Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York is holding an event tomorrow (10/21) titled, “Back the Blue”
– A Tribute to Law Enforcement, at its studios in Manhattan that begins with a press conference at 10:00 am followed by a roundtable discussion and lunch. Owner John Catsimatidis will host NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch, DEA president Scott Munro, and NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulatta and others.
iHeartMedia announces the publication of its third annual study titled, “AudioCon 3.0: The Human Consumer.” The company says this “Human” Consumer study, which brings together research across age groups and demographics, “demonstrates the impact that media and technology are having on consumers, shaping their beliefs and behavior. The study also
provides insights for marketers on how to curate advertising strategies that authentically connect with audiences and build trust in an increasingly fragmented and technology driven world.” The study was fielded through Critical Mass Media for iHeartMedia and found that 82 percent of respondents worry about AI’s societal impact, and 9 in 10 believe it’s important to know the media they consume is created by a real person. iHeartMedia president of insights Lainie Fertick says, “The data shows us that consumers are emotionally driven, digitally fatigued and yearning for authenticity in an increasingly algorithmic world. This is especially critical with rapid technology advancements and the growing use of AI in the media industry. For marketers, it creates both hurdles and unique opportunities to connect with audiences in this new environment.” Key findings from the study include: 1) Children are struggling to be independent in a tech-forward era; 2) Consumers are all online, but they aren’t happy to be there; 3) Trust in online information is at an all-time low; 4) 
Algorithms rule our lives, and consumers know it; 5) Media is dividing us on current events, but all agree that there’s “something going on with those Epstein files”; and 6) Though 97 percent of consumers know what AI is, with 70 percent actually using AI, distrust remains high. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman comments, “It’s important for us to remember, as marketers, that we’re in a very delicate position within a turbulent time, both in America and around the world. In a world of digital saturation and AI acceleration, this study reveals that consumers are not just looking for convenience – they’re searching for meaning. Sports, radio, live media and human-led storytelling offer a rare sanctuary of trust, empathy and shared experience. Above all, we must continue listening to Americans more closely than ever before and focus on ways to foster real connection and amplify our collective humanity.”
Nationally syndicated talk radio host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo’s program is now being heard on Connoisseur Media’s news/talk WSGW-AM/FM – the very station where he got his start 30 years ago. Pags tells TALKERS, “On October 3, 1995, I was given the shot to fill in for the
legendary Art Lewis on news/talk powerhouse WSGW in Saginaw, Michigan. Art’s show was the first show I’d ever done in talk radio and I’d filled in a time or two before this date. But, on THAT date, the OJ Simpson verdict came in and was announced. I gave my opinion of disbelief. Outlined why I felt that way and the phones melted down for the subsequent three hours. I was in Heaven and realized this is what I was meant to do. I’d done weekend news updates on WSGW before that as I was also finding my way on TV at WEYI (the NBC affiliate) in Saginaw/Flint. But, there was something different about talk radio for me… A few days ago, WSGW brought me back. I am thrilled. Feels like home again. I feel a great kinship with all of my 170+ stations and that will never change. I owe every PD or owner that gives my show and me a shot a ton – but, getting back on WSGW is very special.” Pags adds, Thank you to Jeff Warshaw at Connoisseur Media, Dave Maurer who gave me that first shot back in the day at WSGW, Mark Thomas for bringing me back and great folks like Charlie Rood and Curt Harding who were there back in the day and, of course, Art Lewis who trusted my 29-year-old self with this show when he was off!”
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
Every talk host knows the move: play the clip. It might be a moment from late-night TV, a political ad, or a viral post that sets the table for the segment. It’s how commentary comes alive – listeners hear it, react to it, and stay tuned for your take.
That simple act is powered by a fragile piece of legal machinery known as the Fair Use Balancing Act. Without it, half of talk radio, podcasting, and online news/talk commentary wouldn’t exist. Fair Use allows creators to quote, parody, or critique copyrighted material without permission – but only when the new use transforms the old. It’s the backbone of what we now call “react” or “remix” culture.
Fair use isn’t a license; it’s a defense. When you rely on it, you admit you used someone else’s work and trust that a judge will see your purpose – criticism, news, education – as transformative. That’s a high-wire act few think about when the mic is hot.
The doctrine works on a sliding scale: courts weigh four factors – purpose, nature, amount, and market effect. In plain English, they ask, Did you change the meaning? Did you take too much? Did you cost the owner money? There are neither checklists nor guarantees.
That flexibility is what makes American media vibrant – and also what keeps lawyers busy. Each decision takes time, context, and money. The price of creative freedom is uncertainty.
The same logic now drives the debate over AI training and voice cloning. Machines don’t “comment” on your broadcast; they absorb it. And if courts treat that as transformative analysis instead of reproduction, the next generation of “hosts” may not need microphones at all.
For broadcasters, that’s the new frontier: your archives, tone, and phrasing are training data. Once ingested, they can be repurposed, remixed, and re-voiced without violating traditional copyright rules. The Fair Use Balancing Act may protect innovation – but it rarely protects the innovator.
Fair use was designed to keep culture evolving, not to leave creators behind. It balances a creator’s right to profit against society’s right to build upon shared work. But balance only works if both sides know the weight they’re carrying.
Every time you play the clip, remember you’re exercising one of the oldest and most essential freedoms in media. Just make sure the next voice that plays you is doing the same thing – for the right reasons, and under the same rules.
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
Remote News Service Adds Six Affiliates. Remote News Service adds new affiliates including Connoisseur Media’s Palm Springs stations, Midwest Communications’ WHBL-AM/FM, Sheboygan; Civic Media’s WAUK-AM, Milwaukee; Telemedia’s Fredericksburg, Virginia stations; Treese Media Group’s WEEU-AM, Reading, Pennsylvania; and Bold Gold Media’s Monticello, New York stations.
BFoA Begins Year-End Giving Campaign. The Broadcasters Foundation of America launches its annual Year-End Giving Campaign that seeks to raise donations from tax-deductible personal and company contributions. The Broadcasters Foundation is a 501c3 charity and the only charity devoted exclusively to helping broadcast colleagues who are in need of financial assistance due to life-altering illness or a disaster. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “Our grants offer a ‘hand-up’ to colleagues during trying times. Monthly and emergency grants are often the only financial resource for our colleagues in need, and the funding for those grants are dependent on donations from individuals and companies from within broadcasting. Our 100% Give with Confidence score from Charity Navigator ensures contributions go directly to those in our business who need it most.” Find out more about giving here.
WNYC Appoints Barba Accountability Editor. The New York City public media firm names Robert Barba an editor on the accountability team, overseeing state issues and politics. Previously, Barba spent seven years at The Wall Street Journal in various editor roles. Prior to that he covered banking and fintech for Bankrate and American Banker.
ESPN Names Cornetts “First Take” Host. ESPN announces that Shae Cornette is the new host of “First Take,” effective November 3. Cornette has been an anchor on SportsCenter and a mainstay across ESPN studio programming since joining ESPN in 2020. “First Take” executive producer and commentator Stephen A. Smith says, “Hosting ‘First Take’ is no easy assignment. It requires confidence, toughness, and real sports insight – and Shae brings all of that and more. I’ve seen her command the desk with poise and passion every time she’s hosted. She’s the real deal, and I’m thrilled to have her officially join the team.”
iHeartMedia launches a new sports talk outlet in Cleveland on WMMS-HD2/W256BT as SportsRadio 99.1 and announces a broadcast partnership with Rock Entertainment Group that brings expanded coverage of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Monsters and Cleveland
Charge to listeners. Cavaliers games will air live on rock WMMS-FM and news/talk WTAM-AM/W295DE. The AHL’s Cleveland Monsters games will air on “SportsRadio 99.1” and NBA G league’s Charge games air on hip hop WAKS-HD2/W291BV “REAL 106.1.” iHeartMedia area president Keith Hotchkiss comments, “It’s an honor to continue our decades-long partnership with the Cavs Operating Company and we’re excited to bring this innovative new partnership to life with Rock Entertainment Group. Combining this coverage with iHeart’s unparalleled reach of more than 90% of our markets, we’re excited to give sports fans access to the great coverage Rock Entertainment Sports will provide.” The new station will also simulcast of select Rock Entertainment Sports Network programming and coverage of additional Ohio-based sporting events.
Cumulus Media sports talk KNML-AM, Albuquerque “The Sports Animal” promotes University of New Mexico legend and NBA veteran Kenny Thomas to host of the 4:00pm to 6:00 pm show.
Thomas has been and continues his Saturday program “Unfiltered with Kenny Thomas” and his “Lobos Live” show on sister news/talk KKOB-AM/FM. Cumulus Albuquerque program director Brandon Vogt says, “Kenny is authentic, competitive, and connected – the perfect fit for afternoons. He knows this market, he knows our teams, and he knows how to carry a locker room-level conversation on the radio. In this new role, Kenny will make a huge impact in the community and on the airwaves, continuing the tradition of great local sports talk in Albuquerque on New Mexico’s heritage sports station, ‘The Sports Animal.’ We couldn’t be more excited.”
Market and survey research firm SSRS is acquiring Edison Research. SSRS president Melissa Herrmann says, “By bringing Edison Research and SSRS together, we’re combining two teams
with a shared passion for research and innovation. Our alliance expands the ways we can support our research partners and deepens our ability to help the public, media, and policymakers make sense of how people think, vote, and engage with the world. We are moving into the future as one team – ready for what’s next.” The terms of the deal were not revealed. Edison Research founders Joe Lenski and Larry Rosin will be joining the leadership of SSRS.
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation announce that Eunice McNally is the 2026 mentee for the MIW NABLF
LAUNCH Program. McNally currently serves as broadcast operations manager for Townsquare Media in Texas. MIW board president Sheila Kirby says, “Eunice is exactly the kind of emerging leader LAUNCH was built to champion. Her hands-on operations experience at Townsquare and iHeart, paired with a learner’s mindset and obvious passion for the craft, signal real leadership potential. We’re excited to provide the mentorship, access, and support that will help her accelerate the next stage of her career.”
The Los Angeles Daily News reports that as the nationwide reduction in force taking place at iHeartMedia is claiming evening talk host Mo’ Kelly, his producer Tawala Sharp, and station imaging director Clay Roe. Columnist Richard Wagoner writes that in initial reports, ratings had been cited as the cause for the changes but says he doesn’t believe that to be the case. “Rather,
it appears that allowing the former programmer to resign, firing half the news department, and pulling back on advertising and marketing didn’t work the ratings magic they originally had hoped for. In my opinion, KFI has seemed rudderless since Robin Bertolucci left the programming spot last November. The current programmer Brian Long, meanwhile, is also in charge of KLAC (570 AM) and KEIB (1150 AM), but with no time, a limited budget, and a decimated news department, the result is what it is. I don’t blame him at all. For his part, O’Kelly is keeping it positive, posting on Facebook, ‘All jobs end. It is not our lives or our health. Perspective is paramount. There is nothing to be sad about here. I’m genuinely excited for the future.’” Kelly is ranked #83 in the TALKERS 2025 Heavy Hundred. See the Daily News piece here.
A piece in Bring Me the News reveals that iHeartMedia Twin Cities sports talk KFAN has let A.J.
Mansour go as part of the company’s nationwide reduction in force. Mansour has been with the station for the past 18 years, most recently as senior executive in audio and digital marketing. He posted to social media, “What a ride it’s been. From creating dynamic content and marketing some of the biggest brands and personalities in the Twin Cities, to leading teams, driving revenue, and collaborating with some of the most talented people in media, I’ve learned, grown, and had an absolute blast along the way.” Read the Bring Me the News piece here.
NRG Media’s news/talk KXEL-AM, Waterloo/Cedar Rapids, Iowa broadcast from the 10th annual “Iowa’s Roast & Ride” at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Saturday (10/11). The event is sponsored by Mission Iowa to support Iowa-based veterans causes. Pictured above is KXEL host Jeff Stein (left) with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (right). Stein broadcast a 90-minute program prior to the event that included special guests Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, as well as state GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann and representatives from Blue Star Mothers of Iowa. Stein says, “It was our privilege to be invited by the organizers again this year to share the excitement of the event with our audience. The only thing we couldn’t share with them was the tasty Iowa pork sandwiches, and I did my best to represent listeners at the buffet line, as well.”
Last week, Salem Media Group began a round of companywide layoffs that include staffers at radio stations across the country. KLUP-AM, San Antonio program director Barry Besse is
among those exiting the company and he posted to Facebook: “After 15 years at Salem Media San Antonio and a total of 17 years with Salem as a company I was a part of a massive companywide reduction in workforce. Over the years Salem has tried its best not to have a reduction in workforce but like most corporations it had to happen. I’m not bitter or angry I understand how this business works. I was proud of the work I did for Salem Media Group and even prouder to have worked with the people I did.”
Audacy and Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announce a multi-year extension of their broadcast and content partnership. Some features of the new deal include sports talk WJFK-FM, Washington “106.7 The Fan” now serving as the flagship station for the NBA’s
Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals. “The Sports Junkies” show, which also simulcasts every weekday morning on MNMT, will now be available to watch live and on demand on 106.7 The Fan’s YouTube channel. Additionally, “BMitch and Finlay,” airing daily from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, will now simulcast on MNMT starting November 3. Audacy Washington DC SVP and market manager Ivy Savoy-Smith says, “We are excited to extend and expand our partnership with Monumental Sports to enhance the listening and viewing experience for fans. Being the flagship station for the Wizards and Capitals solidifies our position as the top destination for D.C. sports fans. Through the expansion of our television and YouTube simulcast, we are creating more dynamic content for our audiences.”
Salem Radio Network is providing coverage of President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel as headdresses the Israeli Knesset and personally greets Israeli hostages released as part of the Israel-Hamas peace plan he negotiated. Townhall.com editor Katie Pavlich is among six American media members in the out-of-town travel pool accompanying President Trump on Air Force One. Pavlich will be filing reports as she follows Trump’s schedule.
FOX News Radio host and FOX News contributor Guy Benson shared a health update to
listeners describing his recent skin cancer diagnosis. Benson detailed his diagnosis, removal, and treatment process of a melanoma while emphasizing the importance of regular dermatology visits and self-checking for skin abnormalities. You can hear Benson discuss his diagnosis here.
Since TALKERS ran the following story yesterday (10/9), we learned about another angle to this story and have updated it.
There is no unity for the various conservative media outlets fighting for both viewers/listeners and the approval of the Trump Administration. Since 2016 it’s been widely reported that President Donald Trump watches FOX News Channel constantly. But a recent interview with Donald Trump Jr. by Chris Salcedo on Newsmax TV indicates that, at least for the president’s
eldest son, FNC is in the doghouse. Newsmax published an account of the interview which quotes Trump Jr. saying, “Honestly, I don’t watch it anymore because it is so ridiculous. They try so hard to be unbiased that they’re actually biased against conservatives at this point. But this shouldn’t be surprising. These are networks that banned me for two-and-a-half. I’m barely on anymore. I know my father was banned.” However, TALKERS has learned that Donald Trump Jr. appeared on FOX News Channel four times recently – on August 13 and September 3, 11, and 12. He told Salcedo 
“FOX’s approach has left conservatives silenced while Democrats and establishment figures get free rein.” The president recently complained about FNC in a post on Truth Social in which he singled out White House correspondent Peter Doocy for talking to Arizona Senator Mark Kelly about his healthcare agenda. He wrote, “Why is Fox News and Peter Doocy putting on Democrat Senator Mark Kelly to talk about, totally unabated or challenged, Healthcare?” SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly recently complained about FOX News Channel’s coverage of Charlie Kirk’s slaying, saying, “It’s really bothering me how FOX News is talking about Charlie, like he was theirs — he wasn’t. It’s a lie. Just stop.”
Civic Media announces its news/talk outlet WAUK-AM – licensed to Jackson, Wisconsin adds FM translator W262CJ, Milwaukee at 100.3 FM to the station’s broadcast that enlarges its signal in the Milwaukee market. Civic Media adds that in conjunction with FM translator launch on
October 6, it debuted a new morning program it says is designed specifically for Milwaukee commuters. Civic Media says, “‘All News All Morning’ is hosted by veteran broadcaster Dan Hanni and features a format that syncs with the average commute time in Milwaukee. Every 20 minutes, listeners will hear local news, traffic, sports, and weather, ensuring they stay informed no matter when they tune in during their drive.” WAUK regional president and general manager Chris Moreau comments, “This is a no-frills approach to delivering what people look for in the morning. News and information that they can use to start the day without wading through padding, filler, fluff, and partisan opinion. And they can hear it all within the average commute time in Milwaukee.”
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
When we first covered this case, it felt like only 2024 could invent it – a disgraced congressman, George Santos, selling Cameos and a late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel, buying them under fake names to make a point about truth and ego. A year later, the Second Circuit turned that punchline into precedent. (Read story here: https://talkers.com/2024/12/19/jimmy-kimmels-fair-use-victory-what-it-means-for-content-creators/)
And just to clear the record: this has nothing to do with Jimmy Kimmel’s unrelated dust-up with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. Different story, different planet. This one’s about copyright and commentary – and it’s a clear win for both.
The Set-Up
After his expulsion from Congress, George Santos began offering paid video shout-outs on Cameo. Kimmel’s writers sent absurd requests under pseudonyms for a segment called “Will Santos Say It?” – and he did. The show aired those clips to highlight how easily a public figure would say anything for a fee.
(If you want a taste, look up “Jimmy Kimmel Pranks George Santos on Cameo” on YouTube. That’s the kind of transformative satire the court later called “sarcastic criticism and commentary.”)
Santos sued Kimmel, ABC, and Disney for copyright infringement, fraud, and breach of contract, claiming the videos were sold for “personal use.” The district court tossed it; Santos appealed.
The Ruling
On September 15, 2025, the Second Circuit unanimously affirmed the dismissal. The panel said Kimmel’s use was transformative: he turned Santos’s self-promotion into political satire. Even Santos’s complaint described the bit as sarcastic commentary.
Claims of “market harm” fell flat. Airing a few clips on network TV doesn’t compete with Cameo. Embarrassment isn’t economic loss.
And the supposed bad faith – using fake names to order the clips – didn’t undo fair use. The court stuck to the statutory factors: purpose, nature, amount, and effect. Mischief isn’t a fifth one.
The rest of the claims – fraud, contract, enrichment – stayed dismissed as pre-empted or too thin to matter.
Why It Matters
This decision lands as courts wrestle with whether AI’s use of copyrighted works can ever be “transformative.” Santos v. Kimmel shows what that word really means: a human taking existing material and using it to say something new.
Fair use protects meaning, not mimicry. That’s why satire, commentary, and criticism still stand when they have a point.
For media creators, the lesson is simple: transformation beats permission. If you use third-party material, make sure you’re adding perspective – not just recycling content. That, more than any fine print, is what keeps you on the right side of the line.
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.
Beasley Media Group reveals in an 8-K filing with the SEC that chief financial officer Lauren Burrows is resigning from the company effective October 17, “in order to pursue other opportunities. The resignation was not due to any disagreement with the Company on any
matter relating to its operations, policies, or practices.” Company CEO Caroline Beasley will serve as principal financial officer on an interim basis. At the same time, the company announces the promotion of Shaun Greening to chief accounting officer. Greening joined Beasley in 2000 and has been serving as vice president of financial reporting. Greening joins John Coury, who was recently promoted to corporate controller and director of treasury. Caroline Beasley states, “Shaun brings extensive experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a proven track record of success to his role. Together with John, their leadership will be instrumental in supporting our continued growth and long-term success.”
iHeartMedia has been cutting staff at radio stations across the country and talk hosts are part of this reduction in force. Some of those affected by the cuts include sports talk radio personalities Steve Czaban – who co-hosted the Czabe & Butch program with Brian Butch on the
company’s WRNW-FM, Milwaukee “97.3 The Game,” and KBME-AM, Houston “SportsTalk 790” morning host Sean Salisbury. Salisbury tweeted, “It’s been a hell of a run the last 8 years [at] SportsTalk 790. I fully understand the financial decisions that corporate has to make. I appreciate the great bosses at iHeart that I got to work with and here in Houston, who have become friends too. Very grateful for good coworkers and the talent you hear daily on the SportsTalk 790 lineup. I’m so blessed to have worked with special teammates/friends on my show every morning, you know my love for you guys!” Also, a victim of this latest round of cuts is Salt Lake City market manager Joyce Wirthlin.
SiriusXM inks Megyn Kelly to a new multi-year deal and as part of the new contract Kelly will headline her own SiriusXM channel. The satcaster calls her program “one of the platform’s most
successful political and cultural programs.” The new Megyn Kelly channel will also feature brand-new programming, including the debut of an exclusive daily after-show program. Additional series, shows, and specials will be announced in the coming weeks. Kelly comments, “Linear television news is dead. People can’t stand those stilted, censored conversations anymore, which is exactly why this medium is thriving. I’m thrilled to deliver our bold brand of no-BS news live on SiriusXM and to be expanding my relationship with such a stellar, blue-chip brand and great partner. Soon our listeners will have the Megyn Kelly Channel to enjoy and trust for the conversations and content they love.”
The New York Festivals 2026 Radio Awards announces that broadcaster and publisher of radioinfo and Radio Today Australia Steve Ahern joins the New York Festivals Radio Awards Advisory Board. NYFestivals says Ahern “brings more than four decades of leadership,
innovation, and influence across the global audio and broadcasting industry to the Advisory Board. His extensive experience will further strengthen the Radio Awards’ mission to honor groundbreaking storytelling and celebrate excellence across all genres of audio content.” New York Festivals EVP Rose Anderson adds, “Every year, we work with our advisory board and industry thought leaders to make sure that our categories recognize the innovative audio content being created today world-wide and reflect our commitment to the power of the individual voice. With Steve’s addition to the Board, we gain the 360-degree perspective of someone who is on top of all the new developments in the world of sound in our ever-changing and interconnected world.”
AWMF Announces Gracies Call for Entries. The AWM Foundation is now accepting entries for the 51st Annual Gracie Awards. AWMF says, “For over five decades, these awards have celebrated outstanding programming by, for, and about women — while funding scholarships and programs that support the next generation of women in media.” All information related to the Call for Entries including entry descriptions and full list of categories can be found here.
NAB Reveals Marconi Awards Hosts. The National Association of Broadcasters announces today that iHeartMedia’s “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” co-hosts Danielle Monaro and Medha Gandhi will host the 2025 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, taking place at The Edison Ballroom on October 21, the evening before NAB Show New York kicks off. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Danielle and Gandhi represent everything that makes local radio special — personality, authenticity and a genuine connection with their audiences.”
Urban One announces a number of promotions in operations and programming across several of its markets. At the Radio One Washington DC station group, A Plus is named operations manager for the cluster that includes news/talk WOL. In Cleveland Matt Myers is the new
operations manager for the station group that includes news/talk WERE-AM. Urban One SVP of programming Colby Tyner comments, “These leadership changes reflect the incredible depth of talent within Radio One. It’s exciting to see so many of our team members grow within the company and take on new challenges across markets. By empowering our brightest minds to share fresh ideas and perspectives, we ensure our stations remain dynamic, creative, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.”
Cumulus Media’s KMJ-AM/FM, Fresno “NewsTalk 580/105.9 KMJ” recently partnered with local agriculture company GAR to present the 12th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive and raised a record-breaking $534,917 for the Central California Food Bank. KMJ broadcast live from The Market in Fresno on September 19. Over the past 12 years the annual event has raised more than $35 million for the Central California Food Bank. Pictured above at the radiothon are KMJ morning drive personalities Greg Lane (left) and Randy James (right). KMJ VP and market manager Patty Hixson says, “Our listeners continue to overwhelm me with their generosity and graciousness. We are so thankful for them and for the GAR team, who always assist us in taking care of those people in need in our community. Such a blessing to have these incredible partners!”
Woodward Community Media news/talk WMAY-AM/FM, Springfield, Illinois presented a remote radio broadcast on October 3 during morning drive to raise funds for the St. Martin De Porres
Center and raised more than $47,000 thanks to an anonymous donor who matched every dollar given with an additional $2, effectively tripling the impact of each contribution. AM Springfield host Sam Madonia states, “St. Martin de Porres Center is one of our favorite causes because it helps with a large need in our city. Many residents get the food they need as well as clothing and other items through the work of the center and its volunteer-only staff.”
AURN Exec Honored with NAN Award. The CEO of American Urban Radio Networks parent company A Wonder Media Company, Chesley Maddox-Dorsey, received the President’s Award for her role in amplifying Black voices in media at the National Action Network’s 2025 Triumph Awards on October 6. at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall.
iHM Recognizes Five Years of The Black Effect Podcast Network. iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God are celebrating five years of The Black Effect Podcast Network – a podcast publisher dedicated to Black listeners. Charlamagne Tha God says, “Our mission has always been to build a dedicated platform where Black voices can thrive. We have accomplished that mission and more. The past five years have been extraordinary, and the future of the Black Effect excites us. We will keep inspiring, empowering and creating culture and opportunities for all.”
Saga to Present at Noble Capital Markets Conference. Saga Communications executives Christopher S. Forgy, president and CEO, and Samuel D. Bush, EVP, chief financial officer and treasurer, will presenting at today’s Noble Capital Markets’ Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference at 4:00 pm ET. The presentation will feature a fireside style Q&A session with Michael Kupinski, director of research and senior media & entertainment analyst at Noble Capital Markets.
The Top Podcasts ranker from Podtrac based on U.S. unique monthly audience for the month of September saw Salem Podcast Network’s “Charlie Kirk Show” rise 28 places to #6 in the
aftermath of his slaying in Utah on September 10. The top three podcasts remain in order from the August ranker with NPR’s “NPR News Now” at #1, followed by The New York Times’ “The Daily” at #2 and NPR’s “Up First” at #3. Other talk radio related shows include FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” rising one place to #4 and DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” falling four places to #12. See the complete ranker here.
Nationally syndicated talk media personality Wayne Allyn Root recently visited the White House and met with President Donald Trump. Root says, “I’ve had the honor of interviewing President Trump on my TV and radio shows 16 times. I’ve also opened for him at many Las Vegas rallies. And I’ve been honored to attend many White House events – including White House Christmas and Hanukkah parties and the Abraham Accords. But this was my first Oval Office visit. What an honor. God bless America. I know my dad – a blue collar Jewish butcher from Brownsville, Brooklyn – is watching down from heaven with pride!” Pictured above are (from l-r): Cindy Root, Wayne Allyn Root, and President Donald Trump.
FOX Sports Radio’s Rob Parker – co-host of “The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington,” MLB Network analyst, and founder/editor of MLBbro.com – was honored by his alma mater, Southern Connecticut State University at the school’s homecoming last Saturday (10/4) as the Jess Dow Field press box was officially dedicated in his honor. Parker, a 1986 grad, says, “I’m so grateful to Southern for laying the groundwork for my career. This is where it all began and where I learned to be a reporter. It’s an absolute honor to have my name on Southern’s press box. I hope this will inspire others to excel and do what most think can’t be done.”
WCBM, Baltimore morning drive personality Bruce Elliott is stepping away from the “The
Morning Drive with Casey & Elliott” after almost six years co-hosting the program with Sean Casey. WCBM announces that the program is being re-branded as “Casey & Company” and will feature newscaster Maggie Hunter, the “king of all traffic” Chuck Whitaker, sportscaster Gary Stein and executive producer Kristen Haegerich. Elliott originally joined the program as a part-time guest in 2015 before rising to co-host in 2019.