2025 Heavy Hundred 76-100

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #76: Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins, Compass Media Networks

76. Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #77: Rob Carson, Newsmax

77. Rob Carson – Newsmax

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #78: Joe Piscopo, WNYM, New York

78. Joe Piscopo – WNYM, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #79: Russ Rollins, WTKS-FM, Orlando

79. Russ Rollins – WTKS-FM, Orlando

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #80: Dan Mandis, WWTN-FM, Nashville

80. Dan Mandis – WWTN-FM, Nashville

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #81: Bill Brady, KFNX, Phoenix

81. Bill Brady – KFNX, Phoenix

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #82: Mark Davis, KSKY, Dallas

82. Mark Davis – KSKY, Dallas

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #83: Mo Kelly, KFI, Los Angeles

83. Mo Kelly – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #84: Rod Arquette, KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

84. Rod Arquette – KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #85: Terry Gross, NPR

85. Terry Gross – NPR

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #86: Paul Vandenburgh, WGDJ, Albany

86. Paul Vandenburgh – WGDJ, Albany

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #87: Tony Katz, WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

87. Tony Katz – WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #88: Martha Zoller, WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA

88. Martha Zoller – WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #89: Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James, KTAR-FM, Phoenix

89. Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James – KTAR-FM, Phoenix

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #90: John DePetro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

90. John DePetro – WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #91: Mark Walters, Armed American Radio

91. Mark Walters – Armed American Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #92: Paul Gleiser, KTBB, Tyler, TX

92. Paul Gleiser – KTBB, Tyler, TX

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #93: Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

93. Joyce Kaufman – WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #94: Andy Hooser, KQAM, Wichita

94. Andy Hooser – KQAM, Wichita

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #95: Steve Gruber, Michigan Talk Network

95. Steve Gruber – Michigan Talk Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #96: Rick Smith, The Rick Smith Show

96. Rick Smith – The Rick Smith Show

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #97: Joe Thomas, WTON, Staunton, VA / Talk Media Network

97. Joe Thomas – WTON, Staunton, VA / Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #98: Sam Bushman, Liberty News Radio Network

98. Sam Bushman – Liberty News Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #99: Lisa Wexler, WICC, Bridgeport, CT

99. Lisa Wexler – WICC, Bridgeport, CT

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #100: Lee Elci, WJJT-FM, New London, CT

100. Lee Elci – WJJT-FM, New London, CT

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 51-75

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #51: Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM

51. Michael Smerconish – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #52: Chris Plante, Westwood One

52. Chris Plante – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #53: Gary & Shannon, KFI, Los Angeles

53. Gary & Shannon – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #54: Rita Cosby, WABC, New York

54. Rita Cosby – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #55: Ross Kaminsky, KOA, Denver

55. Ross Kaminsky – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #56: Jeff Deminski, WKXW-FM, Trenton

56. Jeff Deminski – WKXW-FM, Trenton

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #57: Lincoln Ware, WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

57. Lincoln Ware – WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #58: Tom Bauerle, WBEN-AM, Buffalo

58. Tom Bauerle – WBEN-AM, Buffalo

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #59: Dan Yorke, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

59. Dan Yorke – WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #60: Jennifer Horn, KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

60. Jennifer Horn – KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #61: Hal Jay & Ernie Brown, WBAP, Dallas

61. Hal Jay & Ernie Brown – WBAP, Dallas

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #62: John Curley, KIRO-FM, Seattle

62. John Curley – KIRO-FM, Seattle

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #63: Eric Von Haessler, WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

63. Eric Von Haessler – WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #64: James T. Harris, KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

64. James T. Harris – KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #65: Gene Valicenti, WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

65. Gene Valicenti – WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #66: Guy Benson, FOX News Radio

66. Guy Benson – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #67: Bill Cunningham, WLW, Cincinnati

67. Bill Cunningham – WLW, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #68: Dr. Daliah Wachs, Talk Media Network

68. Dr. Daliah Wachs – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #69: C4 & Bryan Nehman, WBAL, Baltimore

69. C4 & Bryan Nehman – WBAL, Baltimore

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #70: Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott, WCBM, Baltimore

70. Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott – WCBM, Baltimore

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #71: Jay Weber, WISN, Milwaukee

71. Jay Weber – WISN, Milwaukee

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #72: Mark Reardon, KFTK-FM, St. Louis

72. Mark Reardon – KFTK-FM, St. Louis

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #73: Karen Hunter, SiriusXM

73. Karen Hunter – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #74: Gordon Deal, Compass Media Networks

74. Gordon Deal – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #75: Clyde Lewis, Ground Zero Media

75. Clyde Lewis – Ground Zero Media

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 26-50

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #26: Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network

26. Howie Carr – Howie Carr Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #27: Kim Komando, WestStar TalkRadio Network

27. Kim Komando – WestStar TalkRadio Network


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #28: John Kobylt, KFI, Los Angeles

28. John Kobylt – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #29: Larry O’Connor, WMAL-FM, Washington

29. Larry O’Connor – WMAL-FM, Washington


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #30: Wayne Allyn Root, Talk Media Network

30. Wayne Allyn Root – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #31: Asa Andrew M.D., Doctor Asa Show

31. Asa Andrew M.D. – Doctor Asa Show


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #32: Chad Benson, Radio America

32. Chad Benson – Radio America


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #33: Erick Erickson, Compass Media Networks

33. Erick Erickson – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #34: Mandy Connell, KOA, Denver

34. Mandy Connell – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #35: Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond

35. Jeff Katz – WRVA, Richmond


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #36: Armstrong & Getty, KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

36. Armstrong & Getty – KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #37: Brett Winterble, WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

37. Brett Winterble – WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #38: Rich Valdés, Westwood One

38. Rich Valdés – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #39: Mark Simone, WOR, New York

39. Mark Simone – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #40: Charlie Kirk, Salem Radio Network

40. Charlie Kirk – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #41: Bill O’Reilly, Key Networks

41. Bill O’Reilly – Key Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #42: John Fredericks, John Fredericks Radio Network

42. John Fredericks – John Fredericks Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #43: Hugh Hewitt, Salem Radio Network

43. Hugh Hewitt – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #44: Tim Conway, Jr, KFI, Los Angeles

44. Tim Conway, Jr – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #45: Stephanie Miller, WYD Media

45. Stephanie Miller – WYD Media

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #46: Simon Conway, WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

46. Simon Conway – WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #47: Doug Stephan, Stephan MultiMedia

47. Doug Stephan – Stephan MultiMedia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #48: Vince Coglianese, Westwood One

48. Vince Coglianese – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #49: John Catsimatidis, WABC, New York

49. John Catsimatidis – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #50: Bob Sirott, WGN, Chicago

50. Bob Sirott – WGN, Chicago

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2025 Heavy Hundred 1-25

The 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred – the 100 most important radio talk show hosts in America

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #1: Sean Hannity, Premiere Networks

1. Sean Hannity – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #2: Dave Ramsey, Ramsey Networks

2. Dave Ramsey – Ramsey Networks


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #3: Brian Kilmeade, FOX News Radio

3. Brian Kilmeade – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #4: Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, Premiere Networks

4. Clay Travis & Buck Sexton – Premiere Networks


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #5: Dana Loesch, Radio America

5. Dana Loesch – Radio America

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #6: Michael Berry, KTRH, Houston / Premiere Networks

6. Michael Berry – KTRH, Houston / Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #7: Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, KTSA, San Antonio / Compass Media Networks

7. Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo – KTSA, San Antonio / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #8: Thom Hartmann, WYD Media

8. Thom Hartmann – WYD Media


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #9: Mike Gallagher, Salem Radio Network

9. Mike Gallagher – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #10: Lee Habeeb, Premiere Networks

10. Lee Habeeb – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #11: Glenn Beck, Premiere Networks

11. Glenn Beck – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #12: Mark Levin, Westwood One

12. Mark Levin – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #13: Sid Rosenberg, WABC, New York

13. Sid Rosenberg – WABC, New York


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #14: Lars Larson, KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

14. Lars Larson – KXL-FM, Portland / Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #15: Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia

15. Dom Giordano – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #16: Tavis Smiley, KBLA, Los Angeles

16. Tavis Smiley – KBLA, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #17: Bill Handel, KFI, Los Angeles

17. Bill Handel – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #18: George Noory, Premiere Networks

18. George Noory – Premiere Networks

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #19: Harry Hurley, WPG, Atlantic City

19. Harry Hurley – WPG, Atlantic City

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #20: Walter Sterling, WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network

20. Walter Sterling – WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network


TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #21: Ben Shapiro, Westwood One

21. Ben Shapiro – Westwood One

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #22: Howard Stern, SiriusXM

22. Howard Stern – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #23: Todd Starnes, KWAM, Memphis / Syndication

23. Todd Starnes – KWAM, Memphis / Syndication

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #24: Rich Zeoli, WPHT, Philadelphia

24. Rich Zeoli – WPHT, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred #25: Jimmy Failla, FOX News Radio

25. Jimmy Failla – FOX News Radio

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

Industry Views

Monday Memo: X Marks the Spot – Radio’s Most Valuable Demo

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIpsos Generations Report 2025: “Right now, it’s Generation X who are the highest-earning generation in the US, surpassing both Boomers and Millennials.”

Born 1965 to 1980, they grew up with an AM/FM radio habit. And – as they are about to inherit a LOT of money from wealthy grandparent Silents and Boomer parents over the next few decades – which prospective advertisers want to meet them?

im

Prospect banks, financial planners, real estate agents, and wellness and eldercare consultants and Elder Law and Trust attorneys.

Recommended commercial creative: advertorial. “Tell ‘em and you’ll sell ‘em,” with spots disguised as informative features. Sample topics:

— “5 Inheritance Mistakes to Avoid”
— “How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Will”
— “Downsizing Without Downgrading”
— “Kids, Parents, and Cash”

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

Industry News

WJR, Detroit Names Ryan Ermanni Afternoon Host

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR, Detroit appoints Ryan Ermanni host of the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show, effective today (7/7). Ermanni is well known in the Detroit market as co-host of  “The Nine” on WJBK-TV FOX 2 Detroit where he served for more than 20 years. Cumulus Detroit/Ann Arbor regional VP and marketimg manager Steve Finateri says, “Ryan Ermanni is not only a seasoned broadcaster with deep roots in Detroit media, he’s also a longtime fan of WJR. His passion for Detroit, his engaging on-air presence, and his respect for what WJR represents make him a perfect fit for our team.” Ermanni comments, “I am so honored to be a part of the WJR daily lineup. I’ve always considered myself just a regular guy from the neighborhood who happens to have a really cool job. The WJR call letters mean something to me, as they do for many people who have grown up in our city and our state. I hope to build the same trust and connection here on WJR as I did at FOX 2. I’m not your typical newsman. I wear my personality on my sleeve, and I react to stories the way someone might if they were sitting at home or in their car. We joke that I’m a “man of the people” — and honestly, I take that as the highest compliment. What you see is what you get. So, if you spot me around town, don’t be shy – come say hello.”

Industry News

FCC Commissioner Gomez Criticizes Paramount-Trump Settlement

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez is calling out Paramount for its settlement with Donald Trump over what she calls “a meritless lawsuit regarding a CBS News interview last year.” Gomez says, “This moment marks a dangerous precedent for the First Amendment, and it should alarm anyone who values a free and independent press. Despite repeated attempts to deny the obvious, this Paramount Payout is a desperateimg move to appease the Administration and secure regulatory approval of a major transaction currently pending before the FCC. For months, it has been clear that this lawsuit was entirely meritless, just like the complaint now before the Commission. The transcript and video of the 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Harris show no evidence of wrongdoing, only the standard editorial judgments used across the news industry to ensure clarity and brevity. Had Paramount chosen to fight this in court, they would have prevailed on the facts and the law. But instead of standing on principle, Paramount opted for a payout. That decision now casts a long shadow over the integrity of the transaction pending before the FCC. Given the extraordinary public interest in this deal, the novel legal questions raised by the lawsuit and its resolution, and the repeated calls from lawmakers for transparency, I once again urge the FCC to bring this matter before the full Commission for a vote. Approving this transaction behind closed doors and under the cover of bureaucratic process would be a shameful outcome that denies the American people the transparency and accountability they deserve, especially when press freedom is at stake.”

Industry News

FCC Chairman Carr Promotes Build Agenda in Sioux Falls

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota yesterday (7/2) to promote the FCC’s “Build America Agenda.” Carr said, “Our ‘Build America Agenda’ will focus on delivering on a number of core objectives. We will unleash high-speed infrastructure builds. We will restore America’s leadership in wireless. We will boost the U.S. space economy. We will advance our national security. And we willimg strengthen America’s tower and telecom workforce.  We will deliver on all of this by implementing smart policies while carrying out a massive and comprehensive deregulatory agenda. As we do so, we will be guided at the agency by a few simple ideas. For one, we will keep the Gretzky test front and center. We want to keep our eye on where the proverbial puck is going, not where it has been. For another, we are going to take a first principles approach. Just because a regulation has been on the books for 30 years, we are not going to keep it there simply out of a sense of inertia. For still another, we will focus on competition as it exists today. The old regulatory silos have been breaking down for quite some time, so the agency must move forward with a keen understanding of today’s converged markets.  We are going to focus on outcomes, rather than process to nowhere. We are going to have a bias towards action. After all, delay has an unappreciated economic and social cost. We are going to push for simple, clear rules, rather than complex and bespoke frameworks. And we are going to support U.S. businesses and domestic onshoring.”

Industry News

New Affiliate for Erick Erickson Show

The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” announces a new affiliate station and another stationimg moving the program to airing live. Buddy Shula’s new Buffalo news/talk station WUSW “1270 The Patriot” debuts this weekend and will be a new affiliate station for the show. Also, current affiliate WTIC-AM, Hartford moves the program to airing live in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart.

Industry News

Amy Jacobson Exits WIND, Chicago

Chicago media personality Amy Jacobson announces via X that she has exited Salem Media Group’simg news/talk WIND-AM. On Tuesday she posted, “After 15 1/2 years at WIND AM560 radio, due to staffing reductions, today was my last day on the air. I am still processing this but I am happy to announce I have launched http://AmyJacobsonLive.com where I will be hosting a weekly podcast, posting behind-the-scenes blogs, livestreaming.” Jacobson has been co-hosting the morning show with Dan Proft who appears to be continuing the program solo.

Industry News

Salem Launches “The Scott Jennings Show”

Salem Media Group announces the launch of “The Scott Jennings Show,” new daily program that airs weekdays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET, effective July 14 on the Salem Radio Network and on demand via the Salem Podcast Network. Jennings is a longtime conservative political strategist who also serves as aimg contributor to CNN. Jennings says, “We’re going on offense. Every day, I’ll take calls, interview big names, and take the fight directly to the liberal machine. It’s time to bust the narratives and bring back some plain old common sense.” Salem SVP Phil Boyce comments, “Scott Jennings is a disruptor. He’s the Lone Ranger of the CNN panel, armed with facts and fearless in delivery. He doesn’t just survive in hostile territory — he dominates. Now, with a national platform on Salem, Scott becomes a daily fixture in the battle to save the country.” Jennings new show replaces “The Jack Posobiec Show” in the SRN live broadcast slot, while Posobiec continues as a force on SPN with exclusive podcast content.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

BFoA Adds Hopkins to Board. The Broadcasters Foundation of America elects Ray Hopkins, president of Paramount U.S. Distribution, to its board of directors. BFoA chair Scott Herman comments, “Ray is a leader in broadcasting, and we are grateful that he is donating his time and energy to our charitable mission. Ray’s addition to our board of directors will inspire fresh ideas on how to effectively reach broadcasters across America with our message of hope.”

NYPR Appoints Three to Board. New York Public Radio appointments three media professionals to its board of trustees. Gary Knell’s career includes tenures as president and CEO of Sesame Workshop, NPR, and National Geographic. Jenna Weiss-Berman co-founded Pineapple Street Studios, and is currently head of podcasts at Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions. Jeremy Kuriloff is managing director and partner at the Boston Consulting Group.

WYPR Wins Journalism Awards. WYPR, Baltimore “88.1 FM, Baltimore’s NPR station,” wins four awards from the Public Media Journalists Association. The PMJA Annual Awards are designed to recognize the very best in public media work done by local public media outlets.

Industry News

WLS-AM, Chicago and FOX News Audio Announce Content Deal

Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago announces a deal with FOX News Audio to air FOX contentimg on the station including “The Guy Benson Show,” which airs live from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm, plus hourly news updates, breaking news coverage, and long-form specials. Cumulus regional VP and Chicago market manager Marv Nyren says, “We are thrilled to deliver the FOX News Audio product to our listeners, as it perfectly aligns with 890 WLS-AM and will give the audience a news service that meets their expectations.”

Industry News

Black Information Network Celebrates Five Years on Air

Monday (6/30) marked the fifth anniversary of the launch of BIN: Black Information Network, what iHeartMedia calls “the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective.” The company says, “What began on June 30, 2020, has grown into an essential source of trusted journalism,img storytelling and community engagement. Over the past five years, BIN: Black Information Network has achieved remarkable milestones, including: Surpassing 19 million monthly listeners, a reflection of BIN’s growing influence and strong connection to its target audience; expanding BIN News content to over 100 broadcast radio stations across the U.S., making BIN one of the most widely distributed, Black-focused news audio platforms in the country; and delivering news coverage tailored to 65 of America’s largest Black communities, with reporting that reflects the local realities, perspectives, challenges and triumphs.” BIN president Tony Coles adds, “BIN: Black Information Network has become a trusted and indispensable voice for Black communities in America. In just five years, we’ve transformed how local and national news reaches our audiences. We are giving a voice to the stories that have gone untold for too long. We are providing freedom to journalists to pursue meaningful reporting – and we’re just getting started.”

Industry News

Wayne Allyn Root and The Gateway Pundit Partner for Podcast

Nationally syndicated talk media personality Wayne Allyn Root is partnering with The Gateway Pundit on his two-hour daily video podcast that’s being renamed, “Wayne Allyn Root’s WAR Zone, Presented by The Gateway Pundit.” This makes “WAR Zone” the official podcast of TheGatewayPundit.com and will beimg featured live each night from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET.  Root says, “Tens of millions of die-hard Trump supporters go to theGatewayPundit.com 24/7 for the news and opinions that you won’t find in the mainstream media. It’s the perfect platform and synergy for my podcast. This is a marriage made in heaven. My daily podcast offers raw truth, the most exciting content for MAGA fans, and the most intense, passionate, combative, controversial, in-your-face, high-energy show anywhere in American media, combined with the biggest personality, and the loudest MAGA mouth on the planet. My show takes your breath away. It’s two hours of ‘pedal to the metal, balls to the walls,’ without taking a breath.”

Industry News

WWO: Podcast Advertising Intention Up 59%

Today’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at how marketers’ attitudes toward advertising on podcasts had changed over the last 11 years. The blog post notes that “in advance of the first IAB Podcast Upfront in 2015, the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group commissioned Advertiser Perceptions to study agency and brand sentiment on podcast advertising. For theimg  last 11 years, the study has been reprised annually to track buy-side podcast advertising consideration and intention. The latest Advertiser Perceptions study, conducted in June 2025 with 302 marketers and media agencies, reveals advertiser/agency podcasting usage and interest has reached an 11-year high.” Some of the notable takeaways from this study include: 1) Nine out of 10 marketers and media agencies say they have discussed podcast advertising for potential investment; 2) Podcast advertising consideration surges to an eleven-year high: 74% of brands and agencies say they are likely to consider advertising in podcasts; 3) Podcast spending intention jumps to 69%, an eleven-year record; and 4) 78% of agencies and advertisers currently advertise in podcasts, a 5X increase since the first IAB podcast upfront in 2015. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Beasley Sells Tampa Signal to EMF. Beasley Media Group is entering into a definitive agreement to sell WPBB‑FM, Tampa “98.7 The Shark” Educational Media Foundation. The transaction will mark EMF’s official entry into the Tampa Bay market. Beasley Media Group has owned and operated the 98.7 FM signal since acquiring the station as part of a swap agreement with CBS Radio in 2014, when Beasley officially took ownership of WHFS‑FM, along with five other Tampa Bay stations.

Starnes Delivers Keynote Addresses. Newsmax host and nationally syndicated radio host Todd Starnes was the keynote speaker at the recent National Right to Life Conference and the Kansas Republican Party Convention in Kansas City. He was also a keynote speaker at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s Road to the Majority Conference in Washington, D.C. Starnes is currently on a nationwide tour promoting his new book, Star-Spangled Blessings.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Feature the Moments That Matter

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgAre archived shows – whole hours – your station’s only on-demand offering? It’s an easy checkbox: post the aircheck, call it a podcast.

And why not? In our on-demand culture, why expose this work – and its sponsors – only to those who happened to be listening in real-time? But few listeners will sit through an hour – or three – of linear audio. Most don’t when listening live. They’re busy. The only person who hears the whole show is the host (which is why I cringe when I hear “hour number three”).

Trim the fat, serve the steak 

Many more will be interested in highlights, those couple minutes of Pet Pro Dr. Donna Stone’s tips for “Helping Your Critters Keep Their Cool During a Long Hot Summer,” or whatever “money moments” aired.

im

— Give these excerpts a title, incorporating words someone might include in Search. Add a sharable description. Let MS Copilot or ChatGPT make you a graphic. For this example, make it a cute puppy.
— In addition to the station’s website, these clips should be all over your social media. Think of your whole show as a movie. Hashtag-laden Tweets that include a click-to-listen link are the trailer. Script several versions and post at intervals.
— Get good at this, and your posts will get shared.
–And Dr. Donna can share her moment to her followers.

This is something music station morning shows do better than talk stations, because archiving whole songs is taboo. They’re forced to cull. 

Find the time

It’s an investment in reach, relevance, and revenue. Don’t just archive – curate. You can find new ears, using these audio appetizers to offer people who don’t know your show to try the entrée.

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

Industry News

Audacy Content Now Available on iHeartRadio Platform

iHeartMedia and Audacy agree to a content distribution partnership that will have Audacy’s portfolio of more than 240 radio brands and time-shifted podcasts be available on iHeartRadio. iHeartMedia says that through the iHeartRadio app, Audacy content will be available on more than 500 additional platforms and over 2,000 additional devices, including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtualimg assistants, televisions and gaming consoles. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “This is an exciting day for our industry as the addition of Audacy’s stations to iHeartRadio maximizes imgradio’s presence across the country as the most listened to and trusted medium for audiences and consumers. This move gives our listeners even more opportunities to connect with the stations and content most relevant to them, aligning with our mission to always meet our audiences where they are and enhance their experience.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero states, “We believe in the power of being everywhere, and this partnership is a meaningful step in our strategy to ensure our iconic stations, talent and programming are available wherever and however audio is consumed.”

Industry News

Jeff Tyler Retires from iHeartMedia

After a radio career spanning 47 years, Jeff Tyler announces he’s retiring from iHeartMedia. Tyler began his career as an on-air talent in 1978, with early roles in both Madison and Milwaukee. In 1997, he played a pivotal role in forming one of the first merged markets when Capstar Broadcasting acquired six stations from two different companies – a move that laid the foundation for today’s iHeartMedia cluster in Madison. Overimg the next three decades, Tyler held numerous leadership positions, including market manager roles in both Madison and Milwaukee.  In 2010, Tyler was promoted to region president and later moved to Minneapolis in 2015 to serve as regional president for iHeartMedia. He rose to division president in July 2018 before returning to Wisconsin in 2022 to lead as metro president and most recently area president. Tyler says, “Broadcast radio has been my life. I’ve worked in every aspect of this business and have been fortunate to work for tremendous leaders who helped shape my career, including the creative and innovative team at iHeartMedia. I’m grateful to have worked with so many talented, dedicated professionals in vibrant broadcast markets, serving advertisers and creating meaningful partnerships. I’m excited to begin a more flexible chapter of life with my family, while continuing to support our sports partnerships in the short term.”

Industry News

KNCU, Newport, Oregon Relaunches as Sports Talker

KORE Broadcasting is relaunching KNCU-FM, Newport, Oregon as a sports talk outlet under the brand “FOX Sports Newport.” KORE Broadcasting acquired the station from Dave Miller and flips the station fromimg the country format Hank FM. In addition to FOX Sports Radio content, the station also features Portland, Oregon based “The Bald-Faced Truth with John Canzano” and local show “Danny and Justin,” airing from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm daily. Station manager Steve Woodward comments, “We’re excited to bring high-quality sports radio to the Oregon Coast. KNCU has one of the strongest sports lineups in the entire state. We hope to be your #1 choice for sports on the coast.”

Industry News

Fisher House Special Available for Holiday Weekend

Fisher House Foundation is offering an Independence Day Weekend edition of “The Fisher House Story” available to stations for free. “The Fisher House Story” is available in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show for all formats. The three-hour, one-hour, 25 and 30img-minute radio specials are hosted by longtime radio personality Larry O’Connor and features stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Hear the demo and register today at radio.fisherhouse.org. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care.

Industry News

Radio Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces 10 new inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame forimg 2025. The inductees will be honored at the in-person 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on October 30 at the Swissotel Hotel in Chicago. Among this year’s inductees are: Colin Cowherd, host of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”; Mike McVay of McVay Media; and Julie Talbott, president of Premiere Networks. See the complete list of nominees here.

Industry News

Station President Acquiring “Real Talk 93.3” in Tallahassee

Magic Broadcasting announces that it is selling news/talk WVFT-FM, Gretna, Florida in the Tallahassee market to 923 Ventures, LLC – a company owned by the station’s president and CEO Jon Jopling. He’s been in charge of “Real Talk 93.3” and Magic Broadcasting’s Panama City stations since 2021. Magic announced the sale of the Panama City stations to JVC Broadcasting earlier this week. After these deals close, Magic Broadcasting will be out of the radio station ownership business. The press release says that the sale of WVFT-FM to Jopling “ensures that ‘Real Talk 93.3 FM’ will remain Tallahassee’s only locallyimg owned radio station, a distinction underscored by its long-standing dedication to providing authentic, community-focused content hosted by Tallahassee media staples like legendary sports talk host Jeff Cameron, award-winning morning show host Greg Tish, and investigative reporter Steve Stewart.” Jopling says, “As someone who has lived and worked in Tallahassee for over 23 years, I understand how important it is for our city to have trusted local voices on the airwaves. This transition isn’t just about ownership — it’s about strengthening our commitment to the people of Florida’s capital city. We’ll continue to focus on real news, real conversations, and real connections that matter to the people that live here — delivered by people who live here, too.” Jopling adds, “We’ve had a lot of success at 93.3, and we are thankful for the continued support of all our incredible listeners, fans, and advertisers. Or as we like to call them, our extended family. I’ve been privileged to be in charge of the station, but now, as the owner, I know our family will only get better.”

Industry News

Jim Lerch Exiting WSKO

Syracuse sports talk host Jim Lerch is exiting Cumulus Media sports talk outlet WSKO-AM, Syracuse after 23 years. CNYCentral reports that Lerch, host of “The Manchild Show with Boy Green,” is exiting afterimg today’s program as he transitions to a digital platform. Lerch is quoted saying, “When I started this back in 2002, I never thought I’d last nearly a quarter of a century on the radio. It’s been my life’s pleasure entertaining and interacting with our incredible listeners over two decades of Syracuse sports history and I look forward to my new journey as a digital sports content host.” See the CNYCentral story here.