Audacy, Inc.

Sports fandom isn’t confined to game time anymore. Today’s fans want more than the final score. They want the context, the personalities, the debates, and the stories that shape what happens on and off the field. That’s exactly why podcasts have become such a powerful force in sports. Over the past five years, sports podcast listening has grown 71% (Edison Research), with Gen Z fans 2x more likely to tune in than traditional fans. This isn’t just a shift in format; it’s a shift in behavior. Podcasts create a deeper kind of connection: • Fans spend more time engaged • They build trust with hosts • They stay connected between games—and even between seasons And increasingly, podcasts are moving beyond the studio. From live shows at major events to community-driven experiences, they’re turning fans into active participants, not just passive listeners. For brands, that matters. Because when fans lean in, attention follows—and so does impact. If you want to understand where real fan energy lives today, look to audio. https://lnkd.in/e7kPbUGq

Congratulations, Chris!

Women’s sports aren’t just having a moment—they’re proving real business impact. As Kit Geis highlighted during our recent Sports Fandom webinar with Jason Newman and Tiki Barber, the equation is simple: highly engaged audiences drive higher purchase intent. And that’s exactly why brands are leaning in. What’s changed? Access and consistency. Fans can now follow their favorite teams and athletes—from the WNBA to the NWSL—with a steady stream of content across platforms. It’s no longer about searching for coverage; it’s showing up in your feed daily. And while traditional outlets like ESPN still play a role, much of the engagement is happening on mobile, social, and audio...where fans are actively choosing deeper, more consistent connections. From local team partnerships to global tentpoles like the FIFA Women's World Cup™, brands are recognizing the opportunity—and in many cases, prioritizing it. The takeaway: this isn’t just growth. It’s a shift in where attention—and investment—is going.

LA, it’s game time. Announcing 97.1 The Fan — the first-ever FM all-sports station in LA history. With a full lineup of live, local programming, this marks our expansion into all top 10 U.S. markets—further strengthening our position as the leading destination for sports audio. Alongside KNX News, we’re building a true local powerhouse in Los Angeles—delivering the news, sports, and stories that matter most to the community. Welcome to the new voice of LA sports. https://lnkd.in/eawDt-BN

The creator economy is evolving and the smartest brands aren’t waiting for scale. They’re investing earlier. Great conversation at the Brand Innovators Creator Economy Summit at Dhar Mann Studios, where Audacy, Inc.’s Madison Benveniste moderated “The Rising Value of Emerging Podcast Creators.” Alongside Kristin Johnson, SVP, Media at Universal Pictures, and Sasha Sheaffer, creator and host of Women In The Nude Podcast, the conversation reinforced a clear shift: the next wave of influence is being built before creators hit mass reach. Key takeaways: • Emerging podcast creators drive deeper trust and engagement • Early partnerships unlock authenticity without sacrificing scale or safety • Long-term value comes from growing with creators, not chasing them If you’re still chasing reach, you’re already late. The real opportunity is on the way up.

Sports fandom doesn’t start on a national stage—it starts local. It’s built over years of listening, debating, celebrating, and enduring heartbreak alongside voices that feel like home. That’s why, even today, fans will mute a national broadcast to hear the local call. Same game. Completely different experience. Local sports audio delivers something increasingly rare: real attention. Listeners aren’t passively watching; they’re actively engaged, spending more time, coming back daily, and building trust with the voices they hear. That trust matters. It drives stronger brand recall and deeper impact for advertisers...because they’re not interrupting the moment, they’re part of it. National coverage tells the story. Local voices make you feel it. https://lnkd.in/ex2NMGBA

Join Audacy, Inc.’s Madison Benveniste along with Kristin Johnson, SVP Media at Universal Pictures and Sasha Sheaffer, creator and host of Women In The Nude Podcast this Thursday, April 23 at the Brand Innovators Creator Economy Summit at Dhar Mann Studios for “The Rising Value of Emerging Podcast Creators” - a conversation on why the next wave of influence is being built before creators hit mass reach, where deeper trust, smarter early partnerships, and long-term value take shape. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gTM2rT8A

At NAB Show in Las Vegas? Michael Biemolt, President, Digital Sales, will sit down with ART19, an Amazon Company’s Andy Slater, YouTube’s Neha Taleja and WTOP News’s John Wordock for “Hot Digital Trends: What to Know About Video, Podcasts, and AI” on Tuesday, April 21, at 2:45 pm in the North Hall. The multimedia landscape is changing so fast these days. From video to podcasts to artificial intelligence, what do you need to know? Where should your radio or television operation invest its time and money? Don't miss this panel and the fresh insights on these key digital areas. #NAB #NABShow   https://lnkd.in/eB2WqRe2

The best brand partnerships don’t feel like ads — they feel real. In our recent Evolution of Sports Fandom webinar with Jason Newman and Kit Geis, Tiki Barber put it simply: authenticity is everything. From his time with the New York Football Giants to his current role on WFAN, the partnerships that work are the ones that genuinely fit his life — not just a script. Whether it’s wearing Collars & Co. because it matches his style, relying on JAG Physical Therapy as an avid runner, or connecting with the Red Bull New York through a real love of the game — the common thread is clear: It’s not talking points. It’s lived experience. When that authenticity is there, audiences can hear the difference. Trust builds. Engagement follows. And the partnership delivers for everyone involved.

We’re proud to celebrate our CEO, Kelli Turner, on being named to Billboard’s 2026 Women in Music honoree list. This recognition reflects Kelli’s leadership, her commitment to innovation across audio, and her unwavering dedication to elevating voices and stories that matter. Congratulations, Kelli, on this well-deserved honor!