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Top Radio News
Audacy Launches 101.1 Big Buck Country in Greenville
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 2:42pm CT |
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Audacy launches 101.1 Big Buck Country on WROQ-FM in Greenville, SC, marking the first New Country outlet in the Upstate in four decades. The new format is effective immediately. The station features a blend of current Country hits and classic titles, positioning itself as an edgier presentation that combines heritage artists with today's chart-topping stars.
As part of the change, WTPT-FM (93.3 The Planet) will continue serving rock listeners, expanding its playlist to include additional Classic Rock titles alongside Active Rock. The updated mix spans artists such as Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Queen and Tom Petty, combined with Metallica, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Foo Fighters and Green Day.
Audacy Greenville Operations Manager Mark Hendrix will oversee content strategy, talent, operations and branding for both stations.
Former Classic Rock 101.1 personality "The Stoneman" has moved to afternoons on 93.3 The Planet, airing weekdays from 3-7pm ET. The shift gives the station a fully local weekday lineup.
The weekday schedule on 93.3 The Planet now includes The Rise Guys Morning Show from 6-10am ET, followed by Paige from 10am-3pm ET, The Stoneman from 3-7pm ET, and Diesel from 7pm-midnight.
Cumulus Ups Debra Killick to Melbourne VP/Market Mgr.
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 3:04pm CT |
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Cumulus Media promotes Debra Killick to Vice President and Market Manager for Cumulus Melbourne, FL, effective January 1. Killick moves into the role after more than five years as General Sales Manager for Cumulus Melbourne's three radio stations and digital brands. She brings more than two decades of media and digital sales experience to the position.
Before joining Cumulus, Killick served as Digital Sales Account Manager for Gannett/USA TODAY Network in Melbourne. Her prior roles include Local Sales Manager at Sinclair Broadcast Group in Washington DC, Vice President of National Sales at Univision in New York, and Local Sales Manager at CBS 4 Television in Boston.
Bob Walker, President of Operations for Cumulus Media, said Killick has demonstrated strong leadership and results during her tenure, citing her client-focused approach and ability to adapt to changes in local media.
"I'm excited to take on the role of VP/Market Manager at Cumulus Melbourne and collaborate with this highly talented team," Killick said. "I look forward to building on the momentum of our much-loved brands and making 2026 our strongest year yet."
RAB Launches AI-Focused Live Presentation Series for 2026
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 2:52pm CT |
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The Radio Advertising Bureau is expanding its AI-for-Radio initiative with a new series of AI-focused live presentations beginning in 2026, aimed at helping sellers and managers better navigate the rapidly evolving, AI-driven marketing landscape.
The series will launch with a live virtual session titled "Commands to Context: How Sellers Get Better Results from AI," presented by Kelli Frieler, chief executive officer of Vibrant Impact. The presentation will examine how sales professionals can move beyond using AI solely for task execution and instead apply it as a strategic thinking partner in the sales process.
Drawing on RAB's 7 Steps to Selling Success framework, Frieler will outline how incorporating human insight, client-specific context, and real-world business challenges into large language models can produce more relevant ideas, stronger strategies, and more effective client conversations.
The session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at 12pm CT. The live webinar and accompanying resources will be available at no cost to RAB members. To register for this webinar, click here.
RAB said it will continue to provide updates on additional AI-enabled tools and services designed to support sellers as media, technology, and local advertising strategies continue to evolve.
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Cumulus Lexington KY Elevates Andrea Ayers to VP/MM
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 3:23pm CT |
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Cumulus Media promotes Andrea Ayers to Vice President and Market Manager for its Lexington, KY operations, effective January 1. Ayers steps into the role after serving more than a decade as Sales Manager for Cumulus' four-station cluster there. She is a 20-year veteran of the company.
Mark Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Operations for Cumulus Media, said Ayers brings a long history of results and leadership to the position, citing her commitment to the business and to serving the local community, advertisers, listeners, and employees.
In a statement, Ayers said she is honored to take on the new role and looks forward to working with the Lexington team to drive growth, strengthen relationships, and deliver results across the cluster.
iHM Extends Multi-Year Deal with Charlamagne Tha God
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 10:13am CT |
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iHeartMedia has signed a new multi-year agreement extending its relationship with Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of WWPR (Power 105) New York's morning show The Breakfast Club and founder of The Black Effect Podcast Network.
Under the deal, Charlamagne will continue as a co-host of The Breakfast Club, which airs weekdays from 6-10am ET and is syndicated nationally, along with Weekends with The Breakfast Club. The program, which marks its 15th anniversary this month, reaches more than seven million monthly listeners and features Charlamagne alongside DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Loren LoRosa.
Charlamagne also remains a partner in The Black Effect Podcast Network, the joint venture between him and iHeartMedia that launched in 2020. The network has debuted more than 60 shows, generates approximately 11 million monthly downloads, and focuses on programming for Black audiences across culture, news, mental health, sports, and social issues. Earlier this year, The Breakfast Club replay podcast surpassed one billion downloads.
Rich Bressler, President and COO of iHeartMedia, said Charlamagne has played a significant role in shaping the company's audio strategy through both The Breakfast Club and The Black Effect Network.
The Breakfast Club and its hosts were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2020 and are known for high-profile interviews spanning politics, entertainment, and culture.
WNAM 1280 AM to Sign Off After 78 Years on Air
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 10:44am CT |
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WNAM-AM (1280) in Appleton-Oshkosh, WI will end broadcasting at midnight on Wednesday, December 31, closing a chapter that began more than 78 years ago. The station first signed on May 23, 1947, after announcing its launch in the Post-Crescent the day before. Its inaugural broadcast featured local and national news segments, sports programming including a Cincinnati-Chicago Cubs game, and music blocks billed as "Dinner Melodies."
In a statement released December 17, WNAM cited changing listener habits and economic challenges as reasons for the decision. "This difficult decision comes in response to evolving listener habits and economic realities that have reshaped the media landscape," the station said.
Over the decades, WNAM served the Fox Valley with music, news, weather coverage, and local advertising, becoming a longtime fixture in the region's radio landscape. The station also carried Wisconsin Timber Rattlers baseball play-by-play for the past 16 seasons.
That coverage will continue on sister station WOSH-AM (1490), according to the announcement.
WNAM thanked listeners, advertisers, and staff for their support across nearly eight decades, noting its role in local life and community connection. The station plans to remain on the air through the end of the year as it marks its final days of broadcasting.
iHeartMedia Promotes Glynn, Thomas to Community Roles
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 7:24pm CT |
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iHeartMedia has announced several leadership promotions within its Community Markets division, elevating Mark Glynn (far left) and Jeff Thomas to expanded division-level roles and naming Marshal Burgess to a new regional post.
Glynn has been promoted to Division President of Community Markets, overseeing 20 markets. He previously served as Area President for Seattle and Spokane, where iHeartMedia said he drove growth and innovation. In his new role, Glynn will oversee markets across Nebraska, Iowa, the Pacific region, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Alaska.
Thomas will take on the additional role of Division President of Community Markets while continuing as Executive Vice President of Strategic Sales Development for News/Talk stations. His expanded responsibilities include oversight of 27 markets spanning Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Hawaii, and the Mid North region.
Both Glynn and Thomas will report to John Karpinski, President of Community Markets. Karpinski said the appointments reflect the company's focus on developing leadership, strengthening client relationships, and building high-performing sales teams across its local markets.
Separately, iHeartMedia promoted Portland Market President Marshal Burgess to Region President of the Pacific Northwest Area. Burgess' expanded portfolio includes Seattle, Portland, and Spokane, and he will report to Division President Nick Gnau.
Burgess has spent more than 28 years with the company. Gnau cited Burgess' leadership record and regional expertise as key factors in the promotion, noting his role in driving growth and maintaining strong market relationships throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Westwood One Unveils New Sports Talk Lineup for 2026
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 10:24am CT |
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Westwood One has announced a revamped Sports Talk programming lineup set to debut Monday, December 29, expanding its live sports conversation across the broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms. The new schedule blends established personalities with emerging voices. The Jim Rome Show will continue to anchor weekday afternoons, airing from 3-6pm ET.
As previously announced, Drake C. Toll will host Morning Drive from 6-9am ET. Nick Kostos' You Better You Bet will follow from 9am-noon ET, focusing on sports betting analysis. Joining the midday lineup are longtime Chicago sports radio hosts Chris Bleck and Adam Abdalla, who will air from noon-3pm ET.
Evenings will feature BetMGM Tonight, hosted by Brad Evans and Pat Boyle, airing live from 6-11pm ET. Overnight programming will include Westwood One Sports Night, hosted by Lynnell Willingham Monday through Wednesday and Josh Graham Wednesday through Friday, from 11pm-3am ET.
"With our partners at Audacy, we've assembled a group of diverse and passionate sports voices committed to covering the biggest sports stories with opinions, expert analysis, and fan interaction," said Bruce Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Sports Content and Audience at Westwood One. "This lineup will highlight the biggest stories and provide timely information that is fresh, fun, and fan focused."
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Guaranty Media Names Brittany Tully Creative Manager
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 4:02pm CT |
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Guaranty Media Baton Rouge has announced two leadership appointments, promoting Brittany Tully (pictured) to Creative Manager and bringing veteran broadcast engineer Paul Burt out of retirement to serve as Chief Engineer.
Tully brings more than 15 years of experience in radio, media, and communications, with a background that includes on-air roles and management leadership. In her new post, she will oversee creative development, brand strategy, and cross-station content planning while continuing as host of "The Nite Show with Bri Lynn" on Country WTGE-FM (100.7 The Tiger), airing weeknights from 6-10pm.
In addition, Tully will take on producer duties for Mornings with Brian Haldane, which airs weekdays from 6-9am on Talk 107.3.
Prior to rejoining Guaranty Media full time, Tully served as Senior Communications Manager at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, where she led marketing and communications initiatives, expanded digital outreach, and acted as the organization's primary media spokesperson.
Operations Manager Michelle Southern said Tully's blend of creativity and strategic thinking will play a key role in shaping the company's creative direction.
Guaranty Media also announced the return of Paul Burt as Chief Engineer. Burt brings more than 50 years of broadcast engineering experience, with leadership roles across Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. He has previously served as chief engineer for clusters including Cumulus in Baton Rouge/Lafayette and Atlanta, Clear Channel New Orleans, and Border Media in San Antonio.
Southern described Burt as one of the industry's most respected engineers, citing his long-standing commitment to technical integrity and station reliability.
Burt said his return to Guaranty Media represents a new challenge, adding that he looks forward to strengthening the technical foundation that supports the company's on-air operations.
Beasley Ups John Coury to VP of Treasury, Controller
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 10:15am CT |
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Beasley Media Group has elevated John Coury to Vice President of Treasury and Corporate Controller, effective immediately. In his expanded role, Coury will continue overseeing treasury operations, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and traffic, areas central to the company's cash management and financial strategy.
"John's leadership, strategic insight, and strong financial acumen have been instrumental in strengthening our company's financial foundation," said Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley. She added that his experience will remain important as the company focuses on fiscal efficiency and long-term growth.
Coury said he is honored to take on the new position and looks forward to continuing his work with teams across Beasley's markets to support operational strength and long-term success.
Coury joined Beasley Media Group in 2016 following its acquisition of Greater Media, where he previously held senior financial leadership roles. Since joining Beasley, he has played a key role in enhancing financial infrastructure, implementing process improvements, and maintaining fiscal discipline across the organization.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and is based in Boston.
Gottlieb Exits FOX Sports Radio to Focus on Coaching
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 3:06pm CT |
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Doug Gottlieb is stepping down as afternoon host at Premiere Networks' FOX Sports Radio to devote his full attention to his role as head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay men's basketball team.
Gottlieb has hosted The Doug Gottlieb Show weekdays from 3-6pm ET since April 2017, following a similar afternoon run at CBS Sports Radio. His radio career has also included stints hosting middays at WWLS Oklahoma City and nights on ESPN Radio, along with television analyst roles across multiple networks.
He was named head coach at UW-Green Bay in May 2024. The Phoenix finished 4-28 in his first season and are currently 6-7 this year.
Speaking during a postgame press conference Wednesday, Gottlieb said the decision was about commitment and preparation. "These kids owe a fully dedicated coach. You only get one shot at this thing. If there's any ounce of fatigue, or lack of preparation... I gotta be here for these kids," he said.
Gottlieb later echoed those comments in a post on X announcing that he was stepping away from his radio duties. He said he plans to continue podcasting in some form.
When Fox Sports Radio added Gottlieb to its weekday afternoon lineup in 2017, the network cited his experience as a former Notre Dame and Oklahoma State basketball player and his versatility across radio and television. At the time, the show aired on more than 150 stations nationwide.
Premiere Networks has not yet announced plans for the 3-6pm ET time slot.
House Majority Backs Local Radio Freedom Act
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 10:01am CT |
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A bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has signed on to the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), a resolution opposing any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge on local broadcast radio stations. According to supporters, 219 House members have now endorsed the measure, along with 26 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate.
The resolution reaffirms congressional opposition to imposing additional fees on local radio broadcasters beyond existing copyright and songwriter payments.
National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said the level of House support reflects lawmakers' recognition of radio's role in local communities, noting that stations provide news, emergency information, weather updates, and a platform for artists to reach audiences.
Advocates argue that new performance fees could place a financial burden on local stations and limit their ability to deliver essential public service programming, particularly during emergencies.
The LRFA is led in the House by Reps. Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), with Senate sponsorship from Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). Similar resolutions in previous Congresses have also drawn broad bipartisan support, including more than 250 House and Senate members during the last session.
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iHeart Leads Triton November U.S. Podcast Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 10:07am CT |
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Triton Digital has released its November 2025 U.S. Podcast Ranker, covering the reporting period from November 3 through November 30, as measured by Triton's Podcast Metrics service.
The Top Sales Network Report again showed iHeart Audience Network in the top position, posting 66.5 million Average Weekly Downloads. Audacy Podcast Network ranked second with 13.7 million, followed by Audioboom at number three with 11.8 million Average Weekly Downloads.
Among individual podcasts, Stuff You Should Know from iHeart Audience Network led the rankings for the month. The Charlie Kirk Show from Salem Podcast Network placed second, while Audacy Podcast Network's 48 Hours ranked third.
Several shows made their debut on the November ranker, including Story Pirates from Lemonada Media, Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders from iHeart Audience Network, No Such Thing As A Fish from Audioboom, and The Devil You Know with Sarah Marshall from CBC/Radio-Canada.
The Top Sales Network Report is ranked by Average Weekly Downloads and follows version 2.2 of the IAB Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines.
NAB Urges FCC to Modernize Local Ownership Rules
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 2:06pm CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the agency's 2022 Quadrennial Review, calling for the elimination or relaxation of long-standing local broadcast ownership limits, with particular emphasis on radio deregulation.
In its filing, NAB argues that existing local radio ownership caps no longer reflect today's media landscape, where broadcasters compete directly with unregulated audio platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and SiriusXM. According to NAB, these digital services face no ownership restrictions and can reach national audiences, while local broadcasters remain constrained by rules adopted decades ago.
NAB maintains that the FCC should move away from blanket, pre-transaction ownership limits and instead rely on its existing authority to review individual broadcast transactions on a case-by-case basis. The organization stresses that removing ex ante rules would not eliminate FCC oversight, but would allow the Commission to better evaluate whether proposed transactions serve the public interest based on local market conditions.
The filing also contends that forcing broadcasters to operate under what it calls uneconomic ownership structures ultimately harms listeners by limiting investment, innovation, and the ability to expand or diversify local programming. NAB cites a recent BIA report indicating that loosening or eliminating local radio ownership caps could increase programming diversity, similar to the effects seen after Congress eased ownership rules in the 1996 Telecommunications Act.
In addition to radio, NAB reiterates its position that the FCC should take a comparable approach to its remaining local television ownership restriction, which generally limits station groups to two full-power TV stations per market. NAB argues that the same competitive pressures facing radio broadcasters apply to television, and that ownership rules should be modernized accordingly.
Following today's Senate Commerce Committee oversight hearing with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, Curtis LeGeyt, issued the following statement: "Today's hearing underscored what local broadcasters have been saying for years: the rules governing television and radio ownership are badly outdated and no longer reflect the competitive realities of today's media marketplace.
"Local stations are competing every day against unregulated global tech and streaming giants that face none of the constraints imposed on broadcasters. That imbalance makes it harder for stations to invest in local journalism, weather coverage, emergency information and the live sports programming that communities rely on.
"We appreciate Chairman Carr's willingness to confront these issues head-on and his recognition that policymakers have the power to modernize the rules before more local voices are lost. NAB looks forward to working with Chairman Carr to strengthen local broadcasting, preserve competition and ensure communities continue to have access to trusted, local news and information."
Civic Media to Acquire WNOV 860, Milwaukee Courier
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 3:16pm CT |
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Civic Media has agreed to acquire heritage Urban News/Talk WNOV (860/106.5) in Milwaukee along with the weekly Milwaukee Courier newspaper, assuming responsibility for station programming and newspaper publication on January 1.
As part of the transition, current WNOV owner Mary Ellen Jones will serve as a consultant, while Jerrel Jones will assist with the newspaper's transition. Civic Media also named Dr. Robert "Biko" Baker as Operations Manager for both properties, where he will oversee efforts to invest in journalism and programming serving Milwaukee's Black community. Baker is a civic engagement leader, political commentator, and former editor of The Source, with extensive experience in digital and community-focused initiatives.
WNOV was purchased in 1972 by Courier Communications Corporation, led by Dr. Jerrel Jones, becoming the first Black-owned radio station in Wisconsin and one of a small number nationwide at the time. The Milwaukee Courier has been published continuously since 1964 and has long served as a trusted voice in Milwaukee's Black community.
The transaction follows more than five decades of family ownership and the recent passing of Dr. Jones. The Jones family said it is entrusting Civic Media with continuing the legacy of service, journalism, and community connection established by the station and newspaper.
"My parents built The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV to give Milwaukee's Black community a voice when few existed," said Mary Ellen Jones. "Passing that responsibility forward was not taken lightly. Civic Media is committed to honoring that legacy while investing in the future of trusted media."
Civic Media CEO Sage Weil said the acquisition represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. "These are trusted institutions with deep roots in Milwaukee, and our role is to steward that legacy while investing in their future-modernizing operations, expanding digital reach, and ensuring they continue to serve the community with integrity," Weil said. He added that Civic Media, founded in 2022 as a public benefit corporation, is focused on supporting democracy through local journalism.
Earnestine Jones, widow of Dr. Jones, said the family believes Civic Media will continue the mission of providing accurate information and community representation. Jerrel Jones, who will consult on the Courier's digital transformation, said it was important to the family that both institutions continue to inform and uplift the community.
Earl Ingram, a longtime community member and host on Civic Media, said the transition marks a new chapter for WNOV, combining long-standing station staples with new voices. Chris Moreau, Civic Media Regional President for Southern Wisconsin, said the company is committed to providing the resources needed to support WNOV and the Milwaukee Courier across broadcast, digital, and print platforms.
Dan Bongino to Exit FBI, Signals Return to Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 7:57pm CT |
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Dan Bongino, previously one of the most prominent conservative spoken-word voices in U.S. media, has confirmed he will leave his role at the Federal Bureau of Investigation in January, a move that points to a potential return to national radio.
Bongino announced his departure Tuesday on social media platform X, thanking former President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve. "Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you," Bongino wrote.
Trump, who appointed Bongino as FBI deputy director earlier this year, said the decision was driven by Bongino's desire to return to broadcasting. Bongino had stepped away from his media duties after accepting the FBI post, including his syndicated radio show and podcast.
A former New York City police officer and U.S. Secret Service agent, Bongino served on presidential protection details for both George W. Bush and Barack Obama before transitioning into media. He has also mounted three congressional campaigns.
Prior to joining the FBI, Bongino hosted The Dan Bongino Show, syndicated nationally by Westwood One, and operated one of the most downloaded conservative podcasts in the U.S. Cumulus Media, which distributes Bongino's radio and podcast content, previously said it looked forward to welcoming him back following his government service.
Bongino's radio program debuted in May 2021 on 115 stations and grew to 356 affiliates, airing in nine of the top ten U.S. markets. His exit from the FBI clears the way for a possible return to radio stations nationwide, though no formal announcement about his broadcast plans has yet been made.
MIW Sets Management 101 Leadership Webinar Jan. 15
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 2:54pm CT |
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Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) has announced an upcoming professional development webinar, Management 101: Becoming an Impactful Leader, scheduled for January 15 at 2pm ET.
The one-hour interactive session will bring together senior executives from across the audio and media industry to share practical leadership skills, modern management approaches, and insights for navigating ongoing digital and cultural change within radio and audio companies.
The panel will feature Erik Hellum, Chief Operating Officer of Townsquare Media Group; Dara M. Kalvort, Vice President of Digital Sales at StreamGuys; Kieran Geffert, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy San Francisco; and Mary Boyle, Vice President and General Manager of WGN Radio Chicago at Nexstar Media Inc.
Panelists will discuss what defines effective leadership in today's media environment, common challenges faced by new managers, strategies for leading teams through digital transformation, and how to balance empathy with accountability. The discussion will also address key performance indicators beyond ratings and revenue, the leadership skills expected to be critical over the next five years, and actionable steps for advancing individual leadership development.
The webinar aligns with MIW's mission to strengthen the next generation of radio leadership by providing access to mentorship, education, and professional support aimed at helping women advance into management and executive roles.
"We're thrilled to bring together such respected leaders to share their experience and guidance," said Sheila Kirby, MIW Board President. "Leadership is not a title, it's a practice. Our goal is to equip emerging and aspiring managers with the mindset and tools needed to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact."
Registration for the webinar is open here.
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