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How Dave Ramsey Built One of America’s Most Successful Talk Radio Empires

Garrett Searight
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How Dave Ramsey Built One of America’s Most Successful Talk Radio Empires

Dave Ramsey — and his nationally syndicated radio program, The Ramsey Show — have become synonymous with the talk radio space.

After launching the program more than three decades ago, Ramsey is continually viewed as one of the top radio hosts in America, focusing on finances and relationships rather than conservative politics or comedy to attract a widespread audience.

In spite of all of the success, it would be easy to think that Ramsey has just coasted on name recognition in recent years. That being the founder of a multi-million company, that includes a wildly successful radio show, and being a best-selling author means that something takes a back seat.

But the radio show remains as popular as ever. Oftentimes, the show is even more popular when he’s not on it, he noted with a chuckle, pointing out that ratings data proves listenership rises when he isn’t heard on the show any given day.

How has the radio show and the message of financial responsibility from Dave Ramsey persisted, though?

Because, since the show’s inception, the world has changed dramatically. Ramsey noted, however, that the behaviors that land people in a position where they need his help and guidance haven’t changed. The method in which they accrue those issues has.

He pointed specifically to the ease of use of platforms like Amazon or the ability to split purchases for even the most menial products up with the use of Klarna as ways those financial holes have been dug.

But those opportunities have also allowed Dave Ramsey to test his theories about behaviors, relationships, and money management. And he believes the proof is in the pudding.

“We’ve gotten what we would call more social proof,” said Ramsey. “We’ve had 10 million people go through Financial Peace University, tens of millions on YouTube, podcasts, and on talk radio every week, and tens of millions of books sold. So we’re no longer lacking in confidence about what we’re saying. The proof is there that what we’re teaching works.

“We really are not up for arguing about this anymore. In the old days, I felt like I had to persuade more. I was just a guy who had gone bankrupt and got on talk radio. So I had to use common sense. I had to use persuasive arguments. And now I’m just like, ‘Shut up and do it,'” he said with a chuckle. “It’s not arrogance, it’s confidence. Because we’ve just got so much data to prove that the things we’ve been teaching all these decades work.”

Another evolution for The Ramsey Show? Dave Ramsey believes the on-air delivery has significantly improved over the course of his career.

“When I started talk radio in 1994, I sounded like I had just come out of a double-wide in the Appalachians,” Ramsey said. “I mean, it was ‘WTN and we’re talking Nashville,'” he said with a mocking southern drawl. “It was like ‘Grand Ole Opry does financial talk.’ It was ridiculous. So I actually hired a broadcast coach to teach me to speak properly. Because, where I come from, we don’t finish our ‘ings’ — we’re gonna, we’re not going. We’re goin.’

“So I had to learn to speak, because I didn’t have enough credibility with that country pride to get on a station in California or Boston or something. They wouldn’t put me on because I sounded like an idiot. But I wasn’t an idiot. I was smart. My lingo was just horrible. I had to get better at my craft.”

That dedication to perfecting the craft hasn’t subsided for the Ramsey Solutions founder. In spite of being the second most-listened to talk radio show in America, with hundreds of affiliates, Dave Ramsey admitted there are always things he and his panel of Ramsey Experts heard on The Ramsey Show can work on.

“We talk about it frequently … We just have to be real careful to listen. To slow down and listen,” Ramsey admitted. “Because that’s been the secret sauce of this show from day one — was that human beings had a place to call and be heard, instead of just truncating it and going straight to the tactical financial answer. Because if you do that, you’re just answering your mother’s 401K questions all day long, and that’s boring as crud.”

The internet has changed everything for everyone in the media space. Some, however, have been quicker to adapt and adopt new distribution platforms. Few, if any, have adopted those new platforms as well as Ramsey Solutions.

On YouTube, The Ramsey Show Highlights channel is approaching four million subscribers. The Ramsey Show channel has just under 1 million subscribers on that platform. Individual shows like Smart Money Happy Hour (128,000), Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman (110,000), The Dr. John Delony Show (1.1 million), and channels for Rachel Cruze (508,000) and George Kamel (397,000) each have huge followings on the platform.

Additionally, Ramsey Personalities have a combined 5.1 million followers on TikTok, with Ramsey Solutions seeing millions more between Instagram, Facebook, and X, among other social media apps.

Now, Dave Ramsey says — to his core — he’s a talk radio person. He loves the medium and always will. But knows that he has to be available wherever the potential audience is.

“We never said, ‘We are talk radio people.’ We said, ‘We’re people who help others with their money and their lives.’ Where we do that doesn’t matter — whether it’s in a book, on a stage, on a cassette tape, a VHS tape, a DVD, or an MP3,” said Ramsey.

“In the last two or three years, we’ve fully recognized inside the company that if you’re under 32 or 33 years old, you really don’t distinguish between Instagram Reels, a podcast, YouTube, or even talk radio — if you even know where it is. It’s all broadcast to that generation. To my generation, social media is over here to the right. YouTube was cats chasing lasers. But I’m a Boomer, so I’m old. Then you had the ‘real’ broadcast over here, which was television and radio.

“But in today’s world, the news source for a 26-year-old is not any kind of old form broadcast at all,” he continued. “They would no more turn on Fox News on Hulu than fly to the moon. If they’re going to get a Fox News clip — or something that was said on Fox News — it’s going to end up floating through TikTok or an Instagram Reel. That is broadcast now. There’s no longer a meaningful distinction between the two. So we just treat the whole thing like it’s content production, because it is.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Countdown To Morning Show Boot Camp: Don Anthony

Jeff Lynn
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Countdown To Morning Show Boot Camp: Don Anthony

People who have gotten up at 3:15 am to prepare to crack the mic at 5:29 belong to a special club. Today’s battle for share of ear sometimes leaves morning shows wondering how to stay relevant.

If you’ve found yourself asking that question, Don Anthony has built a place for you. Anthony is the founder of Morning Show Bootcamp, an annual gathering of industry folks that is part reunion, part revival, and part reality check.

Morning Show Boot Camp kicks off Thursday at the Austin Marriott in Austin, TX.

I began my conversation with Anthony, asking him to describe the event for a first-time attendee or someone who had never attended before.

“I think each person’s impression could vary depending on what they’ve read, heard or seen on social media about our event, said Anthony. “Regardless, given some time to mingle with others, attend a few sessions and absorb the mood and camaraderie of the crowd, I have no doubt they’ll quickly sense a true feeling of community and commonality unlike anything they expected.

“Remember, most of those in attendance are people behind the mic. They’ve all experienced, firsthand, the ultimate power of radio. And now they’re elbow to elbow with hundreds of others who relate to that experience.”

“I’ve heard from numerous first timers on how nervous or intimidated they were with meeting so many top air-talent and programmers, but after a couple of days, they begin to realize they’re all part of the same team.

Created By Talent, For Talent

Morning Show Boot Camp is where talent runs the show.

“We have a very energetic, I call it younger, mostly below 40, really diverse crowd. A good mixture of young, old, men, women, newbies, legends, people who have been on the air for a long time.”

“You feel their energy the minute you walk in the room. The sessions are very engaging. The hallways are interesting. Every person takes away something different. But the one thing that people will be most excited about is the enthusiasm. There’s a real positive vibe.”

When Disaster Strikes

I commented to Anthony that I was happy to see that this year’s agenda included a session titled “Dealing with Disasters.”

“I felt remiss in not adding something given the tragedy that took place in Texas, and the fires in LA, the hurricanes in North Carolina. It’s not just about hearing stories, but also other angles.”

“One of the people we tried to get was trapped in a radio station for over a week during Hurricane Helene. That story got international coverage. When he got back to his home, there was a lot of damage. It was the Broadcasters Foundation of America that actually helped.”

Anthony emphasizes that while radio is a vital link to the public during emergencies, the people behind the mic often carry deep emotional and logistical burdens.

“Many have to get in the car, get to the station, be on the air, and sometimes spend the night there. Radio becomes a real lifeline, and those people are right in the thick of it.”

Focusing on the Future: Self-Reliance and Innovation

MSBC focused on what’s next. The theme running through this year’s program is self-reliance.

“Talent has to start thinking more like a franchise. Being more in charge of their own destiny. Doing things that lend well to today and their future.”

That means creating new revenue streams, such as voiceover work, merchandise sales, speaking engagements, and even writing books. It also means embracing technology from video to podcasting to AI.

Specifically speaking to AI, Anthony said, “Since three years ago, when we first started talking about it, people were fearful. Now, most are using it in some way. It’s about using it more effectively to make your content better.”

Surprise Standouts and Emotional Moments

Knowing that it was likely an impossible question, I asked Anthony if he could pick out one or two standout moments over the 36 years.

“My experience has always been that sometimes the session you didn’t expect to get the most attention was the one that got the most comments.”

One such moment occurred three years ago, when MSBC hosted a panel on “Managing Your Mental Well-Being.”

“People got on the stage and told personal stories. I saw people coming out of the room with tears in their eyes. The stories were so compelling and so raw. It just took the breath out of a lot of people.”

Another memory involves longtime attendee and radio legend, the late Bob Rivers.

“Two years ago, he was on stage doing a shtick, funny and engaging. Last year, he was walking around like everything was normal. And then only a few months later, to hear of his passing, that definitely affected me.”

Face to Face Still Matters

COVID changed everything. But if the pandemic taught Anthony anything, it’s that radio people need each other.

“We only did one virtual event during COVID,” he says. “It became crystal clear to me: our group likes being together. They want to see face-to-face. They want to interact.”

Like any radio convention, the networking and late-night conversations are some of the most loved times.

“We always tell people the biggest event at our camp is around the bars at night. Not because of drinking, but because of the conversations. They usually chase our groups out of the bars, because they’ll spend hours just talking shop.”

Why You Should Go

Anthony makes a promise.

“If you haven’t been to Boot Camp before, and you’ve heard a lot about it, I would say without a doubt it will not fail to live up to what you’ve heard.”

“It’s something created by talent. It’s something they’ve put together. And it’s something that still has a lot to offer in today’s radio world.”

Find out more about Morning Show Boot Camp 37 here.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Why Talk Radio Can’t Ignore Pop Culture in a Fragmented Media World

Perry Michael Simon
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Why Talk Radio Can’t Ignore Pop Culture in a Fragmented Media World

For years, I advised talk radio hosts to keep up with popular culture, particularly youth culture, and avoid the tendency to dismiss today’s music, TV, and movies, for example, as somehow lesser than the stuff we absorbed when we were that age.

I told you that we don’t have to like the top 40 of today, or what’s on TV, or the latest comic book franchise movie, but just to be aware of what’s what and who’s who and not reflexively trash it. That advice still stands. You don’t want to come off as Abe Simpson yelling at clouds.

I, on the other hand, am not on the air at the moment. I still try to stay attuned to youth culture. However, despite having a lot more time to do so these days, I’m finding it harder and harder to do that.

The culture has atomized. One person’s obsession is another’s “who’s that?” even when they’re the same age or from the same background. It changes from person to person and place to place – where I live, Bad Bunny might be the most popular celebrity of all, while a few miles north of here, it’s probably Morgan Wallen or someone like him. (We’re south, but not The South, if you catch my drift; we’re New York, Boston, and Philadelphia expats here, but go north past, say, Port St. Lucie and it’s Alabama.)

The slow-motion demise of linear television means that nobody is watching the same shows at the same time. We are not united in anything.

So you scroll through your socials, and anything apolitical ends up obfuscating everything. What’s hot? Who are these people being treated as household names when they’re not known to your household at all?

Are we still treating Vanderpump-related things as the center of all popular culture? Or Love Island? Are people really all that upset by Sabrina Carpenter, or is she an obsession of just the terminally online? Who the hell is Glen Powell? Can you name one Doja Cat song? Or has culture finally and completely outrun you? If a caller, or a friend, or any random person refers to a trending cultural topic, can you be expected to “get it” regardless of whether you’ve heard of it?

If you’re a radio host, you still need to try. It’s hard, I know, but you have some tools at your disposal. Spotify charts, gossip sites, trending lists, whatever works for you. Got kids? Find out what they’re into. But don’t get too into it. You don’t want to be the creepy old guy amidst 60,000 teens at a concert. Knowing who’s who and what’s what in the culture doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t act your age.

An adult guy wearing a Chappell Roan t-shirt is going to raise suspicions when he’s pushing close to Social Security eligibility, even if “Pink Pony Club” is his favorite song ever. It is totally acceptable to look at the Coachella lineup every year and admit that you have no idea who any of those acts are. It happens to the best of us. You are your parents.

Just don’t get on the air with that “kids these days” attitude, and don’t go near the “the kids are really into Classic Rock” thing. They’re not really all that into it, or the movies you grew up with, or the celebrities you remember. (Ask anyone under 40 years old who Bob Hope was.)

Between the inexorable march of time and the move from a monoculture when everyone watched the same shows and listened to AM-style top 40 to one where everyone consumes different entertainment and gets different news, you can’t expect to know everything. But you have to try, because it’s better for your show when you speak the language of your audience. It’s just that there are a lot of languages to learn, and no Duolingo or Babbel to help you learn them.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting to Cease Operations After Federal Funding Cut

BNM Staff
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Corporation for Public Broadcasting to Cease Operations After Federal Funding Cut

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting will shut down next month after Congress slashed more than $1 billion appropriated for the organization.

In a message to employees Friday, the organization said that it will eliminate the majority of positions on Tuesday, September 30th. A small team will continue with the company through January.

“Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations,” President and CEO Patricia Harrison said in a statement. “CPB remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and supporting our partners through this transition with transparency and care.”

“Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life, providing educational opportunity, emergency alerts, civil discourse, and cultural connection to every corner of the country,” she continued. “We are deeply grateful to our partners across the system for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving the American people.”

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting was created by Congress in 1967 as a non-profit organization. Its main goal is to maintain funds used to operate public radio and television stations around the country.

In a vote last month, the Senate passed $9 billion in federal spending cuts. Those cuts included more than $1 billion in reductions to NPR and PBS.

The passed legislation would remove $1.1 billion in funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That figure represents what the CPB was slated to receive over the next two budget years.

The vote to pass the cuts was split largely along party lines. Those voting against the move included all Senate Democrats, who were joined by Republican Sens. Susan Collins (ME) and Lisa Murkowski (AK).

Roughly 100 employees work at the Corporation. The CPB estimates that 70% of its funding goes to local stations, not national outlets. Advocates for the organization have pointed to high favorability among the general public as a reason why it should remain.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

ESPN Reportedly Reaches Deal With NFL Media To Take Over Redzone, NFL Network, and More

BSM Staff
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ESPN Reportedly Reaches Deal With NFL Media To Take Over Redzone, NFL Network, and More

In a move poised to reshape the sports media landscape, ESPN and the NFL have reached a landmark agreement that will give the league a minority equity stake in the sports network in exchange for several of the NFL’s key media assets, according to a report from The Athletic.

While details are expected to be finalized and announced as early as next week — coinciding with Disney’s quarterly earnings call on Wednesday — sources close to the negotiations revealed to The Athletic that the NFL will receive up to a 10% ownership stake in ESPN. In return, ESPN gains control of several NFL-owned media properties, including RedZone, NFL Network, the league’s fantasy football business, and seven additional regular-season games.

The blockbuster deal also comes just weeks before ESPN launches its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, slated to cost $29.99 per month. The platform — branded simply as “ESPN” — will give fans the ability to access the full suite of ESPN content, including live games, without a traditional cable or satellite subscription.

This agreement has been years in the making, as both sides navigated fits and starts in negotiations spanning four years. The NFL has long sought to offload its media assets, which, while high in visibility, have failed to match ESPN’s reach. NFL Network, in particular, has faced budget cuts and limited growth despite its early promise as a potential ESPN competitor.

Under ESPN’s stewardship, sources tell The Athletic the NFL Network could mirror the structure of SEC Network — serving as a 24/7 companion outlet dedicated to NFL content while leveraging shared talent and resources with ESPN’s main programming.

“This deal gives the NFL a chance to divest from the production side and instead focus on monetizing its intellectual property,” one source told The Athletic. “And ESPN gets stronger distribution leverage heading into future carriage negotiations.”

RedZone’s inclusion is a pivotal part of the strategy. ESPN could bundle it into cable and streaming packages or offer it directly through the new app.

The NFL’s existing broadcast contracts — valued at over $110 billion — remain unaffected by this equity arrangement. However, the league retains opt-out clauses with media partners at the end of the decade, adding a layer of strategic flexibility.

With any agreement such as this, regulatory approval will be required, and that process could stretch into mid-to-late 2026. If completed in time, the integration of NFL Media into ESPN could be in full effect just ahead of the network’s first Super Bowl broadcast in February 2027.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Greg Papa Stepping Down From KNBR After Cancer Diagnosis

BSM Staff
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Greg Papa Stepping Down From KNBR After Cancer Diagnosis

In a statement posted on social media, KNBR talk show host and San Francisco 49ers play-by-play voice Greg Papa has been diagnosed with cancer. Papa made the announcement via a post in which he stated he will be stepping away from his duties at KNBR to focus on his treatment and work toward a full recovery.

Papa noted Greg Silver will continue to host in the daypart of Papa & Silver with a rotation on guest co-hosts to fill in Papa’s absence.

“I want to share some personal news with Bay Area sports fans and my friends and colleagues. I have been diagnosed with cancer and am undergoing treatment,” wrote Papa. “Thanks to everyone for your prayers and good wishes as I begin this fight.”

Papa recently celebrated his six-year anniversary hosting middays at KNBR following a stint at crosstown rival 95.7 The Game. He’s been balancing hosting a sports talk show along with play-by-play duties since 2012. Papa has called play-by-play for the Golden State Warriors (1986–1997), Oakland Athletics (1990–2003), San Francisco Giants (2004–2008), Oakland Raiders (1997–2017), and currently with the San Francisco 49ers since 2019.

KNBR Program Director Mike Hohler read the release posted below today on Murph & Markus and wished the best for Papa moving forward in his battle with cancer.

“There’s been a lot of people inside the walls here at Cumulus San Francisco and our listeners who have been asking and wondering what’s been going on with Greg Papa,” said Hohler. “Everyone here at The Sports Leader are sending positive thoughts and well wishes your way Greg for a speedy and full recovery. We look forward to having you back behind the KNBR mic as soon as you are ready.”

Hohler hinted that Papa will also be stepping away from 49ers radio broadcasts as well. The 49ers released a statement following the news.

“The 49ers family extends our unwavering love and support to Greg Papa and his family,” wrote the 49ers in a statement. “We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to the radio booth as the ‘voice of the 49ers’ whenever he is ready.”

KNBR host Markus Boucher reacted to the news during a crosstalk segment with Silver and fill-in co-host John Dickinson.

“I’m not in this chair without Greg Papa. That’s how I got my start in radio,” said Boucher. “Thoughts and prayer and nothing but love for my guy Greg Papa.”

Silver joined in the reaction live from San Francisco 49ers training camp reflective and emotional for his colleague Greg Papa.

“Today is not a fun day,” said Silver. “I know how much he hates not being able to work right now. As a younger person in this role, there is so much value in observing those who have an all-time insane work ethic. Greg Papa is front and center with that description.”

Papa’s co-host reflected on all the lessons of the role he’s learned under Papa during his time at the station, but noted he can only try to hold the standard Papa has shown.

San Francisco based among national NFL media reacted to the news via social media.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Alek Halverson Exits KJ 97 San Antonio, KASE Austin

BMM Staff
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Alek Halverson Exits KJ 97 San Antonio, KASE Austin

Country Aircheck is reporting that Country KJ 97, KAJA, San Antonio‘s Director of Programming & Brand Strategy, Alek Halverson, has exited.

iHeartMedia has announced no plans for the positions. Halverson also hosted PM Drive on KJ 97 and KASE 100.7 in Austin.

Halverson joined the station in January of 2021 and assumed the PD role later that year. His experience includes Country, Top 40 and Active Rock in Seattle and Fargo.

Reach Halverson by email here.                     

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Greg Gutfeld: Jimmy Fallon Taking A Big Risk By Welcoming Me to The Tonight Show

BNM Staff
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Greg Gutfeld: Jimmy Fallon Taking A Big Risk By Welcoming Me to The Tonight Show

Fox News host Greg Gutfeld has revealed he’s going to be appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon next week, and he knows it’s a large risk for his competitor.

“I am doing Jimmy Fallon next week. I’m psyched about it because Fallon comes across as a great guy,” Gutfeld said while appearing on The Five on Thursday. “And me going on his show shows he’s not worried about upsetting his peers.”

The comments about Jimmy Fallon coming from Greg Gutfeld are on the heels of many late-night hosts showing solidarity with CBS’s Stephen Colbert after the network revealed it would be ending The Late Show next year. In the midst of the support of Colbert, Gutfeld was conspicuously absent.

Gutfeld went on to praise Fallon for his work interviewing President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2016 election.

“Remember, he got a lot of stick for ‘humanizing’ Trump when he tousled his hair, but it didn’t come from anybody but the people on the left who wanted to teach all entertainers a lesson that if you dare show that Trump is a human, then you’re toast,” Gutfeld said. “And so it’s kind of nice that’s he’s taking this risk.”

An NBC spokesperson has revealed that Gutfeld will appear on The Tonight Show on the Thursday, August 7th episode. Jimmy Fallon has yet to comment publicly on the news that Gutfeld will serve as a guest on his program.

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ESPN Announces Latest Edition of Creator Network

BSM Staff
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ESPN Announces Latest Edition of Creator Network

In a continued effort to connect with younger sports fans on the platforms they use most, ESPN has launched the third edition of its ESPN Creator Network. The initiative, first introduced in 2022, aims to empower emerging content creators and bring fresh, authentic voices into the world of sports storytelling.

This year’s Creator Network class features five dynamic creators: Brittney Elena, Jaylin James, Emily Harrigan, Trey Phills, and Lily Shimbashi. Collectively, they bring a combined social media following of over 6 million across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

“This talented group is helping shape the future of sports storytelling with their creativity and authenticity,” said Kaitee Daley, ESPN’s Senior Vice President of Digital, Social, and Streaming Content. “We’re excited to blend our collective superpowers and deliver on ESPN’s commitment to showing up in spaces fans care about with voices they connect with.”

Unlike traditional sports media figures, the Creator Network participants focus on lifestyle-driven, casual fan content. The initiative aligns with ESPN’s broader strategy to step outside the typical expert-analyst mold and reach fans where they already are — online, mobile, and socially engaged.

Throughout the program, the creators will receive unprecedented access to ESPN’s live events and talent, while also receiving content coaching and strategy support from ESPN’s social media team. Each creator will attend marquee sporting events and collaborate with key figures at the network, including ESPN executives and on-air personalities.

Since launching in 2022, the Creator Network generated over 9.7 million impressions and reached more than 3.5 million fans in 2024 alone. According to ESPN, average engagement rates from creators in the program are up to 13 times higher than platform benchmarks. These results highlight how the initiative continues to provide significant return, both in terms of reach and fan connection.

Blue Hour Studios, a social-led content agency, remains a key collaborator in guiding and supporting the creators throughout the process.

The Creator Network is one of several forward-facing programs under The Walt Disney Company umbrella focused on reaching new audiences through innovative content strategies. For ESPN, it’s part of a larger shift toward blending traditional sports media credibility with next-gen content creation.

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RTDNA Survey Shows More Local Radio Stations Are Investing in Local News

BNM Staff
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RTDNA Survey Shows More Local Radio Stations Are Investing in Local News

Radio stations are increasingly committing to Local News, according to the latest RTDNA/Newhouse School at Syracuse University Survey.

The report shows 70.5% of all Radio stations surveyed say they are airing Local News, marking a second straight year of growth and a 6.3% increase compared to last year.

While AM stations still lead in Local News output, FM stations are catching up quickly. The percentage of FM stations running Local News rose nearly 3 points over the past year—outpacing AM’s rate of growth. That momentum suggests a broader industry trend toward strengthening local coverage, regardless of frequency.

Commercial stations, in particular, showed a significant surge. 75.3% of commercial stations now produce Local News, up from 65% a year ago—a jump of more than 10 percentage points. Non-commercial stations, on the other hand, declined slightly for the second consecutive year, dropping from 60.7% to 60%. That’s a minor decrease, but still notable when viewed alongside last year’s 10% drop.

The RTDNA noted that digital sub-channels might be a factor in these shifting dynamics. However, this year’s more stable numbers could indicate the market is adjusting to that influence.

Locally owned Radio stations also continue to outpace their corporate counterparts in news production. This year, 71.4% of locally owned outlets reported running Local News, compared to 66.7% of non-locally owned stations.

The gap is relatively narrow, but consistent with last year’s results—suggesting a developing trend where independent stations are increasingly stepping up in local journalism.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

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