Journalist Dan Shelley is officially stepping down as president and CEO of the Radio Television Digital
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.
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”
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.
Audacy’s SVP of sports monetization Lee Davis is retiring. The former WFAN, New York VP and
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.”
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.’
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.”
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.
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.”
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 more
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.
After 33 years of service, WUSF-FM, Tampa general manager JoAnn Urofsky will soon retire
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.”
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
When 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.
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,
“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.
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 Wildcat
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, 
the 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.”
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, markets
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.
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. Over
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.”
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 appearance
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.”
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 at
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!”
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 sales
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.”
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,
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.”
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 making
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.
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 Vox
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.
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. Sullivan
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.
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: The
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.
WLW, Cincinnati morning drive host Mike McConnell told his listeners that he will retire from the station at
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.
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,
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.
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 the
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.
By 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?
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
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. 
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Katz Media Group announces the retirement of Tucker Flood, president of Eastman Radio, after more than 35 years of dedicated service. Tucker will retire at the end of the year, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, growth and lasting relationships across the broadcast and advertising industries. Throughout his career, Flood has been a driving force within Katz Radio Group, known for his passion, strategic insight and commitment to excellence. His tenure has been marked by a unique ability to balance the business and relationship sides of the industry, forging deep partnerships with broadcasters and agencies that have propelled growth and success. Flood’s leadership journey includes years at the helm of Christal Radio and the re-establishment of Eastman Radio, where he built a high-performing team and consistently delivered outstanding results for Katz partners. As president of Eastman Radio, Flood has been instrumental in expanding opportunities and achieving new milestones, establishing Eastman as a trusted and influential player in the market. Beyond his role at Eastman, Flood has also been a pivotal leader across Katz Radio Group significantly contributed to advancing Katz’s systems, technology and programmatic capabilities. In addition, Flood has overseen Katz’s political and multicultural business, collaborating closely with EVPs Pat McGee and Rick Ramos to broaden the company’s impact and enhance its offerings in these critical sectors. “Tucker’s contributions to our company and his mentorship to countless colleagues have been extraordinary,” Christine Travaglini, president of Katz Radio Group. “Working alongside him for over 30 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. His wisdom, friendship and guidance have left a lasting imprint on the entire organization and industry.” “Tucker’s leadership, vision and dedication have left an enduring legacy with Katz and the industry as a whole,” said Mark Gray, CEO of Katz Media Group. “We are profoundly grateful for his contributions and the impact he’s had on our team, partners and the broader media community — and wish him all the best in his much-deserved retirement.” “It has been an honor to work alongside so many talented colleagues and partners over the years. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to watching Katz continue to thrive,” said Flood.
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.
In 1987, he began hosting “The Dave Ross Show,” where his engaging storytelling and sense of humor made complex topics accessible and relatable. Since 2013, Dave has anchored “Seattle’s Morning News,” guiding Seattleites through daily headlines with clarity and insight. To celebrate Dave’s remarkable career, KIRO Newsradio will feature special on-air tributes, including appearances and messages from current and former colleagues. Local VIPs and prominent figures in the Seattle community will honor Dave’s legacy. Listeners are invited to share their own memories and tributes on MyNorthwest.com/DaveRoss, commemorating the moments that Dave has touched their lives. The station tells TALKERS, “‘Seattle’s Morning News’ will continue with a new host in 2025, aiming to uphold the high standards that Dave has set over his 47 years with KIRO Newsradio.”
Longtime iHeartMedia executive Jeff Littlejohn, who most recently served as executive vice president of engineering, is retiring from the company. Steve George will step into the role, effective immediately. The company says that Littlejohn will continue in an active consulting role. He retires after 32 years with
iHeartMedia, first starting in 1992 as chief engineer for the Cincinnati cluster. He was part of the team that created the first version of the iHeartRadio App and worked with Toyota and Ford on the first integration of iHeartRadio. More recently, Littlejohn helped spearhead a modernization of iHeart’s studio facilities and conversion to cloud-based audio systems. iHeartMedia Markets Group president Hartley Adkins says, “There are few people in the industry with the expertise and longevity that Jeff has and we’re grateful for the incredible work he’s done for iHeart. We’ve been fortunate to rely on him for over three decades and I’m so thankful we’ll keep drawing from Jeff in his new consultancy role.”
Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. today (10/24) announced the appointment of Lauren Burrows Coleman as chief financial officer, effective Friday, November 1, 2024. 
Longtime CFO Marie Tedesco will retire from Beasley after 33 years of what sources describe as “dedicated service to the company.” Before joining Beasley, Burrows Coleman served as Global Head of Strategic Corporate and Commercial Finance at Wayfair, where she led a global team of 50 across Financial Planning & Analysis, Commercial Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate Development, and Global Tax functions. Burrows Coleman’s career also includes leadership positions at WindSail Capital Group and Wind Point Partners, both private equity firms, as well as GE Capital, where she managed equity and debt investments across various industries. She began her career as an investment banker in the Communications & Media group at Lehman Brothers. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Lauren into the Beasley family,” said Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. “Her extensive and diverse experience, combined with her leadership skills, are exactly what we need to drive the company forward as we evolve into the future.” Burrows Coleman holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an A.B. cum laude from Dartmouth College. Commenting on Marie Tedesco’s retirement, Beasley said, “Marie has been an integral part of our success, and her contributions have shaped the organization into what it is today,” adding, “It has been a privilege to work alongside her, and we are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment, hard work, and leadership. We will greatly miss Marie’s wisdom and guidance, and we wish her nothing but the very best!”
iHeartMedia Alaska and Hawaii markets announce the retirement of area president Andy Lohman, effective immediately. 
According to the company, after over four decades of distinguished service in the radio industry, Lohman will continue to provide his expertise to iHeartMedia in a consulting role. Lohman leaves behind a legacy of dedication, growth, and commitment to the radio industry and the Alaskan and Hawaiian communities. His tenure has been marked by outstanding leadership, innovative strategies, and commitment to fostering excellence within the organization. His career in radio began after a summer vacation to Alaska in June 1981, after graduating from Duke University. His first jobs in the state included a fish processor and roughneck at Prudhoe Bay. By October 1982, he started in radio sales, beginning a long and impactful journey in broadcasting. Reflecting on his career, Lohman said, “It’s been an absolute blast. Radio is truly an incredible industry that drives our economy and connects communities, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing its evolution firsthand. Finishing my career with iHeart has made the last decade the best chapter of my career.” Dan Lankford, iHeartMedia division president, expressed his appreciation for Lohman’s contributions, saying “It’s been a privilege working with Andy the last five years. He has successfully led his team in growing both revenue and ratings. As he steps into his much-deserved retirement, we celebrate his many achievements, thank him for his years of service and look forward to him continuing in his new advisory role.”