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Dr. Asa Andrew Poised at Dynamic Intersection of Radio and Pro Wrestling

Health/lifestyle syndicated talk media star and ringside physician, Asa Andrew, M.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Asa) finds himself strategically positioned at the dynamic intersection of radio and wrestling as TNA Wrestling announces a collaboration that will integrate its premium live events, weekly television programming, digital platforms, and fan experiences across iHeartMedia’s formidable audio network. Dr. Asa has achieved imgTALKERS “Heavy Hundred” national prominence for years, originally launching his daily three-hour “The Dr. Asa Show” on its flagship radio affiliate, iHeart’s WLAC, Nashville. Andrew has subsequently and simultaneously returned to his roots as a professional wrestler and recently joined TNA Wrestling as the company’s ringside physician and head of sports medicine.

Andrew tells TALKERS, “I am excited to see these two entertainment and media giants come together. Finally, my two passions are aligning synergistically. TNA Wrestling has seen immense expansion this year as its president Carlos Silva led the company into one of its largest growth periods. This includes a major TV network deal with AMC for our weekly live show, ‘Thursday Night iMPACT!,’ as well as filling up arenas in major cities across America with record breaking crowds. Now – from the radio, TV, and podcast studio to the professional wrestling ring – talk media’s ‘America’s Health Coach’ and professional wrestling’s ‘Ringside Physician’ Dr. Asa has a significant cross-section of his brand in one place.”

As part of the agreement, iHeartMedia will serve as the presenting sponsor of the TNA Wrestling Pay-Per-View Pre-Show for all remaining 2026 premium live events. The integration will feature prominent brand visibility across broadcast graphics, in-arena announcements and event marketing. On TNA’s flagship weekly television program, “Thursday Night iMPACT!,” airing nationally on AMC, and streaming on AMC+ in the U.S., and worldwide on TNA+, iHeartMedia will receive premium broadcast integration including sponsorship of the LED Walkout Ramp, one of the most visually recognizable elements of TNA’s live events and television presentations.

Check out Dr. Asa, the ringside physician, in action

Dr. Asa had to respond a real-life medical emergency during a recent TNA World Championship match in New Orleans between current standard bearer Mike Santana and challenger, “Bulletproof” Steve Maclin. Maclin took a superkick and Santana connected with the left side of his jaw almost knocking him out and delivering an instant concussion (as immediately evaluated by referee Alice Lane).  Dr. Asa‘s instincts were equally quick as he was sliding into the ring while referee Lane was throwing up the X sign. That’s when a referee crosses the two forearms to make an X. It signals there is a serious injury and the match needs to pause until a medical doctor can evaluate the wrestler to see if the match is to be stopped or can continue. Dr. Asa made the decision to stop the match, and Maclin was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Thankfully, Maclin only suffered a mild concussion with slight neck pain and spasm. He should be returning to the ring soon once he is medically cleared.  To see a video clip of this incident, please click here

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 30-April 3)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/30-4/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Trump’s National Address
  2. Gas Prices / Financial Markets Activity
  3. Bondi Exits AG Post
  4. DHS Funding / ICE Troops at Airports
  5. Birthright Citizenship Case
  6. White House Ballroom Construction Paused
  7. Trump’s National Voter List Order / SAVE America Act
  8. U.S.-Cuba Policy
  9. CPAC 2026 / “No Kings” Protests
  10. Lindsey Graham at Disney / Artemis II Launch

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth / Marco Rubio
  3. Pam Bondi
  4. Benjamin Netanyahu
  5. Kristy Noem / Corey Lewandowski / Byron Noem
  6. John Thune
  7. Chuck Schumer
  8. John Roberts / John Sauer
  9. Mike Johnson
  10. Lindsey Graham

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

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 23-27)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/23-27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Conflicting Reports of Talks
  2. TSA-ICE-Air Travel Woes / DHS Funding Stalemate
  3. LaGuardia Investigation
  4. Oil Prices / Financial Markets Activity
  5. Mullin Confirmed to DHS Post
  6. Social Media Addiction Verdict
  7. SAVE America Act / SCOTUS Hears Mail-In Balloting Case
  8. Dem Flips FLA State Seat
  9. CPAC 2026
  10. Robert Muller Dies

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth
  3. Jared Kushner / Steve Witkoff
  4. Benjamin Netanyahu
  5. Markwayne Mullin
  6. John Thune / Katie Britt
  7. Chuck Schumer
  8. Mark Zuckerberg / Sundar Pichai
  9. Emily Gregory
  10. Robert Muller

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

Industry News

CBS News Radio Fallout: Is Broadcast Journalism a Sacred Profession?

Is a career in broadcast journalism akin to the “priesthood?” Is radio just a “business” or something more? These philosophical questions were two of several addressed this morning (3/26) in an appearance by TALKERS imgfounder Michael Harrison on WPRO, Providence’s “The News with Gene Valicenti” discussing the shutdown of CBS News Radio.  The two seasoned broadcasters took an analytical look at the past 100 years of broadcast journalism – from Edward R. Murrow to modern times – comparing the role and impact of early day giants such as William S. Paley (CBS), David Sarnoff (NBC), and John W. Kluge (Metromedia) to today’s crop of moguls including the Ellison family’s Larry Ellison (Oracle) and his son David Ellison (Skydance Media) who now control Paramount, CBS, and a variety of other media and technological ventures. To listen to the entire segment, please click here.

Industry News

NYC Radio Icon Richard Neer Publishes 16th Book

Legendary New York radio personality Richard Neer, who has served almost six consecutive decades entertaining audiences on album rock WNEW-FM and sports talk WFAN, has authored his 16th book. Titled, The Perfect Beast, the novel is the latest in Neer’s popular series of detective Riley King murder mysteries and deals with a number of issues of interest to radio and podcast imgmedia enthusiasts, including the invasion of AI into the talent job market. Neer first established himself as a heavyweight author in 2001 when he penned the landmark FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio. In The Perfect Beast, Neer poses the question to his fellow broadcasters, “Ever wonder if your job will someday be taken by an AI facsimile of your act?” imgThe story also deals with how a commentator’s words can be twisted and misused, resulting in something evil. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (who makes an appearance as himself in The Perfect Beast) describes Neer as a media “Renaissance man.” Neer can be contacted for interviews via email at  novelistcafe@windstream.net.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 16-20)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/16-20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War
  2. Strait of Hormuz Blockade / Energy Prices Soar
  3. Allies Decline to Join the War
  4. Kent Investigation / Mullin Confirmation Hearing / Intelligence Directors Testimony
  5. Fed Stands Firm on Rates / Low Level of U.S. Job Creation
  6. SAVE America Act
  7. Bondi’s Epstein Files Testimony
  8. DHS Funding-TSA Staffing
  9. U.S.-Cuba Relations / Cesar Chavez Bombshell
  10. Trump Postpones China Trip

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Benjamin Netanyahu
  3. Mojtaba Khameini
  4. Pete Hegseth
  5. Joe Kent
  6. Markwayne Mullin
  7. Tulsi Gabbard / Kash Patel / John Ratcliffe
  8. Jerome Powell
  9. Pam Bondi
  10. Dolores Huerta / Cesar Chavez

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

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/18)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Strike on South Pars Gas Field
  2. Strait of Hormuz Blockade / Energy Prices Soar
  3. Kent Investigation / Mullin Confirmation Hearing / Intelligence Directors Testimony
  4. Fed Stands Firm on Rates / Low Level of U.S. Job Creation
  5. Bondi’s Epstein Files Testimony
Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 9-13)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/9-13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. U.S.-Iran War Expands
  2. Strait of Hormuz Blockade / Oil Prices
  3. Financial Markets React
  4. MAGA Fractures
  5. Michigan Synagogue Attack
  6. Virginia Old Dominion Shooting
  7. Drone West Coast Threat
  8. Epstein Files
  9. Save America Act
  10. Senate Housing Affordability Package

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth
  3. Benjamin Netanyahu
  4. Mojtaba Khameini
  5. Vladimir Putin
  6. JD Vance
  7. Xi Jinping
  8. Pam Bondi
  9. Jeffrey Epstein
  10. Mike Johnson / Gavin Newsom

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