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Top Radio News
Jeff McCartney Joins Cumulus Salt Lake City Duo
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 15, 2026 | 2:22pm CT |
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Cumulus Media has named Jeff McCartney as Operations Manager and Program Director for its Salt Lake City outlets KBER-FM (KBER 101) and KENZ-FM (Power 94.9/101.9). He brings more than 30 years of experience in radio programming, brand development, and audience growth to the role. McCartney joins Cumulus after spending more than 25 years with iHeartMedia in Salt Lake City, where he held senior programming and operations leadership posts.
"We're thrilled to welcome Jeff to the team," said Joyce Wirthlin, Vice President and Market Manager for Cumulus Salt Lake City. "He's a proven programmer with a strong track record of building winning brands and developing talent. His passion for the product and his competitive mindset makes him a great fit for KBER and KENZ, and we're excited to have him leading these stations forward."
McCartney said the opportunity marks an exciting new chapter in a market he has called home for nearly three decades. "Utah has been my home for nearly three decades, and I'm excited to join the Cumulus Salt Lake team," he said. "Joyce and I have worked together for more than 20 years, and we share a deep understanding of this market, its listeners, and the relationships that drive meaningful results for both our audiences and our clients. I'm grateful for the opportunity to help lead what's next."
Brian McGhee Named CMG Jacksonville Market Manager
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 15, 2026 | 2:28pm CT |
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Cox Media Group (CMG) has appointed Brian McGhee as Vice President and Market Manager for its Jacksonville radio operations, effective immediately. McGhee succeeds Jimmy Farrell, who recently transitioned to the role of Vice President and Market Manager for CMG Miami Radio.
McGhee joins CMG with more than 15 years of leadership experience across radio, digital media, and sales management. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales for Urban One in Washington, DC, overseeing revenue operations for the company's five-station cluster in the market.
Prior to Urban One, McGhee held the positions of Market President and Chief Revenue Officer for Townsquare Media in Rockford, IL, and General Sales Manager roles with iHeartMedia in both Chicago and St. Louis. Throughout his career, he has been credited with driving revenue growth, expanding key client relationships, developing talent, and implementing training programs that strengthened organizational performance.
"Brian is a strong, people-centered leader with the right mix of sales expertise, operational discipline, and market vision," said Rob Babin, President of CMG Radio. "He knows how to build high-performing teams, develop meaningful client relationships, and create momentum. Just as importantly, he leads with authenticity, accountability, and a real understanding of what local media can mean to audiences, advertisers, and communities."
Babin added that the company is excited to welcome McGhee to both Jacksonville and CMG.
McGhee said he looks forward to building on the market's existing success. "I'm honored to join CMG and to lead the Jacksonville Radio team," he said. "CMG has an outstanding reputation for strong local brands, talented people, and meaningful service to audiences and advertisers. I'm excited to build on that foundation, work alongside this team, and help drive continued growth in Jacksonville."
Salem Media's Allen Power to Retire After 50 Years
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 15, 2026 | 2:46pm CT |
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Salem Media has announced that Allen Power, President of Broadcast Media, will retire on September 30, concluding a broadcasting career that spans five decades. Following his retirement, Power will remain with the company in a Senior Advisor role.
The announcement coincides with the 50th anniversary of Power's first day in broadcasting, which began on June 15, 1976. He has spent the past 26 years with Salem, helping guide the company's growth across radio, digital media, and content distribution platforms.
Power joined Salem in 2000 as the company's first General Manager in Atlanta. He later advanced through a series of leadership positions, including Regional Vice President and Senior Vice President, before being named President of Broadcast Media in 2023.
During his tenure, Salem expanded its presence across broadcast, digital, and multimedia platforms while strengthening its position as a leading Christian and conservative media company.
"Allen and I have worked together for nearly 25 years in a variety of roles at Salem," said David Santrella, Chief Executive Officer of Salem Media. "His leadership, his ability to inspire those around him, and his incredible understanding of our business will be missed. Beyond his business accomplishments, he has led with integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to serving others."
Santrella added that while the company will miss Power's day-to-day leadership, it is grateful he will continue serving Salem as a Senior Advisor.
Reflecting on his retirement, Power noted the significance of reaching the 50-year milestone in broadcasting. "Fifty years ago today, on June 15, 1976, I started my first job in broadcasting," Power said. "I have spent more than half of my career at Salem and it has been such a blessing to devote my efforts to spreading the message of the gospel through broadcasting."
He said his next chapter will focus on faith, family, and charitable organizations following a sabbatical.
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Beasley Urges FCC to Scrap Radio Ownership Caps
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 15, 2026 | 3:29pm CT |
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Beasley Media Group is calling on the Federal Communications Commission to eliminate local radio ownership caps, arguing that decades-old regulations are hindering broadcasters' ability to compete in today's media landscape.
In an ex parte filing submitted to the FCC, Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley and Executive Vice President and General Counsel Chris Ornelas detailed meetings held June 10 with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and members of his staff, as well as Acting Media Bureau Chief Alex Sanjenis, regarding the pending 2022 Quadrennial Review of the Commission's media ownership rules.
According to the filing, Beasley urged the FCC to repeal local radio ownership restrictions that have remained unchanged since 1996. The company argued that the rules were established before the emergence of satellite radio, streaming audio services, podcasts, social media platforms, digital advertising giants, smart devices, and integrated smartphone technology in automobiles.
The company contended that broadcast radio now competes in a vastly different marketplace and that ownership limits imposed solely on radio stations have become a competitive disadvantage rather than a tool for promoting competition, diversity, and localism.
Beasley told FCC officials that broadcasters lacking sufficient scale are at a disadvantage when competing for audiences and advertising dollars against larger digital and audio companies. The filing also pointed to the industry's ongoing shift of advertising revenue from traditional radio to digital platforms and argued that current ownership restrictions make it more difficult for broadcasters to attract the investment needed to support local programming and public service content.
"Continuing to starve the radio industry of the capital and scale it needs to survive will not serve the public interest," the company stated in the filing.
Beasley concluded by urging the FCC to complete the 2022 Quadrennial Review as quickly as possible and eliminate its local radio ownership rules.
The filing follows similar recent meetings between FCC officials and broadcast industry leaders seeking modernization of media ownership regulations amid increasing competition from digital media and technology platforms.
Study: AM/FM Radio Dominates Among GM Drivers
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 15, 2026 | 3:24pm CT |
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A new analysis from Cumulus Media and Westwood One's Audio Active Group finds that AM/FM radio remains the dominant audio platform among General Motors drivers, highlighting its value for automakers and dealers seeking to reach both loyal customers and owners of competing brands.
In this week's blog post, Pierre Bouvard, Chief Insights Officer for Cumulus Media and Westwood One, examined newly released data from Edison Research's first-quarter 2026 "Share of Ear" study, which measures Americans' audio consumption habits across platforms and listening environments.
The report comes as General Motors continues to post industry-leading customer loyalty numbers. According to S&P Global Mobility, approximately 68% of GM owners who purchase or lease another vehicle remain within the Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, or Buick family. The company recently earned S&P Global Mobility's Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer award for the 11th consecutive year.
Given those loyalty levels, Bouvard argues that it is critical for GM national, regional, and dealer advertising campaigns to effectively reach existing GM owners as well as drivers of competing brands.
The study found that GM drivers devote 90% of their in-car ad-supported audio listening time to AM/FM radio, making it by far the dominant audio medium while commuting and running errands. Across all listening locations-including home, work, vehicle, and other settings-AM/FM radio accounted for a 71% share of ad-supported audio consumption among GM drivers.
Podcasts ranked a distant second with a 13% share, followed by ad-supported Pandora at 8%, Spotify at 5%, SiriusXM at 3%, and YouTube Music at 1%.
The analysis also found that AM/FM radio is a powerful medium for reaching drivers of competing automotive brands. Across all vehicle owners, AM/FM radio captured an 83% share of in-car ad-supported audio listening, providing what the report describes as a significant opportunity for conquest marketing aimed at attracting customers from rival manufacturers.
Additional findings from MRI-Simmons Winter 2026 data indicate that heavy AM/FM radio listeners are among the most likely consumers to be in the market for a vehicle purchase. AM/FM radio ranked first among major media platforms in purchase intent for trucks, SUVs, and hybrid or electric vehicles, while also performing strongly among consumers considering used vehicles, sedans, and minivans.
The findings are based on Edison Research's "Share of Ear" study, which surveys approximately 4,000 Americans annually to measure daily audio consumption across broadcast radio, streaming audio, podcasts, satellite radio, and other platforms.
Read the entire blog post here.
Netflix Expands iHeartPodcast Video Deal
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 15, 2026 | 11:20am CT |
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Netflix and iHeartMedia are expanding their video podcast partnership with the addition of several new iHeartPodcasts set to debut as video shows on the streaming platform.
The latest agreement brings a new collection of star-powered podcasts to Netflix, including "Suite 305 with Lele Pons," "The Martha Stewart Podcast," and "Sibling Revelry with Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson." New episodes, along with select library content from each show, will be available to Netflix members in the coming months.
"Suite 305 with Lele Pons" features the social media personality and entertainer interviewing celebrity guests, with global music star Shakira appearing in the debut episode. "The Martha Stewart Podcast" showcases conversations between the lifestyle icon and a range of notable guests, while "Sibling Revelry" offers candid discussions from siblings Kate and Oliver Hudson alongside other famous brothers and sisters.
The new additions join an existing lineup of iHeartPodcasts already available on Netflix, including "The Breakfast Club," "Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast," "My Favorite Murder," "Dear Chelsea," "Joe and Jada," "This Is Important," and several others spanning comedy, lifestyle, history, culture and sports.
The announcement follows the recent launch of "The Breakfast Club" as a live video program on Netflix. The weekday simulcast gives viewers real-time access to the show's interviews and commentary, while offering Netflix subscribers exclusive bonus content and extended segments during traditional radio commercial breaks.
Under the agreement, iHeartMedia retains all audio distribution rights. The podcasts will continue to be available on iHeartRadio and other major podcast platforms while expanding their reach through Netflix's global streaming audience.
MRN to Cover Historic NASCAR San Diego Weekend
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 15, 2026 | 11:30am CT |
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Motor Racing Network (MRN) will provide live coverage of the inaugural NASCAR San Diego Race Weekend presented by Anduril, marking the first time NASCAR's three national touring series will compete on an active military base.
The event will take place at Naval Base Coronado's Naval Air Station North Island, where competitors will race on a newly created 3.4-mile, 16-turn circuit overlooking San Diego Bay. The race weekend is part of the U.S. Navy's celebration of 250 years of service defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
"Southern California has a legacy of speed and innovation with roots to the early days of stock car racing that continues to shape our sport today," said MRN President Chris Schwartz. "Promoting events at iconic venues like Ascot Park and Riverside as well as Auto Club Speedway in Fontana and most recently the Clash at the LA Coliseum, fans in this region have experienced NASCAR in wildly different settings and Naval Air Station North Island is no exception."
Schwartz also welcomed Audacy's KSON as a new MRN affiliate for the event. "Everyone at the network is excited to welcome KSON to our family as we deliver the experience to race fans in San Diego and around the world," he said.
KSON will serve as the San Diego radio home for the historic race broadcasts. "For the first time ever, a NASCAR race is being held on an active military base," said Scott Roddy, Regional Vice President, Audacy Country West Coast. "KSON is proud to be the San Diego home of this historic race broadcast."
MRN's coverage begins Friday with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Navy 250 Forged by the Sea at 6:30pm ET. Action continues Saturday with the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series' United Rentals Driven to Serve 250 at 4:30pm ET, before concluding Sunday with the NASCAR Cup Series' Anduril 250 Race the Base at 3pm ET.
K-LOVE Inc. to Acquire WZBA-FM in Baltimore
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 12, 2026 | 2:35pm CT |
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K-LOVE, Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Classic Rock WZBA-FM (100.7 The Bay) and two associated FM translators serving the Baltimore market from Shamrock Communications, with an application for FCC approval set to be filed.
The transaction includes WZBA-FM (100.7 MHz) licensed to Westminster, MD, along with translators W261CD (100.1 MHz) in Baltimore and W298CG (107.5 MHz) in Bel Air. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
WZBA-FM operates with 25,000 watts at 689 feet HAAT, while the translators operate with 2 watts and 250 watts, respectively.
Shamrock Communications is a Pennsylvania-based broadcaster led by Acting CEO Diane Sutter. In addition to the Maryland stations, the company owns radio properties in the Scranton, PA, and Las Vegas, NV.
The buyer, K-LOVE, Inc., is a Tennessee-based nonprofit organization headed by CEO Tom Stultz. The company owns or operates radio stations in all 50 states and is one of the nation's largest Christian radio broadcasters.
Kalil & Co., Inc. served as the exclusive broker for the transaction.
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WorldDAB Study Finds Radio Remains Essential in the Car
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 12, 2026 | 2:55pm CT |
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A new international study commissioned by WorldDAB has found that broadcast radio remains the dominant audio choice for drivers, with the vast majority of car buyers viewing radio as an essential feature that should remain prominent and easy to access in modern vehicles.
The research, unveiled at WorldDAB Automotive 2026 in Frankfurt, surveyed 8,000 vehicle buyers and lessees across Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The findings show that 83% of respondents listen to radio in the car, making it the most-used in-car audio source by a wide margin.
According to the study, 50% of respondents identified radio as the audio source they use most often while driving, compared with 20% for streaming music services, 12% for personal music libraries, 4% for podcasts and 3% for audiobooks. Additionally, 31% said they listened to radio every day during the previous week, more than double the 15% who reported daily use of streaming music services.
Radio also ranked as the most important feature in a new vehicle. When asked to identify "must-have" features, 62% selected broadcast radio, placing it ahead of built-in navigation, touchscreen displays, smartphone integration systems and internet connectivity. Eighty-five percent said they would "really miss having radio" in their vehicle.
The study found that ease of use remains one of radio's strongest advantages. Among in-car radio listeners, 96% agreed that radio is easy to use, 87% said it is always "just one click away," and 72% said it is easier to access than other audio sources.
Safety and reliability also emerged as key benefits. Eighty-three percent of respondents said radio is important during emergencies, while 52% said it would be their first source of information during a driving-related emergency. Two-thirds agreed that radio is safer to use while driving than other audio options.
The report highlighted strong consumer support for DAB digital radio. Among DAB+ users, 95% said they like using the platform and 91% said it is easy to access while driving. Respondents cited audio quality, station variety, reliability and enhanced display information among its key strengths.
WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst said the findings send a clear message to automakers and policymakers. "This research gives a clear verdict from car buyers: broadcast radio belongs in cars," Bierhorst said. "Drivers expect it, rely on it and value it - not only for entertainment, but also for trusted information, safety and connection."
The study was conducted by research firm Fifty5Blue and presented during WorldDAB Automotive 2026, an annual gathering of broadcasters, automakers and technology providers focused on the future of in-car radio.
Warshaw Urges FCC to Ease Radio Ownership Limits
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 12, 2026 | 3:18pm CT |
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Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw is urging the Federal Communications Commission to move quickly to relax local radio ownership restrictions, arguing that broadcasters need greater scale to compete with rapidly growing digital media rivals.
According to an ex parte filing submitted June 10, Warshaw met with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on June 8 to discuss issues tied to the Commission's ongoing 2022 Quadrennial Review of broadcast ownership rules. During the meeting, Warshaw warned that without significant regulatory reform, local radio could face a future similar to that of the newspaper industry.
Warshaw told Carr that over-the-air radio should no longer be viewed as operating in a separate market, noting that broadcasters now compete directly with digital audio and other local media outlets for both audience and advertising revenue. He said radio's share of listening and local advertising has been cut in half over the past decade while out-of-market digital competitors have dramatically increased their share of both.
The filing states that time spent listening to digital audio now exceeds traditional radio listening and that digital media companies command a far larger share of local advertising revenue than radio broadcasters.
Warshaw argued that radio ownership limits, which were adopted roughly 30 years ago, prevent broadcasters from achieving the scale necessary to compete effectively in today's audio marketplace. He asked the Commission to allow radio groups to expand their market presence in order to better challenge what he described as digital giants that now dominate the industry.
According to the filing, Warshaw maintained that achieving greater scale would help provide broadcasters with a stable economic foundation and enable them to continue delivering the local service the FCC expects from radio stations.
The meeting comes as the FCC continues its review of broadcast ownership regulations, a process required every four years. Connoisseur Media owns and operates more than 200 radio stations across dozens of U.S. markets.
KCMO Talk Radio Lands Mizzou Athletics Rights
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 12, 2026 | 10:57am CT |
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Cumulus Media's KCMO Talk Radio 95.7 FM and 710 AM has been named the new Kansas City-area radio home for Mizzou Athletics under a new agreement with Mizzou Athletics and Learfield's Central Bank Tiger Network.
Beginning this fall, KCMO Talk Radio will serve as the exclusive broadcast radio outlet in Kansas City for Missouri Tigers football, men's basketball and women's basketball. The broadcasts will also be carried on Cumulus Media's newly launched simulcast affiliate, KTOP-FM 102.9 in Topeka, extending coverage across northeastern Kansas and western Missouri.
The partnership includes live game coverage, Tiger Talk coaches shows and additional programming designed to keep fans connected throughout the year. Mizzou Athletics content will also be available through the KCMO Talk Radio mobile app, online streaming platforms, station websites and podcast distribution channels.
"KCMO Talk Radio is proud to be the new home of the Missouri Tigers in Kansas City and Topeka," said Pete Mundo, Program Director of KCMO Talk Radio. "With Mizzou competing in the SEC, the premier conference in college sports, we're excited to bring that energy to our listeners. From live game broadcasts and coaches' shows to exclusive interviews and regular conversation, we're committed to making Tigers athletics a core part of KCMO Talk Radio and building a true home for Mizzou fans across Kansas City and Topeka."
Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch said the agreement strengthens the university's connection with fans throughout the region. "This partnership with Cumulus Media and KCMO Talk Radio ensures our fans across the region will have a strong, consistent connection to Mizzou Football and Mizzou Men's and Women's Basketball all year long," Veatch said.
Josh Pell, General Manager of Mizzou Sports Properties, welcomed the new relationship and said the expanded coverage will benefit Tiger fans throughout the market.
The partnership is managed by Mizzou Sports Properties, the locally based Learfield team that serves as the university's exclusive multimedia rights holder.
Red Apple Offers 'Freedom 250' Holiday Special
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 12, 2026 | 4:36pm CT |
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Red Apple Music Networks is offering radio stations nationwide a new four-hour holiday special commemorating America's 250th anniversary.
"The Freedom 250 Special: Celebrating 250 Years of America" will be hosted by radio icon Bruce "Cousin Brucie" Morrow and singer-songwriter Tony Orlando. The program features a patriotic mix of classic hits and American anthems designed to celebrate the nation's semiquincentennial.
The special will showcase music from some of America's most influential recording artists, including Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, The Ronettes, Chicago, The Commodores, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, Stevie Wonder, Lee Greenwood, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, The Beach Boys and Bruce Springsteen.
"We are delighted to offer The Freedom 250 Special to radio stations as we celebrate 250 years of the United States of America," said Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. "The special program is a perfect companion to holiday festivities, delivering dynamic and patriotic music to radio stations across the country."
The program is being distributed on a barter basis. Cousin Brucie will host the first and third hours, while Tony Orlando will host the second and fourth hours. The special concludes with a joint farewell message from both hosts.
Red Apple Music Networks is making the program available to stations across the U.S. for use during Independence Day and other America 250 celebrations.
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Will Calder Named Beasley Tampa Operations Manager
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 2:49pm CT |
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Beasley Media Group has appointed veteran programmer Will Calder as Operations Manager for its Tampa radio cluster, effective June 11. In the newly expanded role, Calder will oversee programming and brand strategy for Beasley Tampa's portfolio, including WLLD-FM (WiLD 94.1), WQYK-FM (99.5 QYK), WRBQ-FM (Q105), WYUU-FM (92.5 Maxima), and WHFS-AM (Sports Talk Florida).
Calder joins Beasley from Audacy, where he most recently served as Director of Programming and Operations for WPOW-FM (Power 96) in Miami and Brand Manager for WOMX-FM (Mix 105.1) in Orlando. He returned to WPOW in 2022 and added oversight of WOMX the following year.
A longtime Florida radio executive, Calder previously held several roles at WPOW, including Assistant Program Director, Music Director, Imaging Director, and midday host. His experience also includes programming stints at Cox Media Group's Power 95.3 (WPYO-FM) in Orlando and Hot 101.5 (WPOI-FM) in Tampa. Earlier in his career, he worked in programming, production, and on-air positions in New York City, Milwaukee, and Chicago.
"Will is an outstanding programmer and leader with a proven track record of building great brands, developing talent, and driving results," said Justin Chase, Chief Content Officer of Beasley Media Group. "Having previously worked in the Tampa market, he understands both our audience and our opportunity. His passion, creativity, and deep industry experience make him a tremendous addition to our team, and we're thrilled to welcome him to Beasley."
Ron deCastro, Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Tampa, said Calder's extensive knowledge of the Florida radio landscape made him a natural fit for the position. "Few people understand Florida radio as well as Will does," deCastro said. "His track record of building successful brands, leading high-performing teams, and connecting with audiences makes him a tremendous addition to our leadership team."
Calder said he is eager to return to the Tampa market and help grow Beasley's local brands. "I'm excited to join Beasley Media Group and return to the Tampa market," he said. "This cluster has strong legacy brands, talented people, and real local momentum. I'm looking forward to working with the team to build on what's already working, continue growing these brands, and create great content and experiences for our listeners and partners."
Calder succeeds Rick Thomas, who recently departed the company.
iHeartMedia Named Official Media Partner of NXXT Golf
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 10:57am CT |
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iHeartMedia and NXXT Golf have announced a major sponsorship agreement naming iHeartMedia the Official Media Partner of NXXT Golf, a deal the organizations describe as one of the largest audio sponsorship commitments ever made to women's and junior competitive golf.
Under the partnership, iHeartMedia will leverage its audio and digital platforms, including broadcast radio, podcasts, streaming services, and live events, to promote NXXT Golf athletes and championship competitions. The agreement also positions iHeartMedia as a title and presenting sponsor for several of NXXT Golf's premier properties, including the NXXT Faldo Junior Tour, the NXXT Women's Pro Tour, and key championship events throughout the season.
NXXT Golf President and CEO Stuart McKinnon said the partnership goes beyond a traditional sponsorship arrangement. "Women's sports, junior development, and innovative competition formats are reshaping where golf is headed," McKinnon said. "iHeartMedia didn't sponsor a tour. They invested in a category - and a generation of players who are about to define what comes next in golf."
The agreement expands iHeartMedia's growing involvement in sports programming and sponsorships. The company's sports portfolio includes iHeart Women's Sports, an audio platform dedicated exclusively to women's sports, along with partnerships involving the NFL, NHL, Olympic Games, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and U.S. Figure Skating.
Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at iHeartMedia, said the partnership aligns with the company's goal of supporting emerging athletes and expanding audience engagement. "This partnership with NXXT Golf reflects iHeartMedia's commitment to fueling the future of sport by connecting fans with the athletes and moments that define the next generation of the game."
Biondo added, "We're proud to amplify NXXT Golf's mission through the power of radio, podcasts and streaming audio - bringing new audiences to the sport and supporting the next generation of elite talent."
NAB Urges FCC to Advance AM Radio Revitalization
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 4:05pm CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is pressing the Federal Communications Commission to take additional steps to support AM radio, including easing antenna efficiency requirements and expanding access to the AM expanded band, according to an ex parte filing submitted June 9.
The filing details a June 5 meeting between NAB representatives Larry Walke, Ben Arden and David Layer and FCC Media Bureau Audio Division officials Al Shuldiner and James Bradshaw. During the meeting, the NAB outlined several proposals designed to enhance the viability and competitiveness of AM broadcasting.
Among the group's recommendations, the NAB urged the FCC to eliminate certain minimum antenna efficiency standards that it says limit station operators' ability to deploy antennas capable of improving coverage while allowing facilities to be located on smaller, less expensive properties closer to population centers.
The association also asked the FCC to remove regulatory barriers that complicate AM broadcasters' access to the expanded band between 1605 and 1705 kHz and to consider opening a filing window for stations seeking frequencies in that portion of the spectrum.
The requests come as the FCC continues to evaluate its long-running AM revitalization proceeding, first launched in 2013. While the Commission closed more than 2,000 dormant proceedings in December 2025, it opted to keep the AM revitalization docket active, signaling that additional reforms remain under consideration.
In its filing, the NAB thanked the FCC for previous efforts to provide greater operational flexibility for AM broadcasters and emphasized the medium's role in public safety and critical infrastructure communications. The organization encouraged regulators to continue pursuing policies that strengthen the platform's long-term viability.
The NAB also said it discussed other potential regulatory and technology initiatives that could further improve signal quality and help AM stations compete in today's media environment. The association concluded by pledging to continue working with the FCC and industry stakeholders on future rule changes and technological developments that could benefit AM broadcasters and their listeners.
The filing was submitted as part of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's "Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative, an agency-wide effort to identify and remove regulations viewed as outdated or unnecessary. For AM broadcasters, the proceeding could represent the next phase of an FCC modernization effort that has already led to expanded FM translator opportunities, relaxed technical rules, and authorization of all-digital AM operations.
Steinem, Richards to Receive Gracies Torch Award
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 2:42pm CT |
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The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) will honor activist and author Gloria Steinem and producer, writer, and activist Amy Richards with the inaugural Gracies Torch Award during the 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 16 in New York City.
The new award, created in partnership with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), recognizes leaders whose influence creates opportunities for others and reflects BBB's leadership principles of Character, Culture, Customers, and Community. AWMF said Steinem and Richards were selected for their decades-long commitment to advancing equality, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering future generations of leaders.
Richards has been a prominent figure in feminist activism since co-founding the Third Wave Fund in 1992. Through her work with Soapbox, Inc., Feminist Camp, and numerous writing and production projects, she has focused on building platforms that support emerging voices and leadership development.
Steinem, a writer, lecturer, and organizer, has spent much of her career advocating for gender equality and social justice. Her work has helped shape the modern feminist movement and inspired generations of activists around the world.
"Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem have spent decades creating opportunities for others, amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, and demonstrating the power of leadership rooted in generosity and shared purpose," said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. "Their impact embodies the spirit of the inaugural Gracies Torch Award."
The luncheon will be hosted by Rebecca Jarvis, Chief Business, Technology and Economics Correspondent for ABC News. Jarvis is known for her reporting across ABC News platforms and as creator and host of the podcast and television series adaptation of The Dropout.
The event, scheduled for Cipriani 42nd Street in New York, is part of the annual Gracie Awards program, which honors outstanding content and achievements by, for, and about women in media. The luncheon focuses on local and student media professionals, complementing the national Gracie Awards gala held in Beverly Hills.
During the event, AWMF will also recognize Hannah Carranza, recipient of the Make Her Mark Scholarship, created in partnership with Hallmark Media. Carranza is pursuing a degree in Television and Film at Hofstra University and was selected for her commitment to storytelling and media careers.
Additional presenters scheduled to appear include Andrea Canning, Crystal Rosas, Sara Sidner, and Scott Stanford.
Westwood One Set for College World Series Finals
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 12:23pm CT |
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Westwood One and the NCAA Radio Network will once again provide live national radio coverage of the NCAA Division I Men's College World Series Championship Finals from Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, NE.
Coverage of the best-of-three championship series begins Saturday, June 20, at 7:45pm ET, with every game airing nationwide on terrestrial radio stations, SiriusXM, and multiple digital platforms.
Veteran broadcaster Kevin Kugler will handle play-by-play duties for the championship series, marking his 22nd consecutive Men's College World Series assignment for the NCAA Radio Network. He will be joined in the booth by Scott Graham, who returns for his 15th straight year covering the event. John Bishop will serve as field reporter for the sixth time.
In addition to the championship finals, Westwood One and the NCAA Radio Network will partner with Usher Media Group's 1620 The Zone to broadcast the preliminary rounds of the Men's College World Series. The opening stage of the tournament features a double-elimination format, with the winners of each bracket advancing to the championship series.
A complete broadcast schedule, announcer biographies, and station listings are available here.
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