Sabo Sez: The Actual Future of Radio
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter M. Sterling
Host, “Sterling Every Damn Night,”
WPHT, Philadelphia
Host, Sterling On Sunday, TM
Thank you, TALKERS for having me on panels at the TALKERS Generations 2025 IBSNYC conference this past Saturday (3/8). Moderator and Philadelphia talk show god Dom Giordano asked us the inevitable: “What is the future of radio?”
You’ve likely had the experience of saying something funny or profound and been surprised. “Where did that come from!??”
What’s the future of radio? I replied, “The next sentence out of your mouth. Radio will have a future if the next thing you say compels a listener to hear your next sentence.”
Where did that come from? The future is up to us. For over 100 years radio has engaged our listener to want to hear the next sentence. No wires, cable, laptop, computer. Distribution? No problem. Subscriptions? No. Technical challenges? No. Radio just works.
Your listener will want radio to just-work as long as the next sentence is our best. Ever.
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