FCC Chair Carr Promotes Launch of Deregulation Initiative
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is promoting his agency’s new deregulatory initiative, the new docket of which is titled, “In re: Delete, Delete, Delete.” The Commission says it is seeking comment on every rule, regulation, or guidance document that the FCC should eliminate for the purposes of alleviating
unnecessary regulatory burdens. This follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14192 titled, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation” and Executive Order 14219 titled “Ensuring Lawful Governance And Implementing The President’s ‘Department Of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative.” FCC Chairman Carr says, “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Administration is unleashing a new wave of economic opportunity by ending the regulatory onslaught from Washington. For too long, administrative agencies have added new regulatory requirements in excess of their authority or kept lawful regulations in place long after their shelf life had expired. This only creates headwinds and slows down our country’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. The FCC is committed to ending all of the rules and regulations that are no longer necessary. And we welcome the public’s participation and feedback throughout this process. The American people expect and deserve a government that will efficiently deliver great results. We are committed to doing exactly that at the FCC.”
for the class of 2025 is Monday, March 31 at 11:59 pm PT. You can visit 
Now, is submitting IPO offering materials with the SEC and is seeking a public offering with a planned listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NMAX” later this year. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy states, “This achievement reflects the strong results Newsmax has demonstrated and testifies to the trust and support the company maintains with investors, viewers and friends. We’d also like to thank Digital Offering LLC, for their expertise, hard work and their positive commitment to supporting us throughout this process. We are excited to be one step closer to our upcoming IPO which will provide us a tremendous opportunity for growth. A public offering will allow tens of thousands of Americans to directly partner with us and join our news revolution. We look forward to delivering long-term value to all of our shareholders.”
will air on SiriusXM’s Stars channel from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein comments, “Page Six has been a powerhouse for all celebrity news for nearly half a century, and by teaming up with our in-house experts here at SiriusXM, this new show is sure to be the ultimate destination for pop culture fans. With the launch of ‘Page Six Radio,’ we are transforming the publication’s stories to a dynamic new format that will expand its reach and resonate with SiriusXM listeners who turn to the platform for all the latest entertainment news.”
should have the right to handpick the journalists who cover them. Doing so gives them license to select only news outlets whose coverage they deem positive and exclude responsible journalists whose reporting, although fair and accurate, the administration may not like. We call on the Trump administration to reverse this decision without delay so that the American people, and the world, can be assured they are getting a complete and accurate account of the activities of the President of the United States. This is especially critical during times of crisis.”
by a political appointee instead of a career agent. The role of the deputy director is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the bureau’s law enforcement. The Journal also reports that new FBI director Kash Patel had “offered Republican senators private assurances that he would name a special agent with bureau experience” in order to provide “operational expertise and experience.” The FBI Agents Association has made no public statement so far. Cumulus Media issued the following statement: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dan Bongino on his decision to take on the role of deputy director of the FBI. Dan has entertained and informed tens of millions of listeners every day and we are grateful for our successful partnership. We look forward to welcoming Dan back in the future. We truly value our audience, advertisers, and affiliates and remain dedicated to bringing them the next exciting chapter for this programming soon. Dan’s last show will be Friday, March 14.”
that Griffin Fossella worked for him on his 2013 NYC mayoral campaign. Responding to the issue, Morano tells SILive, “We all have personal relationships in this race. I’m proud to have the support of the Staten Island Republican Party… and I look forward to debating my opponent on the issues impacting South Shore residents. John [Catsimatidis] is a good friend and has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to do a nationally syndicated radio show. I’ll always be grateful to him for every opportunity he’s given me.” Catsimatidis says of Morano, “He’s a good broadcaster and he always has a job at WABC.”
It’s not easy to report on the deluge of information (and misinformation on social media) that is shaping our world. Especially in cutting through polarized rhetoric to find the truth. And yet, there has never been a more critical time to arm Americans with the facts and let them make their own decisions. To fulfill this mission, our newsrooms must be able to report without fear or favor. This isn’t just a constitutionally protected right – it is fundamental to serving our communities. And it’s a right we’ve had to defend time and time again since our country’s founding. Efforts to limit the ability of broadcasters to report the facts hinders the public’s right to know and chills free speech. Americans deserve the full and fair reporting that broadcasters provide and NAB strongly defends our members’ First Amendment rights and their vital role in maintaining an informed public. Our democracy relies on journalists’ ability to report the news without the risk of government retribution. In a media environment flooded with social media misinformation and cable news politicization, this role has never been more important.”
Commission stated that Hennen was expressing “his own individual opinion on the current state of journalism,” but “even if it was assumed that such an opinion might be expressed on WDAY under BBM’s ownership, that is not a ground for the FCC to deny or withhold consent to the instant assignment.” The Commission further states, “We reject the assertion that Hennen’s social media comments justify a denial of the proposed assignment applications. The Objection does not cite to any provision under the Act or the rules, any cases, or any Commission policy for its argument that Hennen’s social media comments are pertinent to our review of the Applications. We disagree with Wolff’s argument that Hennen’s viewpoint on the state of journalism, as expressed in his social media comments, is in any way relevant to our determination of BBM’s qualifications to hold a license or whether the proposed assignment would serve the public interest. As the Commission has stated, licensees have broad discretion based on their First Amendment right to free speech to choose, in good faith, the programming they believe serves the needs and interests of their communities. Indeed, the Commission does not interfere with the programming decisions of licensees, nor does it consider issues of programming choice when reviewing an application for the assignment or transfer of a broadcast license.”
The Miami Marlins announced this morning (2/7) the hiring of Jack McMullen as the lead play-by-play announcer on the Marlins Radio Network. McMullen takes over for Kyle Sielaff, who is the 
To say that I am excited about the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference coming up in New York City on Friday March 7 and Saturday March 8 is an understatement. I am proud that TALKERS has taken on the role of “presenting sponsor” of the entire event and that this year’s iteration of the annual “TALKERS” conference will be taking a unique and groundbreaking turn toward the future of radio-oriented broadcasting within the context of the industry’s leading youth-oriented gathering.
If professional radio is truly concerned about an aging audience and a deteriorating “farm system” from which to recruit new talent, it’s time to connect with the largest concentration of young broadcasters and listeners found on the planet in America’s dynamic campus radio station and communications department scene.
SmileyAudioMedia, Inc. announced today (1/31) that its flagship Los Angeles-based radio station, KBLA Talk 1580, will launch year two of its Climate Justice work. This $2 million, 12-month campaign will link and combat the relationship between climate change and poor health outcomes for African Americans, other people of color, and the poor. The campaign was recently named a national semifinalist for the American Climate Leadership Awards 2025 by ecoAmerica. Climate inequities have taken a toll with multiple health triggers in the Black community, such as extreme heat and poor air quality, made worse by the recent wildfires.
Offering LLC and says the deadline to apply for shares in the pre-public offering private placement is Friday (1/31). Newsmax says that its private placement investments are near the $185 million mark. Newsmax has made information about the offering available via its NewsmaxInvest.com site. The offering is available to accredited investors with an annual income of $200,000 or a $1 million-plus net worth.
Spadea – morning drive host at WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” – and his employer Townsquare Media created an illegal “shadow campaign.” The complaint says Townsquare used radio, social media and public events to promote Spadea’s campaign thereby providing him with “hundreds of thousands of dollars” worth of advertising. Ciattarelli is asking the Commission to deny Spadea’s campaign access to matching public funds and to fine Townsquare for the campaign violations. Spadea’s campaign says the complaint is baseless and that it has complied with election law throughout his campaign. 
election for the seat held by Republican Joe Borelli who is leaving his post to work as a lobbyist. Borelli would have to leave the Council at the end of this term in December due to term limits. Morano tells the Post he’s running because “he’s watched too many friends and family members leave the Big Apple over ‘woke policies’ driving up crime and costs and owes it to his three-year-old son Carmine to ‘fight.’” Morano could remain with WABC hosting his syndicated show while running but the show would have to be blacked out in the New York market because of campaign regulations. 
“Cousins, being on radio again, playing the best music, and connecting with listeners is as exciting for me now as it was in 1964,” said Morrow. “The magic of radio, the beauty of theater of the mind is unduplicated. I’m looking forward to the fun we’re going to have on radio stations across America!”
Longtime talk radio mainstay and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member, Jeff Katz is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Katz is the tremendously popular 3:00 – 6:00 pm host at Audacy’s WRVA, Richmond, VA where he has developed a national reputation within the broadcasting industry as a champion of public service and community outreach. 
In addition to being a compelling political commentator and dazzlingly entertaining personality, Katz – a former Philadelphia police officer – has worked tirelessly for years as a champion of law enforcement, the needy, and the disabled. A former recipient of the TALKERS “Humanitarian of the Year” award, Katz has received numerous honors over the years from public officials including the President of the United States, Director of the FBI, and Governor of Virginia. Just recently, VA Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Katz to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. Katz and Harrison discuss radio’s handling of the current water crisis afflicting central Virginia, which has been overshadowed, in terms of national attention, by the Southern California wildfire disaster, in addition to the importance of radio as an invaluable societal safety net. Don’t miss this. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click 
Newsmax Raises $150 Million in Pre-IPO Plan.* Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy reports “We did it!” According to the ascending multi-platform news organization’s founder, “When we announced our plan to go public, we also announced our plan to raise $150 million in Preferred Shares before we became listed.” Ruddy tells TALKERS, “I am glad to report Newsmax hit the $150 million* mark over the Christmas-New Year’s holiday. In fact, we have raised $153 million*, having exceeded our target by $3 million. And we have thousands of investors who are still in the process of buying Preferred Shares!
So, Newsmax has decided to extend our offering to $175 million – an increase of $25 million above our target raise.” Ruddy concludes, “Newsmax expects to close on the remaining $22 million remaining very soon.” 
“Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about elevating radio technology and helping the industry understand the critical role of metadata, especially in the digital dashboard,” Jurison tells TALKERS. “Joining Quu is an incredible opportunity to build on that mission. I’m eager to contribute to this talented team’s efforts to strengthen radio stations’ relationships with their listeners and advertising clients.” “Alan’s innovative mindset and technical expertise make him an exceptional addition to Quu,” said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu. “His vision aligns perfectly with our goals to help radio boost ratings and generate new revenue through visual solutions that engage and retain audiences.” Alan will be at CES in Las Vegas this week, where he looks forward to connecting with industry peers. Interested in meeting up? Contact Alan at 
The horrific murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson at the hands of Luigi Mangione at the end of 2024 was a wake-up call for the talk media industry.
After making great strides with ratings, revenue, podcasts, local in-market promotions, and a national, live political forum (“The Gathering”) in 2024, which included expanding to 27 affiliates, the Compass Media Networks syndicated Erick Erickson Show starts today (1/6) with an additional 29 affiliates, bringing the total to 56. Effective today, the following stations will start airing the Erick Erickson Show: KBYR, Anchorage, AK; KLOO, Corvallis, OR; WDBT, Dothan, AL; KSLM, Salem, OR; KSUE, Susanville, CA; WTNY, Watertown, NY; and the Supertalk FM network in Mississippi (WRQO, Brookhaven, MS; WXRZ, Corinth, MS; WTCD, Greenwood, MS; WOSM, Gulfport, MS; WFMM; Hattiesburg, MS; WFMN, Jackson, MS; WLAU, Laurel, MS; WZKR, Meridian, MS; WTNM, Oxford, MS; WKBB, Starkville, MS; WMPK, Summit, MS; WFTA in Tupelo, MS and it will also move into the live spot on KROF in Lafayette, LA. The show is a longtime staple of Cox Media Group’s 95.5 WSB, Atlanta where it airs 12:00 noon- 3:00 pm daily. In 2024, Erickson conducted live events in Las Vegas, Tulsa, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Athens, and Orlando, covering his own costs so stations could make more money. “The Gathering” attracted 1,000 attendees from 47 states to hear from key Republican figures like Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Mitch McConnell. In 2025, Erickson tells TALKERS, “We plan to expand this event to other markets.”
BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 comprehensive national audio news network specializing in what it describes as “objective, accurate and trusted continual news with a Black voice and perspective,” today (1/6) announced Terry Foxx has joined as VP, news and content effective immediately. In his new role, Foxx will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of BIN: Black Information Network’s newsroom and its team of journalists, with a focus on development of news content and original programming. “I am excited to have Terry join BIN: Black Information Network,” said Tony Coles, the network’s president. “In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, the role of news in shaping public discourse has never been more important. We’re confident his contributions will strengthen our position as a leader in delivering inclusive and impactful news and content to our audiences.” Prior to his new role with BIN, Foxx served as regional director of talk programming for iHeartMedia Austin/San Antonio. His career includes roles at KUT-FM, University of Texas, and major stations such as WPLJ-FM, New York; B96, Chicago; KKDA-FM, Dallas; and WZGC-FM, Atlanta.
“I am thrilled to contribute to the growth and success of BIN: Black Information Network,” Foxx tells TALKERS. “BIN is a vital platform for amplifying diverse voices and delivering trusted, relevant news to our communities. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact and further strengthen the connection between BIN and the audiences we serve.” BIN is distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app, available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices, as well as on local AM/FM broadcast radio stations across America, including Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.
The free 3-hour, 1-hour, 25- and 30-minute radio specials are hosted by long-time WMAL, Washington, DC radio personality Larry O’Connor and feature stories of our nation’s heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. This program is appropriate for the entire Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year season and is a fitting and inspirational holiday programming alternative for all formats. The show features interviews with wounded warriors and veterans including heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom, the Vietnam War and an incredible, emotional story of one of America’s World War II living legends. Listeners will hear their stories fighting for our freedoms, the injuries and illnesses they endured. and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they go through their painful and painstaking recoveries. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact TALKERS Heavy Hundred member Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or 