Cumulus Nashville’s SuperTalk 99.7 WTN Announces On-Air Lineup Additions and Moves to Offer Enhanced Local News Coverage
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) announces that Nashville’s SuperTalk 99.7 WTN (WWTN-FM) has strengthened its weekday news and talk coverage with multiple lineup additions and moves debuting in January of 2025. Sources at the powerhouse 100,000-watt news/talk station and SuperTalk TV (YouTube) tell TALKERS the station is committed to providing the best in news and compelling live and local content, and these exciting lineup changes reflect this dedication to delivering top-notch local news coverage and engaging talk programming to listeners.
On-air host Brian Wilson (weekdays from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm), announced his retirement earlier this month, after a 50-year career in broadcasting that included stints at FOX News and WMAL-FM in Washington, D.C., before landing at SuperTalk 99.7 in 2018. Wilson will continue to contribute to SuperTalk 99.7 in a host-at-large role.
Matt Murphy steps in as on-air host, afternoon drive (weekdays from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm), after hosting weekdays on the station from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm for the last three years. Murphy joined SuperTalk 99.7 in 2021 after a 19-year stint with Talk 99.5 WZRR in Birmingham, AL, as both morning show host and program director.
Joining Cumulus Nashville and the new SuperTalk 99.7 lineup is Chad Benson, who will host a live and local show airing weekdays from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Benson will continue as host of his syndicated program, “The Chad Benson Show” with Radio America Network. Chad Benson said, “I’m so excited to be a part of this legendary radio station and to work with an incredible team in an amazing city. I look forward to contributing and building strong connections with both listeners and advertisers.”
The station further enhances its news coverage with the addition of veteran broadcast journalist Joan Jones as news anchor in morning drive with current host and 2024 Marconi winner Dan Mandis. Jones is known for her successful 10-year career as morning news anchor for news/talk station WTOP-FM in Washington, D.C. Current SuperTalk 99.7 news anchor Ken Weaver will continue to cover the news desk weekday afternoons from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Allison Warren, VP/MM, Cumulus Nashville, tells TALKERS, “We are thrilled to introduce these exciting changes to our lineup at SuperTalk 99.7 WTN. Each addition and shift reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality news and talk programming to our listeners. With a blend of seasoned professionals and fresh voices, we are poised to provide even more engaging and comprehensive coverage for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and connecting with our community in new and meaningful ways.”
Tomorrow (12/5) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s New Jersey 101.5 (WKXW-FM) is presenting a special Town Hall broadcast, “Targeted: Protecting New Jersey Children from Online Predators,” confronting the crisis of online child predators, and how New Jersey children and parents are affected. In what is an alarming statistic, the FBI estimates that 500,000 predators are online daily, with kids between the ages of 12 and 15 most at risk. These predators are lurking on social media sites, online gaming platforms, chatrooms, and anywhere else popular with kids. New Jersey 101.5’s Eric Scott leads the news and digital departments in bringing listeners the most up-to-date information about the ever-changing ways predatory behavior manifests itself on the internet and connected devices. “Our kids are spending considerable time on the internet every day,” Scott warns. “Parents need to understand how to identify where predators are lurking and how to safeguard their children.” The program’s on-air guest panel includes John Pizzuro, CEO of Raven and former commander of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Alicia Kozak, internet safety expert and founder of The Alicia Project; Stephanie Lyon, licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor of clinical psychology at Rutgers University; and Gina Cavallo, a consultant and vice president for the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Online, the program will be streamed live and available for embedding at facebook.com/nj1015/live. The broadcast may also be accessed via nj1015.com, the New Jersey 101.5 YouTube channel, or the free New Jersey 101.5 app.
Newsmax launched on DIRECTV Latin America’s leading media technology company in connectivity and entertainment in the region – one recognized for its multi-platform experience. The distribution move comes as millions around the globe are tracking news about the recent presidential election and the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Cumulus Media in partnership with Signal Hill Insights, yesterday (12/2) released Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights’ Podcast Download – Fall 2024 Report, a comprehensive evaluation of the latest podcast audience trends. This 13th edition of the study examining the habits of weekly podcast consumers is part of Cumulus Media’s initiative to share insights and research findings with the podcast community. A key finding uncovered in the Podcast Download Report is that YouTube continues its growth as the dominant podcast platform for consumption, reaching a new high. “Though it began as an auditory experience, over the past few years we’ve seen the growth of podcast visuals, which go hand-in-hand with the similar ascendance of YouTube as a podcast platform,” said Lauren Vetrano, VP of advertiser studies and insights, Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group®. 
“We currently see over a third of weekly podcast consumers using YouTube the most for their podcast consumption, up from 28% year over year. Similarly, one in three podcast consumers now prefer podcasts with a video component. Video, and by extension YouTube, cannot be ignored as an important aspect of the podcast experience.” “Thumbnails turn out to be a key discovery driver on YouTube, especially among younger consumers. 53% of those 18 – 34 say they’ve chosen a podcast on the platform based upon the thumbnail,” said Paul Riismandel, president of Signal Hill Insights. “The title or persons featured in that graphic are the two top reasons for choosing an episode. This finding provides direction for podcasters looking to grow their audiences.”
Baltimore Public Media and WYPR 88.1 FM, announce the appointment of Taylor Holbrooks as the new “Morning Edition” host (12/2). The station issued a statement saying: “Holbrooks’ extensive career in public radio, combined with her commitment to storytelling, makes her a dynamic addition to the WYPR team and a voice that will resonate with listeners each morning.”
She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in media and journalism from the University of North Carolina, establishing a strong foundation in impactful reporting and community engagement. “We are thrilled to welcome Taylor to the WYPR family,” said Craig N. Swagler, president/GM, Baltimore Public Media. “Her vibrant energy, thoughtful storytelling, and commitment to community will enhance our programming and strengthen our connection with our listeners.
Taylor’s approach to journalism will bring new energy to our mornings, setting a meaningful tone for WYPR’s morning broadcasts and enriching the listening experience for our audience.” Holbrooks will officially begin her role at WYPR today (12/3) with her first on-air broadcast scheduled for late December.
Proving how important live and local weekend news/talk radio can be, New York City Mayor Eric Adams stopped by for an in-studio interview on this past weekend’s edition of “The Rob Astorino Show” (Saturdays 4:00 – 5:00 pm on 710 WOR), where he discussed the idea of working with “Border Czar” Tom Homan in the next administration, and shared his thoughts on the Daniel Penny subway chokehold trial. Pictured above: Astorino (left) and Adams (right) at iHeart’s NYC headquarters. To listen to Saturday’s show (11/30), most of which featured Adams’ guest appearance, please click 
The ratings competition for eyeballs and eardrums between multi-platform news content providers has grown increasingly fierce as burgeoning interest in politics – especially during this remarkably heated 2024 election cycle – has driven huge audiences to information venues seeking the latest data and ideological affirmation. The correlation between MSNBC’s notable ratings declines after the “Morning Joe” visit to Mar-a-Lago illustrated the sensitivity of branding and audience expectations within this volatile arena. So, what media outlets did Americans turn to for political news during the heated 2024 presidential election? Pew Research did some digging to find out and Newsmax has earned bragging rights for being among the top U.S. news brands for Americans seeking political news. The Pew survey for September of 2024 asked close to 10,000 Americans: “What news source do you turn to most often for political news?” The question was open ended — with Pew giving no possible responses as respondents gave their own answers. The Pew Study found Newsmax ranked among the top news outlets and networks and tied with media giants X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube — as respondents’ go-to source for citizens seeking political news. Newsmax even ranked ahead of the Associated Press and local news, and was just one percentage point behind NBC, CBS, MSNBC, and The New York Times. Major established news outlets FOX News, CNN, and ABC News led the pack. “Multiple studies continue to show Newsmax is a major news player, and we are continuing to rise,” Newsmax Inc. CEO Chris Ruddy tells TALKERS. “The credit belongs to our team here and our viewers who are tired of old media and want the quality journalism we’re providing.” The Pew study confirms a 
Radio syndication firm, Key Networks and Bloomberg Audio, a leading provider of radio business news in the U.S., announce that Bloomberg Audio and Audacy have renewed their agreement to deliver Bloomberg Audio business and consumer news programming across the majority of Audacy’s 26 all-news and news talk stations. Audacy owns and operates many of the most influential news and news talk stations in America, including 92.3 FM and 1010 WINS in New York, News KNX-FM 97.1 and 1070 AM News Radio (KNX-AM/FM) in Los Angeles, WBBM Newsradio (WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM) in Chicago, and more. 
Bloomberg Audio has been Audacy’s primary business and consumer news provider for several years. Under the new multi-year agreement, Bloomberg Audio will continue to provide Audacy stations with access to its world-class radio news content, including live, customized reports, “Bloomberg Money Minutes,” and specialty features including: “Bloomberg Business of Sports,” “Bloomberg Business of Entertainment,” “Green Report,” “Small Business Report,” “Real Estate Report,” and more. “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Bloomberg Radio, a trusted leader in business news, to continue delivering top-tier, timely financial and consumer content to our listeners,” said Jeff Sottolano, chief programming officer, Audacy. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to providing unparalleled business news coverage across our all-news and news talk stations, ensuring our audiences have access to the insights and information they need.”
Rumble, the high-growth video platform and cloud services provider, announced that the much-anticipated fourth season of “Surviving Barstool” will move to Rumble, unedited and uncensored, beginning today (12/2). Rumble users and Barstool fans can subscribe to the Barstool Sports Rumble channel 
iHeartMedia Philadelphia is teaming up with Boost Mobile and Cradles to Crayons® to launch the “Boost Up for Winter” campaign, a large-scale community coat drive in support of the Cradles to Crayons® Gear Up for Winter initiative. From now (12/2) until Sunday, December 22 the drive will aim to collect and distribute 20,000 warm winter coats and other essential items to children and families in need across the Greater Philadelphia area. Cradles to Crayons® distributes donated items via a robust network of Service Partner organizations including hospitals, schools, and community centers. As winter approaches, many families face the harsh reality of inadequate protection against cold weather. Too often, the cost of winter wear and boots are out of reach for the more than 300,000 children living in low-income or homeless situations in Greater Philadelphia. Through this campaign, iHeartMedia Philadelphia and its partners are committed to ensuring that local children have the clothing and essentials necessary to stay warm at home, at school, and at play throughout the season. For more information on the campaign, including participating Boost Mobile store locations please click 
In an age of rapid information and rising concerns about misinformation, the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) announces the launch of its statewide KAB Trust Campaign: “Rooted in Community, Committed to Truth.” This initiative highlights the critical role Kansas broadcasters play as trusted sources of news and information. “Broadcasting is built on trust, accountability, and community connection,” KAB president Allison Mazzei tells TALKERS. “This campaign reminds Kansans of the unique value broadcasters provide – delivering accurate, timely, and trustworthy information in an era of misinformation.” To support this effort, KAB partnered with KMBC, Hearst, to produce customizable TV and radio spots, along with digital assets, available to Kansas stations at no cost. Stations are encouraged to customize and air the materials by December 1, 2024. The campaign directs audiences to learn more at 
Greg Souchick (l) and Rick Minard (r) expressed their appreciation for the popular music host with a huge mural on the side of a building in downtown Bradford at 181 Main Street. Phelps was overwhelmed by the rendering and said he’s headed up to north central Pennsylvania to see it himself. We’re not sure if any other radio talent has ever had such a tribute. Phelps said, “I’ve had a racehorse named after me and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, but I’m truly stunned by this incredible mural. My phans are phantastic!” Part of Phelps’ schtick is he spells all Fs with PH. He is known for his fast-talking, retro style of broadcasting and for making American geography a focal point of his show. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Phelps is a remarkably creative disc jockey who uses the element of ‘talk’ in a most entertaining and productive way by tying local towns, villages and communities around America into his show and saluting each with special attention to detail. He is my seven-year-old grandson and geography buff, Oliver Harrison‘s favorite radio star. Don’t think I don’t take notice of such things.” Phelps is heard nationally on SXM’s channel 73 M-F 6:00 am – 12:00 noon ET.
We See a Pattern of Philanthropy Developing Here.77WABC, New York has continually been using its powerful platform to support charities and people in need – in addition to creating exciting live and local talk radio. The station is partnering now with Shriners Children’s™️for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing The Most Amazing Care Anywhere™️. Started on November 18 and running through Giving Tuesday on December 3, 77WABC is running promos on air and in its e-newsletter soliciting donations to Shriners Children’s healthcare system. 
WABC Radio personality and legendary New York TV anchor Ernie Anastos is the voice of the campaign. On Giving Tuesday, WABC will expand the promotion to include a stream display on the 77WABC app, video social media posts from all talent, and pre-rolls on its podcasts, with the call to action to donate to Shriners Children’s. Donations to Shriners Children’s on Giving Tuesday will be 3X matched by one of their supporters for triple the impact on children’s health. In addition, on Giving Tuesday listeners will be invited to donate $225 per person to the WABC Radio Foundation, with net proceeds earmarked for Shriners Children’s, to be part of an intimate, 40-person audience for a live broadcast of “Sid & Friends In The Morning” with host Sid Rosenberg (pictured above). 
The live broadcast will take place in January at Studio 77, WABC Radio’s state-of-the-art audio/video event space. These audience members will have the opportunity for a picture with Sid and will receive a Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blanket. In addition, a silent auction to benefit Shriners Children’s will take place for listeners attending the live broadcast, who will have the opportunity to bid on Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blankets. “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “At WABC Radio, we are proud to help support Shriners Children’s mission to deliver specialty medical care to children.” “77WABC is committed to serving our community across the New York City area,” added Chad Lopez, president, Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “By partnering with Shriners Children’s, we are able to bring awareness and help raise funds for their charitable mission.”
The effort by KISS 104.1 (WALR), 95.5 WSB (WSBB-FM/WSB-AM), B98.5 (WSB-FM) and 97.1 The River (WSRV) generated 12,272 meals for food-insecure individuals in Georgia. “We have the best listeners in Atlanta. Each year they support these terrific events and help us do good for the communities we serve,” said Chris Eagan, SVP audience/programming for Cox Media Group. “This is what live and local radio is truly all about.” “We are grateful to the Cox Media Group radio station teams and personalities who continue to show an unwavering commitment to supporting the Food Bank’s efforts during the holiday season,” said Kyle Waide, president/CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “Our partnership with Cox Media Group helps us amplify the prominent issue of food insecurity among our neighbors, and these events underscore the generosity and willingness of the community to help those in need.” During the holidays, food becomes a focal point for many family gatherings, which deepens the despair felt by many neighbors who are already struggling. Thirteen percent of Georgians and 18 percent of children in Georgia are estimated to be food insecure. Among communities of color, food insecurity can be as much as two or three times higher than their white neighbors. Every dollar donated can make a giant impact. The Food Bank’s processes and partners help them transform every dollar donated into up to three meals.
Yesterday (11/26), a Russian court in the Siberian city of Chita sentenced Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalist Nika Novak to four years in prison. “The unjust conviction of RFE/RL journalist Nika Novak continues Russia’s cruel pattern of persecuting and silencing journalists simply for reporting the truth,” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett. “Nika has been wrongly detained by Russia for more than 11 months on bogus charges. It’s time for her to be released without delay and allowed to return to her family.” “We condemn the unjust conviction and sentencing of RFE/RL journalist Nika Novak in Russia,” said RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus. “These politically motivated charges are intended to silence individual reporters and cause a chilling effect. We call for Nika’s immediate release to her family.” Novak was first detained by Russia on December 25, 2023. Sources close to the investigation told RFE/RL on November 26 that Novak was found guilty of “collaboration with a foreign organization on a confidential basis.” Since 2022, Novak has collaborated with RFE/RL as a freelance correspondent for Siberia.Realities. She has been the head of the Gifted Center in Chita since 2021. Previously, Novak worked at ChitaMedia and served as editor-in-chief of the Zab.ru news website. Learn more about Nika Novak’s case 
The celebration of Thanksgiving and Black Friday this week marks the start of one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year. With money on the table, both brick and mortar and e-commerce retailers need to capture consumer attention. This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog examines how AM/FM radio can deliver results for retailers this holiday season. Insights include:
Legendary journalist and all-around local media hero in Western Massachusetts, G. Michael Dobbs, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison states, “Western Mass is a special place I’ve called home for the past 40 years. Although I have had several simultaneous homes in different parts of the country during this stretch of time, the Springfield, Massachusetts area has played a very important role in my life. And in this beautiful, ‘salt of the earth’ segment of America, my guest is well-known to just about all its civically, socially and politically active citizens. His half-century career has been a testimony to the power and importance of local media… which, as we all know, is rapidly becoming an endangered species.” After decades of service, the recently retired executive editor of Reminder Publishing, continues his multi-faceted career in mass communications. Harrison comments, “I’m not sure he understands the meaning of the word retirement.” In his no-frills-down-to-the-basics career, Dobbs has worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, freelance writer, radio talk show host, college instructor and was the editor of two nationally distributed magazines about animation. He has written seven books to date and continues to write as well as appear as a host for Focus Springfield cable television. Harrison adds, “He has covered hundreds of school board and city council meetings; conducted thousands of interviews with local leaders; knows just about everything involved in how local government operates; and is an expert on cigars, brandy, old films, cartoons, comics, and even strippers. He’s an amazing guy and a quintessential example of the tremendous importance of local, grassroots journalism in sustaining and preserving American freedom and democracy.” The conversation with Dobbs started out with Harrison appearing as a guest on the media practitioner’s local podcast titled, “The Ink-stained Wretch with G. Michael Dobbs.” But, according to Harrison, “The conversation went deep into some very meaty material, so I decided to dip into it and extract some content for my own podcast.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please 
RNC Chair Michael Whatley Credits WBT Listeners with Delivering NC to Trump. WBT, Charlotte afternoon drive star Brett Winterble was joined by Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Whatley, yesterday (11/25) to talk about the GOP’s election victories. During the conversation in which Whatley discussed the election’s immediate impact on issues ranging from wars in the Middle East and Central Europe to immigration and the economy, Whatley credited Radio One’s WBT listeners with helping secure the victory for Donald Trump in North Carolina. Winterble is a rising star in the talk radio industry currently ranked at # 41 on the 2024 TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. To listen to the conversation between Winterble and Whatley please 
The Performance Racing Network (PRN) Taps Brad Gillie to Assume Role of Lead Anchor Alongside Mark Garrow beginning with the 2025 NASCAR season. Gillie will be replacing longtime lead anchor Doug Rice who has retired after a distinguished 36-year career left a void few could fill. “The obvious choice to succeed me is Brad Gillie,” Rice tells TALKERS. “He has been an integral part of our broadcast team for decades. He is an excellent broadcaster that our fans trust and are very familiar with, which I know will make this a smooth transition.” Gillie has spent more than two decades working in motorsports. His career started in 1998 at Texas Motor Speedway where he spent 16 years in a variety of positions. In 2006, Gillie began broadcasting live NASCAR events with PRN, where he could be heard in any broadcast position. “I am truly grateful to PRN and Speedway Motor Sports for the opportunity to continue building on a long legacy of exceptional broadcasts,” said Gillie. “It is an honor to move up to the anchor chair and, along with our great team, deliver the excitement of NASCAR to our listeners and affiliate stations. I also want to thank Doug Rice for his friendship and mentorship. His values and commitment to excellence have made PRN an elite network recognized throughout the motorsports and radio industries.”
FOLLOW UP TO YESTERDAY’S STORY: 77WABC, New York Partners with AARP NY, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities for Annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway During Holiday Season. WABC Radio continues its self-stated “commitment to the community” with its annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway, in collaboration with AARP New York, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. The first 5,000 turkeys will be handed out before Thanksgiving, and the remaining 5,000 will be distributed before Christmas and the Holiday Season. The annual Turkey Giveaway kicked off at 10:00 am yesterday morning (11/25) when turkeys were handed out by John and Margo Catsimatidis, Curtis Sliwa, Sid Rosenberg, and other WABC Radio and New York celebrities from the 77WABC Trolley at St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church on W. 49th St. in New York City. “WABC Radio is an emergency broadcast station, a responsibility that extends to helping people in the greater New York City community year-round,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media, 77WABC, and Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets. “Working with AARP New York and The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, we are bringing much-needed help, and hopefully joy, to those in our community who are in need and deserve happiness and a good meal for the Holiday Season.” Pictured above, John and Margo Catsimatidis participating in the holiday initiative.
Affiliates of Westwood One’s “Ben Shapiro Show” received a letter from company SVP affiliate sales Stuart Greenblatt on Friday (11/18) notifying them that “Westwood One is ceasing distribution of the Ben Shapiro Show. The final episode will air on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.” Beginning as a major conservative media podcast produced and distributed by The Daily Wire (co-founded by Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing), its reach greatly expanded when Westwood One picked up the program for radio syndication. In January 2019, Westwood One expanded Shapiro’s one-hour podcast-to-radio program, adding a nationally syndicated two-hour live radio show, for three hours of Ben Shapiro programming daily. According to Westwood One, The Ben Shapiro Show was being carried by more than 200 stations, including in nine of the top 10 markets. TALKERS ranks Ben Shapiro at #16 on its “Heavy Hundred” list of The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. This plan not to renew the distribution deal between Westwood One and The Daily Wire also includes programs hosted by Michael Knowles and Matt Walsh. No further information is available at press time.
Cumulus Media announces(11/21) that it has promoted Marv Nyren to regional vice president of Cumulus Media in Chicago, IL, and Minneapolis, MN. Nyren currently serves as VP/MM for Cumulus Chicago and adds oversight responsibilities for Cumulus Minneapolis to his purview. Nyren joined Cumulus Media in 2017 as VP/MM of Cumulus Chicago. Prior to that, he was vice president, corporate sponsorships for Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ-FM. Nyren also held roles as president/regional vice president for iHeartMedia’s 13 radio stations in Jacksonville, FL, and Brunswick, GA, and was regional VP/MM for Emmis Media for 12 years, managing the company’s stations in Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Indianapolis. Dave Milner, president, operations, Cumulus Media, tells TALKERS, “Marv brings a wealth of experience across multiple U.S. markets to this expanded role. Known for his highly effective and impactful leadership in Chicago, Marv will be a tremendous asset to our talented teams and strong brands in the Twin Cities.” Marv Nyren comments, “I’m deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Cumulus Chicago team, and now, expanding to the Minneapolis market is truly a dream come true. Being part of both teams is a privilege, and I’m excited to contribute and make a positive impact in both markets.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James today (11/22) announced that a court found SiriusXM Radio, Inc. violated the law by forcing customers to undergo a long and burdensome process to cancel their subscriptions. AG James sued SiriusXM in 2023 after an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) revealed that the company requires its subscribers to call or chat online with an agent to cancel a subscription and trains its agents not to take “no” for an answer. SiriusXM’s alleged illegal process deliberately draws out conversations with customers as part of a strategy to prevent them from canceling their subscriptions. “No one should have to endure a lengthy and frustrating process to cancel a subscription, and any company that forces customers to jump through unnecessary hoops to end their subscriptions is breaking the law,” said Attorney General James. 
“This decision found SiriusXM illegally created a complicated cancellation process for its New York customers, forcing them to spend significant amounts of time speaking with agents who refused to take ‘no’ for an answer. My office sued SiriusXM to protect consumers, and as a result of our actions, they will have to simplify their cancellation process to stop taking advantage of New Yorkers.” SiriusXM has approximately 35 million subscribers of which nearly 2 million are New Yorkers.
Cox Media Group news/talk outlet 102.3 KRMG (KRMG-FM), Tulsa hit a historic milestone on the 19th year of its annual Stories of Light fundraising campaign to benefit Make-A-Wish Oklahoma. The three-day event raised more than $326,000, pushing the collective amount raised since its inception over the $5 million mark. At the conclusion of a 52-hour radio broadcast, 
KRMG was able to announce on Thursday night (11/21) that its listeners had donated enough to provide more than 65 wishes for Oklahoma children from this year’s campaign. “We cannot think of a better way to kick off the holiday season than to help kids who need something to look forward to during treatment,” says Levi May, KRMG director of branding and programming. “This fundraiser has become part of KRMG’s history and are proud of the impact we have been able to make year over year for nearly 20 years.” During the two-and-a-half-day remote broadcast at LaFortune Park, KRMG featured the stories of Oklahoma kids who have had their wishes granted already. The emotional interviews shed light on how donations are spent locally and the impact they make on young patients. Make-A-Wish helps fulfill the wishes of children with critical illnesses and KRMG’s Stories of Light campaign is the organization’s largest fundraiser in Oklahoma. To learn more about the campaign, visit 
KIRO Newsradio is announcing the upcoming retirement of one of Seattle’s most influential and trusted broadcasters, Dave Ross. After 47 years with the station, Dave will step down on December 19, leaving a legacy that has deeply impacted both KIRO Newsradio and the Seattle community. In addition to Dave’s retirement, Colleen O’Brien, who has been a key voice on “Seattle’s Morning News” alongside Dave for many years, will also be stepping away from her role. Colleen’s last day on air will also be Friday, December 19th. Colleen has been an integral part of the morning show, providing sharp insights and a compassionate presence to Seattle listeners.
Dave has not only been a trusted voice in Seattle but a powerful example of journalistic excellence,” said Tanya Vea, president/CEO of Bonneville International. “For nearly five decades, his dedication to truth and commitment to the Seattle community have left a lasting impact on KIRO Newsradio and beyond. We are deeply grateful for his service and the legacy he leaves behind.” “Dave’s curiosity and talent for making complex topics accessible is truly unique,” Bryan Buckalew, KIRO Newsradio director of news and talk programming said. “While his daily presence will be greatly missed, we honor his extraordinary career and the lasting legacy he has created at KIRO Newsradio.” Dave joined KIRO Newsradio in 1978 as a news reporter and anchor, quickly becoming a trusted voice for listeners across the Pacific Northwest. Known for his thoughtful commentary and balanced perspective, he has encouraged listeners to think critically about important issues for nearly half a century.
Today (11/21), Triton Digital released its Canada and U.S. Podcast Rankers for October 2024. The rankers are measured by Triton’s Podcast Metrics measurement service, and both include a reporting period of September 30, 2024 – November 3, 2024.