Inflation Is Making Contests A Bigger Draw for Radio, Data Shows
With analysts warning that headline inflation could approach 4% in the coming months, the pressure on wallets has one upside for radio: listeners are more motivated to play contests than ever, and it now takes less money than you might think to get them in the game.
Latest Headlines
Licata Takes CEO Role at iHeart’s Multiplatform Group
iHeartMedia has elevated Ann Marie Licata to lead its largest operating segment. Licata has been named CEO of iHeart's Multiplatform Group, which encompasses the company's 860-plus local broadcast radio stations Premiere Networks, TTWN, and data targeting products.
Public Media Bridge Fund Shifts From Crisis to Collaboration
Six months after rushing out emergency grants to keep public radio stations on the air, the Public Media Bridge Fund is shifting its focus from triage to transformation. Its first open call invites public media organizations to apply for support on collaboration projects.
Radio’s Top Leaders Give Their Flowers
To give someone their flowers means to celebrate them while they can still receive it; to say out loud what is too often left unsaid. Radio Ink asked Radio's Top 20 Leaders which fellow industry leader they admire most. What came back wasn't rivalry. It was flowers:
Women to Watch: Beasy
(Charese Frugé) For Beasy, evening host on Urban One Atlanta's Majic 107.5/97.5 (WAMJ), radio isn’t just a career, it’s a calling rooted in service, resilience, and community impact. That calling, blending of entertainment with authenticity and heart, just netted her a Gracie.
Audacy Phasing Out Market Manager Role in Sales Restructure
After spending Q1 overhauling its programming structure to be "Content-First," Audacy is starting Q2 with a focus on a fresh sales structure, featuring a new regionalized organization that eliminates the Market Manager role from the company's clusters entirely.
Steve Jones Takes Ownership of Skyview Networks In Buyout
Steve Jones has completed a buyout of Skyview Networks, the Scottsdale-based audio technology and syndication company he has led for the past seven years, assuming the roles of President, CEO, and Chairman. The news was confirmed in a staff memo obtained by Radio Ink.
Our Print Magazine: Radio Ink
Christian Radio's Champions
AM/FM Lobbyists in DC
Cumulus, Saga, Beasley To File Late on Annual Financial Reports
Cumulus Media, Saga Communications, and Beasley Media Group are all running late on their annual SEC financial reports, filing for extensions for different reasons, ranging from bankruptcy to going concern warnings to what appears to be a routine tax question.
One Of Marketing’s Toughest Execs Says Radio ‘Still Killing It’
Jessica Reyna has been called the "Antichrist of traditional media," but in a visit with the Borrell Associates Local Marketing Trends podcast, the Kill Your Competition CEO had a surprise for the radio industry: she's not only a fan, but an ardent supporter.
MediaCo Q4 Revenue Jumps 18% Amid Going Concern Warning
A year into its post-Estrella identity, MediaCo is showing revenue momentum, even if the bottom line tells a more complicated story. Despite debt due on the horizon, MediaCo CEO and President Albert Rodriguez remains positive about remaining in "growth mode."
Kalil & Co.’s Hartman, NBCUniversal’s Staab Join NABLF Board
One is Executive Vice President of media brokerage firm Kalil & Co., the other is the Chairman of NBCUniversal Local. Both are now members of the National Association of Broadcasting Leadership Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Lisa Varner Rises to GM at Saga’s Ocala Cluster
Saga Communications has promoted Lisa Varner to VP/General Manager of its North Central Florida Media radio cluster, filling the role left by retiring GM Howard Tuuri. Tonya Asher joins the cluster from Gainesville’s Gray Media, where she was Director of Sales.
Baltimore’s WPOC Taps TV Anchor Candace Dold for Mornings
Maryland native Candace Dold will join iHeartMedia Baltimore’s 93.1 WPOC, co-hosting the weekday Michael J & Candace In The Morning, teaming up with 2026 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee Michael J, replacing Bethany Linderman, who left the show in December.
StreamGuys, Nueva Network Get Hyper-Specific for Audio Ads
StreamGuys is making a push into culturally targeted audio advertising, launching SGcreative in partnership with Nueva Network to deliver real-time, geo-targeted ad content to Hispanic and multicultural audiences across the US at national scale.
Bongino’s Return Shakes Up Triton’s February Podcast Ranker
Triton Digital's February 2026 US Podcast Ranker is out, covering February 2 through March 1. While the iHeart Audience Network held the top Sales Network spot with 70.8 million Average Weekly Downloads, the top podcast rankings saw some big shifts.
A Mix Engine Platform, Browser-Based Virtual Console Arrive
There’s a big spotlight coming for Wheatstone when it displays at the 2026 NAB Show, and it will focus on the heritage broadcast technology company’s VMX mixing platform, used for multiple studios, consoles, and glass surfaces.
