Top Radio News

iHeart Retains Top Spot in Podtrac May Rankings

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 3:02pm CT

Podtrac

Podtrac's latest podcast industry rankings show iHeart continuing to dominate the U.S. podcast landscape, while audience growth was widespread across the industry in May 2026.

According to Podtrac's Top U.S. Podcast Publishers & Networks ranking, iHeart Audience Network remained the nation's largest podcast publisher and network, reaching 63.1 million unique monthly listeners and generating more than 300.7 million downloads and streams during May. iHeartPodcasts held the No. 2 position with 33.8 million unique monthly listeners and 164 million downloads and streams.

NPR Sales Network ranked third with 19.7 million unique monthly listeners, followed by Libsyn and Vox Media.

Podtrac reported that three publishers in the rankings posted month-over-month gains in downloads during May, while 16 of the 19 ranked participants increased their unique monthly audience compared to April.

Rounding out the Top 10 publishers and networks were The Walt Disney Company, PodcastOne, Fox Audio Network, DailyWire and Paramount.

In the Top U.S. Podcasts ranking, The Daily from The New York Times moved up one spot to claim the No. 1 position, overtaking NPR News Now, which slipped to second. NPR's Up First remained third, while Dateline NBC and Fox News Hourly Update completed the Top Five.

Other notable movements included On Purpose with Jay Shetty climbing two places to No. 11, The Shawn Ryan Show rising four spots to No. 13, and NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! making the largest gain in the Top 20, jumping 22 positions to No. 18.

Loud Media Launches 105.9 GREG FM in Knoxville

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 4:00pm CT

WGAP-FM (GREG FM)/Knoxville

Loud Media has launched a new station in Knoxville, introducing the Greg Beharrell-centered GREG FM format to East Tennessee on 105.9 WGAP. The station, branded as 105.9 GREG FM, features the format developed by YEA Media Group and built around the humor, storytelling, observations and distinctive style of syndicated personality Greg Beharrell.

According to Loud Media, the format combines music, entertainment, comedy and unexpected content to create a unique 24-hour listening experience designed to stand apart from traditional radio offerings.

"Radio works best when it surprises people," said Aaron Ishmael, owner of Loud Media. "Greg has built a tremendous following by doing exactly that. His ability to connect with listeners through humor, storytelling, and a genuinely unique perspective makes him a perfect fit for our vision. When we learned about the GREG FM format from YEA Media Group, we knew Knoxville deserved to hear it."

Beharrell, known for his unconventional humor, welcomed the launch in his trademark style. "Launching GREG FM in Knoxville is more than I could have asked for," Beharrell said. "I've long been in awe of Knoxville, specifically, the rarity of the letter x being followed by the letter v which, like Greg FM, seems as though it shouldn't work, yet, somehow..."

The station is now airing throughout the Knoxville market on WGAP and is also available online and through connected listening platforms.

Steve Harmon to Host Opry Tribute to Don Williams

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 11:27am CT

Steve Harmon

Westwood One personality Steve Harmon will take center stage at the Grand Ole Opry this week as guest announcer for "Opry 100 Honors: Don Williams," a special tribute celebrating the legacy of the late country music icon. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 7pm at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville as part of the Opry's centennial celebration series.

Harmon, host of the nationally syndicated "Country Gold with Steve Harmon" and Westwood One's "24/7 Mainstream Country Morning Show," will serve as host for the evening, which will feature performances honoring Williams from artists including Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban and Rodney Crowell.

Known as "The Gentle Giant," Williams was one of country music's most influential performers, earning a devoted following through a string of hits that spanned several decades.

"It's an honor to be a part of history, and a part of a very special night to honor Don Williams and his family," Harmon said. "A once-in-a-lifetime night!"

"Opry 100 Honors: Don Williams" is part of the Grand Ole Opry's ongoing 100th anniversary celebration, spotlighting legendary artists whose contributions helped shape country music and the Opry's storied history.

Love Always Grant Expands WPR Music Program Statewide

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 11:05am CT

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR)

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) will expand its Classical Music Day initiative across the state after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Love Always Foundation.

The grant, awarded to the Wisconsin Public Radio Association, will support the growth of the program from its original base in Milwaukee into a statewide performing arts and arts education initiative designed to highlight student musicians and connect their performances with audiences throughout Wisconsin.

Funding will enable each of WPR's regional bureaus in Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Eau Claire, Superior and Wausau to host its own Classical Music Day event. The events will be developed in partnership with local educators, arts organizations and community groups, with the goal of celebrating emerging musical talent while reflecting the unique cultural character of each region.

All Classical Music Day events will be free and open to the public, ensuring broad access for students, families and community members. Organizers say the initiative will strengthen local arts ecosystems by bringing together student performers, educators and audiences in shared community spaces.

Originally launched in Milwaukee, Classical Music Day brings student musicians from schools, youth ensembles and community organizations together to perform in professional concert settings. As part of the expanded program, middle and high school students will also be invited to attend educational presentations by artists featured in PBS Wisconsin Education's "Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin" multimedia collection, which explores the state's diverse musical traditions through artist stories and curriculum-based resources.

Participants will receive take-home educational materials designed to deepen their understanding of the relationship between music, culture, history and community identity.

Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin are services of UW-Madison's Wisconsin Public Media division and the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.

Salem Launches Talent Agency, Signs First Client

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 4:08pm CT

Salem Media

Salem Media has expanded its presence in the faith-based media sector with the launch of Salem Creators Agency (SCA), a new talent representation venture focused on faith-centric and family-friendly creators. The company also announced that Christian content creator, speaker and media personality Jason Jackson Jr. has become the agency's first client.

Salem said the new agency will provide strategic representation and business development services across publishing, podcasting, live events, speaking engagements, music, film and television. The move broadens Salem's role beyond content distribution and audience development into talent management and career growth.

"For years, we've worked alongside some of the most influential voices in media," said David Santrella, CEO of Salem Media. "Many of them are looking for more than platform monetization. They want a partner who not only understands their audience and shares their values but also has the experience to help them continue building their brands. Launching SCA is a natural next step for us."

According to Salem, the agency was created to address what it sees as a lack of representation firms focused specifically on faith-based and family-oriented talent. SCA will assist clients with speaking opportunities, publishing projects, brand partnerships, media appearances and other business ventures.

Andrew Samalot, Managing Director of Salem Creators Agency, said today's creators are building brands that extend beyond social media platforms and require broader strategic guidance.

Jackson, the agency's inaugural client, has amassed more than one million followers across social media since launching his platforms in 2023. His content focuses on faith, personal transformation, purpose and culture. After initially pursuing a football career, Jackson shifted his focus to ministry and content creation while in college. Today, he reaches audiences through social media, speaking engagements and his talk show, "The Pew."

"I've always believed God gave me this platform for a reason," Jackson said. "I'm excited to partner with a team that understands where I want to go and shares my heart for reaching people with a message of faith and hope."

Salem said SCA plans to continue adding talent as it builds a roster of faith-centric and family-friendly creators. The company operates a national radio network, digital platforms and publishing brands focused on Christian and conservative content.

Spotset Media Reaches Record 19.6 Million Weekly

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 3:42pm CT

Spotset Media

Spotset Media has reached a record weekly audience of 19.6 million Adults 18+, according to Nielsen's Fall 2025 audience estimates, marking the largest reach in the Memphis-based company's nearly 30-year history.

The audio network, which connects advertisers with consumers through more than 100 U.S. radio outlets, said the milestone reflects continued growth in key markets and audience segments while reinforcing radio's ability to deliver both national scale and local relevance.

Spotset said its network allows advertisers to access nearly 20 million consumers each week through a single media buy, offering broad reach while leveraging the trust and community connections associated with local radio stations.

"Advertisers don't need more media options, they need more effective ones," said Howard Robertson, Founder and CEO of Spotset Media. "Our network helps brands achieve national scale while maintaining the trust and authenticity that only local media can provide. That's a combination that's becoming increasingly difficult to find in today's fragmented media marketplace."

The company noted that radio continues to be one of the nation's most widely used media platforms. According to Nielsen, radio reaches 93% of American adults each week despite increased competition from streaming services, podcasts, social media and other digital channels.

Founded in Memphis in 2000, Spotset Media has grown into what it describes as the nation's largest aggregation of Black-owned and independently owned radio stations. The network focuses on helping advertisers engage diverse audiences through locally trusted voices and community-based media outlets.

To illustrate the scale of its audience, Spotset pointed to Nielsen data showing that CBS's primetime drama "Tracker" reaches approximately 16.5 million viewers weekly, compared with the network's 19.6 million weekly radio listeners.

"Audience size matters, but influence matters more," said Ryan Robertson, President of Spotset Media. "We always say that radio DJs are the original influencers. Our network connects brands with trusted local voices and culturally relevant audiences in communities that shape consumer trends nationwide and even globally."

AURN Elevates Isaiah Bryant to Senior VP Role

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 11:06am CT

Isaiah Bryant

American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) has promoted Isaiah Bryant to Senior Vice President of Revenue & Strategic Partnerships, expanding his leadership responsibilities across the company's national sales and business development efforts.

In his new role, Bryant will oversee AURN's national revenue strategy, lead strategic sales initiatives, strengthen relationships with advertising agencies and clients, and develop integrated opportunities across the network's audio, podcast, streaming, video, digital, and programmatic platforms.

AURN said Bryant has played a key role in the company's growth since joining the organization, citing his leadership, strategic vision, and ability to build strong client partnerships while delivering effective marketing solutions.

"Isaiah has consistently demonstrated the vision, leadership, and business acumen that have helped drive our growth across audio, digital, podcasting, streaming, and emerging media platforms," said AURN Chief Executive Officer Chesley Maddox-Dorsey. "As we continue expanding our portfolio and creating innovative opportunities for advertisers and strategic partners, Isaiah's ability to execute forward-thinking solutions makes him the ideal leader for this role."

Maddox-Dorsey added that Bryant's contributions have helped fuel the company's expansion and said AURN looks forward to his continued impact in the newly created leadership position.

KCMO Talk Radio Expands into Topeka on 102.9 FM

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 2:53pm CT

KCMO Talk Radio Kansas City

Cumulus Media has expanded the reach of its Kansas City-based KCMO Talk Radio (95.7 FM & 710 AM) with the launch of a full-time simulcast on KTOP-FM (102.9) in Topeka. The new format debuted at noon Central time Monday, replacing the station's previous Country format as "102.9 Cat Country."

The addition of KCMO Talk Radio gives Cumulus a second News/Talk outlet in Topeka, alongside The Big Talker 93.5 FM/1440 AM KMAJ.

Pete Mundo, Vice President of News/Talk for Cumulus Media and Program Director and morning host of KCMO Talk Radio, said the expansion strengthens the station's connection to the region.

"Bringing KCMO Talk Radio to the Topeka market is a natural fit," Mundo said. "From the Governor's Office to the Statehouse, much of the news driving our daily programming originates in the state capital. Now, we're excited to welcome Topeka listeners into the conversation, connecting directly with the community and delivering the regional and local news coverage it deserves."

Cumulus Media's Topeka cluster now includes KDVV-FM (V100), KMAJ-FM (Majic 107.7), Classic Hits KWIC-FM (99.3 The Eagle), The Big Talker KMAJ, and the newly branded 102.9 KCMO Talk Radio/KTOP-FM.

Report: RAB Offers Guidance on Radio Ad Frequency

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 3:01pm CT

Cumulus Media | Westwood One

A new blog from the Cumulus Media | Westwood One's Audio Active Group is challenging common assumptions about radio advertising frequency, arguing that many advertisers and sellers significantly underestimate the number of commercials needed to achieve campaign goals.

In the latest blog, Pierre Bouvard examines one of the most common questions received by RAB: "How many ads should I run per week?" The answer, he says, depends on the advertiser's objective.

The report outlines four campaign intensity levels developed through a partnership between RAB and Cumulus Media | Westwood One. The categories range from a minimum or "very light" schedule reaching roughly one-third of a station's audience, to a "launch" or heavy schedule capable of reaching 78% of listeners.

The study found that ad frequency requirements vary widely by radio format and audience behavior. A key factor is a station's "turnover" rate -- a calculation based on weekly cumulative audience divided by average quarter-hour listenership. Higher-turnover stations require more commercials to achieve the same audience reach goals.

According to the report, a medium or "high impact" campaign should reach about two-thirds of a station's audience an average of three times per week. This approach mirrors recommendations from the Wizards of Ads agency, which advocates continuous year-round advertising at that level.

Research cited in the blog suggests both agencies and radio sales professionals consistently underestimate the number of commercials needed for medium and heavy campaigns. An RAB survey found agencies believed 33 weekly spots were needed to reach two-thirds of a station's audience, when the actual average requirement was closer to 51 spots. Similarly, agencies estimated 46 weekly spots were needed to reach 78% of a station's audience, while the study found more than 100 weekly spots were often necessary.

The blog also references a Media Monitors analysis showing that most radio advertising schedules fall well below those levels. Of more than 183,000 commercials analyzed across 1,685 stations, only 2% of campaigns qualified as heavy schedules and just 4% were considered medium-impact campaigns. Nearly three-quarters of schedules were classified as very light.

Additional findings from an iHeartMedia and LeadsRx attribution study indicate a direct relationship between advertising volume and website traffic. The study of 310 auto dealers found website visits increased as the number of daily radio ads rose, with campaigns running 40 or more daily spots generating a 55% increase in traffic.

Bouvard concludes that advertisers should align schedule intensity with campaign objectives and avoid expecting major results from light schedules. For radio sellers, he recommends building proposals around clearly defined campaign goals and educating clients on the reach and frequency required to achieve them.

Read the entire blog post here.

NPR Names Nadine Zylstra Chief Content Officer

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 10:30pm CT

Nadine Zylstra (photo credit: Jalene Zabrucky)

NPR has appointed Nadine Zylstra as its new Chief Content Officer. She joins NPR from Pinterest, where Zylstra served as Global Head of Programming and Originals. In her new role, she will oversee NPR's content portfolio, leading more than 600 journalists and storytellers across news, arts and cultural programming, podcasts and NPR Music.

NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher said Zylstra's experience across media, technology and content creation made her the ideal choice to help guide the organization's future.

"To meet the evolving needs of our audiences, we knew we needed a visionary leader who understands both the responsibility of our public service mission and the dynamic strategies required to serve audiences in a crowded ecosystem," Maher said. "Nadine brings an extraordinarily rare blend of creative foresight, business acumen, and deep personal commitment to mission-driven storytelling."

As Chief Content Officer, Zylstra will be responsible for shaping NPR's content strategy, aligning programming with audience needs and emerging distribution opportunities, and driving innovation across the organization's journalism and cultural offerings.

Zylstra said her career experiences have prepared her for the role. "I am honored to serve NPR as its new Chief Content Officer," she said. "At Sesame Street, I learned how content can change the way people understand the world around them. At YouTube I learned to put the user at the center of the storytelling. Finally, at Pinterest I learned that there is a business to build around positivity."

At Pinterest, Zylstra oversaw the platform's editorial voice for more than 631 million monthly active users. Prior to Pinterest, she held several senior leadership positions at YouTube, including Global Head of YouTube Originals and Head of Kids and Learning Originals.

RAB Debuts AI-Focused Sales Webinar Series

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 11:11am CT

Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) is launching a new four-part live presentation series aimed at helping broadcasters leverage artificial intelligence to improve sales performance, identify new business opportunities and drive revenue growth.

Entitled "The AI Advantage for Radio Sales," the series begins July 8 and will spotlight a different RAB AI-powered tool each month. The webinars are designed to demonstrate practical applications of AI throughout the sales process, featuring live demonstrations and success stories from broadcasters already using the tools in their organizations.

Hosted by RAB Senior Vice President of Digital Services Dave Casper and Senior Vice President of Professional Development Jeff Schmidt, each session will provide an overview of the featured technology, showcase its capabilities in real-world scenarios and offer insights from broadcasters who have successfully integrated the tools into their sales strategies.

The series schedule includes:

• July 8 - ProspectingPro
• August 5 - CopyWrite
• August 19 - AI Visibility Playbook for Radio
• September 9 - Why Radio

"AI is rapidly reshaping how sellers work, research, prospect and communicate," Casper said. "This series is designed to move beyond theory and show broadcasters practical ways to integrate AI tools into their sales strategies through demos, peer insights and real-world success stories."

Schmidt said the goal is to help broadcasters understand where AI can provide the greatest value within the sales process.

"The opportunity isn't just adopting AI - it's understanding where it can create meaningful value within the sales process," Schmidt said. "Through this series, broadcasters will gain a clearer understanding of how these resources can support prospecting, messaging, visibility and demonstrating radio's impact."

The webinar series is free to RAB members, and registrants will have access to on-demand recordings following each presentation.

MIW Webinar Focuses on AI for Radio Sales

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 11:33am CT

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW)

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) will host a free webinar exploring the growing role of artificial intelligence in radio sales on July 15.

The session, entitled "AI in Radio Sales: Work Smarter, Sell More," is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at 2 p.m. ET and is designed for radio sellers, managers and broadcast professionals interested in learning how AI can improve productivity, prospecting, proposal development and campaign performance.

Moderated by MIW Board Member and Webinar Committee Chair Meg Dowdy, the interactive webinar will feature a panel of industry executives currently using AI tools in sales, management and digital media operations. Panelists include Kelli Frieler, CEO of Vibrant Impact and Director of Digital for Guaranty Media; Nancy Abramson, Senior Vice President of Affiliate Sales & Content for Compass Media Networks; and Dara Kalvort, Vice President of Digital Sales & Strategy for StreamGuys.

MIW Board President Sheila Kirby said AI is already changing how broadcasters work and interact with clients. "Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept, it is already reshaping how radio professionals work, sell, and serve their clients," Kirby said. "This webinar is designed to help broadcasters cut through the noise, understand what tools are available today, and learn practical ways to work more efficiently and effectively."

Topics will include using AI to create proposals, pitches and spec spots; researching prospects; improving sales outreach; analyzing campaign performance; and implementing AI strategies within sales organizations. The webinar will also feature a "Try This Tomorrow" segment, where panelists will recommend beginner-friendly AI tools attendees can begin using immediately.

Dowdy said the session is intended for broadcasters at all experience levels and requires no prior AI knowledge.

"The professionals who learn how to use these tools effectively will gain a significant advantage in productivity, client service, and revenue generation," Dowdy said. "Our goal is to help attendees walk away with ideas they can put into practice immediately."

Registration for the webinar is free. Click here to register.

SiriusXM to Air Every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 4:38pm CT

SiriusXM

SiriusXM will deliver live audio coverage of all 104 matches of FIFA World Cup 2026, providing listeners across the U.S. with comprehensive access to the tournament from June 11 through the championship match on July 19.

The broadcasts will feature FOX Sports' English-language match commentary and air primarily on FOX Sports on SiriusXM (channel 83). When simultaneous matches are played, additional coverage will be available on SiriusXM FC (channel 157). All match broadcasts and related programming will be accessible on SiriusXM radios and through the SiriusXM app.

The tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will include extensive coverage of the U.S. Men's National Team. The Americans begin Group D play against Paraguay on June 12, followed by matches against Australia on June 19 and Turkiye on June 25. All three contests will air live on channel 83.

Beyond match coverage, SiriusXM FC will provide daily analysis, news and commentary throughout the tournament. The channel's lineup will feature an expanded roster of soccer personalities and former players, including former U.S. Men's National Team head coach Bob Bradley, current U.S. international Walker Zimmerman and former England World Cup defender Wes Brown.

They join a lineup that includes National Soccer Hall of Famers Tony Meola and Eric Wynalda, former U.S. internationals Omar Gonzalez, Brian Dunseth and Dax McCarty, along with a roster of coaches, executives and journalists from around the soccer world.

SiriusXM will also celebrate the tournament across its music channels with special "Global Soccer Guest DJ" segments featuring current and former players from the U.S. and abroad. Participating guest DJs include U.S. players Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson, Matt Freese, Matt Turner and Max Arfsten, as well as Ecuador's Leonardo Campana, Paraguay's Miguel Almiron, Canada's Kamal Miller and Haiti's Derrick Etienne Jr.

Additional appearances will include FOX Sports lead studio analyst and National Soccer Hall of Famer Alexi Lalas. The special music features will air throughout the tournament on channels including Hip Hop Nation, Caliente, 90s on 9, The Heat and The 10s Spot.

SiriusXM said the combination of live match broadcasts, daily analysis and music programming is designed to provide subscribers with a comprehensive FIFA World Cup 2026 experience throughout the tournament.

Premiere Offers Glenn Beck July 4 Special to Affiliates

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 8, 2026 | 4:31pm CT

The American Story

Premiere Networks is making a special three-hour Independence Day program hosted by syndicated personality Glenn Beck available to Talk outlets as part of the nation's celebration of America's 250th birthday. Entitled "The American Story," the cinematic-style special explores the events, people and turning points that shaped the U.S..

The program is adapted from a 10-part series originally produced for Beck's Torch platform and presents America's founding era through dramatic storytelling, featuring shipwrecks, religious revivals, frontier battles, political confrontations and the challenges faced by the nation's early leaders.

According to Premiere Networks, listeners will hear accounts of settlers struggling to survive in a new land, preachers fueling spiritual awakenings, revolutionaries challenging British rule and founders working to establish a functioning government amid uncertainty and division.

The special is designed to immerse audiences in key moments of American history through vivid narratives highlighting the unlikely events and decisions that ultimately transformed a collection of colonies into a global symbol of liberty.

"The American Story" will air on more than 350 affiliates carrying The Glenn Beck Weekend Program during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Premiere Networks is also making the special available to Talk stations in non-competing markets beginning July 3, with stations permitted to air the program multiple times throughout the holiday weekend.

Southern California Radio Veteran Craig Carpenter Dies

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 3:47pm CT

Craig Carpenter

Southern California radio personality Craig "Sea" Carpenter, whose distinctive voice was heard on many of the region's legendary rock stations during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, died June 1 following a short illness. He was survived by his children, siblings and extended family.

Carpenter built a lengthy broadcasting career across some of Southern California's most influential radio stations, including KLOS, KMET, KROQ, KNAC, KNX and KEZY. Known for his smooth delivery and extensive knowledge of rock music, he became a familiar voice to generations of listeners during radio's rock-and-roll heyday.

Born in Los Angeles, Carpenter spent part of his childhood in Florida after his father's transfer with the U.S. Air Force before returning to California as a teenager. His passion for music and broadcasting developed early, leading him to take radio broadcasting classes and work at his uncle's Hollywood recording studio, Radio Recorders.

His first taste of broadcasting came long before landing a professional job, using a microphone and speaker from a second-story bedroom window to entertain a small neighborhood audience. That enthusiasm eventually led to his first professional radio position at KLOS and a career that spanned decades.

Beyond his on-air work, Carpenter produced and hosted a radio interview series that featured conversations with rock artists in their homes, offering listeners a personal look at the musicians behind the music. He also taught at several Southern California broadcasting schools, mentoring hundreds of aspiring broadcasters.

Carpenter's final radio home was at KOCI in Orange County.

Following news of his passing, broadcaster Craig Powers shared a tribute on social media, recalling Carpenter as his favorite DJ during his days at KFXM and later a colleague at several stations, including KEZY and KKHR/Hit Radio 93 in Los Angeles. Powers remembered Carpenter's positive attitude, trademark smile and lasting contributions to Southern California radio.

Carpenter is survived by his daughter Jeanne; sons Jason, Matt and Alex; brother Kent; and sister Sheila.

Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall Honors Radio Veterans

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 5, 2026 | 2:31pm CT

Massachusetts Broadcasters Association (MBA)

The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association inducted seven broadcasting professionals into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame during a ceremony held June 4 at the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center in Framingham, recognizing distinguished careers in radio and television.

Among the 2026 inductees with strong radio ties was former MVYRADIO Program Director Barbara Dacey, who spent more than three decades shaping the Martha's Vineyard station's distinctive Triple A sound. Dacey joined the station as a part-time DJ in 1985 and became Program Director in 1993, helping guide its growth into a nationally recognized Adult Album Alternative outlet while also positioning it as an early adopter of internet radio streaming.

Also honored was longtime WBZ-AM Boston personality Jordan Rich, former host of "The Jordan Rich Show." Rich retired from full-time hosting in 2016 after a lengthy run on the station but continues to contribute cultural features and celebrity interviews. He has also been a familiar presence at Hall of Fame events, serving as emcee for many years.

The Hall of Fame additionally recognized the late Arthur J. Singer with its Pioneer Award. Singer, who co-founded the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2007 and served as its first president, made significant contributions to broadcasting education during his tenure at Emerson College. Among his accomplishments was helping develop new facilities for student-operated WERS-FM in Boston.

The remaining 2026 inductees were television journalist Clark Booth, WBZ-TV Sports Director Steve Burton, longtime Boston Bruins play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards, and former WWLP-TV News Director Mike Garreffi.

Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Peter Brown praised the inductees for their dedication to storytelling and broadcasting excellence, noting that they join a Hall of Fame that now includes more than 175 industry figures. Nearly 260 family members, friends, colleagues and supporters attended the event.

NASCAR Broadcaster Ned Jarrett Dies at 93

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 3:52pm CT

Ned Jarrett

NASCAR Hall of Famer and longtime Motor Racing Network broadcaster Ned Jarrett has died at the age of 93. According to a statement released by his family, Jarrett passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 4 at his home in Newton, NC, surrounded by family.

"Our father was a devout Christian and a devoted, loving family man," the family said. "He was a friend to everyone he met and NASCAR's oldest living champion. By all accounts, he was a true NASCAR legend. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate the remarkable life of an amazing man and truly the best father anyone could have wished for."

While best known for his accomplishments behind the wheel, Jarrett also enjoyed a distinguished broadcasting career that spanned decades. Following his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, he became one of the sport's most respected voices on radio and television.

Jarrett joined the Motor Racing Network in 1978, initially serving as a pit reporter before moving into the broadcast booth. He later hosted the daily radio program "Ned Jarrett's World of Racing," which aired for 31 years and featured interviews, stories, and commentary on NASCAR's biggest personalities and events.

Motor Racing Network President Chris Schwartz credited Jarrett with helping shape motorsports broadcasting.

"Following a NASCAR Hall of Fame driving career, Ned Jarrett transitioned to a decades-long career in broadcasting, laying the foundation for so many to follow," Schwartz said. "With his calming voice and attention to detail, Ned was one of motorsports' great storytellers."

Schwartz added that Jarrett's work on MRN helped bring NASCAR to generations of listeners and offered condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the network.