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RADIO ONLINE Co-Founder Lisa Chase Dies at 67
| RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, July 27, 2025 | 2:42am CT |
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Lisa Chase, Senior Editor and Co-Founder of RADIO ONLINE and radioonline.com, passed away Sunday, July 27, following complications from pneumonia after an eight-year battle with cancer. She was 67.
Earlier in the week, Lisa suffered cardiac arrest and remained in a coma. After a brain scan showed minimal activity, she was removed from life support while surrounded by loved ones.
Lisa began her broadcasting and journalism career in 1977 while attending West Texas State University in Canyon, TX. In 1979, she met her future husband and business partner Ron Chase during an interview with the San Diego Chicken. The couple married later in 1980 and she joined KGNC-AM & FM in Amarillo. They then relocated to Memphis in 1981, where Lisa worked at WMC-FM (FM100) under Gary Guthrie and later at the legendary WDIA-AM under Viacom executive Bill Figenshu.
In 1984, Ron and Lisa launched Supertraxx Production-Services, producing radio and television commercials for concert promoters across the U.S. Their shared interest in early online communication led to the launch of RADIO ONLINE in 1989 -- one of the first digital trade services serving the radio broadcasting community.
As Senior Editor, Lisa was instrumental in producing RADIO ONLINE's Daily Show Prep and developing the widely used Promotional Planner, a tool relied upon by thousands of radio professionals around the world.
Beyond her work in broadcasting, Lisa was a published comic book creator, known for several independent titles and even appearing as a character in a Batman comic under her own name. She was an avid gamer, a passionate science fiction fan, and a devout Christian.
Lisa is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ron Chase, as well as extended family in Amarillo & Dallas and her two cherished cats, Leo and Rey.
Memorial details and arrangements will be announced at a later time. Condolences can be sent to Ron Chase.
J. Love Appointed OM for KEZR & KBAY in San Jose
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 25, 2025 | 11:45am CT |
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33-year industry vet J. Love is appointed Operations Manager for Alpha Media's Hot AC KEZR (Mix 106.5) and KBAY (Bay Country 94.5) in in San Jose. He will officially begin his new role on August 1.
"This move is full circle for me," said J. Love. "San Jose is where I started my radio career, so stepping into this role truly feels like coming home. Over the years, I've had the chance to work in some incredible markets -- Greenville, New Orleans, Detroit, Providence, Oxnard, San Francisco, Reno, and most recently as Brand Manager Las Vegas at Mix 94.1 -- but there's nothing quite like coming back to the Bay."
"We're thrilled to welcome J. Love back to San Jose," said David Drutz, Market Manager, Alpha Media San Jose. "His energy, creativity, and track record of success make him the perfect fit to guide the next chapter of Mix and Bay Country." J. Love added, "I'm incredibly grateful to both the Connoisseur and Alpha leadership for trusting me with this opportunity. I'm ready to hit the ground running-I'm here to elevate these brands in ways that connect, inspire, and resonate locally."
Before KMXB-FM (Mix 94.1), J. Love served as Music Director and Assistant Program Director at KSCF-FM (Sophie@103.7) San Diego. Prior to that, he was PD and on-air host at KNEV-FM and KWYL-FM in Reno, NV. Love has previously held various positions in Greenville, New Orleans, Detroit, Providence, Oxnard, and San Francisco.
iHeartMedia Launches BIN 92.1 FM on WHBT in Norfolk
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 25, 2025 | 11:06am CT |
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iHeartMedia Norfolk has announced the launch of BIN 92.1 FM, marking the new home of the Black Information Network (BIN) in the region. The network, previously airing on WNOH-FM (105.3), now airs from WHBT-FM (92.1), offering listeners the same 24/7 all-news format centered on the Black community.
The move displaces Urban 92.1 The Beat, and brings BIN's continuous news coverage, and community-focused journalism to its new FM frequency while remaining available on the iHeartRadio app.
"BIN has become a vital voice in communities across the country, and we're proud to continue that trusted news and perspective here in Norfolk," said Denene Moore, Market President for iHeartMedia Norfolk. "This move ensures that our listeners have access to the stories that matter most, told through a lens that reflects their experiences and voices."
Launched by iHeartMedia, the Black Information Network is the nation's first and only all-news audio service dedicated to delivering news from a Black perspective. Its programming spans national and local current events, politics, health, education, finance, and culture-reported by a team of Black journalists and thought leaders committed to empowering and informing their audience.
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Nielsen Delays Spring Ratings for Two Markets
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 25, 2025 | 5:19pm CT |
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Nielsen has postponed the release of Spring 2025 diary ratings for two markets due to what it described as an "unanticipated technical issue." In a client advisory issued Thursday morning (July 25), the audience measurement firm said ratings for Monmouth-Ocean, NJ and Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula, MS will not be available as originally scheduled.
Nielsen said its technical teams are working to resolve the issue but did not provide a timeline for when the delayed data will be released. Both affected markets are measured twice per year using diary methodology.
Separately, Nielsen plans to issue a revised June 2025 ratings report for Atlanta (Market No. 7) after discovering that estimates for a low-power FM station and its streaming simulcast were inadvertently left out of last week's release. The stations impacted are Prism Broadcasting Network's WTBS-LP (87.7), an urban AC outlet, and its associated online stream WTBS-FM-STR.
The updated Atlanta report, which will include the omitted stations, is scheduled for release Tuesday, July 29 at 12 noon ET. Nielsen said results for all other stations in the market remain unaffected.
APMG to Lay Off Staff Amid Budget Shortfall from Cuts
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 25, 2025 | 3:51pm CT |
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American Public Media Group (APMG), the parent company of Minnesota Public Radio, announced Thursday it will lay off up to 8 percent of its workforce in the coming weeks in response to a projected $6 million budget shortfall triggered by federal and state funding cuts.
The nonprofit media organization currently employs about 500 people, meaning between 25 and 40 staff members may be affected, though final numbers will depend on "multiple factors," according to leadership.
"We are working through details with care and respect," said Roycie Eppler, APMG's Chief People and Culture Officer, in a statement shared with MPR News. "We will be implementing cost savings including some reductions in employee benefits and a strategic reduction in force in the coming weeks."
Employees were informed of the upcoming layoffs during a staff meeting Thursday. In addition to staff cuts, APMG plans to reduce employee benefits to help close the budget gap.
The organization, which includes MPR News, The Current, YourClassical, and the nationally syndicated program Marketplace, had operating expenses of $117 million in fiscal year 2023, outpacing its $108 million in revenue. Although APMG draws from restricted endowment accounts, the shortfall prompted the need for deeper cuts.
The financial strain comes after a federal bill rescinded $1.1 billion in previously allocated funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which contributes about 6 percent to MPR's annual budget. State lawmakers also slashed MPR's allocation for legacy and cultural programming by $1 million annually through 2027, reducing the total to $2 million over two years-half the amount provided in the previous budget.
This latest round of reductions follows earlier cuts at the organization. In April, seven positions were eliminated at Marketplace, and in June, APMG sold its BrainsOn! Universe science podcast and cut 15 additional roles.
The company expects to notify impacted employees by mid-August and will offer severance and outplacement assistance. It has not yet detailed which departments or roles will be affected.
CMLS, UONE & EVC Set Q2 2025 Earnings Calls
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 6:31pm CT |
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Several major media companies have announced upcoming conference calls to discuss their financial performance for the second quarter of 2025. Cumulus Media, Urban One, and Entravision will each release results and host investor calls in the coming weeks.
Cumulus Media will hold its second quarter 2025 earnings call on Thursday, August 7 at 8:30am ET. A summary press release will be issued prior to the call at approximately 8:00 a.m. ET. The call will be accessible via a live listen-only webcast at www.cumulusmedia.com/investors, and a replay will be available shortly afterward.
Participants are encouraged to register in advance through a NetRoadshow link, which requires email verification. Dial-in access is available by calling 833-470-1428 (U.S.) or 404-975-4839 (international), using access code 033528.
Urban One, Inc. (NASDAQ: UONEK; UONE) will release its second quarter financial results and host a conference call on Tuesday, August 19 at 10:00 a.m. ET. U.S. participants can dial 1-888-596-4144, while international callers can use 1-646-968-2525, with access code 3660282.
A replay of the call will be available from 2pm ET on August 19 through August 26 by dialing 800-770-2030 (U.S.) or 609-800-9909 (international), using the same access code. The call and its replay will also be available via Urban One's corporate website at www.urban1.com.
Entravision (NYSE: EVC) will release its second quarter 2025 results after market close on Tuesday, August 5. The company will host a conference call and Q&A session the same day at 5pm ET (2pm PT). Participants can join by dialing 800-717-1738 or 646-307-1865.
The live webcast will be available at investor.entravision.com, with a replay accessible through August 19. Phone replay options include 844-512-2921 or 412-317-6671, using passcode 1191774. The webcast will also be archived on the company's website.
Toyota Takes Top Spot in June Podcast Ad Spend
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 4:48pm CT |
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Toyota led all podcast advertisers in June 2025, investing an estimated $5.71 million across the medium, according to new rankings from Magellan AI. The automaker's increased spend helped reinforce the Sports genre's dominance in podcast advertising, with the majority of top-spending brands focusing their buys on that category.
Of the 15 highest-spending advertisers in June, 11 placed the bulk of their ads in Sports-related podcasts. Amazon came in second with $5.21 million in estimated spend, also leaning into the Sports genre despite a slight decrease from May. Online therapy brand BetterHelp followed with $5.18 million in Comedy podcast placements, maintaining a strong presence despite a dip in investment.
Fashion brand Quince saw a notable gain, spending $4.69 million to secure the No. 4 position, with its ads focused in the TV & Film category. T-Mobile rounded out the top five, increasing its spend to $4.46 million in Sports podcasts.
Other brands boosting their audio advertising budgets included Apple ($4.19 million), State Farm ($4.13 million), and Wells Fargo ($3.41 million), all of whom directed most of their buys toward Sports content. SimpliSafe ($3.53 million) opted for Comedy, while Shopify ($4.13 million), though still in the top 10, cut back slightly and focused on News podcasts.
The rest of the top 15 included LinkedIn, FanDuel, DraftKings, Unilever, and The Walt Disney Company. While most of these brands favored Sports podcasts, several-including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Unilever-reduced their overall ad spend from May. Disney, on the other hand, ramped up its investment, reaching $2.47 million.
Top 15 Podcast Advertisers - June 2025 (Estimated Spend):
- Toyota - $5.71M (Sports)
- Amazon - $5.21M (Sports)
- BetterHelp - $5.18M (Comedy)
- Quince - $4.69M (TV & Film)
- T-Mobile - $4.46M (Sports)
- Apple - $4.19M (Sports)
- Shopify - $4.13M (News)
- State Farm - $4.13M (Sports)
- SimpliSafe - $3.54M (Comedy)
- Wells Fargo - $3.41M (Sports)
- LinkedIn - $3.35M (Sports)
- FanDuel - $3.33M (Sports)
- DraftKings - $3.21M (Sports)
- Unilever - $3.11M (Sports)
- Walt Disney Co. - $2.47M (Sports)
Magellan AI also highlighted the advertisers with the largest percentage increase in spend compared to the prior month. Domino's Pizza topped that list with a staggering 44,107% increase-jumping from $1,400 in May to over $618,000 in June.
Other brands making significant moves included:
- IBM - up 4,218% to $954,000
- Redfin - up 1,567% to $1.05 million
- Root Insurance - up 1,176% to $1.38 million
- ezCater - up 1,273% to $575,000
- CELSIUS - up 1,085% to $500,000
Several advertisers also made their podcast ad debuts or returned after a hiatus, including Telebrands, Experian, FuturHealth, and Guardian Bikes. The report, which tracks advertising across the top 3,000 podcasts on Apple Podcasts in the U.S., uses Magellan AI's proprietary model to estimate spend, frequency, and genre focus. The June rankings further confirm Sports as a key draw for top-tier brands and a driving force behind podcast advertising growth.
Texas Radio Hall of Fame Reveals 2025 Nominees
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 10:17am CT |
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The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) has unveiled the fifty finalists eligible for induction into its 2025 Class, alongside a new slate of honorees to be inducted under its newly introduced Lonestar Legacies category. The announcement marks the beginning of the final voting process, which is now open to TRHOF voting members at www.TRHOF.net and will continue through midnight on Thursday, August 7.
This year's ballot was narrowed down from more than 160 broadcast professionals who were nominated for consideration. The TRHOF's Internal Review Committee evaluated the submissions and recommended the final fifty nominees, from which voting members will select twenty individuals to be honored at the annual Induction Ceremony on November 1 at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore.
In a new tradition launching this year, the Hall of Fame has introduced the Lonestar Legacies designation to recognize late broadcasters whose contributions to Texas radio continue to resonate. TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris explained the importance of keeping the memory of these influential voices alive.
"With the passing of each year," Harris said, "the voting membership's familiarity with some of the most accomplished and influential figures in Texas Radio history fades a bit more. Our Lonestar Legacies, selected by an ad hoc committee of TRHOF board members and advisors from our 2025 submissions, have earned their rightful place on the diadem of our Hall of Fame crown."
The inaugural Lonestar Legacy inductees are:
- Alberto Alegre Calvo
- Randy Lemmon
- Gary Mason (Aycock)
- Susan O'Donnell
- Tom Perryman
These five honorees will be inducted alongside the twenty individuals selected through member voting.
2025 Texas Radio Hall of Fame Finalists: (Alphabetical order)
- John Breland
- Raul Brindis
- John Butler
- Bill Coates
- Steve Coffman
- Chuck Conrad
- Jay Cresswell
- Diane Day
- Kevin Dorsey
- Paris Eley
- Jason & Jan Fritz
- John Frost
- Steven "Rex" Gabriel
- Bruce Gilbert
- Clay/Gishelle Gish
- Mark Grubbs
- Henrietta Hernandez
- Jay Howard
- Joe Izbrand
- JoJo & Patches
- Chris Kelley
- Terry King
- Bob Lewis aka "Tumbleweed" Smith
- Gentry "Ace" Little
- Harrold Mann
- Jeff McClain
- Donnie Meals
- John "The Lama" Oakes
- Curtis Pierce Jr.
- Brian Purdy
- Jerry Reynolds
- Tom Richards
- Chrissie Roberts
- Ken Roberts
- Mike Roberts
- Woody Roberts
- Steve Robison
- JD Rose
- Ken Rush
- Rod Ryan
- Nathan Safir
- Gary Saunders
- Ray Schilens
- Dr. J. Thomas Smith
- William "Chilly Bill" Smith
- Dave South
- Starlene Stringer
- Rudy Trevino
- Tom Tynan
- Gary "Blue Eyes" Walker
"This year's list reflects the diversity and excellence that define Texas radio," added Harris. "From behind-the-scenes innovators to on-air icons, the nominees represent a broad range of markets, formats, and roles in broadcasting."
Details on the upcoming TRHOF Radio Reunion and Induction Ceremony, as well as information on how to become a voting member, are available at TRHOF.net. Those who join the organization before the voting deadline will be eligible to cast a ballot in this year's selection.
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WJR's Jackson Named Voice of Detroit People Mover
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 10:09am CT |
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Cumulus Media has announced that Lloyd Jackson, co-host of JR in the Morning on WJR-AM in Detroit, is named the official voice of the Detroit People Mover. Jackson becomes just the second voice ever used for the city's elevated public transit system, replacing the original announcer after more than 30 years.
As the People Mover marks its 38th anniversary, Jackson's familiar voice will soon be heard on all trains and platforms, welcoming and guiding passengers across the downtown loop. In addition to station announcements, he'll deliver special welcome messages from station platforms, lending a trusted presence to one of Detroit's most recognizable transit fixtures.
Jackson, a native Detroiter and award-winning journalist, has long been a morning staple on News/Talk WJR, where he is heard weekdays from 6-9am. Over his three-decade broadcasting career, he has earned honors from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, the Associated Press, and the Society of Professional Journalists.
"This is my town," said Jackson. "I grew up in Detroit. I can't wait for my grandkids to hear me - it's a legacy thing."
Robert Cramer, CEO of the Detroit Transportation Corporation and the city's Executive Director of Transit, called the partnership a natural fit: "When we thought about an unforgettable voice that truly embodies and embraces Detroit, Lloyd's was at the top of the list. His presence on the radio and ours in public transportation share more than just longevity-each moves the city forward with pride in our community and with a purposeful mission."
Steve Finateri, Regional Vice President and Market Manager for Cumulus Detroit and Ann Arbor, added, "Lloyd's voice is iconic in this city. For decades, Detroiters have started their mornings with him, trusted him for news, and connected with his warmth and authenticity. His voice doesn't just inform-it resonates."
Finateri called the new role "a tremendous honor-not just for Lloyd, but for all of us at WJR Radio."
93Q's Cowboys & Angels Raises $6K for Houston Veterans
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 7:03pm CT |
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Country music and community support shared the spotlight Wednesday night as KKBQ (93Q)'s Cowboys & Angels benefit concert took over the Texas Rodeo Saloon, raising $6,000 for Paws for Heroes. The Houston-based nonprofit pairs rescued shelter dogs with military veterans battling PTSD, providing companionship and support.
The July 23 event drew a crowd for an evening of live music and heartfelt moments, featuring performances by Mitchell Tenpenny, LOCASH, Randall King, Megan Patrick, and Texas newcomer Ty Myers. Each artist took the stage in support of Paws for Heroes' mission to offer healing through canine companionship.
Adding a personal touch to the night, Love on the Spectrum star and country music enthusiast Tyler White served as guest emcee. His passion for both country music and supporting veterans brought added warmth and energy to the event.
"Paws for Heroes changes lives, both for the animals they rescue and the veterans they support," said Lauren "Lo" Sessions, Assistant Program Director and Music Director at 93Q. "Our Cowboys & Angels show was about more than music-it was about hope, healing, and Houston coming together."
All proceeds from the event will go directly toward the rescue, training, and placement of companion dogs with local veterans.
AM/FM Radio Still Dominates Daily Audio Time
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 12:00pm CT |
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A new update from Edison Research reveals that traditional AM/FM radio continues to hold the largest share of Americans' daily audio time -- even in an increasingly digital landscape. According to the Q2 2025 edition of Edison's long-running Share of Ear study, AM/FM radio (including both over-the-air and streamed content) accounts for just over one-third of all audio listening among those age 13 and up. That makes it the single largest source of audio consumption in the U.S.
Meanwhile, digital audio formats collectively represent a majority of total listening time. Edison notes that when combining streaming music platforms, podcasts, YouTube music and videos, as well as streamed versions of radio and SiriusXM, internet-delivered audio now claims well over 50% of Americans' listening hours.
The findings are illustrated in the latest Share of Ear Audio Dial, which shows the relative percentages of time spent with each format. For instance, streaming music alone makes up 23% of total daily audio use.
Edison Research launched Share of Ear in 2014 to track how Americans allocate their audio listening across platforms and sources. Over the past eleven years, the study has documented major shifts in behavior, spurred by new technology, mobile devices, and streaming services.
Court Backs FCC on Radio Rules in Ownership Case
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 12:53pm CT |
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In a major decision impacting the future of media ownership, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has upheld the Federal Communications Commission's local radio ownership rules while partially striking down key limits on television ownership. The ruling, issued July 23, preserves long-standing caps on the number of AM and FM stations a company may own in a single market -- a disappointment for radio broadcasters who argued the rules are out of sync with today's audio landscape.
A group of radio companies -- including Beasley Media Group, Connoisseur Media, Midwest Communications, and others -- had petitioned the court to overturn the FCC's 2023 decision to retain local radio ownership limits without change. They argued that the Commission failed to account for a decade-long decline in broadcast radio revenue and rising competition from digital audio platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
But the court deferred to the FCC's judgment, concluding that the agency acted within its authority when it chose to define the relevant market as broadcast radio only -- excluding streaming and satellite audio. In a 41-page opinion, Judge Bobby Shepherd wrote, "The FCC considered the growing prevalence of non-broadcast programming and articulated a rational reason for declining to broaden its market definition."
The court also upheld the FCC's use of "subcaps," which limit the number of AM or FM stations a licensee can own in a given market. The FCC had previously warned that relaxing those limits could hasten the decline of the AM band and lead to excessive consolidation in FM. The judges agreed, noting these were "predictive judgments to which judicial deference is especially important."
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), which led the challenge along with a coalition of station groups, called the court's radio ruling a missed opportunity. "We are disappointed that the court stopped short of addressing the decades-old radio ownership restrictions that defy economic reality and weaken broadcasters' ability to compete, invest in local journalism and serve their communities," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
However, the Eighth Circuit handed broadcasters a significant win on the television side, vacating the FCC's "Top-Four Prohibition" -- a rule that barred common ownership of more than one top-rated full-power TV station in the same market. The court found the Commission failed to justify the rule with current evidence and relied too heavily on outdated studies and assumptions.
The Top-Four Prohibition has long been used to prevent consolidation among major network affiliates -- typically ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. The FCC retained and tightened the rule in its 2023 order, arguing that it promoted competition and viewpoint diversity. But the appeals court said the agency's rationale was unsupported by the record.
"The FCC's justifications for the Top-Four Prohibition run counter to the evidence before the agency," the court wrote, citing broadcaster-submitted data showing that in many markets, the top station's viewership far exceeds the combined total of the second, third, and fourth stations. The court also rejected the FCC's claims that top-four combinations harm local news output or network competition, calling its assertions "conclusory."
In a further setback for the Commission, the court vacated a revision to "Note 11," a provision that had barred broadcasters from using multicast channels or low-power stations to obtain second network affiliations. The FCC said that update was necessary to close loopholes, but the court found the change was unsupported and could stifle innovation -- particularly in smaller or rural markets.
The court's decision gives the FCC 90 days to respond before the Top-Four rule is formally vacated. The ruling is likely to accelerate ongoing discussions in the Commission's pending 2022 Quadrennial Review of media ownership regulations. FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who dissented from the 2023 order, has expressed support for easing ownership restrictions and may now have both legal and procedural momentum to act.
The NAB and station owners will likely use the court's rebuke as leverage in advocating for broader deregulation. "This is a major step forward for local television broadcasters seeking to compete and thrive in a vastly transformed media marketplace," said LeGeyt. "We look forward to working with this FCC to modernize its local radio ownership rules as well."
FCC Chairman Carr said, "For decades, the FCC's approach to regulating the broadcast industry has failed to promote the public interest. That has only made it harder for trusted and local sources of news and information to compete in today's media environment. And that is why I dissented from the Biden-era FCC's decision to retain a regulation that does not match marketplace realities. I am pleased to see that the court agrees and has vacated that regulation."
This is a developing story. Stay with RADIO ONLINE for updates as the FCC prepares its next move.
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EMF Appoints Dr. Bobby Wood as Chief of Staff
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 8:43pm CT |
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Educational Media Foundation (EMF), the parent of K-LOVE and Air1, names Dr. Bobby Wood as its new Chief of Staff. In this leadership role, Wood will serve on EMF's Ministry Leadership Team and act as a key advisor to the CEO, playing a central role in advancing strategic initiatives across the organization.
Wood brings over 25 years of experience in higher education business operations and organizational leadership. Most recently, he served as Chief Strategy Officer for Biblical Ministries Worldwide, where he focused on recruiting missionaries and supporting a global network of church planters by enhancing the sustainability of their work through the integration of business and ministry. He has also held executive roles including COO, CFO, and Chief Strategy Officer across a variety of business sectors.
"We are honored to have Bobby join our Ministry," said EMF CEO Tom Stultz. "His deep faith, love of family and commitment to excellence will drive our mission of inspiring people to move closer to Jesus, to new heights."
Dr. Wood holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership-Higher Education Administration from Clemson University, along with a Master of Science in Biblical Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management from Bob Jones University.
Raised in a faith-centered household led by a ministry leader father, Wood credits his early spiritual upbringing and the continued influence of his wife Robin and their three grown children as foundations of his faith.
WOVU to Air Live from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Studio
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 9:44am CT |
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WOVU-FM/Cleveland, Ohio's first Urban Alternative radio station, is set to make history as it partners with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a special series of live air talent broadcasts beginning in August.
Select episodes of WOVU's signature shows -- including The DJ Kristyles Show, The Majestic Mix with DJ Black Unicorn, DJ Rockville, and The DJ Lily Jade Show -- will be produced inside the Rock Hall's on-site recording studio. The collaboration aims to connect Cleveland's storied musical legacy with the bold, genre-blending sound of today's Urban Alternative format.
Each program offers a distinct musical experience. The Majestic Mix is the first mix show tailored for Urban Alternative radio, featuring an eclectic blend of Afrobeats, urban dance, and more. DJ Rockville spins classic R&B favorites, while The DJ Kristyles Show bridges generations with a mix of current hits, throwbacks, and interviews with icons like Big Daddy Kane and Roxanne Shante, as well as emerging artists such as Jdot Breezy.
Meanwhile, The DJ Lily Jade Show stars an 11-year-old prodigy who has already earned recognition from Forbes' 30 Under 30 list -- making her one of radio's youngest rising stars.
"This relationship with the Rock Hall is a defining moment for WOVU and for Cleveland," said Darvio Morrow, CEO of the FCB Radio Network and WOVU's Operations Manager. "The Rock Hall symbolizes the roots of modern music, and now our DJs -- who represent the next wave of music culture -- will create from that very space. It's the perfect bridge between our city's history and its future."
The partnership also pays homage to legendary Cleveland DJ Alan Freed, who coined the term "rock and roll" and helped launch a movement that forever changed global music. Broadcasting from the Rock Hall ties WOVU to that legacy while showcasing the station's forward-thinking programming.
WOVU officially adopted the Urban Alternative format in March 2025, blending alternative hip hop, neo-soul, Afrobeats, modern R&B, and inspirational music to engage younger and more diverse audiences. The format is part of a national public radio initiative to reflect evolving musical tastes and cultural narratives.
The first Rock Hall studio broadcast is set to air in August, with additional episodes to follow throughout the season. Listeners can tune in on WOVU 95.9 FM, as well as streaming platforms like iHeartRadio and Audacy. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content will be available on WOVU's social media channels.
Knowa De Baraso Launches Debut Podcast with iHeartMedia
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 12:11pm CT |
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iHeartMedia and Reasoned Choice Media have announced the debut of Now You Know with Knowa De Baraso, a new podcast hosted by 13-year-old political commentator Knowa De Baraso, whose insightful takes on the 2024 presidential election captured national attention. The first episode will drop Wednesday, July 30, on the iHeartRadio app and across all major podcast platforms.
De Baraso first made headlines after a viral moment at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where a sharp exchange with a Fortune 500 CEO propelled him into the national spotlight. Since then, his candid commentary and fearless interviews have earned him appearances on major media outlets and talk shows.
"I'm excited to launch Now You Know in partnership with iHeartPodcasts and Reasoned Choice Media," said De Baraso. "This show is where culture, politics, and real conversations meet, and I'm excited to use my voice in a way that's honest, elevated, and unapologetically me. You know my name - now let's talk about what really matters."
The weekly podcast will cover key issues such as the minimum wage, universal income, voting rights, and climate change. Each episode will feature guests from the worlds of politics, activism, and academia. The premiere episode includes a conversation with Mia Thornton and Incognito on school vouchers, entrepreneurship, and De Baraso's early activism.
Angela Rye, head of Reasoned Choice Media, praised the young host: "Knowa is a breath of fresh air that's critically needed in today's toxic political environment. We're excited to partner with Knowa in ushering in a new era in how young and old alike talk about the issues that impact us all."
Now You Know with Knowa De Baraso is part of iHeartMedia's Reasoned Choice Media network.
Edison Research: Podcast Listening Reaches Record Highs
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 3:37pm CT |
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Podcast consumption in the U.S. has hit all-time highs across multiple metrics, according to Edison Research's newly released The Podcast Consumer 2025 report. The study highlights both the continued expansion of audio podcast listening and the surging popularity of video podcasts, which are attracting a younger and more diverse audience.
Among Americans ages 12 and older, 73% have ever listened to a podcast, 55% have listened in the past month, and 40% have listened in the past week - all record highs. Time spent listening to podcasts has grown dramatically, with those ages 13 and older now spending a combined 773 million hours per week with podcasts - a 355% increase since 2015.
Video podcasts are playing a major role in reshaping the medium. The study found that 51% of Americans age 12 have watched a video podcast, while 37% have watched one in the past month and 26% in the past week. Video podcast viewers skew younger and more diverse than audio-only listeners.
"It feels as if some people are just now waking up to the opportunities in video podcasting," said Edison Research Vice President Megan Lazovick, who presented the findings. "But I can assure you that the audience has been awake, eyes wide open and watching for some time now."
Key insights from The Podcast Consumer 2025 include:
- High Engagement with Ads: 88% of weekly podcast listeners agree that hearing ads is a fair trade-off for free content, and 68% say they don't mind hearing ads on podcasts.
- Attractive Consumer Profile: Monthly podcast listeners tend to be more college-educated and have higher incomes than the general population. They also show higher rates of business and home ownership.
- Diverse Audience: Podcast listening continues to rise across demographics, with 51% of Black Americans and 58% of Latino Americans age 12 reporting monthly podcast consumption.
- In-Car Listening on the Rise: 31% of U.S. adults who have been in a car in the past month say they've listened to podcasts in their primary vehicle. That number jumps to 44% among those using in-car infotainment systems like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
The report draws on a combination of Edison Research datasets, including Edison Podcast Metrics, Share of Ear, The Infinite Dial, The Women's Audio Report, The Gen Z Audio Report, and The Fandom Phenomenon, with support from sponsors such as Audacy, Cumulus Media, SiriusXM Media, and Wondery.
Edith Chapin to Step Down as NPR Editor in Chief
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 11:24am CT |
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NPR's Edith Chapin will step down from her role as Senior Vice President, Editor in Chief, and acting Chief Content Officer later this year, concluding more than a decade of editorial leadership at the public media organization.
Chapin, who joined NPR in 2012 and became Executive Editor in 2015, has overseen some of the network's most consequential coverage, from international conflicts and national elections to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her tenure has been marked by a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, the expansion of investigative reporting, and a focus on public trust and editorial independence.
"Edith Chapin is a leader in journalistic integrity, a champion for the newsroom, calm in the storm - and an indispensable partner during my first year at NPR," said NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher. "Her impact on NPR's journalism and on the many people she mentored and supported over the years is immeasurable."
Before joining NPR, Chapin spent 25 years at CNN, where she played key roles in coverage of major global events, including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. At NPR, she guided the network through numerous transitions, emphasized diverse perspectives in news coverage, and consistently upheld the organization's editorial standards.
In a message to staff, Chapin reflected on her time at NPR, writing, "It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve NPR's listeners and readers, and work alongside some of the most dedicated journalists in the world. I will leave deeply proud of what we've accomplished and confident in the strength and integrity of NPR's newsroom going forward."
NPR will launch a national search for new editorial leadership. Chapin will remain in her role during the transition to ensure continuity in newsroom operations.
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