The Fine Line Between Serious Investigative Journalism and Flimsy Conspiracy Theory Mongering
Historian, author, and investigative journalist Mark Shaw joins TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison in a revealing discussion about the preponderance of conspiracy theories and flimsy sourcing currently flooding the nation’s talk and print media under the guise of researched reporting. Shaw, the author of dozens of critically acclaimed books including the 2016 best seller, The Reporter Who Knew Too Much, is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel video series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” (see it here) as well as the award winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview” (listen here). Harrison and Shaw examine the important role responsible journalism and critical thinking play in maintaining a healthy, functioning democracy. Have we entered a “post-truth” era? Harrison says, “There’s a growing tendency in the rapidly unfolding digital age for the media, the politicians, and the intellectually dishonest from all strata of society to seek victory at the expense of truth.” Don’t miss this provocative thought-starter!
Mike Missanelli is a possible replacement. He writes, “Jonny Marks reported last week that the Mike/Fanatic reunion looks to be in place ahead of football season. My understanding is that 97.5 is also high on Bill Colarulo and Amy Fadool as new pieces. Colarulo hosts weekends and has filled in on P.M. drive while Fadool had been co-hosting alongside Cooney.” For his part, Cooney posted the following to Facebook: “Wanted to say thanks to all who listened over the years during my time at The Fanatic. Loved the conversations and getting to know a lot of you. They told me today they are moving in a different direction.”
Humility means to be teachable. It’s the most important trait of great leaders and managers. For years I looked forward to focus groups to reveal the top-of-mind awareness of media among listeners. These groups always reminded us of a listener’s life priorities which never included radio listening! They taught us the correct secular language to use in promos and slogans, and what they remembered versus what we wanted them to remember.
news/talk stations plus the John Fredericks Radio Network. He adds, “This undertaking was never authorized, sanctioned, or endorsed by President Trump or his campaign. Despite several very direct public communications disavowing any affiliation by Trump campaign senior staff, the fake news continued to propagate phony stories, which The Heritage Foundation and their Project 2025 leaders were willing and happy to substantiate. Sources say President Trump made the decision to shut it down himself. Good riddance to yet another grift charade using Trump to raise money.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison commented on Fredericks’ statement saying, “It has been disturbing watching the once-honored think tank known for its even-handed academic fastidiousness devolve into what is now perceived as just another fund-raising propaganda machine in the mud-slinging political wars. This is the kind of credibility squandering that damages the true American conservative moment and people’s confidence in all political organizations.”
The station says, “After a distinguished 36-year career in public education that included serving as a classroom teacher, school principal, and most recently, Superintendent of Warren Consolidated Schools, Dr. Livernois brings to WJR AM 760 and its listeners a wealth of experience and perspective on teaching and learning, technology, social-emotional learning, school safety, social media, and many other areas of interest to both parents and educators alike.” Dr. Livernois continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member of the College of Education at Wayne State University. WJR program director Ann Thomas comments, “Education is the key to a great future for our children and WJR is proud to partner with Michigan’s top educators to help them tell their stories about the great work they do in our communities.”
Horne to a full-time reporter position. Pamplin has spent the past 30-plus years with WDIV-TV as a photojournalist and reporter. Horne has been a part-time producer and 
reporter at WWJ since 2021. Previously, she was a weekday reporter and weekend fill-in producer at WLNS-TV. Audacy Detroit market manager Debbie Kenyon states, “We couldn’t be more excited for Tim to join our news team. We plan to leverage his renowned breaking news reports to provide our listeners with quality coverage of each day’s top stories. We’re also looking forward to supporting Darrylin in this new role as she applies her skillful storytelling in everything from feature stories to contributions on our digital platforms.”
relief pitcher – joined the afternoon drive show in August of 2022. Beasley Philadelphia cluster manager Paul Blake comments, “Ricky was a fierce competitor on the mound during his 12-year career in Major League Baseball. His grit, toughness, and strong work ethic make him an ideal co-host for our afternoon show on ‘The Fanatic.’ We’re thrilled to announce his renewal.” Bottalico says, “I am happy to be back with Tyrone and ‘The Best Show Ever.’ I will continue to work hard to bring my best every day. As a group, we are striving to be better every chance we get!”
Here’s a cost-effective way to see if you’ve got what it takes. I’m tired of podcasters coming to me in tears after they sign up for services that market their work ‘wherever podcasts are available.’ That’s not a marketing campaign. Don’t you want to be more than a ‘wherever?’ PUMP is your answer.” He says that with PUMP, a selection of the podcaster’s episodes will be broadcast across five states via six prominent radio stations, helping tap into new listener bases, turning casual listeners into dedicated subscribers. Ryan adds, “If you want to turn your DUDcast into a serious PODcast with marketing power, this is how you do it.” 
syndicated program is heard on 14 affiliate stations throughout New England. Money Matters Radio COO Jason Wolfe comments, “The growth of ‘The Financial Exchange’ throughout New England has attracted interest from stations outside of the region and I’m thrilled to be able to add the show to KBNP. Keith Lyons has had 30-plus years of success in the Portland market and I’m looking forward to bringing our brand of business and financial talk to his station.”
Many Americans have been, in the two years since the Supreme Court punted the issue down to the states. For suburban women voters in swing states, it is – by far – the number one issue, per a Wall Street Journal poll. It tipped 2022 midterms and 2023 elections and swung other elections in battleground states.
The 33-year (1975 – 2008) radio voice of the NBA Houston Rockets, Gene Peterson, died this past Wednesday (7/24) succumbing to cancer at the age of 83. “How sweet it is” was Peterson’s signature victory call and – as noted on a Rockets’ Facebook page post – that catch phrase, “spanned across many franchise moments that will forever live in the hearts and minds of Rockets fans.” Peterson once told The Houston Chronicle, “I’ve watched the Rockets’ family grow, and I’ve watched my own family grow through it all; I know I’ve been blessed to live this life.” Team owner Tilman Fertitta comments, “We say goodbye to my friend and broadcasting legend, Gene Peterson. Gene devoted his life to the Rockets and brought passion and energy towards creating timeless memories for countless fans, including myself. I am forever grateful for the time I knew Gene and for the invaluable contributions he made to our city and franchise for over three decades. My thoughts are with his [family] during this difficult time.”
iHeartMedia is NBCU’s exclusive audio partner for the 2024 Summer Olympics, which kick off this week. In addition to listening to events on iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations, fans can tune-in to events through dedicated 24-7 digital stations – which include – NBC Olympics Radio Plus and NBC Olympics Radio – on the iHeart app. Among big events tomorrow (Saturday, 7/27) are: men’s/women’s swimming (NBC Olympics Radio Plus); men’s/women’s swimming finals (NBC Olympics Radio); women’s beach volleyball – USA versus Canada (NBC Olympics Radio); and men’s soccer – USA versus New Zealand (NBC Olympics Radio Plus). On Sunday (7/28), it’s men’s/women’s swimming finals (NBC Olympics Radio); women’s soccer – USA versus Germany (NBC Olympics Radio Plus); and men’s basketball – USA versus Serbia (NBC Olympics Radio).
Neer – a past PD and air personality at WNEW-FM – still serves as a weekend host on WFAN where he’s been a market staple for decades in addition to being an accomplished author of a series of “Riley King” murder mysteries as well as the historic evergreen FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard Books, 2001). Chernoff still keeps his hand in both formats where he serves as a sports reporter and part-time DJ at Press Communications’ classic rock “107.1 The Boss” WWZY, Monmouth, NJ.
In a research piece posted on the Radio Television Digital News Association’s website, Syracuse University research professor of broadcast & digital journalism Bob Papper and Syracuse University associate professor of broadcast & digital journalism Keren Henderson reveal this year’s radio news salaries fell 2.5%. With 2024 inflation at 3.1%, real wages (actual wages minus inflation) dropped 5.6%. Real wage radio salaries have lost .5% (2021); 6.6% (2022); 1.9% (2023); and 2.5% (2024). Thus, a total wage loss of 11.5% over the last four years. While the median salary for news directors remained steady, the average salary increased 6.7%. An average reporter’s salary dropped .9%, but the median salary is up 12.5%. News producers did even better with average salary (+5%) and median salary (+10.4%). News anchors, sports anchors and sports reporters, however, all lost ground in both average and median salaries. Web producers/editors dropped slightly on average and held even on median. Historically, non-commercial radio salaries have been substantially higher than commercial radio salaries, but Papper and Henderson note that’s not the case this year. They write, “When we look at large and major markets, all the average commercial salaries are higher than non-commercial salaries, and median salaries are fairly close. Overall, commercial radio salaries in large and major markets went up a whopping 23.5% [while] non-commercial salaries went down 8% from a year ago. The drop in radio news salaries lies almost entirely in the non-commercial world.”
Under the Federal Communications Commission’s consideration is a proposal from Commander Communications Corporation that would create an FM broadcasting class known as “A10.” In addition to enhancing coverage in rural and underserved areas, it would grant power upgrades for roughly 1,400 Class A FMs, allowing a maximum of 10,000 watts. Approval would depend on a station’s geographical zone; tower height; and separation requirements. While the National Association of Broadcasters recognizes potential benefits for listeners – especially during emergencies – it urges caution owing to possible negative impacts. The NAB generally supports proposals designed to improve coverage areas, but says the “A10” proposal lacks technical analysis and information on how many stations may be upgradable. An NAB filing notes that, “While this could lead to improved service for additional listeners, it could also further squeeze the band in more markets and impact more FM services.” Also opposed is Cumulus Media, which cites an “unacceptable risk” to stations already competing against streaming services. Conversely, the Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council favors the suggestion, stressing that many stations that would qualify for the upgrade are owned by minority and small-scale operators. This proposal would replace an earlier FCC one for a Class C4 FM station category. More than 100 independent and minority owners backed the idea, but it ran into opposition from larger companies and the NAB.
Williamsburg, VA-based Local Daily Media acquires Connoisseur Media’s Frederick, Maryland news/talk WFMD “Free Talk 930” and country WFRE for $4.275 million. Connoisseur Media chief executive officer Jeff Warshaw tells TALKERS, “While it’s difficult for us to part with our Frederick stations, we were convinced that Local Daily Media’s management leadership and its focus in the Maryland/Virginia region could move these stations forward in a way we would be proud of. Senior management of Local Daily Media includes longtime Connoisseur partner Mike Dufort, who we have worked with closely and respect. Mike understands local radio and shares our view on the need for radio to be involved with and serve the local community.” Aforementioned Local Daily Media president Mike Dufort remarks, “With my nearly 11 years of working with Jeff and the entire Connoisseur team, I deeply understand and appreciate the care and nurturing that went into building these stations. I’m excited for the opportunity to continue along their journey to reaching even greater heights.” Meanwhile, Local Daily Media chief financial officer Adam Crotty adds, “We’re incredibly fortunate to welcome these legendary stations, along with their talented and dedicated teams, to our growing organization. Their rich history of supporting and improving the vibrant Frederick community will undoubtedly inspire our entire team to find new ways to positively impact each community we serve.” Connoisseur Media acquired “Free Talk 930” and WFRE five years ago from iHeartMedia’s Aloha Stations Trust in exchange for its Erie, Pennsylvania cluster.
Good Karma Brands sports talk WKTI “94.5 ESPN Milwaukee” will continue to carry Marquette University basketball games through the 2027 – 2028 season. As part of the extension agreement, WKTI will provide live play-by-play broadcasts of all Marquette men’s basketball games, along with pre-game and post-game analysis. Good Karma Brands Milwaukee market manager Greg Scalzo comments, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Marquette University and produce high-quality broadcasts/content for their passionate fanbase. 
Marquette basketball has a rich tradition and we are committed to delivering the best coverage to our fans.” Marquette University vice president/director of athletics Bill Scholl comments, “Good Karma Brands has been a tremendous teammate over the years. We are thrilled that ‘94.5 ESPN Milwaukee’ will again be the radio destination for Marquette fans. It takes community-wide support to operate a program at the level of Marquette basketball and [Good Karma Brands founder/chief executive officer] Craig Karmazin and his team are an important piece of this equation.” In addition to game broadcasts, WKTI will feature a weekly (Thursday night) “Marquette Basketball Hour” throughout the season.
As originally reported by TMZ, well-known talent agent Don Buchwald died this past Monday (7/22) of natural causes at his Massachusetts home, where he was “surrounded by loved ones.” Buchwald formed his bi-coastal agency Don Buchwald & Associates in 1977 with five associates. The firm employs 130 employees who work across many platforms of entertainment and media. His most notable client, of course, was/is Howard Stern, as well as Stern’s longtime co-host, Robin Quivers. According to TMZ – Buchwald represented Stern personally, “while also acting as his manager and publicist. Stern was Don’s single personally-handled client and Howard referred to ‘super-agent Don Buchwald’ over the years on the radio. Buchwald was instrumental in helping Stern land a megadeal at SiriusXM worth an estimated $90 million a year.” Creator of SiriusXM’s Howard Stern Channels, Sabean Media president Tim Sabean posted on X, “I lost my closest pal today. You left an iconic legacy. I miss you with all my heart and soul. RIP my dear friend.” In a similar post, former SiriusXM SVP of sports programming Steve Cohen notes, “RIP my dear Don from Bensonhurst. An incredible friend, mentor and philanthropist. When I was down, you lifted me up. You made me smarter, wiser and taught me to be a deep thinker. Deepest condolences to the Buchwald family.” When Buchwald and Stern first met, they sat down in Buchwald’s office and talked for an hour. In a 2018 interview, Stern told The New York Times, “He turned to me and said, ‘You know, your career could be as big as Johnny Carson’s.’ I thought this guy might be a little bit nuts. But he believed in me from the very beginning, more than I believed in myself.” Having had no interest in being in the spotlight, Buchwald was quoted in that aforementioned article, “I’m not a particularly boastful person.” Don Buchwald was 88 years old.