Industry News

Jenny Tartikoff Named Senior Vice President and Head of Communications for SiriusXM

Jenny TartikoffSiriusXM today (8/6) announced that Jenny Tartikoff has been named senior vice president and head of communications, effective August 10, 2026. Tartikoff will report to president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein and lead SiriusXM’s overall communications and public relations strategy and execution. She will be responsible for promoting the company’s content and business narrative while serving as a senior advisor to the company’s leadership team on major business developments and high-profile moments. Tartikoff brings more than 20 years of communications experience across media, entertainment, and technology. She most recently served as EVP, Global Communications at Paramount Pictures, where she led internal and external corporate communications, corporate social responsibility and awards strategy for the studio’s live-action and animation properties. During her tenure, Tartikoff guided the company’s communications through the industry’s post-pandemic recovery and the evolution of Paramount’s multi-platform release strategy.

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TALKERS News Notes

PodcastOne Brings Billy Corgan Aboard. PodcastOne acquires the exclusive sales and distribution rights to the Billy Corgan-hosted entertainment interview podcast, “The Magnificent Others.” Corgan Launched the podcast in 2025 and has published 76 episodes interviewing stars including Courtney Love, Gene Simmons, Billy Idol, Steve Stevens, Dave Davies, Tom Morello, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Barry Williams, Sharon Osbourne, and more.

SiriusXM Fires Up WWE Radio. SiriusXM and WWE are launching the WWE Radio channel on the satellite service. This new channel will provide play-by-play audio coverage of all of WWE’s biggest Premium Live Events including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble and Survivor Series. In addition to these live event broadcasts, the channel will feature select audio simulcasts of WWE’s weekly flagship television programming.

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Audacy Sports, News and Talk Stations to Air on SiriusXM

Audacy has entered into a deal with SiriusXM to bring 42 of its sports talk, all-news and news/talk stations from 29 markets to the satellite radio platform. The first group of stations to be available on SiriusXM are 23 sports talk outlets, including WFAN, New York; WSCR, Chicago; WIP, Philadelphia and more. All-news and news/talk stations – including WINS, New York; WBBM, Chicago;img and KCBS, San Francisco – will become available “later this year.” Audacy CEO and president Kelli Turner states, “Audacy’s sports brands are deeply connected to the cities, teams and fan communities they serve, and being able to extend our reach nationally through SiriusXM is a natural fit. We look forward to working together with imgSiriusXM to bring our outstanding talent and content to sports fans and news and talk listeners wherever they are, providing our audiences with more ways to stay connected to the conversations that matter most to them.” SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein adds, “We also recognize the unique role local personalities play in connecting fans with their teams every day. By adding Audacy’s extensive lineup of sports stations, we’re making those trusted hometown voices available to fans wherever they are across North America. Together, we’re delivering an even more complete audio experience – bringing live games, premier national sports talk, and hometown conversations together in one place.”

Industry News

Report: Howard Stern Lays Off Staffers; Will Do One New Show Per Week This Fall

According to a report in the New York Post by Oli Coleman, SiriusXM’s Howard Stern Show laid off “around a dozen” staffers imgas the show prepares to offer just one fresh program per week when Stern returns from his summer break after Labor Day. When Stern renewed with SiriusXM last December, he said the new deal gave him more flexibility and that apparently means fewer workdays. The Post reports that a core group of producers is being retained but with the new schedule, “he just doesn’t need that much content anymore.” Read the Post story here.

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SiriusXM Unveils Coverage of U.S. Open Championship

SiriusXM is covering the 126th U.S. Open Championship from Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York with live shot-by-shot coverage across all four days imgof Championship play June 18-21. Leading up to the first day of play, numerous SiriusXM sports talk hosts will broadcast their programs from Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, including Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo hosting “Mad Dog Unleashed” on Tuesday, June 16. in Southampton, NY.

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Report: SiriusXM-iHeartMedia Talks Have Stalled

The New York Times’ DealBook reported on Friday (5/29) that the talks about a potential acquisition of iHeartMedia by SiriusXM are imgoff – at least for now. That the two media firms were in preliminary talks first broke in early May. As DealBook notes, there is a history between the two companies: “Liberty SiriusXM Group, once an affiliate of John Malone’s media empire, used to hold significant stakes in both companies. Liberty SiriusXM eventually sold its stake in iHeartMedia (primarily a broadcast radio company) and split off its ownership of SiriusXM (primarily a satellite radio company) into a separate entity.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Look at the Actual Numbers

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A Walter Sterling
Host, The Other Side of Midnight
WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks

imgBillionaires make predominantly good investments, which is why they are billionaires.

John Malone saved Sirius with a $500 million investment just days from the company missing payroll. He remains the controlling shareholder.

Warren Buffett just made a significant investment in highly profitable SiriusXM.

George Soros owns Audacy. Audacy’s robust list of major market radio stations are jewels that require a better financial structure. Soros Fund Management bought $400,000,000 of the company’s debt and controlling ownership. Note that Soros now owns all but one of the country’s all-news stations.

Apollo Advisor’s billionaire CEO Marc Rowan  a former candidate for Secretary of the U.S. Treasury – owns Cox Radio and Television. Apollo was an original investor in Sirius.

John Catsimatidis wrote a check for WABC-AM and is buying more properties. Radio properties. Cats owns an oil refinery, land, and the Gristedes supermarket chain, but his focus is on WABC Radio.

The health of radio? The future? Those sharp investors, brutal businesspeople, determine the business future of radio, and they are apparently very optimistic!

Failing industries don’t expand

In 1970, there were 2,126 commercial stations in the U.S.

Today there are:

  • AM stations: 4,342
  • FM commercial stations: 6,589
  • FM noncommercial (educational) stations: 4,755

Sell the biggest number

Cable channels are investor valued by “Homes Passed.” Not audience or cash flow. How many people who can see the programming rather than how many people actually see the programming.  Now apply that logic to radio station values.

BILLBOARDS sell impressions. Impressions represent the total number of people who could potentially see a billboard ad.  That is the biggest number by which billboard can be measured, so that’s what they sell.

DIRECT MAIL is the number one local ad medium. It is data driven beyond your wildest dreams. Direct mail automation uses real-time signals and integrated data to deliver mail at the most meaningful point in the customer journey. For example, when someone abandons a shopping cart or repeatedly views a product online, you can design a programmatic mailing campaign to automatically send print pieces in response to that specific consumer behavior.

Rather than pushing the biggest, stable number – CUME – radio sells the smallest measurements. Radio’s 100+ years of success, astonishing outlet growth, 92% penetration of American homes, 65% daily population usage deserve has earned a much higher commercial unit price.

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “The Other Side of Midnight” is heard on WABC, New York and the Red Apple Audio Network 1:00 am – 5:00 am. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.  He can be phoned at 646-678-1110.

Industry News

New York Festivals Radio Awards Announce Winners

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New York Festivals Storytellers Gala announces the 2026 Radio Awards winners and American media companies taking home trophies include ESPN, NPR, Alabama Media Group, WBEZ, SiriusXM, Bloomberg, iHeartMedia and CBS News. NYF says, “Engaging storytelling and audio innovation took center stage at the 2026 Storytellers Gala virtual event, celebrating the achievements of global creators in radio and podcasting. Innovative audio storytelling from creators across six continents was evaluated by the New York Festivals 2026 Radio Awards Grand Jury. This year’s winners reflect the impressive range of the medium, spanning audiobooks, podcasts, drama, documentaries, breaking news, entertainment, and music, and showcasing work from global networks, production companies, and independent storytellers.” For the second consecutive year, CBC/Radio-Canada was named New York Festivals Radio Awards Broadcaster of the Year. See all the winners here.

Industry News

The John Kasich Show to Debut on SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. Channel

Former Ohio Governor John Kasich is joining SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. channel as host of the Saturday morning political talk program “The John Kasich Show,” premiering this weekend (5/23). The former presidential candidate says, img“There’s too much shouting and not enough listening in our country right now. I’ve always believed in unity over division, personal responsibility, service to others, and the ability of everyday Americans to make a difference. This show is about slowing things down, having honest conversations, and creating a place where people can reflect, find clarity, and focus on what still unites us in a noisy world.” The show airs from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon ET with a Sunday replay.

Industry News

Report: SiriusXM in Talks to Acquire iHeartMedia

According to a report by Lauren Hirsch and Benjamin Mullen in The New York Times, SiriusXM is in the early stage of talks to acquire iHeartMedia. The report notes that neither company responded to imgrequests for comment. The report states, “Liberty SiriusXM Group, once an affiliate of John Malone’s media empire, formerly held significant stakes in both companies. But it eventually sold its stake in iHeartMedia, primarily a broadcast radio company, and split off its ownership of SiriusXM, the satellite radio company, into a separate entity.” The story goes on to underscore that the talks are in the early stages, and a deal may not take place. See the Times story here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Presslaff Named 2026 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc named Ruth Presslaff the 2026 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. She is the founder of Presslaff Interactive Revenue, former MIW board president, and current MIW advisory board member. The Trailblazer Award is named for music industry pioneer and longtime BMI president and CEO Frances Preston. Presslaff was honored on Monday (4/20) during the 2026 NAB Show.

SiriusXM Announces NFL Draft Coverage. SiriusXM will cover all seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft from Pittsburgh Thursday through Saturday (4-23-25) on the NFL Radio channel. The broadcast will be anchored by Jason Horowitz with expert analysis from will be provided by Pat Kirwan, Jacob Hester, Danny Kanell, and Bobby Carpenter.

Industry News

ABC News and SiriusXM Partner for Two Channels

SiriusXM and ABC News are collaborating on two new channels for the satellite service. The ABC News Live channel delivers around-the-clockimg coverage of breaking news across the United States and around the globe. The 20/20 True Crime channel will launch in the coming weeks and will be a nonstop destination for in-depth storytelling from 20/20 and ABC News. The channel will feature award-winning narrative podcasts, full episodes of 20/20, installments of 20/20: The After Show, and curated cases from the 20/20 True Crime Vault.

Industry News

Talk Radio News Pro Chris Barnes Dies at 66

Former radio host and news director Chris Barnes died on April 14 at the age of 66 from a blood infection that led to live and kidney failure. Syracuse.com reports that he posted a video to Facebook hours before his passing at Reading Hospital in West Reading, Pennsylvania, saying, img“I had a good run. I spent every cent I ever made… I would have rather saved some, but you can’t take it with you. I love you all. Thank you so much.” Barnes began his radio career in the 1980s at WEOK-WPDH in Poughkeepsie, followed by a nearly four-year run as an afternoon news anchor and reporter for WGHQ-WBPM in Kingston. He served as morning news anchor and news director for WSYR, Syracuse; worked at “All News 99.1 WNEW” in Washington, DC, as well as with USA Today Channel on SiriusXM in Washington; FOX News Radio in New York; and The Blaze Radio Network in Washington. DC. See the Syracuse.com obituary here.

Industry News

New York Festivals Unveils the 2026 Radio Awards Shortlist, Showcasing Global Audio Excellence

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The New York Festivals (NYF) 2026 Radio Awards unveils the 2026 Radio Awards Shortlist. NYF says, “Innovative audio storytelling from creators across six continents was carefully evaluated by the New York Festivals 2026 Radio Awards Grand Jury. This year’s shortlist reflects the breadth of the medium, featuring entries across audiobooks, podcasts, drama, imgdocumentary, breaking news, entertainment, and music, submitted by global networks, production companies, and independent storytellers.” Submissions of note include programs from Alabama Media Group, Bloomberg, CBS News, ESPN, NPR, and SiriusXM. Award-winning entries will be announced during the New York Festivals 2026 Storytellers Gala virtual event on May 21. The virtual event will include featured global audio and video highlights, award winners’ acceptance speeches from around the world, and up-close and personal spotlights featuring some of radio and television’s most respected storytellers. See the complete shortlist here.

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

New York Archbishop to Host New Program. SiriusXM announces that new Archbishop of New York Ronald Hicks will host a new program for SiriusXM’s Catholic Channel, titled, “All Good Things with Archbishop Hicks. The program takes over the time slot previously held by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who hosted “Conversations with Cardinal Dolan.”

Louisville Public Media Adds New Programs. Louisville Public Media expands its lineup with three new programs: “Sports in America” with David Greene from PRX and WHYY; “Click Here” with Dina Temple-Raston from PRX and Recorded Future News; and “Eastern Standard” from WEKU in Richmond, Kentucky. LPM president and CEO Kenya Young comments, “In listening to our audiences — those who have supported LPM for years and those we have yet to reach — one thing is unmistakably clear: people value programming that speaks to where they live. They want journalism and storytelling grounded in their communities, their state and the issues that shape their lives.”

Kevin Frazier to Appear at BFOA Gala. Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that “Entertainment Tonight” co-host Kevin Frazier will introduce Stephen A Smith, the recipient of the BFOA’s inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award at the organization’s Gala and Fundraiser taking place Monday (3/9) at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Industry News

Report: Jim Miller Gone from SiriusXM NFL Channel Under Mysterious Circumstances

According to a report from Awful Announcing, sports talk host Jim Miller is no longer co-hosting the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel’s “Movin’ the Chains with Pat Kirwan.” Kirwan and Miller were supposed to work together from Super Bowl week in San Francisco, but Miller was noticeably absent,img causing listeners to speculate about his status. Earlier this week Kirwan addressed the matter saying, “As most of you have noticed, Jim Miller was not with us last week at the Super Bowl. We’re going to let all of you know, today, that Jim is no longer a member of the SiriusXM team. We’re grateful for all of Jim’s insights and contributions through his many years on SiriusXM, and I’m personally grateful to have him as my on-air teammate for a long time. I wish him the best going forward, as all of you will as well. For the sake of Jim, we should leave this subject as it is and hope and pray that he gets on with his life and things go well.”

Industry News

SiriusXM Reports 2025 Revenue of $8.56 Billion

SiriusXM reports its operating results for 2025 and reveals total revenue ofimg $8.558 billion, a 2% decline from 2024. However, the satellite and internet broadcaster posts net income of $805 million for 2025 compared to the net loss of $2.01 billion it reported for 2024. SiriusXM is reporting that it had 31.3 million self-pay subscribers at the end of 2025, compared to the 31.6 million it reported at the end of 2024 – a dip of 1%.

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TALKERS News Notes

SiriusXM Reveals Super Week Programming. SiriusXM says it is presenting comprehensive coverage of Super Bowl LX Week from San Francisco next week. Subscribers will get multiple game broadcasts, a dedicated pop-up channel, plus exclusive live sports and entertainment programming originating from the Super Bowl LX Media Center.   

Benztown Offering Free Winter Games AudioPack. Benztown is offering radio stations its Winter Games AudioPack at no charge. Benztown says it “brings the excitement and action of the upcoming Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 to stations and includes sound effects, music beds, and sweepers – everything stations need to quickly produce timely, high impact imaging that will take their listeners to Italy for all the Olympic feels and chills.”

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Stephen A. Smith to Receive Inaugural BFOA Broadcast Personality of the Year Award

ESPN and SiriusXM personality Stephen A. Smith is being honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America with its first-ever “Broadcast Personality of the Year Award” that will be presented during the BFOA’s Gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on March 9. BFoA presidentimg Tim McCarthy comments, “We are excited to introduce the Broadcast Personality of the Year Award and there is no one better to be our first honoree than Stephen. There are very few in broadcasting that are as authentic as Stephen. His tremendous work ethic and candid delivery make Stephen a personality on any platform that you must pay attention to, and I know first-hand his work ethic is second to none.” Smith says, “I am honored to receive this recognition from Tim and the Broadcasters Foundation. The Broadcasters Foundation is a unique charity that helps support those in our industry who are suffering under the most daunting circumstances. I am delighted to be a part of this important fundraising gala that will help so many.”

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Adam Carolla Re-Ups with PodcastOne and Joins SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly Channel

Comedian and podcaster Adam Carolla signs a multiyear extension with PodcastOne to continue producing his eponymous podcast. At the same time, it’s being announced that beginning January 26, “The Adam Carollaimg Podcast” joins SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Channel for same-day distribution of Carolla’s daily show, Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:00 am – 9:00 am ET. PodcastOne co-founder Kit Gray states, “PodcastOne is thrilled to extend our relationship with Adam and his ‘The Adam Carolla Show.’ Adam has paved the way for podcasters around the globe and his podcast is continuously growing with audiences and with advertisers. We’re proud to be working alongside one of the greatest in the business as he sets the tone for success in the genre.”

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SiriusXM Launches Chris Cuomo Show on POTUS Channel

The new program hosted by former CNN personality and current NewsNation host Chris Cuomo is titled, “Cuomo Mornings,” and airs from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on its bi-partisan P.O.T.U.S. channel. SiriusXM says, “Built around the idea that the country is more than red vs. blue, ‘Cuomo Mornings’ will focus on breaking down party lines and elevating honest,img solutions-oriented conversations about the political, cultural, and social issues shaping Americans’ lives… expected guests in the show’s first days include James Carville, Bob Costas, Mark Cuban, former Senator Joe Manchin, Gov. Wes Moore, Sen. Rand Paul and more. Cuomo comments, “Too much of our politics is about teams instead of truth. ’Cuomo Mornings’ is going to be about breaking through those barriers, asking better questions, and bringing people into the conversation instead of talking past them. We need to prioritize common sense, accountability, and real dialogue, and SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. channel is exactly where that belongs. I’m very excited to be back on the platform and to engage with callers every day. Let’s get after it.”

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Stern to Stay with SiriusXM for Three More Years

SiriusXM and Howard Stern announce that Stern will continue to host his program on the satellite service for three more years. Stern told listeners, “I am happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all. More free time and continuing to be on the radio. Yes,img we are coming back for three years. Thanks to the good folks here at SiriusXM, who I told you, I really do adore. I was able to create Robin [Quivers] a more flexible schedule and so we’ll be back. I know you and I have talked about it privately Robin, even though you’re pretending you didn’t know the announcement. But I did check with my Robin to see that she was up for it as well because if Robin wasn’t up for it, then I wasn’t going to do it. I still do love being on the radio. I think the show is better than ever, I really do believe that in my heart.” Stern’s five-year, $100 million contract ends this month and speculation about whether he and SiriusXM would be able to come to terms on a new deal or even if Stern wanted to continue began last summer with many media pundits predicting the end of their relationship.

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Dr. Laura Raises Funds for Children of Fallen Patriots

SiriusXM talk host Dr. Laura Schlessinger raised more than $15,000 for the Children ofimg Fallen Patriots charity through her Holiday Designs Store that sells her hand-crafted art. Children of Fallen Patriots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing college and trade school scholarships, educational assistance, and career support to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. She says, “The generous support of my listeners and their purchases from my Holiday Store have provided crucial support for this wonderful organization dedicated to helping military families in need.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

SiriusXM Debuts College Hoops Season Coverage. Satcaster SiriusXM is recognizing today’s first day of the 2025-26 college basketball season by presenting 77 live men’s and women’s game broadcasts, including #7 Duke visiting #16 Baylor in women’s action at 12:00 noon ET, and #13 Arizona hosting #3 Florida on the men’s side at 7:00 pm ET.

New Affiliate for Donal Ware. “BOXTOROW” with sports and entertainment host Donal Ware adds non-commercial KCEP-FM, Las Vegas to its roster of affiliate station. Ware says, “We are happy to have them aboard. BOXTOROW was a media partner of the Las Vegas HBCU Classic that took place last week, so to now be able to bring BOXTOROW to Las Vegas is a blessing and exciting.