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Top Radio News
Vince Richards Exiting Audacy Dallas After Eight Years
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 7, 2025 | 10:19am CT |
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Audacy Dallas Operations Manager and Rock Format VP Vince Richards will depart the company at the end of the month after eight years with the broadcaster. The news was announced in a staff memo from Bob Mackay, SVP and Market Manager for Audacy Dallas.
During his tenure, Richards oversaw operations and music stations in Dallas, managed Audacy's two Rock stations in Sacramento, and, over the past four years, guided the company's national Rock strategy as Format Vice President.
"After eight personally and professionally rewarding years at Audacy, I'll be moving on to my next opportunity," Richards said in a statement. "I am incredibly proud of the work I've accomplished with our teams here in Dallas and across the country, driving ratings and revenue while connecting with our listeners. I look forward to continuing to build on the legacy I've created throughout my career in radio."
Mackay added that Audacy is working closely with Richards and leadership to ensure a smooth transition for both local and format duties, with further details to be shared in the coming weeks.
MediaCo Expands Hot 97, WBLS in Four Cities
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 7, 2025 | 3:38pm CT |
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MediaCo/New York is launching simulcasts of Hip Hop WQHT (Hot 97) and Urban AC WBLS to new audiences through Dot 2 audio in Los Angeles, Riverside, Dallas, and Houston. Beginning December 1, listeners in these markets will have around-the-clock access to its Hip Hop, R&B, and Urban programming featuring artist interviews, live performances, lifestyle segments, and locally focused community content.
"HOT 97 and WBLS are more than radio stations -- they're cultural movements," said MediaCo CEO Albert Rodriguez. "Bringing these brands to Dot 2 audio in Los Angeles, Riverside, Dallas, and Houston allows us to deepen our connection with audiences who have influenced and amplified urban music and culture for decades."
Kudjo Sogadzi, MediaCo's EVP of Content & Growth, added, "Dot 2 provides the perfect platform for us to expand MediaCo's audio footprint and give listeners nonstop access to two of the most trusted and influential brands in music."
The new Dot 2 channels will be available December 1 across all major streaming and digital platforms, reaching listeners throughout Southern California and Texas.
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K103 Portland Returns as "The Christmas Station"
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 7, 2025 | 1:51pm CT |
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iHeartMedia Portland has officially kicked off the holiday season, announcing that AC KKCW-FM (K103) is once again transforming into Portland's Christmas Station. Beginning at 9:30am on November 7, K103 filled the airwaves with non-stop holiday favorites from artists such as Mariah Carey, Andy Williams, and Nat King Cole.
K103 has been a staple of Portland's holiday soundtrack since 2001, delivering continuous festive programming for listeners across Portland, Vancouver, and Salem. The station's familiar on-air lineup -- Stacey and Mike, Jana, and Kristina -- will continue to guide listeners through the season.
"K103 has been Portland's Christmas station for 25 years," said Michael La Crosse, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Portland. "It means so much to us that Portland listeners continue to let K103 be a part of their holiday traditions with family and friends."
WGTS 91.9 Launches Food Drive Amid Federal Shutdown
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 7, 2025 | 3:10pm CT |
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WGTS 91.9 in Washington, DC, has launched an ongoing food drive to help listeners and local families struggling to put food on the table during the federal government shutdown. The Christian outlet is partnering with area food pantries facing increased demand as the shutdown continues.
"When listeners started calling and texting us, we realized we have a duty to help the communities we serve," said WGTS Marketing Director and morning show host Jerry Woods. "We are here to step up during times like these. This is truly what Christian radio is built to do."
The WGTS team hit the road on October 30 and 31, collecting more than 5,000 pounds of food for Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries in Woodbridge, VA. The organization has already begun distributing donations to families in need.
Streetlight Executive Director Gabriele Tibbs praised the effort, saying, "The drive has sparked incredible momentum, inspiring our community to keep giving and helping others."
On November 4, the drive continued at the Town Hall of La Plata, MD, where the mayor and city council provided space for the WGTS box truck. In just five hours, listeners contributed another 2,000 pounds of food.
WGTS Content Creator Claude Jennings, who broadcasted live from the events, said many of those giving are also personally affected by the shutdown. "It shows the power of community, the gospel, and that good is still at work in this world," he noted.
WGTS 91.9 says its staff and volunteers will continue collecting and distributing food until the shutdown ends.
Bustos Raises $143K for St. Jude Children's Hospital
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 7, 2025 | 2:02pm CT |
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Bustos Media raised $143,067 during its annual radiothon benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, marking the 11th consecutive year the company has topped the $100,000 mark in donations.
"This was a great display of generosity by our audience during this difficult period of job insecurity and social concerns due to the hostile immigration policies by the Trump Administration," said Amador Bustos, President and CEO of Bustos Media. "This is our 11th year we have raised over one hundred thousand dollars for this great organization."
John Ortiz, St. Jude's Director of Music & Audio Engagement, praised the company's commitment, noting, "The Bustos Media on-air staff pour their hearts and soul to promote our radiothon. Their audience senses their genuine love for the work we do at St. Jude. That is why they respond so enthusiastically to St. Jude's effort to stamp out childhood cancer."
Bustos Media owns and operates 32 radio outlets across Wisconsin, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington.
Sunny 95 Radiothon Raises $91K for Nationwide Children's
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 7, 2025 | 2:09pm CT |
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Saga's WSNY-FM (Sunny 95) in Columbus, OH, in partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Children's Miracle Network, raised $91,252 during its annual Sunny 95 Radiothon to benefit children and families receiving care at the hospital.
The two-day event, hosted by the station's morning show team Randi & Rice In The Morning, featured emotional stories from patients, families, and hospital staff that inspired listeners to donate.
"Nationwide Children's Hospital isn't just a world-class medical facility-it's a beacon of hope for families here in Columbus and across the globe," said Todd Markiewicz, President & General Manager of Sunny 95. "We're honored to use our platform to help support the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff who dedicate their lives to helping kids heal and thrive."
Support came from hundreds of Sunny 95 listeners and local businesses who became "Miracle Makers," pledging donations to ensure all children receive care regardless of their family's ability to pay. Eco Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC Technicians contributed a standout $5,000 donation, continuing their tradition of community support.
Nationwide Children's Hospital, one of the nation's top pediatric medical centers, is on track to become the largest children's hospital in the world, drawing families from around the globe for its renowned care and expertise.
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T.D. Jakes Launches ''NXT Chapter'' Podcast with iHeart
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 7, 2025 | 3:21pm CT |
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In a time of deep cultural divides and shifting values, author and global thought leader T.D. Jakes is stepping into a new venture. Teaming up with iHeartMedia, the world's top podcast publisher, Jakes is launching "NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes," premiering November 14 with a special debut episode featuring Oprah Winfrey.
The weekly podcast will bring together influential guests from business, entertainment, wellness, and culture -- including Denzel Washington, Jeezy, Mellody Hobson, Dr. Charles Amos, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and Jason Wilson -- for conversations that explore personal growth, resilience, and purpose.
"This isn't just a podcast, it's a platform for perspective," said Jakes. "I've spent my life speaking to people's souls. Now, I want to sit with their stories. NXT Chapter is about mapping what comes next for us, for our communities, and for the world we're building together."
Jakes, widely recognized as "The Bishop" and founder of The Potter's House Church, has long influenced the intersection of faith, culture, and commerce through his work in film, real estate, publishing, and philanthropy. With NXT Chapter, he turns his attention toward guiding listeners through what he calls "the evolution of purpose" -- helping them reflect on their next steps in a changing world.
NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available beginning November 14 on the iHeartRadio app and wherever podcasts are heard.
Saga Posts Q3 Loss on Music Licensing Settlement
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 11:01am CT |
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Saga Communications reported a third-quarter net loss of $532,000, reversing a profit of $1.3 million in the same period last year, largely due to a retroactive music licensing settlement with ASCAP and BMI. Net revenue slipped 1.8% to $28.2 million, compared to $28.7 million a year ago. Station operating expenses rose 8.7% to $24.7 million, driven by a $2.1 million retroactive rate adjustment covering the period from January 2022 through the current quarter.
Without the settlement, Saga said operating income would have totaled $1.5 million, essentially flat year-over-year, and station operating income would have been $5.6 million, down slightly from $6 million last year. Reported results included an operating loss of $626,000 and a 41% decline in station operating income to $3.5 million.
For the first nine months of 2025, revenue decreased 3.7% to $80.6 million, while station operating expenses edged up 0.6% to $68.9 million. The company reported a nine-month net loss of $979,000 compared to net income of $2.2 million in the prior-year period. Excluding the settlement, Saga would have posted operating income of $574,000 and a 9.2% decline in station operating income to $13.8 million.
Same-station revenue for the nine-month period fell 4.8% to $78.8 million, while same-station operating expenses decreased 0.8% to $67.1 million. Political revenue dropped sharply, totaling $73,000 in Q3 and $395,000 year-to-date, compared to $677,000 and $1.3 million, respectively, a year ago.
In October, Saga entered an agreement to sell 22 telecommunications tower sites for approximately $10.7 million. The company has received $8.7 million in proceeds, with an additional $1.8 million held in escrow pending final landlord consents.
Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on September 19, totaling about $1.6 million. Since 2012, the company has distributed over $140 million in dividends and said it remains committed to returning capital to shareholders through regular and potential special dividends.
Audacy Launches Statewide 97.1 Detroit Sports Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 10:43am CT |
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Audacy will debut the 97.1 Detroit Sports Radio Network on December 1, creating a new statewide hub for Michigan sports fans anchored by WXYT-FM (97.1 The Ticket) in Detroit. The first-of-its-kind network will unite sports voices and audiences across Michigan under a single platform produced and distributed by Audacy.
"The launch of 97.1 Detroit Sports Radio Network represents a massive commitment to our listeners and an exciting chapter in our growth," said Debbie Kenyon, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Detroit. "We are excited to partner with Townsquare Media and other media companies to expand our footprint across all of Michigan and deliver great content to the dedicated fan base we serve."
The network's first affiliates include Townsquare Media stations WFGR in Grand Rapids (98.7 FM), WJIM in Lansing (1240 AM), WBCK in Battle Creek (95.3 FM), WKMI in Kalamazoo (1360 AM), and Blarney Stone Broadcasting's WGRY in Roscommon (101.1 FM). Additional affiliates will be announced in the coming months.
"97.1 The Ticket is one of America's truly great sports stations, and we're excited to partner with our friends at Audacy to bring best-in-class coverage of Detroit sports to our markets in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek," said Erik Hellum, Chief Operating Officer, Townsquare Media.
The network's weekday lineup will feature Costa & Jansen with Heather (6-10am), The Karsch & Anderson Show (10am-2pm), The Mike Valenti Show with Rico (2-6pm) Wojo & Riger (6-8pm), and Evening Sports with Riger, Ryan, Caputo, and Chapman (8-midnight).
NPR Names Rachel Evans as Chief Development Officer
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 2:30pm CT |
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NPR appoints Rachel Evans as its new Chief Development Officer, effective November 17. She will oversee the organization's national fundraising strategy and serve as a key ambassador for NPR's mission and journalism, strengthening relationships with major donors and stakeholders to support the public radio network's long-term sustainability.
"I'm thrilled to join NPR at a moment when access to high-quality, nonprofit journalism is more essential than ever for the health of our democracy," said Evans. "I'm especially passionate about supporting public radio stations that serve as lifelines for communities where local news sources are increasingly scarce."
NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher said Evans' background aligns closely with the network's goals. "Rachel's experience in strategic development for organizations with essential, outcome-driven missions is well aligned with our goals and the opportunity of this moment," Maher said. "I'm excited to partner with her in advancing fundraising efforts that will safeguard independent journalism and sustain NPR and Member stations' ability to serve the public."
Evans previously served as Chief Revenue & Development Officer at Teach For America, where she led national fundraising efforts that grew revenue and donor engagement. She also served as CEO of CityBridge Education, working with Washington, D.C. schools and community partners to strengthen the local education ecosystem.
A former White House Fellow, Evans was Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and has held multiple leadership roles at TNTP (formerly The New Teacher Project). She began her career as a Teach For America high school teacher in Baltimore.
Evans also serves as an officer and chaplain candidate in the U.S. Army Reserve and is pursuing a Master of Divinity at Duke Divinity School. She holds degrees from Texas A&M University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Quantic School of Business & Technology.
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''Top 10 Now & Then'' to End 21-Year Run in December
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 2:47pm CT |
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Benztown has announced that veteran radio personality and music executive Rick Nuhn and longtime producer Ron Shapiro will conclude their syndicated countdown program, "Top 10 Now & Then," after 21 years on the air. The final broadcast will air the weekend of December 27, 2025, marking the end of an era for the popular show that has entertained listeners around the world for more than two decades.
Hosted by Nuhn and produced by Shapiro, "Top 10 Now & Then" combines classic hits with contemporary favorites and has become a staple of weekend radio programming. Its annual year-end special, Top 45's of the Last 45, remains one of the show's most popular features, blending artist interviews with the year's biggest songs.
"We have loved every minute of working with Rick and Ron on this cool countdown show," said Dave "Chachi" Denes, President of Benztown. "Having known them for 25 years, they are great friends and two of the very best in the business. We wish them much continued success as they bid farewell to Top 10 Now & Then and begin the next chapters of their storied and amazing careers."
Nuhn and Shapiro reflected on their decision in a joint statement: "It has truly been a great run and we enjoyed every moment of putting the show together. It just feels like the right time to turn off the mic. We thank our wonderful affiliates and our friends at Benztown from the bottom of our hearts for their support and partnership over the years. We could not have succeeded without you."
Following the show's conclusion, Nuhn will continue consulting for the radio and music industries from his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, while Shapiro will remain VP of Production at Pave Studios.
Stations interested in airing the Top 10 Now & Then year-end special can find more information here.
Gary Berkowitz: Holiday Programming Freedom Unrated
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 4:22pm CT |
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Radio consultant Gary Berkowitz says that for stations in unrated markets, the holiday season offers a rare chance to take creative risks and strengthen listener relationships without worrying about ratings. In his latest blog post, Berkowitz outlined several ways broadcasters can approach Christmas programming-ranging from a full holiday flip to more subtle seasonal enhancements.
"If your station leans toward AC, Classic Hits, or any format with broad adult appeal, flipping to all Christmas might be a win," he wrote, noting that many listeners embrace the nostalgia and comfort of holiday music. For those hesitant to go all in, Berkowitz suggested easing into the format around Thanksgiving with just a few Christmas songs per hour, or flipping entirely the week before Christmas when festive music dominates public spaces.
Other strategies include offering "All Christmas Weekends" to preserve weekday formats while still joining the holiday spirit, or at minimum, airing all Christmas music for 24-36 hours on Christmas Eve and Day to meet listener expectations.
Even without a full flip, Berkowitz encouraged stations to add festive imaging, highlight local holiday events, and invite listener participation to build community connection.
"In an unrated market, flexibility is your superpower," Berkowitz concluded. "The key is to reflect your audience's mood and make your station feel like home for the holidays."
To read the entire blog post, click here.
Parker Launches Parker Brand Strategies Consulting Firm
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 2:24pm CT |
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Veteran radio programmer Don Parker has launched a new consulting firm, Parker Brand Strategies, focused on helping broadcasters and media companies create, strengthen, and rejuvenate their brands for long-term success. The firm will specialize in four key areas: brand creation, brand building, station turnarounds, and programming excellence.
Parker Brand Strategies will assist clients in developing distinctive brands that connect with target audiences, revitalizing underperforming stations, and driving ratings and revenue growth.
"Media brands are as much about connection as they are about content," said Parker, Founder and President of Parker Brand Strategies. "Whether it's creating a new brand from scratch or turning around a legacy station, my mission is to help companies build brands that matter-brands that consumers and advertisers truly identify with and believe in."
Parker's career includes leadership roles in major markets such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix, as well as success in medium and small markets. Known for his innovation and results-driven approach, Parker now aims to bring that expertise to stations and media groups across North America.
For more information, visit ParkerBrandStrategies.com.
Amazon, iHeart Expand Partnership With Programmatic Audio
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 10:51am CT |
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Amazon Ads and iHeartMedia have expanded their partnership with a new programmatic audio offering that gives advertisers using Amazon DSP access to iHeart's streaming audio portfolio. The integration, available now, combines Amazon's consumer insights from shopping, streaming, and browsing data with iHeart's millions of listeners across digital audio.
Through Amazon DSP, advertisers can now extend their omnichannel campaigns across iHeart's streaming platforms -- reaching audiences on smartphones, smart speakers, tablets, and gaming consoles. Access to iHeartPodcasts and its broadcast radio stations will be added in 2026.
"Our partnership with iHeart allows Amazon DSP customers to reach relevant audio audiences with simplified campaign management and unique measurement capabilities," said Meredith Goldman, Director, Amazon DSP, Amazon Ads. "Integrations like this enable advertisers to build more comprehensive omnichannel strategies that connect brands with consumers throughout their journey."
"Making iHeart's premium audio inventory available through Amazon DSP unlocks scale with deep listener engagement and proven performance," said Lisa Coffey, Chief Business Officer, iHeartMedia. "This partnership is another step in making broadcast radio behave like digital media-addressable, measurable, and available programmatically."
Amazon DSP provides advertisers with omnichannel tools for campaign planning, buying, and measurement, powered by first-party insights and AI-driven optimization.
NPR, iHeart Lead October Podtrac Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 3:12pm CT |
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Podtrac has released its October 2025 podcast industry rankings, with NPR and iHeartMedia networks continuing to dominate the U.S. podcast landscape while several individual shows saw notable audience gains.
NPR News Now, The Daily from The New York Times, and Up First from NPR retained their top three positions for U.S. Unique Monthly Audience, reflecting continued strength in daily news consumption. The Fox News Hourly Update and Dateline NBC rounded out the top five.
Among the biggest movers this month, The Shawn Ryan Show (Cumulus Podcast Network) climbed one spot to No. 6, while Pardon My Take (Barstool Sports) also rose one place to No. 7. The Ben Shapiro Show (DailyWire) advanced two positions to No. 8, and On Purpose with Jay Shetty (iHeartPodcasts) made one of the largest jumps, up four spots to No. 9. Meanwhile, The Charlie Kirk Show dropped five places to No. 11.
On the publisher side, iHeart Audience Network maintained its lead with 70.6 million U.S. unique monthly listeners and 378 million streams and downloads, followed by iHeartPodcasts (33.6 million), Acast (21.3 million), and NPR Sales Network (21.1 million). Libsyn rounded out the top five with 20.6 million.
Podtrac noted that 14 of the ranked U.S. publishers saw increases in unique monthly audiences compared to September, while 16 reported gains in U.S. downloads. Globally, five of the top networks were up in total downloads, streams, and views.
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