Kristin Diaz Named WTOP AM Drive Anchor
Hubbard Radio all-news WTOP-FM, Washington names Kristin Diaz co-anchor of the morning show alongside John Aaron. Diaz most recently
served as PM drive anchor at Audacy’s KRLD-AM, Dallas. WTOP director of news and programming Julie Ziegler says, “From the moment I met Kristin, I knew there was something special about her. Her commitment to telling stories that impact the diverse, local community she serves and doing so across platforms, aligns perfectly with WTOP’s mission. I can’t wait for the WTOP audience to get to know her.” Diaz was awarded the 2021 National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast. She was also the recipient of the 2023 Texas Association of Broadcasters award for Best Newscast.
The Hub – The Voice for Freedom.” The station features Salem Radio Network programming including Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt, Larry Elder, and Scott Jennings, plus Compass Media Network’s Erick Erickson. The station is also airing local agribusiness programming from hosts Tony St. James and Steven Orr in morning drive. 
causing listeners to speculate about his status. Earlier this week Kirwan addressed the matter saying, “As most of you have noticed, Jim Miller was not with us last week at the Super Bowl. We’re going to let all of you know, today, that Jim is no longer a member of the SiriusXM team. We’re grateful for all of Jim’s insights and contributions through his many years on SiriusXM, and I’m personally grateful to have him as my on-air teammate for a long time. I wish him the best going forward, as all of you will as well. For the sake of Jim, we should leave this subject as it is and hope and pray that he gets on with his life and things go well.”
largest weekly audiences that launched last year. Number one is “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” which won a Golden Globe for best podcast. News/talk podcasts on the chart include “The Nerve with Maureen Callahan,” published by Megyn Kelly’s MK Media, the progressive “Keith Edwards Show,” and iHeartPodcast’s “This is Gavin Newsom.” 
Church and founder of Turning Point Ministries. Salem CEO David Santrella says, “The Salem Summit Breakfast has become a cornerstone moment at NRB for connection on our shared mission. To see this gathering grow from 100 people to more than 500 is a testament to the hunger leaders have for fellowship and practical wisdom as they navigate a rapidly changing media landscape.”
WTOP says its journalists will examine the following seven pillars as defining points of American progress: The Federal Workforce (WTOP reporter Jimmy Alexander), Defense (WTOP National Security Correspondent JJ Green), Energy (WTOP reporter and anchor Nick Iannelli), Transportation (WTOP aviation and transportation reporter Dan Ronan), Healthcare (WTOP producer and reporter Acacia James), Technology (WTOP anchor John Aaron) and Homeownership (WTOP reporter Linh Bui). Hubbard DC VP and general manager Joel Oxley comments, “This series reflects WTOP’s commitment to thoughtful, fact-driven journalism with national importance but more importantly, local impact. As the country reflects on 250 years of progress, we’re proud to provide context, insight, and perspective on how we got here and where we’re headed as part of the community at the epicenter of this story, our nation’s capital.”
pm. Talk show hosts Chris Merrill and Michael Monks partner for the “Monks & Merrill” shows that will air from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. An hour is shaved off the late morning “Gary & Shannon” show [Gary Hoffmann and Shannon Farren] that will air from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Chris Merrill, who’s been heard on KFI in the past, was most recently with Bonneville’s KTAR-FM, Phoenix. Michael Monks an award-winning senior reporter/host for KFI News. Station brand manager Brian Long says, “The chance to put John Kobylt back in drivetime and move Tim Conway Jr. and his entertaining brand of talk a bit later for the evening crowd is a homerun for the KFI listeners. Starting the day with ‘Wake- Up Call,’ Bill Handel, ‘Gary & Shannon,’ our award-winning news team, and now the addition of the new ‘Monks & Merrill’ show makes KFI the most stimulating talk lineup in America.”
conservative star of Northern Georgia’s most powerful and influential news/talk outlet is also an author, columnist, former U.S. Congressional candidate, and ubiquitous media presence. She is the recipient of numerous local, regional, and national awards including being named the TALKERS “Woman of the Year” in 2024. Zoller tells TALKERS, “Thankfully, I was at church when this happened. Thank you to my church and the fantastic paramedics at the Hall County Fire Department and the team at Northeast Georgia Health System. I’m going home with a lot of work to do. Thankfully, we live in the community I’m in. There are too many people to thank. You know who you are, thank you! I will see you, hear you soon.” Zoller can be reached via email at 
maturity date of its asset-based lending facility to December 18, 2030. Additionally, Urban One announces it receives confirmation from Nasdaq that it has regained compliance with the stock exchange’s $1.00 minimum bid price requirement, closing at or above $1.00 for 10 consecutive business days between January 23 and February 6, 2026. Urban One’s stock closed at $11.42 on February 10, 2026. On January 22, 2026, it executed a reverse stock split of all classes of its Common Stock. 
more than two decades of proven media and advertising leadership, along with deep-rooted relationships throughout the Pittsburgh business community. Salem president of broadcast media Allen Power says, “We are excited to combine Jason’s leadership track record at Salem with Dave’s deep market knowledge of Pittsburgh. They are focused on growing our sales team in the market with a commitment to providing outcome-based solutions for advertisers.” Mosher is based in Salem Media’s Atlanta office. He has been with Salem Media for six years and was recently promoted from regional sales director where he led sales efforts for Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Cleveland.
“Darn, if we were on FM everything would get better.” Not true. This writer launched many of the successful talk formats on FM stations in the early 1990s. The ones that worked, such as KLSX, Los Angeles; WTKS, Orlando; and New Jersey 101.5 in Trenton, were produced for the unique demands of FM. Then and today, the FM band cume utilized the radio in a completely different manner than AM audiences. The competition on FM isn’t another talk show. It’s Chapelle Roan and Taylor Swift. Ya know, billion-dollar Taylor Swift. The production values of FM music stations set the expectations of “the sound.” “Let’s pay some bills…” Followed by bumper music! Followed by eight minutes of commercials for Med Alert is just not what FMers are used to hearing on Elvis Duran. (Elvis is doing a talk show.)
report include: When it comes to audio’s value versus TV, diehard fans are 1.4 times more likely to tune into pre- and post-game shows on radio than on TV; Local voices matter as 79% of fans say sports make them feel part of a community. Many mute national broadcasts to follow local radio calls that capture their city’s emotion and history. Audacy adds that it now ranks #1 in sports talk reach across radio and television, surpassing ESPN and FS1; When it comes to reaching Gen Z, younger fans aren’t disengaged, they follow personalities, podcasts, and audio creators instead of networks; It’s a myth that only marketing beer and betting works on sports audio: sports audio drives measurable results beyond traditional categories, with web traffic lifts on air days vs. off-air days: +105% for financial services, +42% home improvement, +22% grocery, +10% automotive. 
Kevin McCullough tells TALKERS that as of the end of January, weekly affiliates taking one or both of his weekday, or weekend “That KEVIN Shows” is up to 693. He adds, “Not only have former Eric Metaxas stations been quick to jump on board, but we are also increasingly replacing some Charlie Kirk slots as well. New adds include: KLBE-FM, Bismarck; KOMT-FM, Lake View, Arkansas; and KWPM-AM/FM, West Plains, Missouri.
rising leaders in digital sales and strategy, providing direct access to industry executives, structured mentorship, and strategic guidance at a time when audio and digital integration has never been more critical to client success.” Reid comments, “I’m honored to be selected as an MIW Digital Mentee. This mentorship is an opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills, learn from industry leaders shaping the future of digital and audio, and continue delivering smarter, more effective advertising solutions in a rapidly evolving media landscape.”
clear on what this is. This is government intimidation, not a legitimate investigation. Like many other so-called ‘investigations’ before it, the FCC will announce an investigation but never carry one out, reach a conclusion, or take any meaningful action. The real purpose is to weaponize the FCC’s regulatory authority to intimidate perceived critics of this Administration and chill protected speech. That is not how a free society operates. The First Amendment protects the right of daytime and late-night programs to cover newsworthy issues and express viewpoints without government interference. I urge broadcasters and their parent networks to stand strong against these unfounded attacks and continue exercising their constitutional rights without fear or favor.”
“‘Outspoken’ has built a devoted following by tackling Arizona’s biggest political, social and cultural issues with insight, humor and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. The expanded time slot allows the show to dig deeper into the stories shaping the state and the nation, while continuing to engage listeners and viewers through spirited conversation. The change will help position KTAR News’ marquee afternoon drive show during a pivotal election year in front of larger audiences, bringing the hosts’ signature blend of bold opinions, sharp analysis and lively debate to the heart of the drive‑time lineup. Outspoken will continue to push the conversation forward with exclusive guests and the Faceoff roundtable conversation every Wednesday.” The station also brings back “Arizona’s Evening News,” hosted by Becky Lynn and Joe Huizenga, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It will keep listeners and viewers tuned into local programming with a news program focused on in-depth conversation. Bonneville says the new program schedule reflects the end of the two-year run of The Chris & Joe Show in the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm daypart with the departure of talk host Chris Merrill. 
Red Wrap Up” and other programs on Nebraska Educational Television. He hosted “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” on Omaha’s KOZN for 12 years. As a play-by-play announcer for FOX, he’s called more than 100 NFL games since 2020 along with college basketball, Major League Baseball, the UFL and other events. Steve Lundy has worked at some of Nebraska’s legendary radio stations, including KOIL, KKAR, and KLIN. 
If you’re on-air, it’s an important part of your job. Here’s what I see and hear working:
TALKERS magazine, the leading trade publication serving America’s professional broadcast talk radio and associated digital communities since 1990, is pleased to participate as the presenting sponsor of the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference for the second consecutive year.
advertising revenue and stabilizing total industry sales. Moreover, Borrell forecasts digital revenue will grow slightly faster this year – 9.5% versus 7.8% in 2025 – reaching $2.5 billion. According to Borrell’s study, the average station generated $511,873 in digital revenue in 2025, and the average market cluster made $2,263,431. RAB president Mike Hulvey states, “Advertisers are recognizing the digital services and products that exist as part of broadcast radio’s marketing toolbox and are taking advantage of it. Today’s marketers are digitally savvy and understand the need to meet their customers wherever they are and across radio’s platforms.”
Sports 1450” and six music brands. He joins the Tucson operations from iHeartMedia’s Spokane station group. Southwest area president Steve Earnhart states, “We’re excited to have Bill join our team in Tucson. He brings a deep understanding of how to build strong, relevant brands that connect with listeners and communities. His leadership and programming vision will continue to elevate our stations and deliver compelling content that reflects the energy, culture, and voice of Tucson.”
campaign. Running throughout February, this critical initiative coincides with the historic 100th anniversary of Black History Month. In an era where Black media faces unprecedented challenges — algorithms that actively silence Black voices, deep fakes and misinformation targeting our communities, and the actual arrest of Black journalists — WURD Radio is an independent platform that remains so due in large part to listener support.” WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax states, “WURD is a place for critical conversations and truth-telling. If we want to preserve Black history, we must preserve WURD. We are watching a coordinated effort to erase our history and silence our people. We cannot let that happen.”
of sales for KGO-AM, San Francisco. In her role with Connoisseur, she’ll oversee national sales efforts in Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Palm Springs, and Anchorage. Company SVP/Western Region and San Francisco & San Jose market manager Tina Murley says, “Deidra is a powerhouse. She brings intensity, strategic vision, and an aggressive sales mindset that aligns perfectly with where Connoisseur is headed as a company. She knows how to compete, how to lead, and how to win. I’m thrilled to have her on my leadership team and excited for the impact she will make across the West Coast.” Lieberman comments, “Connoisseur’s ability to drive national revenue through great local radio is unmatched, and I am thrilled to work alongside Jeff Warshaw, market manager Tina Murley, Katz Media and all our valued clients across the country. We’re building something big, and I’m proud to help drive results at scale through local execution.”
his new role with iHeartMedia he’ll “be responsible for helping local sales teams operate efficiently by providing them with the tools, training, and best practices needed to deliver strong results and measurable value for advertisers in today’s evolving media landscape.” President of community markets John Karpinski says, “Matt brings a rare combination of experience across every level of sales leadership and enablement. His background 
in developing people, sharpening processes and driving modern revenue strategy will help us to continue to grow and elevate iHeartMedia’s commitment to drive results for advertisers. His understanding of how high-performing organizations operate will help us accelerate what’s working and raise the bar even further. We’re fired up to have him on board and excited for the impact he’s going to make across our division.” In addition, iHeartMedia appoints Wayne Jones metro president for the Texas community markets, overseeing operational sales efficiency in Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Waco, McAllen and Bryan. Jones comes to iHeartMedia from Urban One in Houston, where he served as the director of sales and business.