Top Radio News

BPM Names Maxie Jackson New Program Director

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 10:46am CT

Maxie Jackson

Baltimore Public Media has appointed Maxie C. Jackson III as its new Program Director, overseeing content strategy and programming across WYPR-FM (88.1), WTMD-FM (89.7) and Your Public Studios. He most recently served as Executive Director of 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and previously was the first Chief Content Officer for New England Public Media, where he guided cross-platform efforts across television, radio, digital and social media.

Jackson's background also includes programming leadership roles at WETA in Washington DC, WNYC in New York, and earlier positions at WEAA in Baltimore and WCPN in Cleveland.

"We are thrilled to welcome Maxie Jackson to Baltimore Public Media," said Craig N. Swagler, President and General Manager of BPM. "His innovative approach to programming, his dedication to serving diverse audiences, and his proven ability to build meaningful, mission-driven content make him an exceptional fit for this moment in our organization's growth. Maxie's leadership will strengthen our local programming, music, and cultural offerings while deepening our connection to communities across Maryland."

Jackson said he is eager to return to Baltimore and help shape BPM's next chapter. "Public radio is at its best when it reflects the depth, complexity, and creativity of the communities it serves," he said. "I'm honored to join Baltimore Public Media and to work with the exceptional teams at WYPR, WTMD, and Your Public Studios to help shape what comes next for audiences across our region. Baltimore is a city rich with story, culture, and voice. I look forward to building programming that uplifts all of it."

Paragon Adds Geary Yonker as Sponsorship Consultant

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 2:13pm CT

Geary Yonker

Paragon has appointed long-time public radio sponsorship Sales Manager Geary Yonker as its new Sponsorship Consultant, expanding the company's efforts to support public radio outlets with strategic and hands-on revenue guidance. Yonker will work directly with Paragon's public radio clients to strengthen sponsorship performance and develop new revenue streams.

"Geary's established role in producing sponsorship revenue for WBEZ Chicago, Sound Opinions, and with events is invaluable for Paragon clients," said Paragon CEO Mike Henry. "Public radio stations need increased sponsorship revenue and new revenue streams to ensure sustainability, and Geary will help them reach their income goals."

Yonker brings more than 25 years of experience raising funds for mission-driven organizations, including major public media brands and nationally recognized podcasts. "I'm thrilled to join the Paragon team and bring my 25 years of experience identifying emerging trends and raising millions of dollars," he said. "We can view this moment either as a catastrophe or as a catalyst for the long-needed changes our industry requires. I see it as an opportunity to push forward."

Based in Chicago, Yonker was recently named Sponsorship Director at VuHaus Group -- where Henry also serves as a Director -- and will continue in that role along with his ongoing work for Sound Opinions. His career also includes helping news organizations build digital sales strategies, managing the Chicago edition of The Onion, founding a music festival that drew more than 400,000 attendees, and playing a national leadership role in podcast sales for programs including This American Life and Serial.

Radio Resources' POD Marks Year of Major Talent Growth

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 4:00pm CT

Personality on Demand (POD)

Radio Resources' Personality on Demand (POD) is closing out a milestone year highlighted by rapid growth, expanded station partnerships, and the addition of several high-profile radio personalities. The company says 2025 brought a surge of new affiliations and talent integrations, strengthening POD's role as a go-to service for stations seeking consistent, connection-driven on-air voices.

Among the year's biggest developments, Jay Beau Jones joined Cumulus WLS-FM Chicago and Beasley WROR Boston, bringing his broad-appeal style to two major-market brands. Jackson Blue continued his strong rise within POD, expanding to more than 20 stations, including SummitMedia's WWST Knoxville, KQCH Omaha, and KSPW Springfield.

POD also added a slate of experienced, market-tested personalities such as Marty McFly, Julian On The Radio, Kendall B, Jess Wright, and Barry McKay. They join returning talent including Danny & Kait, Steve Kelly, Marissa Lanchak, Skywalker, Riley Couture, Miggy Santos, and Bo Corona, giving stations a wide range of formats and styles to choose from.

"We are thrilled to have continued to build out an exceptional talent roster for our radio partners all year," said Rich O'Brien, Chief Development Officer for Radio Resources. "As the year comes to a close, our radio friends should know there is always a great host ready to jump into your market and work for you, creating community and compelling content each day."

POD's flexible model allows stations to quickly integrate personalities for daily shifts, weekends, fill-ins, and special programming, helping boost ratings, strengthen listener engagement, and enhance brand presence across formats.

Nachum Segal Network Taps Zeno Plus for Digital Upgrade

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 3:55pm CT

Nachum Segal Network

The Nachum Segal Network (NSN) has tapped Zeno Plus, an AI-powered broadcast and podcast platform from Zeno Media, as its new end-to-end technology partner. The agreement spans podcast hosting, automated production tools, broadcast operations, a redesigned website, and a new subscriber portal offering exclusive content. Zeno Plus will also provide radio consulting to help NSN refine its on-air programming and distribution strategy.

As part of the partnership, NSN will adopt Zeno Plus' AI podcast bot, designed to record, edit, and publish episodes with greater speed and efficiency. The network will also leverage Zeno Media's distribution and monetization capabilities to support growth across its digital channels.

"Zeno Plus was built by listening to what broadcasters actually need - modern tools that don't compromise what makes their brands unique," said Chaim Gross, Chief Product Officer at Zeno Media. "We're excited to support Nachum Segal's team with AI-powered creation, seamless distribution, and new revenue pathways so they can spend more time serving their audience."

NSN President Nachum Segal said the partnership will help elevate the listener experience while simplifying day-to-day production. "From faster publishing to an upgraded website and subscriber offering, this collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver motivating, essential, and timely content, true to our values and our audience," he said.

Zeno Plus provides broadcasters and podcasters with AI creation tools, automated workflows, and multichannel distribution paired with monetization options, offering an integrated platform for both traditional and digital audio operations.

B-Dub Radio Reaches 60 Weekday Affiliates Nationwide

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 4:24pm CT

B-Dub Radio

B-Dub Radio has hit a major milestone, expanding its national footprint to 60 weekday affiliates through syndication partner Skyview Networks. The latest stations to join the lineup include KDZY-FM in Boise ID, KALF-FM in Chico-Redding CA, and KLLL-FM in Lubbock TX, marking continued growth for the independently owned country radio program.

"Hitting 60 weekday affiliates is a big milestone, especially for an independently owned show," said Bryan "B-Dub" Washington, host of B-Dub Radio. "I am beyond grateful for every PD, GM and listener who decided to take this ride with us. We're building something special, and we're nowhere close to done."

"We are thrilled to see B-Dub Radio continue to set itself apart as one of the most dynamic and engaging country radio shows on air," said Andrew Kalb, EVP of Strategic Business Operations for Skyview Networks. He added that each new affiliate enhances the show's value for advertisers while spotlighting Washington's "incredible talent."

B-Dub Radio airs five hours daily across multiple dayparts, Monday through Saturday, and provides stations with customizable and content-only formats. Affiliates seeking more information visit skyviewnetworks.com.

Big Radio Holiday Auction Raises Record $20,575

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 4:06pm CT

Big Radio

Big Radio Janesville, WI's annual Holiday Charity Auction set a new record this year, raising $20,575 to support local families and community services. The online event, which ran December 1-8, drew nearly 300 bids across 35 donated items, reflecting strong engagement from listeners and area businesses.

Proceeds from the auction benefit two local organizations -- E.C.H.O. and The Salvation Army -- ensuring all funds remain in the community to bolster essential holiday-season support.

"This event shows the incredible power of local radio and its advertisers to come together and make a real difference," said Big Radio's Ben Thompson. "Every bid, every donated item, and every sponsor proves that when local businesses and listeners unite, amazing things happen."

The annual fundraiser continues to highlight the role local radio plays in connecting communities and driving meaningful charitable impact.

SuiteRadio Offers Free ''Long Live Rock'' Holiday Specials

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 3:45pm CT

SuiteRadio

SuiteRadio is rolling out a fresh batch of complimentary holiday programming designed to give radio staffs a break during the Christmas and New Year season. The network has introduced a new one-hour feature, "Long Live Rock," available now in five themed editions.

The series includes: Songs Turning 50 in 2025, Supergroups, December Birthdays, One-Hit Wonders, and Guitar Gods -- each crafted to bring stations a turnkey dose of rock flavor for the holidays.

Programmers interested in adding the new feature to their lineup can contact Jim Jones for instant download access here.

Rowdy Yates Offers Free 2025 Holiday Country Specials

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 3:47pm CT

Rowdy Yates

Country Radio Hall of Famer Rowdy Yates is offering stations a wide range of free Christmas programming for the 2025 holiday season, with no contracts, barter or fees required.

Yates has assembled multiple long-form music specials, including "A Really Rowdy Christmas" and "A Lone Star Christmas," along with "Ridin' with Rowdy," a plug-and-play feature designed to fit local clocks, formats and spot loads in any daypart over the holiday break.

For the first time, Yates is also making available a special, content-rich edition of "Rowdy on the Rise" that can be used to give morning shows a break while keeping listeners engaged.

Stations interested in accessing the free content can contact Yates directly here.

Cumulus Names Jeremy Price to Lead Stockton-Modesto

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 8, 2025 | 2:16pm CT

Jeremy Price

Cumulus Media has appointed veteran sales and management executive Jeremy Price as Vice President/Market Manager for its six-station cluster in Stockton-Modesto, CA. Price steps into the role with more than two decades of experience overseeing radio and digital operations across California markets.

Price joins Cumulus after serving five years as Market Manager for Connoisseur Media (formerly Alpha Media) in Bakersfield. His career also includes leadership posts as President of iHeartMedia/Bakersfield, General Sales Manager for Oldies KMGV-FM (Mega 97.9) in Fresno, and Director of Digital Sales for Peak Broadcasting.

A longtime industry contributor, Price has served on the board of the California Broadcasting Association for more than ten years and is a past recipient of the Radio Wayne Award for professionalism in radio. He is also active in several community organizations, including Rotary International, Royal Rangers and Hume Lake Christian Camp.

"Jeremy is a very special leader and a highly effective manager who will greatly contribute to the success of the Stockton/Modesto cluster," said Patty Hixson, Regional Vice President, Cumulus Media. "We are pleased to welcome him aboard."

Price added, "Cumulus Stockton/Modesto has long been a dominant force in the market and I am humbled to be trusted with these amazing stations."

Edison Q3: AM/FM Radio Leads Ad-Supported Audio

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 8, 2025 | 2:02pm CT

Edison Research

Edison Research's latest "Share of Ear" study shows AM/FM radio remains the dominant force in ad-supported audio, holding a 64% share in Q3 2025 -- far surpassing all other platforms. The quarterly report, summarized this week on the Cumulus Media | Audio Active Group blog, highlights how traditional radio continues to drive reach, especially when paired with digital audio.

According to Edison's data, podcasts now account for 20% of ad-supported listening, solidifying their position as a major media channel with broad demographic appeal. Meanwhile, ad-supported streaming music services remain relatively small: Spotify holds 6% of the market, Pandora 5%, and both YouTube Music and Amazon Music account for 1% each.

The study also reveals a significant perception gap among marketers and media agencies. An Advertiser Perceptions survey conducted in August 2025 found that buyers believe Pandora and Spotify capture 41% of the audience, relegating AM/FM radio to just 26%. In reality, Edison's measurement shows AM/FM is 2.5 times larger than advertiser estimates -- and 11 times bigger than ad-supported Spotify.

Podcasts continue to expand their audience, particularly among older listeners. Since 2017, the median age of the podcast audience has climbed from 29 to 39, reflecting sizable growth among adults 25-44 and 45-64. Despite the shift, podcasting remains one of the youngest-skewing audio platforms.

Edison also underscores the importance of including AM/FM radio in media plans. Spotify, Pandora, and podcasts combined reach only one-third of Americans. When AM/FM is added, reach more than doubles -- from 33% to 74% -- making it essential for campaigns targeting broad audiences.

In the car, radio maintains its long-standing dominance. AM/FM commands an 84% in-vehicle share across key demographics, including 79% of adults 18-34 and 81% of adults 25-54, reinforcing its place as what the blog calls the "queen of the road."

Read the entire blog post here.

Golden Globes Reveal First-Ever Best Podcast Nominees

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 8, 2025 | 2:37pm CT

Golden Globes

The Golden Globes unveiled the nominees for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes, announcing the first-ever slate for Best Podcast during a press conference at the Beverly Hilton. Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall presented nominees across all 28 categories. The ceremony airs live Sunday, January 11, 2026, on CBS and streams on Paramount+.

The Hollywood awards staple -- long known as "Hollywood's Party of the Year" -- continues to expand its reach by recognizing excellence not only in film and television, but now in podcasting. Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment return as executive producing showrunners, with Dick Clark Productions again planning and producing the global telecast. Votes were tabulated by KPMG.

The inaugural Best Podcast nominees are:

• Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard (Wondery)
• Call Her Daddy (SiriusXM)
• Good Hang with Amy Poehler (Spotify)
• The Mel Robbins Podcast (SiriusXM)
• SmartLess (SiriusXM)
• Up First (NPR)

The final nomination slate arrives after early attention on a broader eligibility list that had included several polarizing political hosts. As Entertainment Weekly reported, figures such as Megyn Kelly, Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens -- all part of the 25-show shortlist generated by data partner Luminate -- did not ultimately receive nominations from the more than 400 international Golden Globes voters.

Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, said the new category highlights "the incredible depth, diversity and creativity thriving in the podcasting world today," praising work ranging from investigative journalism to personal storytelling and innovative audio formats.

The 83rd Golden Globes, hosted once again by Nikki Glaser, will air January 11 from 8-11pm ET on CBS and Paramount+.

Podtrac Publishes November 2025 Podcast Rankings

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 8, 2025 | 10:25am CT

Podtrac

Podtrac has released its Top US and Global Publishers & Networks and Top US Podcast rankings for November 2025, highlighting steady audience gains for several leading podcast companies. The new data shows that three U.S. publishers measured in the rankings grew their Unique Monthly Audience compared to October, while three also posted increases in U.S. streams and downloads.

iHeart Audience Network again led all U.S. publishers, reaching 63.9 million unique listeners and generating more than 336 million U.S. downloads for the month. iHeartPodcasts held the No. 2 position with just over 30 million listeners, followed by Acast, Libsyn, and NPR Sales Network in the top five. The Walt Disney Company remained in sixth place, while Fox Audio Network, Barstool Sports, Paramount, PRX, and Dallas-based The DailyWire continued to anchor the mid-tier positions. ReVolver Podcasts rounded out the chart at No. 17.

On the individual podcast side, NPR continued its dominance, with NPR News Now remaining the No. 1 show in the country. The Daily from The New York Times held steady in second place, and NPR's Up First continued at No. 3. Several programs made notable gains in November. The Shawn Ryan Show rose to fourth, reflecting its continued audience surge. Stuff You Should Know improved its standing, climbing to eighth, while NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! made one of the month's biggest jumps, moving to No. 14. The NPR Politics Podcast also advanced, rising to No. 20. Meanwhile, The Charlie Kirk Show experienced the largest decline of the month, slipping to No. 19 after a significant drop in audience rank.

NAB's Henry Hinton to Testify Against Radio Royalties

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 8, 2025 | 5:09pm CT

Henry Hinton

NAB Radio Board Director Henry Hinton, president of Inner Banks Media, will testify Tuesday before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Intellectual Property at a hearing examining how proposed changes to music licensing laws could affect local radio, artists and the public.

The hearing, titled "Balancing the Interests of Local Radio, Songwriters and Performers in the Digital Age," will take place December 9 at 3pm ET. Hinton, a lifelong broadcaster and longtime host of Talk of the Town, leads a multi-station group serving eastern North Carolina.

In his prepared remarks, Hinton emphasizes radio's long-standing role as a trusted source of local news, emergency alerts and community connection. He warns that the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) -- which would impose a new performance royalty on broadcast radio -- would place heavy financial strain on small and rural stations. Hinton argues the proposed fee would force operators to cut local programming, reduce staff or scale back community service, undermining radio's public mission.

Hinton also stresses the mutually beneficial relationship between radio and the music industry, noting that free airplay continues to drive artist discovery, touring, streaming and long-term fan engagement. His testimony cites radio's unmatched reach and promotional power, which he says would be jeopardized by AMFA.

Lawmakers from both parties have shown significant opposition to imposing new royalties on local stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act, a resolution opposing any new performance tax on broadcast radio, currently has 216 cosponsors in the House and 26 in the Senate. By comparison, AMFA has drawn far less support -- 12 House cosponsors and six in the Senate.

"NAB's Henry represents the very best of local radio in America," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. "As Congress considers changes to music licensing law, radio's ability to connect artists to fans and drive music discovery should be strengthened, not undermined."

Hinton will appear alongside SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe and recording artist Gene Simmons of KISS. His full written testimony was submitted to the committee.

Pillar Media Taps Jules Dygert as Denver Marketing Lead

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 8, 2025 | 3:44pm CT

Jules Dygert

Pillar Media has appointed Jules Dygert as senior marketing specialist for its Denver stations -- KFCO (The New Flo 107.1), KSRC (Star 101.5) and KPOF-AM. Dygert returns to radio with several years of media sales experience at Salem Media Group and most recently worked as an elementary school educator.

"I'm thrilled to jump back into the radio industry with Pillar Media," Dygert said. "Their commitment to uplifting, Christ-centered content resonates deeply with me. I'm honored for the opportunity to help businesses connect with our stations' audiences."

While at Salem, Dygert built partnerships with businesses, ministries, and nonprofits, creating strategic marketing campaigns and customized multiplatform solutions across radio, digital, and event sponsorships.

"We're excited to welcome Jules," said Eric Case, senior director of sales at Pillar Media. "She brings a passion for helping her business partners reach their goals by providing solutions for all their advertising needs. Jules' extensive marketing knowledge and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for our Denver team."

Urban One Moves Ahead With Indenture Changes for 2028 Notes

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 8, 2025 | 5:13pm CT

Urban One

Urban One has executed a supplemental indenture tied to its ongoing exchange offer for its 7.375% senior secured notes due 2028, according to an 8-K filing submitted to the SEC. The agreement, dated December 3, becomes operative only if the company completes its previously announced exchange offer and consent solicitation.

The filing states that Urban One reached sufficient holder support -- "Requisite Consents" -- to amend wide portions of the original 2021 indenture governing the notes. Once effective, the supplemental indenture will eliminate multiple covenants, including reporting requirements, limits on indebtedness, restricted payments, asset sales, affiliate transactions, additional guarantees, and corporate existence provisions. It also removes several events of default and deletes both the collateral and guarantee articles entirely.

Upon the exchange offer's settlement date, guarantees provided by Urban One's subsidiaries will be automatically released, and liens securing the notes will be terminated, effectively converting the notes into unsecured obligations. The trustee and collateral agent, Wilmington Trust, are authorized to file releases and termination statements once instructed.

Urban One emphasized that the amendments and releases will not take effect until the exchange and tender offers are consummated and consideration is delivered. CFO Peter D. Thompson signed the filing on December 8.

SiriusXM Launches New NBA Show "Deals and Dunks"

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 8, 2025 | 2:43pm CT

SiriusXM

SiriusXM has debuted a new weekday program, "Deals and Dunks," on SiriusXM NBA Radio, offering listeners an inside look at the business decisions shaping the league. The show premieres today, December 8, and will air every weekday from 1-2pm ET.

"Deals and Dunks" will focus on the inner workings of NBA front offices, breaking down roster moves, trade negotiations, salary cap strategy, and other behind-the-scenes elements that influence team building. The program is hosted by SiriusXM personality and The Athletic NBA writer Zach Harper, who will be joined by a rotating lineup of insiders and former executives.

Co-hosts will include former Phoenix Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough, former Suns front office executive Amin Elhassan, and veteran NBA reporters Marc Stein and Chris Haynes, each bringing extensive experience and perspective from years covering or working within the league.

The new show joins a robust weekday lineup on SiriusXM NBA Radio that features "The Starting Lineup" with Frank Isola and Brian Scalabrine, "Give and Go" with Rob "World Wide Wob" Perez and Antonio Daniels, and "NBA Today" hosted by Justin Termine and Eddie "Jumpshot" Johnson. Weekend programming includes "NBA Weekend" with Brian Geltzeiler and Sam Mitchell and "NBA Insiders" with Jason Jackson and Amin Elhassan.

Kirby, Raphael Join Media Institute Board of Trustees

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 8, 2025 | 4:53pm CT

Kethleen Kirby & Heidi Raphael

The Media Institute has elected two prominent industry leaders -- Kathleen Kirby of Wiley Rein LLP and Heidi Raphael of Beasley Media Group -- to its board of trustees.

Kirby, a veteran media attorney with more than 30 years of experience, is a partner at Wiley Rein LLC in Washington, D.C., where she co-chairs the firm's Telecom, Media, and Technology practice and serves on its Executive and Management committees. She represents major radio and television groups and programming networks on business, transactional, and regulatory matters before the Federal Communications Commission.

Her leadership background includes serving as president of the Federal Communications Bar Association and receiving honors from RTDNA and the Broadcasters Foundation of America. She is also a member of The Media Institute's First Amendment Advisory Council and sits on the Steering Committee for the Institute's Madison Project.

Raphael, Chief Communications Officer for Beasley Media Group, oversees corporate branding, public relations, and communications strategy for the company's multi-platform portfolio. She is the longtime Co-Chair of the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation and previously served in key leadership roles with Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, including seven years as spokesperson.

Raphael has also served on the NAB Radio Board and currently sits on the Florida Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors. She is a past recipient of the Broadcasters Foundation of America Leadership Award.

"We are delighted to have Kathy and Heidi joining our Board," said Media Institute President Richard Kaplar. "Each is highly respected in her field, and their complementary areas of expertise will be a valuable addition to our Board and to the Institute."

The Media Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on communications policy and First Amendment issues.