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.”

Industry News

SummitMedia Signs Off KXSP-AM, Omaha

Back in 1923 when the station signed on, its calls were WOAW-AM. It was put on the air by the insurance company Woodmen of the World.img They wanted WOW but those calls were taken. Still the station was known as WOW and boasted that Johnny Carson started his broadcast career there. The station took the calls KXSP in 2005 and was broadcasting a sports talk format using ESPN content. SummitMedia sold the station’s tower land, prompting the station’s sign-off.  

Industry Views

Progressive Talk Media Star Thom Hartmann Interviewed

UFCO Hartmann copy

WYD Media nationally syndicated progressive talk show host, Thom Hartmann is Michael Harrison‘s guest this week on Up Close Far Out – a YouTube video presentation of broadcast industry trade publication TALKERS magazine.  Hartmann is one of – if not THE – most influential and longest running progressive radio and talk media commentators on the scene today.  His daily program is heard on several hundred radio stations as well as the SiriusXM Progress 127 channel, Free Speech TV, Substack, YouTube, and Facebook. He is a prolific best-selling author and publishes a widely read daily newsletter, the Hartmann Report. Hartmann is currently ranked number 8 on the prestigious TALKERS Heavy Hundred list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America.  Harrison and Hartmann discuss the state of news/talk media, the challenge of covering the Trump presidency, and both commentators’ concern about the administration’s escalating infringement on First Amendment rights. To experience the video in its entirety please click HERE.

Industry News

Podtrac Releases Multi-Channel Podcast Ranker for January

Earlier this year, Podtrac announced its new multi-channel podcast ranker that takes into account audio, video and video clips. Today, the company releases its first multi-channel ranker for January 2026 and Meidas Touch Network’s “The Meidas Touch Podcast” is #1 on theimg strength of the video podcast and podcast clips, while “The Joe Rogan Experience” is #2 with consumption split almost evenly between audio and a combination of video podcast and podcast clips. Perhaps not surprisingly, NPR’s “NPR News Now” (#4) consumption came primarily from audio with about 20% coming from podcast clips. Candace Owens’ “Candace” leapt 71 places to finish the January period at #10. Her program’s consumption was primarily a split between video podcast and podcast clips. See the chart here.

Industry News

Hillsdale Students Win Awards at IBS NYC 2026

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Two Hillsdale College students took home first-place awards at last weekend’s Intercollegiate Broadcasting System College Media Awards given out at the 86th International IBS Conference in New York City. TALKERS was a presenting sponsor of the conference. Erika Kyba ’26 won first place in the Best Specialty Show (Non-Music) category for her WRFH show, “The Poetry Fix,” a five-minute weekly podcast feature that makes the beauty of classic poetry accessible to a modern audience. Lauren Smyth ’25 was named Best News Director, Radio. Smyth’s role was to ensure that news coverage on WRFH was accurate, timely, educational, and fun. WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM general manager Scot Bertram says, “Our students are dedicated and creative. They consistently produce outstanding content, and it is exciting to see their work recognized among some of the finest programs in the country.”

Industry Views

Michael Harrison Reveals Roots as an Immigrant

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TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison reveals and openly discusses his perspective as an immigrant in this country disclosing his irrevocable inability to ever return to his land of origin. In a brief 2 1/2-minute video commentary described by TALKERS editors as “experimental,” Harrison is presented as a thoughtful figure who candidly talks about the natives in this “peculiar” new world. He admits to making adjustments to blend in and get along. As an old, seasoned man humbly seated on a bench just across chilly New York Harbor from Ellis Island, Harrison captures a profoundly original view of 21st century America seen though his eyes as an outsider attempting to assimilate into a new culture. He ultimately examines the evolving state of his humanity.  Check it out here.

Industry News

FCC Seeking Public Comments on Sports Broadcasting Practices and Marketplace Developments

The FCC’s Media Bureau is asking for the public’s comments on the current state of sports broadcasting. In making the announcement, the Commission says, “Many games are still available for free over broadcast TV, but there has been a surge in recent years of games going behind the paywalls of various streaming services.  While this can increase the number of games and sports available to fans, many consumers today find it more difficult to find the events they want to watch and are now paying to sign up for one or more video distribution platforms that consumers can find difficult to navigate.”

With that said, it is asking for consumers to “address the current and emerging trends in the distribution of live sports programming.  How does the present marketplace benefit or harm consumers?  How does theimg recent trends towards fragmentation facilitate or inhibit the ability of local broadcast television stations to meet their public interest obligations, including their production of local news and reporting?  In what ways is the marketplace continuing to evolve and how will future changes impact consumer access to free over-the-air news and information, including public safety information?”

NAB president Curtis LeGeyt issued the following statement in response: “NAB thanks Chairman Carr for his leadership in examining the rapid changes in the sports broadcasting marketplace and what they mean for American viewers and local communities.

“Consumer access to premier games through free, over-the-air television has long been a cornerstone of the American sports fan experience. As distribution becomes more fragmented across streaming services and paywalls, fans face higher costs and greater confusion just to follow the teams they care about. Local broadcasters provide the widest reach for live events, bringing fans together to celebrate their favorite teams.

“As the Commission evaluates these marketplace trends, it is important to ensure that local stations have a fair opportunity to compete for premium sports rights. That includes modernizing outdated ownership restrictions that limit broadcasters’ ability to achieve the scale necessary to compete in today’s media marketplace. We look forward to participating in this proceeding and providing real-world insight into how disruption in the media landscape is affecting viewers and local stations.”

Industry News

MIW: Gender Analysis Study Reveals Best Management Opportunities for Women Remain in Sales

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc releases the results of its 25th Annual Gender Analysis Study in which it compiles and analyzes the number of women rising to management roles within the radio industry. MIW says the ongoing study “provides one of the longest-running benchmarks of female leadership progress in broadcasting.”img According to the study, 22.07% (2366 stations) had women holding the general manager position in 2025. This is a slight increase from last year where the number was 21.67% and compared to 2004 continues to show solid growth when the percentage of female general managers was only 14.9%. MIW says, “Overall, the best management opportunities for women in radio continues to be in sales management. 35.31% (3561 stations) had a woman sales manager in 2025 which is basically flat from 35.67% in 2024. The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program directors/brand managers. Women currently program 13.02% (289 stations) which is a slight gain from 12.38% in 2024. MIW board president Sheila Kirby comments, “Twenty-five years of data give us clarity. We are encouraged to see movement in general manager and programming roles, particularly within the Top 100 markets. At the same time, flat growth in sales leadership and the continued underrepresentation of women in programming nationally remind us that progress is not automatic. Sustainable advancement requires intention. MIW remains committed to mentoring, advocating, and creating pathways for women to lead at every level of the industry.”

Industry News

Edison: Podcasting Overtakes AM/FM Spoken-Word Listening

According to data from Edison Research, podcasts have overtaken AM/FM in consumption of spoken-word audio. Edison says, “In 2015, AM/FM radio accounted for 75% of the time Americans spent with spoken-word audio sources. AM/FM radio was not only the mostimg dominant spoken-word audio listening platform, but it was fully sixty-five percentage points higher than podcasts, which accounted for 10% of listening time back then. Quarter by quarter and year over year, time spent using AM/FM radio to listen to spoken-word audio has declined significantly and shifted to time spent with podcasts. As of Q4 2025, 40% of time spent listening to spoken-word is now spent with podcasts and 39% of time is spent with AM/FM radio. Not only does radio not beat podcasts by a significant margin, it now trails the on-demand platform for spoken-word audio listening.”

Industry News

SAG-AFTRA Criticizes Nexstar News Cuts

SAG-AFTRA is condemning Nexstar Media Group’s decision to eliminate SAG-AFTRA positions at WGN-TV in Chicago and lay off multiple journalists at KTLA in Los Angeles and at stations across the country. SAG-AFTRA says, “These cuts strike a serious blow to a trusted source of news and information on which these communities depend.” SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin comments, “By laying off journalists across the country, Nexstar is eroding the resources and talent that local communities rely on for trusted news. These actions highlight the risks of media consolidation and underscore the urgent need for regulators and the company to prioritize the public interest and the professionals who serve it.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Partners with iFlag

The International Flag League – a.k.a. iFlag – the world’s largest flag football tournament organization names iHeartRadio its official media partner. This deal includes cross-marketing collaboration from bothimg brands with promotion nationally across iHeartMedia’s multi-channel ecosystem. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo states, “This partnership with the International Flag League showcases iHeart’s commitment to supporting emerging sports and the communities that champion them. By combining iFlag’s explosive growth with iHeart’s unmatched reach, we’re creating new opportunities for athletes, fans and brands to engage with the sport like never before.”