The radio world has lost a veteran with the death of longtime radio executive Norman Feuer. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 19th at 88 year old after a three-year battle with dementia.
What We Know: Feuer worked in advertising, marketing and management, with multiple successful tenures as a station owner. He began in research at New York ad agencies before moving into radio sales at CBS Radio Spot Sales and Katz Radio. In 1971, he became vice president and general manager of WLYF-FM in Miami and WLAK-FM in Chicago. He later owned Force Communications, overseeing KBZT-FM in San Diego. As president of Viacom Radio from 1983 to 1985, he oversaw eight stations in six markets. During that time, New York country station WKHK became adult contemporary WLTW, one of the nation’s most profitable stations. Feuer then held senior roles at Noble Broadcast Group and Pourtales Radio Partnership. From 1995 to 1999, he served as president and CEO of Triathlon Broadcasting. The company grew to 32 stations before Capstar acquired it for $200 million. From 1999 to 2003, he was COO of First Media Works, which helped about 1,500 radio stations build their digital presence. Later in his career, he served as market manager for Clear Channel Radio in Jacksonville.
What They Said: “Norman had a way of connecting with people from all walks of life, treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their position or circumstances.” -Feuer family
What Remains Unclear: The obituary doesn’t say whether stations he led plan any tributes. Likewise, Additional details surrounding his death, such as funeral arrangements, were not made public.
What It Means: Feuer’s death marks the loss of a veteran radio executive whose leadership spanned several decades. His career reflects an era when experienced broadcasters played a central role in station management, programming and ownership changes. His legacy also serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and developing future leaders as radio evolves. He’s survived by his children, Justin, Brian, and Melinda, and two grandsons, Justin and Jesse.
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Chris Cline is leaving Reelworld after 18 years. He served as the company’s Vice President of Affiliate Relations.
What We Know: Cline’s run at Reelworld spanned nearly two decades. However, he isn’t cutting ties completely. Instead, he will stay on as a consultant in a limited capacity. Before Reelworld, he co-founded N2 Effect and spent six and a half years at TM Century, now TM Studios. Ultimately, his career began as a B96/Chicago intern and moved through Midwest stations into syndication.
What They Said: Chris Cline: “I have nothing but great things to say about my tenure at Reelworld. I’m incredibly grateful for the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years and will always consider everyone at Reelworld my friends and family.”
What Remains Unclear: Cline has not revealed his next move. Similarly, Reelworld has not named a replacement for his affiliate relations role.
What It Means: As a result, Reelworld loses a veteran with more than three decades in radio and audio. His resume spans affiliate relations, syndication, sales, marketing, creative services and radio production. While Cline awaits his next steps, the ability to stay on as a consultant keeps a level of a trusted voice in the Reelworld framework till those next steps are found. If you’d like to reach Chris Cline, you can email him directly here or by phone at (972) 898-9922.
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ESPN’s NBA Opening Week averaged 2.3M viewers across four games, up 6% from last year. That’s the network’s largest Opening Week audience since 2014, according to Nielsen.
What We Know: The week’s first doubleheader got things started as ESPN’s second most-viewed Opening Wednesday ever. Thursday’s doubleheader then averaged 2.2 million viewers, up 5% year over year. According to Nielsen, it was the largest Opening Thursday audience across all networks since 2018. In the early window, LeBron James made his regular-season home debut for the 76ers against the team that drafted him, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Philadelphia’s win drew 2.5 million viewers, up 26% from last year’s comparable game. Likewise, it ranked as the fourth-largest Opening Thursday audience since 2000. Viewership then peaked at 3.6 million during the 9:45 p.m. quarter-hour. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s win over the Denver Nuggets averaged 1.8 million viewers, and peaked at 2.4 million during the 9:55 p.m. quarter-hour.
What the Data Says:ESPN NBA Opening Week 2026 Viewership
Broadcast
Games
Avg. Viewers
YoY Change
Historical Ranking
Opening Week
4
2.3M
+6%
Largest since 2014
Opening Thursday
2
2.2M
+5%
Largest since 2018
76ers vs. Cavaliers
1
2.5M
+26%
Largest Opening Thursday game since 2018
Source: ESPN / Nielsen Big Data + Panel.
What Remains Unclear: Although ESPN reported strong opening-week audiences, it’s unclear whether that momentum will continue throughout the regular season. Nielsen’s updated measurement methodology also complicates year-over-year comparisons. Thus, making it difficult to determine how much of the reported growth reflects increased viewership rather than changes in audience measurement.
What it Means: The strong Opening Week ratings show the NBA still pulls big national audiences, especially with star players involved. For ESPN, the gains reinforce the value of its NBA rights and could appeal to advertisers seeking live sports. LeBron James’ home debut also highlights the drawing power of a superstar. The league’s picture looks healthy elsewhere, too. NBC’s opening-night doubleheader averaged 6.41 million viewers, the league’s most-watched opening night ever. Still, sustained growth throughout the season will better measure long-term momentum.
Last week's @ESPNNBA Opening Week delivered its largest audience since 2014!
🏀 2.3M avg. viewers, up 6% YoY 🏀 @cavs–@sixers had the largest Opening Thursday audience since 2018 (2.5M viewers)
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Pat McAfee wasn’t pleased with his experience at Utah, but Brandon Walker sees things differently. The Barstool Sports personality questions whether the students were genuinely disrespectful.
What We Know: McAfee recently expressed frustration with his experience during ESPN’s College GameDay visit to Utah. His comments followed a video posted on the university’s Instagram account featuring students doing impressions of the ESPN personality. Some poked fun at his catchphrases, while others joked about his tendency to take off his shirt. Meanwhile, addressing the controversy on The Brandon Walker Football Show, Walker questioned whether the students were actually trying to insult McAfee, suggesting their remarks were more playful than malicious.
What They Said: “I didn’t see that as those kids really insulting Pat McAfee. Again, I think Pat McAfee is great. I just, I don’t know what made him uncomfortable. If it was more than that, or if it was just the video, and he’s got a right to feel however he wants to feel.” — Brandon Walker
“I think the first kid says, “Yeah, Pat’s going to say a corny line like Houston, we got a problem.” I think he he took umbrage at the word corny, but I think they get meant in an endearing way. Like he’s going to get up there and he’s going to play the hits, and he’s gonna speak to us, and he’s gonna say a line that sounds corny, like Houston, we have a problem. I don’t think he meant corny in a bad way.” — Brandon Walker
“Our goal during the visit was to create lighthearted engagement regarding Pat being back on campus, but we missed the mark. University staff are responsible for reviewing and posting content on official social media accounts and we take full accountability for that.”- University of Utah
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether the university’s video was his main concern or if other interactions played a role. Meanwhile, It’s unknown whether McAfee will respond to Walker’s comments.
What It Means: The controversy highlights the challenges of maintaining an outspoken, larger-than-life persona while navigating public criticism. He, and others often invites strong reactions, but distinguishing playful teasing from hostility or criticism isn’t always easy. More broadly, the controversy underscores the delicate relationship between media personalities, host cities/universities and fans. Furthermore, It could make institutions more cautious about engaging with high-profile figures on social media.
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JAŸ-Z is preparing for a different role at the Super Bowl. After years of helping shape the halftime show, he’ll headline the event himself.
What We Know: The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Monday that Jay-Z will perform at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on February 14, 2027. The announcement marks a new chapter in Jay-Z’s relationship with the league. Since 2019, his entertainment company, Roc Nation, has helped oversee the NFL’s halftime productions and entertainment strategy. Commissioner Roger Goodell previously expressed interest in having Jay-Z perform, although the rapper initially resisted the idea.
What They Said:JAŸ-Z: “From Reasonable Doubt to standing on the Super Bowl Halftime stage, this has been a journey. Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world’s biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: “For several years, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with JAŸ-Z and Roc Nation, and I’ve seen the extraordinary impact he has had on the Super Bowl Halftime Show. When we first reached an agreement with Roc Nation to produce the show, I had just one request: that JAŸ-Z take the stage himself one day, whenever the moment felt right to him. I couldn’t be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring to the Super Bowl stage.”
What Remains Unclear: The NFL has not announced any support acts for JAŸ-Z performance. Moreover, details will be revealed closer to the performance. Disney has not detailed any special shoulder programming around the annual event as of yet.
What It Means: Jay-Z performing further establishes the Super Bowl as a global entertainment event that reaches well beyond football. Likewise, it strengthens the NFL’s connection to hip-hop while creating additional opportunities for advertisers and sponsors. Additionally, the show offers a chance to celebrate his career on one of the biggest stages and further solidify his influence across the entertainment world.
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Pat McAfee is one of sports media’s greatest success stories. He took an NFL career as a punter and single-handedly changed how younger audiences consume sports and engage in sports conversation. But McAfee’s success and insecurity have often intersected. This weekend at the University of Utah was just the latest example.
On Saturday’s edition of College GameDay, McAfee’s usual cheerleader-like enthusiasm seemed to sour. He once again took shots at The New York Times, appeared flabbergasted when his “kicking is easy” gimmick was questioned and wrapped up the show by saying, “I’ll never see you again, hopefully.” The same man who has cashed in on being a self-described polarizing figure is showing just how thin his skin can be.
Criticizing how McAfee has earned his wealth and fame is misguided. He’s done the work, networked with the right people and forged his own path. But throughout his rise, McAfee has faced criticism from the “old guard.” I’ve never shied away from calling him out when his actions stray from the norms of acceptability traditionally associated with the network airing his program.
Yet this weekend felt different. McAfee’s response did, too.
Soft Like Charmin?
Early Saturday morning, before College GameDay went on the air, the University of Utah posted a video featuring students preparing to welcome the program to campus. The premise was simple: Give me your best Pat McAfee impression. The video has been removed from the university’s account, but you can watch it here.
One student predicted McAfee would deliver a “corny” line. Another joked that he would bet money on McAfee taking off his shirt during the show. A third asked McAfee to keep his shirt on. The video ended with a student admitting he couldn’t do a McAfee impression.
If you were looking for the most devastating criticism a sports media personality could receive from college students, these comments wouldn’t make the list.
Nevertheless, the video caught McAfee’s attention shortly before he appeared on College GameDay. After watching it, he expressed displeasure with the university for posting something he considered foul and demeaning on its Instagram account.
“The university is putting this out? That’s something I never experienced in my entire life. It set me off a little bit. Made me feel a little bit weird,” McAfee said. “Then I thought to myself, has anything scary happened at a college gathering in the state of Utah recently? Should we really be amplifying reasons for why people hate my guts as a University?”
If you missed the reference, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was murdered at Utah Valley University just over a year ago.
The same man who proudly labels himself a “polarizing figure” was now taking shots at college students over an Instagram video and raising the specter of deadly violence in response to their criticism. His comments invoked a high-profile murder at another Utah university a year earlier, despite the students’ video containing little more than lighthearted jokes about his on-air persona.
“I hate this place [University of Utah]. They got a good football team though,” McAfee clarified later Monday.
McAfee didn’t mention Kirk by name. However, his reference was difficult to miss. Much like lyrics built around generic clichés and grievance tropes, his remarks left room for interpretation while inviting audiences to connect the dots.
With Success Comes Spotlight
Success brings pressure. That pressure often amplifies criticism from those eager to tear down people who have made it to the top. Every major success story comes with its share of resentment, jealousy and people hoping to see the person behind it stumble.
Does McAfee receive plenty of attention for his opinions and the way he conducts his business? Yes.
Does he face criticism for how often ESPN features him across its football coverage? Of course.
Does the typical College GameDay viewer know what The New York Times wrote about McAfee? Likely not.
Does that same viewer know what the University of Utah posted on Instagram that soured McAfee’s mood Saturday? Probably not.
This is where McAfee continues to struggle. For all the success he has, giving his detractors a platform doesn’t help him. As he continues to build his brand at ESPN, he also has a responsibility to understand the role he plays on screen. When he loses sight of that responsibility, he misses the point of his inclusion.
Yes, McAfee is human. But he’s also likely to become one of the wealthiest personalities at a network that dominates sports media. It’s difficult to play the victim when you’re the king of the castle.
Positivity Always Wins
Pat McAfee built a brand on the energy, passion and positivity that make sports such a powerful part of people’s lives. His greatest strength has never been his ability to silence critics. It’s been his ability to connect with an audience that sees something different in him and wants to be part of what he’s building.
That connection has made him one of the most influential figures in sports media, and it shouldn’t be overshadowed by a need to respond to everyone who takes a shot at him. McAfee is too talented, too successful and too influential to spend his time wallowing in the shallow pools of resentment and hate that come with his success.
Moreover, he has spent years proving that doing things his own way can work.
Now, the challenge is to remember that the best way to win isn’t to fight every battle thrown his way. It’s to keep giving people a reason to tune in, laugh, engage and enjoy sports.
That’s the brand that got him here, and it’s the one worth protecting.
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Brandon Ison is stepping into a bigger role at the Worldwide News Network. The network elevated him to Vice President of News & Operations. He now oversees the radio news operation that launched earlier this year.
Ison takes over for Lee Harris, who exited the role in August. Harris had brought him to the network after CBS News Radio ceased operations.
Ison didn’t hesitate to share how he feels about the promotion.
“I couldn’t be much more excited to have this opportunity,” said Ison. “I started out at an independently owned cluster in 1996. To be back in an environment where the owner walks the halls and has the same love and passion for the game as I do, it’s truly incredible. Just having that makes it easy to put in the long hours that are necessary to accomplish our goals.”
A Vision Years in the Making
Ison had imagined a network like this for years. Then CBS announced it would close its radio news operation.
“I already had a vision of how a news network could operate,” said Ison. “I had attempted with previous employers and other allies in the industry to get something going for the better part of a decade. When CBS announced in February that they were folding their radio news operation, my heart just really sank. People close to me were reaching out, asking if I was going to launch something on my own.”
Meanwhile, Harris soon announced plans to launch a radio news network built to replace the top-tier services of CBS News Radio. Ison reached out immediately.
“The longtime vision that John Catsimatidis has had for a Worldwide News Network is nearly parallel to the vision that I’ve long had,” Ison said. “We’re really in sync on this. It’s no opinion, no spin, reporting the facts with journalistic integrity from trusted sources in a balanced and responsible way. That allows our listeners to digest and better understand the world as it is when they wake up each day.”
Lessons From a Cow Pasture
Notably, Ison’s path started long before the network existed.
“I started out as an overnight country DJ at 16 years old in Yakima, Washington,” the Worldwide News Network executive shared. “We were broadcasting from a trailer in the middle of a cow pasture next to a train track. I come from an all-hands-on-deck environment. Each of us possessed the skills to be the engineer, the IT person, the street team, the producer, and the writer. It was a well-rounded, no-excuses situation that has stayed with me throughout my entire career.”
That background also shapes how he manages people. Most of his staff came from CBS, so he leans on trust.
“My leadership has always been, people come to me and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got this idea,’ and I just say, ‘Do it,’” said Ison. “If it doesn’t work, then we just move on. We continue to grow that way, which has been very valuable. Everyone here knows that they can be themselves. I think trust is a key word.”
What Comes Next
Now Ison turns his attention to growth. First on his list is building out the network’s content.
“We’re most excited to be in the process of building out the network in terms of content, contributors, and correspondents,” Ison said. “We’re working with our affiliates and potential affiliates on what their needs are as far as content goes, creating that content. Now we’ve developed a unified delivery system to get that to them. That’s a major step for us.”
Meanwhile, the upcoming election gives the network an early showcase.
“In-house, we’re dubbing it our true coming-out party,” the Worldwide News Network executive shared. “It’ll be the first day that we launch our special report system, with election coverage reports going out on the bird at 15 and 45 every hour. We’ll be fully staffed that night with personnel dedicated to election coverage. We’ll also have a variety of political experts on hand to help break down the vote.”
Even so, Ison says the workload hasn’t weighed on him.
“I’ve been working 20-hour days for five months straight, and it’s not felt like that,” said Ison. “It’s been a very natural and organic fit for me to be here and be doing what we’re doing. To this day, I’m still really excited about what’s to come as we continue to build it.”
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For as long as universities have existed, each has built a legacy through the stories of those who have walked its halls. From celebrities and scientists to politicians, artists and athletes, every school’s legacy reflects the success its students achieve after leaving campus. LaVar Arrington has his own success story, built on a decorated foundation at Penn State University.
After a three-year career with the Nittany Lions, Arrington was drafted second overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. The three-time Pro Bowl selection played seven seasons at the highest level before retiring. His success on the field led to opportunities off it. Since retiring, Arrington has made his mark in television, radio and, now, podcasting. His media experience and entrepreneurial spirit led him to identify a gap in the podcasting ecosystem: a platform connecting stories of success with those who found their foundation at Penn State.
“This is about building the entirety of the institution, not just athletics,” Arrington said about the launch of Who We Are: Penn State, an alumni-focused podcast franchise. “As I’ve worked with our alumni association, I started doing homework on other associations. If you’re talking about a direct aim at an alumni association in regards to content, who provides that specific content? There are amazing stories that are connected to all alumni at every school.”
In partnership with FOX Sports Radio and Arrington’s media company, DisruptU PSU, Who We Are: Penn State focuses on stories that go beyond resumes and accomplishments. The goal is to explore the experiences, relationships, turning points and lessons that have shaped Penn State alumni, both on and off the field.
Each episode features Arrington, a Penn State alumnus, working with the university’s alumni association to host a one-on-one conversation with a fellow graduate.
Who We Are: Penn State Hosted By LaVar Arrington With Guest Amanda Gifford. I'm Living A Dream Pt. 1 https://t.co/2Co2lrowpb
“Their involvement has been everything and made the total activation so impressive. It is a necessary and needed moment in time. Especially between sports and academia, where there is a real concentrated effort to connect,” Arrington says. “There’s a gap being created between the students, alumni, and athletics because of the attention being paid to NIL. If schools do content that directly serves their alumni, it could be as big a moment as integrating into colleges. We’ve gone far from amateurism, and we’re on the brink of admitting its employees.”
Arrington believes the college experience should continue to place a high value on academics. His goal is simple: turn his idea into a viable business model. After identifying a gap in the content ecosystem, he wants to build a proof of concept that can eventually be taken to market.
“Creating a proof of concept with Penn State has been everything. But it’s also an ‘oh wow’ moment. Why hasn’t anyone created alumni specific content? It could be athletics, or the alumni of any school. They’re the most valued. Because companies do deals selling off the backs of the alumni. Why not a dedicated platform that would be there for content for them. That was the birthplace of the concept,” Arrington explains.
Expanding Beyond Morning Radio
The experience has been humbling for Arrington. He connected his idea with the Penn State alumni association and his employer, iHeartMedia and Premiere Radio Networks. His background with FOX Sports Radio made him a natural fit to host the project while balancing his responsibilities with the national syndicator.
Who We Are: Penn State is the latest addition to Arrington’s growing sports media resume. For the past five years, he has been part of FOX Sports Radio’s morning program, 2 Pros and a Cup of Joe. Alongside FOX Sports college football analyst Brady Quinn and FOX Sports Radio host Jonas Knox, Arrington has helped entertain morning audiences and grow the show’s reach to more than 400 affiliates nationwide.
“We’re authentically who we are. That authenticity makes a connection with a powerful trio of personalities. We bring something different to the table every day, but we’re like three brothers,” Arrington said, describing himself as the old man of the group.
Each personality brings a distinct style to the show. Arrington considers himself “the normal guy,” taking the wealth of information Quinn presents and making it digestible for listeners. He also follows the lead of Knox, whom he considers one of the brightest stars in sports radio.
“I don’t want to compare him to Colin Cowherd, but if you listen to how Jonas Knox handles radio shows, he’s Cowherd-ish,” Arrington notes. “The show, because of our differences, hits different demographics of people. That’s what makes us appealing and successful over the past five years.”
Although Arrington acknowledges that name recognition helps the show build its brand and attract attention, he believes its approach to content sets it apart from competitors. Rather than simply reacting to a story, the hosts focus on the personalities involved and their reactions to one another. They push the envelope when necessary while maintaining a sense of relatability through fun and humor.
Each morning, 2 Pros and a Cup of Joe sets the agenda for the rest of the FOX Sports Radio lineup. The show has benefited from five years of consistency in its current timeslot. However, changes could be on the horizon as Dan Patrick is slated to retire from broadcasting in February 2028. His departure would create a programming decision, leaving several possibilities on the table.
“I’ll leave it up to the decision makers. What I will say is that our mission as a show is to continue building value. Wherever we’re most valued at is where we want to be,” Arrington explains. “We’re just trying to get better at everything, every day. If they need us to step into a different timeslot to make the cluster stronger, we’ll have that conversation at that point in time.”
Welcoming Challenge, Building Legacy
Arrington said he is extremely happy with the show’s current position and continued growth after five years in the timeslot. Still, he wants to keep building beyond the program, including through his work on Who We Are: Penn State.
“I like to challenge myself by building value. That’s why I continue to host several podcasts, and talk to our legends that have played at the college and pro levels about giving back and sharing their journey,” Arrington said. “I do a lot of different things in different categories, including two different radio shows. One with two white dudes, and one with two black dudes [Up On Game]… I like to expand and challenge myself to be more.”
Arrington’s experience extends beyond radio and podcasting. He has worked in television at both the local and national levels. Most recently as a panelist on FS1’s Speak For Yourself, hosted by Jason Whitlock.
Although Arrington left the show in 2022, he said he doesn’t necessarily miss studio television. He remains open to another opportunity though.
“I wouldn’t be closed minded to doing television again, but I’m a radio guy. I love podcasting and having the freedom of creativity in the industry I’m in,” Arrington says. “Television is more rigid and formatted. It’s so difficult in television to allow your true personality to organically come out because of that. It was my biggest challenge in television to consistently be authentic with who I am. Which is tough when you only have fifteen seconds.”
Still, Arrington hopes to one day join Big Noon Kickoff, potentially reuniting with his radio partner Quinn on the set.
“I wanted to be on Big Noon Kickoff. When they brought on Charles Woodson, I was like ‘bring on another defensive guy that’s going to make you laugh and have a good time’. I can keep up with Brady Quinn, I prove it every day,” Arrington noted. “You never know. They might see the light one day and ask why don’t they have Lavar on the stage. Then I might get a call, but maybe that’s wishful thinking.”
For Arrington, the next chapter of his career isn’t about finding a new lane. It’s about creating opportunities to grow while giving others a chance to share their stories. From the daily grind of morning radio to his vision for Who We Are: Penn State, he continues to challenge himself and build something meaningful.
His playing career established his name, but his work in media is helping him build a legacy that extends beyond the football field.
“Ultimately, I want to be in this game for thirty years. Then have people tell my old ass what a hell of a job you did as a personality in this space. Congratulations on the hall of fame,” Arrington explained. “I want to be a pro hall of famer. I believe my hard work, consistency, dedication, and diligence ultimately can lead to us getting awards and a hall of fame caliber career in the radio industry.”
If Arrington has his way, that legacy will begin with a platform that gives Penn State alumni a place to share the experiences, relationships and lessons that helped shape their lives. Through Who We Are: Penn State, he hopes to show that a university’s impact extends far beyond athletics. Creating connections that endure long after graduation.
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It’s all about AI. It’s on everyone’s mind and should be. It’s changing lives and, I believe, for the better. However, could it be our biggest competitor? I was reading Fred Jacobs’ blog, as I do every day, and saw that AI’s #1 use is for therapy and companionship. Wait… radio is supposed to be a companion. Are we being replaced by AI?
While I’ve never used AI in that way, my AI program knows more about my health than anyone, including my doctor. He would have to look up the scores from my latest tests. AI knows them immediately, so it doesn’t surprise me that AI would be a great companion, knowing all the details of your life.
Meet Jennifer
I programmed radio day to day in New York for decades. I picked a specific town in a New Jersey suburb that I knew very well and asked AI for a profile of a target female listener in that ZIP code. Here was the answer: Jennifer is 42, married with two children, ages 9 and 12. She works in marketing, healthcare, finance or another professional field. Her household has two incomes. She drives a Lexus RX, Acura MDX or Honda CR-V. She is comfortable financially, but still conscious of what things cost.
All of that is fine. I pretty much knew all that as well, as the ZIP code I used is pretty affluent. I knew the median household income in that area was over $200,000. I also knew nearly everyone was a homeowner and over 75% of that ZIP was occupied by college grads. However, here is what AI said were her defining characteristics: “She’s juggling a lot. She wants to be a good mother, a good partner and still have a life of her own. She doesn’t think of herself as middle-aged. In her mind, she’s still 30.”
It went on to tell me where she shopped for everything from clothes to groceries. But I was most impressed with the description of her morning routine: “She wakes up at 6:15, checks her phone before getting out of bed. Weather, texts, school notifications, headlines. Coffee is essential. Breakfast is Greek yogurt, toast or whatever she can grab. At 7:15, she’s getting the kids ready and driving them to school and then to work. She’s mentally reviewing the day’s schedule. She wants music, laughter, weather and personalities who make the morning easier.” I may have said those same words to a few shows over the years.
Put the Data to Work
I could go on and on about this fictional woman in this suburb, but by now you get the picture. There is so much data out there, so why not make use of it? Through collective knowledge, AI can pretty much tell you anything you want to know about your listeners in any specific town or ZIP code. You need to use as much of that information as you can to prevent AI from being the new favorite companion of your audience. After all, we all like it when the waiter knows our name, the stylist remembers we had a vacation since our last visit and anyone we encounter says we’ve lost weight.
Get to Know Your Listeners
Ask AI about the people in your key listening areas and really get to know them. Whether it be Greek yogurt or a bagel and cream cheese, add their breakfast to your banter. Which school in their area has the worst drop-off line? How about a unique breakfast or coffee spot other than Starbucks? Mention it. If you have a local show, you really need to lean on what your specific listeners are doing. Steve Harvey or Elvis Duran cannot.
If you have Nielsen’s Control Panel Report, you have the most important ZIP codes for your station and the market. It’s all part of being a better companion and one more piece of the puzzle in becoming a great local personality. The more you know about the people you are talking to, the more they will relate to you. Do it now, before AI fills radio’s role as a companion.
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Four years ago today, Audacy made a bold bet on 1010 WINS. On October 27, 2022, the all-news staple joined the 92.3 FM signal as a full-market simulcast. Skeptics lined up quickly, but the results tell a very different story.
The critics offered three main arguments. First, they said the move wasted a valuable signal, because anyone who cared about the news would find it on AM. Second, they claimed Audacy was doubling up content by running it on two signals. Third, they hated the idea of dedicating all-news radio to WCBS 880, 1010 WINS and 92.3 FM while punting on ALT 92.3.
Those arguments sounded logical at the time. However, logic doesn’t win ratings battles. Numbers do.
The Ratings Settled the Debate
We know what happened with WCBS 880. Now we know what happened when 1010 WINS landed on 92.3 FM, too. The station got stronger — much stronger.
Consider the most recent ratings reports. 1010 WINS ranks number one with Men 25-54 in morning drive. Additionally, it sits at number three overall with Adults 25-54. In the 12+ ratings, the brand has earned a 10 share at times. Even among Adults 18-34, it has posted finishes as high as a 7.4 share.
Those aren’t the numbers of a station that wasted a signal. Instead, they’re the numbers of a brand that found a bigger audience. Meanwhile, the younger demo results deserve extra attention, because all-news radio rarely wins that crowd.
The loss of ALT 92.3 stung its fans, and that reaction was understandable. Still, a station has to serve the audience that shows up in the ratings. Furthermore, FM still matters. Listeners expect a clean sound and easy tuning, and FM delivers both. As a result, a news brand on 92.3 FM reaches people who’d never think to search the AM dial.
The Sound Matters as Much as the Signal
Still, FM alone didn’t deliver those results. Years ago, Audacy New York Vice President of Audio & Digital News Ben Mevorach changed the approach and the sound of 1010 WINS. He pushed the station to sound more conversational and easier to understand.
That shift mattered. Too many news stations still sound stiff and formal. In contrast, 1010 WINS adapted to the way people actually talk and listen. Consequently, the brand fits naturally on an FM dial full of music stations.
Clarity wins in news. Listeners tune in for quick, trustworthy updates, and they don’t want to decode them. When anchors sound like real people, the audience has a reason to stay.
Digital distribution also played a major role. The brand embraced the platforms where news consumers already spend their time. Therefore, 1010 WINS doesn’t depend on one dial position or one device anymore. It follows the listener from the car to the phone and beyond.
A Leap of Faith That Paid Off
Audacy took a leap of faith four years ago today. Skeptics saw a risky overlap, but the company saw an opportunity. Now the proof is in the pudding. Ratings climbed, the sound improved and the brand grew across platforms. In other words, the simulcast didn’t dilute 1010 WINS — it strengthened it.
Consider the alternative. Had Audacy listened to the skeptics, 1010 WINS might still live on AM alone, and a big chunk of New York’s news consumers might never have found it.
Other radio operators should take notice. Strong content deserves the strongest signal available. Likewise, a sharp sound and a smart digital strategy turn that signal into an audience. Four years later, 1010 WINS proves the point every single morning.
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