Industry News

Phil Paleologos to Retire from WBSM, New Bedford

Longtime New Bedford, Massachusetts morning personality Phil Paleologos is retiring from his role as morning drive host at Townsquare Media’s news/talk WBSM-AM. Station director of content Michael Rockim says in a memo to staffers, “Phil has been in broadcasting for more than 50 years, most of those years on morning radio, and many years feeding the people of New Bedford next to his bride, Celeste, at their Shawmut Diner. As much as Phil has to offer our community, at some point a man deserves to sleep in without worrying about pancakes or interviews. That time has come for Phil. The Morning Mayor has decided to make this Friday [5/12] his last day on the WBSM morning show… Thankfully, Phil’s WBSM story doesn’t end on Friday. He has agreed to ‘Phil’ in during vacations, and I’m trying to talk him into taking on a regular weekend shift. All in time.”

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 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

img

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.

Industry News

Craig Collins Show to Air on KSEV/KGBC in Houston

Patrick Communications’ news/talk KSEV/KGBC, Houston announces the addition of “The Craig Collins Show” to its daily lineup airing fromimg 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, beginning March 9. The station says, “Craig is a veteran talk show host having previously worked at WGN Radio and 93 WIBC. He is also a frequent guest host with Radio America’s ‘The Dana Show’ and ‘The Chad Benson Show’ and WIBC’s ‘Tony Katz and the Morning News.’” Colling says, “How awesome is it to be at the same radio station I remember reading about in The Way Things Ought To Be! I can’t wait to get started. A big thank you to Bonny, Russell and the entire team at KSEV!”

Industry News

“105.7 The Fan” in Baltimore Promotes Joe LaCroix

Audacy’s Baltimore sports talk outlet WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” promotes Joe LaCroix to assistant brand manager. WJZ brand manager Scott Jameson says, “Joe has been an incredible resource and tremendousimg help to the entire team throughout the past year, stepping in without hesitation and taking on added responsibility. His work ethic, commitment to the station, and focus on fostering a collaborative environment have not gone unnoticed, making him the ideal candidate for this elevated role.” LaCroix, who’s been with the station since 2017 and has served as executive producer of the morning show since 2021, says, “I’m delighted to accept this role and grateful for the opportunity. I’m excited to continue working with this team and to help drive the continued growth and success of ‘The Fan.’”

Industry News

Sid Rosenberg Celebrates 10 Years on WABC

img

WABC, New York morning drive personality Sid Rosenberg celebrated his 10-year anniversary on the station with a special seven-hour live broadcast from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm broadcast from WABC’s Studio 77 event space. Joining Rosenberg live on the air were Red Apple Media and WABC owners John and Margo Catsimatidis. Special guests via phone included President Donald Trump, Lara Trump, Sean Hannity, Bruce Blakeman, Bill O’Reilly, Charles McCord, and more. In addition to the celebration of Rosenberg’s 10 years, New York State Broadcasters Association president Dave Donovan honored Rosenberg with the organization’s Service to New York Award. Rosenberg comments, “Ten years at WABC has been the honor of my career. This station gave me a microphone, a family, and the freedom to be unapologetically myself every morning. I’m incredibly grateful to John and Margo Catsimatidis, Chad Lopez, and the entire WABC team for believing in me, and to the listeners who’ve been with me through every high and low. This anniversary isn’t about looking back — it’s about how much more we’re going to do together.”

Industry Views

WPHT, Philly Star Dom Giordano Guests on TALKERS Media Channel’s “Up Close Far Out”

img

Don’t miss this deep-dive analysis of the “dumbing down of America” as WPHT, Philadelphia midday host (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) Dom Giordano joins Michael Harrison as this week’s guest on the YouTube TALKERS Media Channel’s “Up Close Far Out.” Recognized as one of the most important radio talk show hosts in America for almost four decades,img Giordano is a political commentator, social generalist and seasoned expert on education. He is a former Pennsylvania-based schoolteacher whose keen insights, innovative ideas, and communication skills were discovered by talk radio in Philadelphia in 1987 when, after serving as a dependable “go-to” source on education, he became a fulltime host on WWDB-FM. In 2000, he moved over to powerhouse WPHT 1210 am in Philly where he has been broadcasting ever since. In addition to his enduring radio presence, Giordano hosts several podcasts including the groundbreaking “Old School, New School, Next School” which takes a critical-but-constructive view of America’s education crisis and is must-listening for parents who care about their kids and the future of America. Get ready for a no-holds-barred view of such hot topics as school choice, the tyranny of social media, the distraction of smart phones, short term attention spans, bullying, the threat of guns and violence, responsible parenting, media complacency, and a whole lot more. View the conversation in its entirety here.

Industry News

Sports Talker Terry Boers Dies at 75

Former Chicago sports talk radio host Terry Boers has died at 75. Boers, co-hosted the “Boers & Bernstein” show on Audacy’s WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” from 1999 through 2016. He retired from the station inimg January of 2017. WSCR operations manager Mitch Rosen posted the following to social media: “The Score lost one of our own today. Terry Boers passed away today surrounded by loved ones. Terry was one of the founding fathers of The Score and one of the most popular people on the air and in The Score hallways. Terry was original, funny, smart, witty and most importantly a beautiful person. Terry’s family’s wish is there won’t be a funeral, but The Score will celebrate his life on the air next week. So today and forever, RIP Terry Boers.” Boer was one of the original hosts on “The Score when it launched in January 1992. Boers had worked for years in the newspaper business, including as a sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Industry News

RTDNA to Honor Steve Bertrand with Lifetime Achievement Award

Retired WGN, Chicago journalist Steve Bertrand is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the RTDNA Foundation’s 2026 First Amendment Awards taking place at the Watergate Hotel in Washington on March 12. RTDNA says it “is celebrating Steve Bertrandimg with the Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor designated contributions to local news. Bertrand has been a trusted voice on WGN Radio for four decades, anchoring news since 1992 and earning the confidence of generations of Chicago listeners. Over his career, he covered many of the most significant local and national events of the past 40 years while mentoring colleagues and helping define the standard for excellence in local radio journalism. His retirement in 2025 marks the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to informing the public and strengthening the role of local news.”

Industry News

Nielsen Appeals Judge’s Injunction; No Stay Granted

Nielsen Audio’s managing director Rich Tunkel says that U.S. District Court Judge Jeanette Vargas’ order that his company is enjoined from enforcing its Network Policy — in which clients wanting to buy network ratings must also buy the local ratings — and from charging aimg commercially unreasonable rate for its Nationwide Report may cause it to have to do away with the Nationwide Report altogether. This testimony accompanied Nielsen’s request for a stay pending appeal as it appeals to the Second Circuit. This is the latest in action in Cumulus’ suit alleging that imgNielsen is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. Judge Vargas denied the stay pending appeal but did grant an administrative stay will be in effect only until January 16, 2026, to allow Nielsen time to file a motion for a stay in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Tunkel’s testimony states that the order would cause Nielsen “significant irreparable harm if required to comply with the Court’s ruling during the pendency of Nielsen’s appeal… As a result, Nielsen would not be able to apply that policy in any of the at least ten negotiations with clients that Nielsen expects to have in 2026. If Nielsen is unable to apply the Network Policy, then it will be hindered in its ability to ensure that it can recover the costs of collecting the local radio-ratings data that make up the Nationwide report and spread those costs appropriately across the customers that use the products generated from those joint costs. If Nielsen cannot recover these costs, then it may have to retire the Nationwide report, similar to when Nielsen retired its other national data product, RADAR. If it does not retire the Nationwide report, it may have to pass a higher share of the costs of collecting local data on to other customers, including local radio stations, hurting Nielsen’s negotiating position with respect to those customers, as well as those customers themselves.”