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(By Charlie Sislen) Successful radio stations have done a tremendous job of building unique brands in their market. Whether it is “more music,” “great giveaways,” or the “news source,” these brands let the listeners know what to expect. Delivering on this expectation is another issue.

ABC Radio is being replaced by ABC Audio for the name of the umbrella brand. The company's view is that with the new platforms entering consumers’ lives, from podcast distribution to interactive voice and beyond, the switch of names is appropriate.

According to the advertising research firm, radio ad sales were up just under 1% in Q2, mostly thanks to network radio, which was up 6%. Local continues to be a problem for radio.

With the research firm tossing figures around in the billions it's nice to see podcasting get a mention in the report. Here's what the firm said about the medium.

Due to several factors, including limited participation, Emmis will no longer host the quarterly calls. Instead, the company will simply file its 10Q with the SEC. In recent years Emmis has been selling off its radio stations and looking for faster growing industries to invest in.

New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur has ended his weekly radio interview with WFAN's Mike Francesa, the team's flagship radio station, which is owned by Entercom. The Giants are a horrible team this year and Francesa has been critical of the organization.

A new study by Woods & Poole Economics found that the local radio and TV generate $1.17 trillion of GDP and 2.47 million jobs through direct and stimulative effect on the economy. NAB made the announcement Thursday.

After nearly 50 years on the air, Lou Kolb is ready to retire. Kolb, who works for Backyard Broadcasting, is ready to settle down with his wife and dig into a few good books. Quite an accomplishment, being on the air for so many years. Oh, and one more thing, Lou has been blind since birth.

Author and veteran political consultant and commentator Dick Morris is joining the lineup at Forecast 2020 with a special address that will focus on: "Can Trump Win?" Is he a lock or a long shot? Who will the Democrats put up? How will he or she do? What events could upend all predictions?

As part of our series spotlighting 2019 Radio Wayne finalists, we turn to the D.O.S. category today. Carter Broadcast Group's Vic Dyson is a 28-year radio veteran. He grew up in the radio industry, his dad is the legendary Marv Dyson.