Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

Townsquare, CMP Partner for ''XXL Higher Level Radio''


Townsquare Media and Compass Media Networks
Townsquare Media and Compass Media Networks

Townsquare Media and Compass Media Networks have launched a new syndicated radio show, "XXL Higher Level Radio," tied to Townsquare's XXL Magazine, website and app. The show debuted Monday November 11 and airs 7pm-midnight on nine of its Urban stations. Hosted by DJ Wire of Townsquare's WBLK/Buffalo, the show features artist interviews, hip-hop news from the XXL news desk, DJ mixes and a countdown of top hits. The show's music playlist will largely be driven by data culled from the XXL website, mobile app and social media.

The show will also feature content from the annual XXL Freshman Class, the brand's list of the hottest new artists in hip-hop, whose alumni includes Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Chance the Rapper, Big Sean, Future, J.Cole, Meek Mill, Wiz Khalifa and Logic.

XXL has been a dominant voice in hip-hop for over 20 years, documenting and influencing the culture and music since 1997. The brand reaches over 6 million unique visitors every month via XXLMag.com and the XXL mobile app, and has amassed over 9 million followers on social media. XXL's YouTube channel has over 3 million subscribers, and Lil Baby and Juice WRLD grace the cover of the current issue of XXL Magazine.

Townsquare SVP of Digital Jared Willig said, "When Townsquare acquired XXL Magazine in 2014, our mission was to expand the iconic brand via social, video, podcasting, events and more while maintaining the core print magazine which is so important to the community. 'XXL Higher Level Radio' is the next phase of that strategy, and like the XXL brand itself, we are excited for it to be influential, interactive and digital-forward."

XXL Magazine Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Satten, who has led the brand for over a decade, added, "'XXL Higher Level Radio' is an exciting extension for us that will both respect and celebrate hip-hop like our website and magazine do. The music comes first and this show will not only highlight who and what everyone is listening to, but showcase stars of the future as well."

"We're thrilled to bring a fresh new show to the Urban weeknight radio landscape," commented Townsquare SVP of Programming Kurt Johnson.

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

Kaplar to Step Down, O'Rielly Named Media Institute CEO
The Media Institute
The Media Institute
The Media Institute announced that longtime President and CEO Richard T. Kaplar will step down on January 31, 2026, concluding a 44-year tenure with the nonprofit organization that advocates for First Amendment principles and communications policy. The Institute's More

Fred Child Named CEO of All Classical Radio
Fred Child
Fred Child
All Classical Radio in Portland, OR has named broadcaster and arts advocate Fred Child as its next President and CEO, effective January 2. Child will relocate from New York City to take the role, succeeding Suzanne Nance, who stepped down earlier this year after a decade leading the organization. Since July, More

Beasley Stock Soars Amid Meme Frenzy, Trading Halts
Beasley Media Group
Beasley Media Group
Beasley Broadcast Group (BBGI) is once again displaying classic "meme stock" behavior, with retail investors and online speculators driving massive, rapid swings in its share price despite ongoing financial challenges at the company. The stock surged over 256% by late morning, More
Advertisement

WFAN Revamps Lineup, Craig Carton Returns in 2026
Craig Carton
Craig Carton
WFAN New York will introduce a refreshed weekday programming schedule on January 5, headlined by the return of longtime host Craig Carton. Carton will anchor "The Carton Show" alongside Chris McMonigle, marking his first daily program on the station since 2023. The overhaul includes a new midday program, More

Most Americans Fear AI Weakens Human Connection
SSRS and Edison Research
SSRS and Edison Research
Edison Research is highlighting new data from SSRS and the Project Liberty Institute showing that many Americans worry artificial intelligence is harming their ability to form meaningful human relationships. According to the October 2025 report from SSRS and Project Liberty Institute, 56% of Americans More

KTIS Names Aaron ''Toast'' Trost Creative Services Director
Aaron Toast Trost
Aaron Toast Trost
98.5 KTIS Minneapolis-St. Paul has appointed Aaron "Toast" Trost as its new Creative Services Director, with his first day set for January 19. Trost joins the Twin Cities station after two and a half years at Northwestern Media's KSLT in Rapid City, SD, where he served as both Morning Show Host and Creative More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement