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Top Radio News
Townsquare Ignite Partners With Lakes Media Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 10:56am CT |
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Townsquare Media has entered into a strategic digital advertising partnership with Lakes Media Network, which operates six radio brands serving Southside Virginia and Northern North Carolina.
Under the agreement, Lakes Media's sales team will gain access to Townsquare Ignite's programmatic advertising platform, audience targeting technology and performance reporting tools. The partnership will allow Lakes Media to combine its radio inventory with digital advertising campaigns across multiple devices and platforms.
"Lakes Media Network has built a strong local radio franchise with deep relationships with advertisers across a broad regional footprint spanning two states," said Townsquare Ignite Chief Revenue Officer Shaun Collignon.
Collignon said the arrangement will allow Lakes Media sellers to offer coordinated radio and digital campaigns without having to develop their own digital advertising infrastructure.
The agreement is part of Townsquare Ignite's Media Partnerships division, launched in 2024 to provide Townsquare's digital advertising capabilities to other local media companies through a white-label service.
Townsquare said digital operations now generate more than half of the company's total revenue and profit. Through the partnership, Lakes Media plans to offer customized, data-driven advertising campaigns to local, regional and national clients throughout its Northern North Carolina and Southside Virginia service area.
"We are pleased to partner with Townsquare Ignite to deliver our local and regional clients an unparalleled opportunity to access data and to develop comprehensive strategies for multi-channel customers for lead generation, acquisition and engagement," said Lakes Media Network Owner and President Tom Birch.
Pamal to Acquire Galaxy Media's 10 Radio Stations
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 3:31pm CT |
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Pamal Broadcasting has reached an agreement to acquire Galaxy Media's 10 radio stations in the Syracuse and Utica, NY markets, expanding the Albany-based broadcaster's footprint across upstate New York. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The transaction is subject to FCC approval, with Pamal assuming operational control of the stations under a Local Marketing Agreement beginning October 1. The LMA will allow Pamal to handle day-to-day management and programming while the sale awaits regulatory approval.
The deal follows Galaxy founder and CEO Ed Levine's announcement in August that he planned to retire. Levine, 70, founded the company in 1990 with WKLL in Utica and built Galaxy into a two-market radio group over the ensuing 36 years.
"I have been fortunate to live out a lifelong dream of mine for the past 36 years," Levine said. "While I will miss Galaxy and Syracuse/Utica, I could not be happier to hand things off to Pamal Broadcasting."
The Galaxy portfolio includes Classic Rock "TK99" 99.5/105.5, Rock "K-Rock" 100.9, Classic Hits "Sunny 102" 102.1 and Sports "ESPN Syracuse" 1200 in Syracuse. Its Utica properties include Rock "K-Rock" 94.9, "Mix 102.5," "Tony FM" 99.1 and "ESPN Utica/Rome" 96.5.
Pamal was founded by Jim Morrell in Albany in 1987 and currently owns 19 radio stations serving markets including Albany, the Hudson Valley, Adirondacks and Vermont.
"We are very excited to add Galaxy's team and stations to our company," said Morrell. "We have had a few meetings with the Galaxy employees, and we are excited to work with them, learn from them, and continue in the strong tradition of supporting our communities, entertaining our listeners and helping our advertising partners grow their businesses."
Pamal COO Chuck Benfer said the company does not plan changes to Galaxy's station formats or personnel.
The transaction does not include Galaxy's former events business, which included Taste of Syracuse and the Syracuse Nationals. That operation was sold separately earlier this year.
Nielsen Delists WLNO Over PPM Panel Violation
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 3:21pm CT |
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Nielsen has delisted Spanish Hot AC WLNO & WDCN-LD (Latino 104.1/87.7) from the August 2026 Washington, DC PPM radio ratings after discovering that the household of a WLNO staff member had been participating in its Portable People Meter panel.
According to Nielsen, the household had been part of the Washington PPM panel since the January, 2025 survey. The company said the individual involved intentionally misrepresented their background to circumvent safeguards intended to prevent people affiliated with media outlets from participating in its measurement panels.
Nielsen prohibits households associated with radio stations from participating in its ratings panels and surveys. Following an investigation, the company determined the situation violated its Rating Distortion policy and removed WLNO from the August Washington market report.
The action explains the station's absence from the August PPM results released earlier this month.
Nielsen limited the delisting to WLNO rather than extending the action to other stations in the Radio One/Urban One Washington cluster. The company cited several mitigating factors, including the broadcaster's cooperation with the investigation, its previous compliance record and the fact that the employee involved had joined the company through a recent acquisition.
The delisting will also be limited to the August monthly report.
Because the affected household had participated in the panel for an extended period, Nielsen is issuing revised Washington ratings covering earlier survey periods beginning in February, 2026. Revised reports are being provided to subscribers starting with the July monthly.
WLNO is expected to return to Nielsen's Washington PPM report with the September results.
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Podcast Listeners Wary of AI-Generated Hosts
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 11:50am CT |
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Most weekly podcast consumers aren't enthusiastic about having their favorite hosts replaced by AI-generated versions of themselves, according to new research from Edison Research at SSRS.
Custom questions added to Edison Podcast Metrics during the first quarter of 2026 found that 66% of weekly podcast consumers expressed at least one negative emotion when asked how they would feel if a favorite host began using an AI-generated version to host the podcast.
One-third said they would feel "deceived," while another third selected "upset." Thirty-two percent said they would be "skeptical," and 28% said they would feel "betrayed."
Positive reactions were considerably less common, with 27% selecting at least one positive emotion. Fourteen percent said they would be "impressed," 12% "optimistic" and 10% "fascinated" by an AI-generated version of their favorite host. Only 18% said they would feel "indifferent" about the use of an AI-generated host.
Edison has conducted extensive research into the relationship between podcast personalities and their audiences and said the rapid growth of artificial intelligence prompted it to begin examining how consumers view AI's potential role in podcasting.
The findings suggest that while AI tools are becoming more prevalent in audio production and content creation, replacing the human host could present a different challenge because of the connection listeners develop with podcast personalities.
Edison said additional data examining AI and podcasting is available through its Edison Podcast Metrics subscription service.
MIW Sets AI for Content Creators Webinar
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 11:43am CT |
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Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) will present a free webinar, "AI for Content Creators," on Wednesday, October 28 at 2pm ET/11am PT. The virtual panel is designed for air personalities, producers, programmers and other content creators and will examine how artificial intelligence can be incorporated into radio content creation and workflows across broadcast, digital, social media and podcast platforms.
MIW Board Member and Townsquare Media Regional Content Director and National Contesting Director Meg Dowdy will moderate the session.
Panelists include Audacy 102 JAMS Brand Manager Andre Yancey, who also serves as Assistant Brand Manager for 94.7 The Block/New York; Urban One/KKBQ host and digital personality Lauren "Lo" Sessions; and "The Morning Breeze" co-hosts Carolyn McArdle and Cort Johnson of iHeartMedia's 98.1 The Breeze/San Francisco.
"AI is quickly becoming another tool in the content creator's toolbox, but knowing how to use it effectively while maintaining the authenticity and personality that make great radio compelling is critical," said MIW Board President Sheila Kirby.
Topics will include using AI to brainstorm and develop content, research subjects and prepare interviews, repurpose on-air material for digital and podcast platforms, create social and promotional content and streamline repetitive tasks.
The panel will also address ways broadcasters can collaborate with AI while maintaining their own voice and point of view, along with areas where human creativity and judgment remain essential.
"AI can help content creators move faster, experiment more and get more mileage out of the work they're already doing, but the goal isn't to automate the personality out of radio," said Dowdy.
The webinar will include a 45-minute panel discussion followed by a 15-minute audience Q&A. Registration is free.
Audiohook Acquires Podcast Data Platform Podscan
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 11:33am CT |
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Audiohook Corporation has acquired Podscan Inc., an AI-powered podcast monitoring and data platform that analyzes more than 70,000 podcast episodes each day. The transaction closed August 24. As part of the acquisition, Audiohook is making much of Podscan's podcast intelligence available at no cost to advertisers, creators, podcast networks and publishers.
Podscan ingests and transcribes podcast episodes and analyzes the content for signals including brand suitability, contextual categories, brand mentions and sentiment. The technology is designed to provide greater visibility across the rapidly growing volume of podcast content.
Creators, networks and publishers can now access transcripts, brand-suitability analysis and contextual segments for the shows they represent at no charge. Advertisers can use the platform for free to track where their brands are mentioned in podcasts and analyze the context and sentiment surrounding those mentions.
"Audiohook has always been focused on pushing this industry forward by giving advertisers better data, greater transparency and the intelligence they need to make more informed decisions," said Audiohook CEO Jordan Bentley.
Bentley said Audiohook had previously worked with Podscan and saw an opportunity to combine the companies' technology while expanding industry access to the data.
"The more transparency and information we can put into the hands of brands, creators, networks and publishers, the more confidently everyone can make decisions, and the stronger the podcast ecosystem becomes," he added.
Podscan founder Arvid Kahl is joining Audiohook and will oversee the technical transition and future development of the platform.
"Joining Audiohook gives us the resources and expertise to accelerate the roadmap, expand the platform's capabilities and build things that would have taken us much longer to accomplish independently," Kahl said.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
La Exitosa's Gloria B Named Madrina of NJ Parade
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 2:58pm CT |
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WEPN-FM (La Exitosa 98.7)/New York midday personality Gloria B has been named Madrina of the 51st Hispanic State Parade of New Jersey, taking place Sunday, October 4. The annual event brings together communities from across the region to celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture, heritage, music and traditions. Gloria B's selection as Madrina, or godmother, recognizes her longtime involvement and connection with the Hispanic community.
A veteran of more than 20 years in New York metropolitan-area radio, Gloria B currently hosts middays from 10am-2pm on La Exitosa.
"Being selected as Madrina is an incredible honor," said Gloria B. "Our Hispanic community is filled with so much pride, strength, culture, and tradition. I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate alongside the families and listeners who make this community so special."
Emmis President Patrick Walsh called the recognition well deserved. "Gloria brings more than 20 years of experience in the New York metropolitan market and has developed a special connection with listeners," Walsh said. "La Exitosa 98.7 has experienced tremendous growth in the New York market, and Gloria's contributions have been an important part of that momentum."
The Hispanic State Parade of New Jersey will run from 12:30-5pm along Bergenline Avenue, traveling through North Bergen, Guttenberg and other Hudson County communities. The procession will begin near James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park and 79th Street.
La Exitosa is inviting listeners to join Gloria B and participate in the celebration.
Jeff Pohjola Named KNWN News and Program Director
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 7:27pm CT |
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Lotus Seattle has named Jeff Pohjola Director of News & Programming for KNWN (Northwest Newsradio 97.7 FM/AM 1000), effective immediately, as the company also rolls out new weekday lineups for KNWN and 570 KVI beginning Monday, October 5. In his expanded role, Pohjola will oversee programming strategy and newsroom operations at Northwest Newsradio, working with the station's journalists and contributors on its local news coverage.
"Jeff's experience, editorial judgment and deep understanding of the Seattle market make him the right person to lead Northwest Newsradio's news and programming," said Lotus Seattle Director of Operations & Brand Jeff Connell.
KNWN's revised midday schedule will feature Bloomberg's "Balance of Power" at 10am and "Bloomberg Businessweek Daily" at 11am, followed by "The Ramsey Show" from noon-2pm.
Connell said the changes are intended to add financial and political coverage during middays while allowing the station to concentrate its local news resources in morning and afternoon drive.
Scott Carty will join Aaron Wright in afternoon drive from 2-7pm. Eric Heintz moves into the role of Morning Editor and Sports, while Kevin Dodrill adds duties as Assistant Program Director of KNWN AM/FM. Dodrill will continue as Program Director of KVI.
KVI is also making changes to its weekday schedule, with "The Ari Hoffman Show" moving to mornings from 6-9am. Zach Wildfang returns as executive producer of KVI's morning programming while continuing as Digital Content Manager for the Lotus Seattle group.
"Morning radio is where the conversation for the day begins, and I can't wait to be part of it," said Hoffman.
The revised KVI schedule will also include Dan Bongino in middays and Lars Larson in afternoon drive.
Additionally, Austin Smith has been promoted to Production Director and will continue as a contributor to Northwest Newsradio.
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Tiffany McCormack Named GM of WNOR and WAFX
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 3:59pm CT |
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Saga Communications has promoted Tiffany McCormack to General Manager of Hampton Roads Media Group, overseeing Active Rock WNOR-FM and Classic Rock WAFX (106.9 The Fox) in Norfolk, VA. McCormack succeeds Carol Commander, who has departed after more than 25 years with the company. Commander had served as General Manager since November 2022.
McCormack moves into the GM position after serving as Director of Sales for the two-station group. She joined Hampton Roads Media Group in 2014 as an Account Executive and was later promoted to Digital Sales Manager.
"Tiffany is a proven leader who combines a deep understanding of our business with an unwavering commitment to our clients, our employees, and the Hampton Roads community," said Saga Communications COO Wayne Leland. "Throughout her career she has consistently delivered results, developed strong teams, and embraced innovation."
McCormack will report to Leland.
"I am honored by the opportunity to serve as General Manager and grateful for the confidence the Saga leadership has placed in me," McCormack said. "Our mission remains the same: helping local businesses grow by connecting them with audiences through trusted media brands and effective marketing solutions."
In announcing the transition, Leland also recognized Commander's tenure with the company. "Carol's impact on this organization and the Hampton Roads market has been extraordinary," he said. "Her contributions, professionalism, and dedication have helped shape the success of this company for more than two decades."
Country Radio Hall of Fame Opens 2027 Nominations
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 2:00pm CT |
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The Country Radio Hall of Fame (CRHoF) has opened nominations for its Class of 2027, with submissions accepted through Friday, October 30. Founded in 1974, the Country Radio Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the country radio and music industry. Candidates must have worked in radio for at least 20 years, including a minimum of 15 years in the country format.
Honorees are selected in two categories. The Radio category recognizes professionals working behind the scenes in programming, management, sales and other areas of the industry, while the On-Air Personality category honors broadcasters who have made their mark behind the microphone.
Nominations are accepted throughout the year, but candidates submitted after the October 30 deadline will be considered for the Class of 2028.
The Class of 2027 will be announced during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2027, scheduled for March 17-19 at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville.
John Goforth Named President of Gamut Podcast Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 5:03pm CT |
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Hubbard | Media That Connects has named John Goforth President of Gamut Podcast Network, effective immediately. Goforth, who has led Gamut since 2024, will continue overseeing the network's content, sales and growth strategy. The new title positions Gamut alongside Hubbard's other media and entertainment companies and reflects the company's continued investment in podcasting.
Gamut says its revenue has grown 47% over the past two years, while its portfolio has expanded to more than 250 national and local shows. The network includes "American Nightmares" and "Professor of Rock," along with local sports networks SKOR North in Minneapolis-St. Paul and 312 Sports in Chicago.
"John has been leading Gamut since the day he walked in the door, and we've watched him turn it into something everyone at Hubbard is proud of," said Hubbard | Media That Connects CEO Ginny Hubbard. "He understands this business from the creator's side and the sales side, and he genuinely cares about the people making these shows."
Goforth said his focus will remain on helping Gamut's creators adapt to changes in podcast distribution, including the increasing importance of video and platforms such as YouTube.
"Wherever their audience goes, we help them get there and ensure they make money along the way," Goforth said.
Goforth has spent more than a decade on the business side of podcasting. Before joining Hubbard, he was Chief Revenue Officer at podcast advertising intelligence platform Magellan AI.
Previously, Goforth led podcast sales at HowStuffWorks, where revenue more than doubled in 2018. He remained with the company through its acquisition by iHeartMedia and later served as Senior Vice President of Podcast Revenue Strategy at iHeartMedia.
Earlier in his career, Goforth was Vice President of Advertising Partnerships at Midroll Media. He also spent seven years writing, hosting and producing his own award-winning podcast.
WCCO Returns as Timberwolves Radio Flagship
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 10:43am CT |
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The Minnesota Timberwolves and Audacy's WCCO-AM (News Talk 830 WCCO) in Minneapolis have signed a multi-year, multi-platform agreement that returns the station as the NBA team's flagship radio home beginning with the 2026-27 season.
Under the agreement, WCCO will air all Timberwolves regular-season games and provide streaming coverage through Audacy's digital platforms. The Wolves return to WCCO for the first time since the 2022-23 season after previously spending 12 seasons on the station from 2011-12 through 2022-23.
Longtime Timberwolves radio voice Alan Horton will return full-time for his 20th season with the franchise. Horton has called more than 1,500 Wolves games, including the team's runs to the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025.
Horton will be joined by studio host Cal Soderquist for 30-minute pregame and postgame shows accompanying each broadcast. The partnership also includes additional programming, promotions and exclusive interviews with Timberwolves players, coaches and executives across Audacy's Minneapolis stations.
"We couldn't be more excited to return to WCCO Radio," said Timberwolves and Lynx Chief Strategy Officer Kelly Laferriere. "WCCO's longstanding connection with fans throughout Minnesota makes it an ideal home for Timberwolves basketball, and we look forward to sharing another exciting season with listeners across the region."
Audacy Regional President Debbie Kenyon said the company is looking forward to bringing Wolves basketball back to the longtime Minnesota station. "There's something special about hearing Minnesota basketball on the station that has been part of this community for generations," Kenyon said.
WCCO's lineup includes Vineeta Sawkar, Adam Carter and Jordana Green, Chad Hartman, Jason DeRusha and longtime Timberwolves and Minnesota basketball reporter Henry Lake. Hartman served as the radio voice of the Timberwolves from 1990 to 2006.
The Timberwolves have also renewed their partnership with Learfield IMG College to extend the team's radio network through affiliate stations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.
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Compass to Sell Ads for TJ Show and LiveLine
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 7:19pm CT |
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Radiocraft has selected Compass Media Networks to handle all advertising sales for the nationally syndicated "The TJ Show" and "LiveLine with Mason," effective January 1, 2027.
"The TJ Show," hosted by TJ Taormina, airs in morning drive on more than 130 stations. Taormina previously served as a co-host of the "Elvis Duran Morning Show" on WHTZ (Z100)/New York. The program centers on conversations among its cast and listeners, with an emphasis on personality and audience interaction.
"LiveLine with Mason" is a live Top 40/Hot AC nighttime program airing on more than 80 stations nationwide. Hosted by 25-year-old Mason, the show features live listener calls, contests, pop culture discussions, artist interviews and exclusive mixes and remixes.
"I'm excited to begin this new chapter with Compass Media Networks as we continue growing The TJ Show and LiveLine with Mason and reaching more listeners nationwide," said Radiocraft CEO John Garabedian.
Radiocraft VP of Entertainment Scott Meyers said both programs are built around radio's ability to create a personal connection between hosts and listeners.
"TJ is authentic every morning, and listeners can tell. Mason is an endearing superstar personality, and the buzz around him is real," Meyers said. "Advertisers get that kind of connection, and Compass Media Networks knows how to put it to work for them."
Compass Media Networks President of Sales Paul Gregery added, "TJ and Mason are the type of personalities our advertisers want. They make a strong connection with their audiences, and that lets advertisers connect too."
RadioPlugger Connects Artists With Radio Worldwide
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 10:36am CT |
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RadioPlugger.com has launched a music promotion platform designed to connect artists and record labels directly with radio stations and broadcasters worldwide, offering another avenue for getting new releases in front of programmers.
Built around the slogan "We get you onto radio," the service aims to simplify radio promotion for independent and established artists by distributing their music to stations and music professionals looking for new material.
Artists, bands, managers, publicists and record labels can use RadioPlugger to promote releases without individually researching stations and industry contacts. The platform supports a wide range of music genres and is intended to complement streaming and other promotional efforts by helping artists pursue traditional and online radio exposure.
For broadcasters, RadioPlugger offers free membership and access to releases submitted through the platform. The service is open to commercial, community, college, independent, online and specialist radio stations, giving programmers and presenters another source for discovering music for their playlists and shows.
The company said the platform was developed to help bridge the gap between music creators seeking airplay and broadcasters searching for new songs. RadioPlugger says its worldwide reach can also expose stations to releases they might not encounter through existing music distribution and promotional services.
Rather than positioning itself as a replacement for traditional radio promotion, RadioPlugger describes the service as an additional channel through which artists and labels can put new releases in front of radio professionals.
Kyle Prue Joins Big Money Players With New Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 10:57am CT |
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iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network have signed actor, writer and creator Kyle Prue for his first podcast, "Get Worse with Kyle Prue," launching October 6.
The weekly audio-video series will feature Prue offering deliberately questionable advice alongside interviews with comedians, experts and other guests. Listeners will also be invited to submit questions for Prue and his guests to answer.
Prue built a large social media following with his viral "How To Piss Off Men" series and is a New York Times bestselling author.
"I am so excited to be the first person to ever start a podcast," Prue joked. "I can think of no better home for 'Get Worse' than Big Money Players and no better proverbial stepfather to my show than Will Ferrell."
The debut episode will feature comedians Hope Carew and Andrew Stier answering listener questions and tackling an assortment of unconventional topics. A second episode, also scheduled for October 6, will feature actor, writer and comedian Sophia Sherman along with a special appearance by "Count Dracula," discussing dating and relationships.
Prue's co-producers Max Michalsky and Aaron Klein will periodically join the program to offer their own "advice" and accompany Prue on offbeat adventures. Upcoming guests will include Kel Cripe, Grant Gibbs and Vinny Thomas.
"We are excited to have Kyle join us on our Big Money Players Network," said iHeartPodcasts President Will Pearson. "Whether through his viral content, bestselling writing or now podcasting, Kyle has consistently found creative ways to connect with audiences."
"Get Worse with Kyle Prue" will release new episodes Tuesdays on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms. The series is distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
iHeart Chicago Sets Ninth Annual Sista Strut
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 11:00am CT |
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iHeartMedia Chicago's seven stations will join together for the ninth annual "Sista Strut Pink Celebration," a 3K breast cancer awareness walk benefiting Sisters Network Chicago, Inc., on Saturday, October 3.
Participating stations include 107.5 WGCI, V103, Inspiration 1390, 103.5 KISS FM, 93.9 LITE FM, Rock 95.5 and Chicago's BIN 640 AM. The event, presented by Your Local Ford Dealers, will support Sisters Network Chicago, a Black breast cancer survivorship organization.
"The Sista Strut Pink Celebration continues to be a powerful tradition throughout the Chicagoland community," said iHeartMedia Chicago Vice President of Programming Kashon Powell. "Every year, we come together to celebrate survivors, support those currently battling breast cancer, and inspire hope for a future free from this disease."
Hosting the event will be "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" co-host Carla Ferrell, V103 midday personality Bionce Foxx, Inspiration 1390 morning host and V103's "Get Your Praise On" host Sonya Blakey, and 103.5 KISS FM morning contributor and WGCI weekend host KeKe Hampton.
ABC7 Chicago will serve as the event's exclusive television partner. The walk will also feature family entertainment and giveaways from event sponsors.
"For nearly a decade, Sisters Network Chicago, Inc. and iHeartMedia Chicago have partnered with a shared commitment to raising awareness about breast cancer and empowering African American women through education, advocacy and support," said Sisters Network Chicago President Annie Jones.
"Sista Strut Pink Celebration" begins at 10am on October 3 at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center, 1250 W. 119th Street on Chicago's South Side. Participation is free, with listeners encouraged to register in advance and make donations to Sisters Network Chicago.
iHeartPodcasts Launches ''Basketball, Etc.''
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 10:53am CT |
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iHeartPodcasts will launch "Basketball, Etc.," a new weekly podcast hosted by basketball journalist Claire de Lune, on October 6. The series will combine long-form narrative storytelling with conversations exploring the personalities, culture and stories surrounding basketball.
Produced by iHeartPodcasts in conjunction with Life Here Is Grand and School of Humans, new episodes will be released Tuesdays.
De Lune is a Los Angeles-based NBA writer and creator who currently serves as a national NBA writer for The Guardian. The new podcast will move beyond traditional sports debate, statistics and salary discussions to focus on human-interest stories and lesser-known aspects of basketball culture.
"I live and breathe basketball, and consume a ton of content about it," said de Lune. "But I was really craving a show that dug into the kind of niche, interesting stories on the fringes of the sport, and did so with a level of nuance and empathy."
The debut season will feature guests including Flea, Nick Wright, Desus Nice, Kazeem Famuyide and Eve Peyser. Planned subjects include the relationship between art, philosophy and the Los Angeles Lakers; 23 defining moments from LeBron James' 23 years; the lives of NBA mascots; former basketball prospect Lenny Cooke, featuring Carmelo Anthony; women's professional basketball during the 1970s; Knicks fandom; and the story of Connie Hawkins.
The premiere episode, "Meditation & Mindfulness in Basketball," will examine the role meditation and mindfulness play among professional basketball players. Using players' routines before taking free throws as a starting point, de Lune explores how mental practices can intersect with performance on the court.
"'Basketball, Etc.' offers a different take on the game, moving beyond the debate-driven coverage that often dominates sports media to explore the unexpected corners of basketball culture with depth, joy and curiosity," said iHeartPodcasts President Will Pearson.
"Basketball, Etc." will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available through the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms beginning October 6.
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