Monday Memo: CeaseFire
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
As TV touts its perennial New Fall Season, our DVR is already set to “record series” so we can pick-up where the “Matlock” sequel left-us-hanging; and for a third season of quirky “Elsbeth” (a closet reboot, the female “Columbo”). And where I live – where everyone seems to know everyone – we are salivating for “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”
Enduring as its hourglass, “The Days of Our Lives” – which NBC punted to Peacock – is renewed for season #61. As Max reverts to the HBO brand, “The White Lotus” will be back for its 4th. “American Idol” will vet a 24th crop of crooners; “America’s Funniest Home Videos” will share a 36th batch of bloopers; and America’s argument will remain unresolved on every channel… except one.
Nonprofit C-SPAN – the Switzerland of cable news – presents “CeaseFire,” a weekly show where “Democrats and Republicans come together to solve problems and discuss the great challenges facing our nation… during a time when division and dysfunction dominate the national conversation.”
And who better to U-turn the “Crossfire” template that pits partisan pundits against each other than the suit who oversaw it, longtime CNN EVP and Washington bureau chief Sam Feist, now C-SPAN CEO. “In a media landscape that too often rewards outrage over understanding,” he reckons “‘CeaseFire’ stands out by showing what respectful, principled conversation looks like.”
“Like sands through the hourglass,” radio’s talk format was an early 1990s Revolution. Now – like the AM band it buttressed as long as possible – WHAT IF…
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
WPEN-FM 97.5 The Fanatic on August 8 after almost a year back behind the mic at the station. Missanelli joined sister rock WMMR’s Kathy Romano – a cast member of the “Steve and Preston Show” – was also let go. Beasley issued the following public statement: “We are very grateful for his contributions to the station and our listeners, and we wish him all the best.”
Murrow Awards for Television, Radio and Digital news operations at the network, large market and small market levels. Radio Network winners include ABC News, NPR and Canada’s CBC. Radio station winners include: KMOX, St. Louis; WSB, Atlanta; WTOP, Washington; and WWNC, Asheville. The presentation of the awards will take place on October 13 at Gotham Hall in New York City. 
anchor of the agriculture report. McCary also taught high school locally and served as a substitute teach until his retirement in 2018. KMJ says, “McCary’s background as an English teacher gave him a solid foundation as a reporter. KMJ staff could turn to him for his historical knowledge, a valuable asset and vital to a newsroom. His command of the English language was equally impressive and he often corrected bemused coworkers and hosts for any grammatical infractions.” 
Rams. ESPN LA VP and market manager Sam Pines says, “The Los Angeles Rams are one of the most exciting and dynamic franchises in the NFL, and we are proud to be their partner and the radio home. This partnership allows us to deliver unmatched access, exclusive content, and the passionate game-day energy Rams fans deserve on the radio, online, on our app, and everywhere else they connect with us and our talent.”
“Listeners to our first ‘For Radio Geeks Only’ special told us they wantematthewd more – and John and I did, too! We’re glad to bring it back with an even longer show this time,” said Bob Sirott. Go back to the days before streaming, cable, VCRs, DVDs, and smartphones when rock ‘n’ roll radio was a source of entertainment. Sirott and Landecker will play their favorite jingles and will be joined by special guests, including 1960s disc jockeys Ron Riley and Spike O’Dell, one of WGN Radio’s very own. Listeners are being encouraged to call or text the station at 312-981-7200 to share their stories of listening to radio and records. The show will be available as a podcast on 
The problem with technocrats is they believe computer programs and machines solve all problems. A technocrat in charge of a business will it kill it, for sure. For example, once a movie theatre is automated, not requiring a pesky projectionist or even a snack counter attendant, you and I would still not buy a ticket – unless the theater was showing an actual MOVIE!
Artificial intelligence now makes it possible to replicate a human voice with striking accuracy. For broadcasters, podcasters, and content creators, the central question is: When does using or imitating a voice become a legal problem? The answer depends on the person being imitated, the purpose of the use, and the rights attached to that voice. Below is a six-bucket framework to help evaluate the risk.
The program is hosted by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Premiere Networks-syndicated radio personality and podcaster Ben Ferguson who break down the most important news stories of the week and what they mean for Americans. “Verdict with Ted Cruz was first launched as a podcast in January 2020. Premiere Networks expanded the podcast into a weekly one-hour radio program for talk radio stations, which debuted on 100 stations in April 2025.
pursuit of pure profit. It embraced this Administration’s radical notion that discriminatory behavior should be tolerated and even embraced, while efforts to expand opportunity for everyone should be rejected.
Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) are some 20% of the U.S. population, but control more than 50% of all household wealth. They hold $70+ trillion in assets and spend an estimated $548 billion annually. They are lifelong AM/FM listeners, and they’re redefining what life after 60 looks like. Are you into what they’re up to?
