Alliance for Women in Media Honors Eight Female Leaders at the Gracies Leadership Awards
The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) celebrated the achievements of eight trailblazing leaders at the Gracies Leadership Awards, yesterday (11/19) at Tribeca 360° in New York City. The event honored these extraordinary women for their significant contributions to the media industry, showcasing their leadership, vision and dedication to excellence across broadcasting, journalism, digital media and beyond. In addition to the awards, the luncheon featured a special fireside chat with Andrea Mitchell, recipient of the Gracies Icon Award. As NBC News’ chief Washington correspondent, chief foreign affairs correspondent and host of MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports,” Mitchell shared her incredible journey in journalism, offering powerful insights into her decades-long career. Her conversation with Libby Leist, executive vice president of “TODAY” and “Lifestyle” highlighted the importance of elevating women’s voices in the media, mentorship and the lasting impact of bold, investigative storytelling made possible by diligent homework, checking your facts and doing research. Honorees pictured above at the event (l-r): Sylvia Strobel, AWM Legacy Leadership Award recipient and president/CEO, Twin Cities PBS; Holly Tang, CFO, NBC Universal Entertainment; Jennifer Leimgruber, EVP entertainment programming, Premiere/iHeartMedia; Andrea Mitchell, recipient of the Gracies Icon Award – NBC News’ chief Washington correspondent/ chief foreign affairs correspondent and host of MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports“; Deborah Parenti, president/publisher, Streamline Media (Radio Ink, RBR + TVBR); Jen Sargent, CEO, Wondery; and Sylvia Bugg, chief programming executive/GM, PBS. Not pictured, Sonia Coleman, ESVP/ chief human resources officer, The Walt Disney Company.
Chris Licht was executive producer of the Steven Colbert show. Then he took the job of CEO of CNN. There was unpleasantness. Thanks to our shared position on the Newhouse School Advisory Board at Syracuse University, I learned how he is advancing his career while seeking the right job.
Hope Media Group (HMG) – a ministry of Christian-oriented media brands – announces Jon Hull as its new vice president emeritus, effective January 1, 2025. In his new position, Hull will use his extensive experience to help lead and encourage the on-air donor acquisition teams, while also working with those teams that engage existing and lapsed donors off-air. In addition, Hull will join the leadership team that strategizes support drives and programming initiatives. “I’m so grateful Jon Hull will become Hope Media Group’s vice president emeritus. This title is one of distinction and honor – something Jon has more than earned in his 28 years of service to God through this ministry. I consider Jon a national treasure, as does the Christian radio industry,” shared Joe Paulo, CEO of Hope Media Group.
According to an article by reporter Manuela Vega in the Toronto Star (11/19), Canadian broadcasting giant Rogers Sports & Media – reflecting major cutbacks taking place in the U.S. radio industry – has laid off more than two dozen employees in the company’s radio and podcasting divisions, citing declining revenue and challenges in advertising. “With the radio industry continuing to feel the pressure of an uncertain advertising market, we made some difficult but necessary changes in our audio business impacting roles in several markets,” a Rogers Sports & Media spokesperson told the Star in a statement last night. The company said the job losses included a “handful” of journalists, as well as some managerial and administrative positions, but noted there would be no closures or terminations of stations, programming or podcasts. “We recognize and thank the team members who are leaving us for their dedication to our listeners and advertisers,” the statement read. To read the complete article, please 
For the last 10 years, Edison Research’s quarterly “Share of Ear” study has been a highly respected examination of time spent with audio in America. Edison surveys 4,000 Americans annually to measure daily reach and time spent with all forms of audio. Each report is based on a four-quarter rolling average. The most recent Q3 2024 survey is comprised of Q4 2023, Q1 2024, Q2 2024, and Q3 2024. This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog is an analysis of the just released Q3 2024 data and focuses on what advertisers care most about – ad-supported audio.
Duffy is married to Rachel Campos-Duffy, who co-hosts “FOX & Friends Weekend” alongside – until last week – Pete Hegseth. FOX put out the following statement per Duffy’s departure: “Sean Duffy provided valuable insights and analysis in co-hosting the FOX Business Network program, ‘The Bottom Line.’ As Duffy departs FOX News Media effective today (11/18), we wish him the best of luck in his return to Washington. Moving forward, ‘The Bottom Line‘ will continue with Dagen McDowell joined by rotating co-hosts.”
Raising Awareness All Year Long. Nationally syndicated, Nevada-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred personality Dr. Daliah Wachs (pictured) never stops teaching and promoting health causes that lead to everything from prevention awareness to blood drives. 
She tells TALKERS, “Where breast cancer awareness happens every October but education around this common disease needs to continue year-round. Mammograms save lives and I’m grateful to Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging for helping make my mammogram and ultrasound testing easy and painless.” The Steinberg facility has been serving South Las Vegas outpatients for more than 30 years.
By Andy Gladding, Ed.D.
Bush Radio journalists Jasnine Roberts, Lydia Marwanqana, Renato Van Schalkwyk, and Adrian Louw tour the Salem Radio New York facilities with chief engineer Andy Gladding (pictured in rear) and assistant production manager Alex Garrett (pictured in front).
iHeartMedia announced today (11/18) that Mark Glynn has been appointed area president for Washington, effective immediately. The iHeartMedia Washington markets include sixteen iconic station brands across both broadcast and digital formats, offering a diverse lineup of music, talk and news programming. In his new role as area president, Glynn, who is currently market president in Seattle, will add oversight of the Spokane market operations to his responsibilities. He will report to Nick Gnau, division president for iHeartMedia. “Mark is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success in the media industry. Since the day I met him, his passion for his team and his ability to foster a collaborative and creative work environment has been effective and impressive, making him the perfect person to lead Spokane to the success he’s achieved in Seattle,” Gnau tells TALKERS. “I’m honored to lead iHeartMedia Washington. In an era where audio thrives as a powerful medium, our brands in Seattle and Spokane stand at the forefront, poised to continue our legacy of success. I am grateful for the support of our dedicated sales teams and leaders in both markets,” says Glynn.
WTOP Reporter Evan Haning Succumbs to Cancer at 74. Veteran news reporter Evan Haning, whose 50-year radio career included almost a decade as an anchor and reporter at WTOP, Washington, DC has died at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer. Haning’s career began well before his stint as a reporter at WTOP, from the early 2000s through 2011, and showed his flexibility as a broadcaster. Born in 1950 in Sydney, Iowa, Haning’s radio career began in 1970, shortly after graduating from Simi Valley High School, in California. Haning was in Los Angeles for the Boss Radio boom. In 1973, Haning joined KRLA Radio as a disc jockey. “He came to Washington when he joined WJOK in 1983,” his daughter said. Long before Comedy Central, WJOK was the first all-comedy radio format in the country. By the mid-1980s, Haning became the production director at WWRC, the talk radio station featuring hosts like Joel A. Spivak, Bob Kwesell, and the morning duo of Bruce Alan and Ed Walker. Haning is survived by his wife Melissa, daughter Amber, son Garrison, and two grandchildren, Matilda and Seneca. Memorial arrangements are pending.
SRN to Present Special Christian Series. Salem Radio Network (SRN) is presenting a special series this week spotlighting Dr. Erwin Lutzer (pictured above left). In interviews with SRN News correspondent Lori Tradup (pictured above right) Lutzer— Pastor Emeritus at Moody Church in Chicago—exposes what SRN describes as “the heart of America’s cultural crisis as it impacts pastors in pulpits nationwide.” In the series, Dr. Lutzer advises Christians to stay rooted in Biblical truths as they grapple with challenges including abortion, transgenderism and other topics. His newest book is titled The Eclipse of God (Harvest House, 2024)
Audacy’s WFAN 101.9 FM / 660 AM announces Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Dave Sims as the new lead play-by-play announcer of its flagship broadcasts of the New York Yankees. Sims replaces recently retired broadcasting legend John Sterling, who held the position from 1989 until his retirement this past season. Dave Sims will join Suzyn Waldman to form the franchise’s new radio broadcast team. “The radio voice of the Yankees is a storied position in the history of baseball,” said Chris Oliviero, Audacy New York Market president. “From [Mel] Allen and [Red] Barber to [Phil] Rizzuto to Sterling, the names are synonymous with the pinstripes. Dave Sims is a worthy successor to that lineage. We are honored to have Dave join the incomparable Suzyn Waldman in the booth in the Bronx.” “It’s great to be home,” said Sims. “What an honor to be part of the iconic Yankees franchise. New York is where it all started for me, and I can’t wait for Opening Day and to work with my good friend Suzyn!” Sims is a Ford Frick Award Baseball Hall of Fame nominee and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and has spent the last 18 seasons as the lead TV play-by-play voice of MLB’s Seattle Mariners. Sims previously hosted talk shows at WNBC-AM, WFAN-AM and the Madison Square Garden Television Network in New York and also spent time at WCBS-TV and the New York Daily News. Beyond baseball, Sims has covered the NFL for Westwood One and college basketball for ESPN. He also launched the “Hey Now! Podcast” with his two sons in July 2024. WFAN has served as the flagship station of the Yankees since 2014. From 2002 to 2014, games were heard on Audacy’s WCBS 880 (WCBS-AM). Games can be heard on WFAN and streamed via the free Audacy app and website within the team’s geographic region.
decrease of 6.3% from the same period a year ago. Revenue from radio advertising was $36.4 million during the quarter, down 3.6% from the same period in 2023. Urban One reports a net loss of $31.4 million, a substantial decline from the $53.7 million net loss it reported in Q3 of 2023. Urban One owns and operates news/talk outlets WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte and WIBC-FM, Indianapolis. 
Nexstar’s national news content. He says, “I’m grateful for the chance to work with Nexstar’s incredible team of outstanding journalists. Last week they accurately informed the world who would win the presidency, and this week did the same with the House of Representatives – before any other news outlet – demonstrating yet again, Nexstar’s unwavering commitment to accurate, quality journalism.”
viewers, and CBS and NBC which saw 4.1 million viewers. On Election Day, FOX News Media’s primetime coverage of election night across FNC, FOX Network, FOX Business Network and FOX News Digital topped all television networks with nearly 13.6 million viewers and 4.4 million in the 25-54 demo. FNC’s “Democracy 2024” primetime coverage averaged nearly 10.3 million in total viewers and 3.1 million in the 25-54 younger demographic beating ABC, NBC, CBS and all cable news networks.
The Salem Radio Network’s twin 24/7 news networks – SRN News and TOWNHALL News – announce extensive plans for upcoming coverage of Donald J. Trump’s Inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. SRN’s White House correspondent Greg Clugston will spearhead live broadcast coverage from the West Capitol beginning at 11:30 am ET on Monday, January 20th. He will be joined by U.S. Senate correspondent Bob Agnew and House correspondent Bernie Bennett covering events leading up to Vice President-elect JD Vance’s oath of office around 11:55 am, followed by Trump being administered the oath at 12:00 noon followed by his Inaugural Address. Live coverage will continue until the day’s ceremonies conclude. In addition to the Inauguration itself, throughout the days leading up to January 20th Salem newscasts will provide analysis and perspective from a variety of contributors including Alfredo Ortiz, CEO of Job Creators Network; SRN News military affairs analyst Col. Robert Maginnis; former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum; and TOWNHALL.com columnist Kurt Schlichter among many others. “Donald Trump’s election on November 5th represents the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States,” states Tom Tradup, SRN VP/news & talk programming, adding “Salem Radio Network’s live Inauguration Day coverage is part of SRN’s ongoing commitment to provide affiliates with Breaking News coverage 24/7.”
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) tells TALKERS they are thrilled to introduce Nikki Kuniej as the first mentee for the non-profit’s newly launched Digital Sales Mentorship Program. As director of digital strategy at Saga Communications’ Charleston Media Solutions, MIW states, “Nikki exemplifies the spirit of this program with her dedication to growth and community service. She brings a passion for driving strategic growth for local businesses.” Beyond her career, Kuniej is deeply involved in her community, serving as a Big Sister and board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry. She is active with the Charleston Chamber, where she contributes to the Regional Policy Committee, Thrive Ladies Networking, and the Regional Housing Coalition. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed; she was honored as a 2023 “One to Watch,” a Charleston Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient, and a 2024 recipient of the RAB’s “Rising Thru the Ranks” award. Supported by its sponsor, Beasley Media Group, this program will provide Nikki with invaluable mentorship from top digital leaders. As the 2024-2025 mentee, Kuniej will engage in monthly coaching sessions with a Digital Mentor and leading digital experts, gaining valuable insights and guidance to drive her career forward. 
“I am overjoyed to be selected as the MIW Digital Mentee,” says Kuniej. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to have personal access to such accomplished and high achieving women for a year. Heading into 2025, I set a personal goal to focus on professional development, and this is the ideal way to start the year.” “We are thrilled to support such an impactful mentoring program that underscores the critical role of digital innovation in our industry,” said Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff adds, “Nikki’s dedication to her professional growth and community service truly embodies the spirit of this mentorship. We’re eager to see the impact she’ll make as she continues to thrive in her career. With leaders like Nikki, the future of radio is promising – and with the support of companies like Beasley Media Group, our ability to offer meaningful mentorship opportunities is stronger than ever.” For more information on all MIW mentorship programs, please visit
the Cumulus Media news/talk station on November 7. Sutton began working full time at the station in 1997. He tells WHTM that he does not plan on retiring. “Tomorrow is the first time in 52 years that I don’t have to work, but I hope that doesn’t last long because I am not retiring. God is in control, and I know there are new opportunities ahead and a new chapter in my life.” Sutton says he and producer Mark McKenzie were dismissed due to budget cuts. 
number of retailers shopped, retailers shopped most often, brand perceptions, and advertising recall have recovered; 2) Brand equity and shopping patterns for the top two performers (AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts) are stable to up. The second-tier players are slightly off; 3) AM/FM radio and podcasts are the ideal platforms to advertise auto aftermarket. TV underperforms with category usage and brand equity: Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners visit more retailers in the category, make more shopping trips, and spend far more than the average. Two key consumer segments, do-it-yourselfers and ultra-heavy shoppers are more likely to be heavy AM/FM radio listeners. TV viewers are weak category users. 
been serving the company as market president for the Salisbury, Maryland operations. iHeartMedia Mid-Atlantic Area president Brit Goldstein says, “Katie has done incredible work in Salisbury, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and creativity. By adding the Wilmington market to her purview, she will bring her outstanding approach to partnership and innovative solutions to the entire Delmarva Peninsula. I’m excited to see Katie and the team flourish in her expanded leadership role.” 
and Howie Carr encouraging listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. iHeartMedia Boston director of operations, news, talk and sports Bill Flaherty says, “Once again, the WRKO listeners responded in support of our Veterans. Their generosity provides much needed services for those who sacrificed so much for our country.” Since 2016, the DAV Radiothon has raised over $1,125,000 to benefit veterans in the community.
media producer and host of WCPC’s “Arts Beat” and “On The Mark” serves as producer and host. Auerbach, who survived simultaneous kidney failure, a massive heart attack, and complicated surgery in the last year, tells TALKERS, “As I fought to get back on my feet, friends and total strangers reached out to tell me how they had coped, survived, and moved on. Thanks to great healthcare people and friends, I’m here to tell my story and share others’ stories. We can learn and be inspired, as we see people conquer what appears impossible.” “Survivor Stories,” premiers this Friday, November 15, at 7:00 am on Westfield Community Programming, 89.5 FM WSKB, Southwick Community TV, and Agawam Media. It will be archived on YouTube under WSKB Community Radio.
The iHeartMedia Allentown and Reading markets include seven iconic station brands across both broadcast and digital formats, offering a diverse lineup of music, talk and news programming. In her new role, DiMartini will oversee sales, programing, promotions, and operations for both the Allentown and Reading markets. She will report to Brit Goldstein, president of the iHeartMedia Mid-Atlantic area. “Lisa is the consummate professional – unflappable, positive, and centered. She has rejuvenated the Allentown market with her unique approach to fostering culture and partnerships,” said Goldstein. “I’m very excited to see Lisa apply her business principles to the Reading market and beyond.” DiMartini most recently served as the VP of sales for iHeartMedia Allentown, where she played a pivotal role in driving growth and fostering innovation. Prior to that, she served successfully as account executive for iHeart Allentown. Her career began at The Morning Call in Allentown and she is a graduate of Millersville University. “I am honored to expand my role to lead both the Allentown and Reading markets,” DiMartini tells TALKERS. “I look forward to working with the talented teams in both locations to drive continued success and growth while delivering value to our partners and listeners.”