Top Radio News

Audacy Names Zach Gelb Brand Manager of 104.3 WQAM

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 12:10pm CT

Zach Gelb

Audacy has named Zach Gelb Brand Manager of Sports 104.3 WQAM in Miami, following the first anniversary of the station's FM launch. Gelb will oversee content strategy, talent, operations and branding, including flagship coverage of the Florida Panthers, Miami Heat, Miami Marlins and University of Miami Hurricanes football and men's basketball.

Gelb most recently served as a studio host for NFL and NCAA football and basketball broadcasts at Compass Media Networks. He hosted the nationally syndicated "The Zach Gelb Show" on CBS Sports Radio and its successor, Infinity Sports Network, from 2018 to 2025.

He began his career at WNJE in New Jersey, where he led programming and hosted on air from 2016 to 2018. His on-air credits also include Audacy's WFAN in New York, WIP in Philadelphia and WEEI in Boston.

"Zach brings a blend of programming instincts and nationwide sports talk experience that positions him perfectly to continue the growth and success of 104.3 WQAM," said Audacy Regional President Claudia Menegus.

"I'm honored and elated for the opportunity to help lead WQAM, a legendary sports station that I have great respect for and have been listening to for years," Gelb said. "I'm excited to build our next chapter with this incredible staff and deepen our connection with our passionate South Florida fanbase."

iHeartMedia Denies Plans to Sell Podcast Business

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 1:58pm CT

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia says it has no plans to sell its podcast business after Bloomberg reported that the company was exploring a sale of part or all of the operation to raise cash and bolster its share price.

Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter, said iHeartMedia had held preliminary talks with investment bank Moelis & Co. and potential investors. The report said the discussions might not lead to a deal. A Moelis representative declined to comment.

"While we don't generally comment on rumors or speculation, I can tell you that we have no plan to sell our podcasting business," an iHeartMedia spokesperson told Bloomberg. The spokesperson called podcasting a core area for growth and said the company continues to invest in it, including in video podcasts.

iHeartMedia shares rose by double digits Wednesday following the Bloomberg report. Seeking Alpha reported that the stock had plunged 65% Tuesday after the company released its third-quarter results.

Podcast revenue rose 24.6% year over year to $174 million in the third quarter, exceeding company guidance. Companywide Adjusted EBITDA fell 17% to $170.5 million. Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman cited weaker-than-expected political advertising on radio and some advertisers delaying spending until after the election.

On the earnings call, Pittman said iHeartMedia plans to report podcasting as a standalone segment beginning in 2027, separating its results from the Digital Audio Group. He said the change would give investors a clearer view of the company's four segments.

Saga Q3 Revenue Falls 5.4% as Net Loss Widens

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 2:10pm CT

Saga Communications

Saga Communications reported third-quarter net revenue of $26.7 million, down 5.4% from $28.2 million a year earlier. The company's net loss widened to $7.1 million from $532,000, primarily because of a $9.2 million noncash impairment charge on its FCC licenses.

Saga attributed the write-down to higher interest rates, lower operating margins and reduced market revenue projections. The company reported an operating loss of $9.8 million, compared with $626,000 a year earlier. Excluding the charge, Saga said its operating loss would have been $563,000 and its net loss would have been about $240,000, or 3 cents per share.

Station operating expenses fell 1.7% to $24.2 million, while station operating income, a non-GAAP measure, declined to $2.4 million from $3.5 million. Gross political advertising revenue rose to $1.2 million from $73,000 a year earlier. Saga said it had booked about $3.6 million in gross political revenue for the fourth quarter.

For the nine months ended September 30, net revenue fell 5.8% to $75.9 million from $80.6 million. Station operating income declined to $6.2 million from $11.7 million, and the net loss widened to $8.5 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, from $979,000, or 15 cents per diluted share.

Saga's board declared a quarterly cash dividend of 25 cents per share, payable December 11 to shareholders of record November 23. The payment will total about $1.6 million. The company had $23.5 million in cash and short-term investments at the end of the quarter.

Bruno Mars, Kehlani Top 2026 iHeartRewind Rankings

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 12:50pm CT

iHeart Rewind

Bruno Mars was iHeartRadio's most listened-to artist of 2026, while Kehlani's "Folded" was the year's top song, according to the company's annual iHeartRewind rankings. The rankings are based on total audience spins (TAS) and streams across iHeartMedia's broadcast stations and the iHeartRadio app.

Mars led the artist rankings with nearly 2.7 billion TAS, followed by Taylor Swift at 2.2 billion and Olivia Dean at more than 2 billion. Morgan Wallen and Justin Bieber rounded out the top five. Sombr placed 10th with more than 1.28 billion TAS.

"Folded" drew more than 1.1 billion TAS, edging out Mars' "I Just Might." Dean took the next two spots with "So Easy (To Fall in Love)" and "Man I Need," while Alex Warren's "Ordinary" finished fifth. Dean's "So Easy (To Fall in Love)" also led the Pop song rankings.

Wallen led the Country artist chart, while Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" was the format's top song. Drake led Hip-Hop artists, with Gunna's "wgft" featuring Burna Boy topping the song list. Linkin Park ranked first among Alternative artists, and Sublime's "Ensenada" led the format's songs.

Chris Brown topped the R&B artist chart. "Good Good" by Usher, Summer Walker and 21 Savage was the format's top song, followed by Kehlani's "Folded."

Top iHeartMedia Artists Overall

1. Bruno Mars - 2.7B
2. Taylor Swift - 2.2B
3. Olivia Dean - 2.0B
4. Morgan Wallen - 1.9B
5. Justin Bieber - 1.8B
6. Chris Brown - 1.33B
7. Luke Combs - 1.32B
8. Michael Jackson - 1.3B
9. Ella Langley - 1.28B
10. Sombr - 1.28B

Top iHeartMedia Songs Overall

1. Kehlani - "Folded" - 1.1B
2. Bruno Mars - "I Just Might" - 1.1B
3. Olivia Dean - "So Easy (To Fall in Love)" - 1B
4. Olivia Dean - "Man I Need" - 976M
5. Alex Warren - "Ordinary" - 795M
6. Leon Thomas - "MUTT" - 795M
7. Sombr - "Back to Friends" - 782M
8. Tame Impala - "Dracula - JENNIE Remix" - 754M
9. Ella Langley - "Choosin' Texas" - 728M
10. Justin Bieber - "YUKON" - 719M

Top Pop Artists & Songs

Artists

1. Bruno Mars
2. Olivia Dean
3. Taylor Swift
4. Justin Bieber
5. Sombr

Songs

1. Olivia Dean - "So Easy (To Fall In Love)"
2. Bruno Mars - "I Just Might"
3. Olivia Dean - "Man I Need"
4. Zara Larsson - "Midnight Sun"
5. Tame Impala - "Dracula - JENNIE Remix"

Top Country Artists & Songs

Artists

1. Morgan Wallen
2. Luke Combs
3. Ella Langley
4. Jason Aldean
5. Jelly Roll

Songs

1. Ella Langley - "Choosin' Texas"
2. Shaboozey and Jelly Roll - "Amen"
3. Josh Ross - "Hate How You Look"
4. Morgan Wallen - "I Ain't Comin' Back feat. Post Malone"
5. Luke Combs - "Sleepless In A Hotel Room"

Top Hip-Hip Artists & Songs

Artists

1. Drake
2. Kendrick Lamar
3. Gunna
4. Cardi B
5. Glorilla

Songs

1. Gunna - "wgft feat. Burna Boy"
2. G Herbo (AKA Lil Herb) - "Went Legit"
3. Dave and Tems - "Raindance"
4. Belly Gang Kushington - "Friend Do"
5. DaBaby - "Pop Dat Thang"

Top Alternative Artists & Songs

Artists

1. Linkin Park
2. Sublime
3. Green Day
4. Foo Fighters
5. Sombr

Songs

1. Sublime - "Ensenada"
2. Sombr - "Back To Friends"
3. Tame Impala - "Dracula"
4. Pierce The Veil - "So Far So Fake"
5. Temper City - "Self Aware"

Top R&B Artists & Songs

Artists

1. Chris Brown
2. Usher
3. Mary J. Blige
4. Summer Walker
5. Kehlani

Songs

1. Usher/Summer Walker/21 Savage - "Good Good"
2. Kehlani - "Folded"
3. Chris Brown - "Residuals"
4. Chris Brown - "It Depends feat. Bryson Tiller"
5. SZA - "Snooze"

Angry Audio Names Clark Novak Natural Marketing Director

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 2:04pm CT

Clark Novak

Angry Audio has named Clark Novak Natural Marketing Director, bringing more than 40 years of broadcast and audio technology experience to the company's marketing efforts. Novak began his career on air before moving into audio technology and marketing at Telos Alliance and Lawo. He first worked with Angry Audio founder Michael "Catfish" Dosch at Pacific Research & Engineering, and the two later helped launch Axia Audio.

Dosch said the company had considered using artificial intelligence for some marketing work and chose a title that nods to Novak's firsthand industry experience. "AI is a useful tool, and we use it," Dosch said. "But a lot of AI-generated marketing is beige as hell."

"Seriously, when Angry gear solves a problem, broadcasters tend to talk about it," Novak said. "I'm looking forward to helping tell those stories. And I have to admit, I really like the job title."

Joe Pags Show Extends Deal With Compass Media Networks

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 3:26pm CT

Joe Pags

"The Joe Pags Show" has signed a multiyear extension with Compass Media Networks, continuing a syndication partnership that began 10 years ago. The show airs on more than 170 stations nationwide and reaches 2 million radio listeners monthly, according to the announcement.

Hosted by Joe "Pags" Pagliarulo, the show airs live weekdays from 5-8pm Central from flagship KTSA-AM in San Antonio. Affiliates include WBAP Dallas, KSEV Houston, KTLK Minneapolis and KHOW Denver. Pagliarulo ranks No. 7 on Talkers Magazine's "Heavy Hundred" list of influential talk radio hosts.

"I am thrilled to continue my relationship with Compass Media Networks," Pagliarulo said. "The great folks at Compass Media Networks have become family and have shown incredible faith in what I do."

Stingray Q2 Revenue Rises 51.3%, Radio Gains 5.3%

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 2:40pm CT

Stingray Group

Stingray Group reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of C$171.4 million, up 51.3% from C$113.3 million a year earlier. The company attributed the increase primarily to advertising revenue from its TuneIn acquisition, higher revenue from free ad-supported streaming TV channels and favorable currency effects. The quarter ended September 30, 2026.

Radio revenue rose 5.3% to C$34.1 million from C$32.4 million, driven by higher national airtime sales and digital revenue. The segment's Adjusted EBITDA increased 6% to C$10.8 million from C$10.2 million.

Broadcasting and Commercial Music revenue rose 69.8% to C$137.3 million from C$80.9 million. The segment's Adjusted EBITDA increased 60.2% to C$49.9 million from C$31.2 million.

Companywide Adjusted EBITDA rose 47.5% to C$58.3 million from C$39.5 million, while the margin slipped to 34% from 34.9%. Net income increased to C$16.2 million, or 24 cents per diluted share, from C$11.8 million, or 17 cents per diluted share. Stingray cited stronger operating results and an unrealized gain on derivatives, partly offset by higher acquisition costs, amortization tied to TuneIn and higher income tax expense.

For the first six months of fiscal 2027, revenue rose 57.7% to C$329.4 million from C$208.9 million, while net income fell to C$22.8 million from C$28.6 million. Radio revenue declined 0.8% to C$66.1 million as lower airtime sales outweighed digital growth.

Stingray declared a quarterly dividend of 10 Canadian cents per share, payable on or about December 15 to shareholders of record November 30.

Audacy Launches Cheer Podcast With Tiki and Traci

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 12:35pm CT

Double Down on Cheer

Audacy will debut "Double Down on Cheer with Tiki and Traci" on Friday, November 13. The weekly podcast pairs former New York Giants running back and WFAN host Tiki Barber with his wife, nonprofit executive Traci Johnson, for conversations about competitive cheerleading, youth sports and parenting. New episodes will be released Fridays on YouTube and podcast platforms.

Barber and Johnson draw on eight years of experience as parents of All-Star cheerleaders. Their daughters, Brooklyn and Teagan Barber, compete in the sport. The show will cover the demands of travel sports, share stories from competition weekends and feature interviews with sports psychologists, nutritionists and others in the industry.

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi will be the first guest. Her daughter competes at the same gym as Barber and Johnson's daughters.

"Working with Audacy, we wanted to create a show that pulls back the curtain on competitive cheer and youth sports, celebrates the incredible athletes and families behind it, and gives parents a place to laugh, learn, and know they're not alone," Barber and Johnson said in a joint statement.

Barber co-hosts "Evan & Tiki" on Audacy's WFAN (101.9 FM and 660 AM) in New York. He played 10 seasons for the Giants and retired as the franchise's all-time leader in rushing and all-purpose yards.

AM/FM, SiriusXM Index Highest In-Car, Edison Finds

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 1:47pm CT

Edison Research at SSRS

AM/FM radio and SiriusXM each record their strongest listening performance in the car, while YouTube and audiobooks peak at home, according to the latest Share of Ear findings from Edison Research at SSRS. Streaming music and podcasts index highest in locations outside the home, car and workplace.

SiriusXM posted an in-car index of 232, while AM/FM radio indexed at 160. That means SiriusXM's share of in-car audio listening was 2.32 times its share of total audio listening, while AM/FM's share was 1.6 times its overall share.

At home, YouTube indexed at 140 and audiobooks at 118. Edison said at-home YouTube listening spans devices including phones, laptops and internet-connected TVs, while audiobook listening at home takes place primarily on mobile devices.

Streaming music and podcasts posted their highest indexes in Edison's "other" category, which includes listening at the gym, in stores or while walking. Both also indexed above 100 at work, though none of the platforms Edison highlighted recorded its highest index in the workplace.

Garth Brooks to Buy WRLT Nashville for $3 Million

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 1:30pm CT

WRLT (FM-100) Nashville

Garth Brooks' The Sevens Network LLC has agreed to buy WRLT-FM (100.1) from Tuned-In Broadcasting for $3 million, pending FCC approval. Brooks plans to launch "FM-100," a Country station serving Nashville, while WRLT's current Adult Alternative format, "Lightning 100," will move to 106.3 FM after the sale closes.

The license assignment application was filed November 10. WRLT is licensed to Franklin, TN, and serves the Nashville market. In a separate filing, The Sevens Network requested the call letters WFLP with a proposed effective date of December 25. Brooks has yet to announce a launch date for FM-100.

Lightning 100 will continue on 100.1 FM until the transaction closes. It will then move to Cromwell Media translator W292ED at 106.3 FM, fed by WPRT-HD3 (102.5). The station has operated independently for 36 years, championing emerging artists and founding Nashville's "Live On The Green" concert series.

Brooks said FM-100 will play Country music from across the genre's history, with an emphasis on giving more airplay to women from the 1960s through today. "This is an opportunity to bring the entire family of country music together in one spot ... the legends, the greats, and the future greats," Brooks said.

FM-100 also plans to carry local news and event information, including promotions for events organized by other Nashville stations. Brooks said the station has reached an agreement with Nashville Severe Weather to interrupt regular programming when dangerous weather threatens Middle Tennessee. He also plans to use the station's app to provide information to visitors in cooperation with Nashville's convention and tourism community.

Brooks said the idea took shape in 2025 after he saw a "Save Our Station" appeal from Lightning 100 and initially thought it was current. The post dated to the pandemic, but it prompted a conversation with the station's owner that led to the deal.

iHeartMedia New York Names Dellilo Marketing Director

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 1:07pm CT

Danielle Dellilo

iHeartMedia New York has named Danielle Dellilo as Director of Marketing and Promotions, effective immediately. She will oversee marketing and promotions for the company's seven stations in the market and report to Joe De Angelis, Senior Vice President of Promotions.

Dellilo has spent more than a decade with iHeartMedia, most recently as Promotions Director. She led public relations, artist relations and promotions for stations including 106.7 LITE FM and 103.5 KTU and helped produce events including iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, Broadway in Bryant Park and Skating in Central Park.

"Her leadership, infectious enthusiasm and ability to make things happen have made her a go-to for our teams, talent and sales partners," said Thea Mitchem, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartRadio New York.

Dellilo was inducted into the Hofstra Radio Hall of Fame in 2024 and serves as President of the Hofstra Radio Alumni Association. CaringKind named her one of its 100 Women of Impact in 2026. She is also a longtime advocate for ALS awareness and research.

"This moment is especially meaningful to me because it represents years of hard work, dedication and a genuine love for radio," Dellilo said.

Connoisseur Launches Hot AC Jackie 96.9 in Jackson

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 3:04pm CT

WJNT (Jackie 96.9) Jackson MS

Connoisseur Media has launched Hot AC "Jackie 96.9" on WJNT translator W245AH serving the Jackson, MS, market. The station mixes current hits with familiar favorites from artists including Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran.

Syndicated "Anna & Raven" show anchors the weekday lineup from 5-10am. Hosts Anna Zap and Raven Donald discuss relationships, family life and pop culture and invite listeners to play "Can't Beat Raven," a trivia contest with cash prizes.

"Jackie 96.9 was built specifically for Jackson listeners looking for a bright, modern and energetic station they can keep on all day, whether they're at home, in the car, or at work," said Ricky Mitchell, Connoisseur Mississippi Vice President and Market Manager.

WXMX Radiothon Raises Record $1.14 Million in Memphis

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 1:56pm CT

WXMX-FM (98.1 The Max) Memphis

Cumulus Media Rock WXMX (98.1 The Max) Memphis raised a record $1,143,524 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis during its annual radiothon on Friday, November 6. It was the third consecutive year the one-day fundraiser topped $1 million.

The station broadcast the radiothon live from 9am to 5pm, featuring stories from families throughout the day and promoting the fundraiser on air and online. Cumulus said all proceeds will go toward housing, meals and support services for families staying at Ronald McDonald House of Memphis while their children receive medical care.

(Pictured (L-R): Tyrone Ballinger, Maylana McGhee, Ditch, Danni Bruns, Country Cory, Jill Crocker, and Ross Turner)

"This incredible $1.1 million milestone belongs to our listeners, our team, and our entire community," said WXMX Program Director Danni Bruns. "We're grateful for everyone who came together to support this important cause."

Cumulus Memphis Vice President and Market Manager Morgan Bohannon credited the station's staff and listeners for the fundraiser's continued growth.

Urban One Q3 Revenue Falls 5% as Net Loss Widens

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 11:05am CT

Urban One

Urban One reported third-quarter net revenue of $88 million, down 5% from $92.7 million a year earlier. A $128.9 million impairment charge drove an operating loss of $126.6 million, compared with operating income of $2.5 million in the year-earlier quarter.

The net loss attributable to common stockholders widened to $119.2 million, or $26.39 per basic share, from $2.8 million, or 64 cents per share. Adjusted EBITDA fell to $12.3 million from $14.2 million, while broadcast and digital operating income declined by $500,000 to $19.4 million.

Radio broadcasting revenue rose to $36.7 million from $34.7 million. Stations acquired in Dallas contributed $1.9 million after the deal took effect July 17. The acquisition and political advertising helped offset weaker demand from national and local advertisers.

Reach Media revenue fell to $5.1 million from $6.1 million amid weaker demand for network audio. Digital revenue declined to $9.6 million from $12.7 million as national client losses and lower rates outweighed growth in local digital revenue. Cable Television revenue slipped to $37.3 million from $39.8 million as subscribers declined and advertising rates fell.

"Market conditions in radio continued to adversely impact revenue in the third quarter," said President and CEO Alfred C. Liggins III. He said net political revenue topped $800,000 in the quarter and is expected to reach $8.8 million across all divisions for the year.

Urban One revised its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to $40 million. Liggins said management has identified at least $20 million in annualized cost savings heading into 2027.

CMG Atlanta Names Cherish Geter Digital Media Director

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 4:05pm CT

Cherish Geter

Cox Media Group has named Cherish Geter Digital Media Director for its Atlanta radio cluster, which includes WSBB-FM (95.5 WSB), WSB-FM (B98.5), WSRV (97.1 The River) and WALR (Kiss 104.1).

Geter will lead digital sales strategy, working with sales leadership on client campaigns, digital revenue growth and team coaching. Her background includes campaign strategy, measurement and attribution across broadcast and digital platforms.

She joins CMG from Sinclair Broadcast Group, where she served as Station Manager for WCTI-TV and ECTI-TV in Greenville, NC. Previously, she was General Sales Manager at Graham Media Group's WJXT-TV and WCWJ-TV in Jacksonville, FL, overseeing revenue strategy across broadcast, digital and streaming.

"I'm honored to join the incredibly talented team at CMG Atlanta Radio," Geter said. "There is tremendous opportunity in this market, and I'm excited to bring my experience, perspective and passion for digital to a team that is already positioned for meaningful growth."

"Cherish brings the digital expertise and collaborative approach we were looking for as we continue building on our top Atlanta sales organization," said CMG Atlanta Director of Sales Kris Hackett Lucas. "We're excited to welcome her to the team and look forward to the impact her leadership will have for our clients and our people."

Caloroga Media Opens Linnet Podcast Tools to Public

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 11:25am CT

Caloroga Media

Caloroga Media has opened the public beta of Linnet, its AI-powered podcast production platform, removing the waitlist and invitation requirement. The company is making Linnet's Starter and Creator tiers free through December 1.

The browser-based platform combines scripting, transcription, recording, editing and publishing in one workspace. Since Linnet's September launch, Caloroga has refined its audio-to-video tools, which let creators add clips, captions and graphics to existing recordings and format them for YouTube and social media.

Linnet also offers a feature called God Mode that generates a first draft of an episode from a single prompt, including a script, narration, music, artwork and video. Creators can revise the draft in the workspace before publishing.

The platform can publish directly to creators' accounts on Podigee, Buzzsprout and Transistor.fm. Through a partnership with Podigee, creators without a hosting account can publish at no additional charge to Caloroga's "Linnet Goes Live" feed on Spotify. Users can also download finished episodes for distribution elsewhere.

Caloroga co-founder Mark Francis said opening the beta to more creators will help the company identify which tools to improve and what to add in 2027. The company says it does not use creator content to train AI models and deletes generated content within 30 days of account closure.

Workflow Corp. Unveils Aircheck Buddy for Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 3:42pm CT

Workflow Corp.

Workflow Corporation has introduced Aircheck Buddy, a service that records and transcribes on-air breaks for talent coaching and tracks advertising activity on competing stations.

For programming teams, Aircheck Buddy records scheduled shifts from a station's stream, skips the music and organizes mic breaks into playable clips and transcripts. Program directors can review how a host handled a listener call, teased a contest or wrapped up an interview. Stations can also schedule one-time recordings of remote broadcasts to share highlights with clients.

Sales teams can track which advertisers start or stop running spots on monitored stations, how often their commercials air and how ad loads vary by hour. The service lets managers compare stations and dayparts, export prospect lists and schedule reports.

"Once a team sets the schedule, Aircheck Buddy handles the recording and processing in the background," said Shane Zammit, CIO and co-founder of Workflow Corporation. "A few minutes after the shift ends, the clips and transcripts are ready in the browser."

Aircheck Buddy can monitor up to 32 stations on a shared shift. More information is available here.