Connected-car technology is changing how drivers access and interact with audio, with artificial intelligence, voice controls, larger screens and autonomous-driving features creating new opportunities for radio, according to Audacy’s 2026 Connected Car Study. The annual study, which has tracked connected-car technology and consumer behavior for five years, finds that drivers interested in adding more AI-powered features to their next vehicle remain heavy audio users. Among th

It may still be early on the calendar, but the time to start selling holiday advertising is now — and Katz Radio Group says new research gives stations plenty of ammunition for those conversations. The rep firm’s latest analysis finds consumers are highly engaged with the holiday season, particularly the music, shopping and traditions surrounding the season. And with 84% saying it is a good idea for brands to advertise during the holidays, Katz sees an opportunity for radio s

Nielsen is headed back to the Second Circuit after a federal judge escalated its ratings fight with Cumulus Media, ordering the company to make a new standalone Nationwide offer on court-specified terms and backing the directive with daily penalties for noncompliance. Nielsen has filed notice that it is appealing U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas’ Sept. 9 order enforcing the preliminary injunction she issued last December. Nielsen says the new ruling improperly modifies th

The Interactive Advertising Bureau has become more bullish on the U.S. advertising market, raising its 2026 growth forecast to 12.3% after a stronger-than-expected first half — with podcasts expected to remain one of the faster-growing media channels. The IAB update lifts its full-year ad spending forecast by 2.8 points from the 9.5% growth projected in January. The findings are based on insights from more than 200 brands and ad agency decision-makers. The IAB says the feedba

The New York Festivals Radio Awards has opened entries for its 2027 competition, marking the awards program’s 70th anniversary of recognizing creative achievement in audio storytelling. The Radio Awards, which began in 1957, recognizes work from radio stations, networks, independent producers, publishers and podcast creators around the world. The program has expanded over the years to reflect changes in the audio industry and now recognizes work across multiple platforms and

Edison Research’s latest Insights report finds that AM/FM radio remains the dominant ad-supported audio platform among Americans ages 13 to 34 when they are listening in the car. The report, based on Edison’s Share of Ear data, found that Americans ages 13 to 34 spend an average of just under an hour a day listening to audio in the car. About 63% of that listening time is devoted to ad-supported audio platforms. AM/FM radio, including both over-the-air broadcasts and radio st

The Interactive Advertising Bureau has become more bullish on the U.S. advertising market, raising its 2026 growth forecast to 12.3% after a stronger-than-expected first half — with podcasts expected to remain one of the faster-growing media channels. The IAB update lifts its full-year ad spending forecast by 2.8 points from the 9.5% growth projected in January. The findings are based on insights from more than 200 brands and ad agency decision-makers in which the organizatio

Podcast audiences came roaring back in August, with nearly every publisher measured by Podtrac posting month-to-month audience growth as iHeartMedia strengthened its hold on the top of the U.S. rankings. Podtrac says 18 of the 19 U.S. ranking participants increased their unique monthly audience in August vs. July. Download growth was less widespread but still positive, with eight participants recording month-to-month increases in U.S. downloads and streams. The iHeart Audienc

In terms of stations ranked first in the 20 non-embedded PPM markets reporting on Days 1 and 2 in Nielsen’s August survey (covering July 23-August 19), adult contemporary and news/talk lead in eight of these markets, with four number-ones apiece, while urban AC stations claim the top spot in three markets. For AC, that total is actually its lowest since January and February of this year, when the format also topped four markets. More recently, AC stations ruled in six markets

Radio historian and videographer Art Vuolo is encouraging radio stations nationwide to air his documentary marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The roughly 20-minute presentation, which Vuolo describes as a tribute from an audio perspective, is constructed entirely from actual radio broadcasts recorded on 9/11. There are no recreations, with the documentary using the voices and sounds heard on radio as the attacks unfolded. Vuolo says the pres