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iHeartMedia Q2 Revenue Rises 4.7% to $977 Million
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 3:06pm CT |
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iHeartMedia reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $977.2 million, an increase of 4.7% from $933.7 million a year earlier, as continued growth in its digital and podcast businesses offset weakness in its Multiplatform Group.
Excluding political advertising, consolidated revenue increased 3.5%. GAAP operating income was $35.5 million, essentially flat with $35.4 million in the second quarter of 2025, while Adjusted EBITDA declined 2.9% to $151.5 million from $156.1 million.
The company reported a net loss of $82.5 million, compared with a loss of $84.0 million a year ago. Cash provided by operating activities increased to $64.9 million from $6.8 million, while Free Cash Flow improved to $46.0 million from negative $13.2 million.
Digital Audio Group revenue climbed 12.4% to $364.1 million, led by a 20.7% increase in podcast revenue to $162.1 million. Digital revenue excluding podcasts increased 6.6% to $202.0 million. Digital Audio Adjusted EBITDA rose 14.5% to $123.2 million, with a margin of 33.8%.
"Our podcast revenue momentum continues, up 20.7% compared to prior year," said iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman. He noted that the company's broadcast radio assets are also helping it develop the emerging video podcast market, including opportunities with streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu.
Pittman said the quarter marked the sixth consecutive period in which Digital Audio Group Adjusted EBITDA exceeded that of the company's Multiplatform Group.
Multiplatform Group revenue declined 1.6% to $535.7 million, reflecting decreases in network, sponsorship and event revenue. Broadcast radio revenue increased 0.5% to $397.6 million, while network revenue fell 3.8% and sponsorship and events declined 16.3%.
Multiplatform Group Adjusted EBITDA fell 39.2% to $58.6 million from $96.4 million a year earlier, with its margin declining to 10.9% from 17.7%.
The Audio & Media Services Group posted an 18.8% revenue increase to $80.5 million, driven primarily by higher digital and political advertising revenue. Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 54.6% to $36.7 million.
President and COO Rich Bressler said the company's second-quarter performance gives iHeartMedia "additional confidence in the second half of the year." The company also extended the maturity of its $450 million asset-based revolving credit facility from May 2027 to January 30, 2029.
For the third quarter, iHeartMedia expects consolidated revenue to increase in the mid-single digits and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $180 million to $220 million.
For full-year 2026, the company continues to project Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $800 million and Free Cash Flow of approximately $200 million. It also expects $125 million in 2026 cost savings and approximately $200 million in programmatic revenue, up about 50%.
As of June 30, iHeartMedia had $174.4 million in cash, $457.2 million in total available liquidity and approximately $5.04 billion in total debt.
Entravision Q2 Revenue Jumps 126% on Ad Tech Growth
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 3:10pm CT |
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Entravision Communications reported second-quarter 2026 net revenue of $227.9 million, up 126% from $100.7 million in the same period last year, driven by rapid growth in its Advertising Technology & Services business.
The company's Advertising Technology & Services segment generated $182.8 million in revenue, a 230% increase from $55.3 million a year ago. Entravision attributed the gain to increases in monthly active advertisers and revenue per advertiser, fueled by investments in the platform's artificial intelligence capabilities and expanded sales capacity.
Meanwhile, Entravision's Media segment, which includes its U.S. radio and television properties along with digital marketing services, saw revenue decline 1% to $45.1 million. The company cited lower broadcast advertising and spectrum usage rights revenue, partially offset by growth in digital advertising and retransmission fees. Excluding political revenue, local advertising increased 1% while national advertising fell 19%.
Media segment operating results swung to a loss of $3.3 million from a $354,000 profit a year earlier. Advertising Technology & Services operating profit, however, surged to $40.0 million from $5.2 million. Overall segment operating profit increased to $36.7 million from $5.5 million.
Entravision posted second-quarter net income attributable to common stockholders of $19.7 million, or 19 cents per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $3.3 million, or four cents per share, in the year-ago quarter. Operating income totaled $30.0 million versus an operating loss of $848,000 last year.
For the first six months of 2026, consolidated revenue rose 121% to $424.9 million. Advertising Technology & Services revenue increased 218% to $337.4 million, while Media revenue grew 1% to $87.5 million.
CEO Michael Christenson said Entravision repaid $5 million on its bank term loan during the quarter and remains committed to reducing debt and maintaining a strong balance sheet. The company ended June with $83.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and $157.3 million in long-term debt and current maturities.
Entravision's board also approved a quarterly cash dividend of five cents per share, payable September 30 to shareholders of record at the close of business September 16.
Study: Podcast Ads Reach Elusive Streaming Viewers
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 11:20am CT |
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Podcast advertising could provide marketers with an effective way to reach consumers who increasingly spend their video viewing time on advertising-free streaming services, according to the latest Podcast Download study from Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights.
The Spring 2026 study, conducted by Quantilope in April among 600 weekly podcast consumers, found a significant overlap between podcast audiences and users of ad-free video streaming platforms. The findings are examined in a new Cumulus Media/Westwood One Audio Active Group blog by Pierre Bouvard.
According to the study, 97% of weekly podcast consumers used a video streaming service during the previous month, while 88% used an ad-free streaming service.
Podcast listeners are also more likely to be cord cutters. One-third of weekly podcast consumers said they do not subscribe to any pay-TV provider.
The study found weekly podcast consumers spend 39% of their video viewing time with ad-free platforms and content. By comparison, Nielsen data indicates ad-free content accounts for 27% of overall U.S. television viewing time. That means weekly podcast listeners devote 44% more of their viewing time to ad-free content than the average American.
Cumulus Media says the results illustrate how podcast advertising can help marketers reach desirable consumers who are increasingly difficult to reach through traditional television or ad-supported streaming. The study found 20% of weekly podcast consumers are not reached by TV streaming service advertising in an average week.
The relationship becomes stronger among the heaviest podcast users. Consumers listening to podcasts six or more hours per week are 14% more likely than weekly podcast consumers overall to be heavy users of ad-free video streaming. Heavy podcast listeners average seven hours with ad-free streaming services, compared with 6.4 hours among weekly podcast consumers overall.
Cumulus Media also suggests streaming companies themselves could benefit from using podcast advertising to promote programming, pointing specifically to Netflix and declining audiences for returning seasons of several series.
Citing Bloomberg data, the blog notes that second seasons of "Running Point" and "The Four Seasons" experienced 50% audience declines, while "Beef" fell 70%. "The Night Agent" lost 50% of its audience for its second season and another 35% for its third, while the second season of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" declined more than 60% during its first week.
The blog argues that lack of awareness could be contributing to the declines and that podcast advertising could help streaming services generate interest in returning programs.
Cumulus Media also points to Nielsen's May 2026 Gauge report, which gave Netflix an 8% share of television viewing. With 92% of viewing occurring elsewhere, the company argues Netflix cannot depend solely on promotion within its own platform to generate awareness for new and returning programs.
The Spring 2026 report is the 16th edition of the Podcast Download research series from Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights.
Read the full blog post here.
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RAB Sets Third AI Advantage Webinar for August 19
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 2:03pm CT |
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The Radio Advertising Bureau will present the third installment of its four-part "AI Advantage for Radio Sales" webinar series on Wednesday, August 19 at Noon CT/1pm ET.
The session, "The AI Visibility Playbook for Radio," will focus on how radio stations and local advertisers can improve their visibility in responses generated by artificial intelligence and large language models.
RAB Senior Vice President of Digital Services Dave Casper and Senior Vice President of Professional Development Jeff Schmidt will host the webinar. The series examines RAB's curated AI-enabled resources and how broadcasters can use them to strengthen client relationships, streamline sales workflows and improve visibility for stations and advertisers.
The session will examine what AI platforms tell advertisers about radio when sellers are not part of the conversation and why local broadcasters may be missing from AI-generated answers. Casper and Schmidt will also discuss steps sellers, managers and stations can take to make their information more accessible to AI systems.
Attendees will receive a roadmap covering both sides of the AI equation: using AI to improve the sales process and using Answer Engine Optimization, or AEO, to increase the likelihood that stations and their advertisers appear in AI-generated responses.
The August 19 webinar is complimentary for RAB members. Registered attendees will also receive an on-demand recording and access to a companion resource page following the presentation.
Disney+, Hulu Add Six iHeart Video Podcasts
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 10:55am CT |
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Disney+ and Hulu are expanding their video podcast offerings through a new agreement with iHeartMedia that will bring six iHeartPodcasts titles to the streaming platforms beginning this month.
The rollout starts August 14 with "Hey Jonas!," the official Jonas Brothers podcast hosted by Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, streaming on both Disney+ and Hulu. The debut comes ahead of the premiere of "Camp Rock 3" on Disney+ and will include an episode focused on the franchise, followed by episodes featuring the brothers live from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
"Pod Meets World," hosted by "Boy Meets World" stars Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong, will arrive on Disney+ August 24. The podcast, which has generated more than 55 million audio downloads, will expand beyond its recap of the sitcom's seven seasons with memories, conversations, guests and other topics.
Four additional iHeartPodcasts will be added to Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for U.S. bundle subscribers in the coming months. "StraightioLab," hosted by George Civeris and Sam Taggart, and "Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim" are scheduled for the fall.
"Desperately Devoted," featuring Teri Hatcher, Andrea Bowen and Emerson Tenney revisiting "Desperate Housewives," will begin streaming November 2. "Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald," hosted by "Scrubs" co-stars Zach Braff and Donald Faison, will debut later this year.
New episodes of all six podcasts will stream weekly.
"Fans can't get enough of the stories and talent they love, and podcasts have become one of the fastest growing ways for audiences to connect with them," said Lauren Tempest, Head of Content Planning & Partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company. She said the iHeartMedia partnership will bring viewers closer to their favorite programs and creators.
iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman said audiences increasingly want to engage with podcast personalities across multiple platforms. He called Disney+ and Hulu "ideal partners" for expanding the reach of iHeartPodcasts through video.
The agreement expands an existing podcast lineup on Disney+ and Hulu that includes licensed, rewatch and companion programs tied to series and franchises including "Paradise," "American Idol," "Dancing with the Stars" and several FX productions.
WTOP Expands Top News Podcast With Hourly Updates
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 11:03am CT |
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WTOP News in Washington, DC is planning a major expansion of its "Top News Podcast," transforming the program into an on-demand extension of the station's daily news coverage.
Under the new format, WTOP will produce 12 to 14 episodes each weekday, offering 20-minute news updates refreshed hourly from 6am to 7pm. A video version of the podcast will also be produced for digital platforms.
WTOP says the expanded format is designed to reflect changing news consumption habits by providing listeners with frequent, concise updates available on demand.
To support the expansion, WTOP plans to hire two full-time podcast host-producers who will oversee daily production and serve as the program's editorial voices.
"This new podcast represents a natural evolution of the WTOP brand," said WTOP Head of News and Programming Julie Ziegler. "It meets news consumers where they are - on more platforms than ever before - allowing us to grow our audience and develop new revenue streams."
The "Top News Podcast" has been part of WTOP's content lineup for more than six years. It initially launched as an automated feed containing the first 30 minutes of the station's hourly newscasts. In 2024, WTOP shifted to a manually produced format with content producers creating two episodes each day.
The latest overhaul will combine elements of both approaches, drawing on WTOP's newsroom and hourly newscasts while adding dedicated hosts, production and original context and analysis.
Development and support for the project will be provided in collaboration with Gamut Podcast Network, the podcast division of Hubbard Media That Connects launched in 2025. Gamut's lineup includes "American Nightmares" and "Behind the Song."
The revamped "Top News Podcast" is expected to launch later this year.
KRMG Tulsa Adds Dallas Cowboys Football
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 11:08am CT |
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Zoellner Media Group has announced a new partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, making AM 740 KRMG in Tulsa the team's radio home in northeastern Oklahoma for the 2026-2027 NFL season. Beginning this season, KRMG will carry all Cowboys preseason, regular season and postseason games, along with additional team programming throughout the year.
"The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most passionate fan bases anywhere, and we know there are thousands of Cowboys fans right here in Green Country," said KRMG Program Director Levi May. "We're excited to bring every game to our listeners and provide a home where fans can follow the Cowboys all season long."
May called the partnership a "tremendous addition" to the station's programming lineup.
Zoellner Media Group General Manager Steve Hunter said the agreement represents the company's continued investment in programming for listeners throughout northeastern Oklahoma.
"We're thrilled to welcome the Dallas Cowboys to the Zoellner Media Group family," said Hunter. "Becoming the official home of Cowboys football allows us to bring one of the most sought-after sports properties directly to our audience while continuing to strengthen our commitment to serving listeners with outstanding local and national programming."
Trump Nominates Danielle Thumann Severs to FCC
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 7, 2026 | 3:21pm CT |
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President Donald Trump has nominated Danielle Thumann Severs to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission, a move that could expand the agency's Republican majority if she is confirmed by the Senate. The remaining Republican seat has been vacant since June 30, 2024.
Thumann Severs currently serves as senior counsel to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, advising him on matters before the Wireline Competition Bureau, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. According to a White House filing sent to the Senate, she was nominated to a five-year term dating from July 1, 2024.
"I want to congratulate Danielle on her nomination to serve as a Commissioner on the FCC," said Carr. "Danielle is a dedicated public servant and has worked with skill and distinction on some of the most important matters before the agency."
Carr cited Thumann Severs' work on issues including expanding broadband access, consumer protection and public safety, adding that with Senate confirmation, she "would make a terrific Commissioner."
Thumann Severs has served two stints at the FCC. She first joined Carr's office as a legal advisor in March 2021 and served until 2023. Following a year in the private sector working in state and local government relations for a telecommunications infrastructure provider, she returned to Carr's office in August 2024.
Before joining the FCC, Thumann Severs worked as an attorney with Washington, DC communications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer. She earned her law degree, cum laude, from Catholic University's Columbus School of Law and a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia.
If confirmed, Thumann Severs would fill one of two FCC seats that have been vacant since Republican Nathan Simington and Democrat Geoffrey Starks departed in June 2025. Her confirmation would give Republicans three seats on the five-member Commission, the maximum permitted for members of the same political party.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt welcomed the nomination. "Danielle is a dedicated public servant who is well regarded across all sectors of the communications bar," said LeGeyt. "Her extensive experience at the Commission and deep understanding of communications policy will serve her well in this important role."
Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez also congratulated Thumann Severs, saying she looks forward to continuing their work together and "hopefully soon with a full Commission of five, the way this agency was built to operate."
Thumann Severs' nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.
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Kennedy Elsey Receives 2026 MIW Airblazer Award
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 7, 2026 | 2:02pm CT |
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Kennedy Elsey, co-host of "Karson & Kennedy" on Audacy's WBMX-FM (MIX 104.1) in Boston, has received the 2026 Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) Airblazer Award. Elsey formally accepted the honor during the Talentmasters Morning Show Boot Camp (MSBC) Luncheon in Cleveland.
Established by MIW and Talentmasters MSBC in 2015, the Airblazer Award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the radio industry while using their platforms to make a positive impact in the communities they serve.
Under the award's tradition, each year's recipient is selected by the previous year's honoree. Elsey was chosen by 2025 recipient Karen Carson, host of "Karen Carson in the Morning" on Audacy's WNEW-FM (NEW 102.7) in New York.
Elsey joins a group of previous Airblazer recipients that includes Delilah, Dana Cortez, Patty Steele, DeDe McGuire, Angela Yee, Kellie Rasberry, Mercedes Martinez, Roula Christie, Angie Martinez and inaugural recipient Ellen K.
Gomez Blasts FCC Vote to End TV Ownership Cap
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 7, 2026 | 2:08pm CT |
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FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez is criticizing the Commission's vote to eliminate the 39% national television audience ownership cap, arguing that the agency lacks the legal authority to make the change without congressional action.
The FCC voted during its August Open Meeting to eliminate the restriction, which limits the national audience reach of a television station group to 39% of U.S. television households.
"The FCC's decision to eliminate the 39 percent national audience reach cap is unlawful on its face," Gomez said. "Congress set this cap in federal law, and only Congress can change it."
Gomez pointed to former FCC Commissioner Mike O'Rielly, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz as Republicans who have questioned whether the Commission has authority to alter or eliminate the cap without action by Congress.
Gomez also disputed arguments that removing the restriction would strengthen local broadcasters as they compete with large technology and media companies. She contended that further consolidation would instead give large station groups greater control over local outlets and programming.
"Trading a squeeze from Big Tech for a squeeze from Big Media does nothing to protect the communities this cap was designed to serve," she said.
Gomez also cited the proposed Nexstar-TEGNA transaction and consolidation in the newspaper industry as warnings about the potential effects of additional broadcast consolidation. She argued that increased ownership concentration does not necessarily address the underlying economic challenges facing traditional media.
The Commissioner concluded that preserving independent local journalism, emergency information and free over-the-air programming should remain central to the FCC's approach to broadcast ownership.
"Eliminating a statutory cap without addressing these interconnected issues is not strategy, it is improvisation," Gomez said, adding that the move could accelerate the problems the Commission should be working to prevent.
Lisa Barry Show Expands to TCM Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 7, 2026 | 4:32pm CT |
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Christian FM Media has announced that veteran broadcaster Lisa Barry has joined the Today's Christian Music (TCM) Network, expanding distribution of "The Lisa Barry Show" to 126 stations across the U.S. and Canada. Barry's daily program will also continue to air on Christian FM Media's AC Total network.
Known for her storytelling and faith-based approach, Barry's show combines uplifting conversations, listener stories and faith-driven insights with discussions about everyday life.
"Lisa is one of Christian radio's most trusted and beloved voices," said Christian FM Media National Affiliations Director Geoff Moore. "Her ability to speak directly to the heart - while keeping things fun, honest, and deeply encouraging - makes her a perfect fit for Today's Christian Music."
Moore said the addition of Barry strengthens TCM's lineup of personality-driven programming while extending her reach into additional markets and communities.
"The Lisa Barry Show" is available to affiliates through Christian FM Media's delivery platform.
Skyrocket Radio Launches CaptureRelay Mobile App
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 7, 2026 | 2:14pm CT |
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Skyrocket Radio has launched CaptureRelay, a new mobile app designed to help radio stations quickly build libraries of original local photography by sending images directly from employees' phones to station websites.
Available for iPhone and Android devices, CaptureRelay allows approved staff members to take or select a photo, add a descriptive title and send the image directly to a station's WordPress Media Library. The process eliminates the need to email photos, download attachments, manually resize images or provide employees with WordPress usernames and passwords.
"We've encouraged stations for years to build a library of original local photography because those images become some of the most valuable assets on a website," said Skyrocket Radio founder Jim Sherwood. "The problem was never taking the pictures. The problem was getting them onto the website quickly enough that people would actually do it."
Each mobile device must be approved by a website administrator before it can upload images, allowing stations to control who can contribute. CaptureRelay automatically optimizes photos for the website before delivering them to the WordPress Media Library, where they can be used in news stories, galleries, contests and other content.
Skyrocket Radio says the app is intended for use beyond newsroom personnel. Sales representatives, promotions teams, air personalities, managers and other employees can contribute photos while attending community events or encountering local businesses, severe weather, breaking news and other noteworthy scenes.
The company also sees CaptureRelay as a way for stations to develop long-term collections of local images, including schools, government buildings, parks, police and fire departments, businesses, sports venues and other landmarks. Those images can then be reused rather than relying on stock photography or searching for pictures as deadlines approach.
CaptureRelay is available as a one-time purchase for iPhone and Android. A companion WordPress plugin is provided at no additional charge and includes administrator approval, automatic updates and direct delivery of images into the site's Media Library.
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Townsquare Q2 Digital Growth Offsets Broadcast Decline
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 11:03am CT |
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Townsquare Media reported second quarter 2026 results that met its previously issued guidance, as accelerating digital advertising growth helped offset continued weakness in broadcast advertising. The company posted second-quarter net revenue of $115.4 million, essentially flat from a year earlier, while adjusted EBITDA totaled $24.8 million.
CEO Bill Wilson said the company's "Digital First Local Media Strategy" continued to gain traction, with digital advertising revenue increasing 11% year-over-year, up from 7% growth in the first quarter. He also highlighted the rapid expansion of Townsquare's Media Partnerships business, which now serves 16 partners across 41 additional markets and is expected to more than double its revenue in 2026. Digital operations accounted for 57% of Townsquare's first-half net revenue and 59% of segment profit.
For the quarter, Townsquare reported a net loss of $41.8 million, compared with net income of $2.0 million a year earlier. The company said the decline was largely driven by significant non-cash FCC license impairment charges, while adjusted net income improved slightly to $3.7 million. Broadcast advertising revenue fell 5.5%, while digital advertising revenue climbed 11%. Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions revenue declined 8.5%.
Looking ahead, Townsquare expects third-quarter 2026 net revenue between $108 million and $110 million, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $22.5 million and $23.5 million. The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance of $425 million to $431 million in net revenue and adjusted EBITDA of $87 million to $90 million. Its board also approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable November 2 to shareholders of record on October 26.
UF, Saga Form Seven-Year WRUF Sales Partnership
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 3:19pm CT |
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The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications and Saga Communications have entered into a seven-year Joint Sales Agreement and strategic partnership for WRUF-AM (ESPN 98.1/850 WRUF) and Country WRUF-FM (103.7 The Gator) in Gainesville, FL.
Effective September 1, Saga will market the advertising inventory for both stations while collaborating with the university on student education, professional development and media innovation initiatives.
The agreement extends beyond commercial sales, creating opportunities for students, faculty and broadcast professionals to work together on projects involving media sales, digital media, sports broadcasting, audience development, content strategy, internships and mentorships.
"This partnership reflects our commitment to preparing students for successful careers while strengthening the future of local media," said Hub Brown, Dean of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. "By combining the University of Florida's educational mission with Saga Communications' industry leadership, we are creating new opportunities for students to learn alongside professionals, serve our community and help shape the future of broadcasting."
The University of Florida has owned and operated WRUF since 1928. WRUF-AM serves as the flagship station for the Florida Gators Radio Network, while 100,000-watt WRUF-FM airs a country music format throughout the Gainesville-Ocala market.
Saga Communications owns and operates WOGK-FM (K Country) and WYND-FM/WNDD-FM (WIND-FM) in the Gainesville-Ocala market. The company said the partnership aligns with its long-standing strategy of serving markets anchored by major universities.
"This collaboration reflects Saga's commitment to investing in our present and future by working with outstanding local media properties as well as investing in our next generation of media professionals," said Saga President and CEO Chris Forgy.
University officials said the agreement will provide advertisers with expanded marketing opportunities while giving students greater access to industry professionals and hands-on experience with one of the nation's leading broadcast companies. The Joint Sales Agreement runs through September 2033.
Cumulus Remains Fully Committed to Cumulus Podcast Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 8:27pm CT |
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Cumulus Media says reports claiming it eliminated the entire staff of the Cumulus Podcast Network are inaccurate, following a new round of layoffs affecting the company's broadcast, network and digital operations as it continues its financial restructuring.
In a statement, a Cumulus spokesperson said the company "made the difficult decision to eliminate certain roles as part of a broader organizational realignment," but emphasized that the Cumulus Podcast Network "is operating in full force," with dozens of employees continuing to support production, content acquisition, operations and monetization. The company added that it remains committed to its podcast network, as well as its podcasters, partners and advertisers.
The latest layoffs include Senior Vice President of Marketing and Podcasting Carolyn Chauncey, who had overseen the Cumulus Podcast Network's day-to-day operations, content acquisition, editorial and production since August 2024. Chauncey was also a founding member of the team that launched the podcast network and previously led marketing, audience development and creative services for Westwood One.
Also departing is Vice President of Podcast Operations and Production Jason "Jay" Soderberg, who managed the network's audio and video production. In a social media post, Soderberg acknowledged his exit, writing that he had received the familiar "good luck with your future endeavors" call.
The workforce reductions also extend beyond the podcast division. Reports indicate sales and programming positions have been eliminated in multiple markets, including Washington, DC, Columbia, SC, Mobile, AL and Shreveport, LA. Among the highest-profile departures are KNBR/San Francisco sports broadcaster and San Francisco 49ers play-by-play voice Greg Papa and co-host Greg Silver.
Podcasting has been one of Cumulus' stronger-performing businesses in recent years, helping offset declines in traditional broadcast revenue. While podcast revenue posted solid gains during 2025, company executives reported more modest growth during the first quarter of 2026 as Cumulus continues working toward its emergence from bankruptcy.
Longtime KBLX President Harvey Stone Dies
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 7, 2026 | 0:14am CT |
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Harvey Stone, the longtime President and General Manager of KBLX/San Francisco who helped develop the station's signature "Soft and Warm" sound, died August 4. Stone spent 31 years leading KBLX and became an influential figure in Bay Area and Urban radio.
Stone guided KBLX from Inner City Broadcasting's acquisition of KRE through the station's sale to Entercom in 2012. During his tenure, he helped transform the station into one of the country's most successful independently operated, minority-owned radio properties, competing against much larger broadcast groups.
A Cleveland native, Stone was recruited by the Sutton family, owners of Inner City Broadcasting, to take charge of KBLX. When asked whether he could turn the station around, Stone reportedly replied, "Only if you let me."
Stone helped develop the Quiet Storm approach that became synonymous with KBLX, blending contemporary R&B, smooth jazz and mellow instrumentals under the station's memorable "Soft and Warm" identity. His programming philosophy was that "music has no color," helping KBLX attract a broad Bay Area audience while maintaining strong ties to the African American community.
Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, KBLX regularly ranked among the Bay Area's leading stations despite operating as a standalone property while larger companies assembled multi-station clusters.
Stone also worked to expand advertiser support for Urban radio, challenging assumptions about the format by emphasizing the buying power and loyalty of KBLX listeners. His efforts helped improve the standing of minority-owned radio among national advertisers.
Beyond the station, Stone created the Stone Soul Picnic, which became a major Northern California live music event and community celebration.
Stone was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in 2015. He was also known as "the godfather" of the California Historical Radio Society for his role in helping the organization secure Berkeley's historic KRE building as its first permanent home.
iHeart Philadelphia Promotes Daija Moore-Evans
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 11:24am CT |
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iHeartMedia Philadelphia has promoted Daija Moore-Evans to Digital Content Manager, effective immediately. In her new role, she will oversee digital content strategy for the company's six-station Philadelphia cluster, leading audience growth and engagement across its music, talk and news brands through broadcast, digital and social media platforms.
Reporting to Senior Vice President of Programming Jeff Hurley, Moore-Evans will direct the cluster's digital content initiatives, including the development and execution of strategies designed to expand audience reach, strengthen brand engagement and support iHeartMedia's on-air and online presence.
"Daija has already made a tremendous impact on our team, and this promotion is well deserved," Hurley said. "Her creativity, work ethic, and vision make her the perfect person to lead our digital efforts into the future."
Moore-Evans began her broadcasting journey at Montgomery County Community College before continuing her studies at Temple University. She joined iHeartMedia Philadelphia in 2019 as a board operator and has steadily advanced through the organization, moving into an on-air role at WUSL (Power 99) while taking on increasing digital responsibilities. She has helped shape the social media presence and digital content strategy for both Power 99 and WDAS, leading to her promotion.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities I've had to grow with iHeartMedia Philadelphia," Moore-Evans said. "It's been an amazing journey from board operator to leading digital strategy, and I'm excited to continue working with such talented teams to connect with our audiences in innovative and meaningful ways."
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