Advertisement |
Top Radio News
RAB & MIW Celebrate Rising Through the Ranks Graduates
RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 22, 2025 | 10:18am CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), in partnership with Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW), has announced the successful completion of the 17th annual Rising Through the Ranks program. The initiative began virtually on August 12 before continuing in person August 19-21 at BMI's Nashville headquarters.
This year's program brought together 26 broadcasters selected through an application process to participate in a two-day curriculum designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities for women in radio leadership. Sessions covered leadership development, team culture, and work-life balance, with a focus on practical applications participants can bring back to their organizations.
The 2025 program featured an extensive roster of industry leaders and experts, including Erica Farber, immediate past president and CEO of RAB; Kim Johnson, vice president of professional development at RAB; Sheila Kirby, president of MIW; and award-winning artist Trisha Yearwood. Additional speakers included executives from Cox Media Group, Audacy, Seven Mountains Media, Xperi, Salem Media Group, and others.
Support from industry partners also enhanced the program. Mr. Master provided classroom materials, and Xperi sponsored the program's lunches.
"Over the last 17 years, we have seen more than 465 broadcasters graduate from Rising Through the Ranks and propel their careers, as well as their companies, with the knowledge and skills gained," said Mike Hulvey, president and CEO of RAB.
"It's an honor for MIW to be part of this program every year," added Sheila Kirby, president of MIW. "We congratulate this year's graduates and cannot wait to see and support their successes throughout their careers."
2025 Rising Through the Ranks Graduates
Alabama
- Rebecca Carroll - Rockey City Broadcasting, Huntsville
- Lauren Merrill-Stakelon - Audacy, San Francisco
- Michelle Truong - Audacy, Brooklyn (actually New York - grouped below)
- Wanda "Wanda P" Patterson - Cox Media Group/Hot 106.5 FM, Jacksonville
- Jillian Sagat - Cox Media Group, Jacksonville
- Cassie Reimold - Salem Media Group, Tampa
- Whitney Zarder - North Central Florida Media, Saga Communications, Ocala
- Lauren Smith - Cox Media Group, Watkinsville
- Laura Roberts - Illini Media Group, Champaign
- Kadie Daye - Adams Radio Group, Valparaiso
- Margie Goehring - Ottumwa Radio Group, Ottumwa
- Mallory Bouslog - Marketron Broadcast Solutions, New Orleans
- Kayla Schneider - Hubbard Radio, Alexandria
- Sheena Ziegler - Hubbard Broadcasting, Brainerd
- Amanda Long - Broadcast House Media/NRG Media, Lincoln
- Slone Terranella - Beasley Media Group, Las Vegas
- Meredith McDermott - Connoisseur Media, Farmingdale
- Kate Savage - Audacy, Farmington
- Michelle Truong - Audacy, Brooklyn
- Bridget England - WFTK 96.5/Cumulus Media, Cincinnati
- Jess Palmer - iHeartMedia, Cleveland
- Nicole Eubank - WSM, Nashville
- Kari Stoddard - Midwest Communications, Nashville
- Jennifer Butman - Community Broadcast Partners, Abilene
- Susan Terwilleger - Saga Communications/Charlottesville Media Group, Charlottesville
- Lori Roberts - Seven Mountains Media, Parkersburg
iHeartMedia Names Julie Donohue President of EBD Group
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 10:19am CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
iHeartMedia appoints Julie Donohue as President of its newly formed Enterprise Business Development Group, the company announced in an internal memo from Chairman & CEO Bob Pittman and President/COO & CFO Rich Bressler.
The move comes as the company restructures its Multi-Market Partnerships Group (MMP) into a broader, more integrated business unit. The Enterprise Business Development Group will align MMP, Inside Sales, Unified Partnerships, and Political operations under one umbrella.
"As part of our ongoing efforts to align our operating structure with current and emerging opportunities in the marketplace, the Multi-Market Partnerships Group will now evolve into a more integrated business unit: the Enterprise Business Development Group," Pittman and Bressler wrote. "We're pleased to announce that Julie Donohue has been appointed President... This reflects Julie's exceptional leadership and her proven ability to identify and cultivate both new business opportunities and sales talent across the organization, and will enable us to better serve our partners, accelerate growth and unlock incremental opportunities at scale."
In her new role, Donohue will work closely with Conal Byrne, CEO of the Digital Audio Group; Lisa Coffey, Chief Business Officer; and members of the sales leadership team, including Ann Marie Licata, Bernie Weiss, Paul Corvino, Carter Brokaw, Jenna Craig, and Adrienne Pabst. Together, the group will coordinate efforts to maximize iHeartMedia's sales capabilities across its full portfolio of assets.
Donohue most recently served as President of Multi-Market Partnerships, after previously holding the role of Senior Vice President of the division. She led integrated marketing efforts for iHeartMedia's Chicago market for 13 years, where she built a sales team focused on strategic marketing partnerships. Earlier in her career, she was Director of Sales at CBS in Chicago and led the Infinity Promotions Group's Midwest office.
The Enterprise Business Development Group is designed to provide iHeart's sales teams -- regardless of market size or location -- access to the company's full range of assets, further streamlining the organization's ability to deliver solutions for advertisers and partners.
KABC Becomes Home of UCLA Bruins Football & Basketball
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 3:06pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Cumulus Media's KABC (Talk Radio 790) inks a multi-year agreement with UCLA Athletics to become the official radio broadcast home of UCLA Bruins football and men's basketball. Under the deal, KABC will serve as the flagship outlet of the UCLA Bruins Audio Network, with coverage also available on SiriusXM and the KABC app.
In addition to carrying the full slate of Bruins football and men's basketball, KABC will air four UCLA women's basketball games this winter and 28 weekly editions of the Bruin Insider Show. The program, airing Thursdays at 7 p.m., features exclusive interviews and insights on UCLA football, men's basketball, and other Bruins sports.
"With KABC's powerhouse signal and UCLA's legacy teams, Southern Californians will get some of the best in sports programming starting Fall 2025," said Luis Segura, Program Director of KABC. "We are tremendously excited to partner with UCLA as the new official broadcast home of Bruins football and men's basketball and look forward to turning up the volume on Bruins coverage for our passionate listeners and Southern California sports fans."
Advertisement |
KNSS' ''Steve & Ted'' Morning Show Marks 7,000th Broadcast
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 1:43pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Wichita's Steve and Ted morning show on KNSS-AM & FM) will celebrate its 7,000th broadcast on August 26. The milestone comes as longtime co-host Steve McIntosh prepares to retire at the end of the year, closing a chapter on one of Wichita radio's most enduring partnerships.
McIntosh and co-host Ted Woodward have shared the morning microphone since 1998, earning industry recognition along the way, including the Edward R. Murrow Award and a NAB Marconi Award. Their 27-year run has made them a staple in Wichita radio, known for their blend of news, commentary, and local connection.
"It's been a professional and personal pleasure to work with Ted for nearly 28 years," McIntosh said. "Thank you to all our loyal listeners and advertisers."
Woodward reflected on the show's long journey: "The road to our 7,000th show has been a long journey for me, nearly half my lifetime. What a cherished gift, as listeners have invited us into their homes, cars, phones, computers, devices, and AI microchip implants (maybe?) for 27+ years. It's been our honor, and we're truly blessed!"
McIntosh's career in broadcasting spans more than 55 years. Beyond his on-air presence, he has held leadership roles as News Director and Program Director at stations including KEYN, KFH, and KNSS. His contributions to radio journalism have been widely recognized, earning him multiple Murrow Awards, a Marconi Award, and induction into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
PopCrush Nights Sets Labor Day ''Sounds of Summer''
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 10:30am CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Compass Media Networks will mark the Labor Day holiday weekend with a special edition of PopCrush Nights, delivering a five-hour, commercial-free program designed for Hot AC and CHR stations. Entitled "Sounds of Summer," the special will be hosted by Lauryn Snapp and Donny Meacham and will feature a mix of this year's biggest hits alongside summer throwbacks from the past 25 years.
The lineup includes current chart-toppers from artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Benson Boone, Justin Timberlake, Doechii, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, along with classics from Rihanna, Katy Perry, Usher and Shakira.
Stations airing the program will have flexibility to schedule it across Labor Day weekend, Friday, August 29 through Monday, September 1, with unlimited replays during that window. The show is being made available without network commercials, affidavits, or added requirements in open markets outside of existing PopCrush Nights exclusives.
Designed as a soundtrack for holiday barbecues, road trips, and gatherings, Sounds of Summer aims to blend current hits with nostalgic anthems while keeping engagement high through Snapp and Meacham's hosting.
Stations interested in carrying the program can contact Compass Media Networks' Sydney Sperling for details.
LABF to Hold 2025 Giants of Broadcasting Luncheon
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 1:57pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) will spotlight NBC's 100th anniversary as part of this year's Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts awards, set for Friday, November 14 at Gotham Hall in New York. The annual tribute celebrates individuals and organizations whose innovations and influence have shaped broadcasting and electronic media. NBC will be recognized for a century of defining U.S. television with cultural milestones across entertainment, sports, and news.
"For 100 years, NBC has been a pillar of American broadcasting," said LABF Co-Chairs Heidi Raphael, Chief Communications Officer of Beasley Media Group, and Jack Goodman, longtime communications attorney. "We are thrilled to recognize NBC's 100th anniversary celebration during this year's Giants of Broadcasting event and present the award on behalf of the network to Kristen Welker, moderator of Meet the Press, the longest-running program in network and broadcast history."
Welker will accept the honor on behalf of the network.
Other 2025 Giants honorees include:
- David Muir, Anchor and Managing Editor of ABC World News Tonight and Co-Anchor of 20/20
- Lynn Beall, retired TEGNA Executive Vice President and COO of Media Operations
- Rick Dees, legendary radio entertainer and entrepreneur
- John Feore Jr., communications attorney and advisor
- Dick Ferguson, retired Cox Radio Group executive vice president
- Gary Sandy, stage, screen, and television actor best known for WKRP in Cincinnati
- Lesley Visser, pioneering sportscaster and first woman inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
In addition, Steven Portnoy, CBS News White House Correspondent and former RTDNA Chairman, will receive the 2025 LABF Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award for his work safeguarding broadcast journalism history.
Benztown Offers Free Labor Day ''Hot Mix'' Special
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 10:44am CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Benztown is giving stations a boost this holiday weekend with the release of its free Labor Day Weekend AudioPack and a complimentary "Hot Mix" special. The programming is available now through September 1.
The Benztown AudioPack features 20 downloadable audio elements designed to add energy to on-air programming, including sound effects, music beds, and holiday-themed liners. The collection includes party ambiance, BBQ sizzles, pool splashes, and listener drops aimed at capturing the sound of Labor Day celebrations.
In addition, stations can access the "Hot Mix" Holiday Special, offering four hours of ready-to-air music programming. Billed as the Country's longest-running mix show, "Hot Mix" includes current hits from artists such as Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, and Drake, with formats available in Top 40/CHR, Classic Hits, Rhythmic, Crossover, and 2000s-to-Today.
The package is available to stations at no cost, with no long-term commitments required. Stations can claim the "Hot Mix" special through Benztown's website.
Dan Buettner Launches Podcast, Prepares New Book
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 3:13pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
National Geographic explorer and author Dan Buettner, known for uncovering the secrets of the world's longest-lived populations, is launching a new podcast and releasing a companion cookbook aimed at helping Americans live longer, healthier lives.
The Dan Buettner Podcast debuts August 21 with the first two episodes, with new episodes set to drop weekly on Thursdays. The series will explore practical habits, mindsets, and wisdom drawn from Buettner's Blue Zones research, which identified five regions around the globe where people live the longest, healthiest lives.
Buettner, a multiple New York Times bestselling author, has brought the concept of Blue Zones to cities across the U.S. through his company, Blue Zones LLC. Partnering with local governments, hospital systems, and insurers, the initiative has helped communities reduce obesity rates and cut health care costs.
Alongside the podcast, Buettner will release his newest book, Blue Zones Kitchen: One Pot Meals; 100 Recipes to Live to 100, on September 2. The cookbook emphasizes the importance of home cooking as an antidote to ultra-processed food, which Buettner cites as a driver of chronic disease.
Advertisement |
Mike McVay to Receive 2025 NAB National Radio Award
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 1:31pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has named Mike McVay, President of McVay Media, as the recipient of the 2025 NAB National Radio Award. The honor will be presented during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards at the NAB Show New York on October 21.
"Mike's deep expertise, creative vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped countless careers, inspired new generations of broadcasters and driven innovation in every corner of the audio industry," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. "His ability to nurture talent and create programming that resonates with audiences makes him a most deserving recipient of this year's National Radio Award."
McVay Media provides consulting across broadcasting, podcasting, streaming and entertainment, with a focus on content creation, network and syndication programming, podcast development, digital distribution, talent coaching and media strategy.
McVay's previous roles include serving as Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus Media and Westwood One, where he oversaw programming for more than 500 radio stations, as well as national network content and digital platforms. He has worked with a wide range of talent, including Stephen A. Smith, Soledad O'Brien, Reba McEntire, Hall & Oates, Robin Meade, John Tesh and Delilah.
With programming, management, ownership and on-air experience in markets nationwide, McVay has played a central role in developing nationally syndicated programs. He co-created Delilah and helped launch The John Tesh Show as a daily program, which he continues to consult.
His career includes multiple honors, such as the Rockwell Award, the Innovation in Music & Media Award, several "Top Programmer" rankings from Radio Ink and recognition from the Worldwide Radio Summit and Radio & Records. McVay will also be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2025, following his 2024 recognition as a Giant of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation and receipt of the Broadcasters Foundation of America Leadership Award.
In addition to his professional work, McVay serves on the boards of Country Radio Broadcasters, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, and is a member of the Media Committee for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The NAB Marconi Radio Awards dinner will take place at The Edison Ballroom in New York City.
Audacy Highlights Radio's Digital Growth on Natl. Radio Day
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 9:50am CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Audacy is marking National Radio Day by highlighting how radio has expanded into a multi-platform medium that continues to play a central role in listeners' daily lives.
In a new article from its Research & Insights team, Audacy points to radio's evolution from broadcast-only delivery to an experience available across streaming, smart speakers, mobile devices, and connected platforms. The piece emphasizes that while technology has changed, radio's core strength remains its ability to connect audiences with trusted voices and live, local content.
"Radio is not just something you tune into anymore. It's something that tunes into you, wherever you are and whatever you're doing," said Ray Borelli, Audacy's Senior Vice President of Research & Insights.
Streaming Growth
Streaming has become a significant driver of listening growth, with Audacy reporting that usage has nearly doubled over the past decade. The company notes that the ability to follow teams, personalities, and formats beyond local markets has expanded reach and engagement.
WFAN New York is cited as an example of this transition. The station, which launched as the country's first all-sports format, has grown its footprint from AM to FM, digital streaming, social media, and live events. It now ranks as the top streaming station in the U.S., with audiences that rival traditional broadcast outlets.
Talent and Connection
Audacy's research shows that listener connection to hosts continues to drive loyalty, with respondents twice as likely to say they listen more when they feel connected to on-air personalities. The company also points to research indicating that talent endorsements remain highly influential for advertisers.
"Radio's power is the talent that makes a difference in somebody's life in some way, shape, or form," said Gary Sarner of ROI360 during an Audacy Insights webinar.
Advertising Impact
The report highlights streaming radio's advertising potential, noting that it delivers 60 percent more ad-supported listening than Spotify and more than any other streaming music platform. Unlike television, which has faced disruption from cord-cutting, radio continues to provide live, original, and local programming around the clock.
Adapting Across Generations
Audacy also stresses radio's ability to adapt to shifting media habits. Gen Z, Gen X, and Boomer audiences each engage with radio through different devices, yet the medium remains consistent in providing live programming, companionship, and trusted information.
The article concludes that more than a century after its inception, radio continues to grow its role as both a daily habit and a digital companion for listeners, while offering advertisers opportunities across broadcast and streaming platforms.
Read the entire article here.
Hip-Hop/R&B Fans Lead in Daily Music Listening
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 2:00pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Edison Research's latest Share of Ear findings show significant differences in how much time Americans spend with music based on their preferred genre. The quarterly study, which tracks audio consumption across platforms, devices, locations, and content types, reveals that Americans age 13 spend an average of 2 hours and 50 minutes a day listening to music.
As of Q2 2025, listeners who identify Hip-Hop/R&B as their primary music genre spend the most time with music daily, averaging 3 hours and 48 minutes-nearly one hour more than the total audience. Alternative Rock fans follow at 3 hours and 19 minutes per day. At the lower end, fans of Oldies and Christian music report the least daily time with music.
The release marks the first time Share of Ear has broken out music listening by primary genre preference. The study continues to provide a broad view of U.S. audio habits, offering subscribers insights into not only music but also other types of audio content, segmented by audience demographics, devices, and locations.
Trail Blazers, iHeartMedia Extend Broadcast Partnership
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 1:39pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
The Portland Trail Blazers and iHeartMedia Portland have reached a multi-year agreement to extend their partnership, keeping KPOJ (Rip City Radio 620 AM) as the flagship station of the Trail Blazers Audio Network. The deal ensures continued radio coverage of Trail Blazers basketball across Oregon and Washington as Rip City Radio enters its 13th season carrying the team's broadcasts.
Trail Blazers play-by-play talent Travis Demers will return for his seventh full season calling games on the network, joined by former Blazers guard Michael Holton, who will provide analysis. Chad Doing will continue hosting pre- and post-game coverage, while Chris Burkhardt will lead the Blazers Gameday pre-show and 5th Quarter post-game program.
The expanded programming lineup also includes weekly shows dedicated to team coverage. Trail Blazers Insider Report, hosted by Sean Highkin, will air Tuesdays from 2-3pm with replays Wednesdays from 6-7pm, while The Blazers Wrap Up, a Thursday evening recap of team news hosted by Brendan Slaughter, joins the schedule this season.
"Rip City Radio and iHeartMedia have been great partners for more than a decade, delivering the energy and passion of Trail Blazers basketball to fans across Oregon and Washington," said Kevin Kinghorn, Chief Marketing Officer of the Trail Blazers. "This extension strengthens our ability to connect with fans through additional in-season content and year-round programming."
Marshal Burgess, President of iHeartMedia's Portland Region, added: "The Blazers represent the spirit of Portland-resilient, passionate, and deeply connected to their fans. We're proud to stand alongside an organization that continues to inspire and energize the community."
Advertisement |
Beasley Launches Florida Alumni Radio on WJBR Tampa
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 3:15pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Beasley Media launches Florida Alumni Radio, a new Sports-focused format debuting Wednesday, August 20, on 1010 WJBR in Tampa. The station will open with the Miller and Moulton Morning Show, featuring daily sports analysis, commentary, and conversation. Florida Alumni Radio is positioned as a destination for Florida sports fans and graduates, spotlighting alumni pride and community connection.
As part of the new format, the station will serve as the exclusive home for University of South Florida Athletics coverage, including football broadcasts, coach's shows, alumni features, and special programming. WJBR will also remain the Tampa affiliate for Florida State University football.
Programming will extend beyond game coverage, incorporating exclusive interviews, alumni stories, and features on Florida's athletic heritage.
"Florida Alumni Radio is more than a station-it's a destination for Florida sports fans and alumni to come together and celebrate the teams and traditions they love," said Ron deCastro, Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Tampa. "We're proud to provide a platform that not only delivers great sports content, but also connects alumni, students, and fans across the Tampa Bay community in a meaningful way."
LPM Restructures Leadership Amid Industry Challenges
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 2:12pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Louisville Public Media (LPM) has announced a restructuring of its content leadership team as the organization adapts to shifting public media funding and broader industry challenges. President and CEO Kenya Young said the move is designed to strengthen coordination across LPM's news and music properties while preserving their individual identities.
As part of the changes, Bec Feldhaus Adams has been promoted to Executive Editor of News, Daniel Gilliam has been named Director of Programming, and Laura Ellis has been appointed Director of On-Demand and Digital Strategy. The three newly created roles will oversee content strategy across LPM News, WFPK, and WUOL, focusing on expanding audience reach and long-term sustainability.
"This restructure positions Louisville Public Media to better serve its community while building sustainable foundations for the future," Young said. "We looked strategically at our in-house talent and how we can be more intentional in leveraging our greatest strengths - our outstanding journalism and music programming, and our community connection - while building the coordination and digital capacity we need to thrive."
Adams will lead LPM News operations, managing local reporting, investigative coverage, and journalism partnerships. As part of the newsroom adjustments, Amina Elahi has been named Managing Editor of LPM News, while Giselle Rhoden has been promoted to Arts & Culture Reporter.
Gilliam, who will continue to oversee WUOL, will also direct programming strategy across WUOL, WFPK, and WFPL news programming to boost collaboration and engagement. Ellis will focus on digital growth and multi-platform distribution to meet audience demand across streaming and on-demand platforms.
Daniel Gilliam emphasized the collaborative nature of the new structure, saying, "It's never lost on me the breadth of talent and passion we have at LPM, in every department. It's an honor to lead the voices behind the microphones and the shows our listeners love across all three stations. I look forward to working closely with Bec and Laura to ensure LPM's programming and content reaches as many people as possible."
The restructuring is built on a three-pillar model that unites news, classical music, and Triple A programming under coordinated leadership. LPM says the approach will help maximize cross-platform opportunities, expand digital reach, and address evolving funding realities while maintaining distinct service to its diverse audiences in Louisville and Southern Indiana.
Report: Former Bay Area Radio Hosts File for Bankruptcy
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 3:40pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Former Bay Area broadcasters Ronn Owens (pictured) and Jan Black have filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy after months of raising money through a public fundraising campaign to address financial difficulties, reports Craig Hudson for the San Francisco Chronicle.
According to legal documents filed August 14 in federal court in Arizona, the longtime KGO radio host and his wife, a former KCBS personality, reported more than $2.3 million in liabilities. The couple owes $511,327 to over 40 creditors, including banks and credit card companies. Black is identified under her legal name, Elizabeth Ann Naylor, in the filing.
Owens, who retired from San Francisco's KGO during the pandemic, and Black relocated to Scottsdale, AZ, where they purchased a $1.5 million home.
Court filings show that more than $400,000 of the couple's debt was accumulated in 2025, even as friends and family launched a GoFundMe campaign on New Year's Eve to help offset what was described as Owens' "overwhelming" medical expenses stemming from Parkinson's disease and other health issues. As of August 18, the campaign had raised over $131,000 of its $140,000 goal.
The couple reported a combined monthly income of $21,083 from pensions and unemployment compensation, against $6,640 in monthly living expenses. That figure does not include a $14,188 monthly mortgage payment. Their filing also lists health-related costs, including $150 a month for medical and dental care, $225 for additional insurance, and $1,500 for life insurance.
SiriusXM's SXM-10 Satellite Begins Operational Service
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 9:54am CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
SiriusXM and Maxar Space Systems announced that the SXM-10 satellite has completed in-orbit testing and is now fully operational, following its launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 7, 2025.
"The SXM-10 satellite strengthens the health of our fleet and the infrastructure that provides a critical foundation for our audio entertainment and information services enjoyed by tens of millions of people across North America," said Bridget Neville, SiriusXM's Senior Vice President & GM of Signal Distribution Engineering.
Chris Johnson, CEO of Maxar Space Systems, added, "The successful launch and handover of SXM-10 marks another milestone in our long-standing partnership with SiriusXM. This satellite reflects our shared commitment to innovation and reliability, and we are proud to be able to leverage our proven Maxar 1300 platform to help SiriusXM deliver advanced audio entertainment services to millions of listeners."
Built on Maxar's 1300 platform, SXM-10 is the 11th high-powered, digital audio radio satellite Maxar has built for SiriusXM. The satellite stands more than 27 feet tall and extends over 100 feet with solar arrays deployed. At launch, it weighed nearly 6,600 kg. It also features a large unfurlable S-band reflector antenna from L3Harris, enabling SiriusXM programming to reach an estimated 175 million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles across North America.
SXM-10 is the second new satellite to enter service for SiriusXM in 2025, following the activation of SXM-9 in January. Maxar is also contracted to build SXM-11 and SXM-12, with launches planned for 2026 and 2027.
SuiteRadio Offers Free Labor Day Programming for Affiliates
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 2:18pm CT |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
SuiteRadio is giving stations an added boost for the holiday weekend with a complimentary programming offer. Affiliates can pick up to five hours of the new Rowdy on the Rise show, a turnkey feature designed to provide morning talent with time off while maintaining listener engagement. Each hour includes six fully produced, content-driven talk breaks that integrate with existing clocks and music flow.
In addition, Classic Rock programmers will have access to a one-hour Labor Day edition of Long Live Rock. Beginning September 6, the program will launch as a weekly feature available to rock stations worldwide.
For more information, stations can contact SuiteRadio here.
Advertisement |