Top Radio News

AURN Elevates Isaiah Bryant to Senior VP Role

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 11:06am CT

Isaiah Bryant

American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) has promoted Isaiah Bryant to Senior Vice President of Revenue & Strategic Partnerships, expanding his leadership responsibilities across the company's national sales and business development efforts.

In his new role, Bryant will oversee AURN's national revenue strategy, lead strategic sales initiatives, strengthen relationships with advertising agencies and clients, and develop integrated opportunities across the network's audio, podcast, streaming, video, digital, and programmatic platforms.

AURN said Bryant has played a key role in the company's growth since joining the organization, citing his leadership, strategic vision, and ability to build strong client partnerships while delivering effective marketing solutions.

"Isaiah has consistently demonstrated the vision, leadership, and business acumen that have helped drive our growth across audio, digital, podcasting, streaming, and emerging media platforms," said AURN Chief Executive Officer Chesley Maddox-Dorsey. "As we continue expanding our portfolio and creating innovative opportunities for advertisers and strategic partners, Isaiah's ability to execute forward-thinking solutions makes him the ideal leader for this role."

Maddox-Dorsey added that Bryant's contributions have helped fuel the company's expansion and said AURN looks forward to his continued impact in the newly created leadership position.

KCMO Talk Radio Expands into Topeka on 102.9 FM

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 2:53pm CT

KCMO Talk Radio Kansas City

Cumulus Media has expanded the reach of its Kansas City-based KCMO Talk Radio (95.7 FM & 710 AM) with the launch of a full-time simulcast on KTOP-FM (102.9) in Topeka. The new format debuted at noon Central time Monday, replacing the station's previous Country format as "102.9 Cat Country."

The addition of KCMO Talk Radio gives Cumulus a second News/Talk outlet in Topeka, alongside The Big Talker 93.5 FM/1440 AM KMAJ.

Pete Mundo, Vice President of News/Talk for Cumulus Media and Program Director and morning host of KCMO Talk Radio, said the expansion strengthens the station's connection to the region.

"Bringing KCMO Talk Radio to the Topeka market is a natural fit," Mundo said. "From the Governor's Office to the Statehouse, much of the news driving our daily programming originates in the state capital. Now, we're excited to welcome Topeka listeners into the conversation, connecting directly with the community and delivering the regional and local news coverage it deserves."

Cumulus Media's Topeka cluster now includes KDVV-FM (V100), KMAJ-FM (Majic 107.7), Classic Hits KWIC-FM (99.3 The Eagle), The Big Talker KMAJ, and the newly branded 102.9 KCMO Talk Radio/KTOP-FM.

Report: RAB Offers Guidance on Radio Ad Frequency

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 3:01pm CT

Cumulus Media | Westwood One

A new blog from the Cumulus Media | Westwood One's Audio Active Group is challenging common assumptions about radio advertising frequency, arguing that many advertisers and sellers significantly underestimate the number of commercials needed to achieve campaign goals.

In the latest blog, Pierre Bouvard examines one of the most common questions received by RAB: "How many ads should I run per week?" The answer, he says, depends on the advertiser's objective.

The report outlines four campaign intensity levels developed through a partnership between RAB and Cumulus Media | Westwood One. The categories range from a minimum or "very light" schedule reaching roughly one-third of a station's audience, to a "launch" or heavy schedule capable of reaching 78% of listeners.

The study found that ad frequency requirements vary widely by radio format and audience behavior. A key factor is a station's "turnover" rate -- a calculation based on weekly cumulative audience divided by average quarter-hour listenership. Higher-turnover stations require more commercials to achieve the same audience reach goals.

According to the report, a medium or "high impact" campaign should reach about two-thirds of a station's audience an average of three times per week. This approach mirrors recommendations from the Wizards of Ads agency, which advocates continuous year-round advertising at that level.

Research cited in the blog suggests both agencies and radio sales professionals consistently underestimate the number of commercials needed for medium and heavy campaigns. An RAB survey found agencies believed 33 weekly spots were needed to reach two-thirds of a station's audience, when the actual average requirement was closer to 51 spots. Similarly, agencies estimated 46 weekly spots were needed to reach 78% of a station's audience, while the study found more than 100 weekly spots were often necessary.

The blog also references a Media Monitors analysis showing that most radio advertising schedules fall well below those levels. Of more than 183,000 commercials analyzed across 1,685 stations, only 2% of campaigns qualified as heavy schedules and just 4% were considered medium-impact campaigns. Nearly three-quarters of schedules were classified as very light.

Additional findings from an iHeartMedia and LeadsRx attribution study indicate a direct relationship between advertising volume and website traffic. The study of 310 auto dealers found website visits increased as the number of daily radio ads rose, with campaigns running 40 or more daily spots generating a 55% increase in traffic.

Bouvard concludes that advertisers should align schedule intensity with campaign objectives and avoid expecting major results from light schedules. For radio sellers, he recommends building proposals around clearly defined campaign goals and educating clients on the reach and frequency required to achieve them.

Read the entire blog post here.

RAB Debuts AI-Focused Sales Webinar Series

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 11:11am CT

Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) is launching a new four-part live presentation series aimed at helping broadcasters leverage artificial intelligence to improve sales performance, identify new business opportunities and drive revenue growth.

Entitled "The AI Advantage for Radio Sales," the series begins July 8 and will spotlight a different RAB AI-powered tool each month. The webinars are designed to demonstrate practical applications of AI throughout the sales process, featuring live demonstrations and success stories from broadcasters already using the tools in their organizations.

Hosted by RAB Senior Vice President of Digital Services Dave Casper and Senior Vice President of Professional Development Jeff Schmidt, each session will provide an overview of the featured technology, showcase its capabilities in real-world scenarios and offer insights from broadcasters who have successfully integrated the tools into their sales strategies.

The series schedule includes:

• July 8 - ProspectingPro
• August 5 - CopyWrite
• August 19 - AI Visibility Playbook for Radio
• September 9 - Why Radio

"AI is rapidly reshaping how sellers work, research, prospect and communicate," Casper said. "This series is designed to move beyond theory and show broadcasters practical ways to integrate AI tools into their sales strategies through demos, peer insights and real-world success stories."

Schmidt said the goal is to help broadcasters understand where AI can provide the greatest value within the sales process.

"The opportunity isn't just adopting AI - it's understanding where it can create meaningful value within the sales process," Schmidt said. "Through this series, broadcasters will gain a clearer understanding of how these resources can support prospecting, messaging, visibility and demonstrating radio's impact."

The webinar series is free to RAB members, and registrants will have access to on-demand recordings following each presentation.

MIW Webinar Focuses on AI for Radio Sales

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 11:33am CT

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW)

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) will host a free webinar exploring the growing role of artificial intelligence in radio sales on July 15.

The session, entitled "AI in Radio Sales: Work Smarter, Sell More," is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at 2 p.m. ET and is designed for radio sellers, managers and broadcast professionals interested in learning how AI can improve productivity, prospecting, proposal development and campaign performance.

Moderated by MIW Board Member and Webinar Committee Chair Meg Dowdy, the interactive webinar will feature a panel of industry executives currently using AI tools in sales, management and digital media operations. Panelists include Kelli Frieler, CEO of Vibrant Impact and Director of Digital for Guaranty Media; Nancy Abramson, Senior Vice President of Affiliate Sales & Content for Compass Media Networks; and Dara Kalvort, Vice President of Digital Sales & Strategy for StreamGuys.

MIW Board President Sheila Kirby said AI is already changing how broadcasters work and interact with clients. "Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept, it is already reshaping how radio professionals work, sell, and serve their clients," Kirby said. "This webinar is designed to help broadcasters cut through the noise, understand what tools are available today, and learn practical ways to work more efficiently and effectively."

Topics will include using AI to create proposals, pitches and spec spots; researching prospects; improving sales outreach; analyzing campaign performance; and implementing AI strategies within sales organizations. The webinar will also feature a "Try This Tomorrow" segment, where panelists will recommend beginner-friendly AI tools attendees can begin using immediately.

Dowdy said the session is intended for broadcasters at all experience levels and requires no prior AI knowledge.

"The professionals who learn how to use these tools effectively will gain a significant advantage in productivity, client service, and revenue generation," Dowdy said. "Our goal is to help attendees walk away with ideas they can put into practice immediately."

Registration for the webinar is free. Click here to register.

SiriusXM to Air Every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 4:38pm CT

SiriusXM

SiriusXM will deliver live audio coverage of all 104 matches of FIFA World Cup 2026, providing listeners across the U.S. with comprehensive access to the tournament from June 11 through the championship match on July 19.

The broadcasts will feature FOX Sports' English-language match commentary and air primarily on FOX Sports on SiriusXM (channel 83). When simultaneous matches are played, additional coverage will be available on SiriusXM FC (channel 157). All match broadcasts and related programming will be accessible on SiriusXM radios and through the SiriusXM app.

The tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will include extensive coverage of the U.S. Men's National Team. The Americans begin Group D play against Paraguay on June 12, followed by matches against Australia on June 19 and Turkiye on June 25. All three contests will air live on channel 83.

Beyond match coverage, SiriusXM FC will provide daily analysis, news and commentary throughout the tournament. The channel's lineup will feature an expanded roster of soccer personalities and former players, including former U.S. Men's National Team head coach Bob Bradley, current U.S. international Walker Zimmerman and former England World Cup defender Wes Brown.

They join a lineup that includes National Soccer Hall of Famers Tony Meola and Eric Wynalda, former U.S. internationals Omar Gonzalez, Brian Dunseth and Dax McCarty, along with a roster of coaches, executives and journalists from around the soccer world.

SiriusXM will also celebrate the tournament across its music channels with special "Global Soccer Guest DJ" segments featuring current and former players from the U.S. and abroad. Participating guest DJs include U.S. players Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson, Matt Freese, Matt Turner and Max Arfsten, as well as Ecuador's Leonardo Campana, Paraguay's Miguel Almiron, Canada's Kamal Miller and Haiti's Derrick Etienne Jr.

Additional appearances will include FOX Sports lead studio analyst and National Soccer Hall of Famer Alexi Lalas. The special music features will air throughout the tournament on channels including Hip Hop Nation, Caliente, 90s on 9, The Heat and The 10s Spot.

SiriusXM said the combination of live match broadcasts, daily analysis and music programming is designed to provide subscribers with a comprehensive FIFA World Cup 2026 experience throughout the tournament.

Premiere Offers Glenn Beck July 4 Special to Affiliates

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 4:31pm CT

The American Story

Premiere Networks is making a special three-hour Independence Day program hosted by syndicated personality Glenn Beck available to Talk outlets as part of the nation's celebration of America's 250th birthday. Entitled "The American Story," the cinematic-style special explores the events, people and turning points that shaped the U.S..

The program is adapted from a 10-part series originally produced for Beck's Torch platform and presents America's founding era through dramatic storytelling, featuring shipwrecks, religious revivals, frontier battles, political confrontations and the challenges faced by the nation's early leaders.

According to Premiere Networks, listeners will hear accounts of settlers struggling to survive in a new land, preachers fueling spiritual awakenings, revolutionaries challenging British rule and founders working to establish a functioning government amid uncertainty and division.

The special is designed to immerse audiences in key moments of American history through vivid narratives highlighting the unlikely events and decisions that ultimately transformed a collection of colonies into a global symbol of liberty.

"The American Story" will air on more than 350 affiliates carrying The Glenn Beck Weekend Program during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Premiere Networks is also making the special available to Talk stations in non-competing markets beginning July 3, with stations permitted to air the program multiple times throughout the holiday weekend.

Southern California Radio Veteran Craig Carpenter Dies

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 3:47pm CT

Craig Carpenter

Southern California radio personality Craig "Sea" Carpenter, whose distinctive voice was heard on many of the region's legendary rock stations during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, died June 1 following a short illness. He was survived by his children, siblings and extended family.

Carpenter built a lengthy broadcasting career across some of Southern California's most influential radio stations, including KLOS, KMET, KROQ, KNAC, KNX and KEZY. Known for his smooth delivery and extensive knowledge of rock music, he became a familiar voice to generations of listeners during radio's rock-and-roll heyday.

Born in Los Angeles, Carpenter spent part of his childhood in Florida after his father's transfer with the U.S. Air Force before returning to California as a teenager. His passion for music and broadcasting developed early, leading him to take radio broadcasting classes and work at his uncle's Hollywood recording studio, Radio Recorders.

His first taste of broadcasting came long before landing a professional job, using a microphone and speaker from a second-story bedroom window to entertain a small neighborhood audience. That enthusiasm eventually led to his first professional radio position at KLOS and a career that spanned decades.

Beyond his on-air work, Carpenter produced and hosted a radio interview series that featured conversations with rock artists in their homes, offering listeners a personal look at the musicians behind the music. He also taught at several Southern California broadcasting schools, mentoring hundreds of aspiring broadcasters.

Carpenter's final radio home was at KOCI in Orange County.

Following news of his passing, broadcaster Craig Powers shared a tribute on social media, recalling Carpenter as his favorite DJ during his days at KFXM and later a colleague at several stations, including KEZY and KKHR/Hit Radio 93 in Los Angeles. Powers remembered Carpenter's positive attitude, trademark smile and lasting contributions to Southern California radio.

Carpenter is survived by his daughter Jeanne; sons Jason, Matt and Alex; brother Kent; and sister Sheila.

Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall Honors Radio Veterans

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 5, 2026 | 2:31pm CT

Massachusetts Broadcasters Association (MBA)

The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association inducted seven broadcasting professionals into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame during a ceremony held June 4 at the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center in Framingham, recognizing distinguished careers in radio and television.

Among the 2026 inductees with strong radio ties was former MVYRADIO Program Director Barbara Dacey, who spent more than three decades shaping the Martha's Vineyard station's distinctive Triple A sound. Dacey joined the station as a part-time DJ in 1985 and became Program Director in 1993, helping guide its growth into a nationally recognized Adult Album Alternative outlet while also positioning it as an early adopter of internet radio streaming.

Also honored was longtime WBZ-AM Boston personality Jordan Rich, former host of "The Jordan Rich Show." Rich retired from full-time hosting in 2016 after a lengthy run on the station but continues to contribute cultural features and celebrity interviews. He has also been a familiar presence at Hall of Fame events, serving as emcee for many years.

The Hall of Fame additionally recognized the late Arthur J. Singer with its Pioneer Award. Singer, who co-founded the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2007 and served as its first president, made significant contributions to broadcasting education during his tenure at Emerson College. Among his accomplishments was helping develop new facilities for student-operated WERS-FM in Boston.

The remaining 2026 inductees were television journalist Clark Booth, WBZ-TV Sports Director Steve Burton, longtime Boston Bruins play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards, and former WWLP-TV News Director Mike Garreffi.

Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Peter Brown praised the inductees for their dedication to storytelling and broadcasting excellence, noting that they join a Hall of Fame that now includes more than 175 industry figures. Nearly 260 family members, friends, colleagues and supporters attended the event.

NASCAR Broadcaster Ned Jarrett Dies at 93

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 3:52pm CT

Ned Jarrett

NASCAR Hall of Famer and longtime Motor Racing Network broadcaster Ned Jarrett has died at the age of 93. According to a statement released by his family, Jarrett passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 4 at his home in Newton, NC, surrounded by family.

"Our father was a devout Christian and a devoted, loving family man," the family said. "He was a friend to everyone he met and NASCAR's oldest living champion. By all accounts, he was a true NASCAR legend. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate the remarkable life of an amazing man and truly the best father anyone could have wished for."

While best known for his accomplishments behind the wheel, Jarrett also enjoyed a distinguished broadcasting career that spanned decades. Following his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, he became one of the sport's most respected voices on radio and television.

Jarrett joined the Motor Racing Network in 1978, initially serving as a pit reporter before moving into the broadcast booth. He later hosted the daily radio program "Ned Jarrett's World of Racing," which aired for 31 years and featured interviews, stories, and commentary on NASCAR's biggest personalities and events.

Motor Racing Network President Chris Schwartz credited Jarrett with helping shape motorsports broadcasting.

"Following a NASCAR Hall of Fame driving career, Ned Jarrett transitioned to a decades-long career in broadcasting, laying the foundation for so many to follow," Schwartz said. "With his calming voice and attention to detail, Ned was one of motorsports' great storytellers."

Schwartz added that Jarrett's work on MRN helped bring NASCAR to generations of listeners and offered condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the network.

iHeart Shareholders Approve Expanded Incentive Plan

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 3:33pm CT

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia shareholders have approved a significant expansion of the company's long-term incentive compensation program, authorizing an additional 13 million shares for employee equity awards and extending the plan for another decade.

The changes were approved during iHeartMedia's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held June 4. Shareholders voted in favor of the second amendment to the company's 2021 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan, which had previously been approved by the board of directors on April 7.

Under the amendment, the number of Class A common shares reserved for issuance under the plan increases by 13 million shares, bringing the total available pool to 32 million shares. The amendment also raises the number of shares that may be granted as incentive stock options to 32 million and extends the company's authority to grant awards under the plan through June 4, 2036. Incentive stock options may be granted through April 7, 2036.

Shareholders approved the proposal by a vote of 94.5 million shares in favor and 4.2 million against, with approximately 752,000 abstentions.

The annual meeting also resulted in the re-election of all eight director nominees to one-year terms. Those directors are Chairman and CEO Robert W. Pittman, James A. Rasulo, Richard J. Bressler, Samuel E. Englebardt, Robert Millard, Cheryl Mills, Graciela Monteagudo, and Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan.

In addition, shareholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as iHeartMedia's independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2026 and approved, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the company's named executive officers.

A total of 108.4 million shares were represented at the meeting, accounting for approximately 83.4% of iHeartMedia's outstanding Class A common stock eligible to vote.

Report: Audio Remains Key for Small Business Growth

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 11:18am CT

Audacy Insights

Small businesses face increasing pressure to make every marketing dollar count as they navigate a growing number of advertising channels and heightened demands to demonstrate return on investment, according to a new Audacy Insights report.

The report, entitled "Small Business Budgets. Big Expectations. Why Audio Delivers," argues that the most effective marketing strategies combine traditional and digital channels to guide consumers from awareness to purchase. Audacy cites research showing that local businesses are prioritizing brand building, trust, and search optimization as they seek measurable results from their advertising efforts.

Audacy positions audio platforms -- including broadcast radio, streaming audio, and podcasts -- as effective tools for building brand awareness through repeated exposure and strong audience engagement. The company notes that sponsorships, branded features, and community-based events can help businesses establish stronger local connections with consumers.

Among the examples highlighted in the report is a campaign for Hellmann's Mayonnaise, which partnered with Audacy and sports station WFAN to create football-themed tailgate events featuring brand activations, celebrity appearances, and fan engagement activities designed to increase brand visibility and consumer interaction.

The report also emphasizes the role of trusted on-air personalities and podcast hosts in influencing consumer behavior. Audacy says endorsements from familiar voices can help businesses build credibility and encourage purchasing decisions, particularly in competitive local markets.

For businesses focused on driving measurable conversions, Audacy advocates combining audio campaigns with digital marketing tactics. The company says audio can build awareness and trust at the top of the sales funnel, while digital channels can capture consumer intent and drive actions such as website visits, store traffic, and purchases.

One case study cited in the report involved a grocery chain that used a mix of streaming audio, podcast advertising, and geo-targeted digital display ads. According to Audacy, the campaign generated an additional 64,000 in-store visits across the retailer's locations.

Looking ahead, Audacy says artificial intelligence is reshaping both consumer discovery and advertising execution. The company notes it is incorporating AI-powered tools into areas such as search optimization and digital out-of-home advertising while continuing to promote integrated campaigns that combine radio, podcasts, digital media, and social platforms.

Audacy concludes that while technology continues to evolve, successful marketing campaigns still depend on trust, local connections, and authentic engagement to turn audience exposure into measurable business results.

Read the entire Audacy Insights post here.

Jesse Garcia Named PD of K105 in Fort Wayne

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 11:04am CT

Jesse Garcia

Federated Media has promoted veteran programmer Jesse Garcia to Program Director of Country WQHK (K105) in Fort Wayne, IN, effective immediately. He will continue serving as Program Director of sister Country WBYT (B100) in South Bend. Garcia has spent more than 16 years programming B100, where he also hosts weekday afternoons.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting, Garcia has worked at stations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Colorado before settling in northern Indiana.

Federated Media Director of Operations Kyle Guderian said Garcia's success in South Bend made him a natural choice for the Fort Wayne position. "Jesse has built an incredibly strong country brand in our South Bend market, and he's earned this opportunity in Fort Wayne," Guderian said. "Extending his leadership to K105 was a natural fit. He knows the format, he knows our company, and he knows how to connect with listeners."

Garcia said he is eager to begin working with the K105 staff and listeners. "I'm excited to join the K105 team and the Federated Media family in Fort Wayne," Garcia said. "I'm looking forward to getting connected with the community and having some fun doing it."

Entravision Launches AI Co-Hosted Radio Show

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 3:46pm CT

Entravision

Entravision Communications says it has made history with what it describes as the first AI co-hosted Spanish-language radio show in the U.S., as its Los Angeles morning program "Al Aire y Sin Permiso" continues to post strong audience growth.

The show, heard weekdays from 8-10am on KLYY-FM (Jose 97.5) in Riverside, pairs veteran radio personality Geraldine "GeeGee" Guzman with Coyotec, an AI-powered radio host introduced by Entravision in September, 2025. The company says the program combines artificial intelligence with traditional radio storytelling to create a unique listening experience for Spanish-speaking audiences.

Entravision said the show reflects its broader effort to explore how emerging technologies can enhance creativity, storytelling, and audience engagement while maintaining strong cultural connections with listeners.

"After ten years in LA radio, I know true connection," Guzman said. "As part of the first-ever AI radio show, we're breaking completely new ground. It's a space where tech meets the streets of LA, keeping our audience locked into a conversation that literally no one else is having."

Coyotec was developed under the leadership of Eduardo Maytorena, Entravision's President of Audio, and LeaAnna Hernandez, EVP of AI Strategy. Hernandez said the program is designed to encourage listeners to explore new technologies while highlighting the role of Latinos in innovation and problem-solving.

"For years, radio has been sold as inventory. We believe the future is about experiences, storytelling, and audience connection," Maytorena said. "What makes 'Al Aire y Sin Permiso' so exciting is that it brings personality, culture, and innovation together."

iHeart Renews ''This Is Important'' Podcast Deal

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 3:39pm CT

This Is Important

iHeartPodcasts and Mail Order Company have signed a new multi-year agreement to continue producing the comedy podcast "This Is Important," extending a partnership that began with the show's launch in 2020.

Created and hosted by "Workaholics" stars Adam Devine, Anders Holm and Blake Anderson, the podcast is approaching its 300th episode while consistently ranking among the Top 50 shows on Apple Podcasts' Comedy chart.

Under the renewed deal, "This Is Important" will continue as a weekly audio and video podcast. iHeartPodcasts said it will significantly expand its production and marketing support for the show, including increased promotional efforts and enhanced production resources.

"This Is Important" was named Best Comedy Podcast at the 2024 iHeartPodcast Awards and was selected as part of iHeartMedia's exclusive video podcast partnership with Netflix. The franchise has also expanded beyond podcasting through its live "TII Tour," which has brought the show's comedy-driven format to audiences across the country.

"WeHeart iHeart with all of rHearts and we'll continue to bring inarguably thee most importantest 'content' to the network," said Devine, Holm and Anderson in a joint statement. "We look forward to growing TII Nation and expanding our friendship family in the years to come."

Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, said the show's success is rooted in the hosts' unique chemistry and comedic style. "It's no surprise that 'This Is Important' has built such an incredibly loyal fan base with its authentic and original style of unfiltered comedy," Pearson said. "We're thrilled to expand our partnership and continue investing in one of the funniest teams in podcasting."

"This Is Important" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts, with new episodes released each Tuesday on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.

2026 Radio Mercury Awards Winners Announced

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 11:54pm CT

Radio Mercury Awards

Progressive Insurance and Arnold Worldwide captured the Best of Show honors at the 2026 Radio Mercury Awards, which celebrated excellence in radio and audio advertising during the competition's 35th annual awards presentation at Sony Hall.

The winning campaign, "Truckers Unite the World," earned the night's top recognition in a competition that honors creative achievement across broadcast radio, streaming audio, podcasts and integrated audio campaigns. The Radio Mercury Awards remain the only major creative competition dedicated exclusively to radio and audio advertising.

"This evening is a celebration of the creativity, storytelling and innovation that continue to make radio and audio one of the most powerful mediums in advertising," said Mike Hulvey, President and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and Chair of the Radio Creative Fund. He noted that the awards continue to showcase the industry's best ideas and craftsmanship after 35 years.

The 2026 competition was led by Chief Judge Danny Gonzalez, co-founder and co-chief creative officer of Bandits & Friends. Gonzalez praised the quality of this year's entries, saying strong writing remained the defining element among the top submissions.

In addition to recognizing creative excellence, Liberty Mutual Insurance was named the 2026 Radio Marketer of the Year for its longstanding commitment to radio advertising and the success of its widely recognized sonic branding campaign featuring the "Liberty, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty" jingle. Jenna Lebel, Chief Marketing Officer of U.S. Retail Markets, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

The awards ceremony was hosted by nationally syndicated personality Angela Yee, host of "Way Up with Angela Yee." Additional presenters included Audacy's Shelley Wade, Skyview Networks' Erik Zachary and Connoisseur Media's Anna Zap.

Among the category winners, iHeartMedia Studio55 earned multiple honors, including wins for promotional spots "Swampazookeedooks" and "Kaitlyn Imani Whitaker," as well as the campaign "Kid Free Sailing" for Virgin Voyages. Arnold Worldwide also won several awards for Progressive Insurance campaigns, including "Bench Press," "Bad Team Protection," and "French Press."

Other notable winners included Audacy Studios for WCCO's "Deep State Fair," Zimmer Communications for the "Play It or Plunge It" campaign, University of Kentucky for the student-produced script category, and Amazon XCM for "Save the Everyday: Laura vs. Fruit Flies." Bandits & Friends won the Use of Radio/Audio Technology category for "Half Speed Radio" and shared a Sound Design award for Liberty Mutual's "Stay Awake Audio."

The 2026 Radio Mercury Awards were supported by a broad range of industry sponsors, including Hubbard Radio, Audacy, Cox Media Group, iHeartMedia, Nielsen, Skyview Networks, Triton Digital, Urban One, Zimmer Radio and Marketing Group, Katz Radio Group and others.

Radio, Podcasts Dominate Ad-Supported Audio Time

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 11:32am CT

Nielsen

Radio and podcasts continued to dominate ad-supported audio consumption in the first quarter of 2026, accounting for 82% of all daily ad-supported listening time, according to Nielsen's latest edition of The Record, produced in partnership with Edison Research.

The quarterly report found that U.S. consumers spend nearly four hours each day with audio, with radio maintaining a strong position despite increasing competition from streaming services and other digital platforms. Only 16% of ad-supported audio listening time was spent with streaming music services during the quarter.

Nielsen said radio's share of daily listening increased across many key demographic groups compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, underscoring the medium's continued relevance for advertisers seeking large-scale audience reach.

The report highlighted News/Talk as the nation's leading radio format among adults 18 and older, posting a 10.9% share of total radio listening in the first quarter, up slightly from 10.8% in the previous quarter. Nielsen attributed the gain to heightened interest in domestic and international news events. The All News format also posted growth, increasing from a 2.7% share to 2.9%.

Adult Contemporary experienced the largest quarter-to-quarter decline, falling from an 8.4% share in the holiday-driven fourth quarter to 7.1% in the first quarter, returning closer to its typical annual performance after seasonal Christmas music programming ended.

Several major music formats remained stable or posted gains during the quarter. Country held steady with a 5.8% share, while Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) remained unchanged at 4.3%. Among listeners ages 18-34, Classic Hits increased from a 5.1% share to 5.4%, Hot Adult Contemporary rose from 4.9% to 5.6%, and Alternative climbed from 3.8% to 4.2%.

Formats targeting Black and Hispanic audiences also showed strength. Urban AC/R&B maintained a 5.1% share among adults 18 and older, while Urban Contemporary/Hip-Hop/R&B increased from 2.7% to 2.8% overall and from 4.6% to 4.8% among adults 18-34. Mexican Regional radio grew from a 3.0% share to 3.1% overall and from 3.4% to 3.6% among younger listeners.

Nielsen concluded that radio continues to command the largest share of ad-supported audio listening in the U.S., with podcasts serving as a complementary platform that together reaches the vast majority of daily audio consumers. The company noted that advertisers relying solely on streaming audio are missing a significant portion of the available ad-supported audience.

Read Nielsen's entire The Record post here.