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

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John Catsimatidis To Match $25,000 In Donations to Broadcasters Foundation for Emergency Hurricane Grants

John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC, New York, is matching $25,000 of donations to the Broadcasters Foundation of America to help fund emergency grants for individual broadcasters devastated by the destruction of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. BFOA  “My family, Red Apple Media, and WABC Radio have supported numerous causes and organizations,” stated Catsimatidis. im“At this time of great need for colleagues catastrophically impacted by these storms, I will match the next $25,000 in donations to help them get back on their feet. I applaud all those who have already donated any amount because every dollar helps.”  “We are grateful to John and Red Apple Media for their generous patronage of our charitable mission,” said Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. “It is with the support of industry leaders like John that the Foundation can provide assistance to those in our industry who need it most, including in times of emergency. I ask every broadcaster to consider giving an individual or corporation donation so that we can continue our charitable mission for broadcasters in need.” Additionally, WABC is running PSAs to appeal to listeners for donations. In addition, the station has produced a version of the PSA that can be tagged by a radio station with their own call letters. Interested stations should contact WABC.  To make a donation to the Broadcasters Foundation of America Hurricanes Helene and Milton Emergency Fund, please click here.

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KNX News in Los Angeles Hosts L.A. County District Attorney Debate

Just as ballots arrived at homes across America’s largest county, Audacy’s KNX News 97.1 FM in Los Angeles presented a live debate Tuesday (10/8) in the pivotal race for L.A. County district attorney between incumbent George Gascon (pictured at left podium) and challenger Nathan Hochman (right). Also pictured above: KNX News’s Mike Simpson (l) and Charles Feldman (r) moderated. The feisty drive-time debate, which was presented in partnership with The Los Angeles Times from the Audacy SoundSpace, cast a sharp contrast between the candidates and made news by addressing Gascon’s recent decision to review the murder convictions of the Menendez brothers, the subjects of the Netflix series “Monsters.”

KNX Debate

Panelists included KNX’s Emily Valdez (r)along with L.A. Times reporters James Queally (l) and Brittny Mejia (c).

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Yesterday’s (10/9) Top News/Talk Media Stories

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Glenn Beck and Mercury One Deliver Aid to Asheville Residents

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Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality Glenn Beck and his non-profit organization Mercury One visited Asheville, North Carolina to deliver much-needed aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Mercury One is partnering with U.S. Rep. Cory Mills of Florida and the United Cajun Navy to deliver baby supplies, personal hygiene products, diapers, paper towels, and non-perishable food to North Carolina. Using more than 30 helicopters, they worked together to deliver more than 10 tons of supplies so far. They even flew a local woman to a hospital so she could receive lifesaving care. One hundred percent of every donation to Mercury One goes directly to providing relief to Hurricane Helene victims in desperate need. Please consider donating at MercuryOne.org. Pictured above are (from l-r): Mills, Beck, and TheBlaze’s Jill Savage.

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FOX News to Launch Hour-long Spanish-Language News Program

FOX News Media announces the October 15 launch of a new daily, one-hour Spanish-language program titled, “FOX Noticias,” focusing on issues impacting the Hispanic community. The program will be anchored by “FOX & Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy and airs weekdays at 4:00 pm ET on Spanish-imlanguage sports network FOX Deportes. It will also be available in podcast form via FOX News Audio. Ahead of the debut, FOX News Digital will launch a Spanish-language version of the FOXNews.com website beginning today which will be machine translated. Campos-Duffy comments, “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to host ‘FOX Noticias.’ As the fastest-growing electorate, accounting for nearly 20% of the population, the Hispanic American community is thriving, and I am proud to bring a new show that breaks down the news of the day with a focus on the kitchen table issues that matter most to our community.”

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Yesterday’s (10/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and today’s expected landfall of Hurricane Milton in Florida were the most talked-about stories, followed closely by the presidential race, Bob Woodward’s report of Donald Trump’s close relationship with Vladimir Putin, and the escalation of violence in the Middle East.  Climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/8), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Hurricane Milton

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New Jersey Honors Harrison and Hurley at Charity Dinner – MH Tells Attendees Technology is Rewiring the Human Brain to Induce Artificial Telepathy

In the wake of the enormous success of the 16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Foundation Charity Dinner this past Friday evening (10/4) in Atlantic City (see full story below) in which the amount of money raised by the philanthropic initiative has now exceeded $1.75 million to be distributed to worthy non-profits across the Garden State and beyond, the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly issued separate proclamations honoring the event’s organizer and founder, Harry Hurley and its guest of honor/keynote speaker Michael Harrison.  The joint resolutions praise both media figures for their outstanding work and careers in radio and service on behalf of the public good.  In addition, Harry Hurley, 33-year veteran morning host on WPG, Atlantic City, was honored by the designation of October 4, 2024 as “Harry Hurley Day” in Atlantic Country, NJ.

MH at dinner

Michael Harrison discusses the enormous changes taking place in the human nervous system as a result of digital and AI technology at New Jersey Charity Dinner.

Michael Harrison tells attendees that modern digital technology is rewiring the human brain with shocking results. One of the many highlights of Harrison’s 48-minute presentation was his observation that due to the rewiring on the human brain by rapidly evolving digital mechanics, we humans are evolving into a “technologically induced telepathic species.”  To see a clip of Harrison’s comments please click here.

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Audacy Shares Creativity, AI and Measurement Trends to Accelerate Brand Success

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Yesterday’s (10/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and anticipation of Hurricane Milton were the most talked-about stories, followed closely by the presidential race and the escalation of violence in the Middle East.  Climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/7), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Florida Radio Stations Prepare for Hurricane Milton

Radio is a survivorAs most readers of TALKERS magazine know, dedicated and alert radio stations rise to the occasion of abundant vigilance and public service in providing their communities with vital information and support during natural disasters.  Such has been the case with Hurricane Helene and the same thing will take place as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida and the East Coast.

TALKERS has been informed of the following plan put in place by the Florida-based Beasley Media Group:

1. Hourly Storm Updates: The Tampa and Fort Myers markets will commence hourly storm updates immediately, increasing to twice per hour as the storm nears. Wall-to-wall coverage will begin 24 hours before landfall, incorporating active listener engagement.

2. Partnership with Local TV Stations: Beasley Tampa will partner with local Scripps ABC television, while Fort Myers will align with the Hearst NBC-2/ABC-7 affiliates to enhance storm coverage.

3. Remote Broadcasting: Should there be widespread flooding, evacuations, or power/internet outages, Q105’s afternoon host, Geno, will broadcast live from Beasley’s Boston-based studios to maintain continuous storm coverage.

4. On-Site Presence: Some staff may remain overnight at the radio station, provided there are no safety concerns.

5. Beasley’s engineering team is on standby to address any technical issues that arise, ensuring the stations remain operational.

6. Local Storm Coverage: All syndicated programming will be suspended during the storm to prioritize local storm coverage.

7. Digital Content and Storm Central: Beasley’s Digital Content team will establish a dedicated “Storm Central” section on the station websites, offering timely updates, which will also be shared across social media platforms. Additionally, Quu dashboard technology will deliver special messaging featuring storm warnings.

Beasley personnel are closely monitoring the evolving storm conditions and are ready to take necessary action to keep their communities informed and safe.

Industry News

16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner Ups Total Raised to $1.75 Million

The 16th annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation Dinner took place Friday evening (10/4) at the historic Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.  The event is a key component each year of the philanthropic work performed by 33-year veteran WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley on behalf of non-profits across New Jersey and beyond.

Harry and Van Drew
Harry Hurley (l) is joined by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) – one of hundreds of elected officials, media, and business dignitaries in attendance Friday evening (10/4) at the 16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Dinner at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.

The gathering was literally a who’s who of the Garden State’s political, business, health care, and cultural communities including U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), U.S Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw, and literally dozens of members of the New Jersey legislature, county leaders, mayors, council members and a broad section of business and industry leaders at the highest level. The gala event, which drew the largest attendance in the event’s colorful history, opened with a video welcome message from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. More than $100,00 was raised at the gathering that evening, which included a remarkably curated silent auction, bringing the foundation’s total to more than $1.75 million.

MH at dinner
Michael Harrison, pictured here addressing the gathering, was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the Hurley charity dinner, now considered one of the most important radio-related annual philanthropic civic initiatives in America.

TALKERS founder/publisher Michael Harrison served as the dinner’s keynote speaker and guest of honor. In his 40-minute presentation, Harrison discussed a variety of topics including the consequential impact of changing technology on society, the state of radio and journalism, the importance of the First Amendment and education in preserving democracy and the challenges facing unique cities such as Atlantic City in carrying on their meaningful legacies in the brave new world of the 21st century. Highlights of Harrison’s speech will be posted to the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube channel in the coming days.

Harrison stated, “The positive impact Harry Hurley has on South Jersey – economically, politically, and culturally – is a thing of beauty when witnessed up close as I just did this past weekend.  I salute Harry, WPG, and Townsquare Media for setting a stunning example of just how consequential this enduring medium of radio can be when operated by such dedicated, resourceful, and community-minded individuals. I was humbled and deeply honored to be able to play a small role in their magnificent efforts.”

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Massachusetts Broadcasters Association to name WEEI’s Joe Castiglione 2024 Broadcaster of the Year

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Keith Britton Named Brand Manager of 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland

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Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (10/5-6)

The presidential race, escalating violence in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, and the devastation of Hurricane Helene topped the list of stories discussed in the news/talk media this past weekend followed by the economy, the migrant crisis, abortion, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Sid Rosenberg Draws 250-plus Fans to Live Broadcast from Holmdel Restaurant

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Pictured above is WABC, New York morning drive host Sid Rosenberg (left) with Frankie Brusco (right), owner of the Over Easy Kitchen in Holmdel, New Jersey. Rosenberg recently took his “Sid & Friends In The Morning” program on the road for a live broadcast from Brusco’s restaurant and more than 250 fans of the program attended the event.

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Michael Harrison to Keynote and Be Honored Tonight at Hurley Charity Dinner in AC

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TALKERS founder Michael Harrison has been named keynote speaker and guest of honor at this evening’s 16th Annual Hurley in the Morning Charity Foundation Dinner Gala and Silent Auction. The event, organized annually by WPG, Atlantic City morning host and noted radio industryim philanthropist Harry Hurley, has raised more than $1.4 million for worthy causes across New Jersey and beyond. It has become one of the most important annual civic events in the Garden State drawing 270+ guests including government officials, media representatives and community-minded business leaders. The gala will be at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Harrison says, “This is a huge honor and I’m looking forward to addressing this distinguished event with observations about the media’s position at the crossroads between politics, journalism and changing social norms.” Hurley tells TALKERS, “Our special event will be taking place four weeks before one of the most consequential national elections in American history… arguably, the most important election since the Civil War era. It deserves to have a keynote speaker as even-handed and eloquent as Michael Harrison.”

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Presidential Race and VP Debate Top News/Talk Media Story for Week of September 30 – October 4

The presidential race and VP debate combined as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week and takes the top spot on the Talkers Ten. At #2 this week was the escalation of violence in the Middle East, followed by the economy, inflation, and the stock market at #3. The Talkers Ten is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

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Rob Finnerty to Lead Newsmax’s Prime Time Lineup

Newsmax names veteran news anchor and broadcaster Rob Finnerty host of “Finnerty,” leading the cableim news network’s primetime lineup at 8:00 pm ET, debuting on October 8. For the past four years, Finnerty has been co-host of Newsmax’s “Wake-Up America” morning program with Sharla McBride. Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy says, “Rob has demonstrated success in our morning show and connects with our audience in a powerful way, and we believe he will continue that success in primetime.” Finnerty comments, “For far too long cable news has been a monolith – with very few options available to the American people, but Newsmax is proof that the model is changing, and I feel incredibly honored to be a part of that change. Ever since I got here, Newsmax has kept growing and growing, which is amazing for this industry. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am so grateful to Newsmax and its team led by CEO Chris Ruddy.” Pictured here is Rob Finnerty as a special guest speaker at TALKERS 2024. 

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Beasley Extends Deadline for Stock Exchange Offer

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. announces that the Withdrawal Deadline, Expiration Date and Subscription Form Delivery Date in connection with the previously announced exchange offer, tender offer, and offering of new notes by its wholly owned subsidiary, Beasley Mezzanine Holdings, LLC, have been extended to 5:00im pm, New York City time, on October 4, 2024, unless further extended. The Settlement Date has been extended to October 8, 2024, unless further extended. The extension was granted at the request of certain key holders of the existing 8.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 to amend their relative participation in the Tender Offer and the Exchange Offer. As of 5:00 pm on September 30, 2024, approximately 93% of outstanding Existing Notes have been submitted for tender or exchange in the Offers. The Company anticipates that after accommodating this request the total number of Existing Notes tendered or exchanged by the requesting Holders will remain unchanged.

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BFoA Brings Media Mixer to Los Angeles

The Broadcasters Foundation of America is presenting the next in its series of Media Mixers to Los Angeles on October 23. The charitable organization says this comes after successful events in New York and Los Angeles. It will be held at the Universal Studios Hollywood Lot from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with co-hostsim Colleen Williams, news anchor at KNBC, Los Angeles and KBIG, Los Angeles morning personality Valentine. BFoA says the purpose of the Media Mixers is to celebrate the camaraderie and connection within the broadcast community, to mix and mingle with peers, on-air talent, and industry executives, and to increase awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission to junior-level broadcast professionals. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “I’m very excited about our first west coast Media Mixer. We’ve had remarkable success in New York and Chicago, bringing awareness of the mission of the Foundation to a new generation of broadcasters. The young professionals who attend get a great deal of value out of it. We look forward to expanding our reach on the west coast.”

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

The unsealing of evidence against Donald Trump in the January 6 case was the most-talked-about story, followed closely by the aftermath of the vice-presidential debate, escalation of violence in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the danger of it leading to World War III.  The presidential race, various polls, political dirt, the Russia-Ukraine war; the economy; the migrant crisis, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/2), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Mark Levin to Host Four-Part Original Podcast Series about Israel and Judaism

Cumulus Media/Westwood One today (10/2) announced the launch of a new original podcast series, “On the Frontlines with Mark Levin and Yael Eckstein,” which will be exclusively presented by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship). The series marks the first time veteran broadcaster and TALKERS Levin Podcast ArtHeavy Hundred mainstay Mark Levin will host an original content series. Yael Eckstein, president/CEO of The Fellowship, will serve as co-host of the series and lend insight from her expertise as a resident of Israel. The series will explore Jewish cultures and tradition, the significance of Judeo-Christian values, the historical hatred of Jews through the centuries, and the centuries-old cycle of violence that led to the devastating attacks on October 7th. The series will feature four episodes in 2024. “I am very excited about our new podcast partnership with The Fellowship,” said Levin. “It is a fantastic organization with a wonderful mission and a truly righteous group of people, from the president and CEO Yael to her dedicated team.”  Ekstein tells TALKERS, “At a time when the world seems to have once again turned on Israel and the Jewish people, I feel so blessed to partner with Mark Levin – a strong voice for Israel,” adding, “Together, as we discuss and find inspiration in how Israel is standing up for democratic societies around the world, we are continuing to build bridges of understanding to help combat the terrifying rise in global anti-Semitism.” The four episodes will be released on 10/2, 10/23, 11/20, and 12/18.

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Pop Music Band Invites Radio Talk Show Hosts to Appear in Music Video

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Yesterday’s (10/1) Top News/Talk Media Stories

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WABC Morning Host Sid Rosenberg to Make Second Trip to Israel for Week-Long Live Broadcasts on Anniversary of October 7

Sid and Friends on 77 WABCSid Rosenberg, host of “Sid & Friends In the Morning” on WABC, New York, is making his second trip to Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, for a series of live broadcasts, Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10, 2024, including from near the Gaza border. Rosenberg, who is active in the New York Jewish community and has streaming listeners in Israel, made his first trip in January, just a few months after the attack.

“I was so moved by the brutal Hamas attack on Israel, I just had to go,” explained Rosenberg. “I went to [station owner/CEO} John Catsimatidis and [station president] Chad Lopez and said, ‘I have to be there… we have to be there,’ and they said yes! I am so grateful for their support for this monumental trip and broadcasts to honor and remember those who lost their lives and those who are being held hostage.” John Catsimatidis tells TALKERS, “When Sid came to us, we didn’t hesitate,” adding, “Sid is passionate about the attacks on Israel, and, make no mistake, he is putting himself in danger to bring the truth of what’s going on in the Middle East to our listeners.”  Chad Lopez tells TALKERS, “WABC was the only New York radio station to broadcast from Israel following the October 7 attack, and we felt it was just as important to return for the anniversary,” adding, “As a broadcaster, it is our responsibility to deliver global news to our listeners, whether they are in New York, other states, or tuning in from around the world via the internet or our app. We are proud to support Sid on this important trip.”

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Cumulus Fresno’s NewsTalk 580/105.9 KMJ Partners With Gar Bennett to Raise a Record-Breaking $493,000 for the Central California Food Bank in 11th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive

Cumulus Fresno’s NewsTalk 580/105.9 KMJ Partners With Gar Bennett to Raise a Record-Breaking $493,000 for the Central California Food Bank in 11th Annual Feeding Families Fund DriveNewsTalk 580/105.9 KMJ in Fresno, CA, joined forces with local agriculture company Gar Bennett to raise funds for the Central California Food Bank through the 11th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive (9/20). KMJ listeners responded to the one-day broadcast with generous donations to help their less fortunate neighbors, raising over $200,000 in a single day. Gar Bennett matched every donation with 50 cents on the dollar, for a grand total of $493,000 going to the Central California Food Bank. Co-sponsor Farm Credit also pitched in with a large donation to the cause.  The annual one-day event has raised more than $4.5 million for the Central California Food Bank, providing 20 million meals in 11 years. This year’s record-breaking fundraising effort will feed over two million people who struggle with hunger in the Central Valley.  Pictured above (l-r): KMJ’s Ray Appleton; Kym Dildyne, CEO, Central California Food Bank, and KMJ’s Liz Kern.

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EXCLUSIVE DEBUT: Richard Neer’s New Radio Short Story, “Invisible Airwaves”

Invisible Airwaves

Legendary WFAN, New York personality Richard Neer, an accomplished author as well as a radio broadcasting pioneer in both the album rock and sports-talk genres, has written a fascinating short story that takes place in a contemporary radio setting. TALKERS is proud to publish its world debut today (9/30) marking the first time in its 34-year history that the trade journal is presenting a work of literary fiction based on the media.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Our talk media industry readers will find this short story relatable, dramatic and compelling.”

Kelly Sterling, a lifestyle reporter for The Washington Post, sets out to find Greg Campbell, a once-prominent DC radio talk show host who vanished from the airwaves more than two decades ago. His search leads him to a small town in rural Virginia, where Campbell broadcasts from a tiny station with little reach. Now in his nineties, Campbell continues to deliver thoughtful, reasoned commentaries, offering a rare voice of moderation in an increasingly polarized media landscape. Sterling meets Campbell and his daughter, Grace, who cares for him and supports his passion for broadcasting. Despite the station’s humble setting, Campbell’s love for radio and dedication to the principles of journalism shine through as he prepares for each broadcast. As Sterling digs deeper, he discovers there’s more to the story of Campbell’s life and career than he initially expected, revealing layers of resilience, purpose, and the enduring impact of one man’s voice.

To read the story in its entirety, please click here.

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Yesterday’s (9/30) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The escalation of violence in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the danger of it leading to World War III was again the most talked about story.  The presidential race,  various polls, and anticipation for the VP debate; the Russia-Ukraine war; the economy; the migrant crisis, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (9/24), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (9/28-29)

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Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 23-27