KGYM-AM, Cedar Rapids Cuts Three Hosts
According to a report in The Gazette, KZIA Inc.’s sports talk KGYM-AM, Cedar Rapids, Iowa is canceling two local programs for financial reasons. “The Todd Brommelkamp Show” (6:30 am to 9:00 am) and the
“Gym Class” with Scott Unash and Mark Dukes (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) did their last shows this week. The local show “Spencer on Sports” with Spencer Wagen will continue in its 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot. KZIA Inc. CEO Julie Hein is quoted saying, “Like a lot of media, including your, and national TV and local TV, restaurants, factories, we are experiencing some economic changes. I hope there is a rebound. Scott Unash and Mark Dukes have been legends in this market for decades and have done amazing things for sports in the Corridor. Todd Brommelkamp, to me, was a breath of fresh air and a real leader in talking about the Hawkeyes and all kinds of great things. I adore all of them and I am forever a fan of all three men.” Read The Gazette story here.
Program” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am daily. Connoisseur Media says that local news and sports updates will begin being heard on all of the Mason City stations during morning and afternoon drive times. Fisher comments, “It’s great to be back to help re-establish KGLO as ‘Your Hometown News Station in North-Central Iowa’ as well as to continue to provide vital local information to our listeners. With their recent purchase of the radio stations, Connoisseur Media has shown a commitment to serving north-central Iowans with quality, local-based information.” Market manager Dalena Barz adds, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Bob back with Connoisseur Media in Mason City. He has been a well-respected voice in our community for over 30 years. He’s always been an integral part of our radio family, and we sincerely say, Welcome back, Bob!” 
He previously hosted his show on crosstown WJBE-AM. In making room for Basilio on WKGN, Bob Baskerville moved to afternoon drive to team up with Russell Smith in afternoons. Basilio says, “Bob has been really accommodating and gracious. They’ve got talented people on that station. I’m proud to be a part of it.” Read 
live match coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive club content for San Diego FC fans across the region. San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn comments, “We are thrilled to welcome iHeartMedia and Grupo PSN as our official radio broadcast partners. These partnerships will allow us to connect with fans in both English and Spanish, ensuring that every moment of San Diego FC’s journey is accessible to our passionate supporters.”
management background and expertise complement the diverse strengths and wide-ranging capabilities of our existing board, and we are excited to leverage his vision and insights to drive growth and capitalize on new opportunities.” Galbraith is currently a managing member of Kindred Capital Advisors LLC, and is among the largest shareholders of Cumulus through his personal holdings and those held through Kindred.
FNN is looking for someone who brings excitement, passion, and interest in providing federal and industry executives with news and information about the policies, people and programs that drive the mission of the federal government. The ideal candidate MUST have knowledge of, and high degree of interest in, information technology, acquisition, human resources, financial and program management as they operate within the federal government. The current managing editor and anchor of the Federal Drive, Tom Temin, is retiring in April 2025 after 17 years of leading the program and more than 45 years in journalism. For this position, experience in developing ideas, conducting, and managing interviews is strongly preferred, but consideration will be given for the right person with the right background in federal issues. The host is primarily responsible for show content and adherence to Federal News Network editorial niche of serving federal employees and contractors. Federal News Network (first called WTOP2), the world’s first, Internet-only, all-news radio station was created in February 2000 with a focus on the federal community. Federal News Network is owned by Hubbard Radio. Federal News Network can be heard on a clear channel 50,000 watt station on 1500 AM. If you are interested in applying, contact Federal News Network executive editor 
The annual Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 
governor who’s been a frequent contributor, guest host, and weekly co-host on the Rod Arquette show since 2018. Arquette says, “Greg has been a passionate contributor of political commentary in Utah on TV and radio dating back to 2012. His extensive experience and background in public service and public policy allows him to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in Utah and national politics. Our goal is to bring common sense and fair mindedness to the issues that are impacting Utah families in an entertaining and informative way.” Hughes states, “I am beyond grateful and excited to join 105.9 KNRS and the iHeartRadio family. I am especially excited, to partner with Rod every day to inform and entertain the greatest listening audience in Utah. We are living in uncertain, but historic times. There is a real need for thought leaders today who can reach out and dialogue with public servants, business, and community leaders but most importantly, with everyday Utahns. ‘The Rod and Greg Show’ will be the place where that happens… and then some. I’m ready to go!” 
operations in Mankato, Albert Lea, and Luverne, Minnesota; Watertown and Brookings, South Dakota; and Fort Dodge, Grinnell, Newton and Mason City in Iowa. Northern Iowa Today reports that in Mason City, KGLO sports director Tim Fleming has been let go as has KGLO and KRIB news director Bob Fisher, who comments, “Alpha Media is going a different direction with their radio stations in their smaller markets. A majority of the programming staff, including myself, were terminated this morning as part of that plan. This is not only happening here but throughout the country with their smaller markets.” After making similar drastic cuts in a number of its Missouri markets, Alpha Media struck a deal with UK-based Podcast Radio and will debut “Podcast Radio Missouri” on two stations there in the coming weeks. 
Paul Anderson says, “We are beyond fortunate to have Scott as part of the Workhouse family. Scott is a smart, disruptive thinker whose background and entrepreneurial drive make him the perfect person to lead our new sports vertical.” Workhouse EVP John McConnell adds, “I’ve worked alongside and across the table from Scott for 30 years. He is a best-in-class executive and is perfectly positioned in this role.” McCarthy says, “I could not be more excited or honored to be joining the Workhouse Media team and getting the opportunity to work alongside Paul, John, and 
roles in management in both music and news at such stations as New York’s WHN (in news) and WPLJ (as music director). Among the highlights in her remarkable career, she served as the ABC group’s first female program director at KAUM-FM, Houston and as PD at the Boston Globe’s WSAI-FM, Cincinnati. At one point she was vice president of programming for the ABC Radio Networks. Other senior managerial stops include Watermark production studio (American Top 40 and American Country Countdown), United Stations, and as senior vice president of programming for Sony-Warner’s radio division, SW Networks. Baldassano was a co-founder and an initial board member of the Mentoring and Inspiring Women, Inc group, which sprang from the first list of women honored by Radio Ink in 1998 (on which she was included). She tells TALKERS, “In my years at Take On The Day, LLC, I built wonderful relationships with advertisers, affiliates, SiriusXM, multiple charities and Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s loyal listeners. I am truly grateful for the years spent with Dr. Laura and Geoff Rich, as the company grew and diversified into live theatrical shows nationwide, podcasts, online stores that benefited Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, and much more. We had a great time, and I have nothing but warm wishes for their continued success as we all move on to new chapters.” She adds, “As one of the co-founders and a former board member, I will continue to work closely with Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc, where I serve as a key mentor to amazing women rising to be the next generation of leaders in radio. It’s one of the most important things I’ve ever done, and I get inspired by these women each and every day.” Baldassano can be emailed at 
and politics (78%) shows. In addition, 89% of news-focused podcasts (across topics) brought on at least one guest in 2022; 2) Most podcasts aren’t bringing the same guests on over and over. More than 99% of all guests only appeared once on any top podcast in 2022. In addition, about half (49%) of top podcasts brought on at least one guest more than once, and 23% hosted more than five different people more than once. The most common guests represent a range of professional backgrounds, including entertainment figures, scientists, journalists and political commentators. Pew senior computational social scientist Galen Stocking comments, “Our research has shed light on the variety of topics and approaches within the podcasting landscape. Here, we found that most top-ranked podcasts are bringing on guests, and often from a wide range of professional backgrounds. This can add to the perspectives heard on each podcast.”
Hudson hosted “The Morning Answer” on former Salem property WGTK, Greenville, South Carolina for close to a decade. In addition to providing live updates during “The Mike Gallagher Show,” Hudson will also report throughout the day on SRN News and TOWNHALL News. SRN VP of news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “Joey Hudson’s unique background in Republican party politics as well as his impressive media credentials makes him the ideal person to provide eye-level coverage of today’s important caucuses.”
Newsradio staff and join other distinct Hall of Famers, including NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell and longtime suburban bureau chief Jay Lloyd. Lynne Adkins spent 34 years as an anchor, reporter and mentor at KYW Newsradio. Brandon Brooks was the voice of news in Philadelphia for more than 30 years. He first came to KYW Newsradio as a part-time anchor and reporter in 1989. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “This honor is long overdue for these two inductees who have devoted over three decades of their lives to being reliable news sources for the Philadelphia region. Not only has their professionalism set a high standard for our content, but their extensive backgrounds have taught the next generation of KYW Newsradio broadcasters to aspire to a new level.”
promotions department at KNBR and was later hired at KNBR as a part-time board operator. In 2017, Copeland was promoted to full-time producer of “KNBR Tonight,” was then named host of “The Leadoff Spot,” and served as producer/board operator of the “
Downs for a $562 million casino project that faces opposition from a group called No Means No Casino, led by Paul Goldman. While hosting a shot on The Box 99.9, Brown referred to Goldman as “a Jew who’s got the same trait as Judas,” and a “white Jew with the background of Judas.” WRIC-TV reports that Urban One regional VP Marsha Landess called Brown’s comments “horrible and offensive” and that Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins apologized directly to Goldman. 
Dependency upon a PPM panel to deliver high time spent listening is a bad business model. Would you rather count on one person listening for one hour or four people listening for 15 minutes? Right.
worked at Saga Communications’ Bellingham, Washington stations for decades hosting his program “The Zone” on both news/talk KGMI-AM and sports talk KPUG-AM. Saga says, “He was a skilled broadcaster of sports at all levels, but was especially known for his knowledge of and dedication to Whatcom County high school teams, their athletes and coaches. His family thanks the community for their outpouring of support, and says they’ll announce plans for a memorial in coming days.”
Amazing fact: In ancient times, from 1962-1972, the highest-paid on-air talent in New York City was “an overnight guy.” He was paid salary plus sales response. I’m talking about Long John Nebel on WOR, WNBC, then WMCA. Long John’s live reads moved product because his audience was captive. One-to-one his listeners were attached to their radios in the truck cab, night watchman’s building lobby, parents pacing with their babies, students cramming. His background was not in radio; he was a skilled auctioneer. Obviously, the same listeners exist today – and are anxious for someone to talk to them. Check out this old clip of Nebel in action: 
Communications operations manager Jason Hillery states, 
and news in the growth and development of new original podcast content for podcast studio 2400Sports and across Audacy’s 28 local newsrooms in top U.S. markets. Audacy chief digital officer and president, podcast and streaming J.D. Crowley says, “As we commit to accelerating our digital growth and enhancing performance, we’re thrilled to expand Jenna’s role to further unify and streamline our content and business efforts across our leading podcast portfolio, enabling even more rapid development of new and original IP and better leveraging our talent across the entire Audacy portfolio. Jenna’s strong leadership and deep industry relationships will propel us forward on our mission to be a leading partner of audio creators, while super-serving listeners of all backgrounds and interests and enabling our sales teams to better serve our customers and partners with unique and compelling podcast opportunities.” 
Grand Island. NRG CEO Mary Quass says, “We’re pleased to announce the sale of our 6 radio stations in Central Nebraska to Usher Media LLC, a respected local broadcaster. It’s been a privilege to serve this community with an exceptional team whose passion and commitment have made these stations a vital voice in the Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island markets. We are confident that Usher Media will build on that foundation and continue to serve listeners, advertisers, and the community with excellence.” Usher Media chief Alan Usher comments, “We are excited to announce the acquisition of six radio stations in Central Nebraska. As a locally owned and operated organization, raised in the Tri-Cities, this strategic move underscores our commitment to expanding our media presence while staying deeply connected to our roots. We are committed to being a community leader, championing local projects, and driving community growth. We look forward to providing comprehensive local news, weather, and sports coverage while fostering a vibrant and thriving community for all.”
Finally. Not by Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, nope; I was banned from a WBIR anchor’s video live stream.
Bonneville president and COO Tanya Vea says, “I’m thrilled for Jim to take on this leadership role in Sacramento. This market has a great lineup of stations, a strong digital sales business, and wonderful employees. Jim has shown himself to be an excellent leader, and his background is the perfect fit. I’m confident that he will build on the strengths of the market, developing the business and the culture at Bonneville Sacramento.” Richmond comments, “I’m honored to join the Sacramento team. These stations have a meaningful connection to the community, and I look forward to supporting our people, growing our digital presence, and serving listeners wherever they are across every platform with purpose and innovation.”
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.
anchor of the agriculture report. McCary also taught high school locally and served as a substitute teach until his retirement in 2018. KMJ says, “McCary’s background as an English teacher gave him a solid foundation as a reporter. KMJ staff could turn to him for his historical knowledge, a valuable asset and vital to a newsroom. His command of the English language was equally impressive and he often corrected bemused coworkers and hosts for any grammatical infractions.” 
Unintentionally, your poorly phrased comment, dated reference, weary cliché, or offhand remark can at least subtly distance you from your listener and could undercut your credibility, offend, or even spark backlash.