Peter Thiele

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Peter Thiele is a weekly news/talk radio columnist for Barrett Media, and an experienced news/talk radio programmer. He currently serves as News/Talk Format Captain for Zimmer Communications. Prior to joining Zimmer, Peter held programming positions in New York City, San Francisco, Des Moines, Little Rock, Greenville, Hunstville, and Joplin. Peter has also worked as a host, account executive and producer in Minneapolis, and San Antonio. He can be found on Twitter at @PeterThiele.

The 3 Things Talk Radio Hosts Need to Master to Be Successful

Give reasons to keep listening. Storytelling is part of a listener-focused experience.

In Modern Talk Radio, Your Look Has to Match Your Voice

You need to dress the role. You need to have a certain look that is recognizable. Being the radio guy or gal who thinks homeless chic is a great look — it is not.

Deconstructing the Myth That Social Media Followers Means News/Talk Radio Success

If you are a hiring manager for a local host, unless that person is a known and successful commodity in your market, a social media footprint is meaningless.

The Interview Rules Every News/Talk Radio Talent Must Follow

"If you are hosting the show, you are the expert. You are the bartender making the drink. Looking at benchmarked guests, some are amazing, but most just suck"

The One Thing News/Talk Radio Must Get Right in 2026

There is no wiggle room. If your station or show is not delivering on its mission, there is no reason for listeners to stay.

Breaking

Michael Kay Defends Pat McAfee From Critics Saying He’s “Thin Skinned”

"People might not like the way he does his job, which happens to be unbelievably successful. Who in our business has had the success that this guy's had?"

SummitMedia Names Matt ‘Brodie’ Lesley Brand Manager Over Entire Knoxville Cluster

In Knoxville, he'll oversee programming for Classic Rock 93.1, 100.3 The Wolf, Star 102.1, and Hot 104.5.

SiriusXM WWE Radio Listenership Up 20% From Launch Of Re-Branded Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7

"Listening to WWE Radio has grown nearly 20% since its July launch and rebrand. While monthly active sports listeners increased 4% year over year across our connected car and streaming platforms."

Ernie Johnson Explains The Timing Of His Inside the NBA Retirement Announcement

"I actually kind of got tired of people asking me if I was going to keep doing the show."