TALKERS News Notes
WCBM Adds Ted Cruz Podcast. The Baltimore news/talk station adds Premiere Networks’ podcast starring Ted Cruzand Ben Ferguson. Station PD Sean Casey says, “Talk Radio 680 WCBM is thrilled to add Senator Cruz and Verdict to our weekend lineup. We feel it’s important to feature strong conservative voices like Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson during this crucial time. I’m confident our listeners will look forward to hearing ‘Verdict with Ted Cruz’ every Sunday night.”
America Tonight Adds Affiliate. The nationally syndicated “America Tonight” program starring Kate Delaney adds new affiliate WVLK, Lexington, Kentucky “Newstalk 590 and 97.3 FM.”
Juju Chang to Host Gracies Luncheon. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation announce that ABC News “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang is hosting the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon in New York City on Wednesday, June 18 at Cipriani 42nd Street. The Luncheon will also feature presenters including Arielle Chambers (ESPN), Boomer Esiason (WFAN), Medha Gandhi (iHeartMedia), Erica Hill (CNN), and Vicky Nguyen (NBC News).
WWO Presents College World Series. Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is the official network audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, and in conjunction with the NCAA Radio Network, will be home to the NCAA Division I Men’s College World Series Championship Finals, live from Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska beginning June 21. Kevin Kugler will call all the action and will be joined in the booth by Scott Graham and field reporter Connor Happer.
expected to anchor special news or breaking news coverage when it happens. This position becomes an overall ambassador for our brand, and is expected to also work at special events, and alongside our sales staff to promote the station to Northwest Newsradio clients and endorse their businesses if requested.” 
demonstrating that they have met their duty of inquiry in seeking to obtain the information needed to determine whether programming is sponsored, paid for, or furnished by a foreign governmental entity.” While this new sponsorship identification requirements for foreign government-provided programming was passed 3-2 by the Commission last summer, it has been challenged in the courts and remains there. Because of this, yesterday’s announcement of the publication of the rules in the federal register also adds that the implementation of the rules are being put off for six months until December 8, 2025. One of the arguments put forth by broadcasters opposed to the new rules is that they put radio and TV stations in the position of having to conduct an investigation in order to comply with the law.
In the golden age of broadcasting, the rules were clear. If you edited the message, you owned the consequences. That was the tradeoff for editorial control. But today’s digital platforms – YouTube, X, TikTok, Instagram – have rewritten that deal. Broadcasters and those who operate within the FCC regulatory framework are paying the price.
chairman and chief executive officer of Nexstar Media Group, who will remain on the executive committee as immediate past joint board chair. Also, Chris Ornelas, EVP and general counsel for Beasley Media Group, was elected chair by the NAB Radio Board. Leonard Wheeler, president of Mel Wheeler, Inc was elected first vice chair while Allen Power, president, Broadcast Media for Salem Media Group, was elected second vice chair. Eddie Harrell, co-president, Audio Division of Urban One was elected to the major group representative seat on the NAB Radio Board.
illness or disaster. In addition, the campaign strives to raise awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation’s charitable purpose to ensure that anyone in radio and television who might qualify for aid can apply. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “Please do not stand on the sidelines. If you’re part of the broadcasting community, while we hope you never need us, we need to be here for you should disaster or illness strike. The need for aid continues to grow each year, and I ask every broadcaster to consider a personal or corporate donation.” To make a BFOA Giving Day donation, radio and television professionals may click 
website: “He was our friend and co-worker at WWJ Newsradio 950 and also a friend to our listeners, bringing you the stories of the day from Detroit and across Southeast Michigan. Someone recently described him as a hero, and we can’t argue with that. We are heartbroken to share that WWJ reporter and anchor Mike Campbell died on Sunday. He was 65 years old, having just celebrated his birthday at the end of May. He was a fearless reporter, with unique style — a way of talking to and connecting with the people who were a part of the stories he told.” Campbell is survived by his wife Terri and is children. 
The weekend program – hosted by Mark Walters – “Armed American Radio” is added to the program lineup at four stations including WZGM-AM, Asheville, North Carolina and WXZQ-FM, Columbus, Ohio. The “AAR Daily Defense Hour” adds three new affiliates including WNWS-FM, Jackson, Tennessee.
This coming Sunday, June 15, is Father’s Day. For that day – and the Friday before (hint-hint) – you might have already readied Harry Chapin’s “
Santos, and one other employee. According to a memo to staff from WURD CEO and president Sara Lomax wrote praising those affected for their “meaningful contributions to our station, our community, and our city. This decision was not made lightly. As an independent media radio station, it is imperative that we maintain our ability to give Black Philadelphia a voice and a place to make their voices heard.” She also wrote, “I’m very confident we will survive and thrive. “It’s time like this that outlets like WURD are needed more than ever. We want to be around for another 22 years and another 22 after that.”
the Corporation” because it was established to be a private non-profit corporation independent from governmental control or influence. This comes after the Trump administration attempted to remove three of the CPB’s board of directors – Laura G. Ross, Thomas E. Rothman, and Diane Kaplan – earlier this year. CPB CEO Patricia Harrison says, “We are very pleased that the Court recognized CPB is an independent, non-profit corporation, free from governmental control or influence, and CPB, board and management, looks forward to continuing our work with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan public media is available for all Americans.”
all this week from Palm Springs, California at “Freedomfest.” Thomas tells TALKERS that at the event – billed as “The Largest Gathering of Free Minds”—he will cover everything from farming to energy and, of course, free markets. Thomas also operates Thomas Media LLC which owns news/talk WTON, Staunton/Waynesboro/Harrisonburg.
suburban New York market dynamics, and a proven track record of audience engagement, operational excellence along with cultivating client and community relationships.” At the same time, Connoisseur chief operating officer David Bevins, who has been overseeing Long Island operations for the past five years in addition to his corporate responsibilities, will now focus on major corporate initiatives. The company says Bevins will play a key role in managing the transition of Alpha Media into Connoisseur Media. CEO Jeffrey Warshaw comments, “These leadership changes reflect our confidence in our team and our vision for Connoisseur’s future. Kristin and David exemplify the kind of forward-thinking, community-driven leadership that defines our brand. As we grow, we are excited to have their expertise guiding both our legacy markets and new additions.”
Nathan Fischer, and fellow farm department contributors are teaming up to produce the debut show this Saturday (6/7). WHO adds, “‘We Speak Farm Saturday’ builds upon all that’s delivered throughout the week during ‘The Big Show’ with a Market Recap, a weekly ‘Agriculture USA’ segment from the USDA, insightful conversations on Iowa farming, agronomy and food, and will also cover topics such as gardening, farmers markets, rodeos and county fairs.” WHO program director Cole Blair comments, “We are always looking to deliver more for the hard-working farmers and all those involved in Iowa’s agriculture industry at WHO, so we’re proud to expand our Ag programming with the launch of ‘We Speak Farm Saturday.’ When farmers and Ag industry workers get in the truck, tractor or workplace on Saturday it’s only right we’re there with them, too.”
commentary on “everything beyond the world of sports – from politics and social issues to entertainment news, pop culture trends and more.” Smith comments, “To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So, I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That in itself is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics and social commentary… let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!” Stephen A. Smith is a featured commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s “First Take.” Since 2021 he has been an analyst on “NBA Countdown,” ESPN and ABC’s longstanding NBA pregame show.
When Georgia-based nationally syndicated radio personality, and Second Amendment advocate Mark Walters (longtime host of “Armed American Radio”) learned that ChatGPT had falsely claimed he was involved in a criminal embezzlement scheme, he did what few in the media world have dared to do. Walters stood up when others were silent, and took on an incredibly powerful tech company, one of the biggest in the world, in a court of law.
hosted by Sam Madonia and Greg Halbleib moves from sister sports talk station WFMB-AM/W222CG to WMAY-AM/FM. Current WMAY morning personality Patrick Pfingsten moves to the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart as host of “PM Springfield.” Back over at Sports Radio 92.3 FM/1450 AM, the station debuts a new morning show called, “The Morning Huddle with Darin Pritchett.” Woodward market manager Kevin O’ Dea says, “We’ve heard our listeners loud and clear. These changes allow us to better serve our audiences with the content they love, while strengthening our ties to the community.”
states, “Steve has shared his entire broadcasting career with the WGN Radio audience and built respect, trust, and friendships along the way. It’s a special relationship and four decades deserves recognition.” Bertrand started at WGN Radio as an intern and was hired full-time in 1985. He has been in the news anchor chair since 1992. Bertrand reflects, “Growing up in a small town, I always had my eye on moving to the big city. Never during those years of daydreaming would I have imagined the career I’ve had at WGN Radio. I have worked with, and still do work with, some of the best in radio. I’m so grateful. And lucky. Back in the day, many people might have considered my fantasy a pipe dream. But, it turns out, dreams can come true.”
study of 303 media agencies and marketers conducted in August 2024 found the perceived combined audience share of Pandora/Spotify is 43%, much greater than the perceived share of AM/FM radio (27%). In reality, “According to the Q1 2025 Share of Ear, AM/FM radio’s persons 18+ share of ad-supported audio (68%) is 14 times larger than ad-supported Pandora (5%) and ad-supported Spotify (5%).” The data also reveals that podcasts take the second-place spot with a 20% share. Ad-supported Pandora (5%), ad-supported Spotify (5%), and ad-supported SiriusXM (3%) lag distantly. 
“Fewer than half of Americans plan to travel this Summer,” according to a 
encompasses four divisions: Local TV and Radio; Network, Syndication Service, Program Service TV and Radio; Digital News Organizations; and Student Awards. RTDNA says the Murrow Awards “recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community. Murrow Award-winning work demonstrates the excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the broadcast news profession.” 
iHeartRadio, the deal includes a cross-marketing collaboration of both brands throughout the BIG3 season with promotion nationally across iHeartMedia’s multiple platforms including broadcast radio, podcast digital, social and live events, with a heavy focus in “game” markets including Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Dallas and others. iHeart Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “We are very excited about our new partnership with BIG3 and having the opportunity to provide play-by-play coverage and promotional support to build further brand awareness, introducing the game to millions of more fans. We look forward to bringing the passion and excitement of BIG3 to our listeners on a local and national level week after week.”
Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage the business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” While both parties were doing due diligence on the CMG deal, Warshaw learned that an Audacy majority stake holder was willing to sell its stake in the company. Warshaw says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024. Warshaw alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. After that though, Warshaw says Del Nin balked and denied there was ever an agreement, calling any such claims “fabricated.” Warshaw is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and asking that the court award specific performance of their agreement.