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Top Radio News
K-LOVE Inc. to Acquire WZBA-FM in Baltimore
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 12, 2026 | 2:35pm CT |
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K-LOVE, Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Classic Rock WZBA-FM (100.7 The Bay) and two associated FM translators serving the Baltimore market from Shamrock Communications, with an application for FCC approval set to be filed.
The transaction includes WZBA-FM (100.7 MHz) licensed to Westminster, MD, along with translators W261CD (100.1 MHz) in Baltimore and W298CG (107.5 MHz) in Bel Air. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
WZBA-FM operates with 25,000 watts at 689 feet HAAT, while the translators operate with 2 watts and 250 watts, respectively.
Shamrock Communications is a Pennsylvania-based broadcaster led by Acting CEO Diane Sutter. In addition to the Maryland stations, the company owns radio properties in the Scranton, PA, and Las Vegas, NV.
The buyer, K-LOVE, Inc., is a Tennessee-based nonprofit organization headed by CEO Tom Stultz. The company owns or operates radio stations in all 50 states and is one of the nation's largest Christian radio broadcasters.
Kalil & Co., Inc. served as the exclusive broker for the transaction.
WorldDAB Study Finds Radio Remains Essential in the Car
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 12, 2026 | 2:55pm CT |
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A new international study commissioned by WorldDAB has found that broadcast radio remains the dominant audio choice for drivers, with the vast majority of car buyers viewing radio as an essential feature that should remain prominent and easy to access in modern vehicles.
The research, unveiled at WorldDAB Automotive 2026 in Frankfurt, surveyed 8,000 vehicle buyers and lessees across Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The findings show that 83% of respondents listen to radio in the car, making it the most-used in-car audio source by a wide margin.
According to the study, 50% of respondents identified radio as the audio source they use most often while driving, compared with 20% for streaming music services, 12% for personal music libraries, 4% for podcasts and 3% for audiobooks. Additionally, 31% said they listened to radio every day during the previous week, more than double the 15% who reported daily use of streaming music services.
Radio also ranked as the most important feature in a new vehicle. When asked to identify "must-have" features, 62% selected broadcast radio, placing it ahead of built-in navigation, touchscreen displays, smartphone integration systems and internet connectivity. Eighty-five percent said they would "really miss having radio" in their vehicle.
The study found that ease of use remains one of radio's strongest advantages. Among in-car radio listeners, 96% agreed that radio is easy to use, 87% said it is always "just one click away," and 72% said it is easier to access than other audio sources.
Safety and reliability also emerged as key benefits. Eighty-three percent of respondents said radio is important during emergencies, while 52% said it would be their first source of information during a driving-related emergency. Two-thirds agreed that radio is safer to use while driving than other audio options.
The report highlighted strong consumer support for DAB digital radio. Among DAB+ users, 95% said they like using the platform and 91% said it is easy to access while driving. Respondents cited audio quality, station variety, reliability and enhanced display information among its key strengths.
WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst said the findings send a clear message to automakers and policymakers. "This research gives a clear verdict from car buyers: broadcast radio belongs in cars," Bierhorst said. "Drivers expect it, rely on it and value it - not only for entertainment, but also for trusted information, safety and connection."
The study was conducted by research firm Fifty5Blue and presented during WorldDAB Automotive 2026, an annual gathering of broadcasters, automakers and technology providers focused on the future of in-car radio.
Warshaw Urges FCC to Ease Radio Ownership Limits
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 12, 2026 | 3:18pm CT |
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Connoisseur Media CEO Jeffrey Warshaw is urging the Federal Communications Commission to move quickly to relax local radio ownership restrictions, arguing that broadcasters need greater scale to compete with rapidly growing digital media rivals.
According to an ex parte filing submitted June 10, Warshaw met with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on June 8 to discuss issues tied to the Commission's ongoing 2022 Quadrennial Review of broadcast ownership rules. During the meeting, Warshaw warned that without significant regulatory reform, local radio could face a future similar to that of the newspaper industry.
Warshaw told Carr that over-the-air radio should no longer be viewed as operating in a separate market, noting that broadcasters now compete directly with digital audio and other local media outlets for both audience and advertising revenue. He said radio's share of listening and local advertising has been cut in half over the past decade while out-of-market digital competitors have dramatically increased their share of both.
The filing states that time spent listening to digital audio now exceeds traditional radio listening and that digital media companies command a far larger share of local advertising revenue than radio broadcasters.
Warshaw argued that radio ownership limits, which were adopted roughly 30 years ago, prevent broadcasters from achieving the scale necessary to compete effectively in today's audio marketplace. He asked the Commission to allow radio groups to expand their market presence in order to better challenge what he described as digital giants that now dominate the industry.
According to the filing, Warshaw maintained that achieving greater scale would help provide broadcasters with a stable economic foundation and enable them to continue delivering the local service the FCC expects from radio stations.
The meeting comes as the FCC continues its review of broadcast ownership regulations, a process required every four years. Connoisseur Media owns and operates more than 200 radio stations across dozens of U.S. markets.
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KCMO Talk Radio Lands Mizzou Athletics Rights
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 12, 2026 | 10:57am CT |
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Cumulus Media's KCMO Talk Radio 95.7 FM and 710 AM has been named the new Kansas City-area radio home for Mizzou Athletics under a new agreement with Mizzou Athletics and Learfield's Central Bank Tiger Network.
Beginning this fall, KCMO Talk Radio will serve as the exclusive broadcast radio outlet in Kansas City for Missouri Tigers football, men's basketball and women's basketball. The broadcasts will also be carried on Cumulus Media's newly launched simulcast affiliate, KTOP-FM 102.9 in Topeka, extending coverage across northeastern Kansas and western Missouri.
The partnership includes live game coverage, Tiger Talk coaches shows and additional programming designed to keep fans connected throughout the year. Mizzou Athletics content will also be available through the KCMO Talk Radio mobile app, online streaming platforms, station websites and podcast distribution channels.
"KCMO Talk Radio is proud to be the new home of the Missouri Tigers in Kansas City and Topeka," said Pete Mundo, Program Director of KCMO Talk Radio. "With Mizzou competing in the SEC, the premier conference in college sports, we're excited to bring that energy to our listeners. From live game broadcasts and coaches' shows to exclusive interviews and regular conversation, we're committed to making Tigers athletics a core part of KCMO Talk Radio and building a true home for Mizzou fans across Kansas City and Topeka."
Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch said the agreement strengthens the university's connection with fans throughout the region. "This partnership with Cumulus Media and KCMO Talk Radio ensures our fans across the region will have a strong, consistent connection to Mizzou Football and Mizzou Men's and Women's Basketball all year long," Veatch said.
Josh Pell, General Manager of Mizzou Sports Properties, welcomed the new relationship and said the expanded coverage will benefit Tiger fans throughout the market.
The partnership is managed by Mizzou Sports Properties, the locally based Learfield team that serves as the university's exclusive multimedia rights holder.
Red Apple Offers 'Freedom 250' Holiday Special
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 12, 2026 | 4:36pm CT |
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Red Apple Music Networks is offering radio stations nationwide a new four-hour holiday special commemorating America's 250th anniversary.
"The Freedom 250 Special: Celebrating 250 Years of America" will be hosted by radio icon Bruce "Cousin Brucie" Morrow and singer-songwriter Tony Orlando. The program features a patriotic mix of classic hits and American anthems designed to celebrate the nation's semiquincentennial.
The special will showcase music from some of America's most influential recording artists, including Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, The Ronettes, Chicago, The Commodores, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, Stevie Wonder, Lee Greenwood, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, The Beach Boys and Bruce Springsteen.
"We are delighted to offer The Freedom 250 Special to radio stations as we celebrate 250 years of the United States of America," said Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. "The special program is a perfect companion to holiday festivities, delivering dynamic and patriotic music to radio stations across the country."
The program is being distributed on a barter basis. Cousin Brucie will host the first and third hours, while Tony Orlando will host the second and fourth hours. The special concludes with a joint farewell message from both hosts.
Red Apple Music Networks is making the program available to stations across the U.S. for use during Independence Day and other America 250 celebrations.
Will Calder Named Beasley Tampa Operations Manager
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 2:49pm CT |
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Beasley Media Group has appointed veteran programmer Will Calder as Operations Manager for its Tampa radio cluster, effective June 11. In the newly expanded role, Calder will oversee programming and brand strategy for Beasley Tampa's portfolio, including WLLD-FM (WiLD 94.1), WQYK-FM (99.5 QYK), WRBQ-FM (Q105), WYUU-FM (92.5 Maxima), and WHFS-AM (Sports Talk Florida).
Calder joins Beasley from Audacy, where he most recently served as Director of Programming and Operations for WPOW-FM (Power 96) in Miami and Brand Manager for WOMX-FM (Mix 105.1) in Orlando. He returned to WPOW in 2022 and added oversight of WOMX the following year.
A longtime Florida radio executive, Calder previously held several roles at WPOW, including Assistant Program Director, Music Director, Imaging Director, and midday host. His experience also includes programming stints at Cox Media Group's Power 95.3 (WPYO-FM) in Orlando and Hot 101.5 (WPOI-FM) in Tampa. Earlier in his career, he worked in programming, production, and on-air positions in New York City, Milwaukee, and Chicago.
"Will is an outstanding programmer and leader with a proven track record of building great brands, developing talent, and driving results," said Justin Chase, Chief Content Officer of Beasley Media Group. "Having previously worked in the Tampa market, he understands both our audience and our opportunity. His passion, creativity, and deep industry experience make him a tremendous addition to our team, and we're thrilled to welcome him to Beasley."
Ron deCastro, Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Tampa, said Calder's extensive knowledge of the Florida radio landscape made him a natural fit for the position. "Few people understand Florida radio as well as Will does," deCastro said. "His track record of building successful brands, leading high-performing teams, and connecting with audiences makes him a tremendous addition to our leadership team."
Calder said he is eager to return to the Tampa market and help grow Beasley's local brands. "I'm excited to join Beasley Media Group and return to the Tampa market," he said. "This cluster has strong legacy brands, talented people, and real local momentum. I'm looking forward to working with the team to build on what's already working, continue growing these brands, and create great content and experiences for our listeners and partners."
Calder succeeds Rick Thomas, who recently departed the company.
iHeartMedia Named Official Media Partner of NXXT Golf
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 10:57am CT |
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iHeartMedia and NXXT Golf have announced a major sponsorship agreement naming iHeartMedia the Official Media Partner of NXXT Golf, a deal the organizations describe as one of the largest audio sponsorship commitments ever made to women's and junior competitive golf.
Under the partnership, iHeartMedia will leverage its audio and digital platforms, including broadcast radio, podcasts, streaming services, and live events, to promote NXXT Golf athletes and championship competitions. The agreement also positions iHeartMedia as a title and presenting sponsor for several of NXXT Golf's premier properties, including the NXXT Faldo Junior Tour, the NXXT Women's Pro Tour, and key championship events throughout the season.
NXXT Golf President and CEO Stuart McKinnon said the partnership goes beyond a traditional sponsorship arrangement. "Women's sports, junior development, and innovative competition formats are reshaping where golf is headed," McKinnon said. "iHeartMedia didn't sponsor a tour. They invested in a category - and a generation of players who are about to define what comes next in golf."
The agreement expands iHeartMedia's growing involvement in sports programming and sponsorships. The company's sports portfolio includes iHeart Women's Sports, an audio platform dedicated exclusively to women's sports, along with partnerships involving the NFL, NHL, Olympic Games, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and U.S. Figure Skating.
Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at iHeartMedia, said the partnership aligns with the company's goal of supporting emerging athletes and expanding audience engagement. "This partnership with NXXT Golf reflects iHeartMedia's commitment to fueling the future of sport by connecting fans with the athletes and moments that define the next generation of the game."
Biondo added, "We're proud to amplify NXXT Golf's mission through the power of radio, podcasts and streaming audio - bringing new audiences to the sport and supporting the next generation of elite talent."
NAB Urges FCC to Advance AM Radio Revitalization
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 4:05pm CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is pressing the Federal Communications Commission to take additional steps to support AM radio, including easing antenna efficiency requirements and expanding access to the AM expanded band, according to an ex parte filing submitted June 9.
The filing details a June 5 meeting between NAB representatives Larry Walke, Ben Arden and David Layer and FCC Media Bureau Audio Division officials Al Shuldiner and James Bradshaw. During the meeting, the NAB outlined several proposals designed to enhance the viability and competitiveness of AM broadcasting.
Among the group's recommendations, the NAB urged the FCC to eliminate certain minimum antenna efficiency standards that it says limit station operators' ability to deploy antennas capable of improving coverage while allowing facilities to be located on smaller, less expensive properties closer to population centers.
The association also asked the FCC to remove regulatory barriers that complicate AM broadcasters' access to the expanded band between 1605 and 1705 kHz and to consider opening a filing window for stations seeking frequencies in that portion of the spectrum.
The requests come as the FCC continues to evaluate its long-running AM revitalization proceeding, first launched in 2013. While the Commission closed more than 2,000 dormant proceedings in December 2025, it opted to keep the AM revitalization docket active, signaling that additional reforms remain under consideration.
In its filing, the NAB thanked the FCC for previous efforts to provide greater operational flexibility for AM broadcasters and emphasized the medium's role in public safety and critical infrastructure communications. The organization encouraged regulators to continue pursuing policies that strengthen the platform's long-term viability.
The NAB also said it discussed other potential regulatory and technology initiatives that could further improve signal quality and help AM stations compete in today's media environment. The association concluded by pledging to continue working with the FCC and industry stakeholders on future rule changes and technological developments that could benefit AM broadcasters and their listeners.
The filing was submitted as part of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's "Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative, an agency-wide effort to identify and remove regulations viewed as outdated or unnecessary. For AM broadcasters, the proceeding could represent the next phase of an FCC modernization effort that has already led to expanded FM translator opportunities, relaxed technical rules, and authorization of all-digital AM operations.
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Steinem, Richards to Receive Gracies Torch Award
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 2:42pm CT |
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The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) will honor activist and author Gloria Steinem and producer, writer, and activist Amy Richards with the inaugural Gracies Torch Award during the 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 16 in New York City.
The new award, created in partnership with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), recognizes leaders whose influence creates opportunities for others and reflects BBB's leadership principles of Character, Culture, Customers, and Community. AWMF said Steinem and Richards were selected for their decades-long commitment to advancing equality, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering future generations of leaders.
Richards has been a prominent figure in feminist activism since co-founding the Third Wave Fund in 1992. Through her work with Soapbox, Inc., Feminist Camp, and numerous writing and production projects, she has focused on building platforms that support emerging voices and leadership development.
Steinem, a writer, lecturer, and organizer, has spent much of her career advocating for gender equality and social justice. Her work has helped shape the modern feminist movement and inspired generations of activists around the world.
"Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem have spent decades creating opportunities for others, amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, and demonstrating the power of leadership rooted in generosity and shared purpose," said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. "Their impact embodies the spirit of the inaugural Gracies Torch Award."
The luncheon will be hosted by Rebecca Jarvis, Chief Business, Technology and Economics Correspondent for ABC News. Jarvis is known for her reporting across ABC News platforms and as creator and host of the podcast and television series adaptation of The Dropout.
The event, scheduled for Cipriani 42nd Street in New York, is part of the annual Gracie Awards program, which honors outstanding content and achievements by, for, and about women in media. The luncheon focuses on local and student media professionals, complementing the national Gracie Awards gala held in Beverly Hills.
During the event, AWMF will also recognize Hannah Carranza, recipient of the Make Her Mark Scholarship, created in partnership with Hallmark Media. Carranza is pursuing a degree in Television and Film at Hofstra University and was selected for her commitment to storytelling and media careers.
Additional presenters scheduled to appear include Andrea Canning, Crystal Rosas, Sara Sidner, and Scott Stanford.
Westwood One Set for College World Series Finals
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 12:23pm CT |
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Westwood One and the NCAA Radio Network will once again provide live national radio coverage of the NCAA Division I Men's College World Series Championship Finals from Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, NE.
Coverage of the best-of-three championship series begins Saturday, June 20, at 7:45pm ET, with every game airing nationwide on terrestrial radio stations, SiriusXM, and multiple digital platforms.
Veteran broadcaster Kevin Kugler will handle play-by-play duties for the championship series, marking his 22nd consecutive Men's College World Series assignment for the NCAA Radio Network. He will be joined in the booth by Scott Graham, who returns for his 15th straight year covering the event. John Bishop will serve as field reporter for the sixth time.
In addition to the championship finals, Westwood One and the NCAA Radio Network will partner with Usher Media Group's 1620 The Zone to broadcast the preliminary rounds of the Men's College World Series. The opening stage of the tournament features a double-elimination format, with the winners of each bracket advancing to the championship series.
A complete broadcast schedule, announcer biographies, and station listings are available here.
Futuri Unveils TopLine Enterprise Platform
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 12:41pm CT |
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Futuri has launched TopLine Enterprise, a new revenue intelligence platform designed to help media sales organizations automate key parts of the sales process, reduce administrative workloads, and accelerate revenue growth.
Announced Wednesday from Austin, TX, the platform combines prospecting, proposal generation, account planning, outreach, and pipeline management into a single workflow powered by first-party data and integrated market intelligence.
According to Futuri, TopLine Enterprise was developed following beta testing with several large media sales organizations across the U.S. Early adopters reported an average 11-times return on investment, 34% revenue growth within 90 days, a 2.1-times increase in sales pipeline size, and a 50% to 70% reduction in deal cycle length.
The company said media sales professionals often spend significant portions of their workweek on administrative tasks such as researching prospects, building outreach campaigns, creating presentations, and gathering performance reports. Futuri estimates that account executives lose as much as 18 hours per week to those activities, limiting time spent directly selling.
TopLine Enterprise is designed to streamline those functions by integrating CRM data, audience information, market intelligence, and Futuri's proprietary data signals into a unified platform. The system delivers ranked prospect recommendations, customized account plans, proposal materials, and creative assets intended to help sales teams focus on client relationships and revenue generation.
"Every media company in America is being asked to grow revenue," said Futuri Chief Executive Officer Daniel Anstandig. "TopLine Enterprise gives media organizations a way to do it without hiring, depending on the ad market, or using inventory they don't have. It's the first revenue platform built to close the gap between the data media companies sit on and the deals they book."
Each implementation includes Futuri's Data Platform, which synchronizes with CRM systems including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics. Futuri said customer data remains isolated by client and is not used to train external AI models. The company also emphasized that all outreach, proposals, and account plans generated by the platform require human review and approval before being sent.
In addition to providing sales representatives with automated prospecting and planning tools, TopLine Enterprise offers managers standardized workflows and visibility into team performance, while giving revenue executives access to attribution reporting and pipeline analytics.
Connoisseur Media Partners With San Francisco Pride
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 3:58pm CT |
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Connoisseur Media Bay Area has entered into an exclusive sponsorship agreement with San Francisco Pride, becoming the official radio partner for one of the world's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Under the new partnership, Connoisseur Media's Bay Area stations -- KMVQ-FM (99.7 NOW), KBLX-FM, KOIT-FM, KUFX-FM, KBAY-FM, KEZR-FM, KUIC-FM, and KKIQ-FM -- will provide radio support for San Francisco Pride's annual Parade and Festival weekend, which attracts more than 100,000 attendees each year.
The agreement strengthens Connoisseur Media's involvement with LGBTQ+ initiatives and community events throughout the Bay Area while providing San Francisco Pride with expanded promotional support across the group's radio platforms.
"San Francisco Pride is the kind of partnership that reflects who Connoisseur Media stands for in the Bay Area community," said Tina Murley, Market President of Connoisseur Media. "We couldn't be more honored that San Francisco Pride chose to partner with our stations. We are equally as proud of our Bay Area team, who eagerly jumped in to make this landmark partnership a possibility."
Deidra Lieberman, Regional Director of Sales for Connoisseur Media West Coast, said the company is proud to align with an organization that promotes diversity and inclusion throughout the region.
"Connoisseur Media is honored to partner with San Francisco Pride and support an organization that plays such a vital role in celebrating diversity, fostering inclusion, and strengthening our community," Lieberman said. She also praised the leadership of San Francisco Pride Executive Director Suzanne Ford and the organization's year-round efforts on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
San Francisco Pride is widely recognized as one of the nation's most prominent LGBTQ+ events, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world to the Bay Area each year.
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iHeart Retains Top Spot in Podtrac May Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 3:02pm CT |
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Podtrac's latest podcast industry rankings show iHeart continuing to dominate the U.S. podcast landscape, while audience growth was widespread across the industry in May 2026.
According to Podtrac's Top U.S. Podcast Publishers & Networks ranking, iHeart Audience Network remained the nation's largest podcast publisher and network, reaching 63.1 million unique monthly listeners and generating more than 300.7 million downloads and streams during May. iHeartPodcasts held the No. 2 position with 33.8 million unique monthly listeners and 164 million downloads and streams.
NPR Sales Network ranked third with 19.7 million unique monthly listeners, followed by Libsyn and Vox Media.
Podtrac reported that three publishers in the rankings posted month-over-month gains in downloads during May, while 16 of the 19 ranked participants increased their unique monthly audience compared to April.
Rounding out the Top 10 publishers and networks were The Walt Disney Company, PodcastOne, Fox Audio Network, DailyWire and Paramount.
In the Top U.S. Podcasts ranking, The Daily from The New York Times moved up one spot to claim the No. 1 position, overtaking NPR News Now, which slipped to second. NPR's Up First remained third, while Dateline NBC and Fox News Hourly Update completed the Top Five.
Other notable movements included On Purpose with Jay Shetty climbing two places to No. 11, The Shawn Ryan Show rising four spots to No. 13, and NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! making the largest gain in the Top 20, jumping 22 positions to No. 18.
Loud Media Launches 105.9 GREG FM in Knoxville
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 4:00pm CT |
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Loud Media has launched a new station in Knoxville, introducing the Greg Beharrell-centered GREG FM format to East Tennessee on 105.9 WGAP. The station, branded as 105.9 GREG FM, features the format developed by YEA Media Group and built around the humor, storytelling, observations and distinctive style of syndicated personality Greg Beharrell.
According to Loud Media, the format combines music, entertainment, comedy and unexpected content to create a unique 24-hour listening experience designed to stand apart from traditional radio offerings.
"Radio works best when it surprises people," said Aaron Ishmael, owner of Loud Media. "Greg has built a tremendous following by doing exactly that. His ability to connect with listeners through humor, storytelling, and a genuinely unique perspective makes him a perfect fit for our vision. When we learned about the GREG FM format from YEA Media Group, we knew Knoxville deserved to hear it."
Beharrell, known for his unconventional humor, welcomed the launch in his trademark style. "Launching GREG FM in Knoxville is more than I could have asked for," Beharrell said. "I've long been in awe of Knoxville, specifically, the rarity of the letter x being followed by the letter v which, like Greg FM, seems as though it shouldn't work, yet, somehow..."
The station is now airing throughout the Knoxville market on WGAP and is also available online and through connected listening platforms.
Steve Harmon to Host Opry Tribute to Don Williams
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 11:27am CT |
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Westwood One personality Steve Harmon will take center stage at the Grand Ole Opry this week as guest announcer for "Opry 100 Honors: Don Williams," a special tribute celebrating the legacy of the late country music icon. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 7pm at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville as part of the Opry's centennial celebration series.
Harmon, host of the nationally syndicated "Country Gold with Steve Harmon" and Westwood One's "24/7 Mainstream Country Morning Show," will serve as host for the evening, which will feature performances honoring Williams from artists including Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban and Rodney Crowell.
Known as "The Gentle Giant," Williams was one of country music's most influential performers, earning a devoted following through a string of hits that spanned several decades.
"It's an honor to be a part of history, and a part of a very special night to honor Don Williams and his family," Harmon said. "A once-in-a-lifetime night!"
"Opry 100 Honors: Don Williams" is part of the Grand Ole Opry's ongoing 100th anniversary celebration, spotlighting legendary artists whose contributions helped shape country music and the Opry's storied history.
Love Always Grant Expands WPR Music Program Statewide
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 11:05am CT |
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Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) will expand its Classical Music Day initiative across the state after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Love Always Foundation.
The grant, awarded to the Wisconsin Public Radio Association, will support the growth of the program from its original base in Milwaukee into a statewide performing arts and arts education initiative designed to highlight student musicians and connect their performances with audiences throughout Wisconsin.
Funding will enable each of WPR's regional bureaus in Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Eau Claire, Superior and Wausau to host its own Classical Music Day event. The events will be developed in partnership with local educators, arts organizations and community groups, with the goal of celebrating emerging musical talent while reflecting the unique cultural character of each region.
All Classical Music Day events will be free and open to the public, ensuring broad access for students, families and community members. Organizers say the initiative will strengthen local arts ecosystems by bringing together student performers, educators and audiences in shared community spaces.
Originally launched in Milwaukee, Classical Music Day brings student musicians from schools, youth ensembles and community organizations together to perform in professional concert settings. As part of the expanded program, middle and high school students will also be invited to attend educational presentations by artists featured in PBS Wisconsin Education's "Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin" multimedia collection, which explores the state's diverse musical traditions through artist stories and curriculum-based resources.
Participants will receive take-home educational materials designed to deepen their understanding of the relationship between music, culture, history and community identity.
Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin are services of UW-Madison's Wisconsin Public Media division and the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
Salem Launches Talent Agency, Signs First Client
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 4:08pm CT |
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Salem Media has expanded its presence in the faith-based media sector with the launch of Salem Creators Agency (SCA), a new talent representation venture focused on faith-centric and family-friendly creators. The company also announced that Christian content creator, speaker and media personality Jason Jackson Jr. has become the agency's first client.
Salem said the new agency will provide strategic representation and business development services across publishing, podcasting, live events, speaking engagements, music, film and television. The move broadens Salem's role beyond content distribution and audience development into talent management and career growth.
"For years, we've worked alongside some of the most influential voices in media," said David Santrella, CEO of Salem Media. "Many of them are looking for more than platform monetization. They want a partner who not only understands their audience and shares their values but also has the experience to help them continue building their brands. Launching SCA is a natural next step for us."
According to Salem, the agency was created to address what it sees as a lack of representation firms focused specifically on faith-based and family-oriented talent. SCA will assist clients with speaking opportunities, publishing projects, brand partnerships, media appearances and other business ventures.
Andrew Samalot, Managing Director of Salem Creators Agency, said today's creators are building brands that extend beyond social media platforms and require broader strategic guidance.
Jackson, the agency's inaugural client, has amassed more than one million followers across social media since launching his platforms in 2023. His content focuses on faith, personal transformation, purpose and culture. After initially pursuing a football career, Jackson shifted his focus to ministry and content creation while in college. Today, he reaches audiences through social media, speaking engagements and his talk show, "The Pew."
"I've always believed God gave me this platform for a reason," Jackson said. "I'm excited to partner with a team that understands where I want to go and shares my heart for reaching people with a message of faith and hope."
Salem said SCA plans to continue adding talent as it builds a roster of faith-centric and family-friendly creators. The company operates a national radio network, digital platforms and publishing brands focused on Christian and conservative content.
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