iHeart Looks to Programmatic to Set 2027 Radio Revenue Right
The forecasted midterm windfall for AM/FM? It never arrived, according to iHeartMedia leaders, because local TV took the campaign dollars. After trimming Q3 loss, iHeart is eyeing strategic AI deployment, programmatic technology, and podcasts for a lift in 2027.
Latest Headlines
Dems Warn Carr of Subpoenas at Thumann Severs Hearing
Senate Democrats used the hearing meant to introduce the next potential FCC commissioner to put her current boss on notice. With the gavels changing parties next year, one senator said Chairman Brendan Carr's tenure could end in "three or four months."
Urban One Eyes $20M In Cost Cuts As Political Fell Short In Q3
Despite Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins' opening declaration that "Market conditions in radio continued to adversely impact" revenue, AM/FM had a better Q3 than the rest of the company as cutting costs tops the agenda for the broadcaster heading into 2027.
Podcasts Simulcast on YouTube Get More Repeat Ad Buyers in Q3
Major technology brands are spending like podcasting matters. Google and OpenAI landed on the list of top podcast advertisers in the third quarter, while Amazon climbed the ranks, adding new technology weight to a ranking that also includes Quince, BetterHelp, Toyota, and T-Mobile.
Z93’s ‘Men Wear Pink’ Lands Saginaw in ACS’s National Top Five
Cumulus Media Saginaw hit a milestone in the fight against breast cancer. Z93 (WKQZ) and Program Director Matt Bingham wrapped up another American Cancer Society Men Wear Pink campaign that raised $127,950 and put them among the nation's top fundraisers.
Legacies, Trailblazers & The Airwaves
(Mike McVay) There’s something giant on the horizon. On November 17, the Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts will be presented by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, featuring prominent figures across TV, news, sports broadcasting, and media leadership.
Radio’s Next Great Talent May Never Send You an Aircheck
(John Shomby) Recently, CBS News’ Sunday Morning examined Hollywood’s interest in young YouTube creators who already know how to attract audiences and understand what keeps them watching. Naturally, I started thinking about radio.
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MIW Seeks Radio’s Next Women Leaders for Farber Mentorship
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio is accepting applications for the third annual Erica Farber Mentorship in Management Program, continuing the group's effort to build the next group of female leaders in broadcasting via the year-long program.
Kid Kelly’s ‘Backtrax USA’ Signing Off After Three Decades
The music is not stopping, but the show that carried it to radio stations is. Kid Kelly is ending Backtrax USA after three decades, closing a run that began at a New York station and grew into a home for 80s and 90s hits.
Randy Michaels’ Cincinnati Radio Collection Gets Bigger
Randy Michaels is adding to his Cincinnati-area radio collection again. Radioactive LLC has a signed purchase agreement for an AM station and its FM translator across the Ohio River from the Queen City, currently broadcasting a Gospel format as 1320 The Voice.
CMG Atlanta Radio Hires Cherish Geter as Digital Media Director
Digital is getting its own leader at CMG Atlanta's radio stations. Cherish Geter, who has run sales and stations in television, will coach and partner with the sales team as Cox Media Group pursues new digital opportunities for clients across its four Atlanta brands.
PMI Hires Dave Williams to Build a Post-Satellite Network
A technologist who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies is taking on public radio. Dave Williams is the first Chief Technology Officer at PMI, charged with building the systems stations will need when satellite distribution sunsets.
Frusher Moves to a New Mission With KHCB Development Role
From the pulpit to the mission field to the donor table, Vance Frusher's career has centered on building relationships for Christian organizations. Now he is bringing that experience to KHCB Media Group, where he takes on fundraising and supporter engagement as Senior Director of Development.
iHeartRadio Launches ‘Lite Mode’ for Faster App Listening
Sometimes listeners want to browse, and sometimes they just want their station. iHeartRadio is adding a toggle to its mobile app that strips the homepage down to Presets, Recently Played, and Local Radio, giving users a one-tap switch between the full app and a leaner “Lite Mode.”
iHeart Stays on Top of Triton’s September Podcast Ranker
Nothing moved at the top of Triton Digital's latest podcast rankings. The same three shows held their spots, iHeart Audience Network stayed far ahead of every rival in the sales network report, and a new Bomani Jones program arrived among the month's debuts.
Buzz Knight’s Takin’ A Walk Returns to Rock Hall Archives
A second batch of conversations is headed to Cleveland. Buzz Knight Media Productions has had new episodes of two music podcasts accepted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives, adding to a collection that began with Knight's first donation in 2024.
