Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (January 20-24, 2025)
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (1/20-24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories/Topics
1. Inauguration of Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk Controversial Gesture
3. Pete Hegseth Confirmation Hearings / Marco Rubio Confirmation
4. Episcopal Bishop Prayer Breakfast Remarks
5. Trump Executive Order Signings
6. Trump Migrant Crackdown / Trump Climate and Foreign Affairs Policies
7. Trump DEI policies / Trump DOGE Activities – The Economy
8. Big Tech Government Influence
9. Russia Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War
10.Sean Hannity Trump Interview
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Pete Hegseth / Marco Rubio
4. Joe Biden
5. Mariann Edgar Budde
6. Vivek Ramaswamy
7. Jeff Bezos / Mark Zuckerberg
8. Benjamin Netanyahu / Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Xi Jinping
9. JD Vance
10.Sean Hannity
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
City. Cumulus Media chief content officer Brian Philips states, “Pete has risen to stardom quickly with his on-air performance and innovative program architecture in Kansas City. Pete is among our most dynamic leaders, in ANY format. It also matters that Pete is Bill Hess’ hand-chosen successor, as Bill returns to oversight of our news/talk flagship WMAL, in the nation’s capital. Bill has served with distinction in this corporate role, and Cumulus news/talk is positioned for continued success under Pete’s leadership.” Mundo comments. “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join the content leadership team at Cumulus and am grateful for the confidence that the company has shown in me. Learning from Bill Hess in recent years has been a terrific way to make the transition seamless. The news/talk format is changing rapidly but remains dominant in the audio industry. The format has exceptional upside during this transitional political period, as people continue to seek news and information about their cities, states, and country. I am eager to work with my fellow news/talk programmers across the nation to make our brands stronger.”
acquisition of AMFM, took on an EVP role at Premiere Networks. He was the president of the fledgling liberal talk radio company Air America and joined Westwood One after Air America shut down in 2006. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “This is a devastating loss to the radio industry. I had the privilege of working with Gary all the way back to my music radio days when he was a young executive at the old MJI Broadcasting with major industry players like Julie Talbott and Josh Feigenbaum in the early days of our careers. He has subsequently worn a number of key management and entrepreneurial hats in the business – all reflecting his dedication to professionalism and quality. He was very well liked and respected by broadcasters on both sides of the Atlantic. He will be missed.” A service will be held on January 26, 2025 at Riverside Memorial Chapel at 180 West 76th Street, New York, NY 10023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Gary Krantz’s memory.
run for governor last summer, spurring an argument from potential fellow candidates that continuing his radio program amounted to an in-kind donation from station owner Townsquare Media that violated New Jersey campaign laws. New Jersey’s Election Law Enforcement board ruled Spadea could remain on air until he became a “legally qualified candidate.” NJ.com reports that Spadea will appear at a campaign breakfast next Thursday (1/30) to “celebrate his departure.” While Spadea is away, station political director Eric Scott will host the morning program. The New Jersey gubernatorial race has, so far, four Republicans and six Democrats vying for the office. Democrat Phil Murphy is leaving the office due to term limits.
“love notes” via the Audacy app’s voicemail feature beginning next month. In March, KYW Newsradio will feature “60 Voices” from the Philadelphia area, with quotes from local community organizers, business leaders, celebrities and hometown heroes, sharing why they love living in the Delaware Valley. Audacy SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “Local radio is vital more than ever, and it’s a privilege to work at a media outlet so connected to this region. For generations, Philadelphians have turned to KYW for everything from breaking traffic updates to complex international headlines. When I walked in the door as an account executive in 1992, I was so excited to work at KYW Newsradio. That sense of pride has only grown and intensified. I’m in awe of our team and their impact on the community, and we’re excited to dedicate this year to those who have devoted their lives to reporting the facts.”
pm to 1:00 am slot. Additionally, the company says the show adds 25 new affiliate stations, including WMAL-AM/FM, Washington; KSEV-AM, Houston; and KKAT-AM, Salt Lake City. Valdés comments, “Thank you, Jesus! I’m super excited to be on all of these new stations in great cities, and welcome all of our new listeners to join our live late-night national town hall conversation and encourage them to call in on Open Phone across America.”
management background and expertise complement the diverse strengths and wide-ranging capabilities of our existing board, and we are excited to leverage his vision and insights to drive growth and capitalize on new opportunities.” Galbraith is currently a managing member of Kindred Capital Advisors LLC, and is among the largest shareholders of Cumulus through his personal holdings and those held through Kindred.
role that opened up after longtime programmer Robin Bertolucci exited the company in December. iHeartMedia EVP of programming for Los Angeles John Peake says, “Programming KFI, KLAC and KEIB, requires a unique skill set, and Brian checks every box. His exceptional track record in ratings and revenue success, combined with professional play-by-play broadcasts, makes him the ideal leader to manage our partnerships with the world champion Dodgers and the Los Angeles Chargers.” Long comments, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead these powerful iHeartMedia brands in Los Angeles and to work with some of the best talent in America. I truly could not be more excited to embrace this new challenge.”
(distributed by Premiere Networks) which runs two hours per day, five days per week on stations across the nation, is one of the most innovative and well-received syndicated talk radio shows (as well as podcasts) to come down the pike in many years. It is described by Habeeb as follows: “There’s no debate or opinion. No 
politics. No news. Just stories that bring people together around common values, themes, and the founding principles and ideals of our nation. Stories that create a space for listeners to escape the news and noise of the day and be moved and informed. To listen and learn.” Habeeb’s talk show credentials are formidable. He co-founded Laura Ingraham’s national radio show in 2001, moved to Salem Media in 2008 as VP of content, and launched “Our American Stories” in 2016. He’s a University of Virginia Law School graduate, a Newsweek essayist, and lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his wife Valerie and daughter Reagan. He is currently ranked #11 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. Harrison and Habeeb engage in an illuminating conversation about the importance of history and the power of storytelling. Don’t miss this! 
did editorials on WFAA-TV, Dallas for six years. Krok shared the following message via his social media: “It’s been an amazing 15-year run at the biggest news/talk station in America’s 4th largest market. We’ve gotten to know each other so well, and I can’t wait to share the airwaves again, doing what God made me to do – tell stories, react to life, and have fun together.” Krok tells TALKERS that he has a nice home studio where he fills in on network and local shows. He says he’s available for fill-in work and is ready to talk about his next opportunity. Reach him at: 
company as one Westwood One staffer called the exit a “surprise announcement” from him. DeLany is a Philadelphia native who, according to Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, was one of two staffers who remained with WWDB-FM, Philadelphia when it made the format change from jazz to talk. The other staffer was Sid Mark, host of the long-running “Sounds of Sinatra” program. DeLany would retain his connection to the program and Sid Mark after it moved from WWDB to WPHT. His work in network radio began as a producer at the Mutual Broadcasting System and he eventually rose to VP of news & talk at Westwood One where he managed 30 network news correspondents, anchors, editors and producers at the Westwood One newsroom in Washington, DC.
president of the United States. The interview will take place tonight at 9:00 pm ET on FNC’s “Hannity.” The interview will focus on the executive orders Trump has signed thus far, his first 100 days in office, and news of the day.
Metrics and “Share of Ear” Report, MRI-Simmons, Screen Engine/ASI, Podscribe, and Magellan AI. Four of the key findings from this are: 1) Podcast ad campaigns are too light: No brand is coming close to “saturating” podcast audiences; Brands should allocate 5% of digital budgets to podcasting; 2) After five years with a median age of 33 to 34, podcast audiences finally age to 36, reflecting broader appeal with older audiences; 3) Screen Engine/ASI: Podcast audiences offer CTV advertisers significant incremental reach; and 4) Podcasts tighten their grip on audio audiences: Among podcast listeners, 35% of all audio time spent now goes to podcasts. 
revenue will be between $117 million and $119 million. Company CEO Bill Wilson adds, “As anticipated, our digital divisions had a very strong fourth quarter, as Townsquare Interactive returned to year-over-year revenue growth, and Digital Advertising net revenue accelerated to year-over-year growth rates in excess of +15%, helped by national digital advertising returning to revenue growth together with ongoing strength in our digital programmatic business. In total, we expect fourth quarter Digital revenue to increase approximately +11% year-over-year, and represent 52% of Townsquare’s net revenue in 2024, a true point of differentiation from others in local media, as we have evolved from a local broadcast radio company that was founded in 2010, to a Digital First Local Media Company with a world class team and a unique and differentiated strategy, assets, platforms and solutions.”
cause of death is not revealed in the story. Gallo’s program, “The Gallo Radio Show,” aired on the SuperTalk network of talk stations across the state. The network issued a statement saying, “For over five decades, Paul didn’t just talk about Mississippi — he helped shape its story. Paul dedicated his life to his listeners, his state, and the pursuit of the truth. From DJ to program director, from sales and management to ownership, Paul mastered every facet of the industry.”
Francisco. iHM region president AJ Punjabi says, “Alan’s deep experience in both traditional broadcast and digital audio innovation makes him the ideal leader to drive our business forward. His results-driven approach and commitment to client success will strengthen our market leadership across platforms.” Hirschbein comments, “I’m energized to join iHeartMedia’s tremendous leadership team as vice president of sales. As the enduring leader in broadcast radio, iHeartMedia has also transformed itself into a dynamic force in podcasting and digital audio, standing at the forefront of audio innovation. I’m eager to contribute to this continued evolution and help our partners harness the unmatched reach and engagement that only iHeartMedia can deliver.” 
Antonio radio operations. Cox Media Group EVP of radio Rob Babin comments, “It’s always rewarding to promote from within CMG. I’m confident that David’s experience and expertise will help us achieve new milestones and drive our vision forward while we work daily to serve our audiences, clients, and talented employees at CMG Atlanta.” Abel says, “My journey with Cox Media Group started nearly 25 years ago, and it has been a privilege working alongside the many talented and dedicated team members in San Antonio and throughout our company. I am looking forward to working with CMG’s flagship radio brands and serving our team, listeners, customers, and communities throughout Atlanta.”
Gala and Fundraiser at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Monday, March 10. Mason, who formerly served as vice chair and chair of the BFoA, led CBS RADIO as president from 1995-2002 and as CEO from 2007-2015, among other career achievements. Mason says, “I am honored to receive this distinction from the Broadcasters Foundation. Broadcasting gave me a career that I love on the air and in the boardroom. There are many broadcasters across our country who feel the same way, but tragedy struck their lives, leaving them in need of help. That’s why I served on the Board of the Broadcasters Foundation and continue to support its charitable mission.” Current BFoA chair Scott Herman comments, “Dan is a passionate broadcaster and media visionary whose accomplishments helped define today’s broadcasting business. I worked with Dan for many years, at Westinghouse and CBS, and his leadership elevated our efforts and led us to outstanding success.”
York City Council” for the seat currently occupied by Joe Borelli. Term limits are forcing Borelli to leave the council in 2025. Borelli recently appeared on WABC, New York on Sid Rosenberg’s program and on WNYM, New York on Joe Piscopo’s program and spoke kindly about Morano. Morano adds, “I’m really considering running because Staten Island was a great place to grow up for me and I’d like to keep it that way for my son.” 
Here’s the script:
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.
iHeartMedia announced today (1/17) that Joyce Wirthlin has been named market president for Salt Lake City, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Salt Lake City is home to six iconic stations featuring music, talk, and news formats on both broadcast and digital platforms. In her new role, Wirthlin will oversee all aspects of operations in Salt Lake City, including sales, promotions and programming. She will report to Nick Gnau, division president for iHeartMedia. “I am very excited to have Joyce leading this team in Salt Lake City. Since the day I started working with Joyce, I was impressed with her leadership, the culture she has built with her team and the deep knowledge of the market. I have no doubt that she will propel this team to the next level!” Gnau tells TALKERS. Wirthlin joined the company in 1998 as VP of Sales. Over the years, she advanced within the organization. Most recently she served as the SVP of sales, where she played a pivotal role shaping sales strategies, fostering team development and strengthening the company’s presence in the market. “I am deeply honored to be appointed market president of iHeartMedia Salt Lake City and grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this exceptional team,” said Wirthlin. “The people here are the core of our success. Together, we are eager to build upon our achievements and continue to shape the future of media in Salt Lake City.
The Milwaukee Brewers have announced that Bob Uecker, the legendary radio voice who had called their games since 1971, died this morning (1/16) at the age of 90. He was fondly known throughout the sport as “Mr. Baseball.” Uecker was widely admired for his sense of humor and gained national acclaim for his role as announcer Harry Doyle in the “Major League” movies. A Milwaukee native, Uecker was an MLB catcher for six seasons, playing his first two years with his then-hometown Milwaukee Braves and winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. Uecker was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, which honors a broadcaster every year.