Industry News

Ramsey Press Begins Presale of New Book, Build a Business You Love (Ramsey Press, 2025), by Dave Ramsey

Cover of Ramsey Book - BABYLBuild a Business You Love (Ramsey Press, 2025) by Ramsey Solutions CEO and bestselling author Dave Ramsey is now available for preorder. The book will be released on April 15, 2025.  In Build a Business You Love, Ramsey shares his 30-plus years of experience building a business from a one-man operation to a $250 million-a-year business with more than 1,000 employees and a nationally known brand. The book draws on Ramsey’s hard-earned lessons, equipping readers at every stage of business to grow themselves, lead their teams and scale their businesses.  “There are a lot of theories out there about how to run a business,” Ramsey tells TALKERS. “But you don’t need more theories. You need to hear from someone who’s lived it and made it work – someone who’s messed up a lot and gotten back up after being knocked down. This book will guide entrepreneurs and small business owners through the real steps they need to grow their business, no matter what stage they’re in.” Dave Ramsey is currently ranked #2 on the TALKERS 2024 “Heavy Hundred.” In Build a Business You Love, he breaks down five key Stages of Business, from being stuck in the daily grind to ready to make your mark in the business world:

1. Treadmill Operator:Everything in the business relies on you.

2. Pathfinder:You have a team, but it’s hard to get them on the same page.

3. Trailblazer:Your business is ready to scale, so it’s time to find some leaders.

4. Peak Performer:Your business is thriving, but don’t become complacent.

5. Legacy Builder:You’re creating a lasting impact and building a business that lasts for generations.

 

Industry News

WURD, Philadelphia to Honor Malcolm X

WURDOn Friday, Feb. 21, WURD Radio will present “Race, Manhood and Power: Commemorating 60 Years Since the Ascension of Malcolm X to Ancestorhood” in partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at CCP’s Winnet Student Life Building Lobby.  This live broadcast will be a special edition of “Groundings” with WURD host Brother Shomari. The event and conversation will reflect on the lessons of Malcolm X’s legacy and examine how succeeding generations have – or have not – put them into action. The broadcast is part of a week of programming at CCP led by Brother Shomari that addresses what the station describes as the “urgent challenges” facing Philadelphia’s Black communities today.

“This convening will serve as a re-catalyzation of our previous mobilization efforts, focused on African Diasporic community building in and around the Philadelphia region, and the important leadership linkages that must be facilitated between our culture, communities and campuses to advance Black life and wellbeing,” Brother Shomari said. “A particular lens of this convening is on the purpose, roles, responsibilities and preparation of Black youth and young adults for this cause.”

According to the station, this gathering is a sequel to WURD Radio’s historic 2015 event, “The Invitation,” which explored the impact of racial shifts in Philadelphia and the critical need for stronger Black leadership. “Race, Manhood and Power” will continue that discussion, focusing on intergenerational strategies for building Black community power.

 

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Cliché Alert

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

Delete this phrase from commercial copy you craft for local advertisers: “In these uncertain times…”

im

For two reasons. First, many people are optimistic now. Second, those who are suffering get it. Rubbing their nose in it just piles-on; and clichés risk blending-into the blah-blah-blah.

Instead, simply delete the sentence. Give copy room to breathe, to avoid radio’s commercial motormouth caricature.

That next sentence probably includes The Magic Words: “YOU” and/or “YOUR.” If it doesn’t, change that too.

For more click here.

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

TALKERS News Notes

Hannity Trump and Musk

HANNITY TO AIR TRUMP MUSK INTERVIEW TONIGHT:  Continuing his longtime role as one of the nation’s talk media hosts most-closely-connected to Donald Trump, Sean Hannity’s recently recorded sit-down interview with both President Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk will air on the FOX News Channel’s “Hannity” program this evening (2/18) at 9:00 pm ET. Hannity is also syndicated daily on Premiere Networks and currently holds the number one spot on the TALKERS 2024 “Heavy Hundred.”  To see a preview clip of tonight’s interview, please click here.     Nebraska Broadcasters…..FIVE TO BE INDUCTED: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct Dennis & Kathi Brown, Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into the NBA Hall of Fame on August 12th in La Vista during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 123 members with these pending inductees…..Independent Broadcasters AssociationIBA AND RVA TO HOST LIVE VIDEO STREAMING WEBINAR: The Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA) is producing another “Lunch and Learn” workshop in partnership with the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA). The workshops are free online sessions and feature industry experts with practical solutions to radio’s most pressing problems.  “Is Video the New Audio?” is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 1:00 pm ET.Radio Vendor Alliance The 45-minute session will include a Q&A and will be available for replay to all registrants. Registration is free (link: https://www.coolradiostreaming.com/) and IBA membership is not required.

 

Industry News Uncategorized

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (2/17)

The most discussed stories yesterday (2/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Musk DOGE Operations / Trump-Musk Relationship
2. Israel-Hamas War / Trump Gaza Plan
3. Russia-Ukraine War / U.S. Foreign Policy Shift
4. Air Travel Safety
5. Presidents Day Reflections

Industry News

TALKERS will not publish today

TALKERS will not publish today (2/17) in commemoration of Presidents Day 2025. We will resume our regular publishing schedule tomorrow (2/18).

If you need to reach our office today please email info@talkers.com or call 413-565-5413.

Industry News

WDAY-AM, Fargo Sale Overcomes Informal Objection

The proposed sale of news/talk WDAY-AM/K226CL, Fargo, North Dakota from Forum Communications Company to Bakken Beacon Media LLC’s subsidiary Flag Family survived an informal objection from private citizen Leann Wolff. Flag Family has been operating the station for the past four years and when the proposed sale was announced, Wolff filed an objection with the FCC citing social media comments from Flag Family co-owner Scott Hennen about the state of journalism in the U.S., including the statement, “journalism is dead.” Wolff questioned Flag Family’s fitness to operate the station in light of the comments but theimg Commission stated that Hennen was expressing “his own individual opinion on the current state of journalism,” but “even if it was assumed that such an opinion might be expressed on WDAY under BBM’s ownership, that is not a ground for the FCC to deny or withhold consent to the instant assignment.” The Commission further states, “We reject the assertion that Hennen’s social media comments justify a denial of the proposed assignment applications. The Objection does not cite to any provision under the Act or the rules, any cases, or any Commission policy for its argument that Hennen’s social media comments are pertinent to our review of the Applications. We disagree with Wolff’s argument that Hennen’s viewpoint on the state of journalism, as expressed in his social media comments, is in any way relevant to our determination of BBM’s qualifications to hold a license or whether the proposed assignment would serve the public interest. As the Commission has stated, licensees have broad discretion based on their First Amendment right to free speech to choose, in good faith, the programming they believe serves the needs and interests of their communities. Indeed, the Commission does not interfere with the programming decisions of licensees, nor does it consider issues of programming choice when reviewing an application for the assignment or transfer of a broadcast license.”

Industry News

Tegna’s Columbus Studios Threatened with Powdery Substance

According to a report in the Columbus Dispatch, Tegna’s Columbus studios – from which sports talk WBNS-FM, WBNS-AM, and WBNS-TV operate – were the target of a threat on Thursday (2/13). The stationsimg received a letter that also contained a “suspicious white, powdery substance” and forced the company to evacuate the building for several hours. Station employees continued to broadcast from the parking lot while authorities, including a hazmat team, investigated. They were allowed to return to the building after a period but so far authorities have offered no details on the letter or the powdery substance. See the Dispatch story here.

Industry News

IBS/TALKERS GENERATIONS 2025 Conference Less Than One Month Away!

Agenda Graphic

The launch of a new and innovative TALKERS industry conference – “GENERATIONS 2025” – that will be co-located at the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) national convention – IBSNYC 2025 – is set for Friday and Saturday March 7-8 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. The four-hour TALKERS event will take place between 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm on Saturday, March 8 in the heart of the iconic IBS gathering. It will feature an array of six sessions with 19+ luminary industry speakers including a keynote address, fireside chat, and four panel discussions that will tackle such topics as “Launching and Managing a Career in Talk Radio / Talk Media,” “Old School, New School, Next School: Learning from Each Other,” “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World,” “Finding and Delivering Truth in an Age of Misinformation,” and much more.  TALKERS is also serving as the Presenting Sponsor of the entire IBSNYC 2025 event and will make several special presentations on both days at the conference’s exhibition hall.

In making the announcement TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “If this great institution of radio is to survive, let alone thrive in the brave new world ahead, it must meet the challenge of connecting with young broadcasters and listeners… and it needs to do it without hesitation. 2025 will be a pivotal year for radio of all formats – especially our bailiwick of talk radio and talk media – on air and online. There is no radio arena featuring such a massive concentration of young broadcasters and listeners alike as that found in the nation’s college radio community.” Harrison adds, “TALKERS is proud to also serve as the IBS convention’s official 2025 Presenting Sponsor as a show of support and recognition of the organization’s great work and importance. We will live up to the theme of this debut event: ‘Old School, New School, Next School: Learning from Each Other.’ That will be a major take away – as well as the suggestion that the time has come for all broadcasters to begin thinking like entrepreneurs!”

The TALKERS “GENERATIONS 2025” segment of the larger IBS conference will be open to all IBSNYC 2025 registrants who will receive the benefits of its notably reasonable rates to attend the conference and reserve rooms at the hotel (hurry). But it is important to move quickly on this while the discounts are still available. For up-to-date information, please click HERE.

For further information about “GENERATIONS 2025” including sponsorship opportunities, please call 413-565-5413 or email info@talkers.com.

Industry News

Mid-West Family Broadcasting Announces Leadership Changes

Mid-West Family Broadcasting announces leadership changes at the company starting with Tom Walker’s transitioning from president to chairman of the board. Walker succeeded his father as president in 1998 and in this new role he will step back from daily operations to focus on the company’s governance and strategicimg direction. Thirty-year company veteran Dave Doetsch – who’d been managing the company’s South Bend and Southwest Michigan operations – is elevated to chief operating officer and chief revenue officer. Rockford, Illinois cluster manager Mike Paterson is promoted to chief financial officer. As a result, Kim DiGiovanni rises from VP/director of sales to general manager for Rockford. The company is in the process of selling its Springfield, Illinois stations to Woodward Communications and after that deal closes, Mid-West Family will own and operate 41 stations in seven markets: Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Madison, Wisconsin; Rockford, Illinois; South Bend, Indiana; St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Springfield, Missouri.

Industry News

Dom Giordano Broadcasts Live from Eagles Super Bowl Parade

Industry News

New York Festivals Launches “Rough Cuts” Podcast

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New York Festivals Advertising Awards announces the launch of “Rough Cuts with Thiago Cruz,” a new podcast series that brings “raw, unfiltered conversations with some of the most influential creative minds shaping culture today.” Cruz is chief creative officer at Grey New York. In this new podcast he “explores the bold collaborations, career-defining moments, and creative breakthroughs that drive today’s most compelling work.” NYFestivals says, “The podcast’s debut season includes candid discussions with Grindr’s Tristan Pineiro, gaming industry leader Lydia Winters, and branding expert Vivian Odior, among others.” Cruz adds, “Creativity isn’t always neat – it’s messy, unpredictable, and beautifully chaotic. With ‘Rough Cuts,’ we’re celebrating that process and uncovering the real stories behind the work that shapes our culture.” New York Festivals president Scott Rose says, “‘Rough Cuts’ offers an exclusive look into the minds of today’s creative visionaries. We’re thrilled to present this series with Thiago and look forward to sharing the perspectives and insights of those pioneering executives whose work is evolving the industry.” You can find bi-weekly episodes on the New York Festivals YouTube channel. The early deadline to enter the 2025 New York Festivals Advertising Awards is February 28, 2025. For more information including rules and regulations, categories, and how to enter, visit HERE

Industry News

Urban One Gets Delisting Warning from Nasdaq

Earlier this week, Urban One Inc. received written notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC notifying it that, for the last 30 consecutive business days, the bid price for the Company’s Class D common stock had closed below the $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement for continued inclusion on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Urban One has 180 calendar days, or until August 11,img 2025, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company’s Class D Common Stock must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive business days. The company says it intends to actively monitor the closing bid price of its Class D Common Stock and will consider all reasonable available options to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, which may include seeking stockholder approval to effect a reverse stock split. There can be no assurance that the company will regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement during the 180-day compliance period, maintain compliance with the other Nasdaq listing requirements or be successful in appealing any delisting determination. The Notice also has no impact on the Company’s Class A Common Stock which trades under the symbol “UONE.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (February 10-14, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (2/10-14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories/Topics

1. Trump-Musk Oval Office Press Conference / Trump Gaza Intentions
2. Musk-DOGE Activities / Federal Firings
3. U.S. Foreign Policy / Russia-Ukraine War / Israel-Hamas War
4. Trump Nomination Hearings and Confirmations
5. ICE Migrant Deportation Crackdown / FBI-DOJ Issues / NYC Mayor Adams Activities
6. Economy-Inflation- Trump Tariff War
7. Big Tech / Misinformation / Censorship
8. Healthcare / Bird Flu
9. Gulf of America / Discontinuation of Pennies
10.LGBTQ Issues

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Benjamin Netanyahu / Vladimir Putin / Volodymyr Zelenskyy
4. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr / Tulsi Gabbard / Kash Patel
5. Joe Biden
6. Xi Jinping
7. Marco Rubio / Pam Bondi / Karoline Leavitt
8. Jeff Bezos / Mark Zuckerberg
9. JD Vance
10.Eric Adams

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

Industry News

Today is World Radio Day

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In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, the iconic platform of radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world. Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as animg International Day of the United Nations, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD). Each year WRD focuses on a specific theme involving radio that is timely, and important. This year the theme is “Radio and Climate Change.” UNESCO points out: Radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations through climate disasters such as tropical storms and floods. It helps with the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, and dedicated radio shows.

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who served as executive advisor to UNESCO for last year’s installment of WRD (which celebrated the milestone of radio’s 100-year anniversary), states, “World Radio Day gives broadcasters the opportunity to blow their own horns about the enduring value of this mighty platform. It’s a good thing for the industry, its sponsors and, most importantly, its loyal listeners. Let’s all sing the praises of radio today and every day.” To all radio professionals and volunteers, everywhere in the world, UNESCO salutes your daily work and your commitment to our future.

Industry News

Audacy: Study Reveals Value of Audio Advertising

The company’s Insights from Audacy reports on a recent study from WARC (global trade association World Advertising Research Center) in which top media buyers, sellers, and measurement specialists responsibleimg for millions in ad investment were surveyed about why audio lags in media investment and why brands stand to benefit from a larger feature in media plans. The study reveals that audio has what brands need most: spectacular reach, high levels of attention, tremendous audience, and powerful performance. As an example, Audacy points to a skin care brand that used a podcast and streaming campaign to drive increased sales. See more about the study here.

Industry News

“Online Tonight” Returns in National Syndication

The radio program “Online Tonight” – first launched in 1994 – is returning to national syndication after an extended hiatus. The program is hosted by Max Smart and airs live on both Saturdays and Sundays fromimg 11:00 pm to 2:00 am ET. The program says that Smart, who worked as an Apple repair technician and with Steve Jobs in the late 1980s at the computer firm NeXT, “has been at the forefront of innovation. He built large-scale telecommunications networks, is an inventor, a former child actor, and a VO artist. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, pop culture fanatic, or just love to consume interesting content, ‘Online Tonight’ offers something for everyone.”

Industry News

RAAN Offers One-Hour Trump Doc to Stations

Red Apple Audio Networks (RAAN) is offering “Trump 2.0: A Documentary” –  a one-hour special program – to all radio stations now through the end of February, with no network inventory. RAAN says theimg documentary “features expert insight from RAAN hosts, including John Catsimatidis, Rita Cosby, Greg Kelly, Roger Stone, Jeanine Pirro, Dominic Carter, and more.” It asks the questions: What are the opportunities? What are the obstacles? Will there be fewer freak-outs about social media posts? Will there be more focus on economic issues?  Get more information by emailing here.

Industry News

PodcastOne Reports Fiscal Q3 2025 Revenue Rises 22%

PodcastOne reports financial data from the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 and says revenue was $12.7 million, an increase of 22% over the same period in fiscal year 2024. The company also reports a net loss of $1.58 million, a decrease of more than 39% from the net loss of $2.6 million reported the same period a year ago. PodcastOne president and co-founder Kit Gray says, “The recent migration and partnership withimg Amazon’s ART19 hosting platform marks a major evolution for PodcastOne that enhances operational efficiencies while strengthening our monetization capabilities and audience engagement. This strategic move positions us to better serve advertisers and maximize the value of our content across our growing network.” He adds, “PodcastOne remains committed to delivering premium content while expanding our host and advertiser relationships. To date, we have grown our programming slate to 196 shows and surpassed 3.9 billion network downloads through key expansion deals, including our collaboration with A&E’s The History Channel, and the renewal of flagship podcasts hosted by Adam Carolla, Brendan Schaub, and Kaitlyn Bristowe. Looking ahead, we are focused on leveraging our leadership position in podcasting to drive sustainable growth through organic expansion, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives, creating long term value for our creators, partners, and shareholders.”

Uncategorized

Deborah Norville to Emcee BFoA’s Golden Mic Gala

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Deborah Norville, longtime BFoA Board member and two-time EMMY-winning anchor of “Inside Edition,” will emcee this year’s Golden Mic gala and fundraiser on Monday, March 10, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The Golden Mic Award will beimg presented to Brian Lawlor, president, Scripps Sports. Additionally, Scott Herman, former COO of CBS Radio and Chair of the BFOA, will pay tribute to Dan Mason, former CEO of CBS Radio and past Chair of the BFOA, with the 2025 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, and Katz Media Group will be recognized with the 2025 Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award. Katz Media Group CEO Mark Gray will accept the award. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We’re excited about this year’s honorees and presenters and extend our thanks to Deborah for serving as the evening’s emcee. While we gather to honor these highly respected and accomplished broadcasters for their contributions to our industry, we must always keep in mind, and in our hearts, the broadcasters who we help when they need us the most.”

Industry News

FNC’s Laura Ingraham to Interview RFK Jr. Tonight

FOX News Channel star Laura Ingraham will conduct an interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the wakeimg of the Senate’s final vote on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. The exclusive interview will air during “The Ingraham Angle” on FOX News Channel this evening at 7:00 pm ET. FNC says Kennedy Jr. will discuss the Senate vote, the Make America Healthy Again movement and other news of the day.

Industry News

Good Karma Brands’ “ESPN 106.3” Partners with Soccer’s Inter Miami CF

Good Karma Brands sports talk outlet WUUB-FM, West Palm Beach “ESPN 106.3” is the official English-language radio partner of Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF. Good Karma VP and market managerimg Stephanie Prince-Springmeyer says, “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Inter Miami CF to include English-language broadcasts on ESPN 106.3… The beautiful game has the unique ability to unite communities, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of bringing this excitement to all fans in South Florida via ‘Deportes 760AM’ and ‘ESPN 106.3FM.’”

Industry News

Audio Companies Cue Up for Earnings Reports

The earnings reports season is upon us and iHeartMedia, Inc. announces that it will issue financial results forimg the fourth quarter of 2024 and the full year ending December 31, 2024 on Thursday, February 27. The company will conduct a conference call at 4:30 pm ET, following the release of its earnings announcement, to discuss its financial results and business outlook.

imgTownsquare Media, Inc also announces that it will release fourth quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Monday, March 17. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain fourth quarter 2024 financial results on that day at 8:00 am ET.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (2/12)

The most discussed stories yesterday (2/12) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump and Putin’s Ukraine Call/NATO
2. Frozen Federal Funds
3. Trump’s Gaza Plan/Israel-Hamas War
4. Tax Cuts/Debt Limit Hike
5. Trump Takes Over Kennedy Center

Industry News

Twin Cities KDWB-FM Radio Host Dave Ryan Returns After Suspension Over Snorting Segment

Dave RyanAccording to a story by reporter Louis Krause in yesterday’s (2/11) Minnesota Star Tribune longtime KDWB-FM Twin Cities radio host Dave Ryan was suspended from appearing on his talk show Monday morning, three days after a segment aired during which Ryan and co-hosts snorted powder food ingredients as part of a Super Bowl trivia game. He returned to the show yesterday following a one-day suspension. The segment on Friday’s episode of “The Dave Ryan Show” was titled “Super Blow,” according to three listeners who spoke with the Star Tribune and others who discussed it on the Reddit online forum. To read the full Star Tribune story, click here.

Industry News

Harrison and Neer Dissect Media-Pop Culture Elements of Super Bowl LIX

MH Interview

Harrison and Neer
Harrison & Neer circa 1970

Longtime WFAN, New York sports talk host Richard Neer is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Neer is a five-decade-plus veteran of two heritage Big Apple radio stations – sports talker WFAN (where he still hosts a show) and, before that, seminal album rocker WNEW-FM. He is the author of the landmark best-seller FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard, 2001) and the popular series of Riley King detective novels. Harrison and Neer – whose friendship dates back to their days together in rock radio of the late 60s/early 70s – engage in a fast-paced, spirited conversation about the confluence of pop culture elements surrounding and emerging from the just-concluded Super Bowl LIX, dissecting its ratings, commercials, politics, music, customs, and social impact.  Not to be missed.  To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here. www.MHInterview.com