Industry News

Bold Gold Relaunches Catskills News/Talk Outlet

Bold Gold Media Group relaunches of two dark Delaware County, New York radio stations previously owned by Townsquare Media – news/talk WDLA-AM and country WDLA-FM – both licensed to Walton,img New York. Bold Gold says WDLA-AM will “broadcast Catskills News Talk, the Voice of Sullivan and the Catskills, a news and talk format featuring ‘Ciliberto & Friends’ with radio legend Paul Ciliberto.” Bold Gold Media NY region general manager Dawn Ciorciari states, “There is something truly special about turning the lights back on for a local radio station. We are beyond excited to bring local radio back to life for the people of Walton and Delaware County; to once again give this community a local voice, a source of connection, and radio stations they can call their own.”

Industry News

Savannah Bananas’ Toll to Host Westwood One Morning Sports Show

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One names Drake C. Toll – play-by-play broadcaster with baseball’s Savannah Bananas – the morning host on its 24/7 sports talk lineup. Toll says, “Westwood One is the goldimg standard in audio, and it’s an honor to join a brand creatively steeped in sports storytelling. Not unlike the Savannah Bananas, I’m prepared to push the limits of sports talk. I’ll deliver for Jimmy in Tucson, Arizona just as much as Joe in Marshall, Texas. And for every groundbreaking Los Angeles Lakers trade, there’s a Boston College linebacker who survived cancer. You’ll hear the same fire and heart for each. We’re going to create something special; I promise you that.” Cumulus SVP sports/content & audience Bruce Gilbert comments, “Drake represents exactly what we’re building – a modern, interactive sports experience that is driven by personalities and fueled by fans – programming that breaks away from the predictable and formulaic. Drake’s ability to entertain, connect, and innovate makes him the ideal voice for mornings on Westwood One.”

Industry News

Brenberg to Co-Host FBN’s “The Bottom Line”

FOX Business Network adds new hosting duties for Brian Brenberg, who is joining Dagen McDowell asimg co-host of “The Bottom Line,” beginning Monday (12/8). Brenberg will continue his role with the network co-hosting “The Big Money Show” alongside McDowell, Jackie DeAngelis and Taylor Riggs. Brenberg says, “It’s been great to work with Dagen on ‘The Big Money Show’ and I am excited to join her on ‘The Bottom Line’ where we can continue our conversations surrounding the biggest market movers and business drivers that are impacting Main Street, Wall Street, and everyday Americans.”

Industry News

Edison Research Releases TikTok Study

For a while it was easy to dismiss TikTok as an app to share silly videos, but the social media platform hasimg grown exponentially in the U.S., so much so that Edison Research just unveiled the results of a new research effort called The Infinite Scroll: A TikTok Report in a recent webinar. Edison says the webinar offered insights into how often U.S. users engage with TikTok, their perceptions of the platform, ad recall on TikTok, if they spend too much time on the platform, and more. See more about the study here.

Industry News

95.5 WSB Launches 35th Clark’s Christmas Kids

Cox Media Group’s news/talk 95.5 WSB (WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta) announces the 35th annual “Clark’simg Christmas Kids,” a Georgia holiday tradition dedicated to fulfilling the Christmas wishes of children in foster care. Clark Howard says, “I am so excited for our 35th year of Clark’s Christmas Kids. I could have never imagined that our generous WSB listeners would take care of over 300,000 children in foster care donating $50 million plus in toys and cash since 1991.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (12/3)

The most discussed stories yesterday (12/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Drug Boats Strike Controversy
  2. Hegseth Under Fire
  3. ICE Raids
  4. Russia-Ukraine Peace Process
  5. The Epstein Files
Industry News

Report: Craig Carton Returning to WFAN Afternoons

According to a report in The Athletic by Andrew Marchand, former WFAN, New York personality Craigimg Carton is finalizing a deal to return to the station in afternoon drive. This comes several months after Carton exited FS1 where he hosted a couple of different versions of a morning show that, from a ratings standpoint, never took off the way FS1 execs had hoped. Carton’s return will reportedly bump current afternoon team Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber to middays which would force the station to cut ties with current midday hosts Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata. As for Carton’s co-host, Marchand is reporting that overnight host Chris McMonigle is the leading candidate for that role.

Industry News

Nankival to Lead Saga in Harrisonburg

Saga Communications names Tom Nankival general manager for its Harrisonburg, Virginia operations that includes news/talk WSVA-AM/W221CF, sports talk WHBG-AM, several music stations and digital newsimg publication RockTownNow.com. Saga COO Wayne Leland states, “Tom understands what makes local media matter. His role at Harrisonburg Media Group positions us to grow our brands and expand the value we deliver to our listeners, readers, and advertisers. We’re excited to have him leading the team.” Nankival comments, “I am thrilled to rejoin Saga as VP and general manager of the Harrisonburg Media Group, which is a shining star in our company. My job is to keep it performing at a high level and serving the Shen Valley community with unwavering commitment and dedication.”

Industry News

FOX News Media Promotes Hasnie to Anchor and White House Correspondent

FOX News Media promotes Aishah Hasnie to anchor and White House correspondent. FOX News Mediaimg president and executive editor Jay Wallace adds that Hasnie will anchor her own solo signature program on Saturday afternoons from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm ET, effective January 10. Wallace says, “Aishah’s knowledge of Washington makes her a perfect addition to our stellar White House team of correspondents, and we are confident she will excel in the anchor chair as well.” Hasnie joined FOX News Channel in 2019.

Industry News

FSR’s Rob Parker Finalist for Sportswriter HoF

FOX Sports Radio’s Rob Parker – co-host of “The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington,”img MLB Network analyst, and founder/editor of MLBbro.com – is a finalist for the 2026 National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame Sportswriter (Living category). Winners will be notified the first week of January, and the awards will be presented during the NSMA’s 66th Awards Weekend & National Convention, June 28-29, at Grandover Resort & Spa in Greensboro, North Carolina. Parker says, “It’s an absolute honor to be considered with so many journalism heavyweights.”

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

New York Thanksgiving Parade of Legends

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Legendary New York Mets first baseman (1986 World Series champs) and current member of its TV broadcasting team, Keith Hernandez (right) is pictured co-hosting a Thanksgiving morning special on WFAN, New York with his buddy Richard Neer (left). Neer has been a WFAN mainstay for decades and is occasionally heard on the storied station for special events such as this one. The broadcast emanated from Neer’s home studio on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where he and longtime friend Hernandez are neighbors.

Industry News

Mayflower Marathon Raises Record Food & Cash for Charity

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Pictured above is WAQY, Springfield, Massachusetts Rock 102 morning host Mike “Bax” Baxendale (center) interviewing a community member as co-host Steve Nagle (right) looks on. The duo spent three days straight collecting a $262,000 in food and cash for the Springfield Open Pantry during its annual Mayflower Marathon. The annual event raised nearly $30,000 more than its previous best. Bax tells TALKERS, “Much of what was raised was in honor of John O’Brien [Bax’s previous co-host with whom he launched the charity event more than two decades ago] who died Sunday night – the night before the Marathon had begun. John had been invited to join us on the air and had agreed to it. Unfortunately, that did not happen.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

CMG Atlanta Collects Food for Charity. Cox Media Group Atlanta’s radio stations partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to collect 10,700 pounds of food leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. CMG Atlanta VP and general manager David Abel says, “Congratulations to our CMG Atlanta radio team and our incredible listeners for their hard work and generosity. It is an honor serving the needs of our communities and our team couldn’t be happier with the results of this year’s food drive. Being able to provide 20,188 meals will make a real difference for local families who need it most.”

77WABC Partners with Shriners Children’s. 77WABC in New York City partnered with Shriners Children’s for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing children with The Most Amazing Care Anywhere for Giving Tuesday. Station owner John Catsimatidis says, “Children are our future. We are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and support their mission of providing specialty medical care to children across the country and around the world.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (12/2)

The most discussed stories yesterday (12/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Drug Boats Strike Controversy
  2. New Immigration Rules
  3. Tennessee House Special Election
  4. Russia-Ukraine Peace Process
  5. Trump Health Questions
Industry News

Red Apple Media to Acquire More Long Island Signals for WABC

Red Apple Media is expanding on Long Island. The company is filing to acquire WLID-AM, Patchogue, andimg FM translators W239CY, Patchogue at 95.9 and W296EK, Brentwood at 107.1 for $500,000 from Cantico Nuevo Ministry. The addition of the three signals will improve news/talk WABC’s coverage in Suffolk County. Red Apple Media will assume operation of the signals under a Local Marketing Agreement.

Industry News

Townsquare Media’s WFGR Flips to Sports Talk

Last month, Audacy announced the launch of the Detroit Sports Network – a syndication of sports talk radioimg from its WXYT-FM, Detroit 97.1 The Ticket – and its deal with Townsquare Media to air the format on Townsquare stations in Michigan. Now, Townsquare is flipping WFGR-FM, Grand Rapids from classic hits to sports talk as “Sports Radio 98.7.” Townsquare Media COO Erik Hellum says, “Townsquare Media is excited to bring such high-caliber, Michigan-focused sports programming to West Michigan. This is a big win for listeners who want strong, local sports conversation without having to rely on national networks.”

Industry News

Urban One Announces Early Results of Exchange Offers

Urban One announces the early results of the previously announced offers to exchange any and all of the company’s outstanding 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 held by Eligible Holders for newly issued 7.625% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2031, to be issued by the Company, and cash, toimg purchase up to $185 million in aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes for up to $111 million in cash and the right to subscribe to purchase up to $60.6 million in aggregate principal amount of newly issued 10.500% First Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2030. As of 5:00 pm ET yesterday (12/1), Urban One received from Eligible Holders valid and unwithdrawn tenders and related Consents, as reported by D.F. King & Co., Inc., representing approximately $450 million in aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes, or approximately 92.2% of the aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes outstanding. See the entire report from Urban One here.

Industry News

KIDO, Boise’s Kevin Miller Hosts Successful 14th Annual Turkey Drive

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KIDO, Boise morning drive host Kevin Miller hosting the 14th annual Miller’s Mission Turkey Drive from November 17-22 and raised more than $63,000, 922 turkeys, and over 4,000 pounds of essential items to benefit the Boise Rescue Mission. Miller – who spends the week dressed as a turkey broadcasting from a local Walmart – is pictured above (right) with the Boise Rescue Mission’s Reverend Bill Roscoe (left).

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Dr. Daliah Wachs Show Adds Affiliate. The Talk Media Network nationally syndicated “Dr. Daliah Wachs Show” is now being heard on weekends on Larson-Wynn Inc’s news/talk KODL-AM, City of The Dalles, Oregon

PodcastOne and Dr. Phil Announces Partnership. PodcastOne and Dr. Phil’s Envoy Media Co are partnering to launch a co-branded multi-platform podcast network. The networks’ content lineup debuts later this month with an all-new daily “Dr. Phil Podcast” distributed across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, PodcastOne, as well as LiveOne’s streaming video network.

Saga to Present at Financial Conference. Saga Communications president and CEO Christopher S. Forgy EVP/CFO and treasurer Samuel D. Bush will be presenting at the Noble Capital Markets’ Twenty First Annual Emerging Growth Equity Conference at Florida Atlantic University tomorrow (12/3). A video webcast of the presentation will be available following the event on the company’s website.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (12/1)

The most discussed stories yesterday (12/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Drug Boats Strikes / Venezuela Tensions
  2. Appeals Court Habba Ruling
  3. Trump Health-MRI Tests
  4. ICE Raids
  5. Russia-Ukraine Peace Negotiations
Industry News

McGuinness Named iHeartMedia CFO

Michael McGuinness rises from his EVP, deputy chief financial officer and head of investor relationsimg position to chief financial officer for iHeartMedia, effective January 1, 2026. At that time his salary will rise from $925,000 to $1.2 million and his bonus target increases to 150% of his base salary and his annual long-term incentive grant will have a target grant date fair value of $1.5 million. McGuinness’ employment contract runs through June 30 of 2030. McGuinness reports to former chief financial officer and current president and chief operating officer Rich Bressler.

Industry News

Bob Fisher Named News & Sports Director for Connoisseur Media Mason City

Bob Fisher is returning to Connoisseur Media’s Mason City, Iowa stations – including news KGLO-AM – as news & sports director, effective immediately. KIMT-TV reports that Fisher will host “The KGLO Morningimg Program” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am daily. Connoisseur Media says that local news and sports updates will begin being heard on all of the Mason City stations during morning and afternoon drive times. Fisher comments, “It’s great to be back to help re-establish KGLO as ‘Your Hometown News Station in North-Central Iowa’ as well as to continue to provide vital local information to our listeners. With their recent purchase of the radio stations, Connoisseur Media has shown a commitment to serving north-central Iowans with quality, local-based information.” Market manager Dalena Barz adds, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Bob back with Connoisseur Media in Mason City. He has been a well-respected voice in our community for over 30 years. He’s always been an integral part of our radio family, and we sincerely say, Welcome back, Bob!” See the KIMT-TV story here.

Industry News

Sanchez Extended at K-Dawn in Las Vegas

Las Vegas talk radio host Steve Sanchez and Audacy sign a new contract extending Sanchez’s deal withimg the company through the end of 2027. As part of the new contract, Sanchez moves to the 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm daypart on news/talk “101.5 FM K-Dawn Las Vegas” airing on KMXB-HD3/K286CS. Sanchez states, “I’m excited to continue to be part of a great media brand like Audacy and I’m very excited to go back home to evenings where it all started for me. This move allows me to continue to grow our Gen-X audience while focusing on continued content creation for our fast-growing social media platforms and new stand-alone videocasts.”

Industry News

“Money Pit” Radio Show to End After December 27-28 Broadcast

“The Money Pit Radio Show” will air its final broadcast the weekend of December 27–28, according to Sueimg Kraeutler – wife of program founder and host Tom Kraeutler. Tom Kraeutler passed away on February 2 of this year, but the show continued with longtime co-host Leslie Segrete hosting the program. The show was produced by Money Pit Media and Squeaky Door Productions. Sue Kraeutler says, “I want to thank our loyal affiliates and sponsors for believing in us going back to when we first started some 25 years ago. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s time that we closed the Squeaky Door.” “The Money Pit Radio Show” aired on hundreds of radio stations across the U.S.

Industry News

Dan Shelley Retires as RTDNA President and CEO

Journalist Dan Shelley is officially stepping down as president and CEO of the Radio Television Digitalimg News Association and he penned a great good-bye letter that’s available on the RTDNA site. You can read it here. It’s worth a read as he tells a funny story from his first job as an anchor and reporter at KTTS-AM/FM, Springfield, Missouri, plus a number of interesting tidbits from his long career.

Industry News

KRMG Raises $393k for Make-a-Wish Oklahoma

Zoellner Media Group’s news/talk KRMG-FM, Tulsa raised $393,000 to benefit Make-A-Wish Oklahomaimg during its 20th annual Stories of Light fundraising campaign. Zoellner president and general manager Steve Hunter says, “This event is a reminder of what makes Tulsa so special. When you share the stories of these incredible kids and their families, our listeners respond with open hearts. We’re humbled and honored to help Make-A-Wish continue its mission.”

Industry News

Broadcasters Foundation Seeks Donations on Giving Tuesday

The Broadcasters Foundation of America is seeking donations to help colleagues in need during tomorrow’s Giving Tuesday campaign. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “Requests for aid continue toimg come in every week, and we have to keep up with the demand. We cannot turn our backs on our colleagues who have worked at their local station and are now in desperate need of our help. We ask everyone in radio and television to come together to help our colleagues.” Giving Tuesday donations can be made here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (11/29-30)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. S.-Venezuela Military Strikes / Potential Congressional Review
  2. The Economy / Black Friday-Cyber Monday
  3. Crypto Sell-Off
  4. Trump’s Health-MRI to Be Released
  5. Russia-Ukraine Peace Process
Industry News

NRG Media Selling Nebraska Stations

NGR Media LLC announces the sale of six of its stations in Nebraska to local operator Usher Media LLC. The signals are: news/talk KGFW-AM, CHR KQKY-FM, country KRNY-FM, and translator K241CN-FX, Kearney; classic rock KROR-FM, Hastings; and adult hits KSYZ-FM, Grand Island. NRG CEO Mary Quass says, “We’re pleased to announce the sale of our 6 radio stations in Central Nebraska to Usher Media LLC, a respected local broadcaster. It’s been a privilege to serve this community with an exceptional team whose passion and commitment have made these stations a vital voice in the Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island markets. We are confident that Usher Media will build on that foundation and continue to serve listeners, advertisers, and the community with excellence.” Usher Media chief Alan Usher comments, “We are excited to announce the acquisition of six radio stations in Central Nebraska. As a locally owned and operated organization, raised in the Tri-Cities, this strategic move underscores our commitment to expanding our media presence while staying deeply connected to our roots. We are committed to being a community leader, championing local projects, and driving community growth. We look forward to providing comprehensive local news, weather, and sports coverage while fostering a vibrant and thriving community for all.”

Industry News

Willner to Succeed Mazer at Urban One Baltimore

Howard Mazer, general manager for Urban One’s Baltimore station group is retiring at the end of this year and current director of sales Dave Willner will assume the GM role beginningimg January 1. Co-president of the Urban One Audio Division Eddie Harrell says, “For more than three decades, Howard has been a steady, visionary leader for our Baltimore cluster. His commitment to excellence, his instinct imgfor developing talent, and his deep understanding of this market have strengthened our stations and helped shape the culture of our entire audio division.” Willner began his career with Urban One and transitioned to account executive before rising to national sales manager, general sales manager and ultimately, director of sales. Harrell adds, “Dave has had the benefit of learning the business under Howard’s guidance for many years, and he embodies the forward-thinking leadership we need for the next chapter. I’m confident he will build on Howard’s strong foundation and continue to advance the success of the Baltimore market.” The company says Mazer will work closely with Willner through the end of the year to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

Industry News

McPherson Exits WFAN, New York Citing Personal Reasons

Sports talk host Keith McPherson has left his full-time role as evening host on Audacy’s WFAN, New York after four years in the role. He posted a video to social media earlier this week explaining that he may still do some fill-in at the station but he’s leaving for personal reasons. Heimg says, “I’d like to break some news before anybody else can break my news. I’m officially done as the nighttime host at WFAN. It has been four calendar years, Friday was my last nighttime show as the full-time nighttime host. Before anybody else can hijack the story and say I was fired or my contract was up, I wasn’t fired, I’m not quitting, my contract is not up, I’m shifting… I’m making a personal change that was necessary for myself and my family. I just took my son to school, just saw my wife leave for work and got a minute to sit here before the day gets rolling… but breaking news this Monday going into Thanksgiving, I am no longer the full-time nighttime host on WFAN.” In November of 2021, McPherson took over the evening show from longtime WFAN personality Steve Somers.