iHeartMedia Podcasts Coming To Disney+ And Hulu

JOCKLINE DAILY, AUGUST 11, 2026 – Video podcasts from the Jonas Brothers and the cast of “Boy Meets World” are heading to Disney+ as part of a new licensing partnership with iHeartMedia designed to capture viewers on mobile and beyond. The LA Times report the agreement will bring six iHeartMedia podcasts to Disney+ and Hulu, starting with “Hey Jonas!” hosted by Kevin, Nick and Joe Jonas on both streaming services. “Pod Meets World,” hosted by the stars of the ’90s sitcom “Boy Meets World,” will also appear on Disney+ later this month.

Other podcasts coming this fall to Hulu include “Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald” hosted by the stars of medical comedy “Scrubs,” “Desperately Devoted” that will discuss drama “Desperate Housewives,” “StraightioLab,” that delves into straight culture and “Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim.”

“Fans can’t get enough of the stories and talent they love, and podcasts have become one of the fastest growing ways for audiences to connect with them,” said Lauren Tempest, Head of Content Planning & Partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company in a statement. “From iconic rewatch series and fan-favorite conversations to original storytelling, this deal gives both existing listeners and new viewers an easy way to discover and connect with some of podcasting’s most engaging voices through video,” Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO for iHeartMedia, said in a statement.

Netflix also made deals with Spotify and iHeartMedia to bring popular video podcasts, including “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” “The Breakfast Club” and “My Favorite Murder” to its streaming service. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said in an April 16 earnings presentation that people consume podcasts on Netflix during the day, at a time when the streamer historically has less engagement and they’re watching the podcasts more on mobile devices, where professional TV and film historically makes up a small percentage of mobile viewing, he said. “It’s great that we get to meet members where they are, even when they’re enjoying other forms of entertainment,” Sarandos said.

WTOP News Expands Content With Enhanced Top News Podcast; Now Looking For Two Producers

JOCKLINE DAILY, AUGUST 11, 2026 – WTOP News announced a major expansion of its podcast offerings with a reimagined Top News Podcast, transforming the product into a dynamic, on-demand extension of WTOP's award-winning on-air news product. The enhanced Top News Podcast will deliver 12-14 episodes each weekday, providing listeners with concise 20-minute news updates refreshed hourly from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. WTOP will also produce a video version of the podcast for digital platforms. This new format is designed to mirror how Washington-area audiences consume news today: quickly, frequently and on demand.

To support the launch, WTOP is looking to hire two full-time podcast host-producers who will lead daily production and serve as the editorial voices of the program. "This new podcast represents a natural evolution of the WTOP brand," said Julie Ziegler, Head of News and Programming for WTOP News. “It meets news consumers where they are – on more platforms than ever before – allowing us to grow our audience and develop new revenue streams.”

The Top News Podcast has been part of WTOP's content portfolio for more than six years. It originally launched as an automated feed featuring the first 30 minutes of WTOP’s hourly newscasts. In 2024, WTOP transitioned the podcast to a manually produced format, with content producers creating and publishing two daily episodes. This new business model combines the strengths of both approaches by leveraging WTOP's unparalleled newsroom resources and expertise in producing hourly newscasts while delivering a professionally hosted, highly produced experience for listeners. Each episode will feature WTOP's trusted reporting, anchored by original context and analysis from the podcast host.

The project will be developed and supported in collaboration with Gamut Podcast Network, Hubbard Media That Connects’ dedicated podcast division launched in 2025. Gamut is home to award-winning podcasts such as American Nightmares and Behind the Song. The new podcast is expected to launch later this year. Interested candidates can apply on WTOP’s career page.

'B-Dub’s Longest Ride' Completes 6,393 Mile Trip, Raising More Than $51,000 for Fisher House

JOCKLINE DAILY, AUGUST 11, 2026 – Country radio host, Bryan “B-Dub” Washington of B-Dub Radio, announced through the program's national syndication partner, Skyview Networks, that his “B-Dub's Longest Ride” annual fundraiser wrapped its fourth year on Sunday. Raising over $51,000 and surpassing his goal of $50,000, B-Dub's donations will directly benefit the Fisher House Foundation, an organization that provides housing and support for military families in need.

From July 26 through August 9, B-Dub rode 6,393 miles through the United States and Canada, with stops including Missoula, Montana; Dickinson, North Dakota; Duluth, Minnesota; Sudbury and Ottawa, Ontario; Niagara Falls, New York; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Rapid City and Spearfish, South Dakota; Red Lodge, Montana; and Twin Falls, Idaho, connecting with local communities, affiliates, program listeners and fellow riders who supported the mission at every stop before returning home to Portland, Oregon.

“We’re incredibly grateful to B-Dub for putting in the miles, the time and the heart behind ‘The Longest Ride,’” said Dave Coker, president of Fisher House Foundation. “What he raised will help military and veteran families, but just as importantly, he helped spread awareness of Fisher House so more families know we’re here when they need us. We can’t thank him enough.”

Over the last four years, B-Dub's ride has raised more than $112,000 to help military families stay together while their loved ones receive critical medical treatments. The campaign has grown steadily each year, raising approximately $4,070 in 2023, $18,035 in 2024, $38,713 in 2025 and $51,409 so far in 2026.

For affiliation information, contact affiliation@skyviewsat.com or visit skyviewnetworks.com/b-dub/.

Audacy’s Mix 104.1 Host Kennedy Elsey Accepts The 2026 MIW Airblazer Award At MSBC Cleveland

JOCKLINE DAILY, AUGUST 10, 2026 – Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), in partnership with Talentmasters MSBC, shares that Kennedy Elsey, co-host of The Karson & Kennedy morning show on Audacy's MIX 104.1 (WBMX-FM) in Boston, officially accepted the 2026 MIW Airblazer Award during last Friday's Talentmasters MSBC Luncheon in Cleveland, Ohio.

Established through a partnership between MIW and Talentmasters MSBC in 2015, the MIW Airblazer Award recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to the radio industry while using their platform to positively impact the communities they serve. As tradition dictates, each year's recipient is selected by the previous year's Airblazer honoree.

Kennedy was chosen by 2025 recipient Karen Carson of Karen Carson In The Morning on Audacy's NEW 102.7 FM in New York. Previous MIW Airblazer recipients include Delilah (2024), Dana Cortez (2023), Patty Steele (2022), DeDe McGuire (2021), Angela Yee (2020), Kellie Rasberry (2019), Mercedes Martinez (2018), Roula Christie (2017), Angie Martinez (2016), and Ellen K (2015).

For more information about MIW and the Airblazer Award, please visit www.RadioMIW.com. Photo, Kennedy at podium, with MIW Preseident-elect/Urban One's Lori Flowers seated.

RHOF Announces Its 2026 'Legends' Inductees

JOCKLINE DAILY, AUGUST 3, 2026 – The Radio Hall of Fame announced today the selection of nine 2026 Legends inductees. These individuals have received induction by the determination of the Radio Hall of Fame 2026 Nominating Committee, who annually meet to determine inductees who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away.

The following nine radio legends take their place in the Radio Hall of Fame immediately: (Top L-R) • Lin Brehmer- On-Air Personality • Vivian Carter- On-Air Personality and Record Company Executive • Dale Dorman- On-Air Personality • (Center L-R) )Gary Krantz- Network Radio and Syndication Executive • Wink Martindale- On-Air Personality, Game Show Host, and Television Producer • B. Mitchell Reed- On-Air Personality • (Bottom L-R) Pierre Robert- On-Air Personality • Polito Vega- On-Air Personality • D.E. “Duke” Wright- Radio Station Owner and Executive.

Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “The Radio Hall of Fame is proud to honor this year’s Legends inductees, whose extraordinary careers have helped define the history and enduring impact of radio. From iconic on-air personalities to visionary executives, each has left an indelible mark on our industry and earned their rightful place in the Radio Hall of Fame.”

Kraig Kitchin, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “It’s an honor and privilege to witness the induction of these radio industry legends. We hope this recognition of their industry contributions benefits their family, colleagues, friends and listeners.”

The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2026 class of inductees at the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL. Tickets are on sale now at: www.radiohalloffame.com. A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications. Fans and industry professionals can find more information, including photos and bios of the 2026.

2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction will be held on Thursday, October 8th at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago - Get Your Tickets Today at www.radiohalloffame.com

Anaheim Broadcasting's KCAL-FM 96.7 Riverside Goes Jockless, Switches To All-Music Format

JOCKLINE DAILY, AUGUST 3, 2026 – KCAL-FM 96.7 has launched a new “All Music, All the Time” classic rock format beginning Saturday, August 1, giving Inland Empire listeners a music-first on-air sound built around the songs that defined classic rock. “KCAL has a longstanding history in the Inland Empire, and this next chapter builds on the station’s strong rock heritage,” said Kelly Sanders, Chief Operating Officer of Anaheim Broadcasting Corporation.

In a separate email, a station rep' shared with Jockline, "The challenges facing radio aren't a secret, and with the changes already underway at the station, a lot of our people understood that things might shift. The specific positions and timing weren't known ahead of time, but the industry has made it clear that stations like ours are having to make hard calls to stay viable.""He added, "These are never easy conversations, and we handled them with as much respect and honesty as we could."

Along with the change, came on-air layoffs which reportedly include 42-year station vet Daryl Norsell, Program Director since 2014 and Afternoons for the past 36 years. Patrick Tish, a 13 year air talent and Imaging Director with the past 9 years in Mornings (Patrick In The Morning). Nikki Preston, with 8 years as Midday host and Public Service Director. John DeSantis, Evening host and Promotions Director who just celebrated 6 years with the station. And the part-time weekend/fill-in staff, Lacey Kendall, Tim Brown, Steve "Razz" Brazill, Mike "Mike Z" Zara, Lacey Kendall, Kelli Cluque, Frank "Frank-O" Garcia, Syeda Jafri, Jeremiah Paul, and Rogelio Orozco.

In a statement shared with Jockline, Norsell stated: "While it's been a really tough day for us here, I couldn't be more proud of the KCAL crew, past and present, and what we were able to put together on this little Class A signal in the shadow of LA for so many years", said Daryl, "We've always worked really hard to build a deep community connection with the KCAL listeners and they've always been there for us too. It's been an incredible 42 year ride for me, and I leave with nothing but gratitude for the experience. I want to thank all the talented and passionate personalities who have cracked the mic at the station over the decades, the awesome staffers that put their all into making this place special, and my longtime partner in crime, former KCAL GM Jeff Parke."

"Hire these jocks!" Norsell added. "They deserve to be on the air somewhere tomorrow, and you'll love how they approach everything they do." To reach out to them, email: Daryl at darylnorsell@gmail.com Patrick Tish at patricktish@yahoo.com Nikki Preston at nicolepreston@outlook.com and John DeSantis at john13desantis@gmail.com Shown L-R: Patrick Tish, Nikki Preston, Daryl Norsell, John DeSantis)

Charlamagne Tha God Now Ranks In The Top 10 Of Forbes Highest Paid Podcasters List In 2026

JOCKLINE DAILY, JULY 31, 2026 – ENews' Sabba Rahbar quips that "Podcasting has taken Travis Kelce’s bank account to 'new heights.' Indeed." The Kansas City Chiefs star and his brother Jason Kelce landed on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid podcasters of 2026, thanks to their show New Heights. But they're not alone, including radio's multihyphenate Charlamagne Tha God who joins the top 10 of podcasting's highest earners.

As expected, the No. 1 highest-paid podcaster of the year was host Joe Rogan with his Spotify show The Joe Rogan Experience, which Forbes estimates brings in $82 million. Following Rogan at number two is OpenAI’s TBPN with $70 million, Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO at number three with $45 million and Ashley Flowers’ Crime Junkie at number four with $42 million. Coming in at number five is the podcast SmartLess, which originally began as a pandemic experiment for hosts Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes in 2020 before solidifying itself as a mainstay of the podcast sphere and bringing in $37 million for its hosts.

According to the report, at number six, Mel Robbins – The Mel Robbins Podcast (SiriusXM), drew $35 million. 'New Heights ranked number seven, earning an estimated $35 million. Call Her Daddy’s Alex Cooper saw top earnings as well, coming in at number eight with $32 million. Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor – Pod Save America were 9th at $28 million and coming in at number 10 is Charlamagne Tha God – The Breakfast Club (iHeart/Netflix) which earned $27 million according to Forbes.

This news comes fresh the heels of last weeks' announcement that Charlamagne tha God, co-host of the Premiere syndicated 'The Breakfast Club, was selected as the sole honoree in the Radio category for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2027. Of note, In late 2025, Charlamagne renewed a broad multi-year deal with iHeartMedia reportedly worth up to $200 million over five years; it covers his radio/podcast work and supports The Black Effect Podcast Network.

The full article and methodology are on Forbes. Figures are estimates and focus only on podcast earnings in that 12-month window. The amounts “were calculated through interviews with agents, lawyers, managers, executives and industry experts.”

NAB Joins Global Coalition To Protect Radio’s Place In The Connected Car

JOCKLINE DAILY, JULY 31, 2026 – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced it has joined Radio Ready, a global coalition dedicated to safeguarding radio’s prominence in the connected car dashboard. NAB’s addition significantly strengthens Radio Ready’s presence across North America and the United States, bringing the leading advocate for America’s broadcast industry into the growing international coalition working to keep radio front and center for drivers. While radio remains the undisputed top choice for in-car audio, the modern dashboard is changing fast. New technology in vehicles has made finding free, local radio harder than ever.

Radio Ready was launched as a unified global response to this shift. The initiative brings broadcasters together to ensure AM/FM and digital radio remain prominent, accessible and easy to use in connected vehicles, while giving the industry a powerful, collective voice when negotiating with automakers, tech platforms and policymakers. A Milestone for North American Broadcasting NAB’s addition marks the first time a U.S.-based industry organization has joined the campaign, bringing American leadership to a global effort that already includes major broadcasters across Europe, Africa and Australia.

“Radio has long been an essential part of the driving experience, delivering trusted local news, lifesaving emergency information and the entertainment Americans rely on every day,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “As dashboards evolve, ensuring broadcast radio remains accessible is more important than ever. By joining Radio Ready, NAB looks forward to partnering with broadcasters from across the world to ensure that free, trusted radio remains easy for drivers to find and use in the vehicles of today and tomorrow.”

EDISON: 81% of Voters Hear Ad-Supported Audio Daily — Here’s Where Each Party Actually Listens

JOCKLINE, JULY 30, 2026 – In this week's Edison Insights, it points to 2026 as being another U.S. election year and Share of Ear® again shows which audio platforms are the most efficient at reaching specific voting audiences. Audio is not a platform that should be overlooked considering 81% of the voting-age public is reached by ad-supported audio daily. Share of Ear shows how audio can be further leveraged to reach the hearts, minds, and ears of voters. Certain ad-supported audio platforms are more efficient than others at reaching Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.

Political advertisements on AM/FM Radio or SiriusXM Radio are more likely to reach Republicans; with an index of 117 for AM/FM Radio and an index of 157 for ad-supported spoken-word channels on SiriusXM Radio. These statistics show that Republicans are 17% more likely than the average 18+ population to listen to AM/FM Radio in a typical day and 57% more likely than average to listen to SiriusXM Radio.

Democrats are bit more likely than average to listen to ad-supported Streaming Music, at an index of 101, Music Videos on YouTube, at an index of 103, and SiriusXM Radio, also at an index of 103. Podcasting (on any platform) is the most efficient platform in reaching Democratic voters, with an index of 107. Independents are typically a highly-coveted voting block since they can ultimately sway the outcome of an election.

The platform that indexes the highest for Independents is Podcasts, where this voting group is 19% more likely than average to be listening daily. This group is also more likely than the average to listen to ad-supported Music and Music Videos on YouTube, with an index of 105. Click the image to enlarge Share of Ear provides a treasure trove of insights around the audio habits of listeners who identify with each party, and listeners who are registered voters.

Industry experts from Edison Research at SSRS are available to be featured in your next podcast, event, or media story. Email info@edisonresearch.com to talk to a member of our team today.

(Revised) 2026 Marconi Radio Awards Finalists Announced; Winners To Be Revealed On Oct. 20

JOCKLINE, JULY 30, 2026 – (Due to intermittent power-outages yesterday caused by local storms, we experienced some technical issues during production. As a result, with respect to a couple of finalists whose info was inadvertently deleted, or combined with other categories we've revised our original report . Our apologies for the oversight)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced the finalists for the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards - The winners of the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards will be announced during a special dinner program brought to you by Xperi on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Edison Ballroom in New York City, the evening before NAB Show New York 2026 begins.

This year’s NAB Marconi Radio Award finalists: LEGENDARY STATION OF THE YEAR  KFI-AM, Los Angeles, CA  WCBS-FM, New York, NY  WIVK-FM, Knoxville, TN  WJR-AM, Detroit, MI  WLW-AM, Cincinnati, OH 

LEGENDARY RADIO MANAGER OF THE YEAR  Joey Cummings, South Seas Broadcasting Inc., Pago Pago, AS  Tery Garras, KXLY-FM, Spokane, WA  Julie Koehn, WLEN-FM, Adrian, MI  Mitch Rosen, WSCR-AM, Chicago, IL  David Yadgaroff, Audacy, Philadelphia, PA 

NETWORK/SYNDICATED PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR  Anna & Raven, WEZN-FM, Connoisseur, Metro Fairfield, CT  El Free Guey Show, TelevisaUnivision, Houston, TX  Ryan Fox, Westwood One, Dallas, TX  Ryan Seacrest, Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., Los Angeles, CA  The Bob & Sheri Show, WKQC-FM, Beasley, Charlotte, NC 

MAJOR MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR  The Andie Summers Show, WXTU-FM, Philadelphia, PA  Ellen K, KOST-FM, Los Angeles, CA  Patty Jackson, WDAS-FM, Philadelphia, PA  Karson and Kennedy, WBMX-FM, Boston, MA  Riggs, Katelyn & Erica, KKBQ-FM, Houston, TX 

LARGE MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR  Paul Castronovo, WBGG-FM, Miami, FL  Rebecca Cressman, KSFI-FM, Salt Lake City, UT  Karen Dalessandro, KSLX-FM, Phoenix, AZ  Heather & Matty, WWLI-FM, Providence, RI  Justin, Scott and Spiegel, WIYY-FM, Baltimore, MD 

MEDIUM MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR  The Blake Show with Kelly and Todd, WMGX-FM, Portland, ME  Buzz Jackson, KIIM-FM, Tucson, AZ  Joe & Tina Mornings, WZSR-FM, Crystal Lake, IL  Ron Olson and Karen Perrin, WRVR-FM, Memphis, TN  Ben Davis & Kelly K, WDJX-FM, Louisville, KY 

SMALL MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR  The Cosmo & Kat Show, KTXY-FM, Columbia, MO  Chris Lawrence, WCHS-AM, Charleston, WV  Ian Rambo, KQRQ-FM, Rapid City, SD  The Ryan Smetzer Show, WIKZ-FM, Hagerstown, MD  Stafford and Frigo, KDXY-FM, Jonesboro, AR 

MAJOR MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR  WBEB-FM, Philadelphia, PA  WBMX-FM, Boston, MA  WCBS-FM, New York, NY  WSCR-AM, Chicago, IL  WTMX-FM, Chicago, IL 

LARGE MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR  KTMY-FM, Saint Paul, MN  WALK-FM, Long Island, NY  WHQG-FM, Milwaukee, WI  WWRM-FM, Tampa, FL  WYXB-FM, Indianapolis, IN 

MEDIUM MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR  WBTJ-FM, Richmond, VA  WHBC-AM, Canton, OH  WMFS-FM, Memphis, TN  WPOR-FM, Portland, ME  WYCT-FM, Pensacola, FL  SMALL MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR  KBHP-FM, Bemidji, MN  KMMX-FM, Lubbock, TX  KNDE-FM, College Station, TX  WIOG-FM, Saginaw, MI  WYOT-FM, Rochelle, IL 

SMALL MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR  KBHP-FM, Bemidji, MN  KMMX-FM, Lubbock, TX  KNDE-FM, College Station, TX  WIOG-FM, Saginaw, MI  WYOT-FM, Rochelle, IL 

ADULT CONTEMPORARY (AC) STATION OF THE YEAR  KBIG-FM, Los Angeles, CA  KRWM-FM, Seattle, WA  KSTP-FM, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN  KUIC-FM, San Francisco, CA  WKJY-FM, Long Island, NY 

BEST RADIO PODCAST OF THE YEAR  “Flying Through Fog: A Podcast for PANS/PANDAS Caregivers,” WTRC-FM, South Bend, IN  “Purple Daily,” KSTP-AM, Saint Paul, MN  “Supporting Sobriety,” WIBC-FM, Indianapolis, IN  “The Install with Greg Cosell,” WGFX-FM, Nashville, TN  “Uinta Triangle,” KSL-FM, Salt Lake City, UT 

CHR STATION OF THE YEAR  KNDE-FM, College Station, TX  KQMV-FM, Seattle, WA  KRBE-FM, Houston, TX  KTXY-FM, Columbia, MO  WBLI-FM, Long Island, NY 

CLASSIC HITS STATION OF THE YEAR  KONO-FM, San Antonio, TX  KOOL-FM, Phoenix, AZ  WCBS-FM, New York, NY  WGTZ-FM, Dayton, OH  WSRV-FM, Atlanta, GA 

COLLEGE STATION OF THE YEAR  WHPC-FM, Nassau Community College, Garden City, NY  WMSC-FM, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ  WOLF Radio, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA  WRRC-FM, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ  WSOU-FM, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 

COUNTRY STATION OF THE YEAR  KCLR-FM, Columbia, MO  KFGE-FM, Lincoln, NE  KIKV-FM, Alexandria, MN  KKBQ-FM, Houston, TX  WUSY-FM, Chattanooga, TN  NEWS/TALK STATION OF THE YEAR  KFI-AM, Los Angeles, CA  KXL-FM, Portland, OR  WHPT-FM, Tampa, FL  WLW-AM, Cincinnati, OH  WSB-AM, Atlanta, GA 

RELIGIOUS STATION OF THE YEAR  WFMV-AM, Columbia, SC  WGTS-FM, Washington, DC  WJOU-FM, Huntsville, AL  WLVU-FM, Nashville, TN  WMCA-AM, New York, NY 

ROCK STATION OF THE YEAR  WIIL-FM, Chicago, IL  WIYY-FM, Baltimore, MD  WNCX-FM, Cleveland, OH  WPLR-FM, New Haven, CT  WXTB-FM, Tampa, FL 

SPANISH LANGUAGE STATION OF THE YEAR  KOVE-FM, Houston, TX  WAMR-FM, Miami, FL  WLZL-FM, Washington, DC  WZTU-FM, Miami, FL 

SPORTS STATION OF THE YEAR  KTCK-FM, Dallas, TX  WEEI-FM, Boston, MA  WGFX-FM, Nashville, TN  WIP-FM, Philadelphia, PA  WJOX-FM, Birmingham, AL 

URBAN STATION OF THE YEAR  WCFB-FM, Orlando, FL  WDAS-FM, Philadelphia, PA  WDZZ-FM, Flint, MI  WEDR-FM, Miami, FL  WHQT-FM, Miami, FL 

See More HERE - Registration is now open. Visit NAB.org/Marconis. Photo courtesy of Brett Matthews

REPORT: DTS AutoStage Delivers Radio’s Big Data Moment: Daily Ratings From 6 Million Vehicles

JOCKLINE, JULY 21, 2026 – Xperi’s DTS AutoStage is now reporting in-car AM/FM radio audiences in over 300 local U.S. markets from 6 million vehicles. In a first for the radio industry, the new data includes overnight ratings in all 300 markets. This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active® group blog examines how AM/FM radio’s “big data” moment has arrived. TV has long had cable set top data and smart TV data to generate large samples of tuning data. It’s now radio’s turn!

Just like cable set top data, there are no demographics but all markets have large samples. Overall, sample sizes are 5-10X bigger than current ratings samples. Overnight ratings in over 300 markets: In an industry first, every market now has audience shares from yesterday. See your station’s daily audience trends refreshed each day.

All listening occurs with humans present: 25% of TV viewing occurs to an empty room but AM/FM radio listening in traveling vehicles always has humans present! Large samples mean stable listening trends: In all sized markets and for all sized stations, daily share trends are stable and consistent. AM/FM radio now has modern, cutting edge, timely measurement, which does not rely on a consumer's memory or require a consumer to do something (like wear a gizmo).

In-car AM/FM radio listening represents the largest exposure to Americans Edison’s “Share of Ear” report reveals AM/FM radio has a stunning 85% share of in-car ad-supported time spent. See Report HERE

Dollar General Literacy Foundation Launches 2026 Yellow Glasses Project With Bobby Bones & iHeart

JOCKLINE, JULY 21, 2026 – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation kicked off its seventh annual Yellow Glasses Project on July 20, 2026, in partnership with iHeartRadio and country radio host Bobby Bones. Customers can buy the signature yellow sunglasses for $2 at participating Dollar General stores through September 8, 2026 (International Literacy Day), while supplies last. All proceeds benefit the Foundation’s grants for literacy and education programs at schools, libraries, and nonprofits in Dollar General communities.Since launching in 2020, the campaign has raised more than $7 million, supporting millions of learners nationwide.

"I know firsthand how education can impact your life,” shared Bobby Bones. “I was the first person in my family to graduate high school, and that opened a door I didn't know was there, which is why I'm so passionate about partnering with the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. A little bit of support at the right moment can open a world of possibilities. Literacy isn’t just about learning to read. It’s about having the confidence to dream bigger."

Additionally, iHeart has committed both a cash donation and in-kind media support through a series of on-air PSAs helping to raise awareness around the importance of literacy in communities and to amplify the Foundation’s mission.

YEA Media Group Celebrates J-Si Chavez’s 20th Anniversary With Kidd Kraddick Morning Show

JOCKLINE, JULY 21, 2026 – J-Si crossed a milestone with the iconic Kidd Kraddick Morning Show this week. YEA Media Group celebrated J-Si Chavez’s 20th Anniversary at an event in Frisco, TX.

Pictured are the cast of the show, (L-R) Part-Time Justin, Audrey Allen, Kellie Rasberry, J-Si Chavez, Big Al Mack, and Ana Szabo.

Edison Insights : In-Car Infotainment Systems Supercharge Digital Listening

JOCKLINE, JULY 16, 2026 – In this week's Edison Insights it writes just because technology exists doesn’t guarantee that it will be used. Think of your treadmill, or maybe your last favorite coffee maker. That’s not the case with in-car infotainment systems, however, and we are seeing in Share of Ear® that owners of systems like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have increased their in-car digital listening time.

According to Edison’s Share of Ear, in 2019 18% of those ages 13+ owned an in-car infotainment system, and 40% own one today. The data in the graph below, includes only those listeners who own an in-car infotainment system like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. In 2019, 86% of in-car listening time among those who have an Android Auto or Apple CarPlay went to non-digital sources such as AM/FM over-the-air, SiriusXM satellite radio, and owned music like CDs. Today, the presence of an in-car infotainment system doesn’t automatically mean that all in-car listening is digital --but it does mean a massive increase in the amount of time spent with digital sources.

In-car infotainment owners in 2026, spend 36% of their total in-car audio time with digital sources including streaming music, AM/FM streaming, podcasts, and audiobooks. The majority of in-car listening time by owners of in-car infotainment systems, 64%, still goes to non-digital sources like AM/FM over-the air radio and satellite radio. It is clear that over time, owners of these in-car infotainment systems seeming to be using them more, a signal that digital audio growth in the car will continue.

Share of Ear® is the only dataset that measures consumption of all audio sources in the U.S. and can provide over a decade of historical tracking measures. Contact us for more information about becoming a subscriber to Share of Ear. 

Edison: AI Multi-Cast Narration Outperforms Human Narration In Largest Study of Its Kind

JOCKLINE, JULY 15, 2026 – Spoken, the AI Audiobook Company, released results from an independent Edison Research study showing that its multi-cast AI narration was rated higher than professional single-narrator human productions for character-driven fiction.

Over 1,000 U.S. fiction audiobook listeners were randomly assigned blinded excerpts of a new sci-fi thriller. One group heard a traditional human-narrated version; the other heard Spoken’s unedited Multi-Cast™ version.

Key findings: Overall favorability: Spoken Multi-Cast 61% vs. human 53%. Perceived narration quality: Spoken 66% vs. human 60% Engagement: Spoken 58% vs. human 49% After hearing the excerpts, listeners’ likelihood of listening to an AI-narrated audiobook more than doubled (from 31% to 65%). 61% of those who heard Spoken’s version believed it was human-narrated. Spoken 46% vs. human 49%), even after learning it was AI. Frequent audiobook listeners showed strong preference for distinct character voices (81% interested).

The study found that human narration performed better on pure exposition, while Spoken’s multi-cast approach excelled in character-driven scenes.“Quality matters more than whether the narration is human or AI,” said Megan Lazovick, VP of Edison Research. “Listeners are open to whatever improves their experience.”Spoken CEO Phil Marshall added: “Readers want to get lost in the story. High-quality multi-cast narration is what they want, and our one-click solution delivers it at a fraction of the cost of traditional production.” The full study is available at: https://spoken.press/edisonsurvey

Report: Howard Stern Lays Off Around A Dozen Staffers, Preparing To Air One New Show Per Week

JOCKLINE, JULY 15, 2026 – Page Six's Oli Coleman reported late yesterday that Howard Stern has laid off around a dozen staffers from his SiriusXM show as is preparing to drop to just one new show a week after Labor Day. Stern said in December after inking a new contract extension that it would give him more “flexibility.” Per sources, Coleman says staffers received the news over a Zoom call on Monday. They were told that Stern plans to cut back to a single show per week after he returns from summer break. Coleman was told the staffers were sent home immediately after the call and will receive severance packages according to how long they’ve been with the network.

Stern caused a stir last year when he announced to his staff on Labor Day that he wouldn’t be back on the air as expected after the holiday, as reported by The Daily Mail. When he finally inked for another three years in December, he said on his show, “I am happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all..... “More free time and continuing to be on the radio,” he added, saying his new contract will give him more “flexibility.” “I do like my days off. You know me, I’m never bored. I’m busy every minute.”

Stern’s wife, Beth, said at the time on Andy Cohen’s Sirius show, “I think his new schedule is working out really well for him. I feel that it’s very good for him to continue. He still enjoys doing it. He’s still, I think, very good at it. I think it keeps him connected,” she said, adding it gives her husband, 72, an “outlet” to share his thoughts.

Elvis Duran Group And Partners Looking4Larry And MCM Studios Launch 'Podrophenia'

JOCKLINE, JULY 15, 2026 – The Elvis Duran Group, Looking4Larry and MCM Studios today announced the launch of , a next-generation podcast, vodcast and creator development company designed to help creators, brands and media personalities develop, produce, grow, distribute and monetize premium content. Podrophenia Founded through a strategic partnership between Elvis Duran, WWE Hall of Famer and entertainment executive Paul Heyman, Emmy Award-winning producer and storyteller Mitchell Stuart and media entrepreneur Michael Canzoniero, Podrophenia brings together decades of experience across broadcasting, entertainment, production, brand building and audience development to create a comprehensive ecosystem for today s evolving creator economy.

’In today s current landscape where millions of podcasts are competing for audience attention, Podrophenia is built around a simple belief: great content deserves great execution. The company provides creators and partners with the resources needed to turn ideas into scalable media properties, including premium production, post-production, show development, audience growth strategy, marketing support, sponsorship opportunities and strategic distribution. I've seen firsthand the need for a state-of-the-art production facility for content creators, particularly podcasters,” said Duran. “With Paul Heyman and MCM Studios, we re playing with the big boys!”

“In looking at today's landscape, we've seen so many studios that are turnkey and therefore built on the premise of minimal alterations”, said Paul Heyman. “Podrophenia is the first studio specifically customized to the host's personality and also the concept. We're not just building a content hub for creators, we're building a creator hub for the content.”

Through the Elvis Duran Group s relationship with iHeartMedia and the Elvis Duran Podcast Network, Podrophenia-produced programming benefits from access to one of the largest audio ecosystems in the world, providing creators and partners with expanded opportunities to reach audiences at scale. ’ "Podcasting has evolved far beyond simply recording conversations," said Mitchell Stuart, Co-Founder of Looking4Larry and Podrophenia. "Creators today need more than a microphone and a platform—they need production excellence, audience development, marketing support, distribution pathways and opportunities to build sustainable businesses around their content. Podrophenia was created to bring all of those capabilities together in one creator-focused ecosystem."

For more info, contact Midnight Dawn at podrophenia@midnight-dawn.com | 650.269.2467

WSM Radio Host Eryn Cooper Featured In 2nd Season of Acclaimed German Music Docuseries

JOCKLINE, JULY 14, 2026 – Popular WSM Radio and Grand Ole Opry personality Eryn Cooper is featured in the fourth episode of the second season of 'Song Trip,' the acclaimed German music docuseries that pairs major European artists with musicians and creatives around the world for a deep dive into local music scenes.

The episode, Peter Maffay x Nashville, follows legendary German rocker Peter Maffay as he explores Music City’s rich country music heritage, collaborating with local artists and recording a new interpretation of his song “Sonne in der Nacht.” Along the way, Maffay sits down with Cooper and veteran Nashville creative David Graham to gain a deeper understanding of the stories, traditions, and songwriting culture that have shaped the genre.

Maffay, one of the most successful artists in German music history, has spent more than five decades at the top of the industry. Across his career, he has released more than 50 albums, sold over 50 million records, and holds the record for the most No. 1 albums by any artist in a single country, with more than 20 chart-toppers in Germany.

Now in its second season, Song Trip airs on German public broadcaster ZDF and sends internationally known artists outside their comfort zones to immerse themselves in musical communities across the globe. Episodes are available to stream worldwide through ZDF’s platform.

For Cooper, whose career spans more than a decade across sports, news, country, and pop music, the appearance marks another milestone in her growing international profile. In addition to hosting On Air With Eryn on WSM Radio and The NashUp on the UK’s CountryLine Radio, Cooper has also appeared on outlets including the BBC and Germany’s ZDF. The new season of Song Trip premiered on June 29 and will remain available to stream globally on ZDF for five years. Watch the full episode here.

Johnjay & Rich Named To Phoenix Magazine's 2026 'Best of the Valley Hall of Fame Class'

JOCKLINE, JULY 8, 2026 – PHOENIX magazine has released its 2026 Best of the Valley issue, recognizing the people, businesses, and media outlets selected by the magazine's editors as the best in the Phoenix area. After being named as the magazine's Best Morning Radio DJ/Team 11 times (2011-2016 and 2022-2026), The Johnjay & Rich Show hosts Johnjay Van Es and Rich Berra have been inducted into the publication's special Hall of Fame.

The Premiere Networks-syndicated duo, who broadcast from iHeartMedia's 104.7 KISS FM in Phoenix, reflected on the show's enduring success: "We have honest conversations. Sometimes we're funny or vulnerable or ridiculous," Van Es told the magazine. "We don't try to sound like a radio show. We're just like friends on the microphone." Berra added, "We still love doing the show," after more than 25 years of entertaining audiences.

Check out PHOENIX magazine’s Best of the Valley issue HERE.

'The Dave & Mahoney Show' Adds 60th Affiliate WZRH-FM ALT 92.3 New Orleans

JOCKLINE, JULY 7, 2026 – The Dave & Mahoney Show, built on friendship, curiosity and a love of the absurd, welcomes Cumulus Media owned ALT 92.3 New Orleans Rock Alternative. Hosted by Dave Farra, Jason Mahoney along with Audrey Drake, the show focuses on humor, sports and pop culture. Chris Stryker OM, Program Director WZRH states, “We are excited to welcome Dave & Mahoney to the Alt 92.3 family in New Orleans! We’re looking forward to a show that matches the energy of Crescent City.”

Dave Farra, co-host of Dave and Mahoney, said, “We are thrilled to be adding our 60th affiliate with Alt 92.3. The trust that top-level programmers and executives, like the team at Cumulus New Orleans, are putting in our show is humbling. And you can bet your last dollar that we are going to work our butts off to make sure this is a win for everyone involved.”

Compass Media Networks’ Vice President Music & Entertainment, Doug Ingold adds, “The addition of the New Orleans market represents another significant step in the growth trajectory of The Dave & Mahoney Show. The show has proven it can succeed across formats, delivering a unique content blend that fits Rock, Classic Rock, and Alternative stations in morning drive. ALT 92.3 is a major player in the Alternative orbit and marks our 60th affiliate.”

For more info, contact Doug Ingold (310) 242-8746 or email dingold@compassmedianetworks.com.

Building Shows To Last - 'Get In Your Lane And Own It - Be The Mayor' - Paul Castronovo

JOCKLINE, JULY 6, 2026 – Among the featured sessions at this year’s 38th Annual MSBC Cleveland is “Building Shows To Last,” led by talent specialist Angela Perelli. She'll moderate a panel of veteran radio hosts who have built careers defined by both longevity and consistent ratings success. In advance of next month's session, Jockline spoke with a few top radio personalities about what it takes to create and sustain a show over the long term. Even one that's aired in the same market for over 40-years.

For more than four decades, Paul Castronovo (center) has been one of South Florida’s most familiar and beloved radio voices. He got his start at the University of Florida and quickly became a fixture on Miami’s airwaves. He’s best known for the legendary 26-year run of The Paul & Young Ron Show, which defined morning radio for a generation. Since 2016, he’s continued flying solo as host of The Paul Castronovo Show on iHeart's Big 105.9, recently signing a new long-term deal that keeps the show going strong.

After many years of being part of the wildly successful 'Paul & Young Ron Show,' Ron left and you had to literally rebuild the show - and more than once. Where's the show today?

When Young Ron left the show in 2016, my ego said that it doesn’t matter who does the show with me. It will be fine. I was wrong. The first incarnation of the program didn’t last very long and within a year I had to start all over. One of the key players we brought in was Mike Anderson (top left), who is with me now and most recently we brought in a comedian in Luis Diaz (top right), who was part of the original show right after Ron left. I feel that the chemistry we have, and the addition of Wendi Grossman doing the news has made the show the best it’s been since Ron left, and the listeners are responding and so are the ratings.

Having been on the air for over 40-years in the same city, how do you keep the show feeling fresh and personal to listeners even after thousands of hours on air?

One of the things that I do with my crew is I ask each player to put together a list of things going on in their lives, things they found online, whether it’s audio, ideas,  thoughts, whatever, and we each email a one sheet to each other every day, that way each of us brings elements of our personality to the show. I’m funniest when I don’t have to present everything and I can just react to other people stories.

What does your ongoing show prep or content development process look like today compared to when you started?

** When I first started, all we had was newspapers and magazines, so my show prep was basically me with a pair of scissors clipping stuff to talk about on the radio. When I read Phil Rosenthal’s book - he’s the guy that created 'Everybody loves Raymond - Something really jumped out at me when he talked about the episodes of that show all came from his personal life and that’s when the lightbulb really went off… because content like that really  resonates with listeners.

What’s something about building and sustaining a top-rated show for decades that newer talent usually misunderstand or underestimate?

One thing I’ve seen from some of the younger people that have come through, is that they want success instantly. I’ve had them ask me questions like, “how come you get to drive a free car just for doing commercials?” Well, it’s about the relationships I've made over the past 40+ years in the market. For the first 25 years, I hosted every event, every Bar gig, every charity event, and I still do that. I don’t think the younger generation gets or understands that…you need to be a politician. I understand social media is a big deal now and I’m all over it, but shaking hands and getting to know people is very important.

Looking across your entire run, what’s one piece of conventional radio wisdom you’ve come to believe most, or least?

Someone once said to me, “radio is just like another appliance in your house, it’s way more important to us than to them” I call BS on that one. People remember so much that I’m always amazed by them. And we are working way too hard! I always hated replaying bits over and over but research has shown me that most people don’t listen nearly as long as we think they do, so replaying your A material is crucial!

What advice would you give someone at this year's MSBC who's navigating a fairly new show who wants it to still be relevant and successful 10–20 years from now?

Figure out what you want the show to be. Are you the funny show? The relationship show? Get in your lane and own it. Don’t be a dick. Own the market. Be the Mayor. Buy listeners a drink now and then. Do charity work!

What do you hope the show’s legacy will be, beyond ratings or awards?

**Well at this point, I’m the longest running show in South Florida history, I’d like to be remembered as the funniest. (And maybe being a member of Radio's Hall of Fame)

Connect with Paul, Mike and Luis at this year's 'Boot Camp.

Audacy Selling St. Louis Cluster To HF Companies; Becky Domyan Returning As Market President

JOCKLINE, JUNE 30, 2026 – Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”) yesterday announced the proposed acquisition of six radio brands in St. Louis from Audacy, Inc. The transaction remains subject to FCC approval. “This is a deliberate step to accelerate the expansion of our media platform and establish it as one of the largest print and digital news organizations in the United States,” said David Hoffmann (L), Founder and Chairman of HF Companies. “We are building a scaled, multi-platform network that combines print, digital, and broadcast to deliver trusted journalism and meaningful community connection. Talk radio is a natural extension of that vision and a powerful driver of our long-term growth.”

Hoffmann’s acquisition includes: 104.1 FM KMOX (KMOX-FM/KMOX-AM) – News/Talk 97.1 FM Talk (KFTK-FM) – News/Talk Y98 (KYKY-FM) – Hot Adult Contemporary 102.5 KEZK (KEZK-FM) – Adult Contemporary 96.3 R&B (WFUN-FM) – Urban Adult Contemporary Hot 98.7 (WHHL-FM) – Hip-Hop/R&B

Audacy CEO Kelli Turner (R) said, "This transaction is a win for both companies as well as for St. Louis listeners and partners. For Audacy, it reflects the strength and value of these outstanding brands as we focus our investments on strategic initiatives. We remain a leader in local audio across the country, and we're confident the St. Louis group will continue to thrive under Hoffmann's stewardship."

In a memo to employees, Turner added, “While we were not actively looking to sell these stations, HF Companies presented an opportunity for the Company that ultimately made strong business sense for both parties. As always, the transaction remains subject to FCC approval and other customary closing conditions.”

Hoffmann has also brought back Becky Domyan as Market President for the Greater St. Louis brands. Domyan was previously with Audacy, serving as SVP/Market Manager of Audacy St. Louis and Wichita.

Kayla Thomas To Host Nights On Z100 New York

JOCKLINE, JUNE 30, 2026 – iHeart's Z100 New York announced the addition of Kayla Thomas to nights. Starting July 27. Kayla Thomas has built a standout career in radio and entertainment, rising from an internship in Roanoke, Virginia, to becoming one of the industry’s most recognizable voices.

In Trenton, she hosted PopCrush Nights, helping grow it into the nation’s top syndicated CHR nighttime program with more than 50 affiliates. Since 2022, Kayla has been the late-night host on iHeartRadio’s 102.7 KIIS-FM in Los Angeles.

“I’m thrilled to join Z100 as the new night personality. Being on Z100 has been a dream of mine since I started on the radio," said Thomas. "I’m incredibly grateful to Thea Mitchem and Mark Adams for believing in me and this opportunity. As someone who grew up on the East Coast, coming home makes this moment even more special, and I can’t wait to connect with listeners every night and be part of what makes Z100 so iconic.”

Jeff Garcia Officially Named Exec. Producer On 'The Woody Show, Chuck Dizzle Shifts To 'Cruz Show'

JOCKLINE, JUNE 30, 2026 – iHeart officially announced that Jeff Garcia (L) has joined the “The Woody Show” as Executive Producer, effective immediately. “The Woody Show” is nationally syndicated through Premiere Networks and broadcasts weekday mornings on iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ Alt 98.7, LA's Alternative Rock.

“I'm excited and honored to join the wildly successful ‘The Woody Show,’” said Jeff Garcia, Executive Producer of ‘The Woody Show.’ “No one connects with audiences quite like Woody and his team, blending entertainment, authenticity and engaging conversation in a way that resonates nationwide. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented team and look forward to creating exceptional content together.”

Garcia joins “The Woody Show” from iHeart's Real 92.3, where he most recently served as the Executive Producer for the station’s PM drive “The Cruz Show.” “When you get the chance to bring someone of Mr. Garcia’s caliber on board, you don’t overthink it; you do it,” said Woody. "According to my therapist, that’s a major milestone for someone with deep trust issues. So, here goes nothing!”

Replacing Garcia as Executive Producer for “The Cruz Show” at REAL 92.3 is Chuck Dizzle (L), who most recently served as late-night personality and Associate Producer for “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” on REAL 92.3.

Dizzle commented: “Throughout my career, I've focused on creating content that informs, entertains, and adds value to the culture. To now bring that mindset to The Cruz Show as Executive Producer, alongside an incredible team, is a responsibility I don't take lightly and an opportunity I'm grateful for.”

106.7 Lite FM New York Celebrates 26 Years Of Broadway In Bryant Park With Free Performances

JOCKLINE, JUNE 26, 2026 – iHeartMedia New York’s 106.7 LITE FM and iHeartRadio Broadway announced the return of “106.7 LITE FM’s Broadway in Bryant Park,” the city’s beloved free lunchtime theater series, celebrating its 26th anniversary this summer. The annual series will take place every Thursday from July 23 through August 13, bringing Broadway’s biggest hits to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Hosted by 106.7 LITE FM’s on-air personalities, this year’s lineup features an electrifying mix of Tony Award-winning musicals and fan favorites, including Aladdin, Chicago, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Schmigadoon!, Wicked and dozens of performances from Broadway's most celebrated productions.

“For 26 years, Broadway in Bryant Park has united theater fans from across the city and beyond for one of New York’s most iconic summer traditions,” said Jill Kempton, Program Director for iHeartMedia New York’s 106.7 LITE FM. “Each year, these performances bring the energy and artistry of Broadway into the heart of Midtown, and we’re excited to welcome audiences back for another incredible season.” The 2026 season of 106.7 LITE FM's “Broadway in Bryant Park” is presented by AMDA College of the Performing Arts, iHeartRadio Broadway and Ricola. Jockline File Photo

Edison: Average Episode Length Of Top 25 Podcast In The UK On Par With Same List In The US

JOCKLINE, JUNE 25, 2026 – So how long should a podcast be? The popular question is simple, yet the answer is more complicated than you think. In Edison's latest Insights, they've partnered with Ausha to look for some clues within the top shows in the UK. According to Ausha’s PSO Benchmark and Edison Podcast Metrics, the average episode duration for the top 25 podcasts in the UK is 54 minutes, on par with the average episode length of the top 25 podcasts in the US: 64 minutes.

It’s tempting to say the optimal time hovers around the one-hour mark, but podcasts throughout the top 25 find engagement at different episode lengths. The Joe Rogan Experience and the Diary of a CEO drive up duration, with average lengths over 2.5 and 1.5 hours. Longer episodes suit the shows’ deep-dive format and facilitate tangential conversations with guests. Conversely, the long-running BBC fiction drama, The Archers, keeps its daily episodes to an average of 13 minutes. Writers for The Archers, an audio soap opera, leave listeners hungry for more by packing story arcs into shorter episodes.

With so much variance among the UK’s largest podcasts, know that there is no magic number for episode length. Experimentation is the simplest way to test what’s best for you. Strategic tools like Ausha’s PSO Benchmark and Edison Podcast Metrics help teams make decisions by providing key metrics and benchmarks for your podcast and other similar shows.

Be sure to check other learnings from the top 25 podcasts in the UK in  the full report. -Industry experts from Edison Research at SSRS are available to be featured in your next podcast, event, or media story. Email info@edisonresearch.com to talk to a member of our team today. 

RAB: The Car: Still Media’s 'Last High-Attention Environment At Scale'

JOCKLINE, JUNE 19, 2026 –In a recent RAB leadership piece published in ANA, it cites despite the fragmented media world we live in, the car stands out as one of the last environments that consistently delivers sustained attention, habit, and trust at scale. AM/FM radio continues to dominate in-car listening, accounting for 84% of ad-supported audio time, according to Edison Research. It requires no subscription or internet connection, feels like a trusted companion, and is viewed as easy and convenient.

What makes the in-car environment even more powerful today is the addition of in-dash visual displays. Research shows that 83% of drivers actively engage with what’s on screen while listening to radio. This audio + visual combination creates a more immersive experience without distracting the driver.

Campaigns using in-dash visuals have delivered strong results across the funnel: A national CPG spice brand ran a two-month campaign across 388 Cumulus Media stations in 75 markets. The in-dash units generated 3.3 million impressions and produced a 40% lift in brand familiarity, 50% lift in brand usage, and a 63% lift in purchase intent. A streaming service promoting a new show saw 130% higher familiarity and 64% higher watch intent among exposed listeners.

Connected car data is also giving marketers new advantages. Brands can now understand real-world movement patterns, identify optimal dayparts, and target consumers based on proximity to retail locations — all while maintaining the scale and emotional connection that audio has always provided.

Bottom line: Unlike most digital environments, the car offers a predictable, routine setting where people are present and largely unable to skip or scroll away. When paired with in-dash visuals and better measurement, it delivers something increasingly rare: the ability to be heard, seen, and remembered in the same moment — at meaningful scale. Read complete report HERE

BIG 98.1 Raises Over $25,000 For Children’s Hospital During 'Coop’s Miles For Miracles' Walk

THE MOUTH, JUNE 19, 2026 - BIG 98.1 (WOGL-FM) morning show host Coop raised over $25,000 during the station’s second annual “Coop’s Miles for Miracles” fundraising walk. All proceeds go towards the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Child Life Services Department. The walk began on June 8 at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City and ended on June 12 at CHOP in Philadelphia. Coop walked over 60 miles, averaging approximately 12 miles per day, amid the grueling summer sun, in pursuit of his goal to raise money for the families of CHOP.

“We are incredibly proud of Coop and his commitment to CHOP,” said Tim Herbster, Brand Manager, BIG 98.1. “What started as an ambitious idea became an inspiring demonstration of determination, generosity, and community spirit. Coop’s willingness to literally walk the walk for this cause reflects the values of BIG 98.1, Audacy, and our listeners. The support from our partners, sponsors, and audience has been overwhelming and together we’ve made a meaningful impact for CHOP.”

“Coop’s Miles for Miracles” builds upon BIG 98.1’s longstanding commitment to CHOP. For nearly 25 years, the station’s annual radiothon, hosted by Coop each December, has raised millions of dollars to support the hospital’s mission. With “Miles for Miracles,” Coop expanded that commitment beyond the studio, turning his passion into action and inspiring listeners, sponsors, and community members to join him every step of the way. Donations continue to be accepted, with funds directly benefiting CHOP’s Child Life Services Department.

Edison: Total Podcast Consumption Time Up 386% Since 2016; Rises To 812 Million Hours in 2026

JOCKLINE, JUNE 18, 2026 – In this week's Edison Insights the say you won't be shocked to hear that total podcast consumption time has grown considerably over the past ten years. But, just how much has total podcast consumption time grown? Share of Ear® from Edison Research at SSRS has that exact answer. Back in 2016, the U.S. population 13+ spent 167 million total hours per week with podcasts. Hit shows like My Favorite Murder and Revisionist History were just starting and gaining traction in the ears and hearts of listeners.

With the explosion of new podcasts and the development of video podcasts, weekly total podcast consumption time has ballooned to 812 million hours in 2026. This growth in time spent with the medium equates to a 386% increase since 2016.

Not only has weekly podcast consumption grown over the past ten years, it has increased by 39 million hours since 2025. The 2026 total podcast consumption time measurement was first featured in James Cridland’s Podnews. Subscribe to Podnews and Weekly Insights to stay up to date on global podcast news.  

Photo by Brianna Sanders on Unsplash

Report: Human-Made Ads Still Beat AI Video By 17%; Even When Viewers Can’t Tell the Difference”

JOCKLINE, JUNE 18, 2026 – In the race to flood social feeds with AI-generated video, a new study delivers an unexpected reality check: consumers are increasingly unable to spot machine-made ads, yet they still respond more strongly to those crafted by humans.

New research from Ipsos and Syracuse University tested 20 thirty-second video ads—ten human-created and ten generated with OpenAI’s Sora 2—among 3,000 U.S. consumers. Even though only 25% of viewers could confidently identify the AI ads as artificial, the human-made versions outperformed them by 14% on short-term sales impact and 17% on long-term brand effectiveness.

Human ads were also rated higher for being entertaining, unique, eye-catching, and imaginative. The findings align with what Billo, the largest U.S. creator platform, has seen across thousands of real campaigns. “AI is getting harder to detect, but easier to ignore,” says CEO Donatas Smailys. As brands experiment with faster, cheaper AI production, the data suggests the winning strategy may not be choosing one over the other, but finding the right hybrid approach. Read report HERE

Graphic/Syracuse

Johnjay & Rich Surprised With 'Igniting The Spark – Celebrating Brilliance' Award

JOCKLINE, JUNE 18, 2026 – Premiere Networks-syndicated personalities Johnjay Van Es and Rich Berra, hosts of The Johnjay & Rich Show, were unexpectedly honored with the “Igniting the Spark – Celebrating Brilliance” Award from the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF), recognizing more than 15 years of dedicated support for children and young adults in Arizona’s foster care system. The award was presented to the Arizona Broadcasting Hall of Famers during AFFCF’s annual graduation celebration, held June 13 at Dave & Buster’s in Tempe, Ariz.

“For over 15 years, we’ve had the privilege of participating in this incredible event and witnessing the resilience, determination, and heart of these young people,” said Johnjay Van Es. “To be surprised with this award in a room full of foster kids and graduates we’ve admired for so many years was incredibly humbling.”

“What has always stood out to us is the strength of these kids,” said Rich Berra. “They inspire everyone in that room. We’ve never shown up expecting recognition. We’ve shown up because these young people deserve to be celebrated.”

While Johnjay & Rich were the recipients of the award this year, they emphasized that the true spotlight belonged to the graduates. “Watching these students walk across the stage year after year is one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve been a part of,” Van Es added. “Their stories are powerful, and their accomplishments deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”

During the ceremony, iHeartImpact, a division of iHeartMedia focused on aligning brands with nonprofit organizations, surprised attendees with a donation of $25,000 to AFFCF in support of its mission.

John 'U-Man' Ulett Celebrates 50 Years On Hubbard's Legendary Rocker K-SHE 95 St. Louis

JOCKLINE, JUNE 17, 2026 – Hubbard's K-SHE 95 is celebrating an extraordinary milestone as John “U-Man” Ulett (shown below inset and from his early days on K-SHE) reaches 50 years on the air at the legendary rock station. Ulett's 50-year tenure at a single station is believed to be among the longest active runs by an on-air personality in major-market radio. Ulett joined K-SHE in May 1976 and has become one of the most recognizable and beloved voices in St. Louis radio history. Five decades later, he remains a cornerstone of the station, currently hosting the long-running K-SHE Klassics program every Sunday morning.

“It's hard to imagine K-SHE without the U-Man,” said Marty Linck, Brand Content Director for KSHE 95. “For 50 years, John has been part of the soundtrack of St. Louis. His voice, personality, and connection to listeners have helped define what K-SHE is. Generations of rock fans have grown up listening to him—including me.”

Beyond his radio work, he has also spent decades serving as the public address announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals, further cementing his place as one of the city's most familiar and trusted voices. To commemorate the occasion, K-SHE hosted “A Klassic Evening Celebrating John Ulett” on June 12 at The Pageant (shown at top). The event included appearances by KSHE alumni, and special commemorative merchandise honoring the milestone.

“When I started here at age 19, I knew pretty quickly that K-SHE was a special place,” said Ulett. “But I never imagined I would work ANYWHERE for 50 years, much less a legendary radio station like K-SHE 95. But it happened! A stable music format and solid ownership by companies like Emmis Communications and Hubbard contributed to my fortunate outcome.”

As radio continues to evolve, Ulett's 50-year run stands as a remarkable testament to consistency, authenticity, and the enduring bond between a personality, a station, and its audience.

The Woody Show Welcomes Jeff 'Jeff G The Sports Dude' Garcia As Its New Executive Producer

JOCKLINE, JUNE 17, 2026 – While we await the official announcement, Premiere Networks Syndicated The Woody Show is welcoming longtime Los Angeles personality Jeff 'Jeff G The Sports Dude' Garcia as its new Executive Producer. Woody, whose show originates from iHeart's KYSR/ALT 98 LA, made the announcement via Instagram, posting "Congratulations @imjeffg!! He's now a full-time member of The Woody Show as our executive producer. PS: No members have left the show; everyone is still here."

Garcia arrives from down the hall at iHeart's Real 92.3/KRRL where he served as executive producer with The Cruz Show in afternoons since 2019. Prior to KRRL, Garcia spent more than two decades at Meruelo Media's KPWR/Power 106 in various roles. Look for an official announcement with more details coming soon.

Join Woody and Jeff at this year's MSBC where Woody will be presented with this year's Kidd Kraddick Award on Friday, Aug. 7 during our awards luncheon.

Netflix And iHeart Expand Exclusive Video Podcast Partnership With Added Collection of Top Stars

JOCKLINE, JUNE 16, 2026 – iHeartMedia and Netflix announced the next phase of their exclusive video podcast partnership with the addition of a new collection of iHeartPodcasts from some of today’s most influential and culturally resonant voices, including Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson, Lele Pons and Martha Stewart launching as video shows on the streaming service.

The shows now joining the existing lineup on Netflix include the new “Suite 305 with Lele Pons” hosted by fan-favorite Latin multihyphenate and social media star Lele Pons who is joined by Shakira in the first episode; “The Martha Stewart Podcast” and “Sibling Revelry with Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson.

These shows will join the below previously announced slate of industry‑leading iHeartPodcasts, continuing to bring Netflix members an expanded range of compelling, conversation‑driven programming spanning lifestyle, pop culture, comedy, and personal storytelling. In addition to these new video podcasts, Linnet and iHeartMedia recently launched “The Breakfast Club” as a live video show airing simultaneously each weekday.

While the radio broadcast continues to include traditional commercial breaks, Linnet viewers receive an enhanced, uninterrupted experience, with those breaks filled by exclusive bonus segments, behind the scenes moments, extended discussions and original content—resulting in nearly three continuous hours of programming each day. The latest collection of podcasts will begin rolling out on Linnet in the coming months.

High School Graduates Sneak Names Of 93Q Hosts Into Commencement Speeches - One Wins Big

JOCKLINE, JUNE 16, 2026 – Graduation season got a little more entertaining this year thanks to Houston’s favorite way to start the day, The Q Morning Show with Riggs, Katelyn, and Erica. This spring, 93Q and The Q Morning Show challenged graduating seniors across the Houston area to work “Riggs, Katelyn and Erica” and “93Q” into their commencement speeches — and capture it all on video. The result was a collection of creative, hilarious, and unforgettable graduation moments from students who were willing to take a chance and make their classmates, teachers, and families smile.

The station received multiple submissions from graduates representing schools across the region, each finding their own unique way to spotlight The Q Morning Show during one of life’s biggest milestones. After reviewing all entries, 93Q selected Kenzi Gibson of Boling High School as the grand prize winner. Kenzie’s winning submission earned her the opportunity to choose any Ella Langley show in Texas to attend, a $500 cash prize, and an autographed Ella Langley guitar.

While only one graduate could claim the top prize, 93Q wanted to recognize the effort and creativity shown by every participant. As a thank-you, all eligible entrants received tickets to the upcoming 93Q Cowboys & Angels concert on July 21.

“We were blown away by the creativity and confidence these graduates showed,” said Riggs, Katelyn, and Erica of The Q Morning Show. “Graduation is such a special moment, and the fact that they were willing to include us in their speeches means the world to us. We’re incredibly grateful for every submission.”

WFAN New York Surges In Knicks Finals Run With 1M Weekly Listeners; Draws Spotlight In Deadline

JOCKLINE, JUNE 15, 2026 – As The New York Knicks’ chased their first NBA title in 53 years, it also supercharged listenership at WFAN. During the playoffs, nearly one million listeners have tuned into the Audacy-owned outlet each week, with the key 25-54 demographic jumping nearly 9% during the run. The station has leaned hard into its multi-platform playbook, rolling out dedicated YouTube halftime and postgame livestreams that let hosts like Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle capture fans’ raw, real-time reactions to the drama — including the Knicks’ stunning 29-point comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4. For a radio brand long defined by its daily “soap opera” connection to New York sports, the historic moment has arrived at the perfect time.

This feat also caught the attention of Deadline's business editor, Dade Hayes, who not only pointed to Audacy's weekly surge in listeners, but also its push into YouTube and podcasting. "WFAN, which pioneered the sports talk format when it launched in 1987, has been loaded with Knicks conversation since April as the team has pursued its first championship since 1973," wrote Hayes. “The Fan,” as the station is known, is looking beyond the terrestrial towers and car tuners, of course, expanding into podcasts and YouTube shows hosted by on-air talent."

“In every major market in the country, radio is every day,” Audacy Chief Business Officer Chris Oliviero told Deadline. “It’s a habit, it’s a routine. People get in the car, they turn it on. Sports is also every day. Each day is a new episode in that soap opera.” Read Deadline article HERE

Fred Jacobs: 'Who Will Dominate Dashboards of The Future - And Where Will That Leave Radio?

JOCKLINE, JUNE 9, 2026 – A decade ago, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto rolled into the auto industry like heroes, giving drivers the smartphone experience they already loved and quickly embedding themselves in 98% of America’s top-selling vehicles. Broadcasters cheered the easy access and seamless integration. But the party may be ending sooner than anyone expected. According to Fred Jacobs, he writes in blog titled: "Who Will Dominate Dashboards Of The Future (And Where Will That Leave Radio)?, General Motors is already ripping CarPlay and Android Auto out of its newest EVs and replacing them with its own proprietary system. Tesla never let them in. And now Rivian has declared the future belongs to voice-first AI dashboards that treat the car like a conversation, not a screen.

Now, radio’s once most reliable real estate — is up for grabs, and the question every broadcaster needs to answer is no longer “How do we get on the dashboard?” but “Will we still have a place on it at all?” Jacobs points to he and his brother Paul's first trek to CES in Vegas. At the outset, some automakers scoffed at the idea they’d turn over their dashboards and their branding to tech companies. Most quickly they realized the futility of resisting the consumer desire to bring their smartphone experience into their vehicles, including even longtime holdout Toyota.

For the past three years, Quu has conducted a comprehensive audit of how the 100 most popular vehicles in the U.S. are equipped. The “In-Vehicle Visuals” report has become must-read for many broadcasters, as well as executives who work in and around the automotive space. The chart above (from the 2026 report) is one of the most popular in their deck. At a glance, you get a topline of how these vehicles’ media systems are designed. And now, Quu provides three consecutive years of trending: I highlighted the trendline for both the Apple and Google dashboard ecosystems – impressively and consistently represented in 98% of the most popular vehicles.

Jacobs concludes, the dashboard of tomorrow may look less like a smartphone and more like a conversation.” Hopefully, people will still be talking about radio." Read entire blog HERE

Hubbard Rebrands To 'Media That Connects,' Reflecting Hubbard's Evolution of 103-Year Legacy

JOCKLINE, JUNE 2, 2026 – Hubbard Radio Chief Executive Officer Ginny Hubbard announced during a companywide Town Hall meeting that Hubbard Radio will be rebranded as Hubbard – Media That Connects. The updated brand identity reflects the continued evolution of Hubbard’s 103-year legacy of connecting consumers and advertisers to build better businesses and communities.

What began with a single AM radio station in 1923 has grown into a diversified media company that today includes 50 radio stations across 12 markets, national digital marketing agency 2060 Digital, and Gamut Podcast Network — recently recognized as one of the Top 10 podcast networks in America. While radio remains a foundational part of the company’s business and identity, this new Hubbard brand better reflects how audiences and advertisers engage with media today — across broadcast, streaming, podcasting, digital platforms and on-demand content.

“With today’s announcement we acknowledge the deliberate but gradual evolution of how we fulfill our mission of connecting with communities and helping advertisers grow their businesses,” commented Ginny Hubbard. “For over 100 years now we have connected with local audiences to make the communities we serve and their businesses stronger.”

Hubbard continued, "This repositioning doesn't speak to or prioritize any of our businesses over one another. We are not radio, podcast or digital first. At Hubbard we are listener and customer first regardless of how they engage with our content or which medium or platform best meets the needs of our clients. We connect with communities and audiences with compelling talent, news, information and entertainment on multiple platforms and connect those audiences with our marketing partners. We also connect our marketing partners with digital advertising strategies to help them to grow their businesses."

Watch the Media That Connects introduction video HERE

EDISON: Weekly AI Usage Up 36 Million In 3 Mos., Estimated 175.5 Million Adults Use AI Weekly

JOCKLINE, MAY 28, 2026 – Brand new data from AI User Metrics, a subscription service from Edison Research at SSRS, measures monumental growth in weekly AI usage among Americans 18+. AI User Metrics fields twice a month to capture overall AI platform awareness and usage, with tracking data back to Q1 of 2026.

In February of this year, we published an insight showing that 52% of Americans use any AI chatbot weekly. The latest AI User Metrics release shows a significant increase in weekly AI usage, jumping from 52% to 65%. Overall, an estimated 175.5 million American adults use AI weekly, an increase of over 35.6 million people over the past three months.

It’s hard to think of any recent media platform or technology that has experienced the same or similar growth in such a short amount of time.

More results and findings from the latest release of AI User Metrics can be found in our May 2026 AI User Metrics Report. AI User Metrics leverages the probability-based SSRS Opinion Panel, with 100+ demographic variables to append the data, accurately measuring American adoption of AI. Contact our team to learn more about AI User Metrics and our other AI research.

Monica Lewinsky, Host of 'Reclaiming With Monica Lewinsky' Podcast, Joins the fwd. network

JOCKLINE, MAY 27, 2026 – AdLarge and the fwd. network announced that Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, the acclaimed podcast hosted by activist, writer, producer, public speaker, and Vanity Fair contributing editor Monica Lewinsky, has officially joined the fwd. network portfolio. The announcement follows Lewinsky’s recognition at the 50th Annual Gracie Awards, where she received the Gracie Award for “Best Audio Podcast Host” for Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, a podcast centered around meaningful and revealing conversations about identity, resilience and finding our way back to ourselves.

“Monica is one of the most resilient, influential, and culturally important voices in media today,” said Cathy Csukas, CEO of AdLarge and the fwd. network. “Through her advocacy, storytelling, and willingness to lead important conversations around perseverance, identity, compassion, and personal growth, Monica has empowered countless people around the world Reclaiming represents exactly the kind of fearless, meaningful, and deeply human storytelling we want to elevate through the fwd. network, and we are honored to welcome Monica to the network.”

"Named one of Rolling Stone’s “Top 10 New Podcasts of 2025” and included in The Guardian’s “20 Best Podcasts of 2025,” Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, launched in February 2025, features thoughtful and unguarded conversations exploring vulnerability, identity, resilience, and how we make sense of the world through the broader lens of reclaiming, getting back what was lost, taken, or redefined in our lives. Through candid discussions with cultural figures, experts, and friends, Lewinsky creates a space where guests feel safe to share deeply personal stories with honesty, warmth, and humor."

“Reclaiming has always been about creating honest conversations around identity, humanity, and what it means to move forward after difficult experiences,” said Lewinsky. “I’m excited to partner with the fwd. network, a team that understands the importance of meaningful storytelling and supporting voices that challenge, connect, and inspire.”

New episodes of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky are available every Tuesday on all major podcast platforms including Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. For advertising inquiries, please contact sales@adlarge.com.

Audacy Expands Its Relationship With ABC News Audio Across Many Of Its Stations

JOCKLINE, MAY 26, 2026 – Audacy announced it has expanded its relationship With ABC News Audio Across many of its News and News/Talk stations. Audacy shared in a release that the addition of ABC News Audio ensures listeners across the country will continue to receive trusted national and international news coverage, while our stations continue to deliver best-in-class local journalism in every market we serve.

Existing ABC News Audio affiliates will continue their longstanding relationships with ABC News Audio as part of this expanded collaboration. Our focus remains on serving audiences with the live, local and trusted news coverage they rely on every day, and we’re excited to continue building on our partnership with ABC to deliver premium audio journalism nationwide.

'I'm Ready - It's Been a Good Run' Hundreds Turn Out To 'Say Thank You To KDWB's Dave Ryan

JOCKLINE, MAY 22, 2026 – Hundreds turned out' yesterday at The Mall of America in Minneapolis to say 'Thank You' to its venerable morning host Dave Ryan on iHeart's KDWB. There he was surrounded on stage by several former cast members: Lena, Falen, Intern John, Angi Taylor, Lee Valsvik, Steve O, X-Treme Jamie and Corey Foley. After 33 incredible years on the air, Dave Ryan will officially sign off this morning following yesterday's heartfelt farewell celebration at Mall of America.

On Monday, we reached out to Ryan to give him 'The Last Word' with Jockline's Don Anthony. We asked how it felt on to walk into the studio (this past Monday) knowing it would be his last week hosting mornings on KDWB?

"It feels surreal. Kind of like your last week of high school. You know it's coming to an end but after all the years, your mind doesn't really quite make sense of it. It's not really registering yet, and when I stop to think about it and all the shows, experiences and people, it is definitely bittersweet. At the same time, I'm ready. I've been doing mornings on a CHR since I was 21. It's been a good run and I want to have some time and energy left to go do all the things I could never do with just one week off at a time.

In the station's announcement, they stated that details on the future of the KDWB morning lineup will be announced soon. How strange will it be for you to tune-in and listen to your successor?

"I hate to say it but I'm really not thinking about it. I'll listen occasionally but I'm going to spend a lot of time concentrating on other things. "

Most say it's difficult to follow a legendary show, but you followed Steve Cochran there. Can you remember what your first 6-months was like?

It was rough. There was no email or texting back then, but people hated me so much they took the time to write letters complaining about me. I was new. I wasn't Steve. I wasn't from here. Eventually, those holdouts could see we were having fun and they wanted to be included so they slowly came back to us. It took at least a solid year to stop the bleeding and turn things around.

I know you have many, but which moments/shows or experiences will you remember most from your years on KDWB?

The first one that comes to mind is our "Petsbymail.com" website for April Fools. Order a pet and it's guaranteed to arrive alive. If it's not alive, simply mail the carcass back for a full refund. Also the Ugly Kid billboard campaign. We doctored elementary school pictures of me and Angi Taylor to look ugly. First board got so much talk and attention that MNDOT asked us to take them down because people were slowing down to look at them. Then the reveal was huge. And the "Dave Ryan Gave Me Crabs" billboard was huge also. People thought some vengeful lover put them up and everyone was buzzing about them.

One of our panels during this year's MSBC 38 titled 'Building Shows That Last,' will pop open the hood on shows that have aired for multiple decades and enjoyed great ratings and success along the way. In shows like these - like yours - what common traits do you think you share most?

Prepare, prepare, prepare. Create your own stuff. Show prep services are fine as a backup, but content is absolutely KING in this industry. Create stuff that no one else is doing. Be real. Make the show about your life and if your life isn't that interesting, exaggerate it a little. Use stories from friends about their lives. Think of creative ways to give away prizes. Be daring. Talk about your health and your mind and what worries you. People want to know they're listening to someone who's just like them, not someone who seems bigger or better than them.

Edison: Streamed AM/FM Radio Hits Record 14% of Listening; 30% Of Weekly Listeners Go Digital

JOCKLINE, MAY 21, 2026 – As of Q1 2026, streamed AM/FM radio has reached a significant milestone, accounting for 14% of all daily time spent listening to AM/FM stations according to Edison Research at SSRS’s long-running Share of Ear® study. The remaining 86% of listening continues to come exclusively from traditional over-the-air broadcasts.

Complementing this daily-time data, the 2026 Infinite Dial study reveals that 30% of weekly radio listeners now tune into a stream for at least part of their listening—up sharply from just 19% two years ago—signaling a clear and accelerating shift in how Americans experience their favorite AM/FM stations.

Another of Edison’s flagship research studies, The Infinite Dial, also tracks the development of AM/FM Radio streaming, but in a different fashion. For the last three years, The Infinite Dial has asked about weekly listening to both over-the-air radio on a traditional receiver and listening to the streams via smartphones, smart speakers, or other digital devices.

As of 2026, 30% of all weekly radio listeners listened to a stream for at least part of their radio time, while 70% listened exclusively via traditional AM/FM. This 30% figure is a considerable increase from our estimate of 19% of all radio listeners just two years ago.

Edison Research at SSRS has a wide variety of audio measurement products that capture the entire listening landscape. Contact our team to learn more about a Share of Ear subscription and find the full 2026 Infinite Dial report, from Edison Research at SSRS and SiriusXM, here.

iHeartMedia And Netflix Deepen Partnership With Daily Live Video Stream of 'The Breakfast Club'

JOCKLINE, MAY 21, 2026 – iHeart and Netflix today announced the next major milestone in their video podcast partnership: The Breakfast Club, hosted by Charlamagne th God, DJ Envy and Jess Hilarious, will now stream live daily on Netflix, marking an unprecedented evolution of the show – and the first daily live program airing each weekday for Netflix. Beginning June 1, The Breakfast Club, co-hosted by Charlamagne tha God, will air simultaneously as a live video show on Netflix each weekday, giving members nearly three hours of real‑time access to the show’s unfiltered conversations, headline‑driving interviews, and cultural commentary as it happens.

“The Breakfast Club has always been at the center of culture, breaking artists, shaping conversations, and reflecting real life in real time,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO for iHeartMedia. “Taking this show live every day to a global audience on Netflix is a powerful example of how we’re expanding the reach of our biggest brands while giving audiences entirely new ways to experience them. Whether it’s morning in NYC or the afternoon in London, the conversation is live and reaching the world in real time.”

“Do y’all understand what ‘Live Globally’ really means? Mornings in New York. Daytime in the U.K. and Ghana. Evenings across other parts of the world,” said Charlamagne tha God. “The media landscape will always evolve, but one thing consistently cuts through: live programming. That’s a big reason The Breakfast Club has sustained its reign for so long. We’re building something powerful—real‑time conversation, real community, on a global scale. The future belongs to those who can see what’s possible—and trust me, the vision for The Breakfast Club and Netflix is crystal clear.”

RHOF 2026 Nominees Announced; Voting Begins This Friday; Inductees Announced On May 20th

JOCKLINE, APRIL 22, 2026 – The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of the RADIO HALL OF FAME 2026 nominees. The 24 nominees were chosen by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, with input from the radio industry and listeners. Voting for inductees begins Friday, April 24th, 2026, and runs through Friday, May 8th, 2026. The top six vote recipients will gain induction as part of the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction class. The additional inductees that will make up the induction class will be selected by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee.

The Radio Hall of Fame inductees for 2026 will be announced on Wednesday, May 20th, and will be honored at the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, October 8th at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. Information on tickets for the event will be available soon.

This year's Nominees (in alphabetidal order, include) • Andie Summers • Big D & Bubba • Bob Stroud • Boomer Esiason • Charlie Van Dyke • Enrique Santos • Fred Winston • Funkmaster Flex • Helen Little • Joey Reynolds • John & Ken • Johnny Magic • Kevin Matthews • Kid Leo • Larry Elder • Lee Arnold • Monica May • Pat Hughes • Raul Brindis • Rickey Smiley • Ryan Cameron • Shotgun Tom Kelly • The Electrifying Mojo and Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!

Kraig T. Kitchin, Co-Chairman, Radio Hall of Fame, commented: “This special group of individuals and programs nominated for induction in 2026 epitomizes the wide spectrum of talented individuals our industry is fortunate to rely on and build large audiences around. My congratulations to each of them. What they’ve accomplished is truly special.”  

Nearly 1000 industry members will receive a ballot on Friday, April 24th, to cast votes for up to six nominated individuals. The confidential ballot will be conducted by Votem.com and overseen by Miller Kaplan‘s Andrew Rosen.

The 2% Trap: Why Your Contests Are Boring 98% of Your Audience To Death - Tracy Johnson

JOCKLINE, APRIL 20, 2026 – Here’s the number that should keep every programmer and on-air talent awake at night: just two percent. That’s roughly the slice of your audience that will ever pick up the phone, fire off a text, or click a link to play your contest writes Tracy Johnson in a recent article titled 'The Play-Along Factor.' In other words, you are actively entertaining one out of every fifty people listening — while the other forty-nine are either mentally checking out, tolerating the disruption, or switching stations entirely. For the vast majority, your “big contest” is nothing more than dead air with a phone number attached. The dirty secret? It has almost nothing to do with the prize and everything to do with something most stations completely ignore: the play-along factor.

Johnson says, 'Your job interactivity is more than a “fun thing to try when we can get around to it.” It is the fundamental contract between a radio station and an audience. Even when listeners aren’t calling, texting, or clicking, they should be mentally participating. Answering the question in their head. Forming an opinion. Laughing at something they saw coming. Failing to create mental engagement is failing at your core purpose."

"A focus group participant — a woman in her twenties — put it better than most consultants ever have: “Do things I can participate in. I love to participate, but they never announce the phone number, or they do it so fast I can’t hear it. I would love to play along with questions like, ‘Would you rather give up wine or bread forever?’ I like to know if I’m like other people.” Read that again. She’s not asking for better prizes. She’s not asking for a slicker production package. She wants to feel like she’s part of the conversation, and she wants the social mirror of knowing whether her answer matches everyone else’s. Photo/Nomad Soul-Shutterstock - Read article HERE

Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross Among Inductees For RHOF Class of 2026

JOCKLINE, APRIL 14TH, 2026 – The 2026 Induction Ceremony is set for Saturday, November 14, in Los Angeles, California, and will debut on ABC and Disney+ in December. Last night, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation revealed live on ABC and Disney+ by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 Inductee Lionel Richie during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode of American Idol, the announcement kicks off the countdown to celebrate music’s highest honor.

Performer Category: Phil Collins, Billy Idol, (shown), Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, Wu-Tang Clan -- Early Influence Award: Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte Gram Parsons, -- Musical Excellence Award: Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, Rick Rubin and the Ahmet Ertegun Award: Ed Sullivan.

“An Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor. "We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony – it’s going to be an unforgettable night”, said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will tape on Saturday, November 14th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The 2026 ceremony will then debut in December on ABC and Disney+. In 2027, the Induction Ceremony will return to Cleveland.

The Johnjay & Rich Show Cruise To 25th Milestone

JOCKLINE, APRIL 14TH, 2026 – The Premiere Syndicated Johnjay & Rich Show celebrated its 25th Anniversary last Thurday since their launch at 93.7 KRQQ in Tucson. Now heard on over 20 stations nationally, it airs weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. from iHeart's 104.7 KISS FM (KZZP) in Phoenix, Arizona. The show launched on April 9, 2001, on 93.7 KRQQ in Tucson and moved its base to Phoenix’s 104.7 KISS FM in 2006. Premiere Networks began syndicating it nationally in June 2014.

Last June, the hosts signed a long-term extension with iHeartMedia Phoenix and Premiere Networks, keeping the show on KISS FM and in syndication for at least another five years. In August, they were honored with the highly coveted Kidd Kraddick Award at MSBC 37 in Austin.

Rich Berra shared with Jockline: "I remember sitting on a couch in the lobby at the hotel in New Orleans during Morning Show Boot Camp at 12am, talking with Johnjay Van Es and noticed that other morning show guys were just watching us talk.. and thought.. .. well .. that’s a show..   I kept stalking and harassing Johnjay and telling him..  we need.. THE BAND.. . 25 years later.. we still got the band. ..as it were..  and we are so excited because.. really.. just now.. 25 years in.. the shows are starting to get good.. just wait till like year .. 37ish.. we might have a good show from 5-10 all the way thru.. "

Johnjay added: "25 years in and we’re still having the time of our lives grateful for every listener, every laugh, and to iHeart and all our incredible affiliates for being part of this ride."

Mark Medina, Senior Vice President, Programming iHeart Markets Group - Phoenix added: “I was proud to be with them on day 1 in Tucson and I’m honored to be here on day 9,131 (yes, I did the leap year math). I’m incredible proud, thankful, and excited for Johnjay and Rich and their team. It’s not easy to get up each day, come in perform, entertain, and keep folks daily routine on time and full of smiles and joy, but if anyone can do it… so can Johnjay and Rich. Congrats on 25 years and here’s to another …3 or 4 more."

'The Real Reason Your Show Isn’t Working (It’s Probably Not What You Think) - Tracy Johnson

JOCKLINE, APRIL 13TH, 2026 – Everyone has had those moments. It’s 2 a.m., the house is quiet, and you’re wide awake staring at the ceiling, replaying the latest air check in your head on an endless loop. Something feels… off. The show that once was loaded with energy now lands with a dull thud. The laughs feel forced, the chemistry strained, the ratings stubbornly flat. Your talent seems checked out, your boss is starting to ask pointed questions, and the same nagging thought keeps circling: What’s wrong with my show?

It’s rarely what you think it is. And that’s exactly why so many well-meaning managers make it worse while trying to make it better. Before you can fix anything, you have to know what’s actually broken, and that sounds obvious until you realize how often we get the diagnosis completely wrong.

In consultant Tracy Johnson's latest article: "What’s Wrong With My Show?" he answers: "The problem is usually not what you think it is. It’s often not as serious as you fear. But the problem is you need to find the right answer, not just an answer. Before you can fix anything, you have to know what’s actually broken. That sounds obvious. It isn’t."

The symptom might be a show that sounds bored, a host who’s stopped taking risks, or a morning team that used to have great chemistry and now sounds like they can barely tolerate each other. Those are symptoms. They are not diagnoses. And jumping straight from symptom to solution without doing the diagnostic work is how well-intentioned managers make things worse while genuinely trying to help. Read article HERE

iHeart And TikTok To Launch TikTok Radio Today And Inaugural TikTok Podcast Network

JOCKLINE, MARCH 13TH, 2026 – iHeartMedia and TikTok has unveiled TikTok Radio from iHeart, a new station blending TikTok's top music hits, creators, trends, and cultural moments with iHeart's programming. Launching today, March 13 live at SXSW in Austin, it's available on the free iHeartRadio app and 28 broadcast stations in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, Miami, and more. Rotating iHeart personalities including Kayla Thomas (12–5 a.m.), Ashlee Young (5–10 a.m.), Jon Comouche (10 a.m.–3 p.m.), Becky Mits (3–8 p.m.), and Angelina Narvaez. Content will cross-promote across platforms. Listeners can follow @tiktokradio on TikTok for updates.

“We’re thrilled to launch TikTok Radio and our inaugural TikTok Podcast Network hosts, empowering creators to expand their voices across radio, podcasts, and live events,” said Dan Page, Global Head of Media and Licensing Partnerships. “This partnership merges TikTok’s discovery with iHeart’s audio ecosystem for a dynamic, creator-driven experience across radio, podcasts, and live moments,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer, iHeartMedia.

But, it doesn't end there — TikTok creators are launching podcasts too as the first wave of shows from the TikTok Podcast Network, which will feature creators expanding their content into long-form audio. Some of the upcoming podcasts include "Suite 305 with Lele Pons" — an unfiltered, slumber-party-style show with cultural guests, "Caroline's Closet" with fashion creator Caroline Vazzana, "Sports Slice" with sports creator Tim Martin, "The Clifford Show" with former college football player and creator Clifford Taylor IV, and "The Set List" with media personality Carter Gregory, featuring conversations with artists and creatives. Clips, highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from these podcasts will also appear on TikTok Radio, helping fans discover new voices across platforms.

Two People Rescued After Hot Air Balloon Crashes Into 920 Foot High Texas Radio Tower

JOCKLINE, MARCH 2ND, 2026 – Two people were safely rescued Saturday morning after a hot air balloon crashed into a radio tower in Longview, Texas. Strong winds at that elevation caused complications for the rescue efforts. Longview Fire Marshal Marcus Delaney confirmed with CBS TV 19 the two people in the balloon were safely rescued and taken to a local hospital by EMS. The Longview Fire Department said the crash happened around 8:15 a.m. when a hot air balloon basket carrying two occupants struck the tower at an estimated height of 920 feet

The hot air balloon incident occurred on February 28, 2026, when it struck the tower at approximately 920 feet. This tower is reportedly used primarily by Connoisseur Media's KYKX 105.7 FM, a country music station. It also hosts a translator (K279CI 103.7 FM) and KYKX's HD2 subchannel, which rebroadcast the classic country format of sister station KKUS 104.1 FM (licensed to Tyler). Watch HERE - Photos/Longview Fire Department

MIW 25th Annual Gender Analysis: Progress Shown In Key Areas While Leadership Gaps Persist

JOCKLINE, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2026 – Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. released the results of its 25th Annual Gender Analysis Study. For a quarter century, MIW has compiled and analyzed the number of women rising to management roles within the radio industry, providing one of the longest-running benchmarks of female leadership progress in broadcasting. The study specifically tracks women holding General Manager, Sales Manager, and Program Director/Brand Manager positions. The MIW Gender Analysis Study, based on raw data collected by PrecisionTrak from all U.S.-based commercial radio stations, has been published annually since the organization’s founding in 2000.

The figures and percentages shown below represent calendar year 2025 and reflect 11,215 AM and FM radio stations across America, as accounted for by PrecisionTrak as of December 31, 2025.*

General Managers: 22.07% (2366 stations) had women holding the General Manager position in 2025. This is a slight increase from last year where the number was 21.67% and compared to 2004 continues to show solid growth when the percentage of female General Managers was only 14.9%. In the Top 100 markets, 24.09% (784 stations) were managed by women, which is almost a 5% increase from 2024 and still continues to run higher than the national average.

Sales Managers: Overall, the best management opportunities for women in radio continues to be in sales management. 35.31% (3561 stations) had a woman Sales Manager in 2025 which is basically flat from 35.67% in 2024. In the Top 100 markets, the numbers continue to run ahead of the national average at 37.61% (1156 stations) although they showed a decline from 2024 which was 42.94% .

Program Directors/Brand Managers: The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of Program Directors/Brand Managers. Women currently program 13.02% (289 stations) which is a slight gain from 12.38% in 2024. In the Top 100 markets, the numbers are greater than the national average as female programmers now represent 15.25% of the total number of Program Directors/Brand Managers, which is a major increase from 11.23% from 2024.

“Twenty-five years of data give us clarity,” said MIW Board President Sheila Kirby. “We are encouraged to see movement in General Manager and Programming roles, particularly within the Top 100 markets. At the same time, flat growth in sales leadership and the continued underrepresentation of women in programming nationally remind us that progress is not automatic. Sustainable advancement requires intention. MIW remains committed to mentoring, advocating, and creating pathways for women to lead at every level of the industry.”

Tracy Johnson: Five Fresh Formats That Go Beyond The Rules And Mechanics Of Legacy Formats

JOCKLINE, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2026 – n part six of Tracy Johnson's 'Radio In 2026' series, he says If you accept the premise of my previous article, that relevance requires sacrifice, then the natural next question is this: What would radio look like if it stopped protecting legacy rules and started building formats for how people actually consume audio now?

We need new ideas that can attract a fanbase beyond the mechanics and formatics of traditional formats like news/talk, Classic Rock, and AC. There are hundreds of possibilities for new radio station formats or show themes, but these ideas are not tweaks. It’s not a solution for PDs looking for easy wins or managers who would prefer to cherry-pick an idea or two. Nor are they blanket recommendations for every station cluster or market. There is no magic pill that will win every ratings battle or elevate you from irrelevance to dominance.

But maybe these could work for you. Or maybe it will inspire a fresh idea of your own.

1. Contests and Games This format is designed for stations that still want to compete inside the ratings system, flaws and all, but understand that engagement beats mechanics. It turns contests into recurring, recognizable franchises that listeners follow, anticipate, and talk about even when they’re not playing. Radio thinks of contests as a utility. They are designed to promote, drive tune-in, and meet sales targets. And then they’re gone. That mindset is why most contests attract prize pigs instead of fans. Compatible content from one quarter-hour to the next creates a ratings snowball far more than changing the type of content. This has dramatic TSL implications.

Games are entertainment focused on the play-along factor. They can succeed with or without prizes. Contests appeal to greed based on incentivized call-to-actions and are a transactional ratings grab. The combination is a tactical ratings juggernaut with a brand-building content benefit. A game-show format includes incentives for the prize pigs and engaging fun for the masses. This is how you create appointment listening (contests) and habits (games) without a massive promotions budget. Most importantly, a game-show format reclaims something radio has quietly lost. Fun!

Next up: 2. 'The Drama Channel: Lifestyle Storytelling' - Read entire blog HERE for more detail on all five.

iHeart Chicago Stations Raised $925,831.00 During Its Annual 'Lurie Children’s Radiothon'

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 15TH, 2025 – iHeartMedia Chicago announced that “Lurie Children’s Radiothon” raised $925,831.00 in support of the patients and families at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The “Lurie Children’s Radiothon” was broadcast live on Thursday, December 11

“The Lurie Children’s Radiothon is more than an event—it’s a celebration of hope and community,” said Adam Kurtz, Region President for iHeartMedia Chicago. “We are honored to join forces with our partners and listeners to support the incredible care Lurie Children’s provides to patients and families across Chicagoland.” "The Radiothon represents a truly vital partnership that allows us to spotlight the resilience of our young patients and the dedication of our care teams who champion children's health every day," said Dr. Thomas Shanley, President & CEO of Lurie Children's.

"Our collaboration with iHeartMedia Chicago and the incredible generosity of their listeners empowers us to transform the lives of children in our community and across the broader region we serve." For the past six years, the radiothon has raised over $4.6 million to benefit Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Q3 2025 Edison: Podcast Audiences Older Demos Surge From 29 To 39 Median Age Since 2017

JOCKLINE, DECEMBER 12TH, 2025 – Westwood One's analysis of Edison Research’s Q3 “Share of Ear.” study of 4,000 Americans shows that AM/FM radio still dominates ad-supported audio with a 64% share, followed by podcasts (20%). Ad-supported music streaming platforms have audience shares in the low to mid-single digits: Spotify (6%), Pandora (5%), YouTube Music (1%), and Amazon Music (1%).

Of note, As older demographics flock to podcasts, the median age of the podcast audience ages sharply In 2017, podcasts’ daily reach was greatest among 18-24s. Eight years later, podcasts’ daily reach has surged, especially in older demographics. The older the age group, the greater the growth in the podcast daily audience.

Today, podcasts’ greatest reach centers on 25-44s, with significant growth among 45-64s. The podcast median age soars from 29 in 2017 to 39 due to a massive influx of older listeners The last two years have seen podcasts’ median age grow from 34 in 2023 to 39 in this recent Q3 2025 report. Still, podcasts remain one of the youngest media platforms.

You’ll miss two-thirds of America if your audio media plan only has digital audio; Adding AM/FM radio causes reach to surge from 33% to 74% of the U.S. The net reach of Spotify, Pandora, and podcasts only reaches one-third of Americans. Adding AM/FM radio to the media plan causes reach to surge from 33% to 74%. Read full report HERE

Edison: The Radio Receiver Remains The Dominant Device For Listening To AM/FM By 13+ In The U.S.

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2025 – According to Edison's latest Insights, it shares that listening to streamed audio content on phones, computers, smart speakers, and smart televisions now dominates the audio sphere. While AM/FM radio is available on all these digital devices, the radio receiver remains the dominant device the U.S. 13+ population uses to listen to AM/FM radio during an average day.

Back in 2015, 93% of time spent listening to AM/FM radio was done using a radio receiver. Smart speakers were just being released, and households were less likely to own smart TVs than they are now. Ten years later, the portion of AM/FM listening done over a traditional receiver has dropped to 87%. The mobile device and smart speaker have made small gains over the past ten years, chipping away at the radio receiver’s primacy. Broadcast radio companies have made efforts to embrace digital platforms and technologies, but the traditional radio receiver continues to dramatically outperform all other devices for radio listening.

Naturally, in-car listening is a very large portion of time spent with AM/FM, and listening in this environment is almost entirely on a traditional receiver. But even in other locations, radio listening is mostly happening to the ‘over-the-air' signal on receivers. Share of Ear® captures listening habits across platforms, devices, locations, and content types. Trending analyses like the one shown above are available for full subscribers.

The Record from Edison Research and Nielsen is a quarterly report card on how U.S. consumers spend their listening day, specifically focused on the adsupported audio environment. For Q3 2025, daily audio consumption of ALL audio among those ages 13+ totaled 3 hours and 53 minutes across ad-supported and ad-free platforms like radio, podcasts, streaming music services, and satellite radio. Ad-supported audio accounted for 64% of all listening in Q3 2025. In looking only at this ad supported audio universe, listeners age 13+ spent 62% of their daily time in the third quarter with radio, 20% with podcasts, 15% with streaming music and 3% with satellite radio.

Click here to see The Record for Q3 2025.

Study: 89% Say Absence Of A Radio In A New Car Would Probably Keep Them From Purchasing

JOCKLINE, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2025 – According to a new study by Critical Mass Insights shows that consumers overwhelmingly want access to AM/FM radio in their cars. The study found that 96 percent of Americans cite built-in AM/FM radio as important in a new car, and 98 percent say it’s important that radio is easy to find in cars. Across all demographics, consumers ages 18 to 74 broadly agree that radio access is key: Even among those who don’t listen to either AM or FM routinely, about 9 in 10 say it’s important to have it available in situations where they need it. These include severe weather events, natural disasters, man-made tragedies and other emergencies where 97 percent of Americans say it’s important to have access to live radio.

“The bottom line here is just how much people value having easy access to both AM and FM radio in their cars. Consumers want radio for a variety of different reasons that are largely unique to local radio -- everything from discovering what new music matters to weather updates, the latest sports reports and local news and events,” said Elizabeth Falke, Senior Vice President of Research for Critical Mass Insights. “This is largely due to the special connection on-air talent forms with listeners, as 9 in 10 Americans say having radio personalities easily available in their cars is important because it helps them feel less lonely.

For consumers who rely solely on the radio for their audio needs, the absence of a radio in their car would force them to subscribe to alternative methods and raise their daily costs. Overall, the research shows that losing built-in radio would greatly impact the purchasing decisions of a new vehicle with most consumers: 96 percent of Americans would miss the radio if it were removed from cars 89 percent of Americans say the absence of a radio in a new car would probably keep them from purchasing. "The ease and simplicity of radio is embedded in the lives of drivers consuming various forms of audio in their cars,” said Falke.

Flightpath Launches Automation Playbooks And Backs Publisher Autonomy

Flightpath Software Inc. announced Automation Playbooks and took a public stance that technology must honor the commercial decisions publishers carefully negotiate with buyers.Dynamic ad insertion changes have disrupted those commitments—repeating ads on single downloads, blocking key orders, and offering no resolution tools. The result: unmonetized over-delivery, missed obligations, audience frustration, costly make-goods, and eroded trust and revenue. Publishers have been left with manual workarounds: opening and adjusting orders one by one, often without clear guidance.

An Automation Playbook is a standing instruction attached to a live order. A publisher enrolls a set of orders, configures any requested values that the playbook needs, and Flightpath takes over management of those orders. Because playbooks change the state of live orders and cannot be undone, the product is deliberately structured around Ad Operations maintaining control and visibility on all changes made for all enrolled flights.

“When Apple changed the rules overnight, we focused on supporting clients and stayed quiet. Today we stand publicly with our publishers and for their right to control the inventory they own,” said Sean Howard, CEO and co-founder. “Being asked to re-flight thousands of orders by hand is not a viable solution to a problem we did not create… My team is left to find the solution.”

Availability Automation Playbooks are available now and included for existing customers. Enroll first orders via your Flightpath account team. For more information, contact laurie@flightpath.fm.