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Top Radio News
Michael Johnson Jr. Named PD for iHeart Hartford
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 8, 2026 | 2:20pm CT |
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iHeartMedia Hartford and New Haven has appointed Michael Johnson Jr. as Program Director for its Sports and Talk outlets, effective immediately. In his new role, Johnson will oversee WUCS (Fox Sports 97.9), home of the UConn Sports Radio Network, along with WPOP-AM (NewsRadio 1410) in Hartford and 960 WELI-AM and WAVZ-AM (Fox Sports 1300) in New Haven.
"Michael's energy, passion and leadership make him a strong fit to lead our Sports and Talk portfolio in Hartford and New Haven," said Dylan Sprague, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Boston/Hartford. "These are powerful brands and we're excited to build on their success under Michael's leadership."
Johnson joins iHeartMedia from Townsquare Media Albany, where he most recently served as Brand Manager of WTMM (104.5 The Team ESPN Radio). During his tenure, he also worked on-air as a play-by-play announcer for University at Albany football and men's basketball.
"I am thrilled to begin this next chapter at iHeart," said Johnson. "Sports fans are passionate and engaged. I am eager to grow all of the stations, deepen the connections with listeners and continue expanding our digital presence."
Podtrac April Rankings Show Modest Podcast Gains
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 8, 2026 | 11:10am CT |
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Podtrac has released its Top U.S. and Global Podcast Publishers & Networks rankings along with its Top U.S. Podcast chart for April 2026, showing modest month-over-month gains across several participants and the addition of a new publisher to the list.
Among U.S. publishers and networks, six participants posted increases in U.S. downloads compared to March, while seven saw gains in U.S. unique monthly audience (UMA). Globally, four participants recorded increases in UMA, and two reported growth in U.S. downloads.
Podtrac also added The Volume to its rankings for April, expanding the list of measured publishers.
The Top U.S. Podcast ranking remained relatively stable in April. NPR News Now held the No. 1 position, followed by The Daily from The New York Times and Up First from NPR.
Dateline NBC and Fox News Hourly Update rounded out the top five. Movement within the top 20 included Pod Save America rising one spot to No. 6, while The Ben Shapiro Show slipped one position to No. 7.
Elsewhere, The Tim Dillon Show posted one of the largest gains, climbing six positions to No. 19. ABC's 20/20 also moved up three spots to No. 20. The Shawn Ryan Show saw the sharpest decline, dropping three places to No. 17.
In the publisher rankings, iHeart Audience Network remained the top U.S. publisher with 62.9 million unique monthly listeners and more than 343 million U.S. streams and downloads. iHeartPodcasts ranked No. 2, followed by Acast at No. 3.
NPR Sales Network and Libsyn completed the top five. Vox Media, Fox Audio Network, and The Walt Disney Company were also among the top 10.
DailyWire and Paramount remained in the top tier, while Barstool Sports and PodcastOne continued to rank among the leading publishers by audience and downloads.
The addition of The Volume marked a notable update to the rankings, reflecting ongoing changes in the podcast publishing landscape.
Podtrac noted that its rankings are based on publishers and podcasts that participate in its measurement system for the full reporting period.
Smigel Launches ''Humor Me'' Podcast on iHeart
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 8, 2026 | 2:45pm CT |
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iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell's Big Money Players podcast network have launched a new comedy podcast, "Humor Me With Robert Smigel & Friends," which debuted May 8.
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning writer, producer and comedian Robert Smigel, the weekly show features a rotating panel of comedy writers and performers helping callers add humor to real-life situations. From speeches and eulogies to dating profiles and apologies, the show aims to "punch up" everyday content with professional comedic input.
The debut episode features "Saturday Night Live" cast member Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidell, who join Smigel to assist an a cappella group in improving its onstage banter.
The podcast was created by Michelle Saks Smigel and will include appearances from a range of comedians and writers, including Bob Odenkirk, David Letterman, Dave Attell, Jim Gaffigan, Ellie Kemper and Colin Quinn, among others.
New episodes of "Humor Me With Robert Smigel & Friends" will be released weekly on Fridays. The show is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms. Visit the show's web page here.
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Christian Cultural Center Returns to WMCA
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 8, 2026 | 3:12pm CT |
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Salem Media Group has announced the return of Christian Cultural Center to the lineup of WMCA (570/102.3 The Mission) in New York, with a new weekday program hosted by Pastor Jamaal Bernard. Beginning May 18, the program will air weekdays at 5:30am ET, reaching listeners across the New York Tri-State area.
Christian Cultural Center has a long history with WMCA, dating back to 1992 when it first aired short-form features titled Insights on Daily Christian Living. The ministry expanded to a weekly Sunday evening program in 1994 and launched a weekday broadcast in 1996 that remained on the station for nearly 25 years.
Jamaal Bernard was named Senior Pastor of Christian Cultural Center in 2025, continuing the leadership legacy of his father, Dr. A.R. Bernard. Prior to that role, he served in several leadership positions within the ministry, including Chief of Operations, Director of Public Safety, and founder of the C3 Youth Organization.
"Welcoming Christian Cultural Center back to WMCA truly feels like welcoming back family," said Laura Sheaffer, General Manager of WMCA. "This ministry has had a lasting impact on our listeners and our station for decades, and we are excited to begin this new chapter with Pastor Jamaal Bernard."
Saga Q1 Revenue Falls, Net Loss Widens
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 4:00pm CT |
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Saga Communications reported first quarter 2026 net revenue declined 5.6% to $22.9 million, down from $24.2 million in the same period a year ago.
Station operating expense was essentially flat, decreasing 0.2% to $22 million. The company posted an operating loss of $3.3 million for the quarter, compared to a $2.3 million loss in the first quarter of 2025. Station operating income, a non-GAAP measure, fell 62% to $0.9 million.
Saga recorded a net loss of $2.4 million, widening from a $1.6 million loss a year earlier. Diluted loss per share was $0.38.
Capital expenditures totaled approximately $0.8 million for the quarter, with the company projecting about $3.5 million in spending for the full year.
The company also paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share in March, totaling about $1.6 million, and declared another dividend at the same rate payable June 12. Saga said it has paid more than $145 million in dividends since 2012 and intends to continue regular quarterly payouts.
As of March 31, Saga reported $30.4 million in cash and short-term investments. The company said it will discuss results during its earnings call on May 7.
MapQuest Adds iHeartRadio Streaming to Platform
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 10:57am CT |
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MapQuest and iHeartRadio have announced a new partnership that integrates live iHeartRadio streaming directly into MapQuest.com, marking the first time audio has been built into the navigation platform.
The integration allows users to listen to live radio while navigating, with a new "Live Radio" button appearing in the top-right corner of the MapQuest interface. The feature combines real-time directions with access to iHeartRadio's stations, with mobile app integration planned for a later phase.
Through the partnership, MapQuest will tap into iHeartMedia's multi-platform network, which includes broadcast radio, podcasts and events, to expand its reach and brand visibility.
Doug Berger, General Manager of MapQuest, said the collaboration enhances the user experience by pairing navigation with live entertainment. Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for iHeartMedia, said the integration extends iHeart's content to MapQuest's large user base in a seamless way.
The companies say the partnership is designed to combine navigation and audio, offering users a more integrated on-the-go experience.
Beasley Detroit Partners with MBBA on Outreach
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 10:51am CT |
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Beasley Media Group Detroit has announced a new partnership with the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) aimed at supporting Black-owned businesses and expanding community engagement across Southeast Michigan.
As part of the collaboration, Beasley's Detroit radio brands-105.9 KISS-FM, 105.1 The Bounce and Detroit Praise-will use their on-air, digital and community platforms to spotlight MBBA initiatives, promote local entrepreneurs and connect audiences with business resources and opportunities.
The partnership will include a range of on-air features, community-focused campaigns and integrated digital marketing efforts designed to raise awareness of MBBA's mission and programs.
Matt Scarano, Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Detroit, said the initiative is intended to leverage the company's media reach to elevate voices and create opportunities within the communities it serves.
Charity Dean, CEO of the Michigan Black Business Alliance, said the collaboration will help expand the organization's reach and deepen its connection with the community while advancing economic equity for Black-owned businesses.
Both organizations say the effort will focus on highlighting success stories, strengthening community connections and delivering programming that reflects the resilience and innovation of the Detroit area.
Hope Media Backed 'America Reads the Bible' Event
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 11:13am CT |
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Hope Media Group partnered with Christians Engaged to support the "America Reads the Bible" live event, held from April 18-25 at the Museum of the Bible. The weeklong event brought together nearly 500 national leaders who read the Bible aloud from beginning to end as part of a continuous public reading.
The initiative, themed "One Week. One Nation. One Book.," was organized in recognition of the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary. Through the partnership, Hope Media Group promoted the event across its radio networks and digital platforms, including KSBJ, WayFM, Vida Unida and Worship 24/7, encouraging audiences to participate in the daily 12-hour readings.
The effort also included collaboration with additional media partners, such as Great American Pureflix, which provided a national livestream of the event.
Participants in the reading included public figures such as Candace Cameron Bure, Patricia Heaton, Mike Johnson, and Jack Graham. Hope Media Group CEO Joe Paulo and his wife Kelly also took part.
Organizers reported more than 3 million video streams during the event. Both organizations said the partnership aimed to expand national awareness and engagement while highlighting the broader message of faith and unity tied to the initiative.
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AOAOAOA Podcast Joins iHeart's Big Money Players
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 2:43pm CT |
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The improvised comedy podcast "Artists on Artists on Artists on Artists" has joined iHeartMedia and Big Money Players, the podcast network co-founded by Will Ferrell.
The show, known as AOAOAOA, will begin releasing new episodes under the Big Money Players banner starting May 7, with weekly episodes dropping on Thursdays. Upcoming guests are expected to include Anna Konkle, Tim Baltz and others.
Hosted by Kylie Brakeman, Jeremy Culhane, Angela Giarratana and Patrick McDonald, the podcast features improvised conversations between fictional Hollywood characters. The project originated from a creative collaboration formed on an Upright Citizens Brigade sketch team in 2019 and launched during the pandemic as a way for the group to continue working together.
Since its debut, the podcast has produced more than 220 episodes and built an audience around its unscripted, ensemble-driven format.
Under the new partnership, the show will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms, with video versions also released on YouTube.
Report: 13-34s Lead in Daily Audio Listening Time
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:24am CT |
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Younger Americans are spending more time with audio each day than older listeners, according to new data from Edison Research's Share of Ear study.
As of the first quarter of 2026, listeners ages 13-34 average four hours and 30 minutes of daily audio consumption, the highest among all age groups. That compares with four hours and three minutes for those ages 35-54, and three hours and 17 minutes for adults 55 and older.
Overall, total daily audio usage among Americans 13 and older has remained relatively steady at around four hours per day since Share of Ear launched in 2014.
The study tracks listening across all major platforms, including AM/FM radio and streams, music streaming services, YouTube music videos, podcasts, SiriusXM, owned music, audiobooks and TV music channels, providing a comprehensive view of how audiences engage with audio content.
AM/FM Radio Dominates Ford Driver Audio Use
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:35pm CT |
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AM/FM radio continues to dominate in-car audio consumption among Ford drivers, according to new data highlighted in a blog post from Cumulus Media's Westwood One Audio Active Group.
Citing Q1 2026 findings from Edison Research's Share of Ear study, the report shows Ford drivers devote 81% of their in-car ad-supported audio time to AM/FM radio, far outpacing all other platforms. The study measures listening across all audio sources, including streaming, podcasts and satellite radio.
The data also indicates that AM/FM radio maintains the largest share of listening among Ford drivers across all environments -- home, work and in-car -- accounting for 67% of total ad-supported audio usage. That figure is five percentage points higher than the U.S. average.
Podcasts rank a distant second among Ford drivers with a 19% share, while ad-supported streaming platforms such as Pandora and Spotify capture only mid-single digit shares. SiriusXM and YouTube Music each account for smaller portions of listening.
The findings underscore radio's role not only in reaching current Ford owners but also in targeting drivers of competing brands. Among all drivers, AM/FM radio commands an 83% share of in-car ad-supported audio, making it a key channel for automotive marketers seeking to influence purchase decisions.
The blog also points to strong brand loyalty for Ford, citing data from S&P Global Mobility showing a 59% loyalty rate, with truck loyalty reaching 67% in the latest J.D. Power study.
Pierre Bouvard, Chief Insights Officer of the Westwood One Audio Active Group, authored the report, emphasizing the importance of aligning media strategies with consumer listening habits.
Read the entire blog post here.
NAB Debuts AirTime Podcast Delivering Insights on Policies
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:10am CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has launched a new weekly podcast, AirTime, focused on legislative and regulatory issues affecting local radio and television stations.
New episodes will be released every Wednesday morning, offering updates and analysis on policy developments in Washington and their impact on broadcasters and the communities they serve.
NAB Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Michelle Lehman said the podcast is designed to connect policy decisions with their real-world effects on local stations, particularly in areas such as news coverage, emergency information and public service.
The debut episode features Jon Miller, President of Acquisitions and Partnerships at NBC Sports, in conversation with John Ourand at NAB Show. The discussion focuses on the role of broadcast television in delivering live sports, including its reach for major events and the ongoing policy debate over keeping games available free over the air.
The podcast also ties into NAB's broader advocacy efforts, including its "Game On" campaign, and aims to highlight how policy decisions shape access to trusted news and information in a changing media environment.
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Joy Taylor Launches ''Daily Play'' Sports Audio Series
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:14am CT |
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Broadcaster Joy Taylor is partnering with Urban One to launch The Daily Play with Joy Taylor, a new short-form sports commentary series distributed across the company's audio platforms.
The program will air Monday through Friday year-round and be available via Radio One, REACH Media and the Urban One Podcast Network, combining terrestrial radio, streaming and podcast distribution.
Designed as a concise alternative to traditional sports talk, The Daily Play features five- to 10-minute episodes focused on analysis, commentary and cultural context around top sports stories.
Taylor said the show is intended to deliver quick, meaningful insights for fans looking for context behind daily headlines, while also marking a return to her radio roots through the partnership.
Dre Smith, Senior Director of Podcast Operations, said the launch reflects a broader shift in how the company delivers daily sports content, leveraging multiple platforms to expand reach and engagement.
Zeno Media Powers Streaming for WKU's WWHR-FM
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 11:07am CT |
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Zeno Media has entered into a partnership with WWHR-FM (Revolution 91.7), the student-run station at Western Kentucky University, to provide digital audio streaming services.
Under the agreement, Zeno will power the station's streaming across mobile, web and connected devices, enabling broader distribution beyond its South Central Kentucky broadcast footprint. The platform also provides tools for managing and monetizing streaming inventory, including programmatic audio capabilities.
WWHR-FM offers a mix of Alternative, specialty programming and student-produced content, serving as both a community outlet and a training platform for students pursuing media careers.
Zeno Media Chief Growth Officer Nikols Latuff said the partnership is aimed at helping college stations expand their digital reach while gaining more control over their streaming strategy and revenue opportunities.
Dr. Ed Cohen, adjunct faculty in Western Kentucky University's Department of Broadcasting, said the collaboration will extend the station's reach beyond traditional FM while enhancing student learning opportunities.
Student General Manager Rachel Comella added that the deal provides access to tools that will help the station better understand its audience and operate in a more modern audio environment.
Seaboard Networks Launches ''Amped Up Country''
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 10:42am CT |
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Seaboard Networks will debut a new syndicated country program, "Amped Up Country," launching nationwide over Memorial Day weekend. The three-hour mix show is aimed at contemporary Country audiences, featuring remixes and mashups of current hits along with backstage artist interviews and a fast-paced presentation style.
The program is hosted by Otis Maher and DJ Stylz (Jay Michaels), combining major-market radio experience with a nationally syndicated mix show background.
According to Seaboard Networks founder Steven Clendenin, the show is designed to give stations a more energetic weekend option and help them stand out in the format.
Amped Up Country is structured for affiliate integration and is currently available to stations nationwide.
CCM ''Steady Ground Replay'' Expands to 15 Affiliates
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:26pm CT |
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A new syndicated retro Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) program is expanding its national footprint, reaching 15 affiliates across eight states since its launch earlier this year. "Steady Ground Replay," a two-hour weekly show, debuted February 8 on two stations and has steadily added new affiliates in the months since.
The program is produced by Steady Ground Ministry, a nonprofit founded by host Randy Miller following his retirement from a 52-year radio career, including more than four decades as a station owner in Illinois.
The show features CCM music from the 1980s through the early 2000s, along with recurring segments such as a "Heritage Moment" highlighting songs from the 1970s and a weekly praise and worship selection. The second hour includes artist spotlights or themed retrospectives focused on a specific year in CCM.
Affiliate information and program materials are available by emailing the show's producer here.
Casey Kasem's AT40 Surpasses 600th Affiliate Milestone
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 2:32pm CT |
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Premiere Networks announced today that Casey Kasem's American Top 40 has surpassed the 600th affiliate milestone with the addition of iHeartMedia's KYRV-FM (93.7 The River) in Sacramento. Casey Kasem's American Top 40 - The 80's joins the station's lineup on Sundays from 8am to 12pm PT, beginning May 10.
The late Radio Hall of Famer retired from the helm of American Top 40 - the show he created in 1970 that became the gold standard of music programming - in 2003, and the franchise continues today with host Ryan Seacrest.
Kasem's legacy lives on through Casey Kasem's American Top 40 - The 70's and Casey Kasem's American Top 40 - The 80's. These full length classic American Top 40 shows from 1970 to 1988 are available to stations in their original broadcast form.
"This milestone is a testament to the enduring legacy of Casey Kasem and the timeless appeal of American Top 40," said Peter Tripi, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales for Premiere Networks. "These classic shows continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, and we're thrilled to welcome 93.7 The River as the latest station to bring this iconic countdown experience to its listeners."
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