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Top Radio News
Dr. Laura Program President Geoff Rich Dies
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, March 13, 2026 | 2:39pm CT |
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Geoff Rich, President of Take On The Day, LLC and a longtime leader behind The Dr. Laura Program, died suddenly Wednesday night in Los Angeles. Rich was a serial entrepreneur who co-created Radio Today and played a key role in guiding The Dr. Laura Program through Take On The Day, LLC, where he served as President.
Reacting to the news, Dr. Laura Schlessinger said, "I have lost my best friend, whom I spoke to every day for the last 30 years."
Beyond radio, Rich was active in theater and the arts. He served as Executive Director of The New Group, which produced the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q. Most recently, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Rich is survived by his wife, Koni; his children, Jaremy and Gabrielle; and his grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.
SBS Enters Forbearance Deal With Majority Bondholders
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, March 13, 2026 | 5:32pm CT |
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Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) has entered into a temporary forbearance agreement with holders of a majority of its outstanding 9.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 after the notes reached maturity on March 1.
The Miami-based company said it has been engaged in discussions with bondholders about a potential transaction aimed at addressing the maturity of the notes and strengthening its capital structure. As part of those discussions, participating holders have agreed to refrain from exercising certain rights and remedies tied to the maturity for a 30-day period while negotiations continue.
SBS said the talks are progressing constructively and are focused on reaching a consensual solution. However, the company cautioned that there can be no assurance that a final agreement will be reached or completed.
The company stated it remains focused on serving its audiences, customers and partners while continuing to support employees and maintain relationships with stakeholders built over four decades.
Spanish Broadcasting System operates radio stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando, Tampa and Puerto Rico. The company also runs AIRE Radio Networks, MegaTV, live events operations and digital platforms including the LaMusica streaming app and HitzMaker talent platform.
Rumba 97.7 to Air Revolution Home Games in Spanish
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, March 13, 2026 | 11:52am CT |
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The New England Revolution and iHeartMedia Boston have announced a new media partnership naming WZRM (Rumba 97.7 FM) as the Spanish-language broadcast home for all 17 Revolution home games during the 2026 Major League Soccer season. The broadcasts will be available on Rumba 97.7 FM across Metro Boston and the South Shore. Coverage begins with the Revolution's home opener on Sunday, March 15 against FC Cincinnati at 2:30pm ET.
Under the agreement, Rumba 97.7 will also serve as the official radio partner for the club's annual Noche Latina e Hispana celebration on September 19 at Gillette Stadium. The partnership will include additional community initiatives in the Boston area, such as youth soccer clinics and cultural events.
"In what promises to be an unforgettable year for soccer in New England, the Revolution are happy to partner with iHeartMedia and Rumba 97.7 FM -- Boston's leading Spanish-language radio destination -- to bring the excitement of Major League Soccer to even more fans," said Revolution President Brian Bilello. He noted the station's audience adds a Spanish-language component to the club's radio network, which already features English and Portuguese broadcasts, while MLS games are also available in English and Spanish on Apple TV.
Eliseo Cierra, Program Director for Rumba 97.7, said the station will work with the team to celebrate Latino culture through music, community engagement and soccer coverage throughout the city.
Revolution home games on the station will feature a Spanish-language broadcast team with more than 50 years of combined MLS and team coverage experience. Omar Cabrera will handle play-by-play duties, joined by analysts Marcelo Briones and Juan David Rozo. The trio also called Revolution home games on Spanish radio in 2025.
The 2026 MLS season coincides with a major year for soccer in the Boston area and the U.S., as seven matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are scheduled to be played in nearby Foxborough from June 13 to July 9.
New England's 2026 home schedule concludes November 1 against defending MLS Cup champion Inter Miami CF, featuring Lionel Messi and Luis Su¡rez. All MLS matches will also be available for viewing on Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass subscription.
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Erik Bradley Named Brand Manager of 98.7 The Spot
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 11:22am CT |
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Audacy has appoinnted Erik Bradley Brand Manager of KSPF-FM (98.7 The Spot) in Dallas. In the role, Bradley will oversee the station's content strategy, talent, operations and branding for the classic hits outlet. Bradley will continue to hold several other positions within Audacy, including Brand Manager of KQKS-FM (KS107.5) in Denver, Assistant Brand Manager of WBBM-FM (B96) in Chicago and Director of Music Initiatives for the company.
"Erik is a proven leader with an exceptional ear for music and a deep understanding of how to build brands that truly connect with listeners," said Bob Mackay, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy Dallas. "His experience across some of the most competitive radio markets in the country, combined with his passion for this state, makes him the perfect person to lead 98.7 The Spot."
Bradley called the appointment a meaningful opportunity in his home region. "It's an honor to be trusted to lead DFW's 98.7 The Spot here in my home of North Texas. I'm bullish about the future of The Spot and all that our incredible Audacy team is doing," he said.
An industry veteran with more than three decades of experience, Bradley began his radio career in 1988 at WCKZ-FM in Charlotte, rising to Music Director in 1991. He later served as Music Director at KBEQ-FM in Kansas City and WBBM-FM in Chicago, later adding WBMX-FM in Chicago in 2017. Bradley was named Brand Manager of KQKS-FM in Denver in 2024.
Lotus Names Adams GM, Connell Ops Director in Seattle
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 7:52pm CT |
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Lotus has appointed Andrew Adams as General Manager of its Seattle cluster and Jeff Connell as Director of Operations & Brand Management. Adams will oversee the company's three Seattle stations, including KVI-AM, KNWN AM-FM, and KPLZ-FM.
According to Chief Operating Officer Jim Kalmenson, Adams brings a leadership style focused on team development and advertiser results. Kalmenson said Adams' approach emphasizes supporting sales teams and creating effective creative packages that deliver results for advertisers.
Adams most recently managed the Spokane cluster for Stephens Media Group. The appointment also marks a return to Seattle, where he previously managed the local cluster for Salem Media Group from 2010 to 2023. He began his radio career while attending the University of Texas at Austin.
In addition, Lotus named Jeff Connell Director of Operations & Brand Management for the Seattle cluster. Connell previously served as Regional Program Director for KPLZ-FM in Seattle and KTHI-FM in Boise, while also working as Marketing & Promotions Director for the Seattle cluster.
Kalmenson credited Connell with helping strengthen the HANK FM brand and advancing programming, marketing and promotional collaboration across the stations. In his expanded role, Connell will oversee programming, production, marketing, digital content and promotional strategy for all Lotus Seattle stations.
Connell has been commuting between Seattle and Boise and will relinquish his Boise duties in early summer as he transitions to the Seattle role full time.
Urban One Reports Q4 Revenue Decline, Wider Loss
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 11:47am CT |
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Urban One reported lower revenue and a wider loss in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting weaker advertising demand and the absence of political advertising seen in the prior year. For the three months ended December 31, 2025, the Silver Spring, MD-based media company posted net revenue of $97.8 million, down 16.5% from $117.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The company recorded an operating loss of $54 million, compared with an operating loss of $1.9 million in the same quarter a year earlier. Net loss totaled $54.4 million, or $12.24 per share, compared with a net loss of $35.7 million, or $7.81 per share, in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA declined to $15.6 million from $26.9 million.
Broadcast and digital operating income fell to $23.8 million, down 38.3% year-over-year.
Urban One said radio broadcasting revenue dropped to $35.1 million from $47.7 million, driven largely by the absence of $8.8 million in political advertising and softer national and local ad demand. Cable television revenue also declined, falling to $34.9 million from $42.0 million, due to subscriber churn and weaker ad sales. Digital revenue decreased to $14.7 million from $18.3 million, while Reach Media revenue increased to $13.8 million from $9.6 million, helped by event revenue tied to the Fantastic Voyage Cruise.
For the full year, Urban One reported net revenue of $374.4 million, down from $449.7 million in 2024, while Adjusted EBITDA fell to $56.7 million from $103.5 million.
CEO Alfred C. Liggins III said the company faced a "tough fourth quarter" due to soft radio markets, declining cable TV audience delivery and the lack of political advertising, though he noted improved cable ratings in early 2026 following a change in Nielsen measurement methodology.
During the quarter, Urban One also completed a debt exchange and refinancing that extended maturities and reduced outstanding 2028 notes, moves the company said will help stabilize its capital structure and support continued efforts to reduce debt.
Podcast, Online Audio Use Hit New Highs in U.S.
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 2:40pm CT |
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Podcast and online audio consumption in the U.S. have reached record levels, according to The Infinite Dial 2026 study released by Edison Research at SSRS with support from SiriusXM Media.
The annual report, presented by Edison Research Vice President Megan Lazovick alongside Podnews editor James Cridland, tracks digital media behaviors among Americans and this year also examines the rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence.
The study found that 81% of Americans age 12 and older -- about 233 million people -- listened to online audio in the past month, while 76% (219 million) listened in the last week, both all-time highs. The most recent growth has been driven largely by older listeners, with monthly online audio use among those 55 and older jumping from 52% in 2024 to 70% in 2026.
Podcast consumption also set new records. Eighty percent of Americans age 12+ -- roughly 230 million people -- have listened to or watched a podcast, the highest level ever recorded. Monthly podcast consumption reached 58% (167 million people), while 45% (130 million) reported listening in the last week.
Among the key demographics for advertisers, 68% of adults ages 35-54 said they consumed a podcast in the last month. The study also found that 57% of Americans age 12+ have both listened to and watched a podcast.
"Video isn't replacing podcast audio. It's expanding the tent," Lazovick said. "Whatever your feelings on video podcasts, the data is clear: this is a dual-format medium now."
The report also highlights the rapid adoption of generative AI tools. Ninety-three percent of Americans age 12 are now familiar with at least one generative AI brand, while 57% have used a generative AI assistant. According to the study, AI users are significantly more engaged with digital media: 87% listened to online audio in the past week compared with 61% of non-users, and more than half of AI users report consuming podcasts weekly.
To track the fast-moving AI landscape, Edison Research at SSRS has introduced a new subscription product, AI User Metrics, which surveys Americans twice monthly. Early findings show awareness of Claude AI from Anthropic increased 58% between early February and mid-March 2026.
The study also found notable differences in social media platform preferences by age group. TikTok is now the most-used social media platform among Americans ages 12-34, preferred by 29% of that group. Facebook remains the most-used platform overall, with 40% of social media users citing it as their primary platform and dominating among users 55 and older. X skews male and toward users ages 35-54, while Snapchat's audience is largely under 35.
In addition, nine in ten Americans age 12+ have used YouTube, with 84% using the platform monthly and 78% weekly.
"The Infinite Dial remains one of the most trusted, enduring studies of audio and media behavior," said Keri Degroote, SVP of Sales Research & Analytics at SiriusXM Media. "The long-running dataset delivers invaluable insight into how audiences evolve over time, and we're proud for SiriusXM Media to support research that helps shape the future of audio."
iHeartMedia Launches TikTok Radio on 28 Stations
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 11:37am CT |
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iHeartMedia and TikTok have partnered to launch TikTok Radio from iHeart, a new music and culture station that blends trending songs with the creators and viral moments driving discovery on TikTok. The fast-paced format will debut March 13 on the free iHeartRadio app and across 28 stations nationwide in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville and Miami.
The station combines TikTok's trend-driven discovery engine with iHeartMedia's programming and air talent, offering listeners full-length songs along with conversation about the trends, creators and cultural moments fueling their popularity on the platform.
Programming will mix current hits with features highlighting trending topics, rising creators and rediscovered tracks gaining momentum on TikTok. Signature segments include "Behind-the-Charts," a weekly countdown of the 10 biggest songs trending on TikTok; "Hacks on the :20s," hourly lifestyle tips; "Hot Takes," commentary on cultural topics; "New Music Fridays," showcasing new releases; and "On The Verge," spotlighting emerging artists.
TikTok Radio will launch live from the iHeartPodcasts Hotel during SXSW in Austin, with broadcasts beginning at 9pm CT on March 13. The debut will feature interviews, creator appearances and live moments from the festival, with content shared across iHeart and TikTok platforms.
Regular hosts for the station will include Kayla Thomas (12-5am), Ashlee Young (5-10am), Jon Comouche (10am-3pm), Becky Mits (3-8pm) and Angelina Narvaez (8pm-12am).
TikTok creators are also expected to appear throughout the SXSW broadcast weekend, including Grace Wells, Madison Tevlin, Eric Sedeno and Bree Stephens.
Dan Page, Global Head of Media and Licensing Partnerships at TikTok, said the partnership expands opportunities for creators to grow their presence across radio, podcasts and live events while connecting with audiences in new ways.
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Saga Reports Q4 Loss on Impairment Charge
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 4:08pm CT |
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Saga Communications reported a net loss in the fourth quarter and for the full year 2025, driven largely by a sizable impairment charge related to goodwill and FCC license values.
For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025, Saga reported net revenue of $26.5 million, down 9.3% from $29.2 million in the same period a year earlier. Digital revenue, however, rose 25.8% to $4.3 million, compared with $3.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The company posted an operating loss of $9.5 million, compared with operating income of $1.0 million in the year-ago quarter. Saga also reported a net loss of $6.9 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, compared with net income of $1.3 million, or $0.20 per share, a year earlier.
Results were significantly affected by a $20.4 million impairment charge tied to lower-than-expected radio advertising growth and revised industry outlook projections used in the company's annual impairment review. Without the charge, Saga said operating income would have totaled $10.9 million and net income would have been $8.2 million, or $1.27 per share, for the quarter.
For the full year, Saga reported net revenue of $107.1 million, down 5.1% from $112.9 million in 2024. Digital revenue increased 19.1% to $16.9 million, while station operating income fell 27.3% to $15.3 million. The company recorded a net loss of $7.9 million, or $1.22 per share, compared with net income of $3.5 million, or $0.55 per share, the prior year.
Saga also cited the impact of a retroactive industry-wide settlement with ASCAP and BMI, which added about $2.2 million in operating expenses for the year.
During 2025, Saga closed on the sale of 24 telecommunications towers, generating $15.1 million in total proceeds, including $9.8 million in net cash after expenses. The company said the transaction monetized tower assets that were not fully realizing their potential value.
Saga continued returning capital to shareholders, paying a $0.25 quarterly dividend and repurchasing 219,326 shares of Class A stock for $2.5 million during the year. The company reported $31.8 million in cash and short-term investments at year-end and expects $3.5 million to $4.5 million in capital expenditures in 2026.
Urban One Extends Rickey Smiley Show, Launches Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 11:28am CT |
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Urban One has expanded its partnership with veteran radio personality and comedian Rickey Smiley with a five-year extension of the nationally syndicated The Rickey Smiley Morning Show and the launch of a new video podcast series.
The company announced that Rickey Smiley On The Spot will debut March 24 on the Urban One Podcast Network as part of a broader effort to expand Smiley's reach across digital platforms. The show will feature 35-minute episodes blending humor with conversations about life, faith and family, along with interviews with guests including Da Brat, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Tye Tribbett and Tiny Harris.
Smiley's morning program currently airs on 89 affiliates nationwide, including markets such as Dallas, Atlanta and Washington, DC. The new podcast is designed to complement the broadcast show while expanding Urban One's digital content strategy.
"I am so excited to continue my partnership with Urban One and Reach Media," Smiley said. "I'm eternally grateful to Ms. Hughes, Alfred Liggins, Deon Levingston and Colby Colb for believing in me all these years."
Urban One Co-President of the Audio Division Deon Levingston said the expansion builds on Smiley's popularity with listeners while creating new programming opportunities across the company's platforms.
"Rickey is a cornerstone of the Urban One brand, and we are thrilled to expand his footprint with a show that captures his natural comedic rhythm in such an intimate way," Levingston said.
Rickey Smiley On The Spot is executive produced by Smiley and Tiffany Ryland, with Tonya Clackum and Taylor Green serving as producers. The podcast will be distributed through the Urban One Podcast Network and will be available on platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Pandora.
YMH Studios Teams with Magellan AI for Free Ad Attribution
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 2:56pm CT |
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YMH Studios has announced a strategic partnership with Magellan AI that will provide full multi-platform attribution free of charge to advertisers and agencies running campaigns across its podcast network.
Under the agreement, attribution coverage across RSS audio distributed through Megaphone, Spotify streaming, and YouTube video will be included as a standard benefit for all campaigns on the YMH Studios network. The company said the service will be available immediately with no minimum spending requirements, category restrictions, or additional negotiations, with YMH covering all attribution costs.
The Austin-based comedy podcast network said the move is intended to address a longstanding issue in podcast advertising: who pays for attribution measurement. Over the past two years, advertisers and agencies have increasingly asked publishers to absorb those costs, often making attribution a separate negotiation point during advertising deals.
"Attribution costs have become a line-item negotiation on too many deals," said Alan Abdine, Head of Ad Revenue and Partnerships at YMH Studios. "We decided to solve that problem once, for all of our partners, across the entire network."
Magellan AI will provide attribution signals for each distribution platform using different measurement approaches for RSS audio, Spotify streaming and YouTube video. The company will combine those signals into a unified cross-channel attribution system based on observed user behavior. Campaigns can be configured with customizable attribution windows, credit models and household matching parameters, with conversion-level reporting available to both publishers and advertisers.
Jim Ballas, GM of Measurement at Magellan AI, said the partnership emphasizes performance measurement based on observable data rather than modeled estimates.
YMH Studios said the system also addresses measurement challenges on Spotify, where traditional RSS pixel tracking is not available. Magellan AI's tagging methodology provides a direct attribution signal for Spotify Podcast Platform campaigns, which the company said could help agencies and brands better evaluate streaming inventory.
YMH Studios operates its podcast catalog on Megaphone with enrollment in the Spotify Podcast Platform. The network reports approximately 430 million annual impressions across all platforms, including about 36 million per month. About 82 percent of network consumption comes from video viewing on Spotify streaming and YouTube.
The partnership follows a soft launch with select partners on March 9, 2026. Full network availability is now in effect and will be highlighted during upcoming industry events in Austin, including SXSW and Podcast Movement Evolutions.
Salem Media Reports 2025 Revenue Decline, Net Loss
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 1:19pm CT |
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Salem Media Group reported lower revenue and a net loss for 2025, according to its annual report for the year ended December 31, 2025. The Christian and conservative multimedia company posted total net revenue of $212.7 million in 2025, down from $237.6 million in 2024, a decline of roughly 10% year over year.
Salem reported a net loss of $34.6 million for 2025, compared with net income of $16.2 million in 2024. The company recorded an operating loss of $39.7 million, reflecting higher operating expenses and a significant $25.2 million impairment charge on long-lived assets during the year.
Total operating expenses rose to $252.4 million, compared with $243.0 million the previous year. Selling, general and administrative expenses declined slightly year over year, but were offset by restructuring costs and the asset impairment.
Salem also reported a $7.1 million gain on the disposition of assets in 2025. Interest expense declined significantly to $1.5 million, compared with $14.9 million in 2024, while the company recorded a $212,000 gain from a troubled debt restructuring.
As of December 31, 2025, Salem reported total assets of $315.5 million, down from $423.1 million a year earlier. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.4 million, compared with none reported at the end of 2024.
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iHeartMedia Partners With Global Gaming League
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 2:57pm CT |
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iHeartMedia has announced a new production, marketing and distribution agreement with the Global Gaming League (GGL), expanding the company's presence in gaming culture through original podcast content.
Under the partnership, iHeart will serve as GGL's audio partner, collaborating on a slate of original podcasts that will deliver weekly programming focused on gaming and culture. The shows will be distributed across iHeartMedia's multiplatform network and will highlight GGL's connections with celebrity team owners and creators involved in the league.
As part of the agreement, GGL Founder and CEO Clinton Sparks will launch a new podcast titled "Get Familiar" later this year through iHeartPodcasts. The show will feature conversations with celebrities, creators and cultural figures discussing gaming, entertainment and broader cultural trends.
"Gaming is culture," Sparks said, noting that the partnership reflects the growing overlap between gaming, music, sports and celebrity culture.
Nick Ditri, Vice President of Business Development and Music at GGL, said establishing an audio presence will help spotlight creators and player stories while expanding the league's reach to broader audiences.
Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for iHeartMedia, said the collaboration aims to bring competitive gaming into mainstream culture by introducing new audiences to the Global Gaming League ecosystem.
"Get Familiar" will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms later this year.
Westwood One to Air Every Game of NCAA Tournament
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 3:01pm CT |
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Westwood One will once again provide full audio coverage of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, broadcasting every game of the tournament from the First Four through the national title game.
Coverage begins March 17 at 6:30pm ET ahead of the First Four and continues through the National Championship on April 6. As the NCAA's official network audio broadcast partner, Westwood One will deliver play-by-play coverage of all 67 tournament games.
The broadcasts will be heard on terrestrial radio stations nationwide and via SiriusXM, while free streaming will be available at NCAA.com/MarchMadness, westwoodonesports.com and the Westwood One Sports app. Fans can also listen through the NCAA March Madness Live app, The Varsity Network app and Alexa-enabled devices. TuneIn Premium subscribers will also have access to the coverage.
Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel and P.J. Carlesimo will call the Final Four and National Championship in English, with Andy Katz reporting courtside. Jason Horowitz and Nick Bahe will host the pregame, halftime and postgame shows from Indianapolis.
Westwood One's tournament coverage will feature a roster of analysts including Tom Crean, Fran Fraschilla, Casey Jacobsen, LaPhonso Ellis, Austin Croshere, Jordan Cornette, Jon Crispin, King McClure and Sarah Kustok. Play-by-play duties throughout the tournament will be shared by Kugler, Ryan Radtke, Scott Graham, John Sadak, Jason Benetti, Noah Eagle, Nate Gatter, Ted Emrich, Spero Dedes and Danny Reed.
The network will also produce a lineup of hour-long shows airing before each day's coverage, including The NCAA Tournament Today, The Final Four Show and Championship Monday.
In addition, Westwood One will present Spanish-language coverage of the Final Four on April 4 and the National Championship on April 6. Rafael Hernandez Brito will call the games with analyst Greivis V¡squez, while Carlos Morales will host the broadcasts.
TuneIn to Stream Full NCAA Tournament Audio Coverage
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 12:29pm CT |
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TuneIn will provide complete audio coverage of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament through its partnership with Westwood One. Beginning March 17, TuneIn Premium subscribers will be able to follow all 68 teams throughout the tournament, culminating with the national championship game on April 6.
The service will also carry audio coverage of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament from the Sweet 16 through the national championship game on April 5.
Games will be available across more than 200 platforms and connected devices, allowing listeners to follow the action across mobile, web and smart device apps.
"No sports fan is more passionate than a college basketball fan, and we're excited to bring them courtside for every game of March Madness with live coverage across our extensive partner network," said Kevin Straley, Chief Content Officer at TuneIn.
In addition to tournament coverage, TuneIn Premium will stream the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, including the championship game.
TuneIn's free 24/7 Big 12 Radio channel will also feature analysis and live pregame and courtside programming during the conference tournament. The channel, sponsored by Modelo, is available exclusively on TuneIn across mobile, web and connected devices.
Radio Weekly Reach Holds Strong at 84%, Study Finds
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 7:30pm CT |
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Radio continues to maintain a dominant and stable position in the audio landscape, according to new findings from the 2026 FMR/Eastlan Ratings National Radio Listening Survey.
The study shows that 84% of adults ages 25-64 listen to AM/FM radio each week, a level that has remained remarkably consistent over the past five years. The report notes that radio's weekly reach has held steady despite continued growth in other audio platforms.
Streaming audio reaches 63% of adults weekly, while personal music listening accounts for 60%. Podcast listening stands at 40% weekly in 2026, stabilizing after a significant surge during the 2025 election year. Researchers said the increase in podcast consumption appears to represent additional time spent with audio rather than drawing listeners away from radio, streaming or satellite platforms.
The survey also found that traditional broadcast remains the primary way audiences listen to radio. Two-thirds of all primary radio listening occurs through traditional AM/FM receivers, while 11% takes place through a phone app and 16% through streaming. In markets ranked 31 and smaller, traditional AM/FM accounts for 68% of primary listening.
The 2026 study also examined how listeners watch video podcasts. Among respondents who view podcasts on video platforms, 72% said they primarily use YouTube. Instagram and TikTok trailed significantly, each cited by 10% of viewers.
The statistically projectable national survey included 1,000 adults ages 25-64 and was designed to be demographically balanced and geographically representative across the United States.
NAB Calls for Modernized Broadcast Ownership Rules
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 4:10pm CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is urging policymakers to modernize federal broadcast ownership regulations, arguing that outdated rules could threaten the ability of local stations to keep live sports free and widely accessible.
In a recent blog post, NAB Director of Communications and Social Media Grace Whaley pointed to growing concerns about how live sports rights are distributed as audiences increasingly encounter games scattered across multiple streaming platforms.
The discussion follows comments from Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) questioning current regulations governing sports broadcasting, as well as a recent public notice from the Federal Communications Commission seeking feedback on sports rights and the evolving media marketplace. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency is looking to better understand how industry changes affect consumers and the ability of local television stations to continue delivering news, information and other programming.
According to NAB, broadcast television continues to play a major role in delivering major sporting events to mass audiences without requiring paid subscriptions. The organization argues that restrictive ownership rules limit broadcasters' ability to compete for sports rights against global streaming platforms and technology companies that are not subject to the same regulatory limits.
The association also emphasized the broader role local TV and radio stations play in their communities, including providing local journalism, emergency information and widely accessible entertainment. NAB contends that allowing broadcasters greater scale would help them remain competitive and sustain those services as the media marketplace continues to evolve.
NAB said it welcomes continued discussions with policymakers and industry stakeholders about potential changes to the rules that would allow broadcasters to compete more effectively while maintaining their public service role.
Read the entire blog post here.
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