Best Show Prep Services for Radio in 2026

Choosing a show prep service feels a lot like dating. There are more options than ever, everyone claims to be "the one," and the wrong choice costs you time, money, and possibly your sanity.

We hear this from radio professionals constantly: "Which service is actually worth it?"

Here's the thing—there's no single "best" service. The right choice depends on your market size, format, budget, and how you work. What transforms a small-market Country morning show might overwhelm a major-market News/Talk operation.

This isn't a sales pitch for any particular service. It's an honest comparison of what's actually out there in 2026—the pricing, the features, and when each option makes sense. You're smart enough to decide for yourself.

Let's dig in.

The Show Prep Landscape in 2026

The show prep market has fundamentally changed in the past few years. Three distinct categories have emerged:

Traditional Services still deliver content the old-fashioned way: daily batches of news, entertainment, and lifestyle content via email or web portal. They've been around for decades, and the best ones have earned their longevity.

Format-Specific Services recognize that Country radio needs different content than Hot AC, which needs different content than News/Talk. Instead of generic entertainment news, they provide material tuned to what each format's audience actually cares about.

AI-Powered Services represent the newest category. They use artificial intelligence to scan hundreds of sources continuously, predict trending topics, and even help personalize content to your voice. Some integrate ChatGPT-style assistants directly into the platform.

The lines between categories are blurring. Traditional services are adding AI features. AI services are getting more format-specific. The market is consolidating—United Stations merged five prep brands into one platform in late 2024.

What matters most? How AI is transforming content creation is changing the conversation, but the fundamentals remain: does the service save you time while making your show better?

The evolution of show prep: from faxed newsletters to AI-powered dashboards.

Best Show Prep Services: The Complete Guide

Here are the services worth considering in 2026, organized by what makes each one stand out.

Futuri TopicPulse — Best for Enterprise AI

Type: AI-Powered | Pricing: Enterprise (custom quotes) | Best For: Major markets, broadcast groups

Futuri's TopicPulse is the enterprise heavyweight. It scans 250,000+ sources continuously—news sites, Instagram, Facebook, X, and more—using AI to predict what's about to trend before it peaks.

Key Features:

• Real-time trending topic identification with predictive analytics
• First-draft story and talking point generation
• Rundown creation and organization tools
• New for 2026: Instant Video AI Agent for autonomous video creation

Strengths: Most advanced AI in the industry. If you need to know what's trending before your competitors, this is it. The predictive capabilities genuinely work—stations report catching stories hours before they peak.

Considerations: Enterprise pricing means this isn't for small markets. You'll need to contact them for a quote, and expect a significant investment. The learning curve is real, too—this isn't a "set it and forget it" tool.

Best for: Major market stations or broadcast groups that can justify the investment and want cutting-edge AI capabilities.

Radio Content Pro — Best for AI + Hyperlocal

Type: AI-Powered | Pricing: $99-199/month | Best For: Mid-market stations, format-specific needs

Full disclosure: this is our service. We'll try to be fair here—you can judge whether we succeeded.

Radio Content Pro combines AI-powered curation with format-specific content and hyperlocal capabilities. The philosophy is "90/10"—AI handles 90% of the hunting and gathering, you add the 10% that makes it yours.

Key Features:

• 10 format-specific content kits (Country, CHR, Rock, News/Talk, AC, Hot AC, Christian, Hip-Hop, Classic Hits, Spanish)
• 13 content variations per story (on-air teases, blog copy, social posts)
• 24/7 continuous updates (not daily batches)
• Ava Hart AI assistant for content personalization
• Local Beat hyperlocal add-on for market-specific content

Pricing: $99/month (small market) to $199/month (large market). Annual discounts available. 7-day free trial.

Strengths: Transparent pricing (rare in this industry), format-specific content that actually fits your audience, hyperlocal capabilities, and continuous updates throughout the day.

Considerations: The learning curve takes about a week to optimize your workflow. Not as feature-rich as Futuri's enterprise platform. If you're a niche format outside the 10 supported, this may not serve you well.

Best for: Mid-market stations wanting AI power without enterprise pricing, plus format-specific and local content in one platform.

Premiere Prep — Best for Format Variety

Type: Format-Specific | Pricing: Custom quotes | Best For: Stations needing format expertise

Premiere Networks (part of iHeartMedia) offers format-specific prep across 10+ formats with teams in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville.

Key Features:

• Coverage: AC, Alt Rock, Classic Hits, Classic Rock, Country, CHR/Top 40, Hot AC, News/Talk, Rock, Hip-Hop/R&B, Soft AC
• Fresh content 24/7 from format-specialist writers
• Artist actualities and entertainment news
• Comedy elements and bit starters

Strengths: Format expertise is genuine—these aren't generic writers slapping a Country hat on entertainment news. The iHeart backing means stability and resources. Wide format coverage.

Considerations: Pricing isn't public, so you'll need to negotiate. Being part of iHeart is a feature for some, a concern for others (competitors may prefer independence).

Best for: Stations prioritizing format authenticity and willing to contact sales for pricing.

Sheet Happens Prep — Best for Audio Content

Type: Format-Specific | Pricing: Custom quotes | Best For: Stations wanting audio elements

Sheet Happens has been around since 1995 and covers 15 formats—the widest variety in the market. What sets them apart is the combination of written prep AND audio elements.

Key Features:

• 15 format coverage including recent additions (R&B, Throwback, Rhythmic AC, Talk)
• Custom audio elements alongside written content
• Market exclusivity available
• Recently relaunched Talk service for News/Talk formats

Strengths: The audio components differentiate them from text-only services. Format variety is impressive. Nearly 30 years in business means stability.

Considerations: Like most format services, pricing requires a conversation. Check market exclusivity in your area.

Best for: Stations wanting audio elements (produced bits, drops) alongside written prep.

Benztown — Best for Production Quality

Type: Format-Specific | Pricing: Cash or barter | Best For: Stations needing production value

Benztown is primarily known for imaging and production, but their prep services—The Rooster (general/CHR) and AmeriCountry (Country)—offer solid content with production polish.

Key Features:

• The Rooster: Daily conversation starters, produced bits, AI Voice tool for audio bites
• AmeriCountry: Country-specific content posted right up until show time
• Cash or barter arrangements available
• Role Callers service for phone actors

Strengths: Production quality is excellent. The barter option makes them accessible to stations with inventory but tight budgets. The AI Voice tool is a recent addition that shows they're keeping current.

Considerations: Format coverage is limited to general/CHR and Country. Barter arrangements work for some, not others.

Best for: Stations wanting production-quality elements, especially with barter as an option.

Modern show prep: multiple services, multiple approaches, one goal—better radio.

Radio Online — Best Budget Option

Type: Traditional | Pricing: $35/month | Best For: Budget-conscious stations

Radio Online has been serving radio since 1989—37 years and counting. At $35/month (or $350/year), it's the most affordable option with a proven track record.

Key Features:

• Daily prep sheet with entertainment, lifestyle, and news content
• Show Prep Database with 20+ years of archived material
• Show Prep Almanac for historical content
• Top box office information and industry news

Pricing: $35/month, $100/3 months, $200/6 months, $350/year (2 months free)

Strengths: Unbeatable price. Proven longevity. The archive is genuinely useful for bits, throwbacks, and "this day in history" content.

Considerations: Generic content, not format-specific. No AI features. Daily delivery, not continuous updates. You're getting what you pay for—solid basics, not premium features.

Best for: Small market stations, independent operators, or anyone who needs reliable basics without bells and whistles.

InterPrep — Best Free Option

Type: Traditional | Pricing: Free tier available | Best For: Country stations, budget operations

InterPrep offers something rare: a genuinely free tier alongside their PRO subscription. They specialize in Country content but provide general prep as well.

Key Features:

• Free version available at interprep.com/free
• PRO tier with enhanced content (pricing upon request)
• Country music specialization
• Updated Sunday-Thursday by 9PM Central
• Barter available for U.S. AM/FM stations

Strengths: Free is free. Country specialization is genuine. Barter option adds flexibility. 30-day satisfaction guarantee on PRO tier.

Considerations: Country focus means less depth for other formats. Update schedule (by 9PM Central, Sunday-Thursday) isn't continuous.

Best for: Country stations or anyone wanting to test the waters before committing budget.

Quick Comparison Table

Best by Category

Sometimes you need the answer quickly. Here's our breakdown by specific needs:

Best AI-Powered (Enterprise): Futuri TopicPulse — If you have enterprise budget and want the most advanced AI in radio.

Best AI-Powered (Mid-Market): Radio Content Pro — AI capabilities at accessible pricing, plus format-specific and hyperlocal content.

Best Format-Specific: Premiere Prep or Sheet Happens — Both deliver genuine format expertise; Sheet Happens adds audio elements.

Best Budget Option: Radio Online at $35/month — 37 years of reliability at the lowest price point.

Best Free Option: InterPrep — Genuine free tier, especially strong for Country.

Best for Local Content: Radio Content Pro (Local Beat add-on) — Hyperlocal headlines for your specific market.

Best for Country: Benztown AmeriCountry or InterPrep — Both specialize in Country with different approaches.

Best for Production Elements: Sheet Happens or Benztown — Audio components alongside written content.

How to Choose the Right Service

Choosing a show prep service comes down to four factors:

1. Market Size

• Small market (under 250K): Budget options work fine. Radio Online, InterPrep, or RCP's small-market tier.
• Medium market (250K to 500K): Format-specific services start making sense. Differentiation matters.
• Large market (over 500K): Consider AI-powered options. The time savings justify higher costs.

2. Format Needs

• Mainstream format (Country, CHR, AC): Most services cover you well.
• Niche format: Check coverage carefully. Sheet Happens has 15 formats; Premiere has 10+.
• Mixed or unique: Consider whether generic content plus manual research beats format-specific services.

3. Budget Reality

• Under $50/month: Radio Online or InterPrep
• $100-200/month: Radio Content Pro, likely Sheet Happens or Benztown
• Enterprise budget: Futuri TopicPulse

4. Workflow Preference

• Traditional batch delivery: Radio Online, InterPrep, many format services
• Continuous updates: Radio Content Pro, Futuri
• Audio elements included: Sheet Happens, Benztown

For a detailed breakdown of AI-powered versus traditional approaches, see our RCP vs. Traditional Show Prep comparison.

FAQ

What is the best show prep service for radio?

There's no single "best" service—it depends on your situation. For enterprise AI capabilities, Futuri TopicPulse leads. For mid-market stations wanting AI plus format-specific content, Radio Content Pro offers the best value. For tight budgets, Radio Online at $35/month or InterPrep's free tier work well. The best service is the one that matches your market size, format needs, and budget.

How much do radio show prep services cost?

Pricing ranges widely. Free options exist (InterPrep). Budget services run $35-55/month (Radio Online, Bull Sheet). Mid-tier AI-powered services cost $99-199/month (Radio Content Pro). Format-specific services typically require custom quotes. Enterprise AI platforms like Futuri use custom pricing based on market size and features.

Do I need AI-powered show prep?

Not necessarily. AI-powered services save significant time—typically reducing prep from 15+ hours/week to 2-3 hours. If your time is valuable and you're in a competitive market, the ROI usually makes sense. But if you enjoy the research process, have a tight budget, or work in a small market, traditional services work fine. Learn more about how AI is changing show prep.

What's the difference between generic and format-specific show prep?

Generic services provide the same entertainment, news, and lifestyle content to all subscribers regardless of format. Format-specific services tailor content to your audience—Country prep emphasizes different stories, written in a different voice, than Hot AC prep. Format-specific services cost more but deliver content that resonates better with your specific audience.

Key Takeaways

1. The market has three tiers: Enterprise AI (Futuri), mid-market AI (RCP), and traditional (Radio Online, InterPrep).
2. Format-specific content matters more than ever—generic prep doesn't cut it in competitive markets.
3. Budget options exist. Radio Online at $35/month or InterPrep's free tier prove you don't need to spend a fortune.
4. AI-powered services save 10-12 hours/week but cost more than traditional alternatives.
5. Local content is the new differentiator. Services with hyperlocal capabilities help you stand out from streaming.
6. Most services offer trials. Test before committing—a week tells you more than any comparison article.
7. There's no universal "best." The right service depends on your market, format, budget, and workflow.

Ready to See the Difference?

Stop spending 15+ hours a week on show prep.

Radio Content Pro's AI hunts, gathers, and curates fresh content 24/7—personalized to your format and voice. Format-specific content for Country, Hot AC, Rock, Urban, News/Talk, Christian, and more.

Full access for 7 days. $0 until day 8. Cancel anytime.

Or see our pricing to compare options, or schedule a demo if you'd rather see it in action first.

Questions about show prep services? We're always happy to help—no pitch required. Reach out anytime.