Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 has hit 600 affiliates. The Countdown keeps on climbing.
What We Know: Premiere Networks confirmed this week that Casey Kasem‘s American Top 40 has crossed the 600-affiliate threshold. Specifically, iHeartMedia’s 93.7 The River in Sacramento marks the landmark addition. Starting May 10, the station will air American Top 40 – The 80’s on Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon PT. Furthermore, the show carries deep historical roots — Kasem created it originally in 1970. Additionally, listeners can still access its original broadcast form spanning 1970 through 1988.
What They Said: Peter Tripi, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales for Premiere Networks, credited the show’s staying power. “This milestone is a testament to the enduring legacy of Casey Kasem and the timeless appeal of American Top 40,” he said.
Tripi added: “These classic shows continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, and we’re thrilled to welcome 93.7 The River as the latest station to bring this iconic countdown experience to its listeners.”
What Remains Unclear: How much larger can the show reasonably expand? 600 stations is a big number. There are no new details yet about potential expansion into new markets.
What It Means: 600 affiliates is a meaningful number for any syndicated property. It shows that classic-format radio programming still holds commercial value in today’s fragmented audio landscape. This milestone reinforces the franchise’s position as one of syndication’s most durable brands.
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Bethany Kent is a Music Radio Editor for Barrett Media. She spent nearly 20 years bringing radio to life on stages, across the airwaves, and through unforgettable listener experiences. Her career spans local markets including Providence, Philadelphia, and New York City, most recently serving as National Director of Music Initiatives for Audacy. From producing major live events like HOT 97’s Summer Jam to leading strategic national marketing initiatives, she has built a career at the intersection of music, media, and culture. She can be reached at bethany@barrettmedia.com.
