KBLA, Los Angeles Celebrates Fourth Anniversary
Los Angeles talk radio outlet KBLA “Talk 1580” was launched four years ago today (6/19) by Smiley Audio Media owner Tavis Smiley. The company says it is proudly celebrating the anniversary “with four high-profile public events. Since its launch, KBLA Talk 1580 has become the station of choice for Black and
African American residents, as well as progressive listeners more broadly. KBLA Talk 1580 continues to be the most ‘trusted, credible, and reliable’ media source in Southern California for African Americans and beyond. While KBLA Talk 1580 is unapologetically progressive, the station and its on-air talent prioritize good ideas over ideology.” KBLA will hold a “Juneteenth Backyard Barbecue” today at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Saturday (6/21) KBLA will present an “Empowerment Congress Juneteenth Community Celebration & Dialogue” at The Beehive from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and on Sunday (6/22), station host Dominique DiPrima will moderate a “State of Black Women in Los Angeles” symposium at The Living Room @ Faithful Central Bible Church from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Buffalo market, acquired WHDL from Cumulus Media earlier this year. He says, “I’m thrilled to be debuting a local talk station that deals with real issues. I feel the conservative talk lane is open, and that will give listeners a choice of the type of talk that they really want to hear.” The station will feature syndicated shows including Premiere Networks’ “The Sean Hannity Show,” “Glenn Beck,” “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton,” and “Jesse Kelly,” plus Erik Erickson, Lars Larson, Vince Coglianese, and more. New York State Assemblyman David DiPietro will also host a local program.
Olivia will be a great addition to the Commission. Olivia brings years of valuable experience to the agency, including her public service on Capitol Hill and time in the private sector. I am confident that her deep expertise and knowledge will enable her to hit the ground running, and she will be an exceptionally effective FCC Commissioner. I look forward to welcoming Olivia to the Commission as a colleague and advancing an agenda that will deliver great results for the American people.” Fellow Commissioner, Democrat Anna Gomez also welcomes Trusty, saying, “I want to congratulate Olivia Trusty on her confirmation and welcome her to the FCC. I have known Olivia for years and have been very impressed with her strong background in communications policy and deep understanding of the technical aspects of this job, which will be a great asset to this agency. I look forward to working with her to return the FCC to its core priorities of protecting consumers, promoting innovation and competition, and securing our communication networks.”
throughout the Patriots season. Andrews will also be featured on The Sports Hub Patriots Radio Network Pregame Show and will co-host a video podcast with Alex Barth. WBZ-FM program director Rick Radzik says, “David’s leadership and deep understanding of the game made him a standout on the field, and we’re excited to bring that same level of insight and authenticity to our listeners. He’s a natural fit for our lineup and the perfect voice to help break down the season from a player perspective.” Andrews comments, “I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with ‘The Sports Hub’ since coming to New England 10 years ago. I’m looking forward to providing my analysis and perspective across the station’s various platforms this season.”
average downloads and NPR maintains its grasp on the top two spots with “NPR News Now” at #1 and “Up First” at #2. iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” is #3 and Audacy’s 
community events, retail/client events, local fairs and more. You will meet new people and engage with the public. Plus, interact with multi-media marketing pros to get an edge on your career with real world experience. This is a great job for all ages over the age of 18. If you are retired, a veteran, looking to fill some time on the weekends, in college looking for some extra part-time work or interested in the radio and television industry this is a great opportunity.” The position pays $21 per hour. 
With so many of us taking vacation time soon, guest hosts are often local somebodies who are not career broadcasters and don’t share our second-nature performance routines. For their benefit, these tips, based on my experience on both sides of the mic:
Thursday (6/12) in New York City. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to WABC Radio in recognition of a century of broadcasting leadership and its continued role as a vital force in American media. During his acceptance speech, Catsimatidis stated, “92% of the American people believed what Walter Cronkite said, and I think news has to get back to that situation and that’s what we’re doing at WABC.” He added, “I am honored to accept the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of WABC Radio, Margo [Catsimatidis], Chad [Lopez], and the entire team. We are committed to common sense, presenting all sides of a story, and letting the listeners decide.”
At first, I thought it was a joke. When I realized there were serious people having serious meetings about the joke, it became both horrific and symptomatic
primary to take on Democrat Mikie Sherrill in November. New Jersey 101.5’s coverage noted, “Conservative radio host Bill Spadea was expected to give Ciattarelli a fight, but any hope that Spadea might have had to keep the race close ended when President Donald Trump endorsed Ciattarelli. Ciattarelli defeated Spadea on election night with a landslide victory margin of over 40 points. Ciattarelli swept every county, including Ocean County, where Spadea’s base of support was believed to be strongest.” So far, neither the station nor Spadea have stated whether Spadea intends to return to the morning radio program.
expected to anchor special news or breaking news coverage when it happens. This position becomes an overall ambassador for our brand, and is expected to also work at special events, and alongside our sales staff to promote the station to Northwest Newsradio clients and endorse their businesses if requested.” 
The addition of these stations fits perfectly into our late founder, my father, Thomas H. Draper’s motto that it is our moral obligation to serve our audience and advertising partners.” In a press release, Draper says it currently operates WBOC-TV, FOX21, WRDE-TV, Telemundo Delmarva, Antenna TV, My Cozi TV, The DSN Sports Network, and multiple FM radio stations across the Delmarva Peninsula. Speaking for seller Forever Media, president Lynn Deppen comments, “We are proud of the legacy these stations have built in their communities and grateful to our dedicated teams who have served listeners with passion and professionalism. We are confident that Draper Media shares our commitment to local broadcasting and will continue to provide outstanding service to audiences and advertisers alike as these stations enter an exciting new chapter.” The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to approval by the FCC.
demonstrating that they have met their duty of inquiry in seeking to obtain the information needed to determine whether programming is sponsored, paid for, or furnished by a foreign governmental entity.” While this new sponsorship identification requirements for foreign government-provided programming was passed 3-2 by the Commission last summer, it has been challenged in the courts and remains there. Because of this, yesterday’s announcement of the publication of the rules in the federal register also adds that the implementation of the rules are being put off for six months until December 8, 2025. One of the arguments put forth by broadcasters opposed to the new rules is that they put radio and TV stations in the position of having to conduct an investigation in order to comply with the law.
In the golden age of broadcasting, the rules were clear. If you edited the message, you owned the consequences. That was the tradeoff for editorial control. But today’s digital platforms – YouTube, X, TikTok, Instagram – have rewritten that deal. Broadcasters and those who operate within the FCC regulatory framework are paying the price.
diverse group of stations. DeGroot comments, “Leading the entire portfolio of Woodward Community Media stations in Northeast Wisconsin is a significant honor. I’m committed to working with our talented local teams to continue delivering relevant content and strengthening our connection with the community.” The company also announces that Kelly Radandt, who was named director of broadcast in November 2024, will oversee broadcast brands across both Northeast Wisconsin and the company’s Springfield, Illinois stations. DeGroot and Kevin O’Dea, market manager of Springfield, will both report to Radandt. Radandt comments, “This expanded role presents a unique opportunity to unify our broadcast efforts and innovate across markets. I am eager to contribute to Woodward Community Media’s continued success and evolution. Onward!”
website: “He was our friend and co-worker at WWJ Newsradio 950 and also a friend to our listeners, bringing you the stories of the day from Detroit and across Southeast Michigan. Someone recently described him as a hero, and we can’t argue with that. We are heartbroken to share that WWJ reporter and anchor Mike Campbell died on Sunday. He was 65 years old, having just celebrated his birthday at the end of May. He was a fearless reporter, with unique style — a way of talking to and connecting with the people who were a part of the stories he told.” Campbell is survived by his wife Terri and is children. 
show was on Friday (6/6). Shattuck – whose career includes time spent as producer of Boston Herald Radio, producer and host at WRKO and WTKK-FM in Boston, as well as editor at the Boston Herald – hosted the midday show at WTIC for the past four years. He also produces and hosts the podcast, “Burn Barrel,” and will continue with that effort. Audacy is going syndicated in the daypart featuring FOX News Radio’s “The Brian Kilmeade Show” followed by “The Erick Erickson Show.”
the Corporation” because it was established to be a private non-profit corporation independent from governmental control or influence. This comes after the Trump administration attempted to remove three of the CPB’s board of directors – Laura G. Ross, Thomas E. Rothman, and Diane Kaplan – earlier this year. CPB CEO Patricia Harrison says, “We are very pleased that the Court recognized CPB is an independent, non-profit corporation, free from governmental control or influence, and CPB, board and management, looks forward to continuing our work with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan public media is available for all Americans.”
suburban New York market dynamics, and a proven track record of audience engagement, operational excellence along with cultivating client and community relationships.” At the same time, Connoisseur chief operating officer David Bevins, who has been overseeing Long Island operations for the past five years in addition to his corporate responsibilities, will now focus on major corporate initiatives. The company says Bevins will play a key role in managing the transition of Alpha Media into Connoisseur Media. CEO Jeffrey Warshaw comments, “These leadership changes reflect our confidence in our team and our vision for Connoisseur’s future. Kristin and David exemplify the kind of forward-thinking, community-driven leadership that defines our brand. As we grow, we are excited to have their expertise guiding both our legacy markets and new additions.”
fans their “essential end-of-day rundown of the four most important stories breaking while you were busy.” The Erickson show says “4 Things to Know This Afternoon” delivers “smart analysis of the four biggest headlines shaping the nation and the world in less than ten minutes. From national security to culture, economics to politics, Erick distills the noise into clarity – cutting through the spin with conviction, context, and a clear-eyed view of where things stand.”
end of this week. It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve the American people as a Commissioner. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility by President Donald J. Trump during his first term. 
and regional news director position with iHeartMedia’s KOA, Denver. She says, “iHeartMedia has graciously agreed to keep me part time, so you will still hear me anchor a newscast here or there… I have been honored to talk and write my way through 35 years at KOA.” 
Nathan Fischer, and fellow farm department contributors are teaming up to produce the debut show this Saturday (6/7). WHO adds, “‘We Speak Farm Saturday’ builds upon all that’s delivered throughout the week during ‘The Big Show’ with a Market Recap, a weekly ‘Agriculture USA’ segment from the USDA, insightful conversations on Iowa farming, agronomy and food, and will also cover topics such as gardening, farmers markets, rodeos and county fairs.” WHO program director Cole Blair comments, “We are always looking to deliver more for the hard-working farmers and all those involved in Iowa’s agriculture industry at WHO, so we’re proud to expand our Ag programming with the launch of ‘We Speak Farm Saturday.’ When farmers and Ag industry workers get in the truck, tractor or workplace on Saturday it’s only right we’re there with them, too.”