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From All Access: COUNTRY RADIO SEMINAR (CRS) announced this morning (8/15) that tickets for the 2019 NEW FACES OF COUNTRY MUSIC SHOW have sold out, just one hour after the one-day only early bird registration … more

From All Access: The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) LIFTING LIVES Board of Directors today (8/15) announced a search for its newly-created Executive Director position, with applicants encouraged to submit … more

From Radio Insight: EW Scripps has announced the sale of its final four markets to SummitMedia for $47 million. SummitMedia will acquire nineteen stations in Knoxville TN, Omaha NE, Springfield MO, and Wichita KS. The deal follow the sale of Scripps’ stations in Boise and Tucson to Lotus Communications, Milwaukee to Good Karma Brands, and Tulsa to Griffin Communications. Scripps has netted a total of $83 million for its entire radio portfolio. SummitMedia currently owns 31 stations in Birmingham AL, Greenville SC, Honolulu HI, Louisville KY, and Richmond VA. The stations involved in the sale are: KFDI (101.3 FM), KICT (95.1 FM), KFXJ (104.5 FM), KYQQ (106.5 FM) and KFTI (1070 AM) in Wichita, Kansas; KTTS (94.7 FM), KSPW (96.5 FM), KSGF (104.1 FM and 1260 AM) and KRVI (106.7 FM) in Springfield, Missouri; KEZO (92.3 FM), KSRZ (104.5 FM), KQCH (94.1 FM), KKCD (105.9 FM) and ESPN station KXSP (590 AM) in Omaha, Nebraska; WWST (102.1 FM), WCYQ (100.3 FM), WKHT (104.5 FM) and WNOX (931. FM) in Knoxville, Tennessee. The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) has reached an agreement to sell its last group of 19 radio stations in four markets to SummitMedia LLC for $47 million. This is the fourth and final transaction in the sale of Scripps’ radio assets. SummitMedia LLC is purchasing: KFDI (101.3 FM), KICT (95.1 FM), KFXJ (104.5 FM), KYQQ (106.5 FM) and KFTI (1070 AM) in Wichita, Kansas; KTTS (94.7 FM), KSPW (96.5 FM), KSGF (104.1 FM and 1260 AM) and KRVI (106.7 FM) in Springfield, Missouri; KEZO (92.3 FM), KSRZ (104.5 FM), KQCH (94.1 FM), KKCD (105.9 FM) and ESPN station KXSP (590 AM) in Omaha, Nebraska; and WWST (102.1 FM), WCYQ (100.3 FM), WKHT (104.5 FM) and WNOX (931. FM) in Knoxville, Tennessee. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter. The sales of Scripps’ radio stations total $83.5 million, and the group’s 2017 segment profit was $11.6 million. The company announced in January its intent to sell its portfolio of 34 radio stations in eight markets. Scripps already had announced the sale of five radio stations in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Griffin Communications; two Milwaukee-based radio stations to Good Karma Brands; and eight stations in Boise, Idaho, and Tucson, Arizona, to Lotus Communications Corp. “SummitMedia’s focus on growth in the radio industry make it a good home for these stations,” said Adam Symson, Scripps president and CEO. “With Summit, these stations will be able to fully live out their mission of informing and entertaining local audiences. “With our sale of these 19 stations, Scripps has completed the sale of our entire radio station group. This is a significant milestone toward executing our strategy to divest of non-core assets, improve near-term operating performance and focus on the growth ahead.” “We are very excited to welcome the Scripps teams in Wichita, Springfield, Omaha and Knoxville into the SummitMedia family,” said Carl Parmer, SummitMedia LLC chairman and CEO. “Together, we are very confident we can inspire our audiences, serve each of our individual communities and create value for our clients.” SummitMedia LLC is a Birmingham, Alabama-based media company with a focus on radio and digital media. The Scripps stations will join its portfolio of 31 radio stations in Alabama, Hawaii, Kentucky, South Carolina and Virginia. Kalil & Co., Inc. is the exclusive broker for this transaction. The post SummitMedia Acquires Scripps Stations In Knoxville, Omaha, Springfield & Wichita appeared first on RadioInsight. more

From All Access: THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY has reached an agreement to sell its last group of 19 radio stations in four markets to SUMMITMEDIA LLC for $47 million. This is the fourth and final transaction in … more

From All Access: LATIUM ENTERTAINMENT has signed FIFTH HARMONY's ALLY BROOKE. The 25-year old singer is from SAN ANTONIO. In DECEMBER 2017, LOS ANGELES-based LATIUM entered into a worldwide … more

From All Access: ENTERCOM/LAS VEGAS has appointed GINA MASSENZI Dir./Sales, where she will oversee sales efforts for Top 40 KLUC, Hot AC KMXB (MIX 94.1), Talk KXNT-A, Urban Oldies KXQQ (Q100.5), Sports KXST-A … more

From Radio Insight: The third and fourth largest public radio program distributors have announced they will merge. PRI (Public Radio International) and PRX will come together in a deal described as bringing together “PRI’s award-winning journalism and storytelling with PRX’s cutting-edge content and on-demand audio distribution technology”. The deal emphasizes the increasing importance of podcasting within the public radio ecosystem as the companies state the combined entity will reach an audience of more than 28.5 million each month across broadcast and web and have 56 million monthly podcast downloads. PRX CEO Kerri Hoffman will serve in that role for the combined company, while PRI CEO Alisa Miller will become Board Chair. WGBH Boston, which owns PRI and works with PRX on expanding its local podcasting efforts, will invest an additional $10 million into the company. PRI (Public Radio International), a leading creator and curator of award-winning journalism and storytelling, and PRX, a company focused on cutting-edge content and audio technology, announced today that they are merging. The new public media company will support the next generation of creatives, aiming to serve listeners who demand the highest-quality content. The combined organization is poised to increase the reach and influence of one of the most far-ranging content portfolios in public media by prioritizing signature shows, training new talent, and building state-of-the-art technology and will reach an audience of more than 28.5 million each month across broadcast and web and have 56 million monthly podcast downloads. Kerri Hoffman, CEO of PRX, will become CEO of the new organization. Alisa Miller, CEO of PRI, will elevate to executive chair of the new organization’s board of directors during its first year. “We believe strong media is anchored in trusted journalism, strengthened by new voices and amplified by innovative technology,” said Hoffman. “This merger intensifies our focus on helping creative producers and institutions build audience and grow revenue.” “Our field – for all its excellence and success, and the passion of its core constituencies – must respond to a profoundly changing marketplace to meet the heightened needs of the public,” said Miller. “By approaching PRX, PRI opened the door to the promise of joining together. Working with our stations, producers and partners, we can ensure that public media is a vibrant source of inspiration, fact, and empathy, especially in these complex times.” Fueling the combined organization will be a $10 million commitment from Boston’s WGBH, the preeminent public broadcaster and largest producer of PBS content for TV and web. The funds will be directed to new content development, including enhancements to PRI’s The World®, the creation of an audio production studio, and to open new PRX Podcast Garages beyond the flagship Boston location. “Our support of this bold merger extends WGBH’s commitment to a strong public media system and as a champion of creative collaborations and content production,” said WGBH CEO Jon Abbott. “Both PRI and PRX are innovators, and we know that together they will have a transformative impact at a time when there is tremendous hunger for new ideas and approaches in media.” The new company will continue to produce award-winning news, investigative and entertainment programming including PRI’s The World®, The Takeaway, Reveal, and Studio 360; operate public radio’s largest distribution marketplace, offering thousands of shows including This American Life, The Moth Radio Hour and On Being with Krista Tippett; and support some of the best podcasts in the world, including Radiotopia’s 99% Invisible and Criminal, Science of Happiness from PRI, and other fan favorites. It also will continue to bolster training programs for producers, support RadioPublic, a company focused on driving podcast listener discovery, engagement and revenue for creators, and develop proprietary ad technology for podcasts. The new company will be headquartered in Boston, with offices in Minneapolis and New York. The new company will be an independent organization and will report to a board of directors that combines the PRI and PRX boards. WGBH CEO Jon Abbott will have a board seat. WGBH and PRI have co-produced content, including PRI’s The World®, for two decades, and WGBH has partnered with PRX to expand its work in podcasting. This merger extends a strategic partnership with WGBH aimed at innovation and growth. Erik Langner of Public Media Company will facilitate and finalize the merger in the fall of 2018. For more information visit www.prx.org and www.pri.org. The post PRI & PRX Announce Merger appeared first on RadioInsight. more

From All Access: Legendary MUSIC ROW executive CONNIE BRADLEY, whose groundbreaking direction of ASCAP in NASHVILLE coincided with leadership roles on the COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CMA) Board, was surprised … more

From All Access: CUMULUS News-Talk WGOW-F/CHATTANOOGA "MORNING PRESS" host JEFF STYLES, who was shot in the arm and then arrested in a road rage incident on JUNE 15th, has posted a website and … more

From All Access: iHEARTMEDIA Top 40 WKEE/HUNTINGTON, WV OM/PD/Afternoon personality JIM DAVIS will celebrate his 25th anniversary at WKEE this THURSDAY. DAVIS joined WKEE on AUGUST 16th, 1993 and has done a … more

From Radio Insight: Educational Media Foundation has soft-launched a new Christian Classic Hits format under the name “K-Love Classics“. The format, which began online-only in June, is focusing on Christian hits of the 1980s through early 2000s. It gives the group a third distinctive brand to go alongside Christian AC “K-Love” and Christian CHR “Air 1“. The company has begun rolling-out to a handful of stations including 88.1 WAIW Wheaton IL in suburban Chicago. That station had been carrying Air 1 until that format moved to 94.3 WJKL Glendale Heights after EMF acquired 97.9 WLUP Chicago (now WCKL). K-LOVE Classics is our brand new radio stream that features your favorite Christian songs from the 80's, 90's and early 2000's. Take a walk down memory lane all day every day! https://t.co/dldL8013Wa pic.twitter.com/ixB7919o8S — K-LOVE Radio (@KLOVERadio) June 11, 2018 The post EMF Launches Christian Classic Hits “K-Love Classics” appeared first on RadioInsight. more

From All Access: CADENCE13 and BLUMHOUSE TELEVISION are partnering to produce a 10-episode scripted podcast about the TRUMP presidency created by award-winning documentarian R.J. CUTLER. "THE OVAL … more

From All Access: Inspired by the likes of FLEETWOOD MAC, NICK CAVE and THE BEATLES, BANG BANG ROMEO herald the arrival of a truly unique, fresh talent that their forthcoming debut album demonstrates … more

From All Access: DAN LEATHERMAN, owner of Classic Hits KCHI-A-F/CHILLICOTHE, MO, has passed away, the station is reporting. He was 57 and died SUNDAY (8/15) at his home. LEATHERMAN bought KCHI in … more

From All Access: The "MY FAVORITE MURDER" podcast is expanding into a podcast network in partnership with STITCHER. Hosts KAREN KILGARIFF and GEORGIA HARDSTARK are starting EXACTLY RIGHT MEDIA … more

From All Access: MEDIA ONE GROUP II, LLC is acquiring Hot AC WKZA (106.9 KISS FM)/LAKEWOOD-JAMESTOWN, NY and News-Talk WLKW-F/CELORON-JAMESTOWN, NY from CROSS COUNTRY COMMUNICATIONS, LLC for $300,000 plus 85% … more

From All Access: PRX and PUBLIC RADIO INTERNATIONAL are merging, the public radio and podcast companies announced TODAY (8/15). The two companies will retain their names and programming lineups but will … more

From All Access: CUMULUS MEDIA INC. has notified the SEC that it will file its second quarter Quarterly Report late. The filing said that the company, which emerged from bankruptcy in early JUNE, … more

From All Access: PRX and PUBLIC RADIO INTERNATIONAL are merging, the public radio and podcast companies announced TODAY (8/15). CURRENT.ORG reports that the two companies will retain their names and … more

From Radio Insight: Seven Mountains Media has relaunched Oldies 900 WCPA Clearfield PA as Classic Hits “Passport Radio“. The flip to a 70s-90s based music format comes as the station prepares to launch its FM translator 98.5 W253CU. The station expands the “Passport” brand utilized by co-owned 1490 WKYW/93.5 W228CL Frankfort KY. The station lineup will feature market stalwart Captain Keener in mornings, Steph in middays, Nancy Plum in afternoons, and the syndicated Mike Harvey at night. The post WCPA Stamps Its Passport With Classic Hits appeared first on RadioInsight. more

From All Access: ...ALBANY-SCHENECTADY-TROY; DAYTON; GRAND RAPIDS; FRESNO; ALLENTOWN; and WILKES BARRE-SCRANTON. Find 12+ the ratings for the subscribing stations in the ALLACCESS.COM NIELSEN AUDIO … more

From All Access: BENZTOWN will now provide DEES ENTERTAINMENT with production services for its portfolio of programs hosted by radio icon RICK DEES. BENZTOWN will produce shows such as The RICK DEES Weekly … more

From All Access: ENCORE MEDIA has partnered with STARBRIGHT MEDIA to design and refine CENTRACORE and EDGRRADIO. The latter is a platform for station streams and listener interaction, has now become the … more

From All Access: INTERN JOHN, co-host of iHEARTMEDIA Top 40 syndicated "THE KANE SHOW," presented the FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION with a $23,000 check on AUGUST 11th after the final stop of … more

From All Access: ALL ACCESS Happy Birthday wishes on WEDNESDAY (8/15) to SALEM/LOS ANGELES PD CHUCK TYLER, consultant DAVE BEASING, RCA's PAUL NELSON, WARNER BROS.' ROD EDWARDS, COX MEDIA/ORLANDO NSM … more

From All Access: Make sure to add WWRS 2019 to your travel plans, now! It costs less to attend than ever! Lock in the dates for WORLDWIDE RADIO SUMMIT 2019 moving to the beautiful and newly-remodeled … more

From All Access: In order to work to make sure our time creating content is well spent, it's critical to know what the audience wants," writes CUMULUS and WESTWOOD ONE VP/Social and MERGE author LORI … more

From Radio Online: AdsWizz, a digital audio advertising technology provider, has announced a partnership with Univision Communications to provide AdsWizz AudioMax platform to power programmatic ad buying for Uforia, its radio and music streaming app for Latinos. AudioMax is an audio-first Supply Side Platform (SSP) with yield optimization across … more

From Radio Online: Dees Entertainment and Benztown have entered into an agreement whereby Benztown will provide Dees Entertainment with production services for its portfolio of programs hosted by the legendary Rick Dees. Under the terms of the deal, Benztown will produce Dees Entertainment shows including "The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 … more

From All Access: STEVE BARTELS, PHIL NIEVES, BRENT BATTLES, TOMMY AUSTIN, DAVID EDGAR, JONATHAN SHUFORD, BRIAN MACK, DENNIS BLAIR, TODD SIEVERS, DAVID JACOBS, LARRY MAC, ZACH MCHUGH, NIK RIVERS, STEVE MCKAY, … more