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Salem Media Goes Private Following WaterStone Deal
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 2:08pm CT |
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Salem Media has completed its acquisition by The Christian Community Foundation, Inc., doing business as WaterStone, taking the Christian and conservative media company private. WaterStone acquired all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium to Salem's trading price before the transaction was announced.
Salem said the deal begins a new chapter focused on long-term growth while maintaining the company's Christian and conservative media mission. The company will continue operating its radio, digital, streaming, podcasting, television and publishing businesses.
"This is an exciting day for Salem and the beginning of an important new chapter for our company," said Salem Media CEO David Santrella. "Salem enters this partnership with strong momentum, an extraordinary portfolio of talent and brands, and more ways than ever to reach audiences across the country."
Santrella said the WaterStone partnership will give Salem the ability to invest for the future while remaining committed to the mission that has guided the company since its founding.
Salem's programming portfolio includes Christian broadcasters Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, David Jeremiah, Alistair Begg and Allen Jackson. Its conservative personalities include Scott Jennings, Larry O'Connor, Alex Marlow, Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt and Lara Trump.
WaterStone President Richard von Gnechten, who also serves as Chairman of Salem Media's Board of Directors, said the acquisition is intended to strengthen Salem rather than change its direction.
"Today is not about changing what Salem is," von Gnechten said. "It is about giving Salem an even stronger foundation to build on what it does best."
Salem co-founder and board member Edward Atsinger III said he is confident the company's mission will continue under its new ownership. "When Stuart Epperson and I founded Salem more than 50 years ago, we could not have imagined the reach and impact it would have today," Atsinger said. "Knowing Salem's mission will be carried forward by a partner that shares our values gives me tremendous confidence in what comes next."
With the transaction completed, Salem and WaterStone said they will focus on strengthening the company's existing businesses while pursuing additional opportunities for investment and long-term growth.
FCC Approves Cumulus Post-Bankruptcy Ownership Transfer
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 11:37am CT |
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Cumulus Media has cleared a major regulatory hurdle toward emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with FCC records showing the broadcaster's applications to transfer control of its licenses to its post-reorganization shareholders have been granted.
The approval follows an August 14 letter from Cumulus President and CEO Mary Berner to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr reaffirming the company's public-interest commitments and pledging to maintain existing newsroom staffing levels for at least two years following approval of the applications.
Cumulus filed a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in March, with its reorganization plan confirmed by a federal bankruptcy court in April. The restructuring will cancel the company's existing stock and distribute new securities primarily to holders of Cumulus debt.
The broadcaster filed several FCC Form 315 applications seeking approval to transfer control of its license subsidiaries from Cumulus's current shareholders to its post-reorganization shareholders. The licensee subsidiaries themselves will remain unchanged.
Under the new ownership structure, Alden Global Capital President Heath Freeman is expected to hold a 31.86% voting interest in reorganized Cumulus through Next Gen Radio Enterprises LLC. Alden has drawn criticism in the newspaper industry for significant staffing reductions at publications under its ownership.
Berner's August 14 letter appeared to address concerns about what the ownership change could mean for Cumulus's local operations. v "I take this opportunity to reaffirm Cumulus Media's longstanding commitment to operating its broadcast radio stations in a manner that serves the public interest, advances localism, supports public safety and responds to the needs and interests of the communities it is privileged to serve," Berner wrote.
Cumulus specifically committed to maintaining its existing newsroom staffing levels for a minimum of two years following FCC approval. The commitment applies to newsroom staffing and does not include a similar pledge covering programming, sales or other departments.
Berner also highlighted Cumulus's public-service activities, saying the broadcaster has worked with nearly 2,000 local organizations during the past three years. The company said its stations helped raise more than $75 million through fundraising drives, radiothons and community campaigns and provided nearly $50 million in support through public service announcements, interviews and other on-air exposure.
Cumulus said those efforts included more than 400,000 on-air mentions of local causes and nearly 200,000 digital posts, generating more than $123 million in direct donations and other support during the three-year period.
"The reorganization is designed to strengthen Cumulus Media's financial foundation and enhance its ability to continue serving listeners, employees, advertisers, community partners and public-safety stakeholders across the country," Berner wrote.
The FCC approvals allow Cumulus to move forward with implementing its court-approved reorganization and emerging from Chapter 11 under its new shareholder structure.
K-Love Names Evan Masyr as Chief Financial Officer
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 3:25pm CT |
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K-Love Inc. has appointed longtime Salem Media Group executive Evan Masyr as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 14. He will oversee the nonprofit media organization's accounting, finance and tax departments and serve on its Ministry Leadership Team.
Masyr joins K-Love after more than 26 years with Salem Media Group, including 19 years as CFO. Before joining Salem, he spent nearly seven years with global accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
"It is a tremendous blessing and a calling to join K-Love and serve a ministry that shares the hope of Jesus Christ with listeners across the country and around the world," said Masyr. He said K-Love's mission aligns with his personal faith and that he looks forward to working with the organization's leadership and employees.
Masyr also expressed appreciation for his more than 26 years at Salem, saying the company provided opportunities to grow as a leader while advancing the mission of Christian media.
"We are delighted to have someone with Evan's deep industry experience and relationships, along with his record of integrity and heart for ministry," said K-Love CEO Tom Stultz. He cited Masyr's experience with media innovation and commitment to financial transparency, integrity and stewardship.
Masyr earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and will relocate to the Franklin, TN area.
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Joel Oxley to Receive NAB National Radio Award
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 11:07am CT |
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Hubbard Radio Washington, DC President and General Manager Joel Oxley will receive the 2026 NAB National Radio Award, recognizing his more than three decades of leadership in the radio industry. The NAB announced the honor Thursday on National Radio Day. Oxley will receive the award during the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner on October 20 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.
"NAB is honored to recognize Joel Oxley for his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the radio industry," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. He cited Oxley's commitment to local journalism, innovation and public service and his role in establishing WTOP as one of the nation's leading news operations.
Oxley joined WTOP in 1992 as an account executive and was named General Manager in 1998. His responsibilities later expanded to include Hubbard Radio's Washington operations, including WTOP News and Federal News Network.
During his tenure, WTOP became one of the country's most prominent all-news stations and has consistently ranked among the nation's highest-billing radio properties. Oxley also helped expand the operation beyond traditional broadcasting into digital, video and social media.
Hubbard's Washington stations have earned numerous Edward R. Murrow Awards, NAB Marconi Radio Awards and NAB Crystal Radio Awards during his leadership.
Oxley has also been active in industry mentoring and community service, including many years on the board of the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Clubs.
Earlier this year, Oxley announced plans to retire at the beginning of 2027 after nearly 35 years with WTOP and 28 years as General Manager. He will assist Hubbard through its leadership transition before moving into an advisory role.
The National Radio Award recognizes an individual for significant and lasting contributions to the radio industry. Oxley will be honored at the Marconi dinner the evening before NAB Show New York opens.
News, Comedy Drive Triton Q2 Podcast Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 2:41pm CT |
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Comedy maintained its position as podcasting's largest category during the second quarter, while news programming posted the strongest audience growth as listeners turned toward political content ahead of the midterm elections, according to Triton Digital's Q2 2026 U.S. Podcast Ranker.
Comedy reached 44.5% of podcast listeners during the quarter, followed by News at 25.7% and Society & Culture at 21.2%. News recorded an 8.4% quarter-over-quarter increase in reach, rising from 23.7% in Q1, while Comedy increased from 43.6%. True Crime reached 17.1% and Sports 18.5%, with both categories also posting gains.
"Podcasting has become the place people go for the conversation behind the headlines," said Triton Digital SVP of Measurement Products & Strategy Daryl Battaglia. "Across politics, business or culture, consumers increasingly want to engage directly with hosts who offer analysis, perspective and even comic relief."
Political and personality-driven shows accounted for several of the quarter's biggest movers. "The Rachel Maddow Show" jumped 66 positions to #35, while "The Tucker Carlson Show" climbed from #19 to #9 overall. "The Dan Bongino Show" rose 16 spots to #50.
Other significant movers included "The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett," up 37 positions to #20; "2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer," up 34 to #38; "The Shawn Ryan Show," up 32 to #22; and "Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast," up 24 to #40. "The Bill Simmons Podcast" climbed 22 positions to #30.
Comedy accounted for 57 of Triton's top 200 podcasts, or 29% of the shows on the chart. The category also benefited from television content moving into podcasting, including debuts by "Late Night with Seth Meyers Podcast" and "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert," while "The Daily Show: Ears Edition" returned to the chart.
Triton also pointed to creators bringing established social media audiences into podcasting. New entries included "HARD LAUNCH with Dan and Phil," "The Really Good Podcast with Bobbi Althoff," "The LOL Podcast" and "Handsome."
Political and news programming is expected to continue gaining ground as the midterm elections approach. Among the programs returning to the rankings during Q2 were "Mark Levin Podcast," "Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar," "The David Pakman Show," "Pivot" and "Piers Morgan Uncensored."
"With the midterm elections heating up, we expect to see a continued uptick in political and news podcasts through Q3," Battaglia said.
In Triton's separate Download Ranker, based on server-side measurement of participating sales networks, iHeart Audience Network ranked first in average weekly downloads, followed by Audioboom and Cumulus Podcast Network.
"Stuff You Should Know" led individual podcasts in average weekly downloads, followed by "Pod Save America" and "My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark."
Triton also found that smaller podcast categories can deliver highly concentrated audiences for advertisers. Technology, despite reaching just 2.3% of listeners, indexed strongly among luxury shoppers, business travelers, senior decision makers and consumers with at least $250,000 in investable assets. Business, with 11.4% reach, had the strongest index for listeners with household incomes of $100,000 or more.
Fiction showed a particularly strong concentration of listeners ages 18-24, while Kids & Family indexed heavily among mothers. Music, with 6.2% reach, remained the category with the strongest concentration of Black/African American listeners.
"Smaller genres deliver hyper-concentrated purchase intent and premium audiences that are hard to find anywhere else in audio," Battaglia said.
Audacy Partners with Bunnie Xo for Dumb Blonde
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 2:37pm CT |
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Audacy has entered into a partnership with creator and #1 New York Times bestselling author Alisa "Bunnie Xo" DeFord to exclusively handle sales and distribution for her "Dumb Blonde" podcast. The agreement expands Audacy's portfolio of entertainment and women's lifestyle programming while providing the podcast with additional opportunities to grow its audience and advertising business across platforms.
"Dumb Blonde" features Bunnie Xo and her guests discussing relationships, trauma, embarrassing experiences and other aspects of their personal lives. Previous guests have included Dolly Parton, Jon Bon Jovi, Denise Richards, Sharon Osbourne, Bam Margera, Elle King, Miranda Lambert, Joel Madden, Wiz Khalifa and Machine Gun Kelly.
"What started as a little girl's love for radio has grown beyond anything I could've imagined," said Bunnie Xo. "I'm so proud to announce a partnership with Audacy, one of America's largest multiplatform audio networks."
She added, "As our newest season begins, I'm endlessly grateful for every soul who has trusted me with their story. Here's to proving people wrong, breaking ceilings, and reminding women everywhere that anything is possible when you set your soul on fire and refuse to let go."
"Bunnie Xo is unapologetically herself, and she's built something truly special with 'Dumb Blonde,'" said Audacy Head of Podcasts Leah Reis-Dennis. "Her raw, hilarious, and deeply authentic conversations have established the show as one of the most fun and of-the-moment destinations for comedy and women's lifestyle fans."
Reis-Dennis said Audacy plans to expand the podcast's reach across platforms while developing new opportunities for advertisers seeking to reach Bunnie Xo's audience.
New episodes of "Dumb Blonde" are released Mondays, along with regular "Ask, Tell, Confess" episodes. The show is available on YouTube and major podcast platforms.
iHeart, Butler/Till Launch Agentic Audio Campaign
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 2:48pm CT |
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Butler/Till and iHeartMedia have completed what the companies describe as the advertising industry's first agentic streaming audio media campaign, using an AI-powered workflow to purchase premium streaming audio inventory.
The campaign was launched for an unnamed U.S. agricultural solutions company and used artificial intelligence to participate directly in media buying while operating within advertiser-defined objectives, business rules and human oversight.
Unlike traditional automated buying systems that follow predefined workflows, agentic media buying allows AI agents to evaluate campaign objectives, identify opportunities and execute approved buying decisions dynamically. Human teams remain responsible for strategy, governance and oversight.
The companies said the campaign also produced measurable efficiencies. The agentic buy delivered streaming audio 42% more efficiently than the advertiser's traditional direct-buying benchmark.
In podcasting, 48% of impressions were delivered in high-value, non-skippable mid-roll positions, compared with 33% allocated to mid-roll placements under the advertiser's traditional plan. Butler/Till and iHeart said those gains were achieved while maintaining access to comparable premium inventory.
"We're constantly exploring new opportunities for brands to connect with audiences at scale and pioneering new ways to modernize audio advertising, making it more accessible, efficient and effective," said iHeartMedia Chief Business Officer Lisa Coffey.
Coffey said the Butler/Till campaign demonstrates how AI could create a more dynamic and efficient advertising marketplace while maintaining the quality, scale and accountability advertisers expect.
The streaming campaign is also a precursor to iHeartMedia's plans for its broadcast business. The company said it expects to make broadcast radio inventory available through agentic transactions later this year.
That initiative builds on iHeart's recently introduced AudioGraph platform, which is designed to bring digital-style targeting, identity-based planning, measurement and attribution to broadcast radio.
Until now, agentic media buying has largely been confined to channels already available through programmatic advertising systems. Extending the technology to broadcast radio would bring agentic transactions to inventory traditionally purchased outside those systems.
iHeart Study Finds Gen Z Turning to Radio for Connection
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 3:45pm CT |
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New research from iHeartMedia suggests Gen Z's desire for community and shared experiences is helping drive engagement with broadcast radio, particularly when young listeners are with friends and family.
The study, conducted by Critical Mass Media, examined Gen Z's relationship with audio and found that younger consumers increasingly view radio as a low-pressure way to share music without the judgment they can experience on social media or when selecting their own playlists.
According to Nielsen data cited by iHeartMedia, broadcast radio reaches 90% of teenagers ages 13-19 monthly, compared with 75% for YouTube, 58% for TikTok and 26% for ad-supported Spotify. Edison Research's Share of Ear estimates radio accounts for 47% of Gen Z's ad-supported audio time, versus 31% for streaming music and 21% for podcasts.
"While Gen Z is conventionally thought to want everything on-demand and tailored to their needs, the data shows that teenagers are gravitating to the safety and anonymity of radio to create community," said iHeartMedia President of Insights Lainie Fertick.
The research found that 96% of Gen Z respondents believe the music they choose says something about who they are, while 68% update their playlists daily or weekly. At the same time, seven in 10 said they worry about being judged for the music they play.
Radio appears to reduce that pressure. According to the study, 85% said they feel less likely to be judged when listening to radio with others and 77% consider radio safer or less risky to play in a group. Some 84% said they default to radio when riding in a car with others.
Co-listening was particularly prevalent among younger respondents. Sixty-three percent said they listen to radio with others frequently or nearly always, compared with 42% of radio listeners overall. Gen Z respondents were also more likely to listen with friends, parents and siblings.
The research found that 93% of Gen Z co-listening occurs in cars, followed by running errands at 61%, road trips at 57% and commuting at 54%.
Shared listening also appears to generate conversation. Eighty percent said they like talking with others about something they heard on the radio, including music, artists, news, personality content and advertising. Six in 10 said mentioning a song, artist, brand or product aloud makes them more likely to search for additional information about it.
Gen Z respondents were also 68% more likely than older generations to view radio as a source for discovering new music and content.
"As Gen Z's purchasing power continues to grow, marketers need to understand not just where they can reach this audience, but how influence happens," said iHeartMedia Chief Business Officer Lisa Coffey. "Radio reaches Gen Z at scale in trusted, shared environments where discovery happens collectively and conversations happen naturally."
Fertick presented the findings during a panel discussion with the Jonas Brothers on August 19 at iHeartMedia headquarters in New York.
The Critical Mass Media research was conducted in June among 1,090 adult radio listeners ages 18-64 nationwide. Of those surveyed, 46% were ages 18-34 and 54% were ages 35-64.
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Mac Edwards to Step Down After 35 Years at Beasley
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 10:38am CT |
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Beasley Media Group Vice President and Charlotte Market Manager Mac Edwards will step down September 4, concluding a 35-year career with the company. Edwards, who oversees Beasley's six-station Charlotte cluster, joined the company in 1991 following three years with Beta Broadcasting in Austin. He began his Beasley career as an air personality and PD at WKML-FM in Fayetteville, NC, before becoming GM of WFLB-FM and WAZZ-AM in 1996.
He later served as Vice President of Operations for Beasley's Fayetteville properties and was named Vice President and Market Manager in 2007.
In 2016, Edwards was promoted to oversee Beasley's newly acquired Detroit cluster, which included WRIF-FM, WCSX-FM and WMGC-FM, later adding WDMK-FM and the Detroit Praise Network. He led the Detroit operation for six years before returning to North Carolina in 2022 to oversee the company's Charlotte stations.
Edwards is a five-time recipient of Beasley Media Group's Market Manager of the Year honor and has been a multiple-time finalist for Radio Ink's Radio Wayne Award for Best Manager. He has also served on executive committees for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, along with community and charitable organizations in the markets where he worked.
Returning to the Charlotte area had special significance for Edwards, who grew up in nearby Belmont, NC, and began his radio career while still in high school. "Beasley Media Group has been such an important part of my life and career journey," said Edwards. "I've had the privilege of working alongside some incredibly talented people, serving amazing communities, and helping grow iconic radio brands across the country."
Edwards said he plans to spend time with his family, including his two grandsons and a granddaughter on the way, before deciding on his next chapter. "Thirty-five years ago, I had the privilege of recruiting Mac Edwards to join Beasley Media Group, and it remains one of the best decisions we've ever made," said Beasley Chief Operating Officer Brian Beasley. "Throughout his remarkable career, Mac has been an outstanding leader, trusted colleague and tremendous ambassador for our company."
Beasley did not immediately announce a successor for Edwards in Charlotte.
The Diamond Launches on WLMZ-HD3 Wilkes Barre
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 2:10pm CT |
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The Diamond, an Internet-based Hip-Hop and R&B outlet serving Northeast Pennsylvania, has expanded to terrestrial radio with its launch on WLMZ-FM-HD3 (102.3) in Wilkes Barre. The independently operated station is marking its move to the HD Radio signal with 500 hours of commercial-free music.
Originally launched as a digital-first station, The Diamond was created to provide Northeast Pennsylvania with a dedicated Hip-Hop and R&B outlet while offering a platform for local artists, DJs and other voices from the region.
The station is positioning itself as "Where Hip-Hop Shines The Brightest." Its name is a reference to Wilkes-Barre's nickname, "The Diamond City."
"The Diamond was created with the vision to bring the culture to the 570," said owner Anthony Ruiz. "Getting onto a terrestrial signal is a huge milestone for us. We've built this from the ground up, and now we're excited to bring the station to an even larger audience across the region."
Programming will include contemporary Hip-Hop and R&B, specialty mixes, local music, interviews, entertainment and original programming.
The Diamond said it will also continue its focus on connecting local artists, businesses and community organizations with its audience as it expands its presence throughout the Wyoming Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania.
The Next Round Joins Clay Travis' Sport & State
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 10:46am CT |
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The Next Round, the Birmingham-based digital sports platform hosted by veteran broadcasters Jim Dunaway, Ryan Brown and Lance Taylor, will join Clay Travis' Sport & State national digital media network beginning August 24.
DBL Down Media announced the partnership as a three-year, multimillion-dollar agreement that will give The Next Round additional national distribution while allowing the program to continue operating from its Birmingham studios.
Dunaway, Brown and Taylor launched The Next Round in 2021 after leaving traditional radio. The trio previously worked together at Birmingham sports outlet WJOX, where their relationship with Travis dates back nearly two decades.
Under the new agreement, The Next Round will expand to four hours of live weekday programming from 9am-1pm CT across its existing platforms. Sport & State will distribute the first two hours, from 9-11am CT, providing the show with an additional national outlet.
The Next Round has built a sizable digital audience since becoming independent. According to DBL Down Media, the platform generated more than 240,000 YouTube views and 60,000 hours watched over the past 30 days, along with nearly 80,000 podcast downloads and millions of additional video views across social platforms.
"The Next Round has proven that a great live sports show doesn't have to be confined by a radio signal or a geographic market," said Bo O'Neal, President and General Manager of The Next Round. "What Jim, Ryan and Lance have built is pretty remarkable."
O'Neal said the partnership will not change the show's format or personality but will provide a larger platform for its content and advertising partners.
Travis, who has remained a regular guest on The Next Round, said the addition fits the network he is building around digital sports programming. "The Next Round Live is now going to be doing a new two-hour daily show for my new media company, Sport & State," said Travis, who recalled first appearing with Taylor on WJOX about 20 years ago.
The Next Round will continue to originate from Birmingham with Dunaway, Brown and Taylor maintaining the show's existing format and personality.
Coleman Insights Sets Listener Truth Project Webinar
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11:21am CT |
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Coleman Insights will present "The Listener Truth Project," a new webinar examining what listeners think about radio and how they use the medium in 2026. The presentation, scheduled for Thursday, August 27 at 2pm ET, will feature candid interviews with 10 radio listeners from across the U.S. discussing their listening habits and perceptions of radio.
Originally presented at Morning Show Boot Camp 2026 in Cleveland, the project is designed to give radio professionals a look at the medium from the listener's perspective.
Coleman Insights Vice President and Consultant Jay Nachlis will examine what brings listeners to radio and what drives them away, as well as why they sometimes choose radio instead of streaming services.
The presentation will also explore listener opinions about programming and music, along with radio practices including contests and teases. Participants will additionally discuss their attitudes toward the use of artificial intelligence.
"This is an opportunity to hear how real listeners talk about radio in their own words," said Nachlis. "Set aside your assumptions and spend 45 minutes hearing them talk about what radio does right and what it can do better in great detail."
The 45-minute webinar begins at 2pm ET/11am PT on August 27.
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Benztown Produces Frank Beard Audio Tribute
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11:08am CT |
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Benztown has produced a special audio tribute honoring longtime ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard, who died August 17 at the age of 77.
Beard died while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, TX, with family members at his side. The Texas native had been the drummer for ZZ Top for more than five decades, providing the rhythmic foundation for one of rock's most recognizable bands.
The Benztown tribute celebrates Beard's music, career and influence and is being made available to radio stations for use in programming commemorating his life. The piece is voiced by Darren Silva and was written and produced by Thomas Green.
Born June 11, 1949, in Frankston, TX, Beard joined ZZ Top shortly after the band's formation, along with bassist Dusty Hill. Beard and Hill had previously played together in several groups, including American Blues.
With guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons, the trio developed a distinctive blend of Texas blues, boogie and rock that produced such staples as "La Grange," "Tush," "Cheap Sunglasses" and "Tube Snake Boogie."
ZZ Top reached an even broader audience during the MTV era with the albums "Eliminator" and "Afterburner" and hits including "Gimme All Your Lovin'," "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs" and "Rough Boy." The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Beard had recently stepped away from ZZ Top's The Big One Tour because of health issues, with Michael Monahan filling in on drums. He had also temporarily left the road in 2025 because of an undisclosed medical issue.
Following Beard's death, ZZ Top canceled shows scheduled for August 18 and 19. The band plans to resume touring August 22-23 at ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, a venue described as one of Beard's favorites. Beard's death follows that of longtime ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill in 2021, leaving Gibbons as the sole surviving member of the trio's classic lineup.
Audacy Partners With MeidasTouch Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11:19am CT |
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Audacy has entered into a strategic partnership with the MeidasTouch Network that will make the company the independent media network's exclusive audio sales and distribution partner beginning September 1.
Under the agreement, Audacy will provide podcast hosting and advertising support while working with MeidasTouch to expand its podcast network. The companies also plan to explore additional audio opportunities, including traditional radio and emerging platforms.
Founded by brothers Ben, Brett and Jordan Meiselas, MeidasTouch has rapidly expanded its digital news and commentary operation. The brothers host "The MeidasTouch Podcast," which Audacy says ranks as the most downloaded and viewed podcast in the U.S. based on combined podcast downloads and YouTube views.
New episodes of "The MeidasTouch Podcast" are released Tuesday and Friday mornings, with additional breaking news updates posted throughout the day. The network's programming will continue to be available on YouTube following the move to Audacy.
"Our mission has always been to build the strongest independent news network in the country," said MeidasTouch co-founder Ben Meiselas. "Our partnership with Audacy significantly expands our podcast capabilities while strengthening our advertising operation as we continue growing the MeidasTouch Network."
Meiselas said the agreement is part of the network's broader strategy to invest in independent media, expand programming and increase its reach across platforms.
For Audacy, the addition expands its news and talk podcast portfolio while giving its advertising operation access to MeidasTouch's growing audience.
"What Ben, Brett, and Jordan have built is nothing short of a phenomenon -- a powerhouse in independent media with unmatched scale and audience engagement," said Audacy Head of Podcasts Leah Reis-Dennis.
Conservative Podcasts See Significant Audience Growth
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11:14am CT |
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The Megyn Kelly Show and The Shawn Ryan Show have more than doubled their weekly U.S. podcast audiences since late 2024, according to new data from Edison Research examining shifts among leading conservative podcasts ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Edison Podcast Metrics compared weekly audiences among U.S. consumers age 13 and older from the fourth quarter of 2024 with the second quarter of 2026. The analysis focused on conservative podcasts that had the largest weekly audiences in late 2024.
The Megyn Kelly Show posted the strongest growth among the measured programs, increasing its weekly audience by 115%. The Shawn Ryan Show followed closely with a 107% gain.
Several other conservative programs recorded more modest increases. The Tucker Carlson Show grew 13%, The Glenn Beck Program increased 11% and The Sean Hannity Show gained 5%.
Edison noted that comparable fourth-quarter 2024 data is not available for Candace Owens' newer program "Candace," although the company's latest measurements have documented significant audience growth since its launch.
Other prominent conservative podcasts have lost audience since the 2024 election cycle.
The Dan Bongino Show recorded the largest decline, falling 62%. Edison said the decrease can be partly attributed to Bongino's break from podcasting while serving as Deputy Director of the FBI.
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast declined 44%, while The Ben Shapiro Show dropped 19% and The Mark Levin Podcast decreased 16%.
The Matt Walsh Show was the only program in the group to remain unchanged, posting no percentage difference in weekly audience between the two measurement periods.
The findings come as candidates and political commentators begin ramping up media appearances ahead of the 2026 elections. Edison has previously tracked the role podcasts played in connecting voters with candidates during the 2024 presidential campaign and the 2025 elections in New York and New Jersey.
R Dub! Launches 'Greetings from Slowjamastan' Series
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 2:17pm CT |
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Radio veteran Randy "R Dub!" Williams is taking his self-declared Republic of Slowjamastan to the screen with the launch of a new unscripted comedy series, "Greetings from Slowjamastan." The series premieres Thursday, August 27 at 5pm PT on Slowjamastan State Television's YouTube channel, with new episodes scheduled each Thursday.
R Dub!, Vice President of Communications and Media for Z90 and Magic 92.5 in San Diego and creator and host of the syndicated "Sunday Night Slow Jams," stars as his alter ego, "The Sultan of Slowjamastan."
Radio veteran and consultant Tim Richards appears in the premiere episode, "Big Trouble in Little Slowjamastan." Richards finds himself caught up in the fictional nation's problems with local government authorities, including a visit from a county inspector who could interfere with the Sultan's plans.
"Radio has given me a career where I've been allowed to create ridiculous things for a living," said R Dub!. "This show is basically what happens when somebody makes the terrible decision to give a radio guy cameras, his own country, and no adult supervision."
R Dub! has spent more than three decades in radio as an air personality, programmer, executive and syndicated host. He launched "Sunday Night Slow Jams" in 1994, growing the program from a local Sunday night show into an internationally syndicated franchise.
His Slowjamastan project followed another unusual accomplishment. After visiting all 193 United Nations-recognized countries, a journey he completed in 2023, R Dub! decided to establish one of his own.
He purchased 11 acres in Imperial County, CA, and declared the Republic of Slowjamastan on December 1, 2021, naming himself Sultan. The micronation has since developed its own government, currency, passports, national anthem, officials and police and fire vehicles, along with laws banning such things as Crocs, mumble rap and putting feet on automobile dashboards.
"Greetings from Slowjamastan" follows R Dub! and Chief Porder Batrol Agent Mark Corona as they deal with the unusual challenges of operating a country that isn't officially recognized. The program combines elements of reality television, documentary and comedy.
The first season will also feature appearances by recording artists Jason Derulo, Frankie J and Ginuwine, along with radio personalities, political figures and other guests. Among the storylines is R Dub!'s effort to persuade Frankie J to perform Slowjamastan's national anthem.
Other episodes follow the micronation's efforts to gain international recognition, infiltrate a U.S. Border Patrol golf tournament, acquire additional territory and handle a variety of unlikely diplomatic crises.
Disney, ABC Sue FCC Over Early License Renewals
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 2:42pm CT |
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The Walt Disney Co. and ABC have filed a federal lawsuit against the FCC seeking to halt an accelerated license renewal process for eight ABC-owned television stations, alleging the agency is using its regulatory authority to retaliate against the network over its programming and editorial decisions.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, asks for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction preventing the FCC from proceeding with the early renewals. The stations' licenses ordinarily would not begin coming up for renewal until 2028, but the Commission ordered all eight stations to submit applications years ahead of schedule.
ABC contends the action is part of what it calls a "retaliatory campaign" by the Trump administration because of disagreement with the network's programming. The complaint points to government criticism of ABC programs including "The View" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" as well as the network's decision not to broadcast President Donald Trump's July 16 primetime address on its television network.
The FCC has separately examined whether "The View" qualifies as a bona fide news program for purposes of the agency's political equal-opportunities rules. The proceeding followed an appearance by James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas. ABC maintains that treating the program differently would reverse decades of FCC precedent.
According to the lawsuit, ABC has responded to more than 600 FCC requests and produced more than 13,000 pages of documents during the agency's investigations. The network argues that the underlying target is not its employment practices or individual programming decisions, but the content of its broadcasts.
An FCC spokesperson defended the agency's actions, saying broadcasters have a legal obligation to operate in the public interest and that the Commission has been examining allegations that Disney engaged in illegal DEI discrimination for more than a year.
"Disney is obviously very concerned about the FCC's proceeding," the spokesperson said, adding that the Commission "will continue to follow the facts and law wherever they lead."
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the Commission's lone Democrat, supported the legal challenge, saying she has urged companies to push back against what she characterized as government intimidation and overreach.
"For months, the FCC has waged a campaign of censorship and control against Disney's ABC stations, using the threat of broadcast license revocations to punish a company for speech this administration doesn't like. I have long called on companies to push back against this kind of government intimidation, and I'm glad Disney has shown courage and stepped up. This should be a welcome sign for every broadcaster who has felt the weight of this overreaching government pressure in silence," wrote Gomez in a statement.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has previously rejected claims that the early renewals amount to retaliation. Carr has said broadcasters using the public airwaves must comply with public-interest obligations and has questioned whether "The View" continues to qualify for the news-program exemption based on a 2002 FCC staff decision.
The lawsuit asks the court to immediately prevent the FCC from taking or threatening action against the eight stations in connection with the accelerated renewal proceedings. ABC argues that allowing the process to continue could subject the stations to prolonged and costly proceedings or potentially threaten their ability to remain on the air.
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