Industry News

WOR, New York News Director Joe Bartlett to Retire

Longtime WOR, New York news pro Joe Bartlett announces he will retire as a full-time member of the iHeartMedia news/talk station’s staff on May 31 after a 37-year career with the station. Bartlett – who’s been serving most recently as morning news anchor and news director for 710 WOR – says he planned to retire three years ago, but when the Covid-19 pandemic hit he decided to postpone it. In addition to his newsim anchoring and reporting work, Bartlett has also hosted talk shows on the station, including the long-running “WOR Saturday Morning Show.” He comments, “I loved my job and have been fortunate to have been part of this great station for all these years. I could have gone on much longer, but the time had come, where I just needed more free time. Sadly, this is not a job you can do only six months a year. I have been blessed to have had a caring radio ownership, extremely talented co-workers and a very loyal audience.” Bartlett and his wife have relocated to South Carolina where he looks forward to having more time for golf, seeing his grandchildren, and supporting the New York Giants. WOR program director Tom Cuddy says, “It’s rare in this business to encounter as versatile a radio personality as Joe: anchor, news director, and talk show host…not to mention an all-around nice guy. He will be missed not just by our listeners but by our staff.”

Industry News

News Anchor Marcy Williams to Retire from 95.5 WSB

Longtime WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta news anchor Marcy Williams is retiring from the Cox Media Group station after a 31-year career there. Williams began her WSB Radio career as an overnight anchor, and quickly rose through the ranks to become the anchor of the “Atlanta’s Morning News” program. She says, “I’ve spentim 30 years as the first female co-anchor of ‘Atlanta’s Morning News.’ With a little back-of-the-envelope math, I calculate I’ve written more than 300,000 stories over those three decades. Now it’s time for me to write a new chapter.” Station news director Amanda Moyer comments, “Marcy has been a leader and an example in our newsroom for more than three decades. Her recent Gracie award win is the perfect cap to her long tenure at WSB as the first, and to this day, the only female lead news anchor on ‘Atlanta’s Morning News.’ She will be deeply missed, but our loss is her granddaughter’s gain.”

Industry News

Ramsey Network’s Brian Mayfield Retires

Ramsey Solutions announces that Brian Mayfield – a 15-year staffer who spent the past five years as executive vice president of Ramsey Network – retires from the company. The company says that under Mayfield’s leadership “The Ramsey Show” has grown into the second-largest syndicated talk radio show in America with 640 radio affiliate stations, more than 1 billion podcast downloads and over a billion YouTube views. Dave Ramsey says, “Over the last 15 years, Brian Mayfield has truly become one of the top talk radio executives in the nation and a good friend while he has been with Ramsey Solutions. His early retirement is a loss for all of us at Ramsey and the industry.” Mayfield states, “It has been an honor to work alongside Dave and the rest of the team. I am very proud of the success we have seen to date, but I am even more excited to watch and experience the success of Ramsey Network into the future as a fan. We are sometimes faced with situations that dictate change, I’m embracing mine and looking forward to quality time with my wife and family — I’m truly blessed.” Broadcast veteran Blake Thompson, Ramsey’s first producer when the show began, was named executive vice president of Ramsey Network last year. He will continue to serve in that role.

Industry News

KMOX, St. Louis Personality Carol Daniel to Retire

The Audacy news/talk station announces what it calls “a bittersweet day at KMOX” as longtime station personality Carol Daniel announces her retirement. KMOX says, “Carol has been a fixture of KMOX for 28 years of her 40-year-long broadcast career. She’s told the stories of St. Louisans with care, compassion and curiosity, and her work has been recognized throughout the region — she was named Press Club Media Person of the Year, she received the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists Living Legend Award and the Media Hall of Fame Award, and she is a nominee for the Lincoln University Alumni Hall of Fame. Outside of her career in radio, Carol is a wife and mother, author, motivational speaker, and ministry co-leader, and looks forward to spending time with family in her retirement. Carol has produced countless impactful, in-depth interviews in her time here, most recently as the host of the expanded ‘Total Information AM.’ Her last day with KMOX is May 25. We will be sad to see her go but are so excited for her as she takes on this new chapter.”

Industry News

Howard Simon to Retire from WGR, Buffalo

Sports talk WGR, Buffalo announces that its longtime morning drive host Howard Simon is retiring from his position with the station on March 3, after a radio career of more than 33 years. After attending college in Buffalo, Simon launched his radio career in 1989 on WJJL, Niagara Falls. He eventually left to work in Toledo, Ohio but returned to Western New York and has spent the last 18 years with Jeremy White as his co-host in mornings on Audacy’s WGR. Simon says, “I’ve been very lucky to have worked alongside some wonderful people at WJJL, WBEN, Empire Sports Network and finally at WGR. I wish I could list everyone by name, but that isn’t possible. Let me just say, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my many co-workers over the years. I’ve made some great, lifelong friendships, while getting a chance to do something I truly loved. I would like to mention my co-host for the last 18 years at WGR, Jeremy White. That is the longest I worked with anyone by far! Jeremy is super talented, extremely creative, and has a great feel for what topics will be of most interest to our listening audience.”

Industry News

KOH, Reno PD and Host Dan Mason Retires

After a career spanning 49 years, Dan Mason retires from the industry and his position at program director and afternoon host at Cumulus Media’s KOH, Reno. Mason has programmed KOH for the past 28 years, during which the station’s achieved two finalist nominations for the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Awards. He has also served as vice-chair of the Nevada Emergency Communication Committee that oversees the Emergency Alert System for the state of Nevada. Mason launched his career in 1974 at WLRC-FM in Whitehall, Michigan. Cumulus Reno VP and market manager Jennifer Odom says, “The day has come to announce my colleague, mentor, and friend Dan Mason’s retirement. His unwavering dedication to KOH for over 28 years, exceptional work ethic, and commitment to excellence have never faltered through any situation. News Talk 780 KOH is the powerhouse it is today because of Dan. Working with Dan has been one of the highlights of my career. We will miss Dan “Mad Dog” Mason immensely and wish him the very best in his retirement.” Mason comments, “It has been an honor to helm this extraordinary radio station for 28 years, but the time has come for someone else to take the mantle. My wife of 42 years is ready for that Alaskan cruise she’s had her eye on!”

Industry News

Hersholt Retires from KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle; Calvert to AM Drive

Today (1/13) is the last day on the air for KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle morning drive news anchor Gregg Hersholt.  He’s retiring from Lotus Communications’ “Northwest Newsradio” after five decades on the air in Seattle. Hersholt says, “Thank you to those who have listened along the way and the many great people I have worked for. I feel truly blessed.” KNWN program director Rick Van Cise says, “Gregg gave every story he covered the importance it Hairstyle - Facedeserved. While his are big shoes to fill, we are pleased to announce the appointment of ‘Northwest Newsradio’ reporter Brian Calvert to the morning co-anchor post with Manda Factor. Brian’s engaging personality, news credibility and unique storytelling make him a great fit.” Calvert comments, “It’s been a thrill to be a part of one of the best morning teams ever in radio as a reporter, and now an honor to co-host the broadcast.”

Industry News

TALKERS 2026 Video: Lee Habeeb Presents “The Art of Storytelling”

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Noted raconteur and documentarian Lee Habeeb kicks off TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter with an engaging morning presentation titled, “The Art of Storytelling.” Habeeb, the charismatic producer, host, and writer of the wildly popular syndicated news/talk radio series “Our American Stories,” makes a case for the effective use of storytelling in all aspects of talk radio citing several iconic episodes of American history as examples of the endless wealth of material available to hosts. Stay tuned to TALKERS daily posts of new video of the outstanding sessions that recently took place (6/5) at the 28th installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering. To see the Habeeb presentation in its informative and inspirational entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Sports Talk Pioneer Eddie Andelman Dies at 89

Legendary Boston sports talk personality Eddie Andelman has died at 89. Andelman is often described as one of the pioneers of imgsports talk radio. Andelman, along with Jim McCarthy and Mark Witkin, launched “The Sports Huddle” on WBZ-AM, Boston in 1969. The show would move to Boston signals WEEI, WHDH and back to WEEI in 1991 and those who keep track of this sort of stuff say he broadcast more than 13,000 shows. Broadcast historians often refer to the program as one that “came to define the genre.” Andelman retired from radio at the end of 2010.

Industry News

TALKERS 2026 Video: WABC Personality Walter Sterling Addresses “Reflections on Radio: Past, Present, and Future” at Iconic Talk Media Conference

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TALKERS begins posting video recordings today of the sessions that took place at the recent 28th installment of the iconic talk media industry conference, TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter (6/5). Today’s post features an address by legendary executive-turned-on air personality, Walter Sterling (a.k.a. Walter Sabo) titled, “Reflections on Radio: Past, Present, and Future.”  In it, Sterling talks about some of the great personalities of the past 70-plus years in addition to suggesting techniques that have been and will continue to be effective in the medium throughout all eras. Sterling makes a case for the continuing health of radio and encourages station owners and programmers to hire more women and develop more programming for female demographics.  Lee Harris, VP, The Worldwide News Network provides an introduction. To view this video in its entirety, please click here.

Industry Views

The Advertiser Gave It To Me. Isn’t That Enough?

Harrison's imagination of reality

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

imgA local advertiser sends over a ready-made commercial. The music is catchy. The script is polished. The production value is surprisingly good for a company that spends most of its day installing garage doors.

The salesperson approves it. Traffic schedules it. The spot airs.

A few months later, somebody else’s lawyer hears it too.

Many media professionals assume that when an advertiser supplies content, the advertiser has already secured whatever permissions are necessary to use it. Sometimes that’s true. Sometimes it isn’t.

If a commercial contains copyrighted music, photographs, video, artwork, or other protected material, the fact that it came from a client does not automatically end the discussion. The advertiser may have obtained the rights. The advertiser may have assumed someone else obtained the rights. The advertiser may never have asked.

Artificial intelligence is creating new versions of the same problem.

Recently, I was asked about a commercial generated almost entirely through AI. The advertiser used one platform to create the script and another to generate the voice. Everything sounded original. No famous song. No movie clip. No obvious red flags.

Yet one question remained:

How do you know the advertiser had the right to use it?

That question can lead in several directions. Did the AI platform permit commercial use? Was the voice modeled after a real person? Does it sound enough like a celebrity to create endorsement concerns? Can the advertiser demonstrate where the content came from and what rights accompany it?

Fortunately, the solution is usually simple. Ask the advertiser.

Most legitimate advertisers are happy to explain how the content was created and what rights they possess. The conversation often takes only a few minutes.

Broadcasters, podcasters, streamers, and digital creators all face the same reality. Before a commercial airs, someone should know where the content came from and whether the necessary rights exist.

The technology may change. The question remains remarkably durable: How do you know you had the right to use this?

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 https://harrisonlegalgroup.com.

Industry News

LaCroix Rises to PD at “105.7 The Fan”

Audacy’s sports talk WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” promotes Joe LaCroix to brand manager for the station in which he’ll be responsible for supporting the station’s content strategy, imgtalent, operations and branding. LaCroix joined the station in 2017 and has been executive producer of the “Big Bad Morning Show” since 2021. Audacy sports format VP Chris Kinard says, “Joe’s dedication over the past year has been nothing short of exceptional, constantly stepping up to support the team and taking on challenges outside his comfort zone. His tireless work ethic and natural ability to bring people together made him the obvious choice for brand manager.”

Industry News

Mike McVay to Moderate Key Panel at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter

 

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Radio Hall of Fame inductee Mike McVay, president of McVay Media Consulting, will serve as moderator of a panel discussion titled, “Gaining Traction in a Noisy Digital World,” at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter. The panel, sponsored by C. Crane Radio, will be introduced by Heavy Hundred talk show host Lee Elci of WJJF, New London, CT.  Speakers include (in alphabetical order): Heavy Hundred member Rob Carson, host, Newsmax Radio; super-agent Heather Cohen, president, The Weiss Organization; publicity specialist Sherry Goldman, founder, Goldman Communications Group, Inc.; PR wizard Ryan McCormick, co-founder, Goldman McCormick Public Relations; and Heavy Hundred star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, host, “The Joe Pags Show.”

The session will be exploring insights and answers to such timely questions as: How does an individual performer, or even an entire company, gain traction in achieving recognition against a backdrop of noise, distraction, ever-changing technology, shrinking attention spans, and endless exotic competition?

TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter will be held just over a week from now, Friday, June 5 at Hofstra University on Long Island. For registration, hotel and sponsorship information, please click here.

Industry News

John Catsimatidis Set to Keynote 28th TALKERS Conference Heading Stellar Lineup of 60-plus Speakers

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WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks / Worldwide News Network owner John Catsimatidis has been named keynote speaker for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter set for Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra University. Publisher Michael Harrison states, “The selection of ‘Cats’ as keynoter is in keeping with one of the major themes of this year’s edition of the iconic industry event – entrepreneurism. John Catsimatidis is presently setting a stunning example of entrepreneurism at work in giving an injection of much needed energy, focus and life to the medium of radio.” Harrison will serve as facilitator of the presentation in a Q&A / interview style format – a role he has played before with the dynamic billionaire media, grocery, and energy mogul. The entire agenda of TALKERS 2026 will be video recorded including one-on-one interviews with attendees as well as speakers for later playback to a worldwide audience. For the latest agenda, hotel and sponsorship info, please click here.

Industry News

“The Breakfast Club” to Stream Daily on Netflix

iHeartMedia strikes a deal with streaming giant Netflix to stream the nationally syndicated urban morning show “The Breakfast Club” – the first such move for Netflix. The announcement reveals that the program co-hosted by Charlamagne tha God, will air simultaneously as a live video show on Netflix each weekday. While the radio broadcast will continue to include traditional commercial breaks, Netflix viewers will receive “an enhanced, uninterrupted experience, imgwith those breaks filled by exclusive bonus segments, behind‑the‑scenes moments, extended discussions and original content – resulting in nearly three continuous hours of programming each day.” iHeartMedia chairman Bob Pittman comments, “The Breakfast Club has always been at the center of culture, breaking artists, shaping conversations, and reflecting real life in real time. Taking this show live every day to a global audience on Netflix is a powerful example of how we’re expanding the reach of our biggest brands while giving audiences entirely new ways to experience them. Whether it’s morning in NYC or the afternoon in London, the conversation is live and reaching the world in real time.”

Industry News

WFAN, New York Presents Live Remote Ahead of Subway Series

Audacy’s WFAN, New York is broadcasting remotely all day today (5/15) from the MLB Flagship Store in New York City ahead of tonight’s subway series matchup between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. The station’s entire weekday lineup will broadcast from the store as the imgday leads up to the New York Yankees pre-game show at 6:35 pm and the play-by-play broadcast with Dave Sims and Suzyn Waldman. WFAN brand manager Ryan Hurley comments, “In a city that lives for baseball, WFAN is proud to serve as the flagship home for the Yankees, and a year-round destination for fans of both New York clubs to stay up-to-date and informed about their favorite team. We are excited to celebrate this legendary rivalry alongside MLB at their New York flagship store and bring the passion New York sports fans have.”

Industry Views

Conservative Talk Media Star Larry O’ Connor Interviewed on Harrison Podcast

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Cumulus Media’s WMAL-FM, Washington, DC morning show mainstay Larry O’ Connor is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel video podcast, “Up Close Far Out.” The episode, hosted by radio industry icon Michael Harrison, dives into the details surrounding the just-announced expansion of O’Connor’s DC-based 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET daily “O’ Connor and Company” to now being carried on the Salem Radio Network and Salem News Network’s 140-plus affiliates. Harrison also probes O’Connor’s position on a wide variety of political and social issues making for a fascinating discussion about the brave new world into which our society is rapidly transitioning. To experience the video in its entirety, please click HERE.

Industry Views

The Power of First-Hand Experience

By Pamela Garber, LMHC
Grand Central Counseling Group
New York

imgTo quote a radio friend, “Some talk show hosts think the news of the day only exists to serve up interesting fodder for their shows.” Many media practitioners, whose jobs encompass letting their audiences know about the pain and suffering of “others,” feel personally exempt from experiencing a connection to the talking points of poverty, ignorance, violence, and injustice that they eagerly collect (and even welcome) as fresh “content” for their platforms. It’s all just “material” to them.

That was a largely overlooked aspect of last Saturday night’s Washington Hilton debacle in which some 2,600 members of the press, media, and political punditry came face-to-face with the sheer terror of not knowing if they were about to be caught in a spray of deadly bullets from an insane perp’s automatic weapon. During those fleeting seconds of horror we witnessed, in excruciatingly real time, a political cross-section of America’s media insiders understandably cowering in the face of such a deadly possibility. A critical mass of the nation’s observers, influencers and content creators, might never again be numb to what had seemingly become a normal occurrence in schools, malls, churches, theaters, and other public places.  Empathy comes from experience…  and experience has a way of transforming the abstract into the concrete.

The WHCD (alleged) shooter “incident” forced several thousand formally attired, champagne-sipping, Saturday evening socialites into becoming terrified participants – actors in a very real-life news story that they had told countless times – looking for a table under which to take cover or a rolling tray behind which to hide.

First-hand life experience reshapes us (or our core beings) more profoundly than any other learning format curriculum. This concept is especially applicable to talk radio – one of humanity’s most personally influential forms of mass communication.

Pamela Garber, LMHC is a practicing therapist based in NYC and South Florida and a longtime guest mental health commentator on radio and television news programs across the nation. She can be contacted by phone at 646-745-6709 or email at Pamelagarber@gmail.com.  Her website is Grandcentralcounselinggroup.com.

Industry News

Beasley Partners with Tampa Bay Rowdies

Beasley Media Group and the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer club are partnering in deal that will see WJBR-AM, Tampa “Florida Alumni Radio 1100AM” serve as the radio broadcast home for all Rowdies matches in 2026. Beasley says Rowdies home and away matches from the USL Championship regular season and Prinx Tires USL Cup are the latest addition to Florida Alumni Radio’s growing portfolio, which already includes football and basketball broadcasts for both the University of imgSouth Florida and Florida State University. Radio broadcasts for Rowdies home matches on Florida Alumni Radio will feature the same crew from the club’s television broadcasts on Tampa Bay 44 – longtime Rowdies play-by-play commentator Drew Fellios, Rowdies legendary goalkeeper and color commentator Jeff Attinella, and sideline reporter Diandra Loux.

Industry Views

TALKERS Books Announces Publication of Playing the Clip: The Digital Media Creator’s Legal Guide to Fair Use

TALKERS Books announces the release of, Playing the Clip: The Digital Media Creator’s Legal Guide to Fair Use, by media attorney (and imgTALKERS magazine associate publisher) Matthew B. Harrison, a work designed for today’s news/talk media environment where audio, video, screenshots, and quotes are not just supporting elements – but serve as the actual content itself. This technique has become particularly prevalent on YouTube and even cable news/talk TV but increasingly appears in audio form as what used to be called “actualities” – sound from another source.

The book introduces and defines what TALKERS identifies as the “Play the Clip” technique: the now-standard practice across broadcasting, podcasting, streaming, and social platforms of presenting the source material rather than merely describing it. Although this practice has become ubiquitous, it leaves content creators and providers vulnerable to legal ambiguity, uncertainty, and consequences.

At a time when creators increasingly rely on third-party media to inform, critique, and engage audiences, Playing the Clip addresses a persistent gap between how content is created and how the law evaluates it. Theimg book explains the legal concept of fair use not as a permission structure, but as a legal defense raised after copying has already occurred – an uncomfortable but essential distinction that underpins the entire analysis.

Rather than offering abstract theory or checklist-style guidance, the book focuses on how courts actually evaluate real-world uses. It examines the operational realities creators face: platform incentives, inconsistent enforcement, monetization pressures, and the false sense of security created by what “everyone else is doing.”

The central premise is straightforward: infringement is the starting point, not the conclusion- and fair use, when it applies, is the justification that must be built from there.

Playing the Clip is now available:

  • Print Edition (Amazon): $24.95
  • Kindle Edition (Amazon): Limited-time promotional price of $1.00

Free to TALKERS subscribers

In addition, TALKERS is making the book available at no cost to its readership for a limited time.

Below is a form just for TALKERS readers. Just submit your email address to receive access to a free digital copy, available in either EPUB or PDF format, depending on preference. This offer is intended to ensure that working media creators -regardless of platform or budget – can access the material during its initial release window. To receive a free book, please click here.

Industry News

Jeff Katz Recognized for 10 Years of Blue Friday Award

imgWRVA, Richmond afternoon drive host Jeff Katz (right) is pictured here with Richmond city council member Reva Trammel (left), while being recognized on the 10th anniversary of Katz’s Lieutenant Jan McTernan Blue Friday Honor Award. Katz, a former police officer, has been honoring Central Virginia law enforcement heroes on the final Friday of each month. The award is named in memory of Janice Ann McTernan a retired, longtime veteran of the Richmond Police Department.

Industry News

Bob Kevoian Dies at 75

“The Bob & Tom Show” co-founder Bob Kevoian died on Friday at the age of 75 after a three-year battle with cancer. With partner Tom imgGriswold, the two launched The Bob & Tom Show in 1983 and the WFBQ, Indianapolis-based program took off, going into syndicated in 1995. The program, still led by Griswold, is heard on some 100 affiliate stations. Kevoian retired from the show in 2015. Kevoian went public with his cancer diagnosis in 2023 and launched “The Bob & Cancer Show” podcast with his wife Becky and Whit Grayson.

Industry News

Cumulus Speeding Toward Chapter 11 Exit

Yesterday (4/13) in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston the Modified Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Cumulus Media Inc. and Its Debtor Affiliates was filed. While the proposed order has yet to be approved by the judge, it is expected to be approved soon and clears theimg way for the reorganization to move to the next step – approval from the Federal Communications Commission. When fully consummated, the plan will have eliminated $592 million of debt for Cumulus and puts control of the company into the hands of secured creditors. A new board of directors will be elected and although current executive management may remain in their positions, it is entirely up to the new board of directors to determine the company’s officers.

Industry News

Segura Named OM for WMAL-FM, Washington

Cumulus Media appoints Luis Segura operations manager for its news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington, DC, effective May 4. Program director Bill Hess retired at the end of 2025 after a long time leading the station. Segura was most recently program director for the company’s KSFO,img San Francisco. Cumulus chief content officer Brian Philips says, “Among our strong field of Cumulus programmers, Luis leapt from the pack as the person possessing the energy and imagination to lead WMAL. Luis visualizes the multi-dimensional future of this big brand. The immense benefit of keeping Luis ‘in house’ is that he will continue to offer expert counsel to our revitalized operations in San Francisco and Los Angeles, as needed.” Segura says, “I’m incredibly excited to work with the legendary staff of Cumulus’ flagship news/talk. WMAL is packed with national names like Larry O’Connor and Chris Plante, and I can’t wait to join the team.”

Industry News

Salem Media Adds Roku to FAST Partners

Salem Media reveals a deal with The Roku Channel that will see its Salem News Channel available on Roku’s ad-supported streaming channel. Salem notes that while Salem News Channel has long been available through a dedicated Roku app, this new distribution places the network imgdirectly within Roku’s Live TV guide, allowing viewers to discover as they browse and begin watching instantly. Salem News Channel VP and general manager Cary Pahigian says, “This is a significant expansion of Salem News Channel’s reach, which already increased viewership by over 178% this year. Being part of The Roku Channel opens the door for entirely new audiences to discover the unique news and opinion that SNC provides.” This news comes two weeks after Salem announced Salem News Channel is joining Amazon Prime Video’s free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channel.

Industry News

Zoe Burdine-Fly Retiring from Connoisseur Media

Connoisseur Media senior vice president Zoe Burdine-Fly announces that she is retiring from the company as member of the leadership team in which she’s worked closely with teams across the organization in several markets. Burdine-Fly comments, “It was not an easy decision to retire from imgthe industry that I love. I will treasure the friendships and relationships I have built over the years. To those who have taken a chance on me, thank you. To those I have had the privilege to work with over the years, thank you. Working in radio has been a tremendous ride and I have enjoyed every minute of it.” Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Zoe’s career in this industry speaks for itself. We appreciate the experience and insight she shared with our team. I personally thank her for her time with Connoisseur Media and wish her a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”

Industry News

CBS News Radio Fallout: Is Broadcast Journalism a Sacred Profession?

Is a career in broadcast journalism akin to the “priesthood?” Is radio just a “business” or something more? These philosophical questions were two of several addressed this morning (3/26) in an appearance by TALKERS imgfounder Michael Harrison on WPRO, Providence’s “The News with Gene Valicenti” discussing the shutdown of CBS News Radio.  The two seasoned broadcasters took an analytical look at the past 100 years of broadcast journalism – from Edward R. Murrow to modern times – comparing the role and impact of early day giants such as William S. Paley (CBS), David Sarnoff (NBC), and John W. Kluge (Metromedia) to today’s crop of moguls including the Ellison family’s Larry Ellison (Oracle) and his son David Ellison (Skydance Media) who now control Paramount, CBS, and a variety of other media and technological ventures. To listen to the entire segment, please click here.

Uncategorized

Tom Barnard Announces Alhzeimer’s Diagnosis

Legendary Twin Cities radio personality Tom Barnard announces to his podcast audience that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The former morning host on rock KQRS-FM, Minneapolis has beenimg hosting “The Tom Barnard Podcast” since leaving the station in December of 2022. On the podcast, Barnard was joined by family members including his wife and podcast co-host Kathryn Brandt who said they began to have concerns about Barnard’s health shortly after he retired from KQRS. Barnard says he’s been undergoing treatment that has had a positive effect on him, but he acknowledges that there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Guests on Dom Giordano Education Podcast

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In an effort to “Make America Smart Again,” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison appears as a guest on this week’s installment of the groundbreaking education podcast, “Old School, New School, Next School,” hosted by WPHT, Philadelphia talk radio icon Dom Giordano. A former schoolteacher, Giordano is widely recognized as a leading expert on the American education system and is one of talk media’s most outspoken activists on bringing it up to speed.

Giordano and Harrison bemoan the state of America’s level of education and the fact that the nation is consistently falling behind other nations academically. They talk about a variety of topics including school choice and parental rights. To listen to the podcasts in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

NRG Media to Sell Northern Wisconsin Stations to Midwest Communications

NRG Media is divesting its Northern Wisconsin stations in the Wausau and Rhinelander markets in a proposed sale to Midwest Communications’ WRIG, Inc subsidiary. This deal includes sports talkimg WOBT-AM and 11 other signals and FM translators. NRG CEO Mary Quass states, “We are proud of the great broadcasters in Wisconsin that we have proudly worked with and are happy they will continue serving Wisconsin with WRIG, Inc.” Midwest Communications president Peter Tanz comments, “Mary and her entire team have built an outstanding community service organization in Wisconsin. For over a century, the Wright family has proudly called Central Wisconsin home. We are honored to add NRG’s Wisconsin stations to our home market.”

Industry News

Chicago Radio News Pro John Hultman Dies

Radio and television news pro John Hultman has died at the age of 89. Hultman’s first major market job was in Detroit at WWJ-TV and radio in Detroit. He moved to WBBM-AM in 1968, just months before the station would get the orders from corporate to flip to all-news. He would move up to news director in 1972 though remained on the air. He gave up news director duties in 1982 and in 1984 he was partnered on-air with Felicia Middlebrooks. He remained with WBBM to his retirement in 2020. See the CBS News story here.

Industry News

Chicago Agribusiness Radio Legend Orion Samuelson Passes

Chicago broadcasting legend Orion Samuelson has died at the age of 91. Samuelson grew up on his family’s farm in Wisconsin and the famer in hm never left. Though he did numerous on-air jobs during his career – including hosting the morning WGN-TV show “Top of the Morning” in the 1960s, his work as a farming news broadcaster is where he truly excelled. Samuelson spent 60 years broadcasting until his retirement in 2020. See the WGN-TV story here.

Industry News

New York News Icon Ernie Anastos Dies at 82

Longtime Emmy-winning New York City news anchor Ernie Anastos hasimg died at the age of 82. Anastos worked at the local New York affiliates of ABC, CBS and FOX. In recent years, he hosted a feature on WABC Radio titled, “Positively Ernie.” Red Apple Media Group CEO John Catsimatidis commented on Anastos’ passing saying, “Ernie was a friend for 50 years. He was always there for every charity and worked tirelessly to help people — especially New Yorkers.”

Industry News

Michael Harrison Discusses His Rock Radio Days (and More) on Video Podcast

TALKERS publisher and iconic radio programmer/personality Michael Harrison talks about his colorful 59-year career in radio including his early days as a pioneer in the progressive rock genre and founder of the “Album Oriented Rock” (AOR) format in the early 1970s through his present-day involvement in spoken word media.  All this and more was recorded (3/5)img during an informal conversation with his longtime friend, music industry publicist Anne Leighton on her YouTube program, “The Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview.”  Harrison talks about the evolution of radio and its influence on popular culture through more than a half century of imgbroadcasting adventures including his present-day role as a member of the classic rock band, Gunhill Road.  Harrison states, “Anne is such a unique player in this business – a longtime proponent of music discovery – she has such a respect for the artists and their fans.  Her podcast is SO refreshingly grassroots. It was a remarkable, fun experience talking with her about all that cool stuff.” Fans of music and radio history should not miss this.  To view this installment of the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview in its entirety, please click HERE.

Industry News

RTDNA Presents 2026 First Amendment Awards Tomorrow

The RTDNA Foundation will recognize 12 individuals and organizations at tomorrow’s 2026 First Amendment Awards being presented at The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. RTDNA Foundation president Tara Puckey says, “At a time when the rights guaranteed by the Firstimg Amendment are challenged on every front, the journalists, organizations and individuals we honor today stand as powerful examples of courage, integrity and unwavering commitment to the free flow of information. Their work informs, supports and strengthens our communities, and it definitely protects the core principles that make a free press essential to democracy. We are proud to shine a spotlight on these champions of press freedom and to celebrate their vital contributions.” Honorees include recently retired WGN, Chicago news anchor Steve Bertrand; former “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens; and FOX News pentagon reporter Jennifer Griffin. See more here.

Industry Views

Progressive Talk Media Star Thom Hartmann Interviewed

UFCO Hartmann copy

WYD Media nationally syndicated progressive talk show host, Thom Hartmann is Michael Harrison‘s guest this week on Up Close Far Out – a YouTube video presentation of broadcast industry trade publication TALKERS magazine.  Hartmann is one of – if not THE – most influential and longest running progressive radio and talk media commentators on the scene today.  His daily program is heard on several hundred radio stations as well as the SiriusXM Progress 127 channel, Free Speech TV, Substack, YouTube, and Facebook. He is a prolific best-selling author and publishes a widely read daily newsletter, the Hartmann Report. Hartmann is currently ranked number 8 on the prestigious TALKERS Heavy Hundred list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America.  Harrison and Hartmann discuss the state of news/talk media, the challenge of covering the Trump presidency, and both commentators’ concern about the administration’s escalating infringement on First Amendment rights. To experience the video in its entirety please click HERE.