ABC Radio has joined the growing list of companies to excise the word “radio” from their name. The radio network has officially adopted ABC Audio as its umbrella brand. Concurrent with the name change, ABC Audio has promoted Heidi Oringer to Executive Director of Business Strategy, Programming and Distribution and Abe Velez to Director of Business Development and Strategy. Read more

Emmy-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest has inked a deal to return as host of “American Idol,” a role he’s held since the inception of the franchise in 2002. He reunites with previously announced judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as well as in-house mentor, fellow syndicated radio host Bobby Bones. Read more

Westwood One syndicated personality Michael Savage, host of “The Savage Nation,” was invited by President Trump to travel with him on Air Force One and attend a series of California fundraisers. While in flight, the Commander in Chief invited the conservative talker to share a meal of hot dogs, which the host has deemed “The Hot Dog Summit.” Read more

The New York Giants Pat Shurmur has heard enough from Mike Francesa. The second-year head coach will no longer make his Monday afternoon appearance on Entercom sports “The Fan” WFAN-AM/FM New York. Francesa has long been critical of the team and office personnel, and things came to a head during the Monday, Sept. 16 call-in. Read more

The Federation for American Immigration Reform has set Sept. 25 and 26 for two separate events, designed to draw attention to America's border crisis. On the radio side, the 13th annual Hold Their Feet to the Fire (F2F) radio row features 70 talk hosts broadcasting live both days, debating immigration policy, interviewing members of Congress, law enforcement officials, experts, activists, administration officials and those who live and work along the southern border. Read more

A veteran Arizona sportscaster teamed with a three-time Super Bowl champion is the nucleus for a new morning radio show in Phoenix. “Bruce Jacobs & Helly” debuts Monday, Sept. 23 on CRC Broadcasting Co. sports “The Fanatic” KQFN. Jacobs is a longtime sports personality; Helly is former Dallas Cowboys lineman Dale Hellestrae. Read more

Since emerging from Chapter 11 May 1 on firmer financial footing, iHeartMedia has embarked on a three-pronged strategy to grow its revenue by taking advantage of new opportunities on an ever-evolving media landscape. On Thursday, Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman walked investors through the game plan during a Q&A session at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference in New York. Read more

Local commercial broadcast radio and television generates a whopping $1.17 trillion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) along with 2.47 million jobs, according to a new study from Woods & Poole Economics, with support from BIA Advisory Services. The NAB-commissioned analysis explores local broadcasting’s impact on the economy through direct employment, its ripple effect on other industries and as an advertising medium for messaging consumers. Read more

Entercom has unveiled the talent lineup for the latest addition to its Radio.com Sports Digital Network.” Scal & Pals,” a new live show from 11am-1pm Eastern, will launch Sept. 23, focusing on NBA coverage with Brian Scalabrine and Steve Ceruti. Read more

Omnicom is one of the world’s largest ad agency holding groups. But Scott Hagedorn, the CEO of its North America operations, didn’t follow a typical media career path. On the latest episode of Bob Pittman's podcast, Hagedorn reveals why he started a snake wrangling business as a kid, discusses his stint fabricating Flying Barracudas, and explains why a Wall Street guerilla artist is his greatest creative inspiration. Read more