Kirk Harnack will serve as a strategic consultant to MaxxKonnect.

Harnack is well known as host of the online video series “This Week in Radio Tech,” or TWiRT. He also has long been associated with Telos Alliance, most recently as senior sales consultant. He left Telos after 25 years in January, as Harnack posted on Facebook.

As a consultant or engineer he also works or has worked with companies like Akamai Broadcasting, Oxford Media Group, Kauai Broadcast Partners, South Seas Broadcasting and Delta Radio, according to his LinkedIn profile. He also has experience as a television meteorologist, currently with RFD-TV.

MaxxKonnect offers prioritized connectivity and technical services. It said Harnack’s new role will build on their “established relationship focused on helping broadcasters better understand and deploy modern connectivity solutions and advanced audio technologies in real-world broadcast environments.”

It said Harnack will contribute to its educational initiatives, participate in industry events and discussions, and provide insight on emerging trends. It cited his 45+ years in radio and television broadcasting including expertise in AoIP, networking and virtualized broadcast systems.

Director of Sales and Marketing Adam Robinson highlighted Harnack’s “infectious energy, technical depth and deep-rooted industry connections.”

The post Harnack Will Consult for MaxxKonnect appeared first on Radio World.

WorldDAB is out with the second edition of an ebook to help those who want to launch a DAB+ digital radio service or are in the process.

The resource is called “Establishing DAB+ Digital Broadcast Radio.” The first edition came out three years ago; it has been updated to coincide with World Radio Day this Friday.

“The book offers a unique, in-depth guide to the regulatory, technical and commercial aspects of establishing a successful DAB+ digital radio service,” according to the organization.

It covers the process from initial interest through to analog switch-off. New information is included on Automatic Safety Alert (ASA), hybrid radio features, regulation/licensing and how to minimize costs of site design.

“There are also updates on country examples, the digital adoption process and analog switchover.”

It is available free on the WorldDAB website.

The post WorldDAB Updates DAB+ Launch Guide appeared first on Radio World.

Stingray has ambitious plans in the global audio ecosystem, and TuneIn is an important part of that. Read our profile.

Juan Galdamez of Xperi discusses the evolution of measurement and how new tools in DTS AutoStage provide deeper insights about listener behavior.

John Bisset explores what the Shelly Uni module can do for you (for under $20).

Buyer’s Guide features products for remote and sports broadcasting from AVT, Comrex, Henry, Jutel, Lawo, Radio.Cloud, Telos Alliance and Tieline.

Read it here.

The post Read the Feb. 11, 2026 Issue of Radio World appeared first on Radio World.

Audacy and Sonos have a new partnership.

Sonos is an audio tech company that makes an ecosystem of wireless speakers, home theater systems, headphones, architectural components and other home audio products.

Audacy broadcast stations have been available on Sonos devices since 2020. Now Audacy becomes the U.S. sales and distribution representative for Sonos Radio’s streaming inventory. Sonos Radio will join the Audacy Digital Audience Network, and its stations will be distributed on the Audacy platform.

Audacy said it has been working to create alliances with “high-performing brands that deepen listener engagement and expand advertiser opportunities.” It pointed to recent distribution collaborations with iHeartMedia and TuneIn, a sports content deal with Jomboy Media and a sports marketing agreement with MOGL.

“Adding Sonos Radio to this roster reinforces Audacy’s commitment to building a robust ecosystem of premium audio experiences across platforms, audiences and content formats,” according to the announcement, which was made by Audacy President of Digital Sales Michael Biemolt and Sonos Radio Director, Product Management Jack Rutledge.

Listeners will be able to find Sonos Radio stations on the Audacy app and web, with Sonos Radio featured alongside Audacy’s owned-and-operated brands,” they said in their joint announcement. Audacy will also distribute Sonos Radio stations across platforms including Google Home, Alexa and Apple Music.

The post Audacy Partners With Sonos appeared first on Radio World.

NextKast has launched NextTraffic, a built-in traffic and billing system for its automation platform NextKast OnAir.

“NextTraffic is fully integrated into the NextKast OnAir platform and serves as a complete alternative to third-party traffic systems for broadcasters seeking an all-in-one solution,” the software company said in its announcement.

For stations using an external traffic system, it said, NextKast OnAir continues to supports third-party traffic integration.

“Unlike traditional traffic solutions that require separate software, exports and manual reconciliation, NextTraffic is fully integrated into NextKast OnAir, automating the entire advertising workflow from client order to proof-of-play and invoicing.”

It said this creates a single streamlined system that eliminates third-party traffic software.

The system uses a patent-pending Traffic Tag System that embeds a unique tag into each commercial. The tag contains scheduling data such as advertiser, campaign details, dates, rates and frequency. The company says this allows ads to be automatically scheduled, verified and logged without spreadsheets, manual logs or reconciliation.

“Using the embedded traffic tag, a single ad can be sent to one or multiple stations and automatically schedule itself based on its campaign parameters.”

Once received, the ad determines where and when it should air, without manual input. {layback is logged and audited automatically.

According to NextKast, this approach is especially beneficial for independent operators running multiple stations or regional networks.

Info: www.nextkast.com/onAir/

The post NextKast Adds Integrated Traffic & Billing appeared first on Radio World.

A new event called the Tri-State Radio Show will take place this spring.

Co-produced by the Indiana Broadcasters Association, Kentucky Broadcasters Association and Ohio Association of Broadcasters, it will be held March 31 and April 1 at Marriott RiverCenter in Covington, Ky., just across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati.

Discussion topics include AI, legal/regulatory, programming, sales, time management, video streaming and the evolving media landscape.

An opening reception on the evening of March 31 features a special guest, sportscaster Marty Brennaman. Conference sessions the next day run until 4 p.m.

Sponsors include Quu, the Radio Advertising Bureau, the Radio Vendor Alliance and Marketron. A dozen exhibitors also are listed.

KBA CEO/President Chris Winkle said in the announcement, “With the ever-evolving media landscape, it’s crucial that radio broadcasters gain knowledge and practical information that they can apply to their stations.”

Registration is free for active IBA, KBA and OAB member stations. Others pay $199.

Info: tristateradioshow.com 

The post “Tri-State Radio Show” Coming Next Month appeared first on Radio World.

From the Radio World People News page: The National Association of Broadcasters has named Joey Martin as senior vice president of sales strategy and enablement for global connections and events, or GCE.

“In this role, Martin will oversee sales and revenue generation for NAB Show and NAB Show New York, reporting to Karen Chupka, executive vice president, GCE,” the organization said.

Martin is former VP of sales at NTP Events. Prior to that he was vice president of business development at ASIS International.

Chupka highlighted his expertise in sales strategy, account management and partner engagement.

Eric Trabb, SVP and chief customer success officer, now becomes senior VP of strategic partnerships and alliances, responsible for helping the spring show develop new partnerships and growth opportunities, a spokeswoman said.

“Eric will drive expansion into adjacent markets, attracting new audiences and customers while building new alliances with next-generation technology companies. As the business of video production and consumption is seeing record growth, this shift gives us the focus needed to continue to expand the NAB Show for all its stakeholders.”

The post NAB Names Martin to Event Sales Role appeared first on Radio World.

From our Who’s Buying What page come two announcements from Nautel.

Ideastream Public Media in Ohio has ordered transmitters for FM stations WKSU, WCLV and WKRW and a related translator.

“The transmitters, which were ordered through Warmus and Associates, include two GV2-30ND units, a GV2 3.5 and a VS1,” according to Nautel.

Chuck Poulton is senior director of technology for Ideastream.

Separately, Nautel said that Hutton Broadcasting has purchased an NV20LT transmitter for FM station KQBA in Los Alamos, N.M.

Hutton used Nautel’s finance partner Navitas. The company has previously installed Nautel transmitters at several other FM stations and translators.

Austin Burch, shown, is its director of engineering.

Send news for Who’s Buying What to radioworld@futurenet.com. Both buyers and sellers are welcome to submit.

The post Ideastream, Hutton Broadcasting Pick Nautel Transmitters appeared first on Radio World.

More details are available now about the TV and Radio HQ that will be a feature of the Central Hall floor at the NAB Show in April.

Radio World was first to tell you, last spring, about NAB’s plan to move the HQ to the newly renovated Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The broadcast HQ area had been in the West Hall for the last several years.

Karen Chupka, NAB’s executive vice president of global connections and events, said in the new announcement that broadcasters “want to experience NAB Show … with relevant, high-energy programming that’s integrated directly into the show floor.”

In addition to a concentration of relevant exhibit booths, the area will feature an HQ Theater, promising “quick-hit, entertaining sessions and live conversations.”  Next door will be the NAB Member Lounge, including networking events.

A new workforce development program will provide sessions about how “AI, shifting talent models and emerging workforce trends are reshaping organizational strategy.” That program targets decision-makers but is open to all attendees.

The TV and Radio HQ will be just inside the newly renovated west-facing front of the LVCC, facing the Silver Lot, Vegas Loop station and monorail tracks. (View a map of the Central Hall exhibits; the TV and Radio HQ area is at lower left.)

Also new is that the Small and Medium Market Radio Forum will take place on Sunday, April 19, rather than Saturday.

“This change is designed to increase accessibility, boost participation and strengthen the flow of broadcast-oriented programming during the opening days of NAB Show,” the organization stated.

The forum is part of the NAB Show Premium Conference, which includes an integrated Broadcast Management and Monetization Conference. The latter includes the Broadcast Engineering and IT Conference, Radio Advertising Bureau programming and the NAB Leadership Foundation’s Focus on Leadership Series.

Those events will be in North Hall session rooms.

The overhaul and expansion of the LVCC campus began with the opening of the $1 billion West Hall in 2021. The renovation of the legacy campus cost $600 million and was completed in January.

Central Hall has a new Grand Lobby with glass curtain wall and a lot of natural light. A large digital screen anchors that space. There is an interior concourse between the North and South Halls that eases movement (though South Hall is not part of the NAB Show this year). The facing of the legacy buildings also now matches the design of the West Hall.

The post NAB Highlights “TV and Radio HQ” in Central Hall appeared first on Radio World.

Two items involving foreign ownership that were adopted by the FCC last week will have an impact on broadcasters.

Attorneys Gregg Skall and Dennis Corbett of Telecommunications Law Professionals have posted details to help stations understand the implications.

First, stations will have new attestations to file and a new portal to file them in.

The commission will require broadcast licensees, among others, to file these attestations regarding whether their ownership structure involves “foreign adversary control.” That term for the FCC refers to people or organizations from, among others, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Russia.

Skall and Corbett write that the commission is categorizing each type of license and permit into one of three schedules. Broadcasters will be required to enter certain ownership information into a new consolidated portal called the Foreign Adversary Control System. The attestations and additional disclosures will be made available to the public.

The portal has not been established yet, nor have due dates been announced.

The FCC also streamlined and clarified the foreign ownership rules for broadcasters and other FCC licensees that file petitions for declaratory ruling under Section 310(b) of the Communications Act.

These are petitions from entities with foreign ownership in excess of regular limits who want approval to hold certain regulated licenses, including broadcast licenses. In the order, the FCC codified its practices and explained how these rules affect the processing of broadcast license applications and how they apply to non-commercial, educational and low-power FM stations.

Read the Skall and Corbett blog post.

The post FCC Will Create a “Foreign Adversary Control System” appeared first on Radio World.

TuneIn’s radio stations and podcasts will now be available in some Nissan vehicles in the United States.

“Drivers will be able to access TuneIn through Nissan and Infiniti vehicles equipped with Google built-in,” it announced.

It quoted CEO Rich Stern: “Drivers want access to the audio they love the moment they start the car. By bringing the full TuneIn experience directly into Nissan’s infotainment system, we’re eliminating friction and giving listeners a safer, faster way to enjoy live sports, trusted news, music and podcasts on every drive.”

The company said listening features include live sports play by play; curated music and podcasts; access to TuneIn using voice commands via TuneIn’s App Driver Distraction Management System; and new left-side driver controls that the company says make it easier to play, pause or change audio.

TuneIn has partnerships with 14 automotive brands. In late 2025 it was acquired by Stingray, a connected streaming media company based in Canada, for up to $175 million (US) in cash.

Look for our profile of Stingray in the upcoming Feb. 11 issue of Radio World.

The post TuneIn Has New Partnership With Nissan appeared first on Radio World.

At a time of great changes and challenges for public broadcasting, Christy Tanner has been named to one of the most prominent positions in American local public radio: She is the new president/CEO of New York Public Radio.

She succeeds LaFontaine Oliver, who remains as executive chair.

NYPR operates in the nation’s largest media market and includes WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space and New Jersey Public Radio.

“Tanner is a highly accomplished CEO and board director, an award-winning journalist and a longtime New Yorker,” the organization said.

“She is known for more than two decades of transformative media industry leadership in executive roles at CBS, TV Guide and The Washington Post Company. She serves as chair of Swerve Sports, a streaming TV company, and on the board of directors of Audacy, one of the nation’s largest audio companies.”

She began her career as a reporter and editor at the Associated Press and at The Commercial Appeal in Memphis. She has had senior executive roles at the Washington Post and Reed Elsevier, and was CEO of TV Guide Digital.

NYPR noted her leadership of CBS News Digital starting in 2015, where she and her team “innovated what news could look like on mobile, audio, social and connected TV.”

Board of Trustees Chair John Rose called her “the leader NYPR needs at this moment” and described her as a pacesetter. “She recognizes our singular role in New York City, and the importance of reinforcing the trust we’ve earned with audiences over generations while having the vision to advance our services, platforms and formats to make the center of excellence that is NYPR sustainable for years to come.”

LaFontaine Oliver joined New York Public Radio in 2023. The organization made the decision last year to bring in a new CEO, according to Current, so he could focus on broader organizational issues rather than day-to-day operations.

The post NYPR Names Christy Tanner as President/CEO appeared first on Radio World.

Radio World Buyer’s Guide articles are intended to help readers understand why their colleagues chose particular products to solve various technical situations. This month’s articles focus on telco and talk show systems.

Martinique La 1ère, a radio station of the France Télévisions group, has been using NeoGroupe’s NeoSIP platform for several months.

Désir Quiquely, head of audiovisual systems maintenance at Martinique La 1ère, said the station had been looking to replace its old phone system and modernize its tools. The Martinique La 1ère team decided to use NeoSIP software, citing its versatility as a multi-studio and multi-site system that can be adapted to the needs of radio stations of various sizes.

NeoSIP can be purchased as a subscription or a perpetual licence and allows for hosting in the cloud or on the customer’s servers.

It is used daily in Martinique La 1ère’s studios, particularly during the station’s morning shows, which feature regular interaction with listeners. The programs feature on-air contests, made possible by NeoWinners ticketing, another solution developed by NeoGroupe and which launched in 2025.

The combination of NeoSIP and NeoWinners allows for precise scheduling of time slots, organization of game mechanics, allocation of gifts and automatic distribution of tickets to winners.

In addition, the Martinique La 1ère team benefits from increased mobility thanks to NeoScreener, NeoSIP’s visual interface. It allows users to work simultaneously on several tablets, providing a clear and instant overview of calls, contests and interactions currently on air.

When asked what feature he likes most about NeoSIP, Quiquely cited its ease of use. NeoGroupe says NeoSIP was designed to be efficient and accessible without a complex or overloaded interface.

Info: www.neogroupe.com/en/home

The post Martinique La 1ère Puts NeoSIP to Work appeared first on Radio World.

The National Association of Broadcasters says registered voters support the elimination of the national broadcast ownership cap for television — and the association says “there are clear political consequences for lawmakers” who don’t agree.

NAB commissioned a study by research firm Fabrizio Ward. It posted the findings here.

The national cap limits entities from owning or controlling broadcast television stations that, in aggregate, reach more than 39% of television audience households in the country.

“Voters say the cap is unfair and they want government to give local stations a fair chance to compete for advertising and audience against Big Tech platforms, which face no such restrictions,” NAB said in a press release.

The survey found that “58% of voters say the 39% ownership restriction is unfair, including 33% who say it is very unfair, while just 20% say it is unfair.”

NAB said the survey shows that voters “want local broadcasters to compete nationally for advertising by a 42-point margin.”

It said voters say they are more likely (36%) rather than less likely (13%) to vote for a member of Congress who “supports allowing local station owners to compete nationally for advertising.” And they are less likely (36%) rather than more likely (12%) to vote for “a member of Congress who opposes reform.”

It said 52% want government policies to “make it easier for local TV stations to compete for advertisers against Big Tech while just 9% think government should make it harder.”

And the survey found that local TV remains a trusted source of news.

Fabrizio Ward surveyed 1,000 registered voters in late January using cell, landline and SMS to web channels.

NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt said voters think “the government should not impose arbitrary limits on trusted local broadcasters while Big Tech platforms face no such restrictions.”

Bob Ward of Fabrizio Ward told NAB, “Voters see this as a fairness issue, and they respond to where elected officials stand.”

The results seem to contradict a recent poll commissioned by the National Hispanic Media Coalition and Defend the Press Campaign which found that large majorities of likely voters in the upcoming mid-term elections opposed “large national broadcasters buying up or merging with local TV stations.” Read about there here.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is seen as sympathetic to the idea of easing broadcast ownership limits. President Trump last fall expressed opposition to changing the national cap.

The post NAB Cautions Lawmakers About TV Ownership appeared first on Radio World.

From our People News page: MaxxKonnect has hired Steve Griesbach as a senior engineer for the southeastern United States.

MaxxKonnect Technical Services offers contract engineering, broadcast system design and connectivity solutions. It is part of MaxxKonnect Group.

Griesbach will support stations serviced by MK from the company’s offices in Birmingham, Ala., and he will help its build team on projects around the country.

Griesbach began his radio career in 1986 as an air talent, and moved into engineering after completing technology courses with the Cleveland Institute of Electronics. He became a chief engineer in 1990 and has held senior engineering positions with multiple major broadcast groups.

“In 2004, Griesbach took on an 11-station cluster for Cumulus Media in Wisconsin before spending the past decade with Beasley Media Group as chief engineer in Las Vegas,” MaxxKonnect said in the announcement.

President/CEO Josh Bohn cited Griesbach’s “knowledge, work ethic and down-to-earth attitude.”

Send People News submissions, especially for engineering, upper management and supplier roles, to radioworld@futurenet.com with “People News” in the subject line.

The post Steve Griesbach Joins MaxxKonnect appeared first on Radio World.

Radio World Buyer’s Guide articles are intended to help readers understand why their colleagues chose particular products to solve various technical situations. This month’s articles focus on telco products and talkshow systems.

KUT, Austin’s NPR station, recently launched a live call-in radio show, “Money Talk With Carl Stuart.” 

Since it airs live and the host works remotely, the show’s production created a challenge for the technical team. 

The audio path was established using a remote codec, but the main difficulty was enabling the remote host to visualize and manage calls without direct access to the studio’s physical phone network. The station required a robust system that could integrate with its existing Telos VX Enterprise VoIP Phone System and fill this gap in their workflow.

After a search, KUT chose ip-studio’s ip-screener software, recommended by Broadcast Depot’s Mary Schnelle. 

The software was selected because it was a single application designed to integrate effectively with the Telos VX phone system, allowing the remote show to be executed without major technical interruptions.

KUT operates on a full AoIP workflow built around Telos Axia Livewire. The core infrastructure includes a Telos VX Enterprise engine, with a Telos V-Set talk show controller and a Quasar SR console in the studio. 

In this setup, ip-screener’s main function is to visualize the Telos VX Enterprise studio profile for the remote host and producer, enabling management of incoming and outgoing calls.

During the show, calls appear on the producer’s ip-screener dashboard. The producer screens the call, inputs the caller’s details and question into an attached message box, puts the line on hold and assigns it to one of the console faders. 

When the remote host needs to see the information, the producer drags it into the host’s dedicated “animator” section. The host can then put the call on-air or end it with a click. 

Producer V. Marc Fort said the process is a quick, “two-click” action, adding that he values the ability to embed notes.

A key feature within screener is a “live messages” tool, which allows the host and producer to communicate in real time about last-minute changes without needing a separate channel. 

Rene Chavez, audio production engineer at KUT, said he appreciates the software’s clear and simple interface. “It’s nimble and dependable and lets us focus on the most important element: the show.” 

[Read More Buyer’s Guide Reviews]

The post KUT Adopts ip-studio for Financial Call-in Show appeared first on Radio World.

Radio World’s fifth annual look at interesting and notable new radio studio projects has arrived.

The ebook profiles a dozen or so projects by broadcasters and audio organizations including Spotify, Huskers Radio Network, Radio One, Hubbard, Ocean State Media, Radio 47, KUT Public Media and more.

Get a peek inside these rooms and technical operations centers, and learn about the technical and vendor choices that the project managers made.

It’s one of our most popular features each year.

Read it here.

The post Sweet New Studios for 2026 appeared first on Radio World.

Two PR and marketing agencies that are prominent in broadcast, audio and AV technology have merged.

The new entity is called Copper Leaf Media. It is the result of a merger of Copper Leaf Media, a London-based company founded in 2016 by Roland Hemming and Kiera Leeming, and Dimension PR, a U.S.-based firm started by Brian Galante in 2010.

“The merger creates one of the industry’s largest full-service marketing and public relations agencies serving the AV, broadcast, lighting, pro audio and security industries,” it said in the announcement.

Its offerings include content marketing, graphics creation, social media management, strategic branding, video, 2D/3D animation production and web design. 

“Dimension PR adds substantial public relations and writing experience to the team, along with ad campaign management skills, while strengthening Copper Leaf Media’s presence in North America and LATAM region,” the company said.

Galante becomes president for the Americas and will sit on the board along with Hemming, Leeming and Marieke de Jonge. Alicia Root, who joined Dimension PR last year, also joins.

[See Our Business and Law Page]

The post Copper Leaf Media Merges With Dimension PR appeared first on Radio World.

Voice ReGen is a new AI-based voice cleanup tool from Waves Audio. 

The company describes it as an “AI-powered voice enhancement service designed to deliver flawless sound for videos, podcasts and all forms of content creation.” 

The starter level is free and suitable for short-form work and quick voice fixes. Creator and Pro levels are for heavier users and cost $9.99 and $24.99 per month, respectively.

“Today’s creators know visuals matter, but many still struggle with audio such as background noise, room echo, uneven levels or recordings that simply don’t sound ‘pro,’” it states in the announcement.

“Great sound is essential for engaging viewers and building trust, yet it’s often the most challenging part of production.”

A user uploads the audio or video. In seconds, the web app delivers a “polished, broadcast-ready voice track.”

The process removes background noise and room echo, restores missing frequencies, smooths out volume inconsistencies and enhances presence.

Watch a promotional video below.

[Do you receive the Radio World SmartBrief newsletter each weekday morning? We invite you to sign up here.]

The post Waves Introduces AI-Based Voice Cleanup appeared first on Radio World.

Kevin Rodgers, leader of Nautel, talks about how the RF manufacturer is adapting to changing times.

We have the third part in Paul McLane’s interview series with Bob Orban.

The first students have completed Wake Tech’s new Broadcast Technology Academy.

Bryan Seeley of BSW discusses the future of equipment dealers.

James Careless writes that the Kiwi SDR2 is a definitive receiver for radio enthusiasts.

And John Schneider writes about the little-known career of radio pioneer Mary Texanna Loomis.

Read it here.

The post Read the Feb. 1, 2026 Issue of Radio World appeared first on Radio World.