New York Festivals 2025 Radio Awards Opens for Entries
The New York Festivals® 2025 Radio Awards competition is officially open for submissions. The New York Festivals Radio Awards offer a platform to celebrate creative storytellers from around the world. NYF has recognized both innovation and exceptional quality in broadcast audio content across all genres and platforms since 1957. “This year, we are thrilled to announce the debut of multiple new categories for fiction and nonfiction reflecting the ways today’s audio storytellers are encouraging audiences everywhere to tune in and stay engaged,” said Rose Anderson, EVP and executive director, New York Festivals. “They join our existing categories for Sound Art, Audio Books, Podcasts, and Social Justice.” Always at the forefront of the evolving global landscape of audio content creation, the 2025 Radio Awards has kept pace with global industry trends and introduced seven new categories further showcasing the wide range of talent and creativity that drives the industry. The entry deadline for the 2025 Radio Awards competition is January 31, 2025. To enter the 2025 Radio Awards please visit: HERE, for additional information visit: Rules and Regulations and 2025 Radio Awards categories.
Toyota and Lexus Join New Three-Year SiriusXM Subscription Program. 
SiriusXM capability is a standard feature in all Toyota and Lexus models sold in the United States. Now, participating Toyota and Lexus dealerships can choose to add the three-year Extended Service Subscription to new models featuring the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia and Lexus Interface. The three-year subscription’s cost will be added to the vehicle’s purchase or lease price. Vehicles that do not include the three-year Extended Service Subscription will continue to include a standard three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM.
Hubbard Radio’s innovative Twin Cities talk outlet, “myTalk 107.1” (KTMY, Minneapolis-St. Paul) is teaming up with noted filmmaker/author/social activist Justin Baldoni 
and two domestic violence agencies to host a roundtable to discuss the pain and trauma of domestic violence. myTalk 107.1’s Brittany Arneson, Kendall Mark and Colleen Lindstrom will lead the conversation live on the radio from 3:00 to 4:30 pm CT tomorrow (9/5). The program will also be available on demand. Station officials tell TALKERS, the goal of the discussion is “to create an open dialogue to help remove unwarranted shame from victims and bring the issue into the light to work toward a solution.” Justin Baldoni produced, directed, and played a leading role in the film “It Ends With Us” which has brought domestic violence to the forefront,
spurring honest and open conversations about an issue that is too often not discussed. The film has grossed over $275 million worldwide. Joining the conversation will be representatives from two agencies – No More Foundation and Tubman. 
No More Foundation is a national agency with a mission to “end domestic and sexual violence by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change.” Tubman is a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based domestic abuse agency with a mission “to advance opportunities for change so that every person can experience safety, hope, and healing.” myTalk 107.1 has hosted a series of award-winning roundtable discussions about important issues inspired by current events and pop culture news. Past roundtables have tackled teen suicide, sexual harassment, and transgender issues.
Michael Berry has been added to Premiere Networks all-star line-up of nationally-syndicated talk talent. Effective October 7, Houston’s top-rated talk show host will be available to stations nationwide on a two-hour weekday evening program. Currently heard on 25 affiliates in independent syndication across the U.S., “The Michael Berry Show” will continue to originate from iHeartMedia Houston’s NewsRadio 740 KTRH in the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm CT weekday timeslot. “The Michael Berry Show” features the colorful radio personality and “Czar of Talk” as he discusses news, politics, and culture with his insightful and straightforward commentary that’s accessible to a broad range of listeners. 
“I’m fired up to join the team that brought Rush Limbaugh, my hero, to America, alongside my talented friends Clay Travis, Buck Sexton and Jesse Kelly, and legends like Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck,” Berry tells TALKERS. “Being a part of the talk radio industry is already a literal dream come true, but being supported and represented by Premiere, the best in the biz, is big time.” “Michael has become one of the top voices in the world of talk radio, and we’re excited to expand his program to even more stations across the country,” said Julie Talbott, president of Premiere Networks. “His relatable style, keen intellect and deep connection with listeners drive success for affiliates and sponsors alike, which are qualities we look for in our syndication partners.” Ranked at a lofty #7 on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred, Berry is one of the most original conservative voices in talk media. With a career spanning over two decades, his radio journey began in 2005 with his weekend program, “Michael Berry’s Real Estate Review,” on NewsRadio 740 KTRH. His success led to a weekday talk show on Talk Radio 950 KPRC, where he quickly gained a loyal following. During that time, he also hosted various timeslots on KPRC, in addition to serving as operations director for KTRH, KPRC, and KBME from 2007 to 2011. Before his radio career, Berry served as a three-term Houston City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem. During his tenure, he was named “Councilman of the Year” by the Houston Police Officers Union. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston, a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, and an LL.M. in International Commercial Law from the University of Nottingham. He has worked as an attorney, real estate developer, and restaurateur. Berry is a passionate supporter of veterans’ causes serving as the national spokesman of Camp Hope, which assists veterans and their families beating PTSD. He does an annual drive for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and hosts an annual adoption and fostering special, as well as yearly specials focused on mothers, fathers, veterans, law enforcement and teachers. Berry resides in Houston with his wife, former Texas Secretary of State, Nandita Venkateswaran Berry, who hails from India, and their two sons, both of whom were born in Ethiopia. For more information, click here to visit his website. 
TALKERS Heavy Hundred mainstay and Radio Hall of Fame inductee Kim Komando, in addition to broadcasting a tremendously successful syndicated show heard on over 510 radio stations, has developed a newsletter titled The Current that has amassed more than 509,000 subscribers. Komando – known as “America’s Digital Goddess” – is the nation’s leading talk media technology specialist and as computerization, social media, AI, VR and other manifestations of the high-tech world continue to gain importance in the lives of people, so has her program grown in pertinence and dominance. Although she has been sending newsletters since the 1990s, Komando tells TALKERS, “This one is different” adding, “It’s a way for me to truly connect with my audience. Today, if you’re not tech aware you are tech left-behind in the dust.” Each morning, The Current goes out to more than 509,000 followers. Kim covers the tech news of the day (focusing only on the news that impacts everyday people), along with her trusted tips and advice. She edits and approves every single issue herself. She says, “In a world of impersonal social media and overproduced advertising, email is a rare opportunity to speak directly to the reader. The inbox is a powerful place to build trust and share important information.” She’s looking to grow The Current from over half a million to a million subscribers. And she’s looking now for other hosts and broadcasters to help spread the word. Through an exclusive affiliate program, Komando is offering fellow broadcasters $1 per subscriber that they send her way. Her team does all the back-end work to track it, and participants get a check each month. Komando states, “Hosts, stations, and shows make money and their audiences find a great new way to keep up with tech. The math is simple: They give me 1,000 subscribers and I send them $1,000!” 
Brett Pomykala Named SVP/Sales for iHeartMedia Washington, DC. It was announced today (9/3) that Brett Pomykala has been named senior VP of sales for iHeartMedia Washington, DC effective immediately. iHeartMedia Washington, D.C. has a strong cross-platform presence and includes an array of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than eight stations comprised of talk, news, and music formats. In this role, Pomykala will manage the sales efforts in Washington, DC reporting to Aaron Hyland, region president for iHeartMedia Washington, DC and Baltimore.
Salem’s Tom Tradup: “There’s a Growing National Appetite for Christian Films Among American Audiences.” Salem Radio Network VP/news and talk programming Tom Tradup (pictured here over the weekend at a showing of “The Forge” with the film’s star Priscilla Shirer) tells TALKERS, “Filmmakers the Kendrick Brothers have created a solid film with a powerful message about how mentoring can turn around the lives of troubled youth in America. ‘The Forge’ is nearing $20 million in box office receipts in only nine days and proves that theatergoers are looking for content beyond just superheroes, car crashes, and rehashed animated features.” SONY/Affirm Films’ “The Forge” logged in at #7 in the top ten films over the competitive Labor Day weekend. “The built-in audience for Christian films makes them much more profitable than multi-million-dollar Hollywood blockbusters,” Tradup adds. He cited 2023’s Erwin Brothers film “Jesus Revolution.” The biographical film about Southern California pastor Greg Laurie premiered in February last year, produced on a slim budget of $15 million, went on to gross more than $54 million dollars.
Veteran Talk Show Host Heidi Harris Gaining Traction with Facebook Page Show. Veteran Las Vegas-based talk show host Heidi Harris (formerly with KXNT, KDWN, in LA as well as KRLA, Los Angeles) has been gaining traction with her independently produced and distributed online version of “The Heidi Harris Show” 
She tells TALKERS, “Last week, retired Metro Traffic Sergeant Tom Page joined me for a chat about traffic stops, which are often the first contact a citizen has with police. What are they allowed to do, and what are you obligated to do during a traffic stop? Get the answers to these and other common citizenship questions here. We’ll be doing more of these informative chats in the coming weeks.” Harris is a past recipient of the Electronic Media Award (EMA) for Best Local Radio Talk Show in Las Vegas as well as being a former member of the TALKERS Heavy Hundred. She’s also an author. Check out her show by 
92.5 FOX News, WFSX-FM, Fort Myers/Naples, FL is looking for an “energetic and experienced” talk host to join their team. The Sun Broadcasting-owned station describes the opportunity as follows: “This isn’t just a job; it’s a golden opportunity to secure your dream role in sunny Southwest Florida. We’re on the hunt for a seasoned broadcaster who can captivate our loyal and massive audience with compelling story-telling skills, unique insights, and a strong grasp of conservative values.” For more information about the opportunity and its benefits along with contact information, please 
WBUR, the leading public radio station in Boston, has named Tiziana Dearing as host of its “Morning Edition” show beginning September 18. Dearing is a familiar voice to the station’s large, loyal audience, currently hosting the midday show, “Radio Boston.” In an article published on the station’s website, it was reported that in an internal announcement yesterday (8/28), WBUR CEO Margaret Low praised Dearing as a “singular talent – an extraordinary host with deep ties to this city and region.” Dearing states she has loved hosting “Radio Boston” and now looks forward to the opportunity to “meet a huge swath of Greater Boston as they get up and start their day.” She said, “It’s a tremendous privilege and it’s a tremendous responsibility.” The transition at one of Greater Boston’s most listened-to radio shows follows the departure of Rupa Shenoy, after she was unable to reach an agreement with the station this summer to extend her contract. Before that, Bob Oakes led the show for nearly three decades. The program features news, commentary and interviews with local, regional, and national officials and newsmakers. An example of the power of public radio, WBUR has jockeyed for first place in the 6:00 am to 9:00 am time slot this year with WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub) among the prized 25-54 age demographic. (Photo by Li Linder.)
Beasley Media Group has announced the official launch yesterday (8/28) of Augusta Today, a new online news site. Augusta Today will focus on local news in, around, and about the Greater Augusta metro area. Developed with the goal of giving people both “the stories they want and the news they need,” the hyper-local publication features established Augusta-area writers and media figures such as Ashley Brown, Austin Rhodes, and Kris Fisher. Augusta Today will be free. “Free and easy – that’s the mantra,” says editor-in-chief Steven Uhles. “We wanted to make sure that these stories were not blocked by a paywall and that our conversations with the community remain unfettered and unencumbered.” Inspired by both the classic daily newspaper model and the more free-wheeling approach of alternative weeklies, Augusta Today has been developed “to educate as well as entertain” featuring breaking local news, sports coverage, lifestyle features and an array of columns. “We all are extremely excited about Augusta Today and what we believe it will mean to this community,” Kent Dunn, VP/market manager of Beasley Media Group tells TALKERS. “We see this as a great addition to our portfolio of radio stations here in the Augusta market and a real extension of our local-first approach to engaging with the community.” To visit Augusta Today please 
Joe Rogan Tops Podcast Ranking in the U.K. Podcaster and media personality Joe Rogan’s popularity is strong on both sides of the Atlantic. This is according to Edison Research in releasing the Top 25 Podcasts in the UK based on reach for Q2 2024 among weekly podcast listeners age 15+. Remaining in the same rank order in the top three are “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett,” and “Sh**ged Married Annoyed.” To see the entire list, please 
Rob Parker’s “Sports Rap Radio” in Detroit Discontinues Broadcasting. According to reports in Barrett Media and Awful Announcing, less than 90 days after launching the country’s first all-Black sports radio station, Rob Parker’s “Sports Rap Radio” is no longer on the air. The groundbreaking format debuted on June 4 on WXYT AM 1270 which FOX Sports Radio host Parker and a group of backers leased from Audacy. On August 27 at 5:00 pm ET, Sports Rap Radio programming was removed from WXYT, with Parker explaining the station’s second round of funding didn’t come through. “Sports Rap Radio, the idea and concept, is viable and serves the underrepresented Black community in sports-talk radio,” Parker said. “I’m proud that we were able to launch the first all-Black sports talk station in this country. I’m proud of the product the staff delivered. But I’m devastated that I couldn’t deliver this for our culture. I failed my people.” Parker had been working on the concept since 2020 taking note of there being no Black full-time sports radio hosts in Detroit. According to the reports, it’s not just Detroit – minority hosts have long been underrepresented by sports radio stations around the country. Only 10-14 percent of the on-air talent on nearly 800 sports radio stations around the country were Black or Hispanic as recently as 2020. Audacy has flipped WXYT back to its BetQL Network.
which he oversees 12 stations across Kansas and Oklahoma and hosts a popular, award-winning show, “The Voice of Reason” on “Big Talker” KQAM. Over the years, this dynamic millennial’s reputation as a talent-on-the-ascent has grown significantly. Heavy Hundred syndicated star Todd Starnes knows that and turns to Hooser as a regular guest-host on his show, receiving positive feedback. He also regularly serves as a guest-host on “Armed American Radio with Mark Walters.” Now Hooser’s “The Voice of Reason” has been launched into national syndication as a two-hour 
weekend show airing live on Saturdays 5:00 – 7:00 pm ET and offered by his own independent Hooser Media Network (distributed via satellite by Salem Radio Network). Hooser tells TALKERS, “There is a great need in the industry for live, fresh, weekend conservative talk programming. Now stations won’t have to wait for Monday to recap breaking stories over the weekend. They can stay informed and up to date with a show discussing the big weekend events, while recapping the conversations of the previous week.” “The Voice of Reason” can be aired live or downloaded for delayed broadcast on Saturday nights or anytime Sunday. For information, call Hooser Media Network at 316-553-0992 or 
acquisition since its founding in 2022. Additionally, The Recombobulation Area founder Dan Shafer is joining Civic Media as political editor. Civic Media says, “The Recombobulation Area has thousands of subscribers, has been read in 50 states and 66 countries and, to date, has reached more than 1.5 million readers. The publication has won 13 Milwaukee Press Club Excellence in Journalism awards in four years for opinion writing, feature stories, multi-story coverage, and public service journalism. Shafer has been active as a radio personality as a regular guest on Civic Media’s ‘Matenaer on Air’ and several other shows.” Civic Media CEO Sage Weil comments, “Dan Shafer and The Recombobulation Area exemplify the type of thoughtful, in-depth, and locally focused reporting that is so important to Wisconsin. We can’t wait to bring his voice to the rest of the Civic Media network, both on and off the air. It is local journalism, with an emphasis on local issues and an understanding of what is important in local communities, that will rebuild trust in our media ecosystem and, ultimately, our democracy.”
Success Stories with Joe Connolly.” The program will highlight local business success stories and air on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis says, “Joe is the best business news reporter in New York and a highly trusted source for business intelligence. In the midst of questions about the economy and where it’s going, Joe will find success stories that inspire others. New York radio listeners, especially those who own or run businesses, will benefit from these uplifting interviews.”
presence in the community and offers fans a sneak peek into the magic that happens behind the scenes.” In addition to the ESPN Radio programs “UnSportsmanlike with Evan Cohen, Chris Canty, and Michelle Smallmon,” “Greenie,” and “Carlin vs. Joe,” the station moves “Theoretically Speaking with Theo Dorsey” to a new, two-hour slot (2:00 pm to 4:00 pm) and debuts “Russo and Rizzo” in the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot. GKB market manager Stephanie Prince-Springmyer says, “We are beyond thrilled with what our team has achieved over the last six months. Our growth is a direct result of the passion and dedication our team brings to the table every day. We are committed to delivering top-tier sports coverage to our fans, whether it’s on-air, online, or in the community. We are grateful for the support of our fans and partners and look forward to continuing our impact, both in West Palm Beach and beyond.”
WTKS-FM and news/talk WFLF-AM in Orlando and news/talk WMMB in Melbourne. Copier most recently served the company as metro president in Salt Lake City. iHeartMedia division president Tom McConnell says, “Orlando/Melbourne is an important market for iHeartMedia with incredible growth potential. Judy is an exceptional leader and has delivered strong results in a number of executive roles. I am confident she will build upon the market’s incredible success and strong reputation with its listeners, advertising partners and the community.”
As an industry, radio has a peculiar modesty. We diminish our magic and power in relating to listeners and colleagues by using the wrong slang terminology. May I suggest new “labelling” of commonly used radio terms?
As reported in the New York Post (8/26) by reporters Steven Vago, Steve Janoski and Carl Camanille, an assailant seized a 1010 WINS journalist by the hair and body-slammed her to the ground in a random senseless act outside the radio station office building, according to police and the victim. Kelly Dillon – a veteran New York City news and traffic reporter who was also with WCBS 880 – detailed the sudden attack 
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One today announced that The Dan Bongino Show podcast will offer a special two-hour edition today (8/26) the first day of hearings for the House Republicans’ independent investigation into the assassination attempt against former President Donald J. Trump led by Reps. Cory Mills (R-FL) and Eli Crane (R-AZ). Mills and Crane will be joined by Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Chip Roy (R-TX), and Matt Gaetz (R-FL) in this independent investigation. Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, will be one of three to testify at the forum, along with Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL officer, and Ben Shaffer, a Washington regional SWAT operator. Bongino will record the special edition of his podcast from The Heritage Foundation, also the site for the forum. The Dan Bongino Show podcast saw a surge in growth in July 2024 as listeners turned to Bongino for his expertise and insight as a former United States Secret Service agent following the assassination attempt against Trump just prior to the RNC.
WCBS 880 Final Tribute
“This Old House” Personality Roger Cook Dies. 
Audacy has announced a series of weekday programming updates for BetQL Network, the company’s network of sports betting content heard across its broadcast portfolio and digital platforms. Joining the network are Brad Evans, Sam Panayotovich and Femi Abebefe. 
The non-profit arm of the Bold Gold Media Group, the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation, which supports educational programs that help students prepare for careers in broadcast journalism, has announced this year’s signature event will feature author and historian, Jack Warren, as keynote speaker. Warren’s recent book, “Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution” will serve as this year’s theme. Attendees will receive a complimentary signed copy of the book. The Ninth Annual Event and Dinner will be held on Friday, September 20th at 6:00 pm in the Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Bold Gold president (and former TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award recipient) Vince Benedetto tells TALKERS, “This year’s event will be an uplifting and inspirational examination of the extraordinary beginnings of the United States. The American Founding continues to be one of the most shining moments in human history, and its continued understanding is critical to the preservation of our civilization. We’ll also be highlighting and celebrating the enduring importance of our cornerstone rights of free speech and a free press.” The Bold Gold Foundation will also be honoring Northeast Pennsylvania business leader and philanthropist, Christopher Hackett, with The Atlas Award for Citizenship. Those interested in attending or sponsoring the event can make reservations online at: 
As the iconic run of legendary WCBS Newsradio 880 in New York City draws to a close after 57 years of service to the Big Apple, the storied outlet presented a live special called “WCBS 880 News: The People, the Moments, and the Events that Shaped Our Lives,” running today (8/22) between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm (still on air at press time). The event will replay this weekend. Familiar voices such as Charles Osgood, Charles Kuralt, Wayne Cabot, Deborah Rodriguez are just some of the hundreds of larger-than-life personalities to call the station home for more than half a century. While live anecdotes and tributes poured in from former on-air anchors and staff, the only news elements that ran during the time were weather and traffic. A party atmosphere blared every time the studio door opened. Wayne Cabot, hosting a portion of the morning, drew attention to this by saying, “And as you can hear from the newsroom, our own colleagues are not listening to us – as usual.” The radio station’s owner, Audacy, will keep the 24/7 all-news format in New York with 1010 WINS. The call letters WCBS will retire and emerge as ESPN New York and WHSQ-AM on August 26.
