocated Title I funds.”

Consequence: “Some after-school programs could be cut.”

Process: “The committee advanced a bill on short-term rentals.”

Consequence: “Airbnb hosts may soon face new rules – and fees.”

Process: “The planning board approved a variance…”

Consequence: “Construction can now begin on that apartment complex near the campus.”

Unwrap the package. To illustrate, here’s a video I am playing in client stations’ conference rooms – and it’s a dang clinic in impactful local news reporting.

The back-story: If I say “Hasbro,” you might think Monopoly, Scrabble, Mr. Potato Head, Play-Doh, G.I. Joe, and Transformers. Eventually it added Star Wars and Marvel action figures to its repertoire. Hasbro became a major player in video games, TV, and movies. This 100-plus-year-old company has outgrown its Rhode Island roots and announced it is moving to Boston. In any-size state – let alone the smallest – losing 700-plus jobs hurts.

Here’s the video: https://getonthenet.com/Hasbro.MP4

After playing that, I sometimes hear “But TV has more manpower than a radio station.” Yes and no.

Management confirmed to me that this reporter was in MMJ mode that day, meaning “Multi-Media Journalist.” Translation: She worked alone, no videographer, no producer. Praising her work when I requested the video, I was told that “she did a great job executing what we brainstormed in the morning meeting.”

And THAT’S the advantage TV has over most radio news operations: There is more than one person in the newsroom to have that meeting. We’re radio people. We think aloud. But with whom, when you alone, ARE the news department?

Have that collaborative conversation with ChatGPT or MS Copilot. Brainstorm story angles and interview prospects and questions. At client stations, we have asked – and AI apps delivered – actual coverage timelines. Try it. The interaction feels surprisingly human – like having a sharp, tireless producer who’s always ready to riff, reframe, and help you make it matter.

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

Industry News

Shawn Ryan Inches into Top 5 on Podtrac Podcast Ranker

Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts ranker for November based on U.S. unique monthly audience and whileimg the top three remain unchanged – #1 “NPR News Now,” #2 “The Daily,” and #3 “Up First from NPR” – Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” climbs two places to #4. Other news/talk media-related podcasts of note include the “FOX News Hourly Update” falling two places to #6, “The Tucker Carlson Show” rising two places to #17, and Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” regressing eight places to #19. See the complete ranker here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: A Long History – Do Not Fear AI

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

imgAndy Economos, the founder of Radio Computing Systems (RCS), was a leader in bringing digital tech into the radio industry. In 1980, he was leaving his position as head of technology for NBC Inc. to start his own company. I was EVP of the NBC FM stations. Andy and I were walking to lunch, crossing Sixth Avenue at 49th street and he asked me, “Is there any software your radio stations could use?”

I said, “Yes, we could use software that programs music.” He was interested. I said, “When you invent that, NBC will buy your first products.”

Andy went forth and invented “Selector,” the first viable, almost easy-to-understand, user-friendly music programming software. Prior to “Selector,” music was programmed in a wide variety of homemade processes such as rotating songs against back timing photo lab clocks (WABC) to RKO’s “Gold Book” mess requiring jocks to use many colored pens to log off played songs. Or the wooden spike technique: Jocks took the 45s off one spike after it was played and stacked it on a different spike – really.

The adoption of “Selector” didn’t go as planned. First, most of the industry was terrified that what little freedom jocks had to select songs would be lost. My favorite cry from jocks, “But when it’s raining, I’ve got to play a song that sings about rain.”

My hope for computerizing the organization of songs was that it would free up programmers to program! The desired end game was that programmers would have more time to talk with their talent, create bigger promotions and upgrade overall production.

What happened, however, was most programmers devoted more time to programming music! Throughout the country programmers pored over the output from “Selector” and manually, hour by hour by hour and edited every song.

When discussing the virtue of precision music selection, WABC midday talent Ron Lundy said, “It don’t mean nothinnnnn.”

AI is just like “Selector.” First, it strikes fear. But it will be used in every radio station very soon. How it will be used and its impact on you will be different than we can imagine. The more a person learns about AI’s capabilities and how to use its fresh options, the more control they will have of it.

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

Jeff Katz Scores Thousands of Views of Drunk Raccoon Interview

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WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz took advantage of the story of the raccoon that got into an Ashland, Virginia liquor store, broke some liquor bottles, drank some of the booze and passed out. He’s pictured above “interviewing” the raccoon on his show. Katz tells TALKERS the store is just 15 miles north of Richmond and it’s all that anyone is talking about, so he decided to create the photo and share it on social media with links to his show.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Edison Research to Present The Top 10 Findings of 2025. Research firm Edison Research says it will present a 30-minute webinar on December 11 at 2:00 pm ET to highlight its Top 10 Findings of 2025. This report is the result of the company examining it Weekly Insights, custom studies, and syndicated services research.

WYPR’s Tom Hall Transitioning to New Post. Baltimore Public Media’s WYPR 88.1 FM announces that midday talk host Tom Hall will step down from the daily host role in early 2026 and transition into a new role as WYPR’s senior news analyst. In January, he’ll move to a three-day hosting schedule while WYPR conducts a search for the show’s next full-time host. When the new host is chosen, Hall will shift fully into his new role, contributing interviews, features, and essays and spearheading special projects.

105.3 The Fan Raises Funds for Charity. Audacy’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan” raised $77,000 during its 12th annual Piece-a-Thon Fundraiser benefiting two local organizations, My Possibilities and Sandlot Children’s Charity. Station midday hosts Kevin Hageland and Cory Mageors from “K&C Masterpiece” broadcast live from RJ Duke’s Sports and were joined by special guests throughout the day.

Industry News

Bold Gold Relaunches Catskills News/Talk Outlet

Bold Gold Media Group relaunches of two dark Delaware County, New York radio stations previously owned by Townsquare Media – news/talk WDLA-AM and country WDLA-FM – both licensed to Walton,img New York. Bold Gold says WDLA-AM will “broadcast Catskills News Talk, the Voice of Sullivan and the Catskills, a news and talk format featuring ‘Ciliberto & Friends’ with radio legend Paul Ciliberto.” Bold Gold Media NY region general manager Dawn Ciorciari states, “There is something truly special about turning the lights back on for a local radio station. We are beyond excited to bring local radio back to life for the people of Walton and Delaware County; to once again give this community a local voice, a source of connection, and radio stations they can call their own.”

Industry News

Savannah Bananas’ Toll to Host Westwood One Morning Sports Show

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One names Drake C. Toll – play-by-play broadcaster with baseball’s Savannah Bananas – the morning host on its 24/7 sports talk lineup. Toll says, “Westwood One is the goldimg standard in audio, and it’s an honor to join a brand creatively steeped in sports storytelling. Not unlike the Savannah Bananas, I’m prepared to push the limits of sports talk. I’ll deliver for Jimmy in Tucson, Arizona just as much as Joe in Marshall, Texas. And for every groundbreaking Los Angeles Lakers trade, there’s a Boston College linebacker who survived cancer. You’ll hear the same fire and heart for each. We’re going to create something special; I promise you that.” Cumulus SVP sports/content & audience Bruce Gilbert comments, “Drake represents exactly what we’re building – a modern, interactive sports experience that is driven by personalities and fueled by fans – programming that breaks away from the predictable and formulaic. Drake’s ability to entertain, connect, and innovate makes him the ideal voice for mornings on Westwood One.”

Industry News

Brenberg to Co-Host FBN’s “The Bottom Line”

FOX Business Network adds new hosting duties for Brian Brenberg, who is joining Dagen McDowell asimg co-host of “The Bottom Line,” beginning Monday (12/8). Brenberg will continue his role with the network co-hosting “The Big Money Show” alongside McDowell, Jackie DeAngelis and Taylor Riggs. Brenberg says, “It’s been great to work with Dagen on ‘The Big Money Show’ and I am excited to join her on ‘The Bottom Line’ where we can continue our conversations surrounding the biggest market movers and business drivers that are impacting Main Street, Wall Street, and everyday Americans.”

Industry News

Report: Craig Carton Returning to WFAN Afternoons

According to a report in The Athletic by Andrew Marchand, former WFAN, New York personality Craigimg Carton is finalizing a deal to return to the station in afternoon drive. This comes several months after Carton exited FS1 where he hosted a couple of different versions of a morning show that, from a ratings standpoint, never took off the way FS1 execs had hoped. Carton’s return will reportedly bump current afternoon team Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber to middays which would force the station to cut ties with current midday hosts Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata. As for Carton’s co-host, Marchand is reporting that overnight host Chris McMonigle is the leading candidate for that role.

Industry Views

An Artist’s Perspective on Rush Limbaugh

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By Doug Henry
Artist
Turnwright Gallery
Hanover, New Hampshire

imgMy introduction to Rush Limbaugh begins in the fall of 1992. I began listening to Rush’s radio show after seeing him campaigning on stage with George H.W. Bush during the 1992 fall presidential election. Bill Clinton would win the election and so would begin the greatest, media political rivalry ever between Rush Limbaugh and Bill Clinton. Rush’s middle America authentic voice was cutting through the mainstream media noise of the day from a generationally unique perspective. He was the perfect counterculture combatant to Bill Clinton’s political philosophy. Being a baby boomer myself and two years younger than Rush, I was immediately hooked on the EIB radio network!

As a professional illustrator, my career in 1996 was about to cross paths with Rush Limbaugh at my mailbox. A neighbor had just received his monthly Limbaugh Letter, and this would be my first opportunity to actually see and thumb through the newsletter. Noticing the magazine used illustration, I jotted down the address and fired off a promotional package of my art to the art director. Within a week, I received a call from the art director, and I got my very first illustration assignment for the Limbaugh Letter. Throughout 1997, I would receive many more illustration assignments. My very first cover painting for the newsletter, the May issue, “If I Were a Liberal,” would impress and really captivate Rush. So much so that he took to the airwaves not once but twice declaring: “You’re going to want to get this cover blown up and framed, I predict.” And “It’s just fabulous, you’re going to want to subscribe to the newsletter just to see this cover.”

What a thrill for me! Over the course of the next seven years, I would create 70 cover paintings of Rush, often having him doing hilarious things to his Democrat party nemesis. The February 1998 issue would have Rush crashing through a spotted owl’s forest habitat in an SUV. This cover would earn me the title, “Official Limbaugh Letter Cover Illustrator.” Another favorite was the March 1998 issue with Rush, scissors in hand cutting down a spider web holding up a spider with a head that looked eerily like Bill Clinton. This cover prompted Rush to send a complimentary email to the art director saying “A totally awesome cover… one of the best in our history…well done!!!” All in caps I might add! Every month that followed would be one fun assignment after the other. It was beyond cool working on the next Limbaugh Letter cover while listening to Rush on the radio. In 2001, I got to accompany the Limbaugh Letter art director to a Manhattan photo shoot where I finally got to meet the man himself. What a memory! Finally, working for Rush, “America’s Real Anchorman,” was both an honor and a privilege. What a fun ride it was… to have contributed in a very small way, my part… in the “Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy.” Isaac Newton wrote, “If I see farther, it’s because I’m standing on the shoulders of giants.” We stand on your shoulders, Rush, and America thanks you. Mega Dittos Rush Limbaugh, Mega Dittos!

Turnwright Gallery is an online platform that features the art of Doug Henry and his catalog of Limbaugh Letter cover paintings. The art collection is comprised of 70 hand-painted newsletter illustrations of America’s legendary, king of talk radio, Rush Limbaugh. The paintings were created between the years 1997 and 2004.  For more information please click here https://www.turnwrightgallery.com/turnwright-gallery

Industry News

FSR’s Rob Parker Finalist for Sportswriter HoF

FOX Sports Radio’s Rob Parker – co-host of “The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington,”img MLB Network analyst, and founder/editor of MLBbro.com – is a finalist for the 2026 National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame Sportswriter (Living category). Winners will be notified the first week of January, and the awards will be presented during the NSMA’s 66th Awards Weekend & National Convention, June 28-29, at Grandover Resort & Spa in Greensboro, North Carolina. Parker says, “It’s an absolute honor to be considered with so many journalism heavyweights.”

Industry News

New York Thanksgiving Parade of Legends

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Legendary New York Mets first baseman (1986 World Series champs) and current member of its TV broadcasting team, Keith Hernandez (right) is pictured co-hosting a Thanksgiving morning special on WFAN, New York with his buddy Richard Neer (left). Neer has been a WFAN mainstay for decades and is occasionally heard on the storied station for special events such as this one. The broadcast emanated from Neer’s home studio on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where he and longtime friend Hernandez are neighbors.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

CMG Atlanta Collects Food for Charity. Cox Media Group Atlanta’s radio stations partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to collect 10,700 pounds of food leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. CMG Atlanta VP and general manager David Abel says, “Congratulations to our CMG Atlanta radio team and our incredible listeners for their hard work and generosity. It is an honor serving the needs of our communities and our team couldn’t be happier with the results of this year’s food drive. Being able to provide 20,188 meals will make a real difference for local families who need it most.”

77WABC Partners with Shriners Children’s. 77WABC in New York City partnered with Shriners Children’s for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing children with The Most Amazing Care Anywhere for Giving Tuesday. Station owner John Catsimatidis says, “Children are our future. We are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and support their mission of providing specialty medical care to children across the country and around the world.”

Industry News

Townsquare Media’s WFGR Flips to Sports Talk

Last month, Audacy announced the launch of the Detroit Sports Network – a syndication of sports talk radioimg from its WXYT-FM, Detroit 97.1 The Ticket – and its deal with Townsquare Media to air the format on Townsquare stations in Michigan. Now, Townsquare is flipping WFGR-FM, Grand Rapids from classic hits to sports talk as “Sports Radio 98.7.” Townsquare Media COO Erik Hellum says, “Townsquare Media is excited to bring such high-caliber, Michigan-focused sports programming to West Michigan. This is a big win for listeners who want strong, local sports conversation without having to rely on national networks.”

Industry News

Urban One Announces Early Results of Exchange Offers

Urban One announces the early results of the previously announced offers to exchange any and all of the company’s outstanding 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 held by Eligible Holders for newly issued 7.625% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2031, to be issued by the Company, and cash, toimg purchase up to $185 million in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes for up to $111 million in cash and the right to subscribe to purchase up to $60.6 million in aggregate principal amount of newly issued 10.500% First Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2030. As of 5:00 pm ET yesterday (12/1), Urban One received from Eligible Holders valid and unwithdrawn tenders and related Consents, as reported by D.F. King & Co., Inc., representing approximately $450 million in aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes, or approximately 92.2% of the aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes outstanding. See the entire report from Urban One here.

Industry News

Bob Fisher Named News & Sports Director for Connoisseur Media Mason City

Bob Fisher is returning to Connoisseur Media’s Mason City, Iowa stations – including news KGLO-AM – as news & sports director, effective immediately. KIMT-TV reports that Fisher will host “The KGLO Morningimg Program” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am daily. Connoisseur Media says that local news and sports updates will begin being heard on all of the Mason City stations during morning and afternoon drive times. Fisher comments, “It’s great to be back to help re-establish KGLO as ‘Your Hometown News Station in North-Central Iowa’ as well as to continue to provide vital local information to our listeners. With their recent purchase of the radio stations, Connoisseur Media has shown a commitment to serving north-central Iowans with quality, local-based information.” Market manager Dalena Barz adds, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Bob back with Connoisseur Media in Mason City. He has been a well-respected voice in our community for over 30 years. He’s always been an integral part of our radio family, and we sincerely say, Welcome back, Bob!” See the KIMT-TV story here.

Industry News

Sanchez Extended at K-Dawn in Las Vegas

Las Vegas talk radio host Steve Sanchez and Audacy sign a new contract extending Sanchez’s deal withimg the company through the end of 2027. As part of the new contract, Sanchez moves to the 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm daypart on news/talk “101.5 FM K-Dawn Las Vegas” airing on KMXB-HD3/K286CS. Sanchez states, “I’m excited to continue to be part of a great media brand like Audacy and I’m very excited to go back home to evenings where it all started for me. This move allows me to continue to grow our Gen-X audience while focusing on continued content creation for our fast-growing social media platforms and new stand-alone videocasts.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Subliminal Sleigh Bells

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgBy now, a music station in your market – hopefully in your cluster – is all-Christmas-music-all-the-time, a great perennial franchise.

How other stations can sound in-tune-with this special season: Hang a strip of jingle bells in the studio. Or set up a hotkey.

Associate that sound with your weather forecast, a hook valuable to a station of any format, especially news/talkers, which should own the market’s information images. In local hours, you might ring ‘em as you announce the present temperature at the end of the forecast. In non-local hours, have ‘em in the background under your standard forecast intro language.

HOW special is this time of year? People are singing “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” in every country on Earth…except one. In Panama, it’s “I’m dreaming of a wide isthmus.”

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

Industry News

Broadcasters Foundation Seeks Donations on Giving Tuesday

The Broadcasters Foundation of America is seeking donations to help colleagues in need during tomorrow’s Giving Tuesday campaign. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “Requests for aid continue toimg come in every week, and we have to keep up with the demand. We cannot turn our backs on our colleagues who have worked at their local station and are now in desperate need of our help. We ask everyone in radio and television to come together to help our colleagues.” Giving Tuesday donations can be made here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

Industry News

NRG Media Selling Nebraska Stations

NGR Media LLC announces the sale of six of its stations in Nebraska to local operator Usher Media LLC. The signals are: news/talk KGFW-AM, CHR KQKY-FM, country KRNY-FM, and translator K241CN-FX, Kearney; classic rock KROR-FM, Hastings; and adult hits KSYZ-FM, Grand Island. NRG CEO Mary Quass says, “We’re pleased to announce the sale of our 6 radio stations in Central Nebraska to Usher Media LLC, a respected local broadcaster. It’s been a privilege to serve this community with an exceptional team whose passion and commitment have made these stations a vital voice in the Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island markets. We are confident that Usher Media will build on that foundation and continue to serve listeners, advertisers, and the community with excellence.” Usher Media chief Alan Usher comments, “We are excited to announce the acquisition of six radio stations in Central Nebraska. As a locally owned and operated organization, raised in the Tri-Cities, this strategic move underscores our commitment to expanding our media presence while staying deeply connected to our roots. We are committed to being a community leader, championing local projects, and driving community growth. We look forward to providing comprehensive local news, weather, and sports coverage while fostering a vibrant and thriving community for all.”