Top Radio News

Cumulus Denies Reports of Podcast Network Shutdown

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 11:36am CT

Cumulus Podcast Network

Cumulus Media says reports claiming it eliminated the entire staff of the Cumulus Podcast Network are inaccurate, following a new round of layoffs affecting the company's broadcast, network and digital operations as it continues its financial restructuring.

In a statement, a Cumulus spokesperson said the company "made the difficult decision to eliminate certain roles as part of a broader organizational realignment," but emphasized that the Cumulus Podcast Network "is operating in full force," with dozens of employees continuing to support production, content acquisition, operations and monetization. The company added that it remains committed to its podcast network, as well as its podcasters, partners and advertisers.

The latest layoffs include Senior Vice President of Marketing and Podcasting Carolyn Chauncey, who had overseen the Cumulus Podcast Network's day-to-day operations, content acquisition, editorial and production since August 2024. Chauncey was also a founding member of the team that launched the podcast network and previously led marketing, audience development and creative services for Westwood One.

Also departing is Vice President of Podcast Operations and Production Jason "Jay" Soderberg, who managed the network's audio and video production. In a social media post, Soderberg acknowledged his exit, writing that he had received the familiar "good luck with your future endeavors" call.

The workforce reductions also extend beyond the podcast division. Reports indicate sales and programming positions have been eliminated in multiple markets, including Washington, DC, Columbia, SC, Mobile, AL and Shreveport, LA. Among the highest-profile departures are KNBR/San Francisco sports broadcaster and San Francisco 49ers play-by-play voice Greg Papa and co-host Greg Silver.

Podcasting has been one of Cumulus' stronger-performing businesses in recent years, helping offset declines in traditional broadcast revenue. While podcast revenue posted solid gains during 2025, company executives reported more modest growth during the first quarter of 2026 as Cumulus continues working toward its emergence from bankruptcy.

Townsquare Q2 Digital Growth Offsets Broadcast Decline

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 11:03am CT

Townsquare Media

Townsquare Media reported second quarter 2026 results that met its previously issued guidance, as accelerating digital advertising growth helped offset continued weakness in broadcast advertising. The company posted second-quarter net revenue of $115.4 million, essentially flat from a year earlier, while adjusted EBITDA totaled $24.8 million.

CEO Bill Wilson said the company's "Digital First Local Media Strategy" continued to gain traction, with digital advertising revenue increasing 11% year-over-year, up from 7% growth in the first quarter. He also highlighted the rapid expansion of Townsquare's Media Partnerships business, which now serves 16 partners across 41 additional markets and is expected to more than double its revenue in 2026. Digital operations accounted for 57% of Townsquare's first-half net revenue and 59% of segment profit.

For the quarter, Townsquare reported a net loss of $41.8 million, compared with net income of $2.0 million a year earlier. The company said the decline was largely driven by significant non-cash FCC license impairment charges, while adjusted net income improved slightly to $3.7 million. Broadcast advertising revenue fell 5.5%, while digital advertising revenue climbed 11%. Subscription Digital Marketing Solutions revenue declined 8.5%.

Looking ahead, Townsquare expects third-quarter 2026 net revenue between $108 million and $110 million, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $22.5 million and $23.5 million. The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance of $425 million to $431 million in net revenue and adjusted EBITDA of $87 million to $90 million. Its board also approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable November 2 to shareholders of record on October 26.

iHeart Philadelphia Promotes Daija Moore-Evans

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 11:24am CT

Daija Moore-Evans

iHeartMedia Philadelphia has promoted Daija Moore-Evans to Digital Content Manager, effective immediately. In her new role, she will oversee digital content strategy for the company's six-station Philadelphia cluster, leading audience growth and engagement across its music, talk and news brands through broadcast, digital and social media platforms.

Reporting to Senior Vice President of Programming Jeff Hurley, Moore-Evans will direct the cluster's digital content initiatives, including the development and execution of strategies designed to expand audience reach, strengthen brand engagement and support iHeartMedia's on-air and online presence.

"Daija has already made a tremendous impact on our team, and this promotion is well deserved," Hurley said. "Her creativity, work ethic, and vision make her the perfect person to lead our digital efforts into the future."

Moore-Evans began her broadcasting journey at Montgomery County Community College before continuing her studies at Temple University. She joined iHeartMedia Philadelphia in 2019 as a board operator and has steadily advanced through the organization, moving into an on-air role at WUSL (Power 99) while taking on increasing digital responsibilities. She has helped shape the social media presence and digital content strategy for both Power 99 and WDAS, leading to her promotion.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities I've had to grow with iHeartMedia Philadelphia," Moore-Evans said. "It's been an amazing journey from board operator to leading digital strategy, and I'm excited to continue working with such talented teams to connect with our audiences in innovative and meaningful ways."

Shawn Scheffler Named PD at Spirit FM Missouri

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 11:28am CT

Shawn Scheffler

Spirit FM (KCVO) in Camdenton, MO has promoted Shawn Scheffler to Program Director. Scheffler previously served as the station's Assistant Program Director.

Station Manager Jenn Pooler said Scheffler has spent the past year developing his programming skills while learning all aspects of station programming. She praised his commitment to the ministry and team, describing him as a servant leader who will help move Spirit FM forward in his new role.

"I'm honored to step into the role of Program Director at Spirit FM, and I'm excited to see how God continues to use this ministry to bring hope to listeners across Missouri," Scheffler said.

Spirit FM is part of the Northwestern Media network, a ministry of the University of Northwestern-St. Paul.

SiriusXM Names Jenny Tartikoff Communications Chief

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 11:10am CT

Jenny Tartikoff

SiriusXM has appointed Jenny Tartikoff as Senior Vice President and Head of Communications, effective August 10. She will report to President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein and oversee the company's communications and public relations strategy, including promoting SiriusXM's content and business initiatives while advising senior leadership on major corporate developments.

Greenstein said Tartikoff's background across entertainment, streaming, podcasting and advertising makes her well-suited to help position SiriusXM as the premier destination for audio content and fandom. He said she will play a key role in advancing the company's communications strategy across its portfolio of audio businesses.

Tartikoff joins SiriusXM from Paramount Pictures, where she served as Executive Vice President of Global Communications. In that role, she led internal and external corporate communications, corporate social responsibility and awards strategy for the studio's live-action and animation divisions, while guiding communications through the industry's post-pandemic recovery and Paramount's evolving multi-platform release strategy.

Prior to Paramount, Tartikoff was Head of Content and Advertising Communications at Spotify. She also served as Senior Vice President of Global Communications for Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and was a Senior Vice President at Rubenstein, advising clients including Paramount Pictures, HBO, Sony, News Corporation and the New York Post. She began her career in broadcast journalism communications with NBC News and CBS News.

Hope Media Group Creates Chief Impact Officer Role

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 11:16am CT

Hope Media Group

Hope Media Group has named Nicholas "Nick" Skytland as its first Chief Impact Officer, a newly created executive leadership position designed to expand the ministry's reach across its growing portfolio of media platforms. Skytland will assume the role on August 17.

As a member of the organization's Executive Leadership Team, Skytland will oversee an integrated strategy spanning content, technology and marketing to strengthen audience engagement and enhance the overall listener and user experience. The new role is intended to translate Hope Media Group's mission into compelling content, scalable platforms and deeper connections with audiences.

Hope Media Group President and CEO Joe Paulo said adding Skytland to the leadership team will accelerate the organization's vision for innovation while helping develop new ways to reach more people with its mission. He praised Skytland's passion and leadership, saying the appointment will strengthen the ministry's efforts to inspire people to love Jesus, serve others and spread hope.

Skytland joins Hope Media Group after serving as Vice President of AI at Gloo, where he led product development, research and platform strategy. He also spent years in senior executive roles at NASA, overseeing early-stage technology development, organizational transformation, business development, strategic partnerships and innovation initiatives.

"I am honored to join Hope Media Group and contribute to a mission with a powerful legacy and an exciting future," Skytland said. "The opportunity to help reach and form people at scale is deeply compelling to me."

Cumulus Cuts Staff in Multi-Market Layoff Round

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:36pm CT

Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media has enacted a new round of layoffs affecting air talent, programmers and management across multiple markets as the company continues its financial restructuring. The company has not disclosed how many employees were impacted, but departures confirmed through media reports span stations in California, Michigan, Arkansas, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Illinois and New York, with additional exits expected to emerge in the coming days.

Among the most prominent departures are longtime KNBR San Francisco midday hosts Greg Papa and Greg Silver. Papa, who also serves as the play-by-play voice of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, has been with KNBR since 2019 after previously hosting at KGMZ-FM. Silver joined KNBR in 2023 as a producer before moving to middays last November.

Other confirmed exits include Dave Fuller, afternoon host at WDVD Detroit; McConnell Adams, Program Director of KURB and KLAL in Little Rock; Leo "LB" Baldwin, Program Director of WOMG and WTCB in the Columbia, SC market; and Cami Marlowe, Program Director and afternoon host at WABD Mobile.

Also out are Anthony "Big Ant" Simmons, Program Director at KMJJ and KRMD-FM in Shreveport; Wes Jordan, Production Director for the Bloomington/Peoria cluster and afternoon host at WZPW; Jordan Lass, Assistant Program Director for WHTS and WKLQ in Grand Rapids and afternoon host at WLAV; and Jay Soderberg, Vice President of Digital Programming Operations, Podcasts and Digital Operations in New York.

The layoffs come as Cumulus continues to await FCC approval to complete its Chapter 11 restructuring. The company's court-approved plan would eliminate approximately $592 million in debt, reduce annual cash interest expense by about $49 million and transfer ownership to its lenders.

Cumulus has not commented publicly on the reductions or announced programming plans for the affected stations. Several vacancies, including morning and programming leadership positions, are expected to require replacement in the coming weeks.

Magnum to Acquire Sparta-Tomah Radio Outlets

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 3:04pm CT

Magnum Media

Magnum Communications has reached an agreement to acquire four western Wisconsin radio outlets from Sparta-Tomah Broadcasting Co., with an application for the sale to be filed with the FCC.

The transaction includes Country WCOW-FM (97.1), News/Talk WKLJ-AM (1290), translator W271CM (102.1), all licensed to Sparta, and WFBZ-FM (105.5), licensed to Trempealeau. Sparta-Tomah Broadcasting said the stations represent the company's remaining media holdings.

WCOW-FM is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and has been named Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Small Market Station of the Year seven times. In 2025, the station's Ben & Arnie morning show earned the Country Music Association's Best Small Market Personality of the Year award.

Magnum Communications is part of Wisconsin-based Magnum Media, which operates six full-power AM stations, 14 full-power FM stations and 18 FM translators across Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota and northern Illinois.

Reid Magnum noted the acquisition has personal significance for his family. "In June, when my Dad was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame, he spoke in the video about WCOW being the very first radio station he was ever in at age 4," Magnum said. "His uncle, Len DeSomer, was an announcer at WCOW in 1967. On top of that, my Mom and Dad sat with Pink Rice at the first Wisconsin Broadcasters Association dinner they attended in 1990."

Kalil & Co., Inc. is serving as the exclusive broker for the transaction.

97 Rock Adds Peck, Sylvester to Bills Coverage

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 11:05am CT

Paul Peck and Kevin Sylvester

As Buffalo Bills football returns to WGRF-FM (97 Rock), the station is expanding its game day coverage with the addition of veteran Buffalo sportscasters Paul Peck and Kevin Sylvester. The pair will host the first two hours of the station's pregame coverage, beginning four hours before kickoff each week.

They will be followed by NFL Draft and Bills analyst Chris Trapasso and former Bills center Mitch Morse, giving listeners four hours of pregame analysis, commentary and entertainment leading into every Bills game.

The Bills will play their first full game at the new Highmark Stadium during a preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers on August 15. Buffalo opens the regular season on September 13 with a Sunday Night Football road game against the Houston Texans before hosting the Detroit Lions in its home opener on Thursday Night Football.

"Together, Paul Peck and Kevin Sylvester bring decades of experience covering the teams, players, and moments that have defined Buffalo sports," said 97 Rock Program Director Joe Russo. "Their deep local roots, combined with their passion for entertaining fans, make them the perfect team to help launch a new era of Bills coverage on 97 Rock."

Peck brings more than 30 years of Buffalo sports broadcasting experience, including 24 years at WIVB-TV, where he served as the station's primary Bills beat reporter for 15 seasons and covered all four of the team's Super Bowl appearances. He currently serves as the play-by-play voice for University at Buffalo football and basketball. Peck also previously worked on 97 Rock's Bills broadcasts from 1998 to 2008.

Sylvester is well known to Buffalo fans through his work with the Buffalo Sabres as a television host and analyst on MSG Network, along with his radio hosting and reporting. Earlier in his career, he was part of the Bills Radio Network, hosting game day, pregame, halftime and postgame programming, as well as weekly shows featuring Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy and former Bills General Manager John Butler.

WWNN Launches Weekend Business Reports

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:40pm CT

Worldwide News Network (WWNN)

Worldwide News Network (WWNN) has expanded its programming lineup with the launch of WWNN Weekend Business Reports, a new weekend feature focused on business, financial markets and the economy. The reports debuted Saturday, August 1, on Hubbard's WTOP in Washington, DC, becoming the first affiliate to carry the new service.

Designed to go beyond traditional market recaps, the reports examine the industries and economic sectors shaping the future, including automotive, technology and entertainment, while highlighting emerging companies and innovation trends.

The reports are anchored and produced by veteran business journalists John Terrett and Jake Novak. Terrett previously served as a New York correspondent for the BBC and CNBC, including nearly eight years reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Novak brings more than 25 years of broadcast experience covering financial markets, economics and geopolitics.

"Our listeners want and need insightful financial and business news they can trust, and they depend on us to deliver it every day of the week," said Julia Ziegler, Director of News and Programming at WTOP. "As the industry has contracted over the last few years, it has left a void. It is exciting to work with a company like WWNN that understands the importance of providing quality reporting seven days of the week."

Lee Harris, WWNN's Senior Vice President of News & Programming, said the service is intended to provide a fresh approach to weekend business coverage.

"WWNN is not simply filling the gap left by the demise of the CBS Radio Network," Harris said. "We're building something stronger and more relevant for today's audience. John and Jake bring extraordinary experience and credibility, and they know how to make complicated financial and economic stories understandable, compelling and actionable."

Family Life to Acquire WOGI-FM for $1 Million

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:48pm CT

Family Life Radio

Family Life has reached an agreement to acquire Country WOGI-FM (104.3) in Moon Township, PA, and Pittsburgh translator W288BO (105.5) from Forever Media for $1 million. WOGI-FM operates with 13,000 watts and serves the greater Pittsburgh area. The acquisition will add the station and its FM translator to Family Life's growing broadcast portfolio.

Family Life is led by Rick Snavely, while Forever Media is headed by Lynn Deppen.

The transaction was brokered by Michael J. Bergner of Bergner & Co., who served as the exclusive broker for the sale.

Shalom South Florida Marks 40 Years on the Air

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:53pm CT

Roni

Shalom South Florida, one of the nation's longest-running Jewish radio programs, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with special broadcasts on Sunday, August 9 and August 16. Hosted by Roni since its debut in August 1986, the weekly program airs Sundays from 9:30-11am and features Israeli, Chassidic and Yiddish music, along with interviews, news, comedy, contests and programming tailored to South Florida's Jewish community.

The anniversary celebration will culminate with the show's extended 2,000th episode on August 16. The special broadcast will include prize giveaways, tickets, gift certificates and a countdown of the program's most-requested Jewish songs, including the first song played during Roni's inaugural broadcast four decades ago.

Roni, who holds a master's degree in mass communication from Florida International University, is recognized as Florida's longest-running Jewish radio host and one of the state's longest-serving radio personalities. A South Florida resident for 48 years, he also maintains one of the world's largest collections of Jewish music.

"What a privilege it has been to unite the Jewish community and share music and culture every Sunday for four decades," Roni said. "I never imagined we would still be going strong and gaining in popularity forty years later."

Shalom South Florida airs on the Palm Beach Gardens-based True Oldies Channel, heard on AM 1420 and 1450, as well as FM translators at 95.3, 95.9 and 106.9, and is also available worldwide via streaming, radio apps and podcast.

Entravision Expands AI Co-Hosted Show to Five Markets

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 2:52pm CT

Geraldine ''GeeGee'' Guzman and Coyotec

Entravision has expanded its AI-powered radio show featuring Geraldine "GeeGee" Guzman and Coyotec, the industry's first Latino AI radio personality, to five additional markets across its Fuego Network.

The multi-market rollout began Monday, August 3, bringing the duo's bilingual, culture-focused program to Fuego stations in Sacramento, Las Vegas, Modesto, Palm Springs and McAllen. The expansion builds on the success of Al Aire y Sin Permiso on Jose 97.5 FM in Los Angeles, where the show attracted audience growth, particularly among younger Hispanic male listeners.

To better match the Fuego Network's Latin Urban and Musica Mexicana format, the syndicated version incorporates more English-language content while maintaining the bilingual style that reflects the everyday conversations of bicultural Latino audiences.

The program now airs on KHHM-FM (Fuego 101.9) in Sacramento, KRRN-FM (Fuego 92.7) in Las Vegas, KCVR-FM (Fuego 98.9) in Modesto, KPST-FM (Fuego 103.5) in Palm Springs, and KKPS-FM (Fuego 99.5) in McAllen.

"This expansion is a prime example of how content innovation drives our industry forward," said Eduardo Maytorena, President of Audio. "GeeGee and Coyotec represent the future of multi-market audio -- delivering authentic culture, seamless versatility, and unmatched value for our brand partners."

LeaAnna Hernandez, Entravision's Executive Vice President of AI Strategy, said the project demonstrates how AI can complement on-air talent while adapting naturally across languages and audiences.

For Guzman, the move to the Fuego Network reflects the way many younger Latino listeners communicate. "So many of us grew up bouncing between English and Spanish without even thinking twice about it," she said. "Getting to bring that same energy to Fuego feels like a blessing."

Throwback Nation Adds Three Connoisseur Affiliates

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 11:11am CT

Throwback Nation with Tony Lorino

Throwback Nation with Tony Lorino has expanded its national reach with the addition of three Connoisseur Media stations through its syndication partner, Skyview Networks. The nightly program launched Monday on KRBI-FM in Mankato, MN, KYTC-FM in Mason City, IA, and KLAK-FM in Sherman, TX. All three stations will air the show weeknights.

"We're thrilled to be expanding with Connoisseur!" said Tony Lorino, Founder and CEO of Throwback Brands and host of Throwback Nation. "We share their belief that radio connects with listeners unlike any other traditional medium, and we are thrilled to be a part of their plan to re-engage and re-energize these brands. Big thanks to Keith Dakin and the entire Connoisseur content development team."

Andrew Kalb, Chief Operating Officer of Skyview Networks, said the latest additions continue the program's steady national growth. "It's exciting to see Throwback Nation with Tony Lorino continue to expand across the country," Kalb said. "These three new Connoisseur affiliates bring even more engaged, loyal listeners to the network. Each new station creates additional opportunities for advertisers to connect with engaged listeners, and we're proud to be part of the show's continued success."

Urban One Posts Lower Q2 Revenue, Narrows Loss

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 10:44am CT

Urban One

Urban One reported lower second-quarter revenue as advertising softness continued across several business segments, though the company significantly reduced its net loss and said revenue trends improved sequentially from the first quarter.

For the quarter ended June 30, Urban One posted net revenue of $85.8 million, down 6.4% from a year earlier. The company reported a net loss of $7.1 million, or $1.58 per share, compared with a net loss of $77.9 million, or $17.41 per share, in the second quarter of 2025. Adjusted EBITDA declined to $11.7 million from $14.0 million a year ago.

CEO Alfred C. Liggins III said second-quarter performance showed improvement from the first quarter despite continued challenges. He noted revenue declines of 7.4% in cable television, 8.4% in digital, 3.9% in radio and 10.6% at Reach Media. Radio generated approximately $1.4 million in gross political advertising during the quarter, and third-quarter radio revenue is currently pacing down 2.8%.

Liggins said the company continues to focus on improving Reach Media while managing cash flow, collecting receivables and controlling discretionary spending. During the quarter, Urban One repurchased approximately $23.5 million of its 2031 Second Lien Notes, bringing its year-to-date debt reduction to $60.2 million and lowering annual interest expense by an estimated $4.6 million. The company also completed the sale of Charlotte stations WLNK and WMXG and revised its 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to the "mid-fifty-million dollar range."

Urban One also highlighted strategic portfolio changes completed after the quarter. The company finalized its acquisition of Service Broadcasting Group, including Dallas stations KKDA and KRNB, on July 17 after selling KZMJ in the market earlier in the month.

The company said weaker national and local advertising demand contributed to lower radio revenue, while digital results were affected by reduced spending on diversity, equity and inclusion-focused advertising campaigns.

Country Radio Hall of Fame Honors Seven Leaders

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 10:52am CT

Country Radio Hall of Fame

Seven influential country radio broadcasters and programmers were inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame on Monday during the 2026 Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) induction ceremony at the Virgin Hotel Nashville.

The event recognized air personalities Chris Carr, Michael J. and Rick Jackson, along with radio executives Marci Braun, Phil Hunt, Bruce Logan and John Marks for their lasting contributions to country radio through broadcasting, programming, leadership and industry service.

CRB also presented the 2026 President's Award to veteran broadcaster and journalist Lon Helton, recognizing his more than 50 years of service to country radio and his leadership through Country Countdown USA, the founding of Country Aircheck, and his ongoing support of the Country Radio Seminar. Helton is a member of both the Country Radio Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame.

The evening was dedicated to the memory of the late Bill Cody, the longtime WSM announcer and Country Radio Hall of Fame member, honoring his enduring impact on country radio, artists and listeners.

Among the on-air inductees, Chris Carr was recognized for nearly three decades in country radio, including 24 years at K102/Minneapolis, where he has earned six CMA Personality of the Year awards and helped raise more than $25 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Michael J. was honored for his long-running work at WPOC/Baltimore and WMZQ/Washington, D.C., as well as his national programming roles and extensive charitable fundraising. Rick Jackson was recognized for a career spanning more than 50 years, highlighted by his role in launching KYGO/Denver, creating the syndicated Rick Jackson's Country Classics, and serving as General Manager of KSON/San Diego.

In the Radio category, Marci Braun was honored for her leadership of Audacy's country brands in Chicago and Minneapolis and her award-winning programming career. Phil Hunt was recognized for five decades of influence as a programmer, executive and consultant whose guidance has shaped numerous successful country stations and broadcasters.

Bruce Logan was honored for more than 30 years of programming leadership, including his current role overseeing KILT-FM/Houston and previous executive positions with Audacy and iHeartMedia. John Marks was recognized for a 51-year career that has included leadership positions at Spotify, SiriusXM and numerous major-market country stations, along with extensive service to the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Talks Begin on Preserving Historic WBT Transmitter Site

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 3:25pm CT

Johnny Caudle

Discussions are underway about preserving or documenting the history of WBT's iconic 1110 AM transmitter site in Charlotte following a meeting between preservation advocate Johnny Caudle (pictured) and executives from Beasley Media Group and Radio One.

Caudle said he met July 28 at Radio One's Charlotte offices with Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley, Chief Communications Officer Heidi Raphael and Radio One Charlotte Vice President and General Manager Marsha Landess to discuss the future of the historic Nations Ford Road property.

According to Caudle, company representatives said both Beasley Media Group, which owns the transmitter property, and Radio One, which owns the WBT license, support some form of documenting or preserving the station's history. He said the companies have been discussing preservation possibilities internally for several months, although no final decisions have been made.

"My goal has always been simple: to make sure this conversation happened," Caudle said in a statement. "I'm encouraged that these conversations are taking place and appreciate the willingness of everyone involved to have an open dialogue."

The meeting follows months of public interest surrounding the future of WBT's longtime transmitter site at 9201 Nations Ford Road, which has been listed for sale. The property includes three rare Blaw-Knox towers, a transmitter building dating to the early 1930s and a Cold War-era fallout shelter.

WBT moved its news/talk programming from the historic 50,000-watt 1110 AM signal to WBT-FM (107.9) in December 2025. Since then, 1110 AM has carried a continuous loop of music and recorded announcements directing listeners to the FM signal, while Radio One has said new programming is planned for the AM frequency.

Concerned that the site's historic significance could be overlooked, Caudle contacted the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Department, which indicated the transmitter building appears eligible for historic landmark designation and inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The Charlotte Amateur Radio Club has also proposed preserving the building as a museum and emergency communications center while retaining one of the towers for amateur radio use.

Caudle also launched an online petition urging preservation efforts before any redevelopment moves forward. He said the petition has attracted more than 1,200 verified signatures and support from current and former broadcasters, while also generating coverage from WCNC Charlotte, WGN Radio and Radio World.

Following the July 28 meeting, Caudle said Landess has reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Director Stewart Gray to begin discussions with the agency.

Caudle emphasized that his efforts have not been aimed at preventing the property's sale or restoring WBT programming to 1110 AM, but rather ensuring the station's historic legacy is considered before any final decisions are made. He added that he believes all parties involved are committed to finding an appropriate way to recognize WBT's history.