Job Opportunity

Connoisseur Seeks Long Island Sales Pro

Recent promotions at Connoisseur Media’s Long Island station group have created an opening at director of sales. Connoisseur says it isimg “conducting a search for a new director of sales, a dynamic leader who values their connection with the Long Island community.  The ideal candidate will be a high-energy seller experienced in developing custom marketing solutions leveraging assets like broadcast media, digital capabilities, and event marketing.  Leadership experience, a passion for driving results, and a talent for building strong client relationships are essential.” See more and apply here.

Industry News

Saga Communications Reports 9.3% Decline in 2025 Q4 Revenue

Saga Communications says its fourth quarter 2025 net revenue was $26.5 million – a decrease of 9.3% from the same period in 2024. Theimg company says that digital revenue increased 25.8% to $4.3 million in the fourth quarter, compared to $3.5 million for the same period last year. For the full year of 2025, Saga posts a net loss of $7.9 million compared to the net income of $3.46 million it reported for the full year of 2024.

Industry News

Urban One’s 2025 Q4 Net Revenue Down 16.5%

Urban One’s operating results for the fourth quarter of 2025 show net revenue of $97.8 million, down 16.5% from the same period in 2024. The company reports broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $23.8 million for Q4, a decrease of 38.3% from the same period in 2024. Urban One reports a net loss of $54.4 million for Q4 of 2025, compared to a net loss of $35.7 million for the same period inimg 2024.  Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III, states, “As expected, we had a tough fourth quarter due to a combination of non-recurring political advertising, soft radio markets and declining audience delivery in our cable television business. Despite this, we were able to achieve full-year Adjusted EBITDA within our previous guidance range at $56.7 million. The biggest revenue drag in the fourth quarter resulted from weak cable TV prime delivery, down approximately 20.0% from the third quarter, although we have seen a significant recovery in the first quarter 2026 as the revised Nielsen methodology has given us an approximate 40.0% – 50.0% lift compared to the fourth quarter 2025. Radio pacings in the first quarter of 2026 are currently down 5%, but we remain positive on the outlook for mid-term political revenues later in the year. I was pleased that we were able to repurchase a significant amount of our 2028 Notes at a discount, extend out the maturity on all but a small stub of the notes, and increase the size and term of our ABL Credit Agreement. This transaction sets up the company with a stable capital structure and extended maturity runway to allow us to continue to de-lever the business. In January 2026 we also regained compliance with the Nasdaq listing requirements by effectuating a 1-for-10 reverse stock split.”

Industry News

Cumulus’ Chapter 11 Reorganization Triggers Stay in Complaint Against Nielsen

United States District Judge Jeannette Vargas recognizes the automatic stay that kicks in due to U.S. Bankruptcy laws in Cumulus Media’s anti-trust suit against Nielsen as the result of the former’s entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The parties are ordered to submit a joint letter regarding the status of the bankruptcy proceedings by June 9, 2026.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Announces Partnership with Global Gaming League

iHeartMedia unveils a new production, marketing and distribution deal with the Global Gaming League (GGL). iHeartMedia says that with this partnership, it will become GGL’s audio partner, co-creating originalimg podcasts that will deliver weekly gaming and culture programming across its multiplatform network. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “This collaboration shows iHeart’s commitment to authentically elevating gaming culture. Together, iHeart and GGL are creating a new blueprint for how gaming lives inside mainstream culture—bringing competitive gaming to listeners and new fans nationwide by introducing them directly into the Global Gaming League ecosystem.”

Industry News

Michael Harrison Discusses His Rock Radio Days (and More) on Video Podcast

TALKERS publisher and iconic radio programmer/personality Michael Harrison talks about his colorful 59-year career in radio including his early days as a pioneer in the progressive rock genre and founder of the “Album Oriented Rock” (AOR) format in the early 1970s through his present-day involvement in spoken word media.  All this and more was recorded (3/5)img during an informal conversation with his longtime friend, music industry publicist Anne Leighton on her YouTube program, “The Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview.”  Harrison talks about the evolution of radio and its influence on popular culture through more than a half century of imgbroadcasting adventures including his present-day role as a member of the classic rock band, Gunhill Road.  Harrison states, “Anne is such a unique player in this business – a longtime proponent of music discovery – she has such a respect for the artists and their fans.  Her podcast is SO refreshingly grassroots. It was a remarkable, fun experience talking with her about all that cool stuff.” Fans of music and radio history should not miss this.  To view this installment of the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview in its entirety, please click HERE.

Industry News

BFOA Gala Raises Funds as it Honors Broadcasters

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The Broadcasters Foundation of America held its annual gala at The Plaza in New York City on Monday evening drawing nearly 300 professionals from radio and television celebrate broadcasting excellence and raise funds for colleagues in need. Honored at this year’s event were sports media personality Stephen A. Smith, who received the inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award; Ernest A. Liebre, SVP and Institutional Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, who was presented with the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award; Mark Lazarus, CEO of VERSANT and former chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, who received the BFOA Golden Mic Award; and Judge Judy Sheindlin, who was honored with the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award. Pictured above (l-r) are BFOA president Tim McCarthy, Stephen A. Smith, Judge Judy Sheindlin; Mark Lazarus; BFOA chair Scott Herman; and Ernest A. Liebre. Photo: Ricardi Media

Industry News

Jeff Katz Gets “Mayo’d” for Special Olympics

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Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (right) with Chesterfield County Sheriff Karl Leonard (left) at The Texas Inn in Richmond doing a stunt to raise funds for Special Olympics of Virginia. Following their tradition of crazy stunts to raise money for the cause, the two donned ladies tank tops while people bought giant buckets of mayonnaise to throw at them. Katz tells TALKERS, “We raised more than $10,000! The weather was a ‘balmy’ 34 degrees with freezing rain. In addition, across Virginia at Texas Inn locations there is now a Katz Dog with fifty cents from the sale of each going to SOVA.”

Industry News

Harry Hurley Honored by Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Southern New Jersey

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WPG, Atlantic City morning drive star Harry Hurley (right) was honored by The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Southern New Jersey with the organization’s 2026 Man of The Year. The honor was bestowed at the fraternal organization’s 91st Annual Gala on Friday, March 6 at the Linwood Country Club. An event record 260 guests were in attendance. This organization was established in 1935 and was founded by the legendary New Jersey State Senator Frank “Hap” Farley. Interestingly, Hurley was Senator Farley’s newspaper boy for two years 1971 and 1972. Hurley was introduced by U.S. Rep Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-2nd), pictured above at left. The “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Foundation made a $12,500 donation and worked to sell a record number of tables and full-page ads.

Industry News

Bill O’Reilly Launches New Interview Show

Bill O’Reilly announces he is launching a new longform interview showimg titled, “We’ll Do it Live!” The new podcast debuts this Thursday (3/12) at noon ET for his Concierge and Premium Members and at 7:00 pm ET for everyone else. O’Reilly’s first guest is comic and actor Rob Schneider. O’Reilly says he and Schneider will discuss his time on SNL, the impact of COVID, and what led him to where he is politically today.

Industry News

“Talking Real Money” Goes Podcast Only

The Seattle financial talk program “Talking Real Money” – co-hosted by Don McDonald and Tom Cock – leaves its longtime home at Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle “Northwest Newsradio” to continue as a podcast only. McDonald tells Podnews.net, “We’ve loved being on the radio in Seattle for more than three decades, but the podcast format is the future of broadcast audio, in the same way streaming is the future of television. Our podcast is the same show, the same conversations, the same advice, but our listeners can join anywhere, anytime, not just Saturdays at noon.”

Industry News

Hannity Podcast Launches Tuesday

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Sean Hannity’s new FOX News Media-produced podcast, “Hang Out with Sean Hannity,” debuts at 7:00 am tomorrow (3/10) and in the first episode, Hannity talks with ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith (pictured above). In a piece by Axios, it’s revealed that guests soon to appear on the program include: Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Team USA hockey gold medalist Matt Tkachuk. Hannity tells Axios, “This show isn’t about chasing the news cycle – it’s about the people living inside it. The podcast will be curious, irreverent and a lot less buttoned-up. No countdown clocks, no talking points. He adds, “I started in radio on a tiny campus station that no one listened to – now we’re on more than 750 stations nationwide. That didn’t happen overnight, and this podcast won’t either. But I’ve learned that if you build something honest and human, people eventually find it.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Your Local Advantage

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgSmall businesses often underestimate their greatest competitive edge. It’s not price. It’s not selection.

It’s localness. Big companies spend millions trying to sound personal and relatable. Small businesses already are those things – yet they often fail to exploit their advantage.

Common small business marketing mistake: Trying to sound big, speaking in an unnatural tone, a kind of “corporate costume.” It sounds like: “We are committed to excellence” or “Our mission is to provide unparalleled service” or “We pride ourselves on quality and customer satisfaction.” That’s verbal Styrofoam. Nobody talks like this and nobody remembers this.

Local isn’t just location

It’s a feeling. When customers say they prefer to “shop local,” they don’t necessarily mean geographically close, independently owned/noncorporate. Those things do matter, but they’re not the heart of it.

What customers really mean is:

  • “I feel like these people understand me.”
  • “They get what matters here.”
  • “They’re part of this place.”
  • “They care about the same things I do.”

Local is emotional

It’s relational, human. Show that you understand the place your customers live by referencing familiar landmarks, acknowledging local quirks, using neighborhood names, mentioning local events, speaking the way locals speak. Explaining that the advertiser is “just off the rotary at the bridge” tells would-be customers: “We’re here. We get it.” Big brands can’t fake that.

Tout personal service: 

“You can buy the same shed from Lowe’s or Home Depot, cash-N-carry. Buy yours at Lorraine Lumber and Paul Jr. will set it up in your back yard.”

This is the second installment in a 3-part series about optimizing commercial copy, the fundamentals we’re covering in Sales meetings as I visit client stations this spring. If you missed last week’s column, here’s “If It Doesn’t Matter to the Customer, It Doesn’t Matter.”  Next week here: “Anatomy of a Results-Producing Spot.”

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

Sean Brace Joins Middays with Marks

At Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic,” sports media personality Sean Brace (left) returns to the station as part of the “Middays with Marks” program. Brace previously teamed upimg with Jon Marks (right) from 2013 to 2015. Beasley Philadelphia VP and market manager Paul Blake says, “Sean is back, and we’re better for it. He and Jon have proven chemistry and a shared competitive drive that fits this brand perfectly. Our fans expect passion and strong takes. That’s exactly what they’ll get every weekday at 10 am.” Brace comments, “‘97.5 The Fanatic’ is where this all began for me. So, to come back and join Jon Marks & Ray Dunne five days a week is something I’m incredibly proud of. Really looking forward to delivering the best four hours of sports radio in the city every day from 10 to 2.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Koehl Named Senior Fellow at D2C. Longtime talk radio professional Corny Koehl, whose career includes positions producing Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Suze Orman, Satellite Sisters, and Harpo Radio, is named Inaugural Senior Fellow at The Dedication to Community (D2C) Justice Institute at University of Mount St.Vincent. In this new role. Koehl will play a foundational role in shaping the Institute’s mission to advance justice-centered communication, public engagement and narrative change.

Tom Donahue Show to Launch on April 4. Talk media pro Tom Donahue says his program Truth Matters will debut on April 4 and will transition from SRN satellite distribution to online streaming and podcast audio file delivery to stations. The show will still air at 9:00 pm ET Saturday nights via direct stream from K-Star Talk Radio Network and will be heard on Talk Stream Live, World Broadcasting Network, “930 AM The Answer,” and later Sunday nights on KCAA Radio.

Industry News

Salem News Channel Now Available on Amazon Prime

Salem Media’s streaming television platform Salem News Channel is now available to Amazon Prime Video customers. The company notes that as Amazon Prime Video expands its free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) offerings, Salem News Channel is now available “to a widerimg audience looking for real-time news and opinion.” Salem News VP and general manager Cary Pahigian adds, “Expanding Salem News Channel onto Prime Video allows us to bring our programming to one of the largest streaming audiences in the world. As more viewers shift to streaming platforms for news and commentary, we are focused on ensuring Salem’s voices and perspectives are available wherever audiences are watching.”

Industry News

“The Breakfast Club” Achieves its Highest New York Ratings Ever

iHeartMedia announces that the talk-intensive urban radio morning show “The Breakfast Club” hits its highest ratings mark in New York City in the show’s history. The program – also nationally syndicated via Premiere Networks – is based at WWPR-FM, New York “Power 105.1” and ranked #1 in Nielsen’s PPM survey in New York in January among Adults 18–49img and 25–54 with double-digit shares of 13.9 and 13.1, respectively. The show is hosted by DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God and plays an important role in urban youth culture. iHeartMedia EVP of programming Thea Mitchem states, “The Breakfast Club continues to set the standard for what a truly multiplatform powerhouse looks like. These record‑setting ratings are a direct reflection of the team’s talent, consistency, and cultural impact. DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, and our exceptional production and digital teams deliver a show that resonates deeply with audiences across every platform. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to the listeners of New York who make ‘The Breakfast Club’ a defining force in media.”

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Announces Hire and Promotions in Sales Department

Compass Media Networks names Stephanie Dolan vice president of advertising sales and reveals expanded duties for four other executives. Speaking about her new position, Dolan says, “Compass Mediaimg Networks has a sterling reputation in our industry with a tremendous product line and management team. I cannot wait to get started and superserve our clients.” Additional moves include Laura Peyer being promoted to SVP of advertising sales; Anthony Severino being upped to VP of sales planning; Michael Weiss rising to VP of advertising sales; and Laura Schaefer named as director of advertising sales & manager of sales planning. Compass president of advertising sales & marketing Paul Gregery states, “It is truly my very good fortune to work with such a talented, hardworking, and passionate group of people. We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our wonderful company and equally thrilled to honor her colleagues with their promotions.”

Industry News

Sid Rosenberg Apologizes for Mamdani Post

For the second time this week, a talk radio host has apologized for a social media post. WABC, New York morning personality Sid Rosenberg apologized yesterday (3/4) for the post in which he referred to New Yorkimg Mayor Zohran Mamdani an “America hating, Jew hating, Radical Islam cockroach running our once beautiful city.” He also addressed President Trump, asking him to “stop complimenting the mayor.” Rosenberg removed the post and stated, “To the mayor, and anyone else that I offended with my tweet on Saturday, I send out a heartfelt apology,”

CBS News reports Mamdani’s reaction: “Muslims in this city for almost as long as we have been in this city have had to deal with those with power and platform dehumanizing us. And to be called animals, insects, to be called a jihadist mayor, to be called a cockroach, this language is both painfully familiar to me as a Muslim New Yorker, but also as someone who was born in East Africa. It is difficult to hear, but there is a reminder that the silence that often greets this kind of bigotry, this kind of Islamophobia is what allows it to fester, the temptation to treat it as politics as usual… I am not ashamed of who I am. I am not ashamed of my faith. I am not ashamed of being the first Muslim mayor in the history of our city. And there’s no amount of racism that will change that I lead or the commitment that I hold to each and every New Yorker in this city.” See the CBS News story here.

Industry Views

Spring-Forward Show Prep

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgUnless you live in Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) or American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, your clocks will change when we “Spring Forward” on Sunday 3/8.

Every year, that one missing hour becomes a big topic of conversation. So, it’s an opportunity to flex your local radio advantage. Plan now to empathize with the emotional and practical adjustments listeners are confronting, including…  

Darker Mornings
Positive:

  • Later sunrise can feel cozy, especially for people who enjoy easing into the day.
  • Early-morning workers may appreciate the quieter, calmer pre-dawn hours.

Negative:

  • For many, waking up in darkness can be jarring.
  • Kids heading to school and commuters on the road face reduced visibility.

Longer Evenings
Positive:

  • More daylight after work boosts mood, encourages outdoor activity, and feels like the unofficial start of spring.
  • Families get more time outside; businesses tied to recreation, dining, and retail see a lift.

Negative:

  • Evening routines shift, especially for parents managing homework, sports, and bedtime.
  • People who work late may feel the day stretching uncomfortably long.

Sleep Disruption
Positive:

  • Some listeners welcome the psychological “reset” of a seasonal shift.
  • A later sunset can help night owls feel more aligned with the clock.

Negative:

  • Losing an hour can hit hard.
  • Many experience grogginess, irritability, and a few days of circadian chaos.

Health and Mood
Positive:

  • More evening light is a proven mood-booster.
  • For those prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder, the extended daylight is a relief.

Negative:

  • The abrupt change can trigger fatigue, headaches, and short-term stress.
  • Sleep-deprived mornings can amplify anxiety.

Productivity and Daily Rhythm
Positive:

  • Longer evenings can inspire productivity, exercise, and social plans.
  • People feel like they “get their life back” after winter.

Negative:

  • Morning productivity tanks for a few days as bodies adjust.
  • Parents, shift workers, and early risers feel the strain most acutely.

Safety Considerations
Positive:

  • More daylight during high-traffic evening hours improves visibility and reduces accident risk.

Negative:

  • Darker mornings increase hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren.
  • Sleep deprivation contributes to slower reaction times.

Energy Consumption
Positive:

  • Longer daylight in the evening can reduce lighting needs.
  • Outdoor activity replaces indoor energy use.

Negative:

  • Darker mornings mean more lights, heat, and coffee makers running earlier.
  • Any savings are inconsistent and vary by region.

Impact on Schedules
Positive:

  • The seasonal shift feels like a milestone — spring is coming.
  • People use the change as a cue to refresh routines.

Negative:

  • Parents, pet owners, and anyone with a rigid schedule face a tough adjustment.
  • “Losing an hour” becomes a shared gripe.

So, What’s a Radio Station To Do?
This is where local radio can shine – being human, helpful, and hyper-local.

  • Songs about time: Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” etc.
  • Explain the history of Daylight Saving Time(NOTE: it’s “Saving,” not “Savings”).
  • Ask callers how they feel about DST. You’ll get strong opinions on both sides…and stories.
  • “What will you do with your longer evenings?”
  • Giveaways that fit the moment: Coffee cards, breakfast treats, outdoor gear, spring-cleaning kits.
  • Partner with advertisers: “Spring Ahead Specials,” etc.
  • Interview a local health pro about sleep.

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

Curtis Sliwa Joins Larry Mendte for WOR Mornings

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iHeartMedia news/talk WOR, New York announces that longtime NYC media personality Curtis Sliwa is joining the station’s morning drive show alongside Larry Mendte. “Curtis Sliwa and Larry Mendte in the Morning” will debut on Monday (3/9) in the 6:00 am to 10:00 am daypart. Sliwa had been working for crosstown news/talk WABC but took leave to run for mayor of New York on the Republican ticket. He says, “It’s been four months since the end of the New York City Mayoral election and most places I go people have asked me to come back to talk radio, so that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to the best radio station in New York City, joining my friends of 30 years Mark Simone and Sean Hannity. It’s a full circle moment for me as my first radio station appearance for me was in 1971 when WOR’s Arlene Francis interviewed me as a kid, and I’ve been talking on the radio since.” Larry Mendte comments, “I couldn’t be more excited. Curtis is not only a legendary talk radio host, but an iconic New Yorker. What an honor to get to team up with him to get New Yorkers started every weekday.” The station adds that Gracie Award winner and 29-year WOR veteran Natalie Vacca will serve as executive producer for the new show.

Industry News

LeGeyt Reiterates Need for Ownership Deregulation at NAB State Leadership Conference

During yesterday’s gathering of broadcasters in Washington, DC for the National Association of Broadcasters’ annual State Leadership Conference, NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt delivered remarks to some 570 attendees, “outlining the urgent need to modernize outdated regulations that prevent local stations from competing on a level playingimg field with global technology platforms.” He underscored broadcasters’ unique and essential role in public safety, civic engagement and strengthening local democracy. Additionally, broadcasters heard from key policymakers shaping broadcast policy, including Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), who spoke about the enduring value of broadcast radio and his leadership on the bipartisan effort to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act… and U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, who spoke about the need for broadcast ownership rules to reflect today’s landscape and the importance of keeping AM radio in cars.

Industry News

Crystal Radio Award Winners Unveiled

The National Association of Broadcasters announces the 10 winners of the 39th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards that recognize radio stations “for their exceptional year-round commitment to community service.” Spoken-word stations among the group of 10 include: news/talk WCCO-AM, Minneapolis; sports talk WEEI-FM, Boston; news/talk WOKV-FM, Jacksonville; and WSB-AM, Atlanta.

Industry News

Sales Pros Join Key-United

Key-United, a joint venture between Key Networks and United Stationsimg Radio Networks names two media sales pros to the organization. Rosanne Tipton joins Key-United as VP, sales and brand partnerships, and imgRobbie Eisen, joins as director of strategic research and planning. Key-United president of sales Ron Russo, says, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome both Rosanne and Robbie to the sales organization. Their energy, drive, and passion for building meaningful relationships perfectly align with our commitment to service and partnership. We’re confident they will make an immediate impact and accelerate the outstanding results our agency and client partners have come to expect from Key-United.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

New York Archbishop to Host New Program. SiriusXM announces that new Archbishop of New York Ronald Hicks will host a new program for SiriusXM’s Catholic Channel, titled, “All Good Things with Archbishop Hicks. The program takes over the time slot previously held by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who hosted “Conversations with Cardinal Dolan.”

Louisville Public Media Adds New Programs. Louisville Public Media expands its lineup with three new programs: “Sports in America” with David Greene from PRX and WHYY; “Click Here” with Dina Temple-Raston from PRX and Recorded Future News; and “Eastern Standard” from WEKU in Richmond, Kentucky. LPM president and CEO Kenya Young comments, “In listening to our audiences — those who have supported LPM for years and those we have yet to reach — one thing is unmistakably clear: people value programming that speaks to where they live. They want journalism and storytelling grounded in their communities, their state and the issues that shape their lives.”

Kevin Frazier to Appear at BFOA Gala. Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that “Entertainment Tonight” co-host Kevin Frazier will introduce Stephen A Smith, the recipient of the BFOA’s inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award at the organization’s Gala and Fundraiser taking place Monday (3/9) at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Reports 2025 Q4 Revenue Up 0.8%

Releasing its operating results for the fourth quarter of 2025 and for the full year of 2025, iHeartMedia reports consolidated revenue of $1.12, billion, an increase of 0.8% over Q4 of 2024. For the full year of 2025, consolidated revenue was $3.86 billion, an increase of 0.3% over the full year of 2024. For the fourth quarter of 2025, the company says Audioimg revenue increased $47.7 million, or 14.1%, driven primarily by continuing increases in demand for digital and podcast advertising, as well as increased non-cash trade revenue resulting from strategic marketing initiatives. Multiplatform Group revenue decreased $19.2 million, or 2.8%, primarily resulting from lower political revenues, as 2024 was a presidential election year, as well as a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions.

Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman says, “We’re pleased with our fourth quarter results, generating Adjusted EBITDA of $220 million, at the midpoint of our previously provided guidance range, and our consolidated revenue was $1.1 billion, up 0.8% compared to prior year and above our guidance; excluding the impact of political, our consolidated revenue was up 7.7%. Our podcast momentum continues, growing 24.5% compared to prior year, above our guidance of ‘up in the mid-teens,’ and we have the number one audience in podcasting as measured by both Podtrac and Triton. In 2026 a major goal of ours is to return the Multiplatform Group to segment Adjusted EBITDA growth and we continue to invest in our broadcast programmatic efforts and working with partners like Amazon DSP, Yahoo! DSP and other to include our broadcast radio inventory on their programmatic platforms. We also see some of our recent announcements as validation of the power of broadcast radio, with companies like Netflix and TikTok coming to partner with us and our broadcast radio assets.”

Industry News

Dan Brady Promoted at Take On the Day LLC

Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s Take On the Day, LLC and Crossover Media Group Dan Brady is promoted to vice president/general manager in which he’ll oversee the day-to-day operations of the company. Brady moves up from chief call producer, director of podcast operations &img program audio, and vice president of operations roles. Take On The Day CEO Ron Hartenbaum says, “Dan has been critical to the on-going success of the radio program, podcast, live events, and pushing the growth of the video product to new levels of engagement. His ability to get things done is simply amazing.” Brady comments, “I’m humbled to be recognized in this elevated role by the managing partners and more importantly Dr. Laura as we continue to propel her legendary brand. Continuing to work with our partners at SiriusXM and their team in this new capacity is a true honor.”

Industry Views

Reckless Disregard in the Age of AI: What Verification Now Requires

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgAI is now embedded in the modern newsroom. Not as a headline, not as a novelty, but as infrastructure. It drafts outlines, summarizes complex reporting, surfaces background details, and accelerates prep for live conversations. For media creators operating under relentless deadlines, that efficiency is not theoretical. It is practical and daily.

That reality raises a quiet but consequential legal question. When AI contributes to your research, what does verification now require?

Professional hosts are not reading raw chatbot answers on air and calling it journalism. That caricature misses the real issue. What is actually happening is subtler and far more common.

AI now sits inside research workflows. Producers use it for background. Hosts use it to summarize reporting. Teams use it to outline controversies or draft rundowns. Most of the time, it works. Sometimes, however, it invents.

When that invention involves a real person and a serious allegation, the legal analysis looks familiar.

For public figures, defamation requires proof of actual malice – knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth. For private figures, negligence is usually enough. In both cases, the focus is not on the tool. It is on the content creator’s conduct.

AI does not change the elements. It changes the context in which reasonableness is judged.

Courts have long held that repeating a defamatory statement can create liability, even if someone else said it first. If you rely on a blog, and that blog relied on AI, and the allegation is false, the question becomes whether your reliance was reasonable.

Was the source reputable? Was the claim inherently improbable? Were there obvious red flags?  Was contradictory information readily available?

AI’s reputation for “hallucinating” facts now forms part of that backdrop. Widespread awareness that these systems can fabricate citations, merge identities, or invent accusations becomes relevant when a court evaluates your verification choices.

This does not mean using AI indicates reckless disregard. It means using AI does not excuse skipping verification when the stakes are high.

The more specific and damaging the claim, the greater the duty to confirm it through independent, reliable sources. Not another prompt. Not a circular reference to the same unverified blog. Rather, a primary record, official statement, or established reporting.

Documentation matters. If challenged, being able to show that you checked multiple sources before broadcast can be decisive.

None of this is new doctrine. What is new is how seamlessly AI blends into ordinary research habits. That integration makes it easier to forget that the legal question is still about human judgment.

The law will not ask whether your workflow was efficient. It will ask whether your conduct was reasonable under the circumstances.

In the age of AI, verification is not a courtesy. It is risk management.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Katz in the Hat

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WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz is pictured above sharing the stories of Dr. Seuss as he celebrated “Read Across America” with special needs students at Patrick Henry High School in Ashland, Virginia. PHHS is the school that his daughter Julia attended.

Industry News

Connoisseur Closes on Sale of Minnesota and Missouri Stations

Connoisseur Media closes on the sale of 19 signals to two companies. The first is the sale of KLQL-FM and KQAD-AM, in Luverne, Minnesota to Christensen Broadcasting LUV, LLC. That company also operatesimg eight stations in Minnesota. The second deal transfers 17 signals in a number of small markets in the state of Missouri to Carter Media Too, LLC., a Carrollton, Missouri‑based limited liability company led by the Carter Media family. Carter Media Too also operates three radio stations in Missouri plus the streaming platform, MidVid.com. Exclusive broker Kalil & Co says Miles and Michael Carter expressed their enthusiasm for expanding the organization’s footprint and restoring a strong local presence in news, weather, sports, and agriculture.

Industry News

Audacy’s KYW, Philadelphia Honors Community Leaders in GameChangers Series

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Audacy’s all-news KYW, Philadelphia honored 11 exceptional leaders driving meaningful change and uplifting lives in and around Philadelphia’s communities of color. This year’s 2026 class of GameChangers was recognized at a celebration on February 25 hosted by KYW community impact reporter Racquel Williams. KYW brand manager Kristina Koppesar says, “The GameChangers initiative reflects KYW Newsradio’s deep commitment to the communities we serve. These 11 extraordinary leaders embody the resilience, vision, and compassion that define Philadelphia at its best. We are honored to spotlight their achievements and celebrate the powerful, positive impact they are making every single day.”

Industry News

WABC, New York Spices Up Sunday Mornings

WABC Radio is adding a one-hour show hosted by former White House press secretary Sean Spicer to its Sunday morning lineup. “Full Court Press with Sean Spicer” will debut this Sunday (3/1) at 10:00 am ET.img Station owner John Catsimatidis says, “Big name personalities define WABC Radio. Sean is a powerful addition to our Sunday lineup and another example of WABC’s unmatched ability to attract major talent and deliver must-hear talk. The show is going to be fast, fearless, and honest, with smart conversation, sharp opinion, and honest discussion about the stories driving the country.” Spicer comments, “WABC Radio doesn’t whisper, it leads! It is one of the most iconic and influential radio stations in the U.S. WABC Radio listeners expect truth, energy, and authenticity, and that’s exactly what I’m going to give them. I couldn’t be more excited to join the incredible 77WABC lineup.”