Industry News

Kelly Crull Joins “680 The Fan” Full Time

Dickey Broadcasting names sports journalist and broadcaster Kelly Crull a full-time member of sports talk WCNN, Atlanta 680 The Fan’s on-air staff. Dickey says Crull will serve as a “utility player across theimg company’s media platforms, bringing her energy, expertise, and signature charisma to a wide array of content.” Crull will be full-time co-host of “The Buck Belue Show” and will make regular appearances on “The Locker Room” morning show, in addition to leading efforts to expand Dickey Broadcasting’s digital footprint through original podcast content and cross-platform storytelling. Station president and GM David Dickey says, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Kelly on board full time. She’s the kind of multi-talented broadcaster that elevates everyone around her. Whether she’s behind the mic, in front of the camera, or developing digital content, Kelly brings a passion and professionalism that align perfectly with our mission to inform, entertain, and connect with sports fans across Georgia and beyond.”

Industry News

Salzone Rises to OM at Saga Ithaca

Saga Communications’ Ithaca, New York Cayuga Media Group promotes WHCU-AM news director Joeimg Salzone to operations manager for the 10-station cluster. Salzone will take over for Chris Allinger who is retiring at the end of August. Cayuga Media Group president and GM Chet Osadchey says, “Joe is an incredibly hard-working and knowledgeable broadcast professional. He will be a guiding force in our continued evolution as a local media source.”

Industry News

FPF Files Ethics Complaint Against FCC’s Carr

The Freedom of the Press Foundation files an ethics complaint against Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr alleging “egregious misconduct.” The complaint was filed with the District of Columbia Court of Appeals’ Office of Disciplinary Counsel and points to Carr’s public statementsimg and actions prior to the Paramount-Skydance merger. Paramount’s CBS agreed to a settlement with President Donald Trump over a Kamala Harris interview on “60 Minutes.” The complaint says, “Everyone from U.S. senators to CBS employees to a dissenting FCC commissioner has said the settlement appears to have been a bribe to grease the wheels for Carr’s FCC to approve the merger. Even putting Paramount aside, Carr has pursued numerous other frivolous and unconstitutional legal proceedings and threatened more of them in furtherance in his efforts to intimidate broadcast licensees to censor themselves and fall in line with Trump’s agenda.” It goes on to say, “Carr’s actions brazenly violate legal and ethical standards that govern the practice of law and public officials, undermining the First Amendment, the FCC’s credibility, and the laws he is trusted to administer. His abuse of his office to force an unwarranted settlement of a private lawsuit is shameful and warrants disbarment.”

Industry News

The Ticket’s “Musers” Debut New Podcast

Cumulus Media announces that KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas-Fort Worth “The Ticket” morning drive show “Theimg Musers” – starring George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith – is joining the Cumulus Podcast Network. Calling it a natural extension of the daily radio program, Cumulus says “The Musers: The Podcast” will deliver exclusive podcast-only segments that fans won’t hear anywhere else. A new episode drops each Wednesday.

Industry News

95.5 WSB’s Care-a-Thon Raises $2.1 Million

Last week (7/24-25), Cox Media Group’s news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta hosted the 25th annual “95.5 WSB Care-a-Thon,” benefiting the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcareimg of Atlanta. And raised an event record of more than $2.1 million. WSB director of operations Ken Charles says, “95.5 WSB has the most generous listeners in the country, without them this is not possible. I am blessed to work with the most passionate, dedicated and hardworking team in the business. I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved over these incredible and inspirational 38 hours.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

KUT, Austin Promotes MacLaggan. Public radio outlet KUT, Austin, Texas names Corrie MacLaggan executive editor of KUT News and The Texas Newsroom, effective September 1. She will lead editorial strategy, support collaboration across teams, and focus on growing audiences across digital, radio, and on-demand platforms. She currently serves as managing editor of The Texas Newsroom and will retain oversight of that collaborative, while dedicating more time to KUT News and Texas Standard.

WOR Renews NYC Marathon Deal. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR, New York and New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that produces 60 annual adult and youth races including the TCS New York City Marathon, agree to a new multi-year expansion of their official radio broadcast partnership. The deal is part of New York Road Runners’ newly launched content studio, East 89th St Productions, and aims to bring the transformative stories of the running community to iHeartMedia’s listeners across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms.

RMWorldTravel Hosts Secretary Duffy. Last weekend, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy was the guest of hosts Robert and Mary Carey during the live national broadcast of RMWorldTravel during the “Chief Travel Leader” conversation. Secretary Duffy and the Careys talked about what’s been accomplished in the first six months of the Trump administration and what lies ahead. Listen to the segment here.

WFAN and Giants Extend Deal. The New York Giants and Audacy’s WFAN, New York extend their play-by-play partnership. WFAN will continue as the flagship station of the team, and as part of the extension, the team will produce monthly Giants programming throughout the year and will continue its weekly preview show, “Big Blue Kickoff Live.” Tiki Barber joins Giants.com’s John Schmeelk as the new pre- and post-game co-host for Giants gameday broadcasts. The voice of the Giants, Bob Papa, alongside Carl Banks and Howard Cross, will continue their in-game responsibilities.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/29)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Colleges Settle with Trump Administration
2. The Fed and Interest Rates
3. The Epstein Files
4. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations
5. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

Industry News

WWO: Amazon Prime Day Powered by Audio

This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at the recent Amazon Prime Day (July 8-11) and audio’s role in marketing the annual sale event. Data by Quantilope reveals a number of takeaways, including: 1) Leading all media in Amazon Prime Day 2025 purchases were AM/FM radio listeners (53%), followed by ad-supported music streaming (47%) and podcast (44%) consumers. Ad-supported audio listeners were more likely to shop Amazon Prime Day than the online video audience, socialimg media users, and linear TV viewers. Ad-supported audio listeners are more likely to be Amazon Prime members, spend more, and were more aware of Amazon Prime Day 2025; 2) Ad-supported audio (AM/FM radio, music streaming, and podcasts) are ideal media platforms for retailers and e-commerce brands: Heavy audio listeners are more likely to shop online. Heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners spend more online than TV viewers; 3) AM/FM radio makes your TV better – “20 gets you 50”: A 20% shift of a TV media budget to AM/FM radio generates a +50% increase in campaign reach. Nielsen Media Impact campaign optimizations reveal shifting media weight to AM/FM radio generates significantly more reach, especially among younger 18-49 demographics. AM/FM radio does an extraordinary job in increasing campaign reach among light TV viewers who will not see retailer TV ads; and 4) Audio holiday AM/FM radio campaigns work: Consumers exposed to an Amazon holiday AM/FM radio campaign have higher brand equity (awareness, ad recall, prior purchase, and purchase intent). Nielsen sales effect studies reveal AM/FM radio campaigns for retailers generate significant return on advertising spend: $15 dollars of incremental sales for every dollar of AM/FM radio advertising. See the full bog post here.

Industry News

Date and Details Set for 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion in SoCal

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Many readers and subscribers of TALKERS trace their radio industry roots back to the golden days when the radio programming and record promotion businesses were so symbiotic that the major trade publication serving this two-headed conglomeration was actually called Radio & Records: “The Industry’s Newspaper.”

On September 10, 2025, music and radio industry veterans from across the USA will come together at the 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion. The event will again take place at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The Music Industry Reunion prides itself on bringing together the best of the music business from around the world for this special evening of memories, laughter, and hugs. Past reunions in New York and Los Angeles have reunited over 500 industry influencers, industry legends and icons as well as the brightest radio, music, management, publicity, and marketing professionals in the business. Attendees can enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres as well as chips and salsa, along with $5 tequila shots. Additionally, the Sagebrush Cantina’s full menu will be available to purchase.

According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “For those of us who were lucky enough to be a part of that wild and crazy chapter of pop culture biz history – especially as it played out in Southern California – this is one of the greatest, most beloved industry events of the year… pure history, nostalgia, and fun!”

Advance tickets are $35 (+Eventbrite service processing fee) and available at this link: https://tinyurl.com/mir10th

The luxurious Anza Hotel has King Suites available at a special Music Industry Reunion rate of $118, which includes access to the hotel’s bar, pool, gym, and free parking. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the event. Use Code: 250911LA10 at 818.222.5300 or follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/mir10hotel

Connect with The Music Industry Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MusicBusinessReunion The 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion is coordinated by legendary music biz promoters Jon Scott and Kenny Ryback. Jon Scott 818.601.1283 jonpaulscott@gmail.com Kenny Ryback 747.666.5465 kenny.ryback@gmail.com

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/28)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. The Epstein Files
2. Gaza Starvation Controversy
3. Fed Interest Rate
4. Deadly NYC Shooting
5. U.S.-E.U. Trade Deal

Industry News

Thomas Adds Saturday Show to TMN Offering

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Talk radio host Joe Thomas says his Talk Media Network-syndicated program “First Thing Today” is launching a live Saturday morning edition beginning August 2. Thomas says, “The workplace paradigm has changed. Most Americans work just as much on Saturday as they do Monday-Friday, so they need to be up on the news and need a chance to talk about it just as much then.” He notes that his first affiliate for this Saturday edition is JVC Broadcasting’s WRCN, Riverhead, New York (Long Island). Thomas says, “WRCN is where my career really took off. I learned so much there, met my wife there, had our first child while I was there so it was a thrill to hear that John Caracciolo and JVC were bringing me back to 103.9 FM on Long Island for the first time since 1995!” Stations interested in the show can inquire via: willis@talkmedianetwork.com.

Industry News

Warshaw’s Soros Fund Management Suit Changes Venues

Both parties in Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw’s suit against Soros Fund Management and Michael Del Nin agreed to moving the matter from Superior Court in Bridgeport, Connecticut to the Complex Litigation Docket in Stamford. Warshaw is suing for breach of contract, unfair trade practicesimg and more in alleging that he had a deal with Del Nin in 2022 and began working together “to try to acquiring Cox Radio, with Del Nin agreeing that Warshaw would manage the business as CEO upon successful acquisition.” Warshaw also says he steered SFM and Del Nin to the deal that made SFM a majority stake holder of the new Audacy in early 2024 and alleges he was promised he’d be the next CEO of Audacy or that he would get 5% of SFM’s profits from the Audacy acquisition. As for the change of venue, both parties agree the case involves both complex legal issues and a claim for monetary damages. The defendants says it’s likely to require resolution of “complicated legal and factual issues.” (Del Nin has already moved to dismiss on jurisdiction grounds, which involves questions of constitutional law.) Plus, SFM anticipates the case will benefit from careful discovery oversight as it will need discovery from Warshaw as well as potentially from third parties, including from Connoisseur and the other investment firms Warshaw references in the Complaint.

Industry News

Artist and Wayne Allyn Root Commemorate Hit Song

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Talk media personality Wayne Allyn Root (center) is pictured above with Christian music singer-songwriter Natasha Owens (left) presenting him with a plaque commemorating her song “The Chosen One” for hitting 2 billion social media views. Root, who is credited as one of the four writers of the song, says Owens based it on his calling Donald Trump “the chosen one” on his Newsmax TV show.

Industry News

Commissioners Differ Starkly on Paramount-Skydance Merger

Last week’s FCC approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger on a 2-1 vote revealed dramatically different takes on the matter from FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty – who voted for it – and FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez – who voted against. While Trusty issued a statement about the merger positioning it as a winimg for free markets, Gomez called out the FCC’s role and Paramount for “cowardly capitulation.” Trusty said, “This transaction reflects the free market at work, where private investment, not government intervention, is preserving an iconic American media institution. During its review of the transaction, the Commission determined the merger was lawful and would serve the public interest.  This deal brings fresh imgleadership, new capital, and a clear plan to compete with dominant tech platforms.” Gomez stated, “In an unprecedented move, this once-independent FCC used its vast power to pressure Paramount to broker a private legal settlement and further erode press freedom. Once again, this agency is undermining legitimate efforts to combat discrimination and expand opportunity by overstepping its authority and intervening in employment matters reserved for other government entities with proper jurisdiction on these issues. Even more alarming, it is now imposing never-before-seen controls over newsroom decisions and editorial judgment, in direct violation of the First Amendment and the law… The Paramount payout and this reckless approval have emboldened those who believe the government can – and should – abuse its power to extract financial and ideological concessions, demand favored treatment, and secure positive media coverage. It is a dark chapter in a long and growing record of abuse that threatens press freedom in this country.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (7/26-27)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. The Epstein Files / Maxwell Interviews
2. U.S.-EU Tariff Deal
3. Trump in Scotland
4. Trump vs The Fed
5. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

Industry News

Edison: AM/FM Grabs 34% of Daily Audio Time

According to the Q2 2025 portion of Edison Research’s ongoing Share of Ear study, AM/FM radio (and itsimg streams) make up 34% of the daily audio time of U.S. consumers ages 13+. Looking at what makes up the other 66% of daily audio time it’s interesting to note that media platforms that didn’t exist (or were very new) 20 years ago make up a combined 54% of daily audio time. Those media platforms are streaming music (23%), YouTube (14%), podcasts (10%), and SiriusXM (7%).

Industry News

Court Vacates Biden-Era TV Regs; Doesn’t Do Same for Radio

On Thursday (7/24), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit vacated key portions of the FCC’s 2023 order from its 2018 Quadrennial Review, including the so-called “top-four prohibition” regarding televisionimg station ownership. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued a statement expressing his pleasure with that move but said he’s disappointed the Court didn’t do the same for radio. LeGeyt says, “At the same time, we are disappointed that the court stopped short of addressing the decades-old radio ownership restrictions that defy economic reality and weaken broadcasters’ ability to compete, invest in local journalism and serve their communities. Fortunately, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has long been a champion for empowering local stations, and we look forward to working with this FCC to modernize its local radio ownership rules and ensure local broadcasters can thrive in the communities they serve across the nation.”

Industry News

ESPN Re-Ups “Mason & Ireland”

ESPN announces a multi-year agreement with Steve Mason and John Ireland, co-hosts of KSPN, Losimg Angeles’ “Mason & Ireland” show to continue in that role. ESPN EVP, executive editor, sports news and entertainment David Roberts says, “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Steve and John. They bring energy, humor, and perspective that resonate with listeners across Los Angeles. There’s nothing quite like ‘Mason & Ireland’ in the market or in sports radio.”

Industry News

Rare 42-Year-Old Ozzy Interview (1983) Conducted by Michael Harrison Resurfaces from the Archives

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The TALKERS Media Channel on YouTube has posted a gem from the deep past. This rare interview has not been seen for 42 years! The legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne appeared as a guest on Michael Harrison‘s “Harrison’s Mike” pioneering cable TV show. Harrison was also a DJ and talk show host on KMET at the time, as well as a nationally syndicated radio personality and trade magazine editor/columnist. At that time, Ozzy was a heavy metal icon at the peak of his badass image, on a hot solo career three years past his decade with Black Sabbath and was considered controversial – even dangerous – by the mainstream media. This amazingly candid conversation, showing the “real” Ozzy Osbourne, took place in the backyard of Harrison’s home in Woodland Hills, CA which often doubled as a sound stage for the TV show. To view the interview in its entirety, please click here.

Industry News

New Frequency, Same Mission: iHeartMedia Norfolk Announces the Debut of the New BIN 92.1 FM, Norfolk’s Black Information Network

iHeartMedia Norfolk announced today (7/25) the debut of BIN 92.1 FM, Norfolk’s Black Information Network, effective immediately.  The Black Information Network has transitioned from 105.3 FM (WNOH) to its new home at 92.1 FM (WHBT), where it will continue delivering what is described as “nonstop, reliable news coverage shaped by the Black community.”  According to iHeartMedia Norfolk market president, Denene Moore, “Listeners can count on the same high-quality journalism, in-depth reporting, and culturally relevant storytelling—now on 92.1 FM and available on the iHeartRadio app.”  Moore continues, “BIN has become a vital voice in communities across the country, and we’re proud to continue that trusted news and perspective here in Norfolk. This move ensures that our listeners have access to the stories that matter most, told through a lens that reflects their experiences and voices.”

Industry News

Cumulus to Release Q2 Numbers

Industry News

“The Big 89” Returns (for Two Hours): WLS, Chicago to Pay Tribute to its Music Radio Glory Days

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Tomorrow night 7/26) listeners can hear “WLS Unwound: Personalities of the MusicRadio Years.” A gathering of air talent from the legendary days of top 40 radio will get-together in the WLS, Chicago lakefront studios to talk about the glory days of when WLS was the Midwest powerhouse for hits and known as “The Rock of Chicago!”  Scheduled to appear: Tommy Edwards, Chuck Knapp, Catherine Johns, Chuck Buell, Jim Kerr and others who may just happen to drop by. This exciting radio event will be hosted by WLS historian Scott Childers, who literally wrote the book on the legendary radio station, now a major talk outlet. Art Vuolo will be archiving the show on video, while Ted Gorden Smucker, Bill Shannon, Tim Larson, Travis Bravo, and Kipper McGee make it all work in harmony. The broadcast will take place Saturday night (tomorrow) on WLS-AM 890 at 10:00 pm CDT

WLS is also available online at wlsam.com.

Lots of great audio clips will also be included. Click below to hear one of the many great promos that WLS is featuring this week. https://app.box.com/s/zyu3elud2u11zrlqy8gxdq3zyy5g80du

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (July 21 – 25, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/21-7/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. The Epstein Files
2. The Economy / Trump vs Powell
3. Trump Negotiates with Colleges
4. U.S.-Japan Tariff Deal
5. Gaza Violence-Food Crisis
6. House Approves “Golden Dome” Funding
7. ICE Raids
8. Coldplay Couple
9. Extreme Weather
10.Ozzy Osbourne/Malcom Jamal Warner/Hulk Hogan/Chuck Mangione Deaths

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Ghislaine Maxwell
4. Jerome Powell
5. Mike Johnson
6. Scott Bessent
7. Marco Rubio
8. Andy Byron / Kristin Cabot
9. Ozzy Osbourne / Malcolm Jamal Warner
10.Hulk Hogan / Chuck Mangione

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

Industry News

Edison: Podcast Consumption Hits Record High

Edison Research releases its latest study, The Podcast Consumer 2025 that it says “charts the continued rise of podcast listening in the U.S and underscores the significant appeal of video podcasts.” Among the takeaways from this report are: 1) Podcast consumption continues at a record high: 73% of those ages 12+img have ever consumed a podcast, 55% have consumed a podcast in the last month, and 40% have consumed a podcast in the last week, each measure being an all-time high; 2) Video podcast consumption has redefined the podcast landscape: Over half (51%) of the U.S. 12+ population has ever watched a video podcast; 37% have watched a video podcast in the last month and 26% have watched a video podcast in the last week. Those who actively watch video podcasts are younger and more diverse than those who only listen to audio-only podcasts; and 3) Podcasts offer high engagement and trust from listeners: 88% of weekly podcast consumers agree that hearing ads is a fair price to pay for free content; 68% say they don’t mind hearing ads on podcasts. You can see The Podcast Consumer 2025 here.

Industry News

Eric Bolling Joins New Citizen-Owned Media Platform

Former FOX Broadcasting, Red Seat Ventures, and Newsmax talk host and journalist Eric Bolling is the new senior communications manager and partner at Re:Public, the new “citizen-powered media platform forimg local communities and civic issues.” According to a press statement, Bolling will assist in guiding Re:Public’s strategic communications, serve as voice of the platform in national and regional media, and assist with outreach as Re:Public expands throughout the United States. Bolling says, “Re:Public is an innovative new platform that returns the voice of ordinary Americans to the center of our public life. Local news has been dominated by goliath corporations for too long. Re:Public empowers people with the ability to report what is important in their own neighborhoods — unfiltered, uncensored, and held accountable.”

Industry News

WJR’s Lloyd Jackson Named Voice of Detroit People Mover

Cumulus Media announces that “JR in the Morning” co-host Lloyd Jackson is the official voice of the Detroitimg People Mover, the city of Detroit’s elevated public transportation system. The city makes the announcement as the People Mover celebrates its 38th anniversary and Jackson becomes the first new voice for the system’s on-board station announcements in over 30 years. The WJR personality’s voice will now greet thousands of riders daily, both on the trains and from the station platforms. In addition to station announcements, Jackson will also be heard on a series of welcome messages, greeting riders from the station platforms.