The most discussed stories yesterday (1/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Beasley Media Group announces that it is marking its 65th anniversary this year and will commemorate the milestone throughout the year of 2026. The company was founded on December 3, 1961, when its late founder George Beasley was awarded an FCC license to
build WPYB-AM in Benson, North Carolina. The company says that at a time when many smaller communities lacked access to local broadcasting, he recognized radio’s unique ability to inform, connect, and serve and that vision became the cornerstone of the company. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Reaching 65 years is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of the people who make Beasley Media Group what it is today. While we are incredibly proud of our legacy, this milestone is equally about where we are headed — continuing to evolve, embrace innovation, and strengthen the local connections that have always set us apart.” The company currently operates 55 radio stations in large and mid-sized markets. Beasley says the anniversary theme — “65 Strong: Forward Together” — reflects both the strength of the company’s foundation and its focus on the future.
Newsmax Media, Inc filed a Petition to Deny on December 31 asking the Federal Communications Commission to block the proposed $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA Inc., saying that the deal would violate federal law, harm
competition, raise prices for consumers, and damage local news across the country. If the deal is approved, Nexstar would become the largest TV station owner in the nation owning 244 television stations across 44 states. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “This merger would create an unprecedented and dangerous consolidation within the broadcast TV industry, giving them immense control over local news and political news coverage.” Newsmax says that the national television ownership cap was set by Congress at 39% of U.S. television households in 2004 and explicitly stripped the FCC of authority to modify it and argues that any change in the cap by the FCC, including waivers, is a direct violation of law. See the Newsmax story here.
Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC, New York adds Joe Concha to its weeknight lineup,
airing from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Concha has been hosting a Sunday show from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon and will continue in that role. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis says, “Joe is exactly the kind of smart, credible, non-nonsense voice we promised our listeners. Listeners trust Joe and his ratings success backs that up. We are delighted to add him to our weeknight programming.” Concha is a columnist, author, and FOX News contributor.
The most discussed stories over the weekend (1/3-4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
By Michael Harrison
TALKERS
Publisher
With the conclusion of 2025 at hand, we are entering the second half of the third decade of the 21st century. It will be a remarkably transitional period for the talk radio industry and its closely associated fields in talk media, as well as media-in-general.
Here’s what’s going to happen:
The age old “radio station” paradigm as a brick-and-mortar business/cultural/communications center will disappear. After more than a century, it will be financially and physically impractical to operate the process of “radio” as a federally licensed production company tethered to a broadcast tower that houses programming, sales, and a roster of creative practitioners under one roof on an employee-based payroll. Radio “stations” will be more of an esthetic meme than an actual physical place on a dial coming from a specific business space with desks and “departments.” Programming and sales – local, regional, and national – will be provided by “outside” sources. Most “talent” will operate as either independent contractors or employees (or “partners”) of these outside companies. Local-ness and/or national-ness will not depend upon actual location of sources but rather focus of content. The biggest challenge facing radio station owner/operators will be to transition their “media station” brands from being licensed entities to effectively competing in the “dark jungle” or “high seas” of unlicensed platforms… without going broke.
In the wider world of media:
AI is going to put “Hollywood” out of business. Oh, there will still be a nebulously geographic place in Southern California called “Hollywood” but it will no longer be mythically based on big studios, production companies, and star talent.
And lovers of freedom will come to recognize the communications arm of “Big Tech” as the greatest threat to liberty facing humanity since World War II.
More on the above in 2026.
Happy holidays!
Michael Harrison is the publisher of TALKERS. He can be contacted at michael@talkers.com.
Top Stories of 2025
Top People of 2025
iHeartMedia announced the extension of its ‘Creators First’ mission by expanding its podcast platform offerings to support both audio and video distribution within both the app and web versions of iHeartRadio – at no cost to creators. The company says that inn 2026 it will “give creators the ability to distribute full-length video directly into iHeartRadio – for free – in
addition to their existing audio distribution. When this video feature launches, creators will be able to upload their podcast episodes, including full-length video versions, through their standard RSS feeds for seamless distribution in iHeartRadio.” The company goes on to say that this feature will 1) allow podcasters to control how their content is presented; 2) allow creators control over their monetization, with no revenue share required to iHeart; and 3) give them the freedom to have their videos hosted and served from wherever they want and not be tied to an iHeart-owned hosting provider. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman explains, “While audio remains the backbone of the podcast medium, as well as its primary source of audience connection and the reason for the industry’s explosive growth, video podcasting is now emerging as a completely separate and incremental form to audio, in the same way that podcasting evolved as a new layer on top of broadcast radio. At iHeartMedia creators come first. Providing this new video distribution capability for free to our creators is an additional testament to our continuing focus on creators’ success and is consistent with how and why the podcast industry was built to begin with.”
Sports talk media personality Jon “Stugotz” Weiner joins iHeartMedia for a long-term, multiplatform partnership. Weiner rose to prominence as co-host of the Dan LeBatard show, based in South Florida. When LeBatard parted ways from ESPN, Weiner went with him to his Meadowlark Media platform. As part of his agreement with iHeartMedia, Weiner will launch a new weekday afternoon program on FOX Sports Radio in January, originating from
iHeartMedia’s studios in South Florida and airing in the 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm slot being vacated by Doug Gottlieb. iHeartMedia says, “Designed as a live radio extension of his popular podcast ‘Stugotz and Company,’ the show will bring together his regular crew along with a rotating cast of guest co-hosts, blending old friends and new voices.” Additionally, the Stugotz Podcast Network will launch with iHeartPodcasts, featuring “Stugotz and Company” and “God Bless Football,” plus more content to be launched later. Weiner says, “There was a ton of interest and a lot of great conversations, but it became obvious to me rather quickly that iHeart and FOX Sports Radio were going to be the landing spot. I miss doing live radio, and I was looking for a partner to grow my two existing podcasts and help us build out a network. To be able to partner with the biggest and best digital company on the planet – and host a daily, two-hour live radio show with two Hall of Famers, Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd, as lead-ins – is a place, quite frankly, I never imagined arriving at, and an opportunity I wasn’t going to pass up.”
Connoisseur Media names Alaska media management pro Rod Day market manager for the company’s Alaska properties that include news/talk KFQD-AM, Anchorage and six music brands. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “Rod is exactly the kind of leader we
want guiding our Alaska operations. His passion for the Anchorage market, experience in broadcast and digital platforms, combined with his ability to build strong teams and elevate performance, makes him an outstanding fit. We are excited for the energy, vision, and expertise he will bring to our Alaska properties.” Day comments, “I’m truly thrilled to be joining the Connoisseur Media team and working alongside leaders who have such a clear vision for our business. It’s also incredibly exciting to return to a market I love, one that I believe has endless potential. I can’t wait to get to know each member of the Anchorage team and work together to achieve not only their personal goals, but the goals we have for the entire team.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
iHeartMedia Milwaukee unveils its new daily lineup in the aftermath of longtime morning host Jay Weber’s leaving mornings for a twice-weekly podcast role. Current late morning host 
Benjamin Yount is taking over the 6:00 am to 9:00 am show hosting duties. Yount has been with the station since 2018 as host and news director. He comments, “WISN has always been about serving Wisconsin with smart, honest conversation, and I’m honored to take on 
morning drive. Our listeners count on us to start their day informed and engaged, and I’m excited to continue that in a new time slot while keeping the same commitment to strong local coverage.” Jason Goch, who has been a fill-in host on WISN, moves into the morning news anchor and late morning talk host role. He’ll handle news duties during Yount’s program and host his own talk show from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Station program director Jerry Bott states, “This lineup builds on WISN’s momentum and reflects our focus on serving listeners with strong, credible voices throughout the day. Benjamin has earned the trust of our audience and brings proven ratings success to morning drive, while Jason is a terrific addition whose experience and versatility strengthen our local programming bench.”
According to TriStateHomepage.com, Townsquare Media is ending programming on
news/talk WGBF-AM, Evansville, Indiana at the end of the broadcast day on December 31. The company clearly isn’t getting the returns it wants on the operation of the station. The story indicates that the signal is up for sale but it’s unclear if there is any interest in the station that was launched in 1923 by the Finke Furniture company. The calls stand for G.B. Finke. See the TriStateHomepagestory here.
Cumulus Media promotes Andrea Ayers to vice president/market manager for its Lexington, Kentucky station group that includes news/talk WVLK-AM and three music brands. Ayers rises from her position as sales manager and takes over on January 1. Cumulus SVP of
operations Mark Sullivan comments, “Andrea and I have worked alongside each other for decades and shared in many successes together. She has a long track record of driving results for our Lexington stations, rooted in her passion for the business and service to the community, our advertisers, listeners, and employees. This is a well-deserved opportunity for her, and I’m looking forward to her success in this new role as VP/market manager.” Ayers says, “I’m truly honored to accept the role of VP/market manager for Cumulus Lexington. I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to the table and work alongside such a talented group to drive growth, strengthen relationships, and deliver exceptional results.”
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Salem Media announces it is extending WNYM, New York “AM 970 The Answer” morning drive host Joe Piscopo for another two years, through the end of 2028. Piscopo – who broke out during his time as a cast member of “Saturday Night Live” in the early 1980s – joined
WNYM in 2014. Salem Media New York general manager Laura Sheaffer says, “Joe Piscopo remains one of the most dynamic talents in New York radio. His authenticity and connection with our listeners are extraordinary and extending his presence on ‘AM 970 The Answer’ was an easy decision. Joe continues to raise the bar every single morning.” Piscopo comments, “Our audience relies on us for honesty, respect, and straight talk about the issues that matter, and that trust means the world to me. And let’s be honest – only in New York do you wake up at 3:00 am and call it show business! I’m honored, grateful, and excited to keep sharing these mornings with such an amazing audience.”
Greg Papa – the voice of the San Francisco 49ers on KNBR, San Francisco – is returning to
call the final two games of the regular season and the playoffs. Papa has been off the air this fall as he battles leukemia. While Papa still must go through chemotherapy and receive a bone marrow transplant, his doctors have cleared him to return to the booth to broadcast games.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (12/15-19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Former Cumulus Media | Westwood One talk radio host and current FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced yesterday that he will resign from the in January. He made the
announcement via a post on X, saying: “I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her.” President Trump commented on Bongino’s departure saying, “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.” Now, the speculation begins as most industry watchers expect Bongino to return to the conservative talk media ecosystem, where will he resume his media career?
Civic Media announces it is acquiring WNOV-AM, translator W293CX at 106.5 FM in Milwaukee and weekly print publication The Milwaukee Courier. WNOV is currently airing a hybrid of urban music and talk shows targeted to urban audiences including the “Tavis Smiley Show,” the “Rev. Al Sharpton Show,” plus local shows hosted by Michelle Bryant and Keith Parris. WNOV has been owned by Courier Communications Corporation since
1972. The company was headed by Dr. Jerrel Jones, who passed recently. His daughter, current owner and president Mary Ellen Jones, says, “My parents built The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV to give Milwaukee’s Black community a voice when few existed. Passing that responsibility forward was not taken lightly. Civic Media is committed to honoring that legacy while investing in the future of trusted media.” The company says that Dr. Robert “Biko” Baker will join as operations manager for both the radio station and newspaper. Civic Media CEO Sage Weil comments, “Acquiring The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV is both an opportunity and a responsibility. These are trusted institutions with deep roots in Milwaukee, and our role is to steward that legacy while investing in their future – modernizing operations, expanding digital reach, and ensuring they continue to serve the community with integrity. We’re proud to have Dr. Robert ‘Biko’ Baker lead this work.”
Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for November 2025 for participating networks (based on weekly average downloads) and there are new podcasts in the top positions. For reasons unexplained, NPR’s shows “NPR News Now” and “Up First from NPR” – ranked #1
and #2 in most past surveys – are gone from the ranker entirely. With that change, iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” is the new #1, with Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” at #2. Other changes for talk radio-related podcasts include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rising five places to #4, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” climbing two places to #10, and iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” moving up seven places to #11. See the complete ranker here.
Beasley Media Group promotes John Coury to vice president of treasury and corporate
controller. Coury has been overseeing the company’s treasury operations, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and traffic functions. Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley says, “John’s leadership, strategic insight, and strong financial acumen have been instrumental in strengthening our company’s financial foundation. His dedication and expertise will continue to play an important role in advancing Beasley’s fiscal efficiency and long-term growth.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (12/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Cumulus Media announces that WMAL-FM, Washington program director Bill Hess will retire on December 31 after a radio career spanning 48 years. Hess launched his career in 1977 as an air personality on WCBG, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In addition to his work in the news and talk formats, Hess programmed WASH-FM and WBIG-FM in Washington, DC. He served SVP of programming for the progressive talk network Air America and was vice
president of news/talk for Cumulus Media for nine years. Cumulus Media chief content officer Brian Philips states, “Bill is an esteemed leader, teacher and journalist. He possesses intellect, a gift for talent development and strict high standards. It has been our good fortune to work in the trenches with Bill during the overheated recent news cycle. Bill will always be our trusted advisor. We wish Bill great things in retirement and thank him for his uncountable accomplishments with Cumulus Media and our high-performing news/talk stations – particularly for his work programming our news/talk flagship, WMAL. His legacy is forever secure.” Hess comments, “I am grateful for these 48 years in the business I love, programming both music and spoken-word stations, and working with the most exciting and entertaining teams in radio. Concluding with the past 15 years at WMAL and Cumulus Media has been a true highlight.”
Saga Communications repurchases 184,215 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.1 million, or $11.50 per share, through a privately negotiated transaction. The repurchased shares represent approximately 2.8% of the
company’s currently outstanding common stock, based on 6,556,621 shares outstanding as of December 11, 2025. After closing, these shares were returned to treasury and are no longer outstanding. Chief financial officer Samuel Bush says, “We are pleased to announce the completion of a privately negotiated stock repurchase transaction, which underscores our ongoing commitment to deliver value to our shareholders. This transaction reflects our confidence in the company’s long-term strategy and financial strength, while providing us with greater flexibility to manage our capital structure. We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation and generating a meaningful return for all stakeholders.”