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Top Radio News
iHeart Q1 Revenue Up on Digital, Podcast Gains
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 11, 2026 | 3:23pm CT |
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iHeartMedia reported first quarter 2026 results showing revenue growth driven by its digital audio and podcasting businesses, despite declines in profitability and continued pressure on cash flow.
The company posted total revenue of $884 million for the quarter ended March 31, up 9.6% from a year earlier. Operating income improved to $1.5 million compared to a loss of $25 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Digital Audio Group revenue increased 18% to $327 million, fueled by a 27% jump in podcast revenue and a 12% gain in other digital advertising. The segment remained a key growth driver, although its adjusted EBITDA was essentially flat year-over-year.
The company's Multiplatform Group, which includes broadcast radio, reported revenue of $493 million, up 4%, but saw adjusted EBITDA decline 33% due in part to higher expenses tied to strategic marketing initiatives and softer broadcast advertising demand.
Overall adjusted EBITDA fell 11.4% to $93 million. iHeart also reported negative free cash flow of $114 million and cash used for operating activities of $93 million during the quarter.
CEO Bob Pittman said the company expects 2026 to benefit from the midterm election cycle and reaffirmed full-year guidance, including approximately $800 million in adjusted EBITDA and about $200 million in free cash flow.
As part of its outlook, iHeartMedia also announced a new cost-savings initiative targeting $50 million in annualized reductions, in addition to previously announced savings measures.
The company ended the quarter with $135 million in cash and nearly $495 million in total available liquidity, as it continues to focus on expanding digital revenue streams and managing its debt position.
FCC Sets FM Auction for Early 2027 with 132 CPs
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 11, 2026 | 2:31pm CT |
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The Federal Communications Commission has announced plans to hold an auction of FM radio construction permits beginning in February 2027, marking the first such auction since its authority to conduct them was restored.
The auction, designated Auction 114, will make 132 FM construction permits available for bidding, including nearly 100 that have not previously been offered. The permits will allow broadcasters to build new FM stations on vacant channels.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the auction is intended to expand opportunities for new entrants and promote competition in the radio industry. He added that the process is also expected to generate value for taxpayers while ensuring efficient use of broadcast spectrum.
The FCC is seeking public comment on proposed procedures for the auction, including the use of a simultaneous multiple-round bidding format, timelines and minimum bid levels. Final rules will be established after the comment period.
Auction 114 will also be the first media auction conducted using the FCC's updated application and bidding systems, introduced earlier this year to improve efficiency and security.
The Commission said the effort is part of its broader role in managing spectrum resources and supporting innovation across the communications sector.
Townsquare Media Q1 Revenue Slips as Digital Grows
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 11, 2026 | 11:29am CT |
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Townsquare Media reported first quarter 2026 results showing a slight decline in overall revenue, while its digital business continued to expand and account for a growing share of the company's operations.
Net revenue for the quarter ended March 31 totaled $96.8 million, down 1.9% year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA declined 9.7% to $16.4 million. However, the company reported net income of $3.0 million, an improvement of $4.5 million compared to a net loss of $1.5 million in the same period last year.
Digital operations remained the primary growth driver. Total digital revenue increased 1.8%, with digital advertising revenue rising 6.8% year-over-year. Digital accounted for 59% of total revenue and 63% of segment profit, both record highs for the company.
By contrast, broadcast advertising revenue declined 6.6% due to lower advertiser spending, while subscription digital marketing solutions revenue fell 7.9%, attributed in part to reduced sales capacity.
CEO Bill Wilson said the company's "Digital First Local Media" strategy continues to reshape its business mix, with growth supported by programmatic advertising, media partnerships and local digital properties.
Townsquare also announced that its board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, payable August 3 to shareholders of record as of July 27.
Looking ahead, the company expects second quarter revenue between $114 million and $116 million, with full-year 2026 guidance reaffirmed in the range of $420 million to $440 million.
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99.1 The Mix Ups Brett Andrews to Brand Manager
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 11, 2026 | 11:09am CT |
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Audacy Wisconsin has elevated Brett Andrews to Brand Manager of WMYX-FM (99.1 The Mix) in Milwaukee. He takes on this new leadership role while continuing to serve as the Brand Manager for WMHX-FM (Mix 105.1) in Madison and Assistant Brand Manager for WXSS-FM (103.7 KISS FM) in Milwaukee.
Andrews can still be heard on-air afternoons on 99.1 The Mix from 2-7pm CT and now on Mix 105.1 from 2-7pm CT.
"Since joining us, Brett has proven to be an invaluable asset, blending a can-do attitude with proactive leadership and versatility," said Molly Cruz, Top 40 Format Vice President, Audacy. "This move reflects our ongoing commitment to putting our strongest talent in the best positions to give our listeners the best experience."
Study: Radio Steps In When Billboards Sell Out
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 11, 2026 | 2:41pm CT |
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A new blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One's Audio Active Group highlights how one advertiser shifted a major outdoor advertising budget to AM/FM radio after key billboard inventory sold out, underscoring radio's continued strength in reaching in-car audiences.
According to the report by Chief Insights Officer Pierre Bouvard, the advertiser used data from Xperi's DTS AutoStage connected car platform to identify where AM/FM radio listening overlapped with desired billboard locations. The heatmap showed radio was reaching consumers in the same high-traffic areas-and beyond-prompting the shift in strategy.
The campaign also incorporated Quu in-dash visual ads, allowing the advertiser to replicate its billboard creative on vehicle dashboards. Research cited in the blog indicates 70% of agencies and advertisers are aware of these synced in-car visual ads and are willing to pay a premium of about 17% for the format.
Additional studies referenced in the report suggest that in-dash visuals can significantly improve campaign performance. A Quantilope study found strong gains across awareness, consideration and purchase intent, with 83% of consumers noticing dashboard visuals while listening to AM/FM radio.
The findings also point to a close relationship between outdoor and radio audiences. MRI-Simmons data shows consumers heavily exposed to billboards are 23% more likely to be heavy AM/FM radio listeners, with similar demographic profiles across both media.
In-car listening remains a key advantage for radio. Edison Research's "Share of Ear" study cited in the blog reports that AM/FM radio accounts for 83% of ad-supported audio listening in vehicles.
The blog also highlights the combined impact of radio and outdoor on digital campaigns. A UK study found that adding AM/FM radio to a media plan increased click-through rates by 29%, while the combination of radio and outdoor drove an 86% lift.
The case study illustrates how advertisers are increasingly turning to integrated media strategies, with radio serving as a flexible alternative when traditional out-of-home inventory is limited.
Read the entire blog post here.
News Radio KBNW Launches in Spokane WA
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 11, 2026 | 5:03pm CT |
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A new locally owned News/Talk station has launched in the Inland Northwest, with News Radio KBNW (107.1 FM & 1230 AM) now serving the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, WA. The station is simulcast on KBNW-FM and KSBN-AM and is focused on delivering live, local news, traffic and weather.
KBNW is led by Keith Shipman, former President and CEO of the Washington State Association of Broadcasters, and veteran Spokane broadcaster Roger Nelson, who brings more than 25 years of experience with KXLY Broadcast Group and Phase 3 Digital.
Shipman said the station is built around a commitment to local service. "Our goal is to provide timely, relevant information that keeps the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene metropolitan area well informed," he said.
Nelson added that the format is designed to be most impactful during high-demand times. "News Radio KBNW is built to be present at the start and end of every weekday, delivering reliable information people can depend on," he said.
The launch marks a reunion for Shipman and Nelson, who previously worked together at KOMO Radio in Seattle.
KBNW's local programming lineup includes Steve Wilke, Joe Paisley, Erich Ebel and Scott Carlon. The station will also carry ABC News updates at the top of each hour and Associated Press updates at the bottom, along with syndicated shows including "Armstrong & Getty," Lars Larson's Northwest-based program and Dave Ramsey.
''Body By Jake'' Launches 24/7 iHeart Radio Channel
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 11, 2026 | 11:14am CT |
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Fitness personality Jake Steinfeld, known as "Body By Jake," has partnered with iHeartMedia and Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) to launch a new 24-hour digital radio channel, Body By Jake Radio, debuting May 11.
The free channel, available on the iHeartRadio app, blends music with motivational content focused on fitness, mental health and overall wellbeing. Its launch coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month.
Body By Jake Radio features Steinfeld along with contributors from the fitness and mental health communities, offering lifestyle and longevity tips alongside a mix of upbeat and inspirational music. The programming is designed to match different parts of the day, with energizing content in the morning, sustained motivation through the afternoon and more relaxed segments in the evening.
Steinfeld, a longtime figure in fitness media, said the channel extends his "Don't Quit!" philosophy into a new format. "Like I've done all my career, we're bringing something to the radio landscape that's never been done before - motivation and inspiration inside the fabric of the best music on the planet," he said.
Steinfeld has been credited with helping pioneer fitness programming across multiple platforms, including early exercise segments on CNN, the launch of FitTV, and the development of on-demand fitness television services.
iHeartMedia President of Programming Operations and Digital Music Jon Zellner said the partnership brings Steinfeld's experience to a broader audience. UMe Chairman Bruce Resnikoff added that the channel combines the company's music catalog with programming focused on mental health and wellness.
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SiriusXM Details 2026 PGA Championship Coverage
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 11, 2026 | 2:44pm CT |
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SiriusXM has announced its broadcast plans for the 2026 PGA Championship, set for May 14-17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, PA. The satellite radio provider will deliver live play-by-play coverage of the tournament, co-produced with Westwood One. Coverage begins at 1pm ET for the first and second rounds on Thursday and Friday, and at 2pm ET for the weekend rounds.
Veteran broadcaster Brian Katrek will serve as lead play-by-play voice, joined by former PGA Tour professional Brendon de Jonge as lead analyst. On-course reporting will be provided by Emilia Doran, Dennis Paulson and Raymond Burns, tracking featured groups throughout the ???????.
SiriusXM will also offer live look-ins during morning and early afternoon programming, with commentary from Michael Breed, George Savaricas and Will MacKenzie. Jason Sobel will contribute from the booth and conduct post-round interviews with players.
Following each round, the network will air a two-hour recap show hosted by Gary Williams.
Listeners can access coverage on SiriusXM channel 92 and via the SiriusXM app. In addition to live tournament coverage, SiriusXM will produce daily original talk programming throughout PGA Championship week, beginning at 7am ET on weekdays and 9am ET on weekends.
Special programming will include "The Rocco Hour," hosted by 2016 Senior PGA Champion Rocco Mediate, airing Monday through Wednesday evenings, and "PGA of America Radio," hosted by David Marr III, airing live on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Cumulus Realigns Atlanta Signals, Sells 97.9
| RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 8:39pm CT |
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Cumulus Media has announced the pending sale of its 97.9 FM translator in Atlanta, alongside a series of frequency and HD channel changes aimed at improving signal efficiency and supporting long-term brand growth.
As part of the realignment, W250BC (OG 97.9) Atlanta's Classic Hip Hop, will move from 97.9 FM to 98.9 FM and shift from WWWQ-FM-HD3 to WWWQ-FM-HD2. In the interim, OG will be simulcast on both 97.9 FM and 98.9 FM until the translator sale is completed.
Meanwhile, WNNX-FM (99X) will continue broadcasting on 100.5 FM but will discontinue its simulcast on 98.9 FM and WWWQ-FM-HD2.
Cumulus Atlanta Vice President and Market Manager Justin Schaflander said the moves reflect a strategic effort to optimize the company's local assets. "The pending sale of the 97.9 FM translator, together with these frequency realignments, reflects our disciplined approach to optimizing our Atlanta assets," he said. "These moves strengthen signal efficiency and position our brands for continued growth."
Cumulus Media operates four stations in the Atlanta market: WKHX-FM (New Country 101.Five), WNNX-FM & HD (99X), WWWQ-FM (Q99.7), and WWWQ-FM-HD2 (OG 98.9).
Michael Johnson Jr. Named PD for iHeart Hartford
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 8, 2026 | 2:20pm CT |
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iHeartMedia Hartford and New Haven has appointed Michael Johnson Jr. as Program Director for its Sports and Talk outlets, effective immediately. In his new role, Johnson will oversee WUCS (Fox Sports 97.9), home of the UConn Sports Radio Network, along with WPOP-AM (NewsRadio 1410) in Hartford and 960 WELI-AM and WAVZ-AM (Fox Sports 1300) in New Haven.
"Michael's energy, passion and leadership make him a strong fit to lead our Sports and Talk portfolio in Hartford and New Haven," said Dylan Sprague, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Boston/Hartford. "These are powerful brands and we're excited to build on their success under Michael's leadership."
Johnson joins iHeartMedia from Townsquare Media Albany, where he most recently served as Brand Manager of WTMM (104.5 The Team ESPN Radio). During his tenure, he also worked on-air as a play-by-play announcer for University at Albany football and men's basketball.
"I am thrilled to begin this next chapter at iHeart," said Johnson. "Sports fans are passionate and engaged. I am eager to grow all of the stations, deepen the connections with listeners and continue expanding our digital presence."
Podtrac April Rankings Show Modest Podcast Gains
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 8, 2026 | 11:10am CT |
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Podtrac has released its Top U.S. and Global Podcast Publishers & Networks rankings along with its Top U.S. Podcast chart for April 2026, showing modest month-over-month gains across several participants and the addition of a new publisher to the list.
Among U.S. publishers and networks, six participants posted increases in U.S. downloads compared to March, while seven saw gains in U.S. unique monthly audience (UMA). Globally, four participants recorded increases in UMA, and two reported growth in U.S. downloads.
Podtrac also added The Volume to its rankings for April, expanding the list of measured publishers.
The Top U.S. Podcast ranking remained relatively stable in April. NPR News Now held the No. 1 position, followed by The Daily from The New York Times and Up First from NPR.
Dateline NBC and Fox News Hourly Update rounded out the top five. Movement within the top 20 included Pod Save America rising one spot to No. 6, while The Ben Shapiro Show slipped one position to No. 7.
Elsewhere, The Tim Dillon Show posted one of the largest gains, climbing six positions to No. 19. ABC's 20/20 also moved up three spots to No. 20. The Shawn Ryan Show saw the sharpest decline, dropping three places to No. 17.
In the publisher rankings, iHeart Audience Network remained the top U.S. publisher with 62.9 million unique monthly listeners and more than 343 million U.S. streams and downloads. iHeartPodcasts ranked No. 2, followed by Acast at No. 3.
NPR Sales Network and Libsyn completed the top five. Vox Media, Fox Audio Network, and The Walt Disney Company were also among the top 10.
DailyWire and Paramount remained in the top tier, while Barstool Sports and PodcastOne continued to rank among the leading publishers by audience and downloads.
The addition of The Volume marked a notable update to the rankings, reflecting ongoing changes in the podcast publishing landscape.
Podtrac noted that its rankings are based on publishers and podcasts that participate in its measurement system for the full reporting period.
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Smigel Launches ''Humor Me'' Podcast on iHeart
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 8, 2026 | 2:45pm CT |
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iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell's Big Money Players podcast network have launched a new comedy podcast, "Humor Me With Robert Smigel & Friends," which debuted May 8.
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning writer, producer and comedian Robert Smigel, the weekly show features a rotating panel of comedy writers and performers helping callers add humor to real-life situations. From speeches and eulogies to dating profiles and apologies, the show aims to "punch up" everyday content with professional comedic input.
The debut episode features "Saturday Night Live" cast member Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidell, who join Smigel to assist an a cappella group in improving its onstage banter.
The podcast was created by Michelle Saks Smigel and will include appearances from a range of comedians and writers, including Bob Odenkirk, David Letterman, Dave Attell, Jim Gaffigan, Ellie Kemper and Colin Quinn, among others.
New episodes of "Humor Me With Robert Smigel & Friends" will be released weekly on Fridays. The show is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms. Visit the show's web page here.
Christian Cultural Center Returns to WMCA
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, May 8, 2026 | 3:12pm CT |
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Salem Media Group has announced the return of Christian Cultural Center to the lineup of WMCA (570/102.3 The Mission) in New York, with a new weekday program hosted by Pastor Jamaal Bernard. Beginning May 18, the program will air weekdays at 5:30am ET, reaching listeners across the New York Tri-State area.
Christian Cultural Center has a long history with WMCA, dating back to 1992 when it first aired short-form features titled Insights on Daily Christian Living. The ministry expanded to a weekly Sunday evening program in 1994 and launched a weekday broadcast in 1996 that remained on the station for nearly 25 years.
Jamaal Bernard was named Senior Pastor of Christian Cultural Center in 2025, continuing the leadership legacy of his father, Dr. A.R. Bernard. Prior to that role, he served in several leadership positions within the ministry, including Chief of Operations, Director of Public Safety, and founder of the C3 Youth Organization.
"Welcoming Christian Cultural Center back to WMCA truly feels like welcoming back family," said Laura Sheaffer, General Manager of WMCA. "This ministry has had a lasting impact on our listeners and our station for decades, and we are excited to begin this new chapter with Pastor Jamaal Bernard."
Saga Q1 Revenue Falls, Net Loss Widens
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 4:00pm CT |
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Saga Communications reported first quarter 2026 net revenue declined 5.6% to $22.9 million, down from $24.2 million in the same period a year ago.
Station operating expense was essentially flat, decreasing 0.2% to $22 million. The company posted an operating loss of $3.3 million for the quarter, compared to a $2.3 million loss in the first quarter of 2025. Station operating income, a non-GAAP measure, fell 62% to $0.9 million.
Saga recorded a net loss of $2.4 million, widening from a $1.6 million loss a year earlier. Diluted loss per share was $0.38.
Capital expenditures totaled approximately $0.8 million for the quarter, with the company projecting about $3.5 million in spending for the full year.
The company also paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share in March, totaling about $1.6 million, and declared another dividend at the same rate payable June 12. Saga said it has paid more than $145 million in dividends since 2012 and intends to continue regular quarterly payouts.
As of March 31, Saga reported $30.4 million in cash and short-term investments. The company said it will discuss results during its earnings call on May 7.
MapQuest Adds iHeartRadio Streaming to Platform
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 10:57am CT |
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MapQuest and iHeartRadio have announced a new partnership that integrates live iHeartRadio streaming directly into MapQuest.com, marking the first time audio has been built into the navigation platform.
The integration allows users to listen to live radio while navigating, with a new "Live Radio" button appearing in the top-right corner of the MapQuest interface. The feature combines real-time directions with access to iHeartRadio's stations, with mobile app integration planned for a later phase.
Through the partnership, MapQuest will tap into iHeartMedia's multi-platform network, which includes broadcast radio, podcasts and events, to expand its reach and brand visibility.
Doug Berger, General Manager of MapQuest, said the collaboration enhances the user experience by pairing navigation with live entertainment. Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for iHeartMedia, said the integration extends iHeart's content to MapQuest's large user base in a seamless way.
The companies say the partnership is designed to combine navigation and audio, offering users a more integrated on-the-go experience.
Beasley Detroit Partners with MBBA on Outreach
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 10:51am CT |
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Beasley Media Group Detroit has announced a new partnership with the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) aimed at supporting Black-owned businesses and expanding community engagement across Southeast Michigan.
As part of the collaboration, Beasley's Detroit radio brands-105.9 KISS-FM, 105.1 The Bounce and Detroit Praise-will use their on-air, digital and community platforms to spotlight MBBA initiatives, promote local entrepreneurs and connect audiences with business resources and opportunities.
The partnership will include a range of on-air features, community-focused campaigns and integrated digital marketing efforts designed to raise awareness of MBBA's mission and programs.
Matt Scarano, Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Detroit, said the initiative is intended to leverage the company's media reach to elevate voices and create opportunities within the communities it serves.
Charity Dean, CEO of the Michigan Black Business Alliance, said the collaboration will help expand the organization's reach and deepen its connection with the community while advancing economic equity for Black-owned businesses.
Both organizations say the effort will focus on highlighting success stories, strengthening community connections and delivering programming that reflects the resilience and innovation of the Detroit area.
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