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From Radio Online: PodcastOne has acquired the sales and distribution rights to society and culture podcast, "Dumb Gay Podcast" hosted by Bravo stars and comedians Julie Goldman and Brandy Howard. The program launches on May 7. Bravo stars and comedians Julie Goldman (the gay) and Brandy Howard (the More...

From Radio Online: Edison Research's Share of Ear study answers the question, "How do Americans 13 spend their day with audio?" Respondents nationwide completed a detailed one-day audio listening diary. This diary details what they listen to, where they listen, what device they listen on, and for how long. While on average More...

From Radio Online: Audacy's WYRD-FM (News/Talk 98.9 WORD) in Greenville, is making weekly lineup changes, effective May 6. Mike Gallagher will host "The Mike Gallagher Show" weekdays from 10am-12pm ET. Joey Hudson will host a new show, "Sunrise Carolina with Joey Hudson," weekdays from 5-6am ET and a magazine-style show, "The More...

From Radio Insight: University of Washington’s Public News/Talk 94.9 KUOW-FM Seattle is the latest public media operator to institute a round of layoffs. KUOW-FM will reduce their operating costs by $2 million for fiscal year 2025, with $1 million of the cuts coming from operational spending and the other half from ending their RadioActive Youth Media program and eliminating 8 current and 3 open staff positions representing 6% of the station’s staff. RadioActive provided community workshops to help youths discover public radio journalism and learn basic radio storytelling skills. In a news story, KUOW-FM President & General Manager Caryn G. Mathes stated these were the first layoffs in station history caused by flat revenue and operational costs rising due to producing more podcasts and on-demand content. She stated, “I feel like we?ve gone from a two-ring circus, with the live stream program and a website, to a 12-ring circus because of digital consumers.” Mathes also added that the station’s radio audience is aging, “The baby boomer audience was our bread and butter, and still are, money-wise in a lot of ways. They just wanted to turn on the firehose of content and have it wash over them.” Station Director of Community Engagement Zaki Hamid, who oversaw RadioActive added, “RadioActive was a champion for youth voices in media. Throughout the years, youth tackled some of the thorniest issues, from abortion to religion to gender identity and so much more. RadioActive gave us the privilege of insight into the world of young people, and their perspective on the world. The stories that they produced made us pause, rethink issues, laugh, and learn. I hope this program and all of the wonderful memories it created can act as a beacon of hope for youth to continue championing their voices being heard.” Mathes shared the following memo: KUOW, like many media outlets, is facing financial headwinds that necessitate realigning our operating cost model with the realities of changing consumer media consumption behavior and the availability of public, corporate, and philanthropic funding. We have worked diligently to manage expenses and have simultaneously invested in new strategies for revenue generation and have seen some good trends with revenue growth. However, these new revenue generation measures will take some time to fully manifest and are not currently delivering adequately to cover the rising costs of producing journalism that informs the public, broadens conversations, and contributes to a vibrant democracy. In the short term, our budget remains strained, requiring us to take decisive actions to align our expenses with available funding. To address this shortfall, KUOW will reduce FY2025 operating costs by $2 million. $1 million of this will come from ending the RadioActive Youth Media program and the elimination of 8 current and 3 open staff positions. These reductions are essential for us to maintain financial sustainability while continuing to fulfill our mission of providing high-quality journalism and programming to our community. While reductions are being made across all departments, they are being implemented thoughtfully, taking into account the unique needs and functions of each area, and with careful consideration given to preserving the core functions of our organization. This approach aims to distribute the impact of the reductions fairly while maintaining a balanced and sustainable organizational structure. We recognize that these staff reductions will significantly impact the affected employees, and we are committed to providing support and assistance throughout the transition process. Overall, these changes at KUOW are a necessary step to address our budget constraints and ensure the long-term sustainability of our organization and our ability to continue delivering a valuable public service to our local community and broaden conversations, deepen understanding, and create a more informed public. more

From Radio Insight: Audacy Conservative Talk “98.9 WORD” WYRD-FM Spartanburg/Greenville SC has announced a series of programming lineup changes taking effect on Monday, May 6. WYRD-FM will add Salem Radio Network’s Mike Gallagher Show for 10am to 12pm. Gallagher worked in Greenville early in his career and his show had been heard on Salem’s “94.5 The Answer” WGTK-FM until its sale and flip last year. To make room for Gallagher, “Straight Talk with Bill Frady” will move from 10a-12p to 12 to 3pm replacing The Erik Erickson Show. WYRD-FM will also add two more shows to the lineup. “Sunrise Carolina with Joey Hudson” will run from 5-6am weekdays. Hudson previously hosted mornings on WGTK-FM. “The WORD on the Street” will be a magazine show running Saturdays from 12-1pm. Audacy Greenville/Spartanburg SVP/Market Manager Steve Sinicropi stated, “I am thrilled to have Mike return to News/Talk 98.9 WORD. Mike is part of the fabric of Greenville; he connects with our audience and will be a terrific advocate for our advertisers. Having Mike and Joey onboard will enhance our incredible lineup and offer listeners live, locally connected talent.” Gallagher commented, “To return to the same station where I started my radio career 35 years ago is mind-blowing. I?m excited to reconnect with Upstate audiences and advertisers on this powerhouse brand. Having my dear friend Joey play a significant role in the show is the icing on the cake. Everyone knows the Upstate is home to me. So, who says you can?t go home again?” Hudson added, “I?m ecstatic to join the team at this heritage station. It?s especially gratifying to join my longtime friend and mentor Mike as he makes his triumphant return to the Upstate. As a lifelong resident of the area, I?m fortunate to continue serving the community I love as part of The Voice of the Carolinas. Thank you to Steve Sinicropi, Mark Hendrix and the 98.9 WORD family for welcoming me back to the airwaves.” more

From Radio Insight: Programming changes are imminent at Murfin Media’s “My Country 100.5” KVWF Augusta/Wichita KS. KVWF is currently running jockless with limited imaging, while promoting “Something New” coming on Thursday, May 2 at 12:00pm. The station launched its current brand last June a mix of current, classic and Red Dirt Country. Following the exit of Program Director Colby Ericson at the end of March, the station dropped all of its Red Dirt music. KVWF had just a 0.4 share in the February 2024 Nielsen Audio ratings. It is part of a crowded Country marketplace in Wichita that includes SummitMedia’s market leading 101.3 KFDI with a 9.1 share, iHeartMedia’s “102.1 The Bull” KZSN in third with a 6.5, and a pair of Classic Country stations: Summit’s 1070 KFTI at a 3.1 share and Steckline Communications’ “99.7 Hank-FM” KGHF at a 1.5. more

From Radio Online: Contemporary Christian WCIC-FM/Peoria, IL appoints Jordan Pride as its new Creative Services Director and afternoon host. He brings years of ministry experience to this role, having served as worship director at Christ's Church in Effingham, IL, and in discipleship ministry through Feed the Crave. Pride also More...

From Radio Online: The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced that the 2024 Marconi Radio Award nomination window is open through May 31. Established in 1989 and named for inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the Marconi Radio Awards recognize overall excellence and More...

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia names Pedro Javier Gonzalez as Senior Vice President of Programming for Miami, effective immediately. He has served as Senior Vice President of iHeartLatino since 2018 where he'll continue in that role. Gonzalez's previous experience includes VP of Content at Univision Radio and VP of Programming More...

From Radio Online: The Museum of Broadcast Communications has announced the selection of the Radio Hall Of Fame 2024 nominees. The 24 nominees were chosen by the RHoF Nominating Committee, with input from the radio industry and listeners. Voting for inductees begins Monday, May 20 and runs through More...

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia has announced the appointment of Pedro Javier ‘PJ’ Gonzalez as Senior Vice President of Programming for their Miami operations. Gonzalez has been with iHeartMedia since 2018 as SVP/Programming overseeing iHeartLatino and all of the company’s Spanish language programming initiatives. He will continue in that role in addition to his new position. Gonzalez also spent twelve years at Univision Radio from 2005 to 2017 as VP/Programming and VP/Content overseeing the company’s stations in Chicago, Miami, New York and Puerto Rico. He has also worked at multiple groups in Puerto Rico including three years as VP/Programming for Uno Radio Group. Gonzalez stated, ?I am thrilled and fully committed. I’m prepared to work closely with our outstanding team and capitalize on the distinctive opportunities presented by the dynamic and constantly evolving Miami market. iHeart Miami Market President Shari Gonzalez added, ?PJ Gonzalez? deep understanding of audience preferences, creative vision and strategic leadership will undoubtedly elevate our stations? content and engagement. We?re thrilled to welcome PJ to our team and look forward to his contributions in shaping the future of our market?s audio landscape.? PJ replaces Rob Miller who will remain at iHeartMedia as a strategic advisor for the Hot AC format and other projects. more

From Radio Insight: The Museum of Broadcast Communications announced today the selection of the RADIO HALL OF FAME 2024 nominees. The 24 nominees were chosen by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, with input from the radio industry and listeners. Voting for inductees begins Monday, May 20, 2024, and runs through Monday, June 3, 2024. The top six vote recipients will gain induction as part of the 2024 Radio Hall of Fame Induction class. The two additional inductees that will make up the eight-person induction class will be selected by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. More than 900 industry members will receive a ballot on Monday, May 20th, to cast votes for up to six nominated individuals. The confidential ballot will be conducted by Votem.com, and overseen by Miller Kaplan?s Andrew Rosen. The total of eight Radio Hall of Fame inductees for 2024 will be announced on Monday, June 17th, and will be honored at the 2024 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, September 19th at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, TN. Information on tickets for the event will be available soon. THE 2024 RADIO HALL OF FAME NOMINEES TO BE VOTED ON BY INDUSTRY VOTING PANEL ARE (ALPHABETICAL BY FIRST NAME): Bert Weiss Big D & Bubba Big Tigger Bob and Sheri Bob Stroud Crook & Chase Dede McGuire Diane Rehm Free Beer and Hot Wings Funkmaster Flex Jaime Jarrin John & Ken Johnny Magic Kid Leo Larry Elder Laurie DeYoung Lee Harris Lincoln Ware Mary McCoy Matt Siegel Mojo in the Morning Phil Hendrie Richard Blade Shelley ?The Playboy? Stewart Dennis Green, Co-Chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame, stated: ?It is an honor to nominate this amazing class of talented individuals and shows that have made their mark on the radio. The 2024 nominees to the Radio Hall of Fame represent one of the most diverse group of talents we have honored with the highest level of recognition one can achieve from the radio industry. Kudos to the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee for recognizing this year?s class of nominees whose careers only add to the special place radio holds in the hearts and minds of generations of listeners across the country.? Kraig T. Kitchin, Co-Chairman, Radio Hall of Fame, commented: ?Congratulations to our 2024 nominees for induction! I encourage each industry member receiving a confidential ballot to participate in the selection of this years? inductees. It?s an honor and a privilege to see well-established on-air careers recognized with an induction; every vote makes a difference in the outcome.? The Radio Hall of Fame was founded by the Emerson Radio Corporation in 1988. The Museum of Broadcast Communications took over operations of the Hall in 1991. more

From Radio Insight: Following their announced departure from Midwest Communications CHR 101.1 WIXX Green Bay to jump to Woodward Community Media’s “95.9 Kiss-FM” WKSZ DePere WI, Katie Schurk & Nick Vitrano now have an official debut date on-air of June 10. The duo surprisingly departed WIXX in December following the retirement of Jim Murphy from the morning show at the end of November after a 32 year-run with the station. WKSZ would soon after announce the arrival of former WIXX midday host Otis Day to host mornings with Schurk & Vitrano’s upcoming arrival to join Day announced at the start of the year. Now with their six month non-compete clause coming to an end, WKSZ announced this morning that the duo will make their on-air debuts on Monday, June 10. Brand Manager Joe Marroe stated, “June 10th cannot come soon enough. Our audience has waited patiently, and patience will pay off. The three of them have been working hard behind the scenes the last few months preparing. Day one will sound like the show has been on the air for years.” Day commented, “The question I get asked all the time finally has an answer. I couldn?t be more happy to have my friends back on the air in NE Wisconsin. They?re almost free! This is going to be great!” Schurk began her career at WIXX as an intern before being promoted to morning co-host in 2005 where she remained until he departure in December. Vitrano began his tenure with Midwest as co-host and producer of the ?Maino and Nick Show? on Sports 1440 WNFL from 1999 to 2003. He continued hosting that show until 2014 adding Program Director duties at WNFL from 2008 until joining the WIXX morning show in January 2013. more

From Radio Insight: After six years at Cox Media Group CHR 106.1 WBLI Patchogue NY, Kiana Singh departed the station following her show on Tuesday. A Long Island native, Singh joined WBLI in 2018 and rose to afternoon host the following year. She then added Music Director duties in April 2022. She began her career in 2016 while in college at JVC Broadcasting’s “Party 105” WPTY Calverton-Roanoke NY as midday host, traffic and sales assistant, and receptionist. Singh shared her final on-air break where she noted that she is staying on Long Island, “but it is time for a new adventure.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kiana (@kianaonair) more

From Radio Online: Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio is opening the application window through Friday, May 17 for the "Speak Up Mentorship Program" in honor of the late Laurie Kahn. Now in its second year, Speak Up! is a one-year mentorship designed for women in small to medium radio markets seeking guidance and More...

From Radio Online: Throwback Brands' weekend program "Throwback 2K," through its syndication partner Skyview Networks, is celebrating the entire month of May with an opportunity for affiliates to send a listener and their guest to see Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Miami this October. This contest has More...

From Radio Online: Melody Spann-Cooper, chairwoman and CEO of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, testified on behalf of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) at a hearing held by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce titled, "Preserving Americans' Access to AM Radio." on Tuesday. More...

From Radio Online: The Nebraska Broadcasters Association has made a $25,000 contribution to the United Way of the Midlands Nebraska andamp; Iowa Tornado Relief Fund. NBA Chairperson of the Board Shannon Booth, who is VP/GM of the Gray Media Group, Inc., television stations in Lincoln, Hastings and North Platte, said: "Our hearts More...

From Radio Insight: Cumulus Media Classic Rock “101 The Fox” KCFX Harrisonville/Kansas City MO has launched its new morning show “Sparks & Lux” pairing Matt ‘Sparks’ Sparker and Ashley ‘Lux’ Mohr. Sparker joined KCFX in July 2021 as afternoon host and moved to mornings last December. Prior to Kansas City, Sparks spent six years at Rock 92.3 KOMP Las Vegas as part of ?BS In The Morning? and also hosted afternoons at Hot AC 98.5 KQKQ Omaha and was PD/afternoon host at Rock ?Q105.1? KQWB-FM Fargo ND. Lux returns to radio after a nearly two year hiatus. She previously spent her entire career in her native St. Louis where outside of ten months co-hosting mornings at then sister CHR “Now 96.3” KNOU in 2017, she had spent 15 years at Hubbard Alternative “105.7 The Point” KPNT rising from promotions to weekends to middays in 2012 and afternoons from 2013-16 and again from 2017 until her departure in May 2022. The new morning show debuted on Monday, April 29. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6ZXNvSO-9E/ more

From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its release of the March 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Monthly ratings for Bakersfield, Honolulu, Knoxville, Omaha/Council Bluffs, and Tulsa. Coming later this week: On Wendesday, May 1: Monthly ratings for Albuquerque, El Paso, Harrisburg/Lebanon/Carlisle, and Metro Fairfield County. On Thursday, May 2: Monthly ratings for Akron, Charleston SC, Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz, and Syracuse. On Friday, May 3: Monthly ratings for Columbia SC, Greenville/New Bern/Jacksonville NC, Little Rock, Springfield MA, and Toledo. more