Talk Radio Mile Markers
By Pamela Garber, LMHC
Grand Central Counseling Group
New York
In a piece I recently wrote for TALKERS I encouraged talk show hosts and producers to book more guests from the mental health profession to provide much-needed relief from the alarming level of anxiety afflicting American society. Since then, the non-stop news cycle, replete with the media pushing people’s buttons to keep them sucked in, has me further convinced this need would benefit the medium as well as the public. Win-win.
People today are negatively impacted by fear, pressure, disgust and confusion. Pressure to keep up with runaway technology. Fear of crushing financial responsibilities and institutional betrayal. Anger over ever-lurking danger from scams, identity theft, and violent assault on the street. Confusion over rapidly changing values, diminishment of ethics, and contentious relationships.
The result: talk radio listeners (as well as potential ones) are drowning in anxiety.
Where does the tumult of an increasingly noisy and uncertain world reach a daily crescendo? On news/talk radio, of course. That unto itself is not a bad thing. The airing of news and views in the public marketplace of ideas is both therapeutic and a healthy exercise of our First Amendment rights. It is also grimly entertaining.
However, as both a therapist in practice for over two decades and a guest on many talk show interviews, I strongly believe that people need an occasional “spoonful” of relief to “help the medicine go down.” It’s not that I’m advocating sugar coating the content. But even just acknowledging the problems real people are facing from a human perspective can alleviate pain.
Mile markers to the rescue
My experience as a running enthusiast evokes a talk radio reference to the “mile markers” that dot the paths of long-distance races.
It was at mile 18 in the New York Marathon when I first yearned for a mile marker. Mile markers are those coveted little stations along the running races where everyone who extends their arm to offer runners a cup of water or Gatorade is Florence Nightingale to each participant who grabs the “reward.”
A little mile marker has such a big impact on going the distance in races (and in life). Life is hilly, sometimes suddenly downhill, with sprints and injuries, struggling to keep pace, and pretending to be slow. Mile markers in real life give us a boost. That occasional mental health expert popping up every now and then as a news/talk radio element can put things in context, offer solutions, and stop the spread of those deadly words: “I can’t listen to this anymore; It make me too anxious.”
Check out this talk radio hit, “Close My Ears,” by Gunhill Road by clicking here.
Pamela Garber, LMHC is a practicing therapist based in NYC and South Florida and a longtime guest mental health commentator on radio and television news programs across the nation. She can be contacted by phone at 646-745-6709 or email at Pamelagarber@gmail.com. Her website is Grandcentralcounselinggroup.com.
Commission states in part, “Due to economic conditions in the market, the licensee was forced to take the station off the air temporarily. The licensee respectfully requests special temporary authority for the station to remain silent. The licensee will promptly notify the Commission when it is able to resume station operations.” Townsquare also operates news/talk KFYO in the Lubbock market. 
deceased, known or unknown, in New Mexico who has made a meaningful impact on their community, through service, leadership, sacrifice, or simply showing up when it matters most. On May 4th, News Radio KKOB will begin announcing honorees, with four individuals recognized each weekday, leading up to a culminating event later this summer. KKOB program director Aaron “Buck” Burnett says, “250 Flags is about recognizing the people who don’t always get the spotlight. New Mexico is full of everyday heroes, and this gives us a chance to tell their stories and honor them in a meaningful way.”
back at a century of service to the Fox Valley, but today, we turn our gaze forward. After retiring our special 100-year commemorative look, we didn’t want to just go back to ‘business as usual.’ We’re kicking off our second century with a fresh new look that reflects the evolution of WHBY and our unwavering commitment to the next generation of listeners.” WHBY brand manager Alex Thomas adds, “We are excited to usher in a new era of WHBY. Our rebrand represents a new chapter of WHBY and reflects who we are today and where we are heading next. This transformation goes beyond a new logo. It represents our vision of strengthening community awareness, enhancing the way we deliver news and conversation in the Fox Cities and beyond. While our look may be changing, our core values remain the same. Being trusted, local, and community driven remains a pillar of WHBY.”
greater access to trusted news and talk at a time when local information matters more than ever. This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to serve Asheville and the surrounding communities with credible voices, local connection and meaningful conversations.” iHeartMedia area SVP of programming Zac Davis adds, “After our post–Hurricane Helene broadcast, it became clear just how essential WWNC is to Western North Carolina. Over the past year, we’ve focused on expanding our ability to serve the community, and this next step allows us to reach even more listeners. It’s a natural extension of the incredible work our Asheville team has already done.”
Milner comments, “Joyce is an experienced market leader with deep relationships across Salt Lake City, enabling her to bring sharp local insight and credibility to every client partnership. She excels at delivering integrated marketing solutions, helping clients leverage our multi-platform strategies that maximize the combined power of audio and digital to drive results. Joyce will be a tremendous asset to our Salt Lake City team and a growth catalyst for our clients.”
pending regulatory approval by the FCC and is expected to close in summer of this year. Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “We are over the moon to be able to add these phenomenal properties and team to our company. This marriage will allow us to even better serve the community and our clients.” NRG Media CEO Mary Quass adds, “The Lincoln stations have been a very important part of our story, and we are pleased to pass them to Jeff and his team. Jeff is a broadcaster who shares our commitment to great local service, quality programming, and deep community connections!” At the same time, Connoisseur is entering into a deal with MSC Radio Group to sell its Topeka cluster that includes news/talk WIBW-AM and three music brands. About this sale, Jeff Warshaw says, “We’re incredibly proud of the impact these stations have had in Topeka and the connections they’ve built with listeners. As we continue to refine our portfolio, this agreement allows us to focus our resources on key growth markets while ensuring these stations are well-positioned for the future with KNZA. We’re confident they will continue their legacy of serving the community with a strong emphasis on local engagement, news, and partnerships.”
that includes news/talk WGAC and four music brands. He previously served as operations manager for Beasley’s Fort Myers stations prior to the sale of the properties to Fort Myers Broadcasting and Sun Broadcasting. Vice president of operations AJ Lurie states, “Adam has a great instinct for what connects with audiences and how to position our brands for growth. We’re looking forward to the energy and perspective he brings as he partners with the team in Augusta.”
Community Food Bank. Audacy SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli states, “We’ve seen firsthand how the power of local radio rallies the community around causes that matter. Every year, the ‘Feed the Need Radiothon’ reminds us what makes this city special. Pittsburghers continue to show up for one another in extraordinary ways, and we’re incredibly grateful to our listeners, partners and sponsors who help make a real difference for families across our region.”
unique, compelling content, embraced meaningful evolution, and made a real difference for our communities, our advertisers and one another. I am incredibly proud of the people in the Philadelphia radio market and across the country, whom I’ve had the opportunity to hire, train and mentor. Watching their growth and success has been a joy. After an extraordinary run of dedicating myself to radio and my colleagues for decades, it feels like the right time to step away and take time for myself, spend more time with family and friends, pursue new opportunities and contribute to organizations in meaningful new ways. I leave with deep gratitude and confidence in the future.” Audacy region president Mark Hannon says Yadgaroff will stay in his position through the end of May as they work on a smooth transition for the staff and the stations’ clients. The Audacy cluster includes news/talk WPHT and sports talk WIP-FM. 
-AM/FM and country KPLZ-FM. At the same time, the company announces that Jeff Connell is the new director of operations & brand management. Adams most recently served with Stephens Media Group in Spokane. Connell rises from his role as regional PD for KPLZ and KTHI-FM, Boise. In his new role, Connell will give up his programming role at KTHI.
breathe talk radio? We’re looking for a program director to lead our talk radio stations to the next level.
Every radio conference agenda and much of what’s-up in the trade press and chat groups is about exploiting Artificial Intelligence. Often these conversations land in one of two places: fear (“Will this replace us?”) or fascination (“Look what it can do!”). Both miss the point.
the Lakeland-Winter Haven, Florida market from Hall Communications. The deal includes news/talk WLKF-AM (but not its current FM translator W244BJ at 96.7 MHz) country WPVC, and adult hits WONN-AM and its translators W296CS at 107.1 FM and W240DB at 95.9 FM. MARC Radio says it expects the deal to close in May, pending FCC approval.
The Hub – The Voice for Freedom.” The station features Salem Radio Network programming including Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt, Larry Elder, and Scott Jennings, plus Compass Media Network’s Erick Erickson. The station is also airing local agribusiness programming from hosts Tony St. James and Steven Orr in morning drive. 
Sports 1450” and six music brands. He joins the Tucson operations from iHeartMedia’s Spokane station group. Southwest area president Steve Earnhart states, “We’re excited to have Bill join our team in Tucson. He brings a deep understanding of how to build strong, relevant brands that connect with listeners and communities. His leadership and programming vision will continue to elevate our stations and deliver compelling content that reflects the energy, culture, and voice of Tucson.”
LLC. Separately it is filing to sell KOOO-FM to Nebraska Public Media. This is NRG Media’s second deal with Usher Media. In November of last year, it agreed to sell its Tri-Cities, Nebraska station group to Usher for $3.75 million. Company officer Alan Usher comments, “This acquisition is a statement of belief in Omaha and in Nebraska. Local radio matters. Local leadership matters. We are committed to building a broadcast presence that reflects the strength of this community and delivers real value to the businesses and people who call it home.” Kalil & Co. was the exclusive broker for this deal.
station general manager John Gallagher states. Bringing Amy Jacobson back to the station fills a huge void for our audience. She has been relentless in her quest for the truth, and she gets answers that our listeners need to hear. Jeanne Ives (right) is one of the most politically connected people in the state of Illinois. She brings a wealth of knowledge regarding so many issues that affect everyone within our listening area. I am looking forward to the in-depth conversation and new perspective this team will offer.” Ives says, “I am thankful and excited to be a part of the Salem family. Information is power and Amy and I want to bring the ‘Real Story’ on policy along with informed commentary from years of experience knowing the players and politicians to our listeners. We want listeners to be informed, so they can hold the politicians accountable.” Amy Jacobson adds, “I am thrilled to be returning home to ‘AM 560 The Answer.’ Jeanne and I will be part of the strongest conservative lineup in Chicago radio! As many of you know, life takes some unexpected turns, but when you love what you do, the signal always finds its way back.”
FM via translator W245DP. The station will blend local talk shows with national content from Westwood One Sports. Local shows include Kent Sterling in the 9:00 am to 11:00 am slot, Jim Coyle from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and Mike Glasscot in the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart. The station will also serve as an affiliate for play-by-play for the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers. Sterling, who will serve as the station’s program director, states, “Sports talk in Bloomington is long overdue, and I’m so pleased ST Radio is the company to make this happen. Bloomington is the Big Ten’s best sports town, and ’98-7 The Zone’ will be the Big Ten’s best sports station.”
manager for the cluster that includes news/talk KMAJ-AM “The Big Talker,” sports talk KTOP-AM and four music brands. Lee announced her exit via social media saying, “After 11 years and 11 months, my position with Cumulus was eliminated. Reaching almost 12 years with a single employer is a remarkable feat in media. If you’ve listened, commented on social, came to an event, played a contest, or even waved at me while I was driving that huge van, thank you for engaging. The state of radio today can be hard to love. What’s next for me? TBD.”
Carolina – southwest of the city of Charlotte. The company says the move will bring “Charlotte’s premier source for news, conversation, and community connection to a powerful 100,000-watt signal.” The company is moving WLNK to the 100.9 and 93.3 frequencies. Charlotte VP and market manager Marsha Landess adds, “We are thrilled to elevate WBT to the FM dial, ensuring that even more listeners can connect with the voices they trust every day. These moves further strengthen our position in the market and reinforce our commitment to serving Charlotte with the best local programming, news, and entertainment.”
Christmas Kids,” a Georgia holiday tradition dedicated to fulfilling the Christmas wishes of children in foster care. Clark Howard says, “I am so excited for our 35th year of Clark’s Christmas Kids. I could have never imagined that our generous WSB listeners would take care of over 300,000 children in foster care donating $50 million plus in toys and cash since 1991.”
publication RockTownNow.com. Saga COO Wayne Leland states, “Tom understands what makes local media matter. His role at Harrisonburg Media Group positions us to grow our brands and expand the value we deliver to our listeners, readers, and advertisers. We’re excited to have him leading the team.” Nankival comments, “I am thrilled to rejoin Saga as VP and general manager of the Harrisonburg Media Group, which is a shining star in our company. My job is to keep it performing at a high level and serving the Shen Valley community with unwavering commitment and dedication.”
the company through the end of 2027. As part of the new contract, Sanchez moves to the 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm daypart on news/talk “101.5 FM K-Dawn Las Vegas” airing on KMXB-HD3/K286CS. Sanchez states, “I’m excited to continue to be part of a great media brand like Audacy and I’m very excited to go back home to evenings where it all started for me. This move allows me to continue to grow our Gen-X audience while focusing on continued content creation for our fast-growing social media platforms and new stand-alone videocasts.”
Grand Island. NRG CEO Mary Quass says, “We’re pleased to announce the sale of our 6 radio stations in Central Nebraska to Usher Media LLC, a respected local broadcaster. It’s been a privilege to serve this community with an exceptional team whose passion and commitment have made these stations a vital voice in the Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island markets. We are confident that Usher Media will build on that foundation and continue to serve listeners, advertisers, and the community with excellence.” Usher Media chief Alan Usher comments, “We are excited to announce the acquisition of six radio stations in Central Nebraska. As a locally owned and operated organization, raised in the Tri-Cities, this strategic move underscores our commitment to expanding our media presence while staying deeply connected to our roots. We are committed to being a community leader, championing local projects, and driving community growth. We look forward to providing comprehensive local news, weather, and sports coverage while fostering a vibrant and thriving community for all.”