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2026 National Edward R. Murrow Winners Announced
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 2:46pm CT |
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The winners of the 2026 National Edward R. Murrow Awards have been announced, recognizing outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism. The annual honors recognize reporting that informs communities, holds those in power accountable and demonstrates excellence in journalism.
In the Network Radio division, CBS News Radio received the Overall Excellence award. The network also won Newscast for its "CBS World News Roundup: Plane Crash at DCA."
NPR collected several national honors, including Breaking News Coverage for "The Election of Pope Leo," Digital for its coverage of the Trump administration's dismantling of immigration courts, Excellence in Sound for "Making Music from the Sounds of War," Excellence in Writing for "Bombs, Drugs, and Bones: Clearing the Detritus of War" and Feature Reporting for a report examining concerns over advances in artificial intelligence.
NPR also won News Series for "The State of the First Amendment: The Right From Which All Other Rights Flow," while NPR and KCRW shared Excellence in Innovation for their California wildfire investigations.
ABC News earned four Network Radio awards. Its coverage of the Texas floods won Continuing Coverage, "Start Here: Inside El Salvador's Mega-Prison" received Hard News honors, "Devil in the Desert" won Podcast and "Start Here: The F1 of Sailing" was honored for Sports Reporting.
Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting won News Documentary for "The Landlord Gutting America's Hospitals" and Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for "Will the National Parks Survive Trump?" Reveal also shared the Investigative Reporting award with The New York Times and Mississippi Today for "Abuse of Power: Beyond the Goon Squad."
In the Large Market Radio division, WBUR/Boston received Overall Excellence along with awards for Digital and Sports Reporting. Other winners included KIRO Newsradio/Seattle for Breaking News Coverage, WCCO Radio/Minneapolis for Continuing Coverage, KNX News/Los Angeles for Newscast and KYW Newsradio/Philadelphia for Hard News.
WBEZ/Chicago won Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for "Chicago's Death Gap" and shared the News Documentary award with the Chicago Sun-Times for "Becoming Bovino." KUT/Austin won Excellence in Writing, while Texas Standard/Austin received Excellence in Sound.
KUNC News/Greeley-Fort Collins, CO, was named the Overall Excellence winner in the Small Market Radio division. WATD/Marshfield, MA, won Breaking News Coverage for the Karen Read murder trial, while Alaska Public Media, KYUK and KNBA received Continuing Coverage honors for their reporting on Typhoon Halong.
Other Small Market winners included Connecticut Public for Excellence in Innovation, NHPR for Excellence in Writing and Hard News, North Country Public Radio for Excellence in Sound and Sports Reporting, and Marfa Public Radio for News Series.
The national winners will be honored at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on October 12 at Gotham Hall in New York City.
Saga Q2 Revenue Falls 6.5% to $26.4 Million
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 3:58pm CT |
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Saga Communications reported second quarter 2026 net revenue of $26.4 million, down 6.5% from $28.2 million in the same period a year ago. Station operating income fell 50.6% to $3.0 million.
Station operating expenses increased 5.4% to $23.4 million, or 3.9% excluding non-cash rent expense. Operating income declined to $623,000 from $1.4 million a year earlier. Net income was $960,000, compared with $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2025, while diluted earnings per share were $0.15.
For the first six months of 2026, net revenue declined 6.0% to $49.3 million from $52.4 million. Station operating income dropped 53.7% to $3.8 million. Saga posted an operating loss of $2.6 million and a net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the six-month period.
Saga said its results include the impact of the October 2025 sale of 24 telecommunications towers and related assets at 22 sites for approximately $10.7 million. The company retained long-term access to the assets and is recording non-cash rent expense and non-cash interest income associated with the transaction. During the second quarter, Saga recorded $352,000 in non-cash rent expense and $381,000 in non-cash interest income.
The company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on June 12, totaling approximately $1.6 million. Saga said it has returned more than $145 million in dividends to shareholders since paying its first special dividend in 2012 and intends to continue paying regular quarterly cash dividends.
Saga had $27.8 million in cash and short-term investments as of June 30. That figure stood at $22.9 million as of August 10, with the decrease primarily attributed to repayment of the $5 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility. The company expects capital expenditures of approximately $3 million to $3.5 million for 2026.
Nick Rivers Joins Beasley Charlotte as Assistant PD
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 2:14pm CT |
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Beasley Media Group has named Nick Rivers Assistant Program Director for Country WSOC-FM (Country 103.7) and AC WKQC-FM (K104.7) in Charlotte, effective August 24. Rivers will also host afternoon drive on Country 103.7, filling the opening created by Charlie & Debbie's recent move to mornings.
Rivers joins Beasley after spending the past six-and-a-half years with Hubbard Radio in West Palm Beach. Most recently, he served as Assistant Brand Manager and Music Director for Country WIRK and AC WEAT while hosting afternoons on WIRK. He also hosted nights on WUBE in Cincinnati.
His nearly two decades in radio include previous programming positions in Greensboro, NC; Brunswick and Savannah, GA; and Charlotte.
"We're excited to have Nick Rivers coming on board," said Beasley Charlotte Vice President and Market Manager Mac Edwards. "After an extensive search, Cameron, Jack and I agreed Nick's programming expertise, on-air creativity, fresh ideas and energy made him the perfect fit for this key role on our Charlotte team."
Beasley Chief Content Officer Justin Chase added, "His experience, creativity and passion for great radio will be tremendous assets to WSOC and WKQC. We look forward to his leadership as we continue creating meaningful connections with our listeners and serving the Charlotte community."
The appointment marks a return to Charlotte for Rivers, who began his radio career in the market nearly 20 years ago. "Nearly 20 years after my career began in Charlotte, I'm coming home," Rivers said. "The opportunity to be closer to my daughter, Charleigh, while contributing to the legacy of WSOC and WKQC makes this homecoming all the more significant."
Rivers also thanked Hubbard Radio executives Grover Collins, Elizabeth Hamma, Greg Strassell and Bruce Logan for their support and investment in his development during his time with the company.
Lee Harris Exits WABC, Worldwide News Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 10:50am CT |
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Veteran broadcaster Lee Harris is leaving Red Apple Media less than three months after joining the company to help launch the Worldwide News Network.
Harris joined Red Apple Media in May as Vice President of News for the Worldwide News Network, which launched May 23 following the shutdown of CBS News Radio. The new audio news service was created to help fill the void left by the longtime network's closure.
Less than six weeks after his arrival, Harris was promoted to Senior Vice President of News and Programming, expanding his responsibilities to include programming strategy and content development for 77 WABC/New York and Red Apple Audio Networks.
"I had a fantastic time working for John Catsimatidis getting the Worldwide News Network up and running," Harris said. "He's a brilliant entrepreneur who sees opportunity where others don't. I've decided to go back to work on my suite of tech products for audio and news because, like John, I am devoted to the success of this industry."
Harris is a Radio Hall of Famer with more than three decades of broadcasting experience. He is best known for his 30-year tenure as morning newscaster at 1010 WINS/New York and was among the station's journalists providing live coverage of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
His career has also included serving as Director of Integrated Operations and New York Bureau Chief for NewsNation, consulting broadcasters in Europe and Asia, helping launch Kommersant FM in Russia and lecturing in China through the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
K-LOVE Inc. Closes on Acquisition of WZBA in Baltimore
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 3:52pm CT |
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K-LOVE, Inc. has closed on its previously announced acquisition of Classic Rock WZBA-FM (100.7 The Bay) and two associated FM translators serving the Baltimore market from Shamrock Communications.
The transaction includes WZBA-FM (100.7 MHz) licensed to Westminster, MD, along with translators W261CD (100.1 MHz) in Baltimore and W298CG (107.5 MHz) in Bel Air. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
WZBA-FM operates with 25,000 watts at 689 feet HAAT, while the translators operate with 2 watts and 250 watts, respectively.
Shamrock Communications is a Pennsylvania-based broadcaster led by Acting CEO Diane Sutter. In addition to the Maryland stations, the company owns radio properties in the Scranton, PA, and Las Vegas, NV.
The buyer, K-LOVE, Inc., is a Tennessee-based nonprofit organization headed by CEO Tom Stultz. The company owns or operates radio stations in all 50 states and is one of the nation's largest Christian radio broadcasters.
Kalil & Co., Inc. served as the exclusive broker for the transaction.
World Classical Network Expands Affiliate Base
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 3:09pm CT |
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The World Classical Network is expanding its affiliate base, offering commercial and public radio stations a 24-hour classical music format featuring veteran personalities, specialty programming and internet delivery.
The network traces its roots to 1998, when it launched following the closure of the U.S. edition of Classic FM. Now owned by the Jones family, whose broadcasting experience spans more than 75 years, World Classical Network is positioning its heritage classical format for further growth among stations seeking full-time classical programming.
The service combines classical music with knowledgeable on-air hosts and features designed to give the format a personality-driven approach. Its lineup includes Laura Carlo, the longtime morning personality at WCRB/Boston and a member of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, who hosts the network's morning programming.
World Classical Network's programming also includes composer anniversaries, seasonal features, holiday programming and other timely specials throughout the year.
The network says the format is designed to give commercial and public broadcasters a turnkey classical option with limited commercial clutter while targeting classical radio's traditionally well-educated, community-involved and affluent audience.
World Classical Network has provided classical programming to American radio for more than 25 years and is now seeking additional affiliates as it expands its national footprint.
Beasley Q2 Revenue Falls, Adjusted EBITDA Rises
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 3:47pm CT |
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Beasley Broadcast Group reported second-quarter 2026 net revenue of $44.1 million, down from $53.0 million a year earlier, while Adjusted EBITDA increased to $5.3 million from $4.7 million.
On a same-station basis, revenue declined 9.6%, reflecting continued weakness in traditional national and local agency advertising. Beasley said the declines were partially offset by 7.1% same-station growth in digital revenue and stabilization in local direct spot advertising.
Digital revenue totaled $11.7 million, down 11.6% overall from the prior year but up 7.1% on a same-station basis. Digital accounted for 26% of total revenue and posted a 15.4% operating margin. Local revenue, including digital packages sold locally, represented 74% of net revenue and grew 9% year-over-year. New business accounted for 13% of revenue.
Operating expenses declined 13.2% from a year earlier as the company continued previously announced cost reductions. Beasley implemented approximately $10 million in additional annualized expense reductions during the quarter, bringing savings over the trailing 12 months to roughly $30 million.
Station Operating Income totaled $5.3 million, representing a 12.1% margin, while corporate expenses declined 37.3%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 12.2% to $5.3 million from $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2025.
Beasley reported GAAP net income of $84.3 million for the quarter, compared with a net loss of $154,000 a year earlier. The sharp increase was primarily the result of a $91.8 million non-cash gain related to the company's debt restructuring. The company completed a series of balance-sheet initiatives on May 1, including a second-lien restructuring, repurchase of a portion of its first-lien notes and establishment of a new asset-based lending facility. The transactions reduced total outstanding debt by $95 million, including a 46% reduction in second-lien debt. Beasley said the moves will also lower future cash interest expense.
"While second quarter results continued to reflect pressure across portions of the traditional advertising marketplace, we are encouraged by the progress we're making in transforming Beasley into a more diversified, higher-margin media company," said CEO Caroline Beasley. She said the company's digital and local direct spot businesses continue to gain momentum while its cost structure is "significantly more efficient than it was a year ago."
At June 30, Beasley reported $144.8 million in long-term debt, down from $235.3 million at the end of 2025. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $6.7 million.
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Streaming Music Surpasses Radio in Daily Music Reach
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 1:14pm CT |
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Streaming music has surpassed AM/FM radio in daily music reach among Americans age 13 and older, according to the latest Share of Ear study from Edison Research at SSRS.
As of the second quarter of 2026, 46% of Americans 13 listen to streaming music on a typical day, compared with 43% who listen to music on AM/FM radio or radio streams. Overall, 87% of Americans 13 engage with music in some form each day.
The findings mark a reversal from when Edison first began releasing Share of Ear data. In 2015, AM/FM radio held a substantial advantage, with 61% of Americans 13 listening to music through AM/FM or radio streams on a typical day. At the time, streaming music reached just 27%.
While streaming has moved ahead in overall daily music reach, Edison said the picture changes substantially when only ad-supported listening is considered.
AM/FM radio and radio streams have a 43% daily reach for ad-supported music, more than twice streaming music's 19%. The difference reflects the significant portion of streaming consumption occurring through paid, commercial-free services.
The findings suggest AM/FM continues to maintain a significant advantage for advertisers seeking consumers through ad-supported music, even as streaming has become the leading platform for overall daily music reach.
Salem Media Narrows Q2 Loss as Revenue Falls 15%
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 12:54pm CT |
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Salem Media reported a sharply reduced net loss for the second quarter of 2026 despite a 15% decline in revenue, as lower operating expenses and impairment charges helped improve the company's bottom line.
For the three months ended June 30, Salem posted total net revenue of $45.9 million, down 15.2% from $54.1 million in the year-ago period. The company reported a net loss of $3.4 million, or 11 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $17.6 million, or 55 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2025.
Operating expenses declined to $50.3 million from $76.5 million, while selling, general and administrative expenses fell to $40.2 million from $51.2 million. Salem's operating loss narrowed to $4.4 million from $22.3 million a year earlier.
The company said expenses excluding the impact of asset sales declined 17.8%, or $8.6 million, driven in part by $3.6 million in lower payroll-related costs from workforce reductions, along with decreases in professional services, facility, marketing and health insurance expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA turned positive at $1.2 million for the quarter, compared with an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.1 million in the year-ago period. For the first six months of 2026, Adjusted EBITDA was $542,000, compared with a loss of $5.7 million during the same period last year.
Salem recorded a $4.8 million impairment charge during the quarter related to broadcast licenses in 10 market clusters, substantially below the $25.2 million impairment recorded a year earlier. The affected 2026 markets were Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia and San Francisco.
For the first six months of the year, Salem's revenue declined to $91.8 million from $105.9 million, while its net loss narrowed to $6.0 million from $24.7 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 20.2% to $81.9 million.
The company said first-half digital revenue fell $5.6 million primarily due to the loss of a podcaster, while programming revenue excluding political advertising declined $2.0 million, primarily at its Christian Teaching and Talk stations. Political revenue, however, increased 74% to $2.4 million as the 2026 election cycle boosted spending.
Salem ended June with $4.3 million outstanding under its asset-based revolving credit facility and $6.6 million in borrowing availability.
The results come as Salem moves toward its previously announced acquisition by The Christian Community Foundation, doing business as WaterStone. Under the agreement, WaterStone will acquire all outstanding Salem common shares for $1 per share and take the company private. The transaction has been approved by Salem's board and shareholders and was expected to close in August, subject to regulatory approval.
Townsquare Partners With Muirfield on Digital Ads
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 1:15pm CT |
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Townsquare Media has entered into a strategic digital advertising partnership with Muirfield Broadcasting, expanding its Media Partnerships division to 16 alliances covering 41 additional markets outside of Townsquare's owned-and-operated footprint.
Muirfield Broadcasting operates WIOZ-FM (Star 102.5) and WIOZ-AM (550) Fayetteville, serving North Carolina's Sandhills and Moore County. Under the agreement, Townsquare will provide customized, data-driven digital advertising solutions designed to complement Muirfield's local radio brands and expand the marketing services it can offer local, regional and national advertisers.
Townsquare launched its Media Partnerships division in 2024 as part of Townsquare Ignite, its Digital Advertising segment. The white-label platform gives participating media companies access to Townsquare's proprietary technology, digital advertising expertise and campaign strategies.
"We're seeing growing interest from local media companies looking to diversify and grow their digital advertising business while strengthening their relationships with advertisers," said Townsquare Ignite Chief Revenue Officer Shaun Collignon. He said the partnership combines Muirfield's local brands and community relationships with Townsquare's digital technology and expertise to help attract advertisers that may not traditionally have considered radio.
Townsquare said digital now accounts for more than half of the company's total revenue and profit.
Muirfield General Manager Tiffany Hewitt said the partnership will allow the broadcaster to offer clients more comprehensive marketing solutions by combining live local radio with digital advertising technology, strategic expertise and real-time campaign insights.
"Today's businesses need more than advertising - they need a strategic marketing partner," Hewitt said. "By combining the power of live, local radio with cutting-edge digital solutions, we're helping our clients grow their brands, reach new audiences, and achieve measurable success."
Bay Rock Launches as Baltimore Classic Rock
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 2:25pm CT |
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Seaboard Networks has launched Bay Rock - Baltimore's Classic Rock, a new digital station designed to keep the format available in the market following WZBA's move from Classic Rock to Christian programming.
Bay Rock is available around the clock through its website and is already streaming through the iHeart app, with an independent interactive station app also in development.
The lineup includes several familiar Baltimore radio personalities, including former WZBA personalities Mike Brillhart, Colleen Carew and Chris Emry. Brillhart will also serve as Music Director.
Seaboard Networks Marketing Solutions Consultant Bob Stei will handle weekends while adding his syndicated programs "The Grunge Garage" and "The Britpop Show" to the weekend schedule. Longtime Baltimore promotions veteran Donna Jean Rumbley, previously with WZBA, has also joined Bay Rock.
"Baltimore has a long history of being a rock and roll city," said Seaboard Networks owner and Baltimore radio veteran Steve Clendenin. "I'm excited to keep that tradition alive with Bay Rock. We've tailored the format to fit Charm City."
Brillhart said the new outlet will continue several features familiar to Baltimore Classic Rock listeners, including "The Acoustic Cafe," "Get the Led Out" and "The Vinyl Frontier."
"I'm excited and happy to keep the classic rock train rolling in the Baltimore area and beyond," Brillhart said. "Along with some familiar DJ voices, classic rock fans will instantly have a place to turn to for all their favorite music."
Stei, who grew up in Baltimore County and began his radio career at WIYY in the early 1990s, said the team plans to maintain a visible presence throughout the market. "All of us have roots in Baltimore and Baltimore radio, so to say we are excited about this is an understatement," Stei said. "Look for this dream team to be all over the 'Charm City' as we combine classic fun radio with today's technology."
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Audacy Insights: Economy Tops Issues for Commuters
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 1:27pm CT |
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Economic concerns are emerging as the dominant issue among voters heading into the 2026 midterm elections, particularly among Americans who regularly commute to work, according to new research commissioned by Audacy.
The study of 1,000 registered U.S. voters, conducted with YouGov, found 54% of likely voters identify the economy and cost of living as the most important issue shaping their vote. Among commuters, that figure rises to 59%, while 73% of commuters who are homeowners with children rank the economy as their top issue.
Audacy said the financial pressures facing commuters are particularly pronounced because of expenses including gasoline, insurance, parking, vehicle maintenance and childcare on top of higher housing, utility and grocery costs. Among commuters who identify the economy as their top election issue, 80% said their money does not go as far as it did a year ago, seven percentage points higher than registered voters overall.
The research also found the regular weekday commute has largely returned. Among Americans working full or part time, 78% commute to work at least two days per week, 73% commute three or more days and 45% travel to work all five days of the traditional workweek.
Audacy cited additional research from Placer.ai showing nationwide office attendance reached a post-pandemic high in June, rising 9% from a year earlier and reaching nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels. MRI-Simmons estimates 66 million Americans are commuting in 2026.
The company argues those trends create a significant opportunity for radio and podcasts during the fall political advertising season. Nearly 90% of American workers who commute do so by car, according to the post, with AM/FM radio and podcasts accounting for much of ad-supported in-car listening.
Audacy also said radio and podcast listeners are more likely than registered voters overall to rank the economy as their top issue and report a strong intention to vote in November.
"The story of 2026 is really being written on the highway," said Audacy VP of Government and Political Partnerships Haley Tear-Lombardo. "The daily commute is no longer just travel time; it's one of the most important moments for reaching voters."
Audacy pointed to Nielsen case studies from the 2022 midterms to illustrate radio's potential incremental reach. In Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate race, John Fetterman's radio advertising extended the reach of his television campaign by 10%, adding 676,000 unique voters. In Georgia's Senate runoff, Raphael Warnock's radio campaign extended his television reach by 18%, adding 659,000 unique voters.
The Audacy post concludes that the combination of economic concerns, increased commuting and voter engagement gives radio and podcasts an opportunity to play a significant role in political advertising during the 2026 midterm campaign.
Report: Podcast Ad Spending Jumps 23% in Q2
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 3:18pm CT |
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Podcast advertising continued to show strong growth in the second quarter of 2026, with spending rising 23% from a year earlier and 9% from the first quarter, according to Magellan AI's latest Podcast Advertising Benchmark Report. Every month of the quarter topped the average monthly spending level recorded during Q1.
The report found 1,297 brands advertising on podcasts for the first time during the quarter, while overall ad load increased to 8.75% from 8.25% in Q1. Insurance was the fastest-growing advertising category, with spending increasing 60% quarter-to-quarter.
Quince remained the largest individual podcast advertiser with an estimated $19 million in Q2 spending. Shopify ranked second at $15.7 million, followed by BetterHelp at $15.6 million, Toyota at $13.5 million and Amazon at $12.5 million. T-Mobile, FanDuel, Progressive, SimpliSafe and Public.com completed the top 10. Combined spending among the 10 largest advertisers totaled an estimated $128 million, down 2% from Q1. Eight of the top 10 were also among the biggest spenders during the previous quarter.
Insurance spending climbed from $36.4 million in Q1 to $58.2 million in Q2, a 60% increase. Energy spending rose 52%, jewelry increased 47%, VPN advertising grew 42% and home improvement advanced 38%.
Financial Services remained the largest category overall with $114.4 million in estimated Q2 podcast spending, up 12% year-over-year. Business Services & Software followed at $83.9 million, while Consumer Services & Software accounted for $72.2 million. Health Services posted the largest year-over-year percentage increase among the top 10 categories, jumping 110% to $49.5 million.
Advertising dollars also became somewhat more concentrated among larger podcasts. Shows with an average rank of 500 or better captured 52% of Q2 podcast ad spending, up from 48% in Q1. Shows ranked 501-3,000 accounted for 31%, with lower-ranked programs receiving the remaining 17%.
Meanwhile, ad load across the sampled episodes increased to 8.75% from 8.25% in Q1 and 8.11% in the year-ago quarter. Sports podcasts were among those recording a sizable increase, with Q2 ad load rising from 7.77% in 2025 to 9.11% this year.
Magellan AI based the report on an analysis of 94,823 episodes from popular podcasts, sampling multiple copies of some episodes to account for dynamically inserted advertising. Its estimated spending model incorporates ad volume, estimated downloads, CPMs, ad type and how advertising was purchased.
iHeartMedia Leads Podtrac July Publisher Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 11:17am CT |
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iHeartMedia continued to dominate Podtrac's U.S. podcast publisher rankings in July 2026, while "Crime Junkie" remained the nation's top podcast based on U.S. unique monthly audience.
The iHeart Audience Network ranked No. 1 among U.S. podcast publishers and networks with 55.7 million unique monthly audience members and 270.6 million U.S. streams and downloads across 26,463 active shows. iHeartPodcasts followed at No. 2 with 29.8 million unique listeners and 150.9 million streams and downloads across 939 shows.
NPR Sales Network ranked third with 16.8 million unique monthly audience members and 93.7 million streams and downloads, followed by Libsyn at No. 4 with 12.8 million and Vox Media at No. 5 with 6.5 million.
PodcastOne, The Walt Disney Company, Fox Audio Network, DailyWire and Barstool Sports rounded out the top 10.
Podtrac reported that seven participants in its U.S. publisher rankings increased their U.S. downloads in July compared with June, while seven also posted month-to-month gains in U.S. unique monthly audience.
On the individual podcast chart, AudioChuck's "Crime Junkie" held the No. 1 position, followed by The New York Times' "The Daily" at No. 2. "NPR News Now" was third, "Up First from NPR" fourth and "Dateline NBC" fifth.
"Fox News Hourly Update" held sixth, while Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" climbed one position to No. 7. "Pod Save America" slipped one spot to eighth, followed by "The Ben Shapiro Show" and "Stuff You Should Know."
Among the month's bigger movers, The New York Times' "The Ezra Klein Show" jumped six positions to No. 17, while "The Tim Dillon Show" climbed five spots to No. 19. Cumulus Podcast Network's "The Shawn Ryan Show" advanced three positions to No. 12.
Stingray Inks TuneIn Partnership with iM Media Labs
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 10:49am CT |
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Stingray has announced a new partnership with iM Media Labs to integrate TuneIn into the iM Media Hub, expanding access to live radio, sports, news, music and podcasts in connected vehicles.
The integration will make TuneIn available through the vehicle-native iM Media Hub without requiring smartphone projection. The platform combines radio, streaming, podcasts, news, sports, audiobooks, video and other entertainment services into a unified interface that can be branded by individual automakers.
"Automotive is a key growth area for TuneIn, and this partnership is another step in making our content available wherever drivers choose to listen," said TuneIn CEO Rich Stern. "iM Media Labs shares our vision for delivering exceptional in-vehicle audio experiences."
The iM Media Hub also uses AI-powered recommendations to help drivers discover stations, programs and podcasts. Existing TuneIn users will be able to access their Favorites and Recently Played selections directly through the vehicle, allowing listening to continue across devices.
"Adding TuneIn significantly expands that choice, bringing more than 100,000 radio stations, live sports, news, music and podcasts into a consistent experience designed around each automaker's brand," said iM Media Labs Founder, President and COO John Jasper.
Under the agreement, eligible new users accessing TuneIn through the iM Media Hub will receive a free trial of TuneIn Premium. The service includes commercial-free news and music channels, fewer ads on more than 100,000 radio stations, access to more than 100,000 audiobooks and live sports coverage.
K-LOVE Names Brian Sipe VP of Live Events
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 10:45am CT |
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K-LOVE, Inc., parent company of K-LOVE and Air1, has named veteran venue executive Brian Sipe as Vice President of Live Events, effective October 5. Sipe most recently served as General Manager of Central Bank Center in Lexington, KY, which is managed by Oak View Group. His background also includes booking at Rupp Arena and serving as General Manager of venues in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
"Brian is exactly the kind of leader we were praying God would bring to K-LOVE," said Chief Media Officer Gator Harrison. "He has earned tremendous respect throughout the live entertainment industry for his experience, creativity, and leadership, but what impressed us most is his love for Jesus and his heart for ministry."
In his new role, Sipe will oversee collaboration, strategy and direction for K-LOVE's partnership events, with a focus on maximizing existing opportunities and developing sustainable live event offerings. He will also work to ensure the organization's events support its ministry mission and foster audience engagement.
"I am honored to join such an amazing ministry to use my God given abilities for His purpose," said Sipe. "I am beyond excited to be able to join such a strong team of people as we grow this ministry together, creating live experiences that fulfill your soul and make an impact on your life forever."
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