Host Ron Slay and “104.5 The Zone” Renew Deal
Afternoon drive host Ron Slay has signed a new contract with Cumulus Media, keeping him on WGFX‑FM’s “3HL” show on Nashville’s 104.5 The Zone alongside Brent Dougherty and Dawn Davenport. Slay, who joined the program in 2021, is credited with energizing the show’s blend of sports insight, humor, and storytelling. The renewal underscores his dual role as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and the SEC Network, expanding the station’s cross‑platform appeal. Station programming manager Paul Mason hailed Slay as a “game‑changer” whose presence drives listener engagement.
Beasley Extends Exchange Offers
Beasley Broadcast Group announced that it has extended the settlement deadline for its tender and exchange offers to 5:00 p.m. ET on April 24, 2026. The company confirmed that 100% of its existing first‑lien notes, representing $15.9 million in principal, were tendered and...
Shapiro Joins CNN as Contributor
Ari Shapiro, the longtime NPR journalist known for his sharp reporting and humor, has joined CNN as a contributor. CNN announced he will co‑host a new video podcast titled “Engagement Party” with anchor Audie Cornish. The show, which blends culture, ideas,...
Forgy Returns to Saga From Medical Leave
Saga Communications announced that CEO Christopher Forgy has fully resumed his regular duties after a medical leave that began on February 13 for open‑heart surgery. During his recovery, Forgy remained available for consultation and led the company’s fourth‑quarter and year‑end 2025 earnings...
Beasley Gets Delisting Warning From Nasdaq
Beasley Broadcast Group received a written notice from Nasdaq on April 13, indicating non‑compliance with the Capital Market’s $2.5 million minimum stockholders’ equity rule. The company ended 2025 with a $49.3 million equity deficit, far below the required threshold. Nasdaq gave Beasley...
Murphy Named to Executive Post at Crossover Media Group
John Murphy has been appointed vice president of strategic partnerships at Crossover Media Group, reuniting with former colleagues after serving as senior vice president of content monetization at Veritone. In his new role, Murphy will focus on securing fresh content...
Seaboard to Distribute “Killer Carl” Show
Seaboard Networks announced it has completed a distribution agreement for the syndicated political interview program “The Killer Carl Program.” Hosted by Carl “Killer Carl” Brown, the show has been on air for almost ten years and is part of the...
KNBR Renews Flagship Radio Deal with 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have renewed their flagship radio agreement with Cumulus Media’s KNKN (KNBR) sports talk station. Veteran play‑by‑play duo Greg Papa and Tim Ryan will continue calling every game, plus pre‑ and post‑game shows. The partnership spans AM,...
Cumulus Speeding Toward Chapter 11 Exit
Cumulus Media filed a Modified Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization in Houston on April 13, seeking court approval. The plan would wipe out roughly $592 million of debt and transfer control to secured creditors. A new board of directors...
WWO: Marketers Underestimate Value of Creative
Westwood One’s Audio Active Group released a new Advertiser Perceptions study analyzing 450 ad campaigns. Marketers and agencies ranked creative as the third‑most important driver of sales, behind targeting and brand, but the data shows creative actually delivers the greatest...
Longterm Status of Dark KKAM, Lubbock Unknown
Townsquare Media filed a request with the FCC on April 1 to shut down the transmitter of its news/talk station KKAM‑AM (1340 kHz) in Lubbock, citing weak market economics. The filing seeks special temporary authority (STA) to keep the station silent...
Monday Memo: The 2026 Case for Weekend Talk Radio
Consultant Holland Cooke argues that as podcast listening surpasses traditional spoken‑word radio, podcasters should leverage weekend talk radio to boost credibility and efficiency. Broadcast radio provides an established, trusted audience and makes it easier to attract guests. A live call‑in...
Nate Lundy Show Debuts on The Bet in Denver
Audacy’s Denver sports‑betting station KAMP‑AM, branded as The Bet 1430, has added the "Mile High Sports" show hosted by veteran broadcaster Nate Lundy to its weekday lineup. The program will air from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, positioning the station to capture...
Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (April 11-12)
Talk radio’s weekly roundup highlighted five headline‑grabbing stories that dominated the airwaves from April 11‑12. Listeners heard intense debate over Iran’s nuclear talks and a potential U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, alongside the Rep. Eric Swalwell scandal. The weekend...
Cumulus Media’s Q4 2025 Revenue Down 14%
Cumulus Media reported a 14% drop in Q4 2025 net revenue to $188 million and a 10.3% decline for the full year, ending 2025 with $741.6 million in revenue. Broadcast revenue fell 22.2% to $116.2 million, while digital revenue slipped 1.9% to $151.3 million....
