Industry News

Townsquare Media Q2 Net Revenue Down 2.3% as Income Rises

Townsquare Media reports net revenue of $115.5 million in the second quarter of 2025, a decline of 2.3% from the same period in 2024. However, the company posts net income of just over $2 million afterimg reporting a net loss of $48.8 million in the same quarter a year ago. Townsquare reports revenue in segments and the broadcast advertising segment saw net revenue of $48.7 million, a decrease of 9.2% from the same quarter in 2024. The company’s digital advertising segment’s net revenue was $42.5 million, an increase of 2.4% over Q2 of 2024.

Industry News

Nielsen and Edison Collaborate on “Podcast Fusion”

Nielsen announces a new collaboration with Edison Research to launch Nielsen Podcast Fusion powered by Edison Research. Nielsen says, “For the first time, advertisers and agencies will be able to plan, optimize and compare all major media types – including podcasts, TV, radio, digital and social – in oneimg place. This new data fusion will integrate the industry-leading Edison Podcast Metrics into Nielsen’s widely used media planning tool, Nielsen Media Impact img(NMI).” Nielsen adds, “As podcast listenership continues to grow, it is critical for advertisers to have sophisticated tools and data to effectively plan, measure and optimize their audio investments. Nielsen Podcast Fusion in NMI will provide an even more holistic view of media planning and help users uncover valuable insights and demonstrate the effectiveness of their campaigns. NMI users will also be able to optimize media plans by specific podcast networks and genres, as well as top podcast programs.” NPR and Ocean Media are among the charter subscribers at launch.

Industry News

Report: Current Contract with SiriusXM is Stern’s Last

Numerous outlets, including the New York Post, are reporting that Howard Stern’s current contract with SiriusXM expires at the end of this year and it might be his last with the satcaster. Insiders are quotedimg saying Stern is mulling retirement and that he might consider a shorter-term deal than the usual five-year pacts he’s been signing. Still other sources say Stern isn’t the draw he once was, and a renewal of his current $500 million deal is not going to happen. Another report indicates SiriusXM may make a bid for his library of shows instead of a renewed contract for new content. See the New York Post story here.

Industry News

FOX News and Tucker Carlson Rise in July Podtrac Ranker

Podtrac releases its Top Podcasts chart based on U.S. unique monthly audience for the month of July and the only move among the top five is FOX Audio Network’s FOX News Hourly Update rises one spot to #4,img leap-frogging Dateline NBC (#5). Otherwise, the top three remain (in order): “NPR News Now,” “The Daily” (New York Times), and “Up First from NPR.” “The Tucker Carlson Show” jumps six places to finish the month at #18. See the complete ranker here.

Industry News

Salem Media Group Announces Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement

Salem Media Group enters into a Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 28,img 2025, with Siena Lending Group LLC. The Amendment, among other things, adds additional real property owned by Salem Radio Properties, Inc. to the collateral under the Loan Agreement, which increases the borrowing base and therefore the amount that the company may borrow under the Loan Agreement.

Industry News

WGFX-FM, Nashville Renews with Tennessee Volunteers

Cumulus Media sports talk outlet WGFX-FM, Nashville “104.5 The Zone” enters into a multi-year renewalimg of its broadcast partnership with the University of Tennessee Volunteers. As part of the new deal, former Tennessee Volunteer Ramon Foster, current co-host of “Ramon & Will” in morning drive on the station, will join the Vol Football Gameday Broadcast Team alongside Mike Keith.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (8/5)

The most discussed stories yesterday (8/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. The Economy / Trump vs The Fed
2. Sanctions on Russia
3. Tariffs
4. Texas Redistricting Battle
5. The Epstein Files

Industry News

Bonneville Rebrands KTTH as “Seattle Red”

Bonneville announces that news/talk KTTH-AM, Seattle is underscoring its conservative content as it rebrands the station as “Seattle Red.” Bonneville says, “Seattle Red’s identity reflects fresh conservative voices and growing influence in the Pacific Northwest. This transformation marks more than just a nameimg change; it’s the launch of a dynamic new digital platform delivering hard-hitting conservative news, thought provoking opinions, and exclusive investigative reports headlined by Jason Rantz. ‘Seattle Red’ will be the definitive home for conservative content, expanding our reach, sharpening our brand, and doubling down on our mission to challenge the status quo.” It adds, “At the heart of ‘Seattle Red’ is Jason Rantz, whose live and local content brings a distinctly Seattle perspective to issues that matter most.” KTTH program director Jason Antebi says, “Our new identity as Seattle Red introduces a thriving community and home for conservatives in the Pacific Northwest. We’re building a media platform that amplifies bold voices, breaks real news, and isn’t afraid to challenge the narrative.”

Industry News

WBBM, Chicago Names Buchholz Political Editor

Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago names Geoff Buchholz the new political editor. In this role, he’ll lead the newsroom in delivering coverage of City Hall and its key players. WBBM brand manager Craig Schwalb states, “Chicago’s City Hall has all the twists, power plays and tension of a greatimg detective story. It takes someone who is an exceptional journalist with seasoned and sharp instincts like Geoff to follow the plot. I’m excited to see how he continues to build on the legacy that Craig Dellimore left behind and how his presence strengthens our multi-platform political coverage to better serve our Chicago area listeners.” Buchholz comments, “Chicago and Illinois are entering a critical era, and it’s more important than ever that our audience understands how the actions at City Hall, in Springfield and Washington affect their lives. I’m so grateful for our listeners’ trust, and I’m looking forward to being our station’s politics-to-English translator and excited to get to work.”

Industry News

Cumulus and Rumble Announce Partnership

Cumulus Media announces a strategic partnership with video-sharing and cloud services provider Rumble. Cumulus says this deal “will unlock new opportunities across Cumulus Media – including Westwood One and the Cumulus Podcast Network – and Rumble.com, including expanded distribution of content from both companies.” With this agreement, Rumble and Westwood One will collaborate to maximizeimg advertising opportunities for brand partners, packaging assets across each portfolio to create unique and exclusive multi-platform solutions. Westwood One will also distribute audio and video content on Rumble’s video platform. Westwood One president and Cumulus EVP corporate strategy and development Collin Jones says, “This partnership represents a powerful alignment between two media innovators. By combining our premium podcast inventory with Rumble’s dynamic creator ecosystem, we’re creating a new frontier for host-read advertising that delivers authenticity, scale, and brand safety.” Rumble CEO Chris Pavloski, adds, “We’re excited to partner with Cumulus Media and Westwood One to bring advertisers closer to the creators and audiences they care about. This collaboration allows us to create new monetization opportunities for our creators while offering brands a trusted and effective way to connect with engaged communities.”

Industry News

WWO: Creative is the Key Sales Driver

Suffice it to say that all the planning and targeting in the world is for naught if your audio ad stinks. This week’s blog from Cumulus Media | Westwood One’s Audio Active Group looks at several studios to determine what actually drives sales and one of the key takeaways from a study by NCSolutions isimg “creative quality is the number one sales driver” and this is often a surprise to advertisers and media agencies who think media tactics (targeting, reach, etc.) drive the most sales. It’s for good reason that everyone wants high brand awareness. A major study from TikTok reveals the greater a brand’s awareness, the greater the purchase conversion. Brands with high aided awareness have 2.86x greater conversion rates compared to low awareness brands. But not all categories operate similarly, Podscribe says that purchase conversion varies widely by advertising category and advises that it’s important to understand the purchase conversion benchmarks for your product category. See the full blog post here.

Industry Views

They Say YOU Infringed – But Do THEY Own the Rights?

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgYou did everything right – or so you thought. You used a short clip, added commentary, or reshared something everyone else was already posting. Then one day, a notice shows up in your inbox. A takedown. A demand. A legal-sounding, nasty-toned email claiming copyright infringement, and asking for payment.

You’re confused. You’re cautious. And maybe you’re already reaching for the fair use defense.

But hold on. Before you argue about what you used, ask something simpler: Does the party accusing you actually own the rights?

Two Main Reasons People Send Copyright Notices

1. They believe they’re right – and they want to fix it.  Sometimes the claim is legitimate. A rights-holder sees their content used without permission and takes action. They may send a DMCA takedown, request removal, or ask for a license fee. Whether it’s a clip, an image, or a music bed – the law is on their side if your use wasn’t authorized.
2. They’re casting a wide net – or making a mistake. Other times, you’ve landed in a mass enforcement dragnet. Some companies send thousands of notices hoping a few people will pay – whether or not the claim is strong, or even valid. These are often automated, sometimes sloppy, and occasionally bluffing. The sender may not own the rights. They may not even know if what you used was fair use, public domain, or licensed.

Mistakes happen. Bots misidentify content. Images get flagged that were never protected. Even legitimate copyright holders sometimes act too fast. But once a notice goes out, it can become your problem – unless you respond wisely.

The First Thing to Check Is Ownership

Most creators instinctively argue fair use or say they meant no harm. But those aren’t the first questions a lawyer asks.

The first question is: “Do they have standing to bring the claim?”

In many cases, the answer is unclear or flat-out “no.” Courts have dismissed copyright lawsuits where the claimant couldn’t show ownership or any active licensing interest. If they can’t demonstrate control over the work – and actual market harm – they may not have the right to sue.

What To Do If You Get a Notice

Don’t panic. Not all claims are valid – and not all claimants are in a position to enforce them.
Don’t assume fair use will protect you. It might, but only after ownership is clear.
Don’t engage emotionally. Responding flippantly can escalate things fast.
Do get help early. A media attorney can help you assess whether the claim is real – and whether the sender has any legal ground at all.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry Views

TV Trend is Radio Wake-Up Call

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

imgSouth Florida viewers are confused. WPLG, which brands as “Local 10,” was an ABC-TV affiliate for 69 years… until yesterday. Now it’s more local than ever, after divorcing its network, whose programming moved to the FOX affiliate’s digital channels 18.1 and 7.2, now branded “ABC Miami.” Among courteous FAQs about this change on WPLG’s web site: “How do I rescan my TV?” to find ABC programming.

FAQ #1: Why is this happening? 

WPLG GM Bert Medina explains, “We made a generous offer to ABC, but it became clear the two sides were not going to agree to a new deal.”

Citing the FCC’s “interest in and the authority to promote the public interest and to ensure that local broadcast TV stations retain the economic and operational independence necessary to meet their public interest obligations,” Chairman Brendan Carr is investigating what he calls networks’ “attempt to extract onerous financial and operational concessions from local broadcast TV stations.” His recent letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts announced an inquiry into NBC practices that will also scrutinize other networks’ affiliation agreements. He reckons that networks threatening long-held affiliations “could result in blackouts and other harms to local consumers of broadcast news and content.”

“That’s why we have an FCC license.”

WPLG’s GM explains that “our job is to serve this community with news and local programming.” He – and his Berkshire Hathaway ownership – determined that “if we agreed to the ABC terms, that mission would have suffered.” The last straw? “Exclusivity, which is the core to our relationship, is disappearing. Even when ABC airs high-quality programming, like the Oscars, ABC airs that same programming on other platforms. We no longer feel we are getting what we pay for.”

Proud that “a majority of our staff grew up here,” Medina announced that WPLG is staffing up. “Instead of sending our money to New York, we will keep it in our community and use that money to finance a massive expansion in local news and other local programming. We are excited for the future of Local 10. Just watch us. We are about to serve this community in an even bigger and better way.”

Music has been commoditized 

It’s all over the other platforms and devices increasingly siphoning-off radio listening time and ad revenue. And unlike six-spot (or longer) stopsets now common on FM, streams’ spots are shorter and fewer. And there are NO commercials for paid subscribers who’ve had-it-up-to-here with broadcast music radio.

TV networks aren’t shy about hijacking affiliates’ viewers. ABC offers Disney+, CBS lures us to Paramount+, NBC touts Peacock. And network radio spots are plugging iHeart podcasts.

So, yuh. Make your station as smartphone friendly as possible. But when I jump in the car, and my phone pops-up on the dashboard radio once owned, what comes out the speaker still has to compete. And what is the ONE thing that streams that your robotic FM competitors don’t offer? “Local.”

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

Industry News

CRN Digital Talk Radio’s Michael Letts Expands to LA and Portland

CRN Digital Talk Radio says that “The Michael Letts Show” is expanding syndication on two West Coast stations. The program is now being broadcast on KMET-AM, Los Angeles and KBNP, Portland. CRN saysimg the program “continues to build a powerful platform that champions American values, highlights critical national security issues, and gives voice to law enforcement, veterans, and grassroots advocates.” Letts adds, “I’m honored to bring our message to listeners in Los Angeles and Portland. Now more than ever, we need open, honest dialogue on the challenges facing our country – and we’re doing just that, one conversation at a time.”

Industry News

Renda to Use Townsquare’s Ignite Digital Advertising Solutions

Townsquare Media announces a digital advertising partnership with Renda Media for the latter to use Townsquare Ignite, its digital advertising solution. Renda operates station is six U.S. markets (Ft.img Myers/Naples; Jacksonville; Pittsburgh; Indiana, PA; Greensburg, PA; and Punxsutawney, PA) that do not overlap with Townsquare’s market footprint. Townsquare Ignite president Todd Lawley states, “We’re excited to partner with Renda Media to bring our market-leading digital advertising solutions to their expansive client base. Our success stems from a deep expertise in leveraging our proprietary in-house programmatic platform and data-driven strategies to deliver measurable value. Through this partnership, we look forward to equipping Renda Media with the tools, insights, and proven strategic approach needed to strengthen their digital capabilities and accelerate client growth.”

Industry News

Audacy Webinar on Marketing with Audio is Today at 2:00 pm ET

Audacy is presenting a webinar this afternoon (8/5) at 2:00 pm ET addressing the value of audio in connecting brands with customers. The webinar features a panel of marketers and media expertsimg exploring the audio strategies behind real business success to provide behind-the-scenes insights, creative inspiration, and tips from brands that are scaling with sound. Topics being addressed include: 1) What makes audio such an effective channel for performance and brand-building. 2) How local advertisers are using radio to stand out and win more wallet share. 3) Why podcast hosts have become some of the most trusted voices in advertising. And 4) Lessons learned: real-world advice from brands turning listeners into loyal customers. You can register here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (8/4)

The most discussed stories yesterday (8/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Texas Redistricting Battle
2. Tariffs
3. ICE Raids / Detention Camps Plans
4. DOJ’s Trump-Russia Investigation
5. Sydney Sweeney Controversy

Industry News

Edison Research’s Publishes Top 50 Podcasts for Q2 of 2025

Edison Research releases its Top 50 Podcasts in the U.S. based on reach for Q2 2025 among weekly podcast consumers ages 13+. (Edison’s rankings now incorporate data from individuals whose soleimg podcast consumption in the past week was through video.) The top five podcasts didn’t change from Q1 data. They are: “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “Crime Junkie,” “The Daily,” “Call Her Daddy,” and “This Past Weekend w/Theo Von.” Some talk radio-related podcasts of note include: NPR’s “Up First” at #22; The Daily Wire’s “Ben Shapiro Show”; Ramsey Network’s “The Ramsey Show” at #29; and Charlie Kirk’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” at #49. See the chart here.

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories Over the Weekend (8/2-3)

The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Tariff Deals
2. Jobs Numbers / Erika McEntarfer Fired
3. Texas Redistricting Controversy
4. The Epstein Files
5. Loni Anderson Dies

Industry News

Programming Changes at Nashville’s “The Game”

Programming changes will take effect on Monday (8/4) at Cromwell Media’s sports talk WPRT-FM, Nashville “102.5 The Game.” The midday “DVD” show starring Derrick “DMase” Mason, Willy Daunic, and Adamimg Vingan moves to the 3:0 pm to 6:00 pm daypart. The late morning Chase & Big Joe show – Chase McCabe and Joe Dubin – moves to the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm slot, and a new program hosted by Jake Lyman launches in the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart. Director of operations & sports program McCabe says, “This new lineup reflects 102.5 The Game’s deep commitment to being the go-to destination for Nashville sports fans. We’re the place to get your news, celebrate wins, and vent about the losses. Your Sports Live Here!”

Industry News

“98.9 WORD” in Greenville Tops in June PPMs

Audacy’s news/talk WYRD-FM, Greenville, South Carolina “98.9 WORD” ranked #1 in Nielsen Audio’s June PPM survey in Persons 18+ as well as in Persons 35+. In touting the performances of WYRD-FM, Audacyimg says, “Weekday shows ‘Sunrise Carolina with Joey Hudson,’ ‘The Tara Show,’ ‘The Mike Gallagher Show,’ ‘Straight Talk with Bill Frady,’ and ‘The Charlie James Show’ also secured the top spot across all prime dayparts with persons 12+ and adults 35+.” Audacy South Carolina operations manager Mark Hendrix says, “The exceptional performance of our Audacy Greenville stations is a direct reflection of our incredible talent, the passion they bring every day, and their connection with our listeners.”

Industry News

Adkins to Retire; Executive Changes at iHeartMedia

On the heels of this week’s news that longtime iHeartMedia executive Hartley Adkins is preparing to retire from his daily position with the company is news that Ann Marie Licata will assume the president, marketsimg group and sales operations, effective September 1. Licata has been serving as EVP of sales operations and client success. Other changes include Bernie Weiss rising from division president for the Northeast and Chicago markets to COO of the markets group and Paul Corvino, division president of the Southern California division, adding expanded duties focused on national new business development. Adkins will remain with iHeart in a strategic advisor role.

Industry Views

Just Because You Found It Online Doesn’t Mean You Can Use It

By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer

imgA New Jersey radio station thought they were just being clever online. They scanned a photo from New Jersey Monthly, cropped out the photographer’s credit line, and posted it on Facebook – inviting listeners to edit and reshare it for fun. ying to engage listeners to interact with the station with more than just their ears.”

But that station, WKXW 101.5, ended up in federal court.

Photographer Peter Murphy sued for copyright infringement and removal of attribution. The Third Circuit ruled against the station – finding that the image was used without permission, credit removed, and the photographer’s ability to license his work damaged.

It wasn’t fair use. It was infringement.

Fair Use Won’t Save You from Getting Sued

Fair use isn’t a free pass – it’s a defense. That means someone’s already accused you of infringement, and now it’s on you to justify it.

Even when it works, fair use still costs time and money. In the WKXW case, the station used the entire photo, failed to transform it, and encouraged widespread online sharing. The court saw that as market harm – one of the most important fair use factors.

And don’t assume you’re safe just because it wasn’t part of the broadcast. Courts have made clear that even social media posts by broadcasters can undermine the value of the original and trigger liability.

Don’t Ignore It Just Because It Feels Small

In my own experience with clients fending off these kinds of claims, sometimes it’s obvious. Other times it’s a bluff. But even bogus claims can cost you if you don’t take them seriously from the beginning.

License It, Link to It, or Leave It

If you didn’t create it or license it, don’t assume it’s fair game. Look for content with clear reuse rights. Better yet – link to the source instead of copying it.

Because if a copyright holder comes after you, your intentions won’t matter. Only your rights will.

Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.

Industry News

Salem Partners with America’s Frontline Doctors for Documentary

Salem Media Group is partnering with America’s Frontline Doctors to produce a documentary titled, What Is a Doctor?, that is streaming on SalemNOW. America’s Frontline Doctors founder Dr. Simone Gold is featured in the film that Salem calls an “unapologetic examination of how medicine is being politicized,img threatening free speech, medical autonomy, and the core doctor-patient relationship.” Dr. Gold states, “This is a wake-up call. We’re watching medicine become weaponized against the people it’s meant to serve. This film asks the question every American should be asking: Who does your doctor work for?” SalemNOW general manager Robert Ellis adds, “We’re proud to give a platform to voices willing to stand for truth. This film is essential viewing for anyone who believes medical freedom is worth protecting.”

Industry News

AWMF Announces 2026 Gracies Dates

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation announces the dates for the 51st Annual Gracie Awards. AWMF says the Gracies are “continuing a legacy of more than five decades recognizing the contributionsimg and achievements of women in media.” The Gracies Gala takes place May 19, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire and the Gracies Luncheon happens June 16, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. AWMF president Becky Brooks says, “Following a landmark 50th anniversary season, we remain inspired by the power of women’s voices in shaping our media landscape. The 51st Gracie Awards will honor the enduring influence of those who paved the way and spotlight the voices who continue to challenge, innovate, and lead. As we look to the future, we are committed to elevating the diverse and brilliant stories women bring to audiences every day.”

Industry News

Top News/Talk Media Stories This Past Week (July 28 – August 1, 2025)

Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/28-8/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:

Stories

1. The Epstein Files
2. Tariff Deals
3. Fed Interest Rates Policy
4. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
5. Colleges Settle with Trump
6. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations
7. ICE Raids
8. Texas Redistricting Map
9. Russia-Ukraine War
10.Deadly NYC Shooting

People

1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Ghislaine Maxwell
4. Bill Clinton
5. Barack Obama / Joe Biden
6. Jerome Powell
7. Benjamin Netanyahu
8. Mike Johnson
9. Vladimir Putin
10.Shane Tamura

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

Industry News

WBAL Names Aviles PM Drive Host

Hearst’s news/talk WBAL, Baltimore announces that market media pro Angelette Aviles is the new afternoon drive host. The station says, “Aviles first joined WBAL in January 2024, hosting a weekend show.img She brings to the microphone more than two decades of experience in communications and marketing across both commercial and political sectors, with commentary featured on FOX News Channel and Univision, as well as published opinion pieces in The Baltimore Sun. She grew up attending Maryland schools while her father served as an Army officer and returned home after graduating from the University of South Florida.” Aviles comments, “As WBAL celebrates its 100th year on the air, I’m incredibly honored to join this legacy of broadcasting and to bring my voice to Maryland’s afternoon drive. This show will be about real conversations – local, national, cultural – I’m excited to connect with listeners every day.”

Industry News

Florida Man Radio to Air on WYOO, Panama City

JVC Broadcasting will begin airing its Florida Man Radio Network programming on recently acquired WYOO, Panama City “NewsTalk 101.1,” effective August 4.  JVC says WYOO will carry the full Florida Man Radioimg lineup anchored by Shannon Burke (PM drive) and Bubba the Love Sponge (AM drive), and will welcome Panama City’s own Brian Rust to the network as the new 9:00 am to 12:00 noon host. JVC CEO John Caracciolo says, “This is more than a format flip; it’s a statement. By bringing WYOO into the Florida Man Radio Network, we’ve created a single, dominant talk radio platform that spans from Pensacola through Panama City and beyond. The Florida Panhandle is one of the most politically engaged and conservative regions in the country. This move allows us to deliver content that speaks directly to the values, voice, and lifestyle of real Floridians.”

Industry News

Nielsen: Radio Dominates Ad-Supported Audio in Q2 of 2025

Nielsen release The Record, its report on second quarter 2025 audio listening trends and among the takeaways from this report are: 1) Daily audio consumption amounted to 3 hours and 50 minutes of daily listening across both ad supported and ad free platforms like radio, podcasts, streaming music services andimg satellite radio; 2) In the second quarter of 2025, ad supported audio accounted for 64% of all listening, while in the TV landscape, 74% of viewing was done on ad supported platforms; 3) Zeroing in on the ad supported audio universe, consumers spent 64% of their daily time in the second quarter with radio, 19% with podcasts, 14% with streaming audio services and 3% with satellite radio. The study also tracks listening by format and news/talk (AM/FM and streaming) not surprisingly dominated the 35+ demo with more than a 12 share. But the format also did well with 25-54s, notching a 6.5 share (which topped all other formats except adult contemporary). See the Nielsen study results here.

Industry News

Yesterday’s Top News/Talk Media Stories (7/30)

The most discussed stories yesterday (7/30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:

1. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
2. The Epstein Files
3. Tech Stocks Soar
4. Fed Holds Interest Rates
5. Trade Deals

Industry News

Kelly Crull Joins “680 The Fan” Full Time

Dickey Broadcasting names sports journalist and broadcaster Kelly Crull a full-time member of sports talk WCNN, Atlanta 680 The Fan’s on-air staff. Dickey says Crull will serve as a “utility player across theimg company’s media platforms, bringing her energy, expertise, and signature charisma to a wide array of content.” Crull will be full-time co-host of “The Buck Belue Show” and will make regular appearances on “The Locker Room” morning show, in addition to leading efforts to expand Dickey Broadcasting’s digital footprint through original podcast content and cross-platform storytelling. Station president and GM David Dickey says, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Kelly on board full time. She’s the kind of multi-talented broadcaster that elevates everyone around her. Whether she’s behind the mic, in front of the camera, or developing digital content, Kelly brings a passion and professionalism that align perfectly with our mission to inform, entertain, and connect with sports fans across Georgia and beyond.”

Industry News

Salzone Rises to OM at Saga Ithaca

Saga Communications’ Ithaca, New York Cayuga Media Group promotes WHCU-AM news director Joeimg Salzone to operations manager for the 10-station cluster. Salzone will take over for Chris Allinger who is retiring at the end of August. Cayuga Media Group president and GM Chet Osadchey says, “Joe is an incredibly hard-working and knowledgeable broadcast professional. He will be a guiding force in our continued evolution as a local media source.”