WABC Owner John Catsimatidis Honored at Fair Media Council Folio Awards
John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media Group and WABC, New York, was honored with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award for WABC Radio, New York, from the Fair Media Council Folio Awards last
Thursday (6/12) in New York City. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to WABC Radio in recognition of a century of broadcasting leadership and its continued role as a vital force in American media. During his acceptance speech, Catsimatidis stated, “92% of the American people believed what Walter Cronkite said, and I think news has to get back to that situation and that’s what we’re doing at WABC.” He added, “I am honored to accept the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of WABC Radio, Margo [Catsimatidis], Chad [Lopez], and the entire team. We are committed to common sense, presenting all sides of a story, and letting the listeners decide.”
primary to take on Democrat Mikie Sherrill in November. New Jersey 101.5’s coverage noted, “Conservative radio host Bill Spadea was expected to give Ciattarelli a fight, but any hope that Spadea might have had to keep the race close ended when President Donald Trump endorsed Ciattarelli. Ciattarelli defeated Spadea on election night with a landslide victory margin of over 40 points. Ciattarelli swept every county, including Ocean County, where Spadea’s base of support was believed to be strongest.” So far, neither the station nor Spadea have stated whether Spadea intends to return to the morning radio program.
underserved major markets” as it will debut “The Word Miami” on WWFE, Miami. That station has been airing Spanish language “La Poderosa.” Salem CEO David Santrella comments, “This is more than a station launch – it’s a calling fulfilled. Miami has long been underserved by strong, consistent Christian broadcast content. Salem was called to fill that gap. This expansion is a bold step in our mission to proclaim the Good News through every available channel.” The station is simulcast on AM 1550 WRHC (Miramar) and is also available via FM translators at 103.1 FM (Miami) and 98.7 FM (Miramar).
was the 26th year for the iconic Iowa summertime event that brings some 325 vintage tractors together at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion fairgrounds in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. NRG Media says that while some entities might have been deterred from taking over such a popular and well-established event, company COO/CFO Jim Smith embraced the opportunity. He says, “We’re learning as we go, but we’re learning from people who have done this for a long time – very seasoned – so… it hasn’t been that heavy of a lift because we’re surrounded by good people.”
expected to anchor special news or breaking news coverage when it happens. This position becomes an overall ambassador for our brand, and is expected to also work at special events, and alongside our sales staff to promote the station to Northwest Newsradio clients and endorse their businesses if requested.” 
The addition of these stations fits perfectly into our late founder, my father, Thomas H. Draper’s motto that it is our moral obligation to serve our audience and advertising partners.” In a press release, Draper says it currently operates WBOC-TV, FOX21, WRDE-TV, Telemundo Delmarva, Antenna TV, My Cozi TV, The DSN Sports Network, and multiple FM radio stations across the Delmarva Peninsula. Speaking for seller Forever Media, president Lynn Deppen comments, “We are proud of the legacy these stations have built in their communities and grateful to our dedicated teams who have served listeners with passion and professionalism. We are confident that Draper Media shares our commitment to local broadcasting and will continue to provide outstanding service to audiences and advertisers alike as these stations enter an exciting new chapter.” The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to approval by the FCC.
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.
diverse group of stations. DeGroot comments, “Leading the entire portfolio of Woodward Community Media stations in Northeast Wisconsin is a significant honor. I’m committed to working with our talented local teams to continue delivering relevant content and strengthening our connection with the community.” The company also announces that Kelly Radandt, who was named director of broadcast in November 2024, will oversee broadcast brands across both Northeast Wisconsin and the company’s Springfield, Illinois stations. DeGroot and Kevin O’Dea, market manager of Springfield, will both report to Radandt. Radandt comments, “This expanded role presents a unique opportunity to unify our broadcast efforts and innovate across markets. I am eager to contribute to Woodward Community Media’s continued success and evolution. Onward!”
U.S. House in Florida’s 5th Congressional District as a Republican. Since exiting WOKV in February of 2024, Kaye has been hosting daily podcasts, “Mark Kaye Saves the Republic,” and “The 47 Daily.” Kaye says he’ll challenge incumbent Republican Congressman John Rutherford. Kaye says, “I’ve been shouting into microphones and TV cameras about these lazy politicians for years, but nothing’s changed. So, I will go to Washington and shout at them from the House floor!”
chairman and chief executive officer of Nexstar Media Group, who will remain on the executive committee as immediate past joint board chair. Also, Chris Ornelas, EVP and general counsel for Beasley Media Group, was elected chair by the NAB Radio Board. Leonard Wheeler, president of Mel Wheeler, Inc was elected first vice chair while Allen Power, president, Broadcast Media for Salem Media Group, was elected second vice chair. Eddie Harrell, co-president, Audio Division of Urban One was elected to the major group representative seat on the NAB Radio Board.
illness or disaster. In addition, the campaign strives to raise awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation’s charitable purpose to ensure that anyone in radio and television who might qualify for aid can apply. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “Please do not stand on the sidelines. If you’re part of the broadcasting community, while we hope you never need us, we need to be here for you should disaster or illness strike. The need for aid continues to grow each year, and I ask every broadcaster to consider a personal or corporate donation.” To make a BFOA Giving Day donation, radio and television professionals may click 
website: “He was our friend and co-worker at WWJ Newsradio 950 and also a friend to our listeners, bringing you the stories of the day from Detroit and across Southeast Michigan. Someone recently described him as a hero, and we can’t argue with that. We are heartbroken to share that WWJ reporter and anchor Mike Campbell died on Sunday. He was 65 years old, having just celebrated his birthday at the end of May. He was a fearless reporter, with unique style — a way of talking to and connecting with the people who were a part of the stories he told.” Campbell is survived by his wife Terri and is children. 
The weekend program – hosted by Mark Walters – “Armed American Radio” is added to the program lineup at four stations including WZGM-AM, Asheville, North Carolina and WXZQ-FM, Columbus, Ohio. The “AAR Daily Defense Hour” adds three new affiliates including WNWS-FM, Jackson, Tennessee.
Show Award for “Key Bridge Collapse” in the Outstanding Spot News Reporting category. Director of news and programming Julia Ziegler says, “Our goal every day is to serve those who live in this region by delivering to them the stories that impact their lives. The newsroom pushes hard to produce content for our audio, web and social platforms that informs and engages our audience. It is an honor to be recognized for this work.”
This coming Sunday, June 15, is Father’s Day. For that day – and the Friday before (hint-hint) – you might have already readied Harry Chapin’s “
show was on Friday (6/6). Shattuck – whose career includes time spent as producer of Boston Herald Radio, producer and host at WRKO and WTKK-FM in Boston, as well as editor at the Boston Herald – hosted the midday show at WTIC for the past four years. He also produces and hosts the podcast, “Burn Barrel,” and will continue with that effort. Audacy is going syndicated in the daypart featuring FOX News Radio’s “The Brian Kilmeade Show” followed by “The Erick Erickson Show.”
Santos, and one other employee. According to a memo to staff from WURD CEO and president Sara Lomax wrote praising those affected for their “meaningful contributions to our station, our community, and our city. This decision was not made lightly. As an independent media radio station, it is imperative that we maintain our ability to give Black Philadelphia a voice and a place to make their voices heard.” She also wrote, “I’m very confident we will survive and thrive. “It’s time like this that outlets like WURD are needed more than ever. We want to be around for another 22 years and another 22 after that.”
the Corporation” because it was established to be a private non-profit corporation independent from governmental control or influence. This comes after the Trump administration attempted to remove three of the CPB’s board of directors – Laura G. Ross, Thomas E. Rothman, and Diane Kaplan – earlier this year. CPB CEO Patricia Harrison says, “We are very pleased that the Court recognized CPB is an independent, non-profit corporation, free from governmental control or influence, and CPB, board and management, looks forward to continuing our work with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan public media is available for all Americans.”
all this week from Palm Springs, California at “Freedomfest.” Thomas tells TALKERS that at the event – billed as “The Largest Gathering of Free Minds”—he will cover everything from farming to energy and, of course, free markets. Thomas also operates Thomas Media LLC which owns news/talk WTON, Staunton/Waynesboro/Harrisonburg.
suburban New York market dynamics, and a proven track record of audience engagement, operational excellence along with cultivating client and community relationships.” At the same time, Connoisseur chief operating officer David Bevins, who has been overseeing Long Island operations for the past five years in addition to his corporate responsibilities, will now focus on major corporate initiatives. The company says Bevins will play a key role in managing the transition of Alpha Media into Connoisseur Media. CEO Jeffrey Warshaw comments, “These leadership changes reflect our confidence in our team and our vision for Connoisseur’s future. Kristin and David exemplify the kind of forward-thinking, community-driven leadership that defines our brand. As we grow, we are excited to have their expertise guiding both our legacy markets and new additions.”
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. 
fans their “essential end-of-day rundown of the four most important stories breaking while you were busy.” The Erickson show says “4 Things to Know This Afternoon” delivers “smart analysis of the four biggest headlines shaping the nation and the world in less than ten minutes. From national security to culture, economics to politics, Erick distills the noise into clarity – cutting through the spin with conviction, context, and a clear-eyed view of where things stand.”