Industry News

Talk Host Chris Stigall Wins Congressional Seat

Talk radio host Chris Stigall was elected to Congress yesterday representing Missouri’s U.S. House District 6. The Republican beat Democrat Josh Smead and Libertarian Andy Maidment for the seat occupied by Republican Sam Graves, who is leaving Congress and endorsed his former deputy communications imgdirector. Stigall hosted a show on KCMO, Kansas City in the past. Most recently, Stigall hosted his eponymous talk show syndicated by Salem Radio Network. He gave up his radio show to run for office. KCTV-TV reports, “Stigall campaigned heavily on securing Missouri a seat on the House Agriculture Committee, noting the state currently has no members on it. District 6 includes more than 27,000 farms and drives a large share of the state’s agricultural economy. Stigall said a committee seat would help provide stability for farmers and support passage of a new Farm Bill. He has also called for cutting regulatory ‘red tape’ to make it easier for rural hospitals and health care providers to operate.” See the KCTV-TV coverage here.

Industry News

Rising Canadian Talk Star Added to KMOX, St. Louis Cracking U.S. Radio Market

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Up-and-coming talk radio host David Cooper – star of the syndicated program, “The Last Show” – is being added to the roster of Audacy’s heritage outlet KMOX-AM/FM, St. Louis. KMOX brand manager Steve Moore says, “The show is quirky, curious, unexpected and entertaining – a fresh voice in a crowded radio landscape that gives people something they won’t find anywhere else on the dial. We’re excited to bring David’s unique perspective to KMOX and think St. Louis is going to love it.” The program now airs weeknights from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm on the Midwest powerhouse that will serve as its U.S. flagship.

imgCooper was honored at TALKERS 2026 this past June as the conference’s “Special International Guest” – see photo with Cooper (r) being introduced by Michael Harrison (l).

Cooper already boasts major market clearances across North America, including Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. The show connects listeners with brilliant, primary-source experts in technology, AI, science, psychology, relationships, and pop culture.

 

Driven by genuine curiosity, Cooper steers away from what he describes as “pedantic talk,” guiding guests into “authentic and grounded conversations that connect with a wider audience.” Cooper, a self-described “recovering Silicon Valley software engineer,” created the show to focus on curiosity rather than outrage and divisiveness.

To learn more about “The Last Show with David Cooper” please click here www.lastshow.pizza or contact: Rob Basile at rob@lastshow.pizza or phone 917-300-8042.

Industry News

WIBC, Indy’s Jason Hammer Inks New Deal

Talk radio host Jason Hammer announced via social media that imghe’s singed a multi-year contract extension to continue his role on the “Hammer and Nigel” afternoon drive show on Urban One’s news/talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis. Hammer co-hosts the show with Nigel Laskowski. Hammer posts, “I’m really happy with the outcome here. Thanks to the management team at Urban One and the best agent in the game Heather Cohen for making this happen! LFG!”

Industry News

92.7 WMMB Talk Host Bill Mick to Retire

Longtime Space Coast talk radio host Bill Mick is retiring from iHeartMedia’s “92.7 WMMB, The Space Coast Talks” (WMMB-AM/W224DJ) after today’s show.  iHeartMedia says, “Mick began his Space Coast radio career in 1998 and took over mornings at WMEL in Melbourne in 2001. In 2004, he joined what is now imgiHeartMedia, where ‘Bill Mick LIVE’ became a longtime fixture on Space Coast morning radio.” Prior to his radio career, Mick spent 17 years in law enforcement in his native West Virginia, including roles in patrol, SWAT and as a detective. Mick says, “When I started in radio, I was new to Brevard, but talking with local leaders, newsmakers and our listeners quickly taught me about this community and made it home for me and my family. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who gave me the opportunity to build a career here, and especially to the dedicated audience that has been with me for more than 25 years. The Space Coast is home, and I can’t say thank you enough.”

Industry News

Wayne Allyn Root to Launch New Show on Real America’s Voice TV

Nationally syndicated talk radio host Wayne Allyn Root is launching a new TV show to his hosting duties. The program “America Speaks with Wayne Allyn Root” debuts on Monday (6/1) on Real America’s Voice TV at 10:00 pm ET. Root has been hosting the weekend program “America’s Top Ten Countdown with imgWayne Allyn Root” Saturdays at 12:00 noon for the past four years. The new show will be caller-based, something that Root says has rarely been done on television. He tells TALKERS he tested the caller-based model on a special show last month and received 21,000 calls. Root comments, “The people of America are angry, disillusioned, motivated, and intensely focused on national politics. They want to have their say. They want their ‘15 minutes of fame.’ This is their soapbox. Anyone and everyone will now get to talk with Wayne Allyn Root and give their opinions live on national TV.”

Industry News

Andy Hooser Show Goes National Via Talk Media Network

Wichita-based talk radio host Andy Hooser announces that his radio program “The Voice of Reason with Andy Hooser” is going intoimg syndication via Talk Media Network. The program will be fed live weekdays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Hooser says his program is a “one-hour conservative talk program that focuses on recapping the day’s events and brings a fresh perspective on the big stories of the day with fun conversation and great daily guests.” The program is based at Steckline Communications’ KQAM, Wichita where he serves as operations manager.

Industry News

Dan Bongino to Resign from FBI Gig; Return to Media Considered Likely

Former Cumulus Media | Westwood One talk radio host and current FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced yesterday that he will resign from the in January. He made theimg announcement via a post on X, saying: “I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January. I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her.” President Trump commented on Bongino’s departure saying, “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.” Now, the speculation begins as most industry watchers expect Bongino to return to the conservative talk media ecosystem, where will he resume his media career?

Industry News

Curtis Sliwa to Guest Host on WOR, New York

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New York talk radio host (and Gurdian Angels founder) Curtis Sliwa is getting back behind the mic in NYC for the first time since his unsuccessful bid for mayor. Sliwa – who most recently was hosting a daily show on WABC – will sit in for Mark Simone on iHeartMedia’s WOR December 22 through January 2. Sliwa said he would never return to WABC after the station supported Democrat Andrew Cuomo in the recent mayoral race. Pictured above is WOR program director Tom Cuddy (right) with Sliwa (left). Cuddy says, “Curtis is a true New York original. His energy, knowledge of the city and ability to connect with listeners make him one of the most compelling voices in talk radio. We’re excited to have him on WOR for the holidays.” Sliwa comments, “I’m honored to fill in for Mark Simone. I have worked with him. I have competed against him. He has more connections to those in-the-know than anyone in New York City. I have been in talk radio for 36 years, but ironically it all began when I was a guest on the Arlene Francis show on WOR in 1971. I’ve been talking on the radio ever since, and it doesn’t get any better than to do it back on WOR, where it all started for me.”

Industry News

Talk Host David Gold Dies at 75

The details are few, but former longtime talk radio host David Gold has died at age 75. Goldimg launched his career in the late 1970s in Denver. He would go on to work at WPLP-AM, Tampa before moving to KLIF, Dallas where he was on air from 1986 to 1997. Dallas talk radio host Mark Davis posted the following to X: “A giant loss in the talk radio family.  My friend David Gold, a trailblazer in our format, a conservative warrior without peer, and the north star of the art form on KLIF when I arrived back in my native Texas in 1994.  David has passed at 75.  Rest in peace, my brother.”

Industry News

Todd Starnes Feeds 1,000 Federal Agents

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Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk radio host and owner of news/talk KWAM, Memphis Todd Starnes (left) with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi (right) in Memphis where some 1,000 federal agents gathered as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Starnes tells TALKERS that he received a call from the White House asking if he would be interested in providing a meal to the agents. He agreed and provided a home-cooked meal to the 1,000-plus agents along with Bondi, HUD Secretary Scott Turner, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Bill Hagerty.

Industry News

Dr. Daliah Wachs Show Supports Magical Forest Charity Event

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Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk radio host Dr. Daliah Wachs with her show’s Christmas tree at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest event in Southern Nevada that runs from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Dr. Wachs tells TALKERS that Opportunity Village helps those with intellectual disabilities and their families through enrichment, empowerment, and employment programs and services. Sponsors like her decorate a tree that comprises a huge beautiful magical forest that serves as a major fundraiser for their programs and employment placement. She says, “It’s super cool and our show has helped support their mission for years. We create a ‘medical’ tree with an EKG sign and its one of our favorite local charities we support.”

Industry News

Ross Kaminsky Moves to AM Drive at KOA, Denver

Denver talk radio host Ross Kaminsky reveals changes coming to iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOA-AM/K231BQ effective November 10. Kaminsky will move from his late morning daypart toimg morning drive (6:00 am to 9:00 am). Sister KHOW talk host Michael Brown will take over the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon slot on KOA. Kaminsky says in a social media post, “This will be the first time in decades (or maybe ever, I really don’t know) that KOA has a talk show in ‘morning drive.’ We’ll keep bringing you plenty of news but now we’re doing it in a show that also talks about the news (and lots of other things…the show won’t be very different from my current show.) Psyched to be embarking on this project with @JeanaGondek who I always have so much fun bantering with. The show will be fun, informative, and entertaining…at least that’s the goal!” Kaminsky says the “Colorado’s Morning News” program featuring Gondek will air from 5:00 am to 6:00 am.

Industry News

Iowa Rep Announces Senate Bid on Conway Show

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Pictured above broadcasting live on WHO, Des Moines; WMT, Cedar Rapids; and WOC, Davenport from the Iowa State Fair is talk radio host Simon Conway (right) with U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) (left) as she announces her bid for the U.S. Senate seat that current Senator Joni Ernst will leave at the end of her term in 2026. Conway says, “Quite the honor to be the exclusive home for such a major announcement.”

Industry News

Thomas Adds Saturday Show to TMN Offering

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Talk radio host Joe Thomas says his Talk Media Network-syndicated program “First Thing Today” is launching a live Saturday morning edition beginning August 2. Thomas says, “The workplace paradigm has changed. Most Americans work just as much on Saturday as they do Monday-Friday, so they need to be up on the news and need a chance to talk about it just as much then.” He notes that his first affiliate for this Saturday edition is JVC Broadcasting’s WRCN, Riverhead, New York (Long Island). Thomas says, “WRCN is where my career really took off. I learned so much there, met my wife there, had our first child while I was there so it was a thrill to hear that John Caracciolo and JVC were bringing me back to 103.9 FM on Long Island for the first time since 1995!” Stations interested in the show can inquire via: willis@talkmedianetwork.com.

Industry News

St. Louis Talk Host Witnesses Israel-Iran Conflict

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St. Louis talk radio host Chris Arps – co-host of the “Tim Jones & Chris Arps” show on News/Talk STL (KLJY-HD3/K270BW/KNBS-FM) – was witness to the violence in Israel during a trip to the region. FOX2 Now reports that Arps and his wife are among those who had been taking cover in underground bomb shelters in Israel during their trip. They were traveling with a group that was able to make it out of the region by taking a bus to Jordan. Arps tells FOX2 that he was on a “once-in-a-lifetime trip with a group called ‘Heroes to Heroes’ to see the holy sites in Israel with veterans suffering from PTSD. The trip’s overall goal was to promote spiritual healing.” See the FOX2 Now report here.

Industry News

Tom Sullivan Announces Semi-Retirement from Daily Radio Show

Nationally syndicated talk radio host Tom Sullivan announces that he is going to semi-retire from the business and his daily talk radio program distributed by Talk Media Network will end on May 30. Sullivanimg says, “I am going to hang up the microphone… not completely… this show will come to a screeching halt on May 30. After that going to dabble in world of podcasting… I feel fine, feel healthy, and want to go out on top. I’ve been doing radio for 45 years… how grateful I am for each and every one of you. It’s time to move down the road and take the microphone from radio to podcast.” Sullivan – a successful financial services advisor – began his radio career in 1980 on KFBK, Sacramento doing daily business news reports. He expanded to hosting a general topic talk show first as a fill-host before getting his own program. He would often fill in for Rush Limbaugh on his syndication show and Sullivan later became one of the original hosts on FOX Business Network.

Industry News

Talk Radio Host Joe Pags Swatted; Armed Police Swarm His Home

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Nationally syndicated talk radio host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo’s home was swatted last week, bringing heavily armed police officers to his home at 2:35 in the morning. Pags recounted the events for his listeners and posted video of the segment to X. In it, says that he’s usually up until 5:00 am and therefore was awake when his cameras app told him there was something outside his house. Hisimg camera app showed the image you see in the photo here – a man who appears dressed as a cop with an AR-15 outside his house. Pags says he quickly called 911, identified himself, told the operator he thought he was being swatted and asked if the police were at his house. After confirming that it was the police, Pags was able to get the officers to stand down and they were assured there was no reason to be there. Pags tells his listeners that the goal of the swatters was to get him to grab his gun and go outside, in which case he likely would have been killed. You can listen to the show segment here.

Industry News

Chris Krok Exits WBAP, Dallas

Talk radio host Chris Krok has exited Cumulus Media’s WBAP, Dallas-Fort Worth where he’s been the evening host for the past 13 years. Prior to that, Krok hosted the afternoon show at sister KLIF-AM. He alsoimg did editorials on WFAA-TV, Dallas for six years. Krok shared the following message via his social media: “It’s been an amazing 15-year run at the biggest news/talk station in America’s 4th largest market. We’ve gotten to know each other so well, and I can’t wait to share the airwaves again, doing what God made me to do – tell stories, react to life, and have fun together.” Krok tells TALKERS that he has a nice home studio where he fills in on network and local shows. He says he’s available for fill-in work and is ready to talk about his next opportunity. Reach him at: kroktalk@protonmail.com.

Industry News

Mississippi Talk Host Paul Gallo Dies at 77

According to a report in Mississippi Today, longtime talk radio host Paul Gallo died on Sunday (1/19). Theimg cause of death is not revealed in the story. Gallo’s program, “The Gallo Radio Show,” aired on the SuperTalk network of talk stations across the state. The network issued a statement saying, “For over five decades, Paul didn’t just talk about Mississippi — he helped shape its story. Paul dedicated his life to his listeners, his state, and the pursuit of the truth. From DJ to program director, from sales and management to ownership, Paul mastered every facet of the industry.”

Industry News

Trump-Backing Talker John Fredericks Dubs Project 2025 a “Grifter Sh*t Show”

On the heels of the resignation of Paul Dans, who served as the director of the Heritage Foundation’s controversial Project 2025, talk radio host and broadcasting entrepreneur John Fredericks is calling Project 2025 “an unauthorized grifter sh*t show that was generated by The Heritage Foundation for the sole purpose of raising money.” Fredericks is a dyed-in-the-wool Donald Trump supporter and operator of 10 conservativeim news/talk stations plus the John Fredericks Radio Network. He adds, “This undertaking was never authorized, sanctioned, or endorsed by President Trump or his campaign. Despite several very direct public communications disavowing any affiliation by Trump campaign senior staff, the fake news continued to propagate phony stories, which The Heritage Foundation and their Project 2025 leaders were willing and happy to substantiate. Sources say President Trump made the decision to shut it down himself. Good riddance to yet another grift charade using Trump to raise money.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison commented on Fredericks’ statement saying, “It has been disturbing watching the once-honored think tank known for its even-handed academic fastidiousness devolve into what is now perceived as just another fund-raising propaganda machine in the mud-slinging political wars. This is the kind of credibility squandering that damages the true American conservative moment and people’s confidence in all political organizations.”

Industry News

Mike Church Show to Give Away a New Car

Nationally syndicated talk radio host Mike Church says his program will give away a brand-new 2024im Kia Sportage on July 4, 2024. Church explains, “We want to provide our listeners with a good, old-fashioned, fun on-air radio contest with the kind of grand prize that Makes Radio Contests Great Again. Listeners can compete each day during the contest to win a free sweepstakes ticket, or they can purchase discounted tickets in our Founders Tradin’ Post Store by using a special code that we’ll announce each day.” Church’s program airs live daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 am ET on his CRUSADE Radio Network.

Industry News

Former OK City Talk Host Carole Arnold Dies at 85

The Oklahoman reports that former Oklahoma City talk radio host Carole Arnold died last Friday at age 85 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Arnold worked for then-Clear Channel Communications for about 20 years, including eight as a host at news/talk KTOK. She left KTOK in 1996 and later worked at KNOR, Norman and KOMA, Oklahoma City (now KOKC). Read the full obit here.

Industry News

Todd Starnes Speaks at Reagan Ranch

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Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk radio host Todd Starnes delivering the keynote address at the Young America’s Foundation’s National High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. All students received a copy of Starnes’ newest book, Twilight’s Last Gleaming: Can America Be Saved? (Post Hill Press 2023), based on a speech delivered by President Ronald Reagan.