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Yesterday’s (10/2) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The unsealing of evidence against Donald Trump in the January 6 case was the most-talked-about story, followed closely by the aftermath of the vice-presidential debate, escalation of violence in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the danger of it leading to World War III.  The presidential race, various polls, political dirt, the Russia-Ukraine war; the economy; the migrant crisis, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/2), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The presidential race and this week’s Democratic National Convention; the economy; Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region of Russia; the negotiations over a cease-fire in Gaza; GOP report accuses Joe Biden of “impeachable conduct”; George Santos expected to plead guilty to federal charges; charges in the death of actor Matthew Perry; and the mpox outbreak in Africa were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Yesterday’s (8/14) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; the economy; the U.S. migrant crisis; the Israel-Hamas war and the $20 billion U.S.-Israel weapons deal; the Russia-Ukraine war; Hunter Biden’s Burisma allegations; Columbia University president Minouche Shafik steps down; western wildfires & Tropical Storm Ernesto; and the mpox outbreak in Africa were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Yesterday’s (8/13) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; Iran allegedly hacks Trump campaign emails; the economy; the primary race involving U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar; the U.S. migrant crisis; Israel and U.S. prepare for Iran attack; Ukraine’s incursion into Russia; and Tropical Storm Ernesto gains strength were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Yesterday’s (8/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The presidential race; financial markets activity and the U.S. economy; Iran allegedly hacks Trump campaign emails & break-in at Trump Virginia campaign office; Ukraine’s ongoing incursion into Russia; Israel and the U.S. prepare for Iran strike; summer wildfires in California, Colorado and Greece; and a 4.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Los Angeles were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The presidential race and this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago; Israel’s battle against Hamas and Hezbollah; Ukraine’s military incursion into Russian territory; activity on the world’s financial markets; U.S. reportedly offers amnesty to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro to cede power; the flooding and damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby; and the Paris Olympics were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend.

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Yesterday’s (7/10) Top News/Talk Media Stories

More high-profile Democrats and donors call on Joe Biden to leave the race for president and today’s scheduled press conference; Donald Trump’s distancing himself from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025; NATO accuses China of aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine; AOC and other far-left Democrats file articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito; the Israel-Hamas war; the status of Rudy Giuliani’s bankruptcy case; the heatwave affecting the U.S. and the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl on the Houston area were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Yesterday’s (6/19) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The Louisiana Ten Commandments law; the renewed Russia-North Korea alliance; the presidential race and next Thursday’s presidential debate; the Israel-Hamas war; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. migrant crisis; the U.S. national debt; the Juneteenth holiday; and the extreme heat in the eastern U.S., the New Mexico wildfires & Tropical Storm Alberto drenches south Texas were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Yesterday’s (5/29) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The first day of jury deliberation in former President Donald Trump’s “hush money” trial; the presidential race and RFK Jr’s complaint about debate exclusion; Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito refuses calls to recuse himself from two January 6-related cases in the wake of his flags controversy; the Israel-Hamas war and the failure of the $320 million pier to deliver aid to Palestinian refugees; the Russia-Ukraine war; and the severe weather that’s affected parts of the southern U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Yesterday’s (5/14) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Michael Cohen’s testimony in former President Donald Trump’s “hush money” trial; the Biden administration’s weapons deal with Israel; President Joe Biden increases tariffs on numerous Chinese goods; the presidential race; inflation and the state of the U.S. economy; Tuesday’s primary elections; Russia ramps up attacks on Ukraine; the bird flu in cows were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Yesterday’s (2/7) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The U.S. migrant crisis and Congress’ failure to pass border control and aid to Ukraine and Israel legislation; SCOTUS to hear the Donald Trump election eligibility case; the Fani WillisNathan Wade relationship; the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; the Russia-Ukraine war and Tucker Carlson’s claim he’ll interview Vladimir Putin; U.S. military strikes on an Iran-backed militia in Iraq; Super Bowl LVIII and MAGA’s Taylor Swift-NFL conspiracy theory; the atmospheric river bringing floods and mudslides to Southern California were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Yesterday’s (7/17) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Today’s hearing before Judge Aileen Cannon in the Donald Trump classified documents case; the Georgia Supreme Court denies Trump’s attempt to shut down 2020 election investigation; the global heatwave and climate change; the 2024 presidential race and Joe Manchin’s third party run tease; a judge blocks Iowa’s six-week abortion ban; Russia backs out of Ukraine grain deal and bombs Ukraine grain port; and the Hollywood writers and actors strikes were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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TALKERS News Notes

Armstrong & GettyWBEN/Buffalo Adds the Armstrong & Getty Show.  The Armstrong & Getty Show has added yet another major market – WBEN, Buffalo. The Audacy-owned outlet is one of the most respected news/talk radio stations in the country having won numerous state, regional, and national awards for its news reporting.  It is also one of the country’s heritage stations, tracing its beginning to 1922.  WBEN operations director/Audacy news talk format VP Tim Wenger tells TALKERS, “We’re thrilled to have Armstrong & Getty as part of the evening lineup at WBEN. Their entertaining approach to current events and politics is a refreshing way to cap off the daylong programming on the station.” In a joint statement, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty (pictured above left) say, “We’re excited to join the list of great radio voices that have been part of Buffalo and WBEN. Now, more than ever, it’s important that folks get a perspective from outside the mainstream media. We’re here to be that honest voice.” For more information about The Armstrong & Getty Show, contact Eric Weiss at The Weiss Agency: Eric@TheWeissAgency.com or Craig Whetstine at craig@armstrongandgetty.com.

PodcastOne Obtains Rights.  LiveOne subsidiary PodcastOne obtains exclusive network distribution/advertising sales rights to “Some More News” and its Cody Johnston & Katy Stoll-hosted spinoff podcast, “Even More News.” PodcastOne president Kit Gray notes, “With ‘Some More News’ and ‘Even More News,’ Cody and Katy host two intelligent, insightful and incredibly funny vodcasts. Their engaged audiences pair well with our existing programming. As we enter into a never-ending cycle of election year news, we’re looking forward to Cody’s and Katy’s comedic take on what promises to be an endless flood of attention-grabbing headlines. We couldn’t be more thrilled to work with this team to grow their shows and their advertiser audience.”

Portnoy Joins ABC News Radio.  Here just yesterday (TALKERS, Tuesday, 7/11), it was reported that, “Following an eight-and-a half-year run with CBS News Radio, White House correspondent Steven Portnoy is exiting CBS News ‘for a new opportunity.’ It didn’t take long to learn where he’s landing as ABC Audio vice president Liz Alesse today notes Portnoy is national correspondent for ABC News Radio. In a memo, she writes, “Steven has earned his reputation as an insightful, straightforward journalist with over two decades of reporting on politics and breaking news. His work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. As we embark on another pivotal presidential election season, ABC News Radio is committed to upholding those high ideals; Steven’s integrity and tenacity as a journalist will help us achieve that mission.” It is a homecoming for Portnoy who joined ABC News in 2002 as an intern for the White House unit of “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.” In 2006, he was named Washington correspondent for ABC News Radio, providing coverage of the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections and the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden. Portnoy extensively reported on the recent prisoner swap that led to the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner from Russia.

WSJ: Audacy Initiating Debt Restructuring Discussions. Per a Wall Street Journal report, Audacy is about to initiate discussions with creditors regarding a restructuring of the company’s $1.9 billion of debt. Lawyers representing two different groups of creditors have reportedly signed nondisclosure agreements. The report states that one group of senior lenders has hired one law firm, while another group of second lien bondholders has employed another entity to represent them in confidential negotiations. Audacy executed a thirty-for-one reverse stock split at the end of June to initiate compliance with the New York Stock Exchange.

Alpha Portland Change.  Alpha Media Portland (Oregon) content director Keith Abrams exits as his position has been eliminated. The Alpha Media Portland cluster includes news/talk KXL “FM 101 News”; sports talk KXTG “750 The Game”; and news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970.”

Bannister Joins WONE.  Starting next Monday (7/17), Marty Bannister will begin hosting a daily 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm show on iHeartMedia Dayton sports talk WONE “Fox Sports 980.” Bannister does play-by-play of Ohio University men’s and women’s basketball for ESPN3 and high school sports for Spectrum. He previously worked in Columbus as an update anchor for sports talk WBNS-FM “97.1 The Fan.”

TN HOF Banquet To Honor Legacy Class. The Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame awards ceremony and banquet later this month (7/29) in Columbia, Tennessee is a sell-out. The “Legacy Class of 2023” includes: Phil Valentine (Nashville); Sam Phillips (Memphis); E.G. Blackman (Nashville); Johnny Eagle (Chattanooga); Art Gilliam (Memphis); Al “Adams” Johnson (Knoxville); Devon O’Day (Nashville) and Dick Ellis (Tri-Cities). Joining the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame’s board of directors for a two-year term is Jeff Jarnigan from Cumulus Media Knoxville. In addition, Melissa McDonald returns to the board.   

Dr Daliah Wachs and Jimmy GaroppoloLas Vegas Abuzz Over Raiders and Jimmy Garoppolo.  Nationally syndicated, Las Vegas-based TALKERS Heavy Hundred host Dr. Daliah Wachs of the Genesis Communications Network met and received a jersey signed by the new Las Vegas Raider‘s quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The two are pictured (right) at an NFL “Salute To Service” event at Nellis Air Force Base.  Wachs tells TALKERS, “The region is hopeful that Garoppolo will add that winning spark to the team if only he stays healthy.”

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Yesterday’s (6/20) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Hunter Biden agrees to a plea deal to failure to pay taxes charges; Donald Trump’s legal battles, the 2024 presidential race; the search for the missing Titanic submersible; U.S.-China relations; the Russia-Ukraine war, and the extreme heat hitting the Southwest were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

Donald Trump’s legal battles; the 2024 presidential race; Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s visit to China to attempt to smooth U.S.-China relations; today’s Juneteenth Holiday; the uneasy truce between House hardliners and Speaker Kevin McCarthy over spending cuts; the heatwave hitting the U.S. South; and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research fromTALKERS magazine.

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Yesterday’s (5/30) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The debt ceiling deal works its way through congress; the 2024 presidential race and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visits Iowa; global AI leaders call for regulation of AI development to limit possibility of mistakes; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the strained U.S.-China relationship and the countries’ interdependent economies; Ukraine attacks Moscow in ongoing Russia-Ukraine war; UK politicians work to control the country’s soaring inflation; a mob attacks three U.S. Marines in San Clemente, California; and the Los Angeles Dodgers-Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence flap were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Yesterday’s (5/22) Top News/Talk Stories

The negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling; the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump; the 2024 presidential race and the entrance of Senator Tim Scott into the GOP primary; reports that a second IRS whistleblower has been removed from the Hunter Biden investigation; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis versus the LGBTQ community; the three-state pact to reduce use of water from the Colorado River; and the NBA and NHL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend

The negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders over the debt ceiling; the number of migrants applying for asylum in the U.S.; the G7 summit, Volodymyr Zelensky’s participation in the gathering and the Russia/Ukraine war; Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) enters the 2024 presidential race; Donald Trump’s legal battles; the NAACP issues travel advisory for Florida in response to Governor Ron DeSantis policies; and the NHL and NBA playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Yesterday’s (5/3) Top News/Talk Media Stories

Inflation and the Fed’s decision to raise interest rates another quarter point; PacWest bank’s falling stock and concerns about the state of the U.S. banking system; the U.S. debt ceiling and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s determination to get spending cuts in exchange for raising it; Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine after claiming Ukraine attempted a drone strike on the Kremlin to kill Vladimir Putin; the capture of the hospital shooter in Atlanta and the capture of the man suspected of shooting five to death near Houston; a whistleblower’s claim of possession of a document tying Joe Biden to a bribery scheme with a foreign national; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; immigration and President Joe Biden’s decision to send 1,500 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border; NYC subway chokehold death; and New York bans fossil fuels in new construction were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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The Weekend’s Top News/Talk Media Stories

The debt ceiling plan from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy; the 2024 presidential campaign; Donald Trump legal battles; the Supreme Court decision on the abortion drug mifepristone; the exodus of diplomatic staff from Sudan as the violence rages; the Russia-Ukraine war and China’s stance on the sovereignty of former Soviet states; the PR exec responsible for the Bud Light controversy takes a leave of absence; and Bed, Bath & Beyond to go out of business were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research fromTALKERS magazine.

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Yesterday’s (4/12) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The intelligence leak that made public classified Pentagon documents regarding Ukraine, Russia and U.S. allies; the court rulings affecting the abortion pill mifepristone; Fed economists predict a “mild recession” for the U.S. later this year; Tennessee state rep Justin Pearson is returned to the legislature after being ousted for taking part in a gun control demonstration; the aftermath of the deadly Louisville shooting and the topic of gun control; the Russia-Ukraine war and the video that purports to show a Russian soldier beheading a Ukrainian soldier; the legal matters facing former President Donald Trump; U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein leaves committee to recuperate from shingles as some fellow Democrats request her resignation due to her absence; and jury selection to begin in Dominion Voting vs FOX News case were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Yesterday’s (3/22) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The economy, the Fed’s move to increase interest rates again, and fears of a recession; the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank failure and the state of the banking industry; former President Donald Trump’s legal battles; the U.S. government’s move to ban TikTok; two staff members are injured in a shooting at a Denver high school; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the meeting between Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping; and the recent climate change report and the severe weather in Southern California were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Yesterday’s (3/20) Top News Talk Media Stories

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels and his likely indictment; the latest climate change report issued Monday concludes the planet is on pace for severe damage as a result of rising temperatures; China’s Xi Jinping visits Vladimir Putin for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank failure and concerns about global banking troubles; Wyoming outlaws the abortion pill; the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War; and Miami Beach struggles with crowds and violence during Spring Break were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Top News/Talk Media Stories for Week of March 13-17

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank, the issue of banking regulations, and concerns about bank security came together as the most-talked-about story in news/talk media this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the state of the U.S. economy and the related policies of the Federal Reserve, followed by the U.S. drone downed by Russia over the Black Sea and the related Russia-Ukraine war at #3. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

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Yesterday’s (3/15) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank and the efforts to assure Americans about the security if the banking system; the U.S. economy. Fed policy, and concerns about a recession; Russia’s downing of a U.S. drone over the Black Sea and the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the U.S. pushes China to force TikTok sale; Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk hears arguments over the FDA’s approval of the abortion drug mifepristone; the ’24 race for the GOP nomination; the 5,000 mile-wide seaweed blob headed to the shores of Florida were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

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Yesterday’s (3/13) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank, concerns about other banks and the controversy over bank regulation; the government’s inflation report and whether the Fed will hike interest rates or stand pat; U.S.-Mexico border troubles and Texas’ move to create its own border police force; President Joe Biden approves a new oil drilling project in Northern Alaska; the GOP contenders for the ‘24 GOP nomination; Russia’s aggressive assault on eastern Ukraine; China warns U.S. over nuclear sub deal with Australia; former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen set to testify before Manhattan grandy jury investigating the Stormy Daniels hush money allegations; and the atmospheric river dumping more rain on Northern California and the Nor’easter piling snow on the Northeast were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.