Job Opportunity

KRMG-FM, Tulsa Seeks Talk Host

Zoellner Media Group is searching for an engaging, informed, and dynamic Full-Time News/Talk Radio Host to lead live and local programming. This position requires an individual who canimg connect with listeners, deliver compelling talk content, and handle breaking news and severe weather with credibility, confidence, and energy. As part of our award-winning team, you’ll shape the conversation every day by interviewing newsmakers, reacting to breaking stories, and engaging directly with the audience on-air and online. Find out more and apply here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WCCO-AM Raises Funds for Homelessness Charity. 830 WCCO in Minneapolis raised $374,607 during its 23rd “Interrupt Homelessness” radiothon, benefitting Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. This brings the total amount raised to just shy of $5 million since the radiothon began in 2003.

MLB-ESPN Deal Keeps ESPN Radio National Audio Home for Baseball. ESPN and Major League Baseball agree to a multi-faceted agreement featuring a broad range of national rights, plus local out-of-market rights and in-market rights. As part of the agreement, ESPN Radio continues to serve as national audio home of MLB, including the World Series.

Industry News

Study: 96% of Americans Want Car Radios

Research firm Critical Mass Insights says its recent study indicates that 96% of Americans say having a built-in AM/FM radio is important when purchasing a new car, and 98% say it’s important that radio remains easy to find on the dashboard. Critical Mass Insights says that its findings “cut across every demographic group surveyed, with consumers ages 18 to 74 overwhelmingly agreeing that access to radio is essential – even among those who don’timg regularly listen to AM or FM.” Company SVP of research Elizabeth Falke states, “The bottom line here is just how much people value having easy access to both AM and FM radio in their cars. Consumers want radio for a variety of different reasons that are largely unique to local radio – everything from discovering what new music matters to weather updates, the latest sports reports and local news and events.” As the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 makes its way through congress, Falke says its important that manufacturers understand the absence of radio would also influence new car purchasing decisions. The study found that 96% of Americans would miss radio if it were removed and 89% say the lack of a radio would likely keep them from buying that vehicle. She concludes, “This research is crucial for car manufacturers as we see that, immediately, half of consumers wouldn’t even look at buying a car without a radio. The ease and simplicity of radio is embedded in the lives of drivers consuming various forms of audio in their cars.”

Industry News

KMOX. St. Louis Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

Audacy’s news/talk KMOX, St Louis is celebrating 100 years of service to its listeners. Today (11/20), KMOX celebrating its centennial anniversary with over 10 hours of exclusive programming featuring current and former KMOX talent, as well as recognizing 12 stationimg pioneers. Audacy St. Louis SVP and market manager Becky Domyan states, “For 100 years, KMOX has kept St. Louis informed and connected, a legacy we are incredibly proud of. We now honor the pioneers who helped build this station. They are the definitive voices and leaders who became synonymous with KMOX and defined a century of service. We look forward to building on their foundation and continuing to serve as the home for news St. Louisans rely on for the next hundred years.” Pioneers include former KMOX general manager Robert Hyland, sports broadcaster Bob Costas, former station hosts Jack Carney, Rex Davis, Bob Hardy, Anne Keefe, John McCormick and Jim White, former St. Louis Cardinals play-by-play announcers Jack Buck, Harry Caray and France Laux, and former St. Louis Blues play-by-play announcer Dan Kelly.

Industry News

Dan Potter Exits KRMG-FM, Tulsa

Morning drive host Dan Potter is out at news/talk KRMG-FM, Tulsa after 17 years with the station and 13 years as morning drive personality. Cox Media Group recently sold the stationimg and two of its sister music-formatted outlets to a local operator – Zoellner Media Group, led by Dr. Robert Zoellner. Potter tells the Tulsa World that his exit came as a surprise. He says he was called into a meeting with Dr. Zoellner. “Our paths hadn’t crossed yet in his ownership. Shook his hand, sat down. He said, ‘We’re not renewing your contract.’ They handed me a check, and security showed me out of the building.” Prior to joining KRMG, Potter served in Dallas with WBAP-AM in several capacities, including news director.

Industry News

Erick Erickson Show Raises Funds for Hungry for a Day

The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” helped raise more than $265,000 for Hungry for a Day to provide Thanksgiving meals nationwide. The drive focuses on delivering completeimg holiday dinners – including turkey or smoked ham, sweet or mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, and pie – to families who might otherwise go without. Erickson says, “Every year, my listeners remind me why this show exists – not just to discuss the issues of the day, but to drive real change in people’s lives. In these tough times, knowing we’ve put food on the table for thousands of families fills me with gratitude. This isn’t about politics; it’s about compassion, faith, and stepping up for our neighbors. Hungry for a Day makes it seamless, and our audience makes it extraordinary with an impact from coast to coast.”

Industry News

Connoisseur Media Names Grant McHill PD for KXL-FM, Portland

Connoisseur Media announces a series of strategic promotions and new appointments across its Portland radio properties it says are designed to strengthen programming leadership and toimg position the cluster for continued success and growth. They include the promotion of Grant McHill to program director for “NewsRadio 101.1 FM KXL.” McHill has been serving as KXL’s news director. McHill says, “As someone who has worked at KXL for a decade, I appreciate and understand the station’s importance to the community and its potential for growth in Portland and beyond. I am thrilled, honored, and thankful for this opportunity. A huge thank you to Jeff Warshaw, Keith Dakin, Mark Handwerger, and Ross MacLeod for their confidence in me.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: I Was Banned by WBIR-TV

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgFinally. Not by Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, nope; I was banned from a WBIR anchor’s video live stream.

Background:

Throughout the country, bored local TV anchors and radio hosts set up their phone on their desk and stream their newscasts. During their breaks, they address the Live Stream with actual news, real news, top-of-minders that are far more compelling than the accident at 5th and Piedmont that gets on the air.

Some of the live streams are truly entertaining and would pull 20 shares if aired. While watching the featured TikTok WBIR-TV stream, the anchor at the desk was having her nails done. A co-worker showed off her spectacular, exotic, eccentric nails. Any father of daughters could appreciate her next level of nail art. It was news. In the live stream comments, I typed… show the nails on the air. They are fantastic. Of course, that never happened. Instead, the anchor ran with the story of a Casey’s chain store open for a third shift. “It’s kind of like a store that never sleeps,” center store manager Kimberly Hunley said.

The nails were stunning, but the passion of the anchor and her co-workers was the actual news. The team’s focus on the nails was compelling. Their passion was the news. News belongs on the air.

BANNED!  Saturday morning. After my third polite comment urging the WBIR team to show the nails on the air, I was banned from commenting on the stream. A first. Finally, I said something so offensive, so contrary to the news narrative that I was banned.

[EDITOR’S NOTE:  What the heck did you say, Walter?]

Get Your New Playlist at Thanksgiving

This holiday the rule at dinner will be, don’t talk about politics. Pay close attention to what is discussed. Make notes. If your station wants younger demos, FM music-type demos, trust that the Thanksgiving conversation is an all-hits conversation. Hosts that aren’t afraid to air the hits get ratings.

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

Fisher House Thanksgiving Edition Now Available at No Cost

Fisher House Foundation is making its Thanksgiving Week edition of “Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey” available to stations for free. You can check out a demo and register here. “Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey” is a radio special provided in varying lengths for news/talk radio stations as well as a 30-minute public affairs show suitable for allimg formats. The program is available in three versions: three-hour, one-hour, 25-minutes and 30-minutes and are hosted by radio personality Larry O’Connor, morning drive host at WMAL-FM, Washington, DC. It features stories of America’s military heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Listeners will hear their emotional stories fighting for our freedoms, how they sustained their injuries, and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they endure their painful and painstaking recoveries. This year’s program features a special focus on the incredibly inspiring victories our wounded warriors enjoy on the field of competitive, adaptive sports. Fisher House supports the Wounded Warrior Games and the lnvictus Games as a vital part of the physical, emotional, and mental healing process for our wounded veterans. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or loconnor@fisherhouse.org.

Industry News

Radio Executive and Station Owner Willard Lochridge Dies at 85

Longtime radio executive and station owner Willard Lochridge died on November 13 at age 85.img Lochridge entered the business in the sales department and by 1970 became the general manager of WRIF, Detroit. He was promoted by ABC to general manager for WPLJ, New York in 1973. He would serve at KAUM, Houston before returning to New York to serve with ABC Radio Networks. He later joined NBC’s The Source. In 1988 he and his wife purchased a small station in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Industry News

Vicky Moore Exits KNX-AM/FM Los Angeles

After 22 years as a news anchor on Audacy’s all-news KNX-AM/FM, Los Angeles, Vicky Moore left the station last Friday. During her on-air farewell, Moore stated, “I really love radio. Because radio is about community. At a time when the phone in our pocket and in our hands right now creates distance between us, and the politics divide us, the AI make us questioning what is real,img people here at KNX all around me are real. And they are people who live and work in this community. Brian Douglas and Sioux-Z Jessup, our traffic team, Sabina – they care about people driving in from places like Santa Clarita. Or when you hear sirens on the westside or Monrovia, we here at KNX are curious too! And we can joke about the differences between LA and Orange County and how Irvine is always topping the list somewhere because we are here with you in this community. We know Southern California. It has been my privilege to be part of this community and to tell you stories about things that matter, as well as things that just might brighten your day. We’ve had so much fun. It has been my absolute pleasure to meet some of you, along the way… So, I hope that you will continue to listen to KNX and enjoy my partner here and support him, Mike Simpson, and the new owner of my chair as the morning co-host, that is Margaret Carrero, we wish her well.” With Carrero’s move to mornings, Alex Silverman joins the afternoon lineup, alternating shifts with Brian Douglas.

Industry News

Haley Taylor Simon Exits “97.5 The Fanatic”

WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” part-time utility talent Haley Taylor Simon posts toimg social media that she has exited the Beasley sports talk station. “4.5 years ago I started my journey at 97.5 The Fanatic. Today was my final day. While this was unexpected I was able to come out of college and work my dream job. Not many people get to do that. I love my morning show fam (chat too fam bam). I’m always wishing nothing but the best for everyone who works there. I’m not going anywhere with my Flyers/ESPN+ jobs. I LOVE radio. That I will miss. Go birds and thank you all for supporting me live out my dream. It did come true. How lucky am I??”

Industry News

Cumulus: YouTube Hits All-Time High as Podcast Platform

Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights publish the Podcast Download – Fall 2025 Report, what they call “a comprehensive evaluation of the latest podcast audience trends.” The firms say that the 15th edition of the study examines the habits of weekly podcast consumers and concludes that there are differences in consumption patterns among those who prefer listening or watching podcasts. Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group senior insights manager img Elizabeth Mayer states, “In our continued focus on YouTube and watchable podcasts, this edition of the Podcast Download reveals YouTube at an all-time high for consumption. Regardless of tenure or heavy usage, YouTube remains in the top spot, which speaks to podcast consumers seeking out watchable podcasts. 12% of weekly podcast consumers use Smart TVs where video components are intuitive and easy to access to listen to podcasts.” Signal Hill Insights president and CEO Paul Riismandel adds, “Audio is still key. While we see yet another bump in the preference to use YouTube for podcasts, we don’t see notable change in the number of weekly podcast consumers who are only watching their podcasts. This segment remains a tiny minority – just 8% in this report.” See more and download the full report here.

Industry News

KARN, Little Rock Helps Raise Funds for Arkansas Food Bank

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Pictured above are staff members from Cumulus Media’s news/talk KARN-FM, Little Rock at the United We Feed Food Drive to benefit the Arkansas Food Bank held on November 6 and 7 that helped raise 4,000 pounds of food and $8,075.

Industry News

KRLD, Dallas-Fort Worth Raises $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation

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NewsRadio 1080 in Dallas raised over $30,000 benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas during a live broadcast on November 13. Pictured above with Make-A-Wish recipient Luke and his family are KRLD morning host Joe Kelley (bottom, left), midday host Mike Rogers (rear, second from left) and reporter and weekend anchor Austin York (rear, right).

Industry Views

Monday Memo: The Power of Pause in Local Radio

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIn an industry built on speed – breaking news, live liners, commercial deadlines – “pause” can feel like a luxury radio can’t afford. But Kevin Cashman’s The Pause Principle: Step Back to Lead Forward (Wiley) argues the opposite: pausing isn’t weakness, it’s a competitive advantage. For local radio leaders, the message couldn’t be timelier.

Cashman defines pause as the conscious act of stepping back to gain perspective before moving forward. Leaders who constantly react miss opportunities for growth and innovation. Those who pause, he argues, engage with more clarity, creativity, and authenticity.

Think about the daily grind in local radio. The PD is juggling ratings pressure, expense challenges, talent issues, and a half-dozen urgent emails from corporate. The sales manager is chasing month-end, writing copy on deadline, and fielding calls from advertisers. In that swirl, it’s tempting to equate motion with progress. Yet, as Cashman warns, constant motion without reflection leads to burnout, blind spots, and missed chances to connect.

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For broadcasters, pause can take many forms:

  • Programming: Instead of cranking out another promo, take time to ask if the message really resonates with the community. What do listeners need from us right now?
  • Sales: Before pitching another rate card, pause to explore the client’s true business challenge. That deeper understanding can unlock bigger, longer-term partnerships.
  • Leadership: In staff meetings, pause to let quieter voices contribute. The next big idea might come from someone who usually doesn’t speak up.

Cashman links pause to authenticity. When leaders slow down enough to be present, they foster trust. In local radio, where credibility is everything, that authenticity builds loyalty with both audiences and advertisers.

He also reminds us that pause is not about inaction. It’s about deliberate action. A well-timed pause before responding to a crisis on-air, before agreeing to a questionable promotion, or before rushing through a strategic decision can be the difference between a misstep and a breakthrough.

For local stations, the takeaway is clear: The pace isn’t going to slow down. The emails will keep coming, the ratings will keep posting, and the deadlines will keep looming. But leaders who carve out moments of pause will not only preserve their sanity – they’ll make better decisions, inspire their teams, and serve their communities more meaningfully.

Pause. Reflect. Then lead forward.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke

Industry News

Simon Conway Show Raises Funds for Childhood Cancer

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The Simon Conway Show’s Pinky Swear Radiothon raised $238,293 to support the families of kids with cancer in the five-and-a-half-hour event last week. Pictured above with WHO, Des Moines-based talk host Simon Conway is James, who as a baby was diagnosed with cancer. Now, he is a healthy eight-year-old about to take part in his first swim meet. Conway says, “I always say I have the best audience in talk radio and every year they prove me right, but with the very short amount of time we had, this fundraising effort was truly astonishing.”

Industry News

Urban One Announces Securities Exchange Offer

Urban One has begun an offer to exchange any and all of its outstanding 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 held by Eligible Holders for newly issued 7.625% Senior Securedimg Notes due 2031, to be issued by the company and guaranteed by each existing and future subsidiaries of the company, and cash. In connection with the Exchange Offer, Urban One begins offer to purchase up to $185 million in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes for up to $111 million in cash. In connection with the Exchange Offer, the company is also offering Eligible Holders the right to subscribe to purchase up to $60.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.500% first lien senior secured notes due 2030.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

MIW Announces Digital Sales Mentorship Program. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the second annual Digital Sales Mentorship Program designed to accelerate the growth and professional development of women in digital radio sales. It provides one exceptional female seller or manager with personalized, hands-on mentorship from an accomplished industry leader. The selected mentee will receive monthly one-on-one coaching from an experienced mentor, access to digital subject-matter experts, and targeted guidance across key areas of digital revenue strategy. Find out more and apply here.

WABC Presents Future of NYC Presser. Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York is presenting a live press conference at 11:00 am ET on the future of New York City under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. It’s being hosted by WABC’s Dominic Carter with panelists including Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis, former Governor David Paterson, political activist Fernando Mateo, and Kathryn Wylde president of the Partnership for NYC.

Industry News

Saga Declares Dividend

Saga Communications’ board of directors declares a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share.img The dividend will be paid on December 12, 2025, to shareholders of record on November 24, 2025. The aggregate amount of the payment to be made in connection with the quarterly dividend will be approximately $1.6 million. The quarterly dividend will be funded by cash on the company’s balance sheet. Including this dividend, Saga Communications will have paid over $141 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012.

Industry News

Nielsen Names Naylor Chief Client Officer

Nielsen names Peter Naylor to the newly created position of chief client officer. The company says that in this role, Naylor will “serve as a critical partner for Nielsen’s clients, includingimg advertisers and publishers across traditional and digital channels. Naylor will ensure the measurement company is meeting the needs of a wide array of clients, while working with Nielsen’s sales, product and research teams to help partners enhance their businesses.” Nielsen CEO Karthik Rao says, “The key to Nielsen’s continued success is working closely with our clients to build the best marketing intelligence platform in the world. Peter is the perfect person to help that mission, building on Nielsen’s momentum of Big Data + Panel measurement, live streaming innovation and our AI transformation. He has led teams across linear TV, streaming and social media. He knows what consumers and clients want – and need – as behaviors continue to evolve. We can’t wait to keep building with him and our partners.”

Industry News

Cumulus Partners with Shots Podcast Network

Cumulus Media announces that the Shots Podcast Network podcasts join the Cumulus Podcast Network. The company says that as part of Westwood One’s portfolio, the Cumulus Podcast Network distributes, markets, and monetizes the Shots Podcast Network while Shots continuesimg to develop, produce, and own all content. Shots Podcast Network shows include “Full Send Podcast,” hosted by Kyle Forgeard; “One Night with Steiny,” featuring Aaron “Steiny” Steinberg; and “The Rush with Maxx,” hosted by NFL star Maxx Crosby.Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network president Collin Jones says, “Shots is one of the most dynamic and influential creator networks in media today. Their fearless approach to content and ability to engage millions of fans makes them a perfect fit for the Cumulus Podcast Network. We’re thrilled to welcome John, and the entire Shots team.”

Industry News

Allen Sliwa Joins “AM 570 LA Sports”

iHeartMedia’s KLAC, Los Angeles “AM 570 LA SPORTS” adds NBA analyst Allen Sliwa as an on-air contributor to its NBA and Los Angeles Lakers coverage. Sliwa is host of the YouTubeimg show, “Hoops Talk.” Sliwa will provide expert insight, analysis and commentary across AM 570 LA SPORTS content throughout the NBA season, including featured segments available on the iHeartRadio app. Sliwa previously served on the Lakers Radio broadcast in pre-game, halftime, and post-game coverage. KLAC program director Brian Long says, “Allen is one of the premier voices covering the Lakers. With the excitement surrounding the team this season, his perspective and passion will be a great addition to our coverage and valuable voice for Lakers fans in Southern California and across the country.”

Industry News

News/Talk Programmer and Consultant Marshall Adams Dies at 51

News/talk radio talent, programmer and consultant Marshall Adams died unexpectedly onimg November 10 at the age of 51. Adams, whose real name was Michael Paul Kunkle, began his media career in the print industry at the Harrison City Post (PA) while in high school. He transitioned to radio and served with stations including WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte; KTRH-AM, Houston, WYAY-FM, Atlanta and KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh, where he was program director. He launched his consultancy, Marshall Adams Media, in 2012.

Industry News

JVC’s Food Fight Against Hunger Benefits Long Island Residents

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JVC Broadcasting’s annual Food Fight Against Hunger was held last weekend (11/8-9) on Long Island as JVC’s seven-station group – including news/talk “LI News Radio” – collected food and donations to help Long Island families in need this holiday season. The two-day event gathered 22,000 pounds of food, 60 gift cards totaling $1,055, 8 turkey certificates totaling $240, and cash donations totaling $538. JVC Broadcasting CEO John Caracciolo comments, “We are so proud of our incredible staff for giving up their weekend to help our Long Island community. This is how local radio shines – people helping people, neighbors helping neighbors. JVC and our listeners continue to prove that local radio is better than all the rest. I wouldn’t trade this job for anything. We have the best team in radio and I am just proud that they let me work with them every day.” Pictured above from left to right is “Big 98.1” morning host The Wiseman with Santa and a listener making a donation.

Industry News

WGN, Chicago Wins Three Silver Dome Awards

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Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN, Chicago was honored with 2025 Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) Silver Dome Awards, including two for the WGN Radio newsroom. The awards were announced on November 6 at a reception held at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago. WGN Radio won Silver Dome Awards for Best Continuing Coverage – “Trial of Michael Madigan”; Best Feature – “Chicago Teachers Told to Pass Migrant Students” by Sylvia Snowden and Ryan Burrow; and Best Radio Personality – John Williams. Additionally, IBA also recognized Dave Eanet, whose two stints on WGN Radio encompass more than 30 years, with the 2025 Chicago/W. Russell Withers Jr. Broadcast Pioneer Award. The award is named after the late W. Russell Withers Jr, founding father of the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation.

Industry News

WKZE’s “Voices of Valor” Connects Generations Through Local Radio This Veterans Day

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WKZE 98.1 FM, Red Hook, NY is showing how local radio can unite a community through storytelling with “Voices of Valor” — a month-long series honoring Hudson Valley veterans and celebrating the power of service across generations.  Airing throughout November in recognition of Veterans Day, “Voices of Valor features heartfelt, first-person stories from members of Red Hook’s VFW Post 7765, giving listeners a direct connection to the men and women who’ve proudly served their country and community.

Produced by Red Hook High School student Olive Haley (pictured above interviewing local vet, Enrique Flores) and supervised by station staff member and recent SUNY New Paltz graduate Alyssa Sciarrone, “Voices of Valor was recorded at WKZE’s Red Hook studios and blends authentic veteran narratives with the station’s signature AAA / Americana sound. The project highlights how local media, students, and community organizations can come together to preserve local stories while engaging the next generation of broadcasters.

“It’s inspiring to see young, talented storytellers like Olive take up the mantle of local broadcasting,” said Dr. Andy Gladding, WKZE’s new co-owner. “Projects like ‘Voices of Valor show that local radio remains a powerful bridge – connecting young storytellers, community institutions, and listeners through shared experience.”

This initiative also marks a new era for the heritage AAA station – now under new ownership for the first time in 20 years – as WKZE expands its mission to foster hands-on opportunities for students and aspiring broadcasters to engage with local radio. According to station co-owner Katie Gladding, this is just the beginning. “Andy and I want WKZE to be a place for all members of the community to feel welcome to share and connect. Our doors and airwaves are open to anyone who wants to experience the magic of FM, and there is no better place for that than WKZE. Dr. Andy Gladding is also chief engineer at Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM and Salem NY’s WMCA 570 / WNYM 970.

Listeners can hear “Voices of Valor” throughout November on 98.1 FM and via wkze.com.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: P1s and Meters are Not Your Friends

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgOne of my first jobs out of college was working in the marketing department of WNBC-AM, New York. Yes, “Imus In The Morning” (Don Imus – not nice), Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow – nicest star who ever lived). One of my tasks was to pull ratings numbers from the computer for the sales department. I was fascinated by TIME SPENT LISTENING (TSL) and CUME numbers. I’d rank them, compare, trend them every way imaginable.

The station with the longest TIME SPENT LISTENING (TSL): The Greek language station. The station with the shortest TSL, WABC – a Top 40 rocker. The station with the highest cume, WABC.

Legendary WABC programmer Rick Sklar explained, “We wanted to be everybody’s second favorite station. Everybody’s!” WABC had a 5 million cume. Listeners always came back to WABC. That was the plan.

Regardless of the genre, building a station that everyone comes back to has been the successful tactic of all of my programming work: AC, urban, oldies and yes, talk. New Jersey 101.5, WTKS-FM, Orlando and others were designed to appeal to many listeners over and over rather than just a small group of people who never leave. What’s a more stable, predictable business?  One that counts on a single listener for one hour of listening or four listeners for fifteen minutes each?

A deep, profound study of P1s and TSL can only have one result: Declining cume. It is a fatal myth that talk is a “low cume, high TSL format.” It can be, and it will die.  Or it can be and has been a high cume, low TSL business that grows, is stable, and predictable. The key is careful rotation of topics, urgency, top-of-mind subjects, no theory, and lots of weather.

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Q3 Revenue Dips 1.1%

iHeartMedia’s third quarter 2025 financial results are in and the company is reporting revenue of $997 million, a decline of 1.1% from the same period in 2024. iHeartMedia’s Multiplatform Group (including radio stations) revenue was $591 million – down 5% from Q3 of 2024 – and the company’s Digital Audio Group revenue was $342 million – up 14% over Q3 of 2024). Notably, the company’s Podcast Revenue was $140 million, up 22% year-over-year. iHeartMediaimg chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “We’re pleased with our third quarter performance, generating Adjusted EBITDA of $205 million, slightly above the midpoint of our guidance range, and our consolidated revenue was down 1.1% compared to prior year, at the high end of our guidance, and up 2.8% excluding political revenue. And we continue to take important steps in the evolution of our company – last week we announced our new relationship with Amazon Ads, which will provide advertisers using Amazon DSP access to our vast audio portfolio, and just this morning we announced our new TikTok partnership, which will bring TikTok creators into iHeart’s ecosystem. We are committed to exploring new ways to unlock the value of our unparalleled assets, maximizing the unique position we occupy in the evolving media landscape, and creating innovative cross-platform opportunities to bring new products and services to our consumers and our advertising partners.”

Industry News

Salem Media Group Q3 Net Revenue Falls 12.6%

Salem Media Group reveals its operating results for the third quarter of 2025 and reports that netimg revenue was $51.3 million, a decline of 12.6% from the same period in 2024. The company’s broadcast revenue was $40.7 million, down 11.5% from Q3 of 2024, and digital media revenue was $10.5 million, down 3% from the same period a year ago. The company posted a net loss of $2.3 million compared to the net loss of $6.6 million it posted in Q3 of 2024.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: “What NEXT???” is The New Normal

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgIf you’re a news/talk station, be known-for-knowing what’s happening. My client stations routinely invite tune-in “for a quick [name of network] news update, every hour, throughout your busy day.”

Then, when The Big Story blocks-out-the-sun:

If you automate syndicated shows, who will get alerts and can take the story wall-to-wall joining continuing network coverage?

    • Got station news HR? What’s your plan for covering a major local event? Stations I work with are “news partners” with local TV stations. Radio simulcasts TV coverage…and takes them where TV otherwise isn’t, in-car. Win-win.

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  • If you’re a music station with a news/talk cluster mate, gauge whether an event warrants promoting that the brother station is on-the-story, or if you should simulcast.

Regardless of format, think car radio. People near TV will likely be watching.

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

Industry News

Beasley Third Quarter Revenue Down 12.4%

Beasley Media Group reveals operating results for the third quarter of 2025 and reports net revenue of $51 million a decline of 12.4% compared to Q3 of 2024. Beasley says the performance was in line with its guidance and “reflects continued softness in the traditionalimg agency advertising market, partially offset by sustained growth in high-margin, owned-and-operated digital revenue and local direct sales.” Beasley recorded an operating loss of approximately $300,000 in the third quarter of 2025, compared to an operating income of $1.2 million in the imgprior year quarter. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Our third quarter results demonstrate continued operational discipline. While advertising demand remains challenging, particularly within agency channels, the quality of our revenue mix continues to strengthen, led by sustained growth and record margins in our digital business. Digital revenue now represents roughly one-quarter of total company revenue, with owned-and-operated products driving margin expansion and scalability. At the same time, our cost-reduction initiatives are yielding tangible, lasting benefits. We’ve reduced total station operating and corporate expenses by $15 million year-to-date, while improving organizational efficiency and positioning Beasley to generate higher returns on every dollar of revenue. As we move into the fourth quarter, we remain focused on disciplined execution, strengthening our balance sheet through planned asset sales, and advancing our strategy to deliver sustainable shareholder value.”