Top Radio News

Pillar Media Adds Julia Dietrich as Digital Strategist

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 10:57am CT

Julia Dietrich

Pillar Media has named Julia Dietrich Digital Strategist for its STAR Digital Strategies team, effective November 3. Based at the WAWZ (STAR 99.1) office in New Jersey, she will manage digital marketing campaigns, website development and search engine optimization for clients. Dietrich previously held healthcare marketing positions, including roles at Aeroflow Health and Discovery Senior Living.

"I'm excited and grateful to be joining Pillar Media and STAR Digital Strategies," said Dietrich. "It's a privilege to be part of a team whose work supports a greater mission, and I'm looking forward to contributing in a meaningful way."

Pillar Media Director of Digital Sales Dan Watts said Dietrich's experience will support the division's continued expansion.

"Her digital marketing experience will help us build on the tremendous growth we've experienced in our first 14 months and continue serving our clients well," said Watts. "Just as importantly, her longtime connection as a STAR 99.1 listener means she already understands the heart behind our ministry. She's a wonderful fit for our team."

K-Love Closes Purchase of KNTI-FM in Lakeport, CA

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 11:04am CT

K-Love

Bicoastal Media has closed on the sale of KNTI-FM in Lakeport, CA, to K-Love, Inc. Financial terms were not disclosed. Kalil & Co. served as the exclusive broker for the transaction. KNTI broadcasts at 99.5 MHz with 2.45 kW of power and an antenna height above average terrain of 1,896 feet.

Oregon-based Bicoastal Media, headed by Mike Wilson, owns and operates radio stations in 13 markets across Northern California, Oregon and Washington. K-Love, Inc. is a Tennessee-based nonprofit led by CEO Tom Stultz. The organization owns or operates radio stations in all 50 states.

Kalil & Co. was the exclusive broker for this transaction.

NAB Seeks FCC Clarification on FM Digital Power Limits

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 3:55pm CT

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Xperi and the NRSC are urging the FCC to clarify its interpretation of FM digital power limits, arguing that an apparent change in 2025 has restricted some stations' ability to optimize their operations.

In a November 2 ex parte filing in MB Docket No. 22-405, NAB detailed an October 29 meeting with Media Bureau staff concerning whether hybrid FM digital broadcasts are strictly limited to a total maximum power of -10 dBc under Section 73.404(f) of the Commission's rules.

NAB and Xperi reviewed the FCC's historical interpretation of the rule and asked the Bureau to return to an approach reflected in numerous station-specific letters issued before 2025 granting requests for increased digital power.

The association characterized the more recent interpretation as a "seeming change in 2025 that limits the ability of certain digital radio stations to optimize operations."

Meeting participants included Xperi's Jeff Detweiler and Paul Peyla, Ashruf El-Dinary representing the National Radio Systems Committee, and NAB's David Layer and Associate General Counsel Larry Walke. They met with the Media Bureau's Albert Shuldiner, James Bradshaw and Priscilla Lee.

Layer also updated FCC staff on discussions among NAB, Xperi and aviation stakeholders studying the impact of HD Radio signals on the Aeronautical Radio Navigation Spectrum.

According to the filing, aviation stakeholders have told NAB that compatibility testing is complete. NAB said it expects another meeting with those stakeholders within the next month to discuss their findings.

NYSBA Elects Chris Oliviero Chair for 2027

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 5:05pm CT

Chris Oliviero

The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) has elected Audacy Chief Business Officer and New York Market President Chris Oliviero as Chair of its Board of Directors for 2027. The association announced its new officers and directors following its annual Fall Meeting in New York City.

Joining Oliviero on the Executive Committee are Seven Mountains Media Owner and CEO Kristin Cantrell as Vice Chair, Radio; WPIX-TV New York Vice President and General Manager Chris McDonnell as Vice Chair, Television; WNYT-TV and WNYA-TV Albany Vice President and General Manager Jon Hitchcock as Treasurer; and iHeartMedia President of Upstate New York and Mid-Atlantic Robert Morgan as Secretary.

Oliviero succeeds WBBZ-TV Vice President and General Manager Chris Musial, who concludes his term as Chair but will remain on the Board of Directors.

NYSBA also welcomed four new directors: Pamal Broadcasting Chief Operating Officer Chuck Benfer; WDKX-FM Co-Owner Andria Langston; Nexstar Media Group Senior Vice President and Regional Manager Ron Romines; and Salem Media Group General Manager for the New York and Philadelphia markets Laura Sheaffer.

Returning board members include Alan Bishop, Amy Collins, David Feinblatt, Marilu Galvez, Johnny Green Jr., Lew Leone, Eric Lerner, Chad Lopez, Katelin Tinley, Bernie Weiss and Roberto Yanez.

Marc Jaromin of Roundtable Media and Chet Osadchey of the Buffalo Bills will continue as Associate Board Members.

The association also recognized departing directors Ed Levine, LeAnne Markins, Theresa Underwood, Maire Mason and Jason Finkelberg for their service to New York's broadcasting industry.

"This is an exceptional team," said NYSBA President and Executive Director Heidi Raphael. "Chris Oliviero brings vision and deep market leadership to the Chair, and our board reflects the full strength of broadcasting across New York."

Raphael also thanked Musial for his leadership and the departing directors for their contributions, adding that the association is positioned to serve its members and communities throughout 2027.

Coleman Insights Names Barsoian to Validate Support Role

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 3:34pm CT

Bethany Barsoian

Coleman Insights has named Bethany Barsoian Customer Success Manager for Validate, its attribution platform that helps radio broadcasters measure advertising campaigns' impact on consumer behavior. Barsoian will serve as the primary contact for Validate subscribers, overseeing onboarding, training, technical support and ongoing education.

She will also collaborate with the platform's development and research teams to improve the customer experience and incorporate subscriber feedback.

"Validate is an important part of our commitment to helping broadcasters demonstrate the effectiveness of radio advertising," said Coleman Insights President Warren Kurtzman. "As our subscriber base grows, providing exceptional service and helping customers get the most out of the platform is essential. Bethany will play a critical role in making that happen."

Barsoian's background spans radio, television and digital advertising. She previously supported sales organizations at Cumulus Media in Providence and USA TODAY Co., and consulted with clients at Research Director, Inc.

"I'm excited to join Coleman Insights and help broadcasters turn Validate's powerful attribution data into meaningful results for their advertisers," said Barsoian. "My goal is to make the platform as accessible and valuable as possible for every customer, while ensuring their feedback helps shape its future."

RCS Names Halcomb, Kelly to Senior Leadership Roles

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 12:25pm CT

Tammy Halcomb and Merideth Kelly

RCS Worldwide has appointed Tammy Halcomb Senior Vice President of Products and Merideth Kelly Senior Vice President of Global Client Experience and Transformation. The broadcast software company said the appointments will support product development and improvements in client service.

Halcomb will report to Chief Technology Officer Chip Jellison and lead RCS Worldwide's global product organization, overseeing strategy and development across its broadcast technology portfolio.

She brings more than 25 years of experience in broadcast technology, enterprise software, advertising automation and artificial intelligence-driven product development. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Product Development at Gemini XIII. Her background also includes senior product leadership positions at WideOrbit and Marketron.

"Tammy is a collaborative leader who brings out the best in the teams around her," said Jellison. "Her ability to listen to customers, align development and product, and deliver solutions that truly move the needle is exactly what we need as we continue to innovate."

Kelly will report to RCS Worldwide CEO and President Susan Larkin. She will oversee global client experience, with responsibility for initiatives aimed at strengthening client relationships, improving service delivery and aligning company capabilities with customer needs.

Kelly has more than two decades of experience in media and technology. At WideOrbit, she advanced from onboarding specialist to Vice President of Strategic Solutions, working across implementation, project management, development and revenue operations, and professional services.

She began her career in radio, broadcast and cable newsrooms, including writing and producing the Emmy-nominated series "Seahawks All Access."

"Merideth's appointment reflects our commitment to putting clients at the center of everything we do and to building the future alongside them," said Larkin. "She brings a rare combination of operational depth and strategic vision, and I'm confident she will transform the way our clients experience RCS Worldwide."

Larkin said the two appointments strengthen both the company's product development and its relationships with the broadcasters and media companies using its technology.

Study: 91% of Marketers, Agencies Commute to Work

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 11:28am CT

Cumulus Media | Westwood One

Nine in ten marketers and media agency executives now commute to work at least some days, according to new research commissioned by the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group. The findings are examined by Chief Insights Officer Pierre Bouvard in the group's latest blog post, which connects workplace attendance with opportunities for AM/FM radio advertisers.

An Advertiser Perceptions survey of 304 agency and brand respondents, conducted October 1-13, found that 59% commute all or most days, while 32% commute some days. The combined 91% compares with 63% in April 2022.

The share working in the office all or most days increased from 53% in October 2025, although it declined from 64% in April 2026. Eight percent reported working exclusively from home.

A separate nationally representative Quantilope survey of 1,600 adults ages 18 and older, conducted in October, found that 87% of Americans who commuted before the pandemic currently work outside the home. That places their commuting rate four percentage points below the advertising industry respondents.

However, typical Americans reported more days at the workplace, averaging 4.7 per week compared with 4.2 for marketers and agency executives. Among advertising industry respondents, 51% reported working in the office five days a week.

Bouvard argues that commuting patterns reinforce AM/FM radio's value for advertisers. The blog cites Edison Research's third-quarter 2026 "Share of Ear" report, which found that AM/FM accounted for 81% of ad-supported audio listening in cars and trucks.

Both groups were most likely to work at their workplaces Monday through Thursday, with Friday recording the lowest weekday attendance.

The advertising industry survey also found that 80% of respondents had resumed in-person meetings with media vendors, while 81% had resumed attending in-person conferences and events.

Read the full blog post here.

WKRP Plans Rubber Turkey Drop to Benefit Food Pantry

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 11:24am CT

WKRP in Cincinnati

Cincinnati's WKRP-FM will bring a signature moment from "WKRP in Cincinnati" to life on Thanksgiving eve, dropping miniature rubber turkeys from a fire truck ladder during a fundraiser in Hamilton, OH.

The "1st Annual WKRP Turkey Drop" is scheduled for 7:30pm Wednesday, November 25, at Riverfront Plaza between Municipal Brew Works and the Casual Pint and an adjacent parking lot, according to reporting by WVXU's John Kiesewetter.

Listeners will be able to purchase a $10 rubber turkey, with details to be announced later. The turkey landing closest to a target will earn a cash prize. All net proceeds from turkey sales and commemorative T-shirts will benefit Butler County's Open Door Food Pantry.

"WKRP is bringing the legend back," said General Manager Jeff Ziesmann, adding that "this time we've got it right."

The promotion draws its inspiration from the sitcom's 1978 Thanksgiving episode, in which a disastrous live-turkey giveaway ends with station manager Arthur Carlson declaring, "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!"

The real station's event will use rubber birds and a fire truck rather than the fictional promotion's helicopter. WKRP Vice President of Sales Laura Ziesmann said darkness and potential weather concerns made a helicopter an unreliable option.

WKRP host Dave Mason was scheduled to announce the promotion November 2, along with commemorative T-shirts and hats.

The station began broadcasting under the WKRP identity in May and airs on three stations reaching from Dry Ridge, KY, to Dayton, OH. Since its launch, listeners and sitcom fans have repeatedly asked whether it would stage a turkey drop, Kiesewetter reported.

Fisher House Offers Free Veterans Day Radio Special

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 11:33am CT

Fisher House

Fisher House Foundation's 2026 Veterans Day radio special, "Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey," is now available for download by stations nationwide. Hosted by nationally syndicated personality Larry O'Connor, the three-hour program is offered without cash or barter requirements.

Produced for Talk radio, the special is available for broadcast on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, or during the surrounding holiday period. Stations can register and download the program at radio.fisherhouse.org.

The program features interviews with wounded veterans, military families and people involved in Fisher House Foundation's work providing free lodging near medical facilities.

Participants include Army veteran Jonathan Turnbull and his wife, Samantha, who discuss his recovery after a 2019 ISIS suicide bombing in Syria left him blind, along with his participation in the Warrior Games. Sven Jacobs recounts his family's experience after his wife suffered a hemorrhagic stroke during pregnancy while they were stationed in Italy, leading to stays at Fisher Houses in Germany and Texas.

Additional interviews explore a Navy veteran's treatment for Wilson disease, a Coast Guard veteran's recovery from a stroke and return to activity through adaptive sports, and a Navy veteran's heart transplantation.

The special also includes conversations with Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher and President Dave Coker about the organization's mission and expansion.

"We spend a lot of time on the radio talking about the men and women who defend this country," said O'Connor. "For Veterans Day, I want listeners to hear directly from them and from the families who have lived through the sacrifices that come with that service. These are extraordinary stories, and Fisher House is part of every one of them."

According to the foundation, its network of more than 100 Fisher Houses has served more than 570,000 families, providing over 13.4 million days of lodging and saving families an estimated $690 million in out-of-pocket expenses.

For program information and immediate download, visit fisherhouse.org.

John B. Wells Tops 2026 Paranormal 13 Show Rankings

RADIO ONLINE | Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 4:20pm CT

Paranormal Radio

Talk Stream Live's Paranormal Radio has released its 2026 "Paranormal 13" rankings, with "Ark, Caravan to Midnight with John B. Wells" leading the Top Shows category. Art Bell U7 Radio ranked first among stations, while "Into The Parabnormal with Jeremy Scott" topped the podcast list.

The annual report ranks paranormal shows, stations and podcasts based on listener sessions through Talk Stream Live's Paranormal Radio streaming platforms, including its website, apps and connected devices. Rankings are limited to programs and stations listed on the service.

Wells moved into the top show position after finishing second in 2025, trading places with "Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis." "Coast to Coast AM with George Noory" remained third, followed by "Into The Parabnormal with Jeremy Scott" and Richard C. Hoagland's "The Other Side of Midnight."

Art Bell U7 Radio retained its lead among stations, followed by Conspiracy Radio and The UN X Network. In podcasts, "Into The Parabnormal" and "Ground Zero" again held the first two positions, with Whitley Strieber's "Dreamland The Edge of the World" placing third.

The rankings cover programming exploring subjects including supernatural phenomena, UFOs, extraterrestrial life, ghosts, cryptozoology, conspiracy theories and unexplained events.

The Paranormal 13 -- Top Shows:

1. Ark, Caravan to Midnight with John B. Wells
2. Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis
3. Coast to Coast AM with George Noory
4. Into The Parabnormal with Jeremy Scott
5. Richard C. Hoagland - The Other Side of Midnight
6. Fade to Black with Jimmy Church
7. Paranormal Soup with Jason Bland
8. Spaced Out Radio with Dave Scott
9. Infinite Plane Society with Tim Ozman
10. Late Night in the Midlands with Michael Vara
11. The Secret Teachings with Ryan Gable
12. Dreamland with Whitley Strieber
13. Lionel

The Paranormal 13 -- Top Stations:

1. Art Bell U7 Radio
2. Conspiracy Radio
3. The UN X Network
4. Ground Zero Plus
5. Art Bell All Day Radio
6. Paranormal UK Radio
7. Para X Radio
8. Anomaly Radio
9. Fringe FM
10. The VARA Network
11. Alien Dreams Radio
12. Roswell UFO Radio
13. BBS Radio

The Paranormal 13 -- Top Podcasts:

1. Into The Parabnormal with Jeremy Scott
2. Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis
3. Dreamland The Edge of the World with Whitley Strieber
4. Richard Syrett Strange Planet
5. Paranormal UK Radio
6. Behind The Paranormal with Paul & Ben Eno
7. Dark History by Bailey Sarian
8. Bigfoot Terror in the Woods
9. Belief Hole Podcast
10. 13 O'Clock Podcast
11. Astonishing Legends
12. American Hauntings Podcast
13. Where Did The Road Go

Valentine Returns to Hubbard as Alexandria-Wadena GM

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 30, 2026 | 2:44pm CT

Kris Valentine

Hubbard Radio has named Kris Valentine as General Manager of its Alexandria and Wadena, MN operations, returning him to the markets where he served as Operations Manager from 2020 to 2023. He and his wife, Chelsea, will also bring the "Kris & Chelsea" show back to mornings on Country KIKV-FM (100.7 KIK-FM).

Valentine will oversee KIKV-FM, KULO-FM, KKWS-FM, KNSP-AM, KWAD-AM and 2060 Digital. Chelsea will lead social media strategy for both markets.

Valentine most recently served as Director of Country Programming for Leighton Media, where he also co-hosted afternoons with Chelsea. He became Program Director of Leighton's KZPK in St. Cloud in December 2023 before being promoted to the group programming role in November 2025.

His earlier experience includes programming KZPK from 2016 to 2018, afternoon hosting positions at KMNB in Minneapolis and KWJJ in Portland, OR, and on-air roles at KYGO in Denver, KEEY in Minneapolis and KHAK in Cedar Rapids.

"I'm incredibly excited to return to Hubbard and take on the General Manager role for Alexandria and Wadena," said Valentine. "I have a lot of history with these markets, and I'm excited to come back, build on what's already there, and help take Alexandria and Wadena to new heights."

Chelsea said returning to the company and the morning show carries particular significance because Alexandria is home. "Returning alongside Kris to bring the Kris & Chelsea Show back to mornings feels like coming full circle," she said. "I'm also excited to serve again as a community ambassador and digital brand strategist."

Hubbard Minnesota President/Region Manager Dan Seeman welcomed the pair's return. "Kris is an incredible talent and programming mind. He has proved it with great success at every stop in his career," said Seeman. "We are so excited to have him lead our heritage radio properties and 2060 Digital in Alexandria and Wadena."

Cumulus Plans ZoneCasting Launch at Boston's WXLO

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 30, 2026 | 1:36pm CT

WXLO-FM (104.5 XLO) in Boston

Cumulus Media plans to introduce ZoneCasting technology at WXLO-FM (104.5 XLO) in Boston during the first quarter of 2027, enabling the station to air different commercials simultaneously in separate geographic portions of the market.

The deployment, announced in partnership with Aktira, will allow WXLO to deliver targeted advertising in a designated zone east of Route 128 while listeners outside that area continue to receive the station's primary broadcast.

Advertisers could use the service to promote specific retail locations or offers to listeners within the zone while a different commercial airs elsewhere. Cumulus said the technology will give local, regional and national businesses additional flexibility to tailor campaigns within Greater Boston.

The initiative also complements Cumulus' use of Xperi's DTS AutoStage platform, which provides near-real-time information about in-car radio listening. "Cumulus is bringing together two complementary technologies to make local radio more relevant and measurable," said Cumulus Media Vice President/Market Manager Bob Goodell.

Goodell said more than 90,000 connected vehicles in Boston provide daily radio listening data through DTS AutoStage, offering insight into where in-car listening occurs. ZoneCasting will allow the station to deliver selected advertising and content to specific portions of the market.

"Together, they allow our customers to better take advantage of where people are listening, not just where they live," he said.

"Cumulus is demonstrating what the next generation of local radio can look like," said GeoBroadcast Solutions CEO Chris Devine. "This deployment preserves the broad reach of FM while giving the station greater flexibility to serve the distinct communities within a large, diverse market."

Cincinnati's STAR 93.3 Flips to All-Christmas Music

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 4:14pm CT

WAKW-FM (STAR 93.3) in Cincinnati

Pillar Media's WAKW-FM (STAR 93.3) in Cincinnati switched to around-the-clock Christmas music at midnight November 1, launching its seasonal "Cincinnati's Christmas STAR" programming for the Tri-State area. The holiday playlist includes classics from Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra alongside contemporary favorites from Mariah Carey and Pentatonix.

"Over the years, the arrival of Cincinnati's Christmas STAR has become a beloved tradition for our listeners," said Pillar Media Chief Programming Officer Matt Stockman. "We're thrilled to take part in the unofficial kick-off of the holiday season."

STAR 93.3 midday personality Kristen James said listener requests for Christmas music begin months before the seasonal switch.

"Christmas is such a joyful time for so many people who listen to STAR. We start getting requests for Christmas music in July!" said James. "So, to be able to get the season started a little early for those who enjoy it, and to have the opportunity to brighten their day with holiday tunes they love, is such a blessing."

TM Studios Offers Free Midterm Election Theme to Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 5:56pm CT

TM Studios

TM Studios is offering a free election coverage theme to every U.S. radio station ahead of the midterm elections. The theme is available now with no license fees.

Designed for use across music, News and Talk formats, the theme can accompany brief election updates between songs or extended results coverage. Stations can continue using it throughout the week for races that take longer to call.

TM Studios describes the theme as steady, authoritative and nonpartisan, intended to keep attention on election results. "Election night is one of those moments when local radio matters most," said TM Studios CEO Greg Clancy. "People turn to the voices they trust to find out what's happening in their town, their district and their state."

Clancy said the offer is intended to support stations facing staffing and budget constraints. "We know many stations are doing that work with smaller teams and tighter budgets, and we wanted to take one thing off their plate," he said. "Radio has been good to TM for a long time. This is our way of saying thank you to the people doing the work."

The election coverage theme is available now. Download the free package here.

FCC Seeks Comment on FM Short-Spacing Rule Petition

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 30, 2026 | 4:30pm CT

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The FCC's Media Bureau is seeking public comment on a petition that would give FM broadcasters additional flexibility to relocate transmission facilities from aging towers or lost tower sites while maintaining interference protections for other stations.

The Bureau opened MB Docket No. 26-303 in an October 29 public notice addressing an amended petition from Charles M. Anderson. Comments are due December 14, 2026, with reply comments due January 13, 2027.

Anderson proposes adding subsection (f) to Section 73.215 of the FCC's rules, allowing exceptions to the minimum distance limitations in subsection (e). Applicants would have to demonstrate that their proposed facilities would cause no greater interference to short-spaced stations than would occur at the minimum distances specified in the existing provision.

According to the Bureau's summary, Anderson argues that the current distance limits leave existing FM stations no leeway to move from aging towers or lost sites to existing towers.

Anderson initially petitioned the Commission on February 2 to delete subsection (e). His June 16 amendment instead would retain that provision and add a mechanism for exceptions based on an interference showing.

The Bureau said it received supporting letters from Urban One President and CEO Alfred C. Liggins III, dated July 23, and Marble City Media President and CEO Lee Perryman, dated August 20.

In a separate supporting comment, former Illinois station licensee Randal J. Miller argued that the change would help broadcasters maintain service to their communities. Miller, who said he spent 43 years as a licensee before retiring in August 2025, urged the FCC to place greater emphasis on improving existing facilities.

The Bureau has opened the proceeding for public input and has not adopted the requested rule change. Filings can be submitted through the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System under docket number 26-303.

Longtime KRBE Personality Jerome 'YoJ' Ronquillo Dies

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 3:59pm CT

Jerome 'YoJ' Ronquillo

Jerome "YoJ" Ronquillo, a Houston radio personality and production director who spent more than three decades at KRBE-FM (104.1), died October 29 at age 57. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on January 1, though the station did not disclose a cause of death.

Ronquillo began his radio career at KRBE in 1994, handling on-air shifts, live club broadcasts and commercial work. KRBE Content Director Leslie Whittle confirmed to Chron that he most recently served as the station's production director.

In a Facebook tribute, KRBE remembered Ronquillo for his humor, enthusiasm and connection with colleagues and listeners. "YoJ was the life of the party," the station wrote. "His one-line zingers during meetings would make us inappropriately crack up every single time!"

The station also recalled his love of food and Houston sports, particularly the University of Houston, along with his skill at smoking ribs.

In September, Ronquillo performed a sold-out stand-up comedy set at the Houston Improv. The Houston mayor's office proclaimed the date of the performance, September 17, as "YoJ Day."

Following his cancer diagnosis, longtime friend and fellow radio personality Paul "Cubby" Bryant organized a fundraiser in March to help Ronquillo and his wife, Maggie, cover treatment and related expenses.

Bryant remembered their 32-year friendship in a Facebook post, saying he was able to speak with Ronquillo by phone shortly before his death. "Those words matter, and I'm grateful they didn't go unsaid," Bryant wrote.

Ronquillo is survived by his wife, Maggie.

NPR Names David Berzin SVP of Product and Data

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 30, 2026 | 4:36pm CT

David Berzin

NPR has appointed David Berzin Senior Vice President, Product and Data, overseeing its digital product and data strategy. He will lead development of audience-facing products designed to increase engagement and diversify revenue, along with data-sharing infrastructure supporting NPR products and tools used across its network.

Berzin joins NPR from Hearst Magazines, where he served as Vice President, Product, International. In that role, he expanded the company's audience platform across its international portfolio and led artificial intelligence initiatives for technology teams and editors.

"Serving our audiences means bringing the same ambition and curiosity to our digital products that we bring to our journalism and storytelling," said NPR Chief Operating Officer Ryan Merkley. "David brings a combination of product leadership, technical expertise, and experience working across networks of media brands."

At NPR, Berzin will focus on making its journalism, music and cultural programming accessible and discoverable as audience needs change. His responsibilities also include strengthening the digital infrastructure connecting NPR and its member stations.

"I've spent my career building products at big media companies and mission-driven startups," said Berzin. "NPR is the rare place that brings together that focus and sense of purpose. I look forward to partnering with our member stations and continuing to make NPR's journalism, music, and storytelling something people choose every day."

Previously, Berzin developed audience measurement, identity and advertising products at Viacom and led MTV's social platform and early partnerships with emerging social networks. He also held product leadership positions at Vori Health, Parsley Health and Mindbloom.

He began his career launching digital video for The New York Times, WhiteHouse.gov and Conde Nast.