KBLA, Los Angeles Celebrates Fourth Anniversary
Los Angeles talk radio outlet KBLA “Talk 1580” was launched four years ago today (6/19) by Smiley Audio Media owner Tavis Smiley. The company says it is proudly celebrating the anniversary “with four high-profile public events. Since its launch, KBLA Talk 1580 has become the station of choice for Black and
African American residents, as well as progressive listeners more broadly. KBLA Talk 1580 continues to be the most ‘trusted, credible, and reliable’ media source in Southern California for African Americans and beyond. While KBLA Talk 1580 is unapologetically progressive, the station and its on-air talent prioritize good ideas over ideology.” KBLA will hold a “Juneteenth Backyard Barbecue” today at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Saturday (6/21) KBLA will present an “Empowerment Congress Juneteenth Community Celebration & Dialogue” at The Beehive from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and on Sunday (6/22), station host Dominique DiPrima will moderate a “State of Black Women in Los Angeles” symposium at The Living Room @ Faithful Central Bible Church from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
demonstrating that they have met their duty of inquiry in seeking to obtain the information needed to determine whether programming is sponsored, paid for, or furnished by a foreign governmental entity.” While this new sponsorship identification requirements for foreign government-provided programming was passed 3-2 by the Commission last summer, it has been challenged in the courts and remains there. Because of this, yesterday’s announcement of the publication of the rules in the federal register also adds that the implementation of the rules are being put off for six months until December 8, 2025. One of the arguments put forth by broadcasters opposed to the new rules is that they put radio and TV stations in the position of having to conduct an investigation in order to comply with the law.
Commission and Republican Commissioner Nathan Simington abruptly announced his departure from his commissioner role earlier this week. President Trump nominated Olivia Trusty for the open seat that existed prior to Starks’ and Simington’s departures but that has been stalled in the Senate. Interestingly, FOX News reports that Simington’s chief of staff Gavin Wax is being floated as a potential nominee, according to “a source close to the FCC.” Regardless, the Senate needs to get at least one nominee confirmed soon as the Commission’s ability to do business is disrupted. 
together hosted the “Dave & Dujanovic” show. Dr. Holly Richardson is a former state legislator who currently serves as editor of Utah Policy and a columnist for the Deseret News. Greg Skordas is a defense attorney, former prosecutor, and former candidate for Utah Attorney General. Bonneville president and COO Tanya Vea says, “This reflects our commitment to provide Utahns with smart, solution-oriented news and analysis. Greg and Holly bring a rare depth of expertise, perspective, and connection to our community, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the KSL NewsRadio lineup.” KSL program director Kevin Larue adds, “Our evolving lineup reflects what KSL NewsRadio stands for—credible voices, engaging conversations, and a deep connection to the community. No matter the topic or the time of day, our listeners know we have them covered.”
In a ruling that should catch the attention of every talk host and media creator dabbling in AI, a Georgia court has dismissed “Armed American Radio” syndicated host Mark Walters’ defamation lawsuit against OpenAI. The case revolved around a disturbing but increasingly common glitch: a chatbot “hallucinating” canonically false but believable information.
and public television have enjoyed bipartisan support since 1967. The system has a profound impact on Americans in all 50 states and in every type of community—urban, suburban, rural, and remote. This indispensable service costs the American taxpayer about $1.60 a year, and it is one that the majority of Americans want to maintain. Recent polling from the Pew Research Center shows that only 24 percent of Americans support cutting federal funding. The budget request and executive order are only part of the administration’s ongoing effort to dismantle the American public broadcasting system as we know it. We expect even more to come. If successful, the effort will exacerbate existing news deserts and create new ones, as public radio has become the main (or only) remaining source for fact-based local news, educational and cultural programming, and critical emergency broadcast services in many communities across the country.” He encourages them to contact their legislators and to either donate or increase one’s current contribution to the public broadcasting organization.
man operation to a $250 million-a-year company with over 1,000 employees and a nationally recognized brand. Ramsey says the book draws on his hard-earned lessons, equipping readers at every stage of business to grow themselves, lead their teams and scale their businesses. He says, “Running a business is the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but it can also be the greatest thing you’ve ever done. If you’re not careful, you can wind up hating what you’re trying to build. I’m a guy who’s lived it and made it work — someone who’s messed up a lot and gotten back up after being knocked down. This book isn’t theory. It’s the blueprint for building something you can be proud of.” 
distribution for its podcast offerings, enabling listeners the option to engage with content in a more dynamic and interactive way. This move has proven highly successful, leading to an explosive increase in video consumption across both its owned channels and third-party platforms.” Company president and co-founder Kit Gray comments, “We are thrilled with the success of our video distribution strategy. Podcasting is no longer just about audio, it’s about offering our audience a rich, immersive, and multi-channel experience. Expanding into video has allowed us to reach new viewers and unlock impactful opportunities for our advertising partners. PodcastOne has a unique ability to support our shows with the technology and resources needed to create best-in-class video podcasts.”
YouTube with ads, SiriusXM talk channels, free versions of streaming audio sources, and podcasts. Breaking it down demographically, time spent with ad-supported sources is highest among Americans age 55+, with 75% of their audio time spent with ad-supported audio. While the 18-34 demographic spends the majority of its audio time with ad-supported audio sources, 46% of its listening time is spent with ad-free audio. Edison says, “The strength of ad-free audio with this age group is not surprising considering that younger Americans spend more time on platforms that make removing advertisements easy and not terribly expensive, such as Spotify and YouTube.”
contributing their time, expertise, and resources. Honorees are true champions of service, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering growth and progress within the industry. Spears was presented with the award by Erica Farber on Monday, April 7, at the MIW Lipstick & Lobster Dinner. MIW board president Sheila Kirby says, “Dan is the epitome of a leader who not only advocates for progress but actively makes it happen. His dedication to mentorship, industry collaboration, and fostering new events and opportunities for women is invaluable. We are honored to recognize his contributions with this award.”
Carr of “illegally targeting broadcast networks and media companies perceived to be unfavorably covering the Trump Administration – wasting critical agency resources on bogus investigations in the process.” The lawmakers are also questioning Carr’s “commitment to his agency’s independence, given his frequent trips with the president to Mar-a-Lago and his targeting of entities that the president has criticized or sued in his personal capacity.” Committee Ranking Members says that “under Carr’s leadership, the FCC has harassed CBS for routine editing practices, reinstated lawfully denied complaints against ABC and NBC, launched a bogus investigation into KCBS-AM in San Jose simply for reporting publicly available information, and directed the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to launch investigations into NPR and PBS based on false allegations.” The Committee is requesting documents and communications “related to its investigations of media entities,” “all communications between Carr and current White House officials and between Carr and other Trump Administration officials that relate to investigations,” as well as Carr’s travel records. 
communicate directly with the Company’s management and directors regarding our views and concerns.” Gate City owns an almost 14% stake in Saga. Melby expresses Gate City’s concerns about Saga, saying, “Gate City’s decision to nominate directors was based on our belief that Saga was determined to pursue its Digital Transformation regardless of the negative impact the transformation could have on Saga’s profitability, cash flow, and share price. Our determination was made following careful analysis and nearly nine months of conversations with the Company’s senior leadership and Board. We repeatedly expressed our concerns 
that Saga lacked the expertise, and the competitive advantages required to succeed in the low-margin and highly competitive digital advertising space. The pursuit of the Digital Transformation would also divert time, attention, and resources away from the Saga’s core broadcast business, where Saga has competitive advantages and earns high incremental margins. Saga also failed to provide investors with any meaningful financial targets or metrics associated with the Digital Transformation including expectations for incremental revenues, costs, margins, and return on investment. Our recommendation that Saga partner with a digitally-savvy company with the capability and experience to execute Saga’s digital strategy without the added costs and risks associated with the transformation was also dismissed.” Melby’s criticism of Saga Communications’ business strategy continues, “In 2024, the Company’s station operating income fell 23.1% year-over-year to $21.1 million, the Company’s operating income fell 79% year-over-year to $2.4 million, and the Company’s operating profit margin fell to 2.1% in 2024 from 10.2% in 2023, a decline of over 800 bps. To make matters worse, this deterioration in financial results occurred during a presidential election year, when Saga should benefit from elevated levels of political spending. Our concern that the pursuit of the Digital Transformation strategy could detract from the Company’s highly profitable broadcast business also appears prescient. On Saga’s Q4 2024 earnings call, the Company noted that it generated $3.3 million in political revenue in 2024. Saga’s 2024 political advertising revenue declined 52% from the $6.9 million generated in 2020 (the last presidential election year) and also fell from the $3.6 million generated in the 2022 midterm election year. The Company’s two largest stations by revenue are located in the battleground states of Ohio and Wisconsin, calling into question the Company’s explanation that Saga’s stations were not in the correct markets. In addition to posting poor financial results, on March 18, 2025, Saga issued a financial filing stating that the Company would be unable to file its 10-K annual report in a timely fashion. This filing further highlights the potential challenges faced by the Company in executing the Digital Transformation.” 
There has never been more news. And news has never been more quotable. It costs two-plus cents to make a penny.
reductions to ensure a strong and resilient future for the business. We are streamlining resources to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape and to best position Audacy to continue serving listeners and advertisers with excellence.” The Desk is reporting a list of those affected by the cuts and in the spoken-word formats, those people include: WINS, New York sports director Marc Ernay; KNX, Los Angeles reporter Charles Feldman; WWL, New Orleans news staffer Mark Menard; KMOX, St. Louis digital content producer Wilson Truong; and others. 
Just hours after the series of devastating wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, iHeart LA and the Dream Center – a resource center focused on providing support to those affected by homelessness, hunger and crisis – launched a national and local media campaign that asked local listeners to contribute essential items and cash to support those affected by the fires, many of whom had lost everything. 
What followed was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded any expectation, and which – thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbors and communities – has become one of the largest grassroots giving efforts in iHeart’s history.
Since then, he has solidified his position as a major radio host with notable audience share growth on flagship 77WABC in New York (41% year-over-year) and impressive weekly TSL of 1 hour and 15 minutes*. “I am looking forward to connecting every day with listeners in markets all across the U.S.,” Golden tells TALKERS. “During The Rush Hour, we take a look at events that occurred during the day, but we also take a break and have a little fun, too.” “James has attracted a loyal audience that continues to grow,” stated John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media, Red Apple Audio Networks, and 77WABC Radio. “Many of his listeners remember him from the Rush Limbaugh days, but the audience growth he is experiencing is solely on his own talent. His insights on politics, combined with his love for talk radio, has made him a phenomenal success.” In addition to “The Rush Hour,” Golden hosts a three-hour syndicated Saturday morning program, “The James Golden Show,” which launched into syndication last June. The show has amassed more than 30 affiliates, including five in the Top 50 DMAs. Both programs originate from the Red Apple Audio Networks flagship station, 77WABC Radio in New York. For information on any of Red Apple Audio Networks’ syndicated shows, stations may visit 
Louisville Public Media (LPM) has announced (2/4) that it is launching a new talk show, “On Track” – a new three-day-a-week, 30-minute interview-based show, on February 10. “On Track” will air Monday-Wednesday at 6:00 pm on WFPL, Louisville between “All Things Considered” and “Marketplace,” two of NPR’s flagship national news programs during core listening hours. It will also be available as an on-demand podcast. The interview-driven show is set to dive into the issues shaping Louisville and Southern Indiana. LPM sources tell TALKERS, “In an effort to amplify and deepen the conversation around the biggest topics in our community, the show will connect with public officials, community leaders and everyday people about the challenges and triumphs happening in Louisville and Southern Indiana. It will work to keep the civic conversation ‘on track.’ Its host, veteran broadcast journalist Ayisha Jafer will explore topics with people from across our diverse community that challenge the traditional sound of public media. Scheduled topics include: the state of downtown Louisville, the loneliness epidemic, business development and its impact on neighborhoods, finding love in Louisville, how the pronunciation of Louisville came to be and more.” With the addition of “On Track” to WFPL’s on-air schedule, some programs will shift. “Marketplace” will now air Monday-Friday at 6:30 pm. “Today Explained” will move to Thursday and Friday at 6:00 pm.
SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. announced today (1/31) that its flagship Los Angeles-based radio station, KBLA Talk 1580, will launch year two of its Climate Justice work. This $2 million, 12-month campaign will link and combat the relationship between climate change and poor health outcomes for African Americans, other people of color, and the poor. The campaign was recently named a national semifinalist for the American Climate Leadership Awards 2025 by ecoAmerica. Climate inequities have taken a toll with multiple health triggers in the Black community, such as extreme heat and poor air quality, made worse by the recent wildfires.
election for the seat held by Republican Joe Borelli who is leaving his post to work as a lobbyist. Borelli would have to leave the Council at the end of this term in December due to term limits. Morano tells the Post he’s running because “he’s watched too many friends and family members leave the Big Apple over ‘woke policies’ driving up crime and costs and owes it to his three-year-old son Carmine to ‘fight.’” Morano could remain with WABC hosting his syndicated show while running but the show would have to be blacked out in the New York market because of campaign regulations. 
The Supreme Court ruled against TikTok today (1/17), rejecting the social media company’s First Amendment challenge to the law that effectively bans it in the United States starting on Sunday. The unanimous decision came a week after the justices heard a First Amendment challenge to a law aimed at the wildly popular short-form video platform used by 170 million Americans that the government suspects could be influenced by China. The decision may deal a death blow to the U.S. operations of the exceedingly popular app, which delivers short-form videos that are a major source of information and entertainment to millions of Americans, especially (but not exclusively) in the younger demos. “There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement and source of community,” the decision said. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary.” This ruling obviously comes with a boatload of First Amendment implications and will add even more fuel to the fiery debates unfolding in the talk media sphere about the application of “free speech” and First Amendment Constitutional principles in the heightened environment of misinformation stirred up by the digital era.
Newsmax Raises $150 Million in Pre-IPO Plan.* Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy reports “We did it!” According to the ascending multi-platform news organization’s founder, “When we announced our plan to go public, we also announced our plan to raise $150 million in Preferred Shares before we became listed.” Ruddy tells TALKERS, “I am glad to report Newsmax hit the $150 million* mark over the Christmas-New Year’s holiday. In fact, we have raised $153 million*, having exceeded our target by $3 million. And we have thousands of investors who are still in the process of buying Preferred Shares!
So, Newsmax has decided to extend our offering to $175 million – an increase of $25 million above our target raise.” Ruddy concludes, “Newsmax expects to close on the remaining $22 million remaining very soon.” 
“Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about elevating radio technology and helping the industry understand the critical role of metadata, especially in the digital dashboard,” Jurison tells TALKERS. “Joining Quu is an incredible opportunity to build on that mission. I’m eager to contribute to this talented team’s efforts to strengthen radio stations’ relationships with their listeners and advertising clients.” “Alan’s innovative mindset and technical expertise make him an exceptional addition to Quu,” said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu. “His vision aligns perfectly with our goals to help radio boost ratings and generate new revenue through visual solutions that engage and retain audiences.” Alan will be at CES in Las Vegas this week, where he looks forward to connecting with industry peers. Interested in meeting up? Contact Alan at 
Adell Media announced today (1/6) the addition of “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” to the lineup at 910 AM – Detroit’s News Talk Superstation (WFDF-AM), effective immediately live weekdays 6:00 am – 9:00 am ET. This clearance marks the 50th affiliate for the program, which joined Premiere Networks’ national lineup in October 2024. With a motto of “so much information, so little understanding,” DelGiorno engages listeners with entertaining discussion that goes beyond the latest news and political headlines to include lifestyle, pop culture topics and humor. The goal of the show is to help the audience start their day with fun, witty and interesting conversation that’s also informative. Since the station re-launched in September 2023 with a 24/7 lineup of news and conservative talk, as well as local news, weather and traffic from Total Traffic & Weather Network and breaking news coverage from ABC Radio, the station’s audience has grown +500% to date (Source: Nielsen Audio, PPM, NOV24 v SEP23, MoSu 6a-12m, P6+).
“Michael DelGiorno is a perfect fit to lead our impressive weekday lineup featuring the biggest talent in talk radio,” said Kevin Adell, CEO. Adell Media. “In just over a year since launching our conservative talk format, we continue to see incredible audience gains and look forward to continued growth and success as we provide a leading source for news and information in our community.” “I’m always singing, ‘Oh, how I wish again, I was back in Michigan!’ So, it’s a song come true for me,” said DelGiorno. “All joking aside, as a Flint native, I’m thrilled to be coming home to start the day off right on Detroit’s Superstation and just in time for my Lions’ first Super Bowl!
In a recent high-profile case, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel successfully defended himself against a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by former congressman George Santos. The case, which centered on Kimmel’s use of prank videos involving Santos, highlights the ongoing importance of fair use protections for media creators, broadcasters, and digital content producers.
The webinar offered up to five years of trending data and new findings about Latino podcast listeners as well as video interviews of podcast creators discussing how they’ve utilized the studies throughout the years. According to the study, 43% of U.S. Latinos age 18+ are monthly podcast listeners, a 72% increase since 2020 (25%).