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Top Radio News
Cumulus Launches Classic Country on 93.3 HD2 in DFW
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 15, 2025 | 2:24pm CT |
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Cumulus Media has launched a new Classic Country outlet in Dallas-Fort Worth with the debut of Country Legends & Texas Classics 93.3 HD2 on KLIF-HD2. The HD2 channel began broadcasting at noon Central Monday, opening with George Strait's "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind."
The new format focuses on Country music from the 1970s and 1980s, targeting listeners with a playlist built around established artists from the era. The station's core lineup includes music from George Strait, Willie Nelson, Alabama, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, and Reba McEntire, among others.
Country Legends & Texas Classics 93.3 HD2 becomes Cumulus Media Dallas' third Country outlet, complementing existing DFW stations KPLX (99.5 The Wolf) and KSCS (New Country 96.3). The company says the launch expands its Country offerings in the market while providing an additional option for fans of classic-era Country music.
Dan Bennett, Regional Vice President for Cumulus Dallas, said the new HD2 outlet reflects the company's continued investment in the Country format in Texas, adding that it broadens the group's overall Country presence across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Top Five Audio Insights Drove 2025 Blog Engagement
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 15, 2025 | 2:45pm CT |
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As 2025 draws to a close, the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group is looking back at the blog posts that generated the strongest reader engagement this year, highlighting five audio-related insights that resonated most with advertisers, agencies, and marketers.
The fifth most-read post focused on the cost of ineffective creative, drawing on research from System1 and marketing effectiveness leaders Adam Morgan, Jon Evans, and Peter Field. The analysis found that dull or uninteresting advertising requires between two and 2.6 times more media spending to deliver the same impact as engaging creative, underscoring the financial penalty brands face when creative execution falls short.
Ranking fourth was a long-running study of podcast advertising sentiment conducted with Advertiser Perceptions. Updated annually since 2015, the June 2025 edition showed advertiser and agency podcast usage and spending intentions reaching an eleven-year high, reflecting continued momentum for the medium among buyers.
The third most popular post challenged widely held assumptions about AM/FM radio. Drawing on data from Nielsen, LeadsRx, and Edison Research, the analysis addressed eight common misconceptions about radio audiences and performance, contrasting prevailing industry beliefs with measured audience behavior and outcomes.
Second on the list was the release of the Creative Best Practices Handbook. Compiled from years of audio ad testing conducted with firms including ABX, Veritonic, and System1, the handbook consolidated creative and effectiveness learnings into a practical guide aimed at improving audio advertising performance.
The most-read blog post of the year examined podcast consumption habits amid the rise of video. Based on findings from the Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights Podcast Download - Fall 2025 Report, the post showed that audio remains the dominant mode of podcast consumption, with 92% of respondents saying they primarily "listen" to podcasts despite increased video availability.
The blog is authored by Pierre Bouvard, Chief Insights Officer of the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group.
WFHR Wisconsin Rapids Shifts to News and Oldies Mix
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 15, 2025 | 3:56pm CT |
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Civic Media's WFHR (1320 AM/97.5 FM) Wisconsin Rapids, WI has launched a new full-service format blending local news coverage with Classic Hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Branded as "Local News and Timeless Hits," the updated format includes CBS News at the top of each hour, expanded local voices throughout the day, and a curated selection of oldies music. The station will continue to air Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6-8pm.
Civic Media said the move reflects WFHR's long-standing role as a community-focused station while adding familiar music to complement its information programming. WFHR most recently operated as a News/Talk outlet following Civic Media's acquisition of the station in 2022.
"WFHR has always been about serving and informing the community, and we will continue that mission for years to come," said Civic Media COO Kory Hartman. "We're combining the news and information that people need with the timeless music they love."
WFHR has served Wisconsin Rapids since signing on in 1940 and has operated under a variety of formats over its 85-year history. The new approach is intended to reflect that heritage while maintaining Civic Media's emphasis on local journalism and community engagement.
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Mary M. Collins Named Executive Director of LAB Foundation
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 15, 2025 | 10:21am CT |
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The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) has named Mary M. Collins as its next Executive Director, effective January 1, 2026. Collins has served as Treasurer of the Foundation for several years and will now take on day-to-day leadership of the organization.
In her new role, Collins will work closely with the LABF Board of Directors, the Library of American Broadcasting Collection team at the University of Maryland, and oversee initiatives including preservation grants, educational programs, and the annual Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Awards luncheon.
LABF Co-Chairs Heidi Raphael and Jack Goodman said Collins' leadership experience, industry background, and long-standing involvement with the Foundation position her well to guide the organization forward, citing her collaborative approach and commitment to preserving broadcasting history.
Collins currently operates her own advisory firm, MMC Solutions, and serves as a guest columnist for TVNewsCheck's "Managing Media." From January 2003 through September 2021, she was President and CEO of the Media Financial Management Association (MFM) and its subsidiary, the Broadcast Cable Credit Association (BCCA). During her tenure, the organizations reported growth in membership, conference attendance, and overall revenue.
A Chicago-area native, Collins previously held sales, marketing, and business development roles at cable programming networks including the Television Food Network and Rainbow Programming Services, which operated SportsChannel Chicago, Bravo, and American Movie Classics. She also managed client relationships for media technology companies DIVA and High-Speed Access Corporation.
Beyond LABF, Collins is active in several industry organizations. Her roles include co-chairing committees for the Private Directors Association and the Financial Executives Networking Group, serving as a Gracie Awards judge for the Alliance for Women in Media, and past executive service with Women in Cable & Telecommunications.
Her career recognition includes being named one of Cablefax Magazine's "Most Powerful Women" in 2018 and inclusion in its "Top 100" lists in 2005 and 2006.
Ed Lover, Miss Jones Exit Audacy's 94.7 The Block
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 3:06pm CT |
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Syndicated evening host Ed Lover (far left) departs Audacy's WXBK (94.7 The Block) New York, along with morning host Tarsha "Miss" Jones. Lover joined Audacy in April, 2018 for mornings at WBMX (104.3 Jams) Chicago and added duties at WXBK in March, 2022. Later that year, Audacy moved his program to nights in Chicago and expanded it to Seattle, San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Prior to Audacy, Lover was a longtime hip-hop radio and television figure, co-hosting mornings at WQHT (Hot 97) New York from 1993 to 1999, helping launch WWPR-FM (Power 105.1) in 2002 with Doctor Dre, and co-hosting "Yo! MTV Raps." His career also includes stops at KKBT Los Angeles, SiriusXM, and a syndicated Atlanta-based show for Radio One from 2015 through 2017.
Jones began hosting mornings at WXBK in August 2022. A former R&B singer, she started her radio career at WQHT as part of the "Star & Buc Wild" morning show before moving to Radio One's WPHI (103.9 The Beat) Philadelphia. She later returned to WQHT, was syndicated back to Philadelphia, and went on to host mornings at iHeartMedia's WUSL (Power 99) Philadelphia from 2009 to 2011.
Audacy has not announced replacements or programming changes for WXBK at press time.
Netflix, iHeart Near Video Podcast Deal With YouTube Exit
| RADIO ONLINE | Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 1:26am CT |
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Netflix is nearing an agreement with iHeartMedia to bring roughly 20 video podcasts to its streaming platform, a move that would require the shows' full video episodes to be pulled from YouTube, according to reporting by Natalie Jarvey in Like & Subscribe from The Ankler.
Sources cited in the report say the proposed slate would include high-profile titles such as Charlamagne tha God's The Breakfast Club and Stuff They Don't Want You To Know, the latter part of iHeart's Stuff Media acquisition in 2018. If completed, the deal would represent Netflix's most aggressive step yet into video podcasts as it looks to challenge YouTube's dominance in podcast viewing.
A representative for Netflix declined to comment, while iHeartMedia did not respond to a request for comment.
The potential iHeart deal follows Netflix's October announcement of a partnership with Spotify to distribute video episodes from 16 podcasts spanning sports, culture, and true crime. That agreement, expected to launch early next year, also includes a provision barring full video episodes from being uploaded to YouTube.
The move comes as the podcast industry continues its shift toward video, reshaping platform dynamics. YouTube has become the leading podcast platform in recent years and has expanded its reach into living-room viewing, where it now commands a larger share of television usage than Netflix, according to Nielsen data cited in the report.
Netflix has been increasingly active in courting creators and audio companies, with reports also linking the streamer to discussions with SiriusXM, alongside separate content deals with creators such as Ms. Rachel and Mark Rober. While Netflix offers global reach and association with an awards-heavy brand, exclusivity remains a challenge for podcasters who already generate significant advertising revenue on YouTube. Industry sources also note that video rights ownership varies by show, further complicating negotiations.
According to The Ankler's reporting, Netflix's podcast strategy is still evolving, with early deals expected to inform how the company refines its approach to video podcasts over the coming year.
WAQI (Radio Mambi) to End Live Talk Programming
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 10:45am CT |
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Latino Media Network will end live Spanish-language conservative talk programming on WAQI (Radio Mambi 710) in Miami at 11:59pm Friday, closing a four-decade chapter for one of South Florida's most influential Spanish-language radio stations.
In a statement, Radio Mambi General Manager Mike Sena cited financial pressures and broader shifts in the media landscape. He said the station, its audience, and the industry are "rapidly evolving," creating challenges across the marketplace. Sena called the decision a difficult one, adding that the station is proud of its legacy and grateful to colleagues, listeners, and advertisers who supported it over the years.
Following the shutdown of live news and talk, WAQI will air archived programming, music, and Spanish-language broadcasts of the NBA's Miami Heat and MLB's Miami Marlins. Reports indicate that all live programming staff will depart, with a minimal operation remaining that includes one board operator and one salesperson to meet existing advertising and sports broadcast commitments.
Radio Mambi launched in 1985 after Mambisa Broadcasting Corporation, led by Amancio Su¡rez, purchased the former WGBS and flipped it to a Cuban exile-focused Spanish-language talk format. The station became closely identified with Miami's Cuban community and anti-communist viewpoints, later evolving into a strongly conservative talk outlet. It would eventually join Univision's Miami cluster before being acquired in 2022 by Latino Media Network as part of a larger purchase of 18 Spanish-language stations nationwide.
The end of Radio Mambi's live talk programming follows Latino Media Network's shutdown of news and talk on sister station WQBA 1140 AM last June. Latino Media Network has said both decisions reflect economic and demographic headwinds facing Spanish-language news and talk radio, particularly as younger, more bilingual audiences increasingly turn to digital and social platforms for information.
With the change, Radio Mambi's uninterrupted 40-year run as a live talk station comes to an end, marking a significant shift in Miami's Spanish-language radio landscape.
Nueva Network, AdGrid Launch Hispanic Audience Accelerator
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 10:14am CT |
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Nueva Network and ad-tech firm AdGrid have launched the Nueva Network Audience Accelerator, a new advertising offering designed to help brands reach U.S. Hispanic audiences across digital audio, video, and connected TV. The companies say the product provides advertisers with a single, scalable way to target Hispanic consumers both on Nueva's owned platforms and across a broader network of premium, brand-safe digital properties.
Digital audio advertising in the U.S. is projected to surpass $10 billion in the coming years, while the U.S. Latino economy has grown to more than $4 trillion in GDP. Despite that growth, Nueva and AdGrid note that Hispanic audiences remain underserved in data and media planning.
The Audience Accelerator draws on Nueva's first-party data from its Que Onnda site portfolio, podcast network, digital audio streaming properties, and social platforms. That data is integrated with AdGrid's identity and marketplace infrastructure, allowing advertisers to activate culturally specific audience segments such as bilingual Gen Z users, Latina wellness consumers, and Hispanic sports and automotive enthusiasts.
Campaigns can run across Nueva's owned and operated properties and extend off-site through curated private marketplace deals. Agencies can activate the offering through existing demand-side platforms, including The Trade Desk, Google DV360, and AdsWizz, and view cross-channel performance in a unified dashboard.
Nueva Network founder and CEO Jose M. Villafane said the partnership is aimed at turning long-standing audience trust in audio into actionable, scalable audience intelligence for brands. AdGrid CEO Justin Barton said the collaboration reflects a publisher-led, data-driven approach rooted in real communities, making Hispanic audiences easier for advertisers to buy, measure, and scale.
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Hartline Flips Fiesta 99-1 Cleveland TN to Oldies 99-1
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 3:53pm CT |
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Hartline LLC flips Latin Hits W256DQ (Fiesta 99-1) in Cleveland, TN to "Oldies 99-1" with the slogan "Good Times and Great Oldies." Program Director Mike Lee, who built the format, said, "The median age in Cleveland, TN is 55 and we have no Oldies formats. We saw a demographic that has money to spend and is greatly under served. the reaction has been amazing."
Oldies 99-1 plays top ten hits from the 60's and 70's. Mike Lee handles morning drive, while long time market vet Joe Cook hosts middays. Phil Kelly is airing in afternoons. Chuck Geiger rocks nights and 'the Overnight Sensation' Jim Cooper hosts midnight-6am.
Spotset Radio Network Reaches 12.5M Adults Weekly
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 12, 2025 | 2:13pm CT |
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Spotset Radio Network has announced that it now reaches an estimated 12.5 million adults ages 18 and older each week, according to Nielsen data. The weekly audience represents approximately 5% of all U.S. adults and 25% of Black adults 18+. Spotset is an unwired radio advertising network composed of Black-owned and independently owned radio stations and currently includes 115 affiliates nationwide.
Established in 1996, Spotset is a second-generation unwired radio network created by Memphis-based Trust Marketing & Communications. The company acquired Mid-South Media, a small-market radio advertising network, in 1996 and relaunched the operation as Spotset Radio Network in 2000. Today, the network aggregates 115 radio stations across more than 70 markets, spanning large, mid-size, and small markets nationwide.
Nielsen research cited alongside the Spring 2025 survey indicates radio reaches 91% of Black Americans on a monthly basis, with average daily audio listening of four hours and 23 minutes. Nielsen also notes that more than half of the Black population in the U.S. is under age 35, a demographic factor contributing to growing influence across digital and streaming media platforms.
Spotset Corporate President Ryan Robertson said the network operates across more than 75 markets while remaining headquartered in Memphis. According to the company, current advertisers include General Motors, Procter & Gamble brands, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Diageo.
Gilliam Communications and WLOK-AM & FM owner Art Gilliam said the network's structure allows advertisers to aggregate audiences across stations programmed for Black listeners, while maintaining local ownership and community-based operations.
In its broader analysis, Nielsen said Black Americans continue to play a central role in shaping cultural and consumer trends, reinforcing the importance of media strategies that prioritize reach and representation.
Amber Lee Exits Cumulus Topeka After Nearly 12 Years
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 2:36pm CT |
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Amber Lee, Operations Manager for Cumulus Media Topeka, has exited the company after nearly twelve years as her position was eliminated. Lee joined Cumulus Topeka in January 2014, overseeing the six-station cluster that includes Majic 107.7 KMAJ-FM, V100, 99.3 The Eagle, 102.9 Cat Country, AM 1440 KMAJ and AM 1490 KTOP.
Lee also served as Program Director and afternoon host for Majic 107.7. Earlier this year, she expanded her responsibilities by adding PD duties for CHR 107.3 The Vibe (KMJK) in Kansas City.
Her previous stints included serving as Operations Manager for Great Plains Media's Lawrence, KS cluster from 2009 to 2013, and on-air roles at KMXL and KSYN Joplin, MO; KAWO Boise, ID; and stations in the Twin Cities.
In a social media post, Lee confirmed her departure and noted the longevity of her tenure amid a rapidly shifting industry. "After 11 years and 11 months, my position with Cumulus was eliminated," she wrote. "Reaching almost 12 years with a single employer is a remarkable feat in media. If you've listened, commented on social, came to an event, played a contest, or even waved at me while I was driving that huge van, thank you for engaging. The state of radio today can be hard to love. What's next for me? TBD."
APMG to Pay $86K Over Unauthorized EAS Tone Broadcasts
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 2:16pm CT |
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American Public Media Group (APMG) will pay an $86,400 penalty and implement new compliance safeguards after the Federal Communications Commission resolved an investigation into the improper broadcast of Emergency Alert System (EAS) tones across hundreds of public radio outlets.
The FCC Enforcement Bureau found that on May 24, 2023, APMG transmitted EAS tones and portions of NOAA tornado-warning audio during an episode of the BBC program Witness History titled "Chasing the World's Biggest Tornado." The tones were aired without any actual emergency, authorized test, or qualifying public service announcement. According to the Commission, the program containing the tones was broadcast on all 46 stations licensed to Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), as well as approximately 500 affiliated noncommercial stations that carry APM-distributed programming.
Federal rules strictly prohibit the use of real or simulated EAS tones outside of genuine alerts or authorized tests. Regulators have long warned that misuse risks causing public confusion and "alert fatigue," reducing the effectiveness of the system during real emergencies. The FCC received multiple notifications from the public flagging the improper use of the tones, prompting the Enforcement Bureau to investigate. Bureau staff confirmed the presence of EAS header tones and tornado-warning audio within the BBC segment.
To settle the case, APMG entered into a Consent Decree in which it admits the factual record, agrees to pay the $86,400 amount, and commits to establishing a formal compliance regime. The organization will designate a compliance officer, create internal operating procedures to prevent unauthorized EAS tone use, distribute a compliance manual to relevant staff, and conduct regular training. It must also report any future noncompliance to the FCC and file compliance reports over a two-year period.
With the Consent Decree adopted, the FCC has terminated its investigation and dismissed all related complaints. In the absence of new evidence, the Commission also stated it will not question APMG's qualifications to hold broadcast licenses based on this matter.
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iHeartMedia Shares Spike as Meme-Stock Fever Hits IHRT
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 4:12pm CT |
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iHeartMedia became the latest radio broadcaster to be swept into a wave of social-media-fueled trading on Thursday, with shares jumping as much as 11.5% in afternoon trading amid heavy attention from online investor groups.
According to TradingView, iHeartMedia (IHRT) saw a sharp burst of volume as traders in Discord chat rooms and on X encouraged coordinated buying of the stock -- behavior mirroring the meme-stock surge that lifted industry peer Beasley Media Group just one day earlier. The chatter pushed the price higher throughout the session, with IHRT ultimately touching a new 52-week high of $5.24. The company's shares are now up 159% since the start of the year.
The surge adds to a string of unusually volatile sessions for the broadcaster. iHeartMedia has recorded 68 daily moves of 5% or more over the past year, but swings of this magnitude remain rare. Wednesday's trading brought a 5% gain on continued momentum from the prior session, when the stock climbed more than 13% on elevated volume despite no apparent corporate news or fundamentals driving the move.
The pattern reflects a broader meme-stock dynamic emerging in the radio sector. As Beasley Broadcast Group (BBGI) demonstrated this week -- soaring more than 250% intraday and triggering repeated NASDAQ volatility halts -- low-float broadcasters are increasingly becoming targets for online speculation. Social media posts hyping Beasley as a "buyout lottery ticket" and Discord servers pushing coordinated trades sent that stock skyrocketing despite ongoing financial headwinds.
A similar playbook now appears to be unfolding with iHeartMedia, where retail traders are amplifying one another's posts and algorithms are accelerating the trend. While the online excitement has pushed IHRT dramatically higher, long-term investors have faced a different reality: A $1,000 investment in iHeartMedia five years ago would be worth just $426.65 today.
Still, with meme-driven volatility dominating trading screens this week, radio stocks remain in the spotlight -- even as the underlying businesses show no corresponding shift in fundamentals.
Kaplar to Step Down, O'Rielly Named Media Institute CEO
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10:27am CT |
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The Media Institute announced that longtime President and CEO Richard T. Kaplar will step down on January 31, 2026, concluding a 44-year tenure with the nonprofit organization that advocates for First Amendment principles and communications policy. The Institute's Board of Trustees has selected former FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly as his successor.
Kaplar, who joined the Institute in 1981, said the decision comes at a natural transition point. "I've had the privilege of advancing The Media Institute's mission for 44 years and especially during these last eight years as its head. It's been extremely satisfying, but I think it's time for change," he said. He added that he fully supports O'Rielly's appointment and plans to remain with the organization as a consultant.
Over more than four decades, Kaplar helped shape virtually every lasting program at the Institute. He served as Vice President from 1984 to 2016, became Executive Director in 2016, and assumed leadership of the organization in 2018. He was named President and CEO later that year. His accomplishments include launching the Digital Media Center in 2020, "The Madison Project" in 2023, and establishing the Institute's Fellows Program.
Kaplar has written, edited, or produced more than 40 publications in the communications policy arena, with interests spanning the First Amendment, competition and market economics, and media regulation.
O'Rielly, who will take over as President and CEO, currently leads MPORielly Consulting Inc. and has served as a Senior Fellow at the Institute. "I am humbled by the Board's selection of me to replace Rick Kaplar, who has so ably and honorably served The Media Institute for decades," O'Rielly said. He emphasized that defending First Amendment principles will remain central to the Institute's mission.
O'Rielly served as an FCC commissioner from 2013 to 2020, where he was known for supporting media innovation, including NextGen TV and 5G advancements, as well as expanding broadband access. Before joining the Commission, he spent nearly 20 years in Congress in various policy roles on both the House and Senate sides.
Richard E. Wiley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, praised Kaplar's impact and welcomed O'Rielly's appointment. "With a career spanning five decades, Rick Kaplar has been an inspirational leader of the Institute," Wiley said. "We both are pleased to welcome Mike O'Rielly as our new and outstanding President and CEO."
Stingray, BYD Launch New In-Car Audio Platform
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 3:56pm CT |
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Stingray, which recently announced its acquisition of TuneIn, has unveiled a new co-branded in-car entertainment platform for automakers, debuting as BYD Audio by Stingray through a partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer BYD.
The new infotainment service integrates Stingray's full suite of audio products directly into BYD's in-vehicle experience, including Stingray Karaoke with microphone support and the wellness-focused Calm Radio. The launch marks the first of several OEM deals in development as Stingray expands its automotive footprint.
Designed for flexibility and customization, the platform allows automakers to tailor the interface and content to their own brand identity and target audiences. Drivers will have access to hundreds of curated music channels updated weekly, more than four million podcasts, and thousands of global radio stations.
The service supports both premium and ad-supported subscription models to give automakers and consumers multiple engagement options.
"The launch of this new co-branded IVI product marks a significant milestone in our mission to deliver unparalleled entertainment experiences wherever consumers are," said Jim Riley, President of Stingray Music USA. He noted strong early reaction and highlighted the platform's blend of music, karaoke, and wellness as a redefinition of modern in-car entertainment.
Stella Li, BYD Executive Vice President, said the partnership aligns with BYD's focus on delivering cutting-edge technology to customers. "Stingray's suite of audio services will play an important role in our cutting-edge cabin features," Li said. "BYD Audio by Stingray will offer customers an exceptional, world-class music, podcast and radio experience to enhance every journey."
The rollout completes Stingray's entertainment ecosystem within BYD vehicles, enabling drivers to shift seamlessly between curated music, interactive karaoke, and calming soundscapes for a more immersive and personalized audio environment.
Fred Child Named CEO of All Classical Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 10:32am CT |
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All Classical Radio in Portland, OR has named broadcaster and arts advocate Fred Child as its next President and CEO, effective January 2. Child will relocate from New York City to take the role, succeeding Suzanne Nance, who stepped down earlier this year after a decade leading the organization. Since July, Greg Arntson has served as Interim CEO.
Child is best known for his 25-year tenure as host of the syndicated classical music program "Performance Today," heard on hundreds of public radio stations across the country. He has also served as the Emmy-winning announcer for PBS's Live From Lincoln Center and hosted NPR's Creators @ Carnegie. Earlier in his career, he was Music Director and Director of Cultural Programming at WNYC New York and spent a decade on air at Oregon Public Broadcasting.
"Fred has been a leader in connecting music-makers with music-lovers, and advancing access to the arts with a passion and approach that is absolutely infectious," said All Classical Radio Board Chair Elaine Durst, noting his experience and vision for public media and arts programming.
Child, who grew up in Portland and studied classical piano and jazz, called the move a homecoming and praised the station's role as a free cultural resource. "It is a joy to return to my hometown of Portland and an honor to join this beloved institution," he said, adding that he looks forward to building on All Classical's work in "great music, outstanding performances, and engaging storytelling."
Child's appointment comes during a period of change for the organization. Last December, All Classical Radio opened its new headquarters, which includes five production studios, the Irving Levin Performance Hall, and the James DePreist Recording Studio. In July, a federal budget rescission eliminated $500,000 in previously approved annual support for the station, prompting a push from community donors to help close the funding gap as the network reassesses its long-term financial strategy.
Beasley Stock Soars Amid Meme Frenzy, Trading Halts
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 4:08pm CT |
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Beasley Broadcast Group (BBGI) is once again displaying classic "meme stock" behavior, with retail investors and online speculators driving massive, rapid swings in its share price despite ongoing financial challenges at the company.
The stock surged over 256% by late morning, jumping from an opening price of $6.05 -- already sharply higher than yesterday's $4.32 close -- to $14.45 by 11:45am. The explosive rise triggered multiple NASDAQ trading halts for volatility and "abnormal activity."
Analysts and market trackers note that Beasley has increasingly fit the profile of a meme stock, propelled by:
- Extreme intraday volatility, with past sessions seeing moves from roughly $4 to over $20 in a single day.
- Social media-driven hype, particularly from Discord trading groups, Reddit-style communities, and automated AI-generated stock posts.
- Persistent M&A speculation, with online chatter frequently suggesting Beasley as a potential buyout target.
- A low float and elevated short interest, making the shares highly sensitive to coordinated buying pressure.
That dynamic was visible again today. Prominent social media trading promoters highlighted the stock during its early surge. One such poster, "Coach Nick Money," touted that his private Discord flagged BBGI "before its parabolic run," while another trader, Jesse Whiteman, called Beasley "the M&A lottery ticket," claiming hedge funds were positioning for a possible $9-$12 buyout.
Market observers say the pattern aligns with typical meme-stock mechanics: Retail groups pile in, algorithms amplify the buzz, and rising prices force short sellers to cover, accelerating the climb.
For Beasley -- a traditional radio broadcaster operating 112 stations in 87 markets -- the wild trading stands in sharp contrast to its real-world financial pressures. But in the current environment, that may not matter much. As long as online speculation remains high, BBGI continues to be swept into volatile meme-driven cycles.
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