Townsquare Media says its second quarter performance is tracking ahead of Q1, with strength in its digital businesses and an ongoing rebuild of its Townsquare Interactive sales organization helping position the company for stronger results in the second half of the year. Speaking at Noble Capital Markets’ recent investor conference, CEO Bill Wilson said business trends have improved as the quarter has progressed. “We continue to deliver our expectations that we outlined for a

A new Katz Radio Group study suggests advertisers can more effectively reach Hispanic small business owners with radio commercials that feature clear messaging, authentic storytelling and a mix of English and Spanish. The Creative Diagnostics study surveyed 400 Spanish-speaking small business decision-makers ages 25-54 and found that radio advertising emphasizing relatable stories and straightforward benefits generated strong audience engagement and favorable brand perception

The Association of National Advertisers has released its first-ever Inclusive Marketing Case Study Compendium, featuring 100 campaigns from ANA’s premier awards programs, including the Multicultural and Inclusive Marketing Excellence Awards, Reggie Brand Catalyst Awards, and In-House Excellence Awards. ANA’s compendium focuses on how brands and agencies are redefining how marketers connect with today’s growth audiences, including Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, LGBTQ+,

Authenticity — not celebrity — is what drives podcast influence, according to new research from the B2B research firm Clutch, which found listeners are willing to act on host recommendations but are quick to lose trust when advertising feels forced. The study also suggests that despite podcasting’s rapid evolution toward video, consumers still want real people behind the microphone — not AI. The survey of 412 consumers found 79% listen to at least one podcast each month, with

Lupa Systems, James Murdoch’s media and technology holding company, has officially completed its acquisition of the Vox Media Podcast Network and New York Magazine. The deal was announced in May with a reported $300 million price tag. The podcast network and magazine will now operate as a new subsidiary of Lupa Systems under the Vox Media name. Jim Bankoff, who co-founded Vox Media and has led its growth from its early days as a network of grassroots sports blogs, will serve

Radio continues to rank among the most effective mass-reach media platforms, even as consumers divide their time across a growing number of media options, according to a new “Sound Answers” report from Katz Radio Group. Using Nielsen Audience Insights data, the report says AM/FM radio reaches 87% of U.S. adults each week, giving it one of the broadest audiences of any measured media platform. Radio’s reach is even stronger among younger consumers, with 81% of Adults 18-34 tun

Podcast listening eased in June as the industry entered its typical summer slowdown, with Podtrac reporting declines in both unique monthly audience and downloads for most publishers, consistent with seasonal trends observed in prior years. Despite the softer listening levels, the competitive order at the top of the publisher rankings remained largely intact. The iHeart Audience Network retained its position as the largest podcast publisher measured by Podtrac with 55.1 milli

A new analysis of podcast advertising finds that video podcasts provide advertisers with a different set of advantages than audio, combining the trust built through voice-driven content with the engagement opportunities of a visual platform. Part Two of The Podcast Atlas study examines audio and video podcasts separately, arguing that the two formats serve different roles in reaching audiences. Audio connects with listeners during screen-free moments, while video extends thos

Nearly half of Americans have changed their summer vacation plans because of rising costs, with many shortening trips, choosing less expensive options or canceling travel altogether, according to a new survey from email and SMS marketing platform Omnisend. The survey found that 47% of respondents have postponed, shortened, downgraded or canceled a summer trip due to cost concerns. Among those affected, gas prices were the most frequently cited factor at 46%, followed by groce

Even before the Beatles’ arrival in the U.S. and the birth of the music festival revolutionized the live music experience, radio was already on board, with stations sponsoring and promoting — and air personalities hosting — concerts featuring top artists. Findings from a Luminate survey suggest contemporary music stations would be smart to hitch their wagons to, or even to create, live events attracting Gen Zs, whose interest in, attendance of, and expenditure on concerts inc