KBLA Launches “Conversation Live: Altadena Rising”
SmileyAudioMedia’s talk KBLA, Los Angeles will debut, “Conversation Live: Altadena Rising,” hosted by James Farr on Saturday (3/8) at 10:00 am. The program will track the recovery of Altadena in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. Company founder Tavis Smiley says, “We will use this Black-owned media
platform to ensure that California, the nation, and the world hear the stories of those impacted in Altadena. People have short attention spans, and many will forget the fire and its aftermath in the coming weeks and months. We intend to keep the focus on the families in Altadena and amplify their voices.” Farr adds, “Eaton was more than a fire. It was the destruction of a Black stronghold where 80% of residents were homeowners. These families weren’t just living here; they were building generational wealth. That’s why this show matters – because rebuilding Altadena isn’t just about homes, it’s about justice.” In the days following the fire, Farr co-produced KBLA’s three-hour live remote broadcast from the impact zone, ensuring survivors’ voices were heard.
21.67% of stations had women in the general manager position, a decline of half a point from last year, but a large increase from 2004 when 14.9% of stations had a female GM. MIW says the best management opportunities for women in radio continues to be in sales management as 35.67% of stations had a woman sales manager in 2024, up more than a full percentage point from 2023. When it comes to programming, MIW says the greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program directors/brand managers. Women currently program 12.38% of stations, a slight gain from 11.50% in 2023. MIW board president Sheila Kirby comments, “While we are encouraged by the progress in sales management and programming, the overall numbers show that there is still significant work to be done. Leadership opportunities for women in radio must continue to grow, and our mission at MIW remains steadfast – empowering, mentoring, and advocating for more women to rise into key decision-making roles across the industry.”
Nicole Ovadia says, “Our latest forecast indicates that local advertising is showing resilience, despite the ongoing changes in the economic landscape. Although we expect core advertising to remain stable, we’ve adjusted our outlook to account for various market factors like interest rates and consumer sentiment and significant changes in media consumption patterns that are driving digital growth.” The forecast indicates strong growth in several sectors: Real Estate at 9.3%, Restaurants at 9.2%, and Retail at 6.8%. The Education and Automotive verticals are also experiencing substantial growth, with increases of 5% each.
secretary is resigning from her positions with the company, effective on or around April 1. She is taking another position outside of the company. Fasbender will remain in her current position through April 1. iHeartMedia notes that Fasbender’s exit “is not the result of any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices.”
Advisory Board. The NYFestivals says Melén’s addition to the board will “further enhance the NYF Radio Awards, strengthening its commitment to celebrating innovation and excellence in the dynamic realm of audio storytelling.” Radio Awards EVP and executive director Rose Anderson adds, “Charlotte Melén’s pioneering work in immersive audio storytelling, especially the use of binaural and ambisonic microphones on location, has redefined the possibilities of the medium. Her team combines the highest production standards with a filmic sensibility to the delight of creators, brands, and listeners.”
Apple Media’s 77WABC Radio beginning this week (3/9). Red Apple says “The Anthony Cumia Show” will air Sundays from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET. Cumia says, “I am beyond thrilled to join 77WABC. They are the only ones doing great radio, and I’m looking forward to having a blast and connecting with my fans. I’m grateful to John [Catsimatidis] and Chad [Lopez] for offering me this opportunity. We’re going to have a great time!” Lopez says, “Anthony has a strong and loyal following who have missed him on New York radio. Anthony brings another element of entertainment to our weekend programming, which is about having fun.”
heard on WERE, Cleveland; WOLB, Baltimore; WDBZ, Cincinnati; and KDEE-FM Sacramento. The “Tavis Smiley” program is now heard in 40 markets across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Tavis Smiley says, “The show’s expansion into four additional high-profile markets underscores our ongoing commitment to enhancing the show’s innovative and unapologetically progressive programming. Following November’s election, the demand for our programming is growing exponentially. We will continue to deliver enlightening and empowering content aimed at African Americans and other people of color.”
includes sports talk KBBG-AM “The Champ” and four music brands. He most recently served with Walnut Media in Omaha. As director of sales. Cumulus Media president of operations Bob Walker says, “We are excited to welcome Adam to Cumulus Des Moines as this is a homecoming for him, having grown up in Des Moines and being a fan of our brands. Adam is an accomplished leader that is passionate about connecting local clients to the power of radio and the digital products we offer to help them grow their business.”
the “Private Economic Council” – a Washington, DC-based organization composed of “influential business leaders, entrepreneurs and economists promoting free market tax policies, advocating for taxpayers, and helping to support and promote President Trump’s economic agenda.” It also includes former Trump senior economic advisor and former member of the Wall Street Journal editorial board Steve Moore, Papa John’s founder John Schnatter, and former U.S. congressman and current Liberty University School of Business Dean Dave Brat.
were three or four minutes. Under the old five-minute listening qualifier rule, none of this tuning would have received listening credit. Effective with the January 2025 PPM survey, Nielsen is now crediting tuning occasions that are three minutes or greater. What are the results so far? First, drive times and weekends experience the greatest growth. Comparing January 2024 to January 2025 for persons 12+ and 25-54 reveals double-digit growth for all dayparts. Weekends and drives times have the greatest increases. Second, AM/FM radio’s listening profile now skews younger: Every major buying demographic has a higher composition of listening. Persons 65+ is the only demographic where AM/FM radio’s audience composition is reduced. Persons 25-54, AM/FM radio’s most popular buying demographic, experiences the largest increase in audience composition. Persons 18-49 have the next largest growth. And third, format shares remain stable. Versus October 2024, PPM January 2025 format shares are very consistent. An uptick in news/talk AQH composition is most likely more due to a heavier news cycle (major weather stories and a new president) than a PPM methodology enhancement. In local markets, there is more share variation. 
the team to develop, sell and service local business. The position is responsible for delivering assigned revenue targets through managing sales team efforts, developing sales talent and monthly business planning. The GSM develops relationships with businesses, engages with networks such as chambers, business alliances etc. to uncover opportunities within the local market. The GSM will maintain an account list while helping the sales team sell and develop cohesive campaigns for new direct businesses. 
provides Townsquare with a five-year, $470 million senior secured term loan facility and a five-year, $20 million senior secured revolving credit facility. Townsquare used $453 million of net proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facility plus cash on hand to redeem the outstanding 6.875% senior secured notes due 2026. Both the term loan and the credit revolver mature on February 19 of 2030.
AM in Louisville and 51 other stations around Kentucky. iHeartMedia Kentucky/Memphis area president Kristy Beebe states, “We are incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Matt Jones and ‘Kentucky Sports Radio.’ Matt’s unique insights and engaging style have made him a beloved figure in the sports community, and we are proud to continue bringing his show to our dedicated audience. This renewal underscores our commitment to delivering top-notch sports content and maintaining our position as the leading audio company in the region.”
Larkin leads Audacy’s portfolio of markets, revenue and content teams, overseeing the company’s extensive audio platform, which includes broadcasting, podcasting, digital, network, live events, music, sports and news. She is also a board member of the Radio Advertising Bureau and has served on the boards of the Florida Association of Broadcasters and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
tournament watch party, Buckets & Bets will “provide college basketball enthusiasts with a front-row seat to all the men’s college basketball tournament action. Massive LED screens around the room will display every game from the tournament. Fans will have access to an open bar, on-site betting, bar games, insider commentary, and more special surprises.”
KRTK, Hermann; KVMO, Vandalia; and KRTE, Steelville in Missouri. For information on carrying Todd’s show, email 
Jim Gearhart is a remarkable on-air talent who was the AM drive host on New Jerey 101.5 for 20-plus years. In the 1960’s he was a star on WCBS-AM and WNEW. The illustration is an ad for his 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show on WNBC circa 1968.
and politicians to entertainers about faith in our everyday life.” Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez adds, “With Red Apple Audio Networks, we are bringing programming about myriad topics to radio stations across America – politics, music, and now faith-based, with more on the horizon. ‘The Rev & The Rabbi’ presents topics that inspire conversation, and that people of all faiths can find relatable and engaging.” Reverend A.R. Bernard leads New York’s largest house of worship – the Christian Cultural Center – with more than 45,000 active and engaged members. Rabbi Joseph Potasnik is executive vice president of The New York Board of Rabbis, and since 1972 the spiritual and educational leader of Congregation Mount Sinai in Brooklyn Heights. 
been diagnosed with suspected CTE two years ago and joined the National Sports Brain Bank at the University of Pittsburgh. He told “Pittsburgh Today Live” at the time, “If I can help anybody on this road, who is on this road or will be on this road in the years ahead, I feel better about being able to do that and being able to learn from my experiences.” Burnett played sports throughout his childhood and played college football at the University of Tennessee. (Photo: KDKA) 
It’s not easy to report on the deluge of information (and misinformation on social media) that is shaping our world. Especially in cutting through polarized rhetoric to find the truth. And yet, there has never been a more critical time to arm Americans with the facts and let them make their own decisions. To fulfill this mission, our newsrooms must be able to report without fear or favor. This isn’t just a constitutionally protected right – it is fundamental to serving our communities. And it’s a right we’ve had to defend time and time again since our country’s founding. Efforts to limit the ability of broadcasters to report the facts hinders the public’s right to know and chills free speech. Americans deserve the full and fair reporting that broadcasters provide and NAB strongly defends our members’ First Amendment rights and their vital role in maintaining an informed public. Our democracy relies on journalists’ ability to report the news without the risk of government retribution. In a media environment flooded with social media misinformation and cable news politicization, this role has never been more important.”
listening to audio daily, compared with 3 hours and 50 minutes among the non-Black population – over 30 minutes more per day. “This listening includes music as well as spoken-word content, such as podcasts and talk radio. We often thank creators for the audio masterpieces that captivate us, which are all very much deserved. Today, we also thank Black consumers for fueling the success of musicians, podcasters, and radio hosts.” 
Seven consumer studies commissioned by the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® over an eight-year period find audio listeners are a rich source of in-market financial consumers and drive significant top and bottom funnel impact. The key findings from the studies are outlined on this week’s blog.