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.”

Industry News

Salem Media Net Revenue Falls 11.2%

Salem Media reveals its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and reports net revenue of $45.9 million, a decline of 11.2% from the same period in 2025. For Q1, Salem is reporting a net loss of $2.57 million, down from the net loss of $7.1 million it reported during the first quarter of img2025. Looking at Salem’s business segments, the company reports Broadcast Programming Revenue (from local and national block programming) of $17.2 million in Q1 of 2026, while Broadcast Advertising Revenue (national & local spot, network advertising) was $9.27 million during the quarter. Meanwhile, Salem’s total digital revenue for the period was $18.1 million. Salem Media announced this week that it is in the process of being acquired by WaterStone in a stock purchase deal that will take the company private.

Industry News

CTBS Podcast Network Launches “Nation States with Yates”

Premiere Networks says The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network is debuting a new podcast hosted by foreign policy strategist and former White House national security advisor Steve Yates, titled, “Nation States with Yates.” Premiere says, “‘Nation States with Yates’ is your personal national security advisor: translating global politics, foreign imgpolicy, and geopolitical risk into clear, Main Street common sense. In each episode, Yates draws on his decades of experience across government, policy, and advisory roles to break down how decisions are made at the highest levels, and what they mean for the United States and the world.” Yates comments, “The world comes at you fast, not just at the White House, but at your house. My pledge to you in each episode is to deliver concise, experience-driven insight into how decisions are made at the highest levels, what they mean for the United States, and what they mean for your world.”

Industry News

Beasley’s Q1 2026 Net Revenue Declines 12.9%

Beasley Broadcast Group reports it operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and reveals net revenue for the period was $42.6 million, a decline of 12.9% from the same period a year ago. The company says that decline is due to “persistent weakness in the traditional agency advertising market that was partially offset by the continued expansion of our high-margin, owned-and-operated direct digital revenues.” Beasley imgadds that it recorded operating income of $7.7 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to an operating loss of $0.3 million in Q1 of 2025. The increase in operating income was driven primarily by the sale of its Fort Myers stations. Beasley also reported net income of approximately $3.2 million compared to a net loss of $2.7 million, reported a year ago. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “While first quarter results continued to reflect pressure in certain legacy advertising categories and an uneven pace of recovery across our markets, we made meaningful progress against the strategic priorities we outlined over the past year. Importantly, we continue to see strong momentum in digital, particularly in our owned and operated products, which grew year-over-year on a same station basis and now represent an increasingly important contributor to both revenue quality and long-term profitability. Markets with stronger digital adoption continue to demonstrate greater revenue stability, reinforcing our confidence in the long-term direction of the business.”

Industry News

The Black Effect Podcast Network Debuts “Front Page”

iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Effect Podcast Network are launching “Front Page” – a new daily Black Effect original poimgdcast and an extension of The Breakfast Club’s popular “Front Page News” radio segment. Black Effect says host Mimi Brown expands her on-air coverage of the most-talked-about news stories each weekday into easily digestible 10-to-12-minute episodes that will give listeners more of the headline-making details they crave.

Industry News

Townsquare Media Net Revenue Dips 1.9% in Q1

Townsquare Media reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and says net revenue was $96.8 million, a decline of 1.9% compared to the first quarter of 2025. The company reveals net income of $2.96 million in Q1 of 2026 after reporting a net loss of $1.5 million during the same period a year ago. Townsquare reports data by segment and digital revenue for the quarter was $39.3 million, up 6.8% from Q1 of 2025, subscription digital marketing solutions revenue was $17.5 million, imga decline of 7.9% from last year and broadcast advertising revenue was $38.6 million, down 6.6% from the same period a year ago. Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson comments, “With our digital growth engine driving our performance, each year our business mix continues to shift to a greater percentage of both digital revenue and profit. In the first quarter, 59% of our total revenue and 63% of our total Segment Profit was generated from our differentiated digital solutions – each our highest percentages ever. Our Digital Advertising revenue returned to high-single digit revenue growth in Q1, which we believe will continue throughout the year due to the consistent performance of our digital programmatic offering and the success of our Media Partnership division; the strong revenue growth of the direct sales of our local owned and operated digital properties; and the stabilization of our online audience and remnant revenue. I would also like to highlight Townsquare Interactive’s strong profit performance, with Segment Profit margin of 34% in Q1, representing year-over-year margin expansion.” The company also announced that its board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share payable on August 3, 2026 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 27, 2026.

Industry News

Kathy Barnette Show Making Waves in Philly

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The WPHT, Philadelphia-based “Kathy Barnette Show” has launched into national syndication via her non-profit Seed & Root Initiative. The weekly show has been airing live on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am ET since January and is now being delivered nationally via the Salem Radio Network and by download. Barnette recently announced the national launch of her program at the recent Philadelphia Seed & Roots Summit at the Independence Center that drew fellow Black conservatives as well as Democrats to discuss important issues facing families today.

Barnette – a former U.S. Senate candidate in Pennsylvania – tells TALKERS, “America is at a crossroads, and I believe my voice comes at a critical time. I don’t talk about poverty or perseverance from a spreadsheet – I’ve lived it. From a pig farm in Alabama to the halls of corporate America, from serving in the military to building a national platform, I’ve seen firsthand what faith, discipline, and hard work can achieve. My show is about bringing authenticity, courage, and moral clarity back to the airwaves – and planting the kind of seeds that will offer shade for generations to come.”

Last week (5/2), Barnette devoted an episode of her radio show to the topic, “Breaking the Democrat Lock: Black Men Speak.” She tells TALKERS, “I brought Black men into the studio to discuss the ongoing shift in Black voter sentiment away from the Democrat Party after nearly 70 years of Democrats holding a dominant share of the Black vote. We explored a central question: What changed? What’s driving the erosion?”

Pictured (l-r): William Small II, congressional candidate 3rd CD; Amir Collins, 17-year-old Big Brother volunteer; Kathy BarnetteJohn Hemphill III, U.S. Air Force Gulf War veteran; and John Allante McAuley, PA GOP State Committee candidate.  The child pictured in front is William Small III.

Barnette, a home school teaching mother of two, was the national grassroots director and senior advisor for Vivek Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign and is the author of Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: Being Black and Conservative in America (Center Street, 2020).

Industry News

Saga Communications’ Q1 Net Revenue Falls 5.6%

Saga Communications reports its operating results for the first quarter of 2026 and states net revenue was $22.9 million, a decrease of 5.6% from the same period in 2025. The company also reports and operating loss of $3.3 million compared to $2.3 million for the same quarter last year. Additionally, station operating income decreased 62% to $900,000. Sagimga is reporting a net loss of $2.4 million for the quarter compared to the net loss of $1.6 million it reported in Q1 of 2025. Saga paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on March 20, 2026. The aggregate amount of the quarterly dividend was approximately $1.6 million. With payment of this most recent declaration Saga will have paid over $145 million in dividends to shareholders since the first special dividend was paid in 2012.

Industry News

Lee Harris Joins Red Apple as Company Launches The Worldwide News Network

Red Apple Media is unveiling its new global audio news platform “created to deliver fair, balanced, and real-time reporting to listeners across the United States and around the world.” The new service is called The Worldwide News imgNetwork, and Red Apple has recruited New York radio news legend Lee Harris to serve as vice president of news for WABC Radio and The Worldwide News Network. The company says, “The move positions WABC Radio and Red Apple Audio Networks for a dramatic next chapter, transforming the iconic New York news/talk station’s reach into a 24/7 global audio news presence fueled by streaming technology, smart speakers, mobile platforms, syndication, and digital distribution.” Red Apple owner John imgCatsimatidis says, “Today’s digital technology gives us the power to deliver the truth instantly, not just across America, but across Europe and around the globe. WABC Radio is already heard in all 50 states and in 178 countries through our multi-platform distribution. The Worldwide News Network is the natural next step in building a global destination for fair, balanced, no-nonsense news people can trust.” Lee Harris was the morning news anchor at 1010 WINS in New York for 30 years. Additionally, he has advised broadcasters throughout Europe and Asia, helped launch Moscow’s Kommersant FM as a U.S.-style all-news station, lectured at television and radio outlets across China through the University of Missouri School of Journalism, and served as director of integrated operations and New York bureau chief for cable startup NewsNation. Harris comments, “John Catsimatidis has never thought small, and this venture is no exception. The Worldwide News Network is an ambitious, forward-looking news platform designed for how people consume information today. I am thrilled to join Red Apple Media and WABC Radio at such a transformational moment and help build a news organization with both national strength and international reach.”

Industry News

Beasley 2025 Q4 Net Revenue Falls 21.1%

Beasley Broadcast Group reports net revenue of $53 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, a decline of 21.1% from the same period in 2024. For the full year of 2025, net revenue was $205.9 million, a decrease of 14.3% from the full year of 2024. Regarding the Q4 2025 numbers, Beasley says they “reflect persistent weakness in the traditional agencyimg advertising market that was partially offset by the continued expansion of our high-margin, owned-and-operated direct digital revenues. Beasley recorded an operating loss of approximately $230.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to operating income of $7.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven primarily by a non-cash FCC license impairment charge of $224.8 million, reflecting the company’s updated assessment of the fair value of its broadcast licenses in light of continued secular pressures on the radio industry, as well as $1.7 million in other operating expenses.”

Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley states, “2025 was a year of meaningful transformation for Beasley. Against a persistently challenging advertising environment — marked by continued secular pressure on traditional audio and the ongoing contraction of agency-driven revenue channels — imgwe made tangible progress reshaping this company for long-term value creation. Our digital business delivered record performance, with digital revenue representing approximately 24% of net revenue, up from roughly 19% of net revenue in 2024, and digital segment operating margins reached record levels as our continued shift toward owned-and-operated and programmatic products gained traction across our markets… Building on this progress, we recently announced a debt exchange transaction with our second lien bondholders, pursuant to which we expect to reduce our second lien debt by approximately 50% and repay roughly $15 million of our first lien debt. Upon completion of the transaction, which is subject to bondholder participation and expected to close by the end of April, we anticipate total outstanding debt will be reduced to approximately $110 million from $220 million today. We believe this transaction will meaningfully strengthen our balance sheet, enhance financial flexibility, and better position the Company to execute on its strategic priorities. Following its completion, our focus will shift toward further deleveraging through EBITDA growth and continued portfolio optimization.”

Industry News

Black Effect Podcast Network Welcomes Winner of “Pitch Your Podcast”

iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Effect Podcast Networks welcome “The Black Mother Wound Podcast” to the network. The program was the winner selected from the “Pitch Your Podcast” booth at the 2025 Black Effect Podcast Festival last year. Podcast hostimg Jennifer Arnise says, “Winning the ‘Pitch your Podcast’ contest was so validating and made me feel like my voice and the hidden stories of Black women really matter. This podcast is a love letter to Black girls who never felt seen or heard by their mothers and feels like getting the best advice from your tough but loving big sister and your drunk bestie. It’s what I wish I would’ve had when I started my healing journey.” The launch comes ahead of the fourth annual Black Effect Podcast Festival taking place April 25 at Pullman Yards in Atlanta where the “Pitch Your Podcast” booth will once again be available for festival attendees. The activation allows creators to pitch their shows to members of the Black Effect team for the chance to join the network.

Industry News

Steve Jones Assumes Ownership of Skyview Networks

In a memo to staffers, Skyview Networks president and CEO Steve Jones announces that he has completed the acquisition of the company and is the new owner, effective immediately. He writes: “This transition further strengthens long-term direction and focus that ensures continuity. Our leadership team will continue exemplifying our company values, and our day-to-day priorities remain centered on client outcomes, operational excellence and teamwork. It is also important to recognize Ken Thiele,img who founded the company 30 years ago.” Thiele’s message to staff was: “First and foremost, I want to thank you all. Skyview Networks exists, and is respected across the industry, because of the talent, grit and customer commitment each of you bring every day. Since joining Skyview Networks, Steve has expanded our business portfolio and led with a steady focus on growth and stability. It is with this confidence in leadership that Skyview’s trajectory and momentum continues.” Jones adds, “On a personal note, I am proud of the team that has built and sustained Skyview Networks’ reputation across the industry. This company is special because of you. Serving as the leader of Skyview Networks is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am committed to continue leading with transparency, respect and a long‑term focus on our people and business.”

Industry News

Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy Gets Exclusive Interview with Netanyahu

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Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy is in Israel and did an extensive, exclusive interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ruddy is pictured above being interviewed in the streets of Tel Aviv by senior correspondent John Huddy as he previews the interview. See this clip here.

Industry News

Radio America Unveils Helios Media Podcast Network

Radio America announces the launch of Helios Media – a dedicated podcast network “built to develop, distribute, market and monetize the next generation of podcast content.” In making the announcement, Radio America says it “has a proven track record in podcasting, producing successful shows including, ‘The Dana Show Podcast,’ ‘Chicks on theimg Right,’ and ‘3 Martini Lunch.’” Radio America president and CEO Mike Paradiso states, “Helios Media is the natural progression of what Radio America has been building for decades – trusted content, powerful reach, and authentic voices that resonate with millions of Americans. With Helios Media, we’re giving creators the tools, the platform, and the audience to stand out in the competitive landscape of podcasting and digital media.” Radio America adds, “While Radio America continues its leadership in radio syndication – home to popular shows like ‘The Dana Show’ with Dana Loesch and ‘The Chad Benson Show’ – Helios Media serves as a distinct brand, purpose-built for podcast development, distribution, marketing and sales, amplifying news, culture, and entertainment stories through voices that challenge the mainstream and speak with conviction.” See more about Helios Media here.

Industry News

Andy Hooser Show Goes National Via Talk Media Network

Wichita-based talk radio host Andy Hooser announces that his radio program “The Voice of Reason with Andy Hooser” is going intoimg syndication via Talk Media Network. The program will be fed live weekdays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Hooser says his program is a “one-hour conservative talk program that focuses on recapping the day’s events and brings a fresh perspective on the big stories of the day with fun conversation and great daily guests.” The program is based at Steckline Communications’ KQAM, Wichita where he serves as operations manager.

Industry News

Salem Media’s 2025 Total Net Revenue Down 10.5%

Salem Media Group reveals its operating results for 2025 and reports total net revenue of $212.7 million, a decline of 10.5% over 2024’s reported $237.6 million. The company’s total operating expenses roseimg 3.9% to $252.4 million in 2025. After posting net income of $16.2 million in 2024, the company is reporting a net loss of $34.6 million in 2025. Salem reports revenue by segments and the erosion of its broadcast advertising revenue was dramatic after it shut down its Christian music formats and sold numerous radio stations, falling 36% — from $62.6 million in 2024 to $40.75 million in 2025. However, the company’s digital revenue (including advertising, streaming, downloads, and subscriptions) rose 5.5% from $83.8 million in 2024 to $88.4 million in 2025.

Industry News

Urban One’s 2025 Q4 Net Revenue Down 16.5%

Urban One’s operating results for the fourth quarter of 2025 show net revenue of $97.8 million, down 16.5% from the same period in 2024. The company reports broadcast and digital operating income was approximately $23.8 million for Q4, a decrease of 38.3% from the same period in 2024. Urban One reports a net loss of $54.4 million for Q4 of 2025, compared to a net loss of $35.7 million for the same period inimg 2024.  Urban One CEO and president Alfred C. Liggins, III, states, “As expected, we had a tough fourth quarter due to a combination of non-recurring political advertising, soft radio markets and declining audience delivery in our cable television business. Despite this, we were able to achieve full-year Adjusted EBITDA within our previous guidance range at $56.7 million. The biggest revenue drag in the fourth quarter resulted from weak cable TV prime delivery, down approximately 20.0% from the third quarter, although we have seen a significant recovery in the first quarter 2026 as the revised Nielsen methodology has given us an approximate 40.0% – 50.0% lift compared to the fourth quarter 2025. Radio pacings in the first quarter of 2026 are currently down 5%, but we remain positive on the outlook for mid-term political revenues later in the year. I was pleased that we were able to repurchase a significant amount of our 2028 Notes at a discount, extend out the maturity on all but a small stub of the notes, and increase the size and term of our ABL Credit Agreement. This transaction sets up the company with a stable capital structure and extended maturity runway to allow us to continue to de-lever the business. In January 2026 we also regained compliance with the Nasdaq listing requirements by effectuating a 1-for-10 reverse stock split.”

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Announces Hire and Promotions in Sales Department

Compass Media Networks names Stephanie Dolan vice president of advertising sales and reveals expanded duties for four other executives. Speaking about her new position, Dolan says, “Compass Mediaimg Networks has a sterling reputation in our industry with a tremendous product line and management team. I cannot wait to get started and superserve our clients.” Additional moves include Laura Peyer being promoted to SVP of advertising sales; Anthony Severino being upped to VP of sales planning; Michael Weiss rising to VP of advertising sales; and Laura Schaefer named as director of advertising sales & manager of sales planning. Compass president of advertising sales & marketing Paul Gregery states, “It is truly my very good fortune to work with such a talented, hardworking, and passionate group of people. We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our wonderful company and equally thrilled to honor her colleagues with their promotions.”

Industry News

Compass Media Networks Presents Big 10 Basketball Tournament Action

Compass Media Networks is presenting complete and exclusive coverage of the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament beginning onimg Tuesday, March 10 and culminating with the championship game broadcast on Sunday, March 15. “We cannot wait for tip-off,” says Robert Blum, general manager of Compass Media Networks/Sports. “With the expansion of the Big Ten Tournament the six days will be packed with extremely compelling games that will help power the ratings of our affiliates and dazzle our audience.”

Industry News

Federal News Network Contracts with Leadership Connect

Hubbard Radio’s Federal News Network (including WFED-AM, Washington, DC) announces a strategic partnership with Leadership Connect, a provider of government, policy, and contracting intelligence.img Hubbard says the collaboration brings together Federal News Network’s trusted reporting with Leadership Connect’s proprietary data and analysis to deliver deeper context and insight across the federal marketplace. Federal News Network publisher Jeffrey Wolinsky states, “Our mission has always been to support federal executives with the insights they need to lead effectively. This partnership with Leadership Connect allows us to enrich our reporting with deeper data, ensuring our audience receives more impactful content than ever before. We are thrilled to integrate these resources to better serve the federal community.”

Industry News

Joe Concha Added to Red Apple Audio Networks

The national syndication arm of Red Apple Media adds the Joe Concha-hosted show, “Concha At Night” in the 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm slot. “Concha At Night” debuted on WABC, New York earlier this month.

Industry News

Audacy Partners with Next Net for AI Search Discoverability Optimization

Next Net — a company that specializes in search discoverability and AI optimization — partners with Audacy to launch NextNet AI – AI Search Discoverability Optimization for local and regional businesses nationwide. Then two companies say this partnership brings “enterprise-grade AIimg discoverability capabilities to small and mid-sized businesses that are being excluded from emerging search and discovery channels due to cost, complexity, and technical barriers.” Audacy SVP of digital Jenny Sutton says, “Local advertisers can be overwhelmed by the pace of change in digital marketing and discovery. By partnering with Next Net, we’re giving our clients a future-ready solution that integrates AI discoverability directly into the media and marketing strategies they already know and trust, without requiring technical resources or additional burden on the business owner.” 

Industry News

Salem Radio Network Covers Maduro Arraignment

Salem Radio Network announces that today’s Chris Stigall Show and the Mike Gallagherimg Show will both present live coverage of the expected arraignment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on narco-trafficking charges in New York City. Salem Radio Network VP/news and talk programming Tom Tradup interviewed Venezuelan citizens in the Dallas area, saying, “Like their counterparts in Washington, D.C., Chicago and elsewhere, Venezuelans in Dallas appear to be overjoyed that President Trump removed the dictator who had ruled over their home country.”

Industry News

New Westwood One Sports Network Lineup Revealed

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One unveils its new lineup for the Westwood One Sports Network that becomes effective on December 29. As previously announced, Drake C. Toll will host morning drive from 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET. He’s followed by “You Better You Bet” with Nick Kostos from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Joining the weekday roster are longtimeimg Chicago sports radio hosts Chris Bleck & Adam Abdalla airing from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET. Jim Rome remains in the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET daypart, followed by “BetMGM Tonight” with Brad Evans and Pat Boyle from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET.  Finally, “Westwood One Sports Night” will be hosted by Lynnell Willingham and Josh Graham airing from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am ET. SVP of sports | content & audience Bruce Gilbert states, “With our partners at Audacy, we’ve assembled a group of diverse and passionate sports voices committed to covering the biggest sports stories with opinions, expert analysis, and fan interaction. This lineup will highlight the biggest stories and provide timely information that is fresh, fun, and fan focused.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Partners with Netflix for Video Podcast Distribution

iHeartMedia enters into an exclusive video podcasting partnership with Netflix for some 15 of its video podcasts to be available on Netflix in early 2026 in the US, with more markets to follow. Podcasts joining the streaming service include: “The Breakfast Club,” “My Favoriteimg Murder,” “Joe and Jada,” “Dear Chelsea” with Chelsea Handler and “This Is Important” with “Workaholics” stars Adam Devine, Anders Holm and Blake Anderson. iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman states, “Audio podcasting has been the fastest-growing medium over the past 20 years, and now we’re thrilled to expand that experience with an exciting new category – video podcasts. Netflix has a leading video-first service, and this partnership perfectly complements our strong audio foundation. Working with Netflix – an important leader in entertainment – gives fans one more way to connect with the personalities they love and opens the door to new audiences, including viewers discovering these shows for the first time.”

Industry News

Zach Gelb Leaving Infinity Sports Network

Sports talk host Zach Gelb announces that he’ll do his final broadcast for Infinity Sports Network this Friday. Gelb posted to social media that he’s exiting the network that is beingimg transitioned by Audacy and Cumulus Media from Infinity Sports Network to Westwood One Sports at the end of December. That move was announced in October with the companies saying that beginning December 29, Westwood One will assume programming and distribution for the majority of the lineup of syndicated sports programming and Audacy will continue to produce BetMGM Network programs. Gelb says, “It’s sad to see CBS Sports Radio/Infinity Sports Network closing its doors as we once knew it, but grateful for the memories and excited to see what the next chapter in my sports talk journey brings.”

Industry News

Kathy Barnette Show Goes into National Syndication

The WPHT, Philadelphia-based “Kathy Barnette Show” is going into national syndication via her non-profit Seed & Root Initiative. The weekly show airs live on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am ET and is delivered via the Salem Radio Network and by download. Barnette announced the national launch of her program at the recent Philadelphia Seed & Roots Summit at theimg Independence Center that drew fellow Black conservatives and Democrats to discuss important issues facing families today. Barnette says, “America is at a crossroads, and I believe my voice comes at a critical time. I don’t talk about poverty or perseverance from a spreadsheet – I’ve lived it. From a pig farm in Alabama to the halls of corporate America, from serving in the military to building a national platform, I’ve seen firsthand what faith, discipline, and hard work can achieve. My show is about bringing authenticity, courage, and moral clarity back to the airwaves – and planting the kind of seeds that will offer shade for generations to come.” Barnette was the national grassroots director and senior advisor Vivek Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign and is the author of Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: Being Black and Conservative in America (2020, Center Street).  

Industry News

Bonneville Sports Network Targets Sports Advertisers

Bonneville International is launching the Bonneville Sports Network to leverage the power of the company’s sports brands for advertisers who wish to buy nationally across markets or fully ownimg their local market. Bonneville says, “The platform brings together Arizona Sports, Seattle Sports, Denver Sports, Sactown Sports, and KSL Sports in Salt Lake City, delivering more than 63 hours of live sports programming every day across audio, video, digital, and social channels.” Bonneville president and CEO Tanya Vea adds, “Bonneville Sports Network gives advertisers both flexibility and scale. Our network reaches fans wherever and whenever they engage with sports, across every platform. Advertisers can now leverage that strength in a way that aligns with their goals, whether they’re pursuing national reach or meaningful local impact.”

Industry News

Cumulus Partners with Shots Podcast Network

Cumulus Media announces that the Shots Podcast Network podcasts join the Cumulus Podcast Network. The company says that as part of Westwood One’s portfolio, the Cumulus Podcast Network distributes, markets, and monetizes the Shots Podcast Network while Shots continuesimg to develop, produce, and own all content. Shots Podcast Network shows include “Full Send Podcast,” hosted by Kyle Forgeard; “One Night with Steiny,” featuring Aaron “Steiny” Steinberg; and “The Rush with Maxx,” hosted by NFL star Maxx Crosby.Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network president Collin Jones says, “Shots is one of the most dynamic and influential creator networks in media today. Their fearless approach to content and ability to engage millions of fans makes them a perfect fit for the Cumulus Podcast Network. We’re thrilled to welcome John, and the entire Shots team.”

Industry News

Salem Media Group Q3 Net Revenue Falls 12.6%

Salem Media Group reveals its operating results for the third quarter of 2025 and reports that netimg revenue was $51.3 million, a decline of 12.6% from the same period in 2024. The company’s broadcast revenue was $40.7 million, down 11.5% from Q3 of 2024, and digital media revenue was $10.5 million, down 3% from the same period a year ago. The company posted a net loss of $2.3 million compared to the net loss of $6.6 million it posted in Q3 of 2024.