Top Radio News

TSL Power 50 Ranks Top Streaming Talk Shows of 2025

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 26, 2025 | 3:17pm CT

Talk Stream Live

Talk Stream Live (TSL) has released its TSL Power 50 for 2025, ranking the most influential and most listened-to streaming talk shows tracked through its platform over the past year. Topping the list is Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis, followed by Ark, Caravan to Midnight with John B. Wells at No. 2 and Alex Jones at No. 3. Rounding out the Top Five are Chris Plante and Glenn Beck.

Other Top 10 entries include Jeff Kuhner, Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, War Room with Steve Bannon, Coast to Coast AM with George Noory, and Mark Levin.

According to Talk Stream Live, the 2025 survey sampled millions of listeners across its website, apps, and connected devices. The rankings reflect only talk shows listed on TalkStreamLive.com.

The report notes that Trump-focused political programming and paranormal-themed shows dominated streaming listening in 2025, with Talk Right and Paranormal Radio emerging as the most in-demand genres. Alongside established national voices, the Power 50 also highlights new and rising digital talk talents.

Honorable mentions were given to Dan Bongino, Owen Shroyer, Ben Shapiro, Charlie Kirk, Dennis Prager, and Sebastian Gorka, who were active for only part of the year but generated significant listening.

Here's the complete top 50 Most Influential and Most Listened-To Streaming Talk Shows for 2025:

1. Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis
2. Ark, Caravan to Midnight with John B. Wells
3. Alex Jones
4. Chris Plante
5. Glenn Beck
6. Jeff Kuhner
7. Clay Travis & Buck Sexton
8. War Room with Steve Bannon
9. Coast to Coast AM with George Noory
10. Mark Levin
11. Red Eye Radio
12. Sean Hannity
13. The Vince Show
14. Howie Carr
15. Into The Parabnormal with Jeremy Scott
16. Richard C. Hoagland - The Other Side of Midnight
17. Joe Pags
18. Hugh Hewitt
19. Brian Kilmeade
20. Armstrong & Getty
21. Mike Gallagher
22. Bill Cunningham
23. Chris Stigall
24. Sid & Friends
25. Paranormal Soup with Jason Bland
26. Fade To Black with Jimmy Church
27. Roswell UFO Radio
28. Para X Radio
29. The Dana Show
30. Infinite Plane Society
31. Jesse Kelly
32. John Batchelor
33. O'Connor & Company
34. The Other Side of the News
35. Wayne Allyn Root
36. Markley Van Camp and Robbins
37. Grace Curley
38. Kim Komando
39. Larry Elder
40. Michael Medved
41. TRP - The Right Perspective
42. John Fredericks
43. Jimmy Failla
44. Joe Piscopo
45. Rob Carlson
46. Todd Starnes
47. Ben Ferguson
48. Lars Larson
49. Alien X Radio
50. Alien Dreams Radio

Big Country 99.5 Celebrates KVOO's 100th Anniversary

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 26, 2025 | 3:32pm CT

Griffin Media

Griffin Media will introduce new call letters for its two Tulsa Country outlets beginning January 5, according to an announcement from Don Cristi, Director of Radio Operations & Programming. Big Country 99.5 will change its call letters to KVOO, while 98.5 The Bull will become KXBL. Both stations will continue their existing formats and on-air lineups, with no changes planned to local programming.

The move also sets the stage for KVOO's 100th anniversary in 2026. Cristi said the centennial underscores the station's deep roots in Oklahoma radio history, citing KVOO's early live broadcasts from Cain's Ballroom and its role in showcasing artists such as Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys. He also noted the station's legacy as the longtime home of Country Music Hall of Famer Billy Parker and as an early platform for artists including Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn and Blake Shelton.

Tanner Messer, Brand Manager for Big Country 99.5, said planning is already underway to mark the centennial year, with input from KVOO alumni and a focus on honoring the station's heritage while engaging current listeners.

Griffin Media said the call letter changes are intended to honor KVOO's history while positioning both stations for the future under familiar brands and voices

Happy Holidays to You From RADIO ONLINE

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | 2:44pm CT

As we tune into the holiday season, all of us at RADIO ONLINE want to extend our warmest wishes to you and yours. May your days be filled with joyful melodies and inspiring stories. Thank you for making us a part of your daily routine. Here's to a harmonious New Year filled with health, happiness, and more of the radio you love. Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Rod Day Named Market Manager for Connoisseur Alaska

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 22, 2025 | 5:04pm CT

Rod Day

Connoisseur Media has appointed Rod Day as Market Manager for its Alaska properties, effective immediately. Day returns to Anchorage with more than two decades of experience in audio, management and market development. His background includes roles ranging from founder and CEO to multi-market general manager, with oversight of major ABC, FOX and CW affiliates in Alaska.

Day said he is looking forward to rejoining the Anchorage market and working with the local team to pursue both individual and company goals.

Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw cited Day's familiarity with the Alaska market and his experience across broadcast and digital platforms as key factors in the appointment, adding that the company expects him to play a central role in advancing performance across its Alaska operations.

Civic Media Appoints Chuck Sullivan as Regional MM

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 22, 2025 | 3:15pm CT

Chuck Sullivan

Civic Media has named veteran broadcaster Chuck Sullivan as Regional Market Manager, based in Eau Claire, WI. Sullivan brings extensive experience in Wisconsin radio, having spent seven years with Audacy as Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Milwaukee and Madison. His career also includes leadership roles with Audacy in Denver, Cumulus Media in Mobile AL and Destin FL, and Ocean Broadcasting in Wilmington NC.

In a statement, Sullivan described the move as a "homecoming," citing his previous time in Milwaukee and Madison. He said he was drawn to Civic Media's independent, community-focused culture and its "Hometown Radio Refreshed" strategy.

Civic Media also announced that Philip J. Jimenez has been appointed Regional Director of Sales and Digital Sales Manager. Jimenez brings more than 30 years of experience, most recently serving as General Manager at Adams Publishing Group in Sun Prairie, WI. His background includes leadership roles with NRG Media, Cumulus Media, CBS, and Hearst Communications.

Jimenez said he looks forward to working with Civic Media teams to support staff development while helping clients and partners grow in communities across Wisconsin and the Midwest.

Civic Media Expands Northern Wisconsin Coverage

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 22, 2025 | 2:53pm CT

Civic Media

Civic Media has changed the format of Oldies WLAK-FM (W298DK 107.5) Amery, WI, flipping the station from News/Talk to a simulcast of WSCM (St. Croix Country) Baldwin, WI, effective immediately.

The move expands the reach of the country format across west-central Wisconsin and into east-central Minnesota. WLAK's 107.5 FM signal serves Amery and surrounding communities in Polk and Barron counties, while WSCM's 95.7 FM signal covers Baldwin, the St. Croix Valley, and extends west into the eastern Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.

Combined, the two signals provide continuous regional coverage from the Twin Cities suburbs through the Amery area.

Regional Market Manager Chuck Sullivan said the expansion will allow St. Croix Country to better serve listeners and advertisers in Polk and Barron counties, adding that the company looks forward to connecting with audiences and businesses in those communities.

iHeartRadio to Add Free Video Podcast Distribution in 2026

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 22, 2025 | 2:39pm CT

iHeartRadio

iHeartMedia says it will expand its "Creators First" initiative by adding native video podcast distribution to both the app and web versions of iHeartRadio, with the feature set to roll out in early 2026.

Under the plan, creators will be able to distribute full-length video episodes directly into iHeartRadio at no cost, alongside existing audio podcasts. Video episodes will be delivered through standard RSS feeds, allowing creators to publish audio-only or video versions without changing their current workflows.

The company said the expansion is built around three core principles: preserving creative integrity, maintaining creator-controlled monetization, and allowing creators to choose where their video content is hosted. iHeartMedia will not require podcasters to use an iHeart-owned hosting provider, nor will it take a revenue share from video content distributed on the platform.

"While audio remains the backbone of the podcast medium, video podcasting is now emerging as a separate and incremental form," said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. He said offering free video distribution aligns with how the podcast industry was originally built and reflects the company's focus on creator success.

Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group, said the growth of podcast creators has naturally led to demand for additional formats such as video. He added that iHeart's scale and position as the industry's largest podcast publisher put it in a strong position to help creators expand reach and revenue as video becomes a larger part of the podcast ecosystem.

The new capability positions iHeartRadio to compete more directly with platforms that already emphasize video podcasting, while keeping its distribution model consistent with traditional audio podcast platforms.

Stugotz Signs Multiplatform Deal with iHeartMedia

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 22, 2025 | 2:24pm CT

Jon Stugotz Weiner

iHeartMedia and veteran sports media personality Jon "Stugotz" Weiner have entered into a long-term, multiplatform partnership that includes a new weekday afternoon program on FOX Sports Radio. Beginning in January, Stugotz will host a live show airing weekdays from 3-5pm ET, originating from iHeartMedia's South Florida studios on more than 270 stations. The program will also stream on FOX Sports Radio's iHeartRadio channel and FOXSportsRadio.com.

The new show is positioned as a live extension of Stugotz's existing podcast, Stugotz and Company, and will feature a mix of commentary, humor, and rotating guest co-hosts drawn from his regular collaborators and new contributors.

As part of the agreement, the Stugotz Podcast Network will launch immediately in partnership with iHeartPodcasts. The network will include current podcasts Stugotz and Company and God Bless Football, with additional original sports talk programming planned. Content will be distributed via the iHeartRadio app, major podcast platforms, and Stugotz's YouTube channel.

Stugotz said the decision followed extensive discussions but ultimately centered on the opportunity to return to live radio while expanding his podcast presence. He cited the reach of iHeartMedia and the FOX Sports Radio lineup as key factors in the move.

FOX Sports Radio Senior Vice President of Sports Programming Scott Shapiro said the addition brings a distinctive voice to the network's afternoon lineup, while iHeartPodcasts President Will Pearson pointed to Stugotz's established audience and engagement across sports audio.

Weiner began his career at WAXY (790 The Ticket) in Miami before teaming with Dan Le Batard in 2004 on The Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz, which later achieved national distribution on ESPN Radio. Since departing ESPN in 2021, Stugotz has continued working with Le Batard under Meadowlark Media, expanding into podcasts, streaming, and digital platforms.

KYW Wraps Up 58th Annual Newstudies Program

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 22, 2025 | 3:59pm CT

KYW Wraps Up 58th Annual Newstudies Program

KYW Newsradio has concluded its 58th annual Newstudies student reporter program, giving more than 100 area high school students hands-on experience inside a major-market newsroom. The program ran from October 11 through November 15 and culminated with a graduation ceremony on Dec. 13 at Temple University. In all, 102 students from across Greater Philadelphia participated.

Since 1968, Newstudies has introduced students to news writing, reporting, ethics and interviewing through instruction from station managers, editors, reporters, anchors and guest speakers. Over four Saturdays, each participant researched, wrote and recorded a news story focused on their school or community, with the reports scheduled to air on KYW.

"No other program brings students closer to the heartbeat of news and sports media," said Kristina Koppeser, Brand Manager for KYW Newsradio. She noted that the station, with support from Temple's Klein College of Media and Communication, continues to build a multi-generational pipeline for aspiring journalists.

This year's $2,000 Richard Monetti Scholarship was awarded to Trey Williams of Salesianum High School. The annual honor recognizes overall excellence in student reporting and commemorates a Newstudies alumnus who died in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. His family continues to participate in the program each year to preserve his legacy.

Audacy Launches 101.1 Big Buck Country in Greenville

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 2:42pm CT

WROQ-FM (101.1 Big Buck Country) Greenville SC

Audacy launches 101.1 Big Buck Country on WROQ-FM in Greenville, SC, marking the first New Country outlet in the Upstate in four decades. The new format is effective immediately. The station features a blend of current Country hits and classic titles, positioning itself as an edgier presentation that combines heritage artists with today's chart-topping stars.

As part of the change, WTPT-FM (93.3 The Planet) will continue serving rock listeners, expanding its playlist to include additional Classic Rock titles alongside Active Rock. The updated mix spans artists such as Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Queen and Tom Petty, combined with Metallica, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Green Day.

Audacy Greenville Operations Manager Mark Hendrix will oversee content strategy, talent, operations and branding for both stations.

Former Classic Rock 101.1 personality "The Stoneman" has moved to afternoons on 93.3 The Planet, airing weekdays from 3-7pm ET. The shift gives the station a fully local weekday lineup.

The weekday schedule on 93.3 The Planet now includes The Rise Guys Morning Show from 6-10am ET, followed by Paige from 10am-3pm ET, The Stoneman from 3-7pm ET, and Diesel from 7pm-midnight.

Cumulus Ups Debra Killick to Melbourne VP/Market Mgr.

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 3:04pm CT

Debra Killick

Cumulus Media promotes Debra Killick to Vice President and Market Manager for Cumulus Melbourne, FL, effective January 1. Killick moves into the role after more than five years as General Sales Manager for Cumulus Melbourne's three radio stations and digital brands. She brings more than two decades of media and digital sales experience to the position.

Before joining Cumulus, Killick served as Digital Sales Account Manager for Gannett/USA TODAY Network in Melbourne. Her prior roles include Local Sales Manager at Sinclair Broadcast Group in Washington DC, Vice President of National Sales at Univision in New York, and Local Sales Manager at CBS 4 Television in Boston.

Bob Walker, President of Operations for Cumulus Media, said Killick has demonstrated strong leadership and results during her tenure, citing her client-focused approach and ability to adapt to changes in local media.

"I'm excited to take on the role of VP/Market Manager at Cumulus Melbourne and collaborate with this highly talented team," Killick said. "I look forward to building on the momentum of our much-loved brands and making 2026 our strongest year yet."

RAB Launches AI-Focused Live Presentation Series for 2026

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 2:52pm CT

Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)

The Radio Advertising Bureau is expanding its AI-for-Radio initiative with a new series of AI-focused live presentations beginning in 2026, aimed at helping sellers and managers better navigate the rapidly evolving, AI-driven marketing landscape.

The series will launch with a live virtual session titled "Commands to Context: How Sellers Get Better Results from AI," presented by Kelli Frieler, chief executive officer of Vibrant Impact. The presentation will examine how sales professionals can move beyond using AI solely for task execution and instead apply it as a strategic thinking partner in the sales process.

Drawing on RAB's 7 Steps to Selling Success framework, Frieler will outline how incorporating human insight, client-specific context, and real-world business challenges into large language models can produce more relevant ideas, stronger strategies, and more effective client conversations.

The session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at 12pm CT. The live webinar and accompanying resources will be available at no cost to RAB members. To register for this webinar, click here.

RAB said it will continue to provide updates on additional AI-enabled tools and services designed to support sellers as media, technology, and local advertising strategies continue to evolve.

Cumulus Lexington KY Elevates Andrea Ayers to VP/MM  

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 3:23pm CT

Andrea Ayers

Cumulus Media promotes Andrea Ayers to Vice President and Market Manager for its Lexington, KY operations, effective January 1. Ayers steps into the role after serving more than a decade as Sales Manager for Cumulus' four-station cluster there. She is a 20-year veteran of the company.

Mark Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Operations for Cumulus Media, said Ayers brings a long history of results and leadership to the position, citing her commitment to the business and to serving the local community, advertisers, listeners, and employees.

In a statement, Ayers said she is honored to take on the new role and looks forward to working with the Lexington team to drive growth, strengthen relationships, and deliver results across the cluster.

iHM Extends Multi-Year Deal with Charlamagne Tha God

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 10:13am CT

Charlamagne Tha God

iHeartMedia has signed a new multi-year agreement extending its relationship with Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of WWPR (Power 105) New York's morning show The Breakfast Club and founder of The Black Effect Podcast Network.

Under the deal, Charlamagne will continue as a co-host of The Breakfast Club, which airs weekdays from 6-10am ET and is syndicated nationally, along with Weekends with The Breakfast Club. The program, which marks its 15th anniversary this month, reaches more than seven million monthly listeners and features Charlamagne alongside DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Loren LoRosa.

Charlamagne also remains a partner in The Black Effect Podcast Network, the joint venture between him and iHeartMedia that launched in 2020. The network has debuted more than 60 shows, generates approximately 11 million monthly downloads, and focuses on programming for Black audiences across culture, news, mental health, sports, and social issues. Earlier this year, The Breakfast Club replay podcast surpassed one billion downloads.

Rich Bressler, President and COO of iHeartMedia, said Charlamagne has played a significant role in shaping the company's audio strategy through both The Breakfast Club and The Black Effect Network.

The Breakfast Club and its hosts were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2020 and are known for high-profile interviews spanning politics, entertainment, and culture.

WNAM 1280 AM to Sign Off After 78 Years on Air

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 10:44am CT

WNAM-AM (1280) in Appleton-Oshkosh, WI

WNAM-AM (1280) in Appleton-Oshkosh, WI will end broadcasting at midnight on Wednesday, December 31, closing a chapter that began more than 78 years ago. The station first signed on May 23, 1947, after announcing its launch in the Post-Crescent the day before. Its inaugural broadcast featured local and national news segments, sports programming including a Cincinnati-Chicago Cubs game, and music blocks billed as "Dinner Melodies."

In a statement released December 17, WNAM cited changing listener habits and economic challenges as reasons for the decision. "This difficult decision comes in response to evolving listener habits and economic realities that have reshaped the media landscape," the station said.

Over the decades, WNAM served the Fox Valley with music, news, weather coverage, and local advertising, becoming a longtime fixture in the region's radio landscape. The station also carried Wisconsin Timber Rattlers baseball play-by-play for the past 16 seasons.

That coverage will continue on sister station WOSH-AM (1490), according to the announcement.

WNAM thanked listeners, advertisers, and staff for their support across nearly eight decades, noting its role in local life and community connection. The station plans to remain on the air through the end of the year as it marks its final days of broadcasting.

iHeartMedia Promotes Glynn, Thomas to Community Roles

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 7:24pm CT

Mark Glynn and Jeff Thomas

iHeartMedia has announced several leadership promotions within its Community Markets division, elevating Mark Glynn (far left) and Jeff Thomas to expanded division-level roles and naming Marshal Burgess to a new regional post.

Glynn has been promoted to Division President of Community Markets, overseeing 20 markets. He previously served as Area President for Seattle and Spokane, where iHeartMedia said he drove growth and innovation. In his new role, Glynn will oversee markets across Nebraska, Iowa, the Pacific region, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Alaska.

Thomas will take on the additional role of Division President of Community Markets while continuing as Executive Vice President of Strategic Sales Development for News/Talk stations. His expanded responsibilities include oversight of 27 markets spanning Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Hawaii, and the Mid North region.

Both Glynn and Thomas will report to John Karpinski, President of Community Markets. Karpinski said the appointments reflect the company's focus on developing leadership, strengthening client relationships, and building high-performing sales teams across its local markets.

Separately, iHeartMedia promoted Portland Market President Marshal Burgess to Region President of the Pacific Northwest Area. Burgess' expanded portfolio includes Seattle, Portland, and Spokane, and he will report to Division President Nick Gnau.

Burgess has spent more than 28 years with the company. Gnau cited Burgess' leadership record and regional expertise as key factors in the promotion, noting his role in driving growth and maintaining strong market relationships throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Westwood One Unveils New Sports Talk Lineup for 2026

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 10:24am CT

Westwood One Sports

Westwood One has announced a revamped Sports Talk programming lineup set to debut Monday, December 29, expanding its live sports conversation across the broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms. The new schedule blends established personalities with emerging voices. The Jim Rome Show will continue to anchor weekday afternoons, airing from 3-6pm ET.

As previously announced, Drake C. Toll will host Morning Drive from 6-9am ET. Nick Kostos' You Better You Bet will follow from 9am-noon ET, focusing on sports betting analysis. Joining the midday lineup are longtime Chicago sports radio hosts Chris Bleck and Adam Abdalla, who will air from noon-3pm ET.

Evenings will feature BetMGM Tonight, hosted by Brad Evans and Pat Boyle, airing live from 6-11pm ET. Overnight programming will include Westwood One Sports Night, hosted by Lynnell Willingham Monday through Wednesday and Josh Graham Wednesday through Friday, from 11pm-3am ET.

"With our partners at Audacy, we've assembled a group of diverse and passionate sports voices committed to covering the biggest sports stories with opinions, expert analysis, and fan interaction," said Bruce Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Sports Content and Audience at Westwood One. "This lineup will highlight the biggest stories and provide timely information that is fresh, fun, and fan focused."