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Top Radio News
Local Radio Drives $437B, Supports 909K U.S. Jobs
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 1:11pm CT |
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A new economic study finds that free, local radio remains a powerful engine of the U.S. economy, generating $437 billion in annual GDP and supporting more than 909,000 jobs nationwide, underscoring radio's role as essential infrastructure in communities across the country.
The analysis, conducted by Woods & Poole Economics with support from BIA Advisory Services, measures the full economic footprint of local broadcast radio and television. While the combined impact totals $1.19 trillion in GDP and 2.46 million jobs, radio alone accounts for more than one-third of that activity, driven by its reach, advertising effectiveness, and role in local information delivery.
According to the study, local radio directly generates nearly $20 billion in GDP and employs about 115,000 people, spanning air talent, journalism, engineering, sales, and operations. Beyond station payrolls, radio creates a significant ripple effect across other industries -- supporting an additional $47.8 billion in GDP and 287,000 jobs through supplier spending and employee household consumption.
The largest economic contribution comes from radio's advertising impact. By providing free, over-the-air access to product and service information, radio advertising stimulates $369 billion in economic activity and supports more than 506,000 jobs, helping local businesses reach customers efficiently while fueling broader consumer demand.
Beyond economics, the study highlights radio's unique public-service role. Local stations are a cornerstone of the nation's Emergency Alert System, capable of reaching audiences during wildfires, hurricanes, and other crises-even when power, broadband, or mobile networks fail. Radio also remains a primary source of trusted local news, community events, and sports, available without subscription fees or internet access.
"No other industry gives more to Americans for free," said Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. He added that the findings reinforce broadcasting's importance not only to democracy and public safety, but to the strength of the U.S. economy.
As policymakers weigh changes to media and communications policy, the report concludes that free, local radio continues to deliver outsized economic and civic value -- supporting jobs, enabling commerce, and ensuring every community has access to critical information, regardless of income or connectivity.
Drive-Time Congestion Expands Radio's In-Car Reach
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 2:36pm CT |
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As daily traffic congestion rises across major U.S. metro areas, new insights point to an expanding opportunity for brands to reach attentive in-car audiences, with AM/FM radio continuing to dominate in-vehicle audio listening.
According to a new analysis from Katz Radio, the typical U.S. driver now spends 49 hours a year in traffic -- six more than in 2024 -- underscoring the growing importance of the car as a space for content consumption, communication, and advertising. The findings draw on newly released data from INRIX, whose latest Global Traffic Scorecard shows drivers losing nearly two full days annually to congestion alone.
The increase is most pronounced in large urban markets that are also among the nation's top radio metros. Sixteen U.S. cities exceeded the national average for hours lost to traffic in 2025. Drivers in Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles logged more than double the national average time spent in congestion, translating into longer and more consistent daily drive times.
INRIX data shows Chicago now ranks as the most impacted U.S. city, with drivers losing an average of 112 hours to congestion in 2025, surpassing New York at 102 hours. Chicago's delays rose 10% year over year, while congestion in New York remained relatively flat following the implementation of congestion pricing, which sharply reduced traffic on several previously overburdened corridors.
Despite the growing array of in-car entertainment options, AM/FM radio continues to lead in-vehicle audio usage. Katz Radio reports that broadcast radio captures nine out of every ten minutes spent with in-car audio, exceeding the combined share of streaming services, podcasts, and satellite radio. The firm notes that this dominance translates into broader reach and more frequent exposure for advertisers during extended commute windows.
As congestion stretches daily travel times and reinforces the car as a consistent part of consumers' routines, Katz Radio argues that in-car media -- particularly broadcast radio -- offers brands a reliable way to reach listeners when attention is already engaged. With longer drives becoming the norm in many markets, drive time is increasingly positioned as prime time for audio advertising.
Read the entire article here.
Three Top 100 Markets Shift Ratings to Eastlan
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 3:51pm CT |
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Three more Top 100 radio markets are moving their audience measurement to Eastlan as the company's expansion continues into 2026. Honolulu, Reno and Tulsa will now be continuously measured by Eastlan, reflecting what the company describes as a broader reassessment by local radio operators of their ratings vendor relationships.
With the addition of Honolulu, Pacific Media Group has now transitioned all of its markets to Eastlan. President and CEO Chuck Bergson cited economic pressures as a key factor behind the move.
"In this tight radio economy it seems smart to me to pivot, re-investing the savings from ratings to save jobs," Bergson said.
In Tulsa, Zoellner Media Group also adopted Eastlan's measurement. President and General Manager Steven Hunter said the change would benefit advertisers by providing a more complete view of the local radio landscape.
"We're excited to team up with Eastlan to bring audience measurement tools that include all stations to our advertisers right here in Tulsa," Hunter said.
Eastlan President Mike Gould said the recent market additions reflect growing expectations from radio operators nationwide.
"They expect reliable data that includes a complete picture of their market, the option to save significant money on their ratings investment, and in many cases, the freedom to buy only what they need," Gould said, adding that excluding certain stations from measurement can undermine confidence in buying radio advertising.
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AEI Paper Argues FCC Has Outlived Its Purpose
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 4:03pm CT |
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A new working paper from the American Enterprise Institute contends that the Federal Communications Commission has outlived the economic and technological conditions that justified its creation and should be disbanded.
Authored by economist Mark Jamison, the paper argues that the FCC was designed in 1934 to regulate government-protected telephone monopolies and manage scarce broadcast spectrum -- conditions that no longer exist. Jamison writes that today's communications marketplace is defined by dynamic, intermodal competition among broadband, wireless, satellite, and streaming platforms, undermining the rationale for common-carrier regulation and broadcast licensing.
The paper maintains that as the FCC's original mission has eroded, the agency has increasingly become politicized, aligning its regulatory actions with shifting partisan agendas rather than acting as an independent, expert commission. Jamison reviews the historical foundations of commission-style regulation and details how rapid technological change has made it difficult-if not impossible-to define stable markets suitable for traditional utility oversight.
Rather than eliminating federal oversight entirely, the study proposes redistributing the FCC's remaining essential functions. Spectrum auctions, equipment authorization, and emergency communications oversight could be reassigned to other federal agencies, while consumer protection responsibilities could move to existing consumer-focused regulators. According to the paper, this approach would preserve necessary government roles while ending what it describes as outdated and increasingly politicized regulatory structures.
Jamison concludes that disbanding the FCC would represent a coherent deregulatory strategy better aligned with modern communications markets, while reducing regulatory uncertainty and political influence in an industry driven by rapid innovation and competition.
Read the entire AEI paper here.
The Zone Returns to Phoenix as AI-Infused Triple A
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 1:23pm CT |
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Zelus Media Group has partnered with SonicTrek.ai to relaunch The Zone "Where Music Matters" in Phoenix on 94.9 and 103.9 KZON-FM-HD2, marking the format's return as a 24/7 AI-infused Triple A station.
The revived Zone will blend artificial intelligence with licensed human voices, including format veteran Dennis Constantine, along with Nicole Sandler, Kevin Malvey, and Sean Marten. The station is available via HD Radio and through streaming at 949TheZone.com.
The launch represents the fifth 24/7 AI-infused format developed by SonicTrek.ai. The company said the project combines localized music curation and content with familiar on-air personalities, supported by AI technology developed in collaboration with Futuri Media.
Zelus Media Group CEO Michael Cutchall said the partnership reflects an ongoing evolution in radio, integrating human expertise with AI tools to enhance local listener experiences. SonicTrek.ai CEO Joel Denver added that the format is designed to re-engage audiences and support sales by pairing localized AI workflows with recognizable voices licensed for on-air use.
SonicTrek.ai CRO Mike Agovino noted that the project was developed on an accelerated timeline, using localized voices to meet the "Where Music Matters" brand promise. The companies said future efforts will continue to expand the use of licensed national and local voices within AI-infused audio formats.
Audacy Details How AI Is Redefining Local Search Visibility
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 1:30pm CT |
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In a new Audacy Insights article, Audacy is warning that rapid changes in AI-powered search are reshaping how consumers discover local businesses - and that traditional search strategies may no longer be enough.
In "Dominating Local Search in the Age of AI," Jenny Sutton, Jenny Sutton, Senior Vice President of Digital Sales at Audacy, outlines how search is evolving from a list of links into a concierge-style experience that delivers instant answers and recommendations. As a result, businesses that are not clearly defined or trusted by AI systems risk becoming invisible, even if they offer strong products or services.
Sutton explains that AI-driven search tools increasingly summarize information from multiple sources and present a single synthesized response, reducing the role of traditional rankings and click-through traffic. That shift places greater importance on accurate business information, consistent digital footprints, and content that clearly explains a company's services and local relevance.
The article notes that while overall website traffic may decline as AI surfaces answers directly, visibility within those AI-generated responses becomes the new measure of success. According to Sutton, clarity, credibility, and engagement are now critical signals that help AI systems decide which businesses to recommend.
The piece also addresses how measurement is changing, as clicks alone are no longer a complete indicator of performance. Sutton urges businesses to remain flexible as analytics and attribution models evolve alongside AI and privacy changes.
The article ties into Audacy's newly launched Local Marketing Playbook, a practical guide aimed at helping local businesses understand how to adapt their digital strategies for an increasingly AI-driven search environment. The Playbook focuses on actionable steps to strengthen online presence, improve trust signals, and align marketing efforts with how AI systems evaluate and surface information.
Sutton concludes that search is no longer just about being found, but about being recommended - and that businesses investing now in accuracy, usefulness, and credibility are best positioned to win visibility as AI continues to redefine discovery.
Cumulus Media Appoints Carol Flaton to Board
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 1:45pm CT |
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Cumulus Media has appointed Carol Flaton to its Board of Directors, effective January 15. Flaton's appointment follows the resignation of Joan Hogan Gillman, who is stepping down after eight years on the board.
Chairman Andrew W. Hobson said Flaton brings more than 30 years of experience in financial services and corporate governance, citing her background advising companies and serving on boards across multiple industries. He also thanked Gillman for her contributions during her tenure.
Flaton has held senior leadership roles in financial advisory, investment banking, and risk management, including serving as a Managing Director at AlixPartners and Lazard, where she advised companies, investors, and boards on complex financial and strategic matters.
She currently serves on several public and private company boards, including as an independent director of QVC Group, Inc., where she is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees.
Flaton holds an MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, and a bachelor's degree in economics and finance from the University of Delaware.
FOX Sports Radio Adds "Stugotz and Company LIVE!"
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 5:55pm CT |
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FOX Sports Radio will debut "Stugotz and Company LIVE!" as part of its weekday afternoon lineup beginning Monday, January 19. The program, hosted by Jon "Stugotz" Weiner, will air weekdays from 3-5pm ET on more than 270 FOX Sports Radio affiliates nationwide. The show will also stream on FOX Sports Radio's iHeartRadio channel and FOXSportsRadio.com, with full episodes available as a podcast immediately following each broadcast.
Originating from iHeartMedia's South Florida studios, "Stugotz and Company LIVE!" expands on Weiner's existing podcast of the same name. The live radio version will feature his mix of sports commentary, humor, and off-the-cuff opinions, alongside his regular contributors and a rotating lineup of guest co-hosts.
The show's launch coincides with the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, which will be played nearby on January 19 and feature the Miami Hurricanes against the Indiana Hoosiers.
"I've been waiting years to give out a phone number and talk to Frank on a mobile phone," Stugotz said in a statement. "I'm super excited for this, although not nearly as excited as my wife is to get me out of the house."
The new program is part of a long-term, multiplatform partnership between Stugotz and iHeartMedia. The agreement also includes the creation of the Stugotz Podcast Network under iHeartPodcasts, with planned original sports programming including "Stugotz and Company" and "God Bless Football," distributed across audio platforms and YouTube.
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Westwood One Carries NFL Divisional Round Live
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 9:16pm CT |
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Westwood One will deliver live play-by-play coverage of the NFL Divisional Round across the weekend of Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18. The broadcasts continue Westwood One's long-standing relationship as the official network audio partner of the National Football League, marking the company's 39th consecutive season in that role.
Coverage begins Saturday, January 17, from Empower Field at Mile High, where the Buffalo Bills meet the Denver Broncos, with live audio starting at 3:30pm ET. The nightcap follows from Lumen Field as the San Francisco 49ers face the Seattle Seahawks, with coverage beginning at approximately 8pm ET.
Action resumes Sunday, January 18, at 2pm ET from Gillette Stadium, featuring the Houston Texans against the New England Patriots. The Divisional Round concludes later that day from Soldier Field, where the Los Angeles Rams take on the Chicago Bears, with live coverage starting at approximately 6:15pm ET.
Westwood One's broadcasts will be available nationwide on affiliated stations and digital platforms, bringing postseason NFL action to listeners across the country.
Huntsville TX LPFM Outlet Spirit 94.3 FM Launches
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 2:03pm CT |
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KHSP-LP (Spirit 94.3 FM) officially signed on the air at midnight on January 1, launching a new low-power FM Christian radio service in Huntsville, TX. The station began its inaugural broadcast with prayer, marking the new year by dedicating the station, its mission, and the Huntsville community to faith-based service.
Participating in the on-air launch were Spirit Media Inc. founder and president Rob Hipp, First Baptist Church Huntsville Pastor Jason Bay, and Spirit Radio Production Director Tyler Fordyce.
Spirit 94.3 FM operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit LPFM station, featuring Christian teaching, worship music, and locally focused programming. According to station leadership, the midnight launch was chosen to symbolize a spiritual commitment and a fresh beginning.
Hipp said the concept for Spirit Radio began several years ago as an internet-only station before the Federal Communications Commission opened a filing window for new LPFM licenses. After forming Spirit Media Inc., the group undertook a multi-year process that included FCC applications, engineering work, fundraising, and studio construction.
As an LPFM outlet, Spirit 94.3 FM's over-the-air signal covers an approximately five-mile radius from downtown Huntsville. Listeners outside the coverage area can access the station via online streaming and mobile apps compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Station officials say the digital platforms will continue to be updated to expand accessibility and improve the listener experience.
Kaleidoscope and iHeartPodcasts Launch ''Mind Games''
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 3:45pm CT |
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Kaleidoscope and iHeartPodcasts have launched Mind Games, a new investigative series that explores the origins, influence, and controversies surrounding Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), a form of hypnotherapy that has quietly shaped sectors ranging from business and the military to wellness culture.
Created and hosted by journalists Alice Hines and Zoe Lescaze, the podcast traces NLP's beginnings in a 1970s California New Age commune and follows its spread into Fortune 500 boardrooms, U.S. Army training programs, professional sports, and organizations including NXIVM. While largely unfamiliar to the general public, NLP techniques have been adopted by therapists, life coaches, self-help figures, and others-raising questions about persuasion, power, and the lack of regulation around their use.
The series blends reporting, experimentation, and narrative storytelling as Hines and Lescaze test NLP methods themselves. While approaching the topic with skepticism, the hosts document results they say are difficult to dismiss, examining both the claims that NLP can drive personal change and the potential for misuse and manipulation.
Kaleidoscope Chief Strategy Officer and executive producer Kate Osborn said Mind Games aligns with the company's focus on science and technology stories that probe complex, under-examined ideas. Hines added that NLP "hides in plain sight," offering empowerment while also being used by bad actors to control others. Lescaze said her reporting aimed to separate exaggerated claims from techniques that may have legitimate value.
Mind Games is distributed by iHeartPodcasts, with new episodes released weekly on Tuesdays via the iHeartRadio app and major podcast platforms.
PodcastOne Extends Adam Carolla Deal, Adds SiriusXM
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 3:48pm CT |
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PodcastOne has signed a multiyear extension with comedian and podcast host Adam Carolla for The Adam Carolla Show, continuing a partnership that dates back more than a decade.
As part of the expanded agreement, the daily show will also gain same-day distribution on SiriusXM. Beginning January 26, The Adam Carolla Podcast will air Tuesdays through Fridays from 7-9am ET on The Megyn Kelly Channel (Channel 111).
Launched in 2009, The Adam Carolla Show recently marked its 4,000th episode. The multi-hour program features long-form interviews with a range of guests from entertainment, media, and sports, alongside Carolla's commentary. The show maintains an extensive episode library and remains among the most established podcasts in the comedy category.
"PodcastOne is thrilled to extend our relationship with Adam and The Adam Carolla Show," said Kit Gray, President and Co-Founder of PodcastOne. Gray cited the show's continued audience growth and advertiser interest, noting Carolla's role in helping shape the modern podcasting landscape.
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Matt Scarano Named Beasley Detroit VP/Market Manager
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 10:09am CT |
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Beasley Media Group has named Matt Scarano Vice President and Market Manager of its Detroit operations, effective January 14. In the role, Scarano will oversee Beasley's Detroit station brands -- WRIF, WCSX, WDMK-FM, and WMGC-FM. Scarano brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience in radio and media operations. Most recently, he served as Region President for iHeartMedia in Chicago.
Previously, Scarano held senior leadership roles with Clear Channel Media + Entertainment, including Market President and Director of Sales positions in Atlanta and Chicago. Earlier in his career, he served in sales and operational leadership roles with ABC Radio/The Walt Disney Company, Big League Broadcasting, Cox Broadcasting, Jacor Broadcasting, and WZGC-FM in Atlanta.
"Matt is a proven, results-driven leader with a deep understanding of today's evolving media landscape," said Brian Beasley, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Beasley Media Group. "His operational expertise, sales leadership, and commitment to community make him an outstanding choice to lead our Detroit market."
"I'm honored to join Beasley Media Group and lead the Detroit team," Scarano said. "Beasley's commitment to local communities, innovation, and strong partnerships aligns perfectly with my values."
Patti Taylor, who has been serving as Vice President and Market Manager in Detroit, will transition into the role of Vice President of Sales for the cluster, where she will focus on revenue growth and client partnerships.
Audacy Brings 670 The Score to FM With 104.3 Simulcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 2:05pm CT |
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Audacy has announced the launch of "104.3 The Score," an FM simulcast of Sports WSCR-AM (670 The Score), bringing the station's programming to FM listeners in Chicago for the first time beginning February 2. The move displaces Classic Hip Hop WBMX-FM (104.3 Jams), while The Score will continue to broadcast on 670 AM alongside the new FM signal.
The FM simulcast will carry The Score's full lineup of Sports Talk, commentary, analysis, and play-by-play, including flagship radio coverage of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls. The station will launch with Circa Sports Illinois as its presenting partner.
"Chicago fans are the best in the world, and they deserve coverage that matches their passion," said Kevin Cassidy, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy Chicago. He added that the FM simulcast will expand The Score's reach and allow more listeners to connect with the station's sports coverage.
The lineup on 104.3 The Score will feature Mully & Haugh from 5:30-10am, Rahimi, Harris & Grote from 10am-2pm, and Spiegel & Holmes from 2-6pm CT.
Salem Promotes Carolyn Cassidy to VP, Regional GM
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 2:22pm CT |
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Salem Media Group has promoted Carolyn Cassidy to Vice President & Regional General Manager, expanding her role on the company's Senior Leadership Team. In her new post, Cassidy will continue to oversee Salem's operations in Columbus, Tampa, Orlando, and Miami.
Cassidy has been with Salem for several years, beginning her leadership tenure in Columbus, where she focused on team development, community engagement, and business growth. Her responsibilities later expanded to include Tampa, followed by Orlando, and most recently Miami.
"Carolyn has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, market insight, and a deep commitment to Salem's mission," said Allen Power, President of Broadcast Media for Salem. He cited her ability to manage multiple large and diverse markets as a key factor in the promotion.
Salem Senior Vice President Jeff Reisman said Cassidy's multi-market experience positions her to contribute to the company's continued growth and operational focus.
Radio Reaches Two-Thirds of Financially Optimistic Adults
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 10:19am CT |
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New research from The Media Audit suggests radio remains a powerful channel for reaching consumers most likely to keep spending after the holidays, a period that typically challenges retailers.
According to the study, 31.8% of U.S. adults age 18 and older describe themselves as financially optimistic, saying they expect to be better off financially within the next six months. These consumers are more inclined than the general population to continue discretionary spending during the January-February slowdown.
The Media Audit Vice President Nick Miller said radio reaches 65.8% of financially optimistic consumers on an average day. He added that this group listens for an average of two hours and 23 minutes daily, about seven minutes more than the overall adult radio audience.
Radio's reach increases further among heavier listeners. While 29% of light radio listeners -- those who tune in for less than an hour a day -- are financially optimistic, that figure climbs to 34.5% among listeners who spend more than three hours a day with radio.
Miller noted that financially optimistic consumers also display distinct purchasing behavior. Compared to the broader market, they are roughly 50% more likely to be considering major purchases such as automobiles, furniture, solar installations, and cosmetic procedures. They are also more open to using credit and financing options.
Typical post-holiday spending among this group includes spring travel bookings, gym memberships, and purchases of home goods, electronics, and fitness equipment -- categories that align closely with first-quarter promotional activity.
The Financial Analyst newsletter added that financially optimistic consumers tend to be especially responsive to promotional campaigns, making them an attractive target for both retailers and local advertisers.
Miller said the findings point to radio's value in a difficult retail environment, noting that its strong reach among financially optimistic consumers, combined with their preference for higher-margin products and services, offers advertisers an opportunity to stretch marketing dollars during the first quarter.
Audiospace Wins Deal to Build 240 U.S. Radio Platforms
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 11:54pm CT |
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Swiss digital radio technology provider Audiospace, a product of Brands Are Live AG, has secured a major U.S. contract following a competitive pitch, winning the mandate to develop 240 digital radio platforms.
The deal is part of a broader collaboration with Connoisseur Media, led by CEO Jeff Warshaw. Connoisseur has significantly expanded its footprint this year through the acquisition of Alpha Media, adding more than 200 stations across over 40 U.S. markets, along with five San Francisco stations from Bonneville Group.
Warshaw said the partnership aligns with Connoisseur Media's focus on serving local audiences with strong digital offerings alongside local programming, noting that Audiospace's platforms support both listener engagement and advertiser revenue opportunities.
Audiospace CEO Jan Muller said the agreement reflects the growing importance of mobile and digital consumption in radio, calling the Connoisseur collaboration a significant responsibility and growth opportunity for the company.
The first Connoisseur Media websites and apps launched in early December, with additional rollouts planned in the coming weeks.
The U.S. win builds on Audiospace's recent growth, including the launch of 66 apps in 2025 for Seven Mountains Media. With existing partnerships, the company now powers more than 400 apps and websites for over 220 U.S. radio stations.
Internationally, Audiospace continues to expand in Europe, with strong growth in Germany and operations spanning Australia, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Austria, and Switzerland. In its home market, broadcasters including Media One Group, My105, and Radio Top rely on the platform.
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