Industry News

Jon Marks Returns to The Fanatic for Middays

Beasley Media Group brings Jon Marks back to its airwaves for the “Middays with Marks” show from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on WPEN-FM, Philadelphia 97.5 The Fanatic,” beginning Monday (9/29).  Marks, whose show replaces Mike Missanelli in the midday slot, served WPEN-FM inimg several capacities over the past 20 years but was most recently with crosstown sports talker WIP-FM co-hosting with Ike Reese. Beasley Media Group Philadelphia Paul Blake says, “Jon Marks is a proven leader and a trusted voice in Philadelphia sports. His credibility, passion, and connection with our audience will be instrumental in driving The Fanatic’s continued growth and success in the market.” Marks comments, “I’m beyond excited for this opportunity. Philadelphia is the best sports city in the country, and the fans here are as passionate as they come. To be able to talk sports with them every day in this new time slot is an honor, and I can’t wait to bring that same energy and passion to middays on The Fanatic.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (September 22-26, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (9/22-26) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Government Shutdown Battle / Firing Threats
2. The Economy / Positive Growth Report
3. ICE Facility Shooting
4. Comey Indicted
5. Trump UN Address
6. Trump vs Kimmel / Kirk Slaying Aftermath
7. Tylenol-Autism Debate
8. SCOTUS OKs Trump FTC Firing
9. Gaza War / Russia-Ukraine War
10.Dem Wins AZ House Seat

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Chuck Schumer / Hakeem Jeffries
3. James Comey / Pam Bondi
4. Greg Abbott
5. Jimmy Kimmel
6. Charlie Kirk / Erika Kirk
7. RFK Jr.
8. Rebecca Kelly Slaughter
9. Benjamin Netanyahu / Vladimir Putin
10. Adelita Grijalva

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

New Leadership for Connoisseur San Antonio Announced

Connoisseur Media announces that, beginning in January, current director of sales Morgan Harrison will become market manager for the San Antonio station group the includes news/talkimg KTSA. Morgan will take over for Lance Hawkins, who is retiring. Additionally, integrated sales and sports programming manager Dax Davis will rise to director of sales. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “This is a big moment for our San Antonio team. That market is a vital part of our company, and Morgan and Dax have earned these roles through their hard work and passion for the business. We’re excited to see them lead the next chapter.” Harrison comments, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to step into the role of market manager.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/24)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Deadly ICE Detention Center Shooting
    2. Trump vs Kimmel
    3. James Comey Investigation
    4. Russian Jets in NATO Airspcace
    5. Government Shutdown Looms
Industry News

WTOP’s Basch to Step Away; Hubbard Seeks Morning Co-Anchor

imgHubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington is looking for a new morning drive news anchor after Michelle Basch informed the company she will leave her position at the end of the year to relocate out of DC. WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler wrote in a memo to the stations staff, “Anyone who knows Michelle Basch, knows how much she and her husband Mike adore their cabin in Pennsylvania. Michelle and Mike have decided to move there full-time in the Spring, which means Michelle will be leaving WTOP after nearly two decades. The good news? Michelle will continue to anchor AM Drive through the end of the year. She will then do some reporting for us until she and Mike are fully moved to PA. Michelle’s passion for news, commitment to excellence and drive to ‘first get it right, then get it first’ will be greatly missed in this newsroom.” See more and apply here.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Enters into Partnership with Hello Divorce

iHeartMedia and Hello Divorce – a comprehensive online divorce platform built for the mass market – announce a partnership. According to a press release, Hello Divorce combines technology and expert guidance to radically simplify the legal, financial, and emotionalimg complexities of divorce – helping people navigate every stage of the process faster, more affordably, and with far less conflict. Hello Divorce says its service “goes far beyond digitizing forms and redesigns the entire divorce experience with proprietary technology and AI to eliminate costly errors, reduce delays, and remove the bottlenecks that wreak havoc on divorce timelines.” iHeartMedia president of corporate development and ventures Joe Robinson says, “Hello Divorce offers a powerful solution for one of life’s most challenging transitions. This partnership gives them a unique opportunity to connect with people nationwide through our platforms, delivering resources and guidance that can truly make a difference.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/23)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Trump’s UN Address
    2. Gaza War / Russia-Ukraine War
    3. Kimmel Returns to ABC
    4. Dem Wins AZ U.S. House Special Election
    5. Tylenol-Autism Controversy
Industry News

Skyview Promotes Two to Directors

Skyview Networks promotes two to director positions within its finance and business development/communications departments. Ethan Aragon is named senior executive director,img insights. Aragon joined Skyview in 2014, and Skyview says he has “built a reputation among his colleagues and our clients as a highly analytical contributor, whose insights support the sales team, our advertisers, and our networks.” At the same time, Heather Baumanis is promoted to executive director, business development and communications. In this role, she’ll support Skyview’s business portfolio of sports partnerships and maintain and contribute to new and existing client relationships while leading the company’s internal, external, and corporate branding initiatives.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/22)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Tylenol-Autism Report
    2. SCOTUS OKs Trump FTC Firing
    3. Kimmel to Return to ABC
    4. Trump at UN
    5. Bondi Instructed to Prosecute Political Adversaries
Industry News

Talk Industry Brings Heavy Presence to Charlie Kirk Memorial

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Members of the talk media industry were among the thousands of mourners who traveled to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday for the memorial service for slain Salem Radio Network talk host and activist Charlie Kirk. Pictured above at the service are SRN talk hosts Mike Gallagher (right) and Larry Elder (left). Also attending from Salem were host Eric Metaxas and Salem Media CEO David Santrella and senior vice president Phil Boyce were among thousands of mourners attending Sunday’s memorial service for slain SRN talk host Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona.

Industry News

WTOP Reporter Jeff Clabaugh Dies at 63

imgWTOP, Washington is announcing that its business reporter Jeff Clabaugh died last Thursday at the age of 63 after a yearlong battle with cancer. WTOP says that Clabaugh, “whose steady-paced voiceconversationally delivered money news to the D.C. region for three decades,” was “a master of consumer business news” who “gave reports twice an hour on WTOP’s airwaves and wrote punchy, popular stories for WTOP.com.” WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler wrote to the staff, “Jeff Clabaugh made WTOP’s Business Reports what they are today. His work ethic was incredible. And his voice was so smooth. He was one of the best storytellers in the WTOP newsroom.” Read the WTOP story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (9/20-21)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Charlie Kirk Memorial
2. The Economy / Fed Rate Cut / Record Dow
3. Kimmel Cancelled / Disney-FCC Controversy
4. Homan Investigation Revealed
5. Canada, UK & Australia Recognize Palestine

Industry News

“98.9 WORD” to Present Republican Candidates Debate

Audacy’s WYRD, Greenville, South Carolina “News/Talk 98.9 WORD” is partnering with the Fourth District Republican Club to host a candidates debate on October 16. The three Republican candidates for the Southing Carolina Senate District 12 seat – Justin Bradley, Lee Bright and Hope Blackley – will take part in the 90-minute debate in which WORD hosts Joey Hudson and Bill Frady will moderate the debate. Audacy South Carolina operations manager Mark Hendrix says, “This debate will give our listeners and the community a chance to hear directly from the candidates, understand their positions, and make informed decisions as election day approaches.”

Industry News

NPR Shows Remain Atop Triton Podcast Ranker for August

Triton Digital releases its Top U.S. Podcasts ranker for the month of August and NPR’s “NPR News Now”img and “Up First” stayed in the #1 and #2 spots, respectively. News/talk radio related shows of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” rising two places to #11 and iHeart Audience Network’s “Armstrong & Getty On Demand” climbs two places to #22. The ranker is based on weekly average downloads for participating publishers.  See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (September 15-19, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (9/15-19) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Kirk Slaying Aftermath / Public Figure Safety Fears
2. ABC Suspends Kimmel / First Amendment Issues
3. The Economy / Fed Rate Cut
4. Trump Visits UK
5. Israel’s Gaza City Takeover
6. Trump Sues NYTimes
7. ICE Raids / Guard to Memphis
8. Russian Incursion into NATO Airspace
9. Lisa Cook Case
10.Robert Redford Dies

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Charlie Kirk
3. Pam Bondi / Stephen Miller / JD Vance
4. Jimmy Kimmel
5. Barack Obama
6. Jerome Powell
7. Benjamin Netanyahu
8. Vladimir Putin
9. Lisa Cook
10. Robert Redford

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News Sarugami

Megyn Kelly to Host Today’s Charlie Kirk Show

imgSalem Radio Network announces that Megyn Kelly is hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” today (9/17). This week, guest hosts have included Vice President JD Vance and Glenn Beck. It appears SRN will continue to present more high-profile talk media personalities as guest host of the show. Additionally, Salem Radio Network will provide live coverage of the Charlie Kirk Memorial Service from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona this Sunday, anchored by SRN’s White House correspondent Greg Clugston.

Industry News Sarugami

Kirk Slaying Pushes First Amendment into Spotlight in Talk Media Industry

The aftermath of the killing of Charlie Kirk last week has made the First Amendment an issue being discussed not only by the public but also one hitting home for talk media practitioners. Wednesday’s suspension of the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” program by ABC/Disney after television giants Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group complained about Kimmel’s comments on Kirk’s death and said they would stop carrying the show dominated the news cycle. While FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated at the POLITICO AI & Tech Summit that the FCC should not be investigating social media posts celebrating Kirk’s slaying, saying, “I think you can draw a pretty clear line, and the Supreme Court has done this for decades, that our First Amendment, our free speech tradition, protects almost all speech,” his statement comes not long after Attorney General Pam Bondi suggested her office should be investigating hate speech, infuriating many conservatives who outright reject the concept of hate speech. ABC/Disney’s decision to air or not air the Kimmel program is not an infringement of Kimmel’s First Amendment rights but both Sinclair and Nexstar have mergers or acquisitions before federal bodies – including the FCC – and some critics of the Kimmel suspension note that the Trump administration will consider Kimmel’s ouster a “friendly” move. It is also worth noting that FCC Chairman Carr appeared on the Benny Johnson podcast and called Kimmel’s statements “some of the sickest conduct possible” and added, “This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney… We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Finally, there are those who are pointing out that Charlie Kirk was an adamant supporter of the First Amendment who would disagree with the calls to suppress free speech – even callous speech mocking his own death.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/17)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. ABC Suspends Kimmel Show
2. Politicians’ & Media Personalities’ Safety Fears
3. Fed Cuts Interest Rates by a Quarter Percent
4. Trump Visits the UK
5. Israel’s Gaza City Takeover

Industry News Sarugami

Glenn Beck to Host Charlie Kirk Show Today

Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk host Glenn Beck will host “The Charlie Kirk Show” on the Salem Radio Network today (9/17). According to SRN, Turning Point USA arranged for Glenn Beck to act asimg guest host because he specifically asked for the honor, so he can share his thoughts and remembrances on the passing of his personal friend.  SRN adds, “We have received permission from Premiere Networks to allow Glenn to do this, even though he may be on a competing station in some radio markets.  This is one of those rare times where competitors unite for the common good. We wanted our stations to know this special broadcast has been approved. It promises to be memorable radio.” SRN says other major stars will fill in during the coming days. Vice President JD Vance guest-hosted live from The White House on Monday and Tuesday’s show was hosted by Matt Walsh, Michael Knowles and Ben Shapiro.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/16)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Kirk Slaying Aftermath / Patel Testimony
2. The Economy / Tariffs / Fed Rate Cut
3. Trump Sues NYTimes
4. Trump UK Trip
5. Robert Redford Dies

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Doers to Area President

iHeartMedia promotes Dee (Devon) Doers to area president for the company’s MidNorth Area that includes Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin, effective immediately. In this role, Doers will oversee operationsimg across key iHeartMedia markets including: Rochester, Minnesota; Bismarck, Minot, Dickinson, and Grand Forks in North Dakota; and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. iHeartMedia division president Shosh Abromovich says, “I’m thrilled to welcome Dee Doers as Area President over our six MidNorth markets. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Dee brings strategic vision and a proven track record of driving growth. He’s the ideal leader to take these markets to even greater heights.” Doers previously served the company’s Minneapolis market as vice president of sales.

Industry News

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Celebrate Four Years on WOR

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Pictured above are Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personalities Clay Travis (left) and Buck Sexton (right) celebrating four years together as a radio team at their flagship station, WOR, New York with WOR’s midday personality Mark Simone (center).

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/15)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Kirk Slaying Aftermath / Vance Threaten Left-Wing Organizations
2. ICE Raids / Guard to Memphis
3. The Economy / Tariffs / Fed Rate Cut
4. Israel Begins Gaza City Takeover
5. U.S. Hits Venezuelan Drug Boat

Industry News

JD Vance to Host Today’s Charlie Kirk Show

imgSalem Media Group announces that to honor Salem Radio Network talk host Charlie Kirk, Vice President JD Vance is guest hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” today (9/15) at 12:00 noon ET. This special broadcast live from The White House will air on the Salem Radio Network and will be simulcast on Salem News Channel. Vice President Vance tweeted on Sunday, “I will have the honor of hosting the Charlie Kirk Show. Please join me as I pay tribute to my friend.” Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “The Vice President and Second Lady Usha Vance flew to Phoenix to be with the Kirk family immediately following last Wednesday’s assassination, and they also flew Charlie’s coffin home from Utah on Air Force Two.”

Industry News

Saga Adds George Plaster to “ESPN Clarksville” Lineup

imgThe Nashville-based “George Plaster Show,” with co-hosts Kelly Holcomb and Billy Derrick, is now heard on Saga Communications’ sports talk WKFN-AM/W281BT in Clarksville, Tennessee. Clarksville Now reportsPlaster said he’s excited for the opportunity to be here and tap into a new market of sports fans. “I’m very excited about being in Clarksville. For me, this is about adding listeners – listeners who knew me from years ago. I think we’re going to do really well here, it’s a market that has a lot of sports fans, and we just simply want to tap into it.” “The George Plaster Show” will air live from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Read the Clarksville Nowstory here.

Industry News

Penn State to Shutter Non-Com WPSU-FM

According to a report at TribLive.com, Penn State will shut down its public radio station, WPSU-FM at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. The report says trustees voted against a proposal to transfer its operating assets to public radio WHYY-FM, Philadelphia. WPSU has depended on annual subsidies of atimg least $3.4 million from the university to operate the station. TribLive reports, “Penn State officials said they proposed transferring the operating assets of WPSU to WHYY and provide a $17 million subsidy structured to decrease over five years, to give WHYY an opportunity to help WPSU reach a financial break-even point and continue broadcasting across central Pennsylvania.” That proposal was not accepted by the trustees. See the TribLive story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (9/13-14)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Kirk Slaying Aftermath
2. The Economy / Tariffs / Fed Rate Cut
3. Russia Incursions into NATO Airspace
4. ICE Raids / Guard to Memphis
5. The Emmy Awards

Industry News

FOX News to Present Charlie Kirk Tribute

img FOX News Channel presenting a primetime special titled, “Charlie Kirk: An American Original,” hosted by FOX News Channel’s Jesse Watters tomorrow at 7:00 pm ET with an encore presentation on Sunday (9/14) at 7:00 pm ET. FOX News says Watters “will reflect on Kirk’s extraordinary impact as a conservative thought leader, gifted communicator, and a monumental force for the MAGA movement.” Kirk colleagues and friends being featured include: Donald Trump Jr., “My View” host Lara Trump, Graham Allen, and Pastor Jack Hibbs. In addition, FNC personalities Will Cain, Laura Ingraham, Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt and Lawrence Jones will reflect on Kirk’s impact.

Industry News

95.5 WSB Adds “Coast to Coast AM”

imgCox Media Group’s Atlanta news/talk 95.5 WSB (WSB-AM/WSBB-FM) is adding Premiere Networks’ “Coast to Coast AM” hosted by George Noory to its program schedule. WSB director of branding and programming Ken Charles says, “We’re thrilled Coast to Coast AM with George Noory is joining the 95.5 WSB-AM lineup. George’s unique voice and compelling content are a perfect overnight fit for our listeners. This is a powerful addition to our lineup of live and local talent.”

Industry News

BFoA Holds Annual Celebrity Golf Tourney

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The Broadcasters Foundation of America held its 2025 Celebrity Golf Tournament earlier this week, raising much-needed funds that will go to helping anyone in broadcasting who has been impacted by critical illness or disaster and who qualifies for aid. BFoA says broadcasters from CBS/Paramount, Audacy, Gabelli Investments, Katz, Good Karma, NBC, Fox, Disney, and more rallied in support of the BFOA’s mission. The event was held at the Arcola Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey. For information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to make a donation or apply for aid, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact the BFOA at 212-373-8250, or info@thebfoa.org.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (September 8-12, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (9/8-12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

               Stories

1. Charlie Kirk Assassination
2. ICE Raids / Guard to Chicago Threats
3. SCOTUS ICE Ruling
4. The Epstein Files
5. The Economy
6. Lisa Cook Ruling
7. GA Hyundai Plant Raid / U.S.-South Korea Relations
8. Poland Intercepts Russian Drones
9. Israel Attacks Hamas in Qatar
10.France’s Government Implodes

              People

1. Donald Trump
2. Charlie Kirk
3. JB Pritzker / Brandon Johnson
4. Jeffrey Epstein
5. Scott Bessent
6. Jerome Powell / Lisa Cook
7. Lee Jae Myung
8. Vladimir Putin
9. Benjamin Netanyahu
10.Emmanuel Macron

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Civic Media to Acquire Milwaukee Signals

Wisconsin broadcasting company Civic Media signs a deal to acquire WZTI-AM, Greenfield and FM translators W262CJ, Milwaukee and W297BY, Franklin from Milwaukee Radio Alliance LLC. The signals had been broadcasting an oldies format until recent flooding the area knocked WZTI off the air. Civic Mediaimg intends to have the station back on the air within a few weeks and it will continue to air an oldies format. Civic Media will add W262CJ at 100.3 FM to the simulcast of talk WAUK-AM, Waukesha which is also heard on W266DR, Waukesha at 101.1 FM. The 100.3 FM signal gives the station a presence in the center of Milwaukee. Civic Media regional president Chris Moreau says, “We’re thrilled to expand our presence in Milwaukee, our largest metro market. These acquisitions allow us to better serve listeners across southeastern Wisconsin with our commitment to local news coverage and quality programming. The extended coverage area creates exciting opportunities for both our audience and advertising partners.”