The most discussed stories yesterday (7/30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
2. The Epstein Files
3. Tech Stocks Soar
4. Fed Holds Interest Rates
5. Trade Deals
Saga Communications’ Ithaca, New York Cayuga Media Group promotes WHCU-AM news director Joe
Salzone to operations manager for the 10-station cluster. Salzone will take over for Chris Allinger who is retiring at the end of August. Cayuga Media Group president and GM Chet Osadchey says, “Joe is an incredibly hard-working and knowledgeable broadcast professional. He will be a guiding force in our continued evolution as a local media source.”
The Freedom of the Press Foundation files an ethics complaint against Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr alleging “egregious misconduct.” The complaint was filed with the District of Columbia Court of Appeals’ Office of Disciplinary Counsel and points to Carr’s public statements
and actions prior to the Paramount-Skydance merger. Paramount’s CBS agreed to a settlement with President Donald Trump over a Kamala Harris interview on “60 Minutes.” The complaint says, “Everyone from U.S. senators to CBS employees to a dissenting FCC commissioner has said the settlement appears to have been a bribe to grease the wheels for Carr’s FCC to approve the merger. Even putting Paramount aside, Carr has pursued numerous other frivolous and unconstitutional legal proceedings and threatened more of them in furtherance in his efforts to intimidate broadcast licensees to censor themselves and fall in line with Trump’s agenda.” It goes on to say, “Carr’s actions brazenly violate legal and ethical standards that govern the practice of law and public officials, undermining the First Amendment, the FCC’s credibility, and the laws he is trusted to administer. His abuse of his office to force an unwarranted settlement of a private lawsuit is shameful and warrants disbarment.”
Last week (7/24-25), Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta hosted the 25th annual “95.5 WSB Care-a-Thon,” benefiting the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare
of Atlanta. And raised an event record of more than $2.1 million. WSB director of operations Ken Charles says, “95.5 WSB has the most generous listeners in the country, without them this is not possible. I am blessed to work with the most passionate, dedicated and hardworking team in the business. I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved over these incredible and inspirational 38 hours.”
KUT, Austin Promotes MacLaggan. Public radio outlet KUT, Austin, Texas names Corrie MacLaggan executive editor of KUT News and The Texas Newsroom, effective September 1. She will lead editorial strategy, support collaboration across teams, and focus on growing audiences across digital, radio, and on-demand platforms. She currently serves as managing editor of The Texas Newsroom and will retain oversight of that collaborative, while dedicating more time to KUT News and Texas Standard.
WOR Renews NYC Marathon Deal. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR, New York and New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that produces 60 annual adult and youth races including the TCS New York City Marathon, agree to a new multi-year expansion of their official radio broadcast partnership. The deal is part of New York Road Runners’ newly launched content studio, East 89th St Productions, and aims to bring the transformative stories of the running community to iHeartMedia’s listeners across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms.
RMWorldTravel Hosts Secretary Duffy. Last weekend, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy was the guest of hosts Robert and Mary Carey during the live national broadcast of RMWorldTravel during the “Chief Travel Leader” conversation. Secretary Duffy and the Careys talked about what’s been accomplished in the first six months of the Trump administration and what lies ahead. Listen to the segment here.
WFAN and Giants Extend Deal. The New York Giants and Audacy’s WFAN, New York extend their play-by-play partnership. WFAN will continue as the flagship station of the team, and as part of the extension, the team will produce monthly Giants programming throughout the year and will continue its weekly preview show, “Big Blue Kickoff Live.” Tiki Barber joins Giants.com’s John Schmeelk as the new pre- and post-game co-host for Giants gameday broadcasts. The voice of the Giants, Bob Papa, alongside Carl Banks and Howard Cross, will continue their in-game responsibilities.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Colleges Settle with Trump Administration
2. The Fed and Interest Rates
3. The Epstein Files
4. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations
5. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at the recent Amazon Prime Day (July 8-11) and audio’s role in marketing the annual sale event. Data by Quantilope reveals a number of takeaways, including: 1) Leading all media in Amazon Prime Day 2025 purchases were AM/FM radio listeners (53%), followed by ad-supported music streaming (47%) and podcast (44%) consumers. Ad-supported audio listeners were more likely to shop Amazon Prime Day than the online video audience, social
media users, and linear TV viewers. Ad-supported audio listeners are more likely to be Amazon Prime members, spend more, and were more aware of Amazon Prime Day 2025; 2) Ad-supported audio (AM/FM radio, music streaming, and podcasts) are ideal media platforms for retailers and e-commerce brands: Heavy audio listeners are more likely to shop online. Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners spend more online than TV viewers; 3) AM/FM radio makes your TV better – “20 gets you 50”: A 20% shift of a TV media budget to AM/FM radio generates a +50% increase in campaign reach. Nielsen Media Impact campaign optimizations reveal shifting media weight to AM/FM radio generates significantly more reach, especially among younger 18-49 demographics. AM/FM radio does an extraordinary job in increasing campaign reach among light TV viewers who will not see retailer TV ads; and 4) Audio holiday AM/FM radio campaigns work: Consumers exposed to an Amazon holiday AM/FM radio campaign have higher brand equity (awareness, ad recall, prior purchase, and purchase intent). Nielsen sales effect studies reveal AM/FM radio campaigns for retailers generate significant return on advertising spend: $15 dollars of incremental sales for every dollar of AM/FM radio advertising. See the full bog post here.
Many readers and subscribers of TALKERS trace their radio industry roots back to the golden days when the radio programming and record promotion businesses were so symbiotic that the major trade publication serving this two-headed conglomeration was actually called Radio & Records: “The Industry’s Newspaper.”
On September 10, 2025, music and radio industry veterans from across the USA will come together at the 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion. The event will again take place at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The Music Industry Reunion prides itself on bringing together the best of the music business from around the world for this special evening of memories, laughter, and hugs. Past reunions in New York and Los Angeles have reunited over 500 industry influencers, industry legends and icons as well as the brightest radio, music, management, publicity, and marketing professionals in the business. Attendees can enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres as well as chips and salsa, along with $5 tequila shots. Additionally, the Sagebrush Cantina’s full menu will be available to purchase.
According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “For those of us who were lucky enough to be a part of that wild and crazy chapter of pop culture biz history – especially as it played out in Southern California – this is one of the greatest, most beloved industry events of the year… pure history, nostalgia, and fun!”
Advance tickets are $35 (+Eventbrite service processing fee) and available at this link: https://tinyurl.com/mir10th
The luxurious Anza Hotel has King Suites available at a special Music Industry Reunion rate of $118, which includes access to the hotel’s bar, pool, gym, and free parking. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the event. Use Code: 250911LA10 at 818.222.5300 or follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/mir10hotel
Connect with The Music Industry Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MusicBusinessReunion The 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion is coordinated by legendary music biz promoters Jon Scott and Kenny Ryback. Jon Scott 818.601.1283 jonpaulscott@gmail.com Kenny Ryback 747.666.5465 kenny.ryback@gmail.com
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. Gaza Starvation Controversy
3. Fed Interest Rate
4. Deadly NYC Shooting
5. U.S.-E.U. Trade Deal
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Why we’re already seeing TV tout its coming attractions: They understand how, after Labor Day, routines settle in. Viewers will be ready to re-engage.
Radio stations that treat September as just another month are missing an opportunity to reintroduce our relevance, refresh our programming, and remind listeners why we matter. After a summer of disrupted routines, school vacation, and scattered attention, commutes return, and schedules normalize. And we want to be the soundtrack. How?
1. Make listeners feel like they’re rejoining a conversation they care about. “Back to the grind? We’re back with what matters.”
2. Freshen your lineup or formatics. It’s a great time to introduce new contributors – analysts, columnists, or rotating guests with fresh perspectives. Debut a new segment: deeper dives, listener town halls, daily fact-checks, etc.
3. Update Imaging.Listeners tune to news/talk for clarity. At client stations, we’re refreshing IDs, show opens, transitions. Convey momentum and immediacy, and that you’ve got your listener’s back. Adjust clocks to improve flow and appointment tune-in. Even subtle changes, well-explained and promoted, can feel significant.
4. TV has premieres. Radio can, too. Launch a limited-run podcast series and promote it on-air?
5. Promote like you’re running for election. Off-air marketing money may be scarce, but you have other arrows in your quiver: Daily topical on-air promos explain how listening will be helpful. Use social media to tease what’s upcoming, and to post ICYMI “Feature the Moments that Matter.” Ditto e-newsletters and station app alerts and, and partner mentions via local media or civic groups.
6. Sales! Help advertisers freshen their messages similarly.
Any station, any format, should reassert its role. And – as each day’s events impact everyday life – no other format can command more attention than news/talk. So, welcome back.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
Talk radio host Joe Thomas says his Talk Media Network-syndicated program “First Thing Today” is launching a live Saturday morning edition beginning August 2. Thomas says, “The workplace paradigm has changed. Most Americans work just as much on Saturday as they do Monday-Friday, so they need to be up on the news and need a chance to talk about it just as much then.” He notes that his first affiliate for this Saturday edition is JVC Broadcasting’s WRCN, Riverhead, New York (Long Island). Thomas says, “WRCN is where my career really took off. I learned so much there, met my wife there, had our first child while I was there so it was a thrill to hear that John Caracciolo and JVC were bringing me back to 103.9 FM on Long Island for the first time since 1995!” Stations interested in the show can inquire via: willis@talkmedianetwork.com.
Both parties in Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw’s suit against Soros Fund Management and Michael Del Nin agreed to moving the matter from Superior Court in Bridgeport, Connecticut to the Complex Litigation Docket in Stamford. Warshaw is suing for breach of contract, unfair trade practices
and more in alleging that he had a deal with Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try to acquiring Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage the business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” Warshaw also says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024 and 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. As for the change of venue, both parties agree the case involves both complex legal issues and a claim for monetary damages. The defendants says it’s likely to require resolution of “complicated legal and factual issues.” (Del Nin has already moved to dismiss on jurisdiction grounds, which involves questions of constitutional law.) Plus, SFM anticipates the case will benefit from careful discovery oversight as it will need discovery from Warshaw as well as potentially from third parties, including from Connoisseur and the other investment firms Warshaw references in the Complaint.
Talk media personality Wayne Allyn Root (center) is pictured above with Christian music singer-songwriter Natasha Owens (left) presenting him with a plaque commemorating her song “The Chosen One” for hitting 2 billion social media views. Root, who is credited as one of the four writers of the song, says Owens based it on his calling Donald Trump “the chosen one” on his Newsmax TV show.
Last week’s FCC approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger on a 2-1 vote revealed dramatically different takes on the matter from FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty – who voted for it – and FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez – who voted against. While Trusty issued a statement about the merger positioning it as a win
for free markets, Gomez called out the FCC’s role and Paramount for “cowardly capitulation.” Trusty said, “This transaction reflects the free market at work, where private investment, not government intervention, is preserving an iconic American media institution. During its review of the transaction, the Commission determined the merger was lawful and would serve the public interest. This deal brings fresh 
leadership, new capital, and a clear plan to compete with dominant tech platforms.” Gomez stated, “In an unprecedented move, this once-independent FCC used its vast power to pressure Paramount to broker a private legal settlement and further erode press freedom. Once again, this agency is undermining legitimate efforts to combat discrimination and expand opportunity by overstepping its authority and intervening in employment matters reserved for other government entities with proper jurisdiction on these issues. Even more alarming, it is now imposing never-before-seen controls over newsroom decisions and editorial judgment, in direct violation of the First Amendment and the law… The Paramount payout and this reckless approval have emboldened those who believe the government can – and should – abuse its power to extract financial and ideological concessions, demand favored treatment, and secure positive media coverage. It is a dark chapter in a long and growing record of abuse that threatens press freedom in this country.”
According to the Q2 2025 portion of Edison Research’s ongoing Share of Ear study, AM/FM radio (and its
streams) make up 34% of the daily audio time of U.S. consumers ages 13+. Looking at what makes up the other 66% of daily audio time it’s interesting to note that media platforms that didn’t exist (or were very new) 20 years ago make up a combined 54% of daily audio time. Those media platforms are streaming music (23%), YouTube (14%), podcasts (10%), and SiriusXM (7%).
On Thursday (7/24), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit vacated key portions of the FCC’s 2023 order from its 2018 Quadrennial Review, including the so-called “top-four prohibition” regarding television
station ownership. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued a statement expressing his pleasure with that move but said he’s disappointed the Court didn’t do the same for radio. LeGeyt says, “At the same time, we are disappointed that the court stopped short of addressing the decades-old radio ownership restrictions that defy economic reality and weaken broadcasters’ ability to compete, invest in local journalism and serve their communities. Fortunately, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has long been a champion for empowering local stations, and we look forward to working with this FCC to modernize its local radio ownership rules and ensure local broadcasters can thrive in the communities they serve across the nation.”
ESPN announces a multi-year agreement with Steve Mason and John Ireland, co-hosts of KSPN, Los
Angeles’ “Mason & Ireland” show to continue in that role. ESPN EVP, executive editor, sports news and entertainment David Roberts says, “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Steve and John. They bring energy, humor, and perspective that resonate with listeners across Los Angeles. There’s nothing quite like ‘Mason & Ireland’ in the market or in sports radio.”
Cumulus Media Inc will release operating results for the second quarter of 2025 on Thursday, August 7 at 8:00 am ET and will at host an investors conference call at 8:30 am that day.
Talk media superstar Sean Hannity guests on the new installment of “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Hannity is the long-running, reigning champion of both news/talk radio and cable news television. He’s seen nightly on the FOX News Channel and heard daily on more than 750 radio stations via Premiere Networks. Hannity has been expanding his platforms to include a special new premium channel titled FOX Nation and is stretching the subjects he discusses well beyond the realm of politics, for which he has become famous, including history, show business, sports, and even stand-up comedy. Harrison, publisher of the broadcasting trade journal TALKERS, engages Hannity in a candid conversation about his life and career – as well as the launch of a new four-part FOX Nation program he hosts titled, “Wanted Dead or Alive,” about famous outlaws and bank robbers of the early 20th century.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/21-7/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. The Epstein Files
2. The Economy / Trump vs Powell
3. Trump Negotiates with Colleges
4. U.S.-Japan Tariff Deal
5. Gaza Violence-Food Crisis
6. House Approves “Golden Dome” Funding
7. ICE Raids
8. Coldplay Couple
9. Extreme Weather
10.Ozzy Osbourne/Malcom Jamal Warner/Hulk Hogan/Chuck Mangione Deaths
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Ghislaine Maxwell
4. Jerome Powell
5. Mike Johnson
6. Scott Bessent
7. Marco Rubio
8. Andy Byron / Kristin Cabot
9. Ozzy Osbourne / Malcolm Jamal Warner
10.Hulk Hogan / Chuck Mangione
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Edison Research releases its latest study, The Podcast Consumer 2025 that it says “charts the continued rise of podcast listening in the U.S and underscores the significant appeal of video podcasts.” Among the takeaways from this report are: 1) Podcast consumption continues at a record high: 73% of those ages 12+ have ever consumed a podcast, 55% have consumed a podcast in the last month, and 40% have consumed a podcast in the last week, each measure being an all-time high; 2) Video podcast consumption has redefined the podcast landscape: Over half (51%) of the U.S. 12+ population has ever watched a video podcast; 37% have watched a video podcast in the last month and 26% have watched a video podcast in the last week. Those who actively watch video podcasts are younger and more diverse than those who only listen to audio-only podcasts; and 3) Podcasts offer high engagement and trust from listeners: 88% of weekly podcast consumers agree that hearing ads is a fair price to pay for free content; 68% say they don’t mind hearing ads on podcasts. You can see The Podcast Consumer 2025 here.
Former FOX Broadcasting, Red Seat Ventures, and Newsmax talk host and journalist Eric Bolling is the new senior communications manager and partner at Re:Public, the new “citizen-powered media platform for
local communities and civic issues.” According to a press statement, Bolling will assist in guiding Re:Public’s strategic communications, serve as voice of the platform in national and regional media, and assist with outreach as Re:Public expands throughout the United States. Bolling says, “Re:Public is an innovative new platform that returns the voice of ordinary Americans to the center of our public life. Local news has been dominated by goliath corporations for too long. Re:Public empowers people with the ability to report what is important in their own neighborhoods — unfiltered, uncensored, and held accountable.”
Cumulus Media announces that “JR in the Morning” co-host Lloyd Jackson is the official voice of the Detroit
People Mover, the city of Detroit’s elevated public transportation system. The city makes the announcement as the People Mover celebrates its 38th anniversary and Jackson becomes the first new voice for the system’s on-board station announcements in over 30 years. The WJR personality’s voice will now greet thousands of riders daily, both on the trains and from the station platforms. In addition to station announcements, Jackson will also be heard on a series of welcome messages, greeting riders from the station platforms.
Innes to Host Mornings in Detroit. Radio personality Josh Innes, who has worked in the sports talk format in Philadelphia and Houston, is the new morning drive host at iHeartMedia’s rock WLLZ, Detroit. The station says, “‘The Josh Innes Show’ will wake up Detroit listeners with an interactive show that combines live callers, opinions and commentary on a wide variety of topics. From sports to pop culture and local interests, Josh Innes brings a fresh and engaging approach that is both fun and uniquely Detroit.
iHeartMedia Q2 Financial Report Announced. iHeartMedia, Inc will issue financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2025 on Monday, August 11. The company will conduct a conference call at 4:30 pm ET, following the release of its earnings announcement, to discuss its financial results and business outlook.
Urban One to Present Q2 Operating Results. Urban One announces it will reveal the operating results from the second quarter of 2025 on Tuesday, August 19 and will hold a conference call for investors, analysts, and other interested parties at 10:00 am ET that morning.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/223) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. Columbia & Harvard Cases
3. The Economy / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Tariffs
It was 35 years ago today (July 23, 1990) that the first edition of TALKERS rolled off the presses. Then a
newsprint tabloid, TALKERS proclaimed that “talk radio” was, indeed, an “industry within an industry” and worthy of its own, unique full-service trade publication. Founded by pioneering radio broadcaster (KMET, WNEW-FM, WLIR-FM, WCBS-FM, WPIX, KPRI, CBS, Westwood One, RKO) Michael Harrison, who also brought his experience with publications including Radio & Records, Goodphone Weekly, and Billboard to the table, the independent journal went on to produce annual conferences, numerous radio shows, and contribute to the ongoing success and influence of a variety of spoken word formats and talk media offshoots.
Sports talk media personality Rich Eisen is returning to the ESPN radio fold, effective September 2. ESPN says “The Rich Eisen Show” will be available nationally on ESPN Radio, in addition to Disney+ and ESPN+
live in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart. The show will be simulcast live on Disney+ every day and on ESPN+ during select weeks in the year. In addition to his weekday show, Eisen brings his full podcast lineup from The Rich Eisen Podcast Network to ESPN platforms. Eisen says, “Once we struck a deal with Disney for the video version of The Rich Eisen Show, it made complete sense to migrate the audio version to ESPN Radio, where I got started in the terrestrial radio world almost 30 years ago. It’s just another way to return to my roots with my old and now new friends at ESPN and GKB. I couldn’t be more excited about our future together on multiple platforms.”
NPR announces that editor-in-chief and acting chief content officer Edith Chapin will step down from her position with the public media organization this fall. NPR says this comes days after Congress, driven largely
by President Trump’s claims of liberal bias at NPR, voted to strip public broadcasting of all federal funding. But Chapin says the choice was hers and not driven by the action in Congress. Chapin says, “I have had two big executive jobs for two years, and I want to take a break. I want to make sure my performance is always top-notch for the company. NPR CEO Katherine Maher says, “Edith has been an indispensable partner during my first year at NPR, a steady leader for a large part of this organization, and a fantastic collaborator as a member of the executive team.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. House Approves “Golden Dome” Funding
3. U.S.-Japan Tariff Deal
4. Trump vs Powell
5. Ozzy Osbourne Dies
iHeartMedia promotes Dan Lenz market president for its Milwaukee operations. Lenz has been serving as
SVP of sales for the station group. This move comes after the recent retirement of Jeff Tyler. iHeartMedia division president Nick Gnau comments, “Over the past two years, Dan has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance and a deep understanding of the market, earning him this well-deserved promotion to market president. His leadership as the sales lead has been instrumental to our success, and we are confident that both our team and partners will benefit even more from his expanded role.”
Newly confirmed FCC commissioner Olivia Trusty issues a statement about the recent recission of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. She states, “I am mindful of the long-standing role that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has played in supporting educational and cultural programming across
the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas. However, Americans are increasingly skeptical of media institutions, with trust in media at historic lows. That reality cannot be ignored. It is not unreasonable for taxpayers to expect transparency, accountability, and balance from any outlet receiving federal support. Nor is it unreasonable for Congress to reassess whether public funding models established in a different media era remain justified today, especially when Americans have more access to more content from more sources than ever before. This action does not signal the end of public media. Instead, it presents an opportunity for innovation, partnerships, and more localized decision-making. As a regulator, I will continue to support policies that promote access and competition in media, without presupposing that one model of funding or content creation should be immune from public scrutiny or reform.”
iHeartMedia Pittsburgh promotes former lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion Max Starks to color
commentator for game day broadcasts. Starks has been a member of the Steelers Audio Network broadcast team since 2021, and transitions from his previous role as sideline analyst to join play-by-play host Rob King in the booth. Missi Matthews continues to deliver game day reporting from the sidelines. In addition, King and Starks will co-host, “In The Locker Room, Presented by Neighborhood Ford Store” that airs in-season from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Steelers Nation Radio and on WBGG-AM “FOX Sports Pittsburgh.”