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Top Radio News
FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks to Depart After 6 Years
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 3:50pm CT |
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FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks officially announced his resignation during Thursday's open meeting, concluding a nearly six-year tenure as the Commission's senior Democratic member. His departure shifts the agency into a Republican majority, with Democrat Anna Gomez now the sole non-Republican on the panel.
"This has been the role and an honor of a lifetime," said Starks, who was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed in early 2019. "If riding 5,000 miles in 10 days helps even one family stay close during a tough time, then saddle up -- I'm all in."
Starks reflected on his time at the Commission, emphasizing his dedication to public service and his efforts on affordable connectivity, national security, and digital equity. He previously served in the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, the U.S. Department of Justice, and private legal practice.
During Thursday's meeting, his colleagues praised his legacy and bipartisan spirit.
"You leave behind an impressive legacy in public service," said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. "We were able to collaborate on a number of items and get some really good, significant wins for innovation, for competition, for opportunities."
Commissioner Nathan Simington added, "While we often approached issues from different perspectives, I appreciated his professionalism and his commitment to the work of the Commission. I wish him the very best in his next chapter."
Commissioner Anna Gomez offered similar praise: "His commitment to public service and leadership on affordable connectivity and national security efforts made a significant impact on the FCC's success. Equally as important to me, he has been a supportive friend and colleague."
Starks originally announced his resignation plans in March, noting in a letter to President Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that serving on the FCC had been the "honor of my life." He committed to continuing his work until the official resignation, including collaborating with colleagues to advance the agency's goals.
His exit follows the earlier departure of former FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, leaving the Commission with a 2-1 Republican majority. Meanwhile, Republican nominee Olivia Trusty awaits a full Senate vote. Though expected to be confirmed, some Senate Democrats have signaled they may withhold support unless a Democratic nominee is advanced in parallel to maintain political balance at the agency.
Bengals, iHeartMedia Cincinnati Extend Radio Partnership
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 4:15pm CT |
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The Cincinnati Bengals and iHeartMedia Cincinnati have announced a multi-year extension of their radio broadcast partnership, ensuring that fans can continue to hear every play of Bengals football through the 2028 NFL season. Bengals games will continue to air on one of the most powerful "triple-cast" setups in the NFL. Flagship stations 102.7 WEBN and ESPN 1530 (a 50kW powerhouse) will remain the core of Bengals broadcasts, with 700 WLW also carrying games that do not conflict with Cincinnati Reds baseball coverage.
"iHeartMedia Cincinnati has been a great partner for many years, and we are excited to continue this relationship," said Bengals Chief Business Officer Brian Sells. "The strong station lineup provides a great platform to reach a large number of fans on gamedays and throughout the week."
In addition to live game broadcasts, iHeartMedia Cincinnati will continue to air weekly Bengals programming during the season, including Bengals Line, Bengals Game Plan, and Bengals Pep Rally. Coverage also includes a weekly feature with Bengals team reporter Marisa Contipelli on WKFX (Kiss 107.1), plus expanded coverage during training camp.
"We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with the Cincinnati Bengals and bring fans every electrifying moment of NFL action," said DJ Hodge, Division President of iHeartMedia. "700 WLW, 102.7 WEBN and ESPN 1530 are the epicenter of Bengals Nation, and we look forward to delivering top-tier coverage and being the trusted home for Bengals football for years to come."
The broadcast team remains unchanged for the upcoming season. Dan Hoard returns for his 15th year as the Bengals' radio play-by-play voice. Hoard also serves as the voice of University of Cincinnati football and basketball and has previously called Bengals preseason television games.
Former Bengals offensive lineman Dave Lapham, who played with the team from 1974 to 1983, will enter his 40th consecutive season as radio analyst. Lapham has also contributed to NFL broadcasts on NBC, FOX, and Sporting News Radio.
Veteran broadcaster Wayne Box Miller continues in his eighth season as pregame and postgame host. A Cincinnati sports media fixture, Miller's background spans TV, radio, and print, including roles at WLWT-TV, The Cincinnati Herald, and the University of Cincinnati.
The Bengals have called 102.7 WEBN home since 2008.
iHeart, NPR, Audacy Hold Top Podcast Spots in April
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 10:15am CT |
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Triton Digital has released its U.S. Podcast Ranker for the April 2025 reporting period (March 31-April 27), highlighting continued dominance by leading networks and the debut of several new shows, including a notable first appearance by the BBC.
The iHeart Audience Network remained the top sales network for the month, with 74.1 million average weekly downloads and 19.9 million average weekly users. NPR held steady at No. 2 with 28.0 million downloads and 7.2 million users, followed by Audacy Podcast Network at No. 3, logging 15.2 million downloads and 5.6 million users.
Among individual shows, NPR News Now retained its lead as the most downloaded and most listened-to podcast, followed closely by NPR's Up First. Stuff You Should Know (iHeart) rose to No. 3 in downloads, while Shawn Ryan Show (Cumulus Podcast Network) moved into the No. 3 spot among listeners.
April also saw multiple debuts on both the download and listener charts. Notably, the BBC made its first appearance in Triton's U.S. Podcast Ranker, with Global News Podcast and Newshour entering the downloads chart. Other new titles included Aware and Aggravated (Audioboom), Bone Valley (iHeart), Trained to Kill (Audacy), and ok storytime (iHeart).
For listener-based rankings, Welcome to Night Vale (Soundrise/PRX) and Bulwark Takes (Audioboom) also made their debut.
A full list of rankings and methodology is available at TritonDigital.com.
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MediaCo Reports Significant Q1 2025 Revenue Growth
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 4:05pm CT |
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MediaCo Holding reported financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, showcasing a substantial year-over-year revenue increase, primarily driven by the full integration of Estrella Broadcasting's assets. The company posted revenues of $28.03 million, a significant rise from $6.71 million in Q1 2024, marking a 318% increase. This growth is attributed to the full integration of Estrella Broadcasting's operations.
Despite the revenue growth, MediaCo faced an operating loss of $4.7 million and a net loss of $8.6 million, compared to an operating income of $3.5 million and a net loss of $3.7 million in the same quarter the previous year. The increased losses are primarily due to higher operating expenses and interest costs associated with the Estrella acquisition.
In April 2024, MediaCo completed the acquisition of Estrella Broadcasting, adding 12 radio and 10 television stations to its portfolio. This expansion extended MediaCo's reach into major markets, including Los Angeles, Houston, and Dallas, and marked its entry into television broadcasting.
The integration of Estrella's assets has diversified MediaCo's revenue streams, with the audio segment generating $13.7 million and the video segment contributing $14.3 million in Q1 2025.
MediaCo filed a Notification of Late Filing (Form 12b-25) on May 15, 2025, indicating delays in completing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The delays were attributed to complexities arising from the Estrella acquisition and the transition to a new auditor, Deloitte, replacing Ernst & Young.
While MediaCo's expansion through the Estrella acquisition has significantly increased its revenue, the company faces challenges in managing increased operational costs and integrating new assets. Management remains cautiously optimistic, focusing on leveraging the expanded client base and broader advertising solutions to drive future growth.
WHLD to Become WUSW Under Shula's Radio One Buffalo
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 10:20pm CT |
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Talk WHLD-AM in Niagara Falls-Buffalo will soon broadcast under new call letters. Buddy Shula's Radio One Buffalo announced that the FCC has approved the change to WUSW, effective June 1. The format has not yet been announced, but the branding shift suggests a patriotic theme or a format with national appeal.
"It meant a lot to me to have US (United States) in the call letters," said Shula in a release. "I am a patriot, and the call letters will be representative of the new format that will be launched."
The change comes as Cumulus and Radio One Buffalo prepare to transition operational control of WHLD under a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) set to begin June 1. The agreement is in place ahead of a planned sale, pending FCC approval.
KMOX Stays On Air to Deliver Coverage During Tornado Strike
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 10:39am CT |
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As a powerful EF-3 tornado tore through the western suburbs of St. Louis last weekend, KMOX-FM remained a critical source of information and comfort to residents, thanks to the swift action of its staff and engineers.
With storm clouds looming and emergency alerts escalating, KMOX engineer Kyle Hammer was already monitoring a transmitter site that lost commercial power and switched to generator backup. Just 35 minutes later, the storm struck the KMOX transmitter site directly, knocking out FM service as the tornado left a path of severe destruction and plunged the area into darkness. Remarkably, the AM signal remained on the air.
Once conditions were safe enough, Hammer embarked on a three-mile journey that took over an hour and a half due to impassable roads strewn with fallen trees and downed power lines. Upon reaching the damaged site, he successfully restored power and brought the FM signal back online.
"I want to give a huge shout-out to the entire team at KMOX for outstanding, minute-by-minute coverage on the storms," said Becky Domyan, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy St. Louis and Wichita. "I can't reiterate how much this information was life-saving, and big kudos to News Brand Manager Beth Coghlan for leading her team through this calmly and accurately."
Domyan recounted her own terrifying experience during the storm. "I actually was driving on Mason Road near Lindbergh when it hit, and I have driven through storms many times," she said. "For the first time in my life, in this situation, I was terrified. At that moment, I tuned into KMOX to get an idea of where the storm was, so I knew what I needed to do to be safe."
She continued, "In times like this, we are there to provide information that truly saves lives. I couldn't be prouder of everyone on our team."
Audacy praised the KMOX team's efforts in remaining operational during a natural disaster, ensuring the community received vital updates when they were needed most.
Bay Area Sports Collective Launches Three New Podcasts
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 10:24am CT |
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The Bay Area Sports Collective, a new podcast network founded by veteran broadcasters Tom Tolbert, Paul McCaffrey, and John Lund, has announced the launch of three original sports podcasts hosted by some of the most familiar names in Bay Area sports media. The new shows debut this week and are available via livestream on YouTube and across all major podcast platforms.
The new titles include Built For The Storm hosted by three-time World Series champion Jeremy Affeldt, Girl, How'd You Get That Gig? hosted by Amy Gutierrez and Celeste Gehring, and Quality Hang with Rod Brooks & Friends featuring longtime sports talk host Rod Brooks.
"After 14 years in the big leagues and three World Series rings, I figure it's time to talk about the game," said Affeldt. "I'm beyond excited to join Bay Area Sports Collective and bring my stories from the bullpen to the mic!"
Affeldt's Built For The Storm launches today at 2pm PT on YouTube and will focus on his personal take on the San Francisco Giants and Major League Baseball, while also sharing underdog stories from across the sports and entertainment world.
Girl, How'd You Get That Gig?, launching May 23, is the first female-hosted show on the network. Gutierrez, widely known as "Amy G," joins forces with sports media executive Celeste Gehring to spotlight the career journeys of women across the sports industry.
"There really couldn't be a better home for our podcast than with Bay Area Sports Collective," said Gehring. "My co-host Amy G and I feel we've created a supportive, inspiring and resourceful podcast highlighting the amazing work women are doing in sports."
Gutierrez added, "This has been a true passion project for Celeste and me. We're proud and inspired to be the first female-hosted podcast with Bay Area Sports Collective. Not to mention, the opportunity to reconnect with and join the stellar lineup of existing hosts I've had the opportunity to work with throughout my career."
Rod Brooks, a longtime San Francisco sports voice and current NBC Sports Bay Area analyst, returns to the mic with Quality Hang with Rod Brooks & Friends, also launching May 23. The show blends sports and pop culture with celebrity guests from comedy and music.
"Some of the best times I had in radio were while working with Paul McCaffrey, Tony Rhein, Tom Tolbert and John Lund," said Brooks. "I'm pumped to work with my friends again and wouldn't do this with any other crew!"
Jeremiah Crowe, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Bay Area Sports Collective, said the network has seen rapid growth since its March debut.
"After launching Bay Area Sports Collective in early March, it became apparent there were other hosts who wanted to join our team," said Crowe. "We are proud to expand our growing podcast network with additional hosts the local Bay Area sports fans know and trust. The future looks bright for the collective and our fans."
In addition to the new shows, the network continues to feature existing podcasts from its founders, including The Tom Tolbert Show, Paulie Mac's Particles, and John Lund Unleashed.
All shows are available via livestream at Bay Area Sports Collective YouTube and on platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and TuneIn.
B-Dub Hits the Road for Annual Cross-Country Charity Ride
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 2:56pm CT |
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Portland radio personality B-Dub is revving up for another cross-country motorcycle ride in support of military families. Beginning June 15, the KUPL (98.7 The Bull) host will embark on his third annual "B-Dub's Longest Ride," a 5,000-mile solo journey across the U.S. to raise awareness and funds for the Fisher House Foundation.
The foundation provides free housing for military families while their loved ones receive medical care. This year, B-Dub aims to raise $25,000 to support Fisher Houses nationwide, including facilities in Vancouver and Seattle, Washington.
"It's the least I can do for families who sacrifice everything," said B-Dub. "If riding 5,000 miles in 10 days helps even one family stay close during a tough time, then saddle up -- I'm all in."
The ride will start and finish in Portland, with stops in cities like Salt Lake City, Denver, Nashville, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Along the way, B-Dub will traverse some of the country's most iconic roads.
Listeners can follow his journey in real-time on social media (@bdubradio) and make donations at BDubsLongestRide.com. B-Dub will also share updates and stories from the road during his regular shows on 98.7 The Bull, airing weekdays and Saturdays.
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Radio Remains King of the Road in Connected Car Era
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 2:30pm CT |
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Despite the influx of high-tech infotainment systems and AI-enhanced dashboards, local AM/FM radio remains the go-to companion for American drivers, according to a new study from Audacy. The report, "Audio Access: What Drivers Value Most in Next-Gen Vehicles," marks the fifth wave of Audacy's Connected Car research, tracking consumer behavior from 2021 to 2025.
The study highlights that while in-car technology has grown more sophisticated, drivers still place the highest value on audio -- particularly local radio -- for news, entertainment, and connection.
Radio's Human Touch Still Resonates
Nine in ten listeners turn to local radio for breaking news -- outpacing social media and smartphone apps. "Radio delivers what apps and algorithms can't - a real human connection," the study says. "These hosts are part of your community. They battle the same clogged highways, root for hometown teams, and wonder if they need to pack their umbrella."
That connection is vital to drivers. A striking 89% of connected car users say they want to hear from their favorite local stations and personalities while behind the wheel.
And they're getting just that -- often via apps like Audacy's, with 44% of drivers now tuning in through radio apps, extending station reach beyond geographic boundaries. Whether it's WFAN in Los Angeles or WXRT from a Miami beach, radio's accessibility is more robust than ever.
Infotainment Tech Powers Radio's Reach
Advanced dashboard technology is enhancing the in-car listening experience. Seven in ten drivers rank audio as the most-used dashboard feature -- beating navigation and phone calls. Drivers now expect a seamless listening journey across locations and devices.
However, simplicity remains key. As automakers experimented with oversized touchscreens, driver frustration grew. Today, 75% of drivers prioritize ease of use, such as tapping a button or screen over complex menus.
Looking ahead, 47% of drivers say hands-free driving will give them more time to enjoy radio and podcasts -- up sharply from just a year ago.
AI and Voice Controls Shape the Future
AI features are gaining momentum, especially among heavy audio users. Eight in ten drivers want voice-controlled audio in their next vehicle, citing improved safety and convenience.
Biometric integrations are also on the horizon. Future systems may detect driver fatigue and automatically suggest alerting audio content -- or deliver breaking traffic updates at just the right time.
And personalization isn't just in the car. Nearly all AI-intending drivers (93%) expect podcasts to seamlessly transition from one device to another, and 73% want the same for radio.
Implications for Advertisers
For brands, the evolving dashboard presents new opportunities. When a radio ad plays, it can be paired with a visual logo or tailored to a listener's location.
Audacy outlines three key takeaways for advertisers:
- Embrace personalization - leverage AI and connected systems to deliver relevant, timely messages.
- Ensure seamlessness - maintain consistency across devices for stronger engagement.
- Lean into radio's influence - local radio's trust and loyalty remain unmatched in the car.
As the dashboard evolves, radio's voice remains essential. In an era of algorithm-driven media, it's still the familiar host in the passenger seat -- keeping drivers informed, entertained, and connected.
Audacy Announces Signal Changes in Chattanooga
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 10:12am CT |
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Audacy has announced a frequency realignment for two of its Chattanooga radio outlets, set to take effect Thursday, May 23 at 12pm ET. WRXR-FM (Rock 105) will move to 103.7 FM and rebrand as "Rock 103.7," while WKXJ-FM (Kiss FM) will shift to 105.5 FM, rebranding as "105.5 Kiss FM."
"We always find ways to improve the listening experience for our consumers," said Nichole Hartman, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy Chattanooga. "Rock 105 has been a heritage brand to the community, and this new frequency will elevate its legacy to more fans beyond Chattanooga. At the same time, broadcasting Kiss FM on 105.5 allows us to bring the best pop hits to the heart of the city and form a deeper connection with listeners in the Chattanooga metropolitan area."
Despite the frequency changes, the programming for both stations will remain the same.
Gracie Awards Celebrate 50 Years of Honoring Women in Media
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 10:05am CT |
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The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) marked a milestone 50th anniversary of the Gracie Awards on May 20 with a star-studded ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, celebrating the achievements of women who continue to shape the media industry.
Hosted by comedian and actress Fortune Feimster, the evening blended humor and heart, setting the tone for a night of inspiration and recognition. "There's nothing I enjoy more than being in a room full of women. Not because I'm gay, though that does factor into this," Feimster joked, later adding, "Representation matters-and seeing women tell the truth, challenge the system, or just make us laugh through a rough week? That changes people."
A record 160 winners were honored across television, radio, and digital media categories. Notable attendees included Norah O'Donnell, Lisa Ling, Angela Yee, Monica Lewinsky, and Megyn Price, among many others.
Among the most moving moments of the night was when CNN's Sara Sidner received the first-ever Gracie for Best Women's Health News Feature or Series for "Sara Sidner's Breast Cancer Journey." Introduced by Kyle Richards and Teddi Mellencamp, who is undergoing her own cancer battle, Sidner revealed she had undergone surgery just days earlier and urged the audience: "Please stop using [your time] to try to be perfect and look perfect... you don't have to be perfect. You just have to be you."
Jimmy Kimmel added a dose of comedy and sincerity while presenting the Writer - Unscripted award to his wife, Molly McNearney. "She is proof that becoming emotionally entangled with your boss is always a very good idea," he joked, before praising her talent and commitment to women in media.
The evening also featured a touching tribute from Jenna Dewan to Carolyn Hepburn for SC Featured: The 6-Year Plan, honoring Kobe Bryant's Mamba basketball team. Hepburn was joined onstage by four of the young athletes who fulfilled Bryant's vision by winning the state championship after his tragic passing.
Family bonds were in focus as Joey King presented the Best Ensemble Cast - Made for TV Movie award to her sister, Hunter King, and the cast of Holiday Touchdown, A Chiefs' Love Story, with their mother, Jamie King, handing them the award.
Jamie Kern Lima's acceptance speech emphasized authenticity and empowerment: "Your story doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful... You don't need permission to share your voice - you are the permission."
Throughout the evening, past scholarship winners including Fatima Moein, Lesli Foster, and Pavlina Osta shared how the Gracies changed the trajectory of their careers. Becky Brooks, President of AWMF, reminded attendees that the Gracie Awards remain the foundation's largest fundraiser, providing scholarships, mentorship, and resources to women at all career stages in media.
Performances from Grammy-winning artist Cam closed the night, while actors Dara Renee and Morgan Dudley served as Digital Impact Ambassadors, offering live updates for fans on social media.
This year's event was sponsored by Disney Entertainment, CBS News, NBC Sports, CNN, ESPN, Katz Media Group, and others. The full list of winners is available at allwomeninmedia.org.
Kernan Named President & CEO of Nashville Public Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 3:53pm CT |
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Nashville Public Radio appoints Holly Kernan as its next President and CEO. A veteran leader in public media, Kernan will oversee 90.3 WPLN News, WNXP 91.1, and the organization's classical music streaming service. She succeeds Steve Swenson, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Kernan most recently served as chief content officer for KQED in San Francisco, where she led the station's local news, radio, TV, podcasts, digital video, and programming efforts. Prior to KQED, she spent over a decade as news and public affairs director at KALW, where she founded the award-winning Public Interest Reporting Project.
"It is a reflection on the strength and growth of WPLN that we can attract someone with Kernan's impressive media background from KQED, one of the most respected organizations within the public media industry," said Neil Thorne, board chairman for Nashville Public Radio. "She brings a wealth of experience in leading teams."
Kernan expressed enthusiasm about her new role, saying, "I'm thrilled to help shepherd this next phase of community service and to embrace my new home in Nashville."
Kernan has also made her mark in education, launching a journalism training program at Mills College and teaching at UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, Santa Rosa Junior College, and San Francisco State University. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
She and her husband, Mike Woitalla, executive editor of Soccer America, will relocate to Nashville in August.
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Delilah Returns KDUN License, Ends Reedsport Radio Chapter
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 4:41pm CT |
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Syndicated radio host Delilah has officially returned the license for 1030 KDUN in Reedsport, OR, to the FCC, ending a personal and professional chapter that dates back to the start of her radio career. Delilah purchased the station in 2021 for $60,000, reviving the signal where she first took to the airwaves in 1974 as a junior high school student.
In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook, she wrote, "It's been my privilege to bless this community with the great music and companionship on KDUN AM 1030 for the better part of past four years. Thank you for giving this radio station your attention and support. Reedsport is in my heart."
She continued, "Sadly, we can no longer continue to provide service and have returned the radio station license to the FCC for another broadcaster to provide service in the future."
Delilah credited station manager Bob Larson and engineer Ryan Warrey for their commitment to keeping KDUN on the air, adding, "There is not enough business to sustain a commercial radio station."
Though the airwaves will go silent for now, Delilah assured fans that her ties to Reedsport remain strong. "I look forward to many more visits to Reedsport, more high school reunions and more special moments with friends in the area. Until we meet again on the radio, God bless."
590 The Fan Becomes KLIS ''The Lou Information Station''
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 4:48pm CT |
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A new chapter is beginning for longtime St. Louis radio outlet 590 KFNS-AM, as it rebrands to KLIS The Lou Information Station under the ownership of Big Toe Media.
Founded by Dave Greene and Alabama-based entrepreneur Conrad Thompson, Big Toe Media is purchasing the station from Zobrist Media for $250,000, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The company has operated the station under a local marketing agreement since April 15.
The revamped format marks a shift from the station's former sports-heavy programming to a broader talk radio concept, while retaining elements of local sports. The new KLIS will cover a diverse mix of current events, local sports, business, wellness, music, food, entertainment, and comedy. Some of the content will also be brokered programming.
"Talk content in St. Louis has gone stale," said Greene, President and Director of Sales for Big Toe Media. "The market is long overdue for a fresh approach and our content will feature real conversations people actually want to hear."
Greene, who spent over a decade in various roles at KFNS, says the new station aims to reflect the voice and identity of the community. "When we set out to build The Lou Information Station, our goal was simple: to create a home for conversations that reflect the spirit of St. Louis - real, relevant, and local," he said. "We're blending the best of broadcast and digital to reach people wherever they are - and with voices they know, like and trust."
KLIS will continue to air The Ramsey Show and remains the St. Louis broadcast home for University of Illinois football and men's basketball.
The station has assembled an expansive roster of contributors for its new format, including: longtime St. Louis radio host Charlie "Tuna" Edwards, former KPNT (105.7 The Point) personality Tony Patrico, FanDuel Sports Midwest journalist Jim Hayes, and St. Louis American Sports Editor Earl Austin Jr., among others.
All station content will be accessible not only on-air but also across digital platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast services.
The full launch of KLIS is set for Sunday, June 1.
Smart Devices Drive Surge in UK Podcast Listening
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 10:17am CT |
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Smart devices are deeply embedded in the daily audio habits of UK listeners, both at home and on the road, according to The Infinite Dial UK 2025 study, presented today at The Podcast Show in London. The research, conducted by Edison Research and sponsored by SiriusXM Media and AdsWizz, reveals strong growth in smart technology adoption and podcast consumption among UK audiences.
Smartphone ownership among those aged 16 and older in the UK has reached near-universal levels, with 97% now owning one -- up from 83% just four years ago. Smart speaker adoption has also surged, rising to 45% from 25% over the same period. That puts the UK 10 percentage points ahead of the U.S., where 35% of those aged 12 and older own a smart speaker. Smart TV ownership has increased as well, with 72% of UK adults owning one, compared to 50% in 2021.
Edison Research's Senior Director of Research Gabriel Soto attributed this growth to technological integration: "Advances in technology, including smart TVs in homes and smartphone integration in cars, provide more avenues for listeners to consume online audio content."
The data also points to significant changes in in-car listening habits. Among UK residents aged 18 who have driven or ridden in a car in the last month, 38% report having Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in their primary vehicle -- more than double the figure from 2021. Podcast listening in cars has climbed as well, with 22% now listening while driving, up from 15% in 2021.
Podcasting itself continues its rise in popularity. The report shows that 68% of UK adults aged 16 -- an estimated 33 million people -- have listened to a podcast, up from 59% in 2021. When including those who report watching podcasts but not listening to them, the figure increases to 71%, or approximately 35 million people.
"The 2025 Infinite Dial data confirms that podcasting isn't emerging -- it has arrived," said Ollie Chadwick, Regional Director, UK & Ireland at AdsWizz. "With more than 33 million UK adults now listening -- and nearly half watching -- podcasting is no longer an audio-only format. It's a cross-platform experience that rewards creative ambition and demands strategic thinking. The future belongs to formats that move fast, tell stories across screens, and turn data into direction."
Soto and Chadwick are scheduled to present more findings from the Infinite Dial UK 2025 study during a follow-up webinar on May 29.
CRS360 Webinar Explores the Evolving Role of Personality
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 3:43pm CT |
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Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has unveiled a new installment in its CRS360 webinar series titled "A Face For Radio? A Difference For Your Listeners," now available for streaming at CountryRadioSeminar.com. Building on findings presented at CRS 2025, the session delves into the shifting expectations audiences have for radio personalities and how these evolving dynamics influence listener engagement in an increasingly saturated media environment.
Moderated by Clay Hunnicutt, the webinar features expert commentary from Carolyn Gilbert and Leigh Jacobs of NuVoodoo Media, along with Gator Harrison of iHeartCountry. The discussion draws from fresh data in the CRS 2025 research project, exploring what listeners notice, value, and expect from Country radio hosts.
The session outlines five key areas where programmers can enhance on-air talent performance: authenticity, relatability, trust, tone, and timing. According to CRS, these elements are critical in forming meaningful connections with audiences.
"This CRS360 episode continues the important conversation we began at CRS 2025, taking the research one step further by showing how personality truly drives connection on Country radio," said RJ Curtis, Executive Director of Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB). "It's a valuable extension of our findings and offers meaningful, actionable insights for programmers and talent alike."
The webinar is designed as a resource for programmers, content directors, and talent coaches seeking to refine their station's voice and strengthen listener relationships.
All CRS360 webinars are available on demand at CountryRadioSeminar.com.
Ballen Studios Launches New Podcast ''A Twist of History''
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 10:22am CT |
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Ballen Studios, the media company founded by storyteller MrBallen, has debuted a new weekly podcast entitled "A Twist of History." The series is available starting today, Wednesday, May 21, on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
"A Twist of History" explores pivotal moments in history marked by dramatic and often unexpected turns. The series aims to uncover the gripping twists that have redirected the course of events and shaped the modern world.
"The course of history never follows a straight line," according to the show's description. "Very often, we can pinpoint a remarkable, thrilling twist that changes everything that follows."
The podcast is hosted by Joel Blackwell, known for his work on the Let's Read Podcast and YouTube channel. His immersive storytelling and distinctive baritone voice have earned him a loyal following in the digital storytelling space.
This latest launch continues Ballen Studios' expansion into the historical genre. It follows the studio's first history-focused show, REDACTED: DeClassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana, which premiered last year.
New episodes of A Twist of History will be released every Wednesday.
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