Radio & Television Business Report

As of July 1, 2026, the Arkansas PBS operation was to transform to "Arkansas TV" with the elimination of PBS programming as a result of a contract lapse. That was the result of a 6-2 vote by Arkansas PBS's governing body to not renew the PBS contract. It seems there's a bit of a change of heart.

Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson says "strong expense management" helped the NYSE-traded operator of radio stations in mid-sized and small U.S. markets achieve year-over-year adjusted EBITDA margins that were "constant," ex-political, during the final three months of 2025.

Don't let the glum spending habits of today cloud what's to come. For Brian Wieser and Luke Stillman of Madison & Wall, it's "so far so good, with meaningful risks" for the economy. That's why they are raising their U.S. advertising forecast again. But is the upward momentum absent of broadcast media?

He spent 11 years as an "Eyewitness News" anchor, and later helmed local newscasts for the CBS and FOX-owned stations serving the New York market. He was also heard on the radio, at WABC-AM. Now, many across the region are pausing to remember Ernie Anastos, who has died at the age of 82.

Saga maintains "the most pristine balance sheet" in the business, CEO Chris Forgy said to open the company's Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings call. That's not to say challenges do not persist, as the fourth quarter was one in which a wider net loss was seen.

The latest Audio Today report from Nielsen has been released. And, to little surprise, the nation's dominant audience measurement source for Radio says the findings underscore industry's position "as a powerhouse for reach and ROI." But will advertisers and CMOs listen and respond?

It was first brought to RBR+TVBR's attention last week in a conversation with the President and Vice President of partner SCMS. Now, GeoBroadcast Solutions (GBS) has formally disclosed its plans to bring Audacy improved FM reception for two of its FM radio stations serving the New York Tri-State area.

In July 2023, RBR+TVBR first reported on the sale of a Class C3 FM licensed to High Springs, Fla., that today airs a "Hot Talk" format targeting men between Gainesville and western portions of Jacksonville. It is now known that the announced sale has not transpired.

On March 1, SBS reached an important deadline — one it didn't expect to make. That's when the company founded and led by Raúl Alarcón Jr. was to repay its 9.75% Senior Secured Notes. It did not. The company now has a little more time to figure out what to do, with lenders saying OK to the extra time. a

A trio of radio brands formerly owned by Fisher Broadcasting and sold to Lotus Seattle Corporation by Sinclair Inc. has a new General Manager. At the same time, the Lotus Communications arm has selected a new Director of Operations & Brand Management.

The HeartMedia-owned Spanish-language radio station serving Boston has reached a play-by-play agreement with the region's Major League Soccer team. Coverage begins Sunday (3/15) and will continue across the 2026 season for the New England Revolution.

The national broadcaster of South Korea has reached an agreement with a key partner in the development and rollout of ATSC 3.0 technology that will see the distribution of its Korean-language programming to roughly 30 million U.S. households through a new channel.

In twin announcements, TV ad firm Simulmedia has plucked a Chief Commercial Officer from iHeartMedia. Concurrently, Simulmedia is appointing a SVP/GM for what the company calls "the industry’s first self-serve platform designed to give brands and agencies direct, friction-free access to converged TV."

The broadcast media industry's premier gathering for multicultural audio programming and marketing leaders bringing two of the industry’s most energetic and authentic personalities to the stage as co-emcees. The 2026 Hispanic Radio Conference is scheduled for the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort on May 27-28.

Federal income tax returns are due in less than a month, and one brand has taken to cable television to help bring in new customers and repeat business, based on the latest Spot Ten report courtesy of Media Monitors.

"The talent, perspective, and dedication of this year’s Board will help advance the Foundation’s mission to recognize excellence in media and support the next generation of women shaping the industry," said Becky Brooks, President of AWM/F.