Industry Mainstay Dom Giordano Launching Weekly Podcast Addressing Education and Parental Rights
Longtime Philadelphia-based radio talk show host Dom Giordano is launching a new weekly podcast today (5/27) devoted to exploring America’s politically charged education system with a focus on protecting the rights of parents to engage in school choice and select the best school for their child. The show will feature a blend of commentary from Giordano on the hottest aspects of the evolving issues plus interviews with leaders from the American education system.
A presentation of Giordano Productions, LLC, the program is titled, “Old School, New School, Next
School with Dom Giordano” – a phrase inspired by the recent TALKERS conference “Generations 2025” held earlier this year in conjunction with IBS NY 2025. The podcast will be carried on the industry’s major platforms.
Long referred to as the Dean of Philadelphia News/Talk Radio, Giordano, the seasoned midday (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) host of Audacy’s WPHT, has been a mainstay of local Philadelphia talk radio since 1987 where he has developed a national reputation in the industry for his knowledge and even-handedness. He offers an intelligent “guy next door” sensibility on the full spectrum of contemporary issues with a particular strength in education that goes back to his local roots in Pennsylvania.
Born and raised in South Philly, Giordano began his unique path to broadcasting as a high school teacher in the Delaware Valley, where he received widespread media coverage for his innovative teaching and motivational techniques. He was hired at WWDB Radio in 1987, becoming one of the nation’s first teachers-turned-talk show hosts. In 2000, he joined CBS-owned-and-operated (now Audacy) WPHT where he has been ever since. A perennial fixture on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” – the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – he is a frequent guest commentator on the national cable news/talk TV channels and writes frequent columns for newspapers throughout the region.
The podcast’s debut installment today features a conversation with special guest Ryan N. Boyer, business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Consortium – an aggregation of more than 50 labor unions and 40,00 workers. Giordano tells TALKERS, “We focused on how and why this major labor leader could be such a strong supporter of school choice.” Boyer states, “I’d be a hypocrite to oppose school choice – because I’ve exercised it myself.”
Next week’s second installment will feature an interview with Stacy Garrity, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The discussion will address the cost savings of school choice and how the issue will play out in the upcoming governor’s race against one of the Democrats’ leading presidential candidates, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
To listen to “Old School, New School, Next School with Dom Giordano,” please click HERE.
traffic news, drivers turn to local radio over social media or phone apps. The study asked drivers about their use of their infotainment system use and 69% said they use it for first for controlling audio content; 68% said navigation was their primary use, and 66% said they use it first for making phone calls. Audacy adds, “Today’s drivers – especially the tech-savvy ones – expect their Audio to follow them everywhere. Whether they’re finishing a podcast from the office to the car or switching from music on the road to the gym, they want their content to move with them. Nearly all AI intenders (93%) say seamless podcast listening is a must, and 73% say the same about radio.” 
floated debilitating rate regulation schemes that target national network broadcasters for their newsrooms’ editorial decisions, harassed private companies for their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, and threatened tech companies that respond to consumer demands for content moderation and fact-checking. Separately, they have attempted to shutter Voice of America and sought retribution against lawful residents that protest Administration policies.” She cited two occasions where presidents – FDR in 1939, and John F. Kennedy in the early 1960s – asked their FCC Chairs to shut down media outlets critical of their policies and those FCC Chairmen boldly refused. 
The book includes access to the Get Clear Career Assessment — a tool to help teens discover their top talents, passions and mission. Coleman says, “Every student has incredible potential, but they often don’t know where to start. This book is about helping them discover their unique strengths and passions — so they can step forward with a clear vision and the confidence to pursue the work they’re meant to do.” Coleman is a three-time bestselling author and a co-host of “The Ramsey Show.” He also hosts “Front Row Seat,” part of The Ramsey Network, that debuted in January and has accrued more than 50 million views. The show “dives deep into the untold truths behind success through unfiltered conversations with top achievers.”
voracious consumers of movies in the theater and films on streaming services. They are first to see a movie in the theater on opening weekend and when films debut on streaming services; and 2) Versus linear TV viewers, audio listeners are far more likely to see movies in the theater and indicate a greater willingness to watch content. Looking at data about marketing moves and streaming video, the study finds that 1) Linear TV advertising spend for theatrical releases and video streaming brands is 30X audio. Despite this, TV viewers show low awareness of new films and low interest in upcoming films and streaming service subscriptions; and 2) Audio (AM/FM radio, streaming audio, and podcasts) should become a much greater allocation in the entertainment marketing media plan. Reallocating 20% of linear TV theatrical and streaming video media plans to AM/FM radio doubles campaign reach with no additional cost. 
When a blogger found “no biography, or further information about the woman who is supposedly presenting this show,” it forced Australian Radio Network to 
CEO Jennifer Witz said the company is re-focusing on in-car listening after its less-than-successful attempt to become a leader in streaming content. She says, “We entered 2025 focused on what we do best: delivering standout experiences to our core subscribers, curating compelling content, strengthening our advertising business, and enhancing the value of our service. Today, we’re operating with greater discipline, improving execution across the board, and reallocating capital toward the areas where we see the greatest impact. We’re building a more focused, more efficient SiriusXM — aligned around what matters most to our listeners and our business — and I’m pleased with how we’ve started the year.”
is “bringing America the headlines that matter – fast, accurate, and in-depth. Anchor Tracy Sobol covers politics, economy, culture, and global affairs with trusted analysis and real-time reporting from coast to coast and around the world.” Sobol comes to Newsmax from EWTN where she anchored “EWTN News Nightly.” Sobol comments, “I am thrilled and honored to be joining Newsmax. I could not be more excited to be a part of one of the fastest-growing news organizations, bringing real news to Americans. There is no place that I would rather be.” 
freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment and fighting back against what she calls the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign of censorship and control. Gomez says, “Since the founding of our country, the First Amendment has protected our fundamental right to speak freely and hold power to account. Today, the greatest threat to that freedom is coming from our own government. Silencing dissenting voices is not a show of strength – it’s a sign of fear. We must continue to speak out against this growing campaign of censorship and control before this dangerous new normal becomes the status quo.”
Business You Love is a book in which Ramsey shares the lessons he’s learned starting his business on a card table in his living room and growing it into a $250 million-a-year company. Dave Ramsey says, “For people serious about starting a business, it’s the ride of a lifetime. It will be hard, and it will take longer than expected, but it also offers the opportunity to become a better person as you become a better leader. I hope readers find the courage to keep going, the humility to keep learning and the heart to build something that serves others.”
increasing 19.2% YoY to $62.1 billion, now accounting for 24% of total ad revenue, and that Podcast advertising revenues show a strong YoY growth of 26.4%, a significant acceleration from 5.5% last year. IAB adds, “This growth was fueled by shifting consumer media habits, with cord-cutting driving greater engagement with on-demand audio, and podcasts emerging as a key platform for political advertisers seeking to connect with voters ahead of the election.” Overall, digital audio – including podcasting – has continued to grow, earning $7.6 billion in revenue with an 8.5% YoY growth from FY23 which is a slowdown in growth compared to last year’s 18.9% rate. Podcasting however saw 
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.” 
These books have helped me tell stories, prioritize programming initiatives and manage career strategies. If interested in a book the link connects to its page on Amazon.
$171 billion local advertising marketplace. The study reveals that “key categories are driving investments in radio advertising: investment & retirement, quick service restaurants, supermarkets, commercial banking and hospitals. BIA VP of insights and analysis Celine Matthiessen adds, “Notably, hospitals are projected to be one of the top spenders in local radio advertising in 2025, according to our advertising forecast. As they allocate parts of their media budgets to Radio Over-the-Air (OTA), 
Radio Digital and other platforms like Connected TV (CTV), it’s evident that local radio continues to be a trusted and culturally relevant medium, especially in rural and remote communities.” RAB president and CEO Mike Hulvey comments, “Our continued partnership with BIA allows RAB membership insights into opportunity across local advertising categories. Broadcast radio and its digital assets can deliver the services that local businesses want and need to increase their sales revenue. Local businesses across sectors are dependent upon marketing professionals to help guide their growth. Understanding challenges of advertising categories and potential opportunities that exist is the value that this information brings to RAB members and to their prospective advertisers.” RAB and BIA will host, “Radio Ad Forecast 2025: BIA’s Latest Projections,” at 1:00 pm ET on April 16, for RAB members. 
ABX AM/FM radio creative study for RAB proves legendary marketing professor Mark Ritson was right; 2) Wear-out of AM/FM radio ads is virtually non-existent: Only two of 25,000 ads showed a decline in some creative effectiveness metrics. Two major creative effectiveness measures, branding and messaging, showed no wear-out; 3) The two ads showing differences were at the top end of cumulative spending and time in market: Two years in market and $8M+ of spend is where creativeness effectiveness might start to wane; 4) Repeat testing of 10 of the 12 longest running AM/FM radio ads reveals no statistically significant erosion; and 5) The giants of marketing effectiveness and creative testing conclude wear-out is non-existent: Take it from Les Binet/Sarah Carter, ABX, Kantar, System1, and Analytic Partners. 
election, its reporting on the origins of the coronavirus in China, and the investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia during his first term. U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) told Maher, “You guys were 0-for-3 on three of the biggest stories in the country.” Maher was also pressed by U.S. Rep. William Timmons (R-SC) about comments she made before she was CEO of NPR in which she called Donald Trump a sociopath, a racist and deranged and asked how she could helm a news organization with that kind of inherent bias. She replied, “There is strong firewall between me and the newsroom,” and said her political thinking and personal worldview have changed in recent years, adding, “I regret those tweets; I would not tweet them again today.” The story notes that Maher said she “respected” the lawmakers’ concerns and promised NPR is doing more under her watch to “beef up our editorial standards” and “make sure we have more points of view reflected in every story.” 
Podcasting is no longer a niche platform lacking scale. Podcasts deserve a larger role in media plans as opposed to “test and learn” experimental buys. 158 million Americans, 55% of persons 12+, are reached monthly. Among persons 18-34, 18-49, and 25-54, monthly reach is now 65% to 73%; 2) It is feasible to consider shifting TV budgets to podcasting given that podcast 18-34 weekly reach (52%) is as big as TV’s (52%); 3) Brands targeting women should give podcasts a starring role in media plans: Podcast female audiences have hit record highs in habituation and reach; 4) Among male demographics, monthly reach is now in the low 70% range; and 5) Adopt agency media legend Arnie Semsky’s “5% solution” to podcasts: Allocate 5% of digital ad budgets to podcasts. 
Media. “The Infinite Dial 2025 will be unveiled by Edison Research vice president Megan Lazovick alongside special guest James Cridland, editor of Podnews. With 35 years in the audio business, Cridland will offer unique analysis into the numbers and global context. Together, they will provide attendees expert insights on the latest digital audio consumption trends and their implications for the industry.”
21.67% of stations had women in the general manager position, a decline of half a point from last year, but a large increase from 2004 when 14.9% of stations had a female GM. MIW says the best management opportunities for women in radio continues to be in sales management as 35.67% of stations had a woman sales manager in 2024, up more than a full percentage point from 2023. When it comes to programming, MIW says the greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program directors/brand managers. Women currently program 12.38% of stations, a slight gain from 11.50% in 2023. MIW board president Sheila Kirby comments, “While we are encouraged by the progress in sales management and programming, the overall numbers show that there is still significant work to be done. Leadership opportunities for women in radio must continue to grow, and our mission at MIW remains steadfast – empowering, mentoring, and advocating for more women to rise into key decision-making roles across the industry.”
Nicole Ovadia says, “Our latest forecast indicates that local advertising is showing resilience, despite the ongoing changes in the economic landscape. Although we expect core advertising to remain stable, we’ve adjusted our outlook to account for various market factors like interest rates and consumer sentiment and significant changes in media consumption patterns that are driving digital growth.” The forecast indicates strong growth in several sectors: Real Estate at 9.3%, Restaurants at 9.2%, and Retail at 6.8%. The Education and Automotive verticals are also experiencing substantial growth, with increases of 5% each.
with more than 250 affiliate stations. Coglianese comments, “I am beyond thrilled to be stepping into this role with Westwood One and Silverloch and can’t thank my WMAL family in Washington enough for the eight incredible years we’ve already spent together. I also want to offer a special thank you to Dan Bongino for selflessly returning to service for his country. His decency and sacrifice are a true testament to his character. Now we take things to the next level. I’m deeply conscious of the history-making legacies of these broadcasts, which is why we will be delivering the ultimate three-hour live radio show and one-hour podcast for the millions of Americans who demand the truth.” Westwood One president Collin Jones adds, “Vince’s star has been on the rise, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the unparalleled Westwood One platform to expand his reach even further. Vince’s unparalleled ability to combine realism with sharp political insight makes him the ideal host to captivate audiences across both live radio and podcasting. ‘The VINCE Show’ and ‘VINCE’ podcast will quickly become cornerstones of our industry-leading conservative talk lineup.”
Now, is submitting IPO offering materials with the SEC and is seeking a public offering with a planned listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NMAX” later this year. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy states, “This achievement reflects the strong results Newsmax has demonstrated and testifies to the trust and support the company maintains with investors, viewers and friends. We’d also like to thank Digital Offering LLC, for their expertise, hard work and their positive commitment to supporting us throughout this process. We are excited to be one step closer to our upcoming IPO which will provide us a tremendous opportunity for growth. A public offering will allow tens of thousands of Americans to directly partner with us and join our news revolution. We look forward to delivering long-term value to all of our shareholders.”