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Top Radio News
Magellan AI: Host-Read Podcast Ads Lift Response
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 4:25pm CT |
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Magellan AI has released its Q2 2026 Podcast Measurement Benchmark Report, finding a median 2.23% response rate among podcast advertising campaigns measured during the first six months of the year. The report analyzed campaigns running from January 1 through June 30.
The company defines response rate as the percentage of unique reached listeners exposed to an ad who subsequently visit an advertiser's website. The 2.23% benchmark uses a 30-day lookback window.
Host-read advertising produced a substantially higher response rate than produced spots. Host-read ads recorded a median response rate of 3.22%, compared with 2.09% for produced ads, a 54% difference.
The study also found that podcast response continued to build well beyond the initial exposure. About 41% of site visits occurred within seven days, increasing to nearly 76% within 30 days. Magellan AI said responses nearly doubled between the seven- and 30-day measurement windows.
Among listeners who reached an advertiser's website, the median lead conversion rate was 4.65%, while the median purchase conversion rate was 3.98%. Lead conversions included actions such as sign-ups, inquiries and registrations, while purchase conversions represented completed transactions.
Video was also associated with stronger results. Podcasts with video posted a 2.05% median response rate versus 1.88% for RSS-only podcasts. For lead conversion, video podcasts recorded a 4.50% median rate compared with 2.57% for RSS-only shows, a 75% difference.
Podcast promotions generated a median new-listener conversion rate of 1.69%, with 55.5% of converted listeners returning to hear more than one episode. The report also found that nearly six in 10 new-listener conversions occurred during the first seven days following exposure.
Magellan AI noted that the new report uses medians rather than the weighted averages used in its Q1 report and covers six months instead of a single quarter. Because of those methodology and reporting-period differences, the company cautioned that the two reports are not directly comparable.
NAB Marks 25 Years Since 9/11 With Broadcasters
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 3:12pm CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters is marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a new episode of its "AirTime" podcast examining the role local broadcasters played during the attacks and their continuing responsibility during emergencies.
The episode features longtime NBC4 Washington news anchor Jim Handly, who was reporting from downtown Washington, DC, on September 11, 2001. With cell phones and other communications unavailable, Handly recalled that broadcasters relied on two-way radios and over-the-air radio to follow developments and keep the public informed.
"We had a responsibility. We had to be a voice of calm," Handly said. "We had to get information as we were getting it out to people."
The podcast also features David Paine, president and co-founder of 9/11 Day, which encourages Americans to commemorate the anniversary through acts of service.
"Local radio stations can be a critical partner in supporting what we're trying to do for 9/11 Day," Paine said, adding that the initiative asks Americans to pledge to perform a good deed on September 11.
NAB said local broadcasters continue to play a role in providing communities with timely information during crises while also sharing stories intended to support remembrance and community connection.
The association has also compiled examples of local broadcasters' reporting from September 11, 2001, along with coverage of annual commemorations since the attacks. The full "AirTime" episode is available through NAB and podcast platforms.
Read the full NAB blog post here.
Katz: Radio Serves as Lifeline During Emergencies
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 2:50pm CT |
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Radio's ability to deliver immediate, local information makes it an important communications resource during hurricanes and other emergencies, according to a new Katz Radio Group Sound Answers blog post examining the medium's role during severe weather.
Katz notes that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and typically reaches its peak around September 10. During hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, winter storms and power outages, local stations can quickly interrupt regular programming to provide information specific to affected communities.
That information can include weather warnings, evacuation routes and shelter locations, road closures and flooding reports, school and business closures, power outage updates and instructions from emergency management officials.
The blog argues that radio has an advantage during rapidly changing conditions because listeners can receive updates while driving, evacuating, checking on family members or waiting for electrical service to be restored without having to watch a screen.
Katz also points to a role for advertisers and sponsors during emergencies. In addition to supporting the programming, staffing and infrastructure needed to keep information on the air, businesses can use their messages to provide details about emergency hours, fuel and supply availability, services, donation drives and assistance for affected residents.
The company suggests stations can pair emergency-related coverage with appropriate local sponsors, including hospitals, utilities, grocery stores, home-improvement companies, banks and insurance agencies. Katz says such sponsorships are most effective when focused on providing useful and timely information to the community.
"National forecasts can tell people that a hurricane is approaching," the blog said. "Local radio can explain what that hurricane means for a particular community."
Read the full Katz Radio Insights blog here.
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Greg Hanson Named Connoisseur Shreveport Market Manager
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 10:29am CT |
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Connoisseur Media has promoted Greg Hanson to Market Manager and named Paul Cannell Operations Manager for its five-station Shreveport, LA cluster, including KDKS, KTAL, KBTT, KLKL and KOKA. Hanson moves into the Market Manager position after serving as Operations Manager for the cluster. In his expanded role, he will oversee programming, sales, promotions, digital initiatives and revenue development.
"Greg has been a guiding force behind the programming and success of these stations for many years, and his deep connection to the Shreveport community has made him an invaluable leader," said Connoisseur Media Senior Vice President, Southwest Region Jay Richardson. "His experience and understanding of this market make him the right person to lead the team as we continue to grow and evolve."
Cannell succeeds Hanson as Operations Manager, bringing previous programming and operations leadership experience in the Shreveport market. His background also includes digital, promotions, talent development and revenue generation across multiple formats.
"Paul was a natural fit for this role. He knows radio, he knows this market, and he understands how all the pieces have to work together," said Hanson. "As I move into the Market Manager role, I'm excited to have someone I trust leading programming and operations and helping us keep moving forward."
Packers, 95.7 BIG FM Renew Broadcast Partnership
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 3:19pm CT |
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The Green Bay Packers and iHeartMedia Milwaukee's WRIT-FM (95.7 BIG FM) have reached a multi-year renewal of their broadcast partnership, keeping the Classic Hits outlet as the Milwaukee flagship of the Packers Radio Network.
Under the agreement, 95.7 BIG FM will continue carrying live Packers gameday coverage throughout the season, including "Packers Preview," game broadcasts and the postgame programs "Packers Playback" and "Packers OT Postgame."
Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren will continue handling play-by-play and analysis, respectively. The pair are entering their 28th season broadcasting Packers games together.
"We're excited to extend our partnership with iHeartMedia," said Packers Chief Sales and Business Development Officer Craig Benzel. "Through this collaboration and iHeart's platforms, we're able to bring Packers football to fans around Wisconsin and across the country."
Packers coverage on 95.7 BIG FM will also be simulcast on iHeartMedia's WOKY-AM (Fox Sports 920) in Milwaukee, WIBA-FM (101.5) and WIBA-AM (1310) in Madison and WBIZ (Z100) in Eau Claire.
"Packers football is such an important part of the culture here in Wisconsin, and we're thrilled to continue giving fans a front-row seat to all the action," said iHeartMedia Regional President Tim Feagan.
The Packers Radio Network currently includes 54 affiliate stations across six states.
Triton Digital Launches Demos+ Podcast Targeting
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 1:58pm CT |
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Triton Digital has launched Demos+ Demographic Targeting, a new podcast content targeting capability available through the Triton Ad Platform (TAP).
Built on the company's survey-based Demos+ podcast audience measurement product, the new capability classifies podcast content according to the audiences most likely to consume it. Advertisers can then target shows and episodes that over-index with specific audience profiles based on demographic, sociographic, media behavior and purchase-intent characteristics.
Unlike targeting tied to individual listeners, Demos+ attaches its audience signals to podcast content. Triton said this allows advertisers to apply the targeting across podcast inventory without relying on cookies or device identifiers, while publishers retain control of their listener data.
"Advertisers have been able to see who a show reaches for some time, but they haven't been able to act on it in the same place they buy," said Triton Digital President and CEO John Rosso. "Now, we're taking strides to close that loop."
Publishers can use the targeting options within existing campaign setup, forecasting, reporting and programmatic buying workflows without adopting a separate platform. The system is designed to allow publishers and buyers to create and evaluate audience segments across multiple podcasts rather than relying primarily on show genre or content-level tagging.
Demos+ Demographic Targeting is initially available to publishers with audiences in the U.S., Australia and the Netherlands. Publishers outside those markets can use Triton's Sounder platform for episode-level content analysis supporting contextual targeting, brand safety and brand suitability.
BIG 100 Sets Commanders Programming for 2026
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 10:42am CT |
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WBIG (BIG 100) Washington, DC has unveiled its Washington Commanders programming lineup for the 2026 NFL season, expanding its coverage with daily guests and weeknight programming. The iHeartMedia Classic Rock outlet serves as the official flagship of the Commanders and will feature a rotating lineup of former players, analysts and reporters during Big Rig's weekday morning show.
Former Washington wide receiver Santana Moss will join Mondays at 8:30am, followed by former Washington tight end and current analyst Logan Paulsen Tuesdays at 8:30am. Former linebacker LaVar Arrington will appear Wednesdays at 8:30am, while The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala joins Thursdays at 8:30am.
Friday's lineup will feature Tim Murray at 8am, followed at 8:30am by Bram Weinstein, the radio voice of the Washington Commanders.
In addition to the morning appearances, BIG 100 will expand its Commanders coverage into primetime with dedicated programming each weeknight at 8pm.
FCC Approves WPSU License Transfer to WHYY
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 2:05pm CT |
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The Federal Communications Commission has approved the transfer of WPSU's broadcast licenses from Penn State University to WHYY, clearing the principal regulatory hurdle for the transaction.
WHYY and Penn State said they will now proceed with the remaining steps required to complete the deal. Once the transaction closes, WHYY will operate WPSU's television and radio stations under their existing WPSU name and call letters.
The organizations said WPSU will continue serving approximately 1.5 million residents across central and northern Pennsylvania, maintaining its focus on local journalism, educational programming, cultural content, community engagement and local storytelling.
"This is an extraordinarily important moment for public media and, most importantly, for the people and communities WPSU serves," said WHYY President and CEO Bill Marrazzo. "The FCC's approval brings us significantly closer to making that commitment permanent."
Penn State Vice President for Outreach Larry Terry said the approval "brings welcome clarity about the future of public media in our region." "For generations, WPSU has been a trusted presence in the lives of people across northern and central Pennsylvania," Terry said. "This decision ensures that service will continue under WHYY's leadership and creates new opportunities to serve communities for years to come."
The approval follows nearly two years of planning between WHYY and Penn State. The organizations previously reached agreements for WHYY to acquire WPSU's operating assets, contingent on FCC approval of the license transfers and other customary closing requirements.
WHYY said the transition will combine WPSU's local relationships and more than 70 years of service with its own public media operations while maintaining WPSU as a locally focused service for central and northern Pennsylvania.
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RadioLinx Launches Weekly Sports History Feature
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 2:34pm CT |
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RadioLinx Broadcast Marketing has announced the national launch of "This Week in Sports History," a new 60-second weekly radio feature hosted by veteran sports and entertainment broadcaster Mike Janela.
Each installment will revisit a notable event, achievement or personality tied to that week in sports history. Topics will span baseball, football, basketball, hockey, the Olympics and other sports, with potential subjects ranging from Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's career home run record to the "Miracle on Ice" and Michael Jordan's championship-winning shot in the 1998 NBA Finals.
The feature is designed to fit into a variety of radio formats and dayparts while providing stations with a local sponsorship opportunity.
Janela previously hosted and produced the hour-long "Padres Social Hour" for the San Diego Padres on FOX Sports San Diego and has worked as a New York Mets Gameday and Social Media Host. His broadcasting background also includes NFL, NBA and NHL coverage for MSG Networks.
He also spent five years with Guinness World Records as a judge and media personality, eventually serving as global head of sports records and head of the North American Records Management Team.
"This Week in Sports History" is being offered to stations on a barter basis with a 30-second commercial adjacency. New episodes will be delivered weekly via Dropbox.
RadioLinx Broadcast Marketing is handling national affiliate relations and station distribution for the feature.
Jeff Weber Media Adds Two Syndicated Radio Products
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 10:49am CT |
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Jeff Weber Media has expanded its client roster with the addition of "Greatest Hits USA" and "Pop Quiz," handling advertising and affiliate sales for both syndicated radio products.
"Greatest Hits USA," hosted by veteran radio personality Chuck Matthews, is a three-hour weekly program featuring music from the 1960s and '70s. Regular features include the Birthday Bunch, News from the Past and listener requests through a toll-free line.
Matthews is Program Director at WQGR in Cleveland and has previously worked at WMJI in Cleveland, WLCL in Atlanta and WTRG in Raleigh. He also works as a national voiceover talent.
"We are excited to work with Jeff and his company to continue our rapid affiliate growth," said Greatest Hits USA CEO Rick Schmidt. "Jeff's expertise in advertising and syndication will be a great benefit to us as we add to our current base of more than 150 stations."
The second product, "Pop Quiz," is a two-minute feature hosted by radio personality Jeffrey Jay. Each edition explores the stories behind songs and recording artists while testing listeners with music trivia. Featured artists range from the Four Seasons, Lesley Gore and the Supremes to Pat Benatar, Michael Jackson and the Police.
Jeff Weber Media President Jeff Weber has previously served as a GM or GSM in Albany, Indianapolis and Baltimore. He also spent 12 years as COO of Business TalkRadio Network, where the company says he helped expand its affiliate roster from 130 stations to more than 1,000.
Both "Greatest Hits USA" and "Pop Quiz" are being offered to stations on a barter and market-exclusive basis.
Audacy Partners With Smosh for Podcasts and Video
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 10:35am CT |
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Audacy has entered into a multi-year podcast and video partnership with comedy brand Smosh, becoming the exclusive sales and distribution partner for its podcast lineup. Beginning October 1, Audacy will handle sales and distribution for all Smosh podcasts, including "Smosh Mouth," "Smosh Reads Reddit Stories," "Assumptions" and "URL."
Founded in 2005 by Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox, Smosh was among YouTube's early breakout comedy channels and has since developed into an independent comedy studio and media brand. The company says it has more than 75 million social media followers and has generated 20 billion YouTube views.
"Smosh's podcasts are a core piece of our broader content strategy and an important way for us to connect with our growing audience," said Smosh CEO Alessandra Catanese. "As we continue to invest in this part of our business, Audacy brings unmatched advertising and distribution."
Audacy Head of Podcasts Leah Reis-Dennis said the agreement will expand the company's video capabilities while providing advertisers access to Smosh's audience. "Smosh didn't just break out as a brand on YouTube -- they helped write the playbook for what creator-led entertainment could become," Reis-Dennis said. "Bringing Smosh into the Audacy network is a significant opportunity for us to expand our video capabilities."
The Smosh podcast lineup ranges from comedy and internet culture to Reddit commentary and interviews. Its shows are available on YouTube and major podcast platforms.
Strahan, Schwartz-Morini Launch New Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 3:38pm CT |
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SMAC Entertainment co-founders Michael Strahan and Constance Schwartz-Morini will launch their first podcast together, "Hustle Like You're Broke," on September 23.
The weekly series, named after the longtime business motto shared by the pair, will feature conversations with figures from entertainment, business, sports and culture about achieving success and sustaining it over time. New episodes will be released Wednesdays.
Strahan and Schwartz-Morini will explore the habits, decisions, relationships and partnerships behind their guests' careers, with some episodes also featuring people who played supporting roles in their success.
Upcoming guests include Gillie & Wallo of "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" and Baseball Hall of Famer CC Sabathia with his wife, CAA agent and philanthropist Amber Sabathia.
"Behind every great accomplishment, there's a team that put in the work when no one was watching," said Strahan. "We've been in the trenches together for years, and have learned that in order to achieve real success, you need not only a vision, but an incredible drive."
Schwartz-Morini is co-founder and CEO of SMAC Entertainment and has worked with athletes and entertainers on business, branding and media ventures. Strahan is a Pro Football Hall of Famer, broadcaster, entrepreneur and investor.
"Hustle Like You're Broke" becomes the second podcast from The Intersection, the podcast network launched by SMAC Productions and AMP Media. The network debuted last month with "Get TO The Point," hosted by Terrell Owens and Chris Spencer.
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Carli Lloyd, Jenny Taft Launch iHeart Podcast
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 3:41pm CT |
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iHeartPodcasts has launched "Whatever It Takes with Carli Lloyd and Jenny Taft," a new weekly sports and culture podcast hosted by two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Carli Lloyd and sports broadcaster Jenny Taft.
The series joins the iHeart Soccer Network with new episodes available Thursdays. Lloyd and Taft, longtime friends and broadcast partners, will discuss sports, family, motherhood and their experiences pursuing careers in professional sports and broadcasting.
"Jenny and I have developed a great friendship over the years, and I'm thrilled to team up with her and iHeartPodcasts on this new venture," said Lloyd. "'Whatever It Takes' is a space where we can share our experiences, learn from incredible guests and talk openly about the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing your goals both on and off the field."
The premiere episode explores the origins of the podcast, past and present World Cups and the hosts' experiences balancing their careers with family and motherhood.
The series will also feature guests from sports and other fields. Upcoming appearances include former soccer players and current analysts Stu Holden and Alexi Lalas.
"We're thrilled they're stepping into this new chapter with iHeart and bringing audiences beyond the headlines and highlight reels," said Leo Gomez, head of the iHeart Soccer Network.
"Whatever It Takes with Carli Lloyd and Jenny Taft" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts as part of the iHeart Soccer Network.
Study: AM/FM Leads Young Listeners in Cars
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 4:59pm CT |
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AM/FM radio accounts for 70% of ad-supported audio listening in the car among Americans ages 13-34, according to new data from Edison Research at SSRS' Share of Ear study.
The research found that Americans in the 13-34 demographic spend an average of just under one hour per day listening to audio in the car. Of that listening time, 63% is spent with ad-supported audio platforms.
Among those ad-supported sources, AM/FM radio -- including both over-the-air broadcasts and radio streams -- commands 70% of listening time, giving radio a substantial lead over other audio options.
Podcasts rank second with 11% of ad-supported in-car audio time among the younger demographic. Streaming music accounts for 10%, although Edison noted that much of the category's overall listening occurs on ad-free services.
Music and music videos on YouTube account for another 7% of ad-supported in-car listening, while SiriusXM represents 2%. Edison noted that only SiriusXM's non-music channels carry advertising.
Edison said the findings demonstrate AM/FM radio's continuing ability to reach younger consumers in the car despite the growing number of audio choices available to listeners.
Share of Ear measures audio consumption by everyone in the vehicle, not solely the driver.
iHeart Leads Podtrac August Publisher Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 10:48am CT |
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iHeart Audience Network and iHeartPodcasts remained atop Podtrac's U.S. Podcast Publishers & Networks ranking for August 2026, while "Crime Junkie" continued as the top podcast based on U.S. unique monthly audience.
iHeart Audience Network ranked first among publishers and sales networks with 58.875 million U.S. unique monthly audience members and 266.85 million U.S. streams and downloads across 26,598 active shows. iHeartPodcasts followed at No. 2 with 31.112 million unique monthly audience members and 150.106 million streams and downloads across 947 shows.
NPR Sales Network was third with an audience of 18.116 million, followed by Libsyn at 13.701 million. Vox Media rounded out the top five with 6.851 million. PodcastOne, The Walt Disney Company, Fox Audio Network, DailyWire and Barstool Sports completed the top 10.
Podtrac reported that eight participants in its U.S. Publishers & Networks ranking increased U.S. downloads in August compared with July, while 18 posted month-to-month gains in U.S. unique monthly audience.
In the Top Podcasts ranking, Audiochuck's "Crime Junkie" held the No. 1 position, followed by The New York Times' "The Daily" at No. 2. "NPR News Now" ranked third and "Up First from NPR" was fourth, with "Dateline NBC" completing the top five.
"Fox News Hourly Update" ranked sixth, followed by "Pardon My Take," "Pod Save America," "The Ben Shapiro Show" and "Stuff You Should Know."
Among the month's notable moves, The New York Times' "The Ezra Klein Show" climbed five positions to No. 12. "Today, Explained" from Vox Media moved up one spot to No. 17, while The Walt Disney Company's "20/20" also gained one position to No. 20.
"The Shawn Ryan Show" dropped two positions to No. 14, "The Dan Bongino Show" slipped one to No. 15 and "My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark" fell three spots to No. 18.
Benztown to Syndicate Yacht Rock Radio
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 2:02pm CT |
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Benztown and Yacht Rock Radio have entered into a new syndication partnership that will expand distribution of the two-hour weekly program to radio outlets nationwide. Hosted by radio and television veteran Captain Adam, "Yacht Rock Radio" has added 20 affiliates in 2026 and is now heard on more than 122 stations, including KKDJ-FM, KDRF-FM and WOLX-FM. The show will be available through Benztown on both cash and barter arrangements.
Designed for Classic Hits, AC, Light Rock, Soft Rock, Oldies and Variety stations, the program features music from the late 1970s and early 1980s along with artist interviews, storytelling and pop culture. Featured artists include Michael McDonald, Toto, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross and Boz Scaggs.
"I'm looking forward to this voyage with Benztown to bring Yacht Rock Radio to more passengers from coast to coast," said Captain Adam. "So put on your Captain's Hat, and raise a glass, to the Yacht Rock Lifestyle pulling in to port at a marina, I mean radio station, near you."
Captain Adam also hosts and emcees Yacht Rock events around the country. He recently appeared at the two-day Yacht Rock Detroit festival and has been tapped as onboard host and emcee for "The Yacht Rock Cruise" aboard Celebrity Cruise Lines in September 2027.
"Captain Adam is the Daniel Day-Lewis of Yacht Rock; he fully commits to the role," said Benztown President Dave "Chachi" Denes. "He's a true method actor who doesn't just play Yacht Rock, he lives it, breathes it, and even orders his pina coladas in character."
Yacht Rock Radio Executive Producer Scott Jameson said the partnership will help bring the program to more stations as the genre continues to attract both longtime fans and younger audiences.
Affiliates will also receive a promotional package featuring localized liners and sweepers, along with social media content for on-air and online promotion.
Jeremy Nobles Named PD of Life 97.9 Fargo
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 2:52pm CT |
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KFNW (Life 97.9) in Fargo, ND, has promoted Jeremy Nobles to Program Director. Nobles moves into the programming post after serving as the Contemporary Christian outlet's Assistant Program Director since February, 2025.
"Jeremy is a blast to work with," said Life 97.9 Station Manager Jarrett Stevens. "I look forward with anticipation to what God has in store for Life 97.9 as Jeremy steps into this role. His love for Jesus is evident in everything: family, church, community, and here at Life 97.9."
Nobles relocated to Fargo with his wife and their family of seven, a move he described as a leap of faith that led them to a welcoming community and his role at Life 97.9.
"We have found an amazing community and I get to work with some wonderfully talented people here at Life 97.9," said Nobles. "I'm so happy and thankful for the opportunity to serve the Red River Valley as Program Director."
Life 97.9 is part of the Northwestern Media network of the University of Northwestern - St. Paul.
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