Townsquare Announces New $490 Million Credit Agreement
Townsquare Media Inc announces a new $490 million credit agreement with Bank of America. The deal
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.
a state-of-the-art podcast studio in Qatar, accompanied by a lineup of original shows and the introduction of some of the world’s most popular podcasts to Arabic-listening audiences. It will also execute specialized masterclasses to nurture local talent and host global industry events, including Web Summit gatherings, positioning Qatar as a meeting point for the world’s top podcasting voices. iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman comments, “Podcasting has exploded in the US and is now a mass-reach medium. And iHeartMedia, with our expansive network as the #1 podcaster in America, is in a unique position to grow strong listenership around the globe. iHeartPodcasts features a massive catalog of original shows spanning every category and this new partnership creates an opportunity to work with a long roster of incredible creators and distribute even more content to new audiences in the Middle East.”
news/talk WWNC-AM, sports talk WPEK-AM “ESPN Asheville,” plus five music brands. She says, “I couldn’t be more thankful for the mentorship and support I’ve received throughout my career at iHeart, which has brought me to this exciting opportunity. Working alongside such talented colleagues in this beautiful, resilient mountain town is a true privilege. I look forward to continuing to grow with iHeartMedia and helping our amazing clients succeed with the best strategies in the business.”
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.
by a political appointee instead of a career agent. The role of the deputy director is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the bureau’s law enforcement. The Journal also reports that new FBI director Kash Patel had “offered Republican senators private assurances that he would name a special agent with bureau experience” in order to provide “operational expertise and experience.” The FBI Agents Association has made no public statement so far. Cumulus Media issued the following statement: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dan Bongino on his decision to take on the role of deputy director of the FBI. Dan has entertained and informed tens of millions of listeners every day and we are grateful for our successful partnership. We look forward to welcoming Dan back in the future. We truly value our audience, advertisers, and affiliates and remain dedicated to bringing them the next exciting chapter for this programming soon. Dan’s last show will be Friday, March 14.”
that Griffin Fossella worked for him on his 2013 NYC mayoral campaign. Responding to the issue, Morano tells SILive, “We all have personal relationships in this race. I’m proud to have the support of the Staten Island Republican Party… and I look forward to debating my opponent on the issues impacting South Shore residents. John [Catsimatidis] is a good friend and has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to do a nationally syndicated radio show. I’ll always be grateful to him for every opportunity he’s given me.” Catsimatidis says of Morano, “He’s a good broadcaster and he always has a job at WABC.”
Radio is an intimate, one-to-one medium; so “you” and “your” – speaking to one person – will resonate more than addressing “all of you.” There’s only one of me.
a 52% increase with viewers and 58% increase in the 25-54 demo compared to Hannity’s 2025 average and saw a 129% increase with viewers compared to the same day last year. The FOX News exclusive secured nearly 70% of the cable news audience at 9:00 pm ET and was the highest-rated episode of “Hannity” in 2025 aside from Inauguration Day. According to YouTube analytics and Emplifi, FOX News drove 20.5 million video views across YouTube, TikTok, X, Instagram and Facebook.
Catsimatidis says, “With the addition of The StoneZONE, radio audiences will have Roger’s perspective on news of the day in real-time. Our world is moving quicker than ever before, and listeners want to hear Roger’s insider’s understanding of what’s really going on in politics.” Following each evening’s broadcast, a video version of that StoneZONE will soon be exclusively available on Stone’s StoneZONE Rumble channel. This new show is in addition to the syndicated Sunday “Roger Stone Show” that also airs on WABC.
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) 
First” at #2, Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Dan Bongino Show” at #3 and iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” at #4. Changes of note during the January period include: Cumulus Podcast Network’s “The Shawn Ryan Show” rises three spots to the #5 rank; Salem Podcast Network’s “The Charlie Kirk Show” dips two places to the #8 rank; iHeartRadio’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” rises one place to #14; and iHeartRadio’s “Armstrong & Getty On Demand” shoots up five places to the #18 rank. 
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.”
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.
…..FIVE TO BE INDUCTED: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association will induct Dennis & Kathi Brown, Dale Johnson, Mike McKnight and Dave Wingert into the NBA Hall of Fame on August 12th in La Vista during the NBA Annual Convention. Established in 1972, the NBA Hall of Fame will grow to 123 members with these pending inductees…..
IBA AND RVA TO HOST LIVE VIDEO STREAMING WEBINAR: The Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA) is producing another “Lunch and Learn” workshop in partnership with the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA). The workshops are free online sessions and feature industry experts with practical solutions to radio’s most pressing problems. “Is Video the New Audio?” is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 1:00 pm ET.
The 45-minute session will include a Q&A and will be available for replay to all registrants. Registration is free (link: https://www.coolradiostreaming.com/) and IBA membership is not required.
Commission stated that Hennen was expressing “his own individual opinion on the current state of journalism,” but “even if it was assumed that such an opinion might be expressed on WDAY under BBM’s ownership, that is not a ground for the FCC to deny or withhold consent to the instant assignment.” The Commission further states, “We reject the assertion that Hennen’s social media comments justify a denial of the proposed assignment applications. The Objection does not cite to any provision under the Act or the rules, any cases, or any Commission policy for its argument that Hennen’s social media comments are pertinent to our review of the Applications. We disagree with Wolff’s argument that Hennen’s viewpoint on the state of journalism, as expressed in his social media comments, is in any way relevant to our determination of BBM’s qualifications to hold a license or whether the proposed assignment would serve the public interest. As the Commission has stated, licensees have broad discretion based on their First Amendment right to free speech to choose, in good faith, the programming they believe serves the needs and interests of their communities. Indeed, the Commission does not interfere with the programming decisions of licensees, nor does it consider issues of programming choice when reviewing an application for the assignment or transfer of a broadcast license.”
received a letter that also contained a “suspicious white, powdery substance” and forced the company to evacuate the building for several hours. Station employees continued to broadcast from the parking lot while authorities, including a hazmat team, investigated. They were allowed to return to the building after a period but so far authorities have offered no details on the letter or the powdery substance. 
direction. Thirty-year company veteran Dave Doetsch – who’d been managing the company’s South Bend and Southwest Michigan operations – is elevated to chief operating officer and chief revenue officer. Rockford, Illinois cluster manager Mike Paterson is promoted to chief financial officer. As a result, Kim DiGiovanni rises from VP/director of sales to general manager for Rockford. The company is in the process of selling its Springfield, Illinois stations to Woodward Communications and after that deal closes, Mid-West Family will own and operate 41 stations in seven markets: Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Madison, Wisconsin; Rockford, Illinois; South Bend, Indiana; St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Springfield, Missouri.
2025, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company’s Class D Common Stock must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive business days. The company says it intends to actively monitor the closing bid price of its Class D Common Stock and will consider all reasonable available options to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, which may include seeking stockholder approval to effect a reverse stock split. There can be no assurance that the company will regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement during the 180-day compliance period, maintain compliance with the other Nasdaq listing requirements or be successful in appealing any delisting determination. The Notice also has no impact on the Company’s Class A Common Stock which trades under the symbol “UONE.”
International Day of the United Nations, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD). Each year WRD focuses on a specific theme involving radio that is timely, and important. This year the theme is “Radio and Climate Change.” UNESCO points out: Radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations through climate disasters such as tropical storms and floods. It helps with the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, and dedicated radio shows. 
11:00 pm to 2:00 am ET. The program says that Smart, who worked as an Apple repair technician and with Steve Jobs in the late 1980s at the computer firm NeXT, “has been at the forefront of innovation. He built large-scale telecommunications networks, is an inventor, a former child actor, and a VO artist. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, pop culture fanatic, or just love to consume interesting content, ‘Online Tonight’ offers something for everyone.”
documentary “features expert insight from RAAN hosts, including John Catsimatidis, Rita Cosby, Greg Kelly, Roger Stone, Jeanine Pirro, Dominic Carter, and more.” It asks the questions: What are the opportunities? What are the obstacles? Will there be fewer freak-outs about social media posts? Will there be more focus on economic issues? 
presented to Brian Lawlor, president, Scripps Sports. Additionally, Scott Herman, former COO of CBS Radio and Chair of the BFOA, will pay tribute to Dan Mason, former CEO of CBS Radio and past Chair of the BFOA, with the 2025 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, and Katz Media Group will be recognized with the 2025 Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award. Katz Media Group CEO Mark Gray will accept the award. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We’re excited about this year’s honorees and presenters and extend our thanks to Deborah for serving as the evening’s emcee. While we gather to honor these highly respected and accomplished broadcasters for their contributions to our industry, we must always keep in mind, and in our hearts, the broadcasters who we help when they need us the most.”