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Top Radio News
Report: Online Audio, Podcast Use Hit New Highs
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 12:32pm CT |
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Online audio and podcast consumption in the U.S. reached record levels in 2026, according to new data from Edison Research's annual "The Infinite Dial" study conducted with SSRS and supported by SiriusXM Media.
The report found that 81% of Americans age 12 and older - an estimated 233 million people - listened to online audio in the last month, while 76% listened in the last week. Edison Research said weekly engagement among monthly online audio listeners has climbed steadily over the past two decades, rising from 57% in 2006 to 94% in 2026.
Older Americans drove much of the recent growth. Monthly online audio listening among adults 55 and older increased from 52% in 2024 to 70% in 2026.
Podcast consumption also reached new highs. The study found 80% of Americans age 12 and older have listened to or watched a podcast, while 58% consumed a podcast in the last month and 45% in the last week.
Among adults ages 35-54, 68% reported consuming a podcast in the last month, reinforcing podcasting's value to advertisers targeting that demographic. The report also found that 57% of Americans have both listened to and watched a podcast.
"Video isn't replacing podcast audio. It's expanding the tent," said Megan Lazovick, Vice President of Edison Research at SSRS. "Whatever your feelings on video podcasts, the data is clear: this is a dual-format medium now."
For the first time, the study also tracked adoption of generative artificial intelligence tools. According to the survey, 93% of Americans are familiar with at least one generative AI brand, while 57% have used a generative AI assistant.
The report found AI users tend to be heavier digital media consumers than non-users. Among AI users, 87% listened to online audio weekly, compared with 61% of non-users. More than half of AI users also consumed podcasts weekly.
Other findings showed YouTube remains widely used, with 84% of Americans using the platform monthly and 78% weekly. Social media preferences varied by age group, with TikTok leading among users ages 12-34 and Facebook remaining dominant among adults 55 and older.
"The Infinite Dial remains one of the most trusted, enduring studies of audio and media behavior," said Keri Degroote, Senior Vice President of Sales Research and Analytics at SiriusXM Media.
Beasley Swings to Q1 Profit on Station Sale Gain
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 5:18pm CT |
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Beasley Broadcast Group reported first quarter 2026 net revenue of $42.6 million, down 12.9% from the same period a year ago, while the company posted a profit driven largely by gains tied to the sale of its stations in Fort Myers, FL.
The company recorded operating income of $7.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, compared to an operating loss of $300,000 in the first quarter of 2025. Net income totaled approximately $3.2 million, or $1.77 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2.7 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, a year earlier.
Beasley said the improvement in operating income was primarily the result of completing the sale of its Fort Myers cluster. The company reported a gain on dispositions of approximately $12.5 million during the quarter.
Adjusted EBITDA declined to a loss of $400,000 from positive Adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 million in the prior-year quarter.
Digital revenue remained flat year over year at $10.7 million, but increased 18.2% on a same-station basis and accounted for 25% of total company revenue. Beasley said digital segment operating margin reached 15.5% during the quarter.
The company noted that local revenue, including locally sold digital packages, represented 75% of total net revenue, while new business accounted for 11% of revenue.
CEO Caroline Beasley said the company continues to face pressure in traditional advertising categories, but pointed to growth in higher-margin digital products and ongoing restructuring efforts.
Beasley also highlighted steps taken May 1 to strengthen the company's balance sheet, including a second lien restructuring, repurchase of a portion of first lien notes and establishment of a new asset-based lending facility.
As of March 31, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of $6.4 million and long-term debt of approximately $217.5 million.
Salem Media Cuts Q1 Loss, Revenue Declines
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 2:10pm CT |
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Salem Media reported a narrower net loss for the first quarter of 2026 as the company reduced operating expenses, though total revenue declined compared to the same period a year earlier.
For the quarter ended March 31, Salem posted total net revenue of $45.9 million, down from $51.7 million in the first quarter of 2025. Net loss improved to $2.6 million, or $0.08 per share, compared to a loss of $7.1 million, or $0.24 per share, a year earlier.
Operating expenses fell to $48.4 million from $61 million, aided in part by the absence of restructuring costs recorded during the prior-year quarter. Selling, general and administrative expenses also declined year over year.
Broadcast programming revenue declined from $18.4 million to $17.2 million, while broadcast advertising revenue fell from $10.2 million to $9.3 million. Digital revenue also decreased, slipping from $19.7 million to $18.1 million.
During the quarter, Salem sold the economic interest in a tower site in Honolulu for approximately $700,000, generating a pre-tax gain of the same amount. The company also disclosed plans to complete a $6 million sale-leaseback transaction involving its Irving, Texas building during the second quarter.
As of March 31, Salem had $8.9 million outstanding under its asset-based revolving credit facility and borrowing availability of approximately $5.1 million.
The company also disclosed a pending acquisition agreement announced May 12 under which WaterStone would acquire all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1.00 per share in a deal expected to close in August, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.
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Matt Stockman to Exit Pillar Media as CPO
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 2:16pm CT |
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Pillar Media announced that Chief Programming Officer Matt Stockman will leave the organization on Aug. 31 following more than six years with the ministry. Stockman joined Pillar Media in 2020 and oversaw programming strategy and content development across the organization's media platforms.
Executive Director Art Garza credited Stockman with helping strengthen the ministry's mission of encouraging people in their faith through media outreach.
"Matt's leadership and expertise have made a lasting impact on our organization," Garza said. "While we never enjoy losing great talent, we've long known this entrepreneurial path was something he felt called toward."
Stockman said he is stepping away to expand his consulting business serving nonprofit and Christian radio organizations nationwide.
"I've loved every moment of my time with Pillar Media," Stockman said. "I believe God has opened the door for this next chapter, and I look forward to using my experience and gifts to help other organizations make an impact for the Kingdom."
Pillar Media said it will begin a search for a new chief programming officer while continuing its focus on Christian-centered programming across its five local markets. The organization said its media outlets currently reach more than one million people each week.
Connoisseur Sells Watertown Stations to Riverfront
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 3:01pm CT |
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Connoisseur Media has agreed to sell its Watertown, South Dakota radio cluster to Riverfront Broadcasting in a deal expected to close later this summer pending FCC approval. The stations included in the transaction are KLDO-FM, KIXX-FM, KSDR-AM, KSDR-FM and KWAT-AM, all licensed to Watertown, along with KKSD-FM licensed to Milbank, South Dakota.
Connoisseur said the sale is part of its broader strategy to refine its portfolio following the company's acquisition of Alpha Media stations last September.
"The Watertown market was not a market we felt Connoisseur could make a material difference in with the focus and approach we bring to radio," said Jeff Warshaw, founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media. He added that the company sought a local operator capable of continuing community-focused programming in the market.
Carolyn Becker, president of Riverfront Broadcasting, said the company is pleased to bring local ownership back to the stations. "We are very happy to bring local ownership and local focus back to these great stations in the Watertown Market," Becker said.
Kalil & Co. served as exclusive broker for the transaction. Connoisseur Media was represented by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, while Riverfront Broadcasting was represented by Marlow Woodward & Huff.
Magellan AI Partners with Signal Hill Insights
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 2:17pm CT |
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Magellan AI has partnered with Signal Hill Insights to provide advertisers with combined brand lift and performance measurement for podcast advertising campaigns.
The partnership integrates Signal Hill Insights' brand lift studies with Magellan AI's ad exposure and campaign performance data. Magellan said its technology measures exposure across both dynamically inserted and baked-in podcast ads through tags and server-side integrations, including inventory that has traditionally been difficult to track at scale.
By linking exposure data directly into Signal Hill's research studies, the companies said advertisers will gain more accurate audience matching, improved control groups, and clearer insights into how campaigns affect brand awareness, favorability, and purchase intent.
"This partnership gives advertisers a more complete picture of campaign impact, connecting brand perception to real downstream behavior in one place," said Jim Ballas, President of Measurement at Magellan AI.
The companies said the arrangement creates a single workflow for advertisers seeking both brand lift and performance metrics, eliminating the need to manage multiple vendors or separate reporting systems.
"Advertisers are asking for clearer, more connected measurement across the funnel," said Paul Riismandel, President of Signal Hill Insights. "By pairing Magellan's exposure data with our brand lift methodology, we can provide a deeper dive into how messaging is moving consumers through that funnel."
The partnership is intended to simplify access to podcast campaign measurement services through a single point of contact for advertisers.
FAST Channels Gain Appeal Amid Subscription Fatigue
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 12:38pm CT |
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As consumers grow weary of juggling multiple streaming subscriptions, free ad-supported streaming television services, commonly known as FAST channels, are emerging as an increasingly attractive option for both viewers and advertisers, according to a new insights article from Audacy.
In the article, Jenny Sutton, Head of Digital Marketing Solutions at Audacy, said services such as Tubi, The Roku Channel and Sling TV are benefiting from growing "subscription fatigue" among consumers. The article cited research showing more than 40% of streaming subscribers believe they pay for too many services.
FAST platforms provide free access to live and on-demand programming supported by advertising rather than subscription fees. Many are pre-installed on connected televisions and do not require viewers to log in, reducing barriers to use.
Audacy noted that FAST viewership is projected to surpass 125 million users in 2026, with an estimated 4.5 million new users added during the year.
The article argued that advertisers shifting budgets from traditional linear television to over-the-top streaming platforms should look beyond major subscription-based services to broaden audience reach. Sutton said limiting campaigns to premium subscription services may restrict advertisers to only consumers paying for those platforms.
The article also highlighted FAST's ability to provide advertisers with audience targeting and behavioral data similar to other OTT advertising platforms, helping marketers optimize campaigns.
Among the recommendations outlined for advertisers were focusing on audience behavior before selecting platforms, balancing cost efficiency with reach, considering device usage and content format, and ensuring programming aligns with brand image.
Audacy said FAST services now represent a growing share of consumer viewing habits as audiences increasingly watch content across multiple streaming platforms and devices.
Read the entire Audacy Insights article here.
LABF Announces Four 2026 Preservation Grant Winners
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 2:20pm CT |
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Library of American Broadcasting Foundation has announced the recipients of its inaugural LABF Preservation Grants, awarding four organizations $2,500 each to support projects focused on preserving broadcast history.
The 2026 recipients include the California Historical Radio Society, which will use its grant to preserve and expand access to audio archives housed at the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame documenting decades of Bay Area broadcasting history.
The Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety and Comedy, known as SPERDVAC, received funding to add a new restoration volunteer and increase the organization's ability to restore and share classic radio programs from the 1930s through the early 1960s.
TCMediaNow will use the grant to help stabilize, digitize and preserve the video and film archive of longtime Twin Cities broadcaster Stan Turner.
Meanwhile, WHRO Public Media plans to preserve educational media materials from its early years serving schools in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. The project includes digitizing approximately 20 hours of aging media stored on obsolete formats.
LABF Co-Chair Deborah Parenti said recipients were selected based on criteria including historical significance, preservation methods, public accessibility and overall impact on the field of media preservation.
Co-Chair Dave Denes, also known as "Chachi," thanked the five-member selection panel from the LABF Board of Directors for reviewing applications and choosing the grant winners.
In addition to the grants, recipients will be recognized as LABF Preservation Ambassadors on the foundation's website and honored during the Giants of Broadcasting and Electronic Arts Gala Luncheon on Nov. 17 at Gotham Hall in New York City.
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FOX Sports, iHeart Partner on World Cup Audio Coverage
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 12:14pm CT |
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FOX Sports and iHeartMedia have partnered to bring English-language audio coverage of every match of FIFA World Cup 2026 to iHeart's broadcast radio stations and digital platforms throughout the tournament.
Under the agreement, FOX Sports' network commentary for all 104 matches will stream on the iHeartRadio app beginning with the opening match on June 11 through the championship match on July 19. Coverage will also air on more than 100 iHeartMedia broadcast stations nationwide, including more than 100 FOX Sports Radio affiliates.
The broadcasts will feature FOX Sports' television announcers and analysts calling matches from the tournament, which will be staged across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
"With the biggest FIFA World Cup in tournament history right around the corner and taking place across the country, we're excited to work with iHeartMedia to extend our FOX Sports match commentary even further," said Bill Wanger, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming and Scheduling for FOX Sports.
Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia, said the partnership will allow the companies to provide live coverage to listeners across radio and streaming platforms throughout the tournament.
The U.S. Men's National Team's group-stage matches against Paraguay, Australia and Turkiye will receive expanded coverage and will air on FOX. Additional play-by-play coverage will be available through iHeart's sports audio channels and the iHeartRadio app.
In addition to live match coverage, iHeartMedia said listeners can access a range of soccer-focused podcasts in English and Spanish featuring hosts and contributors including Javier Hern¡ndez, Tab Ramos and Sarah Spain.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first World Cup hosted by three countries and the first to feature 48 teams competing in 104 matches. FOX Sports will televise all matches live across FOX and FS1, with streaming available through FOX One.
Steve Yates Launches Podcast on Premiere Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 12:21pm CT |
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Premiere Networks has launched a new podcast, "Nation States with Yates," hosted by foreign policy strategist and former White House national security advisor Steve Yates, on The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network.
The podcast debuted immediately, with new episodes scheduled to be released two to three times weekly on iHeartRadio and other podcast platforms. Episodes will also be distributed through "The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show" podcast feed.
According to Premiere Networks, the program will focus on global politics, foreign policy and geopolitical issues, with Yates drawing on his experience in government and advisory roles to explain international developments and their impact on the United States.
"The world comes at you fast, not just at the White House, but at your house," Yates said. "My pledge to you in each episode is to deliver concise, experience-driven insight into how decisions are made at the highest levels."
Buck Sexton said Yates brings a straightforward approach to complicated geopolitical topics, while Clay Travis called Yates' global perspective and experience "a huge asset."
Launched in 2023, The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network features news, politics and culture programming distributed by iHeartPodcasts. Current shows on the network include programs hosted by Lisa Boothe, Tudor Dixon and Nicole Saphier, among others.
Salem Media to Be Acquired by WaterStone
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 4:12pm CT |
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Salem Media has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by The Christian Community Foundation, a move that will take the company private and support its long-term growth across broadcast and digital platforms.
Under the terms of the deal, WaterStone will purchase all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1.00 per share, representing a premium of approximately 250% over the company's recent trading price.
Salem co-founder Edward Atsinger III said the company had been seeking a long-term successor aligned with its mission of delivering Christian and conservative content. He described WaterStone as a natural fit, citing shared values and a longstanding relationship between the organizations.
The transaction follows a period of growth for Salem, which reported local radio revenue gains of 2.8% in the first quarter, outperforming broader industry trends that saw declines of 3.4%, according to Miller Kaplan data cited in the announcement.
Salem has continued expanding its reach across radio, streaming, podcasting, and digital media, featuring a lineup that includes personalities such as Scott Jennings, Larry O'Connor, Alex Marlow, and Lara Trump, along with prominent Christian voices including Greg Laurie and Sean McDowell.
Chief Executive Officer David Santrella said the agreement reflects alignment between the two organizations and is expected to enhance Salem's ability to expand its mission-driven content.
WaterStone, which previously held a 49.5% voting interest in Salem through preferred stock investments, has worked with the company on strategic initiatives over the past 18 months.
The deal was unanimously approved by Salem's Board of Directors and is expected to close in August 2026, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.
The Ticket Dallas Expands KickAround for World Soccer
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 11:09am CT |
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Cumulus Media's KTCK (Sportsradio 96.7 and 1310 The Ticket) Dallas will again expand its soccer-focused program, "The KickAround," into a nightly show during the 2026 World Soccer tournament, delivering 36 shows and 44 hours of original programming.
The coverage will run from June 11 through July 19, aligning with the global tournament schedule, and marks the fourth time the station has rolled out an expanded version of the program tied to the event.
European soccer journalist Lars Sivertsen will join hosts Andy Swift and Peter Welpton in studio throughout the tournament. The show, which launched as a daily feature during the 2014 tournament in Brazil, later transitioned into a weekly program and has returned in expanded form for each subsequent tournament cycle.
Program Director Jeff Catlin said interest in this year's tournament is expected to be especially strong, with several matches scheduled in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He positioned "The KickAround" as a key destination for both dedicated soccer fans and casual listeners.
The program will air weeknights at 7pm following "The Hardline," in addition to its regular Saturday afternoon slot and select Sunday broadcasts. Special coverage is planned around the tournament final, including pregame and post-match shows.
Content will include daily match recaps, previews, and analysis, along with a heightened focus on the U.S. Men's National Team. Select match days will feature on-location broadcasts and fan events tied to U.S. games.
Each episode will be carried across The Ticket's broadcast and streaming platforms and will also be made available on-demand via podcast shortly after airing.
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WGN News Anchor Sylvia Snowden Wins Lisagor Award
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 11:15am CT |
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WGN Radio news anchor Sylvia Snowden has received a "Best Investigative Reporting" honor at the Peter Lisagor Awards, presented by the Chicago Headline Club.
Snowden was recognized for an investigation into a high-profile TikTok personality and party promoter who organized a large West Side gathering despite police warnings about potential violence. The event drew nearly 1,000 attendees and was followed by three separate shootings that left two people dead.
Her reporting uncovered that the promoter was employed by Chicago Public Schools. Snowden continued to follow the story, detailing the individual's suspension with pay and eventual return to the classroom after a district investigation.
Snowden, who joined WGN Radio as a news anchor in November 2023, covers news across Chicago and its suburbs. A Chicago native, she is a graduate of Morgan Park High School and serves on the boards of both the National Association of Black Journalists Chicago and the Journalism and Women's Symposium.
FCC Seeks Comment on Connoisseur Ownership
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 4:52pm CT |
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The FCC has issued a Public Notice seeking comment on a petition filed by Connoisseur Media Holdco, Inc. requesting approval for increased foreign ownership. In the notice, released May 8, 2026, the FCC established a pleading cycle for the proposal, with comments due June 8 and replies due June 23.
Connoisseur Media is asking the Commission to allow up to 100% aggregate indirect foreign ownership of the company, exceeding the 25% benchmark set under Section 310(b)(4) of the Communications Act. The company also seeks specific approval for certain foreign investors, including entities based in the Cayman Islands and an individual from the United Kingdom.
The broadcaster currently reports approximately 20.37% indirect foreign equity ownership and no foreign voting interest but anticipates transactions that could raise foreign ownership levels above the statutory threshold.
According to the filing, potential increases could result from changes in existing investor holdings and warrants tied to Connoisseur's prior acquisition of Alpha Media. Depending on how those transactions unfold, foreign ownership could rise to between roughly 30% and 34% of equity.
Connoisseur said the additional investment would provide greater access to capital and support investments in local programming and digital capabilities, while maintaining U.S. control of the company and its broadcast licenses.
The FCC noted the petition has been accepted for filing and will be reviewed under "permit-but-disclose" ex parte procedures. The agency also indicated it does not plan to refer the matter to executive branch agencies for further review, following input from the Department of Justice.
Connoisseur Media, through its subsidiaries, owns more than 175 radio stations across the United States.
Seaboard Expands Country Lineup with ''Studio 39''
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 2:13pm CT |
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Seaboard Networks has expanded its country programming lineup with the addition of "Studio 39 with Steve Bauer," a new weekly show available to stations nationwide on a barter basis.
The announcement comes just a week after the company unveiled plans to launch "Amped Up Country" over Memorial Day Weekend, further building its portfolio of country-focused offerings. "Studio 39" will emphasize Classic Country music, positioning it alongside Seaboard's broader push into the format.
Seaboard Networks Marketing Solutions Consultant Bob Stei said the addition of both programs strengthens the company's goal of becoming a central provider for country radio content.
Host Steve Bauer brings decades of experience to the show. He began his radio career in 1970 while still in high school at a college station and later joined KBUL in Wichita, where he worked in midday and afternoon drive roles. After leaving the industry in 1977 for a position in banking, Bauer returned to radio in 1989, working at multiple Wichita-area stations.
In 2000, Bauer began hosting country and smooth jazz programs on ACB Radio Interactive, and in 2002 he joined KRBB-FM, where he launched "The Sunday Jazz Brunch."
"Studio 39 with Steve Bauer" is now available to affiliates as Seaboard continues to expand its national country programming lineup. To become an affiliate visit seaboardnetworks.com.
Bill & Giuliana Rancic Launch New Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 11:28am CT |
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iHeartPodcasts has launched "Bill and Giuliana: The Podcast," a new weekly series hosted by longtime television personalities Bill Rancic and Giuliana Rancic.
The podcast features candid conversations that blend humor and personal insight, with each episode exploring widely searched and often unspoken questions. Topics range from lighthearted curiosities to more personal issues, with the hosts joined by experts, celebrity guests, and other contributors.
The project builds on the couple's previous on-air partnership in the reality series Giuliana and Bill, which ran for seven seasons on E!. While that show documented their lives in real time, the podcast is positioned as a more in-depth and conversational format.
Bill and Giuliana Rancic said the show reflects discussions they have had privately for years, now brought into a public forum designed to encourage openness and relatability.
Giuliana Rancic is known for her work as an entertainment host and journalist, while Bill Rancic gained national recognition as the first winner of The Apprentice and has since built a career in business and media. The pair also co-own the RPM Restaurant Group.
"Bill and Giuliana: The Podcast" is part of iHeartPodcasts' Popworthy slate and is available on the iHeartRadio app and major podcast platforms.
PodcastOne Expands Lineup with Two Wellness Shows
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 2:16pm CT |
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PodcastOne has expanded its programming slate with the launch of "It's Okay, We're All Gonna Die with Nurse Julie" and the acquisition of "Life Happens with Barb and Michelle," adding to its growing lineup of lifestyle and wellness content.
The company said the additions reflect continued investment in mental health and personal development programming, a category that remains highly engaging for podcast audiences.
"It's Okay, We're All Gonna Die with Nurse Julie" features a hospice nurse offering candid and often humorous insights drawn from her experience working with patients at the end of life. The show incorporates conversations with guests and listener questions, aiming to reframe discussions around death while encouraging a focus on living with intention.
Meanwhile, "Life Happens with Barb and Michelle" is hosted by a mother-daughter team and co-founders of Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life. The podcast explores topics including personal growth, resilience, and navigating life's challenges, with an emphasis on mental wellness and self-discovery.
PodcastOne President and Co-Founder Kit Gray said the new additions align with the network's strategy to deliver informative content that resonates with a broad audience.
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