TALKERS 2026 Video: “What Does Talk Radio Have in Common with Pro Wrestling?”
TALKERS continues to post a treasure chest of videos recorded at the TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter conference recently held at Hofstra University (6/5). More than 65 speakers participated in the power-packed day’s events. Today’s entry is a spellbinding one-on-one presentation titled, “What Does Talk Radio Have in Common with Pro Wrestling?” The facilitator is WPG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley. The special guest is the one and only Dr. Asa Andrew. “Doctor Asa” – a multimedia star – is the host of his own nationally syndicated health and wellness talk radio show. In addition, he is the head of medicine and ringside physician for TNA professional wrestling, as well as an occasional wrestler himself. Hurley and Andrew take a deep dive into the theatrical aspects of presentation and storytelling that talk radio and pro wrestling have in common – and the result is nothing short of fascinating. Stay tuned to TALKERS for continuous daily postings of engaging sessions from the 28th installment of the longest running and most important annual talk media industry gathering. To view this presentation in its entirety, please click here.
to KSDK-TV, St. Louis, Hoffman Media Group recently took majority ownership of Lee Enterprises, which owns the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. David Hoffman said in a statement to 
largest print and digital news organizations in the United States. With our planned acquisitions, combined with our existing portfolio of 154 newspapers and our expansion into radio, we expect to become the second-largest media company in the United States by year-end.” Audacy president and CEO Kelli Turner reportedly issued a memo to staff revealing the deal (in which the terms were not disclosed) and stated that Audacy will continue to own and operate the stations until the deal closes and that listeners, advertisers, partners and employees should expect “business as usual” during the approval process. 
101.5” from the company’s hot AC WJLK-FM, Asbury Park “94.3 The Point.” That move chops an hour off the “Deminski & Moore” afternoon show which now airs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. As we reported last week, Eric Johnson moves from his on-air role with Judi Franco to operations manager. Townsquare New Jersey VP for content Sam Elliot Gagliardi says, “These changes are about investing in local talent, local content, and local conversations. No one understands New Jersey better than the people who live here. This lineup brings together some of the strongest personalities in the state and reinforces New Jersey 101.5’s role as the place where New Jersey comes together every day.”
Award for Outstanding Newscast, and more.” Red Apple SVP, news & programming Lee Harris says, “Stacy Lyn is exactly the kind of broadcast news anchor we set out to recruit when we launched the Worldwide News Network. She is a proven broadcaster with tremendous credibility and a long track record of delivering breaking news and major stories with accuracy, clarity, and professionalism. Stacy’s experience covering the highest levels of government and the biggest stories in America will be an enormous asset to our affiliates and listeners.” Other former CBS Radio broadcasters now serving with Worldwide News Network include Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, and Matt Pieper.
July 3 from 12:00 midnight to 6:16 pm to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Elci says the broadcast will culminate with the 12 most impactful patriotic moments in American history. He adds, “America is turning 250, this is our chance to stand tall, salute the red, white, and blue, and remember exactly what makes this country the home of the brave. Tune in, call in, and let’s make some patriotic noise together!”
to the New York Post. Golic Sr’s stint with ESPN ended in 2020 when the “Golic & Wingo” show was cancelled. He had worked alongside Mike Greenberg for 25 years before that hosting “Mike & Mike.” ESPN EVP and executive editor Mike Foss says, “Reuniting with the Mikes Golic was a tremendous opportunity for our audience. They’ve been building chemistry together since 1989, and it’s a joy to bring their peerless partnership back to ESPN.” 
producer and air personality Kenny Kott died from medical complications on Saturday (6/26). Kott was a member of “The Valenti Show with Rico.” Mike Valenti addressed Kott’s passing on Monday’s program, saying that Kott had a medical event in early June that left him hospitalized for the last few weeks and it took a turn for the worse. Valenti says, “Genuinely, I struggle to find the words for this. He’s a part of our dysfunctional family. That’s what this is.”
November to co-host “The Morning Drive with Dan & Cole” alongside Dan Mathews, who continues to host mornings solo. 
been interning with Compass Media Networks since June 2024. In his new position he’ll assist with growth of the company’s featured play-by-play sports including NFL Football, NCAA Football & Basketball and heritage news/talk programming including “This Morning with Gordon Deal” and Erick Erickson. Alvord says, “Growing up listening to ‘Anna & Raven’ sparked my passion for radio. It is an honor to join Compass Media Networks, and I am thrilled to work shoulder to shoulder with Rob Blum and the rest of the affiliate sales team to super serve our affiliates and content partners.”
No two summers have been alike since the pandemic upended listeners’ lives and retailers’ businesses. So, we’ve seen this movie before. To sound relevant and relatable and helpful, connect the dots:
interviews for audio actualities, anchor local newscasts and post stories on website and social media, etc. This person will also be responsible for doing play-by-play of regional High School football and basketball games during the season. Some evenings and weekends will be required… We need someone who understands small-market, local radio and is willing to be involved in the community. Send your cover letter, resume, audio demo(s), and references to Kevin Tlam at 
Throughout the TALKERS 2026 conference, there was a recurring theme that bears repeating:
he’ll be on the air, will come at a later date, Dickey says Kincade is “a familiar and respected voice in sports radio, [who] previously built a strong connection with listeners during his 20-year tenure with the station, becoming a trusted presence in the market.” The company adds, “His addition reflects DBC’s broader commitment to industry-leading investment in its people, technology, and strategic partnerships ensuring the company remains at the forefront of sports media. By continually enhancing its talent roster, embracing innovative broadcasting tools, and strengthening collaborations across the industry, Dickey Broadcasting Company is well positioned to inform, entertain, and serve its audience at the highest level.”
owned-and-operated digital inventory both locally and nationally, including digital, audio, podcasts and creator-led content, creating a more unified path for advertisers to activate multi-platform campaigns at scale. iHeartMedia chief business officer Lisa Coffey comments, “Advertisers are increasingly looking for media solutions that combine scale, intelligence and simplicity across channels. By combining Amazon Ads’ shopping insights and advertising technology with iHeart’s audio leadership, we’re creating a more seamless, data-informed way for brands to create more effective campaigns across sound and sight.”
hosted by nationally syndicated talk radio pro Larry O’Connor features interviews with wounded warriors and veterans including heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom, the Vietnam War and an incredible, emotional story of one of America’s World War II living legends. Fisher House Foundation provides a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Fisher Houses provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during medical care. 
analysis and commentary to an audience of millions who feel underserved by mainstream outlets. His direct, no-nonsense style has built one of the most loyal and engaged followings in independent media, with over 800,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 166 million total views.” Helios Media president and CEO Mike Paradiso comments, “Matt has built a loyal and highly engaged audience through his independent, insightful commentary on the news and cultural issues shaping America. His authentic voice and growing influence have made him one of the most promising rising stars in independent media.”
Lucas Strain and Connor Ferguson of the afternoon show “Off The Bench” are out, as are hosts of “The 1st Quarter,” Heather Burnside and Alec Busse. Roberts says in a Facebook post, “Earlier today after our show myself as many others were laid off at iHeart Des Moines. I’m not angry or am going to blame anyone… it’s part of the business. You can have good ratings, good revenue etc… Doesn’t matter… your number on that excel sheet can be picked any day. I sit here proud of my career in radio and proud of what we did at KXnO. I’ve been doing sports talk radio in Des Moines since 2014 and it’s been a hell of a ride with so many people to thank.”
AM/FM and sports talk KTIK-FM “953FM The Ticket,” plus three music brands. Fabian most recently served with Townsquare Media in Arizona. Fabian states, “I am honored to join the Boise team and look forward to becoming part of both the organization and this remarkable community. Throughout my career, I have always believed that great teams and strong relationships are the foundation of success. I am excited to work alongside this talented group, serve the Boise community, and help build on the strong tradition these stations have established.”
illness or disaster. The BFOA has distributed more than $20 million in aid to radio and television professionals over the past 15 years, representing over 200 broadcast companies across 45 states and U.S. territories. BFOA says, “On Giving Day, we encourage everyone in broadcasting to come together and support our broadcast community. Every contribution helps ensure that the Broadcasters Foundation can continue to provide a helping hand to broadcasters in need when tragedy strikes.” 
company works to become more nimble. The memo also notes that while it will be creating new roles to this end in the future, the unfortunate reality is that some people are going to lose their jobs. “We have given this a great deal of thought and do not take this step lightly; we are deeply grateful for the contributions of those affected, and we’re committed to supporting them through this transition.”
Fame. He’ll officially join the Hall on October 22 during a ceremony at the Rainbow Room in New York City. NYSBA says in a letter to Rosenberg,” Your career has been outstanding… while successful at WFAN and 1010 WINS, you have become a radio legend in your 10 years at 77WABC. From co-hosting the “Bernie and Sid” in 2016 to today’s “Sid and Friends in the Morning,” you have blazed a path in the tough New York City market.”
signals as WGN, Chicago; KMOX, St. Louis and 18 other affiliate stations. Sterling says, “There is something magical about overnight radio. It’s the one part of the day when listeners let down their guard and have real conversations. They share their stories, their questions, their experiences, and together we explore the fascinating, funny, mysterious, and sometimes unbelievable side of life. To be heard on legendary stations like WABC, WGN, and KMOX is both a professional milestone and a personal honor. I’m excited to spend the nights with listeners across America and build a community where every voice matters and every story is worth telling.”
Outside the Box. We wish Ben nothing but the best moving forward.” According to WFRV-TV, Green Bay, the station says it will release more details in the coming weeks “about which local programming will replace Cominos and its political block.” Cominos is not giving up his show, however. He tells the Green Bay Press-Gazette, “I’m not going to bury the lede, I’m no longer employed by WHBY. ‘Outside the Box’ will still live on though. My show has been picked up by Minocqua Brewing.” He says “Outside the Box” will stream 9:00 am to 11:00 am weekdays on the Minocqua Brewing Co. Times Substack and on his own Facebook, TikTok and YouTube accounts. Cominos describes his show as “a working class political show for the people that feel left behind by the two-party system.”
Springs market that includes news/talk KVOR to his duties and he’ll continue to lead the Oklahoma City operations. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker states, “Jay is an accomplished leader and the perfect partner for the team in Colorado Springs. We are eager to see the impact he and the team will continue to have in that community for our listeners and clients.”