Industry News

Katz Radio: Radio Delivers for Fast Food Joints

Data from a Katz Radio survey of consumers who eat fast food from quick service restaurants (QSRs) at least once a week, are highly responsive to radio messaging. Katz says its study indicates that “radio is an ideal platform for interest among receptive and responsive fast food consumers. It plays a foundationalimg role in the decision-making journey, often sparking the craving before any digital ad or social scroll can. In fact, the survey shows a measurable lift in intent: consumers targeted by radio campaigns were 4% and 7% more likely to visit, reinforcing radio’s power to drive foot traffic.” Further, the study shows that “89% reported making last-minute meal decisions while in the car—right in radio’s sweet spot. Additionally, 84% believe it’s smart for fast food restaurants to use radio advertising to inform customers about menu items and deals. And notably, 82% admitted that simply hearing ads about food can make them feel hungry, highlighting radio’s unique ability to trigger cravings and drive immediate action.” Read more here.

Industry News

Saga’s Net Revenue Falls 5% in Q2

Saga Communications reports its operating results for the second quarter of 2025 says net revenue was $28.2 million, a decrease of 5% from the same period in 2024. Station operating expense decreased 4.6%img for the quarter to $22.2 million compared to the same period last year. For the quarter, operating income was $1.4 million compared to $2.1 million for the same quarter last year and station operating income decreased 6.4% to $6.0 million. Saga reports net income of $1.1 million for the quarter compared to the net income of $2.5 million it reported in the second quarter of 2024.

Industry News

Audacy Flips WSFS, Miramar to Sports

Audacy flips alternative WSFS-FM, Miramar, Florida – between Miami and Fort Lauderdale – to a simulcast of its Miami sports talker WQAM and is petitioning the FCC to change the calls to WQAM-FM.img The station is at 104.3 FM and boasts a 100,000-watt signal. Audacy regional president Claudia Menegus says, “Miami’s sports fans have an unrivaled passion, and they deserve a destination that matches their energy. By adding this powerful FM signal, we’re not just expanding our reach – we’re solidifying WQAM’s position as the undisputed leader in South Florida sports radio.” The weekday lineup consists of “The Joe Rose Show with Hollywood” (6:00 am to 10:00 am), “Tobin & Leroy” (10:00 am to 2:00 pm) and “Hochman, Crowder & Solana” (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm).

Industry News

KGYM-AM, Cedar Rapids Cuts Three Hosts

According to a report in The Gazette, KZIA Inc.’s sports talk KGYM-AM, Cedar Rapids, Iowa is canceling two local programs for financial reasons. “The Todd Brommelkamp Show” (6:30 am to 9:00 am) and theimg “Gym Class” with Scott Unash and Mark Dukes (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) did their last shows this week. The local show “Spencer on Sports” with Spencer Wagen will continue in its 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot. KZIA Inc. CEO Julie Hein is quoted saying, “Like a lot of media, including your, and national TV and local TV, restaurants, factories, we are experiencing some economic changes. I hope there is a rebound. Scott Unash and Mark Dukes have been legends in this market for decades and have done amazing things for sports in the Corridor. Todd Brommelkamp, to me, was a breath of fresh air and a real leader in talking about the Hawkeyes and all kinds of great things. I adore all of them and I am forever a fan of all three men.” Read The Gazette story here.

Industry News

NAB Reveals Marconi Finalists

The National Association of Broadcasters announced the finalists for the 2025 NAB Marconi Radioimg Awards. The winners will be presented on October 21 at The Edison Ballroom, the evening before NAB Show New York. Finalists for Legendary Station of the Year include news/talk WABC, New York. Finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: KFI-AM, Los Angeles; WABC-AM, New York; WBAL-AM, Baltimore; WBBM-AM, Chicago; and WENG-AM, Englewood, Florida. See all the finalists here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (August 4 – 8, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/4-8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. Trump Tariffs
2. The Economy / Fed Policy
3. Texas Redistricting Battle
4. Potential Trump-Putin Meeting
5. The Epstein Files
6. Fort Stewart Shooting
7. ICE Raids / Detention Camp Plans
8. Israel-Gaza War
9. DOJ’s Trump-Russia Investigation
10.Sydney Sweeney Controversy

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Jerome Powell
3. Greg Abbott
4. Vladimir Putin
5. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
6. Quornelius Radford
7. Kristi Noem
8. Pam Bondi
9. Benjamin Netanyahu
10.Sydney Sweeney

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

Industry News

Cumulus Q2 Net Revenue Falls 9.2%

Cumulus Media reveals operating results for the second quarter of 2025 and reports net revenue of $186 million, a decline of 9.2% from the same period in 2024. The company’s net loss shrunk to $12.8 million compared to the $27.7 million it reported in Q2 of 2024. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Bernerimg says, “While the advertising backdrop for legacy media remains challenging, in the quarter we continued to outperform our radio peers, gaining market share across all broadcast spot revenue channels. We also significantly outperformed in digital, delivering double the growth rate of our radio peers, driven by the 38% year-over-year increase in our digital marketing services business. Additionally, we executed $5 million of annualized cost reductions, bringing total annualized cost reductions to $175 million over the last 5 years. These results underscore our disciplined focus on optimizing performance and investing in growth opportunities despite capital constraints. Looking ahead, while we do not expect near-term relief from market headwinds, we are confident in our ability to position the business for long-term success through strong execution and by capitalizing on the Company’s valuable underlying assets.”

Industry News

WGN’s Dave Eanet to Retire; Andy Masur Named AM Sports Anchor

WGN Radio morning drive sports anchor Dave Eanet is retiring from his role on the Bob Sirott morning show. The station announces that Andy Masur will assume the sports anchor position effective August 28. Eanet is not retiring from broadcasting as he’ll continue as play-by-play voice for Northwestern Wildcatimg football and men’s basketball games broadcast on WGN and he’ll also serve as a fill-in anchor on the WGN-TV sports desk. Eanet says, “Can’t believe it’s been 41 years since I first set foot in the WGN studios. As I close this chapter of my career, imgthe word that comes to mind is ‘grateful.’ I’m so thankful to the entire WGN family for their friendship and support over the years. It’s not just the names you know, but the entire crew on and off the air. I’m forever indebted to the managers, engineers, producers, newspeople, sales team, and all the others who have made WGN such a special place to work. Most of all, I’m thankful to the listeners who have a special relationship with this station.” WGN Radio VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “I am thrilled to share that our own Andy Masur will assume morning show sports duties going forward. Andy is a talented broadcaster who has built a rapport with the WGN Radio audience as a regular fill-in for Dave and as our weekend sports anchor. We are lucky to have him.”

Industry News

Grant Napear Returning to Sacramento Sports Talk

Former KHTK, Sacramento sports talk host and former Sacramento Kings TV broadcaster Grant Napear is returning to Sacramento sports radio to host the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm show on Lotus Communications’img sports talk KSAC-AM/K284CM, effective September 2. This comes five years after he was fired by Bonneville’s KHTK, Sacramento and the Kings after a social media exchange with former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins about the Black Lives Matter movement and used the phrase, “all lives matter.” Napear sued Bonneville and lost but is currently appealing that ruling. Napear tells the Bee, “It’s going to be the Grant Napear show that people have listened to for decades. I’m competitive. I’m not only coming back to Sacramento. I’m coming back to win.” Read the Sacramento Bee story here.

Industry News

NewsTalkSTL Hosts to Broadcast from Israel

NewsTalkSTL hosts Tim Jones and Chris Arps will be broadcasting their program from Israel on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. The station (KNBS-FM, Bowling Green; K270BW, Bellefontaine; and KLJY-HD3, Clayton in Missouri) says the duo will be in Israel all next week providing special coverage as part ofimg a partnership between NewsTalkSTL and Newsmax. NewsTalkSTL says this will be Chris Arps’s second visit to Israel in the past month. His previous trip, which took place during Iranian airstrikes, was a sightseeing tour. This time, he returns as part of a diplomatic delegation organized by Newsmax in coordination with the Israeli government. Tim Jones says, “Traveling to Israel, especially during this consequential time, will be a life changing trip. Experiencing the Holy Land, visiting with top Israeli officials, all while literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus, will be an incredible experience for all of us in NewsTalkSTL nation.” NewsTalkSTL president of programming Jeff Allen says, “It should be an incredible week of content from Tim and Chris. They won’t just be sharing their impressions; they’ll have stories you can only get by being there on the ground.”

Industry News

Taylor Named Triton Digital CRO

Triton Digital names Sharon Taylor chief revenue officer. (CRO), effective immediately. Triton Digitalimg president and CEO John Rosso says, “Sharon has been instrumental in our continued success at Triton Digital, and her promotion to chief revenue officer is a reflection of her exceptional leadership, strategic thinking and proven ability to drive results. Her track record in scaling audio technology platforms and her deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape will be invaluable as we accelerate our global growth and deepen partnerships with audio publishers and advertisers.”

Industry News

WSCR, Chicago Helps Raise $750k for BrainUp

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Audacy sports talk WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” partners with the Chicago Cubs for the second “Cubs for a Cure” radiothon and raised more than $750,000 for BrainUp, a nonprofit committed to brain cancer awareness. As a result, the effort, in collaboration with AbbVie, Advocate Health Care, American Airlines, Cologuard and Stand Up To Cancer, collectively raised over $1.5 million for the cause.

Industry News

Ben Stevens Joins VSiN

VSiN, The Sports Betting Network announces the addition of Ben Stevens to it staff. Most recently,img Stevens anchored weekday mornings on SportsGrid. VSiN EVP Steve Cohen says, “Ben is a terrific addition to the most trusted brand in sports betting information at a time when sports fans across the country look to us for information that helps them make informed college football wagering decisions. A seasoned on-air sports betting talent that can speak across all major sports, ‘Big 10 Ben’ has deep expertise in college football that our viewers and listeners will enjoy.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (8/6)

The most discussed stories yesterday (8/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Trump Tariffs Kick In
2. Potential Trump-Putin Meeting
3. Fort Stewart Shooting
4. ICE Raids
5. Israel-Gaza War

Industry News

Townsquare Media Q2 Net Revenue Down 2.3% as Income Rises

Townsquare Media reports net revenue of $115.5 million in the second quarter of 2025, a decline of 2.3% from the same period in 2024. However, the company posts net income of just over $2 million afterimg reporting a net loss of $48.8 million in the same quarter a year ago. Townsquare reports revenue in segments and the broadcast advertising segment saw net revenue of $48.7 million, a decrease of 9.2% from the same quarter in 2024. The company’s digital advertising segment’s net revenue was $42.5 million, an increase of 2.4% over Q2 of 2024.

Industry News

Nielsen and Edison Collaborate on “Podcast Fusion”

Nielsen announces a new collaboration with Edison Research to launch Nielsen Podcast Fusion powered by Edison Research. Nielsen says, “For the first time, advertisers and agencies will be able to plan, optimize and compare all major media types – including podcasts, TV, radio, digital and social – in oneimg place. This new data fusion will integrate the industry-leading Edison Podcast Metrics into Nielsen’s widely used media planning tool, Nielsen Media Impact img(NMI).” Nielsen adds, “As podcast listenership continues to grow, it is critical for advertisers to have sophisticated tools and data to effectively plan, measure and optimize their audio investments. Nielsen Podcast Fusion in NMI will provide an even more holistic view of media planning and help users uncover valuable insights and demonstrate the effectiveness of their campaigns. NMI users will also be able to optimize media plans by specific podcast networks and genres, as well as top podcast programs.” NPR and Ocean Media are among the charter subscribers at launch.

Industry News

Report: Current Contract with SiriusXM is Stern’s Last

Numerous outlets, including the New York Post, are reporting that Howard Stern’s current contract with SiriusXM expires at the end of this year and it might be his last with the satcaster. Insiders are quotedimg saying Stern is mulling retirement and that he might consider a shorter-term deal than the usual five-year pacts he’s been signing. Still other sources say Stern isn’t the draw he once was, and a renewal of his current $500 million deal is not going to happen. Another report indicates SiriusXM may make a bid for his library of shows instead of a renewed contract for new content. See the New York Post story here.

Industry News

FOX News and Tucker Carlson Rise in July Podtrac Ranker

Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts chart based on U.S. unique monthly audience for the month of July and the only move among the top five is FOX Audio Network’s FOX News Hourly Update rises one spot to #4,img leap-frogging Dateline NBC (#5). Otherwise, the top three remain (in order): “NPR News Now,” “The Daily” (New York Times), and “Up First from NPR.” “The Tucker Carlson Show” jumps six places to finish the month at #18. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Salem Media Group Announces Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement

Salem Media Group enters into a Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 28,img 2025, with Siena Lending Group LLC. The Amendment, among other things, adds additional real property owned by Salem Radio Properties, Inc. to the collateral under the Loan Agreement, which increases the borrowing base and therefore the amount that the company may borrow under the Loan Agreement.

Industry News

WGFX-FM, Nashville Renews with Tennessee Volunteers

Cumulus Media sports talk outlet WGFX-FM, Nashville “104.5 The Zone” enters into a multi-year renewalimg of its broadcast partnership with the University of Tennessee Volunteers. As part of the new deal, former Tennessee Volunteer Ramon Foster, current co-host of “Ramon & Will” in morning drive on the station, will join the Vol Football Gameday Broadcast Team alongside Mike Keith.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (8/5)

The most discussed stories yesterday (8/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. The Economy / Trump vs The Fed
2. Sanctions on Russia
3. Tariffs
4. Texas Redistricting Battle
5. The Epstein Files

Industry News

Bonneville Rebrands KTTH as “Seattle Red”

Bonneville announces that news/talk KTTH-AM, Seattle is underscoring its conservative content as it rebrands the station as “Seattle Red.” Bonneville says, “Seattle Red’s identity reflects fresh conservative voices and growing influence in the Pacific Northwest. This transformation marks more than just a nameimg change; it’s the launch of a dynamic new digital platform delivering hard-hitting conservative news, thought provoking opinions, and exclusive investigative reports headlined by Jason Rantz. ‘Seattle Red’ will be the definitive home for conservative content, expanding our reach, sharpening our brand, and doubling down on our mission to challenge the status quo.” It adds, “At the heart of ‘Seattle Red’ is Jason Rantz, whose live and local content brings a distinctly Seattle perspective to issues that matter most.” KTTH program director Jason Antebi says, “Our new identity as Seattle Red introduces a thriving community and home for conservatives in the Pacific Northwest. We’re building a media platform that amplifies bold voices, breaks real news, and isn’t afraid to challenge the narrative.”

Industry News

WBBM, Chicago Names Buchholz Political Editor

Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago names Geoff Buchholz the new political editor. In this role, he’ll lead the newsroom in delivering coverage of City Hall and its key players. WBBM brand manager Craig Schwalb states, “Chicago’s City Hall has all the twists, power plays and tension of a greatimg detective story. It takes someone who is an exceptional journalist with seasoned and sharp instincts like Geoff to follow the plot. I’m excited to see how he continues to build on the legacy that Craig Dellimore left behind and how his presence strengthens our multi-platform political coverage to better serve our Chicago area listeners.” Buchholz comments, “Chicago and Illinois are entering a critical era, and it’s more important than ever that our audience understands how the actions at City Hall, in Springfield and Washington affect their lives. I’m so grateful for our listeners’ trust, and I’m looking forward to being our station’s politics-to-English translator and excited to get to work.”

Industry News

Cumulus and Rumble Announce Partnership

Cumulus Media announces a strategic partnership with video-sharing and cloud services provider Rumble. Cumulus says this deal “will unlock new opportunities across Cumulus Media – including Westwood One and the Cumulus Podcast Network – and Rumble.com, including expanded distribution of content from both companies.” With this agreement, Rumble and Westwood One will collaborate to maximizeimg advertising opportunities for brand partners, packaging assets across each portfolio to create unique and exclusive multi-platform solutions. Westwood One will also distribute audio and video content on Rumble’s video platform. Westwood One president and Cumulus EVP corporate strategy and development Collin Jones says, “This partnership represents a powerful alignment between two media innovators. By combining our premium podcast inventory with Rumble’s dynamic creator ecosystem, we’re creating a new frontier for host-read advertising that delivers authenticity, scale, and brand safety.” Rumble CEO Chris Pavloski, adds, “We’re excited to partner with Cumulus Media and Westwood One to bring advertisers closer to the creators and audiences they care about. This collaboration allows us to create new monetization opportunities for our creators while offering brands a trusted and effective way to connect with engaged communities.”

Industry News

WWO: Creative is the Key Sales Driver

Suffice it to say that all the planning and targeting in the world is for naught if your audio ad stinks. This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at several studios to determine what actually drives sales and one of the key takeaways from a study by NCSolutions isimg “creative quality is the number one sales driver” and this is often a surprise to advertisers and media agencies who think media tactics (targeting, reach, etc.) drive the most sales. It’s for good reason that everyone wants high brand awareness. A major study from TikTok reveals the greater a brand’s awareness, the greater the purchase conversion. Brands with high aided awareness have 2.86x greater conversion rates compared to low awareness brands. But not all categories operate similarly, Podscribe says that purchase conversion varies widely by advertising category and advises that it’s important to understand the purchase conversion benchmarks for your product category. See the full blog post here.

Industry Views

They Say YOU Infringed – But Do THEY Own the Rights?

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgYou did everything right – or so you thought. You used a short clip, added commentary, or reshared something everyone else was already posting. Then one day, a notice shows up in your inbox. A takedown. A demand. A legal-sounding, nasty-toned email claiming copyright infringement, and asking for payment.

You’re confused. You’re cautious. And maybe you’re already reaching for the fair use defense.

But hold on. Before you argue about what you used, ask something simpler: Does the party accusing you actually own the rights?

Two Main Reasons People Send Copyright Notices

1. They believe they’re right – and they want to fix it.  Sometimes the claim is legitimate. A rights-holder sees their content used without permission and takes action. They may send a DMCA takedown, request removal, or ask for a license fee. Whether it’s a clip, an image, or a music bed – the law is on their side if your use wasn’t authorized.
2. They’re casting a wide net – or making a mistake. Other times, you’ve landed in a mass enforcement dragnet. Some companies send thousands of notices hoping a few people will pay – whether or not the claim is strong, or even valid. These are often automated, sometimes sloppy, and occasionally bluffing. The sender may not own the rights. They may not even know if what you used was fair use, public domain, or licensed.

Mistakes happen. Bots misidentify content. Images get flagged that were never protected. Even legitimate copyright holders sometimes act too fast. But once a notice goes out, it can become your problem – unless you respond wisely.

The First Thing to Check Is Ownership

Most creators instinctively argue fair use or say they meant no harm. But those aren’t the first questions a lawyer asks.

The first question is: “Do they have standing to bring the claim?”

In many cases, the answer is unclear or flat-out “no.” Courts have dismissed copyright lawsuits where the claimant couldn’t show ownership or any active licensing interest. If they can’t demonstrate control over the work – and actual market harm – they may not have the right to sue.

What To Do If You Get a Notice

Don’t panic. Not all claims are valid – and not all claimants are in a position to enforce them.
Don’t assume fair use will protect you. It might, but only after ownership is clear.
Don’t engage emotionally. Responding flippantly can escalate things fast.
Do get help early. A media attorney can help you assess whether the claim is real – and whether the sender has any legal ground at all.

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.