Top Radio News

Urban One Expands Dallas Footprint with KKDA, KRNB

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 1, 2026 | 11:23am CT

Urban One

Urban One has reached an agreement to acquire Service Broadcasting Group, including Dallas stations KKDA and KRNB, while also agreeing to sell KZMJ to Fuzion Dallas. Both transactions remain subject to approval by the FCC and customary closing conditions. The company said the acquisition aligns with its strategy to grow in high-demand markets and enhance its ability to serve both listeners and advertisers.

President and CEO Alfred C. Liggins III said the transaction supports the company's consolidation efforts and will broaden its scale in key regions. He added that incorporating the stations into Urban One's portfolio is expected to improve service to audiences and advertising partners.

Urban One Regional Vice President Doug Abernathy said the move brings additional platforms to the company's existing team, positioning it to strengthen its role in delivering news, entertainment and community-focused programming in Dallas.

The company said listeners can expect continuity in programming, with an expanded platform aimed at deepening engagement and providing local businesses with greater reach.

NAB Opens 2026 Marconi Awards Nominations

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 1, 2026 | 11:19am CT

Marconi Radio Awards

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has opened the nomination window for the 2026 Marconi Radio Awards, with entries accepted through May 31. Winners will be announced during a special dinner program sponsored by Xperi on October 20 at the Edison Ballroom. The event precedes NAB Show New York, scheduled for October 21-22.

Stations and personalities may self-nominate in multiple categories, including Station of the Year awards by market size, Personality of the Year honors, and format-specific recognitions such as AC, Country, News/Talk, Sports, and Spanish Language Station of the Year. Additional categories include Legendary Station and Manager of the Year, Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year, College Station of the Year, and Best Radio Podcast of the Year.

Finalists will be selected by an independent panel of broadcasters and announced in summer 2026. All submissions must be completed through the NAB member portal, where full entry rules and eligibility requirements are available.

Established in 1989 and named for inventor Guglielmo Marconi, the awards recognize excellence in radio stations and on-air talent across a wide range of categories.

Zimmer Urges FCC to Drop Radio Ownership Caps

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 1, 2026 | 3:30pm CT

Zimmer Media

Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri is calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to eliminate longstanding local radio ownership limits, arguing the rules are outdated and hinder broadcasters' ability to compete in today's media landscape.

In a letter filed April 27 in MB Docket No. 22-459, company President John P. Zimmer said the current ownership caps, largely unchanged since 1996, no longer reflect the realities of a marketplace now dominated by digital competitors, including streaming platforms and large online advertising companies.

Zimmer wrote that while Congress directed the FCC to periodically review and revise ownership rules, the existing limits continue to restrict broadcasters from achieving economies of scale that could strengthen local service and financial stability.

The company, which operates 10 stations across six Missouri markets, said revenue pressures have intensified as advertising dollars shift to digital platforms. Smaller and mid-sized market stations face particular challenges due to limited local ad bases while still bearing the costs of operations, staffing and programming.

Zimmer emphasized that staffing cuts can directly impact a station's ability to provide essential local services, especially during emergencies such as severe weather events, when radio stations often deliver continuous coverage and critical information to affected communities.

The company also noted it has expanded into other media ventures, including acquiring a local magazine and launching a digital advertising business, but said FCC rules restrict further investment in radio-its core business.

Zimmer argued that loosening or eliminating ownership caps would allow broadcasters to invest in additional stations, spread programming costs, increase content diversity and better compete for audiences and advertisers.

The letter aligns with broader industry efforts, including those led by the National Association of Broadcasters, to modernize or remove ownership restrictions as part of the FCC's ongoing review of its media ownership rules.

Whitten Named Program Director of Indie 102.3

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 1, 2026 | 11:13am CT

Jessi Whitten

Colorado Public Radio (CPR) has appointed Jessi Whitten as Program Director of Indie 102.3, its independent music service, effective June 8. Whitten brings more than a decade of experience in radio programming, artist development and community engagement. She previously served as Music Director for CPR's OpenAir and Indie 102.3, where she played a role in shaping the station's sound and supporting emerging Colorado artists.

Following what CPR described as a national search, Sean Nethery, Senior Vice President of Content & Planning, said Whitten's experience and strategic approach made her the right choice to lead the station forward.

Whitten has been involved with Indie 102.3 since its early years, holding roles as a host, music director and assistant program director during its transition from OpenAir to its current brand in 2019. Most recently, she served as Director of Audience and Partnerships at Levitt Pavilion.

In her new role, Whitten will oversee programming strategy, music direction and audience growth efforts, with a focus on expanding the station's connection to Colorado's music community and highlighting a range of artists and voices.

World Cup Presents Major Opportunity for Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 1, 2026 | 3:33pm CT

Nielsen

A new report from Nielsen highlights the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a significant opportunity for radio and audio platforms, as U.S. soccer fans increasingly turn to those channels for sports content and engagement.

According to the report, soccer interest in the U.S. continues to rise, with 64% of fans expecting their interest in the sport to grow and 56% citing the World Cup as a key driver of that momentum. The tournament, which will be hosted across 11 U.S. cities, is expected to generate strong audience growth due to favorable time zones, local match access and expanding fan interest.

While television remains central to live match viewing, Nielsen emphasizes that fan engagement extends well beyond TV. Audio platforms-particularly radio and podcasts-play a notable role in how fans follow the sport. The report finds that 60.9% of U.S. soccer fans use radio for sports news, compared to 46% of the general population, while podcast usage is also significantly higher among fans.

In total, 77% of soccer fans report using radio and podcasts specifically for soccer-related content, underscoring audio's importance as a companion medium during major events like the World Cup.

Nielsen also notes that fans increasingly engage across multiple platforms simultaneously, with second-screen behaviors-such as social media use, messaging and reading sports news-becoming a routine part of the viewing experience. This multi-platform engagement creates additional touchpoints for broadcasters and advertisers to reach audiences beyond live game coverage.

The report concludes that radio, alongside digital and social channels, offers a key extension of World Cup reach, particularly for advertisers seeking to connect with highly engaged soccer audiences outside of live television broadcasts.

SiriusXM Q1 Revenue Up, Profit Jumps 20%

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 3:54pm CT

SiriusXM

Sirius XM Holdings reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $2.09 billion, up 1% year-over-year, while net income rose 20% to $245 million, according to its latest earnings release.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 6% to $666 million, and free cash flow more than tripled to $171 million, reflecting higher profitability and lower capital spending.

The company reported a total subscriber base of about 33 million, with self-pay subscriber losses of 111,000 during the quarter-an improvement from the prior year. Monthly churn declined to 1.5%, the lowest first-quarter level in the company's history.

SiriusXM's core subscription segment generated $1.59 billion in revenue, up 1%, driven by higher pricing and subscriber revenue, partially offset by a slightly smaller subscriber base and softer advertising demand in news. Average revenue per user rose to $14.99.

The Pandora and off-platform segment posted revenue of $501 million, up 3%, with advertising revenue increasing 5% on strength in podcasting and programmatic demand. Podcast revenue overall grew 37% year-over-year.

The company also highlighted expanded content offerings and partnerships, including a new agreement with YouTube to represent its U.S. audio advertising inventory, expected to extend reach to approximately 255 million monthly listeners.

Looking ahead, SiriusXM reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, projecting approximately $8.5 billion in revenue, $2.6 billion in adjusted EBITDA and $1.35 billion in free cash flow.

Curtis Media to Acquire Coastal NC Radio Cluster

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 1:02pm CT

Curtis Media Group

A deal has been reached for Curtis Media Group to acquire a group of North Carolina radio outlets from Capitol Broadcasting Company, with an application to be filed with the FCC.

The transaction includes 100kW WRMR-FM (98.7) in Jacksonville, NC; 0.8kW WMFD-AM (630) and translators W269DF-FX (101.7) and W240AS-FX (95.9) in Wilmington, NC; 26kW WKXB-FM (99.9) in Boiling Spring Lakes, NC; 21kW WAZO-FM (107.5) in Southport, NC; and 22kW WILT-FM (103.7) in Wrightsville Beach, NC.

Kalil & Co., Inc. is serving as the exclusive broker for the transaction.

Cumulus Expands Data Tools for Local Ad Sales

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 12:35pm CT

The Media Audit

Cumulus Media is expanding its data-driven sales strategy through a new partnership with The Media Audit and TOMA.Solutions, bringing enhanced consumer and competitive insights to stations in a growing number of U.S. markets.

The collaboration integrates The Media Audit's detailed local market data on consumer lifestyles, purchasing behavior and cross-platform media usage with TOMA.Solutions' "Top-of-Mind Awareness" measurement, which identifies brands that hold the leading position in consumers' minds within specific categories.

Together, the tools are designed to give Cumulus sales teams deeper visibility into local market dynamics, enabling them to identify high-potential audiences, uncover category demand and better assess competitive positioning for advertisers.

Dave Milner, President of Operations at Cumulus, said the move reflects increasing demand from advertisers for insights that connect marketing strategy to business outcomes. He noted the integration of the new tools into the company's research suite will allow teams to deliver more precise and effective campaign guidance.

The company said the approach moves beyond traditional ratings-based metrics by equipping account executives with data tied directly to consumer demand and shopping behavior, supporting more consultative conversations with local advertisers.

Phillip Beswick, CEO of The Media Audit, said the partnership underscores the importance of combining media reach with local market intelligence, helping advertisers refine strategy and improve results.

Cumulus said the expanded use of both services will provide advertisers with a more comprehensive view of local markets, including consumer behavior, media habits and brand awareness, to inform decisions around targeting, competition and media investment.

Bannon Named EVP, Strategy and Growth at DMR

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 11:59am CT

Tony Bannon

DMR/Interactive has promoted Tony Bannon to Executive Vice President, Strategy and Growth, effective May 1. In the new role, Bannon will oversee the agency's strategic direction and growth initiatives, working with clients and partners to expand relationships, identify new opportunities and strengthen the company's position in a changing media landscape.

Bannon joined DMR/Interactive in December 2019 as Vice President of Marketing Strategy. During his tenure, he has helped shape the company's strategic approach and guided clients through shifts in media consumption, audience behavior and platform fragmentation.

Prior to DMR/Interactive, Bannon held sales roles at Cumulus Media and spent more than a decade in programming and on-air positions at stations including WGFB-FM in Rockford, IL, and WXXB-FM in Lafayette, IN. His background across programming, sales and marketing informs his perspective on audience engagement and brand strategy.

DMR/Interactive President and CEO Andrew Curran said Bannon has played a key role in the company's evolution and emphasized the agency's focus on internal advancement.

In his expanded role, Bannon will focus on long-term strategic priorities, business development and helping clients grow audience and revenue through integrated marketing efforts.

RAB Webinar to Examine 2026 Radio Ad Outlook

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 12:19pm CT

Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), in partnership with BIA Advisory Services, will host a live webinar focused on radio advertising revenue trends for 2026 and emerging opportunities in local markets.

Drawing on BIA's U.S. Local Advertising Forecast, the session will provide updated projections for radio revenue, including expectations for political advertising tied to the upcoming midterm election cycle and the categories expected to drive local ad spending.

BIA estimates total U.S. radio advertising revenue will reach approximately $12.5 billion in 2026, underscoring the medium's continued role in the local advertising landscape while highlighting potential areas for growth.

The presentation will also examine how advertisers are allocating budgets across media platforms and outline strategies for radio sellers to capture a larger share of spending.

Speakers include Celine Matthiessen, vice president of analysis and insights at BIA Advisory Services; Senan Mele, vice president of forecasting and data analysis; and Steve Passwaiter, president of Silver Oak Political.

The webinar is free to RAB members, and attendees will have access to the presentation after the event. To register for this presentation, click here.

Milwaukee Black Media Forms Community Trust

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 3:20pm CT

W269DL (101.7 The Truth) Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Courier and W269DL (101.7 The Truth) are transitioning to community ownership under a newly created Milwaukee Black Media Trust, a move designed to preserve independent Black media in Milwaukee for the long term.

The trust structure, established by Civic Media, places the historic newspaper and Talk outlet into an employee benefit model that prevents the properties from being sold or consolidated outside the community. Under the arrangement, employees will participate in profit-sharing that vests over five years.

The Milwaukee Black Media Trust will oversee Milwaukee Black Media LLC, the operating company for the properties. Governance is handled by three trustees with ties to the local Black community, who in turn appoint a board of directors.

Robert "Biko" Baker has been named General Manager of Milwaukee Black Media and will lead operations across the Courier and the radio station, working alongside editorial and programming leadership.

As part of the transition, Milwaukee Black Media has entered into a local marketing agreement with Good Karma Brands to program 101.7 The Truth, with an option to purchase the station. The station launched in 2021 with a focus on news, talk and cultural content for Milwaukee's Black community.

Civic Media said it will continue to provide administrative, technology and sales support through a services agreement, while editorial and programming decisions will remain independent under the new structure.

The Milwaukee Courier, founded in 1964, is Wisconsin's oldest Black newspaper. WNOV, the state's first Black-owned radio station, is expected to join the trust in the future pending FCC approval of its acquisition and license transfer.

Organizers said the trust model is intended to ensure these media outlets remain community-focused and continue serving Milwaukee's Black residents for generations.

NAB Names Ben Arden SVP, Deputy General Counsel

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 12:14pm CT

Ben Arden

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has appointed Ben Arden as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, the organization announced. He will report to Rick Kaplan, chief legal officer and executive vice president of Legal and Regulatory Affairs.

In the role, Arden will help lead NAB's legal and policy advocacy before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), focusing on issues such as media ownership, competition policy and the evolving media landscape.

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said Arden brings extensive experience in communications law and regulatory policy, adding that his background will support the organization's efforts to advocate for policies that enable local broadcasters to remain competitive.

Arden joins NAB from the FCC, where he most recently served as special counsel in the Media Bureau. In that position, he advised the chairman's office and senior leadership on matters including media ownership, transaction reviews, foreign ownership, retransmission consent and emerging technologies.

Earlier, Arden served as chief of staff and legal advisor to former FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, contributing to communications policy development and coordination with Congress and industry stakeholders. He also held multiple leadership roles within the FCC's Media Bureau during a 15-year tenure.

Before his government service, Arden was an associate attorney at Williams Mullen, representing communications clients before the FCC, Congress and other federal agencies.

World Cup 2026 Presents Big Opportunity for Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 2:57pm CT

Katz Radio Group

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to create a major opportunity for radio advertisers, as the global event returns to the United States for the first time in more than 30 years. Spanning 11 host cities from June 11 through July 19, the tournament is projected to generate heightened audience engagement and increased consumer activity across markets.

According to Katz Radio Group's latest "Sound Answers" report, the World Cup represents a rare convergence of scale, attention and emotional connection, giving advertisers a chance to reach consumers during one of the most active periods in the media calendar.

Radio is positioned as a consistent companion throughout the event, particularly as fans follow matches across different time zones while continuing daily routines such as commuting, working and running errands. The report notes that AM/FM radio reaches 93% of U.S. adults monthly, or about 242 million people, including strong reach among younger listeners.

The medium's strength is also tied to engagement. Citing research, the report says six in ten listeners tune to radio for its sense of connection, while studies show increased web traffic on days when radio advertising is active.

Sports audio consumption further reinforces radio's position. Data from Edison Research indicates that 61% of U.S. sports audio listening occurs on AM/FM radio, significantly ahead of podcasts. Listening peaks during drive times, when audiences are often most accessible to advertisers.

Beyond reach, the World Cup is expected to influence consumer behavior, particularly in categories such as travel, retail and dining. As visitors and residents explore host cities, seek out viewing locations and make last-minute purchasing decisions, radio's ability to deliver timely, location-based messaging can help drive real-world action.

The report concludes that radio's combination of scale, accessibility and proven performance in driving outcomes-such as increased search activity, foot traffic and brand recall-positions it as a key platform for advertisers looking to capitalize on the World Cup's global attention.

To read the full report, click here.

FCC Proposes $416M in FY2026 Regulatory Fees

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 3:05pm CT

Federal Communications Commission

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed collecting $416.1 million in regulatory fees for fiscal year 2026, launching a rulemaking to update how those fees are assessed across the communications industry.

In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted April 27 and released April 28, the Commission said the total reflects its congressionally mandated budget for salaries and expenses, which must be fully offset through annual regulatory fee collections.

The FCC is seeking comment on both the proposed fee schedule and potential changes to its methodology, including adjustments to how staff resources-measured in full-time equivalent employees (FTEs)-are allocated among industry sectors.

For FY2026, the agency proposes reallocating 59 FTEs from indirect to direct oversight roles within its core licensing bureaus, reflecting work tied more closely to regulating fee-paying entities. The FCC said the shift would increase the total number of direct FTEs to 376.5 and could affect how costs are distributed among broadcasters, wireless providers, wireline companies and satellite operators.

Under the proposal, the largest share of fees would be assessed on the Media Bureau (28.93%) and the Wireline Competition Bureau (28.67%), followed by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (27.20%), the Space Bureau (12.80%), and the Office of International Affairs (2.40%).

The Commission also plans to continue using a population-based methodology to calculate regulatory fees for full-power television stations and is seeking comment on whether to revise how fees are assessed for mobile service providers, including the potential use of alternative data sources.

Comments on the proposal are due May 28, with reply comments due June 12, as the FCC works toward adopting a final fee schedule later this year.

Audacy Adds Jacobs, Brotman to Board of Directors

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 12:28pm CT

Walker Jacobs and Gabriel Brotman

Audacy has named two new members to its Board of Directors, appointing Walker Jacobs and Gabriel Brotman.

Jacobs serves as Global Chief Revenue Officer and President of U.S. operations for DAZN, where he oversees global advertising, brand partnerships and business development. He brings more than 25 years of experience in media and advertising technology, including previous roles as Chief Revenue Officer of Twitch Advertising and Managing Director of Sports at Amazon Ads.

Earlier in his career, Jacobs held leadership roles as COO of Fandom and EVP, Head of Turner Digital at Turner Broadcasting System, now part of Warner Bros. Discovery, overseeing digital revenue across sports, news and entertainment properties.

Brotman recently joined Soros Fund Management in its media partnerships and investments group. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Axel Springer SE's North American business, which includes Politico, Business Insider, Morning Brew and eMarketer. He also held corporate development and operating roles at Politico in Washington, Brussels and New York.

Audacy President and CEO Kelli Turner said the additions strengthen the company's ability to navigate changes in the audio industry and support its long-term strategy.

Cumulus Q1 Revenue Falls 12% Amid Restructuring

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 11:21am CT

Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media reported first quarter 2026 results showing declines in revenue and adjusted earnings as the company continues through its Chapter 11 restructuring process.

Net revenue for the quarter ended March 31 totaled $164.4 million, down 12.2% from $187.3 million in the same period a year ago. The company posted a net loss of $16.9 million, an improvement from a net loss of $32.4 million in the first quarter of 2025. Adjusted EBITDA declined 23.6% to $2.7 million.

Broadcast radio revenue fell 19.3% year-over-year to $100.7 million, with spot revenue down 16.3% and network revenue declining 24.9%. Digital revenue decreased 8.3% to $33.5 million, while other revenue rose 16.5% to $30.2 million.

President and CEO Mary G. Berner said the company's reorganization process marked a key milestone, noting that a U.S. Bankruptcy Court has approved its plan. The company is now awaiting FCC approval before the plan can take effect.

Cumulus filed for prepackaged Chapter 11 protection in early March, and the court confirmed its reorganization plan in mid-April. The company said it expects the plan to become effective once regulatory approvals and other conditions are satisfied.

As of March 31, Cumulus reported cash and cash equivalents of $57.6 million, down from $82.0 million at the end of 2025. Capital expenditures for the quarter totaled $3.9 million.

NAB Pushes Back on FCC Early License Renewal Move

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 2:44pm CT

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is raising concerns over a recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) action requiring a broadcaster to seek early license renewals, warning the move could create uncertainty across the industry.

In a statement, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said the FCC's license renewal process should be guided by "predictability, fairness and transparency," principles established by Congress. He argued that the agency's decision to call for an accelerated renewal process for one company, rather than relying on traditional enforcement procedures, departs from long-standing practice.

LeGeyt said the move could introduce instability for broadcasters already facing significant operational pressures, including providing local news, emergency information, and election coverage. He added that additional regulatory uncertainty could impact stations serving local communities.

The FCC action involves requiring The Walt Disney Company's ABC television stations to seek early license renewals. The development follows public criticism tied to a segment on ABC's late-night programming hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

According to comments from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, the agency has the authority to accelerate license reviews if there are concerns about whether a broadcaster is operating in the public interest.

"In a statement, FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez wrote, "This is the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date. As part of its ongoing campaign of censorship and control, the White House called publicly for the silencing of a vocal critic, and this FCC has now answered that call."

She continued, "This is an unprecedented and politically motivated attempt to interfere with how broadcasters operate, and this unlawful overreach will fail. This should be a lesson to media companies that no amount of capitulation to this Administration will buy them protection. The only choice is to stand up and stand firm in defense of the First Amendment."

NAB said the FCC should proceed cautiously to avoid actions that could disrupt broadcasters' ability to serve audiences, emphasizing the importance of regulatory stability for local media outlets.