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Top Radio News
Report: Radio Leads All Media in Reach Across Demos
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 8, 2025 | 1:09pm CT |
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New findings from Nielsen, with added insights from Edison Research's Share of Ear, reaffirm AM/FM radio's position as the leading media platform in the U.S., with unmatched reach and usage across every major demographic -- this according to data, highlighted by Katz Radio Group.
Nielsen's latest media universe overview shows more than 225 million adults -- roughly 9 in 10 -- tune in to radio each week. Radio remains the number one media platform in the country, outpacing all other measured forms of both digital and traditional media. It holds the top spot in overall reach for adults aged 50-64 and 65 plus, and ranks a close second among 18-34-year-olds, demonstrating its cross-generational appeal.
Katz Radio Group notes that radio's dominance extends beyond reach. AM/FM radio also commands the majority of time spent with ad-supported audio, accounting for 7 out of every 10 minutes. Among 18-34-year-olds, half of all ad-supported audio time is spent with radio.
Importantly, radio's footprint spans multiple platforms. Audiences access AM/FM content not only over the air, but increasingly via smartphone apps, internet-connected devices, and smart TVs -- reflecting the medium's adaptability in an evolving digital landscape.
The report also highlights a noteworthy comparison: every week, approximately 60 million more adults listen to radio than use the internet on a computer, underscoring radio's continued relevance outside the deskbound, digital-first perception.
From news and sports to entertainment and music, AM/FM radio remains deeply embedded in daily life and community engagement. For marketers, the data is a strong reminder that radio continues to deliver unmatched scale, engagement, and value in the modern media mix.
KSHE 95 Officially Named Missouri's Rock Station
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 8, 2025 | 3:16pm CT |
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KSHE 95, the iconic St. Louis-based station, has officially been designated as the State of Missouri's Official Rock Radio Station under newly enacted state legislation, HCS SCS SB 348. The designation, approved by lawmakers on June 24, will take effect statewide on August 28.
State Representative Bill Lucas (R-DeSoto), who introduced HB 602 to support the recognition, grew up listening to KSHE and first approached the station in March with the idea. KSHE partnered with Lucas to support the effort, providing historical materials, branding, and documentation to help bring the legislation to life.
"It's quite an honor to be recognized by the state of Missouri in an official capacity," said Marty Linck, KSHE's Brand Content Director. "It's surreal that the station I grew up listening to -- and now work for -- has achieved such status."
KSHE is considered the oldest continually-operating Rock outlet in the U.S. While it began broadcasting classical music in 1966, the station made its first rock broadcast in 1967 and quickly became a fixture in the St. Louis community. The call letters KSHE (pronounced "kay-she") were originally chosen because the station's earliest DJs were women.
Over the decades, KSHE developed a loyal following for its "real rock radio" identity. It has supported countless live concerts, helped break national bands, and created a cultural legacy through its rock museum, branded cafe, and beloved mascot, Sweetmeat -- a sunglasses-wearing pig who became synonymous with the station's rebellious spirit.
KSHE's rich history includes notable personalities like Ruth Hutchinson (1894-1984), who was billed as the oldest rock DJ in the country during her on-air run from 1976 to 1982. Hutchinson gained national fame through features in People magazine and appearances on That's Incredible!, To Tell the Truth, Good Morning America, and The Today Show.
Rolling Stone readers once voted KSHE the best medium market radio station in 1987 -- a distinction that affirmed its lasting impact on rock radio culture.
With its official new status, KSHE 95's legacy is now enshrined in Missouri law, recognizing its nearly 60 years of influence on music, culture, and generations of rock fans across the state.
Cumulus Reports Q2 2025 Results Amid Industry Headwinds
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 10:16am CT |
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Cumulus Media reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, highlighting both progress in digital revenue initiatives and continued pressure across the broader advertising market. The company posted total net revenue of $186 million for the quarter, down 9.2% from the same period in 2024. Net loss narrowed to $12.8 million from $27.7 million a year earlier, while Adjusted EBITDA declined 11.3% to $22.4 million.
"While the advertising backdrop for legacy media remains challenging, in the quarter we continued to outperform our radio peers, gaining market share across all broadcast spot revenue channels," said Mary G. Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cumulus Media. "We also significantly outperformed in digital, delivering double the growth rate of our radio peers, driven by the 38% year-over-year increase in our digital marketing services business."
Digital revenue for the quarter was $38.8 million, down 1.4% year-over-year. However, when excluding the $6.8 million impact of discontinued relationships with The Daily Wire and Dan Bongino, digital revenue increased by 20%. Digital marketing services now account for approximately half of total digital revenue.
Total broadcast radio revenue declined 13% year-over-year to $118.4 million. Spot advertising revenue dropped 10.5% to $91.2 million, while network revenue fell 20.5% to $27.3 million. Other revenue categories slipped 2% to $28.7 million.
The company also noted $5 million in newly executed annualized cost reductions in the quarter, contributing to a total of $175 million in cost savings achieved over the past five years.
Cumulus ended the quarter with $96.7 million in cash, aided by a $55 million draw on its revolving credit facility. Total debt stood at $723.7 million, with net debt (less unamortized discounts and cash) at $600.4 million.
Looking ahead, Berner said the company remains focused on performance optimization and growth opportunities. "While we do not expect near-term relief from market headwinds, we are confident in our ability to position the business for long-term success through strong execution and by capitalizing on the Company's valuable underlying assets," she said.
For the first half of 2025, Cumulus reported total revenue of $373.4 million, down 7.8% year-over-year. Net loss for the six-month period widened to $45.2 million from $41.9 million in 2024, and Adjusted EBITDA declined 23.0% to $25.9 million.
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2025 NAB Marconi Radio Award Finalists Revealed
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 3:07pm CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced the finalists for the 2025 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, recognizing excellence in radio across the U.S. The winners will be revealed during a special dinner event at The Edison Ballroom in New York City on October 21, the evening before NAB Show New York.
The announcement was made during a livestream hosted by Washington, DC radio personalities Vic Jagger of WMMJ-FM and Vince Coglianese of WMAL-FM.
Named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the awards have honored outstanding radio stations and on-air talent since 1989.
Legendary Station of the Year
- WABC-AM, New York, NY
- WCBS-FM, New York, NY
- WHLI-AM, Long Island, NY
- WLW-AM, Cincinnati, OH
- WMMR-FM, Philadelphia, PA
- David Yadgaroff, Audacy, Philadelphia, PA
- Nick Martin, Big River Broadcasting Corp., Florence, AL
- Derrick Corbett, WDAS-FM, iHeartMedia, Philadelphia, PA
- Jason Meder, Cox Media Group, Tampa Bay, FL
- Dr. Maria Boynton, WVEE-FM, Audacy, Atlanta, GA
- Katie Neal, Audacy, Nashville, TN
- Ellen K, KOST-FM, Los Angeles, CA
- Colin Cowherd, Premiere Radio Networks, Los Angeles, CA
- Steve Harmon, Cumulus Media, Dallas, TX
- Enrique Santos, iHeartMedia, Miami, FL
- The Roula & Ryan Show with Eric, KRBE-FM, Houston, TX
- Mark "Hawkeye" Louis and Michelle Rodriguez, KSCS-FM, Dallas, TX
- The Greg Hill Show, WEEI-FM, Boston, MA
- Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison, WMMR-FM, Philadelphia, PA
- Karson & Kennedy, WWBX-FM, Boston, MA
- Karen Dalessandro, KSLX-FM, Phoenix, AZ
- Tracy and Fizz, KYGO-FM, Denver, CO
- Lincoln Ware, WDBZ-AM, Cincinnati, OH
- Mitch Albom, WJR-AM, Detroit, MI
- The Smiley Morning Show, WZPL-FM, Indianapolis, IN
- Skyler Cooper, KRMG-FM, Tulsa, OK
- Todd Hollst, WHIO-AM, Dayton, OH
- Larry Hansgen, WHIO-FM, Dayton, OH
- Dan Austin, WQHK-FM, Fort Wayne, IN
- Mo & StyckMan, WUSY-FM, Chattanooga, TN
- Jordan Jay, KATI-FM, Jefferson City, MO
- Matt & Amy in the Morning, KIKV-FM, Alexandria, MN
- Ian Rambo, KQRQ-FM, Rapid City, SD
- The Big Dawg DreDay with Comedian LP, WALJ-FM, Tuscaloosa, AL
- Mark Starling, WWNC-AM, Asheville, NC
- KBXX-FM, Houston, TX
- WCBS-FM, New York, NY
- WMMR-FM, Philadelphia, PA
- WSB-FM, Atlanta, GA
- WWBX-FM, Boston, MA
- KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh, PA
- KKFN-FM, Denver, CO
- KOSI-FM, Denver, CO
- KTMY-FM, Saint Paul, MN
- WLLD-FM, St. Petersburg, FL
- KBOI-AM, Boise, ID
- KRMG-FM, Tulsa, OK
- WBEN-AM, Buffalo, NY
- WTIB-FM, Greenville, NC
- WYCT-FM, Pensacola, FL
- KFGE-FM, Lincoln, NE
- WCHS-AM, Charleston, WV
- WIKY-FM, Evansville, IN
- WTAW-AM, College Station, TX
- WWNC-AM, Asheville, NC
- KOSI-FM, Denver, CO
- KSTP-FM, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN
- WKJY-FM, Long Island, NY
- WTBC-FM, Chicago, IL
- WWBX-FM, Boston, MA
- "Inheriting," KPCC-FM, Los Angeles, CA
- "Ransom," KSL Newsradio, Salt Lake City, UT
- "Purple Daily," KSTP-AM, Saint Paul, MN
- "WCCO Radio: 100 Years," WCCO-AM, Minneapolis, MN
- "Behind The Song," WDRV-FM, Chicago, IL
- KTXY-FM, Columbia, MO
- WDJX-FM, Louisville, KY
- WPRO-FM, Providence, RI
- WXKB-FM, Fort Myers, FL
- WZPL-FM, Indianapolis, IN
- KQRQ-FM, Rapid City, SD
- KXSN-FM, San Diego, CA
- WJJK-FM, Indianapolis, IN
- WOGL-FM, Philadelphia, PA
- WOMC-FM, Detroit, MI
- WKCR-FM, Columbia University, New York, NY
- WMSC-FM, Montclair State University, New York, NY
- WRHU-FM, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
- WRRC-FM, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ
- WSOU-FM, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ
- KATI-FM, Jefferson City, MO
- KCLR-FM, Columbia, MO
- KYGO-FM, Denver, CO
- WTHI-FM, Terre Haute, IN
- WYCT-FM, Pensacola, FL
- KFI-AM, Los Angeles, CA
- WABC-AM, New York, NY
- WBAL-AM, Baltimore, MD
- WBBM-AM, Chicago, IL
- WENG-AM, Englewood, FL
- KPWJ-FM, College Station, TX
- WGTS-FM, Rockville, MD
- WMCA-AM, New York, NY
- WMIT-FM, Charlotte, NC
- WPZE-FM, Atlanta, GA
- KCMQ-FM, Columbia, MO
- KISS-FM, San Antonio, TX
- WDRV-FM, Chicago, IL
- WIYY-FM, Baltimore, MD
- WXTB-FM, Tampa, FL
- KNDE-HD3, College Station, TX
- WAMR-FM, Miami, FL
- WMIA-FM, Miami, FL
- WOJO-FM, Chicago, IL
- WYUU-FM, St. Petersburg, FL
- KILT-AM, Houston, TX
- WBZ-FM, Boston, MA
- WGFX-FM, Nashville, TN
- WIP-FM, Philadelphia, PA
- WXYT-FM, Detroit, MI
- KMJQ-FM, Houston, TX
- WDZZ-FM, Flint, MI
- WHUR-FM, Washington, DC
- WMBX-FM, West Palm Beach, FL
- WVEE-FM, Atlanta, GA
Audacy's Sports WQAM Expands to 104.3 FM in Miami
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 3:17pm CT |
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Audacy is making a major upgrade for Miami Sports outlet WQAM-AM, expanding its coverage to the FM dial at 104.3 FM with a 100,000-watt signal. The move, effective immediately, displaces Alternative WSFS (The Shark) and extends the reach of the station's programming across South Florida while maintaining its presence on 560 AM. The station will operate under the call letters WQAM-FM, pending FCC approval.
WQAM serves as the flagship station for the Miami Heat and University of Miami Hurricanes football and men's basketball. Its lineup includes local sports staples like The Joe Rose Show with Hollywood, Tobin & Leroy, and Hochman, Crowder & Solana.
"Miami's sports fans have an unrivaled passion, and they deserve a destination that matches their energy," said Claudia Menegus, Regional President at Audacy. "By adding this powerful FM signal, we're not just expanding our reach - we're solidifying WQAM's position as the undisputed leader in South Florida sports radio."
The expansion was also welcomed by HEAT leadership. "The increased power and reach of WQAM on FM will bring even more fans, listeners and a younger, more diverse audience to the airwaves to enjoy the Miami HEAT audio experience," said Michael McCullough, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Miami HEAT. "HEAT games will now sound better than ever on WQAM on FM."
The weekday lineup for 104.3 WQAM is as follows: "The Joe Rose Show with Hollywood" (6-10am), "Tobin & Leroy" (10am-2pm) "Hochman, Crowder & Solana" (2-6pm).
Saga Reports Lower Q2 2025 Revenue and Net Income
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 4:23pm CT |
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Saga Communications reported a 5% decline in second quarter net revenue, falling to $28.2 million from $29.7 million a year ago. Net income for the quarter dropped to $1.1 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to $2.5 million, or $0.40 per share, in Q2 2024.
Operating income for the quarter was $1.4 million, down from $2.1 million year-over-year. Station operating income, a non-GAAP metric, fell 6.4% to $6.0 million. Station operating expenses also declined, down 4.6% to $22.2 million.
On a same-station basis, net revenue declined 6.4% to $27.6 million, while station operating expenses were also down 6.4% to $21.7 million.
For the first half of 2025, Saga posted a net loss of $447,000, compared to a net profit of $924,000 in the same period last year. Net revenue for the six-month period declined 4.7% to $52.4 million. Station operating income dropped 10.8% to $8.2 million. Capital expenditures for the period totaled $2.0 million, down from $2.6 million a year ago.
Saga attributed the revenue declines in part to a drop in political advertising, which totaled $321,000 for the six-month period, compared to $598,000 in the first half of 2024.
The company continues to prioritize shareholder returns, paying a $0.25 per share dividend in June, totaling approximately $1.6 million. Since 2012, Saga has distributed over $138 million in dividends and repurchased more than $58 million in stock.
As part of its capital allocation strategy for 2025, Saga is engaged in non-binding negotiations to sell some of its tower sites. Proceeds are expected to be in the high seven-figure to low eight-figure range. The company is also exploring the sale of other non-core assets, with the intention of using proceeds for additional stock buybacks.
As of June 30, 2025, Saga reported $24.9 million in cash and short-term investments, increasing to $27.3 million by August 4. The company expects full-year capital expenditures to be between $3.0 million and $3.5 million.
FCC Launches Review of Emergency Alert Systems
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 10:39am CT |
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to begin a sweeping review of the nation's emergency alert and warning systems. The move signals a potential overhaul of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to ensure they meet modern-day needs and expectations.
With frameworks for EAS and WEA dating back 31 and 13 years respectively, the Commission aims to determine whether fundamental structural changes are needed to improve their effectiveness, resilience, and accessibility.
The FCC's rulemaking will seek public and stakeholder input on a range of issues, including:
- What core objectives national alert and warning systems should serve
- Which entities need alert-sending capabilities to best serve the public
- The technical capabilities required for a national alert system, such as security, geographic targeting, and transmission reliability
- Whether EAS and WEA currently meet the needs of the public and emergency officials
- And how best to deliver clear, actionable information across radio, TV, satellite, cable, and mobile platforms
"The time is right to explore if structural changes are needed, with an eye towards making sure the FCC is leveraging the latest technology to save lives," the agency stated in the release.
The proposal, designated FCC 25-50, was approved on August 7, with Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioners Anna Gomez and Nathaniel Trusty all voting in favor and issuing separate statements.
Guarasi Joins Pillar Media as GSM for STAR Brands
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 2:10pm CT |
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Pillar Media appoints Michael Guarasi as General Sales Manager for WAWZ (STAR 99.1) in New Jersey and WAKW (STAR 93.3) in Cincinnati. Guarasi brings a wealth of experience in media sales, having most recently served as GSM at Townsquare Media, where he led sales teams across five stations. His appointment marks a return to STAR 99.1, where he previously worked from 2019 to 2021 as a senior business development executive.
"I am excited to join the esteemed team at Pillar Media and the STAR Radio brands," Guarasi said. "Pillar Media stands for uplifting, positive and encouraging messaging, and I am honored to contribute to this important mission."
Eric Case, Senior Director of Sales at Pillar Media, welcomed the addition. "Mike has many years of experience in multiple marketing mediums, leading teams to success. His passion and leadership reflect our values of excellence, creativity, and integrity. I'm confident he'll bring fresh energy and help us make an even greater impact."
Guarasi officially started in his new role on August 1 and will be based at Pillar Media's New Jersey office.
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FCC to Repeal 98 Outdated Broadcast Rules & Requirements
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 3:25pm CT |
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has repealed 98 broadcast-related rules and requirements deemed obsolete or unnecessary, as part of its ongoing effort to reduce regulatory burdens under the "In re: Delete, Delete, Delete" docket.
The rules eliminated in today's action date back as far as the 1970s and include provisions governing outdated technologies such as legacy radio testing equipment. The FCC said the repealed rules no longer serve the public interest, are no longer used in practice by broadcasters or the Commission, or have been surpassed by technological advances in the media marketplace.
"This decision reflects our commitment to modernizing the FCC's regulatory framework and clearing away legal clutter that no longer has any practical relevance," the Commission stated.
The repeals were enacted through a streamlined "Direct Final Rule" process, which allows the Commission to eliminate obsolete rules without undergoing years of legal proceedings. At its July meeting, the FCC used the same process to repeal rules related to telegraph services, rabbit-ear TV antennas, and phone booths.
The initiative has drawn significant public comment, which the FCC said is helping to inform not only the Delete docket but other rulemaking efforts as well.
Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington Trusty voted in favor of the repeal, while Commissioner Anna Gomez concurred in part and dissented in part. All three commissioners issued separate statements accompanying the action (FCC 25-51), which was approved on August 7.
The FCC characterized the rule repeal as part of a broader effort to "unleash a new wave of economic opportunity" by eliminating regulations that have long since outlived their relevance.
Azzi Fudd Launches Podcast ''Fudd Around And Find Out''
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 10:24am CT |
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iHeart Women's Sports and Unanimous Media, founded by Stephen Curry and Erick Peyton, have teamed up to debut a new weekly podcast, Fudd Around And Find Out, hosted by 2025 NCAA Champion and Most Outstanding Player Azzi Fudd and co-host Ashanti Plummer, a former Division I and professional basketball player.
The show gives listeners a front-row seat to Fudd's final year of college as she prepares for the WNBA draft while juggling life as a student-athlete. The podcast offers unfiltered stories and commentary from Fudd and Plummer, pulling back the curtain on what it means to be a top-tier athlete navigating the public spotlight, academics, friendships, and personal growth-all in real time.
In the premiere episode, the duo dives into the backstory of their friendship and the inspiration behind launching the show. Highlights include behind-the-scenes stories from WNBA All-Star Weekend, Fudd's viral moment at a Nationals game, and the debut of the "What the Fudd" moment of the week. The hosts also draft their dream Celebrity All-Star basketball teams, with some unexpected picks like Zendaya and Adam Sandler.
Fudd also shares that she has joined the Unrivaled NIL class, further solidifying her presence as a rising voice in both sports and business. The podcast will release new episodes every Thursday and is available on the iHeartRadio app, YouTube, and major podcast platforms.
"Azzi is a game-changer-on and off the court," said Curry and Peyton in a joint statement. "With 'Fudd Around And Find Out,' we're proud to partner with iHeart Women's Sports and Azzi as she brings her charisma, authenticity, and fearless spirit to the mic."
Fudd added, "This podcast is a space where I can bring my full self-athlete, storyteller, budding entrepreneur, and fan of the game-and highlight the voices that deserve to be heard. Whether we're talking hoops, culture, business, or life beyond the court, I want every episode to feel real and empowering."
Townsquare Exceeds Q2 Guidance as Digital Revs Expand
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 10:02am CT |
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Townsquare Media has announced results for the second quarter of 2025, reporting adjusted EBITDA that surpassed its previously issued guidance and underscoring the company's continued focus on digital growth and disciplined financial management.
For the quarter ended June 30, Townsquare reported adjusted EBITDA of $26.4 million, a 0.7% increase compared to the same period last year. When excluding political revenue, adjusted EBITDA grew 3.8%. Net income for the quarter was $2 million, marking a significant turnaround from a net loss of $48.9 million in the second quarter of 2024. The improvement was driven primarily by lower impairment charges, gains on asset sales, and reduced stock-based compensation.
Total net revenue in the second quarter declined 2.3% year-over-year to $115.4 million, or 1.6% when excluding political revenue. Digital revenue reached $61.3 million, a 2.1% increase from the prior year, with digital advertising revenue growing 2.4% and Townsquare Interactive subscription revenue up 1.4%. Broadcast advertising revenue, by contrast, fell 9.2%, or 7.8% excluding political.
CEO Bill Wilson credited the company's local presence and broad marketing solutions for helping to offset revenue headwinds, including disruption tied to April's Liberation Day. He emphasized that digital remains the company's growth engine and noted that digital revenue accounted for 55% of total net revenue and 56% of total segment profit in the first half of 2025. Digital segment profit rose 9.4% compared to the same period in 2024.
Townsquare continued to prioritize debt reduction, repurchasing $10 million in debt during the quarter and $13 million in total since its refinancing earlier this year. As of June 30, the company had $3.2 million in cash and $467.1 million in outstanding debt, representing a net leverage ratio of 4.58x.
The company also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on November 3, 2025, to shareholders of record as of October 27. Based on recent share prices, the dividend reflects an approximate yield of 12%.
Segment performance in the quarter was mixed. Digital advertising segment profit was $10.9 million, a slight year-over-year decline of 1.0%, while Townsquare Interactive grew its segment profit by 15.2% to $6.2 million. Broadcast segment profit declined 8.4% to $14.7 million.
Looking ahead, Townsquare expects third quarter net revenue to range between $106.5 million and $108.5 million, with adjusted EBITDA between $22 million and $23 million.
Podcast Listening Matches AM/FM Among 18-29s for First Time
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 1:25pm CT |
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According to the latest findings from Edison Research's Share of Ear study, podcast listening has reached a major milestone among 18- to 29-year-olds. For the first time since the study began in 2014, podcasts now account for an equal share of daily listening time as AM/FM radio in this age group, with each capturing 14% of total audio time.
This marks a dramatic shift from 2014, when AM/FM listening had more than a 7-to-1 advantage over podcasts among younger listeners. Edison notes that while podcast consumption has grown across all age demographics, the most significant gains have been among younger audiences.
Despite the tie between AM/FM and podcast listening, both formats trail behind streaming music services and YouTube, which continue to dominate daily listening time among 18-29s. AM/FM still maintains a slightly higher daily reach in this demographic, but from an advertiser's perspective, Edison highlights that podcasts and radio now offer equal value in the ad-supported audio space.
Share of Ear is Edison Research's ongoing study tracking how Americans 13 and older allocate their audio listening across platforms.
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NPR, iHeart Maintain Podcast Leadership in July 2025
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 9:53am CT |
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Podtrac has released its July 2025 podcast rankings, revealing steady performance among the industry's top shows and publishers. NPR's NPR News Now retained the No. 1 spot among U.S. podcasts by unique monthly audience, followed closely by The Daily from The New York Times and Up First, also from NPR.
Among the top 15 podcasts, most positions remained stable, with a few notable shifts. Fox News Hourly Update rose one position to No. 4, while Dateline NBC dropped to No. 5. iHeartPodcasts' Stuff You Should Know climbed two spots to No. 8, and The Ezra Klein Show also advanced two positions to No. 15. NPR's Planet Money made a significant leap, rising 11 spots to re-enter the chart at No. 20.
In the publisher rankings, iHeartMedia maintained its dominant position, leading with over 63.6 million unique U.S. monthly listeners across 21,773 active shows. iHeartPodcasts followed at No. 2 with nearly 30 million listeners and 820 active shows. NPR ranked third with 26.1 million listeners and 90 active shows.
Among other highlights:
- Vox Media, Paramount, and Barstool Sports all remained in the top 12.
- Blaze Media and CNN continued to hold spots in the lower tier of the top 20.
- This American Life ranked No. 16 overall, despite producing only one active show.
- ReVolver Podcasts rounded out the top 18 with 1.7 million listeners.
Podtrac noted that five participating publishers saw increases in U.S. Unique Monthly Audience (UMA) in July over June, and six saw increases in U.S. downloads. One global network also posted gains in global downloads, streams, and views.
MIW Opens Apps for 2025 Behind the Mic Mentorship Program
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 0:59am CT |
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Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) has announced that applications are now open for its third annual Behind the Mic Mentorship, a year-long program designed to support the professional growth of female on-air radio personalities.
Open to women with 3-5 years of experience in local or national radio, the mentorship aims to help participants advance their careers through one-on-one guidance and industry insight. The selected mentee will engage in personalized conversations with leading radio professionals and receive an invitation to attend the 2026 Radio Show in Las Vegas, one of the industry's top events.
"Sheila Kirby, MIW Board President, said, 'Behind the Mic is more than a mentorship - it's a powerful opportunity to invest in the future of women's voices in radio. This program is designed to elevate on-air talent who are ready to take the next step in their careers, and we're proud to support their journey with access, insight, and community.'"
The mentorship is open to female air talent working in any U.S.-based music format. Applications are being accepted through Friday, August 29, 2025.
More information and the application portal are available at here. www.radioMIW.com.
Nielsen, Edison Research to Launch Podcast Dataset
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 9:21am CT |
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Nielsen has announced a new partnership with Edison Research to integrate podcast metrics into its Nielsen Media Impact (NMI) platform, marking a significant step forward in cross-media planning. The collaboration introduces Nielsen Podcast Fusion powered by Edison Research, enabling advertisers and agencies to plan, optimize, and compare podcasts alongside traditional media platforms such as radio, TV, digital, and social -- all within a single ecosystem.
The integration brings Edison's Podcast Metrics, a source of podcast audience data, into the widely used NMI platform. Charter subscribers at launch include NPR and Ocean Media.
With podcasts now reaching a majority of U.S. adults aged 18-34 on a monthly basis and commanding a 32% share of ad-supported audio, advertisers are increasingly seeking better tools to measure and manage their investments in the space. The new fusion aims to address that need by offering granular insights across podcast networks, genres, and top programs.
"We know that young people are consuming podcasts as a huge part of their media diet," said Rich Tunkel, Managing Director of Nielsen Audio. "Nielsen continues to be at the forefront of media measurement so that advertisers can create their plans with confidence. This new collaboration further extends that confidence to audio and podcasts."
Edison Research's Senior Vice President Melissa Kiesche echoed the importance of this development, stating, "Nielsen Media Impact is a critical tool for cross-platform media planning, and we are excited to bring our best-in-class podcast measurement data to this ecosystem."
Marcela Wilfong, Associate Director of Planning & Insights at Ocean Media, said the integration allows for more intelligent and seamless podcast planning alongside audio and video channels. Susan Leland, Director of Audience Insights at NPR, added that the move marks a "pivotal step" in how the industry approaches cross-media strategy.
iHeartPodcasts Launches New Series ''Hoax!'' Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 2:40pm CT |
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iHeartPodcasts has unveiled its latest original podcast, Hoax!, a new series that uncovers some of the most outrageous and compelling pranks, cons, and scams throughout history. Hosted by Noble Blood creator Dana Schwartz and journalist Lizzie Logan, Hoax! explores real-life tales so strange and elaborate they challenge listeners to question what they believe.
In the debut episode, "Cottingley Fairies," Schwartz and Logan examine the infamous 1920 case of two young girls in England who claimed to have photographed fairies near their home. The photos drew widespread attention - and even convinced Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle they were authentic. The episode unpacks how Doyle, the man behind literature's most rational detective, became entangled in a fantasy that was later exposed as a childhood fabrication.
Upcoming episodes will cover a range of infamous deceptions, including the Balloon Boy hoax and a fake Shakespearean author, delving into the cultural ripple effects of each stunt.
Schwartz is a New York Times bestselling author and host of the podcast Noble Blood, with writing credits in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and GQ. Logan, a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, has contributed to Vulture, Flood, McSweeney's, and The New Yorker.
Hoax! is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will release new episodes every other Monday. The series is available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.
Kim Raine Launches ''ADHD Brains in Business Show''
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 2:45pm CT |
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Kim Raine, ADHD coach and author of Square Pegs, has debuted a new podcast aimed at helping neurodivergent entrepreneurs build success on their own terms. The ADHD Brains in Business Show is now live on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, offering a bold, validating space for business owners with ADHD.
Raine, who was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, created the podcast to challenge traditional business norms and provide tools that align with the ADHD brain. "No more pretending. No more pushing yourself to fit a mold that was never made for you," said Raine. "I created this show to help neurodivergent entrepreneurs stop masking, start trusting themselves, and build businesses that work with their brains-not against them."
The podcast features a mix of solo episodes and candid interviews with entrepreneurs and experts who have rejected conventional approaches and found success through authenticity and adaptation. Topics include navigating productivity with executive dysfunction, managing burnout linked to hormonal shifts, and marketing strategies for when motivation dips.
Raine brings her own lived experience and two decades of coaching to the show. In addition to her work as an author, she is founder of The ADHD Business Collective and the Neurodiversity Training Academy, an ICF and CPD-accredited training platform for professionals who support ADHD clients.
The ADHD Brains in Business Show is available now on major podcast platforms.
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