A Look Back at the Top Radio Stories of 2023

With the end of 2023 comes an opportunity to look back at the diverse and impactful stories that emerged within the radio industry. The year brought a multitude of pivotal moments ranging from innovative industry shifts to notable individual achievements and setbacks within the radio sector. Here we take a moment to highlight the top ten stories that resonated most with audiences this past year.

10. Wealthy Americans Prefer Multiple Radio Formats

October 27 – A study unveiled that affluent listeners are tuning into a variety of radio formats, favoring them over select premium television networks as well as certain magazines and newspapers.

9. AM/FM Beats TV in Young Audience Ratings

March 13 – A previous prediction came true as AM/FM radio ratings for the 18-34 demographic surpassed television viewership numbers for the first time, marking a significant shift in media consumption patterns.

8. Farewell to Editor-in-Chief Ed Ryan

June 30 – Ed Ryan, who has played a crucial role at Radio Ink for two decades, bade farewell as the publication's Editor-in-Chief, leaving behind a significant legacy.

7. Experiment in Reducing Ads to Five Minutes

March 22 – One Putt Broadcasting's daring move to limit ads to just five minutes per hour across their stations has gathered interest and speculation about the outcomes of such a strategy in radio broadcasting.

6. Drew Carey's A.I. Mishap Issues a Caution to Radio

April 3 – Fans detected an unusual, mechanical tone to Drew Carey's voice during his radio show, leading to speculation and an eventual admission of an A.I. experiment gone wrong, highlighting the intersection of technology and radio.

5. Remembering NYC Radio Legend Bob Shannon

June 29 – The radio industry mourned the loss of Bob Shannon, a New York City icon, who passed away at 74, leaving a strong imprint on the city's airwaves.

4. Rand Paul Hinders the AM Act in Senate

December 5 – Senator Rand Paul blocked the swift passage of the AM For Every Vehicle Act in the Senate, leading to a heightening of legislative tensions and setting the stage for a broader debate regarding the bill.

3. Veteran DJ Ronnie Kaye Dismissed Due to Offensive Remark

October 16 – After six decades on the air, 92.5 KOMA's Ronnie Kaye announced his termination following a controversial comment made on air, sparking discussions on broadcaster conduct and consequences.

2. Senate Support for AM Act Grows as Congress Reconvenes

September 7 – Evidence of strong legislative support for the AM For Every Vehicle Act was seen as the Senate gained additional co-sponsors, indicating potential shifts in the legislative landscape for radio.

1. Susan Patrick Steps Down and Addresses Tax Charges

September 5 – Co-owner of Patrick Communications, Susan Patrick departed from her firm following a guilty plea for falsifying tax returns, marking a personal and professional turning point that caught widespread attention.

reflection, trends, radio