Zoellner Media Group announced an upcoming frequency realignment involving two of its flagship radio stations, music-formatted Mix 96.5 and news/talker 102.3 KRMG. As part of this strategic move, Mix 96.5 and 102.3 KRMG will transition to new positions on the FM dial, Mix 102.3 and 96.5 KRMG, reportedly “enhancing signal reach and strengthening the listener experience across the Tulsa market.” Group owner, Dr. Robert Zoellner tells TALKERS, “We are always looking for ways to better serve our listeners and our community. This frequency realignment allows us to strengthen our signal presence and ensure that both Mix and KRMG are positioned for continued growth and long-term success. It’s an exciting step forward for our company and for the audiences we serve.” The transition will take place on August 31, 2026, and listeners will be guided through the change with on-air messaging and promotional support to ensure what station management describes as “a seamless experience.”
WPHT, Philadelphia raised over $45,000 for the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation during the 39th annual “Ben to the Shore Bike Tour” (7/29). All proceeds go towards supporting families of fallen or critically injured first responders by providing financial assistance and offering programs that strengthen relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. The annual 65-mile cycling event began in Philadelphia and concluded in Atlantic City, NJ. This year’s “Team Kayal and Company” featured on-air personalities Nick Kayal and Dawn Stensland along with station brand manager Greg Stocker who rode alongside dozens of teammates and supporters in a shared commitment to honoring first responders and the families they protect. “The Ben to Shore ride is one of the most inspiring events our station participates in each year,” said Stocker. “Families Behind the Badge has a deeply meaningful effect on our community, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to support them with the help of our listeners, sponsors and teammates.
In an impressive example of the productive synergy that can be generated by the teaming of campus and professional spoken word radio organizations,
Jim Berghorn
Salem’s WNYM, New York (AM 970 The Answer) is running a series of vignettes collectively titled “Courage, Sacrifice and Commitment” during the months of August and early September, featuring tributes to 9-11 first responders. These short form productions highlight stories of New York City’s heroes and give first-person perspectives on what happened the day of and after 9-11. The stories are being produced by Hofstra University / WRHU-FM student journalist Annie Siddique, who has developed into what has been described by WNYM and WRHU management as a “master interviewer” in organizing and producing this campaign. To sample an episode of the program featuring a profile of retired FDNY Lt. Jim Berghorn, please use player below, or click here.
Longtime KXNT, Las Vegas host of the station’s morning show “News at 8,” Alan Stock delivered the sad news of the station’s demise to his listeners this past Friday. Photo credit: the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
After nearly 40 years as a mainstay of Las Vegas radio broadcasting, News Talk 840 KXNT will be going dark effective September 1. Parent company, Audacy announced its plan to shut down the iconic news/talk outlet this past Friday (7/31) on longtime Las Vegas radio talk show host Alan Stock‘s one-hour morning program, “News at 8.” According to a report by John Katsilometes in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Stock stunned his audience with the statement, “I have an important update for our listeners. Effective September 1, News Talk 840 KXNT will conclude its broadcast operation.” Stock continued reading from a prepared statement: “To put it simply, the station’s transmitter site is shutting down. Our parent company, Audacy, explored a number of alternative transmission options, but ultimately wasn’t able to identify a technically and financially viable long-term solution. This wasn’t an easy decision. I know KXNT has been a part of this community for a long time, and it’s been an honor to spend time with you every day.” Stock continued, “I’m incredibly grateful to our listeners, our advertisers, and everyone who has made the station such an important part of Las Vegas.” The article in the Friday NEON section of the Vegas publication went on to report that according to Audacy, Stock’s show will move to the company’s other Las Vegas news/talk property, KDWN 101.5-FM in its 8:00 am weekday time slot beginning Tuesday, September 1. At this point, Stock’s “News at 8” is the only locally-produced talk show on KXNT, a conservative platform that is otherwise home to nationally syndicated programming. The report states, shows hosted by such right leaning voices as Glenn Beck and Mark Levin will end their programming in Las Vegas, but still be available nationwide, as the station signs off. Station SVP/market manager Gina Massenzi said the station’s approximately 40 full- and part-time staffers would remain with the company. KXNT-AM 840 signed on under the call letters KVEG in 1986, mixing talk and middle-of-the-road music. In 1997, KVEG changed its call sign to KXNT, the “NT” standing for “News/Talk.”
Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington will cease its simulcast on the Frederick, Maryland station WTLP-FM (licensed to Braddock Heights) at 103.9 FM and the company will begin leasing it to the Christian music network K-LOVE on August 1. WTOP general manager Joel Oxley states, “Our main signal on 103.5 FM covers most of Frederick County’s population and with the advent of streaming, listeners can get us anywhere in the country.” WTOP began simulcasting on 103.9 FM in 2007.
The sale of seven radio signals from Capitol Broadcasting Company to Curtis Media Group has closed. The $1.75 million deal gives Curtis Media WRMR-FM, Jacksonville, NC; WMFD-AM, Wilmington, NC; WKXB-FM, Boiling Spring Lakes, NC; WILT-FM, Wrightsville Beach, NC; WAZO-FM, Southport, NC; and translators W269DF-FX and W240AS-FX, Wilmington, NC. KALIL & CO., INC. was the exclusive broker for this transaction.
Salem Media’s Houston operations manager Chuck Tiller exits the company. The Houston operations include news/talk KNTH-AM/K277DE. Tiller posted to social media, “My time at Salem Radio Houston has come to an end. My job was eliminated Friday, July 24th. I was at Salem for a total of 25 years. I worked there twice. I assisted getting KNTH on the air as the latest news/talk station in November 2004. I met many great people while there. I had great staff, too. One of the biggest thrills was producing the Sam Malone Show, as well as his sidekick. JP Pritchard along with Tom Fontaine contributed to the success of the show. Good times; great oldies.”
Local media in Springfield, Missouri are reporting that Zimmer Communications and Mid-West Family are merging their operations with Zimmer taking over what will be the nine-station cluster, pending FCC approval. Zimmer will take over the operation of sports talk KOSP-FM “102.1 The Won” and three music brands. It currently owns news/talk KWTO/K227KO and sports talk KBFL-AM/K245CA. Zimmer Communications president John Zimmer says, “This is an exciting opportunity to bring together two organizations that share the same values and a deep commitment to local broadcasting. By combining our strengths, we’ll be able to offer advertisers even more effective marketing solutions while continuing to provide the trusted local content our audiences rely on.” Mid-West Family president Mike Paterson adds, “As the local radio and media landscape continues to evolve, bringing these two organizations together creates even greater opportunities for our advertising partners, our communities and especially our employees.” See the OzarksFirststory here.
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio says the application window is open for its Fourth Annual Speak Up! Mentorship Program in partnership with Media Staffing Network. The application period runs through Friday, August 28. The program was created in honor of the late founder of Media Staffing Network, Laurie Kahn. MIW says Speak Up! is a year-long mentorship program designed to empower women working in small- and medium-market radio stations across all departments. One outstanding candidate will receive personalized mentorship from MIW’s network of female broadcast leaders, complemented by executive coaching from Media Staffing Network’s certified coaches. Get more info and apply here.
The John Fredericks Media Network says it is in the process of acquiring WAKM-AM, Franklin, Tennessee that will add to its sports division. JFMN says the addition of WAKM-AM will complement WENO-AM, Nashville and the News-Talk Nashville – The Flame digital app and adds that the acquisition represents “another major milestone in JFMN’s strategic vision of building the nation’s premier independently owned News-Talk-Sports media network.” JFMN co-founder John Fredericks says, “As we continue to grow across America, Tennessee is a key market for our future. Our mission is simple: deliver compelling News-Talk-Sports programming that people can’t get anywhere else. We’re building platforms that serve our audience – not shareholders – and this expansion is another major step in that vision. We’re proving that News-Talk and Sports belong together. Our audience wants breaking news, honest opinion, and the teams they love – all from one trusted source. That’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
FOX Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy will serve as chair of the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s 2026 Celebrity Golf Tournament on Monday, September 14, at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. Abernethy says, “The BFOA Celebrity Golf Tournament is one of the industry’s signature events. It offers a unique opportunity to play one of the region’s premier courses while spending the day with colleagues, industry leaders, and celebrities, all in support of a charity that provides a vital lifeline to our fellow broadcasters when they need it most.” All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the BFOA’s charitable mission.
Longtime New York City talk radio host Mark Simone and iHeartMedia’s WOR, New York agree to a new, long-term deal that keeps Simone on the air for “years to come.” As part of the new deal, Simone’s show expands by an hour and will air from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Prtogram director Tom Cuddy says, “Mark Simone is one of the most talented and respected broadcasters in America. His ability to inform, entertain and connect with listeners is unmatched. Expanding his show by an additional hour is a win for our audience, our advertisers and the station.” iHeartMedia EVP of programming Thea Mitchem adds, “Mark Simone is ‘Mr. New York’ for a reason. His extraordinary connection with listeners combined with his ability to inform, entertain and engage audiences, has made him one of the most respected voices in talk radio. We’re thrilled to extend our partnership and continue delivering value to listeners, advertisers and 710 WOR.” Pictured above (from l-r) are: Tom Cuddy; Bernie Weiss, president, markets group; Mark Simone; Thea Mitchem; and Steve DeLusant, region president, iHeartMedia New York.
Audacy’s sports talk WJZ-FM, Baltimore “105.7 The Fan” unveils its newest afternoon drive show, “The Final Drive,” hosted by former Ravens linebacker Femi Ayanbadejo with co-hosts Ken Weinman and Tim Barbalace. “105.7 The Fan” brand manager Joe LaCroix says, “Femi’s sports knowledge spans far beyond football, encompassing the entire Charm City sports scene. His fearless opinions and local sports knowledge will complement Ken’s fiery takes and Tim’s sharp insights. We can’t wait for our listeners to experience the next chapter of afternoons with ‘The Final Drive.’” Ayanbadejo’s radio experience began in 2012 with contributions to several programs, including “The Scott Garceau Show,” Ravens game-day radio with Gerry Sandusky, and, most recently, “The Bruce and Femi Show” on “105.7 The Fan.”
News/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis news director John Herrick reveals that he’s been let go by the Urban One station after three years as news director. He posted to Facebook: “I am proud of the work we accomplished and the stories we were able to tell on behalf of our listeners. I especially appreciate the trust and support of the people who welcomed us into their lives through our reporting. While this chapter has come to an end, I remain committed to the values that have guided my career: serving the public, pursuing the truth, and treating people with fairness and respect. I want to thank my colleagues, mentors, friends, and family – especially my wife and sons – for their support throughout this journey. I look forward to what comes next and the opportunity to continue contributing meaningful work. I will still be broadcasting games, and I will continue to be a member of the Indiana University Radio Network.” This comes on the heels of the spring firing of late morning talk host Rob Kendall and the subsequent exit of late morning co-host Casey Daniels, who left of her own volition.
Salem Radio Network is presenting comprehensive coverage of ceremonies honoring the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on Tuesday, July 28 at the U.S. Capitol and at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, as well as on Wednesday from the State Capitol in Columbia, South Carolina. SRN News says White House correspondent Willie Nelson will be on-site at the U.S. Capitol Tuesday during the hours Senator Graham’s body will be lying in state and will provide interviews with lawmakers and citizens on the scene who come to pay their respects to Senator Graham. Additionally, on Wednesday SRN nationally syndicated talk host Mike Gallagher will be on-site in Columbia where Senator Graham’s life will be honored, prior to his private burial later that afternoon in Graham’s hometown of Central, South Carolina.
Audacy is giving Houston sports talk outlet KILT-AM “Sports Talk 610” an FM simulcast by dropping the classic hits format on KKHH “The Spot,” effective August 13. The station is being rebranded “95.7 The Fan.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero says, “Houston boasts some of the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve both the content and distribution that matches their energy. Between our incredibly entertaining and informative lineup of local hosts and our exclusive partnership with the Texans, we are the ultimate destination for Houston sports fans. Launching ‘95.7 The Fan’ as our tenth FM sports station in the top 10 U.S. markets is a proud milestone and solidifies Audacy’s leadership in local sports audio. We can’t wait to bring this unbeatable coverage to even more fans so they can join the conversation and stay connected to the teams they love.”
Triton Digital publishes its U.S. Podcast Ranker (based on weekly average downloads for participating networks) for June 2026 and Audioboom’s “Stuff You Should Know” keeps its #1 position. Podcasts connected to the news/talk media industry include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” falls one spot to #5; iHeart Audience Network’s “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show” rises two places to #15; and Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” tumbles eight places to #20. See the complete ranker here.