Industry News

Ken Prehl Joins United Stations

United Stations names Ken Prehl director of affiliate sales & special projects. Prehl brings more than two decades of experience from AccuWeather, where he most recently served as director, audio services. United Stations president Stefan Jones states, “Ken and I worked closely together for more than a decade while he served in senior leadership at AccuWeather, and I have the utmost confidence in his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to our vision. He is uniquely qualified to lead our affiliate relations efforts and help drive growth across our expanding product portfolio.”

Industry News

KFAN’s Paul Allen Off Air; Apologizes for “Paid Protesters” Comment

KFXN, Minneapolis “KFAN” late morning host and Minnesota Vikings play-by-play voice Paul Allen is off the air at the iHeartMedia sports talk outlet after apologizing for comments he made on Friday (1/23) about ICE protesters. During a discussion with former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway and Vikings beat reporter Alec Lewis, Allen veered intoimg politics. It started with addressing the freezing weather with Allen bringing up exploding trees. Then he said, “I’m beginning to wonder if, in conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay? Those are the things that I’ve been thinking about this morning.” Greenway said, “Yeah, probably not going to touch that one,” then Allen added, “Everybody’s catching strays this week. Flores, Kevin Stefanski from Baker, Charlie Biatch caught one out of nowhere. Paid protesters caught one this morning.” Prior to Monday’s program, KFAN aired Allen’s apology in which he said, in part, “While it was never meant with any ill intent or political affront, I absolutely and wholeheartedly want to apologize to those who genuinely were hurt or offended by it… As I’ve stated many times before, we serve you, not the other way around. We are very fortunate and thank you for counting on us as long as you have. It means more than you’ll ever know. My best was lacking Friday, and for that I am sorry. I am taking a few days off but wanted to express these thoughts and my sincere apology, with you, before I do.” It’s unclear whether Allen is serving an official suspension by station management and how long he’ll be off the air.

Industry News

Connoisseur Media and Super Hi-Fi Announce Partnership

Connoisseur media and Super Hi-Fi announce a partnership that will see the radio company use Super Hi-Fi’s AI Radio platform for its stations. Additionally, Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw will join the Super Hi-Fi board of directors. Super Hi-Fi’s AI Radio platform is described as “animg end-to-end, cloud-native operating system designed specifically for radio… powered by a suite of proprietary AI technologies that master, schedule, produce, and deliver each station directly to a Super Hi-Fi playout device at the transmitter.” Warshaw says, “Our mission is to have the best live and local radio experience in every market across America and Super Hi-Fi’s unique capabilities will allow us to do that in ways the industry just didn’t have before. We’re excited to work with them to drive forward and deliver the most compelling radio products in the industry.”

Industry News

Podcaster Jiggy Jaguar Covers AVN Awards in Las Vegas

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Noted talk media personality Jiggy Jaguar (a.k.a. James Lowe) was in Las Vegas last week covering the AVN Adult Entertainment Awards and Expo at the Virgin Hotel in downtown sin city. Jiggy was out doing interviews with adult film stars for his Jiggy Jaguar Show audio and video podcast. He’s pictured here (1/21) with adult film star Silver Foxxey as she was appearing at the STD Hero booth. NOTE: STD Hero, by Better Life Science, featured a prominent, high-traffic booth promoting their at-home STI testing kits with celebrity appearances. The company offered discreet, CLIA-certified, and FDA-cleared, laboratory-based testing for common infections and HPV. 

Industry Views

WPHT, Philly Star Dom Giordano Guests on TALKERS Media Channel’s “Up Close Far Out”

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Don’t miss this deep-dive analysis of the “dumbing down of America” as WPHT, Philadelphia midday host (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm) Dom Giordano joins Michael Harrison as this week’s guest on the YouTube TALKERS Media Channel’s “Up Close Far Out.” Recognized as one of the most important radio talk show hosts in America for almost four decades,img Giordano is a political commentator, social generalist and seasoned expert on education. He is a former Pennsylvania-based schoolteacher whose keen insights, innovative ideas, and communication skills were discovered by talk radio in Philadelphia in 1987 when, after serving as a dependable “go-to” source on education, he became a fulltime host on WWDB-FM. In 2000, he moved over to powerhouse WPHT 1210 am in Philly where he has been broadcasting ever since. In addition to his enduring radio presence, Giordano hosts several podcasts including the groundbreaking “Old School, New School, Next School” which takes a critical-but-constructive view of America’s education crisis and is must-listening for parents who care about their kids and the future of America. Get ready for a no-holds-barred view of such hot topics as school choice, the tyranny of social media, the distraction of smart phones, short term attention spans, bullying, the threat of guns and violence, responsible parenting, media complacency, and a whole lot more. View the conversation in its entirety here.

Job Opportunity

WBAP Seeks Mid-Morning Talk Host

Cumulus Media is seeking a talk host for the 9:00 am to 11:00 am daypart. The company says, “Candidates must be entertaining, curious, funny, well-read, up on all current events and pop culture, not justimg politics! If you live and breathe politics, this is not the job for you. This is an 8-hour-a-day, full-time job doing prep, research, and living life that translates and relates to a 35-64-year-old. Must have an extremely strong work ethic, be sales department and client friendly, a team player and coachable, embrace all social media platforms daily, be a great interviewer, and have a proven track record of radio ratings success. The right fit for this job is extremely reliable, flexible and passionate about radio and digital audio mediums. Get more info and apply here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Mr. Wonderful Thinks Radio is Wonderful

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgThe plague of pessimism about the future of radio is fueled internally by radio employees. Doomsayers are logically found in the sales department. All day, salespeople meet with buyers. A buyer’s job is to negotiate a lower price by arguing radio’s negatives. The wall of negativity thrives within the work environment of a seller. Tough.  But there is little or no reason for pessimism.

Kevin O’ Leary (a.k.a. “Mr. Wonderful” on TV’s Shark Tank) is a pragmatic investor. When asked about AI’s impact on radio, he says, “It’s the same phobia we had when television hit radio. ‘Oh, it’s going to decimate radio!’ No, it’s not. The art form exists today, even bigger, terrestrial, and in space. To me, AI is just a tool.” (Variety. January 5, 2026)

Surprising to many, radio’s audience numbers today are virtually the same as they were in 1970.

Radio Listenership Today (2020s)

Weekly Reach: As of 2022–2023, approximately 82% to 88% of Americans aged 12 and older listen to terrestrial (AM/FM) radio in a given week.

Monthly Reach: Nielsen data indicates that AM/FM radio reaches 91% of U.S. adults each month.

Daily Listening: Approximately 66% of U.S. adults listen to broadcast or streaming AM/FM radio on a daily basis.

Resiliency: Despite the rise of podcasts and music streaming, 55% of Gen Z in the U.S. still listen to AM/FM radio every day, and it remains the top reach medium, even exceeding social media.

1970s: The era of AM to FM transition and the peak of top-40 terrestrial radio, with 25 million CB radios also becoming popular in the mid-70s.

Today: While reach is still high, the amount of time spent listening is more fragmented, with radio facing competition from streaming (Spotify/Apple Music) and podcasts, although it remains the dominant ad-supported audio choice in cars.

CB radio, cassettes, 8-tracks, CDs, DVDs, Walkman, iTunes, iPhones, SiriusXM, Spotify, podcasts, Pandora… all terminators of radio. None of them made a dent. The killer of radio will be radio’s odd internal pessimism that while predicting doom that never comes drives actions that are suicidal: Elimination of audience qualitative research. Tracking. More Tracking. (Radio Fracking!) No external marketing. Endless talent cuts. No contests. (A $1,000 national contest WOW!) None of those cuts are good business because they cut potential revenues.

And yet there is a relentless, funded determination to end all FCC ownership caps allowing companies to buy more radio stations to operate with great Panglossian efficiency!

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 Views

You Are the Asset: Why Protecting Your Voice and Likeness Is No Longer Optional

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

imgFor years, “protect your name and likeness” sounded like lawyer advice in search of a problem. Abstract. Defensive. Easy to ignore. That worked when misuse required effort, intent, and a human decision-maker willing to cross a line.

AI changed that.

When Matthew McConaughey began trademarking his name and persona-linked phrases (“alright, alright, alright”), it was not celebrity vanity. It was an acknowledgment that identity has become a transferable commodity, whether the person attached to it consents or not.

A voice is no longer just expressive. It is functional. It can be sampled, trained, replicated, and redeployed at scale. Not as a parody. Not as commentary. As a substitute. When a synthetic version of you can narrate ads, read copy, or deliver endorsements you never approved, the injury is not hypothetical. It is economic.

We have already seen this play out. In the past two years, synthetic versions of well-known voices have been used to sell products the real person never endorsed, often through social media ad networks. These were not deep-fake jokes or parody videos. They were commercial voice reads. The pitch was simple: if it sounds credible, it converts. By the time the real speaker objected, the ad had already run, the money had moved, and responsibility had dissolved into a stack of platform disclaimers.

This is where many creators misunderstand trademark law. They think it is about logos and merchandise. It is not. Trademarks protect source identification. Meaning, if the public associates a name, phrase, or expression with you as the origin, that association has legal weight. McConaughey’s filings reflect that reality. Certain phrases signal him instantly. That signaling function has value, and trademark law is designed to prevent identity capture before confusion spreads.

Right of publicity laws still matter. They protect against unauthorized commercial use of name, image, and often voice. But they are largely reactive. Trademarks allow creators to draw boundaries in advance, before identity becomes unmoored from its source.

This is not a celebrity problem. Local radio hosts, podcasters, commentators, and long-form interviewers trade on recognition and trust every day. AI does not care about fame tiers. It cares about recognizable signals.

You do not need to trademark everything. You do need to know what actually signifies you, and decide whether to protect it, because in an AI-driven media economy, failing to define your identity does not preserve flexibility. It invites identity capture.

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

Sports Talker Terry Boers Dies at 75

Former Chicago sports talk radio host Terry Boers has died at 75. Boers, co-hosted the “Boers & Bernstein” show on Audacy’s WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” from 1999 through 2016. He retired from the station inimg January of 2017. WSCR operations manager Mitch Rosen posted the following to social media: “The Score lost one of our own today. Terry Boers passed away today surrounded by loved ones. Terry was one of the founding fathers of The Score and one of the most popular people on the air and in The Score hallways. Terry was original, funny, smart, witty and most importantly a beautiful person. Terry’s family’s wish is there won’t be a funeral, but The Score will celebrate his life on the air next week. So today and forever, RIP Terry Boers.” Boer was one of the original hosts on “The Score when it launched in January 1992. Boers had worked for years in the newspaper business, including as a sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Dogs Are Having a Moment

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgNotice how often you see one in TV commercials, even when the product has nothing to do with pets? I see spots for a local building supply outlet, in which the owner’s dog ambles through every shot, then plops down – seeming to smile – among employees in the closing shot.

I am disappointed not to hear local radio spots – with a bark toward the end – for that same business. Does a retailer in your area appear in TV commercials with his or her dog? Can radio – the #1 in-car media – can take that business for a “RIDE???”

Dogs appearing in national ads convey loyalty and adventure. Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Target, Volkswagen, and Subaru are among brands that have used dogs to soften their image and boost attention. Why? Research demonstrates that “harnessing the ​universal ​appeal of man’s‌ best friend, these advertisements ​have emerged as ‍a powerful ‌tool ​for marketers‍ seeking to resonate with consumers on a deeply ‍emotional level.” Dogs evoke warmth and joy. They refine a brand, ‌making it‌ more relatable and trustworthy. ‌

“If only radio had pictures,” you say? We do, in social media posts and on station websites and everywhere else we can take a local advertiser. And beyond dog copy, think: dog content.

  • A number of news/talk stations I’ve worked with broker weekend ask-the-expert hours to veterinarians whose investment ROI’s big-time. The lines are jammed and smart stations extend such weekend warriors by repurposing excerpts. “Pet Pro Dr. Donna Stone has tips for helping your critters keep-their-cool during this long, hot summer” links to an aircheck clip that you Tweet-out and post elsewhere online. Include a picture of an adorable puppy and you’ll click like crazy. Music stations: Sell the vet spots-disguised-as informative features that invite listeners to see/hear/learn more in podcasts or videos or other content on your or the doctor’s website.
  • One of my client stations boosts adoptions each holiday season by featuring “The 12 Strays of Christmas” from the local shelter, sponsored by, you guessed it, a vet.’
  • Tchotchke opportunity: a station-logo’d tennis “BALL!” Toss ‘em around at dog parks and give ‘em away at appearances.
  • Brainstorm other opportunities.

I live at the beach — dog nirvana. It’s a sensory symphony: the scent of salt air, warm sun, sand to dig and roll-around in… canine bliss. On the beach here, dogs don’t have to be leashed; and when you let ‘em romp they sure do, chasing waves, and plunging-in to retrieve “BALL!”

In that wonderful moment, they are living like they will never grow old. Sadly, we know better. Thus The Farmer’s Dog tag line “Making old dogs feel young again;” and Blue Buffalo’s “Love them like family. Feed them like family.”

That’s the emotional space radio can own: warmth, loyalty, companionship, trust. Let’s create messages – and moments – that honor the joy and spirit our buddies bring us.

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

WNIR, Akron’s Carey Coleman Exits Station for Congressional Run

Longtime Northeastern Ohio media figure Carey Coleman is exiting his evening talk show on WNIR-FM, Akron to run for U.S. Rep. in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. Before becoming at talk radio host,img Coleman was a television meteorologist who worked in the Cleveland market at WKYC-TV and WOIO-TV, as well as with The Weather Channel and CNN. Carey’s campaign website says “understands the real challenges facing working families: rising costs, government overreach, and a political system that puts insiders ahead of citizens. He is running for Congress to restore fiscal discipline, secure our borders, defend constitutional freedoms, support law enforcement, and ensure parents have a strong voice in their children’s education.”

Industry News

Podtrac Unveils New Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking

Podtrac releases the first edition of its Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking that now includes the following when constructing its rankings: audio episode downloaded on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast apps; Videoimg episodes viewed and streamed on YouTube and Spotify; and Podcast video clips played on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Under this new format, Podtrac’s Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking for December 2025 ranks “The Meidas Touch Podcast” #1, followed by “The Joe Rogan Experience” at #2, and “The Rest is History” at #3. Other news/talk media related shows of note include: “The Tucker Carlson Show” at #12, and “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #17. See more about this ranker here.

Industry News

Rich Valdés Inks Deal for Spanish Language Show

Talk host Rich Valdés, who succeeded the late Jim Bohannon on the Westwood One network, announces his next move as he joins Globalimg Media Federation and its streaming network Festiva TV syndication partnership. The deal will make Valdés’ late-night show exclusively in Spanish to Roku’s 90 million+ subscribed households. Valdés’ English-language show continues to be available via iHeartRadio, and Valdés says he is “completely open to English syndication opportunities across terrestrial radio, cable television, and streaming platforms like Rumble—building on my ongoing work in those spaces.”

Industry News

FCC Issues Guidance on Equal Opportunity Issues

On the heels of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce last week in which he reiterated the Commission’s duty to enforce broadcast licensees’ obligations toimg serve in the public interest, the FCC yesterday issued a Guidance on Political Equal Opportunities Requirement for Broadcast Television Stations. While the memorandum is written to television stations, it obvious applies to radio stations as well. The memo ultimately addresses the 1959 order that exempts broadcasters from providing equal time to qualified candidates on any: (1) bona fide newscast; (2) bona fide news interview; (3) bona fidenews documentary (if the appearance of the candidate is incidental to the presentation of the subject or subjects covered by the news documentary); or (4) on-the-spot coverage of bona fide news events (including but not limited to political conventions and activities incidental thereto). Programs such as “The Tonight Show” and “The View” are cited as entertainment shows in which an interview segment can qualify as a bona fide news interview. Regarding this, the memo concludes with two important paragraphs:

“Concerns have been raised that the industry has taken the Media Bureau’s 2006 staff-level decision to mean that the interview portion of all arguably similar entertainment programs whether late night or daytime—are exempted from the section 315 equal opportunities requirement under a bona fide news exemption. This is not the case. As noted above, these decisions are fact specific, and the exemptions are limited to the program that was the subject of the request.

Importantly, the FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption. Moreover, a program that is motivated by partisan purposes, for example, would not be entitled to an exemption under longstanding FCC precedent. Any program or station that wishes to obtain formal assurance that the equal opportunities requirement does not apply (in whole or in part) is encouraged to promptly file a petition for declaratory ruling that satisfies the statutory requirements for a bona fide news exemption.”

Industry News

Nielsen Gets Administrative Stay as Cumulus Suit Awaits Appeals Court Panel

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals is granting Nielsen an administrative stay of the District Court’s order pending a decision by a three-judge motions panel. That means Nielsen can continue to operate its radio ratings business as usual until the panel rules on Nielsen’simg appeal of the District Court’s ruling on Cumulus’ request to seal the record and protect witnesses’ identities. That request was granted by the District Court. Cumulus Media is suing Nielsen alleging that the company is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. At the heart of the complaint is the charge that Nielsen is providing access to the national broadcast radio ratings only if the client spends a lot of extra money on the separate local ratings. Cumulus argues that Nielsen’s policy forces them to buy ratings in U.S. markets where it doesn’t operate stations in order to have the complete national ratings data.

Industry News

Priebus Joins FOX News Media as Analyst

FOX News Media brings Reince Priebus aboard as a political analyst, in which he’ll appear across all platforms. He made his debut last nightimg (1/20) on make his debut on FOX News Channel’s “Hannity.” Priebus is a former Republican National Committee chairman and served as White House chief of staff to Donald Trump in 2017. He currently is president of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, chairman of Michael Best Strategies and is a senior adviser to Centerview Partners. He also holds roles on President Trump’s Intelligence Advisory and Oversight boards.

Industry News

FCC’s Gomez Testifies About First Amendment Concerns

At last week’s appearance before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Committee on Energy and Commerce, FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez testified about her concerns withimg the way the commission is operating. She took issue with FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s interpretation of how the Commission should ensure that licensees operate in the public interest. She stated, “For months, this FCC has asserted an apparent roving mandate to police speech that this Administration does not like, invoking an undefined and unchecked concept known as the ‘public interest’ standard.

Instead of functioning as a principle intended to serve the public, this standard is being treated as a license to weigh in on content, viewpoint, and editorial judgment.

This is not what the FCC was created to do. The Commission’s job is not to police content, root out media bias, or guarantee favorable coverage for any administration. Its responsibility is to regulate communications infrastructure and markets, not censor the speech that flows through them.

The First Amendment protects against government interference with speech, and the Communications Act prohibits the FCC from engaging in censorship. In a free society, the government does not decide what speech is acceptable or aligned with its views. When the government’s media regulator claims the power to judge content or police bias, we move away from oversight and closer toward censorship and control.

That is why it is so important for the FCC to clearly define what it means by the public interest standard, something I have called on it to do repeatedly. It is also why Congress must insist on guardrails that prevent content-based regulation and protect against the FCC acting as an arbiter of speech.”

Industry News

Speaker Johnson Addresses British Parliament

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Pictured above is U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson addressing Britain’s House of Commons and House of Lords today (1/20), making him the first sitting Speaker to address the U.K. Parliament. Johnson’s remarks focused on 2026 being America’s 250th Birthday as a free independent nation. Salem Media says that Johnson’s reaction to his reception in Parliament – plus excerpts of his address – will be featured on SRN News, TOWNHALL News and the upcoming edition of the weekly Salem news program “This Week on Capitol Hill with Tony Perkins” on which Johnson is co-host. Photo: GB News

Industry Views

Monday Memo: The Fearless Cold Caller

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgOften, when visiting client stations, I ride shotgun on a sales call, and it’s always a masterclass. Retailers have a canny, insightful feel for their customers (our listeners). And accompanying these reps, I feel like I’m “Dancing With The Stars.”

Cold calling still rattles many new sellers, even some veterans. The fear is understandable: interrupting strangers to ask for their time sounds like a recipe for rejection. And seems old-school, but the cold call isn’t a relic – it’s a differentiator. Done right, it’s not a pitch. It’s about discovery.

Here’s what successful sellers I work with seem to have in common:

  • — Their goal isn’t a cold close.It’s to open a conversation about helping a business grow. They are confident in what radio advertising – done right – can accomplish.
  • — They do homework beforehand, checking the prospect’s website, social feeds, Google reviews, and its other advertising. So, they can go in with something specific to reference. Some bring “an actual commercial that got results for a business like yours, somewhere else.” When I do a station sales meeting, I leave behind a thumb drive of successful spots from other markets. Retailers are wary of experiments, and curious for proven concepts.
  • — They lead with curiosity. Like a job interview, you are judged more by the-questions-you-ask than the-information-you-give. Productive questions I hear include, “How are you attracting new customers right now?” and, “What’s been working best for you lately… and what’s been frustrating?” and, “Have you ever used local radio to tell your story?” Ask, “What’s the biggest mistake consumers make when planning a kitchen remodel [or purchasing whatever else the prospect sells]?” And, “Why buy from YOU?” Entrepreneurs like to talk about their business. Let them, and take notes, recording on your smartphone.
  • — They present a no-risk offer that invests in the prospect’s growth. Hearing is believing, so “Let me take what-you’ve-told-me and bring back a message that tells your story, at no cost or obligation to you.” Rather than describing that story, spec spots demonstrate it. Note: “spots,” plural.
  • — They bring back two spec spots, so the choice is this-or-that rather than yes-or-no. Not two versions of the same concept, but two different approaches. One might be a live read mock-up; the other a fully produced commercial, incorporating copy points from the prospect’s existing marketing material, and from that first-call interview…
  • — If possible, they use the prospect’s voice. If he or she can read without sounding sing-songy, bring back a draft script. Here’s a straight pitchI wrote for the guy who maintains my home water system. More often, the most productive use of the prospect’s voice is unscripted sound bites lifted from the smartphone after that first call, wrapped with lean announcer copy, like this. Either way, spots like these can get people telling the advertiser “I heard you on the radio.” 😉
  • — If that doesn’t close, they offer to re-do the spec spot, based on feedback from that second call. This persistence demonstrates a partnership with the prospect’s success, and shares authorship of the final version.
  • — They anticipate rejection, and prep responses to common objections. They understand that “no” often means “not now.” Seeming super-appreciative for the prospect’s time, they thank him or her and ask “to check-back with you” in the future. They track attempts, conversations, and follow-ups.

Lately, I’m impressed by how reps are using Artificial Intelligence… not as a crutch, but to collaborate. Various vendors are hawking apps that will write – even voice – spots. Whenever I’m given a demo, I ask for copy about a restaurant my wife and I frequent. And what comes back is painfully generic – “in a relaxing atmosphere” – rather than capturing the experience. DO exploit AI. But ask it for copy concepts, and use it as a first draft, always to frame the prospect’s words.

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

Casey Bartholomew Exits WBAP, Dallas

Talk host Casey Bartholomew announces he’s been let go from his late morning talk show on Cumulus Media’s WBAP, Dallas. Bartholomew joined WBAP in the spring of 2022. He wrote: “This was weird… Afterimg almost 4 years, and raising the ratings over 300% in some areas, I was informed that I was leaving my job to ‘pursue other opportunities.’ I didn’t even know I was looking at other opportunities. I wanted to ask them what they were, but they got off the phone before I could. (Yes. They did it over the phone.) So, if anybody knows what these ‘other opportunities’ are, could you let me know?” Cumulus is seeking Bartholomew’s replacement for the 9:00am to 11:00 am show. See the job opportunity below.

Industry News

FCC’s Carr Underscores Agency’s Enforcement of Public Interest Requirements

In testimony before the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce yesterday (1/14), FCC chairman Brendan Carr addressed a number of issues including ownership caps and broadcasters’ requirement to serve the public interest. In his prepared remarks, Carr anticipated questions about the commission’s role in scrutinizing content and stated, “The FCC is working to empower local broadcasters to serve the public interest and meetthe needs of their communities. As Congress, the Supreme Court, and the FCC have allimg made clear, broadcasters are different than every other distributor of media. Specifically, broadcasters are required by both the Communications Act and the terms of their FCC-issued licenses to operate in the public interest. This sets them apart from cable channels, podcasts, streaming services, social media, and countless other types of distributors that have no public interest obligation. The FCC’s broadcast hoax rule, its news distortion policy, its political equal opportunity regulation, its prohibition on obscene, indecent, and profane content, its localism requirements — all of those and more apply uniquely to broadcasters. Congress has instructed the FCC to enforce public interest requirements on broadcasters. The FCC should do exactly that.” Carr added, “To ensure that broadcasters can meet their public interest obligations, the FCC has taken a number of actions, including seeking public comment for the first time in more than 15 years on the relationship between the large, national programmers on the one hand and the many local broadcast television stations on the other. Comments in that proceeding suggest that many local broadcasters are concerned that the national programmers have amassed enormous power and influence in recent years and have made it more challenging for local broadcasters to fulfill their public interest obligations. The FCC is going to continue its efforts to empower local broadcasters to meet their public interest obligations.” 

Industry News

Connoisseur Media Partners with Audiospace for Digital Assets

Connoisseur Media partners with software solution firm Audiospace for the company to develop its digital radio platforms. Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “The culture of Connoisseur Media is about being local and about meeting our audiences where they are. Today, that meansimg having a first-class digital experience alongside fantastic local programming.  Audiospace understands that and they understand radio.  They’re not just building apps and websites, they are helping us connect with our listeners while also unlocking new revenue opportunities for our advertisers.  We thrilled to be working with Audiospace, we expect this partnership to help take Connoisseur Media’s digital game to the next level.” The first websites and apps were successfully launched in early December, with additional releases scheduled in the coming weeks.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

AdLarge Acquires Inlet Media. AdLarge is acquiring the assets of technology platform Inlet Media, Inc that it has used for nearly two years to onboard, distribute, and monetize audio and video content through its AI-powered podcast and creator workflows. As part of the transaction, Patrick Cedrowski, co-founder of Inlet Media, has been named chief technology officer of AdLarge and the fwd. network. Brian Egan, co-founder of Inlet Media and longtime AdLarge and fwd. network team member, has been promoted to vice president and head of product.

NHPR Partners with The Podglomerate. New Hampshire Public Radio enters into an exclusive sales partnership with Portsmouth-based podcast agency The Podglomerate,, in which The Podglomerate will serve as the exclusive sales partner for podcasts produced by NHPR. NHPR director of on-demand audio Rebecca Lavoie says,“Partnering with The Podglomerate is a natural next step in our relationship. We’ve worked with them on several marketing campaigns, and are impressed with their steadfast advocacy for our journalism. They also have some of the most innovative approaches to monetization I’ve seen in the industry.”

Edison Presenting “Evolving Ear” Webinar. Edison Research will present, “The Evolving Ear: How New Listeners are Shaping Podcast’s New Chapter,” in a webinar on January 27 at 2:00 pm ET.  Edison says, “The future of podcasting may be unpredictable, but listener trends offer the best clues about where it’s headed. Drawing from over 20 years of Edison Research data, senior research director Gabriel Soto will explore how the next wave of podcast consumers is shaping the medium.” Get more info and register here. 

Radio Mercury Awards Call for Entry. Call for Entry for the 2026 Radio Mercury Awards is officially open. Entrants have the opportunity to be awarded in 17 categories along with the Best of Show recognition. Call for Entry deadline is Monday, April 6, 2026. Finalists for the show will be announced in early May, and winners will be announced at the live Radio Mercury Awards event on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at SONY Hall in New York City. For more information regarding entry categories, guidelines, entry fees and deadlines, available sponsorship information and more, click here.

Industry News

Nielsen Appeals Judge’s Injunction; No Stay Granted

Nielsen Audio’s managing director Rich Tunkel says that U.S. District Court Judge Jeanette Vargas’ order that his company is enjoined from enforcing its Network Policy — in which clients wanting to buy network ratings must also buy the local ratings — and from charging aimg commercially unreasonable rate for its Nationwide Report may cause it to have to do away with the Nationwide Report altogether. This testimony accompanied Nielsen’s request for a stay pending appeal as it appeals to the Second Circuit. This is the latest in action in Cumulus’ suit alleging that imgNielsen is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. Judge Vargas denied the stay pending appeal but did grant an administrative stay will be in effect only until January 16, 2026, to allow Nielsen time to file a motion for a stay in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Tunkel’s testimony states that the order would cause Nielsen “significant irreparable harm if required to comply with the Court’s ruling during the pendency of Nielsen’s appeal… As a result, Nielsen would not be able to apply that policy in any of the at least ten negotiations with clients that Nielsen expects to have in 2026. If Nielsen is unable to apply the Network Policy, then it will be hindered in its ability to ensure that it can recover the costs of collecting the local radio-ratings data that make up the Nationwide report and spread those costs appropriately across the customers that use the products generated from those joint costs. If Nielsen cannot recover these costs, then it may have to retire the Nationwide report, similar to when Nielsen retired its other national data product, RADAR. If it does not retire the Nationwide report, it may have to pass a higher share of the costs of collecting local data on to other customers, including local radio stations, hurting Nielsen’s negotiating position with respect to those customers, as well as those customers themselves.” 

Industry News

Report: Giuliani Suing WABC’s Catsimatidis

The New York Post reports that Rudy Giuliani — who previously hosted a daily show at Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York — is suing the station and owner John Catsimatidis over his exit from WABC. Catsimatidis tellsimg the Post that he’s “been left with ‘tears in my eyes’ amid a bitter feud with his longtime ‘brother’ Rudy Giuliani — which escalated when the former mayor filed suit against him Monday.”  He tells the Post, “I’m very, very disappointed in my friend right now… I always supported him during his tough times.” Giuliani alleges in his suit that he was fired for going to bat for his co-host Dr. Maria Ryan for what he alleged was WABC’s wage-based sex discrimination against her. Ryan is also suing the station for wage-based sex discrimination. Meanwhile, regarding Giuliani, Catsimatidis tells the Post, “We didn’t fire him — we suspended him pending a cooling-off period, Friday to Monday. He just didn’t come back.” See the Post story here. 

Industry News

iHeartPodcast Awards Nominees Unveiled

The nominees for the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards that will be presented atimg SXSW in Austin on March 16. Nominees for Podcast of the Year include: “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” “The Breakfast Club,” The Mel Robbins Podcast,” “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” “The Daily,” “The Rest Is History,” “This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von,” “Call Her Daddy,” “Heavyweight,” and “Giggly Squad.” The nominees for Best Political podcast include: “Pod Save America,” “The Bulwark Podcast,” “Breaking Points,” “Hacks On Tap,” and “The Ben Shapiro Show.” See all the nominees here. 

Industry News

Audacy Partners with Next Net for AI Search Discoverability Optimization

Next Net — a company that specializes in search discoverability and AI optimization — partners with Audacy to launch NextNet AI – AI Search Discoverability Optimization for local and regional businesses nationwide. Then two companies say this partnership brings “enterprise-grade AIimg discoverability capabilities to small and mid-sized businesses that are being excluded from emerging search and discovery channels due to cost, complexity, and technical barriers.” Audacy SVP of digital Jenny Sutton says, “Local advertisers can be overwhelmed by the pace of change in digital marketing and discovery. By partnering with Next Net, we’re giving our clients a future-ready solution that integrates AI discoverability directly into the media and marketing strategies they already know and trust, without requiring technical resources or additional burden on the business owner.” 

Industry News

SiriusXM Launches Chris Cuomo Show on POTUS Channel

The new program hosted by former CNN personality and current NewsNation host Chris Cuomo is titled, “Cuomo Mornings,” and airs from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on its bi-partisan P.O.T.U.S. channel. SiriusXM says, “Built around the idea that the country is more than red vs. blue, ‘Cuomo Mornings’ will focus on breaking down party lines and elevating honest,img solutions-oriented conversations about the political, cultural, and social issues shaping Americans’ lives… expected guests in the show’s first days include James Carville, Bob Costas, Mark Cuban, former Senator Joe Manchin, Gov. Wes Moore, Sen. Rand Paul and more. Cuomo comments, “Too much of our politics is about teams instead of truth. ’Cuomo Mornings’ is going to be about breaking through those barriers, asking better questions, and bringing people into the conversation instead of talking past them. We need to prioritize common sense, accountability, and real dialogue, and SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. channel is exactly where that belongs. I’m very excited to be back on the platform and to engage with callers every day. Let’s get after it.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

WABC and Cuomo Talking About a Weekend Show. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis are talking about a new, weekend talk show that the Cuomo would host. The New York Post reports that during Cuomo’s appearance on Catsimatidis’ “Roundtable” show, Catsimatidis stated, “I hear you may be talking a little bit more on WABC radio in the near future,” with Cuomo replying, “I think your station has an audience that is participatory, and large. It’s very important… that we understand what’s going on and have informed dialogue and your station is a great vehicle to do that.” 

WWO and Barbasol Celebrate 20 Years. Cumulus Media’s Westwood One and Barbasol are celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of sports media’s longest running brand partnerships: Barbasol’s sponsorship of the NFL on Westwood One. Westwood One president & Cumulus EVP Collin Jones says, “Long-term partnerships like this aren’t built on transactions, they’re built on alignment, honesty, and a willingness to evolve together. Barbasol activates with authenticity and consistency, whether supporting our talent, engaging fans, or backing causes that mean something to the players and analysts our listeners know and love. That’s why it works, why it’s lasted—and why we’re thrilled to mark 20 years with the brand. A special thanks to the Barbasol team and Murray family for their enduring partnership.”

Skyview Brings Doughty Aboard. Skyview Networks names Brian Doughty director, network sales. The company says that in this role, he’ll will work closely with its experienced sales team to continue elevating the overall sales strategy, utilizing his knowledge of the industry to deliver results for sports and network audio partners.

MIW Names Four to Board of Directors. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors, along with the appointment of current Board Member Randi P’Pool to the Executive Board as Secretary. New board members include: Townsquare Media’s Allyson Hillman, Audacy’s Kieran Geffert, Radio One’s Lauren “Lo” Sessions-Barker, and Salem Media Group’s Linnae Young. 

Industry News

WWO Confirms Return of Bongino Streaming Show and Podcast

Cumulus Media confirms that former FBI deputy director Dan Bongino is back with the company as Westwood One will serve as the exclusive sales partner for his new show that will stream live daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET exclusively via Rumble with recorded audio available on all major podcast platforms. The new show launches on February 2. Cumulusimg Media | Westwood One says, “The relaunch marks Bongino’s most extensive digital commitment to date, designed to meet increasing audience demand for long-form and in-depth content. The two-hour format strengthens the show’s position as a major voice in independent media, offering a highly engaging, daily destination for listeners seeking headline analysis, guest interviews, cultural commentary, and special ‘Bongino Army’ segments.” Bongino comments, “I’m excited to get back behind the mic and reconnect directly with the audience. This show has always been about cutting through the noise and talking honestly about what matters. We’re coming back bigger, bolder, and always unfiltered — exactly how people want it.” Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network president Collin Jones adds, “Dan Bongino is back! Few voices in talk media command the loyalty and firepower that Dan brings. His audience? Formidable. His influence? Undeniable. This promises to be an incredible journey as Dan drives the national conversation daily on the most important issues at hand, with authority that has been hard-fought and well-earned. Westwood One is beyond proud to help power the next chapter of ‘The Dan Bongino Show.’”

Industry News

WSAR, Fall River, Massachusetts Changing Hands

Jim and Bob Karam, owners of news/talk/sports, WSAR-AM, Fall River, Massachusetts, announce that they have stuck a deal to sell the station to Fall River Reporter publisher Michael Silvia and sitting Fall River cityimg councilor Cliff Ponte. WPRI-TV, Providence reports that the new owners say “they’re going to shift programming to cover 100% local content focusing on Fall River and its suburbs while still keeping Celtics and Patriots broadcasts.” Ponte tells WPRI, “This station has been a part of my life for more than two decades. I got my start behind the microphone here as a teenager, learning the ropes at WSAR and later moved to other stations in Cape Cod and Providence.” The report says that Silvia will serve as the station’s general manager, Ponte will serve as program director, and current station general manager Sue Nadar will move to the role of sales manager. See the WPRI story here.