Take Five with Julie Talbott
To celebrate her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame on October 30th, we asked Julie Talbott to join us for the next installment of our Take Five series.
As President of Premiere Networks and National Media Groups at iHeartMedia, Julie oversees the company’s roster of more than 100 radio programs. She is the woman to know in radio, working with media superstars like Ryan Seacrest, Delilah, Sean Hannity, Steve Harvey, Elvis Duran, and Angela Yee.
BFOA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the broadcasting industry?
Julie Talbott (JT): It’s a funny story. I came to NYC for a bank training program, but once I arrived, I decided to go on a few different interviews in other industries. One of those interviews was at the advertising agency BBDO – I instantly fell in love with the media business. The creativity in the broadcasting sector stole my heart.
BFOA: In the age of on-demand content, how does syndicated radio maintain its audience relevance?
JT: Great content is great content whether you digest it live or on-demand. Our goal is to give listeners every option to consume our content and there’s plenty of appetite for every option.
BFOA: You work with many superstars in the field. What key qualities create a powerful radio personality?
JT: It all comes down to storytelling. A great radio personality invites listeners into their life, making them feel like a trusted friend and companion.
BFOA: If you were starting your career today, knowing everything you know now, what single piece of advice would you give yourself?
JT: Talk to as many people as possible so you can become aware of all the opportunities in the marketplace. There’s so many interesting jobs and positions that go unnoticed by those beginning their careers.
BFOA: You have been a valued champion of the Broadcasters Foundation of America for many years. Why are you so passionate about the BFOA, and how do you feel the BFOA makes a difference?JT: These are our colleagues and our friends who need our support. We work side-by-side, and when some of them find themselves in need, it’s our responsibility to take care of our own. While there are so many charitable foundations in need, these are our people that we have grown up with and spent hours working together towards making broadcasting such an incredible industry. I have always believed that we have to start making a difference in lives on a “local” level i.e. in our neighborhoods. And certainly the broadcasting community is our neighbors, colleagues and friends. We have to make a difference here.
Congratulations Julie – and all the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame inductees – on this great honor! Learn more about the Radio Hall of fame at www.radiohalloffame.com.
This article was featured in our October 2025 Newsletter.