Countdown to NAB Show 2026: Benztown’s Dave “Chachi” Denes
Leading up to NAB Show 2026, Radio Ink continues our special series of conversations with some of radio's biggest innovators. Benztown President Dave "Chachi" Denes is heading to Vegas with a measured read: disruption is real, but so is the opportunity.
Latest Headlines
Beasley Media Brings History Alive with America 250 Initiative
As broadcasters across the US celebrate America’s semiquincentennial, Beasley Media Group is launching its own multiplatform initiative, bringing 1776’s defining moments to listeners leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence's signing.
IAB: Digital Audio Grew 10% In 2025 as Podcasts Near $3B
Podcast ad revenue crossed $2.9 billion in 2025, while the broader audio category held steady growth, but new IAB/PwC data points to an AI-driven disruption in digital discovery that could reshape how audio advertising reaches listeners in the years ahead.
Ohio’s Conservative Eagle Gets a Star Turn With New Format
Total Media Group has reformatted Ironton, OH's WIRO from Conservative talker The Eagle to Star 106.7, filling the frequency with a blend of 80s and 90s hits alongside local news, weather, and sports, including Ironton High School and Ohio State athletic coverage.
Women To Watch: Cherise Richards; 94.9 WQMX, Akron
(Charese Frugé) “I want my listeners to feel like I’m right there in their cubicle having a real conversation,” Cherise Richards says. “Whether it’s on the air, the text line, or social media, I just try to be a bright spot in their day.” That mindset defines her work at Rubber City Radio's WQMX.
Kennedy Elsey of Boston’s Mix 104.1 Is MIW’s 2026 Airblazer
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio's Airblazer Award goes to women redefining leadership in the industry, and this year, it's headed to Boston with Kennedy Elsey. The Karson & Kennedy co-host on Audacy's Mix 104.1 has been named the 11th recipient.
Grammer, Santrella, & Waldman Among LABF’s 2026 Giants Class
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation has revealed its 2026 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts class, headlined by one of television's most beloved fictional radio hosts alongside some of the radio industry's real-life legends.
Our Print Magazine: Radio Ink
Radio’s Top 20 Leaders 2026
Radio’s Elevator Pitch:
24 Hours With The MBA In D.C.
49ers Strike Gold with KNBR Coverage Continuation In The Bay
The San Francisco 49ers have entered into a multi-year partnership with Cumulus Media’s 104.5/680 The Sports Leader (KNBR-AM) in the Bay Area, continuing the duo's flagship deal of two decades. Greg Papa and Tim Ryan will continue to serve in the booth.
A Name From The ’80s Is Back In Bakersfield Radio
80s heritage brand Kelly 95.3 (KLLY) has returned to Bakersfield under local ownership following Connoisseur Media’s market exit in November, with the rebrand part of Frequency Broadcasting’s broader initiative to bolster its brand identity in the market.
KSE Deal Takes Townsquare Ignite To New Rocky Mountain High
Townsquare Media is extending the "white-label" division of its digital business arm to a digital advertising partnership with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, expanding its Media Partnerships division into the Denver market through KSE’s radio assets.
Angie Owens Rises to VP of Operations at Cornerstone Research
Cornerstone Research is promoting a 16-year company veteran to its top operations role. Angie Owens, who joined the music and ratings research firm in 2008, steps up to Vice President of Operations as Cornerstone heads into a product expansion phase.
Christian FM Adds ‘Brant Hansen Show’ Across TCM Network
The Today Christian Music network has a new afternoon centerpiece. Christian FM Media Group is expanding The Brant Hansen Show to the network, which Christian FM acquired from Salem Media Group last year, growing the show to more than 200 markets
Spanish Broadcasting System Elevates Richard Lara to COO
While the initial news may have been overshadowed in the company's announcement of its impending Chapter 11 proceedings, Spanish Broadcasting System is promoting General Counsel Richard Lara to a dual role at the top of the organization as Chief Operating Officer.
vCreative Links Cloud AutoDub to WideOrbit Aurora, ZettaCloud
Broadcast workflow software provider vCreative has added Cloud AutoDub integrations with two of radio's most widely deployed automation systems. The technology's synthesis is now live with WideOrbit Aurora and RCS's ZettaCloud.
Skyview Networks Gets Cloud-Level With New Distribution Platform
As radio operators navigate moving to IP-based content delivery systems in the wake of C-band satellite changes, Skyview Networks is launching Cirocast, a new cloud-native, broadcast-grade audio distribution platform ahead of NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas.
Beasley Bringing Live Radio to NAB Show Floor With WideOrbit
Beasley Media Group is bringing 102.7 Coyote Country (KCYE) to the NAB Show floor, as the Vegas-based station will broadcast live from the WideOrbit booth in Central Hall on April 20 and 21 in a joint activation with the broadcast technology company.
