Top Radio News

Layfield Named VP of Programming at iHeart in Louisville

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 3:33pm CT

Christopher Layfield

iHeartMedia Louisville has named Christopher Layfield as Vice President of Programming, overseeing content strategy for the market's nine stations across music, talk and news formats.

In the role, Layfield will lead programming and digital content efforts aimed at driving audience growth and engagement. He will report to Kristy Beebee, Area President for iHeartMedia Louisville.

Beebee said Layfield brings a strong background in leadership and programming strategy, adding that his experience will help strengthen the company's brands and deepen connections with listeners in the Louisville market.

Layfield joins from Cumulus Media, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of Programming for Indianapolis. His previous experience also includes program director roles at stations in Charlotte, St. Louis and Richmond for iHeartMedia.

Layfield said he looks forward to working with the Louisville team to continue building on the market's programming success, citing opportunities for creativity, collaboration and innovation across the station group.

iHeartMedia, Urban One, Entravision Set Q1 Calls

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 3:58pm CT

Entravision, iHeartMedia and Urban One

iHeartMedia, Urban One and Entravision have announced upcoming dates for their first-quarter 2026 financial results and investor calls.

Entravision will be first to report, with plans to release its Q1 results after market close on May 5, followed by a webinar at 4:30 p.m. ET that will include a question-and-answer session. The event will be available via the company's investor relations website, with an archived replay to follow.

iHeartMedia is scheduled to report results for the quarter ending March 31 on May 11. The company will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET that day to discuss its financial performance and outlook. A live audio webcast will be accessible through its investor website, along with dial-in options for participants and a replay available for 30 days.

Urban One will follow with its earnings call on May 14 at 10:00 a.m. ET. The company will provide access via dial-in and webcast through its corporate website, with a replay available through May 21 and online for seven days after the call.

Jeff Hurley Named SVP of Programming in Philadelphia

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 1:06pm CT

Jeff Hurley

iHeartMedia Philadelphia has appointed Jeff Hurley as Senior Vice President of Programming, overseeing a portfolio that includes 105.3 WDAS-FM, WUSL-FM (Power 99), WRFF (ALT 104.5), WIOQ (Q102), WUMR (Rumba 106.1), and Fox Sports The Gambler.

In the new role, Hurley will lead programming operations across the Philadelphia market while continuing his current responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia regions including Upstate New York, the Mid-Atlantic, and New England. He will report to Thea Mitchem, Executive Vice President of Programming.

Mitchem said Hurley brings a strong track record of leadership and strategic programming expertise, citing his ability to strengthen station brands and develop teams as key factors in the appointment.

Hurley called the move a "dream come true," noting his Pennsylvania roots and the significance of the stations within the community. He added that he looks forward to working with Market President Derrick Corbett and the local teams to build on the stations' growth in the years ahead.

The appointment comes as Corbett transitions to Vice President of Programming, where he will focus on the continued development of WDAS-FM and Power 99.

iHeartMedia, CitizenSkull Ink Audio Content Deal

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 1:11pm CT

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia has entered into a multi-year first-look development agreement with CitizenSkull to create and produce premium scripted audio content, the companies announced. The partnership establishes an ongoing, multi-project relationship focused on elevated genre storytelling, particularly in sci-fi and horror, with an emphasis on developing franchise-ready intellectual property that can expand across multiple platforms.

The first project under the deal, Prodigal, is a sci-fi thriller created and written by comic book writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly. The duo is known for work with Marvel Comics and DC Comics, including titles such as Batman Beyond, Captain America, and Kang the Conqueror. The series is scheduled for release this fall.

CitizenSkull's Sean M. Butler said the collaboration is designed to develop high-concept projects that can extend beyond audio into broader entertainment franchises, calling Prodigal a strong example of that strategy.

Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, said the agreement reflects iHeartMedia's continued investment in high-end scripted audio and partnerships with top creative talent.

The series will be showrun by Kevin Arbouet, whose credits span film, television and audio. Executive producers for CitizenSkull include Butler and Mark Myers, with Paul Yurick co-producing alongside Butler and Boye Akolade serving as co-executive producer.

Butler previously helped develop the sports podcast All The Smoke, later adapted for Showtime, and served as executive producer on The Move: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy in collaboration with MACRO.

iHeart Leads Triton Digital's March Podcast Rankings

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 1:31pm CT

Triton Digital

Triton Digital has released its U.S. Podcast Ranker for March 2026, showing continued dominance by major audio networks alongside shifts in listener engagement.

For the reporting period of March 2-29, the Top Sales Network Report again placed the iHeart Audience Network at No. 1 with 71.5 million average weekly downloads. Audioboom ranked second with 16.3 million, followed by the Cumulus Podcast Network at No. 3 with 3.6 million.

On the podcast chart, Stuff You Should Know moved into the top spot based on downloads. Pod Save America ranked No. 2, while The Dan Bongino Show placed third.

The March ranker also reflected continued expansion in the podcast ecosystem, with Al Jazeera and KUOW joining as new sales networks.

New podcast debuts during the month included Love Trapped (iHeart Audience Network), Someone Knows Something (CBC/Radio-Canada), Al Jazeera News Updates (Al Jazeera), Focus: Adults in the Room (KUOW), The Next Level (Audioboom), and American Nightmares - Gardens of Evil: Inside The Zion Society Cult (Gamut Podcast Network), among others.

CBA Names Magic 98.9 Major Market Station of Year

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 4:59pm CT

Cumulus Media announced that its Colorado Springs CHR KKMG-FM (Magic 98.9) has been named Major Market Station of the Year by the Colorado Broadcasters Association.

The honors were presented during the association's annual Awards of Excellence Gala, held April 17 at The Ritz-Carlton Denver, where more than 400 industry professionals gathered to recognize outstanding work in radio and television across the state.

In addition to Station of the Year, Magic 98.9 FM earned six Awards of Excellence and 11 Certificates of Merit. Among its top recognitions, the station's Benson Boone Magical Mystical Moonbeam Ice Cream Event received four Awards of Excellence, including Best Station Sponsored Community Event, Best Station Promotion/Marketing Campaign, Best Sales Event or Live Remote Broadcast, and Best Use of Digital and Social Media.

The station also earned Awards of Excellence for its Galentine's Day Dinner promotion in the Best On-Air Contest category and for its "Take a Turkey to Work Day" initiative, which was recognized as Best Community Service Campaign.

Individual honors were also awarded to the station's on-air staff, with all personalities receiving Certificates of Merit. Jeffrey Haber was named Best Afternoon Host, while Dallace Jade earned Best Midday Host and Soliyah Sage was recognized as Best Evening Host.

Haber, who serves as Program Director and afternoon host, said the recognition reflects the team's focus on serving the Colorado Springs community and credited the staff's creativity and commitment for the station's success.

The 2026 Awards of Excellence competition drew a record 1,013 entries, including 546 from radio and 470 from television, with winners determined by broadcast professionals from across the country.

Bubbler Media Group Launches With iHeart Partnership

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 2:39pm CT

Bubbler

A new marketing venture, Bubbler Media Group, has launched with a focus on driving creativity and conversation in an increasingly AI-driven landscape, according to an announcement.

Founded by industry executives Gayle Troberman and David Alberts, Bubbler is positioned as a "conversation company" aimed at helping brands move beyond traditional marketing approaches. The company plans to engage marketers through podcasts, live experiences, research, and planning tools designed to foster new ideas and audience engagement.

The company's strategy is built around three core areas: podcasts featuring industry voices and original content, solutions that translate ideas into actionable marketing strategies, and experiential events intended to bring together leaders from multiple industries.

As part of its launch, Bubbler has partnered with iHeartMedia to develop and distribute more than 10 original business and marketing podcasts this year. Will Pearson said the initiative reflects continued expansion into business-focused podcasting, creating a platform for deeper conversations among marketing professionals.

Bubbler is also teaming with Summit to produce live experiences, including programming for marketing executives at Summit's flagship Summit at Sea event, along with additional events across the U.S. Chris Stakich said the collaboration aims to bring together leaders across industries to drive innovation through shared ideas.

Founding partners for the new venture include State Farm and Sam's Club, as Bubbler looks to build a community centered on curiosity, collaboration, and conversation-driven growth.

The Financial Exchange Expands to BizTV Lineup

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 1:27pm CT

The Financial Exchange

The Financial Exchange with Michael Armstrong and Chuck Zodda is expanding its distribution with a new simulcast on BizTV, effective Monday, April 27.

The business radio program, currently heard on 14 stations across New England-including WRKO-and nationally on SiriusXM's Business Radio Channel 132, will now be added to BizTV's weekday lineup. The network is available via streaming platforms such as YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play, Fire TV and Roku, and reaches viewers through over-the-air affiliates across 36 states, along with its app.

Jason Wolfe, Chief Operating Officer of Money Matters Radio, said the move extends the program's reach to a broader national audience, bringing its business and financial coverage to millions of additional viewers.

BizTV Programming Director Marley Shropshire said the show's real-time analysis of market activity and top business stories aligns with the network's programming strategy.

Launched in September 2010 as a one-hour show on WRKO-AM, The Financial Exchange has grown into a leading business news program in Boston. Hosted by Michael Armstrong and Chuck Zodda, the show features interviews with executives, analysts and other business leaders, while covering regional and national financial developments.

Jay Shannon Named CMG San Antonio Ops Manager

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 2:12pm CT

Jay Shannon

Cox Media Group San Antonio Radio has named Jay Shannon as Operations Manager, effective May 4. In the role, Shannon will oversee programming strategy and day-to-day operations for the cluster's stations, including KISS, KONO, KCYY, KTKX, KSMG and KKYX.

Shannon joins CMG from iHeartMedia, where he held senior programming leadership roles across several Texas markets, including Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. His more than 30-year career spans multiple formats, including CHR, Rhythmic CHR, Hot AC, Alternative, Urban and AC, with experience in programming, branding, marketing and talent development.

Mark Shecterle, Vice President and Market Manager of CMG San Antonio, said Shannon brings extensive industry experience and leadership to the role and will work alongside the existing team to support the cluster's stations.

Shannon said he is looking forward to joining the San Antonio group, describing the opportunity to work with established stations and formats as significant.

Study: AM/FM Dominates Honda Drivers' Audio Time

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 11:21am CT

Cumulus Media | Westwood One

A new blog post from the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group highlights how artificial intelligence can assist local advertisers in media planning, while also pointing to new data showing the continued dominance of AM/FM radio among auto buyers.

The report, citing findings from Edison Research's "Share of Ear" study, examines audio consumption habits among Honda drivers and other vehicle owners. The quarterly study, based on surveys of 4,000 Americans annually, tracks daily audio usage across platforms and locations.

According to the Q1 2026 data, Honda drivers devote 83% of their in-car ad-supported audio time to AM/FM radio, underscoring radio's continued strength during commutes and errands. The study notes that in-car listening remains largely insulated from digital media competition, as drivers are less likely to engage with social media or video platforms while on the road.

Across all environments -- including home, work and in-car -- AM/FM radio also leads, accounting for 62% of Honda drivers' total ad-supported audio time. Podcasts rank second with a 23% share, while ad-supported streaming platforms such as Pandora, Spotify, YouTube Music and Amazon Music each capture single-digit shares.

The findings also highlight radio's reach among competitive auto brand drivers. Among all drivers, AM/FM radio commands an 83% share of in-car ad-supported audio and a 64% share across all listening locations, making it a key channel for reaching both loyal Honda owners and potential buyers from competing brands.

The analysis points to strong brand loyalty for Honda as well, citing data from J.D. Power showing loyalty rates of 55% among mass market vehicles and 62% among SUVs.

The blog emphasizes that while AI tools are becoming increasingly important for advertisers, understanding real-world media consumption -- particularly radio's reach in the car -- remains essential for effective campaign planning.

Read the entire blog post here.

FCB Faith Expands to WNWV-HD in Cleveland

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 3:06pm CT

FCB Faith

First Class Broadcasting Corporation has expanded its FCB Faith brand to broadcast radio, launching the Christian Pop format on 107.3 WNWV-HD2 in Cleveland. The move marks FCB Faith's transition from a digital-only platform to over-the-air availability across Northeast Ohio. The brand is already distributed via iHeartRadio, Audacy and its own FCB Faith app.

With the addition of WNWV-HD2, the format now reaches listeners throughout both the Cleveland and Akron markets. FCB Faith features a blend of Contemporary Christian music, gospel pop and Christian R&B under its "Christian Pop" positioning.

Founder and CEO Darvio Morrow said the expansion allows the company to reach audiences on traditional radio while continuing to build on its digital growth.

The HD Radio launch is part of a broader strategy for the company's FCB Faith Media division, which aims to integrate radio, television, streaming, live events and original content.

In addition to music programming, FCB Faith plans to serve as a platform for original and syndicated content as it looks to expand regionally and pursue wider distribution.

SiriusXM, YouTube Strike Audio Ad Partnership

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 4:03pm CT

SiriusXM

SiriusXM has announced a new audio advertising partnership with Google that links YouTube's audio inventory with one of North America's largest audio ad platforms.

Under the agreement, SiriusXM Media will serve as the exclusive U.S. advertising representative for YouTube's audio ad inventory. The deal gives advertisers access to guaranteed audio ad impressions at scale for the first time, along with targeting and measurement capabilities aligned with YouTube's broader advertising ecosystem.

SiriusXM Chief Advertising Revenue Officer Scott Walker said the partnership combines the company's audio expertise with YouTube's audience reach, creating new opportunities for brands and creators. YouTube's Senior Director of Product for Ads, Romana Pawar, added that the collaboration simplifies how advertisers connect with audiences consuming audio-first content on the platform.

YouTube has increasingly become a destination for podcasts, music, and talk content, with listeners engaging across devices including smartphones and smart speakers. SiriusXM Media, citing research conducted with Edison Research, said more than 212 million U.S. users engage monthly with audio-first content or listening environments on YouTube.

Beginning this fall, advertisers will be able to purchase guaranteed audio ad placements across YouTube through SiriusXM Media. The offering will integrate with the company's broader portfolio, allowing brands to manage campaigns across multiple audio platforms in a single buying environment powered by AdsWizz Inc.

MediaCo Names Roberto Castro SVP, Controller

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 3:55pm CT

MediaCo

MediaCo has appointed Roberto Castro as Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller, adding a veteran finance executive as the company continues to expand its multimedia operations.

Castro brings three decades of experience across the media and entertainment industry. He joins MediaCo after nearly 24 years with Spanish Broadcasting System, where he most recently served as Vice President of Finance, a role he held since 2015. During his tenure, he worked across multiple senior finance positions.

Earlier in his career, Castro spent more than six years with DIRECTV Latin America, serving as Accounting & Consolidation Manager and Senior Auditor. He began his career as an auditor at Coopers & Lybrand. Castro holds a Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Miami Herbert Business School and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Loyola University New Orleans.

MediaCo CEO and President Albert Rodriguez said the company continues to build out its leadership team as it executes its growth strategy. Chief Financial Officer Debra DeFelice added that Castro's experience will support the company's focus on financial reporting, internal controls, and disciplined financial management.

In a statement, Castro said he looks forward to joining MediaCo during a period of growth, citing the company's portfolio of content and distribution assets and its reach with multicultural audiences.

Scripted ''American Afterlife'' Podcast Debuts

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 11:08am CT

American Afterlife

Benztown + McVay Podcast Networks has launched "American Afterlife," a cinematic podcast adaptation of the bestselling novel by Pedro Hoffmeister, produced in partnership with William Stuart and Aurora Productions.

The scripted series is set after a catastrophic earthquake in the Pacific Northwest and follows a young woman navigating a fractured world. The story blends survival themes with an emotional journey centered on resilience and rebuilding.

Actress Scarlett Estevez, known for roles in "Lucifer" and Disney Channel productions, voices the lead character, Cielo. The six-episode series is designed as a premium audio experience, combining cinematic sound design with character-driven storytelling.

Stuart said the project aims to create an immersive and transportive listening experience, adding that the story is already drawing interest beyond the podcast space. Dave "Chachi" Denes, Co-Founder and President of Benztown + McVay Podcast Networks, described the adaptation as a passion project and said early audience response has been strong.

The podcast is available on major platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Nominees

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 3:00am CT

Radio Hall of Fame

The Museum of Broadcast Communications has announced the 24 nominees for the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame class.

Nominees were selected by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, with input from both industry professionals and listeners. Voting will begin April 24 and run through May 8, with nearly 1,000 industry members receiving ballots to vote for up to six candidates. The confidential voting process will be conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan's Andrew Rosen.

The top six vote-getters will earn induction, with additional honorees selected by the nominating committee. The 2026 inductees will be announced May 20 and formally honored during the induction ceremony October 8 at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago.

Dennis Green, Co-Chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame, called the nominees an "outstanding group of broadcasters" representing the 38th class of inductees. Co-Chairman Kraig T. Kitchin added that the nominees reflect the breadth of talent across the radio industry.

The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame nominees (alphabetical by first name) are:

• Andie Summers
• Big D & Bubba
• Bob Stroud
• Boomer Esiason
• Charlie Van Dyke
• Enrique Santos
• Fred Winston
• Funkmaster Flex
• Helen Little
• Joey Reynolds
• John & Ken
• Johnny Magic
• Kevin Matthews
• Kid Leo
• Larry Elder
• Lee Arnold
• Monica May
• Pat Hughes
• Raul Brindis
• Rickey Smiley
• Ryan Cameron
• Shotgun Tom Kelly
• The Electrifying Mojo
• Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

The Radio Hall of Fame was founded by the Emerson Radio Corporation in 1988, with operations assumed by the Museum of Broadcast Communications in 1991.

Cumulus Names Bill Smith VP/Market Mgr in Oxnard

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 11:13am CT

Bill Smith

Cumulus Media has appointed William E. "Bill" Smith as Vice President and Market Manager for its Oxnard-Ventura, CA, operations. Smith joins Cumulus from American General Media, where he served as General Manager of its Bakersfield stations. His previous experience includes roles as Local Sales Manager for Hearst Television in Sacramento and Director of Sales for News-Press & Gazette Company in Idaho Falls.

In his new position, Smith will oversee Cumulus' Oxnard-Ventura cluster, which includes The New 95.1 KBBY-FM, 100.7 KHAY-FM, KRUZ 103.3, and Groovy 106.3 KVYB-FM, along with the company's digital marketing services in the market.

Bob Walker, President of Operations for Cumulus Media, said Smith brings a strong track record of building and leading sales organizations and fostering collaboration with programming teams to drive results for local businesses.

Smith said he looks forward to working with the Oxnard-Ventura team and focusing on strengthening partnerships with clients and the community while building on the cluster's existing foundation.

Gator Harrison Named K-LOVE Chief Media Officer

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 2:08pm CT

Gator Harrison

K-LOVE has named Gator Harrison as Chief Media Officer, overseeing the K-LOVE and Air1 radio networks, as well as live events and partnerships. Harrison joins the organization after a nearly 40-year career in radio, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Programming at iHeartMedia. His background also includes roles as a Program Director, Operations Director and air personality.

In addition to his broadcasting career, Harrison founded the Believers ministry in 2015, focused on serving professionals in the music industry. His work has earned recognition from organizations including the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.

K-LOVE CEO Tom Stultz said Harrison's experience and industry relationships will support the organization's continued growth and mission. Harrison said he is honored to join K-LOVE and sees the role as a continuation of both his professional and ministry efforts.

Harrison will officially assume the role on May 11.