Industry News

TV Nets Suspend Pool Coverage After White Bans CNN, MS Now and Politico

In the aftermath of the Trump administration’s banning CNN, MS Now and Politico reporters from covering the administration from The White House, television pool members FOX News Media, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and NBC News issued the following statement: “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.” All other pool coverage will continue as normal, including Congress, VIPs, and selected events in Washington and around the country. Additionally, CNN MS Now and Politico announced a suit challenging their ban, saying, “This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes. Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists’ credentials because it objected to our reporting. Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public’s right to independent journalism free from government interference.”

Industry News

Salem Radio Network Refuses to Back Networks “Stunt”

In response to the stoppage of White House pool coverage, Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup issued the following statement: “This morning, the major TV networks announced they will cease pool coverage of imgPresident Donald J. Trump in solidarity with CNN, which had its hard pass revoked over the weekend by the White House.

As longtime members of the White House Correspondents Association pool, SRN has notified the WHCA that our network will refuse to join this incredibly juvenile stunt which is actually more like a RICO violation by mobsters than actions of legitimate American media.

Access to the Oval Office and to the President of the United State’s pool events is a privilege, not a free pass to slant coverage against – or for – any occupant of the Presidency. With this action, the major networks have shown their bias and petulance outweighs how they envision their responsibility to cover news under the First Amendment for which they so quickly cry crocodile tears.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Announces Additions to Steelers Audio Network

iHeartMedia Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Steelers announce that former Steelers’ guard and Super Bowl champion Willie Colon and former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams are joining the weekday lineup. Colon will join Rob King and Max Starks co-hosting “In the Locker Room, Presented by your Neighborhood Ford Store” from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm on WBGG-AM “FOX Sports Pittsburgh” and on Steelers Nation Radio. Williams will join Tom Opferman co-hosting “The Steelers Blitz” from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Industry News

“ESPN New York” to Simulcast AM and PM Drive on MSG Networks

Good Karma Brands announces via X that it is entering into a deal imgwith MSG Networks to simulcast the morning and afternoon drive shows on WEPN/WHSQ “ESPN New York” on the cable network. Good Karma says, “Beginning Sept. 8, ESPN New York’s morning show featuring Rick DiPietro and Dave Rothenberg, as well as its afternoon show with Don La Greca, Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg, will both be simulcast by MSG Networks.”

Industry News

Cumulus Media Q2 Net Revenue Down 9.7%

Cumulus Media – which is still awaiting approval from the FCC as it works to exit Chapter 11 reorganization – reports its operating results for the second quarter of 2026 and reveals net revenue of $167.9 million, a decline of 9.7% from the same period in 2025. The company reports a net loss of $9.2 million, down from the img$12.8 million net loss it reported for the same period in 2025. Breaking down the company’s revenue by segment, broadcast spot revenue was $81.5 million, down 10.6% from a year ago; network revenue was $21.4 million, a decline of 21.5% compared to 2025; and digital revenue was $38.7 million, basically flat compared to Q2 of 2025. Cumulus Media CEO Mary G. Berner comments, “We are pleased to report our second quarter earnings. With our plan of reorganization confirmed by the court and the FCC approval process well underway, we are positioned to emerge from Chapter 11 with a stronger balance sheet to capitalize on future market opportunities.”

Industry News

Salem Media Q2 Revenue Down 15.2%; Net Loss Narrows Significantly

Salem Media is a company in transition as it prepares to go private after a deal to be acquired by WaterStone was announced in May. That deal has WaterStone acquiring all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1.00 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium over Salem’s recent trading price. imgFor the second quarter of 2026, Salem’s net revenue was $45.9 million, a decrease of 15.2% from the same period in 2025. On the plus side, Salem’s net loss for the quarter was $3.4 million, a dramatic 81% decline from the $17.6 million net loss it reported a year ago. By segment for the quarter, Salem’s broadcast advertising revenue was $17.85 million, a dip of 11.3% compared to Q2 of 2025; broadcast programming revenue was $34.3 million, a decline of 6.3%; and digital revenue was $32.7 million, a decrease of 12.5%.

Industry News

Beasley’s 2026 Second Quarter Net Revenue Falls 16.7%

Beasley Broadcast Group’s financial report for the second quarter of 2026 reveals net revenue of $44.1 million, a decrease of 16.7% from the same period in 2025. The company posts net income of $84.3 million, a big turnaround from the net loss of $154,175 that it reported in Q2 of 2025. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “While second quarter results continued to reflect pressure across portions of the traditional advertising marketplace, imgwe are encouraged by the progress we’re making in transforming Beasley into a more diversified, higher-margin media company. Our digital and local direct spot businesses continue to build momentum, our cost structure is significantly more efficient than it was a year ago, and we remain focused on improving the quality of our revenue. We believe these initiatives are creating a stronger operating foundation and positioning the company for more consistent financial performance over the long term. At the same time, we continue to execute against the financial priorities we established at the beginning of the year. We are operating with discipline, allocating capital thoughtfully, and taking deliberate actions to strengthen our balance sheet through debt reduction, portfolio optimization, and improved financial flexibility. These efforts, combined with our ongoing operational initiatives, are designed to improve cash flow generation and create long-term value for our shareholders. Looking ahead, our strategy remains unchanged. We are focused on delivering sustainable revenue growth, expanding EBITDA through continued operating discipline and higher-margin revenue, and further reducing leverage over time. While the broader advertising environment remains dynamic, we believe the actions we are taking today are positioning Beasley to emerge as a stronger, more profitable, and more resilient company.”

Industry News

Saga Communications’ Q2 2026 Net Revenue Down 6.5%

Reporting its operating result for the second quarter of 2026, Saga Communications says net revenue for the period was $26.4 imgmillion, a decline of 6.5% from the same period in 2025. Saga’s net income for the quarter was $960,000. In the report, Saga said it sold 24 towers and other assets that brought it $10.7 million.  Saga Communications reports $27.8 million in cash and short-term investments as of June 30, 2026.

Industry News

Christian Outdoors Joins Salem Media’s LifeAudio Network

Salem Media reveals that “Christian Outdoors Podcast” – hosted by outdoor writer, author and speaker Pete Rogers – joins the company’s LifeAudio Christian podcast network. Salem notes that “Christian Outdoors Podcast” was “created to give outdoor enthusiasts a platform to talk openly about their faith – something imgRogers found largely absent in mainstream outdoor media.” Tommy Lynch serves as director of content acquisition for LifeAudio and he says, “LifeAudio is thrilled to welcome Christian Outdoors to the network – it’s a whole new niche for us, opening the door to hunting, fishing, and outdoor content rooted in faith. It’s the kind of authentic conversation that resonates in trucks, on job sites, and around campfires, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us.” Rogers comments, “‘Christian Outdoors’ is excited and humbled to be the newest member of the LifeAudio Network. Joining this respected team will enable us to continue to reach folks and share our passion for the outdoors and Jesus in one place. Being part of LifeAudio will enable us to reach more believers with the good news of Jesus.”

Industry News

Worldwide News Network (WWNN) Launches Weekend Business Reports – WTOP, Washington, DC Becomes First Affiliate 

WWNN logoRed Apple Audio Networks’ recently launched Worldwide News Network (WWNN) is stepping into the weekend business and financial news space with the launch of WWNN Weekend Business Reports, a new series of reports delivering timely, insightful coverage of the markets, the economy and the companies driving growth. The reports debuted on Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP in Washington, DC, this past Saturday, August 1, marking the first affiliate partnership for the new service.

According to Red Apple, WWNN Weekend Business Reports will go beyond traditional market updates, focusing on the industries and economic sectors shaping the future, including automotive, technology and entertainment. The reports will also spotlight breakthrough companies and emerging trends driving innovation.  The reports are being anchored and produced by veteran correspondents John Terrett and Jake Novak.

“WWNN is not simply filling the gap left by the demise of the CBS Radio Network,” said Lee Harris, SVP, news & programming, Worldwide News Network. “We’re building something stronger and more relevant for today’s audience. John and Jake bring extraordinary experience and credibility, and more importantly, they know how to make complicated financial and economic stories understandable, compelling, and actionable. That’s what makes these reports different.”

“Our listeners want and need insightful financial and business news they can trust, and they depend on us to deliver it every day of the week,” said Julia Ziegler, director of news and programming at WTOP. “As the industry has contracted over the last few years, it has left a void. It is exciting to work with a company like WWNN that understands the importance of providing quality reporting seven days of the week.”

Industry News

John Fredericks Media Network to Acquire WAKM, Franklin, Tennessee

The John Fredericks Media Network says it is in the process of acquiring WAKM-AM, Franklin, Tennessee that will add to its sports division. JFMN says the addition of WAKM-AM will complement WENO-AM, Nashville and the News-Talk Nashville – The Flame digital app and adds that the acquisition represents img“another major milestone in JFMN’s strategic vision of building the nation’s premier independently owned News-Talk-Sports media network.” JFMN co-founder John Fredericks says, “As we continue to grow across America, Tennessee is a key market for our future. Our mission is simple: deliver compelling News-Talk-Sports programming that people can’t get anywhere else. We’re building platforms that serve our audience – not shareholders – and this expansion is another major step in that vision. We’re proving that News-Talk and Sports belong together. Our audience wants breaking news, honest opinion, and the teams they love – all from one trusted source. That’s exactly what we’re delivering.”

Industry News

Abernethy to Chair BFoA Golf Tournament

FOX Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy will serve as chair of the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s 2026 Celebrity Golf Tournament on Monday, September 14, at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. Abernethy says, “The BFOA Celebrity Golf imgTournament is one of the industry’s signature events. It offers a unique opportunity to play one of the region’s premier courses while spending the day with colleagues, industry leaders, and celebrities, all in support of a charity that provides a vital lifeline to our fellow broadcasters when they need it most.” All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the BFOA’s charitable mission.

Industry News

JFMN Releases Network Listening Report

Talk media entrepreneur John Fredericks – owner of the John Fredericks Media Network that’s comprised of more than a dozen signals in five states – reports that its combined monthly audience for June 2026 across radio, television, streaming, digital, and social media platforms achieved a 2.7-million-person audience reach. JFMN says the achievement reflects its expansion as an independent multimedia platform. John Fredericks states, “We built this network from the ground up without corporate owners, private imgequity, or Wall Street investors. We answer to one group: our audience. This milestone proves there’s tremendous demand for independent voices delivering news, politics, sports, and commentary people can trust. Truth and clarity are making a comeback.” Company CEO Anne Fredericks adds, “We strive to cover what matters most in people’s daily lives: their country, their community, and their sports teams. News, talk, and sports are simply different expressions of the same mission: giving people truthful information, honest perspective, and a voice. What makes the John Fredericks Media Network different is our independence. No newsroom hierarchy, no C-Suites, no suits and no boardrooms.”

Industry News

Worldwide News Network to Air in Germany

Red Apple Audio Networks’ Worldwide News Network announces entry into its first European market as it begins a distribution partnership with BLR, a Germany leading radio news and content syndicator based in Garching near Munich. Worldwide News Network’s top- and bottom-of-the-hour newscasts and special reports are now available to German broadcasters. Red Appleimg CEO John Catsimatidis states, “Audiences around the globe deserve the facts about what is going on in our world and that is why we created the Worldwide News Network. We’re delighted to partner with BLR and look forward to working with them as we continue to expand our reach into more European markets and around the world.” Worldwide News Network SVP of news and programming Lee Harris comments, “Expanding beyond the U.S. is an important milestone for Worldwide News Network. We’re excited to partner with BLR to bring an authentic American perspective on world events. This is the first step in building an international network of partners who value trusted, high-quality radio journalism.”

Industry News

Skyview Networks Announces Organizational Changes for “More Focused Leadership”

Skyview Networks is unveiling a series of organizational moves that president and CEO Steve Jones says are “designed to sharpen strategy, improve alignment and increase efficiency across the company. These changes create clearer, more focusedimg leadership around the priorities that matter most, and I’m confident they will help us move quickly, enhance innovation and stay at the leading edge of a changing media landscape as we build toward the future.”

Among those changes are Andrew Kalb rising to chief operating officer. Jones says his new title and oversight reflect the leadership role he plays across the organization, a change imgintended to strengthen coordination and execution across our operational functions. Clayton Nix is now chief financial officer. Jones says Nix has become an instrumental member of the executive team in guiding the company’s financial direction, and this title reflects both his growing responsibilities and his impact in shaping our strategic decisions, enhancing partner service and delivering industry insight through reporting and analytics.

Additionally, Sarah Foss joins the company in the role of chief transformation officer in which she’ll work closely with executive leadership to drive key initiatives across the company and ensure disciplined execution. Ethan Aragon rises to senior executive director, business strategy, and Nicholaus Tzineff joins the company as revenue analytics strategist.

Industry News

Buffalo Bills Radio Network Adds Affiliates in NYC and West Palm Beach

During the spring, the NFL’s Buffalo Bills announced they would, through a deal with Good Karma Brands, take production and distribution of Bill radio play-by-play in house after years of imgAudacy’s sports talk WGR-AM, Buffalo serving as the flagship station. Now, the team announces that it has 23 stations signed up as affiliates, including Good Karma-operated WHSQ-AM, New York City (formerly WCBS-AM at 880 kHz) and WESP-FM, West Palm Beach “ESPN West Palm” – both stations operated by Good Karma. In the Buffalo market, games will be heard on Cumulus Media’s rock WGRF-FM.

Industry News

Weather Channel Radio Net Recognizes Meteorologists for 30 Years of Service

The Weather Channel Radio Network is recognizing meteorologists Ray Stagich and Scott Lawrimore, each of whom has completed 30 years of dedicated service to the network. The imgWeather Channel president Tom O’Brien states, “Ray and Scott represent the very best of what The Weather Channel Radio Network stands for. Their careers are a testament to more than longevity; it is the genuine sense of public responsibility that has guided every forecast, emergency and broadcast for 30 years. We are immensely proud to celebrate this remarkable milestone with them.”

Industry News

Lyn Joins Worldwide News Network

Red Apple Audio Networks announces that it has hired former CBS Radio News anchor Stacy Lyn for its Worldwide News Network. RAAN says, “Lyn brings more than three decades of broadcast journalism experience, including coverage of the White House, Congress, national elections, and major breaking news events. Her distinguished career includes reporting and anchoring roles in major markets and on national platforms, earning her numerous industry honors, including an Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence, a Gracie Award, an Associated Press imgAward for Outstanding Newscast, and more.” Red Apple SVP, news & programming Lee Harris says, “Stacy Lyn is exactly the kind of broadcast news anchor we set out to recruit when we launched the Worldwide News Network. She is a proven broadcaster with tremendous credibility and a long track record of delivering breaking news and major stories with accuracy, clarity, and professionalism. Stacy’s experience covering the highest levels of government and the biggest stories in America will be an enormous asset to our affiliates and listeners.” Other former CBS Radio broadcasters now serving with Worldwide News Network include Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, and Matt Pieper.

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

Lewinsky Podcast Joins AdLarge and the .fwd Network

AdLarge and the fwd. network announce that “Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky” officially joined the fwd. network portfolio. Activist, writer, producer, public speaker, and Vanity Fair contributing editor was recognized at the recent 50th Annual imgGracie Awards, where she received the Gracie Award for “Best Audio Podcast Host” for her program that centers around “meaningful and revealing conversations about identity, resilience and finding our way back to ourselves.” Named one of Rolling Stone’s “Top 10 New Podcasts of 2025” and included in The Guardian’s “20 Best Podcasts of 2025,” Lewinsky’s program about exploring vulnerability, identity, resilience, and how we make sense of the world through the broader lens of reclaiming has featured such notable guests as Miley Cyrus, John Oliver, Lena Dunham, Lizzo, Malala, Olivia Munn, Alan Cumming, and Dylan Mulvaney. She says, “Reclaiming has always been about creating honest conversations around identity, humanity, and what it means to move forward after difficult experiences. I’m excited to partner with the fwd. network, a team that understands the importance of meaningful storytelling and supporting voices that challenge, connect, and inspire.”

Industry News

Seaboard Networks to Distribute “The Unscaled Travel Radio Show”

Seaboard Networks announces that it is the new distributor and syndicator of the weekly travel program, “The Unscaled Travel Radio Show.” The KOWS-FM, Santa Rosa, California-based program is hosted by husband-and-wife team Jeremy and Amy Long. It is currently also heard on digital stations throughout the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand and beyond. Seaboard marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei says, “I was hooked the moment Jeremy and I first started talking about travel. Travel is a topic people are extremely passionate about. This will go well with our growing portfolio of lifestyles shows which include a wrestling show and program about pets.”

Industry News

Premiere Networks and FOX Sports Radio Celebrate Gracie Winners

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Earlier this week, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s 51st Annual Gracie Awards annual gala took place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. Winners included FOX Sports Radio’s Carmen Vitali and former co-host Alex Curry, were honored in the Weekend Host/Personality category for their “FOX Sports Saturday” show. Pictured here are Curry and FOX EVP Scott Shapiro.

Industry News

“The Breakfast Club” to Stream Daily on Netflix

iHeartMedia strikes a deal with streaming giant Netflix to stream the nationally syndicated urban morning show “The Breakfast Club” – the first such move for Netflix. The announcement reveals that the program co-hosted by Charlamagne tha God, will air simultaneously as a live video show on Netflix each weekday. While the radio broadcast will continue to include traditional commercial breaks, Netflix viewers will receive “an enhanced, uninterrupted experience, imgwith those breaks filled by exclusive bonus segments, behind‑the‑scenes moments, extended discussions and original content – resulting in nearly three continuous hours of programming each day.” iHeartMedia chairman Bob Pittman comments, “The Breakfast Club has always been at the center of culture, breaking artists, shaping conversations, and reflecting real life in real time. Taking this show live every day to a global audience on Netflix is a powerful example of how we’re expanding the reach of our biggest brands while giving audiences entirely new ways to experience them. Whether it’s morning in NYC or the afternoon in London, the conversation is live and reaching the world in real time.”

Industry News

Red Apple’s News Network Announces Journalist Hires; Announces Launch Date of May 23

Red Apple Audio Networks will launch its 24-hour national radio news service – Worldwide News Network – on Saturday, May 23. The company says the previously announced venture led by VP of news Lee Harris will deliver to stations “professionally produced top and bottom of the hour newscasts every hour, seven days a week, while simultaneously igniting one of the most aggressive newsroom staffing initiatives in radio imgsyndication.” Red Apple says is has brought aboard former CBS Radio broadcast journalists Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, and Matt Pieper as “the first major hires in what will be a rapid buildout of the network’s team of elite news anchors, correspondents, writers, and producers.” Harris says, “We are assembling top-tier journalists and building a modern radio news operation rooted in speed, authority, and facts – one that stations can rely on and listeners can trust.” Red Apple Media owner and CEO John Catsimatidis adds, “Our mission is to be the most trusted news gathering organization in media. We are creating a powerful, around-the-clock newsroom designed to compete at the highest level of broadcast audio news. Facts are what will drive the Worldwide News Network. We’re looking forward to our expansion in the European markets.”

Industry News

Urban One Q1 2026 Net Revenue Down 15.8%

Urban One reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and states that net revenue for the period was approximately $77.7 million, a decrease of 15.8% from the same period in 2025. The company reports an operating loss of approximately $2.2 million in Q1 of 2026, compared to operating income of approximately $2.1 million during the same period imga year ago. Additionally, Urban One reports a net loss of approximately $3.1 million for the period, compared to the net loss of $11.7 million it reported in Q1 of 2025. Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III states, “First quarter revenue was soft across all divisions, with TV down 18.5%, Digital down 33.5%, Radio down 6.4% and Reach Media dropped by 17.0%. We had budgeted for a down-quarter in our Radio and TV divisions, but not at Reach Media and Digital… In Radio, our Miller Kaplan local Radio revenues were down 5.5% year-over-year vs the market down 7.1% and national was down 8.2%, vs the market down 6.7%. Including local digital, first quarter Radio revenue was down 2.8%. We did approximately $1.0 million in gross political advertising in the first quarter and have another $1.0 million on the books for the second quarter. Radio second quarter is pacing down 2.6%. We are in a turnaround situation at Reach Media, where we continue to be impacted by a weak marketplace, key client attrition and sales team re-building. Digital also had a soft first quarter, driven by weak advertiser demand but second quarter is forecasted to be up, and there is optimism for the back half of the year based on the current sales pipeline.”