Rough Edges in Your Commercial Are Like Audio Velcro
The article argues that overly polished commercials can blend into background noise, while rough, authentic audio grabs listener attention. It recommends using real people’s voices, even recorded over the phone or in noisy environments, to convey immediacy and truthfulness. Adding a calm narrator to translate chaotic sound can create humor and clarity. Authentic imperfections—pauses, repeats, minor complaints—enhance credibility, provided the overall message remains well‑crafted.
Riverfront Risees To $100K in Record St. Jude Radiothon
Riverfront Broadcasting’s Black Hills Cares for St. Jude Radiothon raised a record $100,252, surpassing the six‑figure mark for the first time. The two‑day event, broadcast on XROCK (KDDX) and Eagle Country (KZZI) in Rapid City and Spearfish, pushed the cumulative total...
DAX US Taps Jennifer Tang to Lead Programmatic Strategy
DAX US has appointed Jennifer Tang as Senior Vice President of Programmatic, bringing more than two decades of agency and publisher experience from firms such as Spotify, Yieldmo and UberMedia. Based in Los Angeles, Tang will steer programmatic strategy, sales,...
Your Off Air Self Drives On Air Success
The article argues that personal self‑care is the foundation of on‑air success, urging radio leaders to manage their own mental and physical health before managing teams. It highlights practices such as daily exercise, sleep optimization, meditation, and intentional reflection, citing...
NAB Show Adds Radio Panels on America 250, Digital, & Licensing
The NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas has added three radio‑focused panels to its Broadcast Management and Monetization track. The "America 250: Owning the Moment" session will explore how stations can leverage the nation’s 250th‑anniversary celebrations to deepen audience engagement and advertiser...
Impairments Drive Saga to 2025 Net Loss as Digital Still Climbs
Saga Communications reported a Q4 2025 net loss of $6.9 million, driven by a $20.4 million non‑cash impairment that turned what would have been $8.2 million of profit into a loss. Full‑year results showed a $7.9 million loss versus a $3.5 million profit in 2024,...
Rickey Smiley Extends Urban One Run, Video Podcast Coming
Rickey Smiley has signed a five‑year extension for The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, keeping the program on Urban One’s roster of 89 affiliate stations. In parallel, Urban One is launching a new original video podcast, Rickey Smiley On The Spot,...
Home Market, New Title: Erik Bradley Takes The Spot In Dallas
Erik Bradley has been appointed Brand Manager of Classic Hits‑formatted 98.7 The Spot in Dallas, joining his existing roles as Brand Manager at KS107.5 in Denver and Assistant Brand Manager at B96 in Chicago. Bradley, a radio veteran since 1988,...
Amanda Habrowski Back In Detroit to Lead Alt 98.7 Mornings
Detroit native Amanda Habrowski is returning to Audacy’s ALT 98.7 (WDZH) to host the morning show, "Amanda in the AM." After two decades in markets like Fort Wayne, Portland and Las Vegas, she most recently served as Content Director and afternoon host at...
New Data Confirms Radio’s Strong Grip on American Audio Habits
New research from FMR Associates and Eastlan shows radio’s weekly reach among adults 25‑64 held steady at 84% in 2026, slipping only two points since 2024. Traditional AM/FM still delivers roughly two‑thirds of primary listening, while streaming and app‑based radio...
Freedom Means Choice
The FCC recently encouraged radio stations to broadcast patriotic programming in honor of the United States' 250th anniversary, suggesting content such as the national anthem, Sousa music, and pro‑America PSAs. The op‑ed argues that even well‑intentioned suggestions constitute compelled speech,...
Nueva Network Expands Hispanic Media Footprint With LMN Deal
Nueva Network used its second annual upfront to announce a strategic partnership with Latino Media Network, the acquisition of the Latino Podcast Awards, and the launch of two new digital products. The LMN deal gives Nueva sales, marketing, programming and...
If You Were Running for Office, Would You Buy Your Station?
The article argues that political ad buying still depends on a radio station’s community relevance, not just ratings. Candidates favor stations that demonstrate genuine local presence, active social‑media engagement, and visible community involvement. Generic, corporate‑style stations lose political ad dollars,...
SiriusXM Clears Debt Wall Despite Tender Offer Falling Short
SiriusXM completed a two‑step refinancing that fully retired its $1 billion of 3.125% senior notes due 2026. The tender offer attracted only $498.9 million, leaving $501.1 million of bonds unredeemed. To satisfy those holders, the company deposited U.S. Treasuries with a trustee, effectively...
NuVoodoo To Decipher The Songs Driving Country Radio at CRS
NuVoodoo will unveil a nationwide country‑music research study at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville on March 20, 2026. The study evaluated more than 400 titles spanning the 1990s to today with a panel of 600 country fans aged 18‑49. Findings...
WUSF Public Media Names Three Senior Managing Directors
WUSF Public Media announced the promotion of three long‑time employees to Senior Managing Director, reshaping its leadership across content, operations, and membership. Mary Shedden will steer journalism and cultural programming, Christopher Sampson will oversee technical infrastructure, and Danielle Wright‑Landry will...
MediaCo’s Sigma Audio Adds Female-Forward Bilingual Network
MediaCo’s Sigma Audio Networks has unveiled Alpha Woman, a bilingual English‑Spanish radio and streaming network aimed at multicultural U.S. women. The service combines contemporary music with lifestyle programming and will be distributed through national terrestrial affiliates, digital platforms, and branded...
Leimbach Heads West From Dallas to Lead Beasley Las Vegas
Amy Leimbach, former iHeartMedia Dallas Region President, has been hired by Beasley Media Group as Vice President and Market Manager for its five Las Vegas‑area stations. She brings a track record of sales leadership across Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Phoenix,...
Supplee To Supply MaxxKonnect With Radio Tech Experience
MaxxKonnect has appointed Dave Supplee as Development and Support Engineer, adding a veteran with 26 years at Cumulus Media. At Cumulus, Supplee oversaw studio construction, transmitter relocations, and FCC compliance across multiple markets. He also co‑developed the OpX automation system...
NAB To Honor Bert Goldman For Radio Engineering Achievement
The National Association of Broadcasters will present the 2026 Radio Engineering Achievement Award to Goldman Engineering Management President Bert Goldman at the NAB Show in Las Vegas on April 21. Goldman is being honored for more than five decades of radio...
Guaranty’s Eagle Remains LSU Radio Flagship Under New Deal
LSU Athletics has inked a multi‑year extension with Guaranty Media, preserving the broadcaster’s role as the flagship of the LSU Sports Radio Network. Eagle 98.1 (WDGL) will stay the primary home for football, baseball and men’s basketball, while Talk 107.3 (WBRP) remains...
Ally Ali Gets Morning Co-Billing On Long Island’s 106.1 BLI
Cox Media Group’s Long Island 106.1 BLI has renamed its flagship morning program to “Syke & Ally Ali in the Morning,” reflecting Ally Ali’s promotion to co‑host. Both Syke and Ali signed new multi‑year contracts, solidifying their on‑air partnership. Ali,...
WMCI Morning Hosts Lead Radiothon Past $2 Million for St. Jude
Cromwell Media’s 101.3 WMCI celebrated its 25th annual radiothon, raising over $134,000 in a two‑day broadcast. The fundraiser pushed the station’s cumulative contributions for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital past the $2 million mark. Hosted by veteran morning personalities Bub McCullough and Renee Fonner, the...
Cumulus Moves to Dismiss ‘Retaliatory’ Nielsen Counterclaims
Cumulus Media filed a motion to dismiss all three of Nielsen's counterclaims stemming from an antitrust lawsuit, labeling them retaliatory tactics. The counterclaims—breach of contract, unfair competition, and declaratory judgment—rely on a single email allegedly sharing Nielsen data with Eastlan...
Don’t Rob Your Sellers Of Their Greatest Power
The article argues that radio sales managers waste leverage by managing hope instead of measurable activity. It introduces "Time Spent Selling" as the true super‑power—focused, high‑quality interactions rather than idle research or optimistic forecasts. Managers should track and coach consistent,...
Chicago’s Q101, Boston’s WERS Celebrate Women’s History
Radio stations across the United States are using Women’s History Month to spotlight female musicians. In Chicago, Cumulus Media’s Q101 airs a daily noon segment called “The Women Who Make Q101,” hosted by Lauren O’Neil, culminating in a multi‑hour all‑female...
Philly’s Fanatic Brings Back Sean Brace to Team With Jon Marks
Beasley Media Group’s 97.5 The Fanatic is bringing Sean Brace back to the weekday lineup, pairing him with Jon Marks for the revived "Middays with Marks" starting March 9. Brace and Marks previously co‑hosted The Jon & Sean Show from 2013‑2015,...
Is Autopilot Killing Your Team’s Creativity?
The article warns that radio hosts slipping into autopilot lose the spark needed for fresh content. When routine thinking filters out everyday moments, potential story ideas vanish. The author argues that true creativity stems from keen observation and emotional reaction...
Entravision Net Loss Improves In Q4 Thanks to AI Ad-Tech Division
Entravision Communications posted a fourth‑quarter net loss of $18.2 million, a sharp improvement from $56.4 million a year earlier, while full‑year loss narrowed to $79.2 million. The turnaround was driven entirely by its Advertising Technology & Services (ATS) segment, which saw revenue jump...
Entravision Restructures US Leadership, Names Audio President
Entravision announced a major leadership reshuffle, naming Eduardo Maytorena as President of Entravision Audio to oversee radio, digital audio, and national sales. Winter Horton was promoted to Chief Revenue Officer, while Jeff DeMartino, Maria Martinez‑Guzman, Jessica Martinez, LeaAnna Hernandez and...
RAB’s ‘One Voice for Radio’ Marks First-Year Wins and Priorities
The Radio Advertising Bureau’s One Voice for Radio campaign marked its first‑year milestones, highlighting Nielsen’s three‑minute‑quarter shift as a proof point for radio’s ad impact. The RAB’s Digital Benchmark Report projects $2.5 billion in digital revenue by 2026, underscoring a rapid...
Christian Radio’s Next Chapter: Digital Signals and Fresh Sounds
Christian radio is shedding its legacy image as it embraces digital platforms, social discovery, and niche sub‑genres. Programmers are launching side streams and dedicated stations to showcase newer sounds while preserving familiar content for core listeners. Podcasting is becoming a...
Mix 106.5 Tops $1.4M in Radiothon for Johns Hopkins Children’s
Audacy Baltimore’s Mix 106.5 concluded its 37th annual radiothon by raising $1.483 million for Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, pushing the station’s lifetime contributions past $32 million since the fundraiser began in 1989. The two‑day event featured longtime hosts Steve Kramer, Jessica Dutra, and returning...
Women to Watch: Janeé Bolden
Janeé Bolden, a veteran journalist and cultural commentator, spent 15 years shaping Black digital media at outlets like Bossip, GlobalGrind, XXL and The Source. In early 2025 she left corporate editorial leadership to launch her own platform, the Hey Janeé...
Greg Beharrell Anchors YMG’s New 24/7 Adult Hits Format
YEA Media Group (YMG) has launched Greg FM, a 24/7 adult hits radio format anchored by syndicated personality Greg Beharrell. The new service expands Beharrell from limited dayparts to continuous, host‑driven programming. Developed with consultant Mike McVay, the format shifts...
Ella Langley and Jo Dee Messina To Converse In CRS Keynote
The Country Radio Seminar’s third‑year "The Conversation" keynote will feature breakout star Ella Langley alongside veteran Jo Dee Messina on March 19 at Nashville’s Omni Hotel. Langley’s fast‑track success—CMA and ACM honors and strong chart performance—contrasts with Messina’s nine No. 1...
Charapata Advances to EVP Position Across KSE Media Ventures
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment promoted Kathleen Charapata to Executive Vice President, Distribution and Deputy General Counsel for KSE Media Ventures. Charapata, who joined KSE in 2024 after serving as Deputy General Counsel and previously as Chief Administrative Officer and General...
CRS Names ’26 Scholarship Recipients Ahead of Honors Program
Country Radio Seminar (CRS) announced its 2026 scholarship recipients and mentees ahead of the March 18 CRS Honors ceremony. The Rusty Walker Scholarship will fund three rising professionals from iHeartMedia and Cumulus stations, while the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship supports...
Leo Kiper Jr. Returns to Appleton’s Score in Midday Overhaul
Woodward Community Media’s 95.3/99.1 The Score in Appleton, WI, has overhauled its weekday midday programming, introducing "The Show with Tony G and Leo" hosted by Leo Kiper Jr. and sales executive Tony Giordano. The departure of longtime host Eric "Balky" Balkman paved...
Murph Dawg and Phathead Get ‘Fresh’ Syndication Via JVC
JVC Broadcasting has launched Country Fresh Radio, a syndicated show that highlights brand‑new country releases from established stars and emerging artists. Hosted by veteran programmers Murph Dawg and Phathead, the program airs on JVC’s Florida and New York stations and...
NAB Reveals 2026 Crystal Radio Award Winners
The National Association of Broadcasters announced the 2026 Crystal Radio Award winners at its State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Ten stations were honored for exemplary community service, with Cox Media Group capturing three awards—the most of any company. Winners...
NAB Debuts America 250 Campaign Celebrating Radio’s Civic Duty
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) unveiled the America 250 campaign, a year‑long initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The program rolls out new public‑service radio spots and a customizable “Our American Story, Local Edition” toolkit to...
Heavy AM/FM Listeners Rev Up Auto Parts Sales, Study Finds
A new 2025 Auto Aftermarket Brand Tracker shows that heavy AM/FM radio listeners spend 26% more on auto parts than the average shopper, reaching $790 annually. Ultra‑heavy shoppers who make ten or more store trips spend $832 and drive 171...
As Hispanic Ad Gap Persists, Radio Delivers the Audience
Hispanic consumers now make up roughly a quarter of U.S. adults under 30 and wield $2.6‑$2.7 trillion in buying power, driving over 70% of the nation’s population growth between 2022‑2023. Despite this scale, they receive only about four cents of every...
Structuring Problem-Solution Commercials
Jeffrey Hedquist outlines a proven framework for problem‑solution radio commercials, emphasizing that credibility begins with a believable problem. He advises sequencing the ad: present the problem, tell an emotional solution story, then, if needed, reveal price after trust and value...
Xperi’s DTS AutoStage Portal Grows Again With 52 New Markets
Xperi has expanded its DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal by adding 52 U.S. markets, marking the second growth phase since November. The platform now reaches roughly 14 million vehicles and incorporates data from over 3,000 additional stations, representing 162,000 new in‑vehicle listeners....
USAGM Pushes Deferred Resignations as Court Decision Nears
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has opened a Deferred Resignation Program, giving staff a chance to leave voluntarily as a federal court prepares to rule on CEO Kari Lake’s authority to slash the agency’s workforce. Over the past year,...
Buffalo Public Radio Signal To Go Commercial Due To Federal Cuts
Buffalo Toronto Public Media (BTPM) will convert its 94.5 FM frequency from a non‑commercial classical format to a commercial news‑and‑music station after a $2.2 million federal funding cut. NPR programming, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered, will shift to 88.7 FM, along...
Mega Moves to 99.3 as Sunny 104.3 Lights Up in Phoenix
Sierra H Multimedia announced the launch of Sunny 104.3 (KAJM), a Soft Adult Contemporary station, marking its third property in the Phoenix market. To accommodate the new frequency, the existing Mega 104.3 format will move to 99.3 FM while retaining its on‑air talent...
Sean Spicer Heads to NYC Radio With ‘Full Court Press’ on WABC
Former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer is launching a new Sunday‑morning talk show, “Full Court Press,” on New York’s 77 WABC. The program joins a weekend lineup that recently added former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Spicer will cover national politics, current events,...
