Headlines

With all eyes and ears locked on the midterms, Election Day is shaping up as a heavy lift for national audio. Westwood One and Fox News Media are each lining up programming that spans radio affiliates, podcasts, and streams covering races across the nation.

(William Pollack) I've always loved radio. It's played a big role in my life and has always sparked my imagination. I think anyone, no matter their income, can afford a simple, traditional radio. You don't need fancy online services with endless content; a basic radio is enough. There's a comforting quality about that little speaker, always ready to keep you company with music, news, and interviews.

Canada's national broadcast association is the latest to join a global coalition that now counts more than 40 members representing over 10,000 stations, fighting for radio's place in the dashboard as car screens grow more digital and turn toward subscription media.

A commissioner asked for a louder defense of local stations, and broadcasting's top trade group has answered. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said the association will keep working with FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez and all policymakers on broadcasters' First Amendment protections.

Persistence, mentors, and learning by doing run through two new conversations on Chachi Loves Everybody. Former CBS Radio President and CEO Dan Mason and Salem Media CEO Dave Santrella both trace their paths from early radio dreams to the C-Suite.

For radio’s future, the time is now. Somewhere in your building is a young talent, programmer, seller, or digital creator whose results are already outpacing their years, and Radio Ink’s 2027 “30 And Under Superstars” list is the place to put their name forward.

Advertisers are working from an outdated picture of radio. A side-by-side of what brands believe about AM/FM and what Nielsen, Edison Research, and LeadsRx data show finds big gaps on reach, audience share, in-car listening, and return on investment, with the perception coming up short each time.

Smart speakers gave radio a foothold in the home, and a new forecast says that foothold is holding steady rather than expanding. Apple and more capable AI could shift where listeners tune in next, with connected TVs already gaining ground for AM/FM streaming.

(Mike McVay) If you consider yourself a part of the creator community, you likely pay attention to what’s happening around you, what’s said within earshot, what’s trending and creating talk, and think constantly about what interests your audience. You look to continually learn.

A roadside diner in rural Virginia grew into a national peanut brand, and its story carries a lesson for every local media seller. Stop sizing up a business by its building, and start asking its owner how big the ambition really runs.