Industry News

Bankruptcy Court Approves Cumulus’ Plan of Reorganization

The next step for Cumulus Media in its Chapter 11 reorganization is the Federal Communications Commission after the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas yesterday (4/15) approved itsimg previously disclosed Plan of Reorganization. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “When we initiated this prepackaged restructuring in March, we did so with a clear objective: to right-size our balance sheet to support long-term success. The court’s prompt approval of our plan keeps us firmly on track to eliminate approximately $600 million in debt and positions us to emerge with a significantly stronger financial foundation. We look forward to completing the restructuring and emerging as a well-capitalized company, better equipped to compete in the evolving audio landscape.”

Industry News

Host Ron Slay and “104.5 The Zone” Renew Deal

Afternoon drive personality Ron Slay and Cumulus Media agree to a new contract that will keep him co-hosting the afternoon drive “3HL” show on WGFX-FM, Nashville “104.5 The Zone” alongside Brent Dougherty and Dawn Davenport. The station says that since joining “3HL” in 2021, Slay has become an essential part of the show’s identity – blending sharp sports insight, humor, and a natural storyteller’s instinct that resonates far beyond the studio. Station programming operations manager Paul Mason comments, “Ron is a game‑changer. He brings energy, curiosity, and joy to everything he touches. Watching his growth – not just as a broadcaster, but as a leader and connector – has been incredible. His ceiling truly doesn’t exist, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.” In addition to his work with “104.5 The Zone,” Slay serves as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and the SEC Network.

Industry News

Philadelphia to Be Prominent in Beasley’s America’s 250th Initiative

Beasley Media Group announces that in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, its Community of Caring Initiative will roll out across on-air, digital, and in-car platforms, leading up to the historic milestone with Philadelphia playing a key role as the birthplace of American independence. The company says that as part of the initiative, stations will air public service announcements multiple times daily, ringing to lifeimg the defining moments of 1776 – from the leadership of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to the actions of the Continental Congress and George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. These messages will be complemented by live and recorded interviews throughout 2026, featuring special guests sharing stories and perspectives tied to America’s founding and evolution. Beasley chief communications officer Heidi Raphael adds, “At this pivotal time in our nation’s history, Philadelphia holds an especially unique and powerful place in telling America’s story. Through our Community of Caring Initiative, we’re proud to share that story across our platforms – connecting our audiences to the past while celebrating what lies ahead.”

Industry News

FARM Announces New Weekend Show

Farm and Ranch Media announces the addition of a weekend version of their popular weekday talk show, “Agriculture of America” that will launch on May 1. FARM VP of national ag content and host of the program Jesse Allen says, “There continues to be no shortage of news andimg information for farmers and ranchers and we are looking to double down on our efforts to bring that information to them through our radio affiliate partners. I am honored that we are able to grow the AOA footprint and expand to include a weekend offering that will continue to tell the story of agriculture, one conversation at a time.” Agriculture of America” debuted in 2018 by the team at FARM in conjunction with National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Adams featuring interviews and conversations with agricultural leaders, members of congress, market analysts, newsmakers and more and has grown into a nationally syndicated radio show heard on over 70 affiliate radio stations and SiriusXM Rural Radio 147 every weekday.

Industry News

Date and Venue Set for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter

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The date and location for the 28th installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national conference is set for Friday, June 5.  TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter will take place at Hofstra University, on Long Island just outside of New York City.  Don’t be shut out. The power-packed, one-day agenda is being organized and designed to address the field of talk media’s most pressing and existential issues. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “This important conference will illuminate the forward path of the expanding talk media universe, including all aspects of digital communications from AI and podcasting to streaming networks. As has been its tradition, this latest TALKERS conference will approach the onrushing future of the talk business from a radio perspective. This crucial gathering will cover the new undeniable realities of the radio business for those who not only want to survive but thrive as well. It will be about opportunities, networking, and entrepreneurism for individuals in talent, programming, sales, marketing, and management who are serious about staying in the game.”

imgNews/talk, sports talk, all-news, and general talk will be amply covered. There will be over 50 top industry speakers, and registration is limited to insure intimacy. Attendance at the conference is only open to members of the working media and directly associated industries as well as students enrolled in accredited learning institutions. All attendees will be required to register in advance on the phone payable by credit card. Because attendance will be limited, the conference is again expected toimg be an early sellout. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $260. All registrations are non-refundable. This power-packed, one-day event is being presented in association with Hofstra’s multi-award-winning station, WRHU Radio and the school’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.

For more detailed agenda info please click here

Conference Registration and Hotel Information
To register for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.
To book a hotel room at the nearby Long Island Marriott – Uniondale, please click here: www.TalkersRoomRate.com  or call 516-794-3800 and mention TALKERS 2026.  Act quickly because the number of rooms available at the hotel for this event are limited.
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Industry News

Beasley Extends Exchange Offers

Beasley Broadcast Group extends its Tender Offer Settlement Date and the Exchange Offer Settlement to 5:00 pm ET on April 24. The company reports that as of the Early First Lien Tender Date, 100% of the Existing First Lien Notes had been tendered, and the company accordinglyimg accepted $15,899,000 in aggregate principal amount of such tenders in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer. On March 30, 2026, the company completed the purchase of $15,899,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Existing First Lien Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. As of 5:00 pm on April 15, 2026, approximately 98% of the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Second Lien Notes have validly tendered in the Exchange Offer and provided consents to the proposed amendments to the Existing Second Lien Notes Indenture.

Industry News

Shapiro Joins CNN as Contributor

Former longtime NPR journalist Ari Shapiro joins CNN as a contributor. CNN says, “Shapiro will bring his distinctive voice and signature wit to CNN’s on-air and digital programming, and will co-host a new video podcast titled, “Engagement Party,” alongside longtime colleague and friend, CNN anchor and analyst Audie Cornish. CNN says that on “Engagement Party,” Cornish and Shapiro will share the culture and ideas they’re engaging with – and why they’re obsessed. It will premiere on Friday, May 22.

Industry News

Forgy Returns to Saga from Medical Leave

Yesterday (4/15), Saga Communications announced that CEO imgChristopher S. Forgy had fully resumed his regular duties following a medical leave that began on February 13. The company adds that during his intermittent recovery from open heart surgery, Forgy remained available for consultation, led the company’s fourth-quarter and year-end 2025 call on March 12, 2026, and the executive team, headed by COO Wayne Leland and CFO Samuel D. Bush, maintained operational continuity.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (4/15)

The most discussed stories yesterday (4/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

U.S.-Israel-Iran War / Israel’s Lebanon Attacks
Trump-Vance vs The Pope
Trump Threatens Jerome Powell
New Jersey Special Election
Labor Secretary Investigation

Industry News

Beasley Gets Delisting Warning from Nasdaq

On Monday (4/13), Beasley Broadcast Group received written notice from Nasdaq advising the company that it is not in compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market. The rule requires companies listed on Nasdaq maintain a minimum of $2,500,000 in stockholders’ equity for continued listing. At the end of 2025, Beasley reported a stockholders’ deficit ofimg $49,330,431 – below the stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing. Beasley now has until May 28, 2026, unless otherwise directed by Nasdaq staff, to submit a plan to Nasdaq outlining how the company intends to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing standards. If Nasdaq accepts the plan, it may grant Beasley until October 10 to come into compliance. Beasley says it plans to timely submit its compliance plan to Nasdaq but notes that there’s no assurance Nasdaq will accept the or that if it does, Beasley will be able to regain compliance within the period provided.

Industry News

Murphy Named to Executive Post at Crossover Media Group

Media sales executive John Murphy is named vice president of strategic partnerships for Crossover Media Group. The move marks a reunion for Murphy with members of the Crossover Media Group team, with whom he’s worked as both a partner and a client. Most recently, Murphy served as senior vice president of content monetization at Veritone. In his new imgrole with Crossover, Murphy will work to secure new content as well as to expand the company’s client portfolio. Crossover managing member Sue Freund says, “We’ve known and worked with John for many years; his excellent relationships throughout the content and advertising communities make him a tremendous addition to our team in building strategic partnerships with clients, agencies, and content providers as we continue to grow. He has a proven track record of building high-performing sales organizations, monetizing premium content, and delivering performance-driven advertising solutions for brands, agencies and media partners.” Murphy comments, “I’m excited to be joining Crossover Media Group. The team has built a strong reputation for delivering results-driven solutions for both creators and advertisers, and I look forward to contributing to that momentum. There’s a clear opportunity to unlock new growth across partnerships, and I’m eager to help scale the business while driving meaningful value for clients.”

Industry News

Seaboard to Distribute “Killer Carl” Show

Seaboard Networks announces it is completing a deal to distribute the syndicated political interview talk show, “The Killer Carl Program.” Theimg show is hosted by Carl “Killer Carl” Brown and has been on the air for almost a decade and is part of the John Frederick Radio Network. Seaboard marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei says, “We welcome all shows that affiliates will desire. Carl seems to put his own views and thoughts first, and they are not based on just ideology. That is refreshing.” The program currently airs on stations throughout America including WJFM, Richmond; WJFV, Norfolk; WBRG, Lynchburg; and WLMB, Atlanta.

Industry News

KNBR Renews Flagship Radio Deal with 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers and Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR, San Francisco “The Sports Leader” extend their deal in which KNBR AM/FM serves as the 49ers’ flagship station. Broadcasters Greg Papa and Timimg Ryan will continue calling live 49ers games, as well as pre-and post-game shows. Cumulus regional VP Larry Blumhagen comments, “We at KNBR are tremendously excited to continue this valued partnership with the Niners. We have a wonderful relationship with the organization and its people, and they are truly a partner to us in connecting their fans with all the gameday action they love and demand. We look forward to continuing to provide 49ers fans with outstanding game day coverage on all KNBR platforms from AM/FM to streaming.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (4/14)

The most discussed stories yesterday (4/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

U.S.-Israel-Iran War / U.S. Blockade
Trump-Vance vs The Pope
Looming Expiration of FISA 702
Swalwell & Gonzales Exit Congress
Trump Threatens to Fire Jerome Powell

Industry News

Cumulus Speeding Toward Chapter 11 Exit

Yesterday (4/13) in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston the Modified Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Cumulus Media Inc. and Its Debtor Affiliates was filed. While the proposed order has yet to be approved by the judge, it is expected to be approved soon and clears theimg way for the reorganization to move to the next step – approval from the Federal Communications Commission. When fully consummated, the plan will have eliminated $592 million of debt for Cumulus and puts control of the company into the hands of secured creditors. A new board of directors will be elected and although current executive management may remain in their positions, it is entirely up to the new board of directors to determine the company’s officers.

Industry News

WWO: Marketers Underestimate Value of Creative

Today’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group reviews the annual study it commissions from Advertiser Perceptions in which it surveys brands and media agencies on the sales contribution of five advertising effectiveness factors: brand, creative, reach, recency, and targeting. As in the past marketers and media agencies massivelyimg understate the immense sales effect power of creative. Some 122 marketers placed creative as the third most important contributor toward driving sales behind targeting and brand. But the reality based on analysis of 450 ad campaigns indicates creative is far and away the most important driver of sales. Both marketers and agencies place the greatest importance on targeting. Experts caution that too narrow targeting is ineffective. See the full blog post here.

Industry News

WJR’s Jamie Edmonds to Take Leave to Battle Breast Cancer

WJR, Detroit morning drive co-host Jamie Edmonds announces to listeners that she will be taking a leave of absence after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Cumulus Media notes on the WJR website that Edmonds shared the news during the program yesterday, “explaining that her absence from some recent shows had been related to her health and imgtreatment schedule. Edmonds, 42, said the diagnosis came unexpectedly about two months ago and described it on the air as a ‘total gut punch.’ A mother of a young daughter, she acknowledged the fear that followed the discovery but said she is confident in her care team and treatment plan at Henry Ford Health. Edmonds told listeners she has already begun chemotherapy and believes she will get through the process.” Edmonds says her oncologist emphasized the importance of consistent sleep and recovery during chemotherapy. She made clear that the change is temporary and that she plans to remain connected to WJR and its audience as she is able while focusing on her health.

Industry News

Longterm Status of Dark KKAM, Lubbock Unknown

On the first of this month, Townsquare Media requested permission from the FCC to turn off the transmitter on news/talk KKAM-AM, Lubbock due to economic conditions in the market. The company’s filing with theimg Commission states in part, “Due to economic conditions in the market, the licensee was forced to take the station off the air temporarily. The licensee respectfully requests special temporary authority for the station to remain silent. The licensee will promptly notify the Commission when it is able to resume station operations.” Townsquare also operates news/talk KFYO in the Lubbock market. See the Yahoo piece here.

Industry News

Pearson Acquiring KISR-FM, Fort Smith for Sports Talk

Pearson Broadcasting Group is acquiring KISR-FM, Fort Smith, Arkansas from Baker Family Trust and the company plans to use the signal for its “ESPN Arkansas” sports format in the Fort Smith market. In a statement, Pearson says, “This marks a significant expansion for Pearsonimg Broadcasting and ESPN Arkansas, which will now serve all the Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Northwest Arkansas, Harrison, Mountain Home, and much of Eastern Oklahoma. Top rated KISR will continue to serve the River Valley from just below its previous dial position, moving to 93.1 FM.” ESPN Arkansas general manager Tommy Craft adds, “We are excited to expand and grow the footprint and coverage areas of our ESPN Arkansas radio stations. The addition of a 100,000-watt station to our roster of current stations is a true game changer. Fred Baker and KISR have spent more than 55 years building something that is far more than just a radio station for so many people, and we are humbled to be able to continue that kind of commitment to listeners. We live in a state where the sports we love and the daily conversations about the teams we follow matter. The opportunity to expand our coverage so that more of the great people in Arkansas can join in the conversation with our live and local sports talk radio shows is a thrill, and we cannot wait to get started.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (4/13)

The most discussed stories yesterday (4/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. U.S.-Israel-Iran War / U.S. Blockade of Iran Ports
  2. Trump-as-Christ AI Image / Trump vs Pope Leo
  3. Swalwell and Gonzales to Exit Congress
  4. Minnesota ICE Investigation
  5. Looming Expiration of FISA 702
Industry Views

Monday Memo: The 2026 Case for Weekend Talk Radio

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgTime Spent Listening to podcasts has now surpassed TSL with spoken word radio. And both are fraught.

Anyone can do a podcast, and everyone seems to be. How to get found/subscribed-to/shared?

  • And in this listen-when-ever-you-want culture, basing Return On Investment in a brokered-time weekend ask-the-expert radio show that only reaches real-time listeners is increasingly dubious.

So, I’m helping podcasters I work with to do both. To amplify the impact of all the work you put into a podcast, make radio your content engine.

Yes, radio, for two big reasons:

  • Credibility, because? Anyone can do a podcast. But being on broadcast radio makes you seem “real.” The station delivers you an existing audience that trusts its information, supports its advertisers, and listens habitually. You are live, interactive, and “car radio.” And interview guests will be easier to attract to your on-air show than to a podcast.
  • As a podcaster, you are already an audio publisher – but you’re doing all the work yourself, reckoning what’s relevant to your listeners – a slow, lonely way to build an audience. Host a call-in radio show, and everything changes. Your callers and guests become the content pipeline that makes your podcast more than just you-talking. Their questions position you as an authority and offer proof of what your audience wants. No guesswork. No blind spots. Just nonstop relevance that keeps listeners leaning-in, coming back, and sharing your podcast with friends.

This 1 + 1 can = lots more than 2, when your show and podcast promote each other; and as this process repurposes content to social media, E-newsletters, video, and other online resources. Here’s the schematic: http://getonthenet.com/workflow.png

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

Nate Lundy Show Debuts on The Bet in Denver

Audacy’s sports betting station KAMP-AM, Denver “The Bet 1430” announces that the Nate Lundy-hosted show “Mile High Sports” is now airing in the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm slot. Audacy says, “Lundy has a career imgspanning over 30 years, including the last 16 in Denver. As a seasoned host turned executive, he has built a legacy of excellence that now culminates in his role as president and CEO of Mile High Sports. Today, he directs the pulse of Colorado sports, overseeing comprehensive, multi-platform coverage of Colorado’s major professional sports teams.” Lundy comments, “I’ve spent more than 35 years in radio and television, the last 16 right here in Denver. I am so happy to join Audacy as a local voice, and more importantly, as a local fan. This is going to be a fun ride!”

Industry News

WABC’s Sid Rosenberg Charges Mr. & Mrs. Met as Antisemites

WABC, New York morning host Sid Rosenberg got a lot of traction over an X post claiming proof that the New York Mets’ mascots Mr. & Mrs. Met imgare antisemites. How could this be? Rosenberg posted a video clip of the mascots warmly embracing New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Citi Field, followed by a still photo of himself in a corridor at Citi Field with Mr. Met about 20 yards down the same corridor walking in the opposite direction after, Sid says, ignoring him. It’s unclear at this time if the Justice Department has opened an investigation into the New York Mets. See the video and story on WABC’s website here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (April 11-12)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (4/11-12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

Iran Negotiations / U.S. to Blockade Strait of Hormuz
Swalwell Scandal
Trump vs The Pope / Trump-as-Christ AI Post
Orban Ousted
Epstein Files-Melania

Industry News

Cumulus Media’s Q4 2025 Revenue Down 14%

Cumulus Media reports its operating results for the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2025. Cumulus’ net revenue in Q4 of 2025 was $188 million, a decline of 14% from the same period in 2024. For the full yearimg` of 2025, net revenue was $741.6 million, a decrease of 10.3% from 2024. For the full year 2025, the company posted a loss of $200.7 million. Cumulus reports by segments and for all of 2025, broadcast revenue was $116.2 million, a decline of 22.2% from 2024. Even digital revenue fell in 2025 to $151.3 million, down 1.9%. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “The Company’s recently announced financial restructuring marks an important step toward meaningfully reducing the debt burden that has constrained the business. Looking ahead, we remain focused on building on the core strengths of the Company to maximize value.”

Industry Views

Creators, Commentators, or Publishers: Liability Remains the Same

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

imgThe rise of independent, talk show-style political commentary on YouTube has created a new class of media actors who do not see themselves as broadcasters, journalists, or publishers. They see themselves as creators. That distinction is real in terms of identity, tone, and platform. It is not real where it matters most: liability.

The difference exists in how the work is produced and presented. It disappears the moment the content is published.

In practice, these creators are engaging in acts that courts have long recognized as publication. They are selecting topics, framing narratives, editing clips, and distributing content to large audiences. Those decisions are not neutral. They are editorial.

The absence of FCC regulation in this space has created a persistent misunderstanding. Traditional broadcasters operate under a regulatory framework that includes licensing and content restrictions. Independent creators do not. But the lack of FCC oversight does not reduce exposure. It removes one layer of regulation while leaving the core legal risk fully intact.

Defamation law applies equally to both groups. A false statement of fact about a real person that causes reputational harm can give rise to liability whether it is spoken on a licensed radio station or uploaded to a monetized YouTube channel. The standards may differ depending on whether the subject is a public or private figure, but the underlying obligation remains the same: accuracy matters.

There is no YouTube exception. There is no creator carveout. The law does not care how the content was distributed, what the platform calls you, or how you see yourself. It cares who made the statement, who chose to publish it, and whether it was false.

The structure of YouTube content introduces additional risk. Many creators rely on rapid production cycles and clip-based commentary. This increases the likelihood of error, particularly when context is compressed or omitted. Editing choices that seem minor from a production standpoint can materially change meaning, which is precisely the type of conduct that courts examine in defamation and false light claims.

Monetization further complicates the analysis. Revenue from ads, memberships, or sponsorships strengthens the argument that content is commercial in nature. That does not eliminate First Amendment protections, but it can influence how a court evaluates intent and reasonableness.

There is also a tendency to assume that platform norms provide a form of protection. If a piece of content is allowed to remain online, or even promoted by an algorithm, it can feel implicitly validated. That assumption is misplaced. Platform enforcement decisions are not legal determinations. They are business judgments.

The most important point is simple and often overlooked. Liability does not turn on intent. It turns on what was said, whether it was false, and whether reasonable steps were taken to verify it.

The platform may change how content looks. It may change how fast it spreads. It may change who gets to participate.

It does not change the consequences of getting it wrong.

Time passes. Technology and fancy packaging change. Exposure and liability do not. 

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises talk show 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

Dr. Murray Sabrin Launches Weekly Podcast

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Noted “public intellectual” and longtime talk media guest Dr. Murray Sabrin has launched a weekly video podcast titled, “Health, Wealth, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”  In it, he interviews experts and colorful figures from the worlds of health care, finance, and politics in addition to sharing his own commentaries. A prolific author, Substack columnist, and public speaker, Sabrin has been one of the most sought-after guests in news/talk media for the past three decades. He is one of America’s most visible experts on libertarianism and free market economics – ideologies that have strong followings within the influential arena of talk radio. Sabrin is emeritus professor of finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey, an associate scholar at the Mises Institute, and a former Libertarian Party standard bearer for governor in the Garden State. He is the founder of a grassroots movement, “Make Americans Financially Independent (MAFI)” – a counterpoint to the present tendency toward runaway, unconstitutional government spending that has led the U.S. to take on trillions of dollars in stifling debt. Sabrin’s guest on the debut installment of the podcast is psychotherapist Joe Sansone. To view the podcast, please click here. To book Dr. Sabrin as a guest, please call Victoria Jones at 917-865-3991 or email: victoria@dcradiocompany.com.

Job Opportunity

Lotus Seeks Part-Time News Staffer in Seattle

Lotus Seattle is looking for an experienced part-time news anchor, reporter, and news editor for all-news KNWN “Northwest Newsradio 97-7, AM 1000.” The ideal candidate will help prepare and deliver engagingimg news content, report on breaking news events, serve as board operator for special programming, and produce special projects and programming as assigned. This position does feature regular hours of board operator work, writing, producing, as well as anchoring newscasts. On occasion the position will offer extra hours during the week to cover shifts for those who are ill or on vacation. Learn more and apply here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (April 6-10)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (4/6-10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Iran Ceasefire / Israel’s Lebanon Strikes
  2. Oil Prices / Financial Markets Activity
  3. Trump and 25th Amendment Talk
  4. Trump vs NATO / Vance in Hungary
  5. Bondi Epstein Deposition
  6. Melania Epstein Statement / Epstein Files
  7. Birthright Citizenship / Georgia, Wisconsin Elections
  8. DHS Funding / Privatization of TSA
  9. SCOTUS Bannon Case Ruling
  10. Artemis II Mission

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth
  3. Benjamin Netanyahu
  4. JD Vance / Marco Rubio
  1. Melania Trump / Jeffrey Epstein
  2. Jared Kushner / Steve Witkoff
  3. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
  4. Clay Fuller
  5. Markwayne Mullin
  6. Steven K. Bannon

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

Industry News

WTOP Promotes Woodfork as Part of Renewed Sports Initiative

Hubbard Radio all-news WTOP, Washington promotes Rob Woodfork to senior sports analyst in what the organization calls its “ongoing evolution of its local sports coverage.” WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler states, “We are excited to announce Rob’s promotion. This imgis a key part of our long-term strategy to transform how we cover sports. We’re committed to delivering content that goes beyond highlights and final scores – focusing instead on context, analysis, and storytelling that resonates with today’s audience.” WTOP says that in his new role, Woodfork will lead a more dynamic, multi-platform approach to sports journalism, anchored by daily video and audio commentary designed for modern consumption habits. His work will prioritize insight and authenticity – meeting audiences where they are, particularly among Gen X and Millennial fans seeking more than traditional sports updates.

Industry News

BIA Revises Local Ad Forecast; Political Key to Broadcast’s Success

BIA Advisory Services revises its 2026 U.S. Local Advertising Forecast that it first released in Q4 2025 and is now projecting total local ad revenue to reach $184.5 billion, reflecting approximately 8.1% year-over-year growth compared with 2025. Among the reasons for the increase is a stronger-than-expected performance in mobile political ad spend.  BIAimg says, “Political advertising will drive key spending this year. BIA projects approximately $8.4 billion in local political spending, creating substantial revenue opportunities across broadcast television, linear cable, CTV/OTT, radio, and direct mail. While some legacy formats, including print, continue to face long-term declines, others are evolving. Across the market, advertisers are increasingly adopting full-funnel strategies, combining high-reach media such as cable, broadcast, and OOH with data-driven digital channels to drive both awareness and measurable outcomes. Radio also remains a stable local medium, with additional opportunities emerging through digital audio, including streaming and podcasts.”

Industry News

Edison: Radio Still Dominates In-Car Listening

Citing data from its Q1 2026 Share of Ear, Edison Research says that even though consumers have more audio options than ever before in their cars, AM/FM radio takes up the majority of time spent listening toimg audio in the car among Americans 13+. Edison adds, “As of Q1 2026, 55% of in-car audio time is spent listening to AM/FM radio. The next closest platform in the car is streaming audio. Time with streaming audio has grown over the 12-year history of Share of Ear but remains a distant competitor to AM/FM radio among the total population ages 13+, with 16% of in-car audio time going to streaming platforms… Among Americans 13-34, 46% of their in-car audio time is spent listening to AM/FM radio and 30% with streaming audio sources.”