Industry News

Buffalo Bills Take Audio In-House After 14 Years with Audacy’s Sports Talk WGR

The NFL’s Buffalo Bills are wrapping their 14–year relationship with Audacy’s WGR, Buffalo as the flagship radio outlet for its games and other content and will take their audio content in-house. The team willimg produce and distribute radio broadcasts for preseason, regular season and playoff games starting in 2026. The Bills say, “The traditional radio broadcast, currently on WGR-AM 550 and Rochester affiliate 950-AM The Fan, will transition to streaming exclusively on BuffaloBills.com and THE BILLS APP from 1-3 p.m. every weekday. ‘One Bills Live’ will continue to be simulcast on MSG Western New York.” Bills president of business operations Pete Guelli says, “The delivery of media content has changed dramatically over the years. We believe the model of in-house production, distribution, and sales will better position the organization to provide access to our fans as well as allow us to further engage with the local business community.” The team notes that “One Bills Live” co-hosts Chris Brown and Steve Tasker will remain in their current roles.

Industry News

Harris Launches Vegas Crime Files Podcast

Las Vegas-based talk media personality Heidi Harris is debuting a new podcast in the true crime genre. She tells TALKERS, “My newest podcast is finally here! ‘Vegas Crime Files!’ I’ve been working so hard on this and I’m really excited about it. ‘Vegas Crime Files’ pulls back the curtain onimg infamous and fascinating lesser-known crimes through firsthand accounts from those who investigated, prosecuted, and survived them. No Googled stories or AI scripts. Details you will hear nowhere else, from the people who are free to discuss what really happened in Vegas.” Harris says her first episode asks, “Who’s the guy in the barrel that was found in Lake Mead? I speak to the cold case detective who worked the case, and a journalist who grew up with the guy who just might be in the barrel!”

Industry News

Beasley Exercises Grace Period for Interest Payments on Exchange Notes

Beasley Broadcast Group, via subsidiary Beasley Mezzanine Holdings, LLC is electing to use the 30-day grace period for the interest payments due February 1, 2026 in the amount of approximately $8.5 million under the 9.200% senior secured second lien notes due 2028 and in theimg amount of approximately $1.7 million under the 11.000% senior secured first lien notes due August 1, 2028. In its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission states, “The decision to utilize the grace period will not trigger an Event of Default under the indentures governing the Notes and the Company retains the right to make the interest payment to the holders of the Notes through the end of the grace period. The decision to utilize the grace period does not impact any of the Company’s business operations or obligations to advertisers, employees, suppliers or other stakeholders.” Beasley says it is “actively engaged in discussions with various stakeholders with respect to a number of potential alternatives regarding a restructuring of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness and strengthening its overall financial flexibility. At this time, no agreement has been reached regarding the Company’s indebtedness, and no assurances can be given as to the timing or outcome of this process.”

Industry News

WIBC-FM, Indy Host Rob Kendall Off the Air and Doesn’t Know Why

WIBC-FM, Indianapolis late morning personality Rob Kendall has been off of the “Casey and Kendall” show – co-hosted with Casey Daniels – since January 15. Kendall tells the Indianapolis Star he thinks it’s aimg contract dispute Urban One management but he’s not exactly sure why. Kendall’s contract expired in October and his attorney Jay Kanzler says the problem is not about money. He tells the Star, “It’s not like he walked in there and demanded more money. People are scratching their heads.” Kendall began speaking with management prior to his October contract date asking “to discuss new marketing ideas and flexibility in his role in a challenging radio industry.” When those efforts failed, he hired Kanzler who reached out to management. But, Kendall and Kanzler say neither of them have heard back from the company. Read the Indy Star piece here.

Industry News

Connoisseur Names Frisk Palm Springs Market Manager

Connoisseur Media names Sommer Frisk market manager for its Palm Springs cluster that includes “K-NEWS” (KNWZ-AM, KNWQ-AM, K284CR), sports talk KKUU-HD2 “ESPN 103.9,” and six music brands.img  Frisk is also serving the company as regional manager for Alaska and Salt Lake City. She was most recently with Cumulus Media as VP and market manager for the Oxnard-Ventura, California market. Connoisseur Western Region SVP Tina Murley says, “Sommer’s leadership, passion for local media, and her ability to connect with communities make her an ideal addition to the Connoisseur family. As we deepen presence in Palm Springs, Alaska, and Salt Lake City, Sommer’s strategic vision, commitment to local communities, and operational expertise will be invaluable.”

Industry News

Carolin Retires from Salem; Mosher and Murphy Promoted

Salem Media is promoting two executives as Atlanta-based regional vice president and general manager Val Carolin retired from the company on January 30. Salem president of broadcast media Allen Power says, “Valimg has become a valued partner for me in his years with Salem. He has led with trust, affirmation, and high standards – a leadership style worth emulating.” In the wake of Carolin’s retirement, Jason Mosher is promoted from regional director of sales to regional general manager, overseeing the Atlanta and Pittsburgh markets. Also, Mike Murphy is promoted to regional general manager, adding Cleveland to his existing oversight of the Twin Cities market. Power says, “These moves ensure strong continuity of leadership while positioning Salem for continued growth in these key markets. We’re extremely proud of Jason and Mike for their well-earned promotions, and we extend our deepest appreciation to Val for his decades of service and the impact he’s had across our company.”

Industry News

Federal News Network Contracts with Leadership Connect

Hubbard Radio’s Federal News Network (including WFED-AM, Washington, DC) announces a strategic partnership with Leadership Connect, a provider of government, policy, and contracting intelligence.img Hubbard says the collaboration brings together Federal News Network’s trusted reporting with Leadership Connect’s proprietary data and analysis to deliver deeper context and insight across the federal marketplace. Federal News Network publisher Jeffrey Wolinsky states, “Our mission has always been to support federal executives with the insights they need to lead effectively. This partnership with Leadership Connect allows us to enrich our reporting with deeper data, ensuring our audience receives more impactful content than ever before. We are thrilled to integrate these resources to better serve the federal community.”

Industry News

Beasley Names LeGrett Chief Business Officer

Beasley Media Group appoints Kevin LeGrett chief business officer, effective today. LeGrett, who most recently served as president of iHeartSports, will “work closely with chief operating officer Brian Beasley to help unify the company’s business operations, aligning revenueimg strategy, cross-platform partnerships, and digital growth to strengthen the company’s competitive position to ensure long-term success.” Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Kevin’s deep experience across broadcast, digital, experiential, podcasting, and sports makes him uniquely qualified to lead our revenue strategy. His proven ability to scale platforms, grow teams, and deliver results on both a national and local level will be instrumental as we continue to evolve and innovate for our clients and communities.” LeGrett says, “I’m excited to join Beasley Media Group at such an exciting time. Beasley’s commitment to local communities, strong culture, and forward-thinking approach to media – especially its transformation across digital, streaming, and multiplatform platforms – aligns perfectly with my passion for building innovative, integrated solutions that drive real impact for advertisers and listeners alike. I’m excited to help lead the next chapter of growth.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: TV Wants In – Welcome Them

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgLinear broadcast media have never been more challenged. Internet video now commands far more viewing time than over-the-air TV. And their own networks are hijacking viewers! Your local NBC station tells you to watch Peacock. ABC points you to Disney+. CBS pushes Paramount+. Affiliates are effectively forced to promote their own competition.

Music radio is – at best – holding the line against streaming. News/talk radio’s information staples are more-available on smartphones and smart speakers, and its monologue‑heavy style feels less inviting than social media dialogue. 

Radio has what TV envies. We’re in-car, and still #1 there.  

TV has what radio needs. With more local news HR, they’re in more places. 

Both need more promotion than they can afford.

  • Radio still delivers the most cost-efficient reach and frequency in the local market. When I programmed WTOP, Washington, we and what’s now WUSA9 (the former WTOP-TV) had a handshake deal to grab whatever we wanted from each other, with on-air credit. True story: The news director from NBC4 offered that “you can use OUR stuff and not even SAY it’s ours. Just STOP saying that so-and-so ‘told Channel 9…’”
  • And radio-using-local-TV-meteorologists is a win-win. Weather is the #1 reason people watch local news, so TV stations promote it heavily. Radio using their weather people underlines – and stands on the broad shoulders of – the TV station’s weather image and delivers radio habit-forming content with a pedigree.

Local TV and radio are the last two mass-reach media in town, with neither medium losing to the other. Resourceful collaboration makes all the sense in the world. Brainstorm.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

KSCO, Santa Cruz Marks 35th Year of Ownership by Zwerling Broadcasting System (ZBS)

January 31 marked the 35th anniversary of local real estate businessman-turned-broadcaster Michael “MZ” Zwerling‘s purchase of KSCO-AM 1080, Santa Cruz. Zwerling, pictured below with Amy Hau, his life partner and co-host on KSCO’s “Saturday Special,” grew upimg listening to the 10k flamethrower, with a history dating back to 1947, that blankets the Santa Cruz / Monterey / Salinas market and most of the Central California coast. Since acquiring the station, Zwerling has operated it hands-on as a conservative-leaning news-talker featuring a carefully crafted balance between local programming with a parade of hometown personalities (including local superstar Dave Michaels) and a menu of leading syndicated talent. It was one of the original affiliates of Rush Limbaugh and carried the iconic show until his passing in 2021.  Zwerling tells imgTALKERS, “Back then I was 39 years old and never dreamed I’d last this long as a real broadcaster.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison – a longtime fan of KSCO – stated, “Congratulations to Michael Zwerling and all the folks at one of America’s most colorful radio stations, for keeping the spirit of independent local broadcasting alive through the many obstacles and changes that have proven challenging for the practitioners of this wonderful industry.  They are champions of a major slice of grassroots Americana represented by the modern era of talk radio.” Today, KSCO maintains its powerful presence in the world-famous market at 1080 AM with the addition of three FM translator signals at 104.1, 95.7, and 107.9.  The station still broadcasts from a historic art deco building located on the beach in Santa Cruz and continues to surprise its listeners with unexpected twists and turns in what Harrison describes as “one of radio’s longest running reality shows.”

Industry News

KIRO-FM, Seattle Adds Chad Benson for Evenings

Bonneville’s KIRO Newsradio in Seattls is adding Radio America’s nationally syndicated “Chad Benson Show” to its daily lineup, airing fromimg 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm beginning tonight (2/2). KIRO-FM director of news and talk programming Bryan Buckalew states, “Chad has a unique ability to break down complex issues in a way that’s engaging and accessible. He respects the intelligence of the audience, values facts, and understands how to connect with listeners in a meaningful way. He’s a strong addition to our evening programming.”

Industry News

Carr: Equal Time Rule Wasn’t Being “Misconstrued on the Radio Side”

According to a piece in The Hollywood Reporter, the Federal Communications Commission’s recent Guidance on Equal Opportunity Issues was pointed toward broadcast TV license holders and not radio is because, as FCC chairman Brendan Carr states, “There wasn’t a relevant precedent that we saw that was being misconstrued on the radio side asimg that wasn’t part of anything in that decision. It was focused on the potential misreading of precedents on the broadcast TV side. Of course, as you know, the rule applies to broadcast, radio and TV, but that one was focused on those TV precedents.” The memo to broadcast TV was relative to the 1996 bona fide news interview exemption that came about in the wake of an interview Jay Leno did with then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on “The Tonight Show.” The FCC Media Bureau ruled that “The Tonight Show” did not have to give Schwarzenegger’s opponent equal time because that interview segment qualified as a bona fide news interview. This matter doesn’t seem to be a big one for news/talk radio since news/talk stations are viewed as news outlets, on top of the fact that most talk radio hosts would love the opportunity to interview candidates with whom they might not personally agree. See The Hollywood Reporter story here.

Industry News

iHeartMedia and Qatar Team Up for Web Summit Qatar 2026

iHeartMedia and the Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar announce that iHeartPodcasts will be the official podcast partner for the 2026 Web Summit Qatar. The third edition of Web Summit Qatar is expected to bring more than 30,000 technology and business leaders,img founders, world-leading investors, media and more than 1,600 startups to the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from February 1-4. iHeart Media says that this year’s Centre Stage sessions will welcome Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group along with other leading podcast talent including Questlove, host of “The Questlove Show”; Steven Bartlett, host of the podcast “The Diary of a CEO”; Arabic sensation Islam Fawzy and more. The event will also serve as the official launch of iHeartArabi, iHeartPodcasts Arabic show slate. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “At iHeart we believe in fostering conversations that lead to creative and innovative ideas and solutions, and our partnership with the GCO continues to expand the boundaries of podcasting. Our goal is to work together to generate the kind of discussions and interactions that enhance and grow the future of this medium for audiences everywhere.”

Industry News

Local Officials Extend Deadline for Data Center at WGN, Chicago Transmitter Site

According to the Daily Herald, officials in suburban Elk Grove Village are extending the deadline to begin construction on a data center campus on the current site of WGN-AM, Chicago’s broadcast towers. The original dealimg required that construction was to have begun in 2025, but village officials agreed to push the deadline back to September of 2017. The Daily Herald story reports, “Nexstar Media Group’s original plans called for selling off the southern 35 acres of the 102-acre property for a three-building data center campus, ancillary electrical substation, and six public pickleball courts to be leased to the Elk Grove Park District. The primary 750-foot radio tower and its 250-foot backup were to be demolished, replaced and relocated slightly to the north, while the small building that houses the station’s transmitters and backup studio would have remained intact.” Nexstar says the transmitter move would not affect listeners’ ability to hear the station. See the Daily Herald story here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

SiriusXM Reveals Super Week Programming. SiriusXM says it is presenting comprehensive coverage of Super Bowl LX Week from San Francisco next week. Subscribers will get multiple game broadcasts, a dedicated pop-up channel, plus exclusive live sports and entertainment programming originating from the Super Bowl LX Media Center.   

Benztown Offering Free Winter Games AudioPack. Benztown is offering radio stations its Winter Games AudioPack at no charge. Benztown says it “brings the excitement and action of the upcoming Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 to stations and includes sound effects, music beds, and sweepers – everything stations need to quickly produce timely, high impact imaging that will take their listeners to Italy for all the Olympic feels and chills.”

Industry News

FOX Sports Radio Sets Super Week Plans

FOX Sports Radio says it will be on location at the media center atimg Moscone Center in San Francisco next week (February 2-6) for the 26th annual Super Week. Shows originating from San Francisco will include “Stugotz and Company LIVE!,” “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox,” “Covino & Rich,” and “The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington.” The “Dan Patrick Show” will broadcast live from China Basin Park.  

Industry News

Sid Rosenberg Celebrates 10 Years on WABC

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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 News

JVC Broadcasting Presents 2nd Annual Latino Business Awards

JVC Broadcasting’s Spanish talk WLIM-AM/W227CL “EnVivo 93.3FM and 1440AM” announces the return of the Latino Business Awards. The station says that “following the success of its inaugural year, the 2026 awards willimg once again bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners who are making a powerful impact across Long Island.” The 2026 Latino Business Awards Gala will take place on May 14 at Stereo Garden in Patchogue, New York. JVC Broadcasting CEO John Caracciolo says, “Latino-owned businesses are essential to the strength and growth of our local economy. Through the Latino Business Awards, we proudly highlight the entrepreneurs whose dedication, innovation, and leadership continue to move our communities forward.” Station operations manager Ana María Carballo adds, “These awards go beyond recognition — they tell the story of perseverance, sacrifice, and success behind every Latino-owned business. We are honored to provide a platform that celebrates their contributions and inspires future generations of entrepreneurs.”

Industry News

Beasley’s WBZ-FM Unveils Super Bowl Week Programming

Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub,” the flagship station for New England Patriots broadcasts announcesimg Super Bowl Week coverage that will emanate live from live Radio Row in San Francisco culminating with the official local call of the game. Station PD Rick Radzik says, “After an eight-year absence, ‘The Sports Hub’ is thrilled to celebrate the Patriots’ return to the big game with fans across the region. We’ll once again deliver the best coverage all week, capped by the best call of the game on Sunday. Pats Nation will be well represented in San Francisco, and we can’t wait to be part of it.”

Industry News

Ken Prehl Joins United Stations

United Stations names Ken Prehl director of affiliate sales & special projects. Prehl brings more than two decades of experience from AccuWeather, where he most recently served as director, audio services. United Stations president Stefan Jones states, “Ken and I worked closely together for more than a decade while he served in senior leadership at AccuWeather, and I have the utmost confidence in his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to our vision. He is uniquely qualified to lead our affiliate relations efforts and help drive growth across our expanding product portfolio.”

Industry News

KFAN’s Paul Allen Off Air; Apologizes for “Paid Protesters” Comment

KFXN, Minneapolis “KFAN” late morning host and Minnesota Vikings play-by-play voice Paul Allen is off the air at the iHeartMedia sports talk outlet after apologizing for comments he made on Friday (1/23) about ICE protesters. During a discussion with former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway and Vikings beat reporter Alec Lewis, Allen veered intoimg politics. It started with addressing the freezing weather with Allen bringing up exploding trees. Then he said, “I’m beginning to wonder if, in conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay? Those are the things that I’ve been thinking about this morning.” Greenway said, “Yeah, probably not going to touch that one,” then Allen added, “Everybody’s catching strays this week. Flores, Kevin Stefanski from Baker, Charlie Biatch caught one out of nowhere. Paid protesters caught one this morning.” Prior to Monday’s program, KFAN aired Allen’s apology in which he said, in part, “While it was never meant with any ill intent or political affront, I absolutely and wholeheartedly want to apologize to those who genuinely were hurt or offended by it… As I’ve stated many times before, we serve you, not the other way around. We are very fortunate and thank you for counting on us as long as you have. It means more than you’ll ever know. My best was lacking Friday, and for that I am sorry. I am taking a few days off but wanted to express these thoughts and my sincere apology, with you, before I do.” It’s unclear whether Allen is serving an official suspension by station management and how long he’ll be off the air.

Industry News

Connoisseur Media and Super Hi-Fi Announce Partnership

Connoisseur media and Super Hi-Fi announce a partnership that will see the radio company use Super Hi-Fi’s AI Radio platform for its stations. Additionally, Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw will join the Super Hi-Fi board of directors. Super Hi-Fi’s AI Radio platform is described as “animg end-to-end, cloud-native operating system designed specifically for radio… powered by a suite of proprietary AI technologies that master, schedule, produce, and deliver each station directly to a Super Hi-Fi playout device at the transmitter.” Warshaw says, “Our mission is to have the best live and local radio experience in every market across America and Super Hi-Fi’s unique capabilities will allow us to do that in ways the industry just didn’t have before. We’re excited to work with them to drive forward and deliver the most compelling radio products in the industry.”

Industry News

Podcaster Jiggy Jaguar Covers AVN Awards in Las Vegas

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Noted talk media personality Jiggy Jaguar (a.k.a. James Lowe) was in Las Vegas last week covering the AVN Adult Entertainment Awards and Expo at the Virgin Hotel in downtown sin city. Jiggy was out doing interviews with adult film stars for his Jiggy Jaguar Show audio and video podcast. He’s pictured here (1/21) with adult film star Silver Foxxey as she was appearing at the STD Hero booth. NOTE: STD Hero, by Better Life Science, featured a prominent, high-traffic booth promoting their at-home STI testing kits with celebrity appearances. The company offered discreet, CLIA-certified, and FDA-cleared, laboratory-based testing for common infections and HPV. 

Industry Views

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

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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.