Top Radio News

Study: 91% of Marketers, Agencies Commute to Work

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 11:28am CT

Cumulus Media | Westwood One

Nine in ten marketers and media agency executives now commute to work at least some days, according to new research commissioned by the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group. The findings are examined by Chief Insights Officer Pierre Bouvard in the group's latest blog post, which connects workplace attendance with opportunities for AM/FM radio advertisers.

An Advertiser Perceptions survey of 304 agency and brand respondents, conducted October 1-13, found that 59% commute all or most days, while 32% commute some days. The combined 91% compares with 63% in April 2022.

The share working in the office all or most days increased from 53% in October 2025, although it declined from 64% in April 2026. Eight percent reported working exclusively from home.

A separate nationally representative Quantilope survey of 1,600 adults ages 18 and older, conducted in October, found that 87% of Americans who commuted before the pandemic currently work outside the home. That places their commuting rate four percentage points below the advertising industry respondents.

However, typical Americans reported more days at the workplace, averaging 4.7 per week compared with 4.2 for marketers and agency executives. Among advertising industry respondents, 51% reported working in the office five days a week.

Bouvard argues that commuting patterns reinforce AM/FM radio's value for advertisers. The blog cites Edison Research's third-quarter 2026 "Share of Ear" report, which found that AM/FM accounted for 81% of ad-supported audio listening in cars and trucks.

Both groups were most likely to work at their workplaces Monday through Thursday, with Friday recording the lowest weekday attendance.

The advertising industry survey also found that 80% of respondents had resumed in-person meetings with media vendors, while 81% had resumed attending in-person conferences and events.

Read the full blog post here.

WKRP Plans Rubber Turkey Drop to Benefit Food Pantry

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 11:24am CT

WKRP in Cincinnati

Cincinnati's WKRP-FM will bring a signature moment from "WKRP in Cincinnati" to life on Thanksgiving eve, dropping miniature rubber turkeys from a fire truck ladder during a fundraiser in Hamilton, OH.

The "1st Annual WKRP Turkey Drop" is scheduled for 7:30pm Wednesday, November 25, at Riverfront Plaza between Municipal Brew Works and the Casual Pint and an adjacent parking lot, according to reporting by WVXU's John Kiesewetter.

Listeners will be able to purchase a $10 rubber turkey, with details to be announced later. The turkey landing closest to a target will earn a cash prize. All net proceeds from turkey sales and commemorative T-shirts will benefit Butler County's Open Door Food Pantry.

"WKRP is bringing the legend back," said General Manager Jeff Ziesmann, adding that "this time we've got it right."

The promotion draws its inspiration from the sitcom's 1978 Thanksgiving episode, in which a disastrous live-turkey giveaway ends with station manager Arthur Carlson declaring, "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!"

The real station's event will use rubber birds and a fire truck rather than the fictional promotion's helicopter. WKRP Vice President of Sales Laura Ziesmann said darkness and potential weather concerns made a helicopter an unreliable option.

WKRP host Dave Mason was scheduled to announce the promotion November 2, along with commemorative T-shirts and hats.

The station began broadcasting under the WKRP identity in May and airs on three stations reaching from Dry Ridge, KY, to Dayton, OH. Since its launch, listeners and sitcom fans have repeatedly asked whether it would stage a turkey drop, Kiesewetter reported.

Fisher House Offers Free Veterans Day Radio Special

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 11:33am CT

Fisher House

Fisher House Foundation's 2026 Veterans Day radio special, "Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey," is now available for download by stations nationwide. Hosted by nationally syndicated personality Larry O'Connor, the three-hour program is offered without cash or barter requirements.

Produced for Talk radio, the special is available for broadcast on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, or during the surrounding holiday period. Stations can register and download the program at radio.fisherhouse.org.

The program features interviews with wounded veterans, military families and people involved in Fisher House Foundation's work providing free lodging near medical facilities.

Participants include Army veteran Jonathan Turnbull and his wife, Samantha, who discuss his recovery after a 2019 ISIS suicide bombing in Syria left him blind, along with his participation in the Warrior Games. Sven Jacobs recounts his family's experience after his wife suffered a hemorrhagic stroke during pregnancy while they were stationed in Italy, leading to stays at Fisher Houses in Germany and Texas.

Additional interviews explore a Navy veteran's treatment for Wilson disease, a Coast Guard veteran's recovery from a stroke and return to activity through adaptive sports, and a Navy veteran's heart transplantation.

The special also includes conversations with Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher and President Dave Coker about the organization's mission and expansion.

"We spend a lot of time on the radio talking about the men and women who defend this country," said O'Connor. "For Veterans Day, I want listeners to hear directly from them and from the families who have lived through the sacrifices that come with that service. These are extraordinary stories, and Fisher House is part of every one of them."

According to the foundation, its network of more than 100 Fisher Houses has served more than 570,000 families, providing over 13.4 million days of lodging and saving families an estimated $690 million in out-of-pocket expenses.

For program information and immediate download, visit fisherhouse.org.

John B. Wells Tops 2026 Paranormal 13 Show Rankings

RADIO ONLINE | Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 4:20pm CT

Paranormal Radio

Talk Stream Live's Paranormal Radio has released its 2026 "Paranormal 13" rankings, with "Ark, Caravan to Midnight with John B. Wells" leading the Top Shows category. Art Bell U7 Radio ranked first among stations, while "Into The Parabnormal with Jeremy Scott" topped the podcast list.

The annual report ranks paranormal shows, stations and podcasts based on listener sessions through Talk Stream Live's Paranormal Radio streaming platforms, including its website, apps and connected devices. Rankings are limited to programs and stations listed on the service.

Wells moved into the top show position after finishing second in 2025, trading places with "Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis." "Coast to Coast AM with George Noory" remained third, followed by "Into The Parabnormal with Jeremy Scott" and Richard C. Hoagland's "The Other Side of Midnight."

Art Bell U7 Radio retained its lead among stations, followed by Conspiracy Radio and The UN X Network. In podcasts, "Into The Parabnormal" and "Ground Zero" again held the first two positions, with Whitley Strieber's "Dreamland The Edge of the World" placing third.

The rankings cover programming exploring subjects including supernatural phenomena, UFOs, extraterrestrial life, ghosts, cryptozoology, conspiracy theories and unexplained events.

The Paranormal 13 -- Top Shows:

1. Ark, Caravan to Midnight with John B. Wells
2. Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis
3. Coast to Coast AM with George Noory
4. Into The Parabnormal with Jeremy Scott
5. Richard C. Hoagland - The Other Side of Midnight
6. Fade to Black with Jimmy Church
7. Paranormal Soup with Jason Bland
8. Spaced Out Radio with Dave Scott
9. Infinite Plane Society with Tim Ozman
10. Late Night in the Midlands with Michael Vara
11. The Secret Teachings with Ryan Gable
12. Dreamland with Whitley Strieber
13. Lionel

The Paranormal 13 -- Top Stations:

1. Art Bell U7 Radio
2. Conspiracy Radio
3. The UN X Network
4. Ground Zero Plus
5. Art Bell All Day Radio
6. Paranormal UK Radio
7. Para X Radio
8. Anomaly Radio
9. Fringe FM
10. The VARA Network
11. Alien Dreams Radio
12. Roswell UFO Radio
13. BBS Radio

The Paranormal 13 -- Top Podcasts:

1. Into The Parabnormal with Jeremy Scott
2. Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis
3. Dreamland The Edge of the World with Whitley Strieber
4. Richard Syrett Strange Planet
5. Paranormal UK Radio
6. Behind The Paranormal with Paul & Ben Eno
7. Dark History by Bailey Sarian
8. Bigfoot Terror in the Woods
9. Belief Hole Podcast
10. 13 O'Clock Podcast
11. Astonishing Legends
12. American Hauntings Podcast
13. Where Did The Road Go

Valentine Returns to Hubbard as Alexandria-Wadena GM

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 30, 2026 | 2:44pm CT

Kris Valentine

Hubbard Radio has named Kris Valentine as General Manager of its Alexandria and Wadena, MN operations, returning him to the markets where he served as Operations Manager from 2020 to 2023. He and his wife, Chelsea, will also bring the "Kris & Chelsea" show back to mornings on Country KIKV-FM (100.7 KIK-FM).

Valentine will oversee KIKV-FM, KULO-FM, KKWS-FM, KNSP-AM, KWAD-AM and 2060 Digital. Chelsea will lead social media strategy for both markets.

Valentine most recently served as Director of Country Programming for Leighton Media, where he also co-hosted afternoons with Chelsea. He became Program Director of Leighton's KZPK in St. Cloud in December 2023 before being promoted to the group programming role in November 2025.

His earlier experience includes programming KZPK from 2016 to 2018, afternoon hosting positions at KMNB in Minneapolis and KWJJ in Portland, OR, and on-air roles at KYGO in Denver, KEEY in Minneapolis and KHAK in Cedar Rapids.

"I'm incredibly excited to return to Hubbard and take on the General Manager role for Alexandria and Wadena," said Valentine. "I have a lot of history with these markets, and I'm excited to come back, build on what's already there, and help take Alexandria and Wadena to new heights."

Chelsea said returning to the company and the morning show carries particular significance because Alexandria is home. "Returning alongside Kris to bring the Kris & Chelsea Show back to mornings feels like coming full circle," she said. "I'm also excited to serve again as a community ambassador and digital brand strategist."

Hubbard Minnesota President/Region Manager Dan Seeman welcomed the pair's return. "Kris is an incredible talent and programming mind. He has proved it with great success at every stop in his career," said Seeman. "We are so excited to have him lead our heritage radio properties and 2060 Digital in Alexandria and Wadena."

Cumulus Plans ZoneCasting Launch at Boston's WXLO

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 30, 2026 | 1:36pm CT

WXLO-FM (104.5 XLO) in Boston

Cumulus Media plans to introduce ZoneCasting technology at WXLO-FM (104.5 XLO) in Boston during the first quarter of 2027, enabling the station to air different commercials simultaneously in separate geographic portions of the market.

The deployment, announced in partnership with Aktira, will allow WXLO to deliver targeted advertising in a designated zone east of Route 128 while listeners outside that area continue to receive the station's primary broadcast.

Advertisers could use the service to promote specific retail locations or offers to listeners within the zone while a different commercial airs elsewhere. Cumulus said the technology will give local, regional and national businesses additional flexibility to tailor campaigns within Greater Boston.

The initiative also complements Cumulus' use of Xperi's DTS AutoStage platform, which provides near-real-time information about in-car radio listening. "Cumulus is bringing together two complementary technologies to make local radio more relevant and measurable," said Cumulus Media Vice President/Market Manager Bob Goodell.

Goodell said more than 90,000 connected vehicles in Boston provide daily radio listening data through DTS AutoStage, offering insight into where in-car listening occurs. ZoneCasting will allow the station to deliver selected advertising and content to specific portions of the market.

"Together, they allow our customers to better take advantage of where people are listening, not just where they live," he said.

"Cumulus is demonstrating what the next generation of local radio can look like," said GeoBroadcast Solutions CEO Chris Devine. "This deployment preserves the broad reach of FM while giving the station greater flexibility to serve the distinct communities within a large, diverse market."

Cincinnati's STAR 93.3 Flips to All-Christmas Music

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 4:14pm CT

WAKW-FM (STAR 93.3) in Cincinnati

Pillar Media's WAKW-FM (STAR 93.3) in Cincinnati switched to around-the-clock Christmas music at midnight November 1, launching its seasonal "Cincinnati's Christmas STAR" programming for the Tri-State area. The holiday playlist includes classics from Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra alongside contemporary favorites from Mariah Carey and Pentatonix.

"Over the years, the arrival of Cincinnati's Christmas STAR has become a beloved tradition for our listeners," said Pillar Media Chief Programming Officer Matt Stockman. "We're thrilled to take part in the unofficial kick-off of the holiday season."

STAR 93.3 midday personality Kristen James said listener requests for Christmas music begin months before the seasonal switch.

"Christmas is such a joyful time for so many people who listen to STAR. We start getting requests for Christmas music in July!" said James. "So, to be able to get the season started a little early for those who enjoy it, and to have the opportunity to brighten their day with holiday tunes they love, is such a blessing."

TM Studios Offers Free Midterm Election Theme to Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 5:56pm CT

TM Studios

TM Studios is offering a free election coverage theme to every U.S. radio station ahead of the midterm elections. The theme is available now with no license fees.

Designed for use across music, News and Talk formats, the theme can accompany brief election updates between songs or extended results coverage. Stations can continue using it throughout the week for races that take longer to call.

TM Studios describes the theme as steady, authoritative and nonpartisan, intended to keep attention on election results. "Election night is one of those moments when local radio matters most," said TM Studios CEO Greg Clancy. "People turn to the voices they trust to find out what's happening in their town, their district and their state."

Clancy said the offer is intended to support stations facing staffing and budget constraints. "We know many stations are doing that work with smaller teams and tighter budgets, and we wanted to take one thing off their plate," he said. "Radio has been good to TM for a long time. This is our way of saying thank you to the people doing the work."

The election coverage theme is available now. Download the free package here.

FCC Seeks Comment on FM Short-Spacing Rule Petition

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 30, 2026 | 4:30pm CT

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The FCC's Media Bureau is seeking public comment on a petition that would give FM broadcasters additional flexibility to relocate transmission facilities from aging towers or lost tower sites while maintaining interference protections for other stations.

The Bureau opened MB Docket No. 26-303 in an October 29 public notice addressing an amended petition from Charles M. Anderson. Comments are due December 14, 2026, with reply comments due January 13, 2027.

Anderson proposes adding subsection (f) to Section 73.215 of the FCC's rules, allowing exceptions to the minimum distance limitations in subsection (e). Applicants would have to demonstrate that their proposed facilities would cause no greater interference to short-spaced stations than would occur at the minimum distances specified in the existing provision.

According to the Bureau's summary, Anderson argues that the current distance limits leave existing FM stations no leeway to move from aging towers or lost sites to existing towers.

Anderson initially petitioned the Commission on February 2 to delete subsection (e). His June 16 amendment instead would retain that provision and add a mechanism for exceptions based on an interference showing.

The Bureau said it received supporting letters from Urban One President and CEO Alfred C. Liggins III, dated July 23, and Marble City Media President and CEO Lee Perryman, dated August 20.

In a separate supporting comment, former Illinois station licensee Randal J. Miller argued that the change would help broadcasters maintain service to their communities. Miller, who said he spent 43 years as a licensee before retiring in August 2025, urged the FCC to place greater emphasis on improving existing facilities.

The Bureau has opened the proceeding for public input and has not adopted the requested rule change. Filings can be submitted through the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System under docket number 26-303.

Longtime KRBE Personality Jerome 'YoJ' Ronquillo Dies

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 3:59pm CT

Jerome 'YoJ' Ronquillo

Jerome "YoJ" Ronquillo, a Houston radio personality and production director who spent more than three decades at KRBE-FM (104.1), died October 29 at age 57. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on January 1, though the station did not disclose a cause of death.

Ronquillo began his radio career at KRBE in 1994, handling on-air shifts, live club broadcasts and commercial work. KRBE Content Director Leslie Whittle confirmed to Chron that he most recently served as the station's production director.

In a Facebook tribute, KRBE remembered Ronquillo for his humor, enthusiasm and connection with colleagues and listeners. "YoJ was the life of the party," the station wrote. "His one-line zingers during meetings would make us inappropriately crack up every single time!"

The station also recalled his love of food and Houston sports, particularly the University of Houston, along with his skill at smoking ribs.

In September, Ronquillo performed a sold-out stand-up comedy set at the Houston Improv. The Houston mayor's office proclaimed the date of the performance, September 17, as "YoJ Day."

Following his cancer diagnosis, longtime friend and fellow radio personality Paul "Cubby" Bryant organized a fundraiser in March to help Ronquillo and his wife, Maggie, cover treatment and related expenses.

Bryant remembered their 32-year friendship in a Facebook post, saying he was able to speak with Ronquillo by phone shortly before his death. "Those words matter, and I'm grateful they didn't go unsaid," Bryant wrote.

Ronquillo is survived by his wife, Maggie.

NPR Names David Berzin SVP of Product and Data

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 30, 2026 | 4:36pm CT

David Berzin

NPR has appointed David Berzin Senior Vice President, Product and Data, overseeing its digital product and data strategy. He will lead development of audience-facing products designed to increase engagement and diversify revenue, along with data-sharing infrastructure supporting NPR products and tools used across its network.

Berzin joins NPR from Hearst Magazines, where he served as Vice President, Product, International. In that role, he expanded the company's audience platform across its international portfolio and led artificial intelligence initiatives for technology teams and editors.

"Serving our audiences means bringing the same ambition and curiosity to our digital products that we bring to our journalism and storytelling," said NPR Chief Operating Officer Ryan Merkley. "David brings a combination of product leadership, technical expertise, and experience working across networks of media brands."

At NPR, Berzin will focus on making its journalism, music and cultural programming accessible and discoverable as audience needs change. His responsibilities also include strengthening the digital infrastructure connecting NPR and its member stations.

"I've spent my career building products at big media companies and mission-driven startups," said Berzin. "NPR is the rare place that brings together that focus and sense of purpose. I look forward to partnering with our member stations and continuing to make NPR's journalism, music, and storytelling something people choose every day."

Previously, Berzin developed audience measurement, identity and advertising products at Viacom and led MTV's social platform and early partnerships with emerging social networks. He also held product leadership positions at Vori Health, Parsley Health and Mindbloom.

He began his career launching digital video for The New York Times, WhiteHouse.gov and Conde Nast.

Pacific Media Group Names Grimes Radio Division President

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 3:41pm CT

Sherri Hamamura Grimes

Pacific Media Group has promoted Sherri Hamamura Grimes to President of its Radio Division, overseeing operations across all Hawaiian island markets. The appointment took effect October 26. She will also continue as General Manager of PMG's Maui Radio operations.

Grimes will work directly with Market Managers and leadership teams on station performance, collaboration and long-term growth. A Kauai native with several decades of broadcasting experience in Hawaii, she joined PMG in 1999 and has served as Vice President and General Manager of its Maui Radio operations since 2019.

"I have had the great privilege of working with Sherri since 1999. She has proven to be an outstanding leader and has been a major contributor in PMG's growth and success," said PMG President and CEO Chuck Bergson.

PMG Chief Operating Officer Jack Dugan added, "Sherri has a long list of career accomplishments and she is highly respected by her peers and staff. As we continue to expand our media reach and community impact here in Hawaii, I have great confidence in the direction Sherri will lead our broadcast business."

Grimes served as Managing Director of the Maui County Fair from 2009 to 2019 and was named to Pacific Business News' "Women Who Mean Business" list in 2019. She currently serves on the boards of the Baldwin High School Foundation and the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

"I'm grateful for the confidence placed in me and look forward to this next chapter," said Grimes. "Throughout my years with PMG, I've always believed that our greatest strength is our people."

Hawaii-based PMG owns and operates 21 radio stations, along with digital properties including MauiNow.com, BigIslandNow.com and KauaiNowNews.com. Its Maui stations include KPOA, KLHI, KJKS, KJMD, KNUI and KMVI.

SummitMedia Names Brodie Knoxville Brand Manager

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 12:15pm CT

Matt ''Brodie'' Lesley

SummitMedia has named Matt "Brodie" Lesley Brand Manager of its four-station cluster in Knoxville. He will also host middays on Country WCYQ (100.3 The Wolf). Lesley most recently served as Program Director and afternoon host for WNOK in Columbia, SC, and WWXM in Myrtle Beach, SC, from 2019 to 2026. During that time, he was also Music Curator for iHeartMedia CHR stations in Cincinnati, Fresno and Austin.

His more than 20 years in radio include a decade at KCHZ (95-7 The Vibe) in Kansas City as Assistant Program Director, Music Director and morning host. Earlier programming stops included WSEA (Power 100.3) and WSYN (Sunny 103.1) in Myrtle Beach and KQLK (Hot 97.7) in Lake Charles, LA.

"I've gone country!" said Lesley. "I'm excited to start this new chapter with SummitMedia and WCYQ and help bring great country radio to East Tennessee. Plus, these Smoky Mountain views will never get old!"

SummitMedia Executive Vice President of Programming John Olsen added, "Brodie is a smart programmer, an outstanding air talent and a proven leader who knows how to build strong brands and connect with listeners. He's a great fit for our Knoxville team, and we're excited to have him leading these four stations while bringing his energy to middays on 100.3 The Wolf."

IAB Guide Calls for Better Audio Data in Media Mix Models

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 12:42pm CT

Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB)

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has released a new guide arguing that incomplete campaign data can obscure audio advertising's effectiveness in media mix models, potentially influencing how advertisers allocate budgets.

"Amplifying Audio's Impact in MMM: A Follow-up to the Beginner's Guide" examines where campaign details are lost across eight handoffs in the buying and measurement process. Media mix models estimate how marketing activity contributes to sales and other business outcomes.

According to the guide, independent benchmarks place digital audio in the upper half of advertising channels for returns, yet it attracts less than 3% of digital advertising revenue. When models receive insufficient detail about audio campaigns, they can produce small or uncertain estimates that budget decision-makers may interpret as weak performance.

For radio, the guide highlights a 2012 industry study that replaced planned local spot schedules with records of commercials that actually aired, matched to audience estimates for the station, date and time. Across three real-world models, measured radio return rose by 27 percentage points to 78%, while confidence in the findings increased from 92% to 97%.

The report cautions that using as-run data alone does not guarantee better measurement. The study covered local spot inventory, and the guide cites a separate effort involving network radio that did not produce a material improvement after roughly two years of supplying as-run data.

IAB recommends modeling broadcast radio, streaming audio, podcasting and satellite as four distinct platforms. Combining them into a single audio category, the guide argues, can mask differences in cost and performance and limit advertisers' ability to determine where additional spending would be most effective.

The guide also outlines data requirements covering daily delivery, market-level geography and campaign execution details. It calls for identifying paid and bonus inventory separately and establishing consistent reporting across sellers.

Advertisers must initiate changes to measurement requirements because they commission and pay for the models, according to the report. Agencies and publishers should help identify available data, while measurement vendors should incorporate those fields into standard templates.

The publication follows IAB's June 2025 beginner's guide and draws on interviews with agencies, audio publishers and platforms, and a former advertiser-side analytics executive.

"Amplifying Audio's Impact in MMM" is available here.

iHeartRadio Launches Lite Mode for Simplified Listening

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 12:44pm CT

iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio has launched "Lite Mode," a feature that lets listeners switch between the app's full functionality and a simplified interface focused on their current listening and frequently used content.

Available on iOS and Android, Lite Mode can be activated through a toggle at the top of the mobile app's homepage. The interface provides access to Presets, Recently Played and Local Radio without requiring listeners to leave the screen, alongside a simplified Now Playing experience.

"Radio is uniquely personal - it's about companionship. Our listeners sometimes want to browse and discover, and at other times they simply want to go directly to what they're looking for," said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. "This new ability to toggle between full functionality and Lite Mode, which has just the essentials, gives them the opportunity to make every experience the right one for them."

iHeartMedia Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman said the feature is designed to accommodate listeners who want quick access to favorite stations and personalities.

"Lite Mode serves a real purpose when listeners are trying to quickly get to the shows and personalities they're passionate about and aren't looking to browse the entire service," Poleman said. "We know that people use the iHeartRadio service at different times for different reasons, and the ability to seamlessly switch between those two functionalities serves that need."

Users can turn Lite Mode on or off with a single tap, allowing them to return to the full app when they want to browse or discover additional content.

Sun & Fun Media Taps Orbyt as Exclusive Canadian Partner

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 12:47pm CT

Orbyt Media

Sun & Fun Media has selected Orbyt Media as its exclusive affiliate sales and affiliate advertising sales representative in Canada. The agreement gives Canadian radio stations and broadcast groups access to vacation packages, cruises, major sporting event experiences and other promotional prizes in exchange for advertising airtime.

The barter arrangement allows broadcasters to use advertising inventory to obtain prizes for listener contests, client promotions and staff incentives while preserving cash budgets.

"Great prizes give listeners another reason to tune in and give our stations something exciting to take to their advertisers," said Orbyt Media Senior Manager Heidi Baiden. "We're thrilled to bring Sun & Fun Media to Canadian broadcasters, making it easier to create standout promotions and offer unforgettable experiences through barter."

The partnership will support station programming and sales initiatives, including on-air giveaways and experiences advertisers can use to reward customers.

"Sun & Fun Media helps broadcasters put their airtime to work, turning it into prizes and incentives that create value for their stations," said Sun & Fun Media Chief Operating Officer Dennis Green. "Orbyt Media's relationships and understanding of the Canadian radio market make them an ideal partner as we bring these opportunities to stations and groups across Canada."

AWM to Honor Hannah Storm With Gracies Icon Award

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 12:35pm CT

Hannah Storm

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) will honor ESPN's Hannah Storm with the Gracies Icon Award during the Gracies Leadership Awards on November 16 at Tribeca 360° in New York. The award recognizes a woman whose influence has helped shape media and expand opportunities for women in the industry.

Storm has anchored ESPN's "SportsCenter" since 2008, with additional appearances across "NFL Live," "NBA Today," "NBA Countdown" and "WNBA Countdown." Her more than three-decade career includes coverage of major sporting events and roles at NBC Sports, CNN and CBS News.

"Hannah Storm has set a standard for journalistic excellence while helping redefine what leadership looks like in sports media," said AWM/F President Becky Brooks. "Her groundbreaking career has earned the trust of audiences and opened doors for generations of women who see new possibilities because of those who came before them. Just as importantly, her commitment to mentorship ensures that impact continues."

Storm founded Brainstormin' Productions in 2008 and has produced and directed projects including "Unmatched" for ESPN's "30 for 30" series. A multiple Gracie Award recipient, she received the Pat Summerall Award in 2025 and was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle in 2026. She also provides mentorship and internship opportunities for aspiring journalists and broadcasters.

The luncheon will also honor TikTok Chief Brand & Communications Officer Zenia Mucha with the inaugural Gracies Vanguard Award and Illustrative Mathematics Chief Financial and Operations Officer Kristen Welch with the AWM Legacy Leadership Award.

Additional honorees include ABC Owned Television Stations General Manager Marilu Galvez, OWN TV Network and OTT Streaming President Tina Perry, Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott and Universal Television President Erin Underhill.

Proceeds support the AWM Foundation's scholarships, mentorship and professional development programs. AWM Foundation Student Fellows and the 2026 AWM Foundation/NCTA Scholarship recipient will also attend.