Top Radio News

Don Lemon, Journalist Georgia Fort Arrested Over Protest

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 1:49pm CT

Don Lemon

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon and Minnesota independent journalist Georgia Fort were among four people arrested by federal agents in connection with a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to statements from the U.S. Department of Justice and multiple media reports.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the arrests were made "in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul," where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as pastor. Lemon was taken into custody in Los Angeles, where his attorney said he was covering the Grammy Awards, while Fort was arrested in Minnesota.

The arrests stem from a January protest in which demonstrators entered the church during a worship service. Lemon and Fort have both said they were present in a journalistic capacity, documenting the demonstration. Lemon live-streamed portions of the event, while Fort said she filmed the protest as a member of the press.

Last week, a federal magistrate judge declined to approve an arrest warrant for Lemon, citing a lack of evidence. However, prosecutors proceeded with arrests this week, charging three of the four individuals with violating a federal law that prohibits obstruction of places of worship or abortion clinics. As of Friday, the specific charges against Lemon had not been publicly unsealed.

Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, called the arrest "an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment" and said his client would "fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court." Lemon, who left CNN in 2023 after a 17-year tenure, has since worked as an independent journalist and commentator.

The arrests prompted swift criticism from press freedom advocates and journalism organizations. In a statement, the Radio Television Digital News Association said the First Amendment "is unambiguous" and demanded that all charges against Lemon and Fort be dropped immediately, calling on the administration to reconsider what it described as "dangerous rhetoric and actions toward those who seek to inform their communities."

Additional condemnation came from former colleagues, members of Congress, and media organizations, while Justice Department officials declined to comment further, citing sealed charges. Lemon is expected to make a court appearance, and the case is likely to test the boundaries between protest activity, law enforcement authority, and press protections under the First Amendment.

Tom Donahue Remembers Talk Radio Pioneer David Gold

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 4:39pm CT

David Gold

Veteran talk radio host and programmer Tom Donahue is remembering the late David Gold, a pioneering conservative talk radio voice whose influence stretched across decades and markets. In a personal tribute, Donahue reflects on Gold's openness to ideas, his willingness to tackle controversial topics, and the mentorship that helped shape Donahue's own path into talk radio. Gold, who died December 11, 2025, at age 75, is remembered as a trailblazer who helped pave the way for modern conservative talk radio and left a lasting mark on colleagues and listeners alike.

Click here to read Donahue's tribute to Gold.

CRS 2026 Unveils Three-Day Research Lineup

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 4:43pm CT

CRS 2026

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has announced a trio of research presentations set for CRS 2026, reinforcing its focus on delivering actionable audience insights to the country radio and music industry.

Taking place March 18-20, CRS 2026 will feature a different in-depth research project each day, offering attendees a broad view of listener behavior, music preferences, and future audience development. With access to comprehensive research becoming more limited industrywide, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. and Country Radio Seminar said the studies are designed to support programming decisions, strategic planning, and long-term growth.

On Wednesday, March 18, NuVoodoo will present results from a 400-song national Auditorium Music Test, presented by Curb Records. The study surveys country fans ages 18-54 who use both radio and streaming platforms, with detailed breakouts by demographics, geography, and listening habits. It marks the third consecutive year CRS has partnered with NuVoodoo on a full national music test, with complete results available to all attendees.

Thursday, March 19 will feature CRS' annual Perceptual Study, conducted by Strategic Solutions Research. The research examines how fans feel about country music today, how and when they listen, and how those behaviors are changing. Topics include music era balance, familiarity, artists listeners want to hear more or less of, and the role of on-air personalities, localism, and community engagement.

The research slate concludes Friday, March 20, with the Country Music Association presenting findings from a new teen-focused study exploring the next generation of country fans. A follow-up panel of radio and streaming programmers, along with an artist to be announced, will discuss how teens engage with music and what it means for the genre's future audience pipeline.

"This year, CRS is working with three outstanding partners to bring a true trifecta of research to our constituents," said Clay Hunnicutt, CRB Research Committee co-chair. "CRS has never assembled or shared a research rollout this comprehensive."

CRB Research Committee co-chair Justin Chase added that the three studies together provide "a deeper, more complete understanding of listener behavior, music preferences, and where the future of country music is headed."

General registration for CRS 2026 is $698, with limited single-day passes available for $349. The event runs March 18-20. More information is available at CountryRadioSeminar.com.

Radio Hall of Fame Opens 2026 Nomination Process

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 10:06am CT

Radio Hall of Fame

The Museum of Broadcast Communications has announced that the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee will begin accepting suggestions for the 2026 induction class starting Sunday, February 1. The nomination window will remain open through Tuesday, March 31 at 11:59pm PT.

Suggestions for potential honorees can be submitted online at radiohalloffame.com and will be reviewed by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee as part of the selection process.

Twenty-four individuals will be named as nominees and later voted on by industry professionals, culminating in the selection of the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Class.

"The radio industry is filled with extraordinary broadcasters whose impact deserves recognition," said Dennis Green, Co-Chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame. "We look forward to receiving suggestions from across the country as we begin the process of honoring this year's Hall of Fame class."

Co-Chairman Kraig T. Kitchin added that public participation plays a key role in the nomination process. "Industry and listener input provides our Nominating Committee with valuable insight and perspective as we evaluate candidates for induction," he said.

The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, in Chicago at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park.

The Radio Hall of Fame was founded in 1988 by the Emerson Radio Corporation, with the Museum of Broadcast Communications assuming operational oversight in 1991.

FCC Codifies Foreign Ownership Review Rules

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 2:44pm CT

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has formally codified its foreign ownership review requirements, aiming to preserve national security safeguards while providing clearer, more consistent guidance for foreign investment in FCC-licensed entities.

Adopted by Report and Order on January 29, the action locks in long-standing policies the Commission has developed over the past decade to review increasingly complex ownership structures involving broadcast, wireless common carrier, and aeronautical licensees. The FCC said the changes are designed to streamline the review process without weakening protections tied to national security, law enforcement, and trade policy.

Under the new rules, the Commission establishes clearer definitions and concepts underpinning Section 310(b) of the Communications Act, which governs foreign ownership limits. The FCC said those clarifications should help applicants submit more complete initial filings, reduce the need for supplemental information, and shorten processing times for petitions seeking approval of foreign investment.

Foreign ownership reviews are led by the FCC's Office of International Affairs and, for broadcast licensees, the Media Bureau. The process is triggered when a filer submits a petition for declaratory ruling under Section 310(b) to exceed aggregate foreign ownership benchmarks or to allow specific foreign individuals or entities to hold certain equity or voting interests. Reviews are completed before any ownership changes involving foreign entities may proceed.

The Commission emphasized that foreign investment continues to play an important role in innovation, job creation, and U.S. economic growth, and said the codified framework is intended to balance those benefits with ongoing security priorities.

105.1 The Fan Named New Radio Home of Portland Timbers

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 2:04pm CT

KRSK-FM (105.1 The Fan) Portland OR

KRSK-FM (105.1 The Fan) has been named the new flagship radio home of the Portland Timbers under a new partnership with Audacy in Portland, OR. As part of the agreement, Timbers matches will air across the FAN Sports Network on 105.1 FM and 1080 AM, with many games simulcast on both stations.

Select matches will be carried exclusively on either 105.1 FM or 1080 AM. Fans in the Portland area can also stream live game broadcasts via the Audacy app. The Timbers' 2026 season begins February 21 with an opening match against the Columbus Crew.

"We're extremely excited to partner with the Portland Timbers as we continue delivering the best local sports content and growing the FAN Sports Network," said Ryan Cooley, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy Portland. He added that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanded coverage and enhanced fan access.

Portland Timbers CEO Heather Davis said the move to an FM flagship will help the club reach a broader regional audience and bring added energy to matchday and weekly coverage across The Fan's local programming.

In addition to match broadcasts, 105.1 The Fan will debut a new weekly show, Timbers FAN, hosted by Apple TV MLS play-by-play announcer Jake Zivin and The Fan midday host Patrick Harris. The program will feature interviews with players and coaches, along with updates on the Timbers and T2 squads. Timbers FAN will air Tuesdays from 7-8pm PT, beginning February 10.

K-LOVE Closes on Purchase of Two Milwaukee FM Stations

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 1:53pm CT

K-Love

K-LOVE, Inc. has completed the acquisition of 16kW AC WLDB-FM (93.3) and 8.8 kW Alternative WLUM-FM (102.1) from Milwaukee Radio Alliance, LLC for $4 million.

The seller, Milwaukee Radio Alliance, LLC (MRA), is a Wisconsin-based limited liability company led by acting CEO Diane Sutter. MRA continues to own additional radio properties in the Milwaukee-Racine market.

The buyer, K-LOVE, Inc., is a Tennessee-based nonprofit corporation headed by CEO Tom Stultz and owns or operates radio stations in all 50 states.

Kalil & Co., inc. served as the exclusive broker for the transaction.

FOX Sports Radio Sets 26th Annual Super Week Coverage

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 10:15am CT

FOX Sports Radio

FOX Sports Radio will deliver wall-to-wall Super Week coverage beginning Monday, February 2, as the network marks its 26th year of programming tied to the NFL's biggest event.

FOX Sports Radio will offer 24/7 coverage before, during, and after the Big Game in Santa Clara, CA, featuring interviews with NFL players, newsmakers, and celebrities. Programming will reach listeners nationwide via more than 630 local affiliates, FOXSportsRadio.com, and the iHeartRadio app.

Live, on-location broadcasts will originate from multiple San Francisco-area venues throughout the week. The Dan Patrick Show will broadcast from China Basin Park from February 2-6, while Stugotz and Company LIVE! will air from the Media Center at the Moscone Center February 2-5. Two Pros and a Cup of Joe with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn & Jonas Knox will also originate from the Moscone Center February 4-6.

Additional weekday shows broadcasting live from the Moscone Center February 2-6 include Covino & Rich and The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington. FOX Sports Saturday with Alex Curry, Carmen Vitali, Tracy Sandler & Nikki Kay-one of sports radio's few all-female-led shows-will present a special video edition from the Moscone Center February 4-6, available on FOX Sports Radio's YouTube channel.

From Los Angeles, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon, and The Ben Maller Show will air live throughout the week.

Super Week coverage will also feature a slate of high-profile guest appearances, including Steve Young, Bo Jackson, Andrew Luck, CeeDee Lamb, Christian McCaffrey, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Bijan Robinson, Jaxson Dart, Rob Gronkowski, Tony Gonzalez, Brian Urlacher, and Emmitt Smith, among others. Guests are subject to change.

iHeartPodcasts Named Official Partner for Web Summit Qatar

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 3:05pm CT

iHeartPodcast Network

iHeartMedia and the Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar (GCO) have announced that iHeartPodcasts will serve as the official podcast partner for the 2026 edition of Web Summit Qatar.

The third annual Web Summit Qatar is scheduled for February 1-4 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Organizers expect more than 30,000 technology and business leaders, investors, media representatives, and over 1,600 startups to attend.

As part of the partnership, iHeartPodcasts talent, producers, and executives will participate in educational sessions, live podcast recordings, and Centre Stage programming, including fireside chats, panel discussions, and audience Q&A sessions. An on-site iHeartPodcasts recording studio and attendee lounge will also be available, allowing select shows to record live from the conference floor in both English and Arabic.

Centre Stage sessions will include appearances by Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group, along with podcast hosts and creators such as Questlove, host of "The Questlove Show," Steven Bartlett, host of "The Diary of a CEO," and Arabic-language creator Islam Fawzy, among others.

The event will also mark the official launch of iHeartArabi, iHeartPodcasts' Arabic-language show slate, reflecting the company's broader international podcasting strategy.

In a statement, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO, said the partnership aligns with Qatar's goal of expanding its creative economy and supporting digital industries as drivers of long-term development. He added that the collaboration is intended to foster knowledge exchange and provide new platforms for local and regional creators.

Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, said the partnership continues the company's efforts to broaden podcasting's global reach and encourage conversations that support innovation and audience growth across markets.

Additional details, including the full conference schedule and session times, are available here.

RCS Worldwide CEO Philippe Generali to Retire Feb. 28

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 10:19am CT

Philippe Generali

RCS Worldwide announced that President and CEO Philippe Generali will retire effective February 28, concluding a nearly three-decade run that helped shape the company into a global broadcast software leader.

Generali will step away from day-to-day duties but remain involved for an additional 12 months as a senior consultant, working with Mark Gray, CEO of Katz Media, which has overseen RCS Worldwide in recent years. The company said the arrangement is intended to ensure continuity while a new CEO is identified.

Generali joined RCS in 1996 as a Product Manager and was named President in 2000, later adding the CEO title. During his tenure, RCS expanded its global footprint across radio, television, and digital platforms. He also led the creation of Media Monitors and brought Florical Systems into the company in 2007, followed by assuming leadership of Mediabase in 2010.

"Philippe has been an extraordinary visionary and leader in shaping RCS into the global powerhouse it is today," Gray said. "We are grateful for his decades of dedication and are excited to build on the strong foundation and talented leadership team that he leaves behind."

Under Generali's leadership, RCS advanced tools in music scheduling, automation, and data-driven analytics that became industry standards. He was active in industry organizations and frequently spoke at major global conferences, including NAB and Radiodays events.

Reflecting on his career, Generali said he is proud of the company's impact on the industry and looks forward to pursuing new personal and professional experiences following his retirement.

Hope Media Group Expands Audio Production Team

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 10:10am CT

Hope Media Group

Hope Media Group has unveiled an expanded vision for its Creative Audio Team, introducing two new Director-level leadership roles as part of a broader strategy to grow its digital footprint, elevate audio storytelling, and strengthen ministry-driven content across broadcast and digital platforms.

Gary Thompson has been named Director of Production and Audio Ministry. In the role, Thompson will oversee ministry-focused audio initiatives, including underwriting and spot production, donor and partner messaging, fundraising support, and storytelling aimed at advancing engagement and mission. Thompson brings 12 years of experience from Stephens Media in Tulsa, with prior stops at KSOS Las Vegas, WJQK Grand Rapids, and WCVO Columbus.

Kevyn Howard has been appointed Director of Imaging and Brand Sound. Howard will be responsible for shaping the sonic identity of Hope Media Group's brands, including imaging, promos, and the overall audio experience across platforms. He brings 25 years of creative imaging and production experience, with past roles at SiriusXM, The Mix Group, Emmis Radio, and CBS Radio Chicago.

While the two Director roles have distinct responsibilities, they are designed to work in close collaboration. Thompson and Howard will partner daily to ensure creative audio needs are met seamlessly, from ministry and donor messaging to imaging and brand sound.

"Gary and Kevyn represent an important next chapter for creative audio at Hope Media Group," said Jeff Evans, Vice President of Radio. "As our ministry continues to grow across broadcast and digital platforms, we are reimagining how audio can better serve our brands, deepen storytelling, and support meaningful engagement with listeners."

RAB, Nielsen Preview 2026 Audio Measurement Insights

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 2:54pm CT

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) will host Nielsen for the first One Voice for Radio live presentation of 2026, offering an overview of recent audience measurement insights and what lies ahead for the coming year.

The session, titled "A Look Back & A Look Ahead," will review a full year of data from Nielsen's 3-Minute Qualifier (3MQ) and provide an update on the company's mSurvey methodology used in diary markets. Both approaches are designed to more accurately measure audience engagement and deliver clearer insights for advertisers.

Jon Miller, Nielsen's Senior Director of Audience and Consumer Insights, will present highlights that include holiday ratings results from last month and emerging listening trends. Miller will also outline how the 3MQ benchmark is now established as the standard for 2026 and beyond.

The live virtual event is free and open to professionals across the radio and advertising industries. Registration is available here.

Group Urges FCC to Pair Ownership Reform With LPFM Relief

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 2:03pm CT

FCC

The Low Power FM Advocacy Group is urging the FCC to modernize Low Power FM (LPFM) rules alongside any relaxation of broadcast ownership caps, warning that deregulation without parallel reforms would accelerate the loss of community-based radio service.

In Reply Comments filed in the FCC's 2022 Quadrennial Regulatory Review of broadcast ownership rules, LPFM-AG argues that supporters of deregulation implicitly acknowledge that expanded station consolidation increases local market power-an outcome that can disadvantage small and locally owned broadcasters, including LPFM stations and AM operators dependent on FM translators.

The group notes that as large station clusters grow, they gain structural advantages such as bundled advertising, dominant local sales operations, and the ability to absorb short-term losses-advantages smaller operators lack. LPFM stations, while noncommercial, face similar economic pressures, relying on local underwriting, fundraising, and volunteer support to survive in increasingly concentrated markets.

LPFM-AG also highlights what it describes as a regulatory imbalance. While the FCC is considering easing ownership restrictions for full-power broadcasters, LPFM stations remain subject to strict ownership limits, transfer prohibitions, and technical constraints. The filing points out that LPFM licenses generally cannot be transferred for fair market value, a rule the group says often leads nonprofit operators to surrender licenses rather than transfer them to other qualified community organizations.

According to the filing, surrendered LPFM spectrum is frequently repurposed for FM translators controlled by larger broadcast groups, permanently reducing opportunities for locally originated community radio. LPFM-AG argues that no other broadcast service faces a regulatory framework that so directly incentivizes license surrender while facilitating spectrum consolidation.

The group is calling on the FCC to apply the same flexibility being considered for ownership rules to LPFM operations, including reevaluating ownership caps, transfer restrictions, and technical limits, while maintaining existing interference protections. LPFM-AG says such reforms would align with the Commission's long-standing localism goals and prevent ownership modernization from disproportionately benefiting large broadcast clusters at the expense of community broadcasters.

The Reply Comments were filed by LPFM-AG Executive Director Dave Solomon and dated December 25, 2025, in MB Docket No. 22-459.

LABF Names Daniel Finn Director of Philanthropy

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 10:23am CT

Daniel Finn

The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) has appointed retired media executive Daniel Finn as its new Director of Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships, a newly created role focused on expanding fundraising efforts and strengthening industry relationships.

In the position, Finn will lead LABF's development initiatives and work with donors, corporate partners, and broadcasting leaders to support the Foundation's mission of preserving and celebrating the history of American broadcasting.

Finn most recently served as Senior Vice President and Regional Market Manager for Beasley Media Group's New Jersey cluster. He previously held senior leadership roles at Greater Media, where he was known for strategic leadership, team development, and community engagement.

LABF Co-Chair Deborah Parenti said Finn's passion for broadcasting and commitment to service align closely with the organization's goals, while Co-Chair Dave "Chachi" Denes cited Finn's relationship-building skills as a key asset as the Foundation looks to grow its impact. Executive Director Mary Collins added that Finn's experience and industry credibility will be instrumental in expanding LABF's philanthropic reach.

Finn said the role provides an opportunity to give back to an industry that shaped his career, adding that he looks forward to working with partners committed to preserving broadcasting's legacy for future generations.

Laura Barron-Lopez to MC 35th First Amendment Awards

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 2:51pm CT

Laura Barron-Lopez

The RTDNA Foundation announced that award-winning journalist Laura Barron-Lopez will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 35th annual First Amendment Awards on March 12 at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC.

The First Amendment Awards recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate responsible journalism and uphold the constitutional duty to seek and report the truth.

"We are thrilled to have Laura Barron-Lopez as the emcee for this year's First Amendment Awards," said RTDNA Foundation President Tara Puckey. "Laura's dedication to fearless, fact-based reporting and her deep understanding of the forces shaping our democracy make her the perfect voice to guide our celebration of the First Amendment."

Barron-Lopez currently reports for MS NOW, where her recent work has focused on topics including presidential judicial appointments, the White House's interactions with national security officials and federal agencies, and other political developments.

Before joining MS NOW, she served as White House Correspondent for the PBS NewsHour and worked as a political analyst for CNN. At POLITICO, she covered the Biden administration, concentrating on power dynamics between the White House and Congress and reporting on key issues such as gun violence, immigration, voting rights and infrastructure.

The First Amendment Awards ceremony will also honor this year's recipients, celebrating exceptional contributions to journalism.

Armstrong & Getty Selects ARC for Affiliate Management

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 11:59pm CT

ARC Software

ARC Software Inc. has announced that The Armstrong & Getty Show has selected ARC to support its affiliate management and growth initiatives. The contemporary conservative talk program will use ARC's platform to streamline affiliate research, manage station relationships, and oversee affiliate agreements as it continues to expand its national footprint.

ARC's system provides centralized access to station and contact data, tools to manage affiliate workflows, and ARC Documents, an integrated digital agreement builder that allows contracts to be created, edited, redlined, and securely signed within the platform.

"Radio networks, service providers, and content creators like Armstrong & Getty represent exactly who ARC was built for," said ARC Software Founder and CEO Jason Bailey. "ARC allows teams to centralize data, move faster, and focus on growth instead of paperwork."

Eric Weiss, Founder and CEO of The Weiss Agency, which represents the program, said the decision was driven by ARC's ability to adapt quickly to industry changes. He described The Armstrong & Getty Show as the most successful independently syndicated talk show in radio and said ARC's software provides the tools needed to stay current in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Benztown Offers Free Winter Games AudioPack for Stations

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 3:15pm CT

Benztown

Benztown has unveiled a free Winter Games AudioPack designed to help radio stations capture the energy and atmosphere of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina, Italy.

The Winter Games AudioPack includes a collection of sound effects, music beds, and sweepers intended to support timely and high-impact on-air imaging tied to Olympic coverage. Benztown says the package is built to allow stations to quickly produce content that reflects the excitement of the international event.

The AudioPack is available now, ahead of the Games, which are scheduled to run from Friday, February 6 through Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Stations can download the free Winter Games AudioPack here.