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Top Radio News
Audacy Stations Coming to SiriusXM Nationwide
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 11:20am CT |
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Audacy and SiriusXM have entered into a new content partnership that will bring 42 of Audacy's sports, news and talk stations from 29 U.S. markets to SiriusXM listeners nationwide, significantly expanding the satellite broadcaster's lineup of local programming.
The rollout begins September 1, when 23 Audacy sports stations join the SiriusXM platform in time for the start of football season. The lineup includes major brands such as WFAN New York, SportsRadio 94WIP Philadelphia, WEEI Boston, 105.3 The Fan Dallas, 95.7 The Game San Francisco and 97.1 The Ticket Detroit.
An additional 19 Audacy news and talk stations, including 1010 WINS New York, KNX News Los Angeles, WBBM Newsradio Chicago, KCBS All News San Francisco, KYW Newsradio Philadelphia and KMOX St. Louis, will be added later this year.
SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein said the agreement strengthens the company's already extensive sports lineup by adding trusted local voices from around the country.
"By adding Audacy's extensive lineup of sports stations, we're making those trusted hometown voices available to fans wherever they are across North America," Greenstein said. "Together, we're delivering an even more complete audio experience -- bringing live games, premier national sports talk, and hometown conversations together in one place."
Audacy President and CEO Kelli Turner said the partnership extends the company's local brands to a national audience. "Audacy's sports brands are deeply connected to the cities, teams and fan communities they serve, and being able to extend our reach nationally through SiriusXM is a natural fit," Turner said. "We look forward to working together with SiriusXM to bring our outstanding talent and content to sports fans and news and talk listeners wherever they are."
The initial sports lineup will include nine stations available to SiriusXM subscribers in vehicles and on the SiriusXM app, with another 14 sports outlets available through the app and in vehicles equipped with SiriusXM's latest 360L technology. The news and talk stations will also be available through the SiriusXM app and 360L-equipped vehicles when they launch later this year.
The Audacy sports stations will be included in most SiriusXM subscription plans, including Platinum, All Access and Music & Entertainment. Eligible subscription plans will gain access to the news and talk stations once they are added to the service later this year.
DTS AutoStage Expands Daily In-Car Radio Ratings
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 2:14pm CT |
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Xperi's DTS AutoStage has expanded its in-car AM/FM radio measurement service to more than 300 U.S. markets, providing audience data from approximately 6 million connected vehicles and, for the first time, overnight ratings across every market.
The latest findings are highlighted in a new Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active blog, which describes the development as AM/FM radio's "big data" moment. According to the report, DTS AutoStage now delivers audience samples that are five to 10 times larger than current radio ratings samples, giving broadcasters access to daily listening trends refreshed every 24 hours.
Unlike television viewing data, which can include viewing in empty rooms, the report notes that in-car radio listening always occurs with people present. It also says the larger sample sizes produce more stable audience trends across markets of all sizes without relying on listener recall or wearable measurement devices.
The blog cites Edison Research's Share of Ear study, which shows AM/FM radio accounts for 85% of all ad-supported in-car audio listening. More than 60% of all AM/FM listening among adults 13-34 takes place in vehicles, while in-car listening represents 57% of listening among adults 25-54. The report also notes that 72% of AM/FM listening among women 18-34 and about two-thirds of listening among women 25-54 occurs in the car.
The blog emphasizes that stations must provide DTS AutoStage with real-time "now playing" metadata from their automation systems to ensure accurate audience reporting. Without that data feed, stations may significantly underreport their listening. As an example, two Townsquare Media stations in Buffalo reportedly saw their combined share increase dramatically after enabling the metadata feed.
DTS AutoStage currently measures listening from vehicles manufactured by 10 automakers, representing domestic, European, Asian and electric vehicle brands. Even the smallest markets now include monthly samples of more than 1,000 vehicles, with sample sizes continuing to grow.
The report also highlights that DTS AutoStage reports audience data for all AM/FM stations, regardless of whether they subscribe to the service. It contrasts that approach with Nielsen Audio's subscriber-based reporting model and cites a May 2026 Advertiser Perceptions survey in which 78% of agencies and advertisers said audience measurement should reflect all media behavior regardless of subscription status, while 66% said Nielsen's ratings have become less reliable since removing non-subscribing stations.
Read Westwood One's Audio Active blog here.
Saga Promotes Paul O'Malley to Revenue VP
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 4:38pm CT |
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Saga Communications has promoted Paul O'Malley to Senior Vice President of Revenue Development, expanding the longtime market executive's responsibilities to oversee the company's digital revenue strategy.
O'Malley, who has served as President and General Manager of Saga's Charleston Radio Group since joining the company in 2018, will now work with market managers, media advisors and clients across the company's portfolio to strengthen consultative selling, expand digital advertising solutions and identify new revenue opportunities.
"I'm honored by the opportunity to help lead Saga's next phase of growth by developing innovative revenue strategies, strengthening client partnerships, and working alongside our exceptional fulfillment partners and corporate team," O'Malley said.
Saga said it will begin a search for O'Malley's successor in Charleston. The South Carolina cluster includes Adult Hits WAVF (101.7 Chuck FM), Country WCKN (92.5 Kickin' Country), Gospel WSPO/W261DG (Heaven 1390/100.1) and Urban AC WXST (Star 99.7).
Before joining Saga, O'Malley served as Senior Vice President of Music and Entertainment at Westwood One. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions with Citadel Communications, including Market Manager in Charleston and Southeast Regional Vice President, as well as Southeast Regional Vice President for Katz Radio. He also served as Station Manager and General Sales Manager at KYSR (Star 98.7) in Los Angeles.
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Veteran Radio Programmer Mike Marino Dies at 60
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 2:41pm CT |
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Veteran radio programmer, consultant and content creator Mike Marino has died following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 60. The news was announced by longtime friend and business partner Jason Hillery, Operations Manager for Midwest Communications in Green Bay, who said Marino kept his illness private and continued working with stations and morning shows across the country throughout his battle.
"Some may be surprised to hear that Mike was sick," Hillery wrote. "He kept it private. He didn't want anyone to worry. That was Mike. He put up one heck of a fight and never let his diagnosis deter or distract him from working with morning shows around the country and programming his syndicated Urban AC format."
Marino spent more than three decades in radio programming, earning a reputation as one of the industry's most versatile programmers and helping pioneer the Rhythmic AC and Modern AC/Adult Top 40 formats. He first gained national attention as Music Director and Assistant Program Director at KGGI Riverside, CA, before serving as Assistant Program Director at KMEL San Francisco.
He later launched KMXB (Mix 94.1) in Las Vegas and went on to program stations including KKPN Corpus Christi, WKRQ Cincinnati, and KHHT (Hot 92.3) Los Angeles. While with Clear Channel, he also assumed programming responsibilities for KYSR (Star 98.7) in Los Angeles.
For the past 25 years, Marino operated the consulting and content companies GotRooster.com, formerly TheBitXChange, and AmeriCountry.com, providing prep services, programming consultation and coaching to stations and personalities nationwide. He also developed and programmed a syndicated Urban AC format and consulted stations in markets including Denver, Fresno and Palm Springs.
"Mike lived and breathed radio," Hillery said. "He loved the industry, he loved the people in the industry, and was always finding ways to help talent improve their craft. In conversations with Mike, he was always brainstorming ideas, always keeping his finger on the pulse, and always the greatest friend."
Marino is survived by his wife, Leslie, and stepdaughter, Jennifer. Memorial service arrangements have not yet been announced.
Jennifer Williams Named Interim Beasley Contact
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 2:54pm CT |
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Beasley Media Group has named Jennifer Williams as its interim corporate communications contact following the departure of Chief Communications Officer Heidi Raphael, who will become President and CEO of the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA).
In an email to industry colleagues, Raphael said her final day with Beasley will be August 14, ahead of her August 17 start date at NYSBA. She thanked members of the media for their support during her nearly nine years with the company.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your incredible support over the past nine years," Raphael wrote. "It has truly been a pleasure working with you to share Beasley Media Group's news, milestones, and stories."
Raphael said Williams will serve as the company's interim communications contact through the end of the year. "Jennifer has played an important role at both Greater Media and Beasley Media Group over the years and brings an incredible depth of industry knowledge, experience, and professionalism to the role," Raphael said. "She will be a wonderful resource for you."
Williams has served as Beasley Media Group's Vice President of Digital Marketing since 2019, overseeing the company's digital marketing strategy, audience engagement and advertiser growth initiatives. Before joining Beasley, she spent nearly two decades at Greater Media, where she was Director of Digital Marketing and previously served as Marketing Director for WCSX-FM in Detroit. Earlier in her career, she held on-air and marketing positions at stations in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Jackson, MI.
A graduate of Albion College, Williams is a past chair and current board member of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation and serves on the executive committee of the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group.
Raphael was recently named President and CEO of the New York State Broadcasters Association, succeeding longtime President and CEO David Donovan, who will remain with the organization overseeing government relations and advocacy.
WFMI's Mike Chandler Receives Honorary Doctorate
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 3:29pm CT |
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Mike Chandler, President and CEO of Rejoice Networks and owner of WFMI-FM (REJOICE 100.9) in Virginia Beach, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Communication by The Williams Bible Institute and Seminary. The honor recognizes Chandler's three-decade career in broadcast engineering and gospel media, as well as his contributions to Christian communications and gospel broadcasting.
A Jacksonville, FL native, Chandler studied at Florida State University before beginning his career as an engineer on NASA's Space Shuttle Program at Kennedy Space Center. He later transitioned into broadcasting, joining Willis Broadcasting in Virginia Beach as a corporate engineer under the late Bishop Willis.
Chandler went on to build what is now Rejoice Networks, formerly the REJOICE! Musical Soul Food Gospel Radio Network, and today oversees the company's operations while also owning WFMI-FM (REJOICE 100.9). He currently leads the network's expansion into digital and streaming media.
"I didn't plan on any of this -- I just wanted to keep the signal clear, first on a rocket, then on a radio tower," Chandler said. "I'm grateful to Bishop Stan Williams and Dr. Dee Williams for this."
Chandler resides in Maryland with his wife, April.
Do Good Fest Raises $200K for Youth Mental Health
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 3:24pm CT |
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WEZF (Star 92.9) Burlington, VT and its five Vox AM/FM Digital sister stations helped raise $200,000 for youth mental health programs across Vermont through the 2026 National Life Group Do Good Fest. The July 11 benefit concert drew more than 10,000 attendees to National Life Group's campus in Montpelier, with the stations contributing tens of thousands of dollars in on-air and digital promotional support leading up to the event.
Star 92.9 also broadcast live throughout the day, with morning hosts Mike and Mary interviewing performers and station personalities introducing artists from the stage. The station additionally promoted the Beats for Good high school band competition, won by the Glam Cowboys from Harwood Union High School in Moretown, VT. The group received $5,000 for its school's music program and opened the festival, which also featured performances by Augustana, Smash Mouth, Neon Trees and Toad the Wet Sprocket.
Proceeds from the event will expand access to youth mental health resources, including crisis support, counseling services and family assistance programs. Funding will be distributed equally among five Vermont nonprofit organizations selected by the National Life Peace of Mind Fund: Clara Martin Center, Community Care Network, Elevate Youth Services, Howard Center, and Spectrum Youth & Family Services.
The family-friendly event also featured a nonprofit village showcasing 25 local charities and community organizations.
During the festival, National Life Group Chair, CEO and President Mehran Assadi joined Star 92.9's Mary Cenci on stage to present ceremonial $40,000 checks to each of the five beneficiary organizations.
"At National Life, Do Good Fest is more than a concert; it's a reflection of who we are and what we stand for," Assadi said. "By bringing people together to support youth mental health initiatives."
NAB Presses Congress on AM Radio Bill
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 17, 2026 | 3:00pm CT |
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Broadcasters from 31 states traveled to Capitol Hill this week to urge Congress to pass the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, joining emergency managers, public safety officials and advocacy organizations in a coordinated effort to preserve AM radio in new vehicles.
The advocacy campaign, organized by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), brought together broadcasters with representatives from AARP, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and local emergency management agencies to emphasize AM radio's role in delivering trusted news, weather alerts and emergency information.
"This week, broadcasters from across the country came to Washington, D.C., to deliver a clear message to Congress: it is time to finish the job and pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act," NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said. "Congress has everything it needs to act. It is time to finish the job and send this bill to the president's desk."
The legislation has gained broad bipartisan support in Congress, along with the endorsement of President Donald Trump and backing from more than 115 organizations representing public safety, agriculture, senior citizens, labor and consumer interests, according to NAB.
Broadcasters and emergency officials used the fly-in to share firsthand accounts of AM radio's importance during emergencies. Sharon Tinsley, President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association, credited her local AM station with helping her avoid a tornado by providing real-time weather updates. James Coker, Director of Alabama's Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, told lawmakers AM radio remains a trusted source of information when disasters disrupt other communications systems.
The advocacy effort also extended beyond congressional meetings. Broadcasters promoted the legislation through local media interviews, social media campaigns and a mobile billboard that circled Capitol Hill highlighting the bill's more than 300 congressional co-sponsors. Supporters also generated more than 40,000 messages to lawmakers during the week, adding to nearly one million letters sent in support of the legislation.
NAB said the measure remains a priority as Congress faces a limited number of legislative days before shifting attention to the midterm elections, arguing that preserving AM radio in vehicles is critical to maintaining a resilient public safety communications network.
Read NAB's blog post here.
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Connoisseur Media Names Saporita SF Sales Manager
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 17, 2026 | 11:31am CT |
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Connoisseur Media West Coast has appointed Stephanie Saporita as General Sales Manager for its San Francisco cluster, effective July 20. She's previously held leadership posts with iHeartMedia, CBS Radio, and Clear Channel Outdoor. Saporita will oversee sales for Connoisseur Media's San Francisco operations, working with local and national advertisers to develop marketing solutions across the company's audio and digital platforms.
"Stephanie is a tremendous addition to our West Coast team," said Tina Murley, Senior Vice President and West Coast Regional Manager. "She is a smart, strategic leader with a proven track record of developing people, growing revenue, and building strong relationships."
Saporita said she looks forward to joining the company and building on its growth strategy. "Throughout my career, I've been passionate about building successful teams, developing meaningful client partnerships, and finding creative ways to deliver results," she said. "I'm excited to bring that energy to San Francisco and work alongside an incredible group of people to achieve great things."
Saporita will report to Deidra Lieberman, who has been promoted to Regional Director of Sales for Connoisseur Media West Coast. Lieberman joined the company six months ago to lead its West Coast national sales efforts and will now oversee all San Francisco sales operations while continuing her national sales responsibilities.
Murley credited Lieberman with making an immediate impact, citing her leadership and ability to identify growth opportunities as key factors behind the expanded role.
Edison Research Releases Top 50 U.S. Podcasts for Q2
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 17, 2026 | 11:48am CT |
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Edison Research at SSRS has released its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. for the second quarter of 2026, with The Joe Rogan Experience, Crime Junkie, and The Daily holding onto the top three positions for a second consecutive quarter.
According to Edison Podcast Metrics, the top five podcasts remained unchanged from the first quarter. Call Her Daddy ranked fourth, followed by Smartless at No. 5. Within the Top 10, Dateline NBC climbed one spot to sixth, while New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce jumped three positions to seventh. Stuff You Should Know slipped three places to ninth, and MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories fell one spot to 10th.
Among the quarter's biggest movers, Huberman Lab climbed to No. 22, while The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett reached the Top 20 for the first time after featuring high-profile guests including JD Vance and Ivanka Trump. The Bill Simmons Podcast made one of the largest gains, rising 17 places to enter the Top 25 for the first time.
Three podcasts joined the Top 50 rankings for the first time. The Rest is History debuted after releasing a series on America's Founding Fathers tied to the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. The Why Files entered the rankings following episodes on newly released UFO documents and moon landing conspiracy theories, while The Bulwark also made its first appearance in the Top 50.
Just outside the rankings, Ologies with Alie Ward narrowly missed the cutoff, placing 55th.
The quarter's biggest decline belonged to The Megyn Kelly Show, which dropped 25 positions, falling from No. 19 in the first quarter to No. 44 in Q2.
The Edison Podcast Metrics rankings measure podcast reach among weekly podcast listeners age 13 and older in the United States.
Salem Media Announces Retirement of Jon Latzer
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 17, 2026 | 11:56am CT |
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Salem Media has announced a leadership transition at its Salem Surround digital marketing agency as longtime executive Jon Latzer prepares to retire after many years with the company.
Latzer played a key role in expanding Salem Surround's digital marketing capabilities, helping grow the business while supporting local markets, sales teams, clients, and vendor partnerships nationwide. His leadership helped establish Salem Surround as a central component of Salem Media's digital strategy.
"Jon has been a tremendous leader and trusted partner throughout his time at Salem," said Jamie Cohen, Chief Digital Officer of Salem Media. "He has helped shape Salem Surround into the business it is today through his commitment to our people, our clients, and our local markets. We're incredibly grateful for everything he's contributed and wish him the very best in his retirement."
As part of the transition, Christian "Chris" Kligora, Senior Director of Multimedia Sales, has been named interim leader of Salem Surround's revenue organization.
Kligora brings experience in digital marketing, multimedia sales, business development, customer success, and sales leadership. Before joining Salem, he held executive positions at Marketron and spent more than a decade with Gannett's LocaliQ and its predecessor, ReachLocal.
"Chris has the experience and leadership to guide Salem Surround through this transition," Cohen said. "He understands our business, our customers, and our sales organization, and he's well positioned to continue building on the strong foundation Jon helped create."
William Cosey and Jonathan Greer will continue overseeing Salem Surround's operations, fulfillment, and client execution to ensure continuity for customers, vendors, sales teams, and internal stakeholders.
Latzer will remain with the company during the transition to help ensure a smooth handoff. Salem Surround provides digital marketing services across Salem Media's local and national markets, including search, social, display, video, streaming, reputation management, website development, and other performance-based marketing solutions.
Skyview Networks Makes Executive Leadership Changes
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 2:08pm CT |
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Skyview Networks has announced a series of executive leadership changes and a key new hire as the company restructures its organization to support future growth, improve operational alignment and strengthen its strategic focus. The changes, announced by President, CEO and Chairman Steve Jones during a companywide meeting, include promotions, new executive titles and the addition of a veteran ESPN executive.
Andrew Kalb (pictured) has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Previously overseeing revenue growth and portfolio expansion, Kalb's expanded role is intended to strengthen coordination and execution across the company's operational functions.
Clayton Nix has been named Chief Financial Officer. Skyview said the new title reflects his growing role in shaping the company's financial strategy, partner services and reporting and analytics initiatives.
Sarah Foss has been appointed Chief Transformation Officer, a newly elevated role focused on driving companywide strategic initiatives and aligning Skyview's technology roadmap with its broader business transformation efforts.
Ethan Aragon has been promoted to Senior Executive Director, Business Strategy. In his expanded role, Aragon will work closely with business development, finance and executive leadership to identify and prioritize revenue opportunities while using analytics to guide strategic decision-making.
Skyview also announced the hiring of Nicholaus Tzineff as Revenue Analytics Strategist. Tzineff joins the company after more than a decade in leadership roles at ESPN, where he specialized in sales and research. At Skyview, he will work across research, finance and sales to help shape the company's revenue strategy.
Jones said the organizational changes are designed to sharpen strategy, improve efficiency and position Skyview Networks to respond more quickly to changes across the media landscape while supporting continued innovation and long-term growth.
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Audacy to Receive $20 Million for St. Louis Cluster
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 5:01pm CT |
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Audacy will receive $20 million for the sale of its six-station St. Louis radio cluster to Hoffmann Media Group, according to an asset purchase agreement filed with the Federal Communications Commission.
The filing provides the first public disclosure of the transaction's financial terms since the companies announced the deal in late June. The sale remains subject to FCC approval.
The acquisition includes heritage News/Talk KMOX-AM/FM (1120/104.1), News/Talk KFTK-FM (97.1 FM Talk), Hot AC KYKY (Y98), AC KEZK (102.5), Urban AC WFUN-FM (96.3 The Lou), and Urban CHR WHHL-HD2 (Hot 98.7).
In a memo to employees, Audacy President and CEO Kelli Turner said the company had not been actively marketing its St. Louis stations but decided to pursue the transaction after Hoffmann Media Group approached the company with an offer that made strategic sense.
"This transaction is a win for both companies as well as for St. Louis listeners and partners," Turner wrote. "For Audacy, it reflects the strength and value of these outstanding brands as we focus our investments on strategic initiatives. We remain a leader in local audio across the country, and we're confident the St. Louis group will continue to thrive under Hoffmann's stewardship."
The acquisition marks Hoffmann Media Group's first entry into radio broadcasting, expanding its growing portfolio of newspapers and digital media properties. Former Audacy St. Louis Senior Vice President and Market Manager Becky Domyan is slated to return to lead the cluster as Market President once the transaction closes.
Audacy first announced the agreement on June 29 but did not disclose the purchase price at that time. The FCC filing now values the six-station cluster at $20 million.
Study: AM/FM Radio Key to Reaching Dodge Drivers
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 3:32pm CT |
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Cumulus Media | Westwood One's Audio Active Group says AM/FM radio remains the dominant advertising platform for reaching both current Dodge owners and prospective buyers, according to a new analysis of Edison Research's latest "Share of Ear" data.
In a new blog post, Pierre Bouvard examines listening habits among Dodge drivers, noting the brand's purchase retention rate typically ranges from 24% to 28%. Because only about one in four Dodge owners buys another Dodge, the analysis argues that marketers must target both existing customers and drivers of competing brands.
The study found Dodge drivers spend 90% of their in-car ad-supported audio listening time with AM/FM radio, making it the dominant audio medium for reaching consumers during commutes and other driving occasions. Across all listening locations -- including home, work and the car -- AM/FM radio accounts for a 66% share of ad-supported audio among Dodge drivers.
The report also found podcasts hold a 21% share of ad-supported listening among Dodge drivers across all locations, followed by ad-supported Spotify at 6%, Pandora at 4% and SiriusXM at 2%.
For advertisers looking to attract buyers from competing automotive brands, the analysis says AM/FM radio captures 83% of all in-car ad-supported audio listening among drivers overall, making it the leading medium for reaching consumers while they are behind the wheel.
The blog also cites MRI-Simmons Winter 2026 data showing heavy AM/FM radio listeners rank among the consumers most likely to be in the market for a new vehicle. AM/FM radio leads all measured media in purchase intent for trucks, SUVs and hybrid/electric vehicles, while also ranking highly for used vehicles, sedans and minivans.
Read the full blog post here.
Case Study Shows Magellan AI Boosts Audio Campaign ROI
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 3:19pm CT |
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A new case study from Magellan AI highlights how performance marketing agency Direct Results used the company's measurement and verification platform to improve campaign performance, streamline workflow and increase digital audio investment for clients.
Direct Results, which specializes in podcast, streaming audio, broadcast radio and YouTube advertising, adopted Magellan AI to address attribution gaps, verify campaign delivery and gain deeper insight into campaign performance across audio platforms.
According to the case study, Magellan AI's tracking pixel provided more comprehensive attribution by measuring post-exposure web sessions, purchases and conversion timing beyond traditional metrics such as promo codes and vanity URLs. The platform also enabled real-time optimization by identifying which shows, ad formats and delivery patterns generated the strongest results.
One consumer technology campaign found that 30-second podcast ads significantly outperformed 60-second spots, generating 41% more website sessions and 43% more purchases while delivering the same impression levels. Based on those findings, Direct Results shifted the campaign entirely to 30-second ads, improving efficiency and return on investment.
The study also found Magellan AI reduced manual aircheck reviews for campaigns running on more than 30 shows from days to hours. Automated airchecks and transcript verification identified live-read and promo code errors, helping recover thousands of dollars in makegoods and credits while improving creative accuracy.
For a home improvement advertiser, improved attribution gave Direct Results greater confidence in digital audio performance, leading the agency to support a 45% increase in digital audio investment over a five-month period. The campaign mix also shifted from roughly 70% local radio and 30% digital audio to nearly an even split between the two channels.
Magellan AI said the case study demonstrates how stronger attribution, automated verification and audience insights can help agencies better measure campaign effectiveness, optimize media strategies and provide advertisers with greater accountability across podcasts, streaming audio, broadcast radio and YouTube.
Vuhaus Group Adds The SoCal Sound Los Angeles
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 2:14pm CT |
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VuHaus Group has added KCSN (The SoCal Sound) in Los Angeles as its newest affiliate, expanding the public media music network's national platform for local artist discovery and performance content.
The SoCal Sound now has a dedicated page on the NPR Live Sessions website, where it will showcase its locally produced music video content alongside other public media music stations across the country.
Founded in 2014, VuHaus Group is the only national content and sales network for public media music stations, providing a shared platform that helps introduce emerging and established artists to audiences beyond their local markets.
"We're extremely proud and excited to be a part of such a respected organization," said Patrick Osburn, General Manager of The SoCal Sound. "We have a lot of top-notch video content to add to VuHaus Group's already impressive roster and are thrilled to be joining their network of highly respected public media outlets."
The SoCal Sound's mission includes connecting listeners with both emerging and established artists, and the station said joining VuHaus will expand the reach of its locally produced performances.
"Joining VuHaus is an exciting milestone for The SoCal Sound," said Program Director Marc "Mookie" Kaczor. "It means our video content will reach a much broader audience through public radio's premier music video platform. We're proud to add Southern California's voice and sound to this collaborative network."
VuHaus Group's network brings together leading public media music stations to highlight regional music scenes while giving local artists national exposure through the NPR Live Sessions platform.
Triton Digital Adds AI Sentiment Analysis to Sounder
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 11:10am CT |
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Triton Digital has introduced Sentiment Analysis for Sounder, expanding its AI-powered audio intelligence platform with a new capability that enables advertisers and publishers to target podcast content based on its emotional tone.
The feature, now available within Sounder's Audio Insights product, analyzes spoken audio to classify episodes as positive, negative, neutral or mixed. It works alongside existing IAB content categories and brand-suitability tools, giving advertisers greater insight into not only what a podcast discusses, but how those topics are presented.
According to Triton Digital, the added layer of contextual intelligence is designed to improve ad relevance and brand suitability. For example, two business podcasts covering the same subject could carry very different emotional tones, allowing advertisers to better align campaigns with content that matches their messaging.
"Contextual targeting in audio has always been about relevance, and sentiment unlocks a new dimension of that, enabling smarter targeting and creating greater value for podcast publishers and advertisers alike," said Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital. "Sentiment Analysis gives advertisers and publishers the tools to make smarter, more confident decisions about where their messages appear, and it opens up a richer understanding of inventory that was previously difficult to evaluate at scale."
Powered by Sounder's AI and machine learning models, the feature evaluates spoken audio at the episode level to generate real-time sentiment signals that can be used within existing contextual targeting workflows.
Triton said publishers and podcast networks can also use Sentiment Analysis to better understand their content catalogs, strengthen direct sales efforts, and attract advertisers seeking more precisely defined brand-safe environments. The launch expands Sounder's suite of contextual intelligence tools, which also includes topic classification and brand suitability scoring, as Triton continues to enhance targeting capabilities across the podcast and streaming audio marketplace.
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