Buffalo Radio: Cumulus Stations Raise $589,049 for Kids Hospital

Participants Identified Below

Cumulus Buffalo radio stations 103.3 The Edge/WEDG-FM, Classic Hits 104.1/WHTT-FM, and 97 Rock/WGRF-FM teamed with its generous listeners on Wednesday, May 21st, to raise a whopping $589,049 for Buffalo’s John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital (OCH) through the second annual Giving Day for OCH. 

The successful 24-hour fundraising effort leveraged Cumulus Buffalo’s popular on-air and online music platform and passionate listener community to raise funds for critical programs, services and care for the most vulnerable moms, kids, and babies in Western New York.

The fundraising event aired across the three Cumulus Buffalo stations from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to encourage community giving on May 21st, also the birthday of MVP quarterback Josh Allen, one of the hospital’s most dedicated champions and supporters. With a gift of $10,000 or more, area businesses could sponsor one of the 12 on-air hours. During the broadcast, businesses received recognition while also encouraging the audience to donate to OCH in honor of Giving Day.

This year’s community initiative generated funds to support local children and families navigating, battling, and overcoming serious illnesses, and topped the success of the inaugural Giving Day in 2024—which raised $435,000 from more than 1,100 donors across Western New York.

As a non-profit hospital and community asset, Oishei Children’s Hospital cares for all who need it, no matter their insured status or ability to pay. Donations made on Giving Day help ensure the hospital has the most advanced technology and training to support critical care, mental and behavioral health, family and patient support services, and other impactful programs at the hospital.

Radio History: June 4

➦In 1917...CBS News correspondent Charles Collingwood born (Died – October 3, 1985).  He was  an early member of Edward R. Murrow's group of foreign correspondents that was known as the "Murrow Boys". During World War II he covered Europe and North Africa for CBS News. Collingwood was also among the early ranks of television journalists that included Walter Cronkite, Eric Sevareid, and Murrow himself.  Retiring from CBS in 1982, he died from cancer Oct 3, 1985 at age 68.

➦In 1942…Songwriter Johnny Mercer founded Capitol Records with financial help from songwriter and film producer Buddy DeSylva and the business acumen of Glenn Wallichs, owner of Wallichs Music City. Mercer raised the idea of starting a record company while golfing with Harold Arlen and Bobby Sherwood and with Wallichs at Wallichs's record store.

It was Wallichs, Capitol's manager, who invented the art of record promotion by sending free copies of new releases to disc jockeys.

Clem McCarthy

➦In 1962...Pioneering sportscaster Clem McCarthy died at age 79 (Born - September 9, 1882.  He also lent his voice to Pathe News's RKO newsreels. He was known for his gravelly voice and dramatic style, a "whiskey tenor" as sports announcer and executive David J. Halberstam has called it.

As Halberstam's book Sports on New York Radio notes, McCarthy is considered one of horse racing's great callers, setting the stage for well-known voices. He was the first to announce the running of the Kentucky Derby back in 1928 and called every Derby through 1950.

In addition to being a race caller for racetracks and NBC Radio, he was a top boxing announcer, too. His most often replayed boxing sportscast is probably his NBC radio call of the 1938 Joe Louis-Max Schmeling rematch at Yankee Stadium:

McCarthy's career also included work at local radio stations, beginning at KYW in Chicago in 1928. From there, he went to WMCA in New York City.

➦In 1962...The Beatles signed their first record contract with EMI, though it's merely to produce a series of demos.

➦In 1963…"Pop Go the Beatles" was first broadcast on BBC radio.  Each edition of Pop Go The Beatles began and ended with a rock ‘n’ roll version of the nursery rhyme Pop Goes The Weasel recorded by The Beatles.

➦In 1973…WNBC 97.1 FM (now Urban WQHT-NYC) switched format to “The Rock Pile”

SiriusXM’s Evolves in the Streaming Era

SiriusXM, now a Fortune 500 company generating $8.7 billion in revenue after its 2024 spin-off from Liberty Media, has transformed from a satellite radio pioneer into a multifaceted audio platform under CEO Jennifer Witz. 

Initially launched to deliver ad-free, seamless car radio via satellite, SiriusXM now faces existential challenges: competition from on-demand streaming giants like Spotify, an aging subscriber base (down from a 2019 peak of 34.9 million to 33 million), and the rise of self-driving cars where passengers may prioritize video over audio. Witz, who joined 23 years ago when satellite radio felt futuristic, is tasked with keeping SiriusXM relevant in a streaming-dominated world.

CEO Witz

Talent and Content as Cornerstones: SiriusXM’s strength lies in its high-profile talent, exemplified by Howard Stern, whose $100-million-a-year contract renewal looms large. The company’s New York and L.A. studios buzz with spontaneous collaborations, like Alex Cooper recruiting John Mayer for her Unwell On Air channel or Elton John and Brandi Carlile joining Stern. 

Witz has heavily invested in podcasting, with SiriusXM owning eight of the top 20 U.S. podcasts per Edison Research, outpacing competitors like iHeartMedia and Wondery. 

Adapting to Streaming Challenges: SiriusXM’s satellite technology, once revolutionary, now limits its ability to collect listener data, unlike Spotify’s algorithm-driven personalization. Witz has countered this with strategic moves:Pandora Acquisition (2019): The $3.5 billion purchase brought adtech leader AdsWizz, boosting advertising to 20% of revenue (subscriptions account for 80%).

360L Platform: Launched in 2019, 360L blends satellite reliability with streaming’s data-driven features like personalized recommendations. By 2025, half of new vehicles with SiriusXM include 360L, though adoption is slow as most subscribers drive older cars without upgrade options.

New Streaming App: A 2023 app overhaul improved search, recommendations, and user experience, with a $9.99/month streaming-only plan undercutting competitors.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape: At $24.98/month for its all-access plan, SiriusXM is pricier than Spotify ($11.99/month), fueling subscriber churn amid economic pressures and subscription fatigue. Morningstar analyst Matthew Dolgin tells Fortune the challenge: competitors offer vast music libraries at lower prices. SiriusXM’s stock has dropped 18% since the Liberty spin-off, reflecting Wall Street skepticism. Witz is targeting terrestrial radio’s 90% in-car listening share with a new ad-supported subscription tier and free access events, like a Chris Stapleton Radio broadcast.

Witz’s vision hinges on blending SiriusXM’s satellite reliability with streaming’s flexibility, leveraging its 125 million installed car receivers (many unsubscribed) and partnerships with automakers like GM and Lucid. With a high-free-cash-flow model admired by 35% shareholder Berkshire Hathaway, SiriusXM remains financially robust.

Chicago Radio: WGN News Anchor Celebrates 40th Anniversary

WGN Radio today announced its afternoon news anchor Steve Bertrand is celebrating his 40th anniversary with the station. A trusted voice in the newsroom, Bertrand is known for his quick-witted commentary. He has hosted several shows and anchored news on nearly every part of the clock during his tenure.

“Steve has shared his entire broadcasting career with the WGN Radio audience and built respect, trust, and friendships along the way. It’s a special relationship and four decades deserves recognition,” said WGN Radio Vice President and General Manager Mary Sandberg Boyle.

Raised in Manteno and a Marquette University graduate, Bertrand started at WGN Radio as an intern and hired full-time in 1985. He has been in the news anchor chair since 1992, working with legendary WGN names including Wally Phillips, Roy Leonard, Spike O’Dell and Kathy O’Malley and Judy Markey. With the latter, he brought a unique blend of banter and insight to the conversation of the duo known as “The Girlfriends.”

Steve Bertran

“Growing up in a small town, I always had my eye on moving to the big city. Never during those years of daydreaming would I have imagined the career I’ve had at WGN Radio. I have worked with, and still do work with, some of the best in radio,” said Steve Bertrand. “I’m so grateful. And lucky. Back in the day, many people might have considered my fantasy a pipe dream. But, it turns out, dreams can come true.”

Bertrand spent six years on the road with the Chicago Bears when WGN Radio was the flagship for the team, producing play-by-play broadcasts, hosting pre- and post-game shows and interviewing Coach Mike Ditka live from the locker room.

A few of the more notable news stories Bertrand has covered over the past four decades include the death of Mayor Harold Washington, the Plainfield tornado of 1990, Al Gore’s decision not to concede on election night in 2000, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He has received several awards and gained a national reputation for interviewing top authors.

Visit www.wgnradio.com/bertrand for a photo gallery celebrating Steve Bertrand’s anniversary, including the link to the “100 Years of WGN Radio: A Retrospective” that aired in 2022 and featured Bertrand on and off-camera.

Nashville Radio: Street Talk Rampant About WSM-FM

For the past 11-year, WSM-FM, owned by Cumulus Media, has been branding “95.5 Nash Icon” brand, focusing on a mix of contemporary country hits and traditional country from the 1980s and 1990s. The station format was launched in 2014 as part of a joint venture with Big Machine Records to support the Nash Icon Records label.

Recent programming updates at WSM-FM’s former sister station, WSM-AM (650 AM), include schedule adjustments like new times for countdown shows and the addition of “Late Nights with Lexi” from midnight to 5 a.m. weekdays.

While these changes are specific to WSM-AM, they reflect a broader strategy by parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties (for WSM-AM) and Cumulus Media (for WSM-FM). Street talk has WSM-FM updating lineup or format especially given its shared market with rival station WKDF, also owned by Cumulus.

Impending changes are expected to include new shows, hosts, or a slight tweak to its playlist to balance modern and classic country.

No official word, but Street Talk has Big D & Bubba, along with WKDF afternoon host Tyler Reese, to move to the same dayparts on WSM-FM. The moves displace Marty McFly and Stew James from those respective shifts. No word on how those dayparts will be filled on WKDF.

McFly has been in mornings on WSM-FM since 2014 (CAT 2/12/14), after spending four years in the shift at WKDF, where he served as PD from 2011 to 2014. He also handled mornings for Westwood One's Nash Icon format. McFly's previous stops include KNIX/Phoenix, WSIX/Nashville and WGSQ/Cookeville, TN, where he continues to be heard in afternoons. 

In 2003, Cumulus Media acquired WSM-FM (along with WWTN) from Gaylord Broadcasting, ending its formal connection with WSM-AM after a five-year joint sales agreement expired in 2008. The station moved to Cumulus’ Music Row studios on Music Circle East in mid-2004. Under program director Jon Sebastian, WSM-FM rebranded as “95.5 The Wolf” in September 2004, adopting a format blending country with some Southern rock. Despite initial ratings gains, it settled into third place behind WKDF and WSIX-FM, leading to a return to a more traditional country approach.

On December 16, 2010, WSM-FM dropped “The Wolf” and reverted to its heritage call letters, emphasizing mainstream country hits from the 1990s onward. In 2012, Cumulus acquired Citadel Broadcasting, making WSM-FM and WKDF sister stations. Both competed for the mainstream country audience, but operations were streamlined in January 2014 with a shared program director. WKDF adopted Cumulus’ “Nash FM” brand in February 2014, setting the stage for WSM-FM’s next transformation

Byron Allen’s Media Group Explores Sale of 28 TV Stations

Allen Media Group announced Monday it has hired Moelis & Co. to facilitate the sale of its 28 owned-and-operated broadcast TV stations, affiliated with ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox across 21 U.S. markets.

Over the past six years, the company invested over $1 billion to acquire these stations and, after receiving multiple inquiries and written offers, is now considering a sale, according to founder Byron Allen.

The move follows a broader trend in the industry, with Sinclair exploring the sale of over 30% of its stations and Apollo Global Management reportedly looking to sell its Cox Media Group TV and radio portfolio, as noted by CNBC last year. A sale could significantly alleviate Allen Media Group’s debt burden, following a recent refinancing of a $100 million debt facility. Despite S&P Global Ratings projecting adequate liquidity for the next 12 months, the company retains a junk credit rating and faces ongoing debt risks.

Last year, CNBC reported that Allen Media Group was consistently late on payments to network owners, with delays of up to 90 days and debts totaling tens of millions. The reasons for these delays remain unclear, as the company declined to comment on the specifics.

Boston R/TV: GBH Says Farewell To 45 Staffers

GBH, a major producer of PBS programming, is laying off 45 employees, or 6 percent of its workforce, across various departments due to financial pressures, CEO Susan Goldberg announced Monday. 

This follows the recent layoff of nine staff members at GBH’s WORLD Channel, a global news and documentary outlet, after the Corporation for Public Broadcasting cut its funding due to sustainability concerns. In total, these cuts affect 7 percent of GBH’s staff, according to an email from Goldberg obtained by the Globe. GBH has also reduced expenses across departments and will leave some vacant positions unfilled.

Goldberg cited multiple challenges, including federal funding cuts, rising operational costs, and the need to adapt to changing audience preferences. 

“We’re sad to say goodbye to colleagues and grateful for their contributions,” she said, emphasizing the need to reshape operations for long-term sustainability during a volatile time. This marks GBH’s second round of organization-wide layoffs in two years, following a 2024 reduction of 31 employees (4 percent of staff), which included 11 newsroom staffers and the suspension of programs like “Basic Black,” “Greater Boston,” and “Talking Politics.” “Basic Black” was relaunched as “GBH News Rooted,” with plans to revive “Greater Boston.”

GBH, known for producing PBS staples like Frontline, Masterpiece, and NOVA, also operates an NPR news station, creates educational content, and produces podcasts. 

The organization faces further uncertainty as the Trump administration’s recent executive order threatens to halt funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS. NPR and PBS have filed lawsuits arguing the order is unconstitutional. While federal funding constitutes only 8 percent of GBH’s revenue and 3 percent of WBUR’s, the loss would have a broader impact, as smaller stations that license GBH’s programming rely heavily on such support. This could particularly harm smaller, rural stations, exacerbating financial strain across public media.

NYC Radio: Talk Vet Lionel Joins 77WABC

Lionel, known for his quick wit and biting humor, has been announced as the host of The Other Side of Midnight, the overnight radio show currently syndicated on 23 radio stations by Red Apple Audio Networks.

The program originates from flagship station 77WABC, New York, where it airs live Monday through Friday from 1-5am ET. Other affiliated stations include WGN, Chicago, WCCO, Minneapolis, and more.

A skilled stand-up and spoken word performer, Lionel blends satire, performance art and critical thought into compelling live shows that defy genre.

“Lionel brings intellectual depth and razor-sharp humor to every subject,” said Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and 77WABC. “Lionel’s already put his inimitable stamp on the show, and we’ve had a great response from listeners and affiliates.”

“I’m honored beyond words to be back at WABC—where it all began, my alma mater, the greatest talk radio station in the world,” exclaimed Lionel. “Legendary, historic, storied, unmatched in its legacy. This isn’t just radio, it’s home. It’s the gold standard, the birthplace of giants. And now, I’m back where I belong.”

The Other Side of Midnight with Lionel dives headfirst into the stories shaping our world —politics, law, media, and the shifting dynamics of American culture. The show challenges conventional narratives and explores the undercurrents of power and influence with fearless commentary.

Lionel is a former prosecutor and licensed trial lawyer. As an Emmy Award-winning television commentator, he has provided sharp, insightful analysis on legal and political issues across major networks. A pioneer in podcasting and streaming, Lionel was among the first to recognize the future of independent media, launching his unique brand of commentary long before it became mainstream. With decades of broadcasting experience and a loyal online following, Lionel brings his signature style — equal parts intellect, satire, and showmanship — to The Other Side of Midnight.

➤For more information on The Other Side of Midnight With Lionel, or any of Red Apple Audio Networks’ syndicated programs, stations may contact affiliation@redappleaudionetworks.com or visit www.redappleaudionetworks.com.

How Agencies And Advertisers Underestimate Radio

The Q1 2025 report reveals a yawning gap in agency/marketer perceptions of audio audiences. Pierre Bouvard. Chief Insights Officer of the Westwood One Audio Active Group®, has shared some Advertiser Perceptions from a study of 303 media agencies and marketers conducted in August 2024 found the perceived combined audience share of Pandora/Spotify is 43%, much greater than the perceived share of AM/FM radio (27%).

AM/FM radio’s actual share (68%) is 2.5 times larger than what advertisers perceive (27%)

Agencies and advertisers vastly overestimate Pandora and Spotify shares. According to the Q1 2025 “Share of Ear,” AM/FM radio’s persons 18+ share of ad-supported audio (68%) is 14 times larger than ad-supported Pandora (5%) and ad-supported Spotify (5%).

Ad community perceptions of media audiences are often completely opposite to reality. Duncan Stewart, Director of Research, Technology, Media & Telecommunications at Deloitte, puts it best: “Why do people think that nobody listens to radio anymore? Because there is a narrative that new media kills old media, so nobody bothers to look at evidence that doesn’t fit the narrative.”

AM/FM radio dominates ad-supported audio share of time spent; Podcasts are a strong number two

AM/FM radio is the leader of ad-supported audio with a 68% share of ad-supported audio time spent among persons 18+. Podcasts take the second-place spot with a 20% share. Ad-supported Pandora (5%), ad-supported Spotify (5%), and ad-supported SiriusXM (3%) lag distantly.

2025 versus 2017: AM/FM radio is dominant, AM/FM radio streaming grows to beat ad-supported Pandora and Spotify, and podcasts grow by 5X

Looking back over the last eight years, among persons 25-54, AM/FM radio streaming (10%) has grown to beat both ad-supported Pandora (6%) and ad-supported Spotify (5%). Podcasts have grown 5X from 5% to 26%. Pandora is down significantly (11% to 6%). Spotify is small and up slightly (2% to 5%).

➤Read Bouvard's entire column: HERE

Atlanta TV: CBS-TV Changing Affiliates This Summer

This summer, Atlanta's local television landscape will undergo a major shift as CBS moves from Channel 46 to Channel 69 after 31 years.

Atlanta News First (WANF), formerly CBS46, will end its CBS affiliation and become an independent station again on August 15, according to Gray Media, its owner. 

WANF, which was independent before joining CBS in 1994, is a flagship station for Gray, which acquired it in 2021 along with Peachtree TV (WPCH), a CW affiliate.

Channel 69 (WUPA) will take over as Atlanta’s new CBS affiliate, CBS announced.

Gray has invested heavily in WANF, hiring over 40 journalists, expanding its newsroom to more than 120 employees, rebranding it as Atlanta News First, and adding new local newscasts and original programming. The station had struggled with frequent turnover and low ratings under its previous owner, Meredith Corp.

Gray’s CEO, Hilton Howell, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the decision to part with CBS was Gray’s, calling it a positive move for both sides. Gray, the second-largest owner of U.S. broadcast stations behind Nexstar, renewed 52 other CBS affiliations on better terms but did not disclose specifics of the disagreement with CBS. 

Gray owns nearly a quarter of all CBS-affiliated stations, while CBS owns 27 stations across 17 markets.

DC Radio: WMAL Adds Derek Hunter For PM Drive

Cumulus Media announces that it has named Derek Hunter as Afternoon Talk Host at Cumulus Media’s News Talk 105.9 WMAL-FM in Washington, D.C.

Hunter has been a regular fill-in host on the station since 2011. A 20-year veteran of talk radio, Derek is also a senior columnist for Townhall.com, a podcaster, and a former managing editor at The Daily Caller. He previously served as a fill-in host for The Rush Limbaugh Show, and his experience spans media, policy analysis, and political communications. Hunter debuts today and can be heard on WMAL Monday through Friday from 3:00pm-6:00pm.

Hunter began his talk radio career in 2005, hosting The Insiders, a live call-in show for The Heritage Foundation where he was also a health care policy analyst. In 2007, Hunter co-founded the First Friday Happy Hour podcast, which quickly became essential listening for Capitol Hill staffers. In 2009, he was recruited by Tucker Carlson and Neil Patel to help launch The Daily Caller, as Managing Editor.

Derek Hunter

Hunter's on-air career grew when he began regularly hosting the Saturday 4:00pm–7:00pm slot on WMAL’s The Big Show in 2011. That same year, he was hired by WBAL in Baltimore for the noon–3:00pm time slot. He later worked at WCBM in Baltimore and WFMD in Frederick, MD, where he also served as Program Director.

“We’re thrilled to have Derek’s fresh voice and perspective on our fulltime line-up”, said Bill Hess, Program Director, WMAL-FM. “His width of interests will make for a fun and informative afternoon program as we wrestle this news cycle each day.”

Hunter commented: “I couldn’t be more excited—this is a homecoming for me. Returning to where I first hosted is a great feeling. I’ve been fortunate to fill in across the lineup—from O’Connor and Company to Chris Plante, and even for Rush Limbaugh. To now have a permanent home here is incredibly special. I want to thank Bill Hess, Jeff Boden, and all of Cumulus for this amazing opportunity.”

Hunter now lives with his wife and two children just outside the nation’s capital.

For more information or to stream WMAL-FM, visit: https://www.wmal.com/.