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From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its releases of the May 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Columbia SC, Des Moines, Little Rock, Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz, Spokane, and Springfield MA. Other markets coming this week: On Friday, June 28: Monthly ratings for Colorado Springs, Madison, Mobile, Toledo, and Wichita. more

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia may have a pair of Spanish changes in Florida. While Corus will launch this brand to comply with following the withdrawl of their requests to keep Talk on 107.3 CFGQ-FM Calgary. This content is for Premium Annual and Premium Monthly members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. more

From Radio Online: Sports KFNS (590 The Fan)/St. Louis will eliminate its local on-air hosts at the end of this week in favor of FOX Sports Radio's national offerings. The current local lineup includes "Hot Take Central" with Cam Janssen, Charlie Marlow and Jim Hayes (7-10am), "The Pressbox with Frank Cusumano" (10am-12pm), More...

From Radio Online: The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce has pushed back the consideration of legislation to preserve access to AM in automobiles. The full Committee markup of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act was cancelled and will be scheduled for a later date just minutes after it More...

From Radio Online: KMKT (93.1 Katy Country)/Sherman-Denison, TX Content Director and morning host Zac Grantham (pictured) is out in a series of Alpha Media buget cuts. He had been with KMKT since 2013. Grantham joined the station from Country KKAJ-FM/Ardmore, OK where he served as Promotions Director and afternoon host. He More...

From Radio Insight: Helen LittleI had a revelation in listening to WKST (96.1 Kiss) Pittsburgh last week, as part of my Fresh Listen to that station and WHTZ (Z100) New York. It was because of p.m. driver Tall Cathy.* Tall Cathy?s five breaks that hour included some celebrity topicals (Ariana Grande finally speaking out on Nickelodeon, Joey Chestnut splitting from Nathan?s), but there was also a first break of the hour about that day being a Wednesday that felt like Thursday and another about Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes getting a standing ovation on the road the night before, then teasing that evening?s game. (I need to emphasize that the Wednesday bit had no mention at all of “hump day”; there was clearly an attempt to be creative with it.) A few months ago, I had a similar revelation listening to middayer Helen Little on WLTW (Lite FM) New York. Little did a ?handshake break? ? the first one of the show ? that was ?happy Friday,? ?got any weekend plans?? and ?it?s going to be a nice day.? Later that hour, she encouraged listeners to make time to enjoy the beautiful weather, even if it was just going to the window. Little is a great jock, was a talented programmer, and has been one of my favorite people in the business for 30 years. She is one of Lite FM?s strengths. WKST has been one of CHR?s biggest surprise comebacks. I share stories like the above very cautiously because so much of the campaign against local personality for the last 25 years has been hinged on ?couldn?t a voice-tracker do that?? Or now, ?couldn’t AI just talk about the weather and the ballgame?? Tall CathySo if you think I am being in any way reductive about either host, you are missing my point. Part of what stood out about Kiss 96.1 under PD David Edgar was how much it felt like a classic full-service radio experience. Some of what I heard (sweepers about the Paris Olympics) were different. Some breaks and sweepers just made you feel more like somebody was on duty in a way that you don?t always get now. Teams of radio scientists are clearly trying to get AI to talk about the ballgame now and sound natural, but you already have somebody on your staff who knows how to do that. As a radio fan, the breaks I?ve always quoted to other radio people are the bravura pieces of writing ? the punchlines that I remember decades later. When I wrote an article about what I would have personalities talk about ?If I Had Six Breaks an Hour,? I admit that the basics weren?t specifically among them. But I did ask for more localism, and talking about the Pirates certainly counts.* Some of this, frankly, might have been about my own ability to volley back in some conversations. I envy people who can talk to anybody about anything. As basic as it seems, I am sometimes not ready for ?nice day, isn?t it?? I always want to start the conversation further in. But I should stop and enjoy my beautiful day more often, too.* As it happens, I?m also increasingly aware of how many radio people are better at small talk on the radio than at the supermarket checkout. But as more checkout lines become self-service, I miss that interaction, too. Part of radio?s value in a post-COVID world is to provide the small interpersonal dealings that on-site co-workers no longer offer every day. The essence of personality on a WLTW-style AC has always been the brush strokes that embellish station business, even if it just reading those liners with vocal nuance.* There is a talent in being able to talk to listeners in a way that their friends and co-workers can. There is a talent in being able to entertain in a way that those friends and co-workers cannot. Radio found its place with both ?aircheck moments? ? those bits or breaks remembered years later ? and small moments. I am increasingly happy to encounter either. more

From Radio Insight: Chicago Public Media has appointed Melissa Bell as its next CEO starting September 3. Bell, the former co-founder and publisher of Vox.com, will succeed Matt Moog. Moog revealed his intent to step down upon the appointment of his successor last December. Bell previously has held roles including Director of Platforms and technology columnist for the Washington Post and Features Editor for India’s Mint newspaper. She co-founded Vox in 2014 and rose to publisher of Vox Media in 2016 where she oversaw their other publications including Eater, The Verge, SB Nation and oversaw its merger with New York Magazine and their other brands including The Cut and Vulture and acquisition of Group Nine’s portfolio including The Dodo, NowThis and Thrillist. She has been serving as a visiting fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University since departing Vox Media last year. Bell commented, “It is an honor to take on this role, where there is both a massive opportunity and an urgent necessity to strengthen the role of public media in our local communities. There is a declining trust, and more worrisome, a declining interest in news at a critical time in Chicago and for our country. There are challenges facing CPM, but they are not insurmountable. In fact, there is so much potential that comes from the collaboration between WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times. I?m excited to return to Chicago to work alongside the many talented, passionate journalists and staff to build sustainable and scalable solutions for producing quality, accessible local news.? Chicago Public Media Board Chair Robert Pasin stated, “Melissa brings an incredible depth of experience as a media executive and publisher, a product leader and as a reporter. With her proven, visionary leadership and collaborative approach, Melissa will bring tremendous expertise and a strong track record of success to help Chicago Public Media develop a sustainable model for high-quality local journalism in the digital age. Under Matt?s leadership, Chicago Public Media has become a national model for the future of local news. The landmark acquisition of the Chicago Sun-Times helped to expand our reach and enhance our journalistic capabilities. Moog?s dedication and strategic vision have been instrumental in strengthening Chicago Public Media as a leader in public service journalism.? more

From Radio Insight: With the elimination of the Sports “1170 The Blitz” format, Griffin Media has flipped the former 1170 KTSB Tulsa to a 24/7 simulcast of its “News On 6 Now” television subchannel. Seen on KOTV-TV 6.3, some cable systems in the region, and streaming online, the channel carries simulcasts of KOTV’s live newscasts and repeats in other timeslots. The radio simulcast is being branded as “1170 News On 6 Now” under new KOTV call letters to match the television station. The station, then under KFAQ call letters, previously simulcasted KOTV’s live newscasts from 2019 until its flip to Sports in August 2021. more

From Radio Insight: Zobrist Media Sports “590 The Fan” KFNS Wood River IL/St. Louis will eliminate its local lineup at the end of the week. Owner Dave Zobrist told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the station will eliminate its thirteen hours of weekday local programming for Fox Sports Radio’s national lineup while he attempts to sell the station. He said, “It became apparent in April that marketing budgets are shrinking in this economy. 590 not being a Nielsen-rated radio station for national business attention was too tall a task to overcome.” Zobrist worked at KFNS prior to acquiring the station in 2021 for $450,000. The Sports format originally launched in April 1993 and was the primary all-Sports station in the market until Hubbard’s launch of “101 ESPN” WXOS in 2009. The station flipped to Hot Talk in 2013 as “590 The Man” and then went silent in November 2014 ahead of a failed sale out of bankruptcy to a religious group. The Sports format returned in November 2015 just days prior to when the license would have expired. Zobrist added, “It’s disappointing that the shows are ending, because the guys are all incredibly talented. I’m bummed out that I couldn’t make this financially stable, because I still believe in each and every host. The AM standalone category is absolutely a big challenge,” Zobrist said. “I invested into the signal strength when I first purchased it, and it didn’t seem to be a worthwhile investment in the end. I do still believe St. Louis is big enough for two sports radio talk format stations.” The current KFNS local lineup includes “Hot Take Central” with Cam Janssen, Charlie Marlow, and Jim Hayes from 7-10am, “The Pressbox with Frank Cusumano” from 10am-12pm. “The Kings Court with Kevin Slaten” from 12-2, “The Verdict with Nate Lucas” from 2-3, Bernie Miklasz from 3-6pm, and ‘Charlie Tuna’ Edwards from 6-8pm. Slaten’s show will continue daily on his website. more

From Radio Insight: Alpha Media has eliminated the majority of their local talent at their cluster in Sherman/Denison TX north of Dallas/Fort Worth. At Country “93.1 Katy Country” KMKT Bells, Zac Grantham exits as Content Director and morning host. Grantham had been with KMKT since 2013 after previously serving as Promotions Director and afternoon host right across the state line at Country 95.7 KKAJ Ardmore OK. Grantham also tracked nights at 97.9 KGNC Amarillo during his time at KMKT. Alan Freemont is out as Content Director and afternoon host at AC “97.5 K-Lake” KLAK Tom Bean. Freemont has been with KLAK since 2007 with time in mornings and afternoons and as Production Director. Freemont also has been heard on Westwood One’s Classic Hits and Classic Rock formats. “Mad Rock 102.5” KMAD-FM Whitesboro loses afternoon host Scott Kilian. Cluster Operations Manager and KMAD-FM Content Director/morning host ‘Big Dave’ Hilton remains. The stations were already running Westwood One network programming in all other dayparts. The cuts follow similar purges made in May at Alpha Media clusters in Missouri and then in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. more

From Radio Insight: Gemini XIII has announced that “The TJ Show” led by TJ Taormina has crossed the 60 affiliate threshold since its launch in February 2023. The show is being heard across multiple formats including CHR, Hot AC, Adult Contemporary, Classic Hits, and Country. Notable affiliates include Cumulus Media CHRs “Z96.5” WZNS Fort Walton Beach FL, 97.5 WABD Mobile AL, “107.1 A1A” WAOA Melbourne FL, Binnie Media Soft AC “99.3 The Wave” WBQX Portland ME, LM Communications Hot AC “Hits 106.3” WCDA Lexington KY, and Great Plains Media AC “Magic 99.5” WZIM Bloomington IL. The TJ Show also features co-host ‘JBo Marie’, ‘Producer Kenny’ O’Boyle, ‘Producer Heather’ Connor and ‘Camera Guy Josh’ Malone and is also available through YouTube, podcasts, and social media apps. The show is available for multiple dayparts. Taormina commented, “I?m so grateful for the overwhelming support from our listeners, affiliates, and our dedicated team both on and off the air. Reaching over 60 markets so quickly feels surreal and it?s a testament to the power of connection and communit which has always been the heartbeat of radio. We?re excited to continue this journey, bringing laughter and meaningful conversation to even more people across the country.” more

From Radio Online: Frequency taps 20-year veteran digital audio leader Billy Hartman to help the company expand its business development efforts. Hartman will work alongside CEO Pete Jimison and joins Frequency in a consulting capacity. He'll continue to support other clients within his partner More...

From Radio Online: WHQT-FM (Hot 105)/Miami morning hosts -- James T and Jill Tracey -- are out at the Cox Media Group Urban outlet in a downsizing move, reports the Miami Herald. A radio personality in South Florida for more than a decade, and more that 30 years in the industry, Tracey said she More...

From Radio Online: "The TJ Show," hosted by TJ Taormina, has announced a significant expansion. The program is now airing across 60 markets nationwide, and internationally in Canada and the UK. The show is hosted by TJ Taormina, along with co-host JBo, Producer Kenny, Producer Heather and Camera Guy Josh. In just a short time, More...

From Radio Insight: Corus Entertainment has pulled the plug on the programming at two of its AMs in Canada. All-Traffic “AM 730” CKGO Vancouver has begun simulcasting News/Talk 980 CKNW. CKGO has featured a Traffic format since 2006 outside of some Sports play-by-play including the CFL’s BC Lions, who had moved to CKNW for the start of this season, and Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps. News “Global News Radio 880” CHQT Edmonton has given way to a simulcast of News/Talk 630 CHED. The cuts come as part of an ongoing efficiency review across the company. The elimination of the formats included staff cuts in both markets. Corus released the following statement regarding the moves: As part of our efficiency review across Corus, we have made the difficult decision to reduce our AM radio programming in Vancouver and Edmonton. As a result, certain roles have been impacted. Effective immediately, AM 730 CKGO in Vancouver will cease to operate as an all-traffic station, and 880 CHQT-AM Edmonton will cease to operate as an all-news station. To minimize disruption to our audiences and advertisers, for a temporary, interim period, our powerhouse news-talk station 980 CKNW Vancouver will share programming content with its sister station CKGO, and our heritage news-talk station 630 CHED in Edmonton will share programming content with its sister station CHQT. Following that interim period, Corus will only operate one AM news-talk station in each of Vancouver and Edmonton. more

From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its releases of the May 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Akron, Bakersfield, Charleston SC, Harrisburg/Lebanon/Carlisle, and Omaha/Council Bluffs. Other markets coming this week: On Thursday, June 27: Monthly ratings for Columbia SC, Des Moines, Little Rock, Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz, Spokane, and Springfield MA. On Friday, June 28: Monthly ratings for Colorado Springs, Madison, Mobile, Toledo, and Wichita. more

From Radio Online: Wondery and Audacy's Pineapple Street Studios have announced "Hysterical," a new 7-part limited series from podcaster Dan Taberski. It explores a mysterious illness contracted by a group of upstate New York high school students in 2011 that may or may not be a case of mass hysteria. The series begins by More...

From Radio Insight: Seven Mountains Media has revamped its recently acquired Parkersburg WV cluster. While Conservative Talk 1230 WVNT/103.5 W278CQ Parkersburg WV continues stunting with a loop of *NSYNC?s ?Pop? as it prepares to flip to CHR ?Pop 103.5? on Friday at 10:00am, the remainder of the cluster has seen a combination of frequency changes, rebrands, lineup changes, and one format change. Country “Froggy 99” WGGE Parkersburg moves from 99.1 to 95.1 Elizabeth as “Froggy 95” upgrading the station from a Class B1 signal to the stronger Class B signal. WGGE will continue to feature Rob & Louise in mornings, Country Radio Hall of Famer ‘Ted Hopper’ Cramer in middays, and Program Director John D. Green in afternoons. The station adds Compass Media Networks’ “Taste of Country Nights” with Evan Paul to replace Westwood One’s “Nights with Elaina” in evenings. Making the reverse move from 95.1 to 99.1 are the WXIL call letters, but the station flips from Hot AC “My 95.1 XIL” to Classic Hits “WXIL 99” (pronounced Wixel). Bob & Sheri remain in mornings as does PD/afternoon host Larry Hughes. WMXO Olean NY PD/afternoon host Sammy Stone will track middays, while the station adds “Throwback Nation Radio” with Tony Lorino for nights. Rock “103.1 The Bear” WHBR-FM Parkersburg gets a new logo and on-air lineup. The station drops its mostly Westwood One originating programming for a lineup starting with Compass Media’s “Free Bear and Hot Wings” in mornings. The single named ‘Tractor’ is added for middays, while Ortiz remains in afternoons. Compass’ “Loudwire Nights” with Chuck Armstrong will be heard at night. Classic Rock “Z106.1” WRZZ Parkersburg has rebranded as “106.1 The Goat‘. Compass’ Dave & Mahoney replaces John Boy and Billy in mornings. Mansfield PA based Monica Hughes will track middays. Mike Cameron remains in afternoons, while Compass’ “Ultimate Classic Rock” with Matt Wardlaw is added for nights. Classic Country “Willie 94.7” 1050 WLYQ/W234DC revamps its on-air lineup with the addition of Compass’ “Big D & Bubba” for mornings, John Chalfant in middays, and WVPO Stroudsburg PA PD Jeff Hunt at night. Ted Hopper, who had been tracking mornings and afternoons will continue in the latter. more

From Radio Online: Alpha Media Chicagoland's WCCQ-FM andamp; WXLC-FM (Free Country @ 98-3 and 102-3) is the latest addition to its radio lineup, "Lon Helton's Country Countdown USA." With over three decades in country music reporting and charting, Lon Helton brings his expertise and passion for the genre to Chicagoland listeners. More...

From Radio Online: Radio.Cloud has unveiled a new transformative operating model. Launching on Hispanic Broadcasting's Spanish News/Talk KYST-AM in Houston, the new model enables stations to operate entirely from the transmitter site, integrating all incoming satellite feeds into the cloud workflow. This move is in-line with More...

From Radio Online: Audacy elevates Jeff Sottolano to Chief Programming Officer, effective immediately. He and the company have also agreed to a multi-year contract extension. Sottolano previously served as Audacy's Executive Vice President and Head of Programming since August, 2021. He's also held numerous programming, More...

From Radio Insight: Cloud based automation and programming distribution service Radio.Cloud, has launched Hispanic Broadcasting Inc. Conservative Talk “920 The Patriot” KYST Texas City/Galveston as the its first station to pull all satellite feeds into its cloud based workflow operating from the transmitter site. Radio.Cloud is processing and controlling the satellite receiver cues in the cloud with the company stating, “All equipment required to run the station?including satellite dishes, uplink and receivers?can now reside in a very small area at the transmitter site. The ability to process and control cues from satellite receivers in the cloud can save the broadcaster tremendous hardware expense. The setup is even simpler for music and non-satellite stations. It?s also easy to broadcast live completely from a web browser with just a microphone and internet connection.” The infrastructure is customizable to allow stations or syndicators to distribute or customize content across multiple markets and stations. Radio.Cloud Founder/CEO Christian Brenner commented, “Radio.Cloud has a track record of pioneering operating solutions for terrestrial broadcasters, allowing our clients to scale and grow through technology. We are very proud of our partnership with KYST-AM as it demonstrates the power of our new operating model. We believe it’s critical that radio continues to innovate in this ever-changing environment and still be able to deliver customized local content in a cost-efficient manner.? KYST owner Matthew Velasquez said, “Radio and the technology behind it were starting to feel archaic. When I saw the possibilities with Radio.Cloud I knew we could create something that would future proof our radio station and minimize our downtime and maintenance, plus open up new opportunities to our broadcasting capabilities. Our biggest technical issues stemming from our automation were always hardware related more than software related. The idea of having a cloud-native automation system versus a local server gave me peace of mind that we would not have any major technical issues going forward.” For more information regarding Radio.Cloud reach out to Andrew Scaglione at andrew@radio.cloud. more

From Radio Insight: Audacy has promoted Jeff Sottolano to Chief Programming Officer along with signing him a multi-year contract extension. The company has not had a Chief Programming Officer since the exit of Pat Paxton in 2021 at which time Sottolano rose to EVP/Head of Programming. He has spent his entire career at CBS Radio and Audacy starting as an intern in 2001. He would eventually program WZNE Rochester, and WYSP and WIP Philadelphia before becoming National Director of Programming for CBS Radio in 2014 and later VP/Programming in 2015 and SVP/Programming for Entercom following its CBS Radio acquisition in 2018. In the new role, Sottolano will be responsible for the content strategy and performance of Audacy?s local brands in all formats across broadcast, streaming, and podcast distribution platforms and oversee the programming leadership team, talent and content creators nationwide. Sottolano will also work closely with the Company?s product and technology teams as it enhances its creator tools and delivers new digital experiences for consumers and advertisers. He will also collaborate with its podcast leadership team on the development and launch of new titles. Sottolano commented, “I consider myself so fortunate to work with our programmers, talent, anchors, reporters and producers who, together, build incredible brands, entertain and inform, and make a difference in the lives of millions of consumers every day. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to do so at Audacy and believe that our best days are ahead of us. I am grateful to Susan Larkin, David Field, and so many others for the privilege of doing what I do and calling it work.” Audacy Chief Operating Officer Susan Larkin stated, “Jeff has a track record of success. He and our programming and brand leaders have executed market-winning content strategies and initiatives that deliver for our listeners and advertisers. Jeff?s leadership has been instrumental in elevating our performance across all platforms, and this promotion underscores our confidence in his ability to continue growing our best-in-class brand portfolio.? more

From Radio Insight: The closing of the sale of 105.7 KRBL Idalou/Lubbock TX to Lubbock Public Media will trigger a multi-frequency format shuffle on Monday, July 1. The Brad Moran led Lubbock Public Media agreed to acquire KRBL last September for $425,000 with Ramar, which Moran is President of, acquiring the intellectual property of its Texas/Red Dirt Country format “The Red Dirt Rebel“. That format will move to Ramar’s 107.7 KLZK-FM Idalou where it will be merged with their existing “93.1 Texas-FM” under the “Red Dirt Rebel” brand. Current KRBL morning hosts JR Rebel & Roberta Roberts and midday host Neely Yates Rawe will make the move to the new frequency where the will be joined by current “Texas-FM” PD/afternoon host David Wilde. Wilde previously programmed KRBL prior to moving to Ramar in 2018. With “The Red Dirt Rebel” taking over the Class C3 107.7 facility, its current occupant Hot AC “107.7 Yes-FM” will replace “Texas-FM” on 93.1 K226CH Lubbock/KTTU-HD4. The “Yes-FM” lineup will continue to feature Premiere Networks’ Brooke & Jeffrey in mornings and “On with Mario Lopez” at night along with remote voicetrackers Tommy Jordan and Marissa Lanchak in middays and afternoons. It is expected that the 105.7 facility will flip to Classical Music as Classical1057.org and 1057KLSO.org were registered last September simultaneously with the domains for 93.1 and 107.7. more

From Radio Online: SiriusXM has announced that actor, comedian, writer and podcast host Andy Richter is launching a new show in which he'll take calls directly from fans. Beginning Wednesday at 4pm ET, listeners can hear "The Andy Richter Call-In Show" every week on Conan O'Brien Radio (channel 104) and the SiriusXM app. More...

From Radio Online: NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt delivered a robust defense of free, local radio during his testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet on Wednesday, June 26. His remarks centered on the crucial role of broadcast radio and the potential negative More...

From Radio Online: Premiere Networks and syndicated radio host Bobby Bones add "In The Vet's Office" with Dr. Josie Horchak to Bones' Nashville Podcast Network, effective immediately. Each podcast episode, veterinarian Dr. Josie Horchak, sits down with her co-host Shannon Ella to answer questions she's constantly hearing at More...

From Radio Insight: After commencing a round of layoffs last week, the cuts have continued across Cox Media Group’s radio portfolio. Miami and Orlando were the most recent markets affected with the cuts taking place in those markets yesterday. Among the people exiting the company are: Charly Morgan is out from her multiple roles as morning host at AC “Magic 102.1” WGMG Athens GA, midday host at “Your Georgia Country” 106.1 WNGC Athens, afternoon host at Soft AC “Easy 102.9” WEZI Jacksonville, and night host at AC “B98.5” WSB-FM Atlanta. Prior to moving to WGMG in March 2023, Morgan hosted middays at WSB-FM and previously co-hosted mornings at WNGC. Joe Kelley departs as News Director and afternoon host at 580/107.3 WDBO Orlando. Kelley joined WDBO in 2012 after previously spending seven years at sister KRMG Tulsa. Just shy of 30 years at CHR 106.1 WBLI Patchogue NY, Al Levine is off the scene as APD/midday host. Levine joined WBLI as afternoon host in February 1995, added APD duties in 1999, and moved to middays in 2006. Prior to WBLI, Levine worked across New England at WTIC-FM Hartford, WZOU/WJMN Boston, WPRO-FM Providence, WFAN-FM and WQGN New London, and WLYQ Stamford. Afternoon traffic reporter/weekend host Cat Sodano has moved into the midday shift at WBLI. Robin Flores is out as morning host at Classic Hits 101.1 KONO-FM San Antonio. Flores hosted mornings at KONO-FM since 2011 with his career spent across Texas with stints in the market as OM/PD for Border Media Partners cluster including morning and afternoon host at “Jammin 94.1” KTFM from 2004-2010, and MD/midday host at CHR 102.7 KTFM from 1990-94. He has also worked at KFMK Austin, KHYI Dallas, and KKBQ, KHYS, KQQK and KRBE Houston. ‘James T’ Thomas is out as midday host at Adult R&B “Hot 105” WHQT Miami. Thomas has been with WHQT since 2003 with time in middays and afternoons, but his career dates back to 1970 with time including as morning host at 99.1 WEDR in the 1980s and was the Program Director who launched the “99 Jamz” brand on WEDR in 1990. Missey Bailey’s Sunday morning Gospel show “On Assignment” comes to an end. Bailey has been with the cluster since 1999 first at WEDR before moving to WHQT in 2004. Jill Tracey departs as News Director and host of the local segments during the “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” on WHQT. Tracey has been with the cluster since 1993 in multiple roles on air at WEDR and WHQT including co-hosting mornings at WHQT and currently hosting the Sunday evening talk show “Hot Talk with Jill Tracey”. Logan Booker exits as morning co-host at Sports “960 The Ref” WRFC Athens. Booker joined WRFC in 2016 and had co-hosted mornings with David Johnston since 2019. Evan Pedersen is out from his dual role as midday host at Classic Hits “95.3 The Eagle” WZLR Dayton and afternoon host at “Magic 102.1” WGMG Athens, the latter of which he used the name ‘Mookie’. Ian Hollinger exits as producer of the “Dex & Barbie T” morning show and night host at CHR 95.1 WAPE Jacksonville. We have also heard of cuts across digital and promotions across the company. more

From Radio Online: In a bold stance against potential government overreach, the Hawaii Association of Broadcasters is publicly opposing Governor Josh Green's intent to veto HB 2581. This legislative bill seeks to amend a controversial state statute that grants the governor and mayors the power to More...

From Radio Insight: Seven Mountains Media Conservative Talk 1230 WVNT/103.5 W278CQ Parkersburg WV has begun stunting with a loop of *NSYNC’s “Pop” as it prepares to flip to CHR “Pop 103.5” on Friday, June 28 at 10:00am. WVNT becomes the latest of Seven Mountains’ Talk stations to flip to CHR following similar moves last year in Altoona, Johnstown, State College, and Franklin/Meadville PA. WVNT will change call letters to WPKB ahead of the flip. The new format will create a direct format competitor to iHeartMedia’s “102 The River” WRVB Marietta OH with a lineup featuring the XHTZ San Diego “Hey Morton” in mornings, WFGY Altoona/WFGE State College morning co-host Lily in middays, WFGE PD/afternoon host ‘Bryan Baylee’ Thompson in afternoons, and Compass Media Networks’ “Pop Crush Nights” in evenings. WVNT had carried programming from WVRC Audio’s Metronews network and syndicated talkers including Westwood One’s Dan Bongino, Ben Shapiro, Mark Levin as well as Dave Ramsey. The flip leaves iHeart’s 910 WLTP Marietta as the only Talk station in the market. Additional changes are expected at the Seven Mountain Media cluster this week as Hot AC “My95.1 XIL” WXIL and Country “Froggy 99.1” WGGE have applied to swap call letters with the both promoting its upcoming move on-air. more