WWO: Guidelines for Using AI to Build Your Media Plans
Today’s blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group addresses the use of AI by local advertisers to inform their media plans. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker says that use of AI is fine but there are “some watchouts and best practices to consider.” He
offers these tips: 1) Be exact: The more specific the language used, the more accurate the response; State a desired outcome like “grow awareness”, “increase sales”, or “expand my customer base”; 2) Use reputable sources within search queries to get accurate information; 3) Take careful note of sourcing and dates: Don’t take data at face value without checking it; 4) Understand that AI platforms are different: Results will vary depending on the platform; and 5) Expect responses will change: Lots of factors impact the AI answers so read them carefully. See the full blog post here.
Griswold, the two launched The Bob & Tom Show in 1983 and the WFBQ, Indianapolis-based program took off, going into syndicated in 1995. The program, still led by Griswold, is heard on some 100 affiliate stations. Kevoian retired from the show in 2015. Kevoian went public with his cancer diagnosis in 2023 and launched “The Bob & Cancer Show” podcast with his wife Becky and Whit Grayson.
coverage of breaking news across the United States and around the globe. The 20/20 True Crime channel will launch in the coming weeks and will be a nonstop destination for in-depth storytelling from 20/20 and ABC News. The channel will feature award-winning narrative podcasts, full episodes of 20/20, installments of 20/20: The After Show, and curated cases from the 20/20 True Crime Vault. 
“I had a good run. I spent every cent I ever made… I would have rather saved some, but you can’t take it with you. I love you all. Thank you so much.” Barnes began his radio career in the 1980s at WEOK-WPDH in Poughkeepsie, followed by a nearly four-year run as an afternoon news anchor and reporter for WGHQ-WBPM in Kingston. He served as morning news anchor and news director for WSYR, Syracuse; worked at “All News 99.1 WNEW” in Washington, DC, as well as with USA Today Channel on SiriusXM in Washington; FOX News Radio in New York; and The Blaze Radio Network in Washington. DC. 
previously disclosed Plan of Reorganization. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “When we initiated this prepackaged restructuring in March, we did so with a clear objective: to right-size our balance sheet to support long-term success. The court’s prompt approval of our plan keeps us firmly on track to eliminate approximately $600 million in debt and positions us to emerge with a significantly stronger financial foundation. We look forward to completing the restructuring and emerging as a well-capitalized company, better equipped to compete in the evolving audio landscape.”
the defining moments of 1776 – from the leadership of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to the actions of the Continental Congress and George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. These messages will be complemented by live and recorded interviews throughout 2026, featuring special guests sharing stories and perspectives tied to America’s founding and evolution. Beasley chief communications officer Heidi Raphael adds, “At this pivotal time in our nation’s history, Philadelphia holds an especially unique and powerful place in telling America’s story. Through our Community of Caring Initiative, we’re proud to share that story across our platforms – connecting our audiences to the past while celebrating what lies ahead.”
accepted $15,899,000 in aggregate principal amount of such tenders in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer. On March 30, 2026, the company completed the purchase of $15,899,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Existing First Lien Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. As of 5:00 pm on April 15, 2026, approximately 98% of the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Second Lien Notes have validly tendered in the Exchange Offer and provided consents to the proposed amendments to the Existing Second Lien Notes Indenture.
show is hosted by Carl “Killer Carl” Brown and has been on the air for almost a decade and is part of the John Frederick Radio Network. Seaboard marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei says, “We welcome all shows that affiliates will desire. Carl seems to put his own views and thoughts first, and they are not based on just ideology. That is refreshing.” The program currently airs on stations throughout America including WJFM, Richmond; WJFV, Norfolk; WBRG, Lynchburg; and WLMB, Atlanta.
Ryan will continue calling live 49ers games, as well as pre-and post-game shows. Cumulus regional VP Larry Blumhagen comments, “We at KNBR are tremendously excited to continue this valued partnership with the Niners. We have a wonderful relationship with the organization and its people, and they are truly a partner to us in connecting their fans with all the gameday action they love and demand. We look forward to continuing to provide 49ers fans with outstanding game day coverage on all KNBR platforms from AM/FM to streaming.”
treatment schedule. Edmonds, 42, said the diagnosis came unexpectedly about two months ago and described it on the air as a ‘total gut punch.’ A mother of a young daughter, she acknowledged the fear that followed the discovery but said she is confident in her care team and treatment plan at Henry Ford Health. Edmonds told listeners she has already begun chemotherapy and believes she will get through the process.” Edmonds says her oncologist emphasized the importance of consistent sleep and recovery during chemotherapy. She made clear that the change is temporary and that she plans to remain connected to WJR and its audience as she is able while focusing on her health.
Commission states in part, “Due to economic conditions in the market, the licensee was forced to take the station off the air temporarily. The licensee respectfully requests special temporary authority for the station to remain silent. The licensee will promptly notify the Commission when it is able to resume station operations.” Townsquare also operates news/talk KFYO in the Lubbock market. 
spanning over 30 years, including the last 16 in Denver. As a seasoned host turned executive, he has built a legacy of excellence that now culminates in his role as president and CEO of Mile High Sports. Today, he directs the pulse of Colorado sports, overseeing comprehensive, multi-platform coverage of Colorado’s major professional sports teams.” Lundy comments, “I’ve spent more than 35 years in radio and television, the last 16 right here in Denver. I am so happy to join Audacy as a local voice, and more importantly, as a local fan. This is going to be a fun ride!”
are antisemites. How could this be? Rosenberg posted a video clip of the mascots warmly embracing New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Citi Field, followed by a still photo of himself in a corridor at Citi Field with Mr. Met about 20 yards down the same corridor walking in the opposite direction after, Sid says, ignoring him. It’s unclear at this time if the Justice Department has opened an investigation into the New York Mets. 
The rise of independent, talk show-style political commentary on YouTube has created a new class of media actors who do not see themselves as broadcasters, journalists, or publishers. They see themselves as creators. That distinction is real in terms of identity, tone, and platform. It is not real where it matters most: liability.
says, “Political advertising will drive key spending this year. BIA projects approximately $8.4 billion in local political spending, creating substantial revenue opportunities across broadcast television, linear cable, CTV/OTT, radio, and direct mail. While some legacy formats, including print, continue to face long-term declines, others are evolving. Across the market, advertisers are increasingly adopting full-funnel strategies, combining high-reach media such as cable, broadcast, and OOH with data-driven digital channels to drive both awareness and measurable outcomes. Radio also remains a stable local medium, with additional opportunities emerging through digital audio, including streaming and podcasts.”
advertising market that was partially offset by the continued expansion of our high-margin, owned-and-operated direct digital revenues. Beasley recorded an operating loss of approximately $230.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to operating income of $7.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven primarily by a non-cash FCC license impairment charge of $224.8 million, reflecting the company’s updated assessment of the fair value of its broadcast licenses in light of continued secular pressures on the radio industry, as well as $1.7 million in other operating expenses.”
we made tangible progress reshaping this company for long-term value creation. Our digital business delivered record performance, with digital revenue representing approximately 24% of net revenue, up from roughly 19% of net revenue in 2024, and digital segment operating margins reached record levels as our continued shift toward owned-and-operated and programmatic products gained traction across our markets… Building on this progress, we recently announced a debt exchange transaction with our second lien bondholders, pursuant to which we expect to reduce our second lien debt by approximately 50% and repay roughly $15 million of our first lien debt. Upon completion of the transaction, which is subject to bondholder participation and expected to close by the end of April, we anticipate total outstanding debt will be reduced to approximately $110 million from $220 million today. We believe this transaction will meaningfully strengthen our balance sheet, enhance financial flexibility, and better position the Company to execute on its strategic priorities. Following its completion, our focus will shift toward further deleveraging through EBITDA growth and continued portfolio optimization.”
deceased, known or unknown, in New Mexico who has made a meaningful impact on their community, through service, leadership, sacrifice, or simply showing up when it matters most. On May 4th, News Radio KKOB will begin announcing honorees, with four individuals recognized each weekday, leading up to a culminating event later this summer. KKOB program director Aaron “Buck” Burnett says, “250 Flags is about recognizing the people who don’t always get the spotlight. New Mexico is full of everyday heroes, and this gives us a chance to tell their stories and honor them in a meaningful way.”
Digital nationally syndicated weekend program “Talkin’ Pets.” Patch says, “Each week you get a variety of veterinarians and trainers, which keep our show current, fresh, exciting, fun and always new. We are available via satellite, ftp and file, live on Saturdays or delayed any time on your stations and each hour stands alone.”
Jennifer Arnise says, “Winning the ‘Pitch your Podcast’ contest was so validating and made me feel like my voice and the hidden stories of Black women really matter. This podcast is a love letter to Black girls who never felt seen or heard by their mothers and feels like getting the best advice from your tough but loving big sister and your drunk bestie. It’s what I wish I would’ve had when I started my healing journey.” The launch comes ahead of the fourth annual Black Effect Podcast Festival taking place April 25 at Pullman Yards in Atlanta where the “Pitch Your Podcast” booth will once again be available for festival attendees. The activation allows creators to pitch their shows to members of the Black Effect team for the chance to join the network.
operator Usher Media LLC. The deal includes news/talk KGFW-AM, Kearney and two music brands plus two other music FMs in Hastings and Grand Island. Usher Media is owned and operated by Alan Usher.
back at a century of service to the Fox Valley, but today, we turn our gaze forward. After retiring our special 100-year commemorative look, we didn’t want to just go back to ‘business as usual.’ We’re kicking off our second century with a fresh new look that reflects the evolution of WHBY and our unwavering commitment to the next generation of listeners.” WHBY brand manager Alex Thomas adds, “We are excited to usher in a new era of WHBY. Our rebrand represents a new chapter of WHBY and reflects who we are today and where we are heading next. This transformation goes beyond a new logo. It represents our vision of strengthening community awareness, enhancing the way we deliver news and conversation in the Fox Cities and beyond. While our look may be changing, our core values remain the same. Being trusted, local, and community driven remains a pillar of WHBY.”
Assessing the hourly threat to the very existence of the medium of radio is a popular hobby among conventioneers. The audience levels for radio are astonishingly constant since 1970, but according to “radio people,” they are living at the edge of a volcano. Spotify radio, SiriusXM radio, Pandora radio, TuneIn radio, Internet radio, there are all kinds of radio! General Motors wants to throw AM/FM radio out of the car as in “do you really need radio in the car?” Radio’s response to the in-car-removal threat is by promising non-stop typhoons and hurricanes.