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Podcast ad spending is off to a strong start in 2025, rising 23% in January and 25% in February year-over-year, per Magellan AI. The ad tracker says last year saw ad loads jump 35% compared to 2023, with pod-on-pod promos among the biggest factors contributing to the increase. Magellan says Amazon took the top spender spot. Read morePodcasting Sees Strong Start To 2025 With Ad Growth; Amazon Tops 2024 Advertiser List.

Looks like FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington isn’t going anywhere. After reports circulated that he was looking to step down from his post on the Federal Communications Commission, and the departure of his chief of staff in March, Simington has now brought a new top aide on board. Gavin Wax will take on the role of chief of staff in Simington’s office. Simington has also named a new Senior Legal Advisor and new Confidential Assistant. Read moreSimington Signals He’s Staying Put At FCC, Bringing New Staff Onto His Team.

The Premiere Networks-syndicated “The Johnjay & Rich Show,” based at “104.7 Kiss FM” KZZP Phoenix, will receive the annual Morning Show Boot Camp “Kidd Kraddick Award” at this year’s gathering — Aug. 7-9 in Austin. “They have dominated Phoenix for more than 20 years and are expanding their brand of entertainment nationwide,” Kevin Rolston said in naming the duo this year’s recipients. Read more‘The Johnjay & Rich Show’ Named MSBC’s Kidd Kraddick Award Winner.

FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington has opposed agency-imposed fines for the past year, including against pirate radio operators, citing constitutional concerns. An appeals court ruling has just reinforced his stance, stating civil penalties must follow Seventh Amendment protections, including jury trials. The decision could force federal agencies to overhaul enforcement procedures. Read moreCourt Ruling Puts FCC’s Fine-Issuing Authority On Shaky Ground.

Data from MRI-Simmons shows that AM/FM radio reports on tennis’ Grand Slam tournaments attract an audience that is younger, more likely to be employed full time, and more passionate about tennis and sports in general, compared to TV’s tennis audience. There’s good news for advertisers, too, as tennis’ radio audience is also more likely to buy high-ticket items. Read moreTennis Reports On Radio Net A Younger, More Engaged, More Affluent Audience.

People Moves

Jeanne-Marie Condo, Skyview Networks’ President of Network Partnerships and Chief Revenue Officer, has departed the company. The longtime company executive has been with Skyview Networks since shortly after its inception more than 25 years ago. She was named President of Network Partnerships and CRO in April 2022. Read moreJeanne-Marie Condo

Carl Russo, the longtime afternoon host at Cumulus Media’s “97 Rock” WGRF Buffalo, has announced that he will retire, effective Friday, April 25. He has been with the station since 1988 and also worked in the market at WYSL, WGRQ, and WGR-FM. Read moreCarl Russo

Northeast Ohio broadcast veteran Sam Bourquin joins D.A. Peterson soft AC WDPN Canton, OH (1310) as afternoon host, effective Monday, April 28. Bourquin will continue as the voice of Mount Union Purple Raider football and basketball, which is carried by WDPN. He will also handle play-by-play of high school football and basketball on co-owned CHR “Q92” WDJQ.  Read moreSam Bourquin

Sylvia Serna Refojo has been named National Accounts Director for Norsan Media. Refojo brings 22 years of experience to her new role, including leadership roles at Spanish Broadcasting System. She also led strategic media initiatives at top agencies including Tapestry/MediaVest/Spark and The Bravo Group. Read moreSylvia Serna Refojo