2021 in radio

The following is a list of events affecting radio broadcasting in **2021**. Events listed include radio program debuts, finales, cancellations, and station launches, closures and format changes, as well as information about controversies.

## Notable events

### July

ATSC 3.0 is theoretically compatible with an analog subcarrier, and on June 13, the FCC granted Venture Technologies special temporary authority to continue operating two of its stations, KBKF-LD and WRME-LD, with an analog subcarrier on 87.75 MHz. Venture must report after 90 and 180 days any interference reports to the FCC. Three other stations were granted similar authority in the subsequent days.
Several other Franken-FMs moved to AM radio following the transition; WJMF-LP's programming moved to WZQK, while WVOA-LP's moved to WSIV.

## See also

* 2021 in British radio

1. ↑ Vienna New Year's Day Concert, BBC Two/Radio 3 review - noble integrity and missionary zeal (2 January 2021).
2. ↑ Template:Cite news
3. ↑ "Cumulus Corporate Policy Telling Talk Hosts To Stop Denying Legitimacy Of Election Draws Attention" from All Access (January 11, 2021)
4. ↑ FCC Report 1/17: WMGG Files To Be First Permanently Licensed Digital AM.
5. ↑ Calderón Lara, Armando (January 15, 2021). Renuncia #048987 (es).
6. ↑ "Alpha Media Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Restructuring" from Radio Insight (January 25, 2021)
7. ↑ Template:Cite news
8. ↑ Bell cancels all-sports radio format on channels in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Hamilton (en-CA).
9. ↑ Template:Cite news
10. ↑ JACK FM Returns To Jackson (February 21, 2021).
11. ↑ Template:Cite news
12. ↑ Template:Cite news
13. ↑ Template:Cite news
14. ↑ Template:Cite news
15. ↑ Template:Cite news
16. ↑ Grossmith, Pat (March 16, 2021). FBI descends on Keene, 6 people facing federal charges in connection with Bitcoin. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
17. ↑ "Spokane's Game To Drop Hip Hop For Fox Sports" from Radio Insight (March 18, 2021)
18. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
19. ↑ Template:Cite news
20. ↑ Template:Cite news
21. ↑ KGU Honolulu Flips To Sports.
22. ↑ Template:Cite news
23. ↑ Template:Cite news
24. ↑ Template:Cite news
25. ↑ Template:Cite news
26. ↑ Template:Cite news
27. ↑ Template:Cite news
28. ↑ Template:Cite news
29. ↑ Iowa College Station To Cease Operations With Sale To EMF.
30. ↑ "WNYC Fires Bob Garfield, Co-Host of 'On the Media,'" from *The New York Times*, 5/17/2021
31. ↑ Bell Media Bounces 25 Stations Across Canada To New Variety Hits Brand (en-US).
32. ↑ Italy wins 65th Eurovision Song Contest as Europe unites on one stage (22 May 2021).
33. ↑ Czech Radio launches new sport radio station (24 May 2021).
34. ↑ Venta, Lance (April 20, 2021). Suburban New York AM to go all-digital next month. *Radio Insight*.
35. ↑ Pergament, Alan. WHLD switches format to conservative talk hosts led by Dan Bongino. *The Buffalo News*. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
36. ↑ Venta, Lance (May 25, 2021). Rumba 97.7 Boston Debuts. *Radio Insight*.
37. ↑ Venta, Lance (May 28, 2021). 98.3 The Vibe Des Moines Moves From Classic Hip-Hop To CHR. *Radio Insight*.
38. ↑ Venta, Lance (May 28, 2021). 99.3 Harrisburg Gets Real With Hip Hop. *Radio Insight*.
39. ↑ Spring According To Igor: Radio series chronicles a celebrated succès de scandale (31 May 2021).
40. ↑ KRKE-FM Hustles Harder In Albuquerque.
41. ↑ Lotus Broadcasting Acquires Sinclair's Four Stations In Seattle.
42. ↑ WMQA-FM Flips To AC As The Island.
43. ↑ An Oasis Springs Up In Miami (June 22, 2021).
44. ↑ "EMF Makes Cross Border Play At Montréal" from Radioinsight (June 28, 2021)
45. ↑ WPFQ Goes Retro (July 5, 2021).
46. ↑ FCC Reminds LPTV Stations Of 7/13/21 Digital Conversion Date; Setting Drop-Dead Date For Franken-FMs.
47. ↑ FCC Report 6/13: Has A STA Based Doorway Been Cracked Open To Retain 87.7 FM Operations?.
48. ↑ Format Restructurings & Cuts Underway At Audacy CHRs (July 15, 2021).
49. ↑ Auction 109 (AM and FM broadcast) announced, comment sought, from fcc.gov, February 8, 2021
50. ↑ Template:Cite news
51. ↑ RIPPLE refreshes name to Media Prima Audio, launches new mobile app brand.
52. ↑ SiriusXM launches Lucille Ball tribute channel. *RadioInsight*. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
53. ↑ Westwood One extends NCAA deal to carry sports championships. *RadioInsight*. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
54. ↑ NCAA's Termination of Westwood One Contract Upheld in Ruling (4 June 2021).
55. ↑ Flo 107.1 Returns To Denver. *RadioInsight*. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
56. ↑ KMJM-FM St. Louis To Flip To Conservative Talk Monday. *RadioInsight*. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
57. ↑ Leighton Debuts Winona Sports Network (August 25, 2021).
58. ↑ KTSB The Blitz 1170 AM Tulsa Adds Fox Sports Radio *Radio-Online* Retrieved September 7, 2021.
59. ↑ Christmas comes to Panama City as WFLF-FM moves. *Radio Insight*. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
60. ↑ Steve & DC Reunite in Tuscaloosa. *Radio Insight*. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
61. ↑ Hits 97.3 Relaunches As Rhythm Of Miami. *Radio Insight*. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
62. ↑ US 104.9 Is Signed Through The Quad Cities. *Radio Insight*. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
63. ↑ iHeartMedia Quickly Fills Quad Cities Classic Hits Hole. *Radio Insight*. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
64. ↑ Chicago Public Media Votes To Pursue Chicago Sun-Times Purchase. *Radio Insight*. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
65. ↑ The X 100.1 Heading Into Retirement (September 30, 2021).
66. ↑ Marotta, Eric (September 14, 2021). WKSU-Ideastream WCPN merger: Kent State board of trustees to vote on management agreement (en-US). Gannett.
67. ↑ Venta, Lance (September 15, 2021). Ideastream To Begin Operating WKSU; Swap Frequencies Of WCPN & WCLV Cleveland (en-US).
68. ↑ WWIZ makes its annual early Christmas move. *Radio Insight*. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
69. ↑ 101.3 The Wolf Debuts In Plattsburgh (October 11, 2021).
70. ↑ Template:Cite news
71. ↑ Audacy Launches 105.3 Dave FM In San Francisco (October 15, 2021).Template:Dead link
72. ↑ Template:Cite news
73. ↑ Audacy Launches 94.7 The Block New York (October 22, 2021).
74. ↑ Greenwood, Marcia. Rochester radio station 100.5 changes format to country and adds Jeremy Newman (en-US).
75. ↑ Green Bay Packers To Move To 97.3 The Game Milwaukee After Over 90 Years On WTMJ (October 27, 2021).
76. ↑ Forever Media Launches Nu 92.7 in York PA (November 4, 2021).
77. ↑ Alt 99.1 In Birmingham Signs Off (November 9, 2021).
78. ↑ Michigan Radio expands service in Lansing on 89.7 FM, WLNZ (15 November 2021).
79. ↑ 보이스오브뉴욕 라디오코리아 FM 87.7 채널 송출 재개 (ko) (22 October 2021).
80. ↑ Alt 103.9 Dayton Gives Away To Christmas Music (November 24, 2021).
81. ↑ Olean Gets A Classic Rock Goat (November 30, 2021).
82. ↑ Pair Of Oklahoma City Hosts Fired For 2016 Off-Air Recording (November 29, 2021).
83. ↑ Steinberg, Brian (December 6, 2021). Chris Cuomo Stops Weekday SiriusXM Program. *Variety*.
84. ↑ Venta, Lance (December 6, 2021). Audacy Brings KNX Los Angeles To FM. *Radio Insight*.
85. ↑ KVON Relaunches As MegaMix (December 14, 2021).
86. ↑ WPTA Returns To Harrisburg (December 20, 2021).Template:Dead link
87. ↑ WOWQ Brings Its Train To Clarksville (December 22, 2021).
88. ↑ KYYY Brings A Mix To Bismarck (December 27, 2021).
89. ↑ 103.9 The Bull Debuts In Dayton (December 27, 2021).
90. ↑ WJTS Has Good News For Jackson (December 29, 2021).
91. ↑ WJTI Brings Smooth Jazz Back To Milwaukee (December 30, 2021).
92. ↑ 93.7 NRG Brings A Second Dance Station To Key West from Radio Insight (April 7, 2021)
93. ↑ Template:Cite news
94. ↑ Entercom To Launch Sports Betting "BetQL Audio Network" from Radio Insight (January 25, 2021)
95. ↑ Template:Cite news
96. ↑ After 35 Years, It's 'Pitts Off' for Gary Burbank's Earl Pitts (15 December 2020).
97. ↑ Beggsy (2021-02-09). BREAKING: Bell Media Ignites Fury, Cancels TSN 1040 & Other Sports Radio Stations (en).

	* Bell Media Abruptly Drops Sports Format From TSN Radio Stations In Vancouver, Winnipeg, Edmonton (en).
98. ↑ Radio Disney begins programming shutdown (January 1, 2021).
99. ↑ Cumulus Media/Westwood One Syndicated 'The Rick And Sasha Show' Will Soon End from All Access Music Group (March 16, 2021)
100. ↑ Sean 'Hollywood' Hamilton To Retire Syndicated Countdown Shows (May 24, 2021).
101. ↑ Cumulus Surrenders KXZZ Lake Charles (December 30, 2021).
102. ↑ KDKD To Cease Operations (December 27, 2021).
103. ↑ Template:Cite news
104. ↑ KOGT To Shut Down 12/31 (December 29, 2021).
105. ↑ Kastrisianaki-Guyton, Emma (February 10, 2021). Maria Kastrisianaki obituary.

	* Μαρία Καστρισιανάκη (1948 - 2021) | DW | 13.01.2021.
106. ↑ Larry King: US talk show host dies weeks after testing positive for COVID19 (en).
107. ↑ 'Ang Dating Daan' leader Eli Soriano dead at 73.
108. ↑ Flood, Brian (February 17, 2021). Rush Limbaugh, conservative talk radio pioneer, dead at 70.
109. ↑ Radiodeejay Mark de Brouwer overleden.

	* Mark de Brouwer overleden (February 23, 2021).
110. ↑ È morta Rossella Panarese, autrice e voce di Radio3 Scienza (it) (2021-03-01).
111. ↑ Template:Cite news
112. ↑ Breaking News: Accra-based Happy FM's DJ Adviser dies (March 4, 2021).
113. ↑ Michael Stanley Dies: Cleveland Rocker-Turned-Radio & TV Personality Was 72 (en).
114. ↑ Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead link

	* Template:Cite news
115. ↑ Template:Cite news
116. ↑ Mort de Michel Alberganti, ancien journaliste au " Monde " (French). *Le Monde* (23 March 2021).
117. ↑ Legendary 7 Eyewitness News broadcaster Rick Azar has died, *WKBW-TV*, March 25, 2021
118. ↑ Template:Cite news

	* Template:Cite news
	* Template:Cite news
119. ↑ Template:Cite news
120. ↑ Colleton County pastor Ralph Stair dies WCSC-TV, April 4, 2021
121. ↑ Ka Totoy Talastas (1928-2021) Ang "Dekano ng mga Komentarista sa Radyo".
122. ↑ Senado. Minuto de silencio tras partida de la voz de la "Crónica Política" - Senado - República de Chile (es-CL).
123. ↑ News, ABS-CBN (April 23, 2021). Farewell, Radyo Patrol 37: Edwin Sevidal passes away due to COVID-19.

	* Patag, Kristine Joy. Edwin Sevidal, ABS-CBN's well-respected #RP37, passes away.
	* Mercado, Neil Arwin (April 23, 2021). ABS-CBN reporter, Radyo Patrol 37 Edwin Sevidal succumbs to COVID-19.
124. ↑ Roy Masters 1928-2021.
125. ↑ News, Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN (April 23, 2021). 'Jukebox King' Victor Wood dies at 74.

	* Severo, Jan Milo. 'Eternally' singer Victor Wood dies due to COVID-19 complications.
	* Iconic Pinoy pop singer Victor Wood passes away at 75 (April 23, 2021).
126. ↑ Bob Fass, Pioneer of Underground Radio, Dies at 87 *USA News Hunt*, April 25, 2021
127. ↑ Murió el famoso DJ santafesino Guillermo Aguirre.
128. ↑ Zion Aquino passes away, colleagues in the music industry express their sympathies.
129. ↑ אבל כבד: הלך לעולמו העיתונאי מוטי רוזנבלום (May 22, 2021).
130. ↑ È morto Aldo Forbice, storico conduttore di Zapping su Radio1.
131. ↑ Whitall, Susan (May 27, 2021). DJ Tom Shannon, a top jock at CKLW during Golden Era, has died. *The Detroit News*.
132. ↑ Sportreporter Edi Finger junior gestorben.
133. ↑ Veteran actress, radio star Ester Chavez passes away at 93 (June 6, 2021).
134. ↑ David Rehling er død (da) (2 June 2021).
135. ↑ Petra Steenhoff. Presentator Herman Stok (Top of Flop) op 93-jarige leeftijd overleden (nl).
136. ↑ Media executive sa GenSan, patay matapos barilin ng riding-in-tandem (tl).
137. ↑ News, ABS-CBN (June 23, 2021). Comedian Shalala passes away at 61.

	* Komedyante't host na si Shalala patay sa pulmonary TB.
138. ↑ Template:Cite news
139. ↑ Jakob Skarstein er død (no).
140. ↑ Template:Cite news
141. ↑ Template:Cite news
142. ↑ Rebekah Riess. Country Music Hall of Fame artist Tom T. Hall dies at age 85.
143. ↑ Trilby Beresford, "Don Everly, Half of Country Rock Duo The Everly Brothers, Dies at 84", *Hollywood Reporter*, August 21, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021
144. ↑ Rose, Andy (August 22, 2021). Conservative talk show host Phil Valentine dies after battle with Covid-19, his employer says. CNN.
145. ↑ Kidi Bebey (September 9, 2021). Mort d'Amobé Mévégué, passeur de cultures africaines. Template:In lang
146. ↑ Veteran musician and radio DJ Chris Ho dies of stomach cancer (September 27, 2021).
147. ↑ Template:Cite news
148. ↑ Mike Trivisonno, of WTAM 1100 Cleveland's Newsradio, dies at the age of 74.
149. ↑ An Industry Pays Tribute To Ralph Guild.
150. ↑ Canadian poet and broadcaster Phyllis Webb dead at 94 (en-GB).
151. ↑ Template:Cite news
152. ↑ Template:Cite news
153. ↑ Mor el sabadellenc Josep Maria Francino, referent radiofònic català Template:In lang
154. ↑ Template:Cite news
155. ↑ Longtime country singer Stonewall Jackson dies at 89. WSMV. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
156. ↑ Template:Cite news
157. ↑ Enzo Gusman dies aged 74 (en-gb).
158. ↑ Edwards, Jessica (December 26, 2021). Richard Marcinko, first commanding officer of SEAL Team Six, dies.
159. ↑ Template:Cite news
160. ↑ Hill, Rose (2022-01-01). It's A Wonderful Life star Jeanine Ann Roose, 84, dies after suffering infection (en).