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Top Radio News
WBUR Boston CEO Margaret Low to Retire in June 2027
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 3:12pm CT |
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WBUR-FM (90.9) Boston Chief Executive Officer Margaret Low has announced plans to retire at the end of June 2027, concluding nearly seven years leading the public radio news organization. Low, 67, informed employees of her decision in a memo Tuesday morning.
Low joined WBUR in January 2020 following a career spanning several decades in public radio and journalism. She previously served as Senior Vice President of The Atlantic and President of its AtlanticLIVE events division, positions she held after joining the organization in 2014.
Before The Atlantic, Low spent 25 years at NPR, holding several senior leadership positions, including Senior Producer of "All Things Considered," Director of Satellite Radio Programming, Vice President of Programming and Senior Vice President of News.
"After nearly seven years as WBUR's CEO, I'm ready to pass the baton," Low wrote to employees. "But I'm not racing out the door - I'll be here until the end of June 2027."
Low said she intends to remain involved with the organization following her retirement. After taking several months away, she plans to join WBUR's Board of Directors in the fall of 2027.
The station's board has already selected a search firm, and the process of identifying her successor will begin immediately.
WBUR Board Chair Paul Gannon praised Low's leadership, saying, "She was hands down just the right hire at the right time."
In her message to employees, Low reflected on the organization's accomplishments and its position in the Boston media market. "Together we've faced down a gauntlet of challenges and we're soaring," she wrote. "Our organization is brimming with talent, we're on solid financial footing, we have a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture and we have a devoted audience who values our work and gives because we enrich their lives."
Low will continue overseeing WBUR's operations through June 2027 as the organization prepares for its next leadership transition.
DTS AutoStage Expands Radio Measurement to 550 Markets
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 3:00pm CT |
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Xperi Inc. has announced a major expansion of its DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal, adding 246 U.S. markets and bringing its total audience measurement coverage to 550 markets across 49 states. The expansion includes 173 previously under-measured small and mid-sized radio markets.
The company also introduced additional features, including weekday and weekend station rankings and enhanced reporting capabilities for Premium subscribers. Xperi will demonstrate the expanded platform during NAB Show New York, October 21-22, at the Javits Center.
"Until now, reliable radio data has mostly been a 'big-market' advantage. The AutoStage Broadcaster Portal changes that by bringing actionable listening insights to broadcasters who have never had them," said Joe D'Angelo, Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Partnerships at Xperi.
"For example, a station in a smaller town of 20,000 people can now see its audience data with the same clarity as a station in New York or Los Angeles," he added.
The AutoStage platform collects more than 48 million hours of in-vehicle AM/FM listening data monthly. The latest expansion adds approximately one million vehicles, bringing the platform's total U.S. coverage to 7.7 million vehicles. According to Xperi, each newly added market includes data from at least 1,600 vehicles.
Newly covered markets include Grand Junction, CO; Altoona, PA; Ithaca, NY; and Key West, FL. North Carolina and Texas lead the expansion with 17 additional markets each, while Ohio's coverage has more than doubled. Cheyenne, WY, also gains access to AutoStage audience measurement for the first time.
"We now publish radio data in more than double the number of markets of any other audience measurement service," D'Angelo said. "And each station in these markets can benefit from the Portal's data at no cost, through our free standard tier."
The platform provides broadcasters with previous-day listening information, hourly trends, daypart analysis and geographic listening heatmaps. Its free standard tier offers quarterly station data, while the subscription-based Premium tier provides more detailed rankings, near real-time listening information, music charts and data export capabilities.
Xperi also highlighted growing adoption of the Premium service among radio broadcasters. Cumulus Media became the platform's first commercial Premium licensee in July 2026, deploying AutoStage across its 393 stations in 84 markets.
Zoellner Media Group and Seven Mountains Media have also recently subscribed to the Premium tier.
"We're excited to be working with AutoStage and to see the expansion to 550 measured markets," said Zoellner Media Group President Steve Hunter. "As more listening happens through connected cars and connected dashboards, having greater insight into audience behavior helps position our industry for the future."
Seven Mountains Media owner Kristin Cantrell said the platform has helped the company demonstrate radio's advertising value through more detailed geographic audience information. "By combining aggregated in-car listening from millions of connected vehicles with our streaming data, and valuable tools like geographic listening heat maps, our sellers can show clients how a station actually performs neighborhood by neighborhood," Cantrell said.
The DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal is available to stations broadcasting in analog and digital formats. Additional information is available here.
Flor Leibaschoff Named 2027 Radio Mercury Chief Judge
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 4:57pm CT |
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The Radio Mercury Awards has named Flor Leibaschoff, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of BeautifulBeast, as chief judge for the 36th annual Radio Mercury Awards competition in 2027. Leibaschoff brings more than 25 years of advertising experience to the role, with a career focused on creative storytelling, cross-cultural marketing and developing campaigns that connect brands with diverse audiences.
She made history as the first Hispanic woman to serve as a Chief Creative Officer in the United States and has received numerous industry honors, including recognition as a Shining Star by the American Advertising Federation and a Woman to Watch by DMN.
Leibaschoff co-founded BeautifulBeast, an independently owned business growth company with offices in Dallas and Miami. She oversees creative development and leads initiatives combining creativity, data and cross-cultural marketing strategies.
Her work has received recognition at major international advertising competitions, including two Radio Mercury Awards in 2026. She was also among the first Young Creatives to win a Silver Cannes Lion representing the U.S. Hispanic market and previously served as President of Circulo Creativo USA.
"Our job is to make people who don't want to hear us listen anyway, and maybe even fall in love," said Leibaschoff. "That challenge still keeps me going, and there's only one way to win them over: a great idea."
She added, "It's a true honor to be named chief judge of the Mercury Awards, a staple of our industry for 36 years. What I love most about radio is that there are no case studies. You hit play, and the idea either works or it doesn't."
RAB President and CEO Mike Hulvey, who also chairs the Radio Creative Fund, welcomed Leibaschoff's appointment and cited her longstanding involvement with the competition. "Flor has been a longtime friend and champion of the Radio Mercury Awards, and we've valued our partnership with her in strengthening and elevating the competition," Hulvey said. "We're thrilled to welcome her as chief judge for our 36th annual awards and look forward to the creative vision and leadership she'll bring to this year's competition."
Beyond her advertising work, Leibaschoff has been active in mentoring emerging creative professionals, particularly women, and has participated in industry conferences and organizations promoting equality and professional development.
The Radio Mercury Awards recognizes creative excellence in radio and audio advertising. Categories for the 2027 competition, along with entry guidelines and submission deadlines, will be announced in late fall.
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KODS Reno Morning Host Panama Hoston Dies at 66
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 2:12pm CT |
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Longtime Northern Nevada radio personality Panama Hoston, known to listeners simply as "Panama," died Sunday evening at Renown Medical Center from complications of liver failure. He was 66.
Hoston was a familiar voice on Reno Media Group's KODS-FM (103.7 The River) and 1270 AM The Buzz, where he had entertained Northern Nevada audiences for more than two decades. He joined the company in 2002 and began hosting programs on its stations in 2003.
In 2014, Hoston teamed with Mike Leach to launch "Panama and Mike," which became a top-rated morning show in the Reno market. The pair developed a loyal following through their on-air chemistry, humor and connection with local listeners.
"Panama went about everything at 100 miles per hour and always gave it his all, until he had nothing left," Leach said. "He was the kind of person they talk about when they say 'they broke the mold after they made him.' He will be dearly missed."
Beyond his broadcasting career, Hoston was deeply involved in community service throughout Northern Nevada. He maintained a longtime partnership with the late philanthropist Evelyn Mount, working alongside her on the station's annual food drives to assist families in need.
He also served on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and regularly supported local charities, fundraisers and community events. His contributions to broadcasting were recognized with induction into the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.
"A legendary voice in Northern Nevada and a proud inductee of the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, Panama spent decades bringing joy, laughter and a familiar warmth to thousands of listeners each morning on the popular Panama and Mike morning show," said Reno Media Group Vice President and General Manager Kara Brown.
"Panama's profound dedication to The River and our community made an immeasurable impact on all of us," Brown added. "He was first and foremost, my friend. We are devastated by this huge loss."
Reno Media Group President Tom Quinn, who worked with Hoston for more than two decades, remembered his enthusiasm for broadcasting and commitment to helping others.
"Panama was guided by a deep drive to help others," Quinn said. "He was the heart of our company and he didn't just use his platform to entertain. He used it to uplift, support and bring our community closer together. His voice may be quiet now, but he leaves behind a community that is better and kinder because he was in it."
Born October 13, 1960, in Los Angeles, Hoston moved to Reno in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Veronica; daughter Vanessa; stepson Hector; sons Brandon and Dezmond; and four grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, October 27, at 5pm at The Flowing Tide, 465 S. Meadows Parkway, Suite 5, in South Reno. The gathering is open to family, friends, listeners and others wishing to honor his memory.
Alpha Libraries Launches Radio Imaging Platform
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 11:30am CT |
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SourceAudio's Alpha Libraries has launched Alpha Imaging for Radio, a new production resource offering 750,000 imaging and sound design elements to help radio stations develop distinctive, custom-branded audio across all formats.
Built on the existing Alpha Libraries platform, which features 3.9 million music and sound effects assets, the new service provides imaging shells, beds, drones, impacts, sweeps, risers, transitions, artist IDs, listener drops and other production elements.
Alpha Imaging for Radio also incorporates AI-powered search capabilities, allowing producers to locate, audition and download audio elements more efficiently while maintaining creative control over their station's sound.
"Great imaging isn't just what happens between the songs, it's part of what makes a station recognizable, memorable, and uniquely its own," said Steve Wall, Vice President of Radio & Library Services for Alpha Libraries for Radio and Alpha Imaging for Radio.
"We created Alpha Imaging for Radio because every radio station has its own personality, audience, and identity, and its sound should reflect that every time a listener tunes in," Wall added. "We're thrilled to be giving producers and programmers an incredible palette of sounds and creative tools to do just that and more."
The service is designed to support radio imaging departments and production teams seeking to develop customized station branding without relying exclusively on preassembled production packages.
Taz, a freelance radio producer, imaging director and sound designer at Audacy, said the platform offers producers considerable flexibility in developing distinctive audio identities.
"Alpha Imaging is a colossal audio playground with everything producers need to sound completely different from everyone else in the market," he said. "Great imaging and production is homemade, like silly putty. It's sticky, and when done right, it glues a station's brand together like a warm hug."
Taz added that he has used the service for Rock, Country and Alternative formats, citing its ability to help create customized imaging for different station brands.
The launch expands Alpha Libraries' production offerings with a dedicated radio imaging resource that combines an extensive sound effects library with AI-assisted search and traditional audio production tools.
Gordon Deal's Morning Show Reaches 325 Affiliates
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 10:51am CT |
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"This Morning, America's First News" with Gordon Deal has added 20 new affiliate stations, bringing the nationally syndicated news program's total to 325 affiliates across the country. Among the latest additions are KMOX-AM in St. Louis, WCCO-AM in Minneapolis and KMBX in Las Vegas, expanding the program's presence in several major radio markets.
Hosted by Gordon Deal, "This Morning, America's First News" provides listeners with an early look at national and international news, business developments and other major stories. The program combines news reporting, expert analysis, interviews and commentary with a conversational approach to morning radio.
"It's both humbling and motivating to grow listenership and find new partners," said Deal. "We promise to continue leading in the news space."
KMOX Brand Manager Steve Moore said the program complements the station's commitment to news coverage and keeping its audience informed. "Gordon Deal is a great fit for KMOX and our commitment to keeping St. Louis informed," Moore said. "He delivers smart, engaging coverage of the stories that matter, giving our listeners a strong start to their day."
WCCO Program Director Brad Lane also welcomed the addition, citing his familiarity with Deal's work dating back to his years with Wall Street Journal Radio.
"I remember being an 'early adopter' of Gordon's content and shows way back to the Wall Street Journal Radio days, so I've been a big fan of his for many years," Lane said. "We are thrilled that this program is available for our fans at WCCO to wake up to...a comprehensive 'scene-setter' and primer for the day!"
Entravision Appoints Two New Directors to Board
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 5:10pm CT |
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Entravision Communications Corporation has expanded its Board of Directors from seven to nine members with the appointments of Gary Ferrera and Brian Krzanich, effective October 14, 2026, according to a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 20.
Both executives will serve until Entravision's 2027 annual meeting of stockholders, or until their successors are elected and qualified. Ferrera has also been appointed to the company's Audit Committee.
Ferrera, 64, brings more than 30 years of global financial leadership experience, including over two decades as Chief Financial Officer of publicly traded and privately held companies.
Since July 2025, Ferrera has served as Managing Partner of Jedburgh Management Consulting, an advisory firm serving private equity-backed businesses. He previously held CFO positions at MoneyGram International, Driven Brands Holdings and Skillsoft.
His earlier financial leadership roles included CFO positions at Cardtronics, DigitalGlobe, Intrawest, Great Wolf Resorts, National CineMedia and Unity Media. Ferrera holds an accounting degree from Bentley University and an MBA from Northwestern University. He also served in U.S. Army Special Operations and Intelligence before attending college.
Krzanich, 66, has more than 40 years of technology industry experience, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of three publicly traded technology companies. He currently serves as President and CEO of Cerence, a provider of AI-powered conversational and voice technology for the automotive industry, a position he has held since October 2024.
Previously, Krzanich was President and CEO of CDK Global from November 2018 to July 2022. Before joining CDK Global, he spent 36 years at Intel, including five years as the semiconductor company's Chief Executive Officer.
Krzanich has also served on several public company boards, including SES AI and Electric Last Mile Solutions. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from San Jose State University.
According to the SEC filing, both executives will receive Entravision's standard non-employee director compensation, including prorated initial grants of restricted stock units.
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Premiere Launches ''Animal Thunderdome'' Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 10:56am CT |
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Premiere Networks has launched "Animal Thunderdome with Clay Travis and Danny G," a new weekly podcast featuring unusual wildlife encounters, animal attacks and bizarre stories from the natural world.
The podcast reunites Clay Travis, co-host of Premiere Networks' nationally syndicated "The Clay & Buck Show," with veteran FOX Sports Radio producer Danny Garite, known as Danny G.
Inspired by a popular recurring segment on Travis' former FOX Sports Radio program, "Outkick the Coverage," the new podcast expands the feature into a standalone weekly series.
Each episode will explore unusual real-life encounters between humans and animals, including wildlife attacks, unexpected escapes and other remarkable incidents. The program combines storytelling, commentary and debate between Travis and Garite, along with occasional expert insight into the events being discussed.
"America has demanded that the ongoing battle between humans and animals not be ignored," said Travis. "Danny G and I are excited to reunite and share these unbelievable stories with listeners every week. We are here to save the humans!"
Garite added, "Clay and I had a blast with Animal Thunderdome on FOX Sports Radio, and I'm excited to take the madness to a whole new level with Premiere! There's never a shortage of unbelievable man-versus-animal stories!"
In addition to his syndicated radio duties, Travis is the founder of the sports media platform SportandState.com.
"Animal Thunderdome" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts, with new episodes released weekly on iHeartRadio and other major podcast platforms. Full video episodes are also available on YouTube.
Audacy Flips WTDY Philadelphia to Country as US 96.5
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 2:07pm CT |
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Audacy has flipped Hot AC WTDY-FM in Philadelphia to Country as "US 96.5," introducing a new destination for Country music listeners in the City of Brotherly Love. The format change took effect Monday, October 19, with the station broadcasting commercial-free through October 24.
The new US 96.5 features a mix of current Country hits and new releases from artists including Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley, Luke Combs and Jelly Roll.
"Country music has a special way of connecting people, and we are excited to bring a brand-new destination to this important market," said Audacy Country Format Vice President Tim Roberts. "Adding US 96.5 in Philadelphia expands our footprint and brings even more world-class entertainment to our listeners - it's a terrific addition to Audacy's strong station lineup in the city."
US 96.5 will introduce its regular weekday programming lineup on Monday, October 26, featuring "Katie and Company" from 10am-3pm, followed by "Coop" in afternoon drive from 3-7pm. Evening programming will feature "Rob and Holly" from 7-midnight, while "Mo and StyckMan" will handle overnight duties from midnight-5am.
Audacy said a new weekday morning show, scheduled to air from 5-10am, will be announced shortly.
MRC Revokes Nielsen PPM Accreditation in Four Markets
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 3:31pm CT |
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The Media Rating Council (MRC) has revoked accreditation for Nielsen Audio's Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings services in four major radio markets and denied accreditation for an additional 18 markets, according to its third-quarter 2026 accreditation decisions.
The four markets losing accreditation are Baltimore, Jacksonville, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The action represents a significant development for Nielsen Audio, whose audience estimates are widely used by broadcasters and advertising agencies to evaluate station performance and make media buying decisions.
The MRC also denied accreditation for 18 previously unaccredited PPM markets: Austin, Boston, Dallas, Hartford, Houston, Las Vegas, Memphis, Nashville, New York, Norfolk, Orlando, Providence, Raleigh, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, DC, and West Palm Beach.
The decisions were included in the MRC's July-September 2026 accreditation update. The memorandum did not provide specific explanations for the revocations or denials.
The actions leave Nielsen's PPM service with accreditation in 24 markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Diego and Tampa-St. Petersburg.
In a letter updated September 18, 2026, MRC Executive Director and CEO George W. Ivie confirmed the organization's continued accreditation of Nielsen Audio's PPM service in those markets.
The accreditation covers specified monthly audio audience estimates and Average Quarter Hour (AQH) measurements available through Nielsen's PPM Analysis Tool and TAPSCAN Web. It also includes certain audience estimates in monthly PPM Radio Market Reports for persons 6 and 12 .
The MRC letter states that accreditation indicates the reported statistics comply with the organization's Minimum Standards for Media Rating Research and Nielsen's documented measurement procedures.
Separately, the MRC reported that several Nielsen Audio Diary Service products remain on hiatus effective June 23, 2026. These include Continuous, Condensed and Standard Radio Market Reports, excluding Puerto Rico; Custom Survey Area Reports; and the TAPSCAN Web Application associated with the diary service.
Also on hiatus are Nielsen's County Coverage Service and Continuous and Condensed Radio Market Reports for Bryan-College Station, TX; Hudson Valley, NY; Killeen-Temple, TX; Odessa-Midland, TX; Portsmouth-Dover-Rochester, NH; Reno, NV; and Trenton, NJ.
The accreditation changes could prompt additional scrutiny from broadcasters and advertisers in affected markets, particularly where Nielsen's PPM estimates serve as a primary source of audience measurement and advertising valuation.
The MRC's decisions concern accreditation status and do not, by themselves, indicate that Nielsen has discontinued ratings measurement or reporting in the affected markets.
Rob Wagman Joins SonicTrek to Lead New CCM Format
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:05am CT |
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SonicTrek Media has named veteran programmer and consultant Rob Wagman to lead "Manna," a new localized Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) format featuring veteran radio personality Sparkle as its anchor host. The format is designed to provide stations with a market-specific alternative to traditional syndicated programming and generic voice tracking.
Manna combines SonicTrek's localization technology with experienced on-air personalities, customized content and music programming tailored to individual affiliate markets. The format incorporates real radio personalities and AI-generated personas to deliver localized programming while maintaining a consistent on-air presence.
Wagman brings extensive programming experience across Alternative, Top 40, Urban and Classic Rock formats, having worked as an air personality, programmer and marketing executive in markets including Tampa, New Orleans, Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.
He entered Christian radio in 2013 at KFSH-FM in Los Angeles, where the station achieved some of its strongest audience results in Los Angeles and Orange County. He later served as Network Program Director for WAY-FM, contributing to ratings and fundraising growth.
Wagman is also known for developing customized music charts and research for Christian, Country and Pop radio programmers. His market-by-market approach to music selection will be a central component of Manna's programming strategy.
"What excites me about Manna is that we're using today's technology to create something deeply human and authentic," Wagman said. "Our personalities are real people of faith. The stories and testimonies are genuine. The content is localized for each community, and the music strategy is designed for each individual market rather than simply duplicating a national playlist."
Wagman previously worked with SonicTrek Media Managing Partner and CEO Joel Denver at AllAccess.com from 1999 to 2005.
"Rob understands both sides of this equation - great radio and the mission behind Christian radio," Denver said. "He immediately understood what we're building with Manna: using real radio personalities and their AI personas to create timely, localized content for each individual market while maintaining the personality, warmth and connection that great radio requires."
Denver said the format is intended to provide broadcasters with a complete CCM programming solution without the expense of developing an entire local programming and talent operation.
Sparkle, who will serve as Manna's anchor personality, brings experience from Top 40 WSSX-FM and Country WIWF-FM in Charleston, SC, along with Christian radio experience at WLFJ-FM (His Radio).
"I'm excited to collaborate with Rob and SonicTrek in bringing localized content to Manna affiliates and see how we can move radio into the next phase," Sparkle said. "I like the thought of helping radio stations with my talent and creativity, but also with the power of AI technology."
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Connoisseur Relaunches WWUZ as 96.9 The Cannon
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:17am CT |
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Connoisseur Media has relaunched WWUZ-FM in Fredericksburg, VA, as "96.9 The Cannon," introducing a new identity and expanded Rock format that combines the station's longtime Classic Rock library with rock hits from the past 25 years.
The rebranding marks a new chapter for WWUZ, which has served Fredericksburg as a Classic Rock station since October 1998. The updated format builds on that heritage while broadening its playlist to attract a wider audience of rock listeners.
Ahead of the official 5am launch, WWUZ spent the weekend stunting with a selection of songs featuring explosive themes, including AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" and "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)," Miranda Lambert's "Gunpowder & Lead" and Ozzy Osbourne's "Shot in the Dark." Each selection was punctuated by the sound of a cannon blast.
The new Cannon branding draws inspiration from Fredericksburg's history and its significant role in the Civil War, giving the station a locally recognizable identity.
"As P.O.D. sang, 'Here comes the boom!'" said Operations Manager Ian Rambo. "We're taking the rock our listeners already love and we're giving them more of it! From the classics that built the format to the biggest rock hits of the past 25 years. If it rocks, it belongs on The Cannon."
Rambo added, "The name is a nod to Fredericksburg's history, and the sound is built for the people who live here. The frequency hasn't changed, but everything else just got a little louder."
The station's local programming team includes Brady DeAngelo, a six-time Virginia Association of Broadcasters award winner, and Rambo, a five-time National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Radio Award nominee and one-time winner.
Former CBS Radio Executive Rod Calarco Dies at 79
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:25am CT |
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Veteran radio executive John Anthony "Rod" Calarco, whose career included nearly three decades at CBS Radio and leadership positions at several major-market stations, died October 12, 2026, of a heart attack. He was 79.
Calarco, who divided his time between White Plains, NY, and Naples, FL, spent 28 years with CBS Radio, beginning as a salesperson at WCBS-AM in New York before rising to Vice President and General Manager of WCBS-FM. During his tenure, he guided WCBS-FM to the No. 1 position in the market.
He subsequently became Vice President and Group Head, overseeing operations across CBS-owned FM radio stations. Despite his advancement into corporate management, WCBS-FM remained a particularly important part of his career. It was also where he met his wife of 26 years, Cathleen "Cathy" Kelly Calarco.
His broadcasting career included positions at ABC Television, CBS-owned WCAU-AM in Philadelphia, KRQR-FM in San Francisco and the CBS National Sales Rep Firm in Chicago.
Calarco later joined WorldSpace International Radio, an early satellite radio venture that preceded the development of today's satellite radio services.
He began his radio career in sales at WFAS-AM in White Plains and eventually returned to the station as General Manager, a position he held until his retirement.
Throughout his career, Calarco earned a reputation as a respected leader and mentor who encouraged colleagues to advance professionally. Known for his outgoing personality, humor and storytelling, he frequently shared advice that became affectionately known among friends and associates as "Rodisms."
Born February 1, 1947, in Port Chester, NY, Calarco graduated from Port Chester High School and Central Missouri State University, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was also an enthusiastic sportsman who enjoyed jogging, rollerblading, tennis and golf.
Calarco is survived by his wife, Cathy; children Chris Calarco and his wife, Suzanne, Rod S. Calarco and Stephanie Calarco; grandchildren Connor, Emily, Danny, Hudson and Nolan; and brother James Calarco.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
JVC Celebrates MacArthur Airport's No. 1 Ranking
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 5:09pm CT |
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JVC Broadcasting is celebrating Long Island MacArthur Airport's selection as America's Best Small Airport in USA TODAY's 2026 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, highlighting a partnership that has included a live radio studio inside the airport terminal for more than a decade.
The airport, located in Islip, NY, is home to JVC's WRCN-FM (LI News Radio 103.9), which has maintained a broadcast studio in the terminal's baggage claim area since the station launched in 2013. The glass-fronted facility allows travelers to watch live broadcasts and interviews with elected officials, business leaders and community personalities.
"Most broadcasters spend a fortune trying to get their stations in front of people," said JVC Broadcasting President and CEO John Caracciolo. "We decided years ago to put our radio station where the people already are. Every day, travelers walk right past our studio. They see live radio happening in front of them. That's the kind of connection local radio should have with its community."
JVC's relationship with MacArthur Airport expanded in 2019 when the company became the airport's advertising concession partner, developing and managing advertising opportunities throughout the terminal.
The arrangement combines live radio programming with digital advertising, airport displays, social media and JVC's Long Island radio properties to provide marketing opportunities for local businesses.
When MacArthur Airport was nominated for the USA TODAY award, JVC supported the campaign across its radio stations, encouraging listeners to participate in the voting and raising awareness of the competition.
MacArthur Airport finished second nationally in the 2025 rankings before claiming the top position this year.
"We're proud to have played a role in helping get the word out," Caracciolo said. "This is a great airport, and we wanted the rest of the country to know it. We're not some national media company looking at Long Island on a spreadsheet. We live here, we work here, and when something great happens for Long Island, we're going to get behind it."
Caracciolo said the airport studio reflects JVC's approach to local broadcasting, emphasizing community involvement and making radio more accessible to the public.
"People sometimes ask me about the future of local radio," he said. "My answer is pretty simple. Get out of the building. Get involved in your community. Do things differently. We've had a radio studio inside an airport for more than a decade, and now that airport is number one in America. That's a pretty good story."
JVC also indicated that it is developing additional initiatives with MacArthur Airport, although specific plans have not been announced.
"We've got some exciting ideas for the next chapter of our relationship with MacArthur Airport, and I think people are going to be pretty surprised by what comes next," Caracciolo said.
Granger Smith to Host Thanksgiving Radio Special
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 2:13pm CT |
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Premiere Networks has announced the return of the "After MidNite Friendsgiving Special with Granger Smith," a four-hour Thanksgiving program featuring conversations with Country music stars, holiday traditions and seasonal music.
The annual special will feature appearances by Luke Bryan, Lauren Alaina, Brothers Osborne, Dustin Lynch, Ella Langley, Dan Shay and additional surprise guests. Artists will share their favorite Thanksgiving foods, family traditions and holiday memories during conversations with Smith.
The program will also feature a mix of current Country hits and holiday-themed songs to help listeners celebrate the Thanksgiving season.
The "After MidNite Friendsgiving Special with Granger Smith" will be available to affiliates and stations in open markets to air anytime from November 19-29. The four-hour program is being offered barter-free.
Premiere Networks also announced plans for another holiday broadcast, "After MidNite with Granger Smith Presents: A Smith Family Christmas Special."
The four-hour Christmas program will be available to affiliates and open markets from December 18, 2026, through January 3, 2027, also on a barter-free basis. Additional details about the Christmas special will be announced at a later date.
Cumulus Media Emerges from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, October 16, 2026 | 12:10pm CT |
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Cumulus Media has completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a privately held company, eliminating approximately $550 million in debt and significantly strengthening its balance sheet.
The company announced that it received all required approvals, including authorization from the FCC, allowing it to complete the restructuring on an accelerated timeline consistent with its original expectations.
Cumulus and certain subsidiaries filed for prepackaged Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas on March 4, 2026, under a restructuring support agreement negotiated with a group of lenders.
Under the confirmed reorganization plan, Cumulus canceled approximately $600 million in existing funded indebtedness in exchange for 100% of the reorganized company's equity and $50 million in new convertible notes issued to former lenders. The transaction resulted in a net reduction of approximately $550 million in debt.
The company also amended and restated its asset-based revolving credit facility to provide continued liquidity and greater financial flexibility.
Cumulus said it maintained normal operations throughout the bankruptcy process, with no disruptions to its radio stations, audiences, advertisers or other business activities.
"I am grateful to our lenders and noteholders for their collaboration throughout this process, and to our employees, vendors, affiliates, customers, and partners for their continued trust and support," said Cumulus Media President and CEO Mary G. Berner.
"Emerging with a significantly stronger balance sheet, we are more committed than ever to providing engaging content across our national footprint, serving as a lifeline and voice for the local communities we serve, driving meaningful growth for our advertising partners, and delivering value for our new shareholders," Berner added.
As part of the restructuring, Cumulus has appointed a new Board of Directors representing its reorganized ownership structure. The company's existing executive management team, led by Berner, will remain in place.
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