NYFestivals Announces Radio Awards Grand Jury
The New York Festivals Radio Awards is announcing its 2027 Radio Awards Grand Jury comprised of more than 100 leading audio professionals from over 20 countries. NYFestivals says the jury includes award-winning producers, directors, journalists, writers, and sound artists working across documentary, entertainment, news, sports, and corporate audio. NYFestivals 
EVP Rose Anderson says, “Every year, we work with our Advisory Board – all industry thought leaders – to make sure that our categories recognize the innovative audio storytelling being created today and reflect our commitment to the power of the individual voice. Their collective wealth of hands-on knowledge, their commitment to excellence and the proven mastery of their craft in the world of sound shows how robust the world of radio is today – and we gain a 360-degree perspective into our ever-changing and interconnected world. The insights into the paths to the future from this international brain trust ensures that NYF’s Radio Awards will continue to honor world-wide excellence across all platforms.” Americans serving on the Grand Jury include: Rory Belfi, vice president, Talk Programming, SiriusXM; Marcella Boehler, associate producer, The Outlaw Ocean Project; Jennie Cataldo, owner & producer, Accompany Studios; Joni Deutsch, SVP of Marketing & Audience Development, The Podglomerate; Valerie Geller, president, Geller Media International; Or Matza, co-founder & creative director, Audio Drama Studios; and Mark Travis, director, Media Production, New York Philharmonic. See more about the Grand Jury here.
families in need. Last year’s drive raised more than $265,000 and this year’s goal is to feed 75,000 people coast to coast. Erickson says, “Last year our listeners put food on the table for thousands of families, and that generosity still moves me. This isn’t about politics; it’s about compassion, faith, and stepping up for our neighbors. We’re launching this year’s Hungry For A Day drive to do it again and with this audience, I know we will. Hungry For A Day makes it seamless; our listeners make it extraordinary.”
In the nearly four decades that I have been publishing TALKERS, I’m consistently asked by reporters who cover media and politics, “Now that the election is over, what is talk radio going to have to talk about?” This inquiry is based on the false – but widely held assumption – that “talk radio” is a one-trick pony. Drives me nuts.
director. Stigall hosted a show on KCMO, Kansas City in the past. Most recently, Stigall hosted his eponymous talk show syndicated by Salem Radio Network. He gave up his radio show to run for office. KCTV-TV reports, “Stigall campaigned heavily on securing Missouri a seat on the House Agriculture Committee, noting the state currently has no members on it. District 6 includes more than 27,000 farms and drives a large share of the state’s agricultural economy. Stigall said a committee seat would help provide stability for farmers and support passage of a new Farm Bill. He has also called for cutting regulatory ‘red tape’ to make it easier for rural hospitals and health care providers to operate.” 
At 8:15 am, a radio host plays part of a television interview and explains why the guest’s answer deserves scrutiny. By noon, another program has clipped that host’s commentary and is taking it apart. The first use feels like doing the job. The second can feel like somebody helping themselves to your work, especially when they sell advertising around it.
the continued strength of our Digital Advertising platform. Third quarter net revenue of $110.9 million increased 3.9% year-over-year and exceeded our guidance range, Adjusted EBITDA of $22.6 million increased 2.7% year-over-year and was within our guidance range, and net loss narrowed by $1.5 million year-over-year to $4.0 million. These results were driven by the growth of Townsquare Ignite, our Digital Advertising business, and by political revenue that is tracking ahead of our expectations. Digital Advertising net revenue grew 12.7% year-over-year, accelerating for the third consecutive quarter, led by programmatic revenue growth of 22.5%. Our Media Partnerships business now serves 18 partners and extends our digital programmatic advertising platform to 122 markets across the United States, and we expect Media Partnerships revenue to more than double in 2026. In addition, Townsquare Interactive delivered strong profitability, with Segment Profit margins of 36% in Q3, as we rebuild and grow our sales team.”
Wilson continues, “At the same time, we want to be candid about the challenges we face. Our local clients continue to feel pressure from higher operating costs and interest rates, and they are scrutinizing every marketing dollar, particularly those spent on traditional media. Excluding political, Broadcast Advertising net revenue declined 5.2% in the third quarter. We expect those declines to deepen in the fourth quarter, partly as political advertising crowds out other inventory. In addition, while Townsquare Interactive’s profit remains strong, lower-than-anticipated sales velocity means it will not return to sequential revenue growth in Q4 2026 as we had projected.”
around the Veterans Day holiday. O’Connor tells TALKERS the program features extraordinary stories from wounded veterans, military families, and the people who help them through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. “These are compelling, deeply personal conversations about service, sacrifice, recovery, and the remarkable work Fisher House does for our military families. This is professionally produced, ready-to-air Veterans Day programming that you can offer your listeners at absolutely no cost.” 
listeners, but the most trusted expert voices tend to drive the most conversion. According to data from Audacy’s own Power of Influencers Study (2026), podcast listeners are 27% more likely to be influenced by topic experts than well-known celebrities. The blog notes, “The brands winning in podcast advertising right now aren’t all sponsoring the biggest names. They’re finding the mid-sized shows. The shows where listeners have been there since episode 12, and where a host recommendation lands more like a text from a friend who actually tried it. Meet the “midfluencer.” No celebrity status or massive profile. Just a deeply loyal audience who listens. It turns out the shows with the tightest communities drive better conversions.” 
It’s budget season. Your clients are planning next year’s spending right now, and your rates should be set before they do, not after.
On the list of imagined crimes committed by the act of consolidation upon the radio industry is the myth that it killed the “farm team” for emerging talent. There never was a farm team.
Talk 2.” KAOX-FM talk host Neal Larson announced the change on his program last Friday (10/30). The station is airing syndicated programming including Premiere Networks shows “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” “The Jesse Kelly Show,” “The Michael Berry Show,” plus FOX News Radio’s “Brian Kilmeade Show.” 
excited about the opportunity to join Zimmer Communications. I’ve consulted them for more than a decade, so I know it is a first-class radio operation that still believes in being local and connecting with listeners. I’d like to thank [general manager] Carla Leible and [operations director] Trevor Morgan for making this possible.” Morgan comments, “Mike has a genuine passion for creating great radio. His creativity, organization, and keen ear for compelling content have already made a tremendous impact on the stations he’s worked with through Jacobs Media. We’re excited to bring his expertise and experience to all our brands as we continue to create great content and find meaningful ways to connect with our listeners and advertisers.”
New York market president Chris Oliviero has been elected chair of the board of directors. NYSBA president and executive director Heidi Raphael comments, “This is an exceptional team. Chris Oliviero brings vision and deep market leadership to the chair, and our board reflects the full strength of broadcasting across New York. We are especially grateful to [outgoing chair] Chris Musial for his steady leadership and to our departing directors for their commitment. Together, we’re ready to make 2027 another remarkable year for our members and the communities they serve.”
Communications Act limits how many commissioners may belong to one political party, ensuring that decisions on broadband, media ownership, and network security are tested by more than one point of view. Preserving that balance is central to how the Commission is meant to function. Commissioner Gomez has brought independent judgment and a clear command of the FCC’s statutory responsibilities to her work and has consistently engaged with members on both sides of the aisle on the merits of an issue rather than its politics. She has remained focused on many of the core responsibilities that Congress has entrusted to the FCC: closing the digital divide, protecting consumers, promoting competition and innovation, strengthening the security of our communications networks, and advancing U.S. technological leadership.” The group also says, “The Commission functions as intended only when both parties have a seat at the table. Confirming an additional Republican nominee without also securing continued Democratic representation would upset that balance. Commissioner Gomez has shown the experience and judgment to continue that work. We therefore ask that the Senate pair any new Republican nominee with her renomination to a full term, consistent with the bipartisan design Congress built into this agency.”
What makes a life – or the work we do – matter? In Make It Matter, author Matthew Emerzian explores how recognizing our own worth, making others feel valued, and contributing to something beyond ourselves can give everyday choices a deeper purpose.
resounding success. The power-packed one day event (11/24) drew several hundred parents and concerned citizens to Braid Mill in Germantown to meet, mingle, and see an array of speakers including educators, pasters, and policy experts to discuss the state and future of education. Fellow WPHT talk show host, education advocate and podcaster Dom Giordano was one of the featured panelists (see photo). 
on the program was the notion that Ukraine has been persecuting Christians. Zelenskyy said on the program, “Tucker Carlson and other such guys, they I think they’ve never been. I mean, I think these men never been in Ukraine, how he can discuss what’s going on in Ukraine and to speak about the what’s going on with the with religious people in Ukraine, we are very free.” “This Week on Capitol Hill” with Tony Perkins is produced by Salem in cooperation with the Family Research Council. It airs live at 10:00 am on Saturdays on the Salem Radio Network and Salem News Channel and is streamed four times each weekend on the Newsmax 2 platform.
Group managing member Scott Calka says, “‘The No Snooze Podcast’ is a compelling, engaging and inspirational program hosted by a personality who’s equally compelling, engaging and inspirational. With his special blend of motivational leadership insights, uplifting personal-growth stories and practical health and fitness advice, Dave is poised to break out in the podcast universe. Our new partnership underscores our confidence in his potential and is emblematic of an evolving model for our podcast business.” Reggina’s diagnosis as a teen with Crohn’s disease sparked his dedication to health, fitness and resilience. He is the author of the book, 30 Lessons to Lead: From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs, and co-founded A.C.E. (Action Cultivates Excellence), a transformative personal and professional growth movement and community.