The most discussed stories yesterday (4/30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump’s First 100 Days
2. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War / The Economy
3. U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal
4. DOGE
5. Russia-Ukraine War
Pictured above are WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (left) and WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta evening talk host Shelley Wynter (right) at the White House media event held in recognition of the first 100 days of the Trump administration.
Salem Media Group enters into a strategic new agreement with the faith-based music and entertainment radio show “KeepTheFaith” and will air it on 38 of its stations. Salem CEO David
Santrella says, “We’re excited to welcome ‘KeepTheFaith’ back to our airwaves. For more than a decade, they’ve been a vital programming partner with content that’s unmatched in our industry. Listener enthusiasm and advertiser confidence played a major role in our decision to feature the show on our teach/talk stations. With over 4 million monthly listeners, we’re excited to continue to partner with ‘KeepTheFaith.’”
CTBS Show Hosts Vice President. The Premiere Networks nationally syndicated program “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton” hosted Vice President J.D. Vance yesterday in recognition of the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Topics discussed included tariffs, manufacturing in America, and immigration.
CNN Audio Launches Donie O’Sullivan Program. CNN Audio’s newest podcast series is called “The Account” and the first season is “Persuadable with Donie O’Sullivan,” in which the CNN senior correspondent investigates how and why some individuals are susceptible to modern conspiracy theories.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump’s First 100 Days
2. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War / The Economy
3. Deportations / Abrego Garcia Case
4. Trump vs Harvard
5. Canadian Elections
Afternoon drive talk host Tyrone Johnson exits Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” after three years leading the afternoon drive show. Crossing Broad
reports that Johnson tweeted on Friday afternoon: “It was a good run. I regret nothing.” The story notes that Johnson – producer and co-host – took over hosting the afternoon show in 2022 after Mike Missanelli’s departure. The most recent iteration of the show included Rickey Bo and Sylvana Kelleher and Crossing Broad says the show’s ratings were on par with the station’s morning show ratings. Read the full story here.
According to a report from The 420, Urban One confirms that it has suffered a significant data breach that “compromised sensitive personal information of hundreds of individuals.” Urban One says that
ransomware attack involved unauthorized access to its network resulting in the exposure employee data including names, Social Security numbers, direct deposit details, W-2 tax information, and home addresses. The attack is being attributed to Cactus, a known ransomware gang. The organization says it stole 2.5 terabytes of data and posted a sample of documents to back its claims. The report goes on to say that Urban One maintains no financial account information or electronic medical records were compromised. See The 420 story here.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Write news copy the way you would tell someone the story in person.
Avoid news-speak, such as:
Visualize a listener – one person – and make eye contact. You’ll matter more.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Talk host Mark Walters tells TALKERS that he celebrated his 16th year as host of “Armed American Radio” on Sunday evening’s broadcast. Walters is CEO of CCW Broadcast Media which produced “Armed American Radio” and “AAR Daily Defense.”
Key Networks is partnering with cable news network NewsNation to syndicate a radio simulcast of NewsNation’s primetime two-hour special, “CUOMO Town Hall: The First 100 Days,” that will air live
on Wednesday (4/30) from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET. The special is being moderated by anchor Chris Cuomo, along with Bill O’Reilly and Stephen A. Smith, plus a live phone interview with the president. The program originates from New York and will showcase Trump administration officials including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., alongside leaders of the Democratic Party. The town hall will be held in front of a live studio audience comprised of Democrats, Republicans, and independent voters.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Approval Ratings
2. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
3. Colorado Underground Nightclub Raid
4. Deportations-Detentions
5. Pope Francis Funeral
WPHT, Philadelphia early afternoon talk host Dom Giordano (pictured above interviewing an unidentified administration official) was among the media personalities broadcasting from the White House recognizing the Trump administration’s first 100 days. Giordano tells TALKERS, “We broadcast from the White House covering Trump’s First Hundred Days and we lucked into great guests on a very underrated part of it – RFK Jr. taking on the food industry.”
WHO, Des Moines afternoon drive talk host Simon Conway was among the talk hosts invited to the White House to speak with administration officials recognizing the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Conway tells TALKERS he has interviewed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism Dr. Sebastian Gorka, and Border Czar Tom Homan. He’s pictured above with Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Conway’s afternoon show simulcasts on WMT, Cedar Rapids and WOC, Davenport, Iowa. He also hosts of “Good Morning Orlando” on WFLF.
Urban One to Reveal First Quarter Results. Urban One announces that it will hold a conference call for investors, analysts and other interested parties to discuss its results for the first fiscal quarter of 2025 on May 13 at 10:00 am ET.
Ted Cruz Podcast to Air in Detroit. Adell Media announces its Detroit radio station WFDF-AM “Detroit’s News Talk Superstation” begins airing “Verdict with Ted Cruz” to its weekend lineup, effective April 27, 2025.
SiriusXM to Broadcast from Pope’s Funeral. SiriusXM will provide live, on-location coverage of the funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday 3:30 am ET on The Catholic Channel with the funeral Mass expected to begin at 4:00 am ET. Father Dave Dwyer and Lino Rulli, hosts on The Catholic Channel, will lead the broadcast live from Rome, offering commentary, prayers, and reflections throughout the liturgy.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/21-25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
2. Financial Markets / Fed Chair Powell’s Status
3. Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Gaza War
4. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case
5. Pope Francis Dies
6. Google Anti-Trust Ruling/Meta Anti-Trust Case
7. Hegseth Signal Chat Controversy
8. Iran Nuclear Talks
9. State Dept. Reorganization
10.“60 Minutes” Producer Quits
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Xi Jinping
3. Jerome Powell
4. Volodymyr Zelensky
5. Kilmar Abrego Garcia
6. Pope Francis
7. J.D. Vance
8. Elon Musk
9. Pete Hegseth
10.Bill Owens
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The latest book from Ramsey Solutions CEO Dave Ramsey is a #1 national bestseller. Build a
Business You Love is a book in which Ramsey shares the lessons he’s learned starting his business on a card table in his living room and growing it into a $250 million-a-year company. Dave Ramsey says, “For people serious about starting a business, it’s the ride of a lifetime. It will be hard, and it will take longer than expected, but it also offers the opportunity to become a better person as you become a better leader. I hope readers find the courage to keep going, the humility to keep learning and the heart to build something that serves others.”
Red Apple Media makes the news reported earlier this week by the New York Post official that legendary New York Yankees play-by-play announcer John Sterling will host an hour-long sports talk show on Saturdays at 4:00 pm. Sterling says, “This is a thrill… the ballgame’s NOT over. I am eager to connect with sports fans on 77 WABC and looking forward to bringing the biggest names in sports on the air to share their stories and insights with listeners.”
FOX Sports Radio Lands in Palm Springs. Arrington Broadcasting LLC’s KFSQ-AM, Palm Springs is now broadcasting FOX Sports Radio’s lineup of sports talk content. Station owner and GM Brian Arrington says, “We’re proud to welcome FOX Sports 1270 AM to the Coachella Valley! It’s an exciting moment to bring some of the biggest names in sports/talk – Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, Doug Gottlieb, and more – right here to Palm Springs.
LABF Announces 2025 Giants of Broadcasting Awards. The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation is recognizing trailblazing industry leaders for lifetime achievements during the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 14 at Gotham Hall in New York City. Inductees includes ABC News’ David Muir, Rick Dees, and sportscaster Lesley Visser.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
2. Russia-Ukraine War
3. Francis Funeral-New Pope Selection
4. “60 Minutes” Controversies
5. Trump’s Anti-DEI Actions
Longtime New York Yankees play-by-play announcer John Sterling is going back on the radio to host a Saturday afternoon radio show on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. Sterling tells NorthJersey.com that he’s
hosting a one-hour show airing Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Sterling spent 35 years as the voice of the Yankees prior to retiring last spring. Sterling says he is no stranger to sports talk radio having hosted a show on WMCA, New York during the 1970s. See the NorthJersey.com story here.
PodcastOne partners with Flightpath to use its predictive analytics platform. PodcastOne says the move will provide its sales and operations teams with the tools to optimize yield, unlock revenue potential, execute faster,
and make more strategic decisions. PodcastOne director of podcast business Michal Ksepko says, “Flightpath gives us the clarity and efficiency we need as our business scales. From forecasting to cross-platform analysis, their tools are helping us operate smarter and drive stronger results for both our creators and brand partners.”
The Akron Beacon Journal reports that former WNIR, Akron radio personality Angela Bellios has died at age 53.
The story reports that the 53-year-old Bellios, who had left the radio business in 2021, was found dead at a friend’s home where she had been staying while dog-sitting. The cause of death was not revealed and is pending an investigation. See the Beacon Journal story here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump’s Trade War/Powell Status
2. Pope Francis Death
3. Hegseth Criticism
4. State Dept. Reorganization
5. “60 Minutes” Boss Quits
Back in January, John Reid left his post as host of the morning program on Audacy’s news/talk WRVA,
Richmond to run for lieutenant governor in Virginia. Now, his opponent for the Repubican nomination – Pat Herrity – has exited the race due to health issues. Reid is an unusual candidate in that he’s openly gay but a conservative Republican who says he’s “against boys in girls’ sports and the extreme trans-agenda being forced upon our children.” Prior to his work at WRVA, Reid once served as communications chief for then-Virginia Governor George Allen. WRVA named Rich Herrera host of the morning show last month.
Red Apple Audio Networks says it is expanding the nationally syndicated “Anthony Cumia Show” to three hours.
The program now airs live on 77WABC from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET Sundays becomes available to affiliates on May 4. Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez says, “The response from listeners and affiliates to Anthony’s return to radio has been astounding. Listeners and affiliates were clamoring for more Anthony Cumia, so we extended his show.”
Benztown, along with P1 Media Group, Global Radio Ideas Facebook Group, and Collective Heads consultant 
Jimmy Steal are presenting a free webinar for radio professionals around the globe titled, “Creating On-Air Megastars and Programming Legendary Radio Station.” The 45-minute webinar will be hosted by Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann and P1 Media Group partner Ken Benson and will feature programming pro Jimmy Steal. Register for the webinar here.
SiriusXM Announces NFL Draft Coverage. SiriusXM is presenting live coverage of the 2025 NFL Draft from Green Bay on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The SiriusXM broadcast will be anchored by Jason Horowitz. SiriusXM’s expert analysts will be former NFL scout, coach and front-office executive Pat Kirwan, former NFL quarterback Jim Miller, former coach Rick Neuheisel, and former NFL running back Jacob Hester.
Cumulus Q1 Report Comes on May 1. Cumulus Media will present its first quarter 2025 operating results during a conference call on May 1 at 8:30 am ET. The company will issues a press release with the results prior to the call.
The most discussed stories yesterday (4/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Pope Francis Dies
2. Tariffs/U.S.-China Trade War
3. Trump vs Fed / The Economy
4. Pete Hegseth Signal Controversies
5. Google Anti-Trust Ruling
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case
2. Google Anti-Trust Ruling
3. Hegseth Signal Chat Controversy
4. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
5. Financial Markets Activity
iHeartMedia’s BIN: Black Information Network launches a new special public awareness campaign focusing on the critical and urgent issue of Black maternal health. The campaign is titled, “Saving Black Moms: A Maternal Health Crisis,” and will “shine a light on the issue of Black maternal health and advocate
for change through an integrated media campaign including special on-air reports, news features, public service announcements, social media engagement, a dedicated microsite, and community partnerships.” BIN president Tony Coles says, “As a network committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, it is our responsibility to shine a light on the alarming disparities that Black women face before, during and after childbirth. This campaign is about advocacy, action, and partnership. By working with trusted community organizations and The BIN Local Roundtable, we can help raise awareness and ensure every Black mother receives the care and support she deserves.”
Pubcasters to Present NJ Governor Candidates. New Jersey public media network NJ PBS and public radio outlet WNYC announce their live broadcasts covering the New Jersey gubernatorial race with conversations with the candidates. Republican candidates will appear on May 7, at 7:00 pm; Democratic candidates will appear on May 12, at 7:00 pm. The broadcasters say the goal is to have the candidates engage in civil, solutions-based discussion about issues facing New Jersey.
NHPR Nominated for a Peabody. New Hampshire Public Radio and collaborator The Pudding are being nominated for a Peabody Award in the Immersive & Interactive category for “Failures to Act” — reporting that delved into one of the largest youth detention abuse cases in American history that took place in New Hampshire. The reporting revealed the stories contained in more than 1,281 civil lawsuits filed by people who say they were abused as children while in state custody.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/14-18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Abrego Garcia Deportation Case/Judge Threatens Contempt Charges
2. Trump vs Harvard
3. Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War / Powell Speech
4. Meta Anti-Trust Case
5. FCC’s Carr Threatens Comcast / Trump’s 60 Minutes Criticism
6. DOGE
7. U.S. – Iran Nuclear Talks
8. Russia – Ukraine War / Israel-Gaza War
9. Bernie Sanders-AOC Rallies
10.RFK Jr Promises Autism Cause
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Kilmar Abrego Garcia/Nayib Bukele
3. Alan Garber
4. Pam Bondi
5. Jerome Powell / Xi Jinping
6. Mark Zuckerberg / Elon Musk
7. Brendan Carr
8. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelensky
9. Bernie Sanders / AOC
10.RFK Jr
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.