News

The Local Radio Freedom Act would codify a position by Congress to not impose a new royalty, fee or other type of financial charge on local radio. Nearly 120 House lawmakers on both sides of the aisle co-sponsored the LRFA, according to a statement sent by the NAB Monday.

A new study released by Radiocentre and reported by Cumulus Media and Westwood One this week shows spots for automakers and dealerships help drive future demand and convert existing demand into purchases. The study looked at Tier One campaigns from 59 car makers.

Audacy's Minneapolis news-talk station WCCO (830 AM) raised over $447,000 to benefit the Second Harvest Heartland during its "let's Kick Hunger Day Radiothon." The radiothon was held on Thursday, February 2 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.

NRG Media's KFGE (98.1 FM, Froggy 98) raised more than $102,800 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during a recent radiothon. The "Country Cares for St. Jude's Kids" radiothon occurred between February 1 and February 2.

Premiere's new syndicated midday show Way Up with Angela Yee debuted on more than 30 iHeart stations across the country on Monday. The show originates from iHeart's urban contemporary hits outlet WWPR (105.1 FM, Power) in New York City.

The Radio Advertising Bureau will continue its "Radio Works" initiative with its first 2023 presentation called "Radio Works for Tourism." The presentation will offer expert insight into radio success on tourism ads and consumer demand for travel and tourism in 2023.

Beasley Media is merging two country radio shows into a new syndicated offering. Shawn Parr's Backstage Country marries Backstage Country with the Shawn Parr's Across America program.

Streaming audio platform TuneIn will be integrated into new electric vehicles made by China-based XPeng as part of a new partnership between the companies, Radio Ink has learned. The partnership comes as both companies focus on digging into the European market.

Spotify's Fear of Going Outside podcast is returning for a second season later in February. The nature show sees host Ivy Le in outdoorsy situations that go way beyond her comfort zone. Last year, Le conquered camping; this year, she's going to try her hand at hunting.

Language-learning software Babbel had the most-run spots on radio stations last week, according to Media Monitors, with 58,454 spots airing on measured stations coast-to-coast. Progressive was second with 56,054 spots; Upside was third with 54,025 spots.