Monday Memo: The Future of Radio isn’t Radio, It’s Reach
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
As a newly minted program director (remember them?), I found the 1980 “NAB Radio Programming Conference” downright enchanting. New-tech cart machines (remember them?) would FIND the splice! And after the cart played, a flashing light saved careless DJs from accidentally playing it again.
Back to The Future: Hello from fabulous Las Vegas, where radio has been folded-into what is now called The NAB Show. Among sessions I will be attending here this week:
- “Improving the Listener Experience,” which has suffered from cutback-after-cutback;
- And I will be the guy typing as fast as I can at “The Local Advertising Buying Landscape: Find Out What’s Driving Digital Sales, Revenue and Growth Opportunities.”
At the annual TALKERS conference 20+ years ago, publisher Michael Harrison coined the term “Media Station,” meaning: “Analog-rooted media such as radio stations, TV stations, and newspapers will have the digital capability of assuming each other’s roles in the multi-platform environment of the 21st century. No media brand will be limited to the AM/FM dial, the VHF/UHF TV set, the printed page delivered to the front porch, or even a specific channel. Every small AM radio station could be a sleeping SiriusXM Satellite Radio.”
This year’s NAB Show goes-there, with, among other sessions:
- “Hot Digital Trends: What to Know About Video, Podcasts and AI;” and
- “The Omni-Media Landscape: Mapping Reach, Affinity, and the Future of Media.
Recently, when CBS Legal wouldn’t let Stephen Colbert air his interview with surging Texas U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico (D), he posted it to YouTube, where it got roughly FIVE TIMES the views his TV show gets most nights. So… with technology now enabling individuals, I sure won’t miss:
- “A Crew of One: Solo Storytelling Strategies,” where the NAB Show says we will “Learn how to manipulate space and time as a solo storyteller, getting set up for success, working with multiple cameras, and keeping the flow from start to finish.”
- Ditto “The Ultimate Creator Studio Tips and Tricks;” and
- “The Fandom Flywheel: Building Scalable Media Ecosystems in The Bravoverse.”
With Uncle Sam’s big birthday looming, there’s “America 250: Owning the Moment – How Radio and TV Will Drive Community, Culture and Revenue in 2026;” and “The First Amendment and Press Freedom in Today’s Media Landscape.”
If you are in ‘Vegas this week, look for me at all-of-the-above. Maybe we can grab a cuppa cawfee. And no matter WHAT the dealer is showing, always-always split Aces and 8s. If you aren’t here, look for my NAB Show report again here tomorrow.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a consultant working the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. Follow HC on Twitter @HollandCooke and connect on LinkedIn
Griswold, the two launched The Bob & Tom Show in 1983 and the WFBQ, Indianapolis-based program took off, going into syndicated in 1995. The program, still led by Griswold, is heard on some 100 affiliate stations. Kevoian retired from the show in 2015. Kevoian went public with his cancer diagnosis in 2023 and launched “The Bob & Cancer Show” podcast with his wife Becky and Whit Grayson.
coverage of breaking news across the United States and around the globe. The 20/20 True Crime channel will launch in the coming weeks and will be a nonstop destination for in-depth storytelling from 20/20 and ABC News. The channel will feature award-winning narrative podcasts, full episodes of 20/20, installments of 20/20: The After Show, and curated cases from the 20/20 True Crime Vault. 
capabilities, we’re enabling KSE to scale its digital offering and drive stronger, more measurable results for its clients. This partnership is a powerful example of how media companies can evolve and win in a performance-driven marketplace.” Townsquare launched their Media Partnerships division in 2024 in which it provides a white-label service that equips other local media companies with the digital advertising solutions that have fueled Townsquare’s own growth and success, with digital now comprising over 50% of Townsquare’s total revenue and profit. KSE Radio SVP and general manager Joel Clary says, “Kroenke Sports and Entertainment is excited to partner with Townsquare Ignite for all of our entertainment assets in the Denver market. Townsquare has the best digital solutions in the radio industry and a proven track record of delivering great results to clients.”
court today (4/17) Friday when his lawyers will argue that biased coverage is tainting potential jurors in his aggravated murder case. According to Audacy’s report, media organizations, prosecutors and Kirk’s widow, Erika, want the court to allow cameras. They argue the best way to guard against the misinformation and conspiracy theories that concern Robinson’s defense team is to make the process transparent. 
In a 
News/talk, sports talk, all-news, and general talk will be amply covered. There will be over 50 top industry speakers, and registration is limited to insure intimacy. Attendance at the conference is only open to members of the working media and directly associated industries as well as students enrolled in accredited learning institutions. All attendees will be required to register in advance on the phone payable by credit card. Because attendance will be limited, the conference is again expected to
be an early sellout. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $260. All registrations are non-refundable. This power-packed, one-day event is being presented in association with Hofstra’s multi-award-winning station, WRHU Radio and the school’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
“I had a good run. I spent every cent I ever made… I would have rather saved some, but you can’t take it with you. I love you all. Thank you so much.” Barnes began his radio career in the 1980s at WEOK-WPDH in Poughkeepsie, followed by a nearly four-year run as an afternoon news anchor and reporter for WGHQ-WBPM in Kingston. He served as morning news anchor and news director for WSYR, Syracuse; worked at “All News 99.1 WNEW” in Washington, DC, as well as with USA Today Channel on SiriusXM in Washington; FOX News Radio in New York; and The Blaze Radio Network in Washington. DC. 
previously disclosed Plan of Reorganization. Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “When we initiated this prepackaged restructuring in March, we did so with a clear objective: to right-size our balance sheet to support long-term success. The court’s prompt approval of our plan keeps us firmly on track to eliminate approximately $600 million in debt and positions us to emerge with a significantly stronger financial foundation. We look forward to completing the restructuring and emerging as a well-capitalized company, better equipped to compete in the evolving audio landscape.”
sports insight, humor, and a natural storyteller’s instinct that resonates far beyond the studio. Station programming operations manager Paul Mason comments, “Ron is a game‑changer. He brings energy, curiosity, and joy to everything he touches. Watching his growth – not just as a broadcaster, but as a leader and connector – has been incredible. His ceiling truly doesn’t exist, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.” In addition to his work with “104.5 The Zone,” Slay serves as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and the SEC Network.
the defining moments of 1776 – from the leadership of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to the actions of the Continental Congress and George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. These messages will be complemented by live and recorded interviews throughout 2026, featuring special guests sharing stories and perspectives tied to America’s founding and evolution. Beasley chief communications officer Heidi Raphael adds, “At this pivotal time in our nation’s history, Philadelphia holds an especially unique and powerful place in telling America’s story. Through our Community of Caring Initiative, we’re proud to share that story across our platforms – connecting our audiences to the past while celebrating what lies ahead.”
information for farmers and ranchers and we are looking to double down on our efforts to bring that information to them through our radio affiliate partners. I am honored that we are able to grow the AOA footprint and expand to include a weekend offering that will continue to tell the story of agriculture, one conversation at a time.” Agriculture of America” debuted in 2018 by the team at FARM in conjunction with National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Adams featuring interviews and conversations with agricultural leaders, members of congress, market analysts, newsmakers and more and has grown into a nationally syndicated radio show heard on over 70 affiliate radio stations and SiriusXM Rural Radio 147 every weekday.
accepted $15,899,000 in aggregate principal amount of such tenders in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer. On March 30, 2026, the company completed the purchase of $15,899,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Existing First Lien Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. As of 5:00 pm on April 15, 2026, approximately 98% of the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Second Lien Notes have validly tendered in the Exchange Offer and provided consents to the proposed amendments to the Existing Second Lien Notes Indenture.
Christopher S. Forgy had fully resumed his regular duties following a medical leave that began on February 13. The company adds that during his intermittent recovery from open heart surgery, Forgy remained available for consultation, led the company’s fourth-quarter and year-end 2025 call on March 12, 2026, and the executive team, headed by COO Wayne Leland and CFO Samuel D. Bush, maintained operational continuity.
role with Crossover, Murphy will work to secure new content as well as to expand the company’s client portfolio. Crossover managing member Sue Freund says, “We’ve known and worked with John for many years; his excellent relationships throughout the content and advertising communities make him a tremendous addition to our team in building strategic partnerships with clients, agencies, and content providers as we continue to grow. He has a proven track record of building high-performing sales organizations, monetizing premium content, and delivering performance-driven advertising solutions for brands, agencies and media partners.” Murphy comments, “I’m excited to be joining Crossover Media Group. The team has built a strong reputation for delivering results-driven solutions for both creators and advertisers, and I look forward to contributing to that momentum. There’s a clear opportunity to unlock new growth across partnerships, and I’m eager to help scale the business while driving meaningful value for clients.”
show is hosted by Carl “Killer Carl” Brown and has been on the air for almost a decade and is part of the John Frederick Radio Network. Seaboard marketing solutions consultant Bob Stei says, “We welcome all shows that affiliates will desire. Carl seems to put his own views and thoughts first, and they are not based on just ideology. That is refreshing.” The program currently airs on stations throughout America including WJFM, Richmond; WJFV, Norfolk; WBRG, Lynchburg; and WLMB, Atlanta.
Ryan will continue calling live 49ers games, as well as pre-and post-game shows. Cumulus regional VP Larry Blumhagen comments, “We at KNBR are tremendously excited to continue this valued partnership with the Niners. We have a wonderful relationship with the organization and its people, and they are truly a partner to us in connecting their fans with all the gameday action they love and demand. We look forward to continuing to provide 49ers fans with outstanding game day coverage on all KNBR platforms from AM/FM to streaming.”
way for the reorganization to move to the next step – approval from the Federal Communications Commission. When fully consummated, the plan will have eliminated $592 million of debt for Cumulus and puts control of the company into the hands of secured creditors. A new board of directors will be elected and although current executive management may remain in their positions, it is entirely up to the new board of directors to determine the company’s officers.
understate the immense sales effect power of creative. Some 122 marketers placed creative as the third most important contributor toward driving sales behind targeting and brand. But the reality based on analysis of 450 ad campaigns indicates creative is far and away the most important driver of sales. Both marketers and agencies place the greatest importance on targeting. Experts caution that too narrow targeting is ineffective. 
treatment schedule. Edmonds, 42, said the diagnosis came unexpectedly about two months ago and described it on the air as a ‘total gut punch.’ A mother of a young daughter, she acknowledged the fear that followed the discovery but said she is confident in her care team and treatment plan at Henry Ford Health. Edmonds told listeners she has already begun chemotherapy and believes she will get through the process.” Edmonds says her oncologist emphasized the importance of consistent sleep and recovery during chemotherapy. She made clear that the change is temporary and that she plans to remain connected to WJR and its audience as she is able while focusing on her health.
Commission states in part, “Due to economic conditions in the market, the licensee was forced to take the station off the air temporarily. The licensee respectfully requests special temporary authority for the station to remain silent. The licensee will promptly notify the Commission when it is able to resume station operations.” Townsquare also operates news/talk KFYO in the Lubbock market. 
Broadcasting and ESPN Arkansas, which will now serve all the Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Northwest Arkansas, Harrison, Mountain Home, and much of Eastern Oklahoma. Top rated KISR will continue to serve the River Valley from just below its previous dial position, moving to 93.1 FM.” ESPN Arkansas general manager Tommy Craft adds, “We are excited to expand and grow the footprint and coverage areas of our ESPN Arkansas radio stations. The addition of a 100,000-watt station to our roster of current stations is a true game changer. Fred Baker and KISR have spent more than 55 years building something that is far more than just a radio station for so many people, and we are humbled to be able to continue that kind of commitment to listeners. We live in a state where the sports we love and the daily conversations about the teams we follow matter. The opportunity to expand our coverage so that more of the great people in Arkansas can join in the conversation with our live and local sports talk radio shows is a thrill, and we cannot wait to get started.”
Time Spent Listening to podcasts has now surpassed TSL with spoken word radio. And both are fraught.
spanning over 30 years, including the last 16 in Denver. As a seasoned host turned executive, he has built a legacy of excellence that now culminates in his role as president and CEO of Mile High Sports. Today, he directs the pulse of Colorado sports, overseeing comprehensive, multi-platform coverage of Colorado’s major professional sports teams.” Lundy comments, “I’ve spent more than 35 years in radio and television, the last 16 right here in Denver. I am so happy to join Audacy as a local voice, and more importantly, as a local fan. This is going to be a fun ride!”
are antisemites. How could this be? Rosenberg posted a video clip of the mascots warmly embracing New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Citi Field, followed by a still photo of himself in a corridor at Citi Field with Mr. Met about 20 yards down the same corridor walking in the opposite direction after, Sid says, ignoring him. It’s unclear at this time if the Justice Department has opened an investigation into the New York Mets. 