Tag: TALKERS

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (November 2-6, 2026)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (11/2-6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Midterm Blue Wave
  2. Future of MAGA Movement
  3. Iran War
  4. The Economy / Markets Sell-Off
  5. Jeffries Moves to Become Speaker
  6. Israel Leadership Battle
  7. Pete Hegseth’s Future
  8. European Protests
  9. California Billionaire Tax
  10. Russia-Ukraine War

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. JD Vance
  3. James Talarico
  4. Abdul El-Sayed
  5. Jon Ossoff
  6. Roy Cooper
  7. Hakeem Jeffries
  8. Benjamin Netanyahu
  9. Pete Hegseth
  10. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelensky

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry Views

The Never-Ending Story

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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By Michael Harrison
Publisher
TALKERS

imgIn the nearly four decades that I have been publishing TALKERS, I’m consistently asked by reporters who cover media and politics, “Now that the election is over, what is talk radio going to have to talk about?” This inquiry is based on the false – but widely held assumption – that “talk radio” is a one-trick pony. Drives me nuts.

This question hasn’t been limited to elections (although they lead the pack). It also comes after the resolution of wars (the two Persian Gulf wars were biggies), and major murder trials with racial overtones (O.J. Simpson comes to mind and let’s not forget the tragic saga of George Floyd). We need a good “reckoning” every now and then in this country.

There is also a variation of the question that I’ve fielded consistently at the end of each year: “What will next year’s big talk show topic be?” This one is easy. I always say, “The unknown.”  Two mighty examples of that were 9/11 and Covid-19.

I’m often asked, “What would it take to bring people together during these polarized times?”  My answer: “A hefty asteroid impact.”

I clearly remember an incident on April 19, 1995, while being interviewed by a reporter for The New York Times about the mechanics and philosophy of talk radio programming. He asked, “So what will be next week’s big topic on talk shows?” (As if I’m a fortune teller.)

As he was delivering the question, I noticed out of the corner of my eye on the Sony TV screen mounted near the ceiling of the TALKERS newsroom, the gigantic explosion of a building that was identified on the chyron as the Federal Building in Oklahoma City.  I instantly responded, “Turn on CNN… I think it’s happening right now.”

So back to the election.  Every ending launches a new beginning. Talk radio is a competitive game based upon the strategy of positioning. It’s sort of like a log rolling contest.

It requires a deft balance between leaning left or right and understanding the perplexing laws of gravity, momentum, and inertia.

It also requires an understanding of the true nature of marketplace conditions and the ever-changing state of public opinion.

Most important, it requires an understanding of the target core and the awareness that sometimes you have to piss off segments of it in order to maintain forward momentum.

There really is no such thing as “mass appeal” in talk radio. Back when Michael Savage was the highest rated talker in San Francisco, I was often asked, “How is it possible for such a conservative figure to be the top guy in one of the most liberal markets in America?”

My answer, “Because talk radio (and radio in general) is not an election. It is a competition for fractions of a point within niches. Michael Savage couldn’t get elected dog catcher in San Francisco… but he has the right appeal to a disenfranchised minority that is large enough to put him on top in his niche. The game is played the way the game is scored.”

I’ve always believed that there is a place for the left and a place for the right in talk radio.  And as any sailor knows, the winds can change direction on a dime.  The lefties have their work cut out for them and hopefully will take advantage of this new opportunity.

But all is not lost for the righties. Hardly! They are now finally free to move forward and cultivate the fascinating and engaging rebuilding of the very legitimate American Conservative movement without having to kiss the ass of a man who has hijacked both radio and frittered away the legitimacy of its content for far too long.

Michael Harrison can be reached at michael@talkers.com.    

Industry Views

Broadcasters Know Both Sides to the Benefits of Fair Use

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgAt 8:15 am, a radio host plays part of a television interview and explains why the guest’s answer deserves scrutiny. By noon, another program has clipped that host’s commentary and is taking it apart. The first use feels like doing the job. The second can feel like somebody helping themselves to your work, especially when they sell advertising around it.

That tension gives broadcasters a useful perspective on OpenAI’s October 30 statement, “Fair use benefits everyone.” The company assembled arguments supporting fair use in its copyright litigation involving news publishers, emphasizing benefits to creators, researchers, and the public. It is advocacy from a party to the litigation, not a judicial ruling. But the broader proposition deserves consideration from an industry that regularly experiences fair use from both directions.

For a talk host, the benefit can be immediate. An audience may need to hear the disputed answer, see the advertisement, or examine the passage before the host’s criticism makes sense. Requiring permission for every such use could give the subject of criticism considerable control over the discussion. Fair use provides room for qualifying commentary and reporting without that permission, although calling a segment “news” does not automatically establish the defense.

Now move to the other microphone. Your station secured the interview, paid the producer, developed the questions, and cultivated the audience. Another outlet extracts the most revealing exchange and uses it to challenge your coverage. Your investment matters to the business, but it does not automatically give you the power to prevent criticism that qualifies as fair use.

Change the example again. Instead of analyzing your interview, the other outlet uploads a substantial uninterrupted portion, adds a brief introduction, and offers listeners much of the experience your station produced. That raises a different question about substitution and the market for your work. The analysis considers the purpose, the nature of the original, the amount and significance taken, and the effect on its potential market, rather than simply counting seconds or checking for a credit.

This is where broadcasters can contribute something valuable to the AI debate. They understand why access to existing expression supports new commentary, and why producing that expression costs money. They also know that a competing program can win listeners through better reporting or sharper analysis. Competition alone does not tell us whether someone has improperly used protected material.

OpenAI and its supporters argue that training models serve a different purpose from publishing the works used to train them. Broadcasters can take that argument seriously while still asking what material was copied, how it was obtained, and what uses the law permits. Training a model, generating an answer, and publishing that answer involve distinct conduct. A persuasive argument about one does not automatically resolve the others.

The practical discipline is consistency. Before borrowing, identify what the audience needs to encounter and what your program contributes. Before objecting to someone else’s borrowing, examine whether they are criticizing your work or supplying a substitute for it. Neither the presence of advertising nor your understandable irritation settles the question.

That experience on both sides of the microphone is central to my book, Playing the Clip, which examines fair use in the daily work of media creation. Broadcasters need meaningful protection for what they produce, and meaningful freedom to examine what others produce. Fair use benefits the profession by helping preserve both, even when its application to our own work feels less comfortable.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonLegalGroup.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Talk Media Superstar Sean Hannity’s New Podcast Catching Fire

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

The latest talk show starring Sean Hannity jumped into the top 50 in Edison Research’s The Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. chart for the third quarter of 2026 (based on weekly audience) and sits at #44. This isn’t the podcast edition of “The Sean Hannity Show” syndicated by Premiere Networks but “Hang Out with Sean Hannity,” produced by FOX News Media. Shot with a casual vibe on Hannity’s man-cave set, the podcast allows Hannity to explore a broader range of topics and interview a surprising array of imgguests. Recent interviews have included Stephen A. Smith, Kathie Lee Gifford, Vanilla Ice, Franklin Graham, Rahm Emanuel, Cornel West, and Adam Carolla.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who has closely followed Hannity’s career since his early days as a promising radio upstart in Huntsville, AL, sang the host’s praises in a recent statement: “I am thrilled but not surprised to see Sean’s success with this new podcast vehicle. It provides the icon with a much wider playing field going way beyond politics where he can display his natural conversational skills, warmth, and charisma across the spectrum of pop culture. Marvelous!”

Regarding this latest career development, Hannity tells TALKERS, “Having reached a couple of milestones this year, 30 years at FOX, my 25th anniversary in radio syndication, has simply resulted in a gratitude and gratefulness to be so blessed to do what I love to do every day. Now that I’ve added the podcast, which is completely different than both the radio and TV shows, it has simply added a new passion in my life. I love the ability to talk about faith, the mysteries of life and the universe, and so much more. I’m grateful, most of all, to the people that give me this special gift every day. My viewers and listeners. They encourage me to always want to exceed expectations and to always do my best.  It is one of the most rewarding things I do.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 25-29)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/25-29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Midterms / Trump on Campaign Trail
  2. Peltola Campaign Allegations
  3. U.S. Economy Grows / Affordability
  4. Trump Teases New Iran Strikes / Hegseth Fires Lt. General
  5. Israeli Elections / Bolsonaro Settles in Miami
  6. New Comey Prosecution / Maurene Comey Firing Overturned
  7. Anthropic IPO / AI Concerns
  8. DHS Hacked
  9. Trump’s Potomac Golf Project
  10. U.S.-Canada Trade Talks

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. JD Vance
  3. Abdul El-Sayed / Mike Rogers
  4. Ken Paxton / James Talarico
  5. Vivek Ramaswamy / Amy Acton
  6. Barack Obama
  7. Mary Peltola
  8. Pete Hegseth / Brett Sylvia
  9. James Comey / Maurene Comey
  10. Flavio Bolsonaro

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Longtime WOLB, Baltimore Host Larry Young Actively Supporting Gov. Wes Moore Reelection Bid

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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Longtime WOLB, Baltimore talk show host Larry Young (seated, center) has been an active force in Maryland politics and community activities for decades.  A past recipient of the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award, Young is pictured with a group of supporters of the Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) reelection bid.  They call themselves the GOTV Squad, and they have been engaging in daily events including distributing T-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers and posters as well as car waves, canvassing, and running a phone bank.

Industry Views

Harrisons Take a Shot at the Fermi Paradox with The ALIEN

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is a longtime advocate of talk radio and associated talk media expanding the scope of their spoken-word content to include a wider spectrum of popular subject matter. One such realm that has fascinated the iconic broadcasting figure since childhood is space exploration, and the search for extra-terrestrial life. According to Harrison, “One of the hottest non-partisan topics in social and digital media today is ‘The Fermi Paradox’ – a discussion that centers around a simple burning question, considering the extremely high odds of life existing throughout the universe, where is everybody?”  

Harrison and his son, TALKERS associate publisher, media attorney, and digital content producer, Matthew B. Harrison –

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The ALIEN as portrayed by Michael Harrison

whose online vignettes, commercials, and Gunhill Road music videos have attracted well over a million views on the internet – have teamed up to produce a 4:30 “digital film” titled, The ALIEN which tackles the Fermi Paradox from a perspective that is extremely contrary to popular science community sensibilities.  Regarding that, Michael Harrison boldly proclaims, “Our message – delivered by an extremely advanced alien individual played by me – borders on blasphemy by YouTube standards.  I hope I’m not banished from the galaxy.” To view The ALIEN in its entirety, please click here.  To arrange an interview with Michael Harrison to discuss this far out topic, please email info@talkers.com or phone 413-565-5413.        

Industry News

Radio Exec John McConnell Working to Support Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Regular readers of TALKERS may be aware that longtime media executive and current EVP of talent & content at Workhouse Media imgJohn McConnell suffered a severe cycling accident in November of 2005 that left him briefly paralyzed with C1 and C2 spinal fractures. Exactly one year to the day after his injury, he joined Team Reeve, the peer-to-peer endurance fundraising program of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and completed the New York City Marathon. That sparked a 20-year commitment to run marathons for Team Reeve and has provided him with compelling insights on how to drive philanthropic impact. McConnell has since joined the Foundation’s board of trustees and currently serves as vice chair. He’s helped raise millions of dollars for spinal cord injury research and the National Paralysis Resource Center. Read more about his story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 19-23)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/19-23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Midterms / Trump on the Campaign Trail
  2. Russia-Ukraine War Peace Negotiations / Stephen Hubbard Freed
  3. Starshield Controversy
  4. Violent Protests in France
  5. The Economy / AI and Data Centers
  6. U.S.-Iran War
  7. Trump Approval Numbers
  8. SCOTUS Trans Prison Care Ruling / Border Wall Request
  9. Mississippi Toddler Slaying Ruling
  10. Oregon School Shooting

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Vivek Ramaswamy / Amy Acton
  3. Abdul El-Sayed / Mike Rogers
  4. JD Vance
  5. Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelensky
  6. Steve Witkoff
  7. Elon Musk
  8. Scott Bessent
  9. Emannuel Macron
  10. Ilhan Omar

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Thomas Media’s WTON-AM Returns to Air After a Year

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Thomas Media co-owner Joe Thomas tells TALKERS that his radio station WTON-AM, Staunton, Virginia is back on the air. He says the station was evicted from the transmitter site a year ago imgand survived via an STA (special temporary authority) on their two FM repeaters in Harrisonburg and Charlottesville. Thomas says, “Ask my high school teachers. All my projects were done just in the nick of time!” He thanks his engineer Alan Williams, the engineers at Kintronics and his lawyer Patrick Cross from Brooks-Pierce for getting the FCC to give their approval. Pictured here are (from l-r): Thomas Media general manager Vinnie Kice, Elaine Thomas, and Joe Thomas with the Virginia Association of Broadcasters’ CT Lucy Lifetime Achievement award and the 2026 Best Newscast award.

Industry News

WPHT, Philly Talk Host Kathy Barnette Presenting Second Annual F3 Forum

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

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For the second consecutive year, WPHT, Philadelphia talk show host, community activist, and former U.S. Senate candidate Kathy Barnette is presenting what is billed as the F3 Forum. The one-day event focuses on faith, family, and the future of education in America.  Barnette tells TALKERS, “The gathering of educators, pasters, and community leaders will explore improving the condition of education in Philadelphia and America – what works, and how we can create the conditions for success.  The F3 Forum takes place next Saturday, October 24 between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at Brand Mills in Philadelphia.  It promises to be an uplifting and important event. For complete information including registration and agenda details, please click here. www.kathybarnette.com.

Industry News

TALKERS to Serve as the Presenting Sponsor for 2027 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference – Harrisons Set to Speak

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

imgFor the third consecutive year, TALKERS will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Conference. The event – IBSNYC – the longest running and most important national gathering of campus radio and mediacommunicators, will take place February 25-27, 2027, at the Sheraton Times Square hotel in the heart of Manhattan. It will bring together almost 1,000 outstanding broadcasters from university, college and high school radio-TV stations and departments of communication. Its power packed agenda of speeches, panels, workshops, exhibits, award ceremonies, and networking opportunities will cover the ever-expanding spectrum of platforms and issues unfolding before young practitioners entering the field of modern communications. This outstanding event is a must-attend for bright industry newcomers who are serious about developing careers in a landscape marked by unprecedentedly rapid change as well as established players determined to keep up with what’s coming and discover new colleagues.

mattybheadshotTALKERS VP / associate publisher Matthew B. Harrison will again join the roster of outstanding IBSNYC speakers.  Harrison, senior partner in the firm of Harrison Media Law, is a media and intellectual property attorney and author who advises radio hosts, digital content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights.

Michael Harrison to Deliver Keynote Address

imgTALKERS founder, publisher, and radio industry icon, Michael Harrison will deliver one of the conference’s two keynote addresses.  The speech, titled, “Five Things Every Communicator Must Know to Survive and Even Thrive During the Next Five Years,” promises to be a riveting, eye-opening highlight of the conference.

Harrison states, “TALKERS is dedicated to the future of this industry and its pioneering visionaries. This amazing conference is the epicenter of that dynamic scene.”

IBSNYC 2027 has been designed for affordability and the convenience of its attendees.  The time to register for the conference and hotel, in order to take advantage of these stunning discounts, is now! For full information, please click here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (October 12-16)

By TALKERS | by TALKERS

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/12-16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Midterms / Trump on the Campaign Trail
  2. The Economy / Inflation
  3. Russian Diesel Deal
  4. Russia-Ukraine War / Starlink Issue
  5. Ilhan Omar Investigation
  6. Katie Zacharia Controversy / Guilfoyle-Deters Case
  7. China-Houthis Connection
  8. AI / Data Centers Controversies
  9. Cornell Rape Case
  10. Hasan Execution

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. James Talarico / Ken Paxton
  3. JD Vance
  4. Vladimir Putin
  5. Volodymyr Zelensky
  6. Scott Bessent
  7. Ilhan Omar
  8. Kimberly Guilfoyle / Eric Deters
  9. Katie Zacharia
  10. Pete Hegseth / Nidal Hasan

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.