FCC Approves Cumulus Bankruptcy Exit; Berner Promises No Cuts to News Staffs for Two Years
Cumulus has not released an official announcement yet but several outlets – including Editor and Publisher – are reporting that the Commission signed off on the license transfers from the old Cumulus to the new Cumulus yesterday (8/19). Interestingly, Cumulus CEO Mary G. Berner sent a memo to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on August 14 in which she reaffirmed “Cumulus 
Media’s longstanding commitment to operating its broadcast radio stations in a manner that serves the public interest, advances localism, supports public safety and responds to the needs and interests of the communities it is privileged to serve.” Additionally, Berner addressed the company’s newsrooms and wrote: “Preserving our coverage of newsworthy events, and their impact on our local communities, is exceedingly important to Cumulus Media. The stronger financial foundation that our financial reorganization will afford us is intended to preserve and strengthen, not diminish, our ability to serve local audiences. Consistent with that objective, we commit to maintaining our existing newsroom staffing levels for a minimum of two years following approval of the requested applications.”
growth include: SiriusXM’s “Megyn Kelly Show” – up 115% among weekly U.S. consumers 13+; Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” up 107%; “The Tucker Carlson Show” – up +13%; Premiere Networks’ “Glenn Beck Program – up 11%; and Premiere’s “Sean Hannity Show” – up +5%. Edison says its data indicates Cumulus Podcast Networks’ “Dan Bongino Show” lost the most audience – down 62% – but notes that Bongino’s leave from the business to serve as Deputy Director of the FBI is likely a factor. Elsewhere, podcasts shedding audience include The Daily Wire’s “Ben Shapiro Show” – down 19%; and Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Mark Levin Show” – down 16%. 
with MSG Networks to simulcast the morning and afternoon drive shows on WEPN/WHSQ “ESPN New York” on the cable network. Good Karma says, “Beginning Sept. 8, ESPN New York’s morning show featuring Rick DiPietro and Dave Rothenberg, as well as its afternoon show with Don La Greca, Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg, will both be simulcast by MSG Networks.”
rights, including the Second Amendment, educate and inform Americans about firearms rights and legislation, and raise awareness of the issues impacting gun owners.” Further details regarding AAR content distribution and original programming will be announced as projects develop. Walters says, “I’m honored and thrilled to partner Armed American Radio and CCW Broadcast Media, LLC together with C3 Entertainment, Inc. These are historic times for our constitutional rights. We are excited to unite the important current events of the day together with history in an enlightening, entertaining, and educational format that will remind all Americans not only WHY we are the greatest nation the world has ever seen but HOW we got here and WHAT must be done going forward to preserve our uniquely American way of life!”
media buying workflow.” The press release explains: “Unlike traditional automation, which follows predefined workflows, agentic media buying enables AI agents to evaluate campaign objectives, identify opportunities and execute approved media buying decisions dynamically within clearly defined business rules. Human expertise remains central to strategy, governance and oversight, while AI improves the speed, efficiency and adaptability of campaign execution.” The companies say they plan to implement the technology for broadcast audio in the near future.
stations and Hillsdale College’s WRFH, Hillsdale, Michigan came in at #5 and Hofstra University’s WRHU, Hempstead, New York was ranked #15. Both stations have historically been closely aligned with the talk radio industry. Both stations are led by professional broadcasters. WRHF’s general manager is Scot
Bertram and WRHU’s general manager is John T. Mullen, both longtime commercial broadcasting pros who moved into academia. It should also be noted that The Bold Gold Media Foundation – launched by Bold Gold Media owner Vince Benedetto – has been a benefactor of WRHF, Hillsdale for a number of years. 
on September 10 (produced by Spero Pictures and directed by award-winning filmmaker Matthew Thayer) that explores the religious question: Does God still speak through prophets today? The film includes one of the final recorded interviews with Charlie Kirk that was filmed just weeks before his death. In the interview, Kirk reflects on the role of biblical prophecy and spiritual discernment. You can watch the official trailer at SalemNOW.com.
censorship and control against Disney’s ABC stations, using the threat of broadcast license revocations to punish a company for speech this administration doesn’t like. I have long called on companies to push back against this kind of government intimidation, and I’m glad Disney has shown courage and stepped up. This should be a welcome sign for every broadcaster who has felt the weight of this overreaching government pressure in silence.
contracts. The two were part of a round of layoffs at the station last month. The two posted to X: “‘Beyond the Bench’ will not be airing for the time being. We are currently being pursued in a legal matter by our past employer, and as a result, we need to step away temporarily while that situation is addressed. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported the show and hope to be back soon. In addition, we will provide updates as we are able and will let everyone know when we have more information. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
broadcasters Jim Dunaway, Ryan Brown and Lance Taylor and will officially join “Sport & State” on August 24. “The Next Round” president and general manager Bo O’Neal states, “‘The Next Round’ has proven that a great live sports show doesn’t have to be confined by a radio signal or a geographic market. What Jim, Ryan and Lance have built is pretty remarkable. They’ve created independent, personality-driven sports content with an audience that reaches well beyond Alabama. What Clay is building with Sport & State aligns perfectly with who we are and feels like the natural next step for us. We’re not changing what The Next Round is. We’re giving it a much bigger stage. It’s an incredible opportunity for the guys, our team, our advertising partners and everyone who has played a part in making ‘The Next Round’ successful.”
ABC warned that the FCC’s scrutiny of “The View” could reach talk radio. Now the eight ABC-owned television station licensees have taken the agency to court. But the immediate lawsuit is not asking a judge to decide whether “The View” qualifies as news.
Outkick says this new show debut coincides with OutKick integrating as the official sports brand of FOX News Digital on August 24. FOX News Digital editorial executive vice president Tommy Firth says, “This is a pivotal moment for OutKick as the integration with FOX News Digital will expand its reach and influence throughout sports media. Craig Carton’s distinctive voice will resonate with our audience and seamlessly meets this moment for OutKick.” Carton says, “I’m beyond thrilled to be joining OutKick. I’ve always been a fan and appreciate their authenticity and willingness to speak their minds. It’s something I’ve done throughout my career and will do during this next chapter of hosting ‘The Craig Carton Show.’”
campaign, Elci stated that he intends to not discuss campaign issues or his campaign during his program. But incumbent Senator Martha Marx’s campaign is demanding equal time under FCC rules. Marx tells CT Mirror that if Elci wants to stay on the air, then the station has to give her a four-hour show. The other issue is that if Elci stays on the air, it could be considered an in-kind campaign contribution by the station and that could violate Connecticut campaign laws. For his part, Elci tells CT Mirror the station’s lawyers are seeking clarification for elections enforcement officials. He adds, “Big picture is I wouldn’t want to put my station in jeopardy,” he said. 
Reach is the primary media driver of growth. Always aim to get more customers from all segments of the market. It’s the main way brands grow; 2) AM/FM radio is America’s number one mass reach media among persons 25-54 and, surprisingly, among 18-34s; 3) AM/FM radio generates significant incremental reach to social media platforms and YouTube; 4) Digital audio only reaches a third of Americans daily. Adding AM/FM radio causes reach to soar to 72% of the U.S.; and 5) AM/FM radio makes your TV better. The younger the demo, the greater the incremental reach. The addition of AM/FM radio lifts TV reach by +32% among 25-54s and +65% among 18-34s. 
he returned from a sold-out trip with listeners to Italy. Bauerle didn’t go into details about exiting the company’s Buffalo cluster where he’s been on the air – if you include his time at sister sports talker WGR – for the past 42 years but it stands to reason the decision by management was a financial one. It’s unclear what Audacy’s plans for the afternoon drive daypart are. As of today, Bauerle’s show is still listed on the station’s website. 
Bongino returned to the Cumulus fold doing his podcast that’s sold by the Cumulus Podcast Network after leaving his assistant director position with the FBI. The new show will feature Shawn Farash hosting the first hour and Bongino hosting hours two and three. Bongino comments, “I’m excited to partner with Shawn to bring listeners a daily program focused on the stories that matter most. Our goal is simple: deliver honest analysis and keep our
audience informed and engaged. Radio remains one of the most powerful ways to connect directly with people, and I’m excited to be back on Westwood One!” Farash adds, “This is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with listeners across the country every day. Working alongside Dan and the team at Westwood One allows us to bring a fresh, energetic approach to afternoons while staying focused on the stories our audience cares about most.”
$12.8 million net loss it reported for the same period in 2025. Breaking down the company’s revenue by segment, broadcast spot revenue was $81.5 million, down 10.6% from a year ago; network revenue was $21.4 million, a decline of 21.5% compared to 2025; and digital revenue was $38.7 million, basically flat compared to Q2 of 2025. Cumulus Media CEO Mary G. Berner comments, “We are pleased to report our second quarter earnings. With our plan of reorganization confirmed by the court and the FCC approval process well underway, we are positioned to emerge from Chapter 11 with a stronger balance sheet to capitalize on future market opportunities.”