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Top Radio News
Second Circuit Stays Cumulus-Nielsen Enforcement Order
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 3:57pm CT |
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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has granted Nielsen a stay pending appeal of a federal judge's order requiring the ratings company to offer its Nationwide radio ratings product to Cumulus Media on commercially reasonable terms or face sanctions of $50,000 per day.
The September 16 ruling pauses an enforcement order issued September 9 by U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas in Cumulus Media's antitrust lawsuit against Nielsen. The appeals court provided no explanation for granting the stay, citing the Supreme Court's Nken v. Holder standard for stays pending appeal.
The latest dispute centers on whether Vargas's enforcement order merely implements the preliminary injunction she issued against Nielsen last December or imposes new obligations beyond that injunction.
Cumulus argues that the injunction, which the Second Circuit affirmed in July, requires Nielsen to make Nationwide available as a standalone product at a commercially reasonable price. Cumulus told the appeals court that Nielsen's latest offer remained many times higher than prices paid by other customers and that Vargas questioned Nielsen's good faith after reviewing pricing evidence and testimony from a Nielsen expert.
Nielsen disputes that interpretation. In a September 13 filing, the company said the injunction prohibits tying Nationwide to local ratings purchases and using an unreasonable standalone price to accomplish such a tie, but does not require Nielsen to sell the product.
"The Injunction forbids two things," Nielsen told the court. "It commands nothing." Nielsen noted that the Second Circuit's July ruling said the injunction did not require a "forced sale of Nationwide."
Nielsen argues that Vargas's September 9 order went further by requiring the company to make an offer for a multi-year Nationwide contract and backing that requirement with $50,000-per-day sanctions. Nielsen also contends that forcing it into a multi-year agreement could cause irreparable harm because the contract could not be unwound if the company ultimately prevails on appeal, while its recovery would be limited by a $100,000 injunction bond.
Cumulus counters that Vargas did not set a specific price. It says Nielsen can comply through a safe harbor in the original injunction under which a rate equal to or below the highest annual 2026 rate Nielsen charges another broadcaster for standalone Nationwide is presumed reasonable. Cumulus also said its own latest counteroffer exceeded that safe-harbor price.
The Second Circuit previously issued a temporary administrative stay on September 10. The new order keeps Vargas's September 9 enforcement order on hold while the appeal proceeds.
The court also ordered an expedited schedule. Nielsen's opening brief is due September 30, Cumulus's response October 14 and Nielsen's reply October 21. Oral argument will be scheduled before the next available merits panel.
Mike Sheffield Adds PD Duties at 97 Rock, Z102.3
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 5:09pm CT |
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Cumulus Media has promoted Mike Sheffield to Program Director of Classic Rock WGRF-FM (97 Rock) in Buffalo and WQHZ-FM (Z102.3) in Erie, PA. Sheffield, who serves as Programming Operations Manager for Cumulus Erie, will continue programming Country WXTA-FM (Erie Country 97.9), AC WXKC-FM (Classy 100) and WXKC-HD2 (The Touch 104.3). His expanded responsibilities now add 97 Rock in Buffalo and Z102.3 in Erie.
Sheffield has been with Cumulus Media since July 2006. He previously spent more than five years with iHeartMedia/Clear Channel Communications.
"Mike's promotion is a true testament to his focus, hard work, problem-solving mindset, and dedication to our team's shared goals," said Cumulus Media Regional Vice President Ron Giovanniello. "Mike is very deserving and we are always thrilled to be able to promote from within."
Sheffield said he is "deeply honored" to work with the team at 97 Rock and Cumulus Buffalo while expanding his Erie programming responsibilities to include Z102.3.
"I look forward to building on these stations' strong legacy and contributing to their continued success," he added.
K-Love Names Dee Sethmajhi Chief Technology Officer
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 5:18pm CT |
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K-Love, Inc. has named Debashree "Dee" Sethmajhi Chief Technology Officer, effective September 21. She will join the Ministry Leadership Team and report to CEO Tom Stultz. In her new role, Sethmajhi will lead K-Love's technology strategy across broadcast infrastructure, engineering, digital products, data and cybersecurity.
Sethmajhi brings more than 15 years of enterprise technology experience. She previously held product strategy roles at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and Oracle Primavera, working with global cloud platforms and enterprise systems. She later co-founded The Stability App, an AI-powered digital health platform, where she served as CTO.
Most recently, Sethmajhi completed an MBA for Executives at The Wharton School, graduating in May with majors in Finance, Innovation and Strategic Management.
"Dee brings a rare combination to this role: deep technical capability, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a genuine heart for ministry," said Stultz. "As we continue growing our reach and deepening how we serve listeners, we needed a technology leader who understands the technical requirements while being fully aligned with K-Love's mission."
The appointment comes amid an ongoing technology and broadcast expansion at K-Love. The organization completed its transition from satellite to IP-based program delivery earlier this year and is working toward a presence in each of the top 50 U.S. markets. K-Love says it currently reaches listeners through more than 1,100 signals across all 50 states.
"What drew me here is the chance to partner with and grow the ministry's reach further and go deeper," said Sethmajhi. "Every part of my path, the engineering, the building, the years on mission, makes sense to me now in a way it did not before. I am honored to offer those gifts to this team."
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iHeart Leads Triton August U.S. Podcast Ranker
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 10:35am CT |
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The iHeart Audience Network maintained its lead in Triton Digital's August 2026 U.S. Podcast Ranker, recording 65.9 million average weekly downloads during the August 3-30 reporting period. Audioboom remained second among sales networks with 14.9 million average weekly downloads, followed by Cumulus Podcast Network at No. 3 with 2.9 million.
At the individual podcast level, iHeart's "Stuff You Should Know" retained the top spot based on downloads. Audioboom's "Pod Save America" remained No. 2, while iHeart's "My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark" held third place.
Several podcasts debuted in the August rankings, including iHeart's "Burden of Guilt Season 3," Audioboom's "Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary" and Salem Podcast Network's "Your Daily Bible Verse."
The August results continued a relatively stable period at the top of Triton's rankings, with the same three sales networks and individual podcasts occupying the top three positions.
Triton's Top Sales Network Report is ranked by average weekly downloads in accordance with version 2.2 of the IAB Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines. Participating networks include podcast content owners, creators and sales representation organizations.
JAM Founders to Receive Texas Radio Hall Award
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 10:57am CT |
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The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) will honor JAM Creative Productions founders Jonathan and Mary Lyn Wolfert with its George Baches Award for Broadcast Marketing Excellence during its November 7 Induction Ceremony and Radio Reunion Weekend in Kilgore, TX.
The Wolferts are being recognized for their work creating jingles and audio imaging for hundreds of Texas radio stations during a career that has spanned more than five decades.
The George Baches Award recognizes individuals whose branding work contributes to the success of radio stations, including logo design, sales and marketing materials, outdoor and television advertising and audio imaging. It is named for the late graphic designer George Baches, whose work included KLOL's iconic Runaway Radio logo and the branding for the 1990 relaunch of KISS-FM in San Antonio.
"Jingles are an essential ingredient in creating and sustaining 'station-ality,'" said TRHOF Executive Director and 2011 inductee Doug Harris. "At their best, jingles are the glue that connects a station's music and spoken word content while earning a place in the listener's memory."
Jonathan and Mary Lyn Wolfert founded Dallas-based JAM Creative Productions in 1974. Since then, the company's jingles and imaging have been heard on thousands of radio stations across the U.S. and internationally. The Wolferts have continued to own and operate the company throughout its 52-year history.
"It's a lot of work," Jonathan Wolfert said, "but it's better than having a real job!"
The Texas Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Radio Reunion Weekend will be held Saturday, November 7, at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore.
WBA Launches Young Broadcasters Development Fund
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 2:20pm CT |
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Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Hall of Famers Terry and Sandy Shockley (pictured) have established the Young Broadcasters Development Fund to encourage students and young professionals to pursue careers in broadcasting.
The fund, managed by the WBA Foundation, was launched with a donation from the Shockleys and is accepting additional contributions. Donors will be recognized as member grantors.
"Our mission with this fund is to inspire and motivate young people to pursue a career in broadcasting," said Terry and Sandy Shockley. "The rewards are many, and like our WBA members, serving the broadcast license has provided a lifestyle filled with exciting experiences."
The fund will initially support the WBA's campus ambassador program, which has expanded to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Two students on each campus represent broadcasters within student organizations and promote WBA resources and events.
"We are so grateful to Terry and Sandy for their generous and inspiring contribution to the future of broadcasting in Wisconsin," said WBA President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind. She said developing the next generation of broadcasters has become a high priority in the association's strategic planning.
WBA Foundation Chair Chris Bernier also credited the Shockleys with providing the initial funding to launch the program.
Among the student ambassadors for the coming year is UW-Oshkosh's Chloe DeBois, who attended the WBA Summer Conference in Lake Geneva and had an opportunity to meet the Shockleys.
The WBA expects the fund to eventually expand its support to additional programs for student broadcasters and people beginning their broadcasting careers, including initiatives developed by the WBA Young Professionals Committee.
IAB Issues Guide for Measuring Video Podcasts
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 2:14pm CT |
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The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has released a new industry guide addressing how the growth of video podcasting is changing the planning, buying and measurement of podcast advertising.
"Podcasts Continue to Evolve: When Listeners Become Viewers," released in conjunction with the 2026 IAB Podcast Upfront, examines podcast distribution across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, streaming services and connected TV. IAB says a single podcast episode can now generate advertising impressions through audio downloads, streaming video and social clips, often within the same campaign but under different measurement and verification systems.
Rather than creating a new measurement framework, IAB recommends applying two existing standards according to how the podcast is delivered. The IAB Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines v2.2 govern audio podcast delivery, including download counting, unique listener methodology, bot filtering and dynamically inserted ad impressions. The IAB Tech Lab/MRC Digital Video Served Impression Measurement Guidelines cover digital video environments, including viewability, audibility and served impressions.
The guide also calls for greater transparency when podcast campaigns span multiple platforms. Sellers are advised to identify which measurement standard applies to each environment, disclose whether reporting is independently verified or platform-generated, and keep independently verified and self-reported metrics separate rather than combining them into a single total.
IAB notes that video podcast consumption can frequently remain "audio-first," with users moving between watching a screen and listening while the device is pocketed, face-down or otherwise out of view. As a result, the group recommends that advertising creative communicate its essential message through audio even when video elements are included.
One significant measurement problem remains unresolved: reliably identifying the same consumer across different podcast platforms and delivery environments. IAB says cross-platform reach therefore cannot currently be reported as verified deduplicated reach and should instead be treated as directional.
The guide concludes that audio remains the primary form of podcast consumption while video is becoming a mass-audience behavior, making clear disclosure of how each advertising impression is measured increasingly important as podcasts expand across platforms and screens.
Radio News Salaries Rise for Second Straight Year
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 2:16pm CT |
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Radio news salaries increased for the second consecutive year in 2025, rising 7.64% and outpacing the 2.9% U.S. inflation rate, according to the latest RTDNA/Newhouse School at Syracuse University Survey.
The increase was considerably smaller than the 14.5% jump reported a year earlier. News reporters, sports anchors and sports reporters recorded the largest average salary gains, while news producers experienced the steepest decline. Average producer pay fell by nearly $10,000 to the low $50,000 range.
News Director salaries also declined on average, largely because of a sharp drop in the highest salary reported for the position. Median news director pay, however, increased slightly.
The survey found a widening salary gap between commercial and non-commercial radio. In the largest markets, average salaries at non-commercial stations were 30.6% higher than those at commercial outlets. Researchers said the change was primarily attributable to falling commercial station salaries rather than significant gains at non-commercial stations.
Results by market size were mixed. Major markets reported salary declines for most positions but continued to offer the highest pay overall, while large markets recorded the strongest gains.
Starting salaries also slipped. Average and median pay for employees entering radio news with no full-time experience fell more than 8%, returning to roughly 2024 levels. At the same time, the minimum starting salary reported by stations increased nearly 24%.
More radio newsroom employees were working under contracts, while the use of non-compete agreements declined for most positions. Sports anchors were an exception, with non-compete use increasing for that position.
Finding employees remains a challenge for many stations. More than one-quarter of news directors and general managers with job openings said hiring had become more difficult, increasing to more than one-third among commercial stations. About 29% said they were unable to find the right candidates for available positions.
The annual survey was conducted during the fourth quarter of 2025 and included responses from more than 1,100 television stations and nearly 600 radio stations. The research is conducted by RTDNA and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
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MARC Media Adds Five Stations on Florida Gulf Coast
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 7:20pm CT |
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MARC Media Group has agreed to acquire five radio stations along Florida's Gulf Coast, continuing an expansion that has more than doubled the company's station holdings in the state during 2026. Pending FCC approval, MARC will acquire WGHR (Hits 106), WXCV (Citrus 95.3), simulcast partners WXCZ and WXZC (Nature Coast Country) and Classic Hits WXOF (The Fox) from licensee WGUL-FM, Inc.
The stations serve Florida's Nature Coast, an area north of the Tampa metropolitan area that includes communities around Crystal River, Weeki Wachee and Homosassa Springs. The combined signals extend north toward the state's Panhandle.
The deal follows MARC Media's announcement two weeks ago that it had secured three additional stations on Florida's Atlantic coast.
"MARC Media is continuing on our path to identify and secure stations that are market adjacent to metropolitan areas that we've identified as primed for growth," said MARC Media Group Chief Operating Officer Scott Miller. He pointed to transportation improvements, including expansion of the Suncoast Parkway north of Tampa, as helping spur residential and commercial development in the region.
MARC Media said it has added 16 Florida stations during 2026, compared with 11 stations it owned in the state at the end of last year. Its recent acquisitions include properties adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Orlando/Lakeland and Tampa/St. Petersburg markets.
"Some may refer to our purchases as secondary markets," Miller said. "We prefer to call them our future."
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
BFOA Sets Chicago Media Mixer for October 7
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 2:13pm CT |
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The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) will hold its next Media Mixer on October 7 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, featuring iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman as a special guest.
The event, scheduled from 5:30-7:30pm CT, will serve as a kickoff to the Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony the following evening. Pittman is among this year's Radio Hall of Fame inductees.
Pittman will participate in a Q&A with Premiere Networks' nationally syndicated morning personality Fred of "The Fred Show." Attendees will also have an opportunity to explore the museum's interactive exhibit, "The Evolution of Late-Night Television."
"With many executives in Chicago for the next night's Radio Hall of Fame, we expect this to be our most exciting Media Mixer to date," said BFOA President Tim McCarthy. "We are especially thankful to Bob for giving us his time and providing this rare opportunity for junior professionals to meet and interact with him."
The BFOA Media Mixer series is designed to bring together broadcast professionals while giving those earlier in their careers an opportunity to meet and network with industry executives, on-air personalities and peers. Previous events have been held in New York, Los Angeles and Cleveland.
Admission to the Chicago Media Mixer is free, with support from sponsors including the Illinois Broadcasters Association. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
The Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will follow on October 8 in Chicago.
CRB Names 2026-27 Board of Directors
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 1:46pm CT |
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Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) has announced its 2026-27 Board of Directors, adding four new members to the group that oversees the organization and its annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS).
Returning officers include Townsquare Media's Kurt Johnson as President, Country's Radio Coach's John Shomby as Vice President and The Center for Sales Strategy's Matt Sunshine as Secretary.
Joining the board are Travis Daily of Cumulus Media, Shelley Hargis of BBR Music Group, Jay Cruz of Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment and Mike Molinar of Big Machine Music.
"Our board represents so many different perspectives across country radio and the music industry, and that range of experience is incredibly important to the work we do," said Johnson. "I'm grateful to each of these leaders for their service, and I'm excited about the ideas, conversations, and collaboration as we continue to build the future of CRB and CRS."
The complete board also includes Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck; Justin Chase, Beasley Media Group; George Couri, Triple 8 Management; Tim Foisset, Spotify; Gator Harrison, K-LOVE; Debra Herman, Apple Music; Kenny Jay, Albright & O'Malley & Brenner; Jennifer Johnson, Riser House Entertainment; Ashley Layfield, WFUS/Tampa and WUBL/Atlanta; Jon Loba, BMG; Mike McVay, McVay Media; Brent Michaels, KUZZ/Bakersfield; Damon Moberly, MCA; Jordan Pettit, Big Loud; Rod Phillips, iHeartCountry; Joel Raab, Joel Raab Country Radio & Media; Tim Roberts, Audacy; Greg Strassell, Hubbard Radio; RJ Meacham, Summit House Entertainment; Stacy Waugh, Big Loud; Allison Warren, Cumulus Media; and Kristen Williams, Warner Music Nashville.
Charlie Morgan will continue as Board Member Emeritus.
The board represents radio, record labels, streaming platforms, management and other sectors of the country music industry and works throughout the year in support of CRB and CRS.
CRS 2027 is scheduled for March 17-19 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Topic, Hosts Drive Podcast Choices, Edison Finds
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 2:24pm CT |
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Podcast topic and host are the two most important factors for U.S. weekly podcast consumers when choosing a show to listen to or watch, according to new data from Edison Research at SSRS.
Edison Podcast Metrics found that 64% of weekly podcast consumers consider a show's topic important when selecting a podcast. Edison said the findings underscore the importance of creators clearly defining and marketing their subject matter as they compete for audiences across a growing number of podcast titles.
The show's host ranked second, cited as important by 53% of weekly podcast consumers. Edison noted that its previous audio and podcast research has consistently demonstrated the role hosts play in attracting and retaining audiences.
Featured guests were the third-leading consideration, with 38% saying guests are important when deciding whether to try a podcast.
Other elements of podcast presentation ranked considerably lower. Just 12% of weekly consumers said a podcast trailer is important to their selection, while 11% cited the appeal of the show's cover art.
Whether a podcast is appropriate for children ranked last among the factors highlighted by Edison, at 7%.
The findings come from Edison Podcast Metrics, the company's ongoing measurement service tracking podcast listening and viewing among U.S. consumers.
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Bob & Sheri to End Syndication After 30 Years
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 10:40am CT |
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The syndicated "Bob & Sheri Show" will end its radio syndication run on December 31, 2026, after 30 years and transition to a paid direct-to-consumer model beginning in January.
The show's approximately 50 affiliates have been notified of the decision. The move will end a syndication run that began in 1996, although the program's roots stretch back to 1992, when Sheri Lynch joined Bob Lacey for mornings at then-AC WBT-FM (Sunny 107.9) in Charlotte.
"It was a difficult decision to make," said Now Media co-founder and Director of Syndication Tony Garcia. "We were among the first shows to syndicate successfully, the first AC morning show, and the first to feature a woman in the lead role."
Garcia said some affiliates have carried the program for nearly three decades. "Sheri and I have determined the time is right for us to bow out. We thank our legacy and our more recent affiliates for their support."
Lynch and Garcia said changing media consumption habits and advertising economics were major factors in the decision. Since launching Now Media in 2017, they said advertising revenue for "Bob & Sheri" has declined between 20% and 40%, while members of the show's staff have taken pay cuts since 2020.
"We have been closely following the data from Edison Research, Tom Webster at Sounds Profitable, as well as the research projects we've commissioned with Fred and Paul Jacobs, and determined this is the right time to become a direct-to-consumer brand," Lynch said.
The show will move from its current free, advertising-supported distribution model to a paid direct-to-listener subscription service in January 2027.
"We're excited about bringing the show directly to them, when and where they want to listen," Lynch added. "We will miss radio, but we're incredibly excited about the new chapter ahead."
Radio Roxboro Owner David Bradsher Dies at 84
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 1:58pm CT |
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Longtime Roxboro, NC broadcaster and Radio Roxboro owner and General Manager John David "Dave" Bradsher died Saturday, September 12, at his home with his family by his side. He was 84.
Bradsher had been a fixture on Roxboro radio for more than three decades after purchasing hometown stations WRXO and WKRX in 1992. Radio Roxboro remembered him as a familiar voice whose commitment to Roxboro and Person County was matched by his "large smile and unforgettable personality."
A Person County native, Bradsher began his radio career at age 16, working part-time at WRXO for Harold Taylor. After graduating from Roxboro High School, where he played trombone in the band, he attended Elon College and served in the Army National Guard.
His broadcasting career later took him to WSIC in Statesville, where he became Program Director. Bradsher subsequently worked in Reidsville and Roanoke Rapids launching new radio stations before returning to Statesville as General Manager of WSIC, WFMX and other properties operated by Statesville Broadcasting Company.
In 1983, Bradsher became a station owner with his purchase of WRNC in Reidsville. Two years later, he moved to Raleigh to work in sports sales for Capitol Broadcasting Company.
The opportunity to return home arrived in 1992, when Bradsher purchased WRXO and WKRX in Roxboro from Wharton Winstead. He would remain closely identified with the stations and the community for the next 34 years.
Person Family Medical Center, one of the local organizations that worked with Bradsher and WKRX over the years, credited him with using local radio to help promote community events, services and health information. The organization remembered his dedication to local broadcasting and his efforts to keep Person County connected.
Bradsher was a member of Roxboro Baptist Church, a Mason and Shriner and a former member of the Rotary Club of Roxboro. He was also an avid fan of University of North Carolina football and basketball and the Carolina Panthers.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Daniel Bradsher; sons David Bradsher Jr. and Matthew Bradsher; bonus sons Guy Ferguson and Frederick Ferguson; brothers Tim Bradsher and Marcus Bradsher; grandson Nicholas Bradsher; and extended family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Person High School Band.
Bleav Names Jim Thompson VP of Sales
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 10:33am CT |
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Bleav has named Jim Thompson Vice President of Sales, overseeing the company's advertising sales organization and revenue efforts across its audio, video and social platforms.
Thompson joins Bleav from Gemini XIII, where he served as Vice President of Sales across the company's podcasting, radio and premium audio businesses. Previously, he held sales roles at The Athletic, working across podcasts, digital and newsletters, and at Cadence13, where he specialized in direct-response advertising and large-scale brand activations.
His background also includes sports advertising sales at ESPN New York 98.7 FM, where he handled advertising and sponsorships across ESPN programming and broadcasts of the New York Jets, Knicks and Rangers. Thompson began his career in New York radio at WOR and later served as Sales Manager for Salem Media's New York stations.
"Jim brings exactly the kind of sales leadership and experience we want as Bleav continues to grow," said Bleav Founder and CEO Bron Heussenstamm. "He understands both sports and non-sports, podcasts, creators and advertisers, and has built strong relationships throughout the industry."
In his new role, Thompson will lead Bleav's internal sales team, oversee advertising and sponsorship initiatives and manage relationships with the company's third-party sales partners.
"Bleav has built an incredible network of creators, athletes and content with tremendous opportunity ahead," said Thompson. "I'm excited to join Bron and the Bleav team, work with our sales organization and partners, and build on that foundation to create even more opportunities for advertisers, creators and the company."
Norsan Closes $3.5 Million Purchase of KGSR
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 2:40pm CT |
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Norsan Media has closed on its $3.5 million acquisition of KGSR-FM (93.3) in Austin, TX, from Waterloo Media. The 100,000-watt station serves the Austin market with a Classic Hip Hop format branded as Vibe 93.3. The deal was originally announced in June.
Norsan Media, headed by Norberto Sanchez, adds KGSR to an Austin-area portfolio that includes Regional Mexican KOKE-FM and KTXX-FM, Spanish Hits KTAE-AM and Regional Mexican KZNX-AM.
Waterloo Media, controlled by the Sinclair family, retains several Austin-area stations, including Adult Hits KBPA-FM, News/Talk KLBJ-AM, Classic Rock KLBJ-FM, Regional Mexican KLZT-FM and Alternative KROX-FM.
Michael J. Bergner of Bergner & Co. served as the exclusive broker in the transaction.
U.S. House Passes AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 2:07pm CT |
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act on Tuesday, advancing legislation that would require automakers to maintain access to AM broadcast radio in new passenger vehicles sold in the United States. The measure, H.R. 979, was approved by voice vote and now moves to the Senate.
The bill directs the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency, to establish a requirement for AM broadcast receivers in new passenger vehicles as standard equipment.
The National Association of Broadcasters welcomed the House action, pointing to AM radio's role in emergency communications, news and local information.
"Today's decisive House passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act is a significant step forward for the millions of Americans who rely on AM radio for lifesaving emergency information, trusted news and a vital connection to their communities," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
LeGeyt thanked House leadership, lead cosponsors Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) and the bipartisan coalition supporting the legislation. He said NAB will continue working with the Senate bill's sponsors and cosponsors to advance the measure.
iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman also praised the House action, calling passage "a significant victory for public safety, local communities and the millions of Americans who rely on AM radio every day." Pittman's title is confirmed by iHeartMedia's corporate filings and website.
Pittman said AM radio remains an important source of local emergency information, news and weather alerts, particularly during natural disasters, power outages and other emergencies when other communications networks may be disrupted.
"For more than a century broadcast radio has been there when Americans need it most," Pittman said. "And today, during natural disasters, power outages and other emergencies, AM radio continues to serve as a trusted lifeline."
He also thanked Bilirakis and Pallone for building bipartisan support for the measure and cited the House Energy and Commerce Committee's earlier approval. The committee advanced H.R. 979 by a 50-1 vote in September 2025.
v Public safety organizations have also supported the legislation. Groups representing firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical services have argued that AM broadcasting can remain available during emergencies when cellular or internet communications are limited or disrupted.
Pittman said iHeartMedia will now work with Senate leadership and Senate sponsors Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) as the legislation moves to the chamber.
The House vote does not make the measure law. The Senate must also approve the legislation before it can be sent to the president.
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