Be it for the inauguration of the President, natural disasters, acts of violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, or the government shutdown, this year will be remembered as one with an exceptionally active news cycle. The era we’re living in is at times divisive, be it based on differences of opinion or on disparate beliefs and lifestyles.

The fact that a consumer born between 1991 and 2007 finds music from the 80s and 90s attractive shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Yet it was. Mainly because of the naysayers who are pounding the drum that younger listeners have no connection to nostalgia. Arguably a falsehood.

While many heralded the radio receiver’s dominance after receiving the news, my reaction was more of concern than confidence. It’s hard for me to celebrate research results that support legacy technology versus the delivery platforms that younger audiences use for entertainment and information. How can we as an industry be excited when audio is viewed as hot and growing as sought-after content on multiple platforms, and radio isn’t seeing that growth?

Local is harder than generating big revenue from national (when you have bigger ratings), but it is more resilient, consistent, and not dependent on ratings. Local advertisers were better at weathering the extreme storms of this past summer and fall, seemed to ignore the reports of a dire economy, and even carried the financial load during a global pandemic.

History has shown it is possible. The AM band was desolate in 1988 when Rush Limbaugh was first nationally syndicated. Following the elimination of the FCC Fairness Doctrine, Limbaugh built a following that not only brought an audience to the AM band but also exposed the talk format in unusual locations.

This year’s Forecast 2026 is shaping up to continue the tradition of great speakers and transformational information. It’s the most educational seminar that I attend annually. From shortly before sunrise to a bit after sunset, it is one great speaker after another. Leaders for Radio and Television are always in attendance. In recent years as media delivery on multiple platforms has become commonplace, we’ve seen the expansion of topics from participating speakers with broad k

Last week on Thursday night media executives from all corners of the nation came together as the National Radio Hall of Fame inducted 10 individuals who made a mark in Radio. I am blessed to have been one of those who were recognized for their career accomplishments in the business. An executive, a consultant, and 8 talent who left their indelible mark on the original audio medium upon which all others are a branch of the media tree.

The lights are out. A deep cleansing breathe to relax. A chance to reflect on the day. I find myself staring at the ceiling and waiting for the Gremlins to come visit and keep me awake. There are so many things that enter my mind after a long day as I think of our business and the challenges that face us as an industry. Those thoughts are not rooted in panic or worry, but rather concern for inaction and opportunities that are mostly ignored. Prior to the Pandemic, which has b

Despite a warming trend over the last few days in the east, and unusual weather in the west, it is officially fall in the northern hemisphere. A return to Standard Time is right around the corner. Pop-up costume shops are here. Pumpkin patches are easy to find. Halloween is upon us. Halloween is the second largest holiday of the year in the United States. Americans spend an estimated $6 Billion annually on the holiday. Of that number, $2.5 Billion is attributed to the purchas

A week doesn’t go by that I am not talking to friends and colleagues on both sides of the political aisle. Despite the belief that there are two teams (political parties) that are extremely different in their beliefs, it’s not what the research supports. The disparity of perceptions tends to be because of the noise level of the extreme opinions on both sides of the two major political parties. The research that I’ve seen regarding the political opinion of Americans is that mo

Where one can listen to the radio has changed, especially given the multiple platforms on which programming can now be heard. Where we find ourselves warrants a new view of how programmers should be viewing content creation.

It's not often that the suspension of a former radio host makes global headlines. Yet even as Jimmy Kimmel now settles back into his late-night spot on ABC's full depth of affiliates, it is arguably a situation that’s not yet reached its conclusion. Stories like this, as ubiquitous as they can be, are difficult to talk or write about without politics being a part of the conversation, which can be a minefield of passionate exchanges.

Last week I spoke at the annual conference held by the Arkansas Broadcasters Association. Their executive director, Neal Gladner, asked...

Over-the-air (OTA) radio doesn’t need a miracle—it needs a mindset shift. To truly resurrect its place in the audio ecosystem, it must evolve from being just a broadcast medium to becoming a multi-platform content powerhouse. Here's how that transformation can happen.

Personalities have always been somewhat at risk. We hear the stories on an all too frequent basis of an on-air talent whose life has been lost, a stalker who penetrated the safe space of a public media figure, a personality at an appearance who is attacked, the intimidation that can come from an unidentified voice on a call.

The News/Talk format is often one that’s not thought of universally until there’s a crisis. For many there’s a belief that the format is found on AM only. Which is a misperception. There are those that believe the format is where mostly conservative and “some” liberal talk lives. There’s a lot of truth to that perception.

For radio, and in fact for media overall, it was an eventful season as consolidation continues in the face of economic headwinds.

odcasting is a valuable platform for extending a brand’s reach and creating a one-on-one listening experience. Radio and podcasting complement each other, with radio driving podcast audience growth and podcasting offering on-demand, niche content.

During the recent Morning Show Bootcamp gathering in Austin, I had the honor of moderating The Radio Roundtable. That session is almost always well attended, mainly because of the level of executives, content creators, and high profile talent that serve as panelists. This years session was no exception.

The "3-Minute Rule" refers to a recent change in how Nielsen measures radio listenership, specifically within their Portable People Meter...

During a recent meeting, a Market Manager used the term “Programming Adjacent” when describing their role. Not directly involved in programming, but having influence and an important perspective. Being supportive and having the ability to assist the programming team in accomplishing their goals.

A discussion on the reluctance of legacy media to experiment with new and innovative programming, highlighting examples of successful experimentation in sports broadcasting, such as the Manningcast and mic’ed-up players during the MLB All-Star Game. Mike emphasizes the importance of a solid plan and patience in executing a well-thought-out strategy for successful experimentation.

Coaching is beneficial for everyone, regardless of their field. The best performers are open to advice and improvement, understanding they are never a finished product. Effective coaching involves mutual understanding, trust, and a shared goal of advancement.

The devastating flooding in Kerr County, Texas, has caused widespread loss of life and property, highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness. Radio stations play a crucial role in such crises, organizing donation drives, providing charity connections, and coordinating volunteer efforts. Broadcasters should prioritize providing accurate and timely information to their audience, emphasizing the need for preparedness and training to effectively respond to emergencies.