Top Radio News

Beasley Q2 Revenue Falls, Adjusted EBITDA Rises

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 3:47pm CT

Beasley Broadcast Group

Beasley Broadcast Group reported second-quarter 2026 net revenue of $44.1 million, down from $53.0 million a year earlier, while Adjusted EBITDA increased to $5.3 million from $4.7 million.

On a same-station basis, revenue declined 9.6%, reflecting continued weakness in traditional national and local agency advertising. Beasley said the declines were partially offset by 7.1% same-station growth in digital revenue and stabilization in local direct spot advertising.

Digital revenue totaled $11.7 million, down 11.6% overall from the prior year but up 7.1% on a same-station basis. Digital accounted for 26% of total revenue and posted a 15.4% operating margin. Local revenue, including digital packages sold locally, represented 74% of net revenue and grew 9% year-over-year. New business accounted for 13% of revenue.

Operating expenses declined 13.2% from a year earlier as the company continued previously announced cost reductions. Beasley implemented approximately $10 million in additional annualized expense reductions during the quarter, bringing savings over the trailing 12 months to roughly $30 million.

Station Operating Income totaled $5.3 million, representing a 12.1% margin, while corporate expenses declined 37.3%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 12.2% to $5.3 million from $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2025.

Beasley reported GAAP net income of $84.3 million for the quarter, compared with a net loss of $154,000 a year earlier. The sharp increase was primarily the result of a $91.8 million non-cash gain related to the company's debt restructuring. The company completed a series of balance-sheet initiatives on May 1, including a second-lien restructuring, repurchase of a portion of its first-lien notes and establishment of a new asset-based lending facility. The transactions reduced total outstanding debt by $95 million, including a 46% reduction in second-lien debt. Beasley said the moves will also lower future cash interest expense.

"While second quarter results continued to reflect pressure across portions of the traditional advertising marketplace, we are encouraged by the progress we're making in transforming Beasley into a more diversified, higher-margin media company," said CEO Caroline Beasley. She said the company's digital and local direct spot businesses continue to gain momentum while its cost structure is "significantly more efficient than it was a year ago."

At June 30, Beasley reported $144.8 million in long-term debt, down from $235.3 million at the end of 2025. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $6.7 million.

Streaming Music Surpasses Radio in Daily Music Reach

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 1:14pm CT

Edison Research at SSRS

Streaming music has surpassed AM/FM radio in daily music reach among Americans age 13 and older, according to the latest Share of Ear study from Edison Research at SSRS.

As of the second quarter of 2026, 46% of Americans 13 listen to streaming music on a typical day, compared with 43% who listen to music on AM/FM radio or radio streams. Overall, 87% of Americans 13 engage with music in some form each day.

The findings mark a reversal from when Edison first began releasing Share of Ear data. In 2015, AM/FM radio held a substantial advantage, with 61% of Americans 13 listening to music through AM/FM or radio streams on a typical day. At the time, streaming music reached just 27%.

While streaming has moved ahead in overall daily music reach, Edison said the picture changes substantially when only ad-supported listening is considered.

AM/FM radio and radio streams have a 43% daily reach for ad-supported music, more than twice streaming music's 19%. The difference reflects the significant portion of streaming consumption occurring through paid, commercial-free services.

The findings suggest AM/FM continues to maintain a significant advantage for advertisers seeking consumers through ad-supported music, even as streaming has become the leading platform for overall daily music reach.

Salem Media Narrows Q2 Loss as Revenue Falls 15%

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 12:54pm CT

Salem Media

Salem Media reported a sharply reduced net loss for the second quarter of 2026 despite a 15% decline in revenue, as lower operating expenses and impairment charges helped improve the company's bottom line.

For the three months ended June 30, Salem posted total net revenue of $45.9 million, down 15.2% from $54.1 million in the year-ago period. The company reported a net loss of $3.4 million, or 11 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $17.6 million, or 55 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2025.

Operating expenses declined to $50.3 million from $76.5 million, while selling, general and administrative expenses fell to $40.2 million from $51.2 million. Salem's operating loss narrowed to $4.4 million from $22.3 million a year earlier.

The company said expenses excluding the impact of asset sales declined 17.8%, or $8.6 million, driven in part by $3.6 million in lower payroll-related costs from workforce reductions, along with decreases in professional services, facility, marketing and health insurance expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA turned positive at $1.2 million for the quarter, compared with an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.1 million in the year-ago period. For the first six months of 2026, Adjusted EBITDA was $542,000, compared with a loss of $5.7 million during the same period last year.

Salem recorded a $4.8 million impairment charge during the quarter related to broadcast licenses in 10 market clusters, substantially below the $25.2 million impairment recorded a year earlier. The affected 2026 markets were Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

For the first six months of the year, Salem's revenue declined to $91.8 million from $105.9 million, while its net loss narrowed to $6.0 million from $24.7 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 20.2% to $81.9 million.

The company said first-half digital revenue fell $5.6 million primarily due to the loss of a podcaster, while programming revenue excluding political advertising declined $2.0 million, primarily at its Christian Teaching and Talk stations. Political revenue, however, increased 74% to $2.4 million as the 2026 election cycle boosted spending.

Salem ended June with $4.3 million outstanding under its asset-based revolving credit facility and $6.6 million in borrowing availability.

The results come as Salem moves toward its previously announced acquisition by The Christian Community Foundation, doing business as WaterStone. Under the agreement, WaterStone will acquire all outstanding Salem common shares for $1 per share and take the company private. The transaction has been approved by Salem's board and shareholders and was expected to close in August, subject to regulatory approval.

Townsquare Partners With Muirfield on Digital Ads

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 1:15pm CT

Townsquare Media

Townsquare Media has entered into a strategic digital advertising partnership with Muirfield Broadcasting, expanding its Media Partnerships division to 16 alliances covering 41 additional markets outside of Townsquare's owned-and-operated footprint.

Muirfield Broadcasting operates WIOZ-FM (Star 102.5) and WIOZ-AM (550) Fayetteville, serving North Carolina's Sandhills and Moore County. Under the agreement, Townsquare will provide customized, data-driven digital advertising solutions designed to complement Muirfield's local radio brands and expand the marketing services it can offer local, regional and national advertisers.

Townsquare launched its Media Partnerships division in 2024 as part of Townsquare Ignite, its Digital Advertising segment. The white-label platform gives participating media companies access to Townsquare's proprietary technology, digital advertising expertise and campaign strategies.

"We're seeing growing interest from local media companies looking to diversify and grow their digital advertising business while strengthening their relationships with advertisers," said Townsquare Ignite Chief Revenue Officer Shaun Collignon. He said the partnership combines Muirfield's local brands and community relationships with Townsquare's digital technology and expertise to help attract advertisers that may not traditionally have considered radio.

Townsquare said digital now accounts for more than half of the company's total revenue and profit.

Muirfield General Manager Tiffany Hewitt said the partnership will allow the broadcaster to offer clients more comprehensive marketing solutions by combining live local radio with digital advertising technology, strategic expertise and real-time campaign insights.

"Today's businesses need more than advertising - they need a strategic marketing partner," Hewitt said. "By combining the power of live, local radio with cutting-edge digital solutions, we're helping our clients grow their brands, reach new audiences, and achieve measurable success."

Bay Rock Launches as Baltimore Classic Rock

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 2:25pm CT

Bay Rock

Seaboard Networks has launched Bay Rock - Baltimore's Classic Rock, a new digital station designed to keep the format available in the market following WZBA's move from Classic Rock to Christian programming.

Bay Rock is available around the clock through its website and is already streaming through the iHeart app, with an independent interactive station app also in development.

The lineup includes several familiar Baltimore radio personalities, including former WZBA personalities Mike Brillhart, Colleen Carew and Chris Emry. Brillhart will also serve as Music Director.

Seaboard Networks Marketing Solutions Consultant Bob Stei will handle weekends while adding his syndicated programs "The Grunge Garage" and "The Britpop Show" to the weekend schedule. Longtime Baltimore promotions veteran Donna Jean Rumbley, previously with WZBA, has also joined Bay Rock.

"Baltimore has a long history of being a rock and roll city," said Seaboard Networks owner and Baltimore radio veteran Steve Clendenin. "I'm excited to keep that tradition alive with Bay Rock. We've tailored the format to fit Charm City."

Brillhart said the new outlet will continue several features familiar to Baltimore Classic Rock listeners, including "The Acoustic Cafe," "Get the Led Out" and "The Vinyl Frontier."

"I'm excited and happy to keep the classic rock train rolling in the Baltimore area and beyond," Brillhart said. "Along with some familiar DJ voices, classic rock fans will instantly have a place to turn to for all their favorite music."

Stei, who grew up in Baltimore County and began his radio career at WIYY in the early 1990s, said the team plans to maintain a visible presence throughout the market. "All of us have roots in Baltimore and Baltimore radio, so to say we are excited about this is an understatement," Stei said. "Look for this dream team to be all over the 'Charm City' as we combine classic fun radio with today's technology."

Audacy Insights: Economy Tops Issues for Commuters

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 1:27pm CT

Audacy Insights

Economic concerns are emerging as the dominant issue among voters heading into the 2026 midterm elections, particularly among Americans who regularly commute to work, according to new research commissioned by Audacy.

The study of 1,000 registered U.S. voters, conducted with YouGov, found 54% of likely voters identify the economy and cost of living as the most important issue shaping their vote. Among commuters, that figure rises to 59%, while 73% of commuters who are homeowners with children rank the economy as their top issue.

Audacy said the financial pressures facing commuters are particularly pronounced because of expenses including gasoline, insurance, parking, vehicle maintenance and childcare on top of higher housing, utility and grocery costs. Among commuters who identify the economy as their top election issue, 80% said their money does not go as far as it did a year ago, seven percentage points higher than registered voters overall.

The research also found the regular weekday commute has largely returned. Among Americans working full or part time, 78% commute to work at least two days per week, 73% commute three or more days and 45% travel to work all five days of the traditional workweek.

Audacy cited additional research from Placer.ai showing nationwide office attendance reached a post-pandemic high in June, rising 9% from a year earlier and reaching nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels. MRI-Simmons estimates 66 million Americans are commuting in 2026.

The company argues those trends create a significant opportunity for radio and podcasts during the fall political advertising season. Nearly 90% of American workers who commute do so by car, according to the post, with AM/FM radio and podcasts accounting for much of ad-supported in-car listening.

Audacy also said radio and podcast listeners are more likely than registered voters overall to rank the economy as their top issue and report a strong intention to vote in November.

"The story of 2026 is really being written on the highway," said Audacy VP of Government and Political Partnerships Haley Tear-Lombardo. "The daily commute is no longer just travel time; it's one of the most important moments for reaching voters."

Audacy pointed to Nielsen case studies from the 2022 midterms to illustrate radio's potential incremental reach. In Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate race, John Fetterman's radio advertising extended the reach of his television campaign by 10%, adding 676,000 unique voters. In Georgia's Senate runoff, Raphael Warnock's radio campaign extended his television reach by 18%, adding 659,000 unique voters.

The Audacy post concludes that the combination of economic concerns, increased commuting and voter engagement gives radio and podcasts an opportunity to play a significant role in political advertising during the 2026 midterm campaign.

Report: Podcast Ad Spending Jumps 23% in Q2

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 3:18pm CT

Magellan AI

Podcast advertising continued to show strong growth in the second quarter of 2026, with spending rising 23% from a year earlier and 9% from the first quarter, according to Magellan AI's latest Podcast Advertising Benchmark Report. Every month of the quarter topped the average monthly spending level recorded during Q1.

The report found 1,297 brands advertising on podcasts for the first time during the quarter, while overall ad load increased to 8.75% from 8.25% in Q1. Insurance was the fastest-growing advertising category, with spending increasing 60% quarter-to-quarter.

Quince remained the largest individual podcast advertiser with an estimated $19 million in Q2 spending. Shopify ranked second at $15.7 million, followed by BetterHelp at $15.6 million, Toyota at $13.5 million and Amazon at $12.5 million. T-Mobile, FanDuel, Progressive, SimpliSafe and Public.com completed the top 10. Combined spending among the 10 largest advertisers totaled an estimated $128 million, down 2% from Q1. Eight of the top 10 were also among the biggest spenders during the previous quarter.

Insurance spending climbed from $36.4 million in Q1 to $58.2 million in Q2, a 60% increase. Energy spending rose 52%, jewelry increased 47%, VPN advertising grew 42% and home improvement advanced 38%.

Financial Services remained the largest category overall with $114.4 million in estimated Q2 podcast spending, up 12% year-over-year. Business Services & Software followed at $83.9 million, while Consumer Services & Software accounted for $72.2 million. Health Services posted the largest year-over-year percentage increase among the top 10 categories, jumping 110% to $49.5 million.

Advertising dollars also became somewhat more concentrated among larger podcasts. Shows with an average rank of 500 or better captured 52% of Q2 podcast ad spending, up from 48% in Q1. Shows ranked 501-3,000 accounted for 31%, with lower-ranked programs receiving the remaining 17%.

Meanwhile, ad load across the sampled episodes increased to 8.75% from 8.25% in Q1 and 8.11% in the year-ago quarter. Sports podcasts were among those recording a sizable increase, with Q2 ad load rising from 7.77% in 2025 to 9.11% this year.

Magellan AI based the report on an analysis of 94,823 episodes from popular podcasts, sampling multiple copies of some episodes to account for dynamically inserted advertising. Its estimated spending model incorporates ad volume, estimated downloads, CPMs, ad type and how advertising was purchased.

iHeartMedia Leads Podtrac July Publisher Rankings

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 11:17am CT

Podtrac

iHeartMedia continued to dominate Podtrac's U.S. podcast publisher rankings in July 2026, while "Crime Junkie" remained the nation's top podcast based on U.S. unique monthly audience.

The iHeart Audience Network ranked No. 1 among U.S. podcast publishers and networks with 55.7 million unique monthly audience members and 270.6 million U.S. streams and downloads across 26,463 active shows. iHeartPodcasts followed at No. 2 with 29.8 million unique listeners and 150.9 million streams and downloads across 939 shows.

NPR Sales Network ranked third with 16.8 million unique monthly audience members and 93.7 million streams and downloads, followed by Libsyn at No. 4 with 12.8 million and Vox Media at No. 5 with 6.5 million.

PodcastOne, The Walt Disney Company, Fox Audio Network, DailyWire and Barstool Sports rounded out the top 10.

Podtrac reported that seven participants in its U.S. publisher rankings increased their U.S. downloads in July compared with June, while seven also posted month-to-month gains in U.S. unique monthly audience.

On the individual podcast chart, AudioChuck's "Crime Junkie" held the No. 1 position, followed by The New York Times' "The Daily" at No. 2. "NPR News Now" was third, "Up First from NPR" fourth and "Dateline NBC" fifth.

"Fox News Hourly Update" held sixth, while Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" climbed one position to No. 7. "Pod Save America" slipped one spot to eighth, followed by "The Ben Shapiro Show" and "Stuff You Should Know."

Among the month's bigger movers, The New York Times' "The Ezra Klein Show" jumped six positions to No. 17, while "The Tim Dillon Show" climbed five spots to No. 19. Cumulus Podcast Network's "The Shawn Ryan Show" advanced three positions to No. 12.

Stingray Inks TuneIn Partnership with iM Media Labs

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 10:49am CT

TuneIn

Stingray has announced a new partnership with iM Media Labs to integrate TuneIn into the iM Media Hub, expanding access to live radio, sports, news, music and podcasts in connected vehicles.

The integration will make TuneIn available through the vehicle-native iM Media Hub without requiring smartphone projection. The platform combines radio, streaming, podcasts, news, sports, audiobooks, video and other entertainment services into a unified interface that can be branded by individual automakers.

"Automotive is a key growth area for TuneIn, and this partnership is another step in making our content available wherever drivers choose to listen," said TuneIn CEO Rich Stern. "iM Media Labs shares our vision for delivering exceptional in-vehicle audio experiences."

The iM Media Hub also uses AI-powered recommendations to help drivers discover stations, programs and podcasts. Existing TuneIn users will be able to access their Favorites and Recently Played selections directly through the vehicle, allowing listening to continue across devices.

"Adding TuneIn significantly expands that choice, bringing more than 100,000 radio stations, live sports, news, music and podcasts into a consistent experience designed around each automaker's brand," said iM Media Labs Founder, President and COO John Jasper.

Under the agreement, eligible new users accessing TuneIn through the iM Media Hub will receive a free trial of TuneIn Premium. The service includes commercial-free news and music channels, fewer ads on more than 100,000 radio stations, access to more than 100,000 audiobooks and live sports coverage.

K-LOVE Names Brian Sipe VP of Live Events

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 10:45am CT

Brian Sipe

K-LOVE, Inc., parent company of K-LOVE and Air1, has named veteran venue executive Brian Sipe as Vice President of Live Events, effective October 5. Sipe most recently served as General Manager of Central Bank Center in Lexington, KY, which is managed by Oak View Group. His background also includes booking at Rupp Arena and serving as General Manager of venues in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

"Brian is exactly the kind of leader we were praying God would bring to K-LOVE," said Chief Media Officer Gator Harrison. "He has earned tremendous respect throughout the live entertainment industry for his experience, creativity, and leadership, but what impressed us most is his love for Jesus and his heart for ministry."

In his new role, Sipe will oversee collaboration, strategy and direction for K-LOVE's partnership events, with a focus on maximizing existing opportunities and developing sustainable live event offerings. He will also work to ensure the organization's events support its ministry mission and foster audience engagement.

"I am honored to join such an amazing ministry to use my God given abilities for His purpose," said Sipe. "I am beyond excited to be able to join such a strong team of people as we grow this ministry together, creating live experiences that fulfill your soul and make an impact on your life forever."

iHeartMedia Q2 Revenue Rises 4.7% to $977 Million

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 3:06pm CT

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $977.2 million, an increase of 4.7% from $933.7 million a year earlier, as continued growth in its digital and podcast businesses offset weakness in its Multiplatform Group.

Excluding political advertising, consolidated revenue increased 3.5%. GAAP operating income was $35.5 million, essentially flat with $35.4 million in the second quarter of 2025, while Adjusted EBITDA declined 2.9% to $151.5 million from $156.1 million.

The company reported a net loss of $82.5 million, compared with a loss of $84.0 million a year ago. Cash provided by operating activities increased to $64.9 million from $6.8 million, while Free Cash Flow improved to $46.0 million from negative $13.2 million.

Digital Audio Group revenue climbed 12.4% to $364.1 million, led by a 20.7% increase in podcast revenue to $162.1 million. Digital revenue excluding podcasts increased 6.6% to $202.0 million. Digital Audio Adjusted EBITDA rose 14.5% to $123.2 million, with a margin of 33.8%.

"Our podcast revenue momentum continues, up 20.7% compared to prior year," said iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman. He noted that the company's broadcast radio assets are also helping it develop the emerging video podcast market, including opportunities with streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu.

Pittman said the quarter marked the sixth consecutive period in which Digital Audio Group Adjusted EBITDA exceeded that of the company's Multiplatform Group.

Multiplatform Group revenue declined 1.6% to $535.7 million, reflecting decreases in network, sponsorship and event revenue. Broadcast radio revenue increased 0.5% to $397.6 million, while network revenue fell 3.8% and sponsorship and events declined 16.3%.

Multiplatform Group Adjusted EBITDA fell 39.2% to $58.6 million from $96.4 million a year earlier, with its margin declining to 10.9% from 17.7%.

The Audio & Media Services Group posted an 18.8% revenue increase to $80.5 million, driven primarily by higher digital and political advertising revenue. Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 54.6% to $36.7 million.

President and COO Rich Bressler said the company's second-quarter performance gives iHeartMedia "additional confidence in the second half of the year." The company also extended the maturity of its $450 million asset-based revolving credit facility from May 2027 to January 30, 2029.

For the third quarter, iHeartMedia expects consolidated revenue to increase in the mid-single digits and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $180 million to $220 million.

For full-year 2026, the company continues to project Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $800 million and Free Cash Flow of approximately $200 million. It also expects $125 million in 2026 cost savings and approximately $200 million in programmatic revenue, up about 50%.

As of June 30, iHeartMedia had $174.4 million in cash, $457.2 million in total available liquidity and approximately $5.04 billion in total debt.

Entravision Q2 Revenue Jumps 126% on Ad Tech Growth

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 3:10pm CT

Entravision Communications

Entravision Communications reported second-quarter 2026 net revenue of $227.9 million, up 126% from $100.7 million in the same period last year, driven by rapid growth in its Advertising Technology & Services business.

The company's Advertising Technology & Services segment generated $182.8 million in revenue, a 230% increase from $55.3 million a year ago. Entravision attributed the gain to increases in monthly active advertisers and revenue per advertiser, fueled by investments in the platform's artificial intelligence capabilities and expanded sales capacity.

Meanwhile, Entravision's Media segment, which includes its U.S. radio and television properties along with digital marketing services, saw revenue decline 1% to $45.1 million. The company cited lower broadcast advertising and spectrum usage rights revenue, partially offset by growth in digital advertising and retransmission fees. Excluding political revenue, local advertising increased 1% while national advertising fell 19%.

Media segment operating results swung to a loss of $3.3 million from a $354,000 profit a year earlier. Advertising Technology & Services operating profit, however, surged to $40.0 million from $5.2 million. Overall segment operating profit increased to $36.7 million from $5.5 million.

Entravision posted second-quarter net income attributable to common stockholders of $19.7 million, or 19 cents per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $3.3 million, or four cents per share, in the year-ago quarter. Operating income totaled $30.0 million versus an operating loss of $848,000 last year.

For the first six months of 2026, consolidated revenue rose 121% to $424.9 million. Advertising Technology & Services revenue increased 218% to $337.4 million, while Media revenue grew 1% to $87.5 million.

CEO Michael Christenson said Entravision repaid $5 million on its bank term loan during the quarter and remains committed to reducing debt and maintaining a strong balance sheet. The company ended June with $83.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and $157.3 million in long-term debt and current maturities.

Entravision's board also approved a quarterly cash dividend of five cents per share, payable September 30 to shareholders of record at the close of business September 16.

Study: Podcast Ads Reach Elusive Streaming Viewers

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 11:20am CT

Cumulus Media | Westwood One

Podcast advertising could provide marketers with an effective way to reach consumers who increasingly spend their video viewing time on advertising-free streaming services, according to the latest Podcast Download study from Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights.

The Spring 2026 study, conducted by Quantilope in April among 600 weekly podcast consumers, found a significant overlap between podcast audiences and users of ad-free video streaming platforms. The findings are examined in a new Cumulus Media/Westwood One Audio Active Group blog by Pierre Bouvard.

According to the study, 97% of weekly podcast consumers used a video streaming service during the previous month, while 88% used an ad-free streaming service.

Podcast listeners are also more likely to be cord cutters. One-third of weekly podcast consumers said they do not subscribe to any pay-TV provider.

The study found weekly podcast consumers spend 39% of their video viewing time with ad-free platforms and content. By comparison, Nielsen data indicates ad-free content accounts for 27% of overall U.S. television viewing time. That means weekly podcast listeners devote 44% more of their viewing time to ad-free content than the average American.

Cumulus Media says the results illustrate how podcast advertising can help marketers reach desirable consumers who are increasingly difficult to reach through traditional television or ad-supported streaming. The study found 20% of weekly podcast consumers are not reached by TV streaming service advertising in an average week.

The relationship becomes stronger among the heaviest podcast users. Consumers listening to podcasts six or more hours per week are 14% more likely than weekly podcast consumers overall to be heavy users of ad-free video streaming. Heavy podcast listeners average seven hours with ad-free streaming services, compared with 6.4 hours among weekly podcast consumers overall.

Cumulus Media also suggests streaming companies themselves could benefit from using podcast advertising to promote programming, pointing specifically to Netflix and declining audiences for returning seasons of several series.

Citing Bloomberg data, the blog notes that second seasons of "Running Point" and "The Four Seasons" experienced 50% audience declines, while "Beef" fell 70%. "The Night Agent" lost 50% of its audience for its second season and another 35% for its third, while the second season of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" declined more than 60% during its first week.

The blog argues that lack of awareness could be contributing to the declines and that podcast advertising could help streaming services generate interest in returning programs.

Cumulus Media also points to Nielsen's May 2026 Gauge report, which gave Netflix an 8% share of television viewing. With 92% of viewing occurring elsewhere, the company argues Netflix cannot depend solely on promotion within its own platform to generate awareness for new and returning programs.

The Spring 2026 report is the 16th edition of the Podcast Download research series from Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights.

Read the full blog post here.

RAB Sets Third AI Advantage Webinar for August 19

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 2:03pm CT

Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)

The Radio Advertising Bureau will present the third installment of its four-part "AI Advantage for Radio Sales" webinar series on Wednesday, August 19 at Noon CT/1pm ET.

The session, "The AI Visibility Playbook for Radio," will focus on how radio stations and local advertisers can improve their visibility in responses generated by artificial intelligence and large language models.

RAB Senior Vice President of Digital Services Dave Casper and Senior Vice President of Professional Development Jeff Schmidt will host the webinar. The series examines RAB's curated AI-enabled resources and how broadcasters can use them to strengthen client relationships, streamline sales workflows and improve visibility for stations and advertisers.

The session will examine what AI platforms tell advertisers about radio when sellers are not part of the conversation and why local broadcasters may be missing from AI-generated answers. Casper and Schmidt will also discuss steps sellers, managers and stations can take to make their information more accessible to AI systems.

Attendees will receive a roadmap covering both sides of the AI equation: using AI to improve the sales process and using Answer Engine Optimization, or AEO, to increase the likelihood that stations and their advertisers appear in AI-generated responses.

The August 19 webinar is complimentary for RAB members. Registered attendees will also receive an on-demand recording and access to a companion resource page following the presentation.

Disney+, Hulu Add Six iHeart Video Podcasts

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 10:55am CT

iHeartMedia

Disney+ and Hulu are expanding their video podcast offerings through a new agreement with iHeartMedia that will bring six iHeartPodcasts titles to the streaming platforms beginning this month.

The rollout starts August 14 with "Hey Jonas!," the official Jonas Brothers podcast hosted by Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, streaming on both Disney+ and Hulu. The debut comes ahead of the premiere of "Camp Rock 3" on Disney+ and will include an episode focused on the franchise, followed by episodes featuring the brothers live from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

"Pod Meets World," hosted by "Boy Meets World" stars Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong, will arrive on Disney+ August 24. The podcast, which has generated more than 55 million audio downloads, will expand beyond its recap of the sitcom's seven seasons with memories, conversations, guests and other topics.

Four additional iHeartPodcasts will be added to Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for U.S. bundle subscribers in the coming months. "StraightioLab," hosted by George Civeris and Sam Taggart, and "Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim" are scheduled for the fall.

"Desperately Devoted," featuring Teri Hatcher, Andrea Bowen and Emerson Tenney revisiting "Desperate Housewives," will begin streaming November 2. "Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald," hosted by "Scrubs" co-stars Zach Braff and Donald Faison, will debut later this year.

New episodes of all six podcasts will stream weekly.

"Fans can't get enough of the stories and talent they love, and podcasts have become one of the fastest growing ways for audiences to connect with them," said Lauren Tempest, Head of Content Planning & Partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company. She said the iHeartMedia partnership will bring viewers closer to their favorite programs and creators.

iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman said audiences increasingly want to engage with podcast personalities across multiple platforms. He called Disney+ and Hulu "ideal partners" for expanding the reach of iHeartPodcasts through video.

The agreement expands an existing podcast lineup on Disney+ and Hulu that includes licensed, rewatch and companion programs tied to series and franchises including "Paradise," "American Idol," "Dancing with the Stars" and several FX productions.

WTOP Expands Top News Podcast With Hourly Updates

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 11:03am CT

WTOP News

WTOP News in Washington, DC is planning a major expansion of its "Top News Podcast," transforming the program into an on-demand extension of the station's daily news coverage.

Under the new format, WTOP will produce 12 to 14 episodes each weekday, offering 20-minute news updates refreshed hourly from 6am to 7pm. A video version of the podcast will also be produced for digital platforms.

WTOP says the expanded format is designed to reflect changing news consumption habits by providing listeners with frequent, concise updates available on demand.

To support the expansion, WTOP plans to hire two full-time podcast host-producers who will oversee daily production and serve as the program's editorial voices.

"This new podcast represents a natural evolution of the WTOP brand," said WTOP Head of News and Programming Julie Ziegler. "It meets news consumers where they are - on more platforms than ever before - allowing us to grow our audience and develop new revenue streams."

The "Top News Podcast" has been part of WTOP's content lineup for more than six years. It initially launched as an automated feed containing the first 30 minutes of the station's hourly newscasts. In 2024, WTOP shifted to a manually produced format with content producers creating two episodes each day.

The latest overhaul will combine elements of both approaches, drawing on WTOP's newsroom and hourly newscasts while adding dedicated hosts, production and original context and analysis.

Development and support for the project will be provided in collaboration with Gamut Podcast Network, the podcast division of Hubbard Media That Connects launched in 2025. Gamut's lineup includes "American Nightmares" and "Behind the Song."

The revamped "Top News Podcast" is expected to launch later this year.

KRMG Tulsa Adds Dallas Cowboys Football

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 11:08am CT

Dallas Cowboys

Zoellner Media Group has announced a new partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, making AM 740 KRMG in Tulsa the team's radio home in northeastern Oklahoma for the 2026-2027 NFL season. Beginning this season, KRMG will carry all Cowboys preseason, regular season and postseason games, along with additional team programming throughout the year.

"The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most passionate fan bases anywhere, and we know there are thousands of Cowboys fans right here in Green Country," said KRMG Program Director Levi May. "We're excited to bring every game to our listeners and provide a home where fans can follow the Cowboys all season long."

May called the partnership a "tremendous addition" to the station's programming lineup.

Zoellner Media Group General Manager Steve Hunter said the agreement represents the company's continued investment in programming for listeners throughout northeastern Oklahoma.

"We're thrilled to welcome the Dallas Cowboys to the Zoellner Media Group family," said Hunter. "Becoming the official home of Cowboys football allows us to bring one of the most sought-after sports properties directly to our audience while continuing to strengthen our commitment to serving listeners with outstanding local and national programming."