Midwest Communications news/talk WMBD, Peoria, Illinois dismisses longtime morning drive co-host Dan DiOrio and morning drive news anchor Julia Bradley. DiOrio had served with the station for the past 35 years, most recently co-hosting the “Greg and Dan Show” alongside Greg Bratton, who continues as the station’s morning host solo.
Edison Research put questions about AI hosts before those surveyed for its Q1 2026 Edison Podcast Metrics and reports two-thirds have a negative reaction to the notion. Saying that it is exploring the role AI should play in podcasting, Edison says it 
“asked weekly consumers how they would feel if their favorite podcast host started using an AI-generated version to host their podcast. Most weekly podcast consumers, 66%, reacted negatively to the idea. One-third of weekly podcast consumers said they would feel ‘deceived,’ with another third feeling ‘upset.’ Thirty-two percent said ‘skeptical,’ followed by 28% who felt ‘betrayed.’” On the flipside, “14% of weekly podcast consumers were ‘impressed’ by the usage of an AI-generated host. Another 12% were optimistic, and 10% were ‘fascinated,’ all at the bottom of the list.”
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Beasley Broadcast Group is selling shares alongside private warrants for approximately $5 million in expected gross proceeds that it would 
use to pay down debt. The offering includes a single institutional investor buying 357,000 Class A shares, or common stock equivalents at $14 per share in the registered direct offering. The concurrent private placement covers warrants to buy up to 357,000 Class A shares at $15 per share. The warrants first become exercisable six months after issuance and expire five-and-a-half years after issuance.
The New York Festivals TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards announce a partnership with AwareNow Media to launch the AwareNow Award that recognizes storytelling using the power of film, audio and documentary to “raise awareness and inspire action around health and medical issues.” New York Festivals says, “The 
partnership brings together two international organizations that share a belief in the power of storytelling to inform, connect and inspire positive change.” Executive Vice President Rose Anderson adds, “I’m thrilled that New York Festivals is partnering with AwareNow Media on this new special award. Our TV & Film and Radio Awards have a long history of recognizing award-winning health and medical documentary storytelling. These stories can be an inspiration for so many. We hope the AwareNow Award will put an even brighter spotlight on this type of programming and encourage the filmmakers and audio storytellers around the world who use their craft to share knowledge, raise awareness, and inspire positive action.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (9/30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Two New York-based broadcasters have swung a deal. Pamal Broadcasting is acquiring the 10 radio stations owned by Galaxy Media in the Syracuse and Utica markets. The stations – including sports talkers WTLA “ESPN Syracuse” and WRNY/W243DY “ESPN Utica/Rome” – will begin being operated by Pamal tomorrow (10/1) 
under an LMA. The deal is contingent upon FCC approval. The sale of Galaxy’s stations comes a little more than a month after Galaxy founder and CEO Ed Levine announced his plans to retire at year’s end. Levine says, “I have been fortunate to live out a lifelong dream of mine for the past 36 years. Time and life march on. While I will miss Galaxy and Syracuse/Utica, I could not be
happier to hand things off to Pamal Broadcasting.” Pamal is owned by founder James Morrell and he tells Syracuse.com, “With this addition, Pamal stations cover an enormous geography ranging from New York City, Long Island and Northern New Jersey, through the entire Hudson Valley to the Capital District, up to Lake George and now out through Utica and Syracuse. It truly is a great opportunity for us all.” See the Syracuse.com story here.
Lotus Communications promotes Jeff Pohjola to director of news and programming for all-news KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle in which he’ll oversee programming strategy and newsroom operations at Northwest Newsradio. Lotus Seattle director of operations and brand 
Jeff Connell comments, “Jeff’s experience, editorial judgment and deep understanding of the Seattle market make him the right person to lead Northwest Newsradio’s news and programming.” At the same time, Lotus announces programming changes at KNWN and sister news/talk KVI. At KNWN beginning Monday (10/5), the midday schedule will include Bloomberg Radio’s “Balance of Power” from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, “Bloomberg Businessweek Daily” from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon, and “The Ramsey Show” from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Local programming will see Scott Carty join Aaron Wright on “Northwest Afternoon News.” Eric Heintz becomes morning editor and sports, and Kevin Dodrill adds KNWN APD duties to his role as program director for KVI. At KVI, “The Ari Hoffman Show” moves from afternoon drive to the 6:00 am to 9:00 am daypart. Westwood One’s Dan Bongino will air in early afternoons with Compass Media Networks’ Lars Larson holding down afternoon drive.
Pictured above are Premiere Networks nationally syndicated talk radio hosts Clay Travis (center) and Buck Sexton (right) meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Monday (9/28). The duo shared the details of their meeting with their listeners. In addition to the president, they spoke with administration figures Marco Rubio, Karoline Leavitt, Natalie Harp, Stephen Miller, and Susie Wiles.
Hubbard | Media That Connects promotes John Goforth president of the Gamut Podcast Network. The company says that the new title places Gamut alongside Hubbard’s other media and entertainment companies and reflects its continued investment in podcasting. 
Hubbard says, “Gamut’s revenue has grown 47% over the past two years, and the network now spans more than 250 national and local shows, including flagship franchises ‘American Nightmares’ and ‘Professor of Rock,’ plus local sports networks SKOR North in Minneapolis-St. Paul and 312 Sports in Chicago. Hubbard CEO Ginny Hubbard adds. “John has been leading Gamut since the day he walked in the door, and we’ve watched him turn it into something everyone at Hubbard is proud of. He understands this business from the creator’s side and the sales side, and he genuinely cares about the people making these shows. Naming him president is our way of recognizing that, and of letting the industry know how much we believe in where Gamut is headed under John’s leadership.”
WBAL to Air Gubernatorial Debate. Hearst’s WBAL-TV 11 and WBAL NewsRadio will provide coverage of the only scheduled debate in the 2026 Maryland gubernatorial campaign between Democratic incumbent Governor Wes Moore and Republican challenger Dan Cox. WBAL-TV and WBAL-AM president and general manager Dan Joerres says, “We are honored to air Maryland’s only scheduled gubernatorial debate. As a local broadcaster, we have a responsibility to give voters a fair opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, consider their ideas, and make informed decisions about the future of our state.”
MIW to Present AI for Content Creators Webinar. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc is presenting a free webinar titled, AI for Content Creators, on October 28. MIW says, “Designed for on-air personalities, producers, programmers and content creators, the virtual panel will explore how artificial intelligence is becoming part of the modern content creation process and how radio professionals can use AI to work smarter, expand ideas and create stronger connections with audiences across broadcast, digital, social and podcast platforms.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (9/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Connoisseur Media’s news/talk KXL, Portland “FM News 101” enters into a news partnership with KOIN-TV in a move that brings together “two established Portland news organizations to expand coverage of 
local news, weather and information across radio, television and digital platforms.” KXL program director Grant McHill says, “Partnering with KOIN 6 News allows us to expand our commitment to delivering fast, accurate and essential news to the Pacific Northwest. By combining KXL’s deep roots in local news radio with KOIN-6’s trusted reporting, we are building a stronger, more dynamic news ecosystem for Portland and beyond.”
KBLA, Los Angeles “Talk 1580” is hosting a daylong town hall and ballot forum on Saturday (10/3) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at SEED LA School in Los Angeles. The event is free and open to the public. 
Station owner Tavis Smiley tells TALKERS that the station received commitment from 19 candidates for state and local offices – including for the governor’s office and the LA mayor’s office – to appear at the forum. The station says attendees will hear remarks from all candidates with follow-up questions from the forum’s sponsors and live audience. After the candidates’ appearances, attendees will receive a non-partisan briefing on statewide, county, and City of Los Angeles ballot measures.
Red Apple Audio Networks announces that it is making Michael Cohen’s one-hour Sunday WABC-based radio program, “When You Know, You Know…” available to stations nationwide beginning 
November 1. RAAN says the move “follows the growing demand from stations looking to bring Cohen’s distinctive voice and insider perspective to their listeners.” Red Apple Media owner and CEO John Catsimatidis comments, “Michael worked for the president for over a decade and has a unique perspective on how Trump thinks when we do opinion pieces. ‘When You Know, You Know…’ is an opportunity for stations to add a distinctive personality and compelling content that hyper-engages listeners and attracts advertisers.”
Audacy’s urban news/talk WAOK, Atlanta is named the 2026 Radio Station of the Year in the Large Market category, taking home a 
GABBY Award from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. The honor was presented Saturday (9/26) during the annual GABBY Awards in Duluth, Georgia. WAOK brand manager Joyce Littel states, “This award is a reflection of the continued efforts and hard work of our entire team. They work hard throughout the year, and they deserve recognition for all that they do for our station and, most importantly, for the community we serve. We are extremely proud to receive this honor.”
Cox Media Group appoints Jud Heussler director of operations Jacksonville group of radio stations that includes news/talk WOKV-FM and sports talk WOKV-AM. CMG Jacksonville VP and market 
manager Brian McGhee states, “Jud brings the right mix of programming judgment, operational discipline, and people-first leadership to this role. He knows how to strengthen local brands, support great talent, and build the kind of team that will help our stations connect with audiences, positively impact our communities, and deliver for advertisers.” Heussler takes over for Jules Riley who recently moved to the company’s Atlanta station group as director of operations and programming.
The NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and Audacy’s WCCO, Minneapolis announce an exclusive radio and streaming partnership. Under the agreement, 830 WCCO will become the organization’s new flagship radio broadcast home. WCCO will broadcast all the team’s regular season games and Alan Horton – who has called more than 1,500 games for the organization – returns to the airwaves full-time in his milestone 20th season with the franchise.
Beasley Media Group and the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights agree to a multiyear deal that will put English- and Spanish-language game broadcasts and expanded Golden Knights programming across Beasley’s audio and digital platforms. KVGS-FM will serve as the official English-language radio flagship, while KOAS-FM will become the Spanish-language radio home.
The most discussed stories yesterday (9/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
The Wall Street Journal recently described what it calls, “The Trillion Dollar Race to Automate Our Entire Lives.” Artificial Intelligence is rapidly evolving from something that answers questions into something that does things – researching, writing, analyzing, organizing and creating. WSJ describes a coming world of personal AI concierges capable of everything from executive presentations to filling out March Madness brackets. For podcasters, there’s opportunity here. And a warning.
Podcasting already had a low barrier to entry
AI is lowering it to almost zero. Research a topic? AI. Outline the episode? AI. Suggest questions? AI. Write show notes? AI. Create social posts? AI. Identify clips? AI.
Result: Even. More. Podcasts. So merely having one becomes less impressive. More consequential is how AI changes the value of information. The Journal quotes one Silicon Valley investor saying how travel, vacation research, newspapers, email, grocery shopping, music recommendations – essentially everything he wants to know – now goes through AI. That should make anyone producing an information-only podcast squirm. Why listen for 37 minutes to “Five Ways to Save Money on Your Next Vacation” when I can ask an AI and get the answer in 10 seconds?
As information becomes abundant, perspective becomes valuable
“Here’s what you need to know” becomes less compelling than “Here’s what happened to me.” Or “Here’s what I think everyone else is missing.” Or “You won’t believe what my guest just told me.”
And interviews may actually appreciate in value. AI can synthesize what thousands of people have already said. But if you get someone to say something new, you have created primary-source content. Which makes the skilled interviewer more valuable. Not “Tell us about your new book.” Rather, “Something you wrote on page 173 surprised me…”
There’s another implication for authority podcasts – those hosted by lawyers, financial advisers, realtors and other professionals hoping listeners eventually become clients. AI can dispense enormous amounts of expertise. So simply demonstrating “I know stuff” won’t differentiate you. Instead, the podcast lets prospects audition YOU. Do I trust this person? Does she explain things clearly? Does she understand people like me? Would I want to work with her? That makes personality, empathy, storytelling and point-of-view more valuable, not less.
AI should make podcasts shorter
If it saves hours of research, preparation, editing and repurposing, spend those savings creating 10 compelling minutes instead of 45 windy ones. Because the scarce commodity is no longer content. It’s the listener’s time.
So, use AI aggressively behind the microphone. Let it research, transcribe, organize, summarize and repurpose.
But protect what happens to the microphone. Let AI do everything that listeners don’t care who-did. Protect everything they listen to because YOU did it.
“And thanks…”
…for all the feedback for this month’s series on optimizing commercial copy, the finishing touch on the work that pays for us all. If you missed any-or-all, I have assembled these columns as a free E-book, “The Outcome Method: A Storytelling Framework for More Effective Local Advertising,” which you may download and share: https://getonthenet.com/TheOutcomeMethod.pdf
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Cavaliers Renew iHeartMedia Deal. The NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and iHeartMedia agree to an extension of their radio broadcast deal in which Newsradio WTAM 1100 AM/106.9 FM, Cleveland’s Newsradio and 100.7 FM WMMS, Cleveland’s Rock Station, continue as the exclusive radio flagship stations of the Cavaliers. New this time is every Cavaliers radio broadcast will be heard exclusively on 19 iHeartMedia stations, with all 82 regular-season games, preseason games and every playoff game airing live across Ohio and surrounding markets on Rock Entertainment Sports Network.
GBS Becomes Aktira. GeoBroadcast Solutions changes its corporate names and is now known as Aktira. Aktira will house the company’s intellectual property, engineering and commercial operations, including MaxxCasting, ZoneCasting, and Lazer.
The most discussed stories over the weekend (9/26-27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Nationally syndicated talk star Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo is returning to his old stomping grounds of Albany, New York as his Compass Media Networks-syndicated show is joining the program schedule 
at Capital Broadcasting Inc’s WGDJ “Talk1300” airing at 10:00 pm. Pags tells TALKERS, “For the 10 years I’ve been in syndication I’ve always hoped to return to the Capital Region of New York where I was proud to be a news anchor on the CBS affiliate, WRGB-TV. Even though I left TV there more than 20 years ago, I still regularly hear from former viewers there and will always consider the area a hometown. I can’t thank [owner] Paul Vandenburgh enough for putting me on the air there on his great station WGDJ!”
Saga Communications’ news/talk WFEA, Manchester, New Hampshire recently aired a roundtable discussion “focused on giving Granite State voters the information and resources they need to make informed decisions at the polls.” The station’s 
“Morning Update” program – hosted by Jeff Chidester – brought in AARP New Hampshire state director Christina Fitzpatrick and AARP advocates and volunteers Mary Roberge and Stephanie Schuyler to explore AARP’s “non-partisan voter education efforts, its work with candidates, changes to New Hampshire voting laws, Social Security, prescription drug costs, caregiving, fraud prevention, and the issues voters are raising as Election Day approaches.” Chidester told the audience, “I don’t think New Hampshire is ever out of an election cycle. Governing and elections are our sport. We get it at a very young age, and we are actively involved in it through our entire life.” WFEA program director Michael Czarnecki says, “New Hampshire voters take their responsibility seriously, and our responsibility at WFEA is to give them access to meaningful conversations and useful information. The goal of the ‘Morning Update’ is not to tell listeners what to think or how to vote. It’s to bring the people involved in these issues directly to our audience, ask good questions and give listeners the information they need to make their own decisions. This roundtable is a great example of that.”
FOX Business Network personality Larry Kudlow has been 
named the interim host of FOX News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” – beginning this Sunday (9/27) through the weekend after the November midterm elections (11/8). A new host will be named at a late date. Kudlow succeeds Maria Bartiromo, who exited FBN and FNC earlier this month. Kudlow served as the director of the National Economic Council and assistant to the president for economic policy under President Donald Trump from 2018 to 2021.
