America’s Best Small Airport Has a Radio Station Right in the Terminal
By John Caracciolo
JVC Broadcasting
President and CEO
Most radio stations broadcast from office buildings, broadcast centers or studios tucked away from the public. JVC Broadcasting decided to do something different.
It put a live radio studio inside an airport. And not just any airport.
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), home to JVC’s LI News Radio 103.9 FM broadcast studio, has just been named the No. 1 Best Small Airport in America in USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
For JVC Broadcasting, the recognition is especially meaningful. The independent radio company has maintained a live broadcast presence inside the airport since launching LI News Radio in 2013, creating one of the industry’s more unusual and visible broadcasting environments.
Located directly in the airport’s baggage claim area, the glass-fronted LI News Radio studio brings live radio into the daily flow of airport activity. Travelers can see broadcasters at work while newsmakers, elected officials, business leaders and community personalities come through the studio for interviews and programming.
It’s local radio in the middle of the community it serves
Most broadcasters spend a fortune trying to get their stations in front of people. We decided years ago to put our radio station where the people already are. Every day, travelers walk right past our studio. They see live radio happening in front of them. That’s the kind of connection local radio should have with its community.
More Than a Studio – A Unique Media Partnership
JVC’s relationship with MacArthur Airport extends well beyond broadcasting.
Since 2019, JVC has also served as the airport’s advertising concession partner, developing and managing advertising opportunities throughout the terminal.
The combination of live radio, digital advertising, airport displays, social media and JVC’s Long Island radio properties creates a distinctive marketing platform connecting local businesses with travelers and the wider Long Island community.
When MacArthur Airport was nominated for the USA TODAY 10Best award, JVC put that platform to work.
The company supported the airport’s campaign across its radio stations, encouraging listeners to vote and using its media reach to build awareness of the competition.
The effort reflected the power of locally owned broadcasting: bringing a community together behind something that matters to the region.
From No. 2 to No. 1
MacArthur Airport finished second nationally in 2025 before capturing the top position in 2026. The recognition represents a major achievement for the Town of Islip, airport leadership, employees, airline partners and the Long Island community.
For JVC, the victory reinforces the value of partnerships between independent media companies and the communities they serve.
We’re proud to have played a role in helping get the word out. This is a great airport, and we wanted the rest of the country to know it. We’re not some national media company looking at Long Island on a spreadsheet. We live here, we work here, and when something great happens for Long Island, we’re going to get behind it.
A Different Approach to Local Broadcasting
At a time when much of the radio industry is focused on consolidation, automation and reducing its physical footprint, JVC continues to invest in local visibility and community connections.
The airport studio demonstrates a simple philosophy: radio works best when it is part of people’s everyday lives.
From live news and talk programming to interviews with community leaders and visiting personalities, the studio serves as a highly visible reminder that local broadcasting remains relevant, accessible and connected.
And with MacArthur Airport now holding the nation’s top small-airport honor, JVC has another reason to celebrate the partnership.
People sometimes ask me about the future of local radio. My answer is pretty simple. Get out of the building. Get involved in your community. Do things differently. We’ve had a radio studio inside an airport for more than a decade, and now that airport is number one in America. That’s a pretty good story.
What’s Next for JVC at MacArthur Airport?
For JVC Broadcasting, the airport’s national recognition is not the finish line. It’s another opportunity to build on a partnership that has already demonstrated how broadcasting, advertising and community engagement can work together in unexpected places.
We’ve always believed that local radio needs to do things differently. Putting a live radio studio inside an airport was a pretty unconventional idea when we did it, and it’s turned into something special. But we’re not done. We’ve got some exciting ideas for the next chapter of our relationship with MacArthur Airport, and I think people are going to be pretty surprised by what comes next.
For now, we’re just proud to celebrate this incredible achievement with our friends and partners at ISP. But stay tuned. We’ve got a lot more planned.
John Caracciolo is president and CEO of JVC Broadcasting, an independently owned radio and media company operating radio stations and multimedia advertising platforms in New York and Florida. He can be emailed at johnc@jvcbroadcasting.com.
Radio stations used to announce the present temperature at the end of the weather forecast, empowering listeners who are heading out to dress accordingly. It’s the ultimate live-N-local information.
“570 NewsRadio.” Yahoo! is reporting that Rogers says the closures will mean layoffs for 80 employees of the stations. Other simultaneous staff reductions at Rogers are costing another 150 people their positions. These cuts are revenue based as Rogers spokesperson Zac Carreiro states, “The media business continues to face headwinds driven by declining advertising revenue and changing audience habits. These changes are part of our plan to focus our investment in areas that will drive growth long-term. After a thorough review of our radio stations, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close six radio stations in four markets due to declining audience and revenue trends.” Rogers will continue operate 44 radio stations in some 30 markets. 
consumption (64%) comes from broadcast radio, yet up until today, it has lacked the targeting and measurement infrastructure available in digital. iHeartMedia’s broadcast radio stations reach more than 278 million consumers every month, and now with AudioGraph, for the first time, advertisers can plan, target, measure, and attribute that audience using privacy-safe, ID-informed insights with digital-like precision.”
Markets Group, including the radio stations, the iHeart live events and sponsorships; the radio networks businesses, including Premiere and TTWN; the Enterprise Business Development Group; and data targeting and attribution products for broadcast radio. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “We couldn’t be more pleased that Ann Marie will be leading the growth and innovation efforts for our company’s largest segment. In addition to helping businesses and brands grow effectively and efficiently, the Multiplatform Group has been an important engine to develop our own important new businesses – including podcasting and the iHeartRadio digital service – as well as our iconic live music events and awards shows. We look forward to the additional growth that will come as we move broadcast radio into the digital buying world through our data services and programmatic platforms.” The company also announced that Bernie Weiss will be promoted to president of the Markets Group. Weiss will oversee the operations of the company’s 160 markets. Weiss was previously COO of the iHeartMedia Markets Group.
-FM, licensed to Volga. The transaction is pending regulatory approval by the FCC and is expected to close in early summer of this year. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “The Brookings market did not fit into the long-term vision we set out for Connoisseur. As we pursued a potential sale, we looked for local quality operators to purchase these stations and found that the best operators in the market already worked for us! This is not the first time we have encouraged some of our local management to break into ownership so that they could continue to serve the communities we are so committed to. We are incredibly happy that Cami and her group stepped up to the challenge.”
formats. The program is available in three versions: three-hour, one-hour, 25-minutes and 30-minutes and are hosted by radio personality Larry O’Connor, morning drive host at WMAL-FM, Washington, DC. It features stories of America’s military heroes, the families who serve by their side, and how Fisher House plays a role in their journey. Listeners will hear their emotional stories fighting for our freedoms, how they sustained their injuries, and the welcoming homes Fisher House provides for them and their loved ones while they endure their painful and painstaking recoveries. This year’s program features a special focus on the incredibly inspiring victories our wounded warriors enjoy on the field of competitive, adaptive sports. Fisher House supports the Wounded Warrior Games and the lnvictus Games as a vital part of the physical, emotional, and mental healing process for our wounded veterans. For more information on this radio special, available cash and barter free, contact Larry O’Connor at 562-665-9537 or 
Columbia. The stations are in small markets and include: KAAN-AM/FM, Bethany; KWIX-FM, Cairo; KKWK-FM and KMRN-AM, Cameron; KIRK-FM, Macon; KTCM-FM, Madison; KRES-FM and KWIX-AM, Moberly; KJEL-FM and KBNN-AM, Lebanon; and KFBD-FM, KOZQ-FM, KJPW-AM, and KIIK-AM in Waynesville. Connoisseur Media founder and CEO Jeffrey Warshaw says, “These Missouri markets did not fit into our long-term plans. We are pleased to have found a trusted buyer in Miles Carter and his family-oriented company.” Carter comments, “We have wanted to expand for a while and when the opportunity came, we were eager to talk with Connoisseur. As we look toward the new markets, our mission remains the same: bring trustworthy local news, agriculture coverage, and community-focused storytelling to areas that need a stronger voice. Expansion isn’t about getting bigger, it’s about serving more people with the kind of reliable, hometown broadcasting Carter Media was built on.”
of businesspeople are reducing their exposure to New York City.” He tells Forbes he’s looking for “friendly states.” “The key word is a commonsense place to do business in.” Catsimatidis, whose business interests include Gristedes supermarkets and a controlling share of D’Agostino stores, was irked by Mamdani’s promise of opening “cheap city-run grocery stores” in each of the boroughs. Catsimatidis tells Forbes, “‘We don’t have any profit margins,’ he says, explaining that his stores have been losing money for ‘at least two years.’ He blames the state of the city: ‘Shoplifting is up to an all-time high. A lot of stuff is being closed up, which means that it’s not easy for people to shop, so sales are down.’” Catsimatidis does not talk about his radio businesses in the article but given how much effort he’s put into covering local New York news and his hiring local talk hosts and journalists, it’s hard to imagine him running the radio stations from another state such as Florida. 
company’s WRNW-FM, Milwaukee “97.3 The Game,” and KBME-AM, Houston “SportsTalk 790” morning host Sean Salisbury. Salisbury tweeted, “It’s been a hell of a run the last 8 years [at] SportsTalk 790. I fully understand the financial decisions that corporate has to make. I appreciate the great bosses at iHeart that I got to work with and here in Houston, who have become friends too. Very grateful for good coworkers and the talent you hear daily on the SportsTalk 790 lineup. I’m so blessed to have worked with special teammates/friends on my show every morning, you know my love for you guys!” Also, a victim of this latest round of cuts is Salt Lake City market manager Joyce Wirthlin. 
2013. Company CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Keith’s programming expertise and leadership have been a major contributor to Connoisseur’s growth and success. As we expand our footprint, Keith is the ideal leader to develop and implement our programming strategy across the country. His passion for music, content, and his commitment to local communities will ensure that our stations continue to succeed.” Dakin comments, “It is truly an honor to move into this larger role with the newly expanded Connoisseur Media. I am extremely excited to work day-to-day with this unbelievable roster of programmers and air talent. I can’t wait to dig in and make great radio with this tremendously creative staff. Thank you so much to Jeff Warshaw who has been a true champion of mine since I started here. His leadership, vision, and commitment to real radio will hopefully give this industry the shot in the arm it needs.”
Why we’re already seeing TV tout its coming attractions: They understand how, after Labor Day, routines settle in. Viewers will be ready to re-engage.
revenue, uniquely positioned to evaluate and pursue strategic growth opportunities.” In addition to its broadcast properties, Connoisseur owns and operates the digital marketing services company Ferocious Digital. The company says that when integrated with Alpha Digital, the combined 
organization “will continue to expand and enhance its digital capabilities – delivering forward-thinking integrated marketing services.” Jeff Warshaw comments, “We are thrilled to welcome Alpha Media into the Connoisseur family. In getting to know the Alpha team, it has become clear that we share many of the same values — a passion for serving our local communities, a deep commitment to our clients, supporting our colleagues and fostering a culture of integrity, creativity and achievement. This transaction underscores our commitment to the irreplaceable role local broadcasters play in providing news, information and entertainment that truly resonates. Together, we will build an industry-leading platform of broadcast and digital. I could not be more excited to get started.” The two companies have entered into a Local Market Agreement and expect the deal to close in the second half of this year. 
employing an investment bank to see if there might be a buyer for the 40 radio and 12 television stations that make up Cox Media Group. Bloomberg reports that other TV groups, including Nexstar Media Group and Gray Media, might be interested in the television stations. 
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? 
which is 19.6% of adults planning a new vehicle purchase. Among heavy radio listeners (those that listen more than 3 hours a day), that number jumps to 30%. That’s 53% stronger than the general market.” Forester says that podcasts are also a good genre for auto advertising. He says, “The multi-media analysis by The Media Audit revealed podcasts captured the interest of 30.1% of adults 18+ planning to buy a new vehicle in the next 12 months… 53% higher than the general market. Audio streaming does well at 22.7%… 16% higher than the general market” Forester concludes, “Automotive advertisers have a tremendous opportunity to leverage radio’s ability to connect with ready-to-buy consumers. Our data shows that radio not only drives awareness but also inspires action, making it an essential part of any automotive advertising strategy.”
The podcast publishing arm of iHeartMedia and Radio Ambulante Studios (RAS), a pioneering Spanish-language podcast production company that tells the stories of Latin America and Latino communities around the world, announced a deal that will bring RAS and its full slate of shows to iHeart’s My Cultura Podcast Network. As part of the deal, Radio Ambulante Studios’ flagship, award-winning podcast “
Here’s a cost-effective way to see if you’ve got what it takes. I’m tired of podcasters coming to me in tears after they sign up for services that market their work ‘wherever podcasts are available.’ That’s not a marketing campaign. Don’t you want to be more than a ‘wherever?’ PUMP is your answer.” He says that with PUMP, a selection of the podcaster’s episodes will be broadcast across five states via six prominent radio stations, helping tap into new listener bases, turning casual listeners into dedicated subscribers. Ryan adds, “If you want to turn your DUDcast into a serious PODcast with marketing power, this is how you do it.” 
I asked ChatGPT: “Vendors are now offering radio stations a service that delivers advertising commercial copy generated by AI. Because AI draws from what’s already been done, this risks sound-alike scripts. Is there a list of commercial clichés users should instruct AI to exclude?”
respondents are most likely to say they use it at least weekly. There’s a strong feeling the government will need to step in to provide legal guard rails for AI use. Three in four (75%) are looking for some form of regulation. In fact, more than a third (36%) believe AI will need to be highly regulated. That perception may be fueled by the upcoming elections this November. About half (51%) say they’re very concerned about how AI might affect this fall’s political races. Members of the Greatest Generation and Boomers are most fearful of how the technology might influence upcoming elections. When it comes to three applications for radio – AI hosts, AI-voiced commercials, and AI-voiced station IDs – the biggest pushback predictably is directed at the idea of radio using cloned voices to take the place of live talent. Three in four (75%) raise the red flag over this AI application. Concern lessens when it comes to AI voice technology being used to read commercials. Still, nearly four in ten (39%) say they have big issues with radio stations they listen to using AI in ads. Respondents are most open to the idea of AI voices being utilized on station identification. Overall, about one-third (34%) have no problem, but a similar sized group (30%) expresses major concerns with this use case for AI. Jacobs Media general manager Paul Jacobs remarks, “It is still early days for AI in radio, but broadcasters need to respect the many concerns voiced by core fans of the medium. Up to now, many decisions have been made in a vacuum. Now the audience has a voice. We’ll be tracking their perceptions in Techsurveys in the coming years as the technology matures. The format level data for AI should provide welcome feedback for radio managers trying to get a handle on AI.”
1. Financial solvency laws. Consolidation is not the problem; it actually saved the radio industry. The problem is the 1986 rule change that dropped financial solvency requirements for station ownership. Prior to 1986, stations could not be purchased with debt. A potential owner had to prove that they could meet the expenses of a station through the duration of its license. Once the financial efficacy rule was dropped and stations could be purchased with debt, the industry was financially decimated. Prediction: Financial solvency laws will be re-instated.
Are you a sales curmudgeon? You know, that old-school, out-of-touch terrestrial radio ad sales rep who is too lazy to learn the new digital/social media sales world?