Top Radio News

MaxxKonnect Launches StationGuard Monitoring Suite

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | 2:16pm CT

MaxxKonnect

MaxxKonnect has launched StationGuard, a modular software suite designed to monitor broadcast program audio, online streams and over-the-air signals and alert station personnel when problems occur.

StationGuard is the first product released under the company's MonitorMaxx banner. The PC-based software provides engineering and programming personnel with a centralized view of critical signals and can be accessed across a station's network through a browser-based HTML5 interface.

The suite consists of three modules. SilenceGuard continuously monitors program audio for silence or sustained low levels and maintains audio logs for troubleshooting. StreamHound monitors online streams for connection and audio problems, while TunerGuard monitors off-air AM, FM, HD Radio and weather-band signals using compatible tuner hardware.

Each module can send alerts by email or phone and generate SNMP alerts for integration with existing monitoring systems.

StationGuard also maintains historical information including RDS and metadata history and RF signal levels, allowing engineers to determine when a problem occurred, how long it lasted and other details that may assist with troubleshooting.

A built-in universal audio logger can record available sources across the suite. Recordings are accessible through a web browser, with users able to select and retrieve only the portion of audio they need rather than downloading entire 30- or 60-minute recordings.

"Most broadcast problems don't begin as major outages. They begin as a missed alarm, a silent stream or a signal that nobody realizes has disappeared," said MaxxKonnect President Josh Bohn. "StationGuard keeps watch over those critical signals around the clock and gives broadcasters the information they need to respond quickly."

MaxxKonnect said StationGuard is designed to complement rather than replace broadcasters' existing systems. Its modules can be deployed separately or combined with other MonitorMaxx products, including the forthcoming Airwave Ops.

MonitorMaxx uses a modular subscription model, allowing broadcasters to select individual capabilities and add additional modules as their technical requirements or operations expand.

Hope Media Expands in Fort Myers with Two Formats

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | 10:57am CT

Hope Media Group

Hope Media Group is expanding its presence in Fort Myers with the launch of two additional Christian radio formats, bringing Vida Unida and Worship 24/7 to FM signals in Southwest Florida.

Spanish-language Vida Unida will air on W213BQ (90.5 FM), while W300EF (107.9 FM) will carry the Worship 24/7 network. Both services have previously been available in the market through the HD channels of WAYJ.

The expansion builds on Hope Media Group's longstanding presence in Fort Myers, where WAYJ debuted in 1987 as the first station in what became the WayFM network.

"This is a very special market for us because WayFM's genesis was here," said Hope Media Group President and CEO Joe Paulo. "How appropriate that even after nearly 40 years, we have the privilege of not only continuing to reach people through WayFM, but that we can also expand the impact with worship and Spanish-language formats now."

Vida Unida features Spanish-language Christian programming, while Worship 24/7 focuses on worship music. Hope Media Group said both networks are designed to provide faith-based programming centered on encouragement and hope.

W213BQ and W300EF are expected to begin carrying the new formats during the week of August 25.

October and Tony Gonzalez Launch Relationship Podcast

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | 2:22pm CT

''No Safe Words with October and Tony Gonzalez''

My Cultura Podcast Network and SMAC Productions are launching "No Safe Words with October and Tony Gonzalez," a new weekly podcast featuring candid conversations about marriage, relationships and family life. The series premieres September 1.

Hosted by television personality October Gonzalez and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, the podcast will feature the couple in conversations with high-profile and celebrity couples about the realities of maintaining long-term relationships.

Married for more than 20 years, the Gonzalezes will draw on their own experiences navigating a blended family, raising children, major life changes and life in the public eye. The show will explore topics including love, conflict, communication, parenting and how relationships evolve over time.

"Relationships aren't something you just get lucky with; they're actively built through constant hard work every single day with your partner, across all areas," the couple said. They added that being open about difficult subjects has helped strengthen their relationship, while acknowledging they are still learning about communication themselves.

Leo Gomez, Head of iHeartMedia's My Cultura Podcast Network, said the couple's relationship is rooted in "honesty, growth and authenticity," adding that the podcast will give listeners access to a side of their lives that is rarely shared publicly.

"No Safe Words" joins a My Cultura lineup that has grown to more than 60 podcasts. The iHeartMedia network, launched in 2021 in collaboration with Enrique Santos, focuses on Latino voices and stories and includes shows from Chiquis, Jorge and Paola Ramos, Ana Navarro, Wilmer Valderrama and others.

New episodes of "No Safe Words with October and Tony Gonzalez" will be released Tuesdays beginning September 1. The series will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.

Lemonada Launches 'The Dash' with Chambers, Hermer

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | 2:48pm CT

The Dash

Lemonada Media has launched "The Dash," a new weekly video and audio series hosted by television personalities and longtime friends Elizabeth Chambers and Marissa Hermer.

The series, which debuted Tuesday, features candid conversations about dating, divorce, motherhood, entrepreneurship, sex, aging and other aspects of modern life. Chambers and Hermer will draw from their own experiences while discussing current headlines and offering their perspectives on relationships and the expectations placed on women.

The show's title refers to the dash between the year a person is born and the year they die, with the hosts describing it as a reminder to make the most of life. Lemonada says the program will challenge what it calls outdated assumptions about aging, divorce, motherhood and dating.

"Life rarely goes according to plan, but it usually makes for a great story," Chambers and Hermer said. "The Dash is where we get to tell those stories honestly, without pretending to have it all figured out."

The hosts said the program will embrace life's difficult moments as well as its successes while questioning conventional expectations and bringing humor to their conversations.

"Elizabeth and Marissa bring a refreshing, hilarious, and completely unbridled and unapologetic perspective to the conversations so many women are having behind closed doors and in group chats," said Lemonada CEO Stephanie Wittels Wachs. "We're thrilled to partner with them on 'The Dash' to create a show that feels empowering and incredibly fun."

"The Dash" is available on major podcast platforms, with new episodes scheduled for release each Tuesday.

Good Karma Brands Rebrands as Good Karma Sports

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 12:57pm CT

Good Karma Sports

Good Karma Brands has changed its name to Good Karma Sports, adopting a new identity the company says better reflects its growth from a single radio station into a national sports media and marketing business.

The company, founded with one radio station in December 1997, now operates across sports media, advertising, content, distribution and partnerships. Its relationships span the NBA, WNBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, college sports, ESPN, TNT Sports and other sports properties.

"For nearly 30 years, we've built our business around sports, expanding our capabilities and relationships while staying deeply connected to the local markets we serve," said founder and CEO Craig Karmazin. He said the company now offers advertisers a customizable entry into the sports marketplace through audiences, content, partnerships, talent and experiences.

A major part of Good Karma Sports' business involves connecting local, regional and national advertisers with sports audiences. The company's work includes representing in-game streaming advertising for regional sports networks and platforms and assisting teams with the sales, content, distribution and operation of video and audio networks.

"As the sports media and regional rights landscape continues to evolve, we see a growing opportunity to help sports properties reach more fans, create greater value from their content and build stronger connections with partners and brands," said President Steve Politziner.

Good Karma's national platform is anchored by its relationship with ESPN, which dates to 2000. The company serves as the exclusive sales representative and operations arm for ESPN Radio Network and ESPN Podcasts, encompassing more than 50 podcasts. Good Karma says its ESPN relationship reaches sports fans digitally across all 210 DMAs and more than 57 million ESPN audio consumers each week through radio, streaming and podcasts.

Through ESPN Radio, Good Karma's national audio portfolio includes the NBA, MLB, College Football Playoff and NFL Draft, along with championship events.

The company also maintains local play-by-play relationships with numerous professional franchises, including the New York Knicks and Rangers, Los Angeles Lakers, Rams and Angels, Chicago Bears and White Sox, Miami Heat and Inter Miami CF, Cleveland Browns, Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers, and Buffalo Bills.

The company said the Good Karma Sports name is intended to reflect its evolution beyond its radio origins and its growing involvement across sports content, advertising, distribution and media operations.

Martha Stewart Podcast Expands to Netflix

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 1:08pm CT

The Martha Stewart Podcast

Martha Stewart and iHeartPodcasts are expanding "The Martha Stewart Podcast" to Netflix, where full video episodes of the series will debut Wednesday, August 26. The move is part of iHeartMedia and Netflix's growing exclusive video podcast partnership. The program will continue to be distributed as an audio podcast by iHeartPodcasts through the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.

"I'm delighted to bring my podcast to Netflix, and with that, introduce the medium of video to the series," said Stewart. "Netflix is the perfect partner to share and amplify the thoughtful and informative conversations the show is known for with an even greater audience."

"The Martha Stewart Podcast" features weekly conversations with guests ranging from business leaders and entrepreneurs to artists and longtime friends, exploring their careers, personal lives and experiences.

The Netflix launch episode will feature entrepreneur, investor and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in a conversation covering ambition, family, investing and life with his wife, Serena Williams. Upcoming guests include bestselling author Harlan Coben and Grammy-winning producer and artist benny blanco.

"Martha is one of the most iconic and influential voices in media, with an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences," said iHeartPodcasts President Will Pearson. "We're thrilled to expand 'The Martha Stewart Podcast' to Netflix."

Stewart's Emmy-nominated cooking series "Martha Cooks" will also join Netflix beginning Tuesday, August 25. The series features Stewart sharing recipes, techniques and culinary expertise alongside chefs, friends and special guests.

iHeartPodcasts Sets 9/11 Mafia Drama 'UnderGround Zero'

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 2:44pm CT

''UnderGround Zero: 9/11 & The Mob''

iHeartPodcasts, Thoroughbred Studios and Goldhawk Productions will launch "UnderGround Zero: 9/11 & The Mob," a scripted drama starring several former "The Sopranos" cast members and based on events surrounding organized crime in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

The series, written and created by Stephen Kronish, will premiere September 1, with all episodes released simultaneously. Michael Imperioli leads the cast and serves as an executive producer, with Steve Schirripa, Ray Abruzzo and Arthur Nascarella also starring.

"UnderGround Zero" dramatizes the story of members of New York's organized crime families who allegedly saw an opportunity to profit from the massive recovery and cleanup effort following the destruction of the World Trade Center. The story follows their scheme and a police officer whose investigation ultimately helped bring down participants.

Producers say the drama is based on real events, although names have been changed and some events dramatized. The series centers on two men whose lives intersect as they confront their pasts and each other.

"As a New Yorker who lived through 9/11, this story resonated with me immediately," said Imperioli, who plays Lt. Frank Sturiano. "UnderGround Zero is rooted in crime and investigation, but ultimately, it's a story about family, loyalty and survival."

Schirripa said the project revealed a side of the aftermath of the attacks that was unfamiliar to him. "It was a story I thought I knew, but I didn't," he said, adding that working again with former "Sopranos" castmates Abruzzo and Nascarella made the project particularly meaningful.

"UnderGround Zero" is the third historical drama from the collaboration between iHeartPodcasts and Thoroughbred Studios, following "Buzz" and "Saigon." Thoroughbred Studios is a joint venture involving former Time Warner Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes, former Sony Corporation Chairman and CEO Sir Howard Stringer and television veteran Jeremy Fox.

"One of the first things I did when I became Head of HBO was to greenlight 'The Sopranos,'" Bewkes said. "Now, 25 years later to tell this important story, it was the perfect opportunity to bring back that amazing cast."

The production was recorded in New York with a cast composed largely of New Yorkers, including performers who experienced September 11 firsthand.

"Great storytelling has the power to transport listeners and bring history to life in a deeply personal way," said iHeartPodcasts President Will Pearson. He said the decision to make the entire series available on its premiere date is intended to allow listeners to fully immerse themselves in the story.

"UnderGround Zero" will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available September 1 through the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.

Radio Features Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 2:37pm CT

Patriot Day Remembrance

A new series of 30-second radio features has been produced to help stations commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The package consists of ten professionally produced features remembering the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the attacks and honoring the first responders, military personnel and ordinary citizens who demonstrated courage and compassion in their aftermath.

The features also recall the sense of unity, resilience and mutual support that emerged in communities across the country following the attacks.

Designed to fit into regular station programming, the series is being offered on a market-exclusive basis, limited to one station or station group in each market. The licensing fee is $145 for the year of purchase.

A free demo is available for stations interested in reviewing the features or exploring sponsorship opportunities with local advertisers. Stations interested in securing exclusive rights for their market may contact Rod Schwartz Creative Services for availability, licensing details, and the demo by visiting here.

NAB Webinar to Address New FCC EAS Cyber Rules

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 2:57pm CT

National Association of Broadcasters and National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations

The National Association of Broadcasters and National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations will host a free webinar September 1 to help broadcasters prepare for new FCC cybersecurity requirements covering Emergency Alert System equipment.

The FCC rules take effect September 29 and require broadcasters to implement specific safeguards designed to protect EAS equipment and systems from cyberattacks.

Among the requirements are 15-character passwords, firewalls, network segmentation and prompt installation of security patches and software updates. NAB and NASBA say implementing the safeguards could prove complex and potentially costly for some stations.

The webinar, scheduled for September 1 at 12pm ET, will provide practical guidance for station owners, general managers, engineers and IT professionals ahead of the compliance deadline.

Panelists will include KAMU-TV and KAMU-FM Associate Director of Engineering Wayne Pecena; Digital Alert Systems Vice President of Global and Government Affairs Edward Czarnecki, Ph.D.; and Sage Alerting Systems President Harold Price.

Indiana Broadcasters Association Executive Director Dave Arland and New York State Broadcasters Association President David Donovan will moderate the session.

The webinar comes four weeks ahead of the September 29 deadline, when broadcasters will be required to have the FCC's new EAS cybersecurity protections in place. Register here.

Pat Paxton to Exit Saga Communications as SVP/Content

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 7:58pm CT

Pat Paxton

Saga Communications Senior VP of Content Pat Paxton will exit the company at the end of August, with two of the broadcaster's local programming executives set to take over his responsibilities. Paxton will remain with Saga through Friday, August 28 to assist with the transition. Ocala, FL OM Scott Chase and Clarksville, TN OM Ryan Ploeckelman will co-chair the company's programming department with the new titles of Group Program Director.

Saga CEO Chris Forgy announced Paxton's departure internally on Friday. Paxton subsequently sent a note to employees saying he had been considering stepping away for several months.

"I've had a long successful career in this business and I've loved every second of it," Paxton wrote. "But I'm not as young as I used to be. I've been considering this for a few months and given the challenges Chris mentioned in his email, stepping away now makes perfect sense."

Paxton expressed confidence in his successors, calling Chase and Ploeckelman "two of the smartest programming minds out there" and saying he expects the transition to be smooth.

Paxton joined Saga in June 2023 after previously spending 22 years overseeing programming for Entercom/Audacy. He had initially stepped away from full-time radio following his departure from Audacy before being recruited to Saga.

"Five years ago, after running programming for Audacy for 22 years, I retired for the first time," Paxton said. "I intended to stay retired, or at least semi-retired. Then in 2023 I met with Chris, Wayne, and Sam at the Embassy Suites in Detroit. I came out of that meeting thinking I might want to do this again. So I did."

Paxton's radio career dates to the 1980s and has included stops in Boston, Houston, Orlando, La Crosse, Sioux Falls, Huntington and Yankton.

In his farewell message, Paxton also praised Saga's Content Directors for their work, saying, "No one works harder than you. No one wears more hats than you. And you do it all with energy and passion."

Declan Moore Named President of Hubbard DC

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 11:01am CT

Declan Moore

Hubbard | Media That Connects has named Declan Moore President and Market Manager of its Washington, DC operations, overseeing WTOP, Federal News Network and the local office of 2060 Digital.

Moore succeeds longtime Hubbard Washington executive Joel Oxley and joins the company after most recently serving as Head of International for Wondery, an Amazon company. There, he led international strategy and expansion for the audio company across content, advertising, subscriptions and platform distribution.

Before joining Wondery, Moore spent 23 years with National Geographic in Washington. His roles included Chief Media Officer and President of Publishing and Digital Media for the National Geographic Society, as well as CEO of National Geographic Partners.

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to build on the extraordinary legacy Joel Oxley has created here in Washington," said Moore. "WTOP, Federal News Network and 2060 Digital are exceptional brands with deep connections to the communities they serve throughout the National Capital Region."

Moore said he looks forward to working with the Hubbard teams to build on the brands' strengths while helping the businesses continue to evolve and grow. He also cited Hubbard's commitment to impartial journalism, strong local brands and long-term thinking as factors that attracted him to the company.

Hubbard CEO Ginny Hubbard said Moore brings a strong record of preserving established media brands while positioning them for the future.

"While he has very big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of Joel Oxley, Declan has a strong track record of retaining the essence and legacy of media brands while leading them into the future," Hubbard said.

She added that Moore has expressed a strong appreciation for WTOP and Federal News Network and their service to the Washington community.

Buffalo Radio Legend Sandy Beach Dies at 86

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 6:29pm CT

Sandy Beach

Legendary Buffalo radio personality Sandy Beach, whose broadcasting career spanned 60 years and earned him induction into three halls of fame, has died at age 86 following a brief illness.

Beach arrived in Buffalo in 1968 during the heyday of WKBW-AM, joining a lineup that included Danny Neaverth and Joey Reynolds. The 50,000-watt Top 40 powerhouse gave Beach a platform that helped make him one of the market's best-known radio personalities.

His career also took him to Hartford, Dallas, San Francisco and Milwaukee, but Buffalo remained his radio home. He later hosted mornings at WHTT and WJYE (Star 102.5) and spent time in talk at WGR.

Beach joined WBEN-AM in 1997 and went on to host "Beach and Company" for 23 years. The move established a second chapter of his career as a talk personality, where his knowledge, quick wit and distinctive laugh attracted a loyal audience.

Former Audacy Senior VP/Market Manager Tim Wenger, who brought Beach back to Buffalo from Milwaukee, said he believed Beach's "intelligence, curiosity and quick wit" would translate well to full-time talk radio.

"Sandy immediately attracted a loyal audience with his daily entertaining 'take' on issues and grew his show to be a staple in the Buffalo media landscape," Wenger said. "Very few broadcasters have the lasting impact that Sandy left us."

Neaverth remembered Beach as one of the quickest and best-prepared personalities he ever worked with.

"He was funnier than me, he was funnier than Joey Reynolds," Neaverth said during a WBEN appearance Friday. "He was funnier than anybody I ever worked with, because he was so quick and he was so prepared for his show at all times."

Beach retired from WBEN on July 30, 2020, ending his six-decade broadcasting career and turning the microphone over to Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia.

In his final broadcast, Beach thanked the generations of listeners who had accompanied him throughout his career. "Thank you for sharing your life with me, because if you hadn't done that, I couldn't have done it myself," Beach said. "Thank you and goodbye."

GAB Names 2026 Honors Award Recipients

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 4:32pm CT

Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB)

The Georgia Association of Broadcasters has announced the recipients of its 2026 GAB Honors Awards, which will be presented during GABCON, September 25-26 at the Gas South District Convention Center in Duluth, GA.

This year's honorees are Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole as Georgian of the Year, State Representative Clint Crowe as Legislator of the Year, WSB-TV Atlanta's Michael Williams with the Ditty-McLemore Engineering Award and WRDW-WAGT Augusta's Estelle Parsley with the Golden Mic Award.

Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Banana Ball Championship League, is being recognized for his impact on Georgia and for transforming the Savannah Bananas into an international entertainment brand. The organization says Banana Ball has more than 35 million social media followers, while the Bananas have sold out every game since their inaugural season and built a ticket waiting list numbering in the millions.

Crowe represents Georgia House District 118 and has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since 2020. He chairs the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and serves on several other committees. Before entering the legislature, Crowe spent a decade in law enforcement and has worked in real estate for more than 20 years.

Williams, Senior Manager of IT at WSB-TV, receives the Ditty-McLemore Engineering Award recognizing exceptional contributions to broadcast engineering. He has more than 30 years of broadcast industry experience, including more than 18 years at WSB-TV and over 28 years with Cox Media Group across radio and television.

Parsley, Vice President of News for WRDW-WAGT, receives the Golden Mic Award for her contributions to the GAB and Georgia broadcasting. During her more than three decades in local journalism, she has emphasized investigative reporting and journalist development. Under her leadership, WRDW-WAGT has received 10 National Edward R. Murrow Awards, 40 regional Murrow Awards and 14 Southeast Emmys.

Parsley has personally received four National Murrow Awards and six Emmys and has been inducted into the NATAS Silver Circle and GAB Hall of Fame.

"These four honorees represent the very best of Georgia... from broadcasting and public service to innovation and community impact," said GAB President Randy Gravley. "We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and look forward to celebrating each of them this fall at GABCON 2026."

Crowe's Legislator of the Year Award will be presented during the "Breakfast with Counsel" on September 26. Cole, Williams and Parsley will receive their awards later that day during the GAB Honors Luncheon.

Salem Media Goes Private Following WaterStone Deal

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 2:08pm CT

Salem Media

Salem Media has completed its acquisition by The Christian Community Foundation, Inc., doing business as WaterStone, taking the Christian and conservative media company private. WaterStone acquired all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium to Salem's trading price before the transaction was announced.

Salem said the deal begins a new chapter focused on long-term growth while maintaining the company's Christian and conservative media mission. The company will continue operating its radio, digital, streaming, podcasting, television and publishing businesses.

"This is an exciting day for Salem and the beginning of an important new chapter for our company," said Salem Media CEO David Santrella. "Salem enters this partnership with strong momentum, an extraordinary portfolio of talent and brands, and more ways than ever to reach audiences across the country."

Santrella said the WaterStone partnership will give Salem the ability to invest for the future while remaining committed to the mission that has guided the company since its founding.

Salem's programming portfolio includes Christian broadcasters Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, David Jeremiah, Alistair Begg and Allen Jackson. Its conservative personalities include Scott Jennings, Larry O'Connor, Alex Marlow, Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt and Lara Trump.

WaterStone President Richard von Gnechten, who also serves as Chairman of Salem Media's Board of Directors, said the acquisition is intended to strengthen Salem rather than change its direction.

"Today is not about changing what Salem is," von Gnechten said. "It is about giving Salem an even stronger foundation to build on what it does best."

Salem co-founder and board member Edward Atsinger III said he is confident the company's mission will continue under its new ownership. "When Stuart Epperson and I founded Salem more than 50 years ago, we could not have imagined the reach and impact it would have today," Atsinger said. "Knowing Salem's mission will be carried forward by a partner that shares our values gives me tremendous confidence in what comes next."

With the transaction completed, Salem and WaterStone said they will focus on strengthening the company's existing businesses while pursuing additional opportunities for investment and long-term growth.

Court Denies Nielsen Rehearing Bid in Cumulus Case

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 6:33pm CT

Nielsen and Cumulus Media

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has denied Nielsen's request for rehearing in its legal battle with Cumulus Media, leaving intact the court's earlier ruling in favor of the broadcaster. In a one-page order issued August 18, the court denied Nielsen's petition for both panel rehearing and rehearing en banc in Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc. v. The Nielsen Company (US), LLC, Case No. 26-88.

Nielsen had asked the three-judge panel that decided the appeal to reconsider its decision or, alternatively, for the case to be reheard en banc by the full court.

The Second Circuit said the panel that decided the appeal considered Nielsen's request for panel rehearing, while the court's active judges considered the request for rehearing en banc. "It is hereby ordered that the petition is denied," the court said.

The denial follows the Second Circuit's July 13 decision affirming a preliminary injunction obtained by Cumulus in its dispute with Nielsen. The litigation stems from Nielsen's effort to terminate Cumulus's access to certain ratings services amid a contractual dispute between the companies.

Court records show Nielsen filed its petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc on July 27. The court denied the petition August 18 in Docket Entry 96.1.

The rehearing fight has been closely watched because of its implications for Cumulus's continued access to Nielsen ratings data. With rehearing now denied, attention turns to issuance of the Second Circuit's mandate and enforcement of the preliminary injunction.

Separately, Cumulus filed an emergency motion for clarification on August 13. Nielsen opposed that motion August 17, and Cumulus filed a reply on August 19. That issue remains separate from the August 18 order denying Nielsen's rehearing petition.

The Second Circuit's order does not provide further explanation for its decision. It is signed for the court by Clerk Catherine O'Hagan Wolfe.

K-Love Names Evan Masyr as Chief Financial Officer

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 3:25pm CT

Evan Masyr

K-Love Inc. has appointed longtime Salem Media Group executive Evan Masyr as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 14. He will oversee the nonprofit media organization's accounting, finance and tax departments and serve on its Ministry Leadership Team.

Masyr joins K-Love after more than 26 years with Salem Media Group, including 19 years as CFO. Before joining Salem, he spent nearly seven years with global accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

"It is a tremendous blessing and a calling to join K-Love and serve a ministry that shares the hope of Jesus Christ with listeners across the country and around the world," said Masyr. He said K-Love's mission aligns with his personal faith and that he looks forward to working with the organization's leadership and employees.

Masyr also expressed appreciation for his more than 26 years at Salem, saying the company provided opportunities to grow as a leader while advancing the mission of Christian media.

"We are delighted to have someone with Evan's deep industry experience and relationships, along with his record of integrity and heart for ministry," said K-Love CEO Tom Stultz. He cited Masyr's experience with media innovation and commitment to financial transparency, integrity and stewardship.

Masyr earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and will relocate to the Franklin, TN area.

Joel Oxley to Receive NAB National Radio Award

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 11:07am CT

Joel Oxley

Hubbard Radio Washington, DC President and General Manager Joel Oxley will receive the 2026 NAB National Radio Award, recognizing his more than three decades of leadership in the radio industry. The NAB announced the honor Thursday on National Radio Day. Oxley will receive the award during the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner on October 20 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

"NAB is honored to recognize Joel Oxley for his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the radio industry," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. He cited Oxley's commitment to local journalism, innovation and public service and his role in establishing WTOP as one of the nation's leading news operations.

Oxley joined WTOP in 1992 as an account executive and was named General Manager in 1998. His responsibilities later expanded to include Hubbard Radio's Washington operations, including WTOP News and Federal News Network.

During his tenure, WTOP became one of the country's most prominent all-news stations and has consistently ranked among the nation's highest-billing radio properties. Oxley also helped expand the operation beyond traditional broadcasting into digital, video and social media.

Hubbard's Washington stations have earned numerous Edward R. Murrow Awards, NAB Marconi Radio Awards and NAB Crystal Radio Awards during his leadership.

Oxley has also been active in industry mentoring and community service, including many years on the board of the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Clubs.

Earlier this year, Oxley announced plans to retire at the beginning of 2027 after nearly 35 years with WTOP and 28 years as General Manager. He will assist Hubbard through its leadership transition before moving into an advisory role.

The National Radio Award recognizes an individual for significant and lasting contributions to the radio industry. Oxley will be honored at the Marconi dinner the evening before NAB Show New York opens.