Industry News

Townsquare Media Net Revenue Dips 1.9% in Q1

Townsquare Media reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and says net revenue was $96.8 million, a decline of 1.9% compared to the first quarter of 2025. The company reveals net income of $2.96 million in Q1 of 2026 after reporting a net loss of $1.5 million during the same period a year ago. Townsquare reports data by segment and digital revenue for the quarter was $39.3 million, up 6.8% from Q1 of 2025, subscription digital marketing solutions revenue was $17.5 million, imga decline of 7.9% from last year and broadcast advertising revenue was $38.6 million, down 6.6% from the same period a year ago. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson comments, “With our digital growth engine driving our performance, each year our business mix continues to shift to a greater percentage of both digital revenue and profit. In the first quarter, 59% of our total revenue and 63% of our total Segment Profit was generated from our differentiated digital solutions – each our highest percentages ever. Our Digital Advertising revenue returned to high-single digit revenue growth in Q1, which we believe will continue throughout the year due to the consistent performance of our digital programmatic offering and the success of our Media Partnership division; the strong revenue growth of the direct sales of our local owned and operated digital properties; and the stabilization of our online audience and remnant revenue. I would also like to highlight Townsquare Interactive’s strong profit performance, with Segment Profit margin of 34% in Q1, representing year-over-year margin expansion.” The company also announced that its board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share payable on August 3, 2026 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 27, 2026.

Industry News

Red Apple to Acquire WCRN-AM, Worcester

Red Apple Media files applications with the FCC to acquire WCRN-AM, Worcester, Massachusetts from Carter Broadcasting for $1.45 million. This will be the first signal acquired by John Catsimatidis’ media imgcompany outside of the New York City market. The station is currently airing a news/talk format of local, syndicated and brokered programming. Local air personalities include the daily morning show hosts Hank Stolz and Ben White (“Talk of the Commonwealth”) and longtime New England talk host Frankie Boyer who is heard in middays. Red Apple will assume operations under a local marketing agreement until the deal closes. Red Apple and Catsimatidis have made no indication of the company’s intent for future programming.

Industry News

Michael Johnson Jr. Named PD for iHeartMedia’s Connecticut Talk and Sports Stations

iHeartMedia names Michael Johnson Jr. program director for sports talk WUCF-FM “FOX Sports 97.9” news/talk WPOP-AM NewsRadio 1410 in Hartford and news/talk WELI-AM and sports talk WAVZ-AM “FOX Sports img1300” in New Haven. iHeartMedia SVP of programming Dylan Sprague says, “Michael’s energy, passion and leadership make him a strong fit to lead our Sports and Talk portfolio in Hartford and New Haven. These are powerful brands and we’re excited to build on their success under Michael’s leadership.” Johnson comments, “I am thrilled to begin this next chapter at iHeart. Sports fans are passionate and engaged. I am eager to grow all of the stations, deepen the connections with listeners and continue expanding our digital presence.”

Industry News

TALKERS 2026 to Present 60-Plus Speakers in a Power Packed Day

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The dynamic agenda is set for the 28th installment of the annual TALKERS conference that will take place on Friday, June 5 at Hofstra University on Long Island. The longest running and most important national talk media conference – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – will feature more than 60 outstanding speakers in a power-packed day full of existential industry takeaways and platform/career building networking opportunities. The conference is heading toward being an early sellout. Don’t miss this! For up to the minute agenda, registration, and hotel information, please click here.

Industry News

Lee Habeeb to Kick Off TALKERS 2026 Discussing “The Art of Storytelling”

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TALKERS 2026, the 28th annual installment of the longest running and most important national talk media industry gathering, is less than a month away and on track to be an early sellout.  Set for Friday, June 5 on the beautiful Long Island campus of Hofstra University, the historic conference will again present more than 60 outstanding speakers in a power packed day of non-stop conversation about the state and future of talk radio and the talk media industry.

The day will launch with a breakfast discussion of “The Art of Storytelling” presented by Lee Habeeb, CEO, host, and producer of the tremendously successful syndicated series, “Our American Stories” which offers an impressive roster of hundreds of news/talk stations across the nation with extremely well written and exquisitely produced overviews of uniquely American aspects of history and popular culture.

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison says, “Lee Habeeb is one of the most important and original broadcasters in the modern talk radio industry. ‘Our American Stories’ consistently delivers a very high level of contemporary spoken word programming that fits the format but broadens its boundaries in a positive manner that rises above hackneyed political ideology. It is no surprise that, since its launch, the show has consistently been one of the classiest and fastest growing syndicated properties in the business.” Harrison concludes, “Everyone talks about the fundamental importance of storytelling in the talk biz. It is only logical that TALKERS 2026 would present the industry’s leading storyteller as a featured speaker.”

For more information about TALKERS 2026, please click here.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: AI Side Hustles

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgJason Reddick’s The Complete Guide to AI Side Hustles is aimed at beginners trying to build passive income. But read it through a broadcaster’s lens and it suggests a blueprint for how radio talent and podcasters can leverage AI to expand their influence, diversify revenue, and stay indispensable in a media economy that rewards relevance and speed.

His central thesis is simple: AI doesn’t create talent – it amplifies it. And that’s especially advantageous if you are already a communicator.

AI Enhanced Audio Services: Your Voice, Supercharged

Reddick writes about “leveraged skills,” and the most leveraged skill you have is your voice. Consider exploiting AI tools to offer:

  • local tourism audio guides,
  • church or nonprofit announcements,
  • fundraising video narration,
  • audio newsletters for local businesses,
  • corporate training narration,
  • e-learning or product demonstration voiceovers.

Each of these is high-trust, high-value, and repeatable. Businesses want a real human voice, and if you’re on radio or have a popular podcast, local businesses already know and trust your voice. AI simply lets you scale it. 

Repurposing: Your Secret Weapon

Reddick emphasizes turning one idea into multiple assets. You already generate hours of content. With AI, that becomes:

  • a monologue turned into a newsletter or newspaper column,
  • a segment turned into a blog post,
  • a rant turned into a daily, shareable email.

You’re already doing the hard part. AI helps multiply the output.

“Small, Fast, Useful”

Reddick likes what he calls “microproducts” – simple digital items that solve a problem quickly. As a broadcaster or podcaster, you already know how to explain things clearly and in plain English.

Whether you are repackaging interviews you already do or advertisers you already have (or want), or exploring your own personal interests, or simply addressing the everyday issues you yourself confront as a consumer, what can AI help you produce?

  • “How to Explain Tech Problems to Customer Support”
  • “How to Write a Complaint That Gets Results”
  • “Explaining Big News Stories to Young Children”
  • “Talking to Teens About Online Safety”
  • “How to Cancel SiriusXM Without the Runaround”
  • “Welcome! Starter Kit if You’re New to the Area”
  • “How to Sound Confident on Conference Calls”
  • “Airport Survival Guide for Infrequent Flyers”

Why These Work: They’re “evergreen” (relevant today and a year from now), high-utility (solves a problem quickly, low-lift (AI drafts, you refine), and trust-based (your voice + clarity = credibility).

If AI can scale your talent, the only limit now is your imagination. You can read the first two chapters of “The Complete Guide to AI Side Hustles,” free, here.

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

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Industry News

Kathy Barnette Show Making Waves in Philly

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The WPHT, Philadelphia-based “Kathy Barnette Show” has launched into national syndication via her non-profit Seed & Root Initiative. The weekly show has been airing live on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am ET since January and is now being delivered nationally via the Salem Radio Network and by download. Barnette recently announced the national launch of her program at the recent Philadelphia Seed & Roots Summit at the Independence Center that drew fellow Black conservatives as well as Democrats to discuss important issues facing families today.

Barnette – a former U.S. Senate candidate in Pennsylvania – tells TALKERS, “America is at a crossroads, and I believe my voice comes at a critical time. I don’t talk about poverty or perseverance from a spreadsheet – I’ve lived it. From a pig farm in Alabama to the halls of corporate America, from serving in the military to building a national platform, I’ve seen firsthand what faith, discipline, and hard work can achieve. My show is about bringing authenticity, courage, and moral clarity back to the airwaves – and planting the kind of seeds that will offer shade for generations to come.”

Last week (5/2), Barnette devoted an episode of her radio show to the topic, “Breaking the Democrat Lock: Black Men Speak.” She tells TALKERS, “I brought Black men into the studio to discuss the ongoing shift in Black voter sentiment away from the Democrat Party after nearly 70 years of Democrats holding a dominant share of the Black vote. We explored a central question: What changed? What’s driving the erosion?”

Pictured (l-r): William Small II, congressional candidate 3rd CD; Amir Collins, 17-year-old Big Brother volunteer; Kathy BarnetteJohn Hemphill III, U.S. Air Force Gulf War veteran; and John Allante McAuley, PA GOP State Committee candidate.  The child pictured in front is William Small III.

Barnette, a home school teaching mother of two, was the national grassroots director and senior advisor for Vivek Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign and is the author of Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: Being Black and Conservative in America (Center Street, 2020).

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (May 9-10)

The most discussed stories over the weekend (5/9-10) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Iran War / Peace Negotiations
  2. Trump’s China Trip
  3. Gas Prices / Jobs Report
  4. Hantavirus
  5. Britain Election Results
Industry News

Saga Communications’ Q1 Net Revenue Falls 5.6%

Saga Communications reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and states net revenue was $22.9 million, a decrease of 5.6% from the same period in 2025. The company also reports and operating loss of $3.3 million compared to $2.3 million for the same quarter last year. Additionally, station operating income decreased 62% to $900,000. Sagimga is reporting a net loss of $2.4 million for the quarter compared to the net loss of $1.6 million it reported in Q1 of 2025. Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on March 20, 2026. The aggregate amount of the quarterly dividend was approximately $1.6 million. With payment of this most recent declaration Saga will have paid over $145 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012.

Industry News

TALKERS 2026 to Present “The Big Picture” Panel

 

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One of the most popular panel discussions of the annual TALKERS conference – “The Big Picture” – will again be featured at the forthcoming 28th installment of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering.  Moderated by TALKERS publisher/founder Michael Harrison (pictured here) and featuring a remarkable, diverse lineup of industry luminaries, the session tackles the major issues – social, political, imgtechnological, and financial – facing the talk media business in the current environment of rapid change. Described as the fastest-moving 40 minutes in the broadcasting conference arena, this year’s panelists will include (in alphabetical order):  Steve Jones, president, CEO & chairman, Skyview Networks; Chad Lopez, president, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks; Frank Morano, member, New York City Council / former host, WABC, New York; Chris Olivero, Chief Business Officer, Audacy; Tavis Smiley, owner/host, KBLA, Los Angeles; and Rich Valdés, host, “This Is America with Rich Valdés.” The session will take place between 2:20 pm and 3:00 pm at TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter on Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra University on Long Island. Harrison states, “This rapid-fire session of heavyweights ties it all together in terms of trying to make sense of the uncertainties we presently face in the talk media business.”  For more information about TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter, please click here

Industry News

KSAC Drops Grant Napear Show

Lotus Communications’ sports talk KSAC, Sacramento “FOX Sports 104.7/890 AM” drops “The Grant Napear Show” after eight months animgd replaces it with FOX Sports Radio’s “The Odd Couple” with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington. Napear broke the news himself tweeting out, “BREAKING NEWS: I was just informed they are pulling the plug on my show. My thanks to you for your support and @RyaninSactown who did a great job.” Napear references on-air producer Ryan Bohamera. Napear was a host on KHTK, Sacramento and TV voice of the NBA’s Kings but was fired after a media exchange with DeMarcus Cousins over the Black Lives Matter movement.  

Industry News

Tim Dillon Busts into Top 20 on Podtrac’s April Podcast Ranker

Podtrac releases its U.S. Top Podcasts chart for April 2026 based on unique monthly audience for participating networks and there’s little imgchange, especially at the top of the ranker where NPR’s “NPR News Now” (#1), The New York Times’ “The Daily” (#2), “Up First from NPR” (#3), NBCUniversal’s “Dateline NBC” (#4), and FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” (#5) fill out the top five. Moves of note include comic Tim Dillon entering the top 20 at #19 with his “The Tim Dillon Show” and Disney’s “20/20” joining the chart at #20. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Steve Sanchez Show Adds New Affiliates

Las Vegas-based talk radio host Steve Sanchez is expanding his imgeponymous program, adding affiliate stations KAAA, Kingman, AZ; KZZZ, Bullhead City, AZ/Laughlin, NV; KKFT, Reno, NV; and KXEX, Fresno, CA. Sanchez’s program airs live from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm nightly on Audacy’s KMXB-HD3/K268CS, Las Vegas “101.5 FM K-DAWN.” Sanches says, “We’re building a platform that reaches audiences on air, online, and on demand. The expansion reflects continued growth of ‘The Steve Sanchez Show’ across both broadcast and digital platforms.”

Industry News

Cumulus’ WOSH and WNAM Win WBA Awards

Cumulus Media’s Wisconsin radio stations WOSH, Oshkosh “NewsTalk 93.9 & 1490” and WNAM, Neenah-Menasha were honored with four imgAwards for Excellence at the 2026 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards Gala presented last Saturday (5/2). Cumulus notes that in the Medium Market News & Talk Stations Division, WOSH took First Place honors for Best Interview with hosts Steve Edwards and Ron Ross discussing WNAM’s final day of broadcasting on December 31, 2025, after 78 years on air. Program director Steve Edwards (pictured here with the awards) says, “We are thrilled to see NewsTalk WOSH and WNAM honored with four Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards. The commitment to excellence and community-focused broadcasting continues to set the standard – these awards are well deserved.”

Industry News

APM Names Adams Host of “Marketplace Morning Report”

American Public Media announces that Kimberly Adams is being promoted to host of the flagship weekday morning program, “Marketplace Morning Report.” Adams has been serving as senior Washington correspondent and host of the podcast, “Make Me Smart.” Marketplimgace VP and general manager Neal Scarbrough says, “We are thrilled about this next chapter for the ‘Morning Report,’ and our audience should be too. Kimberly has distinguished herself as a ground-breaking, multiplatform correspondent and host who has built an unwavering connection with our audience. Beyond her diligent reporting, listeners have embraced Kimberly’s leadership and versatility as the host of ‘Call to Mind,’ ‘Marketplace Tech,’ and ‘Make Me Smart.’ This is an exciting time for the millions of listeners who start their day with the ‘Marketplace Morning Report.’”

Industry News

Detroit Sports Media Figure Pat Caputo Dies at 67

imgFormer WXYT-FM, Detroit talk host and Motor City sportswriter Pat Caputo died on Thursday (5/7) after a battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 67. Caputo hosted in several dayparts on 97.1 The Ticket during his time with the station. He also was a contributor to WJBK-TV, Detroit. But he was initially known in the Detroit market writing for the Oakland Press from 1983 through 2020. See the Detroit News obituary here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (May 4-8)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (5/4-8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Iran War / Peace Negotiations
  2. Gas Prices / The Economy / Tariff Ruling
  3. Ohio-Indiana Primary Races
  4. Rubio-Pope Meeting
  5. Purported Epstein Suicide Note / Lutnick Testimony
  6. White House Seeks AI Oversight
  7. Redistricting
  8. DOJ to Investigate Smith College
  9. Andes Hantavirus
  10. Met Gala

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Pete Hegseth
  3. JD Vance
  4. Scott Bessent
  5. Jerome Powell
  6. Vivek Ramaswamy
  7. Rodric Bray
  8. Kash Patel
  9. Marco Rubio / Pope Leo XIV
  10. Jeffrey Epstein / Howard Lutnick

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

Audacy Unveils Talk Hosts for “97.1 The Fan” in Los Angeles

Audacy’s new Los Angeles sports talk station is set to launch on May 18 on KNX-FM branded as “97.1 The Fan.” The company revealing its daily 6:00 am to 6:00 pm programming lineup. The morning drive show is “Derek & Decker” featuring five-time NBA champ Derek Fisher and former MLB player Cody Decker. The midday show is “Brock & Alex” with NFL veteran Brock Vereen and Emmy-winning broadcaster Alex imgCurry. The afternoon drive program is “D-Mac & Reiter” starring sports media personality Doug McKain and columnist and sports radio pro Bill Reiter. “97.1 The Fan” brand manager Andrew Williams states, “Los Angeles is a sports powerhouse with a deep connection between teams, fans, and culture, and this new lineup brings together championship-level personalities, veteran player perspective, and sharp analytical expertise. We’re building a full-scale, live and local LA sports network that brings sports to the FM dial and across multiple platforms to meet our audiences where they are. We’re excited to give fans an unparalleled listening and viewing experience that’s as entertaining and authentic as it is insightful.”

Industry News

Gomez Urges Review of Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez is calling on the FCC to “conduct a full, independent, and rigorous review of the foreign ownership interests embedded in the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.” Noting that under federal law, foreign governments and their representatives are prohibited from owning the licenses of CBS’s television stations and any indirect foreign ownership above 25% imgrequires Commission approval after a serious look into whether that arrangement serves the American public and protects our national security. Gomez states, “The American public deserves to know who owns the airwaves that carry their news. I am alarmed by what appears to be an effort to rubber stamp a financial structure that places nearly half of one of America’s largest broadcast and media companies into the hands of foreign governments with documented records of press suppression and a troubling willingness to silence journalists. There are serious, unresolved questions about how this foreign investment may jeopardize national security, and this Commission has a legal obligation to answer them before handing wealthy friends of this administration yet another Billionaire Buddy Bypass on a transaction that strikes at the heart of American journalism.” In her statement, Gomez points out that this deal involves sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi investing in a company that controls CBS broadcast stations, as well as major cable news operations including CNN. According to Paramount’s own filing, total foreign ownership of the combined company upon closing would reach approximately 49.5 percent. Nearly half of one of America’s largest broadcast and media companies would be in foreign hands.

Industry News

Newsmax Hits Social Media Follower Mark of 25 Million

Newsmax says that it has hit a major milestone in its digital expansion, surpassing 25 million followers across all social media platforms. The company says that its continuous and significant growth in social media followers – up 25% from a year ago – underscores the brand’s img“accelerating reach and deepening engagement with audiences nationwide.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “This growth shows that Newsmax is truly touching a nerve with audiences. We are continuing to execute on our strategy to reach all people on all platforms, and the results speak for themselves. Passion for our brand remains incredibly strong. We’re seeing audiences actively seek out Newsmax across platforms, share our content, and become part of a growing community that values our reporting and viewpoint.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia and MapQuest Partner for “Live Radio” Button on the Map Service

iHeartMedia strikes a deal with navigation platform MapQuest to give users the ability to listen to streaming radio while using the navigation imgplatform via a “Live Radio” button in the upper right corner of the dashboard. The companies say mobile app integration is planned for a future phase. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “This partnership puts iHeart’s live radio in front of MapQuest’s millions of monthly users, giving consumers more of the content they seek. It’s a simple, intuitive way to extend our reach and enhance how people experience audio on the go.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (5/6)

The most discussed stories yesterday (5/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Iran War / Peace Negotiations
  2. Purported Epstein Suicide Note
  3. Gas Prices / The Economy
  4. Rubio-Pope Meeting
  5. Andes Hantavirus
Industry News

Ted Turner Dies at 87

CNN creator Ted Turner has died after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Among Turner’s accomplishments during his career was the launch of CNN – the Cable News Network – in 1980. The cable channel went on to change the way Americans got their news and launched the 24-hour news cycle. It would also ultimately bring opinion and commentary programming to television and lead Rupert Murdoch to build his own news network in the form of FOX News Channel. But it was the 1991 Gulf War that made CNN feel like “must-see TV” for Americans and much of the rest of the world. Turner sold his media assets to Time Warner in 2000.

Industry News

Glenn Beck Presents Ellis Island Event in Celebration of America’s 250th

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Last Saturday (5/2), Premiere Networks nationally syndicated personality Glenn Beck in conjunction with non-profit organization Moms for Liberty and the American Journey Experience (a museum, research library and education center focused on American history that’s operated by Beck’s charitable organization Mercury One), hosted an America’s 250th Anniversary celebration on Ellis Island titled, “Sea to Shining Sea.” The exclusive event featured performances by award‑winning singer Mary Millben and contest winners Grace Allen, Derek Hinckley and Chrissy Owens, who were selected from entries submitted to “The Glenn Beck Program” and trained with renowned vocal coach Roger Love. The event also included special guest speakers and a live performance with a 51‑piece orchestra featuring two original songs written by Beck titled, “They Came for the Hope” and “O, Lady of Liberty.” Pictured above in the Ellis Island Great Hall are (from l-r): Derek Hinckley, Grace Allen, Chrissy Owens, Joy Horn, Glenn Beck, and Colleen Shelton.

Industry News

Joy Taylor Joins Urban One for Daily Podcast Feature

Media personality Joy Taylor is joining Urban One to launch a short-form sports commentary series titled, “The Daily Play with Joy Taylor.” The company says it will be distributed across its audio platforms Radio One, REACH Media, and the Urban One Podcast Network. Urban One says imgthe Monday through Friday program “cuts through the noise of the standard 24-hour sports cycle” in which “Taylor delivers 5-10 minutes of sharp insight, authentic commentary, and cultural depth, offering perspective on the headlines that matter most. The show is built on the philosophy that ‘nobody breaks down the game like a woman who actually knows it.’” Taylor adds, “I wanted to create something fast, focused, and always authentic. Sports fans are busy, but they want the context behind the conversation. With ‘The Daily Play,’ I’m giving them what it means and what to watch next – in just a few minutes. Joining Urban One allows me to talk directly to a loyal, engaged audience across the country. I’m excited to get back to my radio roots!”

Industry News

WURD, Philadelphia Hosts Event at Philly Tech Week

As part of Philly Tech Week, WURD Radio is hosting “Ready, Set, Grow: Digital Business Foundations” tomorrow (5/7) from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at P4 Hub. The station says the free event brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and industry experts for a practical conversation imgon how to use digital tools and strategies to grow and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Especially as the city of Philadelphia prepares for a surge of global visitors tied to events including the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the MLB All-Star Game, local businesses face a potentially golden opportunity. “Ready, Set, Grow: Digital Business Foundations” is designed to ensure they are prepared to capture that opportunity by strengthening their digital presence, improving customer experience, and increasing visibility. The evening will feature a fireside chat and panel discussion moderated by author and tech influencer Stephanie “TechLifeSteph” Humphrey, host of “Life & Tech” on WURD Radio.

Industry News

“America at Night with McGraw Milhaven” Adds 25 Affiliates

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One says “America at Night with McGraw Milhaven” has added  25 new affiliates since the launch of the show in December, expanding the show’s national footprint to 280 affiliates coast imgto coast. New station partnerships include WCCO-AM, Minneapolis; KTRS-AM, St. Louis; WPRO-AM, Providence; and KCMO-AM, Kansas City. The show airs live weeknights from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET. Westwood One says, “McGraw Milhaven delivers appointment listening for late-night audiences, featuring host McGraw Milhaven’s signature mix of compelling interviews, sharp analysis, and positive energy listener interactions. Milhaven brings both authority and approachability to national late-night talk radio – offering a fresh, contemporary voice grounded in experience.”

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (5/5)

The most discussed stories yesterday (5/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

  1. Iran War / Project Freedom
  2. Ohio-Indiana Primary Races
  3. Gas Prices / The Economy
  4. Rubio-Pope Leo Meeting
  5. Deadly Cruise Ship Virus
Industry News

WWO: Programmatic Audio Buying is Soaring

Today’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group reports on the results of a March 2026 Advertiser Perceptions study of 301 advertisers and agencies about programmatic buying. The results indicate that 82% that currently use programmatic audio advertising. Some of the findings of the study include: 1) 82% of agencies and imgadvertisers are currently buying audio programmatically, up two times from 2022 (41%); 2) The most used programmatic audio demand-side platforms are Google Display & Video 360, The Trade Desk, and Amazon DSP; 3) Among publishers, the most utilized supply-side platforms for digital audio ads are Google Ad Manager, distantly followed by Amazon Publisher Services, Open X, and PubMatic; 4) Among those who purchase podcasts, Google DV360, The Trade Desk, and Amazon’s DSP are the most utilized demand-side platforms; and 5) Recent announcements from Amazon Ads indicate a major expansion of over-the-air AM/FM radio and audio advertising capabilities within the Amazon Demand Side Platform. Regarding that last point, the study notes that those moves “focus on bridging the gap between traditional broadcast AM/FM radio and digital, programmatic buying, allowing advertisers to use Amazon’s first-party signals for targeting and measurement.” See the blog post here.

Industry News

Massachusetts Pubcasters to Merge

According to a piece in the Boston Globe, two of Massachusetts’ biggest public media firms are merging. Boston’s GBH and Western Massachusetts-based New England Public Media (NEPM) say the moves is to “expand imglocal journalism across the state.” GBH president Susan Goldberg tells the paper the proposed merger of GBH, NEPM, and Cape and Islands radio station CAI will form “one of the largest and most trusted statewide public media newsroom networks in the Commonwealth.” Goldberg adds, “In a media landscape that is constantly changing, and particularly in the imgwake of federal defunding of public media, we are finding new ways to be as impactful as possible for the communities we serve. Simply put, we are stronger together.” Goldberg tells the Globe they have no plans to reduce staff and are planning to invest in new roles. The story adds, “According to the proposal. NEPM will continue to operate as the primary public media provider in Western Massachusetts, maintaining its studios in Springfield and at the University of Massachusetts. Its brand and programming – including local news, music, and educational shows – will remain in place.”

Industry News

NY Public Radio Names New Executives

Three new executives join New York Public Radio (WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio). Ru imgSharma joins as chief people officer, Emily Christner is named chief growth and engagement officer, and Patti Cohen is the new SVP of analytics, insights and research. NYPR president and CEO Christy Tanner states, “Ru, Emily, and Patti will be essential partners to the New York Public Radio team as we work together to expand our position as an iconic center of excellence, operating in public service to our city, with global impact.”