TALKERS to Present IBS NYC 2026
TALKERS magazine is pleased to announce that it will again serve as the presenting sponsor of the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference.
IBS NYC 2026 – America’s preeminent annual college radio and media
gathering – will take place February 19-21 at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in midtown Manhattan.
In making the announcement, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison stated, “Campus broadcasting continues to take on a growing importance as the radio industry (and its related fields) seeks to connect with and develop a new generation of professional practitioners as well as engaged audiences going further into the digital era. TALKERS is proud to be able to provide major financial support, encouragement, experience, and advice to the dedicated producers of this very special event for the second consecutive year. I highly recommend that radio and media professionals attend this dynamic gathering because the grass roots future of the field oozes out of its meeting rooms, exhibition areas, and hallways. It is a great gathering at which to network with almost a thousand up and coming stars in both talent and management.”
For general information please click HERE.
The event is extremely affordable. Attendees are encouraged to lock in the low rate of $139 (available until January 31) by clicking HERE.
A limited number of rooms at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel are available at only $199 per night. For rooms, please click HERE.
The powerful agenda is coming together. Check its development, thus far, by clicking HERE.
Continue to follow breaking news and details about IBS NYC 2026 during the days and weeks ahead here in TALKERS. Register now to take advantage of remarkable discounts for those that sign up early.
Providence market outlet for Audacy’s sports talk WEEI-FM, Boston for more than two decades. Audacy closed the WVEI offices in 2023. Ocean State Media president and CEO Pam Johnston says they are spending $4.9 million on the new FM. “From an operational and financial standpoint, we are going to be financing the cost of this frequency, which will allow us to eventually sell all the frequencies that we currently have. And so over time we believe that this transaction actually is going to pay for itself.” She says making it easier for listeners is important, “One signal reaching much farther than our current series of five different signals, a greater experience where you don’t have to change the channel as you move your way through Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.”
WPHT, Philadelphia on “Sterling Every Damn Night” for Walter Sterling. Sterling says, “When I read in TALKERS that Casey was on the loose, I immediately grabbed him to guest star on my 10:00 pm to 1:00 am show. He has a stunning history of winning ratings in the Northeast on ‘New Jersey 101.5.’ We approach radio content from a similar perspective; it’s not that important. Our goal is to give the listener a reason to eat the wrong snack.”
iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” was #1, followed by Audacy’s “48 Hours” at #2 and Salem Media Group’s “Charlie Kirk Show” at #3. Other talk radio-related shows include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” at #10, iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” at #11, and “Armstrong & Getty on Demand” at #14. 
clarity, and consistency, earning the respect of audiences, peers, and industry leaders alike. He brings decades of experience across writing, podcasts, broadcast, and live events, along with a proven record of leadership, audience growth, and editorial excellence to one of the nation’s most influential conservative platforms. O’Connor is known for his deep understanding of the political and cultural landscape. His career spans multiple media formats, and he has built a large, loyal national audience by combining sharp analysis, principled conservatism, and engaging conversations.” O’Connor has been writing for Townhall and HotAir since 2016. His daily podcast, LARRY, is streamed at 12:00 noon ET on Townhall.com and YouTube. O’Connor comments, “Townhall has been a cornerstone of the conservative movement for decades, and I’m incredibly honored and excited to take on the role of editor. This is a platform with a powerful legacy, an outstanding team of contributors, and a loyal audience that cares deeply about ideas, culture, and the future of our country. I’m eager to build on that foundation, elevate strong conservative voices, and help Townhall continue to inform, challenge, and inspire readers every day.”
bring together leaders from Nevada’s Jewish community, educators, advocates, and law enforcement professionals to advise the governor on emerging challenges, community safety concerns, and long-term policy solutions.” Stock tells TALKERS, “The group will provide an important opportunity for Jewish community leaders to share their perspectives and ensure that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo hears directly from those affected as we work together to address antisemitism in Nevada. Policy recommendations will be due by April 15, shaping the agenda for Nevada’s 2027 legislative session.” Stock hosts his daily morning program “Vegas @ 8” on news/talk KXNT and produces commentaries that air three times per day on the Audacy station.
Tim McCarthy comments, “We are excited to introduce the Broadcast Personality of the Year Award and there is no one better to be our first honoree than Stephen. There are very few in broadcasting that are as authentic as Stephen. His tremendous work ethic and candid delivery make Stephen a personality on any platform that you must pay attention to, and I know first-hand his work ethic is second to none.” Smith says, “I am honored to receive this recognition from Tim and the Broadcasters Foundation. The Broadcasters Foundation is a unique charity that helps support those in our industry who are suffering under the most daunting circumstances. I am delighted to be a part of this important fundraising gala that will help so many.”
competition local radio stations today face for audiences and vital advertising revenues from online and satellite content providers and digital ad platforms not subject to any comparable restrictions on their scale and scope; the dire negative effects that consumer and advertiser substitution of competing digital audio content and advertising for traditional radio has had on the listenership and advertising revenues garnered by local radio stations, including in mid-sized and small markets; and how the retention of asymmetric ownership restrictions has prevented radio broadcasters from gaining local scale to take advantage of important economic efficiencies, obtain investment capital, and better compete for audiences and advertising revenues, and thus enhance – or even maintain – their provision of news, emergency information, and valued entertainment and sports programming in local communities across the country at no cost to the public.” Responding to testimony from musicFirst Coalition and the Future of Music Coalition – referred to as the Coalitions – NAB writes, “First, the fact that the Coalitions continue to hold themselves out as protectors of small, local independent broadcasters not just borders on the absurd but crosses over into full-blown absurdity. The Coalitions represent the interests of the music industry, which is dominated by three consolidated international record labels. Compared to even the largest radio station groups, the giant record labels are the 800-pound gorillas of the music world. Those three labels earn billions more in revenue than the approximately 11,000 full-power commercial AM/FM stations combined. As NAB earlier reported, the three major music companies jointly generated about $2.9 million per hour in 2023. In remarkable contrast, in 2023 and 2024 the vast majority of radio stations garnered less – and often much less – than $2.9 million per year in advertising revenues. Needless to say, the Coalitions have never explained how local radio stations earning such low levels of revenue (and even lower, if any, profits) are supposed to keep talented employees and provide high quality programming, including popular music, sports, and informational programming, such as weather updates and emergency information, OTA and free to the public without achieving increased local scale, greater economic efficiencies, and more robust ad revenues. 
news/talk WTCM, Traverse City, announce that they are retiring from the station after their last show on April 10. TraverseTicker reports their brief on-air announcement in which Ron Jolly stated, that it was “not an easy thing to leave” but that “all the circumstances add up to that. We will make the most of it. The hardest part is leaving. We can’t see you, you can’t see us, but we are connected. 
Common Stock and Class D Common Stock at a ratio of 10 for 1. The company states, “The reverse stock split is being conducted to regain compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market with respect shares of the Company’s Class D Common Stock.” No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split. Holders of stock who would otherwise receive a fractional share will receive cash in lieu of the fractional share equal to the closing sales price of the stock on the effective date – in this case January 22.
$12.54 billion – with $10.15 billion from over-the-air revenue and $2.39 billion from digital revenue. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “No other industry gives more to Americans for free. Local stations provide trusted journalism, life-saving emergency alerts and the sports and entertainment that bring our communities together. This report reinforces that broadcasters are not only essential to our democracy and daily lives, but to the strength of our economy, as well.” The study goes on to reveal that “local broadcasting’s economic ripple effect extends deep into other sectors — from construction to retail — adding another $134 billion in GDP and supporting nearly 776,000 additional jobs.” LeGeyt adds, “Broadcasting is more than a business model; it is a civic model. This industry stands alone in its mission to inform, protect and uplift every community in America, regardless of zip code or income level.”
manager John Gallagher says, “The combination of Dan Proft’s intellect and his exceptional interviewing skills is why he’s the best morning radio host in Chicago. His knowledge of the issues that affect the people of Illinois is unmatched. This contract extension solidifies the Chicago Morning Answer brand and the top conservative talk radio line-up in the nation.” Proft comments, “I’m excited to extend my run on Chicago’s Morning Answer, and I am honored to be trusted with such an important platform during these turbulent times. Nothing short of the future of the United States and Western civilization, by extension, is on the line, and I’m humbled to be able to lend my voice to the fight. I want to thank AM 560’s management, along with our loyal, intelligent listeners and our accomplished and thoughtful guests, for their ongoing support.”
more than 270 stations nationwide as well as on FOX Sports Radio’s channel on iHeartRadio and on FOXSportsRadio.com. The full radio show will also be available as a podcast immediately following each broadcast. In December, TALKERS reported that longtime Dan LeBatard producer and co-host Jon “Stugotz” Weiner would join FSR in a deal that would also feature an upcoming slate of original sports talk programming, including Stugotz’s podcasts “Stugotz and Company” and “God Bless Football.”
Podcast” joins SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Channel for same-day distribution of Carolla’s daily show, Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:00 am – 9:00 am ET. PodcastOne co-founder Kit Gray states, “PodcastOne is thrilled to extend our relationship with Adam and his ‘The Adam Carolla Show.’ Adam has paved the way for podcasters around the globe and his podcast is continuously growing with audiences and with advertisers. We’re proud to be working alongside one of the greatest in the business as he sets the tone for success in the genre.”
February 2. Audacy Chicago SVP and market manager Kevin Cassidy states, “Chicago fans are the best in the world, and they deserve coverage that matches their passion. Our roster features the best talent in the city with unmatched dedication to delivering the latest sports news and insight. We’re excited to expand The Score’s reach through this FM simulcast, bringing our premier sports content to an even wider audience so they can join the conversation and stay connected to their favorite Chicago teams.”
her leadership role as part of the company’s Senior Leadership Team. Salem says, “Cassidy has been an integral part of Salem for many years, beginning with her leadership in Columbus, where she cultivated a strong culture of teamwork, community involvement, and business growth. She later took on management of Salem’s Tampa market, followed by oversight of Orlando and, most recently, Miami.” Salem president of broadcast media Allen Power adds “Carolyn has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, market insight, and a deep commitment to Salem’s mission. Her ability to lead multiple large and diverse markets with both strategic focus and personal care makes her an outstanding addition to our VP ranks.”
served as a media consultant. He states, “WTOP is setting the pace for the radio industry in our digital world. It’s a leader both in Washington and in the country. I look forward to joining its award-winning newsroom and evolving business reporting in the age of social video, YouTube, podcasts, and whatever comes next.” WTOP says it will expand the scope of its business reporting under Wordock’s leadership, including by Wordock producing original video content and written articles for WTOP.com and the station’s social media channels. WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler comments, “Evolution is more important than ever in the news industry. We need to meet our consumers where they are and bring them the stories they need in the formats they want. John brings a wealth of multi-platform experience and business expertise to WTOP, and we can’t wait for news consumers in the DMV to be reintroduced to him.”
will support our strong team and help WHO continue delivering the high-quality programming listeners rely on every day.” Henson most recently served with Cumulus Media as PD and morning host at classic rock WLAV-FM and country WTNR-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During his career he’s programmed news/talk outlets including WRVA, Richmond; WPGB-FM, Pittsburgh; and WOWO, Fort Wayne. Henson comments, “I’m incredibly excited to return to iHeartMedia and work with the legendary staff at NewsRadio 1040 WHO. WHO’s legacy of trusted news and strong local voices is unmatched, and I’m focused on building on that foundation and continuing to deliver relevant, impactful programming for listeners across Iowa.”
through March 25. Allen will also host a post-game show, adding to the station’s 2026 Brewers coverage, which also includes Tommy Wortz’s “Lead Off Show.” Audacy Wisconsin SVP and market manager Jason Bjorson says, “If you’re going to be the number one sports radio station in Milwaukee, then you have to have the best coverage of the Brewers. Tim Allen is the definitive voice of the franchise’s fanbase, and his presence solidifies our commitment to local listeners.” Allen states, “I’m very appreciative to have my post-game show back on ‘The Fan’ in Milwaukee and now on the Wisconsin Sports Radio Network. We started this post-game show on ‘The Fan’ 21 years ago, and to have it continue with them is a pretty special feeling.”
New York City. The Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who has made invaluable contributions to the broadcast industry. BFOA president Tim McCarthy comments, “Judy’s no-nonsense approach to legal disputes has provided riveting television entertainment to millions of viewers across America. We are proud to recognize her many accomplishments and contributions to broadcasting.” For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org.