Top Radio News

Cumulus Media Q4 Revenue Falls 14%, EBITDA Drops

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 11:29am CT

Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media reported declines in revenue and profitability for both the fourth quarter and full year 2025, reflecting continued pressure on its core broadcast business as the company moves through a financial restructuring.

For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025, the company posted net revenue of $188.1 million, down 14% from a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA fell 62.2% to $9.5 million, while the company reported a net loss of $135.1 million, an improvement from a net loss of $231.1 million in the prior-year period.

For the full year, Cumulus reported net revenue of $741.7 million, a 10.3% decline from 2024. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 37.1% to $52.0 million, and the company posted a net loss of $200.7 million, compared to a net loss of $283.3 million the previous year.

Broadcast radio revenue was a key driver of the decline. In the fourth quarter, total broadcast revenue fell 22.2%, including a 17.2% drop in spot revenue and a 32.2% decrease in network revenue. Digital revenue declined 8.5% for the quarter, while other revenue rose 20.9%.

For the full year, broadcast radio revenue dropped 15.9%, with spot revenue down 12.9% and network revenue off 22.5%. Digital revenue was relatively flat, down 1.9%, while other revenue increased 6.6%.

CEO Mary Berner said the company's recently announced financial restructuring is expected to significantly reduce its debt burden and position the company for future growth.

As previously disclosed, Cumulus Media and certain subsidiaries filed for prepackaged Chapter 11 reorganization on March 5 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas as part of its restructuring efforts.

ESPN Arkansas Expands with 93.7 FM Acquisition

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5:44pm CT

ESPN Arkansas

Pearson Broadcasting of Northwest Arkansas and the Baker Family Trust have reached a definitive agreement to transfer the 93.7 FM frequency, currently home to KISR (Kisser 93), to Pearson Broadcasting.

Under the agreement, KISR will shift from 93.7 FM to 93.1 FM and continue serving the River Valley with its established local format. Upon closing, the 93.7 FM signal will be rebranded as ESPN Arkansas 93.7, expanding the network's reach across Northwest Arkansas and the greater River Valley.

The addition of the 100,000-watt signal significantly broadens ESPN Arkansas' coverage, extending service to Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Northwest Arkansas, Harrison, Mountain Home, and parts of Eastern Oklahoma.

Fred Baker, President of KISR and founder of the station more than 55 years ago, said the move aligns with the station's original mission to remain focused on local service. He noted that while KISR's expanded signal improved coverage, it made it more difficult to maintain a strictly local focus. He added that Pearson Broadcasting's commitment to local radio made the company an ideal partner.

Tommy Craft, General Manager of ESPN Arkansas, called the acquisition a "game changer," citing the expanded reach and the opportunity to bring more listeners into its live and local sports talk programming, particularly coverage of University of Arkansas athletics.

The Baker Family Trust currently operates six stations in the region, while Pearson Broadcasting Management Services oversees multiple outlets across Arkansas, including stations in Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Harrison, Mountain Home, and Northwest Arkansas.

The transaction is subject to FCC approval and is expected to close early this summer. Mark Jorgenson of Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage represented the Baker Family Trust in the deal.

Record Research Announces New Whitburn Country Book

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 3:40pm CT

Top Country Singles 1944-2025

Record Research Inc. has announced the release of its 230th reference title, Joel Whitburn's History of Top Country Singles 1944-2025, marking the latest addition to its long-running catalog of chart-based publications. The book, available now for preorder at a discounted price of $89.95, is scheduled for official release on June 4 during CMA Fest in Nashville.

The new volume offers a comprehensive, artist-by-artist account of every song to appear on the Country singles charts, spanning from the debut of the Most-Played Juke Box Folk Records chart in 1944 through the Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts of 2025. It also includes a detailed title index, multiple artist and song rankings, and a chronological listing of all No. 1 hits.

For the first time, the series adds a dedicated section highlighting songwriters, featuring the top 40 all-time Country songwriters and their Top 40 hits. The section is presented in partnership with Nan Kingsley and honors the late Bob Kingsley for his role in elevating songwriters through his nationally syndicated countdown shows.

The release marks the first under new CEO and majority owner Vinnie Freda, who joined the company in September 2025 after serving as Chief Data Officer at Warner Music Group. Freda is working alongside Publisher Kim Bloxdorf and head researcher Paul Haney to continue the legacy of founder Joel Whitburn, who died in 2022.

Founded in 1970, Record Research built its reputation through a series of authoritative chart books based on licensed data from Billboard and other industry sources. Whitburn's publications became widely used references for music professionals and fans, particularly before chart data became readily accessible online.

Bloxdorf said the new edition represents the next phase for the company, noting continued demand from industry executives, DJs, and chart enthusiasts. Freda added that the goal is to carry Whitburn's legacy forward while reaching a new generation of music and data fans.

WVYL Pop-Up Station to Raise Student Scholarships

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 3:46pm CT

WVYL Pop-Up Station

A new pop-up radio station, WVYL - Vinyl Radio, will launch April 13 for a five-day broadcast aimed at raising funds for student radio scholarships. The station will stream continuously from 12am ET Monday, April 13 through midnight Friday, April 17, leading into Vinylthon, the global celebration of radio and vinyl records set for April 18-19. The event is organized by the non-profit College Radio Foundation.

WVYL will feature one-hour programs from college, community, and commercial broadcasters worldwide, along with specialty programming focused on vinyl and curated by live hosts. The launch broadcast will include veteran radio personality John "Records" Landecker, who will also be honored with the inaugural Vinylthon Legend Award.

Proceeds from the event will support the College Radio Foundation's "Fueling Radio's Future" campaign and its Next Step Radio scholarships, which provide financial assistance to students pursuing careers in radio.

Dr. Rob Quicke, founder of Vinylthon and director of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Marshall University, described the station as a celebration of "human radio," emphasizing programming created by people rather than algorithms.

The station will be hosted by Live365, which has supported the College Radio Foundation for the past decade. Listeners can stream WVYL online and are encouraged to donate to support scholarships for the next generation of broadcasters.

Report: Radio Remains Audio's Top Reach Medium

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 2:51pm CT

Katz Radio Group

Radio continues to deliver unmatched reach and relevance even as the broader audio landscape expands, according to a new analysis from Katz Radio Group.

Citing recent data from Edison Research and Nielsen, Katz said audio consumption is growing across platforms, devices and demographics, with online audio now reaching 76% of Americans monthly, or about 233 million people. Weekly listening stands at 70%, underscoring audio's role as a daily habit.

Growth is also expanding across age groups. Among adults 55 and older, monthly online audio listening has jumped from 52% to 70% in just two years, signaling broader adoption beyond younger audiences.

Despite the rise of streaming and podcasts, radio maintains the largest footprint. Nielsen reports AM/FM radio reaches 93% of U.S. adults each month, making it one of the most widely used media channels available to advertisers. That reach translates into usage, with 61% of all ad-supported audio listening time in Q4 2025 going to radio, compared to 21% for podcasts and 15% for streaming audio.

The in-car environment remains a key strength. About 73% of Americans use AM/FM radio in the car, continuing to make it the dominant audio source during commutes and travel.

At home, Katz noted that radio's presence has expanded alongside digital adoption. With smartphone ownership at 91% and smart speaker penetration at 39%, consumers are increasingly accessing radio through apps, connected devices and voice-enabled platforms, extending its reach beyond traditional listening environments.

Katz concludes that radio remains the foundation of the audio ecosystem, combining scale, accessibility and consistent reach across multiple platforms. As listening habits fragment across services and devices, radio continues to provide a stable, ad-supported environment that connects with audiences throughout the day.

Read the entire article here.

WTOP Promotes Woodfork to Senior Sports Analyst

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 11:58am CT

Rob Woodfork

Hubbard Radio's WTOP/Washington, DC has promoted Rob Woodfork to Senior Sports Analyst as part of a broader effort to expand and reshape its local sports coverage.

The move aligns with the station's three-year strategy to move "beyond the scores," placing greater emphasis on in-depth analysis, commentary and video-first storytelling across multiple platforms. WTOP says the shift is designed to better meet changing audience expectations, particularly among Gen X and Millennial listeners seeking more context-driven coverage.

In his new role, Woodfork will lead a multi-platform approach that includes daily video and audio commentary. A key component of the expanded effort is "DC Sports, Filtered," a new daily feature produced by Woodfork that will deliver analysis of major sports stories for distribution across WTOP's platforms and programming.

WTOP also plans to transition its evening sports reports to a more narrative-driven format, focusing less on scores and more on broader storylines and implications. Woodfork's responsibilities will include feature reporting, interviews and live coverage of major sporting events.

The station said the changes reflect an ongoing investment in evolving its sports journalism approach while maintaining core reporting values.

WTOP plans to officially roll out Woodfork's expanded role on April 27.

Seaboard Adds ''Interactive Party'' to Syndication

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 12:06pm CT

Seaboard Networks

Seaboard Networks continues to expand its programming lineup with the addition of CHR/Hot AC show "The Interactive Party with Scott Evans." The program, which currently airs on a mix of FM and online stations nationwide, is now being offered through Seaboard to terrestrial, LPFM, non-profit and Internet stations on a barter basis.

Hosted by radio veteran Scott Evans, the show focuses on listener-driven content and contemporary hit music. Evans brings more than 30 years of industry experience and currently hosts shifts on stations including WUCH/Cookeville, TN; WNOU/Albany, GA; and WMTA/Central City, KY.

The addition further builds out Seaboard Networks' growing syndication portfolio as the company looks to broaden its offerings to stations seeking turnkey programming options. Executives say the show's format and interactive approach are designed to appeal across multiple station types and audiences.

TelevisaUnivision Launches Tender Offer for Notes

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 3:48pm CT

TelevisaUnivision

TelevisaUnivision has announced that its subsidiary, Univision Communications Inc., has commenced a cash tender offer to purchase a portion of its outstanding 8.000% senior secured notes due 2028.

The company said the offer will cover up to a maximum principal amount based on the net proceeds it expects to receive from a planned debt financing. As of April 8, approximately $1.44 billion of the notes were outstanding.

The tender offer is scheduled to expire at 5pm ET on May 6, unless extended. Holders who tender their notes by April 21 will be eligible for an early tender premium of $50 per $1,000 principal amount, while later tenders will receive a reduced consideration.

TelevisaUnivision said the transaction is subject to several conditions, including the successful completion of the related debt financing. There is no minimum amount of notes required to be tendered for the offer to proceed.

The company expects to settle early tenders around April 24, with final settlement anticipated on May 8, assuming all conditions are met.

TelevisaUnivision added that it may adjust the maximum tender amount at its discretion and that any accepted notes may be subject to proration if the offer is oversubscribed.

Disgraceland, Hollywoodland Join ERM/iHeart Slate

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 12:04pm CT

Disgraceland

Exactly Right Media (ERM) and iHeartPodcasts have added Jake Brennan's "Disgraceland" and its spin-off "Hollywoodland" to their joint podcast slate, expanding their partnership in the true crime and entertainment space.

Both shows will continue to be produced by Double Elvis, with ERM and iHeartPodcasts serving as executive producers. The move brings one of the most established music-focused true crime podcasts into the Exactly Right network, alongside its celebrity-centered companion series.

Launched in 2018, "Disgraceland" explores the darker side of music history, focusing on crime and controversy surrounding well-known artists. The show has built a large audience through its narrative storytelling and cinematic production style. "Hollywoodland," a newer spin-off, examines the intersection of true crime and the film industry, covering stories tied to actors and filmmakers.

The partnership also reflects a growing alignment between audiences of "Disgraceland" and ERM's flagship true crime brand, "My Favorite Murder," with both companies pointing to crossover appeal among listeners.

Under the agreement, new episodes of "Disgraceland" will continue to release weekly with additional bonus and archival content, while "Hollywoodland" will maintain a multi-episode weekly schedule. All shows will be distributed through iHeartPodcasts and available across major podcast platforms.

BIA Raises 2026 Ad Forecast, Radio Holds Steady

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 3:00am CT

BIA Advisory Services

BIA Advisory Services has increased its 2026 U.S. local advertising forecast, projecting total spending to reach $184.5 billion, an 8.1% year-over-year gain, with radio maintaining a stable position in a rapidly evolving media mix.

The revised outlook reflects stronger-than-expected growth in digital channels such as mobile, social, streaming, and connected TV, along with a surge in political advertising. BIA now estimates $8.4 billion in local political ad spending for 2026, benefiting multiple media platforms, including radio.

For radio, the forecast points to modest but steady growth. Over-the-air (OTA) radio revenue is expected to increase 1.8% to approximately $10.08 billion in 2026, while radio digital revenue -- encompassing streaming and podcasting -- will rise 5.0% to about $2.38 billion.

Excluding political spending, however, OTA radio revenue is projected to decline slightly by 0.3%, underscoring the medium's reliance on cyclical political dollars for near-term gains. At the same time, radio digital revenue continues to grow, albeit at a slower 2.0% pace without political influence.

BIA said traditional media, including radio, continue to play a key role for advertisers seeking scale, credibility, and local connection, even as digital channels capture a growing share of budgets. The firm also highlighted opportunities for radio through digital audio extensions such as streaming and podcasts.

The updated forecast describes a "two-speed" advertising economy, with growth driven by both political spending in the near term and long-term gains from key verticals such as retail, restaurants, travel, real estate, and financial services.

Looking ahead, BIA projects total local advertising will exceed $222 billion by 2030, with success increasingly tied to media companies' ability to combine traditional reach -- where radio remains competitive -- with data-driven targeting and measurement.

SBS Reaches Deal to Restructure Debt, Files Chapter 11

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 3:43pm CT

Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS)

Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) has entered into a restructuring support agreement with a group of bondholders holding more than 72% of its outstanding senior secured notes, outlining a plan to significantly reduce debt and reposition the company for long-term growth.

Under the agreement, existing common and preferred equity, along with the company's current notes, would be canceled. In exchange, noteholders would receive full ownership of the reorganized company, along with new secured notes and equity issued under a management incentive plan.

To implement the plan, SBS said it intends to file for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The company expects to continue normal operations during the process, including paying employees and vendors, supported by debtor-in-possession financing commitments from the supporting investors.

The restructuring is designed to reduce interest expense, extend debt maturities by more than four years, and improve liquidity. SBS said the added financial flexibility will support investment in local programming, talent, broadcast infrastructure, and its LaMusica digital platform, while strengthening its ability to serve advertisers and expand audience reach.

CEO Raul Alarcon will remain in his role and continue as chairman through the restructuring process. The company also promoted Richard D. Lara to chief operating officer while he retains his general counsel responsibilities.

The transaction remains subject to court approval and regulatory clearances, including from the FCC.

Beasley Broadcast Q4 Revenue Falls, Posts Large Loss

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 4:15pm CT

Beasley Media Group

Beasley Broadcast Group reported a sharp decline in fourth quarter revenue and a significant net loss, driven largely by a major non-cash impairment charge, according to its latest financial filing.

Net revenue for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025 fell 21.1% to $53.1 million, down from $67.3 million a year earlier. For the full year, revenue declined to $205.9 million from $240.3 million in 2024.

The company posted a net loss of $190.1 million for the quarter, compared to a $2.1 million loss in the prior-year period. For the full year, net loss widened to $196.5 million. Results were heavily impacted by a $224.8 million non-cash impairment related to FCC licenses, reflecting revised valuations amid ongoing pressure on the radio business.

Adjusted EBITDA declined to $0.8 million in the quarter from $10.7 million a year ago, while full-year adjusted EBITDA dropped to $10.5 million from $25.8 million.

Despite overall declines, Beasley reported continued growth in digital operations. Fourth quarter digital revenue rose 9.7% year-over-year to $12.6 million and accounted for nearly 24% of total revenue. For the full year, digital revenue increased 5.9% to $49.5 million.

Local revenue remained a key component of the business, representing 73% of fourth quarter revenue, while new business contributed 12%.

Management cited ongoing weakness in traditional agency advertising as a primary headwind but pointed to cost reductions and digital expansion as offsets. The company said it has implemented more than $30 million in annualized cost cuts over the past 18 months.

Beasley also took steps to strengthen its balance sheet, including station divestitures totaling about $26 million and a planned debt exchange expected to reduce total debt by roughly half to about $110 million upon completion.

AM/FM Radio Leads In-Car Listening, Edison Says

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 12:32pm CT

Edison Research at SSRS

AM/FM radio continues to dominate in-car audio listening despite growing competition from digital platforms, according to newly released Q1 2026 data from Edison Research at SSRS.

The latest "Share of Ear" findings show that 55% of all in-car audio time among Americans age 13 and older is spent with AM/FM radio, whether over-the-air or via streaming. That places it well ahead of all other audio sources in the car.

Streaming audio ranks a distant second, accounting for 16% of in-car listening. While streaming usage has grown steadily over the past decade, the report notes it has yet to seriously challenge radio's lead among the total population.

Among younger listeners, streaming platforms make stronger gains but still trail radio. For Americans ages 13-34, AM/FM radio captures 46% of in-car audio time, compared with 30% for streaming audio.

The report underscores radio's continued strength in the car, even as consumers gain access to an expanding array of digital audio options.

SuiteRadio Offers Stations Oil Well Giveaway

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 2:46pm CT

SuiteRadio

SuiteRadio is rolling out a new promotional contest for radio stations, offering listeners the chance to win a royalty interest in a producing oil and gas well.

The Houston-based company says the "Oil Well Giveaway" provides participating stations with a market-exclusive promotion designed to generate audience engagement. The prize includes a Royalty Deed granting an overriding interest in an active well, allowing the winner to receive ongoing royalty payments tied to production.

Stations can also execute the promotion through barter via SuiteRadio's partnership with Key Networks.

Mike McVay, a consultant for SuiteRadio and president of McVay Media, described the concept as a high-impact promotion aimed at cutting through audience clutter. He noted the appeal of offering a tangible, income-generating prize tied to energy production.

SuiteRadio COO Pat Fant said the company handles the administrative process, including filing the Royalty Deed with the appropriate county clerk's office where the well is located. Winners would then receive royalty payments based on the well's output.

SuiteRadio says the turnkey promotion is designed to be simple for stations to implement while delivering a distinctive on-air contest opportunity.

Seaboard Adds ''Whip of Cords'' for Distribution

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 1:13pm CT

Whip of the Chords

Newly launched Seaboard Networks has added "Whip of Cords with Matt Rhodes" to its programming lineup, offering the rock-based show to stations on a free, barter basis.

The program blends multiple rock formats with an emphasis on delivering a positive message and is available to all radio outlets, including LPFM, non-commercial, and internet stations.

Hosted by Matt Rhodes, "Whip of Cords" features a mix of new and emerging music, album promotions, and artist interviews. The show also expands beyond music, incorporating conversations with actors and celebrities, along with segments on upcoming films and food and beverage products.

Seaboard Networks Marketing Solutions Consultant Bob Stei said the show is a strong fit across a variety of rock formats, calling it a "unique product" for stations seeking fresh content.

Rhodes, a native of Western Pennsylvania, began his radio career at a young age at WKTX-FM in Cortland, Ohio, before moving to WPAO in Youngstown in 1995, where the program originated. "Whip of Cords" is currently heard on multiple stations worldwide.

Seaboard Networks says additional program announcements are expected in the coming days.

Free Q2 Radio Sales Event Targets Revenue Growth

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 2:44pm CT

Rainmaker Pathway

A free online radio sales event aimed at helping industry professionals boost revenue in the second quarter is set for this Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern. The Q2 2026 Radio Sales Event will feature a roundtable discussion with revenue-focused guests including Kristen Cantrell, owner and operator of Seven Mountains Media & Seven Mountains Creative, and Dean Rutherford, Senior Vice President of Sales at Stingray Radio in Toronto.

The session will be co-hosted by Chris Fleming of CD Media Consulting and Loyd Ford of Rainmaker Pathway Consulting Works. Organizers say the quarterly event is designed to provide practical strategies radio sellers can use immediately to increase income.

Ford said the goal of the series is to help local radio sales professionals "increase their sales and their income this quarter," regardless of market size or location.

The event will be accessible on multiple devices, with participants able to stream it via RainmakerPathway.com or subscribe through podcast platforms including Apple, Audible and Spotify. Organizers note there is no cost or paywall to access the content.

The program is part of "The Encouragers The Radio Rally" podcast, which features nearly 300 archived episodes focused on supporting radio professionals at all levels.

Ana Szabo Launches ''Ana's Group Chat'' Podcast

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 12:42pm CT

Ana's Group Chat

YEA Media Group has announced the launch of a new weekly podcast, "Ana's Group Chat," hosted by Kidd Kraddick Morning Show personality Ana Szabo alongside co-host Alicia Becerra.

The podcast expands on a popular segment from the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show, evolving into a longer-form audio experience built around conversations on pop culture, including television, movies, music, books, and trending topics.

Szabo said the idea grew out of an engaged online community that began as a show segment and later developed into a Facebook group. She noted the podcast format allows for deeper interaction and connection with listeners.

"Ana's Group Chat" will also incorporate audience participation, inviting listeners to share personal stories and experiences as part of the discussion, with the goal of creating a conversational, community-driven environment.

New episodes will be released each Wednesday and will be available across major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.