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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Radio Online: Magellan AI has released its Q1 2024 Podcast advertising benchmark report, sampling 50,000 podcasts across the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Germany and Australia. The firm analyzed podcast advertising data from thousands of popular podcasts in the U.S., including 109,000 episodes. To account for dynamic More...

From Radio Insight: Cumulus Media has promoted APD/midday host ‘Sarah Lynn’ Hamilton to Program Director of Country “Kix 96” 96.5 WJCL Savannah GA. Hamilton has been in her current roles since 2014 and also is heard on Westwood One’s CHR “Hits Now” and Hot AC 24/7 formats and weekends on Classic Rock “I95” WIXV Savannah. Prior to her move to Savannah, she spent eleven years at Milner Broadcasting in Kankakee IL will roles including MD/morning host at “River Country 101.7” WRCV, midday host at AC 95.1 WFAV, and evenings on Oldies “92.7 The Valley” WVLI. Hamilton stated, “I am honored to be given this opportunity to become Program Director for KIX96. I have worn many hats in my 10 years here at Cumulus Savannah and look forward to this next challenge, not only to guide KIX but to continue to serve the people of the Savannah and Lowcountry area that have been so wonderful to me. I am thankful to VP/Market Manager Eric Mastel for his belief in me over the years and this promotion to KIX96 Program Director.” Cumulus Savannah VP/Market Manager Eric Mastel added, I am pleased to announce the promotion of Sarah Hamilton in recognition of her outstanding dedication and contributions to WJCL and Cumulus over the past decade. Known for her unwavering commitment and exceptional talents, Sarah has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to our team. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, a keen attention to detail, and a remarkable ability to adapt to various roles within the organization. As an Assistant Program Director (APD), Sarah has seamlessly stepped into the role of Promotions Director when needed, showcasing her versatility and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the success of our endeavors. Her proactive approach and can-do attitude have significantly enhanced our operations, earning her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. We are confident that she will continue to excel in her new role and lead the station to even greater heights in the years to come.” more

From Radio Online: Sarah Hamilton, known on-air as Sarah Lynn, is elevated to Program Director of WJCL-FM (KIX96) in Savannah andamp; Hilton Head. She rises from Assistant Program Director for KIX96, a role she has held since 2014. Hamilton, who joined Cumulus/Savannah and KIX96 in 2014 as an air personality, will continue to be More...

From Radio Insight: How do you choose the most provocative song added by prominent Classic Hits radio stations over the last year?* If it?s a relatively new song that still feels like yesterday, that would probably be ?Get Lucky? by Daft Punk on KRTH (K-Earth 101) Los Angeles. I first heard that song on KRTH?s then-sister CHR, KAMP (Amp 97.1), receiving saturation airplay on its first day. I thought that was a relatively recent memory, although it was 11 years ago.* If it?s the one that feels more like an AC song than a good-time oldie, it?s ?Love Song? by Sara Bareilles on KOLA San Bernardino, Calif. If it?s the one that seems like the greatest challenge to upper-demo audiences, it might be Shaggy?s ?It Wasn?t Me? bringing ?banging on the bathroom floor? to WCBS-FM New York. KOLA, K-Earth, and WCBS-FM are all successful radio stations, whose evolution has been followed in this column for years. Part of our annual look at ?What Classic Hits Stations Added? is the realization that by the original paradigm of the Oldies format (playing the ?50s and ?60s in the mid-?70s and ?80s), many of these songs would have been on years ago. Stations like KOLA have always served as their markets? gold-based AC, and with AC playing less recent music than ever, that distinction is becoming further blurred. How Classic Hits stations have evolved will be a central topic at ?Keeping Throwback Radio Moving Forward,? part of the upcoming Radiodays North America convention to be held in Toronto June 2-4. I?ll be joined by Skip Dillard, Audacy?s VP of Rhythmic AC & Throwback formats, and CJOT (Boom 99.7) Ottawa PD Stephanie Hunter. Full conference information is available here. The songs spotlighted here received their first Mediabase-monitored spins at various major Classic Hits stations since the last time we looked at this topic last June. In general, I tried to look for songs with three or more spins last week, to make sure I wasn?t getting special-programming or countdown songs. A few major Classic Hits stations (WMJI Cleveland and WOCL Orlando) don?t have any obvious adds for the last year. But some have a lot, a reflection of more enthusiastically embracing the ?90s and early ?00s. Only a few stations are finding still untapped titles from the ?70s or early ?80s, although KJEB (95.7 the Jet) Seattle has added a few ?70s Classic Rock mainstays that might have been left to sister KZOK before. The best example of a new format staple that emerged this year is Natalie Imbruglia?s ?Torn,? a 25-year-old title that isn?t just new to some of our stations, but already receiving significant airplay. ?Torn? is an easy ?90s choice for the Classic Hits format. It?s by an artist with only one library title (in America, anyway). It?s also more bouncy/uptempo than some of the first Modern AC songs to test in, such as ?Under the Bridge? or ?Iris.? Here’s a handful of what?s new on a variety of Classic Hits outlets since last year: WCBS-FM New York (Audacy) 702, ?Where My Girls At?? Boyz II Men, ?End of the Road? Shaggy, ?It Wasn?t Me? KRTH (K-Earth 101) Los Angeles (Audacy) Foo Fighters, ?Times Like These? Offspring, ?Self Esteem? Alanis Morissette, ?Head Over Feet? Red Hot Chili Peppers, ?Californication? Daft Punk, ?Get Lucky? Evanescence, ?Bring Me to Life? Kings of Leon, ?Use Somebody? Lady Gaga, ?Poker Face? Radiohead, ?Creep? ? was already playing before our last cutoff, but moving into higher-spin territory now as K-Earth embraces more grunge-era Alternative KJEB (Jet 95.7) Seattle (iHeart): Alanis Morissette, ?You Oughta Know? Creedence Clearwater Revival, ?Proud Mary? Haddaway, ?What Is Love? Eagles, ?Take It Easy? Kansas, ?Carry On Wayward Son? Sugar Ray, ?Fly? WLS-FM Chicago (Cumulus): Natalie Imbruglia, ?Torn? ? not just an add but receiving K-Earth-style rotations (23x last week) Red Hot Chili Peppers, ?Under the Bridge? Cardigans, ?Lovefool? WROR Boston (Beasley): Starship, ?Sara? Bangles, ?Eternal Flame? Coldplay, ?Viva la Vida? Taylor Dayne, ?Tell It to My Heart? Fleetwood Mac, ?Everywhere? Natalie Imbruglia, ?Torn? ? not quite WLS levels, but 11x a week Cyndi Lauper, ?She Bop? Linkin Park, ?In the End? Madonna, ?Open Your Heart? Oasis, ?Wonderwall? Shaggy f/Rayvon, ?Angel? Staind, ?It?s Been Awhile? Third Eye Blind, ?Jumper? TLC, ?Waterfalls? Wilson Phillips, ?Hold On? Cranberries, ?Linger? Cher, ?If I Could Turn Back Time? Lit, ?My Own Worst Enemy? KOLA San Bernardino, Calif. (Anaheim Broadcasting): Boyz II Men, ?Motownphilly? Sara Bareilles, ?Love Song? Blackstreet, ?No Diggity? Warren G & Nate Dogg, ?Regulate? Mark Morrison, ?Return of the Mack? Christina Perri, ?A Thousand Years? Timbaland f/OneRepublic, ?Apologize? WRBQ (Q105) Tampa, Fla. (Beasley) Backstreet Boys, ?I Want It That Way? Jennifer Lopez, ?If You Had My Love? Uncle Kracker f/Dobie Gray, ?Drift Away? Shaggy f/Rayvon, ?Angel? KONO San Antonio (Cox) Montell Jordan, ?This Is How We Do It? No Doubt, ?Don?t Speak? Rod Stewart, ?Have I Told You Lately (Unplugged)? Janet Jackson, ?Miss You Much? Mariah Carey, ?Fantasy? Goo Goo Dolls, ?Iris? Natalie Imbruglia, ?Torn? Wilson Phillips, ?Hold On? WGRR Cincinnati (Cumulus): No Doubt, ?Just a Girl? Sixpence None the Richer, ?Kiss Me? Third Eye Blind, ?Semi-Charmed Life? Tracy Chapman, ?Give Me One Reason? KXKL (Kool 105) Denver (KSE) Usher, ?Yeah? Maroon 5, ?She Will Be Loved? Timbaland f/One Republic, ?Apologize? Alicia Keys, ?Fallin?? Lifehouse, ?Hanging by a Moment? Maroon 5, ?This Love? Wallflowers, ?One Headlight? Eagle-Eye Cherry, ?Save Tonight? Finally, there?s the very different list of songs added to KDRI (The Drive) Tucson, Ariz., not a traditional Classic Hits station, but one of a handful of stations specializing in the ?60s and ?70s ever since other large-market FMs moved out of that territory. Last year, KDRI got new owners (Bustos Media) and a new PD.* An ?add? on The Drive is harder to determine since a lot of songs on its wide playlist are 1-2x a week under any circumstances. But here are a few songs that got three spins last week and have made their first appearance on the station in the last 6-7 months. Some come from Classic Rock. But a few are true oldies or Soft AC songs that The Drive just hadn?t gotten to yet.* Spanky & Our Gang, ?Lazy Day? Cream, ?Sunshine of Your Love? Cream, ?Badge? Rolling Stones, ?She?s So Cold? Bad Company, ?Shooting Star? Genesis, ?Taking It All Too Hard? Strangeloves, ?I Want Candy? Don Henley, ?Sunset Grill? Creedence Clearwater Revival, ?Midnight Special? Dan Fogelberg, ?Hard to Say? Chris De Burgh, ?Don?t Pay the Ferryman? John Denver, ?Calypso? J.J. Jackson, ?But It?s Alright? B.W. Stevenson, ?My Maria? Glen Campbell, ?Try a Little Kindness? Joe Cocker, ?The Letter? Sean Ross will discuss whether the Classic Hits evolution is a revolution at Radiodays North America. Full conference information is available here. more

From Radio Insight: Seven Mountains Media has appointed Bob Lawrence as Market Manager for its recently acquired Parkersburg WV cluster. Lawrence joins Seven Mountains Media from the RAB’s National Radio Talent System, which he has ran since January 2023. He is best known for his fourteen years as President/CEO at research company Pinnacle Media Worldwide from 2001 to 2015 followed by spending five years as VP/Programming for Saga Communications. He has also served as General Manager of New South Radio’s Jackson MS cluster, OM/PD of KIOI San Francisco, and Senior Executive Vice President of Broadcast Architecture. He began his career in Parkersburg at 95.1 WXIL, which is one of the stations in the Seven Mountains Media cluster. Lawrence stated, ?I am such a strong believer in the NRTS mission and I?m so grateful to Erica Farber, Mike Hulvey and the entire RAB team. Returning to this market is such a thrill, as I launched my on-air career at WXIL 40+ years ago. Now, I get to come back at a time when WXIL is one of the six stations Seven Mountains Media closed on in January. President and owner Kristin Cantrell is truly the future of this business and has insight and energy beyond anyone I?ve ever known.? Seven Mountains President Kristin Cantrell added, ?Parkersburg holds incredible potential for the future. Bob Lawrence is the right leader to unlock all the opportunities and lead everyone to heights they never thought were possible. We are delighted that Bob is joining Seven Mountains Media.? Lawrence succeeds Don Staats, who has retired from the company. The clusted includes CHR “My 95.1 XIL” WXIL Elizabeth, Country “Froggy 99” WGGE Parkersburg, Rock “103.1 The Bear” WHBR-FM Parkersburg, Classic Rock “Z106.1” WRZZ Parkersburg, Classic Country “Willie 1050/94.7” WLYQ/W234DC Parkersburg, and News/Talk 1230 WVNT/103.5 W278CQ Parkersburg. more

From Radio Insight: Following Giovanni’s retirement on Monday after 50 years at Cumulus Media CHR “92 Pro-FM” WPRO-FM Providence, the station has revamped its morning show as “Jay & Bekha Mornings” as previous producer Jay Buff and co-host Bekha Berger continue on in the daypart. Buff has been morning show producer at WPRO-FM since 2011 and also had been hosting middays. Berger moved from co-hosting mornings at sister Hip Hop “Hot 106” WWKX from 2016 until last July when she slid over to Pro-FM. She began her career at Cumulus Providence starting as an intern in 2007 and would then move up to call screener, producer, and host of a weekend show ?This Week in Entertainment With Bekah Berger? on News/Talk 630 WPRO before becoming Promotions Director and midday host at WWKX in 2012. WPRO-FM Promotions/Marketing Director Barbi Jo DiMaria will move from nights to middays to succeed Buff. Jessica Schiano remains in afternoons. more

From Radio Online: Seven Mountains Media appoints industry veteran Bob Lawrence as the new Market Manager for its cluster in Parkersburg, WV-Marietta, OH, effective Wednesday May 1. He succeeds the retiring Don Staats, who is stepping back from day-to-day operations. Lawrence was most recently General Manager of RAB's National More...

From Radio Insight: Two Northern Michigan Classic Hits stations have been united together as TSE Broadcasting’s “95.1 The Eagle” WUPN Paradise/Sault Ste. Marie and Whiskey Sours Broadcasting’s 94.5 WSBX Mackinaw City have merged together as “94.5/95.1 The Bridge“. The combined brand retains WSBX’s “Everything Classic” positioning and WUPN’s on-air lineup. WUPN owners Tim and Lindsay Ellis host mornings and middays respectively. Operations Manager John Gilbert hosts afternoons and Katie Wollan nights. The Ellis’ and WSBX owner Billy Sours told the MAB, “We have some exciting news to share with all our listeners. We are so excited to let everyone know this month our two stations will become one big happy family. So what you hear on 95.1 in the UP, you will also hear on 94.5 with the same great classic music you love. And we will also be launching with a new name 94-5, 95-1 Bridge FM. Two signals, one station and covering from Newberry to Gaylord and everything in between with “Everything Classic,” bridging peninsulas, bridging communities, bridging everything Classic.” TSE Broadcasting have owned WUPN, which covers the eastern portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, since 2018. Whiskey Sours acquired WSBX last year and debuted its Classic Rock/Hits hybrid format in August 2023. That signal covers the northern portions of the Lower Peninsula. more

From Radio Online: Nielsen launches The Record, a quarterly insight into audio listening behaviors and share of average daily usage of ad-supported audio in the U.S. According to the inaugural report with data from Q1 2024, consumers spent nearly 70% of their daily ad-supported audio time listening to More...