The most discussed stories yesterday (6/9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Orders National Guard and Marines to LA Protests
2. RFK Jr Fires CDC Vaccine Panel
3. U.S.-China Trade Talks
4. Israel Deports Greta Thunberg
5. Russia-Ukraine War
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
This coming Sunday, June 15, is Father’s Day. For that day – and the Friday before (hint-hint) – you might have already readied Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s In The Cradle” and The Winstons’ “Color Him Father” and Dan Fogelberg’s wistful “Leader of the Band.”
Regardless of your format – yes, news/talk stations – hear-me-now-and-believe-me-later: “The Men in My Little Girl’s Life” by Mike Douglas. Guaranteed Kleenex material. Don’t even intro it. Just hit it cold and play the whole thing. You’ll hear about it.
GREAT call-in topic: “The best advice he ever gave you?” You will save the aircheck. Callers – some chuckling, others choking-back-tears – tell stories.
And if you still have your Dad, give the lug a hug. If he’s not still around, I suspect that you will find, as my brothers and sisters and I have, that he never really leaves you.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke
Talk host Tom Shattuck’s contract was not renewed at Audacy’s news/talk WTIC-AM, Hartford and his last
show was on Friday (6/6). Shattuck – whose career includes time spent as producer of Boston Herald Radio, producer and host at WRKO and WTKK-FM in Boston, as well as editor at the Boston Herald – hosted the midday show at WTIC for the past four years. He also produces and hosts the podcast, “Burn Barrel,” and will continue with that effort. Audacy is going syndicated in the daypart featuring FOX News Radio’s “The Brian Kilmeade Show” followed by “The Erick Erickson Show.”
According to a report by Axios Philadelphia, urban talk outlet WURD-AM/W241CH, Philadelphia is cutting four staffers from the payroll in a move “meant to ensure the station’s long-term survival.” Affected by the cuts are “Reality Check” host Tonya Pendleton, her lead producer Troy Wilmore, content writer Kiara
Santos, and one other employee. According to a memo to staff from WURD CEO and president Sara Lomax wrote praising those affected for their “meaningful contributions to our station, our community, and our city. This decision was not made lightly. As an independent media radio station, it is imperative that we maintain our ability to give Black Philadelphia a voice and a place to make their voices heard.” She also wrote, “I’m very confident we will survive and thrive. “It’s time like this that outlets like WURD are needed more than ever. We want to be around for another 22 years and another 22 after that.”
In a ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss issued yesterday (6/8), he writes that the court recognizes the independence of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting: “Congress intended to preclude the President (or any subordinate officials acting at his direction) from directing, supervising, or controlling
the Corporation” because it was established to be a private non-profit corporation independent from governmental control or influence. This comes after the Trump administration attempted to remove three of the CPB’s board of directors – Laura G. Ross, Thomas E. Rothman, and Diane Kaplan – earlier this year. CPB CEO Patricia Harrison says, “We are very pleased that the Court recognized CPB is an independent, non-profit corporation, free from governmental control or influence, and CPB, board and management, looks forward to continuing our work with policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan public media is available for all Americans.”
Pictured above is nationally syndicated talk host Todd Starnes delivering a keynote address at the National Association of Christian Lawmakers’ national policy conference at Liberty University. Starnes was recently named to the board of the NACL.
Talk Media Network nationally syndicated host Joe Thomas is broadcasting his “First Thing Today” program
all this week from Palm Springs, California at “Freedomfest.” Thomas tells TALKERS that at the event – billed as “The Largest Gathering of Free Minds”—he will cover everything from farming to energy and, of course, free markets. Thomas also operates Thomas Media LLC which owns news/talk WTON, Staunton/Waynesboro/Harrisonburg.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. LA ICE Protests-National Guard Callup
2. Abrego Garcia Returned to U.S.
3. Gaza Aid Ship Intercepted
4. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations
5. ABC Suspends Terry Moran
Following Connoisseur Media’s proposed acquisition of Alpha Media, Connoisseur announces two changes involving company executives. Kristin Okesson, currently the senior vice president and market manager of Connoisseur Connecticut, expands her responsibilities to oversee the company’s Long Island radio stations. The company says, “Okesson brings decades of experience, a deep understanding of local
suburban New York market dynamics, and a proven track record of audience engagement, operational excellence along with cultivating client and community relationships.” At the same time, Connoisseur chief operating officer David Bevins, who has been overseeing Long Island operations for the past five years in addition to his corporate responsibilities, will now focus on major corporate initiatives. The company says Bevins will play a key role in managing the transition of Alpha Media into Connoisseur Media. CEO Jeffrey Warshaw comments, “These leadership changes reflect our confidence in our team and our vision for Connoisseur’s future. Kristin and David exemplify the kind of forward-thinking, community-driven leadership that defines our brand. As we grow, we are excited to have their expertise guiding both our legacy markets and new additions.”
At the end of the business day today (6/6), the Federal Communications Commission is without a quorum of three commissioners. Democrat Commissioner Geoffrey Starks previously announced his exit from the
Commission and Republican Commissioner Nathan Simington abruptly announced his departure from his commissioner role earlier this week. President Trump nominated Olivia Trusty for the open seat that existed prior to Starks’ and Simington’s departures but that has been stalled in the Senate. Interestingly, FOX News reports that Simington’s chief of staff Gavin Wax is being floated as a potential nominee, according to “a source close to the FCC.” Regardless, the Senate needs to get at least one nominee confirmed soon as the Commission’s ability to do business is disrupted.
WSB, Atlanta-based, nationally syndicated talk host Erick Erickson is launching a new podcast that gives
fans their “essential end-of-day rundown of the four most important stories breaking while you were busy.” The Erickson show says “4 Things to Know This Afternoon” delivers “smart analysis of the four biggest headlines shaping the nation and the world in less than ten minutes. From national security to culture, economics to politics, Erick distills the noise into clarity – cutting through the spin with conviction, context, and a clear-eyed view of where things stand.”
FOX News Radio nationally syndicated personality Jimmy Failla (right) is being added to the program schedule at iHeartMedia’s WOR, New York, effective June 9 airing in the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight daypart. WOR program director Tom Cuddy (left) says, “Known for his sharp wit, fearless takes and refreshing lightness in the political world, we are delighted to welcome Jimmy to the WOR family and to be heard in his hometown. Jimmy’s show informs and entertains, which is a perfect combination for our tri-state area audience.”
Change of Corporate Officers at iHeartMedia. In an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, iHeartMedia states that it has transitioned Scott Hamilton from his role as the its principal accounting officer to a consulting arrangement. Michael B. McGuinness, the company’s executive vice president, deputy chief financial officer, is designated as the company’s principal accounting officer. iHeartMedia states, “Mr. Hamilton’s change in status is not the result of any dispute or disagreement with the company, including with respect to any matters relating to the company’s accounting practices or financial reporting.”
SiriusXM Announces U.S. Open Coverage. SiriusXM is the exclusive national audio broadcaster for the 125th U.S. Open Championship, and will offer live shot-by-shot coverage across all four days of Championship play – June 12-15 – from Oakmont Country Club, outside Pittsburgh. The broadcast team will feature Taylor Zarzour and Brian Katrek as the play-by-play voices, alongside analysts Steve Melnyk and Brendon de Jonge. Three-time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin will join the SiriusXM team on air to provide analysis during the Saturday and Sunday rounds.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/2-6/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Trump-Musk War
2. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt / Debt Ceiling
3. Medicaid Cuts
4. Trump vs Harvard & Columbia
5. ICE Raids / Deportations
6. Trump Doubles Steel & Aluminum Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
7. Colorado Fire Attack
8. Biden Health Coverup / Biden Actions Investigation
9. Ukraine Drone Strikes on Russia / Deadly Gaza Violence
10.Travel Ban / Iran Nukes
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Elon Musk
3. Mike Johnson
4. Rand Paul / Mike Lee
5. Linda McMahon
6. Xi Jinping
7. Volodymyr Zelensky
8. Joe Biden
9. Mohamed Soliman
10.Benjamin Netanyahu
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
Republican FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington – who joined the Commission during President Trump’s first term – surprised the industry on Wednesday (6/4) by issuing a statement announcing his exit from the Commission. He said, “I will be concluding my tenure at the Federal Communications Commission at the
end of this week. It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve the American people as a Commissioner. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this responsibility by President Donald J. Trump during his first term. The Commission is in excellent hands under the leadership of my distinguished colleague, Chairman Brendan T. Carr, and is supported by an extraordinary staff whose dedication to public service is second to none. Throughout my tenure, I worked to defend free expression, safeguard national security, and promote infrastructure investment to benefit all Americans… I look forward to continuing to serve the public interest in the years ahead and to contributing to the vital conversations surrounding our communications infrastructure, national security, and technological leadership. I remain committed to advancing the cause of limited government, free speech, and American innovation. These principles guided my time at the Commission and will continue to shape my future endeavors. As I move forward, I remain committed to shaping the future of communications policy and will continue to advocate for the values and priorities that have guided my public service.”
Longtime news radio pro Kathy Walker announces that she is “sunsetting” her life as a full-time broadcaster
and regional news director position with iHeartMedia’s KOA, Denver. She says, “iHeartMedia has graciously agreed to keep me part time, so you will still hear me anchor a newscast here or there… I have been honored to talk and write my way through 35 years at KOA.”
iHeartMedia’s news/talk WHO-AM, Des Moines “NewsRadio 1040 WHO” is launching a new agriculture program titled, “We Speak Farm Saturday,” airing from 5:00 am to 7:00 am. The station says that longtime WHO-AM farm director Bob Quinn, along with co-farm director Duane Murley, producer of ‘The Big Show’
Nathan Fischer, and fellow farm department contributors are teaming up to produce the debut show this Saturday (6/7). WHO adds, “‘We Speak Farm Saturday’ builds upon all that’s delivered throughout the week during ‘The Big Show’ with a Market Recap, a weekly ‘Agriculture USA’ segment from the USDA, insightful conversations on Iowa farming, agronomy and food, and will also cover topics such as gardening, farmers markets, rodeos and county fairs.” WHO program director Cole Blair comments, “We are always looking to deliver more for the hard-working farmers and all those involved in Iowa’s agriculture industry at WHO, so we’re proud to expand our Ag programming with the launch of ‘We Speak Farm Saturday.’ When farmers and Ag industry workers get in the truck, tractor or workplace on Saturday it’s only right we’re there with them, too.”
Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts chart for May based on U.S. unique monthly audience and NPR’s “NPR News Now” remains ranked #1, followed by The New York Times’ “The Daily” at #2 and NPR’s “Up First” at
#3. Radio-related podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” steady at #6, iHeartPodcasts’ “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” rising two spots to #9, and Silverloch’s “VINCE” falling two places to #20. See the complete chart here.
Premiere Launches “Comedy Saved Me”. Premiere Networks and Buzz Knight announce the launch of a new podcast, “Comedy Saved Me,” hosted by TV and radio pro Lynn Hoffman. In each episode, Hoffman sits down with comedians, entertainers, and cultural voices to share personal, powerful stories about how comedy changed their lives, and sometimes even saved them.
Jones Joins WNYC/Gothamist. Journalist Gabrielle Jones joins the local news team at WNYC/Gothamist as the director of digital news and audience. The public media organization says Jones will work with the newsroom, live radio shows, and across New York Public Radio to grow audiences on WNYC’s local news website Gothamist, the WNYC app, their newsletters and social media.
Radio CEOs Speak with Chachi. Benztown president Dave “Chachi” Denes interviews two group heads on his podcast, “Chachi Loves Everybody.” The most recent edition of his podcast series features Saga Communications president and CEO Chris Forgy and Meruelo Media president and CEO Otto Padron.
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Debt Ceiling Debate
2. Trump Issues Travel Ban
3. Big, Beautiful Bill / National Debt
4. Biden Actions Investigation
5. Trump vs Harvard and Columbia
Beasley Media Group announces that the afternoon drive show on WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” is “Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo” and debuts on Monday (6/9), airing from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Bill Colarulo (above, left) had been a fill-in host with the station before becoming a full-time part of the station’s midday Mike Missanelli show. Colarulo takes over the role that opened up when Tryrone Johnson exited the station at the end of April. Ricky Bottalico (above, right) and Sylvana Kelleher had been part of that show. Bottalico says, “I’ve never been one to sugarcoat things, and that’s exactly what this show is about – raw, real, and unfiltered. Philly fans deserve honesty, and Bill and I are here to give it to them straight – no fluff, just great sports talk.” Colarulo adds, “This city lives and breathes sports, and getting the chance to be part of that conversation every afternoon with Ricky is something I don’t take for granted. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to bring passionate, informed, and entertaining Philly sports talk to our listeners every day.” Station PD Scott Masteller says, “I’m thrilled to bring Ricky and Bill together for afternoons on ‘The Fanatic.’ Ricky’s passion, energy, and deep knowledge of the game, combined with Bill’s sharp analysis and connection with our audience, make for a dynamic duo that’s going to resonate with Philly sports fans in a big way.”
Sports media personality Stephen A. Smith is joining SiriusXM to produce two programs for the satcaster. SiriusXM says the multi-year agreement includes Smith hosting a new, daily sports talk show on the Mad Dog Sports Radio channel in addition to a weekly program covering current events, pop culture, and social
commentary on “everything beyond the world of sports – from politics and social issues to entertainment news, pop culture trends and more.” Smith comments, “To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So, I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That in itself is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics and social commentary… let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!” Stephen A. Smith is a featured commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s “First Take.” Since 2021 he has been an analyst on “NBA Countdown,” ESPN and ABC’s longstanding NBA pregame show.
Audacy promotes Michael Biemolt to president of digital sales. In this role, Biemolt will spearhead all national and local digital sales strategies, focusing on Audacy’s “dedication to delivering innovative solutions
and outcomes that matter for its partners.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero says, “Our growing digital portfolio will benefit from this new organizational structure, setting Audacy up perfectly for further success. With Michael at the helm, we will lean into his expertise, experience and creativity to further energize our digital sales, unlocking new opportunities and creating better workflows and results for our local and national teams. We’re excited about what this means for our client partners and colleagues.” Biemolt most recently served as executive vice president at Audacy where he was responsible for leading digital transformation efforts and helping grow national sales capabilities.
Florida’s Voice Radio Adds Affiliates. Conservative talk host Drew Steele’s “Florida’s Voice Radio” program adds new affiliates as WDBO, Orlando; WOKV, Jacksonville; and WROD, Daytona Beach add the program to their lineups. Steele says, “I’m thrilled to join the lineups of WDBO, WOKV, and WROD. Florida has some of the most passionate and engaged listeners anywhere, and I can’t wait to connect with them and be part of what matters to these communities.”
Stefanik Makes News on Sid & Friends. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said on the “Sid & Friends” morning show on WABC, New York that she is considering a gubernatorial run. Politico reports that Stefanik said to Sid Rosenberg, “We need to save New York, and I’m taking a very strong look. I’m going to make a decision in the coming months.”
“The Breakfast Club” Hits Download Milestone. iHeartMedia and The Black Effect Podcast Network celebrate “The Breakfast Club” podcast surpassing one billion downloads. The show was launched in 2010 on iHeartMedia New York’s “Power 105.1” and the company says it “quickly became a must-stop destination for musicians, entertainers, politicians and the most talked about cultural figures of the moment. Since then, it has amassed a dedicated following captivated by the honest opinions and cultural breakdowns from current hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious and Charlamagne Tha God.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/3) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Big, Beautiful Bill / Musk Criticism
2. Trump Doubles Steel & Aluminum Tariffs / U.S.-China Trade War
3. Hegseth to Rename USNS Harvey Milk
4. ICE Raids / Deportations
5. Emergency Abortion Policy
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
When Georgia-based nationally syndicated radio personality, and Second Amendment advocate Mark Walters (longtime host of “Armed American Radio”) learned that ChatGPT had falsely claimed he was involved in a criminal embezzlement scheme, he did what few in the media world have dared to do. Walters stood up when others were silent, and took on an incredibly powerful tech company, one of the biggest in the world, in a court of law.
Taking the Fight to Big Tech
Walters, by filing suit against OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, become the first person in the United States to test the boundaries of defamation law in the age of generative artificial intelligence.
His case was not simply about clearing his name. It was about drawing a line. Can artificial intelligence generate and distribute false and damaging information about a real person without any legal accountability?
While the court ultimately ruled in OpenAI’s favor on specific legal procedure concerns, the impact of this case is far from finished. Walters’ lawsuit broke new ground in several important ways:
— It was the first known defamation lawsuit filed against an AI developer based on content generated by an AI system.
— It brought into the open critical questions about responsibility, accuracy, and liability when AI systems are used to produce statements that sound human but carry no editorial oversight.
— It continued to add fuel to the conversation of the effectiveness of “use at your own risk” disclaimers when there is real world reputational damage hanging in the balance.
Implications for the Radio and Podcasting Community
For those spoken-word creators, regardless of platform on terrestrial, satellite, or the open internet, this case is a wake-up call, your canary in a coal mine. Many shows rely on AI tools for research, summaries, voice generation, or even show scripts. But what happens when those tools get it wrong? (Other than being embarrassed, and in some cases fined or terminated) And worse, what happens when those errors affect real people?
The legal system, as has been often written about, is still playing catch-up. Although the court ruled that the fabricated ChatGPT statement lacked the necessary elements of defamation under Georgia law, including provable harm and demonstrable fault, the decision highlighted how unprepared current frameworks are for this fast-moving, voice-driven digital landscape.
Where the Industry Goes from Here
Walters’ experience points to the urgent need for new protection and clearer guidelines:
— Creators deserve assurance that the tools they use are built with accountability in mind. This would extend to copyright infringement and to defamation.
— Developers must be more transparent about how their systems operate and the risks they create. This would identify bias and attempt to counteract it.
— Policymakers need to bring clarity to who bears responsibility when software, not a person, becomes the speaker.
A Case That Signals a Larger Reckoning
Mark Walters may not have won this round in court, but his decision to take on a tech giant helped illuminate how quickly generative AI can create legal, ethical, and reputational risks for anyone with a public presence. For those of us working in media, especially in formats built on trust, voice, and credibility, his case should not be ignored.
“This wasn’t about money. This was about the truth,” Walters tells TALKERS. “If we don’t draw a line now, there may not be one left to draw.”
Media attorney, Matthew B. Harrison is VP/Associate Publisher at TALKERS; Senior Partner at Harrison Media Law; and Executive Producer at Goodphone Communications. He is available for private consultation and media industry contract representation. He can be reached by phone at 724-484-3529 or email at matthew@harrisonmedialaw.com. He teaches “Legal Issues in Digital Media” and serves as a regular contributor to industry discussions on fair use, AI, and free expression.