Monday Memo: The Future of Radio isn’t Radio, It’s Reach
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
As a newly minted program director (remember them?), I found the 1980 “NAB Radio Programming Conference” downright enchanting. New-tech cart machines (remember them?) would FIND the splice! And after the cart played, a flashing light saved careless DJs from accidentally playing it again.
Back to The Future: Hello from fabulous Las Vegas, where radio has been folded-into what is now called The NAB Show. Among sessions I will be attending here this week:
- “Improving the Listener Experience,” which has suffered from cutback-after-cutback;
- And I will be the guy typing as fast as I can at “The Local Advertising Buying Landscape: Find Out What’s Driving Digital Sales, Revenue and Growth Opportunities.”
At the annual TALKERS conference 20+ years ago, publisher Michael Harrison coined the term “Media Station,” meaning: “Analog-rooted media such as radio stations, TV stations, and newspapers will have the digital capability of assuming each other’s roles in the multi-platform environment of the 21st century. No media brand will be limited to the AM/FM dial, the VHF/UHF TV set, the printed page delivered to the front porch, or even a specific channel. Every small AM radio station could be a sleeping SiriusXM Satellite Radio.”
This year’s NAB Show goes-there, with, among other sessions:
- “Hot Digital Trends: What to Know About Video, Podcasts and AI;” and
- “The Omni-Media Landscape: Mapping Reach, Affinity, and the Future of Media.
Recently, when CBS Legal wouldn’t let Stephen Colbert air his interview with surging Texas U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico (D), he posted it to YouTube, where it got roughly FIVE TIMES the views his TV show gets most nights. So… with technology now enabling individuals, I sure won’t miss:
- “A Crew of One: Solo Storytelling Strategies,” where the NAB Show says we will “Learn how to manipulate space and time as a solo storyteller, getting set up for success, working with multiple cameras, and keeping the flow from start to finish.”
- Ditto “The Ultimate Creator Studio Tips and Tricks;” and
- “The Fandom Flywheel: Building Scalable Media Ecosystems in The Bravoverse.”
With Uncle Sam’s big birthday looming, there’s “America 250: Owning the Moment – How Radio and TV Will Drive Community, Culture and Revenue in 2026;” and “The First Amendment and Press Freedom in Today’s Media Landscape.”
If you are in ‘Vegas this week, look for me at all-of-the-above. Maybe we can grab a cuppa cawfee. And no matter WHAT the dealer is showing, always-always split Aces and 8s. If you aren’t here, look for my NAB Show report again here tomorrow.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Griswold, the two launched The Bob & Tom Show in 1983 and the WFBQ, Indianapolis-based program took off, going into syndicated in 1995. The program, still led by Griswold, is heard on some 100 affiliate stations. Kevoian retired from the show in 2015. Kevoian went public with his cancer diagnosis in 2023 and launched “The Bob & Cancer Show” podcast with his wife Becky and Whit Grayson.
coverage of breaking news across the United States and around the globe. The 20/20 True Crime channel will launch in the coming weeks and will be a nonstop destination for in-depth storytelling from 20/20 and ABC News. The channel will feature award-winning narrative podcasts, full episodes of 20/20, installments of 20/20: The After Show, and curated cases from the 20/20 True Crime Vault. 
In a 
“I had a good run. I spent every cent I ever made… I would have rather saved some, but you can’t take it with you. I love you all. Thank you so much.” Barnes began his radio career in the 1980s at WEOK-WPDH in Poughkeepsie, followed by a nearly four-year run as an afternoon news anchor and reporter for WGHQ-WBPM in Kingston. He served as morning news anchor and news director for WSYR, Syracuse; worked at “All News 99.1 WNEW” in Washington, DC, as well as with USA Today Channel on SiriusXM in Washington; FOX News Radio in New York; and The Blaze Radio Network in Washington. DC. 
previously disclosed Plan of Reorganization. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “When we initiated this prepackaged restructuring in March, we did so with a clear objective: to right-size our balance sheet to support long-term success. The court’s prompt approval of our plan keeps us firmly on track to eliminate approximately $600 million in debt and positions us to emerge with a significantly stronger financial foundation. We look forward to completing the restructuring and emerging as a well-capitalized company, better equipped to compete in the evolving audio landscape.”
sports insight, humor, and a natural storyteller’s instinct that resonates far beyond the studio. Station programming operations manager Paul Mason comments, “Ron is a game‑changer. He brings energy, curiosity, and joy to everything he touches. Watching his growth – not just as a broadcaster, but as a leader and connector – has been incredible. His ceiling truly doesn’t exist, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.” In addition to his work with “104.5 The Zone,” Slay serves as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and the SEC Network.
information for farmers and ranchers and we are looking to double down on our efforts to bring that information to them through our radio affiliate partners. I am honored that we are able to grow the AOA footprint and expand to include a weekend offering that will continue to tell the story of agriculture, one conversation at a time.” Agriculture of America” debuted in 2018 by the team at FARM in conjunction with National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Adams featuring interviews and conversations with agricultural leaders, members of congress, market analysts, newsmakers and more and has grown into a nationally syndicated radio show heard on over 70 affiliate radio stations and SiriusXM Rural Radio 147 every weekday.
accepted $15,899,000 in aggregate principal amount of such tenders in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer. On March 30, 2026, the company completed the purchase of $15,899,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Existing First Lien Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. As of 5:00 pm on April 15, 2026, approximately 98% of the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Second Lien Notes have validly tendered in the Exchange Offer and provided consents to the proposed amendments to the Existing Second Lien Notes Indenture.
Ryan will continue calling live 49ers games, as well as pre-and post-game shows. Cumulus regional VP Larry Blumhagen comments, “We at KNBR are tremendously excited to continue this valued partnership with the Niners. We have a wonderful relationship with the organization and its people, and they are truly a partner to us in connecting their fans with all the gameday action they love and demand. We look forward to continuing to provide 49ers fans with outstanding game day coverage on all KNBR platforms from AM/FM to streaming.”
understate the immense sales effect power of creative. Some 122 marketers placed creative as the third most important contributor toward driving sales behind targeting and brand. But the reality based on analysis of 450 ad campaigns indicates creative is far and away the most important driver of sales. Both marketers and agencies place the greatest importance on targeting. Experts caution that too narrow targeting is ineffective. 
Commission states in part, “Due to economic conditions in the market, the licensee was forced to take the station off the air temporarily. The licensee respectfully requests special temporary authority for the station to remain silent. The licensee will promptly notify the Commission when it is able to resume station operations.” Townsquare also operates news/talk KFYO in the Lubbock market. 
Broadcasting and ESPN Arkansas, which will now serve all the Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Northwest Arkansas, Harrison, Mountain Home, and much of Eastern Oklahoma. Top rated KISR will continue to serve the River Valley from just below its previous dial position, moving to 93.1 FM.” ESPN Arkansas general manager Tommy Craft adds, “We are excited to expand and grow the footprint and coverage areas of our ESPN Arkansas radio stations. The addition of a 100,000-watt station to our roster of current stations is a true game changer. Fred Baker and KISR have spent more than 55 years building something that is far more than just a radio station for so many people, and we are humbled to be able to continue that kind of commitment to listeners. We live in a state where the sports we love and the daily conversations about the teams we follow matter. The opportunity to expand our coverage so that more of the great people in Arkansas can join in the conversation with our live and local sports talk radio shows is a thrill, and we cannot wait to get started.”
Time Spent Listening to podcasts has now surpassed TSL with spoken word radio. And both are fraught.
spanning over 30 years, including the last 16 in Denver. As a seasoned host turned executive, he has built a legacy of excellence that now culminates in his role as president and CEO of Mile High Sports. Today, he directs the pulse of Colorado sports, overseeing comprehensive, multi-platform coverage of Colorado’s major professional sports teams.” Lundy comments, “I’ve spent more than 35 years in radio and television, the last 16 right here in Denver. I am so happy to join Audacy as a local voice, and more importantly, as a local fan. This is going to be a fun ride!”
are antisemites. How could this be? Rosenberg posted a video clip of the mascots warmly embracing New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Citi Field, followed by a still photo of himself in a corridor at Citi Field with Mr. Met about 20 yards down the same corridor walking in the opposite direction after, Sid says, ignoring him. It’s unclear at this time if the Justice Department has opened an investigation into the New York Mets. 
of 2025, net revenue was $741.6 million, a decrease of 10.3% from 2024. For the full year 2025, the company posted a loss of $200.7 million. Cumulus reports by segments and for all of 2025, broadcast revenue was $116.2 million, a decline of 22.2% from 2024. Even digital revenue fell in 2025 to $151.3 million, down 1.9%. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “The Company’s recently announced financial restructuring marks an important step toward meaningfully reducing the debt burden that has constrained the business. Looking ahead, we remain focused on building on the core strengths of the Company to maximize value.”
news content, report on breaking news events, serve as board operator for special programming, and produce special projects and programming as assigned. This position does feature regular hours of board operator work, writing, producing, as well as anchoring newscasts. On occasion the position will offer extra hours during the week to cover shifts for those who are ill or on vacation. 
audio in the car among Americans 13+. Edison adds, “As of Q1 2026, 55% of in-car audio time is spent listening to AM/FM radio. The next closest platform in the car is streaming audio. Time with streaming audio has grown over the 12-year history of Share of Ear but remains a distant competitor to AM/FM radio among the total population ages 13+, with 16% of in-car audio time going to streaming platforms… Among Americans 13-34, 46% of their in-car audio time is spent listening to AM/FM radio and 30% with streaming audio sources.”
assault and harassment after an alleged incident involving his fiancé. According to several Philadelphia media outlets, Missanelli allegedly slapped his fiancé during a “scuffle” in which she allegedly struck him in the chest. Missanelli has a preliminary court hearing on April 22. Missanelli’s long career in sports talk included time spent with both WIP and WPEN “97.5 The Fanatic.” He left WPEN during a round of staffing cuts last summer. 
conservative or liberal – depending on the channel – all-news radio’s audience is almost perfectly balanced. Audacy adds that it matters when it comes to election season. “While most national news platforms reach consumers who already lean one way or another, all-news radio’s neutrality makes listeners more willing to hear a message – even from a candidate they might initially distrust. The Alter Agents study found that 77% of listeners considered all-news advertisers to be ‘trustworthy’ simply by running adjacent to the content.” 
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.”
we 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.”
deceased, known or unknown, in New Mexico who has made a meaningful impact on their community, through service, leadership, sacrifice, or simply showing up when it matters most. On May 4th, News Radio KKOB will begin announcing honorees, with four individuals recognized each weekday, leading up to a culminating event later this summer. KKOB program director Aaron “Buck” Burnett says, “250 Flags is about recognizing the people who don’t always get the spotlight. New Mexico is full of everyday heroes, and this gives us a chance to tell their stories and honor them in a meaningful way.”