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Top Radio News
CM to Acquire Bonneville's San Francisco Stations
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 8:36pm CT |
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Connoisseur Media announced Tuesday it had entered into an agreement to acquire Bonneville International Corporation's San Francisco stations, including KUFX, KBLX, KMVQ (99.7 NOW), and KOIT. The deal, pending FCC approval, is expected to close later this year. Terms were not immmediately disclosed.
The acquisition marks another major milestone in Connoisseur's expansion, coming on the heels of its recent purchase of Alpha Media. Once complete, the company will own 220 stations across 48 markets. Connoisseur currently operates KEZR and KBAY in San Jose and KUIC and KKIQ in the East Bay.
"San Francisco is a world-class media market, and these iconic stations are a perfect complement to our growing portfolio," said Connoisseur Media Founder and CEO Jeff Warshaw. "We are excited to greatly expand our service to the Bay Area. Our goal is to have a real presence with local programming, local voices, and being a significant part of the community."
Bonneville said the sale aligns with its strategy to focus investment in high-growth areas across radio, television, streaming, and digital platforms.
Kalil & Co., Inc. served as the broker for the transaction. Legal representation was provided by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP for Connoisseur Media and Strong & Hanni for Bonneville International.
Connoisseur Portland Appoints Mark Handwerger as MM
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 2:15pm CT |
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Connoisseur Media has announced a leadership transition in Portland, OR, promoting Director of Sales Mark Handwerger to Market Manager, effective October 16. Handwerger joined the company earlier this year following two decades in Portland broadcast sales leadership roles with major media groups. He succeeds Robert Dove, who will transition into an advisory position before retiring at year's end.
"I'm excited about our future here at Connoisseur Portland," said Handwerger. "The legacy brands we have in this market are powerful, and we'll continue to grow their local presence. When you combine these audio platforms with our Connrex digital suite, it's an unbeatable combination for both listeners and clients."
Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw added, "Portland is a major part of who we are. It's a great market with incredible talent and strong brands. Mark's the right person to lead this next chapter-he understands how to connect with the community and drive results."
Reflecting on his tenure, Dove said, "These past two years have been a great experience. We've built a strong team and made meaningful progress in Portland. Mark's leadership will keep that momentum going."
Radio One Names Ops and Programming Leaders
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 2:15pm CT |
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Urban One Inc.'s Radio One has announced a slate of leadership appointments across key markets. A Plus has been named OM for Radio One DC (WKYS, WMMJ, WPRS, WOL, WYCB), moving from the same role in Cleveland. Matt Myers steps into the OM postfor Radio One Cleveland (WENZ, WZAK, WERE, WJMO) after leading operations in Richmond.
Katt D (Erwin Hill) takes over as Operations Manager for Radio One Richmond (WCDX, WKJS, WXGI, WPZZ) following his tenure in Raleigh. In Raleigh, Melissa Wade rises to Program Director of WFXC and WNNL, advancing from Assistant Program Director at WNNL, while Big Mo joins the market as Program Director of WQOK.
Additional promotions include DJ Supreme to Program Director of WIZF/Cincinnati, DJ Nailz to Program Director of WCKX/Columbus, and Robyn Simone to Program Director of WXMG/Columbus.
"These leadership changes reflect the incredible depth of talent within Radio One," said Colby Colb, Senior Vice President of Programming for Urban One's Radio One and Reach Media. "By empowering our brightest minds to share fresh ideas and perspectives, we ensure our stations remain dynamic, creative, and deeply connected to the communities we serve."
Co-President of Urban One's Audio Division Eddie Harrell, Jr. added, "These appointments underscore our focus on operational excellence, collaboration, and innovation as we continue to elevate the listener experience and strengthen our local impact."
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CMA Reveals 2025 Broadcast Award Winners
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 4:39pm CT |
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The Country Music Association has announced the winners of the 2025 CMA Broadcast Awards, honoring excellence in Country radio across the U.S. and Canada. This morning, CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Tucker Wetmore personally surprised stations and air personalities nationwide with phone calls revealing the news.
The annual awards recognize outstanding achievement in both broadcast personality and station performance across major, large, medium, and small markets. Winners are selected based on airchecks, ratings, community involvement, and overall impact, as judged by a panel of broadcast professionals.
CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year winners include:
- Weekly National: Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton (Lon Helton), LH Productions
- Daily National: The Rob and Holly Show (Rob Stone and Holly Hutton), Audacy
- Major Market: Chris Carr & Company (Chris Carr, Sam Sansevere, and "Dubs" Michael Wilczynski), KEEY Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
- Large Market: The Q Morning Crew with Mike & Amanda (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry), WQDR Raleigh-Durham, NC
- Medium Market: Mo & StyckMan (Melissa "Mo" Wagner and Greg "StyckMan" Owens), WUSY Chattanooga, TN
- Small Market: Ben & Arnie (Ben Butler and Arnie Andrews), WCOW La Crosse, WI
- Major Market: KKBQ Houston, TX
- Large Market: WUBE Cincinnati, OH
- Medium Market: WIVK Knoxville, TN
- Small Market: WXBQ Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA
Winners of the CMA Broadcast Awards will be honored during the Pre-Telecast Ceremony preceding The 59th Annual CMA Awards, airing live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19 on ABC.
iHM Begins New Round of Layoffs, SLC & Greensboro Execs Exit
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 4:52pm CT |
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iHeartMedia began another round of layoffs Tuesday morning, with employees across multiple markets reporting that their positions had been eliminated.
Among the departures is longtime Salt Lake City Market President Joyce Wirthlin, who exited the company less than a year after being promoted to the role. Wirthlin had led iHeartMedia's six-station Salt Lake City cluster since January, following the promotion of former Market President Judy Copier to Region President for the company's Central Florida markets.
Wirthlin's career with iHeart spanned nearly three decades, beginning in 1998. She advanced through leadership positions including Vice President and Senior Vice President of Sales before being elevated to Market President earlier this year. Prior to joining iHeart, she worked as a senior account executive for Citadel Communications.
In Greensboro, JT Bosch has also exited. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Programming for the market's stations, in addition to hosting afternoons and serving as Program Director for Country outlet Q104.1.
Bosch, a 20-year radio veteran, joined iHeartMedia in 2001 and was appointed to his Greensboro leadership role in 2019. His career includes previous positions as Assistant Program Director, Music Director, and afternoon host for Country WKKT (96.9 The Kat)/Charlotte, as well as programming roles in Washington, DC; Austin; and Harrisburg. He began his career at WUPE in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Beasley Media Group Unveils La Tricolor in Detroit
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 2:48pm CT |
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Beasley Media Group has launched La Tricolor across 93.5 FM, 99.1 FM, and WMGC-FM-HD2 (105.1) in Detroit, bringing a new Spanish-language sound to the Motor City. The station officially debuted on Wednesday, October 1. La Tricolor features the best of Regional Mexican music and contemporary hits from artists including Banda MS, Calibre 50, Banda El Recodo, La Arrolladora, Alta Consigna, and Alfredo Olivas.
In addition to its music lineup, La Tricolor will offer Spanish-language broadcasts of key NFL matchups, including Sunday Night and Monday Night Football, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day games, the Playoffs, and the Super Bowl.
The new format replaces La Playa.
Meow 105.7 Rebrands as ''The Valley's 105.7''
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 10:37pm CT |
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After five days of nonstop cat puns, meowing jingles, and on-air chaos, the mysterious "Meow 105.7" takeover has come to an end. At noon Wednesday, Chico-based KYIX-HD3 officially relaunches as "The Valley's 105.7 - Your Variety Station," promising a fresh mix of hits from the '80s, '90s and Today's Classics.
The viral stunt had the station playfully "taken over" by a gang of feline DJs calling themselves "The Meow'ntain," spinning '90s hits filled with playful interruptions and random meows.
"We've finally wrestled back control of the studio from our feral friends," joked Robert Paul, Vice President of Miracle Media One. "It was a fun, nostalgic stunt that let us celebrate the '90s one last time before evolving into something bigger - and better - for listeners across the Northern Sacramento Valley."
The new format aims to blend nostalgia with modern energy. The weekday lineup includes The T.J. Show (6-10am), Rick Dees (10am-2pm), Anna & Raven (2-6pm), Liveline with Mason (6-11pm).
The return of Mason to evening radio marks a highlight of the relaunch, bringing his interactive "Liveline" show back to the airwaves with live listener engagement across the region.
BFOA to Host Media Mixer at NAB with LeGeyt, O'Donnell
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 8:40pm CT |
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The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has announced that its next Media Mixer will be hosted by Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), with special guests Kelly O'Donnell, NBC's Chief Justice and National Affairs Correspondent, and Joel Oxley, President and General Manager of Hubbard Radio's WTOP in Washington, DC.
The free industry networking event will take place Thursday, November 6, from 4:30-7pm ET at NAB headquarters in Washington, DC. Open to all professionals in broadcasting, the Media Mixer celebrates the camaraderie of the broadcast community while raising awareness for BFOA's mission to assist colleagues in need due to illness or disaster.
"We thank the NAB for providing this impressive event space at their headquarters, and we're grateful to Curtis, Kelly, and Joel for their support in making this event a success for all attendees," said Scott Herman, Chair of the Broadcasters Foundation. "Our Media Mixers bring together junior and senior broadcast professionals and on-air celebrities, while raising the profile of our mission to help every broadcaster who qualifies for aid."
O'Donnell, one of the most respected journalists in broadcasting, contributes to all NBC News platforms including Nightly News, TODAY, and Meet the Press, as well as NBC News NOW.
Admission is free, courtesy of The Taishoff Family Foundation and TVB, though registration is required. Previous BFOA Media Mixers have been held in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Austin, with additional events planned in more cities nationwide.
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NPR, NYT Lead Podtrac's September 2025 Podcast Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 10:31am CT |
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Podtrac has released its September 2025 podcast industry rankings, highlighting audience and download growth across top U.S. shows and publishers.
NPR News Now continued its reign at No. 1, followed by The Daily from The New York Times and NPR's Up First. Fox News Hourly Update climbed one spot to No. 4, while Dateline NBC slipped to fifth.
Major movers included The Charlie Kirk Show, which jumped 28 places to No. 6, and Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast, up 25 spots to No. 9. The biggest leap came from Morbid, which surged 393 spots to No. 11, marking a standout rebound for the true-crime series from SiriusXM.
On the publisher side, the iHeart Audience Network held its commanding lead with nearly 68 million U.S. unique monthly listeners and 354 million streams/downloads, followed by iHeartPodcasts (32 million) and NPR Sales Network (21 million).
Acast ranked fourth and Libsyn rounded out the top five. Fox Audio Network placed eighth, bolstered by Fox News Hourly Update's performance. Meanwhile, Lemonada Media entered the list at No. 19 with 1.4 million monthly listeners.
Podtrac noted that seven U.S. ranking participants saw gains in unique monthly audiences during September, while 14 reported growth in downloads. Globally, four networks increased total streams, downloads, or views over the previous month.
Charlamagne & iHeart Celebrate 5 Years of The Black Effect
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 10:23am CT |
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Five years after its founding, The Black Effect Podcast Network -- created by iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God -- continues to grow as a leading platform for Black voices in podcasting.
"Our mission has always been to build a dedicated platform where Black voices can thrive. We have accomplished that mission and more," said Charlamagne Tha God. "The past five years have been extraordinary, and the future of the Black Effect excites us. We will keep inspiring, empowering and creating culture and opportunities for all."
Since its launch, The Black Effect has become home to more than 60 shows including The Breakfast Club, R&B Money, All The Smoke, Drink Champs, and 85 South Show, with plans to add 10 more shows over the next year. The network now generates 11 million monthly downloads and has expanded into new genres such as Parenting, True Crime, and Literature through programs like Good Moms, Bad Choices, Hunting 4 Answers, and original series BLK LIT and Family Therapy.
It also recently announced partnerships to launch both The Drink Champs Podcast Network and the forthcoming All The Smoke Podcast Network.
"The Black Effect Podcast Network is a testament to what happens when talent meets opportunity," said Dollie S. Bishop, President of The Black Effect Podcast Network. "As we celebrate this major milestone, we remain committed to uplifting the power of Black media representation, shaping the future for Black creators, amplifying unique voices, and leading boldly into the next era of culture and creativity."
Beyond podcasting, The Black Effect has built partnerships with brands such as AT&T and Nissan, and created events like The Black Effect Podcast Festival to connect fans and creators. The network is available on the iHeartRadio app, iHeart.com, and across all major podcast platforms.
Coolfire Studios, iHeartPodcasts Launch ''The Peacemaker''
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 10:07am CT |
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Coolfire Studios and iHeartPodcasts have teamed to launch "The Peacemaker," a new eight-part true-crime podcast hosted by investigative journalists Ben Westhoff (Fentanyl, Inc.) and Ryan Krull (St. Louis Magazine). The series debuts Tuesday, October 14, with new episodes released weekly on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms.
The Peacemaker investigates a haunting string of student deaths at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri -- often called the "Harvard of the Midwest." Between 2016 and 2017, several students connected to the Alpha Kappa Lambda (AKL) fraternity died by suicide, all with close ties to a fellow student named Brandon Grossheim.
Grossheim, the AKL house manager, was friends with many of the victims and even discovered some of their bodies. After the deaths, he reportedly began dating some of the victims' girlfriends and wearing one victim's clothes. Although later expelled from the fraternity and now facing a civil lawsuit, Grossheim maintains his innocence, describing himself as a compassionate "peacemaker" who counseled troubled students.
As the deaths mounted and investigators repeatedly found Grossheim at the center of each tragedy, questions grew about his true role. Was he an empathetic confidant -- or something far darker?
Through exclusive interviews and on-the-ground reporting, hosts Westhoff and Krull uncover new evidence and never-before-told details in a case that continues to divide a small college town and challenge assumptions about mental health, culpability, and truth.
The Peacemaker is distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
Carletta Blake Named Brand Manager for K95 Richmond
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 6, 2025 | 3:16pm CT |
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SummitMedia appoints veteran Country programmer Carletta Blake as the new Brand Manager for WKHK (K95) in Richmond, VA. In addition to her programming duties, Blake will also serve as an air personality and a member of SummitMedia's National Country Programming Team.
In her new role, Blake will oversee K95's sound, messaging, and community engagement to ensure the station remains aligned with its heritage brand and strategic goals.
"I'm honored to be a part of WKHK's legendary history and am excited to be a part of the innovative radio at SummitMedia," said Blake.
Blake joins SummitMedia from iHeartMedia's WGAR Cleveland, where she served as Program Director and air talent for the past five years. Her previous experience includes programming and air roles at WNCB Raleigh, WRNS Greenville, NC, and the former Country KTYS Dallas.
"We are excited to have Carletta's passion and experience join our team," said SummitMedia Executive Vice President Randy Chase. "Her knowledge and industry relationships will help us grow our legendary brand in Richmond."
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Study Ranks Radio, Podcasts Among Top Super Touchpoints
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 6, 2025 | 1:33pm CT |
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A major new study unveiled by Effie at this year's Cannes Advertising Festival has named AM/FM radio and podcasts as "Super Touchpoints" for their strong performance in both short-term sales impact and long-term brand building.
According to this week's Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog, the Effie study-conducted with creative effectiveness firm System1-evaluated 1,265 marketing campaigns across 19 media platforms from 2007 to 2023. Of all media examined, AM/FM radio and podcasts ranked fourth in generating sales effects within six months and also scored highly in sustaining brand effects beyond six months.
Effie, best known for honoring marketing effectiveness rather than creative flair, assessed growth metrics including incremental revenue, profit, market share, and customer loyalty. The study's findings, detailed in System1/Effie: The Creative Dividend, identified the media channels most capable of driving both immediate sales and lasting brand impact.
Audio's dual strength stood out. While many platforms deliver either quick sales or long-term brand equity, AM/FM radio and podcasts excelled in both areas-able to "convert existing demand" while also "creating future demand."
The report also emphasized best practices for advertisers seeking higher ROI: broad targeting outperforms narrow audiences, emotional storytelling beats rational messaging, and strong brand linkage-reinforced by early mentions, sonic branding, and consistency-yields the best results over time.
Effie and System1 found that profitability grows gradually, often taking a year or more to materialize, underscoring the need for patience and creative consistency. Brands that maintain long-term agency partnerships and keep campaigns entertaining and emotionally resonant see the greatest gains in sales and profit.
Read the full blog post here.
Osborne Named Director of Community Affairs at WJR
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 6, 2025 | 1:42pm CT |
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Cumulus Media elevates veteran broadcast journalist Marie Osborne to the newly created position of Director of Community Affairs & News for News/Talk WJR-AM in Detroit. Osborne steps up from her previous role as Senior News Analyst at the station.
A Detroit native and graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy, Osborne has built an esteemed 40-year broadcasting career, including two decades with WJR. Her work has earned her multiple national honors, including three Edward R. Murrow Awards, a Headliner Award, and the Neal Shine Award for Media Commitment to Philanthropy. She is also a three-time recipient of the Women in Communications Award, along with numerous accolades from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the Associated Press.
Osborne's extensive career has included reporting assignments across the U.S., Europe, and China, with her work featured on ABC, CBS, Fox News, News of the World, and the BBC. In 2018, she and her family created the John T. Osborne Plaid Pig Culinary Scholarship at Schoolcraft College in memory of her late son.
"Marie Osborne is one of Michigan's most respected broadcasters," said Steve Finateri, Regional Vice President and Market Manager for Cumulus Detroit-Ann Arbor. "Her high standards for broadcasting integrity have earned her this important role with WJR."
Ann Thomas, Program Director at WJR, added, "Marie has a deep commitment to journalism and community engagement. She brings a powerful voice and a wealth of experience to this vital role."
Reflecting on her promotion, Osborne said, "Being able to help our listeners process all that is unfolding in this impactful moment in history is a privilege -- and being able to do it at WJR is an honor. The commitment to community and news here runs deep, and I'm looking forward to carrying on this vital tradition in my new role."
Ed Helms' ''SNAFU'' Returns with New Guests & Video Format
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 6, 2025 | 3:07pm CT |
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Actor and comedian Ed Helms is bringing back his hit podcast "SNAFU with Ed Helms" for a new season featuring a revamped weekly format, a video component, and a lineup of celebrity guests. The iHeartPodcasts series, produced in partnership with SNAFU Media -- Helms' Pacific Electric Picture Company and FilmNation Entertainment -- explores some of history's biggest blunders with humor and perspective.
The new season follows the release of Helms' bestselling book, SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups, and dives into more of history's wildest disasters, from the Donner Party to the Great Molasses Flood. Other topics include the Teapot Dome scandal, the 1977 New York City blackout, the Johnstown Flood, and even the Mona Lisa heist.
Among this season's guests are Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey (Office Ladies), Nick Kroll, Adam Scott, Jenny Slate, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway, Adam Grant, Paul Scheer, Mike Schur, Jordan Klepper, Kal Penn, Jake Tapper, Sophia Bush, Desi Lydic, Dan Taberski, Jon Lovett, and Sarah Spain.
The season kicks off with Fischer and Kinsey joining Helms to discuss "The Lost Nuke of Japan," the true story of a 1965 "Broken Arrow" incident in which a U.S. Navy aircraft lost a hydrogen bomb off the coast of Japan.
"SNAFU with Ed Helms" premieres Wednesday, October 8. New weekly episodes will be available on the iHeartRadio app, major podcast platforms, and YouTube.
SCSU Dedicates Press Box to FSR's Rob Parker
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 6, 2025 | 5:29pm CT |
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FOX Sports Radio (FSR) personality Rob Parker -- co-host of The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington, MLB Network analyst, and founder of MLBbro.com -- was honored by his alma mater, Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), during the school's homecoming game on October 4.
At halftime, SCSU officially dedicated the Jess Dow Field press box in Parker's name, recognizing his long and accomplished career in sports journalism. Former NFL coach and SCSU alumnus Kevin Gilbride attended the ceremony.
"Rob Parker's contributions to the field of sports journalism are a testament to the impact of our alumni," said Terrance Jones, SCSU director of athletics and recreation. "We're proud to honor his remarkable career and show gratitude for his generosity by naming the press box at Jess Dow Field after him."
Parker, who graduated from SCSU in 1986, said the university played a pivotal role in his career. "This is where it all began and where I learned to be a reporter," he told Southern News. "It's an absolute honor to have my name on Southern's press box. I hope this will inspire others to excel and do what most think can't be done."
Parker previously received SCSU's Outstanding Journalism Alumni Award in 2008. His relationship with the school spans decades -- from appearing in a 1988 alumni commercial to establishing the Rob Parker Award in 1990 for outstanding student sportswriters. He continues to return to campus to mentor aspiring journalists.
DOT Funds NAB Project to Advance Broadcast Backup to GPS
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 6, 2025 | 3:53pm CT |
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The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) a $744,000 contract to advance testing of a new technology that uses broadcast signals as a resilient backup to GPS - underscoring the essential role that over-the-air transmission continues to play in national infrastructure.
Working in partnership with Dominion Energy, NAB will lead a field trial of the Broadcast Positioning System (BPS), which uses television broadcasters' NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) signals to provide precise timing information. The system is designed to keep critical sectors like energy, finance, and transportation running in the event GPS is disrupted by jamming or spoofing.
Although BPS operates via TV broadcast spectrum rather than radio frequencies, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said the project highlights the continued importance of all broadcasting technologies.
"This initiative affirms the vital role of broadcast technology in protecting our nation's infrastructure," said LeGeyt. "Free, over-the-air signals - whether TV or radio - remain essential to public safety and national resilience."
The Broadcast Positioning System can deliver highly accurate timing data independently of satellite or internet networks and can reach an unlimited number of users simultaneously. Experts at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have called BPS performance "comparable to or better than" GPS.
With ATSC 3.0 coverage already reaching more than 75% of U.S. households, NAB says broadcasters are well positioned to provide a GPS-independent safety net. LeGeyt added that the association looks forward to working with policymakers to ensure a smooth nationwide transition to the new technology.
For radio broadcasters, the project reinforces NAB's broader argument in Washington: that local transmitters remain one of the nation's most reliable, scalable, and secure communications platforms - whether carrying TV, radio, or data services vital to public safety.
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