Local Broadcasting Injects $1.19 Trillion into U.S. GDP
A study by Woods & Poole Economics, Inc. with support from BIA Advisory Services reveals that local broadcasting “fuels $1.19 trillion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports 2.46 million jobs nationwide. The study says that $437 billion of that is attributable to radio. The study also projects broadcasting revenues through 2028 and concludes that for 2026, U.S. radio’s gross revenue is estimated to be
$12.54 billion – with $10.15 billion from over-the-air revenue and $2.39 billion from digital revenue. NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt comments, “No other industry gives more to Americans for free. Local stations provide trusted journalism, life-saving emergency alerts and the sports and entertainment that bring our communities together. This report reinforces that broadcasters are not only essential to our democracy and daily lives, but to the strength of our economy, as well.” The study goes on to reveal that “local broadcasting’s economic ripple effect extends deep into other sectors — from construction to retail — adding another $134 billion in GDP and supporting nearly 776,000 additional jobs.” LeGeyt adds, “Broadcasting is more than a business model; it is a civic model. This industry stands alone in its mission to inform, protect and uplift every community in America, regardless of zip code or income level.”
manager John Gallagher says, “The combination of Dan Proft’s intellect and his exceptional interviewing skills is why he’s the best morning radio host in Chicago. His knowledge of the issues that affect the people of Illinois is unmatched. This contract extension solidifies the Chicago Morning Answer brand and the top conservative talk radio line-up in the nation.” Proft comments, “I’m excited to extend my run on Chicago’s Morning Answer, and I am honored to be trusted with such an important platform during these turbulent times. Nothing short of the future of the United States and Western civilization, by extension, is on the line, and I’m humbled to be able to lend my voice to the fight. I want to thank AM 560’s management, along with our loyal, intelligent listeners and our accomplished and thoughtful guests, for their ongoing support.”
more than 270 stations nationwide as well as on FOX Sports Radio’s channel on iHeartRadio and on FOXSportsRadio.com. The full radio show will also be available as a podcast immediately following each broadcast. In December, TALKERS reported that longtime Dan LeBatard producer and co-host Jon “Stugotz” Weiner would join FSR in a deal that would also feature an upcoming slate of original sports talk programming, including Stugotz’s podcasts “Stugotz and Company” and “God Bless Football.”
Podcast” joins SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Channel for same-day distribution of Carolla’s daily show, Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:00 am – 9:00 am ET. PodcastOne co-founder Kit Gray states, “PodcastOne is thrilled to extend our relationship with Adam and his ‘The Adam Carolla Show.’ Adam has paved the way for podcasters around the globe and his podcast is continuously growing with audiences and with advertisers. We’re proud to be working alongside one of the greatest in the business as he sets the tone for success in the genre.”
February 2. Audacy Chicago SVP and market manager Kevin Cassidy states, “Chicago fans are the best in the world, and they deserve coverage that matches their passion. Our roster features the best talent in the city with unmatched dedication to delivering the latest sports news and insight. We’re excited to expand The Score’s reach through this FM simulcast, bringing our premier sports content to an even wider audience so they can join the conversation and stay connected to their favorite Chicago teams.”
her leadership role as part of the company’s Senior Leadership Team. Salem says, “Cassidy has been an integral part of Salem for many years, beginning with her leadership in Columbus, where she cultivated a strong culture of teamwork, community involvement, and business growth. She later took on management of Salem’s Tampa market, followed by oversight of Orlando and, most recently, Miami.” Salem president of broadcast media Allen Power adds “Carolyn has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, market insight, and a deep commitment to Salem’s mission. Her ability to lead multiple large and diverse markets with both strategic focus and personal care makes her an outstanding addition to our VP ranks.”
made clear, broadcasters are different than every other distributor of media. Specifically, broadcasters are required by both the Communications Act and the terms of their FCC-issued licenses to operate in the public interest. This sets them apart from cable channels, podcasts, streaming services, social media, and countless other types of distributors that have no public interest obligation. The FCC’s broadcast hoax rule, its news distortion policy, its political equal opportunity regulation, its prohibition on obscene, indecent, and profane content, its localism requirements — all of those and more apply uniquely to broadcasters. Congress has instructed the FCC to enforce public interest requirements on broadcasters. The FCC should do exactly that.” Carr added, “To ensure that broadcasters can meet their public interest obligations, the FCC has taken a number of actions, including seeking public comment for the first time in more than 15 years on the relationship between the large, national programmers on the one hand and the many local broadcast television stations on the other. Comments in that proceeding suggest that many local broadcasters are concerned that the national programmers have amassed enormous power and influence in recent years and have made it more challenging for local broadcasters to fulfill their public interest obligations. The FCC is going to continue its efforts to empower local broadcasters to meet their public interest obligations.”
having a first-class digital experience alongside fantastic local programming. Audiospace understands that and they understand radio. They’re not just building apps and websites, they are helping us connect with our listeners while also unlocking new revenue opportunities for our advertisers. We thrilled to be working with Audiospace, we expect this partnership to help take Connoisseur Media’s digital game to the next level.” The first websites and apps were successfully launched in early December, with additional releases scheduled in the coming weeks.
commercially unreasonable rate for its Nationwide Report may cause it to have to do away with the Nationwide Report altogether. This testimony accompanied Nielsen’s request for a stay pending appeal as it appeals to the Second Circuit. This is the latest in action in Cumulus’ suit alleging that 
Nielsen is illegally leveraging its dominance over national and local radio audience data to stifle rivals and charge inflated prices. Judge Vargas denied the stay pending appeal but did grant an administrative stay will be in effect only until January 16, 2026, to allow Nielsen time to file a motion for a stay in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Tunkel’s testimony states that the order would cause Nielsen “significant irreparable harm if required to comply with the Court’s ruling during the pendency of Nielsen’s appeal… As a result, Nielsen would not be able to apply that policy in any of the at least ten negotiations with clients that Nielsen expects to have in 2026. If Nielsen is unable to apply the Network Policy, then it will be hindered in its ability to ensure that it can recover the costs of collecting the local radio-ratings data that make up the Nationwide report and spread those costs appropriately across the customers that use the products generated from those joint costs. If Nielsen cannot recover these costs, then it may have to retire the Nationwide report, similar to when Nielsen retired its other national data product, RADAR. If it does not retire the Nationwide report, it may have to pass a higher share of the costs of collecting local data on to other customers, including local radio stations, hurting Nielsen’s negotiating position with respect to those customers, as well as those customers themselves.”
the Post that he’s “been left with ‘tears in my eyes’ amid a bitter feud with his longtime ‘brother’ Rudy Giuliani — which escalated when the former mayor filed suit against him Monday.”
served as a media consultant. He states, “WTOP is setting the pace for the radio industry in our digital world. It’s a leader both in Washington and in the country. I look forward to joining its award-winning newsroom and evolving business reporting in the age of social video, YouTube, podcasts, and whatever comes next.” WTOP says it will expand the scope of its business reporting under Wordock’s leadership, including by Wordock producing original video content and written articles for WTOP.com and the station’s social media channels. WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler comments, “Evolution is more important than ever in the news industry. We need to meet our consumers where they are and bring them the stories they need in the formats they want. John brings a wealth of multi-platform experience and business expertise to WTOP, and we can’t wait for news consumers in the DMV to be reintroduced to him.”
SXSW in Austin on March 16. Nominees for Podcast of the Year include: “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” “The Breakfast Club,” The Mel Robbins Podcast,” “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” “The Daily,” “The Rest Is History,” “This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von,” “Call Her Daddy,” “Heavyweight,” and “Giggly Squad.” The nominees for Best Political podcast include: “Pod Save America,” “The Bulwark Podcast,” “Breaking Points,” “Hacks On Tap,” and “The Ben Shapiro Show.” 
discoverability capabilities to small and mid-sized businesses that are being excluded from emerging search and discovery channels due to cost, complexity, and technical barriers.” Audacy SVP of digital Jenny Sutton says, “Local advertisers can be overwhelmed by the pace of change in digital marketing and discovery. By partnering with Next Net, we’re giving our clients a future-ready solution that integrates AI discoverability directly into the media and marketing strategies they already know and trust, without requiring technical resources or additional burden on the business owner.”
will support our strong team and help WHO continue delivering the high-quality programming listeners rely on every day.” Henson most recently served with Cumulus Media as PD and morning host at classic rock WLAV-FM and country WTNR-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During his career he’s programmed news/talk outlets including WRVA, Richmond; WPGB-FM, Pittsburgh; and WOWO, Fort Wayne. Henson comments, “I’m incredibly excited to return to iHeartMedia and work with the legendary staff at NewsRadio 1040 WHO. WHO’s legacy of trusted news and strong local voices is unmatched, and I’m focused on building on that foundation and continuing to deliver relevant, impactful programming for listeners across Iowa.”
solutions-oriented conversations about the political, cultural, and social issues shaping Americans’ lives… expected guests in the show’s first days include James Carville, Bob Costas, Mark Cuban, former Senator Joe Manchin, Gov. Wes Moore, Sen. Rand Paul and more. Cuomo comments, “Too much of our politics is about teams instead of truth. ’Cuomo Mornings’ is going to be about breaking through those barriers, asking better questions, and bringing people into the conversation instead of talking past them. We need to prioritize common sense, accountability, and real dialogue, and SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. channel is exactly where that belongs. I’m very excited to be back on the platform and to engage with callers every day. Let’s get after it.”
through March 25. Allen will also host a post-game show, adding to the station’s 2026 Brewers coverage, which also includes Tommy Wortz’s “Lead Off Show.” Audacy Wisconsin SVP and market manager Jason Bjorson says, “If you’re going to be the number one sports radio station in Milwaukee, then you have to have the best coverage of the Brewers. Tim Allen is the definitive voice of the franchise’s fanbase, and his presence solidifies our commitment to local listeners.” Allen states, “I’m very appreciative to have my post-game show back on ‘The Fan’ in Milwaukee and now on the Wisconsin Sports Radio Network. We started this post-game show on ‘The Fan’ 21 years ago, and to have it continue with them is a pretty special feeling.”
New York City. The Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who has made invaluable contributions to the broadcast industry. BFOA president Tim McCarthy comments, “Judy’s no-nonsense approach to legal disputes has provided riveting television entertainment to millions of viewers across America. We are proud to recognize her many accomplishments and contributions to broadcasting.” For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org.
Media | Westwood One says, “The relaunch marks Bongino’s most extensive digital commitment to date, designed to meet increasing audience demand for long-form and in-depth content. The two-hour format strengthens the show’s position as a major voice in independent media, offering a highly engaging, daily destination for listeners seeking headline analysis, guest interviews, cultural commentary, and special ‘Bongino Army’ segments.” Bongino comments, “I’m excited to get back behind the mic and reconnect directly with the audience. This show has always been about cutting through the noise and talking honestly about what matters. We’re coming back bigger, bolder, and always unfiltered — exactly how people want it.” Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network president Collin Jones adds, “Dan Bongino is back! Few voices in talk media command the loyalty and firepower that Dan brings. His audience? Formidable. His influence? Undeniable. This promises to be an incredible journey as Dan drives the national conversation daily on the most important issues at hand, with authority that has been hard-fought and well-earned. Westwood One is beyond proud to help power the next chapter of ‘The Dan Bongino Show.’”