STERLING STATES: Get Rush Right!
By Walter M Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night”
WPHT, Philadelphia
“Sterling on Sunday”
Talk Media Network
BLIND QUOTE TEST: Who said, “We don’t have to worry about oil spills, the ocean is a big place. What do we care about dolphins? I don’t see dolphins building super-highways at the bottom of the ocean.” That’s Rush Limbaugh at one of his more compelling moments.
Mr. Limbaugh and I shared a mentor: Ed McLaughlin. When Rush launched, he did an interview with this publication where he stated that his mission was to INFORM-INFORM-INFORM. I was with Ed Mclaughlin when the article was published and Ed became distracted and slightly annoyed,
“I’m going to have to talk to Rush when he gets off the air. That’s not his mission. His mission is to ENTERTAIN-ENTERTAIN-ENTERTAIN,” said Mr. McLaughlin. Rush followed the guidance from McLaughlin, who was the founding GM of KGO San Francisco and president of the ABC Radio Networks.
The reason Rush was a success was not that he attacked Democrats, it was because he was entertaining. Tragically, it appears that most of his copycats only steal Rush’s stage rather than his performance.
Rush’s show was heavily prepped to generate an entertaining package. Yes, he’d attack Democrats – and he initially attacked Donald Trump. But the show was everything else, and everything else won the ratings.
EVERYTHING ELSE:
• Every single day Rush brought BRAND NEW proof for his argument on any subject. He delivered revealing stories, anecdotes, jokes, observations. All shows were fresh and UNPREDICTABLE. While his conclusions on a given topic may have repeated day after day, his evidence was always new and often surprising.
• He liked cats. He talked a lot about his cats.
• Radio wrestling. If a caller presented hard, cold facts that refuted one of Rush’s arguments, facts that busted Rush, Rush would say, “So what of it sir? I’m right.” He never, ever changed his opinion and that is a show.
• He liked football, he talked a lot about football.
• TV shows, Florida, hating New York City, his weight and dumb fails of the characters of our country were often the majority content of a three-hour show.
• A lactating mom caller pleased him when she said it was her responsibility to find a place to express her milk during the workday – not her employer’s. At first Rush didn’t understand, then he realized, with her help that a nursing mom either shares her milk with the baby or she must “save” it. Bonus track, she was a Native American who adored Rush. But you didn’t expect any of that!
He was very savvy about who he became. He rarely did TV interviews because his audience was bigger than any cable channel he might bless. Why should he promote those channels?
Rush had been a top 40 jock. A Top 40 background matched KGO general manager Mickey Luckoff’s criteria for hiring hosts: “The main hosts must have top 40 experience because I can teach them ‘talk,’ but I can’t teach them how to do RADIO.” Howard Stern said on air, “My job is to get to the next thing.” Top 40 is all about the next thing.
His arguments against the Democrats were a stage for presenting daily surprises. If you want Rush’s ratings, SURPRISE!
Walter M Sterling’s nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com.
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 
Fox Weather Names Former Weather Channel Exec Jason Hermes as VP/Ad Sales and Partnerships. FOX Weather, FOX News Media’s free ad-supported streaming television “FAST” weather service, has hired Jason Hermes as vice president of advertising sales and partnerships, announced Trey Gargano, EVP of FOX News Media advertising sales. Hermes, who was most recently the VP of content marketing sales at The Weather Channel, began his new role yesterday (9/10) reporting to Dan Realson, SVP, FOX News digital sales. Gargano said, “We are thrilled to welcome Jason to the FOX Weather team as we’re certain his decades of experience in developing and executing innovative strategies will help drive monetization and operations across our growing weather platform.” Hermes tells TALKERS, “In just three years, FOX Weather has become the fastest growing weather service in the country, and I am excited to work with the team to help drive further innovations and brand expansions.” FOX Weather is a 24/7 free ad-supported television service (FAST) operated by FOX News Media.
Dickey Broadcasting Company (DBC) appoints Andy Roth as director of programming for DBC’s heritage sports-talk radio station, Sports Radio 680/93.7FM The Fan, Atlanta. A 30-year radio veteran, Roth takes the reigns of the region’s oldest sports radio station – home of the Atlanta Braves, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and the Official Sports Talk Station of the Georgia Bulldogs. Prior to joining Atlanta-based DBC, Andy had been the sole brand manager for 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland since it signed on in 2011.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andy Roth to the Dickey Broadcasting Company family,” says David Dickey, president of DBC. “His extensive experience and strategic acumen will be instrumental in driving our programming and content-creation strategies forward to provide Atlantans and the region’s sports fans with the best shows, insight, and analysis. We are very confident that Andy’s experience and leadership will help us achieve new levels of consumption and listener engagement for our listeners, our team partners, and our great sponsors.”
One More Debate Story Out of Philly. We must share this with you. Last night’s spectacular was a bonanza of activity for Audacy’s swing state news/talk giant WPHT (as is this entire election). The station is the home of Walter M Sterling’s idiosyncratic “Sterling Every Damn Night” 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight. Sterling (a.k.a. Walter Sabo) aired the entire debate followed by probing analysis from a male entertainer, “Donald Trunk,” in addition to “Steven a baker and bakery owner,” “Thea Landen, a smutty book author,” “Celena Ballerina a senior in college” and the station’s real midday host Dom Giordano. For one hour, they discussed how crappy their food and electrical bills are as well as how confusing the debaters were. A caller thanked Thea for her nightly smutty book readings stating, “She reminds me of my wife.”
as well as streaming on the WGMD app, and TalkOfDelmarva.com. That will be accompanied by a real-time, interactive blogging event at RealNewsTalk.com. FOX News Media will present live coverage surrounding the debate with special programming available across all of FOX News Media’s key platforms, including FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio and FOX Nation. Cumulus media/Westwood One host Dan Bongino will host a special live edition of his podcast on Rumble preceding and during the debate beginning at 8:00 pm ET.
Dylan Douglas to Host New Gen Z Political Program Exclusively for SiriusXM’s Progress Channel. 
The annual Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 
Canceled (WOKV-FM, Jacksonville) Talk Radio Host Returns With Political Podcast “Mark Kaye Saves the Republic!”Radio talk show host and Newsmax TV personality Mark Kaye tells TALKERS that he’s launching an entertaining new political podcast, “Mark Kaye Saves the Republic!”
The new daily podcast and livestream promises to deliver fun and informative takes on breaking news and political headlines. Mark approaches the show with his trademark high energy and quick wit to create what he describes as “a cool atmosphere for all his loyal listeners affectionately called Kayetriots.” Kaye states, “I am beyond excited to create entertaining and informative daily content again. Since I was canceled [by WOKV-FM, Jacksonville], my audience has been struggling to find real news and true conservative values on the radio or anywhere else. This is not just another news podcast. It’s an online world where patriotic Americans come together to get the daily information and inspiration they need to keep fighting for this great country. My listeners and I are going to save the republic and we’re going to have a lot of fun doing it!” The show kicks off this week with live coverage from the Presidential Debate in Philadelphia. “Mark Kaye Saves The Republic!” is produced by Kayetriot Media.
Heidi Harris Inducted Into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame. After 26 years in radio including stints at KXNT and KDWN in Las Vegas, veteran talk show host Heidi Harris was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame this past weekend (9/7). Harris tells TALKERS, “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Nevada Broadcasters Association, which works tirelessly on behalf of the broadcasting community, and awards generous scholarships every year to the next generation of broadcasters.” Harris continues to be a trailblazer presenting “The Heidi Harris Show” as an online streaming and video podcast production.
iHeartMedia announced today (9/6) that Jill Strada has been named Senior Vice President of Programming for Atlanta, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Atlanta has six radio stations in the market comprised of talk, news, and music formats. Estrada will be responsible for oversight of all the Atlanta stations. She will report to market president Spencer Bynes who tells TALKERS, “We are thrilled to welcome Jill Strada to the iHeart Atlanta team. Jill has a remarkable talent for launching, developing, and elevating brands in fiercely competitive markets. Her proven track record of success and unwavering dedication to excellence make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team.” Strada joins the Atlanta market from Cox Media Group Miami, where she most recently served as director of operations.
Longtime talk media host, commentator and director of the 
WABC, New York/Red Apple Media owner/CEO John Catsimatidis continues to add intriguing live elements to the lineup of his radio station and leverage them into product for his growing syndication platform, Red Apple Audio Networks. The latest such addition to the station and network is unapologetically controversial political strategist Roger Stone. Since the 1970s, Stone has worked on the campaigns of Republican politicians, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Jack Kemp, Bob Dole, and most recently, Donald Trump. Stone’s show is heard on WABC, Sunday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. The first two hours focus on national and world news and are available to radio stations across the nation via the Red Apple Audio Network. The third hour is specific to WABC and issues focused on the New York area. In making the announcement about his new association with Stone, Catsimatidis tells TALKERS, “His insightful commentary on the political landscape and what’s ahead for America will be of tremendous value to our listeners in New York, around the country, and around the world.” Stone adds, “John has done a great job bringing in big names from politics, business, and entertainment and I’m looking forward to enjoying being on the radio, sharing my perceptions about what’s going on in Washington and the world, and connecting with listeners across America.”
The New York Festivals® 2025 
SiriusXM capability is a standard feature in all Toyota and Lexus models sold in the United States. Now, participating Toyota and Lexus dealerships can choose to add the three-year Extended Service Subscription to new models featuring the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia and Lexus Interface. The three-year subscription’s cost will be added to the vehicle’s purchase or lease price. Vehicles that do not include the three-year Extended Service Subscription will continue to include a standard three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM.
Hubbard Radio’s innovative Twin Cities talk outlet, “myTalk 107.1” (KTMY, Minneapolis-St. Paul) is teaming up with noted filmmaker/author/social activist Justin Baldoni 
and two domestic violence agencies to host a roundtable to discuss the pain and trauma of domestic violence. myTalk 107.1’s Brittany Arneson, Kendall Mark and Colleen Lindstrom will lead the conversation live on the radio from 3:00 to 4:30 pm CT tomorrow (9/5). The program will also be available on demand. Station officials tell TALKERS, the goal of the discussion is “to create an open dialogue to help remove unwarranted shame from victims and bring the issue into the light to work toward a solution.” Justin Baldoni produced, directed, and played a leading role in the film “It Ends With Us” which has brought domestic violence to the forefront,
spurring honest and open conversations about an issue that is too often not discussed. The film has grossed over $275 million worldwide. Joining the conversation will be representatives from two agencies – No More Foundation and Tubman. 
No More Foundation is a national agency with a mission to “end domestic and sexual violence by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change.” Tubman is a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based domestic abuse agency with a mission “to advance opportunities for change so that every person can experience safety, hope, and healing.” myTalk 107.1 has hosted a series of award-winning roundtable discussions about important issues inspired by current events and pop culture news. Past roundtables have tackled teen suicide, sexual harassment, and transgender issues.
Salem Radio Network talk host (and former political candidate) Larry Elder will host a two-hour Trump/Harris Pre-Debate Special from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Eastern next Tuesday, September 10th prior to the start of the ABC News debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. 
The program will air live on the Salem Radio Network (SRN) and on Salem News Channel (SNC) and will feature analysis and insight from Elder, as well as SRN/SNC talk hosts Mike Gallagher (reporting live from a debate-watching party in Tampa), 
Dr. Sebastian Gorka, and Dennis Prager. Additional perspective on the issues facing America in advance of the debate will be supplied by Tony Perkins, president of D.C.-based Family Research Council and host of the weekly Salem Media Group news program, “This Week on the Hill.” Phil Boyce, Salem’s SVP/spoken word formats, tells TALKERS, “Larry Elder’s solid experience as a talk show host – as well as perspective he gained as a candidate for Governor of California and President of the United States – makes him uniquely qualified for this pre-debate special role. His insight and knowledge are unmatched.” 
NOTE: Current SRN Larry Elder affiliates will receive the special as Hour #2 and Hour #3 on Tuesday’s (9/10) program; non-Elder stations wishing to clear the special can contact the Salem Radio Network affiliate representative for their region: East of the Mississippi, 