The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/27-31) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Denver talk radio host Ross Kaminsky reveals changes coming to iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOA-AM/K231BQ effective November 10. Kaminsky will move from his late morning daypart to
morning drive (6:00 am to 9:00 am). Sister KHOW talk host Michael Brown will take over the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon slot on KOA. Kaminsky says in a social media post, “This will be the first time in decades (or maybe ever, I really don’t know) that KOA has a talk show in ‘morning drive.’ We’ll keep bringing you plenty of news but now we’re doing it in a show that also talks about the news (and lots of other things…the show won’t be very different from my current show.) Psyched to be embarking on this project with @JeanaGondek who I always have so much fun bantering with. The show will be fun, informative, and entertaining…at least that’s the goal!” Kaminsky says the “Colorado’s Morning News” program featuring Gondek will air from 5:00 am to 6:00 am.
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One appoints Armen Williams executive director of Westwood One Sports 24/7 programming, effective November 3. In this role, Williams will lead the development and production of the network’s new round-the-clock sports content. The company
says he’ll “oversee all aspects of sports talk content across the network, including daily technical operations, social media strategy, and brand management. He will build a talented team of hosts and producers responsible for compelling on-air programming – featuring original content, interviews, benchmarks, and fan interaction.” Williams says, “There’s never been a more exciting time to be in audio – the industry is thriving, innovative, and constantly evolving. This is a unique opportunity to build on the incredible foundation created by our partners at Audacy and BetMGM and combine it with the reach, heritage, and credibility of Westwood One Sports. I’m honored to help shape the next chapter, delivering smart, entertaining, and authentic sports content for listeners everywhere.”
WGN Radio announces that market news pro and afternoon news anchor Steve Bertrand will retire from radio on November 13 after a 40-year career with the Nexstar Media Group station.
WGN VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “From joining WGN Radio in 1985 during the Wally Phillips era to anchoring news on the ‘Lisa Dent Show’ today, throughout his 40 eventful years here Steve has faithfully maintained the highest standards of journalistic integrity, combined with his own unique gift for playful on air banter which is sure to be missed by colleagues and listeners alike.” Bertrand comments, “I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the history of radio. As a kid, I dreamed of one day living in Chicago. I never imagined I’d be part of her daily conversation. I will forever be grateful to the legends I worked with and, most especially, the listeners who made it all happen. I’ve had the privilege of being part of a pretty amazing family for 40 years.”
The National Association of Broadcasters announces that the nominations window for the NAB Crystal Radio Awards – recognizing NAB member stations that demonstrate exceptional year-round commitment to community service – is being extended several days to November 4. Get all the information here.
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research include:
After 33 years of service, WUSF-FM, Tampa general manager JoAnn Urofsky will soon retire
from the public media organization based at The University of South Florida, capping a career of 45 years in radio and public media. She says, “My time at WUSF has been incredibly rewarding. I am proud that our commitment to public service – building community through trusted journalism, classical music, jazz, and culture – has remained steadfast. As I step away, I’m confident this mission is in excellent hands with a new generation of talented leaders and innovators dedicated to serving the community through public media.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research include:
Talk media superstar Sean Hannity is on the road Thursday (10/30) as his FOX News Channel show that evening will be a town hall with New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack
Ciattarelli at the Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant. The one-hour town hall will focus on the top issues impacting New Jersey and the proposed policies that Ciattarelli would implement across the state. Additionally, FNC’s Harris Faulkner will join Hannity and Ciattarelli to discuss the issues that matter most to New Jersey ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. FNC national correspondent Bryan Llenas will also be on site providing live updates on the event.
Bonneville names Jim Richmond SVP and market manager for its Sacramento station group that includes sports talk KHTK-AM, “Sactown Sports” and three music brands. Richmond has been serving as director of sales for the company’s Seattle operations since September of 2020.
Bonneville president and COO Tanya Vea says, “I’m thrilled for Jim to take on this leadership role in Sacramento. This market has a great lineup of stations, a strong digital sales business, and wonderful employees. Jim has shown himself to be an excellent leader, and his background is the perfect fit. I’m confident that he will build on the strengths of the market, developing the business and the culture at Bonneville Sacramento.” Richmond comments, “I’m honored to join the Sacramento team. These stations have a meaningful connection to the community, and I look forward to supporting our people, growing our digital presence, and serving listeners wherever they are across every platform with purpose and innovation.”
NPR and WBUR, Boston announce three new appointments at that nationally syndicated midday news program, “Here & Now,” heard on 500 NPR member stations across the country.
Award-winning journalist Indira Lakshmanan is the new co-host of “Here & Now,” debuting in Late November alongside Scott Tong and Robin Young. Additionally, Peter O’Dowd, the senior editor who has stepped in regularly as a host for several years on “Here & Now,” takes on a new role as correspondent and regular fill-in host. And international news industry pro Allan Price joins to lead the team as the new executive producer. NPR says that according to Nielsen ratings data, “Here & Now” is the third most-listened-to NPR news program after “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research include: 1) Government Shutdown / Battle Over Health Care Benefits; 2) Trump’s Asia Trip; 3) Trump Entertains Third Term Talk; 4) NYC Mayoral Race; and 5) the Biden Autopen Issue.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Triton Digital releases its U.S. Podcast Ranker for September (Sept. 1-28) based on weekly average downloads for participating networks and Salem Media Group’s “The Charlie Kirk
Show” rose three places to the #3 spot, behind NPR’s “NPR News Now” (#1) and “Up First” (#2). Kirk was slain in September 10 and new episodes of the program continue to be produced. Other talk radio related shows of note include: Cumulus Podcast Network’s “VINCE” drops two places to #13; iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” drops two places to #16; and iHeartRadio’s “The Jesse Kelly Show” climbs three places to #49. See the complete ranker here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/20-24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Cumulus Media appoints Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo news director for News Radio KKOB 770 AM/96.3 FM in Albuquerque. In this role, Csanyi-Salcedo will oversee the station’s news content strategy, newsroom operations, and talent development. Csanyi-Salcedo most recently served
as news director at KRGV-TV, Weslaco “ABC 5” in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, where he led a bilingual newsroom. Cumulus Albuquerque OM and program director Aaron “Buck” Burnett says, “Zoltan is exactly the kind of newsroom leader Albuquerque needs right now — grounded, relentless, and passionate about storytelling that matters. He’s built winning, trusted newsrooms in every market he’s touched, and we’re thrilled to have him guiding KKOB’s next chapter.” Zoltan Csanyi-Salcedo comments, “KKOB has always been a trusted voice for New Mexico, and my mission is to strengthen that trust every day. This newsroom will focus on local truth first — fast, fair, and useful information that helps our audience make sense of what’s happening in their communities.”
iHeartMedia names Stefan Schellhas market president for its Cincinnati operations that includes news/talk WLW-AM, news/talk WKRC-AM, and sports talk stations WCKY and WSAI. iHeartMedia division president Dave Carwile states, “We’re thrilled to welcome Stefan Schellhas as the new market president for iHeartMedia Cincinnati. Stefan brings not only a strategic vision and proven leadership, but also a deep-rooted understanding of the Cincinnati market. Having spent years building relationships and driving results across the region, he knows the pulse of the city and what resonates with our listeners and advertising partners. His passion for the community, combined with his commitment to innovation and team development, makes him the ideal leader to guide our Cincinnati brands into the future.” Schellhas was most recently with Sinclair as VP/GM of its Cincinnati stations. Shellhas says, “My career started with an internship at 700 WLW, so returning truly feels like coming full circle. While consumer media habits—driven by technology—have evolved exponentially, what hasn’t changed is that ‘content is king,’ and iHeart continues to lead the way in the audio space. I’m honored to work alongside such a passionate team here in Cincinnati, and together we’ll continue to serve our advertisers and the Greater Cincinnati community.”
SiriusXM and the NBA say the renewal of their broadcasting agreement will ensure that fans
throughout North America will continue to have access to every NBA game on SiriusXM as well as select WNBA game broadcasts and the exclusive 24/7 SiriusXM NBA Radio channel. Additionally, the SiriusXM app features 30 dedicated NBA team channels, providing official radio commentary for each team.
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
NewsTalkSTL announces that effective October 27, Susie Moore will join “The Mike Ferguson Show,” taking over for Gabe Phifer, who exits to spend more time with his family. Moore, deputy managing editor at RedState, has been a regular guest and fill-in host on NewsTalk STL. Moore
comments, “It has been such a privilege to be part of the NewsTalkSTL team from the outset. I am thrilled to be joining ‘The Mike Ferguson in the Morning Show’ as co-host. I can’t wait to be part of the conversation with 
Mike and our NewsTalkSTL listeners every weekday morning.” Ferguson adds, “Susie is the perfect addition to the show. We’re fortunate to be able to add someone who does such great work in the conservative movement through RedState and knows our community here in St. Louis. Our audience knows Susie, likes her, and respects her. We’re going to miss Gabe, but we’re excited about what Susie brings to the show.” NewsTalk STL is head on three signals in the region: KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; KLJY-HD2, St. Louis; and translator K270BW, Bellefontaine, Missouri.
Saga Communications agrees to sell 22 of its tower sites to GTC Uno, LLC for approximately $10.7 million. Saga says this transaction will continue to allow the company to use the towers with no cash lease payment. Saga Communications president and CEO Chris Forgy says,
“Saga previously announced its plans to optimize our portfolio of assets, and this is a significant step in doing so. We are committed to evaluating every asset we own while still efficiently and effectively operating our businesses.” The company intends to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale to fund stock buybacks, which may include open market repurchases, public and private block trades or other forms of buybacks. The implementation of any stock buyback program remains at the full discretion of the company’s board of directors.
Connoisseur Media’s news/talk KTSA-AM, San Antonio raised $165,601 during its 18th Annual KTSA Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner Radiothon. The funds support the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, considered the largest Thanksgiving event in the United States and founded by San Antonio restaurateur Raul Jimenez 46 years ago. The annual event has grown over the years and now feeds more than 25,000 people in downtown San Antonio each Thanksgiving Day. KTSA says the event provides a warm holiday meal – and a sense of family – to elderly residents, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and anyone in need of community and care. Pictured above are station morning drive personalities Trey Ware (center) and Sean Rima (second from right). Ware says, “It’s such an honor to lead the KTSA Radiothon for the Jimenez Thanksgiving Meal. I love giving back to the community that has given so much to my family for 70 years.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Edison Research releases its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. ranker based on reach for Q3 2025 among weekly podcast consumers ages 13+ based on total audience reach from Edison
Podcast Metrics. “The Joe Rogan Experience” again claims the #1 spot, followed by audiochuck’s “Crime Junkie” at #2, and The New York Times’ “The Daily” at #3. Other shows with news/talk radio and cable ties include: “The Charlie Kirk Show” rising 32 places to #17 following his slaying (new episodes are still being produced); “The Tucker Carlson Show” ranked #18; SiriusXM’s “The Megyn Kelly Show” followed at #19; and Ramsey Network’s “The Ramsey Show” ranked #29.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Gunhill Road, the perennial pop music ensemble that has been creating issue-oriented reflections of the times since the iconic “Back When My Hair Was Short” hit the charts in the early 70s, is back with another powerful music video. The brand new, gritty rocker, “Close My Ears,” captures the sheer angst of today’s anxiety pandemic fueled by contentious talk media
and the gut-wrenching chaos of informational overload. Non-partisan lyrics cry out: “Too much information clogging up my brain… and I can’t change the station; it’s driving me insane!” Co-written and performed by band members Steve Goldrich, Paul Reisch, Brian Koonin, and Michael Harrison, the dramatic images accompanying the music include a dynamic montage of exasperated people being driven to the brink of madness by the pressure of what feels like non-stop, negative NOISE. Produced by Matthew B. Harrison, the video asks, is the remedy to drop off the grid and go live in the woods? Gunhill Road has amassed a huge worldwide following gathering almost a half million listens, views and downloads driven largely by airplay and exposure on talk radio! To view “Close My Ears,” please click here: closemyears.com. To arrange an interview about the song and the times it reflects with band member (and TALKERS publisher) Michael Harrison please email info@talkers.com or call 413-565-5413. To check out the launch of Michael Harrison’s national media tour in support of the new “Close My Ears” music video, check out his October 9 appearance on the Lee Elci morning show on WJJF (94.9 News Now), New London, CT and Patriot.TV by clicking here.
Salem Media Group announces that Edward G. Atsinger III, co-founder and executive chairman of the company, is agreeing to receive the remaining portion of his 2025 compensation in the form of Restricted Class A Common Stock rather than cash. The company says this
decision reflects Atsinger’s continued commitment to the long-term success and stability of the company. Atsinger’s stock award totals 218,067 shares, represents the cash compensation amount due totaling $168,500. Additionally, in January 2025, Atsinger was granted 400,000 Restricted Class A Common Stock in the Company, pursuant to a Grant Memo dated January 17, 2025. Under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan, unvested shares typically terminate upon an employee’s separation. However, in acknowledgment of Atsinger’s decades of leadership and enduring contributions, the board waived the forfeiture provision to allow his Stock Compensation and Stock Bonus to remain in effect after December 31, 2025. The existing time and performance-based vesting schedule for the Stock Bonus will remain unchanged.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (10/13-17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
People
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces that Kim Komando will serve as emceefor the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony being held on October 30 in Chicago. Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Kraig Kitchin says, “We’re grateful to Kim Komando for helping us to create a most special evening for each of our 2025 inductees. She knows the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve the recognition of such an induction.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (10/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research: