The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. The Economy / Interest Rates
3. ICE Raids
4. Gaza Violence
5. Extreme Weather-Flooding
As reported by Deadline, the journalists working at Audacy’s all-news WINS, New York represented by Writers Guild of America East have presented a petition to management demanding it “negotiate a fair deal” as its current deal expires Monday (7/22). The demand focuses on worker safety. The letter says, “We ask
that Audacy bargain respectfully and in good faith as we work to improve our salaries, benefits, pathways to promotion, workplace safety, remote work options, preserve severance, and protect against the growing threat of artificial intelligence.” Regarding the issue of safety, WGAE president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen says, “1010 WINS runs 24/7 and requires people to commute to the office at all hours. The station’s journalists have been threatened and even attacked. Audacy needs to take responsibility for the safety of its employees and our members. This is one of the many issues that management still needs to address in a fair and equitable contract.” See the Deadline story here.
Townsquare Media names Dan Endom regional market president for its station groups in the Lubbock and
Amarillo markets. Those markets include news/talk KFYO and talk KKAM/K280GU in Lubbock and news/talk KIXZ, Amarillo. Most recently, he served as president of iHeartMedia’s Nashville station group.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/14-7/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. The Epstein Controversy / MAGA Rift
2. Congress Passes DOGE Cuts
3. Financial Markets Activity / Trump vs Powell
4. Trump Tariffs
5. ICE Raids
6. Russia Intensifies Ukraine Strikes
7. SCOTUS Education Dept. Ruling
8. FEMA Criticisms / Texas Foods Aftermath
9. Bove Nomination
10.Trump vs Rosie O’Donnell
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Pam Bondi / Dan Bongino
4. Ghislaine Maxwell
5. Jerome Powell
6. Stephen Miller
7. Vladimir Putin
8. Kristi Noem / David Richardson
9. Emil Bove
10. Rosie O’Donnell
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
FOX Sports has canceled the “Breakfast Ball” show on FS1 co-hosted by Craig Carton and Danny Parkins.
Both personalities came to television from radio – Carton from WFAN, New York and 
Parkins from WSCR, Chicago. Industry watchers are speculating whether the two, especially Carton, will return to radio. In the New York Post, sportswriterAndrew Marchand notes that after his prison stint for a fraud conviction, Audacy’s now-chief business officer Chris Oliviero was instrumental in bringing Carton back to WFAN as afternoon drive co-host. Carton did radio and the FS1 show before leaving radio to focus on the early morning TV show.
Edison Research announces it is presenting a webinar to reveal data from its research report, The Podcast
Consumer. Edison says the webinar will cover the current size and habits of the U.S. podcast audience and explore how things have changed over time. The webinar is July 23 at 2:00 pm ET. You can register here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Senate Passes DOGE Cuts
2. The Epstein Case / MAGA Rift
3. Financial Markets Activity / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Russia Intensifies Ukraine Strikes
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
In radio and podcasting, editing isn’t just technical – it shapes narratives and influences audiences. Whether trimming dead air, tightening a guest’s comment, or pulling a clip for social media, every cut leaves an impression.
But here’s the legal reality: editing also creates risk.
For FCC-regulated broadcasters, that risk isn’t about content violations. The FCC polices indecency, licensing, and political fairness – not whether your edit changes a guest’s meaning.
For podcasters and online creators, the misconception is even riskier. Just because you’re not on terrestrial radio doesn’t mean you’re free from scrutiny. Defamation, false light, and misrepresentation laws apply to everyone — whether you broadcast on a 50,000-watt signal or a free podcast platform.
At the end of the day, it’s not the FCC that will hold you accountable for your edits. It’s a judge.
1. Alex Jones and the $1 Billion Lesson
Alex Jones became infamous for promoting conspiracy theories on Infowars, especially his repeated claim that the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax – supported by selectively aired clips and distorted facts.
The result? Nearly $1 billion in defamation verdicts after lawsuits from victims’ families.
Takeaway: You can’t hide behind “just asking questions” or “it was my guest’s opinion.” If your platform publishes it – over the airwaves or online – you’re legally responsible for the content, including how it’s edited or framed.
2. Katie Couric and the Gun Rights Group Edit
In “Under the Gun,” filmmakers inserted an eight-second pause after Katie Couric asked a tough question, making it seem like a gun rights group was stumped. In reality, they had answered immediately.
The group sued for defamation. The case was dismissed, but reputations took a hit.
Takeaway: Even subtle edits – like manufactured pauses – can distort meaning and expose creators to risk.
3. FOX News and the Dominion Settlement
FOX News paid $787 million to Dominion Voting Systems after airing content suggesting election fraud – often based on selectively edited interviews and unsupported claims.
Though FOX is (among other things) a cable network, the impact shook the media world. Broadcasters reassessed risks, host contracts, and editorial practices.
Takeaway: Major networks aren’t the only ones at risk. Radio hosts and podcasters who echo misleading narratives may face similar legal consequences.
4. The Serial Podcast and the Power of Editing
“Serial” captivated millions by exploring Adnan Syed’s murder conviction. While no lawsuit followed, critics argued the producers presented facts selectively to build a certain narrative.
Takeaway: Even without a lawsuit, editing shapes public perception. Misleading edits may not land you in court but can damage trust and invite scrutiny.
Whether you’re behind a radio microphone or a podcast mic, your editing decisions carry weight – and legal consequence.
The FCC might care if you drop an indecent word on air, but they won’t be the ones suing you when a guest claims you twisted their words. That’s civil law, where defamation, false light, and misrepresentation have no broadcast exemption.
There’s one set of rules for editing that every content creator lives by – and they’re written in the civil courts, not the FCC code.
Edit with care.
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.
FOX News enters into a licensing agreement with the “Ruthless” podcast as part of its new media expansion. At the same time, Porter Berry – current president and editor-in-chief of FOX News Digital – adds new media to his role. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott states, “The FOX News Media ecosystem we have built over the past seven years continues to thrive and set new records, and the ‘Ruthless’ deal is a natural extension of our powerhouse brand as audiences reshape how they consume quality content. We have cultivated an unrivaled bench of successful personalities who are well-positioned to excel in today’s evolving media landscape, where podcasting offers the kind of deep engagement our platforms are known for. Porter is a talented executive whose leadership will enhance these new media ventures and creators, while further strengthening FOX News Digital.” Ruthless is hosted by public affairs and digital advocacy consulting firm Cavalry’s founding partners Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan and John Ashbrook as well as Shashank Tripathi, pseudonymously known as “Comfortably Smug.” They were represented by Workhouse Media’s John McConnell. About their new partnership with FOX, the co-hosts say, “We are thrilled to take ‘Ruthless’ to the next level through this strategic partnership. There is a growing appetite for authentic political and cultural conversations, and our podcast delivers with no-holds-barred, irreverent takes that deeply resonate with our dedicated audience.”
Chicago sports media personality Harry Teinowitz has died at the age of 64. The Chicago Sun-Times reports
that Teinowitz, former co-host of the “Mac, Jurko and Harry” show with Dan McNeil and John Jukovich on WMVP, Chicago’s, had been ill in recent years, having received a liver transplant and suffering from liver and heart issues. Teinowitz began his radio career as part of the morning show on crosstown competitor WSCR. He also did on-air appearances on WLUP-FM and WGN-AM. See the Chicago Sun-Times story here.
“Latino USA” Joins My Cultura. Futuro Media and iHeartMedia announced that the “Latino USA” podcast joins iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network. Maria Hinojosa’s long-running “Latino USA” airs weekly on 387 public radio stations across the United States and Canada. PRX continues to distribute “Latino USA” via public radio stations while iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network distributes the podcast version of the show on iHeartRadio and more.
“Thank a Teacher” Campaign Launches. iHeartMedia launches iHeartRadio’s “Thank a Teacher” campaign with longtime partner DonorsChoose – an education nonprofit that empowers U.S. public school educators to request the classroom supplies they need to serve their students. The one-month media campaign is dedicated to recognizing public school teachers who are shaping the future of America’s youth and will highlight the important role that teachers play in educating, mentoring and inspiring students, despite facing limited resources and funding challenges.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Epstein Case Controversies
2. Russian Strikes on Ukraine / Trump Threatens Sanctions
3. Inflation Ticks Up / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Trump Tariffs
Sean Hannity is hosting a new season of his historical drama series, “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” for FOX Nation. The series premieres tomorrow (7/16) tackling the stories of the infamous John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, Baby Face Nelson, and Ma Barker. FOX Nation says, “A continuation of his 2024 FOX Nation series, ‘Outlaws and Lawmen,’ Hannity will transport viewers back to The Great Depression as it devastated the nation, and the fast times and easy money of the roaring ‘20s became a faded memory. With bank foreclosures and millions out of work, a new brand of outlaw was born. They rob banks, pull off daring kidnappings and shoot their way into American folklore and one by one, enter the crosshairs of J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI. Each episode will feature a single character or duo’s story in a journey that re-imagines this volatile era.” Hannity comments, “In the shadows of the Great Depression, outlaws cemented their names into history as America’s most wanted. I’m thrilled to further this series and share the stories that ultimately defined a generation.”
Audacy names Chris Fillar the new morning show co-anchor on all-news WWJ, Detroit “Newsradio 950,” where he joins Jackie Paige for the 5:00 am to 10:00 am program. Fillar has been delivering sports updates
for WWJ and sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” since 2018. Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon says, “We are excited to have Chris bring his passion and energy to the morning show. Chris and Jackie are a powerful team, and we’re confident they’ll make an impact every morning while connecting with our listeners.” Fillar comments, “I’m ecstatic to take on this new role alongside Jackie and the entire fantastic morning newsroom at WWJ. It’s an honor to wake up and deliver trusted news to our listeners, and I’m humbled to work with such a great team!”
This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group presents data from a Quantilope study that shows Quu in-dash visual ads on vehicle screens “drive significant awareness, consideration, and purchase intent.” The blog post adds that a new study from System1 and major out-of
-home media company JCDecaux reveals creative best practices for billboard advertising that the AM/FM radio industry can utilize to improve visual ad impact. Some of the key findings include: 1) Quu visual AM/FM radio ads on auto dashboards increase purchase intent by +89%; 2) You’ve got two seconds so brand fast: Visual logos placed at top of the frame deliver 4X higher brand recognition; 3) Beware the cost of dull: Failure to engage emotionally is the cost of creative mediocrity; 4) Be consistent with a brand’s colors, logos, slogans, and fonts that appear in other advertising; 5) Keep it short: The fewer the words, the greater the brand recognition; and 6) Create happiness: Ads that create positive emotions with happiness, surprise, or humor generate much stronger memorability, brand association, store visits, and website visits. See the blog post here.
The July 10 season premiere of “Celebrity Family Feud,” hosted by Steve Harvey, featured a showdown between “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Rich Eisen Show.” Dan Patrick and The Danettes – Marvin, Fritzy, Seton and Paul (pictured above) – made it to the Fast Money round to take home the $25,000 prize, which will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Milford. You can find the episode on Hulu.
PodcastOne Announces the Return of “Chrisley Confessions.” The podcast hosted by reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley relaunches as “Chrisley Confessions 2.0.” PodcastOne president Kit Gray says, “We are excited to welcome Todd and Julie back to PodcastOne and support them in sharing their voices once again. ‘Chrisley Confessions’ has always resonated with audiences for its authenticity, vulnerability, and signature Chrisley humor — and we know that listeners and advertisers are anxious for the show relaunch and hearing firsthand from Todd and Julie.”
Networks Join NRCC. The Network Radio Research Council (NRRC), a coalition of network radio vendors and subscribers dedicated to advancing national radio audience measurement research, is pleased to announce the addition of key research leaders from Audacy Networks, Compass Media Networks, Entravision, Key Networks-United Stations, and Reach Media to its roster.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. SCOTUS Education Dept. Ruling
2. Epstein Case Controversies
3. Trump Reverses Course on Ukraine
4. EU and Mexico Tariffs
5. The Economy / Inflation
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
How obsolete does this sound? “Newsweek magazine.” News, gathered during most-of the week, had to be frozen by week’s-end, on deadline, to roll the presses in time for hard copy to be delivered in Monday’s snail mail. Back then – picture people dressed like “Mad Men” characters – enough subscribers felt informed-enough to deliver Return On Investment for the magazine’s advertisers. Seems antique. Now, news is reported moment-to-moment, on any device. And newsweek.com is there… along with everyone else competing for attention.
Also quaint: that “clock radio” on the nightstand, which accomplished two-of-many functions now on smartphones. And the “transistor radios” heard all along the beach this time of year in the 1960s? In Providence, the capital city here in The Ocean State, an AM 630 signal superior to its AM 1290 Top 40 competitor led WPRO to brand itself as “The Station That Reaches the Beaches.” Now, there are smart speakers on those beach blankets. I live at the beach and hear them playing Pandora and Spotify.
Good news, but…
Radio is still the #1 in-car audio; increasingly ported there via smartphone app, if stations have explained theirs well. And there’s plenty of other audio on those phones, and on the smart speakers that brought radio back in-home… unless we ask Alexa to instead “play hotel poolside music” or ask her for the weather or some other heretofore radio content.
Repetition builds habit, and to best explain that we’re there too, you should audit the user’s experience consuming your stream. Does “Just say ‘Alexa, play 102.3 WXXX’” or “Hey Siri, play KXXX on TuneIn” get you there? Does the smartphone app instantly play your on-air programming, or are multiple clicks required?
More important than Where and How to listen: Why?
Radio’s real-time nature is still its superpower, and if your station has earned a news reputation, listeners will find you – however they listen – when the fit hits the shan. And between bombshells, diligent stations whose real-time audio seems helpful and relevant and uniquely local will be habit-forming and keep ‘em comin’ back for more. Adding push notifications, breaking news alerts, and other direct engagement can bridge the gap, prompting more live listening.
Beyond that “linear” delivery, our on-demand culture favors predictable utility. Smart stations repurpose their best moments into snackable content: a daily local news roundup, your morning show’s funniest bit, or the weather and event calendar for the weekend; all sponsorable. ICYMI, my recent TALKERS column: Feature The Moments That Matter.
Your over-the-air signal is still the beating heart of your operation. Your call letters are a family surname, these new platforms are siblings. They’re extensions, not threats; extra doors into your house. Make sure they’re open wide, easy to find, and lead to something welcoming. Ideally something they can’t hear anywhere else.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
In its latest post (7/2), “Up Close Far Out” – a YouTube video series hosted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison – takes a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of radio, examining the state of the radio device itself – the actual appliance – from the perspective of those on the front line of its development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution.
What is the state of the gizmos we call “radios” in the early decades of the digital era?
Is radio an obsolete technology on its last legs or is the device going through an exciting evolution in terms of its technology, content and broader societal purpose going forward into a brave new world?
What is the difference between “radio” and the broader term “audio?”
What impact does the prospect of ongoing tariff wars have upon the domestic radio manufacturing industry? And what exactly does it take to move back and develop a new product such as a modern radio in the USA?
Harrison’s guest, Jessica Crotty, is an important player in that industry. She is the CEO of a small, but highly influential, Northern California-based company – C. Crane – that for more than three decades has specialized in manufacturing, aggregating, distributing and marketing radios and radio-oriented devices for the platform’s most ardent fans.
The company’s focus on radio literally began as a “mom & pop” operation by draftsman, designer and electronics engineer Bob Crane, his wife Sue, and Grandma Faye who ran the fledgling business at the kitchen table of their home north of the “Redwoods Curtain.”
Since selling their first AM antenna, C. Crane has grown into a nationally respected “boutique” electronics company. They have developed several outstanding radios to serve radio listeners who prefer information, talk radio and audio tuned for voice clarity. After several near 7.0 earthquakes, in 1992 they added radio and light products that would become essentials during an emergency event anywhere in the country.
Jessica Crotty launched her professional career with C. Crane almost three decades ago working her way through the ranks from customer service all the way up to being CEO and a company principal.
Crotty and Harrison engage in a candid, information-packed conversation exploring the evolving technical and cultural intersection between radio’s glorious past, underrated present, and potentially impactful, but somewhat ambiguous, future. If you are interested in radio as a broadcaster or a fan, you do not want to miss this interview.
Covino & Rich Broadcasting from All-Star Game. FOX Sports Radio’s “Covino & Rich” are broadcasting from the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta this week. While “The Dan Patrick Show” is on vacation, a special edition of “Covino & Rich” will broadcast in the show’s 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET timeslot. Post-game coverage will continue Wednesday, July 16 with a broadcast from iHeartMedia Atlanta’s studios.
iHeartMedia Memphis Presenting Chicken & Beer Festival. iHeartMedia Memphis, including news/talk WREC, is presenting the seventh annual Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival on Saturday, August 16 on the field of the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit local charity Merge Memphis.
Townsquare to Reveal Q2 Financial Results. Townsquare Media will release second quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain second quarter 2025 financial results that day at 8:00 am ET.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Epstein “Client List” Mystery
2. Death at California ICE Raid
3. Trump’s Tariffs / Financial Markets Activity
4. Fed Renovations Criticism
5. Trump vs Rosie O’Donnell
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
Let’s discuss how CBS’s $16 million settlement became a warning shot for every talk host, editor, and content creator with a mic.
When CBS settled a lawsuit with Donald Trump for $16 million over a selectively edited “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris, it wasn’t about guilt. It was about leverage. The lawsuit happened to coincide with Paramount’s FCC merger review – coincidentally, right when regulatory pressure was needed the most.
For broadcasters and digital creators alike, the message is clear: even lawful edits can become political weapons. If you shape content, you’re a target. And the courts aren’t the only battleground. Public outrage, regulatory scrutiny, and advertiser anxiety all shape the cost of controversy.
For Broadcasters: Every Cut Counts
Editing always alters reality. That doesn’t make it wrong – but it makes it risky. Even good-faith trims for time or tone can be reframed as distortion. What matters isn’t just what you cut, but whether you can defend it.
Case in Point: “60 Minutes” vs. DeSantis
CBS was accused of misleading edits in a 2021 vaccine rollout story. They published full transcripts and stood their ground. No apology, no payout.
Takeaways:
— Archive raw footage.
— Log your editorial decisions.
— Be ready to explain your process with clarity and conviction.
For Digital Creators: You’re Not as Untouchable as You Think
Section 230 might protect platforms, but it doesn’t shield you from smear campaigns, takedowns, or frivolous lawsuits. Editing with commentary or critique is often fair use – but that doesn’t stop bad-faith actors from flipping the narrative.
Case in Point: “Decoding Fox News”
Jules Terpak’s critique series survived coordinated attacks thanks to clear sourcing, transparency, and credibility built ahead of time.
Takeaways:
— Know your rights, but also your vulnerabilities.
— Keep receipts.
— Build audience trust before someone tries to burn it down.
The Real Risk Isn’t the Edit – It’s the Optics
Trump didn’t need to win the lawsuit. He just needed the headlines – and CBS needed their merger. Settlements aren’t always about truth. They’re about timing.
So protect yourself:
— Document your work.
— Develop internal standards.
— Don’t panic under pressure – prepare for it.
Because in an era where outrage spreads faster than facts, defending the integrity of your edit isn’t optional. It’s essential.
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 Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
and TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
Music on the weekend provides multiple positive strategic weapons for talk stations. From launch, “New Jersey 101.5” (1,000,000+ cumer); WTKS-FM “Real Radio,” Orlando; WABC, New York; WPHT, Philadelphia; and other major market winners air music all weekend or on dayparted shows.
When launching WTKS, NJ101.5 and many others, Sabo Media researched talk stations throughout the country to find any facility that did as well or better on the weekend than during the week. Not one. KGO at the time was dominant in San Francisco, but its weekend audience share was HALF its weekday share. Then we studied music formats looking for genre that did better on the weekends than during the week. Answer: oldies and alternative rock.
Music on the weekend works:
— Music prevents an outlet from suffering the negatives of being a “talk station.”Music blows off the chronic callers and people who need the station for companionship. You know who they are.
— A carefully chosen song list targets a specific cume. People sample radio on weekends. They have fewer utilitarian needs for radio listening and can indulge in entertainment. When they hear a song they like—they lock in the frequency. The station enjoys fresh sampling. WTKS FM plays alternative rock all weekend, the result is a very young overall cume base.
— Music is good for sales. Clubs, concerts, festivals, and comic cons buy music radio. Music on the weekend keeps talk stations on those buys!
— Innovative execs replace infomercials with specialty music shows. They sell those shows to wedding venues, wedding suppliers, party stores, mobile DJs, boat and RV rentals, as well as home improvement retailers.
— Publisher Michael Harrison posits that genre and chronological segregation of songs is not as essential today as it was back in the day. 13-year-olds love the Beatles and Beach Boys. Hits are always absolute necessities but “Never My Love” by the Association, “Light My Fire” by the Doors and the #1 song today, “Ordinary,” are all hits and could be played back-to-back.
In most cities, the second highest audience daypart is midday Saturdays. Stations that recognize that fact by offering quality, local, live entertainment grow their cume.
Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.
Last month, Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw filed suit in Superior Court in Connecticut against Soros Fund Management and the company’s Michael Del Nin for breach of contract, unfair trade practices and more. Warshaw alleges that he had a deal with Soros Fund Management’s Michael Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try to acquire Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage the
business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” While both parties were doing due diligence on the CMG deal, Warshaw learned that an Audacy majority stake holder was willing to sell its stake in the company. Warshaw says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024. Warshaw alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. After that though, Warshaw says Del Nin balked and denied there was ever an agreement, calling any such claims “fabricated.” Now, Soros and Del Nin filed both a Motion to Dismiss saying the “Court lacks personal jurisdiction over Mr. Del Nin under Connecticut’s long-arm statute”; and a Motion to Revise that asks Warshaw to revise his complaint with specific details about his contracts – written or verbal – that he claims were breached, and more. In the Motion to Revise, Soros and Del Nin imply that Warshaw doesn’t have the contractual proof necessary to support his claim.
Katz Radio presents more data that supports the notion that radio’s effectiveness is misperceived by marketing professionals. The report cites data from Nielsen’s Global Annual Marketing Survey that asked
marketers about perceived media effectiveness in which radio came in last place, behind all measured traditional and digital media types. According to Nielsen’s global ROI benchmarks, radio delivers the second highest return for advertisers, second only to social media. Nielsen’s ROI benchmarks show radio delivers higher returns for advertisers than all other other traditional media. While radio is perceived to be less effective than digital media, it delivers an ROI +30% higher than video and display, and +70% higher than search and CTV. See more about the study here.
The John Fredericks Media Network welcomes Taft College head baseball coach and health/physical education professor Vince Maiocco as a regular contributor to the network’s signature sports program,
“Godzilla Wins,” that airs Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:00 am ET. John Fredericks says, “Coach Vince is a tremendous asset to our weekend sports broadcast. He has built an enormous fan base in a short period of time. His insight and knowledge of professional and college sports is enlightening and uncanny. Most importantly, Vince is a dedicated mentor and teacher whose keen analysis engages and informs our listeners as well as our younger contributors, whose careers in broadcasting we are dedicated to growing.” JFMN programming is heard on 23 radio stations, plus via multiple streaming platforms including YouTube Live, Rumble Live, X-Live, GETTR Live, and JFMN.TV.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/7-7/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Deadly Texas Floods / Warning System Scrutiny
2. Epstein “Client List” Mystery
3. SCOTUS Mass Firings Ruling / IRS Churches Ruling
4. Judge Blocks Birthright Citizenship Order
5. ICE Raids / Masked Agents Controversy
6. Russia Bombs Kyiv / Trump-Putin Tensions
7. Trump Tariffs
8. Musk’s “America Party”
9. Netanyahu-Trump Visit
10.Iran Nuclear Capabilities
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Pam Bondi
4. Stephen Miller
5. Karoline Leavitt
6. Vladimir Putin
7. Elon Musk
8. Benjamin Netanyahu
9. Greg Abbott
10.Jerome Powell
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Audacy says that its Dallas news/talk station KRLD-AM “NewsRadio 1080” and Austin news/talk KJCE-AM have been keeping Texans informed since the deadly floods began in the early morning of July 4. The company says that “NewsRadio 1080” and Texas State Networks reporter Christopher Fox has been
tirelessly reporting from along the river between Kerrville and Centerpoint, Texas, “delivering succinct and informative reports on NewsRadio 1080, additional Audacy stations, and various CBS affiliates across the country. His Texas State Network reporting includes hourly newscasts reaching over 100 affiliates in 86 markets.” KRLD brand manager and Audacy news/talk foremat vice president Drew Anderssen says, “‘NewsRadio 1080’has been a critical lifeline for Texans. Our commitment to timely and essential news, weather and traffic information never wavered in the early days of this tragedy, over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and we are committed to continuing our compassionate and impactful coverage in the days ahead.”
On Monday (7/7), Audacy news/talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo unveiled a new program lineup that includes a new show hosted by Joe Beamer airing in the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm daypart. Beamer had been co-host of the
station’s morning show alongside Brian Mazurowski, who continues hosting the morning show. Other changes include David Bellavia’s show airing an hour earlier (9:00 am to 1:00 pm), and Tom Bauerle’s afternoon drive show beginning an hour later at 3:00 pm. The station also adds FOX News Radio programs “Will Cain Country” (7:00 pm to 8:00 pm) and “FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla” (8:00 pm to 10:00 pm), as well as FOX News hourly reports.
Tonight (7/10), WGN Radio air personalities Bob Sirott and John Records Landecker getting together on air for a special hour of 1970s nostalgia during Landecker’s show from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The hour is being
called, “For Radio Geeks Only,” and will feature Sirott and Landecker reminiscing about their time working together as music DJs from 1973 to 1980 on WLS-AM. Sirott says, “We played the hits and had more fun than humans should be allowed to have. Besides the music, there were encounters with stars, personal appearances with fans and endless stories to go with it all.”
WABC Radio is partnering with Shriners Children’s for a charity softball game called Day of Champions on Sunday, July 20, at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. It will feature a softball game between members of the NYPD versus members of the FDNY with net proceeds going to Shriners Children’s. John
Sterling, who hosts a Saturday afternoon sports talk program on 77WABC, will provide play-by-play of the game, as well as the Little League pre-game. This event includes pre-game activities for families including meet-and-greet opportunities with 77WABC on-air personalities and sports legend Dwight Gooden, Fastest Pitch and Home Run Derby contests, Kids Zone, Sports Memorabilia Silent Auction and more! Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis says, “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay. At WABC Radio, we are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and, together, provide a fun-filled day for our community while supporting this great mission.”