Steve Holm Promoted to Regional VP/Market Manager in Michigan
Cumulus Media promotes Steve Holm to regional vice president/market manager for the Grand Rapids-Muskegon, Michigan market. He previously served as general sales manager for Cumulus Dallas’ sports talk KTCK-AM/FM and news/talk outlets WBAP-AM/FM and KLIF-AM. The native Michigander started
his radio career in 2010 in Battle Creek, for WBCK-FM and WBXX-FM, former Cumulus stations now owned by Townsquare Media. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker comments, “Steve has proven himself to be an accomplished leader in the Dallas market the past 10 years and we are thrilled to have him moving back home to Michigan, an area of the country that is important to Steve and his family. We are excited for him to get started and eager to see the impact he will have.” Holm says, “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to come back home. The Grand Rapids and Muskegon teams are a tightly knit group and are determined and ready to win. I’m excited to be joining them and look forward to the challenges and growth ahead.”
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.”
distributed by Audacy to unite the biggest sports voices, markets, and fans.” Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon says, “The launch of ‘97.1 Detroit Sports Radio Network’ represents a massive commitment to our listeners and an exciting chapter in our growth. We are excited to partner with Townsquare Media and other media companies to expand our footprint across all of Michigan and to deliver great content to the dedicated fan base we serve. We are proud to deliver best-in-class sports coverage to the entire state, solidifying our position as the essential source for Michigan sports audio content now and for years to come.” The network’s first affiliates include Townsquare Media’s WFGR in Grand Rapids, WJIM in Lansing, WBCK in Battle Creek, and WKMI in Kalamazoo, plus Blarney Stone Broadcasting’s WGRY in Roscommon. Additional affiliates will be announced in the upcoming months.
to have interviewed tens of thousands of celebrities, authors, politicians and other assorted newsmakers during his long radio career.” The Free Press obit states, “He filled a variety of roles for WJR across the decades beginning in the 1970s. Whether hosting a weekday morning or afternoon slot or doing a weekend shift, he drew fans with his friendly, upbeat style and filled ‘The Warren Pierce Show’ with a mix of interviews, movie reviews, news and weather. A dedicated fan of University of Michigan football, Pierce also did sideline reporting for WJR’s coverage of Wolverines games during the era of coach Bo Schembechler.” He left WJR in 1993 and joined WJBK-TV, Detroit as a morning news anchor. 
legendary Art Lewis on news/talk powerhouse WSGW in Saginaw, Michigan. Art’s show was the first show I’d ever done in talk radio and I’d filled in a time or two before this date. But, on THAT date, the OJ Simpson verdict came in and was announced. I gave my opinion of disbelief. Outlined why I felt that way and the phones melted down for the subsequent three hours. I was in Heaven and realized this is what I was meant to do. I’d done weekend news updates on WSGW before that as I was also finding my way on TV at WEYI (the NBC affiliate) in Saginaw/Flint. But, there was something different about talk radio for me… A few days ago, WSGW brought me back. I am thrilled. Feels like home again. I feel a great kinship with all of my 170+ stations and that will never change. I owe every PD or owner that gives my show and me a shot a ton – but, getting back on WSGW is very special.” Pags adds, Thank you to Jeff Warshaw at Connoisseur Media, Dave Maurer who gave me that first shot back in the day at WSGW, Mark Thomas for bringing me back and great folks like Charlie Rood and Curt Harding who were there back in the day and, of course, Art Lewis who trusted my 29-year-old self with this show when he was off!”
Finateri says, “Marie Osborne is one of Michigan’s most respected broadcasters. Her high standards for broadcasting integrity have earned her this important role with WJR, helping us to maintain our brand as Michigan’s most trusted media outlet serving listeners throughout the Great Lakes region.” Osborne comments, “Being able to help our listeners process all that is unfolding in this impactful moment in history is a privilege and being able to do it at WJR is an honor. The commitment to community and news here at WJR runs deep, it is at the heart of all we do and I’m looking forward to carrying on this vital tradition in my new role.”
Ilitch’s program focuses on conversations with guests who exemplify her values of overcoming adversity, staying positive, and giving back. The show will air monthly on WJR on Saturday at 5:00 pm. Ilitch says, “I’m thrilled about the partnership with WJR and Cumulus to bring the positive message of ‘The Denise Ilitch Show’ to a wider audience. All of us agree that the stories we explore on this show have the potential to inspire leadership in big and small ways, locally and nationally.” Ilitch is president of Ilitch Enterprises and is currently serving on the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan. Her father’s company launched the Little Caesar’s Pizza corporation.
Civic Media and the Michigan Independent Media Group. Included in the deal are WJMS-AM and WIMI-FM in Ironwood; WUPY-FM, Ontonagon; and WKMJ-FM and WMPL-AM in Hancock-Houghton. Civic Media vice president of operations Kory Hartmann says, “These heritage radio stations have served their local communities for years and are strong partners with local businesses and organizations. We intend to continue that legacy of service and add a wider array of products to keep people in touch with their community.”
website: “He was our friend and co-worker at WWJ Newsradio 950 and also a friend to our listeners, bringing you the stories of the day from Detroit and across Southeast Michigan. Someone recently described him as a hero, and we can’t argue with that. We are heartbroken to share that WWJ reporter and anchor Mike Campbell died on Sunday. He was 65 years old, having just celebrated his birthday at the end of May. He was a fearless reporter, with unique style — a way of talking to and connecting with the people who were a part of the stories he told.” Campbell is survived by his wife Terri and is children. 
signals including WQKR, WAMG, WCOR, WRMX, WSM-AM, WSM-FM, WZPC – Power Country 102.9, WFCM / Moody Radio, WJKM, and more. He also served with Cumulus and as chief engineer for 5 Star Radio in Clarksville. During his time with WSM-AM, he also served as an announcer for the Grand Ole Opry. Randall managed and operated WJKM for five years and served as chief engineer for Cromwell Radio (now Cromwell Media) for over 20 years, overseeing engineering for ten stations in the greater Nashville area. Randall’s son, Matt Aaron, serves as a broadcast engineer for Ramsey Solutions. 
direction. Thirty-year company veteran Dave Doetsch – who’d been managing the company’s South Bend and Southwest Michigan operations – is elevated to chief operating officer and chief revenue officer. Rockford, Illinois cluster manager Mike Paterson is promoted to chief financial officer. As a result, Kim DiGiovanni rises from VP/director of sales to general manager for Rockford. The company is in the process of selling its Springfield, Illinois stations to Woodward Communications and after that deal closes, Mid-West Family will own and operate 41 stations in seven markets: Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Madison, Wisconsin; Rockford, Illinois; South Bend, Indiana; St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Springfield, Missouri.
managed Cumulus’ Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana stations. Welling takes over for the retiring Chris Monk. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker says, “We are thankful to Chris for the strong foundation he has built for our clusters in Flint and Saginaw and wish him all the best in his retirement. As we look to the future, we are excited to welcome Cody back to Cumulus to take our powerful brands to the next level. Cody is a passionate broadcaster who is dedicated to helping local businesses connect with our audiences and fully leverage the opportunities our traditional and digital assets provide.”
Adell Media announced today (1/6) the addition of “Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno” to the lineup at 910 AM – Detroit’s News Talk Superstation (WFDF-AM), effective immediately live weekdays 6:00 am – 9:00 am ET. This clearance marks the 50th affiliate for the program, which joined Premiere Networks’ national lineup in October 2024. With a motto of “so much information, so little understanding,” DelGiorno engages listeners with entertaining discussion that goes beyond the latest news and political headlines to include lifestyle, pop culture topics and humor. The goal of the show is to help the audience start their day with fun, witty and interesting conversation that’s also informative. Since the station re-launched in September 2023 with a 24/7 lineup of news and conservative talk, as well as local news, weather and traffic from Total Traffic & Weather Network and breaking news coverage from ABC Radio, the station’s audience has grown +500% to date (Source: Nielsen Audio, PPM, NOV24 v SEP23, MoSu 6a-12m, P6+).
“Michael DelGiorno is a perfect fit to lead our impressive weekday lineup featuring the biggest talent in talk radio,” said Kevin Adell, CEO. Adell Media. “In just over a year since launching our conservative talk format, we continue to see incredible audience gains and look forward to continued growth and success as we provide a leading source for news and information in our community.” “I’m always singing, ‘Oh, how I wish again, I was back in Michigan!’ So, it’s a song come true for me,” said DelGiorno. “All joking aside, as a Flint native, I’m thrilled to be coming home to start the day off right on Detroit’s Superstation and just in time for my Lions’ first Super Bowl!
Journalism is alive and well within certain college radio circles. On Election Night (11/5), the WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM student broadcast team hosted live coverage from the Searle Center on Hillsdale College’s campus in Hillsdale, MI and invited students, faculty, and staff to attend and watch election results roll in and listen to analysis. Student anchors were joined by the presidents of Hillsdale College Republicans and Hillsdale College Democrats, three members of the Hillsdale faculty, a candidate for the Michigan State House, a candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, and reporters from the Detroit News, the Daily Caller, the Center Square, and the Daily Signal. Back at the WRFH studios, the station’s news team worked to update listeners with results from state and local races all night long. More than 200 people came out to the broadcast in action. WRFH GM Scot Bertram tells TALKERS, “It was a home-run event! Students work hard to prep for this quite unpredictable night. There’s an enormous amount of planning and research involved to set everything up. Then the night unfolds, and they realize it’s a ton of fun, as well. I’ve heard from more than a few students who took part in our previous Election Night events that it’s one of their best experiences on campus and really drew them deeper into the journalism program here at Hillsdale.”
moment.” Striegle tells TALKERS, “There are so many amazing memories. For me, what I will miss most are the people. Everywhere we go, we meet wonderful people, great race fans that tell us, ‘We have been listening to MRN for years…’ they always want to thank us for what we do. Without the fans, there would be no need for the Motor Racing Network.” “Throughout his time with the network Jeff has lent his talents to a number of positions around the racetrack before finding his way to the broadcast booth in 2013,” said MRN president Chris Schwartz. “His broadcast career began like so many others by working the public address booth providing the soundtrack for thousands of fans at his local racetrack, in Jeff’s case Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan. He has been involved with calling some of the sport’s most iconic moments, and it is fitting that the checkered flag will fall on his broadcast career by calling the final laps of another NASCAR Cup Series Championship.” Motor Racing Network will have flag to flag coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race Sunday, November 10th beginning at 2pm ET. The NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race will be carried LIVE on approximately 300 radio station partners across the United States, the NASCAR mobile app, and at MRN.com. For affiliation in your area, contact Bob Quick, director, radio partnerships & traffic at Motor Racing Network by email at 
Jackson, Jr. is hosting the new weekly podcast “No-Contest Wrestling” with co-host TJ Jefferson the show combines Jackson’s and Jefferson’s unique takes on sports entertainment by interviewing the biggest stars, going behind the scenes with untold stories from the world of wrestling. The second show is “The Jim Jackson Show,” hosted by two-time All-American and 14-year NBA veteran Jim Jackson. In this show, Jackson covers basketball from the college game to the highest levels of the NBA. Eisen says, “I’ve been in a constant search for new, fresh, thought-provoking, and entertaining voices to add to our growing podcast business, and I’m thrilled to add both O’Shea Jackson, Jr. and Jim Jackson to the roster.”
Remote News Service (RNS), a boutique news network providing hyper local, and custom news and traffic remotely, has added four new affiliates. These include station clusters in Wisconsin in both Prairie du Chien and Viroqua, and in Michigan two more markets, Soo and Sault Ste. Marie. Gabe Buch, OM/PD at Robinson Media’s WQPC, Prairie du Chien tells TALKERS, “Remote News has a been a life saver! Very easy to work with and they went the extra step to make our news local. The transition to Remote News was very easy and the anchor we chose is easy to work with and sounds great.” Michael SanAngelo, OM for Sovereign Communications adds, “Our company is on the Canadian border, and we’ve struggled for years to find the right person to collect, write and deliver solid local and regional news on our seven-radio station group. In just two weeks with Remote News Service, our news content has been night and day better and exactly what we have always wanted.” RNS owner Lesley Lotto tells TALKERS, “I’m floored once again at the tremendous growth! 54% this year so far. But this is not about me, it’s our amazing team who continues to attract new clients due to their dedication and hard work. I’m beyond proud.” To learn more about RNS, 
Premiere Networks announces the addition of “
Ham is a prominent journalist, FOX News contributor, speaker, author, and co-host of the news podcast “
The duo will help listeners navigate the headlines that matter most to American families and understand how they affect them. Known for being funny and a bit irreverent, yet serious and thoughtful about important issues, Markowicz and Ham have one purpose in mind: to keep the audience informed without wearing them out.
In her new role, Murray will lead WJCT’s early childhood education team, overseeing an expanded program of family engagement workshops at six early learning centers and three Head Start sites throughout the academic year. She also manages long-standing initiatives such as the annual children’s writers contest, the Jax PBS KIDS Club, WJCT’s Parenting Minutes, and more. Murray will also manage WJCT Public Media’s relationships with local and national partners and stakeholders, develop new programs and services, and serve as an early childhood education resource for the Northeast Florida community – all with the goal of expanding WJCT Public Media’s impact in this essential service area. Murray has an extensive background in the field and has worked with WJCT Public Media as a consultant over the past two years – while also consulting for the WNET Group in New York, the Fred Rogers Company, and public media stations throughout Florida.
At a time when interviews with the former president are a common talk media occurrence, Root tells TALKERS the interview was significant for several reasons. “First, while I’ve done 16 interviews with President Trump (even he admits this might be the all-time media record), he was always my guest on the phone… this was my first exclusive, face-to-face, one-on-one TV interview. Second, this might have been the last interview he did before Sunday’s assassination attempt. I’m so proud I opened and closed the interview by telling him, ‘My fans and I pray for you every day. We appreciate everything you’ve done for us and this country. Thank you and God bless you.’ And third, when President Trump said a certain slide about illegal immigration saved his life… I corrected him and said, ‘God saved your life. And he continues to protect you – because I believe you are the chosen one – chosen by God to save this country, and economy, and secure this border, and make America great again.’” Root concludes, “I’m so proud I said all of that considering what happened the next day that could have changed the future of this country. He needed to know how much he is loved and appreciated by the American people.”
“Our industry is going to take a while to reset itself, like the newspaper industry,” he said, estimating that this “reset” would come in 10 years, or not at all. “This might be the new normal.” Pictured above: Adell (l) with radio historian and videographer Art Vuolo (r). Vuolo tells TALKERS, “He invited me to video in studio the launch of Super Station 910 the first week of September a year ago as he re-branded WFDF-AM 910 as news/talk. He wanted to go after WJR, but with mostly syndicated programming from Premiere Networks. Interestingly 910 now with 50 kw is the third biggest AM signal in Michigan!” For more info, see the entire Detroit Free Press article here. 
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, and the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF), name Rachel Haggerty as the 2024 MIW NABLF Launch Program mentee. Started in 2023, Launch is a partnership between MIW and the NAB Leadership Foundation dedicated to supporting and guiding women in radio who are relatively new to the industry. 
The first of its kind, this program fosters the development and curation of talent. Haggerty graduated from Seton Hall University in 2019, where she was actively involved with WSOU-FM, serving as assistant technical operations director and later as student manager. After graduation, she completed the National Association of Broadcasters Technology Apprenticeship Program, interning with iHeartMedia’s New York City radio stations. She then worked locally and with a national support team at iHeartMedia before becoming the assistant chief engineer at WABC-AM. Since 2023, she has returned to iHeartMedia New York, working with Premiere Networks on nationally syndicated talk shows. Rachel is also an active member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers and holds a Certificate in Broadcast Radio Engineering.
Harrison addressed the issue of artificial intelligence’s impact on talk show hosts as well as society in general presenting a mixed forecast of both good and bad news. To watch the video in its entirety please click here 
Cumulus Media announces that Detroit news/talk station WJR AM 760 will air NFL football on Monday and Thursday nights through a new agreement with Westwood One. WJR AM 760 will provide exclusive and comprehensive coverage of the 2024-2025 NFL season, broadcasting Monday and Thursday night regular season football games on the station and in a simulcast on Cumulus Media’s WDVD-FM HD2. WJR AM 760 coverage will also include the NFL Playoffs, beginning with the wild card round and ending with the Super Bowl. Coming up on WJR AM 760’s NFL coverage is the Buffalo Bills match-up against the Miami Dolphins in Miami tonight (9/12) at 7:30pm. Ann Thomas, PD of WJR AM 760, tells TALKERS, “WJR is thrilled to partner with Westwood One to bring Monday and Thursday night NFL football to Michigan residents.”
Pictured above are the on-air celebrities and athletes who participated at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY. For more information about the BFoA, please click here 
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One Presents National Audio Coverage of the 2024 College Football Season. Westwood One will present national audio coverage of the 2024 college football season. Highlighting Westwood One’s schedule of 16 regular season games will be matchups with top-20 teams including the University of Georgia, Ohio State University, the University of Texas, the University of Oregon, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), the University of Alabama, the University of Missouri, the University of Tennessee, Clemson University, and defending national champion, the University of Michigan as well as the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic between Virginia State University and Benedict College. Postseason games will include the SEC Championship Game, the annual Army vs. Navy Game, and the FCS Championship. In his first year with Westwood One, Nate Gatter will serve as play-by-play announcer. He will be joined by former University of Minnesota tight end and eight-year NFL veteran Derek Rackley, in his 11th season with Westwood One.
Eric Trump Tells WPHT, Philadelphia Host Dom Giordano the DNC is “Dark.” With Pennsylvania being such an important swing state in the presidential race, WPHT, Philadelphia 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm host Dom Giordano’s program has been a major destination for prominent Republicans on the campaign trail. On Monday (8/19), Giordano (“the dean of Philadelphia talk radio”) hosted GOP VP nominee J.D. Vance and yesterday (8/20), he was visited by Eric Trump. Trump, whose wife Lara Trump is co-chair of the Republican National Committee, told Giordano, “Compared to the positivity of the RNC, the DNC was all so dark, depressing and unbearable [for Lara and I] to watch.”
VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, has announced updates to its leadership, including the promotion of Miles Gwyn to COO. In this new role, Gwyn will manage the network’s day-to-day operations, overseeing content production, distribution and advertising partnerships, technology, compliance, and infrastructure.
As part of this new management structure, Brian Musburger takes the role of president/chief business officer and Bill Adee becomes CEO. In addition, VSiN has promoted Stephanie Kamerschak to executive producer, responsible for overseeing talent schedules, managing producers and associate producers, and arranging promotional content across platforms. Most recently, Kamerschak was coordinating producer at VSiN and previously held senior producer roles at DraftKings and ESPN.
SiriusXM’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention will begin next Monday (8/19) at 7:00 am (ET) with Zerlina Maxwell’s “Mornings with Zerlina” on Progress (channel 127). Throughout the week she’ll interview politicians and experts, as well as provide her analysis of the previous night’s key moments. Another Progress host, Michelangelo Signorile, will walk throughout Chicago’s United Center, interviewing politicians; spokespeople; and experts. “Tell Me Everything” host John Fugelsang (9:00 am – 12:00 noon, ET) will anchor primetime coverage onsite. Meanwhile, SiriusXM POTUS (channel 124) hosts Steve Scully and Julie Mason will do their shows live from Chicago all week. Among others, Mason’s early confirmed guests include Colorado Senator Michael Bennet; Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell; Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley; and Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Weeknight political program “RealClearPolitics” (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, ET) will broadcast live from the POTUS set on “Media Row” throughout the DNC. In addition to hosting their own shows, Scully and Mason will anchor special primetime coverage from inside the arena starting at 8:00 pm (ET), where they’ll provide analysis and also air the night’s big speeches.