Industry News

JD Vance to Host Today’s Charlie Kirk Show

imgSalem Media Group announces that to honor Salem Radio Network talk host Charlie Kirk, Vice President JD Vance is guest hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” today (9/15) at 12:00 noon ET. This special broadcast live from The White House will air on the Salem Radio Network and will be simulcast on Salem News Channel. Vice President Vance tweeted on Sunday, “I will have the honor of hosting the Charlie Kirk Show. Please join me as I pay tribute to my friend.” Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “The Vice President and Second Lady Usha Vance flew to Phoenix to be with the Kirk family immediately following last Wednesday’s assassination, and they also flew Charlie’s coffin home from Utah on Air Force Two.”

Industry News

Saga Adds George Plaster to “ESPN Clarksville” Lineup

imgThe Nashville-based “George Plaster Show,” with co-hosts Kelly Holcomb and Billy Derrick, is now heard on Saga Communications’ sports talk WKFN-AM/W281BT in Clarksville, Tennessee. Clarksville Now reportsPlaster said he’s excited for the opportunity to be here and tap into a new market of sports fans. “I’m very excited about being in Clarksville. For me, this is about adding listeners – listeners who knew me from years ago. I think we’re going to do really well here, it’s a market that has a lot of sports fans, and we just simply want to tap into it.” “The George Plaster Show” will air live from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Read the Clarksville Nowstory here.

Industry News

Penn State to Shutter Non-Com WPSU-FM

According to a report at TribLive.com, Penn State will shut down its public radio station, WPSU-FM at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. The report says trustees voted against a proposal to transfer its operating assets to public radio WHYY-FM, Philadelphia. WPSU has depended on annual subsidies of atimg least $3.4 million from the university to operate the station. TribLive reports, “Penn State officials said they proposed transferring the operating assets of WPSU to WHYY and provide a $17 million subsidy structured to decrease over five years, to give WHYY an opportunity to help WPSU reach a financial break-even point and continue broadcasting across central Pennsylvania.” That proposal was not accepted by the trustees. See the TribLive story here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (9/13-14)

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

1. Kirk Slaying Aftermath
2. The Economy / Tariffs / Fed Rate Cut
3. Russia Incursions into NATO Airspace
4. ICE Raids / Guard to Memphis
5. The Emmy Awards

Industry News

FOX News to Present Charlie Kirk Tribute

img FOX News Channel presenting a primetime special titled, “Charlie Kirk: An American Original,” hosted by FOX News Channel’s Jesse Watters tomorrow at 7:00 pm ET with an encore presentation on Sunday (9/14) at 7:00 pm ET. FOX News says Watters “will reflect on Kirk’s extraordinary impact as a conservative thought leader, gifted communicator, and a monumental force for the MAGA movement.” Kirk colleagues and friends being featured include: Donald Trump Jr., “My View” host Lara Trump, Graham Allen, and Pastor Jack Hibbs. In addition, FNC personalities Will Cain, Laura Ingraham, Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt and Lawrence Jones will reflect on Kirk’s impact.

Industry News

95.5 WSB Adds “Coast to Coast AM”

imgCox Media Group’s Atlanta news/talk 95.5 WSB (WSB-AM/WSBB-FM) is adding Premiere Networks’ “Coast to Coast AM” hosted by George Noory to its program schedule. WSB director of branding and programming Ken Charles says, “We’re thrilled Coast to Coast AM with George Noory is joining the 95.5 WSB-AM lineup. George’s unique voice and compelling content are a perfect overnight fit for our listeners. This is a powerful addition to our lineup of live and local talent.”

Industry News

BFoA Holds Annual Celebrity Golf Tourney

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The Broadcasters Foundation of America held its 2025 Celebrity Golf Tournament earlier this week, raising much-needed funds that will go to helping anyone in broadcasting who has been impacted by critical illness or disaster and who qualifies for aid. BFoA says broadcasters from CBS/Paramount, Audacy, Gabelli Investments, Katz, Good Karma, NBC, Fox, Disney, and more rallied in support of the BFOA’s mission. The event was held at the Arcola Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey. For information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to make a donation or apply for aid, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact the BFOA at 212-373-8250, or info@thebfoa.org.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (September 8-12, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (9/8-12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

               Stories

1. Charlie Kirk Assassination
2. ICE Raids / Guard to Chicago Threats
3. SCOTUS ICE Ruling
4. The Epstein Files
5. The Economy
6. Lisa Cook Ruling
7. GA Hyundai Plant Raid / U.S.-South Korea Relations
8. Poland Intercepts Russian Drones
9. Israel Attacks Hamas in Qatar
10.France’s Government Implodes

              People

1. Donald Trump
2. Charlie Kirk
3. JB Pritzker / Brandon Johnson
4. Jeffrey Epstein
5. Scott Bessent
6. Jerome Powell / Lisa Cook
7. Lee Jae Myung
8. Vladimir Putin
9. Benjamin Netanyahu
10.Emmanuel Macron

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Civic Media to Acquire Milwaukee Signals

Wisconsin broadcasting company Civic Media signs a deal to acquire WZTI-AM, Greenfield and FM translators W262CJ, Milwaukee and W297BY, Franklin from Milwaukee Radio Alliance LLC. The signals had been broadcasting an oldies format until recent flooding the area knocked WZTI off the air. Civic Mediaimg intends to have the station back on the air within a few weeks and it will continue to air an oldies format. Civic Media will add W262CJ at 100.3 FM to the simulcast of talk WAUK-AM, Waukesha which is also heard on W266DR, Waukesha at 101.1 FM. The 100.3 FM signal gives the station a presence in the center of Milwaukee. Civic Media regional president Chris Moreau says, “We’re thrilled to expand our presence in Milwaukee, our largest metro market. These acquisitions allow us to better serve listeners across southeastern Wisconsin with our commitment to local news coverage and quality programming. The extended coverage area creates exciting opportunities for both our audience and advertising partners.”

Industry News

Paul Gallant and Joel Blank Exit KFNC-FM, Houston

imgSports talk hosts Paul Gallant and Joel Blank have exited Gow Media’s KFNC-FM, Houston ESPN 97.5 in moves they describe as budget related. Both personalities posted the news of their departure to social media. Gallant hosted the early evening show and Blank co-hosted the “Killer B’s” midday show with Jeremy Branham.

Industry News

Audio Tribute Memorializing 9/11 Available to TALKERS Subscribers

The 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City takes place today. The day – in what has become a historic tradition – will be commemorated by a wide variety of solemn events across the nation.  TALKERS is once again making a special four-minute and eleven-second audio file titled, “Reflections on 9/11,” to its readers and subscribers for on-air, online, or personal use at no cost. Originally produced in 2023 as an audio podcast for Podjockey.com, the emotionally powerful and touching piece was written and delivered by longtime talk media host, commentator and director of the Good For You Network (www.goodforyounetwork.comClaire Carter (a.k.a. C.C. Carter). It also features an original musical backdrop scored and performed by the renowned pop music ensemble Gunhill Road whose “songs with a message” are often played on talk radio. Carter says, “Two months after 9/11, I went down to the World Trade Center site to pay my respects. I walked over to the makeshift ‘Teddy Bear’ memorial site, where people had spontaneously left notes and cards – and teddy bears. I wanted to write down some of what was left, because it was meant to be heard. I wanted to give voice to peoples’ hearts and heartache. And so, I ask you to listen to the raw emotions emanating from their hearts.” To download “Reflections on 9/11” by C.C. Carter and Gunhill Road, please click here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/10)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Charlie Kirk Assassination
2. ICE & Guard Troops in Chicago
3. Harris’ Criticism of Biden
4. Poland Downs Russian Drones
5. The Epstein Files

Industry News

Audio Tribute Memorializing 9/11 Available to TALKERS Subscribers

The 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City takes place tomorrow. The day – in what has become a historic tradition – will be commemorated by a wide variety of solemn events across the nation.  TALKERS is once again making a special four-minute and eleven-second audio file titled, “Reflections on 9/11,” to its readers and subscribers for on-air, online, or personal use at no cost. Originally produced in 2023 as an audio podcast for Podjockey.com, the emotionally powerful and touching piece was written and delivered by longtime talk media host, commentator and director of the Good For You Network (www.goodforyounetwork.comClaire Carter (a.k.a. C.C. Carter). It also features an original musical backdrop scored and performed by the renowned pop music ensemble Gunhill Road whose “songs with a message” are often played on talk radio. Carter says, “Two months after 9/11, I went down to the World Trade Center site to pay my respects. I walked over to the makeshift ‘Teddy Bear’ memorial site, where people had spontaneously left notes and cards – and teddy bears. I wanted to write down some of what was left, because it was meant to be heard. I wanted to give voice to peoples’ hearts and heartache. And so, I ask you to listen to the raw emotions emanating from their hearts.” To download “Reflections on 9/11” by C.C. Carter and Gunhill Road, please click here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/9)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Reports of Weakening Economy
2. Epstein Birthday Note Controversy
3. Lisa Cook Ruling
4. ICE & Guard Troops in Chicago
5. Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar

Industry News

Oliveira Promoted to OM for Connoisseur Connecticut

imgConnoisseur Media promotes Ed Oliveira to operations manager for Connoisseur Media’s Connecticut stations. Oliveira has been with Connoisseur Media for more than a decade, most recently as director of traffic & creative services. Oliveira says, “I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to take on this expanded role. This feels like a natural step for me, and I appreciate [SVP of Connecticut operations] Kristin Okesson for believing in me and my abilities. One person that has been a near-constant in my career is Keith Dakin. Having the opportunity to receive the baton from him and building on his work is a task I take on with pride. I am beyond excited to expand my role with the amazing people on this team. They are so good that operations could probably run on its own BUT I am ecstatic they chose me to oversee it.”

Industry News

Salem Brings Australian Erin Molan to Podcast Network

imgSalem Media Group recruits Australian media personality Erin Molan to host an eponymous podcast for the Salem Podcast Network. Molan says, “The American market has always felt like such a natural fit. The focus on my former show on Sky News Australia was always more heavily skewed towards foreign affairs, U.S. politics, national security, and COMMON SENSE! When clips started to go viral in the United States, I figured there was an appetite there for what I had to say!” Salem SVP spoken word Phil Boyce comments, “I really believe Erin Molan is the ‘thunder from down under.’ She is fighting hard for the right side in Australia, and now we are helping her make her case to the U.S. and beyond. She is a strong advocate for Israel and against anti-Semitic rhetoric, so I can’t wait to hear her get started.”

Industry News

RTNA Opens Awards to All of California

imgThe Radio & Television News Association of Southern California (RTNA) is opening its awards program to television and radio stations outside of Southern California for the first time in 76 years. RTNA says its Golden Mike Award is the longest running broadcast news award in the United States. It says the new statewide radio categories includes Best “Live” Coverage of a News Story (Team effort on a breaking news story. Must be live, on-scene coverage and not taped or anchor coverage); Best News Reporting (Individual reporter’s enterprise on a single, one-time news story produced by the news department); Best Feature Reporting (Individual reporter’s effort on a single subject produced by the news department); and Best Radio Use of Sound (Capturing drama and emotion in – ambient or natural sound – coverage of news events in the field and/or technical and artistic excellence in production, mixing and editing). Find out more here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/8)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Operation Midway Blitz / SCOTUS ICE Ruling
2. Subpoenaed Epstein Docs Revealed
3. The Economy / Trump’s Trade War
4. Israel Orders Gaza City Evacuation
5. France’s Government Implodes

Industry Views

Are Your AI Logos Actually Kryptonite?

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgSuperman just flew into court – not against Lex Luthor, but against Midjourney. Warner Bros. Discovery is suing the AI platform, accusing it of stealing the studio’s crown jewels: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, and more.

At first glance, you might shrug. “That’s Warner Bros. vs. Silicon Valley – what does it have to do with my talk media show?” Here’s the answer: everything. If you or your producer are using Midjourney, DALL·E, or Stable Diffusion for logos, promos, or podcast cover art, you’re standing in the same blast radius.

AI Isn’t Neutral Paint

The romance of AI graphics is speed and cost. Need a logo in five minutes? A flyer for a station event? A podcast cover? Fire up an AI tool and you’re done.

But those images don’t come from a blank canvas. They come from models trained on copyrighted works – often without permission. Warner Bros. alleges that Midjourney not only trained on its characters but knowingly let users download knockoff versions.

If Warner wins – or even squeezes a settlement – AI platforms will clamp down. Suddenly, the “free” art you’ve been posting may not just vanish; it may become a liability.

Too Small to Matter? Think Again

Here’s the legal catch: infringement claims don’t scale by size. A podcaster with a Facebook page is just as liable as a network if the artwork copies protected content.

It’s easy to imagine a rival, competitor, or ex-producer spotting an AI-made graphic that looks “too much like” something else – and firing off a takedown. Once that happens, you’re judged not by intent but by what you published.

Unlike FCC guardrails for on-air speech, there’s no regulator to clarify. This is civil court. You versus the claimant – and the billable hours start immediately.

Even Elon Musk Just Got Burned

Neuralink – Elon Musk’s brain-computer startup – just lost its bid to trademark the words “Telepathy” and “Telekinesis.” Someone else filed first.

If Musk’s lawyers can’t secure simple branding terms, what chance does your station or company have if you wait until after launch to file your new show name? Timing isn’t just strategy; it’s survival.

The Playbook

  1. Audit Your AI Use. Know which graphics and promos are AI-generated, and from what platform.
  2. File Early. Register show names and logos before the launch hype.
  3. Budget for Ownership. A real designer who assigns you copyright is safer than a bot with murky training data.

The Bottom Line

AI may feel like a shortcut, but in media law it’s a trapdoor. If Warner Bros. will defend Superman from an AI platform, they won’t ignore your podcast artwork if it looks too much like the Man of Steel.

Big or small, broadcaster or podcaster – if your AI Superman looks like theirs, you’re flying straight into Kryptonite.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (9/6-7)

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

1. Trump’s “War” on Chicago
2. The Epstein Files
3. GA Hyundai Plant Raid
4. Russian Drone Strikes on Ukraine
5. The Economy /Trump’s Trade War

Industry News

Brother Wease Out as iHeartMedia Flips WAIO-FM, Rochester to Rock

imgAfter 40 years on the air in the Rochester market, legendary radio personality Brother Wease is exiting iHeartMedia’s talk WAIO-FM where he’s been hosting the late morning show for the past two years (he’d been hosting the morning drive show there since November of 2008). According to the Democrat & Chronicle, Brother Wease told his audience that the company is flipping the talk station to rock and he, along with air personality Deanna King, are being let go. Brother Wease launched his on-air career on rock WCMF in 1984 in overnights and moved to morning drive in 1985. The show took off and became a highly successful one in the market for years. He left WCMF in late 2007 after contract talks with then-Entercom broke down and resurfaced on WAIO. Read the Democrat & Chronicle story here.

Industry News

Buck Sexton Sues Real Estate Investment Trust

imgAccording to a report in Barron’s, Premiere Networks talk host Buck Sexton filing a federal lawsuit against RAD Diversified REIT, alleging they defrauded him of more than $100,000. In the complaint, Sexton alleges that RAD founders Dutch Mendenhall and Amy Vaughn solicited cash from him for investment coaching for property deals, neither of which ever happened. The story notes that this suit comes just weeks after Florida’s attorney general announced a probe into RAD saying the firm “appears to be a Ponzi scheme.” Sexton’s attorney writes in the complaint, “Despite being an experienced real estate investor, Mr. Sexton was taken in by the documents and investment returns touted by Mendenhall and his representatives. The defendants’ grand promises of sweeping returns never materialized.” See the Barron’s story here.

Industry News

NAB Fires Up Campaign to Modernize Ownership Rules

The National Association of Broadcasters is urging Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to modernize decades-old broadcast ownership rules. news, emergency information and the live sports that bring communities together. Since April, NAB’s campaign has aired nearly a quarter million television andimg radio spots across 192 media markets, generating more than 1 billion impressions and $43 million in airtime from TV and radio stations. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says, “Local stations are serving communities with live sports, trusted local news and life-saving emergency coverage – all available for free to every American. But outdated rules are shackling these stations from growing and innovating at a time when Big Tech operates with limitless scale and zero public interest obligations. Consumers deserve more – not fewer – local journalists on the ground and live sporting events accessible without a subscription. The FCC must act quickly to level the playing field so broadcasters can continue investing in the content communities rely on most.”

Industry News

“Radio Free Hillsdale” Tops 50 Affiliate Mark

Hillsdale College announces that the weekly “Radio Free Hillsdale Hour” podcast and radio show is now airing on 52 affiliate stations in 29 states across the country. The school’s radio station – WRFH Radio Freeimg Hillsdal 101.7 FM – is managed by Scot Bertram, who says, “‘The Radio Free Hillsdale Hour’ is designed to bring listeners as close to the Hillsdale experience as possible without having to be on campus. You can’t get [to Hillsdale] unless you intentionally want to be here. We have many people who like Hillsdale, love Hillsdale, admire Hillsdale. The show is an attempt to allow them to be close to what we’re doing without being here on campus.” Bertram says that Vince Benedetto, president and founder of Bold Gold Media Group, airs the “Radio Free Hillsdale Hour” on two of his 15 stations and says the show gives variety to his stations, which mostly broadcast conservative talk radio focused on current events.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (September 1-5, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (9/1-5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Trump Challenges Tariff Ruling
2. Judge Backs Harvard in Grants Case
3. Guard Troops in DC / Other Cities Protest
4. Epstein-Maxwell Victims Testify
5. Trump’s Health
6. Florida Ends Kids Vaccine Requirements
7. The Economy / Fed Policy
8. China Military Parade / Russia-China-India Economic Talks
9. RFK Jr Testimony
10.Russia-Ukraine War

People

1. Donald Trump
2. James Comer
3. Jeffrey Epstein-Ghislaine Maxwell
4. Muriel Bowser
5. Allison D. Burroughs
6. Karoline Leavitt
7. Gavin Newsom
8. Ron DeSantis
9. Xi Jinping / Vladimir Putin / Narendra Modi
10.RFK Jr.

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/3)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Judge Rules in Favor of Harvard
2. Guard Troops to U.S. Cities
3. Florida Ends Child Vaccine Requirements
4. Epstein-Maxwell Victims Testify
5. Trump Tariffs

Industry News

Castor to Lead Audacy Wichita

Audacy promotes Tommy Castor to SVP and market manager for the Wichita market that includes news/talk KNSS-AM/FM, sports talk KFH-AM/FM and three music brands. Castor will continue to serve asimg VP of sales for the market. Castor is taking over for Becky Domyan, who continues her role as to serve as SVP and market manager for the St. Louis market. Castor has also co-hosted “Sports Daily” on KFH Radio since 2022. Audacy regional president Brian Purdy says, “Tommy has a proven track record of success and a deep connection to this market, and we couldn’t be happier to have him take the reins to lead Audacy Wichita forward. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Becky for her leadership and impactful work in Wichita. We are thankful for the strong foundation she leaves behind and are confident Tommy will build upon that success.”

Industry News

Stillman Moves to Podcasting After Exiting “The Game”

The Tennessean reports that Nashville sports media personality Jared Stillman is relaunching his Stillman & Co. program as a podcast on the 440 Sports on-demand audio network. Stillman recently exited WPRT-FM,img Nashville “102.5 The Game” after being unable to strike a deal to renew his show. The new program will air live weekdays at 2:00 pm and goes online as a podcast by 3:30 pm that day. He tells the paper, “I was fortunate enough to have what I feel is an incredibly loyal core audience and I plan to provide for them a daily show every day that isn’t behind a paywall and 440 Sports gives me that opportunity. With very limited commercial interruption, the podcast should be able to get most people in Nashville through their afternoon commute.” Read The Tennessean story here.

Industry News

Basilio Moves to WKGN, Knoxville

Sports talk host Tony Basilio is taking his radio program to MH2 Media’s WKGN-AM/W289CU, Knoxville.img He previously hosted his show on crosstown WJBE-AM. In making room for Basilio on WKGN, Bob Baskerville moved to afternoon drive to team up with Russell Smith in afternoons. Basilio says, “Bob has been really accommodating and gracious. They’ve got talented people on that station. I’m proud to be a part of it.” Read the Knox News story here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (9/2)

The most discussed stories yesterday (9/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump to Challenge Tariff Rulings
2. Guard Troops to Cities
3. China Military Parade / Russia-China-India Economic Talks
4. Epstein-Maxwell Hearings
5. Caribbean Drug Vessel Strike

Industry News

Bold Gold Newsman Mike Sakell to Retire

Bold Gold Media announces that Catskills news & sports director Mike Sakell is retiring from his role with the company after more than four decades broadcasting in the region. Sakell first began working in Sullivan County in 1980 when he joined WVOS. Bold Gold Media NY region general manager Dawn Ciorciari says,img “There are certain sounds that define a place, and for Sullivan County, Mike’s voice is one of them. For 45 years, it’s been the sound of calm, trust, and perseverance. His life has been a true lesson in resilience. His legacy will live far beyond the airwaves.” Bold Gold Media CEO Vince Benedetto adds, “Mike’s retirement is truly an end of an extraordinary and historic era in local broadcasting. In every way, he was ‘The Voice of Sullivan County.’ He will be missed by all of our listeners, and most of all, by all of us in Bold Gold. His example of broadcast excellence will endure and be carried on by all of us who have learned so much from him. We wish him a wonderful retirement and thank him for his long, distinguished service to our communities.” Sullivan County native Dylan Price is assuming the  Catskills news & sports director role.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Holiday Weekend (8/30-9/1)

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

1. Troops in DC / Trump vs City Mayors
2. Shanghai Cooperation Organization Meeting / Modi-Putin Talks
3. House Committee Epstein-Maxell Accusers Meeting
4. The Economy / Fed Policy
5. Trump Health