Legendary Phoenix Suns PBP Announcer Al McCoy Passes Away at 91
Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor member and legendary radio play-by-play announcer Al McCoy has passed away peacefully at the age of 91. The longest tenured team broadcaster in NBA history, McCoy was widely known as the “dean of NBA broadcasters” for his years of service and unique broadcasting style. He served 51 seasons as “The Voice of the Suns,” calling his first game on September 27, 1972 and his last on May 11, 2023. McCoy’s unforgettable calls of the most memorable moments in Suns history, including three trips to the NBA Finals, and his trademark phrases from “Shazam!” to “Zing Go the Strings” to “Heartbreak Hotel” have cemented his legacy throughout Arizona and the NBA. His distinctive voice, vivid descriptions and deep knowledge of the game created a unique style that remained a staple for more than five decades. McCoy will long be known as the Voice of the Phoenix Suns. His many contributions to basketball and sports broadcasting were recognized when he received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. The first play-by-play announcer inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004 and a 2009 inductee into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, McCoy earned the team’s highest honor when he became the 15th person inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor in 2017. Funeral services are pending.
The Radio Hall of Fame inducted its 2024 class of honorees last night (9/19) during a gala ceremony and dinner at the Omni Nashville. 2022 inductee, Lon Helton was emcee for the event, with Radio Hall of Fame co-chairmen, Kraig Kitchin (also one of this year’s inductees) and Dennis Green, welcoming attendees with opening remarks. Pictured above: 2024 inductee Lee Harris (r) director of integrated operations, NewsNation (and of 1010 WINS, New York fame) and Scott Herman (l) chairman, Broadcasters Foundation of America who inducted Harris. Herman and Harris worked together at 1010 WINS when the all-news operation was part of the CBS Radio fold and Herman served as the company’s COO. For more information about the Radio Hall of Fame and the eight 2024 Inductees, visit: 
Audacy has added “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” to its lineup on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, Philadelphia. Failla’s nationally syndicated political show will be heard weekdays from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET beginning October 7. “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” features guests from across the political spectrum for lively discussions on the day’s leading headlines. David Yadgaroff, senior vice president and market manager, Audacy Philadelphia tells TALKERS, ““Jimmy’s coverage of today’s top stories brings a refreshing lightness to the political polarization in America, uniting listeners from all parties with laughter,” adding, “Talk radio has proved to be a reliable news source for listeners, so we’re proud to add this renowned program to our airwaves as the anticipation builds for the 2024 presidential election.” TALKERS Heavy Hundred member, Failla says, “As a former taxi cab driver, I am thrilled to join a station that’s built the same strong relationships with its listeners as I built with my passengers,” adding, “I can’t wait to take this ride!” In addition to his radio program, which is heard on 150 stations nationwide, Failla hosts the television show “FOX News Saturday Night,” where he uses his experience as a stand-up comedian to add humor to the biggest stories of the week. He is the New York Times bestselling author of the FOX News book Cancel Culture Dictionary and began writing for the network in 2016. Failla is replacing Cumulus / Westwood One syndicated star (and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member) Mark Levin at night on WPHT.
Beasley Broadcast Group Inc. (Nasdaq: BBGI) has announced a 1-for-20 reverse stock split, effective September 23, 2024. But what does this mean for shareholders? A reverse stock split reduces the number of shares investors own while increasing the price per share. In BBGI’s case, for every 20 shares you hold, you’ll now own one share. For example, if you own 100 shares at $0.50 each, after the split, you’ll own five shares priced at around $10 each. Importantly, the total value of your investment stays the same before any market fluctuations. BBGI is conducting this reverse stock split to boost its stock price and comply with Nasdaq’s requirement for stocks to trade above $1.00. The split helps the company remain listed on the exchange. Shareholders don’t need to take any action – your broker will automatically adjust the number of shares. However, if you end up with a fractional share (e.g., owning 25 shares pre-split), you’ll receive cash for the fraction rather than owning a partial share. The reverse split will take effect on September 23, 2024, with shares trading at the new price starting September 24. While your share count decreases, the goal is to stabilize BBGI’s stock price and position the company for future growth. In summary, the reverse stock split is a technical adjustment, and the value of your investment remains the same. Keep an eye on the stock’s performance post-split to gauge its long-term impact.
Cumulus Media Appleton-Oshkosh, WI is looking for a dynamic morning show host for its legendary conservative talk and news station WOSH-AM (with FM translator). The station just celebrated its 83rd anniversary and is looking for an engaging presence to guide it to its next milestone. Station officials tell TALKERS, “The WOSH host shares the community voice and opinions and encourages listeners in the Fox River Valley to engage with the topics of the day, whether they agree (or even disagree) with us. Our talent, news, the sound of the station, and promotions are all forward thinking. If you are as well, maybe Wisconsin should be on your radar!” For more details and contact information, please 
The images accompanying the music will be a dynamic montage of individual radio talk hosts in the process of doing their shows. The group invites talk show hosts from around the country – local and syndicated – to contribute video clips of themselves in action on the mic. The clips need not be longer than one minute and show the face of the host on air in the studio (even if it is a home studio) and, if possible, show the station or program logo in the frame. Obviously, the group cannot guarantee inclusion in the final product, but every effort will be made to do so. Gunhill Road video producer (and TALKERS VP/associate publisher) Matthew B. Harrison states, “The members of Gunhill Road are so grateful for the attention and airplay they have received over the past five years from talk radio that they want to give something special back to the industry and its medium.” Interested hosts should send their video clips to 
Crowley has had a long and illustrious career in New York talk radio. He has served as vice president/general manager of the Salem Media Group New York – WNYM 970 AM The Answer and WMCA 570 AM The Mission – since 2013. Prior to that, he held key management positions for 18 years as sales manager and VP/GM at WOR, New York. In an internal memo issued to Salem management and corporate staff (9/17), company senior VP East region Jeff Reisman states, “Jerry has been an integral part of our team since 2013, leading both WMCA and WNYM with visionary guidance and unwavering dedication. His remarkable leadership and unique skills have strengthened Salem’s presence in the New York market. Throughout his tenure, Jerry has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to blend his gifts and expertise, fostering a positive impact on our NY staff, our [WMCA] ministry partners, and our local advertising clients. His commitment to excellence and his innovative approach has set a high standard for all of us.” Reisman concludes, “There is only one Jerry Crowley, and we are deeply grateful for his 11 years of hard work and dedication. While we will certainly miss his presence and leadership, we wish him all the best as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.” 
Effective immediately (9/18), Christine Escobar re-joins the company as market president for Austin. Rosie Perez steps into the role of market president for San Antonio. 
Additionally, George Flora has been elevated to senior vice president of sales for Dallas-Fort Worth. 
As market presidents, Perez will oversee the operations of all seven iHeartMedia San Antonio stations and Escobar will oversee the operations for all five iHeartMedia Austin stations. As SVP of sales, Flora will be responsible for driving client success, leading the sales management team, working closely with sellers and growing revenue in the Dallas – Fort Worth region. All three leaders will report to Amy Leimbach, region president for iHeartMedia Dallas-Austin-San Antonio. “Rosie, Christine and George are incredibly talented and are the right choice to lead their teams in the Dallas-Austin-San Antonio Region,” said Leimbach. “They each have a strong track record and a unique set of skills that fit their respective markets, with the ability to build and cultivate winning teams.”
Written in 1787, signed on September 17, 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. Today is the anniversary of that initial signing. After spending all summer crafting the original seven articles of the historic document, an assemblage of the nation’s founding fathers in Philadelphia at the Constitutional Convention, under the leadership of George Washington, created what would prove to be the ideological and legal backbone of the United States of America. The 39 remarkable individuals who put their signatures to the document included such icons as Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Gouverneur Morris.
Haley, who as a former GOP candidate has played an important role in the ongoing presidential race, will also offer her opinions on the campaigns of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Throughout the hour Haley will also have open dialogues with an array of guests and callers, featuring conversations about the challenges facing Americans of varying perspectives and backgrounds. Haley tells TALKERS, “The American people are smart. They’re sick of distractions in DC and noise from the mainstream media. They want to know what the issues are and how the solutions will impact them. I’m excited to partner with SiriusXM on a show that breaks down the policies and empowers them with the facts.” As part of the multi-platform agreement, video of the program will be available on the SiriusXM app, and the show can be found across major podcast platforms following its premiere on SiriusXM.
In her new role, Murray will lead WJCT’s early childhood education team, overseeing an expanded program of family engagement workshops at six early learning centers and three Head Start sites throughout the academic year. She also manages long-standing initiatives such as the annual children’s writers contest, the Jax PBS KIDS Club, WJCT’s Parenting Minutes, and more. Murray will also manage WJCT Public Media’s relationships with local and national partners and stakeholders, develop new programs and services, and serve as an early childhood education resource for the Northeast Florida community – all with the goal of expanding WJCT Public Media’s impact in this essential service area. Murray has an extensive background in the field and has worked with WJCT Public Media as a consultant over the past two years – while also consulting for the WNET Group in New York, the Fred Rogers Company, and public media stations throughout Florida.
At a time when interviews with the former president are a common talk media occurrence, Root tells TALKERS the interview was significant for several reasons. “First, while I’ve done 16 interviews with President Trump (even he admits this might be the all-time media record), he was always my guest on the phone… this was my first exclusive, face-to-face, one-on-one TV interview. Second, this might have been the last interview he did before Sunday’s assassination attempt. I’m so proud I opened and closed the interview by telling him, ‘My fans and I pray for you every day. We appreciate everything you’ve done for us and this country. Thank you and God bless you.’ And third, when President Trump said a certain slide about illegal immigration saved his life… I corrected him and said, ‘God saved your life. And he continues to protect you – because I believe you are the chosen one – chosen by God to save this country, and economy, and secure this border, and make America great again.’” Root concludes, “I’m so proud I said all of that considering what happened the next day that could have changed the future of this country. He needed to know how much he is loved and appreciated by the American people.”
Audacy news/talker WPHT, Philadelphia’s recently launched live series of public meeting events titled “Politics & Pints” kicked into high gear this past Thursday (9/12) evening as popular station midday personality Dom Giordano hosted an evening with Trump Organization EVP, Donald Trump, Jr before a sold-out crowd of 500 listeners, sponsors, and local officials at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, NJ. The conversation covered the election, the state of the union, and Trump Jr’s worldview. Giordano (pictured above left) tells TALKERS, “Don Trump Jr (r) took us inside big Trump moments like the family coming down the escalator in 2016 and his call with his father after he was shot. He did this while doing a dead-on Trump impression and speaking fluent Czech.” Giordano adds, “He was very personable and quite intelligent.” 
A cash bar for soft drinks, beer and wine was available for purchase in the lobby of the Scottish Rite Auditorium. Ticket prices ranged from $500, which included a VIP pre-event meet and greet, a copy of Letters to Trump and a commemorative Politics & Pints tumbler, to $195 for reserved seating that included a copy of Letters to Trump by former President Donald Trump. Special handicap seating was also available.
“Our industry is going to take a while to reset itself, like the newspaper industry,” he said, estimating that this “reset” would come in 10 years, or not at all. “This might be the new normal.” Pictured above: Adell (l) with radio historian and videographer Art Vuolo (r). Vuolo tells TALKERS, “He invited me to video in studio the launch of Super Station 910 the first week of September a year ago as he re-branded WFDF-AM 910 as news/talk. He wanted to go after WJR, but with mostly syndicated programming from Premiere Networks. Interestingly 910 now with 50 kw is the third biggest AM signal in Michigan!” For more info, see the entire Detroit Free Press article here. 
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, and the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF), name Rachel Haggerty as the 2024 MIW NABLF Launch Program mentee. Started in 2023, Launch is a partnership between MIW and the NAB Leadership Foundation dedicated to supporting and guiding women in radio who are relatively new to the industry. 
The first of its kind, this program fosters the development and curation of talent. Haggerty graduated from Seton Hall University in 2019, where she was actively involved with WSOU-FM, serving as assistant technical operations director and later as student manager. After graduation, she completed the National Association of Broadcasters Technology Apprenticeship Program, interning with iHeartMedia’s New York City radio stations. She then worked locally and with a national support team at iHeartMedia before becoming the assistant chief engineer at WABC-AM. Since 2023, she has returned to iHeartMedia New York, working with Premiere Networks on nationally syndicated talk shows. Rachel is also an active member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers and holds a Certificate in Broadcast Radio Engineering.
Harrison addressed the issue of artificial intelligence’s impact on talk show hosts as well as society in general presenting a mixed forecast of both good and bad news. To watch the video in its entirety please click here 
For the fifth year in a row, popular WRVA, Richmond, VA afternoon drive host Jeff Katz’s program on the Audacy-owned heritage station has been proclaimed the market’s “Favorite Afternoon Radio Show” in the Richmond Times-Dispatch Readers Choice Poll.
Katz tells TALKERS, “It’s a great feeling for myself and I’m delighted that this outstanding station continues to be recognized – however, it also makes me very proud to see so many of my advertisers win in their categories,” adding, “As you and I realize, a big chunk of my job is to let listeners know about them. It’s very rewarding to see their success and I’m grateful that so many only do advertising with me. It’s humbling.” Katz is a past recipient of the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award for his years of stellar community service from supporting the police to raising money and awareness for charitable causes and championing the well-being of disabled children and their caregivers.
He purchased his own station – WTON, Staunton, VA after serving the Charlottesville market for years as morning host of WCHV. Now he has put his morning talk show into syndication through Talk Media Network. It has already been cleared on WZXI in Lancaster, KY and WTTB on Florida’s ‘Treasure Coast’ (as well as his own WTON in Central Virginia). Joe tells TALKERS, “This is such an honor to work with people like Josh Leng and Willis Damalt at TMN. We’re up every morning to help the new listeners get their day started just like we have been for over 20 years!” He adds, “Just like that ‘other’ guy named Thomas [Jefferson] from Charlottesville, my show promises free speech and independence and I hope that it too spreads across America.” For information about “Joe Thomas in-the-morning,” contact Willis Damalt at TMN. 917-603-7148 or 
Cumulus Media announces that Detroit news/talk station WJR AM 760 will air NFL football on Monday and Thursday nights through a new agreement with Westwood One. WJR AM 760 will provide exclusive and comprehensive coverage of the 2024-2025 NFL season, broadcasting Monday and Thursday night regular season football games on the station and in a simulcast on Cumulus Media’s WDVD-FM HD2. WJR AM 760 coverage will also include the NFL Playoffs, beginning with the wild card round and ending with the Super Bowl. Coming up on WJR AM 760’s NFL coverage is the Buffalo Bills match-up against the Miami Dolphins in Miami tonight (9/12) at 7:30pm. Ann Thomas, PD of WJR AM 760, tells TALKERS, “WJR is thrilled to partner with Westwood One to bring Monday and Thursday night NFL football to Michigan residents.”
Pictured above are the on-air celebrities and athletes who participated at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY. For more information about the BFoA, please click here 
