If you thought the 2026 news cycle was going to start off slow, well, boy, were you wrong. There’s no “easing” into the new year anymore — at least not as long as President Trump is around — truly giving us a 24/7/365 news cycle. It’s a blessing and a curse for those in the news business. There’s truly no real downtime, but the flip side is that interest in our products (radio, streaming, podcast, video) remains high.
At a time when the new year has also started with disappointing local media news out of Pittsburgh — with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette shutting down — it’s a sad reminder that while local media remains challenged, talk radio can continue to be at the forefront of the local and national news cycle in communities around the country.
Much is made of the increase in competition for traditional media, which is undoubtedly accurate. However, there has also been a reduction, as local papers have scaled back or, in too many cases, shut down. Local television has its challenges, but most mid-sized to larger markets still have fairly robust newsrooms.
Independent journalists are popping up in cities across America as well, with one viral video taking them from a no-name to a household name (looking at you, Nick Shirley). However, when you blend the advantages of being a traditional media outlet with strong reach, the ability to reach 25–54 (at least in-car), and the fact that the format can effectively hammer local issues, talk radio stations are still poised to have a big year and weather the headwinds the medium faces on a larger scale.
Music stations have to compete with Spotify. It’s almost impossible for a radio station to beat the algorithm when it comes to catering to the music tastes of a specific individual. However, news/talk stations that are live and local, and cater to audiences seeking news in their communities, are still well positioned to succeed. And unlike Spotify, there is no massive digital alternative people can turn to for the blend of local information, entertainment, personality, and long-form content that can match the quality of high-end local talk radio.
So, at a time when too many are in doom-and-gloom mode, viewing the state of the format through this lens should put a pep in the step of every news/talk host, programmer, producer, news person, and board operator.
This does not mean there aren’t challenges as we enter a year when media continues to fragment, but owning the local angle on top national stories and the biggest local stories remains the strongest play on radio, stream, podcast, and social media. Talk radio needs to remain strong in time-shifted listening options (podcasts and YouTube), video options on Facebook and YouTube, and a robust social media presence across written, audio, and video platforms.
So if there’s a goal for everyone in the format in 2026, it’s to be in more places than you were when you ended 2025. Explore a platform you’re not as familiar with. If you’re great on the radio, learn to be a better writer, because written content can go viral and drive people to the radio station with a great post on Facebook or X. If you need to get comfortable in front of the camera, do it. A Facebook Reel can take off and reach a larger audience than you might reach in a quarter hour.
And don’t overcomplicate it. It doesn’t need to be the fanciest, most highly produced visual piece ever seen on social media. It just needs to be informative, entertaining, quick, and to the point. Basically, PPM principles.
But challenge yourself. 2026 is already shaping up to be another wild ride in the news cycle. Don’t let an opportunity pass you by.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Pete Mundo is a weekly columnist for Barrett Media, and the Vice President of News/Talk for Cumulus Media, while also hosting “Mundo in the Morning” and programming KCMO Talk Radio in Kansas City. Previously, he was a fill-in host nationally on FOX News Radio and CBS Sports Radio, while anchoring for WFAN, WCBS News Radio 880, and Bloomberg Radio. He’s also the owner of the Big 12-focused digital media outlet Heartland College Sports. To interact, find him on X @PeteMundo.
