The most discussed stories yesterday (9/23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The KCMO, Kansas City-based “Mundo in the Morning” show hosted by Pete Mundo is now airing on Cumulus Media’s KFRU-AM/K255DJ “NewsTalk 98.9 FM & 1400 AM” in Columbia, Missouri. Earlier this summer, Mundo’s morning show was added to the company’s news/talk KTOP-FM, Topeka, Kansas. KFRU’s local morning show hosted by David Gaines was cancelled last month during the recent round of layoffs at Cumulus Media.
FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez released a statement critical of the settlement between Paramount and state attorneys general over the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. She wrote, “I am disappointed that this settlement appears to pave the way for yet 
another massive media consolidation deal that could raise prices for consumers, reduce content diversity, and weaken editorial independence. This settlement does nothing to resolve the FCC’s own unprecedented decision to approve near complete and unchecked indirect foreign ownership of one of America’s largest media companies from some of the most repressive governments in the world. Setting aside that worrisome arrangement, this transaction still represents a troubling new stage of media consolidation, with real consequences for consumers and for a free and independent press. The editorial independence protections included in this settlement remain untested, and there is good reason to be skeptical they will hold up once the ink is dry. Whether these commitments actually protect newsrooms inside CBS and CNN from political, financial, or regulatory pressure, or simply provide cover for further editorial interference, remains to be seen. I will be watching closely to see whether these promises translate into real protections or will be just words on a page.”
As part of Monday’s coverage of the major TV networks’ dropping pool coverage of The White House in response to the revocation of “hard passes” for CNN, MS Now and Politico, we included a statement from Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup. He tells TALKERS that some readers might have come away from that thinking that the White House Correspondents Association is part of the action to cease press pool coverage of the White House. To be clear, WHCA president Jacqui Heinrich of FOX News says the organization is not part of that action.
Bill Colley is the morning drive host at Townsquare Media’s news/talk KLIX-AM in Twin Falls, Idaho. He penned an opinion 
piece that goes against what many in the radio industry are saying about the AM Radio in Every Car Act that recently passed the House. His piece states, in part, “My employer and I don’t agree on this one. The federal government is about to impose a new rule on private enterprise, forcing automobile manufacturers to keep installing AM radios in cars and trucks…
I’ve asked a lot of friends locally how they listen, and at least in Twin Falls they have us tuned in on the FM when driving. Many listen online at home and work, even when they live a few miles from our transmitter. Some have downloaded our app and listen on their phones. The argument for keeping AM in cars is that during an emergency, people can be better informed. Three points on this subject. I get a variety of alerts on my phone. Second, if a tree falls in the forest and there’s nobody to hear it, does it make a sound? In other words, if nobody listens to AM, how would they hear an alert? Third, someone needs to be at the radio station. Most stations today are ghost towns after business hours…
By the way, radio is a heavily regulated industry. It’s always fighting for fewer rules because regulations burden businesses. Doesn’t that also apply to building what we drive? Read his entire piece here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (9/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group’s weekly blog post focuses on talent read ads on AM/FM radio and in podcasts based on a study from WPP Media and System1 titled, “The Creator Effectiveness Playbook: How to Build Your Brand with Creators.” The study measured creative responses for 1,217 
paid ads among 182,500 TikTok users and connected that to in-market brand lift data. The study covered eight global markets and $71 million of media spend, which generated 23.6 billion impressions. The best practices revealed by the research include: 1) Host-read ads generate greater impact: System1 and WPP Media find creator ads (a.k.a. “host reads”) drive greater brand memory lift, which is the combination of brand awareness and ad recall; 2) Two best practices: Say the name of the advertiser within the first two seconds and ensure strong positive emotion via entertainment; 3) “Say it and show it”: Saying the brand and showing it in the first two seconds of the ad drives the strongest brand recognition; 4) Conduct a “brand early and often” creative audit: Watch/listen to all your ads. Check off if your brand is mentioned in the first two seconds and if there are at least five or more audio track brand mentions in 30-second ads; 5) Use both salesmanship and showmanship: Emotion-based creative that is funny and entertaining builds stronger brands and generates greater business outcomes; and 6) Utilize right brain elements such as characters with vitality, story unfolding, clear sense of place, sounds of the living, dialogue, word play, distinctive accents, and music with discernable melody. See the full blog post here.
The John Fredericks Media Network reports that its news-talk-sports network reached more than 12.7 million listeners, viewers, sessions, and impressions during the month of August across radio, television, digital and social-media platforms. Breaking it down, JFMN says Facebook and Instagram generated more than 
9.4 million views, while TikTok delivered nearly 1.4 million. GETTR Live added 545,800 views, X generated 644,500 impressions, and YouTube and Rumble contributed nearly 250,000 additional views. The company goes on to say its core broadcast and streaming operations remained strong, reaching more than 220,000 terrestrial radio listeners while producing 240,140 internet radio and JFMN.TV streaming sessions. JFMN’s mobile apps generated another 17,535 sessions. JFMN co-founder John Fredericks adds, “This is an absolutely phenomenal milestone for our company. We built JFMN from the ground up – without the corporate media establishment, without billionaire gatekeepers, without Wall Street gangster-banksters and without compromising what we believe. More than 12.7 million in monthly reach proves that Americans are hungry for bold, independent media that respects its audience and tells the truth.”
Media personality Billy Bush is joining FOX News Media as a contributor who will appear on multiple platforms. He’ll make his debut on FOX News Channel’s “Jesse Watters Primetime” this 
evening (9/22) at 8:00 pm ET. Bush currently hosts the digital show “Hot Mics with Billy Bush.” He was working for “Access Hollywood” in 2005 when he infamously caught Donald Trump on a hot mic saying about women that he could “grab ‘em by the p*ssy,” and that “when you’re a star, they let you do it.” Trump subsequently said the recording was fake. Regarding his new gig, Bush says, “I’m excited to join FOX News Media and its loyal audience to share my perspective on the people, ideas and moments shaping today’s culture…. as well as the ones trying to undo it!”
The most discussed stories yesterday (9/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
In the aftermath of the Trump administration’s banning CNN, MS Now and Politico reporters from covering the administration from The White House, television pool members FOX News Media, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and NBC News issued the following statement: “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.” All other pool coverage will continue as normal, including Congress, VIPs, and selected events in Washington and around the country. Additionally, CNN MS Now and Politico announced a suit challenging their ban, saying, “This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes. Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists’ credentials because it objected to our reporting. Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public’s right to independent journalism free from government interference.”
In response to the stoppage of White House pool coverage, Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup issued the following statement: “This morning, the major TV networks announced they will cease pool coverage of 
President Donald J. Trump in solidarity with CNN, which had its hard pass revoked over the weekend by the White House.
As longtime members of the White House Correspondents Association pool, SRN has notified the WHCA that our network will refuse to join this incredibly juvenile stunt which is actually more like a RICO violation by mobsters than actions of legitimate American media.
Access to the Oval Office and to the President of the United State’s pool events is a privilege, not a free pass to slant coverage against – or for – any occupant of the Presidency. With this action, the major networks have shown their bias and petulance outweighs how they envision their responsibility to cover news under the First Amendment for which they so quickly cry crocodile tears.”
Civic Media – via its Iowa subsidiary Cedar Basin Media, LLC – is acquiring NRG Media’s Cedar Rapids and Waterloo radio stations, including news/talk KXEL-AM, Waterloo. The other signals are 
KFMW-FM and KOKZ-FM in Cedar, plus KPTY-AM, and FM translators K263BZ, and K297BS in Waterloo. Civic Media is based in Wisconsin and operates stations there as well as in Minnesota and Michigan. Cedar Basin Media says, “Cedar Basin Media is a radio group built on a simple premise: communities deserve stations that are actually of and for them – good information, real conversation, and people on the air who live here, too.”
Audacy news/talk WRVA, Richmond – along with Virginia Urology, the Richmond Flying Squirrels, and Fans for the Cure recently hosted the second annual “Hitting Prostate Cancer Out of the 
Park,” delivered more than 70 free prostate screenings, directly addressing a critical community health gap for men facing financial barriers or a lack of insurance. WRVA morning host Rich Herrera says, “I am deeply grateful to everyone behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to bring this initiative together. Being rooted in the communities we serve is at the heart of what we do. Local radio has the power to save lives, and through this event, we helped a listener discover a cancer he didn’t know he had.”
The most discussed stories over the weekend (9/19-20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
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 
iHeartMedia, 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.”
Cutbacks at Connoisseur Media in Connecticut have canceled Paul Pacelli’s local afternoon drive show on news/talk WICC, Bridgeport, where the station has added “Markley, van Camp and Robbins” in the daypart. The respected talk radio pro is available for his next adventure, including fill-in work from his Comrex-ready home studio. Reach out to anewsguy@yahoo.com.
Triton Digital’s U.S. Podcast Ranker for August of 2026 (based on weekly average downloads for participating networks) has 
iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” in the #1 position, followed by Audioboom’s “Pod Save America” at #2 and iHeartRadio’s “My Favorite Murder” at #3. Noteworthy changes from the July ranker include “Armstrong & Getty on Demand” rising five places to #11 and Salem Media Group’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” falling six places to #19. See the complete ranker here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (9/14-18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The latest RTDNA/Newhouse School at Syracuse University Survey is out and the researchers say that “radio news content held broadly steady in 2025, with 76.7% of surveyed stations reporting they run local news – up 6.2 points and marking a third consecutive year of growth.” Other key findings from the survey 
include: 1) Commercial stations produce news at a notably higher rate than non-commercial stations (65.7% versus 62.6%), though the commercial figure fell nearly 10 points from last year while non-commercial stations edged up slightly; 2) Locally owned stations are now nearly 40% more likely to air news than non-locally owned stations; 3) The typical (median) amount of weekday local news rose to 50 minutes, up 10 minutes from last year, though average minutes swung sharply depending on market size – major markets saw an enormous drop in average weekday minutes, which researchers attribute to unusual data the prior year rather than a real decline, while large and medium markets saw increases.
The study also found that more radio news managers planned to increase local news production in 2026 than actually increased it in 2025, a pattern consistent with prior years in which projected changes tend to outpace realized ones. Major-market stations anticipate the largest gains (31.6%), followed by medium, large and small markets.
This annual survey, conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025, drew responses from more than 1,100 television stations and nearly 600 radio stations, and is supported by the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and the Radio Television Digital News Association. See more about the report here.
The new national news program, “America’s Morning News,” produced by AccuMinute and distributed by Talk Media Network, launches on September 21. AccuMinute says, “The weekday program delivers a fast-moving hour of news, business, sports, entertainment and useful information. For stations currently 
carrying “America in the Morning,” the timing is intentional. That program concludes September 18. ‘America’s Morning News’ begins the following Monday. A weekend edition is also planned. Current “America in the Morning” producer Jeff McKay is joining “America’s Morning News” in the same capacity. The program is anchored by Rich Johnson. Talk Media Network founder Josh Leng states, “Stations shouldn’t have to replace a decades-long show on a few weeks’ notice, said Talk Media Network founder Josh Leng. “We are providing a smooth transition, with a strong brand for both mornings and weekend airplay.
Above is the Class of 2026 (l-r): Heather Gersten, morning host, WWLI, Providence “Lite 105”; Jim Hummel, host “The Hummel Report” and WPRO Radio; Les Breault, longtime news photographer, WPRI-TV, Providence; Sara Wye, trailblazing WJAR-TV, Providence anchor and reporter; Will Gilbert, host of WPRI-TV’S “The Rhode Show” and WPRO-FM DJ; Art “Spencer” Soares, evening host WWLI, Providence “Lite 105”; Georgia Boyer, accepting posthumously for her father Bill Rappleye, longtime WJAR-TV, Providence reporter. Photo: Rob Rainville
Picture above are broadcasters who attended the dinner to support the inductees (from l-r): Joe Connolly, longtime WCBS, New York business editor; Phil Zachary, retired market manager, Saga Portland Radio Group; Doug Stephan, host, “The American Family Farmer” and “Talk Radio Countdown Show”; Bill Haberman, news director, WPRO, Providence; Chris Camp, retired news director, WSB, Atlanta, and previously WPRO; Holland Cooke, News/Talk consultant and TALKERS columnist; front: Dan Paquet, assistant news director, WJAR-TV, Providence.
OutKick Hires Calkins. Sports media platform Outkick brings former Seattle Times columnist Matt Calkins aboard as a columnist, covering sports and culture. FOX News Digital editorial EVP Tommy Firth says, “Authenticity and common sense are at the heart of what we do at OutKick and are qualities FOX News Digital looks for when hiring new talent. Calkins clearly embodies both, and he will be a great addition to our team.”
Pittman to Guest at BFoA Mixer. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman will be a special guest at the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s Media Mixer at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago on October 7. Pittman will be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame the following evening.
Katz Wins Again! WRVA, Richmond talk host Jeff Katz is named Best Afternoon Local Radio Show by the Richmond Times-Dispatch for the seventh year in a row.
The most discussed stories yesterday (9/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act made its way through the House of Representatives yesterday (9/15) and will move on to the Senate. The bill would mandate that the Department of Transportation require automakers provide AM radios in all new passenger cars sold in the U.S. without an additional charge. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “Today’s decisive House passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is a significant step forward for the millions of Americans who rely on AM radio for lifesaving emergency information, trusted news and a vital connection to their communities.”
Bob Pittman, iHeartMedia chairman and CEO states, “The House’s passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is a significant victory for public safety, local communities and the millions of Americans who rely on AM radio every day.”
John Catsimatidis, chairman and CEO, Red Apple Media and WABC Radio, says, “I am glad that common sense has prevailed in Washington DC. The American people are on the side of common sense.”
TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Now all AM operators should take advantage of this by filling their beleaguered frequencies with inspired, original and absolutely necessary content, or it will prove to be a temporary and culturally flimsy reprieve.”