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Top Radio News
iHeartMedia Chicago Names Kashon Powell VP of Programming
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 11, 2025 | 10:21am CT |
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iHeartMedia Chicago has named veteran programmer Kashon Powell as its new Vice President of Programming, overseeing WGCI-FM, WVAZ-FM, WGRB-AM, and WMFN-AM, effective August 18. Powell brings more than three decades of radio experience to the role, including leadership positions at both Urban One and iHeartMedia. She previously made history as the first woman to serve as Vice President of Programming for Urban One.
At Urban One, Powell led programming strategies across major markets including Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, and managed nationally syndicated shows such as The Russ Parr Morning Show and Love and R&B with John Monds.
"I am excited to return to iHeartMedia to lead these legendary brands and contribute to the legacy of such iconic radio stations," Powell said in a statement. "A huge thank you to James Howard, Thea Mitchem, Brad Hardin, and Doc Wynter for this incredible opportunity."
Powell began her career in 1992 at KBXX-FM in Houston and steadily advanced to become the station's first female Program Director. She went on to work for Radio & Records as Urban Editor and later joined Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia) in Philadelphia, where she served as Program Director for WUSL-FM and WDAS-FM. She later oversaw urban programming for multiple iHeart stations in Virginia before moving to Urban One in 2015.
James Howard, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Chicago, expressed confidence in Powell's leadership. "Kashon has an exceptional track record of success, consistently driving results and inspiring teams. We are thrilled to welcome her to our Chicago team, where her expertise will help strengthen the connection with our listeners."
Andrews Returns to Audacy Wisconsin as BM/Afternoons
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 11, 2025 | 10:49am CT |
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Audacy appoints Brett Andrews as Brand Manager for WMHX-FM (Mix 105.1 FM) in Madison and Assistant Brand Manager for both WMYX-FM (99.1 The Mix) and WXSS-FM (103.7 Kiss FM) in Milwaukee, effective July 14. In addition to his leadership roles, Andrews will host afternoons on 99.1 The Mix, airing weekdays from 2-7pm CT. Andrews' new post marks a homecoming, as his career began in the same building over 25 years ago.
"There's something special about these stations that keeps pulling me back," said Andrews. "It's an honor to return and help carry on their incredible legacy. Huge thanks to Jason Bjorson and Molly Cruz for believing in me. It feels so good to be home again."
Audacy Wisconsin's Senior Vice President and Market Manager Jason Bjorson added, "Brett's deep connection to these stations and proven talent in the industry make him an incredible asset. We're so excited to have Brett's passion for radio and knowledge of the Milwaukee and Madison markets back on our team."
Prior to rejoining Audacy, Andrews served as Senior Vice President of Programming at iHeartRadio in Milwaukee and Madison, where he also held Program Director roles at stations including WRIT, WZEE, KSLZ in St. Louis, and KKRZ in Portland. On air, he has been heard at major stations including 103.5 Kiss FM in Chicago, Z100 in Portland, 104.7 KISS FM in Phoenix, and 101.3 KDWB in Minneapolis.
Andrews' return to 103.7 Kiss FM also marks a full-circle moment-he previously hosted on the station in 2007.
Commuting on the Rise in 2025, Boosting Radio's Reach
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 11, 2025 | 2:15pm CT |
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New research from Katz Radio Group, analyzing the latest YouGov workforce data, reveals that commuting in the U.S. has surged in 2025, with more than 7 in 10 employed adults now traveling to jobs outside the home. The trend marks a 29% increase in commuting since 2020, signaling a continued move away from the pandemic-era work-from-home model and toward hybrid or in-person work arrangements.
The increase spans all age groups, with notable growth among adults aged 18-29, who have seen a 41% rise in commuting since 2020. Workers aged 30-44 are commuting at a 74% rate, while those 65 and older top the chart at 78%.
With this resurgence in commuting, Americans are spending more time behind the wheel-an environment where AM/FM radio remains dominant. Katz points to Edison Research's "Share of Ear" findings, which show that 90% of ad-supported audio listening time in the car goes to AM/FM radio, making it the most powerful medium for reaching on-the-go audiences.
Katz also notes that increased traffic congestion and downtown activity in major U.S. cities, many of which are top radio markets, reflect broader shifts in commuting patterns. The result: a larger, more engaged in-car audience that presents significant opportunities for advertisers.
"As more Americans return to regular commuting, radio continues to be the most effective way to reach consumers during one of the few uninterrupted moments of their day," the report concludes. "For brands looking to connect with working adults, the road leads straight to AM/FM radio."
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FCC Removes Nearly 3,000 Words of Rules in DDD Initiative
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 11, 2025 | 10:57am CT |
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken new steps in its ongoing effort to eliminate outdated and unnecessary regulations under its "Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative, removing approximately 2,991 words and 41 rules from its regulatory code.
The Commission's latest action targets what it describes as "utility-style burdens" imposed on broadband providers during the Biden Administration and removes long-defunct interconnection rules that had remained in the Code of Federal Regulations for decades.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who has led the deregulation initiative, emphasized the agency's broader effort to streamline its regulatory framework.
"We're continuing to clean house at the FCC, working to identify and eliminate rules that no longer serve a purpose, have been on our books for decades, and have no place in the current Code of Federal Regulations," Carr said in a statement. "Today's action is just the latest step the FCC is taking to follow the Trump Administration's effort to usher in prosperity through deregulation."
The rules removed include:
Restrictions on broadband internet providers established under the Biden-era "Restore Net Neutrality" proceeding. These rules never took effect and were struck down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit earlier this year.
Prescriptive network interconnection rules that were vacated by the Eighth Circuit more than 25 years ago but were never formally removed from FCC regulations.
The agency says the deletions will help reduce confusion for communications service providers by removing obsolete language from its regulatory code.
The move comes as part of a broader review initiated in March 2025, when the FCC opened a public docket inviting comment on any rules or guidance documents that should be eliminated to reduce regulatory burdens. Additional deregulatory actions are expected in the coming months.
Soros Fund, Del Nin Seek Dismissal of Warshaw Lawsuit
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 11, 2025 | 10:40am CT |
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The legal dispute between Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw and Soros Fund Management (SFM) intensified this week as SFM and its Head of Media Investments, Michael Del Nin, moved to dismiss Warshaw's lawsuit and demanded revisions to his complaint.
Warshaw filed suit last month in Connecticut Superior Court, alleging breach of contract, unfair trade practices, and other claims tied to his alleged role in steering SFM toward acquiring a majority stake in Audacy during the broadcaster's Chapter 11 restructuring. Warshaw claims that after collaborating with Del Nin on a failed attempt to acquire Cox Media Group in 2022, he introduced SFM to a new opportunity -- purchasing a controlling position in Audacy. In return, he says Del Nin verbally promised him either the CEO position at Audacy or 5% of SFM's profits from the deal.
SFM and Del Nin forcefully pushed back in court filings submitted July 10. In a motion to dismiss, Del Nin argues that Connecticut courts lack jurisdiction over him because he lives and works in New York. A sworn affidavit from Del Nin asserts that all relevant business was conducted in Manhattan and that no agreements were finalized in Connecticut.
Simultaneously, SFM filed a detailed Request to Revise the lawsuit, asserting that Warshaw's complaint fails to specify essential facts -- such as the exact terms of the alleged agreement or when and where they were made. The filing further characterizes Warshaw's claims as speculative and unsupported by documentation, asserting that SFM had already been exploring radio sector investments, including Audacy, before any interaction with Warshaw.
Del Nin also acknowledged that Warshaw assisted in due diligence for the potential Cox Radio acquisition, but firmly denies ever agreeing to merge Connoisseur Media into a larger entity or offer Warshaw an executive role or equity.
If granted, the motion to dismiss would remove Del Nin entirely from the case. However, the claims against SFM would still proceed, pending the court's ruling on the Request to Revise or any future motion to strike.
SFM's filings also target Warshaw's claim under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, asserting that it lacks the factual detail necessary to survive judicial scrutiny. The firm argues the alleged conduct neither occurred in nor directly impacted Connecticut's trade or commerce.
Additionally, SFM is asking the court to compel Warshaw to restructure the complaint to clearly separate allegations against each defendant and to correct what it calls procedural and formatting deficiencies that make the lawsuit "confusing and improperly structured."
Covino & Rich to Air Live from 2025 MLB All-Star Game
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 11, 2025 | 6:25pm CT |
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FOX Sports Radio's afternoon duo Covino & Rich will take over morning duties next week with special live coverage of Major League Baseball's 95th All-Star Game, airing July 14-16 from Atlanta. With The Dan Patrick Show on vacation, Covino & Rich will move into the 9am-12pm ET slot for a special All-Star Week broadcast.
The pair will anchor their pre-game coverage live from the Capital One All-Star Village at the Cobb Galleria Centre on July 14 and 15, just steps from Truist Park. Post-game coverage on July 16 will originate from iHeartMedia Atlanta's studios.
"Baseball's back in a big way and there's nothing better than the All-Star Game," said co-host Steve Covino. "It's the ultimate experience and as a Yankees guy, I love the irony that we're going but Juan Soto is not! I'm pumped to be broadcasting live from Atlanta-but we're really just trying to sneak on TV at the Home Run Derby."
"Baseball is back and poppin'," added Rich Davis. "It's undeniable that MLB does All-Star week better than any other major sport, and we're happy to be part of it. I got my blue Mets Lindor jersey packed and I'll be sitting next to some clown rockin' his Judge pinstripes-wait, that's Covino!"
The broadcast will feature coverage of all the All-Star festivities, including the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, bringing fans behind-the-scenes insight and interviews throughout the week. The special programming will be heard on more than 300 local radio affiliates, FOXSportsRadio.com, and the iHeartRadio app.
Study Finds Radio Plays Crucial Role in Closing the Deal
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 10:52am CT |
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As artificial intelligence tools become a staple in everyday decision-making, a new national study from Audacy highlights the gap between AI-generated brand awareness and actual consumer action -- and reveals that traditional media, especially radio, remains essential in closing that gap.
The study, led by Reggie Shah, Senior Director of Research & Insights at Audacy, found that 68% of Americans use AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google's Gemini, with nearly three-quarters using them at least once a week. Consumers increasingly rely on these tools to research products, plan vacations, and even select service providers.
But despite widespread AI adoption, only 33% of consumers said they had made -- or even considered -- a purchase based on an AI recommendation.
According to the study, trust remains the missing link. "Knowing a brand name isn't the same as trusting it," Shah wrote. "That's where radio and other trusted media come in."
More than 80% of consumers surveyed said that exposure to a brand via radio or television made them more likely to trust an AI-recommended business. Other formats like streaming video, digital display, podcasts, and social media also contributed to brand credibility, but radio stood out for its emotional resonance and longstanding authority.
Audacy calls this dynamic AI-Priming - where artificial intelligence curates the initial options, but consumers turn to traditional media to validate their decisions before making a purchase.
"AI introduces. Radio reassures," the report states. "Radio's credibility gives consumers a reason to believe and a reason to act."
The research found particularly high intent to use AI in categories that involve major commitments or purchases:
- 83% would use AI for travel planning
- 82% for electronics and furniture
- 76% for home improvement
- 74% for vehicles
- 72% for education
- 69% for healthcare
- 66% for financial services
- 64% for real estate
Yet in these high-stakes areas, familiarity and trust remain essential, creating a unique opportunity for brands to bridge AI discovery with traditional media validation.
Audacy advises businesses -- especially local ones -- to adapt by focusing on building brand familiarity early, optimizing for what the company calls AEO, or Answer Engine Optimization, and using trusted media channels to reinforce credibility.
"Consumers are showing up already informed by AI tools. They've done the research and often come with a shortlist," Shah wrote. "The sales conversation doesn't begin at the counter anymore - it began online."
The takeaway for marketers: being part of the AI conversation isn't enough. To win consumer trust, brands must still show up in the places people associate with reliability - and for many, that still means radio.
"AI curates the choices," the study concludes. "Radio makes your brand the right one."
Audacy Outlets Provide Lifeline During Texas Flooding Crisis
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 10:33am CT |
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As catastrophic flooding devastated parts of the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, Audacy's KRLD-AM (NewsRadio 1080) in Dallas and KJCE-AM (Talk Radio 1370) in Austin played a critical role in keeping local communities informed and connected.
Christopher Fox, a reporter for both NewsRadio 1080 and the Texas State Networks, has been on the ground between Kerrville and Centerpoint -- areas among the hardest hit -- delivering consistent updates and field reports. His coverage has reached listeners not just across Texas via hourly newscasts on more than 100 affiliates in 86 markets, but also nationally through Audacy stations and CBS News affiliates.
"NewsRadio 1080 has been a critical lifeline for Texans," said Drew Anderssen, News/Talk Format Vice President and Brand Manager at KRLD-AM. "Our commitment to timely and essential news, weather, and traffic information never wavered during the early hours of this tragedy and the holiday weekend. We remain dedicated to providing compassionate and impactful coverage moving forward."
In Austin, Talk Radio 1370 has supplemented emergency reporting with live press conferences, weather alerts, and a centralized online hub offering resources for those affected. The station also launched a webpage to help listeners support first responders and flood victims directly.
Additionally, Talk Radio 1370 is supplying breaking news updates to Audacy's FM music stations in Austin to extend the reach of crucial information.
Across Texas, Audacy stations are uniting in support of flood recovery efforts by partnering with The Salvation Army to raise funds for impacted communities.
The flooding, described as a once-in-a-century event, has left widespread damage and prompted continued emergency response across the region. Audacy's stations remain an essential part of that response, reinforcing the critical role of local radio in times of crisis.
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SRN Launches Emergency Relief for Texas Flood Victims
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 10:27am CT |
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In response to the devastating flash floods that have swept through Central Texas since the Fourth of July, the Salem Radio Network (SRN) has announced a partnership with international nonprofit Food For The Poor to deliver critical aid to those impacted by the historic disaster.
Beginning today, SRN will activate a coordinated campaign across its syndicated shows and news networks to help rush Emergency Relief Kits to affected communities. These kits include hygiene supplies, tarps, women's care packages, Liquid IV, diapers, and children's activity kits -- items identified as urgent needs by on-the-ground relief teams.
SRN personalities Mike Gallagher, Chris Stigall, Hugh Hewitt, and Larry Elder will lead the outreach on their programs, appealing to listeners for donations and support. Additional coverage and updates will be provided by SRN News and TOWNHALL News throughout the day.
Tom Tradup, SRN's Vice President of News & Talk Programming, underscored the importance of swift and coordinated action. "Food For The Poor has decades of experience in disaster relief across the hemisphere," he said. "Their trusted partnerships in San Antonio will ensure that aid is delivered quickly and efficiently to flood-ravaged communities."
Listeners nationwide are being asked to contribute financially and offer prayers for the victims of what officials have called a "once-in-a-century" flood. The disaster has already claimed at least 120 lives, with more than 170 people still unaccounted for.
Donations to the emergency relief effort can be made through Food For The Poor's website or through links provided during SRN broadcasts.
Triple Helix Names Adam Robinson Director of SM&BD
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 6:10pm CT |
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Triple Helix Technology (3H) appoints longtime broadcast industry veteran Adam Robinson as its new Director of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development, effective July 21. Robinson brings more than 30 years of experience in radio operations, engineering, product development, and strategic leadership to the role.
Robinson will help lead the expansion of 3H's core brands -- MaxxKonnect, Logitek, and MK Technical Services -- across both traditional broadcast and adjacent enterprise sectors. His responsibilities will include developing sales strategies, guiding marketing efforts, and driving business development initiatives across all of 3H's offerings, including broadcast equipment, IP-based connectivity, and managed infrastructure solutions.
Most recently Vice President of Operations at DJB Radio Software, Robinson is also recognized for his active involvement with the Central Canada Broadcast Engineers (CCBE) and the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE).
"I'm thrilled to be joining Josh and the entire 3H team," said Robinson. "They've built an innovative, forward-thinking company that solves real problems for broadcasters. I'm excited to help shape the next phase of growth by building strong partnerships with new and existing customers and vendors."
Triple Helix President and CEO Josh Bohn said, "Adam will be a huge asset to our company. He brings an outstanding blend of technical knowledge, industry credibility, and communication skills. His diverse skill sets in engineering, sales, marketing, and customer support make him uniquely qualified to do exactly what we need. We're excited to have him on board."
Audacy Partners with Soccer Stars Heath and Press
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 12:00pm CT |
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Audacy has announced a new strategic partnership with U.S. soccer icons Tobin Heath and Christen Press to distribute and manage global ad sales for their award-winning podcast, The RE-CAP Show, through their media brand RE. The weekly video podcast, created and hosted by Heath and Press, offers an unfiltered, humorous, and honest look at women's sports, particularly global soccer, and is already recognized as a trailblazer in the space.
With this partnership, Audacy will handle multi-channel global sales and distribution, building on its growing slate of women's and sports content. The RE-CAP Show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, the Audacy app, and all major podcast platforms. New episodes drop every Thursday.
"We are thrilled to partner with Audacy to bring The RE-CAP Show to their global platform," said Heath. Press added, "We were drawn to Audacy Podcasts' all-female leadership and their growing commitment to women's sports content. It's the perfect place to share our 'Gal Culture' movement with more fans."
RE, the sports media company founded by Heath and Press, focuses on inclusivity and aims to reshape women's sports coverage. Past guests on The RE-CAP Show have included high-profile names like Abby Wambach, Glennon Doyle, Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, and Ali Krieger.
Leah Reis-Dennis, Audacy's Head of Podcasts, praised the partnership: "Christen Press and Tobin Heath epitomize what's most exciting in today's women's sports. Their talent, authenticity, and leadership have built a powerful community, and we're proud to help amplify that."
Pirate Radio Operator Challeges FCC Forfeiture Order
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 10:17am CT |
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A North Miami man fined nearly $2.4 million by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for allegedly operating a pirate radio station is fighting back, filing a formal petition for reconsideration that challenges not only the penalty but also the very authority of the FCC to impose it.
Fabrice Polynice -- also known as DJ Paz -- is asking the Commission to rescind the June 6 Forfeiture Order (FCC 25-32), which penalized him for allegedly operating an unauthorized station, "Radio Touche Douce," on 90.1 MHz for 22 days in early 2023. The FCC has characterized Polynice as a long-term pirate broadcaster dating back to at least 2012.
Polynice, represented by attorney Dan J. Alpert, contends that the fine is not only excessive given his financial situation but also unconstitutional under recent federal court rulings. His petition relies heavily on the 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision in SEC v. Jarkesy and the 2025 Fifth Circuit ruling in AT&T v. FCC, both of which call into question the legitimacy of federal agencies imposing civil penalties without a trial by jury.
According to financial documents filed by Polynice, his adjusted gross income over the past three years averaged less than $16,000 annually. Despite this, the FCC rejected his request for a reduction, citing a history of unlicensed broadcasting.
Polynice's legal team argues that under Jarkesy, civil penalties such as the one issued by the FCC must be adjudicated in an Article III court, with the right to a jury trial - not through the FCC's internal administrative process. The petition cites language from the Jarkesy ruling stating that imposing such fines without a jury "violates the Seventh Amendment."
"Jarkesy is a game-changer," the filing states, adding that the FCC's forfeiture process, which currently allows the agency to act as prosecutor, judge, and jury, is now on "thinning ice."
The petition also references a white paper by Peter Karanjia, a former FCC deputy general counsel, which concludes that the Commission's traditional "Notice of Apparent Liability to Forfeiture Order" process is likely unconstitutional in light of Jarkesy. Without Congressional action to authorize federal court proceedings for such penalties, Karanjia warns, the FCC's enforcement authority is at risk.
Polynice's filing contends that FCC penalties serve no compensatory function -- funds go directly to the U.S. Treasury -- making them punitive in nature and therefore clearly within the scope of the Seventh Amendment.
Unless the FCC voluntarily revisits its decision, the matter could ultimately end up in federal court, potentially setting precedent for how administrative agencies handle enforcement going forward. The petition formally requests that the Commission reconsider and withdraw its Forfeiture Order.
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New Book Challenges ''Radio is Dead'' Narrative
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 9:44pm CT |
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A new book aiming to reset the conversation around radio's role in modern media is set to launch on Amazon July 15. "The Truth About Radio: A Myth-Busting Guide for Today's Media Buyers and Sellers" is written for radio professionals and media buyers who are ready to counter long-standing industry misconceptions with renewed confidence.
Drawing on more than four decades of experience in local radio across the U.S. and Canada, the author -- Dave Sturgeon -- offers a direct, unapologetic defense of the medium's continued relevance. The book targets the skeptics of radio's reach and effectiveness, while equipping sellers and managers with practical language to reframe the conversation in today's media landscape.
The release teases several pull quotes that capture the book's tone, including:
- "Radio isn't dead. It's OG!"
- "Radio is the original Influencer platform."
- "You can't sell what you don't believe in."
According to the announcement, The Truth About Radio is written "from inside the trenches" of the business -- not from an academic or outsider's perspective. It's designed to give sales teams and media professionals a jolt of motivation and a clearer message when promoting radio as a competitive platform.
The book will be available in both eBook and paperback formats on Amazon starting Monday, July 15.
Pillar Media Names Tim Hager as Chief Operating Officer
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | 10:31am CT |
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Pillar Media appoints veteran media executive Tim Hager as its new Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Hager will oversee operations for Pillar Media's group of stations, including WAWZ (Star 99.1) in New Jersey, WAKW (Star 93.3) in Cincinnati and KSRC (Star 101.5), KFCO (The New Flo 107.1) & KPOF (AM910) in Denver.
"I am truly thrilled and honored to become part of the incredible team at Pillar Media," said Hager. "I deeply respect the talented individuals behind this remarkable brand and am beyond excited to see how the Lord will use my life experiences to contribute to this role and impact people with the Gospel. This opportunity is only possible through God's grace, and I am profoundly grateful for it."
Hager most recently served as CEO of American Financing and previously held the role of President of the Rocky Mountain Region for iHeartMedia. His radio career began in St. Louis, where he worked for Sinclair and CBS Radio, including as General Sales Manager for KMOX-AM and the Cardinals Baseball Radio Network. He later moved to Denver with Clear Channel/iHeartMedia, holding roles such as Sports Sales Director, General Sales Manager, and Senior Vice President of Sales.
"We are excited to welcome Tim Hager as Chief Operating Officer of Pillar Media," said Art Garza, Executive Director of Pillar Media. "His proven leadership in media, executive experience, and heart for ministry make him an ideal fit to help advance our mission."
Hager succeeds Dick Whitworth, who is retiring after 50 years in Christian radio. Whitworth's career included roles at New Life Media and Northwestern Media, and he spent the last five years at Pillar Media.
Hager will officially begin his new role on July 16 and will be based in Pillar Media's Aurora, Colorado office.
Quaid Lends Voice to Texas Hill Country Flood Relief
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | 5:57pm CT |
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Actor and musician Dennis Quaid has joined the Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) in supporting flood relief efforts across the Texas Hill Country by recording public service announcements (PSAs) aimed at driving awareness and aid.
A native Texan, Quaid responded to an invitation from TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris to participate in the campaign. His recorded messages were produced into 15- and 30-second PSAs by Ray Schilens of the Radio Lounge, and are now available for download and broadcast.
The announcements are part of a larger outreach effort hosted on the TRHOF website, where additional PSAs featuring other voice actors are also available. The initiative encourages listeners to support flood victims and aid recovery in the affected communities.
To hear the PSAs or learn how to help, visit here.
Americans Turning to Internet-Connected TVs for Audio
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | 11:13am CT |
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While television may no longer dominate media consumption the way it once did, new data shows that Americans are still engaging with their TVs -- just in different ways. According to Edison Research's Share of Ear study for Q2 2025, Americans age 13 and older now spend 6% of their daily audio listening time through internet-connected television devices.
Though this share remains far below that of mobile devices and traditional AM/FM radios, it reflects a shift in how TV sets are being used in the digital age. Internet-connected TVs, much like smartphones, offer a broad range of audio streaming options that go beyond video content.
The largest share of audio listening on connected TVs is spent watching music videos on YouTube, accounting for 53% of that time. Streaming music services such as Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music make up the second-largest category at 21%, followed by podcasts at 13%.
One notable finding is the relative strength of podcast consumption on connected TVs. The data shows that people are more likely to listen to podcasts on their smart TVs than on smart speakers -- 13% of TV audio time versus just 3% of smart speaker time -- highlighting the appeal of content that blends audio with visual elements.
As internet-connected TVs become more prevalent in U.S. households, their role in audio consumption is expected to grow, continuing to reshape how Americans interact with media in their living rooms.
WGN Radio Hosts Bob Sirott and John Landecker Reunite
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | 10:54am CT |
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WGN-AM/Chicago icons Bob Sirott and John Records Landecker are teaming up for a one-hour throwback to the 1970s, bringing decades of radio history and personal memories to the airwaves. The special segment, titled "For Radio Geeks Only," will air Thursday, July 10 from 8-9pm during the John Landecker Show on WGN Radio. The hour-long conversation will center around Sirott and Landecker's shared experiences as music DJs from 1973 to 1980.
"We played the hits and had more fun than humans should be allowed to have," said Sirott. "Besides the music, there were encounters with stars, personal appearances with fans and endless stories to go with it all."
Listeners are invited to join the nostalgia live by calling or texting 312-981-7200 during the broadcast. The show will also be available afterward as a podcast at wgnradio.com.
The segment promises behind-the-scenes stories, legendary moments from Chicago's radio heyday, and a celebration of the era that shaped both hosts' careers and influenced generations of broadcasters.
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