As 2023 settles into the rearview mirror, it’s time to reflect on the year that was in radio. At Radio Ink, we’ve had the privilege of covering a wide array of topics, from groundbreaking industry changes to stories about the triumphs and falls of radio’s people and everything in between. In this retrospective, we present Radio Ink‘s 10 Most-Read Stories Of 2023.
This list is more than just a collection of popular stories; it’s a snapshot of the trends, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped the industry over the past year. From the rise of generative AI to leadership insights to AM radio, these articles have captured the attention of our readers, sparking conversations and inspiring action.
10. Americans With Highest Net Worth Listen To Eight Radio Formats
October 27 – New research, which delves into the media consumption habits of wealthy individuals, found that some formats attract more well-off listeners than several high-end TV channels, magazines, and newspapers.
9. Nielsen: AM/FM Ratings Overtake TV For First Time
March 13 – In 2019, Deloitte’s Director of Research, Technology, Media & Telecommunications Duncan Stewart made a bold prediction. He said AM/FM audiences 18-34 would be larger than TV audiences for the same age demographic by 2025. He was right.
8. Thank You, Ed
June 30 – (By Deborah Parenti) Steering away from my usual topics, today I want to share some recent developments at Radio Ink. First, a thank you to someone who has been the heart and soul of this publication for 20 years. Today is the last day at Radio Ink for our Editor-in-Chief, Ed Ryan.
7. He Cut Ads To 5:00 Per Hour – What Happened Next?
March 22 – One Putt Broadcasting in Fresno, CA did what so many stations only dream of: they limited ads on each of their five stations to five minutes per hour. As radio chases the shorter stopset, Radio Ink talked with One Putt owner John Ostlund about the path there and the results.
6. Drew Carey’s Warning For Radio After A.I. Goes Awry
April 3 – During an episode of Drew Carey’s Friday Night Freak-Out on SiriusXM, fans noticed the Price Is Right/former-Whose Line? host sounded different. His delivery was choppy. He sounded robotic. His scripts were stilted. Some asked is this AI? Carey fessed up.
5. NYC Radio Icon Bob Shannon Dies At 74
June 29 – Don Bombard, known on-air as Bob Shannon, passed away at the age of 74 after a prolonged illness. Shannon is best known for his decades at WCBS in New York City.
4. Rand Paul Blocks AM Act Passage, Setting Up Battle Ahead
December 5 – “This bill would have passed today were it not for two words from the senator from Kentucky – I object. That is the only reason this bill has not passed today.” Those words from Texas Senator Ted Cruz after Senator Rand Paul sank a bipartisan attempt to pass the AM For Every Vehicle Act through the Senate by unanimous consent.
3. 60-Year Radio Vet Ronnie Kaye Fired For Indigenous Day Remark
October 16 – Long-standing radio personality Ronnie Kaye revealed his termination from Oklahoma City’s 92.5 KOMA via a Facebook post. The 84-year-old, who has spent more than 60 years on the air, stated that he was let go for a comment made during his show on Monday, October 9.
2. As Congress Returns, One Third Of The Senate Stands With AM
September 7 – After its August recess, Congress returned to session with no loss of momentum for the AM For Every Vehicle Act in the Senate. Six new cosponsors officially joined the bill, bringing the total number of Senators in support to 34, which brought one-third of the Senate openly in support of the Act.
1. Susan Patrick Resigns, Speaks Out After Tax Evasion Guilty Plea
September 5 – Susan Patrick, co-owner of Patrick Communications, is resigning her position at the firm after pleading guilty to filing false tax returns on Thursday. She is also speaking out publicly for the first time since the news broke.
