Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The presidential race and this week’s first debate; the U.S. migrant crisis; the expected SCOTUS ruling on former President Donald Trump’s claim of presidential immunity; the deadly terror attacks in Russia’s Dagestan province; the Israel-Hamas war and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s trip to the U.S.; the more than 1,300 heat-related deaths at the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia; the heatwaves affecting the U.S. and climate change were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Talk Host and Governor Candidate Bill Spadea to Appear Before NJ Election Commission

On Monday (6/17), WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” morning drive host Bill Spadea announced his candidacy for governor of New Jersey as a Republican. Townsquare Media stated that regarding Spadea continuing to do his radio show “we have taken steps and imposed guidelines to ensure that Bill’s on-airim presence over the coming months and until he becomes a legally qualified candidate are in accordance with New Jersey election law, applicable FCC guidance, and industry standards and best practices for such circumstances.” The question that the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission has is because a gubernatorial candidate in the 2025 primary election must not knowingly accept a contribution in excess of $5,800 from a single source, is Spadea’s radio show – a valuable medium through which to campaign – an in-kind contribution that surpasses that monetary threshold? The Commission is requesting that Spadea appear before it at a hearing on June 26. The Commission has issued an Order to Show Cause at which time “Spadea for Governor, Candidate Spadea, and Townsquare Media shall appear and show cause before the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission for consideration by the Commission as to why a determination should not be made that the candidate’s radio airtime is an in-kind contribution from NJ 101.5 or Townsquare Media and therefore subject to the contribution limit.” The same parties are ordered to file written responses by Monday (6/24).

Industry News

Alex Cadelago Promoted to RVP for Cumulus in Albuquerque, Tucson and Houston

Cumulus Media promotes Alex Cadelago to regional vice president of Cumulus Media for Albuquerque, Tucson, and Houston. He currently is vice president and market manager for the Houston market. Cumulusim president of operations Dave Milner says, “Alex is an extremely effective and capable leader. His track record in Houston has been outstanding, so it’s a logical progression for him to help lead both Albuquerque and Tucson.” Cadelago comments, “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with our amazing teams in Albuquerque and Tucson and am looking forward to building upon the success Jeff and Ken have achieved in these regions. I would like to thank Mary Berner and Dave Milner for their support in expanding my role with Cumulus, and Dan Bennett for his mentorship over the past 10 years.”

Industry News

FOX News Media to Simulcast Presidential Debate

FOX News Media is presenting live coverage of the CNN presidential debate on Thursday (6/27) from Atlanta. Special programming is being made available across FOX News Media platforms, including FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio and FOX Nation. At 7:00 pm ET, FNCim will kick off debate preview coverage with an early edition of “Jesse Watters Primetime,” followed by “FOX News Democracy 2024” at 8:00 pm ET with chief political anchor Bret Baier, anchor and executive editor Martha MacCallum, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, and Sean Hannity from the debate’s spin room in Atlanta. The hosts will be joined by FNC senior political analyst Brit Hume and contributors Kellyanne Conway, Richard Fowler and Karl Rove. After the debate, Sean Hannity will host the 11:00 pm ET hour live on FNC from the spin room in Atlanta to break down the event and the public’s reaction.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of June 17 – 21

The presidential race, including next Thursday’s debate, was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the U.S. migrant crisis, followed by the Vladimir Putin–Kim Jong Un meeting and Russia’s Cuba war games at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Industry News

NPR Shows Remain Atop Triton Digital Podcast Ranker

NPR’s “NPR News Now” and “Up First” kept their #1 and #2 places (respectively) on Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Ranker for May (April 29 – June 2). The ranker presents the top U.S. podcasts based on weeklyim average downloads for shows that opt in. This month sees the inclusion of iHeart Audience Network podcasts and a lot of shows debuting on the chart for the first time. Some of those include “Stuff You Should Know” at #6, “The Breakfast Club” at #16, “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” at #26, “The Sean Hannity Show” at #63, and “The Jesse Kelly Show” at #84. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Louisiana Ten Commandments law; the renewed Russia-North Korea alliance; the presidential race and next Thursday’s presidential debate; the Israel-Hamas war; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. migrant crisis; the U.S. national debt; the Juneteenth holiday; and the extreme heat in the eastern U.S., the New Mexico wildfires & Tropical Storm Alberto drenches south Texas were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Saga’s Chris Forgy Named to BFoA Board

The Broadcasters Foundation of America elects Saga Communications president and CEO Chris Forgy to its board of directors. BFoA chair Scott Herman says, “Chris is a well-respected leader in the broadcastim industry, and I’m delighted to welcome him to our board. His input will be valuable as we continue to deliver aid to our colleagues who are in desperate need.” Forgy comments, “I have always believed in giving back to the industry that has allowed me to be of service to local communities. Colleagues who have fallen on extremely difficult circumstances need and deserve our support. I am honored to serve on the board and contribute to the Foundation’s charitable mission.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/18) Top News/Talk Media Stories

President Joe Biden’s undocumented spouses plan and the U.S. migrant crisis; the Biden Administration budget deficit; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the presidential race and next week’s debate; the Israel-Hamas war and U.S.-Israel relations; USDA inspectors assaulted in Mexico; Vladimir Putin meets with Kim Jong Un in North Korea; the House Ethics Committee investigation of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz; the Juneteenth holiday; the heat dome affecting much of the eastern U.S. and the western U.S. wildfires; and baseball great Willie Mays dies at 93 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

“New Jersey 101.5” Morning Host Bill Spadea to Run for Governor

WKXW-FM, Trenton New Jersey 101.5 morning drive talk host Bill Spadea announces his candidacy for governor of New Jersey as a Republican. In announcing his campaign, Spadea says, “I’m an outsider they can’t control and because I’m unapologetically conservative: pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and pro-imTrump… I’ll make the tough budget cuts that scare the career politicians. We’ll fix the way we fund schools so suburban parents pay less property tax. Give kids an education at school, not indoctrination. We’ll stop Joe Biden from using our state as a dumping ground for his illegals and end the handouts they get from Phil Murphy and weak sellout Republicans.” Townsquare Media says Spadea will continue to host his program until he becomes a legally qualified candidate. The company says, “We are sensitive to the legal parameters attendant in keeping a broadcast personality on air while they are seeking public office. Accordingly, we have taken steps and imposed guidelines to ensure that Bill’s on-air presence over the coming months and until he becomes a legally qualified candidate are in accordance with New Jersey election law, applicable FCC guidance, and industry standards and best practices for such circumstances.”

Industry News

Mason Promoted to OM for Spoken Word in Nashville

Cumulus Media promotes Paul Mason to spoken word programming operations manager for Nashville’s news/talk WWTN-FM “SuperTalk 99.7” and sports talk WGFX-FM “104.5 The Zone.” Mason takes over the news/talk programming position previously held by Dan Mandis, who remains host of “Nashville’s Morning News” on WWTN-FM. Cumulus Media Nashville VP and market manager Allison Warren says, “Paulim Mason, a visionary leader who has successfully guided our sports station for the past four years, is now poised to bring the same focus, passion, and energy to our news/talk station – ‘SuperTalk 99.7 WTN.’ With an exciting blend of local hosts delivering both local and national stories in an informative and engaging manner, Paul is ready to lead this station to new heights. As we recently launched the SuperTalk YouTube channel, we anticipate continued dominance in spoken word content under Paul’s steady guidance. I would be remiss if I did not at the same time thank Dan Mandis for his outstanding leadership of the station over the last 10 years. Dan has successfully managed both the station, especially through challenging times, and breaking news while maintaining hosting duties and we look forward to letting him settle into his weekday morning show.” Mason comments, “SuperTalk 99.7 WTN’s reputation in the news/talk format is among the elite. Dan Mandis has built a strong brand, and I look forward to working alongside not only Dan, but with the entire on-air staff (Chris Hand, Matt Murphy, and Brian Wilson), and our producers. The recent launch of SuperTalk TV has positioned WTN to continue to be a leader in news/talk. WTN has loyal clients and listeners, and we are committed to bringing stories, news, and opinions in a meaningful and engaging way. I’m humbled and thankful for the trust Allison Warren, Brian Phillips, and John Dimick have in me to lead spoken word at Cumulus Nashville.”

Industry News

Tom Leykis Wraps Talk Host Career

The Los Angeles Daily News reports that talk radio personality Tom Leykis has ended production of his internet talk show and is retiring from the business. Los Angeles-based Leykis served for years with thenim-CBS Radio’s talk KLXS-FM before the company dropped the talk format, which led to Leykis forming his The New Normal Network in 2012 and distributing his show online to subscribers.  The Daily News story indicates that Leykis – who turns 68 in August – decided it was time to call it quits, saying, “A long time ago, I realized I did not want to be like some of the hosts I heard in the past — begging for callers, stretching for topics. I wanted to go out on my terms when I wanted. So, I did.” Leykis produced the final edition of his show in mid-May. See the Daily News story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; the U.S. migrant crisis; Donald Trump’s legal battles; Vladimir Putin’s visit with Kim Jong Un in North Korea; Russia’s warships in the Caribbean; a Kentucky judge blocks Joe Biden’s Title IX expansion; the Juneteenth holiday; New Jersey Democrat George Norcross indicted on racketeering charges; and the heat dome affecting much of the eastern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

KBLA’s Climate Justice Symposium to Air on C-SPAN

Smiley Audio Media’s talk KBLA, Los Angeles Talk 1580 is presenting the Climate Justice Symposium at theim California Science Center in Los Angeles tomorrow (6/18) live from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm PT and the program will be broadcast live on C-SPAN. The event is being moderated by Smiley Audio Media chief and KBLA talk host Tavis Smiley and will feature leaders of the nation’s climate and environmental justice community. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will offer remarks and Dr. Cornel West will deliver remarks on the intersection of Climate Justice and Juneteenth.

Industry News

Lonnquist to Lead Sales for iHeartMedia Twin Cities

iHeartMedia names Eric Lonnquist SVP of sales for the company’s Minneapolis stations that includes news/talk KTLK-AM, sports talk KFXN “K-Fan” and five music brands. Lonnquist most recently served inim major market sales at Paycor. iHeartMedia Minneapolis market president Greg Alexander comments, “Eric Lonnquist is a seasoned sales professional in the Minneapolis market. His extensive background in media sales, combined with his leadership roles in major market sales makes him the perfect fit for our team. We are excited to have Eric lead our sales strategy and drive our continued success across our iconic broadcast and digital platforms.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The Supreme Court’s mifepristone and bump stock rulings; the presidential race; Benjamin Netayahu disbands the Israeli war cabinet; Justice Department won’t prosecute Merrick Garland; Alex Jones bankruptcy court ruling; U.S. migrant crisis; the rise of Europe’s far right; surgeon general seeks warning labels for social media; and the deadly heatwave predicted to affect much of the country this week were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Hegseth’s War on Warriors Tops Bestseller List

The new book from Army veteran and “FOX & Friends Weekend” co-host Pete Hegseth, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men who Keep us Free (FOX News Books, 2024) hits the top spot onim the New York Times non-fiction bestseller list. FOX News Media says that this marks Hegseth’s fourth New York Times bestselling title and follows the runaway success of his inaugural FOX News Book, Modern Warriors: Real Stories from Real Heroes, which debuted in 2020. Hegseth says, “Publishing this book has been a moving experience from start to finish. I am honored and humbled that The War on Warriors has resonated with so many people; most especially with actively serving troops, veterans, and military families. This book is for them, and for our country. A great nation needs a great military, and I hope this book plays a role in restoring the military to its core function: deterring, fighting, and winning our wars.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Stories for Week of June 10 – 14

The presidential race was the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Hunter Biden guilty verdict, followed by former President Donald Trump’s legal battles at #3. 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.

Industry News

Paul Blake to Lead Beasley Philadelphia

Beasley Media Group promotes Paul Blake to cluster manager for its Philadelphia stations. He most recently served as vice president/director of sales and has been with the cluster for the past 22 years. In his new role,im he will report directly to president Bruce Beasley and will be responsible for overseeing WMMR-FM, WMGK-FM, WXTU-FM, BEN FM, 97.5 The Fanatic, WWDB 860 and Camden’s WTMR 800. He states, “I am deeply honored and thrilled to take on the role of cluster manager for Beasley Media Philadelphia. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Beasley family for their unwavering trust and confidence in me. It is an incredible privilege to lead one of America’s premier groups of radio stations and digital content creators, and I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation in the media industry.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of the Hunter Biden guilty verdict; the G7 meeting in Italy and the plan to loan Ukraine $50 billion; the presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. House votes to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt; Southern Baptist convention bans churches with women pastors; the Israel-Hamas war and the strikes against Northern Israel from Lebanon; Russian war games near Cuba; the Fed reports inflation is easing but expects just one rate cut this year; and NBA legend Jerry West dies at 86 were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Josh Klingler to Exit KCSP, Kansas City Morning Show

Longtime Kansas City sports talk radio personality Josh Klingler is leaving his daily role on sports talk KCSP-AM’s “Fescoe In The Morning” program with Bob Fescoe. The Kansas City Star reports Klinglerim made the announcement yesterday (6/11) on the program. He said, “I am retiring from daily radio. I’ve been doing this for 30-something years all told six and seven days a week and kind of decided, probably after the football season if I’m being honest… My get-into-work time has been gradually getting later and later and later. And it’s just because getting up sucks. And there’s no other show I would want to do. There’s no other thing I would want to do in media. And just decided for me that this was like the perfect time to walk away.” Klingler says he’s not retiring fully. He’ll still do Chiefs radio broadcasts and some freelance TV. Read the Kansas City Star report here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/11) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Hunter Biden is convicted on all three counts in his felony gun charge trial; the presidential race; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the European Union election results and migration; Russia’s military drills planned for Cuba; House Republicans to vote on contempt of congress charge against Attorney General Merrick Garland; the Israel-Hamas war and the proposed Gaza cease-fire; and the controversy over Justice Samuel Alito’s recorded comments on “godliness” were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (6/10) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; the Hunter Biden felony gun charge trial; the far right victories in the EU elections; the Justice Samuel Alito “godliness” controversy; the Nancy Pelosi video clips from January 6; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; and the Israel-Hamas war and the UN Security Council’s cease-fire resolution were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.