Advertisement
|
Top Radio News
Connoisseur Media Reshuffles West Coast Programming
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 10:58am CT |
|
 |
Connoisseur Media has announced a series of programming leadership changes across its West Coast radio stations following the recent expansion of 98.5 KBAY (Bay Country) in San Jose. Brian "Fig" Figula has been promoted to Regional Operations Manager for the Bay Area, overseeing Connoisseur's stations in San Jose, San Francisco and the East Bay.
In addition to remaining Operations Manager for the San Francisco cluster, Figula will take on day-to-day programming responsibilities for KEZR (Mix 106.5) and 98.5 KBAY while continuing to oversee programming for 96.5 KOIT. He previously programmed KOIT, KBLX and KUFX.
"These changes allow us to align our programming leadership with the continued growth of our West Coast brands," Figula said. "We're fortunate to have an incredibly talented team, and this structure gives each market experienced local leadership while creating new opportunities for collaboration across the region."
Jim "Jazzy" Archer has expanded his role to include day-to-day programming duties for KBLX in San Francisco and KBFF (Live 95.5) in Portland. He will continue programming KMVQ (99.7 NOW) in San Francisco.
In Portland, Ross MacLeod will add programming oversight of KUPL (98.7 The Bull) while continuing to oversee 101.9 KINK-FM and KUFO-FM. He also remains Operations Manager for Connoisseur Media's Portland cluster.
"The changes we made today in San Francisco, San Jose, and Portland better position us for continued success," said Keith Dakin, Senior Vice President of Programming for Connoisseur Media. "I have tremendous confidence in Fig, Jazzy, and Ross. They are talented programmers who understand their markets, know how to put the right people in the right positions, and have a proven ability to work with talent to create programming that is relevant, engaging, and locally connected."
The reorganization also includes several on-air changes. Chris Jackson joins KEZR (Mix 106.5) as midday host following the transition of KUFX to K FOX, which will continue as a digital-only Classic Rock brand on HD2 and online. In Portland, Jamie Tanchyk moves from middays on 98.7 The Bull to afternoons on Live 95.5, while Emily Harlan joins 98.7 The Bull as the new midday personality.
iHeart Tops Triton Digital's June Podcast Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 11:03am CT |
|
 |
iHeart Audience Network continued to dominate Triton Digital's U.S. Podcast Ranker for June 2026, maintaining the top position among podcast sales networks while several new shows entered the rankings.
According to Triton Digital's latest Podcast Ranker, covering the period from June 1-28, iHeart Audience Network led all sales networks with 64.7 million average weekly downloads. Audioboom remained in second place with 15.5 million average weekly downloads, followed by Cumulus Podcast Network with 2.9 million.
Among individual podcasts, Stuff You Should Know from the iHeart Audience Network ranked as the most downloaded show for the month. Audioboom's Pod Save America held the No. 2 spot, while iHeart's My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark ranked third.
The June rankings also featured several new entries, including Big Take and The Mark Belling Podcast from the iHeart Audience Network, along with Insight with Chris Van Vliet from the Cumulus Podcast Network.
Triton said the latest rankings demonstrate continued growth in available podcast inventory, with new shows providing additional advertising opportunities while established networks continue to deliver large-scale audiences.
SiriusXM Launches 24/7 WWE Radio Channel
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 2:41pm CT |
|
 |
SiriusXM and WWE have announced the launch of WWE Radio, a new 24/7 channel dedicated to professional wrestling that will become the official audio home of WWE beginning Monday, July 27.
Taking over SiriusXM channel 156, WWE Radio will feature live audio broadcasts of WWE's biggest Premium Live Events, daily original programming, and a lineup of WWE-themed podcasts, giving fans around-the-clock access to wrestling coverage.
The channel will provide live play-by-play coverage of major events including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble and Survivor Series, along with select audio simulcasts of WWE's weekly flagship television programming.
WWE Radio will debut its first live event coverage during SummerSlam weekend from Minneapolis on August 1-2. Lead play-by-play announcer Vic Joseph will be joined by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T to call the action from the two-night event.
"We're excited to bring the WWE Universe closer to all of the in-ring action at WWE's biggest events on SiriusXM, beginning with wall-to-wall coverage of SummerSlam in Minnesota," Booker T said.
Leading up to SummerSlam, SiriusXM will originate several live shows from the Minneapolis Convention Center featuring Dave LaGreca, Bully Ray, Mark Henry, Tommy Dreamer, Sam Roberts and Peter Rosenberg. The hosts will preview storylines, interview WWE personalities and interact with fans.
The channel's daily lineup will be anchored by SiriusXM's long-running Busted Open, airing weekdays from 9am to noon ET with LaGreca and WWE legends Bully Ray, Mark Henry and Nic Nemeth. Additional programming includes Notsam Wrestling Live with Sam Roberts, Cheap Heat Live with Peter Rosenberg, The Hart Beat with Natalya, Off the Ropes, and the nightly call-in show Busted Open After Dark.
WWE Radio will also feature episodes of several WWE podcasts produced in partnership with Fanatics, including What Do You Want to Talk About? hosted by Cody Rhodes, Six Feet Under with The Undertaker, What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon, and WWE Now, Raw Recap hosted by Sam Roberts and Megan Morant.
"The WWE Universe is always looking for new ways to engage with WWE, and our partnership with SiriusXM will deliver exclusive access, original programming and live event coverage that brings fans closer to the action wherever they are," said Alex Varga, WWE Executive Vice President.
Jared Fox, SiriusXM's Senior Vice President of Sports Programming, Content Marketing & Partnerships, said the new channel combines SiriusXM's established wrestling programming with WWE's marquee events to create "the most comprehensive wrestling audio platform in the industry."
Advertisement
|
PodcastOne Adds Billy Corgan Interview Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 3:48pm CT |
|
 |
PodcastOne has acquired the exclusive sales and distribution rights to The Magnificent Others, the interview podcast hosted by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. Under the agreement, PodcastOne will provide advertising sales, marketing and distribution for the series, with the goal of expanding its audience across both audio and video platforms while creating new opportunities for advertisers and brand partners.
Launched in 2025, The Magnificent Others features in-depth conversations with influential figures from music, entertainment, business and culture. Drawing on his decades-long career in the music industry, Corgan explores the personal experiences and defining moments that have shaped each guest's journey.
The podcast has released 76 episodes to date, featuring guests including Courtney Love, Gene Simmons, Billy Idol, Steve Stevens, Dave Davies, Tom Morello, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Barry Williams and Sharon Osbourne.
"We are thrilled to welcome Billy Corgan and The Magnificent Others to PodcastOne," said Kit Gray, President and Co-Founder of PodcastOne. "Billy brings a unique perspective as one of the most influential music artists of his generation, and his ability to connect with guests on a deeper level has made this podcast a standout in the interview space."
Radio Groups Push FCC to Lift Ownership Caps
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 2:09pm CT |
|
 |
Connoisseur Media and Beasley Media Group are urging the Federal Communications Commission to eliminate or significantly relax local radio ownership limits, arguing that rules adopted nearly 30 years ago no longer reflect today's competitive media landscape and are putting the radio industry at a growing disadvantage.
The filings, submitted as ex parte communications in the FCC's ongoing 2022 Quadrennial Review of broadcast ownership rules, contend that radio stations now compete not only with one another, but also with streaming services, podcasts, satellite radio, social media platforms and digital advertising companies that operate without comparable ownership restrictions.
Connoisseur Media met with FCC Media Bureau officials on July 15, while Beasley Media Group executives, led by CEO Caroline Beasley, held separate meetings with Commissioners Olivia Trusty on July 16 and Anna M. Gomez on July 20. In each meeting, the companies urged the Commission to repeal or substantially revise the local radio ownership rules.
Connoisseur's presentation argues that the ownership caps have remained unchanged since 1996 despite dramatic changes in the audio and advertising marketplace. The company points to the emergence of digital competitors such as Spotify, Apple Music, SiriusXM and podcasting, along with the dominance of Google, Meta, Amazon and other technology companies in local advertising. According to the filing, digital media now accounts for more than 70% of local advertising while radio's share has steadily declined.
The presentation also cites declining industry economics, noting local radio advertising revenue has fallen 43% since 2013, station transaction values have dropped sharply, and hundreds of AM and commercial FM stations have exited the market since 2019.
Both broadcasters argue that allowing greater ownership concentration would provide the scale needed to compete with digital companies, strengthen local service, improve advertising efficiencies and enable operators to acquire struggling stations that currently provide little local programming. Connoisseur also contends that simply relaxing the current ownership subcaps would not go far enough, urging the FCC to eliminate the local radio ownership rule entirely.
Beasley echoed many of the same arguments in its filings, telling commissioners that the current ownership restrictions impair broadcasters' ability to achieve necessary scale, compete effectively for audiences and advertising revenue, and continue providing local programming and emergency information. The company urged the FCC to repeal or substantially revise the ownership rules to reflect today's competitive realities.
KBAY Country Expands to Stronger 98.5 FM Signal
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 11:12am CT |
|
 |
Connoisseur Media has expanded the reach of 98.5 KBAY (Bay Country) by moving the Country outlet to the stronger 98.5 FM 10kW signal, increasing its coverage throughout the South Bay and surrounding communities.
Effective immediately, KBAY's Country format is now heard on 98.5 FM, formerly home to Classic Rock KUFX. During the transition, the station will continue to simulcast on its longtime frequency until the previously announced sale of that signal to K-LOVE is completed.
"Expanding Bay Country to 98.5 is an investment in both our listeners and our advertising partners," said Regional Operations Manager Brian "Fig" Figula. "This gives KBAY the stronger signal and broader reach the brand deserves while preserving everything our audience already loves about the station."
Keith Dakin, Senior Vice President of Programming for Connoisseur Media, said the timing aligns with the continued popularity of country music in 2026. He added that the stronger signal gives the company an opportunity to better serve Bay Area country fans with a lineup featuring Danny Miller, Tony Michaels and Emily Harlan.
All current KBAY air personalities will remain with the station. Meanwhile, KUFX will continue as KFOX Classic Rock, available on KUFX-FM-HD2 and online through Super Hi-Fi, allowing listeners to continue accessing its Classic Rock programming on digital platforms.
Connoisseur said the signal expansion will be followed by additional programming leadership announcements for its West Coast markets in the coming weeks.
Audacy Adds FM Sports Simulcast in Houston
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 11:00am CT |
|
 |
Audacy flips Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 The Spot) to "95.7 The Fan," expanding its sports radio footprint in Houston with an FM simulcast of KILT (SportsRadio 610), beginning August 13. The move gives the company an FM sports station in each of the nation's top 10 markets. Audacy also announced that 95.7 The Fan will become the flagship FM home of the Houston Texans, carrying game broadcasts and year-round team coverage.
"Houston boasts some of the most passionate sports fans in the country, and they deserve both the content and distribution that matches their energy," said Chris Oliviero, Chief Business Officer for Audacy. He called the launch a milestone that reinforces the company's leadership in local sports audio.
The weekday lineup will feature "Payne and Pendergast" from 6-10am, "In The Loop with John Lopez and Reggie Adetula" from 10am-2pm, "The Drive with Stoerner and Hughley" from 2-6pm, and "Area 45 with Bijani and Creighton" airing nightly following "Texans All Access."
The Houston launch marks Audacy's 23rd FM sports station and expands its sports audio portfolio, which includes more than 40 owned-and-operated sports stations, 160 digital sports channels and a sports podcast network with more than 600 titles.
Amie Pollard Acquires Heritage WOOF Stations
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 11:35am CT |
|
 |
Veteran broadcaster Amie Pollard has acquired Dothan, AL heritage stations WOOF-FM (99.7) and WOOF-AM (560), along with FM translators W261AT (100.1) and W296DQ (107.1), through her newly formed AMP Media LLC. The acquisition marks a milestone for the nearly 80-year-old stations, making Pollard only the third woman to own the WOOF properties since their founding in 1948.
Pollard's broadcasting career spans more than 25 years in the Wiregrass region, beginning in radio sales before advancing into leadership roles including General Manager, Operations Manager, Sales Manager and Program Director. She also became well known as co-host of "Pollard & K.C. in the Morning" on WTVY-FM, where she also served as Program Director.
Beyond radio, Pollard gained national exposure as a cast member on NBC's Great American Road Trip and later created and served as consulting producer for the regional reality series Bama Belles, which aired on BBC Worldwide and TLC. She currently co-hosts "Pollard & Owens in the Morning" on B105.3 and serves as General Manager of Kensington Digital Media's four-station Dothan cluster.
The WOOF stations were founded by broadcasting pioneer Agnes Simpson, who signed on WOOF-AM in 1948 and later launched WOOF-FM in 1964 as one of Alabama's first FM radio stations. Following Simpson's death in 2012, her daughter, Leigh Simpson, continued operating the stations before selling them to Mike Holderfield and Woof Inc. AMP Media has now acquired the stations from Holderfield.
"To step into ownership of WOOF-AM and FM is a profound honor and a true full-circle moment for me," Pollard said. "This station is woven into the fabric of the Wiregrass area. I am dedicated to preserving the legendary, hometown heritage that Agnes Simpson and her daughter Leigh so beautifully nurtured, while continuing to serve our local listeners and business partners with the warm, family-first radio they have loved for generations."
The stations' AC format serves a coverage area stretching from Troy, AL, to the outskirts of Panama City, FL.
Advertisement
|
Cumulus Media Renews Memphis Tigers Partnership
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 11:21am CT |
|
 |
Cumulus Media Memphis has renewed its partnership with Tiger Sports Properties, the locally based Learfield team, extending its multi-year agreement to remain the radio home of University of Memphis athletics.
Under the renewed agreement, WKIM-FM (News Talk 98.9 The Roar) will continue to broadcast Memphis Tigers football, men's basketball and women's basketball, along with football and men's basketball coaches' shows. The station will remain the official "Home of the Tigers."
Morgan D. Bohannon, Vice President and Market Manager of Cumulus Memphis, said the partnership reflects the company's commitment to the university and its fans. "Being the 'Home of the Tigers' is a mutually beneficial partnership full of fast, fun action and filled with passion from the community," he said.
The agreement also includes promotional support, weekly features and opportunities for fans to connect with coaches, players and the athletic program throughout the year. Cumulus said it will continue to expand fan engagement through its on-air, digital and social media platforms.
Ditch, Program Director for News Talk 98.9 The Roar of Memphis, said serving as the flagship station for the Memphis Tigers Radio Network is a point of pride. "Around here, being 'The Tiger's Station' is a really big deal, and at News Talk 98.9, The Roar of Memphis, we carry that title loud and proud," he said.
Greg Gaston, General Manager of Tiger Sports Properties, added the renewed partnership comes at a pivotal time for Memphis Athletics, calling the station "a powerful platform" for connecting fans with the university's student-athletes, coaches and programs while supporting the department's future growth.
TikTok, iHeart Launch "Delivering Happiness" Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 2:17pm CT |
|
 |
TikTok and iHeartPodcasts have partnered to bring the celebrity-driven series "Delivering Happiness" to podcast listeners as part of the expanding TikTok Podcast Network. Hosted by actor Nick Turturro and created by Lawrence Longo of Prince St. Pizza, the series combines real pizza deliveries with unscripted conversations featuring celebrities, athletes and creators.
Originally developed as a video series, the show is now available as a podcast for the first time on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms.
The concept grew out of conversations between Turturro and Longo, who challenged the actor to make actual pizza deliveries if he wanted to become involved with the New York-based pizza brand. The result is a series in which unexpected conversations unfold during deliveries, in cars, on front porches and at neighborhood businesses.
Since its debut, "Delivering Happiness" has featured guests including Spike Lee, Ice-T, Bill Burr, Dana White, Seth Rollins, Christina Milian and Alex Rodriguez.
Dan Page, Global Head of Global Media and Licensing Partnerships at TikTok, said the show exemplifies the type of original programming the company is building for its podcast network. Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, said Turturro has a talent for turning ordinary pizza deliveries into authentic conversations that resonate with audiences.
Longo said the series reflects Prince St. Pizza's belief that food brings people together. "Pizza has always been the great connector," he said. "People let their guard down around pizza. They tell stories they weren't planning to tell. They laugh harder. The conversations become real."
Founded in Manhattan's Nolita neighborhood more than a decade ago, Prince St. Pizza has expanded to more than 19 locations across the U.S. New episodes of "Delivering Happiness" will be released each Wednesday, with clips and behind-the-scenes content also available on TikTok.
MediaCo Appoints Brian Fisher as its New President
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 3:46pm CT |
|
 |
MediaCo Holding has announced a series of executive leadership appointments. Effective immediately, CRO Brian Fisher (pictured) has been named President of MediaCo. CEO Albert Rodriguez will continue in his current role, focusing on the company's long-term strategy, growth initiatives and shareholder value, while Fisher assumes responsibility for day-to-day operations and execution.
The company also named Roberto Castro as interim Chief Financial Officer and interim Treasurer. Castro will lead the finance organization while MediaCo conducts a search for a permanent CFO.
"MediaCo has built tremendous momentum, and these leadership appointments position us well for our next phase of growth," Rodriguez said. "Brian is the right leader to serve as President, and Roberto's financial expertise will provide strong leadership and continuity for our Finance organization."
Fisher said he is eager to help lead the company's next chapter. "I'm honored to serve as President during such an exciting time for MediaCo," he said. "We have a strong portfolio of brands, a talented team and a clear strategic vision. I look forward to executing our strategy and creating long-term value for our audiences, partners and shareholders."
Audacy Stations Coming to SiriusXM Nationwide
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 11:20am CT |
|
 |
Audacy and SiriusXM have entered into a new content partnership that will bring 42 of Audacy's sports, news and talk stations from 29 U.S. markets to SiriusXM listeners nationwide, significantly expanding the satellite broadcaster's lineup of local programming.
The rollout begins September 1, when 23 Audacy sports stations join the SiriusXM platform in time for the start of football season. The lineup includes major brands such as WFAN New York, SportsRadio 94WIP Philadelphia, WEEI Boston, 105.3 The Fan Dallas, 95.7 The Game San Francisco and 97.1 The Ticket Detroit.
An additional 19 Audacy news and talk stations, including 1010 WINS New York, KNX News Los Angeles, WBBM Newsradio Chicago, KCBS All News San Francisco, KYW Newsradio Philadelphia and KMOX St. Louis, will be added later this year.
SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein said the agreement strengthens the company's already extensive sports lineup by adding trusted local voices from around the country.
"By adding Audacy's extensive lineup of sports stations, we're making those trusted hometown voices available to fans wherever they are across North America," Greenstein said. "Together, we're delivering an even more complete audio experience -- bringing live games, premier national sports talk, and hometown conversations together in one place."
Audacy President and CEO Kelli Turner said the partnership extends the company's local brands to a national audience. "Audacy's sports brands are deeply connected to the cities, teams and fan communities they serve, and being able to extend our reach nationally through SiriusXM is a natural fit," Turner said. "We look forward to working together with SiriusXM to bring our outstanding talent and content to sports fans and news and talk listeners wherever they are."
The initial sports lineup will include nine stations available to SiriusXM subscribers in vehicles and on the SiriusXM app, with another 14 sports outlets available through the app and in vehicles equipped with SiriusXM's latest 360L technology. The news and talk stations will also be available through the SiriusXM app and 360L-equipped vehicles when they launch later this year.
The Audacy sports stations will be included in most SiriusXM subscription plans, including Platinum, All Access and Music & Entertainment. Eligible subscription plans will gain access to the news and talk stations once they are added to the service later this year.
Advertisement
|
WWNN Expands to Germany Through BLR Partnership
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 2:00pm CT |
|
 |
Worldwide News Network (WWNN), the radio news network launched by Red Apple Audio Networks in May, has entered its first European market through a distribution partnership with Germany's BLR, marking the network's first international expansion.
Under the agreement, BLR, Germany's leading radio news and content syndicator, will distribute WWNN's English-language top- and bottom-of-the-hour newscasts, along with breaking news alerts, to broadcasters throughout Germany.
Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis said the move advances WWNN's mission of becoming a global news brand. "Audiences around the globe deserve the facts about what is going on in our world and that is why we created the Worldwide News Network," Catsimatidis said. "We're delighted to partner with BLR and look forward to working with them as we continue to expand our reach into more European markets and around the world."
Lee Harris, Senior Vice President of News and Programming for WWNN, called the agreement an important milestone for the network. "We're excited to partner with BLR to bring an authentic American perspective on world events," Harris said. "This is the first step in building an international network of partners who value trusted, high-quality radio journalism."
BLR CEO and Program Director Sebastian Steinmayr said the partnership offers German listeners direct access to U.S. news coverage while also serving American expatriates and military personnel living in the country. "The United States remains one of Germany's closest and most important allies," Steinmayr said. "Many Americans have lived in Germany for years, listen to local radio every day, and we believe they'll appreciate having access to news from their home country as part of that experience."
The partnership is supported by Radio.Cloud, whose cloud-native newsroom platform is used by both BLR and WWNN, enabling content production and distribution across international markets.
IAB Tech Lab Updates Podcast Measurement Standards
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 2:13pm CT |
|
 |
IAB Tech Lab has released version 2.3 of its Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines, updating the industry's framework for measuring podcast downloads, audiences and ad delivery using server-side log data. The guidelines are open for public comment through August 19.
The revised standards provide updated guidance for measuring both audio and video podcasts distributed through open RSS feeds and podcast applications that rely on server-side file delivery. The goal is to improve consistency in podcast audience measurement and advertising reporting across the industry.
"Measurement only works at scale if everyone is counting the same way," said Anthony Katsur, CEO of IAB Tech Lab. "These updates give the industry clearer guidance for today's podcast ecosystem and help reduce the inconsistencies that slow deals down and create unnecessary questions. That is good for buyers, publishers and everyone responsible for reporting the numbers."
Version 2.3 replaces the term "listener" with "podcast consumer" and adds guidance covering URL prefix measurement, RSS enclosure URL changes, invalid traffic, and different measurement window approaches. According to IAB Tech Lab, the terminology change also lays the groundwork for Version 3.0, expected in 2027, which will focus on the growing market for streaming video podcasts.
Because most podcast apps still do not provide client-side playback confirmation, the industry continues to depend on server-side log analysis for audience measurement. The updated guidelines are intended to reduce discrepancies in reported metrics, better address video podcasts, improve handling of duplicate downloads and platform-driven anomalies, and promote more consistent reporting.
"Server-side log data remains the backbone of podcast measurement, and these updates reflect the continued evolution of the medium," said Hugo Martel, Senior Vice President of Podcast and Content Delivery at Triton Digital. "Clearer guidance for video podcast measurement is a welcome addition, helping the industry adapt as podcast consumption expands across formats while giving publishers and advertisers greater confidence in the insights they rely on."
Robert Freeland, Founder and CTO of Podtrac, said the revisions will help improve trust in industry metrics. "These updates give the market more clarity around how podcast audiences and ad delivery should be measured, which ultimately benefits everyone relying on those numbers," Freeland said. "Our industry depends on trusted measurement that everyone can understand and apply consistently. These updates help bring that consistency."
DTS AutoStage Expands Daily In-Car Radio Ratings
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 2:14pm CT |
|
 |
Xperi's DTS AutoStage has expanded its in-car AM/FM radio measurement service to more than 300 U.S. markets, providing audience data from approximately 6 million connected vehicles and, for the first time, overnight ratings across every market.
The latest findings are highlighted in a new Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active blog, which describes the development as AM/FM radio's "big data" moment. According to the report, DTS AutoStage now delivers audience samples that are five to 10 times larger than current radio ratings samples, giving broadcasters access to daily listening trends refreshed every 24 hours.
Unlike television viewing data, which can include viewing in empty rooms, the report notes that in-car radio listening always occurs with people present. It also says the larger sample sizes produce more stable audience trends across markets of all sizes without relying on listener recall or wearable measurement devices.
The blog cites Edison Research's Share of Ear study, which shows AM/FM radio accounts for 85% of all ad-supported in-car audio listening. More than 60% of all AM/FM listening among adults 13-34 takes place in vehicles, while in-car listening represents 57% of listening among adults 25-54. The report also notes that 72% of AM/FM listening among women 18-34 and about two-thirds of listening among women 25-54 occurs in the car.
The blog emphasizes that stations must provide DTS AutoStage with real-time "now playing" metadata from their automation systems to ensure accurate audience reporting. Without that data feed, stations may significantly underreport their listening. As an example, two Townsquare Media stations in Buffalo reportedly saw their combined share increase dramatically after enabling the metadata feed.
DTS AutoStage currently measures listening from vehicles manufactured by 10 automakers, representing domestic, European, Asian and electric vehicle brands. Even the smallest markets now include monthly samples of more than 1,000 vehicles, with sample sizes continuing to grow.
The report also highlights that DTS AutoStage reports audience data for all AM/FM stations, regardless of whether they subscribe to the service. It contrasts that approach with Nielsen Audio's subscriber-based reporting model and cites a May 2026 Advertiser Perceptions survey in which 78% of agencies and advertisers said audience measurement should reflect all media behavior regardless of subscription status, while 66% said Nielsen's ratings have become less reliable since removing non-subscribing stations.
Read Westwood One's Audio Active blog here.
Saga Promotes Paul O'Malley to Revenue VP
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 4:38pm CT |
|
 |
Saga Communications has promoted Paul O'Malley to Senior Vice President of Revenue Development, expanding the longtime market executive's responsibilities to oversee the company's digital revenue strategy.
O'Malley, who has served as President and General Manager of Saga's Charleston Radio Group since joining the company in 2018, will now work with market managers, media advisors and clients across the company's portfolio to strengthen consultative selling, expand digital advertising solutions and identify new revenue opportunities.
"I'm honored by the opportunity to help lead Saga's next phase of growth by developing innovative revenue strategies, strengthening client partnerships, and working alongside our exceptional fulfillment partners and corporate team," O'Malley said.
Saga said it will begin a search for O'Malley's successor in Charleston. The South Carolina cluster includes Adult Hits WAVF (101.7 Chuck FM), Country WCKN (92.5 Kickin' Country), Gospel WSPO/W261DG (Heaven 1390/100.1) and Urban AC WXST (Star 99.7).
Before joining Saga, O'Malley served as Senior Vice President of Music and Entertainment at Westwood One. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions with Citadel Communications, including Market Manager in Charleston and Southeast Regional Vice President, as well as Southeast Regional Vice President for Katz Radio. He also served as Station Manager and General Sales Manager at KYSR (Star 98.7) in Los Angeles.
Veteran Radio Programmer Mike Marino Dies at 60
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 2:41pm CT |
|
 |
Veteran radio programmer, consultant and content creator Mike Marino has died following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 60. The news was announced by longtime friend and business partner Jason Hillery, Operations Manager for Midwest Communications in Green Bay, who said Marino kept his illness private and continued working with stations and morning shows across the country throughout his battle.
"Some may be surprised to hear that Mike was sick," Hillery wrote. "He kept it private. He didn't want anyone to worry. That was Mike. He put up one heck of a fight and never let his diagnosis deter or distract him from working with morning shows around the country and programming his syndicated Urban AC format."
Marino spent more than three decades in radio programming, earning a reputation as one of the industry's most versatile programmers and helping pioneer the Rhythmic AC and Modern AC/Adult Top 40 formats. He first gained national attention as Music Director and Assistant Program Director at KGGI Riverside, CA, before serving as Assistant Program Director at KMEL San Francisco.
He later launched KMXB (Mix 94.1) in Las Vegas and went on to program stations including KKPN Corpus Christi, WKRQ Cincinnati, and KHHT (Hot 92.3) Los Angeles. While with Clear Channel, he also assumed programming responsibilities for KYSR (Star 98.7) in Los Angeles.
For the past 25 years, Marino operated the consulting and content companies GotRooster.com, formerly TheBitXChange, and AmeriCountry.com, providing prep services, programming consultation and coaching to stations and personalities nationwide. He also developed and programmed a syndicated Urban AC format and consulted stations in markets including Denver, Fresno and Palm Springs.
"Mike lived and breathed radio," Hillery said. "He loved the industry, he loved the people in the industry, and was always finding ways to help talent improve their craft. In conversations with Mike, he was always brainstorming ideas, always keeping his finger on the pulse, and always the greatest friend."
Marino is survived by his wife, Leslie, and stepdaughter, Jennifer. Memorial service arrangements have not yet been announced.
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
|
Copyright © 1989-2026 RADIO ONLINE ® |
