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From Radio Online: KMVA-FM (Hot 97.5 andamp; 103.9) in Phoenix taps Maddie Reis as the new host of "Maddie in the Morning," effective September 30. Her prior radio roles include Executive Producer of "The Morning Mess" at Audacy in Phoenix, and the Chet Buchanan Show in Las Vegas, where she worked in show production and audience More...

From Radio Insight: Cumulus Classic Alternative “99X” 100.5 WNNX College Park/Atlanta GA morning host Leslie Fram exited her primary position as Senior Vice President of Music Strategy at Paramount Global’s CMT as part of the company’s layoffs last week. Fram held her role at CMT, where she was recruited by then CMT President and current Cumulus Chief Content Officer Brian Phillips, since 2011. After beginning her career at WABB Mobile AL, Fram joined WNNX predecessor ?Power 99? WAPW as APD/morning co-host in 1990 and rose to Program Director in 1997, and was part of every incarnation of the station?s morning show from the brand?s original launch in October 1992 until its demise in January 2008. She would then serve as PD of Emmis AAA 101.9 WRXP New York before joining CMT. She joined the reconstituted “99X” alongside her former co-host Steve Barnes in February 2023. During Fram’s tenure at CMT, she initiated the “Equal Play” campaign guaranteeing a 50% split between male and female artists, and “Next Women of Country”. As part of a memo to her team shared with Billboard, Fram wrote, “Thirteen years ago this month, I had the extraordinary opportunity to become SVP/Music & Talent at CMT and work with my longtime friend and mentor Brian Philips (President of CMT at the time). The transition from rock radio to country music television turned out to be a pivotal moment in my career, allowing me and the brand?s resident experts to build CMT?s next great chapter. We went on to create an even bigger music brand, continuing to amplify the format?s superstars and legends while giving voice to the next generation.” more

From Radio Online: Beasley Broadcast Group has announced the extension of deadlines for its ongoing financial restructuring efforts through its subsidiary, Beasley Mezzanine Holdings LLC. The adjustments include the Withdrawal Deadline, Expiration Date and Subscription Form Delivery Date for its More...

From Radio Online: United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) and Key Networks, have announced the unification of their sales forces into a joint venture called Key United. This strategic partnership unites the strengths of both companies, creating an enhanced sales organization with expanded reach and More...

From Radio Insight: United Stations Radio Networks and Key Networks are combining their national radio network sales units into a joint venture called Key United. The new combined sales team will be led by USRN parent Gemini XIII’s COO Charles Steinhauer and Key Networks President of Sales Ron Russo. Both companies will continue to produce, market and distribute audio programming independently to the radio and affiliate markets with Key’s Dennis Green and USRN’s Stefan Jones leading their respective companies. The companies claim that the strategic partnership “unites the strengths of both companies, creating an enhanced sales organization with expanded reach and capabilities for the advertising market”. Sun & Fun Media and Key Networks CEO Rob Koblasz commented, “By bringing together two of the most experienced radio network sales teams, we are creating a stronger, more agile organization that is better positioned to serve our advertisers. Key United will deliver more creative solutions to our clients while maintaining the great service for which both companies are known.” Steinhauer added, “I?m very excited about the scale and product lineup of these two very complementary companies for the advertising market! Our clients have come to expect a high level of service with us, and now together we can bring even more opportunity to them. I look forward to working alongside Ron, Rob and Dennis in this new venture. “ more

From Radio Insight: Alexandra Communications has flipped “Fox Sports 94.5” K233CJ Walla Walla/KNHK-HD2 Weston OR to Regional Mexican “Ke Buena 94.5“. The new brand will feature Rafael ‘El Pichakuas’ C?rdenas, who has worked at Spanish stations across Eastern Washington and Oregon. Consultant/Director of Programming Benjamin ‘El Chupacabras’ Reed said, “We are excited to welcome Rafael Cardenes to our family. His expertise and dedication to the Hispanic community will help us create a vibrant radio experience that truly resonates with our listeners. 94.5 Ke Buena will be a platform for cultural connection, music, and information that reflects the rich diversity of our area.? The duo previously were both associated with former sister stations KYOZ Spokane and KYJJ Boardman OR. The company describes the new brand as providing “a mix of music, news, and entertainment, featuring popular Latin genres, alongside community-focused programming that addresses local issues and events. The station is committed to being a voice for the Hispanic population, fostering a sense of community, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of its listeners.” more

From Radio Insight: After acquiring JVC Media’s signals in Orlando earlier this year, Norsan Media has officially unveiled their new formats for their $6 million acquisitions. 103.1 WFYY Windermere is now Spanish Tropical “Kaliente 103.1“. The company describes its new brand as featuring a unique blend of top Latin music genres, including Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Reggaeton, reflecting the vibrant lifestyle of our diverse audience with artists like Marc Anthony, Bad Bunny, Karol G, and Daddy Yankee. WFYY had been carrying Norsan’s “Latina” Spanish AC format since it began to operate the properties in June. 105.5 W288CJ Oviedo/WFYY-HD3 has taken on the Spanish AC mantle as “Suave 105.5“. That station is “focusing on 80s, 90s and today?s hits, designed to resonate with non US-born and US-born Latino classics, featuring music by timeless superstars like Chayanne, Luis Miguel, Ricky Martin, and Ricardo Arjona.” 660 WDYZ Altamonte Springs has become Regional Mexican “Poder 660“. Core artists are noted as Carin Le?n, Grupo Frontera, Banda El Recodo, and Grupo Intocable. Norsan Media has appointed Arnulfo Ramirez as Program Director for the trio as well as the company’s properties in Jacksonville. Ramirez most recently programming Univision’s “X96.3” WXNY-FM New York from 2018 to 23. He previously held roles as PD of iHeartMedia’s WBZY Atlanta, VP/Regional Program Director for Univision’s Texas markets, and OM/PD for HBC where he launched Spanish formats on 102.9 KLTN and 106.5 KOVE Houston and 94.1 KLNO Dallas. Ramirez commented, “I?m excited to join Norsan Media and work with such a talented team. My goal is to deliver authentic, exceptional programming that connects with the diverse audiences in Orlando and Jacksonville”. Norsan Media CEO Natalia Sanchez Alvarez said, “We are confident that under Arnulfo?s direction and Alina Berriz?s leadership, our Orlando stations will carve out a place in the hearts of the Hispanic community.” more

From Radio Insight: University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Public News/Talk 89.3 KCUR Kansas City and “91.9 Classical KC” KWJC Liberty MO are the most recent public media properties to undergo cuts. General Manager Sarah Morris said the stations would see a reduction in staffing, primarily at KWJC, with additional cutbacks in non-essential travel, professional development, and non-essential supplies. In parts of a memo shared by the station, she said, “Unfortunately, despite strategic investments in local programming and expansion efforts at our sister station, financial headwinds facing many of us in public media have forced us to make some very difficult decisions. We remain a steadfast champion of the arts and classical music in Kansas City.? Morris continued, ?These were difficult decisions to make, but reducing the size of our overall operation as we seek new ways to grow listenership and revenue will allow us to focus resources on our highest priority: providing free, high-quality journalism for our community.? KCUR Audience Editor Gabe Rosenberg tweeted that four staff members have been laid off and other open positions will remain vacant. He also shared that KWJC “will pause locally created and produced programming and focus on national programming from syndicated services.” He said that KWJC will lose its Director, Community Engagement Producer/host, and part-time assistant producer, and a graphic designer for the pair of stations. The stations will also not fill vacant reporter and Classical producer positions. KWJC debuted its Classical programming in July 2020 following the closing of its $2 million purchase of the station from William Jewell College. more

From Radio Online: KMJ (NewsTalk 580/105.9) in Fresno, CA is joining forces with local agriculture company Gar Bennett to raise funds for the Central California Food Bank through the 11th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive on Friday, September 20. KMJ listeners responded to the one-day broadcast with More...

From Radio Online: Audacy Inc. announced Monday the successful completion of its financial restructuring, reducing its funded debt by approximately $1.6 billion. The restructuring has lowered the company's debt from around $1.9 billion to $350 million, an 80% reduction, leaving Audacy with total net leverage of about 2.7 More...

From Radio Insight: After receiving FCC approval earlier today, Audacy has announced the completion of its financial restructuring as it exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Audacy says it has implemented “a fully consensual, deleveraging transaction that equitized approximately $1.6 billion of funded debt, a reduction of 80% from approximately $1.9 billion to $350 million emerging as a healthy, scaled, multi-platform leader in the dynamic audio sector, with total net leverage of approximately 2.7x, differentiated by its #1 position in exclusive, premium audio content. David Field will continue to serve as President/CEO with its existing management team remaining in place. Field will also serve on the new Board of Directors. Field said, “We are pleased to have successfully achieved all of our restructuring goals, emerging with an outstanding balance sheet, delivering industry-leading growth, serving our listeners and advertisers with excellence and honoring our commitments to employees and partners. Today, Audacy embarks on our next chapter, capitalizing on our position as a scaled, multi-platform audio leader, differentiated by our exclusive, premium audio content, including our unrivaled leadership in sports audio, powered by our industry-leading financial strength and focused on accelerating our innovation and digital transformation. We are maximizing a broad set of opportunities to further accelerate our growth for the benefit of Audacy and all of its stakeholders.” With the completion of its restructuring Audacy will become a privately held company. Laurel Tree Opportunities Corporation will hold at 57% controlling stake in the company. Led by trustees Leonard Benardo, Maryann Canfield, Alexander Soros, and Michael Vachon, the company is financed by the George Soros founded Fund for Policy Reform. Five Hour Energy founder Manoj Bhargava, who attempted a hostile takeover of Cumulus Media earlier this year, will hold 9.5% through his MBX Commercial Finance LLC. PJT Partners served as investment banker, Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal counsel and FTI Consulting served as financial advisor to Audacy. Greenhill & Co., LLC acted as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP acted as legal counsel to the DIP financing lenders and the ad hoc group of first lien debtholders. Evercore Group, LLC acted as financial advisor and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld acted as legal counsel to the ad hoc group of second-lien debtholders. more

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia Chicago has announced the return of its annual "Sista Strut Pink Celebration," a breast cancer awareness walk that will take place on Saturday, October 5. Now in its eighth year, the event is being held in partnership with WGCI, V103, Inspiration 1390, 103.5 Kiss FM, 93.9 Lite FM, Rock 95.5 and More...

From Radio Online: Beasley Media Group is partnering with the Red Cross as part of the company's on-going Community of Caring Initiative to support individuals, families and communities who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Beasley stations across the country are encouraging listeners and More...

From Radio Insight: Nielsen begins its monthly release of PPM ratings with today’s Day 1 update including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island, Riverside/San Bernardino, San Jose, and Middlesex/Somerset/Union. All the numbers can be found at RadioInsight.com/Ratings. New YorkiHeartMedia AC “106.7 Lite-FM” WLTW surges up 7.3 – 8.0 – 8.5. iHeart Classic Rock “Q104.3” WAXQ moves up to second 5.9 to 6.1. Audacy Classic Hits 101.1 WCBS-FM inches up 5.4 to 5.6. iHeartMedia CHR “Z100” WHTZ drops 6.5 to 5.5. MediaCo Adult R&B 107.5 WBLS is up 5.0 to 5.1. Red Apple Media Conservative Talk 770 WABC trends up 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4. iHeartMedia Hot AC 103.5 WKTU slides 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.4. iHeart Conservative Talk 710 WOR is down 1.6 to 1.2. Despite the sign-off of News 880 WCBS halfway through the survey, Audacy News 1010 WINS/92.3 WINS-FM holds at a 4.3 share with its stream steady at at 0.5. The 880 signal dropped 1.5 to 0.6. Los AngelesAudacy Classic Hits “K-Earth 101” KRTH slips 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.4 as it maintains its lead. Univision Spanish AC “107.5 K-Love” KLVE continues its climb 4.1 – 5.2 – 5.5 for what Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is its largest share since Spring 2008. iHeartMedia Hot AC “104.3 My-FM” KBIG rises 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.4 to tie for third with sister AC 103.5 KOST as it holds at a 5.4 share. iHeart CHR 102.7 KIIS-FM holds at a 4.9 share. iHeart News/Talk 640 KFI slides 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.3. Four Spanish signals see gains. Univision’s Spanish Adult Hits “Recuerdo 103.9/98.3” KRCD/KRCV is up 2.3 to 3.0. Meruelo Media Spanish Hot AC “Cali 93.9” KLLI is up 1.8 to 2.4 as is SBS Spanish Rhythmic “Mega 96.3” KXOL. Entravision Spanish Adult hits “Jose 97.5/103.9” KLYY/KSSE/KSSC/KSSD is up 1.4 – 2.0 – 2.2. ChicagoAudacy News 780 WBBM/105.9 WCFS rises 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.0 to claim a share of the Chicago market lead for the first time since January 2022. Hubbard Classic Rock “97.1 The Drive” WDRV dips 6.5 to 6.0. iHeartMedia Adult R&B “V103” WVAZ slides 6.5 – 6.1 – 5.8. Audacy AAA 93.1 WXRT is up 4.8 to 5.0. iHeartMedia Soft AC “93.9 Lite-FM” WLIT continues to fall 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 4.7. Cumulus Classic Hits 94.7 WLS-FM rises 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6. Weigel Broadcasting Soft Oldies “87.7 MeTV-FM” WRME-LP slides 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3. Audacy Country “US 99” WUSN drops 4.7 to 3.8. Sports “670 The Score” WSCR rises 2.2 – 2.4. – 2.7 with its stream up 0.4 – 0.9 – 1.0. Public News/Talk 91.5 WBEZ trends up 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5. Hubbard Hot AC “101.9 The Mix” WTMX falls 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.3 for what Huff notes is its lowest share since Fall 2003. Millennial Hits “Throwback 100.3” WTBC-FM is down 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.7. Dallas/Fort WorthCumulus Media Sports “The Ticket” 1310 KTCK/96.7 KTCK-FM rises from eight to first in the very compressed Dallas/Fort Worth market with a 4.2 to 5.0 gain. iHeartMedia Hot AC “Mix 102.9” KDMX climbs up to second with a 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.8 five month growth spurt. Public News/Talk 90.1 KERA-FM dips 4.8 to 4.5 from its record high last month into a three way tie for third with Cumulus’ “New Country 96.3” KSCS (up 4.3 to 4.5) and Univision Regional Mexican “Que Buena 94.1” KLNO (down 4.6 to 4.5). Audacy Classic Hits “98.7 The Spot” KSPF slides 6.4 – 4.8 – 4.4. Audacy Variety Hits “100.3 Jack-FM” KJKK is down 5.6 – 4.6 – 4.0. Audacy Sports “105.3 The Fan” KRLD-FM climbs 2.0 – 2.6 – 2.9. iHeartMedia CHR “106.1 Kiss-FM” KHKS-FM rebounds 3.5 to 4.2. iHeart AC “Star 102.1” KDGE gains 2.9 to 3.5. Audacy Alternative “Alt 103.7” KVIL rises 2.0 to 2.5. Radio One Adult R&B “Majic 94.5” KZMJ is up 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3. Cumulus Country “99.5 The Wolf” KPLX slips 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.8. Radio One Hip Hop “97.9 The Beat” KBFB drops 2.8 to 2.2. Hope Media Group Christian AC “89.7 Way-FM” KAWA slides 2.3 – 1.6 – 1.1. Cumulus Conservative Talk 820 WBAP/93.3 WBAP-FM slides 2.9 – 2.1 – 1.9. The transition of Audacy’s 1080 KRLD from all-News to a mix of News and Conservative Talk sees it drop 1.4 to 1.1, which Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is an all-time record low for the station. San FranciscoPublic News/Talk 88.5 KQED-FM rises 7.1 – 7.9 – 8.3 to expand its lead to its largest share since August 2022. Audacy News 740 KCBS/106.9 KFRC is up 5.8 – 6.6 – 6.9. Bonneville AC 96.5 KOIT dips 6.7 to 6.4. iHeartMedia Soft AC “98.1 The Breeze” KISQ drops 6.3 to 5.4. Bonneville CHR “99.7 Now” KMVQ climbs 4.1 – 4.8 – 5.0. Classical 90.3 KDFC rises 3.8 to 4.3. Cumulus Sports 680 KNBR/104.5 KNBR-FM slips 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.3. Audacy Hot AC “Alice 97.3” KLLC drops 3.6 to 2.8. Houston/GalvestoniHeartMedia AC “Sunny 99.1” KODA lifts off 5.7 – 6.8 – 7.6 to reclaim the Space City lead. Hope Media Group Christian AC 89.3 KSBJ is down for the fourth straight month 7.0 to 6.9. Radio One Country “93Q” KKBQ trends up 3.9 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 5.4 with sister Adult R&B “Majic 102.1” KMJQ down 5.9 to 5.3. iHeartMedia Rock/Alternative “94.5 The Buzz” KTBZ-FM slips 5.4 to 4.9. iHeartMedia News/Talk 740 KTRH drops 4.5 to 3.7. Public News/Talk 88.7 KUHF-FM is up 3.5 to 3.7. Audacy Variety Hits “95.7 The Spot” KKHH continues its downward trend 5.3 – 3.9 – 3.7. Cumulus CHR 104.1 KRBE is down 3.7 to 3.3. Audacy Hot AC “Mix 96.5” KHMX drops 3.5 to 3.0. Radio One Hip Hop “97.9 The Box” KBXX slides 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.7. iHeartMedia Hip Hop “93.7 The Beat” KQBT dips 3.0 to 2.6. MediaCo Regional Mexican “La Raza 98.5/101.7” KTJM/KNTE slides 3.0 – 2.5 – 2.2. Houston Christian Broadcasters Christian Preaching 105.7 KHCB-FM rises 2.2 – 2.6 – 3.4 for what Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is the largest share in its history. Hope Media Group Spanish Christian “Vida Unida” 91.7 KHVU gains 0.7 – 1.3 – 2.0 to also set a frequency record high in the market. AtlantaAs is regularly the norm in Atlanta, Cox Media Group takes for of the top five spots in the market. News/Talk 750 WSB/95.5 WSBB is down 9.9 to 9.5. Classic Rock “97.1 The River” WSRV dips 7.6 to 7.3. Adult R&B “Kiss 104.1” WALR rises 6.0 to 6.6. Radio One Adult R&B “Majic 107.5/97.5” WAMJ/WUMJ see-saws 6.2 – 5.2 – 6.3. Cox AC “B98.5” WSB-FM slides 6.9 to 6.2, but its stream climbs 0.4 – 0.6 – 1.1. Salem Media Christian AC “104.7 The Fish” WFSH falls 5.6 to 4.6. Public News/Talk 90.1 WABE rises 3.8 to 4.3 for what Huff notes is its largest share since November 2022. Radio One Hip Hop “Hot 107.9” WHTA trends up 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.1. Cumulus CHR “Q99.7” WWWQ gains 2.9 to 3.6 for its best share since January 2023. Cumulus’ “New Country 101.5” WKHX dips 3.8 to 3.3, while iHeartMedia’s “94.9 The Bull” WUBL is up 2.9 to 3.2. PhiladelphiaiHeartMedia Adult R&B 105.3 WDAS-FM maintains its lead 9.0 to 8.9. Audacy Sports 94.1 WIP gets the start of the NFL season bump up 7.0 to 8.0 with its stream adding a 1.7 to 2.0 rise. Beasley Media Rock 93.3 WMMR dips 8.1 to 7.8, while sister Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK moves 6.7 to 6.6. Audacy News 1060 KYW/103.9 WPHI inches up 4.8 to 4.9, but its stream is up 0.6 to 1.1. Radio One R&B Oldies “Classix 107.9” WPPZ-FM gains 3.1 to 4.1, which is a format high for the station. iHeartMedia Hip Hop “Power 99” WUSL rises 3.3 to 3.9. iHeart CHR “Q102” WIOQ climbs 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.5. Beasley Media Variety Hits “95.7 Ben-FM” WBEN-FM trends down 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1. Audacy Conservative Talk 1210 WPHT drops 2.9 to 2.0 with its stream down 1.0 to 0.7. Nassau/SuffolkCox Classic Rock 102.3 WBAB/95.3 WHFM retains a significant lead despite dropping 9.3 to 7.9. iHeartMedia CHR “Z100” WHTZ jumps 4.8 to 6.1. Audacy Classic Hits 101.1 WCBS-FM rises 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.9 to tie for third with sister News 1010 WINS/92.3 WINS-FM (up 4.7 to 4.9). Connoisseur Media Hot AC 97.5 WALK is up 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.6 to tie for fifth with iHeartMedia Classic Rock “Q104.3” WAXQ (up 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.6). Cox CHR 106.1 WBLI dips 4.2 to 3.8. Connoisseur Media Country “103.1 The Wolf” WWWF-FM is down 4.1 to 3.4. Red Apple Media Conservative Talk 770 WABC rises 2.0 to 3.1. Connoisseur’s “Oldies 104.7” 1100 WHLI falls 2.7 – 2.0 – 1.3. Riverside/San BernardinoAnaheim Broadcasting Classic Hits 99.9 KOLA-FM trends up 9.2 – 9.3 – 10.6. Entravision Spanish Adult Hits “Jose 97.5” KLYY falls 7.4 to 6.4. iHeartMedia Hot AC “104.3 My-FM” KBIG rises 2.8 – 4.0 – 4.1. iHeart Rhythmic CHR 99.1 KGGI trends up 3.3 – 3.6 – 4.0 to tie Univision Spanish AC “107.5 K-Love” KLVE as it rises 3.5 to 4.0. MediaCo Regional Mexican “Que Buena 96.1” KRQB rebounds 2.9 to 3.9. iHeartMedia Rock “Q103.3” KTMQ rises 0.8 – 1.0 – 1.4. Audacy Country “95.1 K-Frog” KFRG slides 4.4 – 3.8 – 3.2. San JoseBonneville AC 96.5 KOIT leads to publicly visible stations up 4.8 to 4.9. Univision Regional Mexican “Que Buena 98.9/99.1” KSOL/KSQL is down 5.2 to 4.7 to tie Bonneville CHR “99.7 Now” KMVQ as it rises 4.2 to 4.7. Bonneville Classic Rock “98.5 K-Fox” KUFX is up 3.9 to 4.2. iHeartMedia Hot AC “Star 101.3” KIOI dips 4.4 to 4.0. Alpha Media Hot AC “Mix 106.5” KEZR falls 6.1 to 3.7. Middlesex/Somerset/UnioniHeartMedia Classic Rock “Q104.3” WAXQ regains the Central New Jersey lead up 6.9 to 7.1. Townsquare Media Conservative Talk/Classic Hits “New Jersey 101.5” WKXW slips 7.1 to 6.3. iHeartMedia AC “106.7 Lite-FM” WLTW climbs 4.6 to 5.5. Audacy Hot AC “New 102.7” WNEW is up 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.4. Beasley Media AC “Magic 98.3” WMGQ drops 6.5 to 5.3. SBS Spanish Tropical “Mega 97.9” WSKQ swings 5.1 – 6.0 – 5.0. Audacy Classic Hits 101.1 WCBS-FM rises 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.7. Press Communications Country “Thunder 106” WKMK is up 2.4 to 2.8. iHeartMedia Hip Hop “Power 105.1” WWPR-FM is up 1.8 to 2.5. Sister Hot AC 103.5 WKTU slides 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.0. more

From Radio Online: The FCC has granted approval for Audacy License LLC to transfer its broadcast licenses as part of its restructuring plan to emerge from bankruptcy, according to the decision issued on September 30. This move allows Audacy to proceed with a Joint Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization, enabling the company to More...

From Radio Insight: Prolific voicetracker ‘Megan Marie‘ Vaughan is now hosting mornings at Cumulus Media AC “Magic 99.5” KMGA Albuquerque. Megan currently tracks for a number of Cumulus Media properties including nights on Classic Hits 94.9 KCMO-FM Kansas City, middays on “Cat Country 95.1” KATC Colorado Springs, afternoons on Soft AC “Magic 97.9” KQFC Boise, and weekends on Rock “V100” KDVV Topeka. She’s also heard on stations including KRFN Reno, WFTZ Manchester TN, and KXDG Joplin MO. She replaces the syndicated Bob & Sheri in mornings at KMGA. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Megan Vaughan (@meganontheradio) more

From Radio Insight: I’m having a lot of fun with Ranking the ?70s, Version 2.0. Author Bill Carroll, after a career in chemical engineering/consulting, turned his attention to chart books. (He?s still an adjunct professor at Indiana University.) He reworked this one last year and has just published*Ranking the ’90s: Country – The Decade Country Went Mainstream. Carroll spins off his rankings of all 5,315 charted Billboard Hot 100 singles of the decade and all 5,941 albums into numerous other charts: Lowest Scoring No. 1s; Weakest Follow-Ups to No. 1s; Biggest ?70s Covers of ?50s/?60s Hits; Top Instrumentals; Singles-Driven vs. Album-Driven Artists; Top Writers and Producers. What got my attention though was not the top of the singles rankings as much as the bottom 100: songs No. 5215 through 5315. None peaked higher than No. 95. The last 10 or so were the songs that spent a single week at No. 100. And while poring over that list might seem like a job for only the really, er, devoted, there are both treasures and curios. Songs we?ve all heard of now, but by somebody else. There?s the pre-Doobies ?Jesus Is Just Alright? by the Byrds. The Country hit version of Marshall Tucker Band?s ?Can?t You See? by Waylon Jennings. Also, the Slade original of ?Cum On Feel the Noize,? a song more Americans have probably heard about since the Quiet Riot hit than actually heard. Another international hit that fizzled here,*?One Man Band? by Leo Sayer, is a song that endured for years on Classic Hits radio in the UK. Left-field covers and remakes: Peaches & Herb?s ?The Sound of Silence?; Edwin Hawkins Singers vocalist Dorothy Morrison?s ?Spirit in the Sky?; Wilson Pickett?s ?Mama Told Me Not to Come.? The Country hit remake of ?Solitary Man? by T.G. Sheppard is the lowest-ranking song at No. 5315. In an era when A&R often involved covering an album cut by a better-known artist that hadn?t become a single, there is Stevie Wonder?s ?Happier Than the Morning Sun? by B.J. Thomas and Neil Young?s ?Tell Me Why? by Matthews? Southern Comfort. Losing versions of a cover battle. 1975?s disco-fied remake of ?Love Hurts? by Jim Capaldi was eclipsed shortly by Nazareth?s power ballad version. Revelation?s ?You to Me Are Everything? failed to become a U.S. hit, but so did the UK smash by the Real Thing, a song still unavoidable on the radio there. Pre-stardom hits: The O?Jays were already working with Gamble & Huff on 1970?s ?Looky Looky (Look at Me Girl),? but were a few years from following them to Philadelphia International. Rick Springfield had already nominally broken through with the infamously hyped ?Speak to the Sky,? but he was already on another label a year later for ?American Girls.? Then there?s the song that counts as both a pre-stardom hit and a losing version of a cover battle. 1976 saw two different songs by the same artist compete with themselves. One was the old and re-recorded versions of Bobbie Gentry?s ?Ode to Billy Joe.? The other was Sweeney Todd?s ?Roxy Roller.? When the original Canadian hit version was used in America to launch Nick Gilder?s solo career, it competed with a re-recorded version where Gilder was replaced by one Bryan Guy Adams. Neither version was a hit here, but Gilder?s version ? an equally perverse prequel to ?Hot Child in the City? ? still plays on Canadian radio. There is the Partridge Family trying to rock harder on ?Friend and a Lover.? There are the remaining members of the Monkees, after a hard-fought battle for credibility, cheerfully returning to bubblegum on ?Oh My My? with the help of the Archies team, Andy Kim & Jeff Barry. There are R&B and disco classics that just didn?t happen to cross over, such as Bohannon?s ?Foot Stompin? Music.? There?s the KC & the Sunshine Band-produced ?Where Is the Love? by Betty Wright, which Harry Wayne Casey once (credibly) told an interviewer was his ?River Deep Mountain High?-style lost masterpiece. Another acknowledged masterpiece, Love?s ?Alone Again Or,? is from 1968, but was reissued in 1970. It?s not the only ?60s song to resurface; there?s also a Turtles version of ?Eve of Destruction? from their first album, but also made a single in 1970. Not all the songs mentioned here are still available via streaming, but enough are to make for a great playlist. Please enjoy ?The Best of the Bottom 100 of the ?70s.? more

From Radio Insight: Desert Valley Media Group Hot AC “Hot 97.5/103.9” KMVA Dewey-Humboldt/KZON Gilbert AZ has launched “Maddie In The Morning” with the addition of Maddie Reis as its new morning host. Reis previously served as Executive Producer for the Chet Buchanan Show on Audacy’s 98.5 KLUC Las Vegas and “The Morning Mess” on “Live 101.5” KALV-FM Phoenix. Since Februrary show has been Social Media/Video editor for The Kim Komando Show. She started as a intern at WEEI Boston and was also a producer for “The TJ Show” at “103.3 Amp Radio” WODS Boston. Program Director Mike Gallagher said, ?This is one of those, where preparation meets opportunity moments. Maddie is ready to make her mark, couldn?t be more thrilled to add her to the team.? Reis commented, “I?m beyond excited to join HOT 97.5 and 103.9 with my new show, Maddie in the Morning. Becoming a radio personality has been my dream since I was a kid, so hosting my own show is truly a dream come true. There?s no better way to start the day than here in the valley, and I can?t wait to wake up with our listeners, sharing great music and plenty of laughs.? Desert Valley Media Group CEO Michael Cutchall added, ?Maddie blew us away in the interview, and putting someone in their ‘dream job’ is a winning formula for this company.? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maddie Reis (@maddieinthemorningaz) more

From Radio Online: How does a brand generate incremental reach to grow sales without increasing the budget? Two brands, a meal kit firm and a subscription management app, were measured by the Harris Poll Brand Tracker and analyzed using media plan optimizations via Nielsen Media Impact to determine how to resume growth without More...

From Radio Online: Bonneville Denver is making changes to the weekday lineup on Sports KKFN (Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan), effective immediately. The revamped schedule sees Brandon Stokley joining morning drive with Schlereth and Evans. Brandon Stokley makes the move to mornings after more than eight More...

From Radio Online: Auddia has grown its total available stations within the faidr app to over 13,000 AM/FM stations, more than 9,000 of which are ad-free for subscribers. In addition, Auddia recently introduced two podcast features: Forwardand#43; and Chapter Visualization, enhancing the podcast More...

From Radio Insight: Bonneville Sports “104.3 The Fan” KKFN-FM Longmont/Denver is revamping its morning and midday shows. Midday co-host Brandon Stokely is moving to mornings to join Mike Evans from 6-10am. Former co-host Mark Mark Schlereth will join the duo following the completion of FS1’s “Breakfast Ball” at 8am. Stokely joined KKFN in February 2016 following a fifteen year career as an NFL wide receiver with the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. Cecil Lammey will succeed Stokely in middays from 10am to 2pm with Josh Dover. Lammey has been KKFN’s Denver Broncos reporter for many years and has previously co-hosted a daily 9-10am show and nights at the station. He also previously hosted at “102.3 The Ticket” KDSP. Program Director Amanda Brown saud, “Brandon Stokley is one of the top radio personalities in the market. Placing his unique blend of energy, enthusiasm and textbook charm alongside an iconic duo like Schlereth and Evans will provide a much-needed shot of energy to your morning. Cecil Lammey has been a staple in the Denver sports scene for nearly two decades. His passion for community and tireless dedication to his craft make him the perfect fit alongside fellow Colorado native Josh Dover.” Bonneville Denver SVP/Market Manager Katie Reid added, “I’m excited to showcase Stokley and Cecil in different timeslots; these small shifts offer a big opportunity for them to entertain and engage with new audiences.” more

From Radio Online: SummitMedia appoints Mike Hogan as the new President and General Manager for its operations at its 5-station cluster in Omaha. The 25-year broadcast management vet most recently oversaw clusters in Sioux City, IA and Ogallala, NE for more than a decade. From 1999 to 2008, Hogan led sales and managed accounts More...

From Radio Insight: SummitMedia has appointed Mike Hogan as its new President/General Manager for its Omaha NE cluster. Hogan joins SummitMedia from iHeartMedia where he has led the company’s Sioux City IA and Ogallala NE clusters since 2018. He previously spent most of his career in Omaha with stints as Business Manager for Great Empire Broadcasting from 1991 to 1999 and Account Manager at Journal Broadcast Group (the now SummitMedia cluster) until 2012. He then joined iHeartMedia Omaha in 2013 as Senior Account Executive until his move to Sioux City. Hogan said, “The privilege to return to where my radio career began over 30 years ago is quite an honor. I look forward to leading the talented team at SummitMedia in Omaha as we develop even stronger relationships with our listeners, clients, and the communities we serve.? SummitMedia CEO Carl Parmer commented, “We?re excited to have an executive of Mike?s caliber running our Omaha cluster. He brings incredible experience, expertise, and leadership to our team.? more

From Radio Insight: The FCC has approved the Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring of Audacy allowing the company to complete the process. Upon closing two parties will hold attributable stakes in the new Audacy. Laurel Tree Opportunities Corporation will hold at 57% controlling stake in the company. Led by trustees Leonard Benardo, Maryann Canfield, Alexander Soros, and Michael Vachon, the company is financed by the George Soros founded Fund for Policy Reform. Five Hour Energy founder Manoj Bhargava, who recently attempted a hostile takeover of Cumulus Media, will hold 9.5% through his MBX Commercial Finance LLC. Audacy was also granted a temporary waiver to exceed the permitted limit on foreign investment stating that the aggregate foreign ownership of the entities with the right to obtain New Common Stock in Reorganized Audacy at emergence would exceed the 25 percent limit. To ensure the aggregate foreign ownership will not exceed the 25% limit, company will insert an Equity Allocation Mechanism to convert some of their holdings to Class B Common Stock and/or Special Warrants that will cap foreign ownership on an equity or voting basis at 22.5% at most. Another waiver allows the company to continue to hold nine licenses (4 AM and 5 FM) in Kansas City MO due to 1660 KWOD Kansas City being the expanded band descendent of 1250 KYYS. KYYS is leased to another operator. Conservative commissioners Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington dissented claiming the commission is fast-tracking the process on political grounds. Carr added, “The FCC?s decision today rests on several additional errors that warrant reversal on appeal. For one, the decision cannot be squared with the agency?s current approach to transaction reviews. For instance, in the Standard General-TEGNA proceeding, the agency found that it could not approve the requested license transfers because the applicants in that case failed to persuade the agency that they would not layoff or cut newsroom and other jobs. Under Goose v. Gander, the FCC must ding these Applicants for the same reason.18 Indeed, the Applicants in this case have made no jobs showing or commitment at all. If job losses are relevant to the FCC?s transaction review analysis, then the agency cannot approve this takeover.” Simington claims that he was not given the ability to review to transaction at all.. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel issued a statement in response to the Conservative commissioners and politicians claiming they gave preferential treatment and fast-tracked the transaction because of the involvement of George Soros writing, “In this decision, we approve the assignment of licenses held by Audacy, which has been under the control of a bankruptcy court, to the new Audacy, so that the company can emerge from bankruptcy proceedings. The process we use to facilitate this license transfer is identical to the one recently used by the agency in the bankruptcy proceedings of Cumulus Media in 2018, iHeart Media in 2019, Liberman Television in 2019, Fusion Connect in 2019, Windstream Holdings in 2020, America-CV Station Group in 2021, and Alpha Media in 2021. To suggest otherwise is cynical and wrong, as this precedent clearly demonstrates. Our practice here and in these prior cases is designed to facilitate the prompt and orderly emergence from bankruptcy of a company that is a licensee under the Communications Act.” more

From Radio Insight: Starlite Broadcasting has made some music tweaks at its pair of stations in Corpus Christi TX. Rhythmic CHR “Wild 105.5” KLHB Portland moved to Mainstream CHR on Friday taking the station out of competition with Malkan Interactive Communications’ “Hot Z95” KZFM and instead placing it against ICA Radio’s “Planet 102.3” KKPN. The 6pm hour on Sunday, September 29 featured: Kane Brown & Marshmello – Miles On It Sza – Kill Bill Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather Outkast – Ms. Jackson Taylor Swift – I Can Do It With A Broken Heart Teddy Swims – Lose Control Rihanna – Pon De Replay Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy) Alex Warren – Carry You Home Miley Cyrus – Flowers Terror Fabulous ft. Nadine Sutherland – Action Sabrina Carpenter – Please Please Please Charli XCX – 360 Jack Harlow – Lovin On Me B.O.B. ft. Bruno Mars – Nothin’ On You Chappell Roan – Good Luck Babe Mark Ambor – Belong Together Taylor Swift – Is It Over Now? Hot AC “96.5 The Beach” KLTG Corpus Christi’s playlist has expanded to include more 80s/90s gold. Its 6pm hour KLTG featured: Smash Mouth – I’m A Believer Tove Lo – Talking Body Bryan Adams – Summer of ’69 Papa Roach & Carrie Underwood – Leave A Light On Third Eye Blind – Never Let You Go Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With A Smile Rihanna – Pon De Replay Cure – Why Can’t I Be You? Benson Boone – Slow It Done Bananarama – Venus Nickelback – Photograph Flo Rida – Good Feeling Go Go’s – Our Lips Are Sealed Chappell Roan – Good Luck Babe All-American Rejects – Gives You Hell Taylor Swift – I Can Do It With A Broken Heart Jackson Browne – Somebody’s Baby A banner on KLTG’s website says “Something BIG is Coming. Stay Tuned To Beach 96.5” more

From Radio Insight: The floods that left 54 people stranded a hospital roof in Erwin, TN also completely swept away the studios and tower of Jet Broadcasting’s News “Livewire 103.9” WXIS and “Sports Radio 1420” WEMB Erwin. Jet Broadcasting owner Maria True told Australia’s ABC News that she intends to rebuild as quickly as possible, “The station’s been a staple here for 68 years. We’ve got a lot of wonderful other radio stations that are always quick to help.” She continued, “They don’t consider it as a competition, but as their brother and their sister.” She noted that their tower was also destroyed by a flood in 1977 under her father’s ownership. MARC Radio Hip Hop “Magic 101.3” WTMG Williston/Gainesville FL is currently off-the-air as its tower was destroyed by Helene. >hr/> Up in the much devastated Asheville area, iHeartMedia’s seven station cluster is doing around-the-clock news coverage streaming here. Saga Rock “105.9 The Mountain” WTMT morning hosts Rizzo and Jeff are doing cluster-wide coverage as well as of this writing as is the “Blue Ridge Public Radio” network. The storm issues extend as far east in North Carolina as Wilkes Broadcasting’s “Mix 97.3” WKBC-FM North Wilkesboro states, “Helene’s impact has been widespread, and has affected us as well. We are currently off the air due to power outages which has disrupted our broadcast due to fallen trees. We anticipate resuming our programming tomorrow.” Curtis Media’s Classic Hits 100.7 WZJS Banner Elk and Country “Highway 102.3/106.1” WMMY Jefferson/WWMY Beech Mountain are off with the remainder of the company’s Boone cluster providing a pre-recorded local updates at the top and bottom of each hour. General Manager Erica Lackey said, “We are attempting to update this announcement once daily at least, as our systems are in disrepair and cell service and internet are not reliable.” Curtis Media’s Lenoir NC cluster is off-the-air as well. more

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From Radio Insight: Ahead of the start of the Fall book starting earlier this month, Nielsen released their biannual revision of market rankings. Among the PPM market changes: Seattle/Tacoma has moved up to market #11 leaping over Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Denver moves from #19 to #18 moving ahead of San Diego. Salt Lake City is up to market #26. Austin up to #27. Riverside/San Bernardino drops from #26 to #28. Orlando is up to #29 with Sacramento down to #30. Columbus is up to #36 to move ahead of Cleveland up the road as it drops to #37. Jacksonville rises from #44 to #43 trading places with Milwaukee. West Palm Beach dips from market #48 to #49. Memphis falls three spots from #52 to #55. Hartford from #55 to #56. Many of the markets rising were in Florida with the most significant being Fort Pierce/Stuart/Vero Beach as it is up six spots from market #94 to #88. Other gains in Florida were Fort Myers up from #54 to #52, Sarasota/Bradenton #68 to #65, Lakeland/Winter Haven (#80 to #78), Gainesville/Ocala (#83 to #81), Daytona Beach (#87 to #85), and Pensacola (#119 to #116). Other gains included Greenville/Spartanburg SC (#57 to #54), Boise (#84 to #82), Savannah GA (#137 to #135), Tyler/Longview TX (#139 to #137), Asheville NC (#153 to #150), Odessa/Midland TX (#161 to #157), Bryan College Station TX (#185 to #182), and Rochester MN (#207 to #204) The most significant drops were Cape Cod MA (market #180 to #185) and Santa Barbara CA (market #202 to #207) both falling five spots. Many California markets were down with Bakersfield (#81 to #83), Stockton (#82 to #84), Victor Valley (#114 to #118), Modesto (#118 to #120), Palm Springs (#136 to #139), and Santa Maria/Lompoc (#196 to #198) dropping multiple positions. Other markets dropping three places were Spokane WA (#88 to #91), Colorado Springs (#89 to #92), and Columbus GA (#185 to #189). The new ranking lists can be seen on our Ratings page at RadioInsight.com/ratings. more

From Radio Online: Nielsen Audio is proposing a significant change to how radio stations are credited for audience listening time. Traditionally, a station received credit for a quarter-hour of listening only after a listener tuned in for at least 5 minutes. Now, Nielsen plans to shorten this threshold More...