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Articles by Lance Venta
The SoCal Sound Hypes KSBR Call Change
As Cal State University Northridge AAA “88.5 The SoCal Sound” KCSN Northridge/Los Angeles closes on its acquisition of simulcast partner 88.5 KSBR Misson Viejo, the station is hyping the new KOCV call letters to take effect on Monday, November 16. South Orange County Community College District’s Saddleback College filed to donate KSBR to KCSN in January.
WQAM Appoints Zach Gelb As Brand Manager
Audacy Sports 560 WQAM Miami/104.3 WQAM-FM Miramar FL has appointed Zach Gelb as Brand Manager. Gelb returns to the company after previously hosting overnights, nights and then afternoons at Infinity Sports Network from 2018 until the network became Westwood One Sports Radio at the start of 2026 with a brief stint at SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Radio and NFL Radio in 2019-20.
Radio Gets A Friend In High Places
Gene Autry. Buck Owens. Dolly Parton. Now Garth Brooks has joined the group of legendary Country artists who became radio station owners. Brooks’ $3 million purchase of AAA “Lightning 100” WRLT Franklin TN to become “FM 100” WFLP is beneficial to radio in multiple ways. Starting simply with Brooks joining the station ownership club.
Saga Communications Revenue Drops 5.4% In Third Quarter
Saga Communications reports a 5.4% revenue decrease to $26.7 million for the Q3 2026 compared to 2025. Saga’s station operating expense decreased 1.7% for the quarter to $24.2 million compared to the same period last year. The company notes an operating loss of $9.8 million compared to $626,000 last year, while station operating income was $2.4 million down from $3.5 million. The company also took a $9.2 impairment charge on their station license values.
Leighton Brings Wild Country To Alexandria
As Leighton Media prepares to complete its $160,000 purchase of Soft Oldies “Smooth Magic 107.1” KMGK Glenwood MN from Branstock Communications, the company has flipped the station to Country “Wild Country 107“. As first reported by Northpine, the flip took place along with the company’s LMA of the station starting on November 1, while new KXGK calls are pending. The station takes on the branding of sister “Wild Country 99” KZPK Paynesville/St. Cloud.
iHeartMedia Disputes Bloomberg Podcast Division Sale Report
Bloomberg is reporting that iHeartMedia “is exploring the sale of part or potentially all of its podcast business in an effort to raise cash and boost its struggling stock price.” Update: iHeart has released a statement disputing the report, “While we don’t generally comment on rumors or speculation, I can tell you that we have no plan to sell our podcasting business.
Jackie Brings A New Hot AC To Jackson
Connoisseur Media has flipped Conservative Talk 1180 WJNT/96.9 W245AH Jackson MS to Hot AC “Jackie 96.9“. The company is describing the station as “an upbeat mix of today’s biggest hits and familiar favorites, along with personality-driven programming designed to connect with Jackson audiences throughout the day.” Core artists are listed as including Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, and Ed Sheeran.
Another Round Of Layoffs Ongoing At Cumulus Media
Following their round of cuts in August, another round of cuts has begun at Cumulus Media. The layoffs follow Cumulus’ exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month with Alden Global Capital becoming controlling shareholder of the company. Alden has made headlines in recent years for their significant cuts at newspapers it has acquired including the Chicago Tribune and New York Daily News. This story will be updated with names as they become publicly known.
Danielle Dellilo Rises To iHeart New York Director of Marketing & Promotions
iHeartMedia has promoted Danielle Dellilo to Director of Marketing and Promotions for its New York cluster. Dellilo has been with iHeart New York since 2016 serving as Promotions Director for 103.5 WKTU, 106.7 WLTW, 710 WOR, and iHeartBroadway. In her new role she will oversee marketing and promotions for the entire cluster adding oversight of 100.3 WHTZ, 104.3 WAXQ, 105.1 WWPR-FM, and 1600 WWRL reporting to SVP/Promotions Joe De Angelis.
Beau Daniels To Exit WOMC
Longtime Detroit personality Beau Daniels will exit afternoons on Audacy Classic Hits 104.3 WOMC on Friday, November 13. Daniels has been a staple of the Detroit market since joining 96.3 WHYT as ‘Beau The Jammer’ in 1988 where he would remain until 1997. After time at “CK 105.5” WWCK-FM Flint, he would move to CHR “Channel 95.5” WKQI as MD/afternoon host from 2002 until 2011. As soon as he was contractually clear, Daniels joined WOMC where he has remained.
Team Radio Marketing Expands Into Enid
Bill Coleman & Darrel Dye’s Team Radio Marketing Group are expanding their holdings in Oklahoma with the purchase of Williams Broadcasting’s stations in Enid. Team Radio Marketing Group will purchase “My Country 103.1” KOFM and “Talk 100.9” 960 KGWA/100.9 K265FL Enid along with Classic Hits “103.1 The Jet” KOFM-HD2. Separately, Dye’s Team Radio Outdoor Media LLC will purchase four digital billboards in the area from Williams and Anchored Capital 3 Investments.
Greg Beharrell Show Added On The App & Fridge
Yea Media Group’s Greg Beharrell Show has been added for nights on a pair of Connoisseur Media Alternative stations. “103.3 The App” K277CX Terrell Wells, 94.1 KTFM-HD2 Floresville/San Antonio and “101.5 The Fridge” WCLI-FM Enon/Dayton OH has added Beharrell to their lineups for 7pm-12am.
Garth Brooks Acquires Lightning 100 Nashville
Garth Brooks’ Sevens Network LLC will acquire AAA “Lightning 100” WRLT Franklin/Nashville TN from Tuned-In Broadcasting for $3 million. Brooks will flip the station to Country as “The New FM 100“, which intends to be “The voice of Music City, Highlighting local/breaking news, and spinning the entire family of Country music.” Brooks said, “This is an opportunity to bring the entire family of Country Music together in one spot…the legends, the greats, and the future greats.
Radio Remembers Dick Lamb
Longtime Norfolk VA personality, programmer, and station owner Dick Lamb has passed away at the age of 88. Lamb began his career in the market at Top 40 1310 WGH in the 1960s. He and Gene Loving were ownership partners in Max Media launching AC “101.3 2WD” WWDE in 1978 with Lamb taking the reins of the morning show.
B-Dub Radio Reaches 70 Weekday Affiliates
Skyview Networks has announced that “B-Dub Radio” has reached 70 weekday affiliates with Basin Mediactive’s 92.5 KLAD-FM Klamath Falls OR. Other weeknight affiliates include KPNW-FM Seattle, WIL St. Louis, KYGO Denver and KWEN Tulsa. “B-Dub Radio Saturday Night” is also heard on over 70 affiliates. Host Bryan ‘B-Dub’ Washington said, “Reaching 70 stations is an incredible milestone, especially as an independently owned show.
Brendan Peach Joins Ten Country Reno
Brendan Peach will join Reno Media Group’s “Ten Country @ 97.3” KOLC Carson City/Reno as morning co-host alongside Cat Bellah. Peach previously spent six years at Riverbend Media Group in Idaho Falls where he held multiple roles including on-air roles at Country “105 The Hawk” KTHK and Rock “K-Bear 101” KCVI and Program Director of CHR “Z103” KFTZ. He will also assist with music scheduling at KOLC. Peach wrote, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have found such an unexpected opportunity.
October 2026 (9/17 – 10/14) Nielsen Audio PPM Ratings Top 50
Lance Venta is the founder and publisher of RadioInsight.com. Lance has been covering the radio industry since founding the first radio industry discussion forums in the mid 1990s. He also advises and builds content strategies and web platforms for stations and programs across America.
Urban One Q3 Revenue Drops 5% With Radio Up
Urban One Inc. reported net revenue of $88 million for the quarter ending on September 30, a 5% drop from one year ago. The company reported a $126.6 million operating loss for the quarter compared to a gain of $2.5 million in Q3 2025.
Dominic Nardella Departs WNCX to Become WYSU Station Director
Audacy Classic Rock 98.5 WNCX Cleveland Brand Manager/midday host Domininc ‘Nard’ Nardella has departed the station to join Youngstown State University’s Public News/Talk 88.5 WYSU Youngstown as Station Director. Nardella joined WNCX as midday host in 2011 and rose to Brand Manager in February 2022 and was also remotely overseeing “Bayou 95.7” WKBU New Orleans.
iHeartMedia Q3 Revenue Rises 3.3% While Broadcast Segment Drops 5%
iHeartMedia released its earnings report for the third quarter ending on September 30. iHeart notes that Q3 revenue of $1.03 billion was up 3.3% over the same quarter in 2025 and excluding political revenue was up 0.9%. GAAP Operating income was $73 million, compared to a GAAP Operating loss of $116 million in Q3 2025.
Backtrax USA To End Syndicated Run After 34 Years
After 34 years in syndication, Kid Kelly’s “Backtrax USA” will end its run on the weekend of November 28. Kelly launched the 1980s centered show in December 1992 and later added a 1990s version of the show a decade later. Kelly would briefly expand the brand in 2020 to a nightly show and a 24/7 loop of the show aired on a translator in Baltimore. The end of the show comes after the program had been running repeat episodes in recent months.
CKEA-FM Edmonton To Cruz To Sports/Rock Hybrid
Harvard Media is shifting Rock “95.7 Cruz-FM” CKEA-FM Edmonton AB to a Sports/Rock hybrid on Monday, November 16. The station will reposition as “Sports That Rock” as longtime Edmonton personality Terry Evans joins the station for an afternoon show from 3-7p weekdays.
WNJD Completes Move To Delaware
Mighty Voice Broadcasting has completed the move of Conservative Talk/Yacht Rock “Fine Day Radio” 102.3 WNJD Cape May NJ across the Delaware Bay to Dover DE where it has relaunched as “Capital 102.3“. Now licensed to Hartly DE, where it covers the Dover area, the station continues to feature a weekday lineup of mostly Salem Media Network programming including Larry O’Connor in mornings, Alex Marlow, Scott Jennings, Hugh Hewitt, and Larry Elder.
Anjali Sud To Succeed Jennifer Witz As SiriusXM CEO
SiriusXM has announced that CEO Jennifer Witz will step down as CEO on January 1, 2027 with former Tubi CEO Anjali Sud succeeding her. Witz has led SiriusXM since 2021 and has been with the company since 2002 previously holding roles as President of Sales, Marketing and Operations, EVP/Chief Marketing Officer, and SVP/Finance during her tenure. Witz will remain in an advisory role at the company until the end of 2027. Sud has served on the SiriusXM Board of Directors since March 2025.
Kevin Steele To Depart Georgia Radio Alliance
Georgia Radio Alliance VP/Programming Kevin Steele will depart the company at the end of 2026. Steele, who also hosts afternoons on Country “92.5 The Bear” WEKS Zebulon GA, has been in his role since February 2017. He previously held roles including hosting middays on WSTR Atlanta from 1992-203, programming Cox’s Athens GA cluster from 2005-10, and on-air, marketing and promotions positions at ABC/Cumulus Atlanta from 2003-17.
Jeff Caplan & Amanda Dickson To Retire From KSL
Two longtime hosts at Bonneville News/Talk 1160 KSL Salt Lake City/102.7 KSL-FM Coalville UT are retiring this week. Morning co-host Amanda Dickson will retire on Wednesday, November 12 ending a 37-year-run at the station. Dickson also hosts the weekly “A Woman’s View” on the station and was a columnist for the co-owned Deseret News. Dickson shared, “After nearly 40 years in radio, 37 at KSL, I am retiring from broadcasting on November 12th. Thank you so much for your friendship and support.
FCC Report 11/8: Bidder Defaults On FM Auction Payments
Sandhyabahen Modi’s Max Frequency LLC has defaulted on its three construction permits it won in FCC Auction 109 in 2021. Max Frequency was the winning bidder of 95.3 Teague, 97.3 Bogata, and 102.7 Milano TX, but requested dismissal of the applications in August. Under FCC rules, Max Frequency is still liable for a deficiency payment of 20% of its total $141,050 winning bids for the three allocations or $28,210.
MediaCo Gets Credit Extension To Ward Off Default
MediaCo Holding Inc. has entered into an amendment of its First Lien Term Loan Credit Agreement with White Hawk Capital Partners LP to delay default. MediaCo had entered into the credit agreement in April 2024 as part of its purchase of Estrella Media. MediaCo received an initial term loan of $35 million will will mature on April 17, 2029 and a subsequent delayed draw facility of up to $10.0 million that may be provided for additional working capital purposes under certain conditions.
Newsmax Acquires Miami AM Duo From Latino Media Network
Conservative News network Newsmax is purchasing Spanish News/Talk “Radio Mambi” 710 WAQI and 1140 WQBA Miami from Latino Media Network. Newsmax Radio will pay $1.26 million for WAQI and $540,000 for WQBA. The stations were part of LMN’s $60 million purchase of eighteen stations across the country from TelevisaUnivision in 2022. WQBA would end its local programming in July 2025 and most recently has been carrying the government’s Office of Cuba Broadcasting’s “Radio Marti“.
Randy Michaels Adds Another Cincinnati Station
Randy Michaels’ Radioactive LLC is acquiring Gospel 1320 WCVG/103.9 W280FW Covington KY/Cincinnati from Caleb Fosters’ Reign Enterprizes LLC for $110,000. WCVG becomes Michaels’ second signal in the Cincinnati market along with Oldies 97.7 WKRP-FM Mason, which Michaels operates with 94.5 WOXY Englewood/Dayton and in partnership with Grant County Broadcasters 106.7 WNKR Williamstown KY. The signals could help boost the WKRP signal in Cincinnati and Covington proper.
Jenn Lopez Joins WQDR’s Q Morning Crew
Curtis Media Group Country 94.7 WQDR-FM Raleigh has introduced Jenn Lopez as its new co-host of the “Q Morning Crew” alongside Mike Wheless. Lopez joins WQDR-FM from the same role at Audacy Hot AC “Mix 105.1” WOMX Orlando. She originally worked at WOMX and then sister CHR “101.9 Amp Radio” WQMP as a part-timer from 2015 to 2017.
FCC Extends Non-Commercial FM Translator Filing Window
Following the start of the non-commercial FM translator filing window on Wednesday, the FCC’s LMS database and filing system has been affected by a data leaks and then a prolonged outage. Due to those, the commission is extending the end of the window from 6pm on Tuesday, November 17 to 6pm on Monday, November 23.
Station Sales Week Of 11/6
Sherri Linz’s Linz Broadcasting purchases Classic Rock 100.9 KESA Eureka Springs, Country “True Country 107.1” KTHS-FM Berryville, and Spanish “La Maxxima” 1480 KTHS Green Forest/96.9 K245BJ Berryville/102.3 K272FX Eureka Springs AR from Jay Bunyard’s Carroll County Broadcasting for $750,000. Linz has worked at the cluster since 1999 and serves as General Manager of the stations.
RadioInsight - WKKN Gets Jolly
Community Media Inc. AC “Magic 102” WKKN Westminster VT/Keene NH has dropped its branding for Christmas Music as “Jolly 101.9“. WKKN had flipped to AC duplicating the branding of sister “Magic 96.7” WTSA-FM Brattleboro VT in late June. WTSA-FM continues with its regular programming and branding. The move marks a first time Christmas music move for the station with the particulars making a post-Christmas move possible. Log In Username or Email Address Password Remember Me Community Media Inc.
October 2026 (9/17 – 10/14) Nielsen Audio PPM Ratings Day 4: WTIC Hits All-Time Low; Format Lows For WOKV & WJMH
The fourth and final day of Nielsen Audio’s PPM releases for the month bring Austin, Raleigh/Durham, Indianapolis, Nashville, Jacksonville, Milwaukee, Providence, Norfolk, West Palm Beach, Greensboro/Winston-Salem, Memphis, and Hartford. All the numbers can be found at RadioInsight.com/Ratings. This month we introduce an enhancement to our ratings pages with the addition of six charts on each market page and some right here on our recaps.
Political Ads Boost Entravision Q3 Revenue
Entravision Communications Corporation (NYSE: EVC), a media and advertising technology company, today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2026. Consolidated revenue increased 88% to $226.3 million for third quarter 2026 compared to $120.6 million for third quarter 2025, and increased 108% to $651.2 million for nine-month period ended September 30, 2026 compared to $313.2 million for same period in 2025.
92Q Nashville Adds DeDe in the Morning
Cumulus Media Adult R&B “92Q” WQQK Goodlettsville/Nashville TN has added Compass Media Networks’ DeDe in the Morning. Host DeDe McGuire said, “I’m so happy to be heard in Nashville on 92Q! It’s a blessing to connect with listeners in Music City, share my voice, and be part of a community with so much heart, culture, and energy.
Extra Zing For Southern Kentucky
Newberry Broadcasting Hot AC “Zing 106.7” W294DB Glasgow/103.7 WHHT-HD3 Cave City KY has is now simulcasting on 92.1 WWZG Park City/Glasgow. WWZG is the former Country “Kix 92.1” WTKY-FM Tompkinsville, which was purchased by Newberry last fall and subsequently moved north to its new site. Positioning as “Feel Good. Stay Zing’d,” the station features Murphy, Sam & Jodi in mornings, local midday host Macy G, and The TJ Show in afternoons.
Sheri Lynch & Tony Garcia: The Marconis Speech We Would Have Given
Two weeks ago at the 2026 NAB Marconi Awards, the Bob & Sheri Show won for the first time in its 34-year run taking home the award for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year. Unlike past years, where the show attended, this year they decided not to attend as they focused on their move from syndication to a direct-to-listener distribution model at the end of the year.
Grizz Exits KSII Ahead Of 2027 Move
Townsquare Media Hot AC “93.1 Kiss-FM” KSII El Paso morning co-host Fernando ‘Grizz’ Montejano has exited the station in preparation of a move to another market. Grizz has been teamed with Iris Lopez since March 2024. In a blog post announcing his departure, Montejano wrote, “In my short time with Iris, we built such a fun community full of people of all ages that have made every day on air feel less like work and more like a blessing.
October 2026 (9/17 – 10/14) Nielsen Audio PPM Ratings Day 3: WLKO & WKQC Rise In WNKS Sign-Off Aftermath
Day 3 of Nielsen Audio’s PPM releases are now available for Charlotte, Portland, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Columbus, and Cleveland. All the numbers can be found at RadioInsight.com/Ratings. This month we introduce an enhancement to our ratings pages with the addition of six charts on each market page and some right here on our recaps.
WKZO Adds Battle Creek Simulcast
Midwest Communications flipped 930 WFAT/102.7 W274AQ Battle Creek MI to a simulcast of News/Talk 590 WKZO/W295CL Kalamazoo on Election Day. The move improves WKZO’s coverage on the east side of the shared market for ratings purposes and fills the Talk opening that followed Townsquare Media’s flip of 1360 WKMI Kalamazoo and 95.3 WBCK Battle Creek to Sports last December. WFAT/W274AQ had been Oldies “Cool-FM” simulcasting 101.1 WQXC Allegan since February 2025.
WLAV Adds Dave & Chuck The Freak For Mornings
Cumulus Media Classic Rock “97 LAV” WLAV Grand Rapids completed a lineup revamp this morning with the addition of Beasley Media and Key Networks’ “Dave & Chuck The Freak” for mornings. The 101.1 WRIF Detroit based morning show will be heard from 6 to 10:30am. The show takes the morning slot that had been held by Michelle McKormick and Travis Gibbs until McKormick’s exit at the end of August and subsequent move to iHeartMedia’s “Big 101.3” WBFX.
Family Life Ministries Acquires Hot 107.9 Williamsport
Family Life Ministries continues its growth in Pennsylvania with the purchase of “Hot 107.9” WOTH Williamsport from Backyard Broadcasting of Pennsylvania. Family Life will acquire WOTH for $200,000 plus its existing signal in the market 103.3 W277BJ Williamsport. That will upgrade the network from its so-called “Super Translator” operating with 250w/412m to the Class A 3.4kW/135m 107.9 signal. WOTH carries Westwood One’s Hot AC network.
Townsquare Media Revenue Grows 3.9% As Digital Advertising Rises 12.7%
Townsquare Media’s revenue growth continues to come from digital advertising as opposed to broadcast. CEO Bill Wilson said, “Townsquare’s third quarter results reflect the continued strength of our Digital Advertising platform. Third quarter net revenue of $110.9 million increased 3.9% year-over-year and exceeded our guidance range, Adjusted EBITDA of $22.6 million increased 2.7% year-over-year and was within our guidance range, and net loss narrowed by $1.5 million year-over-year to $4.0 million.
WVRC Seeks Waiver To Combine Family Held Competitor
WVRC Media has filed a request for a waiver with the FCC to be able to operate five of AJG Corporation’s six stations via Time Brokerage Agreement to give the company nine properties in the Morgantown/Clarksburg/Fairmont WV market. In the waiver request, WVRC claims that the AJG stations “are not financially viable on a stand-alone basis, and the TBA is what would permit them to continue serving their communities.
October 2026 (9/17 – 10/14) Nielsen Audio PPM Ratings Day 2: KFAN Nets The Largest Share For Any Sports Station Anywhere
Nielsen Audio has released Day 2 of its monthly four day sweep of ratings in PPM markets. Today’s releases include Washington DC, Boston, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Seattle, Phoenix, Detroit, Minneapolis, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Denver, San Diego, Baltimore, and St. Louis. All the numbers can be found at RadioInsight.com/Ratings. This month we introduce an enhancement to our ratings pages with the addition of six charts on each market page and some right here on our recaps.
J-Nicks Crosses The Streetz In Atlanta
Core Radio Group Hip Hop “Streetz 94.5” 1420 WWSZ Decatur/94.5 W233BF Atlanta will launch “Nicks at Nite” on Monday, November 6 from 6-10pm. Joshua ‘J-Nicks’ Nicks spent nineteen years at Radio One Hip Hop “Hot 107.9” WHTA first in nights as part of the “Durrty Boyz” and then afternoons from 2005 to 2024. He started his career at “Q95.5” WFUN-FM St. Louis and also hosted BET’s “Rap City”. Program Director Solo said, “Adding a familiar name like J-Nicks to our roster just makes sense.
Gabe Glidden & Angie Morales Jump To Afternoons At KS95
Radio FM Media Hot AC “Big 98.7” KLTA Fargo ND morning hosts Gabe Glidden & Angie Morales are joining Hubbard Hot AC “KS 95” KSTP-FM St. Paul/Minneapolis as afternoon hosts starting December 28. Glidden is a Minnesota native who previously held on-air roles in Winona MN and Waterloo IA before joining KLTA in 2024.
Nikki Preston Joins Kiss 98.5 Buffalo Morning Show
Audacy CHR “Kiss 98.5” WKSE Buffalo has launched “Nick & Nikki with Wease in the Morning” as Nikki Preston joins Nicholas Picholas and producer Wease. Preston returns to upstate New York after spending the past eight years hosting middays at Anaheim Broadcasting Rock 96.7 KCAL-FM Riverside CA until the station cut all of its talent this summer.
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