Activity Stream

From Radio Insight: ?People with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices should avoid the session and please, please wear rubber-soled shoes.? That?s Paige Nienaber, self-described ?evil genius? of CPR Promotions, describing ?20 Electrifying No/Low Budget Promotions That Will Grab People?s Attention,? the Monday, June 3, session scheduled for the upcoming Radiodays North America convention in Toronto.* Nienaber, who is available to stations on barter via MannGroup Radio in America and Orbyt in Canada, is a longtime master of both outrageous and heartstrings promotions. In recent years, radio promotions have slowly been rediscovering their creativity after years of overreliance on ?text this keyword? national contests, which don?t always yield even audio of a winner.* On the recent ?What Workers Want? webinar, Point to Point Marketing?s Tim Bronsil and Strategic Research Solutions? Hal Rood cited a ?new golden age of contesting,? at least as far as listener interest goes. But the contest capturing their attention might be coming from Mr. Beast, with its history of recycling staple radio promotions, or from a gaming app, not from radio. That?s where we started our discussion. Nienaber: I go to this site called sweepstakesadvantage.com, which is basically a site for prize pigs. A constantly updated list of on-line contests for everything from Coke to Weed ‘N Feed. And you realize after trolling through them that their digital contests are way, way, way more compelling than ours.* Ross: Why do you think contesting has gotten so unexciting? Is it PPM hangover? Is it budgets? Nienaber: PPM didn’t help but no, there are who have never heard an exciting contest, and “lack of bodies in the studio” which can be compensated for ? The only real reason to do contests is to make cool promos and have excited winners. Imagine Let’s Make a Deal without the screaming winners. It would have been canceled after one episode. Ross: Along those lines, how important is it to use the phones in contesting, even though radio would rather do text? And can you still make the phones ring? Presumably with the right prize? Nienaber: I was in San Jose for Taylor Swift and was listening to 99.7 Now-FM . They were doing a Back-to-Back contest. Two Taylor songs in a row were a cue. It was the day before the show and they were playing her every third or fourth song, but not back-to-back. The phones imploded after each time they played her, and they were airing tons of frustrated, screaming fans. It was audio crack. Amazing to listen to ? Beasley in Wilmington did Secret Sound for Taylor with “items locked in the box.” Huge. You have to do keywords? Fine, be creative how you deliver them. Kiss 106.1 Dallas, for Post Malone, did hourly keywords that were written in Sharpie on a DJ’s forehead and posted to Facebook. For a Halloween attraction, a Cumulus station had the keywords delivered by a ghost via a seance. One station realized that they’d done nothing but keywords for two years, so they mixed it up and did Secret Sound and it exploded. People were so happy to have something that they could engage with. Ross: Let’s talk about cash vs. other prizes. Is cash truly king now, as many stations seem to believe, and either way, what’s the best way to effectively give it away?* Nienaber: Cash can be more than cash. The younger demos have cash. They want gadgets and experiences. We’ve dumbed down “Win $1,000!” to the point that it doesn’t mean anything. It’s not the prize, but what you do with it. The Wolf in Greensboro had $300 a day, which is kind of a weird amount, so we framed it as ?win school lunches for your kid for a year” and it was seismic. Nienaber cites WDJX Louisville as a station that juiced up a cash giveaway by billing it as ?$1,000 in Ceramic Cats ? or the cash equivalent? with promos voiced by ?cat lady? character Eustis K. Ungerman.* Ross: You’ve done both outrageous and pro-social contests. What do people want from contests now in these messed-up times? Nienaber: They want to be entertained. Games contests. The Price Is Right is a game show. * There?s more on this year?s Radiodays North America here. more

From Radio Insight: Today Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared with her colleagues a new agency proposal that, if adopted, would look into whether the agency should require disclosure when there is AI-generated content in political ads on radio and TV. With the circulation of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and the subsequent support of her colleagues, the FCC would initiate a proceeding that recognizes consumers? right to know when AI tools are being used in the political ads they view. If adopted, this proposal aims to increase transparency by: ? Seeking comment on whether to require an on-air disclosure and written disclosure in broadcasters? political files when there is AI-generated content in political ads, ? Proposing to apply the disclosure rules to both candidate and issue advertisements, ? Requesting comment on a specific definition of AI-generated content, and ? Proposing to apply the disclosure requirements to broadcasters and entities that engage in origination programming, including cable operators, satellite TV and radio providers and section 325(c) permittees. The proposed FCC proceeding does NOT propose any prohibition of such content, only the disclosure of any AI-generated content within political ads. ?As artificial intelligence tools become more accessible, the Commission wants to make sure consumers are fully informed when the technology is used,? said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. ?Today, I?ve shared with my colleagues a proposal that makes clear consumers have a right to know when AI tools are being used in the political ads they see, and I hope they swiftly act on this issue.? The use of AI is expected to play a substantial role in the creation of political ads in 2024 and beyond, but the use of AI-generated content in political ads also creates a potential for providing deceptive information to voters, in particular, the potential use of ?deep fakes? ? altered images, videos, or audio recordings that depict people doing or saying things that did not actually do or say, or events that did not actually occur. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act provides the Commission with authority regarding political advertising. There is also a clear public interest obligation for Commission licensees, regulatees, and permittees to protect the public from false, misleading, or deceptive programming and to promote an informed public ? and the proposed rules seek to achieve that goal. Proposals shared on circulation are adopted after a majority of Commissioners vote in their favor. It is at each Commissioner?s discretion as to when they vote an item on circulation. If adopted, this proposal would launch a proceeding during which the Commission would take public comment on the proposed rules. more

From Radio Online: Neversink Media's WALL-AM/Middleton and WPDH-HD2 (WALL Radio)/Poughkeepsie have announced the retirement of afternoon drive host Jim Frey, effective Friday May 24. Chase Daniels assumes PM drive on May 27. With his radio career spanning back to 1969, Frey manned the mic at ten stations across the Hudson More...

From Radio Online: WBEE-FM afternoon host Billy Kidd is celebrating 40 years in Rochester radio, and the station is commemorating this milestone with a special morning show celebration on Friday, May 24 from 5:30-10am ET. During the show, Kidd will tell stories and experiences from his 40-year career and tenure at WBEE. Former More...

From Radio Online: Edison Research has announced the Top Podcast Genres in the U.S. by reach for Q1 2024 among weekly podcast listeners age 13 . Nineteen genres have been identified as having at least one percent reach among weekly podcast listeners aged 13 and older in Q1 2024. Edison defines a podcast's genre using its More...

From Radio Online: Media Monitors, recognized by the Media Rating Council (MRC) for its U.S. Radio spot data since 2008 and U.S. TV spot data since 2017, has announced the continuation of accreditation for both its Radio and TV spot services reporting pre-recorded advertising spots of at least 15 More...

From Radio Insight: SiriusXM will launch “Chris Stapleton Radio” as a new full-time addition to its channel lineup on Thursday, May 23 at 12:00pm on channel 63. The new channel will be curated and presented by Stapleton and members of his band The Honchos featuring his music and a mix of Country, Rock and Soul with artists included featuring Tom Petty, George Jones, John Prine, Lainey Wilson, Mavis Staples, Merle Haggard, Miranda Lambert, Tyler Childers, and Bob Dylan. “Chris Stapleton Radio gives people another way to connect with our music — where me and the rest of the guys in the band and Morgane are coming from. What our influences are. Knowing that when people come to watch a show, what they’re hearing is informed by the things that are on this channel. That’s probably the ultimate reason that I want to do this. We’re honored and thrilled to bring Chris Stapleton Radio to life at SiriusXM,? said Chris Stapleton. SiriusXM President/Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein stated, “Chris Stapleton is one of country music?s most prolific singer-songwriters today and we are thrilled to collaborate with him on his own year-round SiriusXM channel. We are truly excited to have Chris bring his own channel to life, sharing with our listeners not only his catalog of music but his insights and the music and artists that he loves and is inspired by.” With the addition of Chris Stapleton Radio, Christian AC “The Message” will move from channel 63 to 65. That channel is currently home to Southern Gospel “Bill Gaither’s enLighten“. more

From Radio Insight: After nineteen years at Audacy’s “98.9 The Rock” KQRC-FM Leavenworth/Kansas City, Jason Nivens has exited the station. Nivens shared, “They never let ya say goodbye! It?s been a pleasure chatting with you all over the years!” He joined KQRC in July 2004 and also served as a fill-in host at News/Talk 98.1 KMBZ-FM and Sports 610 KCSP. Prior to joining KQRC, Nivens began his career in Manhattan KS at 101.5 KMKF and 104.7 KXBZ where he would rise to morning host and Production Director. View this post on Instagram A post shared by jason nivens (@jasonnivens) more

From Radio Insight: After cutting the majority of their on-air staffers at their Missouri stations earlier this month, Alpha Media has made similar cuts at stations in Iowa and Minnesota. Like in Missouri, the cuts are directed solely at the programming and on-air staffers at their stations in Austin, Albert Lea, and Luverne MN plus all of their clusters in Iowa including clusters in Fort Dodge, Grinnell, Mason City, and Newton. Sources tell us that much like the Missouri stations, the company is planning a new programming structure in the coming weeks for its small market stations. Many of the people at the Mason City IA cluster have been the first to come forward with news of their extis Jared Allen exits as Operations Manager in Mason City IA after 18 years with the cluster. Britt Bailey is out as Content Director and morning hosts at Country “93.9 The Moose” KIAI. Tim Fleming departs as Sports Director and morning host after 47 years at News/Talk 1300 KGLO. Fleming previously served as Operations Manager. Also exiting KGLO and 1490 KRIB is News Director Bob Fisher. Fisher told Northern Iowa Today, “Alpha Media is going a different direction with their radio stations in their smaller markets. A majority of the programming staff, including myself, were terminated this morning as part of that plan. This is not only happening here, but throughout the country with their smaller markets.” Over in Grinnell IA, Jaime Grout is out as Content Manager and morning host at Hot AC “Energy 106.7” KRTI. more

From Radio Online: The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce will hold a markup of legislation to preserve access to AM in automobiles. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) made More...

From Radio Online: Sad to report that WOLX-FM/Madison, WI morning host Jim McGaw has died. He helped so many people wake up every morning for the past 11 years on WOLX, but his voice was heard in the market for much longer. McGaw had been on the air in Madison for about 40 years. Before coming to WOLX, he was heard in More...

From Radio Insight: Nielsen begins its releases of the April 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Baton Rouge, Louisville, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, and Puerto Rico. Other markets coming this week include: On Wednesday, May 22: Monthly ratings for Birmingham, Buffalo/Niagara Falls, , Greenville/Spartanburg, Richmond, and Rochester. On Thursday, May 23: Monthly ratings for Albany/Schenectady/Troy, and Syracuse. On Friday, May 24: Monthly ratings for Dayton, Fort Myers, Grand Rapids, Metro Fairfield County, Tucson, and Tulsa. more

From Radio Online: Compass Media Networks and Skratch N Sniff present the "Summer-Time Sublime Mix" for Memorial Day Weekend 2024 featuring guest host Jakob Nowell. He'll play the hits from Sublime and the new single "Feel Like That" with Figure Stick along with tunes from Jakob's Castle. Nowell will also keep your Memorial More...

From Radio Insight: Throwback Brands’ “Throwback Nation Radio” hosted by Tony Lorino has added eight new affiliates. Four stations are adding daily clearances of the show: Saga Communications’ 93.3 KIOA Des Moines IA, ST Radio’s “Classic Hits 101.7” WLDE Fort Wayne IN, Civic Media’s 105.7 WCFW Eau Claire WI, and Pamal Communication’s 1380/100.1 WSYB Rutland VT. Adding the show for weekends are Audacy’s “Star 102.1” WDOK Cleveland and 102.5 KEZK St. Louis, Griffin Media’s “92.9 The River” KRQV Tulsa, and Hall Communications’ “Kool 105.1” WKOL-fM Burlington VT. Lorino, Founder and CEO of Throwback Brands, stated, “We are thrilled to be serving great brands and companies in all sizes of markets, and most importantly, connecting with their listeners. Throwback Nation Radio is all about engaging with listeners, welcoming them onto your radio station, and giving them an outlet for the music they love. Our partners at Radio.Cloud and Skyview Networks are allowing us to do that better than ever, and the result is excellent content that keeps people coming back again and again!” WLDE Operations Manager/PD Captain Chris added, “Tony Lorino and TNR sound fantastic! It?s great Classic Hits, entertaining interactions with callers, and features that include your local content!” ?We are excited for Tony Lorino and Throwback Nation Radio on the continued growth into new markets nationwide,? added Ed Moloney, Director, Affiliate Syndication of Skyview Networks. ?The program generates a nostalgic energy with its audiences, and we are happy to bring those deep connections to new listeners.? more

From Radio Online: The nightly program "Throwback Nation Radio," through its syndication partner Skyview Networks, adds eight affiliates to expand the program's footprint across over 75 total stations. In recent months, Throwback Nation Radio has welcomed KEZK-FM/St. Louis, KRQV-FM/Tulsa, More...

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia appoints Marie Tolson-Overton as Sales Manager for WDAS-FM and WUSL-FM (Power 99) in Philadephia, effective immediately. Tolson-Overton is a 31-year veteran at iHeartMedia Philadephia where she most recently served as a senior account executive. Tolson-Overton previously served as Director of More...

From Radio Insight: One of the most attention-getting things about Hubbard?s WTOP Washington, D.C., yesterday was a promo that ran near the end of the hour. It was a testimonial from a listener who declared ?WTOP is better than WAZE when it comes to traffic.? Some stations have held on to traffic because it remains easily sponsored. Recently, a survey found that 33% of listeners still wanted traffic reports in the morning, despite their easy availability elsewhere. WTOP has clearly decided to fight for that franchise; the reports I heard in the 10 a.m. hour were usually around 1:15, exhaustive in a market where traffic is often exhausting. WTOP?s big story yesterday morning was the Maryland Primary and Angela Alsobrooks? decisive win over the better-financed David Trone. The breaking news was the assassination attempt against Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, a story I did not hear or receive alerts on elsewhere. But I wasn?t listening to WTOP for the news. * I was listening to WTOP on Wednesday, May 15 to hear the commercials, in anticipation of today?s BIA Top Billing Stations of the Year, a listing that WTOP again topped.* WTOP has not been immune from radio?s travails. Its 2023 revenue was $66.3 million, down from $69 million the year before. But it remains impressive.* I usually hear radio spots through the filter of a heavy streamer, meaning that I can?t always judge the quality of a station?s local spots. Sometimes, I tape the stations I want to hear, sparing myself the long-documented annoyances of spot-substitution issues and a streaming fill song that I just heard on the air 20 minutes ago. But in recent years, I?ve had an increased sense that even the over-the-air experience has a lot of the same unavoidable national advertisers and underbelly ads ? tax relief, injury attorneys, etc. I wondered how the ad experience on the nation?s top biller compared to other stations. Beyond that, I grew up listening to WTOP. When I lived in New York in the pre-streaming ?90s, its then-50,000-watt AM signal was often a connection to home. Its successful move to FM has prompted numerous other stations to do the same over the last two decades. (One of the ironies of the congressional debate over AM?s future is the availability of three major N/T FMs in the market.)* WTOP is currently No. 2 in DC only to NPR affiliate WAMU; it always rates a Fresh Listen. I listened to WTOP?s stream in the 10 a.m. hour, May 15. Here?s what I noticed: No injury lawyers. One tax-relief spot, a few others that sounded like network filler (e.g., the star registry), but no Lowe?s/Home Depot, Granger, etc. Only one insurance sponsor, but that was Progressive, which sponsored five of the hour?s six traffic reports and received a live tag. A lot of home-repair and realty spots ? probably the most-heard category during the hour. One of those ads was a testimonial from veteran D.C. morning man Jack Diamond. I also listened to WINS yesterday and heard three spots in that category vs. about 10 on WTOP. WINS is, it should be noted, the nation?s No. 3 biller and up from $32 million last year to $40 million, following its move to FM. Sister WCBS-AM, meanwhile, returned to the top 10. Two automotive spots. Not a ubiquitous category in this hour, but more than I sometimes hear on other major-market stations. (On the other hand, I still hear small-market stations with several hard-sell car spots in a stopset.) Some quirky local spots, including one encouraging drivers to use the toll express lanes on I-66 and another for a local church?s upcoming Greek Festival. (The champion for local-event and civic advertising in my recent listening, however, remains Adult R&B KJLH Los Angeles, where those ads are part of the appeal.) A promo for Hubbard?s Federal News Network, as well as another spot promoting both a sponsor (Red River Cybersecurity) and its podcast in conjunction with Federal News. Earlier this year, I monitored two major-market music FMs for both the quantity and quality of their commercials. As was the case then, ads on WTOP were mostly straightforward. One of the home-repair sponsors, the only one to appear twice during the hour, had a jingle. There was also a smile-inducing Barbasol spot I?ve heard elsewhere in recent days. The feel of the ads wasn?t hard-sell or sleazy, and the overall experience was fine. But they weren?t additive in that way. You might expect the ads on a major all-news outlet to be inherently sober. That wasn?t always the case. Growing up, the most drily comic ads were often the ones I heard on WTOP or all-news WCBS New York, something I figured must reflect the sophistication of the audience. In recent years, I?ve had the sense that radio spots were one more poorly tended area in which it felt like the industry was throwing its collective hands up, allowing little relief from tax relief. Listening to the spots a little more in recent months has made me feel better. (I have, in particular, noticed a lot less graphic medical advertising.) I hear more high-quality ads than I expected; I hear stations trying to minimize the impact of hard-sell legal. If the spots were to also entertain, they could contribute to an experience that sets broadcast radio apart from streaming. more

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia's KESZ (99.9 KEZ) in Phoenix elevates Andrew Babinski to co-host on the long running "Beth and Friends Morning Show," effective immediately. Babinski has been with iHeartMedia Phoenix for 24 years, where he has most recently served as the Executive Producer for 99.9 KEZ, a title he will retain. More...

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia AC “99.9 KEZ” KESZ Phoenix has announced that Andrew Babinski has been promoted to co-host of its “Beth & Friends” morning show. Babinski has been with iHeartMedia Phoenix since 2000 and most recently served as Executive Producer for the KESZ morning show. He has also held producer roles for 550 KFYI and “Fox Sports 910” KGME during his tenure. He becomes the first titled co-host alongside Beth McDonald since the passing of Bill Austin in 2010. McDonald stated, “I?m so happy to have Andrew as my co-host. This show has a storied history since we debuted in 1990 with ?Beth and Bill? and transitioned to ?Beth and Friends? after Bill Austin?s passing in 2010. Andrew is my first co-host since then, and he?s the perfect guy to take over such a meaningful role on our team. The show is now the best it has been since the Beth and Bill days. I?m looking forward to many years of fun ahead with Andrew!” Program Director Paul Kelley commented, “He?s funny, the listeners and advertisers love him, and he?s a pretty darn good employee. ?The Beth and Friends Show? is better with Andrew sitting across from Beth.” Babinski added, “I am honored and excited to continue working with Beth each morning. She?s an absolute legend. I couldn?t have found a better home than iHeartRadio and 99.9 KEZ.” more

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia Country “B93” 93.7 WBCT has announced the addition of Mike Aguilar to its morning show alongside Ally Mac. Aguilar has been with iHeartMedia Grand Rapids since 2006 mostly at at CHR 104.5 WSNX in a variety of roles including morning show co-host/producer, mixer, on-air in every daypart and APD/MD since 2012. He is also currently part of the WKQI Detroit based “Mojo In The Morning” that airs on WSNX, but will depart that at the end of the week, although he will continue to host middays on WSNX. Aguilar shared, ” I am truly excited to take on the this new venture and build this show with her. I?m feel like I?m going back to my roots. I?m excited to meet all of the b93 listener family and will still be doing Middays on 1045 SNX. I?m not leaving I?m just going down the hall. As I finish my final week on Mojo In The Morning I want to thank everyone who gave a guy from West Michigan a chance on the show. I want to thank my family on the show who has been there in good and bad times. My family and I appreciate and love you more than you know. This isn?t good bye. I am sure I will be popping in to say hi.” He takes the morning slot at WBCT that had been held by Matt Gilcheck until his exit in iHeart’s March layoffs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike Aguilar (@onairmike) more

From Radio Online: SiriusXM will air the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Listeners will have access to the live call of the race from Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26. Pre-race coverage begins at 11am ET on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation and NBC Sports Audio. Both channels are available to More...

From Radio Online: "Inheriting," a new narrative podcast from LAist Studios launching May 23, is a journey through the lives of seven families reckoning with major moments in Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Through these stories, the show explores how the past is personal and how to live with the legacies we're More...

From Radio Online: In a new partnership, Podcast Radio is collaborating with Alpha Media to bring a unique radio experience to Missouri. Podcast Radio Missouri will launch on KREI-AM in Farmington, MO on May 27 and KWIX-AM andamp; FM in Moberly, MO on June 17. Podcast Radio Missouri will be featured across More...

From Radio Insight: Alpha Media will launch “Podcast Radio” on a pair of signals in Missouri. News/Talk 800 KREI Farmington will launch the Podcast Radio programming and on May 27 and 1230 KWIX Moberly/92.5 KWIX-FM Cairo on June 17. The changes follow Alpha’s mass cuts in the markets early this month. Podcast Radio Missouri will be featured across dayparts on the two stations, prominently acting as the Morning Show in both markets, offering a fresh and dynamic start to the day. This partnership marks a significant expansion of Podcast Radio’s format into the American radio landscape, promising to offer Missouri listeners a novel way to explore podcasting content through traditional radio. Listeners will hear top-quality podcast content from across North America and the world, while also giving airtime to local Missouri podcast content. Localized imaging and station IDs will feature across Podcast Radio Missouri broadcast hours, which also include original interviews with podcasters. Gene ?Bean? Baxter acts as lead interviewer, delving deep into the methodology and personality of both local and national podcasts and their creators. Gerry Edwards, CEO of Podcast Radio, notes, ?We are thrilled to be partnering with Alpha. The team has been great to work with in the build-up to launch, and we cannot wait to hear more Missouri-based podcasters on these stations.? Phil Becker, Executive Vice President of Content at Alpha, said, ?We’re excited to partner with Podcast Radio to bring this innovative format to our listeners in Missouri. This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering fresh, engaging content that resonates with our communities. While we are launching on one station in two Missouri markets, our goal is to expand the format to our other two Missouri markets?. Gary Krantz, CEO of Krantz Media Group (KMG) who is overseeing syndication of Podcast Radio, adds, ?We are excited to expand Podcast Radio’s presence into Missouri with Alpha Media. Together, we’re creating a new gateway for listeners to discover and enjoy the best in podcast content through the familiar and trusted medium of radio. Podcast Radio, adapts podcast content into a radio-friendly format, was first established in the UK in 2020. It broadcasts 24/7 online, via smart speakers, apps, and on both FM and AM radio, leveraging the familiarity and trust people have in traditional radio to help listeners discover and select from millions of podcasts. The format includes live ?Podjocks? who provide engaging transitions, interviews, and commentary, enhancing the radio listening experience with high-quality podcast content from around the globe. more

From Radio Online: KDAY-FM/Los Angeles promotes Matthew "DJ ECTO1" Hernandez to Assistant Program Director. He'll also continue to closely collaborate with sister KPWR-FM (Power 106). Hernandez was previously the head of Hip-Hop and EDM programming for Dash Radio in Hollywood, American General Media's PD/MD for CHR andamp; Rhythmic More...

From Radio Online: Marketers and agencies are increasing their commutes and spending more days at the office, according to a new Advertiser Perceptions study of 305 media agencies and brands commissioned by the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group. Interviews took place April 2-12 and the results were compared to More...

From Radio Insight: Meruelo Media has promoted Matthew ‘DJ ECTO1’ Hernandez to Assistan Program Director of Classic Hip Hop 93.5 KDAY Santa Monica/93.5 KDEY Ontario CA. Hernandez has been with Meruleo Media since 2018 first as a part-time mixer for KDAY and Hip Hop “Power 106” KPWR. He went full-time in 2021 as a music scheduler for KPWR and mixer for both station. He previously served as head of Hip Hop and EDM programming for Dash Radio from 2018-23, Program Director for American General Media Albuquerque in 2016-17, and spent a decoade at Point Broadcasting Oxnard/Ventura CA in multiple roles including hosting mornings at “Q104.7” KCAQ and Assistant Program Director. Hernandez said, “I grew up listening to KDAY and always dreamed of working here. It’s an honor and a huge responsibility to lead the first Hip-Hop radio station in America. I am a huge fan of the original West Coast sound that was born on KDAY. I am proud to work with this amazing team and KDAY’s strong legacy and vision.” Meruelo Media Senior Vice President of Brands, Pio Ferro added, “Matthew is the leader that KDAY needs today. He has a refreshing perspective on our legendary music brand while simultaneously bringing a vigorous vibe, solid work ethic, and execution skills.” more

From Radio Insight: Ten months after relaunching as as “Planet 106.3” last July, the Alternative format on 106.3 WJSE North Cape May NJ is gone. Regional Media flipped WJSE to Country this morning as “Coast Country 106.3” under new/old WKOE call letters. The WKOE calls and a Country format were first paired together on the former 106.3 in Ocean City NJ from 1992 until 1998. That station would keep the calls under multiple formats until 2006 when they move to the current station (at the time on 106.7) from 2008 until 2010 as the first iteration of “Coast Country“. The flip to Country makes it the third Country signal in the Atlantic City/Cape May market joining ownsquare Media’s “Cat Country 107.3” WPUR Atlantic City and Rick Brancandora’s “Hot Country 101” 1020 WWAC Ocean City-Somers Point and three translators. The station creates a “Coast” branding combo with sister AC “98.7 An unrelated “Coast Country 103.9/106.3” is operated by Draper Media right across the Delaware Bay on WRDE-FM Berlin/WCEM-FM Cambridge MD. more

From Radio Insight: Holly Williams has retired as midday host at Sinclair Communications Variety Hits “93.7 Bob-FM” WNOB Chesapeake/Norfolk VA to relocate closer to her family in her native Philadelphia. Williams began her career at 106.9 WAFX in 1990 before joining Sinclair in December 1993 and spent time at Alternative “96X” WROX and AAA “93.7 The Coast” WKOC including a tenure as Program Director of both stations through 2002. She would return to the company to host middays on WNOB in 2007 and also had roles in sales. more

From Radio Insight: Eagle Communications signed on 104.9 KBCT Maryville MO as Classic Hits “104.9 The Cat” on May 15. The station will emphasize music from the 1980s and 90s, with the exception of a 70s show on Saturday nights. Gregg Lynn, PD for co-owned Classic Hits “Joe Town 107.5” 1550 KESJ/K298DA St. Joseph MO, will add those duties for KBCT as well as host mornings. Lynn told the Maryville Record, ?We want to be a part of the community. We?ll be running contests and games on-air, we?ll be in the community at events, and we?ll offer another choice for radio listeners in Maryville to listen at home, at work, and in the car.? more