Advertisement
|
Top Radio News
The Fitness Revolution Has a Soundtrack And It's Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 10:41am CT |
|
 |
As the fitness industry heads into 2026 with projected growth of 8%, new research suggests audio platforms -- particularly radio -- may offer advertisers a disproportionate share of health-club users.
According to data cited from The Media Audit and investment firm MCCG Invest, audio listeners are significantly more likely than the general population to be members of health clubs. While 11.6% of U.S. adults reported using a health club in the past year, usage rises notably among audio audiences.
Nearly 18% of podcast listeners reported health club membership, indexing 50% above the market average. Streaming audio listeners followed at nearly 14%, while 13% of over-the-air radio listeners reported gym usage -- both also indexing above the general population.
Radio's reach among fitness consumers remains especially strong. Jill Medina, Market Manager at The Media Audit, noted that 75% of health club members listen to radio on an average day, compared with 64% of the total population. Health club users also spend an average of two hours and 10 minutes per day with radio, often while commuting or during workouts.
The demographic overlap is also notable. Millennials and Gen Xers account for 65% of heavy radio listeners -- defined as those consuming three or more hours daily -- and 56% of health club members fall within those same age groups. Among heavy radio listeners who are also health club users, daily audio consumption approaches five hours, exceeding average television viewing for that segment.
Medina said the alignment between fitness participation and audio usage presents an opportunity for advertisers seeking engaged audiences. She pointed to factors such as longer listening sessions, higher income profiles, and a health-focused mindset among gym users as contributing to audio's effectiveness.
The findings suggest potential value for brands tied directly to fitness and wellness, including sports nutrition, apparel, and recovery products. However, the data also points to broader opportunities for marketers targeting health-conscious, higher-spending consumers across categories.
With health club participation continuing to rise and audio remaining a consistent part of daily routines, the research indicates that radio, podcasts, and streaming audio remain closely connected to the fitness lifestyle heading into 2026.
Skyview Networks, TM Studios Form Audio Sales Partnership
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 3:22pm CT |
|
 |
Skyview Networks has announced a network audio sales partnership with TM Studios that takes effect this January. Under the agreement, Skyview Networks will gain exclusive access to TM Studios' advertising inventory across its affiliate network. Skyview's sales team will represent the inventory with the goal of expanding network reach and driving revenue growth.
TM Studios provides audio branding services including jingles, imaging, beds, and production music for radio stations and audio content creators across multiple formats.
"We are privileged to be partnering with Skyview Networks," said Greg Clancy, CEO of TM Studios. He cited alignment between the two companies' cultures and said the partnership is expected to benefit current and future clients.
Steve Jones, President and CEO of Skyview Networks, said TM Studios' offerings add depth to Skyview's partner portfolio for 2026. He noted the company's creative legacy and said the partnership creates additional opportunities to connect agency and advertising clients with broader audiences.
Tina Murley Joins Connoisseur Media as SVP, West
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 5, 2026 | 10:02am CT |
|
 |
Connoisseur Media has named Tina Murley Senior Vice President, Western Region and Market Manager for San Francisco and San Jose, effective immediately. Murley most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer for Beasley Broadcast Group, where she was credited with revenue growth and strategic leadership across major markets. Her career also includes senior leadership roles at CBS Television, CBS Radio, and Hearst Media.
Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw said Murley's operational experience and leadership style align with the company's culture as it expands on the West Coast.
In her new role, Murley will oversee Connoisseur Media's West Coast operations, including its San Jose cluster and a planned expansion into San Francisco following the company's announced acquisition of Bonneville International Corporation's San Francisco stations, subject to approval by the FCC.
Murley said she is joining the company at a pivotal point in its growth and looks forward to leading the San Francisco and San Jose markets while supporting Connoisseur Media's broader Western Region strategy.
Advertisement
|
CPB Board Votes to Dissolve After Federal Funding Cut
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 5, 2026 | 2:09pm CT |
|
 |
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced that its board of directors has voted to dissolve the organization after 58 years, following Congress's decision to rescind all federal funding for public broadcasting.
CPB said sustained political opposition and the loss of funding made it impossible for the organization to continue operating as envisioned under the Public Broadcasting Act. The board concluded that maintaining CPB as a defunded entity would not serve the public interest or protect the integrity of the public media system.
"For more than half a century, CPB existed to ensure that all Americans -- regardless of geography, income, or background-had access to trusted news, educational programming, and local storytelling," said CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. She added that dissolving the organization was intended to prevent CPB from becoming vulnerable to political interference or misuse in the absence of federal support.
Board Chair Ruby Calvert called the decision "devastating," noting that the elimination of federal funding left no viable path forward for the organization. Calvert expressed confidence, however, that public media itself will continue, citing its importance to education, culture, and democratic engagement.
First authorized by Congress in 1967, CPB played a central role in building a nationwide public media system of more than 1,500 locally owned public radio and television stations. Over its history, CPB supported educational children's programming, emergency communications during natural disasters, and journalism focused on local and national civic issues.
CPB said its Board determined that allowing the corporation to remain dormant could expose staff and board members to legal and operational risks while threatening public trust in the independence of public media. Dissolution, the organization said, was the most responsible option under the circumstances.
As part of an orderly closure, CPB will complete the distribution of remaining funds in line with congressional intent. The organization will also continue support for the American Archive of Public Broadcasting to preserve historic radio and television content. CPB's own archives, dating back to its founding, will be preserved in partnership with the University of Maryland and made available to the public.
While CPB's operations are ending, the organization emphasized that local public media stations, producers, and journalists will continue serving communities nationwide. Harrison said CPB hopes future leaders will reassess the role of public media and work to ensure continued access to educational, community-focused, and independent media services.
92.9 FM ESPN Revamps Lineup as Geoff Calkins Exits
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 5, 2026 | 10:18am CT |
|
 |
WMFS-FM & AM (92.9 FM ESPN) Memphis has announced a series of weekday programming updates that will take effect January 12, including expanded local shows and the departure of a longtime on-air voice. Under the new schedule, "J&J" with John Martin and Jason Smith will air weekdays from 9am-12pm CT. "Jeffrey Wright and Company" expands to a three-hour program-, airing middays from 12-3pm CT.
The changes follow the announcement that veteran columnist and host Geoff Calkins will depart the station after 16 years to focus full time on his role at the Daily Memphian. A founding on-air presence who helped launch the station in 2010, Calkins will make his final broadcast on January 9, concluding a tenure that included a highly rated morning show and long-running evening segments.
"Since helping launch the station in 2010, Geoff Calkins defined the brand through his unique ability to blend smart, prepared sports storytelling with deeply resonant coverage of the broader Memphis community," said Brad Carson, Brand Manager and Operations Manager at 92.9 FM ESPN. "We're excited for the new generation of talent he personally mentored to build upon the powerful legacy he leaves behind."
The updated weekday lineup at 92.9 FM ESPN will be Unsportsmanlike (6am-9am), J&J with John Martin and Jason Smith (9am-12pm), Jeffrey Wright and Company (12-3pm), and The Gabe Kuhn Show with former Memphis lineman Gabe Kuhn (3-6pm).
Now in its 15th year as the flagship station for the Memphis Grizzlies, 92.9 FM ESPN is a three-time Marconi Award nominee and was honored in 2024 with the Tennessee Broadcaster Award for Best Sports Coverage.
Study Finds Audio Podcast Ads Outperform YouTube Video
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 5, 2026 | 2:28pm CT |
|
 |
A new podcast sales effectiveness study from Oxford Road and Podscribe finds that audio podcast ads significantly outperform YouTube podcast video ads in driving consumer purchases, reinforcing a growing body of research showing audio's advantage in attention, engagement, and return on investment.
The findings are highlighted in this week's Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog, which aggregates results from multiple industry and academic studies examining how audiences engage with audio versus video advertising.
According to the Oxford Road/Podscribe study, YouTube podcast views are 18% to 25% less effective at driving purchases than audio podcast ads. The research analyzed more than 1,000 podcast campaigns across over 100 brands, making it one of the most comprehensive sales attribution studies conducted in the podcast sector to date.
The conclusion was stark: advertisers spending $1 million on YouTube podcast impressions could be losing up to $250,000 in conversion value compared with equivalent investment in audio podcast campaigns.
Researchers cited three primary factors behind audio's performance edge: audio listeners tend to seek out content intentionally, creating stronger host trust; audio-first environments foster more focused attention on host-read ads; and video platforms such as YouTube often encourage passive, multitasking behavior that dilutes ad impact.
Additional studies cited in the blog support those conclusions. Research published by Nature Research found that listeners of the Game of Thrones audiobook exhibited stronger physiological engagement than viewers of the television series, suggesting audio narratives require more active cognitive and emotional participation than video.
Attentiveness measurement firm Adelaide reported that audio platforms deliver attentiveness levels approaching those of linear television, despite lacking visual elements. Its data shows podcasts achieve 94% of TV's attentiveness, while AM/FM radio delivers 85% at roughly one-quarter the cost.
Similarly, a major study by Lumen, commissioned by Dentsu, found audio ads outperform video for both attention and brand recall, challenging long-held assumptions about the superiority of sight-and-motion advertising.
Brand recall research from DVJ Insights further underscores audio's role, showing that increasing audio brand mentions in TV ads dramatically boosts recall, far more than repeated visual logo exposure.
Sales impact data from WPP Media and Radiocentre adds a financial dimension to the findings. Their analysis shows digital audio tied for the highest short-term ROI across media channels, outperforming the all-media average by 44%, while broadcast radio ranked second at 23% above average.
Collectively, the research points to a consistent conclusion: audio advertising not only commands attention but converts that attention into measurable sales results more effectively than video-based podcast advertising.
Read the entire blog post here.
MIW Sets Jan. 15 Leadership Webinar for Radio Pros
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 0:01am CT |
|
 |
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) is encouraging industry professionals to register for its upcoming webinar, Management 101: Becoming an Impactful Leader, scheduled for Wednesday, January 15 at 2pm ET. The one-hour session will focus on practical leadership development for both emerging and current managers, featuring insights on modern management strategies and real-world challenges facing audio organizations.
The panel includes four executives representing a cross-section of the radio and digital audio landscape: Erik Hellum, Chief Operating Officer of Townsquare Media Group; Dara M. Kalvort, Vice President of Digital Sales at StreamGuys; Kieran Geffert, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy San Francisco; and Mary Boyle, Vice President and General Manager of WGN Radio Chicago - Nexstar Media Inc..
Discussion topics will include defining impactful leadership in today's evolving media environment, common blind spots for new managers, leading teams through digital transformation, balancing empathy with accountability, and identifying key performance indicators beyond ratings and revenue. Panelists will also address the skills leaders will need over the next five years and outline actionable steps attendees can take to advance their leadership paths now.
Registration for the webinar is open, with details and sign-up available here.
Black Box Group Unveils 'The Drop' Content Tool
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 5, 2026 | 3:08pm CT |
|
 |
Black Box Group (BBG) has launched The Drop, a new content and revenue tool designed to help radio shows and podcasts differentiate themselves in increasingly crowded dayparts.
Curated by veteran programmer, talent coach, and brand strategist Keith Cunningham, The Drop is delivered up to three times per week and focuses on concise, ready-to-air concepts tied to major daily stories. The service is positioned as an alternative to traditional prep sheets, emphasizing execution-ready ideas rather than broad topic lists.
"Scan the dial and you'll hear show after show executing the same bits, riffing on the same 'weird news,' and delivering the same punchlines, all from the same prep sheets," Cunningham said. He added that The Drop is built to provide "surgically sharp, ready-to-execute concepts" that help shows compete for audience attention while also incorporating revenue-generating elements designed to be benchmarked and differentiated.
According to Black Box Group, The Drop is available as a standalone offering for radio shows and podcasts, including those not currently working with the company under a consulting agreement.
Advertisement
|
Beasley Media Group Marks 65 Years of Broadcasting
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 2, 2026 | 2:56pm CT |
|
 |
Beasley Media Group is marking its 65th anniversary in 2026, reflecting its evolution from a single small-market radio station into a diversified media company with a national footprint.
The company traces its roots to December 3, 1961, when founder George Beasley received an FCC license to build WPYB-AM, a daytime-only station in Benson, North Carolina. At the time, many smaller communities lacked local broadcast service, and Beasley identified radio's potential to inform and connect those audiences -- a mission that became the foundation of the company.
Over the past six and a half decades, Beasley Media Group has expanded to operate 55 radio outlets in large and mid-sized markets, while also extending its reach through digital platforms and live events. The company says its focus on local communities and content has remained central despite changes in the broader media landscape.
The anniversary theme, "65 Strong: Forward Together," underscores both Beasley's history and its emphasis on future growth. A commemorative 65th anniversary logo will appear across company communications, platforms, and events throughout 2026.
Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beasley said the milestone reflects the contributions of employees past and present and the company's ongoing efforts to adapt and innovate. She noted that the anniversary is intended to highlight both Beasley's legacy and its continued commitment to localism and evolving media strategies.
Throughout 2026, Beasley plans to recognize key moments from its history, spotlight its markets and teams, and outline its strategic vision as it continues to expand its digital capabilities and community engagement.
Federal Judge Freezes Nielsen Network Policy
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 11:02pm CT |
|
 |
A federal judge has granted Cumulus Media a sweeping preliminary injunction against Nielsen, sharply limiting how the ratings provider can price and sell its national radio ratings product while an antitrust case moves forward.
In a December 30 order, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that Cumulus met all requirements for injunctive relief, including showing irreparable harm and a likelihood of success on the merits. "Cumulus has a strong likelihood of succeeding on the merits in this case," Vargas wrote.
The injunction halts enforcement of Nielsen's contested "Network Policy," which Cumulus alleges unlawfully ties access to national radio ratings to the purchase of local market data. The court ordered Nielsen to stop conditioning national ratings access on local subscriptions during ongoing contract negotiations.
The order also imposes a pricing restraint. Nielsen is barred from charging a "commercially unreasonable" rate for its Nationwide ratings when sold as a standalone product. Any price at or below the highest annual 2026 rate Nielsen charges any broadcaster for Nationwide data is deemed presumptively reasonable, effectively setting a ceiling during the litigation.
The injunction will remain in effect for the duration of the case unless modified. The court required Cumulus to post a $100,000 bond, a routine condition tied to preliminary injunctions.
Cumulus, which owns the Westwood One, argues the policy amounts to illegal tying under Section 2 of the Sherman Act and leverages Nielsen's alleged monopoly power to foreclose competition, including alternatives such as Eastlan Ratings. Nielsen has denied the claims, characterizing the dispute as a pricing disagreement and arguing the policy prevents "free-riding" on local data.
While the court's full opinion remains under seal due to competitively sensitive information, Judge Vargas said it followed an evidentiary hearing and an extensive factual record. A redacted public version is expected after the parties confer on proposed redactions.
The ruling does not resolve the antitrust claims, but it preserves Cumulus' access to national ratings data and restricts Nielsen's bargaining leverage while the case proceeds -- an outcome that could influence negotiations between Nielsen and radio broadcasters more broadly.
Broadcasters Seek to Reopen FM Translator Relocation Rules
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 1:08pm CT |
|
 |
A coalition of more than 20 broadcast companies has filed a Petition for Rule Making asking the Federal Communications Commission to reinstate and expand expired rules that allowed AM radio stations greater flexibility in acquiring and relocating FM translators.
The filing seeks to amend Section 74.1233(a)(1) of the Commission's rules to largely restore the AM Radio Revitalization policies adopted in 2016 and 2017, which permitted AM broadcasters to purchase FM translators within a defined radius and relocate them for local fill-in service. Those windows have since expired, leaving many AM stations without access to FM simulcasts.
The petition was led by Press Communications and joined by operators including SSR Communications, Simmons Broadcasting, Kaspar Broadcasting, Mountain Top Media, Delta Radio Network, The Cromwell Group, and others representing AM stations in both urban and rural markets.
In their filing, the broadcasters argue that AM stations continue to face mounting technical and economic challenges, including higher noise floors, limited nighttime service, and declining listener usage -- particularly among younger audiences. They cite industry data indicating that AM now accounts for less than one-third of broadcast radio listening, while many vehicles and consumer devices no longer include AM receivers.
The proposal would allow AM licensees to acquire FM translators from a broader geographic area and relocate them for use within 25 miles of an AM transmitter site. Petitioners also urge the FCC to expand the allowable acquisition radius from 250 miles to 500 miles, noting that stations located near coastlines or international borders were disadvantaged under the previous rules.
Additionally, the group asks the FCC to make translator eligibility permanent rather than limited to short filing windows, and to permit AM stations to operate up to three FM translators each. They contend this approach would reduce speculative filings while giving smaller and daytime-only AM stations a better chance to replicate their coverage on FM.
The broadcasters point to the 2016 AM Revitalization initiative launched under former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, saying it helped save hundreds of AM stations from going dark and generated measurable increases in listenership and revenue. The petition includes anecdotal evidence from station owners who report doubling revenue after adding an FM translator.
The filing also highlights AM radio's ongoing role in public safety and emergency communications, noting its ability to cover wide areas and remain operational during disasters. Petitioners argue that expanded access to FM translators would strengthen AM stations' long-term viability while preserving their public service mission.
The request comes as current FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has emphasized the importance of keeping broadcasters competitive as technology evolves. Petitioners say similar regulatory flexibility is needed to ensure AM radio remains a viable part of the nation's broadcast infrastructure.
Westwood One Launches ''Nightly With Jade & Tyler''
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 1:37pm CT |
|
 |
Westwood One is adding a new nighttime offering to its national CHR lineup with the debut of "Nightly With Jade & Tyler," launching Monday, January 5. The five-hour program will air Monday through Friday from 7-midnight, featuring today's current hit music alongside entertainment and social-driven content. The show will be hosted by Jade Jones and Tyler Frye, who will continue their existing daily on-air roles in Atlanta and Kansas City, respectively.
Jade Jones joins Westwood One from WWWQ-FM Atlanta, while Tyler Frye arrives from KMJK-FM Kansas City. Frye, a Chicago native, has previously worked in multiple major markets including Tampa, Denver, Raleigh, Houston, and Kansas City.
Westwood One President Collin Jones said the new show brings a high-energy approach to weeknights. He noted that the hosts' blend of music, personality, and real-time engagement is designed to give affiliate stations a fresh and dynamic sound.
Jade Jones said the opportunity to connect with a national audience is especially meaningful as the show prepares to launch, while Tyler Frye called the role a career milestone and expressed gratitude to Westwood One leadership for the opportunity.
Advertisement
|
KGAY Moves to 103.1 as Sunny 106.5 Launches in Palm Springs
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 1:29pm CT |
|
 |
KGAY Radio is entering its eighth year with a stronger signal and a new spot on the dial. As of New Year's Day, KGAY Radio has officially moved to 103.1 FM via co-owned KMEE-FM, expanding coverage across Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, and surrounding communities while upgrading to an HD digital signal.
Station owner and operator Brad Fuhr said the move builds on KGAY's success at 106.5 FM, where it has operated as a low-power translator. He noted that the shift to 103.1 FM allows the station to reach more listeners throughout the valley.
KGAY has been voted "Favorite Radio Station" for seven consecutive years in the Coachella Valley Independent Readers' Poll. The locally owned and LGBTQ+-operated station features a dance music format spanning from the disco era of the 1970s through the 2000s and continues to stream online at KGAYPalmSprings.com. Fuhr credited the station's longevity to strong community support from listeners, advertisers, and partners.
In February 2024, The New York Times profiled KGAY as "one of a kind," describing it as the only terrestrial radio station in the U.S. geared toward LGBTQ+ listeners and their allies. Air personalities John Taylor and Chris Shebel will continue hosting morning and afternoon drive, respectively.
The frequency vacated by KGAY is being rebranded as Sunny 106.5, replacing the former MeTV FM. The new station will feature an AC format focused on hits from the 1990s and 2000s, targeting listeners now in their 40s and 50s. Its playlist will blend pop, alternative, R&B, and upbeat titles from artists including Mariah Carey, Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox Twenty, Green Day, *NSYNC, Adele, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, and The Weeknd.
Veteran air personality Patrick Evans will join Sunny 106.5 weekdays from 10am-3pm, while continuing his weather forecasts for NewsChannel 3. E.J. Tyler will serve as Program Director and morning host. Fuhr said the station will maintain its commitment to supporting local charities and community causes as it expands its presence in the valley.
More FM Launches Throwback Top 40 for East Texas
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 1:14pm CT |
|
 |
A new online radio station focused on hit music from the past three decades is launching at the start of the new year, aiming to fill a programming gap for East Texas listeners.
More FM officially debuts January 1 at 12am CT, serving Tyler, Longview, and surrounding communities with a Throwback Top 40 format built around well-known hits from the 1990s through the 2010s. The station positions itself between contemporary and Classic Hits formats, targeting music that remains familiar and upbeat without leaning heavily into older-era nostalgia.
According to Program Director and creator Justin Walters, More FM is designed to occupy what he describes as the "throwback lane" of gold-based radio formats. He said the station focuses on songs that were major Top 40 hits and continue to resonate with listeners today.
The playlist includes pop, pop-rock, rhythmic crossover, and alternative titles that once dominated mainstream radio. More FM is programmed using a traditional radio approach, emphasizing song flow, familiarity, and repeat appeal rather than operating as an algorithm-driven shuffle.
Although available worldwide online, More FM is branded and programmed specifically for East Texas. The station's slogan, "More Throwbacks. More Fun.", reflects its emphasis on upbeat, feel-good music while maintaining a contemporary sound.
Walters, 22, has previously launched and operated multiple online radio stations serving East Texas and oversees all programming, branding, and format development for More FM.
"There's a large audience that grew up on this music and doesn't hear it on the radio that much anymore," Walters said. "More FM is about bringing back the fun of Top 40 radio in a way that still fits today's listening habits."
More FM can be streamed at morefmeasttexas.com and via TuneIn.
Audio Listening at Home Share Stabilizes Post-Pandemic
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 | 11:41am CT |
|
 |
Trended data from Edison Research's Share of Ear study shows how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped U.S. audio listening habits -- and where they have since settled. The analysis tracks the percentage of daily audio listening time spent at home among Americans age 13 and older from 2015 through the third quarter of 2025. From 2015 to 2019, just over half of all daily audio consumption occurred at home, averaging slightly above 52%.
That share rose sharply in 2020 to 59% as office work shifted into homes and social distancing measures took hold. Elevated at-home listening levels continued through 2021 and 2022, reflecting ongoing changes in work and daily routines.
Beginning in 2023, the data points to what appears to be a "new normal." From 2023 through 2025, at-home listening averaged about 55% of total daily audio time, suggesting that hybrid and remote work arrangements remain a lasting factor in how Americans consume audio content.
KLOE 730 Tower Falls After Windstorm, Station Goes Silent
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 | 3:36pm CT |
|
 |
The broadcast tower for Goodland's KLOE-AM (730) has collapsed following a series of extreme wind events in northwest Kansas, prompting Kansas Broadcast Company and NWKS Radio to permanently take the station off the air.
KLOE first signed on in 1948 and served Goodland and surrounding communities for more than 75 years with farm reports, weather coverage, local news, high school sports, and long-running programs such as the Good Neighbor Hour. The station marked its 75th anniversary in 2023.
According to the companies, windstorms on December 17 and 18 produced gusts ranging from 70 to more than 80 miles per hour across the Kansas-Colorado border, with Goodland recording gusts near 79 mph. The winds damaged porcelain insulators at the base of KLOE's tower, leaving the structure unstable. While engineering assessments found the tower itself intact, multiple failed insulators and limited availability of replacement parts made safe operation impossible.
Plans were made to stabilize and potentially rework the tower, but additional wind gusts late December 27 into early December 28 caused the structure to shift and fall into a nearby wheat field. No injuries or property damage were reported.
Citing the cost of constructing a new AM tower and broader challenges facing AM broadcasting, Kansas Broadcast Company said KLOE 730 will not be repaired or rebuilt and will remain permanently silent.
While KLOE is off the air, the companies said their presence in Goodland and northwest Kansas will continue. The Good Neighbor Hour will air weekday mornings from 5:30-7am MT KKCI (RockIt 102.5). NWKS Radio also announced plans to hire a new News Director who will relocate to Goodland in February.
NWKS Radio continues to operate other stations in the region, including KRDQ (100.3 The Ride), KKCI (RockIt 102.5), KXXX 790, and KWGB (FlyOver Country 97.9).
UC San Diego Basketball Lands Radio Home on 97.3 The Fan
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 30, 2025 | 11:35am CT |
|
 |
UC San Diego has reached a multi-year agreement with Audacy sports outlet KWFN-FM to broadcast Tritons men's and women's basketball games for the remainder of the 2025-26 season and beyond. Under the deal, UC San Diego basketball will air on 97.3 The Fan, with all broadcasts also streaming on the Audacy app. Play-by-play veterans Steve Quis and Ted Mendenhall will call the games, with recent UC San Diego graduate Madison Baxter providing analysis on the women's broadcasts.
The 2025-26 slate includes coverage of all remaining Big West men's road games and select UC San Diego women's regular-season contests. The station will also carry Tritons postseason action, including both teams' title defenses at The Big West Championship in Henderson, Nev., in March.
UC San Diego Athletics Director Andy Fee said the partnership expands the program's reach across the region and showcases a brand of basketball "the entire San Diego community can get behind." Adam Klug, Brand Manager for 97.3 The Fan, called the agreement the station's first as the exclusive broadcast home for Tritons basketball and highlighted the program's rapid rise since transitioning to Division I.
The inaugural broadcast under the agreement airs Thursday as the UC San Diego men visit Cal Poly. Pregame coverage begins at 6:52pm PT, with tipoff shortly after 7pm from San Luis Obispo.
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
