iHeartMedia Names Brian Long PD for KFI, Los Angeles
iHeartMedia names programming pro Brian Long program director for its Los Angeles talk stations KFI, KEIB, and sports KLAC. Long most recently served with Bonneville’s Phoenix station group. He takes over the
role that opened up after longtime programmer Robin Bertolucci exited the company in December. iHeartMedia EVP of programming for Los Angeles John Peake says, “Programming KFI, KLAC and KEIB, requires a unique skill set, and Brian checks every box. His exceptional track record in ratings and revenue success, combined with professional play-by-play broadcasts, makes him the ideal leader to manage our partnerships with the world champion Dodgers and the Los Angeles Chargers.” Long comments, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead these powerful iHeartMedia brands in Los Angeles and to work with some of the best talent in America. I truly could not be more excited to embrace this new challenge.”
(distributed by Premiere Networks) which runs two hours per day, five days per week on stations across the nation, is one of the most innovative and well-received syndicated talk radio shows (as well as podcasts) to come down the pike in many years. It is described by Habeeb as follows: “There’s no debate or opinion. No 
politics. No news. Just stories that bring people together around common values, themes, and the founding principles and ideals of our nation. Stories that create a space for listeners to escape the news and noise of the day and be moved and informed. To listen and learn.” Habeeb’s talk show credentials are formidable. He co-founded Laura Ingraham’s national radio show in 2001, moved to Salem Media in 2008 as VP of content, and launched “Our American Stories” in 2016. He’s a University of Virginia Law School graduate, a Newsweek essayist, and lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his wife Valerie and daughter Reagan. He is currently ranked #11 on the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred” list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America. Harrison and Habeeb engage in an illuminating conversation about the importance of history and the power of storytelling. Don’t miss this! 
did editorials on WFAA-TV, Dallas for six years. Krok shared the following message via his social media: “It’s been an amazing 15-year run at the biggest news/talk station in America’s 4th largest market. We’ve gotten to know each other so well, and I can’t wait to share the airwaves again, doing what God made me to do – tell stories, react to life, and have fun together.” Krok tells TALKERS that he has a nice home studio where he fills in on network and local shows. He says he’s available for fill-in work and is ready to talk about his next opportunity. Reach him at: 
company as one Westwood One staffer called the exit a “surprise announcement” from him. DeLany is a Philadelphia native who, according to Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, was one of two staffers who remained with WWDB-FM, Philadelphia when it made the format change from jazz to talk. The other staffer was Sid Mark, host of the long-running “Sounds of Sinatra” program. DeLany would retain his connection to the program and Sid Mark after it moved from WWDB to WPHT. His work in network radio began as a producer at the Mutual Broadcasting System and he eventually rose to VP of news & talk at Westwood One where he managed 30 network news correspondents, anchors, editors and producers at the Westwood One newsroom in Washington, DC.
have had the privilege of working at the FCC for over a dozen years now, including serving previously as the agency’s General Counsel, and I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the FCC. The FCC has important work ahead – on issues ranging from tech and media regulation to unleashing new opportunities for jobs and growth through agency actions on spectrum, infrastructure, and the space economy. We will also advance America’s national security interests and protect consumers. I am eager to accelerate the FCC’s work on these and other fronts. I look forward to collaborating with the Trump Administration, my Commission colleagues, and the FCC’s talented staff as well as Congress to deliver great results for the American people.”
Saturdays, and spotlights the latest news and political headlines and stories, with a special focus on the Trump administration’s policies and agenda. Ferguson says, 
cause of death is not revealed in the story. Gallo’s program, “The Gallo Radio Show,” aired on the SuperTalk network of talk stations across the state. The network issued a statement saying, “For over five decades, Paul didn’t just talk about Mississippi — he helped shape its story. Paul dedicated his life to his listeners, his state, and the pursuit of the truth. From DJ to program director, from sales and management to ownership, Paul mastered every facet of the industry.”
Francisco. iHM region president AJ Punjabi says, “Alan’s deep experience in both traditional broadcast and digital audio innovation makes him the ideal leader to drive our business forward. His results-driven approach and commitment to client success will strengthen our market leadership across platforms.” Hirschbein comments, “I’m energized to join iHeartMedia’s tremendous leadership team as vice president of sales. As the enduring leader in broadcast radio, iHeartMedia has also transformed itself into a dynamic force in podcasting and digital audio, standing at the forefront of audio innovation. I’m eager to contribute to this continued evolution and help our partners harness the unmatched reach and engagement that only iHeartMedia can deliver.” 
York City Council” for the seat currently occupied by Joe Borelli. Term limits are forcing Borelli to leave the council in 2025. Borelli recently appeared on WABC, New York on Sid Rosenberg’s program and on WNYM, New York on Joe Piscopo’s program and spoke kindly about Morano. Morano adds, “I’m really considering running because Staten Island was a great place to grow up for me and I’d like to keep it that way for my son.” 
iHeartMedia announced today (1/17) that Joyce Wirthlin has been named market president for Salt Lake City, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Salt Lake City is home to six iconic stations featuring music, talk, and news formats on both broadcast and digital platforms. In her new role, Wirthlin will oversee all aspects of operations in Salt Lake City, including sales, promotions and programming. She will report to Nick Gnau, division president for iHeartMedia. “I am very excited to have Joyce leading this team in Salt Lake City. Since the day I started working with Joyce, I was impressed with her leadership, the culture she has built with her team and the deep knowledge of the market. I have no doubt that she will propel this team to the next level!” Gnau tells TALKERS. Wirthlin joined the company in 1998 as VP of Sales. Over the years, she advanced within the organization. Most recently she served as the SVP of sales, where she played a pivotal role shaping sales strategies, fostering team development and strengthening the company’s presence in the market. “I am deeply honored to be appointed market president of iHeartMedia Salt Lake City and grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this exceptional team,” said Wirthlin. “The people here are the core of our success. Together, we are eager to build upon our achievements and continue to shape the future of media in Salt Lake City.
The Milwaukee Brewers have announced that Bob Uecker, the legendary radio voice who had called their games since 1971, died this morning (1/16) at the age of 90. He was fondly known throughout the sport as “Mr. Baseball.” Uecker was widely admired for his sense of humor and gained national acclaim for his role as announcer Harry Doyle in the “Major League” movies. A Milwaukee native, Uecker was an MLB catcher for six seasons, playing his first two years with his then-hometown Milwaukee Braves and winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. Uecker was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, which honors a broadcaster every year.
Beasley Media Group announces the appointment of AJ Lurie as vice president and cluster manager of the company’s New Jersey-based radio properties. Lurie, who also works with Beasley’s Fort Myers radio stations, will lead a diverse portfolio of stations across New Jersey, including WDHA-FM, WMGQ-FM, WCTC-AM, WRAT-FM, WMTR-AM and WJRZ-FM. Prior to managing Beasley’s Fort Myers market, Lurie served as the director of local market integrated partnerships, where he played a key role in fostering strategic collaborations and increasing revenue opportunities across the company. 
Lurie also served as MM of Beasley’s Wilmington, Delaware radio property, WJBR-FM, and contributed to the sales development of Beasley Esports. He began his career as an account executive at Beasley’s Southwest Florida cluster. “AJ’s proven experience, ability to drive results and commitment to localism made him the perfect choice to lead our New Jersey cluster into the future,” said Beasley Media Group COO and EVP, Brian Beasley. “I look forward to working alongside the talented team in New Jersey to build on their success and continue delivering exceptional results for our listeners, advertisers, and communities,” said Lurie. “I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Dan Finn, whose legacy of excellence has set a high bar for all of us.” He succeeds Dan Finn, who will officially retire from Beasley at the end of March 2025 after a distinguished career in broadcasting.
The “Inauguration: 2025” special is available to radio stations for download upon request. Stations may contact: 
The extended deadline is February 6, 2025, while the regular deadline, with no additional fee, is January 30, 2025. The Gracie Awards, presented by AWMF, has recognized programming and individual excellence by women across all media for five decades. A full list of the categories, including new categories for 2025 can be found HERE. The Gracie Awards Gala will be May 20 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire hotel and the Gracie Awards Luncheon will be held on June 18 at Cipriani 42nd Street, New York. The 2025 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates are from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Entry details, including pricing and updated categories, can be viewed at 
Newsweek has added 660 AM The Answer (KSKY) in Dallas as an affiliate for its conservative syndicated program, “The Josh Hammer Show.” Hammer is Newsweek‘s senior editor-at-large. The one-hour weekly show, which began as a podcast, will air on the Salem station Saturdays at 7:00 pm.
The show, available on all podcast platforms and YouTube, offers an in-depth look at the untold truths behind success. Each episode features unfiltered conversations with top achievers from various fields, including guests such as Nikki Haley, Layne Norton, Dan Martell, and Will Guidara.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all journey,” said Coleman. “Front Row Seat creates a space for listeners to hear the untold stories and the real, sometimes messy, path to becoming the best version of themselves. I have so much fun doing this show – it’s incredibly rewarding to dive deep into these conversations, and I can’t wait to share these incredible stories with our audience.”
Along with restructuring, WVON is ending months of speculation on who will be replacing veteran talk show host Perri Small who retired last November. WVON has tapped former politician Jesse Jackson, Jr to host its afternoon drive show. “The Jesse Jackson Jr Show” will air Monday through Thursday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. This is Jackson Jr’s first foray into broadcasting (with support via the syndication arm of Tavis Smiley‘s Smiley Audio Media). He previously served as a U.S. Representative of Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District from 1995 to 2012. WVON’s current afternoon host, Atiba Buchanan, has agreed to continue his involvement at the station and his new role will be announced shortly. 
WVON has chosen Cleopatra Draper to replace midday host Perri Small for its coveted midday slot. Draper has worked in various capacities at WVON since 2019 including as a fill-in host. She holds a master’s in social work from the University of Illinois Chicago and has a passion for getting young people involved socially and politically in community-building. Draper’s show will air weekdays from 9:00 am-12:00 noon. In addition, WVON’s long-time host Matt McGill will be expanding his show to air weekdays from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm, while Lynn Richardson’s hourly financial show “The Millionaire’s Roundtable” is being moved to 5:00 am as a lead-in to WVON’s morning drive show, “The Rufus Williams’ Show.” This begins a new era of talk radio for Chicago’s Black talk powerhouse which has been among the national leaders of this format since 1986. “We feel our new lineup is optimal for the changes that are occurring in our country and globally,” said company CEO, Melody Spann Cooper. “To have an opportunity to provide a platform for someone as talented as Jesse Jr and to introduce the station to a new generation of thought leaders with Cleopatra, positions WVON to continue to shake things up in Chicago and beyond.” WVON-The Talk of Chicago has established itself as one of Chicago’s premier content providers. For 61 years, the station has been considered one of the most credible African American media institutions in the nation providing an interactive forum for its vast listening audience to discuss social, economic and political issues that impact the Black community locally and nationally. WVON is a subsidiary of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, whose properties also include WRLL Radio and VONtv.
One of talk radio’s most accomplished hosts and programmers, Van Harden has tapped into his long history as a Bible teacher to pen a powerful new book titled Jesus: The Prequel (Xulon Press, 2025). The book examines the question, “Did Jesus exist before He was born in Bethlehem?” “Absolutely!” says Harden, presenting the Biblical evidence of who Jesus was and what He was doing long before we were born and before He was born as a baby in Bethlehem. There is a listing of these things and an explanation of why any of this matters to anyone, especially the reader.
Van Harden is nationally known for his books, inventions and creative radio broadcasts. He recently retired from a 50-year broadcast career, 35 of which was as morning host and PD of heritage station WHO Radio, in Des Moines, where Ronald Reagan spent many of his early radio years. During his leadership, the station won 13 national Marconi Awards, five of which were awarded to him personally for his morning show. However, Harden tells TALKERS, “The most important thing to me has been my 40 years as a Bible teacher. I speak to many groups, secular and otherwise.” Harden insists on teaching right out of the Bible, which he calls our “Owner’s Manual.” He and his wife Becky live in his childhood home in Iowa. He has three grown children and eight grandchildren. To book an interview with Van Harden please click 
Longtime talk radio mainstay and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member, Jeff Katz is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Katz is the tremendously popular 3:00 – 6:00 pm host at Audacy’s WRVA, Richmond, VA where he has developed a national reputation within the broadcasting industry as a champion of public service and community outreach. 
In addition to being a compelling political commentator and dazzlingly entertaining personality, Katz – a former Philadelphia police officer – has worked tirelessly for years as a champion of law enforcement, the needy, and the disabled. A former recipient of the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award, Katz has received numerous honors over the years from public officials including the President of the United States, Director of the FBI, and Governor of Virginia. Just recently, VA Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Katz to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. Katz and Harrison discuss radio’s handling of the current water crisis afflicting central Virginia, which has been overshadowed, in terms of national attention, by the Southern California wildfire disaster, in addition to the importance of radio as an invaluable societal safety net. Don’t miss this. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click 
Brian Lawlor, president, Scripps Sports, has been named the recipient of the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) 2025 Golden Mic Award, to be presented at the annual black-tie fundraiser on Monday, March 10 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
The BFOA is the only charity devoted exclusively to helping broadcasters in need from illness or tragedy…..
Veteran broadcaster Michelle Jerson‘s weekly one-hour travel/parenting program “Passport Mommy” has been added to WPHT,Philadelphia on Saturdays at 12:00 noon. The informational and entertaining show is distributed by Radio America.Stations interested can contact Jennifer Dedes at Radio America: jdedes@radioameria.com…..iHeartMedia announced (1/13) the latest podcast programming for iHeart Women’s Sports. Eight new shows will launch on the network in early 2025 featuring renowned female athletes like Ashlyn Harris, Mel Reid, Lexie Brown and more. The new expanded lineup further emphasizes iHeartMedia’s stated commitment to bringing equitable media coverage to women’s sports…..TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is available to do interviews on talk shows across the nation to discuss the latest music video release by Gunhill Road (the perennial pop music ensemble in which he is a member) – an anthemic tribute to talk radio – which has been gathering tens of thousands of views and downloads around the globe. Harrison talks about the state of talk radio in 2025 and its continuing importance as a vital communications/cultural venue. Harrison can be reached via email at info@talkers.com. To view the video, please click 
By Holland Cooke
FOX News Media (FNM) will unveil a series of programming changes across FOX News Channel (FNC) and FOX Business Network (FBN), announced FNM CEO Suzanne Scott. Beginning on January 21, FOX & Friends Weekend co-host Will Cain will take over the 4 PM/ET weekday timeslot on FNC with “The Will Cain Show.” FOX News contributor Charlie Hurt will replace Cain as co-host of “FOX & Friends Weekend” beginning January 18. “The Fox Report” and “The Big Weekend Show” will both expand to two hours on Saturdays and Sundays also starting on January 18. Additionally, FBN’s Dagen McDowell will join “The Big Money Show” which will expand from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm ET on weekdays beginning on January 27 while she also continues to co-host “The Bottom Line” (6:00 – 7:00 pm ET). In making the announcement, Scott said, “As the media landscape continues to evolve, we are always looking to innovate our programming lineup to meet the needs of our viewers, and we are confident the new lineup will best position FOX News Media for the future. Will Cain brings years of experience to the 4:00 pm hour as an accomplished broadcaster and a lawyer and we look forward to adding his insights to what will no doubt be another historic news cycle ahead this year.”
Cain added, “It has been an honor to wake up with America these past four years and I am thrilled to apply my background in news, law, entertainment and business to help our viewers better understand the headlines through thought-provoking content and analysis every weekday afternoon.”
In 2016, YouTubers Ethan and Hila Klein of H3h3 Productions were sued by Matt Hosseinzadeh for copyright infringement after they used portions of his video in their reaction content. The court ruled in their favor, emphasizing that their use was transformative, added commentary, and didn’t harm the original’s market value. This case set a precedent for content creators regarding the use of existing works in commentary and criticism within their own works in the digital era.
Premiere’s “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” Joins Albuquerque’s The Rock of Talk – AM 1600 KIVA. AM 1600 KIVA announced (1/8) the addition of “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” to the station’s weekday lineup, effective immediately. The program joins the station live in the Monday through Friday, 4:00 am – 7:00 am MST timeslot. DelGiorno joins The Rock of Talk’s blue-chip lineup that includes “The Glenn Beck Program,” “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” “The Sean Hannity Show,” “The Jesse Kelly Show,” “The Bill O’Reilly Show,” “Coast to Coast AM with George Noory” and others.
“I couldn’t be happier to offer nearly 24 hours of live programming on the station, and having Michael DelGiorno on board makes this even more possible!” said Eddy Aragon, owner of AM 1600 KIVA – The Rock of Talk. “’Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno’ is another top-notch show from a quality company that advertisers will absolutely love.” “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to connect with Albuquerque listeners,” said DelGiorno. “We appreciate Eddy’s trust and look forward to making our mark on The Rock of Talk!”
The Las Vegas-based physician and highly respected talker of medical and social issues launched the show at KLAV as a single station entity back on January 9, 2009, and then added KDWN January 31st that same month. Wachs is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare media on a number of fronts from charity initiatives to consciousness raising. The program was recently picked up by syndicator Talk Media Network (TMN) where Wachs tells TALKERS she is excited to be and is optimistic about the successful program’s continuing growth. The show airs live daily during middays.
As President-elect Donald J. Trump continues to raise the possibility of annexing or buying Greenland for strategic military purposes (yesterday’s number one talk topic), Salem Radio Network host Charlie Kirk (above, right) is accompanying the President-elect’s son Donald Trump, Jr. (above, left) on a fact-finding trip to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Kirk – whose Turning Point action organization mobilized to turn out conservative voters last November – is credited within Trump circles with helping move the needle for GOP victory in key battleground states including Arizona and Wisconsin.
This will be a subscription service. And THAT seems to be the real story. Ford did a U-turn after the outcry over their plan to remove AM radio; and legislation broadcasters asked for didn’t make the cut before the 118th Congress adjourned.
Bonneville Phoenix announces (1/7) the appointment of LaDona Harvey as the new co-host for KTAR’s “Arizona’s Morning News.” “We are excited to welcome LaDona to the talented ‘Arizona’s Morning News’ team,” said Ryan Hatch, Bonneville International Phoenix SVP/MM. “She’s a natural storyteller with an infectious personality and a passion for connecting with the community.” 
Harvey who moved to the Phoenix market after a successful run at Newsradio 600 KOGO, San Diego where she hosted “San Diego’s Morning News” for over a decade, will replace longtime KTAR anchor Jayme West who recently retired. She will join award-winning host Jim Sharpe beginning Monday January 13. Harvey tells TALKERS, “I am thrilled to be back home in Arizona, joining the finest news team in the Valley at KTAR.” She adds, “I have the privilege of caring for my ailing father and doing a job I am passionate about: telling Phoenix listeners the stories that affect their lives, and livelihoods.”
Beasley Media Group announces the upcoming retirement of Dan Finn, senior vice president and regional market manager of the company’s New Jersey cluster. Finn, a respected leader and industry veteran, has decided to conclude his distinguished career with the company at the end of the first quarter of 2025. The veteran radio executive joined Beasley Media Group in 2016 following the company’s acquisition of Greater Media, where Finn served as SVP/regional GM since 2007. He initially was hired by Greater Media in 2002 as VP/regional GM after having firmly established himself as a leading radio broadcasting executive at a variety of major stations. “Dan Finn has been an integral part of our Beasley family and a trailblazer in the broadcasting industry,” said Caroline Beasley, CEO at Beasley Media Group. 
“His strategic vision, steadfast leadership, and ability to foster meaningful relationships have made a profound impact on our company and the industry at large. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and wish him the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter in his life.” No replacement has been named as of press time.
FOX Sports Radio Features Live Broadcast from Orange Bowl. FOX Sports Radio’s “Two Pros and Cup of Joe” with (pictured above l-r) Brady Quinn, LaVar Arrington and Jonas Knox will broadcast live from Fort Lauderdale, beginning this morning (1/8), as part of the network’s coverage of the Orange Bowl featuring a matchup between Quinn’s alma mater Notre Dame and Arrington’s alma mater Penn State tomorrow (1/9). 
With a spot in the National Championship on the line for the Fighting Irish and Nittany Lions, “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe” will bring all the excitement before, during and after the game as the show broadcasts live from 6:00 am – 9:00 am ET at Le Meridien Dania Beach, the media hotel for the game, from January 8 – 10, 2025. “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe” featuring Quinn – former Notre Dame Quarterback who set 36 single-season and career records, and was a first-round draft pick; LaVar Arrington – College Football Hall of Famer, three-time Pro Bowl Linebacker and No. 2 overall draft pick; and sports radio veteran Jonas Knox is available nationwide on more than 380 stations, in addition to FOX Sports Radio’s channel on iHeartRadio and www.FOXSportsRadio.com.
iHeartMedia, the and the National Football League (NFL) today (1/8) announced an extension to the exclusive partnership that first launched the 
The long-running, liberty-based syndicated show “ArmedAmericanRadio” and its sister property “AARDailyDefense,” owned and hosted by one of the nation’s leading Second Amendment advocates, Mark Walters, continues to add affiliates. Walters kicks off 2025 on a roll with new affiliates: KLID-AM, Poplar Bluff, MO; WBNR, Beacon, NY; WKDP-AM Corbin/Lexington, KY; WKDP-FM, Corbin/Lexington KY; KOMY-AM, Santa Cruz, CA; WLNA-AM, Peekskill, NY; WAJZ-FM, Albany, NY; and WGHQ-AM, Poughkeepsie, NY. Walters, among his many civic activities, is on the Board of Directors of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.