Red Apple to Acquire WCRN-AM, Worcester
Red Apple Media files applications with the FCC to acquire WCRN-AM, Worcester, Massachusetts from Carter Broadcasting for $1.45 million. This will be the first signal acquired by John Catsimatidis’ media 
company outside of the New York City market. The station is currently airing a news/talk format of local, syndicated and brokered programming. Local air personalities include the daily morning show hosts Hank Stolz and Ben White (“Talk of the Commonwealth”) and longtime New England talk host Frankie Boyer who is heard in middays. Red Apple will assume operations under a local marketing agreement until the deal closes. Red Apple and Catsimatidis have made no indication of the company’s intent for future programming.
1300” in New Haven. iHeartMedia SVP of programming Dylan Sprague says, “Michael’s energy, passion and leadership make him a strong fit to lead our Sports and Talk portfolio in Hartford and New Haven. These are powerful brands and we’re excited to build on their success under Michael’s leadership.” Johnson comments, “I am thrilled to begin this next chapter at iHeart. Sports fans are passionate and engaged. I am eager to grow all of the stations, deepen the connections with listeners and continue expanding our digital presence.”
Jason Reddick’s The Complete Guide to AI Side Hustles is aimed at beginners trying to build passive income. But read it through a broadcaster’s lens and it suggests a blueprint for how radio talent and podcasters can leverage AI to expand their influence, diversify revenue, and stay indispensable in a media economy that rewards relevance and speed.
a is reporting a net loss of $2.4 million for the quarter compared to the net loss of $1.6 million it reported in Q1 of 2025. Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on March 20, 2026. The aggregate amount of the quarterly dividend was approximately $1.6 million. With payment of this most recent declaration Saga will have paid over $145 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012.
d replaces it with FOX Sports Radio’s “The Odd Couple” with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington. Napear broke the news himself tweeting out, “BREAKING NEWS: I was just informed they are pulling the plug on my show. My thanks to you for your support and @RyaninSactown who did a great job.” Napear references on-air producer Ryan Bohamera. Napear was a host on KHTK, Sacramento and TV voice of the NBA’s Kings but was fired after a media exchange with DeMarcus Cousins over the Black Lives Matter movement. 
change, especially at the top of the ranker where NPR’s “NPR News Now” (#1), The New York Times’ “The Daily” (#2), “Up First from NPR” (#3), NBCUniversal’s “Dateline NBC” (#4), and FOX Audio Network’s “FOX News Hourly Update” (#5) fill out the top five. Moves of note include comic Tim Dillon entering the top 20 at #19 with his “The Tim Dillon Show” and Disney’s “20/20” joining the chart at #20. 
eponymous program, adding affiliate stations KAAA, Kingman, AZ; KZZZ, Bullhead City, AZ/Laughlin, NV; KKFT, Reno, NV; and KXEX, Fresno, CA. Sanchez’s program airs live from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm nightly on Audacy’s KMXB-HD3/K268CS, Las Vegas “101.5 FM K-DAWN.” Sanches says, “We’re building a platform that reaches audiences on air, online, and on demand. The expansion reflects continued growth of ‘The Steve Sanchez Show’ across both broadcast and digital platforms.”
Awards for Excellence at the 2026 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards Gala presented last Saturday (5/2). Cumulus notes that in the Medium Market News & Talk Stations Division, WOSH took First Place honors for Best Interview with hosts Steve Edwards and Ron Ross discussing WNAM’s final day of broadcasting on December 31, 2025, after 78 years on air. Program director Steve Edwards (pictured here with the awards) says, “We are thrilled to see NewsTalk WOSH and WNAM honored with four Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards. The commitment to excellence and community-focused broadcasting continues to set the standard – these awards are well deserved.”
ace VP and general manager Neal Scarbrough says, “We are thrilled about this next chapter for the ‘Morning Report,’ and our audience should be too. Kimberly has distinguished herself as a ground-breaking, multiplatform correspondent and host who has built an unwavering connection with our audience. Beyond her diligent reporting, listeners have embraced Kimberly’s leadership and versatility as the host of ‘Call to Mind,’ ‘Marketplace Tech,’ and ‘Make Me Smart.’ This is an exciting time for the millions of listeners who start their day with the ‘Marketplace Morning Report.’”
Former WXYT-FM, Detroit talk host and Motor City sportswriter Pat Caputo died on Thursday (5/7) after a battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 67. Caputo hosted in several dayparts on 97.1 The Ticket during his time with the station. He also was a contributor to WJBK-TV, Detroit. But he was initially known in the Detroit market writing for the Oakland Press from 1983 through 2020. 
Curry. The afternoon drive program is “D-Mac & Reiter” starring sports media personality Doug McKain and columnist and sports radio pro Bill Reiter. “97.1 The Fan” brand manager Andrew Williams states, “Los Angeles is a sports powerhouse with a deep connection between teams, fans, and culture, and this new lineup brings together championship-level personalities, veteran player perspective, and sharp analytical expertise. We’re building a full-scale, live and local LA sports network that brings sports to the FM dial and across multiple platforms to meet our audiences where they are. We’re excited to give fans an unparalleled listening and viewing experience that’s as entertaining and authentic as it is insightful.”
requires Commission approval after a serious look into whether that arrangement serves the American public and protects our national security. Gomez states, “The American public deserves to know who owns the airwaves that carry their news. I am alarmed by what appears to be an effort to rubber stamp a financial structure that places nearly half of one of America’s largest broadcast and media companies into the hands of foreign governments with documented records of press suppression and a troubling willingness to silence journalists. There are serious, unresolved questions about how this foreign investment may jeopardize national security, and this Commission has a legal obligation to answer them before handing wealthy friends of this administration yet another Billionaire Buddy Bypass on a transaction that strikes at the heart of American journalism.” In her statement, Gomez points out that this deal involves sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi investing in a company that controls CBS broadcast stations, as well as major cable news operations including CNN. According to Paramount’s own filing, total foreign ownership of the combined company upon closing would reach approximately 49.5 percent. Nearly half of one of America’s largest broadcast and media companies would be in foreign hands.
“accelerating reach and deepening engagement with audiences nationwide.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy comments, “This growth shows that Newsmax is truly touching a nerve with audiences. We are continuing to execute on our strategy to reach all people on all platforms, and the results speak for themselves. Passion for our brand remains incredibly strong. We’re seeing audiences actively seek out Newsmax across platforms, share our content, and become part of a growing community that values our reporting and viewpoint.”
platform via a “Live Radio” button in the upper right corner of the dashboard. The companies say mobile app integration is planned for a future phase. iHeartMedia president of business development and strategic partnerships Michael Biondo says, “This partnership puts iHeart’s live radio in front of MapQuest’s millions of monthly users, giving consumers more of the content they seek. It’s a simple, intuitive way to extend our reach and enhance how people experience audio on the go.”
the Monday through Friday program “cuts through the noise of the standard 24-hour sports cycle” in which “Taylor delivers 5-10 minutes of sharp insight, authentic commentary, and cultural depth, offering perspective on the headlines that matter most. The show is built on the philosophy that ‘nobody breaks down the game like a woman who actually knows it.’” Taylor adds, “I wanted to create something fast, focused, and always authentic. Sports fans are busy, but they want the context behind the conversation. With ‘The Daily Play,’ I’m giving them what it means and what to watch next – in just a few minutes. Joining Urban One allows me to talk directly to a loyal, engaged audience across the country. I’m excited to get back to my radio roots!”
on how to use digital tools and strategies to grow and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Especially as the city of Philadelphia prepares for a surge of global visitors tied to events including the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the MLB All-Star Game, local businesses face a potentially golden opportunity. “Ready, Set, Grow: Digital Business Foundations” is designed to ensure they are prepared to capture that opportunity by strengthening their digital presence, improving customer experience, and increasing visibility. The evening will feature a fireside chat and panel discussion moderated by author and tech influencer Stephanie “TechLifeSteph” Humphrey, host of “Life & Tech” on WURD Radio.
to coast. New station partnerships include WCCO-AM, Minneapolis; KTRS-AM, St. Louis; WPRO-AM, Providence; and KCMO-AM, Kansas City. The show airs live weeknights from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight ET. Westwood One says, “McGraw Milhaven delivers appointment listening for late-night audiences, featuring host McGraw Milhaven’s signature mix of compelling interviews, sharp analysis, and positive energy listener interactions. Milhaven brings both authority and approachability to national late-night talk radio – offering a fresh, contemporary voice grounded in experience.”