Beasley Broadcast Group Q1 Revenue Down 10.1%
Beasley Broadcast Group, parent company of Beasley Media Group, reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2025 and reveals net revenue of $48.9 million, a decline of 10.1% from the same period in 2024. The company reports a net loss for the quarter of $2.7 million compared to Q1 of 2024 in which it reported neither a loss nor income due to a $6 million gain on the sale of its BMI
investment. Other notes from the first quarter include: Revenue from new business accounted for 18% of net revenue; Local revenue, including digital packages sold locally, accounted for 71% of net revenue; Digital revenue was comparable to the first quarter of 2024 but increased 6% year-over-year to $10.8 million, on a same-station basis; Digital revenue accounted for 22% of net revenue; and Digital segment operating margin was 18%. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley says, “Our first quarter results
reflect the strength of our ongoing transformation and the resilience of our core strategy. While revenue was impacted by persistent macroeconomic headwinds, we mitigated this through disciplined cost management, operational streamlining, and continued momentum in our digital business, resulting in an Operating Loss of $2.0 million and year-over-year Adjusted EBITDA growth. Digital revenue now represents over 20% of total revenue, and the meaningful expansion in digital segment operating income underscores the scalability of our platform and the impact of our strategic investments. As we look ahead, we remain focused on unlocking margin expansion, accelerating our digital evolution, and driving long-term value for our stockholders through thoughtful execution and innovation. We are particularly encouraged by the continued growth in our high-margin digital offerings and the early success of new digital and content initiatives. With a more agile operating structure, a differentiated content portfolio, and deepened advertiser engagement, we believe Beasley is well-positioned to navigate short-term market challenges while building a more durable and diversified revenue base.”
given out at the recent 2025 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Awards Gala. Civic Media stations received 11 first place awards, 15 second place awards, and 12 third place awards. Civic Media CEO Sage Weil says, “I couldn’t be more proud of our team’s performance this year, and their ongoing dedication to serving our audiences around the state. We believe that local media plays a critical role in our communities, and it is always great to see the WBA recognizing the quality work being done around Wisconsin, both by Civic Media and the many other excellent organizations.”
Krantz was most recently co-host of “The BradandBrittcast” podcast with Britt Whitmire. He served as host at a number of rock stations during his long radio career as well as morning host on news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte.
organization “will continue to expand and enhance its digital capabilities – delivering forward-thinking integrated marketing services.” Jeff Warshaw comments, “We are thrilled to welcome Alpha Media into the Connoisseur family. In getting to know the Alpha team, it has become clear that we share many of the same values — a passion for serving our local communities, a deep commitment to our clients, supporting our colleagues and fostering a culture of integrity, creativity and achievement. This transaction underscores our commitment to the irreplaceable role local broadcasters play in providing news, information and entertainment that truly resonates. Together, we will build an industry-leading platform of broadcast and digital. I could not be more excited to get started.” The two companies have entered into a Local Market Agreement and expect the deal to close in the second half of this year.
“Wellness Unmasked with Dr. Nicole Saphier” program, effective Tuesday, May 13. Dr. Saphier serves as a FOX News contributor, is a New York Times best-selling author, and a board-certified physician. She says, “I am thrilled to join the dynamic Clay & Buck team as we launch ‘Wellness Unmasked,’ a podcast dedicated to cutting through the noise and delivering honest, science-based insights on all things health and wellness. Together, we will empower listeners with knowledge to live their best lives.”
Geary says, “FOX News Media and SiriusXM are leaders in news and entertainment programming respectively, and we are delighted to bring to the market a bundle of our streaming services that offers exceptional consumer value. FOX Nation’s library of original video programming and SiriusXM’s vast offering of music for every mood and moment, live sports from every major league, plus entertainment and news combine to make a highly attractive streaming audio and video bundle.”
voracious consumers of movies in the theater and films on streaming services. They are first to see a movie in the theater on opening weekend and when films debut on streaming services; and 2) Versus linear TV viewers, audio listeners are far more likely to see movies in the theater and indicate a greater willingness to watch content. Looking at data about marketing moves and streaming video, the study finds that 1) Linear TV advertising spend for theatrical releases and video streaming brands is 30X audio. Despite this, TV viewers show low awareness of new films and low interest in upcoming films and streaming service subscriptions; and 2) Audio (AM/FM radio, streaming audio, and podcasts) should become a much greater allocation in the entertainment marketing media plan. Reallocating 20% of linear TV theatrical and streaming video media plans to AM/FM radio doubles campaign reach with no additional cost.
and public television have enjoyed bipartisan support since 1967. The system has a profound impact on Americans in all 50 states and in every type of community—urban, suburban, rural, and remote. This indispensable service costs the American taxpayer about $1.60 a year, and it is one that the majority of Americans want to maintain. Recent polling from the Pew Research Center shows that only 24 percent of Americans support cutting federal funding. The budget request and executive order are only part of the administration’s ongoing effort to dismantle the American public broadcasting system as we know it. We expect even more to come. If successful, the effort will exacerbate existing news deserts and create new ones, as public radio has become the main (or only) remaining source for fact-based local news, educational and cultural programming, and critical emergency broadcast services in many communities across the country.” He encourages them to contact their legislators and to either donate or increase one’s current contribution to the public broadcasting organization.
“ArtsBeat,” “Athenaeum Spotlight,” and “On The Mark” for WCPC, Channel 15 and WSKB-FM 89.5, both in Westfield, MA. He was a regular contributor to Berkshire Onstage and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association. His weekly column “Arts Beat” appeared in The Westfield News. In his youth, Auerbach studied theater at American University and the Yale School of Drama. During his multimedia career his impact was felt nationwide, and he was an indefatigable fundraiser for public broadcasting. As a publicist, he was a devoted supporter of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and numerous other not-for-profit artistic organizations. TALKERS publisher and local Western Mass resident Michael Harrison states, “I am proud to have been able to call Mark Auerbach a friend for the past 39 years, during which time I have come to respect and admire him as one of the finest media practitioners with whom I have had the pleasure of working. He was a champion of the arts and all that celebrates the humanities in our modern multimedia environment. He was a local giant on a multitude of levels and leaves an irreplaceable void in this part of America’s grassroots media community.” Auerbach requested no funeral services but said if people wish to do something in his memory they can make a gift to either Springfield Chamber Players MOSSO) (
Fan.” Former University of Kentucky standout and Indiana Miss Basketball Bria Goss will provide the game analysis, and long-time broadcaster John Nolan will deliver the play-by-play on the Old National Bank Radio Network. Radio One sports format captain Jeff Rickard says, “Basketball is such an integral part of the Indiana community, and the Fever are certainly a big part of that story. For ‘107.5 The Fan’ to be able to share in telling the story of this exciting chapter in Indiana’s pro basketball history is a wonderful opportunity. We’re thrilled we can bring Fever fans a little closer to the action.”
“It won’t work on FM.” Country. Country was predicted to be a failing format for the FM band. At the dawn of FM proliferation in the 1970s, the future of the band was viewed with fear and skepticism. Why wouldn’t country music work on the FM band? The conventional chatter said that “country needs to be on AM because truckers drive long distances and AM signals cover long distances. FM does not.”
When a blogger found “no biography, or further information about the woman who is supposedly presenting this show,” it forced Australian Radio Network to 
Global, the parent company of CBS, have begun charging what’s known as ‘reverse’ retransmission fees to broadcasters. The networks demand a share of broadcasters’ revenue for the right to use their content. This practice was once unheard of, but some networks now regularly require more than 100% of broadcasters’ retransmission fees as ‘reverse’ fees, leaving broadcasters to sustain themselves solely on whatever ad sales they can make with their limited inventory (also capped by the networks, and often amounts to only a few minutes of airtime per hour). This funnels more and more money out of local markets and local journalism and into the hands of mega media corporations, who threaten broadcasters with content blackouts if they don’t get sky-high payouts.” They go on to argue that the “problem gets even worse with providers like YouTube TV and Hulu Live. Under their affiliate agreements with the networks, local affiliates can’t even negotiate for online providers to carry the content. The networks do it for them and pay the affiliates whatever they deem reasonable (sometimes, nothing). This gives the networks total control over streaming distribution while robbing local stations of revenue and autonomy in the rapidly growing online video space. What was once a mechanism to support hometown news is now a corporate racket. Instead of investing in local reporters, meteorologists, and producers, local broadcasters’ funds are siphoned to bloated national newsrooms that churn out anti-Trump propaganda and woke talking points. Meanwhile, higher cable bills pass the cost to everyday Americans.”
hold the seat through the end of the year. However, he faces a June primary and, if successful, then a November general election to remain in office into 2026. Morano tells TALKERS, “We have another election in June, but I’m hoping to stay on the radio, whether it’s in my current time slot or another. I’m determined to stay on radio, even while doing the people’s work.”
YouTube that will stream live from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am ET, beginning this Friday (5/9). The show is being produced by Joshua Chaires and will be available on Spreaker and iHeartRadio beginning this month. Richardson says his goal is to eventually make the show available to terrestrial radio stations all over the country via XDS feed.
Podcast Metrics. The top six podcasts are unchanged in rank from the previous chart from Edison with “The Joe Rogan Experience” at #1, followed by “Crime Junkie” at #2, and “The Daily” at #3. Other radio-related podcasts of note include “The Ramsey Show” at #20, “The Dan Bongino Show” at #21, “The Ben Shapiro Show” at #22, and “The Shawn Ryan Show” at #29.
died. During his career, Greenfield hosted radio talk shows at WEVD, WWRL, and WVNJ in the New York City market. Recently, he’d been producing talk content posted to his YouTube channel. Information posted on the Democratic Underground message board indicates that Greenfield had been in some sort of occupational therapy and rehabilitation when he contracted COVID and died from pneumonia.
company had been hopeful Prager would be ready to start hosting an hour of content by June. SDRN says that in the meantime, it will continue airing the Jack Posobiec show in the 2:00 pm ET hour. Salem says, “Jack has done a fabulous job there for months. SRN transitioned Charlie Kirk into the Dennis Prager hours of 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm ET on March 31, one month ago. While it is nearly impossible to replace an icon like Dennis, our affiliates have made that transition work. Listeners love the Charlie Kirk show, while at the same time are missing Dennis. We will continue to keep watching the recovery for Dennis and pray for his improvement.”
AM FM Digital-owned news/talk WVMT, Burlington on May 30. Wright told his audience, “I’ve made the decision to move on… I’m going to miss it. But I’ve never been a morning person and getting up at 4:00 am is a bear for me… once I get here the adrenaline gets me going but my wife and I want to travel. We haven’t seen nearly enough of this country. When you have a health event like I had a couple months ago, it puts things into focus for you.” Wright says it will have been six-and-a-half years that he’s been hosting the program on WVMT.
CEO Jennifer Witz said the company is re-focusing on in-car listening after its less-than-successful attempt to become a leader in streaming content. She says, “We entered 2025 focused on what we do best: delivering standout experiences to our core subscribers, curating compelling content, strengthening our advertising business, and enhancing the value of our service. Today, we’re operating with greater discipline, improving execution across the board, and reallocating capital toward the areas where we see the greatest impact. We’re building a more focused, more efficient SiriusXM — aligned around what matters most to our listeners and our business — and I’m pleased with how we’ve started the year.”
co-hosted by Bryan “Riggins” Weber. Ritchie says, “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and getting to do it on the legendary WBT is such a thrill. The timing is perfect because there are so many people who are just starting to become interested in the political landscape of our culture. Being ‘America’s Coolest Conservative,’ I’ll be able to engage them with a high energy, fun, and humorous show. It’s going to be spectacular. All of that AND I get to keep my day job!” WBT program director Mike Schaefer adds, “WBT’s history of night-time programming boasts some of radio’s biggest names – Bob Lacey, ‘Hello’ Henry Boggan, and ‘Charlotte’s Most Beloved,’ John Hancock. When the opportunity to add TJ to that list presented itself, there was nothing to think about besides a start date. We are beyond excited for TJ to bring entertaining late, live, and local programming back to Charlotte on WBT!”
is “bringing America the headlines that matter – fast, accurate, and in-depth. Anchor Tracy Sobol covers politics, economy, culture, and global affairs with trusted analysis and real-time reporting from coast to coast and around the world.” Sobol comes to Newsmax from EWTN where she anchored “EWTN News Nightly.” Sobol comments, “I am thrilled and honored to be joining Newsmax. I could not be more excited to be a part of one of the fastest-growing news organizations, bringing real news to Americans. There is no place that I would rather be.”
towns across the country, “bringing viewers unparalleled access and insight to the people, places and issues that make up America.” FOX News Media EVP of morning programming & program development Megan Albano says, “For nearly 30 years, Steve has been a force on the curvy couch with his signature smile and wit. His relationship with our audience is unmatched and we are looking forward to him taking his trademark style from the couch to cities across America’s heartland where he will co-host from diners to pickleball courts and more and finally not have to drive across the George Washington Bridge at 3:30 am every morning.”
and CEO Mary Berner says, “For the first quarter, we delivered revenue in line with pacing guidance despite worsening economic headwinds reflecting, among other things, the imposition of tariffs that have depressed both
consumer and advertiser sentiment. However, with that backdrop, what remains constant is our relentless focus on actions to mitigate the impacts of the macro environment. For example, we accelerated growth in our digital marketing services business, which was up 30% for the quarter; leveraged our entire platform to capture demand opportunities; and drove additional annualized cost reductions of $7.5 million. Moving forward, we will continue to execute these strategies while simultaneously working to fundamentally transform the way we use and leverage our key assets.”
experience and a proven track record of success in our industry. His leadership and vision will be instrumental in driving our continued growth and success in the Memphis and Tupelo markets. Leon is not only a seasoned professional but also a dedicated supporter of the community actively involved in various initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact. This passion for service and his strategic approach to market challenges make him the perfect fit for this role. I am confident that under Leon’s leadership, we will achieve new heights and continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients and partners.”
nominees that were chosen by the nominating committee with input from the radio industry and listeners. Voting begins May 27 and runs through June 16. The top six vote-getters will be inducted as part of the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction class. Nearly 1,000 industry members will receive a ballot on Tuesday, May 27. Nominees from spoken word formats include: Bob Sirott, Colin Cowherd, Joey Reynolds, John & Ken, and Larry Elder.