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Top Radio News
Audacy Study Highlights News/Talk's Marketing Power
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | 11:15am CT |
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Audacy is making the case that News/Talk radio remains one of the most valuable environments for advertisers, citing new research that positions the format as radio's largest across both broadcast and streaming while highlighting high levels of audience loyalty, trust and purchasing power.
According to The Marketers' Guide to News/Talk Radio, News/Talk now accounts for 22% of all AM/FM station streaming, nearly three times the share of the next closest format, while also leading all radio formats in overall listening. The company says one in four Americans now considers themselves a "News Fanatic," checking the news at least five times daily and seeking deeper context beyond headlines.
The study also found that News/Talk listeners are among radio's most loyal audiences. Fifty-four percent identify News-Talk as their primary listening format, compared with 41% for Sports listeners, while listeners spend 45% more time with News/Talk stations than with all-news stations.
Trust remains a defining advantage for the format, according to the research. Audacy reports that 84% of listeners trust local News radio, outpacing broadcast television (82%), national News radio (79%) and social media (74%). The report also describes News-Talk audiences as politically balanced, with roughly half identifying as independents or independent-leaning.
The research points to an affluent audience as well, reporting a median household income of approximately $95,000 and an above-average concentration of consumers with net worths exceeding $2 million. It also notes that News-Talk listening extends well beyond traditional over-the-air radio, with 52% of streaming occurring on mobile devices and millennials consuming twice as much News-Talk via streaming as over-the-air listening.
For advertisers, Audacy says News/Talk campaigns generate measurable business results. The study found that radio advertising in the format delivers 56% awareness, 47% consideration and 49% purchase or conversion among ad-exposed consumers. Audacy's analytics also showed News-Talk campaigns produced an average 24% increase in website traffic, with some categories, including travel and tourism, seeing gains of as much as 67%.
LPM Names Hines Business Partnerships Director
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | 11:22am CT |
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Louisville Public Media (LPM) has appointed Melissa Hines as Senior Director of Business Partnerships, effective July 7. She brings more than 15 years of experience in revenue generation and marketing, having led high-performing teams across cultural organizations, venture-backed startups and Fortune 1000 service companies.
In her new role, Hines will oversee LPM's Business Partnerships team, connecting businesses and organizations with audiences across News/Talk 89.3 WFPL, AAA 91.9 WFPK, Classical 90.5 WUOL and the Kentucky Public Radio Network, as well as through podcast, website, newsletter and event sponsorships. Revenue generated through business partnerships, along with philanthropic support, helps fund the organization's public service mission.
"As we navigate a new annual reality without federal funding, we must grow our current revenue streams and find new ones," Chief Operating Officer Ellen Oost said. "Melissa understands the unique value of public media -- for our business partners and our community. She is a problem solver, system builder and she excels at translating data into impact stories."
Hines said she looks forward to strengthening relationships between Louisville's business community and LPM's audience. "Louisville has one of the most dynamic business communities in the country, full of leaders who think long-term, invest in this region, and want their brand to stand for something larger than a transaction," she said. "LPM's audience is made up of those same people: deeply engaged, deeply trusting, deeply rooted in this community."
Before joining LPM, Hines held revenue and marketing leadership positions with Tessitura, The Marek Group, FreshFry and Actors Theatre of Louisville.
TOGETHXR, iHeart Launch Women's Sports Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | 11:27am CT |
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TOGETHXR and iHeartMedia are teaming up to launch "Everyone Watches Women's Sports," a new weekly audio and video podcast that will debut July 9 as part of the iHeart Women's Sports lineup.
Billed as a premium series celebrating the rapidly growing women's sports landscape, the podcast will feature conversations with athletes, celebrities and other influential voices shaping the culture around women's sports. Regular hosts include multimedia journalist Ari Chambers, Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and Emmy-nominated comedian Sam Jay, with additional guest appearances planned throughout the series.
The companies say the podcast is designed to serve as a destination for fans, covering the biggest headlines, debates and moments driving the conversation across women's sports.
"'Everyone Watches Women's Sports' isn't just a show; it's a statement that started as a slogan and became a movement," said TOGETHXR Chief Content Officer Kati Fernandez. "This is TOGETHXR at its fullest: the athletes, the voices, the conversations that define this era of women's sports. We couldn't have a better partner than iHeart Women's Sports to bring it to the world."
The partnership builds on iHeartMedia's commitment that half of all newly produced sports podcasts will focus on women's sports, aligning with TOGETHXR's mission to expand visibility and storytelling around female athletes.
"Both iHeart Women's Sports and TOGETHXR are setting the standard for high-quality coverage and storytelling in women's sports-delivering the insight, access and cultural relevance that fans expect and deserve," said Jessie Katz, Head of iHeart Women's Sports. "This partnership allows us to combine the strength of two of the most influential players in the space to amplify the voices that drive women's sports coverage even further."
New episodes of "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" will be released every Thursday beginning July 9. The podcast will be available on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms, with video editions also published on YouTube through both the Everyone Watches and TOGETHXR channels. The series is distributed by iHeartPodcasts in collaboration with Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment.
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Fuzion 94.5 Set to Debut on 94.5 FM in Dallas
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 6, 2026 | 2:58pm CT |
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Encouragement Media Group (EMG) has launched Spanish Christian Fuzion Radio on 94.5 FM in Dallas-Fort Worth, bringing what the company says is the region's first full-power Spanish Christian format to one of the nation's largest Hispanic communities. The former Adult R&B outlet KZMJ will officially become KFZN on July 7. Airing with a 100,000-watt signal, EMG said the station will reach approximately 2.5 million Hispanic listeners across North Texas.
Fuzion Dallas LLC agreed to acquire KZMJ in May for $6 million. The launch makes Dallas-Fort Worth the flagship market for the Fuzion network, which now operates on 18 radio signals across the Southwest.
"DFW is where I grew up, and I am very excited to see Fuzion impacting hearts with Christ-centered music, biblical truth, and culturally relevant programming now at 94.5 FM," said Troy Kriechbaum, President and CEO of Encouragement Media Group.
Brendalis Aguila, EMG's Vice President of Spanish Ministries, said the station is intended to serve as more than a music outlet. "As Fuzion begins broadcasting on 94.5 FM in Dallas-Fort Worth, we are filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to reach and serve the Hispanic community in this vibrant region," guila said. "Fuzion is more than a radio station-it is a daily companion that brings hope to everyday life through music and biblical encouragement."
Fuzion launched in 2022 on stations serving the Tyler-Longview market and has since expanded to Albuquerque, NM, Shreveport, LA, Lufkin, TX, and the former "Ondas de Vida" network serving Southern California and Nevada. The format change also completes the transition of the former "Majic 94.5" programming. Earlier this week, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show moved to sister station KBFB (97.9 The Beat) as Radio One prepared KZMJ for its new identity.
Jeffrey Parke to Retire From KCAL, KOLA
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 6, 2026 | 5:58pm CT |
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Jeffrey Parke will retire July 24 after nearly 40 years with KCAL-FM and KOLA-FM, closing a broadcasting career that helped shape two of the Inland Empire's most successful radio outlets. Parke joined KCAL-FM on January 1, 1987, as Sales Manager and was promoted to General Manager in 1989. During his tenure, he guided the growth of both KCAL-FM and KOLA-FM into leading brands in the Riverside-San Bernardino market.
One of his most notable accomplishments came in 1991 when he oversaw the acquisition and relaunch of KOLA-FM. Then an automated oldies station, KOLA was transformed under his leadership into the market's dominant station, a position it continues to hold.
Parke also played a key role in the turnaround of San Diego's KCBQ-FM after owner Tim Sullivan acquired the station. Rebranded as KBZT-FM, the station underwent a complete overhaul in format, staffing and market positioning, rising to a Top 3 ranking in both ratings and revenue before being sold to Jefferson Pilot for nearly six times its purchase price.
"My career has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and extraordinary people," Parke said. "I consider myself incredibly lucky for the 40 years I have had here. I'll miss the business, but most of all, I will miss each and every person I worked with and still work with today."
Parke began his radio career as an air personality at KLOM in Santa Maria in 1979 before moving to KTMS-FM in Santa Barbara. He transitioned into radio sales at KARA-FM in San Jose in 1982 and later joined KMGG-FM/KPWR-FM in Los Angeles, where he first worked with broadcaster Tim Sullivan.
Parke credited Sullivan, who died in December 2024, with giving him the opportunity to lead KCAL-FM and KOLA-FM.
"I will forever be indebted to Tim Sullivan, who gave me my chance and trusted me to run the stations and make them the powerhouses they are today," Parke said. "Tim and I worked together for nearly four decades. He was my mentor and taught me all about leadership. But most of all, he was a dear friend."
Over the course of his career, Parke led the stations through major industry changes, from analog broadcasting to the digital era, while maintaining strong ties to listeners and advertisers throughout Southern California.
In retirement, Parke plans to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren, continue his real estate interests and travel. His final day with KCAL-FM and KOLA-FM will be July 24.
Study: AM/FM Radio Boosts Allergy Brand Performance
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 6, 2026 | 11:29am CT |
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A new study from the Cumulus Media | Westwood Audio Active Group found that a national AM/FM radio campaign significantly improved brand awareness, favorability and consumer engagement for a nasal congestion and allergy relief brand, while also highlighting audio's effectiveness in reaching category users.
The study, conducted by Quantilope, surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults age 35 and older in March 2026 following the brand's national AM/FM radio campaign during the winter. Researchers compared consumers who were exposed to the campaign with those who were not.
According to the findings, consumers exposed to the AM/FM radio campaign demonstrated stronger brand equity across every key measure, including awareness, familiarity, favorability, advertising recall, purchase consideration and product usage.
The report also found that heavy AM/FM radio and podcast listeners are substantially more engaged with the nasal congestion and allergy relief category than heavy television viewers. The advertised brand posted aided awareness of 70% among heavy AM/FM listeners, compared with 58% among the total U.S. population. Heavy audio users were also two to three times more likely to report being very familiar with the brand.
Brand favorability reached 40% among heavy audio listeners, compared with 25% for heavy TV viewers and 23% for the overall population. One in three heavy audio listeners said they would consider using the brand, while only one in five heavy TV viewers expressed the same interest.
The study also found that heavy audio consumers are significantly more likely to use products throughout the nasal and allergy relief category. Nearly 80% of heavy podcast and AM/FM radio listeners currently use a nasal or allergy relief brand, compared with 62% of heavy TV viewers. Usage rates for major brands including NyQuil, Mucinex and Sudafed were consistently higher among heavy audio listeners than among heavy television viewers.
Despite the category's much larger investment in television advertising, using data from MediaRadar and Magellan AI, the report found that brand awareness and usage were stronger among heavy audio consumers. Researchers concluded this is largely because audio listeners are more active users of the category overall.
The study also found that AM/FM radio advertising generated stronger aided ad recall and greater consumer response among heavy audio listeners, with campaign messaging resonating more effectively and driving higher intent to take action than among television viewers.
Read the complete blog post here.
Beasley Rebrands Augusta CHR as PARTY 98.3
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 3, 2026 | 5:16pm CT |
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Beasley Media Group has rebranded CHR WHHD-FM/Augusta as PARTY 98.3, launching a new identity focused on today's hit music, lifestyle content, promotions and community engagement. The new brand debuted Friday, July 3, at 5pm, replacing the station's previous HD 98.3 identity.
The launch began with a "Welcome to the Party" celebration and a commercial-free holiday weekend, giving listeners uninterrupted access to today's biggest hits.
The station's first major promotion under the new brand, "Free Gas Friday," is scheduled for July 10, offering listeners the chance to win free fuel as part of a summer giveaway.
Beasley said the rebrand will be supported by an extensive marketing campaign that includes on-air promotion, social media, digital outreach and community-based street marketing throughout the Augusta market.
"PARTY 98.3 is all about creating an exciting, energetic brand that connects with today's listeners both on-air and beyond the radio dial," said Justin Chase, Chief Content Officer of Beasley Media Group. "This rebrand allows us to deliver a more powerful music experience, create meaningful connections with our audience, and provide innovative opportunities for our advertising partners. We're excited to officially invite listeners to the party."
Program Director Adam Star said the station is designed to reflect the energy of the Central Savannah River Area.
"Great radio stations become part of the communities they serve," Star said. "Party 98.3 was built to reflect the energy and spirit of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), and we're committed to earning a place in the daily lives of our listeners, local businesses, and the community we call home."
Katz: Radio Well Positioned for America250 Celebration
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:07pm CT |
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Katz Radio Group says America's 250th anniversary presents a unique opportunity for radio broadcasters and advertisers to connect with audiences as the nation prepares for the Semiquincentennial in 2026.
In its latest Sound Answers blog, Katz says the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is expected to become one of the year's defining cultural moments, bringing together concerts, parades, historical programming, civic celebrations, sporting events and tourism initiatives in communities across the country.
Consumer interest is already high. Citing Mintel research, Katz says 82% of U.S. internet users age 18 and older planned to celebrate America's 250th anniversary as of late 2025, while 75% hoped the milestone could help unite Americans after years of political division.
The company says radio's local presence gives broadcasters a significant advantage as communities organize anniversary-related events. Stations are expected to expand Fourth of July celebrations into America250 campaigns, produce live broadcasts from parades, fairs and concerts, partner with tourism organizations and chambers of commerce, and create countdown promotions leading up to the anniversary.
Broadcasters have already begun launching America250-themed initiatives, including year-long programming focused on American history, civic pride and community storytelling. Katz points to projects such as Beasley Media Group's "Community of Caring - America 250 Series," Connoisseur Media's "Radio Makes It Real" campaign, Cumulus Media's "250 Flags" initiative and iHeartMedia's "America's Block Party" as examples of how stations are blending national themes with local engagement.
Katz also highlights the role of radio personalities, noting that audiences often turn to familiar local voices during major national events. According to MRI-Simmons data cited in the report, 61% of heavy radio listeners agree that loving their country and being willing to make sacrifices for it is very important, creating a natural fit for programming centered on community, heritage and service.
The blog concludes that while America250 is a nationwide celebration, its success will largely be driven by local experiences at museums, historical sites, parks and community events. Katz says radio's combination of reach, trust and community involvement uniquely positions the medium to connect audiences with those celebrations through on-air programming, digital content, social media and live events.
Read the entire article here.
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Gomez Blasts FCC's Handling of News Distortion Petition
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:18pm CT |
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FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez is criticizing the agency's handling of a petition seeking to repeal the Commission's news distortion policy, arguing the matter should have been decided by a vote of the full Commission rather than through an unpublished staff letter.
In a delayed dissent released Wednesday, Gomez said the FCC's use of delegated authority to summarily dismiss the petition shields the agency's actions from judicial review because only final Commission actions can be appealed.
The petition, filed in November 2025 by a bipartisan group of former FCC officials and others, sought repeal of the Commission's news distortion policy. After the petitioners filed for a writ of mandamus in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, the FCC responded by including an unpublished letter from the Acting Chief of the Media Bureau dismissing the petition on procedural grounds.
The dismissal concluded the filing was not properly brought under the Commission's rules governing petitions for special relief, finding the petitioners had failed to present their request in a procedurally cognizable manner.
Gomez contended the Commission has increasingly used its regulatory authority "as a cudgel against broadcasters whose coverage it dislikes rather than as a neutral enforcement tool." She argued license renewals and merger reviews have been used as leverage over editorial decisions and claimed the FCC has revived infrequently used authorities, including its news distortion policy, in ways that create a chilling effect on broadcasters.
According to Gomez, broadcasters have asked her office what subjects are now considered too risky to cover, which she said "should never need to be asked in a country with a First Amendment." She also criticized the decision to resolve the petition through an unpublished Media Bureau letter instead of a public Commission vote.
While acknowledging that her dissent would not change the outcome of the petition, Gomez said she stands ready to vote on a Commission order addressing the issues raised so the matter can proceed to a final, appealable decision and receive judicial review without unnecessary delay.
Trusty Urges FCC to Strengthen Local Broadcasting
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:11pm CT |
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FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty called on the Commission to modernize its policies to help local broadcasters compete in today's media marketplace while reaffirming that serving the public interest remains the foundation of every broadcast license.
Speaking at the 2026 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Trusty framed her remarks around what she called the search for the "angel of the public interest," borrowing from a 1998 speech by former FCC Chairman Michael Powell. She argued that broadcasters themselves can fulfill that role by delivering trusted local news, emergency information and community service, provided the FCC creates a regulatory framework that allows them to thrive.
Trusty said the Communications Act establishes clear public interest obligations for broadcasters, including localism, political equal opportunities, emergency alerts, sponsorship identification, public inspection files and prohibitions against practices such as news distortion, payola and broadcast hoaxes. She emphasized that these responsibilities distinguish broadcasters from streaming services, podcasts and other digital platforms that do not operate under the same statutory requirements.
She said the FCC must continually review its regulations to ensure they reflect today's competitive environment, citing broadcast ownership rules, the transition to ATSC 3.0 and broader regulatory modernization as areas requiring careful attention. Trusty added that broadcasters' public interest obligations justify policies that help them remain viable in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Addressing the Commission's long-standing goals of competition, diversity of voices and localism, Trusty said the explosion of digital media has dramatically changed the competitive landscape while making local broadcasting's community focus more valuable than ever. She said local news, weather and sports remain broadcasters' competitive advantage because stations understand their communities better than national or global media platforms.
Trusty also expressed concern over the migration of sports programming to streaming services behind paywalls. She noted that more than 8,000 comments have been filed at the FCC regarding the issue, with the overwhelming majority favoring continued access to sports through free over-the-air broadcasting. She argued that sports programming not only serves the public interest by remaining universally available, but also helps generate the advertising revenue that supports local news and other community programming.
The commissioner highlighted broadcasters' role in public safety, pointing to their performance during severe weather, Emergency Alert System operations and emerging ATSC 3.0 technologies, including Broadcast Positioning System capabilities and enhanced emergency alerts. She also cited local stations' mental health awareness campaigns and community service initiatives as examples of broadcasters fulfilling their public interest mission.
Trusty acknowledged the financial pressures facing the industry, noting that more than half of local television newsrooms reportedly are unprofitable on a stand-alone basis. She said broadcasters also face growing challenges from AI-generated misinformation circulating on social media, making strong local journalism and sustainable business models increasingly important.
Concluding her remarks, Trusty said broadcasters can become the "angels of the public interest" by continuing to provide trusted information, local connection and community service, while the FCC works to ensure they can compete on a level playing field and continue meeting their longstanding obligations to the public
Rock 30 Countdown Marks 26 Years on the Air
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:37pm CT |
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Compass Media Networks' nationally syndicated Rock 30 Countdown is celebrating its 26th anniversary this weekend, with host LA Lloyd marking more than two decades of delivering the latest rock hits to stations across the country. The anniversary edition airs July 4-5 and commemorates the show's launch in 2000.
"When I launched Rock 30 back in 2000, my goal was simple: to create something rock fans could call their own," Lloyd said. "Twenty-six years later, thanks to Compass Media Networks, our affiliate stations, the artists, record labels and, most importantly, the listeners, that dream is still going strong. As always, thank you for your continued support and for everything you do for Rock 30."
The weekly countdown has become a longtime fixture on rock radio, showcasing the genre's biggest songs while featuring artist interviews, behind-the-scenes stories and industry news.
Compass Media Networks says stations interested in carrying Rock 30 Countdown can contact Doug Ingold for affiliation information.
Michael Cohen Lands Weekly Show on WABC Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10:31pm CT |
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Michael Cohen, the former personal attorney and longtime adviser to President Donald Trump, is joining WABC Radio with a new weekly talk show that will focus on politics, power and his firsthand experiences at the center of some of the nation's biggest political controversies.
When You Know... You Know premieres Sunday, July 12, at 5pm ET on WABC-AM/New York. The one-hour program will feature Cohen's commentary on politics, the justice system and current events, drawing on his experience as Trump's former attorney, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and later as a federal inmate.
The radio show will be accompanied by a weekly podcast, When You Know... You Know Unleashed, debuting Tuesdays. Red Apple Media says the podcast will expand on topics discussed on the radio program with an uncensored format.
"My sources tell me that the sources being used by others are bullsh*t!" Cohen said in announcing the new venture.
Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis said Cohen brings a unique perspective to the station's lineup.
"Michael has lived through events most people only read about," Catsimatidis said. "I'm interested to see what listeners think as the layers beneath the headlines unfold and reality is exposed."
WABC Radio President Chad Lopez said listeners of all political affiliations will find the program compelling.
"In the short time I've spent with Michael and gotten to know him, these stories will have listeners laughing one minute, stunned the next, but always engaged," Lopez said. "Republican, Democrat, and Independent, listeners will be drawn to When You Know... You Know."
Cohen said he chose WABC Radio after being approached by several radio and television outlets because he wanted a platform that would allow him to express his views freely.
The program will feature guests from politics, media, entertainment, law enforcement, business and other fields. Cohen joins a WABC lineup that includes John Catsimatidis, Sid Rosenberg, Anthony Cumia, Larry Kudlow, Greg Kelly, Roger Stone, Rita Cosby, James Golden, Joe Concha, Dominic Carter, Mark Levin, Brian Kilmeade and Walter Sterling.
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Walnut Media Revives WOW on Omaha's AM 590
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 2:51pm CT |
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Walnut Media has acquired Sports KXSP-AM (590)/Omaha and will relaunch the station as AM 590 WOW, restoring the legendary WOW call letters to the market while expanding the locally owned company's radio portfolio. The rebrand takes effect July 6, when the 5kW outlet will debut a full-service sports format featuring ESPN programming, local sports talk and expanded coverage of University of Nebraska athletics.
Following FCC approval Walnut Media will restore the historic WOW call letters to the 590 AM frequency. Originally assigned in 1926, the call sign returns during its 100th anniversary year, making WOW one of Nebraska's oldest radio outlets.
"This is an incredibly exciting moment for our company and for sports fans across the region," said Walnut Media President Patrick Combs. "We are proud to add this historic signal to our group and are excited to offer not only top-notch sports content, but also give Husker fans a powerful regional signal."
Beginning this fall, AM 590 WOW will become the Omaha metro's new flagship for Husker Athletics, carrying football game-day coverage, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, baseball and Sports Nightly. Walnut Media said the station's enhanced signal will improve coverage for Nebraska fans across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.
"Walnut Media's commitment to local broadcasting and regional sports coverage makes them an outstanding partner for Husker Athletics," said Brandon Meier, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Media. "The enhanced reach and signal strength of AM 590 will provide tremendous value to Nebraska fans across the region."
The weekday lineup will combine ESPN's national personalities with local sports programming.
Walnut Media Vice Chair Nick Seline said the acquisition strengthens the company's ability to serve both listeners and advertisers. "We are pleased to add one of the largest and most historic stations in the Midwest to our growing media family," he said. "This investment will give us added ability to serve both our listeners and our advertisers."
Heather Lomagistro Named Florida Broadcasters CEO
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 2:39pm CT |
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The Florida Association of Broadcasters (FAB) has named Heather Lomagistro President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1. She succeeds longtime leader Pat Roberts, who transitions to the role of President Emeritus after nearly four decades at the helm of the organization.
Lomagistro most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In her new role, she will oversee the Association as it continues representing Florida's radio and television broadcasters before state and federal lawmakers, the FCC and emergency management agencies.
Roberts joined FAB as a consultant in 1987 and became president the following year. During his tenure, he helped establish the Association as one of the nation's leading state broadcast organizations. According to FAB, his nearly 40 years of service make him the longest-serving president of any state broadcasters association in the country.
"Leading FAB has been the honor of my career, and it is a place I will always champion," Roberts said. "What I'll carry with me isn't any one fight we won - it's the people, the stations, and the communities they serve. Entrusting it to Heather makes this transition an easy one. FAB is in better hands than ever."
As President Emeritus, Roberts will remain in an advisory and advocacy role to support the leadership transition.
Lomagistro said she plans to build on the Association's foundation while preparing it for the future. "FAB is strong because of its people - the best Executive Committee, Board, and staff anywhere," she said. "My focus is on protecting what makes us special, sharpening how we operate, and making sure we are ready for whatever the future of broadcasting brings - with Florida's broadcasters at the center of everything we do."
FAB Chairman John Soapes praised Roberts' legacy and expressed confidence in Lomagistro's leadership. "Pat has served FAB as a visionary leader, making this Association a best-in-class organization," Soapes said. "Heather is the right leader for FAB's next chapter. She has earned our confidence, understands the needs of our members, and has the vision and ability to lead this Association forward."
Immediate Past Chairman Lara Kunkler added that Lomagistro possesses the operational expertise and strategic vision needed to guide the Association into its next phase.
On-Demand Audio Now Accounts for Majority of Listening
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 11:07am CT |
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On-demand audio platforms now account for the majority of Americans' audio listening time, according to the latest Share of Ear data from Edison Research.
The study finds that 56% of all time spent with audio in 2026 is now devoted to on-demand sources, including streaming music services and podcasts, surpassing traditional linear platforms such as AM/FM radio and satellite radio.
Edison says the shift has been one of the most consistent long-term trends tracked by Share of Ear. When the study launched, linear audio accounted for the clear majority of listening. It took eight years for on-demand platforms to catch up, with the two categories reaching parity in 2023.
Since then, on-demand listening has continued to expand its lead. Edison notes that the current 12-point advantage for on-demand audio mirrors the 12-point lead linear audio held in 2020, three years before the two categories converged.
Colorado Public Radio Adds Four to Board
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 11:01am CT |
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Colorado Public Radio (CPR) has elected four new members to its Board of Directors and approved its Fiscal Year 2027 work plan and budget during its June 17 board meeting, ahead of the new fiscal year that began July 1. Joining the board are Chris Castilian, Jessica Cavens, Noelle Hagan and Chris Jensen, whose terms officially began at the conclusion of the meeting.
Board Chair Lori Bergen said the new directors bring a broad range of experience that will help guide the organization's future. "I'm excited to welcome these accomplished leaders to CPR's board as we continue to define the future of this organization and serve communities across Colorado," Bergen said. "Each brings valuable experience and perspective that will help guide CPR through its next chapter."
Castilian has spent more than two decades in public affairs, public policy, higher education and nonprofit leadership, including leading Great Outdoors Colorado through a $370 million strategic plan. Cavens is a senior energy executive with more than 25 years of experience in operations, infrastructure, marketing and corporate strategy, and has served in leadership roles with industry organizations and federal advisory committees.
Hagan brings three decades of experience in organizational consulting, strategic planning and public service, including two terms as mayor of Montrose, CO. Jensen is a commercial executive, investor and advisor who previously served as Chief Revenue Officer at Ibotta, helping lead the company through its public listing on the New York Stock Exchange, and is principal of Joyride Ventures.
The board also confirmed its officers for Fiscal Year 2027, with Bergen continuing as chair. Ricardo Baca will serve as vice chair, Jeff Tieman as treasurer and Deidre Johnson as secretary.
In addition, the board recognized the service of outgoing members Rishi Hingoraney, Robert Moore, Andra Zeppelin, Nelson Hioe, Adrian Miller and Jay Rolls, thanking them for their leadership and contributions to Colorado Public Radio.
Cox Media Group Names Bortnick VP of Local Revenue
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 3:12pm CT |
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Cox Media Group (CMG) has appointed Danny Bortnick as Vice President, Local Revenue and Client Growth for its radio division, a newly created leadership role focused on strengthening client partnerships and driving local revenue growth. He joins the company on July 13.
Bortnick will partner with CMG Radio market leaders and sales managers to grow local revenue while working with cross-functional teams to align client engagement and revenue strategies. His responsibilities also include enhancing CMG Radio's client-first sales organization, advancing sales enablement initiatives, and ensuring consistent execution across the company's markets.
"Daniel is a results-driven revenue leader with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and driving revenue growth across multiple platforms," said Rob Babin, President of CMG Radio. "His ability to connect strategy to execution and foster trusted partnerships with clients makes him the right leader to help take CMG Radio's local revenue performance to the next level."
Bortnick brings more than 20 years of sales leadership experience with major media companies, including iHeartMedia and CBS Radio. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales for Hubbard Radio and 2060 Digital in West Palm Beach, where he oversaw revenue strategy across multiple stations while rebuilding the sales team and implementing new tools to modernize the company's local market approach.
"I'm honored to join the CMG family under Rob Babin's leadership, and I'm excited to help accelerate local revenue growth across the organization," Bortnick said. "Local media plays an essential role in every marketer's strategy, and CMG Radio's brands deliver measurable impact for our clients. I look forward to partnering with our talented teams across the country to continue building lasting client relationships, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional results."
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