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.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

McVay to Consult Zeno Media. Zeno Media, a global streaming and podcast infrastructure company serving diaspora communities in over 100 countries, announces the appointment of Mike McVay as a strategic advisor. In this role he’ll work closely with Zeno’s leadership team to sharpen content strategy, strengthen programming innovation, and help scale the company’s audio business across traditional, digital, and streaming platforms.

Jones to Interview Couric at Gracies Leadership Awards. The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) announces that “TODAY” co-host Sheinelle Jones will conduct a fireside chat with award-winning journalist Katie Couric at the November 18 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards at Tribeca 360° in New York City. Couric will be honored with the distinguished Gracies Icon Award in recognition of her groundbreaking career and contributions to media.

WRKO Raises $137k for Disabled Vets. iHeartMedia Boston’s news/talk WRKO raised $137,736 during the tenth annual DAV Radiothon to benefit the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts last Friday. WRKO personalities Jeff Kuhner, Chuck Zodda, Mike Armstrong, and Howie Carr encouraged listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. Since 2016, DAV Radiothon has raised over $1,263,000 to benefit veterans in the community.

Industry News

Saga Communications Q3 Net Revenue Falls 1.8%

Saga Communications reports operating results for the third quarter of 2025 and states that net revenue was $28.2 million, a decrease of 1.8% from the same period in 2024. Station operating expense increased $2 million or 8.7% for the quarter to $24.7 million compared to the sameimg period last year. Saga says this was primarily the result of an industry wide settlement with two music licensing organizations (ASCAP and BMI) resulting in a retroactive rate adjustment of approximately $2.1 million covering the period from January 1, 2022, to the quarter ended September 30, 2025. Station operating expense would have decreased $120 thousand or 0.5% for the quarter without this settlement. For the quarter, Saga had an operating loss of $626 thousand compared to operating income of $1.6 million for the same quarter last year and station operating income decreased $2.5 million to $3.5 million. Without the settlement the operating loss would have been operating income of $1.5 million compared to $1.6 million and station operating income would have been $5.6 compared to $6.0 million for the same quarter last year. Saga reports a net loss of $532,000for the quarter compared to net income of $1.3 million for the third quarter last year. Saga says its balance sheet reflects $34.2 million in cash and short-term investments as of November 3, 2025.

Industry News

Amazon Ads and iHeartMedia Expand Partnership

The expansion of the relationship between Amazon Ads and iHeartMedia is something the latter says will “soon extend the scale and reach of broadcast radio to Amazon DSP.” Amazon says DSP is “an omnichannel media solution that simplifies the ad buying experience.” This new dealimg provides advertisers using Amazon DSP access to iHeartMedia’s streaming audio portfolio. The companies add that access to iHeartPodcasts and the scale and reach of its broadcast radio stations will follow in 2026. Meredith Goldman is director, Amazon DSP, Amazon Ads and she imgsays, “Our partnership with iHeart allows Amazon DSP customers to reach relevant audio audiences with simplified campaign management and unique measurement capabilities. Integrations like this enable advertisers to build more comprehensive omnichannel strategies that connect brands with consumers throughout their journey across media.” iHeartMedia chief business officer Liz Coffey adds, “Making iHeart’s premium audio inventory available through Amazon DSP, unlocks scale with deep listener engagement and proven performance. And with accessibility to Broadcast Radio inventory soon to follow, this partnership is another step in making broadcast radio behave like digital media; addressable, measurable, and available programmatically, so marketers of all sizes can buy with greater ease and consistency.”

Industry News

Audacy Launches Detroit Sports Network

Audacy is launching “97.1 Detroit Sports Radio Network” on December 1, what it calls “a new, centralized hub for sports fans across Michigan.” The company’s “97.1 The Ticket” (WXYT-FM, Detgroit) will serve as “the flagship station of the first-of-its-kind statewide platform produced andimg distributed by Audacy to unite the biggest sports voices, markets, and fans.” Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon says, “The launch of ‘97.1 Detroit Sports Radio Network’ represents a massive commitment to our listeners and an exciting chapter in our growth. We are excited to partner with Townsquare Media and other media companies to expand our footprint across all of Michigan and to deliver great content to the dedicated fan base we serve. We are proud to deliver best-in-class sports coverage to the entire state, solidifying our position as the essential source for Michigan sports audio content now and for years to come.” The network’s first affiliates include Townsquare Media’s WFGR in Grand Rapids, WJIM in Lansing, WBCK in Battle Creek, and WKMI in Kalamazoo, plus Blarney Stone Broadcasting’s WGRY in Roscommon. Additional affiliates will be announced in the upcoming months.

Industry News

News/Talk Radio Covers Elections

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New York City’s mayoral race was being watched across the country and Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York presented a bi-partisan Roundtable of its hosts and local political figures to analyze and discuss the race. Pictured above in the station’s Studio 77 in Manhattan are (from l-r): WABC owner and talk host John Catsimatidis; Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, co-host of 77WABC’s “The Rev & The Rabbi”; Fernando Mateo, NYC businessman, activist, and politician; Dominic Carter, host of the “Dominic Carter Show” on 77WABC; former New York Governor David Paterson; and former Congressman Anthony Weiner. Elsewhere, on the nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show,” media personality Megyn Kelly joined to discuss the New York City mayoral election and key races across the country. She and Erickson also explored Charlie Kirk’s influence, the future of the Republican Party, and its path forward. Former Vice President Mike Pence also appeared on the program to discuss his upcoming book, What Conservatives Believe. He and Erickson discussed Pence’s unique relationship with the late Dick Cheney, key accomplishments of the Trump-Pence administration, and the troubling rise of antisemitism on both the left and the right. Photo by Michelle Jerson

Industry News

Audacy and Wichita State Announce Broadcast Deal Extension

Audacy’s Wichita station group announces a multi-year extension of its broadcast partnership with Wichita State Athletics. As part of the deal, classic hits KEYN-FM remains the flagship and will air all men’s basketball games and select women’s basketball games. All baseball games will be exclusively broadcast on sports talk KFH Radio (97.5 FM /1240 AM). Audacy will alsoimg produce and distribute weekly coaches’ podcasts for multiple sports during their seasons. Audacy Wichita SVP and market manager Tommy Castor says, “We are proud to continue our 50-plus-year tradition as the radio home of Shocker sports. Our partnership with Wichita State Athletics reflects a deep commitment to the community and to connecting with generations of fans. We’re excited to provide Shocker fans the best play-by-play coverage and exclusive updates that bring every game to life.”

Industry News

Clay Travis Puts $100k of His Own Money on the Line in Women’s Soccer Controversy

Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk host Clay Travis is offering $100,000 to any male soccer player who can say he identifies as female and makes a women’s pro soccer team. This comes on the heels of the controversy generated by the disagreement between Angel City Football Club players Elizabeth Eddy – who penned an op-ed calling for a gender eligibilityimg policy in the National Women’s Soccer League and teammates Sarah Gorden and Angelina Anderson who strenuously object to the idea. Travis – co-host of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show – said on the program, “If you are a male soccer player, and you are listening to us right now, D1, I would encourage you to go to open tryouts. If you make a women’s soccer team or they ban you – just say you identify as a woman – if you make a women’s soccer team, I’ll pay you 100 grand. Challenge out there for every man listening to us right now. I want one of you out there to try to make a women’s pro soccer team – just tell them if they question you, ‘hey, I identify as a woman,’ and I want you to make the team because if they don’t have this rule in place, it would be transphobic for them to stop you from being able to become a male identifying as a woman professional athlete. And I think you might be able to score fifty goals in a year and maybe this is what needs to happen in the National Women’s Soccer League.”

Industry News

Urban One Third Quarter 2025 Net Revenue Falls 16%

Urban One releases its operating results for the third quarter of 2025 and reports net revenue of approximately $92.7 million, a decrease of 16% from the same period in 2024. The company says operating income was approximately $2.5 million during the quarter, compared to an operating loss of approximately $26.2 million during the same period in 2024. Urban One is also reporting a net loss of approximately $2.8 compared to net loss of approximately $31.8 million inimg the same period a year ago. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III says, “Third quarter results came in slightly softer than expected across the board. Core radio, excluding political, finished down 8.1%, and our Radio segment is currently pacing down 30.2% all-in and 6.4% ex-political for the fourth quarter of 2025. Revenues at our Reach Media and Digital segments were down 40.0% and 30.0% respectively, which was on the lower end of expectations. Cable TV advertising was down 5.4% and affiliate revenue was down 9.1% driven by continuing subscriber churn. In light of the soft overall market conditions, we are reducing our full year guidance from $60 million of Adjusted EBITDA to $56 to $58 million. Our focus remains on controlling costs, managing debt, leverage and liquidity. During the third quarter of 2025, we repurchased $4.5 million of our 2028 Notes at an average price of approximately 52.0% of par, reducing our outstanding debt balance to $487.8 million.”

Industry News

Legendary Sports Talker Bob Trumpy Dies at 80

Sports media pioneer Bob Trumpy – who got his start in sports talk radio at WCKY-AM,img Cincinnati – died on Sunday at age 80. As reported by John Kiesewetter at WVXU.org reports on Trumpy’s passing and his career. Trumpy pitched the idea of a sports talk program to then-general manager of WLW-AM, Cincinnati Charles Murdock but was shot down. He turned to WCKY-AM and launched the show there. Three years later, WLW-AM hired him away from WCKY. Trumpy, who played for the hometown Cincinnati Bengals from 1968-1977, would move on to national television with NBC Sports that culminated with him receiving the Pete Rozelle Award for lifetime achievement in NFL broadcasting. Read the full WVXU story here.

Industry News

WJR, Detroit Legend Warren Pierce Dies at 82

Warren Pierce, legendary WJR-AM, Detroit personality, died on Friday (10/31) at the age of 82. Pierce served with WJR for almost 40 years and, according to the Detroit Free Press, “was saidimg to have interviewed tens of thousands of celebrities, authors, politicians and other assorted newsmakers during his long radio career.” The Free Press obit states, “He filled a variety of roles for WJR across the decades beginning in the 1970s. Whether hosting a weekday morning or afternoon slot or doing a weekend shift, he drew fans with his friendly, upbeat style and filled ‘The Warren Pierce Show’ with a mix of interviews, movie reviews, news and weather.  A dedicated fan of University of Michigan football, Pierce also did sideline reporting for WJR’s coverage of Wolverines games during the era of coach Bo Schembechler.” He left WJR in 1993 and joined WJBK-TV, Detroit as a morning news anchor. See the Detroit Free Press story here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Costs Are Criminal. And You’re on the Case.

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

The number of Americans asking Google for help with debt is way up. Delinquencies are surging. Credit scores are falling at the fastest pace since the Great Recession. Consumerimg Confidence is down. Costco is mobbed.

Gasoline, eggs, now coffee. What DOESN’T cost more? Seen beef prices? Hamburger Helper sales are up double-digits year-over-year.

A client station asked me for something to pitch to a local credit union. So, I called-in “The Deal Detective.” He’s a frugal flatfoot, the lieutenant of low prices, a savings sleuth with a barcode scanner. He reads receipts like rap sheets. And he’s a stack of 60-second features.

Special for TALKERS readers: Help yourself, here.

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They’re FREE, no paperwork, no national spot. Sell a local sponsorship and keep the money. It’s your license to bill. OK to use as stream cover-up spots, or on your station website (help yourself to the graphic). NOT “available wherever you get your podcasts.”

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

Civic Media Host Jane Matenear Announces Retirement

Wisconsin radio personality current host of “Matenaer On Air” on several of Civic Media’s news/talk stations, Jane Matenaer, announces her retirement after 44 years in the business. She says, “When I started my radio career, my goal was to be a ‘cool, nighttime rock chick.’img Tragically, I was none of those things. Fortunately, I had the support of those who believed I had potential and encouraged me to follow a slightly different path — to morning radio. And while I never envisioned eventually moving from music to talk radio, the transition has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and these last three years at Civic Media have been the proudest of my 40-plus year career.” Prior to joining Civic Media, Matenaer served with Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee in the newsroom and in morning drive. She adds, “As I head toward retirement, I want to take this moment to thank my current and former colleagues and mentors. You are among the most talented, dedicated and hilarious people on the planet. Thank you to Civic Media, for believing in a 60-something woman to host her own show and for your commitment to community-based radio and to a healthy democracy.”

Industry News

KOA, Denver Officially Unveils New Morning Lineup

iHeartMedia Denver confirms the news shared on social media by talk host Ross Kaminsky that TALKERS reported last week. On Monday, November 10, KOA will debut the “Ross Kaminsky on the News, with Jeana Gondek,” program from 6:00 am to 9:00 am. The showimg follows the 5:00 am hour of “Colorado’s Morning News” anchored by Gondek. Michael Brown, former FEMA Administrator and nationally syndicated host of “The Situation with Michael Brown,” moves from sister KHOW to the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart. The rest of the day’s local programming is Mandy Connell from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm; KOA Sports with Dave Logan and Ryan Edwards from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by “Broncos Country Tonight with Benjamin Allbright and Nick Ferguson.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

SiriusXM Debuts College Hoops Season Coverage. Satcaster SiriusXM is recognizing today’s first day of the 2025-26 college basketball season by presenting 77 live men’s and women’s game broadcasts, including #7 Duke visiting #16 Baylor in women’s action at 12:00 noon ET, and #13 Arizona hosting #3 Florida on the men’s side at 7:00 pm ET.

New Affiliate for Donal Ware. “BOXTOROW” with sports and entertainment host Donal Ware adds non-commercial KCEP-FM, Las Vegas to its roster of affiliate station. Ware says, “We are happy to have them aboard. BOXTOROW was a media partner of the Las Vegas HBCU Classic that took place last week, so to now be able to bring BOXTOROW to Las Vegas is a blessing and exciting.

Industry News

Gould Named SVP of Sales for iHeartMedia San Francisco

iHeartMedia San Francisco names Annalee Gould SVP of sales for the station group that includes sports talk KNEW-AM and KKSF-AM BIN Black Information Network, plus five musicimg brands. Gould comes to iHeartMedia from Metamorphosis.Digital where she was chief revenue officer and VP of sales. iHeartMedia division president Kris Foley says, “Annalee’s ability to build trust, navigate change, and deliver creative, cross-platform results makes her the ideal leader for our San Francisco sales team. Her experience and relationships in the Bay Area will be instrumental as we continue to grow our presence and impact.” She comments, “Audio is one of the most powerful and evolving channels in media today and nowhere embodies creativity and innovation quite like the Bay Area. I’m excited to join iHeartMedia and work with a team that understands how meaningful human-generated content continues to drive trusted marketing. In a time when that connection feels increasingly rare, radio and podcasts remain deeply human, built on authentic voices, real stories, and companionship.”

Industry Views

TALKERS EXCLUSIVE: Talk-Show-Host-Turned-City-Councilor Frank Morano Shares Insider’s View of WABC and the Intense NYC Mayoral Race

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As November 4 approaches, the 2025 New York City mayoral race and talk radio powerhouse WABC are entangled in a political drama worthy of several books and a movie, not to mention big time radio ratings! Key players include Curtis SliwaJohn CatsimatidisAndrew CuomoSid Rosenberg, and of course, Zohran Mamdani.

Bringing it all to life is former WABC rising talk show star Frank Morano, who is this week’s guest on “Up Close Far Out” hosted by Michael Harrison on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel.

Morano recently walked away from his “The Other Side of Midnight” show to compete in and win a special election for the seat vacated by a retiring city councilor from his home district #51 on the South Shore of Staten Island. Morano is now running for reelection to his own full term in the NYC election. Harrison predicts that his political future is bright.

In this candid conversation, Morano focuses on the mayoral election, personalities, and struggles in what Harrison describes as “improvisational theater set at the intersection of politics and talk radio.”  Morano also discusses how talk radio prepared him for his new political mission.

To connect to the conversation between Frank Morano and Michael Harrison, please click here.   

Industry News

SiriusXM Reports Net Revenue of $2.16 Billion

SiriusXM reports its operating results for the third quarter of 2025 and says net revenue was $2.16 billion, down 1% from the same period in 2024. The company also reveals it posted net income of $297 million, compared to a net loss of $2.96 billion in the third quarter of 2024 (that included a $3.36 billion noncash goodwill impairment related to the Liberty Media transaction). CEO Jennifer Witz states, “This was a quarter of meaningful progress for SiriusXM. We’reimg enhancing the subscriber experience through new content, deeper personalization, and continued innovation across every stage of the customer journey, driving greater engagement and value for our listeners. At the same time, we’re scaling our digital advertising business and strengthening our leadership in podcasting. Across each of these areas, we’re leveraging our unique assets to deliver sustainable profitability and long-term value for our shareholders — a strategy that is already delivering as we raise our full year guidance.” During the quarter the satcaster expanded and developed its roster of high-profile voices. It extended its agreement with Andy Cohen and celebrated the 10th anniversary of his flagship channel, Radio Andy. Stephen A. Smith also debuted on the platform, launching new political and sports programs and renewed its agreement with Megyn Kelly, expanding the partnership to include the upcoming Megyn Kelly Channel.