Activity Stream

From Radio Insight: After dropping YEA Networks’ Greg Beharrell Show, Cumulus Media Alternative “Q101” WKQX Chicago has added Lyndsey Marie to its lineup for nights. Known in the market for her four years in middays at the former “97.9 The Loop” WLUP from 2014 until the station’s demise in 2018, Lyndsey had been tracking nights at sister Classic Hits 94.7 WLS-FM. Before and after her time at WLUP, she was based in Atlanta at “Rock 100.5” WNNX and currently tracks remotely for multiple Cumulus stations including “96 Rock” WFTK Cincinnati, Classic Rock “101 The Fox” KCFX Kansas City, and Rock “93X” KXXR Minneapolis. more

From Radio Online: Bolognious Francine Marconi will be upgrading his role with idobi Network. He's been the creative imaging voice and audio alchemist for idobi Network since 2015. In his new upgraded role he will be even more involved in the day to day creative aspects of the sound of all idobi brands and assist where needed More...

From Radio Online: WOKV-FM/Jacksonville, FL Director of Branding and Programming Jim Graci is retiring after more than five decades in radio. Prior to joining the Jacksonville News/Talk outlet two years ago, Graci previously spent nearly a decade as the Brand Manager of both News/Talk KDKA-AM and Sports KDKA-FM (93.7 The Fan) More...

From Radio Insight: Townsquare Media has promoted Russell Lawson to Market President for its Bozeman MT cluster. Lawson has served as Director of Sales for the cluster since March 2022 after fifteen years with Cox Media Group. During his time with Cox, Lawson served as an account executive in Jacksonville, General Sales Manager and then Station Director/Director of Sales in Athens GA, and Integrated Sales Manager in San Antonio. Lawson succeeds Scott Souhrada, who has retired after leading the cluster for the past decade. Souhrada moved over to management after a long tenure in programming Rock and Adult Alternative at stations including KBZU and KTZO Albuquerque, KKGL Boise, KYYS Kansas City, KGA and KAEP Spokane, and KATS Yakima. more

From Radio Online: Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) names Jessica Williams, a national AC host, and Community Outreach Director for Townsquare Media in Rochester, MN as 'Speak Up's' 2024 mentee. Created in partnership with Media Staffing Network and Laurie Kahn before her death, Speak Up! is a one-year program More...

From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its releases of the May 2024 diary surveys today. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Chattanooga and Huntsville Coming tomorrow: Monthly ratings for Jackson MS. more

From Radio Online: Neuhoff Family LP, the parent company of Neuhoff Media-Springfield LLC and Neuhoff Media-Bloomington LLC has entered into an agreement to sell the assets of WFMB-AM andamp; FM, WCVS-FM, WXAJ-FM and Channel1450.com in Springfield, IL and WBBE-FM, WWHX-FM and WIHN-FM in Bloomington, IL to Woodward Communications. More...

From Radio Online: After launching on Rhythmic AC KEZE-FM/Spokane in January, 2023, the Joey andamp; Lauren show is moving to mornings on sister Hot AC KZZU-FM, effective July 8. "Joey andamp; Lauren in The Morning" features segments like "Make Up Or Break Up," "That Awkward Moment," "Phone Jenks" and more. "We are honored to have More...

From Radio Insight: Iliad Media Group’s Joey & Lauren morning show is moving in Spokane WA from Morgan Murphy Media’s QueenB Radio Rhythmic CHR “Hot 96.9” KEZE to Hot AC 92.9 KZZU starting Monday, July 8. Joey & Lauren take the place of 30 year hosts Dave Sposito, Ken Hopkins and Molly Allen, who were let go from the station in June. Joey and Lauren have been heard on KEZE since January 2023. Hosted by Joey & Lauren Jenkins, the married couple have been hosting mornings at Iliad Hot AC ?My 102.7? KZMG since July 2018. Joey Jenkins previously served as PD/afternoon co-host at Sports ?99.1 ESPN Boise? K256CZ for Iliad, while Lauren was a newcomer to radio at the time of the show?s launch. Joey and Lauren commented, “This is home for us. We grew up listening to ZZU; we went on our first date to Silverwood. We are so excited to be a part of the #1 station in Spokane! We?re looking forward to waking up with the ZZU fam every morning! We want to thank the Morgan Murphy Media team for their support and for trusting us to take care of ZZU listeners and clients?. Iliad Media Management VP/Operations James Garner stated, “We are honored to have Joey & Lauren join a heritage and top-rated station like ZZU. Joey & Lauren have deep roots in Spokane; they grew up here, their family is here, the city and the people mean a lot to them. We are excited to introduce the show to even more listeners in the Inland Northwest.” Garner can be reached for affiliation inquiries at Jamesg@iliadmg.com or joeyandlaurenshow.com. more

From Radio Online: Cumulus Media elevates Shoshana Shapiro to Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Marketing, effective immediately. Most recently, she served as Vice President, Corporate Communications and Marketing Initiatives. Prior to her tenure at Cumulus, Shapiro held roles across several media sectors, More...

From Radio Insight: Earlier this year, Ross on Radio?s Sean Ross interviewed veteran programmer Alan Burns about the latest edition of his ?What Women Want? survey, unveiled on May 15, and about the state of radio overall. The survey highlighted, among other things, the depth of listener frustration with current music. While there have been signs of a rebound since Burns? study was conducted late last year, the study does show the magnitude of the issue and just how far contemporary radio has to rebound. Alan BurnsIt isn’t just radio programmers who are frustrated with current music product lately. One of the more surprising findings in Alan Burns and Associates and the Cumulus Media/Westwood One AudioActive Group??s “What Women Want” was how large the agreement was with this statement: “Today’s music is generally not as good as it was years ago.” You?d expect to see that with older people and fans of Classic Rock and Classic Hits, but the sentiment was widespread across all format cumes and all ages/generations. 64% of Generation Z, the youngest respondents agreed, while 61% of the oldest?Boomers–saluted it.* We see that sentiment showing up in the reaction to the Top 40 music montages that we tested. In this survey, we see Top 40 Gold? songs like ?High Hopes,? ?We Found Love,? ?Yeah,? etc. –tied with Current/Recurrent Pop for the number one slot with the total audience, No.1 one by a nose with Top 40?s cume, and #1 by a larger margin with the heaviest listeners. That’s a surprise. Another sign of stagnation: Only two artists ? Post Malone and The Weeknd – have broken into the top 20 ranking of Top 40 and Hot AC listeners? favorite artists in the last seven years.* Labels and radio have always had different goals, but for most of top 40’s history (as well as that of Country, Hot AC, and Urban formats), those interests were somewhat aligned: radio gave music exposure, and labels paid attention to what radio needed.* Lately, though, what’s selling and/or streaming and what appeals to mass audiences has diverged more, with the music industry logically and understandably following sales and streams rather than what works for radio in music testing. Radio needs to build mass, but the music industry can be profitable with a narrower audience. For example,* Taylor Swift’s best-selling album so far is Fearless at 7.3 million copies worldwide. 7.3 million represents only .005% of the global English-speaking population. Swift?s 1989-Taylor’s Version sold 2 million in the US alone. 2 million’s a nice number, but it’s only .006% of the American population. 7 million and 2 million are great sales numbers, and everybody made money. But radio can’t make money on those numbers. How would your boss feel if you only managed a .005 or .006 cume rating? It’s ironic that radio has probably never fallen more in line with label agendas and goals than it is now, at a time when it feels like we need to be striking out on our own and finding better, more appropriate product. We can’t manufacture it, but we can certainly look past label priorities. Here’s an example: odds are that while “Fortnite” is the label/artist’s choice for the first single off of Taylor’s Tortured Poets album, “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart” may wind up being a bigger single, whenever it’s finally worked by the label. By that time, though, it will be old news for Taylor Swift fans and calling it “new music” will create its own issues. A word of caution here: while women generally agree that music is not as good as it used to be, they still also tell us that discovering new music is very important to them. Let’s find the best new music, regardless of whether it’s currently being “worked.”* Reaching back into Top 40?s history, there was a time when stations went looking for and played great album cuts, and even created their own versions of songs. There have been a few recent signs of possible improvement in current pop music; let?s hope those keep showing up–the audience is asking for better product. Did you miss the ?What Women Want? webinar, or have more questions about the results and what they mean?* We?d be happy to share findings with you ? just email alan@burnsradio.com or jeff@burnsradio.com.* more

From Radio Insight: Neuhoff Media has completed the sale of its properties with a deal to sell its seven stations in Bloomington and Springfield IL to Woodward Communications for an undisclosed amount. Woodward will acquire “Rock 96.7” WIHN, Variety Hits “97.9 Bob-FM” WBBE, and Hot AC “Hits 100.7” WWHX in Bloomington and Variety Hits “96.7 Bob-FM” WCVS-FM, Hot AC “99.7 The Mix” WXAJ, Country 104.5 WFMB-FM, “Sports Radio 92.3” 1450 WFMB and the streaming “Channel 1450” local sports platform in Springfield. The stations will be integrated into the company’s Woodward Community Media division joining their six stations in the Appleton and Green Bay WI markets along with print publications in Iowa and Wisconsin. Woodward President/CEO Tom Woodward states, “We are excited to welcome these exceptional brands into the WCI family. They are a great fit with our culture and dedication to serving local communities. We look forward to collaborating with a very talented and engaged team to continue delivering top-quality programming and service.” Neuhoff Media trustee Julian Hickman commented, ?This final sale is bittersweet for our family, reflecting both a proud legacy and an emotional farewell. Our grandfather, Roger Neuhoff, poured his heart into the broadcast industry since the mid-1950s. The stations have been a vital part of our family and community, and while we cherish the incredible journey, it is time to turn the page.? Fellow trustee Makena Neuhoff added, “We would like to thank the incredible teams of local broadcasters in Springfield and Bloomington. We will forever cherish the memories and the significant impact our stations had on the local communities.” Neuhoff Interim CEO Steve Wexler commented, “I couldn?t be happier to transition these tremendous brands and talented, committed local broadcasters to the Woodward team. They share Neuhoff?s passion for localism and excellence. It?s been an honor to be part of this closing chapter in the proud Neuhoff broadcast journey.” Tideline Partners’ Greg Guy advised Woodward on the acquisition, while Kalil & Co. acted as broker for Neuhoff. At its peak Neuhoff Media owned 24 stations in Illinois and Indiana. The company announced its plans to exit radio earlier this year selling Danville and Decatur IL to Champaign Multimedia Group and its Lafayette IN stations to Saga Communications. more

From Radio Insight: Brook Stephens has exited Leighton Media Country “Wild Country 99” 98.9 KZPK Paynesville/St. Cloud MN after 22 years at the station due to budget cuts. Stephens had most recently been serving as Music Director and afternoon host at KZPK while also tracking afternoons at co-owned “KJ Country” 96.5 KJJK-FM Fergus Falls and 97.1 KYCK Crookston MN/Grand Forks ND as well as hosting a weekly Country countdown show for the company. She was named as Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio’s first ?Behind The Mic’ mentee last November. During her tenure, Stephens has also held roles as Imaging Director and APD/morning co-host at AC “Lite 99.9” KCML, and has tracked shifts for stations across the country. more

From Radio Online: Scottish radio programmer and personality Rob Lee is named producer for Bob Stei's syndicated 1990s "The Grunge Garage" radio program. Lee, who operates several Internet stations on RLB Media, is also the production voice of the program. He takes over for Rhett Butler who will be moving on to other More...

From Radio Insight: Audacy Cleveland SVP/Market Manager Tom Herschel has announced his retirement. Herschel has led he CBS Radio turned Audacy cluster since 2002 after holding various sales leadership roles in the market at WGAR AM/FM, WDOK-FM, WZAK/WZJM/WJMO, and WEWS-TV along with KGMB-TV Honolulu. Herschel stated, ?While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to such an incredible group of individuals and the remarkable brands we have the privilege to represent here in Cleveland, this decision fills me with joy. By making this move, we’ll finally have the opportunity to be fully present in our family?s daily lives and participate in the precious moments as our grandsons, Charlie and Emerson, grow and flourish. On a personal note, this transition opens the door for me to explore passions and interests that have been not-so-patiently waiting on the sidelines for way too long. I?m looking forward to the luxury of my first summer without a job since I was thirteen. Not to mention, I?m very ready to chase ?the dream? of achieving a single-digit golf handicap (hey, like I said, a guy can dream).? more

From Radio Online: Rock legend Alice Cooper and six-time PGA Tour winner Rocco Mediate are teaming up for a unique new golf show airing on SiriusXM. Since taking up the game nearly 50 years ago as he was recovering from alcohol addiction, Cooper has been one of golf's best known celebrity devotees. He would say later that he More...

From Radio Online: Audacy/Cleveland Senior Vice President and Market Manager Tom Herschel has announced his retirement after 22 years with the company. With a career spanning nearly four decades in the media industry, Herschel established himself as a prominent figure in radio and television sales and management. He was More...

From Radio Online: Cumulus Media | Westwood One's Audio Active Group blog outlines key findings from the just released Q1 2024 study. In a typical day, ad-supported digital audio reaches only a third of America while AM/FM radio reaches two-thirds of America. Between ad-supported Spotify and AM/FM radio, most people only More...

From Radio Insight: Immediately following the show’s departure from Cumulus Alternative “Q101” WKQX Chicago, YEA Networks’ Greg Beharrell Show has moved to Alpha Media Classic Alternative “95.9 The River” WERV Aurora. Alpha Media EVP/Content Phil Becker said, “I’ve been a fan of Greg Beharrell from 2015 to 2017, then again for a few weeks in 2023 until we got a few mean emails. I can’t think of a better fit for The River, in spite of trying.” TGBS host Greg Beharrell bewilderingly added, “welcome to the quote,” before continuing with, “after building a loyal listenership in Chicago over four years, I’m excited to bring my show to The River, cool?” It is unclear who Beharrell was referencing with the question. WERV Content Director, Todd Nuke’em said, “Every decade or so, a truly special radio talent emerges and takes over the airwaves, and Greg is the perfect stopgap while we wait. Greg Beharrell’s unique style and dedicated following make him a perfect match for 95.9 The River, which continues to innovate and expand its reach in the Chicago market.” For more information on syndicating TGBS, contact YEA Networks Director/Affiliate Sales Scott Kerr at scott@yeanetworks.com, or don’t contact Scott, those are the two options. more

From Radio Insight: Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, proudly announces Jessica Williams, National Adult Contemporary Host, and Community Outreach Director for Townsquare Media/Rochester, Minnesota as ?Speak Up?s? 2024 mentee. Created in partnership with Media Staffing Network and Laurie Kahn before her passing, Speak Up! is a one-year program designed for one mentee from any department in a small to medium radio market. The program is designed to encapsulate so much of what Laurie brought to the industry; a mentorship that encourages and empowers women to develop confidence and sharpen communication skills – to hone the ability to effectively speak up in order to further attain her goals. Since Williams joined the radio industry in 2017, she has been named one of the Top 20 Content Creators for Townsquare Media and was invited to Rising Through the Ranks in Nashville, TN. She is the PM Drive host for several Adult Contemporary stations with Townsquare Media the Community Outreach Director for Townsquare Media in Rochester and serves on the board of directors for The Landing MN. In 2023, Williams was also honored as the 2023 mentee for the MIW Minnesota State Broadcasters Mentorship program. Said MIW Board President Ruth Presslaff, ?Jessica is such a talent and I?m so excited to see her awarded this mentorship. I suspect Laurie Kahn would be very proud of this choice. Sincere thanks to Lisa Fields, President of Media Staffing Network for the continued support of this program and the incredible mentoring she contributes.? ?I am truly overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude,? added Williams. ?Hearing those words, ?You’re our mentee!? has left me spinning. I’m so thankful for the amazing women who will guide me over the next year, those I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting, and for the visionaries behind this mentorship program. I can’t wait for the incredible journey ahead!? more

From Radio Insight: As part of the on-going cuts at Cox Media Group, Jim Graci has announced his retirement as Director of Branding & Programming for News/Talk 104.5 WOKV-FM and Sports ?ESPN 690? WOKV Jacksonville FL. Graci joined Cox in that role in April 2022. Graci has also programmed 1020 KDKA and ?93.7 The Fan? KDKA-FM Pittsburgh from 2012 to 2021, 570 KLIF Dallas from 2010-11, and “ESPN Pittsburgh” 1250 WEAE from 2004-10. He has also held production and creative services roles at WZGC Atlanta, KBSG and KJR Seattle, and KEDJ/KGME/KHOT Phoenix and was the public address announcer for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and Seattle Supersonics. As part of a Facebook post, Graci stated, “I have too many people thank who have helped me, coached me, took me under their wing and guided me. Their tutelage allowed me to work at some of the greatest radio stations in the country. I have tried to ?pay it forward? by coaching and programming for the last 20 years, working with incredibly talented communicators, who continue to positively affect our lives whenever you turn the radio on. I want to thank the staff at my final station, WOKV-FM, as they prepare to protect, serve and inform Northeast Florida for another Florida hurricane season. I?d also like to spotlight Jules Riley, Jimmy Farrell, Pete Spriggs, Chris Eagan and Rob Babin at CMG, Cox Media Group, for their incredible leadership and faith in me in Jacksonville.” more

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From Radio Online: Audacy AC WTVR-FM (Mix 98.1) in Richmond, VA announced Saturday morning that veteran radio host Kat Simons has died. The 27-year Richmond veteran returned Mix to host middays in 2015. Prior to that she handled middays at joins crosstown AC WTVR-FM and Music Director/middays at Hot AC WMXB-FM. Simons had also More...

From Radio Online: The city of Cincinnati is mourning the loss of Jim Scott, a radio host who graced the airwaves for nearly five decades. Scott passed away on Friday evening at the age of 81 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. His wife, Donna Scott, confirmed his More...

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From Radio Insight: Kat Simons, midday host at Audacy AC’s “Mix 98.1” WTVR-FM Richmond and “101.3 2WD” WWDE-FM Hampton/Norfolk VA passed away on Friday, June 28. Simons had been a steady presence in the Richmond market since the early 1990s first at “B103.7” WMXB before moving to then “Lite 98” WTVR-FM in 1998. A native of Elkins WV, Simons began her career in her hometown and later worked in Clarksburg and Morgantown WV and the Outer Banks of North Carolina before arriving in Richmond. In addition to WWDE, she previously tracked for Clear Channel stations in Norfolk and Roanoke. In a statement, WTVR-FM noted: It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Kat Simons. This loss has left a void in our hearts, one that seems impossible to fill. For decades, Kat graced our lives with her unwavering devotion to her work, her listeners, her colleagues, and her sponsors. She was more than a voice on the radio; she was a cherished friend and a comforting presence, always offering a kind word or a sweet question with sincere curiosity. Kat’s life was a symphony of kindness and dedication, played out over the airwaves of Virginia radio. For thirty years, she informed, entertained, and kept us company, her warm, smoky voice becoming a household staple throughout Richmond and Hampton Roads. Born in Elkins, WV, Kat’s affection for animals blossomed early on her family’s farm. This love grew into a lifelong commitment to charity work, supporting local rescue groups and serving as Vice President of Richmond Hero. Her efforts touched numerous organizations, including Richmond and Hanover ARC, Relay for Life, the VA, USO, the Alzheimer’s Association, Arthritis Association, SPARC, Faison, Children’s Hospital, the READ Center, and the Diabetes Association. Kat’s love knew no bounds, extending to both people and animals. Her dog, Stevie, and her cherished cats were testament to her generous spirit. She freely gave of her time and resources, surprising many with random acts of kindness, monetary gifts, gift cards, and thoughtful birthday cards. Her “Pet Of The Day” segment and her role as an emcee at charity events helped raise thousands of dollars, reflecting her boundless generosity. Professionally, Kat reigned supreme during middays on 98.1 for over 25 years. She was a constant companion, whether at work or at home. Her presence was always a continual source of comfort and pleasure. Kat’s legacy of love and kindness will forever echo in our hearts. Thank you for everything, Kat. https://x.com/IAmRileyReed/status/1807040709259612574 more

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia Classic Hits “105.9 The River” WHCN Hartford has added Allison Demers as midday host and host of their statewide Community Access show. Demers is best known in the market for her 23 year run at Audacy AC “Lite 100.5” WRCH where she co-hosted mornings from 2000 until 2023 and served as News and Public Service Director. She most recently co-hosted mornings at WATR Waterbury CT with Christopher Fortier. She has also held morning show roles at CHR “KC 101” WKCI New Haven. She fills the opening created by Renee DiNino’s retirement. more

From Radio Online: Mega Philadelphia LLC, who owns Spanish language stations WEMG-AM (La Mega 1310) and W289AZ (La Mega 105.7) in Camden, NJ and serving central Philadelphia, exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after two years. This development was first reported by Radio Ink. Mega Philadelphia CEO More...

From Radio Online: Radio One's WPPZ-FM (Classix 107.9) in Philadelphia names veteran New York personality Shaila Scott for middays. She joins the Rhymthic Oldies outlet for 9am-2pm to fill slot most recently held by former Program Director Jay Dixon, who departed last year. Scott began her career at WBLK in Buffalo and worked More...

From Radio Online: Former Sports WEEI/Boston Program Director and Brand Manager Joe Zarbano joins communications firm Regan Communications Group as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. While at WEEI, he had direct oversight of all audio content for WEEI-FM, the WEEI Sports Radio Network, the Boston Red Sox Radio More...