Fast food chains aired millions of spots on radio during the first nine months of the year, using the airwaves to lure hungry listeners to drive-thru pick up windows for a safe way to dine out during the pandemic. McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Taco Bell were the top radio advertisers in the quick-service restaurant category from Jan. 1 - Sept. 30, 2020 according to new data from Media Monitors. Read more

SiriusXM today reported third quarter 2020 revenue of $2.025 billion, up 1% compared to the prior year period. Net income increased 11% to $272 million, or six cents per share, from $246 million, or five cents per share a year ago. EBITDA, a proxy for cash flow, inched up 1% to $661 million from $657 million. The company also said it’s making “significant progress” in extending its contract with marquee morning personality Howard Stern. Read more

Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors at BMI, the performance rights organization said Thursday. Beasley, who joined the board in 2014, most recently served as Vice Chairman. She succeeds Michael Fiorile, Chairman of the Dispatch Printing Co., who has been elected Presiding Director of the BMI board. In other BMI news, the board has extended Mike O’Neill’s contract as President & CEO through the end of 2026. Read more

iHeartMedia New York launches “Building Black Biz,” an initiative designed to support and grow local Black-owned businesses in the New York metro area. The three-month initiative features successful entrepreneurs providing advice to those starting a business along with a companion website and podcast, hosted by station personalities including Power 105.1’s Angela Yee and Z-100’s Maxwell. Read more

Urban One expands into the financial industry with the introduction of One VIP, a prepaid Visa debit card with a rewards plan for Black consumers. “This marks the first step by Urban One to financially include and empower, with financial products designed for the Black community,” CEO Alfred Liggins says. Read more

Amy Brown and iHeartMedia will co-produce a slate of health and wellness podcasts under a new partnership. Brown, the co-host of iHeartMedia’s “The Bobby Bones Show,” launches The Amy Brown Podcast Network this week with a trio of titles: “OUTWEIGH with Amy Brown & Lisa Hayim,” “You Need Therapy with Kathryn DeFatta” and “The Truthiest Life with Lisa Hayim.” Read more

Spotify has launched another product that emulates broadcast radio by blending spoken word content and music. The streaming audio platform now offers a morning show called “The Get Up,” produced by podcast company Gimlet. Described as a “mixed media morning show,” it drops weekday mornings at 7am in the Made For You and Drive hubs within Spotify’s user interface. Read more

Graham Bunn, former host for USA Networks’ “RealCountry” and Mount Wilson FM “Go Country 105” KKGO Los Angeles, launches a new podcast series, Country Shine with Graham Bunn, Oct. 27. Bunn’s podcast, which will premiere new episodes twice a week, is part of an overall podcast development deal between Spotify and Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings. Read more

Dr. Fauci’s appearance on KNX Los Angeles covered by media outlets around the world… “Every Vote Counts: A Celebration of Democracy” to air on 150 iHeartMedia stations… WDST Woodstock launches “40 Years of Rock N’ Roll Memorabilia” virtual auction… KNUC Seattle’s Fitz gets mullet to raise awareness for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Read more