Jeff Katz – TALKERS magazine

TALKERS 2026 Video: “Programming News/Talk Radio”

By TALKERS | July 2, 2026 by TALKERS

TALKERS continues to post a plethora 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, “Programming News/Talk Radio,” which explores the intricacies of spoken word radio’s most popular and influential format – news/talk. Moderated by WRVA, Richmond afternoon star, Jeff Katz, the panel includes (in alphabetical order): Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WFEA, Manchester, NH; Allan Lamberti, program director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; Lisa Polizzi, brand manager, WBEN-AM, Buffalo; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio; and Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia. 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.

TALKERS 2026 Generates Treasure Trove of Content and Takeaways

By TALKERS | June 11, 2026 by TALKERS

Pictured above: The “Programming News/Talk” panel at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter. Appearing l-r: Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia, PA; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio; Lisa Polizzi, brand manager, WBEN, Buffalo, NY; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WFEA, Manchester, NH; Allan Lamberti, program director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; and Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network / Salem News Channel / Salem Podcast Network. Pictured at left: Moderator, Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond, VA.

The 28th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – took place at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the Long Island, NY campus of Hofstra University this past Friday (6/5). It was produced in conjunction with Hofstra’s multi-Marconi Award winning campus radio station, WRHU-FM. The vibrant, sold-out gathering presented 65 speakers and 338 registered attendees engaged in the sharing of perspectives, advice, and ideas within the fertile environment of dynamic collegial networking.

The main themes of the conference included an intense focus on the future of radio and talk media in the multi-platform digital world of the second quarter of the 21st century. These included exploration of such existential questions as how to gain profile traction in a noisy world; how to regain the public’s trust in the media; how to meet the challenge of generating revenue in a fractured and challenging economy; what entrepreneurial opportunities exist for individuals and independent companies in this new environment; how to expand programming options; how to recruit new talent; how to attract younger demos; how to deal with the enormous unforgiving power of algorithms in scoring the game; how to effectively control and exploit AI; how to make a living in this business; and so much more.

Speakers and attendees included a cross-section of talk media professionals from the worlds of talent, management, ownership, syndication, journalism, engineering, politics, sports, the law, academia, and music – even pro-wrestling!

Beginning next week, TALKERS will provide in-depth photo, video, and story coverage of the historic event. Stand by!

TALKERS 2026 to Feature Major Programming News/Talk Radio Panel

By TALKERS | May 13, 2026May 14, 2026 by TALKERS

More than 60 speakers are set to tackle the major issues facing the talk media universe at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter set for Friday, June 5 at Hofstra University on Long Island. One of the featured sessions of this power-packed day is “Programming News/Talk Radio.”

Moderated by afternoon drive talk show host Jeff Katz of WRVA, Richmond, the featured speakers on this panel include (in alphabetical order): Phil Boyce, senior VP, Salem Radio Network, Salem News Channel, Salem Podcast Network; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WFEA, Manchester, NH; Allan Lamberti, program director, WICC, Bridgeport, CT; Lisa Polizzi, brand manager, WBEN, Buffalo; Ralph Renzi, CEO, Newsmax Radio; and Greg Stocker, brand manager, WPHT, Philadelphia.

The session, described by TALKERS VP / executive editor Kevin Casey as “a lightening-paced overview of the key issues facing programmers of the news/talk format during this amazingly volatile and transitional era” will run between 11:35 am and 12:20 pm. For more details about TALKERS 2026, please click here.

Jeff Katz Recognized for 10 Years of Blue Friday Award

By TALKERS | April 23, 2026 by TALKERS

WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive host Jeff Katz (right) is pictured here with Richmond city council member Reva Trammel (left), while being recognized on the 10^th anniversary of Katz’s Lieutenant Jan McTernan Blue Friday Honor Award. Katz, a former police officer, has been honoring Central Virginia law enforcement heroes on the final Friday of each month. The award is named in memory of Janice Ann McTernan a retired, longtime veteran of the Richmond Police Department.

Katz and Barrett Celebrate WRVA Anniversary

By TALKERS | March 19, 2026 by TALKERS

Pictured above are two legendary WRVA, Richmond talk radio personalities together to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of WRVA’s service to the market. At left is current KTRH, Houston morning drive host Jimmy Barrett – who was the host of Richmond’s Morning News for 16 years – alongside current WRVA afternoon drive personality Jeff Katz, currently in his 13^th year with the station.

Jeff Katz Gets “Mayo’d” for Special Olympics

By TALKERS | March 11, 2026 by TALKERS

Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (right) with Chesterfield County Sheriff Karl Leonard (left) at The Texas Inn in Richmond doing a stunt to raise funds for Special Olympics of Virginia. Following their tradition of crazy stunts to raise money for the cause, the two donned ladies tank tops while people bought giant buckets of mayonnaise to throw at them. Katz tells TALKERS, “We raised more than $10,000! The weather was a ‘balmy’ 34 degrees with freezing rain. In addition, across Virginia at Texas Inn locations there is now a Katz Dog with fifty cents from the sale of each going to SOVA.”

Katz in the Hat

By TALKERS | March 3, 2026 by TALKERS

WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz is pictured above sharing the stories of Dr. Seuss as he celebrated “Read Across America” with special needs students at Patrick Henry High School in Ashland, Virginia. PHHS is the school that his daughter Julia attended.

Jeff Katz Scores Thousands of Views of Drunk Raccoon Interview

By TALKERS | December 5, 2025 by TALKERS

WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz took advantage of the story of the raccoon that got into an Ashland, Virginia liquor store, broke some liquor bottles, drank some of the booze and passed out. He’s pictured above “interviewing” the raccoon on his show. Katz tells TALKERS the store is just 15 miles north of Richmond and it’s all that anyone is talking about, so he decided to create the photo and share it on social media with links to his show.

Jeff Katz Breaks Ground for Center for Disabled Adults

By TALKERS | November 19, 2025 by TALKERS

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.

Readers Name Katz #1.

By TALKERS | September 26, 2025September 26, 2025 by TALKERS

For the sixth year in a row, the readers of The Richmond Times-Dispatch overwhelmingly voted “The Jeff Katz Show” the Best Afternoon Radio Show in Central Virginia. Jeff Katz is now in his 13^th year as the afternoon drive host at WRVA. Katz has been named one of the 100 Most Important Talk Radio Hosts in America by TALKERS numerous times. He is also a past recipient of the Humanitarian of Year award from TALKERS.

Katz Dog to Raise Funds for Virginia Special Olympics

By TALKERS | August 20, 2025 by TALKERS

WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (pictured above) has a hot dog dish named after him at the Texas Inn diner (known to locals as The T-Room) in Richmond. Each sale of the Katz Dog – a Nathan’s hot dog – will provide a donation to Special Olympics Virginia.

Jeff Katz Takes Part in Virginia’s “Say Their Names” Ceremony

By TALKERS | May 27, 2025May 27, 2025 by TALKERS

Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon host Jeff Katz at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond participating in the first-ever “Say Their Names” marathon. Katz joined some 200 people chosen – including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin – to recite the names of the almost 12,000 Virginia military heroes who died in service of their nation. The marathon took place over the course of 12 hours and included those who died in conflicts from World War II through the Global War on Terror.

Katz and Wynter Broadcast from the White House

By TALKERS | April 30, 2025May 1, 2025 by TALKERS

Pictured above are WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (left) and WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta evening talk host Shelley Wynter (right) at the White House media event held in recognition of the first 100 days of the Trump administration.

WRVA, Richmond’s Jeff Katz Walks on Hot Coals to Benefit Special Olympics

By TALKERS | March 17, 2025 by TALKERS

Last year WRVA, Richmond afternoon talk host Jeff Katz promised to get the logo of the Special Olympics of Virginia tattooed if he was able to raise $15,000 for the organization, and he did. This year he promised to walk on 1,200-degree coals a la Tony Robbins if he could beat last year’s amount. Teaming up with his friend, local county Sheriff Karl Leonard, they raised just shy of $18,000! Pictured above is Jeff strolling the coals. Regarding next year’s challenge, Katz says, “We have not decided, but alligator wrestling is under serious consideration.” Katz raises funds for the Special Olympics in honor his favorite Special Olympian, his daughter Julia.

Outstanding Speakers Joining “GENERATIONS 2025” Agenda

By TALKERS | January 30, 2025January 30, 2025 by TALKERS

The lineup of industry speakers set to speak at the forthcoming GENERATIONS 2025 conference being presented by TALKERS at the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) convention – IBSNYC 2025 – continues to grow.

A stellar line-up of speakers have already signed up to speak at this groundbreaking industry event including (in alphabetical order): Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia; Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism; Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago; Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner; Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA; Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group; John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY; Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network; Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One; with several more to be announced in the next few days. See agenda and accompanying stories below.

Sheraton Times Square New York Hotel
New York East Room
Saturday March 8, 2025
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

AGENDA

12:30 – 1:00 pm Keynote Address “Welcome to the Brave New World”

Speakers:
Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner

1:10 – 1:40 pm Fireside Chat “Setting the Stage”

Facilitator: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Special Guest: Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group

1:50 – 2:20 pm Discussion: “Launching and Managing a Career in a Changing Media Industry”

Moderator: Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia
Speaker: John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Speaker: TBA
Speaker: TBA

2:30 – 3:00 pm Discussion: “Old School/New School/Next School – Learning from Each Other”

Moderator: Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City
Speaker: Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group
Speaker: Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism
Speaker: Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network

3:10 – 3:40 pm Discussion: “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World”

Moderator: TBA
Speaker: Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network
Speaker: Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One
Speaker: TBA

3:50 – 4:20 pm Discussion: “Finding Truth in an Age of Misinformation”

Moderator: Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago
Speaker: Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia
Speaker: Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA
Speaker: TBA

4:20 – 4:30 pm Wrap Up: Group Chat

Katz Takes Pie in the Face for Charity

By TALKERS | June 25, 2024 by TALKERS

WRVA, Richmond talk host Jeff Katz is pictured here getting a pie in the face as the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia teamed up with the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team for an awareness campaign and fundraiser called, “Pie Dad in the Face,” which takes place during home games at The Diamond. Katz says, “I ‘volunteered’ knowing full well that my kids were unavailable, but my best friend Jamal offered the services of his son Judah who was more than happy to lay the whipped cream down on Uncle Jeff.”

Ongoing Coverage of TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond

By TALKERS | June 12, 2024 by TALKERS

The 27^th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest running, and most important national event took place this past Friday (6/7) at Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS 2024: Radio and Beyond was an advance sellout. The power-packed, one-day agenda featured a roster of more than 60 speakers from all ends of the talk radio and related talk media industries including talent, station owners, CEOs, programmers, technical experts, journalists, syndicators, and a wide variety of visionaries. The annual talk media industry tradition was presented by TALKERS in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio and Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Key discussions included “Gaining Traction in a Noisy World,” “The Case for AM Radio,” “Generating News/Talk Revenue in the Digital Era,” “The State of Sports Talk Radio,” “The Brave New World of Technological and Generational Change,” “Programming News/Talk Radio,” “Perspectives on Hosting Television Talk,” “Philanthropy and Community Service,” “The Art of Story Telling,” “Talk Radio Programming Opportunities Beyond Politics,” “Meeting the Challenges of Being a Talk Talent,” “The Big Picture of Radio’s Role in a Rapidly Changing World,” and “The State of the First Amendment” among others. As the volumes of data generated by this gathering are sorted out, TALKERS will provide in-depth, detailed coverage of the conference in the days and weeks ahead including posting videos of its key segments. See a selection of photos from TALKERS 2024 Radio and Beyond below.

KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM, Seattle afternoon talk show host John Curley was the 2024 recipient of the TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award (the Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Community Service). He is pictured delivering his acceptance speech discussing the importance of using your platform for good causes.

Michael Harrison (l) interviewed Fred Toucher (r), morning show co-host of WBZ-FM 98.5 The Sports Hub, Boston in a fireside chat titled, “The State of Sports Talk Radio.” The discussion included comparisons between sports talk and news/talk radio, the benefit of sports talk hosts operating in on-air teams, the relationship sports talk hosts have with home teams and their ardent fans, dealing with harsh criticism on social media, the impact of gambling on sports talk radio, the challenges hosts are facing in covering women’s basketball and more.

One of the many highlights of the conference was a blessedly civil “Great Debate” between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann (c) representing the left and Salem Radio Networks host Mike Gallagher (r) representing the right. The session was moderated by Lee Harris (standing l), director of integrated operations, NewsNation/WGN Chicago.

The panel session titled, “Behind the Mic,” delved into the issues and challenges faced today by talk radio talent. Participants included (l-r) Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond; Frank Morano, WABC, New York/Red Apple Media; Martha Zoller, WDUN, Athens, GA; Moderator Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Compass Media Networks; Dom Giordano, WPHT, Philadelphia; Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network; and Chris Krok, WBAP, Dallas.

Jeff Katz Wrestles with Jordan B. Peterson

By TALKERS | June 3, 2024June 3, 2024 by TALKERS

WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive host Jeff Katz (left), who was a psychology major in college, is pictured above with renowned clinical psychologist, author, and media figure Dr. Jordan B. Peterson (right). Katz tells TALKERS, “When the good doctor brought his ‘We Who Wrestle with God’ tour to Virginia’s historic Altria Theater, we met and here we are comparing notes on western culture and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.”

Jeff Katz Drops Puck for Special Needs Community

By TALKERS | April 30, 2024 by TALKERS

Pictured above dropping the puck is WRVA, Richmond afternoon host Jeff Katz who “put on the foil” to help Virginia’s Law Enforcement Patriots hockey team this past Saturday (4/27). The Patriots hockey team is comprised of Central Virginia law enforcement officers who compete in charity games to raise awareness of, and funds for, a variety of special needs organizations. After Katz dropped the first puck for this week’s Autism Awareness game, he was presented with a custom jersey as he was named “Honorary Captain” of the team to salute him for his longstanding support of the team, law enforcement officers and the special needs community. The game was a huge success, raising more than $12,000.

Talk Hosts Kilmeade and Katz Catch Up in Richmond

By TALKERS | March 22, 2024 by TALKERS

Pictured above are FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio talk personality Brian Kilmeade (left) with WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (right) at the historic McLean’s Restaurant in downtown Richmond. Kilmeade – whose show recently joined the lineup at WRVA – was in town broadcasting live and Katz joined Kilmeade to offer insight on the issues of the day.

WRVA, Richmond’s Jeff Katz Raises Funds for The Friendship Circle

By TALKERS | March 5, 2024March 5, 2024 by TALKERS

Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon talk host Jeff Katz (right) alongside former President Donald Trump (left) during Trump’s March 2 visit to Richmond. Katz is presenting Trump with a “Julia Katz Bracelet” created by Emily Morrissey of Emily’s Bracelets. Morrissey and Julia Katz are young women with a variety of special needs and disabilities who have received services from The Friendship Circle. During the month of March, Morrissey is offering “The Julia Katz Bracelet” as a fundraiser for The Friendship Circle of Virginia in recognition of Julia’s 21^stbirthday on March 7. Jeff Katz recently helped raise more than $17,000 for The Friendship Circle and to kick off the special Julia Katz bracelet he personally presented one to Trump. They are available at www.emilysbracelets.com

WRVA, Richmond’s Jeff Katz Feels Good Vibrations

By TALKERS | September 19, 2023 by TALKERS

Pictured at right is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk show host Jeff Katz (left) having fun, fun, fun with Beach Boys original lead singer Mike Love (right). Love made his only radio appearance on Katz’s program during the band’s stop in Central Virginia for a sold-out performance. Katz says they talked about the impact of the Beach Boys in popular music, as well as Transcendental Meditation and the political landscape.

Jeff Katz Scores Exclusive Interview with RFK Jr

By TALKERS | August 24, 2023August 24, 2023 by TALKERS

Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive host Jeff Katz (left) with Democratic Party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr (right). Katz says that during Kennedy’s visit to Richmond, he granted just one interview and says the two “spent just shy of 30 minutes one-on-one, chatting about everything from the economy to ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm'” (Kennedy is married to Cheryl Hines who starred as Larry David’s wife on the hit show).

Jeff Katz and WRVA, Richmond Ink New Deal

By TALKERS | June 29, 2023June 30, 2023 by TALKERS

Richmond talk radio personality Jeff Katz signs a new contract with Audacy to continue his role as afternoon drive host on news/talk WRVA. Katz, who has been hosting a program on WRVA for the past 10 years, says, “During the past decade, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the people of Central Virginia. This community has been so welcoming to my family and I cherish having the chance to help out a bit by serving as an advocate for special needs kids, saluting our law enforcement officers, and sharing vital news and information.” Audacy Virginia SVP and market manager Bennett Zier comments, “Jeff is a great citizen of Virginia and continues to be an important part of the WRVA family.”

TALKERS 2023: Video of “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career” Panel Discussion Posted

By TALKERS | June 21, 2023 by TALKERS

During the coming days, videos of all of TALKERS 2023’s numerous sessions conducted June 2 at Hofstra University will be posted, continuing today (6/21) with the panel discussion, “Navigating a Radio Talk Show Hosting Career.” The session, sponsored by C. Crane, was introduced by managing partner, Goldman McCormick PR and syndicated host, Ryan McCormick (pictured at right) and moderated by WPHT, Philadelphia host, Dom Giordano (pictured above). Panelists (pictured below from left to right) include Heather Cohen, SVP, the Weiss Agency; Martha Zoller, host, WDUN-AM/FM, Gainesville, GA; Frank Morano, host WABC, New York; Rich Valdes, host, Westwood One; and Jeff Katz, host, WRVA, Richmond, VA. See video of the session here.