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Top Radio News
Good Karma Brands Rebrands as Good Karma Sports
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 12:57pm CT |
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Good Karma Brands has changed its name to Good Karma Sports, adopting a new identity the company says better reflects its growth from a single radio station into a national sports media and marketing business.
The company, founded with one radio station in December 1997, now operates across sports media, advertising, content, distribution and partnerships. Its relationships span the NBA, WNBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, college sports, ESPN, TNT Sports and other sports properties.
"For nearly 30 years, we've built our business around sports, expanding our capabilities and relationships while staying deeply connected to the local markets we serve," said founder and CEO Craig Karmazin. He said the company now offers advertisers a customizable entry into the sports marketplace through audiences, content, partnerships, talent and experiences.
A major part of Good Karma Sports' business involves connecting local, regional and national advertisers with sports audiences. The company's work includes representing in-game streaming advertising for regional sports networks and platforms and assisting teams with the sales, content, distribution and operation of video and audio networks.
"As the sports media and regional rights landscape continues to evolve, we see a growing opportunity to help sports properties reach more fans, create greater value from their content and build stronger connections with partners and brands," said President Steve Politziner.
Good Karma's national platform is anchored by its relationship with ESPN, which dates to 2000. The company serves as the exclusive sales representative and operations arm for ESPN Radio Network and ESPN Podcasts, encompassing more than 50 podcasts. Good Karma says its ESPN relationship reaches sports fans digitally across all 210 DMAs and more than 57 million ESPN audio consumers each week through radio, streaming and podcasts.
Through ESPN Radio, Good Karma's national audio portfolio includes the NBA, MLB, College Football Playoff and NFL Draft, along with championship events.
The company also maintains local play-by-play relationships with numerous professional franchises, including the New York Knicks and Rangers, Los Angeles Lakers, Rams and Angels, Chicago Bears and White Sox, Miami Heat and Inter Miami CF, Cleveland Browns, Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers, and Buffalo Bills.
The company said the Good Karma Sports name is intended to reflect its evolution beyond its radio origins and its growing involvement across sports content, advertising, distribution and media operations.
Martha Stewart Podcast Expands to Netflix
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 1:08pm CT |
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Martha Stewart and iHeartPodcasts are expanding "The Martha Stewart Podcast" to Netflix, where full video episodes of the series will debut Wednesday, August 26. The move is part of iHeartMedia and Netflix's growing exclusive video podcast partnership. The program will continue to be distributed as an audio podcast by iHeartPodcasts through the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.
"I'm delighted to bring my podcast to Netflix, and with that, introduce the medium of video to the series," said Stewart. "Netflix is the perfect partner to share and amplify the thoughtful and informative conversations the show is known for with an even greater audience."
"The Martha Stewart Podcast" features weekly conversations with guests ranging from business leaders and entrepreneurs to artists and longtime friends, exploring their careers, personal lives and experiences.
The Netflix launch episode will feature entrepreneur, investor and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in a conversation covering ambition, family, investing and life with his wife, Serena Williams. Upcoming guests include bestselling author Harlan Coben and Grammy-winning producer and artist benny blanco.
"Martha is one of the most iconic and influential voices in media, with an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences," said iHeartPodcasts President Will Pearson. "We're thrilled to expand 'The Martha Stewart Podcast' to Netflix."
Stewart's Emmy-nominated cooking series "Martha Cooks" will also join Netflix beginning Tuesday, August 25. The series features Stewart sharing recipes, techniques and culinary expertise alongside chefs, friends and special guests.
iHeartPodcasts Sets 9/11 Mafia Drama 'UnderGround Zero'
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 2:44pm CT |
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iHeartPodcasts, Thoroughbred Studios and Goldhawk Productions will launch "UnderGround Zero: 9/11 & The Mob," a scripted drama starring several former "The Sopranos" cast members and based on events surrounding organized crime in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
The series, written and created by Stephen Kronish, will premiere September 1, with all episodes released simultaneously. Michael Imperioli leads the cast and serves as an executive producer, with Steve Schirripa, Ray Abruzzo and Arthur Nascarella also starring.
"UnderGround Zero" dramatizes the story of members of New York's organized crime families who allegedly saw an opportunity to profit from the massive recovery and cleanup effort following the destruction of the World Trade Center. The story follows their scheme and a police officer whose investigation ultimately helped bring down participants.
Producers say the drama is based on real events, although names have been changed and some events dramatized. The series centers on two men whose lives intersect as they confront their pasts and each other.
"As a New Yorker who lived through 9/11, this story resonated with me immediately," said Imperioli, who plays Lt. Frank Sturiano. "UnderGround Zero is rooted in crime and investigation, but ultimately, it's a story about family, loyalty and survival."
Schirripa said the project revealed a side of the aftermath of the attacks that was unfamiliar to him. "It was a story I thought I knew, but I didn't," he said, adding that working again with former "Sopranos" castmates Abruzzo and Nascarella made the project particularly meaningful.
"UnderGround Zero" is the third historical drama from the collaboration between iHeartPodcasts and Thoroughbred Studios, following "Buzz" and "Saigon." Thoroughbred Studios is a joint venture involving former Time Warner Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes, former Sony Corporation Chairman and CEO Sir Howard Stringer and television veteran Jeremy Fox.
"One of the first things I did when I became Head of HBO was to greenlight 'The Sopranos,'" Bewkes said. "Now, 25 years later to tell this important story, it was the perfect opportunity to bring back that amazing cast."
The production was recorded in New York with a cast composed largely of New Yorkers, including performers who experienced September 11 firsthand.
"Great storytelling has the power to transport listeners and bring history to life in a deeply personal way," said iHeartPodcasts President Will Pearson. He said the decision to make the entire series available on its premiere date is intended to allow listeners to fully immerse themselves in the story.
"UnderGround Zero" will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available September 1 through the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.
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Radio Features Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 2:37pm CT |
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A new series of 30-second radio features has been produced to help stations commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The package consists of ten professionally produced features remembering the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the attacks and honoring the first responders, military personnel and ordinary citizens who demonstrated courage and compassion in their aftermath.
The features also recall the sense of unity, resilience and mutual support that emerged in communities across the country following the attacks.
Designed to fit into regular station programming, the series is being offered on a market-exclusive basis, limited to one station or station group in each market. The licensing fee is $145 for the year of purchase.
A free demo is available for stations interested in reviewing the features or exploring sponsorship opportunities with local advertisers. Stations interested in securing exclusive rights for their market may contact Rod Schwartz Creative Services for availability, licensing details, and the demo by visiting here.
NAB Webinar to Address New FCC EAS Cyber Rules
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 2:57pm CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters and National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations will host a free webinar September 1 to help broadcasters prepare for new FCC cybersecurity requirements covering Emergency Alert System equipment.
The FCC rules take effect September 29 and require broadcasters to implement specific safeguards designed to protect EAS equipment and systems from cyberattacks.
Among the requirements are 15-character passwords, firewalls, network segmentation and prompt installation of security patches and software updates. NAB and NASBA say implementing the safeguards could prove complex and potentially costly for some stations.
The webinar, scheduled for September 1 at 12pm ET, will provide practical guidance for station owners, general managers, engineers and IT professionals ahead of the compliance deadline.
Panelists will include KAMU-TV and KAMU-FM Associate Director of Engineering Wayne Pecena; Digital Alert Systems Vice President of Global and Government Affairs Edward Czarnecki, Ph.D.; and Sage Alerting Systems President Harold Price.
Indiana Broadcasters Association Executive Director Dave Arland and New York State Broadcasters Association President David Donovan will moderate the session.
The webinar comes four weeks ahead of the September 29 deadline, when broadcasters will be required to have the FCC's new EAS cybersecurity protections in place. Register here.
Pat Paxton to Exit Saga Communications as SVP/Content
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 7:58pm CT |
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Saga Communications Senior VP of Content Pat Paxton will exit the company at the end of August, with two of the broadcaster's local programming executives set to take over his responsibilities. Paxton will remain with Saga through Friday, August 28 to assist with the transition. Ocala, FL OM Scott Chase and Clarksville, TN OM Ryan Ploeckelman will co-chair the company's programming department with the new titles of Group Program Director.
Saga CEO Chris Forgy announced Paxton's departure internally on Friday. Paxton subsequently sent a note to employees saying he had been considering stepping away for several months.
"I've had a long successful career in this business and I've loved every second of it," Paxton wrote. "But I'm not as young as I used to be. I've been considering this for a few months and given the challenges Chris mentioned in his email, stepping away now makes perfect sense."
Paxton expressed confidence in his successors, calling Chase and Ploeckelman "two of the smartest programming minds out there" and saying he expects the transition to be smooth.
Paxton joined Saga in June 2023 after previously spending 22 years overseeing programming for Entercom/Audacy. He had initially stepped away from full-time radio following his departure from Audacy before being recruited to Saga.
"Five years ago, after running programming for Audacy for 22 years, I retired for the first time," Paxton said. "I intended to stay retired, or at least semi-retired. Then in 2023 I met with Chris, Wayne, and Sam at the Embassy Suites in Detroit. I came out of that meeting thinking I might want to do this again. So I did."
Paxton's radio career dates to the 1980s and has included stops in Boston, Houston, Orlando, La Crosse, Sioux Falls, Huntington and Yankton.
In his farewell message, Paxton also praised Saga's Content Directors for their work, saying, "No one works harder than you. No one wears more hats than you. And you do it all with energy and passion."
Declan Moore Named President of Hubbard DC
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 11:01am CT |
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Hubbard | Media That Connects has named Declan Moore President and Market Manager of its Washington, DC operations, overseeing WTOP, Federal News Network and the local office of 2060 Digital.
Moore succeeds longtime Hubbard Washington executive Joel Oxley and joins the company after most recently serving as Head of International for Wondery, an Amazon company. There, he led international strategy and expansion for the audio company across content, advertising, subscriptions and platform distribution.
Before joining Wondery, Moore spent 23 years with National Geographic in Washington. His roles included Chief Media Officer and President of Publishing and Digital Media for the National Geographic Society, as well as CEO of National Geographic Partners.
"I'm honored to have the opportunity to build on the extraordinary legacy Joel Oxley has created here in Washington," said Moore. "WTOP, Federal News Network and 2060 Digital are exceptional brands with deep connections to the communities they serve throughout the National Capital Region."
Moore said he looks forward to working with the Hubbard teams to build on the brands' strengths while helping the businesses continue to evolve and grow. He also cited Hubbard's commitment to impartial journalism, strong local brands and long-term thinking as factors that attracted him to the company.
Hubbard CEO Ginny Hubbard said Moore brings a strong record of preserving established media brands while positioning them for the future.
"While he has very big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of Joel Oxley, Declan has a strong track record of retaining the essence and legacy of media brands while leading them into the future," Hubbard said.
She added that Moore has expressed a strong appreciation for WTOP and Federal News Network and their service to the Washington community.
Buffalo Radio Legend Sandy Beach Dies at 86
| RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 6:29pm CT |
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Legendary Buffalo radio personality Sandy Beach, whose broadcasting career spanned 60 years and earned him induction into three halls of fame, has died at age 86 following a brief illness.
Beach arrived in Buffalo in 1968 during the heyday of WKBW-AM, joining a lineup that included Danny Neaverth and Joey Reynolds. The 50,000-watt Top 40 powerhouse gave Beach a platform that helped make him one of the market's best-known radio personalities.
His career also took him to Hartford, Dallas, San Francisco and Milwaukee, but Buffalo remained his radio home. He later hosted mornings at WHTT and WJYE (Star 102.5) and spent time in talk at WGR.
Beach joined WBEN-AM in 1997 and went on to host "Beach and Company" for 23 years. The move established a second chapter of his career as a talk personality, where his knowledge, quick wit and distinctive laugh attracted a loyal audience.
Former Audacy Senior VP/Market Manager Tim Wenger, who brought Beach back to Buffalo from Milwaukee, said he believed Beach's "intelligence, curiosity and quick wit" would translate well to full-time talk radio.
"Sandy immediately attracted a loyal audience with his daily entertaining 'take' on issues and grew his show to be a staple in the Buffalo media landscape," Wenger said. "Very few broadcasters have the lasting impact that Sandy left us."
Neaverth remembered Beach as one of the quickest and best-prepared personalities he ever worked with.
"He was funnier than me, he was funnier than Joey Reynolds," Neaverth said during a WBEN appearance Friday. "He was funnier than anybody I ever worked with, because he was so quick and he was so prepared for his show at all times."
Beach retired from WBEN on July 30, 2020, ending his six-decade broadcasting career and turning the microphone over to Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia.
In his final broadcast, Beach thanked the generations of listeners who had accompanied him throughout his career. "Thank you for sharing your life with me, because if you hadn't done that, I couldn't have done it myself," Beach said. "Thank you and goodbye."
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GAB Names 2026 Honors Award Recipients
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 4:32pm CT |
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The Georgia Association of Broadcasters has announced the recipients of its 2026 GAB Honors Awards, which will be presented during GABCON, September 25-26 at the Gas South District Convention Center in Duluth, GA.
This year's honorees are Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole as Georgian of the Year, State Representative Clint Crowe as Legislator of the Year, WSB-TV Atlanta's Michael Williams with the Ditty-McLemore Engineering Award and WRDW-WAGT Augusta's Estelle Parsley with the Golden Mic Award.
Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Banana Ball Championship League, is being recognized for his impact on Georgia and for transforming the Savannah Bananas into an international entertainment brand. The organization says Banana Ball has more than 35 million social media followers, while the Bananas have sold out every game since their inaugural season and built a ticket waiting list numbering in the millions.
Crowe represents Georgia House District 118 and has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since 2020. He chairs the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and serves on several other committees. Before entering the legislature, Crowe spent a decade in law enforcement and has worked in real estate for more than 20 years.
Williams, Senior Manager of IT at WSB-TV, receives the Ditty-McLemore Engineering Award recognizing exceptional contributions to broadcast engineering. He has more than 30 years of broadcast industry experience, including more than 18 years at WSB-TV and over 28 years with Cox Media Group across radio and television.
Parsley, Vice President of News for WRDW-WAGT, receives the Golden Mic Award for her contributions to the GAB and Georgia broadcasting. During her more than three decades in local journalism, she has emphasized investigative reporting and journalist development. Under her leadership, WRDW-WAGT has received 10 National Edward R. Murrow Awards, 40 regional Murrow Awards and 14 Southeast Emmys.
Parsley has personally received four National Murrow Awards and six Emmys and has been inducted into the NATAS Silver Circle and GAB Hall of Fame.
"These four honorees represent the very best of Georgia... from broadcasting and public service to innovation and community impact," said GAB President Randy Gravley. "We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and look forward to celebrating each of them this fall at GABCON 2026."
Crowe's Legislator of the Year Award will be presented during the "Breakfast with Counsel" on September 26. Cole, Williams and Parsley will receive their awards later that day during the GAB Honors Luncheon.
Salem Media Goes Private Following WaterStone Deal
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 2:08pm CT |
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Salem Media has completed its acquisition by The Christian Community Foundation, Inc., doing business as WaterStone, taking the Christian and conservative media company private. WaterStone acquired all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium to Salem's trading price before the transaction was announced.
Salem said the deal begins a new chapter focused on long-term growth while maintaining the company's Christian and conservative media mission. The company will continue operating its radio, digital, streaming, podcasting, television and publishing businesses.
"This is an exciting day for Salem and the beginning of an important new chapter for our company," said Salem Media CEO David Santrella. "Salem enters this partnership with strong momentum, an extraordinary portfolio of talent and brands, and more ways than ever to reach audiences across the country."
Santrella said the WaterStone partnership will give Salem the ability to invest for the future while remaining committed to the mission that has guided the company since its founding.
Salem's programming portfolio includes Christian broadcasters Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, David Jeremiah, Alistair Begg and Allen Jackson. Its conservative personalities include Scott Jennings, Larry O'Connor, Alex Marlow, Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt and Lara Trump.
WaterStone President Richard von Gnechten, who also serves as Chairman of Salem Media's Board of Directors, said the acquisition is intended to strengthen Salem rather than change its direction.
"Today is not about changing what Salem is," von Gnechten said. "It is about giving Salem an even stronger foundation to build on what it does best."
Salem co-founder and board member Edward Atsinger III said he is confident the company's mission will continue under its new ownership. "When Stuart Epperson and I founded Salem more than 50 years ago, we could not have imagined the reach and impact it would have today," Atsinger said. "Knowing Salem's mission will be carried forward by a partner that shares our values gives me tremendous confidence in what comes next."
With the transaction completed, Salem and WaterStone said they will focus on strengthening the company's existing businesses while pursuing additional opportunities for investment and long-term growth.
Court Denies Nielsen Rehearing Bid in Cumulus Case
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 6:33pm CT |
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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has denied Nielsen's request for rehearing in its legal battle with Cumulus Media, leaving intact the court's earlier ruling in favor of the broadcaster. In a one-page order issued August 18, the court denied Nielsen's petition for both panel rehearing and rehearing en banc in Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc. v. The Nielsen Company (US), LLC, Case No. 26-88.
Nielsen had asked the three-judge panel that decided the appeal to reconsider its decision or, alternatively, for the case to be reheard en banc by the full court.
The Second Circuit said the panel that decided the appeal considered Nielsen's request for panel rehearing, while the court's active judges considered the request for rehearing en banc. "It is hereby ordered that the petition is denied," the court said.
The denial follows the Second Circuit's July 13 decision affirming a preliminary injunction obtained by Cumulus in its dispute with Nielsen. The litigation stems from Nielsen's effort to terminate Cumulus's access to certain ratings services amid a contractual dispute between the companies.
Court records show Nielsen filed its petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc on July 27. The court denied the petition August 18 in Docket Entry 96.1.
The rehearing fight has been closely watched because of its implications for Cumulus's continued access to Nielsen ratings data. With rehearing now denied, attention turns to issuance of the Second Circuit's mandate and enforcement of the preliminary injunction.
Separately, Cumulus filed an emergency motion for clarification on August 13. Nielsen opposed that motion August 17, and Cumulus filed a reply on August 19. That issue remains separate from the August 18 order denying Nielsen's rehearing petition.
The Second Circuit's order does not provide further explanation for its decision. It is signed for the court by Clerk Catherine O'Hagan Wolfe.
K-Love Names Evan Masyr as Chief Financial Officer
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 3:25pm CT |
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K-Love Inc. has appointed longtime Salem Media Group executive Evan Masyr as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 14. He will oversee the nonprofit media organization's accounting, finance and tax departments and serve on its Ministry Leadership Team.
Masyr joins K-Love after more than 26 years with Salem Media Group, including 19 years as CFO. Before joining Salem, he spent nearly seven years with global accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
"It is a tremendous blessing and a calling to join K-Love and serve a ministry that shares the hope of Jesus Christ with listeners across the country and around the world," said Masyr. He said K-Love's mission aligns with his personal faith and that he looks forward to working with the organization's leadership and employees.
Masyr also expressed appreciation for his more than 26 years at Salem, saying the company provided opportunities to grow as a leader while advancing the mission of Christian media.
"We are delighted to have someone with Evan's deep industry experience and relationships, along with his record of integrity and heart for ministry," said K-Love CEO Tom Stultz. He cited Masyr's experience with media innovation and commitment to financial transparency, integrity and stewardship.
Masyr earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and will relocate to the Franklin, TN area.
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Joel Oxley to Receive NAB National Radio Award
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 11:07am CT |
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Hubbard Radio Washington, DC President and General Manager Joel Oxley will receive the 2026 NAB National Radio Award, recognizing his more than three decades of leadership in the radio industry. The NAB announced the honor Thursday on National Radio Day. Oxley will receive the award during the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner on October 20 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.
"NAB is honored to recognize Joel Oxley for his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the radio industry," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. He cited Oxley's commitment to local journalism, innovation and public service and his role in establishing WTOP as one of the nation's leading news operations.
Oxley joined WTOP in 1992 as an account executive and was named General Manager in 1998. His responsibilities later expanded to include Hubbard Radio's Washington operations, including WTOP News and Federal News Network.
During his tenure, WTOP became one of the country's most prominent all-news stations and has consistently ranked among the nation's highest-billing radio properties. Oxley also helped expand the operation beyond traditional broadcasting into digital, video and social media.
Hubbard's Washington stations have earned numerous Edward R. Murrow Awards, NAB Marconi Radio Awards and NAB Crystal Radio Awards during his leadership.
Oxley has also been active in industry mentoring and community service, including many years on the board of the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Clubs.
Earlier this year, Oxley announced plans to retire at the beginning of 2027 after nearly 35 years with WTOP and 28 years as General Manager. He will assist Hubbard through its leadership transition before moving into an advisory role.
The National Radio Award recognizes an individual for significant and lasting contributions to the radio industry. Oxley will be honored at the Marconi dinner the evening before NAB Show New York opens.
News, Comedy Drive Triton Q2 Podcast Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 2:41pm CT |
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Comedy maintained its position as podcasting's largest category during the second quarter, while news programming posted the strongest audience growth as listeners turned toward political content ahead of the midterm elections, according to Triton Digital's Q2 2026 U.S. Podcast Ranker.
Comedy reached 44.5% of podcast listeners during the quarter, followed by News at 25.7% and Society & Culture at 21.2%. News recorded an 8.4% quarter-over-quarter increase in reach, rising from 23.7% in Q1, while Comedy increased from 43.6%. True Crime reached 17.1% and Sports 18.5%, with both categories also posting gains.
"Podcasting has become the place people go for the conversation behind the headlines," said Triton Digital SVP of Measurement Products & Strategy Daryl Battaglia. "Across politics, business or culture, consumers increasingly want to engage directly with hosts who offer analysis, perspective and even comic relief."
Political and personality-driven shows accounted for several of the quarter's biggest movers. "The Rachel Maddow Show" jumped 66 positions to #35, while "The Tucker Carlson Show" climbed from #19 to #9 overall. "The Dan Bongino Show" rose 16 spots to #50.
Other significant movers included "The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett," up 37 positions to #20; "2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer," up 34 to #38; "The Shawn Ryan Show," up 32 to #22; and "Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast," up 24 to #40. "The Bill Simmons Podcast" climbed 22 positions to #30.
Comedy accounted for 57 of Triton's top 200 podcasts, or 29% of the shows on the chart. The category also benefited from television content moving into podcasting, including debuts by "Late Night with Seth Meyers Podcast" and "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert," while "The Daily Show: Ears Edition" returned to the chart.
Triton also pointed to creators bringing established social media audiences into podcasting. New entries included "HARD LAUNCH with Dan and Phil," "The Really Good Podcast with Bobbi Althoff," "The LOL Podcast" and "Handsome."
Political and news programming is expected to continue gaining ground as the midterm elections approach. Among the programs returning to the rankings during Q2 were "Mark Levin Podcast," "Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar," "The David Pakman Show," "Pivot" and "Piers Morgan Uncensored."
"With the midterm elections heating up, we expect to see a continued uptick in political and news podcasts through Q3," Battaglia said.
In Triton's separate Download Ranker, based on server-side measurement of participating sales networks, iHeart Audience Network ranked first in average weekly downloads, followed by Audioboom and Cumulus Podcast Network.
"Stuff You Should Know" led individual podcasts in average weekly downloads, followed by "Pod Save America" and "My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark."
Triton also found that smaller podcast categories can deliver highly concentrated audiences for advertisers. Technology, despite reaching just 2.3% of listeners, indexed strongly among luxury shoppers, business travelers, senior decision makers and consumers with at least $250,000 in investable assets. Business, with 11.4% reach, had the strongest index for listeners with household incomes of $100,000 or more.
Fiction showed a particularly strong concentration of listeners ages 18-24, while Kids & Family indexed heavily among mothers. Music, with 6.2% reach, remained the category with the strongest concentration of Black/African American listeners.
"Smaller genres deliver hyper-concentrated purchase intent and premium audiences that are hard to find anywhere else in audio," Battaglia said.
FCC Approves Cumulus Post-Bankruptcy Ownership Transfer
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 11:37am CT |
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Cumulus Media has cleared a major regulatory hurdle toward emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with FCC records showing the broadcaster's applications to transfer control of its licenses to its post-reorganization shareholders have been granted.
The approval follows an August 14 letter from Cumulus President and CEO Mary Berner to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr reaffirming the company's public-interest commitments and pledging to maintain existing newsroom staffing levels for at least two years following approval of the applications.
Cumulus filed a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in March, with its reorganization plan confirmed by a federal bankruptcy court in April. The restructuring will cancel the company's existing stock and distribute new securities primarily to holders of Cumulus debt.
The broadcaster filed several FCC Form 315 applications seeking approval to transfer control of its license subsidiaries from Cumulus's current shareholders to its post-reorganization shareholders. The licensee subsidiaries themselves will remain unchanged.
Under the new ownership structure, Alden Global Capital President Heath Freeman is expected to hold a 31.86% voting interest in reorganized Cumulus through Next Gen Radio Enterprises LLC. Alden has drawn criticism in the newspaper industry for significant staffing reductions at publications under its ownership.
Berner's August 14 letter appeared to address concerns about what the ownership change could mean for Cumulus's local operations. v "I take this opportunity to reaffirm Cumulus Media's longstanding commitment to operating its broadcast radio stations in a manner that serves the public interest, advances localism, supports public safety and responds to the needs and interests of the communities it is privileged to serve," Berner wrote.
Cumulus specifically committed to maintaining its existing newsroom staffing levels for a minimum of two years following FCC approval. The commitment applies to newsroom staffing and does not include a similar pledge covering programming, sales or other departments.
Berner also highlighted Cumulus's public-service activities, saying the broadcaster has worked with nearly 2,000 local organizations during the past three years. The company said its stations helped raise more than $75 million through fundraising drives, radiothons and community campaigns and provided nearly $50 million in support through public service announcements, interviews and other on-air exposure.
Cumulus said those efforts included more than 400,000 on-air mentions of local causes and nearly 200,000 digital posts, generating more than $123 million in direct donations and other support during the three-year period.
"The reorganization is designed to strengthen Cumulus Media's financial foundation and enhance its ability to continue serving listeners, employees, advertisers, community partners and public-safety stakeholders across the country," Berner wrote.
The FCC approvals allow Cumulus to move forward with implementing its court-approved reorganization and emerging from Chapter 11 under its new shareholder structure.
Audacy Partners with Bunnie Xo for Dumb Blonde
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 2:37pm CT |
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Audacy has entered into a partnership with creator and #1 New York Times bestselling author Alisa "Bunnie Xo" DeFord to exclusively handle sales and distribution for her "Dumb Blonde" podcast. The agreement expands Audacy's portfolio of entertainment and women's lifestyle programming while providing the podcast with additional opportunities to grow its audience and advertising business across platforms.
"Dumb Blonde" features Bunnie Xo and her guests discussing relationships, trauma, embarrassing experiences and other aspects of their personal lives. Previous guests have included Dolly Parton, Jon Bon Jovi, Denise Richards, Sharon Osbourne, Bam Margera, Elle King, Miranda Lambert, Joel Madden, Wiz Khalifa and Machine Gun Kelly.
"What started as a little girl's love for radio has grown beyond anything I could've imagined," said Bunnie Xo. "I'm so proud to announce a partnership with Audacy, one of America's largest multiplatform audio networks."
She added, "As our newest season begins, I'm endlessly grateful for every soul who has trusted me with their story. Here's to proving people wrong, breaking ceilings, and reminding women everywhere that anything is possible when you set your soul on fire and refuse to let go."
"Bunnie Xo is unapologetically herself, and she's built something truly special with 'Dumb Blonde,'" said Audacy Head of Podcasts Leah Reis-Dennis. "Her raw, hilarious, and deeply authentic conversations have established the show as one of the most fun and of-the-moment destinations for comedy and women's lifestyle fans."
Reis-Dennis said Audacy plans to expand the podcast's reach across platforms while developing new opportunities for advertisers seeking to reach Bunnie Xo's audience.
New episodes of "Dumb Blonde" are released Mondays, along with regular "Ask, Tell, Confess" episodes. The show is available on YouTube and major podcast platforms.
iHeart, Butler/Till Launch Agentic Audio Campaign
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 2:48pm CT |
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Butler/Till and iHeartMedia have completed what the companies describe as the advertising industry's first agentic streaming audio media campaign, using an AI-powered workflow to purchase premium streaming audio inventory.
The campaign was launched for an unnamed U.S. agricultural solutions company and used artificial intelligence to participate directly in media buying while operating within advertiser-defined objectives, business rules and human oversight.
Unlike traditional automated buying systems that follow predefined workflows, agentic media buying allows AI agents to evaluate campaign objectives, identify opportunities and execute approved buying decisions dynamically. Human teams remain responsible for strategy, governance and oversight.
The companies said the campaign also produced measurable efficiencies. The agentic buy delivered streaming audio 42% more efficiently than the advertiser's traditional direct-buying benchmark.
In podcasting, 48% of impressions were delivered in high-value, non-skippable mid-roll positions, compared with 33% allocated to mid-roll placements under the advertiser's traditional plan. Butler/Till and iHeart said those gains were achieved while maintaining access to comparable premium inventory.
"We're constantly exploring new opportunities for brands to connect with audiences at scale and pioneering new ways to modernize audio advertising, making it more accessible, efficient and effective," said iHeartMedia Chief Business Officer Lisa Coffey.
Coffey said the Butler/Till campaign demonstrates how AI could create a more dynamic and efficient advertising marketplace while maintaining the quality, scale and accountability advertisers expect.
The streaming campaign is also a precursor to iHeartMedia's plans for its broadcast business. The company said it expects to make broadcast radio inventory available through agentic transactions later this year.
That initiative builds on iHeart's recently introduced AudioGraph platform, which is designed to bring digital-style targeting, identity-based planning, measurement and attribution to broadcast radio.
Until now, agentic media buying has largely been confined to channels already available through programmatic advertising systems. Extending the technology to broadcast radio would bring agentic transactions to inventory traditionally purchased outside those systems.
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