Study: News Talk Delivers Unmatched Loyalty And Trust

Audacy Media's new research reveals that News-Talk radio stands as the dominant format in both broadcast and streaming, delivering unmatched audience loyalty, trust, and advertising results that challenge outdated assumptions about where marketers can capture genuine attention today.

News-Talk now ranks as the No. 1 radio format overall, commanding 22% of all AM/FM station streaming — nearly three times the share of the next closest format. At the same time, one in four Americans identifies as a “News Fanatic,” checking news five or more times daily and actively seeking deeper context beyond headlines. These engaged listeners represent a highly valuable opportunity for brands.

Stronger Loyalty and Trust

News-Talk audiences demonstrate exceptional loyalty. 54% of listeners are primary listeners who spend most of their radio time with the format — significantly higher than the 41% recorded for Sports listeners.

Trust remains the format’s greatest strength. 84% of listeners trust local News radio, outpacing broadcast television, national news radio, and social media. This high level of credibility creates an environment where advertising messages carry more weight and authenticity.

The News-Talk audience also wields considerable buying power. Listeners have a median household income of approximately $95,000 and over-index for households with net worth above $2 million. This demographic profile makes the format particularly attractive for marketers targeting financially stable, decision-making consumers.

Proven Advertising Effectiveness

Campaigns on News-Talk deliver strong results. Among consumers exposed to ads, the format drives:

• 56% awareness
• 47% consideration
• 49% purchase intent or conversion

Audacy campaigns specifically generate an average 24% lift in website traffic, with certain categories achieving increases as high as 67%.

Overall, Audacy’s findings position News-Talk not as a legacy medium, but as a top-performing channel for brands seeking attentive, loyal, and affluent audiences in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. 

The research underscores significant opportunities for marketers willing to look beyond conventional digital assumptions.

FOX News Channel's Marathon America 250 Coverage is Highest-Rated

FOX News Channel (FNC) delivered its highest-rated Fourth of July in network history during its marathon America 250 programming across total day and primetime peaking at 5.5 million viewers and 817,000 in the 25-54 demo during President Trump’s speech from 11:15-11:45 PM/ET according to early out of home panel data from Nielsen Media Research.

FNC averaged 3.3 million viewers and 360,000 in the 25-54 demo during primetime and 2.2 million viewers and 266,000 in the 25-54 demo across total day on July 4 leading CBS in primetime (2 million viewers). Special coverage in Washington DC hosted by Bret Baier, Sean Hannity, Dana Perino, Harris Faulkner, and Brian Kilmeade from 7 PM - 1 AM/ET secured 3.7 million viewers and 497,000 in the 25-54 demo commanding 73% of the cable news share.

On July 3, FNC posted 2.7 million viewers and 237,000 in the 25-54 demo during primetime and 1.7 million viewers and 175,000 in the 25-54 demo throughout total day. Coverage of the Times Square ball drop led FNC to 2.1 million viewers and 223,000 in the 25-54 demo from 11:30 PM - 12:30 AM/ET leading ABC (1.8 million viewers).

FNC has averaged 2.4 million viewers in primetime and 1.6 million viewers in total day over 11 days of America 250 coverage broadcast in multiple locations from June 24-July 4.

Gomez: FCC Using ‘Regulatory Authority as a Club Against Broadcasters’

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez sharply criticized the agency’s Media Bureau for dismissing a petition to repeal its controversial “news distortion” policies without a full commission vote.

In a strongly worded statement, Gomez—the FCC’s only Democrat—accused the Media Bureau of abusing delegated authority to shield potentially unconstitutional actions from judicial review and public scrutiny, warning that the move threatens First Amendment values and democratic norms.

“Delegated authority, however, can be abused to shield significant actions from judicial review as only final Commission actions can be appealed,” Gomez said. “That is what appears to be happening in this instance and the consequences for our democracy are serious.”

She described the dismissal as part of a broader pattern of using regulatory power as “a cudgel against broadcasters whose coverage [the Commission] dislikes,” citing leverage over license renewals, merger approvals, and revival of rarely used authorities to target critical news coverage.

D/FW Radio: Spanish Christian Fuzion Radio Launches

Encouragement Media Group (EMG) has launched Spanish Christian Fuzion Radio KFZN on 94.5 FM in Dallas-Fort Worth, introducing the region’s first full-power Spanish Christian format to one of the nation’s largest Hispanic communities.

The former Adult R&B station KZMJ will officially become KFZN on July 7. Broadcasting with a 100,000-watt signal, the station is expected to reach approximately 2.5 million Hispanic listeners across North Texas.

Fuzion Dallas LLC acquired KZMJ in May for $6 million. The Dallas-Fort Worth launch establishes the market as the flagship for the Fuzion network, which now operates on 18 radio signals across the Southwest.

FOX News Tops All News Brands with 1.4B Youtube Video Views

FOX News Media closed out 2Q ’26 delivering 1.4 billion YouTube video views across its portfolio, outpacing all news brands in the competitive set, according to Emplifi.

During the quarter, FOX News nabbed 1.1 billion video views, leading its closest competitor MS NOW (763 million views) by more than 300 million views, more than doubling CNN (511 million views), and topping ABC News (337 million views), NBC News (310 million views) and CBS News (136 million views) combined. Since the start of 2026, FOX News Media has generated 3.3 billion YouTube video views, with FOX News Channel accounting for 2.5 billion of those views. 

For the seventh straight quarter, FOX News surpassed all news brands on YouTube. FOX Business’ YouTube generated 158 million video views throughout the quarter. Notably, FOX News Media’s combined platforms accrued 1.4 billion video views on YouTube for the quarter.

Chicago Radio: 97.1 The Drive Adds Lauren Elwell Evening Host

Hubbard Radio Chicago's 97.1 The Drive (WDRV) has announced the addition of Lauren "Lern" Elwell to the station's on-air lineup, according to Brand and Content Director Keith Hastings.

Lauren Elwell

A Chicago-area native, Elwell brings an authentic, engaging personality and a passion for the rock lifestyle that make her a natural fit for The Drive. Known for her humor, relatable storytelling, and genuine connection with listeners, she further strengthens the station's award-winning talent lineup.

"Lern is a tremendous rock 'n' roll lifestyle talent whose authentic delivery, engaging storytelling, and passion for the format are a perfect fit for The Drive," said Hastings. "She understands the audience, loves the music, and brings the kind of personality that listeners will connect with immediately."

"I am beyond thrilled to be back in the state where my radio journey began," said Elwell. "I've always loved working in rock radio, and adding the legendary WDRV call letters to my career is incredibly exciting. I can't wait to connect with listeners across Chicago, work alongside this amazing team, and make some unforgettable 

Who Wants Local Radio Content? Younger People!

Younger listeners are driving renewed demand for local radio content, according to a major new media survey — a finding that upends long-held assumptions about the format’s future.

In its latest 56-slide State of the Media report, Crowd React Media discovered that when audiences were asked who actually wants local radio, the most enthusiastic demographic turned out to be younger listeners. Overall, 30 percent of polled listeners named local content and community events as their primary reason for tuning into radio broadcasts.

“Who wants local radio content? Younger people! Yes, that’s right,” said Mundo, highlighting the counterintuitive trend buried deep in the data.

The revelation challenges years of predictions that local radio is destined for irrelevance in an on-demand, algorithm-driven world. Instead, the data shows a surprisingly strong and active appetite among younger demographics for community-specific information, local events, and hyper-local storytelling that streaming platforms and national podcasts often fail to deliver.

Why This Matters

Happy Tuesday: Start With The Pulse For July 7

Radio Broadcasting

Younger Demos Want Local Content: In its latest 56-slide State of the Media report, Crowd React Media discovered that when audiences were asked who actually wants local radio, the most enthusiastic demographic turned out to be younger listeners. Overall, 30 percent of polled listeners named local content and community events as their primary reason for tuning into radio broadcasts.

D/FW Spanish Christian Launches: Encouragement Media Group (EMG) has launched Spanish Christian Fuzion Radio KFZN on 94.5 FM in Dallas-Fort Worth, introducing the region’s first full-power Spanish Christian format to one of the nation’s largest Hispanic communities.

WDRV Line-Up Addition: Hubbard Radio Chicago's 97.1 The Drive (WDRV) has announced the addition of Lauren "Lern" Elwell to the station's on-air lineup.

'The View' Cuts Back On Political Bookings

An FCC investigation into ABC’s “The View” has already altered the daytime talk show’s programming, causing it to stop featuring political candidates in competitive races — even before any formal demands or rulings from the agency.

Since FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the probe in February, examining whether the show violated the 1930s “equal time” rule, “The View” has not hosted a single candidate running in a competitive midterm race, according to a Semafor analysis.

The equal time rule requires broadcast programs to provide equal airtime to opposing candidates if one appears on the airwaves.

A spokesperson for the show declined to comment on how it is responding to the inquiry but has previously maintained that “The View” is a “bona fide news program” and therefore exempt from the rule.

Still, the mere existence of the investigation has prompted the network to hedge its guest bookings, marking a clear shift from the show’s long-standing role as a key campaign platform.

Chicago Radio: The Morning Mix Hosts Successful Diaper Drive 2026

Morning Mix Hosts Nikki Chuminatto and Chris Petlak 

101.9 The Mix / WTMX The Morning Mix, in partnership with Huggies®, recently hosted a community diaper drive in the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter in Glen Ellyn. The event aimed to raise awareness of a critical local issue: 1 in 2 Chicago-area families with young children struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy.

As part of a month-long campaign, Morning Mix hosts Chris Petlak, Nikki Chuminatto, and Whip invited listeners to stop by and donate diapers to benefit families in need. With Huggies generously matching every donation received, the community answered the call in a big way — resulting in a donation of 100,000 diapers to support Share Our Spare, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to providing essential items to children age 0–5.

Radio History: July 7

➦In 1940...Sir Ringo Starr, the legendary Beatles drummer, celebrates his 86th birthday on July 7, 2026, still touring actively and spreading his signature message of “Peace and Love” as one of rock music’s most enduring icons.

Born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England, Starr joins fans worldwide in marking the milestone. He continues performing with his All Starr Band, having recently launched a spring 2026 tour and announced fall East Coast dates that include a special return to New York’s Forest Hills Stadium — the site of a historic Beatles show in 1964.

The birthday arrives as Starr remains a vibrant presence in music. He has released multiple EPs and albums in recent years, including collaborations with producer T Bone Burnett, and routinely invites the world to observe “Peace and Love” at noon on 7/7 each year.

Starr overcame a difficult childhood marked by illness and family challenges in Liverpool’s working-class Dingle neighborhood. He discovered drumming as a teenager and joined Rory Storm and the Hurricanes before replacing Pete Best in The Beatles in 1962. His steady backbeat, distinctive personality, and occasional lead vocals on tracks like “Yellow Submarine,” “With a Little Help from My Friends,” and “Octopus’s Garden” helped define the band’s sound.

As the oldest Beatle (and the last to join), Starr brought reliability and charm to the group during their meteoric rise. He later built a successful solo career, highlighted by his 1973 self-titled album Ringo, which reached the top ten in the UK and US. He has released 18 solo studio albums, acted in films, and earned numerous accolades.Enduring Legacy and HonorsStarr’s influence on drumming — including his use of matched grip, lower-tuned drums, and muffling techniques — remains significant. 

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (with The Beatles in 1988 and as a solo artist in 2015), named to the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame, and knighted in 2018 for services to music.Married to actress Barbara Bach since 1981, Starr is a grandfather and continues to emphasize positivity. At 86, he shows no signs of slowing down, with ongoing tours and new music keeping the Beatle spirit alive for new generations.

➦In 194?...Radio personality Joey Reynolds was born.  Joey Reynolds is the pseudonym of Joey Pinto, long-time radio show host and disc jockey. Reynolds' broadcasting career started on TV in Buffalo at WGR TV 2 and he worked at various stations, including at WNBC.

Younger Sports Fans More Likely to Engage with Sports Audio

Millennial and Gen Z sports fans spend more time with sports audio weekly than Gen X and Boomers, according to the Sports Audio Report: Demographics at Play from Edison Research and SiriusXM Media. Millennial sports fans spent an average of 6 hours and 16 minutes with sports audio in the last week and Gen Z sports fans spent an average of 6 hours and 10 minutes — significantly more time than 5 hours and 17 minutes spent by Gen X sports fans and 5 hours and 38 minutes by Boomer sports fans in the last week.

Findings from this third and final installment from the Sports Audio Report, from Edison Research, SiriusXM Media, and GroupM were presented in a webinar by Salma Aly, Manager of Research at Edison Research, and MaryKate Breslin, Senior Manager, Sales Research at SiriusXM Media.

Sports have a wide reach in the U.S. with 66% of the U.S. population age 13+ considering themselves sports fans; an estimated 186 million Americans. The report finds that 16% of sports fans are Gen Z, 30% are Millennials, 24% are Gen X, and 30% are Boomers. The majority of sports fans are White at 64%, followed by Latino sports fans at 18% and Black sports fans at 12%.