TALKERS News Notes
Compass Media Begins 18th Season of NFL Coverage. Compass Media Networks announces its 18th season covering the NFL continues this season with a slate of broadcasts of Sunday NFL Doubleheaders, coast-to-coast coverage of the Dallas Cowboys, and exclusive audio coverage of the Las Vegas Raiders. Compass general manager and VP of sports Robert Blum says, “This upcoming season is packed with incredible and compelling games, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our affiliates.”
Westwood One Begins 40th Consecutive Season of NFL Coverage. Cumulus Media’s Westwood One – the official network audio broadcast partner of the NFL – announces its 2026 NFL season programming lineup as it celebrates its 40th consecutive season presenting audio game coverage. Westwood One will broadcast Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, eight International Games, late-season Saturday games, and more.
Steve Gruber’s “One Nation” Hits #6 on Billboard Chart. Michigan Talk Network host Steve Gruber and his band The Freedom Project reached notable heights on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart this summer. The song peaked at #6 during the week of July 11. See the video for the song here.
WURD Sets November 20 for Founders Day Gala. Urban talk WURD, Philadelphia announces that it will celebrate “the life and legacy of its founder, Walter P. Lomax Jr., M.D., and the extraordinary contributions of Black Philadelphians” at its 2026 Founder’s Day Gala on November 20 at the Barnes Foundation.
launch of Freedom Journeys, a new multimedia storytelling initiative celebrating pivotal figures in Philadelphia’s past and present. Freedom Journeys, created in partnership with Renee Chenault Fattah and Love Now Media, will highlight 250 iconic Black Philadelphians — living and deceased — whose lives and work have helped shape the city. WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Founder’s Day will be a wonderful evening in a beautiful setting — where we will celebrate my father’s life and legacy, have great food, amazing live music and soul-filling affirmations of our culture. But we also aren’t going to shy away from what’s happening in this country. WURD has never done that, and this year’s Freedom Journeys is both celebration and resistance.”
WURD, in partnership with Renee Chenault Fattah and Love Now Media, will spotlight 250 iconic Philadelphians in the 250 days leading up to July 4, 2026. The series begins at Founder’s Day with a tribute to Walter P. Lomax Jr., M.D., WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Freedom Journeys is a celebration of the people who have shaped Philadelphia’s culture, history, and future. This storytelling project ensures that significant Philadelphia figures are not overlooked as we mark the semi quincentennial of this nation’s founding. We’re thrilled to launch Freedom Journeys at Founder’s Day and to honor my father’s extraordinary legacy with a night of joy, music, and community.”