Beasley Broadcast Group announces it is postponing the reporting of its financial results for the second quarter of 2026 to “allow 
additional time to finalize the tax accounting treatment relating to the refinancing and debt restructuring that the Company completed during Q2 2026.” Beasley notes that it will announce the new release date and the time and date of its conference call that it expects will happen before this Friday (8/14).
FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez is not backing away from her criticism of the Commission’s recent vote to eliminate the television ownership cap. On Friday (8/7), she stated: “The FCC’s decision to eliminate the 39 percent national audience reach cap is unlawful on its face. Congress set this cap in federal law, and only 
Congress can change it. I am not alone in that conclusion. Republicans with deep firsthand knowledge of this issue agree. Former FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly has been unequivocal that the FCC lacks authority to change the cap. Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who negotiated the 39 percent compromise, has stressed that Congress wrote the cap into law specifically to keep the FCC from changing it. And Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz has said he is skeptical a change can be made absent an act of Congress.”
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
A viewer watches the same political clip three times. The platform sees a powerful signal: this person stopped, stayed, and came back. What it cannot reliably know is whether the viewer loved the argument, hated it, was factchecking it, or was showing it to someone else in disbelief. The algorithm knows a viewer watched. It does not necessarily know why. That is why YouTube looks beyond viewing itself to other signals of appeal, engagement, and satisfaction.
That distinction matters to broadcasters because digital analytics can look much more intelligent than they really are. An algorithm can measure behavior with extraordinary precision, but behavior is not motive. PPM taught radio a version of the same lesson. Nielsen’s meter can passively detect exposure to encoded audio, but the resulting audience measurement cannot tell a programmer why someone listened or why audience levels changed.
Livestreaming creates the opposite problem. Instead of too little explanation, the host suddenly gets too much of it. The chat is moving. People are demanding another topic, praising a guest, attacking a caller, or announcing that the segment is dying.
That feedback is valuable, but the people typing are not necessarily representative of the people listening. Radio hosts should already understand this because callers have never represented the entire audience. They represent the portion motivated enough to pick up the telephone. Livestream chat is the same phenomenon at digital speed.
The danger comes when these two imperfect signals reinforce each other. The dashboard says engagement jumped. The chat says, “More of this.” A host can easily conclude that the audience has spoken when what actually happened is that a particularly active portion of the audience became particularly visible.
Good broadcasters have always listened to the audience without surrendering the show to it. Digital tools make that listening faster and more detailed, but they do not eliminate the need for judgment.
The algorithm knows what people did. The chat tells you what some people said. The programmer still has to decide what either one means.
For the larger discussion of ratings, PPM, algorithms and digital distribution, read The Algorithm Is Listening here: https://talkers.com/category/industry-views/
Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio 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.
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
As TV is touting its coming attractions, take a step back. We – inside the box – live-and-breathe radio.
Listeners have their hands full just living and breathing. Their day is time-crunched and financially-challenged, and we want to be its soundtrack. But listening is free, unlike umpteen other purchase decisions they agonize. So what’s high-stakes to us is low-stakes to them.
We only matter if we matter, and we’ve never had so much audio competition.
Who are you?
“Who cares?”
Or as my WTOP successor Jim Farley (RIP) asked: “W.G.A.S.?” He hung a sign in the newsroom there, meaning “Who Gives A Shit?”
There’s more from radio’s right-now To-Do list at HollandCooke.com
Holland Cooke is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Hubbard Media’s all-news WTOP, Washington says it is reimagining its “Top News Podcast,” transforming it “into a dynamic, on-demand extension of WTOP’s award-winning on-air 
news product.” WTOP says the “Top News Podcast” will deliver 12-14 episodes each weekday between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm. WTOP will also produce a video version of the podcast for digital platforms. Head of news and programming Julia Ziegler says, “This new podcast represents a natural evolution of the WTOP brand. It meets news consumers where they are – on more platforms than ever before – allowing us to grow our audience and develop new revenue streams.”
Cumulus Media’s San Francisco sports talk outlet KNBR has laid off its midday team of “Papa & Silver” – Greg Papa and Greg Silver – and replaces them with former midday personality John 
Lund. This change doesn’t come without controversy though as some Bay Area media outlets and KNBR fans are criticizing the company for firing Papa, who’s been battling cancer for the past year. Papa recently returned home after a 78-day stay in the hospital following a bone marrow transfusion. He’s been off the air with Silver hosting solo for much of the past year. Lund was Papa’s partner on the midday show prior to his departure from the station in 2024.
Galaxy Media Partners founder Ed Levine announces that he is retiring after a broadcasting career that’s spanned nearly five decades. The company says information about the plan of succession and Levine’s effective date of retirement will be revealed in the coming weeks. Levine founded Galaxy Media 
Partners in 1990 with a single radio station operating out of a diner in Utica, New York. Over the next 36 years, he built the company into a 15-station broadcasting firm operating in Central and Upstate New York. Levine says, “It’s been a wonderful ride over the past 36 years. It’s hard to believe I was 33 when I started the company, and now I’m 70. Where did the time go? As the years have passed, my priorities have changed. A year ago, I was blessed with a beautiful grandson, and my daughter and son-in-law live just minutes from us in Charlotte, North Carolina. Spending more time with my family has become increasingly important, and I know this is the right time to begin a new chapter.”
Sports media personality Tom “Goz” Goslowski will host a new football program titled, “Bills Gameday With Goz,” this fall on 
Cumulus Media’s WSKO-AM, Syracuse “The Score 1260,” where he previously hosted the morning drive program. Station program director Rick Roberts says, “We’re excited to welcome Goz back to ‘The Score 1260.’ His football expertise, broadcasting experience, and Central New York roots make him a perfect fit for our lineup and for Bills fans throughout the region.”
Clay Travis to Launch New Media Venture. After selling his Outkick platform to Fox Corporation earlier this year, Front Office Sports is reporting that Clay Travis is working on launching a new sports and politics media platform. The publication says that Travis has filed a trademark application for the name, “Sports & State.” See the Front Office Sports story here.
KBNW, Spokane to Carry Vandals Sports. KBNW, Spokane has aligned with Learfield’s Idaho Vandals Sports Properties to carry Idaho Vandals football and men’s basketball for the next two seasons. KBNW market manager Roger Nelson says, “We are excited to partner with Idaho Vandals Sports Properties to bring Idaho football and basketball game broadcasts to the Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene market. The Vandals have a rich history in football and men’s basketball and have long been a leader in the Big Sky Conference. Approximately 16% of the University of Idaho’s alumni base reside in the Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene metro and we look forward to developing a strong partnership with the Vandals and their fans.”
Rob Parker to Receive Innovator Award. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) announces that in conjunction with the induction of its 2026 Hall of Game class, it is recognizing FOX Sports Radio personality Rob Parker with the second annual JL Wilkinson “Innovator” Award during ceremonies on Saturday, September 26 at the Gem Theater in Kansas City.
The most discussed stories over the weekend (8/8-9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter Sterling
Host, The Other Side of Midnight
WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks
The Radio Hall of Fame has just announced their “Legends” inductees, and it includes B. Mitchell Reed. YES!
One of the minor injustices of radio is the curious legacies of Tom Donahue and B. Mitchell Reed relative to the creation of free-form progressive rock radio. They were best friends with parallel careers. Both were top-of-their-game “screaming” Top 40 DJs. Tom in San Francisco, Mitch in LA and NYC. Top earnings, ratings, and both around 40 when they went to the Monterey Pop Festival. There they learned that their teens were changing fast. Harder rock, anger about Vietnam, and drugs. They knew their style of radio was out of synch with the moment.
Every day on his way to work in LA, Mitch drove past the Pasadena Presbyterian church and noticed a radio antenna on the grounds.
The tower was pumping out an FM signal that covered Los Angeles, broadcasting from the basement of the church. Underground. Mitch talked to the preacher he met along the way. And he bought time on the station at night and experimented with playing hard rock and a new form of presentation. His friend Donohue sent tapes from San Francisco, and the two of them created “free form” radio (also referred to as “underground” radio) from the basement of the church. The frequency became KPPC-FM.
Note: both of them created free-form radio at risk to their careers and income while over the age of 40. Tom continued as a progressive rock jock in San Francisco, and Mitch became an icon in Los Angeles as an album rock jock on KLOS and KMET. Oddly, Tom gets more of the image and credit, but they were very much partners.
Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “The Other Side of Midnight” is heard on WABC, New York and the Red Apple Audio Network 1:00 am – 5:00 am. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm – 1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com. He can be phoned at 646-678-1110.
Dickey Broadcasting Company announces, “an exciting new chapter” for Sports Radio 680 The Fan in Atlanta as veteran broadcaster John Kincade joins Matt Chernoff weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm for the all-new “Kincade & Chernoff Show.” The pairing brings together two of Atlanta’s most respected and recognizable sports radio personalities. The new show will feature the latest sports news, interviews, and debate.
As part of this programming change, station personality Chuck Oliver will continue to play an “impactful” role on The Fan while expanding his focus on “The Chuck Oliver Show,” heard across the Southern Sports Today Network. According to station management, Oliver remains an integral part of 680 The Fan’s programming and will continue to provide the station’s signature college football coverage and analysis through exclusive segments, special features, and fan-favorite promotions including “Win Chuck’s Dinner.” With his nationally recognized expertise, Oliver will also devote additional attention to growing “The Chuck Oliver Show,” further expanding coverage of SEC and ACC football, the College Football Playoff, recruiting, and the biggest stories from across the college football landscape throughout the Southeast.
“This is an exciting opportunity for all of our brands,” said David Dickey, president of Dickey Broadcasting Company. “John and Matt are an outstanding combination for afternoon drive, and our listeners should know that Chuck Oliver isn’t going anywhere. Chuck remains a huge part of The Fan and will continue to be our premier voice for college football through regular appearances, features, and promotions, while also expanding the reach of ‘The Chuck Oliver Show’ across the Southern Sports Today Network. These moves strengthen our commitment to delivering best-in-class sports programming both locally and throughout the Southeast.”
Red Apple Audio Networks’ recently launched Worldwide News Network (WWNN) is stepping into the weekend business and financial news space with the launch of WWNN Weekend Business Reports, a new series of reports delivering timely, insightful coverage of the markets, the economy and the companies driving growth. The reports debuted on Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP in Washington, DC, this past Saturday, August 1, marking the first affiliate partnership for the new service.
According to Red Apple, WWNN Weekend Business Reports will go beyond traditional market updates, focusing on the industries and economic sectors shaping the future, including automotive, technology and entertainment. The reports will also spotlight breakthrough companies and emerging trends driving innovation. The reports are being anchored and produced by veteran correspondents John Terrett and Jake Novak.
“WWNN is not simply filling the gap left by the demise of the CBS Radio Network,” said Lee Harris, SVP, news & programming, Worldwide News Network. “We’re building something stronger and more relevant for today’s audience. John and Jake bring extraordinary experience and credibility, and more importantly, they know how to make complicated financial and economic stories understandable, compelling, and actionable. That’s what makes these reports different.”
“Our listeners want and need insightful financial and business news they can trust, and they depend on us to deliver it every day of the week,” said Julia Ziegler, director of news and programming at WTOP. “As the industry has contracted over the last few years, it has left a void. It is exciting to work with a company like WWNN that understands the importance of providing quality reporting seven days of the week.”
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct John Knicely, Kevin Kugler, Steve Lundy and Ken Siemek into the NBA Hall of Fame on Tuesday, August 11, in Lincoln during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 127 members with these pending inductees.
From his start as a TV sportscaster through his 34 years as a news anchor on Omaha’s WOWT-TV, John Knicely set a long-term standard for credibility and trust in Nebraska’s most competitive television market before retiring in 2025.
Kevin Kugler has the most extensive play-by-play résumé of any Nebraskan, and he continues scaling new heights on a national level.
In a career approaching 50 years and still counting, Steve Lundy has entertained listeners and served local communities on some of Nebraska’s most legendary radio stations. He got his on-air start in 1977 at KHUB in Fremont, and over the next 23 years, Steve was heard in Omaha on WOW, KOIL, KEFM, KQKQ and KKAR. After four years on Lincoln’s KLIN, Steve joined Omaha’s country music-formatted KXKT in 2004, where he currently serves as co-host of “Steve & Gina in the Morning.”
Over the course of his 44 years on KOLN, Lincoln, and KGIN-TV, Grand Island, meteorologist Ken Siemek led the stations’ weather department through massive technological changes—from handwritten weather symbols and temperature readings to the latest radar and satellite weather-forecasting technology. He retired in 2025.
iHeartMedia Philadelphia announced today (8/6) that Daija Moore-Evans has been promoted to digital content manager, effective immediately. In her new role, she will lead the market’s digital content efforts across iHeartMedia Philadelphia’s six-station cluster, which spans music, talk and news formats, driving audience growth and engagement across broadcast, digital and social platforms. In this role, Moore-Evans will lead the cluster’s digital content strategy, audience engagement, and social media initiatives. She will oversee the development and execution of digital content designed to expand audience reach, strengthen brand engagement, and support the company’s on-air and online platforms. She reports to Jeff Hurley, SVP of programming, iHeartMedia Philadelphia. Hurley tells TALKERS, “Daija has already made a tremendous impact on our team, and this promotion is well deserved. Her creativity, work ethic, and vision make her the perfect person to lead our digital efforts into the future.”
SiriusXM today (8/6) announced that Jenny Tartikoff has been named senior vice president and head of communications, effective August 10, 2026. Tartikoff will report to president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein and lead SiriusXM’s overall communications and public relations strategy and execution. She will be responsible for promoting the company’s content and business narrative while serving as a senior advisor to the company’s leadership team on major business developments and high-profile moments. Tartikoff brings more than 20 years of communications experience across media, entertainment, and technology. She most recently served as EVP, Global Communications at Paramount Pictures, where she led internal and external corporate communications, corporate social responsibility and awards strategy for the studio’s live-action and animation properties. During her tenure, Tartikoff guided the company’s communications through the industry’s post-pandemic recovery and the evolution of Paramount’s multi-platform release strategy.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Beasley Media Group’s 97.5 The Fanatic (WPEN-FM), Philadelphia’s announced a new weekday on-air lineup highlighted by the promotion of current midday host Jon Marks to the station’s morning drive program. Beginning Monday, August 17th, Marks will join Andrew Salciunas as co-host of the weekday morning show from 6:00 to 10:00 am, following the departure of John Kincade. Marks, who currently hosts the station’s popular “Middays with Marks” program, will transition to mornings alongside Salciunas, who has been part of the morning show for the past two-and-a-half years. The move pairs one of Philadelphia’s most recognized sports radio personalities with one of the market’s emerging voices while maintaining a strong local focus during the station’s highest-profile daypart. The programming changes also create new opportunities across the station’s weekday schedule. Ray Dunne, who previously served as producer of the station’s midday program, moves into an on-air hosting role and will join Sean Brace to lead the midday show from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Meanwhile, “Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo” will continue in afternoon drive from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. “Jon Marks has earned the trust of Philadelphia sports fans through years of outstanding work on the air, making him a natural choice to drive our morning show” said Paul Blake, Vice President and Market Manager, Beasley Media Group Philadelphia. “Along with Andrew, Sean, Ray, Ricky and Bill, we’re confident this lineup reflects the depth of talent at The Fanatic and reinforces our commitment to delivering the best local sports talk in Philadelphia.”
As Buffalo Bills football returns to Cumulus Media’s 97 Rock/WGRF-FM, the station is bringing back two of Western New York’s most respected and recognizable sports voices. Veteran broadcasters Paul Peck and Kevin Sylvester will join the station’s Bills coverage team, delivering in-depth analysis, insight, and entertainment as part of an expanded pregame lineup this season. Peck and Sylvester will host the first two hours of 97 Rock’s game day coverage, beginning four hours before kickoff each week. They will be followed by NFL Draft and Buffalo Bills analyst Chris Trapasso and former Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse, giving fans a full four hours of comprehensive pregame coverage leading into every Bills game. Joe Russo, program director, 97 Rock, tells TALKERS, “Together, Paul and Kevin bring decades of experience covering the teams, players, and moments that have defined Buffalo sports. Their deep local roots, combined with their passion for entertaining fans, make them the perfect team to help launch a new era of Bills coverage on 97 Rock. We are so excited to welcome them to our team.”
Houston Public Media today announced that popular local media figure Tessa Barrera is joining its weekday daytime talk show, “Hello Houston,” as co-host alongside longtime personality, Ernie Manouse. Barrera makes her on-air debut on August 17. Barrera brings 13 years of regional television and radio experience to the program. The plan is for Barrera and Manouse to conduct conversations with newsmakers, community leaders, artists and neighbors, giving audiences a fresh, engaging look at the issues, events and people making an impact in Greater Houston. “Tessa’s warmth, curiosity and ability to connect with people make her an outstanding addition to ‘Hello Houston,’” said Josh Adams, associate vice president and general manager of Houston Public Media. “Alongside Ernie, she’ll continue the thoughtful, community-focused conversations that reach audiences across radio, television, digital, HPM+ streaming and social platforms.” To learn more about Houston Public Media, visit houstonpublicmedia.org
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
Long known as the kind of radio talk show host who can “draw a crowd,” legendary New England personality, best-selling author, newspaper columnist, and broadcasting entrepreneur Howie Carr will bring his passion, wit, and personal experiences in journalism to the Hyannis Arts Hall stage on Sunday, August 16, where he will speak from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Carr, host of the largest regionally syndicated talk radio show in New England, will bring his unmistakable blend of outspoken passion and confrontational conservative politics to what is expected to be a sellout live audience. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com. In 2015, Howie Carr launched The Howie Carr Radio Network, the first major host-owned radio network in New England. Carr quickly grew his network from a few stations in Massachusetts to more than 20 terrestrial radio stations across New England. The Howie Carr Radio Network is the only radio network reaching a majority of the 14 million people living in New England. Carr has authored numerous books, including the bestselling The Brothers Bulger, Hitman, and other works focused on Boston’s underworld and political corruption. Copies of some titles will be available for sale at his appearance.
Zoellner Media Group announced an upcoming frequency realignment involving two of its flagship radio stations, music-formatted Mix 96.5 and news/talker 102.3 KRMG. As part of this strategic move, Mix 96.5 and 102.3 KRMG will transition to new positions on the FM dial, Mix 102.3 and 96.5 KRMG, reportedly “enhancing signal reach and strengthening the listener experience across the Tulsa market.” Group owner, Dr. Robert Zoellner tells TALKERS, “We are always looking for ways to better serve our listeners and our community. This frequency realignment allows us to strengthen our signal presence and ensure that both Mix and KRMG are positioned for continued growth and long-term success. It’s an exciting step forward for our company and for the audiences we serve.” The transition will take place on August 31, 2026, and listeners will be guided through the change with on-air messaging and promotional support to ensure what station management describes as “a seamless experience.”
WPHT, Philadelphia raised over $45,000 for the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation during the 39th annual “Ben to the Shore Bike Tour” (7/29). All proceeds go towards supporting families of fallen or critically injured first responders by providing financial assistance and offering programs that strengthen relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. The annual 65-mile cycling event began in Philadelphia and concluded in Atlantic City, NJ. This year’s “Team Kayal and Company” featured on-air personalities Nick Kayal and Dawn Stensland along with station brand manager Greg Stocker who rode alongside dozens of teammates and supporters in a shared commitment to honoring first responders and the families they protect. “The Ben to Shore ride is one of the most inspiring events our station participates in each year,” said Stocker. “Families Behind the Badge has a deeply meaningful effect on our community, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to support them with the help of our listeners, sponsors and teammates.
