Industry News

Chris Moore to Retire from KDKA, Pittsburgh

KDKA Radio personality Chris Moore is retiring from the Audacy news/talk station after his last show on February 15. Moore delivered the news to his audience on his 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Sunday program. Heimg said, “Having our meaningful discussions about world and local issues, as well as more mundane issues with you has been one of the highlights of my career.” In a piece posted to KDKA’s website, the station says Moore’s health and mobility issues, combined with the recent winter weather forced him to consider his future. “‘The Moore of Pittsburgh’ has been a local weekend staple since 1994 and Chris has provided countless hours of entertaining radio that made listeners smile, think and participate.” Moore is also the founder and co-chairperson of the educational committee of the Frank Bolden Urban Journalism Workshop of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation where a Chris Moore Internship was named in his honor in 2024.

Industry News

Carolin Retires from Salem; Mosher and Murphy Promoted

Salem Media is promoting two executives as Atlanta-based regional vice president and general manager Val Carolin retired from the company on January 30. Salem president of broadcast media Allen Power says, “Valimg has become a valued partner for me in his years with Salem. He has led with trust, affirmation, and high standards – a leadership style worth emulating.” In the wake of Carolin’s retirement, Jason Mosher is promoted from regional director of sales to regional general manager, overseeing the Atlanta and Pittsburgh markets. Also, Mike Murphy is promoted to regional general manager, adding Cleveland to his existing oversight of the Twin Cities market. Power says, “These moves ensure strong continuity of leadership while positioning Salem for continued growth in these key markets. We’re extremely proud of Jason and Mike for their well-earned promotions, and we extend our deepest appreciation to Val for his decades of service and the impact he’s had across our company.”

Industry News

WTCM, Traverse City’s Ron Jolly & Colleen Wares McClelland to Retire

Michigan talk radio hosts Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland – host and co-host of the “Ron Jolly Show” on Midwestern Broadcasting’simg news/talk WTCM, Traverse City, announce that they are retiring from the station after their last show on April 10. TraverseTicker reports their brief on-air announcement in which Ron Jolly stated, that it was “not an easy thing to leave” but that “all the circumstances add up to that. We will make the most of it. The hardest part is leaving. We can’t see you, you can’t see us, but we are connected. See the TraverseTicker story here.

Industry News

Retired Radio Industry Legend Bob Shannon Creates Powerful AI Song About Minnesota Strife

Former 20-year TM Productions creative and marketing executive, Bob Shannon has written and produced – with the help of AI – a compelling ballad about the tragic drama playing out in Minnesota titled, “When theimg Circus Came to Town.”  The Minneapolis-based former DJ, programmer and radio exec tells TALKERS, “In full disclosure, this song was created on suno.com using V5.  The lyrics are all mine, and the orchestration is mine too by virtue of having given all of the instructions to create the track. Regardless of how all the controversy about artificial intelligence plays out, I am releasing this opinionated and highly emotional song purely as an expression of my free speech and artistic expression – not for commercial marketing purposes.”

Shannon continues, “Minneapolis is torn apart, and I see that it’s happening all across the country in relation to the actions of ICE. For the record, I am for a good immigration policy in this country, however the actions of this brutish force neither constitute good policy nor go anywhere towards solving our problem. As a personal note, my housekeeper’s sister-in-law was arrested by ICE at her house yesterday (1/8) morning at 6:00 am with no warrant and no reason… and taken away from her children, who were left alone. For that reason, I was compelled to create this. When my original words were complete, I went to Suno.com, the much discussed Artificial Intelligence music creator, and typed in specific music prompts about instrumentation (piano with bari-saxophones highlights), tempo (slow and evocative; a story song), key and vocal styles (I selected a single male baritone in G major). Then I instructed Suno to create an instrumentation that sonically conveyed a somber sense of sadness, loss, and deep introspection, with instructions to mix the lyrics high in the final mix.”

Shannon concludes, “My words came from a disbelieving head, from a broken heart, and from the pit of my stomach. This was my humanity shining through, and it exposed my raw and real feelings. But AI has no feelings; it’s just an algorithm that provides untrained musicians with a tool to turn original lyrics into songs. Some say that’s cheating, but that’s a discussion for another day.

To listen to “When the Circus Came to Town,” please click here.

Among his many accomplishments in the radio industry, Shannon is the author of the acclaimed book Turn It Up! American Radio Tales 1946-1996,” originally released in 2009 and updated in 2017.  He can be reached by email at bobshannonworks@gmail.com  or phoned at 206-755-5162.  

Industry News

Programming Pro Bill Hess to Retire at Year’s End

Cumulus Media announces that WMAL-FM, Washington program director Bill Hess will retire on December 31 after a radio career spanning 48 years. Hess launched his career in 1977 as an air personality on WCBG, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In addition to his work in the news and talk formats, Hess programmed WASH-FM and WBIG-FM in Washington, DC. He served SVP of programming for the progressive talk network Air America and was viceimg president of news/talk for Cumulus Media for nine years. Cumulus Media chief content officer Brian Philips states, “Bill is an esteemed leader, teacher and journalist. He possesses intellect, a gift for talent development and strict high standards. It has been our good fortune to work in the trenches with Bill during the overheated recent news cycle. Bill will always be our trusted advisor. We wish Bill great things in retirement and thank him for his uncountable accomplishments with Cumulus Media and our high-performing news/talk stations – particularly for his work programming our news/talk flagship, WMAL. His legacy is forever secure.” Hess comments, “I am grateful for these 48 years in the business I love, programming both music and spoken-word stations, and working with the most exciting and entertaining teams in radio. Concluding with the past 15 years at WMAL and Cumulus Media has been a true highlight.”

Industry News

Dan Shelley Retires as RTDNA President and CEO

Journalist Dan Shelley is officially stepping down as president and CEO of the Radio Television Digitalimg News Association and he penned a great good-bye letter that’s available on the RTDNA site. You can read it here. It’s worth a read as he tells a funny story from his first job as an anchor and reporter at KTTS-AM/FM, Springfield, Missouri, plus a number of interesting tidbits from his long career.

Industry News

KNSS-AM/FM, Wichita’s Steve McIntosh to Retire

Wichita morning drive personality Steve McIntosh announces his retirement from Audacy’s news/talk KNSS-AM/FM, effective December 12. McIntosh, who co-hosts the “Steve & Ted”img show alongside Ted Woodward, has worked his entire 55-year career in the Wichita market. He got his start in 1970 at KWBB as a news anchor and moved to KEYN-FM in the mid-1970s as news director. He joined KNSS in 1998 as news director and eventually became program director at the station. During his career he’s won numerous awards, including a Marconi Award for Outstanding Talent. Audacy Wichita SVP and market manager Tommy Castor says, “Steve’s name is synonymous with Wichita radio. His leadership, integrity, and unmatched storytelling have shaped this station and enriched the lives of our listeners for more than half a century.” McIntosh comments, “It has been the honor of my life to share Kansas news and Kansas stories with Kansas people. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.” The station will present a public farewell broadcast on December 12.

Industry News

Audacy SVP/Sports Lee Davis to Retire

Audacy’s SVP of sports monetization Lee Davis is retiring. The former WFAN, New York VP andimg general manager has been in his current role since 2023. Audacy notes that Davis “rejoined Audacy in 2018 to lead the reboot of Audacy’s TWIN platform.” Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “Lee has been a valued colleague and leader whose experience, dedication, and steady guidance have made a lasting impact on Audacy (as well as the companies he has worked at throughout his career). His contributions and presence will be greatly missed.”

Industry News

Civic Media Host Jane Matenear Announces Retirement

Wisconsin radio personality current host of “Matenaer On Air” on several of Civic Media’s news/talk stations, Jane Matenaer, announces her retirement after 44 years in the business. She says, “When I started my radio career, my goal was to be a ‘cool, nighttime rock chick.’img Tragically, I was none of those things. Fortunately, I had the support of those who believed I had potential and encouraged me to follow a slightly different path — to morning radio. And while I never envisioned eventually moving from music to talk radio, the transition has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and these last three years at Civic Media have been the proudest of my 40-plus year career.” Prior to joining Civic Media, Matenaer served with Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee in the newsroom and in morning drive. She adds, “As I head toward retirement, I want to take this moment to thank my current and former colleagues and mentors. You are among the most talented, dedicated and hilarious people on the planet. Thank you to Civic Media, for believing in a 60-something woman to host her own show and for your commitment to community-based radio and to a healthy democracy.”

Industry News

WGN, Chicago News Anchor Steve Bertrand to Retire

WGN Radio announces that market news pro and afternoon news anchor Steve Bertrand will retire from radio on November 13 after a 40-year career with the Nexstar Media Group station.img WGN VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “From joining  WGN Radio in 1985 during the Wally Phillips era to anchoring news on the ‘Lisa Dent Show’ today, throughout his 40 eventful years here Steve has faithfully maintained the highest standards of journalistic integrity, combined with his own unique gift for playful on air banter which is sure to be  missed by colleagues and listeners alike.” Bertrand comments, “I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the history of radio. As a kid, I dreamed of one day living in Chicago. I never imagined I’d be part of her daily conversation. I will forever be grateful to the legends I worked with and, most especially, the listeners who made it all happen. I’ve had the privilege of being part of a pretty amazing family for 40 years.”

Industry News

KFAB, Omaha Talk Host Gary Sadlemyer Announces Retirement from Full-Time Gig

iHeartMedia Omaha announces that longtime “NewsRadio 1110 KFAB” personality Gary Sadlemyer is retiring from full-time radio and his daily morning show on December 12. Sadlemyer, who began with the station in 1976, has anchored “KFAB’s Morning News” for moreimg than three decades. During his career, he hosted the first live, daily talk show in KFAB’s 100-year history and served several years as the station’s program director. He was also the voice of Nebraska Cornhusker football from 1980-1995. He says, “Time sure flies when you’re havin’ fun. Since I was a kid growing up in Minnesota, I had a passion for radio. It’s just like anything else, kids who dream about being a doctor or whatever; mine was radio.” KFAB says that Sadlemyer’s on-air partners for the past quarter-century – Jim Rose and Lucy Chapman – will remain as part of the station’s morning drive commitment to providing news, weather, traffic, sports and compelling conversations about the issues important to the community. The station says that KFAB listeners will still hear plenty of Gary Sadlemyer on the station as he’ll still work to provide personalized content for station advertisers, and pop in to hang out or be a fill-in host on the morning show from time to time.

Industry News

WUSF, Tampa GM JoAnn Urofsky to Retire

After 33 years of service, WUSF-FM, Tampa general manager JoAnn Urofsky will soon retireimg from the public media organization based at The University of South Florida, capping a career of 45 years in radio and public media. She says, “My time at WUSF has been incredibly rewarding. I am proud that our commitment to public service – building community through trusted journalism, classical music, jazz, and culture – has remained steadfast. As I step away, I’m confident this mission is in excellent hands with a new generation of talented leaders and innovators dedicated to serving the community through public media.”

Industry Views

When Satire Stands Its Ground

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgWhen we first covered this case, it felt like only 2024 could invent it – a disgraced congressman, George Santos, selling Cameos and a late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel, buying them under fake names to make a point about truth and ego. A year later, the Second Circuit turned that punchline into precedent. (Read story here: https://talkers.com/2024/12/19/jimmy-kimmels-fair-use-victory-what-it-means-for-content-creators/)

And just to clear the record: this has nothing to do with Jimmy Kimmel’s unrelated dust-up with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. Different story, different planet. This one’s about copyright and commentary – and it’s a clear win for both.

The Set-Up

After his expulsion from Congress, George Santos began offering paid video shout-outs on Cameo. Kimmel’s writers sent absurd requests under pseudonyms for a segment called “Will Santos Say It?” – and he did. The show aired those clips to highlight how easily a public figure would say anything for a fee.

(If you want a taste, look up “Jimmy Kimmel Pranks George Santos on Cameo” on YouTube. That’s the kind of transformative satire the court later called “sarcastic criticism and commentary.”)

Santos sued Kimmel, ABC, and Disney for copyright infringement, fraud, and breach of contract, claiming the videos were sold for “personal use.” The district court tossed it; Santos appealed.

The Ruling

On September 15, 2025, the Second Circuit unanimously affirmed the dismissal. The panel said Kimmel’s use was transformative: he turned Santos’s self-promotion into political satire. Even Santos’s complaint described the bit as sarcastic commentary.

Claims of “market harm” fell flat. Airing a few clips on network TV doesn’t compete with Cameo. Embarrassment isn’t economic loss.

And the supposed bad faith – using fake names to order the clips – didn’t undo fair use. The court stuck to the statutory factors: purpose, nature, amount, and effect. Mischief isn’t a fifth one.

The rest of the claims – fraud, contract, enrichment – stayed dismissed as pre-empted or too thin to matter.

Why It Matters

This decision lands as courts wrestle with whether AI’s use of copyrighted works can ever be “transformative.” Santos v. Kimmel shows what that word really means: a human taking existing material and using it to say something new.

Fair use protects meaning, not mimicry. That’s why satire, commentary, and criticism still stand when they have a point.

For media creators, the lesson is simple: transformation beats permission. If you use third-party material, make sure you’re adding perspective – not just recycling content. That, more than any fine print, is what keeps you on the right side of the line.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Bold Gold Newsman Mike Sakell to Retire

Bold Gold Media announces that Catskills news & sports director Mike Sakell is retiring from his role with the company after more than four decades broadcasting in the region. Sakell first began working in Sullivan County in 1980 when he joined WVOS. Bold Gold Media NY region general manager Dawn Ciorciari says,img “There are certain sounds that define a place, and for Sullivan County, Mike’s voice is one of them. For 45 years, it’s been the sound of calm, trust, and perseverance. His life has been a true lesson in resilience. His legacy will live far beyond the airwaves.” Bold Gold Media CEO Vince Benedetto adds, “Mike’s retirement is truly an end of an extraordinary and historic era in local broadcasting. In every way, he was ‘The Voice of Sullivan County.’ He will be missed by all of our listeners, and most of all, by all of us in Bold Gold. His example of broadcast excellence will endure and be carried on by all of us who have learned so much from him. We wish him a wonderful retirement and thank him for his long, distinguished service to our communities.” Sullivan County native Dylan Price is assuming the  Catskills news & sports director role.

Industry News

WGN’s Dave Eanet to Retire; Andy Masur Named AM Sports Anchor

WGN Radio morning drive sports anchor Dave Eanet is retiring from his role on the Bob Sirott morning show. The station announces that Andy Masur will assume the sports anchor position effective August 28. Eanet is not retiring from broadcasting as he’ll continue as play-by-play voice for Northwestern Wildcatimg football and men’s basketball games broadcast on WGN and he’ll also serve as a fill-in anchor on the WGN-TV sports desk. Eanet says, “Can’t believe it’s been 41 years since I first set foot in the WGN studios. As I close this chapter of my career, imgthe word that comes to mind is ‘grateful.’ I’m so thankful to the entire WGN family for their friendship and support over the years. It’s not just the names you know, but the entire crew on and off the air. I’m forever indebted to the managers, engineers, producers, newspeople, sales team, and all the others who have made WGN such a special place to work. Most of all, I’m thankful to the listeners who have a special relationship with this station.” WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “I am thrilled to share that our own Andy Masur will assume morning show sports duties going forward. Andy is a talented broadcaster who has built a rapport with the WGN Radio audience as a regular fill-in for Dave and as our weekend sports anchor. We are lucky to have him.”

Industry News

Adkins to Retire; Executive Changes at iHeartMedia

On the heels of this week’s news that longtime iHeartMedia executive Hartley Adkins is preparing to retire from his daily position with the company is news that Ann Marie Licata will assume the president, marketsimg group and sales operations, effective September 1. Licata has been serving as EVP of sales operations and client success. Other changes include Bernie Weiss rising from division president for the Northeast and Chicago markets to COO of the markets group and Paul Corvino, division president of the Southern California division, adding expanded duties focused on national new business development. Adkins will remain with iHeart in a strategic advisor role.

Industry News

Jeff Tyler Retires from iHeartMedia

After a radio career spanning 47 years, Jeff Tyler announces he’s retiring from iHeartMedia. Tyler began his career as an on-air talent in 1978, with early roles in both Madison and Milwaukee. In 1997, he played a pivotal role in forming one of the first merged markets when Capstar Broadcasting acquired six stations from two different companies – a move that laid the foundation for today’s iHeartMedia cluster in Madison. Overimg the next three decades, Tyler held numerous leadership positions, including market manager roles in both Madison and Milwaukee.  In 2010, Tyler was promoted to region president and later moved to Minneapolis in 2015 to serve as regional president for iHeartMedia. He rose to division president in July 2018 before returning to Wisconsin in 2022 to lead as metro president and most recently area president. Tyler says, “Broadcast radio has been my life. I’ve worked in every aspect of this business and have been fortunate to work for tremendous leaders who helped shape my career, including the creative and innovative team at iHeartMedia. I’m grateful to have worked with so many talented, dedicated professionals in vibrant broadcast markets, serving advertisers and creating meaningful partnerships. I’m excited to begin a more flexible chapter of life with my family, while continuing to support our sports partnerships in the short term.”

Industry News

Retired Pats Center Andrews to Contribute to “98.5 The Sports Hub”

Recently retired New England Patriots center David Andrews is joining Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” as a contributor starting with the 2025 season. Andrews won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and he’ll appear on “The Zolak & Bertrand Show” with a weekly appearanceimg throughout the Patriots season. Andrews will also be featured on The Sports Hub Patriots Radio Network Pregame Show and will co-host a video podcast with Alex Barth. WBZ-FM program director Rick Radzik says, “David’s leadership and deep understanding of the game made him a standout on the field, and we’re excited to bring that same level of insight and authenticity to our listeners. He’s a natural fit for our lineup and the perfect voice to help break down the season from a player perspective.” Andrews comments, “I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with ‘The Sports Hub’ since coming to New England 10 years ago. I’m looking forward to providing my analysis and perspective across the station’s various platforms this season.”

Industry News

E. Curtis Johnson to Retire from KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno

Forty-nine-year radio pro E. Curtis Johnson is retiring from Cumulus Media’s KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno “News Talk 580 and 105.9” where he’s been serving as co-host of the afternoon drive show alongside Philip Teresi since March 2023. His final show is tomorrow (5/30). Johnson says, “I was truly excited to get the gig here atimg KMJ a little over two years ago. I’ve enjoyed working with Philip and the entire staff has welcomed me as one of their own. I thought I’d be here longer, but some unexpected health issues made the decision to retire the right choice for me. It was a hard decision to make, but I’m comfortable that I’ve made the right call for my quality of life. I will miss this team.” KMJ program director Blake Taylor comments, “It was great working with a true professional who brought great insights and a unique skill set to our audience. We’re going to miss E. I trust he’s going to take full advantage of the time off. He deserves it!”

Industry News

Terry Fahy Retires from Salem

Salem Media Group announces that company executive Terry Fahy retires from the company he’s served for the past 43 years. Fahy began his career with Salem in 1982 as general manager of KDAR-FM and quickly rose through the ranks to hold key leadership roles, including as general salesimg manager at KKLA-FM, market manager for Los Angeles, and regional vice president overseeing major markets such as Seattle, Sacramento, San Francisco, Oxnard, San Diego, and most recently, Honolulu. Salem Media Group CEO David Santrella comments, “Terry’s vision, integrity, and deep commitment to Salem’s mission have left a lasting mark on everyone who has had the privilege to work with him. His contributions extend beyond radio programming into building meaningful community experiences and nurturing strong leadership in our teams.” Fahy reflects, “I am grateful for the opportunities and support Salem’s leadership has afforded me to make a spiritual impact in Southern California and other West Coast markets. I also treasure the talented and hard-working broadcast and media professionals I have had the privilege to work alongside. I am proud of what we accomplished, not only on air but also with our community events. Many people hope to look back on their careers with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. By God’s grace that has been my experience and privilege at Salem.”

Industry News

Beasley Executive Kent Dunn to Retire

Beasley Media Group Augusta vice president and market manager Kent Dunn announces he is retiring on June 6, 2025. Dunn joined Beasley in 1991 and since then has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as vice president and market manager in markets including Augusta, Tampa,img and Fayetteville. Dunn says, “After much thought and reflection, I’ve made the decision to retire and begin the next chapter of my life. Beasley Media Group has been more than just a workplace – it’s been my extended family. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent over 30 years doing what I love, with people I deeply respect and admire. It’s been an absolute privilege to work with late company founder George Beasley, Caroline, Brian and Bruce over the years.” CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Kent’s contributions to Beasley Media Group – and to the radio industry at large – have been nothing short of exceptional. His strategic insight, collaborative spirit, and passion for radio have guided teams and inspired generations of broadcasters. We are deeply grateful for his decades of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Industry News

Jon Grayson to Retire from KMBZ-FM, Kansas City

Talk radio pro Jon Grayson is retiring from the business and his current position as midday co-host at Audacy’s news/talk KBMZ-FM, Kansas City. Grayson has been with KMBZ-FM for the past five years, most recently co-hosting middays with Jayne Monacelli. Grayson says, “My wife and I are makingimg some changes in our lifestyle, our geography and our living standards to protect our safety and sanity that include an international move. That simply makes this job no longer feasible.” Reflecting on his career, Grayson remembers getting into the business. “As a kid I was always steered away from potential careers that depended on personal talent alone, since my mom was convinced that people who made their living that way were somehow possessed of a magic that us regular folks don’t have. But the day I first heard talk radio – a day I remember very clearly – I fell in love. I had no choice in the matter. From calling in to talk shows as a college student to beating down the doors of my local station to hire me, this business always held a kind of allure I found irresistible.” During his career, he worked in Tampa, Nashville, and St. Louis, where he worked at KTRS and KMOX. At KMOX he hosted the syndicated “Overnight America” program.

Industry News

WVMT, Burlington Host Kurt Wright to Retire

Kurt Wright, who served in numerous political roles in Vermont including as a state representative and as a Burlington city council member, tells his listeners that he will retire from his role at the Voximg AM FM Digital-owned news/talk WVMT, Burlington on May 30. Wright told his audience, “I’ve made the decision to move on… I’m going to miss it. But I’ve never been a morning person and getting up at 4:00 am is a bear for me… once I get here the adrenaline gets me going but my wife and I want to travel. We haven’t seen nearly enough of this country. When you have a health event like I had a couple months ago, it puts things into focus for you.” Wright says it will have been six-and-a-half years that he’s been hosting the program on WVMT.

Industry News

Tom Sullivan Announces Semi-Retirement from Daily Radio Show

Nationally syndicated talk radio host Tom Sullivan announces that he is going to semi-retire from the business and his daily talk radio program distributed by Talk Media Network will end on May 30. Sullivanimg says, “I am going to hang up the microphone… not completely… this show will come to a screeching halt on May 30. After that going to dabble in world of podcasting… I feel fine, feel healthy, and want to go out on top. I’ve been doing radio for 45 years… how grateful I am for each and every one of you. It’s time to move down the road and take the microphone from radio to podcast.” Sullivan – a successful financial services advisor – began his radio career in 1980 on KFBK, Sacramento doing daily business news reports. He expanded to hosting a general topic talk show first as a fill-host before getting his own program. He would often fill in for Rush Limbaugh on his syndication show and Sullivan later became one of the original hosts on FOX Business Network.

Industry News

WWO: Listeners Don’t Tire of Ads

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog looks at research commissioned by RAB to investigate “wear-out”: the point where creative testing declines from its peak due to message frequency fatigue. They key findings include: 1) Consumers don’t get tired of ads, only marketers do: Theimg ABX AM/FM radio creative study for RAB proves legendary marketing professor Mark Ritson was right; 2) Wear-out of AM/FM radio ads is virtually non-existent: Only two of 25,000 ads showed a decline in some creative effectiveness metrics. Two major creative effectiveness measures, branding and messaging, showed no wear-out; 3) The two ads showing differences were at the top end of cumulative spending and time in market: Two years in market and $8M+ of spend is where creativeness effectiveness might start to wane; 4) Repeat testing of 10 of the 12 longest running AM/FM radio ads reveals no statistically significant erosion; and 5) The giants of marketing effectiveness and creative testing conclude wear-out is non-existent: Take it from Les Binet/Sarah Carter, ABX, Kantar, System1, and Analytic Partners. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

WLW, Cincinnati’s Mike McConnell to Retire

WLW, Cincinnati morning drive host Mike McConnell told his listeners that he will retire from the station atimg the end of this week. McConnell has been in the radio business for 50 years including the last 10 as morning host at WLW. McConnell joked to listeners giving his reason for retiring, “Why? Because I’m old! I’ll miss a lot of aspects of it, but I look forward to it at the same time. I’ll have no regrets because I’ve done this for a long time.” McConnell took over the WLW morning show from longtime host Jim Scott in 2015.  See the Cincinnati Enquirer story here.

Industry News

Big Al Coleman Retires from Sports Talk Show

Richmond sports talk host Big Al Coleman calls it a career and he did his final broadcast on Summit Media’s sports talk WURV-HD2/W291CL, Richmond. According to a story from WTVR-TV, Richmond,img Coleman has been a fixture in Richmond sports talk for more than 30 years on numerous stations in the market. He began his working life as a stockbroker but caught the sports talk bug in the 1990s. He says, “Everybody to a person said to me, ‘Don’t quit your day job. You can’t do a sports talk show in Richmond, Virginia, five days a week. It ain’t gonna work…’ It worked. It worked.” He laments that the business isn’t what it was back in the day, “There’s not the same camaraderie. It’s not the same fun that it used to be.” But he adds, “It’s still fun; I still like doing the show. But it’s just time for me to go.” See the WTVR-TV story here.

Industry News

Kevin DeLany Retires from Westwood One

Kevin DeLany, who served as vice president of news & talk programming at Westwood One, retired from the company on Friday (1/17). DeLany had not previously announced his intention to retire from theimg 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.

Industry Views

MONDAY MEMO: Retire a Sales Kit Cliché

imBy Holland Cooke
Consultant

If it’s not too late for a New Year’s resolution: No more pictures of studio equipment.

Do your sales promotion material and/or your station website and/or social media graphics have a photo of a studio console? A microphone? Towers? Is that supposed to impress prospective advertisers?

im

To them, how-we-do what-we-do is MUCH less interesting than who consumes our work. What does your prospect sell? Show them pictures of people who buy that, our listeners.

Equipment worth showing: Devices people use to consume our work. Depict the target demographic in-car, and interacting with Alexa, and using the station app, and scrolling the station’s Facebook, etc. And, yes, show microphones, in studio shots of local talent, which will distinguish you from robotic competitors.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Dan Finn Announces Retirement from Beasley NJ Cluster

Beasley Media Group announces the upcoming retirement of Dan Finn, senior vice president and regional market manager of the company’s New Jersey cluster. Finn, a respected leader and industry veteran, has decided to conclude his distinguished career with the company at the end of the first quarter of 2025.  The veteran radio executive joined Beasley Media Group in 2016 following the company’s acquisition of Greater Media, where Finn served as SVP/regional GM since 2007. He initially was hired by Greater Media in 2002 as VP/regional GM after having firmly established himself as a leading radio broadcasting executive at a variety of major stations. “Dan Finn has been an integral part of our Beasley family and a trailblazer in the broadcasting industry,” said Caroline Beasley, CEO at Beasley Media Group. Beasley Media Group Logo“His strategic vision, steadfast leadership, and ability to foster meaningful relationships have made a profound impact on our company and the industry at large. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and wish him the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter in his life.” No replacement has been named as of press time.

Industry News

Free Fisher House Radio Special for the Entire Holiday Season

Fisher House

Fisher House Foundation is announcing a Holiday Season edition of “The Fisher House Story.” Hear the demo and register today at radio.fisherhouse.org. “The Fisher House Story” is provided in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as 30-minute public affairs show for all formats in the U.S. and around the world.im  The free 3-hour, 1-hour, 25- and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by long-time WMAL, Washington, DC radio personality Larry O’Connor and feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey.  This program is appropriate for the entire Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year season and is a fitting and inspirational holiday programming alternative for all formats.  The show features interviews with wounded warriors and veterans including heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom, the Vietnam War and an incredible, emotional story of one of America’s World War II living legends. Listeners will hear their stories fighting for our freedoms, the injuries and illnesses they endured. and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they go through their painful and painstaking recoveries.  Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact TALKERS Heavy Hundred member Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Connecticut Area President Steve Honeycomb to Retire at Year’s End

Steve Honeycomb

IHeartMedia Hartford and New Haven, home to 10 iconic stations featuring music, talk and news formats, announced today (12/3) that Steve Honeycomb, area president (pictured above), will retire at the end of this year after an exceptional career spanning nearly four decades in broadcasting.  Honeycomb began his broadcasting career in 1985 as an AE at WINE-AM in Brookfield, CT, later joining WRCH-FM in Hartford. After 14 years in sales, he transitioned to iHeartMedia as national sales manager in 2000.  He rose through key leadership positions, including director of sales, before being named market president in 2008.  Reflecting on his career, Honeycomb shared, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent my entire career in Connecticut, the place I call home, in an industry I love. It has been a journey full of extraordinary moments, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to iHeartMedia for the countless opportunities I’ve been given to grow, lead and learn.”  “Steve’s leadership and vision have been instrumental to the success of our Hartford and New Haven markets. We are extremely grateful for his hard work, dedication and commitment throughout his years with iHeart, and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement,” said Hartley Adkins, president of markets group, iHeartMedia. While stepping away from day-to-day responsibilities, Honeycomb will remain connected to iHeartMedia in a consulting role through the end of 2025, supporting a seamless transition.