WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks owner John Catsimatidis has been named keynote speaker for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter set for Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra University on Long Island. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “The selection of ‘Cats’ as keynoter is in keeping with one of the major themes of this year’s edition of the iconic industry event – radio, talk media, and entrepreneurism.  John Catsimatidis is presently setting the greatest example of entrepreneurism at work in giving an injection of much needed energy, focus and life to the medium of radio.”  Harrison will serve as facilitator of the presentation in a Q&A / interview style format – a role he has played before with the dynamic billionaire media, grocery, and energy mogul.

Catsimatidis will be joined by more than 60 speakers comprised of legendary industry figures as well as fresh faces and rising stars. A detailed agenda including speakers and schedule – a “who’s who” of industry luminaries – will be posted in TALKERS this coming Tuesday (4/28).   See the link below for the names of all speakers booked to date.

The power-packed, one-day agenda is being organized and designed to address the field of talk media’s most pressing and existential issues. Harrison continues, “This important conference will illuminate the forward path of the expanding talk media universe, including all aspects of digital communications from AI and podcasting to streaming networks. As has been its tradition, this latest TALKERS conference will approach the onrushing future of the talk business from a radio perspective. This crucial gathering will cover the new undeniable realities of the radio business for those who not only want to survive but thrive as well. It will be about opportunities, networking, and entrepreneurism for individuals in talent, programming, sales, marketing, and management who are serious about staying in the game.”

Attendance at the conference is only open to members of the working media and directly associated industries as well as students enrolled in accredited learning institutions. All attendees will be required to register in advance on the phone payable by credit card. Because attendance will be limited to maintain intimacy, the conference is again expected to be an early sellout. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $260. All registrations are non-refundable. This power-packed, one-day event is being presented in association with Hofstra’s multi-award-winning station, WRHU Radio, and the school’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.

For more detailed agenda info please click here 

Conference Registration and Hotel Information

To register for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

To book a hotel room at the nearby Long Island Marriott – Uniondale, please click here: www.TalkersRoomRate.com  or call 516-794-3800 and mention TALKERS 2026.  Act quickly because the number of rooms available at the hotel for this event are limited.