Harrison: Don’t Believe that AI Lacks “Heart”
TALKERS founder Michael Harrison is this week’s guest on the National Press Club’s official podcast, Update-1, in which he tackles the topic “Predicting the Future of Media Following the Shutdown of CBS News Radio.” Interviewed by noted American University media professor Gemma Puglisi, Harrison addresses such issues as changes in the tenets of journalism and the general shrinkage of radio news. Along the way, he offers his insights into a variety of media and societal topics including the impact of clickbait and what he describes as “the daily dance of affirmation” resulting 
from the trend toward news platforms “targeting” audiences for purely marketing purposes. Harrison defends AI from critics who claim the technology lacks “heart” and that audiences will swing back to the “authenticity” being destroyed by AI slop. Harrison makes the case that what counts is the humanity behind the operation of AI which is “only a tool.” He says, “Blaming AI for shallow content is like attributing shoddy novels to the invention of the word processor.” Harrison boldly predicts that AI and modern technology will hasten the “death of Hollywood” as we know it among other insights into the future of news, entertainment, and communications. Don’t miss this! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here.
University on Long Island. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “The selection of ‘Cats’ as keynoter is in keeping with one of the major themes of this year’s edition of the iconic industry event – radio, talk media, and entrepreneurism. John Catsimatidis is presently setting the greatest example of entrepreneurism at work in giving an injection of much needed energy, focus and life to the medium of radio.” Harrison will serve as facilitator of the presentation in a Q&A / interview style format – a role he has played before with the dynamic billionaire media, grocery, and energy mogul.
Catsimatidis will be joined by more than 60 speakers comprised of legendary industry figures as well as fresh faces and rising stars. A detailed agenda including speakers and schedule – a “who’s who” of industry luminaries – will be posted in TALKERS this coming Tuesday (4/28). See the link below for the names of all speakers booked to date.
Harrison continues, “This important conference will illuminate the forward path of the expanding talk media universe, including all aspects of digital communications from AI and podcasting to streaming networks. As has been its tradition, this latest TALKERS conference will approach the onrushing future of the talk business from a radio perspective. This crucial gathering will cover the new undeniable realities of the radio business for those who not only want to survive but thrive as well. It will be about opportunities, networking, and entrepreneurism for individuals in talent, programming, sales, marketing, and management who are serious about staying in the game.”
newscast that some 700 stations respected enough to put on their air. Schwalb tells the Tribune, “Conversations have been going on since the announcement, and I think we get closer and closer to a decision every day. But we have to be very careful and be very diligent about making sure the product that we select is going to make sense from a listener perspective and a revenue perspective as well… CBS has been a great top-of-the-hour news piece for a long time, but it’s a very small percentage of what we do in a given hour between business, traffic and weather together on the eights, local news – the strongest local newsroom in Chicago radio.” 
As a newly minted program director (remember them?), I found the 1980 “NAB Radio Programming Conference” downright enchanting. New-tech cart machines (remember them?) would FIND the splice! And after the cart played, a flashing light saved careless DJs from accidentally playing it again.
during an informal conversation with his longtime friend, music industry publicist Anne Leighton on her YouTube program, “The Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview.” Harrison talks about the evolution of radio and its influence on popular culture through more than a half century of 
broadcasting adventures including his present-day role as a member of the classic rock band, Gunhill Road. Harrison states, “Anne is such a unique player in this business – a longtime proponent of music discovery – she has such a respect for the artists and their fans. Her podcast is SO refreshingly grassroots. It was a remarkable, fun experience talking with her about all that cool stuff.” Fans of music and radio history should not miss this. 
Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals.” Reagan began his talk radio career in the late 1980’s first doing commentary on KABC, Los Angeles and then hosting his own show on KSDO, San Diego. For years his radio program was distributed nationally by Radio America and then by Premiere Networks. At the time of his death, Reagan was serving as a columnist for Newsmax. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Michael Reagan was one of the pioneering talents that launched news/talk radio to new levels of achievement and influence in the 90s, in addition to forging a successful decades-spanning career as a host and commentator. From a media industry standpoint, he was a self-made man, never leaning on his famous family connection as an advantage. Off the air, he was a regular guy. On the air, he was just plain good.”
made last year’s mingling of student and professional broadcasters such a resounding success. The dates are set for Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “There are exciting things happening at the radio stations and communication departments of high school, college, and university campuses across America. These institutions and creative outposts embody a spirit emanating from its practitioners as well as its audiences that bode well for the future of general radio, talk media and digital communications. This tremendous source of talent, ideas and energy has been burgeoning right under the noses of our professional industry for years. It’s time to harness that obvious synergy at this pivotal juncture.” More details including agenda, registration, hotel and sponsorship information will be posted in TALKERS in the coming weeks. Save the dates!
Music radio’s competitors were vinyl, then tape, then CDs – before smartphone streaming and satellite radio offered more portability and variety. And before consolidation, broadcasters were under less of the revenue pressure that now commercializes many stations beyond listeners’ tolerance. 
“ArtsBeat,” “Athenaeum Spotlight,” and “On The Mark” for WCPC, Channel 15 and WSKB-FM 89.5, both in Westfield, MA. He was a regular contributor to Berkshire Onstage and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association. His weekly column “Arts Beat” appeared in The Westfield News. In his youth, Auerbach studied theater at American University and the Yale School of Drama. During his multimedia career his impact was felt nationwide, and he was an indefatigable fundraiser for public broadcasting. As a publicist, he was a devoted supporter of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and numerous other not-for-profit artistic organizations. TALKERS publisher and local Western Mass resident Michael Harrison states, “I am proud to have been able to call Mark Auerbach a friend for the past 39 years, during which time I have come to respect and admire him as one of the finest media practitioners with whom I have had the pleasure of working. He was a champion of the arts and all that celebrates the humanities in our modern multimedia environment. He was a local giant on a multitude of levels and leaves an irreplaceable void in this part of America’s grassroots media community.” Auerbach requested no funeral services but said if people wish to do something in his memory they can make a gift to either Springfield Chamber Players MOSSO) (
International Day of the United Nations, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD). Each year WRD focuses on a specific theme involving radio that is timely, and important. This year the theme is “Radio and Climate Change.” UNESCO points out: Radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations through climate disasters such as tropical storms and floods. It helps with the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, and dedicated radio shows. 
pm on Saturday, March 8 in the heart of the iconic IBS gathering. It will feature an array of six sessions with 16+ luminary industry speakers (to be named shortly) including a keynote address, fireside chat, and four panel discussions that will tackle such topics as “Launching and Managing a Career in a Changing Media Industry,” “Old School, New School, Next School: Learning from Each Other,” “Radio’s Place in a Digital World,” “Finding and Delivering Truth in an Age of Misinformation,” and much more. TALKERS will also serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the entire IBSNYC 2025 event.
acquisition of AMFM, took on an EVP role at Premiere Networks. He was the president of the fledgling liberal talk radio company Air America and joined Westwood One after Air America shut down in 2006. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “This is a devastating loss to the radio industry. I had the privilege of working with Gary all the way back to my music radio days when he was a young executive at the old MJI Broadcasting with major industry players like Julie Talbott and Josh Feigenbaum in the early days of our careers. He has subsequently worn a number of key management and entrepreneurial hats in the business – all reflecting his dedication to professionalism and quality. He was very well liked and respected by broadcasters on both sides of the Atlantic. He will be missed.” A service will be held on January 26, 2025 at Riverside Memorial Chapel at 180 West 76th Street, New York, NY 10023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Gary Krantz’s memory.
Greg Souchick (l) and Rick Minard (r) expressed their appreciation for the popular music host with a huge mural on the side of a building in downtown Bradford at 181 Main Street. Phelps was overwhelmed by the rendering and said he’s headed up to north central Pennsylvania to see it himself. We’re not sure if any other radio talent has ever had such a tribute. Phelps said, “I’ve had a racehorse named after me and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, but I’m truly stunned by this incredible mural. My phans are phantastic!” Part of Phelps’ schtick is he spells all Fs with PH. He is known for his fast-talking, retro style of broadcasting and for making American geography a focal point of his show. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Phelps is a remarkably creative disc jockey who uses the element of ‘talk’ in a most entertaining and productive way by tying local towns, villages and communities around America into his show and saluting each with special attention to detail. He is my seven-year-old grandson and geography buff, Oliver Harrison‘s favorite radio star. Don’t think I don’t take notice of such things.” Phelps is heard nationally on SXM’s channel 73 M-F 6:00 am – 12:00 noon ET.
We See a Pattern of Philanthropy Developing Here.77WABC, New York has continually been using its powerful platform to support charities and people in need – in addition to creating exciting live and local talk radio. The station is partnering now with Shriners Children’s™️for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing The Most Amazing Care Anywhere™️. Started on November 18 and running through Giving Tuesday on December 3, 77WABC is running promos on air and in its e-newsletter soliciting donations to Shriners Children’s healthcare system. 
WABC Radio personality and legendary New York TV anchor Ernie Anastos is the voice of the campaign. On Giving Tuesday, WABC will expand the promotion to include a stream display on the 77WABC app, video social media posts from all talent, and pre-rolls on its podcasts, with the call to action to donate to Shriners Children’s. Donations to Shriners Children’s on Giving Tuesday will be 3X matched by one of their supporters for triple the impact on children’s health. In addition, on Giving Tuesday listeners will be invited to donate $225 per person to the WABC Radio Foundation, with net proceeds earmarked for Shriners Children’s, to be part of an intimate, 40-person audience for a live broadcast of “Sid & Friends In The Morning” with host Sid Rosenberg (pictured above). 
The live broadcast will take place in January at Studio 77, WABC Radio’s state-of-the-art audio/video event space. These audience members will have the opportunity for a picture with Sid and will receive a Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blanket. In addition, a silent auction to benefit Shriners Children’s will take place for listeners attending the live broadcast, who will have the opportunity to bid on Shriners Children’s “Love to the rescue” blankets. “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “At WABC Radio, we are proud to help support Shriners Children’s mission to deliver specialty medical care to children.” “77WABC is committed to serving our community across the New York City area,” added Chad Lopez, president, Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “By partnering with Shriners Children’s, we are able to bring awareness and help raise funds for their charitable mission.”
The effort by KISS 104.1 (WALR), 95.5 WSB (WSBB-FM/WSB-AM), B98.5 (WSB-FM) and 97.1 The River (WSRV) generated 12,272 meals for food-insecure individuals in Georgia. “We have the best listeners in Atlanta. Each year they support these terrific events and help us do good for the communities we serve,” said Chris Eagan, SVP audience/programming for Cox Media Group. “This is what live and local radio is truly all about.” “We are grateful to the Cox Media Group radio station teams and personalities who continue to show an unwavering commitment to supporting the Food Bank’s efforts during the holiday season,” said Kyle Waide, president/CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “Our partnership with Cox Media Group helps us amplify the prominent issue of food insecurity among our neighbors, and these events underscore the generosity and willingness of the community to help those in need.” During the holidays, food becomes a focal point for many family gatherings, which deepens the despair felt by many neighbors who are already struggling. Thirteen percent of Georgians and 18 percent of children in Georgia are estimated to be food insecure. Among communities of color, food insecurity can be as much as two or three times higher than their white neighbors. Every dollar donated can make a giant impact. The Food Bank’s processes and partners help them transform every dollar donated into up to three meals.
Legendary journalist and all-around local media hero in Western Massachusetts, G. Michael Dobbs, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison states, “Western Mass is a special place I’ve called home for the past 40 years. Although I have had several simultaneous homes in different parts of the country during this stretch of time, the Springfield, Massachusetts area has played a very important role in my life. And in this beautiful, ‘salt of the earth’ segment of America, my guest is well-known to just about all its civically, socially and politically active citizens. His half-century career has been a testimony to the power and importance of local media… which, as we all know, is rapidly becoming an endangered species.” After decades of service, the recently retired executive editor of Reminder Publishing, continues his multi-faceted career in mass communications. Harrison comments, “I’m not sure he understands the meaning of the word retirement.” In his no-frills-down-to-the-basics career, Dobbs has worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, freelance writer, radio talk show host, college instructor and was the editor of two nationally distributed magazines about animation. He has written seven books to date and continues to write as well as appear as a host for Focus Springfield cable television. Harrison adds, “He has covered hundreds of school board and city council meetings; conducted thousands of interviews with local leaders; knows just about everything involved in how local government operates; and is an expert on cigars, brandy, old films, cartoons, comics, and even strippers. He’s an amazing guy and a quintessential example of the tremendous importance of local, grassroots journalism in sustaining and preserving American freedom and democracy.” The conversation with Dobbs started out with Harrison appearing as a guest on the media practitioner’s local podcast titled, “The Ink-stained Wretch with G. Michael Dobbs.” But, according to Harrison, “The conversation went deep into some very meaty material, so I decided to dip into it and extract some content for my own podcast.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please