MSBC 38' 'To Rock Cleveland' Next August - Details Coming Soon!

Miguel & Holly Returning Home To Tampa Bay For Mornings On iHeart's Mix 100.7

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 4TH, 2025 –  iHeartMedia Tampa Bay’s Mix 100.7 announced today the return of the popular “The Miguel & Holly Show,” effective Monday January 5, 2026. The show will broadcast weekdays from 6 a.m.-10 a.m. The Miguel & Holly Show” was one of Tampa Bay’s leading shows from 2015 to 2022. After a successful three-year run in Charlotte, NC, the fan-favorite duo is returning home to Tampa Bay.

“I am thrilled to welcome Miguel and Holly back to Tampa Bay mornings on Mix 100.7,” said Tommy Chuck, Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Tampa Bay. “Their energy, authenticity and deep connection to this community is exactly what our listeners love.  It feels like welcoming old friends back home — and we’re excited for them to kick off each morning with laughter, real conversation, and a great variety of music!”

“Tampa Bay made me who I am and returning with Holly truly feels like a homecoming,” said Miguel.  “We’re excited to be back, and I can’t wait to reconnect with our listeners every morning.”

“I’m thrilled to be back in Tampa Bay, the place my family calls home, and even more excited to be back in the studio with Miguel,” said Holly.  “We’re ready to share more laughter, fun and meaningful moments with this amazing community!” Miguel & Holly are represented by Heather Cohen of The Weiss Agency.

EDISON: Perceptions Of TikTok Are Mainly Positive Although Many Are Trying To Decrease Usage

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 4TH, 2025 – Edison Research unveiled the results of a new research effort called The Infinite Scroll: A TikTok Reporting a webinar hosted by Alex Bargiacchi, Senior Research Director, and Salma Aly, Associate Research Director. According to the study, 29% of those age 13+ in the U.S. use TikTok daily, 10% use TikTok once or twice a week; 8% use it once or twice a month.  

Key findings among U.S. weekly TikTok users age 13+ include:  

• Perceptions of TikTok are very positive among weekly users: 75% say they feel “entertained” when using the app, 48% say they feel “happy,” 41% say they feel “relaxed.” Thirty-six percent say they feel “connected” when using TikTok   

• TikTok is a platform for discovery: 64% have used TikTok to discover new music; 47% have used the platform to discover new podcasts, and 30% have used it to discover new audiobooks. Younger users, age 13-24, are more likely than the broader weekly audience to use TikTok for discovery in all three of these categories.  

• Weekly TikTok Users 13+ are more likely to be younger and more diverse than the general U.S. population: 34% are age13-24 compared with 20% of the general population; 43% are age 25-44, compared with 30% of the general population; 23% are age 45+ compared with 50% of the general population. Seventeen percent of weekly TikTok users are Black or African American compared with 11% of the population, and 22% are Hispanic or Latino compared with 15% of the population.  

• 42% of weekly TikTok users age 13+ think they spend too much time using the platform, and 34% of weekly TikTok users age 13+ have tried to stop or limit their usage of the platform. Younger users, age 13-24, are more likely to think they spend too much time on TikTok and are more likely to have tried to limit usage.  

“TikTok demands attention as a discovery platform for audio content. If you have music, a podcast, or even an audiobook you want to promote, you must have a TikTok presence and strategy,” noted Bargiacchi.  
 
Added Aly, “TikTok isn’t just a Gen Z thing anymore. People of all ages are showing up, connecting, and building real communities on the platform. And you can watch it in real time: a song starts trending, a podcast picks up a whole new wave of listeners, and a film clip turns into a full-on cultural moment.” See Report HERE

Power 105.1 Taps DJ Prostyle As APD; Symantha Wilson Rises To MD And Producer For 'The Breakfast Club'

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 4TH, 2025 – HeartMedia’s Power 105.1, New York announced two significant leadership promotions. Alexander Santelises, known on-air as DJ Prostyle, has been named Assistant Program Director, and Symantha Wilson has been promoted to Music Director for Power 105.1 and Producer for “The Breakfast Club,” effective immediately. Both will work closely with the station’s leadership team, including Thea Mitchem, Executive Vice President of Programming, and Eddie Fennell, Assistant Program Director and Executive Producer for “The Breakfast Club.” Prostyle will also continue his role as Evening Air Talent on iHeartMedia New York’s 103.5 KTU.

“I’m incredibly honored and thrilled to step into this next chapter of my career as APD at Power 105.1,” said DJ Prostyle. “This station has been a defining voice in Hip-Hop, and I’m excited for the opportunity to help shape its next era alongside the best in the business. Thank you, Thea, for this incredible opportunity. I’m happy to be back—let’s go!”

“Stepping into these roles with The Breakfast Club and Music Director at Power 105.1 feels like a full-circle moment,” said Symantha Wilson. “This station shaped my earliest years, so joining Thea Mitchem, Eddie Fennell and Prostyle on the leadership team is an honor.”

“Prostyle and Symantha have truly earned these promotions through their hard work, creativity and dedication to the Power 105.1 brand,” said Thea Mitchem, EVP of Programming. “Both bring an unmatched passion for music and a deep understanding of how to engage listeners and grow audiences in today’s competitive landscape. Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue to elevate Power 105.1 and deliver the authentic experiences our listeners expect.”

WWO Scores Savannah Bananas' Drake C. Toll To Host Mornings On New Sports Talk Lineup

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 4TH, 2025 – Cumulus Media’s Westwood One announced the launch of a new morning show hosted by Drake C. Toll, weekdays from 6:00 – 9:00 AM.

Toll began his media career in Vilonia, Arkansas as a founder of EagleVision, one of Arkansas’ premiere sports networks, named 2019 Arkansas Sports Network of the Year. While attending Baylor University, Toll furthered his media career at SicEm365, later moving to Sports Illustrated’s Baylor Bears site. Toll will continue to provide play-by-play and broadcast entertainment for the Savannah Bananas.

"Westwood One is the gold standard in audio, and it’s an honor to join a brand creatively steeped in sports storytelling. Not unlike the Savannah Bananas, I’m prepared to push the limits of sports talk,” said Toll. "I’ll deliver for Jimmy in Tucson, Arizona just as much as Joe in Marshall, Texas. And for every groundbreaking Los Angeles Lakers trade, there’s a Boston College linebacker who survived cancer. You’ll hear the same fire and heart for each. We’re going to create something special, I promise you that."

"Drake represents exactly what we’re building—a modern, interactive sports experience that is driven by personalities and fueled by fans—programming that breaks away from the predictable and formulaic” said Bruce Gilbert, Senior Vice President, Sports/Content & Audience. "Drake’s ability to entertain, connect, and innovate makes him the ideal voice for mornings on Westwood One.”

NAB Announces 2026 Crystal Radio Award Finalists

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 4TH, 2025 – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced the 50 finalists for the 2026 NAB Crystal Radio Awards. Since 1987, these awards have honored radio stations for their outstanding community service efforts, from radiothons for their local children’s hospitals and support for veterans to food drives after severe weather events.

Ten Crystal Radio Award winners will be chosen from the finalists by a panel of judges representing the broadcast industry, community service organizations and public relations firms. The awards will be presented during a special ceremony at the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 2026.

See all the 2026 Crystal Radio Awards finalists HERE

Connoisseur Media Brings Alternative Back To San Antonio With 103.3 The APP

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 4TH, 2025 – Connoisseur Media is turning the volume all the way up with the launch of 103.3 The APP, bringing alternative radio back to San Antonio for the first time in nearly a decade. Just launched Monday, December 1, the station is San Antonio’s only alternative radio destination, delivering more than 35 years of iconic and influential music from the genre.

Broadcasting from the historic Tower of the Americas, 103.3 The APP complements its FM presence with the station new companion mobile app, available now in both the Apple App Store and Google Play, offering listeners a seamless digital experience. San Antonio native DJ Mighty Iris joins the lineup as afternoon drive host from 3–7 p.m., marking her return to local airwaves.

“I'm honestly still in shock and honored that I will soon be able to return to the S.A. airwaves and be part of someone's drive home,” said Iris. “We all love this station because it's different. Alternative music has so many sounds and offshoots, it doesn't fit into one box. You can hear anything from The Strokes to The Clash to R.E.M. Alternative music is timeless, and I'm beyond excited to reunite with 103.3 The APP!,” said Program Director Greg Martin.

“With the launch of 101.5 The Fridge in Dayton, the reimaging of 106.3 The Core in Saginaw, our heritage ALT properties in Columbia and Louisville, and now 103.3 The APP in San Antonio, Connoisseur Media is making a strong commitment to the health and future of alternative music,” said Keith Dakin, Vice President of Programming. “With an unbelievable catalog of songs plus the excitement around current artists like Tame Impala, Sombr, Turnstile, and Royal Otis, it is a great time to be in the alt business.”

Registration Now Open For Jacobs Media And Quu's Techsurvey 2026

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 4TH, 2025 – Jacobs Media and Quu announced that registration is now open for commercial radio stations in the U.S. and Canada to participate in Techsurvey 2026. The 2025 survey was fielded this past January and February with 500 participating radio stations across North America.

Eight different formats were represented among a diverse group of broadcasting companies, yielding more than 24,000 respondents to radio’s largest research survey devoted to media and technology. “For more than two decades, Techsurvey has been the largest and most important survey in commercial radio. In this year’s highly anticipated Techsurvey 2026, we’ll have new trending data, especially important to better understand massive shifts in broadcast and digital consumption patterns amidst the rapidly evolving media landscape.”

“Techsurvey has long been the gold standard for understanding the trends and technologies shaping radio’s future,” said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu. “Jacobs Media and Quu share a deep commitment to giving broadcasters meaningful insights that shine a light on radio’s path forward. We could not be more enthused to partner with Fred and Paul and bring this important research to our industry.”

This new study will field beginning in January. Stations have until Friday, December 19th to sign up. All information about timetables, fees, logistics, and registration are here: https://jacobsmedia.com/register-techsurvey-2026/

Paramount Raises WB'S Discovery Bid Breakup Fee To $5 Billion

Steve Cropper, Acclaimed Guitarist For Booker T. And The M.G.'s, Dies At 84

Criscilla Anderson, ‘Country Ever After’ Star, Passes Away At 45

Paramount Raises Warner Bros. Discovery Bid Breakup Fee to $5 Billion

A Much-Anticipated Show Was Released On HBO Max With Major Oopsies

Spotify Unveils Top 50 Podcasts of 2025, Led by Joe Rogan, Theo Von, Mel Robbins

Scarlett Johansson To Join The Batman: Part II: Report

Paul Dano Defended By ‘The Batman’ Sequel' Writer After Tarantino’s “Weak Sauce” Comment

Miley Cyrus Is Engaged To Musician Maxx Morando After 4 Years Of Dating

Amy Schumer Explains Her 50-pound Weight Loss: 'not To Look Hot...i Did It To Survive'

Photo/Netflix

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Report: Craig Carton Finalizing Deal For Return To Afternoon Drive On Audacy's WFAN

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 2ND, 2025 – Longtime New York personality Craig Carton is reportedly finalizing a deal to take over afternoons on WFAN beginning next year, reported The Athletic on Tuesday. This will mark Carton’s third stint with the station and second as the host of the afternoon slot. The paper reports the current drive-time show, featuring Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber, will shift to the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. midday slot. Carton will apparently have a new partner, with overnight host Chris McMonigle considered the leading candidate. Carton will continue his mid-morning podcast with Fox’s Red Seat Ventures.

Carton has a long history with Audacy New York President Chris Oliviero, who oversees WFAN, and has been instrumental in all three of Carton’s hirings by the outlet. Come January, WFAN’s lineup will feature Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti in the morning, followed by “Evan & Tiki” and leading into Carton’s show.

Carton became Esiason’s morning co-host following Don Imus’ exit in 2007. This led to Esiason and Carton’s successful decade-long run witch ended in 2017. Oliviero later rehired Carton to co-host afternoons with Roberts. Two years ago, FS1 gave him a multi-million dollar TV deal which since ended.

Jeff Warshaw, Veronica Rodriguez And Matt Schnaars Appointed To NAB Board of Directors

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 2ND, 2025 – Jeff Warshaw, Veronica Rodriguez and Matt Schnaars have been appointed to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Board of Directors to fill recently vacated seats. Warshaw joins the radio board, representing District 24 replacing Bob Proffitt. Rodriguez and Schnaars join the television board, filling the seats previously held by Pilar Ramos (TelevisaUnivision) and Phil Tahtakran (NBCUniversal), respectively. The appointments, made in accordance with NAB bylaws, are effective immediately.

Jeff Warshaw is the founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media, one of the nation’s largest radio companies. Following its 2025 acquisition of Alpha Media Group, Connoisseur now operates more than 200 stations across markets covering roughly 20% of the U.S. Warshaw began his career at the Wharton School of Business, building his first station as a student, and has since led two successful broadcast companies. He is chairman of the Nielsen Audio Advisory Council and the outgoing chair of the Radio Advertising Bureau board.

Veronica Rodriguez serves as executive vice president, co-general counsel and corporate secretary for TelevisaUnivision, Inc., the world’s leading Spanish-language media and content company. She played a key role in the company’s transformative merger and is a trusted member of its executive leadership team.

Matt Schnaars is president of Platform Distribution and Partnerships for NBCUniversal, where he leads distribution strategy for the company’s linear and streaming services across multiple platforms. Schnaars previously served as president of NBCUniversal Content Distribution. He also held leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company in national accounts for ESPN and Disney networks. Photo composite - background Capital Riverfront

FOX Sports Radio's Rob Parker Named NSMA 2026 Hall of Fame Sportswriter Finalist

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 3RD, 2025 – FOX Sports Radio’s Rob Parker—co-host of The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington, MLB Network analyst, and founder/editor of MLBbro.com— has been named a 2026 National Sports Media Association (NSMA) Hall of Fame Sportswriter (Living category) finalist. Forty all-time greats are finalists for the 2026 NSMA Hall of Fame class across several categories. The results are from month-long nomination balloting by NSMA members.

“It’s an absolute honor to be considered with so many journalism heavyweights,” shared Parker. Winners will be notified the first week of January, and the awards will be presented during the NSMA’s 66th Awards Weekend & National Convention, June 28-29, 2026, at Grandover Resort & Spa – a Wyndham Grand hotel – in Greensboro, N.C.

More information on the 2026 NSMA Hall of Fame can be found HERE. This is the latest accolade for Parker, who was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Hall of Fame in 2023. His alma mater, Southern Connecticut State University, also recently honored him with a press box dedication at Jess Dow Field.

Scott McCarthy Joins Sealx As Chief Executive Officer

Will Continue to Serve Workhouse Media as Special Advisor for Sports

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 3RD, 2025 – Paul B. Anderson, Principal & CEO of talent and content management company Workhouse Media, announced today that Scott McCarthy, currently President/Workhouse Sports, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of rapidly-growing SealX, LLC by its Board of Directors, of which Anderson is Executive Chairman, effective December 15. McCarthy, who will relocate to Washington State from Los Angeles, will continue to serve Workhouse Media as special advisor for sports.

McCarthy, who joined Workhouse Media in March 2024, has an extensive and varied background, including 7 years in investment banking and venture capital and more than 25 years as an executive in audio, television, print, gaming, and digital. He was a senior executive at ESPN from 2011 to 2023, most recently serving as Vice President, ESPN Audio.

“What started with an Uber ride ten years ago and developed into a business partnership with Jaz Singh, Gurpreet Singh, and Sonia Kaur is now SealX,” said Anderson. “Today, SealX employs nearly 200 people, continues to experience rapid, double-digit growth with strong EBITDA, and has developed a smart strategic vision for explosive growth. The board of directors recently determined that it was time to hire a CEO to help us achieve our vision, and we are confident that Scott will do an outstanding job of executing our strategic plan and leading our next phase of growth and beyond.”

“I could not be more excited or honored to join SealX as its CEO,” said McCarthy. “I am very grateful to Paul, Jaz, Gurpreet and Sonia for this amazing opportunity. What they have already built at SealX is the very definition of the American dream – starting from nothing, developing a very successful and profitable business with strong traction in the Pacific Northwest, and employing hundreds of people. I look forward to helping the SealX team expand aggressively over the coming years.”

PrimoHoagies And Q102’s Buster Join For Annual PrimoCares Gift Drive

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 3RD, 2025 – Q102, Philadelphia joins PrimoHoagies for its 12th Annual PrimoCares Holiday Gift Drive. This year, Q102’s Buster will join in the fun, helping load gifts and share the excitement as teams prepare to deliver holiday joy to local children and families. The Gift Drive takes place Friday, December 5th from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at PrimoHoagies Franchising in Westville, NJ.

Each year, PrimoHoagies franchise locations “adopt” one or more local children for the holidays through trusted community partners. Customers can contribute by rounding up their orders to the nearest dollar in-store, online, or on PrimoHoagies with 100% of proceeds going directly toward fulfilling each child’s wish list. After all donations are collected, franchisees shop for gifts and deliver them to the corporate office by December 5th for distribution. The giving doesn’t stop there—on December 19th, PrimoHoagies employees will also volunteer at a local elementary school, serving lunch and celebrating with students as part of the company’s ongoing community outreach.

“It’s incredible to see how much love and generosity goes into this event,” said Q102 Philly air personality Buster. “Being part of the PrimoCares Gift Drive reminds me what the holidays are all about—community, kindness, and showing up for kids who deserve to feel special this time of year.”

35th Annual 'Clark’s Christmas Kids' Brings Holiday Cheer to Nearly 9,000 Georgia Foster Children

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 3RD, 2025 – 95.5 WSB (WSB-AM/WSBB-FM Atlanta, GA) proudly announces the 35th annual Clark’s Christmas Kids, a beloved Georgia holiday tradition dedicated to fulfilling the Christmas wishes of children in foster care. This year, the program aims to provide over 25,000 gifts to nearly 9,000 foster children across the state.

For 35 years, Clark’s Christmas Kids has united the community in the spirit of giving. The initiative is a partnership between 95.5 WSB, Clark.com, the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS), the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, and Walmart. Together, they work to ensure that every child in Georgia’s foster care system wakes up to at least one gift on Christmas morning.

“I am so excited for our 35th year of Clark's Christmas Kids,” said Clark Howard. “I could have never imagined that our generous WSB listeners would take care of over 300,000 children in foster care donating $50 million plus in toys and cash since 1991.” Join us in making Christmas morning brighter for children who need it most. Visit ClarksChristmasKids.com to donate or learn more.

Picklejar Up All Night Expands To 80+ LRN Stations

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 3RD, 2025 – PickleJar Entertainment Group announced a significant nationwide expansion for its flagship Country radio program, PickleJar Up All Night, available weeknights 7PM–Midnight or Midnight-06am ET across more than 80 Local Radio Networks (LRN) affiliates.

Hosted from Nashville by Katie Cook and Scott Gaines, PickleJar Up All Night blends emerging artist discovery, fan-driven interaction, exclusive interviews, and authentic Nashville storytelling into a nightly destination for Country music culture. The affiliate distribution agreement accelerates PickleJar’s media footprint while aligning affiliate broadcasters with scalable, recurring revenue streams that tie venue technology and content syndication together for the first time in broadcast radio.

“This partnership is more than expanded airtime — it’s expanded access,” said Kristian Barowsky, President and Co-Founder of PickleJar Entertainment Group. “PickleJar Up All Night was built to champion new voices in Country music. Reaching millions of new listeners gives us the opportunity to showcase talent on a national stage while strengthening VMS distribution in small and mid-sized markets. We are proud to grow this show, this platform, and the communities of artists who deserve to be heard.”

To learn more about LRN, For syndication inquiries, please contact: Kristian Barowsky – kristian@picklejar.com Gator Michaels – gator@picklejar.com or Donna Halverson - donna@localradionetworks.com, 214-307-5086

iHeart's EVP of Programming, Atlanta, Jill Strada, Expands Duties With PD Stripes At 103.5 The Beat Miami

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 2ND, 2025 – While we await an official release, congratulations are in order for Jill Strada, EVP of Programming for iHeartMedia Atlanta who adds PD stripes for WMIB 103.5 The Beat, in her former home of Miami.

Strada posted on social: "Miami! I’m excited to be back! While continuing to lead the charge at iHeart Atlanta, I’m now stepping in as Program Director for 103.5 THE BEAT Miami. I'm ready to elevate the brand and my team to new and unstoppable levels! This is a homecoming with purpose — full circle energy in every way. I’m here for it… and I’m grateful for it all."

Strada spent several years in Miami at WFLC/HITS 97.3 and WPOW/Power 96, She also handled programming posts at WHQT/Hot 97 New York.

Steve Davis Is Back On The Air In Green Bay At WNCY-FM

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 2ND, 2025 – longtime Green Bay host Steve Davis has returned to the air in Green Bay for the noon to 2-pm slot on Y100 (WNCY-FM).

According to The Green Bay Press, the opportunity to put the headphones back on comes nearly a year to the day since his 25-year career at Star 98 (WQLH-FM) came to an end when he and his co-host Susan Kennedy were let go amid layoffs.

The person who hired him all those years ago, first at 99 Country and then to do nights at Y100, is the same person who invited him back: Randy “Shotgun” Shannon, the station’s morning show host and newly announced brand manager. He’s known Davis since he was just out of Denmark High School. “It’s just great to have a well familiar face and voice of northeast Wisconsin to be part of the new Shotgun era of Y100,” Shannon said.

Davis didn’t initially think he would miss radio after the way things ended at Star 98. “I was pretty soured by the whole experience,” he said. “I worked there for 25 years and within a 4 or 5-minute conversation, it was over. ... That was tough.” Always a country music fan at heart, he’s eager to be back in the genre and to work again with Shannon.

100.7 WHUD Radiothon Raises $241,164 For Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 2ND, 2025 – 100.7 WHUD Radiothon for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), raised an extraordinary $241,164 to support life-saving care for children and families beyond Westchester to national wide critical care. This year’s total brings WHUD’s cumulative support for the hospital to more than $6.5 million over two decades—a powerful testament to the generosity, compassion, and unity of our listeners, sponsors, and community partners.

“Every year, our listeners and advertising partners show up in a remarkable way,” said WHUD’s Brand Manager Scotty Mac. “The Radiothon is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of hope, healing, and the strength of families across the Hudson Valley. The fact that our community has helped raise more than $6.5 million over two decades speaks volumes about how much people care about ensuring children get the life-saving care they deserve.”

The 100.7 WHUD Radiothon remains of the region’s most meaningful traditions, reinforcing what our community stands for: compassion, commitment, and coming together to lift up families in need. WHUD’s Jimmy Lyles and WMC’s Irene Tsetsekos - shown above.

Albany Broadcasting Strengthens Local Support Across the Capital Region This Holiday Season

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 2ND, 2025 – As the Capital Region steps into the holiday season, Albany Broadcasting continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to the community. Across its family of stations — B95.5 (WYJB-FM), FLY92.3 (WFLY-FM), 100.9/107.1 The Cat (WKLI-FM/WKBE-FM), JAMZ 96.3 (WAJZ-FM), MAGIC 100.5FM/590AM (WROW-AM/WENU-AM), and BIG COUNTRY 104.9/97.9 (WINU-FM/WMML-AM) — listeners, partners, and staff are joining forces to support local causes.

On Friday, November 21, Albany Broadcasting partnered with DeNooyer Chevrolet to host Feed the Need, a large-scale food and fundraising drive benefiting the Regional Food Bank and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region. In addition, WYJB, WKLI/WKBE, and WFLY is partnering with Stewart’s Shops for their annual Holiday Match program, which kicked off on Thanksgiving Day. This campaign raises funds for local children’s charities, and in the first four days alone, it has already raised $100,000.

Meanwhile, WROW/WENU Magic 590AM and 100.5FM launched their annual holiday hunger appeal to benefit the Regional Food Bank, helping feed neighbors in need throughout the season. Albany Broadcasting also supported the Special Olympics Polar Plunge throughout October and November. B95.5 and 100.9/107.1. The Special Olympics Polar Plunge, held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Shepard Park Beach in Lake George, ultimately raised over $300,000 for Special Olympics New York. Through these initiatives, Albany Broadcasting continues to strengthen the Capital Region by fostering community partnerships, engaging listeners, and supporting vital charitable programs throughout the holiday season.

NRG To Transfer Six Stations In Nebraska To Usher

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 26TH, 2025 – According to a release, a contract has been signed and an application is being filed with the FCC for the transfer of KGFW-AM, KQKY-FM, KRNY-FM, and K241CN-FX, Kearney, NE; KROR-FM, Hastings, NE; and KSYZ-FM, Grand Island, NE from NRG Media, LLC to Usher Media, L.L.C. The seller, NRG Media, LLC, is an Iowa-based company headed by Mary Quass. NRG owns more than 30 other radio stations across Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

NRG’s CEO, Mary Quass said, “We’re pleased to announce the sale of our 6 radio stations in Central Nebraska to Usher Media LLC, a respected local broadcaster. It’s been a privilege to serve this community with an exceptional team whose passion and commitment have made these stations a vital voice in the Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island markets. We are confident that Usher Media will build on that foundation and continue to serve listeners, advertisers, and the community with excellence.”

The buyer, Usher Media, L.L.C., is a Nebraska-based company headed by Alan Usher. Usher said in part: “We are excited to announce the acquisition of six radio stations in Central Nebraska. As a locally owned and operated organization, raised in the Tri-Cities, this strategic move underscores our commitment to expanding our media presence while staying deeply connected to our roots."

Urban One Announces Retirement of Baltimore GM Howard Mazer; Dave Willner Named Successor

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 26TH, 2025 – Urban One, Inc.’s Audio Division announced that longtime General Manager Howard Mazer (R) will retire at the end of the year after more than thirty years of dedicated service to the company. Mazer began his radio career in 1981 as the General Sales Manager in the Baltimore market and was promoted to General Manager in 1992. He joined Urban One in 1994 and continued his leadership of the Baltimore station group.

“For more than three decades, Howard has been a steady, visionary leader for our Baltimore cluster,” said Eddie Harrell, Co-President, Audio Division. “His commitment to excellence, his instinct for developing talent, and his deep understanding of this market have strengthened our stations and helped shape the culture of our entire audio division.”

With Mazer’s retirement, Urban One has promoted Dave Willner (L), currently Director of Sales for the Baltimore market, to General Manager, effective January 1, 2026. Willner began his career in radio in promotions and took on roles in traffic and on-air duties. He transitioned to Urban One in 1999 as an Account Executive and progressed quickly to the roles of National Sales Manager, General Sales Manager and ultimately, Director of Sales for the Baltimore market. Mazer will work closely with Willner through the end of the year to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

102.3 WBAB Long Island To Continue Thanksgiving Tradition By Airing 'Alice’s Restaurant' In Its Entirety

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 26TH, 2025 – 102.3 WBAB Long Island will continue with one of its most beloved holiday traditions, the annual Thanksgiving Day broadcast of Arlo Guthrie’s iconic 18-minute and 34-second, “Alice’s Restaurant,” in its entirety. Hosted by WBAB’s Rocky, this heritage tradition has become a staple for generations of Long Islanders. Families across Long Island are invited to gather around the radio and join WBAB for Breakfast and Lunch at “Alice’s Restaurant”—a festive, feel-good kickoff to Thanksgiving Day.

“For decades, Long Islanders have made WBAB part of their Thanksgiving tradition, and ‘Alice’s Restaurant’ remains one of the most anticipated broadcasts of the year,” said Chris Lloyd, Director of Operations, Branding and Programming for CMG Long Island. “We love being part of our listeners’ holiday celebrations, and we’re excited to bring this classic back once again.”

BFOA: Be A Beacon Of Hope For Your Colleagues In Need This Holiday Season

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 26TH, 2025 – Life throws us many curve balls, such as cancer, critical illness diagnoses, accidents, unforeseen emergencies, natural disasters, and the difficulties of advanced age that may require around-the-clock care or relocation to assisted living facilities.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals in the broadcasting community by providing a crucial lifeline when these challenges arise, treating each case with dignity and confidentiality. It’s all about our community.

As our newsroom takes a rare, extended pause for the Thanksgiving Holiday, here's wishing you, your family and friends a happy, safe and joyful weekend We'll see you back on Monday, December 1st with our next regular edltion.The BFOA supports the wide-ranging sectors of radio and television broadcasting, including on-air talent, engineers, producers, sales, marketing, finance, and administrative staff. Broadcasting cannot function without the community effort and our shared goals — BFOA is here to help. As the year draws to a close, please consider donating HERE

‘Dude, Call The Police’: Body Found in Frederick MD After Man Calls Into 'Elliot In The Morning Show'

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 24TH, 2025 – A man called into iHeart DC 101.1’s 'Elliot in the Morning show and said he saw a dead body weeks earlier in Frederick, Maryland. According to NBC4 Wash., a man who called himself 'Joseph' called into the show on Friday and launched into a story about being out “exploring nature.” “Look what I came upon,” the caller said. “Dude, you found a dead body?” Elliot asked. “Yes,” the caller replies. “Dude, call the police!” the host repeatedly urges him.

The caller said he saw the body in a “tent city” in Frederick and it remained there “as of, whatever, 18 days ago.” Later Friday, the Frederick Police Department said they were aware of information shared on a radio show about someone found dead in a wooded area off East Street and Carroll Creek Crossing. Detectives responded and found someone dead. An investigation is underway. The name of the person who died was not immediately released, nor was information on how they may have died. Bottom Photo/Radio Hall of Fame

iHeart Makes 'Guaranteed Human' A Core Part Of Its Brand; Keeping Everything 'Real And Authentic'

Encourages Use of AI powered tools such workflow automation, show prep, editing and more

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 26TH, 2025 – iHeartRadio’s chief programming officer and president, Tom Poleman, sent a memo to its staff on Friday saying that iHeart doesn’t and won’t use AI-generated personalities or “play AI music that features synthetic vocalists pretending to be human." He wrote in part: 'Team: A few weeks ago, I shared that iHeart is one of the last truly human entertainment sources and our listeners come to us for companionship, connection, and authenticity — something AI can’t replicate. We’re Guaranteed Human. We don’t use AI-generated personalities. We don’t play AI music that features synthetic vocalists pretending to be human. And the podcasts we publish are also Guaranteed Human. Thank you for leaning into our commitment to keep everything we do real and authentic. That’s what makes us special.

In explaing why this matters so much; Poleman points to research that says: • 70% of consumers say they use AI as a tool, yet 90% want their media to be from real humans. • 92% use social media, but 2/3 say it makesing them feel worse and more disconnected. • 92% say nothing can replace human connection — up from 76% in 2016. • 9 in 10 say human trust can’t be replicated with AI."

Poleman clarifies: "To be clear, we do encourage the use of AI powered productivity and distribution tools that help scale our business operations - such as scheduling, audience insights, data analysis, workflow automation, show prep, editing and organization. Those tools help us reach more people efficiently, while preserving the human creativity and authenticity that define our brand. We talk to our listeners constantly, and they tell us they are also using AI as a tool, but they tell us there’s a limit.

"The bottom line is our research," says Poleman which tells us that 96% of consumers think “Guaranteed Human” content is appealing. So, we’re leaning in. Thank you for keeping it real and making “Guaranteed Human” something that our audience hears and feels every day. Sometimes you have to pick a side — we’re on the side of humans."

Tracy Johnson: 'Stop Trying To Be An Expert. Try Harder To Be Entertaining'

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 24TH, 2025 – In his latest post at Tracy Johnson's Insiders Radio Network, he writes that listeners are not grading you on expertise, but rather on your ability to hold their attention. "Unless you work on a station where your job is to be an authority (news stations or a highly specialized format or show), there’s no need to validate your credentials every time you open the mic," says Johnson. "Yet personalities burn huge amounts of airtime trying to justify why they are talking about a story.

"You’ve heard it. The qualifiers, disclaimers, and endless, usually unnecessary background. It is defensive broadcasting," says Johnson. "You don’t have to establish credibility to be entertaining, so stop trying to be an expert. The vast majority of performers are entertainers, and audiences simply want to feel something. That should shape how you select, frame, and perform every story."

"Stop Trying To Be An Expert," instructs Johnson. "There’s no time or patience for B-level content. You need to make every story count. You are not briefing the United Nations, so use each story as a vehicle to make the audience smile, laugh, or react. The entertainment is never in the content itself; it is in what you do with it. A story is raw material. The narrative should not end with the facts; it should begin there."

But here's the good news, adds Johnson: "There is no shortage of raw material. There has never been more content available, more bizarre headlines, more human moments, more pop culture absurdity. Be selective and filter every possible story through three performance criteria. Read complete article HERE

Over 1,007,000 Meals Served In FM99 & 106.9 The Fox's Annual Mayflower Marathon Food Drive

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 24TH, 2025 – 1,007,000 meals (and counting) will be served thanks to donations made at the FM99 & 106.9 The Fox 29th Annual Mayflower Marathon Food Drive. The annual food drive took place simultaneously at five locations from 5:30am on Friday, 11/21 until 3pm on Sunday, 11/23.

Carol Commander, General Manager of Hampton Roads Media Group (WNOR and WAFX): “The need has never been greater, and we are deeply grateful to our incredible community for stepping up. It’s been inspiring to witness such an outpouring of generosity from so many friends and neighbors—THANK YOU! Thanks to your support, the shelves at local foodbanks are now overflowing. Together, the FM99 and 106.9 The Fox 29th Annual Mayflower Marathon will provide more than 1,007,000 meals.”

“Year after year, the FM99 and 106.9 The Fox Mayflower Marathon shows what this community can accomplish together,” said Christopher Tan, President and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. “As many families continue to feel the strain of rising costs and limited resources, the generosity we saw this weekend ensures thousands will have what they need for a Thanksgiving meal. We’re deeply grateful to every donor, volunteer, and partner who made this possible, and especially to FM99 and 106.9 The Fox for continuing to power this tradition.”

Tony Randall Returns To Cumulus For Afternoon Drive At Kat Country 103 Stockton-Modesto

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 21ST, 2025 – Cumulus has tapped Tony Randall for Afternoon Drive KAT Country 103/KATM-FM in Stockton-Modesto, CA. Randall will debut on KAT Country 103 beginning Monday, December 1st, and can be heard weekdays from 2:00pm-7:00pm. His first show will air live on location at Walmart in Turlock, CA, where he and the KAT Country 103 team will be onsite collecting toy donations for Toys For Tots.

Randall was previously co-host of the nationally syndicated radio program, “The Tony & Kris Show,” a morning show that originated from its home station, KSON-FM in San Diego, CA. He has also been an on-air personality for Cumulus Media Country station WIVK-FM in Knoxville, TN. In his 31 years on-air, Randall has won multiple CMA and ACM Awards for Best Morning Show.

Andy Winford, Program Director, KAT Country 103/KATM-FM, said: "It’s a real win for Kat Country to have someone with Tony’s experience and skill on board and I can't wait to work with him!" Tony Randall commented: “My Country radio career has been full of highs and lows. Getting the opportunity to join the incredible team at Kat Country definitely falls into the ‘highs’ category. I’m beyond excited to rejoin the Cumulus family and return to California! And I'm so grateful to Andy Winford I'm going to buy him that pony he's been wanting.”

Preston & Steve’s 'Camp Out For Hunger' Raised Over 1.8 Million Lbs. of Food & $1,635,637 In Cash

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 21ST, 2025 – Beasley's 3.3 WMMR-FM announced that the 28th Annual Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger set a new record, collecting over 1.8 million pounds of food and $1,635,637 in cash to support individuals and families in need. Proceeds benefit Philabundance - the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, which acquires, rescues, and distributes food to those in need while advocating for greater food access across the region.

This year’s totals included $350,000 donated by ACME shoppers, going to local hunger relief organizations including Philabundance, with register contributions continuing through Wednesday, November 26th. In addition, more than 500 donations were made in honor of legendary WMMR Midday Personality Pierre Robert, with hundreds more contributions coming from individuals and businesses through wmmr.com and via Text to Give.

From 6am on Monday, November 10th through 11am Friday, November 14th, 2025, morning hosts Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison camped out and broadcast live outside Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philadelphia, rallying listeners and businesses from across the tri-state area to donate food and funds. “In the shadow of the unimaginable loss of our beloved Pierre Robert, The Preston & Steve Show, WMMR, all of our listeners, partners, clients and friends did something extraordinary,” said WMMR Program Director Chuck Damico. “This year’s Camp Out for Hunger will go down as one of the most difficult things we all ever had to do but also somehow one of the most magical - It doesn’t just take a village. It takes a whole city!”

100.7 The Wolf Raises $400,000 to Provide Service Dogs For Veterans in Seattle

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 21ST, 2025 – Audacy's 100.7 The Wolf (KKWF-FM) raised $400,000 during its 5th annual “Operation K9 Companion,” benefitting Northwest Battle Buddies. Northwest Battle Buddies gifts professionally trained service dogs to Veterans battling PTSD, helping them regain their freedom and independence. “Operation K9 Companion” was led by “The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister,” and ran from November 10 to November 14. Throughout the week, the morning show shared powerful testimonials from veterans whose lives had been transformed by service dogs and encouraged listeners to make a donation. T

The fundraiser concluded on November 15 with a benefit concert featuring country star Chris Janson and an auction for a signed Johnny Cash guitar. “Supporting veterans is a cause that our morning show is deeply passionate about. We are thankful for these brave American heroes and recognize the struggles that often come following their service,” said McAllister. “We are so grateful to our incredible community for coming together to raise $400,000. Thanks to these generous donations, we provided life-changing service dogs to 16 Veterans at no cost.”

“There are no words to express the gratitude to 100.7 The Wolf, its entire team, all the constituents, listeners and business owners that were responsible for making this fundraiser the great success that it was,” said Shannon Walker, CEO, Northwest Battle Buddies. “The positive impact of the 16 American heroes receiving service dogs will be felt for generations. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

830 WCCO Raises Over $374,000 During 23rd 'Interrupt Homelessness' Event In Minneapolis

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 21ST, 2025 – Audacy's 830 WCCO (WCCO-AM) in Minneapolis, raised $374,607 during its 23rd annual “Interrupt Homelessness” radiothon, benefitting Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. This brings the total amount raised to just shy of $5 million since the radiothon began in 2003. . “When Minnesota comes together, no one gets left behind. It’s a testament to our amazing fans and incredibly supportive partners at WCCO for lifting those in need through Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities,” said Brad Lane, Brand Manager, 830 WCCO.

“Today, we’re highlighting how our holistic services truly interrupt homelessness. I’m struck by how many of the men and women who shared their stories on the air did so because they want others to reach the same place they are now, sober, housed, employed and healing,” said Pam Stegora Axberg, Chief Executive Officer, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. “Their message to our community was clear: ‘Help make my story possible for someone else.’ And today, thousands of donors answered that call. Together, we are breaking the cycle of homelessness for our neighbors. That’s what makes a day like this so special.”

830 WCCO’s 23rd annual “Interrupt Homelessness” radiothon was broadcast live on November 18 inside the Mall of America Huntington Bank Rotunda.

Memorial Concert, 'A Show Of Life' To Be Held In Honor Of The Late 93.3 WMMR Host Pierre Robert

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2025 – Beasley's 93.3 WMMR has announced that a special memorial concert will be held in honor of the late legendary midday host, Pierre Robert next month at The Fillmore Philadelphia. For four decades, Pierre Robert’s passion for rock and roll filled the 93.3 WMMR airwaves and introduced generations of Philadelphians to the music that has shaped our world. So it became evident that the perfect way to celebrate the legendary man is with a live show.

WMMR posted on its website that On December 17, 2025, they’re taking over The Fillmore Philadelphia for “Pierre Robert: A Show of Life,” a concert created in the spirit of a man who has spent his life lifting other people up through music. The evening will be filled with people Pierre has loved, promoted, and believed in throughout the decades. Brent Smith and Zach Myers of Shinedown will bring their powerful harmonies and the heartfelt songwriting to the stage. Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of Halestorm, two musicians who grew up listening to Pierre with honor the friend who championed their band from the earliest days.

Also performing is Ed Roland of Collective Soul, known for crafting the anthems with energy and optimism, will join the celebration as well. Philadelphia’s own Hooters will be there, carrying with them the spirit of a band that helped shape this city’s musical identity and celebrating the man who championed them from the beginning, plus others.

A portion of the proceeds from the concert will support MANNA, the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance. This night is a celebration of the man who taught us to slow down, to listen closely, and to treat music as a sacred companion on the road of life. It is a thank you to Pierre Robert for every moment of joy and reflection he has shared with the WMMR family. Most of all, it is a reminder that the spirit of peace and love he carries so naturally continues to echo through the city he calls home. Photos/WMMR - Facebook

Edison: The Radio Receiver Remains The Dominant Device For Listening To AM/FM By 13+ In The U.S.

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2025 – According to Edison's latest Insights, it shares that listening to streamed audio content on phones, computers, smart speakers, and smart televisions now dominates the audio sphere. While AM/FM radio is available on all these digital devices, the radio receiver remains the dominant device the U.S. 13+ population uses to listen to AM/FM radio during an average day.

Back in 2015, 93% of time spent listening to AM/FM radio was done using a radio receiver. Smart speakers were just being released, and households were less likely to own smart TVs than they are now. Ten years later, the portion of AM/FM listening done over a traditional receiver has dropped to 87%. The mobile device and smart speaker have made small gains over the past ten years, chipping away at the radio receiver’s primacy. Broadcast radio companies have made efforts to embrace digital platforms and technologies, but the traditional radio receiver continues to dramatically outperform all other devices for radio listening.

Naturally, in-car listening is a very large portion of time spent with AM/FM, and listening in this environment is almost entirely on a traditional receiver. But even in other locations, radio listening is mostly happening to the ‘over-the-air' signal on receivers. Share of Ear® captures listening habits across platforms, devices, locations, and content types. Trending analyses like the one shown above are available for full subscribers.

The Record from Edison Research and Nielsen is a quarterly report card on how U.S. consumers spend their listening day, specifically focused on the adsupported audio environment. For Q3 2025, daily audio consumption of ALL audio among those ages 13+ totaled 3 hours and 53 minutes across ad-supported and ad-free platforms like radio, podcasts, streaming music services, and satellite radio. Ad-supported audio accounted for 64% of all listening in Q3 2025. In looking only at this ad supported audio universe, listeners age 13+ spent 62% of their daily time in the third quarter with radio, 20% with podcasts, 15% with streaming music and 3% with satellite radio.

Click here to see The Record for Q3 2025.

Study: 89% Say Absence Of A Radio In A New Car Would Probably Keep Them From Purchasing

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2025 – According to a new study by Critical Mass Insights shows that consumers overwhelmingly want access to AM/FM radio in their cars. The study found that 96 percent of Americans cite built-in AM/FM radio as important in a new car, and 98 percent say it’s important that radio is easy to find in cars. Across all demographics, consumers ages 18 to 74 broadly agree that radio access is key: Even among those who don’t listen to either AM or FM routinely, about 9 in 10 say it’s important to have it available in situations where they need it. These include severe weather events, natural disasters, man-made tragedies and other emergencies where 97 percent of Americans say it’s important to have access to live radio.

“The bottom line here is just how much people value having easy access to both AM and FM radio in their cars. Consumers want radio for a variety of different reasons that are largely unique to local radio -- everything from discovering what new music matters to weather updates, the latest sports reports and local news and events,” said Elizabeth Falke, Senior Vice President of Research for Critical Mass Insights. “This is largely due to the special connection on-air talent forms with listeners, as 9 in 10 Americans say having radio personalities easily available in their cars is important because it helps them feel less lonely.

For consumers who rely solely on the radio for their audio needs, the absence of a radio in their car would force them to subscribe to alternative methods and raise their daily costs. Overall, the research shows that losing built-in radio would greatly impact the purchasing decisions of a new vehicle with most consumers: 96 percent of Americans would miss the radio if it were removed from cars 89 percent of Americans say the absence of a radio in a new car would probably keep them from purchasing. "The ease and simplicity of radio is embedded in the lives of drivers consuming various forms of audio in their cars,” said Falke.

For Second Year In A Row, Sabrina Carpenter Is iHeartRadio's Most Listened To Artist In 2025

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2025 – It’s time for iHeartRewind – its annual list of iHeart’s most played artists and songs of the year! For the second year in a row, Sabrina Carpenter claimed the top artist spot, racking up more than 2.7 billion total audience spins (TAS). She was followed closely by SZA and Kendrick Lamar, while The Weeknd, Bruno Mars and Morgan Wallen each surpassed 2 billion TAS. Other artists who made the Top 10 included Lady Gaga, Benson Boone, Post Malone and Shaboozey.

Taking a look at specific songs, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile” dominated the charts with over 1.1 billion TAS. Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” and Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” also defined the year’s sound, showing just how powerful collaborations and breakout hits were in 2025. Across genres, pop fans tuned in the most for Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, and SZA, while Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll led country.

Hip-Hop was dominated by GloRilla and Kendrick Lamar; alternative fans gravitated toward Linkin Park and Green Day; and R&B listeners turned up the volume for Chris Brown and Usher.

iHeartRewind found this data by compiling total audience spins (TAS) and streams across iHeartRadio broadcast stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app. Check out the full lists below to see the top artists and songs, both overall and by genre. And keep an eye out for your personalized iHeartRewind, arriving in inboxes soon! SEE FULL LIST HERE - Lev Radin/Shutterstock

Hubbard Taps Tim Virgin For Afternoons At 97.1 The Drive Chicago; Janda Lane Shifts To Middays

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2025 – Hubbard Radio Chicago’s 97.1 The Drive (WDRV) Brand and Content Director, Keith Hastings, announced today the addition of Tim Virgin to the station's lineup. Virgin has been a defining voice on Chicago’s airwaves for decades. Known for his unmistakable voice, sharp wit, and deep love of rock, he has helped shape the city’s soundtrack and connect with generations of listeners.

“Tim is a multi-talented personality who will bring tremendous value to Driver Nation, our advertisers, and the community,” said Hastings. Virgin will now be heard in Afternoon Drive on both KSHE/St. Louis and Chicago’s 97.1 The Drive.

“A few months away was long enough to remind me exactly where I belong--on a legendary station in the city I love, talking about the music that raised me — ROCK! Huge thanks to Keith Hastings, Keith Lawless, and Greg Strassell for bringing me on board. CHICAGO ...Let’s get loud!” stated Virgin.

With Virgin’s move to Afternoon Drive, Janda Lane will shift to Middays and continue to host her weekly Behind The Song podcast, recognized with a Marconi from the National Association of Broadcasters and a Silver Dome from the Illinois Broadcasters Association as the 2025 Podcast of the Year.

Connoisseur Media Portland Announces A Series Of Leadership Promotions And Appointments

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2025 – Connoisseur Media today announced a series of strategic promotions and new appointments across its Portland radio properties, strengthening programming leadership and positioning the cluster for continued success and growth. Grant McHill has been promoted to Program Director for NewsRadio 101.1 FM KXL. “As someone who has worked at KXL for a decade, I appreciate and understand the station's importance to the community and its potential for growth in Portland and beyond,” McHill said. “I am thrilled, honored, and thankful for this opportunity. A huge thank you to Jeff Warshaw, Keith Dakin, Mark Handwerger, and Ross MacLeod for their confidence in me.”

Connoisseur Media also welcomes Kendall Stewart as Assistant Program Director for 101.9 KINK and Live 95.5. Stewart will additionally host middays on Live 95.5. Stewart most recently served as Assistant Program Director at The Current in Minneapolis–St. Paul. “I’m beyond thrilled to join the Connoisseur Media family and be part of the creative energy behind KINK and Live 95.5!” Stewart said. “I can’t wait to dive in and be part of the radio magic happening every day at these amazing stations. Portland, let’s go!”

At 98.7 The Bull, midday host Jamie Tanchyk expands his responsibilities, adding Music Director duties to his role. Additionally, Ross MacLeod, Operations Manager for Portland, will assume the added role of Program Director for the iconic Triple-A 101.9 KINK.

CPB Agrees To Fulfill $36 Million NPR Contract To Fund Satellite Distribution Service For Local Radio

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 18TH, 2025 – NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) have reached a resolution concerning the disbursement of federal funds appropriated for interconnection services, leading to a joint stipulation in NPR's legal challenge to Executive Order 14290. In the November 17 stipulation, NPR and CPB agreed that the Executive Order is unconstitutional and that CPB will not implement or enforce it unless ordered by a court. The settlement also provides for CPB to disburse previously agreed upon funds to NPR to operate PRSS, the interconnected satellite-distributed network managed by NPR.In conjunction with this outcome, NPR announced to the public radio system that it will immediately dedicate additional resources toward fortifying the public radio system.

"The settlement is a victory for editorial independence and a step toward upholding the First Amendment rights of NPR and the public media system in our legal challenge to Executive Order 14290," said Katherine Maher, President and CEO of NPR. "While we entered into this dispute with CPB reluctantly, we're glad to resolve it in a way that enables us to continue to provide for the stability of the Public Radio Satellite System, offer immediate and direct support to public radio stations across the country, and proceed with our strong and substantive claims against this illegal and unconstitutional Executive Order. We look forward to our day in court in December."

Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, NPR and CPB have entered into a separate five-year amendment to a prior grant agreement pursuant to which CPB disbursed $35,962,000 in federal funds appropriated for interconnection purposes to NPR to support NPR's operation and management of the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS). Read Release HERE

The LABF Celebrates 2025's 'Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Award Recipients'

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2025 – The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) recognized an incredible lineup of trailblazing industry leaders for lifetime achievements during the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony. The annual event took place from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14th at Gotham Hall in New York City. Returning this year as the official event emcee was 2018 Giant Honoree and 60 Minutes and CBS News Correspondent, Bill Whitaker.

The 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts honorees include: DAVID MUIR Anchor and Managing Editor ABC World News Tonight with David Muir, Co-Anchor of ABC’s 2020 LYNN BEALL Visionary Strategist and Innovator, Retired Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Media Operations TEGNA Inc. RICK DEES Legendary Radio Icon, Entertainer and Entrepreneur JOHN FEORE JR. Esteemed Communications Attorney and Trusted Advisor DICK FERGUSON Distinguished Radio Executive and Retired EVP, Cox Radio Group NBC Celebrating 100 years in Broadcasting – award accepted by Chief White House Correspondent and co-anchor of “Weekend Today”, Peter Alexander GARY SANDY Acclaimed Stage, Screen and Television Icon Beloved for his role as “Andy Travis” on WKRP in Cincinnati LESLEY VISSER Trailblazing Hall of Fame Sportscaster First Woman Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2025 LABF Excellence in Preservation Award.

In addition to the Giants honorees, Steven Portnoy, ABC News Radio White House Correspondent and Immediate Past President of the White House Correspondents’ Association, was recognized with the 3rd Annual LABF Excellence in Preservation Award.

“The Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Awards are a true celebration of the visionaries and innovators whose work continues to shape the future of our industry,” said Beasley Media Group Chief Communications Officer Heidi Raphael and longtime D.C.- based communications attorney Jack Goodman, Co-Chairs of the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation.

GIANTS 25_01: L to R: Giants Gary Sandy, Peter Alexander, David Muir, Lesley Visser, Rick Dees, Lynn Beall, John Fiore, Jr. and Dick Ferguson

Ryan Chase Exits 'The Roula & Ryan Show W' On 104.1 KRBE Houston After Nearly 20 Years

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2025 – According to local media reporter Mike McGuff, Ryan Chase is no longer with 104.1 KRBE Houston. Earlier this year, "The Roula & Ryan Show" was renamed "The Roula & Ryan Show with Eric." McGuff says late Friday afternoon they changed the station's website to reflect the new show called "The Roula Show with Eric ft. Special K & Sam." However, this was soon deleted.

Chase began his radio career at K-Fox 95.5 Lufkin. Chase later worked for 92.3 K-Rock WXRK New York in the late 1990s, where Howard Stern was the morning show host. 1998, he left New York for 94.5 The Edge in Dallas-Fort Worth, where he worked mornings on "Jagger, Ryan and Michelle." In 2003, Chase joined MIX 96.5 and began working with Roula on "The Roula and Ryan Show," alongside producer Eric Rowe. The morning show duo moved to 104.1 KRBE in 2006, taking over for Atom Smasher and Maria Todd.

Tom Bergeron Apologizes To Bobby Bones After Calling His 2018 DWTS' Mirrorball Win 'Shocking'

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 14TH, 2025 – After Tom Bergeron called Bobby Bones’ 2018 'Dancing With the Stars' win the most shocking in his career followed by the popular host promptly returning his Mirrorball trophy, the former DWTS' host has apologized. EOnline's Olivia Evans says Tom Bergeron walked back a 'misstep' after the former Dancing With the Stars host shared in Parade Magazine he thought, “Ouch,” when Bobby won. Bones expressed hurt over the public callout and shared his intention to return his trophy. In response, Tom directly addressed the former contestant with a message of regret.

“Sorry, Bobby,” Tom wrote in a Nov. 13 Instagram post. “Sometimes I should fall back on my training.” Alongside the comment, the former America’s Funniest Home Videos star included a screenshot of a personal note he wrote to The Bobby Bones Show. “Bobby, it wasn’t my intention to hurt your feelings,” Tom wrote. “My ‘ouch’ was based on my honest feeling that your win spoke to a need to address the balance between judge and viewer voting.”

Begeron who served as a Guest Judge on this week's DWTS, left the show in 2019 after nearly 20 years as its host. He emphasized that his reaction to Bobby’s win was more about how he knew the audience would feel, also expressing empathy for his professional partner Sharna Burgess. “I always felt bad that you and Sharna had to deal with the aftermath of that win,” he explained. “I certainly regret pouring any salt into that old wound.”

According to the New York Post, Bones revealed he did not intend to be on “DWTS” but joined the cast because he had a contract with ABC and they asked him to compete to promote his own show. Bones added, "I had a great attitude. I worked hard and here we are, six years later I’m still catching strays out of nowhere,” he said.

Photos: Top left/Shutterstock, Top right/by Eric McCandless/ABC , at bottom: Tom Bergeron Instagram

Seven Former FCC Commissioners Urge Agency to Stop Threatening ‘Broadcasters’ Free Speech’

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 14TH, 2025 – In response to controversial efforts by the Federal Communications Commission to investigate broadcasters for airing biased news coverage, a group of seven former commissioners and chairs, plus additional senior-level former staff, have submitted a sternly worded petition to the agency slamming its attempts “to mold the speech of private broadcasters to the FCC’s own view of what is correct.” According to tvtechnology.com, The petition asks the agency to rescind the news distortion policy, which has “significantly chilled and otherwise altered the content of broadcasters’ speech, undermining First Amendment values.”

The petition is in response to several highly controversial investigations by the FCC into allegations of “biased” news coverage by ABC, CBS and NBC of President Trump and comments by FCC Chair Brendan Carr that the regulator has the power to punish broadcasters and potentially even remove broadcast licenses from stations violating “public interest” and “news distortion” rules. The petitioners are a bipartisan group of former FCC chairs, commissioners, and other senior leaders who served the agency between 1981 and 2017. Signing on were Andrew C. Barrett, Rachelle B. Chong, Ervin S. Duggan, Mark S. Fowler, Dennis R. Patrick, Alfred C. Sikes, Thomas E. Wheeler, Christopher J. Wright, Kathryn C. Brown, Jerald N. Fritz and Peter Pitsch. The petitions were represented by Protect Democracy, TechFreedom, Andrew Jay Schwartzman and Gigi Sohn.

REPORT: The Future of Media Is Being Built On YouTube - 'On YouTube, Everything Is Growing'

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 14TH, 2025 – In a story originally published in 'On Background' with Mark Stenberg, a free, weekly newsletter that explores the key themes shaping the media industry, he wrote "A few months ago, at a press dinner hosted by the publisher 1440, I was commiserating with another reporter about a recent spate of media layoffs when Josh Kaplan chimed in. Kaplan, the cofounder of the talent agency Smooth Media, politely suggested that the doom and gloom narrative surrounding the media industry was misplaced, as it largely ignored perhaps the most exciting space for media entrepreneurship at the moment: YouTube.

“You’re looking in the wrong direction,” Kaplan said. “On YouTube, everything is growing.” Since then, as so often happens with these kinds of epiphanies, I have begun to see evidence of this claim everywhere I look. Last month, I profiled the unlikely reinvention of The Daily Beast, whose momentum comes in large part from adopting a “creator at scale” strategy that relies heavily on platforms like Substack and YouTube. The Beast, which launched its YouTube just earlier this year, now has nearly half a million subscribers on the site.

Similarly, another legacy publisher, Complex, has invested aggressively in its YouTube channel following its acquisition last year by Ntwrk. The publisher has shifted the bulk of its editorial resources to video, both as a means to insulate itself from AI and as a tactic to engage its younger audience, CEO Aaron Levant told ADWEEK. More telling, however, is the growing flight of media entrepreneurs to YouTube. Read article HERE

99.5 The Mountain Raises $68,000 For Project Sanctuary During Annual Radiothon in Denver

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 14TH, 2025 – Audacy's 99.5 The Mountain (KQMT-FM) in Denver, raised $68,000 for its 8th annual Postman Law Project Sanctuary Radiothon. All proceeds, which shattered previous totals, go towards supporting veterans and their families through the incredible work of Project Sanctuary.

On October 10, afternoon host and Brand Manager Dan Hardee was on-air from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MST. During the broadcast, he shared powerful stories from veterans and their families, took donations and fired off a submarine horn every time a big donation came through to keep the energy up throughout the twelve hours.

“The success of this radiothon is a powerful reflection of our community’s deep commitment to supporting military families,” said Micah Goldberg, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Denver. “Shattering our previous goals is a testament to the generosity of our listeners and the strength of our partnership with Project Sanctuary. We extend our deepest gratitude to our title sponsor, Postman Law, and presenting sponsor, Cobblestone Car Wash and everyone who helped put on this successful radiothon.”

Survey: People Care About Music And Want To Know If They're Hearing AI or Human Made Tracks

'80% of survey respondents wanted fully AI-generated music clearly labeled for listeners

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 13TH, 2025 – According to a survey released Wednesday, it's become increasingly difficult for people to tell the difference between music generated by artificial intelligence or by humans. CBS reports the polling firm Ipsos asked 9,000 people to listen to two clips of AI-generated music and one of human-made music in a survey conducted for the streaming platform Deezer. "Ninety-seven percent could not distinguish between music entirely generated by AI and human-created music," said Deezer in a statement.

The survey was conducted between October 6 and 10 in eight countries: Brazil, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and the United States. Deezer said more than half of the respondents felt uncomfortable at not being able to tell the difference. Pollsters also asked broader questions about the impact of AI, with 51 percent saying the technology would lead to more low-quality music on streaming platforms and almost two-thirds believing it will lead to a loss of creativity.

"The survey results clearly show that people care about music and want to know if they're listening to AI or human made tracks or not," Deezer CEO Alexis Lanternier said in a statement. Deezer said there's not only been a surge in AI-generated content being uploaded to its platform, but it's attracting listeners as well. In January, one in 10 of the tracks streamed each day were completely AI-generated. Ten months later, that percentage has climbed to over one in three, or nearly 40,000 per day.

Eighty percent of survey respondents wanted fully AI-generated music clearly labelled for listeners. Deezer is the only major music-streaming platform that systematically labels completely AI-generated content for users. Read Article HERE

[WATCH] Doug Podell's Retirement Announcement Draws TV Spotlight In Detroit

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 12TH, 2025 – Following this week's announcement (JL 11/10) that iHeart's longtime host Doug “Doc of Rock” Podell would be retiring from 106.7 WLLZ/Wheels on December 5, FOX 2 News Detroit's Lauren Edwards caught up with Podell at the station for an interview. He tells Edwards that following the announcement, he took a lot of calls, including one from Ted Nugent. He added that with his birthday (on Tuesday) "I'll be 73. It really was time."

With prior stops in Minneapolis and Cleveland, he counts working with Howard Stern as Manager in Cleveland at 98.5 WNCX and becoming his 3rd affiliate and going number 1, was among his many career highlights. As for Detroit, he say "It loves its radio. It loves its rock and roll -- and it especially loves its radio personalities and I love them back.'

Podell said in a station release, “It’s been an incredible ride. From my earliest days at WABX to returning to WLLZ, where I first took on a leadership role, it feels like the perfect place to sign off. I’ve been lucky to spend 50 years doing what I love, in the city I love, surrounded by listeners who made it all worth it.” Photo/Screengrab FOX 2 - WATCH HERE

Fred Jacobs: Radio Makes It Way Back To TV; Filmed In The Former Home Of WPTF Durham, NC

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 12TH, 2025 – In Fred Jacob's latest blog he points to radio's return to the spotlight in Netflix's highly popular series: 'Stranger Things.' Jacobs says, "Over the decades, radio has had its share of pop culture moments—on TV and in movies, in particular. From Good Morning, Vietnam to WKRP, AM and FM stations have enjoyed their cameos as settings and even as plot devices.

Whether it was Kelsey Grammar’s “Frasier Crane” or Clint Eastwood’s late night DJ in 'Play Misty For Me,' radio has often been in the Hollywood spotlight. But it’s been awhile. As radio has found itself under attack, primarily by digital media, the times when stations and DJs have had their moments in the sun have diminished. The days when you tell someone you work in radio, you’re likely to hear the retort, “Does anyone listen to radio anymore?”

"That’s why I perked up when I learned the ultra-popular Netflix show, 'Stranger Things,' will make radio a centerpiece in its season 5, the show’s finale," Jacobs says. "Matt and Ross Duffer created Stranger Things way back in 2016, and the show has enjoyed an impressive run. It has been especially popular among 18-29 year-olds, as well as broader audiences that appreciate its 1980s setting."

Jacobs says, "Stranger Things has proved it has the power to resuscitate past hits. Last season, Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill“—a 1985 release—made an incredible comeback thanks to the show. In fact, it became an even bigger hit than when it was originally released. I blogged about it when the song—and Bush—returned to the pop culture center stage thanks to the appeal of Stranger Things. You can check it out here.

So, the question is, could the show help shine a spotlight on the glamor, mystery, and rich history of radio when the first episode of the new season drops on November 26? Will today’s young people watch the show and come away with a positive feeling about radio and working in radio stations?

Interestingly, the show’s producer based WSQK on a real radio station—WPTF in Durham, North Carolina—owned by Don Curtis of Curtis Media. The art deco building is no longer in use, but the structure itself is reminiscent of how radio stations looked eighty years or so years ago. Read complete blog HERE - Photo/Netflix

Talentmasters' 38th Annual Morning Show Boot Camp To Make First-Ever Stop In Cleveland

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 12TH, 2025 – Talentmasters' 38th Annual Morning Show Boot (MSBC) is making its first-ever trip to Cleveland, Ohio, the home of Rock and Roll. MSBC host/founder Don Anthony says, "We're most pleased to name Cleveland as the host city for MSBC 38 in 2026. When choosing each year's location, there are typically three important factors that contribute to our decision. As always, we first select a city that's easily accessible by air or a city that can be traveled to by car from numerous surrounding cities. One look at a map and you'll see that Cleveland is a fairly short drive from several top cities, including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Toledo, Cincinnati, and several others."

Anthony also noted that this year's hotel is close to numerous restaurants and entertainment spots. "The Hilton Cleveland Downtown is located in the heart of Downtown Cleveland, close not only to several top food and entertainment spots, but near landmarks such as The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the famous Euclid Avenue District."

Finances and budgets are tight for many in the business, so it was important to MSBC organizers that affordability for our attendees and sponsors remain a top concern for choosing this year's location. As a result, we're happy to share that The Hilton is now offering attendees our lowest nightly rate in years (you can book now at the link below).

To celebrate the announcement of next year's choice city, MSBC is selling a small batch of tickets for just $267 (regularly $465).* Once they're gone, they're gone! No encores. Here's one last chance to grab one HERE . *Some restrictions apply.

iHeartMedia And TikTok Partner For Launch Of Podcast Network And National Radio Channel

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 11TH, 2025 – iHeartMedia and TikTok announced a groundbreaking, multiplatform partnership that will bring TikTok creators into iHeart’s ecosystem. This collaboration includes the launch of the TikTok Podcast Network, which will feature up to 25 new podcasts hosted by TikTok creators, as well as a national broadcast and digital radio channel, and a series of live event integrations.

To support this partnership, iHeartMedia is introducing new co-branded, state-of-the-art podcast studios in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta. These studios will feature advanced audio and video infrastructure for both podcasting and video production – helping a roster of creators build a stronger bridge between their video and audio content. TikTok Radio — a fast-paced, engaging format pairing TikTok creators with experienced iHeartRadio personalities — TikTok Radio will be available across broadcast radio stations nationwide and digitally on iHeartRadio. It's a station where listeners will feel like they are scrolling on TikTok, but with their ears.

“This partnership connects TikTok’s cultural energy and creator community with the unmatched scale and reach of iHeartMedia,” said Rich Bressler, President, COO and CFO for iHeartMedia. “We’re giving creators access to the biggest audio platforms in America -- creating new ways to tell stories, entertain, and build deeper connections with fans. Together, we’re combining our vast networks to deliver relevant content on a massive scale. It’s a win for creators, fans, and brands alike.”

TikTok and iHeart kicked off their partnership earlier this year with Next up: Live Music, a first-of-its-kind singing competition that was hosted exclusively on TikTok LIVE. More details from this new partnership will be announced in the coming months.

Heart's Nancy Wilson Makes A Case For Howard Stern To Be Inducted Into The Rock Hall Of Fame

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 11TH, 2025 – Among the celebrity attendees at this past weekend's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction Nancy Wilson of Heart. American Songwriter reports that Wilson had a somewhat interesting answer when asked about who she thought should be inducted into the Rock Hall. While various stars offered different names, Wilson didn’t name a singer or band. Instead, she pointed to Howard Stern.

In making her case, Wilson said, “Howard is such a rock star and such a patron of rock and roll. He could actually be inducted next year and I would say yes to that.” And knowing that some might only remember Stern from the past, she added, “He’s not an a**hole anymore.”

The publication says, getting support from Wilson, Stern will need a few more supporters before he enters the Rock Hall inductee conversation. But for those wondering, he could enter the Rock Hall thanks to the Ahmet Ertegun Award. In the past, the award was given to both Alan Freed and Tom Donahue. Both were radio hosts who pioneered radio at the time. Although Wilson supported Stern, she traveled to the Rock Hall to help induct Soundgarden.

Shawn Tempesta Joins With Carla Rea At KKLZ; Aimee Thomas Moves To 102.7 The Coyote 'Vegas

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 6TH, 2025 – Beasley Media Group announces new on-air lineup changes involving two of its popular Las Vegas radio stations, 96.3 KKLZ and 102.7 Coyote Country (KCYE-FM). Longtime Las Vegas favorite Shawn Tempesta, most recently heard on KVGS-FM, will be joining Carla Rea as Co-host of “The KKLZ Morning Show with Carla and Shawn” beginning Monday, November 17th.  The new pairing brings together two dynamic and familiar personalities known for their humor, authenticity, and strong connection to the Las Vegas community.

In addition, Aimee Thomas, Shawn’s former morning show partner at VGS, will be returning to 102.7 The Coyote as part of the station’s morning lineup pairing with longtime Coyote Country PD and on-air talent, Shawn Stevens. Aimee’s fun, relatable style, and passion for connecting with listeners make her a perfect addition to the Coyote team.

“Las Vegas is home to some of the best talent in the country, and these moves strengthen two of our incredible brands,” said Beasley Media Group Chief Content Officer Justin Chase. “We’re thrilled to see Shawn join forces with Carla on KKLZ and to welcome Aimee back to The Coyote family. Our listeners are going to love what’s ahead.”

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2025 – P1 Media Group announced the results of its annual Christmas Music Research Study. The survey examined the appeal of the 100 most-played Christmas songs from the 2024 holiday season (as tracked by Mediabase) among U.S. radio listeners likely to tune in to all-Christmas music stations.

Among the highlights: Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” remains America’s number one Christmas song for the eighth time in nine years. “Christmas classics are set to rule the airwaves once again this holiday season,” says Ken Benson, Partner and co-founder of P1 Media Group. “According to American radio listeners who frequently or occasionally listen to all-Christmas music stations, the timeless favorites continue to resonate year after year.” The Holiday standards dominate the Top 100 with six versions of “Frosty the Snowman“ and “Let It Snow,” and five versions of “Sleigh Ride.' Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Amy Grant, and Andy Williams each have four songs in the Top 100.

The average scores for men and women were nearly identical (within a half- point). Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” was #1 overall for Women, while “Carol of the Bells“ by Lindsey Stirling ranked #1 for Men, and the David Foster version.

Top testing Christmas songs by age group: 25-34 “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” Kenny G (first year tested) -- 35-44 “Carol of the Bells,” Lindsey Stirling (first year tested) -- 45-54 “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Andy Williams was #1 again. -- Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree” (2013) and Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” (2014) are the two highest-testing original Christmas songs from the 2000s, ranking #16 and #76, respective

Listeners’ preferences on when all-Christmas Music should begin shifted slightly this year: - 28% Mid November (23% 2024) -- 23% Early November (31% 2024) -- 23% Thanksgiving (28% 2024) -- 31% Early November (23% 2024) -- 18% Early December (22% 2024) -- 8% mid-December (2% 2024) -- Nearly half of listeners want Christmas radio music to continue through New Year’s Eve.

Click HERE for complete list

'The Woody Show' Returns Home To 105.7 The Point St. Louis For Afternoons Beginning Today

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2025 – Hubbard Radio St. Louis’ 105.7 The Point (KPNT) announced the addition of The Woody Show to its weekday lineup. Beginning Wednesday, November 5, The Woody Show — hosted by Woody, along with co-hosts Gina Grad, Greg Gory, Menace, and Sebas — will air weekdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This marks a homecoming for Woody, who spent many years at The Point earlier in his career, including hosting mornings with current KPNT morning host Scott Rizzuto (check out Rizzuto's announcement on graphic below).

“We’re thrilled to welcome The Woody Show to 105.7 The Point,” said Tommy Mattern, Operations Manager for Hubbard Radio St. Louis. “Woody’s connection to St. Louis runs deep, and his show perfectly reflects the energy, humor, and edge that Point listeners love.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to once again be a part of a legendary station like The Point,” said Woody. “St. Louis is a very special place for me. It’s where I met my wife, where my kids were born, and where I grew my career. There’s a saying that you can always go home — and trust me, it’s true. I’ve certainly put it to the test.”

The Woody Show is syndicated nationally by Premiere Networks and is now heard in markets across the U.S. For more information, visit www.1057thepoint.com

The Woody Show replaces Liv Maddix, who previously hosted “The Afternoon Drive” on The Point.

Netflix And iHeart In Talks Over Video Podcast Licensing Agreement

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 4TH, 2025 – Netflix is reportedly eyeing a licensing agreement with iHeartMedia over its video podcasts. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Netflix is currently in talks with iHeart hoping to land exclusivity for some of their podcasts’ video episodes. If an agreement is struck, this would mean podcasts would no longer upload video formats of their episodes to YouTube. However, according to The Wrap, it’s unclear if all of iHeartMedia’s podcasts — which include “The Breakfast Club” , “Las Culturistas,” “Jay Shetty Podcast” and “Stuff You Should Know” — would be included in the potential Netflix deal.

This comes on the heels of Netflix recently striking a similar deal with Spotify, which will see only certain podcasts, including “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” exclusively live on the streamer. Reportedly, full episodes will be removed from YouTube at the start of 2026 but will still reside on Spotify. Shows such as “The Joe Rogan Experience” will remain on YouTube, where it has 20.4 million subscribers.

While this seems to be the trending business move, it does raise questions on whether it’s a sound move for podcasters, who potentially run the risk of losing a chunk of their audience by leaving YouTube — where most people consume podcast content.

Legendary 93.3 WMMR Philadelphia Radio Host Pierre Robert Has Passed Away

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 30TH, 2025 – One of radio true icons, Pierre Robert, has passed away. Beasley Media Group posted in a statement: We are very saddened to share the passing of legendary 93.3 WMMR Radio Personality Pierre Robert. According to police reports, Pierre was found deceased in his home on Wednesday, 10/29/25. The circumstances surrounding his passing are not yet known. No foul play is suspected.

A true radio icon, Pierre was one of the most recognized personalities in the City of Philadelphia. He joined the rock station back in 1981 and hosted the midday show with his unabashed love for music, his listeners, and the city. The legendary rock radio personality was best known for his welcoming ‘Greetings Citizens’ salutation, along with his big heart and warm voice! Pierre encompassed everything that rocks – the new and familiar, rock and alternative, punk and singer-songwriter… whether presenting in the air studio, on-stage, or unearthing treasures in the MMaRchives.

One of the city’s most recognizable celebrities, Pierre was at the center of its live music scene, greeting his legions of fans as if personal friends in the smallest clubs and largest stadiums. His star is included on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame. “We all have heavy hearts today,” said Beasley Media Group Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beasley. “Pierre’s unwavering love for music and his deep connection with listeners made him one of radio’s most enduring and beloved voices. He will be greatly missed.” The entire WMMR and Beasley Media Group family are deeply saddened by this incredible loss. Our condolences go out to Pierre Robert’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Ahead Of Tonight's Radio Hall of Fame Induction, Mojo Receives Key To The City Of Detroit

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 30TH, 2025 – Enroute to being inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, beloved Detroit morning host Mojo (Thomas Carballo) was presented with a key to the city of Detroit during Monday's "Mojo in the Morning" show. Providing the key was Detroit mayor Mike Duggan. "To the host of the longest running FM show in Michigan radio history, a member of the Michigan radio hall of fame — whose studio is right here in Eastern Market of Detroit — Mojo, I'm pleased to present to you the key to the city," Duggan told Mojo.

"This is unbelievable. Wow," said Mojo, as he was presented with the key. Duggan told the host the last two people he gifted with a key to the city were the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, and Detroit rapper Big Sean. "Honestly I love the city so much, and man, this is unbelievable," he said, later joking that he was going to see if he could use the keys to unlock the doors at American Coney Island.

Mojo was nominated for induction into the Radio Hall of Fame earlier this year, and he was announced as an inductee in June reports The Detroit News. He had been nominated for the honor twice previously, and he joins a class that includes Alice Cooper, Bob & Sherri, Mike McVay, DeDe McGuire, Scott Simon, Shelly Stewart, Julie Talbott and Martha Quinn.

The induction ceremony will be held tonight at Chicago's Swissotel Hotel. Mojo, who grew up in the Chicago area and came to Detroit via Arizona, has been the host of WKQI-FM's "Mojo in the Morning" since 2000.

Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres Named New Co-Host For 'The Enrique Santos Morning Show'

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 28TH, 2025 – iHeartMedia has named Dayanara Torres as a new co-host of “The Enrique Santos Morning Show.” Originating from iHeart's Miami’s TÚ 94.9 FM (WZTU-FM), launched on Monday, October 27. Torres, a former Miss Universe, Film and TV actress, and acclaimed TV host, is officially joining the show, marking her radio debut and expanding her voice to listeners through the Enrique Santos Morning Show Network.

Joining Enrique and Dayanara on-air are DJ Xtreme, Harold Valenzuela, and Julio El Producer — along with newcomer Gaby Jordan, the show’s digital reporter and entertainment correspondent, who will keep audiences plugged into what’s trending across pop culture and social media.

“Dayanara has already conquered the worlds of pageantry and television — now she’s conquering morning radio,” said Santos. “She’s real, she’s radiant, and she’s the perfect addition to our family. The chemistry is instant, and the laughs are non-stop.”

“This is such a beautiful new chapter for me,” said Torres. “I’ve always loved connecting with people, and now I get to do it every morning — live, real, and full of laughter. I’m thrilled to join Enrique and this amazing team, and I can’t wait to wake up nuestra gente across the country with joy, energy, and heart.”

Report: 'The Chasm Is Widening Between NPR And The Corporation For Public Broadcasting'

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 28TH, 2025 – NPR's legal team has privately questioned the CPB's longtime chief executive, Patricia Harrison, under oath earlier this month, according to the radio network's legal filings, and is scheduled to do so publicly at a court hearing this morning. According to NPR's David Folkenflik, 'The chasm is widening between NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the nonprofit that funneled federal dollars to public media until Congress killed that funding earlier this year. in court documents, NPR has presented evidence to bolster its case that the board of the nonprofit corporation first approved a multiyear, multimillion-dollar contract for NPR to operate a satellite distribution system for public radio stations.

CPB rejects that, saying that it awarded the contract to a different group to better serve the nation's diverse array of public radio stations. NPR and CPB each declined comment for this story, citing the litigation. The two institutions — along with PBS — have stood together at the core of public media for more than a half century. They formed a united front as they lobbied lawmakers against clawing back the $1.1 billion already approved by Congress and signed into law by the president for the broader public media system.

More than 60 years after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 into law, Congress is voting on whether to take back federal funding already promised for the public media system. The Republican majority has accused PBS and NPR of left-leaning bias and being a waste of taxpayer funds. Read Article HERE

It's A Wrap: The Bert Show Signs Off After 25 Years; 'I'm Just Feeling Tremendous Gratitude'

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 27TH, 2025 – With Jockline coming to you daily from Atlanta, this indeed was a surreal morning tuning into Q99.7 and missing the longtiime voice of Bert Weiss, the iconic The Bert Show came to an end Friday morning. Among the media who packed the control room for his final broadcast was Atlanta's News First (watch here). As he closed his show he said, “I’m just feeling tremendous joy and tremendous gratitude. So I’ll end it with that. Thank you guys so much. Thank you for being here for me." “Twenty five years in radio is a thousand years. Thank you for twenty-five years. I guess that’s it, you guys.”

Reaching out from his hometown of San Diego, Weiss shared how it felt when the clock hit 10 am On Friday. He told us, "First time I've felt joy and sadness at the same time. I'm at peace. But also sad. But also very proud of what we've all done for 25 years. 

Having lived the Radio Dream' of being an incredibly successful morning host in a major market in the same city and station for 25 years, we asked what do you say to that young, up and coming host reading this that would like to walk in your footsteps? Is it still possible? "I think the dream to be creative and entertaining and be seen and be a force in people's lives is def possible. And needed. The platform is inconsequential," he answered. 

We had to ask is there was a moment in the last few days or weeks where you suddenly froze for a second and wondered if you were about to make the biggest mistake of your life? "NOT ONCE', he replied. NOT ONCE. There are few things I've been sure of in my life and this is one. Could I come in here and continue to get paid? You bet. But I think what mainstream morning radio has turned into doesn't fit who I am anymore. And that's ok! But why wait? This industry has given me everything in my life. To come in here and pretend for a year? Naaaaa. That would be cheating an industry that has given so much to me and also cheating everybody that works on this show so hard every day

With regard to what's next at Q99.7 in Atlanta, he said he absolutely had no idea, but had heard that The TJ Show would be added on a number of his Westwood One Syndicated affiliates. We also asked how tough it might be to tune in and listen to his successor from his longtime studio?. "Totally at peace with this, man. I'm sure it'll be surreal. But I had my time. 

As for the immediate future, he and his fiance plan to travel abroad. He also plans now to put more focus on getting shows to Pionaire Podcast Network. "I think it's very unique in that its owner comes from the talent side of things. I want to provide the same type of excitement, creativity and freedom I had in morning radio. I'm looking at all sorts of podcasts and giving them the space (and the marketing) to truly be themselves. I'm excited about it. I may even do my own travel podcast at some point. "

"Meanwhile, The sun is rising in San Diego right in front of me and I'm on my computer. Everything I didn't want in retirement. lol. You and I are forever connected Don (Anthony). Talk to ya soon." Top Photo/ANF Screengrab

Michelle Lehman: Free Local Radio In Cars Is Not A Luxury, But a Critical Lifeline When Disaster Strikes

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 24TH, 2025 – Michelle Lehman, NAB's Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, writes that recently Tesla announced plans to remove FM radio – in addition to AM – from its low-cost models (Tesla Model 3 shown below). Instead, their customers will have to rely on streaming and paired smartphone audio. But when disaster strikes and internet service goes down, local radio in cars becomes a lifeline – not a luxury.

Radio is one of the most reliable, universal ways Americans receive urgent information, and AM radio is the backbone of the emergency alert system. “When the power is out and cell service is down, AM radio becomes a critical lifeline,” wrote the International Association of Fire Chiefs. “Its long range and ability to operate during power outages, natural disasters and extreme weather events make it an indispensable resource for those in desperate need of reliable updates. As first responders, we can receive news about roads closing, dams breaking, and rescue efforts by tuning into local AM radio stations in our vehicles.”

Automakers like Tesla put profits above public safety when they remove local radio. Vehicles remain one of the primary places Americans listen to radio each day, and during emergencies, over‑the‑air radio saves lives. Streaming over cellular data or internet is vulnerable to network outages and can require subscription fees. Radio is a local, trusted medium, anchored in communities across America, that responds when emergencies happen and when lives are at stake.

Each month, 82 million listeners depend on AM radio to always be on, delivering news, sports, talk, traffic and weather reports they depend on every day. Lawmakers understand the public safety benefits of radio. That’s why more than 340 senators and House members are supporting the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require AM radio as a standard safety feature in all new cars. The time is now to pass this critical legislation and protect Americans behind the wheel. Make your voice heard at Depend on AM Radio. Bottom Photo/Tesla

Curtis Sliwa Quits Radio Show During Fiery On-Air Clash After Being Called On To Drop Out Of Race

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 23RD, 2025 – Popular New York host and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa angrily quit his radio show at 77 WABC on Wednesday in a fiery on-air showdown after its owner and one of the station’s fellow host called on him to drop out of the race. The New York Post reports he raged on the station’s airwaves “you will never see me at the studios of WABC again” as he accused colleagues of betraying him and complained to host Sid Rosenberg that the station was giving preferable treatment to independent candidate, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“Let me just say Sid, I am directing my comments to everybody at WABC,” Sliwa told Rosenberg, who is nudging Sliwa to move aside so Cuomo has the best shot at upsetting Democratic nominee and front-runner Zohran Mamdani. “They have said I’m selfish. Selfish? Are you out of your mind?” Sliwa continued. “… But that’s why you will never see me at the studios of WABC again, never, no matter how this election turns out.”

Station owner, John Catsimatidis, said in an interview with The New York Post following the on-air blowup, “Regardless of all the news going around, I’ve always said great things about Curtis Sliwa, about how well he knows the city. But in a places like New York City where 70% of New York City are Democrats, the real Democrat is Andrew Cuomo, not Zohran Mamdani and Democrats should vote for Cuomo. I’ve never asked that he leave the race but recommended that a lot of other people have said he should."

According to the Post, Catsimatidis also implied Wednesday he doesn’t believe Sliwa’s time at the station has ended after his emotional vow. “I’ve supported Curtis for the last 30 years, his organizations and him,” he said. “Me and Curtis have a handshake deal and he has a 30-year contract. When he calms down, I believe Curtis has always been reasonable.” Read New York Post article HERE

Top photo: Lev Radin - Bottom Howard Weiss both from Shutterstock

NEW 102.7’s 'Karen Carson In The Morning' Raises Over $31,000 During Its Walk for Animals (

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 22ND, 2025 – Audacy's NEW 102.7 FM (WNEW-FM) in New York, raised over $31,000 for Animal Care Centers of New York City (ACC of NYC) during its second “Walk for Animals.” Anthony “Intern Anthony” Malerba, co-host of “Karen Carson in the Morning,” walked 13.8-miles on Friday morning across Hylan Boulevard, the longest street in Staten Island to encourage the community to donate and help local animals in need.

“We are incredibly proud of the ‘Karen Carson in the Morning’ show for raising over $31,000 for the ACC of NYC,” said Rob Miller, Brand Manager, NEW 102.7. “This is a cause that is deeply personal to the team, and to see Intern Anthony, a Staten Island native, walk the longest street in his home borough to rally support shows an extraordinary level of dedication. This effort, combined with the amazing generosity of our listeners, is a powerful example of the community spirit NEW 102.7 stands for.”

While Intern Anthony was on the road, his co-hosts Karen Carson and Johnny Mingione supported him on the airwaves, prompting listeners to donate to ACC of NYC and giving listeners live updates on how the walk was progressing. ACC of NYC strives to keep the city safe and end animal homelessness across the five boroughs by rescuing abandoned cats, dogs and rabbits and placing them with loving families.

Left to Right: Johnny Mingione, Karen Carson, Anthony Malerba)

Tracy Johnson: During Times Of Change, 'The Challenge Isn’t Survival. It’s Staying Relevant'

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 21ST, 2025 – In Tracy Johnson's latest 'Insider Radio Network' article titled: 'Staying Relevant in a Shrinking Industry: Continuous Learning and Reinvention,' he points out, "If you’ve been in radio long enough, even for a couple of years, you’ve seen the cycle: consolidation, layoffs, “restructuring,” and the same pep talk about doing more with less. In a way, it’s validating to be one of the survivors. On the other hand, is that what you’d want? How do you stay relevant in a shrinking industry?"

"In reality, most industries are reducing humans, but the demand for what radio people do best has never been bigger. Storytelling, connecting, entertaining, and managing (programming) content are thriving across platforms," says Johnson. "The challenge isn’t survival. It’s staying relevant during cutbacks and a technology attack that threatens your relevance." Among Johnson's suggestions is to embrace new tools (Even If They Scare You). You don’t need to become a coder or data scientist, but you do need to experiment and learn to use tools that make you faster, sharper, and more creative."

"A talented and resourceful person who can leverage AI can legitimately replace two or three dinosaurs who reject new tech and start reinventing yourself," says Johnson, "Learn to use AI writing and voice tools like ChatGPT or ElevenLabs. Don’t worry. Mastering AI voices won’t make you irrelevant or bring on your own demise. It puts you on the cutting edge! If you’re a producer, have you experimented with audio editing and mixing shortcuts in software like Hindenburg?"

Johnson adds, "Don’t wait for corporate to train you or provide solutions. They probably won’t. Start playing. Curiosity is your new job security. Figure out the answers your boss wants and start doing it! - Read article HERE

Sean Howard: Why Treating Creators As 'Bedroom Kids' Blinded Incumbents To The Real Competition

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 20TH, 2025 – Flightpath CEO, Sean Howard writes that on September 3rd, the NY Times ran a headline, “Behind the Numbers: How Hollywood Missed Its Mark This Summer”, on how an expected return to pre-COVID spending failed to happen. We believe that consumption patterns for traditional entertainment will not return to pre-COVID levels. And while COVID had a drastic impact on the industry, it was not the cause of the ongoing decline. The most positive interpretation of the chart below is that the curve may be starting to flatten, but there is no sign of a rebound from a trend that began in 2014.

Howard proposes that what we are seeing is instead a massive disruption in how we consume entertainment content and how publishers distribute the same. An IAB report, highlighting data from 2022, showed that North American consumers spend more time with creator-based media than all traditional entertainment media. And let’s not forget that digital video ad spend surpassed traditional TV spend in 2024 [source: IAB] and is expected to reach 58% of spend in 2025. And yet, time and again, I run into the same misbelief that “these creators are just kids in their bedroom” and nothing for traditional media to worry about. Sure, there are plenty of creators who started with a camera in their bedroom, but a growing number of these “kids” have full-fledged and staffed businesses that are generating significant revenue while building brands that their audiences are willing to pay to watch.

Spotify made a notable move into video recently and has already seen significant growth with “more than 270 million users” watching a video podcast on Spotify. [source: Spotify] YouTube is likely the best known platform for longer-form video and recently announced they will be opening up their Digital Ad Insertion tech for YouTube creators to deliver sponsorships. A move that will transform advertising in social video, just as it did in podcast audi.

As one of many examples: Rhett and Link (shown above) met in elementary school and launched a comedy channel on YouTube. Their company, Mythical Entertainment, has a staff of over 100 people, 34 million subscribers, and partial annual earnings of $36 Million. [source: Forbes]

Disruption is never a clean line in the sand, but rather a series of forces that slowly undermine the ground an industry is built upon, with many false starts and stops, requiring and selecting for more nimble organizations (and in this case, content creators) that can adapt and leverage these changes. But the end result is a seismic transformation of the landscape. Top Photo/Mythical

iHeart Consumer Study: 82 Percent of Respondents Worry About AI’s Societal Impact

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 17TH, 2025 – Earlier this week, iHeartMedia released its third annual consumer study titled, "AudioCon 3.0: The Human Consumer." Over the past three years this acclaimed series of consumer studies -- from the New American Consumer with Malcolm Gladwell to America’s Ignored Consumer -- has given marketers a deeper understanding of today's evolving audiences. The "Human" Consumer study, which brings together research across age groups and demographics, demonstrates the impact that media and technology are having on consumers, shaping their beliefs and behavior.

The new research, fielded through Critical Mass Media for iHeartMedia, found that 82 percent of respondents worry about AI’s societal impact, and 9 in 10 believe it’s important to know the media they consume is created by a real person. Most respondents long to feel ‘human’ again through deep, meaningful relationships, but simultaneously feel overwhelmed by their phones, hindering the ability to pursue these connections.

These conflicting sentiments are driving new consumer behavior. "The data shows us that consumers are emotionally driven, digitally fatigued and yearning for authenticity in an increasingly algorithmic world," said Lainie Fertick, President of Insights for iHeartMedia. "This is especially critical with rapid technology advancements and the growing use of AI in the media industry. For marketers, it creates both hurdles and unique opportunities to connect with audiences in this new environment." See report HERE

Connoisseur's 103.1 The Wolf Listener Wins 'Riley Green’s Machine' Autographed Motorcycle

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 17TH, 2025 – Country radio favorite 103.1 The Wolf (WWSK-FM) turned up the excitement for listeners with its latest promotion, “Riley Green’s Machine,” giving one lucky fan the chance to win an autographed motorcycle from Long Island’s own Cross Bay Motor Sports. After weeks of anticipation, Kelly Ford, the Wolf’s beloved PM drive star, handed over the keys and helmet to thrilled listener Donna Campisi who took home the exclusive ride signed by country music star Riley Green.

“We love connecting Wolf listeners to their favorite country stars,” said Robby Bridges, Program Director of 103.1 The Wolf. “We can’t wait to see Riley Green’s machine cruising the LIE and Southern State!” The Wolf qualified listeners with “I ride with The Wolf T-shirts” on the air during August and September with the winner randomly selected from the pool of qualifiers. Listeners across Long Island tuned in for their chance to call in to qualify to win, ultimately for the opportunity to own a piece of country music history on wheels.

Edison: Nearly 30% Of Americans 13-24 Say They Are Now Creating And Sharing Content Online

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 16TH, 2025 – In this week's Edison Insights, they take a closer look at the influencer industry which plays an integral and immense role in both the culture and economy of the United States. According to a 2024 article from Forbes, the influencer industry is worth approximately $250 billion and is expected to reach $500 billion by 2027. Creators like Mr. Beast, Charli D'Amelio, Alix Earle, and Ms. Rachel all have millions of followers as well as lucrative brand and merchandising deals. While many of us are familiar with these household names.

Edison Research wanted to capture and understand what percent of the overall American population consider themselves digital content creators. The following showcases some of the never-before-seen data we have about digital content creators from a national online survey among Americans 13+. As of May 2025, 18% of Americans 13+ say that they are currently involved with the creation or production of any original content that is shared publicly online.

Close to one-fifth of Americans are spending their time creating and then sharing content online for others to view, like, and share. Probably not surprising is the fact that this changes significantly when we look at different age segments. Just under one-third, 30%, of Americans 13-24 say that they are digital content creators. Interestingly, a similar percentage of those 25-44, 28%, also said yes to this question.

Of course, Millennials and Zoomers/Gen Z have grown up with the internet. It’s no surprise then that digital content creation is highest among these age segments. We see a sharp and dramatic decline when we look at the same question among Americans 45+. Only 7% of that group says that they are digital creators. The figures outlined above reflect only a small sample of the data Edison Research currently has on digital content creators in 2025.

What Happens When College Students Critique AI-Generated Podcasts; 'High Scores Were Rare'

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 15TH, 2025 – Amplifi Media's Steven Goldstein writes in this week's Blogstein that in his Business of Podcasting class at NYU he asked a room full of college students to listen to AI-generated podcasts and rate them on a 1-to-5 scale? For the occasion, he invited his longtime friend and podcast research authority Tom Webster, Partner at Sounds Profitable, to join as a guest speaker.

Tom led a discussion on where the next generation of podcast listeners will come from — and we conducted a timely in-class experiment, turning the room into a mini focus group to explore how students reacted to AI-generated podcasts. Each student selected an AI-generated show from Inception Point AI. hey chose one that looked interesting from roughly 450 available shows, gave it a listen and rating, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest quality. 'High scores were rare.'

'Reddit' and 'How to Train Your Dog' managed to earn 4s. Most of the others hovered in the middle or lower. The average was 2.3. When Tom asked whether the students would have known the shows were AI-made if they hadn’t been told, several said yes. They felt the conversations were flat, too perfect, and oddly emotionless. Interestingly, the few AI podcasts that fared better were instructional, like 'How to Train Your Dog' or 'The Science Behind Strength.' My students found these shows more acceptable because they didn’t expect personality; they just wanted information. That said, even the students who appreciated the factual content missed the anecdotes, opinions, and credentials that human hosts use to build trust.

Tom, ever the researcher, pressed the group with a question: if the information is correct and useful, does it matter that it’s AI? Most said it does. Podcasts, they explained, are a human medium. They tune in for the voices, quirks, laughter, and even tangents. As one student put it: “I listen to podcasts for the personality of the person — that’s what makes me care.” Read entire blog HERE

KKLZ Morning Host Mike O’Brian To Retire After Nearly 4 Decades On Las Vegas Radio

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 15TH, 2025 – Longtime 96.3 KKLZ-FM morning host Mike O’Brian has announced he will retire at the end of October, concluding an extraordinary broadcasting career spanning nearly 40 years with Beasley Media Group and leaving an indelible mark on the Las Vegas radio landscape. The station will celebrate O’Brian’s legendary career throughout the month of October with on-air tributes, special guests, and listener memories. His final broadcast will be Friday, October 31, 2025.

O’Brian, best known as co-host of the iconic “Mike & Carla Morning Show,” has been a staple of Southern Nevada mornings since the early 1990s. His quick wit, relatable humor, and genuine connection with listeners have made him one of the region’s most beloved and respected on-air personalities.

“Mike is one of those rare broadcasters who truly becomes part of people’s lives,” said Justin Chase, Chief Content Officer of Beasley Media Group. “For close to 40 years, he’s been the voice Las Vegas wakes up to - making us laugh, think, and feel connected. His passion, talent, and heart have made a lasting impact on KKLZ and Las Vegas. We are very grateful for all he’s done.”

“Hosting this show has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” said O’Brian. “When I started in radio, I never imagined I’d spend decades waking up with Las Vegas - laughing with our listeners, sharing stories, and being part of their daily lives. I’m humbled by the recognition and deeply grateful for the memories." His longtime co-host Carla Rea added, “Working with Mike has been the highlight of my career. He’s more than a co-host — he’s a partner and a dear friend. I couldn’t be happier for him as he begins this next chapter, and I know our listeners feel the same!”

Rob Stone & Holly Hutton Return For Afternoons On 99.5 WYCD-FM Detroit

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 15TH, 2025 – Audacy's 99.5 WYCD Detroit announced a new lineup and on-air programming changes. Beginning this week “The Rob and Holly Show,” hosted by Rob Stone and Holly Hutton, will move to afternoon drive from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. Sean “Coop” Tabler moves from afternoons to host evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. ET.

The revamped 99.5 WYCD weekday programming lineup is as follows. 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET: “Josh, Rachael and Grunwald in the Morning” 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET: “Katie and Company.” 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET: “The Rob and Holly Show” 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. ET: Coop 12:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. ET: “Mo & Styckman” On “The Rob and Holly Show,”

Coop is a veteran voice to 99.5 WYCD listeners. He previously hosted nights at the station from 2010 to 2015. He rejoined WYCD in 2020 for middays. He can also be heard on Big 98.1 (WOGL-FM) in Philadelphia, weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET, 100.7 The Wolf (KKWF-FM) in Seattle from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT, Kiss Country 99.9 (WKIS-FM) in Miami from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET and nationwide for “Coop’s Rockin’ Country” Saturday nights from 7:00 pm. to 12:00 a.m. local time.

Mark Schreiber, VP/GM of Cornerstone Research, Announces Retirement After 37 Years in Radio

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 15TH, 2025 – Mark Schreiber, Vice President and General Manager of Cornerstone Research, has announced his retirement at the end of this year. “This has not been an easy decision,” said Schreiber. “I love what I do and will deeply miss not only our longtime clients, but especially my close-knit Cornerstone family. But our most valuable asset is time, and I’m looking forward to being on my own schedule — and catching more late-night West Coast Dodgers games!”

Schreiber was the first hire when Brad Riegel founded Cornerstone Research in 2000. “Mark and I met and worked together at Tapscan, when it was a software company and not just a product,” said Riegel. “I knew he was the right person to help lay the foundation for Cornerstone. His talent, dedication, and leadership have been instrumental to our success.”

Reflecting on his career, Schreiber added, “I’m tremendously proud that Brad, our colleagues, and I built a successful company from the ground up — and that after twenty-five years, it’s still thriving. I can’t thank enough the many programmers, researchers, and managers who have supported us and have been such a pleasure to work with.”

Joel Denver And Mike Agovino Unveil SonicTrek.ai An AI-Driven Audio Syndication Company

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 15TH, 2025 – SonicTrek.ai announced its launch, introducing a new era of hyper-localized, 24/7, AI-infused audio content for brands worldwide. By combining Futuri’s AI technology with a proprietary process blending top-tier voice talent, curated musical selections, and dynamic writing, SonicTrek.ai delivers 100% localized audio formats tailored to engage diverse audiences. Leadership and Vision:

SonicTrek.ai is spearheaded by industry veterans Joel Denver and Mike Agovino, whose collective expertise in media innovation drives the company’s mission to redefine audio syndication. “SonicTrek.ai is about creating authentic, localized experiences that resonate with listeners while leveraging the power of AI to deliver unmatched creativity and efficiency,” said Joel Denver, Partner and Chief Executive Officer at SonicTrek.ai. “We’re not just building brands; we’re crafting immersive audio worlds.”

Introducing SonicTrek’s flagship AI brand Phoebe.fm Curiously Alternative. Phoebe.fm, is a female-leaning alternative station sculpted by Dennis Constantine and hosted by Phoebe, a captivating virtual with real talent.

You can stream Phoebe now at SonicTrek.ai - Alongside Phoebe.fm, SonicTrek.ai is simultaneously launching three additional 24/7 AI brands, each with their own unique virtual voices:

-- MyCountry.fm: An innovative Country music experience mastered by Charlie Cook with heartfelt storytelling local to your market.

-- Starship.fm: A reimagination of Classic Rock, designed by Lee Abrams, with a deep and stellar mix of anthems, deep tracks, and surprises anchored in cinematic production.

-- CoolClassics.ai: A vibrant Classic Hits format delivering your favorite music with a contemporary twist crafted by Brian Kelly.

For more information or to check out the incredible sound of AI-infused audio, visit www.sonictrek.ai

'Great Content Doesn’t Find An Audience Anymore, It Earns One,'- Mark Ramsey

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 14TH, 2025 – What makes one show stick while others fade faster than a station? In the latest episode of BRANDwidth on Demand, media strategist Mark Ramsey — the creative force behind Wondery’s acclaimed 'Inside Psycho,' 'Inside Jaws', and "Inside The Exorcist — says it’s not about luck. It’s about strategy. Known for transforming audio into cinematic storytelling, Ramsey has guided both broadcasters and streamers to think bigger — and sound smarter. In his latest episode, he reveals how creators can find their “blue ocean” ideas, balance art with business, and design content that actually matters.

“Great content doesn’t find an audience anymore… it earns one,” Ramsey explains. “If you can’t show why it matters, no amount of promotion will make it stick.” Co-hosts Kipper McGee and Dave Martin explore Ramsey’s take on what radio can still learn from Hollywood, how to build brand-safe sponsor relationships, and why preparation is the secret ingredient behind authentic spontaneity.

Each BRANDwidth on Demand episode offers insights from top industry leaders, helping broadcasters and podcasters use today’s tools to grow tomorrow’s brands. 🎧 BRANDwidth on Demand featuring Mark Ramsey: “The 3 Checkmarks for Audio That Sticks” is now available wherever you get your podcasts - get more info in banner at bottom of page.

Audacy And Monumental Sports Announce Multi-Year Partnership Extension

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 14TH, 2025 – Audacy and Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) have announced a multi-year extension of their broadcast and content partnership, ushering in a new era of expanded coverage across audio and video platforms. 106.7 The Fan (WJFK-FM) is now the flagship station for the Washington Wizards and continues as the flagship for the Washington Capitals. Select games – including Wizards broadcasts when both teams play – will also air on sister stations The Team 980 (WTEM-AM) and 99.1 WDCH (WDCH-FM). Washington Mystics games will continue airing on 106.7 The Fan, The Team 980, 99.1 WDCH and 1580 The Bet (WJFK-AM).

The broadcasts, including halftime reports, will feature live audio simulcasts from Monumental Sports Network’s (MNMT) television broadcast. The fan-favorite "The Sports Junkies" show, which also simulcasts every weekday morning on MNMT, will now be available to watch live and on demand on 106.7 The Fan’s YouTube channel. The partnership will also bring more of Audacy’s top-rated programming to MNMT. “BMitch and Finlay,” airing daily from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET, will now simulcast on MNMT starting November 3, offering D.C. sports fans even more access to beloved local voices through MSE’s independent media platform.

“We are excited to extend and expand our partnership with Monumental Sports to enhance the listening and viewing experience for fans,” said Ivy Savoy-Smith, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Washington D.C.

101 WRIF And 94.7 WCSX Celebrate The Life And Music of Ozzy Osbourne With Sold-Out Concert

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 14TH, 2025 – Beasley Media Group’s 101 WRIF and 94.7 WCSX joined forces to pay tribute to rock’s one and only “Prince of Darkness” with a sold-out Celebration of Ozzy concert event at District 142 in Wyandotte on Friday, October 10th. To kick off the Halloween season in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion, the two legendary Detroit rock stations came together to honor the music and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne.

The night featured powerhouse performances from Resurrection – A Judas Priest Tribute and Detroit’s own Ozzy Rebourne, who delivered an electrifying set celebrating the timeless catalog of one of rock’s greatest icons. Fans packed the venue as both WRIF and WCSX cranked up the volume and celebrated Ozzy’s music, energy, and influence. Every concert-goer received exclusive limited-edition stickers from each station — WRIF’s “Ozzy Forever” and WCSX’s “Long Live Ozzy” — designed to commemorate the night. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales benefited the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, continuing Detroit’s proud tradition of combining music and community impact.

“This event was a true celebration of everything Ozzy stands for - great music, larger-than-life energy, and an enduring connection with fans,” said Program Director Jade Springart. “To see WRIF and WCSX unite for this cause and sell out District 142 shows just how strong the Motor City’s love for rock and Ozzy really is.”

Premiere Networks’ Phil Hendrie Stars In The Off-Broadway Play, 'The Pitch'

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 14TH, 2025 – The dark comedy 'The Pitch' has been dubbed the “Glengarry Glenn Ross for a new generation,” by Broadway World. Hendrie, in this rare New York stage appearance, plays Mel, an intimidating IRS agent.

Premiere Networks and Hendrie recently announced reuniting and partnering on his long-running podcast “The World of Phil Hendrie”. The 30-minute podcast features a modern-day satirical view of the world through the eyes of Hendrie and his multi-verse of characters.

Phil Hendrie's agent and friend David Katz of the Elvis Duran Group, attended the opening preview night and snapped the shown photos

iHeart Milwaukee Debuts The New B97.3 Milwaukee

Green Bay Packers football and Wisconsin Badgers football, previously heard on 97.3-FM, will move to 95.7 WRIT-FM

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 14TH, 2025 – iHeartMedia Milwaukee announced today the debut of the new B97.3, Feel Good Favorites, effective immediately. B97.3 will broadcast Adult Contemporary music, focusing on songs from artists including Adele, Michael Jackson, P!nk, Maroon 5 and Madonna. The station will also add a full lineup of personalities.

"We welcome listeners to Milwaukee’s new home for Feel Good Favorites, B97.3,” said Dan Lenz, iHeartMedia Milwaukee Market President. “This new radio station will blend wonderfully into our portfolio of existing stations and prove to be a big hit with listeners and clients, alike!"

Green Bay Packers football and Wisconsin Badgers football, previously heard on 97.3-FM, will move to 95.7 WRIT-FM.

SPECai Welcomes Renda Media As Its 50th Broadcasting Partner

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 14TH, 2025 – SPECai proudly announces that Renda Media, with its stations throughout Pennsylvania and Florida, is the newest group to use the leading platform for AI generated spec spots. The multi-award-winning service, built through a unique partnership by Compass Media Networks, Benztown and ENCO Systems, allows account executives to create fully customized spec spots in seconds using powerful AI technology.

Renda Media President Tony Renda says “We are thrilled to partner with SPECai to enhance our radio commercials production at Renda Media. By integrating SPECai into our creative process, we can efficiently deliver innovative and compelling advertising solutions, ensuring our clients reach their target markets effectively and with unprecedented dynamism."

SPECai, was recently named as a RedTech Best in Show at the IBC in Amsterdam. Leading companies including Beasley Media Group, Connoisseur Media, Adams Radio Group, Southern Stone Communications, and Midwest Communications, along with dozens of other groups, have found SPECai to provide high quality spec spots in a user-friendly environment for their account executives to close more business faster. For more info, contact Nancy Abramson at (914) 708-1451, nabramson@compassmedianetworks.com.

Tracy Johnson: The Formula For Creating Winning Radio Contests - 'Keep It Simple, But Make It Fun'

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 13TH, 2025 – In Tracy Johnson's latest Insider Radio Network's article, he says contests must be simple or your audience will become confused, and that is a very bad thing. But simple is only half of the equation. A contest that’s easy to understand but boring to hear isn’t a success. You may appeal to 2% of the Cume (those lovable Prize Pigs), but everyone else tunes it out.

The real challenge (and art) of contest design is making it simple to follow, fun to play, and entertaining to hear. Keep it simple, but make it fun. Keep It Simple, But Make It Fun Most stations confuse simple with stupid. They strip contests down to a phrase and a phone number: “Be caller number nine and win now!” “When you hear the keyword, text it in!” That’s simple. One listen, and they get it, but it’s also laziness disguised as clarity. Sure, it’s easy to explain. But for 98% of listeners who will never call or text (they’re not contest players), it’s also meaningless, irrelevant, and annoying.

Be Interesting, Not Complicated - Listeners shouldn’t need a whiteboard and a legal degree to figure out how to play and win your contest. When the process becomes the story, you’ve lost the magic. Albert Einstein said it best: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” That’s your contest strategy in one sentence. Read Article HERE

Moneyball: Top Reasons Why P1's Change Stations

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 13TH, 2025 – NuVoodoo's Leigh Jacobs writes in this week's 'Moneyball, "When we asked the 2,000+ nationwide respondents in NuVoodoo Ratings Prospects Study 26 what causes them to change stations, too many bad songs is at or near the top of the ranking among most format P1 groups. Even among the few formats where bad songs are the cause of tuneout for less than half the P1s, they remain an unforced error for at least two P1s in five.

Those among our already research-friendly sample who would meet the necessary criteria to be included in the ratings sample (labeled “RPS Yes” in the chart above), 55% say bad songs are a cause of tuneout. This means bad songs are nearly ten points a bigger cause of tuneout among those likely to give radio its report card. Assisting a new client managing their on-air library after a recent music test, the client remarked that the “safe list” they’d been using suddenly didn’t feel very safe. Songs they had in power rotations weren’t very strong in the music test and many of the songs that should be in power rotations had been in lower rotation or off the station.

The station had been relying on so-called safe lists pulled from Mediabase monitors. It’s been done for years: you find in-format stations from larger markets in your region or from markets that seem similar to yours and determine the most-commonly played gold titles across that panel of stations. If everyone’s doing it, it must be safe – or so the thinking goes. But, unless you know how recently those stations have tested their music, that thinking isn’t as safe as it used to be. Music testing is getting less frequent across the industry.

Stations that used to conduct two library tests per year are now being asked to live with one test. Stations that used to conduct annual tests may get one every other year – or none at all. Among a panel of stations being used to model a safe list, it’s all too possible that none of them has a recent music test. Songs that became burned out from overexposure or just fell out of favor remain in the list. Songs that have become better liked due to exposure elsewhere don’t show up at all. Read entire post HERE

Urban One Makes Key Leadership Moves Across Atlanta, Dallas And Houston

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 13TH, 2025 – Urban One, Inc. announced key leadership appointments within its Audio Division. Among those named include Pam McKay who's been named Vice President, Market Manager of Urban One Atlanta. In Houston, McKay led the integration of the former Cox stations, improved local programming performance, delivered standout local activations, and forged deep community partnerships. Her results-focused leadership and ability to unite teams behind clear strategic goals make her well-suited to lead the Atlanta market into its next phase of success.

Also named is Doug Abernethy who returns to Urban One as Regional Vice President, overseeing the company’s Texas markets, including Houston and Dallas. Abernathy previously managed the Houston cluster, where he earned a reputation for steady leadership, operational rigor, and consistent results. His return brings valuable continuity and additional executive depth as Urban One continues to build momentum across Texas.

“Pam and Doug represent the kind of leadership that moves our business forward—strategic, disciplined, and performance-driven,” said Alfred C. Liggins III, CEO of Urban One, Inc. “Pam’s proven record of building high-performing teams and driving market growth, combined with Doug’s operational expertise and regional insight, strengthens our ability to deliver results and position these markets for long-term success.” These appointments reflect Urban One’s ongoing investment in experienced leadership that supports collaboration, growth, and sustained success across all its markets.

Dr. Demento Airs Final Broadcast On 55th Anniversary

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 13TH, 2025 – On October 11th, his 55th anniversary, Dr. Demento aired his final broadcast on October. AV Club reports he marked the occasion by treating 'dementors and dementoids' to the longest nationally broadcast Dr. Demento Show ever, a three-and-a-half-hour-long extravaganza, counting down Demento’s “Top 40 most demanded demented discs and tapes” from across his career.

Back in late April, he announced that that would be his final regular show until his final episode this month. The Minneapolis native Barret 'Dr. Demento' Hansen first introduced radio listeners to his demented alter ego in 1970 on KPPC in Pasadena and some years later became syndicated.

Demento released his final traditional episode on May 31. The following day, he announced his retirement and spent his remaining months on air hosting retrospective episodes, counting down his favorite records decade by decade. At 84, Dr. Demento has undoubtedly earned his retirement. Curating popular culture’s most disposable art form is hard and thankless work.

Megyn Kelly To Headline Her Own SiriusXM Channel As Part New Multi-Year Extension

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 10TH, 2025 – SiriusXM announced that Megyn Kelly has signed a new multi-year deal with the company, extending the successful relationship that has made The Megyn Kelly Show one of the platform’s most successful political and cultural programs.

As part of the agreement, Kelly will headline her own SiriusXM channel, The Megyn Kelly Channel, which will take over channel 111 starting November 4.  The new channel will continue to air The Megyn Kelly Show, heard first and only on SiriusXM before becoming available in podcast form, and will also feature brand-new programming, including the debut of an exclusive daily after show program. Additional series, shows, and specials will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Linear television news is dead. People can’t stand those stilted, censored conversations anymore, which is exactly why this medium is thriving. I’m thrilled to deliver our bold brand of no-BS news live on SiriusXM and to be expanding my relationship with such a stellar, blue-chip brand and great partner,” said Megyn Kelly.

“Soon our listeners will have the Megyn Kelly Channel to enjoy and trust for the conversations and content they love.”  Kelly recently announced the launch of her first-ever national show tour, “Megyn Kelly LIVE,” in which she will take the MK show on the road, visiting 10 cities from across the country. The tour is presented by Yrefy.com and brought to you by SiriusXM.

Cleveland State University's Transfer Of WCSB-FM To Ideastream's JazzNEO Sparks Campus Protest

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 10TH, 2025 – Hundreds gathered this week in silent demonstration after Cleveland State University transferred operations of the 89.3 FM station, ending nearly five decades of diverse campus programming, reports cleveland.com's Mary Frances McGowan. Students and community members, gathered on Tuesday in silent protest of the university’s announcement that Ideastream Public Media would take over the WCSB radio station’s operations, demanding the station be returned to student control.

The demonstration came after CSU transferred operations of the 89.3 FM station to Ideastream Public Media, ending nearly five decades of campus programming. About 200 people attended. The event was held “to mourn the loss of WCSB as a student organization and to bring students, student orgs, alums, and members of the WCSB community together,” a post on a now-deactivated WSCB Instagram account said. The changeover occurred on Friday, Oct. 3, coincidentally on College Radio Day. Under the public service operating agreement, Ideastream’s “JazzNEO” 24/7 jazz format replaced campus programming on 89.3 FM. Cleveland State retains the Federal Communications Commission license.

In the statement on Friday university president Dr. Laura Bloomberg said the decision is a “step forward” in their strategic vision. “The decision to have Ideastream oversee WCSB programming is one step forward in our Cleveland State United vision, the strategic plan for our university launched earlier this year,” Bloomberg said. “CSU is uniquely embedded within the city of Cleveland, which provides students with opportunities to benefit from strategic partnerships like this one,” Bloomberg said. “We look forward to working with Ideastream to expand access to experiential and work-based learning.” Read Cleveland.com article HERE

EDISON: Most Podcast Listening Takes Place In Middays, But Mornings Isn't Far Behind

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 9TH, 2025 – In this week's Edison Insights, it probes when podcast listening happens. Podcasts offer endless hours of entertainment and enrichment as well as intimate access to personalities and celebrities, all in a conveniently packaged and accessible product. Podcasts can be listened to or watched at any time of day but only Share of Ear© from Edison Research captures what percentage of daily podcast listening occurs in each part of the day among Americans 13+. Q3 2025 Share of Ear data is scheduled for release to subscribers early next week but we’re providing Weekly Insights readers a sneak peek of the data.

This brand-new data shows that Americans age 13+ spend 10% of their total daily audio time listening to podcasts. The greatest percentage of podcast listening occurs between 10am and 2pm, accounting for 29% of all daily podcast consumption. Early morning, between 6am and 10am is not too far behind, with 24% of podcast listening occurring within this daypart. In third is midafternoon, 2pm to 6pm, at 21% of all podcast listening time. The percentage of podcast consumption decreases from then on as we head into the evening and overnight hours.

Some people keep very different hours and schedules from the traditional 9-5 workday. Podcast listening does not disappear overnight, as 11% still occurs from 10pm to 2am and an additional 3% happens from 2am to 6am. Share of Ear captures similar data for several different platform types, ranging from AM/FM Radio to Streaming Music sources. Inquire here to find out more about Americans spend their day with audio through a Share of Ear subscription.

The Dallas Weekly: DeDe McGuire, 'The Blueprint For Leadership, Longevity, And A Love Of Craft'

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 9TH, 2025 – With DeDe McGuire's induction into The Radio Hall of Fame just weeks away, Jess Washington writes in an expansive piece for The Dallas Weekly that 'There are radio voices that fill the airwaves — and then there are the ones that fill the culture. DeDe McGuire, host of DeDe in the Morning, has done both.' Washington says, 'It’s a homegrown Texas victory — a reflection of decades of persistence, purpose, and poise.

'The Biggest Challenge Wasn’t Learning Radio — It Was Convincing People That A Woman Could Be A Successful Radio Host' - DeDe

DeDe McGuire’s journey began in Killeen, Texas, where a young woman studying telecommunications took a receptionist job at a country radio station just to get her foot in the door. One day, she was invited on-air for playful banter. The station owner’s wife told her she had “a great voice and an unbelievable personality” and should be trained for radio — but not there. They said they couldn’t “have a Black girl hosting.” And that rejection became DeDe’s redirection. She landed her first hosting opportunity at a Black-owned local station, later working her way through multiple markets across the country. She recalls that the biggest challenge wasn’t learning radio — it was convincing people that a woman could be a successful radio host. Her persistence paid off.

Since 2011, DeDe has hosted DeDe in the Morning on K104. By 2018, the show was syndicated nationally by Compass Media Networks, expanding into more than 80 markets across the U.S. In June 2025, DeDe was officially announced as part of the Radio Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, joining an elite group that includes Alice Cooper, Julie Talbott, Mike McVay, and Sheri Lynch, among others. DeDe in the Morning is joined on air by co-hosts J.Kruz, comedian J.J. Williamson and Aye Treg alongside producer David “Breeze” Carter and the show’s operations and content lead George “Geo” Cook.

Photo/courtesy of DeDe McGuire -Steven D. Hill - Read Dallas Weekly article HERE

AWM Announces Call for Entries For 51st Annual Gracie Awards NYC/LA

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 9TH, 2025 – The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF), has opened the call for entries for the 51 st Annual Gracie Awards. “Each year, the Gracies spotlight extraordinary talent who are shaping the future of media,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. “For more than five decades, these awards have honored powerful storytelling and representation while fueling the Foundation’s ability to invest in scholarships and programs that empower the next generation of women in our industry. As we open entries for the 51st Gracie Awards, we look forward to celebrating work that inspires audiences today and opens doors for tomorrow.”

The Gracie Awards will once again shine a spotlight on exceptional talent across various media categories, including television, streaming, radio and podcasting, from writers, journalists and actors to producers, directors and showrunners. Entries are invited from individuals, networks, and organizations, showcasing their dedication to advancing the portrayal and representation of women's voices in media content.

National winners will be honored at the Gracies Gala on May 19, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California and local and student winners will be celebrated at the Gracies Luncheon on June 16, 2026, at Cipriani on 42 nd Street in New York. Taking on the critical roles of co-chairs again for the 2026 Gracie Awards are Heather Cohen, President at The Weiss Agency, Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer at Hallmark Media, and Mike McVay, President of McVay Media Consulting. Key Information for Submissions: January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Early Bird Submission Deadline: December 11, 2025 Deadline for All Entries: January 22, 2026. To enter, CLICK HERE .

Mariner's Fan Who Caught Cal Raleigh's 61st Homer With 'Dump 61' T-Shirt, Calls Up Daly Migs

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 9TH, 2025 – No doubt you saw or read this week about the fan who caught Seattle Mariner Cal Raleigh's 61st homerun while wearing a jersey conveniently inscribed with "Dump 61 here" (If not, read article HERE). The fan, Jameson Turner (shown above left), wearing the jersey with "Dump 61 Here," was a number referring to Raleigh's combined home run total for the regular season and the playoffs. After the game, Raleigh posed alongside Jameson and handed over a baseball and an autographed bat that read: "Jameson, thanks for cheering us on and catching 61."

Being a red hot season for the Mariners, Audacy's 99.9 KISW Seattle's Daly Migs Show (shown at right with Taryn Daly, Danny V & Steve Migs) went to work and tracked Turner down and had him on their show this week. Listen to the interview HERE - Top left photo - FS1-ALDS screengrab

Connoisseur Media To Expand West Coast Footprint With Acquisition of Bonneville San Francisco

JOCKLINE, OCTOBER 8TH, 2025 – Connoisseur Media has entered into an agreement to acquire Bonneville International Corporation’s San Francisco market stations, including KUFX, KBLX, KMVQ (99.7 NOW), and KOIT. The transaction is pending regulatory approval by the FCC and is expected to close later this year. This agreement marks a significant milestone in Connoisseur Media’s ongoing expansion, following its recent acquisition of Alpha Media and will bring the total number of stations to 220 in 48 markets upon completion. Connoisseur currently owns KEZR and KBAY in San Jose as well as KUIC and KKIQ in the East Bay.

“San Francisco is a world-class media market, and these iconic stations are a perfect complement to our growing portfolio,” said Jeff Warshaw, Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media. “We are excited to greatly expand our service to the Bay Area. Our goal is to have a real presence with local programming, local voices, and being a significant part of the community. That’s what defines us, and that’s what listeners and advertisers deserve.”

The broker on the transaction was Kalil & Co., Inc. Connoisseur Media had legal representation by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, while Bonneville International was represented by Strong & Hanni.

SHOCKER: Bert Weiss Announces Retirement Following 25-Year Run On Oct. 24th

JOCKLINE, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2025 – After 25 years on air, Bert Weiss will retire from The Bert Show, bringing the nationally syndicated morning-drive program to a close with its final broadcast on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025.

Since launching the show in 2001, Weiss has become one of the industry’s most recognizable morning drive voices, building a loyal community of listeners across the country and creating a program that redefined morning radio with its candor, humor and unforgettable moments.

From being the first to put Justin Bieber on the radio to generating headline-making interviews – including when Usher revealed that a conversation on The Bert Show had inspired his “Confessions” album two decades earlier – Weiss consistently carried conversations far beyond the studio. Throughout his career, he fostered communication across cultures and lifestyles in pursuit of empathy and understanding

Beyond broadcasting, Weiss’ legacy is defined by giving back. Through his nonprofit, Bert’s Big Adventure, he has provided hundreds of children with chronic and terminal illnesses – and their families – with all-expenses-paid trips to Walt Disney World, creating memories that last far beyond a single broadcast. Following his retirement, Weiss will continue to lead the organization, ensuring its mission remains central to his life’s work.

“For 25 years, listeners have allowed me to be part of their mornings, their commutes and their lives – and that is the greatest gift of my career,” said Bert Weiss. “It’s almost unheard of in radio for an audience to stay with a show this long, and I’ll never take that loyalty for granted. Every laugh, every tough conversation and every shared moment has meant the world to me.”

His career has been recognized with inductions into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame and Friends of Georgia Radio Hall of Fame, multiple National Radio Hall of Fame nominations and numerous “Best of Atlanta” honors.

“We launched Bert and team with a loose plan to electrify Atlanta radio with a bold, buzzing morning show on a brand-new Top 40 station, operating on a then-unreliable ‘move-in’ signal from Anniston, Alabama,” said Brian Philips, Chief Content Officer for Cumulus Media. “In the ensuing 25 years, Bert emerged as the obsessive architect of humor, truthfulness and humanitarianism. With brilliant help from a hand-picked, evolving team, he built a national award-winning powerhouse. ‘The Bert Show Era’ is a historic chapter in Atlanta – and American – radio. As he reimagined the possibilities of morning entertainment, I’m sure he will attack retirement with wild, fun originality. Thank you, Bert."

Weiss will also remain focused on Pionaire, the boutique podcast consultancy he co-founded to mentor talent and elevate authentic storytelling in the digital space. Known for its hands-on approach and curated client roster, Pionaire helps creators cut through a crowded landscape by pairing authentic content with smart strategy. Through the company, Weiss continues to champion voices and build platforms that spark real connection between audiences and talent.

As he closes this remarkable chapter, Weiss looks ahead to getting married, traveling the world and discovering new adventures beyond the mic.

Q101/WKQX-FM Chicago Inducted Into The Illinois Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Class of 2025

JOCKLINE, SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2025 – Cumulus Media's Q101/WKQX-FM, was inducted into the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 on Sunday, September 14, 2025. The induction ceremony was held at the historic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.

Q101 was inducted into the 2025 class of the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Radio Station category, alongside the combined 2024 and 2025 Hall of Fame induction classes, which included 2025 inductees Head East and Enuff Z’Nuff in the Artist/Performer category; Tim Drummond, the late former bassist for Neil Young and Bob Dylan, in the Songwriter category; and others across multiple categories.

Marv Nyren, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Chicago, said: “I have had the honor of working with the teams and talent of Q101 for over 15 years and a brand that evolves with the times that continues to be the standard for Alternative music and personalities for Chicago. It’s as bright a future as we’ve seen in years with this group of people and James Kurdziel at the helm.”

James Kurdziel, Q101 Program Director and Vice President, Classic/Modern Rock, Cumulus Media, said: “We pride ourselves on being a part of and a reflection of our community. This honor validates that mission. We’re very proud of it and share the honor with all who have been a part of the Q101 story.”

Connoisseur Media Completes Acquisition Of Alpha Media; Rises To Top 10 Radio Group

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2025 - Connoisseur Media announced the successful closing of its acquisition of Alpha Media, following FCC approval on August 13, 2025. With the addition of Alpha’s 205 stations to its portfolio of leading Connecticut and Long Island properties, Connoisseur now operates 216 stations across 47 markets, instantly vaulting the company into the top 10 U.S. radio broadcasters by both station count and revenue. The company also unveiled a new logo (shown right).

Connoisseur Media now represents a powerful nationwide local media platform reaching 20% of the U.S. radio audience. Notable new markets in the expanded footprint include San Antonio, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Jose, Palm Springs, and Louisville, alongside Connoisseur’s long-established heritage stations serving Fairfield and New Haven counties in Connecticut and Nassau and Suffolk counties in Long Island, New York.

“Local broadcasting has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Jeff Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur Media. “Connoisseur started as a company rooted in radio serving local markets. Today we’re taking that same local-focused philosophy, which now includes our digital marketing and multi-platform expertise to some of the most dynamic markets in the country. This acquisition is about assembling the scale and resources to keep radio strong, serve our communities, empower our employees, and create even more value for advertisers.”

Jeff Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur Media “As I have traveled the country to meet our new colleagues in the Alpha Media markets, I have been impressed with their dedication to radio and their communities.”

Edison: Video Content Is More Important Than Ever For Engaging With New Podcast Audiences

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 28TH, 2025 - It’s no secret that video podcasts have significantly disrupted the podcast industry. Data from Edison Research’s Infinite Dial™ and Edison Podcast Metrics™ show the importance of video content and platforms in engaging current and future listeners. Just last week, Edison Research’s Senior Director Gabriel Soto showcased yet more new data at Podcast Movement 2025 illustrating how essential video content and platforms are in engaging new audiences.

Soto’s presentation aimed to spark conversations about the future of podcasting by examining the habits of two groups: the newest podcast consumers, whom we called “First-Years,” who started listening within the last year; and those labeled “Longtimers,” those who have been listening to the medium for five or more years.

Using new data from Edison Podcast Metrics, we can compare podcast consumption among these two groups, looking at how many consume audio-only podcasts versus podcasts with video that is actively watched. n short, most new consumers and established podcast fans are actively watching while listening to video podcasts.

One key finding from Soto’s presentation is that video is even more important for engaging with new audiences. A higher percentage of First-Years actively watch while they listen to video podcasts compared to those who engage with audio only podcasts, 77% vs 75%. Long-timers continue to have an affinity for audio only podcasts, but this may change over time.

Podcasting remains an audio-first platform, with many describing podcasts as something you can listen to and understand with your eyes closed. At the same time, many creators and marketers are likely missing an audience acquisition and engagement opportunity by not considering how to fit video content and video platforms into their strategic planning.

Fred Jacobs Opens Up About Parkinson's Diagnosis

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 28TH, 2025 - In Wednesday's blog titled 'My Left Hand,' Fred Jacobs, radio's beloved consultant and radio futurist, penned "this one’s been coming for a while. And it’s not the kind of blog post you’ve been accustomed to reading. Today, I’m sharing news about me. And while a number of posts I write include some “real life” moments here and there, memories from my programming days or Jacobs Media stories over the decades, I tend to shy away from intensely personal news as that is not what JacoBLOG is all about nor is it in my comfort zone. However, today’s the exception. I’ve been walking around with a secret that actually isn’t all that mysterious to those I know and interact with. It’s health news, and I realize that on the surface, that sounds scary. But in my case, things are going quite well overall, and I feel compelled to share the news with you.

Jacobs reveals that "a couple years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. You may not be that familiar with it (in fact, I wasn’t until I was told I have it). It’s become more common in recent years as a number of famous folks are in this “club,” including Ozzy Osbourne, Muhammed Ali, Alan Alda, Brett Favre, and Billy Graham. Perhaps the most publicized case is Michael J. Fox who tragically got his bad news at age 29. His version of Parkinson’s is quite a bit different than mine.

Jacobs first hint of a problem began in 2017 when he noticed a tremor in my left forefinger." "My physician sent me to a neurologist. He tested me, and concluded I didn’t have it—at least then. A few years later, the tremor became more noticeable, and again, I went to the same neurologist. This time around, my result was borderline. A few months later, he was more sure of my situation, declaring me a 70 year-old with Parkinson’s.

Jacobs shared that to the larger population in the industry, I’ve attempted to keep it quiet. Until now. It has taken a lot of effort and focus to keep that left hand under wraps and relatively calm. When I’m on stage, it’s often in my left pocket, mic in the right hand. (A lavalier mic is always a plus.) But I talk with my hands, so that left hand always seems to make an appearance especially when the adrenalin starts flowing. Trying to hide it has diverted my focus to the tremor and away from my speech, presentation, or meeting. And I’ve reached the conclusion that by telling you about it, neither of us will spend much time thinking about it. At least, that’s the goal.

The events that led me to making this decision were Morning Show Boot Camp a couple weeks ago, and the Public Media Content Conference happening right now in Salt Lake City. Read complete blog HERE.

Photo Courtesy of MEL ROSE @stuckwithmel for MSBC

Apple Teams With TuneIn To Offer Apple Music Radio Stations Outside Of Music app

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 28TH, 2025 - In what 9to5mac.com says appears to be a marketing effort for its subscription service, Apple has partnered with TuneIn to offer the free Apple Music radio stations outside of the Apple Music app for the first time. As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, starting this week, all six of the Apple live music radio stations will be made available to listen to on TuneIn. TuneIn reports more than 75 million monthly active users, spanning a variety of platforms and devices reports 9to5.

At launch in 2015, Apple Music premiered with the Beats 1 station, hosted by Zane Lowe and others. In 2020, the station was rebranded as Apple Music 1. Lowe still has a popular slot on the station to this today. Stations include Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, Apple Music Country, Apple Musica Uno, Apple Music Club, and Apple Music Chill. The latter three are new additions which launched last year.

Until this week, listeners needed to navigate to the Radio tab inside Apple Music to access these stations. The TuneIn partnership expands their reach. All six of these radio channels will now be streamed over the TuneIn platform, which encompasses smart speakers, mobile apps, the web and more.

Apple obviously hopes TuneIn listeners will enjoy the stations enough to want to convert into paying subscribers to access the complete Apple Music ecosystem. Apple Music’s algorithmically-driven stations remain subscriber exclusives.

RAB And MIW Announce Completion Of Its 17th Annual Leadership Program In Nashville

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 25TH, 2025 - RAB, in partnership with Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) announced the successful completion of the 17th annual Rising Through the Ranks program. The program began with a virtual session on Tuesday, August 12, and continued with in-person sessions on August 19-21 courtesy of BMI at their Nashville headquarters.

2025 Graduates with Featured Speakers including Erica Farber, Kim Johnson, and Trisha Yearwood. A Continued support by industry partners Mr. Master of the classroom materials, including participants’ notebooks and Xperi’s sponsorship of the lunches helped enhance the program experience.

Over the last 17 years, we have seen over 465 broadcasters graduate from the program and propel their careers as well as their companies by the knowledge, growth and skills gained at Rising Through the Ranks,” said Mike Hulvey, president and chief executive officer, RAB. “It’s an honor for MIW to be part of this program every year,” added Sheila Kirby, MIW board president. “We congratulate this year’s graduates and cannot wait to see and support their successes throughout their careers.” See complete list of graduates HERE

Kristen Welker To Accept Award In Honor Of NBC’s 100th Anniversary At LABF 'Giants' Event

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 22ND, 2025 - The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) 'Giants of Broadcasting' Event will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Gotham Hall in New York. As the NBC network commemorates a century of innovation and storytelling, the LABF is honored to pay tribute to its enduring impact on television, culture, and journalism among this year’s celebrated Giants of Broadcasting. Accepting the award on behalf of the network will be Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker. Meet the Press is the longest-running television program in U.S. history.

The 2025 Giants of Broadcasting Honorees include: David Muir, Anchor and Managing Editor, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir, and Co-Anchor of ABC’s 20/20 Lynn Beall, Visionary Strategist and Innovator, Retired Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Media Operations, TEGNA, Inc. Rick Dees, Legendary Radio Icon - John Feore Jr., Esteemed Communications Attorney and Trusted Advisor - Dick Ferguson, Distinguished Radio Executive and Retired Executive Vice President, Cox Radio Group- Gary Sandy, Acclaimed Stage, Screen, and Television Icon - Lesley Visser, Trailblazing Hall of Fame Sportscaster and First Woman Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Additionally, CBS News White House Correspondent and former RTDNA Chairman Steven Portnoy will receive the 2025 LABF Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award in recognition of his tireless efforts to safeguard and celebrate the history of broadcast journalism.

“For 100 years, NBC has been a pillar of American broadcasting,” said LABF Co-Chairs Heidi Raphael, Beasley Media Group Chief Communications Officer, and Jack Goodman, longtime D.C.- based communications attorney. “We are thrilled to recognize NBC’s 100th anniversary celebration during this year’s Giants of Broadcasting event and present the award on behalf of the network to Kristen Welker, moderator of Meet the Press, the longest-running program in network and broadcast history.”

For complete details about the honorees, sponsorship opportunities, tables and individual tickets, please contact Debbie Beagan-Carcich, 2025 Giants of Broadcasting event Producer at debbie@giantsofbroadcasting.org or go to www.tvradiolibrary.org.

Tracy Johnson: What Happens When You Get 52 Radio Pros In A Room And Discuss Real Problems

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 15TH, 2025 - In our latest MSBC 37 Recap, Tracy Johnson sheds light on our first-ever, experimental, limited-seat event that took place at 8:00 am last Friday in Austin. Despite it's size, it proved to be one of this year's most talked about session.

"Every August, Morning Show Boot Camp brings hundreds of passionate radio personalities together for panels, meet-ups, and more coffee than is probably healthy," says Johnson. "But this year, something different happened. Tucked away in a quiet room, without a stage, without a panel, and without a script, 52 broadcasters circled up for an experimental session called Duct Tape, Coffee, and Content." The idea was simple: no lectures, no ego, no “impress-the-room” flexing. Just a conversation among people who love this industry and are fighting every day to keep it alive. And it worked."

"MSBC's Don Anthony’s vision to innovate by creating a breakout workshop was wildly successful."We covered a lot of ground in a little over an hour (and another 30 in hallway conversations afterward), says Johnson, but the themes that emerged hit directly at the core of what it means to do radio in 2025. We talked about what it’s like to work without a team — or with a “team” that’s more like a mirage."

We heard from hosts who wear 15 hats and still manage to sound local, timely, and compelling every day. We shared frustrations about ego-driven personalities on cast-heavy shows with producers, writers and budgets. All things we want, and many we need. But in this environment, we don’t have them. And then we dug into how to actually do this thing better, even if it’s patched together with Duct Tape, Coffee, and Content.

Less Content, More Impact - One of the most resonant takeaways was the principle of Concentration of Force. It’s a military term, repurposed for broadcasters who are spread thin but still expected to make magic. Instead of packing your show with average breaks, we walked through how to build a single segment that acts as a “lightning rod feature” that hits so hard, it becomes your show’s your show’s equivalent of Carpool Karaoke. Your thing. Your brand. And maybe even your way out of the grind. We demonstrated how less content, done better, creates more connection, more memorability, and more freedom.

As Radio Content Pro’s digital spokesperson and resident radio expert Ava Hart put it: “You don’t need more content—you need the right 10% that slaps.” The energy shifted when we reframed it: It’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing the most important things better and letting the rest go. That’s not laziness. That’s survival.

Continue Reading HERE

Mike McVay Recaps MSBC 37's Radio Roundtable; 'Saw No One At 'Boot Camp Wave The White Flag'

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 14TH, 2025 - Mike McVay, President of McVay Media Consulting, once again led this year's Morning Show Bootcamp 37's Radio Roundtable titled 'Managing Success In The Age of Uncertainty.' While on a road trip, we caught up with McVay who offered a brief recap of this year's session. He tells Jockline, "The Radio Roundtable has become synonymous with me as moderator. It usually features panelists that are made up of a blend of company leadership in the content arena, programming influencers, futurists, and on-air performers. This year was no exception.

Joining McVay onstage was iHeart SVP/Programming Jill Strada, Audacy national personality Katie Neal, Programming Consultant and legend Jim Ryan, EVP Programming & Audience at Hubbard Radio Greg Strassell, and Audacy Chief Programming Officer Jeff Sottolano. The years of experience this group possess, the real life scenarios they’ve seen, and their impact on the industry as well as individuals in the room brought an attentive audience to the edge of their seats.

The discussion included radios need to overcome its’ inferiority complex, to understand the nature of the business as it sits today, and the necessity to be more than one dimensional in ones job or position. That included suggestions on doing a regular “ride along” with sellers, supporting sales by making appearances and embracing ad endorsements, as well as being open to multitasking on more than one media platform.

Jeff Sottolano emphasized that the economic crisis facing all of us in radio is having a great impact on the business, and changing the expectations that management has of talent. Jim Ryan added, "As we saw in the podcasting session, your cume is not listening to your show as much as you’ve thought. If you’re on the air 20 hours a week, you need to be on your audience’s mind when you’re not on the air through You Tube, podcasts and social media."

McVay shared that the session included topics that generated real discussion on the state of the industry, opportunities for talent, especially in an evolving (or devolving) business, where do talent fit into the industry, the role of syndication, creating talent value, and what’s the talent side hustle look like in the near and far away future. It concluded with a piece of takeaway information as to what’s on the horizon for radio. While positive, the view of the future brings a touch of apprehension, but I saw no one at Morning Show Bootcamp wave the white flag of surrender. Quite the opposite."

SNAPS: John Moug Gets His First Tattoo At MSBC

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 13TH, 2025 - As you may have heard, there were a lot of 'firsts' at MSBC 37 In Austin this year including our first-ever 'Tattoo Parlor.' Nearly 20 attendees signed up for an array of radio-themed art such as a microphone, portable radio, etc., but at least one person showed up for their first-ever tattoo.

John Moug, of Audacy's B96 Chicago's Moug & Karla Show, arrived at the parlor all smiles, but grimaced just a bit as he was penned with his first tat. He and others were easily spotted in the hallways with bandages over their new design. Based on feedback, you can look for the tattoo parlor to return to MSBC 38 in ..... (oops, coming soon) - Watch John's experience HERE

Photo at right courtesy of KARLA, photo at left from MEL ROSE @stuckwithmel

Fred Jacobs: 'The Spirit Of MSBC 37' Austin; Boot Camp Attendees Are 'A Glimpse Of What’s Next'

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 12TH, 2025 - Fred Jacobs writes in his blog 'The Spirit of MSBC', that it may seem hard to believe but one of radio’s longest running get-togethers is actually collection of on-air talent, mostly from commercial stations. They come from near and far, representing big companies as well as mom & pops, morning shows and syndicated programs, as well as talent working a myriad of dayparts, markets, and situations.

That’s the way radio has evolved in recent years. And as we’ve learned from our AQ studies of commercial radio talent over the past several years, today’s personalities wear an average of “3 hats.” Remarkably, about one-third don “4 hats” or more as part of their expanding job responsibilities as part of industry demands that require more than ever while often delivering less in return – compensation, time off, and emotional rewards.

But talent soldiers on, mostly with a big smile on their collective faces, still glad to be part of a business unlike any other. And at this year’s Boot Camp in Austin – #37 if you’re counting – they once again showed up in droves, braved the Texas heat in August, and enjoyed each other’ company, camaraderie, and generosity. That last point is key. This is a group that graciously shares their knowledge and experiences with the next generation of air talent. Now, if you’re cynically thinking, “Fred – there is no next generation of radio personalities,” I would suggest you think again. Because a look at Morning Show Boot Camp attendees is a glimpse of what’s next.

Most of those who make the trek to this event are young – to the point where guys like me feel our age – and are happy about that. A majority also pay their own way, so the value of Boot Camp is high – and so are the expectations for the conference itself. The thing about Boot Camp that sets it apart from other radio conferences – across radio platforms – is the unbridled passion and energy you feel everywhere – in the main presentation area, the sponsor exhibits area, in the restaurants and bars. It’s everywhere and it’s a defining difference.

Talent at this event are realistic and well-aware of the tense dynamic between their ilk and management – especially these days, when salaries and marketing resources have greatly dwindled, especially since the pandemic. But most seem undaunted by the shifting sands of radio, excited to try the next stunt they learned about in this year’s “Battle of the Bits,” a Boot Camp tradition that seems to grow with each passing year.

For corporate officers, consultants, talent coaches and others mostly on the periphery, this event makes you feel hopeful and inspired by what may be around the corner. In case you didn’t know, Morning Show Boot Camp is the brainchild of Talent Masters founder Don Anthony. He staked out this turf decades ago on the belief the radio business could only be successful with a commitment to on-air personalities. All these years later, and Boot Camp is a symbol of Don’s very prescient “all-in” bet on the power of talent. Yet, there are times when the commercial radio “powers that be” seem to struggle with the obvious. Read complete blog HERE

'Radio Is About Connection, Not Perfection' - PT.2 With Radio's Kramer & Jess In 'The Last Word'

THE MOUTH, JUNE 26TH, 2025 - Welcome to our latest edition of 'The Last Word' - today we share Part 2 of a 2-part look at Kramer & Jess of MIX 106.5. From college radio to stops in Savannah, Panama City, Tampa and Phoenix, Steve Kramer met with Jess Dutra in San Diego in 2015 and later joined as a team on MIX 106.5 in Baltimore. Now in their 10th year together, they continue with Pt. 2 of 'The Last Word' in Jockline:

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS IN RADIO (STEVE) I've learned there's always more to learn, and people to learn from. Let them help you. After you do this for a while, you get comfortable, which is good, but to get someone who is even better than you to be able to take you to the next level is priceless. We've been so lucky to have Jim Ryan work with our show recently, and he's been so pivotal in pointing out our blind spots, implementing new ideas, and motivating us, it's like rocket fuel. Find people who are better than you, and let them help you!

(JESS) You’ll try on a lot of voices (might even be forced into some) before you realize the best one was yours all along. I spent years thinking I had to sound a certain way, be what I thought people wanted to hear, but the biggest growth happened when I let go of all that and just showed up as me. Radio is about connection, not perfection.

WHAT I TELL YOUNG JOCKS WHO ASK ME ABOUT RADIO (STEVE) I actually just had a conversation with a girl graduating high school who was interning with us. She likes radio, but she also likes podcasting, graphic design, and social media and wasn't sure what to do. I told her GOOD! Go be good at all of that! I have a broadcasting degree which holds the same weight as DVD collection nowadays. Go be really good at as much content as you possibly can. Because radio is no longer just talking into a microphone. 

(JESS) Fall in love with the grind, not just the thought of being on the radio. Radio isn’t just about having a good personality, it’s about showing up when no one’s watching, staying curious, building community, and being real. Don’t try to be the next someone else. The magic happens when you stop performing and start being you.

LISTENER FROM HELL EXPERIENCE (JESS) As radio hosts, we deal with rude DMs, texts, and comments all the time, it comes with the job. And 99.9% of the time I just ignore it. But there was one listener who went out of her way to bully me online. For months, she left nasty comments always aimed directly at me. One day, after she called me “immature” for wearing a Disneyland sweatshirt, I finally had enough. I looked at her Facebook page and saw posts about “kindness,” “Live Laugh Love” banners, and... WAIT FOR IT...her Christmas tree completely covered in Disney ornaments!!??!!

So I responded: “Hi there! I've noticed that you've been leaving very hurtful and nasty comments on our page for quite some time now, specifically geared toward me. I visited your profile and saw your ‘Live Laugh Love’ banner… but your attitude isn’t living, laughing, or very loving. Feel free to unfollow at any time—your negativity is unnecessary. And if you have that much of a problem with me, why waste your energy on someone you clearly don’t like? Save your energy, queen. Stay blessed!!”

And guess what? Haven’t heard from her since.

MY BIGGEST REGRET - (JESS) I don’t really believe in regrets. Something I often talk about on my podcast Life in Bloom with Jess is how I believe everything you go through (good or bad) is part of shaping who you’re meant to become. But if I had to name a hardship that taught me something worth passing along, it would be not advocating for myself sooner. There were times I stayed quiet when I should’ve spoken up, accepted less than I deserved, or waited for someone else to validate me. I’ve learned that no one will fight for you harder than you. Use your voice. Set your boundaries. You’re not being “difficult”. You’re being clear about your worth.

(STEVE) I spent more time developing Kramer than I did developing Stephen. For the last 20 something years, I have really busted my butt learning how to be my radio self, and I think I'm pretty good at it. I've had a ton of amazing mentors along the way (if you're reading this and wondering if I am talking about you, I am), that have been so generous to take me under their wing and teach me, and still to this day, I'm  learning new ways to evolve with this business. I can tell you how to set up a morning show bit, a clock, plan segments, write teases, payoffs, sales calls, social media, you get it. But 5 years ago, if you asked me, "Ok, but who is Stephen?" I don't think I would even know where to begin to answer that question. And it was a really lonely place when I didn't know that answer. So for the purpose of answering this question, I'd say I regret having a better work/life balance earlier on in my career. But if you're reading this and feel like you also can't answer that question, I've also learned it's never too late to find the answer. And what I've found is the more I figure out who Stephen is, the better I become as Kramer. 

WHAT I WORRY ABOUT MOST (STEVE) Our world. I am writing this the morning after the attack on Iran. My best friend since 4th grade is currently stationed in Syria, so as I sit here and talk radio with you, my thoughts and my heart and definitely on the other side of the world right now. I hope everyone you know and love is safe. We are living in crazy times for sure. Sending you a lot of love and may you be a comfort to your listeners who are going through these same feelings you are. 

(JESS) Everyone tells you to “be different” and “just be yourself”, but then they hand you a script that sounds nothing like you, or ask you to play into a formula that hasn’t worked in a decade. I worry that we say we want authenticity in this industry, but we don’t actually give people the space to be it or accept them when they are. I’m tired of hearing, “the audience won’t get it”. People are weird. Get with it. I worry about the lack of female-led voices…REAL voices, especially women of color. We’re not just underrepresented, we’re often unheard and undervalued. I want to see more women not only on air, but at the table making decisions. What worries me the most isn’t whether radio can survive, it’s whether we’ll actually allow ourselves to evolve. And that starts by valuing who we put on air, what we’re saying, and why we’re saying it. 

'Kidd Kraddick Taught Me The Importance Of Being Authentic; Kellie Rasberry Gets 'The Last Word' In Jockline

THE MOUTH, JUNE 6TH, 2025 - In this week's edition of 'The Last Word,' we connected with Kellie Rasberry, longtime co-host of the highly popular Kidd Kraddick Show. Kellie began her radio career in Florence, SC, first reporting local news and then hosting her own morning show. In 1994, she landed in Dallas as co-host of The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show, where she continues to this day. The show reaches 65+ markets and more than 2 million people each week.

As part of the Kraddick Show, Kellie has won a Gracie Award, the MIW/MSBC Airblazer Award, and is a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. In addition to radio, Kellie has co-hosted various TV shows, including DishNation, and currently co-hosts two podcasts, 'Love Letters to Kellie' and 'A Sandwich and Some Lovin’. Adding to her accolades, she now gets 'The Last Word' in Jockline.

I FIRST GOT THE RADIO BUG when I was just a kid. I LOVED the radio. The American Top 40 with Casey Kasem is one of my earliest childhood memories. In the 80s, I would tape Rick Dees’ Weekly Top 40 and listen to it repeatedly throughout the week. At night, I’d lie in bed and turn the radio dial as slowly as possible along the AM dial, trying to pick up stations from as far away as possible. I remember being so excited to hear voices crackling out of Chicago, all the way from my bedroom in Florence, SC!

MY FIRST BIG BREAK came when I went to a talent convention, hoping I’d be signed by an agent who would help me become a sitcom actress. I ended up meeting the owner of a radio station who saw my monologue and thought I’d be great on the radio.

BEST RADIO SHOW IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD would be The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show! Nothing will ever match the magic Kidd created in the 90s and continued to create until his death in 2013. I got to where I am today with 90 percent of the credit going to Kidd Kraddick, who taught me the importance of being authentic despite the risks. The remaining 10 percent I give to me for being brave enough to follow his advice.

BEST INTERVIEWS EVER would include a long list, but the ones that immediately jump out for me are Jon Bon Jovi, Keanu Reeves, Kevin Costner, Mariah Carey, John Travolta.

HOW YOU ENDED A BAD INTERVIEW POLITELY …Gary Busey was having what I would describe as a manic episode and threatened to kick my a**. Kidd led all of us into our morning show office and we locked ourselves inside until Gary left.

BEING A WOMAN ON THE AIR is an honor! I get such a thrill hearing from young women in radio today who say I inspired them in some way. When I was just starting, I didn’t really have that many women to look to for inspiration, other than Ellen K, of course!

MY GREATEST FEAR is becoming irrelevant and forgotten.

'Radio Will Never Go Away,' Say's Charlotte's Maney As He Gets In 'The Last Word'

THE MOUTH, MAY 30TH, 2025 - In this week's edition of 'The Last Word,' we cornered Maney, host of 'The Maney and LauRen Show' 95.1 WNKS Charlotte. Maney's morning radio career kicked off in 1998 in Little Rock. This was followed by stints at KRQQ, Tucson, KDND, Sacramento, WHBQ Memphis, and now syndicated out of WNKS, Charlotte. Here below he shares a few thoughts and stories in 'The Last Word' with Jockline.

I FIRST GOT THE RADIO BUG growing up in Northern NJ, I was always listening to the radio. The NYC radio battles were legit in the 80's and 90's. Having Howard Stern, Imus, Scott Shannon, Jim Kerr, and Ross Britton on the dial! How could you not get the radio bug? MY FIRST SHOW started with weekend shifts in the Poconos at WSBG. There was no digital editing software when I started, my calls were on reel to reel in 1997 ahhhh! 

MY BIG BREAK came when I was working at the research department at Z100. Lukas (his former co-host) was leaving the night show to go do mornings in Little Rock. He asked me to co-host and produce. I didn't hesitate.

AND THEN THE CONTEST - I really loved working for Steve Weed at KDND. I loved Sacramento. We worked hard to get ratings and put on a good show, I really matured as a 3rd mic there. Obviously all that changed in January of '07 (following the tragic Wee for a Wii contest). The sadness will never go away. So many people's lives were changed that day. I had to do right by the victim's family and was a witness for them at the trial - a lot of people don't know that.  MY SECOND CHANCE Came from Chris Taylor at WHBQ in Memphis. He hired me a year and half after Sacramento. I jumped at the chance to get back on the air at a great station and to work with Kennedy. He took a chance on me and it worked out for everyone. It was a cut in pay (LOL) but I loved every minute in Memphis, I met my wife there and it's like my second home!  WHY I NEVER QUIT - Like so many other talented people reading this... I feel compelled to entertain. We're built to wake people up and make them smile on their bad day. I had to get back on the air! 

I'D SAY THE SINGLE GREATEST RADIO SHOW IN THE HISTORY OF RADIO is The Howard Stern Show. I interned for Howard in 95 or 96... I got to see how an amazing radio show was put together from within. I made it on the air for like 3 seconds one morning. MY RADIO HEROES would be The NYC crew! Jim Kerr (who I met at MSBC a few years ago), Howard obviously, Elvis Duran (Who I worked with briefly) Mike and the Mad Dog, and I love Mojo.

OH YEAH, THERE WAS THIS REMOTE when I was in Tucson at KRQ. An AE asked me to go to a construction site and host lunch for the crew. The workers had no idea who I was, and I didn't know what to say on the call ins. The girls from the company's office who set up the remote didn't even show up. I gave t-shirts to iron workers and plumbers! 

WHAT I'VE LEARNED AFTER ALL THESE YEARS IN RADIO is there are NO guarantees...bring your 'A' game every time you turn on the mic, because you;re connecting with someone who needs you. WHAT I TELL YOUNG TALENT WHO ARE ON THE FENCE ABOUT RADIO - My co-host LauRen and I tell all the interns to learn as much as you can while you're with us. Radio will never go away - content is king! So you're more of a content creator than a broadcaster these days! Good luck!

WHAT STILL KEEPS ME AWAKE AT NIGHT is not knowing what tomorrow will bring...

Reach out to Maney HERE

THE LAST WORD With Kevin Rolston: 'My First Time On The Air Was Out Of Desperation'

THE MOUTH, MAY 23RD, 2025 - In our latest edition of 'The Last Word' we caught up WRMF's Kevin Rolston, co-host of the hugely popular KVJ Show in West Palm Beach. Kevin's radio career saw him go from Ohio University to Z100 New York City as a promotional intern. He left there to go to Mix 102.7 in Fresno and later followed Jon Zellner to Mix 93.3 in Kansas City. From there it was Wild 95.5 in West Palm Beach.

14-years later we wound up at a station in Miami. Rolston says, "Feeling they were uncomfortable with a controversial show, they let us go in just a few months saying there was no way we'd ever work in Miami. Ultimately, it played well for our non-compete. We actually wanted to go to WRMF anyway." Now many years later and much success back in WPB, Kevin gets 'The Last Word.

FIRST TIME I GOT THE RADIO BUG was when I did college radio at a station that only broadcast to one dorm via cable TV. Needless to say, we had zero listeners and that was a good thing. We did skits and were terrible for one hour a day. No real station would have put up with all the crap were were broadcasting, but I had so much fun I knew I wanted to do it more.

MY FIRST TIME ON THE AIR was out of desperation. All the full-time DJ's wanted to go to a Van Halen concert and I was the only one that could run the radio station. They had no choice but to put me on, if they were all gonna go. They didn't want me to talk, but it was conditional. So, they all hotlined me to critique all my breaks when they were drunk coming home from the concert. After all that, for some reason, I actually wanted to do it again.

MY BIG BREAK came when I drove cross-country for a morning show producer opening and beat out the only other candidate. The morning host had been a producer for Scott Shannon at Z100. He taught me everything he learned from working on The Z Morning Zoo. My PD was Jon Zellner and he was instrumental in teaching me radio done the right way. I couldn't have accidentally wound up in a better place to start.

FIRST TIME MEETING A BIG-TIME HOST WAS was Stereo Quad Suzy Wad out of 92X in Columbus. I grew up listening to her. Her Friday night show was magical. Sadly, when we met I had just DJ'ed a frat party at Ohio University and was massively hammered. What was worse is that I was taking over for her to be the post-prom DJ at ky old high school. When we met, I wasn't wearing a shirt.

THE SINGLE GREATEST RADIO SHOW IN THE HISTORY OF RADIO is Howard Stern in the 90's

SHOWS I STILL LISTEN TO would be The Bert Show, Dave Ryan, Mojo, Roula, Ryan & Eric, Jonjay & Rich, Woody, Elvis Duran, Brooke & Jeffrey

IF I HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN I WOULD HAVE done a better job archiving audio, photos and video.

MY BIGGEST FEAR is being boring.

'Our Job On The Air Is To Create Community And Connection' Says Hits 96.1's Holly O'Connor

THE MOUTH, MAY 7TH, 2025 –– In our latest edition of 'The Last Word,' we shine the spotlight on Hits 96.1 Charlotte's Miguel & Holly (Miguel Fuller & Holly O'Connor shown above with Producer Kelbin). In the summer of 2008, they teamed with Steve Kramer (who now co-host on MIX 106.5 Baltimore on The Kramer & Jess Show) at WILN Island 106 in Panama City. They headed to Tampa in 2011 for CBS Radio's WSJT Play 98.7. Then Kramer went to Phoenix for KMEL Country. Holly and I went back to Panama City in 2013 with Mandy Williamson and worked there till 2015 when we went BACK to Tampa to work at CMG's WPOI HOT 101.5. Some 14-years later after landing in Panama, they landed in Charlotte with iHeart's Hits 96.1 in 2022. Today they get 'The Last Word' in Jockline.

OUR FIRST REAL BREAK CAME when Steve Kramer chose me out of other applicants to co-host the "That Guy" Kramer show in Panama City. -Holly - "When I joined Steve Kramer and Holly in Panama City, that’s when we all learned the power of building community through your four hour radio show. - Miguel

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS ON AIR I've learned that the mechanics of radio are always shifting and changing, sometimes even back and forth between two opposing ways of doing things. You can always learn a better way to operate. But our job on the radio is to create community and connection. - Holly - "Everyone wants to be a part of a community. We’ve been so fortunate to be able to create communities in a few different cities and people have continued to listen to us and be in our fam because they enjoy the community we’ve created and fostered." - Miguel

THE THING ABOUT SUCCESS is it's so fickle. You have to work hard, but a lot of hard working talented people are no longer in radio because of the nature of the business. Hard work + talent + networking + timing = success - Holly - 'Well, it's fleeting. You can’t let it get to your head. The days of reaching the top and coasting? Long gone. You have to constantly evolve, grow, and understand where your audience is going—because media moves fast. If you don’t keep up, your listeners will move on without you. - Miguel

THERE WAS THIS REMOTE back in Panama City, we used to do live broadcasts from Club La Vela (yes, that Club La Vela—MTV Spring Break vibes). The owner would bring in girls for me to put on the air, and they'd hang out in the studio. It was always super awkward because I just wanted to wrap up the broadcast and hit the gay club afterward! - Miguel - "When I first moved from Ohio to the Florida panhandle were awkward because these very southern people were skeptical of my "Yankee roots." I ended up slipping into a southern accent for years just to fit in on air and at events." - Holly

I MANAGE STRESS by going to therapy and to the gym! Also being fully present in the different aspects of my life away from the job. Once I pick my daughter up from school, I've stepped into my other full-time job as mom and I'm not checking emails or social media until she's in bed." - Holly"I manage stress by doing CrossFit, hopping on my Peloton, going for walks, cooking, or losing myself in some emotionally devastating, prestige TV drama. The sadder the better" - Miguel

IF I HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN I would’ve spoken up more in the past. Over the years, Holly and I have worked with a lot of PDs. We've learned something valuable from each of them, and they’ve helped us grow. But there were times when someone new would come in, make a snap judgment about what we do and how we do it, without ever asking why. Because we work in a shrinking industry, I didn’t want to rock the boat or come off as “just talent” trying to push back. But what I’ve learned is that we’ve grown with our audience. Every show needs coaching, yes, but sometimes we forget that the people actually sitting in the studio day in and day out—talking to listeners on air and on social media—have a real bond with them. That perspective matters. - Miguel"I'd make my opinion more known. For years I thought I didn't know much about anything and kept silent, letting other people run discussions. Turns out, I have more knowledge and experience than I give myself credit for, and deserve to make my voice heard" - Holly

MY BIGGEST FEAR is not growing as a person. I’ve always said I never want to be one of those on-air talents stuck in the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset. But I get it now, doing things the same way feels comfortable and safe. That’s why I try to actively challenge myself to stay open, keep evolving, and not get too comfortable -Miguel - "Letting down the people who depend on me." - Holly..

WLAV-FM Grand Rapids Michelle McKormick Gets 'The Last Word,'

'The Industry Has Changed, But The Rules Have Not. It's Still Showbiz!'

THE MOUTH, APRIL 29TH, 2025 –– In our latest edition of 'The Last Word,' we shine the spotlight on Michigan's venerable Michelle McKormick. With the exception of five years where she crushed it in Detroit, she has worked most of her career waking up Grand Rapids Michigan.

In addition to her show, she also coaches talent and has been a Morning Show Boot Camp regular for over 30-years. In all, she's spent more than 40 years on air and currently spearheads the Michelle & Gregg With Travis Show on Classic Rock 97 WLAV in Grand Rapids. Now she gets The Last Word with Jockline.

IF I HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN the one thing I'd do differently is not oversleeping for my most important job interview ever .. New York City with Elvis Duran (I was a child). Also I might have been braver EARLIER in my career.. both with the business and the show.

I WAS ALMOST NAMED 'MICHELLE MCQUIRE but I wanted something that would be easy to remember… My first name is Michelle and I got hired the same day as a lady named Mary Maguire… And I thought that would be an awesome name and she never ended up using McGuire, but I felt funny using her name so instead I was at my friend’s house and watched her get high and put McCormick spice on something and said how about Michelle McCormick.. I spelled it differently to stand out.

MY FIRST REAL BREAK CAME was really two big ones. One was when I applied to become the music director back in like 1984. There were only 11 female music directors in the country and I got the gig. I learned a lot from a guy named Matt Clenett who took a chance on me. The second big one was my all-time Radio mentor Jim Davis, who was Big Jim Edwards on CKLW in Detroit for years and years… Watched me at a local roast and decided I needed to be moved from nights to midday and then eventually to mornings I learned so much from him AND when I got a call from Detroit to work with Gregg Henson .. the PD drove over to listen to our show in Grand Rapids.

EVERYTHING I'VE LEARNED AFTER ALL THESE YEARS ON AIR is while the industry has changed immensely, the rules of Radio have not. It is still SHOWBIZ… Details still matter… And I’m still here to let everybody know each morning that the world is OK, or at least as well as it can be. That’s my job. I know it sounds cheesy, but I still believe I’m the friend you’d hang out with at the bar… every morning. Also, listeners will love you most when you show then that you are as effed up and as flawed as they are.

WHAT I TELL YOUNG JOCKS is work hard… Don’t say no too much… And content creation is content creation. Jim Davis told me, “most people in radio are lazy. You only have to work a little bit harder to get a lot back. “ so true

I'M A STICKLER FOR Comedy timing… Letting a joke just sit there… And not have to run up it or make a comment on it. It’s really hard to do, especially for me. The key to comedy is TRUST. Y ou have to put trust in your show cast .. and slow down and listen and react… But trust them enough to get the job done and they have to trust you enough to get the job done. I’ve worked with people who trust me implicitly and I’ve worked with people who don’t… the shows are way funnier when you trust and respect your partner.

DID I MENTION THIS REMOTE where a girl showed up and had stomach cramps.  We finally called an ambulance .. SHE GAVE BIRTH right there without even knowing she was PREGNANT!  (I wish I was lying)

MY BIGGEST FEAR Is losing the opportunity to be on the air.. I’m an old school radio person and I just don’t want it to end.

Reach out to Michelle at mhmckormick@gmail.com

Eric Rowe: 'The Human Moments Made Audience Feel Closer To The Show' During The Pandemic

THE MOUTH, APRIL 28TH, 2025 –– Despite numerous distruptions and discomforts in the workplace during the Pandemic, for on-air talent the experience brought about some unexpected, yet beneficial changes in the basic tenets of show management. Eric Rowe, co-host of the KRBE-FM Houston's 'Roula & Ryan With Eric Show, writes in a piece titled: 'Why our show got stronger after the Pandemic', "We were one of those shows that weren't allowed to be in the studio for 19 months, so it was a different experience for us. I will say a lot of shows might feel the same way about how my thinking and attitude changed following this period. Here are some of the things that changed for us:

Stronger Team Chemistry & Appreciation for In-Studio Energy - You don’t take in-person energy for granted anymore. There’s a special magic in body language, facial reactions, and real-time banter that doesn’t translate over Zoom. You’ve learned how much you feed off each other’s energy. Even a slight laugh, eye roll, or hand gesture can completely change the rhythm of a break. Reuniting made everyone tighter as a team. After 19 months apart, being back in the same room feels like a creative reunion every day.

Sharper Communication & Trust Behind the Scenes - Remote broadcasting forced you to communicate better. You couldn’t rely on non-verbal cues or hallway chats — you had to spell everything out. You developed new systems for prep and segment flow. Whether it was shared docs, Slack, or show rundowns, those systems are still helping your show run smoother today. Trust was everything. Everyone had to be on top of their game, self-motivated, and clear on their role without being micromanaged.

More Listener Connection & Transparency - Listeners heard the “real” side of you more. Whether it was a dog barking or kids popping in, the human moments made the audience feel closer to the show. You could open up in new ways. There was more room for vulnerability, serious conversations, and mental health awareness — all things listeners valued. The pandemic gave everyone a shared experience. You weren’t just entertainers — you were companions during uncertainty.

Tech-Savviness and Flexibility - We became more tech-savvy as a team. Everyone learned to record from home, troubleshoot issues, and use platforms like Zoom, Cleanfeed, or SourceConnect. Now you have backup plans. If someone can’t make it to the studio — illness, weather, emergencies — you know how to pivot remotely. Remote guests and call-ins became easier. You learned how to better integrate outside voices into the show with clean audio.

More Thoughtful Content Planning - You became better planners. Remote work required tighter segment structure and clearer communication — now you apply that discipline even in-studio. You had to be more intentional with bits. When you weren’t vibing in person, you had to make sure the content stood strong on its own — no fluff. You listened more. Without visual distractions, you relied more on listening, and that sharpened your ability to react and build off each other.

Finally, New Segment & Social Content Ideas Were Born - Zoom fatigue led to creative reinvention. You explored new games, confession-style segments, listener-generated bits, and repackaged content for social. Remote shows taught you to “paint the picture” better. You learned to describe things more vividly and intentionally since there were no visual cues.

MIX 104.1's Karson & Kennedy Get 'The Last Word'

THE MOUTH, APRIL 15TH, 2025 - In this week's edition of 'The Last Word' we cast the spotlight on Karson & Kennedy, hosts of 'The Karson & Kennedy Show' on Audacy's MIX 104.1/WWBX Boston. Prior to Boston, they worked at Q98 WQSM Fayetteville NC, Hot 104.9 WHTF Tallahassee FL, Q107.5 WHBQ FM Memphis TN and finally at Mix 104.1 WWBX Boston, MA. Kennedy worked for a brief time at 96.1 KLPX Tucson AZ & Karson spent time at 104.3 WZYP Huntsville, AL. and 105.3 The Zone Dothan AL. In January of this year, they celebrated their 22nd anniversary on-air after meeting outside of radio 26 years ago! Now they get the last word.

FIRST TIME I GOT THE RADIO BUG...(Karson)I used to have a spiral notebook as a kid and I would write down the chart positions of every song on Casey Kasem's weekly countdown show. I moved a LOT as a kid so the radio personalities were familiar voices in my strange new places. (Kennedy) I didn’t. Karson made me do it. Seriously.

MY BIG BREAK - Karson: I'm still waiting for it… (Kennedy) Again, it was Karson. He brought me in to the studios at 2am to get tape to give to his boss. And that’s how I got my first job

FIRST TIME I WAS RECOGNIZED IN PUBLIC…(Kennedy) I don’t remember to be honest. But I will say every time someone comes up to me at the grocery store or Target it’s still a great feeling. Karson: I don't recall the first but I recall the most recent. This past Saturday my wife was on the phone with FedEx and the woman on the other end recognized HER voice from our show. Lana (Karson's wife) is way more famous than me.

FIRST BIGTIME RADIO HOST I MET –(Karson) Glenn Beck at Morning Show Boot Camp. (Thanks Don) I remember he was kind and polite and had on the most expensive looking shoes I had ever seen! Meeting John Garabedian at Boot Camp last year was also a wonderful memory. (Kennedy) When I saw Corey Foley at my very first Morning Show Boot Camp I sat in awe at the panel she was on. She had just shaved her head to raise $25K for breast cancer research. Everyone in the room wanted to talk to her and she was just 10 feet tall. Not sure I had the guts to say hi to her that day, but I was forever changed.

THERE WAS THIS ONE REMOTE – (Kennedy) We used to have a group of folks who put together a spreadsheet of all the remotes from all the stations in the market. They’d show up together and take all the stuff. I can’t hide my feelings well on my face, so needless to say I was asked not to be at the table when they came by. (Karson)A car dealership in Memphis TN in 2005 and we were being mobbed by a large crowd for some concert tickets. Kennedy had a full-blown panic attack and I helped escort her to a safe space. It took years for her to open up about her mental health but she has become such a vocal advocate for herself and others.

LISTENER FROM HELL –(Karson) Her name is Lisa W. and she has been posting hate messages about us and our show since day 1 in Boston in 2009 and still listens EVERY day. Go figure.

LISTENERS LOVE YOU MOST WHEN (Kennedy) You’re real. When you show them you’re no different and you share the same problems, that you can have a bad day too, but you can also celebrate the good days together.

THEY HATE YOU MOST WHEN (Karson) We get some small detail about a 'Can't Beat Kennedy' question incorrect. We are NOT Jeopardy. We do not have a team of people to fact check our questions, it's me and Producer Dan. Mostly Dan.(Kennedy) when you are not authentic. They can smell a lie like a fart in a car. Don’t do it.

ONE HOUR ALONE WITH ANYONE ON THE PLANET – Kennedy: I grew up in the Chicago burbs so for me, Larry Lujack, and Little Tommy on WLS with their Animal Stories still make me cry laughing. And Jonathan Brandmeier on the Loop made me feel like I was listening to something I wasn’t supposed to.

THE SINGLE GREATEST RADIO SHOW IN THE HISTORY OF RADIO (Karson) Howard Stern changed the game but so many influenced me, like MJ & BJ in Tampa. Phil Hendrie in his WIOD days, Bob & Madison and Kidd Kraddick.

I END HORRIBLE INTERVIEWS POLITELY BY SAYING -(Kennedy) Well, they usually hang up first, (Karson) What? Where am I?

WHAT I TELL YOUNG JOCKS (Karson) there is a lot of meat left on this bone. Go get it, move, do every job and do not be afraid to open up on the air as it will create a bond with your audience that can't be replicated. (Kennedy) Know your worth. Learn everything you can. Always say yes when given an opportunity. And I am ALWAYS here to help.

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS IN RADIO (Kennedy) the only thing that differentiates us is US. Anyone can pipe in a show from somewhere else. It will NEVER cut through the way live and local does. Get out in the community. Meet the people who support you.(Karson) I have learned that being in a 25-year on air relationship with my wife and Kennedy is the best, craziest, fun, most stressful, demanding, do-not-recommend and rewarding adventure I will ever have in my life. I am grateful these two women have let me ride their coattails for so long.

WHAT I WORRY ABOUT MOST (Karson) Is if the Celtics go BACK2BACK!

WHEN I'M PRESIDENT OVER ALL OF RADIO – Karson: I will repeal the Telecommunications Act of 1996! (Kennedy) That is a job I would NEVER want.

WRVW-FM Ricki Sanchez Gets 'The Last Word' 'Being A Woman On The Air Is My Super Power'

THE MOUTH, APRIL 15TH, 2025 - In our latest edition of 'The Last Word' we cast the spotlight on Ricki Sanchez, host and chaos coordinator of 'Ricki, Zac & Manno In The Morning' on iHeart's 107.5 The River/WRVW-FM Nashville. Her résumé includes a whole lot of "fake it 'til you make it" moments, she has a background in radio, podcasting, and creating digital content that focuses on building connections through honest and amusing conversations. When she’s not on air, she’s probably petting someone else’s dog, avoiding adulthood, or making yet another glass of pinot noir disappear. Now Ricki gets the 'Last Word' with Jockline's Don Anthony.

I FIRST GOT THE RADIO BUG when I was in college. I had transferred for the Spring semester so I was looking for activities to make friends. My RA was the president of the radio station and during orientation, she said she was looking for a few more people to fill spots on-air. She gave me an hour on our online radio station (WPUB). My show was called "Expand Your Horizons” and I broadcast from a broken down, tiny ass studio. I played songs from multiple different genres and chatted about lifestyle-type stories. I don’t have any audio from it, but I wish I did so I could cringe in horror. I made ZERO friends from my experience, but I was hooked on radio. 

I WAS CRAZY NERVOUS the day I heard Elvis Duran say, "I overheard Intern Ricki..." I basically blacked out at that moment. Carla Marie, who was the phone producer at the time, said, "Get up, get in there!" my cafeteria credits for Starbucks anymore and that waking up early on a Friday sounded like a nightmare. Talk about a RUSH. I was nervous, excited, shocked... everything and then some. Luckily, I kept it together enough for him to have me on a few more times as an intern. Each time I was on-air, I rode that nervous high for days.

WHAT IT TOOK to get where I am now was a lot of failure and doing things I didn't want to do. I had a lot of jobs that I didn't love before I got the one that makes waking up easy. I failed so many times to get the on-air gig that I wanted to give up more than once (or even twice... or even three times). It took the willingness to keep going, despite the struggles. Still does.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED ABOUT RADIO is the true impact it can have. I’ve learned that there’s nothing like listening and connecting to a live and local show. We have listeners who have sent us some of the most amazing messages about the impacts we’ve made and it blows me away every single time. From giving away tickets to a family who can’t afford live shows and hearing their pure joy/the sound of them holding back tears to helping someone live on the air as she explained she was suicidal the night before. (Her and I still DM from time to time to check in and she’s doing great right now.) Radio touches people in a way nothing else can. It’s special.

BEING A WOMAN ON THE AIR is my super power. Ricki, Zac & Manno in the Morning does exceptionally well in all female demos and I believe it’s partially because women want to hear women on the radio. They want to hear them as the driving force. I’m watching, listening, wearing, and talking about the same things these women who listen are. I’m their friend and every morning we laugh, cry, and chat about life as equals.

TAKING OVER MORNINGS is all I've ever wanted. Hearing a "Ricki, Zac & Manno in the Morning" promo still blows my mind and it's been that way for a year and a half. There are days I don't even feel like it's real. I still feel like I have so much to prove, but this is a massive step in the right direction and I’m happy as hell to be here (except when I’m told I can’t do any of the cool ideas I have cause of the “budget” *rolls eyes*). 

THE TRICK TO KICKING OFF A NEW SHOW is to tune out the noise! You have SO many people who want to share their opinions with you about what you should and shouldn't do. It can get very overwhelming, very quickly. Learning to listen to all the thoughts people have about you and your show without dwelling on them is a skill. It took me months to develop that skill and I'm better for it now. I can smile and nod with the best of them now!

OTHER SHOWS I LISTEN TO when I can, I'll listen to The Breakfast Club, Elvis Duran & The Morning Show, Intern John & Your Morning Show, and The Joe Show. 

THE THING ABOUT NASHVILLE... is it's not all about country music. We're Music City... meaning we love allllllll kinds of music here. Sure, there's plenty of country history here and a whole lot of it being played on Broadway, but if you live here you know that there's so much more out there to be heard. 

WHAT I TELL YOUNG JOCKS WHO ARE ON THE FENCE ABOUT STAYING IN RADIO is to get out if you don’t absolutely love it. This industry isn’t the easiest to get by in and it can really tear you apart. If you don’t love this *insert curse word here* then you’re going to resent the path you took later on in life. If you decide to stay… thank you. We need you. You’re more important than you know.

ALT 98.7 LA's Woody Shares His 'Greatest Fear' And More In Our Latest Edition of 'The Last Word'

THE MOUTH, APRIL 7TH, 2025 - In our latest edition of 'The Last Word' we take a closer look at Woody Fife, eponymous host of The Woody Show on iHeartMedia’s ALT 98.7/KYSR Los Angeles and heard across numerous stations nationally via Premiere Networks. He's joined on the show by Gina Grad, Greg Gory , Menace, and Sebas. The Woody Show premiered on ALT in April of 2014. A week from Monday (4/22) will be the 11th Anniversary of their first show in LA. Now Woody shares 'The Last Word' with Don Anthony.

I WAS ALMOST NAMED Jeff Stevens at my first station. My middle name is Steven. Then I got hired and the PD had a hard-on for naming me JJ Rice. Despite that name already being taken by someone in NY somewhere, he loved it. I am Jeff Fife Jr.…..Jeff Jr. to him became JJ and he tacked on the Rice. Never understood that one…..but I rolled with it to get the job. Woody came about when I got hired at a station in 1995…..it was 104.7 The Revolution. It was the coolest radio station I had ever heard and I WAS DYING to work there. I got a call from the PD to come down and talk about a part-time job. He told me he would put me on the air that night, but that I needed a new name. He hated JJ (my previous station) and he thought nobody would know or remember Jeff. I told him that I didn’t care WHAT the name was, I just wanted to work there. As I said that, a commercial came on the TV in his office for a new movie coming out that week called “Money Train” with Wesley Snipes and WOODY Harrelson. At the end of the trailer, the names WESLEY and WOODY are flashed across the screen…..he says “how about Woody?” I said FINE, whatever, am I hired? (see trailer HERE)

MY BIGGEST CAREER MOMENT came when I went to tour a radio station in Bend Oregon. I was doing a “what do you want to be when you grow up” kind of assignment for the boarding school I was sent to. You’ve seen/heard a lot about these kinds of schools recently in the news and in documentaries thanks to Paris Hilton. Anyway…..I took the tour, they recognized how much I already knew (from years of calling and harassing the DJs at the radio station back at home) and asked me if I wanted an internship. That quickly led to board-oping and being allowed to do live breaks. My other big break was a couple of years later when I was calling and tricked David Edgar into airing a number of callers (who were all me just doing characters in different voices) on B94 in Pittsburgh. Once I told him what was going on and he heard I was still in High School, he offered me an internship at the station.

I HATE WHEN HOSTS SAY 'coming up in 7 mins I’ll tell you what (celebrity name here) said about (whatever it is).” That’s a useless break. Shittiest tease ever. You told me enough that anyone who is interested can just google it and get the story immediately. It’s like giving someone all but the last digit of your social security number. You gave it all away.

LISTENERS LOVE YOU MOST WHEN you are vulnerable. When you get butterflies in your stomach when you’re considering if you’re gonna share something or not…..DO IT. That ends up being the best stuff. It connects with the most people. Be a REAL person…..flaws and all. Too many out there trying to pretend that they’re a “mover and shaker” a VIP…..connected…..a celebrity. Calm down, this is radio. You’re not that cool.

BEST RADIO SHOW IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD is Howard Stern back when he was on terrestrial radio. Opie and Anthony right up until they got fired for the St. Pats thing. Both of those shows had great content and developed audiences that would run through walls for them.

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS ON AIR I've learned it’s the same no matter where you are. Radio is radio. The job is exactly the same no matter where you are. The city you’re in might be a bigger or smaller. You might have an extra zero in your paycheck (or not), but the rest is the same. There is no more or less bullshit in bigger markets than the smaller ones. The most important part is finding a place where you’re happy doing that same job.

I TELL YOUNG JOCKS if they want to be a music DJ, I will discourage it. Those jobs are going away fast. For the rest of us, we are in the content business. That’s where the market is. Don’t get caught up on the delivery method. Work on developing your craft and NETWORK LIKE CRAZY. Make it your business to get to know anyone whose work you respect.

MY GREATEST FEAR is going to jail for something that you really didn't do.....but for whatever reason you have no alibi, no evidence to show you DIDN'T do it. I also fear opening emails to see that we have to do yet another iHeart employee training video.

WNOR'S Rick Rumble Gets 'The Last Word'

There was this one remote where I was making stage announcements and being pelted with change, bottle caps, batteries..'

THE MOUTH, MARCH 31ST, 2025 - Welcome to 'The Last Word' — where we pull back the curtain and get a closer look at some of radio’s biggest stars, diving into their deepest thoughts, personal stories, and maybe even enduring our nosy questions. In a world flooded by TikTok chaos and endless scrolling, 'The Last Word' is your oasis of personal insight, fun facts and more.

Today, Rick Rumble gets the last word. Rick is host of 'Rumble in the Morning' featuring Rod Fitzwell, Sean Hood, Rina Rizzo and Mike Alexander, now in his 30th year at WNOR/FM in Hampton Roads, Virginia. A career that started in 1984 has seen Rumble cross the country twice, 9 stations, 7 states, 2 firings, 1 stolen tower, and a "I don't have any money to pay you this week'. He has helped to raise millions of dollars for charity, just last weekend hosting the For Kids Art Auction which took in $1.5 million dollars for homeless kids and families. Rumble's wife Mary is a successful realtor who keeps him around for laughs and handyman projects."

MY FIRST TIME ON THE RADIO was for vacation fill-in on an AM oldies station. I was called Dash Granite… borrowed from the Flintstones. MY FIRST REAL GIG was at WLAV Grand Rapids where the studio then was a small narrow box inside of a well-known downtown office building; Painted cinder blocks with carpet on the walls. Like a survival bunker for hippies. I sat behind the host, Kevin Matthews, (I was the news guy and hosted Saturday morning solo) and he looked at me in a mirror, like he was driving a car. We had rotary pots, couple of turntables. Albums were kept on the back wall. Just don't grab the Moody Blues, that's where the overnight guy would stash his weed. Matthews was gave me my first real break. He invited me to hang out at his radio show. That’s how I got started. THERE WAS THIS ONE REMOTE where we hosted a free concert in a downtown park with the band Candlebox, at the height of their popularity. Our contribution to the City's Free Friday concerts. It was estimated that nearly 40,000 people showed up, abandoned their cars in the street, and got very rowdy, effectively shutting down that part of the city. 2 people left in an ambulance. One was a guy who tried to climb the stage rigging and fell, the other was hit in the head with a 55 gallon drum that the crowd was throwing around like a beach ball. I was making stage announcements and being pelted with change, bottle caps, batteries, etc. The police showed up and literally pulled the plug, cutting power to the show, and sent the near-riot crowd home. The aerial pics in the paper the next day were stunning. We were invited not to return. YES, I HAVE A STASH OF OLD AIRCHECKS In a box in the attic. Don’t have anywhere or any reason to play them, but I can’t let go. I'M A STICKLER FOR Planning/Prep. Plan for every break. You can change the plan as the show goes to accommodate spontenaiety, but your show will never be worse than the original plan. There are no ”bad days”. LISTENERS LOVE YOU MOST WHEN we make fun of ourselves. THEY HATE YOU MOST WHEN we do “best of” for the holidays. BEST INTERVIEWS EVER – Musicians: Paul Stanley and Charlie Daniels. Comedian DL Hugley once explained that he worked at McDonalds as a kid, but never made a hamburger. We sent him to the McDonald’s down the street from the station on the phone with us, they knew who he was, but still wouldn’t let him make a hamburger. Hysterical. I END HORRIBLE INTERVIEWS POLITELY BY SAYING, ”We know you’re on a tight schedule, so thanks for being on the show today” . Right after the phrase “tight schedule” I hang up and give them no chance to reply, while I finish the sentence. WHAT I TELL YOUNG JOCKS WHO ARE ON THE FENCE ABOUT STAYING IN RADIO ....I tell them this can still be an amazing business, albeit narrower than it used to be. But you have to be honest with yourself. Do you have what it takes to be entertaining? What do you bring besides introducing the next song? We’re overstaffed on “announcers”. WHEN I'M PRESIDENT OVER ALL OF RADIO I will remind everyone that 82% of Americans listen to radio every week (Pew Research)…FOR FREE. It is still the greatest communication/advertising medium going. DID YOU USE AI TO ANSWER ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS? No, wish I had seen this question first…damn!

Edison Research Announces Top 25 Podcasts in the UK   for Q3 2025 from Edison Podcast Metrics  The Joe Rogan Experience, The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett, and The Rest Is Politics remain in the top three spots For Immediate Release    Glen Mills, PA USA (December 1, 2025) Edison Research announces the Top 25 Podcasts in the UK from Edison Podcast Metrics based on reach for the third quarter of 2025 among weekly podcast listeners ages 15+.  The Joe Rogan Experience, The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett, and The Rest Is Politics top the list, as they did in Q2 2025. The top six shows remain in the same rank order as Q2, with other rank changes in the Top 10 noted below parenthetically. The full list of Top 25 podcasts is attached. The Joe Rogan Experience  The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett   The Rest Is Politics  The Rest Is History  The Rest Is Football That Peter Crouch Podcast Newscast (+1 rank position since Q2 2025) The News Agents (+1) Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster (+1) ShxtsNGigs (+6) In the Top 25 for the first time: RedHanded, a true crime podcast hosted by two London-based women who decided to start a podcast after meeting at a party several years ago, breaks into the Top 25. Notable moves: You’re Dead to Me soars 33 positions to move into the Top 25 for the first time since Q1 2025. ShxtsNGigs makes it into the Top 10 for the first time since Q3 2024. The Overlap sees its highest rank ever at #17. Hosted by English football legend Gary Neville, The Overlap received some attention in Q3 after a former football player pointed out that the male hosts were ignoring the female host. Edison Podcast Metrics rankings now incorporate data from individuals whose sole podcast consumption in the past week was through video. In addition to being asked if they listened to a podcast in the past week, respondents are also asked if they watched a video podcast.

nounces Channel 93.3’s 'Keggs And Eggs” Annual Event Moving To Denver’s Iconic Union Station JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2025 – Channel 93.3 personality Nerf will reveal the lineup for the 2026 “Keggs and Eggs” event live on-air from Denver Union Station on Thursday, November 20 and giveaway guaranteed admission passes to fans. iHeart Denver announced that Channel 93.3’s landmark event “Keggs and Eggs” will now take place at a Denver landmark, Denver Union Station, on March 13, 2026. Fans are invited to check out the new event location where Channel 93.3 personality Nerf will reveal the lineup for the 2026 “Keggs and Eggs” event live on-air from Denver Union Station on Thursday, November 20 starting at 3 p.m. Fans in attendance will also get a chance to win the first few pairs of guaranteed admission passes for this year’s event. Media is invited to attend the live broadcast, please contact Miranda Emmons to RSVP. WHEN: Channel 93.3 Live Broadcast and Lineup Reveal: Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. Channel 93.3’s “Keggs and Eggs” Event 7 a.m. March 13, 2026 WHERE: Denver Union Station 1701 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202 MORE: For the latest information fans can tune in to Channel 93.3 on air or online via the station’s website and the iHeartRadio app. iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Denver, CO market with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in- one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – available across more than 500 platforms and over 2,000 devices including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles. CONTACT: iHeartMedia Denver Miranda Emmons mirandaemmons@iheartmedia.com ### About iHeartMedia, Inc. iHeartMedia Denver owns and operates KTCL and is part of iHeartMedia. iHeartMedia, [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, with five times more followers than the next audio media brand, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

77 WABC and Red Apple Audio Networks Partner with Shriners Children’s for Multi-Media Campaign to Raise Money on Giving Tuesday New York, NY – December 1, 2025 -- 77 WABC Radio is excited to partner with Shriners Children’s™️ for a multi-media campaign that will increase awareness and support for the mission of providing children with The Most Amazing Care Anywhere™. The campaign runs through Giving Tuesday, December 2, and includes participation by 77 WABC and sister station WLIR-FM on Long Island. It will include social media outreach; donation links on the 77 WABC app and website; and promotion through Red Apple Audio Networks, which reaches more than 480 radio stations nationwide. WABC Radio personality and legendary New York TV anchor Ernie Anastos is the voice of the campaign. This Giving Tuesday there is a triple match challenge. Every dollar that is donated now through Giving Tuesday will have three times the impact to help more kids. “Children are our future,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “We are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and support their mission of providing specialty medical care to children across the country and around the world. ” “Shriners Children’s is honored to partner with WABC Radio this Giving Tuesday. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our patients and their families by inviting the WABC audience to support the amazing wrap-around care we provide,” said Stuart Sullivan, Shriners Children's chief philanthropy officer. “This partnership highlights the power of community and allows us to extend care to even more children from the WABC listening area and beyond.” “77 WABC is community-minded and committed to serving the New York City area,” added Chad Lopez, President, Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. “Partnering with Shriners Children’s, we are able to bring hope to children and their families, regardless of their ability to pay.”

After Midnite With Granger Smith Presents: A Smith Family Christmas Special

Miranda Lambert, Cole Swindell, Zach Top, Ella Langley and Others Celebrate Christmas Holiday with Granger Smith

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 4TH, 2025 – Premiere Networks announced that After MidNite with Granger Smith will once again provide an exclusive Christmas special for Country radio stations. The four-hour, barter-free After MidNite with Granger Smith Presents: A Smith Family Christmas Special will feature conversations with Country music stars, including Miranda Lambert, Cole Swindell, Zach Top, Ella Langley and others. Granger and his guests will share stories of Christmas memories, favorite gifts and family traditions, presented alongside a mix of holiday-themed songs and Country music.

After MidNite with Granger Smith Presents: A Smith Family Christmas Special is available to affiliates and open markets to air anytime from December 17, 2025, through January 4, 2026. Contact Affiliates@PremiereNetworks.com for details.