Industry News

Legacy Sports Network Detroit to Launch

Detroit entrepreneur and media executive Drew Campanelli partners with NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. and two-time NBA champion Lindsey Hunter to launch Legacy Sports Network, “a new athlete-driven sports and entertainment network built in imgDetroit and designed to change the media landscape.” The network will feature original sports programming, athlete-led podcasts, live events, entertainment content, music, comedy, and authentic conversations from some of the biggest personalities in sports and culture. Campanelli states, “We’re building a true Detroit-based sports and entertainment platform powered by championship experience, authentic voices, and real relationship. With Tim, Lindsey, Brandon [Dent]and the rest of our incredible team we’re creating something special that fans can genuinely connect with.”

Industry News TALKERS 2026

TALKERS 2026 – Hailed as a Stunning Industry Revival

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TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (l) and Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis (r) pictured above in ‘Keynote One-on-One” conversation at TALKERS 2026.

The 28th annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest running and most important national gathering – TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter – took place at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication on the Long Island, NY campus of Hofstra University this past Friday (6/5). It was produced in conjunction with Hofstra’s multi-Marconi Award winning campus radio station, WRHU-FM. The vibrant, sold-out gathering presented 65 speakers and 338 registered attendees engaged in the sharing of perspectives, advice, and ideas within the fertile environment of dynamic collegial networking.

The main themes of the conference included an intense focus on the future of radio and talk media in the multi-platform digital world of the second quarter of the 21st century.  These included exploration of such existential questions as how to gain profile traction in a noisy world; how to regain the public’s trust in the media; how to meet the challenge of generating revenue in a fractured and challenging economy; what entrepreneurial opportunities exist for individuals and independent companies in this new environment; how to expand programming options; how to recruit new talent; how to attract younger demos; how to deal with the enormous unforgiving power of algorithms in scoring the game; how to effectively control and exploit AI; how to make a living in this business; and so much more.

Speakers and attendees included a cross section of talk media professionals from the words of talent, management, ownership, syndication, journalism, engineering, politics, sports, the law, academia, and music – even pro-wrestling!

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison expressed his deep gratitude to the industry: “We worked day and night for months putting this one together, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Heartfelt thanks to our speakers, attendees, and sponsors, as well as our dear friends and partners at Hofstra University, where it all started for me.”

TALKERS VP / executive editor Kevin Casey states, “We have enough text, photos, and video from this historic media event to keep us busy putting it together and maximizing the intellectual riches for a long time to come. It was a content motherlode!”  TALKERS will provide full coverage of TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter over the coming days, weeks and months on its website, newsletter and video channel. Stand by!

Industry News

Beasley Files Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that Outlines Potential Major Transfer of Ownership Control

On Thursday (6/4), Beasley Broadcast Group filed a FORM 8-K revealing an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Securities Exchange Commission that outlines the mechanical trigger for a major transfer of ownership control. What it boils down to imgis the change dictates exactly when certain debt holders can convert their debt into voting company stock (Class A and Class B shares), which will ultimately dilute existing shareholders and shift control of the company to the noteholders. Under the Transaction Support Agreement, eligible debt holders can issue a “Notice of Conversion,” forcing Beasley to issue new shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock to those noteholders, thus giving them control of the company. Beasley can avoid this by paying down its remaining debt of about $110 million before December 31 of 2027. If the above scenario takes place, the FCC would have to approve the license transfers before the noteholders could assume control.

Industry Views

Monday Memo: Because “Check-Out Our Website” Sounds SO 1995…

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

img…I’m sharing promo copy now airing on my client stations, which addresses listeners’ – and advertisers’ — 2026 apprehensions:

Voice1: Online safety and privacy were already a concern…

Voice2: …and that was BEFORE what we now see Artificial Intelligence doing.

Voice1: But digital media are now part of everyday life, and always will be.

Voice2: So WHERE you get your information matters more than ever.

Voice1: And your-only-local-news-radio also makes [domain name] a place you can visit with confidence…safely and securely.

Voice2: We don’t put spyware or junk on your browser. We don’t spy on you. We don’t violate your privacy.

Voice1: You can trust [domain name]

Here is a produced example, featuring our morning host and anchor: http://getonthenet.com/30-KTBB-Trust.mp3

Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn

Industry News

“The Daily” Overtakes NPR in Podtrac’s May Podcast Ranker

Podtrac publishes its Top Podcasts ranker for May 2026 based on U.S. unique monthly audience and The New imgYork Times’ “The Daily” leaps NPR’s “NPR News Now” to claim the #1 spot. Other podcasts of note include Cumulus Podcast Network’s “Shawn Ryan Show” rises four places to #13, and Silverloch’s “The Dan Bongino Show” dips two places to #14. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

New York Stealth Crawler Prohibition Act Passes

The New York State Senate and Assembly passed legislation that seeks to protect the news media from being bombarded by deceptive “stealth crawlers” from unscrupulous tech companies. These AI system “stealth crawlers” hide their identities and secretly access digital services owned by newspapers and broadcasters. The imgresult is a substantial burden on local newspapers and broadcast stations. New York State Broadcaster Association president David Donovan comments, “By protecting broadcast news operations from unauthorized access by Big Tech, the legislation ensures the economic foundations of producing original, local news by broadcast stations throughout the Empire state. It prohibits using “stealth crawlers” to extract a broadcaster’s news content without permission or payment. In addition, the legislation requires AI systems to disclose when crawlers are employed to extract content from broadcasters.”

Industry News

MIW to Present “AI in Radio Sales” Webinar

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio is presenting a free webinar on July 15 at 2:00 pm ET titled, “AI in Radio Sales: Work Smarter, Sell Morer.” MIW says, “Designed imgspecifically for radio sellers, managers, and broadcast professionals, this interactive session will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming sales workflows, prospecting, proposal creation, campaign analysis, and day-to-day operations. Attendees will leave with practical tools and actionable strategies they can implement immediately.” Find out more and register here.

Industry News

The 2026 Heavy Hundred is Published

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The editors of TALKERS announce the publication of the 2026 list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America – known colloquially as the Heavy Hundred. This annual feature is created by the editors of TALKERS with input from industry leaders and ranks, from one to 100, the most important talk radio hosts in America based of several factors including (in alphabetical order): courage, effort, impact, longevity, potential, ratings, recognition, revenue, service, talent, and uniqueness. To be considered for inclusion on the Heavy Hundred, talk hosts must be working at the time of publication and have a regularly scheduled professional show on the air at a minimum of one terrestrial station or satellite radio station. TALKERS executive editor Kevin Casey says, “This is one of the most difficult features that TALKERS does each year. There are so many deserving hosts working at stations across America for whom a case could be made for their inclusion on this list. With that said, we are proud of all the hard-working hosts who made this year’s Heavy Hundred and congratulate them on receiving this honor.” See the 2026 Heavy Hundred here.

Industry News

Doug Hamand to Retire at Month’s End

imgCumulus Media VP of programming operations Doug Hamand says that he is retiring at the end of June. Hamand served for more than two decades with iHeartMedia and its predecessors before joining Cumulus Media in the corporate programming role. He posts to Facebook, “I’ve had a ball. It’s hard to believe that when I started 48 years ago, this day would ever come — but here we are. I’m excited to share that I will be retiring at the end of June.”

Industry News

Audacy: Audio Delivers for Small Business

An insight from Audacy chief marketing officer Jenny Nelson makes the case that a strong audio campaign – combined with digital marketing – combine to help local businesses build a strong brand, establish trust, and optimize SEO & AEO with high conversions. Nelson notes that “radio, streaming audio, and imgpodcasts reach consumers throughout their daily routines, creating repeated exposure and strong recall. Audio also commands our attention in ways many formats can’t.” Additionally, radio personalities do something other formats can’t: “When our favorite hosts vouch for a brand, it feels personal. And that built-in influence doesn’t just capture attention — it sparks action.” 74% of radio listeners polled say they have purchased a brand after hearing an ad from their radio host. Finally, Nelson says the intersection of audio and digital marketing is where consumers are reached. “Audio builds awareness, attention, and trust. Digital marketing captures intent and drives action lower in the funnel. Together they drive measurable results with double digital increases in performance.” See the full story here.

Industry News

NCC and Connoisseur Media Announce Educational Collaboration

Long Island’s Nassau Community College and its award-winning radio station WHPC-FM, announce a collaboration with Connoisseur Media Long Island that is designed to provide students with valuable real-world experiences, professional mentorship, and pathways to careers in broadcasting, marketing, journalism, sales, digital media, and related fields. NCC will imgprovide CMLI with opportunities to engage with students and the campus community through WHPC and select college events. The college will also make available WHPC-produced public affairs programming, as well as student-produced content for potential use across CMLI’s stations. Connoisseur Media regional SVP Kristin Okesson says, “We’re excited to partner with Nassau Community College to help inspire and develop the next generation of radio and media talent. Partnerships like these create a direct pipeline for passionate students to gain real-world experience, build important industry connections, and ultimately become the future superstars of our business. We appreciate Shawn Novatt and the NCC team for their commitment to creating these opportunities, and we look forward to working together to support students as they begin their careers in broadcasting and media.”

Industry News

NYPR Announces Three Promotions

New York Public Radio president and CEO Christy Tanner announces the promotions of Emily Botein, Stephanie Clary and Eileen Delahunty to editorial and creative leadership roles across WNYC and Gothamist, WNYC Studios and WQXR. Botein is now head of WNYC Studios, Clary rises to editor-in-chief of the WNYC imgand Gothamist newsrooms, and Delahunty is now head of WQXR. Tanner says, “Stephanie, Emily and Eileen are exceptional, forward-looking leaders with deep commitment to excellence in journalism, culture and storytelling. As audiences increasingly engage with content across multiple platforms, we’re focused on creating experiences that connect our award-winning newsrooms, podcasts, live events and cultural partnerships. I’m excited to see the continued collaboration across NYPR as we strengthen our mission and help shape the future of public media for the next generation.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (June 1-5)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/1-5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

  1. Iran War / War Powers Resolution
  2. Primary Races
  3. Pelley Firing / Status of “60 Minutes”
  4. “Anti-Weaponization” Fund Nixed
  5. The Economy / Gas Prices
  6. Redistricting
  7. Delaney Hall Protests
  8. Ballroom Project
  9. 250th Celebration Performers Controversy / Kennedy Center Ruling
  10. Bolton to Plead Guilty

People

  1. Donald Trump
  2. Thomas Massie / Tom Barrett / Brian Fitzpatrick / Warren Davidson
  3. Scott Pelley / Bari Weiss / Nick Bilton
  4. Todd Blanche
  5. Scott Bessent
  6. Mike Johnson
  7. Joe Biden
  8. JD Vance
  9. David Venturella
  10. John Bolton

To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.

Industry News

MIW Opens Application Window for Programming Mentorship

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the opening of applications for its 8th Annual Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship. MIW says, “Designed specifically for women working in radio programming, the year-long mentorship imgconnects one rising programming professional with some of the industry’s most accomplished content leaders. Through personalized mentorship, strategic networking opportunities, and career-focused guidance, the program is designed to help participants strengthen their leadership skills and accelerate their professional growth.” The mentorship is open to one female brand manager, content/program director, assistant program director, or music director from any U.S.-based radio format. Applications are open now and will be accepted through July 2, 2026. Find out more and apply here.

2026 Heavy Hundred 26-50

The 2026 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #26: Chad Benson, Radio America

26. Chad Benson – Radio America

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #27: Ben Shapiro, Westwood One

27. Ben Shapiro – Westwood One


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #28: John Kobylt, KFI, Los Angeles

28. John Kobylt – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #29: Asa Andrew M.D., Doctor Asa Show

29. Asa Andrew M.D. – Doctor Asa Show

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #30: Wayne Allyn Root, Talk Media Network

30. Wayne Allyn Root – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #31: Jeff Katz, WRVA, Richmond

31. Jeff Katz – WRVA, Richmond

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #32: Howie Carr, Howie Carr Radio Network

32. Howie Carr – Howie Carr Radio Network


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #33: John Catsimatidis, WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks

33. John Catsimatidis – WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #34: Mark Simone, WOR, New York

34. Mark Simone – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #35: Kim Komando, WestStar TalkRadio Network

35. Kim Komando – WestStar TalkRadio Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #36: John Fredericks, John Fredericks Radio Network

36. John Fredericks – John Fredericks Radio Network


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #37: Brett Winterble, WBT, Charlotte

37. Brett Winterble – WBT, Charlotte

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #38: Bob Sirott, WGN, Chicago

38. Bob Sirott – WGN, Chicago

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #39: Mandy Connell, KOA, Denver

39. Mandy Connell – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #40: Armstrong & Getty, KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication

40. Armstrong & Getty – KSTE-AM, Sacramento / Syndication


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #41: Bill O’Reilly, Key Networks

41. Bill O’Reilly – Key Networks

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #42: Curtis Sliwa & Larry Mendte, WOR, New York

42. Curtis Sliwa & Larry Mendte – WOR, New York

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #43: Tim Conway Jr., KFI, Los Angeles

43. Tim Conway Jr. – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #44: Hal Jay & Ernie Brown, WBAP, Dallas

44. Hal Jay & Ernie Brown – WBAP, Dallas

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #45: Stephanie Miller, WYD Media

45. Stephanie Miller – WYD Media

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #46: Simon Conway, WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities

46. Simon Conway – WHO, Des Moines / WMT, Cedar Rapids / WOC, Quad Cities


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #47: Eric Von Haessler, WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

47. Eric Von Haessler – WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #48: Vince Coglianese, Westwood One

48. Vince Coglianese – Westwood One

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #49: Bo Thompson & Beth Troutman, WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

49. Bo Thompson & Beth Troutman – WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #50: Hugh Hewitt, Salem Radio Network

50. Hugh Hewitt – Salem Radio Network

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2026 Heavy Hundred 51-75

The 2026 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #51: Rita Cosby, WABC, New York

51. Rita Cosby – WABC, New York

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #52: Chris Plante, Westwood One

52. Chris Plante – Westwood One


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #53: Gary Hoffman & Shannon Farren, KFI, Los Angeles

53. Gary Hoffman & Shannon Farren – KFI, Los Angeles

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #54: Michael Smerconish, SiriusXM

54. Michael Smerconish – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #55: Ross Kaminsky, KOA, Denver

55. Ross Kaminsky – KOA, Denver

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #56: Jeff Deminski, WKXW-FM, Trenton

56. Jeff Deminski – WKXW-FM, Trenton

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #57: Lincoln Ware, WDBZ, Cincinnati

57. Lincoln Ware – WDBZ, Cincinnati


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #58: Tom Bauerle, WBEN-AM, Buffalo

58. Tom Bauerle – WBEN-AM, Buffalo

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #59: Dan Yorke, WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence

59. Dan Yorke – WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #60: Jennifer Horn, KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

60. Jennifer Horn – KRLA, Los Angeles / KTIE, San Bernardino

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #61: Gene Valicenti, WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence

61. Gene Valicenti – WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #62: Doug Stephan, Stephan MultiMedia

62. Doug Stephan – Stephan MultiMedia

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #63: Guy Benson, FOX News Radio

63. Guy Benson – FOX News Radio

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #64: James T. Harris, KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

64. James T. Harris – KFYI, Phoenix / KNST, Tucson

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #65: Karen Hunter, SiriusXM

65. Karen Hunter – SiriusXM

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #66: Tara Granahan, WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence

66. Tara Granahan – WPRO-AM / WEAN-FM, Providence


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #67: McGraw Milhaven, Westwood One

67. McGraw Milhaven – Westwood One

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #68: Dr. Daliah Wachs, Talk Media Network

68. Dr. Daliah Wachs – Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #69: C4 & Bryan Nehman, WBAL, Baltimore

69. C4 & Bryan Nehman – WBAL, Baltimore

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #70: Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott, WCBM, Baltimore

70. Sean Casey & Bruce Elliott – WCBM, Baltimore


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #71: Bill Cunningham, WLW, Cincinnati

71. Bill Cunningham – WLW, Cincinnati

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #72: John Curley, KIRO-FM, Seattle

72. John Curley – KIRO-FM, Seattle

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #73: Rob Carson, Newsmax

73. Rob Carson – Newsmax

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #74: Gordon Deal, Compass Media Networks

74. Gordon Deal – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #75: Russ Rollins, WTKS-FM, Orlando

75. Russ Rollins – WTKS-FM, Orlando

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

2026 Heavy Hundred 76-100

The 2026 TALKERS Heavy Hundred

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #76: Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins, Compass Media Networks

76. Jamie Markley, David van Camp & Scott Robbins – Compass Media Networks

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #77: Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James, KTAR-FM, Phoenix

77. Larry Gaydos & Bruce St. James – KTAR-FM, Phoenix


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #78: Joe Piscopo, WNYM, New York

78. Joe Piscopo – WNYM, New York

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #79: Clyde Lewis, Ground Zero Media

79. Clyde Lewis – Ground Zero Media

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #80: Rod Arquette, KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

80. Rod Arquette – KNRS-AM/FM, Salt Lake City

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #81: Lisa Wexler, WICC, Bridgeport, CT

81. Lisa Wexler – WICC, Bridgeport, CT

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #82: Mark Davis, KSKY, Dallas

82. Mark Davis – KSKY, Dallas


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #83: Dan O’Donnell, WISN, Milwaukee

83. Dan O’Donnell – WISN, Milwaukee

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #84: Dan Mandis, WWTN-FM, Nashville

84. Dan Mandis – WWTN-FM, Nashville

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #85: Kevin McCullough, Salem Radio Network

85. Kevin McCullough – Salem Radio Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #86: Paul Vandenburgh, WGDJ, Albany

86. Paul Vandenburgh – WGDJ, Albany


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #87: Mark Walters, Armed American Radio

87. Mark Walters – Armed American Radio

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #88: Tony Katz, WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

88. Tony Katz – WIBC-FM, Indianapolis

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #89: Andy Hooser, KQAM, Wichita / Hooser Media Network

89. Andy Hooser – KQAM, Wichita / Hooser Media Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #90: Mark Reardon, KFTK-FM, St. Louis

90. Mark Reardon – KFTK-FM, St. Louis

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #91: Bill Brady, KFNX, Phoenix

91. Bill Brady – KFNX, Phoenix

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #92: Bill Spadea, WKXW-FM, Trenton

92. Bill Spadea – WKXW-FM, Trenton


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #93: Steve Gruber, Michigan Talk Network

93. Steve Gruber – Michigan Talk Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #94: Solomon Jones, WURD, Philadelphia

94. Solomon Jones – WURD, Philadelphia

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #95: Joyce Kaufman, WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

95. Joyce Kaufman – WFTL, Ft. Lauderdale

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #96: Joe Thomas, WTON, Staunton, Virginia / Talk Media Network

96. Joe Thomas – WTON, Staunton, Virginia / Talk Media Network

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #97: Lee Elci, WJJT, New London, CT

97. Lee Elci – WJJT, New London, CT


TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #98: Rick Smith, The Rick Smith Show

98. Rick Smith – The Rick Smith Show

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #99: John DePetro, WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

99. John DePetro – WNRI, Woonsocket, RI

TALKERS 2026 Heavy Hundred #100: Sam Bushman, Liberty News Radio Network

100. Sam Bushman – Liberty News Radio Network

1 – 25 | 26 – 50 | 51 – 75 | 76 – 100

Industry News

Nielsen: News/Talk Remains Top Format for Total Radio Listening

Nielsen issues its quarterly “report card” – called The Record- on listening by U.S. consumers and says that, for persons 18+, 62% imgof Americans listen to AM/FM radio as part of their daily audio consumption. Podcast listening gets 20% with ad-supported streaming getting 16%, and ad-supported satellite radio accounting for 2%. The report also indicates that the news/talk radio format maintained its position as the top format with 10.9% share of total radio listening (P18+), a slight uptick from the 10.8% it captured in Q4 2025. All-news listening also increased, climbing from 2.7% to 2.9%. See more about the report here.

Industry News

Montana Talk Host Wins Congressional Primary

Montana talk radio host Aaron Flint is projected to win the Republican primary for the U.S. House seat for Montana’s 1st imgCongressional District. Flint is host of the morning drive show “Montana Talks” heard across Townsquare Media news/talk stations in Montana, including KBUL, Billings and KMMS, Bozeman. Flint took leave of his radio show to run for office. According to the Associated Press, Flint will face the winner of the four-way race in the Democratic primary. Flint’s campaign says he is emphasizing “making the Montana dream affordable again,” by reducing regulatory burdens on building homes, encouraging trades education and boosting the U.S. timber industry.

Industry News

John Kincade to Leave “97.5 The Fanatic” This Summer

Beasley Media Group announces that Philadelphia sports media pro and current morning drive co-host John Kincade will leave the “Kincade & Salciunas Morning Show” after the duo’s last program on July 31. Andrew Salciunas will continue to host the imgprogram. WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” program director Scott Masteller states, “John has brought tremendous passion, professionalism, and authenticity to our morning show and to the Philadelphia sports community. He’s been an important part of the station’s success, and we’re grateful for everything he has contributed both on the air and behind the scenes. We fully support his decision and wish him and his family nothing but the very best in this next chapter.” About his decision to leave the show, Kincade says, “After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided that this summer will be the right time for me to step away from mornings at ‘The Fanatic.’ This decision comes after a lot of reflection following my cancer battle and thinking carefully about what’s best for me and my family moving forward. I’m incredibly grateful to Beasley, to my teammates, and most importantly to the Philadelphia listeners who welcomed me back home in 2021 and supported me every step of the way. I’m proud of what we’ve built on the morning show and very confident in the future of ‘The Fanatic.’ There’s a tremendous team here both on-air and behind the scenes. I’m not retiring, and I’m excited to eventually explore what comes next professionally. Philadelphia has meant so much to me, and I can’t thank the fans enough for their support, especially during my health journey.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Content to Be Available on LG Smart TVs

iHeartMedia and LG Electronics have struck a deal that will see iHeartMedia’s more than 850 live iHeartRadio stations, digital-imgonly stations and its catalog of podcasts will now be available on the LG Radio+ app that’s included on LG Smart TVs running webOS 6.0 and above. iHeart Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne comments, “We are excited to integrate iHeartRadio into LG Radio+. This integration reflects our commitment to meeting listeners everywhere they are, making premium audio content even more accessible in a seamless experience across the connected home.”

Industry News

BFoA Announces 2026 Giving Day

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that its annual BFOA Giving Day will take place on Thursday, June 25. The initiative rallies the broadcast industry for a one-day fundraising effort to provide critical financial assistance to radio imgand television professionals facing acute hardship due to catastrophic illness, disaster, or other life-altering circumstances. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “We have a responsibility to stand beside our fellow broadcasters when devastating illness or catastrophe turns their lives upside down. Giving Day is an opportunity for every broadcaster — individuals and companies alike — to make a meaningful difference for colleagues facing unimaginable challenges. Our industry takes care of its own, and together we can ensure no broadcaster faces hardship alone.” Get more information about giving here.