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Top Radio News
AM/FM Radio Leads In-Car Listening Among EV Users
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 2:22pm CT |
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AM/FM radio continues to account for the largest share of in-car audio listening among Americans, including electric vehicle (EV) drivers and passengers, although its share is notably lower among EV users, according to new findings from Edison Research's Share of Ear study.
The research, presented during a recent webinar for Share of Ear subscribers, found that Americans ages 13 and older spend an average of one hour and four minutes per day listening to audio in vehicles. In-car listening represents more than one-quarter of total daily audio consumption.
Among the overall U.S. population ages 13 and older, AM/FM radio accounts for 53% of in-car audio listening time. That figure declines to 42% among people whose primary vehicle is an EV, an 11-percentage-point difference.
Despite the decline, traditional radio remains the leading audio platform in electric vehicles, ahead of streaming music, satellite radio and podcasts.
Streaming music accounts for 17% of in-car audio time among the overall population, increasing to 22% among EV drivers and passengers. SiriusXM also gains share among EV users, rising from 16% of listening time in the overall population to 20% among those whose primary vehicle is electric.
Podcast listening shows an even larger relative difference, with EV users devoting twice the share of their in-car audio time to podcasts compared with the general population. The release did not provide specific percentages for podcast listening.
Other audio platforms maintained relatively consistent listening shares across the two groups.
The findings underscore the continued importance of the automobile to broadcast radio while highlighting differences in audio consumption among EV users. Although AM/FM radio retains the largest share of listening time in electric vehicles, streaming music, satellite radio and podcasts collectively account for a greater portion of listening than they do among the overall driving population.
RTDNA Survey Finds Modest Gains in Radio News Staffing
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 2:32pm CT |
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Radio newsroom staffing showed modest improvement in 2025, with the median number of full-time news employees returning to two after declining the previous year, according to the latest RTDNA/Newhouse School at Syracuse University Survey.
The annual survey found that the average radio newsroom employed 3.8 full-time news staffers, while part-time staffing remained unchanged at an average of 1.7 employees.
Non-commercial stations continued to maintain larger newsrooms than their commercial counterparts, reporting a median of three full-time news employees compared with just one at commercial stations.
Staffing gains were reported across most market sizes, with large markets experiencing the biggest increase, averaging 2.7 additional employees. No market-size category reported a decline in full-time newsroom staffing.
Despite the overall improvement, most radio stations reported little change in their individual staffing levels. The percentage of stations adding employees dropped by more than half to 8.6%, while those reporting no staffing changes increased nearly eight percentage points to 77.6%.
The survey also found that 71.6% of radio stations relied on centralized newsrooms serving multiple stations, a slight decline from the previous year. That figure remains below pre-pandemic levels, when centralized news operations routinely accounted for more than 80% of stations.
Non-commercial broadcasters were more likely than commercial stations to both increase and reduce newsroom staffing, reflecting their generally larger news operations.
Digital newsroom staffing declined slightly for the second consecutive year, primarily because of reductions in major markets. However, part-time digital staffing increased modestly overall.
Hiring activity showed improvement, with both replacement hires and newly created positions averaging 0.9 employees each. The median number of hires reached one for the first time in nine years.
Reporters remained the most frequently hired employees, both for replacement positions and newly created jobs, followed by sales and promotional personnel.
The report also noted that ongoing staffing reductions at iHeartRadio, PBS and NPR stations could influence future survey results, although the full impact of those cuts has not yet been determined.
The RTDNA/Newhouse School Survey was conducted during the fourth quarter of 2025 and included responses from nearly 600 radio stations and more than 1,100 television stations.
The research is supported by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. The findings were reported by Tim Mirabito, Keren Henderson and Akshaya Chandrasekaran.
Podmerse Launches Podcast Sponsorship Database
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 10:52am CT |
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Podmerse has launched a publicly available podcast sponsorship database designed to help podcasters identify potential advertisers and provide media buyers with information about where competing brands are placing their podcast advertising.
The platform tracks more than 2 million sponsored episodes involving over 368,000 brands and nearly 44,000 podcasts. Its database is updated daily as new episodes are published, providing information about sponsorship activity across podcast categories and advertiser industries.
According to data released by Podmerse, podcast sponsorship relationships frequently change. Of the brand and podcast pairings tracked during the first quarter of 2026, only 34% appeared again on the same shows during the second quarter, despite those podcasts continuing to carry advertising.
The findings suggest that approximately two-thirds of those sponsorship relationships did not continue into the following quarter, highlighting the ongoing challenge podcasters face in securing repeat advertisers.
"Most small and mid-size podcasters are struggling to monetize their shows, and it is rarely because the audience is too small," said Podmerse co-founder Anuj Agarwal. "It is because they cannot see which companies are already paying for audiences like theirs."
Podmerse monitors more than 2 million podcasts and analyzes newly published episodes to identify both host-read commercials and dynamically inserted advertising. Each sponsorship record identifies the advertiser, the podcast, the number of episodes carrying the sponsorship, the most recent appearance date and the relevant industry and podcast category.
Unlike traditional podcast media kits, which generally highlight selected advertising relationships, Podmerse says its information is collected directly from published episodes rather than supplied by advertisers or podcast publishers.
Users can filter results by advertiser industry, podcast category, audience size, episode count and most recent sponsorship date. The platform also allows users to create lists and export information in CSV format for advertising research, media planning and sponsor outreach.
An additional feature allows users to follow individual brands or podcasts and receive updates when new sponsorship activity is detected. Podcasters can monitor advertisers buying placements on similar shows, while agencies and advertisers can track where competing brands are directing their podcast budgets.
"The useful question is not which brands sponsor podcasts. It is which brands came back to a show a second and a third time," said Podmerse co-founder Vineet Agarwal.
He noted that traditional media kits often fail to distinguish between advertisers that purchased a single test placement and those maintaining long-term sponsorship relationships.
Podmerse says the database is intended to provide greater transparency into podcast advertising activity while helping publishers identify prospective sponsors and allowing advertisers to evaluate competitive spending patterns.
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Triton Digital Completes First AI-Driven Audio Ad Buy
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 6:30am CT |
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Triton Digital has completed what it describes as the audio industry's first fully automated, agent-to-agent advertising transaction using its newly launched Seller Agent. The campaign was executed with Talpa Media, digital agency Draft Digital and advertiser Otrium.
According to Triton, the entire transaction, from campaign request and negotiation to booking in the ad server, was handled through communication between artificial intelligence agents without manual intervention. The process took minutes rather than the days typically required for traditional media buying.
The transaction marks the first use of Triton's Seller Agent, a new capability built on the Triton Ad Platform (TAP) that enables publishers and buyers to receive, evaluate and fulfill campaign requests from AI-powered buying systems.
The technology uses the Advertising Context Protocol (AdCP), an open standard designed to establish a common language for AI agents conducting advertising transactions. Triton is a founding member of AgenticAdvertising.org, the organization overseeing the protocol.
"Audio doesn't have a performance problem; it has an allocation problem," said Triton Digital Chief Product Officer Benjamin Masse. "Budgets follow the path of least resistance and execution cost, rather than focusing on effectiveness."
Masse said the technology allows AI agents to identify suitable inventory, negotiate terms and complete bookings while publishers retain control over pricing and advertiser relationships.
For the inaugural transaction, an AI agent working on behalf of Otrium identified digital audio inventory matching the advertiser's campaign objectives. The systems then negotiated availability and terms before automatically booking the campaign in the ad server.
The campaign is now running across Talpa Media's digital audio inventory through Sync, the company's AI-driven infrastructure for automated advertising transactions.
Triton emphasized that the technology incorporates human oversight through predetermined pricing requirements, campaign validation procedures and data privacy standards. Those parameters are established before AI agents execute transactions, with each booking checked against the approved requirements.
"This transaction is about more than automating a single campaign," said Allard Korenhof, Director of Digital Transformation at Talpa Media. He said the company's Sync platform is designed to ensure Dutch media inventory remains accessible as AI becomes more widely used in advertising planning and buying.
Otrium Head of Growth Philip Sonneveldt said the technology offers advertisers an opportunity to move budgets toward suitable inventory more quickly without sacrificing oversight of pricing, targeting or brand safety.
Draft Digital Founder Lars Postmus described the transaction as an end-to-end AI process that combines automated buying with human expertise in inventory selection and campaign strategy.
Triton said its Seller Agent is designed to reduce the administrative work involved in audio advertising transactions, potentially allowing publishers to respond to more advertising opportunities while improving inventory matching and campaign execution.
Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson to Launch Media Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 2:53pm CT |
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Sports journalist and national basketball insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson has announced plans to launch a multimedia digital network in early 2027, featuring original audio and video programming focused on sports, entertainment, music and lifestyle culture.
The new venture will build on Robinson's existing Scoop B Radio, #WORDSWITHSCOOP and The Pull Up brands, with five flagship programs, a daily digital news operation and direct-to-consumer distribution. The network's official name is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
"From cutting my teeth in radio at 12 years old to building a decade of community with Scoop B Radio, this network is the culmination of a lifelong commitment to narrative sovereignty and authentic storytelling," said Robinson, who will serve as founder and CEO.
The network will feature programming covering professional basketball, athlete business ventures, fashion, hip-hop and cultural heritage, along with additional coverage of football and wrestling.
Plans also include a dedicated women's basketball channel led by a veteran storyteller, focusing on the growth and cultural influence of women's basketball. A continuously updated digital newsroom will provide breaking news and coverage supporting the network's video and podcast programming.
Robinson has built his career as a sports journalist and broadcaster, contributing to publications including The Source, Billboard, VIBE, Jet and Ebony. His broadcasting experience includes appearances on SiriusXM, MSNBC, Complex, ESPN and Arise News.
Following his departure from The Source in 2015, Robinson co-hosted the CBS Radio sports program Brown and Scoop. He subsequently served as a senior sports writer for Heavy and joined Bally Sports as a National NBA Insider in 2021. He is represented by Buchwald Talent.
The new network will operate in partnership with Crossover Media Group (CMG), which will oversee national advertising sales, sponsorships, host-read commercial integrations and distribution through a commercial joint venture.
"What 'Scoop B' has organically built is a masterclass in audience loyalty and cultural relevance," said CMG co-founder and Managing Partner Scott Calka. "By pairing our cross-platform monetization strategies, brand integration expertise and network infrastructure with Brandon's unmatched access and eye for content, we are establishing a blueprint for modern sports and lifestyle entertainment."
Robinson said the network is intended to provide an independent platform connecting sports journalism with the broader cultural interests of athletes and audiences.
The organization is currently in discussions with prospective executives for leadership positions in operations and editorial management. Additional hires in video production, broadcast operations and digital journalism are expected to be announced ahead of the launch.
Official program titles, production schedules and initial advertising partnerships are expected to be unveiled later this fall.
Westwood One, Silverloch Set Election Day Coverage
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 10:58am CT |
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Westwood One and Silverloch have announced special Election Day programming for Tuesday, November 3, featuring conservative commentators Dan Bongino, Vince Coglianese, Hayley Caronia and Shawn Farash across broadcast radio, podcasts and streaming platforms.
The coverage will feature commentary and analysis of key races and election developments throughout the day, with programming available through participating radio affiliates, podcast platforms and Rumble.
The schedule begins at 8am ET with the VINCE podcast, hosted by Coglianese, followed by the live radio broadcast of The Vince Show from noon to 3pm ET.
Additional midday programming includes the Scrolling with Hayley podcast, hosted by Caronia, from noon to 1 p.m. ET, followed by Shawn Farash Live from 1-2pm ET.
The Bongino Report PM will air from 3-6pm ET, providing additional coverage and commentary as voters head to the polls.
Election Day programming will conclude with a special Election Night edition of The Dan Bongino Show, streaming live on Rumble from 8 to 10 p.m. ET.
The two-hour livestream will feature Bongino's real-time reactions to election results, political analysis and commentary from special guests as returns are reported.
Westwood One and Silverloch said the multiplatform coverage is designed to provide audiences with access to election commentary and developments throughout the day and into the evening.
Eastlan Ratings Adds Kelly and Ehrman to Support Team
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 2:06pm CT |
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Eastlan Ratings has expanded its client training and support team with the addition of radio industry veterans Jay Kelly and Tommy Ehrman as the company prepares for continued market expansion into 2027.
Kelly brings decades of broadcast and digital media experience to Eastlan. A nationally recognized consultant, he previously worked as a major-market radio drive-time personality and Program Director in Seattle, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and Kansas City.
His experience with Wet Fish Digital will also support Eastlan's efforts to help radio sales teams develop strategies for selling digital services and competing in an increasingly diverse media marketplace.
Ehrman brings extensive experience in small- and medium-market radio operations and sales. He began his broadcasting career as a part-time janitor at a radio station in Modesto, CA, before advancing through various positions in the industry. His background includes an 18-year tenure with Citadel, primarily in sales and sales management, along with expertise in developing effective radio advertising schedules.
"Life is too short for a phone tree to nowhere or time-sucking chatbots. When our clients need assistance, they need it now," said Eastlan President Mike Gould. "We are resolute in our commitment to provide our clients the support they deserve: real humans who listen and respond quickly."
Gould also criticized the reliance on automated customer service systems and offshore support operations used by other ratings providers, emphasizing Eastlan's commitment to direct, personalized assistance for its clients.
The appointments come as Eastlan continues expanding its audience measurement services into additional radio markets. The company said it expects to announce several more staff additions and numerous new markets in the coming weeks.
Townsquare Media's Kelly Quinn to Depart After 25 Years
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 4:33pm CT |
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Townsquare Media Chief Growth Officer Kelly Quinn will depart the company on October 30, ending a 25-year career that included senior leadership positions in sales, market operations, digital advertising and revenue development.
Quinn announced his departure in a September LinkedIn post, saying the timing was right to close this chapter of his career. He has not announced his next professional move and plans to take some time away before considering future opportunities.
"It feels surreal to even be typing this, but the timing is right to close this chapter," Quinn wrote. "During my time at Townsquare, I've had the opportunity to wear a lot of hats."
Quinn began his career as a sales representative before advancing into market leadership and becoming Townsquare's first Corporate Vice President of Sales. He subsequently helped lead the company's digital advertising operations and served as Chief Revenue Officer before assuming the Chief Growth Officer position.
In February 2025, Quinn was promoted from Regional Vice President to Chief Revenue Officer of Ignite, Townsquare's in-house programmatic digital advertising division. In that role, he was responsible for expanding Ignite's business and leveraging its data-driven advertising solutions to strengthen client relationships.
At the time, Ignite President Todd Lawley praised Quinn's leadership abilities, saying his experience motivating sales teams positioned him to drive continued growth for the division.
Reflecting on his tenure, Quinn highlighted Townsquare's transformation from a traditional broadcasting company into a digital-first media organization, noting that digital now accounts for nearly 60% of the company's revenue.
"There was no owner's manual for that. We had to build it. We had to innovate," Quinn wrote. "And to my colleagues reading this, know that you did that. I'm deeply grateful that I got to play a role in it."
Quinn also credited several executives and colleagues who influenced his career, including Erik Hellum, Todd Lawley, Bill Wilson, Bob McCuin, Zoe Burdine-Fly and the late Bob Freeman.
He said the relationships developed throughout his career were among his most rewarding experiences, particularly while working with teams across dozens of Townsquare markets.
"For now, I'm going to take some time away and think about what I want the next chapter to look like," Quinn wrote. "Whatever comes next, I know I'll continue to be drawn to the things I've always loved most: building businesses, developing people, solving problems and helping teams accomplish things they didn't think were possible."
Quinn added that he will continue supporting Townsquare's success following his departure.
The company has not announced a successor or disclosed how Quinn's responsibilities will be reassigned.
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Chris Cline Exits Reelworld as VP/AR After 18 Years
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 10:49am CT |
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Chris Cline has departed his position as Vice President of Affiliate Relations at Reelworld after 18 years with the radio imaging and production company. He will continue working with Reelworld in a limited consulting capacity.
Cline, a radio industry veteran with more than three decades of experience, described his departure as the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
"I have nothing but great things to say about my tenure at Reelworld," said Cline. "I'm incredibly grateful for the people I've had the opportunity to work with over the years and will always consider everyone at Reelworld my friends and family."
Throughout his career, Cline has held positions spanning affiliate relations, syndication, sales, marketing, creative services and radio production.
Before joining Reelworld, he co-founded N2 Effect, a company specializing in radio jingles and imaging. He also spent six and a half years with TM Century, now known as TM Studios, where he served as Director of Sales and Marketing and Director of Creative.
Cline began his broadcasting career as an intern at WBBM-FM (B96) in Chicago. He subsequently worked at several radio stations throughout the Midwest before transitioning into syndication and radio production.
His departure concludes nearly two decades in a senior affiliate relations role at Reelworld, although his continued consulting arrangement will maintain a connection with the company.
iHeartMedia Sets Third Quarter Earnings Call for Nov. 9
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 5:02pm CT |
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iHeartMedia has announced that it will release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30 on Monday, November 9. The company will host a conference call at 4:30pm ET following the earnings release to discuss its quarterly financial performance and business outlook.
Investors and analysts can listen to the live audio webcast through the company's investor relations website at investors.iheartmedia.com.
The conference call will also be accessible by telephone at (833) 461-5787 for domestic callers or 1 (585) 542-9983 for international participants, using Meeting ID 653 924 567. Participants are encouraged to connect at least five minutes before the call begins.
An audio replay will be available beginning at 7:30pm ET on November 9 through the Events & Presentations section of iHeartMedia's investor relations website.
The replay can also be accessed by calling (833) 309-1852 domestically or 1 (929) 828-5978 internationally, using the same meeting ID. It will remain available for 30 days.
The earnings release and related financial materials will be posted on the company's investor relations website.
Fisher House Offers Free Veterans Day Radio Special
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 11:01am CT |
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Fisher House Foundation is offering radio outlets nationwide a free three-hour Veterans Day special, "Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey," hosted by nationally syndicated radio personality and Townhall Editor Larry O'Connor.
The program, available for broadcast on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, and throughout the holiday period, features interviews with wounded service members, veterans and military families who have received assistance from Fisher House Foundation. The nonprofit provides free lodging for military and veteran families while their loved ones undergo medical treatment.
Designed primarily for News/Talk stations, the special is also available in shorter versions suitable for other formats. Participating stations can carry the program without cash or barter requirements.
Among the featured interviews is Army veteran Jonathan Turnbull, who was severely wounded and blinded in a January 2019 ISIS suicide bombing in Syria that killed four Americans. Turnbull and his wife, Samantha, discuss his recovery, the support they received from Fisher House and his subsequent participation in the Department of Defense Warrior Games.
The program also features Sven Jacobs, whose wife, Air Force service member Sierra Jacobs, suffered a massive stroke while pregnant with their second child. Jacobs recounts the family's medical evacuation and recovery experience, including assistance from Fisher Houses in Germany and Texas.
Other guests include Jalyn Rowe, whose Navy veteran grandson battled a rare neurological disorder; Coast Guard veteran William Hamilton III, who suffered a stroke while stationed in Alaska; and Navy veteran Mike Bobinchuck, who underwent a heart transplant.
Fisher House Foundation Chairman Ken Fisher and President Dave Coker also appear in the special, discussing the organization's history, expansion and additional programs supporting military families.
Among those initiatives is Hero Miles, which uses donated airline miles to help transport family members to the bedside of hospitalized service members and veterans. The foundation also supports adaptive sports programs and other services for military families.
O'Connor, who hosts the nationally syndicated "O'Connor & Company" morning program on Salem Radio Network, guides listeners through the personal accounts of military service, medical emergencies and recovery.
"Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey" is being distributed at no charge to participating stations, with no cash or barter obligations.
Stations can hear a demonstration and register to receive the program here.
Westwood One Study Challenges Eight AM/FM Radio Myths
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 26, 2026 | 2:16pm CT |
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A new analysis from Cumulus Media's Westwood One Audio Active Group challenges eight common advertiser perceptions about AM/FM radio, citing research that shows the medium continues to deliver substantial audience reach, advertising effectiveness and return on investment.
In the latest Audio Active Group blog, Chief Insights Officer Pierre Bouvard examines findings from Nielsen, Edison Research, LeadsRx and an August 2026 Advertiser Perceptions survey of 302 media agency and advertising professionals. The analysis identifies significant differences between how advertisers perceive radio audiences and actual listening behavior.
According to the Advertiser Perceptions survey, agencies and marketers estimated that AM/FM radio reaches just 43% of Americans weekly. However, Nielsen data places the medium's weekly reach at 86%, twice the industry estimate.
The report also challenges the perception that younger audiences have abandoned traditional radio. Nielsen data provided through Katz Radio Group indicates that adults 18-34 represent AM/FM radio's largest listening demographic, with more than 63 million weekly listeners.
Another misconception involves radio's audience share compared with streaming services. Advertisers estimated that Spotify and Pandora command a combined 46% share of ad-supported audio listening, compared with 26% for AM/FM radio. However, Edison's Q3 2026 "Share of Ear" study places AM/FM radio's actual share at 62%, approximately 13 times that of ad-supported Spotify and 16 times that of ad-supported Pandora.
In-car listening remains another area of strength. According to Edison Research, AM/FM radio accounts for 81% of ad-supported audio listening in vehicles, despite growing availability of connected-car entertainment options.
The analysis also examines radio's potential contribution to advertising campaigns. Nielsen Media Impact research cited by the Radio Advertising Bureau found that reallocating just 10% of a media budget from connected television, digital and linear television to AM/FM radio increased campaign reach by 20% without increasing overall spending.
Daily audience reach provides another distinction. Edison's research indicates that ad-supported Spotify, Pandora and podcasts collectively reach 32% of Americans on a typical day, compared with 56% for AM/FM radio.
Bouvard also addresses advertiser skepticism about radio's return on investment. Nielsen's Global Media Mix Modeling Benchmarks rank AM/FM radio second globally in advertising ROI, generating an average return of $2 for every dollar invested. In the U.S., radio ranks fourth among 12 measured media categories, delivering $2.14 for every advertising dollar.
Additional attribution research conducted by LeadsRx for Westwood One found that AM/FM radio advertising generated an average 14% increase in website traffic across 17 campaigns measured over five years.
The report concludes by challenging the perception that radio advertising cannot be measured as effectively as television or digital media. Westwood One maintains that modern attribution and measurement tools can evaluate radio's contribution to website visits, sales and other advertising outcomes.
The findings underscore the gap between advertiser assumptions and audience measurement data, with Bouvard arguing that radio remains an important component of advertising strategies seeking broader reach and measurable results.
Read the complete Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog here.
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SummitMedia Names Aaron Wilborn Omaha Market President
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 26, 2026 | 2:09pm CT |
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SummitMedia has appointed Aaron Wilborn as Market President of its Omaha operations, overseeing the company's radio stations, digital platforms and events business. Wilborn joins SummitMedia from Dick Broadcasting Company, where he has served as President since 2018, directing the company's radio group along with its digital and events divisions.
A broadcast executive with more than 25 years of experience in radio and digital sales, Wilborn previously served as President and CEO of Apex Media Corporation in Charleston, SC, where he oversaw radio, digital, outdoor advertising and information technology operations.
Earlier in his career, he held senior sales and market leadership positions with Clear Channel/iHeartMedia in Jacksonville, FL, West Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, FL, and Washington, DC.
"I'm incredibly excited to join SummitMedia," said Wilborn. "Omaha is an outstanding market, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team to strengthen our advertiser relationships and make a lasting impact in the community."
SummitMedia Executive Vice President Randy Chase welcomed Wilborn, citing his leadership experience and the company's growth opportunities in Omaha. "Aaron brings discipline, focus and energy to the Omaha market," said Chase. "With Omaha growing at an accelerated pace, we see tremendous potential for our stations, our advertisers and our team."
SummitMedia's Omaha cluster includes KQCH-FM (Channel 94.1), KSRZ-FM (Star 104.5), KEZO-FM (Z92), home of the syndicated "Todd N Tyler Radio Empire," and KKCD-FM (Classic Rock 105.9).
WUSW Launches US Country Format in Buffalo
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 26, 2026 | 12:21pm CT |
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Buddy Shula's Radio One Buffalo has launched US Country on WUSW in Buffalo, NY, introducing a Classic Country format featuring hits from the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. The station targets listeners throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario.
Branded as "US Country - Buffalo's Country Favorites," the station features a "Retro Hot Country" playlist highlighting artists including Garth Brooks, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton.
The station's on-air lineup includes veteran Buffalo Country personalities Buddy Shula, Wendy Lynn, Greg Ireland and Aaron James. Liz Mantel is scheduled to join the morning lineup in December.
"US Country is built around a clear promise: great country music and a station that feels connected to the people who listen," said Radio One Buffalo owner Buddy Shula. "We're bringing Buffalo country artists and songs that they have been craving, and that you can't find anywhere else on the radio, locally."
Shula, who previously worked at Buffalo's heritage Country station WYRK, said the new format is designed to fill a gap in the market by featuring familiar artists and songs that receive limited exposure on contemporary Country radio. "In Buffalo, WYRK is the heritage country station. I was on the air at WYRK earlier in my career, and it's where I found my love for country music," Shula said. "However, the artists and songs we were playing back then cannot be heard anymore... until now."
Veteran Country programmer Ken Johnson has also joined US Country as a special advisor. Johnson served as WYRK's first Program Director from 1982 to 1997 before moving to Country WXTU in Philadelphia. He subsequently worked as a Program Director and consultant for multiple Country music channels at XM Satellite Radio from 2001 to 2009.
The launch positions WUSW as an alternative to Buffalo's existing Country offerings, emphasizing established hits and familiar personalities from the format's earlier decades.
Country Radio Hall of Fame Nominations Due October 30
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 26, 2026 | 5:05pm CT |
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The Country Radio Hall of Fame (CRHoF) is reminding industry professionals that nominations for its Class of 2027 must be submitted by Friday, October 30, to receive consideration for next year's induction.
Established in 1974, the Country Radio Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the country radio and music industries. Eligible nominees must have worked in radio for at least 20 years, including a minimum of 15 years in the Country format.
The Hall of Fame recognizes professionals in two categories: Radio, honoring those who have worked behind the scenes in programming, management, sales and other industry positions; and On-Air Personality, recognizing broadcasters who have made significant contributions through their on-air work.
Nominations are accepted throughout the year, but submissions received after the October 30 deadline will be considered for the Class of 2028 rather than 2027.
The Class of 2027 inductees will be announced during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2027, scheduled for March 17-19 at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville.
Industry professionals wishing to nominate a candidate can complete the official nomination form here.
WFUV New York Promotes Rich McLaughlin to GM
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 23, 2026 | 1:21pm CT |
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Fordham University's AAA WFUV-FM (90.7) New York has promoted Program Director Rich McLaughlin to General Manager. McLaughlin has served as interim GM since July 2026. A Fordham University graduate, McLaughlin began his broadcasting career at WFUV as a student before moving into satellite radio in 2001 as Format Manager for the then-new Sirius Satellite Radio, where he programmed the Alt Nation and Left of Center channels.
He returned to WFUV as Content Director in 2008 before joining Clear Channel New York as Digital Program Director in 2009. His subsequent positions included Senior Director of Digital Programming at Merlin Media and Director of Digital Programming and Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartRadio.
McLaughlin later served as Senior Music Curator and Global Programming Lead for Amazon Music before returning to WFUV as Program Director in June 2021.
"WFUV has been a cornerstone of my life since my college days, and I know firsthand how transformative this station is for students discovering their potential," said McLaughlin.
"We have an incredible team, a passionately loyal community of listeners, and a vibrant connection to New York's cultural fabric. I am honored to lead WFUV as we continue championing music discovery, mentoring our students, and finding creative new ways to serve our community."
In his new role, McLaughlin will oversee the station's operations, programming and continued development as a public radio outlet serving the New York metropolitan area.
UNT Names Zac Babb Operations Manager for KNTU
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 23, 2026 | 4:36pm CT |
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The University of North Texas (UNT) has named Zac Babb Operations Manager for its three audio brands, including KNTU-FM (88.1), its Indie/Alternative-AAA station, Jazz-formatted KNTU-HD2 (The One) and student-operated MeanGreenHits.com.
Babb, a 2017 UNT graduate and former KNTU student, returns to the station after previously serving as Sports and Events Manager from September 2022 through January 2025.
He also maintains an extensive relationship with North Texas Athletics, serving as the radio play-by-play voice for the university's women's basketball team. Additionally, he works as sideline reporter, engineer and producer for North Texas football broadcasts.
"UNT has been an important part of both my personal and professional journey for more than 10 years now, and I'm very grateful to be given the opportunity to rejoin my alma mater's radio station," said Babb.
"KNTU has a tremendous history of developing talent, and I'm excited to build on that tradition and legacy while helping provide students with the tools and experience they need to succeed in the industry."
KNTU General Manager Todd Pitts, known professionally as Todd Shannon, welcomed Babb's return, citing his experience and commitment to student development.
"Having worked with Zac in the past, I know his heart for broadcasting, coaching students and without a doubt he bleeds Mean Green," said Pitts. "We are now well poised to serve our ever-growing base of students who have a genuine interest in our medium."
In his new position, Babb will oversee operations across UNT's three audio platforms while supporting the university's efforts to provide students with hands-on broadcasting experience.
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