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Top Radio News
House Panel Advances AM Radio Vehicle Bill
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 2:54pm CT |
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A key congressional committee has advanced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, moving the bipartisan legislation one step closer to becoming law.
In a recent post on the NAB Blog, Carrie Healey, Vice President of Communications for the National Association of Broadcasters, said the House Energy and Commerce Committee included the legislation in its surface transportation package last week.
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would require automakers to maintain AM radio access in new vehicles. It would also mandate consumer disclosures if AM radio is not included in a vehicle and direct the federal government to study whether alternative technologies can match AM radio's role in emergency communications and public safety.
Healey noted that AM radio continues to play a critical role during emergencies, including hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and other disasters when other communication systems may fail. The blog also highlighted AM radio's importance to rural communities through local news, agriculture programming, and diverse content offerings.
According to the NAB, the legislation has received broad bipartisan support from lawmakers as well as backing from public safety, consumer, and community organizations.
During committee discussions on the bill, several members of Congress spoke in support of AM radio's value as a trusted source of local information and emergency alerts.
The NAB is urging Congress to approve the legislation and has encouraged supporters to contact lawmakers through its advocacy campaign.
Read the entire blog post here.
Katz Study: Radio Boosts World Cup Hosting Interest
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 2:29pm CT |
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A new case study from Katz Radio Group suggests radio advertising can play a significant role in motivating homeowners to explore short-term hosting opportunities tied to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
The study, featured in Katz Radio's Sound Answers blog, examined how audio advertising influenced consumer attitudes and intent for a global travel marketplace seeking to attract potential hosts ahead of the tournament, which will be staged across North America.
According to the research, radio advertising helped move consumers beyond awareness and into active consideration and intent. The campaign increased hosting interest, reinforced perceptions that hosting could provide supplemental income, and encouraged audiences to take additional steps to learn more.
The survey found that consumer awareness levels were already high before the campaign began. More than 88% of respondents said they were familiar with the advertiser, while 81% were aware that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be hosted in North America.
Respondents also recognized the expected impact on lodging demand during the event. Eighty-seven percent said they believe demand for short-term lodging will increase during the tournament, while nearly 79% agreed hosting during a major event could provide a good source of extra income.
Following exposure to the radio campaign, 54% of respondents said they would likely consider hosting during the World Cup. Additional findings showed 58% would likely seek more information about hosting opportunities, 44% said they would visit the advertiser's hosting page, and 26% expressed interest in estimating potential earnings.
Katz said the results demonstrate radio's ability to move audiences "down the funnel," helping convert awareness into action-oriented consumer behavior.
The custom online survey was conducted in early May 2026 among 500 homeowners age 25 and older in a single market.
Read the the entire case study post here.
iHeartMedia Named Audio Partner of INTENNSE
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 11:34am CT |
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INTENNSE has announced a partnership with iHeartMedia naming iHeartRadio the official audio partner of the professional co-ed tennis league as it prepares for its 2026 season and future expansion plans.
Under the agreement, iHeartRadio will serve as INTENNSE's audio partner, providing promotional support, player-focused storytelling, and league programming across iHeartMedia's broadcast radio stations, streaming platforms, podcasts, digital channels, and live events.
The partnership will also include branded integrations such as the renaming of the INTENNSE Arena practice court to the "iHeart Practice Court."
INTENNSE, which features a fast-paced, team-based co-ed format, will field 10 teams during the 2026 season at Assembly Studios in Atlanta. League officials said the agreement is designed to build national awareness as INTENNSE works toward broader expansion.
"iHeartMedia tells stories at a scale we simply can't replicate on our own, and that's exactly why this partnership matters," said Charles Allen, CEO of INTENNSE. "Tennis has never had a product like ours: co-ed, team-based, fast-paced, and built for the moment we're living in."
The collaboration will feature original INTENNSE-branded audio programming, live-streamed iHeart Practice Court segments during select matches, national radio promotional campaigns, digital marketing initiatives, and on-site fan activations at league events.
Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for iHeartMedia, said the league aligns with the company's efforts to reach younger sports audiences. of sports fans," Biondo said.
The companies said the agreement is structured to expand alongside the league's growth beyond its Atlanta base, positioning iHeartMedia as a long-term media and audio partner.
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Black Box Group Launches ''Summer School'' Training Series
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 11:24am CT |
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Black Box Group (BBG), the west coast consulting and strategy firm led by media strategist and talent coach Keith Cunningham, has launched "Summer School," a live online training curriculum aimed at helping radio programming, talent, digital, and promotions teams prepare for the competitive fall ratings and revenue season.
The 10-course program features private online sessions ranging from 30 to 60 minutes and is designed to address operational and content challenges facing radio stations and clusters. According to Cunningham, shrinking staffs and increased workloads have created significant pressure for station teams trying to compete in an increasingly crowded media environment.
"Brand teams are smaller, multi-tasking, and are often lacking tools, budget, and critical experience... all while trying to stand out in an avalanche of content and competition," Cunningham said in the announcement.
Courses in the curriculum include topics such as "Why Every PD Needs a Revenue Budget," "The 2026 Content Reset," "Topicality & Content Mastery," "The Psychology of Talent & Why Airchecks Fail," "Scroll-Stopping Social Discipline," "The Most Common Scheduling Mistakes & How to Avoid Them," and "Nielsen Explained."
Cunningham said the sessions are designed to provide practical guidance based on real-world major market experience, including competitive programming battles and talent development strategies.
The Summer School program will be offered through August, with stations, clusters, and radio companies able to select individual courses based on their specific needs.
For information on pricing and registration, BBG is directing inquiries to Cunningham via email.
iHeartRadio Partners With USA Bobsled/Skeleton
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 2:24pm CT |
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USA Bobsled/Skeleton has announced a partnership with iHeartMedia and its iHeartRadio platform aimed at expanding recruitment efforts for future American bobsled and skeleton athletes.
As part of the agreement, iHeartRadio will become the title sponsor of the 2026 USA Bobsled/Skeleton Recruitment Series and provide on-air and digital marketing support designed to promote recruitment events nationwide.
The organization uses offseason combines and recruitment events to identify athletes who may transition into sliding sports from other athletic backgrounds. Because bobsled and skeleton competitors often begin their careers in their late teens or early 20s, the program focuses on finding athletes with transferable speed, strength, and athletic skills.
Participants in the 2026 iHeartRadio USA Bobsled/Skeleton Recruitment Series will undergo testing in multiple athletic disciplines, with no previous sliding experience required. Top performers will earn invitations to Rookie Camp in Lake Placid, where they will receive additional training and have an opportunity to push a sled on ice for the first time.
Aron McGuire, CEO of USA Bobsled/Skeleton, called the partnership a significant step for the organization's recruiting efforts.
"Having iHeartRadio as the title sponsor of the USA Bobsled/Skeleton Recruitment Series is a game-changing partnership for our organization," McGuire said. "Their incredible reach will help us introduce bobsled and skeleton to new audiences, inspire talented athletes to explore these sports, and identify the next generation of USA competitors."
Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for iHeartMedia, said the company hopes the partnership will help inspire new athletes while supporting the future of the U.S. national team.
Additional information about the recruitment program is available through the USABS website.
LPFM Advocacy Group Urges FCC to Modernize Rules
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 11:03pm CT |
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The Low Power FM Advocacy Group (LPFM-AG) has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission urging regulators to recognize what it calls significant competitive disadvantages facing Low Power FM stations in today's audio marketplace.
The filing, submitted in response to the FCC's proceeding on the state of competition in the communications marketplace, argues that LPFM stations should be evaluated separately from other radio services because of their unique role as nonprofit, community-originated broadcasters.
In comments filed by Executive Director Dave Solomon, the organization said LPFM stations face mounting challenges from digital audio competition, rising operating costs, crowded spectrum conditions, and technical limitations that make long-term survival increasingly difficult.
The group argued that the FCC should adopt what it describes as a "Practical Survivability Parity" standard when evaluating whether LPFM stations and FM translators are treated equally under the Local Community Radio Act.
Among the key proposals, LPFM-AG asked the Commission to consider allowing LPFM stations to operate with translator-equivalent technical facilities of up to 250 watts ERP where interference protections can be maintained. The filing contends current LPFM rules, which generally cap stations at 100 watts, place locally originated service at a disadvantage compared to FM translators.
The organization also called for modernization of LPFM-owned translator rules, including permitting IP-based signal delivery and translator-to-translator links for commonly owned facilities rebroadcasting the same LPFM station.
Additional recommendations include establishing service-preservation protections when full-power FM modifications displace LPFM stations, examining changes to LPFM funding and barter rules, and reviewing ownership and transfer restrictions that the group says may hinder station survival.
The filing also argues that LPFM stations should not be treated merely as smaller versions of full-power radio stations, noting that many are operated by churches, schools, cultural organizations, civic groups, and public-safety entities serving local communities.
According to the filing, the FCC reported 2,007 licensed LPFM stations as of March 31, 2026, compared to 8,854 FM translators and boosters.
LPFM-AG urged the FCC to include a dedicated LPFM section in its 2026 Communications Marketplace Report and recommend further rulemaking to modernize the service.
MIW Names Christine Manika as Country Radio Mentee
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 11:13pm CT |
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Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) has named Christine Manika as the third participant in its Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Country Radio mentorship program. Manika currently serves as Brand Manager and midday host for KIKN-FM and morning host for KXRB in Sioux Falls, SD.
The year-long mentorship program is designed to connect emerging female leaders in country radio with senior industry executives through leadership development, networking opportunities, and one-on-one mentoring. The program also includes attendance at the 2027 Country Radio Seminar in Nashville.
Manika's responsibilities include overseeing programming, promotions, content creation, and on-air talent duties across multiple stations. Her background also includes television, sports broadcasting, and digital media work.
Outside of radio, Manika serves as an emcee and court announcer for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the NBA G League affiliate of the Miami Heat. She also sits on the board of The Teddy Bear Den, which supports low-income pregnant women and new mothers.
"I am ecstatic to learn from the 'Leading Ladies' in country radio," Manika said. "I am a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, and I couldn't be more excited to have Lauren 'Lo' Sessions as my mentor."
RJ Curtis, Executive Director of Country Radio Broadcasters, said Manika's passion for radio and commitment to her community made her a strong choice for the mentorship.
"CRB is proud to continue partnering with MIW on an initiative that helps support and develop the next generation of female leaders in country radio," Curtis said.
Becky Brenner added that Manika's enthusiasm and dedication to serving her audience stood out during the selection process.
The mentorship will pair Manika with Country air personality Lauren Sessions, also known as "Lo" Sessions.
AM/FM Radio Dominates Audio Reach Among Kia Drivers
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 2:44pm CT |
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A new blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group highlights the continued dominance of AM/FM radio among Kia drivers, citing newly released data from Edison Research's "Share of Ear" study.
The report, authored by Pierre Bouvard, Chief Insights Officer for Cumulus Media and Westwood One, examines audio consumption habits among Kia owners and drivers of competing auto brands, emphasizing the role of AM/FM radio in automotive advertising campaigns.
According to the analysis, Kia drivers spend 89% of their in-car ad-supported audio time listening to AM/FM radio, making it the leading platform for reaching current Kia owners while commuting or running errands.
The report also found that across all listening environments - including home, work, vehicles, and other locations - Kia drivers devote 68% of their ad-supported audio time to AM/FM radio. Podcasts accounted for 23% of listening among Kia drivers, while streaming platforms such as Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, and SiriusXM each posted low single-digit shares.
The blog further noted that AM/FM radio captures 83% of all in-car ad-supported audio listening among drivers overall, positioning radio as a key platform for dealerships and automakers seeking to attract buyers from competing brands.
The findings are based on Edison Research's Q1 2026 "Share of Ear" report, which surveys approximately 4,000 Americans annually to measure audio consumption habits across platforms.
The post also cited MRI-Simmons Winter 2026 data showing heavy AM/FM radio listeners are more likely than the general population to be in the market for new vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, hybrids, EVs, and used vehicles.
Read the entire blog post here.
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Broadcasters Foundation Sets NYC Media Mixer for June 25
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 2:38pm CT |
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The Broadcasters Foundation of America will host its latest Media Mixer on Thursday, June 25, at the New York City studios of iHeartMedia, bringing together broadcasting executives, on-air talent, and emerging industry professionals for an evening focused on networking and supporting the organization's charitable mission.
The event will run from 5:30-7:30pm ET at iHeartMedia's studios at 125 West 55th Street in Manhattan.
The Media Mixer series is designed to connect rising broadcasters with industry leaders while raising awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation's efforts to provide financial assistance to broadcasters facing hardship.
Among the featured guests will be veteran radio executive Dan Mason, who is expected to discuss highlights from his broadcasting career, which spanned roles behind the microphone to serving as head of CBS Radio. Mason is also the author of "Fearless: The Life & Times of A Media Maverick."
The evening will be hosted by Maxwell, who is heard afternoons on WKTU in New York. The event will also include a live performance from Carolina Rial following her recent appearance on The Voice.
"The Broadcasters Foundation's Media Mixers have become one of the most important gatherings for the future of our industry, bringing together rising broadcast professionals, influential executives, and legendary broadcasters in one room," said Tim McCarthy, President of the Broadcasters Foundation. "Broadcasting is built on relationships, mentorship, and community, and this event captures the very best of what makes our business so special while also supporting broadcasters facing critical need."
Previous Media Mixer events have been held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, drawing professionals from across the broadcasting industry.
FCC Sets Date for Foreign Sponsorship Rule Changes
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 2:51pm CT |
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The Federal Communications Commission's Media Bureau is reminding broadcasters that revised foreign sponsorship identification requirements for leased programming will officially take effect June 7.
In a Public Notice released Tuesday, the FCC said the updated rules apply to new programming leases and renewals entered into on or after the compliance date. The changes stem from the Commission's June 2024 Second Report and Order modifying disclosure requirements originally adopted in 2021 for programming sponsored by foreign governmental entities.
The revised rules give radio and television broadcasters two options for demonstrating they have fulfilled their duty to determine whether leased programming is sponsored, paid for, or furnished by a foreign government entity.
The Media Bureau previously delayed enforcement of the revised requirements several times after approval from the Office of Management and Budget, first pushing compliance to December 2025 and later extending the deadline to June 7, 2026.
The FCC also announced an additional delay involving technical requirements tied to advertisements and paid public service announcements covered by the foreign sponsorship rules. The Bureau said compliance with those technical provisions under Section 73.1212(j)(3) will be suspended for two years or until further notice.
According to the notice, the delay will allow the Commission to further evaluate the costs and burdens associated with the requirements and determine whether they provide sufficient public benefit.
The FCC noted that the current record does not indicate any covered advertisements or paid PSAs are presently airing, but warned broadcasters they could still face liability if they knowingly accept foreign-sponsored advertising that falls under the rules.
Beginning June 7, broadcasters with actual knowledge that advertisements or paid PSAs were provided by a foreign governmental entity must still comply with the on-air disclosure requirements.
WWI Returns as Home of Women's College World Series
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 11:20am CT |
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Westwood One will once again provide exclusive national audio coverage of the NCAA Division I Women's College World Series from OG&E Energy Field at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.
Coverage begins Thursday, May 28 at 12pm ET and will continue through every game of the tournament, including the National Championship Finals, which start Wednesday, June 3 at 7:45pm ET.
The broadcast team for the double-elimination rounds will feature Ryan Radtke and Chris Plank handling play-by-play duties alongside analysts Erin Miller, a former University of Oklahoma outfielder and two-time Women's College World Series champion, and Hall of Famer Leah (O'Brien) Amico, a three-time WCWS champion from the University of Arizona. Radtke and Amico will call the best-of-three Championship Finals series.
This year marks Radtke's seventh Women's College World Series assignment for Westwood One, while Amico returns for her 14th year as the network's lead analyst.
Westwood One's coverage will air on terrestrial radio stations nationwide and on SiriusXM. Fans can also stream every game free through NCAA.com/WCWS, Westwood One Sports, and the Westwood One Sports app. Audio coverage will additionally be available through the NCAA Women's College World Series app, The Varsity Network app, Alexa-enabled devices, and TuneIn Premium.
RAB Names Sabina Widmann Executive Vice President
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 11:19am CT |
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The Radio Advertising Bureau has appointed Sabina Widmann as Executive Vice President, expanding the organization's focus on broadcaster initiatives, member engagement and industry support. In the newly created role, Widmann will oversee member engagement and success efforts, with responsibilities that include enhancing member services and expanding offerings.
Widmann brings more than two decades of experience in radio, media sales, multicultural marketing and business development. She most recently held leadership roles at TelevisaUnivision, where she developed integrated marketing strategies across broadcast, digital and audio platforms, with a focus on helping brands reach Latino audiences.
Her background also includes working closely with local broadcasters and advertisers in markets nationwide, developing revenue opportunities and client partnerships while helping stations respond to shifting audience and advertiser expectations.
RAB said Widmann's appointment is part of a broader effort to align and consolidate responsibilities within the organization as it evolves its support structure for members. The association said the goal is to provide broadcasters with additional resources, professional development opportunities and greater industry engagement.
"Sabina's leadership experience, industry knowledge and understanding of broadcasters and the local communities which they serve make her an outstanding addition to the RAB team," said Mike Hulvey. "Her passion for helping media organizations grow and evolve will further strengthen the support, education and resources RAB provides to its members."
Widmann has previously served on executive committees for both RAB and the Southern California Broadcasters Association, and also served as co-chair of RAB's multicultural committee.
"I'm excited to join RAB during such an important time for the industry," Widmann said. "Radio and audio continue to play a vital role for our communities and advertisers. I look forward to working with RAB's members and team to help provide meaningful resources, education and support that help broadcasters navigate continued change and growth."
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Margie Tasseff Retiring From iHeartMedia Ohio
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 11:30am CT |
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iHeartMedia has announced that longtime Mansfield and Marion Market President Margie Tasseff will retire effective June 1, ending a nearly 40-year career with the company.
Tasseff currently oversees seven stations in Mansfield and three stations in Marion. She has served as Market President for the Mansfield operation for the past 15 years and added leadership responsibilities for the Marion cluster in 2021.
According to the company, Tasseff helped guide the markets through periods of growth and transition while maintaining a focus on local programming, community partnerships and charitable initiatives throughout north central Ohio.
"Margie's passion for this business, her commitment to the Mansfield and Marion communities and the relationships she built over nearly four decades have left an incredible mark on our company and everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her," said Matt Bell. "She has been a trusted leader, mentor and advocate for both our employees and our partners, and her presence will truly be missed."
A graduate of Ashland University, Tasseff began her broadcasting career as an account executive at WDBN before moving to WNIR. She later joined WMAN and Y105 in Mansfield, eventually advancing from account executive to sales manager and later Market President.
Outside broadcasting, Tasseff has been active in local organizations, including serving on the board of the Buckeye Imagination Museum and as vice president of the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging.
Reflecting on her career, Tasseff said, "Spending 39 years with one employer is truly uncommon. I'm deeply proud of what we've built together over the years - from the friendships and partnerships to the impact we've made through local radio."
CMG Names Lauren Smith Senior Director of Digital Sales
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 2:36pm CT |
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Cox Media Group has appointed Lauren Smith as Senior Director of Digital Sales as the company continues expanding its digital revenue initiatives across its television and radio markets.
In the new role, Smith will work directly with CMG's local radio & TV operations to support sales teams, lead in-person training and oversee execution of the company's digital revenue strategies. She will also collaborate with market leadership and corporate teams to help drive digital product adoption and sales growth tailored to individual market needs.
Justin Wenokur said Smith's experience in digital marketing and team development made her a strong fit for the position. "Lauren is a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of digital marketing strategy and sales enablement," Wenokur said. "Her ability to translate strategy into execution, combined with her passion for developing teams, makes her the ideal leader to advance CMG's digital growth across our markets."
Smith most recently served as Digital Media Director for CMG in Athens, where the company said she led digital strategy for more than 75 clients while generating 122 percent year-over-year revenue growth and exceeding budget goals by 138 percent.
Prior to joining CMG, Smith held leadership positions with Fast Radius and Omnicom Media Group. During that time, she managed multimillion-dollar digital campaigns and developed integrated marketing strategies for national brands including FedEx and the National Football League.
Nueva Network Restructures Leadership Team
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 3:29pm CT |
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Nueva Network and North Atlantic Media have announced a leadership reorganization aimed at expanding growth opportunities across audio, digital and multi-platform media operations.
As part of the restructuring, Jeffery Liberman will assume strategic oversight responsibilities across both companies. According to the companies, Liberman will focus on cross-platform revenue growth, operational alignment and long-term business development initiatives.
v In addition, Jose Mateo has been promoted to President of Multi-Channel Sales. In the role, Mateo will oversee sales operations across both organizations and lead integrated sales efforts spanning audio, digital, content and emerging media platforms.
Alex Hernandez has also transitioned into a new role as Executive Vice President of Enterprise Sales and Digital Product, where he will continue overseeing strategic revenue initiatives while managing the companies' expanding digital product portfolio.
Carlos Moncada said the restructuring reflects broader changes taking place throughout the media industry.
"This organizational evolution reflects where the media industry is headed and where we believe the greatest opportunities exist for growth," Moncada said. "By aligning leadership across our audio, digital, and enterprise capabilities, we are creating a more scalable and integrated structure that allows us to move faster, innovate more effectively, and continue delivering exceptional value to our audiences, clients, and partners."
Liberman described the move as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and accelerate innovation between the organizations. "This is an exciting moment for both organizations," Liberman said. "By aligning teams under a unified strategic vision, we are creating opportunities to accelerate innovation, strengthen partnerships, and continue expanding our reach."
The companies said the reorganization is intended to better position both organizations to address changing consumer habits and advertiser demand through integrated media offerings that combine content, technology and distribution.
Radio Network News Launches Using NewsCloud Platform
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 2:45pm CT |
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Radio Network News has officially launched in the United States using the NewsCloud platform developed by Radio.Cloud. NewsCloud is designed as a newsroom productivity and workflow system that allows journalists and anchors to write, localize, produce and distribute radio newscasts from a centralized cloud-based platform.
According to RNN Founder Dan Warren, the service aims to modernize the sound and presentation of network radio news. "Our goal from day one was to move away from the traditional, harsh, compressed sound of legacy wire services," Warren said. "We wanted to bring a modern, authoritative, high-end news podcast aesthetic to commercial radio."
Warren said the partnership with NewsCloud allows anchors to customize content for affiliate stations while maintaining a more conversational and localized presentation style.
Andrew Scaglione said the NewsCloud platform has already been adopted by several major European networks and is now being introduced to U.S. broadcasters through the RNN partnership. "With the end of CBS News Radio, we're excited to step in and provide RNN with all the tools to offer custom, local newscasts to stations," Scaglione said.
The company said the technology enables a single anchor to create hundreds of localized versions of a newscast each hour and distribute them to affiliate stations within seconds, improving efficiency while allowing stations to receive market-specific news updates.
Henkle's Ace Shows Power of Long-Term Radio Ads
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 11:13am CT |
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A new study commissioned by Cumulus Media and Westwood One highlights how long-term AM/FM radio advertising helped Henkle's Ace Hardware build strong brand awareness and customer loyalty in Joplin, Missouri.
The research, conducted by Quantilope in January 2026 among 150 consumers in Joplin, found Henkle's Ace Hardware ranked third in unaided brand awareness behind national chains Home Depot and Lowe's. Respondents were asked to name hardware and home improvement stores without being prompted.
Owners Cris and John Henkle opened the business in 2006 after previously operating a hardware store in Oklahoma. The company began building its presence through a Saturday morning DIY call-in radio show around 2013 before expanding its marketing strategy in 2018 with a greater focus on long-term brand advertising through local radio partner Zimmer Marketing.
According to the study, 53% of consumers who had lived in the Joplin area for more than 10 years were aware of Henkle's Ace Hardware, compared to 39% among newer residents. The report argues this demonstrates why local retailers must continuously advertise as new consumers move into a market and advertising memories fade over time.
The blog post also emphasized the distinction between "creating future demand" and "converting existing demand," noting that only a small percentage of consumers are actively shopping in a category at any given time. It cited marketing effectiveness expert James Hurman, who advocates broad-reach emotional advertising to build long-term brand familiarity and positive associations.
The study found Henkle's Ace Hardware posted strong results across several brand metrics, including 47% unaided awareness, 19% ad recall, and 25% brand favorability. Among AM/FM radio listeners, aided awareness for the retailer was six percentage points higher than the overall market average.
The report concludes that Henkle's Ace Hardware demonstrates how consistent, long-term radio advertising can help local businesses remain "easy to think of and easy to buy" by building familiarity before consumers are ready to make a purchase.
Read the entire blog post here.
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