Advertisement
|
Top Radio News
AI Adoption High, But Impact Lags: LeadG2 Study
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 3:58pm CT |
|
 |
LeadG2 has released a new research report examining how revenue teams are using artificial intelligence, finding widespread adoption but limited impact due to gaps in integration, training, and execution. The report, "Revenue Enablement in the AI Era," is based on a survey of 154 revenue leaders across industries and highlights what it describes as a disconnect between AI usage and meaningful business transformation.
According to the findings, 100% of respondents report using or piloting AI, yet only 12% say it is deeply integrated into daily workflows. While 90% of teams report efficiency gains, most describe those improvements as incremental rather than transformative.
Messaging inconsistency emerged as the top challenge, cited by 64% of respondents, particularly among frontline sales and marketing contributors. The report also identifies training-not budget-as the biggest barrier to AI adoption, with 63% pointing to a lack of internal expertise.
The research further reveals gaps in data confidence and system integration. Only 27% of respondents say they are very confident in their CRM and AI data, and just 23% report fully integrated systems across sales and marketing functions.
LeadG2 notes a perception divide between leadership and frontline teams. While 74% of executives believe their organizations are aligned around revenue enablement, only 31% of individual contributors agree, suggesting strategy is not consistently translating into execution.
The report also highlights uneven application of AI tools. Leadership tends to focus on areas such as content creation and analytics, while frontline teams are less likely to use AI in higher-impact functions like sales coaching and personalization.
LeadG2 VP and Senior Director Emily Hartzell said that while AI is already embedded in daily operations, adoption alone is not enough. She noted that without consistent messaging, integrated systems, and structured enablement, AI can amplify existing inefficiencies.
The company concludes that organizations seeing the greatest return from AI will be those that prioritize structured enablement, improved data quality, stronger system integration, and expanded use cases beyond top-of-funnel activities, while also measuring buyer experience alongside pipeline metrics.
NAB Names Carrie Healey VP of Communications
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 2:16pm CT |
|
 |
The National Association of Broadcasters has appointed Carrie Healey as Vice President of Communications. She will report to Michelle Lehman, Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of Public Affairs.
In the role, Healey will serve as NAB's primary spokesperson and lead media relations efforts to support broadcasters' policy priorities before Congress and the Federal Communications Commission. She will oversee a communications team that includes Grace Whaley, Director of Communications and Social Media, and Judianne Meredith, Communications Coordinator.
Lehman said Healey brings extensive experience in strategic communications and public affairs, along with a strong understanding of the policymaking process that will enhance the association's advocacy efforts.
Healey joins NAB from Purple Strategies, where she served as a client engagement lead developing advocacy and public affairs campaigns. Previously, she was senior director of external communications and media relations at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Her background also includes communications roles for Rep. Donald Norcross of New Jersey and serving as national press secretary and deputy communications director for John Delaney's presidential campaign. Earlier in her career, Healey held positions with AOL, TheGrio and MSNBC.
KSE Names Ekert, Raclin to New Leadership Roles
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 11:21am CT |
|
 |
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) has appointed two senior executives to newly structured leadership positions, naming Lacy Ekert as Chief Commercial Officer and Curran Raclin as Senior Vice President, Strategy & Analytics.
Ekert will assume her role on May 1, overseeing sponsorship, naming rights, and commercial partnerships across KSE's portfolio, including the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, and Colorado Mammoth. She will also lead media sales integration for Altitude Sports and the company's radio assets.
She joins KSE from the Cincinnati Bengals, where she served as Chief Partnership Officer. Her background also includes partnership development roles with BSE Global and Topgolf Entertainment Group.
Raclin, who stepped into his newly created position last month, will oversee data, business analytics, and business technology for the organization. He previously spent more than seven years at the NHL, most recently as Senior Vice President of Fan Engagement, Analytics & Research. His experience also includes positions with Madison Square Garden Company, Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, and the Boston Red Sox.
Both executives will report to Kevin Demoff, President of Teams and Media Operations at KSE.
KSE's radio holdings include KKSE-FM (Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM), KKSE-AM (Altitude Sports Radio 950 AM), KIMN (MIX 100), and KXKL (Kool 105).
Advertisement
|
Women's Lifestyle Podcasts Drive Audience Action
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 2:48pm CT |
|
 |
An Audacy Insights report finds that expert-led women's lifestyle podcasts are attracting highly engaged audiences and delivering measurable results for advertisers, as listeners increasingly turn to trusted voices over celebrity influencers.
According to the company's Power of Influencers Study 2025, these podcasts-covering topics from finance and health to relationships and fitness-are building loyal followings by offering practical advice from credentialed hosts such as doctors, entrepreneurs and athletes. The approach is resonating with listeners seeking authenticity and expertise in an increasingly crowded media environment.
The study shows women's lifestyle podcast listeners are more likely to take action than general podcast audiences. Nearly half (47%) reported visiting a website after listening, while 27% made a purchase and 23% recommended products or services.
Audacy says the appeal lies in relatability. Rather than polished celebrity personas, hosts are described as candid and approachable, creating a connection that mirrors trusted friendships. That dynamic is helping advertisers integrate brands more naturally into content, often through conversations aligned with listener interests.
The report highlights several examples, including physician-hosted podcasts addressing women's health and athlete-led shows that blend sports with broader lifestyle content. In these cases, brand partnerships are woven into discussions, offering information and experiences rather than traditional ad interruptions.
The broader podcast landscape is also shifting. While overall audiences are now nearly evenly split between men and women, Audacy's lifestyle category skews more female and includes a high proportion of parents.
The study also notes that four in ten female listeners say they are more influenced by knowledgeable hosts than celebrities, underscoring the growing importance of expertise-driven content.
As a result, advertisers are expanding campaigns beyond audio to include video, social media and live events, using podcast hosts as multi-platform influencers to deepen engagement.
Audacy concludes that women's lifestyle podcasts are emerging as a powerful channel for reaching consumers, combining authenticity with measurable impact on purchasing behavior.
Read the entire Audacy post here.
AWMF, Hallmark Offer $7.5K Student Scholarship
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 10:59am CT |
|
 |
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) and Hallmark Media are partnering again to present the Make Her Mark Student Scholarship, supporting female students pursuing creative careers in entertainment.
Now in its second year, the program will award $7,500 to one recipient to assist with educational expenses. The scholarship is tied to Hallmark Media's Make Her Mark initiative, an on-the-job mentorship program focused on increasing representation of women behind the camera.
In addition to financial support, the selected student will take part in a mentorship experience with Hallmark actor and Make Her Mark founder Ashley Williams, offering guidance and industry insight.
Randy Pope, senior vice president of physical production at Hallmark Media, said the program is designed to open doors and provide aspiring directors with the resources and confidence needed to succeed. Becky Brooks, president of AWMF, added that the scholarship reflects a shared commitment to advancing women-led storytelling.
The recipient will be announced during the Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 16 in New York City.
Syndicated ''Talkin' Pets'' Marks 36 Years on Air
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 2:53pm CT |
|
 |
Host Jon Patch is celebrating 36 years of his nationally syndicated radio program "Talkin' Pets," one of the longest-running pet-focused shows in the U.S. Distributed by the Cable Radio Network (CRN), the three-hour weekly program airs live Saturdays from 5-8pm ET and is available to stations via satellite, FTP, or delayed broadcast.
"Talkin' Pets" features a mix of veterinarians and animal trainers who provide guidance on medical and behavioral issues affecting a wide range of domestic animals. The program also covers topics including animal welfare, wildlife, farming, and environmental concerns tied to the broader pet industry.
Over its run, the show has featured appearances from high-profile guests including Betty White, Bob Barker, Jane Goodall, and Billy Joel, among others. Organizations such as the ASPCA and the American Kennel Club have also participated.
Patch has hosted the program from a variety of high-profile locations, including Universal Studios Orlando, San Diego Zoo, and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
In addition to his radio work, Patch has spent three decades as a film critic and is involved in the upcoming film "Velvet Hammer."
The show continues to target pet owners with a mix of expert advice, celebrity interviews, and listener call-ins, maintaining its presence in a pet industry valued at more than $165 billion annually.
Black Effect Adds ''Black Mother Wound Podcast''
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 11:30am CT |
|
 |
iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God's Black Effect Podcast Network have added "The Black Mother Wound Podcast" to their lineup, selecting the show as the winner of the "Pitch Your Podcast" competition at last year's Black Effect Podcast Festival.
Hosted by Jennifer Arnise, the weekly podcast focuses on the complex and often painful relationships Black women have with their mothers and the lasting impact of those dynamics. The show features candid conversations exploring generational patterns and how those experiences shape identity, relationships, boundaries, ambition and overall well-being.
Arnise said winning the competition affirmed the importance of sharing stories that often go unspoken. She described the podcast as a supportive space for Black women navigating healing and self-discovery, offering perspectives she wished had been available earlier in her own journey.
Dollie S. Bishop, President of Production and Creative Development for the Black Effect Podcast Network, said the show addresses an underserved topic while offering a path toward healing. She added that Arnise's original pitch stood out during the festival and aligns with the network's mission to amplify meaningful voices.
The announcement comes ahead of the fourth annual Black Effect Podcast Festival, scheduled for April 25 at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. The event will again feature the "Pitch Your Podcast" booth, giving creators the opportunity to present show ideas directly to the network.
"The Black Mother Wound Podcast" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms, with new episodes released weekly on Tuesdays.
Audacy Launches ''Family Lore'' Podcast on April 8
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 3:46pm CT |
|
 |
Audacy has announced the debut of "Family Lore," a new original narrative podcast hosted by Lloyd Lochridge, premiering April 8. The weekly series will release new episodes every Wednesday and will be available on major podcast platforms. "Family Lore" explores stories passed down through families, examining the truth behind long-held tales and legends.
Each episode begins with a familiar or intriguing family story before digging into the historical record to separate fact from fiction. Topics include questions surrounding cultural and historical anecdotes, such as the origins of the margarita, the reality behind Rosie the Riveter, and whether backyard inventions have influenced major industries.
Leah Reis-Dennis, Head of Podcasts at Audacy, said the series combines storytelling with historical investigation to better understand how personal narratives evolve over time. She noted that host Lloyd Lochridge brings experience in transforming personal and historical material into compelling audio.
Lochridge serves as Audacy's Executive Producer of Narrative Originals and has worked on several notable podcast projects, including "Gone South," "It Was Said," and "Root of Evil."
"Family Lore" aims to blend entertainment with deeper historical context, exploring how stories shared across generations shape collective understanding of the past.
Advertisement
|
iHeart, Big Money Players Debut ''Soccer Moms''
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 3:50pm CT |
|
 |
iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell's Big Money Players podcast network have launched "Soccer Moms," a new improvised comedy podcast that debuted April 7.
The series is hosted by Second City Chicago alumni Katie Rich and Holly Laurent, who play best friends Leanne and Janet. Set on the sidelines of a fictional suburban youth soccer league, the podcast centers on the pair as they tailgate their kids' games while navigating friendship, family life and the chaos around them.
Each episode features a rotating lineup of guest comedians who join the hosts in character, creating an evolving cast of sideline personalities. Guest performers include Jason Mantzoukas, Bobby Moynihan and Lisa Lampanelli.
The premiere episode, titled "Zero vs. Zero," features Mantzoukas as a new soccer coach, Lampanelli as an outspoken relative and Brendan Jennings in a guest role, blending improvised humor with character-driven storytelling.
New episodes of "Soccer Moms" will be released weekly on Tuesdays. The podcast is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms.
Luis Segura Named Ops Manager at WMAL Washington
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, April 6, 2026 | 4:46pm CT |
|
 |
Cumulus Media has appointed Luis Segura as Operations Manager for NewsTalk 105.9 WMAL-FM in Washington, DC, effective May 4. Segura most recently served as Program Director for co-owned KSFO-AM in San Francisco and previously held the same role at sister KABC-AM in Los Angeles. Before joining Cumulus in 2013, he spent more than 15 years as an Executive Producer with CBS Radio in Chicago.
Cumulus Media Chief Content Officer Brian Philips said Segura stood out among internal candidates for his creativity and vision for WMAL's future, adding that he will also continue to provide guidance to the company's operations in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Jeff Boden, Vice President and Market Manager for Cumulus Washington, D.C., said Segura's experience and familiarity with the company position him to quickly step into the role.
Segura said he looks forward to working with WMAL's staff and lineup, which includes nationally known hosts such as Larry O'Connor and Chris Plante.
AM/FM Radio Delivers Voter Reach, Study Finds
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, April 6, 2026 | 2:21pm CT |
|
 |
A new analysis from the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog, based on Edison Research's Q4 2025 "Share of Ear" study, highlights AM/FM radio as a powerful and often underestimated platform for reaching voters during election seasons.
The report shows AM/FM radio accounts for 64% of ad-supported audio listening among registered voters, making it the dominant audio medium across political affiliations. Audience shares remain consistent among Independents, Republicans and Democrats, each ranging between 62% and 65%.
Despite this, marketers and agencies significantly misjudge the audio landscape. A separate study of 302 advertisers found that Spotify and Pandora were perceived to command 41% of audience share, compared to just 26% for AM/FM radio. In reality, the Edison data shows AM/FM radio's audience share is roughly 13 times larger than those streaming platforms and more than double what advertisers estimate.
The findings also emphasize the importance of music formats, which capture the largest share of voter listening on AM/FM radio. In addition, in-car listening plays a critical role, with nearly half of voter radio usage occurring in vehicles-an environment where digital and video platforms have limited reach. AM/FM radio accounts for about an 80 share of ad-supported listening in the car.
Edison's "Share of Ear" study, based on a rolling sample of 4,000 respondents using 24-hour audio diaries, continues to serve as a benchmark for measuring how Americans consume audio. The latest results reflect listening behavior across all four quarters of 2025.
The study also underscores the limitations of digital audio alone. Podcasts and streaming services reach about 30% of Americans daily, compared to 58% for AM/FM radio. Combined, Pandora and Spotify reach just 12% of the population, increasing to 33% when podcasts are included.
However, when AM/FM radio is added to digital audio strategies, total reach jumps significantly-from 33% to 73%-demonstrating its value in expanding audience coverage.
The report concludes that political advertisers cannot rely solely on digital platforms if they aim to maximize voter reach, positioning AM/FM radio as a critical component of any comprehensive audio media plan.
Read the entire article here.
Audacy Adds Portland Fire, Thorns Radio Rights
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, April 6, 2026 | 2:14pm CT |
|
 |
Audacy has secured a new partnership to become the official radio home of the Portland Fire and Portland Thorns, marking the first time both teams' games will be available on radio.
Under the agreement, KMTT-AM (910 ESPN) in Portland will serve as the flagship station for the Portland Fire, beginning with the team's regular-season opener on May 9 against the Chicago Sky. Select games will also simulcast on KRSK-FM (105.1 The Fan). Coverage will include pregame and postgame programming, along with live on-site reports throughout the season.
Portland Thorns matches will air on KNRK-HD2, with ten select games also carried on 910 ESPN Portland. Coverage began March 13 with a match against the Washington Spirit. Play-by-play duties are handled by Lily Crane, joined by a rotating group of local analysts, including former University of Portland All-American goalkeeper Angela Harrison.
In addition to over-the-air broadcasts, all games for both teams will be streamed on the Audacy app within the Portland area.
Audacy Portland Senior Vice President of Sales Ryan Cooley said the partnership expands access to women's sports and reflects the city's strong support of women's athletics. Michael Whitehead, Sports Managing Director for RAJ, added that the agreement aims to enhance the fan experience and broaden access to live game coverage.
Advertisement
|
WHBY Unveils New Brand After 100-Year Milestone
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, April 6, 2026 | 3:10pm CT |
|
 |
Following its 100th anniversary celebration, WHBY Appleton, WI, has launched a new brand identity and logo as it begins its second century on the air. The rebrand follows a year-long centennial celebration marking the station's service to Northeast Wisconsin since 1925.
Station leadership says the updated look is designed to reflect WHBY's evolution into a multi-platform media outlet while maintaining its longstanding connection to the Fox Valley community. The new slogan, "Brand New Look. Same Trusted Voice," underscores that balance between modernization and tradition.
B.J. DeGroot, Market Manager for Woodward Community Media, said the station wanted to move forward with a fresh identity rather than return to its previous branding after the anniversary year. He noted the redesign signals a commitment to serving future audiences while building on WHBY's legacy.
WHBY Brand Manager Alex Thomas added that the rebrand represents more than a visual update, pointing to efforts to strengthen community engagement and enhance how the station delivers local news and talk programming.
Despite the new look, WHBY says its core mission remains unchanged, continuing its focus on local news, community dialogue, and serving listeners across the Fox Cities.
The updated branding is being implemented immediately across all platforms, including the station's website, social media, and community presence.
Audacy Launches Daily WNBA Podcast Series
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, April 3, 2026 | 3:31pm CT |
|
 |
Audacy is expanding its women's sports audio lineup with a new limited-run podcast series tied to a pivotal moment for the WNBA. The company's "The Women's Hoops Show," hosted by sports journalist Jordan Robinson, is partnering with MOSH Audio to launch "On the Clock," a daily podcast focused on WNBA free agency, expansion developments and the college draft.
The 15-minute episodes will provide breaking news, analysis and insider perspectives as a newly ratified collective bargaining agreement reshapes the league. The series debuts April 4 and runs daily through April 17 across podcast platforms.
Timed to coincide with a critical stretch of the WNBA offseason, the show will track player signings, trades and roster movement while offering context on how the new CBA impacts the league's future. Robinson will be joined by a rotating group of analysts and contributors.
Audacy said the series is designed to deliver fast-paced, in-depth coverage during what it describes as one of the most consequential free agency periods in league history.
MOSH Audio Co-founder Sarah Hack said the project aims to help fans understand both the headlines and their broader cultural significance, while Audacy's Head of Podcasts Leah Reis-Dennis said the series is built to meet growing interest in women's basketball with timely, informed coverage.
iHeart Launches Podcast on UFOs, Hollywood Ties
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, April 3, 2026 | 3:35pm CT |
|
 |
iHeartPodcasts has debuted a new original series, "Sound, Light and Frequency," examining claims that the U.S. government may have used Hollywood entertainment as a long-term vehicle for UFO disclosure.
The 36-episode podcast is hosted by veteran Hollywood writers and producers Bryce Zabel and Brent Friedman, who explore the theory that films and television shows have subtly revealed information about extraterrestrial phenomena over decades.
Central to the series is the hosts' account of an alleged encounter with a so-called "Man in Black," who they say approached them about using their NBC alien-invasion drama Dark Skies to disseminate UFO-related truths. The podcast expands on that experience while analyzing connections between real-world reports and portrayals in projects such as The X-Files and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Each episode takes listeners behind the scenes of well-known science fiction properties while raising questions about whether other creators may have had similar experiences. The series also examines how evolving public interest in unidentified aerial phenomena intersects with popular culture.
New episodes of "Sound, Light and Frequency" are available now, with additional installments released weekly on Thursdays via the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.
Licata Named CEO of iHeart Multiplatform Group
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 11:29am CT |
|
 |
iHeartMedia has named Ann Marie Licata as CEO of its Multiplatform Group, the company's largest operating segment.
The Multiplatform Group encompasses the company's Markets Group, which includes more than 860 local broadcast radio stations, as well as its live events and sponsorships division, radio networks businesses including Premiere Networks and Total Traffic & Weather Network (TTWN), the Enterprise Business Development Group, and its data targeting and attribution platforms for broadcast radio. Licata previously served as President of the Markets Group and Sales Operations.
In conjunction with the appointment, the company promoted Bernie Weiss to President of the Markets Group. Weiss will oversee operations across iHeartMedia's 160 markets. He previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer of the Markets Group.
Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, said Licata will lead growth and innovation initiatives across the company's largest segment, noting its role in developing newer business areas such as podcasting, the iHeartRadio digital platform, and live events.
Rich Bressler, President and COO, added that Licata assumes the role at a key time as the company continues to operate across its three divisions: the Multiplatform Group, Digital Audio Group, and Audio and Media Services Group. The latter two divisions will continue to be led by Conal Byrne and Mark Gray, respectively.
Under the new structure, Julie Donohue, President of the Enterprise Development Group, and Julie Talbott, President of Premiere Networks, will now report directly to Licata.
Report: Audio Use Surges Among MLB Fans
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 12:05pm CT |
|
|
Audacy reports a growing shift in how fans follow Major League Baseball, with audio emerging as a key companion to live game viewing. In a new Insights report, the company says today's mobile, multitasking audience is increasingly turning to audio for a more flexible and personalized experience.
According to Audacy, 36% of MLB fans now pair play-by-play audio with live television, often choosing local announcers to enhance authenticity and connection. The report, authored by Ray Borelli, SVP of Research & Insights at Audacy, highlights how audio allows fans to stay engaged while commuting, working, or multitasking.
The study points to a broader shift in fan behavior, with audio extending engagement beyond the game itself into a 24/7 experience. Listeners are using sports audio for updates, analysis, and ongoing coverage that keeps them connected before and after first pitch.
Audacy also cites innovation at the venue level, including a partnership with the New York Mets that enables synchronized in-stadium audio, allowing fans to hear the local radio call while watching the game live.
The report emphasizes the value of sports audio audiences, noting they are 55% more likely to be avid fans compared to the general MLB audience. That engagement is also translating to advertiser impact. Audacy says brands aligned with teams through audio see stronger results, including a 40% increase in product usage compared to other channels.
One example cited is Yuengling, which leveraged a partnership with the Chicago Cubs Radio Network to establish a presence in a new market, integrating into the fan experience across game coverage.
Audacy concludes that as access to televised games becomes more fragmented and costly, audio offers a frictionless alternative-delivering live coverage, deeper engagement, and a highly loyal audience for both teams and advertisers.
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
|
Copyright © 1989-2026 RADIO ONLINE ® |
