Industry News

Mike Gallagher Broadcasting from South Carolina for Today’s Runoff Election

Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher is originating his daily program from WRHI, Rock Hill, South Carolina for today’s U.S. Senate GOP runoff election between Senator Darline Graham and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman. Salem Media points out imgthat a final Trafalgar Group poll – released early this morning – shows South Carolina’s Republican Senate runoff in a virtual dead heat with Senator Graham with 47.9% support and U.S. Rep. Norman at 47.8%, with 4.4% undecided. Gallagher’s guests will include Norman and Trafalgar Group founder Robert Cahaly. SRN says Graham was invited “multiple times to appear on ‘The Mike Gallagher Show’ in recent days but neither she nor her staff responded to those invitations.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: AI Does More with Less. Radio Must, Too

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgThe most important sentence in Sharon Gai’s How to Do More With Less: Future-Proofing Yourself in an AI Economy (Wiley) isn’t about technology at all. It’s about leverage. She writes that the goal is to stop being “the busy bee” and instead become “the beekeeper… someone that controls the ‘bees’ to get what you want.” That’s the wakeup call radio needs right now.

Because while our industry debates whether AI is a threat, the rest of the world has already moved on. Gai describes watching Alibaba engineers generate hundreds of thousands of ad banners in seconds – work that once required “thousands of designers” and weeks of back and forth. That moment, she says, was when she realized “the next era of work had already started.” Radio is still acting like it hasn’t. 

AI won’t replace radio. But it will replace radio people who don’t use it.

Gai is blunt: “Will AI replace workers? Absolutely.” But she adds the part radio needs to hear: it replaces tasks first, not people. The winners are the ones who learn to orchestrate the tools. For radio, that means:

  • Sellers using AI to prebuild spec spots, proposals, and category insights
  • Programmers using AI to audit clutter, analyze rotations, and tighten imaging
  • Production using AI to version spots, clean audio, and accelerate turnaround
  • Managers using AI to summarize meetings, draft memos, and model revenue scenarios

This isn’t theory. It’s survival. 

The OnePerson BillionDollar Company — and The OnePerson Radio Station

Gai cites Sam Altman’s prediction that AI will enable “one-person billion-dollar companies.” Radio should hear a different version: the one-person radio station. Not as a cost cutting fantasy — as a competitive necessity.

A single operator, armed with AI tools, can now:

  • Build a full digital presence
  • Produce daily content
  • Generate sales materials
  • Analyze audience behavior
  • Maintain advertiser relationships

Small market owners — the ones already stretched thin — stand to gain the most. 

The Real Message for Radio

Gai’s book isn’t about replacing humans. It’s about reclaiming agency in an AI-driven economy. Radio needs that mindset more than any legacy medium. Because the question isn’t whether AI will change radio.

It’s whether radio chooses to be the bee… or the beekeeper.

To read 2 sample chapters, free, click here.

Holland Cooke is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Hubbard Names Moore to Succeed Oxley in DC

Hubbard | Media That Connects CEO Ginny Hubbard announces that former head of international for Wondery Declan Moore will take over leadership of its Washington, DC operations – including WTOP, Federal News Network and the 2060 Digital – when Joel imgOxley retires at year’s end. Moore says, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to build on the extraordinary legacy Joel Oxley has created here in Washington. WTOP, Federal News Network and 2060 Digital are exceptional brands with deep connections to the communities they serve throughout the National Capital Region. I’m energized by the opportunity to work with the talented teams here to build on those strengths and help these businesses continue to evolve and grow. I’m also enormously excited to join Ginny [Hubbard] and the Hubbard leadership team, whose commitment to impartial, trusted journalism, strong local brands and long-term thinking really resonated with me throughout this process.”

Industry News

Craig Karmazin Announces Rebrand of Company to Good Karma Sports

Gone is the corporate name Good Karma Brands as the company unveils its new name Good Karma Sports. Founder and CEO Craig Karmazin says, “For nearly 30 years, we’ve built our imgbusiness around sports, expanding our capabilities and relationships while staying deeply connected to the local markets we serve. The business we’ve built gives brands a unique and customizable point of entry into the sports ecosystem, bringing together audiences, content, partnerships, talent and experiences around the teams, sports and moments that matter to them. At the same time, our expertise allows us to create value for sports partners in increasingly broad ways. That’s what Good Karma Sports represents, and there is tremendous opportunity ahead for our league, team, publisher, and advertising partners.”

Industry News

Salem Media Goes Private as Acquisition by WaterStone Consummated

Salem Media completes its acquisition by The Christian Community Foundation, Inc. which does business as WaterStone. Salem Media now a private company. WaterStone acquired all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1.00 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium over Salem’s trading price prior to the announcement of the transaction. The companies say, “The partnership brings together two organizations imgwith a shared commitment to Christian ministry and faithful stewardship. As a private company, Salem will continue operating its radio, digital, streaming, podcasting, television and publishing platforms while working with WaterStone to pursue new opportunities for investment and growth.” Salem CEO David Santrella adds, “This is an exciting day for Salem and the beginning of an important new chapter for our company. Salem enters this partnership with strong momentum, an extraordinary portfolio of talent and brands, and more ways than ever to reach audiences across the country. With WaterStone alongside us, we are positioned to invest for the future while remaining firmly committed to the mission that has guided this company from the very beginning.”

Industry News

KSEV, Houston Unveils New Morning Program

KSEV, Houston “700 AM, The Voice of Texas” is announcing its new weekday 7:00 am to 9:00 am program, “KSEV Mornings with Craig Collins and Wayne Dolcefino.” This program fills the slot imgheld by Chris Salcedo, who is leaving the station after a 14-year stint. KSEV says, “Radio host Craig Collins will bring his youth and experience from major talk stations including WGN Radio in Chicago and 93 WIBC in Indianapolis, as well as national guest-hosting work for ‘The Dana Show’ and ‘The Chad Benson Show.’ Award-winning Houston investigative journalist Wayne Dolcefino will join Collins as a regular contributor.”

Industry News

Giordano: Back-to-School Days Offer Talk Hosts Annual Opportunity to Address the Dumbing Down of America

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Longtime WPHT, Philadelphia midday personality Dom Giordano tells TALKERS that the “dumbing down of America” is one of the most pressing topics on the minds of Americans “still able to engage in critical thinking.” The man dubbed “the Dean of Philadelphia Talk Radio” says, “Wherever I go, one of the concerns I hear expressed most consistently by listeners, voters, parents, consumers and citizens, from all ends of the political spectrum, is how worried and even angry they are about the dismal state of American education, not to mention public discourse in the nation’s media.” Giordano, a former schoolteacher, who hosts the weekly podcast “Old School, New School, Next School,” is one of talk media’s most outspoken experts on education and advocates for it being addressed “before we are no longer capable of operating a reasonably functional democracy in America.” On the podcast, now in its second year, Giordano interviews experts and offers insights about a wide variety of topics from school choice to parental rights, including screen time, social media, and fundamental educational values such as the importance of history and civics. Giordano encourages talk hosts to take advantage of the hook provided by back-to-school season to address this topic and, as he puts it, “make America smart again.”  To listen to Giordano’s podcast, please click here.

Industry News

Houston Sports Talker Shuffles Lineup

iHeartMedia’s KBME, Houston “SportsTalk 790” moves two of its programs to new dayparts. Beginning Monday (8/24), Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal move to mornings in the 6:00 am to 10:00 am slot and Dan Mathews transitions to the 10:00 am to img2:00 pm daypart. iHeartMedia region program director Bryan Erickson says, “We’re excited to have Matt and Ross bringing their unique blend of energy, insight and humor to mornings. They’ve built a strong connection with Houston sports fans, and we’re confident they’ll be a great way to start the day. We’re equally excited for Dan Mathews to take over middays, where his deep sports knowledge and strong local perspective will continue to serve listeners throughout the day.”

Industry News

Triton Digital: Political and News Podcasts Growing Ahead of Midterm Elections

Triton Digital says that the results of its Q2 2026 Podcast Ranker indicate that “political and news programming is climbing as consumers tune in ahead of the midterms.” Triton ranks podcast imglcategories based on average weekly downloads in the following order: Comedy (44.5%), News (25.7%), and Society & Culture (21.2%) and reports that the genres with the largest quarter-over-quarter reach growth are: News (+8.4%), True Crime (+1.8%), Sports (+1.1%), and Comedy (+2.1%). Triton says its data reveals podcasts that grew from Q1 to Q2 of this year on its ranker include: “The Ramsey Show” (up 14 places to #16); “The Shawn Ryan Show” (up 32 spots to #22); “The Dan Bongino Show” (up 16 places to #50); and “The Tucker Carlson Show” (up 10 spots to #9).

Industry News

Oxley to Receive NAB’s National Radio Award

The National Association of Broadcasters will present the 2026 NAB National Radio Award to Hubbard Radio Washington DC president and general manager Joel Oxley during the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner on October 20 at the Edison imgBallroom in New York City. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “NAB is honored to recognize Joel Oxley for his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the radio industry. For more than three decades at WTOP and Federal News Network, and over 15 years at Hubbard Radio, Joel has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to local journalism, innovation and public service. Under his leadership, WTOP has become one of the nation’s premier news operations, setting the standard for excellence in local broadcasting while serving the Washington, DC community with trusted journalism. His integrity, vision and dedication have left an enduring mark on our industry, making him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (August 17-21)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/17-21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Iran War / Economic Sanctions
  2. Primary Races / November Mid-Terms
  3. Natalie Harp Controversy
  4. U.S. Debt Hits $40 Trillion
  5. ABC Sues FCC
  6. The Economy / Bond Market
  7. Canada Tariffs Negotiations
  8. Ballroom Project Battle
  9. South Korea Drills Pullback
  10. Overton Nominated to Lead FDA

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Jon Ossoff
  3. Byron Donalds
  4. Angie Nixon / Debbie Wasserman Schultz
  5. Natalie Harp
  6. Scott Bessent / Kevin Warsh
  7. Mark Carney
  8. Scott Jennings
  9. JD Vance
  10. Heidi Overton

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

Industry News

FCC Approves Cumulus Bankruptcy Exit; Berner Promises No Cuts to News Staffs for Two Years

Cumulus has not released an official announcement yet but several outlets – including Editor and Publisher – are reporting that the Commission signed off on the license transfers from the old Cumulus to the new Cumulus yesterday (8/19). Interestingly, Cumulus CEO Mary G. Berner sent a memo to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on August 14 in which she reaffirmed “Cumulus imgMedia’s longstanding commitment to operating its broadcast radio stations in a manner that serves the public interest, advances localism, supports public safety and responds to the needs and interests of the communities it is privileged to serve.” Additionally, Berner addressed the company’s newsrooms and wrote: “Preserving our coverage of newsworthy events, and their impact on our local communities, is exceedingly important to Cumulus Media. The stronger financial foundation that our financial reorganization will afford us is intended to preserve and strengthen, not diminish, our ability to serve local audiences. Consistent with that objective, we commit to maintaining our existing newsroom staffing levels for a minimum of two years following approval of the requested applications.”

Industry News

“ESPN New York” to Simulcast AM and PM Drive on MSG Networks

Good Karma Brands announces via X that it is entering into a deal imgwith MSG Networks to simulcast the morning and afternoon drive shows on WEPN/WHSQ “ESPN New York” on the cable network. Good Karma says, “Beginning Sept. 8, ESPN New York’s morning show featuring Rick DiPietro and Dave Rothenberg, as well as its afternoon show with Don La Greca, Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg, will both be simulcast by MSG Networks.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia and Butler/Till Bring AI-Powered Media Buying for Streaming Audio; Broadcast Radio to Be Available Soon

iHeartMedia announces it partnered with media agency Butler/Till to complete “the advertising industry’s first agentic streaming audio media campaign… marking the first time premium streaming audio inventory has been purchased through an AI-powered agentic imgmedia buying workflow.” The press release explains: “Unlike traditional automation, which follows predefined workflows, agentic media buying enables AI agents to evaluate campaign objectives, identify opportunities and execute approved media buying decisions dynamically within clearly defined business rules. Human expertise remains central to strategy, governance and oversight, while AI improves the speed, efficiency and adaptability of campaign execution.” The companies say they plan to implement the technology for broadcast audio in the near future.

Industry News

WRFH, Hillsdale and WRHU, Hempstead Among Top College Radio Stations

The Princeton Review (not affiliated with Princeton University) published its annual ranking of the nation’s top college radio imgstations and Hillsdale College’s WRFH, Hillsdale, Michigan came in at #5 and Hofstra University’s WRHU, Hempstead, New York was ranked #15. Both stations have historically been closely aligned with the talk radio industry. Both stations are led by professional broadcasters. WRHF’s general manager is Scotimg Bertram and WRHU’s general manager is John T. Mullen, both longtime commercial broadcasting pros who moved into academia. It should also be noted that The Bold Gold Media Foundation – launched by Bold Gold Media owner Vince Benedetto – has been a benefactor of WRHF, Hillsdale for a number of years. See the complete list here.

Industry News

SalemNOW Documentary to Feature One of Charlie Kirk’s Last Interviews

Salem Media’s streaming platform SalemNOW is premiering a faith-based feature documentary titled, Can You Hear Me Now?, imgon September 10 (produced by Spero Pictures and directed by award-winning filmmaker Matthew Thayer) that explores the religious question: Does God still speak through prophets today? The film includes one of the final recorded interviews with Charlie Kirk that was filmed just weeks before his death. In the interview, Kirk reflects on the role of biblical prophecy and spiritual discernment. You can watch the official trailer at SalemNOW.com.

Industry News

Former KXNO Hosts Pause Online Show Due to Non-Compete

Former KXNO, Des Moines sports talk hosts Sean Roberts and Lucas Strain are putting their online sports talk show – “Beyond the Bench” – on hold after receiving a cease-and-desist from iHeartMedia, ostensibly for violation of the non-compete in their imgcontracts. The two were part of a round of layoffs at the station last month. The two posted to X: “‘Beyond the Bench’ will not be airing for the time being. We are currently being pursued in a legal matter by our past employer, and as a result, we need to step away temporarily while that situation is addressed. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported the show and hope to be back soon. In addition, we will provide updates as we are able and will let everyone know when we have more information. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”

Industry News

Craig Carton to Host Show for Outkick

Outkick – the sports and culture platform recently acquired by FOX News Digital – is bringing WFAN, New York afternoon drive host Craig Carton aboard to host a new show that will drop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, beginning September 8. imgOutkick says this new show debut coincides with OutKick integrating as the official sports brand of FOX News Digital on August 24. FOX News Digital editorial executive vice president Tommy Firth says, “This is a pivotal moment for OutKick as the integration with FOX News Digital will expand its reach and influence throughout sports media. Craig Carton’s distinctive voice will resonate with our audience and seamlessly meets this moment for OutKick.” Carton says, “I’m beyond thrilled to be joining OutKick. I’ve always been a fan and appreciate their authenticity and willingness to speak their minds. It’s something I’ve done throughout my career and will do during this next chapter of hosting ‘The Craig Carton Show.’”