For Immediate Release:

Thursday, May 12, 2022

FANTASTIC SPEAKER LINEUP AND AGENDA for TALKERS 2022. TALKERS is presenting the 25^th annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running, largest and most important convention, TALKERS 2022, on Friday, June 10, 2022 on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York in association with the prestigious university’s multi-award-winning station WRHU Radio.

TALKERS 2022 will be a “who’s who” of the talk media industry…

Red Apple Media CEO/WABC, New York owner John Catsimatidis is set to keynote with special guest addresses to be provided by iconic Key Networks personality Bill O’ Reilly and FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel star Brian Kilmeade.

INCREDIBLE LINEUP: Speakers already booked with more to be announced (in alphabetical order): Dr. Asa Andrew, CEO/Host, The Dr. Asa Network (“Believe”); Bruce Avery, GM, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University; Mike “Bax” Baxendale, Host, WAQY-FM (Rock 102), Springfield, MA; Marc Beaven, GM, WCBM, Baltimore; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media; David Bernstein, GM Broadcast Operations, TALKERS; Michael Berry, Host, The Michael Berry Show (syndicated)/KTRH, Houston (local); Grace Blazer, VP, National NTS Brand Coordinator, Director of News and AM Programming Florida Region, iHeartMedia Miami; Phil Boyce, SVP/Spoken Word Format, Salem Media Group, Salem Radio Network/Operations VP, New York Region; Bill Brady, Owner/Host, KFNX, Phoenix; John Caracciolo, President/CEO, JVC Broadcasting; John Catsimatidis, CEO, Red Apple Media/owner, WABC, New York; Kevin Casey, VP/executive editor, TALKERS; Heather Cohen, SVP, The Weiss Agency; Mandy Connell, Host, KOA, Denver; Michael Czarnecki, Director of Brand Operations, Binnie Media; Amy Daniels, PD, myTalk 107.1, Minneapolis-St. Paul; Kevin DeLany, VP, News & Talk Programming, Westwood One; Jimmy Failla, Host, FOX News Radio; Erica Farber, President/CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau; Alex Fife, VP Operations, Southeast, iHeartMedia – Total Traffic & Weather Network; Mike Gallagher, Host, Salem Radio Network; Dom Giordano, Host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Paul Gleiser, Owner/Host, KTBB, Tyler, TX; Steve Goldstein, CEO, Amplifi Media; Lee Habeeb, Host/Producer, Our American Stories; Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS; Erik Hellum, Chief Operating Officer, Townsquare Media, New York/RAB; Dottie Herman, Vice Chair, Douglas Elliman Real Estate/Host, Eye on Real Estate, WNYM (AM 970 The Answer), New York; Harry Hurley, Host, WPG, Atlantic City; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Jeff Katz, Host, WRVA, Richmond; Brian Kilmeade, Host, FOX News Radio/FOX News Channel; Kraig Kitchin, President, Sound Mind, LLC; Josh Leng, CEO, Talk Media Network; Chad Lopez, President, Red Apple Media; Mike McVay, President, McVay Media Consultants; Frank Morano, Host, WABC, New York: John T. Mullen, OM, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University; Chris Oliviero, Market President/GM New York, Audacy, Inc.; Bill O’ Reilly, Host/Commentator, Key Networks; Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, Host, The Joe Pags Show; Sid Rosenberg, Host, WABC, New York; Rob Schmitt, Host, Newsmax TV; Buck Sexton, Co-Host, The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, Premiere Networks; Todd Starnes, Owner, KWAM, Memphis/Host, The Todd Starnes Show; Doug Stephan, Host, DJV Show/CEO, Stephan Multimedia; Walter Sterling, Host, Sterling On Sunday; Greg Stocker, PD, WPHT, Philadelphia; Julie Talbott, President, Premiere Networks; Joe Thomas, PD/Host, WCHV, Charlottesville, VA; Christine Travaglini, President, Katz Radio Group, New York/RAB; Paul Vandenburg, Owner/Host, WGDJ, Albany, NY; Dr. Daliah Wachs, Physician/Host, Genesis Communications Network; Lisa Wexler, Host WICC, Bridgeport/Probate Judge, Connecticut; Brett Winterble, Host, WBT, Charlotte; Larry Young, Host, WOLB, Baltimore; Rich Zeoli, Host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Martha Zoller, Host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA; and Michael Zwerling, Owner, KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA (more to be announced).

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “We are delighted to be able to join forces again with our colleagues at Hofstra – the site of our very successful 2021 and 2016 events – and enjoy the remarkable resources that its Lawrence Herbert School of Communication brings to the table.”

As was the case last year, this event will be held in a COVID-19 compliant environment based upon the circumstances at the time of the convention. As is its tradition, TALKERS 2022 will boldly address key issues – some existential – facing the talk radio and talk media industries at this dramatically critical juncture of rapidly accelerating technological and societal change as well as identifying the remarkable opportunities inherent in these developments. It will also provide participants with unique and powerful networking opportunities. Attendance at the conference is limited 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 with credit cards. Attendance will be limited, and the conference is again expected to be an early sellout. Full details about the agenda (more than 50 in-person, luminary speakers) sponsorship opportunities and hotel information will continue to be posted in TALKERS in the days ahead. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $349. Because space will be limited and a sellout is anticipated, all registrations are non-refundable.

To register or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

Travel and Hotel Information for TALKERS 2022. The full-service Long Island Marriott Uniondale is serving as the closest and best hotel for TALKERS 2022. To reserve rooms, please click here. All New York area airports are a car ride away from the hotel and Hofstra: JFK (18 miles), LaGuardia (24 miles), MacArthur (34 miles), Newark (47 miles). Free and convenient parking information at Hofstra will be posted here shortly.

Michele Tafoya Joins Salem Podcast Network. National sports media figure Michele Tafoya is joining Salem Media Group’s Salem Podcast Network to host a new podcast titled, “Sideline Sanity.” The former NBC Sports sideline reporter’s new show – focusing “life, politics, and world news” will be produced four times per week, beginning

on May 23. Tafoya’s broadcasting career includes a lot of radio in addition to her TV work. She served with iHeartMedia’s sports talk “KFAN,” hosted afternoon drive on Audacy’s WCCO-AM, and worked alongside morning star Tom Barnard at Cumulus Media’s KQRS-FM. She says, “I’m thrilled to launch my first podcast with the Salem Podcast Network. It’s exciting to join the chorus of talented Salem voices discussing the historic issues facing America and the world.” Salem Twin Cities general manager Nic Anderson comments, “I cannot wait for the rest of the country to get to know Minnesota’s own Michele Tafoya beyond her successful years of reporting from the sidelines. She’s full of insight, passionate about her platform, and she’s ready to speak her mind. And Salem Media-Twin Cities is eager to help as we produce her podcast for a national audience and look forward to working with her locally as opportunities arise.” Tafoya announced her retirement from NBC Sports in February of this year and has joined the campaign of Republican Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls as campaign co-chair.

David ‘Mad Dog’ DeMarco to Exit ‘The Game’ in Lansing After 26 Years. Sports talk personality David “Mad Dog” DeMarco is leaving his role as afternoon drive host on Townsquare Media’s WVFN, Lansing, Michigan after tomorrow’s program, capping a 26-year sports talk career in the market. According to a story in the Lansing State

Journal, DeMarco began his sports talk gig in 1996 as part of “The Sports Guys” on WVFN. For four years in the early aughts, the “Mad Dog & Company” show aired on crosstown WQTX-FM, returning to WVFN in 2007. For the past 12 years, DeMarco has been selling for the station, as well. He says, “I had to be like Clark Kent and then go into sales mode and hit the streets as a salesman. That’s what a lot of people don’t understand. They just think that I did the show for three hours and I go home and smoke cigarettes and get high and stuff. I had to really buckle down and be disciplined that I was going to do this. And I did. It’s not even ratings anymore. It’s how much money that you can bring in. It’s like the mafia — you’re an earner is what you are. And if you can’t earn, you’re not going to be around.”

Edison: Comedy Top Podcast Genre for First Quarter of 2022. According to data from Edison Research’s Edison Podcast Metrics, the top podcast genre in the U.S.

during the first quarter of 2022 was comedy. This list of podcast genres is based on weekly audience size. (Nineteen genres are identified as having at least one percent reach among those in the U.S. age 18+.) The list of the Top 10 Genres for Q1 2022 is: 1) Comedy, 2) News, 3) Society and Culture, 4) True Crime, 5) Sports, 6) TV and Film, 7) Business, 8) Arts, 9) Religion and Spirituality, and 10) Education. Edison Research SVP Melissa Kiesche comments, “As advertisers increasingly seek to target podcast listeners, it becomes more important to understand the appeal of various genres in the space.”

TALKERS News Notes. There’s special programming available from ABC Audio for the coming Memorial Day weekend. ABC News Radio will present, “Honor, Hope and Healing,” hosted by correspondents Aaron Katersky and Alex Stone. The program

reports on America’s heroes, including those who lost their lives serving their country and individuals performing good deeds at home. It features Katersky’s interviews with Gold Star families who lost loved ones last summer in Afghanistan as the U.S. withdrew its troops. The special also shines a light on COVID-19’s toll on the country as well as the resilience of Americans trying to emerge from the pandemic and recover from the past two years…..WNYC Studios announces that Kenya Young is appointed to the newly created position of SVP, WNYC Studios – part of New York Public Radio. In this position, Young will oversee a portfolio that includes “The New Yorker Radio Hour,” “The Takeaway with Melissa Harris-Perry,” “The United States of Anxiety with Kai Wright,” “Death, Sex and Money with Anna Sale,” “La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience,” and the “Blindspot” series co-produced with HISTORY. Young was most recently managing editor for collaborative journalism at NPR. Young will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for WNYC Studios’ portfolio of podcasts, and leading and supporting the teams developing and producing shows. In partnership with Emily Botein, VP, original programming, she will manage and grow current Studios productions and build out WNYC Studios new documentary unit devoted to producing longform nonfiction audio works…..Stephanie Miller’s Sexy Liberal “Save Democracy” Tour 2022  will make a Los Angeles appearance at The Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Joining Miller will be Hal Sparks, Frangela, and John Fugelsang on Saturday, October 22 at 8:00 pm for an evening of standup comedy and special guests. Miller says, “We have a lot of work ahead of us supporting the Democratic agenda that moves all of America forward by delivering an even bigger majority to Capitol Hill.”…..“The Regular Joe Show,” hosted by Joe Giganti and syndicated by Genesis Communications Network, adds two new stations to its roster of affiliates. Pan American Broadcasting’s KDAZ-AM/K245CD, Albuquerque adds the program to air from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and WPA Radio LLC’s KTLR-AM/K279CR, Oklahoma City is now airing two hours of the program daily. Giganti says, “These are exciting opportunities to bring our upbeat, witty take on some of the most pressing and challenging issues of the day. I think it’s so important to maintain your ability to laugh and have a little fun, especially when tackling some of the heavier hot topics – perhaps now, more than ever.”

The Economy, Russia-Ukraine War, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Roe v Wade, COVID-19, Elon Musk & Twitter, and Western Drought/Wildfires Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/11). The high cost of food and gasoline, the roiling stock market & plunging value of cryptocurrency, and concerns about a recession; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rumors of Vladimir Putin’s poor health, and Putin’s warning to Finland over plans to joins NATO; the Trump-approved primary candidates for the November midterms and Trump’s influence over the GOP; the protests over the leaked draft of a Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade; the rate of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., concerns about new variants, and the Chinese zero-COVID policy; the controversial attempt by Elon Musk to acquire Twitter; and the drought and wildfires affecting the U.S. West were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

FOX News Media Seeks Freelance Radio Anchor. This is a New York or Washington, DC-based position. FOX News is looking for a freelance radio anchor to join the FOX News Audio family as on-air talent for FOX News Radio Network/FOX News Headlines 24/7 Sirius XM Channel 115. As the freelance radio anchor, you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top-notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a day’s notice. Find out more and apply here.

FOX News Media Has Opportunity for Freelance Producer/Editor. This New York-based position is a freelance producer/news editor role in which you will supervise the staff for network radio news operations (terrestrial and FOX News Headlines 24/7 – Channel 115 on SiriusXM Radio). As the freelance producer/news editor you are our editorial leader, working with news anchors to craft the content and structure of a 24/7 news operation. This is fast-moving news environment! Your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom allows you to deliver top-quality segments/newscasts. You excel at multi-tasking and pay close attention to details. Your writing and editing skills are excellent and your editorial judgment is first-rate. Find out more and apply here.

Podcast Producer Position Open at FOX News Media. FOX News Audio is looking for a producer for The Will Cain Podcast to be part of the fast-paced and growing FOX News Podcast Network. The producer for The Will Cain Podcast will develop ideas, pitch stories, and work with FOX News Channel talent in crafting daily and weekly podcasts. The producer will also direct bookings, edit shows, and work with production teams to create high-quality content every day. In addition to their production duties, they will also lead creative on social media posts and website write-ups to promote the product. This is a New York, Washington, or Nashville-based position. Find out more and apply here.

Tags: Aaron Katersky, ABC Audio, ABC News Radio, Alex Stone, Audacy, comedy, Cumulus Media, David DeMarco, Edison Research, iHeartMedia, Joe Giganti, Kenya Young, kFAN, KQRS-FM, Michele Tafoya, Minneapolis, NBC Sports, New York Public Radio, news/talk radio, Nic Anderson, podcast genre, Radio, Salem Podcast Network, Sideline Sanity, sports media, Sports Talk, Stephanie Miller, Talkers Magazine, The Game, The Regular Joe Show, Tom Barnard, Townsquare Media, WCCO-AM, WNYC Studios, WVFN

Category: Front Page News, Industry News