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As Radio Ink reported last week, the IAB's recently released annual podcast revenue study found that podcast ad revenue grew 86% in 2017, hitting $314 million. Marshall Williams (pictured) is the CEO of Ad Results Media, an advertising agency that specializes in podcast advertising. Clients include Blue Apron, Ziprecruiter and Harry's, and they are using podcasts more than ever to get their message out. Let's find out why.

Sun Broadcast Group announced Monday they have partnered with Alpha Media to bring their weekend countdown, The Hit List with Fitz, to more than 20 Alpha country stations. Alpha EVP of Content Scott Mahalick said, “We are fortunate to be able to expand our relationship with Fitz and tap the compelling content power of The Hit List with Fitz.”

(by Larry Fuss) I've been reading the ongoing discussion between advertising agencies and radio and I can honestly say that after 45 years in radio, I have yet to work with an agency that really understands how radio works. That’s especially true in small markets. Let me explain.

Washington’s WTOP was honored last week with an Innovation in Sales Award, presented by the Institute for Excellence in Sales. WTOP won out over 19 other finalists in the innovation category. Honorees were presented Friday, June 15, at the IES Award breakfast gala at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church, VA.

Jacobs Media is hosting a free webinar called "Smart Speakers 101, What Broadcasters Should Know," Thursday at 2 p.m. Topics to be covered include: How fast smart speaker ownership is growing and the differences between the devices; and, How radio stations can take advantage of smart speakers. Register HERE.

Cumulus’ NASH Next 2018 has kicked off its fourth annual grassroots national search for the nation’s newest star in over 54 markets across the United States, including Dallas, New York, Atlanta, Detroit, and Nashville. Artists who want to take their career to the next level may enter the competition via the NASH Next website or one of the 62 local station websites.

ESPN Audio’s networks and on-demand content is now available on iHeartRadio. The multiyear agreement allows listeners to livestream via iHeartRadio, including the ESPN Radio Network, ESPN Deportes Radio Network, and much more.

AdLarge Media’s cabana digital audio division is the new sales representative of crime podcast network Murder.ly. Murder.ly offers a wide range of true crime dramas, from conversational to investigative and journalistic.

WGOW-FM Morning Man Jeff Styles was shot in the arm after he approached a vehicle with a tomahawk style weapon in a road rage incident. According to local reports, Styles then struck the windshield with that weapon and was then shot by the driver of the vehicle.

Our thanks again to Second Street for sharing another great advertiser success story. The promotion was done with KCLR-FM in Columbia, MO for the Koala Center for Sleep Disorders. Our weekly success stories are sponsored by Sun & Fun Media..