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Top Radio News
Audacy Flips WTDY Philadelphia to Country as US 96.5
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 2:07pm CT |
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Audacy has flipped Hot AC WTDY-FM in Philadelphia to Country as "US 96.5," introducing a new destination for Country music listeners in the City of Brotherly Love. The format change took effect Monday, October 19, with the station broadcasting commercial-free through October 24.
The new US 96.5 features a mix of current Country hits and new releases from artists including Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley, Luke Combs and Jelly Roll.
"Country music has a special way of connecting people, and we are excited to bring a brand-new destination to this important market," said Audacy Country Format Vice President Tim Roberts. "Adding US 96.5 in Philadelphia expands our footprint and brings even more world-class entertainment to our listeners - it's a terrific addition to Audacy's strong station lineup in the city."
US 96.5 will introduce its regular weekday programming lineup on Monday, October 26, featuring "Katie and Company" from 10am-3pm, followed by "Coop" in afternoon drive from 3-7pm. Evening programming will feature "Rob and Holly" from 7-midnight, while "Mo and StyckMan" will handle overnight duties from midnight-5am.
Audacy said a new weekday morning show, scheduled to air from 5-10am, will be announced shortly.
Rob Wagman Joins SonicTrek to Lead New CCM Format
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:05am CT |
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SonicTrek Media has named veteran programmer and consultant Rob Wagman to lead "Manna," a new localized Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) format featuring veteran radio personality Sparkle as its anchor host. The format is designed to provide stations with a market-specific alternative to traditional syndicated programming and generic voice tracking.
Manna combines SonicTrek's localization technology with experienced on-air personalities, customized content and music programming tailored to individual affiliate markets. The format incorporates real radio personalities and AI-generated personas to deliver localized programming while maintaining a consistent on-air presence.
Wagman brings extensive programming experience across Alternative, Top 40, Urban and Classic Rock formats, having worked as an air personality, programmer and marketing executive in markets including Tampa, New Orleans, Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.
He entered Christian radio in 2013 at KFSH-FM in Los Angeles, where the station achieved some of its strongest audience results in Los Angeles and Orange County. He later served as Network Program Director for WAY-FM, contributing to ratings and fundraising growth.
Wagman is also known for developing customized music charts and research for Christian, Country and Pop radio programmers. His market-by-market approach to music selection will be a central component of Manna's programming strategy.
"What excites me about Manna is that we're using today's technology to create something deeply human and authentic," Wagman said. "Our personalities are real people of faith. The stories and testimonies are genuine. The content is localized for each community, and the music strategy is designed for each individual market rather than simply duplicating a national playlist."
Wagman previously worked with SonicTrek Media Managing Partner and CEO Joel Denver at AllAccess.com from 1999 to 2005.
"Rob understands both sides of this equation - great radio and the mission behind Christian radio," Denver said. "He immediately understood what we're building with Manna: using real radio personalities and their AI personas to create timely, localized content for each individual market while maintaining the personality, warmth and connection that great radio requires."
Denver said the format is intended to provide broadcasters with a complete CCM programming solution without the expense of developing an entire local programming and talent operation.
Sparkle, who will serve as Manna's anchor personality, brings experience from Top 40 WSSX-FM and Country WIWF-FM in Charleston, SC, along with Christian radio experience at WLFJ-FM (His Radio).
"I'm excited to collaborate with Rob and SonicTrek in bringing localized content to Manna affiliates and see how we can move radio into the next phase," Sparkle said. "I like the thought of helping radio stations with my talent and creativity, but also with the power of AI technology."
Connoisseur Relaunches WWUZ as 96.9 The Cannon
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:17am CT |
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Connoisseur Media has relaunched WWUZ-FM in Fredericksburg, VA, as "96.9 The Cannon," introducing a new identity and expanded Rock format that combines the station's longtime Classic Rock library with rock hits from the past 25 years.
The rebranding marks a new chapter for WWUZ, which has served Fredericksburg as a Classic Rock station since October 1998. The updated format builds on that heritage while broadening its playlist to attract a wider audience of rock listeners.
Ahead of the official 5am launch, WWUZ spent the weekend stunting with a selection of songs featuring explosive themes, including AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" and "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)," Miranda Lambert's "Gunpowder & Lead" and Ozzy Osbourne's "Shot in the Dark." Each selection was punctuated by the sound of a cannon blast.
The new Cannon branding draws inspiration from Fredericksburg's history and its significant role in the Civil War, giving the station a locally recognizable identity.
"As P.O.D. sang, 'Here comes the boom!'" said Operations Manager Ian Rambo. "We're taking the rock our listeners already love and we're giving them more of it! From the classics that built the format to the biggest rock hits of the past 25 years. If it rocks, it belongs on The Cannon."
Rambo added, "The name is a nod to Fredericksburg's history, and the sound is built for the people who live here. The frequency hasn't changed, but everything else just got a little louder."
The station's local programming team includes Brady DeAngelo, a six-time Virginia Association of Broadcasters award winner, and Rambo, a five-time National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Radio Award nominee and one-time winner.
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Former CBS Radio Executive Rod Calarco Dies at 79
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:25am CT |
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Veteran radio executive John Anthony "Rod" Calarco, whose career included nearly three decades at CBS Radio and leadership positions at several major-market stations, died October 12, 2026, of a heart attack. He was 79.
Calarco, who divided his time between White Plains, NY, and Naples, FL, spent 28 years with CBS Radio, beginning as a salesperson at WCBS-AM in New York before rising to Vice President and General Manager of WCBS-FM. During his tenure, he guided WCBS-FM to the No. 1 position in the market.
He subsequently became Vice President and Group Head, overseeing operations across CBS-owned FM radio stations. Despite his advancement into corporate management, WCBS-FM remained a particularly important part of his career. It was also where he met his wife of 26 years, Cathleen "Cathy" Kelly Calarco.
His broadcasting career included positions at ABC Television, CBS-owned WCAU-AM in Philadelphia, KRQR-FM in San Francisco and the CBS National Sales Rep Firm in Chicago.
Calarco later joined WorldSpace International Radio, an early satellite radio venture that preceded the development of today's satellite radio services.
He began his radio career in sales at WFAS-AM in White Plains and eventually returned to the station as General Manager, a position he held until his retirement.
Throughout his career, Calarco earned a reputation as a respected leader and mentor who encouraged colleagues to advance professionally. Known for his outgoing personality, humor and storytelling, he frequently shared advice that became affectionately known among friends and associates as "Rodisms."
Born February 1, 1947, in Port Chester, NY, Calarco graduated from Port Chester High School and Central Missouri State University, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was also an enthusiastic sportsman who enjoyed jogging, rollerblading, tennis and golf.
Calarco is survived by his wife, Cathy; children Chris Calarco and his wife, Suzanne, Rod S. Calarco and Stephanie Calarco; grandchildren Connor, Emily, Danny, Hudson and Nolan; and brother James Calarco.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Granger Smith to Host Thanksgiving Radio Special
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 2:13pm CT |
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Premiere Networks has announced the return of the "After MidNite Friendsgiving Special with Granger Smith," a four-hour Thanksgiving program featuring conversations with Country music stars, holiday traditions and seasonal music.
The annual special will feature appearances by Luke Bryan, Lauren Alaina, Brothers Osborne, Dustin Lynch, Ella Langley, Dan Shay and additional surprise guests. Artists will share their favorite Thanksgiving foods, family traditions and holiday memories during conversations with Smith.
The program will also feature a mix of current Country hits and holiday-themed songs to help listeners celebrate the Thanksgiving season.
The "After MidNite Friendsgiving Special with Granger Smith" will be available to affiliates and stations in open markets to air anytime from November 19-29. The four-hour program is being offered barter-free.
Premiere Networks also announced plans for another holiday broadcast, "After MidNite with Granger Smith Presents: A Smith Family Christmas Special."
The four-hour Christmas program will be available to affiliates and open markets from December 18, 2026, through January 3, 2027, also on a barter-free basis. Additional details about the Christmas special will be announced at a later date.
Cumulus Media Emerges from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 16, 2026 | 12:10pm CT |
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Cumulus Media has completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a privately held company, eliminating approximately $550 million in debt and significantly strengthening its balance sheet.
The company announced that it received all required approvals, including authorization from the FCC, allowing it to complete the restructuring on an accelerated timeline consistent with its original expectations.
Cumulus and certain subsidiaries filed for prepackaged Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas on March 4, 2026, under a restructuring support agreement negotiated with a group of lenders.
Under the confirmed reorganization plan, Cumulus canceled approximately $600 million in existing funded indebtedness in exchange for 100% of the reorganized company's equity and $50 million in new convertible notes issued to former lenders. The transaction resulted in a net reduction of approximately $550 million in debt.
The company also amended and restated its asset-based revolving credit facility to provide continued liquidity and greater financial flexibility.
Cumulus said it maintained normal operations throughout the bankruptcy process, with no disruptions to its radio stations, audiences, advertisers or other business activities.
"I am grateful to our lenders and noteholders for their collaboration throughout this process, and to our employees, vendors, affiliates, customers, and partners for their continued trust and support," said Cumulus Media President and CEO Mary G. Berner.
"Emerging with a significantly stronger balance sheet, we are more committed than ever to providing engaging content across our national footprint, serving as a lifeline and voice for the local communities we serve, driving meaningful growth for our advertising partners, and delivering value for our new shareholders," Berner added.
As part of the restructuring, Cumulus has appointed a new Board of Directors representing its reorganized ownership structure. The company's existing executive management team, led by Berner, will remain in place.
Chris Jones Named GSM for Cox Media Group Atlanta
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 16, 2026 | 12:18pm CT |
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Cox Media Group (CMG) has named Chris Jones General Sales Manager for its Atlanta radio cluster, which includes News/Talk WSBB (95.5 WSB), AC WSB-FM (B98.5), Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 The River) and Urban AC WALR-FM (Kiss 104.1).
Jones joins CMG from iHeartMedia, where he served as Senior Vice President of Sales. In his new role, he will oversee sales initiatives designed to expand multimedia revenue, strengthen client relationships and support the professional development of the Atlanta sales team.
A veteran media sales executive, Jones brings extensive experience in sales management, team development and cross-platform advertising. His responsibilities will include coaching sales personnel, encouraging collaboration and identifying new revenue opportunities across CMG Atlanta's radio and digital properties.
"We're excited to welcome Chris to an already exceptional sales team at CMG Atlanta," said Kris Hackett Lucas, CMG Atlanta Director of Sales. "He brings fresh energy and proven leadership that will help us build on our momentum and raise the bar even higher."
Lucas added, "I'm confident Chris will make an immediate impact - creating new opportunities for our clients, inspiring our team, and helping drive our sales organization forward."
Jones has built his career around developing sales talent, establishing high-performing teams and helping employees advance into leadership positions.
"I'm excited to join CMG Atlanta and honored to serve in this role," Jones said. "I can't wait to work alongside some amazing individuals combined with the top ranked stations in the market to leverage my relationships and deliver results for our partners."
Gap Broadcasting to Acquire Texarkana Stations for $300K
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 16, 2026 | 3:15pm CT |
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George Laughlin's Gap Broadcasting has reached an agreement to acquire six radio stations and five FM translators serving the Texarkana, TX-AR market from BTC USA Holdings Management and Frontier Media for $300,000. The properties are being sold through a court-supervised receivership involving the financially troubled broadcasters.
According to FCC filings, Gap Broadcasting signed an asset purchase agreement on September 29 with FTI Consulting Canada, the court-appointed receiver for BTC USA Holdings Management and Frontier Media. The transaction is subject to approval by the FCC and bankruptcy courts in the United States and Canada.
The stations included in the transaction are Country KBYB-FM (101.7 Hot FM) in Hope, AR, and KTTY-FM (105.1) in New Boston, TX; Urban AC KTOY-FM (104.7) in Texarkana, AR; and Conservative Talk KTFS-FM (107.1 The Patriot) in Texarkana, AR.
The acquisition also includes Sports KCMC-AM (740 The Fan) and KTFS-AM (940 ESPN), both licensed to Texarkana, TX.
Five FM translators are part of the agreement: K257FY (99.3), K254AS (98.7 Real Country), K288FI (105.5 Hits 105), K290CP (105.9 ESPN) and K300DW (107.9 The Fan). The translators provide additional FM coverage for the group's AM stations and HD Radio subchannels.
Under a separate Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA), Gap began operating the stations on October 1, 2026. The agreement calls for monthly payments of $5,000 in brokerage fees, along with an estimated $24,101 in operating expenses, bringing the combined monthly obligation to $29,101.
The TBA also provides that the $5,000 monthly brokerage payments will be credited against the purchase price at closing. Gap made an initial payment of $59,101, which included the first month's brokerage fee, operating expenses and a $30,000 security deposit that also serves as the purchase deposit.
The operating expense reimbursements cover staffing, utilities, music licensing, insurance, tower rental and programming costs, including fees associated with Bobby Bones and ESPN.
The sale stems from financial proceedings involving BTC USA Holdings Management and Frontier Media. A Canadian court appointed FTI Consulting Canada as receiver in February 2025, with the receivership subsequently recognized through Chapter 15 proceedings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
The asset purchase agreement provides for the transfer of the stations' FCC licenses, broadcast equipment, certain real estate, intellectual property and other operating assets. The transaction is structured to transfer the properties free of existing liens and claims, subject to specified assumed liabilities.
An engineering study submitted with the transaction concludes that the proposed ownership arrangement complies with FCC local radio ownership limits. The study identifies a 31-station market using the FCC's contour-overlap methodology.
Laughlin previously operated Gap Broadcasting, which owned more than 100 radio stations before selling its holdings to Townsquare Media in 2010. He also serves as CEO of Dallas-based syndication company YEA Media Group.
The acquisition marks Laughlin's return to radio station ownership under the Gap Broadcasting name, with a group of properties serving the Texarkana market across multiple programming formats.
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RAB: Distinctive Audio Builds Brand Recognition and Trust
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 16, 2026 | 6:00pm CT |
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As artificial intelligence makes advertising content easier to produce, distinctive sound and trusted human voices are becoming increasingly important tools for building brand recognition and consumer trust, according to a new Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) contribution to the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) Newsstand.
In an October 15 article titled "Would Consumers Recognize Your Brand with Their Eyes Closed?," RAB Senior Vice President of Business Development Tammy Greenberg examines how sonic branding, emotional storytelling and radio's established relationships with listeners can help advertisers stand out in an increasingly crowded media environment.
Greenberg notes that while most brands maintain detailed visual identity guidelines, relatively few have established consistent audio identities. Research cited in the article found that visual branding appeared in approximately 92% of more than 2,000 video advertisements analyzed by Ipsos, while audio branding elements appeared in fewer than 10%. Despite their limited use, audio assets were associated with stronger branded attention.
The article also highlights the role of familiar radio and podcast personalities in establishing credibility. A study from Omnicom Media Intelligence and iHeartMedia involving more than 3,500 weekly audio listeners found that host-read advertising outperformed prerecorded commercials in personal connection, brand trust, relevance, search intent and purchase intent.
Trusted hosts produced the strongest results, while longer host-read advertisements generated up to twice the unaided recall of 30-second host reads.
Greenberg also points to a 2026 global study, "Audio: The Secret to Profit & Trust," based on a System1 analysis of 1,260 Effie Award-winning campaigns. The research found that campaigns incorporating audio were 75% more likely to generate profit, 81% more likely to build trust, 81% more likely to increase price insensitivity and 19% more likely to acquire customers compared with campaigns without audio.
The study also found that audio roughly doubled profit for emotionally driven advertising. When audio was combined with distinctive brand elements, including jingles and sonic signatures, the profit index increased 103% compared with campaigns lacking both audio and distinctive assets.
According to Greenberg, radio's broad reach, listening frequency and established place in consumers' daily routines make it particularly effective for developing recognizable audio identities over time. Consistent use of music, voices, jingles and other sonic elements helps audiences associate advertising messages with specific brands.
The article recommends that advertisers develop creative specifically for audio rather than simply adapting visual advertising copy. Effective approaches include establishing the brand early, focusing on one clear message, selecting appropriate voices, incorporating distinctive sounds and allowing trusted radio personalities to communicate naturally.
Greenberg suggests a simple test for advertisers: Remove the final brand mention from an audio commercial and determine whether consumers could still identify the advertiser.
The article concludes that as AI-generated content becomes more common, recognizable audio identities and authentic human connections will become increasingly valuable. Radio's combination of familiar voices, emotional storytelling and consistent audience engagement offers advertisers an opportunity to build lasting brand recognition and trust.
Read the full RAB article on ANA Newsstand here.
MIW to Host Free AI Webinar for Radio Content Creators
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 0:01am CT |
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Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) will host a free webinar, "AI for Content Creators," on Wednesday, October 28, at 2pm ET, focusing on how radio personalities and programmers are using artificial intelligence to enhance content development, streamline production and engage audiences across multiple platforms.
The hour-long session will bring together radio professionals who are incorporating AI into their daily workflows, offering practical insights into its applications for broadcast, digital, social media and podcast content.
The webinar will be moderated by MIW Board Member Meg Dowdy, Regional Content Director and National Contesting Director at Townsquare Media.
Panelists include Andre Yancey, Brand Manager of Audacy's 102 JAMS; Lauren "Lo" Sessions, Host and Digital Personality at Urban One/KKBQ; and Carolyn McArdle and Cort Johnson, co-hosts of "The Morning Breeze" at iHeartMedia San Francisco.
The discussion will explore how AI can assist with brainstorming, show preparation, repurposing on-air content for digital platforms, developing social media material and simplifying time-consuming production tasks.
Panelists will also address ways to incorporate AI tools while maintaining the authentic personalities and connections that distinguish radio programming.
The webinar will feature a 45-minute panel discussion followed by a 15-minute audience question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to learn about specific tools, techniques and strategies currently being used by radio professionals.
Registration is free and open to radio professionals and content creators interested in exploring practical applications of artificial intelligence in their daily operations.
The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 2pm ET/11am PT.
NAB Show New York to Feature 250 Media Tech Companies
| RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 10:39pm CT |
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NAB Show New York 2026 will bring approximately 250 companies to the Javits Center on October 21-22, showcasing technologies spanning broadcast production, streaming, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure and media business operations.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) said at least 37 companies will exhibit at the event for the first time, while approximately 23% of participating companies are based outside the United States. The show will also offer roughly 64 hours of educational programming addressing industry investment, consolidation, sports media economics, creator-led businesses and practical AI applications.
"The show floor is a real-time look at where media organizations are investing and where technology is heading," said Karen Chupka, NAB Executive Vice President of Global Connections and Events. "The lines between production, IT, streaming, cloud and AI continue to blur."
Production remains the largest technology category, representing approximately 42% of exhibitors. Infrastructure, IT networking and security solutions account for about 33%, while asset management, automation, playout and media supply chain technologies are also widely represented.
For radio broadcasters, participating suppliers include GatesAir, Telos Alliance, WideOrbit, RCS, Wheatstone, Broadcast Electronics, ENCO, Comrex and Heartland Video Systems. Their offerings span transmission, studio automation, audio processing, monitoring and integrated broadcast workflows.
Major exhibitors serving the broader media industry include Sony Electronics, Blackmagic Design, Canon, Grass Valley, Ross Video, Evertz, Lawo, Riedel Communications and B&H.
Streaming and cloud technologies will also have a substantial presence. NAB said at least 66 companies are associated with streaming solutions, 51 offer cloud computing and storage technologies, and 42 provide remote production capabilities. Participating companies include Amazon Web Services, Ateme, Haivision, MediaKind and Telestream.
Artificial intelligence continues to gain prominence, with at least 33 exhibitors identifying AI and machine learning among their product categories. Applications include content discovery, transcription, production, analytics, automation and workflow management.
Live sports production will be another focus, with companies demonstrating technologies for replay, graphics, communications, remote production and content distribution.
NAB expects buyers to represent approximately 80% of attendees, including more than 3,300 executive buyers. According to the organization, 35% of attendees have final purchasing authority, 26% specify suppliers and 48% make purchasing recommendations.
Corporate and brand studios represent the largest anticipated buyer segment at 29%, followed by film and television professionals at 18%, content creators at 17% and broadcasters at 15%. NAB also expects 64% of buyers to be first-time attendees.
The educational program will examine how broadcasters and other media organizations are adapting to changing audience expectations, new revenue opportunities and increasingly interconnected production and distribution technologies.
Registration for NAB Show New York 2026 is open, with the two-day event scheduled for October 21-22 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Nielsen Report: Radio Reaches 92% of U.S. Adults
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 4:53pm CT |
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Radio continues to reach more American consumers each month than any other measured media platform, according to a new Nielsen report titled "Everyone. Everywhere. See Audio Differently." The report highlights radio's audience reach, advertising effectiveness and the measurement systems used to track listening across broadcast and digital audio.
According to Nielsen's first-half 2026 data, radio reaches 92% of U.S. adults monthly, representing more than 242 million consumers. That compares with 90% for TV-connected devices, 87% for smartphones and 85% for live and time-shifted television.
Radio also maintains substantial reach among younger audiences, reaching 87% of adults ages 18-34 each month. Among Black adults, monthly reach stands at 92%, while Hispanic adults register 93%.
The report emphasizes radio's continued dominance in vehicles, where more than 80% of ad-supported audio listening time goes to AM/FM radio. Nielsen found that 65% of adult radio listening occurs outside the home, with that figure increasing to 73% during weekday drive times.
A May 2026 study conducted by Nielsen and iHeartMedia found that approximately half of recent and prospective vehicle buyers would refuse to purchase a vehicle without AM/FM radio. More than seven in ten respondents said AM/FM should be standard equipment, while a separate analysis ranked radio second only to smartphone integration in its influence on vehicle purchasing decisions.
Nielsen also examined radio's advertising performance. Its Global Compass benchmarks showed radio delivering a weighted return on investment of $2.00 for every advertising dollar spent, second only to social media at $2.22. Radio outperformed television, display advertising, search and connected television in the analysis.
Despite those results, Nielsen noted that marketers ranked radio last among ten advertising channels in perceived effectiveness, highlighting a disconnect between advertiser perceptions and measured performance.
The report also addresses the importance of combining broadcast radio and podcast advertising. Nielsen found that Americans spend nearly four hours daily consuming audio, with radio and podcasts accounting for 82% of ad-supported audio listening time, compared with 16% for streaming music services.
The second half of the report examines Nielsen's audio measurement methodology, including its Portable People Meter (PPM) system in the 48 largest markets and diary-based measurement in more than 200 additional markets and surrounding counties.
Nielsen noted that its January 2025 implementation of a three-minute listening qualifier increased measured average audiences by 24% on average by capturing shorter listening occasions.
The company also emphasized the limitations of relying exclusively on connected-vehicle data, which can identify what a vehicle's audio system is playing but cannot necessarily determine who is listening or how many people are present.
Nielsen said its approach combines large data sets with representative audience panels to measure radio, podcasts and streaming audio. Its Nielsen Nationwide service provides audience measurement for national network radio.
The report concludes that radio's broad reach, particularly among younger audiences and in vehicles, underscores the importance of comprehensive measurement as advertisers increasingly distribute spending across traditional and digital media platforms.
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NAB's Rick Kaplan to Depart at End of 2026
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 3:14pm CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced that Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs Rick Kaplan will depart at the end of 2026, concluding more than 14 years with the organization.
During his tenure, Kaplan led NAB through numerous legal and regulatory challenges, including a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court victory that removed longstanding restrictions on broadcast ownership. He also oversaw a significant victory for radio broadcasters before the Copyright Royalty Board that reduced streaming royalty rates and helped establish the groundwork for a subsequent settlement in the most recent webcasting proceeding.
Kaplan's work also encompassed ATSC 3.0, retransmission consent, the FCC's broadcast spectrum incentive auction, music licensing, sponsorship identification requirements and efforts to reduce broadcasters' annual regulatory fees by millions of dollars.
"In an association as diverse as ours, Rick's ability to understand member concerns, build consensus across differently situated groups and develop creative and impactful solutions will leave an indelible mark on our industry for years to come," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
"His tireless advocacy -- no matter how big or small the issue -- has significantly benefited our members. I am deeply grateful for his 14 years of leadership, service and the talented team he has built that will ensure NAB's success well into the future."
Kaplan reflected on his tenure, saying, "It has been a tremendous privilege to serve America's broadcasters and be part of NAB for the past 14 years. I am enormously proud of what we have accomplished together, but what I will value most are the relationships I have built and the opportunity to work alongside such extraordinarily talented and dedicated colleagues."
Effective January 1, 2027, NAB will consolidate its Government Relations and Legal teams under Shawn Donilon, who will assume the title of Chief Advocacy Officer. The restructuring is intended to strengthen coordination of the association's advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, within the administration and before the FCC.
Kaplan and Donilon will work together during the transition to ensure continuity of the association's legal and regulatory initiatives.
"Shawn is a trusted leader and a skilled strategist who knows how to turn broadcasters' priorities into results," LeGeyt said. "He has earned the confidence of our members and policymakers through his ability to build support across the political spectrum."
LeGeyt added that combining the two departments under Donilon's leadership will strengthen NAB's ability to influence federal policy and represent the interests of radio and television broadcasters nationwide.
York Professional Baseball to Acquire Three Stations
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 2:04pm CT |
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York Professional Baseball Club (YPB), operator of the York Revolution baseball team, has reached an agreement to acquire three York, PA-area radio stations from Forever Media. The transaction includes WGTY-FM (Froggy 107.7), WYCR-FM (Rocky 98.5) and WHVR (Happy 92.7), expanding YPB's existing radio holdings in the market.
YPB has owned WOYK-AM, York's oldest radio station, since 2014. The acquisition will bring four local radio operations under the company's ownership, creating opportunities for expanded community engagement and cross-promotion with the York Revolution.
According to the companies, WGTY and WYCR rank first and second, respectively, in the York market based on Nielsen ratings. WHVR, which operates on AM and FM frequencies, serves the nearby Hanover market.
The transaction is subject to FCC approval and is expected to close near the end of 2026. No immediate changes to station branding, programming formats or on-air personalities are planned.
"We are excited by this opportunity both for the Revolution and for York County," said YPB Chairman Bill Shipley. "Keeping these leading stations in local ownership is great for the community and being able to partner between what they are already doing, the Revolution's community focus at WellSpan Park, and our WOYK presence in York provides tremendous growth opportunities all around."
Shipley said former York Revolution President Eric Menzer, who continues to serve as YPB Vice Chairman, will oversee the integration of the radio properties and development of future operations.
Existing station management will remain in place. Darrell Henry will continue as General Manager of WOYK, while Dave Davies will remain General Manager of WGTY, WYCR and WHVR.
Forever Media owner Lynn Deppen said he welcomed the opportunity to keep the stations under local ownership while continuing their broadcasting and community service traditions in Central Pennsylvania. Forever Media is represented in the transaction by broker Michael J. Bergner of Bergner & Co. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Triton Digital Integrates Datonics Audience Data
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 11:17am CT |
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Triton Digital has announced the integration of Datonics' third-party audience data into the Triton Ad Platform (TAP), expanding targeting capabilities for digital audio publishers and advertisers across 12 countries.
The integration gives publishers access to Datonics' audience segments, including demographic information, automotive interests, consumer packaged goods (CPG) purchasing behavior and other audience attributes. The additional data is designed to help publishers increase the value of their advertising inventory while allowing buyers to reach more precisely defined audiences.
"This gives publishers of every size access to the kind of audience data that used to be reserved for the biggest players," said Spencer Morris, Executive Vice President of Data Operations and Data Products at Triton Digital. "That's a meaningful shift in how digital audio competes for ad dollars."
Morris added that the expanded targeting capabilities will give advertisers greater confidence in campaign planning while potentially improving performance for participating publishers.
Under the arrangement, Datonics will provide Triton with ongoing audience data updates that will be made available for targeting through TAP. The updates are intended to help publishers and advertisers maintain current audience eligibility and improve targeting accuracy.
"Audio is a critical part of the holistic omnichannel strategy advertisers should be leveraging, and Triton is a great partner in this space," said Datonics President and CEO Michael Benedek. "Triton Digital is a clear leader in connecting data and technology, and this integration puts our segments directly in front of the publishers and buyers who are smartly leveraging digital audio."
Datonics audience segments are now available through TAP in the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, India, Japan and Brazil.
The integration is part of Triton Digital's broader effort to connect digital audio advertising technology, audience data, measurement and monetization. By incorporating Datonics' targeting capabilities into TAP, the company aims to provide publishers with additional tools to attract advertising revenue and help buyers reach audiences across streaming audio and other digital audio platforms.
CRB Opens Applications for Rusty Walker Scholarship
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 2:13pm CT |
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Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) is accepting applications for the Rusty Walker Scholarship, which will provide one first-time attendee with an opportunity to participate in Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2027, scheduled for March 17-19 in Nashville.
Established in 2012, the scholarship honors the late Rusty Walker, a former CRS board member, Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee, programmer, consultant and mentor. The program recognizes promising radio professionals and provides opportunities for professional development and networking within the country music industry.
The scholarship is open to full-time radio station employees who have never attended CRS. Applicants must complete an online application and submit an essay of no more than 500 words explaining why they should be selected.
The application deadline is Thursday, November 12.
The selected recipient will receive complimentary registration to CRS 2027, round-trip airfare to Nashville and hotel accommodations at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The scholarship winner will also be recognized during the seminar.
CRS 2027 will bring together country radio broadcasters, record label executives and other music industry professionals for three days of educational sessions, panel discussions, workshops and networking events.
The annual seminar focuses on programming, audience engagement, industry trends and professional development, providing attendees with opportunities to exchange ideas and strengthen relationships across the country radio and music industries.
Urban One Sets Third Quarter Earnings Call for Nov. 10
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 4:20pm CT |
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Urban One has scheduled a conference call for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10am ET to discuss its financial results for the third quarter of 2026.
The call will be open to investors, analysts and other interested parties. U.S. participants can dial toll-free 888-596-4144, while international callers can use 646-968-2525. The conference access code is 9794002.
A replay will be available beginning at 2pm ET on November 10 through 11:59pm ET on November 17. Domestic callers can access the replay at 800-770-2030, while international participants can dial 609-800-9909. The replay access code is also 9794002.
Live audio and a replay of the conference call will be available through Urban One's corporate website at urban1.com. The online replay will remain accessible for seven days following the call.
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