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Top Radio News
Heidi Raphael to Lead New York Broadcasters
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 13, 2026 | 11:32am CT |
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The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) has named Heidi Raphael as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding longtime President and CEO David Donovan. Raphael will take over leadership of the association later this year as Donovan transitions from the role after 15 years at the helm. Donovan will remain with NYSBA, continuing to oversee the association's government relations and advocacy efforts in Albany and Washington, DC.
During Donovan's tenure, NYSBA expanded its influence through legislative advocacy, education, professional development, public service initiatives, and industry engagement, strengthening its position as one of the nation's leading state broadcast associations.
Raphael joins NYSBA from Beasley Media Group, where she has served as Chief Communications Officer for nearly a decade, overseeing corporate communications strategy and supporting the company's growth initiatives. Before joining Beasley, she spent more than 20 years with Greater Media, rising to Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications.
A Western New York native, Raphael brings more than three decades of experience in broadcasting, communications, public affairs, and industry advocacy.
"We are thrilled to welcome Heidi Raphael as the next President and CEO of the New York State Broadcasters Association," said NYSBA Board Chairman Chris Musial, Vice President and General Manager of WBBZ-TV. "Heidi brings an exceptional combination of leadership experience, industry knowledge, and passion for broadcasting."
Donovan praised the selection, saying Raphael's experience, energy, and commitment to local broadcasting make her well-suited to lead the association into its next chapter. He added that he looks forward to working closely with her during the transition while continuing to advocate for New York broadcasters.
Raphael called the appointment both an honor and a homecoming. "I am incredibly honored and humbled to follow in the footsteps of David Donovan as President and CEO of the New York State Broadcasters Association," she said. "As someone who was born, raised, and began my broadcasting career in Western New York, the opportunity to return home, serve New York's broadcasters, and be closer to my family is truly special."
She also thanked Beasley Media Group and CEO Caroline Beasley for their support and the opportunities that helped prepare her for the new role.
John Lewis Expands Cumulus Regional VP Role
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 13, 2026 | 11:54am CT |
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Cumulus Media has promoted John Lewis to Regional Vice President, expanding his responsibilities to include oversight of the company's stations in Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola, FL. Lewis will continue to lead Cumulus' operations in Huntsville, AL, and Chattanooga, TN, while overseeing the company's audio brands across radio and digital platforms in the newly added Florida markets.
A 17-year Cumulus veteran, Lewis was named Regional Vice President for Huntsville and Chattanooga in 2022. He joined the company in 2009 and previously served as Vice President and Regional Market Manager for Chattanooga and Macon, GA. His leadership experience also includes market manager roles in Albany, NY, Pensacola, FL, Lexington, KY, and Memphis, TN.
"John is a proven leader when it comes to building a positive culture with a foundation of measurable results," said Mark Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Cumulus Media. "I am pleased that in his expanded role, he will share his deep experience and knowledge with our terrific teams in Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola."
Lewis said the promotion is especially meaningful because it brings him back to a market where he previously worked. "I'm honored and excited to work with the Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach teams," he said. "Having spent a couple of years early in my career with Cumulus Pensacola, it's especially meaningful to return. With outstanding teams, great brands, and a strong track record of success, I look forward to building on that momentum and helping both markets reach their full potential."
Cumulus operates four stations in Fort Walton Beach, including WKSM-FM (99 Rock), WNCV-FM (Coast 93.3), WYZB-FM (Y105.5), and WZNS-FM (Z96). In Pensacola, the company owns WCOA News Talk 104.9 FM/1370 AM, WJTQ-FM (Jet 100.7), WMEZ-FM (The New Hot 94.1), Magic 106.1 (WRRX-FM), and 102.7 WXBM.
Appeals Court Backs Cumulus in Nielsen Case
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 13, 2026 | 3:26pm CT |
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A federal appeals court has upheld a preliminary injunction blocking Nielsen from enforcing a policy that would require broadcasters purchasing its national radio ratings data to also buy its local ratings services, handing Cumulus Media a significant victory in its ongoing antitrust lawsuit against the ratings company.
In a unanimous decision issued Monday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed a lower court's ruling that Nielsen's pricing policy likely violated antitrust law by using its dominance in national radio audience measurement to pressure customers into purchasing local ratings data they did not want.
The dispute centers on Nielsen's 2024 Network Policy, which Cumulus challenged in a lawsuit filed last year. Cumulus alleged the policy unlawfully tied access to Nielsen's Nationwide ratings service-the only national radio ratings product of its kind-to the purchase of local ratings in every market where a broadcaster operates.
The appeals court agreed with the district court's finding that Nielsen effectively coerced Cumulus by offering a standalone Nationwide subscription at what the lower court described as an "exorbitant" price. According to court filings, the standalone offer was roughly 10 times what Cumulus had previously paid under its existing agreement and would have cost the company approximately $1.2 million more than purchasing Nielsen's bundled national and local data.
The three-judge panel concluded Nielsen's pricing left Cumulus with no meaningful choice and likely had anticompetitive effects by restricting competition in the local ratings market, where Eastlan is Nielsen's primary competitor.
The injunction, first issued in December and reaffirmed in January, remains in place while the underlying antitrust case proceeds in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It bars Nielsen from enforcing the disputed Network Policy or charging what the court considers a commercially unreasonable price for standalone national ratings data.
The appeals court also ruled that Cumulus demonstrated it would suffer irreparable harm without the injunction, citing the potential loss of customers, market share and goodwill.
Cumulus, which owns and operates 395 stations and distributes programming through Westwood One, has argued that Nielsen's policy affected hundreds of millions of dollars in commerce. The company is sought monetary damages and a permanent injunction against the policy.
The court also clarified that Cumulus' Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing does not prevent the company from pursuing its claims against Nielsen, although Nielsen's counterclaims remain stayed during the bankruptcy proceedings.
Neither Nielsen nor Cumulus immediately commented on the ruling.
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Binnie Media Appoints Jodie Gallant as Executive VP
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 13, 2026 | 2:38pm CT |
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Binnie Media has appointed Jodie Gallant as Executive Vice President of Strategy for Integrated Marketing, expanding the company's focus on connected TV (CTV) and integrated marketing services across New Hampshire and Maine.
Gallant, who has been working with Binnie Media since early 2026, has helped build the division's strategic framework, including campaign systems, audience-targeting methods, performance reporting standards and operational workflows designed to scale integrated marketing solutions for clients.
In her new role, she will oversee the strategic development, operational infrastructure and business growth of the company's expanding CTV and integrated marketing division.
Binnie Media CEO Massimo Rosati said Gallant has already made a significant impact on the company's growth strategy. "We have watched Jodie build something exceptional here since day one," Rosati said. "Her ability to think strategically, operate with precision, and bring clients along on the journey is exactly what this division needs at this stage of growth."
Gallant brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, brand strategy and business leadership. She is the founder of JMG Marketing, a Lakes Region agency that has served more than 300 local and regional businesses over the past 15 years. Her experience includes brand strategy, media buying, digital marketing, campaign analytics and executive coaching.
"Binnie Media has something rare - a platform with real reach, a team that operates with integrity, and leadership that thinks big," Gallant said. "CTV and integrated marketing are where local and regional businesses are going to win or lose their visibility in the next decade, and I am proud to be leading that work here."
Gallant is based in Laconia, NH, where she also owns WORK Lakes Region, a coworking and event studio. She also serves as secretary of the Belknap Economic Development Council.
SiriusXM to Air Live Coverage of The 154th Open
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 13, 2026 | 4:52pm CT |
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SiriusXM will provide more than 40 hours of live coverage of the 154th Open Championship from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, July 16-19.
The broadcasts will air on The Open Radio channel, available on SiriusXM channel 92 and the SiriusXM app. Live coverage begins at 2am ET on Thursday and Friday, and at 4am ET on Saturday and Sunday, continuing through the conclusion of each day's play.
SiriusXM will carry The Open Radio broadcast produced by The R&A, featuring Marcus Buckland, Sue Thearle, Robert Dinwiddie, Dave Farrar, Matt Adams, Sophie Walker, Raymond Burns, Amy Boulden, Paul Eales, Harry Ewing, SiriusXM's Brendon de Jonge and Emilia Doran, and talkSPORT 2's Rupert Bell.
Following each day's competition, SiriusXM will air a live two-hour post-round show hosted by Gary Williams, Fred Albers, Will Haskett and Robert Damron, recapping the day's action and previewing the next round.
Royal Birkdale will host The Open for the 11th time. The course last welcomed the championship in 2017, when Jordan Spieth captured the Claret Jug to earn his third major championship before turning 24.
In addition to its Open Championship coverage, SiriusXM offers year-round weekday golf programming featuring news, analysis, instruction and interviews with former tour professionals and golf experts, including Rocco Mediate, Johnson Wagner, Michael Breed, Colt Knost, John Maginnes, Taylor Zarzour, Chantel McCabe and Brian Katrek.
''Raiders'' Podcast Joins TikTok Podcast Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 13, 2026 | 2:27pm CT |
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iHeartPodcasts and TikTok have added the popular film and television series "Raiders of the Lost Podcast" to the TikTok Podcast Network. Hosted by identical twin brothers, filmmakers and movie enthusiasts James and Anthony Deveney, the podcast has built a large following through its in-depth reviews, analysis of new releases and classic films, and interviews with actors, filmmakers and other industry professionals.
The addition expands the lineup of the TikTok Podcast Network, a partnership launched in March between TikTok and iHeartMedia to bring leading TikTok creators into long-form podcasting. The network combines TikTok's creator community with iHeartPodcasts' production, distribution and monetization capabilities.
"We started this podcast because we could talk about movies and television for hours anyway, so we figured we might as well turn on some microphones," the Deveney brothers said. "We're thrilled to join iHeart and the TikTok Podcast Network and can't wait to bring even more reviews, deep dives and conversations to listeners everywhere."
Dan Page, TikTok's Global Head of Global Media and Licensing Partnerships, said the podcast is a natural fit for the network's entertainment-focused audience. "Raiders of the Lost Podcast is built for passionate movie fans, and we're excited to welcome James and Anthony to the network," Page said.
Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, praised the duo for building one of the world's most popular movie-focused podcasts. "Their passion, knowledge and genuine love of storytelling have resonated with audiences everywhere," Pearson said.
The TikTok Podcast Network also features podcasts hosted by Carter Gregory, Tim Martin, Clifford Taylor IV and Lele Pons, with "Caroline's Closet," hosted by Caroline Vazzana, slated to join soon.
"Raiders of the Lost Podcast" is available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms, with new episodes released every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Clips and behind-the-scenes content will also be shared on TikTok.
Tony Reali Launches New Sports Culture Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 13, 2026 | 2:32pm CT |
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iHeartPodcasts and Real Ones Media have launched "REAL DEAL with Tony Reali," a new weekly sports culture podcast that explores the iconic moments that continue to shape sports long after the final whistle. Hosted by longtime ESPN personality Tony Reali, the podcast debuts July 14, with new episodes released every Tuesday.
Each episode centers on a memorable sports moment-whether a play, photograph, clip or legendary figure-and uses it as a starting point for conversations about its lasting impact on sports and popular culture.
The series features interviews with athletes, broadcasters, comedians, journalists, superfans, creators and others connected to the featured moments. Through humor, nostalgia and storytelling, Reali and his guests revisit the events, uncover behind-the-scenes perspectives and examine why they continue to resonate with fans years or even decades later.
Unlike traditional sports debate or recap shows, "REAL DEAL" focuses on the emotions, memories and cultural significance of unforgettable moments in sports history.
"REAL DEAL with Tony Reali" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.
Podtrac: Crime Junkie Tops June Podcast Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 4:33pm CT |
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Podtrac has released its June 2026 podcast rankings, with Crime Junkie claiming the number one spot among the top U.S. podcasts, while seasonal declines in audience and downloads affected most podcast publishers and networks.
The true crime podcast from Audiochuck debuted at the top of the monthly ranking, pushing The Daily from The New York Times to No. 2. NPR's NPR News Now and Up First from NPR followed at Nos. 3 and 4, while Dateline NBC rounded out the top five.
Other top 10 podcasts included Fox News Hourly Update, Pod Save America, Pardon My Take, The Ben Shapiro Show and Stuff You Should Know. The biggest mover in the Top 20 was Rotten Mango, which climbed eight positions to No. 17, while Today, Explained rose two spots to No. 18.
Among podcast publishers, the iHeart Audience Network remained the industry's largest, reaching 55.1 million unique monthly U.S. listeners and generating 267.6 million U.S. streams and downloads across nearly 19,000 active shows. iHeartPodcasts retained the No. 2 position with 29.5 million monthly listeners, followed by NPR Sales Network, Libsyn, and Vox Media.
Rounding out the top 10 publishers were PodcastOne, The Walt Disney Company, Fox Audio Network, DailyWire+ and Barstool Sports.
Podtrac said unique monthly audiences and total downloads declined for most publishers in June, consistent with seasonal patterns observed in previous years. Despite the month-to-month softness, the rankings continued to reflect the dominance of major podcast networks and established news, true crime and sports programming in attracting U.S. listeners.
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NAB Unveils Redesigned Spot Center for PSA's
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 10, 2026 | 2:44pm CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has launched a redesigned Spot Center, providing local radio and television stations with an improved way to access free public service campaigns from nonprofit organizations. The updated website features a cleaner, more intuitive interface that allows broadcasters to browse, download and voluntarily air public service announcements covering issues affecting local communities, including heatstroke, Alzheimer's disease and drug-impaired driving.
The NAB Spot Center offers broadcast-ready public service materials at no cost to stations, featuring educational campaigns from established organizations focused on important public issues.
The redesign is intended to make it easier for broadcasters to find and use trusted content that supports their longstanding commitment to serving local communities beyond news and entertainment.
NAB said the Spot Center helps connect radio and television stations with credible educational resources they can use to inform and engage their audiences through voluntary public service programming.
The Spot Center serves as a central destination for broadcasters seeking public service materials from nonprofit organizations, with stations retaining discretion over which campaigns they choose to air.
Check out the new Spot Center at psa.nab.org.
WATH/Athens Debuts ''Southern Ohio Gold'' Format
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 10, 2026 | 4:32pm CT |
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Total Media has rebranded WATH-AM (970/97.3) in Athens, OH, flipping from Sports to Oldies with the launch of "Southern Ohio Gold." The new format debuted Friday, July 10, at 3pm and is programmed by Seaboard Networks CEO Steve Clendenin.
The move restores an Oldies format to the heritage station, a change that holds special significance for Total Media Director of Programming JJ Hale, who grew up listening to WATH.
"This project was especially meaningful to me because I grew up listening to Athens' heritage station, 970 WATH," Hale said. "Over the years, the station went through several format changes, and it was always my hope to bring back the oldies sound and restore the heritage feel that made WATH such an important part of the community."
Hale credited Clendenin and Seaboard Networks for helping bring the format to life, saying the partnership made "Southern Ohio Gold" the right fit for the station and praising Clendenin's guidance throughout the launch process.
Clendenin said he is excited to expand the reach of the format through the partnership with Total Media. "We are excited to bring this specially curated format to WATH," he said. "Gold has proved to be a successful format and I am thrilled to partner with Total Media to bring this format to their audience."
The new format is heard on WATH's 970 AM signal and 97.3 FM translator, serving listeners throughout the Athens area.
NOAA Tests TV Datacasting for Weather Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 4:22pm CT |
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The National Weather Service (NWS) has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with SpectraRep, LLC to evaluate whether broadcast television datacasting can provide a more resilient and redundant method of delivering NOAA Weather Radio content.
The project, led by NOAA's Mission Systems and Technology Office, will examine how existing digital television infrastructure can transport NOAA Weather Radio audio and data to transmitter sites and modern digital devices, particularly during emergencies when other communications networks may be unavailable.
For more than 50 years, NOAA Weather Radio has provided continuous weather forecasts, watches, warnings and emergency information to communities, emergency managers and partner organizations nationwide. The new collaboration is intended to strengthen the reliability and reach of those services without replacing the existing NOAA Weather Radio network.
"NOAA/NWS is looking forward to collaborating with SpectraRep, LLC to evaluate innovative approaches for delivering NOAA Weather Radio content via datacasting and other pathways for modernizing access to NOAA Weather Radio content," said George Jungbluth, Director of the NWS Mission Systems and Technology Office.
SpectraRep will work with NOAA to study the agency's current Weather Radio workflow and develop a demonstration showing how live NOAA Weather Radio content can be securely delivered through a local television broadcast partner to NOAA endpoints, including Weather Radio transmitters.
The project will also evaluate SpectraRep's AlertNow mobile platform, which is designed to receive alerts from multiple delivery paths, including broadcast datacasting, radio and internet sources, on a single device.
FCC, iHeart Reach Deal on Payola Safeguards
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 1:59pm CT |
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The FCC has reached a consent decree with iHeartMedia resolving an investigation into the company's compliance with federal payola rules, establishing new reporting, training and disclosure requirements aimed at protecting artists from improper pressure tied to radio airplay and live event appearances.
The agreement stems from an Enforcement Bureau investigation launched in 2025 into allegations that artists may have been pressured to perform at iHeart-sponsored concerts and festivals for free or reduced compensation in exchange for more favorable airplay -- a practice commonly referred to as "showola." While iHeart agreed to implement a comprehensive compliance plan, the company made no admission of liability or violation of law.
Under the consent decree, iHeart will appoint a corporate compliance officer, establish market-level compliance contacts, implement mandatory employee training, maintain a whistleblower hotline, and file compliance reports with the FCC over the next three years. The company also will notify artists invited to perform at its events that participation will not affect airplay on its stations and will advise them that suspected payola violations can be reported directly to the FCC.
The agreement also requires enhanced public disclosures for major iHeart events, including identifying participating artists, whether they received compensation, and providing greater transparency regarding artist performances and any related sponsorship arrangements. iHeart stations also will be required to direct listeners to online disclosures for designated events.
"The FCC is committed to ensuring that artists - especially up-and-coming ones - get a fair shake in their dealings with the broadcast industry," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said. "Today's agreement adds significant new protections and offers the FCC greater transparency to ensure that artists retain their right to decide when and where they will perform."
The investigation followed concerns raised in January 2025 by Senator Marsha Blackburn, who warned the FCC of reports that some broadcasters were offering additional airplay in exchange for free performances, with the implication that artists declining invitations could receive less airplay. The FCC subsequently reminded broadcasters that undisclosed payola arrangements violate both federal criminal law and the Communications Act.
The Enforcement Bureau said the consent decree resolves its investigation into iHeart's sponsorship identification practices and terminates the matter without further enforcement action, provided no new material evidence emerges.
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Nielsen: Radio Continues to Lead Weekly Reach
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 2:10pm CT |
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Radio continues to deliver the broadest weekly audience of any measured media platform, reaching 87% of U.S. adults each week despite growing media fragmentation, according to Katz Radio Group's latest Sound Answers report highlighting Nielsen Audience Insights data for the first quarter of 2026.
The report finds AM/FM radio remains particularly strong among younger listeners, reaching 81% of Adults 18-34 weekly, outperforming every other measured media platform. Katz said the findings demonstrate radio's continued ability to deliver mass audiences while complementing consumers' expanding use of digital media.
Nielsen data also show radio maintains broad reach among diverse audiences, including Black Adults 18 and Hispanic Adults 18 , providing advertisers with efficient access to key demographic groups. According to Katz, radio listening remained remarkably stable year over year across all measured audiences.
At the same time, smartphone app and web usage continued to grow, increasing by an average of one minute and 28 seconds per day during the first quarter. The largest gains were recorded among Black Adults 18-34 and Black Adults 18-49.
Rather than replacing traditional media, Katz said the data suggest consumers are adding digital platforms to their daily routines while maintaining their radio listening habits.
The report concludes that expanding media consumption benefits advertisers by allowing radio to work alongside television, mobile and digital platforms. With its 87% weekly reach among Adults 18 and industry-leading reach among Adults 18-34, Katz said radio remains one of the country's most effective media for delivering large-scale audiences.
Read the entire Sound Answers blog post here.
Seattle Sports Renews WSU Broadcast Partnership
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 2:04pm CT |
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Washington State University Athletics has entered into a new multi-year partnership with Bonneville Seattle Media Group, restoring 710 KIRO-AM (Seattle Sports) as the Seattle flagship station for Cougar Football and Men's Basketball broadcasts.
The agreement expands Washington State's reach throughout the Puget Sound region, with football and men's basketball games, along with pre-game and post-game coverage, airing primarily on 710 KIRO-AM (Seattle Sports). When broadcasts conflict with Seattle Seahawks or Seattle Mariners games, coverage will shift to 770 KTTH-AM. All games will also stream live on the Seattle Sports app.
The Cougar Sports Network, managed by Playfly Sports, remains the official radio and digital broadcasting network for Washington State Athletics.
"Seattle Sports gives us an incredible opportunity to connect with Cougs across Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest," said WSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Jon Haarlow. "As the region's premier sports media brand, Seattle Sports provides a tremendous platform to share the stories of our programs, student-athletes and coaches."
The partnership also expands the university's digital presence. During football season, Head Coach Kirby Moore will appear weekly with former Washington State standout and Seattle Sports host Michael Bumpus on the station's Bump & Stacy program. The Tuesday feature will also be distributed across Seattle Sports' digital and social media platforms.
"We're thrilled to partner with Washington State University Athletics at such an exciting time, as the new Pac-12 takes shape and the Kirby Moore era begins," said Seattle Sports Program Director Kyle Brown. "This renewed and expanded partnership allows us to deliver even more coverage for Cougar fans through enhanced on-air programming, original video content, and the Seattle Sports app."
For the first time, Washington State Women's Basketball broadcasts will be available for streaming on the Seattle Sports app. In addition, one Washington State Baseball game each season will air on Seattle Sports.
Football, men's basketball and women's basketball games will be streamed through both the Seattle Sports app and the WSU Cougars Gameday app, while coaches shows and all baseball broadcasts will continue to stream exclusively on the WSU Cougars Gameday app.
Connoisseur Names Lorraine Hirsh VP of HR
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 6:07pm CT |
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Connoisseur Media has named Lorraine Hirsh as its new Vice President of Human Resources, a newly created position designed to support the company's continued expansion and strengthen its investment in employee development and organizational growth.
Hirsh joined the company on June 29 and will oversee Connoisseur Media's human resources strategy, leading initiatives focused on leadership development, employee engagement, talent management and operational excellence across the company's growing portfolio.
She most recently served as Chief People Officer at marketing agency IMRE, where she directed enterprise-wide people strategy and organizational transformation. Prior to that, Hirsh was Chief Talent Officer at McCann, overseeing talent strategy, leadership development and organizational effectiveness for the global advertising agency.
"I'm excited to join Connoisseur Media at such an exciting time for the company," Hirsh said. "From my first conversations with the leadership team, it was clear there is a strong commitment to the people who make this organization successful. I look forward to working with our employees and managers to continue building a culture where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow."
Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw said the appointment reflects the company's ongoing focus on its workforce.
"As we continue to grow our company, investing in our people remains one of our highest priorities," Warshaw said. "Lorraine brings an exceptional combination of strategic vision, leadership, and genuine passion for developing talent. She understands that great companies are built by great people, and her experience helping organizations strengthen their culture and invest in employee success makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team."
New Generation Radio Launches Virtual Jingles
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 10:45am CT |
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New Generation Radio has introduced Virtual Jingles, a new custom jingle and station imaging service designed to provide radio outlets with fresh, customizable branding tailored to today's music formats. Developed under the VirtualJock.com umbrella, the service delivers custom-produced jingles, updated imaging cuts and optional monthly power intros.
At launch, Virtual Jingles offers three format-specific packages: America250 for Country stations, Mix Evolution for Hot AC/CHR, and Next Generation for Classic Hits, with additional format packages planned.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Virtual Jingles allows stations to customize each package and receive monthly updates, enabling programmers to keep their brands sounding current without rebuilding their imaging from the ground up.
"We're absolutely taking the latest technology available to us and using it in a way that makes sense for radio," said Jason Kidd, President and CEO of New Generation Radio. "These packages are built to sound like 2026 and beyond, but more importantly, they sound like the music and formats today's stations are actually playing. We created our own voices and singers, then take the raw material and fully produce everything in-house with red-hot production that cuts through."
Kidd added that the company's goal was to create imaging that sounds "big, current, and ready to win on the air."
The launch is part of a broader expansion for New Generation Radio through VirtualJock.com, which has been adding new services including 5-Star Talent voice tracking, station branding, commercial production and hyper-local content solutions.
Connoisseur Media Sells 94.5 FM Signal to K-Love
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 8, 2026 | 11:46pm CT |
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Connoisseur Media has agreed to sell the 94.5 FM signal licensed to Gilroy, CA, currently known as KBAY-FM, to K-Love Inc. for $2 million. The transaction, which is subject to FCC approval, is expected to close in early fall.
Despite the sale, Connoisseur will retain the KBAY-FM call letters, intellectual property and Country format. The company said the sale involves only the 94.5 FM frequency and does not include the current operation of the format or its flagship San Jose station, KEZR-FM.
The agreement is part of Connoisseur Media's broader strategy to refine its station portfolio following its acquisition of Alpha Media's stations last September and the purchase of Bonneville's San Francisco properties last month.
"We were approached about selling our frequency to K-Love, Inc., who want to expand their Christian offerings in the San Jose market with the addition of the 94.5 FM frequency," said Jeff Warshaw, Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media. "We found a way to do that but retain our KBAY-FM country format. Stay tuned!"
K-Love plans to use the acquired frequency to expand its Christian radio service in the San Jose market.
Michael Bergner of Bergner & Co. served as exclusive broker on the transaction. Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP represented Connoisseur Media in the sale.
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