Andy Meadows explains why programming a music subgenre takes more judgment and research than mainstream formats, and how market-level song data can make the work more focused. Using his experience with Texas Red Dirt and Americana radio, he shows how audience listening data can help stations identify rising artists, avoid overplaying obscure tracks, and make smarter choices about concerts and promotions.

One lesson I’ve learned over the years that has not changed is this. An uncomfortable conversation never gets easier the longer you delay it. Not just in radio, but managers in all types of businesses have a tendency to avoid the hard conversations with their staff and put them off for weeks, months and even years.

Click the Jobs tab to browse openings or submit a job for free! You can also email your job listing to jobs@radioupdate.com. Here are a few current job openings this week across departments: Director of Sales Lafayette, Louisiana, On-Air Talent Salisbury, Maryland, General Manager Ithaca, New York and more!

Click the Jobs tab to browse openings or submit a job for free! You can also email your job listing to jobs@radioupdate.com. Here are a few current job openings this week across departments: Director of Digital & Radio Content Fort Collins, Colorado, Assistant Operations Manager Evansville, Indiana, Lead Digital Producer TikTok Radio Presents: Social Club New York, New York and more.

Click the Jobs tab to browse openings or submit a job for free! You can also email your job listing to jobs@radioupdate.com. Here are a few current job openings this week across departments: Senior VP of Sales Dallas, Texas, Country Morning Host Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Account Executive Colorado Springs, Colorado and more!

Sooner or later, every radio station has a bad day.  A promotion results in an injury. A personality gets arrested. Someone says something spectacularly stupid on the air. A contest goes sideways. An employee posts something inappropriate. Or a station vehicle suddenly appears on the evening news—and not because you donated it to charity.

Click the Jobs tab to browse openings or submit a job for free! You can also email your job listing to jobs@radioupdate.com. Here are a few current job openings this week across departments: Classic Rock Program Director Olean, New York, Sports Talk Host Houston, Texas, Account Executive Wichita, Kansas, Promotions Manager Birmingham, Alabama and more!

Click the Jobs tab to browse openings or submit a job for free! You can also email your job listing to jobs@radioupdate.com. Here are a few current job openings this week across departments: Program Director Sacramento, California, On-Air Host Detroit, Michigan, Director of Business Development Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina and more!

As of the publishing of this article the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act next Monday, September 14, 2026. Unlike other times when we have gotten close this will be a standalone floor vote. Meaning it’s not attached to other transportation or omnibus packages. This is certainly not the finish line but it’s a significant step in the right direction.