Zoellner Media Group’s news/talk KRMG-FM, Tulsa raised $393,000 to benefit Make-A-Wish Oklahoma
during its 20th annual Stories of Light fundraising campaign. Zoellner president and general manager Steve Hunter says, “This event is a reminder of what makes Tulsa so special. When you share the stories of these incredible kids and their families, our listeners respond with open hearts. We’re humbled and honored to help Make-A-Wish continue its mission.”
The Broadcasters Foundation of America is seeking donations to help colleagues in need during tomorrow’s Giving Tuesday campaign. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “Requests for aid continue to
come in every week, and we have to keep up with the demand. We cannot turn our backs on our colleagues who have worked at their local station and are now in desperate need of our help. We ask everyone in radio and television to come together to help our colleagues.” Giving Tuesday donations can be made here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.
NGR Media LLC announces the sale of six of its stations in Nebraska to local operator Usher Media LLC. The signals are: news/talk KGFW-AM, CHR KQKY-FM, country KRNY-FM, and translator K241CN-FX, Kearney; classic rock KROR-FM, Hastings; and adult hits KSYZ-FM,
Grand Island. NRG CEO Mary Quass says, “We’re pleased to announce the sale of our 6 radio stations in Central Nebraska to Usher Media LLC, a respected local broadcaster. It’s been a privilege to serve this community with an exceptional team whose passion and commitment have made these stations a vital voice in the Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island markets. We are confident that Usher Media will build on that foundation and continue to serve listeners, advertisers, and the community with excellence.” Usher Media chief Alan Usher comments, “We are excited to announce the acquisition of six radio stations in Central Nebraska. As a locally owned and operated organization, raised in the Tri-Cities, this strategic move underscores our commitment to expanding our media presence while staying deeply connected to our roots. We are committed to being a community leader, championing local projects, and driving community growth. We look forward to providing comprehensive local news, weather, and sports coverage while fostering a vibrant and thriving community for all.”
Howard Mazer, general manager for Urban One’s Baltimore station group is retiring at the end of this year and current director of sales Dave Willner will assume the GM role beginning
January 1. Co-president of the Urban One Audio Division Eddie Harrell says, “For more than three decades, Howard has been a steady, visionary leader for our Baltimore cluster. His commitment to excellence, his instinct 
for developing talent, and his deep understanding of this market have strengthened our stations and helped shape the culture of our entire audio division.” Willner began his career with Urban One and transitioned to account executive before rising to national sales manager, general sales manager and ultimately, director of sales. Harrell adds, “Dave has had the benefit of learning the business under Howard’s guidance for many years, and he embodies the forward-thinking leadership we need for the next chapter. I’m confident he will build on Howard’s strong foundation and continue to advance the success of the Baltimore market.” The company says Mazer will work closely with Willner through the end of the year to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
Wichita morning drive personality Steve McIntosh announces his retirement from Audacy’s news/talk KNSS-AM/FM, effective December 12. McIntosh, who co-hosts the “Steve & Ted”
show alongside Ted Woodward, has worked his entire 55-year career in the Wichita market. He got his start in 1970 at KWBB as a news anchor and moved to KEYN-FM in the mid-1970s as news director. He joined KNSS in 1998 as news director and eventually became program director at the station. During his career he’s won numerous awards, including a Marconi Award for Outstanding Talent. Audacy Wichita SVP and market manager Tommy Castor says, “Steve’s name is synonymous with Wichita radio. His leadership, integrity, and unmatched storytelling have shaped this station and enriched the lives of our listeners for more than half a century.” McIntosh comments, “It has been the honor of my life to share Kansas news and Kansas stories with Kansas people. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.” The station will present a public farewell broadcast on December 12.
Talk radio host Rich Valdés says that his recent exit from Westwood One as late-night host is not the end of this media career. He plans to continue his talk program in the new year. Valdés says, “It was the honor of a lifetime to be the third host in 45 years on the Mutual
Broadcasting/Westwood One late-night airwaves, succeeding titans like Larry King and Jimbo [Jim Bohannon], and engaging with the listeners – my “amigos,” my amazing radio “familia.” I thank God for all of it! The team at Westwood One is top-notch, and I congratulate my successor on his new role. We’re passing him a solid show, and I’m confident he’ll do well. I am proud to exit the show having expanded live endorsements each year, and the reach of the program by dozens of affiliates in 2023, 2024, and 25 more in 2025. Now, it’s time for me to expand my own reach and opportunities in streaming video. I’m leaving WWO, but not leaving my microphone. I will continue to host “This Is America with Rich Valdés,” and my contributions on cable television and terrestrial radio will continue as well. In true radio fashion, I’ll leave you with a tease – stay tuned, America, because there’s more to come straight ahead in 2026! Godspeed.”
Connoisseur Media announces it has entered into an agreement to sell its Luverne, Minnesota and Madison, South Dakota radio stations to two Christensen Broadcast entities. Christensen
Broadcasting LUV LLC will acquire KLQL-FM and KQAD-AM in Luverne, and Christensen Broadcast Group, Inc. will acquire KJAM-FM and KJAM-AM in Madison. None of the four stations are talk formatted outlets but the move represents Connoisseur Media’s ongoing commitment to “refining its portfolio and strengthening its presence in priority markets. It aligns with the company’s strategic roadmap established after the September acquisition of Alpha Media.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Running a successful radio station, hosting a show, or producing a podcast is a lot like hosting Thanksgiving dinner. You need a plan. You need to deliver something satisfying to a crowd with varying tastes. And most of all – if you get it right – you’ll have leftovers you can turn into even more value long after the main event.
The Menu is the Strategy. You don’t just “wing it” on Thanksgiving. Same goes for your content. Who are you serving? What do they expect? Your content calendar is your shopping list. Your team is your kitchen crew. And if you’re still deciding what’s on the menu the morning of, don’t expect rave reviews.
Timing is the Secret Sauce. Get the turkey in too late, and the sides suffer. Hit “record” without a clear rundown, and the show flounders. Publish an episode at the wrong time? Lost in the noise. Stations, shows, and podcasts are all about flow and timing. Great pacing, clean execution, smart transitions. Just like the perfect meal, everything needs to hit the table hot and in the right order.
The Turkey is your Centerpiece. For a station, it’s your format or your tentpole talent. For a show, it’s the host or the day’s big segment. For a podcast, it might be your story structure or your featured guest. Nail the turkey, and people forgive a few lumpy mashed potatoes. Miss it – bland, dry, underwhelming – and no one remembers the green bean casserole.
The Sides are the Supporting Elements. News, weather, traffic, and imaging turn a decent meal into a memorable one. Great intros, tight sound design, and a well-timed punchline make your core content shine.
Different Tastes, One Table. Uncle Edgar wants deep-fried turkey. Your cousin’s vegan. Grandma’s still mad you skipped the marshmallows on the yams. Your audience is just as varied – P1 loyalists, casual browsers, podcast subscribers who never miss a week. You can’t be everything to everyone, but you can build a spread that makes multiple types of listeners feel seen. Know your audience segments. Serve accordingly.
Table Setting = Delivery Platform. Whether it’s FM, a podcast app, a smart speaker, or a website, presentation matters. Is the user experience smooth? Is the stream clean? Is the podcast art appealing? Are your links working? A cold plate on fine china is still cold. Don’t let great content get lost in clunky delivery.
Leftovers = Repurposing. You spent all that time prepping and recording. Don’t just serve it once. Chop up segments for social. Turn interviews into blog posts. Republish as “Best Of” content. Archive it smartly so people can find it later.
Leftover content, when handled right, can fuel long term engagement. Don’t throw away anything tasty just because the initial serving is over.
Thanksgiving reminds us that people crave connection, comfort, and a sense of occasion. So does your audience, whether they tune in live, stream on demand, or binge your podcast during a road trip.
So, plan well. Deliver hot. Serve generously. And whatever you do, don’t forget the gravy.
Happy Thanksgiving. Pass the ratings.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Pictured above at right is Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher with loyal listener Joyce – who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Gallagher had received an e-mail from Joyce telling him she was about to hit the century mark, which he shared during his daily on-air visit with Salem-Dallas colleague Mark Davis, who suggested to Gallagher that he make her birthday even more special by paying her a personal visit. Gallagher says, “Joyce is awesome. She listens on her iPad and e-mails me occasionally. As Thanksgiving approaches, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to get to meet this 100-year-old listener. The intimacy of talk radio leads to special moments like these and I give thanks for being part of our industry.”
John O’Brien – one half of the morning drive team of “Bax & O’Brien” (with Mike Baxendale) that dominated the Springfield market for 27 years on Saga Communications’ WAQY-FM “Rock 102” – died on Sunday (11/24) after a long battle with cancer. “Bax & O’Brien” ruled the morning drive ratings battle in the market for most of the duo’s time working together hosting the talk-intensive daypart. O’Brien exited the station several years ago and moved to Florida in semi-retirement. Baxendale continues successfully hosting the morning show on WAQY with co-host Steve Nagle. Recently, O’Brien had been hosting a one-hour program called “OB Negative” on iHeartMedia’s WHYN-AM, Springfield with morning news anchor John Baibak. Pictured above in an undated photo is O’Brien (right) with Baxendale (left).
The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that VERSANT CEO Mark Lazarus will be honored with the 2026 Golden Mic Award on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Plaza Hotel in New
York City. The annual black-tie Golden Mic gala is the biggest fundraiser for the BFoA, which is devoted exclusively to helping radio and television professionals in need of financial assistance due to critical illness or tragedy. Lazarus says, “I am deeply honored to receive the Golden Mic Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America, an organization that stands at the heart of our industry’s values – service, compassion, and community. Broadcasting has always been about connecting people, and the Foundation’s work reminds us of the profound responsibility and privilege we have to support one another, especially in times of need.”
Bonneville International is launching the Bonneville Sports Network to leverage the power of the company’s sports brands for advertisers who wish to buy nationally across markets or fully own
their local market. Bonneville says, “The platform brings together Arizona Sports, Seattle Sports, Denver Sports, Sactown Sports, and KSL Sports in Salt Lake City, delivering more than 63 hours of live sports programming every day across audio, video, digital, and social channels.” Bonneville president and CEO Tanya Vea adds, “Bonneville Sports Network gives advertisers both flexibility and scale. Our network reaches fans wherever and whenever they engage with sports, across every platform. Advertisers can now leverage that strength in a way that aligns with their goals, whether they’re pursuing national reach or meaningful local impact.”
Zoellner Media Group is searching for an engaging, informed, and dynamic Full-Time News/Talk Radio Host to lead live and local programming. This position requires an individual who can
connect with listeners, deliver compelling talk content, and handle breaking news and severe weather with credibility, confidence, and energy. As part of our award-winning team, you’ll shape the conversation every day by interviewing newsmakers, reacting to breaking stories, and engaging directly with the audience on-air and online. Find out more and apply here.
Research firm Critical Mass Insights says its recent study indicates that 96% of Americans say having a built-in AM/FM radio is important when purchasing a new car, and 98% say it’s important that radio remains easy to find on the dashboard. Critical Mass Insights says that its findings “cut across every demographic group surveyed, with consumers ages 18 to 74 overwhelmingly agreeing that access to radio is essential – even among those who don’t
regularly listen to AM or FM.” Company SVP of research Elizabeth Falke states, “The bottom line here is just how much people value having easy access to both AM and FM radio in their cars. Consumers want radio for a variety of different reasons that are largely unique to local radio – everything from discovering what new music matters to weather updates, the latest sports reports and local news and events.” As the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 makes its way through congress, Falke says its important that manufacturers understand the absence of radio would also influence new car purchasing decisions. The study found that 96% of Americans would miss radio if it were removed and 89% say the lack of a radio would likely keep them from buying that vehicle. She concludes, “This research is crucial for car manufacturers as we see that, immediately, half of consumers wouldn’t even look at buying a car without a radio. The ease and simplicity of radio is embedded in the lives of drivers consuming various forms of audio in their cars.”
Audacy’s news/talk KMOX, St Louis is celebrating 100 years of service to its listeners. Today (11/20), KMOX celebrating its centennial anniversary with over 10 hours of exclusive programming featuring current and former KMOX talent, as well as recognizing 12 station
pioneers. Audacy St. Louis SVP and market manager Becky Domyan states, “For 100 years, KMOX has kept St. Louis informed and connected, a legacy we are incredibly proud of. We now honor the pioneers who helped build this station. They are the definitive voices and leaders who became synonymous with KMOX and defined a century of service. We look forward to building on their foundation and continuing to serve as the home for news St. Louisans rely on for the next hundred years.” Pioneers include former KMOX general manager Robert Hyland, sports broadcaster Bob Costas, former station hosts Jack Carney, Rex Davis, Bob Hardy, Anne Keefe, John McCormick and Jim White, former St. Louis Cardinals play-by-play announcers Jack Buck, Harry Caray and France Laux, and former St. Louis Blues play-by-play announcer Dan Kelly.
Morning drive host Dan Potter is out at news/talk KRMG-FM, Tulsa after 17 years with the station and 13 years as morning drive personality. Cox Media Group recently sold the station
and two of its sister music-formatted outlets to a local operator – Zoellner Media Group, led by Dr. Robert Zoellner. Potter tells the Tulsa World that his exit came as a surprise. He says he was called into a meeting with Dr. Zoellner. “Our paths hadn’t crossed yet in his ownership. Shook his hand, sat down. He said, ‘We’re not renewing your contract.’ They handed me a check, and security showed me out of the building.” Prior to joining KRMG, Potter served in Dallas with WBAP-AM in several capacities, including news director.
Pictured above is Syracuse University student Dorothy Sabo (right) with CBS News reporter, producer and event organizer Sara Kugel (left) showing off her first place JANY Award as Executive Producer best regularly scheduled TV student newscast at the Journalists Association of New York awards ceremony at SU’s Newhouse School of Communication. Pictured below are John Mullen (left) professor and general manager of Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, winner of several JANY Awards this year, and Newhouse School alumnus Walter Sabo (right).
The nationally syndicated “Erick Erickson Show” helped raise more than $265,000 for Hungry for a Day to provide Thanksgiving meals nationwide. The drive focuses on delivering complete
holiday dinners – including turkey or smoked ham, sweet or mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls, and pie – to families who might otherwise go without. Erickson says, “Every year, my listeners remind me why this show exists – not just to discuss the issues of the day, but to drive real change in people’s lives. In these tough times, knowing we’ve put food on the table for thousands of families fills me with gratitude. This isn’t about politics; it’s about compassion, faith, and stepping up for our neighbors. Hungry for a Day makes it seamless, and our audience makes it extraordinary with an impact from coast to coast.”
Audacy announces the promotion of Chase Daniels to vice president of programming for the station group that includes sports talk WKRK-FM “92.3 The Fan.” Audacy Cleveland SVP and
market manager Jeff Miller says in a memo to staff, “Since arriving in Cleveland almost three years ago, Chase has concentrated on our brands, our execution and our team with hopes of building on the great foundation that was already in place. His relentless focus on being the best, along with consistent coaching and leadership, has led to significant growth for individuals and our four stations. Please join me in congratulating Chase on his well-deserved elevation to VP of programming for Cleveland. Chase will continue to focus on the overall programming performance for all four of our brands as we head into 2026 and beyond.”
“Our American Stories” founder and host Lee Habeeb was tapped by the White House to tell the story of John Adams and his defense of the Redcoats in the trial the Boston Massacre. This is part of the White House’s America 250 “Story of America” series that’s being created in partnership with Hillsdale College and the US Department of Education. You can see the story that Habeeb wrote here.
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
Finally. Not by Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, nope; I was banned from a WBIR anchor’s video live stream.
Background:
Throughout the country, bored local TV anchors and radio hosts set up their phone on their desk and stream their newscasts. During their breaks, they address the Live Stream with actual news, real news, top-of-minders that are far more compelling than the accident at 5th and Piedmont that gets on the air.
Some of the live streams are truly entertaining and would pull 20 shares if aired. While watching the featured TikTok WBIR-TV stream, the anchor at the desk was having her nails done. A co-worker showed off her spectacular, exotic, eccentric nails. Any father of daughters could appreciate her next level of nail art. It was news. In the live stream comments, I typed… show the nails on the air. They are fantastic. Of course, that never happened. Instead, the anchor ran with the story of a Casey’s chain store open for a third shift. “It’s kind of like a store that never sleeps,” center store manager Kimberly Hunley said.
The nails were stunning, but the passion of the anchor and her co-workers was the actual news. The team’s focus on the nails was compelling. Their passion was the news. News belongs on the air.
BANNED! Saturday morning. After my third polite comment urging the WBIR team to show the nails on the air, I was banned from commenting on the stream. A first. Finally, I said something so offensive, so contrary to the news narrative that I was banned.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: What the heck did you say, Walter?]
Get Your New Playlist at Thanksgiving
This holiday the rule at dinner will be, don’t talk about politics. Pay close attention to what is discussed. Make notes. If your station wants younger demos, FM music-type demos, trust that the Thanksgiving conversation is an all-hits conversation. Hosts that aren’t afraid to air the hits get ratings.
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.
Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive host Jeff Katz – in his capacity as a member of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities – breaking ground for The Virginia Home’s new site for the organization that has been serving disabled adults in Central Virginia for a century.
Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk radio host Dr. Daliah Wachs with her show’s Christmas tree at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest event in Southern Nevada that runs from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Dr. Wachs tells TALKERS that Opportunity Village helps those with intellectual disabilities and their families through enrichment, empowerment, and employment programs and services. Sponsors like her decorate a tree that comprises a huge beautiful magical forest that serves as a major fundraiser for their programs and employment placement. She says, “It’s super cool and our show has helped support their mission for years. We create a ‘medical’ tree with an EKG sign and its one of our favorite local charities we support.”
Longtime radio executive and station owner Willard Lochridge died on November 13 at age 85.
Lochridge entered the business in the sales department and by 1970 became the general manager of WRIF, Detroit. He was promoted by ABC to general manager for WPLJ, New York in 1973. He would serve at KAUM, Houston before returning to New York to serve with ABC Radio Networks. He later joined NBC’s The Source. In 1988 he and his wife purchased a small station in Wickenburg, Arizona.
Just a day after announcing that it is selling its three-station Bakersfield, California cluster to local operator Frequency Broadcasting, Inc, Connoisseur Media announces that it is entering into an agreement to sell its 15 radio stations in Missouri to Carter Media LLC and Carter Media Too LLC. Carter Media is based in Carrollton, Missouri which is about halfway between Kansas City and
Columbia. The stations are in small markets and include: KAAN-AM/FM, Bethany; KWIX-FM, Cairo; KKWK-FM and KMRN-AM, Cameron; KIRK-FM, Macon; KTCM-FM, Madison; KRES-FM and KWIX-AM, Moberly; KJEL-FM and KBNN-AM, Lebanon; and KFBD-FM, KOZQ-FM, KJPW-AM, and KIIK-AM in Waynesville. Connoisseur Media founder and CEO Jeffrey Warshaw says, “These Missouri markets did not fit into our long-term plans. We are pleased to have found a trusted buyer in Miles Carter and his family-oriented company.” Carter comments, “We have wanted to expand for a while and when the opportunity came, we were eager to talk with Connoisseur. As we look toward the new markets, our mission remains the same: bring trustworthy local news, agriculture coverage, and community-focused storytelling to areas that need a stronger voice. Expansion isn’t about getting bigger, it’s about serving more people with the kind of reliable, hometown broadcasting Carter Media was built on.”
After 22 years as a news anchor on Audacy’s all-news KNX-AM/FM, Los Angeles, Vicky Moore left the station last Friday. During her on-air farewell, Moore stated, “I really love radio. Because radio is about community. At a time when the phone in our pocket and in our hands right now creates distance between us, and the politics divide us, the AI make us questioning what is real,
people here at KNX all around me are real. And they are people who live and work in this community. Brian Douglas and Sioux-Z Jessup, our traffic team, Sabina – they care about people driving in from places like Santa Clarita. Or when you hear sirens on the westside or Monrovia, we here at KNX are curious too! And we can joke about the differences between LA and Orange County and how Irvine is always topping the list somewhere because we are here with you in this community. We know Southern California. It has been my privilege to be part of this community and to tell you stories about things that matter, as well as things that just might brighten your day. We’ve had so much fun. It has been my absolute pleasure to meet some of you, along the way… So, I hope that you will continue to listen to KNX and enjoy my partner here and support him, Mike Simpson, and the new owner of my chair as the morning co-host, that is Margaret Carrero, we wish her well.” With Carrero’s move to mornings, Alex Silverman joins the afternoon lineup, alternating shifts with Brian Douglas.
WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” part-time utility talent Haley Taylor Simon posts to
social media that she has exited the Beasley sports talk station. “4.5 years ago I started my journey at 97.5 The Fanatic. Today was my final day. While this was unexpected I was able to come out of college and work my dream job. Not many people get to do that. I love my morning show fam (chat too fam bam). I’m always wishing nothing but the best for everyone who works there. I’m not going anywhere with my Flyers/ESPN+ jobs. I LOVE radio. That I will miss. Go birds and thank you all for supporting me live out my dream. It did come true. How lucky am I??”
NewsRadio 1080 in Dallas raised over $30,000 benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas during a live broadcast on November 13. Pictured above with Make-A-Wish recipient Luke and his family are KRLD morning host Joe Kelley (bottom, left), midday host Mike Rogers (rear, second from left) and reporter and weekend anchor Austin York (rear, right).
By Frank Morano
City Councilor
New York City 51st District
Staten Island
For most of my life, the sound of an AM signal has been my constant companion. Long before I ever spoke into a microphone professionally, I was the kid hiding under the covers with a transistor radio, slowly turning the dial, discovering voices, ideas, communities, and worlds far beyond my bedroom. AM radio didn’t just shape my career – it shaped who I am.
That’s why, as both a lifelong AM radio listener and a longtime AM broadcaster (77WABC and WNYM-AM “970 The Answer”), I’m introducing legislation in the New York City Council to require that all City-owned and City-contracted vehicles continue to include functioning AM receivers. I’m proud of my work in government, but this one is personal. Because AM radio isn’t just entertainment or nostalgia – it’s infrastructure. It’s public safety. It’s the backbone of our emergency communications system. And it’s in danger.
When Everything Else Fails, AM Radio Doesn’t
We don’t have to imagine what happens when modern communications collapse. We’ve lived it.
On September 11, 2001, when cell networks jammed almost immediately, millions of New Yorkers turned to AM radio for news, instructions, and reassurance.
In the 2003 Northeast Blackout, AM signals were among the very few communications systems still functioning across multiple states.
During Superstorm Sandy, when much of the region lost power and internet for days, AM remained a critical lifeline for emergency updates, evacuation information, and weather alerts.
These weren’t theoretical scenarios. They were real moments of crisis – and AM radio proved its value every single time.
When the lights go out, AM stays on. When cell networks are overwhelmed, AM cuts through. When the internet fails, AM continues broadcasting. It is the most resilient form of mass communication ever created, and FEMA and the National Weather Service still rely on AM frequencies for a reason: they reach people when nothing else can.
AM Radio Is Still the Soundtrack of America
Beyond emergencies, AM radio remains woven into the cultural fabric of this country. It’s where Americans talk to each other – about politics, sports, faith, overnight oddities, neighborhood issues, and everything in between. It’s one of the last places where anyone can call in, join the conversation, and be part of a community.
The same AM dial that once carried the voices announcing D-Day, the moon landing, and the gritty street reporting of New York legends still carries the news, opinions, and debates that shape American life today. There is something uniquely democratic about the AM band: it is accessible, unpretentious, inexpensive, and available to everyone.
That’s worth preserving. Especially now, as some automakers – particularly in the electric vehicle space – phase AM radios out of new models, citing interference or cost concerns.
Cities and States Can Lead Where Washington Waits
Congress is considering the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,” and I support it wholeheartedly. But federal action can take time. Cities and states can move faster.
New York City’s legislation can be a model:
Automakers will have no choice but to keep AM radio in every vehicle they sell.
Government can’t – and shouldn’t – tell anyone what to listen to. But we absolutely can ensure that the option to listen still exists. And that, when disaster strikes, the public can rely on a system proven over nearly a century to work under the toughest circumstances imaginable.
The Signal Must Go On
AM radio isn’t a relic. It’s a lifeline. It’s a civic space. It’s one of the last great mediums that belongs to the people. As someone who owes much of his career – and much of his identity – to those airwaves, I feel a responsibility to protect them.
By acting locally here in New York City, I hope we inspire communities across the country to do the same. If we want the AM dial to be there for the next blackout, the next storm, or the next unthinkable moment, the time to act is now.
Because when everything else goes silent, AM radio still speaks.
And we need to make sure it always will.
Frank Morano was recently elected City Councilor representing New York City’s 51st district. Prior to that he forged a distinguished career in talk radio at WABC and WNYM in New York. Councilor Morano can be reached via email at frank@moranoforcouncil.com.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
In an industry built on speed – breaking news, live liners, commercial deadlines – “pause” can feel like a luxury radio can’t afford. But Kevin Cashman’s The Pause Principle: Step Back to Lead Forward (Wiley) argues the opposite: pausing isn’t weakness, it’s a competitive advantage. For local radio leaders, the message couldn’t be timelier.
Cashman defines pause as the conscious act of stepping back to gain perspective before moving forward. Leaders who constantly react miss opportunities for growth and innovation. Those who pause, he argues, engage with more clarity, creativity, and authenticity.
Think about the daily grind in local radio. The PD is juggling ratings pressure, expense challenges, talent issues, and a half-dozen urgent emails from corporate. The sales manager is chasing month-end, writing copy on deadline, and fielding calls from advertisers. In that swirl, it’s tempting to equate motion with progress. Yet, as Cashman warns, constant motion without reflection leads to burnout, blind spots, and missed chances to connect.
For broadcasters, pause can take many forms:
Cashman links pause to authenticity. When leaders slow down enough to be present, they foster trust. In local radio, where credibility is everything, that authenticity builds loyalty with both audiences and advertisers.
He also reminds us that pause is not about inaction. It’s about deliberate action. A well-timed pause before responding to a crisis on-air, before agreeing to a questionable promotion, or before rushing through a strategic decision can be the difference between a misstep and a breakthrough.
For local stations, the takeaway is clear: The pace isn’t going to slow down. The emails will keep coming, the ratings will keep posting, and the deadlines will keep looming. But leaders who carve out moments of pause will not only preserve their sanity – they’ll make better decisions, inspire their teams, and serve their communities more meaningfully.
Pause. Reflect. Then lead forward.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
The Simon Conway Show’s Pinky Swear Radiothon raised $238,293 to support the families of kids with cancer in the five-and-a-half-hour event last week. Pictured above with WHO, Des Moines-based talk host Simon Conway is James, who as a baby was diagnosed with cancer. Now, he is a healthy eight-year-old about to take part in his first swim meet. Conway says, “I always say I have the best audience in talk radio and every year they prove me right, but with the very short amount of time we had, this fundraising effort was truly astonishing.”
Urban One has begun an offer to exchange any and all of its outstanding 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 held by Eligible Holders for newly issued 7.625% Senior Secured
Notes due 2031, to be issued by the company and guaranteed by each existing and future subsidiaries of the company, and cash. In connection with the Exchange Offer, Urban One begins offer to purchase up to $185 million in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes for up to $111 million in cash. In connection with the Exchange Offer, the company is also offering Eligible Holders the right to subscribe to purchase up to $60.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.500% first lien senior secured notes due 2030.