ESPN announces a multi-year agreement with Steve Mason and John Ireland, co-hosts of KSPN, Los
Angeles’ “Mason & Ireland” show to continue in that role. ESPN EVP, executive editor, sports news and entertainment David Roberts says, “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Steve and John. They bring energy, humor, and perspective that resonate with listeners across Los Angeles. There’s nothing quite like ‘Mason & Ireland’ in the market or in sports radio.”
Talk media superstar Sean Hannity guests on the new installment of “Up Close Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Hannity is the long-running, reigning champion of both news/talk radio and cable news television. He’s seen nightly on the FOX News Channel and heard daily on more than 750 radio stations via Premiere Networks. Hannity has been expanding his platforms to include a special new premium channel titled FOX Nation and is stretching the subjects he discusses well beyond the realm of politics, for which he has become famous, including history, show business, sports, and even stand-up comedy. Harrison, publisher of the broadcasting trade journal TALKERS, engages Hannity in a candid conversation about his life and career – as well as the launch of a new four-part FOX Nation program he hosts titled, “Wanted Dead or Alive,” about famous outlaws and bank robbers of the early 20th century.
Cumulus Media announces that “JR in the Morning” co-host Lloyd Jackson is the official voice of the Detroit
People Mover, the city of Detroit’s elevated public transportation system. The city makes the announcement as the People Mover celebrates its 38th anniversary and Jackson becomes the first new voice for the system’s on-board station announcements in over 30 years. The WJR personality’s voice will now greet thousands of riders daily, both on the trains and from the station platforms. In addition to station announcements, Jackson will also be heard on a series of welcome messages, greeting riders from the station platforms.
Innes to Host Mornings in Detroit. Radio personality Josh Innes, who has worked in the sports talk format in Philadelphia and Houston, is the new morning drive host at iHeartMedia’s rock WLLZ, Detroit. The station says, “‘The Josh Innes Show’ will wake up Detroit listeners with an interactive show that combines live callers, opinions and commentary on a wide variety of topics. From sports to pop culture and local interests, Josh Innes brings a fresh and engaging approach that is both fun and uniquely Detroit.
iHeartMedia Q2 Financial Report Announced. iHeartMedia, Inc will issue financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2025 on Monday, August 11. The company will conduct a conference call at 4:30 pm ET, following the release of its earnings announcement, to discuss its financial results and business outlook.
Urban One to Present Q2 Operating Results. Urban One announces it will reveal the operating results from the second quarter of 2025 on Tuesday, August 19 and will hold a conference call for investors, analysts, and other interested parties at 10:00 am ET that morning.
Sports talk media personality Rich Eisen is returning to the ESPN radio fold, effective September 2. ESPN says “The Rich Eisen Show” will be available nationally on ESPN Radio, in addition to Disney+ and ESPN+
live in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart. The show will be simulcast live on Disney+ every day and on ESPN+ during select weeks in the year. In addition to his weekday show, Eisen brings his full podcast lineup from The Rich Eisen Podcast Network to ESPN platforms. Eisen says, “Once we struck a deal with Disney for the video version of The Rich Eisen Show, it made complete sense to migrate the audio version to ESPN Radio, where I got started in the terrestrial radio world almost 30 years ago. It’s just another way to return to my roots with my old and now new friends at ESPN and GKB. I couldn’t be more excited about our future together on multiple platforms.”
Audacy’s sports talk KFXX-AM “1080 The Fan” gets a full-market FM signal as the company drops the AC format on KRSK-FM and begins simulcasting on the 105.1 FM frequency, effective today (7/22). Additionally, the station announces that longtime station host Dusty Harrah adds brand manager duties following the
retirement of Jeff Austin. The station the serves as flagship for University of Oregon Ducks football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. Along with these changes, the station unveils a tweaked program schedule that includes the debut of “The Firm of Harris and Marang,” airing daily from 10:00 pm to 1:00 pm and hosted by Danny Marang and Patrick Harris; “Dirt and Sprague” extending their show an hour from 6:00 am to 10:00 am; and “The Happy Hour with Luke Andersen” airing weekdays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Audacy Portland SVP and market manager Ryan Cooley says, “We’re incredibly excited to bring ‘The FAN’ to the FM dial. This move is long overdue and all about delivering a better listening experience for our audience with clearer sound and great content our fans know and love. For the first time in our history, our entire primetime on-air lineup will be 100% local and led by our new brand manager, Dusty Harrah, a native Oregonian.”
iHeartMedia Pittsburgh promotes former lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion Max Starks to color
commentator for game day broadcasts. Starks has been a member of the Steelers Audio Network broadcast team since 2021, and transitions from his previous role as sideline analyst to join play-by-play host Rob King in the booth. Missi Matthews continues to deliver game day reporting from the sidelines. In addition, King and Starks will co-host, “In The Locker Room, Presented by Neighborhood Ford Store” that airs in-season from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Steelers Nation Radio and on WBGG-AM “FOX Sports Pittsburgh.”
Colin Cowherd Adds 400th Affiliate. FOX Sports Radio’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” reaches the 400-affiliate milestone with the addition of iHeartMedia’s “Rip City Radio 620 Portland” (KPOJ-AM). Cowherd says, “I couldn’t be more excited about the move! The Northwest has always held a special place in my heart! I was so fired up when I got the call from iHeart and am extremely honored that of all the cities, Portland’s KPOJ is my 400th affiliate.”
Benztown Partners with APM Music. Benztown is partnering with production music library APM Music to bring the latter’s work to radio stations. The APM Music library includes 1.3 million tracks in every genre and style from around the world and a constant flow of new releases, with more than 180 new curated new albums, 8,000 new tracks, and 2,000 songs with stems added each month.
Mission Media AI Partners with VSiN. Mission Media AI partners with VSiN, The Sports Betting Network to exclusively represent advertising sales across VSiN’s portfolio of content. Mission Media says the partnership strengthens its growing footprint in the sports space and unlocks new revenue opportunities for VSiN across their multitude of consumer touch points, including eight regional sports networks.
Paragon Welcomes Mikel Ellcessor. Paragon adds longtime public radio professional Mikel Ellcessor as an on-air fundraising consultant. Paragon says Ellcessor’s expertise will complement on-air fundraising consultant Christina Shockley’s specialized and proven approach to strategizing and producing modern, listener-focused, and impactful on-air fund drives and membership campaigns and adds that Paragon is fully situated to provide new fundraising strategies at a time when public radio stations are seeking new revenue solutions.
FOX Sports has canceled the “Breakfast Ball” show on FS1 co-hosted by Craig Carton and Danny Parkins.
Both personalities came to television from radio – Carton from WFAN, New York and 
Parkins from WSCR, Chicago. Industry watchers are speculating whether the two, especially Carton, will return to radio. In the New York Post, sportswriterAndrew Marchand notes that after his prison stint for a fraud conviction, Audacy’s now-chief business officer Chris Oliviero was instrumental in bringing Carton back to WFAN as afternoon drive co-host. Carton did radio and the FS1 show before leaving radio to focus on the early morning TV show.
Audacy welcomes Bruce Logan to the Houston station group as vice president of programming and
operations for the cluster that includes sports talk KILT-AM, sports betting KIKK-AM and four music brands. Logan says, “I’m so excited to be returning to Audacy and Houston! Thanks to Sarah Frazier, Brian Purdy, Tim Roberts, Dave Richards, Jeff Sottolano and Chris Oliviero for once again handing me the keys to these legendary Houston brands. I know Houston is hot, I know it’s where to find the best queso in the world, and I know how to help teams achieve success! We start immediately.”
By Michael Harrison
Publisher
TALKERS
Let’s look into the crystal ball. Humor me if you will.
The year is 2030 and someone invented a new radio brand that was recognized by the end of the 2020s as the most innovative AM format to come down the pike since “news/talk” and “all sports” rose to prominence some three decades earlier (although the need for it was plainly obvious for years). It is even credited with “saving the AM band” like Rush Limbaugh did back in the 90s.
Now, at the start of the 21st century’s third decade, this approach to on-air broadcasting exists across America on approximately 20 major and medium market AM outlets and is tagged by a variety of brand names including “Emergency Radio,” “Emergency Room,” “First Responder AM,” and more. (One outlet has been tagged “The Flashlight 570” and another is being called “The Hero 710.”) How about “Crisis 1050?”
It is a commercial format with an extraordinarily wide array of potential advertisers, and it is an “image buy” that defies being dependent on ratings. What image-conscious company wouldn’t want the prestige of sponsoring such a positive media force?
Of course, it streams on the internet and has a syndication component – but it wears its “live and local” dimension and its AM dial frequency like a double-edged sword of honor because by 2030 it has become painfully obvious that the electric grid as provided by digital technology is a fragile structure indeed.
We hold this TRUTH to be self-evident
Emergency Radio is based on the self-evident truth that it is very challenging to be a human being in an environment in which the world is constantly bombarding each and every individual with disasters. Please pardon my messy metaphor – but hurricanes are merely the tip of the iceberg.
The human race is plagued by non-stop natural disasters, man-made disasters, medical disasters, financial disasters, emotional disasters, technical disasters, ethics disasters, and a tsunami of anxiety!
Emergency Radio provides real time help in conveying accurate live and local information to the immediate market during fires, floods, earthquakes, pandemics, accidents, and random acts of violence.
Emergency Radio also provides information about disasters happening around the nation and world. The volcano in a far-away country. The kid trapped in a well in the next state.
But it doesn’t stop there. “Slow news days” are filled with a whole array of revivable radio syndication initiatives that focus on feelings, anxiety, relationships, money, and a slew of real-life problems that impact each and every one of us on a seemingly constant basis. Emergency Radio simply puts them under a different generic umbrella. The world around us, near and far, is one big potential drama waiting to be tapped on the great stage known as the theater of the mind.
Emergency Radio unabashedly recognizes that life’s a bitch and that people need help – including honest inspiration.
BACK TO THE PRESENT: The only problem standing in the way of this prophesy being self-fulfilled is that it will take a bit of a budget still not considered feasible by industry standards and a whole lot of work.
Michael Harrison is the founder of TALKERS. He can be emailed at michael@talkers.com.
Sean Hannity is hosting a new season of his historical drama series, “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” for FOX Nation. The series premieres tomorrow (7/16) tackling the stories of the infamous John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, Baby Face Nelson, and Ma Barker. FOX Nation says, “A continuation of his 2024 FOX Nation series, ‘Outlaws and Lawmen,’ Hannity will transport viewers back to The Great Depression as it devastated the nation, and the fast times and easy money of the roaring ‘20s became a faded memory. With bank foreclosures and millions out of work, a new brand of outlaw was born. They rob banks, pull off daring kidnappings and shoot their way into American folklore and one by one, enter the crosshairs of J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI. Each episode will feature a single character or duo’s story in a journey that re-imagines this volatile era.” Hannity comments, “In the shadows of the Great Depression, outlaws cemented their names into history as America’s most wanted. I’m thrilled to further this series and share the stories that ultimately defined a generation.”
Audacy names Chris Fillar the new morning show co-anchor on all-news WWJ, Detroit “Newsradio 950,” where he joins Jackie Paige for the 5:00 am to 10:00 am program. Fillar has been delivering sports updates
for WWJ and sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” since 2018. Audacy Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon says, “We are excited to have Chris bring his passion and energy to the morning show. Chris and Jackie are a powerful team, and we’re confident they’ll make an impact every morning while connecting with our listeners.” Fillar comments, “I’m ecstatic to take on this new role alongside Jackie and the entire fantastic morning newsroom at WWJ. It’s an honor to wake up and deliver trusted news to our listeners, and I’m humbled to work with such a great team!”
By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
and TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”
There are two broad categories of thought: Task. Creative. When in creative mode, a person innovates, imagines, plans, and solves problems. An idea bank is a bank! Money grows from the results of imagination: new products, new music, new formats, new sales strategies. Business growth depends on new!
Task mode is focused on the past. Accounting, legal, sorting, painting, mowing, eating, surviving. Tasks are essential activities but financially break even, at best.
Your colleagues probably suffer from thoughts of radio industry consolidation and cutbacks. Personally, there was a moment in my career that still haunts me at this writing. A moment more profound than consolidation or repeal of FCC ownership financial requirements.
The crash moment in the history of radio was when a program director uttered these words:
“It’s not in the budget.”
The words were less shocking than the source. Owners and general managers had said, we don’t have the money, but never the program director. Program directors, in my experience, lived in a charged creative fantasy. They imagined better shows, contests, DJ patter, bigger, better, fun-er radio for bigger ratings. Programmers thrived in an environment of creative challenges rather than tasks. PDs were often not even shown their budgets.
Creative-mode results in breathtaking promotions (win a house, win your rent, win a six pack of Corvettes.) Audience-daring formats such as album-oriented rock and all sports. Exciting air talent: Howard Stern, Neil Rogers, Jake Fogelnest, John Kobylt.
Programmers heard general managers say, “A good salesman is one with a good product.” Or, “If you deliver ratings, the sales department will sell it.” Intuitively, general managers and owners knew that if they kept their programmers and talent on the creative side of their brains, the station could succeed.
There were conversations between general managers and program directors when the PD would have “suggestions” about sales and the GMs would say, “That’s the sales manager’s job” and shut down the PD! Therefore, PDs were kept on the creative side of their brains, the idea bank.
Driving a new idea, a new format, promotion, or on-air technique demands a programmer’s knowledge and passion. Without passion, few new strategies are launched. Birthing a new idea in radio is way too difficult to achieve with just logic. New ideas come to exist by fighting for budgets, fighting to win acceptance from staff.
New ideas are worth the fight because they can bring audience growth and fresh cash.
As the industry puzzles over declining sales, declining youth listening, and declining buzz, don’t blame consolidation and streaming. Blame owners that have given programmers the ultimate excuse to not try new ideas, not push new promotions, not embrace fresh talent, not take risks that lead to growth. “It’s not in the budget.”
Shut the door on your way out.
Walter Sabo has been a C Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General and many other leading media outlets. His company HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers.. His nightly show “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.
Covino & Rich Broadcasting from All-Star Game. FOX Sports Radio’s “Covino & Rich” are broadcasting from the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta this week. While “The Dan Patrick Show” is on vacation, a special edition of “Covino & Rich” will broadcast in the show’s 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET timeslot. Post-game coverage will continue Wednesday, July 16 with a broadcast from iHeartMedia Atlanta’s studios.
iHeartMedia Memphis Presenting Chicken & Beer Festival. iHeartMedia Memphis, including news/talk WREC, is presenting the seventh annual Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival on Saturday, August 16 on the field of the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit local charity Merge Memphis.
Townsquare to Reveal Q2 Financial Results. Townsquare Media will release second quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain second quarter 2025 financial results that day at 8:00 am ET.
The John Fredericks Media Network welcomes Taft College head baseball coach and health/physical education professor Vince Maiocco as a regular contributor to the network’s signature sports program,
“Godzilla Wins,” that airs Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:00 am ET. John Fredericks says, “Coach Vince is a tremendous asset to our weekend sports broadcast. He has built an enormous fan base in a short period of time. His insight and knowledge of professional and college sports is enlightening and uncanny. Most importantly, Vince is a dedicated mentor and teacher whose keen analysis engages and informs our listeners as well as our younger contributors, whose careers in broadcasting we are dedicated to growing.” JFMN programming is heard on 23 radio stations, plus via multiple streaming platforms including YouTube Live, Rumble Live, X-Live, GETTR Live, and JFMN.TV.
WABC Radio is partnering with Shriners Children’s for a charity softball game called Day of Champions on Sunday, July 20, at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. It will feature a softball game between members of the NYPD versus members of the FDNY with net proceeds going to Shriners Children’s. John
Sterling, who hosts a Saturday afternoon sports talk program on 77WABC, will provide play-by-play of the game, as well as the Little League pre-game. This event includes pre-game activities for families including meet-and-greet opportunities with 77WABC on-air personalities and sports legend Dwight Gooden, Fastest Pitch and Home Run Derby contests, Kids Zone, Sports Memorabilia Silent Auction and more! Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis says, “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay. At WABC Radio, we are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and, together, provide a fun-filled day for our community while supporting this great mission.”
Audacy sports talk KILT-AM, Houston “SportsRadio 610” raised $27,240 during its inaugural “Reggie and Ron Radiothon” benefiting the Houston Food Bank. All proceeds go toward the Houston Food Bank’s mission to eliminate food insecurity in southeast Texas and ensure Texans have access to nutritious food to fuel a healthy life. Pictured above are (from l-r): “In the Loop” producer Figgy Fig, Ron Hughley, Houston Food Bank’s chief development officer Julie Voss, Reggie Adetula, and “The Drive” producer Tyler Milner.
iHeartMedia’s sports talk KXNO, Des Moines is debuting its new program lineup after the departure of a number of local hosts over the past six months or so. Last year, the “Murph and Andy Show” starring Keith Murphy and Andy Fales exited for a podcast initiative. Also exiting were Ross Peterson in late 2024 and
morning drive personality Travis Justice in January of this year. New in morning drive are Heather Burnside (who moves from the PM drive show) and Alec Busse hosting “The 1st Quarter.” Ken Miller and Trent Condon continue in the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm slot, and program director and personality Sean Roberts partners with Lucas Strain for the afternoon drive “Off the Bench” show. Overtime Iowa – a “best of the day” program – airs from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Alpha Media Portland names Ross MacLeod the new operations manager for the Portland market. In this role he’ll also serve as content director for news/talk KXL-FM “FM News 101” and sports talk KXTG-AM
“750 The Game.” He most recently served as program director for iHeartMedia’s WBGG, Miami “Big 105.9.” MacLeod states, “I’m looking forward to working with some of the amazing talent we have in Portland, and leading this cluster to new heights. KXL is a heritage news/talk leader in Portland and I couldn’t be more honored to be part of this team.” Alpha Media stations are being acquired by Connoisseur Media in a deal that is expected to close in the fall.
After a radio career spanning 47 years, Jeff Tyler announces he’s retiring from iHeartMedia. Tyler began his career as an on-air talent in 1978, with early roles in both Madison and Milwaukee. In 1997, he played a pivotal role in forming one of the first merged markets when Capstar Broadcasting acquired six stations from two different companies – a move that laid the foundation for today’s iHeartMedia cluster in Madison. Over
the next three decades, Tyler held numerous leadership positions, including market manager roles in both Madison and Milwaukee. In 2010, Tyler was promoted to region president and later moved to Minneapolis in 2015 to serve as regional president for iHeartMedia. He rose to division president in July 2018 before returning to Wisconsin in 2022 to lead as metro president and most recently area president. Tyler says, “Broadcast radio has been my life. I’ve worked in every aspect of this business and have been fortunate to work for tremendous leaders who helped shape my career, including the creative and innovative team at iHeartMedia. I’m grateful to have worked with so many talented, dedicated professionals in vibrant broadcast markets, serving advertisers and creating meaningful partnerships. I’m excited to begin a more flexible chapter of life with my family, while continuing to support our sports partnerships in the short term.”
Magic Broadcasting announces that it is selling news/talk WVFT-FM, Gretna, Florida in the Tallahassee market to 923 Ventures, LLC – a company owned by the station’s president and CEO Jon Jopling. He’s been in charge of “Real Talk 93.3” and Magic Broadcasting’s Panama City stations since 2021. Magic announced the sale of the Panama City stations to JVC Broadcasting earlier this week. After these deals close, Magic Broadcasting will be out of the radio station ownership business. The press release says that the sale of WVFT-FM to Jopling “ensures that ‘Real Talk 93.3 FM’ will remain Tallahassee’s only locally
owned radio station, a distinction underscored by its long-standing dedication to providing authentic, community-focused content hosted by Tallahassee media staples like legendary sports talk host Jeff Cameron, award-winning morning show host Greg Tish, and investigative reporter Steve Stewart.” Jopling says, “As someone who has lived and worked in Tallahassee for over 23 years, I understand how important it is for our city to have trusted local voices on the airwaves. This transition isn’t just about ownership — it’s about strengthening our commitment to the people of Florida’s capital city. We’ll continue to focus on real news, real conversations, and real connections that matter to the people that live here — delivered by people who live here, too.” Jopling adds, “We’ve had a lot of success at 93.3, and we are thankful for the continued support of all our incredible listeners, fans, and advertisers. Or as we like to call them, our extended family. I’ve been privileged to be in charge of the station, but now, as the owner, I know our family will only get better.”
Syracuse sports talk host Jim Lerch is exiting Cumulus Media sports talk outlet WSKO-AM, Syracuse after 23 years. CNYCentral reports that Lerch, host of “The Manchild Show with Boy Green,” is exiting after
today’s program as he transitions to a digital platform. Lerch is quoted saying, “When I started this back in 2002, I never thought I’d last nearly a quarter of a century on the radio. It’s been my life’s pleasure entertaining and interacting with our incredible listeners over two decades of Syracuse sports history and I look forward to my new journey as a digital sports content host.” See the CNYCentral story here.
FOX Sports Radio personalities Steve Covino and Rich Davis celebrated the 20th anniversary of the “Covino & Rich” show with an exclusive listener event in Las Vegas this past weekend. More than 300 listeners traveled to Las Vegas to enjoy a live broadcast of the show. The weekend also featured a mixer at Circa’s Legacy Club Rooftop Cocktails to watch the fireworks show, an afternoon of golf at Atomic Golf Las Vegas, and dinner at Circa Sportsbook. The weekend concluded with a night of karaoke at Cat’s Meow, where Covino and Davis joined listeners on stage to perform a few songs. Pictured above are (l-r) are: Rich Davis, show executive producer Christian Sorge, and Steve Covino.
Audacy announces that Mark Randall is the new promotions director for Audacy Sacramento that includes sports talk KIFM-AM “ESPN 1320” and five music brands. Audacy Sacramento SVP and market manager
Aaron Miller says, “Mark’s track record of crafting iconic promotions and working alongside some of radio’s biggest personalities makes him a legend in our business. He has the ability to create moments that resonate far beyond the airwaves and we look forward to having him bring that magic to our brands and our audience.” Randall comments, “I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to re-join the Audacy team and this legendary group of stations. Aaron is building an amazing culture in Sacramento, and I’m stoked to be a part of it. The charismatic people within this industry have always been the reason. Let’s go!”
The National Association of Broadcasters says that the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has reached the key milestone of a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives cosponsoring the legislation. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt, states, “Securing 218 cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives, alongside a filibuster-proof 61 cosponsors in the Senate, marks a pivotal milestone for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle
Act and underscores AM radio’s enduring value to the American people. For more than a century, AM radio has been a lifeline, delivering trusted news, local sports, crop reports and emergency information when and where it matters most. From rural communities to urban centers, from first responders to everyday commuters, over 80 million Americans rely on this free, local service to stay informed and safe every month. NAB thanks Reps. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Frank Pallone (NJ-06) for championing this legislation, and the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who recognize AM radio’s essential role in communities across the country. We look forward to continuing our work with the Energy and Commerce Committee and House leadership to advance this bill without delay.”
FOX News personality Jimmy Failla traveled to Tulsa to help affiliate KRMG-AM/FM celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Failla’s “FOX Across America Stay Gold Edition” was held at both the Outsiders House Museum and Puck’s Sports Bar and Grill. The Outsiders House museum founder Danny Boy O’Connor joined Failla at the museum where they recorded a segment of “FOX Across America” with a special studio audience. They discussed the movie, “The Outsiders,” as well as today’s current political events. “KRMG Afternoon News” host Skyler Cooper was live during the evening broadcast, interviewing Failla, Danny Boy O’Connor, and Outsiders House executive director Ashley Beck. Pictured above at The Outsiders House museum is O’Connor (far left) and Failla (center).
Lotus Seattle Corp is seeking staff for its part-time Promotions Event Staff ON-CALL team members to work at station events and represent stations in a positive, professional manner. Lotus says, “This is a great opportunity to earn extra money by working at various stations’ events including local sporting events,
community events, retail/client events, local fairs and more. You will meet new people and engage with the public. Plus, interact with multi-media marketing pros to get an edge on your career with real world experience. This is a great job for all ages over the age of 18. If you are retired, a veteran, looking to fill some time on the weekends, in college looking for some extra part-time work or interested in the radio and television industry this is a great opportunity.” The position pays $21 per hour. Send your resume here.
News/talk WDEL-AM/FM, Wilmington and its four music-formatted sister stations are being sold by Forever Media to Draper Media for $11 million. Draper Holdings Business Trust CEO Molly Draper Russell says, “We’re excited to add these stations, each with a long history of serving their local communities, to our company. Our family’s history of service through free over-the-air broadcasting goes back nearly 60 years.
The addition of these stations fits perfectly into our late founder, my father, Thomas H. Draper’s motto that it is our moral obligation to serve our audience and advertising partners.” In a press release, Draper says it currently operates WBOC-TV, FOX21, WRDE-TV, Telemundo Delmarva, Antenna TV, My Cozi TV, The DSN Sports Network, and multiple FM radio stations across the Delmarva Peninsula. Speaking for seller Forever Media, president Lynn Deppen comments, “We are proud of the legacy these stations have built in their communities and grateful to our dedicated teams who have served listeners with passion and professionalism. We are confident that Draper Media shares our commitment to local broadcasting and will continue to provide outstanding service to audiences and advertisers alike as these stations enter an exciting new chapter.” The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to approval by the FCC.
Woodward Communications names B.J. DeGroot market manager for its six-station cluster in Northeast Wisconsin that includes news/talk WHBY and sports talk WSCO-AM/W237AA “The Score” in Appleton. DeGroot has been serving as brand manager for WHBY and “The Score.” Woodward says that DeGroot’s understanding of the local market and his success in brand management has prepared him to lead this
diverse group of stations. DeGroot comments, “Leading the entire portfolio of Woodward Community Media stations in Northeast Wisconsin is a significant honor. I’m committed to working with our talented local teams to continue delivering relevant content and strengthening our connection with the community.” The company also announces that Kelly Radandt, who was named director of broadcast in November 2024, will oversee broadcast brands across both Northeast Wisconsin and the company’s Springfield, Illinois stations. DeGroot and Kevin O’Dea, market manager of Springfield, will both report to Radandt. Radandt comments, “This expanded role presents a unique opportunity to unify our broadcast efforts and innovate across markets. I am eager to contribute to Woodward Community Media’s continued success and evolution. Onward!”
Beasley Media Group announces that the afternoon drive show on WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” is “Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo” and debuts on Monday (6/9), airing from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Bill Colarulo (above, left) had been a fill-in host with the station before becoming a full-time part of the station’s midday Mike Missanelli show. Colarulo takes over the role that opened up when Tryrone Johnson exited the station at the end of April. Ricky Bottalico (above, right) and Sylvana Kelleher had been part of that show. Bottalico says, “I’ve never been one to sugarcoat things, and that’s exactly what this show is about – raw, real, and unfiltered. Philly fans deserve honesty, and Bill and I are here to give it to them straight – no fluff, just great sports talk.” Colarulo adds, “This city lives and breathes sports, and getting the chance to be part of that conversation every afternoon with Ricky is something I don’t take for granted. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to bring passionate, informed, and entertaining Philly sports talk to our listeners every day.” Station PD Scott Masteller says, “I’m thrilled to bring Ricky and Bill together for afternoons on ‘The Fanatic.’ Ricky’s passion, energy, and deep knowledge of the game, combined with Bill’s sharp analysis and connection with our audience, make for a dynamic duo that’s going to resonate with Philly sports fans in a big way.”
Sports media personality Stephen A. Smith is joining SiriusXM to produce two programs for the satcaster. SiriusXM says the multi-year agreement includes Smith hosting a new, daily sports talk show on the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel in addition to a weekly program covering current events, pop culture, and social
commentary on “everything beyond the world of sports – from politics and social issues to entertainment news, pop culture trends and more.” Smith comments, “To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So, I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That in itself is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics and social commentary… let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!” Stephen A. Smith is a featured commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s “First Take.” Since 2021 he has been an analyst on “NBA Countdown,” ESPN and ABC’s longstanding NBA pregame show.