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From Radio Insight: Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (the ?Company? or ?SBS?) (OTC: SBSAA) today reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Financial Highlights The results of operations of our television segment in the current and prior year periods have been classified as discontinued operations in the Financial Highlights and Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and are no longer included as part of continuing operations or Adjusted OIBDA. Discussion and Results ?Our first quarter results demonstrate the initial benefits of our organizational realignment and our concerted efforts to drive improved operating performance,? stated SBS Chairman and CEO Ra?l Alarc?n. ?During the first quarter, core radio revenues increased 4% which, when combined with our renewed focus on operational discipline at each and every one of our business units, has led to a significant improvement in station operating income and Adjusted OIBDA.” ?As recently pre-announced, our consolidated Adjusted OIBDA, including our television unit (delineated as discontinued operations) grew approximately 100% in the first quarter, as compared to last year.? “In addition, I confidently expect that our second quarter and, correspondingly, our First Half 2024 results will likewise approximate or exceed triple-digit growth in consolidated Adjusted OIBDA, including television, as compared to last year.? ?These performance metrics mark our first steps in reigniting accelerated growth in 2024 and beyond.? ?With the advent of the Presidential-year political ad cycle, the additive results from our Orlando and Tampa markets, as well as the ongoing rollout of our DAVid Initiative (more on that digital strategy at a later date), we?re targeting an expedited return to the Company?s pre-COVID financial performance thresholds during 2024.? ?Our connection to the nationwide Latino family, as measured by our consistent Nielsen ratings results among dramatically diverse audiences, has never been stronger. Forty years later, Latinos still turn to SBS for our innovative content, targeted station formats, unmatched on-air talent, exciting live concerts, entertaining and engaging contests and Local community promotions, which they can access both over-the-air and streamed on our LaMusica mobile app and other online platforms.? ?Our original audio, digital and experiential brands and content offerings are well positioned within the Hispanic ecosystem, insuring our continued ability to attract and document our key audience demographics and the patronage of corporate America?s leading brands, in addition to the local advertisers that flourish among the many communities we serve.? WE CREATE FANS WHO CREATE LOYALTY FOR OUR CUSTOMERS. ?Moving forward, we will focus relentlessly on fortifying our operations while aggressively growing our aggregate multi-platform audience, as will be evidenced by our upcoming debut format serving Houston, the nation?s third-largest Hispanic market and fourth largest market overall.? ?We will continue to serve the nation?s growing Latino communities, while simultaneously driving superior operational performance, for the benefit of all Company stakeholders.? Three Months Ended Results For the three months ended March 31, 2024, our operating results were impacted by our special events which had lower ticket sales and event expenses. Our operating expenses were impacted by an overall decrease of expenses throughout our markets and expense categories. Our net revenue from continuing operations totaled $32.3 million compared to $34.5 million for the same prior year period, resulting in a decrease of $2.2 million or 6%. The decrease was primarily the result of lower special events revenue and decreases in national and digital sales, partially offset by increases in local, network and barter sales. Our operating expenses decreased $2.8 million or 10% primarily due to decreases in special events expenses, compensation & benefits and allowance for expected credit losses, partially offset by increases in barter expenses and music license fees. Our station operating income, a non-GAAP measure, totaled $7.4 million compared to $6.8 million for the same prior year period representing an increase of 9%. The increase was primarily due to decreases in special events expenses, compensation & benefits and allowance for expected credit losses, partially offset by decreases in special event revenue and national and digital sales. Corporate expenses decreased $0.9 million or 28% due to decreases in compensation & benefits, travel & entertainment and outside services. Adjusted OIBDA, a non-GAAP measure, totaled $5.0 million compared to $3.4 million in the same prior year period, representing an increase of $1.6 million or 46%. The increase in Adjusted OIBDA was primarily due to a decrease in operating and corporate expenses partially offset by a decrease in net revenue. Discontinued Operations On February 9, 2023, we adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (?FASB?) Accounting Standards Codification (?ASC?) Topic 205-20-45, Discontinued Operations, and Topic 360-10-45-9, Long-Lived Assets Classified as Held for Sale. Under ASC 205 & 360, discontinued businesses or assets held for sale are removed from the results of continuing operations. We determined that the pending sale of our television segment and related real estate assets met the criteria in accordance with ASC 205 & 360. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, our television segment and its related real estate assets that are pending to be sold were classified as held for sale and their operations as discontinued operations. The results of operations of our television segment in the current and prior year periods have been classified as discontinued operations in the financial highlights and unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Sale of Television Assets (Assets Held for Sale & Discontinued Operations) On February 9, 2023, the Company entered into various asset and real property purchase agreements (together the ?Purchase Agreements?) to sell substantially all its television and certain real estate assets (together the ?Purchased Assets?) which comprise the Company?s television operations known as MegaTV, serving the United States of America and Puerto Rico, to Voz Media, Inc. (?Voz Media?) for $64 million. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreements, the Purchased Assets include: licenses, permits and authorizations issued by the FCC; programming content, equipment, leases and contracts used in or related to the operation of MegaTV; and certain real properties located in Miami, Florida and Puerto Rico as part of the transaction. On September 20, 2023, the Company terminated the Purchase Agreements to sell substantially all its television and certain real estate assets to Voz Media, Inc. (?Voz Media?) for $64.0 million because Voz Media did not cure its material breach to timely close on the transaction when notified by the Company. On October 10, 2023, the Company filed a lawsuit related to the contemplated sale of its Mega TV television network and other related assets to Voz Media, Inc. The Company settled with Voz Media, Inc. and recovered monetary damages against the plaintiffs during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The Company continues to pursue the sale of these television and real estate assets. The Company expects the assets to be sold within one year. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360-10-45-9, Long-Lived Assets Classified as Held for Sale, management determined that the ongoing plans to sell its television and certain real estate assets meet the held for sale criteria as of the balance sheet date of these financial statements. The table below represents a summary of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as of March 31, 2024 and 2023 on the Company?s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands). During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company made capital expenditures of less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Capital expenditures incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are included in assets held for sale for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, listed above. Once assets are classified as held for sale, management is required to evaluate if under ASC Topic 205-20-45, Discontinued Operations, the disposal of a component of an entity shall be reported in discontinued operations. Management determined that the disposal represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on operations and financial results, at the balance sheet date, and that the results of the television segment shall be reported as discontinued operations. The operational and financial results related to the held for sale assets of the television segment, which include the real estate assets and production facility located in Miami, Florida, are classified as discontinued operations in the current and prior year periods in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Acquisition of FM Radio Station On April 3, 2023, Spanish Broadcasting System SouthWest, Inc. and SBS Houston Licensing, Inc., subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, ?SBS SouthWest?), entered into an asset purchase agreement (the ?Purchase Agreement?) to acquire KROI(FM), a FM radio broadcast station (the ?Radio Station?) serving the Houston, Texas radio market, from Radio One Licenses, LLC and Radio One of Texas II, LLC (collectively, ?Radio One?). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Radio One, has agreed to convey certain assets, including licenses, permits and authorizations issued by the FCC, tangible personal property and certain leases used in or related to the operation of the Radio Station to SBS SouthWest. The purchase price is equal to $7.5 million plus or minus certain customary prorations and adjustments. On April 5, 2023, pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the related escrow agreement, SBS SouthWest deposited approximately $0.4 million into an escrow account. On November 15, 2023, SBS Southwest and Sugarland Station Trust, LLC, (the trustee charged with the management and sale of KROI on behalf of Radio One) entered into an amendment to the Purchase Agreement (the ?2023 Amendment?) providing the Company the right to delay the closing until a date that is no later than the first to occur of: (a) the date that is five business days prior to the last day that the FCC Consent is in effect, and (b) July 1, 2024. As part of the 2023 Amendment, the Company agreed to release its deposit in escrow of $0.4 million and made a payment of $1.5 million in 2023. Under the 2023 Amendment the Company also made $1.0 million payments on January 16th, March 29th, and April 30th of 2024 to the seller. On May 30, 2024, the parties to the 2023 Amendment entered into an amendment to the Purchase Agreement and 2023 Amendment (the ?2024 Amendment) providing the Company the right to delay the closing until a date that is no later than the first to occur of: (a) the date that is five business days prior to the last day that the FCC Consent is in effect, and (b) November 27, 2024. As part of the 2024 Amendment, the Company made a $0.3 million payment on May 31, 2024 and agreed to make payments on June 28th, July 31st, September 30th and October 31st of 2024 amounting to $1.2 million, and the remaining balance of $1.1 million by the first to occur of the closing and November 27, 2024. Payments made to the seller are applicable to the purchase price and are classified as prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company?s March 31, 2024 on the Company?s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and closing conditions, including FCC regulatory approval, and the transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2024. more

From Radio Online: WLS-AM/Chicago abruptly canceled "The Steve Cochran Show," "The Closing Bell" and "PM Chicago" on Friday morning. With the moves, the Cumulus News/Talker is adding more syndicated conservative talk programming. Cochran will be replaced by local host Ramblin' Ray Stevens, according to an internal email More...

From Radio Online: Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) reported first quarter net revenue from continuing operations declined 6% to $32.3 million from $34.5 million in 2023. Station operating income (SOI) rose 9% to $7.4 million from $6.8 million. Adjusted OIDBA grew 46% to $4.9 million from $3.39 More...

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio debuts "Car and Driver's Into Cars," a new podcast co-produced with Car and Driver. The new program examines the hottest and most compelling new cars of the year. As the name suggests, this show brings listeners into the cars to hear the engines revving and the tires squealing. More...

From Radio Online: Marconi Bolona and Eddie Barella (aka Mood Killers) will depart the morning slot at K268BN (101-5 The Blitz) in Kelso-Longview, WA. The duo have been a weekday morning staple from 6-10am at the Rock outlet for the past 2 years. On Friday they announced their last show would be on More...

From Radio Online: Veteran radio hosts Katie Schurk and Nick Vitrano will officially return to the airwaves on Woodward Communications' WKSZ-FM (95.9 Kiss FM) in Appleton-Oshkosh, WI. They join the new Kiss FM morning show hosted by Otis Day on Monday, June 10, weekdays from 5-9am. After waiting out a lengthy More...

From Radio Insight: Longtime “CD 101, 102.5, and then 92.9” WWCD Columbus morning host Brian Phillips is joining Saga Communications Classic Hits “Rewind 103.5/104.3” WNND Pickerington/WNNP Richwood as morning host starting Monday, June 10. After starting his career at KXRX Seattle, Phillips had been with WWCD through its many incarnations from 1994 until its demise at the end of April. Phillips stated, “I feel like I’ve come full circle. Every day after school I would race home, turn on MTV, and shove two or three bowls of cereal into my face. It didn’t matter what kind of cereal. Even Grape Nuts would work if I fortified it with enough sugar. To this day when I hear Bruce, Petty, or Prince I think of cereal. So please, dump yourself a bowl of Quisp or whatever and join me for a complete breakfast of processed grain products and great music on Rewind! P.S. I have a rad case of tapes!? Program Director George Wolf added, ?I?ve been a fan for years, and it?s great to have him join us! Brian loves Columbus and Columbus loves Brian. We are thrilled that the love affair will continue here at Rewind Columbus.? He takes the morning spot that had been held by ?Miss Lisa? Bryant until her exit in March. more

From Radio Insight: Cumulus Media Conservative Talk 890 WLS Chicago is making a morning show change as Steve Cochran exited following today’s show following the expiration of his contract. Cochran was announced as morning host at WLS exactly two years ago today after previously hosting mornings at Nexstar Talk 720 WGN from August 2013 until the end of 2019. He had another stint at WGN from 2000 to 2010 in multiple dayparts including afternoons, mornings, and fill-ins. He has also spent time at numerous other stations in Chicago including hosting mornings on AC 100.3 WPNT from 1994-96, multiple dayparts on 1000 WLUP and 97.9 WLUP-FM from 96-99, and afternoons at 560 WIND from 2011 to 2013. Cochran also hosted late mornings at KTRS St. Louis from 2010 to 2013 and hosted mornings at KDWB Minneapolis from 1988-93 and had a very brief run at ?Z100? WHTZ New York in early 1996. Replacing Cochran starting on Monday, June 10 from 5-9am will be Ray Stevens. Stevens previously co-hosted mornings at WLS with ?Big John? Howell from August 2016 until the end of 2018 and has been serving in a fill-in role at the station along with remotely hosting 10am-12pm for Cumulus’ 710 KCMO/95.7 KCHZ Kansas City. Prior to joining WLS, Stevens spent 26 years (22 in mornings) at Country “US 99” WUSN. more

From Radio Insight: I am sometimes disdainful when the ads are what give you the ?sense of place? of a radio station. But five days ago, I heard something I don?t usually hear on the radio, and it made sense that I heard it on a Central Texas radio station. It was an ad for Dr. Pepper, long considered Texas? favorite soft drink, and it was on KOKE Austin, whose Texas Country format is expected to go online on June 1, following its sale to Spanish-language operator Norsan Media.* There was, as it happens, plenty more ?sense of place? on KOKE. One sweeper declares it ?more Texas than visiting your mama in Gatesville Prison.? Some of it comes just from being the format?s hometown radio station (and bearing the call letters of a previous progressive Country outlet). A lot of p.m. driver Eric Raines? breaks were about the acts and songwriters themselves, or stories behind the songs that go deeper than an artist sweeper. I?ve always appreciated KOKE as a ?real radio? experience of the sort that?s hard to find these days. Over its 12 years in its current incarnation, KOKE has gotten as high as a 2.8 share, despite being on two fringe signals with a specialty format. When WNSH New York flipped, it took more than two years for WBZO Long Island to return Country to even half of the market. But it didn?t take long for somebody to want the ?Texas Country? franchise in Austin. Last Friday, Audacy flipped KKMJ-HD3 (Hot 95.9) from Throwback Hip-Hop to ?95.9 Texas Country,? with a promise to ?continue delivering this wildly popular format to listeners on the FM dial.?* The station debuted unhosted but promised that personalities are coming.* Normally, this would be a fond ?Final Listen? to KOKE. But the durability of KRTY San Jose after two years has proven that going online-only is not necessarily the end for a heritage Country brand. So I?m declaring this column to be a Fresh Listen, not a Final Listen to KOKE. We also took a Fresh Listen to the new ?95.9 Texas Country.?* In its first days, the new 95.9 felt like the inverse of KOKE. On the latter, Classic Country is the spice. On the new station, it?s the center lane, punctuated by Texas Country. The on-air target is iHeart?s gold-based KVET, judging from liners that promise ?way less commercials ? you can hang your hat on that.? There is, however, imaging that aims to capture KOKE?s attitude. One bleeped liner declares the station ?more Texas than chickens*** bingo at Jenny?s Little Longhorn.? Another encourages listeners to ?take good news and give it a good ole Texas-size spreadin?.? KOKE?s attitude also extends to Raine?s breaks on that station. When he teased the upcoming ?Drive at 5,? he added ?we got really creative when we tried to name that hour.? Here?s KOKE just before 4 p.m. on May 23: Stoney LaRue, ?Feet Don?t Touch the Ground? ? with a shout-out to the Texas country core artist who wrote it, the late Brandon Jenkins Jon Stork, ?Somebody?s Baby? Toby Keith, ?Who?s Your Daddy?? Warren Zeiders, ?Pretty Little Poison? Chris Stapleton, ?Broken Halos? Scotty McCreery, ?Cab in a Solo? Jacob Stelly, ?Sweet Irene? ? with a story about the Texas A&M classmate who it was written for, unbeknownst to her Charlie Robison, ?Sunset Boulevard? Shane Smith & Saints, ?It?s Been a While? Tracy Byrd, ?(Don?t Take Her) She?s All I Got? Restless Heart, ?When She Cries? Aaron Watson, ?Kiss That Girl Goodbye? Mike Ryan, ?Dear Country Music? Waylon Jennings, ?I?ve Always Been Crazy? The Chicks, ?Long Time Gone? Flatland Country, ?Don?t Have to Do This Like That? Asleep at the Wheel, ?Boogie Back to Texas? Here?s 95.9 Texas Country on May 27 at 3:30 p.m.: George Strait, ?If You?re Thinking You Want a Stranger? Ashley McBride, ?Light On in the Kitchen? Hank Williams Jr., ?Family Tradition? Don Williams, ?Tulsa Time? Waylon Jennings, ?Only Daddy That?ll Walk the Line? Reba McEntire, ?Is There Life Out There?? George Jones, ?She?s My Rock? Aaron Watson, ?Run Wild Horses Run? ? I also heard ?Kiss That Girl Goodbye? on a separate listen Zac Brown Band, ?Whatever It Is? George Strait, ?Fool Hearted Memory? Lainey Wilson, ?Wildflowers and Wild Horses? Cody Johnson, ?Diamond in My Pocket? more

From Radio Insight: Longtime Rock radio personalities Marconi Bologna and Eddie Barella are ending their “Mood Killers” morning show on Washington Interstate Broadcasting Company Rock “101.5 The Blitz” K268BN Eufaula-Longview/105.5 KUKN-HD2 Longview WA on June 28. The duo have hosted mornings for the past two years and intend to keep the show going as a weekly podcast. They commented, ?We feel with the radio landscape the way it is we stand a better chance at success with Mood Killers focusing our efforts online. Everyone at 101-5 The Blitz has been fantastic and we have enjoyed every minute of our time there. Station owner John Paul believed in our show even more than we did. We couldn?t have asked for a better boss. He is a great, well respected owner and one of our favorite people in the industry. Our exit in no way reflects negatively on him or his company in any way. We know they will do just fine without us there to mess things up.? Bologna has previously hosted multiple dayparts including mornings at Alternative KNRK and Rock KUFO Portland and nights at WKQX Chicago as well as being heard on both Westwood One and Local Radio Networks 24/7 programming. Barella is heard on multiple Westwood One formats and programs Idobi.com. more

From Radio Online: The Cayuga Media Group in Ithaca, NY hires Maddie Cavataio as the Editor in Chief for a soon to be launched online news product for Tompkins and Cortland County. She is a 2023 graduate of Ithaca College with a degree in Politics. Cavataio will lead the launch of CortacaToday.com which will feature news, More...

From Radio Insight: University of Kentucky Public News/Talk/AAA 91.3 WUKY Lexington KY has launched Urban Alternative “The Break” WUKY-HD2. The station is being overseen by WUKY’s “Crunkadelic Funk Show” host DeBraun Thomas with a mix of R&B, Funk, Jazz, Blues, World Music, and Hip Hop. Thomas told UKNow, ?I grew up listening to Kevin Brown every morning on KBLX in the Bay Area and it had a profound impact on me and is part of what drove me to a career in radio. Having the opportunity to program music that gives honor to ?The Quiet Storm? and other formats that laid the foundation for urban alternative while carving our own path and looking towards the future of public radio, is the honor of a lifetime and I can?t wait for what the future holds here at WUKY.” The station is currently running jockless, but there are plans to add hosts with Thomas stating, ?It?s an exciting opportunity, particularly when it comes to the possibility of bringing in new DJs and producers, Lexington is ripe with talent. One of the key parts of the success and legitimacy of urban alternative is the presentation by personalities who know and love this music. It is my hope that we will be able to bring on new and more diverse voices to steward the music and programming.? more

From Radio Insight: Pattison Media has flipped Social AC “102.7 Now Radio” CKPK-FM Vancouver back to its former Alternative “102.7 The Peak” identity this morning. The move brings back the format and branding that originated as a AAA on 100.5 in 2008. A frequency swap would move it to 102.7 in 2010 and the station would shift to Alternative in 2015 until its flip in July 2022. The Alternative format would then move to HD2 and streaming until its demise today. Program Director Russell James comments, ?THE PEAK?s audience, even though they could only hear us on our stream and HD2 signal, has been impressively dedicated. So many people discovered their new favorite song playing for the first time on 102.7 FM and we want to continue that discovery on the radio and showcasing new bands in THE PEAK Live Lounge!? General Manager Mark Patric added, “THE PEAK has always been Vancouver?s home of Alternative music. We couldn?t be prouder to bring it back to FM!? Now Radio midday host Jaclyn Tatay will host mornings and evening host Brayden Mack moves to afternoons. The station will utilize the “2 Minute Promise” of short stopsets. more

From Radio Insight: Spanish American Civic Association For Equality purchases Spanish Tropical “Mega 107.1” 1440 WGLD/W296EA Manchester Township/York PA from Victor Martinez’ VP Broadcasting for $350,000. The buyer owns non-commercial Spanish Variety “Radio Centro” 91.3 WLCH Lancaster/100.3 W262AQ York and began operating WGLD/W296EA via LMA on June 1. Dave Smulyan’s KBEL Communications sells Conservative Talk 1240 KBEL and Country 96.7 KBEL-FM Idalou OK to Jay and Laura Lindly’s JL Radio LLC for $560,000. The buyers own crosstown Classic Hits “Q102.9” KQIB Idabel and “Best Country 106.1” KKBI Broken Bow. Vidify Media sells Brokered Talk 1490 WWPR Bradenton FL to the William Bailey led Happy Gospel Singers Evangelistic Crusade, Inc. for $125,000. The Bradenton based non-profit has existed since 1967 as a performance group, but this is their first radio purchase. Translator SalesRadio By Grace is selling eleven translators to the Linda de Romanett led Family First for $100,000. The Keene TX based organization owns translators in Charlotte NC and Columbia SC and de Romanett owns seven stations under licensees Bible Clarity and Continuous Bible Talk. All eleven translators in this deal will rebroadcast Christian Preaching 91.5 KASK Fairfield CA. The translators involved in the acquisition are: 88.1 W201DJ Douglas GA 88.5 W203BI Bowling Green KY 88.7 W204CM Waycross GA 89.1 W206BP Dublin GA 89.9 K210DV De Queen AR 90.3 K212FU Lewistown MT 91.1 K216GA Chanute KS 91.5 W218CY Manistee MI 91.7 K219KS Maryville MO 91.7 W219DI Morehead KY 91.9 K220JL Walla Walla WA more

From Radio Online: Winners of the 2024 Radio Mercury Awards were revealed on Thursday evening at the 33rd annual awards presentation in New York as well as live streamed, courtesy of Hubbard Radio. "No surprise, the Radio Mercury Awards continues to be where the best in radio and audio creativity is More...

From Radio Online: The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has submitted a Petition for Partial Reconsideration to the FCC, objecting to the recent decision to resume and publicize the collection of staff diversity data via Form 395-B. This form, which had been dormant for two decades, records broadcasters' employee More...

From Radio Online: In a new partnership, Podcast Radio has signed a deal with Local Radio Networks (LRN), marking LRN's first foray into all-Talk formats. This collaboration will make Podcast Radio's spoken word format available through the LRN delivery platform, allowing it to be ingested directly into each affiliates More...

From Radio Online: WIP-FM (SportsRadio 94WIP)/Philadelphia, the flagship station of the Philadelphia Phillies, is heading to London to broadcast Major League Baseball's London Series as the Phillies take on the New York Mets June 8 and 9. To celebrate the weekend, "The WIP Morning Show" will also More...

From Radio Online: Audacy names Paul Marshall as morning host for KRXQ-FM (98 Rock) in Sacramento. "The Paul Marshall Show" will air weekdays from 6-10am beginning June 24. This marks Marshall's second stint at 98 Rock. He previously served as Music Director and afternoon host from 2001 to 2004. Other career stops include then More...

From Radio Insight: In January it will be twenty years since its longest incarnation died, but once again a heartbeat is coming from the venerable Alternative “WHFS” brand in Washington DC and Baltimore. On Wednesday, local venue The 9:30 Club announced WHFS’ former annual concert “HFStival” will return on on September 21 from Nationals Park in Washington, the home of MLB’s Washington Nationals. No performers or other details were announced. The concert was held annually from 1990 through 2006 as well as in 2010 and 2011 always promoted by the station. The “HFS” intellectual property is still owned by Audacy existing as a playlist on its app with the company still holding a trademark for “HFS” although the “HFStival” trademark was cancelled in 2021. There are no indications yet that Audacy is involved in this resurrection, although the company still owns all of the domains associated with the station and HFSTival.com. Following the January 2005 flip of 99.1 WHFS Annapolis MD to Spanish Tropical “El Zol“, the “HFS” brand was resurrected in the Baltimore and Washington markets multiple times by former owner CBS Radio. It first appeared on nights and weekends on Hot Talk “Live 105.7” WHFS Catonsville/Baltimore from 2005 to 2007. After a move to 105.7-HD2, it was shifted to Washington on 94.7 WTGB-HD2 Bethesda as “HFS2” in 2009. In 2011, a fully staffed version of the brand debuted on 97.5 W248AO/106.5 WWMX-HD2 Baltimore. After translator owner Hope Christian Church of Marlton was unable to upgrade one of its other Baltimore area signals, it reclaimed W248AO and “HFS” moved again in March 2014 to the 10w 104.9 W285EJ signal that covered just a small portion of the Baltimore metro. The brand was tweaked in September 2020 as Audacy’s restructuring of its Alternative brands across the country brought on-air talent back the signal in this case with the staff of “Alt 92.3” WNYL New York voicetracking the Baltimore focused signal until its demise in 2021. After being dropped from 105.7 Baltimore in 2009, The WHFS call letters were parked on stations in Washington, West Palm Beach and Tampa until being dropped in September 2023. The original WHFS was located on 102.3 in Bethesda MD serving Washington DC shifting to Progressive Rock in the early 1970s. It was moved to 99.1 Annapolis allowing it to serve both the Baltimore and Washington markets in 1983 becoming one of the most influential Alternative Rock stations of the late 80s and 1990s. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 9:30 Club (@930club) more

From Radio Insight: Oregon Public Broadcasting has announced the appointment of CNN Digital’s SVP/Global News Rachel Smolkin as its new President and CEO. Smolkin has spent the past decade at CNN rising from Executive Editor of CNN Politics to VP/News for CNN Digital in 2021 and her current SVP title a year later where she oversees breaking news, politics and Washington, U.S. and international teams across the network’s digital platforms worldwide. Prior to joining CNN, Smolkin was White House Editor, Deputy Managing Editor, and Managing News Editor for Politco, News Assignment Editor for USA Today, Managing Editor of American Journalism Review, and a Washington reporter for multiple newspapers including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She will start in her new position in September succeeding the retiring Steve Bass, who departs after 18 years leading OPB. Smolkin stated, “I am honored to lead OPB in its next chapter serving Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. I am energized by the commitment the board has shown for building news and public affairs programming for all Oregonians and Southwest Washingtonians, for leading conversations about solving our most urgent challenges and for innovating new ways to connect with communities.” OPB Board Chair Rukaiyah Adams said, “As we celebrated our first 100 years, we were looking for a dynamic leader to chart the way forward during this time of transformational change in media. Rachel will advance our work with deep experience in journalism, wide professional networks and adaptive leadership skills.” more

From Radio Insight: Here?s something mind-bending to consider. The Top 40 Song of Summer might very well be by Morgan Wallen. The Country song of summer is likely to be by Post Malone. Less than a week after Memorial Day, the pair’s collaboration, ?I Had Some Help,” is already top-five at Country after three weeks. It?s No. 12 at CHR and No. 11 at Hot AC. At Country, “I Had Some Help” is already the presumptive Song of Summer winner for many. One PD says that the only stopper is if it peaks too fast, although it’s hard to imagine that particular song falling victim to the churn at No. 1, even if it gets there in six weeks or less.* It’s also worth noting that two years ago, thanks to “Fancy Like,” Country became a format where not all the hits were visible by Memorial Day. So think of this year’s field as the Country Songs of Summer 2024. (I’ve collected them on this playlist.)*Country superstars have been coming forth with uptempo titles on an almost weekly basis, among them Lainey Wilson?s ?Hang Tight Honey,? Thomas Rhett?s ?Beautiful as You,? and Kane Brown & Marshmello?s ?Miles on It.? ?Miles on It? is particularly noteworthy considering that Brown?s summer song two years ago was ?Like I Love Country Music.? Brown, Wallen, and Luke Combs were Country?s three new cornerstone artists, but Brown had a CHR presence first, which seemed to create some Country-PD resistance. But last summer, Wallen and Combs had pop hits, too. So two years after having to make a ?committed to Country? record, it?s significant that the hit with Marshmello isn?t just a parallel song for CHR, but a song being worked simultaneously to both formats. There are a few songs bending the boundaries between Country and Dance this summer–Dasha?s ?Austin? and Shaboozey?s ?A Bar Song (Tipsy).? (There?s also a UK entrant, Janet Devlin?s ?Emotional Rodeo.?) When PDs in all formats grappled with Beyonc??s ?Texas Hold ?Em? this winter, Country/Dance was a genre that gained a significant entrant every year or two. Now it?s a sound code. It also helps that the station that has been most aggressive on the Dasha and Shaboozey songs, KYGO Denver, is also one of the format?s most dominant. (It’s interesting to take stock of ?Texas Hold ?Em? now. For some Country stations, airplay never got beyond nights. It wasn?t a power at CHR either, but it did get to No. 7, compared to No. 29. When ?Cowboy Carter? turned out to be more than a Country project, some stations seemed to take that as permission to move on. But it brought that type of record from weddings to the radio, perhaps with the help of streaming.) I?ve created a playlist of Country?s Summer Songs of 2024, featuring all of the new songs highlighted here, as well as Zac Brown Band’s “Tie Up” and other recent uptempo or otherwise summery hits from Luke Combs, Dierks Bentley, Jelly Roll, LOCASH, Lee Brice, Riley Green, Chayce Beckham, and many more. As is usually the case, there are three holdovers from our Summer Songs of 2023 listing, thanks to Chris Young, Hardy, and Megan Moroney. (Beckham?s song this year is at least new; ?23? was in contention for three straight summers.) Scotty McCreery?s ?Fall of Summer? is also in it for the long haul. Like Don Henley?s ?The Boys of Summer,? a fall hit, the ?summer? title is sort of a lyrical misnomer, although that rarely keeps Henley out of the Classic Hits ?Summer Songs Weekend.? In Top 40, the field of summer contenders was dominated by ?flips? of established hits last summer. Last year, those songs tended to cancel each other out at pop. But Canada is sending Country both a major remake (a Country version of ?Blinding Lights? from hitmaker Tebey) and a surprising/not-surprising reworking by Tim & the Glory Boys, both also on this year?s playlist. We?ll add songs as the summer progresses. Last year, writing the Top 40 and Country “Song of Summer” stories in succession, there was no question of which format had the stronger ratings or the stronger field. CHR PDs weren’t thrilled about having so much Country crossover. This year, CHR has its own strong competitors, such as Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” but thanks to Wallen, Shaboozey, and Brown, this probably won’t be the summer Top 40 stops playing Country crossovers. There has also been some recent grumbling from Top 40 PDs about the number of CHR hits coming from Triple-A. That?s something that Country should keep an eye on also. In the mid-?90s, it was not (yet) Country acts like Hootie & the Blowfish and Sheryl Crow that allowed Top 40 to reclaim audience after Country?s early-?90s boom. Hozier?s ?Too Sweet? is serving the function at Top 40 that Hootie?s ?Only Wanna Be with You? did in 1995. So maybe he?ll be a Country artist in a decade. Big CHR success stories are still the exception, but last month*was good to WHTZ (Z100) New York, KIIS Los Angeles, and others. So it’s good that Country’s summer contenders remains strong. A decade ago, Country’s strength with “Cruise,” “Wagon Wheel,” and others didn’t (yet) mean that CHR was in a doldrums, as it usually does. It would be interesting if this was a summer when more than one current music format could again thrive. more

From Radio Insight: Following his departure from middays at Hubbard Classic Rock 100.7 KSLX Phoenix last month for a “very special gig”, Paul ‘Neanderpaul’ Marshall is joining Audacy’s “98 Rock” KRXQ Sacramento as morning host. Marshall will debut as host of “The Paul Marshall Show” on Monday, June 24 from 6-10am filling the opening created by Jason Bailey’s exit in March. Marshall previous worked at KRXQ as Music Director and afternoon host from 2001 to 2004 marking a return to the station. He stated, ?I am humbled by the opportunity to rejoin 98 Rock. Huge thanks to the Audacy brain trust that deemed me the guy for the gig, namely Jeff Sottolano, Dave Richards, Vince Richards and Stacey Kauffman. I look forward to working alongside a great group led by Aaron Roberts. I?m stoked to get back to Sac!? ?We are excited to welcome Paul Marshall back to 98 Rock,? said Stacey Kauffman, Regional Vice President, Audacy Sacramento. ?His deep connection to the Sacramento community and his previous success at our station will make him a welcomed addition to our weekday lineup. We look forward to seeing the energy and enthusiasm he will bring to our listeners once again.? Marshall had been in Phoenix for the past fourteen years first as PD/afternoon host at Rock 93.3 KDKB until its flip to Alternative in 2014. He then moved to KSLX where he spent time in nights, moved to mornings in 2015, and has hosted middays since April 2023. During his long storied Rock radio career, Marshall has also worked at WAAF and WBCN Boston, WMFS-FM Memphis, WCKW New Orleans, WEGE Columbus, and KQRC Kansas City. more

From Radio Insight: Podcast Radio and Krantz Media Group have announced a partnership with Local Radio Networks to enable the distribution of the Podcast Radio programming through LRN’s delivery platform allowing direct ingestion into station automation systems. It becomes the first Talk programming offered through LRN with President/CEO Steve Swick stating, ?We?re excited to partner with Podcast Radio to bring this innovative format to our partner?s and broadcast groups. It?s an excellent opportunity to diversify our 24/7 Music Formats and content offerings and introduce a fresh, dynamic listening experience to our audience and affiliates alike across radio dials.? Podcast Radio CEO Gerry Edwards commented, “We are beyond excited to be partnering with LRN. Our respective teams have engaged like kindred spirits in the sharing of tech and platform advancements. We cannot wait to hear Podcast Radio brands executing on the LRN platform that will allow stations an unparalleled degree of programming flexibility that is simply not common in the Talk syndication industry.? Krantz Media Group CEO Gary Krantz, who is overseeing Podcast Radio’s syndication, added, ?We are excited to expand Podcast Radio’s presence into Local Radio Network’s ecosystem. Together, we’re creating a new way for listeners to discover and enjoy the best in podcast content through the familiar and trusted medium of radio.” Podcast Radio’s network advertising sales continue to be handled by Adlarge Media. more

From Radio Online: The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced the results of the 2024 NAB Executive Committee elections.*Cumulus Media Executive VP, Corporate Strategy and Development and Westwood One President Collin Jones was elected radio board chair by the NAB radio board. More...

From Radio Online: Beasley Media elevates WRIF-FM Program Director Jade Springart to Director of Rock Programming for the company's Detroit-based cluster. In her new role, Springart adds Classic Rock WCSX-FM to her programming duties. She has been with the station for the past 17 years. Springart started working at WRIF-FM as More...

From Radio Online: Audacy and the Washington Mystics ink a partnership to broadcast live Mystics games on WTEM-AM (The Team 980) in Washington, DC as WTEM becomes the new Mystics flagship station throughout the 2024 WNBA season. The broadcast schedule begins with the team's game at Capital One Arena against the Chicago Sky on More...

From Radio Online: The Transportation Channel signs a multi-year deal with Talk Media Network to syndicate TTC's audio feature, "The Transportation Channel Minute," to over 600 stations beginning July 1. The Transportation Channel is a multi-media company covering global transportation and travel news. More...

From Radio Insight: Beasley Media Group has promoted Jade Springart from Program Director of Rock 101.1 WRIF Detroit to Director of Rock Programming adding the same duties for Classic Rock 94.7 WCSX. Springart has been with WRIF since 2007 rising through the ranks starting as a promotions intern. She was named APD/midday host in February 2020 and Program Director in August 2021. She will continue with the midday show on WRIF. She succeeds Scott Jameson in programming WCSX after Jameson accepted a voluntary retirement offer during Beasley’s layoffs last month. He had served as cluster Operations Manager and Program Director of WCSX since July 2020. Beasley Detroit VP/Market Manager Patti Taylor stated, “I am thrilled to be able to hand the 94.7 WCSX reigns over to someone as knowledgeable, capable and passionate as Jade. Her drive, along with her acute attention to all the right details, makes Jade the exact person we need to take the iconic WCSX through this time of evolution and growth. As Program Director of WRIF and now WCSX, I am excited to see what Jade has in store for Detroit?s rock fans!” Beasley Media COO Brian Beasley added, “Jade is the perfect choice to lead our rock programming in the Motor City. Her commitment, dedication and drive for the rock format is exactly what we need to take both stations to the next level and beyond.” Springart said, ?I am honored to take on the role of program director for 94.7 WCSX. As a born and raised Detroiter, I grew up listening to 94.7 and can honestly say this station played a huge part in influencing my love for rock n? roll (along with my mom who had this station on every morning while taking me to school). I?m excited to work with some of the best talent in the industry and continue the success of the brand and call I can?t thank the Beasley?s enough for their continued support and for entrusting me to guide both WRIF and WCSX!? more

From Radio Insight: Joey & Kelsey O?Rourke?s JKO Media have begun operating DLC Media’s three Terre Haute IN stations ahead of the closing of their $875,000 purchase. The O’Rourkes have announced their upcoming plans for the three stations. Classic Country “105.5 The Legend” WVIG West Terre Haute will remain the same and carry Indiana State University sports. Rock “92.7 The Rock” WFNB Brazil will change call letters to WFNF, but retain its current format. The station will carry Indiana University and Northview High School sports. Soft AC “The Breeze” 1130 WAMB Brazil and translators 99.5 W258BA Terre Haute and 106.9 W295CQ Brazil will flip to Sports as “The Fanbase” assuming the WFNB call letters. The station will carry Fox Sports Radio programming including Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd along with Purdue University and Vigo County High School football. A local show, “Joey O and the King” hosted by station owner Joey O’Rourke and Tyler King will air weekdays as opposed to its current weekly airing on Classic Hits “Magic Hits 105.9” WMMC Marshall IL. The flip will mark a move back to Sports for the signals, which were previously “The Fan” under Emmis ownership until being sold to DLC Media in 2017. JKO Media also owns WMMC, which will retain its Classic Hits format with Joey O’Rourke in mornings and sports play-by-play of University of Illinois and both Marshall and Casey-Westfield high schools. more