Industry News

NPR & WBUR Announces Changes to “Here & Now”

NPR and WBUR, Boston announce three new appointments at that nationally syndicated midday news program, “Here & Now,” heard on 500 NPR member stations across the country.img Award-winning journalist Indira Lakshmanan is the new co-host of “Here & Now,” debuting in Late November alongside Scott Tong and Robin Young. Additionally, Peter O’Dowd, the senior editor who has stepped in regularly as a host for several years on “Here & Now,” takes on a new role as correspondent and regular fill-in host. And international news industry pro Allan Price joins to lead the team as the new executive producer. NPR says that according to Nielsen ratings data, “Here & Now” is the third most-listened-to NPR news program after “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/27)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research include: 1) Government Shutdown / Battle Over Health Care Benefits; 2) Trump’s Asia Trip; 3) Trump Entertains Third Term Talk; 4) NYC Mayoral Race; and 5) the Biden Autopen Issue.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is?

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgPossibly not – beginning Sunday – unless you live in Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) or American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Everywhere else, clocks will change when we “fall-back” on November 2.

It’s uncanny how just that one-hour shift impacts listeners’ lives. So, it’s a BIG topic of conversation. Plan now to empathize with the emotional and practical adjustments they’re confronting, including…

Increased Morning Light:

  • Positive: With the clock set back, it becomes lighter earlier in the morning, which can help people wake up more easily and feel more alert, especially for those who need to start their day early.
  • Negative: For people who start their day later, they may not notice much of a change, but the adjustment period can still be disruptive.

Shorter Evenings:

Positive: The extra hour of light in the morning might be useful for early morning commuters, outdoor activities, or children heading to school.

  • Negative: On the downside, the sun sets earlier in the evening, meaning it gets dark sooner. This can affect evening activities and make commutes home feel less pleasant or even more dangerous due to reduced visibility.

Disruption to Sleep Patterns:

  • Positive: The “fall back” of the clock gives people an extra hour of sleep, which many enjoy.
  • Negative: Some people experience disrupted sleep patterns and may feel temporarily groggy as their bodies adjust to the new time.

Health and Mood:

  • Positive: For some, the extra morning light can improve mood and reduce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
  • Negative: The early evening darkness can lead to feelings of fatigue, a drop in energy levels, or contribute to “winter blues” or SAD. especially as daylight becomes limited.

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Impact on Productivity:

  • Positive: People may feel more productive in the morning due to earlier sunlight.
  • Negative: However, the earlier sunset could reduce motivation to engage in activities after work or school, potentially leading to a decrease in evening productivity.

Safety Considerations:

  • Positive: More daylight in the morning can make commuting safer for drivers and pedestrians during rush hour.
  • Negative: With darker evenings, there’s an increased risk of accidents, especially for people who are walking or biking.

Energy Consumption:

  • Positive: Energy usage patterns may shift as a result of less artificial light being used in the morning.
  • Negative: However, people tend to use more lighting and heating in the evenings, which may counterbalance the potential energy savings.

Impact on Schedules:

  • Positive: Some people enjoy having the extra hour in their day when DST ends.
  • Negative: For parents and workers, adjusting children’s or personal routines to the earlier darkness can be challenging.

What’s a radio station to do?

  • Bump with or play songs related to time (Cyndi Lauper “Time After Time,’ Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time”).
  • Explain the history of DST.
  • Ask listeners’ opinions on DST. Do they love it or hate it? You’ll hear both.
  • “How will you spend your extra hour?”
  • Give away nostalgic items (like retro vinyl records or vintage tech).
  • Sleep tips from health professionals and mental health experts.
  • Advertisers offer “10% off for the extra hour! Sale only valid from midnight to 1 AM.”
  • Coffee or breakfast gift card giveaways.
  • Pertinent commercial copy hooks, i.e., “It’s time for a new ___!”

And please note: It’s “Daylight Saving Time,” not “Daylight Savings Time.”

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Bibi Farber Performs Guest Vocals on New Gunhill Road Song

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Bibi Farber (right), daughter of the late talk radio legend Barry Farber, has recorded a guest vocal appearance on a brand new Gunhill Road song titled, “You Don’t Seem Old to Me,” which will appear on the group’s forthcoming fifth album. The track is a sentimental love songimg examining the lifelong love affair of a fictional couple from childhood to old age – an emotional roller coaster ride reflecting the romantic ups and downs of a complex relationship. The tear-jerker is a departure from the heavy-hitting social commentaries that have made Gunhill Road a favorite among talk radio hosts and audiences for the past half decade.  The intriguing group, formed in the late 1960s, is still going strong with core members Steve GoldrichPaul ReischBrian Koonin, and Michael HarrisonMatthew B. Harrison produces the ensemble’s videos that employ leading-edge techniques and technology. Ms. Farber, who shares lead vocals on the song with Brian Koonin, is a talented singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist with a number of singles, albums and television commercial soundtracks among her credits. She is presently an advocate for the well-being of nursing home residents and organizer of initiatives to bring live music into their lives. To watch the music video for “You Don’t Seem Old to Me,” please click here.  To learn more about Bibi Farber please click here.

Industry News

Former Sports Talker Tirrell Arrested on New Fraud Charges

Former Des Moines sports talk host Marty Tirrell was arrested a week ago on federal wire fraud charges. This comes after Tirrell was sentenced to almost three-and-a-half years in prison on mail fraud charges in 2021. That sentence was in connection with a luxury ticket-flipping schemeimg in which Tirrell used the proceeds for personal expenses and gambling. Now, prosecutors say Tirrell has done pretty much the same thing again, getting investors to give him money to buy luxury tickets for events like the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Taylor Swift concerts, Indiana Fever games and football and baseball playoff games. Tirrell was to sell the tickets and pay investors their original investment plus a share of the profits. Prosecutors say Tirrell did pay some investors back but did so with money from new investors. In fact, they say Tirrell never made the ticket purchases and instead used the money for personal expenses and gambling. Tirrell worked as a sports talk host at KXLQ-AM, Des Moines and later at KXNO, Des Moines. See the Des Moines Register story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (10/25-26)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Battle Over Health Care Benefits
    2. White House Ballroom Project
    3. Trump’s Asian Trip
    4. U.S.-Venezuela Tensions
    5. Newsom Admits Mulling Presidential Run
Industry News

Triton Digital: Charlie Kirk Show Podcast Continues to Rise

Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for September (Sept. 1-28) based on weekly average downloads for participating networks and Salem Media Group’s “The Charlie Kirkimg Show” rose three places to the #3 spot, behind NPR’s “NPR News Now” (#1) and “Up First” (#2). Kirk was slain in September 10 and new episodes of the program continue to be produced. Other talk radio related shows of note include: Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” drops two places to #13; iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” drops two places to #16; and iHeartRadio’s “The Jesse Kelly Show” climbs three places to #49. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Condo-Bucknell Joins Infinity Networks

Network radio sales and marketing pro Jeanne-Marie Condo-Bucknell joins Audacy’s Infinity Networks as senior revenue leader. Condo-Bucknell served with Skyview Networks for 25 years, leaving the company in April. Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “Jeanne-Marie is a respected and accomplished leader in network radio, and we couldn’t be happier to have her joinimg the Infinity Networks team. Her exceptional reputation for delivering revenue growth, strategic vision, and innovative approach to developing new revenue paths makes her an invaluable addition as we scale Infinity’s sales strategy.” Condo-Bucknell says, “I am truly honored. This is a fantastic next step, doing what I love, centered on driving revenue with an exceptional team. Infinity Networks is making great strides as a network leader, and I look forward to making a significant impact. Driving revenue requires strategic plans with depth-based concepts, stellar industry relationships, fresh ideas, and new revenue paths, all of which Infinity is 100% focused on. We will leverage strategic audio partnerships, cross-generational audience engagement, and unwavering commitment to client service, driving impactful results.”

Industry News

Dr. Murray Sabrin Interviewed on TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel

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Noted “public intellectual,” Dr. Murray Sabrin is this week’s guest on the TALKERS MEDIA YouTube Channel series “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Sabrin, a prolific author, Substack columnist and public speaker, has been one of the most sought-after guests in news/talk media for the past three decades. He’s one of America’s most visible experts on libertarianism and free market economics – ideologies that have strong followings within the influential arena of talk radio. Sabrin is emeritus professor of finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey, associated scholar at the Mises Institute, and a former Libertarian Party standard bearer in the Garden State. He is the founder of a grassroots movement, “Make Americans Financially Independent (MAFI)” – a counterpoint to the present tendency toward runaway, unconstitutional government spending that has led the U.S. to take on trillions of dollars in stifling debt. Harrison probes the present-day nuances of libertarianism and questions its practicality in 21st century America. Among numerous provocative questions, he asks: Where does President Donald Trump fit along the spectrum of libertarian thought? Are Americans – in general – intelligent, altruistic, and educated enough to take on the societal responsibilities of a true libertarian society? To view this timely video in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 20-24, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/20-24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. 1. Government Shutdown
  2. 2. ICE Raids / Chicago Guard Troops Ruling
  3. 3. Trump’s White House Ballroom Project
  4. 4. Israel-Hamas Peace Process
  5. 5. Trump Demands Cash from Justice Department
  6. 6. “No Kings” Protests
  7. 7. Louvre Jewelry Heist
  8. 8. Trump Commutes Santos’ Sentence
  9. 9. Alleged Drug Boats Strikes
  10. 10.Mob-Linked Sports Rigging Case

People

  1. 1. Donald Trump
  2. 2. Mike Johnson
  3. 3. Chuck Schumer / Hakeem Jeffries
  4. 4. Karoline Leavitt
  5. 5. J.D. Vance / Benjamin Netanyahu
  6. 6. George Santos
  7. 7. Pete Hegseth
  8. 8. Vladimir Putin
  9. 9. Robert DeNiro / Stephen Miller
  10. 10.Chauncey Billups / Terry Rozier

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Report: Curtis Sliwa Angrily Quits WABC

According to the New York Post, WABC talk radio host Curtis Sliwa – currently a Republican candidate for mayor of New York City – fumed on the station’s morning show with Sid Rosenberg that he will never be seen in the studios of WABC again after station owner Johnimg Catsimatidis and others urged him to exit the mayoral race to give former Governor Andrew Cuomo a better chance of beating Democrat Zohran Mamdani. During his on-air conversation with Rosenberg, Sliwa “accused colleagues of betraying him” and he told Rosenberg WABC is “giving preferable treatment” to Cuomo. Catsimatidis later told the Post, “Regardless of all the news going around, I’ve always said great things about Curtis Sliwa, about how well he knows the city. But in a places like New York City where 70% of New York City are Democrats, the real Democrat is Andrew Cuomo, not Zohran Mamdani and Democrats should vote for Cuomo. Catsimatidis added, “I’ve never asked that he leave the race but recommended that a lot of other people have said he should.” Sliwa said on the air that he’s had to hire private security due to threats against him and his wife. “If anything happens to me or anything happens to my wife, because of this frenzy that I hear constantly coming from some of your colleagues there at WABC, it’s on you guys and you gals. My life is on the line here.” Sliwa’s radio show is currently off the air due to his active political campaign.  Read the Post story here.

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: There is a Need for New

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgThe groaning and moaning that “radio is losing younger demos and will die tomorrow” misses the point. What attracts younger audiences? What has always attracted younger audiences? NEW STUFF. New clothes, shows, slang, ideas… NEW. When you “found” radio, you found a top 40 station that was saturated in the latest music, events and ATTITUDE. Radio remains vital by presenting and celebrating new, shocking, contest prizes, revolutionary ideas, hosts, jocks… NEW.

Radio is good at “new.” “New” is hard for other media. A key advantage of radio over other media is the ability for a programmer or host to think of a new idea on the way to work and air that idea that day. TV, print, outdoor can’t do that.

When radio fails to present “new” it sinks lower into the media landscape. Radio is ubiquitous and only rises in the community’s consciousness when it presents “new.” When radio broadcasts predictable, consistent content hour after hour it suffers a grim listener review, “Oh I don’t listen to the radio.” Or, worse, “I don’t listen to the radio much.” 

Word of mouth is not generated by playing “10 in a row” or yelling at the Democrats. Expected content cannot cause a listener to say to a friend, “Did you hear…?” Only surprises, outrageous POV and the unexpected claim precious top of mind awareness.

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.

Industry News

Radio Hofstra University Wins Fifth Marconi Award

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Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, Hempstead, New York “Radio Hofstra University” was named College Radio Station of the Year at the 2025 National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Radio Awards, the fifth time the station has won the national prestigious award in just over a decade. The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication dean Mark Lukasiewicz comments, “We couldn’t be more proud of our students for this recognition. It reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion they bring to WRHU every day. In a time of turmoil in media, it’s especially meaningful for these young aspiring professionals to be uplifted and celebrated.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/22)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown / Elimination of Federal Programs
    2. Trump’s White House Ballroom Project
    3. ICE Raids / Chicago Guard Troops Ruling
    4. Israel-Hamas Peace Process
    5. Trump Sanctions Russia’s Oil Giants
Industry News

KKOB Names Csanyi-Salcedo News Director

Cumulus Media appoints Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo news director for News Radio KKOB 770 AM/96.3 FM in Albuquerque. In this role, Csanyi-Salcedo will oversee the station’s news content strategy, newsroom operations, and talent development. Csanyi-Salcedo most recently servedimg as news director at KRGV-TV, Weslaco “ABC 5” in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, where he led a bilingual newsroom. Cumulus Albuquerque OM and program director Aaron “Buck” Burnett says, “Zoltan is exactly the kind of newsroom leader Albuquerque needs right now — grounded, relentless, and passionate about storytelling that matters. He’s built winning, trusted newsrooms in every market he’s touched, and we’re thrilled to have him guiding KKOB’s next chapter.” Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo comments, “KKOB has always been a trusted voice for New Mexico, and my mission is to strengthen that trust every day. This newsroom will focus on local truth first — fast, fair, and useful information that helps our audience make sense of what’s happening in their communities.”

Industry News

Cumulus and Audacy Unveil Westwood One Sports

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One and Audacy announced the rebranding of the Infinity Sports Network as Westwood One Sports, effective December 29. The companies say “this strategic move solidifies both companies as recognized leaders in national sports audio. Westwood Oneimg Sports’ 24/7 network will continue to deliver unmatched live coverage, expert commentary, and real-time sports programming to millions of listeners nationwide. This extends a partnership between Westwood One and Audacy that first began with the launch of CBS Sports Radio in 2012.” Westwood One will assume programming imgand distribution for the majority of the lineup of syndicated sports programming, including “The Jim Rome Show,” anchoring the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET daypart. Audacy will continue to produce BetMGM Network programs and additional weekend programming as part of the Westwood One Sports roster. The full programming lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero comments, “Audacy and Westwood One have a long, storied history of collaboration,img and today’s evolution of our national sports partnership is that next chapter in our commitment to our hundreds of affiliates, their listeners, and our client partners. Be it local or national, broadcast or digital, opinion content or play by play, we continue to smartly look at ways to enhance our leadership position in sports content.”  Westwood One & EVP corporate strategy & development, Cumulus Media Collin Jones adds, “Westwood One Sports has always been synonymous with the biggest moments in sports audio. Launching Westwood One Sports 24/7 programming strengthens that legacy and positions us to deliver unmatched coverage and commentary to fans coast-to-coast. We’re excited to work with Audacy to make this transition seamless and impactful.”

Industry News

CBS News Radio Joins Infinity Networks

Audacy’s Infinity Networks announces a new content distribution partnership with CBS News Radio. This partnership significantly expands Infinity Networks’ affiliate reach, adding CBS News Radio’s 700 affiliate stations to the Infinity Networks ecosystem. CBS News Radio is owned andimg operated by CBS Broadcasting Inc., a subsidiary of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation. Audacy chief revenue officer Bob Philips says, “This is a major step forward for Infinity Networks and for our partners across the industry. By bringing together a respected brand like CBS News Radio under the Infinity Networks umbrella, we’re creating a scalable platform that enhances the reach and impact of great local and national content for our advertising partners. This expansion underscores our commitment to helping broadcasters grow audiences, strengthen advertiser relationships and deliver exceptional listening experiences everywhere.”

Industry News

NAB Presents 2025 Marconi Winners

The NAB celebrated the 2025 NAB Marconi Radio Awards during a ceremony at the Edisonimg Ballroom on the eve of NAB Show New York. Some of the winners in spoken-word radio formats include: Premiere Networks’ Colin Cowherd for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year; WJR, Detroit’s Mitch Albom for Large Market Personality of the Year; WHIO-AM/FM, Dayton’s Larry Hansgen for Medium Market Personality of the Year; WWNC, Asheville’s Mark Starling for Small Market Personality of the Year; WBAL-AM, Baltimore for News/Talk Station of the Year; and WXYT-FM, Detroit for Sports Station of the Year.

Industry News

77WABC Presents “Back The Blue” Tribute

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77WABC’s “Back The Blue” daylong tribute held on Tuesday (10/21) dedicated its programming to honoring the brave men and women in law enforcement. During the opening press conference, WABC owners John and Margo Catsimatidis announced they will be donating $1 million in digital advertising across all Red Apple Group digital assets for a law enforcement recruitment campaign. Pictured above participating in the roundtable discussion are (from l-r): 77WABC air personality Dominic Carter, host of Red Apple Podcast Networks’ “Cop Talk” and retired NYPD detective Kevin Schroeder, Catsimatidis, 77WABC host Sid Rosenberg, and Red Apple Group chief of staff and former head of NY FBI George Venizelos.

Industry News

SiriusXM and the NBA Agree to Multi-Year Renewal

SiriusXM and the NBA say the renewal of their broadcasting agreement will ensure that fansimg throughout North America will continue to have access to every NBA game on SiriusXM as well as select WNBA game broadcasts and the exclusive 24/7 SiriusXM NBA Radio channel. Additionally, the SiriusXM app features 30 dedicated NBA team channels, providing official radio commentary for each team.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/21)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown
    2. Vance in Israel
    3. ICE Raids / Guard Troops
    4. Trump Demands Cash from Justice Department
    5. White House Ballroom Project
Industry News

NewsTalkSTL Adds Susie Moore to Morning Show

NewsTalkSTL announces that effective October 27, Susie Moore will join “The Mike Ferguson Show,” taking over for Gabe Phifer, who exits to spend more time with his family. Moore, deputy managing editor at RedState, has been a regular guest and fill-in host on NewsTalk STL. Mooreimg comments, “It has been such a privilege to be part of the NewsTalkSTL team from the outset. I am thrilled to be joining ‘The Mike Ferguson in the Morning Show’ as co-host. I can’t wait to be part of the conversation with imgMike and our NewsTalkSTL listeners every weekday morning.” Ferguson adds, “Susie is the perfect addition to the show. We’re fortunate to be able to add someone who does such great work in the conservative movement through RedState and knows our community here in St. Louis. Our audience knows Susie, likes her, and respects her. We’re going to miss Gabe, but we’re excited about what Susie brings to the show.” NewsTalk STL is head on three signals in the region: KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; KLJY-HD2, St. Louis; and translator K270BW, Bellefontaine, Missouri.

Industry News

Audacy Launches Wisconsin Sports Radio Network

Audacy unveils the new Wisconsin Sports Radio Network, which the company says “will unite the state’s biggest sports voices, markets and fans onto a statewide platform produced and distributed by Audacy.” Audacy Wisconsin SVP and market manager Jason Bjorson says, “The Wisconsin Sports Radio Network brings our state’s passion for sports under one roof. With ‘Theimg Fan’ leading the charge and these powerhouse affiliates joining forces, fans from Green Bay to Duluth can now experience the best local sports conversation anywhere in Wisconsin.” Audacy’s WSSP-FM, Milwaukee “105.7 The Fan” is serving as the network flagship. The daily program lineup include: “Inside Wisconsin Sports” with Trevor Thomas and Josh Albrecht (6:00 am to 9:00 am); “Nine2Noon with Kuhn” with John Kuhn, Ramie Makhlouf, and Brandon Sneide (9:00 am to 12:00 noon); “The Mason Crosby Show” with Mason Crosby, Mitch “Thunder” Nelles and Tommy Wortz 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm); “Wisconsin Sports Daily” with Steve “Sparky” Fifer and Charlie Uczen (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm); and “Wisconsin Sports Wrap Up” hosted by Tommy Wortz (5:00 pm to 6:00 pm). Initial affiliate stations include Midwest Communications’ WNFL, Green Bay WRIG-AM/FM, Wausau; and WDSM-AM, Superior.

Industry News

Saga Sells 22 Towers to GTC Uno

Saga Communications agrees to sell 22 of its tower sites to GTC Uno, LLC for approximately $10.7 million. Saga says this transaction will continue to allow the company to use the towers with no cash lease payment. Saga Communications president and CEO Chris Forgy says,img “Saga previously announced its plans to optimize our portfolio of assets, and this is a significant step in doing so. We are committed to evaluating every asset we own while still efficiently and effectively operating our businesses.” The company intends to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale to fund stock buybacks, which may include open market repurchases, public and private block trades or other forms of buybacks. The implementation of any stock buyback program remains at the full discretion of the company’s board of directors.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (10/20)

The most discussed stories yesterday (10/20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. Government Shutdown
    2. Appeals Court Portland Guard Ruling
    3. “No Kings” Protests
    4. Louvre Jewelry Heist
    5. AWS Outage
Industry News

WABC Holds “Back the Blue” Tribute

Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York is holding an event tomorrow (10/21) titled, “Back the Blue”img – A Tribute to Law Enforcement, at its studios in Manhattan that begins with a press conference at 10:00 am followed by a roundtable discussion and lunch. Owner John Catsimatidis will host NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch, DEA president Scott Munro, and NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulatta and others.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (10/18-19)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. 1. “No Kings” Protests
    2. Government Shutdown
    3. ICE Raids
    4. Trump Commutes Santos Sentence
    5. Russia-Ukraine War
Industry Views

Why “Play the Clip” Still Matters

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgEvery talk host knows the move: play the clip. It might be a moment from late-night TV, a political ad, or a viral post that sets the table for the segment. It’s how commentary comes alive – listeners hear it, react to it, and stay tuned for your take.

That simple act is powered by a fragile piece of legal machinery known as the Fair Use Balancing Act. Without it, half of talk radio, podcasting, and online news/talk commentary wouldn’t exist. Fair Use allows creators to quote, parody, or critique copyrighted material without permission – but only when the new use transforms the old. It’s the backbone of what we now call “react” or “remix” culture.

Fair use isn’t a license; it’s a defense. When you rely on it, you admit you used someone else’s work and trust that a judge will see your purpose – criticism, news, education – as transformative. That’s a high-wire act few think about when the mic is hot.

The doctrine works on a sliding scale: courts weigh four factors – purpose, nature, amount, and market effect. In plain English, they ask, Did you change the meaning? Did you take too much? Did you cost the owner money? There are neither checklists nor guarantees.

That flexibility is what makes American media vibrant – and also what keeps lawyers busy. Each decision takes time, context, and money. The price of creative freedom is uncertainty.

The same logic now drives the debate over AI training and voice cloning. Machines don’t “comment” on your broadcast; they absorb it. And if courts treat that as transformative analysis instead of reproduction, the next generation of “hosts” may not need microphones at all.

For broadcasters, that’s the new frontier: your archives, tone, and phrasing are training data. Once ingested, they can be repurposed, remixed, and re-voiced without violating traditional copyright rules. The Fair Use Balancing Act may protect innovation – but it rarely protects the innovator.

Fair use was designed to keep culture evolving, not to leave creators behind. It balances a creator’s right to profit against society’s right to build upon shared work. But balance only works if both sides know the weight they’re carrying.

Every time you play the clip, remember you’re exercising one of the oldest and most essential freedoms in media. Just make sure the next voice that plays you is doing the same thing – for the right reasons, and under the same rules.

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

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Remote News Service Adds Six Affiliates. Remote News Service adds new affiliates including Connoisseur Media’s Palm Springs stations, Midwest Communications’ WHBL-AM/FM, Sheboygan; Civic Media’s WAUK-AM, Milwaukee; Telemedia’s Fredericksburg, Virginia stations; Treese Media Group’s WEEU-AM, Reading, Pennsylvania; and Bold Gold Media’s Monticello, New York stations.

BFoA Begins Year-End Giving Campaign. The Broadcasters Foundation of America launches its annual Year-End Giving Campaign that seeks to raise donations from tax-deductible personal and company contributions. The Broadcasters Foundation is a 501c3 charity and the only charity devoted exclusively to helping broadcast colleagues who are in need of financial assistance due to life-altering illness or a disaster. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “Our grants offer a ‘hand-up’ to colleagues during trying times. Monthly and emergency grants are often the only financial resource for our colleagues in need, and the funding for those grants are dependent on donations from individuals and companies from within broadcasting. Our 100% Give with Confidence score from Charity Navigator ensures contributions go directly to those in our business who need it most.” Find out more about giving here.

WNYC Appoints Barba Accountability Editor. The New York City public media firm names Robert Barba an editor on the accountability team, overseeing state issues and politics. Previously, Barba spent seven years at The Wall Street Journal in various editor roles. Prior to that he covered banking and fintech for Bankrate and American Banker.

ESPN Names Cornetts “First Take” Host. ESPN announces that Shae Cornette is the new host of “First Take,” effective November 3. Cornette has been an anchor on SportsCenter and a mainstay across ESPN studio programming since joining ESPN in 2020. “First Take” executive producer and commentator Stephen A. Smith says, “Hosting ‘First Take’ is no easy assignment. It requires confidence, toughness, and real sports insight – and Shae brings all of that and more. I’ve seen her command the desk with poise and passion every time she’s hosted. She’s the real deal, and I’m thrilled to have her officially join the team.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 13-17, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/13-17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. 1. Israel-Hamas Accord Aftermath
  2. 2. ICE Raids / Guard Troops Rulings
  3. 3. Government Shutdown / Judge Blocks Shutdown Layoffs
  4. 4. CIA Operations in Venezuela / Deadly U.S. Boat Strike
  5. 5. Young Republicans Group Chat Controversy
  6. 6. SCOTUS Hears Voting Rights Act Arguments
  7. 7. The Economy / U.S.-China Tariffs Spat
  8. 8. John Bolton Indictment
  9. 9. Zelensky-Trump Meeting
  10. 10. Diane Keaton Dies

People

  1. 1. Donald Trump
  2. 2. Benjamin Netanyahu
  3. 3. JB Pritzker
  4. 4. Susan Illston
  5. 5. J.D. Vance
  6. 6. Brett Kavanaugh
  7. 7. Xi Jinping
  8. 8. John Bolton
  9. 9. Volodymyr Zelensky
  10. 10. Diane Keaton

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Cleveland Launches Sports Station; Announces Deal with Rock Entertainment Group

iHeartMedia launches a new sports talk outlet in Cleveland on WMMS-HD2/W256BT as SportsRadio 99.1 and announces a broadcast partnership with Rock Entertainment Group that brings expanded coverage of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Monsters and Clevelandimg Charge to listeners. Cavaliers games will air live on rock WMMS-FM and news/talk WTAM-AM/W295DE. The AHL’s Cleveland Monsters games will air on “SportsRadio 99.1” and NBA G league’s Charge games air on hip hop WAKS-HD2/W291BV “REAL 106.1.” iHeartMedia area president Keith Hotchkiss comments, “It’s an honor to continue our decades-long partnership with the Cavs Operating Company and we’re excited to bring this innovative new partnership to life with Rock Entertainment Group. Combining this coverage with iHeart’s unparalleled reach of more than 90% of our markets, we’re excited to give sports fans access to the great coverage Rock Entertainment Sports will provide.” The new station will also simulcast of select Rock Entertainment Sports Network programming and coverage of additional Ohio-based sporting events.

Industry News

KNML, Albuquerque’s Kenny Thomas Adds Weekday Show

Cumulus Media sports talk KNML-AM, Albuquerque “The Sports Animal” promotes University of New Mexico legend and NBA veteran Kenny Thomas to host of the 4:00pm to 6:00 pm show.img Thomas has been and continues his Saturday program “Unfiltered with Kenny Thomas” and his “Lobos Live” show on sister news/talk KKOB-AM/FM. Cumulus Albuquerque program director Brandon Vogt says, “Kenny is authentic, competitive, and connected – the perfect fit for afternoons. He knows this market, he knows our teams, and he knows how to carry a locker room-level conversation on the radio. In this new role, Kenny will make a huge impact in the community and on the airwaves, continuing the tradition of great local sports talk in Albuquerque on New Mexico’s heritage sports station, ‘The Sports Animal.’ We couldn’t be more excited.”