KFBK, Sacramento Names Sam Shane Early PM Host
iHeartMedia Sacramento announces that effective June 2, air personality Sam Shane will transition from co-hosting “The KFBK Morning News” to host of the 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm show that’s been held by Tom Sullivan for more than 30 years. Sullivan recently announced his semi-retirement. Shane says, “I’m
humbled and honored to be taking over the time slot occupied by Tom Sullivan at KFBK, a radio station with a rich history of producing superior news/talk programs. Never have I enjoyed producing and delivering a program more than these last six years as I have co-hosted the morning news show on KFBK with Cristina Mendonsa. I’m very proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the opportunity 
to have worked with Cristina and everyone behind the scenes who made it happen. Now it’s on to a new chapter.” Mendonsa continues as host of “The KFBK Morning News” and will be joined by Mark Demsky, who will serve as news anchor and present special report segments. Demsky joined KFBK last year after serving as a sports anchor and reporter at KTXL-Fox 40 in Sacramento. Mendosa says, “This next chapter is about helping listeners wake up to what really matters, stories that affect their lives. After 30 years in journalism and a multi-generational connection to Northern California, our goal is to bring listeners smart, relevant news with a balanced perspective, cutting through the noise to bring more insight.”
naming Thom Brennaman the station’s new morning drive host. Late last week, Mike McConnell told his listeners that he was retiring from the station and that Monday (4/7) would be his last day. Brennaman worked for WLW calling Cincinnati Reds games but stepped down after being caught on a hot mic uttering a homophobic slur during an MLB game on August 19, 2020. Brennaman has been working for the CW calling football games. 
iHeartMedia says the Asia Pacific podcast market was valued at US $373.57 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 30.2% to $3.1 billion value from 2024 to 2031. iHeart Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne comments, “We’ve seen the strong growth of the Asian markets – both on a domestic level and with influence across global markets and we are excited to partner with Mammoth Media Asia to launch the first-ever slate of iHeartPodcasts developed in Asia.”
2019. iHeartMedia CEO and chairman Bob Pittman says, “When we began this journey together back in 2019, Brad was only able to promise us one term as a director due to his enormous commitments to Altimeter and its portfolio companies, and we’re grateful he gave us five terms. We appreciate all the contributions he made during that time, especially his experience and view of technology and the future – which helped us determine how to make the technology transitions we needed to maximize our revenue opportunities in an increasingly data-focused and technology-led marketplace. He’s had a significant impact on iHeart’s success and our vision for the company’s direction.” The company announces that its board of directors is nominating Robert Millard to stand for election at the its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 13. Millard is a director of Evercore, an international investment bank, and co-founder and former Chairman of the Board of L3 Technologies, a major defense technology company.
recovery efforts. The piece singles out WWNC personalities Mark Starling and Tank Spencer for “amplifying the messages of groups such as Valley Strong Disaster Relief” and more to keep the recovery information flowing. Spencer is quoted saying, “You don’t really notice until times of disaster what your community is really made of. They’re gonna make sure that everybody in that community, that nobody wants for anything.” Spencer adds that in the immediate aftermath of the storm, their work was crucial. “The access to the information saved lives. The only thing that was left standing was AM and FM radio, and I think there’s been a rediscovery of that.” 
president Shosh Abromovich says, “I am excited to announce that Jen will be leading the Nebraska-Iowa Area! Jen’s strong work ethic, organizational skills, positive attitude, culture-first mentality and competitive drive make her the perfect fit to elevate this Area to new heights. Her passion for our radio brands and profound understanding of the connection with our audience across all platforms will foster growth within our community, advertising partners and team.”
transitioning to a conservative talk host in the early 2000s. Quinn started his radio career at KQV, Pittsburgh in the 1960s. Quinn partnered with Don Jefferson for the popular “Quinn and Banana” show on WKTQ in Pittsburgh from 1983 to 1992. The TribLIVE story notes that Quinn took a position at WRRK, Braddock, PA where he honed his conservative talk chops. He partnered with Rose Tennent and had a successful run with “The Warroom with Quinn and Rose” on iHeartMedia’s WPGB-FM, Pittsburgh as well as on satellite radio. 
fires on the historic Black middle-class community of Altadena, California. The company says, “This groundbreaking series will explore the significance of Altadena, its legacy and the personal stories of survivors and community members who lived through one of the region’s most destructive natural disasters.” The series is hosted by Black Information Network journalist Mimi Brown.
morning drive news anchor, Larry has built a strong connection with our listeners, who have responded very positively to his time as our interim morning show host. His remarkable career, which includes an astounding 97 Emmy awards and stints at WABC Radio, Channel 7 Eyewitness News, WPIX/11 and ‘Access Hollywood,’ speaks for itself. With all of this experience, he’s the ideal choice to wake up the tri-state area.” Longtime New York radio news anchor Jacquelyn Karl will deliver updates on “Mendte in the Morning,” while Natalie Vacca will continue in her role as executive producer.
Woodbury, vice president of marketing at iHeartMedia Los Angeles; Sarah Spain, host of iHeart Women’s Sports “Good Game” podcast; and Jessica Marventano, executive vice present of government affairs. The 30-minute special aired on iHeartRadio stations nationwide on March 8 and 9. The interviews were conducted by Debra Mark from KFI, Los Angeles; Nathalie Rodriguez and Erica Rodriguez from WIOD, Miami and Kathy Walker from KOA, Denver.
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.”
York director of marketing and promotions Emily Magelof says, “David’s creativity, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in driving our brands. We are excited for him to continue elevating our promotional efforts, ensuring even greater success in the future.” Montague comments, “I am truly honored for this accomplishment and excited for the future. I want to thank my support system at iHeartMedia, friends and family for their continued confidence and believing in me.”
radio stations) Q4 2024 revenue was $684 million, flat compared to Q4 of 2023. The company’s Digital Audio Group Q4 2024 revenue was $339 million, an increase of 7%. Withing the Digital Audio Group, podcast revenue was $140 million, an increase of 6%. For the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reports net income of $31.9 
million. For the full year of 2024, it reports a net loss of $1 billion. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “Our fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $246 million was up 18.2% vs. prior year, our highest percentage increase in almost three years, and our consolidated revenues were up 4.8% compared to the prior year, demonstrating the inherent operating leverage in this business. We are pleased that we successfully completed the comprehensive exchange transaction discussed last quarter – extending the majority of our debt maturities by three years; keeping our consolidated annual cash interest expense essentially flat; and providing overall debt reduction. This provides the company with the flexibility to remain focused on creating shareholder value in 2025 and beyond.”
tapings and discussions aimed at aspiring podcasters in the Black community. He says, “We’re excited to return to Atlanta, building on the incredible momentum of the podcast industry and the growing impact of Black creators in the space. As the influence of Black voices continues to shape culture and drive conversations, The Black Effect remains committed to powerful storytelling, meaningful brand collaborations and unforgettable live experiences. This year, we’re celebrating not just where we’ve been – we’re embracing the limitless future of Black podcasting and the influence it holds.”
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.”
live match coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive club content for San Diego FC fans across the region. San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn comments, “We are thrilled to welcome iHeartMedia and Grupo PSN as our official radio broadcast partners. These partnerships will allow us to connect with fans in both English and Spanish, ensuring that every moment of San Diego FC’s journey is accessible to our passionate supporters.”
the fourth quarter of 2024 and the full year ending December 31, 2024 on Thursday, February 27. The company will conduct a conference call at 4:30 pm ET, following the release of its earnings announcement, to discuss its financial results and business outlook.
Townsquare Media, Inc also announces that it will release fourth quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Monday, March 17. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain fourth quarter 2024 financial results on that day at 8:00 am ET.
In early 2024, BBC Studios launched a dedicated audio unit to maximize creative and commercial opportunities for the BBC’s premium podcast output in the global audio market. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “BBC has held its position as one of the most respected, highest-quality brands in media for decades, and we couldn’t be more honored and excited to expand our relationship and represent their podcasts titles in the exploding U.S. podcast market.”
1,250 startups at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from February 23 – 26. Sessions at the event will feature iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne, as well as iHeartPodcasts talent including Malcolm Gladwell, Jay Shetty, David Eagleman, and Jonathan Strickland. Additionally, as part of the partnership, Web Summit Qatar will introduce the iHeart Podcast Creator Studio, featuring an on-site iHeartPodcasts Recording Studio and attendee lounge for live show taping on the showroom floor.
decided they didn’t want to call it quits and began formulating a plan to take their talents to the digital realm. According to a report in the Des Moines Register, they are launching the streaming program “The Rush” today (1/27). The 6:00 am to 8:00 am show streams live on YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms five days per week. The duo survived a round of layoffs in 2020 after their program was canceled but listener blowback caused management to bring them back. 
role that opened up after longtime programmer Robin Bertolucci exited the company in December. iHeartMedia EVP of programming for Los Angeles John Peake says, “Programming KFI, KLAC and KEIB, requires a unique skill set, and Brian checks every box. His exceptional track record in ratings and revenue success, combined with professional play-by-play broadcasts, makes him the ideal leader to manage our partnerships with the world champion Dodgers and the Los Angeles Chargers.” Long comments, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead these powerful iHeartMedia brands in Los Angeles and to work with some of the best talent in America. I truly could not be more excited to embrace this new challenge.”
Francisco. iHM region president AJ Punjabi says, “Alan’s deep experience in both traditional broadcast and digital audio innovation makes him the ideal leader to drive our business forward. His results-driven approach and commitment to client success will strengthen our market leadership across platforms.” Hirschbein comments, “I’m energized to join iHeartMedia’s tremendous leadership team as vice president of sales. As the enduring leader in broadcast radio, iHeartMedia has also transformed itself into a dynamic force in podcasting and digital audio, standing at the forefront of audio innovation. I’m eager to contribute to this continued evolution and help our partners harness the unmatched reach and engagement that only iHeartMedia can deliver.” 