Public radio stations across the U.S. are grappling with a severe crisis as 2026 begins, following 2025 congressional rescissions that eliminated all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) — totaling over $1 billion — forcing layoffs, program cancellations, and potential closures, especially in rural areas where stations relied heavily on these grants for operations and emergency services.
On the commercial side, BIA Advisory Services forecasts a modest rebound with over-the-air radio revenue growing 1.83% in 2026, reversing 2025 declines, while digital revenue is projected to rise 5.01%, driven by political advertising in the midterm election year and emphasis on multi-channel, data-driven sales.
Cumulus Media secured a major legal victory in late 2025 when a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction against Nielsen Audio, blocking its bundling policy for national and local ratings data and capping 2026 rates for Cumulus at competitive levels during the ongoing antitrust lawsuit.
Westwood One launched a new national nighttime CHR program, “Nightly with Jade & Tyler,” hosted by Jade Jones and Tyler Frye, debuting today with a focus on Top 40 hits, pop culture, and social engagement.
Momentum is building for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, with House and Senate leaders committing to advance the bipartisan bill early in 2026 to mandate AM receivers in new cars for public safety.
Under FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the agency is pursuing aggressive deregulation, including a “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative to eliminate outdated rules, with potential relaxation of media ownership caps on the horizon to spur consolidation and local innovation.
Overall, 2026 shapes up as a year of adaptation for radio, with public media facing existential challenges, commercial broadcasters eyeing revenue growth through digital expansion, and regulatory shifts promising reduced burdens amid ongoing industry consolidation and programming refreshes.