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AM/FM Radio Sees Major Surge in At-Work Listening
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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As more Americans head back to the office, AM/FM radio is making a strong comeback in the workplace. According to the latest Share of Ear report from Edison Research, ad-supported AM/FM radio listening at work surged by 10 share points in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
"Listening to ad-supported AM/FM radio at-work jumped a stunning 10 share points compared to a year ago," said Ray Borelli, Senior Vice President of Research & Insights at Audacy. He emphasized that while radio has long been the "office soundtrack," the pandemic disrupted traditional media habits-something that now appears to be reversing.
A recent survey cited in the report noted that 64% of companies have already called employees back to the office, with that number expected to reach 87% by the end of 2025. This shift is directly tied to the increase in AM/FM radio usage during the workday.
The return to the office also strengthens radio's position as a key touchpoint for advertisers. Borelli noted that AM/FM now accounts for 63% of all ad-supported audio listening at work, up from 53% in Q1 2024. In vehicles, AM/FM maintains its dominance with 84% of ad-supported listening.
"Radio provides a valuable opportunity for marketers to engage with office workers throughout their day, from the morning drive, at the office, to the evening commute," Borelli said. "Think about the listener who hears an ad for an appliance store sale or the latest deal at their favorite quick-serve restaurant while at work. They are going to be more likely to search online or stop by on their way home."
AM/FM continues to lead not just in the office and car, but across all listening environments. Edison's data shows that 66% of U.S. adults listen to broadcast or streaming AM/FM radio daily, with strong appeal across all key demographics, including Gen Z and Millennials.
Smart speaker usage is also helping boost radio consumption at home and in the office. "Radio is the top ad-supported listening choice on smart speakers," Borelli said. AM/FM surpassed streaming music in ad-supported listening on smart speakers back in 2022 and now holds a 17-point lead-48% versus 31%.
Meanwhile, podcast listening is also on the rise. Podcasts now account for 46% of all ad-supported digital audio listening-more than triple what it was ten years ago. "Podcasts overtook streaming music in 2022 and now hold a commanding double-digit share advantage," Borelli added.
"Whether tuning in at work or home, on smart speakers, or looking for podcasts, the sound rings clear," Borelli concluded. "Routines, habits, and technology may evolve, but Audio remains a constant companion for listeners and a proven winner for marketers."
Cumulus Media to Move Stock Listing from NASDAQ to OTCQB
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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Cumulus Media Inc. announced it will voluntarily move its Class A common stock from trading on the NASDAQ Global Market to the OTCQB market, effective at the open of business on May 2, 2025. The company will continue trading under its existing ticker symbol, CMLS.
The decision follows a notification from NASDAQ stating the company was no longer in compliance with continued listing standards, specifically rules 5450(a)(2) and 5450(b)(1)(A), which relate to minimum bid price and market value requirements. Rather than appealing the delisting or pursuing corrective measures to regain compliance, Cumulus opted to transition to the over-the-counter market.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Cumulus said it considered various factors before choosing not to appeal NASDAQ's decision. Among those were the cost and resources required to attempt compliance, potential negative impacts on shareholder value from measures like a reverse stock split, and feedback received from shareholders.
"Rather than investing time, effort, and cost into developing a plan to remain on NASDAQ, the company has decided to move forward with a seamless transition to the OTC market," the company said in a statement. It emphasized that the change affects only the stock's trading venue and has no impact on its operations or strategic focus.
Cumulus has qualified to have its shares quoted on the OTCQB, an electronic market operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. for early-stage and developing U.S. and international companies. The company will continue to file all required reports with the SEC.
Reid Spivey Named Program Director for KNIX in Phoenix
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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iHeartMedia appoints Reid Spivey as Program Director for KNIX-FM in Phoenix, effective immediately. As PD, he'll be responsible for branding, oversight, and day to day operations of the heritage Country outlet. Reid has been with iHeartMedia Phoenix for 10 years as an Assistant Program Director across multiple brands including KZZP, KMXP, and most recently KNIX for the past 7 years.
Mark Medina, Senior VP/Programming for iHeartMedia Phoenix, said, "Reid has demonstrated incredible leadership ability, a mastery of programming mechanics, and a true passion for the KNIX brand, he will be fantastic at the helm."
"KNIX is a legendary station and I'm excited to continue the legacy we've built here in Phoenix. This team is truly one of the best in Country radio. A big thanks to Mark Medina, Linda Little, Kris Foley and Gene Romano for this opportunity, and thanks to Steve Geofferies for his mentorship over my 7 years as APD." Spivey commented.
Prior to the Phoenix market, Reid worked at iHeartMedia's WAEV in Savannah and WHQC in Charlotte, as well as WABB in Mobile. His career started at WDCG in Raliegh.
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Report: AM/FM Radio Still Dominates U.S. Audio Listening
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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Despite the rise of digital audio services, traditional AM/FM radio remains the most-used audio source in the U.S., according to new research from Edison Research. The company's latest Share of Ear data shows that Americans age 13 and older continue to devote the largest portion of their daily audio time, 35% to AM/FM radio.
While streaming platforms like Spotify, podcasts, and YouTube have transformed how audiences access audio, AM/FM radio continues to maintain a strong foothold, particularly through its over-the-air broadcasts. However, the report also highlights that streaming versions of AM/FM stations are slowly gaining a foothold, depending on where people are listening.
As of the first quarter of 2025, streamed AM/FM radio makes up 12% of all time spent with radio sources. The remainder, 88%, still takes place through traditional receivers.
The way listeners access radio changes significantly by location. In the car, where radio remains the dominant audio format overall, only 1% of radio listening comes from streams. Most drivers still tune in using standard in-dash receivers.
By contrast, radio streams have carved out a larger presence at home and at work. At-home radio listeners stream AM/FM content 22% of the time, while workplace listeners turn to streams 16% of the time. In less conventional listening spots -- like gyms, grocery stores, or while walking around -- streamed radio accounts for nearly one-third of AM/FM listening.
Edison notes that the ability to stream AM/FM radio on smartphones, smart speakers, connected TVs, and computers has made traditional radio more accessible, even as habits shift. The findings suggest that while AM/FM continues to lead audio consumption overall, streaming is gradually altering where and how that listening takes place.
John Sterling Returns to Radio on 77WABC in New York
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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Legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling is stepping back behind the mic - but this time, it's not for play-by-play. Sterling will host The John Sterling Show on 77 WABC in New York, marking the station's first entry into sports programming. The weekly talk and commentary show premieres Saturday, April 26, and will air every Saturday from 4-5pm ET.
"This is a thrill... the ballgame's not over," said Sterling. "I am eager to connect with sports fans on 77 WABC and looking forward to bringing the biggest names in sports on the air to share their stories and insights with listeners."
The hour-long program will feature Sterling's commentary on a wide range of sports topics, along with interviews with notable players, coaches, owners, and other figures from the sports world.
Sterling, a 12-time Sports Emmy Award winner, was the voice of the New York Yankees for 35 years before retiring in 2024. His broadcasting streak included calling 5,060 consecutive Yankees games from 1989 to 2019. He was a fixture on the Yankees Radio Network alongside Suzyn Waldman and is well known to fans for his signature calls like, "Ballgame over! Yankees win," and "It is high, it is far, it is gone!"
Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC, said Sterling brings unmatched experience and charisma to the airwaves. "I've had the honor of working with a legend such as John previously, and I know that with his expertise in the sports world and professionalism in broadcasting he will hit it out of the park!" said Lopez. "John is known, loved, and respected in the sports world, and we're excited that he is joining our on-air team of high-profile personalities."
In addition to his decades with the Yankees, Sterling has called games for the New Jersey Nets and the New York Islanders. Now, with a new platform and format, he's ready to share his signature voice and perspective with a broader sports audience.
Atlanta Radio Veteran ''Cadillac Jack'' Choate Dies at 51
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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William "Cadillac Jack" Choate, a veteran voice on Atlanta Country radio for nearly three decades, has died following a heart attack. He was 51. His wife, Donna Choate, confirmed his passing to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday, saying he died on April 17. Choate had previously suffered a heart attack in 2017 and had three stents placed in a major artery.
Known to fans simply as "Caddy," Choate was a fixture on WKHX (Kicks 101.5) for 26 years and also spent four years at 92.5 The Bear in Fayetteville. He joined Kicks in 1993 at the age of 19, quickly establishing himself as a dedicated and approachable presence on the air. In 2006, he became the station's morning show host, a role he held for 13 years.
Choate's easygoing, relatable style and genuine connection with listeners set him apart. He was known to exchange phone numbers with fans and stay in touch beyond the studio. "Take direction," he once told the AJC when asked about surviving in the radio business. "I don't have all the answers. I never will be the smartest guy in the room. I need coaching. I need good direction."
Born in Hickory, NC, Choate got his radio name as a teenager from a Myrtle Beach program director. "Call me anything you want," he said in a 2013 interview. "Just give me a job!"
In a Facebook post, Donna Choate reflected on her husband's private battles with mental illness and addiction. "He battled demons we couldn't always understand," she wrote. "I hope and pray he has found the peace he was searching for all this time."
She also acknowledged the pain carried by their children: Wil, Olivia, and Charlotte. "They have walked through unimaginable pain and disappointment," she said. "Please pray for all three of them. If you or someone you know is struggling, please don't ever think it is too late to ask for help or change."
The family plans to hold a small private service.
KFSQ-AM/Palm Springs Debuts FOX Sports 1270 AM
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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Arrington Broadcasting's KFSQ-AM in Palm Springs, CA, launches FOX Sports 1270 AM. Serving the Coachella Valley, the station will broadcast FOX Sports Radio's 24/7 lineup of live sports entertainment shows, effective immediately.
FOX Sports 1270 AM's weekday lineup will feature "Two Pros and a Cup of Joe," "The Dan Patrick Show," "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," "The Doug Gottlieb Show," "Covino & Rich," "The Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington," "The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon" and "The Ben Maller Show." The station will also broadcast FOX Sports Radio around the clock on weekends.
"We're proud to welcome FOX Sports 1270 AM to the Coachella Valley," said Brian Arrington, KFSQ-AM Owner and General Manager. "It's an exciting moment to bring some of the biggest names in sports/talk-Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, Doug Gottlieb, and more-right here to Palm Springs. FOX Sports 1270 AM will deliver the best in national sports coverage, while also shining a much-needed spotlight on the incredible talent and stories coming out of the Coachella Valley."
RAB to Host Fourth ''One Voice for Radio'' Live Session
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) will present the fourth installment of its One Voice for Radio live presentation series at noon CT on Thursday, May 1. The session, entitled "Audience Lift: Impact to Action," will spotlight fresh data and insights from Nielsen's 3-Minute qualifier survey across three audience measurement periods.
Jon Miller, Vice President of Audience Insights, and Rich Tunkel, Managing Director at Nielsen Audio, will lead the discussion. They will explore how increases in impressions, reach, and frequency, measured through the Nielsen data, can be effectively communicated to advertisers and media stakeholders.
The presentation aims to provide actionable takeaways for the radio and advertising industries, emphasizing how radio campaigns drive measurable audience lift and engagement. Attendees will also gain access to supporting resources that demonstrate the value of incorporating this data into promotional and sales strategies.
The event is open to professionals in the radio and advertising sectors. Registration is available here.
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PodcastOne Taps Flightpath to Power Predictive Analytics
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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PodcastOne has announced a new partnership with Flightpath to support its growth strategy for 2025. The collaboration will equip PodcastOne with real-time inventory forecasting, unified revenue insights, and enhanced data transparency across all sales channels.
The partnership comes on the heels of PodcastOne's recent adoption of Amazon's Art19 platform for hosting and dynamic ad insertion-a move designed to expand monetization opportunities and improve operational efficiency. Flightpath's predictive analytics technology is expected to further strengthen that infrastructure.
"We're excited to partner with PodcastOne at such a pivotal point in their growth," said Sean Howard, CEO of Flightpath. "As the audio landscape becomes more complex, having centralized, accurate, and actionable data is essential. Flightpath will help PodcastOne harness that power and scale smarter across all of their sales channels."
The collaboration aims to empower PodcastOne's sales and operations teams by optimizing ad yield and enabling quicker, more strategic decision-making.
"Flightpath gives us the clarity and efficiency we need as our business scales," said Michal Ksepko, Director of Podcast Business at PodcastOne. "From forecasting to cross-platform analysis, their tools are helping us operate smarter and drive stronger results for both our creators and brand partners."
Laurie Belleau, Chief Revenue Officer at Flightpath, emphasized the strategic alignment between the two companies. "This partnership is about unlocking smarter growth," she said. "PodcastOne has an incredible portfolio and a forward-thinking team - we're thrilled to bring our technology and expertise to the table to help them maximize their full revenue potential."
Flightpath's platform is built to meet the complex demands of today's audio and video advertising environment. By integrating log-level data across direct, programmatic, and backfill inventory-including Art19's Targeted Ad Solutions (TAS)-Flightpath provides accurate 12-month inventory projections and customized reporting across all revenue channels.
AANHPI Consumers Drive Digital, Sports and Beauty Trends
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) consumers are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of digital commerce, media, and beauty, according to Nielsen's newly released 2025 report, Breakthrough ROI: Investing in Asian American audiences and media.
The report reveals that AANHPI adults are among the most digitally connected in the U.S., averaging over nine hours a week online via computers-nearly an hour more than the general population. Streaming now accounts for 53% of their total TV time, a sharp rise from 45% last year, with YouTube alone capturing 20% of that viewership-almost double the national average.
"As digital media and commerce evolve, Asian American consumers are leading the charge, embracing interactive and shoppable ad experiences at higher rates than the general population," said Stacie M. de Armas, Senior Vice President of Diverse Insights & Intelligence at Nielsen. "Marketers who recognize the importance of cultural connection in their digital strategies will build stronger relationships with this influential and engaged audience."
Digital-first behaviors are especially evident in shopping habits. Forty-three percent of AANHPI consumers have clicked on a social media ad, compared to 36% of U.S. adults overall. They are also more inclined to find ads on retailer websites helpful when discovering new products.
Sports Engagement Soars
Live sports viewership is on the rise among AANHPI audiences, who now spend 15% more time watching live sports than the general public. They are also 33% more likely to subscribe to sports-specific streaming platforms.
The community played a significant role in amplifying major sports moments, including a 146% spike in Asian American viewership for the 2024 World Series and a 240% increase in viewership of the WNBA Draft. AANHPI interest in women's basketball surged, with viewership of the 2024 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship rising nearly 70%.
This year also marks a milestone with Natalie Nakase becoming the WNBA's first Asian American head coach, leading the newly formed Golden State Valkyries. Meanwhile, players like Te-Hina Paopao, of Polynesian descent, continue to expand the sport's fanbase.
Global sports with strong Asian ties are also gaining traction. Cricket fandom is growing rapidly, with 13% of U.S. adults identifying as fans. The 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., drew record-breaking crowds, and the sport's Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028 is expected to boost visibility further.
Thirty-seven percent of AANHPI sports viewers want more culturally relevant advertising during games, presenting a clear opportunity for brands to connect authentically.
Leading Beauty Industry Trends
AANHPI women are exerting major influence in the beauty space, with spending on skincare and cosmetics well above the national average. Nielsen reports they are 83% more likely to have spent over $500 on skincare and 53% more likely to have spent the same on cosmetics and perfumes.
Beauty trends rooted in AANHPI culture-like Korean skincare and South Asian Ayurvedic hair care-have moved into the mainstream. Recent cultural moments, such as Bridgerton's nod to traditional hair oiling and Beyonce's Cecred product line using fermented rice water, highlight this influence.
AANHPI women are also more likely to download beauty retail apps like Ulta and Sephora, a digital engagement trend that is contributing to a broader 8% year-over-year increase in ad spend on toiletries and cosmetics. Skincare categories like facial cleansers and moisturizers saw jumps of 28% and 16%, respectively.
A Driving Force in Media and Commerce
From shopping to streaming to sports, AANHPI consumers are helping define the future of media and commerce.
"AANHPIs are a driving force in the economy, shaping markets as influential consumers and leaders," said Jeremy Tran, Executive Director and COO of Gold House. "In today's economic climate, their influence is more critical than ever-fueling industries from beauty to sports and beyond. By recognizing and investing in this community, brands and businesses can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation."
Additional findings from Nielsen's report include:
- 59% of AANHPI consumers expect brands to support causes they care about, versus 51% of the total U.S.
- 70% of AANHPI millennials say they will stop buying from brands that devalue their community.
- On podcasts, AANHPI listeners have an 80% unaided brand recall rate for CPG advertisers, compared to 59% overall.
- AANHPI adults aged 50-64 are 8% more likely than the general U.S. population to use the internet heavily to research products before buying.
- AANHPI audiences over-index on Netflix (128) and Amazon (198), which feature the highest percentage of Asian talent-39.4% and 35.5%, respectively.
With rapidly expanding cultural and economic influence, AANHPI consumers are shaping what comes next across multiple sectors-and brands are taking notice.
Kaleidoscope, iHeartPodcasts Launch ''Kill Switch'' Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 |
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iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope have debuted a new podcast, Kill Switch, exploring the fast-moving intersection of technology and culture. Hosted by journalist Dexter Thomas, Ph.D., the series aims to pull back the curtain on the digital systems shaping our lives-from AI and online privacy to bizarre internet subcultures. The first episode is available now, with new episodes released every Wednesday.
"We're living in a moment where technology is advancing faster than most people can realistically track or understand," said Thomas. "Enter Kill Switch, where we demystify the science and dissect the tech of the immediate now, breaking things down in a way that's real, useful and applicable to our day-to-day lives."
Described as a "technology survival guide to modern culture," Kill Switch combines storytelling, expert interviews, and DIY segments titled "How to Now." These practical guides will teach listeners how to run their own large language model or protect their digital privacy. The show promises to answer questions both serious and strange-like who's behind "Shrimp Jesus" and whether it's possible to be arrested by an algorithm.
Thomas, a three-time Emmy winner, has reported for outlets including The Los Angeles Times, WIRED, The Guardian, and VICE News Tonight. He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University and has served as a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton. A former Fulbright scholar and musician, his eclectic background brings a multifaceted lens to the show's storytelling.
"The future is now," said Kate Osborn, Executive Producer and Chief Strategy Officer at Kaleidoscope. "Kill Switch is looking at how tech is affecting our lives and the ways we understand the world right now. We look forward to helping people not just keep up with the latest shifts in our supercharged technological reality, but to feel empowered to reclaim control of their lives within it."
"At iHeartPodcasts, we're always looking for shows that push boundaries, spark curiosity, and speak to the cultural moment, and Kill Switch does exactly that," added Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. "Dexter Thomas brings an unmatched voice to the tech space and we're proud to launch this show with Kaleidoscope to help audiences better understand the fast-moving world around them."
Kill Switch is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is now available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.
Former Radio Exec Andy Bloom Convicted of Sex Crimes
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 22, 2025 |
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Andy Bloom, a veteran radio programmer once known for high-profile roles in Philadelphia and Minneapolis-St. Paul, has been convicted in Minnesota on two felony counts of criminal sexual conduct involving his now 16-year-old daughter. The 63-year-old was found guilty last month following a nine-day jury trial in Hennepin County.
The charges stem from a series of incidents that occurred between January 2022 and July 2023, during which Bloom, according to court documents, engaged in repeated inappropriate sexual contact with his daughter while in a position of authority. One of the charges specifically relates to multiple acts of abuse over time involving a minor under 16 with whom he had a significant relationship. The second charge involves abuse of a minor aged 14-16 while in a position of authority. Both are classified as second-degree felonies.
Investigators from the Edina Police Department and Hennepin County Child Protection launched their inquiry after the victim disclosed the abuse in July 2023, shortly after fleeing the family home to a neighbor's house. The victim later provided a detailed forensic interview outlining multiple instances of abuse. Court filings describe Bloom as showing excessive affection toward his daughter and attempting to silence her to avoid consequences.
Bloom pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance in early 2024. The trial included testimony from family members, law enforcement, counselors, and others. The case saw several pre-trial disputes over admissibility of testimony and required reassignment to three different judges. Meanwhile, Bloom and his wife-the victim's mother-were simultaneously engaged in divorce proceedings that concluded recently.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 13. Each charge carries a potential maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and fines ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. Bloom remains held without bond in the Hennepin County Jail and has been ordered to undergo a psychosexual evaluation.
Bloom's radio career spanned decades. He served as Operations Manager at CBS Radio Philadelphia from 2007 to 2015, overseeing stations like SportsRadio 94 WIP-FM and talk WPHT (1210). He was also previously the PD for WYSP during its simulcast of The Howard Stern Show in the 1980s. His resume includes stints as Vice President of Programming for Emmis Communications' international division and leadership roles at Greater Media and Coleman Parkes Research.
Bloom's last known position in the industry was as Operations Manager for Entercom's WCCO, KMNB, and KZJK in the Twin Cities, a role he left in 2018.
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Audacy Extends Partnership with University of Oregon
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 22, 2025 |
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Audacy inks a multi-year extension of its broadcast partnership with the University of Oregon, solidifying KFXX-AM (1080 The Fan) as the flagship station for Ducks athletics. The new agreement extends coverage of Oregon football, men's basketball and baseball, and for the first time, includes women's basketball. Under the renewed multiplatform agreement, all games will be available on 1080 The Fan and streamed locally on the Audacy app.
"We are delighted to extend our partnership with the Oregon Ducks for another five years," said Ryan Cooley, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Portland. "Oregon is one of the most powerful and recognizable brands in college athletics, and The Fan is Portland's go-to source for premier sports content-making this partnership a perfect fit."
Cooley emphasized the importance of expanding the station's coverage to include women's basketball. "This new agreement deepens our commitment to delivering in-depth, high-quality coverage of Ducks football, men's basketball and baseball. For the first time ever, we're proud to carry every Oregon women's basketball game. It's an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to bringing the passion, energy and excellence of Oregon athletics to fans throughout the region."
Kelly Schukart, Vice President and General Manager of Oregon Sports Properties, echoed that enthusiasm. "We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Audacy. Through this important radio affiliate partnership, we are able to provide Duck fans in Portland a non-stop connection to their teams," she said. "Whether from the sidelines, courtside or the diamond, Duck fans in Portland can count on Audacy to have their favorite Duck content on the air."
The agreement includes coverage of all regular and postseason games, as well as continued year-round programming such as Ducks Insider, which offers behind-the-scenes content. Head football coach Dan Lanning is also set to return to The Ducks Football Coaches Show during football season.
The extended partnership was facilitated through LEARFIELD, the radio broadcast rights holder for Oregon Sports Properties.
Johnjay & Rich to Receive Kidd Kraddick Award at MSBC 2025
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 22, 2025 |
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The Johnjay & Rich Show, the syndicated morning program based at iHeartMedia's KZZP (104.7 Kiss FM) in Phoenix, has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Kidd Kraddick Award, presented annually at the Morning Show Boot Camp (MSBC).
Named in memory of the late radio icon Kidd Kraddick, the award honors personalities who demonstrate "unparalleled success, inimitable style and authenticity, exemplary service to their community and who serve as a constant source of inspiration to other shows and personalities," according to MSBC.
The selection of The Johnjay & Rich Show was made by last year's honoree, Kevin Rolston of The KVJ Show on Hubbard Radio's WRMF-FM in West Palm Beach. "Kidd Kraddick's contributions to the radio industry extend well beyond his show, and he trained many great talents of the next generation like Bert Weiss, Rich Shertenlieb, and Rich Berra," Rolston said. "Acknowledging Kidd's contributions makes Johnjay and Rich an obvious choice for this award. They have dominated Phoenix for more than twenty years and are expanding their brand of entertainment nationwide. They are authentic, engaging personalities, and their work with the #LoveUp and #LovePup Foundations is extraordinary. I am honored to present them with the Kidd Kraddick Award at Bootcamp in Austin."
Co-host Johnjay said, "The Kidd Kraddick Award holds so much meaning in our industry, and to be chosen by someone we respect so much, makes it even more special. We've always looked up to the legacy Kidd left behind - his talent, his heart, and the way he used his platform to truly make a difference. To be recognized in that same spirit is humbling beyond words. We're so proud of the work we've done with #LovePup and #LoveUp, and many other events in the community, and it means the world that those things matter just as much as the show itself."
Co-host Rich Berra added a personal note: "My Italian immigrant grandfather used to say to me in his semi-broken English, 'You sure do talk a lot for a kid that doesn't know a lot about anything.' Little did he know that would be the cornerstone of my career alongside Johnjay. We just celebrated our 25th anniversary together, and I feel like we are just getting started. What a crazy honor to step inside the same shoes of our radio idols. We are so not worthy but honored to accept this very special acknowledgment."
Previous recipients of the Kidd Kraddick Award include Bert Weiss (The Bert Show), The Kidd Kraddick Show, The Ace & TJ Show, Dwyer & Michaels, Paul Castronovo, BJ Shea, Brother Wease, Mojo of Mojo in the Morning, and Dave Ryan.
This year's award will be presented during Talentmasters' 37th Annual Morning Show Boot Camp, August 7-9 at the Austin Marriott Downtown.
AFN to Cut Radio Programs May 1 in Streamlining Move
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 22, 2025 |
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The American Forces Network (AFN) has announced it will reduce the number of radio programs available through its services beginning May 1, 2025, in an effort to streamline operations.
Among the programs being cut are AFN Legacy, Freedom Rock, The Blend, and Joe Radio, along with the removal of commercially produced podcasts from its audio streaming platform, AFN Go.
Despite the reductions, AFN will continue offering a lineup of music, entertainment, and news channels through AFN Go. The network's 24 Eagle radio stations located around the globe will remain on air, continuing to serve U.S. military communities overseas.
AFN Go has experienced significant growth in the past year, with a reported 30-percent increase in audience size. In January alone, listeners streamed nearly 480,000 hours of radio content on the platform, according to the network.
AFN Go and its television counterpart, AFN Now, are free to download and available to Department of Defense personnel overseas. Both apps can be found on Google Play, the Apple App Store, Amazon Fire, Roku, and on select smart TVs.
Cruz Expands to National Radio with Premiere Partnership
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 22, 2025 |
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Senator Ted Cruz's political podcast "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is now airing on stations across the country, following a new syndication partnership with Premiere Networks. The one-hour weekend radio program debuted April 19-20 on more than 100 News/Talk outlets nationwide.
Hosted by Senator Cruz and Premiere Networks-syndicated personality Ben Ferguson, Verdict has built a significant following as a podcast since launching in January 2020. The show has consistently ranked among the top political podcasts in the U.S., offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at national politics.
The new weekend radio format is an extension of the podcast and features Cruz and Ferguson recapping the week's major news stories and previewing upcoming political developments.
"Verdict gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what's really happening in Washington, D.C., and we're excited to begin reaching even more people across the country who are hungry for in-depth conversations on the most important issues facing our nation," said Senator Cruz.
Ferguson added, "Verdict with Ted Cruz is set to become one of the most influential voices in radio syndication. As the political landscape continues to shift, this show will be a major force driving the national conversation-especially when it comes to breaking down the real story behind the headlines coming out of Washington, D.C. Expect bold analysis, insider access, and no-nonsense commentary that will shape how the country understands what's really going on in our nation's capital."
Julie Talbott, President of Premiere Networks, said the expansion into radio reflects growing audience demand. "Sen. Cruz is a political insider whose views and opinions are valued by audiences," Talbott said. "We're always looking for engaging and entertaining programming that resonates with listeners, and the continued success of Verdict made the decision to expand the program to radio a no-brainer. By harnessing the immense power of broadcast radio, we're confident Verdict with Ted Cruz will reach millions more listeners across America every week."
The podcast was originally launched as a weekly show, expanding to three episodes a week in 2022 when Ferguson joined as co-host. It is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and remains available on iHeartRadio and other major podcast platforms.
iHM, BEPN Launch ''Just Heal with Dr. Jay'' Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 22, 2025 |
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A new voice in mental health podcasting hits the airwaves Tuesday with the launch of "Just Heal with Dr. Jay," a weekly series from iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God's The Black Effect Podcast Network. The podcast is hosted by former professional athlete, author, and mental health advocate Dr. Jay Barnett, who brings a unique blend of personal experience and clinical insight to the microphone.
Drawing from his background in professional football and his career as a mental health expert, Barnett aims to create "a space every week for real talk and real change." Each episode of "Just Heal" will feature candid discussions, actionable strategies, and personal stories to help listeners manage their emotional well-being and take meaningful steps toward healing.
"Too many people are surviving instead of thriving," said Dr. Jay. "'Just Heal' is about giving people the tools they need to heal, grow and build something greater from their pain."
The debut episode, entitled "Finding Love After Healing," features a conversation with Laterras R. Whitfield, host of the Dear Wifey Podcast. The two explore themes of vulnerability in men, the impact of past mistakes, and the deeper meaning behind the role of a husband.
Dr. Barnett, who is known for his outreach to underserved communities and youth, integrates the discipline of athletics into his mental health work. His approach blends storytelling, practical tools, and motivational insights rooted in his lived experiences and therapeutic training.
"Just Heal with Dr. Jay" premieres today and will release new episodes every Tuesday. The podcast is available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.
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