Industry News

92.7 WMMB Talk Host Bill Mick to Retire

Longtime Space Coast talk radio host Bill Mick is retiring from iHeartMedia’s “92.7 WMMB, The Space Coast Talks” (WMMB-AM/W224DJ) after today’s show.  iHeartMedia says, “Mick began his Space Coast radio career in 1998 and took over mornings at WMEL in Melbourne in 2001. In 2004, he joined what is now imgiHeartMedia, where ‘Bill Mick LIVE’ became a longtime fixture on Space Coast morning radio.” Prior to his radio career, Mick spent 17 years in law enforcement in his native West Virginia, including roles in patrol, SWAT and as a detective. Mick says, “When I started in radio, I was new to Brevard, but talking with local leaders, newsmakers and our listeners quickly taught me about this community and made it home for me and my family. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who gave me the opportunity to build a career here, and especially to the dedicated audience that has been with me for more than 25 years. The Space Coast is home, and I can’t say thank you enough.”

Industry News

Masteller to Retire from “The Fanatic” at Year’s End

WPEN-FM, Philadelphia program director Scott Masteller announces he’ll retire from the Beasley Media Group sports talk station on December 31 capping a radio career that’s spanned imgmore than 45 years. Beasley Philadelphia VP and market manager Paul Blake says, “Scott has brought tremendous knowledge, thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to excellence to ‘The Fanatic.’ He understands what makes sports radio meaningful to its audience and has always been generous in sharing his insight with those around him. Scott was key in The Fanatic’s growth, and he helped position the station well for its next chapter. We are deeply grateful for Scott’s contributions and congratulate him on an outstanding career and a well-earned retirement.” During Masteller’s career he served with are ESPN Dallas, ESPN Radio, and WBAL, Baltimore, plus stops in Portland, Salt Lake City, and Lexington, Kentucky.

Industry News

Galaxy Media Founder Ed Levine to Retire

Galaxy Media Partners founder Ed Levine announces that he is retiring after a broadcasting career that’s spanned nearly five decades. The company says information about the plan of succession and Levine’s effective date of retirement will be revealed in the coming weeks. Levine founded Galaxy Media imgPartners in 1990 with a single radio station operating out of a diner in Utica, New York. Over the next 36 years, he built the company into a 15-station broadcasting firm operating in Central and Upstate New York. Levine says, “It’s been a wonderful ride over the past 36 years. It’s hard to believe I was 33 when I started the company, and now I’m 70. Where did the time go? As the years have passed, my priorities have changed. A year ago, I was blessed with a beautiful grandson, and my daughter and son-in-law live just minutes from us in Charlotte, North Carolina. Spending more time with my family has become increasingly important, and I know this is the right time to begin a new chapter.”

Industry News

Latzer Retires from Salem Surround

Salem Media announces that longtime company executive Jon Latzer is retiring from the company and his role as leader of its Salem Surround digital marketing agency. Salem Media chief digital officer Jamie Cohen says, “Jon has been a tremendous leader and trusted partner throughout his time at Salem. He hasimg helped shape Salem Surround into the business it is today through his commitment to our people, our clients, and our local markets. We’re incredibly grateful for everything he’s contributed and wish him the very best in his retirement.” The company says that Christian Kligora, senior director of multimedia sales, will assume interim leadership of Salem Surround’s revenue organization. Additionally, Salem says that William Cosey and Jonathan Greer will continue leading Salem Surround’s operations, fulfillment, and client execution, ensuring continuity for customers, vendors, sales teams, and internal stakeholders.

Industry News

Salem’s Power to Retire

Salem Media president of broadcast media Allen Power announces he is retiring from the company on September 30. He’ll continue to be involved with Salem as a senior advisor. Power joined Salem in 2000 as the company’s first general manager in Atlanta. He later served as regional vice president, senior vice president, and was named president of broadcast media in 2023. imgSalem Media CEO David Santrella states, “Allen and I have worked together for nearly 25 years in a variety of roles at Salem. His leadership, his ability to inspire those around him, and his incredible understanding of our business will be missed. Beyond his business accomplishments, he has led with integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to serving others. While we will miss his daily leadership, we are grateful that he will continue serving Salem as a senior advisor.” Power looks back at his career saying, “Fifty years ago today, on June 15, 1976, I started my first job in broadcasting. I have spent more than half of my career at Salem and it has been such a blessing to devote my efforts to spreading the message of the gospel through broadcasting. I am grateful to the Atsinger and Epperson families, Joe Davis, Dave Santrella and my many wonderful Salem colleagues and ministry partners. After five decades of hard work, the next chapter will be about investing my time and gifts in faith, family, and worthwhile organizations. After a sabbatical, I will decide where and how to do that.” Salem says it will announce additional leadership appointments and succession plans in the coming weeks.

Industry News

Doug Hamand to Retire at Month’s End

imgCumulus Media VP of programming operations Doug Hamand says that he is retiring at the end of June. Hamand served for more than two decades with iHeartMedia and its predecessors before joining Cumulus Media in the corporate programming role. He posts to Facebook, “I’ve had a ball. It’s hard to believe that when I started 48 years ago, this day would ever come — but here we are. I’m excited to share that I will be retiring at the end of June.”

Industry News

Denny Long Retires from WCCO, Minneapolis

Longtime WCCO, Minneapolis radio personality Denny Long imghosted his last show Saturday (5/30) that turned into a big farewell with co-workers, family and friends packing the Audacy station’s studio. Long served with WCCO for 55 years of his 60-year career. He joined the station in 1971 as program director for the then-music formatted station. He remained with WCCO in numerous capacities, most recently as host of the Saturday morning show. Long says he’s retiring for health reasons but adds that with a little luck and good medical care he’ll be alright.

Industry News

KFGO, Fargo’s Paul Jurgens to Retire

KFGO Radio news director Paul Jurgens announces he is stepping down effective Friday, May 29 after 43 years with the station and 38 years as news director. The station notes that under Jurgens’ leadership, KFGO News earned two Peabody Awards from the University of Georgia School of Journalism, five Marconi imgAwards from the National Association of Broadcasters, and eight Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association. In 2024, Jurgens was presented with The Pioneer Award from the North Dakota Broadcasters Association. He says about his decision to retire, “I’m getting to the point where I want to do something else. There’s a lot of things that happen – phone calls, texts in the middle of the night, so I think it’s just time.” The station says that while Jurgens is leaving KFGO in a full-time capacity, it is possible that he returns to the station on a part-time basis in the future. His replacement is expected to be announced today (5/28) on the Joel Heitkamp show.

Industry News

Margie Tasseff Retires from iHeartMedia Mansfield and Marion

Longtime market president Margie Tasseff announces her retirement from iHeartMedia’s Mansfield and Marion, Ohio markets where she led news/talk WMAN-AM and sports talk WNCO “FOX Sports 1340” in Mansfield and news/talk WMRN in Marion plus six imgmusic brands. iHeartMedia area president Matt Bell says, “Margie’s passion for this business, her commitment to the Mansfield and Marion communities and the relationships she built over nearly four decades have left an incredible mark on our company and everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her. She has been a trusted leader, mentor and advocate for both our employees and our partners, and her presence will truly be missed. We are deeply grateful for everything she has contributed to iHeartMedia and wish her nothing but happiness and success in this next chapter.” Reflecting on her career, Tasseff comments, “Spending 39 years with one employer is truly uncommon. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built together over the years — from the friendships and partnerships to the impact we’ve made through local radio. I’ve been fortunate to grow professionally while working with outstanding colleagues and serving a community that has meant so much to me. These stations will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Industry News

Oxley to Retire from WTOP, Washington

Hubbard Broadcasting’s Washington, DC market president and general manager Joel Oxley announces is retiring later this year from the company he’s served with for almost 35 years. Hubbard says, “Under Oxley’s leadership, flagship brands WTOP News, Federal News Network img(FNN), and 2060 Digital have achieved consistent growth in revenue, profitability, and audience reach. The organization is on track to exceed last year’s performance and outperform its 2026 budget, reflecting strong results across digital, audio, video, and social platforms.” Oxley adds, “Our success is the result of extraordinary people doing exceptional work every day. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented journalists, finance people, marketers, sales professionals, tech people and leaders in the industry.” Hubbard Broadcasting president and CEO Ginny Hubbard states, “Joel’s leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to excellence have shaped this organization for decades. His impact on our people and our brands is lasting, and we are grateful for his remarkable service. We are also incredibly grateful that he is willing to continue offering his experience and expertise to the company once he steps away from leading WTOP-WFED’s daily operations and strategy.”

Industry News

ESPN’s David Roberts to Retire in August

After a 22-year career at ESPN and almost five decades in media, ESPN EVP, executive editor, Sports News and Entertainment David Roberts will retire at the end of August. Roberts joined ESPN in 2004 as a coordinating producer and currently oversees ESPN’s news operation including sports news and coverage, investigative and enterprise imgjournalism, research and digital editorial. He also supervises ESPN Audio. Roberts comments, “This has been both a real honor and a blessing to work for and with the most talented people in the industry. I am extremely humbled and grateful to have had the opportunities afforded me as a member of the ESPN leadership team. It has been simply an awesome 22 years.” ESPN president of content Burke Magnus states, “David Roberts has had a long and extremely distinguished career in this industry, and we’ve been fortunate to have him as part of the ESPN team for more than two decades. His leadership has made a tremendous difference, and he will leave a lasting legacy at ESPN. We wish him all the best in retirement.”

Industry News

Audacy Philadelphia SVP Yadgaroff to Retire

Longtime Philadelphia SVP and market manager for Audacy’s Philadelphia station group David Yadgaroff announces he’s retiring from the company. He tells his staff, “Leading these iconic stations has been a great privilege and working alongside our team has been the most rewarding part of my journey. Our team has consistently deliveredimg unique, compelling content, embraced meaningful evolution, and made a real difference for our communities, our advertisers and one another. I am incredibly proud of the people in the Philadelphia radio market and across the country, whom I’ve had the opportunity to hire, train and mentor. Watching their growth and success has been a joy. After an extraordinary run of dedicating myself to radio and my colleagues for decades, it feels like the right time to step away and take time for myself, spend more time with family and friends, pursue new opportunities and contribute to organizations in meaningful new ways. I leave with deep gratitude and confidence in the future.” Audacy region president Mark Hannon says Yadgaroff will stay in his position through the end of May as they work on a smooth transition for the staff and the stations’ clients. The Audacy cluster includes news/talk WPHT and sports talk WIP-FM. 

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 Legal Group, 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@HarrisonLegalGroup.com or read more at TALKERS.com.