Activity Stream

From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its releases of the February 2025 monthly ratings. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Albuquerque, El Paso, Harrisburg/Lebanon/Carlisle, and Metro Fairfield County. The next three releases will feature: On Tuesday, April 8: Monthly ratings for Akron, Charleston SC, Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz, and Syracuse. On Wednesday, April 9: Monthly ratings for Columbia SC, Little Rock, Springfield MA, and Toledo. On Thursday, April 10: Monthly ratings for Colorado Springs, Des Moines, Mobile, Spokane, and Wichita. more

From Radio Online: In times of economic uncertainty, businesses often grapple with marketing decisions. A recent analysis by Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group highlights seven strategic approaches grounded in historical data that aim to bolster marketing effectiveness even during unpredictable economic climates. More...

From Radio Insight: New York Public Radio has named Thomas Reno as Chief Operating and Financial Officer. Reno joins the organization from Washington based strategic communications agency Precision Strategies. He has previously held senior positions at PR agencies including Burson Cohn & Wolfe, 42 West, GCI Group, Ogilvy Public Relations, and Hill & Knowlton. He also held positions in investor relations and was a financial reporter for Dow Jones Telerate US Corporate Markets Newswire. In the newly created position, Reno will lead and manage the administrative, financial and business-operations aspects of NYPR. He will help set organization strategy and vision; ensure alignment of Content, Revenue and Audience goals, priorities, and resources; oversee day-to-day operations; and help drive a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation. President/CEO LaFontaine Oliver said, “Tom possesses an incredibly diverse blend of financial acumen, talent management, operations, and human resources experience. He has a strong track record of driving business goals and a people-centric leadership approach that inspires high-performing teams to operational excellence. At this critical moment for public media and journalism, Tom is the ideal candidate to help us align strategy, goals and resources to deliver on our mission of providing audiences with trusted local news, award-winning national programming, classical music, and community conversations.? Reno added, “I?m thrilled to join NYPR at this important moment in its history, and I look forward to working with LaFontaine to execute his plan and vision for the organization. As an enthusiastic believer in the mission of public radio, I am eager to share my 30-plus years of experience successfully guiding a diverse group of communication and media businesses with the NYPR team.? more

From Radio Insight: Manda Factor is jumping across town to anchor “Seattle’s Morning News” on Bonneville News/Talk 97.3 KIRO-FM Tacoma/Seattle with Charlie Harger. Factor joins KIRO-FM from Lotus News “Northwest News Radio” 1000 KNWN/97.7 KNWN-FM where she co-anchored mornings since 2002. She reunites with Harger, who previously worked at what was then KOMO from 2003 to 2021 and took over mornings at KIRO-FM in January. She commented, “I am beyond excited to join Charlie and the KIRO Newsradio team. Charlie has been an integral part of the Seattle community, and I look forward to collaborating with him to bring important news and meaningful conversations to our listeners every morning. There is so much happening in the world, and I am passionate about delving into those stories to share with our community.” Bonneville Seattle Director of News and Talk Programming Bryan Buckalew said, “We?re thrilled to have Manda Factor join Seattle’s Morning News. Her reputation in the Pacific Northwest and genuine enthusiasm for connecting our community make her a fantastic addition. With Manda and Charlie Harger at the helm, we?re excited to bring our listeners a morning show that?s both informative and engaging.? more

From Radio Insight: Townsquare Media has shifted Classic Rock “Sasquatch 92.1” WWPE-FM Hermantown/Duluth MN to Active Rock. Now positioning as “Real Rock for the Northland”, the station has moved musically to a 90s and 2000s center with the addition of some currents and recurrents. Brand Manager and Director of Music David Drew said, “The Sasquatch brand has always had an aggressive approach, and while we won?t forget to play epic rockers from the past, now is the perfect time to evolve to play new rock and a lot more of the great songs from the 2000s and the 90s because fans of newer rock deserve a radio station to call their own and Sasquatch 92.1 is proud to fill that void.? With the revamp comes a new on-air lineup as former afternoon host Joe Danger moves to mornings from 6-9am replacing Compass Media Networks’ Free Beer and Hot Wings. Fox David remains in the 9am-12pm timeslot, but will now be followed by Townsquare’s national tracker ‘KC’ from 12-3pm as Ace Rawkolla moves to afternoons. “Loudwire Nights” with Chuck Armstrong replaces “Ultimate Classic Rock” hosted by Matt Wardlaw in evenings. Townsquare Media Duluth Director of Content Ken Hayes said, “For years, we?ve heard from listeners about the need for a real rock station in the Twin Ports. We?re confident this will open the door for more rock concerts, experiences, and a new era of rock in the Northland.” more

From Radio Insight: Latino Media Network has flipped Spanish Sports “TUDN Deportes” 1530 KGBT Harlingen TX to Tejano “Puro Tejano 1530” KYWW. The station is featuring a mix of classic Tejano from the likes of Selena, Emilio Navaira, La Mafia, and Mazz and newer artists such as Siggno, Solido, and Grupo Frontera. It is being promoted as “nonstop Tejano?from cumbias and conjunto to heartfelt ballads?with more music, all day, no interruptions.” Regional General Manager Vicky Guerreo said, “KYWW Puro Tejano 1530 AM is more than a station?it?s a revival of the Valley?s deep-rooted Tejano music culture. We?re proud to bring the community a station that reflects their heritage, celebrates their music, and connects listeners across generations with the authentic Tejano sound they love.? more

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia's New Country WKKT (96.9 The KAT) in Charlotte is set to launch its new morning show, "Graham B andamp; Sarah Lee," on Thursday, April 10. Hosted by North Carolina native Graham Bunn and longtime 96.9 The KAT favorite Sarah Lee, the program will air weekdays from 6-10am. Previously, Bunn hosted More...

From Radio Online: KIRO Newsradio adds 35-year veteran journalist Manda Factor as the new co-host of Seattle's Morning News. She'll join Charlie Harger, who recently assumed the role of host in January. Factor has earned a reputation as a meticulous reporter and anchor, recognized for her coverage and dedication to delivering More...

From Radio Online: In a move to enhance its digital media offerings, Nueva Network has introduced Dafnne Wejebe as the Vice President andamp; Director of Audio Content for its Latino podcast network, Que Onnda. Wejebe will spearhead the development of original Latino podcast series across various genres, including bilingual Latino More...

From Radio Online: A new report released by the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB), in collaboration with Nielsen, underscores the significant influence and unique engagement of Black consumers with audio media. The report, entitled "Reaching the Culture: Investing with Audio to More...

From Radio Insight: Steel City Media Country “Q104” KBEQ Kansas City unveiled a revamped on-air lineup today. Kyle Matthews, who was announced as joining the station in February as Music Director, will host mornings with Mallory Kay. Matthews joined KBEQ from Townsquare Media’s “Wow Country 104.3” KAWO Boise where he was Brand Manager and afternoon host. He previously spent two terms at NRG Media Country ?Froggy 98.1? KFGE Lincoln NE from 2016 to 2018 and 2019 until 2022 with time at Audacy?s ?95.1 K-Frog? KFRG Riverside CA in-between. Kay moves from nights at sister CHR “Mix 93.3” KMXV. Joe ‘Tater’ Cavanagh will also return to the station to contribute as “Nashville Insider”. Cavanagh departed KBEQ in 2024 to relocated to Nashville to pursue becoming a songwriter. He spent eight years with the station with time as Production Director, midday host, morning show producer/co-host, and Promotions Manager. Marissa Leggio, who joined the company after graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City last May, will rise from promotions to midday host. Lydia ‘LT’ Taylor and Erika Jay remain in afternoons and nights respectively. more

From Radio Insight: Graham Bunn & Sarah LeeiHeartMedia Country “96.9 The Kat” WKKT Statesville/Charlotte NC has announced that Graham Bunn will join the station in mornings alongside incumbent co-host Sarah Lee. Bunn began his career in television as a contestant on The Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad, and Bachelor in Paradise. He later hosted mornings at Mount Wilson FM Broadcasting’s “Go Country 105” KKGO-FM Los Angeles from 2014 to 2018 before hosting the Country music competition “Real Country” on USA Network. In recent years he has hosted shows for Spotify and Amazon. He commented, ?I?m incredibly honored to be joining 96.9 The KAT, Sarah Lee, and iHeartMedia. It has long been a dream of mine to combine my love for country radio with the place that cultivated my love for country music. Thomas Wolfe once said, ?You can’t go home again.? Respectfully I disagree. Coming back isn?t just a homecoming?it?s an opportunity to give back to the place that started it all.? iHeartMedia Charlotte Market President Dave Carwile said, “We are thrilled to welcome Graham Bunn to the 96.9 The KAT family as our new Morning Show host. Graham’s vibrant personality, deep connection with the biggest country stars in America, and passion for community make him the perfect addition to our team. We are confident his unique blend of charisma and experience will bring a fresh and exciting energy to our listeners every morning. Welcome aboard, Graham!? Lee added, “I’m honored to be welcoming home Carolina native Graham B. I am excited about everything that we are going to do together for our Carolina community.? Bunn takes the spot that had been held by Paul Schadt until his retirement in February. more

From Radio Insight: Redrock Media Country “Coyote 102.3” KUTQ La Verkin/St. George UT revamped last week to a more Gold based position “Real Country 102.3“. The station’s lineup remains the same with the revamp as it features Premiere Networks’ Bobby Bones Show in mornings, ‘Brother Dale’ Desmond in middays, and Jasmine Weaver in afternoons. The move to mostly Classic Country with some recurrents repositions KUTQ further away from Canyon Media’s 99.9 KONY and Townsquare Media’s “Cat Country 107.3/94.9” KIYK/KCIN. more

From Radio Online: AdLarge and the fwd. network promote 14-year company vet Ilwira Marciszek to Executive Vice President of Revenue Operations. In her new role, Marciszek will oversee all digital operations and lead strategic initiatives aimed at boosting partnerships and driving revenue growth. With a background spanning More...

From Radio Online: In a development announced at the 2025 NAB Show, Radio.Cloud and Quu have formed a partnership that will allow Radio.Cloud to directly integrate metadata with Quu's innovative visual services. This collaboration allows for integration of dynamic visual content with traditional audio programming. More...

From Radio Online: KNWS (Life 101.9) in Waterloo, IA, welcomes Seth Baron to its team as the new Engagement Director and evening host. He officially joined the University of Northwestern-St. Paul Contemporary Christian outlet on March 31 is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University with a degree in Marketing, has been actively More...

From Radio Insight: Radio.Cloud and Quu have announced a partnership to allow Radio.Cloud users to push metadata directly to Quu. Radio.Cloud Founder/CEO Christian Brenner said, “This is a very innovative development for the radio market, and we?re proud to fully integrate with Quu. We always pride ourselves on aligning with other forward-thinking companies.? Quu CEO Steve Newberry commented, “As radio evolves, the industry is increasingly embracing visual content and Radio.Cloud?s technology. Our collaboration gives broadcasters maximum flexibility to deliver exceptional visual displays that engage listeners and drive new revenue.? The Quu technology adds visuals and customized messages to your radio display. Through the partnership with Radio.Cloud, users of both can display dynamic programming and synchronized advertising messages on screen. more

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From Radio Insight: Nielsen continues its releases of the February 2025 monthly ratings. Today’s markets include monthly ratings for Bakersfield, Honolulu, Knoxville, Omaha/Council Bluffs, and Tulsa. The next three releases will feature: On Monday, April 7: Monthly ratings for Albuquerque, El Paso, Harrisburg/Lebanon/Carlisle, and Metro Fairfield County. On Tuesday, April 8: Monthly ratings for Akron, Charleston SC, Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz, and Syracuse. On Wednesday, April 9: Monthly ratings for Columbia SC, Little Rock, Springfield MA, and Toledo. more

From Radio Insight: The Estate of Bob Bittner will shut down Soft Oldies “Bob’s Memories Station” 750 WJTO/105.3 W287DD Bath and 1470 WLAM/97.3 W247DK Lewiston ME on Sunday, April 13 at 11:59pm. Those two stations and 870 WLVP/105.1 W286DR Gorham/Portland, which went silent last October (although no STA is on file at the FCC) had continued the listener supported programming that Bittner previously ran on a network in Massachusetts and Maine. The current programming will also keep streaming and be heard on 102.3 WGTX-HD3 Truro/106.5 W293DW-HD3 West Yarmouth MA on Cape Cod. A similarly programmed format continues on 720 WJIB/101.3 W267CE Cambridge/Boston under John Garabedian, who purchased WJIB from Bittner’s estate last year. Operator/Programmer Bob Perry wrote, “On Sunday April 13th at 11:59PM ,WJTO AM 750/FM 105.3 and WLAM 1470/FM 97.3 will be signing off permanently. We have tried to keep the stations going, but the cost of operating and maintaining the stations has just become too much, and more than the generous donations can cover! It was a very hard and emotional decision to make and wasn’t made lightly. We do want to thank all of you who have donated and kept us going this far. We have been holding the recent checks we have received. If you would like them returned please contact Bob Perry. If you would like us to divert your donation to the Streaming Service, that would be very much appreciated.” more

From Radio Online: KNBR (The Sports Leader) has renewed its broadcast agreement with the San Francisco Giants, extending its role as the Major League Baseball team's flagship station through the 2028 season. This renewal celebrates a partnership that began in 1979, making it one of the longest-running More...

From Radio Online: Dickey Broadcasting Company inks an extension of its flagship partnership with the Atlanta Braves, continuing its sixteen year collaboration. Under the twelve-year extension, WCNN (680 The Fan) will remain the exclusive radio home of the Atlanta Braves, providing coverage of all games, expert analysis, and More...

From Radio Insight: After ten years at Good Karma News/Talk 620 WTMJ Milwaukee, Brian Noonan has exited. Noonan joined WTMJ in 2016 and hosted “WTMJ At Night” from 2019 until moving to co-host the 1-3pm ?Spanning The State? with Kristen Brey last April. Noonan has also spent nearly 15 years at 720 WGN Chicago from 2006-21 and has worked as a television and stage actor, stand-up comedian, and substitute teacher. Noonan shared over the weekend, “After my show on Friday, I was informed that I was being “sun downed” at Newsradio 620 WTMJ which in plain English means I was let go. It’s a common, but painful truth about the radio industry. I’m still in shock and not clear on all the reasons, but grateful to have worked at this heritage radio station in various capacities for over a decade. What’s next? Well, Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer will continue, but other than that*stay tuned.” more

From Radio Insight: A marriage that has lasted through an Adult Contemporary format, the end of NBC Radio ownership, a flip to Sports, and the 2019 addition of an FM simulcast will reach the 50 year mark as Cumulus Media and MLB’s San Francisco Giants have reached a four-year contract extension to keep the franchise’s games on Sports 680 KNBR/104.5 KNBR-FM San Francisco through the 2028 season. KNBR has carried the Giants since 1979. Giants President Larry Baer announced the extension on-air this morning stating, “We’ve been married for a while, right? When you have a really good, long, successful marriage, what do you want to do? You want to keep it going.” KNBR has ALWAYS been your home for Giants baseball, and it will continue to be through an incredible 50th season! On this Opening Day morning, we're excited to announce a four year contract extension with the @SFGiants to continue bringing you Giants baseball for years to come. pic.twitter.com/Q0YMkRCQYC — KNBR (@KNBR) April 4, 2025 more

From Radio Insight: I never want to schedule ?Hero? by Enrique Iglesias. It usually brings to mind 9/11, when it became a hit, often interspersed with audio from the tragedy. I am never quite sure whether to gradually slow down the radio station to keep the transition from being abrupt, or hope a jingle alone lets people forget they were just listening to ?Girls Just Want to Have Fun.?* In general, the ?00s category is, if not the weakest moment of the hour on an AC station, the most challenging. For music and radio historians, the early ?00s don?t rankle quite as much as the beginning of previous decades. If you lived through the early ?80s or ?90s, you knew that Top 40 was down, but not likely out. Teen pop and Modern AC, twin pillars of Top 40?s comeback a few years ago, were essentially merged. Teen acts endured; they were just encouraged not to have fun. Much of the early ?00s is wearing surprisingly well now ? back on the handful of ?90s/?00s throwback stations and in surprisingly deep CHR throwback categories. In that time, R&B, Hip-Hop, Linkin Park, and teen punk meant that CHR had something to play, if not necessarily something to own. But many of the highlights of the era aren?t the songs on AC. When the ?00s roll around, you might hear ?Yeah? by Usher, or ?Here Without You? by 3 Doors Down, ?Family Affair? by Mary J. Blige or ?If You?re Gone? by Matchbox Twenty. ?Toxic? by Britney Spears or ?Bad Day? by Daniel Powter. ?Before He Cheats? by Carrie Underwood or ?I Hope You Dance? by Lee Ann Womack. It?s not that all of those aren?t songs people love that continue to earn their place on the radio. But half of them feel particularly savorless on a format increasingly imaged around ?feel good,? not just ?variety.? Sometimes the contradictions are within the same artist?s catalog: ?Since U Been Gone? by Kelly Clarkson or ?Because of You.? ?This Love? by Maroon 5 or ?She Will Be Loved.? ?So What?? by Pink or ?Sober.? The Timbaland production can be ?Say It Right? by Nelly Furtado or ?Apologize? featuring OneRepublic.* As TV and movie music supervisors start to exert their influence in the mid-?00s, you start to hear their contributions: ?How to Save a Life? by the Fray or ?Chasing Cars? by Snow Patrol. Those songs have hipper credentials and more passion ? if you haven?t thus far objected ?but people love these songs,? you probably are now. They?re easier to finesse than ?Hero.? If you played ?You?re Beautiful? by James Blunt 20 minutes earlier, they don?t feel different enough. Depending on how your categories are structured (and if they?re chronological to begin with), your ?00s titles are likely helped by the transition from turgid pop to turbo-pop. To research music in the late ?00s/early ?10s was to see the always reliable ballads from Nickelback and Creed quickly evaporate over the course of a few tests, replaced by Katy Perry and Rihanna. For a moment, the music seemed to not just reflect an improved national mood but drive one. Without disputing the legitimacy of individual songs, I feel the ?00s category dragging stations down more in my monitoring. Perhaps I?m encountering a station that swapped an ?80s position for a newer one, putting greater pressure on a category that didn?t feel deep to start with. Perhaps it?s also because some of those songs are making their way into Classic Hits. Or because they manage to come up near songs of even greater legitimacy but equal somberness from adjacent eras ? ?Iris? on one side, ?Someone Like You? on the other.* If you find the ?00s category frustrating, it will likely morph as more of the rhythmic ?90s test in, perhaps helped by hearing those songs again elsewhere. Like ?No Scrubs? by TLC before it, ?1,2 Step? by Ciara won?t be a Mainstream AC record until it suddenly is. (Like ?No Scrubs? before it, some stations will probably play it with the rap ? some by choice, some by not knowing which version to add to the library.) The ?00s could sound better on AC radio just by being better balanced. I?ve often thought that gold-based radio stations need not just tempo and energy codes for library titles, but also to take into account when songs are ?fun? or not. If you are of the belief that music scheduling should rely on rules or AI and less on a programmer?s individual judgment calls, I can tell you from recent listening that we aren?t there yet.* more

From Radio Insight: The Atlanta Braves have signed a twelve year broadcast rights extension with Dickey Broadcastings Sports “680 The Fan” WCNN North Atlanta/93.7 W229AG Atlanta. The deal, which runs through the end of the 2037 season, will keep the Braves on the station that has carried their games since 2010. Dickey Broadcasting President David Dickey said, “We are incredibly proud to extend our relationship with the Atlanta Braves. Our shared passion for baseball and dedication to delivering top-notch content to our listeners has been the cornerstone of our success. We look forward to many more seasons of exciting Braves baseball on 680 The Fan.” Braves President/CEO Derek Schiller said, “The partnership with Dickey Broadcasting has been instrumental in connecting our fans with the team. 680 The Fan’s exceptional coverage and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our goals. We are excited to continue this journey together.” more

From Radio Online: Oxford Road, in collaboration with Edison Research, has unveiled a comprehensive white paper titled "What is a Podcast?: Preserving its Essence, Structuring for Expansion." This pivotal study provides a detailed examination of the evolving landscape of podcasting, emphasizing the challenges posed by industry More...

From Radio Insight: Buffalo Toronto Public Media rebranded all of its radio and television stations under the BTPM name earlier this week. The move saw Public News/Talk 88.7 WBFO Buffalo/91.3 WOLN Olean/88.1 WUBJ Jamestown NY become “BTPM NPR” on-air, Classical 94.5 WNED-FM Buffalo/89.7 WNJA Jamestown becomes “BTPM Classical“, AAA “WBFO The Bridge” WBFO-HD2 become “BTPM The Bridge“, and WNED-TV becomes “BTPM PBS“. BTPM President/CEO Tom Calderone said, “Bringing all of our stations under the BTPM brand helps streamline our message and makes it easier for audiences to engage with all we offer. This change is about clarity and connection ? whether someone is listening to BTPM NPR for in-depth news, watching BTPM PBS for world-class storytelling, or discovering new music on BTPM The Bridge, they?ll know it?s all part of the same trusted organization.? In explaining the new name, the organization stated, “The inclusion of Toronto in the name reflects the deep and long-standing connection between BTPM and audiences in Southern Ontario. More than half of BTPM?s members reside in Canada, and for decades, the organization has collaborated with Canadian producers, acquired Canadian content, and maintained a presence in Toronto. The BTPM name underscores the binational nature of its service, strengthening ties between Western New York and Southern Ontario. BTPM remains dedicated to its mission of providing educational, informative, and culturally enriching content, supported by the community and free from commercial influence. The rebrand enhances accessibility and awareness, ensuring that more people can discover and enjoy the diverse programming available across BTPM platforms.” more

From Radio Insight: Encouragement Media Group Contemporary Worship “Lift Worship” 91.3 KGLY Tyler TX has begun simulcasting on co-owned 95.3 KELW Gilmer/Longview (formerly KWLL). The move gives the brand full coverage of the Tyler/Longview market. 95.3 had been Christian Preaching “The Well” simulcasting 94.3 KZWL Bullard/Tyler. KGLY had a 2.2 share in the Fall 2024 Nielsen Audio ratings, while KWLL/KZWL did not register. Encouragement Media Group also operates Christian AC 89.5 KVNE Tyler and Spanish Christian “Fuzion” 102.3 KLFZ Jacksonville/103.1 KHFZ Pittsburg in the Tyler/Longview market. It also operates KVNE and Fuzion simulcasters in additional markets including Shreveport LA, Little Rock AR, and Albuquerque NM. more

From Radio Insight: Norsan Media has filed to exercise its option to purchase 104.9 KTXX-FM Bee Cave and 105.3 K287FG Austin from Genuine Austin Radio. Norsan began operating the two stations in August 2023 via Time Brokerage Agreement and will now exercise their option to purchase the two signals outright for $4 million. All TBA fees will go towards the purchase price but not to exceed $3.2 million and if the deal closes by July 1, the price will be reduced by $300,000. Norsan Media also began leasing 99.3 KOKE-FM Thorndale, 98.5 K253AN Sunset Valley and 1260 KTAE Elgin/101.9 K270CO Round Rock last April, but those stations have yet to be sold. 104.9 KTXX-FM operates as Regional Mexican “La Raza 104.9/95.1” simulcasting with America Telecommunications Group?s 1530 KZNX Creedmoor/95.1 K236AY Westlake Hills and K287FG/KTXX-HD4 is Spanish AC “Romance 105.3“. Sukhdev Dhillon’s Baaz Broadcasting will buyout his partners in Akal Media’s “Radio Punjab” 1250 KKDZ Kent/Seattle WA for $200,000 giving the Canadian citizen 100% ownership of the station. Dhillon previously received a declamatory ruling from the FCC permitting him to own other stations including 1680 KNTS Seattle. Slab City Community Group will donate the CP for 91.1 KDEZ North Shore CA to Voice of the Salton Sea. Translator SalesMajor Keystone LLC adds an additional translator signal in eastern Pennsylvania with the purchase of 92.3 W222BV Stroudsburg from Penn Jersey Educational Radio Corporation for $20,000. The signal will rebroadcast Hip Hop “Loud Radio” 1400 WEST Easton along with 99.5 W258DV Easton. WEST and its translators simulcast 1600 WHOL/106.9 W295CR Allentown. more