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Top Radio News
iHeart Tampa Expands WDAE, Launches Rumba 95.3
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 13, 2026 | 3:04pm CT |
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iHeartMedia Tampa Bay is expanding its Sports and Spanish-language offerings with the debut of 95.7 WDAE, Tampa Bay's Sports Radio, and the launch of Rumba 95.3 and 102.9, effective Monday, February 23.
95.7 WDAE (95.7 FM/620 AM) will add a 100kw FM signal, strengthening its reach while continuing its longtime home on 620 AM, where the Sports brand has aired since 1999. The station features a mix of local and national sports programming and serves as the flagship radio home of MLB's Tampa Bay Rays. It also carries football and basketball broadcasts for the Florida Gators and provides coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning and USF Bulls.
Russell Robertson, Market President for iHeartMedia Tampa Bay, said expanding WDAE's FM presence strengthens the company's broadcast and marketing partnerships with local teams and reflects its commitment to serving listeners across platforms.
Nick Wize, Program Director for 95.7 WDAE, said the expanded signal will deliver a stronger lineup for what he described as a championship-caliber sports market.
As part of the move, Spanish-language programming previously heard on 95.7 FM will shift to 95.3 FM and 102.9 FM under the new brand Rumba 95.3 & 102.9. The station will continue to feature contemporary Latin hits, including reggaeton, urban pop, bachata and salsa.
P.J. Gonzalez, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartLatino, said Rumba will deliver a high-energy music mix tailored to Tampa Bay's Latino community. Enrique Santos will anchor mornings, joined by local personalities Sarykarmen Rivera and Flip Rios.
Gillen Broadcasting Owner & GM Doug Gillen Dies
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 13, 2026 | 1:25pm CT |
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The longtime owner of Gainesville-based Gillen Broadcasting has died. Douglas J. Gillen was the owner and General Manager of Gillen Broadcasting, which operates CHR WYKS-FM (KISS 105.3) and Urban WAJD-AM & W255CV (98.9 JAMZ). The Gillen family acquired the stations in 1987, and Gillen served as General Manager for nearly 40 years.
In a statement, Gillen Broadcasting said it is mourning the loss of its founder and owner, describing him as a steady presence who preferred to remain behind the scenes while supporting his on-air talent and staff.
"For nearly 40 years Doug was quietly a pillar of our local community, preferring to stand behind the spotlight of his DJs," the company said. "A philanthropist at heart who freely gave to raise awareness to local charities. Yet no one could have done more to support local businesses in our area and take such joy in seeing them thrive."
The statement also credited Gillen with helping launch and shape numerous broadcasting careers, with some remaining in Gainesville and others moving on to national and international opportunities.
"More than just a boss, he was a beloved mentor, friend, and father figure. He left a legacy that will continue through us," the company said, adding that it plans to continue operating KISS 105.3 and 98.9 JAMZ in keeping with his vision and leadership.
Albany County Honors B95.5's Chad O'Hara for 30 Years
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 13, 2026 | 1:38pm CT |
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Albany County Executive Dan McCoy has issued a formal proclamation recognizing longtime radio personality Chad O'Hara for 30 years of broadcasting service on WYJB-FM (B95.5) in Albany, NY.
The honor was presented on February 10, a date that marks both O'Hara's birthday and the anniversary of his first on-air shift in 1996. During that late-night debut, O'Hara recalled introducing Capital Region listeners to his first song, "If You Leave Me Now" by Chicago.
Over the past three decades, O'Hara has remained a steady on-air presence at B95.5 while also supporting numerous community initiatives. His involvement has included work with organizations such as Ronald McDonald House and Equinox, as well as local efforts in the City of Cohoes.
County officials said the proclamation recognizes not only O'Hara's longevity in broadcasting, but also his continued engagement with listeners and community organizations throughout Albany County.
A public celebration of O'Hara's 30-year anniversary is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Latham. Admission is free, and listeners can reserve a spot at B95.com.
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MARC Expands with Lakeland Station Purchase
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 4:00pm CT |
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MARC Radio Group is expanding its footprint in Central Florida with the acquisition of several stations serving the Lakeland-Winter Haven market. The company announced it has agreed to purchase Country WPCV-FM (97.5), Adult Hits WONN (1230), W296CS (107.1) and W240DB (95.9), along with Talk WLKF-AM (1430) from Hall Communications. The deal is expected to close in May, pending approval from the FCC.
The Lakeland acquisition follows MARC's earlier announcement this week that it is buying five additional stations along Florida's I-95 corridor, further increasing its presence across the state.
Scott Miller, MARC's chief revenue officer, said the company plans to maintain WPCV's country format. "97 Country WPCV is a terrific station," Miller said. "You don't mess with success."
MARC cited the station's award-winning morning show, loyal listener base and signal coverage -- which reaches from near Tampa to Sanford -- as key factors in the purchase decision. The addition of WONN's MAX adult hits format and WLKF's talk programming gives MARC a diverse portfolio designed to serve a broad cross-section of listeners in the Lakeland-Winter Haven market.
MARC Radio Group is a privately owned Central Florida company with longstanding ties to the Lakeland community, including alumni of Florida Southern College who are longtime supporters of the stations.
PMI Names Inaugural Board, LaFontaine Oliver as Chair
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 2:30pm CT |
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Public Media Infrastructure (PMI) has appointed its inaugural Board of Trustees, naming LaFontaine Oliver as Chair and adding five new members representing stations across the country.
Oliver, Executive Chair of New York Public Radio, will lead the board as PMI begins formal operations. The new trustees include Anni Caporuscio, General Manager of KKCR Community Radio; Mariana Robertson, General Manager of KCAW Raven Radio; Jose Martinez-Saldana, Co-Executive Director of Radio Bilingue; Vijay Singh, CEO of Vermont Public; and Kenya Young, President and CEO of Louisville Public Media.
Established in November 2025 through one of the final grants distributed by Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PMI is an independent nonprofit created to address infrastructure needs across the public media system.
The organization was founded by American Public Media Group, PRX, New York Public Radio, Station Resource Group, and National Federation of Community Broadcasters. Its mandate is to modernize and provide shared technology, distribution platforms and data analytics systems supporting public radio stations nationwide.
PMI said its mission is to ensure stations of all sizes -- urban and rural -- can reliably deliver content across platforms and adapt to a rapidly changing media environment. The group will work in collaboration with local stations, independent producers and national organizations to strengthen the digital and operational backbone of public media.
The organization is currently led by Interim Executive Director Bob Kempf. The five newly announced trustees will be seated at PMI's April board meeting, with additional members expected to join later this year.
A. Rima Dael, CEO of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters and a founding PMI board member, said the board was designed to reflect the breadth of public media across formats and communities. Oliver said he was honored to serve as Chair and credited CPB's investment in launching what he described as a station-centered consortium aimed at building the future infrastructure of the public radio system.
Prendergast Named Life 107.1 Des Moines Station Manager
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 3:01pm CT |
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Northwestern Media has named Mike Prendergast Station Manager of KNWI (Life 107.1) in Des Moines, beginning March 16. Previously, he provided special assistance on programming operations for Pillar Media's KJHM-FM (Star 101.5) in Denver. Prendergast is also the former Program Director at KLTY in Dallas. In January, 2025, Prendergast began offering his 30 plus years of radio expertise as a consultant.
"Mike is a well-known leader and friend to many.", said Dave St. John, Senior Director, Media Markets for Northwestern Media. "We are thrilled that Mike is joining the Northwestern Team as he leads the Life 107.1 team in boldly reaching Des Moines for Christ."
"This last year has been a time of trusting where the Lord has been leading.", said Mike. "Finally seeing that revealed as Station Manager of Life 107.1 in Des Moines is beyond any scenario I could have imagined. God is so good! I am so excited to join Northwestern and the amazing team at Life 107.1! Now, I need to learn how to work a snow shovel."
Life 107.1 is a part of the Northwestern Media network of University of Northwestern - St. Paul.
Bloomberg Launches "Bloomberg This Weekend"
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 2:21pm CT |
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Bloomberg will expand its live business and global news coverage to seven days a week with the debut of "Bloomberg This Weekend," a new three-hour program premiering February 28 at 7am ET. The show will air Saturday and Sunday mornings and simulcast worldwide across Bloomberg's audio, video and digital platforms, including Bloomberg Radio, Bloomberg Television, Bloomberg.com, the Bloomberg Business app, and the Bloomberg Terminal.
Hosted by David Gura, Christina Ruffini and Lisa Mateo, the program will combine live reporting from Bloomberg's global newsroom of 3,000 journalists and analysts with discussions and interviews featuring lawmakers, business leaders and cultural figures.
Gura and Ruffini will anchor the broadcast from New York, drawing on their reporting backgrounds in business and foreign affairs. Mateo will serve as news anchor, delivering breaking headlines and developing stories.
Gura, an award-winning anchor and correspondent for Bloomberg Radio and TV and co-host of the "Big Take" podcast, has covered the intersection of Wall Street and Washington throughout his career, with previous roles at MSNBC, NBC and NPR. Ruffini, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, joins Bloomberg after serving as a contributing host for NBC, MSNBC/MS Now and The Atlantic Live. She previously worked as a White House and State Department correspondent for CBS News. Mateo joins the weekend team from Bloomberg Surveillance Radio and previously worked for CBS News Radio Network and CBS Newspath.
The program will be executive produced by Carolyn Cremen, who most recently led the CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell and previously held senior editorial roles at CNN.
"Bloomberg This Weekend" will feature core Bloomberg franchises, including Odd Lots, Bloomberg Surveillance, CityLab, Bloomberg Pursuits and The Forecast weekly newsletter. It will also be incorporated into Bloomberg's newly launched digital video experience, designed as a centralized hub for live and on-demand content.
FCC Orders Steve Hegwood Stations to Pay Fees
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 3:55pm CT |
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The FCC has ordered two Georgia FM stations owned by radio executive Steve Hegwood to pay outstanding regulatory fees or face possible license revocation.
In separate Orders to Pay or to Show Cause released February 11, the FCC said Core Communicators North LLC and Core Communicators South LLC -- licensees of WIPK-FM (Streetz 94.5) Calhoun, GA and WMRG-FM (Streetz 93.5) Morgan, GA -- have accumulated years of unpaid regulatory fees, along with penalties, interest and administrative costs.
At WIPK, Calhoun, the Commission reports unpaid regulatory fee debt totaling $21,830.15, spanning fiscal years 2015 through 2022, as well as 2024 and 2025. The FCC says the amount includes statutory late-payment penalties and interest, and warns that additional charges will continue to accrue until the balance is satisfied.
For WMRG, Morgan, the Commission lists $6,538.67 in unpaid regulatory fees covering fiscal years 2015, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024. As with WIPK, the total reflects late-payment penalties and collection costs required under federal law.
Under Section 9a of the Communications Act and related FCC rules, the Commission has authority to revoke licenses for failure to pay regulatory fees in a timely manner. Both licensees have been given 60 days from the release date of the orders to provide documented proof that the debts have been paid in full or to show cause why the fees should be waived or deferred.
The FCC noted that demand letters were previously issued and that the debts had been referred to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection before being returned to the Commission for further action.
If the licensees fail to respond adequately within the 60-day window, the FCC says the licenses for the two stations may be revoked.
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iHeartRadio, DonorsChoose Name Final Teacher Winners
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 2:38pm CT |
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iHeartRadio and DonorsChoose have announced the final five winners in their nationwide "Thank a Teacher" campaign, concluding a yearlong effort that recognized educators across the country and awarded $50,000 in classroom funding.
Launched in July 2025, the initiative invited listeners in more than 160 radio markets to nominate their favorite teachers for a chance to be celebrated on-air and receive a $5,000 DonorsChoose gift card to support classroom needs. The campaign spanned more than 850 iHeartRadio stations and generated over 60,000 nominations from all 50 states during the 2025-26 school year.
DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization that enables U.S. public school teachers to request classroom supplies, partnered with iHeartRadio on the promotion for the second consecutive decade. In total, 10 teachers were selected at random - five winners announced in September and the final five revealed this month - each receiving $5,000 in funding.
Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose, said at the launch that the campaign ensures educators "feel appreciated for going the extra mile," particularly as they prepare students for a new school year.
Jon Zellner, President of Programming Operations and Digital Music for iHeartMedia, said the program highlights the positive work happening daily in classrooms nationwide and offers a public show of appreciation to teachers.
As part of the effort, iHeartMedia donated $500,000 in public service announcements to promote the DonorsChoose mission and encourage listeners to support local public schools through the organization's website.
The campaign marks one of the largest national radio-driven teacher appreciation efforts this school year, combining on-air recognition with direct classroom funding.
Read the entire blog post here.
Ashley & Brad Share the Love This February with AHA
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 11:59pm CT |
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Ashley & Brad are marking February's Month of Love with a nationwide effort to support heart health, partnering with the American Heart Association to raise awareness and funds for cardiovascular research and education.
Throughout the month, the nationally syndicated radio show is encouraging listeners to donate through its website, with proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association's work in heart disease research, prevention and public education.
Co-host Ashley said the campaign aims to broaden the definition of love beyond traditional Valentine's Day gestures. "Love isn't just flowers and chocolates," she said. "It's about showing up for the people we care about - and heart health affects every family."
Brad added that the cause resonates widely. "This is a cause that touches so many lives. If we can use our platform to help even one person, it's worth it," he said.
The initiative invites listeners to contribute, share the campaign and help promote heart health awareness throughout February. The effort reflects the show's broader commitment to community engagement and charitable outreach.
More information, including details on how to donate, is available at ashleybradradio.com.
NPR Launches American Storytelling Collection
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 2:44pm CT |
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NPR has launched the American Storytelling Collection, a new destination for limited-run podcast series produced by the NPR Network and its Member stations.
Described as an audio portrait of the United States told town by town, the Collection presents narrative journalism that examines national issues through local reporting. The initiative brings together deeply reported series that explore how communities across the country confront shared challenges.
The first edition features series produced or co-produced by NPR Member stations, including How Wild from KALW in the San Francisco Bay Area; Road to Rickwood from WWNO in New Orleans; Track Change from VPM; Bright Lit Place from WLRN; Extremely American from Boise State Public Radio; Inheriting from LAist in Southern California; and Landslide from WFAE and Nuance Tales.
Dan McCoy, NPR's Senior Director of Network Growth, said the Collection is designed as a curated and expanding catalog of high-quality storytelling that listeners can explore and revisit over time. He added that the initiative aims to amplify deeply reported community stories from across the NPR Network to a national audience.
The American Storytelling Collection is available on the NPR App and on Apple Podcasts.
Urban One Amends ABL, Regains Nasdaq Compliance
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 3:45pm CT |
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Urban One has amended its existing asset-based lending facility and regained compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement, according to a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Silver Spring, MD-based broadcaster entered into a First Amendment to its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement on February 9. The amendment modifies the company's current ABL facility, originally dated December 18, 2025, with Bank of America, N.A. serving as administrative agent.
Under the amendment, the maturity date of the current ABL facility has been clarified and is defined as the earliest of: December 18, 2030; 91 days prior to the maturity or expiration of any material indebtedness (other than the company's existing notes); or the date on which a specified non-springing maturity condition tied to the existing notes is no longer satisfied.
The filing notes that the amendment does not impair existing liens under the credit documents, and that all guarantees and security interests remain in full force and effect.
Separately, Urban One said it received notice from Nasdaq on February 9 confirming that it has regained compliance with the exchange's minimum bid price rule. Nasdaq determined that for 10 consecutive business days, from January 23 through February 6, 2026, the closing bid price of the company's Class D common stock was at or above $1.00 per share.
With the company back in compliance, Nasdaq has ceased any delisting action and considers the matter closed, according to the filing.
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Jessica Reid Named 2026 MIW Digital Mentee
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 2:41pm CT |
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Mentoring & Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) has named Jessica Reid of Townsquare Media Northwest Michigan as the 2026 MIW Digital Mentee, continuing the organization's commitment to developing emerging leaders in digital sales and strategy.
The MIW Digital Mentorship program provides rising professionals with direct access to industry executives, structured guidance and strategic coaching at a time when integration between audio and digital platforms is increasingly central to client success.
Reid serves as a Multi-Media Account Executive with Townsquare Media, where she focuses on integrated digital and audio advertising solutions for local, regional and national brands. Her work includes full-funnel, multi-channel strategies across the digital ecosystem, with emphasis on streaming, advanced audience targeting, brand-safe campaign execution and measurable return on investment.
She previously worked in a pure-play digital company before transitioning to Townsquare Media to expand her experience in audio and digital integration. Reid has emphasized aligning audio storytelling with precision digital targeting to deliver more effective advertising campaigns.
"I'm honored to be selected as an MIW Digital Mentee," Reid said. "This mentorship is an opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills, learn from industry leaders shaping the future of digital and audio, and continue delivering smarter, more effective advertising solutions in a rapidly evolving media landscape."
MIW also announced that Dara Kalvort, Vice President of Digital Sales and Strategy at StreamGuys, will serve as the 2026 Digital Lead Mentor. Kalvort brings experience in digital revenue strategy, streaming innovation and scalable sales development.
MIW Board President Sheila Kirby said the mentorship reflects the industry's ongoing evolution as audio and digital strategies become more intertwined.
"As our industry continues to evolve, the integration of audio and digital is reshaping how we serve clients and grow revenue," Kirby said. "Jessica represents the next generation of forward-thinking sales leaders, and with Dara's guidance, we are confident this mentorship will have a lasting impact, not only on her career, but on the broader industry."
Kalvort said she looks forward to supporting Reid's professional development.
"The future of revenue growth lies in the thoughtful integration of digital and audio," Kalvort said. "I'm excited to support her as she continues building that expertise."
As part of the program, Reid will participate in monthly strategic coaching sessions with Kalvort and other digital and audio leaders, gaining executive-level insight into revenue innovation, integrated campaign execution, leadership development and long-term career growth.
WKRP Calls Up for Auction Through April
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 10:15pm CT |
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For the first time in years, the iconic WKRP call letters are up for grabs - and a North Carolina nonprofit is hoping a broadcaster in Cincinnati might "bring WKRP home," according to an article by Cincinnati TV/media reporter John Kiesewetter.
WKRP in Cincinnati, the cult-favorite comedy that aired on CBS from 1978 to 1982, made the fictional struggling rock station a pop culture staple. Now, Raleigh, NC-based low-power outlet WKRP-LPFM (101.9) is auctioning the real-world call sign to eligible AM, full-power FM or commercial TV operators east of the Mississippi River.
"I would like nothing better than to see a Cincinnati-licensed commercial radio or television station participate in our process and 'bring WKRP home,'" said D.P. McIntire, General Manager of the 100-watt station and Executive Director of Oak City Media Inc., the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that owns it.
The organization plans to use proceeds from the sale to support low-power FM stations in need of financial assistance. Interested parties must apply by March 15, with a private auction among finalists expected to conclude by April 30. McIntire said attorneys are reviewing the structure to ensure compliance with FCC and IRS regulations. No financial terms have been disclosed.
Despite the sitcom's Cincinnati setting, no local broadcaster has ever officially used the WKRP call letters. In 2008, low-power TV station WBQC-TV (Channel 25) rebranded as "WKRP TV," though without the hyphen.
The original series followed the misadventures of program director Andy Travis and a colorful cast that included Dr. Johnny Fever, Venus Flytrap, Les Nessman and station manager Arthur "Big Guy" Carlson. Creator Hugh Wilson based the show on a station in Atlanta where he previously worked in advertising.
WKRP-LPFM acquired the call letters in 2014 and signed on in 2015. While the Raleigh station has no direct ties to the TV series beyond promotional liners, it leans into the nostalgia factor. Each Thanksgiving, the station airs the audio from the show's famous "Turkeys Away" episode for more than 48 hours, with permission from 21st Century Fox.
"There's an age demographic from 35 to 80 with which that call sign resonates. Nostalgia sells," McIntire said, adding that a well-resourced operator could leverage the brand effectively.
Whether the call letters ultimately land in Cincinnati -- or elsewhere -- remains to be seen. But for broadcasters looking to capitalize on one of radio's most recognizable fictional brands, the window to claim WKRP is officially open.
Read the entire article here.
Radio Bassment to Air Live from NBA All-Star
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 11:12am CT |
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Following a high-profile Super Bowl LX week in San Francisco, Radio Bassment is heading to Los Angeles to broadcast live throughout NBA All-Star Weekend, extending its presence at major cultural and sports events.
The syndicated program, distributed by Superadio Networks, will deliver on-the-ground coverage, exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes access during one of the year's marquee sports and entertainment gatherings. The show plans to attend headline events across the weekend, connecting with figures in sports, music, entertainment and lifestyle.
The Los Angeles activation follows Radio Bassment's Super Bowl LX week appearances in San Francisco, where host DJ E-Rock participated in several brand and talent events. Among the highlights, he served as a special guest DJ for Daniel Lurie during the city's Big Game Block Party in Chinatown, held as part of Lunar New Year celebrations.
Radio Bassment is flagshiped in Los Angeles on KRRL-FM (Real 92.3), airing Saturdays from 9pm to midnight. The program also airs on affiliates including KYMT-HD2 (REAL 103.9), KYLD-FM (Wild 94.9), KKFR-FM (Power 98.3), KVSP-FM (Power 103.5), KDGS-FM (Power 93.5) and KKSS-FM (KISS 97.3), among others, giving the show a growing national footprint.
SiriusXM Announces Daytona 500 Coverage
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 2:23pm CT |
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SiriusXM will offer coverage of the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on February 15, along with live broadcasts of every major race during NASCAR's Speedweek from Daytona International Speedway.
Listeners can follow all the action on the 24/7 SiriusXM NASCAR Radio channel (channel 90) in their vehicles and on the SiriusXM app. Race day coverage for the Daytona 500 begins Sunday, February 15 at 7am ET, with live flag-to-flag coverage starting at approximately 2:30pm ET when the green flag drops. Post-race programming will include interviews with the 2026 Daytona 500 champion and other drivers.
In addition to the main broadcast, SiriusXM will offer 10 Driver2Crew Chatter channels, giving fans access to in-car team communications throughout the race.
Speedweek coverage also includes live broadcasts of the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona on Thursday, February 12 at 7pm ET; the Fresh from Florida 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Friday, February 13 at 7:30pm ET; and Saturday's General Tire 200 NASCAR ARCA Series race at noon ET and the United Rentals 300 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at 5pm ET.
Throughout the week, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will broadcast from the infield at Daytona International Speedway. On-site hosts will include Dave Moody, Danielle Trotta, Larry McReynolds, Mike Bagley, Pete Pistone, Brad Gillie, Todd Gordon, Mike and Angie Skinner, John Roberts and Pat Patterson, providing interviews and analysis from around the track.
On Thursday, SiriusXM will partner with Dirty Mo Media for special live shows at the Daytona Fan Zone Stage. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will host a live episode of his "Dale Jr. Download" podcast from 3-4pm ET, joined by 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney. Additional SiriusXM and Dirty Mo personalities will follow with a joint live show, leading into a special edition of "SiriusXM Speedway" hosted by Dave Moody before coverage of the America 250 Florida Duel.
On Monday, February 16, "The Morning Drive" with Mike Bagley and Pete Pistone will originate from the track, recapping the race and featuring interviews with the 2026 Daytona 500 champion driver, crew chief and team owner.
Report: Sports Fans Tune In Locally, 24/7 on Audio
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 4:00am CT |
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Audacy has released its 2026 State of Audio: Sports Fandom, a new research guide examining how fans are consuming sports content during a uniquely crowded global sports calendar that includes the World Cup, Winter Olympics, World Baseball Classic, and a full slate of major U.S. professional and collegiate sports.
The report finds that as sports viewing becomes more fragmented across television, streaming, and social platforms, audio has emerged as a central hub for the most engaged fans. According to the study, diehard sports fans are 1.4 times more likely to listen to pre- and post-game shows on radio than watch them on television, reinforcing audio's role in sustained, appointment-based engagement.
Local connection stands out as a defining factor. Nearly eight in ten fans say sports make them feel part of a community, and many report muting national broadcasts in favor of local radio calls that reflect their city's history and emotion. Audacy reports it now ranks first in sports talk reach across radio and television, surpassing ESPN and FS1.
The guide also highlights generational shifts in listening habits. Gen Z sports fans are not disengaging from sports, but instead gravitating toward personalities, podcasts, and audio creators rather than traditional networks. Podcasts and on-demand audio now play a growing role in how younger fans follow teams, leagues, and athletes.
From an advertising perspective, the study challenges the idea that sports audio mainly benefits beer, betting, and automotive brands. Audacy's analysis shows measurable lifts in web traffic on sports radio air days across a wide range of categories, including financial services (+105%), home improvement (+42%), grocery (+22%), and automotive (+10%).
Overall, the report reframes sports fandom as a continuous conversation rather than a three-hour game window. Audacy concludes that audio -- through radio, streaming, and podcasts -- anchors that conversation before, during, and after games, offering marketers sustained attention in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
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