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

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 Legal Group, 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@HarrisonLegalGroup.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 TALKERS 2026

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 TALKERS 2026

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.”