Industry News

Red Apple Names Goldman Chief Technology Officer

Red Apple Media brings Bert Goldman aboard as chief technology officer. For Goldman, whose career has included stops at ABC/Disney Radio Division, Nationwide Communications, and Shamrock Broadcasting, thisimg is a return to WABC. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis says, “As Red Apple Media continues to enlarge its footprint in radio, we recognized a need for an engineering specialist with insights that will bolster our growth strategy as we identify properties for our expansion. Bert’s experience made him the perfect choice.” Goldman comments, “I’m eager to come home to 77WABC and join Red Apple Media as it enters its next growth phase. John has revived AM talk radio with big-name hosts and created renewed excitement for broadcast radio overall.”

Industry News

Chicago Sports Talk Personality Harry Teinowitz Dead at 64

Chicago sports media personality Harry Teinowitz has died at the age of 64. The Chicago Sun-Times reportsimg that Teinowitz, former co-host of the “Mac, Jurko and Harry” show with Dan McNeil and John Jukovich on WMVP, Chicago’s, had been ill in recent years, having received a liver transplant and suffering from liver and heart issues. Teinowitz began his radio career as part of the morning show on crosstown competitor WSCR. He also did on-air appearances on WLUP-FM and WGN-AM. See the Chicago Sun-Times story here.

Industry Views

Emergency Radio

 

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By Michael Harrison
Publisher
TALKERS

imgLet’s look into the crystal ball. Humor me if you will.

The year is 2030 and someone invented a new radio brand that was recognized by the end of the 2020s as the most innovative AM format to come down the pike since “news/talk” and “all sports” rose to prominence some three decades earlier (although the need for it was plainly obvious for years). It is even credited with “saving the AM band” like Rush Limbaugh did back in the 90s.

Now, at the start of the 21st century’s third decade, this approach to on-air broadcasting exists across America on approximately 20 major and medium market AM outlets and is tagged by a variety of brand names including “Emergency Radio,” “Emergency Room,” “First Responder AM,” and more. (One outlet has been tagged “The Flashlight 570” and another is being called “The Hero 710.”)  How about “Crisis 1050?”

It is a commercial format with an extraordinarily wide array of potential advertisers, and it is an “image buy” that defies being dependent on ratings. What image-conscious company wouldn’t want the prestige of sponsoring such a positive media force?

Of course, it streams on the internet and has a syndication component – but it wears its “live and local” dimension and its AM dial frequency like a double-edged sword of honor because by 2030 it has become painfully obvious that the electric grid as provided by digital technology is a fragile structure indeed.

We hold this TRUTH to be self-evident

Emergency Radio is based on the self-evident truth that it is very challenging to be a human being in an environment in which the world is constantly bombarding each and every individual with disasters. Please pardon my messy metaphor – but hurricanes are merely the tip of the iceberg.

The human race is plagued by non-stop natural disasters, man-made disasters, medical disasters, financial disasters, emotional disasters, technical disasters, ethics disasters, and a tsunami of anxiety!

Emergency Radio provides real time help in conveying accurate live and local information to the immediate market during fires, floods, earthquakes, pandemics, accidents, and random acts of violence.

Emergency Radio also provides information about disasters happening around the nation and world.  The volcano in a far-away country. The kid trapped in a well in the next state.

But it doesn’t stop there. “Slow news days” are filled with a whole array of revivable radio syndication initiatives that focus on feelings, anxiety, relationships, money, and a slew of real-life problems that impact each and every one of us on a seemingly constant basis. Emergency Radio simply puts them under a different generic umbrella. The world around us, near and far, is one big potential drama waiting to be tapped on the great stage known as the theater of the mind.

Emergency Radio unabashedly recognizes that life’s a bitch and that people need help – including honest inspiration.

BACK TO THE PRESENT: The only problem standing in the way of this prophesy being self-fulfilled is that it will take a bit of a budget still not considered feasible by industry standards and a whole lot of work.

Michael Harrison is the founder of TALKERS.  He can be emailed at michael@talkers.com.    

Industry News

Chris Fillar Joins Mornings at WWJ, Detroit

Audacy names Chris Fillar the new morning show co-anchor on all-news WWJ, Detroit “Newsradio 950,” where he joins Jackie Paige for the 5:00 am to 10:00 am program. Fillar has been delivering sports updatesimg for WWJ and sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” since 2018. Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon says, “We are excited to have Chris bring his passion and energy to the morning show. Chris and Jackie are a powerful team, and we’re confident they’ll make an impact every morning while connecting with our listeners.” Fillar comments, “I’m ecstatic to take on this new role alongside Jackie and the entire fantastic morning newsroom at WWJ. It’s an honor to wake up and deliver trusted news to our listeners, and I’m humbled to work with such a great team!”

Industry News

WWO: Visual AM/FM Ads Generate Lift

This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group presents data from a Quantilope study that shows Quu in-dash visual ads on vehicle screens “drive significant awareness, consideration, and purchase intent.” The blog post adds that a new study from System1 and major out-ofimg-home media company JCDecaux reveals creative best practices for billboard advertising that the AM/FM radio industry can utilize to improve visual ad impact. Some of the key findings include: 1) Quu visual AM/FM radio ads on auto dashboards increase purchase intent by +89%; 2) You’ve got two seconds so brand fast: Visual logos placed at top of the frame deliver 4X higher brand recognition; 3) Beware the cost of dull: Failure to engage emotionally is the cost of creative mediocrity; 4) Be consistent with a brand’s colors, logos, slogans, and fonts that appear in other advertising; 5) Keep it short: The fewer the words, the greater the brand recognition; and 6) Create happiness: Ads that create positive emotions with happiness, surprise, or humor generate much stronger memorability, brand association, store visits, and website visits. See the blog post here.

Industry News

Dan Patrick Show Wins “Celebrity Family Feud”

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The July 10 season premiere of “Celebrity Family Feud,” hosted by Steve Harvey, featured a showdown between “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Rich Eisen Show.”  Dan Patrick and The Danettes – Marvin, Fritzy, Seton and Paul (pictured above) – made it to the Fast Money round to take home the $25,000 prize, which will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Milford. You can find the episode on Hulu.

Industry News

Monday Memo: We’re There, Too

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgHow obsolete does this sound? “Newsweek magazine.” News, gathered during most-of the week, had to be frozen by week’s-end, on deadline, to roll the presses in time for hard copy to be delivered in Monday’s snail mail. Back then – picture people dressed like “Mad Men” characters – enough subscribers felt informed-enough to deliver Return On Investment for the magazine’s advertisers. Seems antique. Now, news is reported moment-to-moment, on any device. And newsweek.com is there… along with everyone else competing for attention.

Also quaint: that “clock radio” on the nightstand, which accomplished two-of-many functions now on smartphones. And the “transistor radios” heard all along the beach this time of year in the 1960s? In Providence, the capital city here in The Ocean State, an AM 630 signal superior to its AM 1290 Top 40 competitor led WPRO to brand itself as “The Station That Reaches the Beaches.” Now, there are smart speakers on those beach blankets. I live at the beach and hear them playing Pandora and Spotify.

Good news, but…

Radio is still the #1 in-car audio; increasingly ported there via smartphone app, if stations have explained theirs well. And there’s plenty of other audio on those phones, and on the smart speakers that brought radio back in-home… unless we ask Alexa to instead “play hotel poolside music” or ask her for the weather or some other heretofore radio content.

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Repetition builds habit, and to best explain that we’re there too, you should audit the user’s experience consuming your stream. Does “Just say ‘Alexa, play 102.3 WXXX’” or “Hey Siri, play KXXX on TuneIn” get you there? Does the smartphone app instantly play your on-air programming, or are multiple clicks required?

More important than Where and How to listen: Why?

Radio’s real-time nature is still its superpower, and if your station has earned a news reputation, listeners will find you – however they listen – when the fit hits the shan. And between bombshells, diligent stations whose real-time audio seems helpful and relevant and uniquely local will be habit-forming and keep ‘em comin’ back for more. Adding push notifications, breaking news alerts, and other direct engagement can bridge the gap, prompting more live listening.

Beyond that “linear” delivery, our on-demand culture favors predictable utility. Smart stations repurpose their best moments into snackable content: a daily local news roundup, your morning show’s funniest bit, or the weather and event calendar for the weekend; all sponsorable. ICYMI, my recent TALKERS column: Feature The Moments That Matter.

Your over-the-air signal is still the beating heart of your operation. Your call letters are a family surname, these new platforms are siblings. They’re extensions, not threats; extra doors into your house. Make sure they’re open wide, easy to find, and lead to something welcoming. Ideally something they can’t hear anywhere else.

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

Industry News

SABO SEZ: Cash Comes from Ideas, Not Budgets

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

imgThere are two broad categories of thought: Task. Creative. When in creative mode, a person innovates, imagines, plans, and solves problems. An idea bank is a bank! Money grows from the results of imagination: new products, new music, new formats, new sales strategies. Business growth depends on new!

Task mode is focused on the past. Accounting, legal, sorting, painting, mowing, eating, surviving. Tasks are essential activities but financially break even, at best.

Your colleagues probably suffer from thoughts of radio industry consolidation and cutbacks. Personally, there was a moment in my career that still haunts me at this writing. A moment more profound than consolidation or repeal of FCC ownership financial requirements.

The crash moment in the history of radio was when a program director uttered these words:

It’s not in the budget.”

The words were less shocking than the source. Owners and general managers had said, we don’t have the money, but never the program director. Program directors, in my experience, lived in a charged creative fantasy. They imagined better shows, contests, DJ patter, bigger, better, fun-er radio for bigger ratings. Programmers thrived in an environment of creative challenges rather than tasks. PDs were often not even shown their budgets.

Creative-mode results in breathtaking promotions (win a house, win your rent, win a six pack of Corvettes.) Audience-daring formats such as album-oriented rock and all sports. Exciting air talent: Howard SternNeil RogersJake FogelnestJohn Kobylt.

Programmers heard general managers say, “A good salesman is one with a good product.” Or, “If you deliver ratings, the sales department will sell it.” Intuitively, general managers and owners knew that if they kept their programmers and talent on the creative side of their brains, the station could succeed.

There were conversations between general managers and program directors when the PD would have “suggestions” about sales and the GMs would say, “That’s the sales manager’s job” and shut down the PD! Therefore, PDs were kept on the creative side of their brains, the idea bank.

Driving a new idea, a new format, promotion, or on-air technique demands a programmer’s knowledge and passion. Without passion, few new strategies are launched. Birthing a new idea in radio is way too difficult to achieve with just logic. New ideas come to exist by fighting for budgets, fighting to win acceptance from staff.

New ideas are worth the fight because they can bring audience growth and fresh cash.

As the industry puzzles over declining sales, declining youth listening, and declining buzz, don’t blame consolidation and streaming. Blame owners that have given programmers the ultimate excuse to not try new ideas, not push new promotions, not embrace fresh talent, not take risks that lead to growth. “It’s not in the budget.” 

Shut the door on your way out. 

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 Views

Michael Harrison Interviews C. Crane CEO Jessica Crotty About the Future of the AM/FM Receiver and Radio-Oriented Devices

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In its latest post (7/2), “Up Close Far Out” – a YouTube video series hosted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison – takes a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of radio, examining the state of the radio device itself – the actual appliance – from the perspective of those on the front line of its development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution.

What is the state of the gizmos we call “radios” in the early decades of the digital era?

Is radio an obsolete technology on its last legs or is the device going through an exciting evolution in terms of its technology, content and broader societal purpose going forward into a brave new world?

What is the difference between “radio” and the broader term “audio?”

What impact does the prospect of ongoing tariff wars have upon the domestic radio manufacturing industry?  And what exactly does it take to move back and develop a new product such as a modern radio in the USA?

Harrison’s guest, Jessica Crotty, is an important player in that industry. She is the CEO of a small, but highly influential, Northern California-based company – C. Crane – that for more than three decades has specialized in manufacturing, aggregating, distributing and marketing radios and radio-oriented devices for the platform’s most ardent fans.

The company’s focus on radio literally began as a “mom & pop” operation by draftsman, designer and electronics engineer Bob Crane, his wife Sue, and Grandma Faye who ran the fledgling business at the kitchen table of their home north of the “Redwoods Curtain.”

Since selling their first AM antenna, C. Crane has grown into a nationally respected “boutique” electronics company. They have developed several outstanding radios to serve radio listeners who prefer information, talk radio and audio tuned for voice clarity. After several near 7.0 earthquakes, in 1992 they added radio and light products that would become essentials during an emergency event anywhere in the country.

Jessica Crotty launched her professional career with C. Crane almost three decades ago working her way through the ranks from customer service all the way up to being CEO and a company principal.

Crotty and Harrison engage in a candid, information-packed conversation exploring the evolving technical and cultural intersection between radio’s glorious past, underrated present, and potentially impactful, but somewhat ambiguous, future. If you are interested in radio as a broadcaster or a fan, you do not want to miss this interview.

To view the video in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Covino & Rich Broadcasting from All-Star Game. FOX Sports Radio’s “Covino & Rich” are broadcasting from the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta this week. While “The Dan Patrick Show” is on vacation, a special edition of “Covino & Rich” will broadcast in the show’s 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET timeslot. Post-game coverage will continue Wednesday, July 16 with a broadcast from iHeartMedia Atlanta’s studios.

iHeartMedia Memphis Presenting Chicken & Beer Festival.  iHeartMedia Memphis, including news/talk WREC, is presenting the seventh annual Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival on Saturday, August 16 on the field of the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit local charity Merge Memphis.

Townsquare to Reveal Q2 Financial Results. Townsquare Media will release second quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain second quarter 2025 financial results that day at 8:00 am ET.

Industry Views

You Cut for Time. They Cut You a Lawsuit.

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

imgLet’s discuss how CBS’s $16 million settlement became a warning shot for every talk host, editor, and content creator with a mic.

When CBS settled a lawsuit with Donald Trump for $16 million over a selectively edited “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris, it wasn’t about guilt. It was about leverage. The lawsuit happened to coincide with Paramount’s FCC merger review – coincidentally, right when regulatory pressure was needed the most.

For broadcasters and digital creators alike, the message is clear: even lawful edits can become political weapons. If you shape content, you’re a target. And the courts aren’t the only battleground. Public outrage, regulatory scrutiny, and advertiser anxiety all shape the cost of controversy.

For Broadcasters: Every Cut Counts

Editing always alters reality. That doesn’t make it wrong – but it makes it risky. Even good-faith trims for time or tone can be reframed as distortion. What matters isn’t just what you cut, but whether you can defend it.

Case in Point: “60 Minutes” vs. DeSantis

CBS was accused of misleading edits in a 2021 vaccine rollout story. They published full transcripts and stood their ground. No apology, no payout.

Takeaways:

— Archive raw footage.
— Log your editorial decisions.
— Be ready to explain your process with clarity and conviction.

For Digital Creators: You’re Not as Untouchable as You Think

Section 230 might protect platforms, but it doesn’t shield you from smear campaigns, takedowns, or frivolous lawsuits. Editing with commentary or critique is often fair use – but that doesn’t stop bad-faith actors from flipping the narrative.

Case in Point: “Decoding Fox News”

Jules Terpak’s critique series survived coordinated attacks thanks to clear sourcing, transparency, and credibility built ahead of time.

Takeaways:

— Know your rights, but also your vulnerabilities.
— Keep receipts.
— Build audience trust before someone tries to burn it down.

The Real Risk Isn’t the Edit – It’s the Optics

Trump didn’t need to win the lawsuit. He just needed the headlines – and CBS needed their merger. Settlements aren’t always about truth. They’re about timing.

So protect yourself:

— Document your work.
— Develop internal standards.
— Don’t panic under pressure – prepare for it.

Because in an era where outrage spreads faster than facts, defending the integrity of your edit isn’t optional. It’s essential.

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

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Music on the Weekends Can Build Cume

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

imgMusic on the weekend provides multiple positive strategic weapons for talk stations. From launch, “New Jersey 101.5” (1,000,000+ cumer); WTKS-FM “Real Radio,” Orlando; WABC, New York; WPHT, Philadelphia; and other major market winners air music all weekend or on dayparted shows.

When launching WTKS, NJ101.5 and many others, Sabo Media researched talk stations throughout the country to find any facility that did as well or better on the weekend than during the week. Not one. KGO at the time was dominant in San Francisco, but its weekend audience share was HALF its weekday share. Then we studied music formats looking for genre that did better on the weekends than during the week.  Answer: oldies and alternative rock.

Music on the weekend works:

Music prevents an outlet from suffering the negatives of being a “talk station.”Music blows off the chronic callers and people who need the station for companionship. You know who they are.
A carefully chosen song list targets a specific cume. People sample radio on weekends. They have fewer utilitarian needs for radio listening and can indulge in entertainment. When they hear a song they like—they lock in the frequency. The station enjoys fresh sampling. WTKS FM plays alternative rock all weekend, the result is a very young overall cume base.
Music is good for sales.  Clubs, concerts, festivals, and comic cons buy music radio. Music on the weekend keeps talk stations on those buys!
Innovative execs replace infomercials with specialty music shows. They sell those shows to wedding venues, wedding suppliers, party stores, mobile DJs, boat and RV rentals, as well as home improvement retailers.
Publisher Michael Harrison posits that genre and chronological segregation of songs is not as essential today as it was back in the day. 13-year-olds love the Beatles and Beach Boys. Hits are always absolute necessities but “Never My Love” by the Association, “Light My Fire” by the Doors and the #1 song today, “Ordinary,” are all hits and could be played back-to-back.

In most cities, the second highest audience daypart is midday Saturdays. Stations that recognize that fact by offering quality, local, live entertainment grow their cume.

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

Del Nin and Soros Fund Respond to Warshaw’s Lawsuit

Last month, Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw filed suit in Superior Court in Connecticut against Soros Fund Management and the company’s Michael Del Nin for breach of contract, unfair trade practices and more. Warshaw alleges that he had a deal with Soros Fund Management’s Michael Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try to acquire Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage theimg business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” While both parties were doing due diligence on the CMG deal, Warshaw learned that an Audacy majority stake holder was willing to sell its stake in the company. Warshaw says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024. Warshaw alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. After that though, Warshaw says Del Nin balked and denied there was ever an agreement, calling any such claims “fabricated.” Now, Soros and Del Nin filed both a Motion to Dismiss saying the “Court lacks personal jurisdiction over Mr. Del Nin under Connecticut’s long-arm statute”; and a Motion to Revise that asks Warshaw to revise his complaint with specific details about his contracts – written or verbal – that he claims were breached, and more. In the Motion to Revise, Soros and Del Nin imply that Warshaw doesn’t have the contractual proof necessary to support his claim.

Industry News

Katz Radio: New Data on Marketer Misperceptions

Katz Radio presents more data that supports the notion that radio’s effectiveness is misperceived by marketing professionals. The report cites data from Nielsen’s Global Annual Marketing Survey that askedimg marketers about perceived media effectiveness in which radio came in last place, behind all measured traditional and digital media types. According to Nielsen’s global ROI benchmarks, radio delivers the second highest return for advertisers, second only to social media. Nielsen’s ROI benchmarks show radio delivers higher returns for advertisers than all other other traditional media. While radio is perceived to be less effective than digital media, it delivers an ROI +30% higher than video and display, and +70% higher than search and CTV. See more about the study here.

Industry News

Audacy’s KRLD and Texas State Network Providing Flood Information

Audacy says that its Dallas news/talk station KRLD-AM “NewsRadio 1080” and Austin news/talk KJCE-AM have been keeping Texans informed since the deadly floods began in the early morning of July 4. The company says that “NewsRadio 1080” and Texas State Networks reporter Christopher Fox has beenimg tirelessly reporting from along the river between Kerrville and Centerpoint, Texas, “delivering succinct and informative reports on NewsRadio 1080, additional Audacy stations, and various CBS affiliates across the country. His Texas State Network reporting includes hourly newscasts reaching over 100 affiliates in 86 markets.” KRLD brand manager and Audacy news/talk foremat vice president Drew Anderssen says, “‘NewsRadio 1080’has been a critical lifeline for Texans. Our commitment to timely and essential news, weather and traffic information never wavered in the early days of this tragedy, over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and we are committed to continuing our compassionate and impactful coverage in the days ahead.”

Industry News

WBEN, Buffalo Unveils Lineup Changes

On Monday (7/7), Audacy news/talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo unveiled a new program lineup that includes a new show hosted by Joe Beamer airing in the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm daypart. Beamer had been co-host of theimg station’s morning show alongside Brian Mazurowski, who continues hosting the morning show. Other changes include David Bellavia’s show airing an hour earlier (9:00 am to 1:00 pm), and Tom Bauerle’s afternoon drive show beginning an hour later at 3:00 pm. The station also adds FOX News Radio programs “Will Cain Country” (7:00 pm to 8:00 pm) and “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” (8:00 pm to 10:00 pm), as well as FOX News hourly reports.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Edison Research Unveiling Podcast Report. Edison Research is presenting its The Podcast Consumer 2025 in a webinar on July 23 at 2:00 pm ET. Edison says a key focus in the new report is the evolving definition of podcast “consumption,” exploring podcast viewing as well as listening. You can register for the webinar here.

Saga to Present Q2 Financial Data. Saga Communications, Inc announces that it will release second quarter 2025 operating results at 9:00 am on August 7 and will hold an investors conference call the same day at 11:00 am ET.

Industry News

Mark Walters Programs Add New Affiliates

Two programs hosted by Mark Walters pick up new affiliates as the weekly “Armed American Radio” showimg and the “AAR Daily Defense Hour” join the programming at Omni Broacasting’s WTKE in the Ft. Walton Beach-Destin, Florida market. Additionally, the “Armed American Radio” show is being distributed by CRN Talk to cable systems operated by Cox Communications, Optimum TV, and Xfinity Stream.

Industry News

KMOX and MLB’s Cards Extend Broadcasting Deal

Audacy’s news/talk KMOX-AM/FM, St. Louis announces a multi-year extension of its broadcast partnership with the MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals. KMOX will continue to provide play-by-play coverage of all regular,img postseason and select Spring Training games. KMOX recently integrated new Cardinals coverage, including the “Gas House Gang,” airing weekdays at 12:00 noon and the “Red Bird Rush Hour” airing weeknights at 5:00 pm. Audacy SVP and market manager Becky Domyan says, “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to delivering the content our community loves, and with KMOX now on FM, we’re even more fired up to bring every single game, plus exciting new programming, to more fans than ever before.”

Industry News

SiriusXM Reveals All-Star Week Coverage

SiriusXM is offering subscribers coverage of the events of Major League Baseball’s 2025 All-Star Week. On July 13 at 5:00 pm ET, SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio channel will offer live coverage of the first round of theimg MLB Draft hosted by SiriusXM’s Dani Wexelman and Grant Paulsen with former MLB general managers Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette. SiriusXM will also cover the Home Run Derby on July 14 beginning with a Media Day show at 2:00 pm ET. The All-Star Game will be broadcast on July 15 with pre-game coverage starting at 5:00 pm ET.

Industry News

Little Change at the Top of Podtrac’s June Podcast Ranker

NPR’s “NPR News Now” stays at #1 on Podtrac’s June 2025 Top Podcasts chart based on U.S. uniqueimg monthly audience. In fact, the top eight spots are the same as the May ranker, including FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” holding on to the #5 spot. One move of note is Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” jumping 12 places to the #19 rank. See Podtrac’s rank of the top 20 U.S. podcasts here.

Industry News

WWO: Audio is Ideal for Finding Job Seekers

This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at data from a commissioned MARU/Matchbox December 2024 study of 1,000 respondents exploring the labor market. Some key findings from the study include: 1) Audio is an ideal advertising environment for recruitment brandsimg and companies seeking to hire, especially among passive job seekers who are less likely to use job sites: Nine out of 10 job seekers are reached by ad-supported audio. Over-the-air AM/FM radio reaches nearly 80% of active and passive job seekers. Six out of 10 active job seekers are reached by podcasts; 2) AM/FM radio streaming’s audience growth has surged among job seekers: Since 2021, AM/FM radio streaming has soared in usage among both active and passive job seekers. Six out 10 active job seekers are reached by AM/FM radio streaming; 3) Passive job seekers outnumber active job seekers by +50%. Active job seekers are growing: The optimal source for filling positions are passive job seekers who outnumber active job seekers by +50%. Active job seekers have surged from 15% in 2018 to 24% currently; and 4) Advertising works: There is a very linear relationship between ad spend, share of voice, ad recall, and market share. The greater the ad spend, the greater the ad recall and market share. See the full blog post here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: X Marks the Spot – Radio’s Most Valuable Demo

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIpsos Generations Report 2025: “Right now, it’s Generation X who are the highest-earning generation in the US, surpassing both Boomers and Millennials.”

Born 1965 to 1980, they grew up with an AM/FM radio habit. And – as they are about to inherit a LOT of money from wealthy grandparent Silents and Boomer parents over the next few decades – which prospective advertisers want to meet them?

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Prospect banks, financial planners, real estate agents, and wellness and eldercare consultants and Elder Law and Trust attorneys.

Recommended commercial creative: advertorial. “Tell ‘em and you’ll sell ‘em,” with spots disguised as informative features. Sample topics:

— “5 Inheritance Mistakes to Avoid”
— “How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Will”
— “Downsizing Without Downgrading”
— “Kids, Parents, and Cash”

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

Industry News

FCC Chairman Carr Promotes Build Agenda in Sioux Falls

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota yesterday (7/2) to promote the FCC’s “Build America Agenda.” Carr said, “Our ‘Build America Agenda’ will focus on delivering on a number of core objectives. We will unleash high-speed infrastructure builds. We will restore America’s leadership in wireless. We will boost the U.S. space economy. We will advance our national security. And we willimg strengthen America’s tower and telecom workforce.  We will deliver on all of this by implementing smart policies while carrying out a massive and comprehensive deregulatory agenda. As we do so, we will be guided at the agency by a few simple ideas. For one, we will keep the Gretzky test front and center. We want to keep our eye on where the proverbial puck is going, not where it has been. For another, we are going to take a first principles approach. Just because a regulation has been on the books for 30 years, we are not going to keep it there simply out of a sense of inertia. For still another, we will focus on competition as it exists today. The old regulatory silos have been breaking down for quite some time, so the agency must move forward with a keen understanding of today’s converged markets.  We are going to focus on outcomes, rather than process to nowhere. We are going to have a bias towards action. After all, delay has an unappreciated economic and social cost. We are going to push for simple, clear rules, rather than complex and bespoke frameworks. And we are going to support U.S. businesses and domestic onshoring.”

Industry News

New Affiliate for Erick Erickson Show

The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” announces a new affiliate station and another stationimg moving the program to airing live. Buddy Shula’s new Buffalo news/talk station WUSW “1270 The Patriot” debuts this weekend and will be a new affiliate station for the show. Also, current affiliate WTIC-AM, Hartford moves the program to airing live in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart.

Job Opportunity

Lotus Seeks Weekend Anchor/Editor/Reporter

Lotus Seattle is seeking an experienced weekend anchor/editor/reporter for all-news station KNWS-AM/FM, Seattle “Northwest Newsradio 97-7, AM 1000.” Lotus says, “The ideal candidate will help prepare and deliver engaging news content, report on breaking news events, and produce special projects and programming as assigned. This position at Northwest Newsradio is a vital news delivery and content creatorimg for our station. Your material is used throughout the day on several different broadcasts. This individual in this position is also an overall ambassador for our brand, and is expected to also work at special events, and alongside our sales staff promote the station to Northwest Newsradio clients. The perfect candidate has a minimum of two years’ experience in large market media, is proficient and aggressive in social media, is an excellent writer, and embraces using digital platforms (podcasting, streaming audio, streaming video) to promote the Northwest Newsradio brand. Candidates need to submit an audio demonstration of their on-air ability with their resume, along with a sample of radio news writing. Candidates should also be prepared to take a writing test if requested. Applications should be sent here.

Industry News

Amy Jacobson Exits WIND, Chicago

Chicago media personality Amy Jacobson announces via X that she has exited Salem Media Group’simg news/talk WIND-AM. On Tuesday she posted, “After 15 1/2 years at WIND AM560 radio, due to staffing reductions, today was my last day on the air. I am still processing this but I am happy to announce I have launched http://AmyJacobsonLive.com where I will be hosting a weekly podcast, posting behind-the-scenes blogs, livestreaming.” Jacobson has been co-hosting the morning show with Dan Proft who appears to be continuing the program solo.

Industry News

Salem Launches “The Scott Jennings Show”

Salem Media Group announces the launch of “The Scott Jennings Show,” new daily program that airs weekdays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET, effective July 14 on the Salem Radio Network and on demand via the Salem Podcast Network. Jennings is a longtime conservative political strategist who also serves as aimg contributor to CNN. Jennings says, “We’re going on offense. Every day, I’ll take calls, interview big names, and take the fight directly to the liberal machine. It’s time to bust the narratives and bring back some plain old common sense.” Salem SVP Phil Boyce comments, “Scott Jennings is a disruptor. He’s the Lone Ranger of the CNN panel, armed with facts and fearless in delivery. He doesn’t just survive in hostile territory — he dominates. Now, with a national platform on Salem, Scott becomes a daily fixture in the battle to save the country.” Jennings new show replaces “The Jack Posobiec Show” in the SRN live broadcast slot, while Posobiec continues as a force on SPN with exclusive podcast content.

Industry News

MacLeod to Lead Portland Stations for Alpha Media

Alpha Media Portland names Ross MacLeod the new operations manager for the Portland market. In this role he’ll also serve as content director for news/talk KXL-FM “FM News 101” and sports talk KXTG-AMimg “750 The Game.” He most recently served as program director for iHeartMedia’s WBGG, Miami “Big 105.9.” MacLeod states, “I’m looking forward to working with some of the amazing talent we have in Portland, and leading this cluster to new heights. KXL is a heritage news/talk leader in Portland and I couldn’t be more honored to be part of this team.” Alpha Media stations are being acquired by Connoisseur Media in a deal that is expected to close in the fall.

Industry News

WLS-AM, Chicago and FOX News Audio Announce Content Deal

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago announces a deal with FOX News Audio to air FOX contentimg on the station including “The Guy Benson Show,” which airs live from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm, plus hourly news updates, breaking news coverage, and long-form specials. Cumulus regional VP and Chicago market manager Marv Nyren says, “We are thrilled to deliver the FOX News Audio product to our listeners, as it perfectly aligns with 890 WLS-AM and will give the audience a news service that meets their expectations.”

Industry News

Wayne Allyn Root and The Gateway Pundit Partner for Podcast

Nationally syndicated talk media personality Wayne Allyn Root is partnering with The Gateway Pundit on his two-hour daily video podcast that’s being renamed, “Wayne Allyn Root’s WAR Zone, Presented by The Gateway Pundit.” This makes “WAR Zone” the official podcast of TheGatewayPundit.com and will beimg featured live each night from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET.  Root says, “Tens of millions of die-hard Trump supporters go to theGatewayPundit.com 24/7 for the news and opinions that you won’t find in the mainstream media. It’s the perfect platform and synergy for my podcast. This is a marriage made in heaven. My daily podcast offers raw truth, the most exciting content for MAGA fans, and the most intense, passionate, combative, controversial, in-your-face, high-energy show anywhere in American media, combined with the biggest personality, and the loudest MAGA mouth on the planet. My show takes your breath away. It’s two hours of ‘pedal to the metal, balls to the walls,’ without taking a breath.”

Industry News

WWO: Podcast Advertising Intention Up 59%

Today’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at how marketers’ attitudes toward advertising on podcasts had changed over the last 11 years. The blog post notes that “in advance of the first IAB Podcast Upfront in 2015, the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group commissioned Advertiser Perceptions to study agency and brand sentiment on podcast advertising. For theimg  last 11 years, the study has been reprised annually to track buy-side podcast advertising consideration and intention. The latest Advertiser Perceptions study, conducted in June 2025 with 302 marketers and media agencies, reveals advertiser/agency podcasting usage and interest has reached an 11-year high.” Some of the notable takeaways from this study include: 1) Nine out of 10 marketers and media agencies say they have discussed podcast advertising for potential investment; 2) Podcast advertising consideration surges to an eleven-year high: 74% of brands and agencies say they are likely to consider advertising in podcasts; 3) Podcast spending intention jumps to 69%, an eleven-year record; and 4) 78% of agencies and advertisers currently advertise in podcasts, a 5X increase since the first IAB podcast upfront in 2015. See the full blog post here.