Advertisement
|
Top Radio News
Cumulus Cuts Staff in Multi-Market Layoff Round
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:36pm CT |
|
 |
Cumulus Media has enacted a new round of layoffs affecting air talent, programmers and management across multiple markets as the company continues its financial restructuring. The company has not disclosed how many employees were impacted, but departures confirmed through media reports span stations in California, Michigan, Arkansas, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Illinois and New York, with additional exits expected to emerge in the coming days.
Among the most prominent departures are longtime KNBR San Francisco midday hosts Greg Papa and Greg Silver. Papa, who also serves as the play-by-play voice of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, has been with KNBR since 2019 after previously hosting at KGMZ-FM. Silver joined KNBR in 2023 as a producer before moving to middays last November.
Other confirmed exits include Dave Fuller, afternoon host at WDVD Detroit; McConnell Adams, Program Director of KURB and KLAL in Little Rock; Leo "LB" Baldwin, Program Director of WOMG and WTCB in the Columbia, SC market; and Cami Marlowe, Program Director and afternoon host at WABD Mobile.
Also out are Anthony "Big Ant" Simmons, Program Director at KMJJ and KRMD-FM in Shreveport; Wes Jordan, Production Director for the Bloomington/Peoria cluster and afternoon host at WZPW; Jordan Lass, Assistant Program Director for WHTS and WKLQ in Grand Rapids and afternoon host at WLAV; and Jay Soderberg, Vice President of Digital Programming Operations, Podcasts and Digital Operations in New York.
The layoffs come as Cumulus continues to await FCC approval to complete its Chapter 11 restructuring. The company's court-approved plan would eliminate approximately $592 million in debt, reduce annual cash interest expense by about $49 million and transfer ownership to its lenders.
Cumulus has not commented publicly on the reductions or announced programming plans for the affected stations. Several vacancies, including morning and programming leadership positions, are expected to require replacement in the coming weeks.
Magnum to Acquire Sparta-Tomah Radio Outlets
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 3:04pm CT |
|
 |
Magnum Communications has reached an agreement to acquire four western Wisconsin radio outlets from Sparta-Tomah Broadcasting Co., with an application for the sale to be filed with the FCC.
The transaction includes Country WCOW-FM (97.1), News/Talk WKLJ-AM (1290), translator W271CM (102.1), all licensed to Sparta, and WFBZ-FM (105.5), licensed to Trempealeau. Sparta-Tomah Broadcasting said the stations represent the company's remaining media holdings.
WCOW-FM is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and has been named Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Small Market Station of the Year seven times. In 2025, the station's Ben & Arnie morning show earned the Country Music Association's Best Small Market Personality of the Year award.
Magnum Communications is part of Wisconsin-based Magnum Media, which operates six full-power AM stations, 14 full-power FM stations and 18 FM translators across Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota and northern Illinois.
Reid Magnum noted the acquisition has personal significance for his family. "In June, when my Dad was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame, he spoke in the video about WCOW being the very first radio station he was ever in at age 4," Magnum said. "His uncle, Len DeSomer, was an announcer at WCOW in 1967. On top of that, my Mom and Dad sat with Pink Rice at the first Wisconsin Broadcasters Association dinner they attended in 1990."
Kalil & Co., Inc. is serving as the exclusive broker for the transaction.
97 Rock Adds Peck, Sylvester to Bills Coverage
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 11:05am CT |
|
 |
As Buffalo Bills football returns to WGRF-FM (97 Rock), the station is expanding its game day coverage with the addition of veteran Buffalo sportscasters Paul Peck and Kevin Sylvester. The pair will host the first two hours of the station's pregame coverage, beginning four hours before kickoff each week.
They will be followed by NFL Draft and Bills analyst Chris Trapasso and former Bills center Mitch Morse, giving listeners four hours of pregame analysis, commentary and entertainment leading into every Bills game.
The Bills will play their first full game at the new Highmark Stadium during a preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers on August 15. Buffalo opens the regular season on September 13 with a Sunday Night Football road game against the Houston Texans before hosting the Detroit Lions in its home opener on Thursday Night Football.
"Together, Paul Peck and Kevin Sylvester bring decades of experience covering the teams, players, and moments that have defined Buffalo sports," said 97 Rock Program Director Joe Russo. "Their deep local roots, combined with their passion for entertaining fans, make them the perfect team to help launch a new era of Bills coverage on 97 Rock."
Peck brings more than 30 years of Buffalo sports broadcasting experience, including 24 years at WIVB-TV, where he served as the station's primary Bills beat reporter for 15 seasons and covered all four of the team's Super Bowl appearances. He currently serves as the play-by-play voice for University at Buffalo football and basketball. Peck also previously worked on 97 Rock's Bills broadcasts from 1998 to 2008.
Sylvester is well known to Buffalo fans through his work with the Buffalo Sabres as a television host and analyst on MSG Network, along with his radio hosting and reporting. Earlier in his career, he was part of the Bills Radio Network, hosting game day, pregame, halftime and postgame programming, as well as weekly shows featuring Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy and former Bills General Manager John Butler.
Advertisement
|
WWNN Launches Weekend Business Reports
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:40pm CT |
|
 |
Worldwide News Network (WWNN) has expanded its programming lineup with the launch of WWNN Weekend Business Reports, a new weekend feature focused on business, financial markets and the economy. The reports debuted Saturday, August 1, on Hubbard's WTOP in Washington, DC, becoming the first affiliate to carry the new service.
Designed to go beyond traditional market recaps, the reports examine the industries and economic sectors shaping the future, including automotive, technology and entertainment, while highlighting emerging companies and innovation trends.
The reports are anchored and produced by veteran business journalists John Terrett and Jake Novak. Terrett previously served as a New York correspondent for the BBC and CNBC, including nearly eight years reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Novak brings more than 25 years of broadcast experience covering financial markets, economics and geopolitics.
"Our listeners want and need insightful financial and business news they can trust, and they depend on us to deliver it every day of the week," said Julia Ziegler, Director of News and Programming at WTOP. "As the industry has contracted over the last few years, it has left a void. It is exciting to work with a company like WWNN that understands the importance of providing quality reporting seven days of the week."
Lee Harris, WWNN's Senior Vice President of News & Programming, said the service is intended to provide a fresh approach to weekend business coverage.
"WWNN is not simply filling the gap left by the demise of the CBS Radio Network," Harris said. "We're building something stronger and more relevant for today's audience. John and Jake bring extraordinary experience and credibility, and they know how to make complicated financial and economic stories understandable, compelling and actionable."
Family Life to Acquire WOGI-FM for $1 Million
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:48pm CT |
|
 |
Family Life has reached an agreement to acquire Country WOGI-FM (104.3) in Moon Township, PA, and Pittsburgh translator W288BO (105.5) from Forever Media for $1 million. WOGI-FM operates with 13,000 watts and serves the greater Pittsburgh area. The acquisition will add the station and its FM translator to Family Life's growing broadcast portfolio.
Family Life is led by Rick Snavely, while Forever Media is headed by Lynn Deppen.
The transaction was brokered by Michael J. Bergner of Bergner & Co., who served as the exclusive broker for the sale.
Shalom South Florida Marks 40 Years on the Air
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:53pm CT |
|
 |
Shalom South Florida, one of the nation's longest-running Jewish radio programs, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with special broadcasts on Sunday, August 9 and August 16. Hosted by Roni since its debut in August 1986, the weekly program airs Sundays from 9:30-11am and features Israeli, Chassidic and Yiddish music, along with interviews, news, comedy, contests and programming tailored to South Florida's Jewish community.
The anniversary celebration will culminate with the show's extended 2,000th episode on August 16. The special broadcast will include prize giveaways, tickets, gift certificates and a countdown of the program's most-requested Jewish songs, including the first song played during Roni's inaugural broadcast four decades ago.
Roni, who holds a master's degree in mass communication from Florida International University, is recognized as Florida's longest-running Jewish radio host and one of the state's longest-serving radio personalities. A South Florida resident for 48 years, he also maintains one of the world's largest collections of Jewish music.
"What a privilege it has been to unite the Jewish community and share music and culture every Sunday for four decades," Roni said. "I never imagined we would still be going strong and gaining in popularity forty years later."
Shalom South Florida airs on the Palm Beach Gardens-based True Oldies Channel, heard on AM 1420 and 1450, as well as FM translators at 95.3, 95.9 and 106.9, and is also available worldwide via streaming, radio apps and podcast.
Entravision Expands AI Co-Hosted Show to Five Markets
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 2:52pm CT |
|
 |
Entravision has expanded its AI-powered radio show featuring Geraldine "GeeGee" Guzman and Coyotec, the industry's first Latino AI radio personality, to five additional markets across its Fuego Network.
The multi-market rollout began Monday, August 3, bringing the duo's bilingual, culture-focused program to Fuego stations in Sacramento, Las Vegas, Modesto, Palm Springs and McAllen. The expansion builds on the success of Al Aire y Sin Permiso on Jose 97.5 FM in Los Angeles, where the show attracted audience growth, particularly among younger Hispanic male listeners.
To better match the Fuego Network's Latin Urban and Musica Mexicana format, the syndicated version incorporates more English-language content while maintaining the bilingual style that reflects the everyday conversations of bicultural Latino audiences.
The program now airs on KHHM-FM (Fuego 101.9) in Sacramento, KRRN-FM (Fuego 92.7) in Las Vegas, KCVR-FM (Fuego 98.9) in Modesto, KPST-FM (Fuego 103.5) in Palm Springs, and KKPS-FM (Fuego 99.5) in McAllen.
"This expansion is a prime example of how content innovation drives our industry forward," said Eduardo Maytorena, President of Audio. "GeeGee and Coyotec represent the future of multi-market audio -- delivering authentic culture, seamless versatility, and unmatched value for our brand partners."
LeaAnna Hernandez, Entravision's Executive Vice President of AI Strategy, said the project demonstrates how AI can complement on-air talent while adapting naturally across languages and audiences.
For Guzman, the move to the Fuego Network reflects the way many younger Latino listeners communicate. "So many of us grew up bouncing between English and Spanish without even thinking twice about it," she said. "Getting to bring that same energy to Fuego feels like a blessing."
Throwback Nation Adds Three Connoisseur Affiliates
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 11:11am CT |
|
 |
Throwback Nation with Tony Lorino has expanded its national reach with the addition of three Connoisseur Media stations through its syndication partner, Skyview Networks. The nightly program launched Monday on KRBI-FM in Mankato, MN, KYTC-FM in Mason City, IA, and KLAK-FM in Sherman, TX. All three stations will air the show weeknights.
"We're thrilled to be expanding with Connoisseur!" said Tony Lorino, Founder and CEO of Throwback Brands and host of Throwback Nation. "We share their belief that radio connects with listeners unlike any other traditional medium, and we are thrilled to be a part of their plan to re-engage and re-energize these brands. Big thanks to Keith Dakin and the entire Connoisseur content development team."
Andrew Kalb, Chief Operating Officer of Skyview Networks, said the latest additions continue the program's steady national growth. "It's exciting to see Throwback Nation with Tony Lorino continue to expand across the country," Kalb said. "These three new Connoisseur affiliates bring even more engaged, loyal listeners to the network. Each new station creates additional opportunities for advertisers to connect with engaged listeners, and we're proud to be part of the show's continued success."
Advertisement
|
Urban One Posts Lower Q2 Revenue, Narrows Loss
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 10:44am CT |
|
 |
Urban One reported lower second-quarter revenue as advertising softness continued across several business segments, though the company significantly reduced its net loss and said revenue trends improved sequentially from the first quarter.
For the quarter ended June 30, Urban One posted net revenue of $85.8 million, down 6.4% from a year earlier. The company reported a net loss of $7.1 million, or $1.58 per share, compared with a net loss of $77.9 million, or $17.41 per share, in the second quarter of 2025. Adjusted EBITDA declined to $11.7 million from $14.0 million a year ago.
CEO Alfred C. Liggins III said second-quarter performance showed improvement from the first quarter despite continued challenges. He noted revenue declines of 7.4% in cable television, 8.4% in digital, 3.9% in radio and 10.6% at Reach Media. Radio generated approximately $1.4 million in gross political advertising during the quarter, and third-quarter radio revenue is currently pacing down 2.8%.
Liggins said the company continues to focus on improving Reach Media while managing cash flow, collecting receivables and controlling discretionary spending. During the quarter, Urban One repurchased approximately $23.5 million of its 2031 Second Lien Notes, bringing its year-to-date debt reduction to $60.2 million and lowering annual interest expense by an estimated $4.6 million. The company also completed the sale of Charlotte stations WLNK and WMXG and revised its 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to the "mid-fifty-million dollar range."
Urban One also highlighted strategic portfolio changes completed after the quarter. The company finalized its acquisition of Service Broadcasting Group, including Dallas stations KKDA and KRNB, on July 17 after selling KZMJ in the market earlier in the month.
The company said weaker national and local advertising demand contributed to lower radio revenue, while digital results were affected by reduced spending on diversity, equity and inclusion-focused advertising campaigns.
Country Radio Hall of Fame Honors Seven Leaders
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 10:52am CT |
|
 |
Seven influential country radio broadcasters and programmers were inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame on Monday during the 2026 Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) induction ceremony at the Virgin Hotel Nashville.
The event recognized air personalities Chris Carr, Michael J. and Rick Jackson, along with radio executives Marci Braun, Phil Hunt, Bruce Logan and John Marks for their lasting contributions to country radio through broadcasting, programming, leadership and industry service.
CRB also presented the 2026 President's Award to veteran broadcaster and journalist Lon Helton, recognizing his more than 50 years of service to country radio and his leadership through Country Countdown USA, the founding of Country Aircheck, and his ongoing support of the Country Radio Seminar. Helton is a member of both the Country Radio Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame.
The evening was dedicated to the memory of the late Bill Cody, the longtime WSM announcer and Country Radio Hall of Fame member, honoring his enduring impact on country radio, artists and listeners.
Among the on-air inductees, Chris Carr was recognized for nearly three decades in country radio, including 24 years at K102/Minneapolis, where he has earned six CMA Personality of the Year awards and helped raise more than $25 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Michael J. was honored for his long-running work at WPOC/Baltimore and WMZQ/Washington, D.C., as well as his national programming roles and extensive charitable fundraising. Rick Jackson was recognized for a career spanning more than 50 years, highlighted by his role in launching KYGO/Denver, creating the syndicated Rick Jackson's Country Classics, and serving as General Manager of KSON/San Diego.
In the Radio category, Marci Braun was honored for her leadership of Audacy's country brands in Chicago and Minneapolis and her award-winning programming career. Phil Hunt was recognized for five decades of influence as a programmer, executive and consultant whose guidance has shaped numerous successful country stations and broadcasters.
Bruce Logan was honored for more than 30 years of programming leadership, including his current role overseeing KILT-FM/Houston and previous executive positions with Audacy and iHeartMedia. John Marks was recognized for a 51-year career that has included leadership positions at Spotify, SiriusXM and numerous major-market country stations, along with extensive service to the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Talks Begin on Preserving Historic WBT Transmitter Site
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 3:25pm CT |
|
 |
Discussions are underway about preserving or documenting the history of WBT's iconic 1110 AM transmitter site in Charlotte following a meeting between preservation advocate Johnny Caudle (pictured) and executives from Beasley Media Group and Radio One.
Caudle said he met July 28 at Radio One's Charlotte offices with Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley, Chief Communications Officer Heidi Raphael and Radio One Charlotte Vice President and General Manager Marsha Landess to discuss the future of the historic Nations Ford Road property.
According to Caudle, company representatives said both Beasley Media Group, which owns the transmitter property, and Radio One, which owns the WBT license, support some form of documenting or preserving the station's history. He said the companies have been discussing preservation possibilities internally for several months, although no final decisions have been made.
"My goal has always been simple: to make sure this conversation happened," Caudle said in a statement. "I'm encouraged that these conversations are taking place and appreciate the willingness of everyone involved to have an open dialogue."
The meeting follows months of public interest surrounding the future of WBT's longtime transmitter site at 9201 Nations Ford Road, which has been listed for sale. The property includes three rare Blaw-Knox towers, a transmitter building dating to the early 1930s and a Cold War-era fallout shelter.
WBT moved its news/talk programming from the historic 50,000-watt 1110 AM signal to WBT-FM (107.9) in December 2025. Since then, 1110 AM has carried a continuous loop of music and recorded announcements directing listeners to the FM signal, while Radio One has said new programming is planned for the AM frequency.
Concerned that the site's historic significance could be overlooked, Caudle contacted the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Department, which indicated the transmitter building appears eligible for historic landmark designation and inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The Charlotte Amateur Radio Club has also proposed preserving the building as a museum and emergency communications center while retaining one of the towers for amateur radio use.
Caudle also launched an online petition urging preservation efforts before any redevelopment moves forward. He said the petition has attracted more than 1,200 verified signatures and support from current and former broadcasters, while also generating coverage from WCNC Charlotte, WGN Radio and Radio World.
Following the July 28 meeting, Caudle said Landess has reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Director Stewart Gray to begin discussions with the agency.
Caudle emphasized that his efforts have not been aimed at preventing the property's sale or restoring WBT programming to 1110 AM, but rather ensuring the station's historic legacy is considered before any final decisions are made. He added that he believes all parties involved are committed to finding an appropriate way to recognize WBT's history.
Young Scientist Named Host of WDIY's Teen Scientist
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 3:15pm CT |
|
 |
WDIY-FM in Allentown has named nationally recognized young scientist and inventor Aryash Shyam as the new host of its award-winning monthly program, Teen Scientist, giving the Bethlehem ninth-grader a platform to interview leading researchers while inspiring young people to explore science and technology.
Shyam's first episode will air Thursday, August 6, at 6pm, examining the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and asking whether AI is transforming learning or simply completing students' homework.
The appointment brings an unusual perspective to public radio. Before entering high school, Shyam had already developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic for use in spaceflight, built and programmed an AI-powered robot that identifies and eliminates weeds with laser precision, and produced an award-winning documentary exploring the ethics of gene editing.
In 2026, he was one of five recipients of the Genes in Space Junior Scientist Award for his proposal to validate a CRISPR fluorescent RNA diagnostic in microgravity. His AI-powered GreenBeam robot also earned Pennsylvania State Merit recognition in the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge and has been featured by multiple national and regional media outlets.
"Youth are often told that science is something we will get to do someday," Shyam said. "Teen Scientist begins with the opposite idea: we can ask serious questions, build real solutions, and contribute now. I want listeners to hear the uncertainty, creativity and persistence behind discovery, not just the finished answer."
The monthly 30-minute program features conversations with scientists and researchers from leading institutions, including MIT, NASA's Johnson Space Center, Stanford University, Purdue University, the University of Oxford and Imperial College London. Topics range from artificial intelligence and space biology to mathematics, sports engineering and astronomy.
"At WDIY, we believe public media should not only report on the future-it should help create it," said Executive Director Margaret McConnell. "Aryash represents exactly what public radio is meant to do: elevate curious, thoughtful voices, connect our community through meaningful conversations and inspire the next generation to ask big questions."
Since its debut, Teen Scientist has become one of WDIY's signature local programs, earning three Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Broadcasting Awards and a 2024 Keystone Media Award for making cutting-edge science accessible to listeners of all ages.
Teen Scientist airs on the first Thursday of each month from 6-6:30pm on WDIY and is also available at WDIY.org and on major podcast platforms.
Advertisement
|
Beasley Sells Charlotte, Las Vegas FMs to EMF
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 3, 2026 | 1:56pm CT |
|
 |
Beasley Media Group has entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement to sell CHR WNKS-FM (KISS 95.1) in Charlotte, NC, and the Alternative KXTE-FM signal in Las Vegas to Educational Media Foundation (EMF), with both transactions expected to close in mid-October pending FCC approval.
As part of the Charlotte deal, Beasley will relocate its Maney and LauRen morning show from KISS 95.1 to sister station WKQC-FM (104.7), where the program will continue airing weekdays.
In Las Vegas, the programming currently heard on KXTE-FM will move to KVGS-FM, allowing the station's format and brand to continue following the sale.
Caroline Beasley, Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Media Group, said the transactions align with the company's ongoing strategy of managing its station portfolio while maintaining its established brands.
"We're excited that Charlotte listeners will continue to be entertained by Maney and LauRen on 104.7 WKQC, and that our Las Vegas audience will continue to enjoy the KXTE brand on KVGS," Beasley said. "We appreciate K-LOVE's partnership throughout this process and look forward to a smooth transition."
Thomas Stultz, Chief Executive Officer of K-LOVE, Inc., said EMF is pleased to add the stations to its growing network.
"We are honored to acquire these stations and welcome them into the K-LOVE family," Stultz said. "Both signals have long histories of serving their communities, and we look forward to building on that legacy as we expand our mission of delivering uplifting, positive programming to listeners in Charlotte, Las Vegas, and the surrounding areas."
Kalil & Co., Inc. served as Beasley Media Group's exclusive broker for the transactions.
Radio Hall of Fame Names 2026 Legends Class
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 3, 2026 | 10:38am CT |
|
 |
The Radio Hall of Fame has announced its nine Legends inductees for 2026, recognizing radio professionals whose lasting contributions to the industry continue to shape broadcasting. The Legends category honors individuals selected by the Radio Hall of Fame's Nominating Committee who made significant contributions during their careers and have since passed away.
The 2026 Legends inductees are:
- Lin Brehmer, air personality
- Vivian Carter, air personality and record company executive
- Dale Dorman, air personality
- Gary Krantz, network radio and syndication executive
- Wink Martindale, air personality, game show host and television producer
- B. Mitchell Reed, air personality
- Pierre Robert, air personality
- Polito Vega, air personality
- D.E. "Duke" Wright, radio station owner and executive
"The Radio Hall of Fame is proud to honor this year's Legends inductees, whose extraordinary careers have helped define the history and enduring impact of radio," said Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame. "From iconic air personalities to visionary executives, each has left an indelible mark on our industry and earned their rightful place in the Radio Hall of Fame."
Co-Chair Kraig Kitchin added, "It's an honor and privilege to witness the induction of these radio industry legends. We hope this recognition of their industry contributions benefits their family, colleagues, friends and listeners."
The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Thursday, October 8, at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. The Radio Hall of Fame is housed within the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago.
Zoellner Media Group Realigns Tulsa FM Frequencies
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 3, 2026 | 10:45am CT |
|
 |
Zoellner Media Group will realign the FM frequencies of two of its Tulsa stations later this month, with KRAV (Mix 96.5) and 102.3 KRMG swapping positions on the dial in a move designed to improve signal coverage across the market.
Effective August 31, Mix 96.5 will become Mix 102.3, while 102.3 KRMG will move to 96.5 KRMG. The company said the frequency realignment is intended to optimize signal reach, enhance audio quality, and improve accessibility for listeners throughout the Tulsa area.
Zoellner Media Group said both stations will retain their existing programming, air personalities, and formats, with the changes focused solely on strengthening coverage and positioning for future growth.
"We are always looking for ways to better serve our listeners and our community," said Dr. Robert Zoellner, owner of Zoellner Media Group. "This frequency realignment allows us to strengthen our signal presence and ensure that both Mix and KRMG are positioned for continued growth and long-term success."
General Manager Steve Hunter said the move also benefits advertisers by expanding each station's reach. "By enhancing coverage and accessibility, we're making it easier than ever for audiences to connect with the content they rely on every day," Hunter said. "We're incredibly excited about what this means for the future of both brands."
Riverfront Launches Regional Sports Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 3, 2026 | 10:33am CT |
|
 |
Riverfront Broadcasting has expanded its sports programming footprint with the acquisition of Fox Sports Rapid City, a move that also launches the new Riverfront Sports Network (RSN). A programming agreement took effect August 1 while the transaction awaits FCC approval.
The Riverfront Sports Network combines the sports resources of News Radio KOTA (100.7 FM/1380 AM), KDSJ (103.5 FM/980 AM), and KIMM (Fox Sports Rapid City 106.7 FM/1150 AM) into a regional multimedia platform focused on local and regional sports coverage across western South Dakota.
RSN will provide coverage through radio broadcasts, video streaming, digital content, and live event production, with an emphasis on expanding access to area teams, athletes, and sporting events.
Programming will include high school athletics, live play-by-play coverage across radio and video platforms, local and regional college sports, athlete profiles, and feature programming. The network will also carry The Nate Brown Show, coaches shows, and other locally produced sports talk programming.
Riverfront Broadcasting General Manager Jim Kallas said the new network reinforces the company's commitment to local content. "By combining the resources of the top three stations that cover sports in the area, we will be able to shine the spotlight even brighter on our area's student athletes," Kallas said.
Fox Sports Rapid City founder Nate Brown, who launched the station nine years ago, said the partnership will strengthen local sports coverage. "Riverfront is a company that believes in covering local sports and I'm thrilled to see what we can do together," Brown said.
Westwood One Report Highlights NFL Audio Reach
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 3, 2026 | 2:26pm CT |
|
 |
Westwood One says its NFL audio broadcasts continue to deliver significant reach and engagement for advertisers, according to new research highlighted in the company's 2026 NFL Listening Report.
The report, featured in this week's Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog by Chief Insights Officer Pierre Bouvard, draws on studies from Quantilope, MRI-Simmons and Nielsen to examine audience behavior and advertising effectiveness across the network's NFL coverage.
According to the report, Westwood One's NFL play-by-play broadcasts reach 64 million unique listeners over the course of a season, with new audiences tuning in throughout both the regular season and playoffs. The network enters its 40th consecutive season as the NFL's exclusive network audio partner and will air every primetime regular-season game, along with the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI.
The research found that NFL audio listeners are more engaged with sports than television viewers, making them more attentive to advertising. The audience also skews younger, employed and more affluent, with greater spending power than the average consumer.
The report also found that 86% of listeners are reached away from home, primarily in vehicles, placing them closer to purchase opportunities. Westwood One said combining NFL audio with television advertising can extend campaign reach, with nearly one-quarter of NFL fans listening exclusively to audio broadcasts during the 2025 season.
Additional findings show Westwood One's NFL audience is more likely to use artificial intelligence tools, participate in fantasy football and engage in sports betting than the average NFL fan, further reflecting a highly active and connected audience.
The report recommends advertisers run campaigns over at least 16 weeks and schedule multiple commercials per game to maximize audience reach throughout the NFL season.
Read the entire blog post here.
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
|
Copyright © 1989-2026 RADIO ONLINE ® |
