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Top Radio News
John Allers Named Brand Manager of Alice 97.3
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 12, 2026 | 2:44pm CT |
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John Allers has been named Brand Manager of Hot AC KLLC (Alice 97.3) in San Francisco. In the role, Allers will oversee the station's programming and brand strategy. He currently serves as Brand Manager for KITS (LIVE 105) in San Francisco and KVIL in Dallas, bringing broad operational experience and a track record of guiding established brands.
"John is a proven Brand Manager with deep operational experience and strong leadership instincts," said Audacy San Francisco Senior VP & Market Manager Kieran Geffert. "I have full confidence in his ability to build on Alice's legacy and help position this iconic brand for its next chapter."
Allers joined Audacy in 2021 as Regional Vice President of Alternative, overseeing multiple Alternative-format stations across major markets. He has more than two decades of experience programming Alternative and Rock brands nationwide, including prior leadership roles at iHeartMedia, where he launched and led market-leading stations and developed national content initiatives.
Allers succeeds Michael Martin, who recently stepped down from the Brand Manager role as he shifted focus to his national programming responsibilities at Audacy.
Nielsen: Radio Still Dominates Hispanic Audio
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 12, 2026 | 2:54pm CT |
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Radio continues to be the most powerful and consistent audio platform for reaching U.S. Hispanic consumers, according to Nielsen's newly released Audio Today 2026: The Power of Radio Among Hispanic Consumers report. The study finds that more than 93% of Hispanic adults tune in to radio each month, making it the highest-reaching medium across the audio and media landscape.
Despite growing media fragmentation and tighter advertiser budgets, Nielsen says radio remains insulated from many of the targeting and privacy challenges facing digital platforms. The report shows that ad-supported audio accounts for 64% of all listening among Hispanics, with radio alone commanding more than half of daily audio consumption. When combined with podcasts, the two formats represent 76% of all daily ad-supported audio time, far surpassing ad-supported streaming services.
Radio's influence is especially strong in the car, where 76% of all ad-supported audio listening among Hispanic consumers happens via radio. Nielsen notes that these in-car and commuting moments place radio close to daily decision-making and points of purchase, increasing its effectiveness for advertisers.
The report also highlights the strong response Hispanic audiences show after hearing radio and podcast ads. Compared to the general market, Hispanic consumers are significantly more likely to make a purchase, recommend a product, visit a retail location, or engage with brands on social media following audio ad exposure. Nielsen attributes this to the trust and cultural connection listeners have with radio hosts and on-air personalities.
In addition, Nielsen's recent modernization of audio measurement -- including the introduction of the three-minute PPM qualifier -- has led to higher reported audiences, impressions, and gross rating points among Hispanic listeners. Average audience levels rose by double-digit percentages across major dayparts, providing advertisers with clearer visibility into radio's performance and stronger inputs for attribution and planning.
Nielsen concludes that radio remains the foundation of any effective audio strategy targeting Hispanic consumers, with podcasting providing incremental reach that brings total audio coverage close to universal levels.
The new report can be found here.
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Gregg Henson Named PD of NewsRadio 1040 WHO
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 12, 2026 | 2:12pm CT |
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iHeartMedia Des Moines has named Gregg Henson as Program Director of NewsRadio 1040 WHO, effective Monday, January 12. In the role, Henson will oversee day-to-day programming operations for the News/Talk outlet, which serves listeners statewide as the "Voice of Iowa."
"NewsRadio 1040 WHO is one of the most respected news talk stations in Iowa, built on a strong foundation of trusted voices and programming," said Steve Geofferies, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia. "Gregg's experience and leadership will support our strong team and help WHO continue delivering the high-quality programming listeners rely on every day."
Jen Stocker, iHeartMedia Nebraska/Iowa Area President, said Henson's background aligns well with the company's local focus. "Gregg's passion, strategic vision and dedication to strong local content perfectly align with our mission to deliver trusted, top-tier programming to Des Moines and surrounding communities," she said.
Henson joins iHeartMedia Des Moines from Grand Rapids, MI, where he most recently served as Program Director and morning host for WLAV-FM and WTNR-FM. His previous experience includes programming leadership roles at WRVA-AM in Richmond, VA; WPGB-FM in Pittsburgh, including the Pittsburgh Steelers Radio Network; and WOWO-AM in Fort Wayne, IN.
"I'm incredibly excited to return to iHeartMedia and work with the legendary staff at NewsRadio 1040 WHO," Henson said. "WHO's legacy of trusted news and strong local voices is unmatched, and I'm focused on building on that foundation and continuing to deliver relevant, impactful programming for listeners across Iowa."
Dan Bongino Returns to The Cumulus Podcast Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 12, 2026 | 10:46am CT |
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Cumulus Media has announced the return of Dan Bongino to podcasting with the relaunch of The Dan Bongino Show, beginning February 2. The revived program will air as a two-hour daily podcast, dropping Monday through Friday from 10am-12pm ET. A video livestream will be available exclusively on Rumble, with recorded audio distributed across all major podcast platforms. Westwood One will serve as the exclusive sales partner for the show.
Bongino stepped away from his radio and podcast platforms in March 2025 to join President Trump's administration as Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He announced his return to podcasting this week, signaling a renewed focus on long-form commentary, debate, and analysis.
The relaunch represents Bongino's most extensive digital commitment to date, built around a two-hour format aimed at meeting audience demand for deeper, daily engagement. The show will feature headline analysis, guest interviews, cultural commentary, and recurring "Bongino Army" segments.
"I'm excited to get back behind the mic and reconnect directly with the audience," Bongino said, adding that the show will continue its unfiltered approach to political and cultural issues.
Collin Jones, President of Westwood One and the Cumulus Podcast Network, said Bongino's return brings a powerful voice back to the talk media landscape, calling the partnership the next chapter in a program with a highly loyal and influential audience.
Mike McVay Named Strategic Advisor to Radio Vendor Alliance
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 12, 2026 | 2:19pm CT |
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The Radio Vendor Alliance has appointed broadcast industry veteran Mike McVay as Strategic Advisor, a role in which he will help guide the organization's efforts to connect radio stations with vetted, industry-approved vendors.
McVay is President of McVay Media and brings more than four decades of experience in broadcast programming, content strategy, and talent development. His appointment follows his 2025 induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
"Mike McVay's depth of knowledge, innovative thinking, and commitment to the radio industry make him the ideal strategic advisor for RVA," said Dennis Green, COO of Sun and Fun Media and an RVA member. "His insights will be invaluable as we continue to empower local radio stations with the tools, services, and expertise they need to thrive in today's evolving media landscape."
Over the course of his career, McVay has consulted hundreds of radio stations in the U.S. and internationally, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus Media and Westwood One, overseeing programming for more than 500 stations.
His consulting work has influenced the careers of nationally known personalities including Delilah, John Tesh, Stephen A. Smith, Soledad O'Brien, and Reba McEntire. In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, McVay has received the 2025 NAB National Radio Award, was named a 2024 Giant of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, and earned the 2024 Leadership Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America.
McVay also serves on the boards of Country Radio Broadcasters, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, and the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation.
FCC Proposes $80K in Fines Against Four Pirate Operators
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 12, 2026 | 5:16pm CT |
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The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a combined $80,000 in fines against four individuals accused of operating illegal FM radio stations in New York and New Jersey, continuing its stepped-up enforcement under the PIRATE Act.
In separate Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture released January 12, the FCC's Enforcement Bureau proposed $20,000 penalties against Etzer Toussaint of Spring Valley, NY; Robert Bekune of Irvington, NJ; Henderson Lennox Elcock of Brooklyn, NY; and Jean Boncoeur of Spring Valley, NY. Each case involves alleged willful and knowing operation of an unlicensed FM station that exceeded the limits for Part 15 unlicensed operation and lacked any FCC authorization.
According to the FCC, agents used field strength measurements, direction-finding techniques, and comparisons between over-the-air broadcasts and online streams to trace the signals to specific properties. In several cases, investigators also relied on station websites, signage, social media posts, and phone records to identify the individuals responsible for the broadcasts.
The Commission said pirate radio operations undermine spectrum management and can interfere with licensed broadcasters and public safety communications, including Emergency Alert System transmissions. Under the PIRATE Act, the FCC is authorized to impose significantly higher penalties than were available prior to 2020, with base forfeitures for pirate radio now set at $20,000 per violation.
Each of the four individuals has 30 days to either pay the proposed forfeiture or file a response seeking reduction or cancellation of the penalty.
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Audacy Expands 95.7 The Game Coverage Into San Jose
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 12, 2026 | 3:56pm CT |
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Audacy has partnered with GeoBroadcast Solutions to deploy MaxxCasting technology for San Francisco-based Sports KGMZ-FM (95.7 The Game), extending the signal into the San Jose market.
The new system, recently activated, marks KGMZ's expansion into a new rated market and delivers a stronger, more consistent FM signal across the South Bay, including San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, and Campbell. Audacy says the deployment adds more than 400,000 potential listeners while improving reception along key commuter routes and at major venues such as Levi's Stadium, the SAP Center, and San Jose International Airport.
The enhanced coverage is designed to provide reliable listening during peak commute times and live sports broadcasts, including games featuring the Golden State Warriors and Golden State Valkyries, as well as the station's sports talk lineup.
"Sports listeners expect reliability, especially during live games," said John Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at Audacy. He noted that the MaxxCasting deployment strengthens KGMZ's presence in the South Bay and improves its competitive position among local sports outlets.
GeoBroadcast Solutions said the San Jose rollout builds on its existing work with Audacy in other markets and positions the station for future ZoneCasting capabilities that could support localized content.
The deployment includes two new synchronized booster nodes in San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, which integrate with KGMZ's existing Diablo booster in the East Bay. Together, the system creates seamless coverage between the San Francisco and San Jose listening areas.
Skyview Networks Names Brian Doughty Director of Sales
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 12, 2026 | 2:33pm CT |
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Skyview Networks has expanded its sales division with the addition of Brian Doughty as Director, Network Sales. In the newly created role, Doughty will work alongside the Skyview sales team to further develop the company's overall sales strategy, supporting sports and network audio partners while identifying new revenue opportunities.
Doughty brings more than 25 years of experience in broadcast media and audio sales to Skyview Networks. His background includes leading sponsorship strategies for play-by-play sports, managing account executive teams, and driving national and local revenue growth.
"Our mission with this integral new hire was to identify an executive whose strong audio sales experience would accelerate Skyview's business strategy for continued growth," said Steve Jones, President and CEO of Skyview Networks. "We are excited to welcome Brian to the team and to leverage his expertise to optimize opportunities across our current and future corporate initiatives."
Doug James, Longtime K105 Morning Co-Host, Dies at 71
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 12, 2026 | 10:12am CT |
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Doug James, a longtime morning co-host at Country WQXK-FM (K105) in Youngstown, has died. He was 71. In a statement, Bill Kelly, Vice President and Market Manager for Cumulus Media in Youngstown, said James passed away Thursday, January 8, following a brief illness.
James joined K105's on-air team in 1989 and began sharing the morning microphone with co-host Mary Ann Graff in 1991, a partnership that became a cornerstone of the station's sound for more than three decades. Kelly said James "set the standard for morning radio in the Valley" and was a beloved presence among listeners and colleagues alike.
A graduate of Springfield High School, James was also an alumnus of Youngstown State University. Beyond the studio, he was known for his deep commitment to the community and his longtime support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"Doug loved all of K-Country and was passionate about the music, the artists, the listeners, and our community," Kelly said. "He believed helping our community of listeners was as important as having them listen daily. He will be profoundly missed by all of us at Cumulus Youngstown."
Kelly added that the company extends its heartfelt condolences to James' family and many friends.
Michael Martin Steps Down as Alice 97.3 Brand Manager
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 9, 2026 | 2:15pm CT |
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Michael Martin has stepped down from his role as Brand Manager of Hot AC KLLC (Alice 97.3) in San Francisco, as he shifts his full focus to his national responsibilities with Audacy.
In a memo to staff, Audacy San Francisco SVP and Market Manager Kieran Geffert said Martin will remain in the Brand Manager role at Alice 97.3 through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. Martin will continue in his national position as Senior Vice President of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives for Audacy.
Geffert credited Martin's 16 years of leadership for shaping Alice's trajectory, citing his programming vision, artist partnerships, signature events, and steady leadership across the market's portfolio.
Audacy Chief Programming Officer Jeff Sottolano echoed those sentiments, noting Martin's nearly two decades of contributions to Audacy San Francisco, including leadership roles at KLLC, KMVQ, KITS, and KRBQ. Sottolano highlighted Martin's work with highly rated shows, award-winning on-air talent, and major artist appearances in San Francisco featuring Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and John Mayer.
Martin will continue collaborating with Audacy's format leadership and events teams nationwide. Audacy said additional details regarding future leadership at Alice 97.3 will be shared in the coming days.
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John Terrett to Host Red Apple AM/PM Market Reports
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 9, 2026 | 10:11am CT |
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Financial and business analyst John Terrett has been named host of the new Red Apple AM/PM Market Reports, a pair of weekday features delivering concise market analysis during morning and afternoon drive times. Airing Monday through Friday, the twice-daily reports will focus on Wall Street activity, key economic indicators, and emerging business trends.
Red Apple Media Owner and CEO John Catsimatidis said Terrett's experience and perspective make him well suited for the role, noting his frequent appearances on The Cats Roundtable and his ability to explain complex financial developments in clear terms.
The morning AM report will center on pre-market trading and factors likely to influence the day ahead, while the PM report will recap market performance and broader economic developments from the trading session.
Terrett said he is looking forward to joining Red Apple Media and reaching a national audience with analysis aimed at helping listeners better understand investment conditions.
Terrett has served as a New York correspondent for outlets including BBC and CNBC, and has spent much of the past eight years reporting from the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange for audiences worldwide.
Truth Matters with Tom Donahue & Angeline Marie to Launch
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 9, 2026 | 3:20pm CT |
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A new talk program, Truth Matters with Tom Donahue & Angeline Marie, will debut on Saturday, January 17, with national distribution via Salem Radio Network. The weekly show will air Saturdays from 9-10pm ET, with a rebroadcast Sundays from 1-2am ET, on the Westwood One Wegener platform (SRN4 - Truth Matters). The program brings together Tom Donahue and Angeline Marie, who have worked together on multiple media projects including a podcast series over the past 15 years.
The show will focus on political, cultural, economic, media, and health-related topics, approached from a conservative Christian perspective. The hosts say the program will emphasize factual reporting, analysis, and discussion of current controversies, with occasional guest interviews and special reports.
Tom Donahue is a veteran talk host and investigative broadcaster whose career dates back to the early 1990s. He previously hosted the nationally syndicated America's Town Forum and has worked on stations and networks including Talk America Radio Network, BRN, People's Radio Network, Sun Radio Networks, WPDQ, KID, KCAA and WFYL. Donahue currently produces the Tom Donahue Reports podcast and serves as Program Director for Talk Stream Live. He holds a bachelor's degree in Human and Mass Communications from Rutgers University.
Angeline Marie is the host of Truth Seekers Radio Show and has a background in both radio and television production. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications and is the founder of K-Star Media and K-Star Publishing, which produce non-fiction and children's books centered on faith and critical thinking.
Westwood One to Air NFL Wild Card Weekend Coverage
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 9, 2026 | 3:41pm CT |
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Westwood One, the official network audio partner of the National Football League, will present live play-by-play coverage of NFL Wild Card Weekend, powered by Verizon, across Saturday, January 10; Sunday, January 11; and Monday, January 12.
The 2026 postseason coverage marks Westwood One's 39th consecutive year as the NFL's exclusive network audio partner.
Coverage begins Saturday afternoon with the Los Angeles Rams facing the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte at 4:00 p.m. ET. The nightcap follows at 8pm ET, as the Green Bay Packers host the Chicago Bears in Chicago.
Sunday's tripleheader opens at 12:30pm ET in Jacksonville with the Buffalo Bills visiting the Jacksonville Jaguars. At 4:15pm ET, coverage shifts to Philadelphia as the San Francisco 49ers take on the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The evening matchup airs at 8pm ET from Foxborough, featuring the Los Angeles Chargers against the New England Patriots.
Wild Card Weekend concludes Monday night at 7pm ET, with the Houston Texans visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh.
Study: Audio Creators Drive Trust, Influence, and Sales
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 10:27am CT |
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A new report finds that radio and podcast hosts are playing an increasingly central role in the creator economy, with trust and authenticity driving stronger engagement and measurable results for advertisers.
The State of Audio: The Creator Effect study from Audacy positions audio creators as "voice-first influencers," arguing that listeners view on-air personalities and podcasters not just as entertainers, but as trusted guides and community builders. The report notes that audio creator revenues have more than doubled since 2020, underscoring the growing commercial power of the medium.
According to the research, authenticity is the defining advantage for audio. Radio listeners are reported to be 100% more likely to trust recommendations from their favorite hosts compared with other forms of influencer marketing, while 61% of audiences say they are more likely to trust audio hosts with topic expertise than social media influencers. That trust translates into action, with significant portions of listeners reporting purchases, recommendations, or follow-up research after hearing host-delivered ads.
The report also highlights the strength of community and fandom, particularly in sports audio, where listeners show higher engagement and purchase intent when brands align with local and team-centric hosts. Smaller and mid-sized podcasts are cited as outperforming larger shows on conversion metrics, suggesting that depth of connection can outweigh raw audience size.
For advertisers, the study concludes that long-term partnerships, host-read endorsements, and creative integrations outperform transactional campaigns. As audio creators expand across platforms-from broadcast and podcasts to video, live events, and social-the report argues that brands that lean into authenticity and creator trust stand to gain stronger loyalty and return on investment.
Download the entire study here.
San Diego Radio Icon Jerry Cesak Dies at 74
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 2:50pm CT |
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Jerry Cesak, the longtime San Diego air personality best known as "Jer" from the Jeff & Jer Showgram, died January 4, 2026, at age 74. He passed away peacefully with his wife, Pam, at his side.
Born in Maryland, Cesak earned a theater degree from the University of Maryland before beginning what he jokingly called a "short 30-year diversion" into radio. His career took him through Washington DC, Baltimore, Minneapolis and Detroit, where he met his longtime on-air partner, Jeff Detrow. Airing under the names Jerry St. James and Jeff Elliott, the duo built a partnership that spanned three decades.
After successful runs in Detroit and Chicago, the team brought their listener-driven morning show to San Diego in 1988. Over 27 years, the Jeff & Jer Showgram became one of the city's most popular programs, delivering a blend of humor, empathy and community engagement.
Cesak's work earned multiple "Personality of the Year" honors from Billboard and Radio & Records. In 2016, Cesak and Detrow, along with executive producer Tommy Sablan, were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Cesak retired from daily broadcasting in 2015, reflecting that radio "was never work... it's like high school with pay."
Beyond the airwaves, Cesak was a devoted advocate for animal welfare. He served on the boards of the Humane Society of the United States and the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, and co-founded the Unicorn Foundation with Pam to raise awareness about animal cruelty. His most recent contribution was helping establish Charlotte's Medical Center at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, a facility providing free or low-cost medical care for shelter animals and foster groups.
Cesak is survived by his wife, Pam Cesak, and their animals Winston, Gigi, Savanah and Isabella. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
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