Top Radio News

Xperi to Unveil New Daily In-Car Radio Audience Ratings

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 5, 2025 | 2:12pm CT

Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)

RAB has announced that broadcasters will soon have access to a powerful new way to demonstrate radio's value to advertisers as Xperi prepares to roll out daily, in-car audience measurement across the country. In a live online presentation on Friday, December 12 at 12pm CT, Juan Galdamez, Senior Director of Broadcast Strategy & Business Development for Xperi, will introduce the industry to first-of-its-kind ratings derived from DTS AutoStage-equipped vehicles.

The new system captures listening data from more than 6 million cars each day through the DTS AutoStage broadcaster portal, offering audience insights in 250 markets -- whether or not they are currently measured by traditional ratings services. Xperi says the platform represents a major advancement in proving radio's real-time, in-vehicle performance using metrics advertisers already understand.

The company notes that in-car listening remains radio's strongest environment. According to MRI Simmons, 80% of U.S. consumers are reached daily by AM/FM in the car, while Edison Research reports that half of all 25-54 AM/FM listening occurs behind the wheel and that broadcast radio maintains an 85% share of ad-supported audio time in vehicles.

The session will give broadcasters an overview of DTS AutoStage capabilities, upcoming innovations planned for next year, and how easily stations can participate.

The virtual event and supporting materials are free and open to the industry. Registration is available here.

Dr. Michael Agee Retires After 50-Year Radio Career

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 5, 2025 | 2:18pm CT

Dr. Michael Agee

Dr. Michael Agee, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives for Atlantic Gateway Communications and WGTS 91.9 in Washington, DC, has announced his retirement, concluding a five-decade career in radio broadcasting and education.

Agee joined WGTS 91.9 more than four years ago, marking the final chapter of a 47-year on-air and leadership career -- 38 of those years spent in Christian radio across Michigan, Idaho, Texas, and the Washington, D.C. region. His roles have ranged from host and Program Director to Manager, engineer, and sales associate, in addition to serving as a professor specializing in adult education.

"Closing my career with President and CEO Kevin Krueger and the WGTS team is an honor," Agee said. "I will look back with great satisfaction on seeing God's leading in my life. It has been truly miraculous."

WGTS morning host Jerry Woods, who has worked alongside Agee at multiple stations, praised his influence both personally and professionally. "He's been an amazing mentor and friend," Woods said. "Not only has he taught countless lessons about radio, but countless lessons about life."

Throughout his career, Agee also mentored young broadcasters, helping many launch their own careers. Reflecting on his decades of service, he noted, "What an amazing God we serve, that He would use a broken vessel like me to serve His purposes. Just amazing!"

WGTS President and CEO Kevin Krueger called working with Agee "a special blessing." "We've dreamed of working under the same roof since the early 1990s, and it finally happened here in Washington, D.C.," Krueger said. "Mike has faithfully served young people through education and his radio listening family with a dedicated heart, boundless creativity, and just the appropriate amount of snarkiness."

Though retiring, Agee plans to stay connected to the industry on a limited basis while enjoying more time for golf, fishing, travel, and time with his wife, Wanda.

iHeart Launches Lala Kent & Ambyr Childers Podcast

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 5, 2025 | 10:30am CT

An Unlikely Affair

iHeartPodcasts is expanding its Popworthy slate with the debut of "An Unlikely Affair," the first official series under Lala Kent's new "Untraditionally Lala" podcast umbrella. The show, co-hosted by Kent and actress-producer Ambyr Childers, premieres January 8, 2026, with a trailer available now.

Kent, best known from reality TV, and Childers, known for roles in "You" and "Ray Donovan," first connected publicly on Kent's existing podcast "Untraditionally Lala" earlier this year. Their new series marks a surprising evolution of that moment: once adversaries who shared the same ex-partner, the two now say they've built an honest, supportive friendship.

Each week, the co-hosts will share candid conversations about the realities of single motherhood, major life transitions, managing guilt, rediscovering identity, and navigating dating and sex after upheaval. They also discuss how they reclaimed their happiness and hope their story encourages listeners to release past toxicity and redefine their paths.

Kent will continue to host "Untraditionally Lala" with new episodes every Wednesday and bonus content each Monday.

"An Unlikely Affair" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts as part of its Popworthy lineup. The show is available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.

WBT-FM News Talk Moves to 107.9 in Charlotte Upgrade

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 4:06pm CT

WBT-FM Charlotte

Radio One is boosting its news footprint in Charlotte with a major signal expansion for its flagship spoken-word brand. Beginning Thursday, December 11, WBT News Talk will add a new FM home at 107.9 FM, delivering Charlotte's source for news and conversation on a 100kW signal.

The move brings WBT's full lineup -- Good Morning BT with Bo Thompson & Beth Troutman, Vince Coakley, Pete Kaliner, Brett Winterble, Brett Jensen, and TJ Ritchie -- to a wider regional audience with improved clarity and coverage.

As part of the changes, Radio One is also reorganizing several other Charlotte outlets:

• WLNK (Mix 107.9) shifts to 100.9 FM and 99.3 FM, maintaining its AC focus and current air staff including Matt & Liz, Holly Haze, Madison James and Neal Sharpe.

• WPZS (Praise 100.9) will now operate on 102.5 FM and 610 AM, continuing its inspirational programming led by midday host Melanie Pratt.

• W273DA (102.5 The Block), the company's Hip Hop and R&B translator, will exit the market.

"We are thrilled to elevate WBT to the FM dial, ensuring that even more listeners can connect with the voices they trust every day," said Marsha Landess, Vice President and General Manager of Radio One Charlotte. "These moves further strengthen our position in the market and reinforce our commitment to serving Charlotte with the best local programming, news, and entertainment."

Federated Media Ups Kyle Guderian to Operations Director

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 2:12pm CT

Kyle Guderian

Federated Media has promoted veteran programmer Kyle Guderian to Director of Operations, a role that will see him oversee Programming, Promotions, and Production for the company's stations in Fort Wayne and South Bend. He will continue serving as Program Director for Active Rock outlets WBYR (98.9 The Bear) in Fort Wayne and WRBR (103.9 The Bear) in South Bend.

Guderian brings more than two decades of programming, marketing, and operational experience to the expanded role. His background includes time as Operations Manager at Chicago's Q101 and The Loop, along with serving as Director of Marketing at heritage St. Louis brands KSHE 95 and 105.7 The Point.

"Kyle has been instrumental in elevating our on-air execution, promotions strategy, and workflow alignment," said James Derby, Federated Media Chief Strategy Officer and Director of Programming. "This expanded role reflects the impact he's already made across our brands."

Guderian's promotion is effective immediately.

GBS Reports Major Growth in ZoneCasting, MaxxCasting

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 2:39pm CT

GeoBroadcast Solutions (GBS)

GeoBroadcast Solutions (GBS) says its booster-based ZoneCasting and MaxxCasting technologies are now improving FM radio coverage, spectrum efficiency, and local service in markets reaching nearly 20 million listeners, according to a new filing with the Federal Communications Commission.

In the ex parte filing, submitted on December 4, GBS outlines rapid nationwide deployment over the past year. ZoneCasting and MaxxCasting systems are now operating in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Diego, Miami, Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland, Las Vegas, San Jose, St. George UT, and Cumberland MD, with additional systems under construction in New York City, Atlanta, and other markets.

The company emphasized that these advancements required no new spectrum, instead using existing FM booster infrastructure to expand service and enable hyper-local content following the FCC's 2025 rule change permitting limited geotargeted programming.

The filing states that MaxxCasting has strengthened FM service in many communities previously located in signal "holes," improving day-to-day listening while enhancing the reliability of Emergency Alert System reception. GBS notes that the technology "provides more service to more people with the same amount of spectrum," a benefit the company says is especially important in a time of increasing spectrum scarcity.

With the FCC now allowing broadcasters to originate short segments of localized programming via boosters, GBS reports growing interest in ZoneCasting for targeted advertising, localized news, weather, sports, and-in markets where permitted-candidate debates.

Advertiser demand appears strong. Citing industry data, the filing notes 39% of advertisers say ZoneCasting would cause them to increase or begin AM/FM radio buys, while 44% report they are "very interested" in using geotargeted FM ads.

GBS also highlights that its technologies are already modernizing FM broadcasting in six of the top ten U.S. radio markets, positioning stations to deliver more relevant, community-focused programming while better leveraging existing spectrum resources.

CPB Funds Rural Radio News Expansion in Eight States

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 2:52pm CT

Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has awarded $4.4 million in grants to expand rural journalism, strengthening local news coverage across public radio and television stations in eight states. The new Rural News and Information Services initiative aims to boost reporting in regions that often lack consistent, community-focused media.

Several public radio organizations will build or expand collaborative newsrooms serving small towns and remote communities:

In Wisconsin, PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio are launching Rural Voices, a reporting project that will draw on local town hall sessions and existing rural bureaus to highlight concerns and solutions emerging from the state's most remote areas.

Ideastream Public Media in Ohio will add an Appalachian Reporter to its statewide Ohio Newsroom collaborative, covering five underserved counties in Southeast Ohio. The reporting will be shared with public radio partners as well as nonprofit and commercial newsrooms. A new Community Collaborations Editor will also work to deepen listener engagement through surveys and listening sessions.

Three Arkansas stations -- KUAR Little Rock, KUAF Fayetteville, and KASU Jonesboro -- are forming the Arkansas News Collaborative. The regional radio newsroom will spotlight rural economic development, quality-of-life issues, and major transformations underway across the state, from new steel plants in Osceola to changing land use in the Walmart-influenced Northwest region.

High Plains Public Radio will create the High Plains Civic News and Information Network, generating multi-platform reporting across an 89-county region spanning Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Nebraska -- an area averaging fewer than 10 residents per square mile.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting will grow its Inside Appalachia Folkways program, training local residents -- many new to journalism -- to report from within their own communities. Partnering with WEKU in Eastern Kentucky, the effort aims to fill emerging news deserts while elevating authentic Appalachian voices.

Nashville PBS will work to reach new rural audiences through Tennessee Crossroads and its digital-first series Jaunts. The station plans to collaborate with rural content creators across 72 counties, engaging social media influencers as on-the-ground storytellers and community liaisons.

In Michigan, WCMU Public Media will add a rural life and agriculture reporter to cover 35 counties and contribute to the CPB-funded Harvest Public Media collaboration focused on food systems and rural issues.

CPB said the grants underscore public media's mission to inform and connect communities that are often overlooked.

"Public media is rooted in community," said CPB COO Kathy Merritt. "These Rural News and Information Services build on that legacy by empowering stations to report on the stories, people, and innovations shaping rural life - ensuring that these communities continue to be seen, heard, and understood."

The announcement comes as CPB begins winding down its operations following Congress' elimination of its federal funding. Despite the loss of 70% of its staff, the organization says it remains committed to supporting essential services across the public media system during the transition.

Jimena Aguilar Joins Nueva Network Talent Roster

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 10:42am CT

Jimena Aguilar

Nueva Network has added internationally recognized model, influencer, host, and voice talent Jimena Aguilar to its syndication affiliation and sales roster. With more than 13 years of broadcast and media experience across Mexico, Europe, and the U.S., Aguilar has a respected voice in Spanish-language media. Her portfolio includes work as a presenter and global brand spokesperson, including campaigns for premium brands such as Land Rover.

Aguilar's on-air program, "Jimena Aguilar en Vivo," is known for its clean and uplifting content that focuses on empowering women, encouraging personal growth, and highlighting core values. Beyond its messaging, the show has a track record of strong listener engagement, consistently boosting ratings and driving measurable audience response in every market where it airs.

"Jimena represents everything that is essential to the future of audio: credibility, authenticity, and connection," said Jose Villafane, Founder and CEO of Nueva Network. "Her voice is powerful, her audience loyalty is exceptional, and her influence is undeniable. We are thrilled to welcome her to our elite lineup of exclusive talent and offer our partners another premium, high-impact option to elevate their brand storytelling."

"I am honored to join Nueva Network, a company leading the market in audio and experiencing tremendous growth," Aguilar said. "Connecting with audiences has always been my passion, and partnering with a company that values quality, culture, and innovation makes this opportunity truly special. I can't wait to bring fresh, empowering content to listeners across the country."

ABC Sets December 17 Jingle Ball Holiday Special

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 4:29pm CT

KIIS-FM's Jingle Ball

iHeartMedia has announced the lineup of stars headed to ABC's national holiday broadcast of the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, airing December 17 at 8pm ET/7pm CT, the network's annual showcase of performances from its multi-city Jingle Ball Tour. The special will stream the next day on Hulu.

The televised event will feature highlights from 102.7 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball in Los Angeles, held December 5 at the Intuit Dome. This year's show brings together a wide range of chart-toppers and rising pop acts including Alex Warren, Audrey Hobert, Conan Gray, Feid, Jackson Wang, Jessie Murph, The Kid LAROI, Leon Thomas, Renee Rapp, Sean Paul, Zara Larsson, a guest performance by Freya Skye, and a special set from EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, the singing voices of HUNTR/X from KPOP Demon Hunters.

The network special will also spotlight the star power surrounding the LA stop, with celebrity presenters such as Chelsea Handler, Kat Dennings, Ryan Seacrest, Tiffany Haddish, Taylor Momsen, and cast members of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Additional high-profile attendees range from Amy Robach and TJ Holmes to Jennie Garth, Erika Jayne, Lala Kent, Tamra Judge, Teri Hatcher, and Tori Spelling.

Before doors open at the Intuit Dome, fans can visit the 102.7 KIIS FM Jingle Ball Pre-Show Village, presented by Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel, featuring performances by Alexander Stewart, GIRLSET, JO1, Rachel Chinouriri, and Kevin Woo, the singing voice of Mystery Saja from KPOP Demon Hunters.

Tickets for select Jingle Ball stops remain available via Ticketmaster. As in years past, the event supports the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, with $1 from each ticket benefiting the nonprofit's work bringing entertainment and education programs to pediatric hospitals nationwide.

Erick Erickson Offers Free Christmas Special to Stations

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 8:48pm CT

Erick Erickson

Stations looking to fill holiday programming will have a free option this year as "The Erick Erickson Show" makes its annual Christmas Special available to any station -- affiliate or not -- on December 24 and 25. The syndicated program, which airs live weekdays from 12-3pm ET via Westwood One and is delivered through Wegener XDS, says the special may also be aired in delay to accommodate local schedules.

Erickson says the show takes a break from day-to-day news to explore broader themes tied to the season. "The annual Erick Erickson Show Christmas Special pulls the focus back from daily headlines to a larger picture based on the holiday," he said. The program will feature interviews with theologians and thought leaders discussing the deeper issues behind the headlines.

The Erick Erickson Show is available 24/7 at ErickErickson.com and through the Audacy and TuneIn apps, and currently airs on more than 70 stations nationwide.

TuneIn Expands Big 12 Title Game Coverage for Fans

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 10:22am CT

TuneIn

TuneIn is partnering with the Big 12 Conference to deliver free, all-access coverage of the 2025 Edward Jones Big 12 Football Championship featuring Texas Tech and BYU. The matchup, set for Saturday, December 6, will determine not only the conference champion but potentially a berth in the College Football Playoff for the Red Raiders or Cougars.

Big 12 Radio -- TuneIn's free, 24/7 conference-branded station -- will air a special pregame show hosted by Ari Temkin and Taylor McHargue leading into the 11am CT kickoff. Coverage begins at 9am CT live from AT&T Stadium, where Temkin and McHargue will offer insights, analysis and game-day perspectives.

The station's weekday flagship show, Big 12 Today, hosted by Temkin and James Westling, provides daily in-depth discussion of the conference. For the championship, the broadcast expands with enhanced preview programming and on-site reporting.

"The Big 12 is having a tremendous season... The stakes are high heading into the Championship game with national title hopes on the line," said Kevin Straley, Chief Content Officer at TuneIn. "Big 12 Radio knows this Conference inside and out, and will bring fans the kind of insight and breakdowns they won't find anywhere else."

Ideagen Global Partners with WABC, Red Apple Podcasts

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 11:05am CT

Red Apple Podcast

Ideagen Global has announced a new partnership with WABC Radio and the Red Apple Podcast Network, bringing the organization's mission-driven programming to one of the nation's most influential audio platforms. As part of the collaboration, Ideagen Global CEO and Capitol Counsel Partner George Sifakis will join Red Apple's growing podcast lineup, alongside well-known hosts including John Catsimatidis, Larry Kudlow, Rita Cosby, and Bill O'Reilly.

The partnership aims to expand Ideagen's reach by introducing conversations centered on innovation, leadership, and global impact to listeners. Through the new platform, the Ideagen Global Podcast will showcase changemakers and thought leaders working across business, government, and the nonprofit sector to address challenges and drive meaningful progress.

"We're excited to welcome George Sifakis and Ideagen Global to the WABC Radio and Red Apple Podcast family," said John Catsimatidis, Owner and CEO of Red Apple Media and WABC. "Their work uniting leaders across business, government, and philanthropy perfectly complements our mission to inform, inspire, and engage audiences across the country."

Sifakis said the collaboration marks an important step in elevating leadership-focused dialogue. "Partnering with John Catsimatidis, WABC Radio and the Apple Podcast Networks -- one of the nation's most respected networks -- is truly exciting," he said. "Leadership drives change, and this collaboration provides an incredible opportunity to elevate the voices of leaders who are shaping a better and more connected world. Together, we'll spotlight the ideas and innovations that define leadership in today's global landscape."

The Ideagen Global Podcast will be available on WABC.com, the WABC App, and all major podcast platforms.

Danielle Fishel Launches Pop Culture Podcast ''Teen Beat''

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 10:48am CT

''Teen Beat''

iHeartPodcasts is expanding its partnership with Danielle Fishel with the launch of a new original interview series, "Teen Beat," debuting in January 2026. The show marks the latest project under the overall podcast deal announced with Fishel earlier this year. A trailer for the upcoming series is available now.

Fresh off her appearance on Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars and an accompanying iHeartPodcasts recap series, Fishel is shifting her focus to weekly conversations that dig into the untold stories of celebrity adolescence. The actor and director -- best known for her role as Topanga Lawrence on the '90s hit Boy Meets World -- plans to revisit the awkward, funny, and formative years that shaped her guests, from childhood crushes to questionable fashion choices.

Having spent her own teenage years on millions of television screens, Fishel says Teen Beat flips the script. Instead of audiences watching her grow up, she'll now interview fellow celebrities about the parts of their youth the cameras never captured.

The new series further strengthens Fishel's creative collaboration with her husband, Jensen Karp. Together, they co-executive produce a slate of shows for iHeartPodcasts, including the popular Pod Meets World, along with How Rude, Tanneritos! and Magical Rewind. Under their expanded deal, the pair will continue to exclusively produce and develop new content for the network.

"I have cherished my relationship with iHeart over the past three years and look forward to our newly minted future," said Fishel. "Like only I have said, loudly in the hallways of their office: I am the new Ryan Seacrest."

Teen Beat will be released as part of iHeartPodcasts' Popworthy slate, which highlights programming at the intersection of trending culture and nostalgia.

Connecticut Public Debuts ''Generation Gilmore Girls''

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 4:21pm CT

''Generation Gilmore Girls''

Connecticut Public is diving back into the world of Gilmore Girls with the launch of a new three-part narrative podcast, Generation Gilmore Girls, premiered December 2) The series explores why the acclaimed TV drama continues to influence culture 25 years after its debut.

The timing follows a renewed wave of interest in the show: Lauren Graham recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, fans continue to recreate the fictional town of Stars Hollow across the country, and Graham and co-star Alexis Bledel reunited at the Emmys to mark the show's milestone anniversary.

Hosted by Connecticut native and audio journalist Chloe Wynne, the podcast examines how Gilmore Girls shaped the actors who brought the story to life, the dedicated fan community that grew around it, and the real state of Connecticut, where the show is set. Wynne currently produces The Wheelhouse and Where We Live at Connecticut Public and previously worked on the investigative series Admissible: Shreds of Evidence.

Generation Gilmore Girls releases new episodes on December 2, 9 and 16. The series is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms.

NAB Announces 2026 Crystal Radio Award Finalists

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 2:10pm CT

NAB Crystal Radio Awards

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced the 50 finalists for the 2026 NAB Crystal Radio Awards. Since 1987, these awards have honored radio stations for their outstanding community service efforts, from radiothons for their local children's hospitals and support for veterans to food drives after severe weather events.

Ten Crystal Radio Award winners will be chosen from the finalists by a panel of judges representing the broadcast industry, community service organizations and public relations firms.

The 2026 Crystal Radio Awards finalists are:

• KBHP-FM, Bemidji, MN
• KBLB-FM, Brainerd, MN
• KCLR-FM, Columbia, MO
• KFGE-FM, Lincoln, NE
• KFI-AM, Los Angeles, CA
• KFRG-FM, Riverside, CA
• KGLK-FM, Houston, TX
• KIKV-FM, Alexandria, MN
• KIRO-AM, Seattle, WA
• KIRO-FM, Seattle, WA
• KKBQ-FM, Houston, TX
• KKFN-FM, Denver, CO
• KNDE-FM, College Station, TX
• KNDE-HD3, College Station, TX
• KOSI-FM, Denver, CO
• KRMG-FM, Tulsa, OK
• KRSP-FM, Salt Lake City, UT
• KSL-FM, Salt Lake City, UT
• KSTP-FM, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
• KTAR-FM, Phoenix, AZ
• KTMY-FM, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
• KTXY-FM, Columbia, MO
• KUPD-FM, Phoenix, AZ
• KXKT-FM, Omaha, NE
• KYGO-FM, Denver, CO
• WALR-FM, Atlanta, GA
• WAMO-AM, Pittsburgh, PA
• WBAL-AM, Baltimore, MD
• WBZZ-FM, Pittsburgh, PA
• WCCO-AM, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
• WCFB-FM, Orlando, FL
• WCLU-AM, Bowling Green, KY
• WDRV-FM, Chicago, IL
• WDSY-FM, Pittsburgh, PA
• WDUV-FM, Tampa, FL
• WEEI-FM, Boston, MA
• WFLS-FM, Fredericksburg, VA
• WFMS-FM, Indianapolis, IN
• WHJX-FM, Jacksonville, FL
• WHPT-FM, Tampa, FL
• WIYY-FM, Baltimore, MD
• WKIS-FM, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL
• WMMR-FM, Philadelphia, PA
• WNOR-FM, Norfolk, VA
• WOKV-FM, Jacksonville, FL
• WSB-AM, Atlanta, GA
• WTBC-FM, Tuscaloosa, AL
• WTMX-FM, Chicago, IL
• WYOT-FM, Rockford, IL
• WZPL-FM, Indianapolis, IN

The awards will be presented during a special ceremony at the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, on March 3, 2026.

SBS Posts Lower Q3 Revs, Sees 2025 Strong Sequential Gains

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 4:01pm CT

Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS)

Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) reported third-quarter 2025 financial results on Wednesday, highlighting improved performance compared to earlier this year despite continued softness in the broader advertising market. The company said sequential gains in revenue, Station Operating Income, and Adjusted OIBDA point to progress in its cost-reduction and digital-expansion strategies.

SBS posted Q3 net revenue of $31.3 million, down 13% from the same period in 2024, with declines in local, national, and network advertising partly offset by increases in digital and barter sales. Operating expenses fell 12% year-over-year to $21.4 million, driven by lower compensation, programming costs, commissions, and affiliate payments. Station Operating Income totaled $9.8 million, a 14% drop from last year, while Adjusted OIBDA declined 15% to $7.9 million.

Chairman and CEO Raul Alarcon said the company's long-term initiatives are beginning to show results. "Despite the very challenging economic environment impacting our industry this year, we believe the strategic steps underway will position us to deliver significantly improved results as the overall economy regains its footing," he said. Sequentially, SBS reported gains from the first quarter with net revenue up 5%, Station Operating Income up 35%, and Adjusted OIBDA up 61%.

Digital growth continues to be a key focus, with LaMusica's Monthly Active Uniques up 13.4% year-over-year. Recent distribution partnerships-including a ROKU rollout that contributed a 34% quarter-to-quarter increase in new users-have expanded the company's streaming footprint. SBS now produces nearly 70 hours of daily live video content across digital platforms at minimal incremental cost.

For the first nine months of 2025, SBS reported net revenue of $93.3 million, down 15% from the prior year, reflecting declines in special events and core advertising categories and the impact of non-cash impairment charges tied to uncertain market conditions and earlier wildfires in Los Angeles. Adjusted OIBDA for the nine-month period fell 32% to $15.1 million.

SBS completed the sale of its Puerto Rico television stations on August 15, generating $5.7 million in proceeds and a $2.8 million gain on the transaction. The company continues to pursue a broader sale of its remaining television and real estate assets.

SBS will hold a conference call to discuss its quarterly results on December 22 at 11am ET. A webcast and replay will be available on the company's website.

103.3 The APP Revives Alternative in San Antonio

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 10:43am CT

103.3 The APP in San Antonio

Connoisseur Media has relaunched 103.3 The APP on K277CX, bringing the Alternative format back to San Antonio for the first time in nearly ten years. The station officially debuted Monday, December 1, becoming the city's only dedicated Alternative outlet and offering more than three decades of influential music from the genre.

Broadcasting from the Tower of the Americas, 103.3 The APP features a deep playlist spanning artists such as Linkin Park, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Imagine Dragons, The Lumineers, Sublime, and Nirvana. The brand also launches with a new companion mobile app -- available now in the Apple App Store and Google Play -- designed to give listeners an easy, on-the-go digital experience.

San Antonio native DJ Mighty Iris returns to local radio as the afternoon drive host from 3-7pm. "I'm honestly still in shock and honored that I will soon be able to return to the S.A. airwaves and be part of someone's drive home," Iris said. "We all love this station because it's different... Alternative music is timeless, and I'm beyond excited to reunite with 103.3 The APP."

Program Director Greg Martin said audience enthusiasm for the format's revival has been immediate. "San Antonio has always been a rock town, but there has been a void in this city for this body of music," he said. "103.3 The APP was received with great praise when it debuted nearly a decade ago, and the excitement is absolutely here again for this second run."

The launch also underscores Connoisseur Media's expanding national commitment to alternative radio. "With the launch of 101.5 The Fridge in Dayton, the reimaging of 106.3 The Core in Saginaw, our heritage ALT properties in Columbia and Louisville, and now 103.3 The APP in San Antonio, Connoisseur Media is making a strong commitment to the health and future of alternative music," said Keith Dakin, Vice President of Programming.