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

Nielsen’s latest ranking of radio markets served includes three fewer in its total, soon to be four with the earlier-announced discontinuing of Puerto Rico in December 2026. For this year, what used to be 243 measured markets is now 240, with the recently-announced cancellation of market 161, Bowling Green, KY, effective with the Fall 2026 survey, along with earlier cancellations of market 78, Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL and 144, Burlington, VT-Plattsburgh, NY. Among the top 50

One of true crime podcasting’s established investigative franchises is adding subscriptions to its revenue mix, as Bonneville’s KSL Podcasts-produced “Cold” launches its first premium membership offering through Red Seat Ventures’ Supercast. The “Cold Insider Club” gives paying members ad-free listening, early access to new episodes, exclusive bonus content and direct access to investigative journalist and host Dave Cawley through subscriber Q&As and a monthly live hangout. T

The Alliance for Women in Media has announced the honorees for the 2026 Gracies Leadership Awards, set for Nov. 16 at Tribeca 360° in New York City. Zenia Mucha, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at TikTok, will receive the inaugural Gracies Vanguard Award. The new honor recognizes individuals whose foresight and ability to anticipate change help shape the future of media and its audiences. Kristen Welch, Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Illustrative Mathematics

U.S. retail sales are expected to increase 5.5% year over year during the 2026 holiday shopping season, according to the Mastercard Economics Institute, which is forecasting the strongest holiday growth since 2022. The forecast covers the period from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24 and excludes automobile and gasoline sales. It’s based on Mastercard SpendingPulse data, which measures in-store and online retail spending across all forms of payment. Online sales are projected to increas

Nielsen is taking its antitrust fight with Cumulus Media to the U.S. Supreme Court, even as it wins a reprieve in the parallel battle over what Westwood One should pay for its Nationwide ratings. The Second Circuit has put a judge’s enforcement order — and the threat of $50,000-a-day penalties — on hold while Nielsen pursues a separate appeal. The increasingly complex web of legal maneuvers has seen Nielsen file a petition asking the Supreme Court to review the Second Circuit

Podcast hosts play a significant role in audience loyalty, discovery and advertising effectiveness, according to the first findings from The Podcast Study 2026, conducted by Point-To-Point Marketing and Strategic Solutions Research. The research was presented during the first webinar in a series, “The Importance of the Host and the Power of Trust,” led by Point-To-Point Marketing CEO Tim Bronsil and Strategic Solutions Research Partner Hal Rood. The study surveyed 1,205 U.S.

Nostalgia is emerging as a significant factor in consumer spending, particularly among Hispanic shoppers, as memories of childhood foods, familiar brands and cultural traditions influence purchasing decisions, according to research cited by Abasto. Hispanics also comprise a demographic that routinely scores high when it comes to radio use. Nielsen’s January 2026 report says more than 93% of Hispanic adults in the U.S. tune to radio each month. And study by iHeartMedia and Col

A just-released ranking of the 10 highest-paid personalities in sports media includes five who currently have a presence in audio media in addition to their TV work. Leading the list with an estimated $40 million annual intake, according to Bleacher Report, is ESPN and SiriusXM host Stephen A. Smith, who recently signed a five-year $105 million deal with the former and a three-year $36 million agreement with the latter. Smith, known for his controversial takes on sports, poli

USA Lacrosse has entered a partnership with iHeartMedia that makes the media group the organization’s Official Audio Media Partner as lacrosse builds momentum toward its return to the Olympic Games at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Under the agreement, iHeartMedia will support promotional campaigns for USA Lacrosse events and membership initiatives across its network of live radio stations, digital stations and podcasts. The partnership creates a new audio media category for USA