Radio is collecting an increasingly large share of the fall political advertising rush, with spending on the medium jumping by more than one-third in roughly a month as the election cycle enters its busiest stretch. New AdImpact data shows $166 million has now been spent on political advertising on radio during the 2026 cycle, which includes 2025 spend figures. That’s up $42 million from the $124 million the firm reported in late August. It also continues a sharp acceleration

There is good news for the thousands of radio stations playing music. Americans may have more media choices than ever before, including more spoken word options like podcasts, but a just-released survey of adults 18+ from YouGov finds one in five U.S. adults are listening to more music than a year ago. And even with all the potential distractions, the vast majority — 61% — report that their music consumption has remained the same. Only 13% report they’re listening to less mus

Artificial intelligence may be poised to flood the media landscape with an unprecedented amount of new content, but the music business offers an intriguing lesson for radio and podcasting: more choice does not necessarily mean audiences spread around their attention. Instead, they may concentrate their attention even more heavily on the content and brands they already value. That’s one takeaway from a new MoffettNathanson analysis examining how AI could reshape the media busi

Jingle Ball has become a tentpole event on the iHeartMedia calendar. And unlike some of the company’s other flagship events that stay put, the holiday-themed show has become a national tour. The show is again set to hitch up its proverbial sleigh and head across America, with nine stops planned during December. The 2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour will visit Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Washington, Philadelphia and Nashville from Dec. 1 to Dec

Several studies are giving podcasts high marks for advertising effectiveness, according to new analysis from Audacy. The research highlights the medium’s ability to deliver measurable results for brands while reinforcing the value of podcast advertising. What media can brands depend on for advertising effectiveness? Results from several studies give podcasts high marks. According to a 2026 Audacy survey of 1,000 adults 18+, 75% of listeners rate ads read or endorsed by podca

Buffalo has the nation’s most avid NFL fans, while radio ranks as the medium with the highest concentration of sports superfans, according to new research from Audacy. The company’s NFL Attention Index examines football fandom across three dimensions — avidity, engagement and performance — to measure where NFL fandom is strongest, how fans follow the sport and how effectively brands can reach them. Buffalo ranked first among the 10 markets measured for NFL fandom, with an ind

Podcast ad loads are moving in an unusual direction. After years of generally increasing as more advertising dollars entered the medium, Podscribe says the average ad load declined for a second consecutive quarter, with signs that advertisers may be spreading their spending across more shows. The latest Podscribe Performance Benchmark Report puts the average podcast ad load at 10.3% in Q2 2026, down 4.6% from the previous quarter. While ad loads remain above the 8.5% recorded

NAB Show New York will return to the Javits Center Oct. 21-22 with more than 150 speakers across 60-plus educational sessions focused on the business and technology shaping broadcast, audio, sports, streaming, creators and AI. The 2026 event puts greater emphasis on the intersection of technology and business strategy, with sessions examining consolidation, investment, monetization, creator-led businesses and the changing economics of sports and media. More than 225 companies

McDonald’s is expanding its digital strategy beyond ordering and loyalty programs, testing third-party advertising on digital menu boards as the fast-food giant looks to create new revenue while overhauling its broader restaurant business. The company said this week that it has begun piloting a McDonald’s Media Network at 450 company-owned U.S. restaurants. The initiative allows advertisers to reach customers through digital menu boards, kiosks, the McDonald’s app and other d

Kinetiq Political Insights has trimmed its outlook for radio’s share of this year’s political advertising windfall, but broadcasters are already running well ahead of the past two election cycles as the industry heads into what could be its biggest political sales weeks of the year. The firm’s September forecast now calls for $230 million in radio political advertising tied to 2026 races, down from roughly $300 million in its April forecast. Broadcast television is projected