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P1 Study: Christmas Fans Favor Later Radio Start
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 6, 2026 | 12:10pm CT |
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Christmas classics remain strong listener favorites, but a growing majority would prefer radio stations to wait until Thanksgiving or later before switching to all-holiday programming, according to P1 Media Group's 2026 "America's Top 100 Christmas Songs" study.
The nationwide survey, sponsored by GoldDisc by TM Studios, found that 56% favor a Thanksgiving-or-later launch, up from 49% in 2025. Just 18% prefer an early November start, down from 23% last year and 31% in 2024.
Thanksgiving was the most popular starting point at 28%, followed by mid-November at 26% and the beginning of December at 25%. Another 3% preferred mid-December.
"Christmas music continues to be one of radio's most powerful audience magnets," said P1 Media Group Founder and Partner Ken Benson. "The Nielsen ratings demonstrate its extraordinary ability to attract listeners, but our research also reveals an important shift. While Americans still love their Christmas classics, they're becoming more selective about when they want the holiday season to begin."
P1 surveyed 400 radio listeners ages 25-54 across the nation's top 50 radio markets, testing the appeal of the 100 most-played Christmas recordings from the 2025 holiday season, as measured by Mediabase.
Bobby Helms' 1957 recording of "Jingle Bell Rock" again ranked first, earning an appeal score of 80.80 on a 100-point scale. It has led the study in nine of the past 10 years.
Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad" placed second, followed by Andy Williams' "Sleigh Ride," Frank Sinatra's "Jingle Bells" and Bing Crosby's "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas."
Three versions of "Jingle Bell Rock" finished in the top 10: Helms at No. 1, Brenda Lee at No. 6 and Daryl Hall & John Oates at No. 7. The Hall & Oates recording received the highest percentage of "Love" ratings among all songs tested, at 59.66%.
Older recordings continued to anchor the rankings. Fifty-five of the top 100 were released before 1980, including 22 from the 1950s and 19 from the 1960s. Overall, 34 recordings earned appeal scores of at least 75, while 87 scored 70 or higher.
Preferences varied by demographic. Sinatra's "Jingle Bells" led among women, while David Foster's "Carol of the Bells" topped the rankings among men. Adults ages 45-54 gave the overall library its highest average score, at 77.10, compared with 74.11 among ages 25-34 and 71.60 among ages 35-44.
Contemporary titles also found an audience. Ariana Grande's "Santa Tell Me" ranked No. 43 overall and scored 80.85 among adults ages 25-34. Kelly Clarkson's "Underneath the Tree" placed No. 83.
Listeners' preferences for ending the holiday format were divided. Forty-two percent favored continuing through New Year's Eve, down from 48% in 2025 and 52% in 2024. Another 33% preferred ending December 26, while 20% selected Christmas Day.
"Successful Christmas programming isn't just about playing the right songs," said Benson. "It's about understanding your audience, knowing when they're ready for the season to begin, and delivering the right mix of familiar favorites and contemporary hits."
Nielsen: Radio, Podcasts Capture 83% of Ad-Supported Audio
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 6, 2026 | 12:25pm CT |
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Radio and podcasts accounted for 83% of daily ad-supported audio listening time in the third quarter of 2026, according to Nielsen's latest edition of "The Record," which draws on Nielsen and Edison Research data.
U.S. consumers spent an average of three hours and 55 minutes daily with audio. Within ad-supported listening, streaming music services accounted for 15% of time. The analysis excludes music and music video consumption on YouTube.
Radio's monthly reach totaled more than 242 million U.S. adults, or 92%, ahead of TV-connected devices at 90%, smartphones at 87% and live and time-shifted television at 85%. Radio reached 92% of Black adults, 93% of Hispanic adults and 87% of adults ages 18-34.
Approximately 65% of adult radio listening occurred away from home, primarily in vehicles, rising to 73% during weekday drive times. AM/FM radio represented more than 80% of ad-supported audio listening in the car.
News/Talk remained the leading radio format, capturing a 10.2% share of total listening among adults 18 and older and 11.5% among those 35 and older. Adult Contemporary led music formats with a 7.1% share among adults 18 and older, increasing to 7.9% among adults 18-34.
Country and Classic Hits each earned a 5.8% share among adults 18 and older, followed by Classic Rock at 5.2% and Urban AC/R&B at 5.0%. All Sports captured 4.5%, while Pop CHR accounted for 4.1%.
Among adults 18-34, Country and Pop CHR each posted a 6.4% share. Hot AC and Classic Hits each attracted 5.5%, while Urban Contemporary/Hip-Hop/R&B reached 4.5% and Alternative earned 4.4%.
Spoken-word programming commanded a substantially larger portion of listening to AM/FM station streams. News/Talk, All Sports and All News collectively accounted for approximately 36% of station streaming among adults 18 and older, compared with roughly 17% of total radio listening.
News/Talk led station streaming among adults 18 and older with a 22.1% share, rising to 24.2% among adults 35 and older. All Sports was the top streamed format among adults 25-54 at 13.0% and accounted for 10.3% among adults 18 and older.
Among adults 18-34, AC led station streaming at 13.1%, followed by All Sports at 11.9%, News/Talk at 8.5% and Pop CHR at 7.2%.
The format findings include both over-the-air listening and digital streams of AM/FM stations, with streaming shares also reported separately. "The Record" tracks average daily audio usage and listening shares across U.S. audiences.
WDAS, Power 99 Team Up for 1,000-Turkey Giveaway
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, November 6, 2026 | 12:35pm CT |
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iHeartMedia's WDAS-FM and WUSL-FM (Power 99) in Philadelphia are partnering with 1-800-TruckWreck to distribute 1,000 free turkeys to local families ahead of Thanksgiving. The community giveaway will take place Monday, November 9, from 2-6pm at Sharon Baptist Church, 3955 Conshohocken Avenue in Philadelphia.
1-800-TruckWreck is donating the turkeys. Distribution will include a drive-through route around the church parking lot, with walk-up participation also encouraged.
Turkeys will be available while supplies last.
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Entravision Q3 Revenue Jumps 88%, Returns to Profit
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 3:10pm CT |
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Entravision Communications reported third-quarter net revenue of $226.3 million, up 88% from $120.6 million a year earlier, driven by rapid growth in its advertising technology business and increased political advertising in its Media segment.
Net income totaled $19.0 million, or 18 cents per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $9.7 million, or 11 cents per share, in the prior-year quarter. Operating income reached $28.3 million, reversing an operating loss of $9.1 million.
The Advertising Technology & Services segment generated revenue of $177.2 million, up 133% from $76.1 million. Entravision attributed the increase primarily to growth in monthly active advertisers and revenue per advertiser, supported by investments in its platform's artificial intelligence capabilities and expanded sales capacity.
ATS segment operating profit increased 261% to $35.2 million from $9.8 million.
Media segment revenue, which includes the company's television, radio and related advertising operations, rose 10% to $49.1 million from $44.5 million. Higher broadcast advertising revenue, primarily political spending, and increased retransmission fees were partially offset by lower spectrum usage rights revenue.
The Media segment posted an operating profit of $70,000, compared with an operating loss of $3.5 million a year earlier. The release did not separately disclose radio revenue.
Combined segment operating profit increased 465% to $35.2 million from $6.2 million. Corporate expenses rose 7% to $6.8 million, primarily because of higher stock-based compensation.
For the first nine months of 2026, consolidated revenue increased 108% to $651.2 million from $313.2 million. Net income totaled $51.1 million, compared with a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $61.0 million in the same period last year.
Year-to-date ATS revenue increased 182% to $514.6 million, while Media revenue rose 4% to $136.6 million. The Media segment's nine-month operating loss widened to $8.4 million from $5.8 million.
Entravision made a scheduled $5.0 million debt payment and paid $4.6 million in dividends during the quarter. It ended September with $89.7 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, and $152.3 million in debt.
The board approved a quarterly dividend of 5 cents per share on Class A and Class U common stock, payable December 31 to shareholders of record December 17.
Jacobs Media Opens Registration for Techsurvey 2027
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 12:31pm CT |
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Jacobs Media has opened registration for U.S. and Canadian commercial radio stations to participate in Techsurvey 2027. The annual study will field in January and February, with a registration deadline of Friday, December 18.
The survey will examine media habits and technology adoption, providing participating stations with comparisons against national findings and data for eight to ten qualifying music and spoken-word formats.
Topics will include device ownership, on-demand media, push notifications, online newsletters, YouTube and short-form video usage. Results will be analyzed by age, generation, gender and ethnicity.
New areas of exploration include artificial intelligence's role in content and news discovery, whether the absence of AM/FM radio in a new vehicle's dashboard would be a deal-breaker, and consumer interest in folding smartphones. The study will also update commuting and work-from-home trends and examine which devices and media respondents use at the beginning and end of their days.
"In this year's survey, we will have updated trending information to track broadcast radio's digital progress, and we'll map out the most effective ways stations and their companies can optimize 'meeting the audience where they are,'" said Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs.
Techsurvey 2026 included more than 500 participating stations across nine formats and generated nearly 31,000 responses. Previous studies have tracked developments including AI awareness, smart speaker adoption, voice technology, podcast consumption and YouTube usage.
Details on participation fees, schedules and registration are available here.
Glenn Beck Donates $5 Million to Mercury One
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 2:16pm CT |
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Premiere Networks-syndicated host Glenn Beck announced a personal $5 million donation to Mercury One during the nonprofit's 15th anniversary gala in Irving, TX.
The contribution will go to the organization's Maximum Impact Fund, which provides flexible funding for urgent humanitarian needs. According to Mercury One, the fund also helps sustain its commitment to directing all designated donations to their intended recipients.
Beck, who founded Mercury One, highlighted the organization's humanitarian work during the event, including assistance for persecuted Christians in Nigeria. He called for greater awareness of religious persecution and additional support for communities facing violence and displacement.
"We need eyes to be opened. We need countries to be opened. We need the United States to take a bold stand on this, as well," Beck said in a recent Christian Post interview about the organization's efforts.
The donation will support Mercury One's relief and rescue initiatives, which have included U.S. disaster response and international humanitarian missions through partners such as The Nazarene Fund.
Diana Flores Launches Podcast With TikTok, iHeart
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 2:33pm CT |
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TikTok and iHeartPodcasts have launched "Born to Become with Diana Flores," a weekly interview series joining the TikTok Podcast Network. The podcast premieres November 5, with new episodes released Thursdays.
Flores, a two-time flag football world champion and NFL and International Federation of American Football Global Flag Ambassador, will interview guests from sports, entertainment, business and culture about the experiences and decisions behind their careers.
Sports executive Sam Rapoport joins Flores for the premiere. Upcoming guests include two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion Ashlyn Harris and sports media personality Jenny Taft.
"Behind every success is a journey filled with unexpected challenges, defining decisions, and moments of growth that deserve to be shared," said Flores. "That's what inspired me to create Born to Become."
The series draws on Flores' experience breaking barriers and helping raise flag football's international profile. Conversations will explore guests' personal challenges, turning points and lessons beyond their professional achievements.
"Diana Flores is a great example of how podcasting is creating new opportunities for athletes, creators and entertainers to build on what they've already accomplished and introduce themselves to new audiences," said iHeartPodcasts President Will Pearson.
Launched in March 2026, the TikTok Podcast Network pairs TikTok creators with iHeartMedia's podcast production, publishing and monetization resources. GEICO serves as its exclusive launch partner.
Townsquare Q3 Revenue Rises 3.9%, Suspends Dividend
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 12:16pm CT |
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Townsquare Media reported third-quarter net revenue of $110.9 million, up 3.9% from $106.8 million a year earlier, as digital advertising growth and political spending offset weakness in its subscription digital marketing business. The company also announced it is suspending its quarterly dividend to preserve approximately $14 million annually.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 2.7% to $22.6 million from $22.0 million. Townsquare narrowed its net loss to $4.0 million, or 23 cents per diluted share, compared with a loss of $5.5 million a year earlier. Adjusted net income rose to $2.3 million from $855,000, with adjusted earnings of 12 cents per diluted share.
Digital Advertising revenue, generated by Townsquare Ignite, increased 12.7% to $45.3 million from $40.2 million. CEO Bill Wilson said growth accelerated for the third consecutive quarter, led by a 22.5% increase in programmatic revenue.
"Our Media Partnerships business now serves 18 partners and extends our digital programmatic advertising platform to 122 markets across the United States, and we expect Media Partnerships revenue to more than double in 2026," said Wilson.
Townsquare Interactive's subscription digital marketing revenue declined 8.5% to $17.1 million from $18.6 million, reflecting reduced sales velocity and lower sales staffing. The segment maintained a 36% profit margin, but Wilson said it would not return to sequential revenue growth in the fourth quarter as previously projected.
Combined digital revenue increased 6.0% to $62.4 million. Broadcast Advertising revenue edged up 0.4% to $47.2 million from $47.0 million. Excluding political advertising, broadcast revenue fell 5.2% to $44.4 million. Total political revenue reached $2.9 million, compared with $200,000 in the prior-year quarter.
Excluding political advertising, companywide revenue increased 1.4%, while Adjusted EBITDA declined 7.9% to $20.1 million.
"Our local clients continue to feel pressure from higher operating costs and interest rates, and they are scrutinizing every marketing dollar, particularly those spent on traditional media," Wilson said. He added that broadcast declines excluding political are expected to deepen in the fourth quarter, partly because political advertising crowds out other inventory.
Wilson cited those challenges and higher interest costs on floating-rate debt in explaining the dividend suspension. "We do not believe that the market is ascribing value to the dividend and we believe this cash can generate greater value for shareholders elsewhere," he said. The previously declared dividend of 20 cents per share was paid November 2.
For the first nine months of 2026, revenue increased 0.7% to $323.1 million from $320.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA declined 4.2% to $63.8 million, while the net loss widened to $42.8 million from $5.0 million, primarily reflecting increased noncash impairment charges. Digital businesses represented 57% of year-to-date revenue.
Townsquare ended September with $4.6 million in cash and $467.5 million in outstanding debt.
For the fourth quarter, the company projects revenue of $107 million to $109 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $23 million to $25 million. Full-year guidance calls for revenue of $430 million to $432 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $87 million to $89 million.
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Xperi Q3 Revenue Rises 2.2%, AutoStage Expands Reach
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 4:43pm CT |
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Xperi reported third-quarter revenue of $114 million, up 2.2% from $111.6 million a year earlier, as growth in advertising and related revenue helped double its Media Platform revenue. The company also expanded its DTS AutoStage broadcaster services and reported additional automotive commitments for HD Radio.
The company narrowed its net loss to $5.2 million, or 11 cents per diluted share, from $6.1 million, or 13 cents per share, a year earlier. Operating income totaled $1.8 million, compared with an operating loss of $1.4 million.
Adjusted EBITDA was $23 million, compared with $23.1 million in the prior-year quarter, with the margin declining to 20.2% from 20.7%. Non-GAAP net income fell to $11.7 million, or 24 cents per diluted share, from $12.8 million, or 28 cents per share.
For broadcasters, Xperi expanded the DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal's coverage from 300 to 550 U.S. metropolitan areas and entered into data monetization agreements with eight additional broadcasters. Revenue from the portal is classified as advertising-related revenue within Media Platform.
The company said more than 18 million vehicles equipped with DTS AutoStage have shipped across 13 automotive brands, extending the platform's coverage to more than 150 countries.
HD Radio also secured a multiyear program with a large Asian Tier 1 supplier serving multiple automakers in Japan and North America. Xperi reported expanded HD Radio availability through new vehicle model launches from Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda and Subaru.
Advertising and related revenue grew approximately 280% during the quarter and 90% through the first nine months of 2026. TiVo One monthly active users reached 6.8 million, up 40% year over year, while its average revenue per user increased 14% sequentially to $7.65.
"As expected, our success in building our TiVo One footprint has begun to drive substantial growth in advertising and related revenue," said Xperi CEO Jon Kirchner.
Xperi also announced that European electronics retailer MediaMarktSaturn selected TiVo OS for its private-label PEAQ televisions, bringing the platform to 11 television manufacturer design partnerships.
"Given the strong strategic execution year-to-date, we are pleased to raise our full-year outlook range for adjusted EBITDA margin and operating cash flow," Kirchner said.
The company narrowed its 2026 revenue forecast to $450 million-$462 million from $440 million-$470 million. It raised its adjusted EBITDA margin outlook to 19%-21% from 17%-19% and its operating cash flow forecast to $20 million-$30 million from $15 million-$25 million.
Separately, Chief Financial Officer Robert Andersen plans to retire in 2027. He will remain in his current role until a successor joins the company.
Audio, Video Podcasts Serve Different Listener Needs
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 11:54am CT |
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Audio and video podcasts play complementary roles in consumers' routines, with 70% of monthly podcast consumers reporting that they both listened to audio-only podcasts and watched video podcasts in the past month, according to new research from Edison Research at SSRS, SiriusXM Media and Publicis Media.
"The Video Podcast Consumer Report" examines how audiences move between formats and what those choices mean for advertisers. The findings suggest that listening and watching serve different needs, with audio preferred during activities and video finding a role during leisure time.
Among respondents who used both formats in the past month, 68% chose audio-only listening while in the car, 54% while working and 51% while exercising. Fifty-five percent chose to just listen when on the go.
Audio also fit more easily into daily routines. Within that same group, 53% said podcasts they only listen to fit more easily into their schedules, while 52% said they were easier to access on a mobile device.
Video offered advantages for attention and connection. Among consumers of both formats, 55% said podcasts they watch are easier to pay attention to, and 51% chose active viewing when they wanted to connect with a host. Seventy-six percent reported watching most often at home.
The two audiences also shared characteristics relevant to advertisers. Audio and video podcast consumers each had a median age of 40, and 75% of each group said they were likely to recall ads.
Social media clips provided another route to podcast discovery. Among monthly podcast consumers, 77% reported encountering podcast clips on social media, and 65% said they had listened to or watched a full podcast after seeing a short clip.
The report draws on an online survey of more than 2,000 monthly podcast consumers ages 13 and older across a national U.S. sample, conducted in the second quarter of 2026. Results were weighted to match monthly podcast consumer demographics established by The Infinite Dial 2026.
Chicago's 93.9 LITE FM Sets Christmas Flip for Nov. 5
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 12:11pm CT |
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iHeartMedia's WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) in Chicago will begin around-the-clock holiday music November 5 at 3pm, marking its 26th year as Chicago's Christmas station.
Station personalities Melissa Forman, Producer Jim, Robin Rock and Mick Lee, along with Edison the Reindeer, will host a two-hour commercial-free kickoff broadcast live from the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
The seasonal programming will feature contemporary holiday recordings alongside classic Christmas hits.
"For more than two decades, listeners have trusted iHeartMedia Chicago's 93.9 LITE FM to provide the soundtrack to their holiday season," said Program Director and Afternoon Host Mick Lee. "Celebrating our 26th year as Chicago's Christmas station is a testament to the connection we've built with our audience, and we're excited to continue spreading the joy, warmth and spirit of the season throughout Chicagoland."
CT40 Sets Holiday Specials With Fitz, Lauren Alaina
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 11:59am CT |
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"Country Top 40 with Fitz" and syndication partner Skyview Networks have announced two holiday specials, including a Christmas program co-hosted by country artist Lauren Alaina and a countdown of the biggest country songs of 2026.
"Deck the Hits with Lauren and Fitz" will be available for the weekend of December 19-20, with an option to air December 24-25. Alaina and Fitz will feature holiday classics from country artists and share their own seasonal traditions.
"Year of Hits with Fitz: The Top 40 Songs of 2026" will follow January 2-3, 2027, with optional early broadcasts December 31 or January 1.
"The holidays are CT40 at its best," said Fitz. "Deck the Hits brings the classics and the stories behind them, and Year of Hits sends the year out the way this countdown always does, with the songs that defined it. Having Lauren along makes it a weekend our affiliates and their listeners are going to remember."
Alaina joins the Christmas special following her fourth No. 1 country song, "All My Exes" with Chase Matthew, which topped the Mediabase country chart in October.
"Fitz and Lauren are the perfect duo to get affiliates and their listeners into the holiday spirit," said Skyview Networks Chief Operating Officer Andrew Kalb. "Lauren is coming off a No. 1 country radio hit and paired with the format's long-running countdown, gives CT40 affiliates two specials with real momentum behind them as we close out another strong year."
The specials are available to current and prospective affiliates on a first-come, first-served basis in open markets. Stations can visit here for information.
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MaxxKonnect Acquires FCCInfo.com, Keeps Searches Free
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 12:22pm CT |
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The MaxxKonnect Group has acquired FCCInfo.com from Cavell, Mertz & Associates, assuming ownership and operation of the FCC database and mapping service used by broadcast engineers, consultants and station operators. Financial terms were not disclosed.
MaxxKonnect plans to maintain the site's existing services while updating its underlying software and evaluating additional capabilities. All current search services will remain free. The company may introduce optional premium features but said it has no plans to put existing free tools behind a paywall.
Developed by Cavell Mertz and made publicly available in 2002, FCCInfo.com provides searchable access to FCC broadcast, auxiliary, microwave, land mobile and antenna structure records. Its Google Earth integration allows users to map station facilities, microwave paths and registered antenna structures.
"FCCInfo is an essential tool for a lot of people in broadcasting, including our own engineering staff," said MaxxKonnect Group President and CEO Josh Bohn. "We didn't acquire it to change what people like about it. Our first priority is to make sure it continues to operate reliably."
Bohn said the company intends to modernize the technology and develop additional capabilities, emphasizing that "the services people have been using for free will stay free."
Cavell Mertz will remain associated with FCCInfo.com in an advisory capacity, providing engineering expertise during the ownership transition.
"We're pleased that MaxxKonnect is taking responsibility for the service and has committed to keeping its existing resources available to the industry," said Gary Cavell. "Their engineering and software capabilities provide a good foundation for maintaining and improving the platform, and we look forward to continuing to work with them."
The service joins MaxxKonnect's broadcast engineering, consulting, connectivity and monitoring operations, which include its MonitorMaxx products.
Erick Erickson Launches Thanksgiving Meal Drive
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 3:12pm CT |
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"The Erick Erickson Show" has launched its annual Thanksgiving meal campaign with nonprofit Hungry For A Day, encouraging listeners nationwide to fund holiday dinners for families in need.
The syndicated program raised more than $265,000 during last year's drive. This year's campaign will run through Thanksgiving in support of Hungry For A Day's goal of feeding 75,000 people nationwide.
Each $40 contribution provides a ready-to-eat holiday meal for a family of four. Dinners include turkey or smoked ham, side dishes, rolls and pie, distributed through local food banks, shelters and nonprofit partners. According to the campaign, all donations go toward meals, with administrative expenses covered separately.
"Last year our listeners put food on the table for thousands of families, and that generosity still moves me," said host Erick Erickson. "This isn't about politics; it's about compassion, faith, and stepping up for our neighbors."
Hungry For A Day works with local organizations to reach recipients, including families without the resources to prepare a holiday dinner.
Erickson's show airs live weekdays from noon-3pm ET and will promote the campaign on air through Thanksgiving. Donations and additional information are available here.
Fred Jacobs to Step Down as Jacobs Media President
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 0:02am CT |
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Jacobs Media founder and President Fred Jacobs will step down at the end of 2026, with his brother, Paul Jacobs, succeeding him. Fred will become Chairman and remain involved in research, select client work and other areas of the business.
"I've been thinking about this for a couple of years now, and I'm ready for a change," said Fred Jacobs. "I appreciate all the opportunities I've had over the years, and the people, organizations, and companies we've worked for and collaborated with."
Under Paul's leadership, Jacobs Media will emphasize overall client strategy, digital transformation and digital revenue development. Director of Digital Revenue Chris Brunt and Bill Jacobs will remain in their current roles, with additional changes still being developed.
"The core of the company will remain intact, but true to the Jacobs Media tradition, we'll be making some changes to ensure we're aligned with client and industry needs," said Paul Jacobs. "Our primary focus will be helping clients with their overall strategies, including digital transformation and building profitable digital revenue programs."
The company will continue its Techsurveys for commercial, public and Christian music radio, with Fred participating in their design and implementation. Registration for Techsurvey 2027, conducted in collaboration with Inside Radio, opens this week. The research will field in January and February and mark the company's 22nd survey of commercial radio listeners.
Fred's work at Jacobs Media has spanned the development of the Classic Rock format and initiatives focused on radio's adoption of technology. Those efforts include the Techsurveys, mobile app developer jacapps, launched in 2008, the DASH Conferences and executive tours of CES in Las Vegas.
He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the NAB National Radio Award alongside Paul in 2022.
"Starting next year, my day-to-day life will change, but I'll still be reading the trades, checking the ratings, offering suggestions to Paul, talking strategy with select clients, giving the occasional speech or presentation, and working on the Techsurveys," Fred said. "But after nearly 4 million miles on Delta (mostly domestic), it's time."
"Fred Jacobs has spent more than four decades helping radio innovate, evolve and thrive. His impact on our industry is extraordinary. Congratulations to Fred on his next chapter and to Paul Jacobs as he takes the helm of Jacobs Media," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
Civic Media's IA, IL Station Deals Total $3.3 Million
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 10:06pm CT |
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Civic Media's planned acquisition of 16 radio signals in Iowa and Illinois carries a combined purchase price of $3.3 million, according to asset purchase agreements filed with the FCC. Financial terms were not disclosed when the transactions were announced in October.
Under agreements dated October 8, Civic Media will pay $3.2 million for Titan Broadcasting's KGRS-FM in Burlington, IA, and KBKB-FM in Fort Madison, IA. A separate agreement provides $100,000 for the stations and translators owned by Pritchard Broadcasting Corp. and Galesburg Broadcasting Company, split equally between the two sellers.
The Titan purchase will be financed through a $3.2 million seller note bearing 6% annual interest over 15 years. Payments will be interest-only for the first year, followed by monthly principal and interest payments over the remaining 14 years, with no balloon payment. The Pritchard/Galesburg purchase price is payable in cash at closing. Both prices are subject to prorations and adjustments.
The agreements also reference a separate acquisition of River Park Place Realty LLC, which owns a studio and office condominium in Burlington. The consideration for that transaction is not specified in the station APAs.
The Iowa signals include KGRS-FM (107.3), KBKB-FM (101.7), KBKB-AM (1360), KBUR-AM (1490), KKMI-FM (93.5), KDMG-FM (103.1) and KHDK-FM (97.3), along with translators K283CK (104.5) and K257GC (99.3).
In Illinois, the acquisition includes WQKQ-FM (92.1), WAAG-FM (94.9), WLSR-FM (92.7), WGIL-AM (1400), WKAY-FM (105.3) and WZIE-FM (106.1), plus translator W229BO (93.7).
The acquisitions would expand Wisconsin-based Civic Media into two additional states, joining its existing operations in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. The company focuses on local and regional news, talk programming and community engagement.
The agreements provide for time brokerage arrangements and require FCC approval before the station acquisitions can close. Kalil & Co. is serving as the exclusive broker.
Zimmer Names Mike Stern Director of Programming
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 4:11pm CT |
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Zimmer Communications has named Mike Stern Director of Programming, effective November 16. The veteran programmer joins the company after 13 years as a consultant at Jacobs Media, where his clients included Zimmer for more than a decade. Stern will oversee programming, music and on-air strategy across Zimmer's radio outlets, working alongside Corporate Operations Director Trevor Morgan and General Manager Carla Leible.
"I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to join Zimmer Communications," said Stern. "I've consulted them for more than a decade, so I know it is a first class radio operation that still believes in being local and connecting with listeners. I'd like to thank Carla Leible and Trevor Morgan for making this possible."
Morgan said Stern's work as a consultant has already made an impact on the company's stations. "Mike has a genuine passion for creating great radio," said Morgan. "His creativity, organization, and keen ear for compelling content have already made a tremendous impact on the stations he's worked with through Jacobs Media."
Leible said Stern will help strengthen the company's stations and develop its talent as Zimmer grows. "He understands our company, our culture, and our commitment to local radio," she said. "As Zimmer continues to grow, Mike will play an important role in strengthening our stations, developing our talent, and positioning us for continued success."
At Jacobs Media, Stern consulted more than 50 stations, leading audience research, developing cross-platform promotions and coaching air talent on programming and digital content.
"This ends Mike's third stint with Jacobs Media, and we couldn't be happier for him," said company President Fred Jacobs. "Zimmer is a wonderful company and is a great fit for him. We appreciate Mike's contributions to our company over the years."
Stern previously programmed stations in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Detroit, Las Vegas and Dayton. As Vice President of Programming for Emmis Communications in Chicago, he oversaw Alternative WKQX (Q101) and Classic Rock WLUP (The Loop).
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