Top Radio News

CBS News Radio to Shut Down After Nearly 100 Years

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 12:11pm CT

CBS News Radio

CBS News will shut down its long-running radio news service, CBS News Radio, on May 22, ending a nearly century-old operation as part of broader cuts within the division.

The decision was announced Friday in a memo from CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski, who said the move follows shifts in radio programming strategies and ongoing economic challenges. The closure will result in the elimination of all positions within the CBS News Radio unit, with an estimated 60 to 70 staff members affected.

CBS News Radio currently provides content to approximately 700 affiliated stations nationwide, including major outlets such as WBBM in Chicago, KNX in Los Angeles, KCBS in San Francisco and KMOX in St. Louis. Hubbard Radio's WTOP in Washington, DC, also relies on the service for its top-of-the-hour newscasts.

In the memo, Weiss and Cibrowski said, "While this was a necessary decision, it was not an easy one," citing "a shift in radio station programming strategies, coupled with challenging economic realities" as key factors behind the shutdown. The company said it is providing advance notice to affiliates to allow time for transition planning.

v CBS News Radio traces its roots to 1927 and played a foundational role in the development of the CBS network. The service featured historic reporting, including Edward R. Murrow's World War II broadcasts from London, and remains known for its flagship program, World News Roundup, the longest-running newscast in the country.

CBS sold its owned radio stations to Entercom in 2017 but continued operating its national news service. The upcoming shutdown will bring an end to that legacy just short of its 100th anniversary.

"We are committed to supporting these valued colleagues with care and respect as we wind down operations," Weiss and Cibrowski said in the memo, thanking staff for their contributions to covering major news events over the decades.

Maryland Media One Launches Seaboard Networks

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 12:32pm CT

Seaboard Networks

Maryland Media One has launched Seaboard Networks, a new radio programming and syndication company offering 24/7 turnkey formats and syndicated content to stations across the country.

The company will focus on developing and distributing both music-driven and spoken-word programming, targeting stations seeking affordable, ready-to-air solutions for broadcast and streaming platforms.

Seaboard Networks will be led by Maryland Media One CEO Steve Clendenin, alongside Marketing Solutions Consultant and syndicated host Bob Stei. Clendenin said the venture is designed to address shifts in the radio programming landscape by providing stations with flexible, easy-to-implement content options.

Among its initial offerings is the Outdoor Radio Network, a full-time format centered on hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor lifestyle programming. The format combines talk segments, features, and lifestyle content aimed at outdoor enthusiasts.

The network will also distribute original entertainment programming, including music specialty shows. As part of the launch, Stei's "The Grunge Garage" will expand to a two-hour weekly program under Seaboard Networks, while a new show, "The Britpop Show," will debut focusing on British alternative music from the 1990s.

Stei said the company plans a hands-on approach to syndication, offering support services such as consulting, airchecks, public relations assistance, and production elements.

Seaboard Networks will provide stations with multiple affiliation options, including full-time formats, specialty programming, and syndicated shows designed for both traditional radio and digital distribution.

Veteran Radio Voice Jock Blaney Dies

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 12:25pm CT

Jock Blaney

Frank "Jock" Blaney, a longtime radio broadcaster, producer and voice artist whose career spanned decades in Wyoming and beyond, has passed away, according to reports circulating among radio industry colleagues.

Blaney began his career shortly after high school in Sheridan, WY, working at KROE before moving to KIML in Gillette. Early in his career, he pursued additional technical training in Los Angeles, where he also received a scholarship to study voice acting under legendary performer Mel Blanc. That experience helped shape a distinctive on-air style built on character voices, humor and production creativity.

He became best known for his work at KATI in Casper, where he served as an on-air announcer, Production Director and later Program Director from 1974 to 1978. During that time, Blaney earned industry recognition for his commercial production work, including a CLIO Award nomination for a political campaign spot. He later won additional CLIO honors and international broadcast awards for his production work.

Following his tenure at KATI, Blaney worked at KTWO Radio, focusing on production while continuing on-air duties. He later joined KTRS, expanding into FM broadcasting, and eventually moved to Seattle to work in a major market before launching his own advertising agency.

In later years, Blaney built a successful career in voice-over work, contributing to commercials, documentaries, television programming and video games. His credits included work for national brands and long-running programs such as "America's Test Kitchen."

Throughout his career, Blaney was widely regarded for his versatility and production expertise, often described by colleagues as "a man of a hundred voices" and a standout creative force in radio.

Details regarding his age and cause of death were not immediately available.

Murphy, Sam & Jodi Win 9th LAB Morning Show Honor

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 3:34pm CT

Murphy, Sam & Jodi

Premiere Networks-syndicated "Murphy, Sam & Jodi" has earned a 2026 Prestige Award from the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters (LAB) in the "Best Morning Show Large Market" category, marking the program's ninth consecutive win in that category.

In addition to the top morning show honor, the program also received awards for "Best Use of Digital Media" and "Best Radio Team."

"We can't stop smiling!" said co-host Jodi in a statement on behalf of the show. "This recognition gives us butterflies because the LAB has been with our small but mighty team since the beginning. Thank you for celebrating the work we love doing!"

The LAB's Prestige Awards recognize excellence among Louisiana radio and television broadcasters.

"Murphy, Sam & Jodi" airs on nearly 90 affiliates nationwide and features hosts Murphy, Jodi and Sam. The Baton Rouge-based show, produced by Media 3 Entertainment, has been a team since 1997 and entered national syndication in 2003. The program joined Premiere Networks' national lineup in January, 2026.

Radio Trust Stands Out in AI-Driven Media Era

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 2:47pm CT

Katz Radio Group

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the media landscape, a new challenge is emerging for both consumers and advertisers: trust. According to a new post from Katz Radio Group, the rapid rise of AI-generated content -- from articles and images to voices and ad campaigns -- is making it increasingly difficult for audiences to distinguish what is real from what is synthetic.

That uncertainty is having a measurable impact. A 2025 Talker Research survey found that 75% of Americans say they trust the internet less today than ever before, with many citing concerns over misleading or artificial content. In an environment filled with algorithm-driven feeds, deepfakes and synthetic media, credibility is becoming harder to establish.

Katz notes that this shift is highlighting the value of human connection, an area where radio continues to differentiate itself. Unlike many digital platforms, radio remains a personality-driven medium, built around familiar voices and local connections that audiences have trusted for years.

That advantage is reflected in Katz's own research. Its media trust studies show that more than 8 in 10 adults consider radio a trustworthy source -- a higher rating than television, newspapers or magazines. By comparison, social media ranks as the least trusted, with only 49% of adults expressing confidence in those platforms.

The strength of radio's trust factor is tied closely to its personalities. Listeners often develop long-term relationships with on-air hosts, who serve as consistent and credible guides for news, entertainment and even product recommendations. This relationship-driven model creates an environment that is difficult for algorithm-driven platforms to replicate.

For advertisers, the implications are significant. Katz points out that as skepticism grows around digital content, placing messages within trusted environments becomes increasingly valuable. Ads delivered through radio benefit from what the company describes as a "halo effect," where credibility extends from the medium to the brand.

Findings from the Katz 2026 Media Trust Study reinforce that advantage, showing radio remains among the most trusted sources across all generations. Combined with its broad reach -- 93% of U.S. adults each month, according to Nielsen Audience Insights -- radio continues to offer both scale and credibility.

While artificial intelligence is expected to continue transforming how content is created and distributed, Katz concludes that one fundamental principle remains unchanged: audiences trust people. In a media world increasingly shaped by automation, radio's foundation of real voices and authentic connection continues to set it apart.

Read the full Katz Radio Insights article here.

Casey Carter Named PD of WQIK Jacksonville

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 11:41am CT

Casey Carter

iHeartMedia Jacksonville has named Casey Carter Program Director of Country 99.1 WQIK, effective immediately, while also appointing Heath West as the station's new afternoon host.

In her new role, Carter will oversee all programming for WQIK, including talent development, brand strategy and coordination with record labels. She will report to Rick Everett, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Jacksonville.

Everett said Carter brings "new ideas, energy and perspectives" that are expected to drive growth and collaboration for the station.

Carter has been with iHeartMedia since 2012 and will continue serving as Program Director for 101.1 WNOE in New Orleans alongside her new Jacksonville responsibilities. She previously held her first Program Director role in the Jacksonville market and said returning to lead WQIK is "beyond a dream come true."

West joins WQIK afternoons from iHeartMedia's West Palm Beach-Treasure Coast cluster, where he has served as Program Director of WAVE 92.7 in Fort Pierce since 1999. A Florida native, West called the WQIK brand "legendary" and said he is honored to join one of iHeartMedia's leading country stations.

Midwest Communications to Acquire NRG WI Stations

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 11:48am CT

Midwest Communications

Midwest Communications Inc., through its affiliate WRIG, Inc., has reached an agreement to acquire a radio group in Wisconsin from NRG Media LLC. An application for the transfer of licenses is being filed with the FCC. Terms were not disclosed.

The transaction includes stations in multiple Central and Northern Wisconsin markets: WLKD-AM, W289CT-FX, and WMQA-FM in Minocqua; WOBT-AM, W267AF-FX, WHDG-FM, and WRHN-FM in Rhinelander; WBCV-FM in Wausau; WGLX-FM in Wisconsin Rapids; WHTQ-FM in Whiting; WYTE-FM in Marshfield; and WRLO-FM in Antigo.

NRG Media, a Delaware-based company led by CEO Mary Quass, owns more than 30 stations across Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Quass said the company is "proud of the great broadcasters in Wisconsin" and expressed confidence that the stations will continue serving their communities under new ownership.

The buyer, Midwest Communications, is a Wisconsin-based broadcaster headed by President Peter Tanz and operates approximately 80 stations across the Midwest. Tanz praised NRG's Wisconsin operations, calling them "an outstanding community service organization," and noted the company's longstanding ties to Central Wisconsin through the Wright family.

Kalil & Co is serving as the exclusive broker for the transaction.

Phantom Producer 2.0 Adds Multitrack Editing

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 11:54am CT

Phantom Producer

Phantom Producer has launched version 2.0 of its platform, introducing a redesigned user interface and new multitrack editing capabilities aimed at radio producers and audio creators.

At the core of the update is a new MultiTrack Editor designed to streamline production workflows. The feature allows users to layer voiceovers, music beds, sound effects and branded elements within a single timeline using a drag-and-drop interface. The company says the approach reduces the need for multiple tools while maintaining broadcast-quality output.

The platform also enables producers to create projects from scratch or customize pre-produced segments developed by Phantom Producer's in-house team. In addition, the service continues to offer weekly preloaded content and custom production services, including drops, music beds and voiceover work, with an emphasis on fast turnaround.

Phantom Producer is available through United Stations, which is handling inquiries and additional information about the updated platform.

Bob Kingsley Countdown Classics Launches on iHeart

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 12:08pm CT

Bob Kingsley's Countdown Classics

iHeartRadio has launched "Bob Kingsley's Countdown Classics," a new streaming station dedicated to the late country radio icon and his long-running countdown program.

The station debuts on what would have been Kingsley's 86th birthday, honoring the National Radio Hall of Fame and Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee, who passed away in 2019. It features original episodes of Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40, allowing listeners to revisit the biggest country hits as they originally aired.

Each show includes not only the chart-topping songs of the week, but also Kingsley's signature storytelling, artist insights and behind-the-scenes context that helped define his decades-long career in country radio. The station is available through the iHeartRadio app by searching "Bob Kingsley."

Nan Kingsley said the launch introduces the program to a new generation of listeners while celebrating her husband's legacy. She noted his commitment to showcasing the best of country music and maintaining high production standards throughout the show's run.

The station is a partnership between iHeartRadio, The Kingsley Estate and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which houses Kingsley's audio archives. In addition to the weekly countdowns, the channel will feature special programming, including the holiday favorite Bob Kingsley's Christmas In America.

iHeartMedia President of Programming Operations and Digital Music Jon Zellner said Kingsley's impact extended beyond playing hits, emphasizing his role in connecting audiences with the stories behind the music and its creators.

Nuggets Launch Spanish Audio Broadcast Stream

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 3:41pm CT

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets will debut a new Spanish-language audio broadcast, streaming on the team's mobile app beginning with Friday's home game against the Toronto Raptors at 7pm MT.

The broadcasts will feature play-by-play from Jena Garcia, a veteran in Denver's bilingual sports media, alongside color analyst Mauricio Jaramillo, a sports anchor at Telemundo Denver. Each game will include a 15-minute pregame and postgame show. The initial rollout, produced by TICO Sports, will cover the team's final 10 regular-season home games.

The launch marks the first Spanish-language audio broadcast in franchise history, aimed at expanding access for Spanish-speaking fans. According to U.S. census data, nearly one-third of Denver's population is Hispanic, making it one of the fastest-growing fan segments for the team.

Oscar Monterroso, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of TICO Sports, said the initiative reflects a broader effort to connect with Latino audiences in a meaningful way, noting the importance of delivering culturally relevant and accessible coverage.

The debut coincides with "Somos Los Nuggets Night," the organization's annual celebration of Hispanic heritage. The event will spotlight several nonprofit organizations, including the Mexican Cultural Center, LatinasGive!, Latino Leadership Institute, Baila Conmigo, and the Colorado Afro Latin Dance and Arts Collective.

The Spanish-language stream will be available on the free Nuggets mobile app, as well as the NBA App across multiple platforms.

PodcastOne Renews A&E Podcast Partnership

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 5:20pm CT

PodcastOne

PodcastOne has renewed its agreement with A+E Networks, extending its exclusive sales and distribution rights to five podcasts tied to the media company's television programming.

The deal covers Cold Case Files, I Survived, American Justice, City Confidential and Ancient Aliens. The podcasts are based on A+E and History Channel series and are designed to complement their linear TV counterparts.

PodcastOne President and Co-Founder Kit Gray said the partnership reflects the company's approach of working closely with content partners to expand audience reach. He noted that the collaboration with A+E has helped translate established television brands into the podcast space, with plans to continue that effort.

PodcastOne and A+E first partnered in 2017 with a single show. Since then, the relationship has grown to five podcasts that have generated more than 200 million combined downloads.

Each series adapts its source material for on-demand audio. Cold Case Files focuses on unsolved murders and breakthroughs in forensic investigation, while I Survived features first-person accounts of life-threatening experiences. American Justice examines notable criminal cases, and City Confidential explores real-life stories from cities across the U.S. Ancient Aliens extends the television series' exploration of extraterrestrial theories throughout history.

Podcast Listening Leads Spoken-Word Audio Time

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 12:05pm CT

Edison Research at SSRS

Podcasts have edged past AM/FM radio as the leading platform for spoken-word audio listening time among Americans, according to new analysis of Share of Ear data, with generational differences driving much of the shift.

Among persons 13+, podcasts account for 40% of daily spoken-word audio listening time, narrowly surpassing AM/FM radio at 39%. The milestone reflects a steady rise in podcast consumption, which has gradually chipped away at radio's historic dominance in the category.

The gap widens significantly among younger audiences. For those ages 13-34, podcasts dominate with 53% of spoken-word listening time, compared to just 23% for AM/FM radio. The trend continues, though less dramatically, among adults 35-54, where podcasts capture 47% of listening time versus 35% for radio.

However, AM/FM radio remains the clear leader among older listeners. Adults 55+ devote 55% of their spoken-word audio time to radio, while podcasts account for just 22%, highlighting a sharp generational divide in platform preference.

The growth of podcast listening among younger demographics is largely attributed to demand for on-demand content, often paired with visual elements, a format that differs from traditional radio. Meanwhile, AM/FM radio continues to offer a broad mix of spoken-word programming, including news, sports, talk and public radio content.

While the analysis focused specifically on podcasts and AM/FM radio, Share of Ear also tracks other spoken-word sources such as satellite radio and audiobooks, along with both audio-only and video podcast consumption.

RAB to Host Nielsen mSurvey Webinar on April 1

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 11:57am CT

Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) will host a live presentation on Wednesday, April 1 at noon CT, highlighting Nielsen Audio's new mobile-enabled diary methodology, mSurvey, ahead of its Spring 2026 rollout.

The one-hour "Diary Service Transformation" session will provide an overview of mSurvey along with test results that informed its development. The platform represents a shift toward mobile-first measurement, designed to improve usability, boost participation and enhance audience representation, particularly among younger demographics.

mSurvey is part of Nielsen Audio's broader, multi-year effort to modernize its Audio Diary service. The initiative includes digital-first recruitment, address-based sampling, updated incentive models and improved respondent engagement strategies aimed at delivering more accurate and representative audience data.

The webinar will be led by Nielsen Audio Managing Director Rich Tunkel and Director of Diaries and Surveys Robin Gentry. They will outline the development and rollout of mSurvey, its impact on diary methodology, and what broadcasters, advertisers and agencies can expect as implementation begins this spring.

The virtual session is free and open to the radio and advertising industry, with registration available here.

Country Radio Hall of Fame Reveals 2026 Class

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 4:16pm CT

CRS 2026

The Country Radio Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, honoring seven individuals for their long-standing contributions to the Country radio industry. The announcement was made during CRS Honors at CRS 2026, with past inductees Mike Moore (Class of 2024) and Trish Biondo (Class of 2023) unveiling this year's honorees.

The 2026 class includes three On-Air Personality inductees -- Chris Carr, Michael J, and Rick Jackson-and four Radio category inductees -- Marci Braun, Phil Hunt, Bruce Logan, and John Marks.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry over at least 20 years, including a minimum of 15 years in the country format.

Among the On-Air honorees, Chris Carr is recognized for nearly three decades in country radio, including a long tenure at KEEY (K102) in Minneapolis and multiple CMA and ACM Personality of the Year awards. Michael J has built a national profile through his work in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., along with programming heard across iHeartCountry platforms. Rick Jackson's 50-year career spans on-air, programming, and executive roles, including the launch of syndicated programming and leadership positions in major markets.

In the Radio category, Marci Braun is honored for her leadership at Audacy stations in Minneapolis and Chicago, along with her industry recognition and charitable impact. Phil Hunt's 50-year career includes programming, executive leadership, and consulting roles that have influenced stations across the country.

Bruce Logan is recognized for decades of programming leadership and success in multiple markets, including his current role overseeing KILT-FM in Houston. John Marks is honored for a career spanning terrestrial radio, satellite, and digital platforms, including leadership roles at SiriusXM and Spotify.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner is scheduled for August 3 at the Virgin Hotel Nashville. Additional event details are expected to be released in the coming months.

More information, including a list of past inductees, is available at CountryRadioSeminar.com.

Westwood One Renews NCAA Audio Rights Deal

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 2:43pm CT

Westwood One Sports

Westwood One and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have reached a multi-year agreement to extend their longstanding audio partnership, keeping Westwood One as the NCAA's official network audio broadcast partner for years to come.

Westwood One has aired the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament since 1982 and has provided coverage of every game of NCAA March Madness across multiple platforms since 2005. Under the renewed agreement, the network retains exclusive broadcast radio and digital audio distribution and licensing rights for several major NCAA championships, including the Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments, the NIT, WBIT, and the Men's and Women's College World Series.

Nate Flannery, NCAA Director of Championships, Digital, said Westwood One's continued role ensures fans nationwide can access comprehensive audio coverage of championship events. He noted the partnership's ability to deliver consistent, high-quality broadcasts across platforms.

Collin Jones, President of Westwood One and EVP of Corporate Strategy & Development for Cumulus Media, said the extension reflects the network's reach and ongoing commitment to college sports coverage. He added that the partnership will continue to bring major NCAA moments to listeners across the country.

Live coverage will remain available via Westwood One affiliates, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, westwoodonesports.com, the Westwood One Sports app, and other streaming platforms, including NCAA March Madness Live.

Radio America Launches Helios Podcast Network

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 2:52pm CT

Helios Media

Radio America has announced the launch of Helios Media, a new podcast network designed to develop, distribute, market and monetize original audio content. The company, which syndicates spoken-word programming to more than 700 radio stations nationwide, said the move represents a strategic expansion into the growing podcast sector.

Radio America already produces several established podcasts, including The Dana Show Podcast, Chicks on the Right, and 3 Martini Lunch.

Helios Media will operate as a standalone brand focused on supporting creators with infrastructure and resources aimed at building and scaling podcast audiences. Offerings include content development, audience growth, multi-platform distribution, monetization strategy, branded podcast production and public relations support.

President and CEO Mike Paradiso said the launch builds on the company's long-standing foundation in spoken-word programming. He noted that Helios Media is intended to provide creators with the tools, platform and reach needed to compete in an increasingly crowded digital audio landscape.

Paradiso, who has overseen Radio America's evolution into a multi-platform content producer, will lead the new initiative alongside a team experienced in developing nationally syndicated personalities.

Radio America will continue its core radio syndication business, which includes programs such as The Dana Show with Dana Loesch and The Chad Benson Show, while Helios Media focuses exclusively on podcast growth and distribution.

MIW Opens Applications for Country Radio Mentorship

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 4:19pm CT

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Inc. (MIW)

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Inc. (MIW) has opened applications for the third annual "Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Country Radio" Mentorship Program, presented in partnership with Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB).

Now in its third year, the initiative continues to build on the collaboration between MIW and CRB, with the organizations renewing their commitment through a new multi-year agreement. The program is designed to support and advance women in the country radio format through structured mentorship and expanded industry access.

The year-long program selects one mentee, pairing her with established leaders across the country radio industry for personalized guidance, strategic introductions and professional development. The selected participant will also attend the 2027 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville.

The opportunity is open to women employed full-time at U.S. country radio stations who have at least five years of industry experience. Applications will be accepted through April 17.

CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis said the program plays an important role in developing future leaders within the format, while 2025 mentee Jessica Chenoweth noted the experience provided valuable insight and long-term professional growth. MIW Board Member Becky Brenner added that investing in women leaders helps strengthen the industry overall.

Additional details about the program are available at radioMIW.com.