Top Radio News

Cumulus Revenue Falls 9.7% in Second Quarter

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 14, 2026 | 3:37pm CT

Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media reported second quarter 2026 net revenue of $167.9 million, down 9.7% from $186.0 million a year ago, as declines in its broadcast radio business continued to weigh on results. The company posted a net loss of $9.2 million, compared with a loss of $12.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA declined 28.3% to $16.0 million from $22.4 million.

Broadcast radio revenue fell 13.2% to $102.9 million during the quarter. Spot revenue declined 10.6% to $81.4 million, while network revenue dropped 21.5% to $21.4 million. Digital revenue was essentially flat, slipping 0.3% to $38.7 million, while other revenue decreased 8.4% to $26.3 million.

For the first six months of 2026, Cumulus reported net revenue of $332.4 million, down 11.0% from $373.4 million in the same period last year. The company's six-month net loss narrowed to $26.1 million from $45.2 million, while Adjusted EBITDA declined 27.7% to $18.7 million.

First-half broadcast radio revenue declined 16.3% to $203.6 million, including a 13.3% decrease in spot revenue and a 23.6% decline in network revenue. Digital revenue fell 4.2% to $72.3 million, while other revenue increased 3.4% to $56.5 million.

The results come as Cumulus works toward emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company and certain subsidiaries filed voluntary prepackaged Chapter 11 petitions in March, and the Bankruptcy Court confirmed its reorganization plan on April 15. The plan's effective date remains subject to conditions that include FCC approval and other necessary regulatory approvals.

"We are pleased to report our second quarter earnings," said Cumulus Media President and CEO Mary G. Berner. "With our plan of reorganization confirmed by the court and the FCC approval process well underway, we are positioned to emerge from Chapter 11 with a stronger balance sheet to capitalize on future market opportunities."

Cumulus ended the quarter with $61.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, down from $82.0 million at the end of 2025. Capital expenditures totaled $3.2 million during the quarter, compared with $5.5 million a year earlier.

Jasmine Sadry Named President of AWM Dallas-Fort Worth

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 3:41pm CT

Jasmine Sadry

Veteran broadcaster and media executive Jasmine Sadry has been named President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Affiliate of the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM). In her new role, Sadry will lead the organization in expanding membership, strengthening industry partnerships, increasing educational programming and creating new opportunities for media professionals throughout North Texas.

Sadry brings more than two decades of experience across television and radio, including sports talk, music, entertainment and news formats. Her career has included roles with FOX Sports Radio, KDGE (102.1 The Edge), KLLI (Live 105.3), KRLD-FM (105.3 The Fan), KSCS (New Country 96.3), ESPN San Antonio, WKDF in Nashville and Absolute Radio Country in the UK. Her television experience includes KVUE-TV in Austin and KDFW-TV (FOX 4) in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Sadry currently works as a media executive, growth strategist and advisor, helping media companies, content creators and brands develop programming, grow audiences and build advertising and partnership opportunities across broadcast, podcast and digital platforms.

"Media is evolving faster than ever, but one thing hasn't changed: relationships matter," said Sadry. "I'm honored to lead an organization that has spent generations investing in women across our industry, and I look forward to helping build an even stronger community for the next generation of media leaders."

The Dallas-Fort Worth affiliate is part of the national Alliance for Women in Media and provides professional development, networking, education and leadership opportunities for women working throughout the media industry.

2026 National Edward R. Murrow Winners Announced

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 2:46pm CT

Edward R Murrow Awards

The winners of the 2026 National Edward R. Murrow Awards have been announced, recognizing outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism. The annual honors recognize reporting that informs communities, holds those in power accountable and demonstrates excellence in journalism.

In the Network Radio division, CBS News Radio received the Overall Excellence award. The network also won Newscast for its "CBS World News Roundup: Plane Crash at DCA."

NPR collected several national honors, including Breaking News Coverage for "The Election of Pope Leo," Digital for its coverage of the Trump administration's dismantling of immigration courts, Excellence in Sound for "Making Music from the Sounds of War," Excellence in Writing for "Bombs, Drugs, and Bones: Clearing the Detritus of War" and Feature Reporting for a report examining concerns over advances in artificial intelligence.

NPR also won News Series for "The State of the First Amendment: The Right From Which All Other Rights Flow," while NPR and KCRW shared Excellence in Innovation for their California wildfire investigations.

ABC News earned four Network Radio awards. Its coverage of the Texas floods won Continuing Coverage, "Start Here: Inside El Salvador's Mega-Prison" received Hard News honors, "Devil in the Desert" won Podcast and "Start Here: The F1 of Sailing" was honored for Sports Reporting.

Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting won News Documentary for "The Landlord Gutting America's Hospitals" and Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for "Will the National Parks Survive Trump?" Reveal also shared the Investigative Reporting award with The New York Times and Mississippi Today for "Abuse of Power: Beyond the Goon Squad."

In the Large Market Radio division, WBUR/Boston received Overall Excellence along with awards for Digital and Sports Reporting. Other winners included KIRO Newsradio/Seattle for Breaking News Coverage, WCCO Radio/Minneapolis for Continuing Coverage, KNX News/Los Angeles for Newscast and KYW Newsradio/Philadelphia for Hard News.

WBEZ/Chicago won Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for "Chicago's Death Gap" and shared the News Documentary award with the Chicago Sun-Times for "Becoming Bovino." KUT/Austin won Excellence in Writing, while Texas Standard/Austin received Excellence in Sound.

KUNC News/Greeley-Fort Collins, CO, was named the Overall Excellence winner in the Small Market Radio division. WATD/Marshfield, MA, won Breaking News Coverage for the Karen Read murder trial, while Alaska Public Media, KYUK and KNBA received Continuing Coverage honors for their reporting on Typhoon Halong.

Other Small Market winners included Connecticut Public for Excellence in Innovation, NHPR for Excellence in Writing and Hard News, North Country Public Radio for Excellence in Sound and Sports Reporting, and Marfa Public Radio for News Series.

The national winners will be honored at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on October 12 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

Saga Q2 Revenue Falls 6.5% to $26.4 Million

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 3:58pm CT

Saga Communications

Saga Communications reported second quarter 2026 net revenue of $26.4 million, down 6.5% from $28.2 million in the same period a year ago. Station operating income fell 50.6% to $3.0 million.

Station operating expenses increased 5.4% to $23.4 million, or 3.9% excluding non-cash rent expense. Operating income declined to $623,000 from $1.4 million a year earlier. Net income was $960,000, compared with $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2025, while diluted earnings per share were $0.15.

For the first six months of 2026, net revenue declined 6.0% to $49.3 million from $52.4 million. Station operating income dropped 53.7% to $3.8 million. Saga posted an operating loss of $2.6 million and a net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the six-month period.

Saga said its results include the impact of the October 2025 sale of 24 telecommunications towers and related assets at 22 sites for approximately $10.7 million. The company retained long-term access to the assets and is recording non-cash rent expense and non-cash interest income associated with the transaction. During the second quarter, Saga recorded $352,000 in non-cash rent expense and $381,000 in non-cash interest income.

The company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on June 12, totaling approximately $1.6 million. Saga said it has returned more than $145 million in dividends to shareholders since paying its first special dividend in 2012 and intends to continue paying regular quarterly cash dividends.

Saga had $27.8 million in cash and short-term investments as of June 30. That figure stood at $22.9 million as of August 10, with the decrease primarily attributed to repayment of the $5 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility. The company expects capital expenditures of approximately $3 million to $3.5 million for 2026.

Texas Radio Hall of Fame Names 2026 Inductees

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 14, 2026 | 0:01am CT

Texas Radio Hall of Fame

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, with voting members selecting 20 radio professionals for induction, including honorees in the organization's new "Small Markets/Big Voices" category.

The Class of 2026 includes Doug Abernethy, Brenda Adriance-Fox, "Lisa Lisa" Bonnani, Bruce Buchanon, Jay Creswell, Dave E. Crockett, Diane Day, Anna De Haro, Paris Eley, Jimmy "JD" Gonzalez, Jojo & Patches, Joyce King, Kevin Kline, Eric Raines, Clyde "Kooter" Roberson, Chrissie Roberts, JD Rose, Dr. J. Thomas Smith, Pam Wells and Barry Wolverton.

All 20 will be honored during the Texas Radio Hall of Fame's annual induction ceremony on Saturday, November 7, at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore, TX.

Jerry and Wanda Hanszen, who were recognized when the Small Markets/Big Voices category was introduced during the 2025 induction ceremony, will also be formally inducted this year.

In addition, five heritage broadcasters will be posthumously inducted as "Lone Star Legacies," a category introduced in 2025. The honorees are David Anderson, Frank Hicks, Mona Parker, Jack Sellmeyer and Ted Stecker.

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame said all of this year's honorees will receive the full honors, rights and privileges accompanying induction into the organization.

Nick Rivers Joins Beasley Charlotte as Assistant PD

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 2:14pm CT

Nick Rivers

Beasley Media Group has named Nick Rivers Assistant Program Director for Country WSOC-FM (Country 103.7) and AC WKQC-FM (K104.7) in Charlotte, effective August 24. Rivers will also host afternoon drive on Country 103.7, filling the opening created by Charlie & Debbie's recent move to mornings.

Rivers joins Beasley after spending the past six-and-a-half years with Hubbard Radio in West Palm Beach. Most recently, he served as Assistant Brand Manager and Music Director for Country WIRK and AC WEAT while hosting afternoons on WIRK. He also hosted nights on WUBE in Cincinnati.

His nearly two decades in radio include previous programming positions in Greensboro, NC; Brunswick and Savannah, GA; and Charlotte.

"We're excited to have Nick Rivers coming on board," said Beasley Charlotte Vice President and Market Manager Mac Edwards. "After an extensive search, Cameron, Jack and I agreed Nick's programming expertise, on-air creativity, fresh ideas and energy made him the perfect fit for this key role on our Charlotte team."

Beasley Chief Content Officer Justin Chase added, "His experience, creativity and passion for great radio will be tremendous assets to WSOC and WKQC. We look forward to his leadership as we continue creating meaningful connections with our listeners and serving the Charlotte community."

The appointment marks a return to Charlotte for Rivers, who began his radio career in the market nearly 20 years ago. "Nearly 20 years after my career began in Charlotte, I'm coming home," Rivers said. "The opportunity to be closer to my daughter, Charleigh, while contributing to the legacy of WSOC and WKQC makes this homecoming all the more significant."

Rivers also thanked Hubbard Radio executives Grover Collins, Elizabeth Hamma, Greg Strassell and Bruce Logan for their support and investment in his development during his time with the company.

Lee Harris Exits WABC, Worldwide News Network

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 10:50am CT

Lee Harris

Veteran broadcaster Lee Harris is leaving Red Apple Media less than three months after joining the company to help launch the Worldwide News Network.

Harris joined Red Apple Media in May as Vice President of News for the Worldwide News Network, which launched May 23 following the shutdown of CBS News Radio. The new audio news service was created to help fill the void left by the longtime network's closure.

Less than six weeks after his arrival, Harris was promoted to Senior Vice President of News and Programming, expanding his responsibilities to include programming strategy and content development for 77 WABC/New York and Red Apple Audio Networks.

"I had a fantastic time working for John Catsimatidis getting the Worldwide News Network up and running," Harris said. "He's a brilliant entrepreneur who sees opportunity where others don't. I've decided to go back to work on my suite of tech products for audio and news because, like John, I am devoted to the success of this industry."

Harris is a Radio Hall of Famer with more than three decades of broadcasting experience. He is best known for his 30-year tenure as morning newscaster at 1010 WINS/New York and was among the station's journalists providing live coverage of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

His career has also included serving as Director of Integrated Operations and New York Bureau Chief for NewsNation, consulting broadcasters in Europe and Asia, helping launch Kommersant FM in Russia and lecturing in China through the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

K-LOVE Inc. Closes on Acquisition of WZBA in Baltimore

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 3:52pm CT

WZBA in Baltimore

K-LOVE, Inc. has closed on its previously announced acquisition of Classic Rock WZBA-FM (100.7 The Bay) and two associated FM translators serving the Baltimore market from Shamrock Communications.

The transaction includes WZBA-FM (100.7 MHz) licensed to Westminster, MD, along with translators W261CD (100.1 MHz) in Baltimore and W298CG (107.5 MHz) in Bel Air. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

WZBA-FM operates with 25,000 watts at 689 feet HAAT, while the translators operate with 2 watts and 250 watts, respectively.

Shamrock Communications is a Pennsylvania-based broadcaster led by Acting CEO Diane Sutter. In addition to the Maryland stations, the company owns radio properties in the Scranton, PA, and Las Vegas, NV.

The buyer, K-LOVE, Inc., is a Tennessee-based nonprofit organization headed by CEO Tom Stultz. The company owns or operates radio stations in all 50 states and is one of the nation's largest Christian radio broadcasters.

Kalil & Co., Inc. served as the exclusive broker for the transaction.

World Classical Network Expands Affiliate Base

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 3:09pm CT

World Classical Network

The World Classical Network is expanding its affiliate base, offering commercial and public radio stations a 24-hour classical music format featuring veteran personalities, specialty programming and internet delivery.

The network traces its roots to 1998, when it launched following the closure of the U.S. edition of Classic FM. Now owned by the Jones family, whose broadcasting experience spans more than 75 years, World Classical Network is positioning its heritage classical format for further growth among stations seeking full-time classical programming.

The service combines classical music with knowledgeable on-air hosts and features designed to give the format a personality-driven approach. Its lineup includes Laura Carlo, the longtime morning personality at WCRB/Boston and a member of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, who hosts the network's morning programming.

World Classical Network's programming also includes composer anniversaries, seasonal features, holiday programming and other timely specials throughout the year.

The network says the format is designed to give commercial and public broadcasters a turnkey classical option with limited commercial clutter while targeting classical radio's traditionally well-educated, community-involved and affluent audience.

World Classical Network has provided classical programming to American radio for more than 25 years and is now seeking additional affiliates as it expands its national footprint.

Beasley Q2 Revenue Falls, Adjusted EBITDA Rises

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 3:47pm CT

Beasley Broadcast Group

Beasley Broadcast Group reported second-quarter 2026 net revenue of $44.1 million, down from $53.0 million a year earlier, while Adjusted EBITDA increased to $5.3 million from $4.7 million.

On a same-station basis, revenue declined 9.6%, reflecting continued weakness in traditional national and local agency advertising. Beasley said the declines were partially offset by 7.1% same-station growth in digital revenue and stabilization in local direct spot advertising.

Digital revenue totaled $11.7 million, down 11.6% overall from the prior year but up 7.1% on a same-station basis. Digital accounted for 26% of total revenue and posted a 15.4% operating margin. Local revenue, including digital packages sold locally, represented 74% of net revenue and grew 9% year-over-year. New business accounted for 13% of revenue.

Operating expenses declined 13.2% from a year earlier as the company continued previously announced cost reductions. Beasley implemented approximately $10 million in additional annualized expense reductions during the quarter, bringing savings over the trailing 12 months to roughly $30 million.

Station Operating Income totaled $5.3 million, representing a 12.1% margin, while corporate expenses declined 37.3%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 12.2% to $5.3 million from $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2025.

Beasley reported GAAP net income of $84.3 million for the quarter, compared with a net loss of $154,000 a year earlier. The sharp increase was primarily the result of a $91.8 million non-cash gain related to the company's debt restructuring. The company completed a series of balance-sheet initiatives on May 1, including a second-lien restructuring, repurchase of a portion of its first-lien notes and establishment of a new asset-based lending facility. The transactions reduced total outstanding debt by $95 million, including a 46% reduction in second-lien debt. Beasley said the moves will also lower future cash interest expense.

"While second quarter results continued to reflect pressure across portions of the traditional advertising marketplace, we are encouraged by the progress we're making in transforming Beasley into a more diversified, higher-margin media company," said CEO Caroline Beasley. She said the company's digital and local direct spot businesses continue to gain momentum while its cost structure is "significantly more efficient than it was a year ago."

At June 30, Beasley reported $144.8 million in long-term debt, down from $235.3 million at the end of 2025. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $6.7 million.

Streaming Music Surpasses Radio in Daily Music Reach

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 1:14pm CT

Edison Research at SSRS

Streaming music has surpassed AM/FM radio in daily music reach among Americans age 13 and older, according to the latest Share of Ear study from Edison Research at SSRS.

As of the second quarter of 2026, 46% of Americans 13 listen to streaming music on a typical day, compared with 43% who listen to music on AM/FM radio or radio streams. Overall, 87% of Americans 13 engage with music in some form each day.

The findings mark a reversal from when Edison first began releasing Share of Ear data. In 2015, AM/FM radio held a substantial advantage, with 61% of Americans 13 listening to music through AM/FM or radio streams on a typical day. At the time, streaming music reached just 27%.

While streaming has moved ahead in overall daily music reach, Edison said the picture changes substantially when only ad-supported listening is considered.

AM/FM radio and radio streams have a 43% daily reach for ad-supported music, more than twice streaming music's 19%. The difference reflects the significant portion of streaming consumption occurring through paid, commercial-free services.

The findings suggest AM/FM continues to maintain a significant advantage for advertisers seeking consumers through ad-supported music, even as streaming has become the leading platform for overall daily music reach.

Salem Media Narrows Q2 Loss as Revenue Falls 15%

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 12:54pm CT

Salem Media

Salem Media reported a sharply reduced net loss for the second quarter of 2026 despite a 15% decline in revenue, as lower operating expenses and impairment charges helped improve the company's bottom line.

For the three months ended June 30, Salem posted total net revenue of $45.9 million, down 15.2% from $54.1 million in the year-ago period. The company reported a net loss of $3.4 million, or 11 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $17.6 million, or 55 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2025.

Operating expenses declined to $50.3 million from $76.5 million, while selling, general and administrative expenses fell to $40.2 million from $51.2 million. Salem's operating loss narrowed to $4.4 million from $22.3 million a year earlier.

The company said expenses excluding the impact of asset sales declined 17.8%, or $8.6 million, driven in part by $3.6 million in lower payroll-related costs from workforce reductions, along with decreases in professional services, facility, marketing and health insurance expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA turned positive at $1.2 million for the quarter, compared with an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.1 million in the year-ago period. For the first six months of 2026, Adjusted EBITDA was $542,000, compared with a loss of $5.7 million during the same period last year.

Salem recorded a $4.8 million impairment charge during the quarter related to broadcast licenses in 10 market clusters, substantially below the $25.2 million impairment recorded a year earlier. The affected 2026 markets were Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

For the first six months of the year, Salem's revenue declined to $91.8 million from $105.9 million, while its net loss narrowed to $6.0 million from $24.7 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 20.2% to $81.9 million.

The company said first-half digital revenue fell $5.6 million primarily due to the loss of a podcaster, while programming revenue excluding political advertising declined $2.0 million, primarily at its Christian Teaching and Talk stations. Political revenue, however, increased 74% to $2.4 million as the 2026 election cycle boosted spending.

Salem ended June with $4.3 million outstanding under its asset-based revolving credit facility and $6.6 million in borrowing availability.

The results come as Salem moves toward its previously announced acquisition by The Christian Community Foundation, doing business as WaterStone. Under the agreement, WaterStone will acquire all outstanding Salem common shares for $1 per share and take the company private. The transaction has been approved by Salem's board and shareholders and was expected to close in August, subject to regulatory approval.

Townsquare Partners With Muirfield on Digital Ads

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 1:15pm CT

Townsquare Media

Townsquare Media has entered into a strategic digital advertising partnership with Muirfield Broadcasting, expanding its Media Partnerships division to 16 alliances covering 41 additional markets outside of Townsquare's owned-and-operated footprint.

Muirfield Broadcasting operates WIOZ-FM (Star 102.5) and WIOZ-AM (550) Fayetteville, serving North Carolina's Sandhills and Moore County. Under the agreement, Townsquare will provide customized, data-driven digital advertising solutions designed to complement Muirfield's local radio brands and expand the marketing services it can offer local, regional and national advertisers.

Townsquare launched its Media Partnerships division in 2024 as part of Townsquare Ignite, its Digital Advertising segment. The white-label platform gives participating media companies access to Townsquare's proprietary technology, digital advertising expertise and campaign strategies.

"We're seeing growing interest from local media companies looking to diversify and grow their digital advertising business while strengthening their relationships with advertisers," said Townsquare Ignite Chief Revenue Officer Shaun Collignon. He said the partnership combines Muirfield's local brands and community relationships with Townsquare's digital technology and expertise to help attract advertisers that may not traditionally have considered radio.

Townsquare said digital now accounts for more than half of the company's total revenue and profit.

Muirfield General Manager Tiffany Hewitt said the partnership will allow the broadcaster to offer clients more comprehensive marketing solutions by combining live local radio with digital advertising technology, strategic expertise and real-time campaign insights.

"Today's businesses need more than advertising - they need a strategic marketing partner," Hewitt said. "By combining the power of live, local radio with cutting-edge digital solutions, we're helping our clients grow their brands, reach new audiences, and achieve measurable success."

Bay Rock Launches as Baltimore Classic Rock

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 2:25pm CT

Bay Rock

Seaboard Networks has launched Bay Rock - Baltimore's Classic Rock, a new digital station designed to keep the format available in the market following WZBA's move from Classic Rock to Christian programming.

Bay Rock is available around the clock through its website and is already streaming through the iHeart app, with an independent interactive station app also in development.

The lineup includes several familiar Baltimore radio personalities, including former WZBA personalities Mike Brillhart, Colleen Carew and Chris Emry. Brillhart will also serve as Music Director.

Seaboard Networks Marketing Solutions Consultant Bob Stei will handle weekends while adding his syndicated programs "The Grunge Garage" and "The Britpop Show" to the weekend schedule. Longtime Baltimore promotions veteran Donna Jean Rumbley, previously with WZBA, has also joined Bay Rock.

"Baltimore has a long history of being a rock and roll city," said Seaboard Networks owner and Baltimore radio veteran Steve Clendenin. "I'm excited to keep that tradition alive with Bay Rock. We've tailored the format to fit Charm City."

Brillhart said the new outlet will continue several features familiar to Baltimore Classic Rock listeners, including "The Acoustic Cafe," "Get the Led Out" and "The Vinyl Frontier."

"I'm excited and happy to keep the classic rock train rolling in the Baltimore area and beyond," Brillhart said. "Along with some familiar DJ voices, classic rock fans will instantly have a place to turn to for all their favorite music."

Stei, who grew up in Baltimore County and began his radio career at WIYY in the early 1990s, said the team plans to maintain a visible presence throughout the market. "All of us have roots in Baltimore and Baltimore radio, so to say we are excited about this is an understatement," Stei said. "Look for this dream team to be all over the 'Charm City' as we combine classic fun radio with today's technology."