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Top Radio News
Colleen Valkoun Named VP/Sales at iHeartMedia Milwaukee
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 10:14am CT |
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iHeartMedia appoints Colleen Valkoun as Vice President of Sales for its cluster in Milwaukee, effective immediately. Valkoun rejoins iHeart from the Milwaukee Radio Alliance, where she most recently served as President and General Manager. She previously held several leadership roles at iHeartMedia Milwaukee, including national sales, vice president of sales, and general manager/president positions.
"Colleen is a proven leader with a track record of success in this market," said Dan Lenz, Market President for iHeartMedia Milwaukee. "Her expertise, energy and passion for Milwaukee and the business community make her the perfect fit for this role. We're thrilled to have her back at iHeartMedia Milwaukee."
"Coming back to iHeartMedia Milwaukee feels like a full circle moment in my career," added Valkoun. "I am excited to reunite with such a talented team and to help drive growth and innovation for our partners and our brands."
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Valkoun began her radio career with Saga Communications in Milwaukee.
Adams Launches Classic Rock Q106 in Tallahassee
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 11:00am CT |
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Adams Radio Group flips Hip Hop WQTL-FM in Tallahassee to Classic Rock as "Q106." The station will feature rock anthems and legendary artists from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The launch follows a weeklong stunt as W-Q-Tay-L, an all-Taylor Swift format that captured local attention before the official rebrand to Q106. The station will also air Alice Cooper's "Alice's Attic" nightly.
"Classic Rock is back in Tallahassee," said Steve Viehmeyer, General Manager of Adams Radio Tallahassee. "For too long, this market has been without a station dedicated to the music people still turn up loud in their cars, garages, and backyards. Q106 fills that gap."
"Q106 is built for this city," added Twiggins, Operations Manager and Program Director. "We're delivering the legends, the energy, and the attitude that only Classic Rock can bring. And it starts now."
Shifting Dollars to Podcasting Increases Campaign Reach
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 2:26pm CT |
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Nielsen has expanded its cross-platform media planning platform, Nielsen Media Impact (NMI), to include podcast listening data for the first time, giving the U.S. podcasting industry greater visibility in broader advertising strategies. The enhancement, powered by Edison Research, was unveiled yesterday at the IAB Podcast Upfronts.
Until now, podcast listening data was available only within individual measurement systems. By integrating podcasts into NMI, advertisers can now plan and optimize campaigns across multiple media -- radio, TV, digital, and podcasts -- using a unified system. Industry leaders say this positions podcasts to compete directly with larger media segments for a share of overall ad budgets.
A demonstration at the Upfronts illustrated how reallocating ad spend to podcasts can generate incremental reach without increasing overall budgets. In one example, shifting podcasts' share of a sample media plan from 1% to 21% among adults 18-44 increased reach from 60% to 76%, a 27% lift at no additional cost.
Nielsen Podcast Fusion provides planners with more than just broad category comparisons. The system includes network-level, genre-level, and even show-level podcast data, enabling advertisers to analyze which podcasts add reach, which demographics over-index on podcast listening, and how many impressions are needed to optimize campaigns.
NMI's integration is seen as a "critical next step" in podcasting's growth trajectory, giving the medium an opportunity to expand its share of advertising dollars and solidify its role in multi-platform media planning.
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RAB, Nielsen to Host Webinar on Audio Consumption Trends
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 10:51am CT |
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The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), in partnership with Nielsen Audio, will host an exclusive webinar exploring the evolving state of national audio consumption. Scheduled for Tuesday, October 14 at 12pm CT, the presentation titled "Tune Into Growth: Engaging Consumers Across Every Audio Platform" will feature Jon Miller, Nielsen's vice president of audio insights.
Miller will break down when, where, and how consumers are listening across broadcast radio, network radio, streaming, and podcasts, while highlighting implications for advertisers.
The free virtual session aims to provide media planners, buyers, and brand marketers with strategies to effectively integrate audio into brand campaigns. Topics will include changes in consumer listening habits, cross-platform engagement, and data-driven insights from Nielsen's broadcast measurement modernization.
The webinar and supporting resources are open to the advertising community. To register for this presentation, click here.
KUT News launches Austin Signal Daily News Magazine
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 2:57pm CT |
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KUT News will launch a new weekday program, Austin Signal, on October 6. The 30-minute news magazine aims to blend trusted local reporting with Austin's cultural identity, airing weekdays at 1pm on KUT 90.5. Episodes will also be released as a daily podcast and on KUT.org.
To mark its debut, Austin Signal will close its first week with a live broadcast from the Austin City Limits Music Festival on October 10. The program will feature voices from KUT News, KUTX 98.9, Texas Standard and other station podcasts, alongside reporting partners to deliver the day's news, music, arts, and sports.
"At a time when news fatigue is real, Austin Signal offers a fresh, approachable way to stay informed," said KUT News Managing Editor Ben Philpott. "We're combining reliable, award-winning reporting with the creativity of our music and culture teams to reflect the full scope of Central Texas life."
General Manager Debbie Hiott emphasized the importance of continuing to expand local coverage despite the station's loss of more than $1 million in federal funding earlier this year. "Central Texas deserves reliable, accessible news -- and much more of it," she said.
Collaboration is a central element of the new show. KUT News is working with The Texas Tribune's upcoming Austin newsroom, led by veteran journalist Melissa Barrag¡n Taboada, as a founding editorial partner. Taboada said the partnership allows the teams to pool resources and broaden reach while avoiding duplication.
Austin Signal will be hosted by local All Things Considered anchor Jerry Quijano. The production team includes managing producer Kristen Cabrera, managing editor Ben Philpott, showrunner Jimmy Maas, technical director Rayna Sevilla, and a theme composed by Rene Chavez. Fill-in hosts will include Jennifer Stayton, Syeda Carrillo and Miles Bloxson.
Deadline Nears for Lisa McKay Women in Radio Award
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 3:45pm CT |
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The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) and Country Radio Seminar (CRS) are reminding the industry that applications for the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship close Monday, October 13. The scholarship, created to honor the late Lisa McKay, recognizes her legacy as a pioneering programmer and mentor whose career continues to inspire future leaders in radio.
Eligible applicants include female college seniors majoring in broadcast communications who are involved in radio programming, as well as women with one to three years of experience in radio as a Program Director, Assistant Program Director, or Music Director.
Three recipients will each receive full registration to CRS 2026, round-trip airfare to Nashville, hotel accommodations at the Omni Nashville Hotel, and on-site recognition during CRS week. Applicants must also be first-time CRS attendees.
For more details or to apply, visit CountryRadioSeminar.com.
Cirilli, iHeart Launch ''Hello Future'' Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 6:27pm CT |
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Premiere Networks and veteran journalist Kevin Cirilli have teamed with iHeartPodcasts to debut "Hello Future" with Kevin Cirilli, a new daily podcast exploring the ideas and innovations shaping tomorrow. The show blends science, technology, and imagination with real-world choices facing society. Topics range from space exploration and UFOs to emerging technologies and "civilization starter kits."
This week's episodes feature Harvard astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb discussing comet 3I/ATLAS and the possibility of alien technology, Space Foundation's Rich Cooper on America's $1 trillion space economy, and veteran space journalist Leonard David on U.S. congressional hearings into unidentified aerial phenomena.
"Working with iHeart and Premiere Networks has been an out of this world experience," said Cirilli. "Their commitment to the future of storytelling is something that feels like a breath of fresh air for me."
Julie Talbott, President of Premiere Networks, said, "Kevin has the unique ability to connect the dots between science and the future for listeners who crave bold ideas and fresh perspectives."
Chris Berry, iHeartMedia's Executive Vice President of News, Talk, and Sports Programming, added, "His daily podcast is much more than today's headlines; it is a roadmap to the future."
Hello Future with Kevin Cirilli is available Monday through Friday on the iHeartRadio app and wherever podcasts are heard.
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FCC Opens Review of Broadcast Ownership Rules
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 2:15pm CT |
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to advance its quadrennial review of broadcast ownership rules, launching a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to gather public comment on whether existing regulations remain necessary in today's media landscape.
By law, the FCC must review certain broadcast ownership rules every four years to determine whether they continue to serve the public interest in light of competition and technological change. The agency began the current review in December 2022 with a Public Notice seeking input on whether the three major ownership rules should be retained, modified, or eliminated.
The NPRM will focus on the Local Radio Ownership Rule, which limits the number of stations one entity may own in a market, and the Local Television Rule, which restricts ownership of more than two TV stations in the same market. The Commission is asking whether these rules promote competition and local service or if they hinder broadcasters' ability to adapt and remain viable.
The FCC is also seeking comment on the Dual Network Rule, which bars mergers among the four major broadcast networks. The review will consider whether the unique position of these networks in national programming and advertising continues to justify the restriction.
Mary G. Berner, President and CEO of Cumulus Media, welcomed the Commission's action. "We're encouraged that Chairman Carr and the FCC are advancing the 2022 Quadrennial Review. Quickly modernizing the radio ownership rules is essential for listeners who rely on local radio every day. With updated rules, companies like ours can invest more locally, diversify our offerings, and compete effectively in today's rapidly evolving audio landscape. We look forward to working with the Commission to make these updates," she said in a statement.
Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Media Group, also responded to the FCC's move. "We would like to thank Chairman Carr for moving forward with the quadrennial review on this critical endeavor. This is a defining moment for our industry to ensure that local radio can continue to fulfill its essential public service mission for decades to come. We look forward to working with the Commission to implement common-sense reforms that will allow broadcasters to compete fairly and keep serving the local audiences who rely on us every day," she said.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt praised the action as a step toward necessary reform. "We commend Chairman Carr for advancing this long-overdue proceeding to modernize outdated broadcast ownership rules. Local radio and television broadcasters continue to face outdated restrictions that hinder investment, innovation and the ability to serve their communities.
"Local broadcast stations remain the most accessible and trusted platforms for news, community voices and life-saving emergency alerts. Yet, stations are being forced to compete under rules written for a media landscape that no longer exists. Modernizing local ownership rules is critical to attracting capital, preserving newsroom jobs and expanding service to underserved audiences.
"This rulemaking is a critical step to ensure that local stations can compete on a level playing field with streaming platforms and digital giants. Modernizing these rules is essential to protecting the future of local journalism, and we look forward to working with the Commission to move this process forward."
The Commission's action was adopted September 30, 2025 (FCC 25-64), with Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty approving and issuing separate statements.
Chris Long Named Region President for iHeartMedia Dallas
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 10:53am CT |
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iHeartMedia has appointed Chris Long as Region President for its Dallas market, effective immediately. In his new role, Long will oversee operations and drive revenue growth across iHeart's broadcast, digital, social, and live event platforms. He will report to Eddie Martiny, Division President for iHeartMedia Texas Region.
"I am excited to have Chris lead our talented Dallas team," said Martiny. "Over the past 20 years, I've seen him inspire and drive growth across some of the most well-respected companies in our industry. His diverse background and leadership make him the perfect person to lead the Dallas market to the next level."
Long joins from Gemini XIII, where he served as Chief Revenue Officer. His career also includes leadership roles as Vice President at SiriusXM, Vice President of Sales at Pandora, and Director of Sales for Clear Channel Radio. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, he brings two decades of experience in sales, partnerships, and business development.
"To succeed in our highly competitive industry, you need two things: great people and premium content," said Long. "iHeartMedia offers an amazing opportunity with both, and I am excited to start working and winning with the Dallas iHeart team."
Urban One Study Shows Black Culture Defines U.S. Trends
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 10:34am CT |
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Urban One has released a new research study that quantifies the impact of Black culture on mainstream America, concluding that Black culture is not only influencing but defining U.S. cultural trends. The proprietary study, Influence to Impact: Black Culture's Role in Brand Growth, warns that brands failing to authentically engage with Black consumers risk losing opportunities for growth in trust, relevance, and revenue.
"Cultural ROI is the vehicle for us at Urban One to further our mission to help educate the industry and brand partners alike on the importance that intentions must be rooted in strategy," said Jeff Meza, EVP, Head of Branded Entertainment & Integrated Marketing for Urban One.
The research was conducted by Tapestry and Screen Engine/ASI using surveys, mobile ethnographies, focus groups, and expert interviews. Findings show:
- 79% of U.S. consumers believe Black Americans have influence, with half seeing Black culture in all aspects of American life.
- More than half of consumers recognize Black cultural impact in music, fashion, food, politics, sports, and beauty.
- 76% of consumers -- including over 80% of Gen Z and Millennials -- say they benefit when Black culture is represented, with 51% more likely to trust brands that consistently feature Black consumers.
"The study underscores the value of authentically connecting with this segment -- and the business risks of failing to do so," said Audrey Cochran, VP, Television and Digital Research at Urban One.
The report concludes that representation and authentic engagement drive brand loyalty, advocacy, and long-term growth. Urban One positions Cultural ROI as a competitive advantage in today's marketplace.
More information is available here.
WCFB Broadcasters Inducted into Natl. Black Radio Hall
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 10:26am CT |
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Cox Media Group's WCFB-FM (94.5) Daytona Beach, which also serves Orlando, is celebrating the induction of four of its broadcasters into the National Black Radio Hall of Fame. Elroy Smith, JoJo O'Neal, Lorenzo "Iced Tea" Thomas, and Marc Young were honored in St. Louis for their decades of contributions to broadcasting, community service, and Black radio culture.
The Hall of Fame, based at Harris-Stowe State University, recognizes radio pioneers whose work has influenced music, culture, and news across generations.
Elroy Smith, one of radio's most respected programmers, was honored under the Talented Brothers of Radio category for a career that included breaking major artists such as Alicia Keys and Kirk Franklin, mentoring icons like Steve Harvey and Tom Joyner, and earning Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Program Director of the Year.
JoJo O'Neal, inducted in the Talented Sisters of Radio category, was recognized for her 41-year career, including her work as founder of the Let's Kick Asthma Foundation, which supports and educates those living with asthma.
Lorenzo "Iced Tea" Thomas, also inducted under the Talented Brothers of Radio category, was honored for his 30-plus years on-air. Twice named Air Personality of the Year, Thomas has been a Program Director and the final voice of BET's Video Vibrations, while also earning the John H. Johnson Legacy Award for Communications and Excellence.
Marc Young was inducted in the Production & Imaging category for his 35-year career producing award-winning radio shows and imaging work. Currently Production Director at HOT 105 in Miami, Young also appears on-air in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
"It is impossible to explain how proud and humbled I am to share the same hallways with these Hall of Fame broadcasters," said JC Campese, CMG Orlando Radio Vice President and Market Manager. "I'm so happy that Elroy, JoJo, Lorenzo and Marc have received the recognition they so well deserve."
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Nueva Network & Brilla Media Form Alliance, Hernandez Joins
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 10:50am CT |
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Nueva Network, an independently owned Spanish-language audio network in the U.S., has entered into a strategic alliance with Brilla Media and appointed Alex Hern¡ndez as Executive Vice President of Enterprise Sales and Brand Partnerships.
The collaboration combines Nueva's multi-platform audio reach with Brilla's digital storytelling platforms, creating a cross-platform media ecosystem. Hern¡ndez, who previously served as Chief Revenue Officer at Brilla Media, will lead Nueva's enterprise sales and brand partnerships, reporting to Jose Mateo, President of Network Sales. He will oversee offerings across terrestrial and digital audio, sports, entertainment news products, and Brilla Media's digital properties.
As part of the expansion, Nueva Network will open a Miami office to better serve agencies and brands in the Southeast. Hern¡ndez brings more than two decades of experience in multicultural marketing and integrated partnerships, having held leadership roles at iHeartMedia and NBCUniversal. At Brilla, he doubled revenue through strategic innovation and partnerships.
"Our alliance with Brilla represents the perfect marriage of audio's trusted voices with digital innovation," said Jose Villafane, Founder & CEO of Nueva Network. "With Alex's appointment, Nueva becomes the largest independently owned sales and marketing organization, allowing us to expand our representation of other audio groups, digital platforms, and content creators."
Angela Sustaita-Ruiz, Chairwoman of Brilla Media Ventures, added, "Together with Nueva, we will deliver bigger distribution, deeper client service, and new innovations that will redefine how brands connect with U.S. Hispanic audiences."
The partnership brings together Nueva's audience of 60 million with Brilla's portfolio, delivering more than 150 million Hispanic video impressions and offering a single point of access to cross-platform media solutions in a market that represents 19% of the U.S. population.
Country Radio Hall of Fame Opens 2026 Nominations
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 2:32pm CT |
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The Country Radio Hall of Fame (CRHoF) is now accepting nominations for its Class of 2026. Submissions are open through October 31. Candidates may be nominated by completing the official form available online. While nominations are accepted year-round, those submitted after the October 31 deadline will be considered for the Class of 2027.
The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to country radio. Eligible nominees must have at least 20 years of industry experience, including a minimum of 15 years in the Country format. Inductees are recognized in two categories: Radio (covering management, programming, sales, and other behind-the-scenes roles) and On-Air Personality (for talent who have left a mark behind the mic).
Inductees for the Class of 2026 will be announced during the Country Radio Seminar, set for March 18-20, 2026, at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
More information is available at CountryRadioSeminar.com.
KLVI's Al Caldwell Named Beaumont's 2025 Man of the Year
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 2:45pm CT |
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The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce has named legendary broadcaster Al Caldwell as its 2025 Man of the Year. Caldwell, the longtime host of The Al Caldwell Morning Show on iHeartMedia Beaumont's KLVI (News Talk 560), will receive the honor at the Chamber's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 7, at the Beaumont Civic Center.
Known as the "voice of Southeast Texas," Caldwell has been a fixture in Beaumont radio for more than five decades. At 89, he still rises before dawn to deliver his daily show, where his wit and insight have made him a household name. Beyond his on-air presence, Caldwell is recognized for his work supporting nonprofits, mentoring young people, and highlighting issues important to the community.
"Al Caldwell is more than just a radio personality-he's the voice of our community," said Amy Lovoi, President of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. "Through decades of broadcasting and public service, Al has uplifted this city with his humor, insight, and compassion. We are honored to recognize him as our 2025 Man of the Year."
Caldwell reflected on the honor with humility. "It's a privilege to sit behind the microphone and talk with the people of Beaumont each morning," he said. "This community has given me so much over the years and being recognized by the Chamber as 'Man of the Year' is truly humbling. I love telling stories, sharing laughs, connecting with listeners, and waking up before the sun to be part of their day."
CPR to Provide 'Colorado Matters' Free to KRZA
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 10:40am CT |
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Colorado Public Radio (CPR) will begin providing its flagship daily news and interview program, Colorado Matters, to KRZA in Alamosa, CO, at no cost to the station. The move is part of CPR's effort to support public media organizations most affected by the recent defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
KRZA, one of Colorado's smallest public radio stations, serves the San Luis Valley and northern New Mexico with local journalism, civic information, and emergency alerts. Federal support previously made up more than half of KRZA's operating budget. With only two full-time employees, the station delivers news and public safety information to a largely rural, underserved region with limited alternatives for timely local coverage.
"We believe deeply in the role public radio plays in keeping communities connected and informed -- especially in regions where there may be few other options," said Stewart Vanderwilt, president and CEO of CPR. "We're proud to make Colorado Matters available to KRZA. The public media system only works when we stand up for each other."
On the air since 2001, Colorado Matters features in-depth conversations about politics, public health, the arts, and statewide issues. It is hosted by veteran journalist Ryan Warner, a multiple Edward R. Murrow Award winner, with Chandra Thomas Whitfield serving as co-host since 2021. Whitfield's reporting has appeared on NPR, The New York Times, and Essence, and she was a 2019-2020 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.
KRZA will start airing the program on Wednesday, October 1 giving local audiences access to statewide stories while helping the station stretch limited resources. CPR said it will continue to share State of the State and other public-affairs content with stations across Colorado.
"KRZA is excited to collaborate with CPR to bring Colorado Matters to a new audience," said KRZA General Manager Gerald Rodriguez. "Together we will connect cultures along the upper Rio Grande region."
Colorado Matters airs on CPR News and KRCC at 9am and 7pm weekdays and 10am Sundays. KRZA plans to air it at 1pm Monday-Thursday.
Audacy Debuts ''Undomesticated'' Podcast on October 1
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 3:57pm CT |
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Audacy, in partnership with Agenda Management & Production, has announced the launch of "Undomesticated," a new weekly audio and video podcast hosted by singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and television personality Candiace Dillard Bassett and best-selling author and culture critic Michael Arceneaux.
The podcast premieres October 1 and will be available on YouTube and all podcast platforms, with new episodes released each Wednesday.
On Undomesticated, Dillard Bassett-best known for Bravo's The Real Housewives of Potomac and as a contestant on the upcoming season of Peacock's The Traitors-and Arceneaux will share candid commentary on the week's biggest headlines and viral moments across pop culture, entertainment, reality TV, music, and internet trends. Episodes will also feature guest appearances.
"On Undomesticated, we invite listeners to pull up a chair at our virtual kitchen table as we laugh, unpack the headlines, and dive into the pop culture moments shaping the week," said Dillard Bassett and Arceneaux. "From the light to the layered, nothing's off-limits."
Leah Reis-Dennis, Audacy's Head of Podcasts, added, "Candiace and Michael are a powerhouse pairing, bringing unfiltered wit, fearless perspective, and razor-sharp takes on pop culture to Undomesticated. We could not be more thrilled to welcome this inimitable duo to the Audacy family."
The podcast is executive produced by Reis-Dennis, Brandon Sharp of Agenda Management & Production, and Corinne Gilliard.
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