Dr. Andy Gladding – TALKERS magazine

Hudson Valley Station Getting Community Involved in Radio Drama and Music Videos

By TALKERS | October 30, 2026 by TALKERS

In the fall of 2025, TALKERS wrote about well-known New York radio engineer Dr. Andy Gladding’s acquisition of WKZE-FM, Salisbury, Connecticut – a Triple A station serving the Hudson Valley. Gladding serves as chief engineer for Salem New York and for Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, Hempstead, New York. Since acquiring the station with his wife Katie Berghorn, they have actively pursued involving the community in the station in creative ways. The station is presenting a Halloween radio drama as well as an airstaff music video to create community engagement. Scooby-Doo’s “A Night of Fright Is No Delight” will air on Saturday (10/31) at 7:00 pm featuring voices from the airstaff, clients and community, with a soundtrack performed by local band Cold Flavor Repair in a production that will raise awareness for the Dutchess County SPCA. Gladding says, “Local radio needs to reestablish its position as the community megaphone. At a time when AI-generated content, opinion and voices are saturating the market, the live, local DJ must be reestablished and elevated as the centerpiece of trusted messaging. Giving our staff more creative freedom and control ultimately leads to a stronger team and higher-quality output.” He adds, “There’s a lot of talent walking through this building. Give people room to use it. That’s how you make radio people care about.” You can see the air staff music videoof “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell that peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984 here.

TALKERS 2026 Video: “Brave New World” – A Look at Campus Broadcasting and Radio’s Next Generation

By TALKERS | July 1, 2026August 3, 2026 by TALKERS

TALKERS continues to post a motherlode of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is a panel discussion titled, “Brave New World,” which explores the future of radio by presenting an informed overview of what’s happening in campus broadcasting. Moderated by Salem Radio Network and WMAL, Washington, DC syndicated star, Larry O’Connor, the panelists include (in alphabetical order): Scot Bertram, GM, WRFH, Hillsdale College; George Capalbo, VP / chief technical officer, Backbone Networks; Dr. Andy Gladding, chief engineer, Salem Media of New York / chief engineer, WRHU, Hofstra University; Shawn Novatt, director, 90.3 WHPC, Nassau Community College / VP, conference & community colleges, Intercollegiate Broadcasting System; and Norm Prusslin, founder, advisor, WUSB-FM, Stony Brook University. Stay tuned to TALKERS for continuous daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

WKZE’s “Voices of Valor” Connects Generations Through Local Radio This Veterans Day

By TALKERS | November 11, 2025 by TALKERS

WKZE 98.1 FM, Red Hook, NY is showing how local radio can unite a community through storytelling with “Voices of Valor” — a month-long series honoring Hudson Valley veterans and celebrating the power of service across generations. Airing throughout November in recognition of Veterans Day, “Voices of Valor“ features heartfelt, first-person stories from members of Red Hook’s VFW Post 7765, giving listeners a direct connection to the men and women who’ve proudly served their country and community.

Produced by Red Hook High School student Olive Haley (pictured above interviewing local vet, Enrique Flores) and supervised by station staff member and recent SUNY New Paltz graduate Alyssa Sciarrone, “Voices of Valor“ was recorded at WKZE’s Red Hook studios and blends authentic veteran narratives with the station’s signature AAA / Americana sound. The project highlights how local media, students, and community organizations can come together to preserve local stories while engaging the next generation of broadcasters.

“It’s inspiring to see young, talented storytellers like Olive take up the mantle of local broadcasting,” said Dr. Andy Gladding, WKZE’s new co-owner. “Projects like ‘Voices of Valor‘ show that local radio remains a powerful bridge – connecting young storytellers, community institutions, and listeners through shared experience.”

This initiative also marks a new era for the heritage AAA station – now under new ownership for the first time in 20 years – as WKZE expands its mission to foster hands-on opportunities for students and aspiring broadcasters to engage with local radio. According to station co-owner Katie Gladding, this is just the beginning. “Andy and I want WKZE to be a place for all members of the community to feel welcome to share and connect. Our doors and airwaves are open to anyone who wants to experience the magic of FM, and there is no better place for that than WKZE. Dr. Andy Gladding is also chief engineer at Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM and Salem NY’s WMCA 570 / WNYM 970.

Listeners can hear “Voices of Valor” throughout November on 98.1 FM and via wkze.com.