Beasley Media Group, LLC has entered a definitive asset purchase agreement to sell two major radio stations—Top 40 WNKS (Kiss 95.1) in Charlotte and Alternative KXTE (X107.5) in Las Vegas—to Educational Media Foundation (K-Love, Inc.).
The deal transfers ownership of the high-profile outlets from Beasley to the Christian radio nonprofit known for its K-Love network.
Under the agreement’s terms for the Charlotte market, Beasley will relocate its popular Maney and LauRen morning show from Kiss 95.1 to its sister station 104.7 WKQC, ensuring the program continues to reach local listeners.
In Las Vegas, the existing programming lineup currently airing on KXTE-FM will move over to KVGS-FM.
These operational shifts are designed to maintain continuity for audiences and talent as the stations change hands. The transactions mark a significant portfolio adjustment for Beasley Media Group while expanding Educational Media Foundation’s presence in two competitive radio markets.
SiriusXM is targeting local and mid-market advertising revenue as its next major growth area, planning to actively hire staff to capture a large share of traditional radio’s ad dollars.
On the company’s 2026 second-quarter earnings call, Chief Advertising Revenue Officer Scott Walker called local and mid-market advertising “the next frontier” for SiriusXM’s ad business. “The opportunity here to grow overall share of market… is real,” Walker said.
“And we have an opportunity not just to retain and expand our existing relationships with brand advertisers, but open up to new categories. We talked about the younger demo. We talked about the multicultural opportunity, but also to go down market to mid-market SMBs, et cetera, that allow us to tap that local opportunity, which is a large, if not majority, percentage of the overall spend in traditional radio today. So we will hire to capture that market opportunity and expand our footprint in terms of coverage.”
iHeartMedia’s NewsRadio WFLA Orlando has ended its only locally focused morning program. “Good Morning Orlando” concluded its final broadcast on Friday, July 31. The show, which aired in the 6–9 a.m. timeslot on 540 WFLF (Pine Hills) and its FM translators and HD channels, is being replaced by syndicated content from Premiere Networks host Michael Delgiorno.
Host Simon Conway, who also anchored afternoons at WHO in Des Moines, is out of the morning slot along with producers Lizzie Steele and Justin Steadman. Conway had assumed the morning duties in late 2023 following the retirement of longtime host Bud Hedinger.
In 2011, Conway joined iHeartMedia’s WHO-AM (NewsRadio 1040 WHO) in Des Moines as the afternoon drive host (typically 4–7 p.m. Central), replacing Steve Deace. The station is a 50,000-watt powerhouse with a storied history (Ronald Reagan once worked there as a sportscaster). His show has been simulcast on sister stations including WMT (Cedar Rapids) and WOC (Quad Cities).
Close behind were John Coogan and Jordi Hays of TBPN with a combined $70 million. Steven Bartlett followed at $45 million, Ashley Flowers at $42 million, and the hosts of SmartLess at $37 million.
These figures reflect a year in which major streaming platforms aggressively competed for exclusive or high-profile audio shows, driving up talent compensation to levels once reserved for traditional television.
Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment last week rather than answer senators’ questions about his COVID-19 pandemic conduct, but a 1,141-page private diary released beforehand shows he extensively discussed the press, his celebrity, “far right” enemies, and frustration with White House aides who limited his television appearances. Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) released the diary, which exposes a central tension in President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 response.
As Fauci’s national fame grew, he repeatedly pushed then-Vice President Mike Pence and trusted Trump officials for more major television bookings.
A Washington Examiner review found “press” appears nearly 1,400 times across the diary package (including Fauci’s entries, media clippings, and interview lists). Variations of “conspiracy” appear more than 40 times, and “far right” or “far-right” at least 57 times—showing Fauci privately criticized his opponents while presenting himself as neutral.
The revelations gained added weight after Fauci declined to answer questions throughout Wednesday’s Senate hearing, citing the Fifth Amendment despite former President Joe Biden’s blanket pardon. Paul said the committee would move toward a contempt vote this week.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clashed heatedly with CNN’s Dana Bash on Sunday’s State of the Union, defending President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 response, blaming lockdowns for major damage, insisting the U.S. had the world’s highest COVID death rate, and accusing the press of malpractice while disputing vaccine efficacy claims.
In the extended interview, Kennedy, a longtime critic of Dr. Anthony Fauci who has intensified attacks recently, rejected Bash’s suggestion that Trump shared blame for the pandemic response because Fauci served under him. “President Trump, as you recall, wanted to end lockdowns,” Kennedy said.
He called lockdowns “the thing that did the most damage to our country,” citing the closure of 3.5 million businesses without due process or compensation, shuttered churches and schools, and lasting harm to children. He added that the U.S. “had the worst outcome of any country in the world… the highest death rate from COVID of any nation on earth.”
Bash pushed back: “That’s not accurate.” She cited public health experts pointing to higher rates of chronic illness, gaps in the health care system, and vaccine misinformation as contributing factors. Kennedy doubled down: “What I said was accurate. We had the highest death rate from COVID of any place.”
Bash noted other countries had higher rates; Johns Hopkins data shows 13 nations exceeded the U.S. figure.
This was a long-overdue moment on CNN.
RFK Jr. called out the network on air for helping to silence dissent during COVID.
Dana Bash was getting visibly irritated, after she repeatedly tried to move the conversation away from censorship.
The exchange grew sharper when Bash asked how Kennedy is preparing for the next pandemic. He replied that protecting constitutional rights is the country’s primary obligation, arguing that COVID measures “completely dismantled our constitutional rights” through censorship that violated the First Amendment and marginalized dissenting doctors.
When Bash interjected that he was focusing on rights rather than a potential public health crisis, Kennedy said suppressing speech was one of the key mistakes of the last response.
Patrick Tish, Nikki Preston, Daryl Norsell and John DeSantis
The entire staff of longtime Southern California classic-rock station KCAL-FM 96.7 has been laid off as the Redlands-based outlet switches to an automated, all-music format, hosts confirmed over the weekend.
'The change, announced Friday in a station social-media post, ends live on-air programming across the Inland Empire. “96.7 KCAL Rocks is turning the page today. Thank you to every listener who made the last chapter what it was. THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Classic rock. Nothing but music. All day across the Inland Empire,” the post read.
Those let go include afternoon host Daryl Norsell, morning host Patrick Tish, midday host Nikki Preston and evening host John DeSantis. Part-time weekend and fill-in staff also lost their jobs: Lacey Kendall, Tim Brown, Steve “Razz” Brazill, Mike “Mike Z” Zara, Kelli Cluque, Frank “Frank-O” Garcia, Syeda Jafri, Jeremiah Paul and Rogelio Orozco.
The Radio Hall of Fame announced today the selection of nine 2026 Legends inductees. These individuals have received induction by the determination of the Radio Hall of Fame 2026 Nominating Committee, who annually meet to determine inductees who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away. The Radio Hall of Fame is housed within the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago.
The following nine radio legends take their place in the Radio Hall of Fame immediately:
Lin Brehmer- On-Air Personality
Vivian Carter- On-Air Personality and Record Company Executive
Dale Dorman- On-Air Personality
Gary Krantz- Network Radio and Syndication Executive
Wink Martindale- On-Air Personality, Game Show Host, and Television Producer
B. Mitchell Reed- On-Air Personality
Pierre Robert- On-Air Personality
Polito Vega- On-Air Personality
D.E. “Duke” Wright- Radio Station Owner and Executive
Dennis Green, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “The Radio Hall of Fame is proud to honor this year’s Legends inductees, whose extraordinary careers have helped define the history and enduring impact of radio. From iconic on-air personalities to visionary executives, each has left an indelible mark on our industry and earned their rightful place in the Radio Hall of Fame.”
Kraig Kitchin, Co-Chair of the Radio Hall of Fame, said: “It’s an honor and privilege to witness the induction of these radio industry legends. We hope this recognition of their industry contributions benefits their family, colleagues, friends and listeners.”
The Radio Hall of Fame will recognize its 2026 class of inductees at the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL. Tickets are on sale now at: www.radiohalloffame.com. A portion of ticket purchases is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Museum of Broadcast Communications.
Audacy today unveiled a powerhouse lineup for its 11th annual Stars and Strings, presented by Xfinity, featuring Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Brantley Gilbert, Brandon Lake and Audacy LAUNCH artist Stephen Wilson Jr. Marking its milestone fifth year in South Florida, Audacy’s Country music concert returns to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL, on Thursday, November 12.
The show is hosted by South Florida’s original country station, KISS Country 99.9 (WKIS-FM), including station personalities Dina B, TC, Katie Neal, Rob, Holly and Coop. The evening benefits Folds of Honor, whose mission is to provide educational scholarships for the families of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders.
“Country music has a long, proud tradition of honoring our service members, and Stars and Strings continues to bring that tradition to life,” said Tim Roberts, Country Format Vice President, Audacy. “Now in its fifth year in South Florida, Stars and Strings has become a powerful reflection of the deep ties we share with the communities we serve. We’re excited to unite fans and honor the sacrifice, service and legacy of America’s heroes.”
Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 73,000 educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders. Folds of Honor ensures the educational dreams of their spouses and children live on, and 91 percent of every dollar raised directly funds scholarships.
On the Beach: The entire staff of longtime Southern California classic-rock station KCAL-FM 96.7 has been laid off as the Redlands-based outlet switches to an automated, all-music format, hosts confirmed over the weekend.
SiriusXM Target Local Ad Revenue: SiriusXM is targeting local and mid-market advertising revenue as its next major growth area, planning to actively hire staff to capture a large share of traditional radio’s ad dollars.
iHM Gives Up In Orlando: iHeartMedia’s NewsRadio WFLA Orlando has ended its only locally focused morning program. “Good Morning Orlando” concluded its final broadcast on Friday, July 31. The show, which aired in the 6–9 a.m. timeslot on 540 WFLF (Pine Hills) and its FM translators and HD channels, is being replaced by syndicated content from Premiere Networks host Michael Delgiorno.
Paramount's agreement with state attorneys general to delay closing its Warner Bros. Discovery merger until after a post-trial ruling or June 2027, whichever comes first.
The deal gives Paramount a full trial to defend the merger on the merits after company leaders grew pessimistic about defeating a preliminary injunction. Judge Araceli MartÃnez-OlguÃn’s temporary restraining order, which indicated the attorneys general had a strong structural case, heightened those concerns.
Paramount’s deeper worry was procedural. Losing the injunction, then being denied emergency relief by the Ninth Circuit, could leave the company back before MartÃnez-OlguÃn with little realistic chance she would reverse course. Antitrust presumptions, deferential appellate review, and the difficulty of overturning a preliminary injunction raised the risk that Paramount could effectively lose the case before presenting its full argument that the deal is pro-competitive.
Former “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens is seeking roughly $50 million to launch a rival investigative news series featuring Scott Pelley and other recently departed staffers from the CBS program, according to sources, though a source close to Owens denied the plans.
The NY Post reports the funding would cover two years of staffing, production, marketing and legal costs for a documentary-style streaming or digital program of deeply reported segments modeled on “60 Minutes,” sources with knowledge of the matter said.
Participants would likely need to accept major pay cuts from their previous network salaries. One source familiar with the plan called the task excessive, noting the team was still oriented toward the old high-cost “60 Minutes” model and mega salaries.
Owens resigned from “60 Minutes” in April 2025, citing a loss of editorial independence amid Paramount’s handling of a Trump lawsuit over a Kamala Harris interview. Pelley was fired in June 2026 after a heated staff meeting in which he accused CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss of “murdering ‘60 Minutes’” and criticized new executive producer Nick Bilton.
➦In 1902...Ray Bloch born (Died at age 79 – March 29, 1982). He was a composer, songwriter, conductor, pianist, author and arranger. He is best remembered as the arranger and orchestra conductor for The Ed Sullivan Show during its entire run from 1948 to 1971.
with Ed Sullivan
Bloch and his orchestra were featured on numerous radio variety shows of the late-1930s and 1940s. These included: Johnny Presents (1939-1946), The Gay Nineties Revue (CBS, 1939-1944), Let Yourself Go (CBS, 1944-1945), The Continental Celebrity Club (1945-1946), The Milton Berle Show (NBC, 1948-1949), and The Mary Small Revue (1945).
From 1943 to 1956 Bloch and his orchestra also performed on Here's to Romance, a weekly musical variety show broadcast by the American Forces Network. In 1951 Bloch hosted his own show, The Bloch Party, a 60-minute variety show on CBS Radio featuring Judy Lynn, the Russ Emery Chorus, and the Ray Bloch Orchestra.
The orchestra was a fixture on several game shows, including Take It or Leave It (CBS, 1940-1947). Quick as a Flash (1944–1949) – during which "clues were elaborately dramatized or were musically illustrated by Ray Bloch's orchestra"– and Sing It Again (1948–1951). Bloch also worked on Philip Morris Playhouse (CBS, 1939–1943), and in several Orson Welles drama presentations.
➦In 1907... Irene Tedrow born (Died from a stroke at age 87 – March 10, 1995) was a character actress in stage, film, television and radio.
Irene Tedrow
Among her most notable roles are Janet Archer in the radio series Meet Corliss Archer, Mrs. Lucy Elkins on the TV sitcom Dennis the Menace and Mrs. Webb in the stage production Our Town at the Plumstead Playhouse.
Tedrow's work in radio dated back at least to 1929. As a drama student at Carnegie Institute of Technology, she was master of ceremonies and student director for "Carnegie Tech Day at Gimbel's," which was broadcast on WCAE. A 1937 radio listing shows her as one of the actresses in George Bernard Shaw's Back to Methuselah when it was broadcast on NBC Blue.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Tedrow had quality acting roles in radio productions, including The Baby Snooks Show.
➦In 1918...Actor Larry Haines born (Died at age 90 - July 17, 2008) was an American actor.
Larry Haines
He had been active in dramatics in high school, and while he was in college, he was advised to try acting. After a few months of instruction in dramatics, he passed an audition with CBS radio He dropped out during his sophomore year of college and "went right into radio working on little stations all around New York City," beginning at WWRL.
Haines first became known in the 1930s as an actor on the radio crime series Gangbusters. Playing Joe Lincoln, he was the star of Treasury Agent on the Mutual Broadcasting System in 1947-48, and he had the title role of Mike Hammer in That Hammer Guy on Mutual in 1953-54. He also was featured in The Chase, Cloak and Dagger, Inner Sanctum Mystery, The Man Behind the Gun, and This Is Nora Drake. It was estimated that he acted in more than 15,000 radio programs in the 1940s and 1950s.
Four decades later, he would return to radio, starring in 82 episodes of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater.
WGY Transmitter 1922
➦In 1922...WGY in Schenectady, NY aired the first drama series on radio. The first play was “The Wolf” by Eugene Walter, adapted into a 40-minute radio script by local actor Edward H. Smith. When two 2 X 4’s were slapped together to replicate a door slam, radio sound effects were born.
➦In 1958...Billboard magazine launched its Hot 100 music chart.
➦In 1984...legendary Dick Biondi, joined WJMK-FM, Chicago - an oldies-formatted station.
➦In 1986...William B. Williams died of acute anemia and respiratory failure. (Born - August 6, 1923) He was a disc jockey on New York City radio station WNEW for over four decades hosting the popular program Make Believe Ballroom. Williams is particularly noted for coining the title "Chairman of the Board" for Frank Sinatra.
