WNRI-AM Woonsocket, Rhode Island host John DePetro was arrested Tuesday after trespassing outside outside a Warwick, Rhode Island home.

DePetro went live on Facebook outside the home that was the center of an investigation into the disappearance of Charlotte Lester. Lester, a Warwick resident, has been missing since May. In the video, DePetro confronts what appears to be the owner of the residence, Mark Perkins, being investigated. The owner then starts a lawn mower and appears to push it in the DePetro’s direction. On his website, DePetro described the altercation as an “attack”. DePetro claims Perkins assaulted him while shouting he would kill the radio host. Perkins was later arrested for assault, which DePetro captured on vide..

DePetro told WLNE-TV “We can continue to search for answers into the disappearance of Charlotte Lester. We will offer a vigorous courtroom defense and I expect to be fully exonerated at trial where we will call the owner of the home to the stand.”

Warwick police charged DePetro with “willful trespassing”. His court date is slated for Thursday, September 1st.

After a reported directive to cut 10% of their workforce, Audacy has continued to reduce their news talk radio staff in various markets.

The following news talk personnel have seen their jobs eliminated:
WCCO in Minneapolis Late Night with Henry Lake Producer Craig Schroepfer
WCCO in Minneapolis Sports to the Max with Mike Max host Mike Max
WWL in New Orleans News Producer/Digital Content Producer Kenny Kuhn
KJCE in Austin Producer/Public Affairs Director John Zenor
KDKA in Pittsburgh host Kevin Battle

Audacy is currently facing the possibility of being delisted by the New York Stock Exchange due to the price of their share remaining under $1 for longer than 30 business days.

Former Rush Limbaugh producer James Golden aka Bo Snerdley believes there’s a bright future ahead for the news/talk format. 

Golden appeared on WFMD’s “Morning News Express” Wednesday to discuss talk radio in the post-Rush Limbaugh era. He also discussed the many talented hosts that have stepped in to fill major voids left by Limbaugh’s passing.

“We have such talent in this industry, and we have so many interesting people,” Golden said. He referenced numerous hosts who are heard both regionally and nationally.

Golden praised Clay Travis, Buck Sexton, Dan Bongino, and Dana Loesch who he said are passionate defenders of free speech. 

“I think talk radio can be very, very healthy for generations to come,” he said. This is where American conservatives meet, on the radio. The left in this country has done a really good job of holding onto their legacy networks, although we are making inroads there too.” 

Golden is carving his own path in the talk radio game. Following Limbaugh’s passing, Golden authored a book and produced a series of podcasts about Rush. 

Currently, he hosts a daily show on 77 WABC in New York City. 

“We have so many hosts spread across the country, whether they’re in local markets or doing national shows, talk radio to me is a healthy vibrant business that will continue to flourish for decades to come.”