Industry News

Edison Research to Unveil The Infinite Dial 2026

Edison Research will present the findings of The Infinite Dial 2026 during a webinar next Thursday (3/12) at 2:00 pm ET. Edison says, “The studyimg provides important benchmark measures for usage and behavior around streaming audio, podcasting, radio, smart audio, social media, and debuting this year, never-before-seen data on AI usage. Annual results and trending data from The Infinite Dial are relied upon by its audience of content producers, media companies, agencies, and the financial community.” The webinar will feature Edison vice president of research Megan Lazovick with special guest James Cridland, editor of Podnews.

Industry News

Charlie Kirk Show Still Ranks High on Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Chart

Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for January 2026 based on weekly average downloads for participating networks and the top twoimg posts remain unchanged – iHeart Audience Networks’ “Stuff You Should Know” at #1 and Audacy Podcast Network’s “48 Hours.” Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” falls only one spot to #4. Other noteworthy shows include iHeart Audience Network’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” rises on place to #10 and Audioboom’s “The Bulwark Takes” climbs nine places to #21. See the complete chart here.

Industry News

FSR’s Colin Cowherd to Air on WJBR, Tampa

Beasley Media Group is adding FOX Sports Radio’s “The Herd withimg Colin Cowherd” to the program lineup at WJBR-AM, Tampa “Florida Alumni Radio 1010AM” in the 112:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart. The program will also be simulcast on 92.1 FM in Hillsborough County, 103.1 FM in Pinellas County, and 104.7 HD2. The show will air weekdays from Noon – 3:00 p.m. ET.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (February 23-27, 2026)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/23-27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Trump’s SOTU Address
  2. Epstein Files Fallout / Clinton Testimonies
  3. U.S.-Iran Talks
  4. Cuba Speedboat Incident
  5. Economy / Tariffs / Mortgage Rates
  6. Trump-Vance Withhold Medicaid Funds from Minnesota
  7. Russia-Ukraine Talks
  8. Gaza Instability / North Korea Nuclear Threats
  9. Winter Weather / Mamdani-NYC Police Relations
  10. Nancy Guthrie Case

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
  3. Bill & Hillary Clinton
  4. Mike Johnson
  5. Abbas Araghchi / Badr al-Busaidi
  6. JD Vance
  7. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
  8. Benjamin Netanyahu
  9. Zohran Mamdani / Kim Jong Un
  10. Nancy Guthrie / Savannah Guthrie

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, 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

Salem’s Greg Clugston to Leave for University Post

Longtime Salem Radio Network White House correspondent Greg Clugston is leaving the radio network to join Communications faculty atimg Indiana Wesleyan University, effective July 1. SRN VP/news Tom Tradup says, “Greg is the consummate professional whose solid coverage will be sorely missed by our Washington Bureau and by our listeners nationwide.” Tradup says Clugston served on the White House Travel Pool and often traveled on Air Force One covering President Trump for SRN News.

Industry News

Black Effect Podcast Festival Returns to Atlanta in April

iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God announce the return of the Black Effect Podcast Festival Pullman Yards in Atlanta on April 25. Theimg company says Charlamagne Tha God will join the festival alongside some of the Black Effect’s most popular personalities for a day full of live podcast tapings and informative discussions aimed at aspiring podcasters in the Black community. Charlamagne Tha God says, “Each year we return to Atlanta with purpose and intention to amplify storytelling, champion community, and celebrate excellence in podcasting with thousands of our cousins from around the world.”

Industry News

FOX5’s Natasha Verma to Emcee BFOA Gala and Fundraiser

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that FOX 5 New York’s Natasha Verma is hosting this year’s BFOA Gala and Fundraiser on Monday, March 9, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. BFOA imgpresident Tim McCarthy says, “Verma brings a vibrancy and excitement to our evening. The Annual Gala is our biggest fundraiser, and the money is needed more than ever. The number of requests for aid goes up every year. That means more broadcasters than ever before are aware of our mission and we must answer their cry for help.” As previously announced, this year’s BFOA Gala will also honor VERSANT CEO and former chair of NBCUniversal Media Group Mark Lazarus with the Golden Mic Award, Judge Judy Sheindlin with the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, Stephen A. Smith with the inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award, and Ernest A. Liebre with the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award.

Industry News

Jackson’s Daughter to Continue Premiere’s “Keep Hope Alive” Show

Premiere Networks announces that the long-running national weekend show “Keep Hope Alive with Rev. Jesse Jackson” will continue under the leadership of the program’s executive producer and host Santita Jackson, the eldest daughter of Rev. Jackson. Premiere Networksimg president Julie Talbott says, “We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, and it has been an honor to work with him and his family throughout the past two decades of his ‘Keep Hope Alive’ radio show. Santita Jackson is uniquely positioned to carry forward his legacy and his unwavering commitment to community and social justice – values he championed so powerfully for listeners and stations across the country.” iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman adds, “Rev. Jackson has been a transformative voice in American life, and it was a privilege to work with him dating back to ‘The Jesse Jackson Show’ with Quincy Jones in the 1990s. We’ve valued our relationship with him over the years and look forward to celebrating his lasting impact on the national conversation and our culture – an influence that will continue to resonate for generations.”

Industry News

Salem’s Tom Tradup to Attend SOTU from Visitors’ Gallery

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Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup will attend tonight’s State Of The Union address from the Visitors’ Gallery inside the U.S. House of Representatives, courtesy of U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK). Tradup tells TALKERS, “Over the years I’ve covered countless national political conventions and presidential inaugurations, but this will be my first time to see history unfold in-person during tonight’s Joint Session of Congress.” SRN’s live State Of The Union coverage will be anchored by Salem White House correspondent Greg Clugston and SRN’s Capitol Hill reporter Bob Agnew. Following Trump’s address, SRN will offer analysis and perspective from Salem personality and Family Research Council president Tony Perkins and former Congressman Ernest Istook (R-OK.) The network’s coverage will conclude with the Democratic Party’s response to the SOTU delivered by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger.

Industry News

Audacy Expands WGR Programming to Rochester

Audacy expands its WGR Sports Radio brand into the Rochester market, adding most of the Buffalo based programming to sports talk WROC-AM/W239BF. Audacy says that while the WROC call letters will remain, the station will carry WGR Rochester branding and feature a lineup anchored by WGR’s flagship programming, along with a dedicated local show for Rochester listeners. Gene Battaglia hosts the early afternoon show, “The Sports Bar,” a locally focused program dedicated toimg Rochester sports. Audacy SVP and market manager Tim Wenger says, “This hybrid approach lets us bring the full strength and recognition of WGR’s established sports lineup to Rochester while still delivering a strong local voice tailored specifically to Rochester fans. We know how deeply connected Rochester listeners are to Buffalo-area teams, and this expansion allows us to serve that passion while preserving meaningful, local sports talk and engagement. With the launch of WGR Rochester, our reach now more fully covers the Rochester market and further cements WGR as Western New York’s sports giant and voice of the fans.”

Industry News

Triton Digital Releases 2025 U.S. Podcast Report

Triton Digital releases its fourth annual U.S. Podcast Report for 2025 investigating how Americans are listening to podcasts across devices, platforms, genres, and demographics. Triton says, “Podcasting now reaches 53% of the U.S. population each month, surpassing the halfway mark for the first time and underscoring podcasting’s growing influence as a core channel for entertainment, information, and advertising.” Triton SVP, measurement product strategy Daryl Battaglia comments,img “Podcasting’s momentum strengthened in 2025, with audio remaining the foundation of the medium while video helped bring in new audiences. What’s most compelling is the diversity podcasting now delivers across content, platforms, and consumers. Triton’s report highlights where new listeners are engaging and how their evolving behaviors – including shopping and purchase intent – are creating a highly engaged audience that is increasingly attractive for brand investment.” One key finding from the study is that “consumption preferences vary sharply by genre. Categories primarily consumed via audio are Science (58%), History (56%), Fiction (54%), Arts (51%), and True Crime (50%), while Music (34%), Sports (32%), Kids & Family (31%), Comedy (30%), News (30%) skew more heavily toward exclusive video consumption. This emphasizes a need for differentiated content and monetization strategies.” See more about the report here.

Industry News

Compass Promotes Sperling to Director of Affiliate Sales

Compass Media Networks promotes Sydney Sperling to director of affiliate sales. In her new role, Sperling will help create the affiliate salesimg strategy and drive expansion across Compass Media Networks’ national audio portfolio. Compass SVP affiliate sales and content Nancy Abramson says, “Sydney has consistently demonstrated exceptional sales skills and a deep understanding of the affiliate marketplace. This promotion is well deserved and recognizes her ability to build strong partnerships and deliver results.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (February 16-20, 2026)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/16-20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. The Epstein Files Fallout / Executives Resign / Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested
  2. U.S.-Iran Tensions
  3. Trump’s “Affordability” Tour
  4. SCOTUS Strikes Trump Tariffs / SAVE America Act / Mid-Term Elections
  5. Partial Government Shutdown / DHS Funding
  6. Colbert-CBS Talarico Interview Case
  7. Rubio in Europe
  8. Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
  9. Nancy Guthrie Case
  10. Jesse Jackson and Robert Duvall Die

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
  3. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
  4. Thomas Pritzker / Kathryn Ruemmler
  5. Jared Kushner / Steve Witkoff / Abbas Araghchi
  6. Marjorie Taylor Greene
  7. Mike Johnson
  8. Stephen Colbert / James Talarico
  9. Nancy Guthrie / Savannah Guthrie
  10. Jesse Jackson / Robert Duvall

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Colbert-Talarico Interview Draws Attention to Equal Time Rule as FCC Commissioners Disagree About its Interpretation

It’s no surprise to regular TALKERS readers that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Democratic Commissioner Anna M. Gomez disagree – at least to some degree – on how the equal time rule should be appliedimg to television and radio programming. After the back-and-forth between The Late Show’s Stephen Colbert and CBS attorneys over the interview with U.S. Senate candidate U.S. Rep. James Talarico that did not air on CBS television but was pushed out on the show’s social media accounts instead, broadcasters – including news/talk radio programmers and hosts – may be confused about how the equal time rule is being applied.

For her part, Gomez issued the following statement: “This is yet another troubling example of corporate capitulation in the face of this Administration’s broader campaign to censor and control speech. The imgFCC has no lawful authority to pressure broadcasters for political purposes or to create a climate that chills free expression. CBS is fully protected under the First Amendment to determine what interviews it airs, which makes its decision to yield to political pressure all the more disappointing. It is no secret that Paramount, CBS’s parent company, has regulatory matters before the government, but corporate interests cannot justify retreating from airing newsworthy content. The FCC is powerless to impose restrictions on protected speech, and any attempt to intimidate broadcasters into self-censorship undermines both press freedom and public trust. I once again urge broadcasters and their parent companies to stand firm against these unlawful pressures and continue exercising their constitutional right to speak freely and without government interference.”

As far as news/talk radio is concerned, TALKERS editors have pointed out that in most cases, talk radio stations and their hosts are usually happy to have any qualified candidate be interviewed – whetherimg Republican or Democrat. Often, Democratic candidates balk at being interviewed by conservative hosts for fear they will not get a “friendly” interview as their Republican opponent might have. Regardless, the law is about equal time, and the matter late night shows are dealing with is assuming they qualify for the “bona fide news” exemption that excuses them from the equal time rule. Chairman Carr’s position is there is no blanket exemption; it is taken on a case-by-case basis.

Industry News

FCC’s Carr Appoints Two to World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announces his appointments of George John and Kimberly Baum as chair and vice chair of the Commission’s World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee.  The advisory committee was re-chartered on January 21 with the mission of providing the Commission with advice, technical support, and recommended proposals for the International Telecommunication Union’s World Radiocommunication Conference, which will be held in 2027. The World Radiocommunication Conference is a treaty-level forum held by the International Telecommunication Union (a United Nations agency) every three to four years in which countries decide on the allocation of frequency spectrum to allow the deployment or growth of all types of radiocommunication services such as wireless, broadcasting, satellite, and aeronautical services.

Industry News

Salem Presents 2026 Stuart Epperson Award to Dr. David Jeremiah

Salem Media announced during the Salem Summit Breakfast at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, that it presented the 2026img Stuart Epperson Award for Excellence in Christian Media to Dr. David Jeremiah, senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church and founder of Turning Point Ministries. The award, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Salem co-founder and longtime chairman Stuart Epperson, who passed away in July 2023. Epperson co-founded Salem in 1974 with his brother-in-law Edward G. Atsinger III, building what would become a leading Christian and conservative media company.

Industry News

Budget Cuts Force “myTalk 107.1” to Part Ways with Alexis Thompson

Hubbard Radio’s talk KTMY-FM, Minneapolis decides to move forward without air personality Alexis Thompson as part of the morning drive show and will not renew her contract. The station says in a pubic statement, “We have some very difficult news to share with you.  Thisimg morning, we announced that we will not be renewing Alexis Thompson’s contract. Alexis has been with myTalk 107.1 for 20 years, and co-host with Jason Matheson in morning drive since 2013.  Her warm, funny, and authentic personality have made her a favorite with myTalk listeners, clients and all her co-workers in the Hubbard Radio hallways. The success of the Jason & Alexis Show is well documented.” Thompson was given the opportunity to go on the air to say goodbye to her listeners but chose to have Matheson read her farewell statement that read: “Dearest myTalkers, My time at myTalk has come to an end. The station didn’t renew my contract. I’m sorry I can’t be there for a final show to say goodbye. It’s too emotional for me. I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for 20 plus years of talking pop culture and entertainment, laughing, crying and sharing our lives. We’ve grown up together. Thank you for starting your morning with a smile and a laugh with me. myTalkers, together we have raised millions of dollars and awareness for charities doing real meaningful work. I’m incredibly proud. One thing I know for sure, community is everything. And thank you for building community with me. I have been lifted by your love and trust. I’m forever grateful. Remember you be you! And when you see me, don’t forget to say, ‘Hey girl, hey!’ Let’s keep in touch and follow my adventures @lexandthecities. Love always, Alexis” Regarding their decision, Hubbard explains, “Radio is changing. The radio business is still strong, but it is changing. The audio landscape is evolving, and we have been challenged to run our operations more efficiently going forward. Sadly, in this case it came at the expense of someone we all admire and adore. We have nothing but the utmost respect for Alexis’ grace, professionalism, and her many contributions to ‘myTalk 107.1.’ Future plans for the morning show are not clear. The next few weeks we will work with Jason and [producer] Holly [Roberts] to chart a new course. The remainder of the ‘myTalk 107.1’ schedule remains unchanged.”

Industry News

Audacy Adds FM Signals to Sports Talk WGR, Buffalo

Audacy adds two FM signals to the broadcast of sports talk WGR-AM “WGR 550” and re-brands the station “WGR Sports Radio.” Audacy drops the country music on WLKK-FM at 107.7 (licensed to Wethersfieldimg Township southeast of Buffalo) and adds FM translator W284AP, Buffalo at 104.7 to the simulcast. Senior VP and Buffalo-Rochester market manager Tim Wenger comments, “WGR has been the heartbeat of Buffalo sports, and now that beat is louder than ever. We know our fans are second-to-none, and simulcasting on FM allows us to expand our footprint to the furthest corners of Western New York, allowing more fans to join the live, local and high-energy conversations that define our region all year round.”