The presidential race; the debate “to mute or not to mute” debate; the Trump team Arlington National Cemetery incident; Trump’s legal issues; the Facebook-Covid-19 censorship Zuckerberg revelation; Israel’s West Bank raid; and the late-summer heatwave affecting parts of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (8/28), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Fifteen-year radio veteran Andy Hooser has the distinction of being both a seasoned broadcaster and a rising star. Since 2015, Hooser has been operations manager of Wichita-based Steckline Communications in
which he oversees 12 stations across Kansas and Oklahoma and hosts a popular, award-winning show, “The Voice of Reason” on “Big Talker” KQAM. Over the years, this dynamic millennial’s reputation as a talent-on-the-ascent has grown significantly. Heavy Hundred syndicated star Todd Starnes knows that and turns to Hooser as a regular guest-host on his show, receiving positive feedback. He also regularly serves as a guest-host on “Armed American Radio with Mark Walters.” Now Hooser’s “The Voice of Reason” has been launched into national syndication as a two-hour 
weekend show airing live on Saturdays 5:00 – 7:00 pm ET and offered by his own independent Hooser Media Network (distributed via satellite by Salem Radio Network). Hooser tells TALKERS, “There is a great need in the industry for live, fresh, weekend conservative talk programming. Now stations won’t have to wait for Monday to recap breaking stories over the weekend. They can stay informed and up to date with a show discussing the big weekend events, while recapping the conversations of the previous week.” “The Voice of Reason” can be aired live or downloaded for delayed broadcast on Saturday nights or anytime Sunday. For information, call Hooser Media Network at 316-553-0992 or click here.
The Wisconsin progressive radio company Civic Media announces that it adds the progressive political news digital publication The Recombobulation Area to its holdings. Civic Media notes that this is the first non-radio
acquisition since its founding in 2022. Additionally, The Recombobulation Area founder Dan Shafer is joining Civic Media as political editor. Civic Media says, “The Recombobulation Area has thousands of subscribers, has been read in 50 states and 66 countries and, to date, has reached more than 1.5 million readers. The publication has won 13 Milwaukee Press Club Excellence in Journalism awards in four years for opinion writing, feature stories, multi-story coverage, and public service journalism. Shafer has been active as a radio personality as a regular guest on Civic Media’s ‘Matenaer on Air’ and several other shows.” Civic Media CEO Sage Weil comments, “Dan Shafer and The Recombobulation Area exemplify the type of thoughtful, in-depth, and locally focused reporting that is so important to Wisconsin. We can’t wait to bring his voice to the rest of the Civic Media network, both on and off the air. It is local journalism, with an emphasis on local issues and an understanding of what is important in local communities, that will rebuild trust in our media ecosystem and, ultimately, our democracy.”
New York City business news reporter Joe Connolly – who served as business reporter for WCBS-AM for more than 30 years – joins Red Apple Media’s WABC Radio to host the one-minute feature “Business
Success Stories with Joe Connolly.” The program will highlight local business success stories and air on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis says, “Joe is the best business news reporter in New York and a highly trusted source for business intelligence. In the midst of questions about the economy and where it’s going, Joe will find success stories that inspire others. New York radio listeners, especially those who own or run businesses, will benefit from these uplifting interviews.”
Cumulus Media names Erik Gee program director and morning drive host at sports talk KQSM-FM,
Fayetteville, Arkansas “92.1 The Ticket.” Gee most recently served as assistant program director and co-host of the “Pat Jones Show” on KYAL-FM, Tulsa. Cumulus Fayetteville regional VP and market manager Keith Liesmann says, “Erik’s depth of experience and passion for sports make him a perfect fit for our station. We are thrilled to have him on board and can’t wait for our listeners to experience his insight and energy every morning.” Levi Peckenpaugh will serve as producer for the morning drive program.
Good Karma Brands unveils the new program lineup at WUUB-FM, West Palm Beach “ESPN West Palm.” The company says the station recently celebrated 20 years as a sports talk outlet in the market and is enjoying the recent studio relocation that gives it street-facing, ground-floor studios that “further enhance its
presence in the community and offers fans a sneak peek into the magic that happens behind the scenes.” In addition to the ESPN Radio programs “UnSportsmanlike with Evan Cohen, Chris Canty, and Michelle Smallmon,” “Greenie,” and “Carlin vs. Joe,” the station moves “Theoretically Speaking with Theo Dorsey” to a new, two-hour slot (2:00 pm to 4:00 pm) and debuts “Russo and Rizzo” in the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot. GKB market manager Stephanie Prince-Springmyer says, “We are beyond thrilled with what our team has achieved over the last six months. Our growth is a direct result of the passion and dedication our team brings to the table every day. We are committed to delivering top-tier sports coverage to our fans, whether it’s on-air, online, or in the community. We are grateful for the support of our fans and partners and look forward to continuing our impact, both in West Palm Beach and beyond.”
iHeartMedia names Judy Copier regional president for the Orlando/Melbourne market that includes talk
WTKS-FM and news/talk WFLF-AM in Orlando and news/talk WMMB in Melbourne. Copier most recently served the company as metro president in Salt Lake City. iHeartMedia division president Tom McConnell says, “Orlando/Melbourne is an important market for iHeartMedia with incredible growth potential. Judy is an exceptional leader and has delivered strong results in a number of executive roles. I am confident she will build upon the market’s incredible success and strong reputation with its listeners, advertising partners and the community.”
The presidential race; Jack Smith files a new indictment against Donald Trump; the Trump team Arlington National Cemetery incident; a federal judge pauses the Biden administration’s citizenship pathway for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens; Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg says Biden administration pressured Facebook to censor COVID-19 content; Israel launches a West Bank raid; January 6 rioter sentenced to four years in prison; and the late-summer heatwave affecting parts of the U.S. were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
By Walter Sabo
CEO, Sabo Media Action Partners
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling
Daily host, WPHT Philadelphia
Weekly host, Talk Media Network
As an industry, radio has a peculiar modesty. We diminish our magic and power in relating to listeners and colleagues by using the wrong slang terminology. May I suggest new “labelling” of commonly used radio terms?
Board Op. To a non-radio person that could be a game, piece of wood or diver. Let’s call it something romantic such as “Sound Shaper” or specific, “Audio Technician.”
Legacy Media. The worst. Sounds like an Ohio mall. Own our success, the reason radio has existed for 100+ years is that it moves product off the shelves. Call it what radio actually is: “Proven Media.”
Fill-in Host/Jock. Do you watch TV? A fill-in host is called a “Guest Star.” Radio presents a show – a show starring a remarkable host who can create entertainment without a writer or prompter. Only a “Guest Star” could be a worthy replacement. Yes, when I take time off from my WPHT daily show, they are introduced as “Guest Star.”
Account Executive. Learn from Apple: “Radio Evangelist.”
Air Shift. Good at the Ford plant or Amazon warehouse. Radio is not shift-work. Radio is show-business. Call your time-period what it is: “Show.”
I’m sure you can think of more.
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 “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. 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
As reported in the New York Post (8/26) by reporters Steven Vago, Steve Janoski and Carl Camanille, an assailant seized a 1010 WINS journalist by the hair and body-slammed her to the ground in a random senseless act outside the radio station office building, according to police and the victim. Kelly Dillon – a veteran New York City news and traffic reporter who was also with WCBS 880 – detailed the sudden attack in a Saturday TikTok video, describing how she was “assaulted on the streets of New York City, randomly, by a man” just after midnight Wednesday. “There are many crimes being committed – random acts, random attacks – on females on the streets,” Dillon said. “It’s not going away, and it’s not getting any better. And it’s getting much, much worse. And the media and the police are definitely downplaying this. It’s a huge, huge problem.” Dillon’s ordeal began when she left the Hudson Street office building and started heading home to New Jersey after finishing her last report of the night, she said. “The area is quite desolate at night, it’s a quiet neighborhood,” she said in the video. “I’m always on guard walking through the city as a young female alone.” Dillon added that she thinks city officials are trying to cover up such recent violence, which she believes is more widespread than people know and is being perpetrated by an organized group of men with a vendetta against women. “They’re absolutely trying to downplay this,” Dillon said of the city. “It cannot be downplayed. The streets are not safe for women or, honestly for anybody right now. But in particular, females. This felt very deliberate and planned.” The NYPD responded to the allegation in a statement to The Post on Sunday by recounting Dillon’s report of the attack and adding, “There are no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing.” Dillon said she is slowly recuperating from the shocking assault. “I can’t move my arm. At this point it’s still healing,” she said. “That’s quite painful. And just obviously, the whole body is in a tremendous level of pain from the body-slam, hitting the pavement and just the trauma, the whole situation.” To read the entire NY Post story, please click here.
Rutgers Men’s Basketball Moving to WFAN. Rutgers men’s basketball broadcasts are moving to Audacy’s WFAN-FM-AM, New York for the highly anticipated upcoming 2024-25 season.
WFAN will become the home for Rutgers football and men’s basketball with both sports housed together on the same station. Rutgers men’s basketball was previously heard on WCBS 880.
Catsimatidis Says He Was on Track to Acquire WCBS 880. On yesterday morning’s (8/26) installment of Sid Rosenberg’s “Sid & Friends” show on WABC, New York, station co-owner John Catsimatidis, boasted his Red Apple Media company was in negotiations to buy WCBS 880 from Audacy, but the deal went south due to complications stemming from the pending George Soros initiative to acquire a large chunk of Audacy. Catsimatidis indicated that he would have made WCBS a “B” station to WABC (whatever that means). He said, “We’re going to beef up our news {on WABC} and so we’re going to be better than [W]INS. We’re going to be better than WCBS ever was.”
The presidential race, the debate microphone disagreement, RFK, Jr’s endorsement of former President Donald Trump, the polls, the economy, the migrant crisis, the Israel-Hamas war, and the Russia-Ukraine war were some of the most talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (8/26) according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One today announced that The Dan Bongino Show podcast will offer a special two-hour edition today (8/26) the first day of hearings for the House Republicans’ independent investigation into the assassination attempt against former President Donald J. Trump led by Reps. Cory Mills (R-FL) and Eli Crane (R-AZ). Mills and Crane will be joined by Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Chip Roy (R-TX), and Matt Gaetz (R-FL) in this independent investigation. Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, will be one of three to testify at the forum, along with Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL officer, and Ben Shaffer, a Washington regional SWAT operator. Bongino will record the special edition of his podcast from The Heritage Foundation, also the site for the forum. The Dan Bongino Show podcast saw a surge in growth in July 2024 as listeners turned to Bongino for his expertise and insight as a former United States Secret Service agent following the assassination attempt against Trump just prior to the RNC.
2024 Graduates with Featured Speakers including
Erica Farber, Kim Johnson, and Trisha Yearwood
The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) and Xperi, joined forces for the successful execution and completion of the 16th annual “Rising Through the Ranks”program. The program began with a virtual session on Tuesday, August 13, and continued with in-person sessions on August 20-22 at the BMI Nashville office. Attendees were selected following an application process. The two-day curriculum focused on the specific needs of women in radio leadership or those aspiring to move into leadership positions. The program worked to enhance their overall knowledge and skills. The classroom materials, including participants’ notebooks, were sponsored by Mr. Master. Sessions included such topics as: Having it All, Building Your Personal Brand, Beyond Management: Unlocking the Leader Within, and Building Team Culture. Featured speakers included: Hartley Adkins, president, market groups, iHeartMedia; Rob Babin, EVP, radio, Cox Media Group; Danni Bruns, OM/PD of mornings, Cumulus Media; Kristin Cantrell, owner/CEO, Seven Mountains Media and CapCity Communications; Joe D’Angelo, SVP broadcast radio and digital audio, Xperi; Erica Farber, immediate past president/CEO, RAB; Kelli Frieler, owner, Vibrant Impact and director, Guaranty Digital Media; Kim Johnson, VP of professional development, RAB; Susan Larkin, COO, Audacy; Ruth Presslaff, board president, MIW; Jeff Schmidt, senior vice president, professional development, RAB; Erika Sylvia, market accounting manager, Houston/Dallas, Radio One; Sandye Taylor, SVP and chief DEI officer, BMI; Brooke Williams, SVP, membership, RAB; Trisha Yearwood, award-winning artist; and Linnae Young, EVP, operations and revenue development, Salem Media Group. The curriculum was customized to feature practical and real-world applications that participants can immediately utilize within their companies and for their personal development. “This year’s graduates join the 440 women who have participated and benefited from RAB’s Rising Through the Ranks,” noted Mike Hulvey, president/CEO, RAB. “We are immensely proud of the initiative and its impact on the business.”
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
Remember that song, by campy Leon Redbone?
If you’re doing a broadcast radio show, in this crowded audio arena, that’s your mission statement.
Tip: Round-off teases.
• I try not to scoff when I hear well-intentioned hosts dutifully plug something-coming-up “in seven minutes” or “at three fifty-three,” as though listeners were taking notes.
• Do make an appointment with listeners for what’s coming up. But simply, creatively, say that it’s “coming up.” Spare busy motorists the math with non-round numbers. When life’s a blur, nobody thinks they can wait seven minutes.
• Yesterday, a voice-tracking DJ on a 60s/70s/80s station sounded lots less robotic when he said “Years before ‘yadda-yadda-yadda,’ there was ‘Obladi Oblada,’ and the Beatles will sing it right after Fleetwood Mac” into “Say You Love Me.” He owned me for the next seven minutes.
Talking: Ditto. Tell me how I’ll be rewarded for not wandering-off. Especially effective: a question which includes “you” and/or “your,” the Magic Words.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “The Local Radio Advantage: Your 4-Week Tune-In Tune-Up” and “Close Like Crazy: Local Direct Leads, Pitches & Specs That Earned the Benjamins” and “Confidential: Negotiation Checklist for Weekend Talk Radio.” Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Last week, Podcast Movement was held in Washington, D.C. The conference featured speakers from the podcast industry who discussed the latest news and insights covering content, advertising, and podcast promotion. The Cumulus Media / Westwood One Audio Active Group® presented a keynote at the event along with Amplifi Media and System1. The topic of the discussion was “Unleashing the Power of Effective Audio Promos” and included findings from a study conducted in partnership with Knit, a survey platform that collects video responses. This week’s blog summarizes:
• Most podcast listeners are open to finding a new podcast: The majority of podcast listeners say they are at least open to finding a new podcast, if not actively searching. Only 15% of podcast listeners say they don’t try new podcasts.
• Context matters: Respondents said a good podcast promo is one that is relevant to the podcast it’s on when it is being promoted. Podcast promos that don’t match the context of the podcast are deemed as “bad” and sometimes consumers even zone out.
• Showmanship is important: Video respondents said that being entertaining in podcast promos is a good way to capture their attention.
WCBS 880 Final Tribute. Radio videographer and historian Art Vuolo has provided the industry with an aircheck of the three-hour WCBS 880 special from when it was repeated yesterday 8/25. With digital spot remover, he got it down to a total running time of 2:11:20. Reflecting on the special and the legendary station’s times, Vuolo tells TALKERS, “It was well done with a lot of news memories. Another great AM goes away. Sad.” The special can be heard by clicking here.
“This Old House” Personality Roger Cook Dies. TV Personality Roger Cook, a longtime landscape contractor on “This Old House,” passed away last week at the age of 70 after bravely waging a long battle with illness. “This Old House” got its start at Boston public media producer GBH in 1979. GBH president/CEO Susan Goldberg tells TALKERS, “Roger was a beloved mainstay of “This Old House” and he fully embodied the spirit of public television in his dedication to educating his audience in plain language about all nuances of landscaping. Roger leaves behind an unforgettable legacy for so many ‘This Old House’ fans and for GBH. He will be missed.” Please click here for more information.
The aftermath and analysis of the Democratic National Convention; the presidential race; RFK, Jr’s endorsement of former President Donald Trump; the escalation of the Israel-Hamas War; the economy; and the mpox outbreak in Africa were some of the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
A big question bouncing around the industry: Will AI-generated voices take jobs away from radio talk show hosts? 
In the opinion of TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, we are entering an era in which it is possible – even likely – for robot voices generated by artificial intelligence to replace at least some human talk show hosts, especially in the wake of relentless corporate cost-cutting by radio’s largest companies. On the music radio side, the process of “voice tracking,” although initially controversial, has become a widely employed budget-tightening process. However, voice tracking still employs organic talent to generate the verbal content.
AI, on the other hand, bypasses the human element completely. In a guest appearance yesterday (8/22) on the Manny Munoz mid-morning show on WIOD, Miami, in which the subject of AI was being discussed, Harrison said, “AI is upping the bar. If talk show hosts don’t stay on their game and avoid relying too heavily on the talking points – if they are not creative thinkers and leaders – they can easily be replaced by computer operators.” Harrison continued, “It won’t be too long from now – actually, it is already possible – that two robots could be having a plausible conversation if both have been fed all the talking points.” Harrison explained, “Each robot will have instant access to all the existent talking points at the speed of light. Robots are already beating human experts at Jeopardy or chess. The only thing a robot can’t do – at least for now – is to be creative outside the realm of what already exists in cyberspace. That’s the challenge facing anyone who wants to be a live traditional radio talk show host in this coming brave new world.” Harrison’s appearance on WIOD was part of his ongoing talk radio “Obsolete Slobs” tour in which he’s been promoting the Gunhill Road music video “Artificial Intelligence (No Robots Were Injured in the Production of this Song” (www.ObsoleteSlobs.com). To listen to the conversation between Munoz and Harrison, please click here.
Unaware that Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has a neurodivergent disability, 1130 WISN, Milwaukee host Jay Weber really stepped in it with a harsh post on X that he subsequently was compelled to apologetically remove – but not until after the damage was already done. Here’s what happened: The youngest child of the Democratic nominee for VP couldn’t contain his pride during his Dad’s acceptance speech at the DNC. 
At one point during the speech, after Tim Walz spoke directly to his family, Gus jumped up from his seat and could be seen tearfully saying: “That’s my dad! That’s my dad!” Many viewers were moved by Gus Walz’s emotional reaction to his father’s speech but not the conservative host whose response posted on X was widely condemned as offensive. According to a story by reporter Mary Spicuzza published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Weber posted, “Sorry, but this is embarrassing for both father and son. If the Walzs represent today’s American man, this country is screwed; ‘Meet my son, Gus. He’s a blubbering bitch boy. His mother and I are very proud.'” Weber deleted his post after facing online criticism. “I didn’t realize the kid was disabled, and have taken the post down,” Weber wrote. But the tweet was screenshotted and shared by Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Shawn Rolland and others to hold Weber accountable. Gus Walz, 17, has ADHD, an anxiety disorder, and a non-verbal learning disorder. Weber acknowledged regretting his action and concurred with his critics. “I agree. In an X fever, I broke one of my own long-standing rules when I saw the video,” Weber wrote. “I’ve said ‘the kids are off limits for decades,’ then fell into it myself. No excuses. Good reminder.” Kudos to Weber for quickly acknowledging his error.
To read the full Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, please click here.
Audacy Adds New Players to Its Talent Roster at BetQL Network. 
Audacy has announced a series of weekday programming updates for BetQL Network, the company’s network of sports betting content heard across its broadcast portfolio and digital platforms. Joining the network are Brad Evans, Sam Panayotovich and Femi Abebefe. Evans, a Fantasy Sports Writers Association Hall of Famer with nearly two decades of experience at Yahoo! Sports, Bally Sports and SiriusXM, will join Ryan Horvat on “BetMGM Tonight” (weekdays 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET). Panayotovich, recently a sports betting analyst for FOX Sports and NESN, will team up with Joe Ostrowski on “BetQL Daily” (weekdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. ET). Panayotovich also has experience with WGN Radio, NBC Sports and VSiN, and previously worked with Ostrowski on the original “Chicken Dinner Podcast.” Abebefe joins Nick Kostos on “You Better You Bet” – the #1 sports betting live show and podcast in the country (weekdays 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET). Abebefe joins BetQL Network from VSiN and previously served as a local sports anchor for KOMO-TV, Seattle. Evans succeeds Trysta Krick, who will continue as a contributor to Audacy’s 670 The Score in Chicago. Abebefe succeeds Ken Barkley, who recently announced his departure from the network.
Bold Gold Foundation Annual Event to Focus on “Enduring Importance of the American Revolution.” 
The non-profit arm of the Bold Gold Media Group, the Bold Gold Broadcast & Media Foundation, which supports educational programs that help students prepare for careers in broadcast journalism, has announced this year’s signature event will feature author and historian, Jack Warren, as keynote speaker. Warren’s recent book, “Freedom: The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution” will serve as this year’s theme. Attendees will receive a complimentary signed copy of the book. The Ninth Annual Event and Dinner will be held on Friday, September 20th at 6:00 pm in the Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Bold Gold president (and former TALKERS Humanitarian of the Year award recipient) Vince Benedetto tells TALKERS, “This year’s event will be an uplifting and inspirational examination of the extraordinary beginnings of the United States. The American Founding continues to be one of the most shining moments in human history, and its continued understanding is critical to the preservation of our civilization. We’ll also be highlighting and celebrating the enduring importance of our cornerstone rights of free speech and a free press.” The Bold Gold Foundation will also be honoring Northeast Pennsylvania business leader and philanthropist, Christopher Hackett, with The Atlas Award for Citizenship. Those interested in attending or sponsoring the event can make reservations online at: www.BoldGold.org. A limited number of complimentary tickets are available for students interested in a career in broadcast media, as well as for military members and first responders. Contact the Bold Gold Foundation for additional information.
The Democratic National Convention was the most talked-about story in news/talk media this week landing atop the Talkers TenTM including a wide array of issues connected to the presidential race. At #2 this week was the economy including inflation and jobs, followed by the U.S. migrant crisis at #3, the Israel-Hamas war at #4, and the Russia-Ukraine war at #5. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed in news/talk media during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.
As the iconic run of legendary WCBS Newsradio 880 in New York City draws to a close after 57 years of service to the Big Apple, the storied outlet presented a live special called “WCBS 880 News: The People, the Moments, and the Events that Shaped Our Lives,” running today (8/22) between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm (still on air at press time). The event will replay this weekend. Familiar voices such as Charles Osgood, Charles Kuralt, Wayne Cabot, Deborah Rodriguez are just some of the hundreds of larger-than-life personalities to call the station home for more than half a century. While live anecdotes and tributes poured in from former on-air anchors and staff, the only news elements that ran during the time were weather and traffic. A party atmosphere blared every time the studio door opened. Wayne Cabot, hosting a portion of the morning, drew attention to this by saying, “And as you can hear from the newsroom, our own colleagues are not listening to us – as usual.” The radio station’s owner, Audacy, will keep the 24/7 all-news format in New York with 1010 WINS. The call letters WCBS will retire and emerge as ESPN New York and WHSQ-AM on August 26.
Since leaving his lofty media perch on the FOX News Channel in 2017, news/talk media commentator Bill O’ Reilly has been flourishing as an author, entrepreneur, and independent talk media personality. He continues to turn out chart topping best-seller books – his latest title: Confronting the Presidents (St. Martin’s Press 2024) – and his website BillOReilly.com has proven to be a formidable platform housing a variety of his programs, properties, and projects. His digital video show “No Spin News” is the talk media centerpiece of his sprawling empire consisting of internet and radio shows and he makes non-stop widely-consumed guest appearances on other personalities’ shows which continue to raise his profile and promote his various enterprises. The metrics for his shows are stunning. His total combined internet views for July 2024: 26 million. YouTube views: 20 million. Podcast feed: five million downloads. From June 1 to August 18, 2024: 43 million views on YouTube. His show is seen on Direct TV, The First TV, Pluto, U-Verse, Roku, as well as on Apple and Amazon TV apps. @BillOReilly has 3.3 million followers on X. 2.4 million followers on Facebook. Approximately 300 radio stations carry No Spin News including its flagship WABC, New York. His friendly July interview by Jon Stewart garnered five million broadcast views and millions more on social media. It was the number one podcast on Apple worldwide. O’ Reilly tells TALKERS, “The new media world is here. Corporate domination receding fast. Survival of the fittest in cyberspace. My operation is up for it!”
Audacy has announced a series of weekday programming updates for sports talkers WEEI-FM-AM, Boston. Afternoon show co-host Adam Jones and weeknight host Rich Keefe will reunite for a new midday show. The duo, who previously hosted a top-rated evening show together for multiple years in the market, will deliver a blend of sports and lifestyle entertainment, on weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm ET beginning August 26. The station elevates Andy Hart as afternoon show co-host alongside Christian Arcand. “The WEEI Afternoon Show” will be heard weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET beginning August 27. The show will welcome various special guests throughout the week, including the New England Patriots starting quarterback (whomever that turns out to be), Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, ESPN insider Adam Schefter and former NBA player and current NBC Sports Boston Celtic analyst Brian Scalabrine. Former afternoon show co-host Megan Ottolini will remain with the station as a full-time writer, succeeding Hart, and as a fill-in on-air host. “These exciting updates bring together a dynamic mix of talent with New England roots that will continue to deliver top-tier content to Boston’s biggest sports fans,” says Mike Thomas, SVP/market manager, Audacy Boston. “Adam Jones and Rich Keefe’s notable on-air styles and rapport will energize our midday show, while Andy Hart and Christian Arcand’s experience will help bolster afternoon drive. We’re looking forward to this next chapter of WEEI weekdays continuing to make WEEI the go-to destination for everything Boston sports.”
IBS National Conference Set for 2025. The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) has announced its annual conference will be coming back to New York City next year. Set for March 7-8, 2025, the nation’s longest running, largest and most important gathering of college radio broadcasters will be held again at the Sheraton Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. Organizers have plans in the works for activities like additional sessions and tours during the day on Thursday, March 6 as well. Early registrants can save big bucks. $109 per person for up to 10 attendees, then the rest of your staff goes for free! This offer ends October 15, (and then prices and group deals go up). TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who was a featured speaker at last year’s conference says, “One of the most dynamic scenes in radio today connecting the present with the future is playing out on college campuses across the nation. Professional broadcasters interested in the future of this medium and industry should attend this event. I always come away from it invigorated and inspired.” For more info on IBSNYC 2025, please click here.
Sterling Shines in Philly. In the first two months since the debut of “Sterling Every Damn Night” on WPHT, Philadelphia, the quirky 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight talk show hosted by Walter M Sterling (a.k.a. legendary media consultant Walter Sabo) has been gathering jaw dropping metrics. The show has delivered five times the total share of audience 12+ since the same time last year and has proven to be formidably competitive in every key news/talk radio demo. What makes it so interesting on an industry level is its departure from the standard left-right partisan politics that dominates the news/talk format. It covers what is described as “nightly life” – such as the trouble with customer service, in-laws, schools, and romance. What one talks about with their best friends is what the show discusses. Features on the show include listener calls, plus “People of Walmart,” “True Detective Stories,” and new perspectives on current events: Sterling had the first interview with a citizen of Ukraine while bombs were going off, and a Tel Aviv bus driver sharing thoughts on America’s alleged lack of support for Israel. The show is designed for guards up all night in the building lobby, people getting done with second shift, going on third shift, cramming for finals or trying to get the baby to sleep. This is a show that deserves radio industry attention.