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Top Radio News
iHeart Shareholders Approve Expanded Incentive Plan
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 3:33pm CT |
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iHeartMedia shareholders have approved a significant expansion of the company's long-term incentive compensation program, authorizing an additional 13 million shares for employee equity awards and extending the plan for another decade.
The changes were approved during iHeartMedia's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held June 4. Shareholders voted in favor of the second amendment to the company's 2021 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan, which had previously been approved by the board of directors on April 7.
Under the amendment, the number of Class A common shares reserved for issuance under the plan increases by 13 million shares, bringing the total available pool to 32 million shares. The amendment also raises the number of shares that may be granted as incentive stock options to 32 million and extends the company's authority to grant awards under the plan through June 4, 2036. Incentive stock options may be granted through April 7, 2036.
Shareholders approved the proposal by a vote of 94.5 million shares in favor and 4.2 million against, with approximately 752,000 abstentions.
The annual meeting also resulted in the re-election of all eight director nominees to one-year terms. Those directors are Chairman and CEO Robert W. Pittman, James A. Rasulo, Richard J. Bressler, Samuel E. Englebardt, Robert Millard, Cheryl Mills, Graciela Monteagudo, and Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan.
In addition, shareholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as iHeartMedia's independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2026 and approved, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the company's named executive officers.
A total of 108.4 million shares were represented at the meeting, accounting for approximately 83.4% of iHeartMedia's outstanding Class A common stock eligible to vote.
Report: Audio Remains Key for Small Business Growth
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 11:18am CT |
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Small businesses face increasing pressure to make every marketing dollar count as they navigate a growing number of advertising channels and heightened demands to demonstrate return on investment, according to a new Audacy Insights report.
The report, entitled "Small Business Budgets. Big Expectations. Why Audio Delivers," argues that the most effective marketing strategies combine traditional and digital channels to guide consumers from awareness to purchase. Audacy cites research showing that local businesses are prioritizing brand building, trust, and search optimization as they seek measurable results from their advertising efforts.
Audacy positions audio platforms -- including broadcast radio, streaming audio, and podcasts -- as effective tools for building brand awareness through repeated exposure and strong audience engagement. The company notes that sponsorships, branded features, and community-based events can help businesses establish stronger local connections with consumers.
Among the examples highlighted in the report is a campaign for Hellmann's Mayonnaise, which partnered with Audacy and sports station WFAN to create football-themed tailgate events featuring brand activations, celebrity appearances, and fan engagement activities designed to increase brand visibility and consumer interaction.
The report also emphasizes the role of trusted on-air personalities and podcast hosts in influencing consumer behavior. Audacy says endorsements from familiar voices can help businesses build credibility and encourage purchasing decisions, particularly in competitive local markets.
For businesses focused on driving measurable conversions, Audacy advocates combining audio campaigns with digital marketing tactics. The company says audio can build awareness and trust at the top of the sales funnel, while digital channels can capture consumer intent and drive actions such as website visits, store traffic, and purchases.
One case study cited in the report involved a grocery chain that used a mix of streaming audio, podcast advertising, and geo-targeted digital display ads. According to Audacy, the campaign generated an additional 64,000 in-store visits across the retailer's locations.
Looking ahead, Audacy says artificial intelligence is reshaping both consumer discovery and advertising execution. The company notes it is incorporating AI-powered tools into areas such as search optimization and digital out-of-home advertising while continuing to promote integrated campaigns that combine radio, podcasts, digital media, and social platforms.
Audacy concludes that while technology continues to evolve, successful marketing campaigns still depend on trust, local connections, and authentic engagement to turn audience exposure into measurable business results.
Read the entire Audacy Insights post here.
Jesse Garcia Named PD of K105 in Fort Wayne
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 11:04am CT |
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Federated Media has promoted veteran programmer Jesse Garcia to Program Director of Country WQHK (K105) in Fort Wayne, IN, effective immediately. He will continue serving as Program Director of sister Country WBYT (B100) in South Bend. Garcia has spent more than 16 years programming B100, where he also hosts weekday afternoons.
A graduate of Southern Illinois University with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting, Garcia has worked at stations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Colorado before settling in northern Indiana.
Federated Media Director of Operations Kyle Guderian said Garcia's success in South Bend made him a natural choice for the Fort Wayne position. "Jesse has built an incredibly strong country brand in our South Bend market, and he's earned this opportunity in Fort Wayne," Guderian said. "Extending his leadership to K105 was a natural fit. He knows the format, he knows our company, and he knows how to connect with listeners."
Garcia said he is eager to begin working with the K105 staff and listeners. "I'm excited to join the K105 team and the Federated Media family in Fort Wayne," Garcia said. "I'm looking forward to getting connected with the community and having some fun doing it."
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Entravision Launches AI Co-Hosted Radio Show
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 3:46pm CT |
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Entravision Communications says it has made history with what it describes as the first AI co-hosted Spanish-language radio show in the U.S., as its Los Angeles morning program "Al Aire y Sin Permiso" continues to post strong audience growth.
The show, heard weekdays from 8-10am on KLYY-FM (Jose 97.5) in Riverside, pairs veteran radio personality Geraldine "GeeGee" Guzman with Coyotec, an AI-powered radio host introduced by Entravision in September, 2025. The company says the program combines artificial intelligence with traditional radio storytelling to create a unique listening experience for Spanish-speaking audiences.
Entravision said the show reflects its broader effort to explore how emerging technologies can enhance creativity, storytelling, and audience engagement while maintaining strong cultural connections with listeners.
"After ten years in LA radio, I know true connection," Guzman said. "As part of the first-ever AI radio show, we're breaking completely new ground. It's a space where tech meets the streets of LA, keeping our audience locked into a conversation that literally no one else is having."
Coyotec was developed under the leadership of Eduardo Maytorena, Entravision's President of Audio, and LeaAnna Hernandez, EVP of AI Strategy. Hernandez said the program is designed to encourage listeners to explore new technologies while highlighting the role of Latinos in innovation and problem-solving.
"For years, radio has been sold as inventory. We believe the future is about experiences, storytelling, and audience connection," Maytorena said. "What makes 'Al Aire y Sin Permiso' so exciting is that it brings personality, culture, and innovation together."
iHeart Renews ''This Is Important'' Podcast Deal
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 3:39pm CT |
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iHeartPodcasts and Mail Order Company have signed a new multi-year agreement to continue producing the comedy podcast "This Is Important," extending a partnership that began with the show's launch in 2020.
Created and hosted by "Workaholics" stars Adam Devine, Anders Holm and Blake Anderson, the podcast is approaching its 300th episode while consistently ranking among the Top 50 shows on Apple Podcasts' Comedy chart.
Under the renewed deal, "This Is Important" will continue as a weekly audio and video podcast. iHeartPodcasts said it will significantly expand its production and marketing support for the show, including increased promotional efforts and enhanced production resources.
"This Is Important" was named Best Comedy Podcast at the 2024 iHeartPodcast Awards and was selected as part of iHeartMedia's exclusive video podcast partnership with Netflix. The franchise has also expanded beyond podcasting through its live "TII Tour," which has brought the show's comedy-driven format to audiences across the country.
"WeHeart iHeart with all of rHearts and we'll continue to bring inarguably thee most importantest 'content' to the network," said Devine, Holm and Anderson in a joint statement. "We look forward to growing TII Nation and expanding our friendship family in the years to come."
Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, said the show's success is rooted in the hosts' unique chemistry and comedic style. "It's no surprise that 'This Is Important' has built such an incredibly loyal fan base with its authentic and original style of unfiltered comedy," Pearson said. "We're thrilled to expand our partnership and continue investing in one of the funniest teams in podcasting."
"This Is Important" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts, with new episodes released each Tuesday on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.
2026 Radio Mercury Awards Winners Announced
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 11:54pm CT |
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Progressive Insurance and Arnold Worldwide captured the Best of Show honors at the 2026 Radio Mercury Awards, which celebrated excellence in radio and audio advertising during the competition's 35th annual awards presentation at Sony Hall.
The winning campaign, "Truckers Unite the World," earned the night's top recognition in a competition that honors creative achievement across broadcast radio, streaming audio, podcasts and integrated audio campaigns. The Radio Mercury Awards remain the only major creative competition dedicated exclusively to radio and audio advertising.
"This evening is a celebration of the creativity, storytelling and innovation that continue to make radio and audio one of the most powerful mediums in advertising," said Mike Hulvey, President and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and Chair of the Radio Creative Fund. He noted that the awards continue to showcase the industry's best ideas and craftsmanship after 35 years.
The 2026 competition was led by Chief Judge Danny Gonzalez, co-founder and co-chief creative officer of Bandits & Friends. Gonzalez praised the quality of this year's entries, saying strong writing remained the defining element among the top submissions.
In addition to recognizing creative excellence, Liberty Mutual Insurance was named the 2026 Radio Marketer of the Year for its longstanding commitment to radio advertising and the success of its widely recognized sonic branding campaign featuring the "Liberty, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty" jingle. Jenna Lebel, Chief Marketing Officer of U.S. Retail Markets, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
The awards ceremony was hosted by nationally syndicated personality Angela Yee, host of "Way Up with Angela Yee." Additional presenters included Audacy's Shelley Wade, Skyview Networks' Erik Zachary and Connoisseur Media's Anna Zap.
Among the category winners, iHeartMedia Studio55 earned multiple honors, including wins for promotional spots "Swampazookeedooks" and "Kaitlyn Imani Whitaker," as well as the campaign "Kid Free Sailing" for Virgin Voyages. Arnold Worldwide also won several awards for Progressive Insurance campaigns, including "Bench Press," "Bad Team Protection," and "French Press."
Other notable winners included Audacy Studios for WCCO's "Deep State Fair," Zimmer Communications for the "Play It or Plunge It" campaign, University of Kentucky for the student-produced script category, and Amazon XCM for "Save the Everyday: Laura vs. Fruit Flies." Bandits & Friends won the Use of Radio/Audio Technology category for "Half Speed Radio" and shared a Sound Design award for Liberty Mutual's "Stay Awake Audio."
The 2026 Radio Mercury Awards were supported by a broad range of industry sponsors, including Hubbard Radio, Audacy, Cox Media Group, iHeartMedia, Nielsen, Skyview Networks, Triton Digital, Urban One, Zimmer Radio and Marketing Group, Katz Radio Group and others.
Radio, Podcasts Dominate Ad-Supported Audio Time
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 11:32am CT |
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Radio and podcasts continued to dominate ad-supported audio consumption in the first quarter of 2026, accounting for 82% of all daily ad-supported listening time, according to Nielsen's latest edition of The Record, produced in partnership with Edison Research.
The quarterly report found that U.S. consumers spend nearly four hours each day with audio, with radio maintaining a strong position despite increasing competition from streaming services and other digital platforms. Only 16% of ad-supported audio listening time was spent with streaming music services during the quarter.
Nielsen said radio's share of daily listening increased across many key demographic groups compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, underscoring the medium's continued relevance for advertisers seeking large-scale audience reach.
The report highlighted News/Talk as the nation's leading radio format among adults 18 and older, posting a 10.9% share of total radio listening in the first quarter, up slightly from 10.8% in the previous quarter. Nielsen attributed the gain to heightened interest in domestic and international news events. The All News format also posted growth, increasing from a 2.7% share to 2.9%.
Adult Contemporary experienced the largest quarter-to-quarter decline, falling from an 8.4% share in the holiday-driven fourth quarter to 7.1% in the first quarter, returning closer to its typical annual performance after seasonal Christmas music programming ended.
Several major music formats remained stable or posted gains during the quarter. Country held steady with a 5.8% share, while Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) remained unchanged at 4.3%. Among listeners ages 18-34, Classic Hits increased from a 5.1% share to 5.4%, Hot Adult Contemporary rose from 4.9% to 5.6%, and Alternative climbed from 3.8% to 4.2%.
Formats targeting Black and Hispanic audiences also showed strength. Urban AC/R&B maintained a 5.1% share among adults 18 and older, while Urban Contemporary/Hip-Hop/R&B increased from 2.7% to 2.8% overall and from 4.6% to 4.8% among adults 18-34. Mexican Regional radio grew from a 3.0% share to 3.1% overall and from 3.4% to 3.6% among younger listeners.
Nielsen concluded that radio continues to command the largest share of ad-supported audio listening in the U.S., with podcasts serving as a complementary platform that together reaches the vast majority of daily audio consumers. The company noted that advertisers relying solely on streaming audio are missing a significant portion of the available ad-supported audience.
Read Nielsen's entire The Record post here.
Nicole Humphrey Named LPM VP of Development
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 11:11am CT |
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Louisville Public Media (LPM) has appointed Nicole Humphrey as Vice President of Development, effective June 8. Humphrey joins LPM from The Nature Conservancy, where she served as Associate Director of Development for Kentucky for the past five years. She brings more than 12 years of nonprofit fundraising experience and extensive connections within Kentucky's philanthropic community.
"Nicole is an exceptional fit for LPM for both her fundraising expertise and her deep roots in this community," said LPM President and CEO Kenya Young. "She is a strategic thinker, a relationship builder, and a hands-on fundraiser with genuine passion for mission-driven work."
As a member of LPM's leadership team, Humphrey will oversee the organization's development department and manage fundraising efforts that generate approximately $3.5 million annually through membership, grants, major gifts, and planned giving. She will also lead major donor cultivation and campaign initiatives.
Humphrey said, "As a passionate supporter of Louisville Public Media, I am honored to collaborate with dedicated colleagues and further LPM's impact through trusted journalism, dynamic music, and community engagement. I look forward to building upon this foundation through authentic relations with our current, as well as new, contributors across the region."
Before joining The Nature Conservancy, Humphrey held development positions with the Fund for the Arts in Louisville and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Hawaii. She also co-founded and led Adaptations Dance Theater in Maui.
Her community involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors of Louisville Visual Arts. She has also volunteered on advisory boards for the Kentucky Science Center and Waterfront Botanical Gardens.
Humphrey is a graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis.
Louisville Public Media is an independent, community-supported nonprofit serving Louisville and Southern Indiana through its three public radio stations and investigative journalism unit.
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Rose Named President & CEO of Washington Broadcasters
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 11:04am CT |
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The Washington State Association of Broadcasters (WSAB) has named veteran media executive Jim Rose as its new President and CEO, effective June 15.
Rose brings more than 30 years of broadcasting and media leadership experience to the role, having served in senior executive positions at major-market television stations including KING 5 in Seattle and KRON 4 in San Francisco.
"Jim Rose is one of the most respected broadcasters in the Pacific Northwest," said WSAB Chairman Neal Boling. "His leadership experience, passion for local media, and commitment to advocacy make him uniquely qualified to lead WSAB at a critical time for our industry."
During his broadcasting career, Rose led organizations that focused on community engagement, local journalism, and advertiser partnerships. Under his leadership, station teams earned industry honors including Peabody and duPont-Columbia awards.
Rose said he is eager to advocate for broadcasters and local journalism across Washington. "I'm honored to join the Washington State Association of Broadcasters at a time when trusted local media is more essential than ever," Rose said. "Local broadcasters inform, protect, connect, and entertain our communities while reflecting the unique character of Washington state."
He added that he looks forward to working with elected officials on policies that support local journalism and strengthen broadcasters' ability to serve their communities.
Rose is no stranger to the association. He served on the WSAB Board of Directors from 2017 to 2021 and was Board Chair in 2021. He also previously served on the Board of Directors of the California Broadcasters Association.
Founded in 1935, the WSAB represents radio and television broadcasters throughout Washington state, advocating on legislative and regulatory issues affecting station operations, advertising, journalism, and public records access.
Rose becomes just the eighth chief executive in the association's 91-year history. He succeeds Keith Shipman, who has led the organization for the past 10 years.
MIW Opens Applications for Programming Mentorship
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 0:01am CT |
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Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) has opened applications for its 8th Annual Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship, a year-long leadership development program designed to support and advance women working in radio programming.
The mentorship will select one female programming professional from a U.S.-based radio station to participate in personalized coaching, networking opportunities, and career development activities with some of the industry's top content leaders. Eligible applicants include Brand Managers, Content and Program Directors, Assistant Program Directors, and Music Directors across all radio formats.
Applications are being accepted through July 2.
As part of the program, the selected mentee will also attend the 2027 NAB Show in Las Vegas, providing exposure to one of the broadcasting industry's largest gatherings of media, audio, and technology professionals.
"Strong programming leaders are essential to the future of radio, and this mentorship is designed to help talented women gain the confidence, connections, and support needed to take the next step in their careers," said MIW President Sheila Kirby. "Over the past eight years, we've had the privilege of working with exceptional women who have gone on to make a significant impact in our industry."
Founded as a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing female leadership in radio broadcasting, MIW launched the Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship to help develop future programming executives through direct access to experienced industry mentors.
Past participants in the program include Meg Dowdy, now Regional Content Director at Townsquare Media; Traci LaTrelle, Music Director and Assistant Program Director at WHUR-FM/Washington; Leslie Scott, General Manager at DoStuff Media; Amanda "Ice" Habrowski of Audacy's WDZH/Detroit; Kiran Riar, Assistant Program Director and on-air personality for WMPS and WHBQ in Memphis; and 2025 mentee Hannah Brummer, midday host for Chicagoland's Free Country on Connoisseur Media.
MIW said the program remains focused on cultivating the next generation of female programming leaders and strengthening diversity in radio management and content leadership.
NYPR Elevates Three to Key Leadership Posts
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 3:10pm CT |
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New York Public Radio (NYPR) has promoted three longtime leaders to expanded editorial and creative roles as the organization continues to grow its multi-platform news, podcasting, live event and cultural programming initiatives.
NYPR President and CEO Christy Tanner announced the promotions of Emily Botein, Stephanie Clary and Eileen Delahunty to leadership positions across WNYC and Gothamist, WNYC Studios and WQXR.
The appointments come as NYPR expands audience engagement through radio, podcasts, livestreams and live events, including recent productions such as "Broadway on the Radio," "Theater of War on the Radio" and "Carnegie Hall Live."
"Stephanie, Emily and Eileen are exceptional, forward-looking leaders with deep commitment to excellence in journalism, culture and storytelling," Tanner said. "As audiences increasingly engage with content across multiple platforms, we're focused on creating experiences that connect our award-winning newsrooms, podcasts, live events and cultural partnerships."
Emily Botein has been named Head of WNYC Studios, where she will oversee the organization's national shows, programming and podcast operations, as well as live events at The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. During her 20-year career with WNYC, Botein has helped launch and oversee programs including "Blindspot," "More Perfect," "Dead End: A New Jersey Political Murder Mystery," "The New Yorker Radio Hour" and "Death, Sex & Money."
Stephanie Clary has been promoted to Editor-in-Chief of the WNYC and Gothamist newsroom and live radio teams. She will oversee reporters, editors, producers and visual storytellers covering local and national news, politics, housing, transit and culture. Clary joined NYPR in 2021 as deputy editor. Before joining NYPR, Clary held positions at CNN, VICE Media, MIC and The Seattle Times, where she was part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team.
Eileen Delahunty has been named Head of WQXR, New York City's classical music station. Delahunty has spent 35 years with WQXR and will oversee the station's programming and operations, including its streaming platforms. Her work has included the nationally syndicated "Carnegie Hall Live" series and several WQXR podcasts, including "Classical Music Happy Hour with Emanuel Ax."
Broadcasters Foundation Sets June 25 Giving Day
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 3:58pm CT |
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The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) will hold its annual Giving Day on June 25, bringing together broadcasters nationwide for a one-day fundraising campaign to support radio and television professionals facing severe financial hardship.
The initiative raises money for broadcasters affected by catastrophic illness, natural disasters and other life-changing circumstances that create urgent financial needs.
The Foundation said the campaign aims to encourage participation from both individuals and broadcast companies while increasing awareness of its mission to assist industry professionals during times of crisis.
"We have a responsibility to stand beside our fellow broadcasters when devastating illness or catastrophe turns their lives upside down," said BFOA President Tim McCarthy. "Giving Day is an opportunity for every broadcaster - individuals and companies alike -- to make a meaningful difference for colleagues facing unimaginable challenges."
McCarthy added that the campaign reflects the industry's long-standing tradition of supporting its own. "Together we can ensure no broadcaster faces hardship alone," he said.
The Broadcasters Foundation highlighted its charitable credentials, noting that it has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid as well as a 100% Give With Confidence Score and Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.
This year's Giving Day coincides with the Foundation's annual Media Mixer, an event designed to connect emerging broadcast professionals with senior industry executives. The organization recently announced that veteran radio executive Dan Mason will headline the event, sharing career insights drawn from his experience as both an on-air broadcaster and former leader of CBS Radio.
Founded to provide financial assistance to broadcasters in need, the Broadcasters Foundation of America serves radio and television professionals across the U.S. who encounter unexpected personal and financial challenges.
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Hampton Roads Radio Icon Mike Arlo Dies at 77
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 11:08am CT |
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Mike Arlo, a longtime Hampton Roads radio personality whose career spanned more than five decades, has died. Hampton Roads Media Group, part of Saga Communications, announced that Arlo passed away peacefully at home on June 2 following a brief illness. He was 77.
Known simply as "Arlo" to listeners and colleagues alike, he became one of the most recognizable voices in the Hampton Roads market after joining WNOR (FM99) in 1975. He moved into the station's midday slot in 1981, a role that helped establish him as one of the region's most popular rock radio personalities.
In February 1996, Arlo transitioned to sister station Classic Rock WAFX (106.9 The Fox), bringing his signature feature, "Arlo's Electric Lunch," and a loyal audience with him.
Throughout his more than 50 years on the air, Arlo became a trusted companion to listeners, providing information during hurricanes and severe weather events while also supporting numerous charitable initiatives. He played a prominent role in community events including the annual Mayflower Marathon Food Drive, the FM99 Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive, and the Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics.
Last year, the Virginia Association of Broadcasters honored Arlo with its inaugural Career Achievement Award, recognizing his impact on broadcasting and his contributions to the industry over five decades. He also received multiple VAB awards for Best Public Affairs Program for "Hampton Roads Focus," Hampton Roads Media Group's weekly public affairs show.
Hampton Roads Media Group General Manager Carol Commander said Arlo's influence extended far beyond the radio studio. "Today, we share in heavy hearts as we mourn the passing of not only a Hampton Roads radio legend, but a cherished friend and longtime member of our radio family," Commander said. "His impact on our industry, our wonderful listeners, and our community he served so passionately for over five decades is immeasurable."
Director of Content Mike Beck described Arlo as "positive, humble, supportive, funny and genuine," adding that his legacy will endure among colleagues, listeners and friends.
Arlo was known for his upbeat personality and conversational style, traits that made him a fixture both on and off the air. He often remarked that he had never worked a day in his life because he loved radio so much.
He is survived by his wife, Lauren; daughters Monique and Brigette and their husbands; granddaughter Valerie; and family pets Keagan and Noel.
SPECai Adds Multi-Voice Features, Plans Webinar
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 5:02pm CT |
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SPECai has launched a redesigned user interface featuring new multi-voice capabilities and announced a free webinar to demonstrate how the enhancements can help radio sales teams create more effective spec spots and close deals faster.
The AI-powered platform, which enables radio account executives to generate fully produced custom spec spots in seconds, said the update was driven by user demand for the ability to include multiple voices in their productions.
According to the company, the enhanced interface expands SPECai's instant spec spot production capabilities and gives users greater control over voice delivery, emotion and overall production quality.
To introduce the new features, SPECai will host a 30-minute webinar, "Introducing the New SPECai: Multi-Voice & Enhanced Interface," on June 10 at 1 p.m. Eastern, noon Central and 10 a.m. Pacific. The session will be led by Compass Media Networks executives Nancy Abramson and Sydney Sperling.
The webinar will showcase several of the platform's latest AI-powered tools, including Instaspot, LeadGenie, Speech-to-Speech technology, phonetic saving capabilities and advanced voice search functions. Attendees will also receive practical tips, hear a sample spec spot and learn how the platform can be used in client presentations and sales meetings.
"We are so excited to share how SPECai users can now create multi-voice spec spots and control emotion and delivery directly into their productions," Abramson said. "It's a real game changer."
The company said the new features are designed to streamline workflows for account executives while helping them produce more compelling advertising concepts for prospective clients.
In addition to demonstrations of the updated interface, the webinar will include a live question-and-answer session with the SPECai team.
The webinar is open to current SPECai users as well as broadcasters interested in learning more about the platform's AI-powered sales and production capabilities. To register for the free webinar, click here.
LG Radio Plus Adds iHeartRadio Content Library
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 11:47am CT |
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LG Electronics has partnered with iHeartMedia to expand the content available through its free ad-supported audio streaming service, LG Radio Plus, bringing more than 850 live radio stations, digital-only channels and thousands of podcasts from iHeartRadio to the platform.
The integration makes iHeartRadio content available through the LG Radio Plus app on LG Smart TVs running webOS 6.0 and later. The app can be accessed through the Home launcher bar or LG Content Store, offering users a centralized destination for live radio, podcasts and curated audio programming.
As part of the partnership, LG is also extending access to LG Radio Plus across its broader ecosystem of connected devices. Users will be able to stream content through compatible LG audio products using the LG ThinQ app, while access through the My button on LG xboom speakers is planned for 2026.
Matthew Durgin, Vice President of MS Content and Services at LG Electronics USA, said the addition of iHeartRadio content enhances the platform's value for listeners.
"With radio stations, podcasts and music being a vital companion in our daily lives, LG Radio Plus makes it easier than ever to tune in to a curated list of audio streaming content," Durgin said. "The integration of iHeartRadio's massive content library coupled with LG's innovative, high-quality technology truly embody our Life's Good mantra."
Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeart Digital Audio Group, said the partnership aligns with iHeartMedia's strategy of expanding access to its content across connected devices.
"We are excited to integrate iHeartRadio into LG Radio Plus," Byrne said. "This integration reflects our commitment to meeting listeners everywhere they are, making premium audio content even more accessible in a seamless experience across the connected home."
LG Radio Plus features an interface designed to help users discover new content through curated recommendations, live radio stations, podcasts and music playlists. The service also offers location-based station recommendations that appear when users enter their ZIP code in the app's settings, along with access to national and international programming.
StreamGuys Launches AI-Powered Ad Tagging Service
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 11:12am CT |
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StreamGuys has introduced a new AI-powered ad tagging service designed to automate the placement of advertising markers within podcasts and archived audio content, helping media companies increase revenue opportunities while reducing production workloads.
The new service expands on the company's initial AI workflow integrations unveiled at the 2025 NAB Show and supports StreamGuys' broader strategy of enhancing digital audio monetization through advanced advertising, dynamic ad insertion and programmatic revenue solutions.
According to the company, the AI ad tagging service automatically identifies natural transition points within audio content where midroll and other advertisements can be inserted. The technology is intended to help broadcasters, podcasters and digital publishers maximize available advertising inventory across both newly produced programs and existing content libraries.
"This is really about helping producers save time while unlocking more revenue," said Eduardo Martinez, Executive Vice President of Technology at StreamGuys. "Whether you're producing content at a rapid pace or sitting on a large library that's never been prepared for digital ad insertion, AI allows us to automatically identify those natural break points and make that content monetizable."
StreamGuys first introduced AI-powered tools in 2025 to automate ad marker tagging, captioning, translation and transcription for podcasts and on-demand audio. The new standalone service builds on that foundation with expanded functionality, including multilingual support and broader workflow integration capabilities.
A key feature of the platform is its interoperability. The service can ingest content from RSS feeds, FTP uploads and other third-party sources, then return ad marker data in ID3 metadata or custom formats required by external platforms.
"The service is completely agnostic from a delivery standpoint," Martinez said. "We can ingest content from virtually any source and return ad markers in whatever format a platform requires."
The technology also leverages StreamGuys' existing expertise in ad insertion workflows, including metadata normalization, timing alignment and SCTE-to-ID3 conversion, helping ensure accurate ad placement and consistent audio quality.
"Our holistic focus on digital advertising is the reason people should come see us," said Tim Labelle, Executive Vice President of Sales. "AI ad tagging helps customers from an operational perspective by making sure they have maximum audio inventory."
Labelle said the service is designed to help broadcasters and digital publishers transform streaming audiences into more predictable and scalable revenue streams by creating additional inventory and connecting it with advertising demand.
StreamGuys said the service also supports emerging digital audio workflows, including ultra-low latency streaming applications where synchronized live experiences can be paired with targeted advertising opportunities.
Matt Fisher Debuts Free Radio Imaging Music Library
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 11:19am CT |
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Veteran audio producer Matt Fisher has launched Hundred Hand Slap, a free production music and sound design library created specifically for radio imaging producers, audio creatives and broadcast production teams.
Fisher, an award-winning producer with more than two decades of experience creating station imaging, sonic branding and audio production for the BBC's Radio 1 and Radio 2, as well as broadcasters around the world, said the new platform is designed to help producers quickly find audio elements tailored to radio production.
Hundred Hand Slap combines production music, talkover beds, competition drones, imaging effects packages and sound design resources within a single searchable platform.
The service includes a search engine that allows users to browse content by mood, genre, station format, instrumentation and era, making it easier to locate audio for specific projects and formats.
The library is fully registered with PRS and MCPS, enabling broadcasters to use the content through standard music reporting procedures. Access to the library is free, with stations reporting music usage through existing licensing channels.
Since its launch five months ago, Hundred Hand Slap has released more than 40 albums of content, with hundreds of additional releases currently in production. New material is being added weekly.
"Producers have never been asked to create more content," Fisher said. "I wanted to build a place where great sounding audio is easy to find, quick to use and built entirely with radio in mind."
The launch comes as broadcasters and audio producers continue to seek faster, more efficient ways to create station imaging, promotions and branded content across multiple platforms and formats.
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