Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of September 2-6
The presidential race including claims of Russian interference is #1 this first week in September followed by the tragic Georgia school shootings at #2. Tied at #3 are Donald Trump’s legal issues and Hunter Biden’s plea change. #4 is the economy, inflation, and the job report. #5 is the migrant crisis. The Talkers TenTM 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.
WABC, New York/Red Apple Media owner/CEO John Catsimatidis continues to add intriguing live elements to the lineup of his radio station and leverage them into product for his growing syndication platform, Red Apple Audio Networks. The latest such addition to the station and network is unapologetically controversial political strategist Roger Stone. Since the 1970s, Stone has worked on the campaigns of Republican politicians, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Jack Kemp, Bob Dole, and most recently, Donald Trump. Stone’s show is heard on WABC, Sunday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. The first two hours focus on national and world news and are available to radio stations across the nation via the Red Apple Audio Network. The third hour is specific to WABC and issues focused on the New York area. In making the announcement about his new association with Stone, Catsimatidis tells TALKERS, “His insightful commentary on the political landscape and what’s ahead for America will be of tremendous value to our listeners in New York, around the country, and around the world.” Stone adds, “John has done a great job bringing in big names from politics, business, and entertainment and I’m looking forward to enjoying being on the radio, sharing my perceptions about what’s going on in Washington and the world, and connecting with listeners across America.”
Hubbard Radio’s innovative Twin Cities talk outlet, “myTalk 107.1” (KTMY, Minneapolis-St. Paul) is teaming up with noted filmmaker/author/social activist Justin Baldoni 
and two domestic violence agencies to host a roundtable to discuss the pain and trauma of domestic violence. myTalk 107.1’s Brittany Arneson, Kendall Mark and Colleen Lindstrom will lead the conversation live on the radio from 3:00 to 4:30 pm CT tomorrow (9/5). The program will also be available on demand. Station officials tell TALKERS, the goal of the discussion is “to create an open dialogue to help remove unwarranted shame from victims and bring the issue into the light to work toward a solution.” Justin Baldoni produced, directed, and played a leading role in the film “It Ends With Us” which has brought domestic violence to the forefront,
spurring honest and open conversations about an issue that is too often not discussed. The film has grossed over $275 million worldwide. Joining the conversation will be representatives from two agencies – No More Foundation and Tubman. 
No More Foundation is a national agency with a mission to “end domestic and sexual violence by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change.” Tubman is a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based domestic abuse agency with a mission “to advance opportunities for change so that every person can experience safety, hope, and healing.” myTalk 107.1 has hosted a series of award-winning roundtable discussions about important issues inspired by current events and pop culture news. Past roundtables have tackled teen suicide, sexual harassment, and transgender issues.
Salem Radio Network talk host (and former political candidate) Larry Elder will host a two-hour Trump/Harris Pre-Debate Special from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Eastern next Tuesday, September 10th prior to the start of the ABC News debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. 
The program will air live on the Salem Radio Network (SRN) and on Salem News Channel (SNC) and will feature analysis and insight from Elder, as well as SRN/SNC talk hosts Mike Gallagher (reporting live from a debate-watching party in Tampa), 
Dr. Sebastian Gorka, and Dennis Prager. Additional perspective on the issues facing America in advance of the debate will be supplied by Tony Perkins, president of D.C.-based Family Research Council and host of the weekly Salem Media Group news program, “This Week on the Hill.” Phil Boyce, Salem’s SVP/spoken word formats, tells TALKERS, “Larry Elder’s solid experience as a talk show host – as well as perspective he gained as a candidate for Governor of California and President of the United States – makes him uniquely qualified for this pre-debate special role. His insight and knowledge are unmatched.” 
NOTE: Current SRN Larry Elder affiliates will receive the special as Hour #2 and Hour #3 on Tuesday’s (9/10) program; non-Elder stations wishing to clear the special can contact the Salem Radio Network affiliate representative for their region: East of the Mississippi, 
Michael Berry has been added to Premiere Networks all-star line-up of nationally-syndicated talk talent. Effective October 7, Houston’s top-rated talk show host will be available to stations nationwide on a two-hour weekday evening program. Currently heard on 25 affiliates in independent syndication across the U.S., “The Michael Berry Show” will continue to originate from iHeartMedia Houston’s NewsRadio 740 KTRH in the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm CT weekday timeslot. “The Michael Berry Show” features the colorful radio personality and “Czar of Talk” as he discusses news, politics, and culture with his insightful and straightforward commentary that’s accessible to a broad range of listeners. 
“I’m fired up to join the team that brought Rush Limbaugh, my hero, to America, alongside my talented friends Clay Travis, Buck Sexton and Jesse Kelly, and legends like Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck,” Berry tells TALKERS. “Being a part of the talk radio industry is already a literal dream come true, but being supported and represented by Premiere, the best in the biz, is big time.” “Michael has become one of the top voices in the world of talk radio, and we’re excited to expand his program to even more stations across the country,” said Julie Talbott, president of Premiere Networks. “His relatable style, keen intellect and deep connection with listeners drive success for affiliates and sponsors alike, which are qualities we look for in our syndication partners.” Ranked at a lofty #7 on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred, Berry is one of the most original conservative voices in talk media. With a career spanning over two decades, his radio journey began in 2005 with his weekend program, “Michael Berry’s Real Estate Review,” on NewsRadio 740 KTRH. His success led to a weekday talk show on Talk Radio 950 KPRC, where he quickly gained a loyal following. During that time, he also hosted various timeslots on KPRC, in addition to serving as operations director for KTRH, KPRC, and KBME from 2007 to 2011. Before his radio career, Berry served as a three-term Houston City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem. During his tenure, he was named “Councilman of the Year” by the Houston Police Officers Union. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston, a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, and an LL.M. in International Commercial Law from the University of Nottingham. He has worked as an attorney, real estate developer, and restaurateur. Berry is a passionate supporter of veterans’ causes serving as the national spokesman of Camp Hope, which assists veterans and their families beating PTSD. He does an annual drive for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and hosts an annual adoption and fostering special, as well as yearly specials focused on mothers, fathers, veterans, law enforcement and teachers. Berry resides in Houston with his wife, former Texas Secretary of State, Nandita Venkateswaran Berry, who hails from India, and their two sons, both of whom were born in Ethiopia. For more information, click here to visit his website. 
Here’s an industry experiment worthy of widespread attention. United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) has launched an exclusive radio “pop-up” station on 98.7FM WEPN, the former home of ESPN Radio in New York City. This past weekend (8/31), the Emmis Corporation station became “TJ98.7: A Pop-Up Station” as a limited engagement, and features an ambitious mix of contemporary programming, including the rapidly growing morning program, “The TJ Show,” hosted by Z100 Alumni, TJ Taormina. 
The innovative project marks TJ Taormina’s return to the NYC radio market with the mission of offering listeners a fresh blend of music and what is described as “joyful talk” content, aiming to redefine what’s possible for the radio experience by blending traditional broadcasting with modern, interactive elements. The station also features voices from YES Network and Inside Edition’s Steve Kamer, and former “Good Day” talk show co-host, Jai Kershner. Radio.Cloud powers the project with its leading-edge cloud-based automation platform, allowing the network to customize local and national content. United Stations COO Charles Steinhauer tells TALKERS, “I want to thank Emmis Corporation for helping us continue our long-standing commitment to fun and new ideas in the audio space. The TJ Show has been growing in each market of operation – it’s unique and joyful and I’m looking forward to the reaction of the NYC audience.” The pop-up station will be available for a limited time. TJ Taormina, is a multi-dimensional radio talent who deserves the attention of talk stations looking for new directions as well as those with music formats. Now reaching over 60 markets, the TJ Show continues to grow and it will be interesting to see how this adventurous experiment develops. For more information, click here 
WBUR, the leading public radio station in Boston, has named Tiziana Dearing as host of its “Morning Edition” show beginning September 18. Dearing is a familiar voice to the station’s large, loyal audience, currently hosting the midday show, “Radio Boston.” In an article published on the station’s website, it was reported that in an internal announcement yesterday (8/28), WBUR CEO Margaret Low praised Dearing as a “singular talent – an extraordinary host with deep ties to this city and region.” Dearing states she has loved hosting “Radio Boston” and now looks forward to the opportunity to “meet a huge swath of Greater Boston as they get up and start their day.” She said, “It’s a tremendous privilege and it’s a tremendous responsibility.” The transition at one of Greater Boston’s most listened-to radio shows follows the departure of Rupa Shenoy, after she was unable to reach an agreement with the station this summer to extend her contract. Before that, Bob Oakes led the show for nearly three decades. The program features news, commentary and interviews with local, regional, and national officials and newsmakers. An example of the power of public radio, WBUR has jockeyed for first place in the 6:00 am to 9:00 am time slot this year with WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub) among the prized 25-54 age demographic. (Photo by Li Linder.)
Beasley Media Group has announced the official launch yesterday (8/28) of Augusta Today, a new online news site. Augusta Today will focus on local news in, around, and about the Greater Augusta metro area. Developed with the goal of giving people both “the stories they want and the news they need,” the hyper-local publication features established Augusta-area writers and media figures such as Ashley Brown, Austin Rhodes, and Kris Fisher. Augusta Today will be free. “Free and easy – that’s the mantra,” says editor-in-chief Steven Uhles. “We wanted to make sure that these stories were not blocked by a paywall and that our conversations with the community remain unfettered and unencumbered.” Inspired by both the classic daily newspaper model and the more free-wheeling approach of alternative weeklies, Augusta Today has been developed “to educate as well as entertain” featuring breaking local news, sports coverage, lifestyle features and an array of columns. “We all are extremely excited about Augusta Today and what we believe it will mean to this community,” Kent Dunn, VP/market manager of Beasley Media Group tells TALKERS. “We see this as a great addition to our portfolio of radio stations here in the Augusta market and a real extension of our local-first approach to engaging with the community.” To visit Augusta Today please 
Success Stories with Joe Connolly.” The program will highlight local business success stories and air on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis says, “Joe is the best business news reporter in New York and a highly trusted source for business intelligence. In the midst of questions about the economy and where it’s going, Joe will find success stories that inspire others. New York radio listeners, especially those who own or run businesses, will benefit from these uplifting interviews.”
WTKS-FM and news/talk WFLF-AM in Orlando and news/talk WMMB in Melbourne. Copier most recently served the company as metro president in Salt Lake City. iHeartMedia division president Tom McConnell says, “Orlando/Melbourne is an important market for iHeartMedia with incredible growth potential. Judy is an exceptional leader and has delivered strong results in a number of executive roles. I am confident she will build upon the market’s incredible success and strong reputation with its listeners, advertising partners and the community.”
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One today announced that The Dan Bongino Show podcast will offer a special two-hour edition today (8/26) the first day of hearings for the House Republicans’ independent investigation into the assassination attempt against former President Donald J. Trump led by Reps. Cory Mills (R-FL) and Eli Crane (R-AZ). Mills and Crane will be joined by Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Chip Roy (R-TX), and Matt Gaetz (R-FL) in this independent investigation. Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, will be one of three to testify at the forum, along with Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL officer, and Ben Shaffer, a Washington regional SWAT operator. Bongino will record the special edition of his podcast from The Heritage Foundation, also the site for the forum. The Dan Bongino Show podcast saw a surge in growth in July 2024 as listeners turned to Bongino for his expertise and insight as a former United States Secret Service agent following the assassination attempt against Trump just prior to the RNC.
Beginning on September 3 at 12:00 noon ET, Bloomberg Radio, will begin broadcasting its 24-hour all business news format on Beasley Media Group’s 92.9/WBOS-FM HD1.
on Monday, September 2. The new sports talker will feature the FOX Sports Radio lineup in addition to the Sacramento-based program, “The Rob, Anybody, and Dawn Show,” (Rob Williams and Dawn Rossi) in morning drive. Station general manager Kurt Bagelmann says, “Lotus is ecstatic to deliver a game-changing experience to Northern California listeners by combining the market’s most iconic morning show, ‘Rob, Anybody & Dawn,’ with the powerhouse lineup of FOX Sports Radio. This dynamic one-two punch, now available for the first time on both AM and FM, is poised to redefine the sports radio landscape in Sacramento.”
story that was used in a Google ad to read: “Harris Picks Tim Walz – 215,000 MN Families Win.” WDAY says it wrote no such headline. Hallstrom tells The National Desk, “They lied to everybody who saw that ad, and they misled them into believing that there is a news organization, with a 100-year history in our community of doing good solid journalism, that not only took sides in a political debate, if you will, but also openly performed cheerleading exercises on behalf of that candidate in their news headlines in their story. That’s wrong.” Washington, DC television outlet WJLA-TV writes, “A source familiar with the Harris campaign’s advertisement team told Axios the campaign buys ads with news links to give more context to voters searching for information about Harris.” Hallstrom responds to that saying, “I don’t care what their intent was or what they were hoping to do. All I care about is what happened to us. We have reporters in our newsroom who have been working in this market for decades to build their credibility as an objective and unbiased reporter.”