Monday, August 3, 2026

A ‘Happy’ iHeart Marketing Partnership To Help Consumers Clip Debt

The nation's biggest owner of radio stations, which also calls itself the No. 1 podcast publisher globally (based on Podtrac data) has inked a marketing partnership with a platform that gives consumers access to unsecured lending via institutions such as credit unions. 

SiriusXM and Mitsubishi Motors Extend Agreement

A long-term agreement between Mitsubishi Motors North America and the lone satellite radio company serving North America has just been extended. This will see a relationship between the automotive company and SiriusXM last a few more years. Specifically, the new agreement extends through 2028.

Ex-NYC Radio Host Sues For Discrimination, Retaliation

Shaila Scott was the midday host on WBLS-FM 107.5, an iconic radio station serving African Americans across the Tri-State area today licensed to MediaCo Holding Co., the passive partnership between Emmis Communications founder Jeff Smulyan and Standard General head Soohyung Kim. Her dismissal, she believes, is unjust, and has hired legal counsel and sued WBLS's owner in response to her exit.
Dollar Sign

Saga Goes Up Against Gray With Q2 Earnings Call

Earnings season is rapidly approaching, and that means investors and financial analysts will have their eyes peeled on the all-important second quarter results for publicly traded broadcast companies and even such privately held entities as TelevisaUnivision. On August 5, one radio industry pure-play will release its Q2 '22 fiscal report. And, it is holding its earning call at exactly the same as that of television industry player Gray Television.
The late Steve Smith, known for his radio programming expertise across 40 years of activity.

Radio Industry Reacts To Veteran Programmer Steve Smith’s Passing

Many across the U.S. radio industry are mourning the sudden death of the programming veteran, who resided in the Phoenix area. He died July 7 of undisclosed causes and was 62 years of age. Smith is responsible for making "HOT 97" in New York a legendary Hip-Hop radio station, and also served as a chief programmer at companies including Cox Media Group, Clear Channel Communications and CBS Radio.

The Upside? More Exposure Via Spot Radio

What's the "upside" to using Spot Radio to best connect a growing brand with new and returning consumers? Just ask the people behind an app that gives its users cash back when fueling up at the pumps.
Steve Goldstein

A Good Reason To Get In The Podcasting Game Now

Still thinking about why podcasting opportunities may or may not be smart for you or your business? Getting the perfect perspective from veteran radio broadcaster-turned-podcast executive Steve Goldstein may be just what's needed to spark an investment in the hot on-demand audio sector. Goldstein will be sharing his thoughts on Tuesday, July 19, at the two-day virtual "How to Make Real Money Podcasting conference."
Abel de Luna

Luna Hopes To Land Radio Assets In California Wine Country

Abel de Luna, through his Luna Foods Corporation, has agreed to purchase two AM radio stations and their respective FM translators in Sonoma County, Calif. The transaction comes with a risk — De Luna is agreeing to assume the potential lack of availability of the tower site for one of the AM stations he's willing to buy.
Rep. Yvette Clarke

A ZoneCasting Flip-Flop From Yvette Clarke

As 2020 came to a close, she expressed pride in the FCC’s consideration of modifying FM booster rules "that could potentially help minority-owned stations better serve their communities." Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) was referring to GeoBroadcast Solutions' ZoneCasting technology, presently under review and subject to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from the FCC. Now, it appears Clarke has retracted that statement.
Frank Iorio Jr., as seen in 1998

A Three Rivers Radio Veteran Buys In Butler, Pa.

In November 2020, Frank Iorio Jr. shared that would be selling WJAS and FM translator W256DE at 99.1 MHz to St. Barnabas Broadcasting. At the time, Iorio indicated that this transaction would conclude 50 years in broadcasting. It turns out he's now had a change of heart about retirement.

Peach State Radio Trio Go Dark

In November 2021, a change in ownership for the parent company of a Georgia radio licensee appeared to transpire without any hiccups. Now, it appears that the future of the radio stations was placed in doubt with that deal. Why? The new licensee could not gain access to any station transmission equipment, leading it to silence the three radio properties under a STA.
Kevin Straley, TuneIn

The Future of Sports Radio, Through ‘One-To-One Audio’

Even as the delivery mechanism has evolved to mobile, smart speakers and connected car, TuneIn's Kevin Straley believes "it is still a magical experience when a listener connects with the voice coming out of the speakers." And, it is his view that this experience is made even stronger by the fact that Sports Radio "can bridge where we are now with where we used to be, physically and emotionally."
Ceril Shagrin, who passed away on July 3 in Palm Harbor, Fla.

Media Research Legend Ceril Shagrin Dies

Ceril Shagrin is being remembered as a longtime consumer media research pioneer at both Nielsen and Univision Communications. The highly respected audience measurement patent holder has passed away at the age of 89.

Alberta Government To Intervene In Shaw/Rogers Antitrust Review

The government of the Canadian province of Alberta has indicated that it will involve itself in a competition review of Rogers Communications' planned $20 billion CDN acquisition of Shaw Communications. What could this mean for a blockbuster merger that's already under federal scrutiny from Ottawa?

Indeed, Spot Radio Advertiser Commitment Abounds

What's the biggest takeaway from reviewing the latest Media Monitors Spot Ten Radio report, which reflects the seven-day period leading into Independence Day? Brands that know Radio works for them continue to invest in Spot Radio, with familiar players seen once again among the biggest users of the medium.