Industry News

Cumulus to Launch Mark Levin Ad-Supported Video Podcast Series

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One announces a new digital video series starring nationally syndicated host Mark Levin. The company says “Liberty’s Voice with Mark Levin” will publish vodcast episodes threeimg times per week – Monday through Wednesday – and will be available on both YouTube and Rumble in digital video format with future expansion on other platforms. The company adds, “For the first time, Levin will offer audiences access to original digital video content via an ad-supported model, instead of a subscriber paywall. ‘Liberty’s Voice with Mark Levin’ will present exclusive, in-depth commentary from one of America’s most influential constitutional scholars and political thinkers. Sharing his intellectual rigor, brilliant wit, and signature passion, Levin will draw on history, economics, law, and philosophy as he goes beyond the headlines to examine the ideas and principles that shaped the United States – and the forces challenging them today. Each episode will deliver substantive analysis of current events, grounded in the founding ideals of liberty, limited government, and individual sovereignty, while exposing the dangers of centralized power and historical amnesia.”

Industry News

FOX News Media to Launch “Hang Out with Sean Hannity”

FOX News Media announces the expansion of FOX News Channel star Sean Hannity’s media footprint with the launch of a new podcast titled, “Hang Out with Sean Hannity,” set to premiere on March 3. FOX says the twice-weekly podcast will deliver “long-form, unfiltered conversations with compelling and influential figures across culture, business, sports, img politics, and beyond. Filmed from Hannity’s new set in Florida, dubbed the personal ‘man cave,’ the show will offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the conversations that take place when the cameras stop rolling.” FOX News Digital and New Media president Porter Berry says, “Sean Hannity remains one of the most influential voices in media, grounded by the same values and work ethic that defined his early days. We’re thrilled to expand our podcast portfolio with one of the most accomplished broadcasters to ever pick up a microphone.” Hannity comments, “I’ve always been interested in how people got to where they are – the risks they took, the failures they pushed through, and the lessons that don’t make it on TV. This podcast is a chance to slow down and have those conversations, no scripts, no talking points, just real discussions with people who have something meaningful to say.” In addition to the podcast, Hannity will continue to host his Premiere Networks nationally syndicated radio program, “The Sean Hannity Show,” while sunsetting “Sean” on FOX Nation.

Industry News

WURD, Philly Hosting Billy Preston Screening Event for Black History Month

Philadelphia urban talk outlet WURD Radio announces it is hosting its signature Black History Month event on Monday (2/23) with an exclusive screening of the documentary film, Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It. Th event takes place at the Barnes Foundation and will include a live panel discussion with the film’s director and special guests. WURD says, “With Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as an executive producer, and Paris Barclay directing, theimg documentary explores the extraordinary life and career of Billy Preston, one of the most influential yet often overlooked musicians in modern music history. Barclay is widely known for his prolific, award-winning work directing major television series, including ‘NYPD Blue,’ ‘The West Wing,’ ‘Sons of Anarchy,’ and ‘ER,’ bringing both historical insight and emotional depth to Preston’s story.” WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Many people know Billy Preston’s music without knowing Billy Preston’s story. His work is woven into some of the most recognizable music ever recorded, yet his life and legacy are not widely understood. This is exactly why we celebrate Black History Month — to recognize the artists, innovators and cultural figures whose influence we experience every day, even when their stories remain untold.”

Industry News

Guardian Prepares to Launch U.S. Podcast

UK-based news organization Guardian Media Group announces the coming launch of a video podcast for the U.S. market starring journalistsimg Carter Sherman and Kai Wright. Guardian U.S. editor Betsy Reed says, “This project is a major step toward bringing audio and video journalism to American audiences, showcasing the breadth of our global content and reporting muscle. It’s also imgthe latest step in our ongoing US expansion, which we’ve seen in recent months across politics, media, sports, culture, breaking news, and more.” Carter has been serving the Guardian as reproductive health and justice reporter since 2023 and recently published the book, The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation’s Fight Over Its Future (2025, Gallery). Wright was most recently host and managing editor of Notes From America with Kai Wright and has served with WNYC, New York.

Industry News

iHeartMedia to Put Sports Talk WDAE, Tampa on Full-Market FM

iHeartMedia swaps some frequencies in its Tampa Bay cluster, moving its “Rumba” music format off 95.7 FM and adding that full-market 100,000-watt signal to the broadcast of sports talk WDAE, effective next Monday (2/23). iHeartMedia Tampa market president Russellimg Robertson states, “Expanding WDAE’s heritage brand strengthens our long-standing broadcast and marketing partnerships with the Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers, Lightning, Florida Gators and USF Bulls. This evolution also reflects our continued commitment to serving Tampa Bay listeners across multiple platforms.” WDAE program director and midday host Nick Wize adds, “I am beyond excited for Tampa Bay sports fans. This is a championship market, and we’re delivering a strong, engaging lineup that brings fans closer to the teams and conversations they care about most.”

Industry News

MARC Radio to Acquire Talker WLKF, Lakeland and Music Outlets from Hall Communications

MARC Radio Group is buying three radio stations head on five signals inimg the Lakeland-Winter Haven, Florida market from Hall Communications. The deal includes news/talk WLKF-AM (but not its current FM translator W244BJ at 96.7 MHz) country WPVC, and adult hits WONN-AM and its translators W296CS at 107.1 FM and W240DB at 95.9 FM. MARC Radio says it expects the deal to close in May, pending FCC approval.

Industry News

New Public Media Infrastructure Organization Announces Board of Directors

In November of last year, Public Media Infrastructure was created with one of the final grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and was designed to help meet the infrastructure needs of all public media stations in the modern era. It was founded by American Public Media Group, PRX, New York Public Radio, Station Resource Group, and the National Federation of Community Broadcasters. Now, that organization announces its new new board leadership and five new members who join representatives from PMI’s co-founding organizations. New York Public Radio executive chair LaFontaine Oliver is named Chair of the Board. The Board’s new members are Anni Caporuscio, general manager of KKCR Community Radio; Mariana Robertson, general manager of KCAW Raven Radio; José Martínez-Saldaña, co-executive director of Radio Bilingüe; Vijay Singh, CEO of Vermont Public; and Kenya Young, president and CEO of Louisville Public Media.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (February 9-13, 2026)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/9-13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. ICE Operations / End of Minnesota Surge
  2. The Economy / Record Dow / Jobs Report / Falling Crypto
  3. The Epstein Files / Bondi Testimony
  4. Super Bowl Aftermath / Bad Bunny
  5. House Canada Tariffs Vote
  6. Olympics / Political Statements
  7. Artificial Intelligence
  8. U.S.-Iran Tensions
  9. Nancy Guthrie Case
  10. El Paso Anti-Drone Laser Incident

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Jeffrey Epstein
  3. Pam Bondi
  4. Howard Lutnick
  5. Bad Bunny/ Kid Rock
  6. Mike Johnson
  7. J.D. Vance / Hunter Hess
  8. Benjamin Netanyahu
  9. Savannah Guthrie / Nancy Guthrie
  10. Sean Duffy

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

Industry News

Kristin Diaz Named WTOP AM Drive Anchor

Hubbard Radio all-news WTOP-FM, Washington names Kristin Diaz co-anchor of the morning show alongside John Aaron. Diaz most recentlyimg served as PM drive anchor at Audacy’s KRLD-AM, Dallas. WTOP director of news and programming Julie Ziegler says, “From the moment I met Kristin, I knew there was something special about her. Her commitment to telling stories that impact the diverse, local community she serves and doing so across platforms, aligns perfectly with WTOP’s mission. I can’t wait for the WTOP audience to get to know her.” Diaz was awarded the 2021 National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast. She was also the recipient of the 2023 Texas Association of Broadcasters award for Best Newscast.

Industry News

Edison Research Publishes Top Ten New Podcasts

Edison Research is among the numerous companies ranking podcasts in the U.S. market and regularly publishes its top podcasts of each quarter. It recently released the Top Ten Podcasts of 2025 – the podcasts with theimg largest weekly audiences that launched last year. Number one is “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” which won a Golden Globe for best podcast. News/talk podcasts on the chart include “The Nerve with Maureen Callahan,” published by Megyn Kelly’s MK Media, the progressive “Keith Edwards Show,” and iHeartPodcast’s “This is Gavin Newsom.”

Industry News

WTOP to Present “250 Years of America Series”

Hubbard Radio all-news outlet WTOP-FM, Washington is recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States with a 20-week, multi-part editorial series titled, “250 Years of America,” that explores “the innovations, breakthroughs, and pivotal moments that have defined the nation since its inception.” It will debut on President’s Day and running through July 4.img WTOP says its journalists will examine the following seven pillars as defining points of American progress: The Federal Workforce (WTOP reporter Jimmy Alexander), Defense (WTOP National Security Correspondent JJ Green), Energy (WTOP reporter and anchor Nick Iannelli), Transportation (WTOP aviation and transportation reporter Dan Ronan), Healthcare (WTOP producer and reporter Acacia James), Technology (WTOP anchor John Aaron) and Homeownership (WTOP reporter Linh Bui). Hubbard DC VP and general manager Joel Oxley comments, “This series reflects WTOP’s commitment to thoughtful, fact-driven journalism with national importance but more importantly, local impact. As the country reflects on 250 years of progress, we’re proud to provide context, insight, and perspective on how we got here and where we’re headed as part of the community at the epicenter of this story, our nation’s capital.”

Industry News

KFI, Los Angeles Adds “Monks & Merrill” to Shuffled Lineup

iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles makes some program schedule changes that include the new “Monks & Merrill” show and the shifting of John Kobylt back to afternoons and Tim Conway Jr. back to the evening daypart. Beginning Monday (2/17), the John Kobylt Show will air from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by the Tim Conway Jr. Show from 6:00 p to 10:00img pm. Talk show hosts Chris Merrill and Michael Monks partner for the “Monks & Merrill” shows that will air from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. An hour is shaved off the late morning “Gary & Shannon” show [Gary Hoffmann and Shannon Farren] that will air from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Chris Merrill, who’s been heard on KFI in the past, was most recently with Bonneville’s KTAR-FM, Phoenix. Michael Monks an award-winning senior reporter/host for KFI News. Station brand manager Brian Long says, “The chance to put John Kobylt back in drivetime and move Tim Conway Jr. and his entertaining brand of talk a bit later for the evening crowd is a homerun for the KFI listeners. Starting the day with ‘Wake- Up Call,’ Bill Handel, ‘Gary & Shannon,’ our award-winning news team, and now the addition of the new ‘Monks & Merrill’ show makes KFI the most stimulating talk lineup in America.”

Industry News

Bonneville Seattle’s Brynna Rogers First Woman to Engineer Super Bowl Radio Broadcast

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Bonneville Seattle broadcast engineer Brynna Rogers made history yesterday at the first woman in NFL history to engineer a Super Bowl play-by-play radio broadcast. Rogers engineered the game on “Seattle Sports 710 AM” and “KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM.” Prior to the game, Rogers said, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have to stop every once in a while, look around, and take it in – to remind myself that this is really cool and that not many people get to do this.” Speaking about what her duties are during the game, Rogers said, “I mix their mics, I EQ them, I add dynamics, and I apply compression and limiting. Everything happens in real time.” Rogers is pictured above with the Seattle Seahawks radio post-game broadcast crew.

Industry News

WURD, Philadelphia Embarks Upon Fundraiser to “Strengthen Independent Black Media”

LEVAS Communications’ urban talk WURD, Philadelphia is launching a listener support campaign with the stated goal of raising $100,000. The station says, “WURD Radio, the only Black-owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania and a vital voice for the Black community, is proud to announce the launch of its “STAND WITH WURD” listener supportimg campaign. Running throughout February, this critical initiative coincides with the historic 100th anniversary of Black History Month. In an era where Black media faces unprecedented challenges — algorithms that actively silence Black voices, deep fakes and misinformation targeting our communities, and the actual arrest of Black journalists — WURD Radio is an independent platform that remains so due in large part to listener support.” WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax states, “WURD is a place for critical conversations and truth-telling. If we want to preserve Black history, we must preserve WURD. We are watching a coordinated effort to erase our history and silence our people. We cannot let that happen.”

Industry News

Connoisseur Media Names Lieberman to West Coast Executive Post

Connoisseur Media appointments Deidra Lieberman regional manager of national sales for the West Coast. Lieberman has worked in radio sales on the West Coast for the past two decades-plus, include serving as directorimg of sales for KGO-AM, San Francisco. In her role with Connoisseur, she’ll oversee national sales efforts in Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Palm Springs, and Anchorage. Company SVP/Western Region and San Francisco & San Jose market manager Tina Murley says, “Deidra is a powerhouse. She brings intensity, strategic vision, and an aggressive sales mindset that aligns perfectly with where Connoisseur is headed as a company. She knows how to compete, how to lead, and how to win. I’m thrilled to have her on my leadership team and excited for the impact she will make across the West Coast.” Lieberman comments, “Connoisseur’s ability to drive national revenue through great local radio is unmatched, and I am thrilled to work alongside Jeff Warshaw, market manager Tina Murley, Katz Media and all our valued clients across the country. We’re building something big, and I’m proud to help drive results at scale through local execution.”

Industry News

WCCO, Minneapolis Presents 17th “End Hunger Together Radiothon”

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Audacy’s news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis raised $742,602 to benefit Second Harvest Heartland during its 17th annual “End Hunger Together Radiothon.” The station says this year’s total marks the highest amount raised in the event’s history. WCCO brand manager Brad Lane comments, “All I can say is…WOW. This record-breaking result belongs to our fans and sponsors; they didn’t just meet the moment — they transcended it — and the impact will be felt by thousands of neighbors who need it most. Once again this illustrates what’s possible when a community is galvanized by compassion and purpose. We’re incredibly proud to partner with Second Harvest Heartland and honored to use ‘CCO Radio’s legacy platform to help turn generosity into real, measurable impact for families across Minnesota.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (February 2-6, 2026)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/2-6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Trump ICE Activities, Policies and Backlash
  2. Epstein Files Revelations
  3. The Economy / Inflation / Interest Rates / Tariffs
  4. U.S.-India Trade Agreement
  5. Trump Floats Controversial Election Reform / FBI Raids GA Election Headquarters
  6. Middle East Tensions – Iran – Gaza / Russia-Ukraine War
  7. Trump’s Health Concerns – POTUS Poops Pants at Presser
  8. Nancy Guthrie Missing
  9. Measles Outbreak
  10. Melania Movie / Pre Superbowl Hype, Speculation, and Politics / Trump to “Renovate” Kennedy Arts Center

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Kristi Noem / Gregory Bovino / Tom Homan / Pam Bondi
  3. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell / Bill and Hillary Clinton / Melania Trump / Tulsi Gabbard
  4. Alex Pretti / Renee Good
  5. Jerome Powell / Kevin Warsh
  6. Masoud Pezeshkian / Narendra Modi / Marco Rubio / Vladimir Putin
  7. Nancy and Savannah Guthrie
  8. Bad Bunny
  9. Drake Maye / Sam Darnold / Mike Vrabel
  10. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr / Maria Shriver

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