Industry News

Salem Media’s 2025 Total Net Revenue Down 10.5%

Salem Media Group reveals its operating results for 2025 and reports total net revenue of $212.7 million, a decline of 10.5% over 2024’s reported $237.6 million. The company’s total operating expenses roseimg 3.9% to $252.4 million in 2025. After posting net income of $16.2 million in 2024, the company is reporting a net loss of $34.6 million in 2025. Salem reports revenue by segments and the erosion of its broadcast advertising revenue was dramatic after it shut down its Christian music formats and sold numerous radio stations, falling 36% — from $62.6 million in 2024 to $40.75 million in 2025. However, the company’s digital revenue (including advertising, streaming, downloads, and subscriptions) rose 5.5% from $83.8 million in 2024 to $88.4 million in 2025.

Industry News

Saga Communications Reports 9.3% Decline in 2025 Q4 Revenue

Saga Communications says its fourth quarter 2025 net revenue was $26.5 million – a decrease of 9.3% from the same period in 2024. Theimg company says that digital revenue increased 25.8% to $4.3 million in the fourth quarter, compared to $3.5 million for the same period last year. For the full year of 2025, Saga posts a net loss of $7.9 million compared to the net income of $3.46 million it reported for the full year of 2024.

Industry News

Urban One’s 2025 Q4 Net Revenue Down 16.5%

Urban One’s operating results for the fourth quarter of 2025 show net revenue of $97.8 million, down 16.5% from the same period in 2024. The company reports broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $23.8 million for Q4, a decrease of 38.3% from the same period in 2024. Urban One reports a net loss of $54.4 million for Q4 of 2025, compared to a net loss of $35.7 million for the same period inimg 2024.  Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III, states, “As expected, we had a tough fourth quarter due to a combination of non-recurring political advertising, soft radio markets and declining audience delivery in our cable television business. Despite this, we were able to achieve full-year Adjusted EBITDA within our previous guidance range at $56.7 million. The biggest revenue drag in the fourth quarter resulted from weak cable TV prime delivery, down approximately 20.0% from the third quarter, although we have seen a significant recovery in the first quarter 2026 as the revised Nielsen methodology has given us an approximate 40.0% – 50.0% lift compared to the fourth quarter 2025. Radio pacings in the first quarter of 2026 are currently down 5%, but we remain positive on the outlook for mid-term political revenues later in the year. I was pleased that we were able to repurchase a significant amount of our 2028 Notes at a discount, extend out the maturity on all but a small stub of the notes, and increase the size and term of our ABL Credit Agreement. This transaction sets up the company with a stable capital structure and extended maturity runway to allow us to continue to de-lever the business. In January 2026 we also regained compliance with the Nasdaq listing requirements by effectuating a 1-for-10 reverse stock split.”

Industry News

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

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 shutimg 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.img Because attendance will be limited, the conference is again expected to be an early sellout. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $260. However, attendees can take advantage of the early bird fee of $150 available until 5:00 pm ET on Friday, April 3. 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.

To register for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. Nearby hotel information will be posted here shortly.

Industry News

Cumulus’ Chapter 11 Reorganization Triggers Stay in Complaint Against Nielsen

United States District Judge Jeannette Vargas recognizes the automatic stay that kicks in due to U.S. Bankruptcy laws in Cumulus Media’s anti-trust suit against Nielsen as the result of the former’s entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The parties are ordered to submit a joint letter regarding the status of the bankruptcy proceedings by June 9, 2026.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Announces Partnership with Global Gaming League

iHeartMedia unveils a new production, marketing and distribution deal with the Global Gaming League (GGL). iHeartMedia says that with this partnership, it will become GGL’s audio partner, co-creating originalimg podcasts that will deliver weekly gaming and culture programming across its multiplatform network. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “This collaboration shows iHeart’s commitment to authentically elevating gaming culture. Together, iHeart and GGL are creating a new blueprint for how gaming lives inside mainstream culture—bringing competitive gaming to listeners and new fans nationwide by introducing them directly into the Global Gaming League ecosystem.”

Industry News

Edison: Moving Ad Spend from TV to Podcast Improves Reach

Edison Research says that data shows moving 5% of the broadcast and cable TV spend in a marketing plan, brands can achieve “outsized results in audience reach.” In this example, using data from Nielsen Podcast Fusion powered by Edison Podcast Metrics, a leadingimg pharmaceutical brand’s original buy targeting adults 18-54, 100% of the budget was allocated to traditional television, with 87% to broadcast and 13% to cable. This achieved a reach of 39%. By shifting only 5% of the total spend away from the usual go-to television outlets, and into podcasts, reach increased significantly. Reach among those ages 18-54 went from 39% in the old campaign to 55% in the new campaign, a lift of 41%. Note that this is shifting dollars, not adding dollars. The brand reached 26 million additional people without increasing the advertising budget.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Discusses His Rock Radio Days (and More) on Video Podcast

TALKERS publisher and iconic radio programmer/personality Michael Harrison talks about his colorful 59-year career in radio including his early days as a pioneer in the progressive rock genre and founder of the “Album Oriented Rock” (AOR) format in the early 1970s through his present-day involvement in spoken word media.  All this and more was recorded (3/5)img during an informal conversation with his longtime friend, music industry publicist Anne Leighton on her YouTube program, “The Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview.”  Harrison talks about the evolution of radio and its influence on popular culture through more than a half century of imgbroadcasting adventures including his present-day role as a member of the classic rock band, Gunhill Road.  Harrison states, “Anne is such a unique player in this business – a longtime proponent of music discovery – she has such a respect for the artists and their fans.  Her podcast is SO refreshingly grassroots. It was a remarkable, fun experience talking with her about all that cool stuff.” Fans of music and radio history should not miss this.  To view this installment of the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview in its entirety, please click HERE.

Job Opportunity

Connoisseur Seeks Long Island Sales Pro

Recent promotions at Connoisseur Media’s Long Island station group have created an opening at director of sales. Connoisseur says it isimg “conducting a search for a new director of sales, a dynamic leader who values their connection with the Long Island community.  The ideal candidate will be a high-energy seller experienced in developing custom marketing solutions leveraging assets like broadcast media, digital capabilities, and event marketing.  Leadership experience, a passion for driving results, and a talent for building strong client relationships are essential.” See more and apply here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/11)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. World Addresses Oil Supply Issues / Financial Markets Tensions
  2. Operation Epic Fury / Iran Bombs Oil Facilities & Middle East Ports
  3. Trump’s Kentucky & Ohio Affordability Tour
  4. Epstein Files
  5. Unfair Trade Practices Probe / Tariffs Ruling
Industry News

Judge Rules Against Talk Hosts Denied Washington State Capitol Press Access

A trio of conservative media figures – including KVI, Seattle afternoon drive host Ari Hoffman – failed in their bid to get a temporary restraining order that would force the state legislature in Washington to give them access to parts of the Capitol building only accessible to bona fideimg journalists. The attorney for Hoffman and co-litigants Brandi Kruse and Jonathan Choe argued that the “process used to deny them press credentials was vague and arbitrarily applied, violating their due-process rights, and withholding access because of they disagree with the lawmakers’ political views violates their constitutional rights of free speech and free press.” U.S. District Judge David Estudillo denied the TRO, saying, “The three failed to show that they are likely to succeed on their free press or due process claims, and the ‘House has a substantial interest in ensuring the reporters it permits to access the House floor meet the credential standards promulgated so the House may debate and pass laws without interruption or lobbying in that space.’” This story, as reported by KSL-FM, Salt Lake City, says, “The Washington State Capitol Correspondents Association guidelines for granting press passes says the person must be ‘a bona fide journalist’ and there must be a line ‘between professional journalism and political or policy work.’ The association shifted the credentialing process to the Legislature after the three threatened a lawsuit in 2025. The Senate eventually issued the passes, but the House took over the process and denied the pass requests.” The three say they will appeal. See the KSL story here.

Industry News

RTDNA Presents 2026 First Amendment Awards Tomorrow

The RTDNA Foundation will recognize 12 individuals and organizations at tomorrow’s 2026 First Amendment Awards being presented at The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. RTDNA Foundation president Tara Puckey says, “At a time when the rights guaranteed by the Firstimg Amendment are challenged on every front, the journalists, organizations and individuals we honor today stand as powerful examples of courage, integrity and unwavering commitment to the free flow of information. Their work informs, supports and strengthens our communities, and it definitely protects the core principles that make a free press essential to democracy. We are proud to shine a spotlight on these champions of press freedom and to celebrate their vital contributions.” Honorees include recently retired WGN, Chicago news anchor Steve Bertrand; former “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens; and FOX News pentagon reporter Jennifer Griffin. See more here.

Industry News

BFOA Gala Raises Funds as it Honors Broadcasters

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The Broadcasters Foundation of America held its annual gala at The Plaza in New York City on Monday evening drawing nearly 300 professionals from radio and television celebrate broadcasting excellence and raise funds for colleagues in need. Honored at this year’s event were sports media personality Stephen A. Smith, who received the inaugural Broadcast Personality of the Year Award; Ernest A. Liebre, SVP and Institutional Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, who was presented with the Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award; Mark Lazarus, CEO of VERSANT and former chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, who received the BFOA Golden Mic Award; and Judge Judy Sheindlin, who was honored with the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award. Pictured above (l-r) are BFOA president Tim McCarthy, Stephen A. Smith, Judge Judy Sheindlin; Mark Lazarus; BFOA chair Scott Herman; and Ernest A. Liebre. Photo: Ricardi Media

Industry News

Jeff Katz Gets “Mayo’d” for Special Olympics

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Pictured above is WRVA, Richmond afternoon drive talk host Jeff Katz (right) with Chesterfield County Sheriff Karl Leonard (left) at The Texas Inn in Richmond doing a stunt to raise funds for Special Olympics of Virginia. Following their tradition of crazy stunts to raise money for the cause, the two donned ladies tank tops while people bought giant buckets of mayonnaise to throw at them. Katz tells TALKERS, “We raised more than $10,000! The weather was a ‘balmy’ 34 degrees with freezing rain. In addition, across Virginia at Texas Inn locations there is now a Katz Dog with fifty cents from the sale of each going to SOVA.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/10)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Operation Epic Fury / Iran Strikes Cargo Vessels
  2. Oil Prices Soar / Financial Markets Jitters
  3. Georgia Special Election / GOP Midterms Concerns
  4. Epstein Files / DOJ Investigation Request / New Mexico Ranch Probe
  5. Save America Act
Industry News

Harry Hurley Honored by Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Southern New Jersey

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WPG, Atlantic City morning drive star Harry Hurley (right) was honored by The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Southern New Jersey with the organization’s 2026 Man of The Year. The honor was bestowed at the fraternal organization’s 91st Annual Gala on Friday, March 6 at the Linwood Country Club. An event record 260 guests were in attendance. This organization was established in 1935 and was founded by the legendary New Jersey State Senator Frank “Hap” Farley. Interestingly, Hurley was Senator Farley’s newspaper boy for two years 1971 and 1972. Hurley was introduced by U.S. Rep Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-2nd), pictured above at left. The “Hurley in the Morning” Charity Foundation made a $12,500 donation and worked to sell a record number of tables and full-page ads.

Industry News

Bill O’Reilly Launches New Interview Show

Bill O’Reilly announces he is launching a new longform interview showimg titled, “We’ll Do it Live!” The new podcast debuts this Thursday (3/12) at noon ET for his Concierge and Premium Members and at 7:00 pm ET for everyone else. O’Reilly’s first guest is comic and actor Rob Schneider. O’Reilly says he and Schneider will discuss his time on SNL, the impact of COVID, and what led him to where he is politically today.

Industry News

“Talking Real Money” Goes Podcast Only

The Seattle financial talk program “Talking Real Money” – co-hosted by Don McDonald and Tom Cock – leaves its longtime home at Lotus Communications’ all-news KNWN-AM/FM, Seattle “Northwest Newsradio” to continue as a podcast only. McDonald tells Podnews.net, “We’ve loved being on the radio in Seattle for more than three decades, but the podcast format is the future of broadcast audio, in the same way streaming is the future of television. Our podcast is the same show, the same conversations, the same advice, but our listeners can join anywhere, anytime, not just Saturdays at noon.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (3/9)

The most discussed stories yesterday (3/9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Operation Epic Fury
  2. Oil Prices / Strait of Hormuz Blockade / Financial Markets Respond
  3. Midterm Predictions
  4. Georgia Special Election
  5. Anthropic Sues Pentagon
Industry News

Cumulus Media’s Pre-Pack Reveals Plan for Secured Lenders to Operate Company

Cumulus Media’s filing with the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of Texas outlines the Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization. In the plan’s introduction, the company lays out the reason for the Plan that, if approved by the Court, will put control of the company into the hands of an “ad hoc group of secured lenders.” After a 2018 restructuring that greatly reduced the company’s debt, and consistent efforts in the ensuing years in which it employed cost-imgreduction and asset-optimization initiatives, it went into refinancing mode in May of 2024, pushing loans that matured in 2026 into 2029. The filing states, “Despite these measures, ongoing industry revenue declines and macroeconomic headwinds continued to constrain liquidity and free cash flow. As a result of these various pressures, in the last quarter of 2025, the Company, with the assistance of its advisors, began to explore various strategic alternatives and potential liquidity-enhancing transactions. After considering the available options, the Debtors and their advisors determined that the best path forward was to implement a comprehensive recapitalization transaction either out-of-court or through the filing of prepackaged chapter 11 cases.” The key provisions of the Plan are: “2029 Secured Claims will be canceled in exchange for 95% of the equity in the reorganized Company” and “Other Funded Debt Claims will be canceled in exchange for 5% of the equity in the reorganized Company.” Additionally, the current Board of Directors will be discharged and it will be up to the new Board whether it keeps any or all of the current organization’s corporate officers.

Industry News

Hannity Podcast Launches Tuesday

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Sean Hannity’s new FOX News Media-produced podcast, “Hang Out with Sean Hannity,” debuts at 7:00 am tomorrow (3/10) and in the first episode, Hannity talks with ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith (pictured above). In a piece by Axios, it’s revealed that guests soon to appear on the program include: Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Team USA hockey gold medalist Matt Tkachuk. Hannity tells Axios, “This show isn’t about chasing the news cycle – it’s about the people living inside it. The podcast will be curious, irreverent and a lot less buttoned-up. No countdown clocks, no talking points. He adds, “I started in radio on a tiny campus station that no one listened to – now we’re on more than 750 stations nationwide. That didn’t happen overnight, and this podcast won’t either. But I’ve learned that if you build something honest and human, people eventually find it.”

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Your Local Advantage

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgSmall businesses often underestimate their greatest competitive edge. It’s not price. It’s not selection.

It’s localness. Big companies spend millions trying to sound personal and relatable. Small businesses already are those things – yet they often fail to exploit their advantage.

Common small business marketing mistake: Trying to sound big, speaking in an unnatural tone, a kind of “corporate costume.” It sounds like: “We are committed to excellence” or “Our mission is to provide unparalleled service” or “We pride ourselves on quality and customer satisfaction.” That’s verbal Styrofoam. Nobody talks like this and nobody remembers this.

Local isn’t just location

It’s a feeling. When customers say they prefer to “shop local,” they don’t necessarily mean geographically close, independently owned/noncorporate. Those things do matter, but they’re not the heart of it.

What customers really mean is:

  • “I feel like these people understand me.”
  • “They get what matters here.”
  • “They’re part of this place.”
  • “They care about the same things I do.”

Local is emotional

It’s relational, human. Show that you understand the place your customers live by referencing familiar landmarks, acknowledging local quirks, using neighborhood names, mentioning local events, speaking the way locals speak. Explaining that the advertiser is “just off the rotary at the bridge” tells would-be customers: “We’re here. We get it.” Big brands can’t fake that.

Tout personal service: 

“You can buy the same shed from Lowe’s or Home Depot, cash-N-carry. Buy yours at Lorraine Lumber and Paul Jr. will set it up in your back yard.”

This is the second installment in a 3-part series about optimizing commercial copy, the fundamentals we’re covering in Sales meetings as I visit client stations this spring. If you missed last week’s column, here’s “If It Doesn’t Matter to the Customer, It Doesn’t Matter.”  Next week here: “Anatomy of a Results-Producing Spot.”

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

Sean Brace Joins Middays with Marks

At Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic,” sports media personality Sean Brace (left) returns to the station as part of the “Middays with Marks” program. Brace previously teamed upimg with Jon Marks (right) from 2013 to 2015. Beasley Philadelphia VP and market manager Paul Blake says, “Sean is back, and we’re better for it. He and Jon have proven chemistry and a shared competitive drive that fits this brand perfectly. Our fans expect passion and strong takes. That’s exactly what they’ll get every weekday at 10 am.” Brace comments, “‘97.5 The Fanatic’ is where this all began for me. So, to come back and join Jon Marks & Ray Dunne five days a week is something I’m incredibly proud of. Really looking forward to delivering the best four hours of sports radio in the city every day from 10 to 2.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Koehl Named Senior Fellow at D2C. Longtime talk radio professional Corny Koehl, whose career includes positions producing Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Suze Orman, Satellite Sisters, and Harpo Radio, is named Inaugural Senior Fellow at The Dedication to Community (D2C) Justice Institute at University of Mount St.Vincent. In this new role. Koehl will play a foundational role in shaping the Institute’s mission to advance justice-centered communication, public engagement and narrative change.

Tom Donahue Show to Launch on April 4. Talk media pro Tom Donahue says his program Truth Matters will debut on April 4 and will transition from SRN satellite distribution to online streaming and podcast audio file delivery to stations. The show will still air at 9:00 pm ET Saturday nights via direct stream from K-Star Talk Radio Network and will be heard on Talk Stream Live, World Broadcasting Network, “930 AM The Answer,” and later Sunday nights on KCAA Radio.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (March 7-8)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (3/7-8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERSresearch:

  1. Operation Epic Fury / Mojtaba Khameini Named Supreme Leader
  2. Oil Prices / Financial Markets Tumble
  3. Noem Ouster Aftermath
  4. Mamdani IED Attack
  5. AI / Memory Chip Shortage
Industry News

Salem News Channel Now Available on Amazon Prime

Salem Media’s streaming television platform Salem News Channel is now available to Amazon Prime Video customers. The company notes that as Amazon Prime Video expands its free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) offerings, Salem News Channel is now available “to a widerimg audience looking for real-time news and opinion.” Salem News VP and general manager Cary Pahigian adds, “Expanding Salem News Channel onto Prime Video allows us to bring our programming to one of the largest streaming audiences in the world. As more viewers shift to streaming platforms for news and commentary, we are focused on ensuring Salem’s voices and perspectives are available wherever audiences are watching.”

Industry News

Top Podcasts Steady on Podtrac’s Latest Ranker

There was no movement in the top five on Podtrac’s February 2026 Top U.S. Podcasts ranker based on unique U.S. monthly downloads forimg participating networks. In order from #1 to #5 are NPR’s “NPR News Now,” The New York Times’ “The Daily,” “Up First from NPR,” NBC Universal’s “Dateline NBC,” and FOX Audio Networks’ “FOX News Hourly Update.” Other talk radio-related shows of note include DailyWire’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #7 and Silverloch’s “The Dan Bongino Show” at #9.  See the complete chart here.

Industry News

“The Breakfast Club” Achieves its Highest New York Ratings Ever

iHeartMedia announces that the talk-intensive urban radio morning show “The Breakfast Club” hits its highest ratings mark in New York City in the show’s history. The program – also nationally syndicated via Premiere Networks – is based at WWPR-FM, New York “Power 105.1” and ranked #1 in Nielsen’s PPM survey in New York in January among Adults 18–49img and 25–54 with double-digit shares of 13.9 and 13.1, respectively. The show is hosted by DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God and plays an important role in urban youth culture. iHeartMedia EVP of programming Thea Mitchem states, “The Breakfast Club continues to set the standard for what a truly multiplatform powerhouse looks like. These record‑setting ratings are a direct reflection of the team’s talent, consistency, and cultural impact. DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, and our exceptional production and digital teams deliver a show that resonates deeply with audiences across every platform. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to the listeners of New York who make ‘The Breakfast Club’ a defining force in media.”

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Announces Hire and Promotions in Sales Department

Compass Media Networks names Stephanie Dolan vice president of advertising sales and reveals expanded duties for four other executives. Speaking about her new position, Dolan says, “Compass Mediaimg Networks has a sterling reputation in our industry with a tremendous product line and management team. I cannot wait to get started and superserve our clients.” Additional moves include Laura Peyer being promoted to SVP of advertising sales; Anthony Severino being upped to VP of sales planning; Michael Weiss rising to VP of advertising sales; and Laura Schaefer named as director of advertising sales & manager of sales planning. Compass president of advertising sales & marketing Paul Gregery states, “It is truly my very good fortune to work with such a talented, hardworking, and passionate group of people. We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our wonderful company and equally thrilled to honor her colleagues with their promotions.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (March 2-6)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (3/2-6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Operation Epic Fury / War Powers Resolution
  2. Strait of Hormuz Blockade / Oil Prices
  3. Financial Markets React
  4. MAGA Fractures
  5. Bondi Subpoenaed in Epstein Files Case / Clintons’ Testimony
  6. Pentagon-Anthropic-OpenAI Deals
  7. Primary Elections
  8. Tariffs Refunds Issue
  9. Kristi Noem Replaced at DHS
  10. Minnesota Fraud Probe / Austin Mass Shooting

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth
  3. Benjamin Netanyahu
  4. Mojtaba Khameini
  5. Pam Bondi
  6. Bill & Hillary Clinton
  7. Dario Amodei / Sam Altman
  8. John Cornyn / Ken Paxton / James Talarico
  9. Kristi Noem / Markwayne Mullin
  10. Tim Walz / Keith Ellison

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

Job Opportunity

WVMT, Burlington Seeks PD/Talk Host

Sison Broadcasting’s news/talk WVMT-AM/W242BK in Burlington, Vermont is looking for a program director/talk host. The company says, “Do you have a passion for compelling conversation? Do you live andimg breathe talk radio? We’re looking for a program director to lead our talk radio stations to the next level.

This position requires the talent to host a conservative talk show while overseeing all aspects of programming, talent development, and content strategy for both our news/talk and sports stations. You’ll drive ratings growth, strengthen audience engagement, and ensure our stations remains trusted and influential voices in the community.

Our candidate will have some level of talk radio experience, strong leadership skills and the ability to adapt to Vermont and Upstate New York.  You’ll need to be a quick study and learn the politics of our market while maintaining an understanding of current events nationally.  Experience with digital content strategy including podcasts, streaming and social media is a must.  Experience and knowledge of VT/NY is a big plus but not an absolute necessity.

This position offers a decent starting salary for the market, a nice benefits package and a four-season lifestyle in a beautiful area of New England.  This is an in-market position.

Please send a copy of your resume along with applicable aircheck to operations manager Ted Richards at ted@star929.com.

Industry News

Cumulus Announces Chapter 11 Pre-Pack to Eliminate $600 Million in Debt

In a surprise announcement this morning (3/5), Cumulus Media Inc reveals it has entered into a comprehensive restructuring support agreement (RSA) with a group of its lenders to eliminate approximatelyimg $600 million of debt, “substantially deleveraging its balance sheet and enhancing its ability to execute on strategic priorities.” The company says it will continue operating in the ordinary course throughout the process, with no impact to employees, partners, or listeners.

Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner states, “While we have outperformed the market on many of our most important metrics, including share gains in both local and digital revenue, the broader imgmacroeconomic and industry-wide pressures we have faced have remained unrelenting. Against that backdrop, it became clear that Cumulus’s remaining debt burden limited our ability to fully realize the company’s potential, and this agreement represents a major step forward. The prepackaged process is intended to address the company’s debt efficiently with no disruption to our operations, our people, and our strategies. On emergence, a stronger financial foundation will better position Cumulus to continue investing in premium content, enriched audience experiences, advertiser performance enhancements, and the ongoing growth of our digital marketing offerings.” Cumulus has filed a proposed Plan of Reorganization that incorporates the terms of the RSA and is subject to approval by the Court. The requisite majority of debtholders committed to vote in favor of the Plan, which calls for the cancellation of 100% of the company’s existing funded indebtedness in exchange for 100% of the company’s reorganized equity and $50 million of new convertible notes, as well as the amendment and restatement of the company’s asset-based revolving credit facility to provide continued liquidity. Cumulus expects that the Court will hold a hearing to consider the approval of the Plan within 60 days of the filing date and that the company will emerge from bankruptcy following receipt of required regulatory approvals from the Federal Communications Commission.