The most discussed stories yesterday (8/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Tariffs / DC National Guard Deployment
2. Forthcoming Trump-Putin Meeting
3. Israel-Gaza War
4. Texas Redistricting
5. Epstein Files
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
Imagine SiriusXM acquires the complete Howard Stern archive – every show, interview, and on-air moment. Months later, it debuts “Howard Stern: The AI Sessions,” a series of new segments created with artificial intelligence trained on that archive. The programming is labeled AI-generated, yet the voice, timing, and style sound like Stern himself.
Owning the recordings might suggest the right to create new works from them. In reality, the answer is more complicated – and the music industry offers a useful comparison.
Music Industry Precedent
Sony, Universal, and others have spent hundreds of millions buying music catalogs from artists such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, and Queen. These deals often include both composition rights and master recordings, giving the buyer broad control over licensing and derivative works.
In music, the song and the recording are the assets. In talk content, the defining element is the host’s persona – voice, cadence, and delivery – which changes the legal analysis when creating new material.
Copyright and Persona Rights
Buying a talk archive usually transfers copyright in the recordings and any scripts. That permits rebroadcast, excerpts, and repackaging of original programs.
It does not automatically transfer the host’s right of publicity – control over commercial use of their name, likeness, and in many states, their distinctive voice. In Midler v. Ford Motor Co. (1988), the court ruled that imitating Bette Midler’s voice in a commercial without consent was an unauthorized use of her identity.
This means a company can own the shows without having the right to make new performances in the host’s voice unless the contract clearly grants that right.
The AI Factor
AI technology can replicate a host’s voice, tone, and style with high accuracy, producing entirely new programming.
Outside broadcasting, a recent AI-generated George Carlin special – written by humans but performed by a voice model trained on decades of his work – sparked debate about rights and legacy.
In talk radio, similar AI use could create “new” episodes featuring well-known hosts. Even with clear labeling, right-of-publicity claims may arise if the host or their estate never authorized it. Disclaimers may address consumer confusion but do not remove identity-rights issues.
Why It Matters
This applies to more than national figures. Any broadcaster or podcaster with a substantial archive could face it. Selling or licensing a library could give the buyer the tools to replicate your voice without your participation.
For buyers, the ability to produce new content from archived material has commercial appeal. But without the right to use the host’s voice for new works, it carries significant legal and reputational risk.
Contracts Decide
The key is in the contract:
— Did the talent assign rights to their name, likeness, and voice for future works?
— Is use limited to original recordings or extended to derivative works?
— Does it address future technologies, including AI?
Older agreements often omit these points, leaving courts to decide. Future contracts will likely address AI directly.
Takeaways
For talent: Know what you are transferring. Copyright ownership does not necessarily include your future voice.
For buyers: Owning an archive does not automatically give you the right to create AI-generated new material in the original host’s voice.
For everyone: As AI advances, control over archives will depend on the contracts that govern them.
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.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Tariffs Go into Effect
2. Deadly CDC Shooting
3. Trump Federal Takeover of DC
4. Trump-Putin Meeting
5. Israel’s Gaza City Takeover
Audacy flips alternative WSFS-FM, Miramar, Florida – between Miami and Fort Lauderdale – to a simulcast of its Miami sports talker WQAM and is petitioning the FCC to change the calls to WQAM-FM.
The station is at 104.3 FM and boasts a 100,000-watt signal. Audacy regional president Claudia Menegus says, “Miami’s sports fans have an unrivaled passion, and they deserve a destination that matches their energy. By adding this powerful FM signal, we’re not just expanding our reach – we’re solidifying WQAM’s position as the undisputed leader in South Florida sports radio.” The weekday lineup consists of “The Joe Rose Show with Hollywood” (6:00 am to 10:00 am), “Tobin & Leroy” (10:00 am to 2:00 pm) and “Hochman, Crowder & Solana” (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm).
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/4-8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Trump Tariffs
2. The Economy / Fed Policy
3. Texas Redistricting Battle
4. Potential Trump-Putin Meeting
5. The Epstein Files
6. Fort Stewart Shooting
7. ICE Raids / Detention Camp Plans
8. Israel-Gaza War
9. DOJ’s Trump-Russia Investigation
10.Sydney Sweeney Controversy
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jerome Powell
3. Greg Abbott
4. Vladimir Putin
5. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
6. Quornelius Radford
7. Kristi Noem
8. Pam Bondi
9. Benjamin Netanyahu
10.Sydney Sweeney
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
WGN Radio morning drive sports anchor Dave Eanet is retiring from his role on the Bob Sirott morning show. The station announces that Andy Masur will assume the sports anchor position effective August 28. Eanet is not retiring from broadcasting as he’ll continue as play-by-play voice for Northwestern Wildcat
football and men’s basketball games broadcast on WGN and he’ll also serve as a fill-in anchor on the WGN-TV sports desk. Eanet says, “Can’t believe it’s been 41 years since I first set foot in the WGN studios. As I close this chapter of my career, 
the word that comes to mind is ‘grateful.’ I’m so thankful to the entire WGN family for their friendship and support over the years. It’s not just the names you know, but the entire crew on and off the air. I’m forever indebted to the managers, engineers, producers, newspeople, sales team, and all the others who have made WGN such a special place to work. Most of all, I’m thankful to the listeners who have a special relationship with this station.” WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “I am thrilled to share that our own Andy Masur will assume morning show sports duties going forward. Andy is a talented broadcaster who has built a rapport with the WGN Radio audience as a regular fill-in for Dave and as our weekend sports anchor. We are lucky to have him.”
NewsTalkSTL hosts Tim Jones and Chris Arps will be broadcasting their program from Israel on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. The station (KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; K270BW, Bellefontaine; and KLJY-HD3, Clayton in Missouri) says the duo will be in Israel all next week providing special coverage as part of
a partnership between NewsTalkSTL and Newsmax. NewsTalkSTL says this will be Chris Arps’s second visit to Israel in the past month. His previous trip, which took place during Iranian airstrikes, was a sightseeing tour. This time, he returns as part of a diplomatic delegation organized by Newsmax in coordination with the Israeli government. Tim Jones says, “Traveling to Israel, especially during this consequential time, will be a life changing trip. Experiencing the Holy Land, visiting with top Israeli officials, all while literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus, will be an incredible experience for all of us in NewsTalkSTL nation.” NewsTalkSTL president of programming Jeff Allen says, “It should be an incredible week of content from Tim and Chris. They won’t just be sharing their impressions; they’ll have stories you can only get by being there on the ground.”
Audacy sports talk WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” partners with the Chicago Cubs for the second “Cubs for a Cure” radiothon and raised more than $750,000 for BrainUp, a nonprofit committed to brain cancer awareness. As a result, the effort, in collaboration with AbbVie, Advocate Health Care, American Airlines, Cologuard and Stand Up To Cancer, collectively raised over $1.5 million for the cause.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Tariffs Kick In
2. Potential Trump-Putin Meeting
3. Fort Stewart Shooting
4. ICE Raids
5. Israel-Gaza War
Townsquare Media reports net revenue of $115.5 million in the second quarter of 2025, a decline of 2.3% from the same period in 2024. However, the company posts net income of just over $2 million after
reporting a net loss of $48.8 million in the same quarter a year ago. Townsquare reports revenue in segments and the broadcast advertising segment saw net revenue of $48.7 million, a decrease of 9.2% from the same quarter in 2024. The company’s digital advertising segment’s net revenue was $42.5 million, an increase of 2.4% over Q2 of 2024.
Numerous outlets, including the New York Post, are reporting that Howard Stern’s current contract with SiriusXM expires at the end of this year and it might be his last with the satcaster. Insiders are quoted
saying Stern is mulling retirement and that he might consider a shorter-term deal than the usual five-year pacts he’s been signing. Still other sources say Stern isn’t the draw he once was, and a renewal of his current $500 million deal is not going to happen. Another report indicates SiriusXM may make a bid for his library of shows instead of a renewed contract for new content. See the New York Post story here.
Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts chart based on U.S. unique monthly audience for the month of July and the only move among the top five is FOX Audio Network’s FOX News Hourly Update rises one spot to #4,
leap-frogging Dateline NBC (#5). Otherwise, the top three remain (in order): “NPR News Now,” “The Daily” (New York Times), and “Up First from NPR.” “The Tucker Carlson Show” jumps six places to finish the month at #18. See the complete ranker here.
Cumulus Media sports talk outlet WGFX-FM, Nashville “104.5 The Zone” enters into a multi-year renewal
of its broadcast partnership with the University of Tennessee Volunteers. As part of the new deal, former Tennessee Volunteer Ramon Foster, current co-host of “Ramon & Will” in morning drive on the station, will join the Vol Football Gameday Broadcast Team alongside Mike Keith.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Economy / Trump vs The Fed
2. Sanctions on Russia
3. Tariffs
4. Texas Redistricting Battle
5. The Epstein Files
Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago names Geoff Buchholz the new political editor. In this role, he’ll lead the newsroom in delivering coverage of City Hall and its key players. WBBM brand manager Craig Schwalb states, “Chicago’s City Hall has all the twists, power plays and tension of a great
detective story. It takes someone who is an exceptional journalist with seasoned and sharp instincts like Geoff to follow the plot. I’m excited to see how he continues to build on the legacy that Craig Dellimore left behind and how his presence strengthens our multi-platform political coverage to better serve our Chicago area listeners.” Buchholz comments, “Chicago and Illinois are entering a critical era, and it’s more important than ever that our audience understands how the actions at City Hall, in Springfield and Washington affect their lives. I’m so grateful for our listeners’ trust, and I’m looking forward to being our station’s politics-to-English translator and excited to get to work.”
Suffice it to say that all the planning and targeting in the world is for naught if your audio ad stinks. This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at several studios to determine what actually drives sales and one of the key takeaways from a study by NCSolutions is
“creative quality is the number one sales driver” and this is often a surprise to advertisers and media agencies who think media tactics (targeting, reach, etc.) drive the most sales. It’s for good reason that everyone wants high brand awareness. A major study from TikTok reveals the greater a brand’s awareness, the greater the purchase conversion. Brands with high aided awareness have 2.86x greater conversion rates compared to low awareness brands. But not all categories operate similarly, Podscribe says that purchase conversion varies widely by advertising category and advises that it’s important to understand the purchase conversion benchmarks for your product category. See the full blog post here.
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
You did everything right – or so you thought. You used a short clip, added commentary, or reshared something everyone else was already posting. Then one day, a notice shows up in your inbox. A takedown. A demand. A legal-sounding, nasty-toned email claiming copyright infringement, and asking for payment.
You’re confused. You’re cautious. And maybe you’re already reaching for the fair use defense.
But hold on. Before you argue about what you used, ask something simpler: Does the party accusing you actually own the rights?
Two Main Reasons People Send Copyright Notices
1. They believe they’re right – and they want to fix it. Sometimes the claim is legitimate. A rights-holder sees their content used without permission and takes action. They may send a DMCA takedown, request removal, or ask for a license fee. Whether it’s a clip, an image, or a music bed – the law is on their side if your use wasn’t authorized.
2. They’re casting a wide net – or making a mistake. Other times, you’ve landed in a mass enforcement dragnet. Some companies send thousands of notices hoping a few people will pay – whether or not the claim is strong, or even valid. These are often automated, sometimes sloppy, and occasionally bluffing. The sender may not own the rights. They may not even know if what you used was fair use, public domain, or licensed.
Mistakes happen. Bots misidentify content. Images get flagged that were never protected. Even legitimate copyright holders sometimes act too fast. But once a notice goes out, it can become your problem – unless you respond wisely.
The First Thing to Check Is Ownership
Most creators instinctively argue fair use or say they meant no harm. But those aren’t the first questions a lawyer asks.
The first question is: “Do they have standing to bring the claim?”
In many cases, the answer is unclear or flat-out “no.” Courts have dismissed copyright lawsuits where the claimant couldn’t show ownership or any active licensing interest. If they can’t demonstrate control over the work – and actual market harm – they may not have the right to sue.
What To Do If You Get a Notice
— Don’t panic. Not all claims are valid – and not all claimants are in a position to enforce them.
— Don’t assume fair use will protect you. It might, but only after ownership is clear.
— Don’t engage emotionally. Responding flippantly can escalate things fast.
— Do get help early. A media attorney can help you assess whether the claim is real – and whether the sender has any legal ground at all.
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.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
South Florida viewers are confused. WPLG, which brands as “Local 10,” was an ABC-TV affiliate for 69 years… until yesterday. Now it’s more local than ever, after divorcing its network, whose programming moved to the FOX affiliate’s digital channels 18.1 and 7.2, now branded “ABC Miami.” Among courteous FAQs about this change on WPLG’s web site: “How do I rescan my TV?” to find ABC programming.
FAQ #1: Why is this happening?
WPLG GM Bert Medina explains, “We made a generous offer to ABC, but it became clear the two sides were not going to agree to a new deal.”
Citing the FCC’s “interest in and the authority to promote the public interest and to ensure that local broadcast TV stations retain the economic and operational independence necessary to meet their public interest obligations,” Chairman Brendan Carr is investigating what he calls networks’ “attempt to extract onerous financial and operational concessions from local broadcast TV stations.” His recent letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts announced an inquiry into NBC practices that will also scrutinize other networks’ affiliation agreements. He reckons that networks threatening long-held affiliations “could result in blackouts and other harms to local consumers of broadcast news and content.”
“That’s why we have an FCC license.”
WPLG’s GM explains that “our job is to serve this community with news and local programming.” He – and his Berkshire Hathaway ownership – determined that “if we agreed to the ABC terms, that mission would have suffered.” The last straw? “Exclusivity, which is the core to our relationship, is disappearing. Even when ABC airs high-quality programming, like the Oscars, ABC airs that same programming on other platforms. We no longer feel we are getting what we pay for.”
Proud that “a majority of our staff grew up here,” Medina announced that WPLG is staffing up. “Instead of sending our money to New York, we will keep it in our community and use that money to finance a massive expansion in local news and other local programming. We are excited for the future of Local 10. Just watch us. We are about to serve this community in an even bigger and better way.”
Music has been commoditized
It’s all over the other platforms and devices increasingly siphoning-off radio listening time and ad revenue. And unlike six-spot (or longer) stopsets now common on FM, streams’ spots are shorter and fewer. And there are NO commercials for paid subscribers who’ve had-it-up-to-here with broadcast music radio.
TV networks aren’t shy about hijacking affiliates’ viewers. ABC offers Disney+, CBS lures us to Paramount+, NBC touts Peacock. And network radio spots are plugging iHeart podcasts.
So, yuh. Make your station as smartphone friendly as possible. But when I jump in the car, and my phone pops-up on the dashboard radio once owned, what comes out the speaker still has to compete. And what is the ONE thing that streams that your robotic FM competitors don’t offer? “Local.”
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
Townsquare Media announces a digital advertising partnership with Renda Media for the latter to use Townsquare Ignite, its digital advertising solution. Renda operates station is six U.S. markets (Ft.
Myers/Naples; Jacksonville; Pittsburgh; Indiana, PA; Greensburg, PA; and Punxsutawney, PA) that do not overlap with Townsquare’s market footprint. Townsquare Ignite president Todd Lawley states, “We’re excited to partner with Renda Media to bring our market-leading digital advertising solutions to their expansive client base. Our success stems from a deep expertise in leveraging our proprietary in-house programmatic platform and data-driven strategies to deliver measurable value. Through this partnership, we look forward to equipping Renda Media with the tools, insights, and proven strategic approach needed to strengthen their digital capabilities and accelerate client growth.”
Audacy is presenting a webinar this afternoon (8/5) at 2:00 pm ET addressing the value of audio in connecting brands with customers. The webinar features a panel of marketers and media experts
exploring the audio strategies behind real business success to provide behind-the-scenes insights, creative inspiration, and tips from brands that are scaling with sound. Topics being addressed include: 1) What makes audio such an effective channel for performance and brand-building. 2) How local advertisers are using radio to stand out and win more wallet share. 3) Why podcast hosts have become some of the most trusted voices in advertising. And 4) Lessons learned: real-world advice from brands turning listeners into loyal customers. You can register here.
Salem Acquires Jim Fink Investing. Salem Media Group is acquiring Jim Fink’s suite of investment advisory products, including “Seasonal Stock Alert,” “Options for Income,” “Velocity Trader,” and “Inner Circle.” Salem is launching a dedicated online platform for Fink’s services at JimFinkInvesting.com. Roger Michalski is VP and publisher of Salem’s Eagle Financial Publications and he says, “Jim brings a unique depth of expertise in option spreads and seasonal trading strategies that perfectly complements Eagle’s existing offerings. We are excited to welcome Jim and his colleague Derek Myers to our growing team and to offer their proven insights to our subscribers.”
New Adds for “Amazing Americans.” Kate Delaney’s Talk Media Network syndicated weekend show “Amazing Americans” adds new affiliates as KLIS, St. Louis; WORD-FM, Daytona, and KBNP Portland add the show to their program schedules.
Rob Carson Back in DC. Newsmax talk host Rob Carson reveals that he has relocated to the Washington, DC area after 10 years in Kansas City. Carson says that he has built a studio in Alexandria, Virginia with the assistance and generosity of WGMD owner, Mark Guiliani. He adds that he decided to make the move to be “closer to the action” in DC.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Texas Redistricting Battle
2. Tariffs
3. ICE Raids / Detention Camps Plans
4. DOJ’s Trump-Russia Investigation
5. Sydney Sweeney Controversy
Townsquare Media’s talk WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” welcomes Eric Johnson back as the
co-host of the midday show alongside longtime station personality Judi Franco. Johnson – who served as the station’s program director from 1999 through 2017 – 
takes over for Dennis Malloy who retired from the program last week. Johnson says, “Coming back to ‘New Jersey 101.5’ feels like coming home. This station has always had a one-of-a-kind connection to the people of New Jersey. I’m honored to be part of it again — and even more excited to team up with Judi Franco, who’s as sharp, fearless, and funny as they come.” Townsquare Media regional VP Brian Lang says, “Eric is the perfect choice to join Judi on middays. He’s got a longstanding relationship with her, understands the power of the ‘New Jersey 101.5’ brand, and brings instant chemistry to the mic. We couldn’t be more excited — I can’t wait to hear ‘The Judi & EJ Show’ in action.”
KNBR, San Francisco sports talk personality and San Francisco 49ers radio voice Greg Papa announces he is stepping away from his broadcast duties as he battles a cancer diagnosis. Here’s his message in full:
“Hi, there, everyone – Greg Papa here, host of KNBR The Sports Leader’s “Papa & Silver” and voice of the San Francisco 49ers. I want to share some personal news with Bay Area sports fans and my friends and colleagues. I have been diagnosed with cancer and am currently undergoing treatment. As I fully focus on my treatment and work toward a full recovery, I’m stepping away from my broadcasts but look forward to returning soon. In the meantime, I am handing The Sports Leader broadcast ball to my co-host and friend Greg Silver, and I know he and his guest co-hosts will keep our listeners entertained and informed – and I’ll be among them; I’ll be listening! Thanks to everyone for your prayers and good wishes as I begin this fight. Go Niners!!” Photo: KNBR The Sports Leader
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
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.
Whether you’re a broadcaster, podcaster, newscaster, or you are crafting commercial or promo copy, take a fresh look at these often-overlooked pitfalls.
Dated references: Nothing can disrupt your listener’s day quicker than quickly changing weather. Being thought of as a weather source can advantage any station in any format. But you risk that currency by calling tomorrow “…a carbon copy of today.” Few under 50 have ever used carbon paper. And with weather more erratic lately, implying otherwise can make your forecast sound – forgive me – “like a broken record.” Also antique: “Rolodex,” now that listeners’ smartphones have “Contacts.” So, purge old-speak from “the radio dial.” Listeners (and advertisers) notice when we keep-up… or don’t.
Stereotyping:
— “Soccer mom in a SUV” sure is the retail super-consumer advertisers want to see pull-into the parking lot. Visualize her in programming and promotion planning and sales prospecting… OFF-air stuff. But reinforcing gender roles and class assumptions ON-air paints a narrow picture of parenting and lifestyle, potentially alienating women.
— “You know how Millennials are.” Yes – like “Generation X” – they dislike being typecast, and you sound out-of-touch and judgmental.
— Calling someone “a Karen” can alienate listeners who have felt ridiculed suffering a situation similar to whatever you’re describing. And there are millions in the potential ratings sample named… Karen.
— “Probably some college kid with no clue how to drive in the snow” implies incompetence based on age and background. This kind of dig can undermine younger listeners or newcomers to your market.
Stereotypes are lazy, often a shortcut to humor or imagery. Ask yourself: “Is this something I’d say to someone’s face?”
Insensitive Humor: “Looks like someone forgot their meds today!” can offend those quietly dealing with anxiety, or depression. Pandemic silver lining: Mental health is no longer a laughing matter. You may have seen TV PSAs by Howie Mandel, sharing how ADHD has impacted his life and asking that it not be a punchline.
“Potty-mouth:” Mom and Dad’s just-the-two-of-them vocabulary is different than the way they speak with kids in the car, and what they want to hear their children repeat after hearing on radio.
— “Pissed-off” has become unnecessarily familiar, particularly with recent inflation…with which we are “annoyed,” “fed-up,” and “frustrated.”
— Even if something sounds commonplace, origins or implications may make it unsuitable for all-audience radio. “Scumbag” began as a term for condom. “Sucks” and “screwed” also have sexual roots some consider vulgar.
Taboo red flags:
— “No offense, but…” or “I’m just saying…” often precede something offensive.
— “It’s just a joke!” often follows a crack at the expense of marginalized groups.
— “Everyone thinks that…” overgeneralizes and can alienate those who disagree.
— Mocking accents or speech patterns can come across as disrespectful rather than entertaining.
— “Real [men/women] do…” Gendered assumptions can feel exclusionary or outdated.
— “This [group] is always…” Sweeping characterizations often reinforce stereotypes.
Words have weight. In a medium where tone, timing, and trust matter, what we say – and how we say it – can either strengthen listener connection or erode it.
NEXT WEEK: Topics to Tune-IN the listeners you want most.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
WSKY, Ocala Recognizes Police & First Responders. Audacy’s news/talk “97.3 The Sky” WSKY-FM, Gainesville/Ocala concludes its 9th annual SKY Valor Honors Program, an initiative that recognizes North Central Florida’s police and first responders for their dedication to protecting the community. The program began in June featuring stories of heroism that aired during “The Bob Rose Show.”
Cheri Marquart Joins Paragon. Cheri Marquart is named music scheduling and air talent consultant at Paragon. Company CEO Mike Henry says, “Adding Cheri to Team Paragon is a dream come true for me. Her commercial radio career, including decades overseeing multiple formats as SVP/programming at Westwood One, is perfectly suited to helping Paragon’s public radio clients up their game. She has already made a positive impact with our music stations.”
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Tariff Deals
2. Jobs Numbers / Erika McEntarfer Fired
3. Texas Redistricting Controversy
4. The Epstein Files
5. Loni Anderson Dies
Audacy’s news/talk WYRD-FM, Greenville, South Carolina “98.9 WORD” ranked #1 in Nielsen Audio’s June PPM survey in Persons 18+ as well as in Persons 35+. In touting the performances of WYRD-FM, Audacy
says, “Weekday shows ‘Sunrise Carolina with Joey Hudson,’ ‘The Tara Show,’ ‘The Mike Gallagher Show,’ ‘Straight Talk with Bill Frady,’ and ‘The Charlie James Show’ also secured the top spot across all prime dayparts with persons 12+ and adults 35+.” Audacy South Carolina operations manager Mark Hendrix says, “The exceptional performance of our Audacy Greenville stations is a direct reflection of our incredible talent, the passion they bring every day, and their connection with our listeners.”
Salem Media Group is partnering with America’s Frontline Doctors to produce a documentary titled, What Is a Doctor?, that is streaming on SalemNOW. America’s Frontline Doctors founder Dr. Simone Gold is featured in the film that Salem calls an “unapologetic examination of how medicine is being politicized,
threatening free speech, medical autonomy, and the core doctor-patient relationship.” Dr. Gold states, “This is a wake-up call. We’re watching medicine become weaponized against the people it’s meant to serve. This film asks the question every American should be asking: Who does your doctor work for?” SalemNOW general manager Robert Ellis adds, “We’re proud to give a platform to voices willing to stand for truth. This film is essential viewing for anyone who believes medical freedom is worth protecting.”
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation announces the dates for the 51st Annual Gracie Awards. AWMF says the Gracies are “continuing a legacy of more than five decades recognizing the contributions
and achievements of women in media.” The Gracies Gala takes place May 19, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire and the Gracies Luncheon happens June 16, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. AWMF president Becky Brooks says, “Following a landmark 50th anniversary season, we remain inspired by the power of women’s voices in shaping our media landscape. The 51st Gracie Awards will honor the enduring influence of those who paved the way and spotlight the voices who continue to challenge, innovate, and lead. As we look to the future, we are committed to elevating the diverse and brilliant stories women bring to audiences every day.”
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/28-8/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. The Epstein Files
2. Tariff Deals
3. Fed Interest Rates Policy
4. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
5. Colleges Settle with Trump
6. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations
7. ICE Raids
8. Texas Redistricting Map
9. Russia-Ukraine War
10.Deadly NYC Shooting
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Ghislaine Maxwell
4. Bill Clinton
5. Barack Obama / Joe Biden
6. Jerome Powell
7. Benjamin Netanyahu
8. Mike Johnson
9. Vladimir Putin
10.Shane Tamura
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Hearst’s news/talk WBAL, Baltimore announces that market media pro Angelette Aviles is the new afternoon drive host. The station says, “Aviles first joined WBAL in January 2024, hosting a weekend show.
She brings to the microphone more than two decades of experience in communications and marketing across both commercial and political sectors, with commentary featured on FOX News Channel and Univision, as well as published opinion pieces in The Baltimore Sun. She grew up attending Maryland schools while her father served as an Army officer and returned home after graduating from the University of South Florida.” Aviles comments, “As WBAL celebrates its 100th year on the air, I’m incredibly honored to join this legacy of broadcasting and to bring my voice to Maryland’s afternoon drive. This show will be about real conversations – local, national, cultural – I’m excited to connect with listeners every day.”