TALKERS 2026 to Present “The Big Picture” Panel
One of the most popular panel discussions of the annual TALKERS conference – “The Big Picture” – will again be featured at the forthcoming 28th installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering. Moderated by TALKERS publisher/founder Michael Harrison (pictured here) and featuring a remarkable, diverse lineup of industry luminaries, the session tackles the major issues – social, political, 
technological, and financial – facing the talk media business in the current environment of rapid change. Described as the fastest-moving 40 minutes in the broadcasting conference arena, this year’s panelists will include (in alphabetical order): Steve Jones, president, CEO & chairman, Skyview Networks; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks; Frank Morano, member, New York City Council / former host, WABC, New York; Chris Olivero, Chief Business Officer, Audacy; Tavis Smiley, owner/host, KBLA, Los Angeles; and Rich Valdés, host, “This Is America with Rich Valdés.” The session will take place between 2:20 pm and 3:00 pm at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter on Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra University on Long Island. Harrison states, “This rapid-fire session of heavyweights ties it all together in terms of trying to make sense of the uncertainties we presently face in the talk media business.” For more information about TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter, please click here.
documentary explores the extraordinary life and career of Billy Preston, one of the most influential yet often overlooked musicians in modern music history. Barclay is widely known for his prolific, award-winning work directing major television series, including ‘NYPD Blue,’ ‘The West Wing,’ ‘Sons of Anarchy,’ and ‘ER,’ bringing both historical insight and emotional depth to Preston’s story.” WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Many people know Billy Preston’s music without knowing Billy Preston’s story. His work is woven into some of the most recognizable music ever recorded, yet his life and legacy are not widely understood. This is exactly why we celebrate Black History Month — to recognize the artists, innovators and cultural figures whose influence we experience every day, even when their stories remain untold.”
CEO/president, Gray Television; Mary Menna, vice president & market manager, Beasley Media Group; and Carlson Mozdiez, vice president, digital business operations, Audacy; alongside moderator Sarah Foss, chief technology officer, Audacy, will engage in a candid conversation exploring the evolving landscape of sports business and the significant role women play in shaping its future. The panel will dive deep into the emergence of multiplatform sports coverage and how it has reshaped the business landscape of the sports industry, and how media professionals have leveraged multiplatform sports to enhance audience engagement and reach a diverse set of viewers.