Industry News

KDKA-TV Talk Host Jon Burnett Dies; Donates Brain to Science

KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh talk host and weatherman Jon Burnett died on February 19 at the age of 71. SportSkeeda reports that Burnett died from complications for CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy). He’dimg been diagnosed with suspected CTE two years ago and joined the National Sports Brain Bank at the University of Pittsburgh. He told “Pittsburgh Today Live” at the time, “If I can help anybody on this road, who is on this road or will be on this road in the years ahead, I feel better about being able to do that and being able to learn from my experiences.” Burnett played sports throughout his childhood and played college football at the University of Tennessee. (Photo: KDKA)  Read the SportSkeeda story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (February 17-21, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/17-21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories/Topics

1. Trump-Musk Relationship
2. Musk-DOGE Activities / Federal Firings
3. U.S. Foreign Policy / Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War
4. ICE Deportation Crackdown
5. Trump Nomination Confirmations – Kash Patel
6. NYC Mayor Adams Activities
7. Economy-Inflation-Trump Tariff War / Stock Market Instability
8. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
9. Healthcare / Bird Flu / Measles Outbreak
10.McConnell Won’t Run Again

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
4. Kash Patel / Marco Rubio
5. Benjamin Netanyahu
6. JD Vance / Pam Bondi / Karoline Leavitt
7. Jeff Bezos / Mark Zuckerberg
8. Eric Adams
9. Mitch McConnell
10.Steve Bannon

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

Industry News

Trump Executive Order Demands Federal Agencies Answer to the President

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday (2/19) titled, “Restoring Democracy and Accountability in Government requires that all federal agencies – those set up by Congress as independent agencies – run all action through the White House before it becomes official. The order implies that the agencies in question – including the Federal Communications Commission – are under the purview of theimg executive branch and must therefore: “(1) submit draft regulations for White House review—with no carve-out for so-called independent agencies, except for the monetary policy functions of the Federal Reserve; and (2) consult with the White House on their priorities and strategic plans, and the White House will set their performance standards. The Office of Management and Budget will adjust so-called independent agencies’ apportionments to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely. The President and the Attorney General (subject to the President’s supervision and control) will interpret the law for the executive branch, instead of having separate agencies adopt conflicting interpretations.” The order also argues that since the president is elected by the people and all agencies are accountable to the American people, therefore the president represents the will of the people. Critics of the move are questioning the constitutionality of the order and some expect this matter will be decided by the courts.

Industry News

Triton Digital Publishes January Podcast Ranker

Triton Digital is releasing its January 2025 U.S. podcast ranker based on weekly average downloads for participating networks. The top four remain unchanged with NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #1, followed by “Upimg First” at #2, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” at #3 and iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” at #4. Changes of note during the January period include: Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rises three spots to the #5 rank; Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” dips two places to the #8 rank; iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” rises one place to #14; and iHeartRadio’s “Armstrong & Getty On Demand” shoots up five places to the #18 rank. See the full U.S. podcast ranker here.

Industry News

NAB’s LeGeyt: Now is a “Challenging Time to Be a Broadcast Journalist”

National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt spoke at The Media Institute’s 2025 Communications Forum yesterday (2/19) and addressed a number of issues including NAB’s belief that the Federal Communications Commission’s broadcast ownership rules need to be modified. However, he also addressed what he called the “elephant in the room.” “This is a challenging time to be a broadcast journalist.img It’s not easy to report on the deluge of information (and misinformation on social media) that is shaping our world. Especially in cutting through polarized rhetoric to find the truth. And yet, there has never been a more critical time to arm Americans with the facts and let them make their own decisions. To fulfill this mission, our newsrooms must be able to report without fear or favor. This isn’t just a constitutionally protected right – it is fundamental to serving our communities. And it’s a right we’ve had to defend time and time again since our country’s founding. Efforts to limit the ability of broadcasters to report the facts hinders the public’s right to know and chills free speech. Americans deserve the full and fair reporting that broadcasters provide and NAB strongly defends our members’ First Amendment rights and their vital role in maintaining an informed public. Our democracy relies on journalists’ ability to report the news without the risk of government retribution. In a media environment flooded with social media misinformation and cable news politicization, this role has never been more important.”

Industry News

Edison Research: Blacks Listen to Radio Longer

Edison Research says that according to data from its ongoing Share of Ear study, Black listeners “lead the charge in audio listening.” The study says that the U.S. Black population spends 4 hours and 23 minutesimg listening to audio daily, compared with 3 hours and 50 minutes among the non-Black population – over 30 minutes more per day. “This listening includes music as well as spoken-word content, such as podcasts and talk radio. We often thank creators for the audio masterpieces that captivate us, which are all very much deserved. Today, we also thank Black consumers for fueling the success of musicians, podcasters, and radio hosts.”

Industry News

Cumulus to Reveal 2024 Q4 and Full-Year Operating Results

Cumulus Media Inc. will host a conference call on Thursday, February 27 at 8:30 am ET to discuss its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 operating results. The company will issues a press release containing a summary of these results prior to the call.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (2/19)

The most discussed stories yesterday (2/19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump Blames Zelensky for Russia-Ukraine War
2. DOGE Turns Attention to the Pentagon
3. Hamas Releases More Hostage Bodies
4. Federal Layoffs to Hit IRS
5. Trump’s Move to Kill NYC’s Congestion Pricing

Industry News

Sports Journalist Lesley Visser to be Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at NYF TV & Film Awards

NY Festival Photo
New York Festivals® Television & Film Awards
  has announced that it will honor pioneering sports journalist and broadcasting groundbreaker Lesley Visser with the New York Festivals 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. NYF states, “A true innovator in sports journalism, Visser has made history as the first woman to achieve numerous milestones in the industry, earning her place as the most highly acclaimed female sportscaster of all time.”  NY FestThe New York Festivals Lifetime Achievement Award, launched in 2011, honors prominent industry leaders, innovators, and driving forces in the broadcast world whose groundbreaking accomplishments have advanced their field and left a lasting impact on the industry. The award recipient will be celebrated at the annual Storytellers Gala virtual event, which will recognize TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards trophy winners in May 2025.  “I am deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Television and Film Awards,” said Visser, “and I love that it will be presented at the Storytellers Gala. The heart of any sports journalist is dedicated to telling stories. I’m grateful to CBS for giving me this opportunity for more than 30 years, and I salute the men and women who have won this honor before me.”  A nine-time Hall of Fame inductee, Lesley Visser has a long list of “firsts” to her credit. She was the first woman inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the first to win the Lifetime Achievement Sports Emmy, and the first recipient of the Vin Scully Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. Lesley’s memoir, Sometimes You Have to Cross When It Says Don’t Walk, reflects her impressive journey of breaking barriers and has been optioned for both TV and film.  The annual TV & Film Awards Storytellers Gala, featuring winners and industry executives from around the globe, will be streamed in May 2025. View the 2024 Storytellers Gala.  To view entry details, competition rules and regulations, and 2025 categories visit HERE.

 

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (2/18)

The most discussed stories yesterday (2/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Musk DOGE Operations / Trump-Musk Relationship
2. Russia-Ukraine War / U.S. Foreign Policy Shift
3. Israel-Hamas War / Trump Gaza Plan
4. ICE Immigration Crackdown
5. Airline Safety

Industry News

WURD, Philadelphia to Honor Malcolm X

WURDOn Friday, Feb. 21, WURD Radio will present “Race, Manhood and Power: Commemorating 60 Years Since the Ascension of Malcolm X to Ancestorhood” in partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at CCP’s Winnet Student Life Building Lobby.  This live broadcast will be a special edition of “Groundings” with WURD host Brother Shomari. The event and conversation will reflect on the lessons of Malcolm X’s legacy and examine how succeeding generations have – or have not – put them into action. The broadcast is part of a week of programming at CCP led by Brother Shomari that addresses what the station describes as the “urgent challenges” facing Philadelphia’s Black communities today.

“This convening will serve as a re-catalyzation of our previous mobilization efforts, focused on African Diasporic community building in and around the Philadelphia region, and the important leadership linkages that must be facilitated between our culture, communities and campuses to advance Black life and wellbeing,” Brother Shomari said. “A particular lens of this convening is on the purpose, roles, responsibilities and preparation of Black youth and young adults for this cause.”

According to the station, this gathering is a sequel to WURD Radio’s historic 2015 event, “The Invitation,” which explored the impact of racial shifts in Philadelphia and the critical need for stronger Black leadership. “Race, Manhood and Power” will continue that discussion, focusing on intergenerational strategies for building Black community power.

 

Industry News Uncategorized

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (2/17)

The most discussed stories yesterday (2/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Musk DOGE Operations / Trump-Musk Relationship
2. Israel-Hamas War / Trump Gaza Plan
3. Russia-Ukraine War / U.S. Foreign Policy Shift
4. Air Travel Safety
5. Presidents Day Reflections

Industry News

TALKERS will not publish today

TALKERS will not publish today (2/17) in commemoration of Presidents Day 2025. We will resume our regular publishing schedule tomorrow (2/18).

If you need to reach our office today please email info@talkers.com or call 413-565-5413.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (February 10-14, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/10-14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories/Topics

1. Trump-Musk Oval Office Press Conference / Trump Gaza Intentions
2. Musk-DOGE Activities / Federal Firings
3. U.S. Foreign Policy / Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War
4. Trump Nomination Hearings and Confirmations
5. ICE Migrant Deportation Crackdown / FBI-DOJ Issues / NYC Mayor Adams Activities
6. Economy-Inflation- Trump Tariff War
7. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
8. Healthcare / Bird Flu
9. Gulf of America / Discontinuation of Pennies
10.LGBTQ Issues

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Benjamin Netanyahu / Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
4. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr / Tulsi Gabbard / Kash Patel
5. Joe Biden
6. Xi Jinping
7. Marco Rubio / Pam Bondi / Karoline Leavitt
8. Jeff Bezos / Mark Zuckerberg
9. JD Vance
10.Eric Adams

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

Industry News

Today is World Radio Day

img

In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, the iconic platform of radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world. Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as animg International Day of the United Nations, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD). Each year WRD focuses on a specific theme involving radio that is timely, and important. This year the theme is “Radio and Climate Change.” UNESCO points out: Radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations through climate disasters such as tropical storms and floods. It helps with the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, and dedicated radio shows.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who served as executive advisor to UNESCO for last year’s installment of WRD (which celebrated the milestone of radio’s 100-year anniversary), states, “World Radio Day gives broadcasters the opportunity to blow their own horns about the enduring value of this mighty platform. It’s a good thing for the industry, its sponsors and, most importantly, its loyal listeners. Let’s all sing the praises of radio today and every day.” To all radio professionals and volunteers, everywhere in the world, UNESCO salutes your daily work and your commitment to our future.

Industry News

“Online Tonight” Returns in National Syndication

The radio program “Online Tonight” – first launched in 1994 – is returning to national syndication after an extended hiatus. The program is hosted by Max Smart and airs live on both Saturdays and Sundays fromimg 11:00 pm to 2:00 am ET. The program says that Smart, who worked as an Apple repair technician and with Steve Jobs in the late 1980s at the computer firm NeXT, “has been at the forefront of innovation. He built large-scale telecommunications networks, is an inventor, a former child actor, and a VO artist. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, pop culture fanatic, or just love to consume interesting content, ‘Online Tonight’ offers something for everyone.”

Industry News

RAAN Offers One-Hour Trump Doc to Stations

Red Apple Audio Networks (RAAN) is offering “Trump 2.0: A Documentary” –  a one-hour special program – to all radio stations now through the end of February, with no network inventory. RAAN says theimg documentary “features expert insight from RAAN hosts, including John Catsimatidis, Rita Cosby, Greg Kelly, Roger Stone, Jeanine Pirro, Dominic Carter, and more.” It asks the questions: What are the opportunities? What are the obstacles? Will there be fewer freak-outs about social media posts? Will there be more focus on economic issues?  Get more information by emailing here.

Industry News

PodcastOne Reports Fiscal Q3 2025 Revenue Rises 22%

PodcastOne reports financial data from the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 and says revenue was $12.7 million, an increase of 22% over the same period in fiscal year 2024. The company also reports a net loss of $1.58 million, a decrease of more than 39% from the net loss of $2.6 million reported the same period a year ago. PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray says, “The recent migration and partnership withimg Amazon’s ART19 hosting platform marks a major evolution for PodcastOne that enhances operational efficiencies while strengthening our monetization capabilities and audience engagement. This strategic move positions us to better serve advertisers and maximize the value of our content across our growing network.” He adds, “PodcastOne remains committed to delivering premium content while expanding our host and advertiser relationships. To date, we have grown our programming slate to 196 shows and surpassed 3.9 billion network downloads through key expansion deals, including our collaboration with A&E’s The History Channel, and the renewal of flagship podcasts hosted by Adam Carolla, Brendan Schaub, and Kaitlyn Bristowe. Looking ahead, we are focused on leveraging our leadership position in podcasting to drive sustainable growth through organic expansion, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives, creating long term value for our creators, partners, and shareholders.”

Uncategorized

Deborah Norville to Emcee BFoA’s Golden Mic Gala

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Deborah Norville, longtime BFoA Board member and two-time EMMY-winning anchor of “Inside Edition,” will emcee this year’s Golden Mic gala and fundraiser on Monday, March 10, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The Golden Mic Award will beimg presented to Brian Lawlor, president, Scripps Sports. Additionally, Scott Herman, former COO of CBS Radio and Chair of the BFOA, will pay tribute to Dan Mason, former CEO of CBS Radio and past Chair of the BFOA, with the 2025 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, and Katz Media Group will be recognized with the 2025 Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award. Katz Media Group CEO Mark Gray will accept the award. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We’re excited about this year’s honorees and presenters and extend our thanks to Deborah for serving as the evening’s emcee. While we gather to honor these highly respected and accomplished broadcasters for their contributions to our industry, we must always keep in mind, and in our hearts, the broadcasters who we help when they need us the most.”

Industry News

FNC’s Laura Ingraham to Interview RFK Jr. Tonight

FOX News Channel star Laura Ingraham will conduct an interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the wakeimg of the Senate’s final vote on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. The exclusive interview will air during “The Ingraham Angle” on FOX News Channel this evening at 7:00 pm ET. FNC says Kennedy Jr. will discuss the Senate vote, the Make America Healthy Again movement and other news of the day.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (2/12)

The most discussed stories yesterday (2/12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump and Putin’s Ukraine Call/NATO
2. Frozen Federal Funds
3. Trump’s Gaza Plan/Israel-Hamas War
4. Tax Cuts/Debt Limit Hike
5. Trump Takes Over Kennedy Center

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (2/11)

The most discussed stories yesterday (2/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump-Musk Oval Office Presser
2. Trump Gaza Plan / Israel-Hamas War
3. Tariff War / Economy-Inflation
4. Musk-DOGE Activities / U.S. Foreign Policy
5. Immigration Crackdown

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (2/10)

The most discussed stories yesterday (2/10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump Gaza Plan
2. Tariff War Developments
3. Musk-DOGE Activities / USAID Disruption
4. Immigration Crackdown
5. Economy-Inflation

Industry News

Post-Wildfires: iHeart LA and the Dream Center Raised Over $15 million to Benefit the Los Angeles Community

imJust hours after the series of devastating wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, iHeart LA and the Dream Center – a resource center focused on providing support to those affected by homelessness, hunger and crisis – launched a national and local media campaign that asked local listeners to contribute essential items and cash to support those affected by the fires, many of whom had lost everything.  Dream CenterWhat followed was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded any expectation, and which – thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbors and communities – has become one of the largest grassroots giving efforts in iHeart’s history.

Since the fundraising and donation effort launched on Tuesday, Jan 7:

• Over 8,000 people have volunteered;
• More than 80,000 individuals have received essential supplies like food, water, diapers, clothing and more onsite;
• Over 19,000 cars have gone through the Dream Center supply line;
• The initiative has raised over $15 million in cash and in-kind donations, with contributions still being accepted.

The results are testament to the power of local communities, which historically come together to support one another during times of disaster and crisis.

“The strength, generosity and resiliency of our LA communities is truly powerful — and the way our broadcast radio listeners have come together to support one another is incredibly humbling,” said Paul Corvino, division president for iHeart LA.  “While iHeart and the Dream Center were instrumental in connecting those in need with those eager to help, it was the community itself that has been incredibly inspirational, and which has been vital in keeping these efforts alive and ensuring that support is still available to those who need it the most, when they need it.”

“The outpouring of love and generosity we have witnessed in response to this crisis has been nothing short of extraordinary. In times of disaster, it is the strength of our community that shines the brightest, and we are humbled to see so many individuals stepping up to help their neighbors in need,” said Matthew Barnett, founder of Dream Center. “Thanks to our partnership with iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and community members, we have been able to provide essential aid to thousands who have lost so much. This effort is a testament to the power of compassion and unity, and we remain committed to serving those in need for as long as it takes.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (2/8-9)

These were the most discussed stories over the weekend (2/8-9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Build Up to Super Bowl-Trump’s Appearance at Event

2. Trump FOX Interview

3. Trump Position on Canada Becoming 51st State

4. Trump Position Elimination of Pennies

5. Trump Position on U.S. Takeover and Development of Gaza

 

Industry News

McMullen Tabbed to Call Marlins’ Radio PBP

Jack McMullenThe Miami Marlins announced this morning (2/7) the hiring of Jack McMullen as the lead play-by-play announcer on the Marlins Radio Network. McMullen takes over for Kyle Sielaff, who is the new lead TV play-by-play voice for Marlins games on FanDuel Sports Network.  A graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse, McMullen spent the previous three seasons on the radio broadcast for the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate. Before then, he called games for the Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod League (2018) and the Short Season Auburn Doubledays of the Nationals’ system (’19). The Chicago native’s other experience includes serving as director of podcasting for Just Baseball Media, hosting the network’s flagship show “The Just Baseball Show,” play calling for ESPN+/Learfield and working as part of the broadcast and production teams for various programs during his time at Syracuse. A rotation of analysts will team up with McMullen in the booth: Rod Allen, Jeff Nelson, Gaby Sánchez and Kelly Saco. Joining the mix will be three-time Emmy Award winner and longtime FanDuel Sports Network host and reporter Craig Minervini as well as former Marlins All-Star reliever and SiriusXM MLB analyst A.J. Ramos. McMullen will make his Marlins Radio Network debut on Feb. 22, when the Marlins open Grapefruit League action against the Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. He will call every Spring Training and regular-season game on WINZ 940, the Marlins’ English radio flagship station, and develop ancillary Marlins Radio Network content with pregame show host Stephen Strom.  “We can’t wait to introduce Jack to the South Florida community as we enter an exciting chapter of Marlins baseball, and we know Jack is the perfect fit to tell our story,” Marlins vice president of public relations and communications Jon Erik Alvarez said. “His broadcast style, baseball knowledge and vast multimedia experience will connect with our listeners and extend the reach beyond the booth as we look to improve upon the recent growth of the Marlins Radio Network.”

 

Industry News

WURD Radio Presents “Phenomenal Black Philly Writers – Creating Our Essential Reading List to Survive 2025” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this Evening (2/7)

WURD
In honor of Black History Month, WURD Radio presents “Phenomenal Black Philly Writers: Creating Our Essential Reading List to Survive 2025,” an evening of critical literary discussion and cultural exploration. This timely and urgent event will take place this evening from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Learning and Engagement Center at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

WURD Radio (900 AM and 96.1 FM) is the only Black-owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania. Having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, over the past two decades WURD has evolved into a multi-media, multi-platform communications company that reaches deeply into the Black community through radio, video, events, digital and social media. It is considered the go-to media channel to engage, interact and connect with Philadelphia’s Black community. Tune in to WURD Radio on 900 AM and 96.1 FM.

According to the station, this event is in response to a time of extreme anti-intellectualism, the attempted erasure of Black history and identity, and the persistent denial of systemic racial inequality. By focusing on the art of writing as a political act, this event seeks to highlight the critical role of Black writers in shaping discourse on resilience and, most important, truth. The event will be enhanced by the curation of an essential reading list comprised of titles – fiction and nonfiction, poetry and prose — that will be shared with the audience and posted on wurdradio.com.

The evening will begin with a conversation between WURD Radio president and CEO Sara M. Lomax, Jeannine A. Cook of Harriet’s Bookshop, and Sonia Sanchez, a legendary poet, writer and leader in the Black Arts Movement. Following this discussion, WURD Radio host Solomon Jones will moderate a panel featuring Philadelphia writers Lorene Cary, Nancy Gilliam, Tre Johnson and Ursula Rucker, exploring the importance of Black writers politically, historically and spiritually, reaffirming the necessity of their work in today’s climate.  Additionally, event attendees will have the opportunity to experience the ongoing Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibit, “The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure,” which powerfully complements the evening’s themes of representation and cultural storytelling.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories of Past Week (2/3-7)

These were the most discussed stories this past week (2/3-7) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

Stories/Topics

1. Trump Gaza Plan / Israel-Hamas War

2. Musk USAID-DOGE Activities

3. Trump Nomination Hearings

4. ICE Migrant Deportation Crackdown / FBI-DOJ Issues

5. AA Crash Aftermath- Airline Safety / Trump DEI Remarks and Policies

6. Tariff War / U.S. Foreign Policy

7. The Economy / Healthcare-Bird Flu

8. Big Tech / Russia-Ukraine War

9. LGBTQ Issues-Transgender Women in Sports

10. Super Bowl Buzz

 

People

1. Donald Trump

2. Elon Musk

3. Benjamin Netanyahu

4. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr / Kash Patel

5. Marco Rubio / Pam Bondi

6. Joe Biden

7. Xi Jinping

8. Jeff Bezos / Mark Zuckerberg / Bill Gates

9. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy

10. JD Vance / Karoline Leavitt

 

Industry News

Edison Research: The Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. for Q4 2024

imEdison Research announces the Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. based on reach for Q4 2024 among weekly podcast listeners age 13+. The list ranks podcasts based on total audience reach from Edison Podcast Metrics. Interviews were conducted continuously throughout the quarter in English and Spanish. Rankings are based on listening over the full period. All respondents reported listening to podcasts in the last week.

Since Q3 2024, the top four podcasts – “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “Crime Junkie,” “The Daily,” and “Call Her Daddy”have maintained their rankings in that order.

1. The Joe Rogan Experience
2.
Crime Junkie
3.
The Daily
4. Call Her Daddy
5.
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von (+3 spots)
6. Dateline NBC (+1)
7. SmartLess (-2)
8. Stuff You Should Know (-2)
9. Morbid (+3)
10. Pod Save America (+9)

Top of the charts: “Pod Save America,” hosted by former Obama staffers, makes its debut in the Top 10, no doubt riding the wave of the political news cycle.

After a mid-September launch, “Talk Tuah with Hailey Welch quickly skyrocketed in popularity, debuting at #11. The last episode dropped in mid-December, one day before Welch’s $HAWK crypto debacle and subsequent lawsuit.

In the Top 50 for the first time: The November election likely contributed to several podcasts making their debut in the Top 50 this quarter. “Shawn Ryan Show” appears for the first time at #37, continuing its rise as an interview podcast featuring military veterans, intelligence operatives, and political figures. “The Charlie Kirk Show” breaks in at #49, leveraging Kirk’s influence as the founder of Turning Point USA.

“Candace,” Candace Owens’ independent show, debuts at #45, marking a strong entry following her controversial departure from The Daily Wire in March 2024. Owens launched “Candace” in June 2024 and its rapid rise makes clear her loyal audience followed her to her new venture.

Continued rise of conservative talk: In addition to the conservative talk podcasts making their Top 50 debuts this quarter, several established conservative voices moved higher in the rankings. “The Ben Shapiro Show” climbs from #22 to #14 and “The Megyn Kelly Show” sees a boost from #50 to #27. Meanwhile, “The Matt Walsh Show,” which was last in the Top 50 in Q3 2023, reentered the Top 50 at #45.

The podcast show ranker is derived from data collected continuously during the fourth quarter of 2024, interviewing 5,163 weekly podcast consumers age 13 and older in the U.S. Participants indicate which podcasts they listened to in the past week along with a variety of demographic, psychographic, and purchase-behavior information. This ranker measures reach as a percentage of the weekly podcast listening audience.   For full details, please click here. Edison Podcast Metrics

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (2/5)

The most discussed stories yesterday (2/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump Gaza Statement
2. Tariff War Developments
3. Musk-DOGE Activities / USAID Disruption
4. Immigration Crackdown
5. Transgender Sports Executive Order

 

 

 

Industry News

BREAKING NEWS: AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Approved to Head for Vote in Senate

After having to start over in a new Congress, the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” designed to stop car manufacturers from eliminating AM radios from the dashboards of new automobiles sold in the U.S.  has been approved this morning (2/5) by the Senate Commerce Committee.  It will now head to the U.S. Senate for a full vote.  It is receiving bi-partisan support as well as an endorsement by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt.