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From Radio Insight: Alpha Media has announced that Tim Richards will serve as Content Director for its recently launched “Free Country” simulcast in the Chicago market of 98.3 WCCQ Crest Hill/Joliet and 102.3 WXLC Waukegan IL. The Phoenix based Richards also serves as head of the Smith Richards Collective consultancy and will continue as Content Director for Alpha’s “98.7 The Bull” KUPL Portland. Alpha states that his “appointment leverages his extensive experience and deep understanding of the country music landscape, enhancing the synergy between KUPL, WCCQ, and WXLC” and ensuring “a cohesive and dynamic approach to programming across these key markets”. Richards launched his consultancy along with the late Steve Smith in 2020. He previously had a long run in Phoenix with stints from 2011 to 2020 as Show Director for the syndicated Johnjay & Rich show and Program Director of iHeartMedia CHR ?104.7 Kiss-FM? KZZP, before moving to CBS Radio/Audacy as PD of Country 107.9 KMLE in 2013 and later adding those duties for Classic Hits 94.5 KOOL-FM and cluster Operations Manager in 2014 and VP/Programming in 2015. Richards has also served as OM/RVP Programming for Clear Channel Tucson from 2003-11 after a previous stint from 1996-1999, and has programmed Alternative ?Q101? WKQX Chicago, CHR ?Q95.5? WKQI Detroit, was Regional PD for Pacific Star Communications, and APD/MD of Hot AC ?Mix 98.5? WBMX Boston. Richards commented, “The opportunity to lead the content strategy for Free Country Chicago while continuing my work with KUPL and the Smith Richards Collective is incredibly exciting.? Alpha Media EVP/Content Phil Becker stated, “At Alpha Media, our commitment to the country music format is stronger than ever. With our footprint in Portland, San Francisco, and now Chicago, we’re uniting some of the best country music markets under one powerful umbrella. With Tim’s leadership, we’re poised to create a unified and robust country music experience for our listeners on an even larger scale.? more

From Radio Insight: Day 3 of Nielsen Audio’s PPM releases are now available for Charlotte, Portland, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Cleveland and Columbus. All the numbers can be found at RadioInsight.com/Ratings. CharlotteBeasley Media Country 103.7 WSOC is up for the fifth straight month rising from a 5.4 back in Holiday 2023 up 7.9 to 8.4. iHeartMedia Variety Hits “102.9 the Lake” WLKO is also showing significant month-to-month growth rising from a 4.6 in January up 5.9 to 7.4. Beasley Adult R&B “V101.9” WBAV rises 5.3 to 6.5. iHeartMedia Country “96.9 The Kat” WKKT dips 6.4 to 6.1. Radio One Adult R&B “105.3 R&B” WOSF is up 5.2 to 5.3. Pacific Broadcasting Group Classic Hits “95.7 The Ride” WXRC begins subscribing showing its share down 5.7 to 5.2. Radio One News/Talk 1110 WBT/99.3 WBT-FM rises 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.7, while co-owned Gospel “Praise 100.9” WPZS-FM falls 3.4 to 2.2. The CHR battle tightens as Beasley’s “Kiss 95.1” WNKS is down 3.0 to 2.6 and iHeartMedia’s “Hits 96.1” WHQC rises 1.9 to 2.4. PortlandiHeartMedia AC “K103” KKCW is down for the fifth straight month 10.6 to 9.9 but continues to hold a dominant lead. Alpha Media News/Talk 101.1 KXL is second down for the fourth straight month 6.4 to 5.8. iHeart Classic Hits “106.7 The Eagle” KLTH is up 5.3 to 5.6. “All Classical Radio” 89.9 KQAC rises 3.7 – 4.4 – 5.2. Public News/Talk 91.5 KOPB-FM dips 5.1 to 5.0, but its stream rises 0.7 to 1.0. Salem Media Group Regional Mexican “El Rey 93.1” KRYP is up 3.7 to 4.3. Audacy’s relaunched Hot AC “Bella 105” KRSK is up 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.7. Jazz 89.1 KMHD trends up 2.3 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 4.0, for what Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is an all-time high for the station. Alpha Media Country “98.7 The Bull” KUPL is up 3.3 to 3.4, but that is enough to leapfrog Audacy’s “99.5 The Wolf” KWJJ as it drops 3.8 to 3.0. Audacy Classic Rock 92.3 KGON is down 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.4 for what Huff notes is its lowest share since its first survey after its flip to Rock in February 1974. San AntonioCox Media Group takes the top three spots in the Alamo City. Classic Hits 101.1 KONO-FM rises 8.8 to 9.9 with its stream adding an additional 0.8 share. Country “Y100” KCYY dips 7.1 to 6.7 (stream adds 0.5). Rock 99.5 KISS-FM drops 6.6 to 6.0. Univision Rhythmic AC “Vibe 107.5” KVBH trends up 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.6. EMF Christian AC “K-Love” 91.3 KZLV rises 4.2 to 5.4. Alpha Media Variety Hits “102.7 Jack-FM” KJXK is down 5.2 to 4.8. iHeartMedia AC “Q101.9” KQXT falls 5.6 to 4.8. iHeart Country “KJ 97” KAJA slips 4.8 to 4.2. Alpha Media’s “Norte?o 720/104.1” KSAH/KSAH-FM rises 2.8 to 3.5. Cox Hot AC “Hits 105.3” KSMG is up 4.1 to 4.5 with its stream doubling 0.3 to 0.6. iHeart CHR “Now 96.1” KXXM is up 2.1 to 2.5. Salt Lake CityBonneville AC “FM 100” KSFI grows its lead to three shares as it dips 9.1 to 8.7. Capitol Broadcasting AC “Now 97.9” KBZN rises to a second place tie 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.7 to match Bonneville Classic Rock “103.5 The Arrow” KRSP as it rises 4.9 to 5.7. Broadway Media CHR “Mix 105.1” KUDD jumps 3.9 to 4.9 for what Huff notes is its largest share since July 2022. Bonneville News/Talk 1160 KSL/102.7 KSL-FM falls 8.1 to 4.9. Broadway Media Alternative “X96” KXRK gains 3.7 to 4.8. iHeart Classic Rock “Rock 106.7” KAAZ climbs 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.9 and sister Conservative Talk 570 KNRS/105.9 KNRS-FM is up 2.6 to 3.1. iHeart CHR 97.1 KZHT is up 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.7. iHeartMedia Classic Hits 94.1 KODJ drops 5.0 to 4.4. Cumulus Media AC “B98.7” KBEE slides 4.7 – 4.0 – 2.5. iHeartMedia’s “My 99.5” KJMY is down 3.4 – 2.6 – 2.5. Broadway Media Classic Country “101.5 Hank-FM” KNAH climbs 1.0 – 1.8 – 2.2. AAA 90.9 KRCL doubles 0.6 to 1.2. SacramentoAudacy Classic Rock “Eagle 96.9” KSEG’s lead drops from over three shares to less than half a share with a 9.9 to 8.4 drop, while iHeartMedia News/Talk 1530 KFBK/93.1 KFBK-FM jumps up 6.2 to 8.0. Bonneville AC “Mix 96” KYMX jumps 6.4 to 7.2, but sister Country 105.1 KNCI is down 6.0 to 5.2. iHeartMedia Classic Hip Hop “V101” KHYL continues its slide 6.8 – 5.8 – 5.1. Audacy Rock “98 Rock” KRXQ gains 3.1 to 3.9 and CHR “106.5 The End” KUDL trends up 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.9. Public News/Talk 90.9 KXJZ rises 2.8 to 3.6, while co-owned Classical 88.9 KXPR is up 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.6. Lotus Regional Mexican “La Ranchera 92.1/105.5” KVMX-FM/KSAC-FM slides 4.3 – 3.3 – 3.1. Entravision Spanish Adult Hits “La Suavecita 104.3” KXSE is up 1.4 – 1.8 – 2.0. Bonneville’s “Sactown Sports 1140” KHTK drops 1.8 to 0.9. OrlandoAudacy Classic Hits “105.9 Sunny-FM” WOCL is up 10.4 to 10.8. Cox Adult R&B “Star 94.5” WCFB climbs 8.9 – 9.4 – 10.1 to set a new station record high surpassing the 10.0 set in January. iHeartMedia AC “Magic 107.7” WMGF inches up 8.9 to 9.0. iHeart Spanish Tropical “Rumba 100” WRuM is up 6.4 to 6.6, while CHR “XL 106.7” WXXL is down 6.4 to 5.8. Cox Country “K92.3” WWKA drops 6.2 to 5.3. iHeart Hot Talk “Real Radio 104.1” WTKS-FM falls 6.5 to 5.1. Audacy Hot AC “Mix 105.1” WOMX is down 5.7 to 4.9. Cox Spanish Hot AC “Exitos 96.5” WOEX slides 4.1 – 2.9 – 2.3. iHeartMedia Hip Hop “104.5 The Beat” WTKS-HD2 surges up 1.7 – 2.6 – 3.3 following the demise of Rhythmic CHR “Fly 103.1” WFYY in March. That station’s “Florida Man Radio” Hot Talk format holds at a 0.5 share. Las VegasiHeartMedia AC “Sunny 106.5” KSNE expands its lead down 9.5 to 9.4, while Beasley Classic Hits 96.3 KKLZ is down 9.2 to 8.7. Lotus Regional Mexican “La Buena 101.9” KWID falls 6.5 to 5.5 with sister Classic Rock “97.1 The Point” KXPT continuing its upward trend 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.5 tying Audacy Rhythmic Hot AC “Q100.5” KXQQ as it dips 4.9 to 4.5. Audacy CHR 98.5 KLUC continues its good luck since January rising 1.8 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.5 – 4.0. Latino Media Network Spanish CHR “Latino Beats 99.3” KRGT is down 3.3 – 2.5 – 1.8. PittsburghiHeartMedia Classic Hits “94.5 3WS” WWSW holds at a 10.7 share, while sister Classic Rock 102.5 WDVE moves 8.0 to 8.1. Audacy Sports “93.7 The Fan” KDKA-FM is off 8.0 to 7.8. iHeart CHR “96.1 Kiss” WKST-FM holds at a 7.6 share. Steel City Media Variety Hits “96.9 Bob-FM” WRRK is up 6.7 to 7.3. Audacy Country “Y108” WDSY jumps 3.8 to 5.0. iHeartMedia Country “Big 104.7” WPGB-FM is up 2.8 to 3.2. iHeartMedia Rock/Alternative “105.9 The X” WXDX falls 5.3 to 3.8. Steel City Media Hot AC “Q92.9” WLTJ swings 2.5 – 1.8 – 2.6. Audacy News/Talk 1020/100.1 KDKA trends up 3.8 – 4.3 – 4.6. iHeart Hot AC “100.7 Star” WBZZ slides 3.8 – 3.1 – 2.8 and Urban “WAMO 107.3” WDSY-HD2 is down 2.5 – 2.0 – 1.6. CincinnatiThe top two stations combine for a 24 share with Cumulus Classic Hits 103.5 WGRR reclaiming the top spot up 10.6 to 12.2, which Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is its best showing since February 2022. iHeartMedia News/Talk 700 WLW is down 13.3 to 11.8. Hubbard Hot AC “Q102” WKRQ is up 7.8 to 8.4 with sister Country “B105” WUBE up 6.4 to 6.7. iHeartMedia Conservative Talk 550 WKRC inches up 6.0 to 6.1. iHeartMedia Rock 102.7 WEBN jumps up 4.5 to 5.4. Cumulus Classic Rock “92.5 The Fox” WOFX-FM trends up 4.1 – 4.8 – 5.0. Classical 90.9 WGUC gains 1.4 to 2.1. Hubbard AC “Mix 94.9” WREW is down 4.9 to 4.0. iHeartMedia CHR “Kiss 107.1” WKFS slides 2.6 – 2.4 – 1.9. Kansas CityCumulus Classic Rock “101 The Fox” KCFX takes the Kansas City lead up 8.7 to 9.6, while co-owned Classic Hits 94.9 KCMO-FM slides 11.4 – 10.7 – 9.5. Audacy Country “106.5 The Wolf” WDAF-FM rises 5.4 – 6.1 – 6.4. Audacy News/Talk 98.1 KMBZ-FM dips 5.6 to 5.4 with its stream up 0.9 to 1.3. Steel City Media Country 94.1 KFKF is off 5.5 to 5.3. Steel City Media CHR “Mix 93.3” KMXV rises 3.9 to 4.8. Steel City AC “KC 102.1” KCKC drops 4.2 to 3.5. Audacy Hot AC “99.7 The Point” KZPT slides 4.0 – 3.3 – 2.8. After falling behind Cumulus’ upstart “Power 105.1” KCJK last month, Carter Broadcasting Hip Hop “Hot 103 Jamz” KPRS-FM rises 2.6 to 3.3, while KCJK is down 3.1 to 2.8. ClevelandThree stations tie for the Cleveland lead. Radio One Adult R&B 93.1 WZAK drops 10.4 to 8.8, iHeartMedia Classic Hits “Majic 105.7” WMJI is up 8.5 to 8.8, and iHeart Hot Talk/Rock 100.7 WMMS is up 6.4 – 7.4 – 8.6 – 8.8. Huff notes that is the first time WMMS has a share of the Cleveland lead since 1991. Audacy Classic Rock 98.5 WNCX swings 8.0 – 6.9 – 8.1, with its stream adding a 0.5 share. iHeartMedia News/Talk 1100/106.9 WTAM holds at a 7.4 share. iHeartMedia Variety Hits “106.5 The Lake” WHLK slides 8.2 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 6.3, while sister Country 99.5 WGAR trends down 6.6 – 5.7 – 5.5. Public News/Talk 89.7 WKSU/104.9 WCPN is down 7.2 – 6.5 – 5.5. Audacy Sports “92.3 The Fan” WKRK-FM rises 4.2 to 4.8 and its stream adds a 0.6 to 1.0 gain. ColumbusiHeartMedia Country 92.3 WCOL holds at a 10.9 share. TEGNA Sports “97.1 The Fan” WBNS-FM inches up 7.6 to 7.8. iHeart Classic Hits “93.3 The Bus” WODC moves 6.8 to 6.9. Saga AC “Sunny 95” WSNY is fourth 6.6 to 6.7, while sister Classic Rock “QFM 96” WLVQ is up 6.1 to 6.5. Public News/Talk 89.7 WOSU-FM drops 6.1 to 5.4. iHeartMedia CHR 97.9 WNCI slides 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.2, which Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes ties the station’s lowest share since 1971. iHeart Hip Hop “106.7 The Beat” WZCB rises 1.8 – 2.3 – 2.5. more

From Radio Online: Cumulus Media promotes Kriston Aitken to Chief Human Resources Officer, effective July 1. She succeeds Todd McCarty, who will be retiring after nearly nine years with the company. Aitken joined Cumulus in 2016 and has held the position of Senior Vice President of Human Resources for the past two years. With More...

From Radio Online: WABC-AM/New York taps Dominic Carter to fill the 3-4pm slot on both WABC and WLIR-FM in Long Island, effective immediately. He'll continue to host his midnight to 1am show on weeknights and his 11pm-midnight Sunday program. A fixture in broadcast journalism for 35 years, Carter has worked in radio and More...

From Radio Online: The Broadcasters Foundation of America's annual Giving Day will take place Thursday, June 13. The campaign's purpose is to raise money to support the Foundation's sole mission of providing financial assistance to radio and television professionals who find themselves in acute need due to critical More...

From Radio Insight: It is entirely possible that my reaction to the hits of 2018 were proof of my ?get off my lawn? phase ? a time when pop music was just fine, and I was just too old to appreciate it. I found validation in the knowledge that Top 40 ratings were already on the decline at that moment, although they?ve hardly turned around since the quality (if not quantity) of the hits got better. I regard 2018 as the nadir of a five-year bottoming out period. What had at least sounded different (although not much better to me) at the time of ?Dark Horse? and ?Royals? had become an 85-bpm haunted house. I would open the e-mail blast for a new superstar release and be bummed to hear it begin with yet another ?chop? ? another manipulated vocal sample that could have easily been the song I heard yesterday.* I went to three streaming services to take a Fresh Listen to the hits of 2018. Writing about the durability of the era is a reminder that no year is without its legitimate hits. When you see the list of hits at the top of most playlists, you are reminded that this is the year of ?Havana,? Halsey, Post Malone?s breakthrough, A Star Is Born, and ?Feel It Still.? But only the last of those was truly fun/uptempo and hearing the year?s music at random made me feel very trapped by trap pop. If you feel strongly otherwise, I hope you?ll comment below. Here?s Spotify?s Top Hits of 2018 playlist. It?s heavy on UK-only hits and a lot of songs that never made it to pop radio. I listened to this one on shuffle, but even if I?d listened to the first 10 songs in the published playlist order, it would have been eclectic in a similar way. (Taylor Swift?s ?Delicate? was first but followed directly by Vance Joy?s ?Saturday Sun? and shortly after by King Princess?s streaming-driven ?1950.?) Rita Ora & Zayn, ?For You (Fifty Shades Freed)? Tom Walker, ?Leave the Light On? Imagine Dragons, ?Natural? Zac Efron & Zendaya, ?Rewrite the Stars? ? the UK radio hit was James Arthur & Anne-Marie, but it still comes across now as a song American radio missed in either version Mac Miller, ?Self-Care? Rita Ora, ?Anywhere? DJ Khaled f/Justin Bieber & Quavo, ?No Brainer? NF, ?Let You Down? Lil Dickey f/Chris Brown, ?Freaky Friday? Years & Years, ?If You?re Over Me? Amazon?s Music Best Songs of 2018playlist also goes beyond mainstream radio hits ? Robyn?s ?Honey,? John Mayer?s ?New Light,? Rayland Baxter?s ?Casanova? (a 2018 favorite that I wish had made it beyond Triple-A, and perhaps could in our current environment) ? but the segment I heard was closer to Top 40 at the time and heavier on enduring songs. Justin Timberlake f/Chris Stapleton, ?Say Something? ? Timberlake had worn down his superstardom of a decade earlier with a long break and follow-up projects that couldn?t live up to the anticipation, but this sounded pretty good now Zedd f/Maren Morris & Grey, ?The Middle? Camila Cabello, ?Never Be the Same? ? definingly what I didn?t like about pop then, and unchanged by time so far Ariana Grande, ?Thank U Next? Halsey, ?Without Me? Shawn Mendes, ?In My Blood? Selena Gomez, ?Back to You? Post Malone,?Better Now? Anne-Marie, ?Friends? Bebe Rexha, ?I?m a Mess? Elle Goulding f/Diplo & Swae Lee, ?Close to Me? Clean Bandit f/Demi Lovato, ?Solo? Zedd & Ellen Duh?, ?Happy Now? Here?s iHeart Top Hits of 2018 playlist. As you?d expect, it?s heavier on songs that had some radio footprint, although many of those stopped short of ?real hit? status: Meghan Trainor, ?No Excuses?; Dua Lipa, ?IDGAF?; Bryce Vine, ?Drew Barrymore,? etc. Logic f/Alessia Cara & Khalid, ?1-800-273-8255? Demi Lovato, ?Sorry Not Sorry? Maroon 5 f/Cardi B, ?Girls Like You? Zedd f/Maren Morris & Grey, ?The Middle? Ariana Grande, ?No Tears Left to Cry? ? a bright spot then and now Khalid, ?Young Dumb and Broke? Juice WRLD, ?Lucid Dreams? Camila Cabello f/Young Thug, ?Havana? Alessia Cara, ?Growing Pains? Post Malone, ?Better Now? DJ Khalid f/Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper & Quavo, ?No Brainer? Anne-Marie, ?Friends? Shawn Mendes, ?In My Blood? Finally, to be fair, I went back to my Top 100 of 2018 playlist. When I publish my year-end list, I usually cheat and end up somewhere around 120 songs. That year, I struggled to reach 94 titles. What stands out now is that there?s not just a very low CHR hit factor ? unlike my Big Hits Energy playlist, there?s no claim that these should have been radio hits ? but there?s also not a lot of hits from other formats, other territories, etc., unlike the early ’80s when there were plenty of such records that American CHR just wouldn’t play. Jordan Davis, ?Singles You Up? ? a Country hit that you will still hear on the radio Bigflo & Oli, ?Dommage?* ?French-language rap that was a hit on CKOI Montreal, my favorite CHR at that moment Rayland Baxter, ?Casanova? ? the aforementioned Triple-A hit Lake Street Dive, ?Good Kisser? ? more Triple-A YG f/2 Chainz, Big Sean & Nicki Minaj, ?Big Bank? Brynn Elliott, ?Might Not Like Me? ? the best pure-pop record at the time, never pushed beyond Hot AC Tom Petty & Heartbreakers, ?Keep a Little Soul? ? a 1982 outtake Blue October, ?I Hope You?re Happy? Bradley Cooper, ?Maybe It?s Time? ? the other A Star Is Born highlight David Byrne, ?Everybody?s Coming to My House? Elle King, ?Shame? Lil Wayne, ?Uproar? Shawn Mendes, ?Nervous? ? sounded like a rare uptempo, mainstream hit to many of us at the time, but never worked as a single, something that was jaw-dropping then, less so now. more

From Radio Insight: Red Apple Media Conservative Talk 770 WABC New York and simulcaster 107.1 WLIR-FM Hampton Bays NY has tabbed Dominic Carter to succeed Rudy Giuliani in the 3pm hour. Carter will continue to be heard weeknights from 12-1am and on Sunday nights from 11pm-12am. Carter spent the majority of his 35 year career as a political reporter for New York 1 and Fios News. Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis stated, “It is with great pleasure that I announce Dominic as our 3 to 4 pm host. Dominic is an exceptional broadcast journalist and political commentator, who presents all sides of issues relevant to our listeners. He?s done an excellent job with his overnight programs, and I know he will do the same with the 3pm hour.? Carter commented, “I?m excited about hosting an afternoon slot and grateful for the trust that Mr. Catsimatidis and Chad Lopez have shown in me. It?s an honor to serve the New York City area listeners, especially on a powerhouse station like WABC Radio, as well as WLIR 107.1, our sister station on Long Island.? ?Dominic brings a lot of energy to his programs, and he is an exceptional interviewer,? stated Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio. ?Growing our own from within is always a recipe for success.? He takes the hour on the WABC schedule that had been held by Rudy Giuliani until the cancellation of his show last month. more

From Radio Insight: Salem Media Group Christian AC 94.9 KLTY Arlington/Dallas has cut ties with longtime morning hosts John Hudson and Starlene Stringer. Stringer had been with KLTY since 1997 also serving as Public Affairs Director and Editor-in-Chief of KLTY Now magazine. Hudson has been with the station since 1999 and joined the morning show in 2017. He previously served as Production and Imaging Director for the station. He also remotely hosted afternoons at WREH Fort Lauderdale FL from 2014-16. The duo were teamed in mornings with Frank Reed until his retirement in December 2022. Afternoon host Bonnie Curry and APD Jeremiah Richardson have taken over the morning show although Salem has posted job openings for both a morning host/team and afternoon host. more

From Radio Insight: Cumulus Media has promoted Kriston Aitken to Chief Human Resources Officer starting July 1. Aitken has been with Cumulus since 2016 most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Human Resources. She previously held HR roles with Starwood Hotels and Resorts. In her new role, Aitken will be responsible for Human Resources strategy and operations, talent management, compensation and benefits, and supporting the advancement of the company culture. She will succeed the retiring Todd McCarty. Cumulus President/CEO Mary Berner stated, “For the past nearly eight years, Kriston has been a stand-out HR executive, and I?m delighted that she is fully ready and able to step into this important role. Given our significant focus on culture and the fact that 94% of our surveyed employees express pride in working at Cumulus, it?s crucial to have a leader genuinely invested in cultivating our culture. Kriston?s commitment to this aspect and her proven operational skills give me full confidence that she will continue to enhance the legacy that Todd leaves behind. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Todd for his invaluable contributions to Cumulus. Not only was Todd instrumental in shaping the positive and inclusive culture that defines Cumulus today, but he also built our top-notch HR Department from the ground up. His visionary leadership, strategic insights, and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in transforming our organization. I know his influence will continue to be felt in the thriving culture and terrific HR organization he leaves behind.? more

From Radio Insight: Beasley Media has promoted Paul Blake to Cluster Manager of its Philadelphia properties. Blake has been with Beasley and predecessor Greater Media for 22 years first as General Sales Manager of Rock 93.3 WMMR from 2002-2005 and VP/Sales since January 2006. He also served as Sales Manager for AMFM/Clear Channel’s WIOQ, WJJZ and WYXR from 1996 to 2002. He will report to Beasley Media President Bruce Beasley taking on many of the responsibilities held by now-former Market Manager Joe Bell. The Beasley Media Philadelphia cluster includes Rock 93.3 WMMR, Variety Hits “95.7 Ben-FM” WBEN-FM, Sports “97.5 The Fanatic” WPEN, Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK, Christian 800 WTMR, and Brokered Talk 860 WWDB. Bruce Beasley stated, “Paul is the perfect person to take our Philly-based radio cluster to the next level. His longstanding dedication, insight and leadership is the perfect fit to lead our team into the future. We are thrilled to have him on our team.” Blake comments, “I am deeply honored and thrilled to take on the role of Cluster Manager for Beasley Media Philadelphia. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Beasley family for their unwavering trust and confidence in me. It is an incredible privilege to lead one of America’s premier groups of radio stations and digital content creators, and I look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation in the media industry.” Bell had led the Beasley Philadelphia operations since December 2016. He previously ran Beasley Miami from 1999 through the sale of its cluster to CBS in 2014. He exited CBS in July 2015 and later joined Brewer Media Chattanooga in the same role. Prior to coming to Miami, Bell served as GM of 680 WPTF Raleigh. more

From Radio Online: In celebration of Pride month, this week's Edison Research insight features Share of Ear data to illustrate how the LGBT community spends its day with audio. It's no surprise that the audio choices of LGBT listeners include a medium that allows for individualism, creativity and expression: podcasts. More...

From Radio Online: ESPN 30 for 30 Podcasts launches its new three-episode podcast series "Searching for Hobey Baker," which chronicles the enigmatic life of collegiate athlete, Hobey Baker, who many consider the first ice hockey star in America. The podcast is narrated by actor, writer, director, author and singer-songwriter More...

From Radio Online: Beasley Media elevates Paul Blake to Cluster Manager for its stations in Philadelphia. He most recently served as Vice President/Director of Sales and has been with the local group for the past 22 years. In his new role, he will report directly to President Bruce Beasley and will be responsible for More...

From Radio Insight: A new report, “Connected Car Entertainment Trends,” released by DTS, Inc., a global leader in next-generation audio and a wholly owned subsidiary of Xperi Inc. (NYSE: XPER), examines consumption of entertainment in the car based on findings from surveys on how U.S. consumers listen to audio, watch video and play games in-vehicle. The findings of the surveys, which were fielded by Xperi, were presented by DTS and Xperi executives in an Automotive News webinar on June 11. “Consumer perception of the car as a leading ‘third space’ is driving demand for audio, video and gaming,” said Jeff Jury, senior vice president and general manager of connected car at Xperi. “Audio continues to dominate, confirming radio’s importance as vehicle entertainment’s anchor. But, the growing impact of video is clear, not only in its dramatically increased usage but also in consumers’ increased interest in front and rear cabin screens. And the emergence of in-vehicle gaming with younger generations, particularly casual games, is indicative of its growing importance to in-cabin entertainment platforms.” According to the report, the vast majority of consumers surveyed listen to some type of audio in the car with AM/FM radio leading that charge. Nearly 70% tune into AM/FM to listen to music, compared to 53% opting for music streaming services and 30% for satellite radio. But, in spite of audio’s dominance, other in-vehicle entertainment formats are rapidly growing, especially video and gaming. Video watching in-vehicle grew to nearly 40%, versus 31% just a year ago, with streaming movies and TV shows being the top entertainment options among those interested in the vehicle as a third space (a physical or virtual environment, other than home or office, where one can relax or unwind). While consumers are mostly listening to audio while running errands or commuting, video consumption increases if those drives include kids. Gaming is rapidly emerging in-vehicle, according to the report, particularly the playing of casual games such as Candy Crush, versus more involved games like those on PlayStation or Xbox consoles. This is especially true of millennials (46%) and Gen Z (38%). The report provides evidence that in-vehicle entertainment impacts vehicle purchase choices with over 50% willing to pay more for better in-car entertainment. AM/FM radio is rated overwhelmingly as the most important entertainment option for consumers when considering their car purchase. The 25% growth in video consumption is of further significance because, as previously reported, video capability can increase a consumer’s likelihood of buying a particular vehicle. The report also underscores that consumers want more than they are getting from their in-vehicle entertainment. They dislike having to hop from source to source and want a wider variety of options and a built-in entertainment. system that is easier to use. Over 50% are interested in having screens in the front and rear cabins of their next car. “Consumers continue to demand a better in-vehicle entertainment experience, including more media choices and formats. Offering more personalized discovery that sifts through content, from audio to video to gaming, to deliver robust entertainment relevant to consumers’ preferences, will be key to that improved experience ? and a key differentiator for automakers,” concluded Jury. Additional Key Report FindingsKeeping hands at ten and two at all times: 42% would like a wider variety of entertainment in-vehicle, 41% dislike having to hop from source to source just to find something good to listen to in the car and 33% wish their car’s built-in entertainment system was easier to use Audio remains king: Audio remains the most consumed form of entertainment in-vehicle with nearly 90% listening to some type of audio in the car, most commonly music AM/FM radio is the most popular form of audio entertainment for music listening (69%), compared to music streaming (53%) and satellite radio (30%) Consumers mainly spend time in a car to run errands around town (46%). When they do this, they are in the car for under 30 minutes and use audio entertainment (87%) Streaming calls shotgun: Streaming movies and TV shows is the #1 entertainment option of those interested in the car as a third space (35%) 28% of those driving kids to school/activities use video in the vehicle Gaming calls backseat: 58% want rear cabin screens vs 54% who want front cabin screens Gen Z (60%) and millennials (49%) suggest that games will be played more by rear-seat passengers if their car offers gaming features on built-in screens in the vehicle 32% think touch screens would be the best way to control the car?s entertainment system, 40% would prefer voice commands Driving purchase decision: 52% of respondents are willing to pay more for a better in-car entertainment system AM/FM radio is the most important (59%) entertainment option for consumers when considering their car purchase more

From Radio Insight: Lauren International is selling Full Service AC 1450 WJER/100.9 W265DL Dover-New Philadelphia OH to crosstown WTUZ Inc. for an undisclosed amount. The Joanne Obermiller led WTUZ Inc. owns “Z Country 99.9” WTUZ Uhrichsville. Lauren International had acquired WJER from the estate of Gary Petricolo in February 2022 for $300,000. The company owns multiple manufacturing companies and a local internet service provider. Lauren International CEO Kevin Gray commented, “In WTUZ we have a buyer who understands the importance of local media with decades of success in broadcasting. This strengthens the reach and resources of both stations and provides Tuscarawas County with continued access to local news, local sports, and vital community information.” Obermiller, who took over leadership of WTUZ from her late fianc? Ed Schumacher, who had founded the station in 1990, said, “Ed worked for Gary Petricola at WJER for a decade where he developed the passion to start his own station in 1990. Ed loved radio and this community, and he gave an abundance of time to help make Tuscarawas County an even better place to live and work. Ed was very proud of what WTUZ and its employees provided to the community, and he would have jumped at the chance to continue WJER?s legacy alongside WTUZ. Together we can do even more incredible things, in honor of what Ed and Gary each instilled in their stations.? The stations will each retain their current formats and staffs with both Amy Smith at WJER and Jarrod Slabaugh at WTUZ remaining in place as General Manager of their respective stations. more

From Radio Online: KEGL (97.1 The Eagle)/Dallas adds "The Woody Show" to its weekday morning lineup to the iHeartMedia Rock outlet. The Premiere-syndicated morning show will air weekdays from 5-10am CT. Eagle listeners are currently hearing segments from "The Woody Show" airing throughout the day leading up to the launch. The More...

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia’s recently relaunched Rock “97.1 The Eagle” KEGL Dallas will add Premiere Networks’ The Woody Show for mornings starting Monday, July 8. Until the full launch, the station will air segments from the show throughout the day. The KYSR Los Angeles based morning show will be heard from 5-10am weekdays. Woody states, “I can?t even begin to tell y?all how excited I am to be joining The Eagle. From the moment ya?ll signed the station back on, I was hoping to get the call from ya?ll. Thanks to y?all at iHeart Dallas: Amy Leimbach, Patrick Davis and Zakk Zaccagnini. We?re ready to rock, y?all.? iHeartMedia Dallas Region President Amy Leimbach added, “We are excited to announce the addition of ?The Woody Show? to mornings on 97.1 The Eagle. Given the success and widespread popularity of ?The Woody Show,? we have no doubt that it will strike a chord with our Dallas listeners and play a pivotal role in enhancing the Eagle?s iconic brand.? KEGL retained the Ben & Skin Show from its previous Hot Talk “97.1 The Freak” incarnation; moving the show from middays to afternoons. more

From Radio Insight: Nielsen Audio has released Day 2 of its monthly four day sweep of ratings in PPM markets. Today’s releases include Washington DC, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Detroit, Minneapolis, Tampa/St. Petersburg, San Diego, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. All the numbers can be found at RadioInsight.com/Ratings. Washington DCPublic News/Talk 88.5 WAMU continues to lead in Washington down 11.3 to 10.7. Hubbard News 103.5 WTOP rises 7.8 to 8.2. Howard University Adult R&B 96.3 WHUR dips 7.6 to 7.4. iHeartMedia AC 97.1 WASH if off 5.7 to 5.5. Radio One Adult R&B “Majic 102.3/92.7” WMMJ/WDCJ holds at a 4.9 share. iHeartMedia Alternative “DC 101” WWDC trends up 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.3. Audacy Classic Hits “94.7 The Drive” WIAD is up 3.5 to 4.1, while sister Hip Hop 95.5 WPGC rises 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.0 for what Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is its best showing since May 2022. Radio One Gospel “Praise 104.1” WPRS-FM rises 2.9 to 3.6. Cumulus Conservative Talk 105.9 WMAL drops 4.8 – 4.6 – 3.8. iHeart Country 98.7 WMZQ slides 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.4. Atlantic Gateway Communications Christian AC 91.9 WGTS falls 3.8 to 1.4. Audacy Sports “106.7 The Fan” WJFK-FM is down 2.5 to 2.0, but its stream is up 0.8 to 0.9. Spanish CHR “El Zol 107.9” WLZL trends down 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.6. BostonBeasley Media’s “98.5 The Sports Hub” WBZ-FM rises 10.1 to 11.0 to expand its lead to over five shares. Beasley Classic Hits 105.7 WROR is second down 6.1 to 5.7. Audacy Hot AC “Mix 104.1” WWBX places third 5.7 to 5.6. Public News/Talk 90.9 WBUR slides 6.4 – 5.8 – 5.4. Audacy AC “Magic 106.7” WMJX is off 5.0 to 4.9. iHeartMedia CHR “Kiss 108” WXKS-FM rises 4.0 to 4.6, while sister News 1030 WBZ dips 4.9 to 4.5 and Conservative Talk 680 WRKO is down 3.3 to 2.9. Public News/Talk 89.7 WGBH-FM is down 4.3 to 3.8. Audacy Sports 93.7 WEEI climbs 3.0 – 3.9 – 4.0. Between the departures of morning hosts Pete McKenzie and Heather Ford and arrival of former WBZ-FM morning host Rich Shertenlieb, iHeartMedia Classic Rock 100.7 WZLX plummets 5.6 to 3.8. Beasley’s competing “Rock 92.9” WBOS slips 2.1 – 1.7 – 1.6. AAA 88.9 WERS rises 1.4 to 2.2 to surpass Northeast Broadcasting’s “92.5 The River” WXRV as it is up 1.5 to 1.7. Miami/Fort LauderdaleCox Media Group Adult R&B “Hot 105” WHQT maintains its commanding lead up 9.0 to 9.2. Univision Spanish AC “Amor 107.5” WAMR is down 6.8 to 6.4. Cox Soft AC “Easy 93.1” WFEZ rises 5.9 to 6.3. Audacy AC “101.5 Lite-FM” WLYF dips 6.5 to 6.2. iHeartMedia Bilingual Soft AC “Magic 93.9” WMIA-FM moves 5.1 to 5.0. Public News/Talk 91.3 WLRN-FM trends down 5.6 – 5.3 – 4.3. Hope Media Group Christian AC “88.1 Way-FM” WAYF drops 1.6 – 1.4 – 0.6. In its final monthly ahead of its flip to Rhythmic Throwbacks, Audacy CHR “Power 96” WPOW-FM inches up 1.8 to 1.9. Cox Rhythmic AC “Hits 97.3” WFLC trends up 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.9. Audacy’s “99.9 Kiss Country” WKIS-FM rises 3.2 to 3.9, while Classic Hits “102.7 The Beach” WMXJ is up 3.3 to 3.8. iHeartMedia Hip Hop “103.5 The Beat” WMIB jumps 2.0 – 2.6 – 3.6. Cox’s “99 Jamz” WEDR dips 3.3 to 3.1 with its stream adding a 0.4 share. Seattle/TacomaiHeartMedia Classic Rock 102.5 KZOK continues in the lead down slightly 8.2 to 8.0. Public News/Talk 94.9 KUOW-FM holds at a 7.3 share. With the new Country competition, Audacy’s “100.7 The Wolf” KKWF is down 7.5 to 6.2. Audacy Rock 99.9 KISW is off 5.4 to 5.2. iHeartMedia Classic Hits “95.7 The Jet” KJEB rises 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.8. Bonneville News/Talk 97.3 KIRO-FM is up 3.8 to 4.5. Lotus Conservative Talk 570 KVI climbs 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.8. iHeartMedia CHR “Hits 106.1” KBKS rises 3.6 to 4.2 to pull ahead of Bonneville CHR “Movin 92.5” KQMV as it drops 4.5 to 4.0. Hubbard AC “Warm 106.9” KRWM drops 4.8 to 3.9. Audacy Rhythmic Hot AC “Hot 103.7” KHTP swings 3.7 – 2.7 – 3.7. Crista Media Christian AC “Spirit 105.3” KCMS-FM rises 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3. Audacy Alternative “107.7 The End” KNDD falls 3.2 – 2.6 – 2.2. In their second full monthlies since both flipping to Country on April 1, Lotus’ “101.5 Hank-FM” KPLZ is up 1.8 to 2.1, while Hubbard’s “98.9 The Bull” KPNW-FM is up 1.1 to 1.4. PhoenixiHeartMedia AC “99.9 KEZ” KESZ expands its lead 9.2 to 9.5, while Hubbard Classic Rock 100.7 KSLX falls 7.1 to 5.9. iHeartMedia Variety Hits “95.5 The Mountain” KYOT dips 6.0 to 5.7. Desert Valley Media Group Oldies “94.9/95.1 The Wow Factor” KOAI is up 4.6 to 4.9. Hubbard Rock “98 KUPD” is fifth 4.7 to 4.6. Audacy Classic Hits “Big 94.5” KOOL-FM rises 3.9 to 4.5. Hubbard Alternative “93.3 Alt AZ” KDKB gains 3.6 to 4.2. Bonneville’s “Arizona Sports 98.7” KMVP-FM is up for the fifth straight month 2.9 to 3.4. iHeartMedia Conservative Talk 550 KFYI rises 2.9 to 3.4. Univision Spanish AC “Amor 106.3” KOMR rises 2.1 – 2.7 – 3.2. Entravision’s “La Suavecita 107.1” KVVA-FM slides 1.8 – 1.6 – 0.9 after losing its west side simulcast. Univision Regional Mexican “Que Buena 105.9” KHOT climbs 1.3 – 1.9 – 2.4. DetroitiHeartMedia AC 100.3 WNIC reclaims* the Motor City lead up 7.8 to 8.3. Audacy Sports “97.1 The Ticket” WXYT-FM drops 9.2 to 8.2, with its stream adding a 1.6 share. iHeartMedia CHR “Channel 95.5” WKQI gains 6.3 to 7.2. Beasley Media Classic Rock 94.7 WCSX is up 6.1 to 6.9. Audacy Country 99.5 WYCD drops 7.8 to 6.8. Audacy News 950 WWJ trends down 5.3 – 4.6 – 4.4. iHeartMedia Hip Hop 97.9 WJLB rises 2.7 to 3.3. Beasley Adult R&B “105.9 Kiss-FM” WDMK is up 2.1 to 2.7. Minneapolis/St. PaulNorthwestern Media Christian AC 98.5 KTIS-FM jumps up 8.7 to 11.0. iHeartMedia Sports “100.3 K-FAN” KFXN-FM trends up 7.1 – 7.4 – 8.0 – 8.4. iHeart Classic Hits “Kool 108” KQQL rises 6.9 to 7.3. Hubbard Hot AC “KS 95” KSTP-FM is up 6.7 to 6.8. iHeartMedia Country “K102” KEEY is fifth 6.5 to 6.3. Public News/Talk 91.1 KNOW-FM trends down 7.5 – 6.4 – 6.0. Cumulus Media Rock “93X” KXXR drops 5.4 to 4.2. iHeartMedia 101.3 KDWB rises 4.7 – 5.6 – 5.8. WRPX Inc. Oldies 740 WDGY jumps 1.2 to 2.2 to tie the station record highs set in the winter of 2023. Audacy Country “102.9 The Wolf” KMNB is down 2.4 to 2.0. Tampa/St. PetersburgCox Soft AC 105.5 WDUV maintains its dominant lead holding at a 10.8 share. iHeartMedia AC “Mix 100.7” WMTX climbs up to second 4.5 – 5.5 – 6.3. Cox Classic Rock “107.3 The Eagle” WXGL is down 6.6 to 6.1. Cox Adult R&B “101.5 The Vibe” WTBV-FM jumps 4.6 to 5.6, which Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is the largest share on the frequency since June 2014, and its stream rises 0.4 to 0.7. Beasley Media Country 99.5 WQYK dips 5.6 to 5.5. iHeartMedia Country “US 103.5” WFUS rebounds 4.7 to 5.3. Beasley Classic Hits “Q105” WRBQ is up 4.0 to 4.6. Cox Hot AC “Magic 94.9” WWRM falls 4.2 to 3.5. San DiegoAudacy Classic Hits “Sunny 98.1” KXSN maintains its lead 7.3 to 7.2. Public News/Talk 89.5 KPBS-FM holds at a 6.6 share. Local Media San Diego Rhythmic AC “Magic 92.5” XHRM is steady at a 6.4 share. Audacy Country 103.7 KSON rises 4.6 to 5.7. iHeartMedia Hot AC “Star 94.1” KMYI is up 4.5 to 5.3. Audacy Sports “97.3 The Fan” KWFN trends up 3.0 – 3.4 – 4.0 – 4.3. Univision Regional Mexican “Que Buena 106.5” KLNV is up 3.2 to 3.9. iHeartMedia News/Talk 600 KOGO slides 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.9. DenverBonneville AC 101.1 KOSI claims a narrow lead holding steady at a 6.4 share. KSE Media Classic Hits “Kool 105” KXKL rises to second 5.8 to 6.3. iHeartMedia Classic Rock “103.5 The Fox” KRFX rises 5.7 to 6.1, with sister Alternative “Channel 93.3” KTCL right behind 6.0 to 5.9. Bonneville Country 98.5 KYGO drops 7.1 to 5.8. iHeartMedia AAA 97.3 KBCO surges up 3.6 – 4.8 – 5.4. Both Hot ACs are up with KSE Media’s “Mix 100” KIMN rising 4.4 to 4.7 and Audacy’s “Alice 105.9” KALC 4.0 to 4.6. Audacy Classic Rock “99.5 The Mountain” KQMT is up 3.7 to 4.4, sister Classic Country “Front Range Country 103.1” KQKS-FM is up 1.1 to 1.5. Entravision Regional Mexican “La Tricolor 96.5” KXPK drops 4.4 to 3.5, while sister Spanish Adult Hits “La Suavecita 92.1” KJMN is down 3.6 to 2.5. KSE Media Sports “Altitude 92.5” KKSE-FM trends up 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.4 as Bonneville’s “104.3 The Fan” KKFN falls 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.8. Audacy Rhythmic CHR “KS 107.5” KQKS is up 2.3 to 2.8. iHeartMedia CHR “Hits 95.7” KDHT is down 3.4 to 2.8. BaltimoreAudacy AC “Today’s 101.9” WLIF remains on top down 9.5 to 8.6. iHeartMedia Country 93.1 WPOC swings 7.9 – 6.0 – 7.9. Radio One Adult R&B “Magic 95.9” WWIN-FM slides 8.8 – 8.3 – 7.5. Brighter Media Group Christian AC “95.1 Bright-FM” WRBS-FM jumps 5.0 to 6.5 for what Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is a record high for the station. Radio One Hip Hop “92Q” WERQ dips 6.1 to 5.8. Public News/Talk 88.1 WYPR jumps up 3.3 to 5.2 for what Huff notes is its best showing since January 2022. iHeartMedia Variety Hits “102.7 Jack-FM” WQSR rises 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.1. Shamrock Classic Rock “100.7 The Bay” WZBA is up 3.4 to 4.0. iHeart CHR “Z104.3” WZFT rises 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2. St. LouisiHeartMedia Classic Hits 103.3 KLOU trends up 7.6 – 8.3 – 9.8 to claim the St. Louis lead. Hubbard Classic Rock “KSHE 95” is down 9.7 – 9.1 – 8.6. Hubbard Variety Hits “106.5 The Arch” WARH is up 7.5 to 7.9. Audacy Adult R&B “96.3 R&B” WFUN-FM holds at a 6.9 share. Hubbard Rock/Alternative “105.7 The Point” KPNT rebounds 5.8 to 6.6. Audacy AC 102.5 KEZK drops 6.7 to 5.8. Audacy Hot AC “Y98” KYKY slides 5.1 – 3.6 – 3.2 with its stream adding a 0.6 share. Audacy News/Talk 1120/98.7 KMOX rises 3.0 – 4.5 – 4.7, but its stream is down 0.9 to 0.6. Hubbard Sports “101 ESPN” WXOS drops 5.1 – 3.8 – 3.1. Gateway Creative Broadcasting Christian AC “99.1 Joy-FM” KLJY rises 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.6. more

From Radio Online: The FCC has issued an updated order aimed at tightening regulations on foreign sponsorship identification in broadcast programming. The decision, outlined in a detailed report released on Monday, June 10 addresses a previous court ruling which had vacated one of the FCC's foreign sponsorship identification More...

From Radio Online: The FCC has decided to reinstate the radio duplication rule for FM broadcasters, reversing a decision from 2020 that had eliminated these restrictions. The rule, detailed in an order issued on June 5 and effective thirty days after publication, limits FM broadcasters from duplicating more than 25% of their More...

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia's WHCN-FM (The River 105-9)/Hartford, CT has announced the retirement of Renee DiNino from the Classic Hits outlet and as the host of Community Access. Her last day on-air will be June 30. DiNino is a Connecticut native who grew up listening to The River and has most recently served as midday More...

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia Classic Hits “The River 105.9” WHCN Hartford CT has announced that cluster Director of Community Affairs & Community Programming and midday host Renee DiNino will retire from the station at the end of the month. DiNino’s final program will be her community affairs show that airs on all of iHeart’s Connecticut stations on Sunday, June 30. She been with the station for nearly two decades. The company noted DiNino’s numerous community service activities and Humanitarian Awards serving on multiple boards and committees including Kenway’s Cause, Inc, Connecticut FoodShare, Operation Fuel, Special Olympics Connecticut and Autism Speaks, amongst others. She also has worked with Connecticut Legislatures on the passing of an animal advocacy bill and working with Campaign for Bully Free Communities as an Ambassador and is a champion of children?s causes and literacy and military/veteran centered nonprofits. iHeartMedia Connecticut SVP/Programming Joey Brooks stated, “Renee has done an amazing job in her nearly two decades as the Midday Host on The River. Her commitment to the community is unmatched and she has helped raise millions of dollars to help the people of Connecticut and beyond.” Market President Steve Honeycomb commented, “Renee has done incredible work during her time with iHeartMedia and has done so much to help the community. She will be missed, and we are grateful for all that she has done for our stations and listeners.” more

From Radio Online: The Signal Awards, which celebrates excellence in podcasting across multiple industry-vetted categories, appoints 13-year industry veteran and former On Air Fest co-creator Jemma Rose Brown as its new General Manager. In her role, Browna will lead all strategic business efforts for the awards program and More...

From Radio Insight: ‘Supa Cindy’ Doucet has announced her upcoming resignation from mornings at Cox Media Group Hip Hop “99 Jamz” WEDR after 25 years at the station. In a social media video over the weekend, Doucet told her followers that she was stepping down to focus on her happiness and mental health, ?I?ve kind of outgrown this place. I have nowhere else to go.? She then followed, “I have reached the ceiling in the room I am in, limiting myself when I know what greatness I possess. We have to be realistic; when something no longer serves you, you can only ignore the signs for so long.” Cindy began her career at WEDR as an intern in 2000 and rose through the ranks at the station. After a long-run in afternoons she moved to mornings in September 2022 to form the “Pac Jam Morning Show” with Randall ‘DJ Nasty 305’ Floyd. She also has been part of VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop Miami”. Supa Cindy’s departure follows the exit of WEDR afternoon host ?Julezz? Castanon last month. View this post on Instagram A post shared by more

From Radio Online: Urban One reported first quarter net revenue fell 5% to $104.4 million from $108.8 million in 2023. Operating income grew to $12.9 million from $8.1 million, while adjusted EBITDA was down to $21.5 million from $30.3 million. Broadcast and digital operating income was decreased 18.5% More...

From Radio Online: Longtime syndicated talk host Mike Gallagher signs a contract extension with Salem Media Group. He announced the new deal while speaking at the Talkers 2024 conference on Friday. Gallagher revealed his new deal will keep him on the conservative radio network's national lineup through 2029. He's been with the More...

From Radio Online: Benztown and P1 Media Group will host a free webinar on Thursday, June 13 for radio professionals around the globe, entitled "Getting the Most From Your Station Imaging Voice," a free 40-minute webinar hosted by Benztown CEO Andreas Sannemann and P1 Media Group Partner Ken Benson. The webinar features one of More...

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia's Outspoken Podcast Network and Ninth Planet Audio will premiere a new audio fiction series, "Does This Murder Make Me Look Gay?!" on June 17. The new narrative podcast brings together a star-studded cast of queer talent just in time for Pride Month including Michael Urie, Frankie Grande, Douglas More...

From Radio Insight: In July 2020, the FCC stated its intent to vote on eliminating the duplication rule for AMs to allow AM stations with over 50 percent of overlapping signals to simulcast. When the proposal came up for vote the following month, a last minute change was made to change the rule for all radio services including FM with the approval being made upon party lines. Now the commission has reversed the change for commercial FMs, with now FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel stating, “For decades, the Federal Communications Commission has built its media policies around the values of localism, competition, and diversity. I believe in these values because over history they are the best guideposts we have for communications policymaking. I also believe we can modernize our rules while still honoring these principles. Here we do just that. The rationale for providing AM radio with additional flexibility to duplicate programming does not pertain to FM radio. The economic and signal quality issues are different, and the impact of content duplication is not the same. That is why today we do what we should have done in 2020?work to preserve relief to AM radio based on arguments supported by our record, and work to ensure continued diversity of programming on the FM dial.” Today’s order states, “We find that reinstating the prohibition on the duplication of FM programming beyond a 25% threshold serves the public interest by furthering the goals of competition, programming diversity, localism, and spectrum efficiency. We also find that the existing waiver process should address sufficiently the concerns of specific FM stations in unique circumstances.” The original 2020 draft order had concluded that “the FM service does not face the same persistent challenges as the AM service, that the rule as applied to FM continued to ‘act as a useful guiderail’ to encourage programming diversity and spectrum efficiency, and that the existing waiver process was sufficient to provide flexibility where needed.” That was followed by a letter by the NAB to push for the elimination of the rule for FM as well contending that FM station staffs forced to quarantine due to the pandemic could find it difficult to produce original programming and it would allow stations could pool resources to simulcast emergency information without incurring the delay of a waiver or could inform listeners of format changes by simulcasting their new formats on multiple stations. Following a Petition for Reconsiderstion from REC Networks, the musicFIRST Coalition, and the Future of Music Coalition and opposition from the NAB, the FCC states: While NAB contends that duplication could reduce the revenues that a station owner could otherwise earn by offering non-duplicative programming, duplication also allows a station owner to reduce costs substantially. Additionally, the ability to operate a station inexpensively using duplicative programming may, in fact, give a group station owner a disincentive to invest in new programming, or an incentive to occupy the frequency simply to avoid the potential introduction of a competitor. We find NAB?s theoretical arguments are insufficient to support the conclusion that market forces alone would be adequate to protect against duplication in the FM band. While experience with the AM band may, over time, provide some evidence relevant to such theoretical questions, without more or better evidence in the record of this proceeding, we find that it was premature to extend elimination of the rule to FM in the Order. We further find that the Commission erred in abolishing the duplication rule in the context of the pandemic ongoing at the time. On reconsideration, we find that the record fails to demonstrate that the 25% duplication allowance set forth in the former rule and the potential to seek a waiver to exceed that allowance would not sufficiently address exigent circumstances. When eliminating the radio duplication rule, the Commission stated that the COVID-19 national emergency ?highlight the need to provide broadcasters increased flexibility to react nimbly to local needs, as circumstances have changed rapidly in different jurisdictions across the country since the beginning of the outbreak.? We acknowledge that there may be particular value in ?allowing FM broadcasters to duplicate programming on a commonly owned station . . . in times of crisis, including the one our nation is currently undergoing? because ?small broadcasters with fewer resources are especially vulnerable if one of their studio employees contracts the virus.? However, upon review we find that the record lacks sufficient evidence or examples of inefficiencies tied to the pandemic or other exigent circumstances that would justify permanent industrywide relief. In addition, the record lacks evidence that the existing 25% duplication allowance has proven to be insufficient for FM stations to respond to emergencies. The full notice can be read here. more

From Radio Insight: Nielsen begins its monthly release of PPM ratings with today’s Day 1 update including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island, Riverside/San Bernardino, San Jose, and Middlesex/Somerset/Union. All the numbers can be found at RadioInsight.com/Ratings. New YorkiHeartMedia’s big three holds in place atop the market. AC “106.7 Lite-FM” WLTW retains its 8.9 share and Classic Rock “Q104.3” WAXQ holds at a 6.3 share. CHR “Z100” WHTZ is up 5.3 to 5.6. Audacy Classic Hits 101.1 WCBS-FM rises 4.8 to 5.2, while News 1010 WINS/93.2 WINS-FM slips 4.7 to 4.3. MediaCo Adult R&B 107.5 WBLS continues its months-long downward trend 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9. SBS Spanish Tropical “Mega 97.9” WSKQ is down 4.0 to 3.3. Public News/Talk 93.9 WNYC-FM drops 4.0 to 3.3. As it celebrates its five year anniversary in the market, Educational Media Foundation Christian AC “K-Love” 95.5 WPLJ rises 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4. Audacy News 880 WCBS slides 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5 for what Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is an all-time record low for the station. Los AngelesAudacy Classic Hits “K-Earth 101” KRTH holds at a 5.7 share. iHeartMedia AC 103.5 KOST continues its slide since Christmas 7.0 – 6.0 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2. iHeartMedia Hot AC “104.3 My-FM” KBIG rises 4.3 to 4.7. iHeartMedia CHR 102.7 KIIS-FM is up 4.5 to 4.6. Univision Spanish AC “107.5 K-Love” KLVE inches up 4.3 to 4.4. SBS Regional Mexican “La Raza 97.9” KLAX trends up 3.0 – 3.7 – 4.0. Univision Regional Mexican “La Nueva 101.9” KSCA climbs 2.4 to 3.3, while sister Spanish Adult Hits “Recuerdo 98.3/103.9” KRCD/KRCV slides 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.3. iHeartMedia Talk 640 KFI falls 5.5 – 4.6 – 4.0. Audacy Variety Hits “93.1 Jack-FM” KCBS-FM rises 3.2 to 3.8. Meruelo Media Classic Rock 95.5 KLOS is up 2.8 to 3.1. ChicagoHubbard Classic Rock “97.1 The Drive” WDRV rises 6.2 to 7.1 for what Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is its largest share ever. iHeart Adult R&B “V103” WVAZ climbs 5.4 to 6.3 to tie for second as Soft AC “93.9 Lite-FM” WLIT rebounds 5.9 to 6.3. Audacy News 780 WBBM/105.9 WCFS holds at a 5.2, while sister Country “US 99” WUSN is up for the fifth straight month 4.1 to 5.1, which is its highest share since 1993. Univision Regional Mexican “Que Buena 105.1” WOJO falls 5.2 to 4.2. Cumulus Classic Hits 94.7 WLS-FM drops 4.6 to 3.8. Audacy Classic Hip Hop “104.3 Jams” WBMX climbs 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.5. Weigel Broadcasting Soft Oldies “87.7 MeTV-FM” WRME-LD rises 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.2. Audacy CHR “B96” WBBM-FM is up 1.7 to 2.0 for its best showing since August 2023. Hubbard Millennial Hits “Throwback 100.3” WSHE-FM (now WTBC-FM) is up 1.4 to 1.6 following its rebranding. Dallas/Fort WorthCumulus Sports “The Ticket” 1310 KTCK/96.7 KTCK-FM jumps from tenth to first up 3.7 to 5.3. Univision Regional Mexican “Que Buena 94.1” KLNO falls from first but rises 4.7 to 5.2. Cumulus Country “99.5 The Wolf” KPLX trends up 3.8 – 4.4 – 5.0. iHeartMedia CHR “106.1 Kiss-FM” KHKS-FM and Audacy Classic Hits “98.7 The Spot” KSPF are both up 4.0 to 4.6 Audacy Variety Hits “100.3 Jack-FM” KJKK is down 4.5 to 4.0. Service Broadcasting Adult R&B “Smooth R&B 105.7” KRNB falls 4.6 to 3.8. iHeartMedia AC “Star 102.1” KDGE slides 4.8 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7. Hope Media Group Christian AC “89.7 Way-FM” KAWA swings 3.1 – 2.4 – 3.1. Public News/Talk 90.1 KERA-FM falls 4.2 – 3.1 – 2.9. Cumulus News/Talk 820 WBAP/93.3 WBAP-FM is down 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.6. Audacy Sports “105.3 The Fan” KRLD-FM trends up 1.7 – 2.3 – 2.5, while its stream adds an additional 1.2 share. Following its flip from Hot Talk “97.1 The Freak” back to Rock “97.1 The Eagle“, iHeartMedia’s KEGL rises 1.3 to 2.2, for what Huff notes is the station’s largest share since November 2021. The flip did not hurt sister Classic Rock “Lonestar 92.5” KZPS as it held at a 2.9 share, while Audacy’s “Alt 103.7” KVIL slid 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.4. San FranciscoBonneville AC 96.5 KOIT takes sole possession of the Bay Area lead despite its 8.7 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 6.8 slide. Public News/Talk 88.5 KQED-FM is down as well 7.9 – 7.6 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 5.9. Audacy News 740 KCBS/106.9 KFRC trends down 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.2. – 5.7. iHeartMedia Soft AC “98.1 The Breeze” KISQ rises 4.5 to 5.1. Bonneville CHR “99.7 Now” KMVQ holds at a 4.6 share. Cumulus Sports 680 KNBR/104.5 KNBR-FM rises 3.0 – 3.9 – 4.2 (stream adds 0.4). Audacy Hot AC “Alice @ 97.3” KLLC jumps up 2.4 to 3.4. Bonneville Adult R&B 102.9 KBLX rises 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5, while Audacy Rhythmic AC “102 Jams” KRBQ is up 1.8 to 2.3. Houston/GalvestonHope Media Group Christian AC 89.3 KSBJ welcomes a lot more listeners to Houston as its explodes up 7.0 to 9.6, which is its largest share ever. iHeartMedia AC “Sunny 99” KODA falls 7.7 to 6.1 to tie for second with Radio One Adult R&B “Majic 102.1” KMJQ, which rises 5.3 to 6.1. iHeartMedia Rock/Alternative “94.5 The Buzz” KTBZ-FM dips 6.3 to 6.0. Radio One Classic Rock “107.5/106.9 The Eagle” KGLK/KHPT slides 5.9 – 5.4 – 5.2. Audacy Variety Hits “95.7 The Spot” KKHH is down 5.4 to 4.9, while sister Hot AC “Mix 96.5” KHMX drops 4.0 to 3.3. Radio One Country “93Q” KKBQ falls 5.2 to 4.3, while Audacy Country “100.3 The Bull” KILT-FM follows down 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.6. Public News/Talk 88.7 KUHF jumps 2.5 to 3.4. iHeartMedia News/Talk 740 KTRH is up 2.8 to 3.3. MediaCo Regional Mexican “La Raza 98.5/101.7” KTJM/KNTE slides 3.6 – 2.9 – 2.6. Univision Spanish CHR “Latino Mix 104.9” KAMA trends down 2.7 – 2.2 – 1.8. AtlantaCox Media Group takes the top four spots with Classic Rock “97.1 The River” WSRV up 7.8 to 7.9, News/Talk 750 WSB/95.5 WSBB holding at a 7.1 share, AC “B98.5” WSB-FM up 6.3 to 7.0, and Adult R&B “Kiss 104.1” WALR surging up 4.5 – 5.0 – 6.9. Radio One Adult R&B “Majic 107.5/97.5” WAMJ/WUMJ dups 6.9 to 6.6. Dickey Broadcasting Sports “680 The Fan” WCNN continues its gain 2.1 – 2.5 – 3.8 – 4.1. Public News/Talk 90.1 WABE-FM rises 3.4 to 4.0. Following its move to the full-market coverage 96.1 frequency in mid-April, iHeartMedia Hip Hop “96.1 The Beat” WRDG nearly doubles its share 1.2 to 2.3. It did not hurt its competitors though as Audacy’s “V103” WVEE was up 4.4 to 4.7 and Radio One’s “Hot 107.9” WHTA moved 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9. Core Communicators “Streetz 94.5” WWSZ was off slightly 1.5 to 1.4. With its move to the southern rimshot 105.3 signal, CHR “Power 105.3” WWPW falls 1.5 to 0.7. Cumulus CHR “Q99.7” WWWQ only gains 2.6 to 2.9. Both Country stations move downward with Cumulus’ “New Country 101.5” WKHX down 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.0 and iHeartMedia’s “94.9 The Bull” WUBL going 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.6 since replacing its morning show with Bobby Bones. Radio One Gospel “Praise 102.5” WPZE falls 5.0 – 4.4 – 3.6. Cumulus Classic Alternative “99X” 100.5 WNNX drops 4.0 to 3.4. PhiladelphiaBeasley Media Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK reclaims the top spot in Philadelphia up 7.9 to 8.5. iHeartMedia Adult R&B 105.3 WDAS-fM dips 8.3 to 8.1. Beasley Rock 93.3 WMMR is off 8.0 to 7.9. Thanks to the Phillies hot start, Audacy Sports 94.1 WIP is up 5.5 – 6.7 – 7.4, but its stream on its own becomes the first to rank in the top 10 of any market up 2.8 to 3.0. Audacy AC “B101” WBEB is fifth down 5.9 to 5.7. Audacy News 1060 KYW/103.9 WPHI is down for the fourth straight month 5.5 to 5.1. Beasley Country 92.5 WXTU drops 5.0 to 4.4. Beasley Variety Hits “95.7 Ben-FM” WBEN-FM rebounds 4.0 – 2.9 – 3.4. iHeartMedia CHR “Q102” WIOQ rises 1.9 to 2.5, while sister Spanish CHR “Rumba 106.1” WUMR falls 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.3. Nassau/SuffolkCox Classic Rock 102.3 WBAB/95.3 WHFM surges up 7.1 – 7.8 – 8.9 for what Huff notes is the station’s largest share ever. Connoisseur Media Hot AC 97.5 WALK-FM gains 4.5 to 5.6. Audacy News 1010 WINS/92.3 WINS-FM holds at a 5.2 share. iHeartMedia CHR “Z100” WHTZ rises 4.2 to 4.7. Connoisseur Soft AC “98.3 K-Joy” WKJY slides 5.2 – 4.5 – 4.2 to tie for fifth with Audacy Classic Hits 101.1 WCBS-FM as it is up 3.9 to 4.2. iHeartMedia Classic Rock “Q104.3” WAXQ slides 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, while sister Hot AC 103.5 WKTU falls 3.9 to 2.9. SBS Spanish Tropical “Mega 97.9” WSKQ slides 2.7 – 2.1 – 1.8. Cox CHR 106.1 WBLI is up 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.3. In its second full monthly, Connoisseur Media Country “103.1 The Wolf” WWWF continues its rise 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1. Riverside/San BernardinoAnaheim Broadcasting Classic Hits 99.9 KOLA-FM maintains its Inland Empire lead down 10.4 – 9.1 – 8.3. Entravision Spanish Adult Hits “Jos? 107.1” KLYY dips 7.6 to 7.2. iHeartMedia Hot AC “104.3 My-FM” KBIG falls 5.8 to 4.2. Univision Spanish AC “107.5 K-Love” KLVE jumps 3.0 to 4.2. Audacy Country “95.1 K-Frog” KFRG slides 5.0 – 4.7 – 3.8. MediaCo Regional Mexican “Que Buena 96.1” KRQB trends up 2.6 – 3.3 – 3.6. Univision Spanish Adult Hits “Recuerdo 98.3” KRCV slides 3.7 – 2.5 – 1.9. Meruelo Media Classic Rock 95.5 KLOS climbs 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.5. San JoseUnivision Regional Mexican “Que Buena 98.9/99.1” KSOL/KSQL surges up 4.9 – 5.8 – 6.5. Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes that it is the largest share ever for the station and the second time atop the South Bay (first was July 2012). Bonneville CHR “99.7 Now” KMVQ holds at a 5.3 share, while sister AC 96.5 KOIT rises 4.4 to 5.0 and Classic Rock “98.5 K-Fox” KUFX drops 5.6 to 4.6. Alpha Media Hot AC “Mix 106.5” KEZR is fifth 4.4 to 4.5. Univision Spanish AC “Amor 100.3” KBRG climbs 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.0. Audacy Hot AC “Alice @ 97.3” KLLC rises 2.3 to 3.3. Audacy News 740 KCBS/106.9 KFRC trends down 4.7 – 3.9 – 3.5. Cumulus Sports 680 KNBR/104.5 KNBR-FM trends up 2.8 – 3.2 – 3.5, but its stream is down 0.9 to 0.3. Audacy’s “95.7 The Game” KGMZ slides 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.3. Cumulus Sports Betting “810 The Spread” KGO’s stream rises 0.2 – 0.4 – 0.8, but the 50kW AM signal holds at a 0.2 share. Middlesex/Somerset/UnioniHeartMedia Classic Rock “Q104.3” WAXQ surges up 6.9 to 8.9. Townsquare Media Talk/Classic Hits “New Jersey 101.5” WKXW is off 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.0 (with 0.8 added by stream). iHeartMedia CHR “Z100” WHTZ rises 5.1 to 6.0. Beasley Media AC “Magic 98.3” WMGQ climbs 4.7 to 5.6 to tie for fourth with Audacy Hot AC “New 102.7” WNEW (5.7 to 5.6). Beasley Media Rock 105.5 WDHA surges 0.7 – 1.1 – 2.7 for what Huff notes is its best showing since the market began being measured in 2000. more