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Top Radio News
Mac Edwards to Step Down After 35 Years at Beasley
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 10:38am CT |
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Beasley Media Group Vice President and Charlotte Market Manager Mac Edwards will step down September 4, concluding a 35-year career with the company. Edwards, who oversees Beasley's six-station Charlotte cluster, joined the company in 1991 following three years with Beta Broadcasting in Austin. He began his Beasley career as an air personality and PD at WKML-FM in Fayetteville, NC, before becoming GM of WFLB-FM and WAZZ-AM in 1996.
He later served as Vice President of Operations for Beasley's Fayetteville properties and was named Vice President and Market Manager in 2007.
In 2016, Edwards was promoted to oversee Beasley's newly acquired Detroit cluster, which included WRIF-FM, WCSX-FM and WMGC-FM, later adding WDMK-FM and the Detroit Praise Network. He led the Detroit operation for six years before returning to North Carolina in 2022 to oversee the company's Charlotte stations.
Edwards is a five-time recipient of Beasley Media Group's Market Manager of the Year honor and has been a multiple-time finalist for Radio Ink's Radio Wayne Award for Best Manager. He has also served on executive committees for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, along with community and charitable organizations in the markets where he worked.
Returning to the Charlotte area had special significance for Edwards, who grew up in nearby Belmont, NC, and began his radio career while still in high school. "Beasley Media Group has been such an important part of my life and career journey," said Edwards. "I've had the privilege of working alongside some incredibly talented people, serving amazing communities, and helping grow iconic radio brands across the country."
Edwards said he plans to spend time with his family, including his two grandsons and a granddaughter on the way, before deciding on his next chapter. "Thirty-five years ago, I had the privilege of recruiting Mac Edwards to join Beasley Media Group, and it remains one of the best decisions we've ever made," said Beasley Chief Operating Officer Brian Beasley. "Throughout his remarkable career, Mac has been an outstanding leader, trusted colleague and tremendous ambassador for our company."
Beasley did not immediately announce a successor for Edwards in Charlotte.
The Diamond Launches on WLMZ-HD3 Wilkes Barre
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 2:10pm CT |
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The Diamond, an Internet-based Hip-Hop and R&B outlet serving Northeast Pennsylvania, has expanded to terrestrial radio with its launch on WLMZ-FM-HD3 (102.3) in Wilkes Barre. The independently operated station is marking its move to the HD Radio signal with 500 hours of commercial-free music.
Originally launched as a digital-first station, The Diamond was created to provide Northeast Pennsylvania with a dedicated Hip-Hop and R&B outlet while offering a platform for local artists, DJs and other voices from the region.
The station is positioning itself as "Where Hip-Hop Shines The Brightest." Its name is a reference to Wilkes-Barre's nickname, "The Diamond City."
"The Diamond was created with the vision to bring the culture to the 570," said owner Anthony Ruiz. "Getting onto a terrestrial signal is a huge milestone for us. We've built this from the ground up, and now we're excited to bring the station to an even larger audience across the region."
Programming will include contemporary Hip-Hop and R&B, specialty mixes, local music, interviews, entertainment and original programming.
The Diamond said it will also continue its focus on connecting local artists, businesses and community organizations with its audience as it expands its presence throughout the Wyoming Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania.
The Next Round Joins Clay Travis' Sport & State
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 10:46am CT |
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The Next Round, the Birmingham-based digital sports platform hosted by veteran broadcasters Jim Dunaway, Ryan Brown and Lance Taylor, will join Clay Travis' Sport & State national digital media network beginning August 24.
DBL Down Media announced the partnership as a three-year, multimillion-dollar agreement that will give The Next Round additional national distribution while allowing the program to continue operating from its Birmingham studios.
Dunaway, Brown and Taylor launched The Next Round in 2021 after leaving traditional radio. The trio previously worked together at Birmingham sports outlet WJOX, where their relationship with Travis dates back nearly two decades.
Under the new agreement, The Next Round will expand to four hours of live weekday programming from 9am-1pm CT across its existing platforms. Sport & State will distribute the first two hours, from 9-11am CT, providing the show with an additional national outlet.
The Next Round has built a sizable digital audience since becoming independent. According to DBL Down Media, the platform generated more than 240,000 YouTube views and 60,000 hours watched over the past 30 days, along with nearly 80,000 podcast downloads and millions of additional video views across social platforms.
"The Next Round has proven that a great live sports show doesn't have to be confined by a radio signal or a geographic market," said Bo O'Neal, President and General Manager of The Next Round. "What Jim, Ryan and Lance have built is pretty remarkable."
O'Neal said the partnership will not change the show's format or personality but will provide a larger platform for its content and advertising partners.
Travis, who has remained a regular guest on The Next Round, said the addition fits the network he is building around digital sports programming. "The Next Round Live is now going to be doing a new two-hour daily show for my new media company, Sport & State," said Travis, who recalled first appearing with Taylor on WJOX about 20 years ago.
The Next Round will continue to originate from Birmingham with Dunaway, Brown and Taylor maintaining the show's existing format and personality.
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Coleman Insights Sets Listener Truth Project Webinar
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11:21am CT |
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Coleman Insights will present "The Listener Truth Project," a new webinar examining what listeners think about radio and how they use the medium in 2026. The presentation, scheduled for Thursday, August 27 at 2pm ET, will feature candid interviews with 10 radio listeners from across the U.S. discussing their listening habits and perceptions of radio.
Originally presented at Morning Show Boot Camp 2026 in Cleveland, the project is designed to give radio professionals a look at the medium from the listener's perspective.
Coleman Insights Vice President and Consultant Jay Nachlis will examine what brings listeners to radio and what drives them away, as well as why they sometimes choose radio instead of streaming services.
The presentation will also explore listener opinions about programming and music, along with radio practices including contests and teases. Participants will additionally discuss their attitudes toward the use of artificial intelligence.
"This is an opportunity to hear how real listeners talk about radio in their own words," said Nachlis. "Set aside your assumptions and spend 45 minutes hearing them talk about what radio does right and what it can do better in great detail."
The 45-minute webinar begins at 2pm ET/11am PT on August 27.
Benztown Produces Frank Beard Audio Tribute
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11:08am CT |
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Benztown has produced a special audio tribute honoring longtime ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard, who died August 17 at the age of 77.
Beard died while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, TX, with family members at his side. The Texas native had been the drummer for ZZ Top for more than five decades, providing the rhythmic foundation for one of rock's most recognizable bands.
The Benztown tribute celebrates Beard's music, career and influence and is being made available to radio stations for use in programming commemorating his life. The piece is voiced by Darren Silva and was written and produced by Thomas Green.
Born June 11, 1949, in Frankston, TX, Beard joined ZZ Top shortly after the band's formation, along with bassist Dusty Hill. Beard and Hill had previously played together in several groups, including American Blues.
With guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons, the trio developed a distinctive blend of Texas blues, boogie and rock that produced such staples as "La Grange," "Tush," "Cheap Sunglasses" and "Tube Snake Boogie."
ZZ Top reached an even broader audience during the MTV era with the albums "Eliminator" and "Afterburner" and hits including "Gimme All Your Lovin'," "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs" and "Rough Boy." The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Beard had recently stepped away from ZZ Top's The Big One Tour because of health issues, with Michael Monahan filling in on drums. He had also temporarily left the road in 2025 because of an undisclosed medical issue.
Following Beard's death, ZZ Top canceled shows scheduled for August 18 and 19. The band plans to resume touring August 22-23 at ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, a venue described as one of Beard's favorites. Beard's death follows that of longtime ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill in 2021, leaving Gibbons as the sole surviving member of the trio's classic lineup.
Audacy Partners With MeidasTouch Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11:19am CT |
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Audacy has entered into a strategic partnership with the MeidasTouch Network that will make the company the independent media network's exclusive audio sales and distribution partner beginning September 1.
Under the agreement, Audacy will provide podcast hosting and advertising support while working with MeidasTouch to expand its podcast network. The companies also plan to explore additional audio opportunities, including traditional radio and emerging platforms.
Founded by brothers Ben, Brett and Jordan Meiselas, MeidasTouch has rapidly expanded its digital news and commentary operation. The brothers host "The MeidasTouch Podcast," which Audacy says ranks as the most downloaded and viewed podcast in the U.S. based on combined podcast downloads and YouTube views.
New episodes of "The MeidasTouch Podcast" are released Tuesday and Friday mornings, with additional breaking news updates posted throughout the day. The network's programming will continue to be available on YouTube following the move to Audacy.
"Our mission has always been to build the strongest independent news network in the country," said MeidasTouch co-founder Ben Meiselas. "Our partnership with Audacy significantly expands our podcast capabilities while strengthening our advertising operation as we continue growing the MeidasTouch Network."
Meiselas said the agreement is part of the network's broader strategy to invest in independent media, expand programming and increase its reach across platforms.
For Audacy, the addition expands its news and talk podcast portfolio while giving its advertising operation access to MeidasTouch's growing audience.
"What Ben, Brett, and Jordan have built is nothing short of a phenomenon -- a powerhouse in independent media with unmatched scale and audience engagement," said Audacy Head of Podcasts Leah Reis-Dennis.
Conservative Podcasts See Significant Audience Growth
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11:14am CT |
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The Megyn Kelly Show and The Shawn Ryan Show have more than doubled their weekly U.S. podcast audiences since late 2024, according to new data from Edison Research examining shifts among leading conservative podcasts ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Edison Podcast Metrics compared weekly audiences among U.S. consumers age 13 and older from the fourth quarter of 2024 with the second quarter of 2026. The analysis focused on conservative podcasts that had the largest weekly audiences in late 2024.
The Megyn Kelly Show posted the strongest growth among the measured programs, increasing its weekly audience by 115%. The Shawn Ryan Show followed closely with a 107% gain.
Several other conservative programs recorded more modest increases. The Tucker Carlson Show grew 13%, The Glenn Beck Program increased 11% and The Sean Hannity Show gained 5%.
Edison noted that comparable fourth-quarter 2024 data is not available for Candace Owens' newer program "Candace," although the company's latest measurements have documented significant audience growth since its launch.
Other prominent conservative podcasts have lost audience since the 2024 election cycle.
The Dan Bongino Show recorded the largest decline, falling 62%. Edison said the decrease can be partly attributed to Bongino's break from podcasting while serving as Deputy Director of the FBI.
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast declined 44%, while The Ben Shapiro Show dropped 19% and The Mark Levin Podcast decreased 16%.
The Matt Walsh Show was the only program in the group to remain unchanged, posting no percentage difference in weekly audience between the two measurement periods.
The findings come as candidates and political commentators begin ramping up media appearances ahead of the 2026 elections. Edison has previously tracked the role podcasts played in connecting voters with candidates during the 2024 presidential campaign and the 2025 elections in New York and New Jersey.
R Dub! Launches 'Greetings from Slowjamastan' Series
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 2:17pm CT |
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Radio veteran Randy "R Dub!" Williams is taking his self-declared Republic of Slowjamastan to the screen with the launch of a new unscripted comedy series, "Greetings from Slowjamastan." The series premieres Thursday, August 27 at 5pm PT on Slowjamastan State Television's YouTube channel, with new episodes scheduled each Thursday.
R Dub!, Vice President of Communications and Media for Z90 and Magic 92.5 in San Diego and creator and host of the syndicated "Sunday Night Slow Jams," stars as his alter ego, "The Sultan of Slowjamastan."
Radio veteran and consultant Tim Richards appears in the premiere episode, "Big Trouble in Little Slowjamastan." Richards finds himself caught up in the fictional nation's problems with local government authorities, including a visit from a county inspector who could interfere with the Sultan's plans.
"Radio has given me a career where I've been allowed to create ridiculous things for a living," said R Dub!. "This show is basically what happens when somebody makes the terrible decision to give a radio guy cameras, his own country, and no adult supervision."
R Dub! has spent more than three decades in radio as an air personality, programmer, executive and syndicated host. He launched "Sunday Night Slow Jams" in 1994, growing the program from a local Sunday night show into an internationally syndicated franchise.
His Slowjamastan project followed another unusual accomplishment. After visiting all 193 United Nations-recognized countries, a journey he completed in 2023, R Dub! decided to establish one of his own.
He purchased 11 acres in Imperial County, CA, and declared the Republic of Slowjamastan on December 1, 2021, naming himself Sultan. The micronation has since developed its own government, currency, passports, national anthem, officials and police and fire vehicles, along with laws banning such things as Crocs, mumble rap and putting feet on automobile dashboards.
"Greetings from Slowjamastan" follows R Dub! and Chief Porder Batrol Agent Mark Corona as they deal with the unusual challenges of operating a country that isn't officially recognized. The program combines elements of reality television, documentary and comedy.
The first season will also feature appearances by recording artists Jason Derulo, Frankie J and Ginuwine, along with radio personalities, political figures and other guests. Among the storylines is R Dub!'s effort to persuade Frankie J to perform Slowjamastan's national anthem.
Other episodes follow the micronation's efforts to gain international recognition, infiltrate a U.S. Border Patrol golf tournament, acquire additional territory and handle a variety of unlikely diplomatic crises.
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Disney, ABC Sue FCC Over Early License Renewals
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 2:42pm CT |
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The Walt Disney Co. and ABC have filed a federal lawsuit against the FCC seeking to halt an accelerated license renewal process for eight ABC-owned television stations, alleging the agency is using its regulatory authority to retaliate against the network over its programming and editorial decisions.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, asks for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction preventing the FCC from proceeding with the early renewals. The stations' licenses ordinarily would not begin coming up for renewal until 2028, but the Commission ordered all eight stations to submit applications years ahead of schedule.
ABC contends the action is part of what it calls a "retaliatory campaign" by the Trump administration because of disagreement with the network's programming. The complaint points to government criticism of ABC programs including "The View" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" as well as the network's decision not to broadcast President Donald Trump's July 16 primetime address on its television network.
The FCC has separately examined whether "The View" qualifies as a bona fide news program for purposes of the agency's political equal-opportunities rules. The proceeding followed an appearance by James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas. ABC maintains that treating the program differently would reverse decades of FCC precedent.
According to the lawsuit, ABC has responded to more than 600 FCC requests and produced more than 13,000 pages of documents during the agency's investigations. The network argues that the underlying target is not its employment practices or individual programming decisions, but the content of its broadcasts.
An FCC spokesperson defended the agency's actions, saying broadcasters have a legal obligation to operate in the public interest and that the Commission has been examining allegations that Disney engaged in illegal DEI discrimination for more than a year.
"Disney is obviously very concerned about the FCC's proceeding," the spokesperson said, adding that the Commission "will continue to follow the facts and law wherever they lead."
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the Commission's lone Democrat, supported the legal challenge, saying she has urged companies to push back against what she characterized as government intimidation and overreach.
"For months, the FCC has waged a campaign of censorship and control against Disney's ABC stations, using the threat of broadcast license revocations to punish a company for speech this administration doesn't like. I have long called on companies to push back against this kind of government intimidation, and I'm glad Disney has shown courage and stepped up. This should be a welcome sign for every broadcaster who has felt the weight of this overreaching government pressure in silence," wrote Gomez in a statement.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has previously rejected claims that the early renewals amount to retaliation. Carr has said broadcasters using the public airwaves must comply with public-interest obligations and has questioned whether "The View" continues to qualify for the news-program exemption based on a 2002 FCC staff decision.
The lawsuit asks the court to immediately prevent the FCC from taking or threatening action against the eight stations in connection with the accelerated renewal proceedings. ABC argues that allowing the process to continue could subject the stations to prolonged and costly proceedings or potentially threaten their ability to remain on the air.
Aiir Scheduler Adds Automatic Music Log Scheduling
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 11:03am CT |
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Aiir has added automatic music log scheduling and exporting to Aiir Scheduler, its web-based music scheduling platform, allowing radio stations to generate and deliver music logs to their playout systems without daily staff intervention.
The new functionality enables stations to automatically create and export as many as 30 days of music logs at once. Stations can establish recurring schedules using their existing programming rules and music categories, while making changes to those settings as needed.
Aiir said the feature is designed to reduce the repetitive work traditionally associated with daily music scheduling and make it easier for broadcasters to launch additional stations or brand extensions without adding scheduling personnel.
Logs can be exported to multiple radio automation platforms, including PlayoutONE, Zetta, WideOrbit and ENCO DAD. Delivery options include direct API integration, Dropbox or the Aiir Connect application, which places log files into a designated folder for import by a station's automation system.
"As a software company, our goal has always been to make creating radio simple," said Aiir CEO Ricki Lee. "Music scheduling has always been one of the most important tasks for radio programmers, but it's traditionally been time-consuming and repetitive."
Lee said the automated scheduling and exporting capability gives stations of varying sizes the ability to add new services without requiring additional resources.
The Yacht Club Adds First International Affiliate
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 11:07am CT |
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"The Yacht Club with Meredith Marx" is expanding its affiliate roster, adding several U.S. stations along with its first international outlet in the Cayman Islands.
Recent additions to the three-hour weekly Yacht Rock program include WEBR Niagara Falls/Buffalo, NY; WGFT Youngstown, OH; WFRT/WKYL Frankfort, KY; KUOL Elko, NV; and Rewind 94.9 in the Cayman Islands.
The expansion brings "The Yacht Club" to 16 affiliates nationally while the addition of Rewind 94.9 marks the show's first move into an international market.
Hosted and executive produced by Meredith Marx, the program features Yacht Rock hits from the 1970s and '80s along with deeper tracks, artist interviews and nostalgic elements including classic television themes. Regular features include "Fresh Catch," spotlighting new music from Yacht Rock artists, and "Blast from the Past," revisiting memorable moments from the era.
"Building this show from a 2 hour sail on 1 station in Baltimore to now a 3 hour sail on 16 stations nationally has been a true labor of love," said Marx. "Now bringing it to an International level is beyond my wildest dreams."
Marx said the show seeks to go beyond playing familiar Yacht Rock titles by telling the stories behind the music and incorporating interviews and appearances from the artists.
Compass Media Cayman Islands Operations Manager Clarence "Stick" Day said the program complements Rewind 94.9's weekend programming and Grand Cayman's boating culture. "We're thrilled to welcome The Yacht Club to the REWIND 94.9 Grand Cayman weekend lineup," said Day. "Captain Meredith is the perfect host to set sail with, bringing the right mix of personality, island spirit, and love for the Cayman boating lifestyle."
Seven Mountains Media Chief Programming Officer JC Burton said the show fits his company's classic hits programming while offering something different for listeners. WEBR Program Director Frank Miller similarly cited Marx's presentation, music knowledge and artist interviews as reasons for adding the program to the station's Friday night lineup.
''Scam Goddess'' Joins iHeart, Big Money Players
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 2:21pm CT |
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Comedy podcast "Scam Goddess" is joining iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell's Big Money Players podcast network while expanding into full-length video episodes for the first time.
Hosted by comedian Laci Mosley, "Scam Goddess" explores fraud, scams, robberies, rackets and other schemes with a comedic approach the show describes as "True Con." The podcast will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and remain available across major podcast platforms.
The first full-length video episode premieres Tuesday, August 18 at 12pm PT on YouTube. "F.R.A.U.D. is Dope the Jonathan Dupiton Con with Langston Kerman" features comedian and "My Momma Told Me" host Langston Kerman discussing AI advertising, social media content and merchandise connected to Jonathan Dupiton and his "Rich and Unemployed" podcast.
New episodes of "Scam Goddess" will be released each Tuesday, with classic episodes re-released on Fridays.
The addition to Big Money Players marks another step in the growth of "Scam Goddess," which was named one of TIME Magazine's 10 Best Podcasts of 2022. The franchise has since expanded into a bestselling book, a Hulu television series and a sold-out national live tour.
Mosley, whose television credits include "A Black Lady Sketch Show," "iCarly" and "Going Dutch," examines both current scams and notable cons from history. Previous guests have included Conan O'Brien, Miranda Cosgrove, Jameela Jamil, Lamorne Morris, Ayo Edebiri, Gayle King, Nicole Byer and Matt Rogers.
"Scam Goddess" is available through Big Money Players beginning Tuesday and can be heard on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms.
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Cox Urges FCC to Ease Local Radio Ownership Rules
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 17, 2026 | 3:26pm CT |
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Cox Media Group is urging the FCC to eliminate or significantly reform its local radio ownership limits, arguing that the regulations no longer reflect the competitive environment facing broadcasters.
CMG Radio President Rob Babin, Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel Alysia Long and Corporate Counsel Taylor Lamb met separately on August 11 with staff representing FCC Commissioners Olivia Trusty and Anna Gomez as part of the Commission's pending 2022 Quadrennial Review of its local radio ownership rules.
According to ex parte notices filed with the FCC, the CMG executives met with Trusty Senior Legal Advisor Marcus Maher and Gomez Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor Deena Shetler.
CMG argued that the existing radio ownership restrictions are remnants of a substantially different media marketplace and no longer reflect the competition local radio broadcasters face. The company pointed to streaming audio, podcasts, satellite radio, social media and major digital advertising platforms as competitors that operate without comparable structural ownership restrictions.
The broadcaster also told the FCC that what it described as an imbalance between legacy regulation and today's competitive marketplace is limiting local radio companies' ability to grow audiences and attract advertising.
CMG argued that those pressures can also affect broadcasters' ability to maintain local programming, emergency coverage and other community investments. It cited the movement of advertising dollars toward digital platforms with potentially unlimited reach as another reason for the Commission to reconsider the ownership rules.
CMG ultimately called on the FCC to either eliminate or substantially reform the local radio ownership restrictions, saying changes would allow broadcasters to compete on more even terms with digital and other audio platforms.
The meetings come as the FCC continues its 2022 Quadrennial Review, which includes consideration of the Commission's local radio ownership rules.
Alissa Pollack Named President of Mediabase
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 17, 2026 | 2:12pm CT |
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RCS Worldwide has promoted Alissa Pollack to President of Mediabase, expanding her leadership responsibilities across the music data and analytics company. Pollack will retain her current role as President of Global Music Marketing at iHeartMedia while leading Mediabase's strategic direction, global expansion, product innovation and commercial growth.
In her new role, Pollack will oversee efforts to expand Mediabase beyond its airplay charts into a broader global music intelligence platform serving record labels, broadcasters, artists, managers, publishers, streaming platforms, agencies and brands.
Pollack has spent much of her career developing music data and analytics platforms, multi-platform marketing programs and artist-brand partnerships. Her work has focused on combining music intelligence with audience data to help labels, broadcasters and advertisers measure performance and develop marketing strategies.
"Alissa has spent her career at the intersection of music, data, and relationships, which is exactly where Mediabase lives," said RCS Worldwide CEO and President Susan Larkin. "This promotion is a recognition of everything she has already built and a reflection of our confidence in where she will take Mediabase next."
Pollack said her Mediabase and iHeartMedia responsibilities complement one another through their shared emphasis on using data and insights to guide industry decisions.
"Mediabase has earned its reputation as the gold standard in music data, and I see an incredible opportunity to build on that legacy by expanding our global reach and delivering intelligence that helps our partners not just discover what's happening now but shapes what happens next," she said.
As one of her first initiatives, Pollack said Mediabase is making more of its chart data publicly available through its updated website. The Top 50 charts across every format in the U.S. and Canada are now available to music fans, artists and industry professionals.
Study: AM/FM Radio Adds Reach Across Media Plans
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 17, 2026 | 2:18pm CT |
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AM/FM radio can generate significant incremental audience reach when added to digital, social media and television advertising campaigns, according to an analysis of new data from MRI-Simmons, Edison Research and Nielsen.
The findings are examined by Cumulus Media and Westwood One Audio Active Group Chief Insights Officer Pierre Bouvard, who argues that mass reach remains one of the primary drivers of advertising effectiveness and brand growth.
According to Nielsen, Edison and MRI-Simmons data cited in the analysis, AM/FM radio is the leading mass-reach medium among adults 25-54. Nielsen's Q1 2026 Audience Insights report also shows radio reaching 81% of adults 18-34 weekly, placing it ahead of other measured media among the demographic.
MRI-Simmons' Spring 2026 study indicates radio can also expand the audience reached by social media campaigns. Adding AM/FM radio produces a 34% incremental reach increase to Facebook, a 60% increase to Instagram and 2.1 times the reach of TikTok alone.
Similar results were found for YouTube, with MRI-Simmons reporting that adding AM/FM radio to a YouTube media plan generates a 46% lift in incremental reach.
Bouvard also points to Edison Research's Q2 2026 "Share of Ear" study to illustrate the difference between digital and broadcast audio reach. According to the analysis, the combined daily reach of ad-supported Pandora and Spotify among adults 18 is 12%. Adding podcasts increases digital audio's combined reach to 32%.
When AM/FM radio is added, the combined net daily audio reach climbs to 72%, more than twice that of digital audio alone. Radio reaches an additional 40% of Americans who are not reached by digital audio on a typical day, according to the analysis.
Radio also provides incremental reach when combined with television. Nielsen's Q1 2026 Audience Insights data indicates adding AM/FM radio increases TV reach by 23% among adults 18 , with the gains becoming larger among younger demographics.
Among adults 25-54, adding radio increases TV reach by 32%, while the lift reaches 45% among adults 18-49 and 65% among adults 18-34.
Bouvard says the findings reinforce marketing research that emphasizes reaching broad groups of category buyers rather than relying heavily on frequency or narrowly targeted audiences. The strategy is designed to build "mental availability," or the likelihood that consumers will remember and consider a brand when making a purchase.
The analysis concludes that AM/FM radio's broad reach allows it to complement digital audio, social media, YouTube and television campaigns by reaching consumers those platforms miss.
Read the full Audio Active Group blog here.
Bobby Bones to Host 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Ceremony
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 17, 2026 | 10:59am CT |
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The Museum of Broadcast Communications has named Bobby Bones as Master of Ceremonies for the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony, set for October 8 in Chicago. Bones, who was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2017, will host the 38th annual ceremony at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. The event will honor the Radio Hall of Fame's 2026 class of inductees.
Bones hosts the nationally syndicated "The Bobby Bones Show" for iHeartMedia and "Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast" on Netflix. His radio career began while he was in college, with stops in pop, hip-hop and sports radio before he eventually moved into the Country format.
"The Bobby Bones Night Show" launched in Little Rock in 2002 before Bones moved to Austin in 2003, where the program became a top-rated morning show. Originally syndicated in the CHR format, the show transitioned to Country in 2013. A year later, Bones received the Academy of Country Music Award for National On-Air Personality of the Year.
Now based in Nashville, "The Bobby Bones Show" has grown into one of Country radio's most prominent nationally syndicated morning programs. Outside radio, Bones has worked as a stand-up comedian, author, recording artist, television personality and philanthropist.
"Bobby Bones is one of radio's most dynamic personalities, and we're thrilled to have both his love of radio and passion for our industry on full display as this year's Master of Ceremonies for the Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony," said Radio Hall of Fame Co-Chair Dennis Green.
Co-Chair Kraig T. Kitchin added, "Bobby Bones brings a level of excitement and enthusiasm for radio wherever he goes and whenever he speaks. I'm thrilled he's agreed to bring his energy to this year's Induction Ceremony and Celebration."
Tickets for the October 8 ceremony are now on sale through the Radio Hall of Fame.
Westwood One Launches The Bongino Report PM
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 17, 2026 | 11:05am CT |
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Westwood One will launch "The Bongino Report PM with Dan Bongino (pictured) and Shawn Farash," a new nationally syndicated three-hour weekday radio program, on Monday, August 24. The show will air weekdays from 3-6pm ET, combining a live first hour hosted by Farash with two hours featuring Bongino. The program will focus on breaking news, politics, current events, culture and other topics driving the national conversation.
Farash will host the opening hour live, offering reaction to the day's headlines, listener interaction and commentary. Bongino will take over for hours two and three with his analysis and perspective on political and cultural issues.
The new program marks Bongino's return to Westwood One and expands the syndicator's spoken-word lineup with a new offering targeted to afternoon drive.
"I'm excited to partner with Shawn to bring listeners a daily program focused on the stories that matter most," said Bongino. "Our goal is simple: deliver honest analysis and keep our audience informed and engaged. Radio remains one of the most powerful ways to connect directly with people, and I'm excited to be back on Westwood One!"
Farash called the show "an incredible opportunity" to connect with listeners nationwide. "Working alongside Dan and the team at Westwood One allows us to bring a fresh, energetic approach to afternoons while staying focused on the stories our audience cares about most."
Westwood One President Collin Jones said the pairing creates a new destination for afternoon radio.
"Dan Bongino and Shawn Farash each bring a passionate following, and we are thrilled to offer affiliates a dynamic program that delivers timely content and engages listeners in afternoon drive," Jones said.
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