Cumulus Media has adopted a so-called “poison pill” to rebuff any unsolicited takeover attempt by Renew Group. But thanks to a decision by the Federal Communications Commission, the investment firm will be kept at bay, at least for now. The FCC is putting limits on Renew Group while it reviews an application filed by Cumulus that seeks to allow the investment group to increase its stake in the radio group. Read moreFCC Puts Restrictions On Investor Who Gave Cumulus Hostile Takeover Jitters.

“AI is going to eliminate a ton of jobs from our industry, isn’t it?” Time and again in meetings at this year’s NAB, I was met with this deflated question from key people in the radio industry. And who could blame them for asking? As of the end of 2023, less than 30% of U.S. radio stations had more than one live and local daypart. The answer to this “jobs” question is this: AI will transform the work processes in EVERY industry. It’s inevitable. That does not automatically mean we need fewer people. Read morePerspective: Anstandig on AI’s Promise To Broadcasters...90% Creativity, 10% Process.

Five months after Jim Loftus said he was leaving his role as COO of Seven Mountains Media, he’s selling his central Pennsylvania radio stations to his former employer. The Kristin Cantrell-led Seven Mountains Media has filed a $75,000 deal to buy an AM/FM combo and a trio of FM translators. In December, Loftus announced he’d exit the company to join Times-Shamrock Communications. Read moreAfter Leaving Seven Mountains Media, Ex-COO Jim Loftus is Selling Stations To His Former Bosses.

Vance Dillard, a longtime radio veteran whose long career began in 1967, is leaving his post as Senior Director of Programming at Family Radio. That’s according to a news release by the Franklin, TN-based broadcaster, which also announced that Jan Prendergast has been named Director of Finance, and Kimberly Wolfe the new Director of Donor Development. Read moreVance Dillard, A 57-Year Radio Industry Veteran, To Exit Post At Family Radio.

A venerable Belgian beer brand is launching a new advertising campaign that includes a trio of radio spots. Stella Artois, first brewed in 1926 and today owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, is putting its well-known chalices at the heart of the campaign, called “Missing Chalices.” Read moreNew Stella Artois Ad Campaign Embraces The Chalice — And The Radio.

The Radio Advertising Bureau’s new President and CEO is hitting the ground running. “My focus is engage, align and then activate,” Mike Hulvey told Benztown President Dave “Chachi” Denes on an episode of the “Chachi Loves Everybody” podcast. “I’m going to use this early time to engage with our stakeholders, our team, [and] our board. I have ideas of where I want to go, but it’s malpractice if I don’t engage all facets of the RAB universe.” Read moreRAB’s Hulvey: ‘Radio Is No Longer A One-Way Street.’

President Joe Biden appeared on the Howard Stern show on Friday (April 26) and declared that he would debate former President Donald Trump. “I don’t know when, but I am happy to debate him,” Biden said during the interview. The Trump camp is eager to schedule a debate, even though the presumed Republican presidential nominee did not participate in any of the party’s primary debates. Read moreBiden On Howard Stern Show: ‘I’m Happy To Debate’ Trump.

Ryan Seacrest celebrated the 20th anniversary of hosting mornings on KIIS Los Angeles by taking a road trip. The “Ryan’s Riding the OC to LA: The 20th Anniversary Thank You Tour” began during his show at 7am on Thursday (April 25), and continued into the evening. The tour hit some of the show’s favorite spots and included Seacrest and KIIS “Paying Bills” for lucky listeners. Read moreRyan Seacrest ‘Road Tour’ Marks 20th Anniversary Of Hosting Mornings On KIIS.

Doug Stephan’s “Good Day” program will no longer be offered as a weekday morning show as it moves to a weekend program. The Monday through Friday syndicated offering, hosted by Stephan and Jai Kershner, will end May 3. “Good Day Show with Doug Stephan & Jai Kershner” will be replaced with two weekend offerings — “Good Day Saturday” and “Good Day Sunday.” Read moreDoug Stephan Ends Daily Radio Show, Shifts To Weekend Presentation.