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From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its releases of the July 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Columbia SC, Little Rock, Springfield MA, and Toledo. Markets coming this week include: On Thursday, August 22: Monthly ratings for Colorado Springs, Des Moines, Mobile, Spokane, and Wichita. On Friday, August 23: Monthly ratings for Chattanooga and Huntsville, Jackson MS, and Madison. more

From Radio Insight: TEGNA Sports “97.1 The Fan” WBNS-FM Columbus has signed midday co-host Anthony Rothman to a multi-year contract extension. Rothman has been with WBNS-FM for thirteen years and currently co-hosts “Rothman and Ice” with Matty ‘Ice’ Hayes from 12-3pm weekdays. He also hosts “The Fan Tailgate Show” ahead of Ohio State Football games with Andy Katzenmoyer and Tim May. Prior to joining the station in 2010, he spent sixteen years as a sports anchor at WSYX-TV Columbus. Station Manager Cody Welling said, ?It?s been a privilege to work with Anthony, and I?m honored to be his teammate for the next several years. Anthony is well-respected as a broadcaster, and his dedication to philanthropy is unwavering. He has been a massive contributor to 97.1 The Fan?s success.? Rothman commented, ?I am very grateful to The Fan for the opportunity to continue my love of sports broadcasting. I couldn?t ask to be in a better city and owe my longevity to my talented co-hosts and our passionate fans.? more

From Radio Online: Audacy has announced a series of weekday programming updates for WEEI-FM andamp; AM in Boston. Afternoon co-host Adam Jones and weeknight host Rich Keefe will reunite for a new midday show. The duo, who previously hosted an evening show together for multiple years in the market, will More...

From Radio Online: When Alice in Wonderland falls down the rabbit hole, she enters a new world of wonders. So it is, apparently, with many podcast listeners. Once many people start listening to podcasts, they are hooked and start filling their days and nights with more and more. Data from Edison Research's Share of Ear seems More...

From Radio Insight: It?s hard being an obit writer in radio these days. The impending loss of all-news WCBS-AM New York was announced while I was still figuring out what to write about Kiss 100 London. That station helped make R&B and dance core sounds in UK and European radio over the course of the ?90s; now it?s moving from FM to DAB-only (not quite the end of viability in the UK as it would be here, but still significant). Before I could write that story, the CBS-AM news shook the industry. As I wrote this column, another heritage AM, CHML Hamilton, Ontario, was shut off outright. Like songs, I have place memories of radio stations. WCBS is the station of late-night driving with my dad on the New Jersey Turnpike, but, really, anywhere in the Northeast. I had already discovered the CBS Morning News, and WCBS had a lot of the same network reporters and commentators. My father rarely listened to Top 40 just to keep up with his kids; it was WCBS that gave us something to talk about. The loss of heritage radio stations has seemed like a barrage in recent years. With the changes at Kiss and WCBS came the realization that I?ve been losing heritage stations for almost as long as I?ve been listening to radio.* My college years coincided with the effective demise of almost every AM Top 40 station I had ever listened to. Some went Country. Some evolved to AC, something which almost never worked. Some, such as WLS Chicago or KFRC San Francisco, took a few years longer than others. Ironically, WCBS-AM was probably my most enduring station of childhood because it wasn?t a music station. Occasionally, as with WLS, those heritage brands transitioned to FM, although since AM Top 40’s travails coincided with a format downturn, surprisingly few did so at the time. The rise of Oldies brought some of those brands back. My most-influential Top 40, Detroit/Windsor?s CKLW, was revived twice with FM oldies; now, it?s the inspiration for CKWW-AM?s Oldies format. At this writing, I’m now waiting to see what new owners do with that station. (CK is also the inspiration for former PD Charlie O?Brien?s Big8Radio.com.)* To cover the radio industry as a reporter has been to experience radio stations as ephemeral and even the enduring ones as ever-changing. Even stations we now think of as ?CHR for 40 years,? such as WHTZ (Z100) New York, were rarely exactly that. Z100?s brand remained the same, but barely camouflaged a change to Alternative, then, briefly, Rock AC in the ?90s.* When WPLJ New York became a K-Love affiliate in 2019, it left three legacies to celebrate; some of the same listeners had likely followed WPLJ from AOR to CHR to Hot AC. Covering format changes was more fun and rarely devastating when radio was healthier ? each format change was a beginning, not just an ending. Like the songs themselves that radio played, each was a potential hit, or maybe even something for next year?s Intriguing Stations column. And the stations I was sorriest to lose weren?t always heritage stations; often, they were the quirky offerings I liked that had never caught on. The most discouraging changes were the sales that claimed still-competitive radio stations. In 2009, the then-WAMO Pittsburgh?s sale to Catholic broadcasters who took it out of the format mainstream was still an anomaly. By 2022, market-leading Country KRTY San Jose?s sale to K-Love and move to online-only was not. So were music stations moved aside so News/Talk outlets could move to FM, or heritage AMs perfunctorily shut down. The loss of heritage stations is dispiriting ? another instance where radio still being bigger than its competitors hardly seems to matter. There is broader damage from the decreasing number of all AM/FM choices. Also from the increasing number of stations switched to formats, such as sports betting, that aren?t meant to compete for ratings. Each scenario could lead to decreased listening levels overall. Few endings are a new beginning now. There are plenty of heritage radio stations that haven?t gone anywhere. A few years ago, looking at radio ratings from 1984 led to a column on how many brands were still on the radio with a similar format nearly 40 years later. In Washington, D.C., that was nearly half of the radio stations that were above a 1 share at the time. In New York, it was about 45%. (Boston, at 30%, was one of the lowest, and that was before the sale to K-Love of WAAF.) Some heritage brands, particularly those that have gone from Top 40 to Classic Hits or AOR to Classic Rock, have format continuity of a sort, but don?t occupy the same place in the cultural discussion. I was always happy to have an Oldies station drawing on CKLW?s heritage, but what I really missed about the station as Top 40 was seeing what R&B hits it would propel into the mainstream. The Detroit station that most does that now, WKQI (Channel 95-5), is related to CKLW in spirit only. It?s great, though, when WMMR Philadelphia or a relaunched KITS (Live 105) San Francisco are still part of the new music dialogue. Some enduring radio brands also become reminders of radio?s diminishment. What good are heritage call letters if the voice-tracker can?t even be bothered to work them into a break? Being so local and so dependent on living in real time kept WCBS-AM sounding vital, but also made it more vulnerable to radio?s current realities. When new lessee Good Karma moves its New York outlet for ESPN to WCBS-AM?s frequency, it will leave an opening at 98.7 FM that ROR readers have been speculating on for a year. It?s a lot to hope for a new mainstream or market-galvanizing launch now. In the best scenario, that new station cannot be ?Newsradio 880.? But it could be a station that means something to New Yorkers. Or gives radio a renewed sense of sign-ons, not just sign-offs. more

From Radio Insight: Audacy Sports 93.7 WEEI-FM Lawrence/Boston and its network of affiliates across New England has announced a new weekday lineup starting Monday, August 26. Afternoon co-host Adam Jones and evening host Rich Keefe will team in middays from 10am to 2pm. The duo previously were paired together in evenings at “98.5 The Sports Hub” WBZ-FM from 2009 to 2016. Jones joined WEEI in 2023 from WBZ-FM where he spent a decade in evenings and has also worked at ESPNBoston.com and ?890 ESPN? WBPS in his career. Keefe has been with WEEI since 2017 after spending seven years at WBZ-FM and has also been at WGAM Nashua NH. Succeeding Jones in afternoons with Christian Arcand will be Andy Hart. Hart, a longtime columnist covering the New England Patriots, has been with WEEI since 2019 as a writer and making regular appearances across the station’s programming. He previously has been assistant editor for Patriots Football Weekly, writer for Patriots.com, and contributor to NBC Sports Boston. Hart also co-hosts Audacy’s 6 Rings and Football Things podcasts. The afternoon show will have a series of regular weekly guests including Red Sox manager Alex Cora, NBC Sports Boston Celtics analyst Brian Scalabrine, ESPN’s NFL reporter Adam Schefter, and whomever is the New England Patriots starting quarterback. The third member of the current WEEI afternoon show, Megan Ottolini will move to a fill-in host role and columnist for WEEI.com. Unmentioned in the announcement are the status of current midday hosts Andy Gresh and Christian Fauria. ?These exciting updates bring together a dynamic mix of talent with New England roots that will continue to deliver top-tier content to Boston?s biggest sports fans,? said Mike Thomas, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Boston. ?Adam Jones and Rich Keefe’s notable on-air styles and rapport will energize our midday show, while Andy Hart and Christian Arcand?s experience will help bolster afternoon drive. We?re looking forward to this next chapter of WEEI weekdays continuing to make WEEI the go-to destination for everything Boston sports.? more

From Radio Insight: The one time king of Cincinnati radio is making a move back in town. Randy Michaels’ Radioactive LLC is purchasing Spanish CHR “Mega 97.7” WOXY Mason from Lazo Media for $1.8 million. The Class A signal covers the suburban areas between Cincinnati and Dayton. The signal is best known from its 1983-2005 run as Alternative ?97X?, which was famously depicted in the movie “Rain Man“. Michaels run in Cincinnati began programming CHR “Q102” WKRQ in 1975 before moving to the same role at 700 WLW, where he also worked on-air. He was then part of the ownership group that would acquire WLW from Taft Broadcasting in 1983. That group would be folded into Jacor in 1986 with Michaels as VP/Programming until rising to CEO in 1993. Following Jacor’s 1999 acquisition by Clear Channel, Michaels would become Chairman/CEO until his 2002 exit operating both from his office in Covington KY right across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. Michaels would later serve as CEO of LocalTV LLC, Tribune Broadcasting and Merlin Media. Radioactive LLC also owns 92.5 WBLH Black River NY, 101.9 WKFC North Corbin KY, and 102.9 WPBK Crab Orchard KY. Those stations are all leased to third parties to operate. more

From Radio Online: WCCO-AM (830 WCCO) in Minneapolis has announced a series of special endeavors to celebrate its 100th anniversary, including a double album with commemorative content, gubernatorial proclamation and grand centennial event. As part of its century-long "good neighbor" More...

From Radio Online: Sounds Profitable, a podcast industry trade association and media intelligence company, appoints 10-year audio industry vet Kristin Myers as Principal. In this role, she'll work closely with founder Bryan Barletta and partner Tom Webster to drive the company's mission of shaping the future of the audio More...

From Radio Online: The Poisoners' Cabinet podcast, a blend of historical true crime, comedy and crafted cocktails, is celebrating one million downloads and a rapidly growing global audience. In each episode hosts Nick Gordon and Sinead Hanna serve up twisted tales, intriguing criminals and deliciously dark drinks. In the More...

From Radio Online: Country music's countdown show "Country Top 40 with Fitz" (CT40), through its syndication partner Skyview Networks, has announced its 2024 Labor Day Weekend special, "So Long Summer." The special will send summer off in style with a countdown of the Top 40 biggest country hits of the week, plus a look back More...

From Radio Online: VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, is making updates to leadership, including the promotion of Miles Gwyn to Chief Operating Officer. In this new role, Gwyn will manage the network's day-to-day operations, overseeing content production, distribution and advertising partnerships, technology, More...

From Radio Online: For six years now, personality has emerged as an important driver to radio listening in Jacobs Media's annual Techsurveys than music. Yet, talent continues to be a misunderstood part of radio's success formula. The firm's AQ studies are unique to radio as the only research conducted More...

From Radio Insight: Times Shamrock flipped Scranton/Wilkes-Barre market Hot AC “92.1 QFM” WQFM Nanticoke/100.1 WQFN Forest City PA to Classic Hits “92 Mix-FM” this morning. Overseen by consultant Gary Berkowitz, the station is featuring a lineup including ‘Rick Gary’ Shockley in mornings, WINK-FM Fort Myers morning host Logan in middays, WWEG Hagerstown MD and longtime WRQX Washington DC morning host Jack Diamond in afternoons, and former WPRO-FM Providence morning host Giovanni at night. The station is positioning as “The Best Variety of the 70s, 80s & 90s” with what Berkowitz is calling a “Classic Top 40” presentation. The first hour of the new “92 Mix-FM” featured: Chicago – Beginnings Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – I Hate Myself For Loving You Lady A – Need You Now Sublime – Santeria Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way Tears For Fears – Shout Alanis Morrissette – You Oughta Know Prince – I Would Die 4 You Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes – (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Refugee Amy Grant – Baby Baby Bon Jovi – Runaway Heart – Never WQFM’s Hot AC format had a 1.5 share in the July 2024 Nielsen Audio ratings. The new format goes up against GEOS Communications’ Classic Hits “Gem 99 & 100” WGMF, which had a 2.6 share last month. more

From Radio Insight: Following its reacquisition of VSiN from Draft Kings and addition of Steve Cohen as EVP/Sports Programming, Musburger Media continues to realign the leadership structure of the sports betting network. VSiN announced today the promotion of Miles Gwyn from Director of Broadcast Operations to Chief Operating Officer where he will manage the network?s day-to-day operations, overseeing content production, distribution and advertising partnerships, technology, compliance, and infrastructure. Concurrently BRian Musburger takes the role of President/Chief Business Officer and Bill Adee becomes CEO. Brian Musburger said, ?We?re thrilled to recognize the critical work Miles has done in building VSiN and helping us deliver the best product sports bettors can find anywhere. Bill has been an amazing partner in building this network during every phase and there?s no one better suited than him to run the network as its CEO. With Bill, Miles and Steve Cohen in place, we?re better positioned than ever and I look forward to setting my focus on our aggressive plans to rapidly expand distribution and partnerships.? Adee added, ?Miles has stepped up to every challenge we?ve thrown his way and I?m sure this will be no different. Having this strong leadership team will accelerate our growth as we head into our biggest season of the year.? Gwyn has been with VSiN since 2019 where he was part of the team charged with rebranding VSiN on-air graphics, helped manage engineering to execute Circa and Bar Canada studio expansions and led strategy and planning of the technical launch of DraftKings? FAST channel, DraftKings Network. He previously worked at Scripps’ KTNV Las Vegas and held production roles at live sporting and entertainment events. Gwyn commented, ?Over the past five years, I?ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with an amazing team at VSiN, focused on providing a first-in-class experience and driving value for our partners. It?s energizing to be in a growth and expansion mindset, and I look forward to working across departments and people to solidify the systems and structures that will allow us to continue delivering premium sports betting content.? VSiN also announced the promotion of Stephanie Kamerschak from Coordinating Producer to Executive Producer, responsible for overseeing talent schedules, managing producers and associate producers, and arranging promotional content across platforms. more

From Radio Online: WGFX-FM (104.5 The Zone) in Nashville taps Zach Lyons as afternoon host for its Sports radio show "Blaine and Zach," weekdays from 1-3pm. Lyons joins co-host Blaine Bishop, a former Tennessee Titans hard-hitting safety and a four-time Pro Bowler. Bishop retired following the 2002 season capping a 10-year NFL More...

From Radio Online: Edison Research has debuted the True Crime Consumer Report with audiochuck media company, which provides new insights from True Crime fans that transform perceptions of the genre and of True Crime audience growth. The report was presented by Edison Research Senior Director of Research Gabriel Soto in a More...

From Radio Insight: Cumulus Media Sports “104.5 The Zone” WGFX Gallatin/Nashville has announced the addition of Zach Lyons to its lineup to co-host “Blaine & Zach” from 1-3pm with former Tennessee Titan Blaine Bishop. Lyons is the co-founder of Nashville sports blog BroadwaySportsMedia.com and hosts the podcast “Football and Other F Words”, which will join the station’s podcast network. He also runs the Titans e-mail list StackingTheInbox.com focusing on advanced analytics as well as opinion. He will also co-host the station’s Titans postgame show “Titans Talk Back” with Brent Dougherty, Lucas Panzica, and Kevin Dyson. WGFX Operations Manager Paul Mason said, ?The exciting on-air duo of Blaine Bishop and Zach Lyons will ignite afternoons on 104.5 The Zone, delivering destination sports talk at its best. Zach is very well-versed in analytics and will bring an interesting dynamic to the show alongside Blaine, a popular Titans alumnus. Zach is also a great addition to our Titans postgame show, and we are thrilled to have his podcast, ?Football and Other F Words? join the 104.5 The Zone Podcast Network.? Lyons added, ?I am in shock that I will be living out a dream that I have had for decades. The fact that I get to talk shop with a legend like Blaine Bishop on 104.5 The Zone every day is just the cherry on top. Honored and grateful for all the support, especially from my wife Loren, and look forward to bringing listeners the best two hours of sports radio throughout the week.? Lyons takes the spot at WGFX that had been held by Mickey Ryan until his departure in May. more

From Radio Online: Alex Cooper, the host of the popular "Call Her Daddy" podcast, has entered into a new partnership with SiriusXM, ending her previous deal with Spotify. The multi-year deal gives SiriusXM rights to advertise, distribute and host other content and events related to the podcast. Sources familiar with the deal More...

From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its releases of the July 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Akron, Charleston SC, Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz, and Syracuse. Markets coming this week include: On Wendesday, August 21: Monthly ratings for Columbia SC, Little Rock, Springfield MA, and Toledo. On Thursday, August 22: Monthly ratings for Colorado Springs, Des Moines, Mobile, Spokane, and Wichita. On Friday, August 23: Monthly ratings for Chattanooga and Huntsville, Jackson MS, and Madison. more

From Radio Online: AdLarge has announced the addition of the CEO School podcast to its fwd. network portfolio. CEO School, hosted by entrepreneur Suneera Madhani, aims to empower women in business through conversations with female leaders and mentors. The podcast, which has already amassed over 1.5 million downloads, launches More...

From Radio Online: Former WTOP/Washington, DC Program Director Jim Farley has died following surgery to repair an aneurysm. Farley, who led the DC all-news station from 1996 until his retirement in 2013, played a key role in the station's transition from its previous 1500 AM signal to 103.5 FM. Farley's career spanned More...

From Radio Online: Imaging Voice Veteran "Rider" is the new imaging voice of Audacy's Classic Rock KGON in Portland, OR which is celebrating it's 50th year. According to Brand Manager Ryan Castle, "The choice was obvious. Rider came very highly recommended by our sister stations in Cleveland and Sacramento and has delivered." More...

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia's My Cultura podcast network, in collaboration with Locatora Productions, has launched a new original podcast entitled "Senora Sex Ed." Hosted by Locatora Productions co-founders Mala Munoz and Diosa Femme, the podcast aims to address and dismantle stigmas surrounding sex and sexuality within More...

From Radio Online: Lotus Communications launches the new FOX Sports 104.7 FM and 890 AM on KSAC-AM and KSAC-X1 in Sacramento, effective Monday, September 2. The stations will air FOX Sports Radio's 24/7 lineup of live sports entertainment shows, outside of "The Rob, Anybody, and Dawn Show" (known to More...

From Radio Online: Bloomberg Radio, in conjunction with Beasley Media Group, has announced Bloomberg Radio will be heard on WBOS-FM-HD1 (92.9) beginning September 3 at 12pm ET. "Rock 92.9" along with Dave and Chuck the Freak will be move to WBOS-FM-HD2 (106.1), WRCA (1330) and on the More...

From Radio Insight: Norsan Media has named Alina Berriz as Florida Market President overseeing the company’s stations in Jacksonville and Orlando. Berriz joins Norsan from Bustos Media where she was General Manager and Sales Manager in Seattle since June 2019. She has also held roles in television as Director of Creative Services for Univision’s UniM?s network, Marketing Operations Manager for Telemundo’s owned & operated stations, and Sales/Marketing/Promotions Manager for WSCV-TV Miami. Berriz commented, ?I am honored to join Norsan Media and lead the efforts in Orlando and Jacksonville, and look forward to building on the company?s goal of delivering quality content and creating meaningful connections within the community.? Norsan Media CEO Natalia Sanchez Alvarez said, “As Norsan Media begins its operations in Orlando, the company is committed to bringing culturally relevant content to its listeners, reflecting the diverse interests and values of the local Hispanic community. We are thrilled to welcome Alina to our team and are confident her experience and leadership in the broadcasting industry will bring fresh energy and innovative strategies to our company.” more

From Radio Insight: Mel Wheeler Inc. CHR “K92” WXLK Roanoke VA is seeking a new “afternoon star” as Bob Patrick has departed the station after a 22 year run. Program Director Chris Ryan says, “K92 has given a stellar start to some of the most successful on-air talent and Programmers in the business who’ve gone on to be successful in many major markets. If you have at least two years of on-air experience and can deliver a daily, compelling afternoon show that showcases your personality and ability to connect to listeners 18-49 send us your stuff. Promotions experience is also a big plus! Being adept at all social media platforms is required. If you want to work for one of the best privately owned companies in America, Wheeler Media would like to hear from you. This is a full-time position with benefits.” For more information visit the posting on the RadioInsight Jobs page. Patrick departed WXLK earlier this month. In a Twitter thread, Patrick said that it was his decision to leave. He wrote, “Simply put, it’s just time for new adventures. There’s no way I can convey how grateful I am to have been a part of things at K92. To my co-workers, on and off the air, it has been an amazing ride and sharing it with all of you has been an honor. The on-air crew I was lucky enough to work with during my time here was, in my opinion, the absolute best of the best in this business. We lived, breathed and loved radio and I hope you enjoyed listening to us as much we enjoyed crafting it for you. I don’t know what the rest of my career looks like, but the next chapter of my book is filled with empty pages. Pages that I can write however I’d like, without limitations, and I’m excited about the notion of having the freedom to choose my next path.” Prior to his 22 year run at WXLK, Patrick worked at WAYV Atlantic City NJ and KSYN Joplin MO. Simply put, it's just time for new adventures. There's no way I can convey how grateful I am to have been a part of things at K92. To my co-workers, on and off the air, it has been an amazing ride and sharing it with all of you has been an honor. — Bob Patrick more

From Radio Insight: Bloomberg Radio will move in Boston to Beasley Media Group’s 92.9 WBOS-FM Brookline MA starting at 12pm on Tuesday, September 3. “This expansion of our partnership with Beasley Media Group will allow us to exponentially expand Bloomberg Radio’s reach in Boston,” said Anthony Mancini, Head of Bloomberg Audio. “Moving to a full market FM frequency will give us the bandwidth we need to have an increased presence in the region, and the capacity to bring even more listeners Bloomberg?s in-depth coverage of the financial markets and beyond.? ?We?re excited to expand our great partnership with a global news and business leader of Bloomberg?s magnitude,? said Beasley Media Regional Vice President/Northeast, Mary Menna. ?This unique programming underscores the company?s commitment to providing our listeners with the very best content and compliments our other Boston brands: 98.5 The Sports Hub, HOT 96.9, WROR 105.7 and Country 102.5. More details coming* more

From Radio Insight: Following their cuts across Iowa in May, Alpha Media has relaunched a local morning show at Hot AC “Energy 106.7” KRTI Grinnell IA. Joe Swanson, who served as cluster Production Director while hosting middays on Country 95.9 KCOB-FM and afternoons on KRTI until exiting in the May cuts, has returned to the cluster to host mornings with Sarah Jorges. Jorges, who also works as an Account Executive at the cluster, had remained in her off-air role following the staff purge. She previously spent eight years in mornings with former Program Director Jaime Grout. Swanson told the Newton News, ?In the two weeks we?ve been doing the show, half of the day is the morning show, which really doesn?t feel like work. I enjoyed everything I was doing before, but it was a lot of work and a lot of prep. Whereas this feels like hanging out in the morning with a friend. Half the day is fun and hanging out.? Jorges added, “?It?s still very much people from this community working very hard and giving it their all to continue having local radio. As we build upon these ideas and make these changes ? they will happen and new things are coming ? we?re going to do everything that we can to make that stay in the community.? more