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Katz: Radio Well Positioned for America250 Celebration
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:07pm CT |
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Katz Radio Group says America's 250th anniversary presents a unique opportunity for radio broadcasters and advertisers to connect with audiences as the nation prepares for the Semiquincentennial in 2026.
In its latest Sound Answers blog, Katz says the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is expected to become one of the year's defining cultural moments, bringing together concerts, parades, historical programming, civic celebrations, sporting events and tourism initiatives in communities across the country.
Consumer interest is already high. Citing Mintel research, Katz says 82% of U.S. internet users age 18 and older planned to celebrate America's 250th anniversary as of late 2025, while 75% hoped the milestone could help unite Americans after years of political division.
The company says radio's local presence gives broadcasters a significant advantage as communities organize anniversary-related events. Stations are expected to expand Fourth of July celebrations into America250 campaigns, produce live broadcasts from parades, fairs and concerts, partner with tourism organizations and chambers of commerce, and create countdown promotions leading up to the anniversary.
Broadcasters have already begun launching America250-themed initiatives, including year-long programming focused on American history, civic pride and community storytelling. Katz points to projects such as Beasley Media Group's "Community of Caring - America 250 Series," Connoisseur Media's "Radio Makes It Real" campaign, Cumulus Media's "250 Flags" initiative and iHeartMedia's "America's Block Party" as examples of how stations are blending national themes with local engagement.
Katz also highlights the role of radio personalities, noting that audiences often turn to familiar local voices during major national events. According to MRI-Simmons data cited in the report, 61% of heavy radio listeners agree that loving their country and being willing to make sacrifices for it is very important, creating a natural fit for programming centered on community, heritage and service.
The blog concludes that while America250 is a nationwide celebration, its success will largely be driven by local experiences at museums, historical sites, parks and community events. Katz says radio's combination of reach, trust and community involvement uniquely positions the medium to connect audiences with those celebrations through on-air programming, digital content, social media and live events.
Read the entire article here.
Gomez Blasts FCC's Handling of News Distortion Petition
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:18pm CT |
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FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez is criticizing the agency's handling of a petition seeking to repeal the Commission's news distortion policy, arguing the matter should have been decided by a vote of the full Commission rather than through an unpublished staff letter.
In a delayed dissent released Wednesday, Gomez said the FCC's use of delegated authority to summarily dismiss the petition shields the agency's actions from judicial review because only final Commission actions can be appealed.
The petition, filed in November 2025 by a bipartisan group of former FCC officials and others, sought repeal of the Commission's news distortion policy. After the petitioners filed for a writ of mandamus in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, the FCC responded by including an unpublished letter from the Acting Chief of the Media Bureau dismissing the petition on procedural grounds.
The dismissal concluded the filing was not properly brought under the Commission's rules governing petitions for special relief, finding the petitioners had failed to present their request in a procedurally cognizable manner.
Gomez contended the Commission has increasingly used its regulatory authority "as a cudgel against broadcasters whose coverage it dislikes rather than as a neutral enforcement tool." She argued license renewals and merger reviews have been used as leverage over editorial decisions and claimed the FCC has revived infrequently used authorities, including its news distortion policy, in ways that create a chilling effect on broadcasters.
According to Gomez, broadcasters have asked her office what subjects are now considered too risky to cover, which she said "should never need to be asked in a country with a First Amendment." She also criticized the decision to resolve the petition through an unpublished Media Bureau letter instead of a public Commission vote.
While acknowledging that her dissent would not change the outcome of the petition, Gomez said she stands ready to vote on a Commission order addressing the issues raised so the matter can proceed to a final, appealable decision and receive judicial review without unnecessary delay.
Trusty Urges FCC to Strengthen Local Broadcasting
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:11pm CT |
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FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty called on the Commission to modernize its policies to help local broadcasters compete in today's media marketplace while reaffirming that serving the public interest remains the foundation of every broadcast license.
Speaking at the 2026 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Trusty framed her remarks around what she called the search for the "angel of the public interest," borrowing from a 1998 speech by former FCC Chairman Michael Powell. She argued that broadcasters themselves can fulfill that role by delivering trusted local news, emergency information and community service, provided the FCC creates a regulatory framework that allows them to thrive.
Trusty said the Communications Act establishes clear public interest obligations for broadcasters, including localism, political equal opportunities, emergency alerts, sponsorship identification, public inspection files and prohibitions against practices such as news distortion, payola and broadcast hoaxes. She emphasized that these responsibilities distinguish broadcasters from streaming services, podcasts and other digital platforms that do not operate under the same statutory requirements.
She said the FCC must continually review its regulations to ensure they reflect today's competitive environment, citing broadcast ownership rules, the transition to ATSC 3.0 and broader regulatory modernization as areas requiring careful attention. Trusty added that broadcasters' public interest obligations justify policies that help them remain viable in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Addressing the Commission's long-standing goals of competition, diversity of voices and localism, Trusty said the explosion of digital media has dramatically changed the competitive landscape while making local broadcasting's community focus more valuable than ever. She said local news, weather and sports remain broadcasters' competitive advantage because stations understand their communities better than national or global media platforms.
Trusty also expressed concern over the migration of sports programming to streaming services behind paywalls. She noted that more than 8,000 comments have been filed at the FCC regarding the issue, with the overwhelming majority favoring continued access to sports through free over-the-air broadcasting. She argued that sports programming not only serves the public interest by remaining universally available, but also helps generate the advertising revenue that supports local news and other community programming.
The commissioner highlighted broadcasters' role in public safety, pointing to their performance during severe weather, Emergency Alert System operations and emerging ATSC 3.0 technologies, including Broadcast Positioning System capabilities and enhanced emergency alerts. She also cited local stations' mental health awareness campaigns and community service initiatives as examples of broadcasters fulfilling their public interest mission.
Trusty acknowledged the financial pressures facing the industry, noting that more than half of local television newsrooms reportedly are unprofitable on a stand-alone basis. She said broadcasters also face growing challenges from AI-generated misinformation circulating on social media, making strong local journalism and sustainable business models increasingly important.
Concluding her remarks, Trusty said broadcasters can become the "angels of the public interest" by continuing to provide trusted information, local connection and community service, while the FCC works to ensure they can compete on a level playing field and continue meeting their longstanding obligations to the public
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Rock 30 Countdown Marks 26 Years on the Air
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:37pm CT |
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Compass Media Networks' nationally syndicated Rock 30 Countdown is celebrating its 26th anniversary this weekend, with host LA Lloyd marking more than two decades of delivering the latest rock hits to stations across the country. The anniversary edition airs July 4-5 and commemorates the show's launch in 2000.
"When I launched Rock 30 back in 2000, my goal was simple: to create something rock fans could call their own," Lloyd said. "Twenty-six years later, thanks to Compass Media Networks, our affiliate stations, the artists, record labels and, most importantly, the listeners, that dream is still going strong. As always, thank you for your continued support and for everything you do for Rock 30."
The weekly countdown has become a longtime fixture on rock radio, showcasing the genre's biggest songs while featuring artist interviews, behind-the-scenes stories and industry news.
Compass Media Networks says stations interested in carrying Rock 30 Countdown can contact Doug Ingold for affiliation information.
Michael Cohen Lands Weekly Show on WABC Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:31pm CT |
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Michael Cohen, the former personal attorney and longtime adviser to President Donald Trump, is joining WABC Radio with a new weekly talk show that will focus on politics, power and his firsthand experiences at the center of some of the nation's biggest political controversies.
When You Know... You Know premieres Sunday, July 12, at 5pm ET on WABC-AM/New York. The one-hour program will feature Cohen's commentary on politics, the justice system and current events, drawing on his experience as Trump's former attorney, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and later as a federal inmate.
The radio show will be accompanied by a weekly podcast, When You Know... You Know Unleashed, debuting Tuesdays. Red Apple Media says the podcast will expand on topics discussed on the radio program with an uncensored format.
"My sources tell me that the sources being used by others are bullsh*t!" Cohen said in announcing the new venture.
Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis said Cohen brings a unique perspective to the station's lineup.
"Michael has lived through events most people only read about," Catsimatidis said. "I'm interested to see what listeners think as the layers beneath the headlines unfold and reality is exposed."
WABC Radio President Chad Lopez said listeners of all political affiliations will find the program compelling.
"In the short time I've spent with Michael and gotten to know him, these stories will have listeners laughing one minute, stunned the next, but always engaged," Lopez said. "Republican, Democrat, and Independent, listeners will be drawn to When You Know... You Know."
Cohen said he chose WABC Radio after being approached by several radio and television outlets because he wanted a platform that would allow him to express his views freely.
The program will feature guests from politics, media, entertainment, law enforcement, business and other fields. Cohen joins a WABC lineup that includes John Catsimatidis, Sid Rosenberg, Anthony Cumia, Larry Kudlow, Greg Kelly, Roger Stone, Rita Cosby, James Golden, Joe Concha, Dominic Carter, Mark Levin, Brian Kilmeade and Walter Sterling.
Walnut Media Revives WOW on Omaha's AM 590
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 2:51pm CT |
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Walnut Media has acquired Sports KXSP-AM (590)/Omaha and will relaunch the station as AM 590 WOW, restoring the legendary WOW call letters to the market while expanding the locally owned company's radio portfolio. The rebrand takes effect July 6, when the 5kW outlet will debut a full-service sports format featuring ESPN programming, local sports talk and expanded coverage of University of Nebraska athletics.
Following FCC approval Walnut Media will restore the historic WOW call letters to the 590 AM frequency. Originally assigned in 1926, the call sign returns during its 100th anniversary year, making WOW one of Nebraska's oldest radio outlets.
"This is an incredibly exciting moment for our company and for sports fans across the region," said Walnut Media President Patrick Combs. "We are proud to add this historic signal to our group and are excited to offer not only top-notch sports content, but also give Husker fans a powerful regional signal."
Beginning this fall, AM 590 WOW will become the Omaha metro's new flagship for Husker Athletics, carrying football game-day coverage, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, baseball and Sports Nightly. Walnut Media said the station's enhanced signal will improve coverage for Nebraska fans across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.
"Walnut Media's commitment to local broadcasting and regional sports coverage makes them an outstanding partner for Husker Athletics," said Brandon Meier, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Media. "The enhanced reach and signal strength of AM 590 will provide tremendous value to Nebraska fans across the region."
The weekday lineup will combine ESPN's national personalities with local sports programming.
Walnut Media Vice Chair Nick Seline said the acquisition strengthens the company's ability to serve both listeners and advertisers. "We are pleased to add one of the largest and most historic stations in the Midwest to our growing media family," he said. "This investment will give us added ability to serve both our listeners and our advertisers."
Heather Lomagistro Named Florida Broadcasters CEO
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 2:39pm CT |
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The Florida Association of Broadcasters (FAB) has named Heather Lomagistro President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1. She succeeds longtime leader Pat Roberts, who transitions to the role of President Emeritus after nearly four decades at the helm of the organization.
Lomagistro most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In her new role, she will oversee the Association as it continues representing Florida's radio and television broadcasters before state and federal lawmakers, the FCC and emergency management agencies.
Roberts joined FAB as a consultant in 1987 and became president the following year. During his tenure, he helped establish the Association as one of the nation's leading state broadcast organizations. According to FAB, his nearly 40 years of service make him the longest-serving president of any state broadcasters association in the country.
"Leading FAB has been the honor of my career, and it is a place I will always champion," Roberts said. "What I'll carry with me isn't any one fight we won - it's the people, the stations, and the communities they serve. Entrusting it to Heather makes this transition an easy one. FAB is in better hands than ever."
As President Emeritus, Roberts will remain in an advisory and advocacy role to support the leadership transition.
Lomagistro said she plans to build on the Association's foundation while preparing it for the future. "FAB is strong because of its people - the best Executive Committee, Board, and staff anywhere," she said. "My focus is on protecting what makes us special, sharpening how we operate, and making sure we are ready for whatever the future of broadcasting brings - with Florida's broadcasters at the center of everything we do."
FAB Chairman John Soapes praised Roberts' legacy and expressed confidence in Lomagistro's leadership. "Pat has served FAB as a visionary leader, making this Association a best-in-class organization," Soapes said. "Heather is the right leader for FAB's next chapter. She has earned our confidence, understands the needs of our members, and has the vision and ability to lead this Association forward."
Immediate Past Chairman Lara Kunkler added that Lomagistro possesses the operational expertise and strategic vision needed to guide the Association into its next phase.
On-Demand Audio Now Accounts for Majority of Listening
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 11:07am CT |
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On-demand audio platforms now account for the majority of Americans' audio listening time, according to the latest Share of Ear data from Edison Research.
The study finds that 56% of all time spent with audio in 2026 is now devoted to on-demand sources, including streaming music services and podcasts, surpassing traditional linear platforms such as AM/FM radio and satellite radio.
Edison says the shift has been one of the most consistent long-term trends tracked by Share of Ear. When the study launched, linear audio accounted for the clear majority of listening. It took eight years for on-demand platforms to catch up, with the two categories reaching parity in 2023.
Since then, on-demand listening has continued to expand its lead. Edison notes that the current 12-point advantage for on-demand audio mirrors the 12-point lead linear audio held in 2020, three years before the two categories converged.
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Colorado Public Radio Adds Four to Board
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 11:01am CT |
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Colorado Public Radio (CPR) has elected four new members to its Board of Directors and approved its Fiscal Year 2027 work plan and budget during its June 17 board meeting, ahead of the new fiscal year that began July 1. Joining the board are Chris Castilian, Jessica Cavens, Noelle Hagan and Chris Jensen, whose terms officially began at the conclusion of the meeting.
Board Chair Lori Bergen said the new directors bring a broad range of experience that will help guide the organization's future. "I'm excited to welcome these accomplished leaders to CPR's board as we continue to define the future of this organization and serve communities across Colorado," Bergen said. "Each brings valuable experience and perspective that will help guide CPR through its next chapter."
Castilian has spent more than two decades in public affairs, public policy, higher education and nonprofit leadership, including leading Great Outdoors Colorado through a $370 million strategic plan. Cavens is a senior energy executive with more than 25 years of experience in operations, infrastructure, marketing and corporate strategy, and has served in leadership roles with industry organizations and federal advisory committees.
Hagan brings three decades of experience in organizational consulting, strategic planning and public service, including two terms as mayor of Montrose, CO. Jensen is a commercial executive, investor and advisor who previously served as Chief Revenue Officer at Ibotta, helping lead the company through its public listing on the New York Stock Exchange, and is principal of Joyride Ventures.
The board also confirmed its officers for Fiscal Year 2027, with Bergen continuing as chair. Ricardo Baca will serve as vice chair, Jeff Tieman as treasurer and Deidre Johnson as secretary.
In addition, the board recognized the service of outgoing members Rishi Hingoraney, Robert Moore, Andra Zeppelin, Nelson Hioe, Adrian Miller and Jay Rolls, thanking them for their leadership and contributions to Colorado Public Radio.
Cox Media Group Names Bortnick VP of Local Revenue
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 3:12pm CT |
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Cox Media Group (CMG) has appointed Danny Bortnick as Vice President, Local Revenue and Client Growth for its radio division, a newly created leadership role focused on strengthening client partnerships and driving local revenue growth. He joins the company on July 13.
Bortnick will partner with CMG Radio market leaders and sales managers to grow local revenue while working with cross-functional teams to align client engagement and revenue strategies. His responsibilities also include enhancing CMG Radio's client-first sales organization, advancing sales enablement initiatives, and ensuring consistent execution across the company's markets.
"Daniel is a results-driven revenue leader with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and driving revenue growth across multiple platforms," said Rob Babin, President of CMG Radio. "His ability to connect strategy to execution and foster trusted partnerships with clients makes him the right leader to help take CMG Radio's local revenue performance to the next level."
Bortnick brings more than 20 years of sales leadership experience with major media companies, including iHeartMedia and CBS Radio. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales for Hubbard Radio and 2060 Digital in West Palm Beach, where he oversaw revenue strategy across multiple stations while rebuilding the sales team and implementing new tools to modernize the company's local market approach.
"I'm honored to join the CMG family under Rob Babin's leadership, and I'm excited to help accelerate local revenue growth across the organization," Bortnick said. "Local media plays an essential role in every marketer's strategy, and CMG Radio's brands deliver measurable impact for our clients. I look forward to partnering with our talented teams across the country to continue building lasting client relationships, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional results."
Study: AM/FM Dominates Audio Among Tesla Drivers
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 11:16am CT |
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New research from Cumulus Media | Westwood One's Audio Active Group finds AM/FM radio remains the dominant ad-supported audio platform among Tesla drivers, reinforcing radio's value for automakers seeking to retain loyal customers and attract drivers from competing brands.
In this week's blog, Pierre Bouvard cites new first-quarter 2026 data from Edison Research's Share of Ear study showing Tesla owners spend 67% of their in-car ad-supported audio listening time with AM/FM radio. Across all listening locations-including home, work, the car, and elsewhere-AM/FM radio accounts for a 47% share of Tesla drivers' ad-supported audio time, well ahead of podcasts (36%), ad-supported Pandora (8%), SiriusXM (5%), Spotify (3%), and other platforms.
The report notes Tesla's brand loyalty remains among the strongest in the automotive industry. According to S&P Mobility, 61.1% of Tesla owners purchase another Tesla, exceeding Subaru (60.5%), Toyota (59.9%), and the U.S. automotive industry average of 52.7%. As a result, Bouvard argues that media plans aimed at current Tesla owners should prioritize the platforms they use most.
The study also points to AM/FM radio's strength in reaching prospective Tesla buyers. Among all drivers, AM/FM radio commands an 83% share of in-car ad-supported audio listening, making it an effective medium for reaching owners of competitive automotive brands. Across all listening environments, AM/FM radio captures a 64% share of ad-supported audio among drivers of competing brands.
Additional findings from MRI-Simmons Winter 2026 research indicate heavy AM/FM radio listeners are among the most likely consumers to be in the market for a vehicle. AM/FM radio ranks first in purchase intent for trucks, SUVs, and hybrid/electric vehicles, while also posting strong results for new vehicle purchases overall, used vehicles, sedans, and minivans.
Read the entire Westwood One blog post here.
Coleman Insights to Study Public Radio Underwriting
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 3:31pm CT |
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Coleman Insights, in collaboration with Greater Public, will launch a new qualitative research project examining the evolving landscape of public radio underwriting during next week's Public Media Growth Conference in Chicago.
The study, entitled "The State of Public Radio Underwriting," will explore the challenges, opportunities, and changing realities facing underwriting and sponsorship sales professionals at public radio stations across the country. Researchers will recruit participants at the conference, with one-on-one online interviews scheduled following the event.
The research will include underwriting professionals representing a variety of station sizes, market types, and organizational roles. Interview topics will include revenue growth, advertiser expectations, competitive pressures, audience trends, sales effectiveness, team structure, training, audience measurement, and the growing role of digital sponsorship opportunities.
"The underwriting environment is evolving quickly, and stations need a clearer understanding of both the pressures and the possibilities in front of them," said Warren Kurtzman, President of Coleman Insights. "This study is intended to surface practical insights that can help public radio organizations strengthen underwriting performance and build sustainable revenue growth."
The findings will be unveiled first in an exclusive webinar this fall presented jointly by Coleman Insights and Greater Public.
Conference attendees can learn more about the study and volunteer to participate by visiting Coleman Insights at Booth 22 during the Public Media Growth Conference, scheduled for July 8-10 at the Hilton Chicago.
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StreamGuys Restores Live Radio at Bats Games
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 3:17pm CT |
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StreamGuys has deployed its Ultra-Low Latency Streaming (ULLS) technology for the Louisville Bats, restoring a longtime baseball tradition by allowing fans at Louisville Slugger Field to hear the team's live radio broadcast in sync with the on-field action.
The Louisville Bats, the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds, adopted the technology after fans complained that broadcast delays of 10 to 20 seconds made it impossible to follow games in real time. The delays were introduced through modern broadcast distribution systems and digital processing, affecting even traditional AM radio broadcasts after a corporate-mandated delay was added to the team's flagship station.
"We heard from a lot of fans who love listening to the broadcast while they're at the ballpark, but suddenly they were hearing pitches several seconds after they happened," said Nick Curran, Director of Broadcasting for the Louisville Bats. "There's something special and nostalgic about baseball on the radio. Our fans wanted that experience back, and StreamGuys gave us a solution that was much easier, faster and more affordable to implement than I ever expected."
Working with StreamGuys' engineering team, the Bats launched a dedicated ultra-low latency stream that fans can access on their mobile devices while attending games. Curran said the deployment was straightforward and that fan response has been overwhelmingly positive, with listeners praising the return of synchronized play-by-play during home games.
"Organizations like the Louisville Bats understand that fan experience is about much more than what happens on the field," said Eduardo Martinez, Executive Vice President of Technology at StreamGuys. "ULLS complements those efforts by restoring one of baseball's most cherished traditions. Fans can once again enjoy the trusted voices of their hometown broadcasters in perfect synchronization with every pitch, hit and home run."
Hoffmann Media Group to Acquire Audacy St. Louis Cluster
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 4:45pm CT |
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Audacy has reportedly agreed to sell its six-station St. Louis radio cluster to Hoffmann Media Group, marking the family-owned company's first entry into radio broadcasting and adding one of the nation's most recognizable news/talk brands, KMOX-AM & FM (1120/104.1), to its expanding media portfolio.
The transaction, which is subject to FCC approval, includes News/Talk KMOX-AM/FM, News/Talk KFTK-FM (97.1 FM Talk), Hot AC KYKY (Y98), AC KEZK (102.5), Urban AC WFUN-FM (96.3 The Lou), and Urban CHR WHHL (Hot 98.7). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition significantly expands Hoffmann Media Group's growing media holdings, which already include newspapers and digital publications across multiple states through Lee Enterprises and Hoffmann Media Group. Founder and Chairman David Hoffmann said the purchase represents a strategic step in building a diversified media platform.
"This is a deliberate step to accelerate the expansion of our media platform and establish it as one of the largest print and digital news organizations in the United States," Hoffmann said. "We are building a scaled, multi-platform network that combines print, digital and broadcast to deliver trusted journalism and meaningful community connection. Talk radio is a natural extension of that vision and a powerful driver of our long-term growth."
Hoffmann added that the company expects its expanding collection of newspaper and broadcast properties to make it the nation's second-largest media company by the end of the year.
Former Audacy St. Louis Senior Vice President and Market Manager Becky Domyan will return to lead the cluster as Market President.
Audacy President and CEO Kelli Turner said the sale aligns with the company's long-term strategy following its emergence from Chapter 11 restructuring.
"This transaction is a win for both companies as well as for St. Louis listeners and partners," Turner said. "For Audacy, it reflects the strength and value of these outstanding brands as we focus our investments on strategic initiatives. We remain a leader in local audio across the country, and we're confident the St. Louis group will continue to thrive under Hoffmann's stewardship."
In a memo to employees, Turner said Audacy had not been actively seeking to sell the St. Louis stations but concluded that Hoffmann's offer "made strong business sense for both parties." She added that no immediate changes to day-to-day operations, reporting structures, compensation or benefits are anticipated as the transaction moves through the regulatory approval process.
The sale represents the first radio acquisition for Hoffmann Media Group and continues Audacy's efforts to optimize its portfolio while focusing investment on its remaining markets.
CRM Study Finds Afternoon Drive Gains Momentum
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 3:22pm CT |
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Afternoon drive is emerging as radio's fastest-growing daypart as listening habits continue to evolve, according to Crowd React Media's newly released State of Media 2026 report. Based on a survey of 1,094 U.S. adults conducted in March and April, the study found one-third of Americans now identify afternoons as their primary radio listening period, a 21% increase over the past three years.
Meanwhile, morning drive remains radio's largest daypart, with four in 10 Americans saying they primarily listen in the morning, although that figure has declined by 12 percentage points since 2024.
The report says afternoon listening has become increasingly valuable because while overall cume during the daypart has dipped slightly, the audience that remains is more loyal. "The afternoon drive audience is getting smaller in raw numbers but more committed," the report notes, suggesting broadcasters should view the shift as a quality signal rather than simply a loss of audience.
Radio also showed renewed strength in traditional listening environments. Listening while working climbed to 30% from 21% a year ago, while listening during exercise increased to 31% from 25%, prompting the report to conclude that "the commute and the gym are back as radio contexts."
Overall, radio's weekly reach edged up to 76% of U.S. adults in 2026 from 75% last year. At the same time, the medium's conversion rate-the percentage of listeners who use radio frequently-slipped by just one-half percentage point to 40%, a far smaller decline than experienced by most competing media platforms. Crowd React says that stability has become one of radio's biggest competitive advantages as consumers spend less time engaging with algorithm-driven media.
The study found radio listening sessions have remained remarkably consistent for three consecutive years, with roughly 40% of listeners continuing to spend between 30 minutes and an hour during a typical listening occasion. Crowd React argues that consistency reflects a durable listening habit at a time when usage of many digital platforms has softened.
The report also challenges conventional assumptions about younger audiences. Forty percent of adults ages 18-34 said local content is a reason they listen to radio-more than listeners age 55 and older. Crowd React called the finding one of the study's most actionable insights, suggesting the demographic broadcasters most want to attract is also the one most motivated by local programming. The report's executive summary similarly notes that younger adults value local radio more than older listeners do.
News/Talk radio also continues to play an important role in consumers' media habits. Twenty-one percent of respondents said they frequently use News/Talk radio for news, trailing online news sites (43%) and cable or streaming television (42%), but ahead of YouTube and podcasts. The research found Americans typically consume news during two daily peaks-56% in the morning and 49% in the evening-underscoring the importance of those dayparts for news publishers and broadcasters.
The report also highlights radio's growing multiplatform presence among younger consumers. Among listeners ages 18-34, 70% use traditional AM/FM radio, while 45% also listen through mobile apps, 36% via desktop streaming and 22% on smart speakers. Crowd React argues that broadcasters should focus on preserving the listening experience regardless of how audiences access their content, concluding that "the listening occasion is the thing worth protecting, not the transmission method."
Download the report here.
YouGov: Radio Tops Podcasts for News Consumption
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 2:53pm CT |
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AM/FM radio continues to hold a significant place in Americans' news consumption habits, outperforming podcasts, print publications and AI chatbots as a monthly news source, according to YouGov's latest Trust in Media survey.
The national survey of 2,102 U.S. adults, conducted May 25-26, found that 28% of respondents said they used radio for news during the previous month. While social media (60%), television (56%), friends and family (45%), news websites (39%) and search engines (29%) ranked ahead of radio, the medium outpaced news apps (26%), podcasts (21%), email newsletters (20%), online news aggregators (18%), video platforms (15%), print newspapers (14%), magazines (10%), blogs (9%) and AI chatbots (6%).
Radio news listening was strongest among older, more affluent and college-educated Americans. Thirty-six percent of college graduates reported using radio for news, compared with 24% of adults without a degree. Among households earning $100,000 or more annually, 39% said they got news from radio, versus 22% of those earning less than $50,000. Adults age 65 and older posted the highest usage at 34%, while just 17% of adults ages 18-29 reported turning to radio for news.
Political differences in radio news use were relatively narrow. Republicans (30%) and Democrats (31%) reported nearly identical levels of radio news consumption, while 25% of Independents said they used radio for news. By 2024 presidential vote, 36% of Donald Trump voters reported using radio for news, compared with 32% of Kamala Harris voters. Men also outpaced women, 32% to 25%.
The survey also highlighted the continuing trust challenges facing many digital platforms. Social media remained the most widely used source of news, but Facebook recorded a net trust rating of minus-24, TikTok minus-32 and X minus-21. Journalism as a profession earned a positive net favorability rating of 23, while "the news media" as a whole was rated neutral. Among individual news organizations, NPR posted a net trust score of plus-15.
Artificial intelligence continues to emerge as a news source, although adoption remains limited. Six percent of respondents said they used AI chatbots for news in the past month, including 10% who specifically cited ChatGPT and 7% who used Google's Gemini. Meanwhile, 46% of Americans reported seeing what they believed was AI-generated content online every day.
Overall interest in news remained strong. Sixty-nine percent of respondents said they consume both national and local news either very often or somewhat often, underscoring continued demand for trusted news sources across multiple platforms.
Download the entire study here.
Golic Sr. and Golic Jr. Return to ESPN Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 11:45am CT |
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Mike Golic Sr. and Mike Golic Jr. are returning to ESPN Radio as part of a revamped weekday lineup launching Monday, August 3. The father-son duo will co-host The Golics, airing weekdays from 10am to noon ET under a new multi-year agreement with ESPN.
The new show reunites the pair at ESPN after decades of contributions across the company's radio, television and digital platforms. The Golics will also be simulcast live on the ESPN App, with episodes available afterward on major podcast platforms. In addition to hosting the show, both Golics will make appearances across ESPN programming.
The revamped lineup keeps UnSportsmanLike with Chris Canty, Evan Cohen and Michelle Smallmon in the 6-10am ET slot, followed by The Golics. The Rich Eisen Show continues from noon to 3pm ET, while Matt & Myron, hosted by Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf, moves from weekends to weekdays from 3-5pm ET. Like The Golics, the afternoon show will stream on the ESPN App and be available as a podcast after each live broadcast.
"Reuniting with the Mikes Golic was a tremendous opportunity for our audience," said Mike Foss, Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment. "They've been building chemistry together since 1989, and it's a joy to bring their peerless partnership back to ESPN."
Golic Sr. spent 25 years at ESPN from 1995 to 2020, becoming one of the network's signature radio personalities through Mike & Mike and later Golic & Wingo. Golic Jr. worked at ESPN from 2015 to 2022, contributing across ESPN Radio, television and digital platforms while also calling college football games.
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