Industry News

Report: 1010 WINS Reporters Demand Fair Deal from Audacy

As reported by Deadline, the journalists working at Audacy’s all-news WINS, New York represented by Writers Guild of America East have presented a petition to management demanding it “negotiate a fair deal” as its current deal expires Monday (7/22). The demand focuses on worker safety. The letter says, “We askimg that Audacy bargain respectfully and in good faith as we work to improve our salaries, benefits, pathways to promotion, workplace safety, remote work options, preserve severance, and protect against the growing threat of artificial intelligence.” Regarding the issue of safety, WGAE president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen says, “1010 WINS runs 24/7 and requires people to commute to the office at all hours. The station’s journalists have been threatened and even attacked. Audacy needs to take responsibility for the safety of its employees and our members. This is one of the many issues that management still needs to address in a fair and equitable contract.” See the Deadline story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (July 14 – 18, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/14-7/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. The Epstein Controversy / MAGA Rift
2. Congress Passes DOGE Cuts
3. Financial Markets Activity / Trump vs Powell
4. Trump Tariffs
5. ICE Raids
6. Russia Intensifies Ukraine Strikes
7. SCOTUS Education Dept. Ruling
8. FEMA Criticisms / Texas Foods Aftermath
9. Bove Nomination
10.Trump vs Rosie O’Donnell

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Pam Bondi / Dan Bongino
4. Ghislaine Maxwell
5. Jerome Powell
6. Stephen Miller
7. Vladimir Putin
8. Kristi Noem / David Richardson
9. Emil Bove
10. Rosie O’Donnell

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Carton and Parkins Lose FS1 Show

FOX Sports has canceled the “Breakfast Ball” show on FS1 co-hosted by Craig Carton and Danny Parkins.img Both personalities came to television from radio – Carton from WFAN, New York and imgParkins from WSCR, Chicago. Industry watchers are speculating whether the two, especially Carton, will return to radio. In the New York Post, sportswriterAndrew Marchand notes that after his prison stint for a fraud conviction, Audacy’s now-chief business officer Chris Oliviero was instrumental in bringing Carton back to WFAN as afternoon drive co-host. Carton did radio and the FS1 show before leaving radio to focus on the early morning TV show.

Industry News

2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred Posted

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The editors of TALKERS magazine, with input from industry leaders, present the 2025 edition of “The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” – a popular feature that has come to be known as “The Heavy Hundred.”

Debuting in 1996, this marks the 29th consecutive year of the TALKERS Heavy Hundred existing as an iconic radio industry standard. It actually launched one year earlier in 1995 but only focused on 25 hosts in that first installment.

The criteria used to determine the individual broadcasters included in the list are clearly detailed in a disclaimer posted at the beginning of the feature. According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “In addition to the standard 11 factors considered – which include [in alphabetical order] courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, ratings, recognition, revenue, service, talent and uniqueness – the editors strongly considered the quality of entrepreneurship for 2025 which has become increasingly important as the industry hurtles deeper into the digital era and faces emerging challenges which require an expanded set of business skills and layers of emotional fortitude.”

Casey continues, “A number of this year’s inductees have ‘put their money where their mouth is’ and own their own stations or syndication businesses. In 2025, we see that as a deeply personal commitment to the future of the radio medium.”

This year’s list is sponsored by GuestBooker.com and co-sponsored by C. Crane Radio for which TALKERS is grateful.

To see the 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred, please click here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (July 7 – July 11, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/7-7/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Deadly Texas Floods / Warning System Scrutiny
2. Epstein “Client List” Mystery
3. SCOTUS Mass Firings Ruling / IRS Churches Ruling
4. Judge Blocks Birthright Citizenship Order
5. ICE Raids / Masked Agents Controversy
6. Russia Bombs Kyiv / Trump-Putin Tensions
7. Trump Tariffs
8. Musk’s “America Party”
9. Netanyahu-Trump Visit
10.Iran Nuclear Capabilities

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Pam Bondi
4. Stephen Miller
5. Karoline Leavitt
6. Vladimir Putin
7. Elon Musk
8. Benjamin Netanyahu
9. Greg Abbott
10.Jerome Powell

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Sirott and Landecker Host 1970s Nostalgia Show on WGN, Chicago

Tonight (7/10), WGN Radio air personalities Bob Sirott and John Records Landecker getting together on air for a special hour of 1970s nostalgia during Landecker’s show from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The hour is beingimg called, “For Radio Geeks Only,” and will feature Sirott and Landecker reminiscing about their time working together as music DJs from 1973 to 1980 on WLS-AM. Sirott says, “We played the hits and had more fun than humans should be allowed to have. Besides the music, there were encounters with stars, personal appearances with fans and endless stories to go with it all.”

Industry News

KILT-AM Raises $27k for Houston Food Bank

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Audacy sports talk KILT-AM, Houston “SportsRadio 610” raised $27,240 during its inaugural “Reggie and Ron Radiothon” benefiting the Houston Food Bank. All proceeds go toward the Houston Food Bank’s mission to eliminate food insecurity in southeast Texas and ensure Texans have access to nutritious food to fuel a healthy life. Pictured above are (from l-r): “In the Loop” producer Figgy Fig, Ron Hughley, Houston Food Bank’s chief development officer Julie Voss, Reggie Adetula, and “The Drive” producer Tyler Milner.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/8)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. SCOTUS Mass Firings Ruling
2. Trump-Putin Tensions
3. Texas Floods Aftermath
4. Trump Suggests Feds Run DC
5. IRS Churches Ruling

Industry News

FCC Commissioner Gomez Criticizes Paramount-Trump Settlement

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez is calling out Paramount for its settlement with Donald Trump over what she calls “a meritless lawsuit regarding a CBS News interview last year.” Gomez says, “This moment marks a dangerous precedent for the First Amendment, and it should alarm anyone who values a free and independent press. Despite repeated attempts to deny the obvious, this Paramount Payout is a desperateimg move to appease the Administration and secure regulatory approval of a major transaction currently pending before the FCC. For months, it has been clear that this lawsuit was entirely meritless, just like the complaint now before the Commission. The transcript and video of the 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Harris show no evidence of wrongdoing, only the standard editorial judgments used across the news industry to ensure clarity and brevity. Had Paramount chosen to fight this in court, they would have prevailed on the facts and the law. But instead of standing on principle, Paramount opted for a payout. That decision now casts a long shadow over the integrity of the transaction pending before the FCC. Given the extraordinary public interest in this deal, the novel legal questions raised by the lawsuit and its resolution, and the repeated calls from lawmakers for transparency, I once again urge the FCC to bring this matter before the full Commission for a vote. Approving this transaction behind closed doors and under the cover of bureaucratic process would be a shameful outcome that denies the American people the transparency and accountability they deserve, especially when press freedom is at stake.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (6/28-29)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Big, Beautiful Bill
2. Idaho Firefighter Shooting
3. Iran Strikes Post-Mortem
4. Israel’s Gaza Strikes
5. Tillis Won’t Run for Reelection

Industry News

BIA: Florida Radio Ad Spend to Hit $833 Million in 2025

According to a report on Florida ad revenue for 2025, BIA Advisory predicts that the total for the year will be $12.4 billion, with radio OTA+digital’s share of the pie being $833 million. Radio is fifth in line after #1 mobileimg ($2.7 billion), #2 direct mail ($2.5 billion), #3 PC/laptop ($2.3 billion), and #4 TV OTA+digital ($1.6 billion). The report notes that 64% of the state’s total ad spend in done in three markets: Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Tampa-St. Petersburgh-Sarasota, and Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne. See more about the report here.

Industry News

WHBC, Canton Celebrates 100 Years on the Air

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Canton, Ohio radio station WHBC-AM is celebrating its 100th anniversary of service to the market with a live, on-air celebration today from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in downtown Canton. CantonRep.com reports the story noting that WHBC launched in 1925 and in 1939 moved into its current facility, a classic art deco building that still features the architecture and décor of the era that feels like walking into a time machine. About today’s festivities, morning host Pam Cook says, “It’s us celebrating the community and saying thank you because, honestly, we wouldn’t be on the air for 100 years if it wasn’t for the community.” WHBC is owned by Alpha Media and part of the pending acquisition by Connoisseur Media. Photo: Julie Vennitti Botos / Canton Repository See the CantonRep.com story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 23 – 27, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/23-27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Iran Strikes Aftermath / MAGA “Civil War”
2. SCOTUS Friday Rulings
3. Trump at NATO
4. Big, Beautiful Bill
5. ICE Raids / SCOTUS Deportation Ruling
6. Mamdani NYC Primary Victory
7. Powell Testimony / Trump Fed Nomination
8. SCOTUS Planned Parenthood Ruling
9. ASIP RSV Recommendation
10.Bezos-Sanchez Wedding

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
3. Pete Hegseth
4. Marjorie Taylor Greene / Rand Paul
5. Tucker Carlson / Steven K. Bannon
6. Mark Rutte
7. Mike Johnson
8. Zohran Mamdani / Andrew Cuomo
9. Jerome Powell
10.Jeff Bezos / Lauren Sanchez

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

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

Skyview Kicks Off BFoA Giving Day with $10k Donation

The Broadcasters Foundation of America reports that Skyview Networks is making a $10,000 corporate donation to cover any Skyview employee matches. BFOA Giving Day is today (6/24) when everyone in broadcasting is asked to consider a contribution of any amount. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “Weimg are grateful to Steve and Ken Thiele (founder & executive chairman) for their magnanimous corporate contribution to support the work of the Broadcasters Foundation. With support like this from the broadcast industry, the Broadcasters Foundation can continue to deliver much-needed aid to those in our business who need it most. We hope this match campaign inspires other organizations to find impactful ways to support our unique mission.” For information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to make a donation or apply for aid, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org,

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

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 16 – 20, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/16-20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Israel-Iran Conflict / Trump Mulls Involvement
2. MAGA “Civil War”
3. ICE Raids / Protests & Arrests
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. Hortman Assassination / Lawmakers Safety Concerns
6. SCOTUS Transgender Ruling
7. Big, Beautiful Bill / Fed Holds on Interest Rates
8. DC Military Parade
9. Tariffs / China Trade Negotiations
10.Hurricane Erick

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Benjamin Netanyahu / Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
3. Pete Hegseth / Tulsi Gabbard
4. Vladimir Putin
5. Tucker Carlson / Steven K. Bannon
6. Brad Lander / Alex Padilla
7. Kristi Noem
8. Vance Boelter / Melissa Hortman
9. Jerome Powell
10.Barack Obama

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (6/18)

The most discussed stories yesterday (6/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Israel-Iran Strikes / U.S. Mulls Involvement
2. ICE Raids / Student Visa Process
3. SCOTUS Transgender Ruling
4. Lawmaker Safety Concerns
5. Hurricane Erick

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

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

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 9 – 13, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/9-6/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

                 Stories

1. LA Protests / Trump Calls in Military
2. Big, Beautiful Bill / Trump Musk Feud
3. U.S.-Iran Tensions / Middle East Diplomats Recalled
4. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations / Tariffs
5. Saturday’s Military Parade
6. Russia-Ukraine War
7. FEMA Phaseout / RFK Jr Fires CDC Vaccine Panel
8. Israel-Gaza Unrest / Greta Thunberg Deported
9. Brian Wilson Dies
10.Air India Crash

                 People

1. Donald Trump
2. Gavin Newsom / Karen Bass
3. Elon Musk
4. Mike Johnson
5. Benjamin Netanyahu / Greta Thunberg
6. Howard Lutnick
7. Xi Jinping
8. Vladimir Putin
9. RFK Jr.
10.Brian Wilson

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

BFoA Giving Day Set for June 24

The Broadcasters Foundation of America will hold its annual BFOA Giving Day on Tuesday, June 24. BFoA says the campaign raises much-needed funds to support the Foundation’s sole mission of providing financial assistance to broadcast radio and television professionals who find themselves in acute need due to criticalimg illness or disaster. In addition, the campaign strives to raise awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation’s charitable purpose to ensure that anyone in radio and television who might qualify for aid can apply. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “Please do not stand on the sidelines. If you’re part of the broadcasting community, while we hope you never need us, we need to be here for you should disaster or illness strike. The need for aid continues to grow each year, and I ask every broadcaster to consider a personal or corporate donation.” To make a BFOA Giving Day donation, radio and television professionals may click here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (6/7-8)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. LA ICE Protests-National Guard Callup
2. Abrego Garcia Returned to U.S.
3. Gaza Aid Ship Intercepted
4. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations
5. ABC Suspends Terry Moran

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 2 – 6, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/2-6/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Trump-Musk War
2. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt / Debt Ceiling
3. Medicaid Cuts
4. Trump vs Harvard & Columbia
5. ICE Raids / Deportations
6. Trump Doubles Steel & Aluminum Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
7. Colorado Fire Attack
8. Biden Health Coverup / Biden Actions Investigation
9. Ukraine Drone Strikes on Russia / Deadly Gaza Violence
10.Travel Ban / Iran Nukes

               People

1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Mike Johnson
4. Rand Paul / Mike Lee
5. Linda McMahon
6. Xi Jinping
7. Volodymyr Zelensky
8. Joe Biden
9. Mohamed Soliman
10.Benjamin Netanyahu

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

WCCO Raises $92k in Cancer Auction

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Audacy’s news/talk WCCO, Minneapolis raised more than $92,000 during its third annual “Cure Blood Cancer Radio Auction” benefitting the NMDP Registry supporting bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants through research, patient assistance grants and adding more potential donors. WCCO brand manager Brad Lane says, “We are overwhelmed by our fans’ incredible generosity, the considerate financial support from our corporate partners and the innovative contribution of ideas and time from our personalities. We had a blast auctioning off priceless, unique experiences and packages for a cause so close and personal to us and in honor of our friend, teammate and stem-cell transplant recipient Jordana Green (above left)!” Pictured at right above is WCCO host Chad Hartman.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (May 26 – 30, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (5/26-30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt
2. Trump Tariffs Rulings
3. Trump vs Harvard / Chinese Student Visas Policy
4. Musk to Leave DOGE
5. Israel-Gaza War / Iran Nuclear Talks
6. Russia-Ukraine War / Trump-Putin Tensions
7. FBI-ICE Arrests
8. Golden Dome Defense System
9. Pardons & Commutations
10.Diddy Trial

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Mike Johnson
3. Alan Garber
4. Elon Musk
5. Benjamin Netanyahu
6. Vladimir Putin
7. Xi Jinping
8. Jake Tapper
9. Todd & Julie Chrisley
10.Sean “Diddy” Combs

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (5/28)

The most discussed stories yesterday (5/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Judges Block Trump Tariffs
2. Musk to Leave DOGE
3. Chinese Student Visas Scrutinized
4. Trump Pardons & Commutations
5. Israel-Gaza War / Iran Nuclear Talks

Industry News

New York Festivals Storytellers Gala Announces 2025 Radio Awards Winners

New York Festivals announces the Radio Awards winners during its 2025 Storytellers Gala. NYFestivals says, “Exceptional storytelling and audio innovation were celebrated during the 2025 Storytellers Gala virtual event, highlighting the achievements of global creators in radio andimg podcasting. Captivating audio entries from storytellers around the world engaged listeners and earned top honors from the 2025 Radio Awards Grand Jury. Winning entries from 26 countries span podcasts and audiobooks, entertainment and music specials, dramas, documentaries, and breaking news coverage all created by some of the world’s most respected audio content creators.” Winners of note include CBC/Radio-Canada taking home the Broadcaster of the Year honor with the following organizations being recognized: NPR, Gold Tower Award, Culture & The Arts; BBC, Gold Tower Award, Drama Special; Bloomberg Podcasts, Gold Tower Award, Business Podcast; CBC/NPR, Gold Tower Award, Sports Podcast, Audacy, Gold Tower Award, Narrative/Documentary; NZME/iHeartRadio, Gold Tower Award, Investigative Journalism Podcast; and more. See all the winners here.