TALKERS News Notes
Kirby and Raphael Join Media Institute Board. Media pros Kathleen Kirby of Wiley Rein LLP and Heidi Raphaelof Beasley Media Group are elected to the board of trustees of The Media Institute. The Media Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization specializing in communications policy and the First Amendment.
Baltimore Public Media Names New Program Director. Baltimore Public Media names Maxie C. Jackson III program director in which he’ll oversee content strategy and programming across WYPR 88.1 FM, WTMD 89.7 FM, and Your Public Studios. Jackson most recently served as executive director of 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, “where he led transformative programming and format strategies that inspired philanthropic investment, drove audience growth, and strengthened the organization’s cultural impact.”
The WBUR Festival Returns This Spring. WBUR, Boston announces the return of The WBUR Festival happening Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, 2026. The event features “speakers, captivating conversations, musical performances, multiple stages and a vibrant street scene along Commonwealth Avenue.”
News people I coach reckon that my epitaph will read: “Consequence, not Process.”
across documentary, entertainment, news, sports, and corporate audio.” NYFestivals EVP Rose Anderson adds, “The robust world of audio storytelling today is fully represented in the 2026 edition of the Grand Jury. From audiobooks to podcasts and video podcasts, from investigative journalism to live events, and from mystery to social justice, this year’s men and women of the jury volunteer their time and lend their expertise.” 
New York. Bold Gold says WDLA-AM will “broadcast Catskills News Talk, the Voice of Sullivan and the Catskills, a news and talk format featuring ‘Ciliberto & Friends’ with radio legend Paul Ciliberto.” Bold Gold Media NY region general manager Dawn Ciorciari states, “There is something truly special about turning the lights back on for a local radio station. We are beyond excited to bring local radio back to life for the people of Walton and Delaware County; to once again give this community a local voice, a source of connection, and radio stations they can call their own.” 
Christmas Kids,” a Georgia holiday tradition dedicated to fulfilling the Christmas wishes of children in foster care. Clark Howard says, “I am so excited for our 35th year of Clark’s Christmas Kids. I could have never imagined that our generous WSB listeners would take care of over 300,000 children in foster care donating $50 million plus in toys and cash since 1991.”
My introduction to Rush Limbaugh begins in the fall of 1992. I began listening to Rush’s radio show after seeing him campaigning on stage with George H.W. Bush during the 1992 fall presidential election. Bill Clinton would win the election and so would begin the greatest, media political rivalry ever between Rush Limbaugh and Bill Clinton. Rush’s middle America authentic voice was cutting through the mainstream media noise of the day from a generationally unique perspective. He was the perfect counterculture combatant to Bill Clinton’s political philosophy. Being a baby boomer myself and two years younger than Rush, I was immediately hooked on the EIB radio network!
MLB Network analyst, and founder/editor of MLBbro.com – is a finalist for the 2026 National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame Sportswriter (Living category). Winners will be notified the first week of January, and the awards will be presented during the NSMA’s 66th Awards Weekend & National Convention, June 28-29, at Grandover Resort & Spa in Greensboro, North Carolina. Parker says, “It’s an absolute honor to be considered with so many journalism heavyweights.”
purchase up to $185 million in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes for up to $111 million in cash and the right to subscribe to purchase up to $60.6 million in aggregate principal amount of newly issued 10.500% First Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2030. As of 5:00 pm ET yesterday (12/1), Urban One received from Eligible Holders valid and unwithdrawn tenders and related Consents, as reported by D.F. King & Co., Inc., representing approximately $450 million in aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes, or approximately 92.2% of the aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes outstanding. 
position to chief financial officer for iHeartMedia, effective January 1, 2026. At that time his salary will rise from $925,000 to $1.2 million and his bonus target increases to 150% of his base salary and his annual long-term incentive grant will have a target grant date fair value of $1.5 million. McGuinness’ employment contract runs through June 30 of 2030. McGuinness reports to former chief financial officer and current president and chief operating officer Rich Bressler.
the company through the end of 2027. As part of the new contract, Sanchez moves to the 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm daypart on news/talk “101.5 FM K-Dawn Las Vegas” airing on KMXB-HD3/K286CS. Sanchez states, “I’m excited to continue to be part of a great media brand like Audacy and I’m very excited to go back home to evenings where it all started for me. This move allows me to continue to grow our Gen-X audience while focusing on continued content creation for our fast-growing social media platforms and new stand-alone videocasts.”
By now, a music station in your market – hopefully in your cluster – is all-Christmas-music-all-the-time, a great perennial franchise.
News Association and he penned a great good-bye letter that’s available on the RTDNA site. 
during its 20th annual Stories of Light fundraising campaign. Zoellner president and general manager Steve Hunter says, “This event is a reminder of what makes Tulsa so special. When you share the stories of these incredible kids and their families, our listeners respond with open hearts. We’re humbled and honored to help Make-A-Wish continue its mission.”
come in every week, and we have to keep up with the demand. We cannot turn our backs on our colleagues who have worked at their local station and are now in desperate need of our help. We ask everyone in radio and television to come together to help our colleagues.” Giving Tuesday donations can be made 
Grand Island. NRG CEO Mary Quass says, “We’re pleased to announce the sale of our 6 radio stations in Central Nebraska to Usher Media LLC, a respected local broadcaster. It’s been a privilege to serve this community with an exceptional team whose passion and commitment have made these stations a vital voice in the Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island markets. We are confident that Usher Media will build on that foundation and continue to serve listeners, advertisers, and the community with excellence.” Usher Media chief Alan Usher comments, “We are excited to announce the acquisition of six radio stations in Central Nebraska. As a locally owned and operated organization, raised in the Tri-Cities, this strategic move underscores our commitment to expanding our media presence while staying deeply connected to our roots. We are committed to being a community leader, championing local projects, and driving community growth. We look forward to providing comprehensive local news, weather, and sports coverage while fostering a vibrant and thriving community for all.”
says, “I’d like to break some news before anybody else can break my news. I’m officially done as the nighttime host at WFAN. It has been four calendar years, Friday was my last nighttime show as the full-time nighttime host. Before anybody else can hijack the story and say I was fired or my contract was up, I wasn’t fired, I’m not quitting, my contract is not up, I’m shifting… I’m making a personal change that was necessary for myself and my family. I just took my son to school, just saw my wife leave for work and got a minute to sit here before the day gets rolling… but breaking news this Monday going into Thanksgiving, I am no longer the full-time nighttime host on WFAN.” In November of 2021, McPherson took over the evening show from longtime WFAN personality Steve Somers. 
Running a successful radio station, hosting a show, or producing a podcast is a lot like hosting Thanksgiving dinner. You need a plan. You need to deliver something satisfying to a crowd with varying tastes. And most of all – if you get it right – you’ll have leftovers you can turn into even more value long after the main event.
their local market. Bonneville says, “The platform brings together Arizona Sports, Seattle Sports, Denver Sports, Sactown Sports, and KSL Sports in Salt Lake City, delivering more than 63 hours of live sports programming every day across audio, video, digital, and social channels.” Bonneville president and CEO Tanya Vea adds, “Bonneville Sports Network gives advertisers both flexibility and scale. Our network reaches fans wherever and whenever they engage with sports, across every platform. Advertisers can now leverage that strength in a way that aligns with their goals, whether they’re pursuing national reach or meaningful local impact.”
Dan Mathews and Cole Thompson. Thompson has been with KBME for the past year producing “The A-Team” on the station and hosting, “The Night Cap.” Mathews began his career covering Houston sports and worked in Atlanta at Audacy’s WZGC-FM and Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN-AM. Station program director Chris Gordy states, “We’re thrilled to add Cole to mornings, alongside Dan. Both guys eat, sleep and breathe all things Houston sports, and bring a passion and enthusiasm to kick off each morning right.”
former Milwaukee County attorney, and former Republican legislative staffer Todd Allbaugh are no longer airing. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Allbaugh announced his exit via social media and said the reason was budgetary – for “the long-term financial viability of the company.” Allbaugh noted that he was told of the change before his did his final show, adding, “They did not have to give me a last show. It was immensely appreciated.”