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Top Radio News
Report: iHeartMedia Pushes ''Guaranteed Human'' in AI Era
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 3:58pm CT |
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As artificial intelligence reshapes media and entertainment, iHeartMedia is making a deliberate statement: its voices are real. The country's largest radio operator has launched a new "Guaranteed Human" campaign, assuring listeners that its radio hosts and podcasts are created by actual people - not AI personalities or synthetic vocalists. The move was first detailed in reporting from the Los Angeles Times.
In an internal email obtained by the Times, Tom Poleman, iHeartMedia's Chief Programming Officer, told employees, "We don't use AI-generated personalities. We don't play AI music that features synthetic vocalists pretending to be human. The podcasts we publish are also Guaranteed Human."
Under the initiative, air personalities are now expected to incorporate the "Guaranteed Human" phrase into their hourly on-air disclosures alongside FCC-required call letters. The message, the company says, reflects research showing that listeners want more than music and headlines - they want connection.
That theme was echoed in an insights piece by Lainie Fertick, iHeartMedia's President of Insights, who wrote that in an era dominated by algorithms and automation, consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity. "People crave trust, authenticity, and experiences that feel human," Fertick wrote. "Consumers aren't just looking for content - they're looking for connection."
Fertick highlighted several major findings from the company's research:
- Human connection is the new currency, with live, local experiences standing out amid digital noise.
- Trust now drives consumer choice, with 80% of iHeart listeners considering their favorite hosts "friends," and 9 in 10 saying human trust cannot be replicated with AI.
- Audiences want reassurance, with 90% saying it matters that the media they consume is created by real people.
Although iHeartMedia rejects AI-generated hosts or AI-crafted vocals, Poleman acknowledged the company continues to use AI tools behind the scenes for scheduling, insights, workflow automation, show prep, and editing. The distinction, he said, is that such tools support human talent rather than replace it.
The campaign arrives as Hollywood and the broader media industry wrestle with rapid advances in AI, from lifelike digital actors to copyright battles involving major entertainment companies. The Times noted that synthetic influencers like "Tilly Norwood" are gaining large followings on social platforms, further blurring the line between human and machine-made personalities.
"We are the heartbeat of culture," Fertick wrote. "Trusted. Live. At scale." As AI accelerates across the industry, iHeartMedia is drawing its line clearly - its voices, it insists, will remain "Guaranteed Human."
Star 94.1 Atlanta Makes First-Ever Holiday Music Flip
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 4:27pm CT |
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Audacy's WSTR-FM (Star 94.1) in Atlanta has made its first full switch to all-holiday music, marking a milestone for the station after years of limiting Christmas programming to weekends. The flip happened live Wednesday morning during The Kevin and Taylor Show, when hosts Kevin Avery and Taylor Scott launched the seasonal format with Burl Ives' classic "A Holly Jolly Christmas."
The move positions Star 94.1 as "Atlanta's Christmas Station," as this year, Star 94.1 will air wall-to-wall Christmas music through Christmas Day.
The Kevin and Taylor Show is heard weekdays from 6-10am ET, and the station's holiday programming is available on air in Atlanta and nationwide via the Audacy app and website.
RTDNA President/CEO Dan Shelley Announces Retirement
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 4:32pm CT |
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RTDNA President and CEO Dan Shelley is retiring after more than 40 years in journalism and nearly eight years leading the Radio Television Digital News Association. In a deeply personal farewell letter, Shelley reflected on a career that carried him from small-town newsrooms to the front lines of international press-freedom advocacy - all while championing ethical, fact-based journalism.
Shelley's journalism journey began in Springfield, MO, where an overnight homicide assignment early in his career led to an unforgettable encounter with Christian County Sheriff Louard Elbert "Buff" Lamb. That moment - which included having a gun pointed at his head after arriving in a yellow Pontiac Sunbird matching the suspect's car description - became one of many intense experiences that shaped his understanding of the job.
"I've had other guns pointed at me, rocks thrown at me and threats yelled in my face," Shelley wrote. "In the moment, you feed off the adrenaline... But years later, the trauma resurfaces. It's why I tell journalists today to deal with it right away."
Over the decades, journalism also placed Shelley at historic moments and in front of influential leaders. His career spanned local reporting, sports network management in Milwaukee, digital leadership roles at Urban One and iHeartMedia, and ultimately a position at CBS in New York - a long-held dream for the native of radio market 151.
Shelley became deeply involved with RTDNA early on, joining the association in the mid-1980s after a newsroom stunt involving two-way radio traffic nearly drew a censure proposal at the RTDNA convention. He went on to serve as board chair, Foundation chair, and treasurer before being named president and CEO in 2017.
During his tenure and earlier board service, RTDNA played key roles in advancing press freedoms - including helping secure public release of U.S. Supreme Court audio in the Bush v. Gore case - and providing international guidance on journalism ethics. Shelley also traveled globally to warn journalists about disinformation, advocate for safety, and underscore the importance of a free press in democratic societies.
Reflecting on the industry's evolution, he noted the shift from typewriters and reel-to-reel tapes to an era where journalists must produce for websites, social platforms, podcasts and streaming - often all at once. But amid sweeping technological transformations, he said one value has never changed: a commitment to truth.
"In an era of cries about 'fake news' and 'enemies of the people,' RTDNA members stand as beacons of fact-based reporting and ethical standards," he wrote.
Shelley thanked RTDNA members, staff, board members, educators, and the public for their support, noting that their dedication "has inspired me throughout my tenure."
He closed with one more story about Sheriff Buff Lamb - a reminder that truth, even delivered with humor, remains journalism's north star.
"Even to a craggy, colorful country sheriff... the precise truth mattered," Shelley wrote. "You know what? It always does."
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FCC Rejects Bid to Revive Silent New Jersey AM Station
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 4:18pm CT |
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The FCC has denied an appeal by Forsythe Broadcasting, LLC, ending the company's attempt to reinstate the license of silent AM station WNJC Washington Township, NJ.
In a Memorandum Opinion and Order released November 25, the Commission affirmed an earlier Media Bureau decision that the station's license automatically expired under Section 312(g) of the Communications Act after WNJC failed to broadcast for more than 12 consecutive months. Forsythe acknowledged the station had been off the air since March 2023, well past the statutory limit.
Forsythe argued that the loss of its transmitter site lease, difficulty finding a replacement location, financial pressures, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic justified reinstatement "in the interests of equity and fairness." The company also cited several FCC proceedings related to AM revitalization and rural broadcasting in an effort to support its case.
But the FCC found Forsythe had not demonstrated compelling circumstances beyond its control, noting the company offered no evidence of diligent efforts to secure a new site or resume operations. Instead, the Commission said Forsythe appeared to be seeking an open-ended extension with no concrete plan to return to air.
The FCC also rejected Forsythe's reliance on past reinstatement cases, ruling that those involved unique safety issues or natural disasters that did not apply here. Procedurally, the Commission dismissed several arguments as untimely or repetitive of earlier filings already considered and rejected.
"Forsythe has failed to show compelling evidence that the varying circumstances...were out of its control," the FCC wrote, concluding that the company's silence stemmed from its own actions, finances, or business decisions. With the ruling, WNJC's expired license and deleted call sign remain final, and its renewal application remains dismissed as moot.
Magic 100.9 Flips to All-Christmas for 2025 Season
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 4:42pm CT |
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Cenla Broadcasting has kicked off the holiday season in Alexandria, LA, with KQID-HD2 (Magic 100.9) making its annual flip to all-Christmas music. The switch happened at midnight on Sunday, launching with Michael Buble's popular rendition of "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
Program Manager David Graichen said the early start is meant to give listeners an extra dose of comfort and joy this year. "With the current state of this world of ours, we decided this was the year to pay back the love and support we receive all year and give our listeners their Christmas present a month early - A Magic Christmas!" he said. Graichen added that the station will again air its commercial-free Christmas Festival beginning at noon on Christmas Eve, running 36 hours straight.
Operations Manager Melissa Frost noted that the station's wide mix of holiday classics and contemporary favorites offers "something for everyone" and serves as "the perfect way to get our community in the holiday spirit."
In addition to the festive programming, Cenla Broadcasting is preparing for its annual Cenla Cares for Kids Toy Drive, continuing its tradition of supporting local children and families during the holiday season.
Urban One Baltimore GM Howard Mazer to Retire
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 3:57pm CT |
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Urban One Baltimore announced that longtime General Manager Howard Mazer (pictured right) will retire at the end of the year, concluding more than three decades of service with the company and over 40 years in the Baltimore market. Mazer began his radio career in 1981 as General Sales Manager and was elevated to General Manager in 1992. He joined Urban One in 1994, continuing to lead the company's Baltimore station group through decades of growth and industry change.
"For more than three decades, Howard has been a steady, visionary leader for our Baltimore cluster," said Eddie Harrell, Co-President of Urban One's Audio Division. "His commitment to excellence, his instinct for developing talent, and his deep understanding of this market have strengthened our stations and helped shape the culture of our entire audio division."
With Mazer's retirement, Urban One has promoted Dave Willner, the company's Director of Sales for Baltimore, to General Manager effective January 1, 2026. Willner, an Urban One veteran who began his radio career in promotions before moving into traffic and on-air roles, joined the company in 1999 as an Account Executive. He later advanced to National Sales Manager, General Sales Manager, and ultimately Director of Sales.
Harrell said Willner's broad operational background and track record in revenue leadership make him a natural successor. "Dave has had the benefit of learning the business under Howard's guidance for many years, and he embodies the forward-thinking leadership we need for the next chapter," Harrell added. "I'm confident he will build on Howard's strong foundation and continue to advance the success of the Baltimore market."
Mazer and Willner will work together through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.
Usher Media to Acquire Six NRG Stations in Central NE
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 5:17pm CT |
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A new ownership chapter is on the horizon for several Central Nebraska radio stations, as NRG Media has signed an agreement to sell six of its properties to Usher Media LLC. An application for FCC approval has been filed for the transfer of KGFW-AM, KQKY-FM, KRNY-FM, and K241CN-FX in Kearney; KROR-FM in Hastings; and KSYZ-FM in Grand Island.
NRG Media, an Iowa-based broadcaster led by CEO Mary Quass, operates more than 30 radio stations across Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Quass praised the local teams behind the stations and expressed confidence in the new ownership.
"We're pleased to announce the sale of our six radio stations in Central Nebraska to Usher Media LLC, a respected local broadcaster," said Quass. "It's been a privilege to serve this community with an exceptional team whose passion and commitment have made these stations a vital voice in the Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island markets. We are confident that Usher Media will build on that foundation and continue to serve listeners, advertisers, and the community with excellence."
The buyer, Usher Media, is a Nebraska-based company led by Alan Usher, who emphasized the company's local roots and long-term commitment to the region.
"We are excited to announce the acquisition of six radio stations in Central Nebraska," Usher said. "As a locally owned and operated organization, raised in the Tri-Cities, this strategic move underscores our commitment to expanding our media presence while staying deeply connected to our roots. We are committed to being a community leader, championing local projects, and driving community growth. We look forward to providing comprehensive local news, weather, and sports coverage while fostering a vibrant and thriving community for all."
The transaction awaits FCC approval before officially closing. KALIL & CO., was the exclusive broker for this transaction.
CPB Boosts Mountain West News Bureau With New Funding
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 2:10pm CT |
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The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has committed an additional $507,000 to the Mountain West News Bureau (MWNB), extending the regional journalism partnership through June 30, 2028, and funding a new Digital Editor position to enhance its multi-platform reporting. The new investment brings CPB's total support for the project to more than $1 million.
Launched in 2017 with CPB funding, the Mountain West News Bureau produces journalism focused on rural, land, environmental, and Tribal issues across one of the nation's largest geographic regions - more than 750,000 square miles spanning Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Over eight years, the initiative has strengthened reporting resources in small and mid-sized public media newsrooms, helping ensure that distinctive stories from the Mountain West are covered with insight and local expertise.
The collaboration is led by Boise State Public Radio and includes KUNC (Greeley, CO), Wyoming Public Media (Laramie, WY), KUNR (Reno, NV), KNPR (Las Vegas, NV), KANW (Albuquerque, NM), new partner NPR, and associate station partners Colorado Public Radio (Centennial, CO) and KJZZ (Phoenix, AZ). Together, the partners support a managing editor, six full-time reporters based at member stations, and additional part-time staff producing enterprise journalism for broadcast, digital platforms, and visual storytelling.
"Public media plays a vital role in ensuring that communities-especially rural and underserved ones-have access to trusted local journalism," said Kathy Merritt, chief operating officer of CPB. "By extending this grant and supporting the growth of the Mountain West News Bureau, CPB is helping strengthen a regional collaboration that continues to deliver essential reporting on issues that shape the daily lives and future of Mountain West residents."
Tom Michael, general manager of Boise State Public Radio, said the funds will help the bureau amplify local voices. "These are timely stories of families, workers, and neighbors navigating change in the places they call home," he said. "By collaborating across newsrooms, we're ensuring that local voices are heard, respected, and reflected in the journalism that serves them."
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PodcastOne Lands Clint Frazier's ''Life After the Show''
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 1:35pm CT |
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PodcastOne inks a multi-year deal with former New York Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier, securing distribution rights to his weekly podcast, Life After the Show. The series features Frazier's unfiltered perspective on current baseball topics, interviews with former teammates and insiders, and personal reflections on transitioning out of Major League Baseball.
"Clint is one of the most intriguing voices in baseball," said Kit Gray, President and Co-Founder of PodcastOne. "His perspective, built on passion and love of the game, aligns perfectly with our growth strategy to give listeners real, unfiltered stories from real people. We're thrilled to bring Life After the Show to PodcastOne."
Frazier, a former MLB outfielder, has shifted from on-field competition to commentary and digital content creation, offering honest evaluations and insight into the realities of life after the majors.
Jo Lambert Elected Chair of NPR Board of Directors
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 24, 2025 | 3:50pm CT |
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NPR has elected Jo Lambert as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective November 20. Lambert, who joined the Board as a Public Director in 2022, previously served as Vice Chair. Shawn Turner, a Member Director since 2024, was elected to succeed her as Vice Chair.
"I am honored to step into the role of Board Chair at this consequential moment for NPR and the public media system," Lambert said. "The past year has clearly demonstrated our incredible resilience and the profound, mission-critical strength of our 50-state Network. With strong momentum behind us-reflected in growing audience and donor support-I look forward to working with NPR's leadership and the entire Network to chart our course ahead."
NPR's 23-member Board includes 12 Member Directors elected by NPR Member stations, nine Public Directors appointed by the Board and confirmed by the stations, the NPR Foundation Chair, and the NPR President & CEO.
Lambert brings more than 25 years of global leadership experience in financial services, media, and technology. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Olo, overseeing strategy, operations, product, engineering, marketing, customer experience, business development, and partnerships for a platform serving more than 750 restaurant brands and 90,000 locations.
Her previous roles include President and General Manager of Yahoo Consumer, where she led Yahoo's global consumer businesses-including Mail, Sports, Finance, News, Entertainment, TechCrunch, Makers, and AOL-serving 900 million monthly users. Lambert has also held executive positions at PayPal, Venmo, and American Express.
Connoisseur Sells MN & SD Stations to Christensen
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 24, 2025 | 3:28pm CT |
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Connoisseur Media has reached an agreement to sell its stations in Luverne, MN and Madison, SD to two entities under Christensen Broadcasting. Christensen Broadcasting LUV LLC will acquire KLQL-FM and KQAD-AM in Luverne, while Christensen Broadcast Group, Inc. will take ownership of KJAM-FM and KJAM-AM in Madison. The transactions are subject to FCC approval and are expected to close early next year. The move followis its September acquisition of Alpha Media.
"Luverne and Madison are markets that did not fit into the vision we have for Connoisseur," said Jeff Warshaw, Founder and CEO. "We looked for local operators with experience in these communities who could serve them best. We are very happy that Christensen Broadcasting shares our values and stepped up to the challenge."
Christensen Broadcasting expressed enthusiasm about expanding its footprint in both regions. "We are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen locally focused broadcasting within these communities," the company said in a statement. "We look forward to honoring each station's legacy while supporting their continued growth and service."
Kalil & Co., Inc. served as broker on the transactions. Connoisseur Media was represented by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, while the Christensen entities were represented by Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, PLC.
Randy ''Shotgun'' Shannon Returns as WNCY Brand Mgr.
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 24, 2025 | 3:25pm CT |
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Midwest Communications has named Randy "Shotgun" Shannon as the new Brand Manager of WNCY (Y100) servving Appleton-Oshkosh, marking a return to the leadership role he first held when helping to build the station into a country powerhouse in Northeast Wisconsin.
Shannon, a fixture at Y100 for decades, originally guided the station's rise before moving on to morning shows in Denver and San Antonio. He rejoined Y100 in 2012 and, in 2017, teamed with Charli McKenzie for a successful run on the Y100 morning show. McKenzie recently relocated to Escanaba, MI, after 20 years at the station, while longtime Brand Manager Dan Stone retired following a 34-year career with Midwest Communications. Their departures opened the door for Shannon's return to leadership.
"WNCY has always been my baby," Shannon said. "I've been involved with the station since the beginning 30 years ago, and I'm excited to be at the helm of this legendary station again, and getting a chance to shape my own team!"
Jeff McCarthy, Vice President of Programming, added, "No one has more passion for the Y100 brand than Shotgun. A loyal leader and true talent, we are proud to have him guide WNCY to continued success."
Shannon will continue co-hosting the Y100 morning show while taking on Brand Manager responsibilities. He will also serve as Music Director until further notice. The station expects to announce Shannon's new morning show co-host soon.
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AM/FM Radio Poised to Boost Holiday Retail Lift
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 24, 2025 | 3:15pm CT |
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The Thanksgiving and Black Friday kickoff has officially launched one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, and new insights from the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group highlight a clear message for retailers: AM/FM radio remains a powerful engine for holiday sales.
According to Nielsen, AM/FM radio reaches 77% of adults 18 plus each week leading into Thanksgiving, with reach climbing to 78% during Christmas week. That consistency makes broadcast radio a prime tool for both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce marketers looking to influence consumers as they make gift-buying decisions.
The holiday season also brings a surge in listening. MRI data shows nearly 80 million adults plan to listen to holiday music on AM/FM radio or via streaming, with listening peaking on weekends. These consumers tend to be more active outside the home, meaning more time in their cars-where they are highly exposed to audio advertising.
Radio's advantage is its position directly on the path to purchase. RealityMine's USA TouchPoints finds that 53% of adults 18-64 visit a store and are in their car within the same half-hour weekly. When they are behind the wheel, 85% of ad-supported audio time goes to AM/FM radio, according to Edison Research's Q2 2025 "Share of Ear," making radio ads highly influential in determining which stores shoppers visit and which brands they buy.
AM/FM radio also delivers measurable digital impact. A MARU/Matchbox study of Amazon's December 2023 holiday campaign showed that those exposed to AM/FM radio advertising posted meaningful gains in brand familiarity, recall, favorability, purchase intent, and prior purchase compared with unexposed consumers.
Media planners can boost reach as well. Analysis from Nielsen Media Impact shows that shifting just 20% of a linear TV holiday buy to a mix of AM/FM radio and podcasts can increase campaign reach by an average of 53%. Smaller TV advertisers see even greater lift.
Across numerous Nielsen studies, AM/FM radio continues to deliver standout returns for retail brands, generating an average of $15 in incremental sales for every $1 invested.
Read the entire blog post here.
Chicago Radio Veteran JoBo Colburn Dies at 70
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 24, 2025 | 7:43pm CT |
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Longtime Chicago radio personality Joe Bohannon Colburn -- known to generations of listeners as JoBo -- has passed away at age 70. The news was shared on social media, marking the loss of a prominent voice who helped define Chicago morning radio for decades.
JoBo rose to fame as half of the legendary Eddie & JoBo team alongside partner Eddie Volkman. The duo became morning fixtures at B96 (WBBM-FM), where their high-energy style and on-air chemistry built a loyal audience throughout the '80s, '90s and 2000s.
After leaving B96, the pair briefly reunited on WLS in 2009, filling in for Roe Conn. Their strong reception led to a full-time opportunity, hosting "Eddie and Jobo's Saturday Night Talk Party" from 2010 to 2012.
The pair's storied run reflected the volatility of the industry they helped shape. In December 2012, Volkman and Bohannon were released from their morning show roles at WJMK (K-Hits 104.3) after 20 months on the air. They declined to host a final show but continued to be paid through the remainder of their contracts, which were set to expire in March 2013. It was not the first time they had weathered major changes: in 2008, CBS Radio famously bought out their multimillion-dollar B96 contracts.
For more than 25 years, Eddie & JoBo were synonymous with Chicago radio - resilient, influential, and consistently connected to their audience. Bohannon's passing marks the end of an era for listeners who grew up with the iconic team waking up the city.
HELOC Surge Creates Major New Revenue Path for Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 24, 2025 | 1:03pm CT |
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Home equity lines of credit -- long overshadowed by low mortgage rates and slower lending demand -- are surging back, and new data suggests the trend could represent a significant revenue opportunity for radio.
According to Jill Medina, Regional Manager for The Media Audit, rising home values, locked-in 3% mortgages, and steep credit-card APRs have pushed homeowners to re-evaluate their financial options. "This is a great revenue growth opportunity for radio," Medina said. "The Media Audit shows 58% of general market adults own their home, and 63% of those homeowners spend more than 15 hours a week with radio."
The data indicates that 5.2% of radio listeners currently have a HELOC, a figure 13% higher than the general market. With the Mortgage Bankers Association forecasting continued HELOC demand growth through 2025 (9.8%) and 2026 (9.5%), Medina says the timing is ideal for banks, credit unions, and fintechs to use radio to reach consumers considering home-equity borrowing.
"Today's borrower is pragmatic," Medina said. "They're using home equity to stabilize the household balance sheet, not splurge on a vacation."
Radio's audience remains highly homeowner-heavy, especially formats such as News/Talk, AC, Classic Hits, Country, and others that over-index among homeowners ages 35-64 -- the prime HELOC demographic. Medina notes that radio ranks second only to newspapers in percentage of adults with a HELOC.
She adds that listeners who have lived in their homes for 10 or more years -- the group most likely to tap equity -- are especially well represented in radio's core audience.
Medina argues radio offers unique advantages: trusted long-time personalities, local context tied to home-related issues, and a platform built around storytelling -- essential for explaining complex financial products. "While 5% of radio listeners have a HELOC, 95% don't," she said. "That is a huge potential for HELOC marketers."
The pitch to lenders, Medina says, should focus on growth. "Walk in with a one-pager on rising home prices, credit-card pressures, and ask what their goals are," she recommended. A three-part package -- talent-led spots, online education, and retargeting tools -- can help lenders move prospects from awareness to application.
The Media Audit provides syndicated market data across 40 plus U.S. markets to help media match their strengths with advertiser needs across hundreds of categories.
Mark Lazarus to Receive 2026 BFOA Golden Mic Award
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 24, 2025 | 12:36pm CT |
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Mark Lazarus, Chief Executive Officer of VERSANT and former Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, will be honored with the 2026 Golden Mic Award by the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA). The award will be presented during the Foundation's annual black-tie gala on March 9, 2026, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
The Golden Mic gala is the BFOA's largest annual fundraiser, supporting radio and television professionals facing financial hardship due to illness or personal tragedy.
Lazarus said he was "deeply honored" to receive the award, adding, "Broadcasting has always been about connecting people, and the Foundation's work reminds us of the profound responsibility and privilege we have to support one another, especially in times of need."
As CEO of VERSANT, Lazarus oversees a portfolio of major cable networks-USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel-along with digital assets including Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, and Sports Engine. The company is positioned to become a future publicly traded media enterprise.
Before leading VERSANT, Lazarus served as Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, where he led the company's TV and streaming platforms, distribution strategy, and monetization. His tenure included extending NBC's Olympics rights through 2032 and overseeing record engagement for the Paris 2024 Summer Games. His earlier roles include President of Turner Entertainment Group and President of Media and Marketing for Career & Sport Entertainment.
"Mark is a highly respected television executive known for his leadership and ability to carve out innovative paths to success," said Scott Herman, Chair of the Broadcasters Foundation. "We are delighted to recognize his many contributions to broadcasting with the 2026 Golden Mic Award."
The Golden Mic Award honors individuals who demonstrate excellence in broadcasting and a commitment to serving their communities. Past recipients include Brian Lawlor, Jordan Wertlieb, Bob Pittman, David Barrett, Perry Sook, Emily Barr, Hilton Howell Jr., and Jack Abernethy.
More information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including aid applications and donation opportunities, is available at broadcastersfoundation.org.
The Conclave Plans Final Conference for 2026
| RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 8:03pm CT |
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The Conclave, the nation's oldest programming and talent conference, will take its final bow in 2026. Organizers announced that the 45th and last edition of the long-running gathering will take place September 15-17, 2026, in Minneapolis.
Conclave Executive Director Emeritus Tom Kay reflected on the event's legacy, noting its role in supporting generations of radio professionals and students. "The Conclave has always been a bright beacon nurturing the unique community of professional and student radio communicators while helping them navigate these past 50 challenging but rewarding years," Kay said. "But times have changed. Our industry's educational platforms have changed. And the curtain must now come down on this noble learning institution."
Still, leaders promise a memorable sendoff. "But not before one more incredible reunion in 2026," said Conclave Chair Bob Goff, GM of Heart of Wisconsin Media's WCWI-FM in Adams, WI. Goff said the agenda is still being finalized but attendees can expect the same ego-free environment, cutting-edge sessions, open Q&A topics, expert faculty, networking, and entertainment that have defined the Conclave's reputation.
Admission for the final event will retain the conference's signature early-years price of $99 for a limited time. Enrollment details and limited sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.
Organizers encourage industry members to "plan and budget now" for what they describe as the most uniquely rewarding three days in radio.
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