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From Radio Online: Former radio station owner Scott Ginsburg, a visionary in the broadcasting industry, passed away on May 26 at the age of 72. Ginsburg's career in radio began after he graduated from the University of Michigan, where he studied communications-a field that would define his professional life. In 1983, More...

From Radio Insight: Townsquare Media has moved its Oldies “Beach Radio” format to 101.5 WKXW-HD2 Trenton. WKXW-HD2 will also carry all 40 home games of the MLB Draft League’s Trenton Thunder. The Thunder move to 101.5 HD2 from sister “920 ESPN” WNJE, which went silent at the end of 2023. The “Beach Radio” brand launched in January 2017 on 1310 WADB Asbury Park and 1160 WOBM Lakewood Township. After both stations launched FM translators, they flipped to Country in February 2022 and again to simulcasts of other Townsquare stations last Juy. The Oldies format has been heard on 104.9 WSJO-HD3 Egg Harbor City/Atlantic City since then and will continue to be heard there as well. Townsquare Media Regional Vice President Brian Lang stated, “We are excited to continue our partnership with the Trenton Thunder by adding the power of the New Jersey 101.5 brand.” Thunder President Jeff Hurley added, “I know we are excited to be able to continue our relationship with Townsquare Media. Being able to have our broadcasts on the FM dial is a huge plus for our fans and listeners. New Jersey 101.5 has been a staple in our community for ages and we can?t wait to provide their listeners with a baseball-filled summer.” Prior to launch on Friday, May 31 at 5pm, the station stunted with sounds of ocean waves and boardwark games interspersed with airchecks of the 101.5 frequency from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s during its iterations as WBJH, “Kicks 101 1/2“, and early “New Jersey 101.5“. more

From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its releases of the April 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Colorado Springs, Madison, Mobile, Toledo, and Wichita. Eastlan Ratings also released its April monthlies for Anchorage AK, Bend OR, Billings MT, Charleston WV, Elkhart IN, Florence/Muscle Shoals AL, Hot Springs AR, Johnson City/Kingsport/Bristol, Kalispell MT, Lafayette IN, La Salle/Peru IL, Laurel/Hattiesburg MS, Raleigh/Durham NC, San Luis Obispo CA, Santa Rosa CA, South Bend IN Twin Falls ID, and Waco TX. Coming on Monday, June 3: Monthly ratings for Chattanooga, Huntsville, and Jackson MS. more

From Radio Online: GeoBroadcast Solutions (GBS) says the first wave of broadcasters are filing applications to implement its geo-targeting technology, following the FCC's recent approval of program origination via FM and low power transmitters. The initial group of launch stations showcases ZoneCasting, illustrating its More...

From Radio Insight: It was interesting to get back from Vancouver yesterday and realize I?d been to four conventions already this year: Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, the Intercollegiate Broadcast System in New York, the spring NAB in Las Vegas, and, earlier this week, the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters. On June 2-4, I?ll be at the second Radiodays North America in Toronto. I?ll also be hosting the Jukebox Jury panel shared between RDNA and Canadian Music Week. That makes six. Being at conventions roughly once a month had become routine pre-COVID, and that was on top of other business travel. Some colleagues, vendors, and speakers were at a lot more. In the weeks leading up to COVID, I had already been to three, and Joel Denver?s All Access Summit would have been next.* Conventions were one of the great joys of my early years in the business. Working at trade publications and constantly being on the phone meant doing the advance work to ensure that there was one ?it?s great to finally meet you? after another.* They were an extension of the dialogue I tried to foster through my writing; they were the inspiration for the next year. I admit I had become cynical about conventions long before COVID ? particularly as panelists spoke less candidly in the post-consolidation world. But it was still being at NAB Orlando 2013 that inspired Radio in an Audio World, my attempt to synthesize radio?s growth (or lack thereof) beyond the transmitter a decade ago. And eventually, a great convention for me wasn?t about who was on the panels, but about who I saw in the halls. When the convention circuit tried to go online during COVID, there wasn?t much satisfaction in it. The conversations were more stilted than ever, just by being online. It was a reminder of the human contact that wasn?t happening. Watching the All Access Summit and NAB Radio Show decide not to return from COVID was another saddening reminder of radio?s shrinking infrastructure.* When conventions began ramping up again in 2021-22, I was more appreciative. It was great to be back at IBC in a crowded room of young broadcasters. I watched the Garth Brooks panel empty out at Country Radio Seminar last year and realized I was suddenly five feet away from about a dozen of my favorite people in the radio business. Radiodays Europe, my first one in person after presenting remotely during COVID, was gratifying for its positivity and focus on the future, and for its crowded hallways as well. This spring?s NAB was my first in a decade. I ran into more programming people than I expected. It was fascinating to watch the long-promised convergence between technology and programming, and toward a radio station run not from a rack of equipment, but a single piece of equipment, become a reality. The discussion of AI on the radio exploded during the spring conventions last year and dominated this year. At BCAB, panelist after panelist quoted the now-truism about ?AI won?t take your job, but somebody who understands AI will.? AI is clearly a defining issue of our times in all aspects of life, but it is clearly not the only issue in our world of tumult, and that?s the case in radio, too.* This year, my BCAB presentation was about the things we?re not talking about enough ? reinventing the dial (still a need), programming innovation, people. It was called ?Greetings, Fellow Humans.? And some of the panels I enjoyed the most at BCAB were about hiring, including one from Adam Currie, not the podcaster, but a medical recruiter whose previous industry ? tire stores ? had its own lack of buzz to contend with. Although I?ve finally started to have the experience of running into some of my radio-industry vendor friends at five-week intervals for the first time in five years, each of my conventions so far this year has been a distinctly different crowd. One of the things I?m looking forward to at RDNA is the ability to see U.S., European, and Canadian broadcasters in the same room again, one of the strengths of the NAB Radio Show.* The full RDNA schedule is here. I?m particularly looking forward to: BBC Director of Music Lorna Clarke, now in conversation with veteran Canadian broadcaster Julie Adam, currently of Universal Music Canada.* James Cridland?s latest version of Cool Tools for Radio Stations, always less a presentation than a live demo. My Edison Research colleague Gabe Soto and Signal Hill?s Matt Hird discussing ?What You Should Be Telling Everyone About Radio.? Paige Nienaber?s 20 Electrifying No/Low Budget Promotions That Will Grab People?s Attention, especially in a year of renewed interest in contesting. TikTok Talks, a panel about the potential synthesis of radio, TikTok, and podcasting. Discussions of reinventing in-car radio from Radioplayer and DTS AutoStage Super HiFI co-founder/CEO Zack Zalon?s ?An AI Workshop: Let?s Build a Radio Station.? The thing that hasn?t truly reemerged yet at our conventions is the focus on the radio/record relationship. RDNA is positioned at the same crossroads of management, technology, and programming as the NAB Radio Show was, but I?m hoping to bring some radio/label dialogue to the fore by hosting Jukebox Jury ? a live music meeting of label and radio people ? for the second year. I?ll also be part of a discussion of the evolution of Classic Hits, always one of this column?s most popular topics. One of the potential excitements of RDNA?s international coalition is the potential cross-pollination of differing ideas. Even in the ?10s, radio conventions were marked, if not marred, by the groups who didn?t participate. The group heads might have been there to assure you that radio was doing fine, but the lack of staff told a different story.* In 2024, radio needs its third act ? that moment in the movies where the heroes stop squabbling and band together. I?m hoping some of that can take place at RDNA, and going forward. more

From Radio Insight: Times-Shamrock has flipped Classic Country ?Bigfoot Legends 107.7? WLGD Dallas/Wilkes-Barre PA to a simulcast of Classic Rock “Rock 107” WEZX Scranton. Times-Shamrock agreed to purchase WLGD from Seven Mountains Media last weekend for $300,000. It now joins a “Rock 107” network that also includes 105.9 WPZX Pocono Pines and translators 106.9 W295CV Hazleton and 107.3 W297AF Scranton to fill-in some coverage gaps caused by terrain shielding in the Wilkes-Barre side of the market. Times-Shamrock CEO Jim Loftus stated, “I?m excited to share? we acquired this to supercharge Rock 107. Not only is it a strategic fit and flank protector at 107.7, the signal compliments WEZX 106.9 and WPZX 105.9. As one who knows the NEPA terrain very well, this acquisition adds significant city grade pop count to Rock 107?s distribution platform.” WEZX and its simulcasters rose to #1 overall in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre market this week with a 9.2 share breaking a 50 month streak on top of the market by Audacy CHR 98.5 WKRZ. more

From Radio Online: Neuhoff Family LP, the parent company of Neuhoff Media-Lafayette LLC, has closed on its sale of the assets of its Lafayette, IN stations, including WKOA-FM, WKHY-FM, WASK-FM, WXXB-FM, WASK-AM, translator W269DJ and associated digital assets to Saga Communications of Indiana LLC. The company announced in More...

From Radio Insight: Monticello Media Country 107.1 WPSK Pulaski VA will expand its coverage further up I-81 and the New River Valley as it will begin simulcasting on what is now CHR “Hot 100” 100.7 WVHK Christiansburg starting Monday, June 3. WVHK will take on new WVXL call letters with the stations now branding as “WPSK XL“. General Manager Paul Johnson states, “Country is king along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Super-sizing this great station takes it from local to regional.” WPSK features Compass Media Networks’ “Big D & Bubba” in mornings, Pam Garrison in middays, and cluster Operations Manager James ‘JT’ Forrest in afternoons. The soon-to-be former CHR format carried the XHTZ Tijuana based “Hey Morton!” in mornings, a pair of personalities from sister “Hot 101.9” WHTE Charlottesville in midday host Kevin Wheeler and afternoon host PJ Styles, and “105.3 The Bear” WBRW Blacksburg midday host Nate in evenings. more

From Radio Insight: Longtime Peoria programmer and personality Scott Wheeler has announced his retirement from radio. Wheeler spent 42 years of his 46 year career in Peoria. He started his career at WKRS Waukegan IL before coming to Peoria in 1981 as a host at CHR “KZ 93” WKZW. After leaving in 1986 to spend a year at WGCL Cleveland, he would return to WKZW in 1987 eventually rising to Program Director through its format changes to Hot AC “Mix 93.3” and “Big Oldies 93.3” WPBG. In 2006, he joined Christian AC 91.5 WCIC as Operations Director and spent time in mornings and afternoons under the on-air name Rob Brown through 2015. After a brief retirement and spending time tracking mornings for Full Power Radio’s “Kool Oldies” stations in southern New England, Wheeler joined the now Midwest Communications cluster first hosting afternoons on Oldies “SuperHits 102.7” 1290 WIRL and then relaunching the “KZ” brand on 102.3 WKZF as PD/afternoon host in 2019 and moving into a consultant role last fall. more

From Radio Insight: The Alan Stockmeister led Total Media Group continues its expansion in southeastern Ohio with the purchase of AC “Lite 97.5” WVNU Greenfield/Washington Court House from Patrick Hays’ Southern Ohio Broadcasting Inc. for $280,000. A Time Brokerage Agreement will take effect on July 1. Ministry Outreach Foundation sells Spanish Christian “Buenas Nuevas” 830 WUMY/105.5 W288BJ Memphis to Wilkins Radio Network head Jacob Wilkins’ WEZMO Broadcasting LLC for $460,000. A Time Brokerage Agreement will take effect on June 1. Spoon River Media will purchase Silent 98.5 WLSB Augusta IL from Lifestyle Education Academy International for $18,500. The buyer will convert the station to commercial operation. San Antonio Worship Center purchases Spanish Christian “La Nuestra” 990 KAML/95.3 K237GJ Kenedy-Karnes City TX from Siga Broadcasting for $400,000. CSN International purchases the CP for 98.7 KLFK Wells/Lufkin TX from Ryan Williams’ American Broadcasting of Texas for $53,000. $8000 of the purchase price will go to the FCC to reimburse the seller’s bidding credit from the auction that CSN would not have been able to receive. Ondas de Vida trades its CP for 88.1 in Dewey-Humboldt AZ to Advance Ministries for 98.7 K254CB Prescott. Prunedale Educational Associations transfers “Air 1” 97.9 KARW Salinas and 89.1 K206CC Lockwood CA to the mutually owned Calvary Community Church of Salinas for no consideration. more

From Radio Online: Spanish Broadcasting System reported its long delayed fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results. Net revenue from continuing operations fell 7% in Q4 to $42.3 million from $45.3 million in 2022. Operating expenses were down 9% to $27.1 million from $29.7 million. Station More...

From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its releases of the April 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Columbia SC, Des Moines, Little Rock, Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz, Spokane, and Springfield MA. Coming on Friday, May 31: Monthly ratings for Colorado Springs, Madison, Mobile, Toledo, and Wichita. more

From Radio Online: Fifty state broadcasters associations, including the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, sent a letter to Speaker Johnson and Leaders Schumer, McConnell and Jeffries in support of H.R. 8072 and S. 4158, the Broadcast VOICES Act. Introduced by Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) and Sen. Gary More...

From Radio Online: Edison Research will hold the upcoming Sports Audio Report webinar at 2pm ET on Thursday June 13 with SiriusXM Media and GroupM. This webinar will spotlight sports fandom in the U.S. and the role that audio content across sports podcasts, satellite and radio shows plays in fans' More...

From Radio Insight: WP Media’s Radio Content Pro has announced a strategic partnership with Kris Abrams’ I Don’t Even Work In Radio, Inc. to enhance the reach and impact of their AI-powered service designed to inspire creativity and efficiency among radio broadcasters. Abrams most recently served as OM of Music Brands for Cumulus Media Albuquerque until retiring in March. Between his two stints in Albuquerque from 2013-16 and 2019-2024, Abrams was Director of Partner Success for Futuri Media. He has also held roles as Operations Manager for Clear Channel Jacksonville, CBS Radio Phoenix, and had a third stint at the Albuquerque cluster under Citadel Broadcasting. He also has programmed WMQX Greensboro, WRIT Milwaukee, and WLNK Charlotte. His duties will include representing the product, attracting new users, and help WP Media continue to innovate with new features for RCP. WP Media CEO Andrew Johnson stated, “Kris has an ideal skill set, experience, and background to be a perfect fit to continue growing Radio Content Pro. In addition to a thorough understanding of all aspects of the radio industry, he has a keen sense of how to apply technology to enhance creativity. It’s the perfect combination for RCP.” WP Media advisor Tracy Johnson commented, “I know a lot of people in the industry and there are only a handful with the intelligence, instincts, and ability to apply tools for creative solutions. AI is rapidly transforming how every industry operates, and Kris is the perfect partner to show stations how to use it to their advantage using Radio Content Pro.” Abrams added, “I thought I was entering a more relaxed phase of my life until WP Media advisor Tracy Johnson showed me Radio Content Pro. I’ve been fortunate to be on the cutting edge of technology from inside a station and as a supplier. RCP blew me away, and I immediately knew I had to be a part of it. ” Abrams can be reached at kris@radiocontentpro.com. more

From Radio Insight: While the sale of its signals to Norsan Media announced in mid-April has yet to be filed with the FCC, Genuine Austin Radio’s Red Dirt Country 99.3 KOKE-FM Thorndale/98.5 K253AN Sunset Valley and and Sports ?The Horn? 1260 KTAE Elgin/101.9 K270CO Round Rock will move online only as of Saturday, June 1. The stations state, “This strategic decision underscores our dedication to embracing the future of media consumption and delivering the most innovative and accessible content experiences to our advertisers and loyal audience. By harnessing the power of our digital platforms, we will reach a broader, more diverse audience, offering them unparalleled access to our unique, high-quality programming anytime, anywhere. This shift allows us to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape and maintain our leadership in providing exceptional content to our valued listeners and advertising partners.” Current KOKE-FM programming includes Bob Cole and Eric Raines in mornings, Deena Blake in middays, Raines who is also owner and PD again in afternoons, and “Texas Nights” with Scotty Bennett and Amber Sorensen in evenings. KTAE features “The Rodcast with Rod Babers and Patrick Davis” from 6-11am, Westwood One’s Rich Eisen Show from 2-5pm and Infinity Sports Network programming in other dayparts. Norsan Media announced in mid-April that it would acquire KOKE-FM/K253AN and KTAE/K270CO from the company that it has already been leasing 104.9 KTXX-FM Bee Cave and 105.3 K287FG Austin from since August 2023. Norsan has not yet announced its plans for the new frequencies. The company currently programs Regional Mexican “La Raza” on 104.9 KTXX-FM and 1530 KZNX Creedmoor/95.1 K236AY Westlake Hills and Spanish AC “Romantica 105.3” on K287FG/KTXX-HD4. more

From Radio Insight: Since the beginning of the year, Cumulus? WKDF (103.3 Country) Nashvillehas had a series of strong Nielsen PPM showings?going 6.3-7.5-6.1-6.9 between the holiday ratings and April. That makes WKDF third in the market, while iHeart Country flagship WSIX (The Big 98) is at fifth this month, rebounding 4.7-5.4-5.7-4.8-5.7. WKDF?s strong 2024 has been a going away present for retiring PD and Cumulus Country format captain Charlie Cook. (Travis Daily was named PD in April before assuming the group duties earlier this month.) The ?New Country? battle is heating up at a time when the entry of Midwest?s Classic Country WNFN has fragmented Cumulus? gold-based WSM-FM (Nash Icon 95.5). It prompted me to take a Fresh Listen to WKDF. Because there?s a gold-based Country station next door, one of the things that?s most noticeable about WKDF is its current lean?two currents in a row used to be remarkable at the format. It?s possible to hear 3-4 in a row sometimes on WKDF. There?s also a more consistent emphasis on streaming-era Country artists. The majority of the music on WKDF (and the entire hour monitored here) was 2020 forward. It?s also worth noting that I heard middayer Amy Paige eight times during the hour I monitored. Paige promoted a national Cumulus flyaway to see Carrie Underwood in Las Vegas. She talked about Post Malone on the ACM Awards?saying she refused to let the show be just a one-morning topic and promoted that evening?s finale of The Voice. She teased the new Twisters as a way of setting up the new Luke Combs song from that soundtrack.* One of the things you would want from Nashville?s Country radio is ?sense of place.? Both Paige and WSIX?s Brooke Taylor were talking about this week?s expected opening of Morgan Wallen?s This Bar. Both stations also do a lot of local geography. On WKDF, it?s built into some of the artist sweepers, so you can hear Dierks Bentley shout out Murfreesboro followed by Jelly Roll saluting Smyrna and Gallatin.* In 2021, WKDF became the flagship for the syndicated Big D & Bubba morning show. He was scheduled to appear on the show the following morning. On the morning I monitored, there were bits involving listener tweets, a woman who trolled older men on a dating app and posted their creepy voicemails?followed by the team?s sharing oddball voice-messages from women, and a phone call from a graduating high-school senior who was headed to study landscape management. WKDF had 10 songs that hour vs. seven on WSIX?s Bobby Bones Show. Here?s WKDF at 11 a.m., May 22: Cole Swindell, ?Single Saturday Night? Morgan Wallen f/Ernest, ?Cowgirls? Cody Johnson, ?Til You Can?t? Ashley Cooke, ?Your Place? Dierks Bentley, ?Gold? Jelly Roll w/Lainey Wilson, ?Save Me? Chris Stapleton, ?White Horse? Thomas Rhett, ?Beautiful as You? Post Malone f/Morgan Wallen, ?I Had Some Help? Bailey Zimmerman, ?Where It Ends? Tyler Hubbard, ?Back Then Right Now? Luke Combs, ?Ain?t No Love in Oklahoma? Chayce Beckham, ?23? Here?s WSIX in the same hour with Brooke Taylor: Sam Hunt, ?Outskirts? Reba McEntire, ?Fancy??with a throwback stager Chase Matthew, ?Love You Again? Luke Combs, ?Fast Car? Bailey Zimmerman, ?Where It Ends? Justin Moore, ?Small Town USA? Post Malone f/Morgan Wallen, ?I Had Some Help? Hardy, ?Truck Bed? Chris Young, ?Young Love & Saturday Nights: Cole Swindell, ?She Had Me at Heads Carolina? Lainey Wilson, ?Hang Tight Honey? Kane Brown, ?Heaven? Tyler Hubbard, ?Back Then Right Now? Luke Combs, ?The Kind of Love We Make? more

From Radio Online: Longtime WKXW-FM (New Jersey 101.5)/Trenton afternoon co-host Bill Doyle exits the Townsquare News/Talk outlet. He partnered with Jeff Deminski as Deminski andamp; Doyle in both New Jersey and Detroit for over 30 years. They first teamed in 1993-99 for afternoons at the station, before leaving the Garden State for More...

From Radio Online: Hope Media Group's Spanish language network Vida Unida appoints Tony Luna as Network Program Director. He has over three decades of experience in Spanish language radio. Lun previously served as Program Director of Audacy's KLOL (Mega 101) in Houston, followed by a tenure leading SBS' New York City stations More...

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia Cleveland elevates two sales leaders. Cindy Hunter is named Senior Vice President of Sales, and Lauren O'Brien is promoted to Vice President of Digital, effective immediately. Hunter is a 30-year radio and marketing vet in Northeast Ohio and previously served as Vice President of Sales. O'Brien's More...

From Radio Insight: After beginning to operate the former Christian AC “94 The Fish” trimulcast in Middle Tennessee on May 1 ahead of their $7 million purchase (along with a station in Honolulu) from Salem Media Group, Educational Media Foundation has announced its plans for two of the signals. 94.1 WFFH Smyrna, which covers Nashville and its southeastern suburbs, has joined EMF’s Contemporary Worship “Air 1” network airing 10,000 songs without interruption. It will begin the regular network programming on Monday, June 3 alongside 92.5 W223BV Brentwood/WLVU-HD2 in the market. 104.9 WBOZ Woodbury/Murfreesboro joined “K-Love” expanding its coverage in the market beyond 97.1 WLVU Belle Meade/Nashville. Plans for the third station, 93.7 WFFI Kingston Springs, which covers Nashville and its western suburbs are still pending. EMF Chief Media Officer David Pierce stated, “For many of us, Christian music is an integral part of daily life. It is an honor to take the torch from our colleagues at The Fish and keep sharing Christian music on 93.7, 94.1 and 104.9 in Nashville, and 95.5 in Hawaii.” The other signal involved in the deal, the former “95.5 The Fish” KAIM-FM Honolulu also joined the “Air 1” network. more

From Radio Insight: Hope Media Group has appointed Tony Luna as Network Program Director for its Spanish Christian “Vida Unida“. Luna joins Hope Media Group after exiting as Program Director of Audacy Spanish CHR “Mega 101” KLOL Houston in the company’s April layoffs. Luna spent twelve years at KLOL after previously programming in New York at SBS? ?Mega 97.9? WSKQ and ?93.1 Amor? and launching Univision’s ?Caliente 105.9? WCAA as well as over a decade in his native Puerto Rico. He will be based at the company’s Houston headquarters starting in late June. “Vida Unida” is currently heard on 91.7 KHVU Houston, 90.9 WLFE Miami, and 93.5 WNVU New Rochelle/New York along with multiple HD2s and translators across the country. Current Program Director Sadiel Castro will become co-host of “Myrka en la Manana” with Myrka Dellanos. Luna said, “I am incredibly excited to join the amazing team at Vida Unida. As a deacon with over 30 years of experience in radio, I am delighted by this opportunity to work with such a passionate group of individuals. Together, we will continue to spread messages of hope and faith through our uplifting music and programming. I can?t wait to connect with our listeners and be a part of this wonderful community, sharing the Gospel?s transformative power with everyone.” Hope Media Group Chief of Programming Scott Herrold adds, “Tony Luna?s extensive radio background in two of our most prominent markets positioned him perfectly for this role. Yet, it was his dedication to coaching and fostering community involvement that truly distinguished him from the other candidates. I?ve already received glowing feedback from numerous radio personalities who attest that Tony is one of the best bosses with whom they have ever worked.” more

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia Cleveland has announced a pair of sales promotions. Cindy Hunter rises from General Sales Manager and Director of Agency Partnerships to SVP/Sales, while Lauren O’Brien is upped to VP/Digital for the cluster. Both will continue to report to Market President Keith Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss commented, “We are delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of Cindy Hunter and Lauren O’Brien within our sales leadership team. Their exceptional skills, dedication, and vision will undoubtedly propel our market forward and reinforce our commitment to delivering innovative solutions and remarkable experiences for our clients.” Hunter has been with iHeartMedia Cleveland and its predecessors since 1989 and also serves as the zone political point for iHeartMedia’s Ohio stations. Hotchkiss commented, “With over 30 years of experience in radio and marketing in Northeast Ohio, Hunter brings a wealth of knowledge and a profound understanding of the local market dynamics. Known for her unparalleled work ethic and unwavering dedication to clients and team members, Hunter has been a driving force behind the market’s success.” O’Brien joined the company in 2019 and rose to Director of Agency & Digital Partnerships in 2022. She will be tasked with focusing on “enhancing iHeartMedia’s presence across streaming audio, OTT, social media, and email marketing channels.” more

From Radio Insight: Bicoastal Media is launching its Oldies “Jukebox” brand in another market as Conservative Talk 99.3 KCMD Grants Pass OR will become “99.3 The Jukebox” KBXG this weekend. The new format replicates the branding launched by Bicoastal in February 2023 on 1480 KGOE/92.7 K224ER Eureka CA focusing on music from the late 1950s through early 1970s. The Talk format simulcasting 106.3 KMED Eagle Point/Medford will still be heard in Grants Pass as 105.9 K290AF Rogue River will drop its simulcast of AAA “The Valley” KMED-HD2 Eagle Point to simulcast KMED’s primary signal. KBXG will continue to carry KMED’s local morning show hosted by Bill Meyer from 6-9am weekdays and its local gardening show on Saturday mornings. more

From Radio Online: CRN Digital Talk Radio will expand its satellite radio syndication services and distribution in a new partnership with Salem Radio Network and Westwood One. CRN Digital Talk Radio syndicates the talk radio talent to broadcast radio, cable television, ROKU, Apple TV, digital More...

From Radio Online: WSB/Atlanta expands Eric Von Haessler's afternoon show, while pushing Sean Hannity's show to nights. Hannity, who has aired on the Cox News/Talk outlet since 2001 in syndication, was previously heard from 3-4pm and then later in the evening, with Von Haessler in the 4-7pm slot. Now, Von Haessler will be More...

From Radio Online: On Tuesday, the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) announced that actor Robert De Niro, who is also co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises, as the recipient of the 2024 Service to America Leadership Award. On Wednesday, NAB issued a statement regarding the More...

From Radio Online: BIA Advisory Services posted its Top Ten Radio Owners by revenue rankings for 2023 in a recent blog post. Revenue totals were down last year when compared to 2022. iHeartMedia and its 870 stations in 151 markets was again number one in 2023 with $2.147 billion as compared to $2.258 billion in 2022 from 866 More...

From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its releases of the April 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Akron, Bakersfield, Charleston SC, Harrisburg/Lebanon/Carlisle, and Omaha/Council Bluffs. Coming on Thursday, May 30: Monthly ratings for Columbia SC, Des Moines, Little Rock, Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz, Spokane, and Springfield MA. more

From Radio Insight: With its stock price falling from $2.16 per share on May 8 to 86 cents per share yesterday, a number of iHeartMedia creditors have retained financial adviser Evercore and law firm Milbank to advise them ahead of debt payments due starting in May 2026 reports Bloomberg. The report notes that of iHeart’s current $5.2 billion of debt, a $1.8 billion term loan is due in 2026 and trades at 77.5 cents on the dollar, while an $800 million 6.375% note that matures in 2026 was trading at around 70.75 cents. Bloomberg states the lenders are worried about the company’s drop in revenue “at a time when other indebted media companies are pushing ahead with debt restructurings”. iHeart’s exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2019 lowered the company’s debt from $16.1 billion to $5.75 billion with much of the debt originating from the leveraged $17.9 billion purchase of then Clear Channel Communications by Bain Capital Partners and Thomas H. Lee Partners in 2008. more