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(By Radio Ink Chairman Eric Rhoads) So what about the next generation stepping in to run radio? For sure, they must look to what’s new and help radio embrace what we’ve been missing. Yet they also must keep a foothold in what works. The key issue the new generation needs to face is how radio can compete in a digital world.

A filing with the SEC states iHeart is not able to file its 2017 annual report on time due to a delay in the completion of the financial statements from Clear Media Limited, which is an indirect subsidiary of the company with shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The company says several employees of Clear Media are part of an ongoing investigation for misappropriation of funds.

Also from the SEC filing iHeart states it expects to report consolidated revenue of approximately $6.17 billion for 2017, compared to $6.26 billion in 2016. So why the approximate $89 million decrease?

A total of 104 radio spots and campaigns have made it to the finals of the 2018 Radio Mercury Awards, which honor outstanding radio created by advertising agencies, production companies, radio stations, and students.

Radio imaging company Benztown will distribute Tracy Johnson Media Group’s new daily short radio feature called Ask Alexa. Johnson says, "research proves that FUNNY is the number one thing listeners are looking for in the morning. And Ask Alexa brings the funny every weekday.”

Radio Ink is proud to announce that Forecast 2019 will be co-chaired by Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Media Group. Forecast is the radio industry’s most respected and influential annual financial conference, bringing broadcast executives, investors, and advertisers together to discuss the trends, influences, and policies that will shape radio in the coming year.

The last week has not been friendly to new Entercom morning man Kevin Klein. In fact, we're not even sure Klein will ever be the new Entercom morning man in San Diego. His show was scheduled to launch last week but that never happened after he posted a picture of the Coronado Bridge with the slugline, "Jump to a new morning show."

Stephens Media Group is buying 14 stations in Yakima and Tri Cities, Washington, from Ingstad Radio. Stephens Media Group owner David Stephens said, “These radio stations represent exactly what we look for when buying. A diverse portfolio of formats, a strong commitment to the community, and an accomplished team already in place."

LRN has expanded its on-air team with 15 major-market and network hires across its 24/7 Music Formats. CEO Steve Swick said, “This is a tremendous opportunity for small- and medium-market stations across the country to have nationally recognized, major-market, super talent on the air."