TALKERS News Notes
Detroit Broadcast Exec Kevin Adell to Sell All Stations, Including 910 AM, WADL-TV. According to a report in the Detroit Free Press (9/12) by reporter Violet Ikonomova, longtime Detroit broadcast executive Kevin Adell has listed all his media properties for sale as he seeks to retire. Adell launched WADL-TV (Channel 38) 35 years ago. He later started The Word Network, a religious television station, and WFDF-AM (910), a longtime, locally-focused urban talk radio station that abruptly flipped to a largely syndicated conservative talk format last year. According to the report, Adell texted, “Passion is somewhere else,” adding, “Decided to [engage in] sport fish.” Adell also attributed his decision to industry turbulence as more people abandon traditional television and radio for streaming services. 
“Our industry is going to take a while to reset itself, like the newspaper industry,” he said, estimating that this “reset” would come in 10 years, or not at all. “This might be the new normal.” Pictured above: Adell (l) with radio historian and videographer Art Vuolo (r). Vuolo tells TALKERS, “He invited me to video in studio the launch of Super Station 910 the first week of September a year ago as he re-branded WFDF-AM 910 as news/talk. He wanted to go after WJR, but with mostly syndicated programming from Premiere Networks. Interestingly 910 now with 50 kw is the third biggest AM signal in Michigan!” For more info, see the entire Detroit Free Press article here. https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2024/09/12/kevin-adell-sell-radio-tv-staions-wadl-wfdf-world-network/75189174007/
MIW and NABLF Announce Rachel Haggerty as the 2024 MIW NABLF Launch Program Mentee. 
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, and the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF), name Rachel Haggerty as the 2024 MIW NABLF Launch Program mentee. Started in 2023, Launch is a partnership between MIW and the NAB Leadership Foundation dedicated to supporting and guiding women in radio who are relatively new to the industry. 
The first of its kind, this program fosters the development and curation of talent. Haggerty graduated from Seton Hall University in 2019, where she was actively involved with WSOU-FM, serving as assistant technical operations director and later as student manager. After graduation, she completed the National Association of Broadcasters Technology Apprenticeship Program, interning with iHeartMedia’s New York City radio stations. She then worked locally and with a national support team at iHeartMedia before becoming the assistant chief engineer at WABC-AM. Since 2023, she has returned to iHeartMedia New York, working with Premiere Networks on nationally syndicated talk shows. Rachel is also an active member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers and holds a Certificate in Broadcast Radio Engineering.
MH Interviewed by Heidi Harris about AI. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison was interviewed by former Heavy Hundred Las Vegas-based talk veteran Heidi Harris (KXNT, KDWN, Salem, and others) on her rapidly growing independent video “Heidi Harris Show” posted to Rumble.
Harrison addressed the issue of artificial intelligence’s impact on talk show hosts as well as society in general presenting a mixed forecast of both good and bad news. To watch the video in its entirety please click here https://rumble.com/v5f32ed-will-ai-replace-talk-radio-hosts-or-djs-guest-talkers-magazine-publisher-mi.html. For more info about Harris, visit HeidiHarrisShow.com.
Cumulus Media announces that Detroit news/talk station WJR AM 760 will air NFL football on Monday and Thursday nights through a new agreement with Westwood One. WJR AM 760 will provide exclusive and comprehensive coverage of the 2024-2025 NFL season, broadcasting Monday and Thursday night regular season football games on the station and in a simulcast on Cumulus Media’s WDVD-FM HD2. WJR AM 760 coverage will also include the NFL Playoffs, beginning with the wild card round and ending with the Super Bowl. Coming up on WJR AM 760’s NFL coverage is the Buffalo Bills match-up against the Miami Dolphins in Miami tonight (9/12) at 7:30pm. Ann Thomas, PD of WJR AM 760, tells TALKERS, “WJR is thrilled to partner with Westwood One to bring Monday and Thursday night NFL football to Michigan residents.”
Pictured above are the on-air celebrities and athletes who participated at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY. For more information about the BFoA, please click here 
Dylan Douglas to Host New Gen Z Political Program Exclusively for SiriusXM’s Progress Channel. 
The annual Grassroots Radio Conference 2024 
Longtime talk media host, commentator and director of the 
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.
Here’s an industry experiment worthy of widespread attention. United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) has launched an exclusive radio “pop-up” station on 98.7FM WEPN, the former home of ESPN Radio in New York City. This past weekend (8/31), the Emmis Corporation station became “TJ98.7: A Pop-Up Station” as a limited engagement, and features an ambitious mix of contemporary programming, including the rapidly growing morning program, “The TJ Show,” hosted by Z100 Alumni, TJ Taormina. 
The innovative project marks TJ Taormina’s return to the NYC radio market with the mission of offering listeners a fresh blend of music and what is described as “joyful talk” content, aiming to redefine what’s possible for the radio experience by blending traditional broadcasting with modern, interactive elements. The station also features voices from YES Network and Inside Edition’s Steve Kamer, and former “Good Day” talk show co-host, Jai Kershner. Radio.Cloud powers the project with its leading-edge cloud-based automation platform, allowing the network to customize local and national content. United Stations COO Charles Steinhauer tells TALKERS, “I want to thank Emmis Corporation for helping us continue our long-standing commitment to fun and new ideas in the audio space. The TJ Show has been growing in each market of operation – it’s unique and joyful and I’m looking forward to the reaction of the NYC audience.” The pop-up station will be available for a limited time. TJ Taormina, is a multi-dimensional radio talent who deserves the attention of talk stations looking for new directions as well as those with music formats. Now reaching over 60 markets, the TJ Show continues to grow and it will be interesting to see how this adventurous experiment develops. For more information, click here 
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 
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.
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 
WCBS 880 Final Tribute
“This Old House” Personality Roger Cook Dies. 
In the opinion of TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, we are entering an era in which it is possible – even likely – for robot voices generated by artificial intelligence to replace at least some human talk show hosts, especially in the wake of relentless corporate cost-cutting by radio’s largest companies. On the music radio side, the process of “voice tracking,” although initially controversial, has become a widely employed budget-tightening process. However, voice tracking still employs organic talent to generate the verbal content.
AI, on the other hand, bypasses the human element completely. In a guest appearance yesterday (8/22) on the Manny Munoz mid-morning show on WIOD, Miami, in which the subject of AI was being discussed, Harrison said, “AI is upping the bar. If talk show hosts don’t stay on their game and avoid relying too heavily on the talking points – if they are not creative thinkers and leaders – they can easily be replaced by computer operators.” Harrison continued, “It won’t be too long from now – actually, it is already possible – that two robots could be having a plausible conversation if both have been fed all the talking points.” Harrison explained, “Each robot will have instant access to all the existent talking points at the speed of light. Robots are already beating human experts at Jeopardy or chess. The only thing a robot can’t do – at least for now – is to be creative outside the realm of what already exists in cyberspace. That’s the challenge facing anyone who wants to be a live traditional radio talk show host in this coming brave new world.” Harrison’s appearance on WIOD was part of his ongoing talk radio “Obsolete Slobs” tour in which he’s been promoting the Gunhill Road music video “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song” (www.
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: 
IBS National Conference Set for 2025. The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) has announced its annual conference will be coming back to New York City next year. Set for March 7-8, 2025, the nation’s longest running, largest and most important gathering of college radio broadcasters will be held again at the Sheraton Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. Organizers have plans in the works for activities like additional sessions and tours during the day on Thursday, March 6 as well. Early registrants can save big bucks. $109 per person for up to 10 attendees, then the rest of your staff goes for free! This offer ends October 15, (and then prices and group deals go up). TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who was a featured speaker at last year’s conference says, “One of the most dynamic scenes in radio today connecting the present with the future is playing out on college campuses across the nation. Professional broadcasters interested in the future of this medium and industry should attend this event. I always come away from it invigorated and inspired.” For more info on IBSNYC 2025, please 
Sterling Shines in Philly. In the first two months since the debut of “Sterling Every Damn Night” on WPHT, Philadelphia, the quirky 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight talk show hosted by Walter M Sterling (a.k.a. legendary media consultant Walter Sabo) has been gathering jaw dropping metrics. The show has delivered five times the total share of audience 12+ since the same time last year and has proven to be formidably competitive in every key news/talk radio demo. What makes it so interesting on an industry level is its departure from the standard left-right partisan politics that dominates the news/talk format. It covers what is described as “nightly life” – such as the trouble with customer service, in-laws, schools, and romance. What one talks about with their best friends is what the show discusses. Features on the show include listener calls, plus “People of Walmart,” “True Detective Stories,” and new perspectives on current events: Sterling had the first interview with a citizen of Ukraine while bombs were going off, and a Tel Aviv bus driver sharing thoughts on America’s alleged lack of support for Israel. The show is designed for guards up all night in the building lobby, people getting done with second shift, going on third shift, cramming for finals or trying to get the baby to sleep. This is a show that deserves radio industry attention.
Audacy’s legendary station 830 WCCO, Minneapolis is planning a series of special endeavors to celebrate its 100th anniversary, including a double album with commemorative content, a gubernatorial proclamation and a grand centennial event. As part of its century-long “good neighbor” heritage, WCCO will also donate the proceeds from the double album release and centennial event to four of its non-profit partners: 
media platform to tout home improvement e-commerce as heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners are more likely to shop online; 2) AM/FM radio generates significant incremental reach for home improvement TV campaigns: Recent TV campaigns for The Home Depot saw significant lift in reach with the addition of AM/FM radio, especially among younger demos; 3) AM/FM radio generates three times the sales lift of TV in a historic Nielsen TV and AM/FM radio sales effect study for a home improvement retailer; and 4) Home improvement media plans are overweight on linear TV and underweight on audio: The optimized plan should consist of 45% AM/FM radio, 30% linear TV, and 24% podcasts.