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Top Radio News
FCC Updates Radio Rules, Streamlines Processes
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 2:50pm CT |
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The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a sweeping update to its broadcast rules, making a series of changes that primarily streamline radio regulation, modernize filing procedures, and eliminate outdated requirements.
The Report and Order, released March 25, updates Parts 1, 73, 74 and 76 of the Commission's rules to reflect current practices, reduce administrative burdens, and improve clarity for broadcasters.
Shift to LMS Filing System
A key change replaces all remaining references to the legacy Consolidated Database System (CDBS) with the FCC's Licensing and Management System (LMS), which is now the required platform for filing and accessing broadcast applications. The Commission also updated form names to match LMS conventions.
AM Rule Changes Increase Flexibility
The FCC eliminated the longstanding requirement that AM stations must seek at least a 20% power increase when modifying facilities. The change gives AM broadcasters more flexibility to make incremental improvements and align coverage with community needs.
Removal of Outdated Rules
Several obsolete provisions were scrapped, including:
- The 2021 cap limiting noncommercial FM applicants to 10 filings, to be removed once remaining applications are resolved.
- Legacy references tied to paper filing and outdated processing terminology.
- Obsolete TV-related rules tied to the completed incentive auction (with indirect benefits for regulatory consistency across services).
Expanded Signing Authority for Applications
The FCC broadened who can sign broadcast applications. In addition to officers and directors, a "duly authorized employee" - broadly defined to include certain staff or volunteers under an organization's control - may now sign filings.
Longer Special Temporary Authority Periods
Stations facing technical or equipment issues can now receive Special Temporary Authority (STA) for up to 180 days, replacing the previous 90-day limitation and reducing the need for repeated filings.
Clarifications for LPFM and Application Processing
The order codifies several interpretations affecting low power FM (LPFM) and application procedures, including:
Defining "authorized" stations to include both licensed facilities and construction permits for spacing protections. Clarifying protections for prior-filed applications in LPFM filing windows.
The Commission declined to adopt some proposals, including changes to LPFM minor modification processing rules, indicating those issues may be addressed in a future proceeding.
Overall, the FCC said the updates are part of an ongoing effort to modernize broadcast regulation, eliminate unnecessary requirements, and better align the rules with current technology and industry practices.
Zoe Burdine-Fly Retires from Connoisseur Media
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 11:50am CT |
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Connoisseur Media has announced the retirement of Senior Vice President Zoe Burdine-Fly, concluding a radio career that spans more than four decades. Burdine-Fly was a member of the company's leadership team and worked closely with staff across multiple markets during her tenure. Her experience includes more than 40 years in broadcasting, with 35 years focused on sales management and regional oversight.
Throughout her career, she held leadership roles overseeing teams in Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Chicago.
"It was not an easy decision to retire from the industry that I love," Burdine-Fly said. "I will treasure the friendships and relationships I have built over the years."
Connoisseur Media CEO and Founder Jeff Warshaw credited her contributions to the company, noting her experience and insight. He added that the company wishes her well in retirement.
Marlins, Audacy Partner for WQAM Broadcasts
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 2:38pm CT |
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The Miami Marlins have entered into a new multi-year radio broadcast and streaming agreement with Audacy, making Sports WQAM the flagship home for Marlins baseball across South Florida. Under the partnership, WQAM will air all regular season games, including live play-by-play coverage, along with pregame and postgame shows.
Broadcasts will be carried on both 560 AM and 104.3 FM, and will also stream via the Audacy app, extending access to fans across digital platforms. Audacy also serves as the official audio streaming partner of Major League Baseball.
The deal marks a return to familiar territory, as WQAM originally served as the Marlins' flagship station during the franchise's inaugural 1993 season.
"Marlins baseball has a deep connection with fans across South Florida, and it is especially meaningful to reunite with WQAM," said Caroline O'Connor, President of Business for the Marlins. She added that Audacy's combined broadcast and digital reach will help expand the team's connection with fans throughout the region.
Audacy Regional President Claudia Menegus called the agreement a "homecoming" that reunites two longstanding South Florida sports brands. She said the company will leverage its dual frequencies and digital platforms to deliver comprehensive coverage and fan access.
Beyond game broadcasts, the partnership includes expanded team programming on WQAM, featuring interviews with manager Clayton McCullough, players, and executives, along with offseason content and updates designed to increase year-round engagement.
The Marlins open the 2026 season on Friday, March 27, hosting the Colorado Rockies at loanDepot park.
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Beasley, Blaylock Named to FL Broadcast Hall
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 11:55am CT |
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The Florida Association of Broadcasters (FAB) will honor two longtime industry leaders, Caroline Beasley and Jeannie Blaylock, as the 2026 inductees into the Florida Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The pair will be recognized during the 2026 Florida Broadcasters Hall of Fame Gala and Awards Ceremony, scheduled for June 18 at The Breakers Palm Beach.
The Hall of Fame honors individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on Florida's radio and television industry. Inductees are selected based on at least 25 years of service and a distinguished career tied to the state, reflecting leadership, innovation, and service.
Beasley serves as Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Media Group, while Blaylock is an anchor at First Coast News.
FAB President and CEO Pat Roberts said the two honorees "represent the very best of Florida broadcasting," citing their leadership, professionalism, and commitment to their communities.
Inductees were selected from nominations submitted by current and former employees of FAB member stations, with final choices made by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
Sports Streaming Paywalls Spark Fan Backlash
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 3:36pm CT |
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A growing shift of live sports to streaming platforms is drawing backlash from fans and raising concerns in Washington, as policymakers weigh the impact on access to games traditionally available on free broadcast outlets.
In a blog post by Grace Whaley, Director of Communications and Social Media for the National Association of Broadcasters, the issue is framed as both a consumer access challenge and a broader cultural concern.
The latest flashpoint came on Opening Day, when Major League Baseball debuted high-profile streaming coverage on Netflix. Instead of the familiar experience of tuning in on local TV or radio, many fans encountered paywalls, technical hurdles and confusion over where to watch.
Media coverage of the debut pointed to mixed reviews. USA Today cited an uneven viewing experience, while Awful Announcing criticized the presentation as overly promotional. Yahoo Sports reported broader dissatisfaction among fans with both access and production quality.
The reaction reflects a larger trend reshaping how audiences consume live sports. Games that were once widely available-often free over the air-are increasingly spread across multiple streaming platforms, requiring fans to manage several subscriptions to follow their teams. The result is a more fragmented and costly viewing landscape.
Whaley's post emphasizes that the shift is about more than convenience, arguing that live sports remain one of the last shared cultural experiences in the U.S., historically delivered by local television and radio stations to mass audiences. As more games move behind paywalls, that shared experience risks being diminished.
The issue has drawn the attention of the Federal Communications Commission, which is seeking public comment on how the migration of sports from broadcast platforms to streaming paywalls is affecting consumers. The proceeding signals growing concern among regulators about whether the current marketplace is serving the public interest.
Broadcasters argue they remain vital to maintaining widespread access, but face competitive challenges as streaming companies invest heavily in exclusive rights deals. While innovation in distribution continues, the debate now centers on balancing new business models with preserving access to content that has long been considered a public good.
The NAB is encouraging consumers to weigh in with the FCC, positioning the issue as one that could shape the future availability of live sports on free, local television and radio.
Cumulus Promotes Park to Regional VP in Indiana
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 3:07pm CT |
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Cumulus Media has promoted Darlene Park to Regional Vice President for Central Indiana, expanding her leadership role to include oversight of the company's Country stations in Kokomo and Muncie.
In her new position, Park will continue to oversee Cumulus Indianapolis and its six stations while adding responsibility for WWKI-FM (100.5 KI Hit Country) in Kokomo and WMDH-FM (NASH FM 102.5) in Muncie. She has served as Vice President and Market Manager for the Indianapolis cluster since 2023.
Park's background includes sales leadership roles in Denver and Chicago, including Director of Sales for Bonneville's Denver stations and General Sales Manager positions with Entercom and Clear Channel. She also serves on the Radio Advertising Bureau's Sales Advisory Committee.
Cumulus Media President of Operations Dave Milner said Park has demonstrated strong leadership and consistent results since joining the company, making her well-suited to oversee the expanded Central Indiana region.
Park said she looks forward to working with teams across Indianapolis, Kokomo and Muncie to continue serving local audiences and clients while advancing the company's strategic priorities.
Connoisseur Sells South Dakota Stations to Local Group
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 11:30am CT |
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Connoisseur Media has reached an agreement to sell its radio outlets in Brookings, SD, to locally owned Brookings Radio LLC. The buyer is led by longtime market manager Cami Powers, along with her husband Derrick Powers and Chad Hogie.
The deal includes KBRK-AM and KBRK-FM in Brookings, KDBX-FM in Clear Lake, and KJJQ-AM and KKQQ-FM in Volga. The transaction is subject to FCC approval and is expected to close in early summer.
Connoisseur said the sale is part of its broader strategy to refine its portfolio and focus on priority markets following its acquisition of Alpha Media last September. CEO Jeff Warshaw noted that the Brookings market no longer aligned with the company's long-term plans and that local ownership was a preferred outcome.
Powers has spent more than three decades with the Brookings stations, starting in sales in 1994 and rising to market manager. She said the acquisition allows the team to continue serving the community with locally focused programming and advertising.
Hogie, who has served as business manager since 2015, emphasized the role of local radio in delivering news, sports, and community information, describing it as a free and accessible resource for listeners.
Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP represented Connoisseur Media in the transaction, while Brookings Radio, LLC was represented by attorney Jared Gass.
Superadio to Syndicate Heidi & Frank Show
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 3:25pm CT |
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Superadio Networks has entered into a syndication partnership with Toad Hop Network to expand The Heidi & Frank Show to radio stations nationwide. Under the agreement, Superadio will handle national syndication and advertising sales for the Los Angeles-based program, which originates from KLOS-FM. The station will serve as the show's first affiliate as a broader national rollout begins.
Hosted by Frank Kramer and Heidi Hamilton, the morning show features a mix of humor, lifestyle discussions, music, celebrity interviews, and commentary on pop culture. The program has built a strong following in Los Angeles, driven by its personality-driven format and listener engagement.
Superadio said the partnership is designed to grow the show's national footprint while offering stations a proven morning program with broad audience appeal. Toad Hop Network, founded by Kramer, will work with Superadio on expanding distribution.
Kramer said the agreement marks an opportunity to bring the show to a wider audience, while Superadio Networks President Eric Faison called the program a strong example of personality-driven morning radio with national potential.
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Westwood One to Air NCAA Women's Tournament
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 11:40am CT |
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Westwood One will once again provide national audio coverage of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship, carrying every game from the Sweet Sixteen through the National Championship.
Coverage begins Friday, March 27 with Sweet Sixteen doubleheaders from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX, starting at 2pm ET, and from Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA, at 7:15pm ET. Additional Sweet Sixteen matchups follow Saturday, March 28, with games starting at 12pm ET in Fort Worth and 4:45pm ET in Sacramento.
The Elite Eight round tips off Sunday, March 29, with games at 12:30pm ET and 3pm ET, followed by two more matchups on Monday, March 30 at 6:30pm ET and 9pm ET.
Westwood One's coverage concludes in Phoenix, AZ, with the Final Four on Friday, April 3 at 6:30pm ET and the National Championship game on Sunday, April 5 at 3pm ET.
Ryan Radtke and Debbie Antonelli will call the Final Four and National Championship, with Ros Gold-Onwude serving as courtside reporter. J.B. Long and Kim Adams will host pregame, halftime and postgame coverage from Phoenix. Additional contributors include Nate Gatter, Lance Medow, Mary Murphy, Danny Reed, Isis Young and Sam Neidermann.
Games will air on terrestrial radio stations nationwide and be available on SiriusXM. Audio coverage will also stream for free on NCAA.com, westwoodonesports.com, the Westwood One Sports app, NCAA March Madness Live, and The Varsity Network app. Listeners can also access coverage via Alexa-enabled devices and TuneIn.
Majority of Americans Back Social Media Ban for Kids
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 11:46am CT |
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Edison Research has released its 2026 Infinite Dial report, offering a new snapshot of digital media behavior in the U.S. and highlighting growing concern over social media use among younger audiences.
The long-running annual study, conducted in partnership with SiriusXM Media, finds that social media usage now reaches 85% of Americans age 12 and older. At the same time, attitudes toward its impact -- particularly on youth -- are shifting.
According to the report, 57% of U.S. adults support banning social media for individuals under the age of 16. The data also reveals a partisan divide on the issue, with 64% of Republicans favoring a ban compared to 54% of Democrats.
Beyond social media, the 2026 Infinite Dial provides updated benchmarks on a range of digital audio behaviors, including streaming, podcasting, and radio listening. The study also introduces new data on artificial intelligence usage, reflecting its growing role in consumers' daily media habits.
Edison Research has tracked digital media trends through the Infinite Dial since 1998, making it one of the industry's longest-running surveys of consumer behavior. The full report, along with a webinar presentation, is available on the company's website.
Gamut Launches Daily Cubs Podcast ''Off the Ivy''
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 11:50am CT |
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Hubbard Radio's podcast network Gamut has launched Off the Ivy: A Chicago Cubs Podcast, a new daily show focused on one of Major League Baseball's most recognizable franchises. The podcast debuted Wednesday, March 25, ahead of Opening Day, and is available on YouTube and major podcast platforms.
The show becomes the latest addition to Gamut's 312 Sports network, a Chicago-centric lineup that includes Dan Bernstein Unfiltered, Forward Progress: A Chicago Bears Podcast, and Organizations Win Championships, which focuses on the Chicago Bulls. The network aims to provide year-round coverage tailored to Chicago sports fans.
Off the Ivy is hosted by Dan Bernstein, Matt Abbatacola, and Cody Delmendo. The program will feature daily analysis and reaction, with a focus on broader themes such as team identity, culture, and postseason outlook rather than simple game recaps.
Gamut executives say the podcast reflects continued investment in locally driven content. The company also emphasized the Cubs' significance within Chicago's sports landscape and the demand for deeper, discussion-based coverage among fans.
New episodes of Off the Ivy will be released each weekday across digital platforms, with additional content and programming available through the 312 Sports network.
Civic Media Closes Deal for Milwaukee Stations
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 2:13pm CT |
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Civic Media has completed its acquisition of WZTI-AM (1290) in Greenfield, WI, along with FM translators W262CJ (100.3) in Milwaukee and W297BY (107.3) in Franklin, from Milwaukee Radio Alliance, LLC.
Milwaukee Radio Alliance, led by acting CEO Diane Sutter, divested the stations as part of the transaction. The company does not hold other broadcast interests.
Civic Media, a Wisconsin-based radio network focused on local and regional news and talk programming, continues to expand its presence across the state. The company now operates stations in 15 Wisconsin markets.
WZTI operates on 1290 kHz with 5,000 watts day and night. Translator W262CJ broadcasts at 100.3 MHz with 99 watts at 538 feet HAAT, while W297BY operates at 107.3 MHz with 250 watts at 341 feet HAAT.
The closing follows the previously announced agreement in September 2025, when Civic Media outlined plans to relaunch the stations with a combination of local news and its "Timeless Hits" format, expanding coverage across southeastern Wisconsin.
Kalil & Co., Inc. served as the exclusive broker on the deal.
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Podcasts Reshape Listening and Ad Engagement
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 4:44pm CT |
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Podcast listening has surged over the past decade, fundamentally changing how audiences allocate their time and how advertisers reach consumers, according to a new Audacy Insights analysis drawing on Edison Research data.
Daily podcast consumption among U.S. adults has climbed from 6% in 2015 to 23% in 2025, nearly quadrupling in ten years. The growth, however, is not simply additive. Instead, it reflects a shift in behavior, with listeners substituting podcasts for other activities.
Nearly 40% of podcast listeners say their time with podcasts replaces time spent on social media, while 34% report it replaces time previously spent listening to streaming music. The data suggests audiences are making deliberate choices to engage with longer-form audio content.
That shift is also reflected in time spent. Americans now average 103 minutes per day listening to podcasts, exceeding time spent on major social platforms including TikTok (77 minutes), Facebook (69 minutes), and Instagram (65 minutes). Podcast listening has also surpassed streaming music in daily ad-supported audio usage, holding an 11-point advantage.
At the same time, the pool of ad-supported streaming music listeners is shrinking as more users migrate to subscription-based, ad-free services, making podcasts an increasingly attractive channel for advertisers seeking reach and impact.
Audacy Insights points to deeper engagement as a key differentiator. Podcast listeners actively choose content, often forming strong connections with hosts and returning regularly for new episodes. That level of trust translates into measurable results, with 76% of listeners reporting they have purchased a product after hearing a host-read advertisement.
As a result, podcasting is emerging as a central component of digital audio advertising strategies. eMarketer projects podcast ad revenue will surpass $3 billion this year and account for more than 40% of digital audio advertising by 2027.
With media fragmentation continuing to challenge marketers, the report concludes that podcasts offer a combination of scale, engagement, and influence that is increasingly difficult to replicate elsewhere, positioning the medium as a critical channel for brands focused on long-term growth.
Read the entire Audacy Insights post here.
FCC Orders Texas Licensee to Pay Fees or Face Revocation
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 3:37pm CT |
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The FCC has ordered Mekaddesh Group Corporation to either pay nearly $18,500 in overdue regulatory fees or demonstrate why the debt should be waived, warning that failure to comply could result in the loss of its FM station license.
In an Order to Pay or Show Cause released March 24, the FCC said the licensee of KZAM-FM, Pleasant Valley, Texas, has failed to pay required regulatory fees for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, along with associated penalties, interest and administrative costs.
The Commission reported that unpaid fees for KZAM total $2,025.25 for FY 2024 and $1,875 for FY 2025. Additional debts tied to seven previously surrendered FM stations and one canceled low-power TV facility bring the total outstanding balance to $18,499.29.
According to the order, the FCC had previously issued demand letters and referred the delinquent debt to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection. After those efforts failed, the matter was returned to the Commission for further action.
Under federal law, the FCC is required to assess regulatory fees and impose a 25% penalty for late or unpaid balances. The agency also has authority to revoke broadcast licenses when fees remain unpaid.
The Commission has given Mekaddesh Group 60 days from the release date of the order to either pay the full amount owed or provide documented justification for why the fees should be waived or deferred. Failure to respond could result in revocation of the KZAM(FM) license.
The order notes that any request for relief must demonstrate extraordinary circumstances, such as financial hardship, supported by detailed documentation.
Magellan AI Adds Broadcast Radio Attribution Tool
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 11:27am CT |
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Magellan AI has launched Broadcast Radio Attribution, a new measurement solution designed to help advertisers evaluate the performance of broadcast radio alongside digital channels within a single platform.
The tool enables advertisers to track how radio campaigns contribute to key business outcomes such as form fills, leads and purchases, while comparing results across podcasts, streaming audio, connected TV and other media. The company says the offering extends its existing attribution capabilities to one of the largest channels that has historically lacked unified measurement.
Magellan AI CEO and co-founder Cameron Hendrix said the launch reflects the need for cross-channel visibility as media strategies evolve. "Measurement needs to reflect how media actually works today-across channels, not in silos," Hendrix said, noting the new feature is intended to help advertisers better understand performance and optimize campaigns across platforms.
The addition of broadcast radio aims to provide a more complete view of how audio contributes to overall marketing outcomes, particularly as advertisers increasingly seek to compare traditional and digital media within the same framework.
Christine Hess, Director of Account Strategy at Mynt Agency, said the ability to include broadcast radio in multi-channel measurement offers improved clarity. She noted that relying on a single channel for performance insights can create an incomplete picture, while integrated measurement allows for more informed decision-making.
Broadcast Radio Attribution is now available to advertisers and agencies through Magellan AI's platform.
VSiN Expands Sports Betting Shows to Detroit Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 11:01am CT |
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VSiN has expanded its sports betting programming into Detroit, adding distribution in one of the nation's top 15 media markets. The network's content is now available on Sports Rap Network WGPR-FM 107.5 HD2 and via streaming at SportsRapNetwork.com.
Under the agreement, Sports Rap Network is airing nearly 40 hours of VSiN's live linear programming each week. The lineup includes weekday shows such as A Numbers Game, Follow the Money and Cashing Out, along with weekend programming including Ready, Set, Bet! and Live Bet Saturday and Live Bet Sunday. The shows focus on betting insights, analysis and real-time wagering discussion.
Rhashad Hicks, president of Sports Rap Network, said the addition of VSiN aligns with the network's goal of delivering authentic voices and informed sports conversation. He noted the partnership brings a mix of sports culture and data-driven betting analysis to Detroit listeners.
The VSiN programming will complement existing shows on the station, including The 2 Live Stews with Doug and Ryan Stewart.
Brian Musburger, president and chief business officer of VSiN, said the Detroit launch is part of the company's continued national expansion strategy. He added that the move will help connect the network with more listeners seeking credible sports betting information and insights.
SiriusXM Unveils Full MLB Coverage for 2026 Season
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 3:40pm CT |
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SiriusXM will deliver wall-to-wall audio coverage of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, offering listeners access to every game from Opening Night through the World Series, along with daily programming on its MLB Network Radio channel.
Coverage begins March 25 with Opening Night featuring the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants, followed by Opening Day games across the league on March 26 and 27. SiriusXM subscribers will be able to hear every MLB game in full throughout the season across North America.
Listeners can tune in via satellite radio in their vehicles or through the SiriusXM app, which also features dedicated pages for all 30 MLB teams. These pages provide access to each team's official radio broadcasts, along with team-specific programming and podcasts.
In addition to live play-by-play, SiriusXM will offer year-round baseball coverage on its 24/7 MLB Network Radio channel. The lineup includes talk shows hosted by former players, managers and front office executives, as well as national baseball writers and insiders.
Weekday mornings feature "The Leadoff Spot," airing from 7-10am ET, with the final hour simulcast on MLB Network. Nightly programming includes "Roundtrip Roundup," a 30-minute recap show that airs after the final game of the day.
The channel will also feature regular interviews with MLB managers throughout the season, providing additional insight and analysis for fans.
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