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Top Radio News
Edison Releases Top 50 Q4 2025 Podcast Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 23, 2026 | 9:59am CT |
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Edison Research has released its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. based on reach for Q4 2025 among weekly podcast consumers ages 13 and over, using data from Edison Podcast Metrics.
The top five shows remained unchanged from Q3 2025, with The Joe Rogan Experience holding the top spot, followed by Crime Junkie, The Daily, Call Her Daddy, and SmartLess. Several titles posted notable gains during the quarter, including Stuff You Should Know, which climbed four places to No. 6, and This American Life, which rose five spots to No. 7.
Rounding out the Top 10 were This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von (No. 8), Dateline NBC (No. 9), and New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce at No. 10, despite a three-rank decline.
One of the quarter's fastest risers was Good Hang with Amy Poehler, which climbed to a new high at No. 38 following its March 2025 debut. The show recently earned the Golden Globe Award for Best Podcast, though Edison noted that many Top 25 podcasts -- including This American Life, New Heights, The Breakfast Club, Radiolab, and Club Shay Shay -- were not eligible for Golden Globe consideration.
Three podcasts entered the Edison Top 50 for the first time this quarter: The Diary Of A CEO, The 85 South Show, and Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce. Meanwhile, The Charlie Kirk Show posted the steepest decline, falling 30 positions after peaking at No. 17 in the previous quarter.
Emily Harlan Named Music Director at Bay Country 94.5
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 23, 2026 | 10:08am CT |
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Connoisseur Media has promoted Emily Harlan to Music Director at KBAY (Bay Country 94.5), effective immediately. Harlan has been with the San Jose-San Francisco Bay Area country outlet for more than three years, where she has worked on music scheduling, label relations, promotions, and on-air support. In her new role, she will oversee the station's music strategy and direction, collaborating with programming leadership and air talent.
"Emily has a real love for music and radio and a strong understanding of what serves our listeners," said J. Love, Operations Manager. "She's earned this role, and I'm excited to work closely with her as we continue to grow and strengthen the sound of Bay Country 94.5."
FCC Designates El Paso Radio Station Transfer for Hearing
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 23, 2026 | 2:12pm CT |
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The FCC has designated a proposed transfer of control involving three El Paso radio stations for hearing, citing substantial and material questions about unauthorized control, foreign ownership compliance, and possible misrepresentation to the agency.
In a Hearing Designation Order released January 23, the FCC's Media Bureau placed the transfer application for KBNA-FM, KAMA-AM, and KQBU-AM into abeyance and ordered a formal evidentiary hearing to determine whether the stations' licenses should be revoked and whether the proposed transaction should be approved, denied, or dismissed.
The application seeks approval for Luz Maria Rygaard to transfer control of 97.5 Licensee TX, LLC to Lorena Margarita Perez Toscano, a Mexican citizen. Toscano also filed a related petition requesting approval for 100% indirect foreign ownership of the stations under Section 310(b)(4) of the Communications Act.
Following a lengthy investigation, the Bureau concluded that the record raises serious questions about whether Rygaard maintained actual control of the stations after acquiring them in 2022, or whether control had effectively shifted to Toscano or a related company without prior FCC authorization. The Commission cited concerns that programming, personnel, and financial operations may have been controlled by Pro Radio LLC, an entity ultimately owned by Toscano and her family, under an unwritten agreement that was not disclosed in the transfer application or placed in the stations' public inspection files.
The FCC also pointed to the financial structure surrounding the transaction, including a $2.45 million debt owed by the licensee that Toscano acquired the right to collect shortly before Rygaard purchased the stations for $10,000. The same nominal purchase price appears in the pending transfer application. According to the Bureau, these circumstances, combined with undisclosed family relationships between the parties, raise additional questions about who has exercised de facto control of the stations.
In addition to potential unauthorized transfer of control, the Commission found substantial questions regarding misrepresentation and lack of candor. The Bureau cited incomplete, inconsistent, or contradictory responses to letters of inquiry, as well as the omission of material facts related to programming arrangements, debt obligations, and station operations. Such issues, the FCC noted, directly implicate a licensee's character qualifications and could support license revocation under Sections 312(a) and 312(c) of the Act.
Under long-standing FCC policy, the agency will not act on the transfer application or the related foreign ownership petition while unresolved character qualification issues remain. The forthcoming hearing will determine whether the stations' licenses should be revoked and whether the proposed transfer can proceed in the public interest.
The FCC emphasized that the designation for hearing does not represent a final decision on the merits, but reflects the need for a full evidentiary record before any determination is made.
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ESPN Cleveland Ups Jordan Klimack to Director of Content
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 5:03pm CT |
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WKNR (ESPN Cleveland) has promoted Jordan Klimack to Director of Content, according to a post on his LinkedIn profile. The appointment places Klimack in charge of the station's programming and content strategy as the Good Karma Brands-owned outlet continues to expand its digital presence alongside its traditional radio operations.
Klimack steps into the role following the August 2023 departure of Matt Fishman, who held the Director of Content position for more than three-and-a-half years. In the interim, ESPN Cleveland leaned on internal continuity, a process that ultimately positioned Klimack as the natural successor.
A Cleveland market veteran, Klimack joined ESPN Cleveland in 2018 and served as producer for The Next Level from 2020 through 2023. During that period, he helped shape the show's daily sound and editorial focus while gaining broader experience across the station's programming.
With the promotion now official, Klimack assumes responsibility for advancing ESPN Cleveland's growing digital initiatives while maintaining its core radio product, balancing day-to-day programming needs with longer-term strategic planning in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Podtrac Launches First Multi-Channel Podcast Rankings
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 3:24pm CT |
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Podtrac has released what it calls the podcast industry's first comprehensive Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking, designed to measure podcast consumption across audio, video, and social platforms.
The new Top 200 monthly ranking captures delivery from traditional audio podcast downloads on platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, full video episodes viewed on YouTube and Spotify, and short-form podcast video clips played on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Every audio and video podcast is eligible for inclusion in the ranking.
According to Podtrac, the expanded measurement reflects how publishers are increasingly distributing and promoting shows across multiple platforms and bundling advertising packages around those strengths. The ranking is intended to answer key industry questions, including the relative popularity of short video clips versus full episodes and where top podcasts are choosing to post video content.
Highlights from Podtrac's December 2025 Top 200 Multi-Channel Podcast Ranking show that all 200 ranked podcasts distribute audio episodes via RSS. Video distribution is also widespread, with 64% of podcasts posting video episodes to YouTube and 22% to Spotify. While audio remains dominant overall, 26% of the Top 200 podcasts receive the majority of their delivery from video.
Among the Top 50 podcasts, delivery is nearly evenly split between video (51%) and audio (49%). In contrast, podcasts ranked 51 through 200 skew more heavily toward audio, which accounts for 77% of delivery. By genre, News leads the ranking with 52 podcasts, followed by Comedy (35), Society & Culture (20), True Crime (19), Business (17), and Sports (11).
Short-form video plays a significant role as well. Sixty-five percent of the Top 200 podcasts post clips to Instagram, 55% to TikTok, and 55% to YouTube. More than one-third of ranked podcasts generate more delivery from video clips than from full podcast episodes. On YouTube specifically, 53% of podcast delivery comes from clips, compared with 47% from full episodes.
Podtrac said the new ranking is designed to provide advertisers with a clearer view of top podcasts across platforms, help publishers benchmark and expand their reach, and offer the industry a broader understanding of how audiences engage with podcasts in an increasingly multi-channel environment.
iHeart Audience Network Tops December Triton Podcast Ranker
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 10:04am CT |
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Triton Digital has released its December 2025 U.S. Podcast Ranker, for the reporting period from December 1 through December 28, as measured by its Podcast Metrics service.
In the Top Sales Network Report, iHeart Audience Network retained the top position with 62.6 million Average Weekly Downloads. Audacy Podcast Network followed at No. 2 with 12.8 million Average Weekly Downloads, while Audioboom ranked third with 11.3 million.
On the individual podcast rankings, Stuff You Should Know held onto the No. 1 spot based on downloads. 48 Hours moved into second place, with The Charlie Kirk Show ranking third.
Several titles debuted on the December ranker, including You're Dead to Me from the BBC and Bloomberg Businessweek from iHeart Audience Network, among others.
Westwood One to Air NFL Championship Sunday Coverage
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 10:07am CT |
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Westwood One will provide live play-by-play coverage of NFL Championship Sunday on January 25, continuing its role as the official audio partner of the National Football League.
The day's coverage begins with the AFC Championship, as the New England Patriots face the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Live coverage starts at 2pm ET, with the winner earning the Lamar Hunt Trophy.
Later in the evening, the NFC Championship will feature the Los Angeles Rams against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Westwood One's coverage of that matchup begins at 6:30pm ET, with the George Halas Trophy on the line.
This season marks Westwood One's 39th consecutive year as the NFL's official audio partner. For the 17th straight season, Scott Graham will host the network's pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage for Championship Sunday.
Carey Coleman Steps Down at WNIR to Run for Congress
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 10:40am CT |
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WNIR (100 FM)/Akron OH talk show host Carey Coleman has resigned from his program as he prepares to run for the United States House of Representatives in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.
Coleman, who has been a familiar voice on WNIR, announced his departure to focus on his campaign in the district, which covers portions of Northeast Ohio. His exit creates an opening in a prominent time period on the station's schedule.
Known as "The Talk of Akron," WNIR is a longtime talk radio pioneer, having brought talk programming to the FM dial in the 1970s -- making it one of the first stations in the nation to do so.
The station is now accepting applications for a talk show host to fill Coleman's former slot. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact WNIR President Bob Klaus here.
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Rob Parker Named to Black Sportwriters Hall of Fame
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 2:40pm CT |
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Rob Parker has been named to the 2026 inductee class of the Black Sportwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing a career that spans four decades across print, radio and television. Parker is a co-host on FOX Sports Radio's The Odd Couple with Rob Parker & Kelvin Washington, an MLB Network analyst, and the founder and editor of MLBbro.com.
He began his journalism career in 1986 at the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader and, by age 22, was a full-time sportswriter at the New York Daily News. Parker went on to break barriers throughout his career, becoming the first African American sports columnist at the Detroit Free Press in 1993 and at Newsday in 1995. In 1991, he became the first African American beat writer to cover the Cincinnati Reds for The Cincinnati Enquirer. He later spent nine years as an award-winning sports columnist at The Detroit News.
Parker will be inducted alongside fellow 2026 honorees Clifton Brown, Garry D. Howard and Ron Thomas. The induction dinner and ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at North Carolina A&T State University's Deese Ballroom at the Student Center.
"What an honor to be recognized by your peers, your people," Parker said. "I'm thrilled to be inducted alongside such a groundbreaking sports editor and accomplished writers. What a class! I'm both humbled and grateful."
The Black Sportwriters Hall of Fame honors Black sportswriters and editors for excellence in journalism. The Hall is located on the North Carolina A&T campus in Crosby Hall within the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Superadio Launches ''Full Throttle'' with DJ Mister Vince
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 4:44pm CT |
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Superadio Networks has announced the national launch of Full Throttle, a three-hour weekly Urban-Rhythmic mix show hosted by veteran DJ and programmer DJ Mister Vince. Designed for weekend nights, mix show blocks, and special event programming, the show is now available for national syndication.
Full Throttle delivers a high-energy blend of current Hip-Hop and R&B alongside throwbacks and club anthems, with each episode curated to feel live and immersive. The program is positioned for stations seeking event-driven, appointment-style listening that translates across both broadcast and digital platforms.
DJ Mister Vince, known for his work connecting music culture with local communities, said the show continues a long-standing mission rooted in authenticity and audience connection. He also noted that the program carries forward the spirit of the late Fatman Scoop, whose influence on high-energy radio and club culture remains central to the brand.
"From day one, Fatman Scoop and I set out to deliver authentic, high-energy content for our audience," said Mister Vince. "Radio has always been about representing the people, and that's exactly what I've continued to do with Full Throttle Radio."
Superadio Networks President Eric Faison said the launch reflects the company's focus on evolving established brands for today's media landscape while honoring their legacy.
"Full Throttle is more than a mix show -- it's a cultural statement," Faison said. "This launch reflects our commitment to preserving iconic brands while evolving them for today's radio and digital ecosystem."
Full Throttle with DJ Mister Vince is distributed nationally by Superadio Networks, and honors the legacy of Fatman Scoop through its sound and presentation. The show is hosted by DJ Mister Vince and overseen by Superadio President Eric Faison.
Full Metal Jackie Radio Adds Saga Stations in MA, NC
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 3:31pm CT |
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Full Metal Jackie Radio has expanded its affiliate lineup with the addition of Saga Communications' WLZX in Springfield, MA, and WTMT in Asheville, NC. The weekly two-hour syndicated metal program is hosted by Jackie Kajzer and distributed by Radio Resources. The show blends current heavy music with classic tracks and artist interviews, airing on weekends.
With the new additions, the program is now heard in 50 markets nationwide, including Los Angeles outlet KLOS.
The station launches also coincide with the anniversary re-release of Kajzer's book, Full Metal Jackie Certified, which is available through the show's official merchandise store. The release includes signed copies and collectible items.
"Every week, I get to put the spotlight on the bands that built this scene and the artists pushing it forward," Kajzer said. "I'm beyond grateful to welcome new stations into the FMJ family-and to celebrate the FMJ Certified anniversary at the same time."
iHeartPodcasts to Launch Rider Strong's ''The Red Weather''
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 10:12am CT |
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iHeartPodcasts has partnered with actor, filmmaker and podcaster Rider Strong to debut a new original audio series, The Red Weather. The eight-episode autofiction podcast will premiere January 28 with its first two episodes, followed by twice-weekly releases.
Inspired by Strong's early work on a documentary examining communes in and around Sebastopol, California, The Red Weather blends a fictional true-crime mystery with personal, real-life storytelling. Strong plays himself as he revisits a fabricated 1995 cold case involving the disappearance of his best friend's sister from a commune. While the central crime is fictional, the series incorporates real interviews with family and friends, documentary-style recordings, and scripted performances to explore themes including unreliable narration, ethics in storytelling, '90s nostalgia, alternative parenting, and misogyny.
The cast includes Strong's parents, his son, and his brother Shiloh, along with actors Jon Huertas, Rachel Marsh and Heidi Sulzman. Original music for the series was composed by Kyle Morton of indie-rock band Typhoon. The Red Weather is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.
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Cumulus Media Partners With Eon Media on AI Audio Tech
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 10:04am CT |
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Cumulus Media and Eon Media have entered into a partnership to develop and monetize artificial intelligence-enabled platforms for audio, aiming to expand how listeners discover and engage with audio content while generating new consumer insights.
Under the agreement, the companies plan to apply AI-powered tools across Cumulus Media's portfolio of 395 U.S. radio stations and related digital assets. The initiative is designed to increase digital touchpoints for listeners and provide more precise measurement of audience engagement, which the companies say could create new monetization opportunities.
Cumulus Media produces hundreds of thousands of hours of original audio each year across formats including morning shows, talk programming, and other spoken-word content. The partnership is intended to enhance the discoverability of that content by making it easier for audiences to find specific shows, topics, and conversations.
Toronto-based Eon Media specializes in AI technology developed in-house to extract detailed metadata from media assets. Its capabilities include audio transcription, music recognition, identification of people mentioned, content categorization, and demographic insights.
For listeners, the companies say the platforms will enable faster discovery of preferred content and new ways to connect with programming across devices and platforms.
Mary G. Berner, President and CEO of Cumulus Media, said the partnership is focused on improving discoverability and expanding engagement opportunities, while also opening new market and revenue paths. Eon Media Founder and CEO Ashish Agrawal said the collaboration will prioritize responsible use of AI, with an emphasis on transparency, content integrity, and data security.
KSON Names Jessica Chenoweth Music Director
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 2:01pm CT |
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103.7 KSON in San Diego has elevated Jessica Chenoweth to Music Director, effective February 2. In the new role, Chenoweth will oversee strategy for the station's music catalog while continuing as Executive Producer of John and Tammy: San Diego's Morning Show.
"Jessica's elevation to this role is a testament to her strategic brilliance," said Scotty Roddy, Brand Manager of 103.7 KSON. "We're excited to leverage her thorough mindset and innate talent for discovering new country music. Under her leadership, we will continue to build a community that captivates and connects with our listeners."
Chenoweth, who brings more than two decades of broadcasting experience, began her radio career at KIIS-FM in Los Angeles, working on the production team for On Air with Ryan Seacrest. Since 2016, she has served as Executive Producer of "John and Tammy: San Diego's Morning Show," which airs weekdays from 5-10am PT.
"When I started in radio over 20 years ago, I would organize my music director's CD stash just to be a part of the music selection any way I could," Chenoweth said. "Being named the Music Director at the legendary KSON is a dream come true, and I couldn't have anyone better teaching me the ropes than Scotty."
Ocean State Media to Acquire 103.7 FM, Streamline Coverage
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 11:00pm CT |
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Ocean State Media has reached an agreement to acquire WVEI-FM (103.7) in Westerly, RI, a move that would allow the public media organization to consolidate its radio operations onto a single statewide FM signal, pending approval from the FCC.
The station is being acquired from Audacy and operates with a Class B signal at 37 kW ERP, providing broad coverage across Rhode Island and parts of southeastern Massachusetts. Ocean State Media plans to use 103.7 FM as its primary frequency, replacing a network of five signals currently used to reach the region.
"With this move, listeners will no longer need to change channels to continue hearing Ocean State Media as they travel throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts," said Pam Johnston, President and CEO of Ocean State Media. "Once approved, audiences can tune to a single frequency for a clear, high-quality broadcast, advancing our commitment to delivering distinctly local news and information more effectively and efficiently across the region."
Ocean State Media currently operates across 89.3 FM in Newport, 89.5 FM in Westerly, 90.7 FM in Portsmouth, 102.7 FM in Narragansett Pier, and 1290 AM in Providence, which is also heard on a 102.9 FM translator. The shift to a single FM signal is expected to improve audio quality and simplify listening throughout the state.
The proposed transition represents a $4.9 million investment, which will be financed over time. Johnston has said the technical and operational transition could take up to 90 days once regulatory approval is received. The consolidation will include transmission equipment and operational changes designed to create long-term efficiencies.
Prior to the sale, WVEI-FM had served as the Providence-area simulcast of Boston Sports WEEI-FM since 2004 and was also the local radio home of the Boston Red Sox.
NABLF Opens 2026 Service to America Awards Entries
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 1:51pm CT |
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The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation is now accepting entries for the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards, recognizing the essential role local radio and television stations play in serving their communities. Stations and broadcast groups nationwide are invited to submit their most impactful community service campaigns from 2025. The entry window closes March 23 at 11:59pm PT.
New for 2026, the Foundation has added an Original Content Podcast category to honor local stations using digital platforms to deliver accessible, creative, and trusted content via podcasts or station websites. The awards also expand recognition with the First Informers Award, which will honor one radio station and one television station for exemplary service in delivering immediate information during emergencies, crises, or natural disasters.
"No other media platform matches the power of local television and radio to reach people in real time where they live and work," said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. She added that audiences continue to trust local broadcasters for championing community causes, investigating consumer issues, and providing timely, reliable reporting.
Winners will be notified in early April 2026. Awards will be presented at the Celebration of Service to America Awards Gala in Washington, DC, on June 9, bringing together broadcasters, members of Congress, and policymakers to honor outstanding public service by local stations.
CRS Launches Whitney Allen "Hot Mic" Scholarship
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 3:03pm CT |
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Country Radio Seminar (CRS), in partnership with recently retired Country Radio Hall of Fame air personality Whitney Allen, has launched the Whitney Allen "Hot Mic" Scholarship to support emerging female on-air talent in country radio.
The scholarship will award one recipient a complimentary full registration to CRS 2026, along with round-trip airfare to Nashville and hotel accommodations at the Omni Nashville Hotel, providing access to the industry's annual educational and networking event.
The initiative is designed to identify female on-air personalities early in their careers who are seeking to make an impact at their stations, in their communities, and within the country format. Eligible applicants must have one to five years of radio experience, serve in a primary on-air role, and be first-time attendees of CRS. Applications are due by February 2.
Allen said attending CRS in person offers a perspective that can't be replicated through secondhand reports from station leadership, noting that firsthand exposure to presentations and conversations often leads to new ideas and professional growth.
Allen began her radio career in 1979, transitioning to country radio in 1982. Her career includes roles at KCBQ/San Diego, Pirate Radio and KIIS/Los Angeles, and syndicated "After Midnite." She later hosted afternoons at KZLA/Los Angeles and created and hosted "America's Hot List," "The Big Time," and "Big Time Saturday Night."
Allen earned multiple CMA and ACM Personality of the Year nominations, received a Gracie Award in 2018, and was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2022.
CRS 2026 will take place March 18-20 in Nashville. Additional information is available through Country Radio Seminar.
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