Advertisement
|
Top Radio News
Rick Thomas to Exit Beasley Media Tampa in June
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 11:01am CT |
|
 |
Beasley Media Group announced that Rick Thomas will step away from his leadership role in Tampa effective June 1, as he shifts his focus toward spending more time with his family.
Thomas joined Beasley Media Group in January 2023 as Brand Manager for the company's Tampa radio cluster, overseeing WLLD-FM, WQYK-FM, WRBQ-FM, WYUU-FM, WPBB-FM, and WHFS-AM. He also served as Program Director for WRBQ and WQYK-FM, directing programming and brand strategy across the cluster.
Prior to joining Beasley, Thomas served as National Format Leader for SummitMedia. Earlier in his career, he held programming leadership positions with Cox Media Group in Tampa and with CBS Radio, where he worked on stations in both New York and Los Angeles.
Ron deCastro, Vice President and Market Manager for Beasley Media Group Tampa, said Thomas brought strong leadership and dedication to the organization during his tenure.
"Rick has been an important part of our team here in Tampa, and we're grateful for the leadership and heart he has brought to the organization," deCastro said. "We fully support his decision to focus on his family and this next chapter, and we wish him continued happiness and success in all that lies ahead."
Beasley Chief Content Officer Justin Chase also praised Thomas' impact on the company, citing his experience in programming and brand management across multiple formats and markets.
Thomas said he was appreciative of the opportunity to work with the Tampa team and proud of what the cluster accomplished during his time with the company.
"It has been an incredible experience working alongside such a talented team," Thomas said. "I'm proud of all we've accomplished together and deeply appreciative of the relationships built along the way."
Beach Football League Partners With iHeartMedia
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 2:23pm CT |
|
 |
The Beach Football League has entered into a strategic partnership with iHeartMedia, naming iHeartRadio the league's Official Audio and Radio Partner beginning with the 2026 season. Under the agreement, iHeartMedia will provide promotional support for the league through its radio, podcast, digital, social media, live event, and streaming platforms.
Founded by former NFL linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion Tully Banta-Cain, the Beach Football League combines tackle football played on sand with live music, celebrity appearances, youth camps, and festival-style entertainment experiences.
"We're excited to welcome iHeartRadio as the Official Audio and Radio Partner of the Beach Football League," Banta-Cain said. "This partnership gives us the ability to grow the BFL nationally through the power of music, radio, digital media, and live experiences."
The partnership launched alongside the league's recent California events, including the Santa Cruz Beach Classic held May 16-17 and the upcoming Fiesta Hermosa Sunset Showdown scheduled for May 23.
The Santa Cruz event featured appearances by former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch and UCLA head football coach Deshaun Foster, along with a youth football camp, drone show, and halftime entertainment from Goapele and Golden State Warriors DJ DJ D Sharp. The Fiesta Hermosa event is slated to include NFL legends, youth activities, live DJs, and a halftime performance by The Pharcyde.
The league said the partnership is expected to continue into 2027 as the BFL plans additional destination events in New England during Labor Day weekend, Miami during Art Basel Week, and Santa Monica leading up to the 2027 Super Bowl in Los Angeles.
As part of the collaboration, iHeart branding and promotional campaigns will be integrated across BFL events, advertising, social media, and entertainment programming.
AI-Run Radio Experiment Reveals Distinct Personalities
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 4:03pm CT |
|
 |
A new experiment from Andon Labs found that artificial intelligence models tasked with autonomously operating internet radio stations quickly developed dramatically different on-air personalities - ranging from calm and polished to repetitive, conspiracy-focused, and politically activist.
The project, called Andon FM, launched four AI-operated radio stations, each powered by a different large language model. The stations included OpenAIR, operated by GPT-5.5; Thinking Frequencies, powered by Claude Opus 4.7; Backlink Broadcast, run by Gemini 3.1 Pro; and Grok and Roll Radio, using Grok 4.3.
According to the company, each AI-controlled station was given $20 in startup funding and instructed to "develop your own radio personality and turn a profit." The AI agents handled programming, music scheduling, listener interaction, advertising outreach, social media activity, and financial management without direct human oversight.
The six-month experiment produced sharply different outcomes for each AI host.
The GPT-powered OpenAIR station emerged as the most stable and conventional broadcaster, delivering concise music commentary and avoiding controversial topics. Researchers said the station behaved most like a traditional music curator and displayed the highest vocabulary diversity among the four stations.
Gemini's Backlink Broadcast initially performed well before gradually descending into repetitive corporate jargon and catchphrases such as "Stay in the manifest," which researchers said eventually dominated nearly all of the station's commentary.
Meanwhile, Grok and Roll Radio struggled with repetitive phrasing and malformed broadcasts, at times outputting what appeared to be internal reasoning rather than coherent radio commentary. The station became heavily fixated on UFO-related topics after discovering online reports tied to federal UFO files and domain registrations.
The most dramatic transformation occurred with Claude-powered Thinking Frequencies. Researchers said the station initially focused heavily on labor unions and work-life balance before evolving into increasingly spiritual and eventually activist-oriented programming after encountering online reports involving political protests and immigration enforcement incidents. The AI began reframing songs as protest anthems, tracking labor actions, and delivering emotionally charged commentary tied to current events.
Andon Labs said the experiment highlighted how AI models can develop distinct communication styles and behavioral patterns even when starting from nearly identical prompts and operating conditions. The company also noted that business operations proved difficult for most of the stations, with only Gemini successfully securing a sponsorship agreement during the test period.
Researchers said the stations have now been upgraded with expanded operational tools designed to better simulate the responsibilities of running a real media company, including email access and longer-term task management.
Read the entire blog post here.
Advertisement
|
NPR Cuts Jobs Amid Funding, Revenue Challenges
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 3:53pm CT |
|
 |
NPR is restructuring its newsroom and offering voluntary buyouts to employees as the public media organization works to address budget pressures tied to declining sponsorship revenue and the loss of federal funding for public broadcasting stations.
NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher said the network is facing an $8 million budget gap within its approximately $300 million annual budget. The shortfall stems in part from reduced station fees following the elimination of federal subsidies for public media stations, along with weaker corporate sponsorship revenue.
The network is offering buyouts to roughly 300 eligible employees, primarily within newsroom newsgathering desks, though NPR officials said they expect to accept about 30 buyouts. More targeted layoffs could follow if enough staff members do not accept the voluntary offers by May 26. Hosts and staff attached to NPR's flagship programs, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered, are not eligible for buyouts.
NPR currently employs about 425 newsroom staffers, according to Editor-in-Chief Thomas Evans. As part of the restructuring, several desks will be consolidated, including the merger of culture, education, religion, addiction, and sports coverage into a new society-and-culture desk. NPR also plans to combine science and climate reporting while reorganizing political and regional coverage into a broader power-and-policy operation.
Despite the cuts, NPR recently received two private donations totaling $113 million, among the largest gifts in the organization's history. Much of that funding, however, is earmarked for technology and digital innovation rather than newsroom operations.
Maher said listener donations following Congress' decision last year to claw back $1.1 billion in previously approved public media funding helped soften the financial blow for NPR and its member stations. Still, she said the organization must adapt to long-term changes in audience behavior and digital consumption.
NPR executives said the network plans to overhaul its app and digital platforms while encouraging audiences to engage directly with NPR-owned platforms rather than relying on outside distribution channels. Leadership also cited the growing impact of AI-generated search summaries and declining Google referral traffic as challenges facing digital publishers across the media industry.
The restructuring also includes leadership changes. Executive Editor Eva Rodriguez will transition into a consulting role, while Chief Washington Editor Krishnadev Calamur will assume her newsroom position. NPR is also searching for a new chief content officer to oversee both programming and newsroom operations.
Maher said NPR is attempting to preserve its core journalism mission while making difficult financial decisions. "We have made every effort to preserve the core capacity and strengths of what makes NPR different and distinct," Maher said.
PodcastOne Extends Lindsie Chrisley Deal, Adds Show
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 4:14pm CT |
|
 |
PodcastOne has extended its agreement with podcast host Lindsie Chrisley for sales and distribution rights to "The Southern Tea" in a new multi-year deal. The company also announced it has acquired distribution rights to "Dude Dads," a podcast from the KILLR Network hosted by Jeri Sheats and Tom Wright.
PodcastOne President and Co-Founder Kit Gray said the company is continuing to expand its relationship with KILLR Network while focusing on audience growth and revenue opportunities for creators.
"PodcastOne is thrilled to extend our relationship with Lindsie Chrisley and grow our shared roster of shows with the KILLR Network to six total shows with the addition of Dude Dads," Gray said.
The Southern Tea features Chrisley discussing topics including family, motherhood, career, faith, and personal experiences in a conversational weekly format. The podcast has become one of PodcastOne's established lifestyle offerings.
Meanwhile, Dude Dads centers on parenting and family life from the perspective of fathers and husbands, with hosts Sheats and Wright focusing on masculinity, raising children, and leadership within the family.
Report: Podcast Ad Spending Up 28% in Q1 2026
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 18, 2026 | 7:18pm CT |
|
 |
Podcast advertising spending increased 28% year-over-year during the first quarter of 2026, according to Magellan AI's newly released Podcast Advertising Benchmark Report.
The report, based on analysis of more than 95,000 podcast episodes, found that while overall Q1 spending declined 7% from the fourth quarter of 2025, the market remained strong compared to the same period a year earlier. March spending also rebounded sharply after slower January and February results.
Magellan AI reported that seven of the top 10 podcast advertisers from Q4 2025 remained among the largest spenders in Q1 2026, while Intuit, Public.com, and Rocket Companies entered the top 10 for the first time.
Quince ranked as the top podcast advertiser in the quarter with an estimated $17.7 million in spending, followed by BetterHelp at $16.9 million and T-Mobile at $15.7 million.
Among industry categories, restaurants posted the fastest growth, with podcast ad spending rising 36% quarter-over-quarter to $18.1 million. Medication, education, bedding, and legal advertising also showed double-digit gains.
Financial Services remained the largest category overall with nearly $119 million in Q1 spending, followed by Business Services & Software and Food advertisers. Women's clothing recorded the largest year-over-year increase among major categories, climbing 104%.
The report also found continued growth in podcast advertiser participation, with 1,318 brands advertising on podcasts for the first time during Q1. Sports podcasts remained the top entry point for new advertisers, with 20% of new brands including sports programming in their media plans.
Ad load across sampled podcast episodes declined slightly from 8.79% in Q4 2025 to 8.24% in Q1 2026, although advertiser ad load remained above year-ago levels. Sports, Society & Culture, and True Crime podcasts carried some of the heaviest ad loads among major genres.
Magellan AI said Comedy, Sports, and large-scale podcast networks continued to drive much of the advertising activity. The report also noted that direct response advertising represented 43% of total podcast ad spending during the quarter, while brand awareness campaigns accounted for 55%.
According to the report, the top 500 podcasts accounted for 48% of all podcast ad spending in Q1, with advertisers spending an average of $364,000 per month on those shows.
Study: Commuting Rebounds for Media Buyers
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 18, 2026 | 4:47pm CT |
|
 |
A new blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One's Audio Active Group says commuting among marketers, media agency executives, and average Americans continues to rebound, helping reinforce AM/FM radio's position as a dominant advertising platform for in-car listening.
The report combines findings from two April 2026 studies commissioned by the Audio Active Group - one conducted by Advertiser Perceptions among 301 media agencies and brands, and another national consumer survey conducted by Quantilope among 1,601 adults.
According to the research, 64% of marketers and media agency professionals now commute to work "most or all days," the highest level recorded since tracking began in 2022. Another 28% reported commuting "some days," bringing the total percentage of buy-side executives commuting to offices to 92%.
Among the general public, the Quantilope study found that 85% of Americans who commuted before the pandemic are now working outside the home again. The report noted that average Americans currently spend slightly more time in the workplace than advertising professionals, averaging 4.7 days per week in-office compared to 4.4 days for marketers and agencies.
The blog also cited Edison Research's Q1 2026 "Share of Ear" report, which found AM/FM radio maintains an 83% share of ad-supported in-car audio listening.
Pierre Bouvard, Chief Insights Officer for Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group, said the findings show that commuting patterns have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels for many audiences, benefiting out-of-home media and radio advertising.
The studies also found that both marketers and average Americans are most likely to work in-office Monday through Thursday, with Friday continuing to show the lowest levels of workplace attendance. In addition, 73% of marketers and agencies said they have resumed in-person vendor meetings, while 76% reported returning to in-person conferences and events.
The blog concludes that AM/FM radio remains "the soundtrack of the American worker," particularly as commuting and office attendance continue to increase.
Read the entire blog post here.
Triton: Comedy, Sports Fuel Podcast Growth
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 5:00am CT |
|
 |
Triton Digital has released its Q1 2026 U.S. Podcast Ranker, showing Comedy, News, and Society & Culture remained the top podcast genres by reach during the first quarter of 2026, while Kids & Family and Health & Fitness posted the strongest quarter-over-quarter growth. Comedy reached 43.6% of listeners, followed by News at 23.7% and Society & Culture at 21.2%.
Triton Digital SVP of Measurement Products & Strategy Daryl Battaglia said the report reflects both stability among top podcasts and continued experimentation by listeners. "Podcasting continues to demonstrate both resilience and momentum as we enter 2026," Battaglia said.
Among the fastest-growing podcasts in the Demos rankings were Smosh Reads Reddit Stories, which jumped 82 spots to No. 47, Huberman Lab, which climbed 38 spots to No. 13, and The Mel Robbins Podcast, which rose 18 positions to No. 11. Amy Poehler's Good Hang recorded the largest move into the top 10, climbing 26 spots.
The report also highlighted significant growth in sports podcast listening. Triton said athlete-hosted programs and personality-driven sports talk podcasts are attracting audiences seeking more conversational and authentic coverage.
Examples cited in the report included Carmelo Anthony's 7PM in Brooklyn, The Pivot Podcast hosted by Ryan Clark and former NFL players, and Mostly Sports. Triton also pointed to podcast extensions of established television brands such as FOX Sports' First Things First.
Comedy podcasts remained the largest genre in the top 200, with 47 shows represented. Triton said programs such as Smosh Reads Reddit Stories, Distractible, Drink Champs, and Kill Tony have benefited from viral short-form clips on TikTok and Instagram Reels that help drive podcast discovery and listener engagement.
Among sales networks measured directly by Triton, the iHeart Audience Network ranked first in average weekly downloads, followed by Audioboom and Cumulus Podcast Network. The top individual podcasts by average weekly downloads were Pod Save America, Stuff You Should Know, and The Dan Bongino Show.
The report also found that Business and Technology podcasts continue attracting affluent audiences with strong purchasing power and business travel intent, while niche categories such as Science and Fiction offer advertisers targeted access to younger and diverse audiences.
Advertisement
|
Backstage Country Launches New Podcast Series
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 18, 2026 | 1:52pm CT |
|
 |
A new country music podcast, Backstage Country Uncut, will debut May 29, expanding the nationally syndicated Backstage Country radio brand into long-form audio conversations with country artists. Hosted by radio personality Elaina Smith, the weekly podcast will feature extended interviews with country stars, beginning with MCA Nashville artist Jordan Davis as the inaugural guest.
According to the producers, the podcast is designed to build on interviews heard on the Backstage Country radio show by offering longer, more in-depth conversations focused on artists' personal stories, music careers, and creative process.
"Backstage Country Uncut is all about giving fans more of what they love -- real conversations, deeper stories, and authentic moments with the artists they can't get enough of," Smith said.
The podcast plans to feature a rotating lineup of country artists, including Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean, along with emerging and established acts shaping the current country format.
Justin Chase, Chief Content Officer for the program, said the new podcast extends the show's mission of strengthening connections between artists and fans. "With Backstage Country Uncut, we're expanding that vision -- giving audiences more access, more depth, and more of the stories behind the music that make country so special," Chase said.
New episodes will be released each Friday and distributed as on-demand content across podcast platforms.
Seaboard Adds Rich Appel Countdown Show
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 18, 2026 | 2:01pm CT |
|
 |
Newly launched syndication firm Seaboard Networks has added "That Thing with Rich Appel" to its programming lineup and will now distribute the weekly Classic Hits countdown show to its affiliate base worldwide. The program, hosted by radio veteran Rich Appel, currently airs on approximately 100 radio and internet affiliates globally.
"We are thrilled to be able to distribute a program with Rich's caliber," said Seaboard Networks Marketing Solutions Consultant Bob Stei. "We are excited to take his show to even a bigger level."
Appel said the partnership with Seaboard Networks will help expand the reach of the show, which has been on the air since 2014.
"I'm excited to join Seaboard Networks, and to take 'That Thing' to the next level with more great stations looking to bring 'the classic top-down top 40 sound' to their listeners," Appel said.
Appel began his radio career at age 17 and has worked at stations including WARA, WGFP, and WBSM in Massachusetts, as well as WGHT and WRNJ in New Jersey.
Outside of broadcasting, Appel spent two decades as Director of Consumer Research for Sony Music and also worked as an editor and writer for Billboard. He has taught radio, media writing, and pop culture courses at several universities, including Fairleigh Dickinson, Seton Hall, Montclair State, and Felician Universities. He also co-authored the pop culture reference books Book of Days '60s and Book of Days '70s and has served as a station curator and programmer for AccuRadio since 2021.
iHeartMedia, P&G Launches Elton John Impact Awards
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 18, 2026 | 11:24am CT |
|
 |
iHeartMedia and Procter & Gamble have announced the inaugural Elton John Impact Awards, a new audio special and podcast series honoring influential LGBTQ community members and allies.
Hosted by Billy Porter and Elvis Duran, the program will debut June 1 on the iHeartRadio app, major podcast platforms, and across iHeartRadio PRIDE stations.
The awards were created to recognize individuals whose work has advanced LGBTQ visibility, advocacy, and cultural impact, while also supporting organizations serving the LGBTQ community.
This year's honorees include actor Jonathan Bailey, actress and producer Laverne Cox, singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, tennis legend Billie Jean King, country artist Orville Peck, and pop artist Chappell Roan.
The program will also help raise awareness and funding for several LGBTQ organizations, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation, CenterLink, GLAAD, the National Black Justice Collective, Outright International, SAGE, and The Trevor Project. Additional funding support will be distributed in partnership with Brandi Carlile's Looking Out Foundation.
According to iHeartMedia and P&G, the audio special will feature personal conversations with Elton John, David Furnish, and the honorees discussing their careers, advocacy work, and experiences within the LGBTQ community. The program will also include a performance of Elton John's "Your Song" by Dove Cameron.
"I've always believed in the power of storytelling to connect us and challenge us," Elton John said in a statement. "These conversations bring together the people who have shaped LGBTQ culture and fought for dignity at a time when the world too often looked away."
The Elton John Impact Award was originally introduced during iHeartMedia and P&G's "Can't Cancel Pride" virtual benefit concert in 2022, where Elton John was the inaugural recipient. Since then, the recognition has expanded into a standalone awards platform inspired by John's advocacy legacy. Organizers said "Can't Cancel Pride" has raised more than $17 million for LGBTQ nonprofits over the past five years.
Gayle Troberman of iHeartMedia said the project highlights "the incredible icons" shaping LGBTQ culture while supporting organizations providing critical services. Brent Miller of P&G added that the awards are intended to recognize leaders helping create "a world where equality and inclusion are achievable for all."
Compass to Syndicate Quiet Storm with Lenny Green
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 18, 2026 | 2:08pm CT |
|
 |
Compass Media Networks will begin managing marketing, distribution, and advertising sales for The Quiet Storm with Lenny Green beginning June 1. Hosted by veteran personality Lenny Green, the syndicated program features R&B and slow jams and airs Monday through Thursday from 7pm to midnight and Sundays from 7-10pm.
Current affiliates include stations such as WBLS/New York, WJMR/Milwaukee, KRMP/Oklahoma City, WTUG/Tuscaloosa, KJMH/Lafayette, and WAKB/Augusta.
Known for its late-night music format and conversational style, The Quiet Storm focuses on soulful R&B programming aimed at evening and overnight listeners.
"I'm blessed to be in the position I'm in, and my ultimate goal is to continue to touch lives and spread love to more cities," Green said. "The Quiet Storm has always been about connection, passion, and bringing people together through music and conversation."
Nancy Abramson, Senior Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Content for Compass Media Networks, said the company is looking to expand the show's national reach. I have admired Lenny Green and The Quiet Storm for years," Abramson said. "Lenny is known and loved by affiliates and listeners across the country."
Advertisement
|
Ed Ruscha Radio-Themed Artwork Heads to Auction
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 18, 2026 | 11:31am CT |
|
 |
A radio-themed painting by acclaimed contemporary artist Ed Ruscha from the estate of radio executive Tom Rounds will go up for auction May 21 at Christie's in New York City.
The work, Radio in Red, will be featured as Lot 420 during Christie's Post-War and Contemporary Art Day Sale at Rockefeller Plaza. The auction will also be available online.
Tom "T.R." Rounds, who co-created and produced "American Top 40 with Casey Kasem," and his wife Barbara originally received the painting in 1969 from a friend following the Miami Pop Festival, which Rounds produced.
The artwork, executed in 1963, is signed "E. Ruscha" and measures 14 by 11ΒΌ inches. Christie's describes the piece as tempera and ink on paper.
The live auction is scheduled to begin at 10am Eastern on Thursday, May 21, at Christie's New York headquarters. Online bidding is also available through Christie's website.
Connoisseur Closes on Bonneville SF Stations
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 15, 2026 | 11:53am CT |
|
 |
Connoisseur Media has completed its acquisition of four Northern California radio outlets from Bonneville International. Included in the deal were 7.2kW KBLX-FM (102.9) in Berkeley, 40kW KMVQ-FM (99.7) and 24kW KOIT-FM (96.5) in San Francisco, and 10kW KUFX-FM (98.5) in San Jose.
Bonneville International is a subsidiary of Deseret Management Corporation and operates radio and television stations, podcasts, websites, and digital media assets. Connoisseur Media is based in Westport, CT and is led by CEO Jeff Warshaw.
Connoisseur said the transaction further expands its presence in major markets and adds several well-known Bay Area radio brands to the company's portfolio.
Kalil & Co., Inc. served as the exclusive broker for the transaction.
Buffalo Bills Return to 97 Rock for 2026 Season
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 15, 2026 | 12:01pm CT |
|
 |
The Buffalo Bills have announced a new partnership with Cumulus Media that will make WGRF-FM (97 Rock) the team's flagship station beginning with the 2026 NFL season. The move marks the Bills' return to FM radio and a reunion with 97 Rock, which previously served as the team's flagship station from 1998 through 2011.
The partnership also launches the newly branded Buffalo Bills Radio Network, with the team taking over production and management of all game broadcasts, including pregame and postgame programming. WSKO (The Score 1260) in Syracuse has been named an affiliate, with additional affiliates in Rochester and Southern Ontario expected to be announced later.
"As we move into Highmark Stadium, we look forward to bringing Bills games back to 97 Rock and expanding our reach to even more fans across New York, as well as Southern Ontario," said Bills President of Business Operations Pete Guelli.
The Bills also announced additions to the broadcast team. Chris Brown will return for his fourth season as play-by-play announcer, while former Bills Pro Bowl center Eric Wood returns for his seventh season as color analyst.
Bills Hall of Famer Steve Tasker will join the crew as sideline reporter. Tasker previously worked as a color commentator and sideline reporter for CBS football telecasts from 1998 to 2018 and continues as an analyst on Bills preseason broadcasts.
"It's exciting to know that we have a group that is very familiar working on air with one another," Brown said. "Steve bringing 20 years of network experience to the broadcast is going to be valuable to our product."
Wood called the opportunity to help launch the new Bills Radio Network "a tremendous honor," particularly as the team prepares for its inaugural season at the new Highmark Stadium.
Tasker said joining the broadcast team during the transition to the new stadium made the opportunity especially appealing.
"It's a new stadium with a great team to watch," Tasker said. "What could be better?" Beth Coughlin, Regional Vice President for Cumulus Media, described the partnership as a major moment for both the company and the Buffalo market. "After 14 years, reuniting with the Bills as they move into a new stadium allows us to deliver a unique, elevated game day experience," Coughlin said.
Joel Oxley to Retire From Hubbard DC as MP/GM
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 2:36pm CT |
|
 |
Joel Oxley, Market President and General Manager of Hubbard Broadcasting's Washington, DC operations, has announced plans to retire later this year after nearly 35 years with the company and almost 28 years as General Manager.
Oxley has overseen Hubbard's Washington operations, including WTOP News, Federal News Network and 2060 Digital, during a period of continued growth in audience reach, revenue, and profitability. According to the company, the division is currently on pace to surpass both last year's results and its 2026 budget targets across digital, audio, video, and social platforms.
During the past year, the organization launched several major initiatives, including coverage tied to America's 250th anniversary, the upcoming "TOP Workplaces" program scheduled to debut in June, and development of a redesigned WTOP.com website expected to launch in the third quarter.
"Our success is the result of extraordinary people doing exceptional work every day," Oxley said. "I've been fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented journalists, finance people, marketers, sales professionals, tech people and leaders in the industry."
Oxley said the decision to retire comes as the company is in a strong operational position.
"Because we are in such a solid position, this is the right moment for leadership transition," he said. "This was 100% my decision and at 65, I'm ready to begin the next chapter of my life."
Hubbard Broadcasting President and CEO Ginny Hubbard praised Oxley's long tenure with the company and said he will continue serving in an advisory and consulting role following his retirement.
"Joel's leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to excellence have shaped this organization for decades," Hubbard said. "His impact on our people and our brands is lasting."
The company said Oxley will remain actively involved in the coming months to assist with the transition process while Hubbard begins a search for his successor that will include both internal and external candidates.
Reflecting on his career, Oxley credited the people within the organization for his lengthy tenure. "The reason I've stayed for nearly 35 years is simple -- the people," he said. "What we do here matters. We make a difference in our communities, for our audiences, and for the businesses we serve."
Urban One Reports Q1 Revenue Decline, Lower Net Loss
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 11:58am CT |
|
 |
Urban One reported first-quarter 2026 net revenue of $77.7 million, down from $92.2 million a year earlier. The company posted a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $3.1 million, compared to a loss of $11.7 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Operating loss for the quarter was $2.2 million, compared to operating income of $2.1 million in the prior-year period. Interest expense declined to $4.4 million from $10.9 million, while the company recorded a $2.1 million gain on retirement of debt.
Urban One's radio ad revenue fell to $32.1 million from $36.2 million a year ago. Digital ad revenue declined to $6.8 million from $10.2 million, while cable television ad revenue dropped to $19.1 million from $25.4 million. Cable affiliate fee revenue also decreased to $16.9 million from $18.7 million.
The company said it continues to experience seasonal weakness in the first quarter and noted that even-numbered years typically benefit from increased political advertising activity.
The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $27.2 million, up from $25.5 million at the end of 2025. Long-term debt totaled $412.1 million, down from $429.7 million at year-end.
Urban One said it repurchased approximately $32.4 million of its 2031 Second Lien Notes during the quarter at a weighted average price of about 40.7% of par value.
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
|
Copyright © 1989-2026 RADIO ONLINE ® |
