Industry News

John Sterling to Host Weekly Show on WABC, New York

Longtime New York Yankees play-by-play announcer John Sterling is going back on the radio to host a Saturday afternoon radio show on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. Sterling tells NorthJersey.com that he’simg hosting a one-hour show airing Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Sterling spent 35 years as the voice of the Yankees prior to retiring last spring. Sterling says he is no stranger to sports talk radio having hosted a show on WMCA, New York during the 1970s. See the NorthJersey.com story here.

Industry News

Former Radio Exec Andy Bloom Convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct

Andy Bloom, who served with numerous radio companies during his career, was convicted by a Hennepin County, Minnesota jury of two counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct. The 61-year-old former radio executive faces sentencing on May 13. The trial came a year after Bloom was charged after complaints filed by his then-15-year-old daughter. He is currently being held without bond. The investigation began after Bloom’s daughter reported multiple acts committed over an extended period of time between January of 2022 and July of 2023. During his career, Bloom served as programmer for WPHT and WIP in Philadelphia and was most recently with WCCO-AM in Minneapolis, a role he exited in 2018.

Industry News

PodcastOne Partners with Flightpath for Predictive Analytics

PodcastOne partners with Flightpath to use its predictive analytics platform. PodcastOne says the move will provide its sales and operations teams with the tools to optimize yield, unlock revenue potential, execute faster,img and make more strategic decisions. PodcastOne director of podcast business Michal Ksepko says, “Flightpath gives us the clarity and efficiency we need as our business scales. From forecasting to cross-platform analysis, their tools are helping us operate smarter and drive stronger results for both our creators and brand partners.”

Industry News

Former WNIR, Akron Personality Angela Bellios Dead at 53

The Akron Beacon Journal reports that former WNIR, Akron radio personality Angela Bellios has died at age 53.img The story reports that the 53-year-old Bellios, who had left the radio business in 2021, was found dead at a friend’s home where she had been staying while dog-sitting. The cause of death was not revealed and is pending an investigation. See the Beacon Journal story here.

Industry News

Former ESPN Announcer Mike Patrick Dies at 80

Longtime ESPN play-by-play personality Mike Patrick died of natural causes on Sunday (4/20) at the age of 80. Patrick spent 36 years as a play-by-play commentator for ESPN. He also served as ESPN’s NFL voice for “Sunday Night Football” for 18 seasons. His final game behind the mic was the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, on December 30, 2017.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (4/22)

The most discussed stories yesterday (4/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump’s Trade War/Powell Status
2. Pope Francis Death
3. Hegseth Criticism
4. State Dept. Reorganization
5. “60 Minutes” Boss Quits

Industry News

Nationally Syndicated Host Joe Pags to Host Podcast for Salem Media

Salem Media Group brings talk media personality Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo aboard to host a new podcast titled, “Unshaken and Unafraid,” across its platforms. Pagliarulo’s daily, three-hour talk radio show is syndicatedimg nationally with affiliate relations and sales handled by Compass Media Networks. Pags says, “This is more than a podcast. It’s a platform for real talk in a world drowning in propaganda. They’ve tried everything to shut me up, but I’m getting louder. Salem understands our fight, and I’m honored to team up with them.” Salem chief strategy officer Brad Parscale says, “We’re thrilled to welcome Joe Pags to the Salem Podcast Network. He brings massive credibility, a loyal national audience, and the courage that’s desperately needed right now. This show is going to shake things up.”

Industry News

Former WRVA, Richmond Host’s Path to Virginia Lt. Governor Nominee Solidifies

Back in January, John Reid left his post as host of the morning program on Audacy’s news/talk WRVA,img Richmond to run for lieutenant governor in Virginia. Now, his opponent for the Repubican nomination – Pat Herrity – has exited the race due to health issues. Reid is an unusual candidate in that he’s openly gay but a conservative Republican who says he’s “against boys in girls’ sports and the extreme trans-agenda being forced upon our children.” Prior to his work at WRVA, Reid once served as communications chief for then-Virginia Governor George Allen. WRVA named Rich Herrera host of the morning show last month.

Industry News

RAAN Expands Anthony Cumia Show

Red Apple Audio Networks says it is expanding the nationally syndicated “Anthony Cumia Show” to three hours.img The program now airs live on 77WABC from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET Sundays becomes available to affiliates on May 4. Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez says, “The response from listeners and affiliates to Anthony’s return to radio has been astounding. Listeners and affiliates were clamoring for more Anthony Cumia, so we extended his show.”

Industry News

Jimmy Steal Featured at Programming Webinar

Benztown, along with P1 Media Group, Global Radio Ideas Facebook Group, and Collective Heads consultant img Jimmy Steal are presenting a free webinar for radio professionals around the globe titled, “Creating On-Air Megastars and Programming Legendary Radio Station.” The 45-minute webinar will be hosted by Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann and P1 Media Group partner Ken Benson and will feature programming pro Jimmy Steal. Register for the webinar here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

SiriusXM Announces NFL Draft Coverage. SiriusXM is presenting live coverage of the 2025 NFL Draft from Green Bay on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The SiriusXM broadcast will be anchored by Jason Horowitz. SiriusXM’s expert analysts will be former NFL scout, coach and front-office executive Pat Kirwan, former NFL quarterback Jim Miller, former coach Rick Neuheisel, and former NFL running back Jacob Hester.

Cumulus Q1 Report Comes on May 1. Cumulus Media will present its first quarter 2025 operating results during a conference call on May 1 at 8:30 am ET. The company will issues a press release with the results prior to the call. 

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (4/21)

The most discussed stories yesterday (4/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Pope Francis Dies
2. Tariffs/U.S.-China Trade War
3. Trump vs Fed / The Economy
4. Pete Hegseth Signal Controversies
5. Google Anti-Trust Ruling

Industry News

FOX Sports Radio on Site in Green Bay for NFL Draft

Premiere Networks’ FOX Sports Radio announces that its coverage of this week’s NFL Draft will includes two of its nationally syndicated program broadcasting live from Green Bay. The network’s 25th annual Draft Night LIVEimg broadcast will be led by FOX NFL Insider Jay Glazer, who will be joined by network personality LaVar Arrington, former Jets general manager Joe Douglas, and FOX Sports’ lead College Football reporter Jenny Taft to deliver live predictions, analysis and reactions throughout the night on Thursday. Additionally, “The Dan Patrick Show” will broadcast live from The Bar – Holmgren Way as will “The Doug Gottlieb Show” – emanating from The Legacy Hotel – Green Bay and The Bar – Holmgren Way on April 24 and 25.

Industry News

Report: Mark Levin Among Those Named to Homeland Security Advisory Council

The New York Post is reporting that President Trump has appointed Cumulus Media | Westwood One nationally syndicated talk radio and FOX News personality Mark Levin to the “revamped” Homeland Security Advisory Council. The former members of the council were dismissed shortly after Trump wasimg sworn in. According to the report, Levin will join ex-NYPD detective and former “Don Imus” show contributor Bo Dietl, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and Florida State Senator Joseph Gruters. President Trump posted to Truth Social: “Under Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s leadership, HSAC will work hard on developing new Policies and Strategies that will help us secure our Border, deport Illegal Criminal Thugs, stop the flow of Fentanyl and other illegal drugs that are killing our Citizens, and MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN.” See the Post story here.

Industry News

NAB Lauds Court Ruling in Google Anti-Trust Case

A federal judge in Virginia is agreeing with the Justice Department’s charge that Google operates with “monopoly power” in its internet advertising business. The ruling by District Judge Leonie Brinkema stated in part that by linking the ad server and publisher ad exchange businesses together, the company was able to create and keep monopoly power in those two markets. Google will appeal the ruling. NABimg president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt commented on the ruling saying, “Today’s decision affirms what local broadcasters and other publishers have long known: Google has used its dominance in the online advertising marketplace to disadvantage content creators and tilt the playing field. We commend the Department of Justice for taking on this critical case. As policymakers and regulators consider the implications of this ruling, we urge them to recognize that the same Big Tech dominance harming digital publishers is also undermining the advertising revenue local broadcasters rely on to serve their communities. We are encouraged that the FCC, under Chairman Carr’s leadership, is taking steps to modernize its rules and look forward to swift action that begins to level the competitive playing field.”

Industry News

IAB Report Dives into 2024 Digital Advertising Data

IAB just released its Internet Advertising Revenue Report for 2024 and the results of the study indicate the digital advertising industry saw ad revenue climb to $259 billion, a 15% year-over-year increase from 2023. IAB says, “This record growth reflects the industry’s ability to adapt to evolving technologies, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer behaviors. In parallel, the streaming landscape continues to shift, with ad-supported streaming becoming dominant and live sports driving premium ad investments.” Other takeaways from the study including that Digital Video is the fastest-growing format, with revenueimg 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 a surge in growth at 26.4%, while other related formats such as Streaming Music and Radio stifled overall Audio growth. IAB concludes, “As audio consumption trends rise our data suggests that there will be continued digital audio advertising expansion and growth in the year ahead as brands and platforms invest more in podcasts, streaming music, and voice-based advertising.” See more about the study here.

Industry News

Black Information Network Launches Black Maternal Health Campaign

iHeartMedia’s BIN: Black Information Network launches a new special public awareness campaign focusing on the critical and urgent issue of Black maternal health. The campaign is titled, “Saving Black Moms: A Maternal Health Crisis,” and will “shine a light on the issue of Black maternal health and advocateimg for change through an integrated media campaign including special on-air reports, news features, public service announcements, social media engagement, a dedicated microsite, and community partnerships.” BIN president Tony Coles says, “As a network committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, it is our responsibility to shine a light on the alarming disparities that Black women face before, during and after childbirth. This campaign is about advocacy, action, and partnership. By working with trusted community organizations and The BIN Local Roundtable, we can help raise awareness and ensure every Black mother receives the care and support she deserves.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Pubcasters to Present NJ Governor Candidates. New Jersey public media network NJ PBS and public radio outlet WNYC announce their live broadcasts covering the New Jersey gubernatorial race with conversations with the candidates. Republican candidates will appear on May 7, at 7:00 pm; Democratic candidates will appear on May 12, at 7:00 pm. The broadcasters say the goal is to have the candidates engage in civil, solutions-based discussion about issues facing New Jersey.

NHPR Nominated for a Peabody. New Hampshire Public Radio and collaborator The Pudding are being nominated for a Peabody Award in the Immersive & Interactive category for “Failures to Act” — reporting that delved into one of the largest youth detention abuse cases in American history that took place in New Hampshire. The reporting revealed the stories contained in more than 1,281 civil lawsuits filed by people who say they were abused as children while in state custody.

Job Opportunity

Kim Komando Has Opportunity for Broadcast & Podcast Engineer

WestStar MultiMedia Entertainment is looking for a broadcast and podcast engineer. The company says, “If you’ve got audio chops, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. We’re not just another podcast. ‘The Kimimg Komando Show’ is a nationally syndicated tech radio show heard on over 510 stations, SiriusXM, podcasts and streaming platforms, reaching millions every week. And guess what? We’re based right here in Phoenix. This is the job if you want to level up your career in broadcast and podcasting without leaving the Valley.” See the complete job description and apply here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (April 14 – April 18, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/14-18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case/Judge Threatens Contempt Charges
2. Trump vs Harvard
3. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War / Powell Speech
4. Meta Anti-Trust Case
5. FCC’s Carr Threatens Comcast / Trump’s 60 Minutes Criticism
6. DOGE
7. U.S. – Iran Nuclear Talks
8. Russia – Ukraine War / Israel-Gaza War
9. Bernie Sanders-AOC Rallies
10.RFK Jr Promises Autism Cause

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Kilmar Abrego Garcia/Nayib Bukele
3. Alan Garber
4. Pam Bondi
5. Jerome Powell / Xi Jinping
6. Mark Zuckerberg / Elon Musk
7. Brendan Carr
8. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelensky
9. Bernie Sanders / AOC
10.RFK Jr

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

“Rich on Tech” Show Added to WOR, New York Lineup

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Nationally syndicated technology expert Rich DeMuro is going to be heard on iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR, New York. His weekly program, “Rich on Tech,” will air Sunday nights from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and he’ll join WOR morning personality Larry Mendte for a weekly segment every Thursday. WOR program director Tom Cuddy says, “We are excited to welcome ‘Rich on Tech’ to the new WOR Sunday lineup. Rich’s expertise and passion for technology make him a perfect fit for our audience, and we look forward to providing our listeners with Rich’s valuable and entertaining content, including hidden features of your iPhone, Androids, how AI can help around your home, the best new smart TVs, cybersecurity tips and much more.” In addition to his Premiere Networks radio show, DeMuro is a tech reporter for KTLA-TV, Los Angeles. Pictured above are Larry Mendte (left) and Rich DeMuro (right). 

Industry News

SRN Offers Special Show on First 100 Days of Trump Administration

Salem Radio Network is producing a one-hour special show for affiliates on the first 100 days of the Trumpimg administration that will air on Tuesday, April 29. It will take the place of the third hour of the Larry Elder show at 8:00 pm ET. “The 100 Days of Trump” is being hosted by Larry Elder with co-host Chris Stigall – host of SRN’s morning show – as the two will interview White House officials, cabinet members, members of congress, plus other Salem hosts.

Industry News

Joe Thomas Broadcasts from Revolutionary War-Era Tavern

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Pictured above is WTON, Staunton, Virginia owner and morning show host Joe Thomas (right) interviewing Wright Tavern Foundation chair Tom Wilson (left) during Thomas’ remote broadcast. Thomas was visiting the Concord, Massachusetts tavern museum ahead of the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard ‘round the world” celebrated annually in Massachusetts as Patriots Day. The Wright Tavern is where Paul Revere was headed on his legendary ride on the eve of the American Revolution.

Industry News

Top Four Unchanged in Triton Digital’s March U.S. Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for March based on weekly average downloads for participating networks and the top four shows keep their places on the ranker: 1) NPR’s “NPR News Now,”img 2) NPR’s “Up First,” 3) Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE,” and 4) iHeart Audience Network’s “Stuff You Should Know.” Moves of note from March include Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” rising three spots to #6, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” falling four places to #9, and iHeart Audience Network’s “The Sean Hannity Show” soaring 24 places to #14. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Bob Mackay Named Market Manager for Audacy Dallas

Audacy names Bob Mackay SVP and market manager for its Dallas operations that includes news KRLD-imgAM, sports talk KRLD-FM, six music brands and the Texas State Networks. Mackay will continue to serve as vice president of sales for Audacy Dallas. He succeeds Brian Purdy, who continues as regional president with oversight of 16 markets.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Beasley Partners with University of Michigan Athletics.  Beasley Media Group, University of Michigan Athletics, and Learfield’s Michigan Sports Properties announce a multi-year broadcast agreement that makes rock WCSX-FM, Detroit the new flagship radio home for the Michigan Wolverines. WCSX-FM will broadcast all Football, Men’s Basketball, and Men’s Hockey games, along with coaches’ shows and exclusive ancillary programming. In addition, WMGC-FM will carry select Women’s Basketball regular-season games as well as postseason matchups.

Lisa Waks Named to Executive Position. AdLarge and the fwd. network name Lisa Waks EVP of business development and partnerships. In this role, Waks will be leading the business development team in strategic digital partnerships and expanded opportunities for the company and creators across the fwd. network’s portfolio of female-focused content.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (4/16)

The most discussed stories yesterday (4/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump vs Harvard
2. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case/Judge Threaten Contempt Charges
3. Trump Tariffs/Jerome Powell Speech
4. FCC Chair Attacks Comcast Over News Coverage
5. RFK Jr. Promises Autism Cause

Industry News

Guy Gordon Exits WJR-AM, Detroit

Guy Gordon leaves Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR-AM, Detroit after declining to take the company’s offer to move from mornings to early afternoon and take a 60% pay cut, according to a story by Neal Rubin in the Detroit Free Press. Gordon says he understands that the request by management was due toimg a budget crunch – the company has been eliminating positions at stations across the country. He says he didn’t have “an inkling” that his job was at risk, “I probably should have. Radio is really tough now.” Gordon has been a host on the morning show since June of 2023 and was on in afternoons six years prior to that. During his long career in Detroit, he worked as 11:00 pm news anchor at WXYZ-TV and as morning anchor on WDIV-TV. He told his listeners, “If this is the end of the career, I have no grievances. I’m Lou Gehrig without the horrible disease. I’m the luckiest man on Earth.” See the Detroit Free Press story here.

Industry News

Edison Research: Women Podcast Listeners Triples in 10 Years

According to data from Edison Research, female monthly podcast listenership has tripled over the past decade, growing from 15% in 2015 to 45% in 2025. This is from Edison’s “Women’s Audio Report: Women & Podcasts” with support from SiriusXM Media. The report finds that when factoring in video podcast viewership, estimates for engagement by women climbs even higher, to 52% of women age 18+ nowimg consuming podcasts in some form. Other notable findings from the report: 1) Female podcast consumers skew younger (39% between ages 18-34), have higher incomes (29% with household incomes over $100K), and higher education levels (51% with college degrees); 2) Primary motivations among women monthly podcast consumers include exploring topics in depth (53%), learning (46%), and entertainment (44%); and 3) Among the women monthly consumers who have heard an ad on a podcast, 75% have acted as a result of hearing an ad. The Women’s Audio Report was based on 2,520 interviews with women age 18+ who had listened to audio in the last month. See more about the Women’s Audio Report webinar here.

Industry News

Charlie Kirk Engaging with Students on College Campuses

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Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk host Charlie Kirk is visiting college campuses to engage with students, specifically students who disagree with him. According to KIVI-TV, Boise, the founder of Turning Point USA is on “The American Comeback” tour and was at the campus of Boise State University yesterday (4/15). On the tour, Kirk talks with students who disagree with him under a pop-up tent with the words, “Prove Me Wrong,” emblazoned along its top. Kirk will visit Washington State University in Pullman, Washington tomorrow (4/17). Kirk is pictured above at the event on the Boise State campus.

Industry News

Wisconsin’s Civic Media Network Announces Program Changes

Civic Media owns and/or operates 20 signals across the state of Wisconsin airing its news/talk programming and announces a new weekday lineup for the network. First is a new morning show, “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow,” hosted by the founding editor of Courier Newsroom’s Wisconsin digital media outlet, UpNorthNews. The company says several existing morning shows will be folded into the new program, while new voices will be added in other communities around the state to provide the best mix ofimg state and local information. Earl Ingram, host of “The Earl Ingram Show,” will join “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow” on 540AM WAUK in Milwaukee and appear as a regular guest on other network shows. In other moves, “Matenaer On Air” with Jane Matenaer and Greg Bach shifts one hour earlier, airing from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. “The Thom Hartmann Program” returns to its live air time (11:00 am to 2:00 pm). “The Todd Allbaugh Show” moves to 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and “The Maggie Daun Show” now airs from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Civic Media CEO Sage Weil says, “We are excited to bring a more robust and flexible morning show to the state, and to reposition our best shows to serve our uniquely Wisconsin audience. This new approach will provide the flexibility to spotlight our local voices that focus on what is happening in our local communities, from Earl Ingram in Milwaukee to Chad Holmes in Wausau, and to share that content both on and off the air.”