Industry News

Casey Bartholomew to Guest Star on “Sterling Every Damn Night”

Talk radio pro Casey Bartholomew – who recently exited Cumulus Media’s WBAP, Dallas – will guest star tonight and tomorrow night onimg WPHT, Philadelphia on “Sterling Every Damn Night” for Walter Sterling. Sterling says, “When I read in TALKERS that Casey was on the loose, I immediately grabbed him to guest star on my 10:00 pm to 1:00 am show. He has a stunning history of winning ratings in the Northeast on ‘New Jersey 101.5.’ We approach radio content from a similar perspective; it’s not that important. Our goal is to give the listener a reason to eat the wrong snack.”

Industry News

Stuff You Should Know Sits Atop Triton Digital’s December Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital released its U.S. Podcast Ranker for December 2025, based on weekly average downloads for participating networks, andimg iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” was #1, followed by Audacy’s “48 Hours” at #2 and Salem Media Group’s “Charlie Kirk Show” at #3. Other talk radio-related shows include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” at #10, iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” at #11, and “Armstrong & Getty on Demand” at #14. See the full ranker here.

Uncategorized

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/22)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Trump at Davos / Greenland Ambitions
  2. Board of Peace
  3. The Economy / Financial Markets Activity
  4. ICE Raids / Administrative Warrants
  5. SCOTUS Hears Lisa Cook Case
Industry News

Talk Host Larry O’Connor Named Editor of Townhall.com

Salem Media Group’s Townhall Media announces that it is naming WMAL-FM, Washington morning drive talk host Larry O’Connor as editor of Townhall.com, effective immediately. Townhall Media says, “Larry O’Connor is a trusted conservative voice known for credibility,img clarity, and consistency, earning the respect of audiences, peers, and industry leaders alike. He brings decades of experience across writing, podcasts, broadcast, and live events, along with a proven record of leadership, audience growth, and editorial excellence to one of the nation’s most influential conservative platforms. O’Connor is known for his deep understanding of the political and cultural landscape. His career spans multiple media formats, and he has built a large, loyal national audience by combining sharp analysis, principled conservatism, and engaging conversations.” O’Connor has been writing for Townhall and HotAir since 2016. His daily podcast, LARRY, is streamed at 12:00 noon ET on Townhall.com and YouTube. O’Connor comments, “Townhall has been a cornerstone of the conservative movement for decades, and I’m incredibly honored and excited to take on the role of editor. This is a platform with a powerful legacy, an outstanding team of contributors, and a loyal audience that cares deeply about ideas, culture, and the future of our country. I’m eager to build on that foundation, elevate strong conservative voices, and help Townhall continue to inform, challenge, and inspire readers every day.”

Industry News

Las Vegas Talk Host Alan Stock Named to Governor’s Antisemitism Working Group

Las Vegas talk radio host Alan Stock joins the Antisemitism Working Group created by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and announced in December. Lombardo’s office says the Antisemitism Working Group “willimg bring together leaders from Nevada’s Jewish community, educators, advocates, and law enforcement professionals to advise the governor on emerging challenges, community safety concerns, and long-term policy solutions.” Stock tells TALKERS, “The group will provide an important opportunity for Jewish community leaders to share their perspectives and ensure that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo hears directly from those affected as we work together to address antisemitism in Nevada. Policy recommendations will be due by April 15, shaping the agenda for Nevada’s 2027 legislative session.” Stock hosts his daily morning program “Vegas @ 8” on news/talk KXNT and produces commentaries that air three times per day on the Audacy station.

Industry News

Stephen A. Smith to Receive Inaugural BFOA Broadcast Personality of the Year Award

ESPN and SiriusXM personality Stephen A. Smith is being honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America with its first-ever “Broadcast Personality of the Year Award” that will be presented during the BFOA’s Gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on March 9. BFoA presidentimg Tim McCarthy comments, “We are excited to introduce the Broadcast Personality of the Year Award and there is no one better to be our first honoree than Stephen. There are very few in broadcasting that are as authentic as Stephen. His tremendous work ethic and candid delivery make Stephen a personality on any platform that you must pay attention to, and I know first-hand his work ethic is second to none.” Smith says, “I am honored to receive this recognition from Tim and the Broadcasters Foundation. The Broadcasters Foundation is a unique charity that helps support those in our industry who are suffering under the most daunting circumstances. I am delighted to be a part of this important fundraising gala that will help so many.”

Industry News

Joe Concha Added to Red Apple Audio Networks

The national syndication arm of Red Apple Media adds the Joe Concha-hosted show, “Concha At Night” in the 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm slot. “Concha At Night” debuted on WABC, New York earlier this month.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/21)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Trump at Davos / Greenland Ambitions
  2. Minnesota ICE Protests
  3. The Economy / U.S. Treasury Bond Selloff
  4. Clintons in Contempt of Congress
  5. Halligan Exits Justice Department
Industry News

NAB Goes to Bat for Removal of Ownership Caps

The National Association of Broadcasters is testifying on behalf of over-the-air broadcasters who would like to see the Federal Communications Commission’s radio and television station ownership caps eliminated. In lengthy testimony regarding the 2022 Quadrennial Regulatory Review – Review of the Commission’s Broadcast Ownership Rules and Other Rules Adopted  Pursuant to Section 202 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, NAB says that, unlike those arguing to keep or even strengthen ownership caps, those asking for their removal are providing real-world testimony. The NAB writes, “They documented in detail the vastimg competition local radio stations today face for audiences and vital advertising revenues from online and satellite content providers and digital ad platforms not subject to any comparable restrictions on their scale and scope; the dire negative effects that consumer and advertiser substitution of competing digital audio content and advertising for traditional radio has had on the listenership and advertising revenues garnered by local radio stations, including in mid-sized and small markets; and how the retention of asymmetric ownership restrictions has prevented radio broadcasters from gaining local scale to take advantage of important economic efficiencies, obtain investment capital, and better compete for audiences and advertising revenues, and thus enhance – or even maintain – their provision of news, emergency information, and valued entertainment and sports programming in local communities across the country at no cost to the public.”  Responding to testimony from musicFirst Coalition and the Future of Music Coalition – referred to as the Coalitions – NAB writes, “First, the fact that the Coalitions continue to hold themselves out as protectors of small, local independent broadcasters not just borders on the absurd but crosses over into full-blown absurdity. The Coalitions represent the interests of the music industry, which is dominated by three consolidated international record labels. Compared to even the largest radio station groups, the giant record labels are the 800-pound gorillas of the music world. Those three labels earn billions more in revenue than the approximately 11,000 full-power commercial AM/FM stations combined. As NAB earlier reported, the three major music companies jointly generated about $2.9 million per hour in 2023. In remarkable contrast, in 2023 and 2024 the vast majority of radio stations garnered less – and often much less – than $2.9 million per year in advertising revenues. Needless to say, the Coalitions have never explained how local radio stations earning such low levels of revenue (and even lower, if any, profits) are supposed to keep talented employees and provide high quality programming, including popular music, sports, and informational programming, such as weather updates and emergency information, OTA and free to the public without achieving increased local scale, greater economic efficiencies, and more robust ad revenues. See the NAB’s complete testimony here.

Industry News

MIW Announces Erica Farber Mentorship Class

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Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio announces the MIW Erica Farber Mentorship in Management Class of 2026.  MIW says, “This prestigious initiative selects four exceptional women from across the radio industry – spanning sales, marketing, programming, and digital – to participate in a year-long mentorship experience designed to accelerate leadership development and career advancement.” They are (from l-r): Angela Williams, manager of business operations, Crawford Media Group, Chicago; Bridget England, program director & morning show host at 96 Rock, Cincinnati, Cumulus; Cassie Reimold, regional digital sales manager, Salem Media, Tampa, Orlando & Atlanta; and Kelly Harlow Pruitt, general sales manager, Cumulus Media, Indianapolis.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/19)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Trump to Davos / Greenland Ambitions
  2. Minnesota ICE Protests
  3. Affordability
  4. SCOTUS to Hear Trump vs Fed Case
  5. Indiana Wins College Football Championship
Industry News

WTCM, Traverse City’s Ron Jolly & Colleen Wares McClelland to Retire

Michigan talk radio hosts Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland – host and co-host of the “Ron Jolly Show” on Midwestern Broadcasting’simg news/talk WTCM, Traverse City, announce that they are retiring from the station after their last show on April 10. TraverseTicker reports their brief on-air announcement in which Ron Jolly stated, that it was “not an easy thing to leave” but that “all the circumstances add up to that. We will make the most of it. The hardest part is leaving. We can’t see you, you can’t see us, but we are connected. See the TraverseTicker story here.

Industry News

Urban One Moves on Reverse Stock Split

After Urban One shareholders approved the company’s request to consider a reverse stock split last June, the company’s board of directors announces that it is going forward with a reverse stock split of all classes of its common stock, including its publicly traded shares of Class Aimg Common Stock and Class D Common Stock at a ratio of 10 for 1. The company states, “The reverse stock split is being conducted to regain compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market with respect shares of the Company’s Class D Common Stock.” No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split. Holders of stock who would otherwise receive a fractional share will receive cash in lieu of the fractional share equal to the closing sales price of the stock on the effective date – in this case January 22.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (1/17-18)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (1/17-18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Minnesota ICE Operations / Insurrection Act
  2. U.S. vs Europe Over Greenland Ambitions
  3. Tariffs
  4. Iran Protests-Deaths
  5. Trump’s Board of Peace / Trump at Davos
Industry News

Local Broadcasting Injects $1.19 Trillion into U.S. GDP

A study by Woods & Poole Economics, Inc. with support from BIA Advisory Services reveals that local broadcasting “fuels $1.19 trillion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports 2.46 million jobs nationwide. The study says that $437 billion of that is attributable to radio. The study also projects broadcasting revenues through 2028 and concludes that for 2026, U.S. radio’s gross revenue is estimated to beimg $12.54 billion – with $10.15 billion from over-the-air revenue and $2.39 billion from digital revenue. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “No other industry gives more to Americans for free. Local stations provide trusted journalism, life-saving emergency alerts and the sports and entertainment that bring our communities together. This report reinforces that broadcasters are not only essential to our democracy and daily lives, but to the strength of our economy, as well.” The study goes on to reveal that “local broadcasting’s economic ripple effect extends deep into other sectors — from construction to retail — adding another $134 billion in GDP and supporting nearly 776,000 additional jobs.” LeGeyt adds, “Broadcasting is more than a business model; it is a civic model. This industry stands alone in its mission to inform, protect and uplift every community in America, regardless of zip code or income level.”

Industry News

Salem and Dan Proft Agree to Extension

Salem Media and WIND-AM, Chicago “AM 560 The Answer” morning drive host Dan Proft agree to a two-year extension to keep him on the air through December of 2027. Salem regional VP and WIND generalimg manager John Gallagher says, “The combination of Dan Proft’s intellect and his exceptional interviewing skills is why he’s the best morning radio host in Chicago. His knowledge of the issues that affect the people of Illinois is unmatched. This contract extension solidifies the Chicago Morning Answer brand and the top conservative talk radio line-up in the nation.” Proft comments, “I’m excited to extend my run on Chicago’s Morning Answer, and I am honored to be trusted with such an important platform during these turbulent times. Nothing short of the future of the United States and Western civilization, by extension, is on the line, and I’m humbled to be able to lend my voice to the fight. I want to thank AM 560’s management, along with our loyal, intelligent listeners and our accomplished and thoughtful guests, for their ongoing support.”

Industry News

“Stugotz & Company” to Debut Monday

FOX Sports Radio announces that “Stugotz and Company LIVE!” will debut on Monday (1/19), originating from iHeartMedia’s studios in South Florida. FSR says the show will air from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily onimg more than 270 stations nationwide as well as on FOX Sports Radio’s channel on iHeartRadio and on FOXSportsRadio.com. The full radio show will also be available as a podcast immediately following each broadcast. In December, TALKERS reported that longtime Dan LeBatard producer and co-host Jon “Stugotz” Weiner would join FSR in a deal that would also feature an upcoming slate of original sports talk programming, including Stugotz’s podcasts “Stugotz and Company” and “God Bless Football.”

Industry News

Adam Carolla Re-Ups with PodcastOne and Joins SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly Channel

Comedian and podcaster Adam Carolla signs a multiyear extension with PodcastOne to continue producing his eponymous podcast. At the same time, it’s being announced that beginning January 26, “The Adam Carollaimg Podcast” joins SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Channel for same-day distribution of Carolla’s daily show, Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:00 am – 9:00 am ET. PodcastOne co-founder Kit Gray states, “PodcastOne is thrilled to extend our relationship with Adam and his ‘The Adam Carolla Show.’ Adam has paved the way for podcasters around the globe and his podcast is continuously growing with audiences and with advertisers. We’re proud to be working alongside one of the greatest in the business as he sets the tone for success in the genre.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (January 12-16, 2026)

Here are the most-talked-about stories of the past week (1/12-16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. ICE Activities and Protests
  2. Iran Protests and Turmoil
  3. U.S. Policy on Venezuela
  4. Trump’s Greenland Ambitions
  5. Economy / Inflation / Interest Rates/ Tariffs
  6. Russia-Ukraine War
  7. Israel-Gaza Tensions
  8. Boeing Crash Investigation Findings
  9. NFL Playoffs / NCAA Betting Scandal
  10. Epstein Files

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Renee Nicole Good / Kristi Noem / Tim Walz
  3. Nicolás Maduro / Maria Corina Machado
  4. Masoud Pezeshkian / Ali Khamenei
  5. Marco Rubio / JD Vance
  6. Jens-Frederik Nielsen / Mette Frederiksen
  7. Mike Johnson / Pete Hegseth / Pam Bondi
  8. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
  9. Benjamin Netanyahu
  10. Jeffrey Epstein

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

Industry News

Audacy Adds Full-Market FM to The Score in Chicago

Audacy is dropping the classic hip hop on WBMX and adding the 104.3 FM frequency to sports talk WSCR-AM “670 The Score,” beginningimg February 2. Audacy Chicago SVP and market manager Kevin Cassidy states, “Chicago fans are the best in the world, and they deserve coverage that matches their passion. Our roster features the best talent in the city with unmatched dedication to delivering the latest sports news and insight. We’re excited to expand The Score’s reach through this FM simulcast, bringing our premier sports content to an even wider audience so they can join the conversation and stay connected to their favorite Chicago teams.”

Industry News

Salem Promotes Cassidy to VP/Regional GM

Salem Media today promotes Carolyn Cassidy to vice president & regional general manager in which she’ll continue to oversee Salem’s operations in Columbus, Tampa, Orlando, and Miami, while expandingimg her leadership role as part of the company’s Senior Leadership Team. Salem says, “Cassidy has been an integral part of Salem for many years, beginning with her leadership in Columbus, where she cultivated a strong culture of teamwork, community involvement, and business growth. She later took on management of Salem’s Tampa market, followed by oversight of Orlando and, most recently, Miami.” Salem president of broadcast media Allen Power adds “Carolyn has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, market insight, and a deep commitment to Salem’s mission. Her ability to lead multiple large and diverse markets with both strategic focus and personal care makes her an outstanding addition to our VP ranks.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/14)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Minneapolis ICE Protests
  2. Iran Protests / Trump’s Warning
  3. Venezuelan Leadership / War Powers Resolution
  4. Greenland’s Future
  5. FBI Raids Post Reporter’s Home
Industry News

WTOP Names Wordock Business Reporter

WTOP names veteran journalist John Wordock business reporter, effective January 26. Wordock, who was heard on WTOP in the past when he handled business report duties for MarketWatch Radio, most recentlyimg served as a media consultant. He states, “WTOP is setting the pace for the radio industry in our digital world. It’s a leader both in Washington and in the country. I look forward to joining its award-winning newsroom and evolving business reporting in the age of social video, YouTube, podcasts, and whatever comes next.” WTOP says it will expand the scope of its business reporting under Wordock’s leadership, including by Wordock producing original video content and written articles for WTOP.com and the station’s social media channels. WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler comments, “Evolution is more important than ever in the news industry. We need to meet our consumers where they are and bring them the stories they need in the formats they want. John brings a wealth of multi-platform experience and business expertise to WTOP, and we can’t wait for news consumers in the DMV to be reintroduced to him.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/13)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Minneapolis ICE Protests / Prosecutors Quit
  2. Trump in Detroit
  3. Deadly Iran Protests
  4. SCOTUS Transgender Athletes Case
  5. Clintons Refuse Epstein Testimony
Industry News

Gregg Henson Named WHO, Des Moines Program Director

Programming pro Gregg Henson is named program director for iHeartMedia’s “NewsRadio 1040” WHO, Des Moines. iHeartMedia EVP of programming Steve Geofferies says “NewsRadio 1040 WHO is one of the most respected news talk stations in Iowa, built on a strong foundation of trusted voices and programming. Gregg’s experience and leadershipimg will support our strong team and help WHO continue delivering the high-quality programming listeners rely on every day.” Henson most recently served with Cumulus Media as PD and morning host at classic rock WLAV-FM and country WTNR-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During his career he’s programmed news/talk outlets including WRVA, Richmond; WPGB-FM, Pittsburgh; and WOWO, Fort Wayne. Henson comments, “I’m incredibly excited to return to iHeartMedia and work with the legendary staff at NewsRadio 1040 WHO. WHO’s legacy of trusted news and strong local voices is unmatched, and I’m focused on building on that foundation and continuing to deliver relevant, impactful programming for listeners across Iowa.”

Industry News

Tim Allen to Host Brewers Hot Stove Show on “105.7 The Fan”

Audacy sports talk WSSP-AM/W289CB “105.7 The Fan” in Milwaukee brings Tim Allen back to its airwaves to host the new “Brewers Hot Stove Show,” airing weekdays at 5:00 pm ET, starting January 14 and runningimg through March 25. Allen will also host a post-game show, adding to the station’s 2026 Brewers coverage, which also includes Tommy Wortz’s “Lead Off Show.” Audacy Wisconsin SVP and market manager Jason Bjorson says, “If you’re going to be the number one sports radio station in Milwaukee, then you have to have the best coverage of the Brewers. Tim Allen is the definitive voice of the franchise’s fanbase, and his presence solidifies our commitment to local listeners.” Allen states, “I’m very appreciative to have my post-game show back on ‘The Fan’ in Milwaukee and now on the Wisconsin Sports Radio Network. We started this post-game show on ‘The Fan’ 21 years ago, and to have it continue with them is a pretty special feeling.”

Industry News

Judge Judy to Receive BFOA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Judge Judy Sheindlin will receive the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award during the BFOA Gala on Monday, March 9 at the Plaza Hotel inimg New York City. The Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who has made invaluable contributions to the broadcast industry. BFOA president Tim McCarthy comments, “Judy’s no-nonsense approach to legal disputes has provided riveting television entertainment to millions of viewers across America. We are proud to recognize her many accomplishments and contributions to broadcasting.” For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (1/12)

The most discussed stories yesterday (1/12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Minnesota ICE Protests
  2. Powell Investigation / Fed Policy 
  3. Trump Visits Detroit
  4. Iran Protests – Trump Threats
  5. Mark Kelly Sues Pete Hegseth
Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (1/10-11)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (1/10-11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Minnesota ICE Protests
  2. Iran Protests-U.S. Warned Not to Interfere
  3. Powell Subpoenaed Over Fed Building Renovations
  4. Venezuela’s Oil / Trump’s Greenland Ambitions
  5. Mississippi Synagogue Burning
Industry News

Report: Townsquare Wins Suit for Unpaid Ad Bills

According to a report by Bill Heltzel in WestfairOnline, Townsquare Media has won a suit against furniture dealer Regency Management for unpaid advertising bills that totaled $1.15 million. In 2022, Heltzel writes that U.S. District Court imgJudge Kenneth M. Karas concluded Townsquare failed to establish monetary damages on most of the contracts and ordered Townsquare a partial award of about $115,000 but ruled in favor of Regency on most of the deals. Townsquare requested reconsideration, and in 2023 Judge Karas concluded that he had overlooked evidence on 10 advertising contracts. After holding a bench trial last June, Karas on December 12, 2025, ordered Regency “to pay $114,936 that remained unsatisfied from his 2022 partial decision for Townsquare; $694,328 on the contracts he reconsidered, and $344,833 in interest, for a total of $1,154,097.” See the WestfairOnline story here. 

Industry News

John Terrett to Host Red Apple Market Reports

Red Apple Media announces that John Terrett is the host of the twice-daily Red Apple AM/PM Market Reports. CEO John Catsimatidis says, “More than ever before, listeners need clarity on what’s happening on Wall Street. John has been a guest on my Sunday program, ‘The Cats Roundtable,’ many times, and his exceptional understanding of the financial world arms listeners with the knowledge they need to make smart financial decisions.”