ATLANTA, Dec. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cumulus Media’s Westwood One today announced the launch of a groundbreaking new morning show hosted by Drake C. Toll, one of the most dynamic voices in sports media. Toll’s new show will air in the highly-desired morning daypart, Monday – Friday from 6:00 – 9:00 AM. As a play-by-play broadcaster with the fast-growing sports organization, Savannah Bananas, Toll knows how to captivate an audience and make every moment unforgettable. With his new radio show, listeners ...

Core Insights - Cumulus Media's Westwood One has launched a new morning sports radio show hosted by Drake C. Toll, airing Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, marking a significant development in sports audio broadcasting [1] Company Overview - Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company that reaches a quarter billion people monthly through 395 radio stations across 84 markets, offering high-quality local programming and nationally-syndicated content [5] - The company operates Westwood One, the largest audio network in America, providing a range of programming including sports, news, and entertainment [5] Host Background - Drake C. Toll has a diverse media background, starting with founding EagleVision in Arkansas, and has worked with major outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated [3] - Toll is known for his engaging broadcasting style and has previously hosted successful podcasts, including America's No. 1 Big 12 podcast [3] Show Concept - The new show aims to provide sharp insights and fearless opinions, utilizing multiple platforms to engage listeners and create an interactive sports experience [2][4] - Toll emphasizes a commitment to authenticity and connection, promising to deliver compelling content for a wide audience [4] Industry Positioning - Westwood One Sports is recognized for its extensive sports broadcasting, including exclusive partnerships with the NFL and coverage of major NCAA events [6] - The launch of Toll's show is part of a broader strategy to innovate and enhance the sports talk radio landscape, moving away from traditional formats [4]

Core Points - Stingray, a leader in music and video content distribution, announced the acquisition of CHUP-FM (C97.7) in Calgary from Rawlco Radio, pending CRTC approval [1][3] - The acquisition aims to enhance Stingray Radio's presence in Calgary, complementing its existing portfolio of 33 radio licenses in Alberta and 96 stations across Canada [2][4] Company Overview - Stingray operates in various sectors including TV broadcasting, streaming, radio, business services, and advertising, reaching 540 million consumers in 160 countries [4] - The company provides a wide range of services such as audio and video channels, subscription video-on-demand content, and digital signage solutions [4]

Core Insights - Cumulus Media's Westwood One has appointed McGraw Milhaven as the new host of the nationally syndicated program America at Night, starting December 1st [1][2][4] Group 1: Show Details - America at Night will be broadcast live weeknights from 9:00 pm to midnight ET, featuring Milhaven's engaging interviews, sharp commentary, and dynamic listener interaction [2][3] - The show will cover a wide range of topics including politics, current events, sports, and entertainment, aiming to deliver news analysis and interactive discussions [3] Group 2: Host Background - McGraw Milhaven has over two decades of broadcasting experience and has been recognized nationally, including a spot on Talkers Magazine's Top 100 Talk Hosts in America [5] - Milhaven has a background in history and political science and is known for his resilience and humor, shaped by his upbringing as one of six children [6] Group 3: Company Overview - Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company that reaches a quarter billion people monthly through 399 radio stations across 84 markets and a large audio network [7] - The company provides a variety of programming including sports, news, talk, and entertainment, and offers integrated digital marketing services and live event experiences [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the company reported an operating income of $6,000 without the music licensing settlement, compared to $1,600,000 for the same period last year [4] - Station operating income for the quarter was $3,500,000, which would have been $5,600,000 without the settlement, down from $6,000,000 last year [4] - Net revenue for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, decreased by $3,100,000 or 3.7% to $80,600,000 compared to $83,700,000 last year [5] - Total interactive revenue increased by 32.6% for the quarter and 17.1% for the nine-month period, with a profit margin of 54% [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross broadcast revenue, including nontraditional revenue (NTR), decreased by $1,800,000 or 6.8%, while gross interactive revenue increased by $1,100,000 or 32.6% [4] - Political revenue for the quarter was $73,000, down from $677,000 last year [4] - The increase in interactive revenue offset almost the entire decrease in broadcast revenue when adjusted for political [5][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is currently pacing down approximately 11% for the fourth quarter, including political revenue, and 4.7% when excluding political [7] - Local pacing remains consistent, while digital pacing is up 32% for the quarter [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a blended digital strategy aiming to double gross revenue, primarily through digital channels, within 18 to 24 months [14] - Strategic investments in R&D and resources are being made to support this digital transformation [14] - The company plans to utilize proceeds from the sale of telecommunications towers for stock buybacks and to maintain a robust quarterly dividend strategy [9][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the local advertising market is overdue for disruption, with businesses increasingly investing in digital advertising [22] - The company believes that its digital transformation is gaining momentum, with measurable returns already being observed [24][26] - Management acknowledged the challenges of the digital transformation but expressed confidence in the team's commitment and capabilities [27] Other Important Information - The company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, totaling approximately $1,600,000 [8] - As of November 3, 2025, the company had $26,300,000 in cash and short-term investments [10] - The company expects capital expenditures between $3,250,000 and $3,750,000 for 2025 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on market tone and pacing into the upcoming quarter? - Management indicated that national advertising is weak, impacting forward pacing, while local pacing is consistent and digital pacing is up 32% [30][31] Question: Why is there no concrete plan for a buyback post-tower sale? - Management explained that complexities related to the tower sale and real estate transfer issues delayed clarity on final sale proceeds, which are necessary for buyback planning [35][36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net revenue was approximately $92.7 million, down 16% year over year [9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $14.2 million, a decrease of 44.1% [15] - Net loss was approximately $2.8 million or $0.06 per share, compared to a net loss of $31.8 million or $0.68 per share for the previous year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the Radio Broadcasting segment was $34.7 million, a decrease of 12.6% year over year [9] - Net revenue for the Reach Media segment was $6.1 million, down 40% from the prior year [10] - Net revenues for the Digital segment were down 30.6% at $12.7 million [11] - Cable Television segment revenue was approximately $39.8 million, a decrease of 7% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local ad sales were down 6.5% against a market that was down 10.1%, indicating outperformance [9] - National ad sales were down 29.1% against a market that was down 21.5%, indicating underperformance [10] - Cable subscribers to TV One decreased to 34.1 million from 34.3 million at the end of Q2 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is adjusting its guidance for the year, lowering the EBITDA forecast from $60 million to a range of $56 million to $58 million [7] - A second reduction in force was completed in October as part of ongoing cost reduction efforts [14] - The company is exploring potential M&A opportunities in light of anticipated deregulation in the industry [28][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, citing changes in operating strategy and a focus on improving performance in key markets [21][25] - The company is preparing for a political year, which is expected to drive demand [21] - Management acknowledged challenges faced in the current year but believes they are better positioned for future growth [25] Other Important Information - Operating expenses decreased to approximately $83.7 million for the quarter, a decrease of 4.2% from the prior year [12] - Interest expense decreased to approximately $9.4 million in Q3, down from $11.6 million last year [16] - The company repurchased $4.5 million of its 2028 notes at an average price of 52% [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for 2026 and demand? - Management feels good about 2026 due to changes in operating strategy and the upcoming political year [21][25] Question: Are there plans for M&A activity? - Management is exploring M&A opportunities but currently has no transformative deals in progress [28][30] Question: Will the company continue debt buyback activity? - Management confirmed plans to continue executing on debt buybacks while maintaining liquidity [33]

Core Insights - Cumulus Media's Westwood One has appointed Armen Williams as Executive Director of Westwood One Sports 24/7 Programming, effective November 3, 2025, to lead the development of new sports content [1][2] - Williams brings over 20 years of audio programming experience and has previously held leadership roles at Audacy, Bonneville, and Townsquare [3] - The new role will involve overseeing sports talk content, technical operations, social media strategy, and brand management, with a focus on creating engaging on-air programming [2][4] Company Overview - Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company reaching a quarter billion people monthly through 395 radio stations across 84 markets and the largest audio network in America, Westwood One [5] - The company provides a variety of programming, including sports, news, talk, and entertainment, and offers advertisers a range of services including digital marketing and live event experiences [5] Westwood One Sports - Westwood One Sports is the exclusive network radio partner to the NFL since 1987 and covers major sports events including NCAA Basketball, U.S. Soccer, and The Masters [6] - The network aims to enhance its sports programming under Williams' leadership, focusing on delivering high-quality content to listeners [4][6]

Summary of Saga Communications Conference Call (October 08, 2025) Company Overview - **Company**: Saga Communications (NasdaqGM: SGA) - **Industry**: Broadcasting and Media - **Rating**: Outperform with a price target of $18 Key Points and Arguments Digital Strategy Transformation - Saga's digital strategy is described as a transformational change rather than a traditional strategy, focusing on a cultural shift within the company [2][3] - The company operates in 27 markets, with 21 being below Market 100, presenting opportunities for local advertising disruption [2][3] - Local advertising is seen as overdue for disruption, with businesses increasingly investing in digital but struggling to navigate the complexities [3][4] Advertising Market Insights - In 2024, U.S. advertising spend was $421 billion, with 73% ($309 billion) allocated to digital; projections for 2025 estimate $456 billion total, with 80% ($365 billion) in digital [7] - Radio currently captures only 5% ($21 billion) of total ad spend, and a mere 0.6% of digital ad spend [8] - Local direct advertisers not pitched the blended product risk losing 29% of existing radio business, while those who adopt it see a 9% increase in radio spend [9] Blended Advertising Strategy - Saga's blended strategy combines radio with digital search and display, aiming to double annual gross revenue by capturing just 5% of available digital dollars in 16 of its markets [6][16] - The company aims for digital revenue to grow to 65-67% of total revenue in the future [18] Market Position and Community Engagement - Saga focuses on small to medium-sized markets with strong community ties, enhancing its influence and trust among local advertisers [12][13] - The company emphasizes direct business relationships, which are crucial for the success of its blended strategy [13][14] Growth Initiatives - E-commerce has shown significant growth, increasing from $400,000 to nearly $3 million in revenue over 18 months [27] - Streaming revenue is also growing, with some stations reporting 30% of terrestrial delivery coming from streaming [27] Financial Health and Acquisition Strategy - Saga maintains a pristine balance sheet, avoiding excessive debt and focusing on selective acquisitions [32] - The company plans to continue its dividend policy while also considering stock buybacks from asset sales [34][35] Future Outlook - The company believes local radio can continue to grow despite challenges in national and remnant advertising [31] - Saga aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of its blended strategy to attract investors and narrow the valuation gap with peers [39][40] Additional Important Insights - The company has invested significantly in training its media advisors to become digital experts, reducing reliance on third-party providers [22][23] - Saga's approach to community involvement and local advertising is seen as a competitive advantage in its markets [12][14] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call, highlighting Saga Communications' strategic direction, market insights, and financial health.

Townsquare Media Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Townsquare Media - **Stock Symbol**: TSQ - **Current Rating**: Outperform with a price target of $21, indicating significant upside potential from current stock levels [1][1][1] - **Dividend Yield**: 12.7% annualized, considered one of the best total return opportunities in the coverage universe [1][1][1] Industry Insights - **Market Focus**: Townsquare Media operates in small markets outside the top 50 in the U.S., which are often underserved in terms of local news and entertainment [3][3][3] - **Market Penetration**: The company reaches 50% of adults weekly through AM/FM broadcasts and 77% when including online audiences [4][4][4] - **Competition**: There is less competition in digital marketing solutions in these smaller markets, allowing Townsquare Media to build a competitive moat [4][4][4] Digital Business Growth - **Revenue Composition**: Digital revenue now constitutes over 50% of total revenues and cash flow [6][6][6] - **Townsquare Interactive**: This subscription-based service provides digital marketing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) [8][8][8] - **Historical Growth**: From 2013 to 2023, revenue grew by $7 million to $10 million annually, with profits increasing by $2.5 million to $3 million [9][9][9] - **Recent Challenges**: The company faced disruptions due to a return-to-office mandate and a shift to a call center service model, resulting in a loss of approximately $7 million in cash flow over two years [12][12][12][13][13][13] - **Future Outlook**: Expected profit growth of over $3 million in 2025, with a return to historical revenue growth levels anticipated by 2026 [13][13][13] Service Offerings and Innovations - **CRM Adoption**: 100% of Townsquare Interactive's customers are now using the CRM, which was not available four to five years ago [16][16][16] - **Pricing Strategy**: The average revenue per user (ARPU) is approximately $300 per month, with a focus on maintaining current pricing while improving efficiency and profit margins [17][17][17] - **AI Integration**: AI tools are being deployed to enhance service efficiency and customer insights, expected to significantly aid margin expansion in the coming years [19][19][19][20][20][20] Townsquare Ignite - **Digital Advertising Segment**: Townsquare Ignite is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in programmatic advertising and streaming TV [21][21][21][22][22][22] - **Market Trends**: The digital advertising market in the U.S. is growing at a high single-digit CAGR, with streaming TV and social media advertising growing at double-digit rates [22][22][22][23][23][23] - **Partnerships**: The company is expanding its white-label digital advertising partnerships, projecting $50 million in revenue from this segment within five years [26][26][26][27][27][27] Radio Business Insights - **Industry Reach**: Radio remains the number one reach medium in the U.S., with 93% of Americans listening weekly [31][31][31] - **Current Performance**: The radio industry is facing challenges, with Townsquare Media's performance slightly declining but still outperforming the broader industry [32][32][32][34][34][34] - **Future Projections**: Expected moderation of industry decline, with potential for low single-digit declines over the next five years [34][34][34][35][35][35] Financial Health and Capital Management - **Debt Management**: The company has a gross debt of $470 million, with plans to pay down $20 million to $30 million annually [39][39][39][40][40][40] - **Interest Rate Sensitivity**: Each quarter-point reduction in interest rates equates to approximately $1.2 million in interest expense savings [40][40][40][41][41][41] - **Share Buybacks**: Townsquare Media has repurchased 16.6 million shares since 2021, with a focus on opportunistic buybacks and maintaining a high dividend yield [46][46][46] Conclusion - **Growth Strategy**: Townsquare Media is focused on expanding its digital business while managing its traditional radio segment effectively. The company is well-positioned for future growth, particularly in digital advertising and marketing solutions, while maintaining a strong commitment to shareholder returns through dividends and share buybacks [50][50][50]

Core Insights - Datavault AI Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with 99.7 FM to commercialize its ADIO technology, marking its first deployment in mainstream broadcast media [1][2][3] - The partnership includes a one-year pilot project aimed at enhancing sponsorship sales through advanced Web 3.0 technology, transforming traditional broadcasting into interactive communications [2][4] - The ADIO technology allows broadcasters to create inaudible tones that can deliver information and advertisements directly to mobile devices, enhancing audience engagement and revenue opportunities [4][6] Company Overview - Datavault AI Inc. specializes in AI-driven data visualization, valuation, and monetization, with a focus on innovative technologies like ADIO and Data Vault [1][10] - The company’s technology suite includes patented solutions for audio transmission and data monetization, serving various industries including entertainment, healthcare, and fintech [10] - Datavault AI is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, and is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker DVLT [10] Industry Context - The U.S. radio advertising market generated $28.75 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $45.26 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% [7][8] - Radio remains a trusted medium, reaching over 82% of U.S. adults weekly, and is expanding its reach through digital platforms like streaming and podcasts [8]