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Podcast Agencies Oxford Road and Veritone One Acquired by Insignia Capital Group

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Two of the leading podcast advertising agencies, Oxford Road and Veritone One, have been purchased by Insignia Capital Group in order to form the world’s largest podcast group and leading creator-based media entity. Both businesses will continue to operate independently with future designs for a unified lead brand.

“Brands have been missing out on the full power of audio and creator-led content because these highly fragmented channels are challenging for firms without deep subject matter expertise,” said Dan Granger, CEO of the newly combined organization in a release.

“Our mission is to redefine the value of these channels for advertisers. With Veritone One’s industry-leading tech and data platform, in combination with Oxford Road’s innovation on behalf of brands, we’re creating an agency that sets a new standard.”

“This endeavor is a pivotal moment for brands seeking the next generation of media opportunities,” said Conor Doyle, President of Veritone One. “Podcast, audio, and creator-based media continue to outperform, but the industry still lags behind other mediums in key areas. Having a shared focus will deliver unparalleled leverage, knowledge, and results for our clients, which helps the industry monetize at greater rates. For those of us dedicated to audio, this is a very good thing.”

Additionally, Tony Broglio, President and Partner at Insignia Capital Group said, “The advertising industry continues to rapidly evolve as brands seek more effective ways to reach consumers. We believe these two businesses are at the forefront of digital marketing’s next great evolution with the transformative growth of audio and creator-based advertising. By combining forces, we are empowering brands with unprecedented access to innovative solutions and influential creator networks, setting a new benchmark for the industry.”

Insignia Capital Group is a growth-oriented private equity firm specifically focused on the consumer and business services sectors.

Music Radio Reacts To Jeff Lynne’s ELO Retirement News

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It will be lights out for Jeff Lynne’s ELO when the curtain drops on the July 13, 2025, show at London’s Hyde Park.

“My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014,” band leader Jeff Lynne said in a statement according to Billboard Magazine. “It seems like the perfect place to do our final show. We couldn’t be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans. As the song goes, ‘we’re gonna do it One More Time!’”

The band is currently on their “Over and Out US” tour, which will wrap up with two performances at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles this weekend.

Music radio reacted to the news:

Fred Jacobs, President of Jacobs Media and creator of the Classic Rock format, said, “I got to see them in the early 70s at the MSU Auditorium in East Lansing, and it was a great show.  Mik Kaminski played violin back then, and he was an outstanding and flamboyant player. I also saw the infamous ‘Out of the Blue”’ 1978 Silverdome show here in suburban Detroit where there were accusations of lip syncing.  I preferred the band in the early days. Lynne was a real force, a production genius who did great work with the Beatles, the Travelling Wilburys, and other cool projects.  I’ll miss these guys.”

David Moore, OM for Hubbard Radio Phoenix and Classic Rock KSLX PD, said, “I was not going to be able to attend the show scheduled here in Phoenix last night, but I did see them back in the 70s when they toured with a ‘spaceship.’ I thought it looked more like a clam with long-haired dudes playing violins in it than a spaceship, but the show was great.”

Chasta Michaelis, 107.7 The Bone, San Francisco PD, added, “Anytime one of our beloved rockstars or bands bids a farewell, it pains me. However, it’s always a reminder that musicians are the lucky ones as their music lasts for an eternity. Without question, “Mr. Blue Sky” will forever be a song that puts me in a brighter mood. Thank you to Jeff Lynne and ELO for their remarkable contribution to the magic of music. 

Ron Allen, PD of 96.3 Jack-FM Nashville, said, “I never got to see ELO live, but I definitely have a favorite song, ‘Mr. Blue Sky.’ I’m not sure exactly why, but it might be because I think that’s what the Beatles (if they had stayed together) would have sounded like in 1977. I also loved the ELO album artwork back when that sort of thing really mattered.  

WMMR Philadelphia PD Chuck Damico summed it up, “It brings me down.”

The Electric Light Orchestra was established in 1970 in Birmingham, England. Originally formed by Jeff Lynne, songwriter Roy Wood, and drummer Bev Bevan, the band released its self-titled debut album in 1971. Over the years, ELO produced a total of 14 studio albums, with their latest release, “From Out of Nowhere,” coming in 2019.

620 WTMJ Host Steve Scaffidi: I’m Not Interested in Doing One-Sided Political Talk Radio

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Earlier this year, 620 WTMJ revamped its lineup to feature more news programming rather than conservative talk offerings. Steve Scaffidi is defending the Milwaukee news outlet.

The station has stated its mission is to produce more content to a younger audience with an investment into YouTube and digital content, as well as podcasts and focusing on age more than simply political leanings.

Detractors, however, have argued that the shift in demographics around the area — with Democratic voters in the region rising in numbers — is the real motive for the change of the heritage brand.

And Steve Scaffidi, who hosts the Political Power Hour from 9-10 AM on the Good Karma Brands station, thinks that would be a fool’s errand.

“If we were going to somehow magically try to realign ourselves with how the demographics are changing, how do we know they’re not going to shift the next election?” Scaffidi told Wisconsin Watch. “You’d be constantly changing, it wouldn’t make any sense.”

“I didn’t change. I didn’t come in saying, ‘Oh, man, I’m gonna be like Charlie Sykes,’” Scaffidi added, recalling one of the station’s former mainstays. “The show has always been about presenting both sides and looking at, ‘Ok, so this is the reality we live in. Here’s the politics of our country. What are both sides saying?’ Some of the other shows at other stations, they do a more one-sided conversation about politics. I’m not interested in that. It’s lazy to me. And frankly, I don’t know what you would glean from that.”

620 WTMJ replaced the retiring Jeff Wagner with five new, shorter shows throughout the day. Many are focused on presenting news and issues rather than traditional conservative talk.

Trey Cordie Mighty 93 Program Director Remembered By Music Radio and Friends

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Trey Cordie, Program Director and PM Driver at the Mighty 93 Stephenville, TX, was killed in an auto accident over the weekend. He was 26.

KSTV-FM Owner/General Manager/morning host Boots Elliott told Beneath The Surface News, “It’s a horrible loss. Trey had been with us for just over two years and had really settled into his position. We had basically turned over the entire on-air operation to him as he had worked hard to prove himself as being knowledgeable and capable. This is a tough time for our radio station family.”

Trey was the host of his afternoon show “On Your Way With Trey” and “Texas Style Saturday Night.” He is the son of Dallas radio personality Erin Wilde.

Radio colleagues, friends, and family reacted on social media.

Locked On Podcast Network Debuts Daily Newsletters for Every NBA Team

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Locked On Podcast Network has announced the launch of free daily newsletters covering every NBA team. The company says the newsletters, “will deliver a daily update for NBA fans looking for expert analysis, game previews and recaps, trade talk, and the latest news about their favorite NBA team and the league.” Fans interested in receiving the content are able to subscribe for free at LockedOnDaily.com.

“Whether through podcasts, streaming or newsletters, our Locked On experts are focused on super serving loyal fans passionate about their favorite sports and dedicated to their teams,” said David Locke, president of Locked On in a release. “Our NBA newsletters are yet another way we continue to serve our existing audience and reach new fans.”

Each of the newsletters will feature team-specific news and insights from local Locked On hosts and will also include general league content from NBA and WNBA writer Katie Heindl and NBA analyst Mike Shearer of Basketball Poetry. Fans will also get a daily fantasy cheat sheet from Josh Lloyd of Locked On Fantasy Basketball along with curated links to the stories fans value most.

Sample of a Locked On Podcast Network newsletter
Sample Locked On Podcast Network Utah Jazz Newsletter

The newsletters launched today as the NBA gets set to begin its regular season this evening. Two marquee games will be played with the New York Knicks at the defending champion Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Los Angeles Lakers.

Founded in 2016, Locked On produces more than 250 daily podcasts, and provides coverage of every NBA, NFL, MLB and NFL team plus major college sports teams and conferences.

Jerry Jones Returns to Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan; Compares Weekly Radio Show to ‘Pillow Talk’

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After the fireworks from last week’s appearance on Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, many wondered if there would be a next visit from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. If there was, how would it go? The answer came earlier today as Jones called in for his usual Tuesday visit with the morning show. Jones has appeared on the program for about a decade and a half.

RJ Choppy was on vacation, so host Shan Shariff and Cowboys insider Bobby Belt were joined by Jared Sandler. As they welcomed Jones to the show, Shariff asked how he was doing and he replied, “How are you doing, RJ?”

“Oh man, that stings,” said Shariff, who explained to Jones, “RJ ‘s the only one not here today.”

Jones quipped, “Did he want to avoid the confrontation?”

That got a laugh out of everyone and was a pretty good indicator that there wouldn’t be a continuation of what took place last week. Shariff asked Jones, “Do you want to say anything about last week?”

“I don’t have anything to say about last week,” Jones replied before proceeding to talk about last week.

“I must tell you, I’m surprised that last week got the attention it got,” Jones said. “When I think about what we try to do on this show, for me, is I think we give you two shots a week that I get on and Stephen [Jones] gets on once or twice. Mike [McCarthy], I don’t know if Mike gets on or not, but those are really a privilege. It’s kind of like pillow talk. You get some inside stuff.”

Jones went on to talk about how he assumed the show would ask, once again, about Derrick Henry who had a terrific game on Monday Night Football the previous evening. He explained that when he’s asked the same type of questions repeatedly as he’s been since training camp with Henry, “those kinds of questions are pointedly toward putting you on the spot to make a certain kind of answer…And so that’s a ‘get in your ass’ type of question.”

Jones also explained that some things do or don’t work out and he can’t explain why they happen.

Shariff replied, “I get all that. And normally we’re on the same page in terms of topics and subjects. That’s why I think last week threw us off a little bit. But look, as I’ve said multiple times, Jerry, you’ve provided us, radio gold. And it is a privilege to be able to do this show with you for 15 years. And we had some fireworks. And that’s kind of the way I view it.”

Jones acknowledged that the longevity of the segment says a lot. “Listen, here’s the thing,” Jones said, “the fact that we’ve been doing it 15 years, this shows that some place in between there we got comfortable in our skin doing these type things. And we did get comfortable with it. I’m tickled to death that we have as much interest in this as we do.”

The remainder of the interview went as it normally does and as they wrapped, Shariff made another humorous reference to the previous week. This led Jones to say, “humor or lightness in my life has been vital. Because when you get in tough spots or when you get in tough acts, a little humor at the right time in the foxhole is some good stuff. I love the job that y’all do. We all have different ways of dealing with angst or with pressure. I like the way we do this show. And I’ll tell you this right now, I don’t think it does us any harm at all to have disagreements. I don’t think it does any harm to show emotion. I think all of that is a part of it.”

The Joe Rogan Experience to Record Podcast with Donald Trump This Week

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The rumored interview is happening: Republican nominee Donald Trump is going on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

Rogan will sit down with Trump at his Austin, Texas studio on Friday, according to a report from POLITICO. Rogan’s podcast features more than 14 million followers on Spotify, and features a demographic of mostly younger male listeners.

During an interview with the Nelk Boys podcast earlier this month, Trump was asked about his podcast tour. When the host said he’d like to see the former President sit down with Joe Rogan, Trump said it’s happening.

“I think I’m doing it, actually,” Trump said before calling Rogan a “good guy.”

When questioned if he was indeed telling the truth, Trump replied “Yeah, I am.”

The news of a Rogan interview with Donald Trump comes after the two have shared a somewhat complicated relationship. Earlier this year, Trump was critical of Rogan after the comedian said both sides of the political aisle are manipulative.

In 2022, Joe Rogan said he had previously turned down the opportunity to have Trump on the podcast several times.

“I’m not a Trump supporter in any way, shape or form. I’ve had the opportunity to have him on my show more than once, I’ve said no every time,” said Joe Rogan. “I don’t want to help him, I’m not interested in helping him.”

Similar reports of Rogan sitting down with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, have surfaced. However, that interview has yet to be confirmed by either party.

GBH Alters Morning Edition Hosts and Timeslot in Boston

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Public news/talk station WGBH in Boston has announced changes to its popular Morning Edition show, including a new timeslot.

Host Paris Alston is departing the program to focus on her duties with WBGH-TV. She will continue hosting the acclaimed series A Walk Down the Block, as well as Basic Black for WGBH-TV.

Co-host Jeremy Siegel is also departing the show, with a new focus on a podcast and one-hour radio show upcoming in 2025 the reasoning behind his departure. His show will focus on Massachusetts as a whole, and will also air on other public stations in the region, including WCAI 90.1 in Cape Cod.

Siegel will continue to serve as the transportation correspondent as well as host of The World, the longest-running global news program.

The pair will be replaced on an interim basis by reporter Mark Herz. He will begin hosting Morning Edition on GBH on Monday, October 28th. Once he begins hosting the program, the show will be heard from 6-10 AM. It was previously airing in the 5-10 AM timeslot.

Libsyn Announces Multi-Year Ad Deal with Revolutions Podcast From Mike Duncan

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Libsyn has announced it has entered into an exclusive partnership with Revolutions, the podcast hosted by Mike Duncan, and will also serve as the host for an additional series from the New York Times bestselling author.

The History of Rome has shared nearly 190 episodes on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and follows closely to one of the books the author has penned on the subject. Meanwhile, his Revolutions podcast just began its 11th season earlier this month, which features insight on the political revolutions through history. That podcast has earned more than 117 million downloads during its history, and is consistently one of the most popular history programs on Apple Podcasts.

“Mike has built one of the most compelling and respected podcasts with ‘Revolutions,’” said Libsyn Senior Director of Publishers & Partnerships Andy Rogers. “At Libsyn, we’re excited to bring brands into the conversation with deeply engaged audiences and the best podcast creators in the business, driving real results. With top-tier creators like Mike Duncan on our team, the opportunities are truly limitless.”

“I’m thrilled to take my relationship with Libsyn to the next level, a true leader in podcasting, to connect with advertisers that resonate with our audience and expand our listener base,” said podcast series host Mike Duncan. “Libsyn’s innovative tools enable us to enhance the ad experience and connect our history-loving audience with brands that share our passion for historical storytelling, making it a win-win for everyone involved.”

The partnership will utilize Libsyn Ads’ host-read and automatic ads offerings, which enables podcast creators to incorporate premium programmatic ads.

FOX Sports Draws More Than 27 Million Viewers for Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl Rematch

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America’s Game of the Week was a big one for FOX Sports this past weekend. The Super Bowl rematch game drew an average audience 0f 27.076 viewers, making it the most watched telecast of the week on any network.

The Chiefs won the game 28-18 and improved to 6-0 on the season while the 49ers dropped to 3-4. It was a 14-12 game going into the fourth quarter when the Chiefs scored two touchdowns to put the game away.

The game was up 11% over the Week 7 game from last year which drew 24.379 million viewers. For the season, FOX Sports reports AGOTW is averaging 25.572 million viewers per game, an increase of 14% over last season.

FOX NFL Sunday averaged 4.52 million viewers, up 14% over last season.

For the season to date, the NFL on FOX is up 11 % over last season, averaging 18.898 million viewers per game. This is the best showing for the network since 2016 through seven weeks of the season.

This coming Sunday, the top NFL on FOX broadcast team of Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi will be in Seattle where the Seahawks will host the Buffalo Bills.