Advertisement
|
Top Radio News
MRN and PRN Join Forces to Launch NASCAR Racing Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 21, 2025 |
|
 |
NASCAR's Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Speedway Motorsports' Performance Racing Network (PRN) have announced the formation of the NASCAR Racing Network (NRN), a collaboration that aims to expand NASCAR's radio reach and enhance coverage for race fans across the country. The newly established network launched its live coverage last Friday with the season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway.
"Working side by side, MRN and PRN have built one of the largest radio networks in sports, delivering the excitement of NASCAR racing to hundreds of thousands of race fans coast to coast," said Chris Schwartz, Motor Racing Network President. "The NASCAR Racing Network builds on each other's strengths and creates a new path for us to elevate the NASCAR Radio landscape for fans and stakeholders of the sport."
"Longtime fans of the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series may notice new voices but will hear the same great coverage they have come to expect over the years," said Gerry Horn, Performance Racing Network SVP and General Manager. "We are thrilled to formalize a partnership that will strengthen both networks allowing us to continue providing award-winning NASCAR coverage to fans nationwide."
Motor Racing Network, known as "The Voice of NASCAR," is in its 55th year of broadcasting and serves as the primary audio source for NASCAR stock car racing. MRN's play-by-play coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series reaches approximately 500 radio stations nationwide.
Performance Racing Network (PRN), a Speedway Motorsports LLC subsidiary, is one of two NASCAR-licensed multi-broadcast radio networks that markets, produces, and distributes motorsports programming 365 days a year.
RAB Presents Live Presentation ''The Ad Perspective''
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 21, 2025 |
|
 |
Radio Advertising Bureau's (RAB) upcoming One Voice for Radio presentation, entitled "The Ad Perspective," will explore the evolving role of audio and radio in agency media strategies, with a focus on the impact of Nielsen Audio Measurement Modernization on advertisers. The event will be hosted by RAB President & CEO Mike Hulvey on Thursday, February 27 at 12pm CT.
Panelists include:
- Diana Anderson - SVP, Group Director, National Audio & Local Digital Activation, Carat USA
- Mark Mandell - Director, IPG Mediabrands
- Bernie Shimkus - VP, Director of Research & Consumer Insights, Harmelin Media
- Naomi Smolevitz - Director & Head of Streaming Audio, OMD
The discussion will provide insights into how agencies view audio advertising and the opportunities arising from Nielsen's measurement updates. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to align with agency and client strategies in this shifting landscape.
The event is open to professionals in radio, advertising, and media planning. For more details and to register, click here.
San Diego FC Announces Official Radio Broadcast Partners
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 21, 2025 |
|
 |
San Diego FC (SDFC) has secured broadcast partnerships with iHeartMedia's KGB-AM (San Diego Sports 760 AM) for English-language coverage and Grupo PSN's TUDN 1700 AM for Spanish-language coverage. The multi-year agreements will provide live match broadcasts, expert analysis, and club content for fans across the region.
"We are thrilled to welcome iHeartMedia and Grupo PSN as our official radio broadcast partners," said San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn. "These partnerships will allow us to connect with fans in both English and Spanish, ensuring that every moment of San Diego FC's journey is accessible to our passionate supporters."
Veteran broadcaster Adrian Garcia Marquez will be the English-language play-by-play announcer for SDFC, calling games on San Diego Sports 760 AM, 101.5 KGB-HD2, and the iHeartRadio App. A South Chula Vista native, Garcia Marquez has covered some of the world's biggest sporting events, including three Super Bowls, 10 World Series, and 16 MLB All-Star Games, as well as major international soccer tournaments such as Copa America and the Concacaf Nations League.
On the Spanish-language side, Ricardo "Pony" Jimenez will lead coverage on TUDN La Deportiva 1700 AM. With more than 23 years of broadcasting experience, Jimenez has covered five FIFA World Cups, four Copa America tournaments, and seven Concacaf Gold Cups. A Universidad Autonoma de Baja California (UABC) graduate, he has held roles with ESPN Radio, Univision, TVC Deportes, and TUDN Radio.
Both broadcasts will feature guest analysts and rotating commentators, offering insights and in-depth match analysis. San Diego natives and former MLS players Marvell Wynne and Sal Sizzo, San Diego resident and MLS Season Pass talent Warren Barton, and San Diego sports media personality Darren Smith will contribute to coverage throughout the season.
In addition to live match coverage, pre-game and post-game shows, exclusive interviews, and mid-week programming will be available. A new official mid-week show on San Diego Sports 760 AM is set to debut soon, with further details to be announced.
Advertisement
|
Gow Media/Houston Upgrades to BE's AudioVAULT 11
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 21, 2025 |
|
 |
Gow Media has upgraded its automation system to Broadcast Electronics' (BE) new AudioVAULT 11, enhancing its ability to manage and deliver programming across its diverse media platforms. Gow Media operates three Houston-area stations -- KFNC (ESPN 97.5 FM & 92.5 FM) and KGOW (1560 AM) -- along with digital properties CultureMap.com, SportsMap.com, and InnovationMap.com.
The upgrade to AudioVAULT 11 brings expanded capabilities, including advanced scheduling, cloud-based disaster recovery via CloudVAULT, remote access through AudioVAULT Anywhere, and seamless integration with Adobe Audition.
A.D. Rigmaiden, Chief Engineer at Gow Media, praised the transition process and the system's performance. "Gow Media has been customers of BE, using AudioVAULT since our inception back in 2007. Around 2011, we upgraded to AVFleX and the platform was very predictable for years. When we heard about the improvements to the platform in AudioVAULT 11, we were excited to do the upgrade," Rigmaiden said.
The installation process, led by Charlie Noble from Broadcast Electronics, was completed without any broadcast interruptions. "We started the process of gathering and sending information to the team at BE to get our system designed just right. The entire process from start to finish went really well," said Noble. "Everything went very smoothly, no off-air time, no real hiccups."
Rigmaiden stated, "The transition to AudioVAULT 11 has been seamless. The guys picked up the changes very quickly and have not missed a beat. The system itself has been a great improvement, the previous version was really good and predictable, but the new AudioVAULT 11 has been incredibly stable and the reliability, wow. It really has been a true upgrade."
"The new AVScheduler has been really nice. To be able to make real-time changes and see things happen from the server room has made log management a breeze. I am not sure what could even be done to improve this product, it has met and surpassed expectations big time. I love working with the entire team at BE and of course Charlie is the best," he added.
Rich Redmond, President and COO of Broadcast Electronics, expressed appreciation for the long-term relationship with Gow Media. "We are pleased to continue our long-term partnership with Gow Media and thank them for trusting Broadcast Electronics to help deliver their content to Houston. AudioVAULT 11 simplifies operations, provides seamless cloud-enabled disaster recovery, and puts more power in the hands of the Gow Media team to create compelling content that connects with their listeners."
KRG Analysis Finds Radio Delivers Affluent Consumers
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
A new analysis by Katz Radio Group of MRI-Simmons data reveals that affluent consumers -- traditionally targeted through print and television -- are heavily engaged with radio, presenting a significant opportunity for advertisers. Despite a long-standing focus on luxury magazines, financial television networks, and other high-end media, marketers may be missing a powerful way to connect with high-net-worth individuals.
The study defines affluence by net worth rather than annual household income, accounting for assets such as financial accounts, home value, and possessions. With the average net worth of U.S. adults standing at $418,000, Katz identified the top media choices of wealthy consumers, including their preferred radio formats.
Among the top 50 commercial media properties ranked by consumer net worth, several radio formats outperformed well-established prestige media outlets. Classical and All News stations boasted higher average net worths than any measured TV network, magazine, or newspaper. News/Talk and Adult Album Alternative (AAA) formats ranked ahead of respected brands like The Atlantic, Golf Channel, and Fox Business Network. Even Alternative music stations attracted a wealthier audience than The New Yorker, while Soft AC listeners surpassed The Economist readers in net worth.
Beyond simply reaching high-net-worth individuals, radio formats also capture their substantial spending habits. Katz's analysis found that affluent radio listeners tend to spend more than the average U.S. adult across multiple categories. High-net-worth formats over-index in spending on travel, technology, fine dining, jewelry, and luxury goods. Domestic travel spending is particularly strong among All News, Classical, and Sports radio audiences. These listeners also prioritize local expenditures, frequently spending on dining, automotive services, property maintenance, veterinary care, and florists.
For advertisers, these findings highlight the untapped potential of radio as a premium advertising channel. While high-net-worth audiences engage with classical and news formats, affluents are also tuning into a broad range of AM/FM stations, bringing their substantial purchasing power with them.
Click here to explore an updated analysis from Katz Radio Insights & Analytics team.
Report: Podcast Ad Spending Climbs 19% in Q4 2024
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
Podcast advertising spending continued its upward trajectory in the fourth quarter of 2024, increasing 19% year-over-year, according to Magellan AI's latest benchmark report. Monthly spending throughout the quarter outpaced the Q3 average, with the most significant surge occurring in December.
Eight of the top 10 podcast advertisers from Q3 maintained their positions in Q4, while Activision and FanDuel entered the list for the first time. The top 10 advertisers collectively spent $124 million in Q4, marking a 33% increase from the previous quarter.
Leading the spending was Amazon ($22.2 million), followed by Activision ($17.1 million), and BetterHelp ($15.1 million). Other major advertisers included T-Mobile, Toyota, Shopify, SimpliSafe, and DraftKings.
A total of 1,584 brands advertised on podcasts for the first time in Q4, representing a 10.2% increase from Q3. Sports podcasts proved particularly attractive, with one out of every six new brands incorporating them into their media plans.
Certain industries saw explosive growth in podcast ad spending: Shoe brands led the charge, with spending skyrocketing 145% quarter-over-quarter, driven by brands like DSW, TOMS, and Tecovas. Oral hygiene brands doubled their investment (+99%), followed by jewelry (+75%), investing services (+74%), and consumer electronics (+49%).
The average advertiser ad load increased slightly from 7.09% in Q3 to 7.35% in Q4, reflecting greater monetization opportunities for podcasts. The most common ad placements for new advertisers were mid-roll spots, with an average length of 51 seconds.
Podcast sports and news genres saw the highest influx of new brands, followed by comedy and society & culture. Sports podcasts experienced a significant rise in ad load, jumping from 6.48% in Q4 2023 to 8.26% in Q4 2024.
Magellan AI identified six brands with the most dramatic year-over-year growth in podcast ad spending heading into Q1 2025. Companies such as Amica Mutual Group, K18 Hair, Lululemon Athletica, and Constant Contact are expected to further expand their investments in the medium.
KQED Enhances FM Signal Coverage with MaxxCasting
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
KQED/San Francisco, a NPR and PBS member station, has implemented a MaxxCasting system under a license agreement with GeoBroadcast Solutions. The system, which operates with four MaxxCasting nodes, is designed to improve FM signal coverage in the East Bay, particularly in areas previously affected by reception challenges, including regions impacted by dense topography and high population density.
The new system has improved service reliability in parts of Contra Costa County, including Walnut Creek, Concord, and Pleasant Hill, where listeners previously encountered inconsistent reception due to the region's terrain. By optimizing signal reach, KQED has strengthened its ability to serve communities that have historically struggled with interference or dropouts, particularly in areas where hills and urban development obstructed traditional FM transmission.
"Every market has unique needs," said John Paul Littleton, CTO at GeoBroadcast Solutions. "With KQED, our focus was on overcoming specific signal challenges in densely populated areas. The result is a solution that meets regulatory standards and improves coverage in areas previously plagued by signal blockages."
PURE Jingles Appoints Ilja Volkers as CCO
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
PURE Jingles has named Ilja Volkers as its new Chief Commercial Officer, bringing experience from major media companies such as BMG, Bertelsmann, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. In his new role, Volkers will focus on strengthening client relationships and advancing innovation through the integration of creativity, technology, and data-driven insights in the audio branding sector.
Volkers emphasized the rapidly evolving nature of the audio industry and the opportunities ahead for PURE Jingles. "The audio landscape is evolving rapidly, and the chance to help guide PURE Jingles into its next phase of growth presents exciting opportunities and challenges," he said. "I look forward to collaborating closely with our talented team and valued clients to deliver innovative sound solutions that not only captivate audiences but also create measurable value for brands and broadcasters."
Melvin Sleeking CEO of PURE Jingles added, "Ilja's expertise and forward-thinking approach align perfectly with our ambitions. His ability to enhance client relationships while driving innovation and creativity will allow us to evolve our offerings and contribute to the ongoing transformation of radio broadcasting and imaging."
Advertisement
|
Triton Digital Issues January 2025 U.S. Podcast Ranker
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
Triton Digital has released its January 2025 U.S. Podcast Ranker, covering the period from December 30 to February 2. For another consecutive month, the iHeart Audience Network secured the #1 position in the Top Sales Networks Report, with 64.4 million Average Weekly Downloads and 18.1 million Average Weekly Users. NPR maintained its #2 ranking with 25.7 million AWD and 6.3 million AWU, followed by Audacy Podcast Network at #3 with 12.6 million AWD and 4.7 million AWU.
The leading podcasts for January remained largely unchanged from previous months: NPR News Now (NPR) at #1, Up First (NPR) at #2, and The Dan Bongino Show (Cumulus Podcast Network) at #3.
For listeners, the top three podcasts included NPR News Now (NPR) at #1, Up First (NPR) at #2, and Shawn Ryan Show (Cumulus Podcast Network) climbs to #3.
There were several debuts for the month of January including The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson (iHeart Audience Network), The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott (Audacy Podcast Network), The Todd Starnes Show (Salem Podcast Network) and more for both downloads and listeners.
Covino & Rich (iHeart Audience Network), Sea of Lies from Uncover (CBC/Radio-Canada), Focus on the Family with Jim Daly (Focus On the Family), Zane and Heath: Unfiltered (Audioboom) and more debuted for downloads.
NPR Explains... (NPR), The Psychology of your 20s (iHeart Audience Network), Murder: True Crime Stories (Audacy Podcast Network) and more debuted for listeners.
Country Top 40 with Fitz" Marks Five Years with Fitz
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
"Country Top 40 with Fitz" (CT40) is celebrating five years with Fitz at the helm, continuing the legacy of the long-running country music countdown. The milestone marks Fitz's tenure as host after stepping into the role previously held by the late Bob Kingsley. Through syndication partner Skyview Networks, Fitz has maintained the tradition of the Top 40 format while bringing his own energetic style to the program, spotlighting country music's biggest stars and rising talent.
"It is an absolute dream every single weekend when I get to play the hits," said Fitz. "When I walk into Bob's studio, it feels like Christmas. We are just getting started, and I am so thankful for my partners at Hubbard Radio and Skyview Networks. Here's to many more years - may the hits be with you!"
The anniversary coincides with this evening's Country Radio Seminar's Acoustic Alley, where Fitz is set to host performances from country artists Tyler Hubbard, Rhett Akins, and Old Dominion.
"Country Top 40 with Fitz honors the legacy of this program while showcasing country radio's finest offerings," said Andrew Kalb, SVP of Business Development and Communication at Skyview Networks. "Fitz's authentic delivery and genuine enthusiasm create a powerful connection with listeners nationwide each week on CT40."
Stephen George Elected to NPR Board of Directors
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
NPR has announced the election of Stephen George to its Board of Directors as a Public Director. George, who currently serves as Head of Emerging Markets for the American Journalism Project, was elected by the Board on November 14, 2024, and later confirmed by NPR's Membership on February 7. He fills an expired term vacancy set to run through November 2027 and was formally seated on February 20, 2025.
George expressed his commitment to NPR's journalistic mission, stating, "Fact-based, independent journalism is essential to understanding our world today -- from our neighborhoods to our nation's capital, from hollers in my home state of Kentucky to cities and towns around the globe. NPR takes us there and back every day." He added, "I'm thrilled to continue my service on the Board at this critical moment for NPR and journalism across America, and I'm eager for the important work ahead."
NPR's Board of Directors consists of 23 members, including 12 Member Directors elected by NPR Member stations, 9 Public Directors selected by the Board and confirmed by Member stations, as well as the NPR Foundation Chair and the NPR President & CEO.
With a career deeply rooted in journalism, George has worked as a reporter, editor, and executive in various roles. Before joining the American Journalism Project, he was the President and CEO of Louisville Public Media (LPM), where he expanded the newsroom, launched new products, grew the audience, and boosted revenue development. He also served as NPR's Member Director from February 2023 to December 2024 while leading LPM.
Prior to his tenure at LPM, George was executive editor of the organization, overseeing journalism that earned a Peabody Award. He has also worked as editor-in-chief of the Nashville City Paper and LEO Weekly, with his writing featured in various local, state, and national publications.
Four NYC-Area Public Radio Stations Form Collaborative
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
Four public radio music stations in the New York City area are joining forces to form the Tri-State Public Radio Music Collaborative (TSPRMC), a partnership aimed at increasing audience engagement, content creation, and revenue generation. The collaboration brings together WBGO (Newark Public Radio), WQXR (New York Public Radio), WFUV (Fordham University Public Radio), and WSHU (Sacred Heart University Public Radio).
"This project is a unique opportunity to leverage our geographical proximity and exceptional influence we share as four of America's most influential broadcasters," said WBGO President and CEO Steven A. Williams. "For the first time, we'll work together to develop initiatives that will benefit public radio listeners in the nation's largest media market and the public media system as a whole, and at the same time we'll build a foundation for similar collaborations between stations in other cities."
The initiative is backed by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which will fund the development of a five-year business model. This model will outline structural plans for staffing and management and could serve as a blueprint for similar partnerships nationwide.
LaFontaine E. Oliver, President and CEO of New York Public Radio, emphasized the importance of the collaboration: "WQXR is proud to unite with our fellow music format public radio stations in the tri-state region to find new, inventive ways to collaboratively serve our audiences. At WQXR, we are committed to making classical music inviting and available to everyone and joining forces with other stations who share our values of accessibility and service can demonstrate the unique value we bring to our communities. We are grateful to WBGO for spearheading this work and convening this collective, and to the CPB for supporting this effort."
Two media-focused firms -- Public Media Company and Paragon -- will assist in shaping the collaborative's strategy. Public Media Company will help define long-term goals, while Paragon will conduct digital audits and membership data analysis for each station.
The audits will assess digital marketing effectiveness and provide recommendations for improving content distribution and audience reach. Customized digital strategies will be developed for each station, guiding their marketing efforts and audience engagement tactics.
"The idea of collaboration among the New York area's music stations has been informally discussed for more than a decade," said Chuck Singleton, WFUV's General Manager. "We're excited to see it advance with our great colleagues, thanks to CPB's generous support, and we look forward to exploring paths to strengthening our connections."
The initiative will also examine membership trends and donor engagement, analyzing the effectiveness of different fundraising approaches. Research will focus on donor preferences for recurring versus one-time contributions, as well as the effectiveness of traditional and digital fundraising methods.
"This historic collaboration of public media stations represents a significant step forward in understanding and enhancing the relationship between public media and its supporters," said Brad Dancer, WSHU's President and General Manager. "We could not be more excited to be part of this endeavor and explore new opportunities to help each other grow. We will learn so much more together."
Advertisement
|
AI Platform Unlocks New Revenue for Wolfman Jack Archive
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
SourceAudio, the parent company of Alpha Libraries for Radio, has announced that its AI-powered platform, "SongLab," is helping the "Wolfman Jack Archive" repurpose and monetize content from the legendary radio host while safeguarding ownership and copyrights across digital platforms. Utilizing its "AudioGenius" technology, SongLab enables content owners like the Wolfman Jack estate to efficiently manage and protect their audio archives.
"The opportunities that SongLab's AudioGenius has created and revealed for the Wolfman Jack archive is the tip of our AI iceberg," said Andrew Harding, Co-Founder & CEO of SourceAudio. "We're incredibly excited to be providing the Wolfman Jack Archive and other similar clients with the ability to unlock new revenue streams and protect and monetize their content for the modern digital ecosystem."
Tod Weston Smith, son of Wolfman Jack and President of "Wolfman Jack Entertainment," emphasized how AudioGenius has improved their ability to maintain and expand the late broadcaster's legacy.
"AudioGenius has proven to be an invaluable service, as Wolfman Jack continues to reach audiences worldwide via radio and we are still actively producing multiple Wolfman Jack formats to preserve his legacy," said Smith. "AudioGenius has significantly streamlined our process, allowing our Wolfman Jack team to access and retrieve clips from our extensive digital archives in seconds, rather than spending hours searching, and we are now able to generate additional revenue from previously underutilized or unused content."
SongLab's "AudioGenius" technology simplifies the discovery, organization, and monetization of archived audio by automatically scanning, tagging, and separating elements within media files. Key features include "instant audio recognition," "advanced stem separation," "real-time tracking," and "YouTube Content ID integration" to help copyright holders claim and monetize their intellectual property.
Red Apple Audio Networks Syndicates ''The Rev & The Rabbi''
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
Red Apple Audio Networks is broadening its lineup with "The Rev & The Rabbi," a one-hour weekend program airing Sundays from 7-8am. The show, hosted by Reverend A.R. Bernard and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, aims to foster discussions on religion, faith, and culture by featuring a diverse array of guests, including religious leaders, athletes, politicians, and entertainers.
"With Red Apple Audio Networks, we are bringing programming about myriad topics to radio stations across America - politics, music, and now faith-based, with more on the horizon," said Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and 77WABC Radio. "The Rev & The Rabbi presents topics that inspire conversation, and that people of all faiths can find relatable and engaging."
Reverend A.R. Bernard leads the Christian Cultural Center (CCC), New York's largest house of worship, with more than 45,000 members. Under his leadership, CCC has become one of the fastest-growing churches in the country, welcoming people from all backgrounds.
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik serves as Executive Vice President of The New York Board of Rabbis, the world's largest interdenominational rabbinic organization. A longtime leader at Congregation Mount Sinai in Brooklyn Heights, Potasnik is now Rabbi Emeritus and has been a Chaplain for the New York City Fire Department since 1999.
AI Adoption in Broadcasting Sees Significant Growth
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
|
 |
The use of artificial intelligence in broadcasting has surged over the past year, according to Haivision's newly released 2025 Broadcast Transformation Report. The report, based on a survey of 874 global broadcasters and media professionals, highlights AI as a rapidly growing force in the industry, with adoption more than doubling since last year.
According to the survey, 25% of broadcasters now utilize AI in their workflows, a sharp increase from just 9% in 2024. Additionally, 41% of those not currently using AI indicated plans to implement the technology within the next two years. However, nearly half (48%) of respondents stated they have no plans to adopt AI at this time.
AI is expected to have a profound impact on the broadcasting industry over the next five years. When asked about transformative technologies, 64% of respondents ranked AI and machine learning as the most significant, ahead of 5G (60%) and 4K UHD (28%).
"The findings in this year's Broadcast Transformation Report reveal both the exciting innovations and the persistent challenges facing broadcasters today," said Marcus Schioler, Vice President of Marketing at Haivision. "From the continued expansion of SRT, 5G, and AI to the measured adoption of cloud technologies, broadcast ecosystems are evolving to leverage new tools that drive efficiency, enhance production quality, and future-proof their operations."
Among the key benefits of AI, 45% of respondents cited efficiency and productivity gains through automation, while 42% pointed to automated translation and closed captioning. AI's potential for content creation was also recognized, with 36% of respondents believing it will play a role in future production.
Despite AI's growing adoption, the industry still faces hurdles, including budget constraints and hiring qualified staff, which were identified as top challenges in the report.
Beyond AI, the report also detailed shifts in other broadcast technologies. The use of 5G in live video transmission continues to grow, with 76% of broadcasters relying on 5G cellular networks, while cloud adoption remains widespread but limited in scale, as 49% of respondents use it for less than a quarter of their workflows.
NAB's LeGeyt Calls for Modernization of Ownership Rules
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 19, 2025 |
|
 |
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt called for urgent reforms to the FCC's broadcast ownership rules, arguing that outdated regulations are placing local radio and television stations at a severe competitive disadvantage against Big Tech. Speaking at The Media Institute's 2025 Communications Forum, LeGeyt stressed the critical role broadcasters play in democracy and emergency response, warning that their ability to serve the public is in jeopardy.
LeGeyt highlighted that local stations provide essential journalism, emergency information, and community-focused content that cannot be replicated by digital platforms. However, he criticized federal regulations that restrict broadcasters' ability to scale, while tech giants like YouTube, TikTok, and Netflix operate without similar constraints. He pointed out that YouTube now accounts for one-tenth of all television viewing in the U.S., while a third of adults under 30 get their news from TikTok.
"The government's failure to adapt its regulations to a changing media landscape has pushed local broadcasting to a precipice," LeGeyt warned, citing FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's previous statement that broadcasters are at a "break glass moment."
LeGeyt urged the FCC to take two key actions to level the playing field:
First, eliminate the national audience cap -- currently, no broadcaster can reach more than 39% of U.S. households, while streaming platforms and digital media can reach 100%.
Second, modernize local ownership rules -- existing regulations prevent TV broadcasters from owning two of the top four stations in a market and limit the number of radio stations a company can own. LeGeyt argued that these outdated restrictions hinder investment in journalism and innovation.
He also warned of the growing impact of Big Tech on live sports, with companies like Amazon and Netflix securing exclusive rights to major events, taking games away from freely available local broadcasts.
LeGeyt painted a dire picture of what is at stake if broadcasters cannot compete. He pointed to the decline of local newspapers and said broadcasters have stepped in to fill the gap, with local news production increasing by 33% over the last decade. He also emphasized the public's trust in local TV and radio news, which far surpasses trust in social media.
Moreover, he highlighted the essential role of broadcasters in emergency situations, such as the recent wildfires in California, where local stations provided critical real-time updates that doubled and tripled their audience numbers.
"The time to act is now," LeGeyt urged, calling on the FCC and Congress to support local broadcasters by updating regulations to reflect modern media realities.
LeGeyt concluded by reaffirming the NAB's commitment to ensuring broadcasters remain a cornerstone of American democracy, promising to work closely with policymakers to remove regulatory barriers that threaten their future.
Report: Black Americans Lead in Daily Audio Listening
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 19, 2025 |
|
 |
Black Americans are not only major contributors to audio content, but they also stand out as some of the most engaged listeners, according to new data from Edison Research. The latest findings from Edison's Share of Ear study reveal that Black consumers in the U.S. spend an average of 4 hours and 23 minutes per day listening to audio, compared to 3 hours and 50 minutes among the Non-Black population. This amounts to more than 30 additional minutes of daily audio consumption.
The report highlights that Black listeners engage with a wide range of audio content, including music, podcasts, and Talk radio. Their consumption habits play a key role in driving the success of artists and creators across the industry.
The study's release comes at a time when Black artists continue to make significant cultural contributions. In recent weeks, rapper Kendrick Lamar has been at the center of major events, earning multiple Grammy Awards and delivering a standout performance during the Super Bowl halftime show. Meanwhile, the Recording Academy also honored Quincy Jones for his legendary work with artists like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson.
While artists and creators are often celebrated for their influence on music and media, Edison Research's latest insight underscores the importance of the audience itself. The data suggests that Black consumers play a pivotal role in shaping trends, supporting artists, and fueling the audio industry's ongoing growth.
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
|
