2026 royalty rates rise

NAB, SoundExchange Strike Royalty Compromise as Rates Climb

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Commercial broadcasters preparing for higher streaming royalty costs in 2026 may find some relief in a newly proposed settlement between the NAB and SoundExchange. The two sides have reached an early, out-of-court agreement on statutory webcasting rates
Mike Hulvey and Steve Passwaiter

No More Off-Years: Radio Needs Ad Urgency Ahead Of Midterms

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With 435 House seats, 33 Senate races, 38 governorships, and 90 state legislatures in play, 2026 promises a hyper-competitive political landscape - and radio must move quickly if it wants a bigger slice of the ad spend, says Silver Oak Political President Steve Passwaiter.
Audio

Ad-Supported Audio Bests Ad-Free Listening In Latest Edison Data

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Despite the rise of paid streaming services offering ad-free experiences, Americans continue to spend the majority of their audio time with ad-supported platforms, according to new data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear study for Q1 2025.
Curtis LeGeyt NAB Show 2025 Town Hall

LeGeyt Unveils NAB’s Congressional Game Plan At Town Hall

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NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt outlined the broadcasting industry's legislative agenda for the 119th Congress during a town hall at NAB Show 2025, while also announcing the launch of a new website designed to support broadcaster advocacy efforts.
Pierre Bouvard 2025 SMMRF

NAB Show Opens With Focus on Local Radio Strength and Growth

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The 2025 NAB Show opened with an acute emphasis on the strength of local broadcasters as main street radio leaders gathered for the Small and Medium Market Radio Forum in Las Vegas, with an opening address from NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
Radio Revenue

Local Radio Holds Top 5 Spot in $171B US Ad Market, Says BIA

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Local radio continues to hold its place as the fifth-largest advertising medium in the $171 billion local ad marketplace. BIA Advisory Services' new forecast projects total local radio advertising revenue, including over-the-air and digital dollars, to hit $12.3 billion in 2025.
Richmond Grand

Urban One Abandons Casino Dreams, Has Hopes For iGaming

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Urban One has been silent on its casino aspirations since November 2023, when its referendum for a Richmond, VA, development was voted down again. Now, CEO Alfred Liggins confirms the broadcaster has backed away from brick-and-mortar casino development.
Heather Birks

Countdown to NAB Show 2025: BEA’s Heather Birks

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As BEA returns to Las Vegas for its 2025 Conference, Radio Ink spoke with Executive Director Heather Birks about the evolving student talent pipeline, new industry partnerships, and how the LABF collaboration strengthens ties between broadcasting’s history and its future.
WAB DC Trip

DC Meetings Deliver Results for Radio, AM, and Ownership Rules

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Efforts by local radio to advocate for the industry's future in DC are showing more results, as more members of Congress sign on to pro-radio legislation. Wyoming Association of Broadcasters President Laura Grott told Radio Ink about her team's experience.
The Infinite Dial

Radio’s Reach Remains Strong as Digital Audio & Podcasts Grow

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Edison Research has revealed results of the Infinite Dial 2025 and while podcasting was the report's shiny star, AM/FM radio continued its consistent - and ubiquitous - performance as streaming and digital audio usage is ingrained into daily life.

Our Print Magazine: Radio Ink

June 15, 2026

On the Cover: Becky Brooks,
American Women in Media
The Most Influential Women in Radio
Is HR Ghosting Holding Radio Back?
Beasley Celebrates 65

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