Top Radio News

2021 NAB Radio Board Election Results Announced

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

National Association of Broadcasters

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced the results of the 2021 NAB Radio Board elections. The two-year terms of the elected board members will begin in June. New Board members or those who have previously served on the Board are listed in italics. Other Board members listed below are currently serving on the Board and have been re-elected.

NAB Radio Board Elections (Odd-numbered districts)

Allen Power
Senior Vice President
Salem Media Group
District 1 - New England

Mike Tarter
President and CEO
Forcht Broadcasting
District 5 - WV, KY

Nick Martin
General Manager
Big River Broadcasting
District 9 - GA, AL

Chris Ornelas
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Beasley Media Group
District 13 - MI

Dana Withers
President and CEO
Withers Broadcasting and Dana Communications
District 17 - IL

Carolyn Becker
President
Riverfront Broadcasting LLC
District 21 - MN, ND, SD

Collin Jones
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy
Cumulus Media Inc.
District 3 - PA

David Hoxeng
Owner
WNRP-AM, WYCT-FM, WEBY-AM
District 7 - FL, PR, VI

Matt Mnich
Chairman and CEO
North American Broadcasting Company, Inc.
District 11 - OH

Bradford Caldwell
Owner and CEO
Caldwell Media LLC
District 15 - TN, AR

Roger Harris
General Manager
Chickasaw Nation
District 19 - OK, Northern TX

Trila Bumstead
Owner/CEO
Ohana Media Group
District 25 - OR, WA

In addition, David Bevins, COO of Connoisseur Media, was appointed to a designated seat on the NAB Radio Board.

Audacy Inks EVP/CFO Richard Schmaeling to New Agreement

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Richard Schmaeling

Audacy has entered into a new employment agreement with Richard Schmaeling to continue as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, effective May 1, 2021 and continuing through April 30, 2025, unless earlier terminated. Under the agreement, Schmaeling's compensation will will contain an annual base salary of $800,000, which beginning May 1, 2022 will be increased by not less than three percent annually.

Schmaeling joined then Entercom Communications in April, 2017. Schmaeling is a 33-year media finance vet, previously holding the role of CFO at LIN Media, a local TV and digital media provider serving 23 markets and approximately 10% of U.S. households, from 2008 until its acquisition by Media General in December, 2014.

Prior to joining LIN Media, Schmaeling served as VP/Finance at Dow Jones, where he oversaw nine business units and held operational finance responsibilities.

Kulbertis Joins Eastlan Ratings as Client Services Director

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Eastlan Ratings

Long-time radio vet Frank Kulbertis was recently a client of Eastlan Ratings and now joins the company as Client Services Director. He previously served as General Manager for the five FM stations of Redwood Empire Stereocasters in Santa Rosa, CA. Interestingly, Santa Rosa is the largest U.S. market to be surveyed only by Eastlan. Broadcasters in the market dropped Nielsen service there several years ago.

"I handled regional and national sales before becoming GM of the Santa Rosa stations, so I know what it's like to talk to ad agencies about buying with Eastlan research," says Kulbertis. "Honestly, getting them to use and accept the Eastlan numbers was not all that difficult. Buyers want to make educated decisions and Eastlan is presented in exactly the same way while offering a complete representation of the entire market."

"Frank brings a wealth of experience to Eastlan and I'm flattered to have him choose to invest his time working with us," said Eastlan Ratings President/CEO Mike Gould. "Not only has he been a sales trainer for dozens of stations across the country for many years, he has sat in the same chair as our clients and has unique first-hand experience creating ROI using Eastlan."

"I love everything about what Eastlan Ratings does for small and medium market radio," added Kulbertis. "And, they list every station whether they're a subscriber or not. This company really is Putting Radio First."

Univision, Grupo Televisa Merge in $4.8 Billion Deal

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Univision has agreed to merge with stakeholder Grupo Televisa in a $4.8 billion deal, which includes the company's 58 radio stations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Grupo Televisa will hold the largest stake (45%) in the new entity with 45%. The company also owns the Univision and UniMas broadcast networks, nine Spanish-language cable networks and 61 TV outlets.

As a part of the agreement, Televisa will retain ownership of izzi Telecom, Sky, and other businesses, as well as the main real estate associated with the production facilities, the broadcasting licenses and transmission infrastructure in Mexico. Televisa's content assets will be contributed for approximately $4.8 billion.

Under the terms of the deal, Univision will pay $3 billion in cash, $750 million in Univision common equity and $750 million in Series B preferred equity, with an annual dividend of 5.5%. The combination will be financed through $1 billion of new Series C preferred equity investment led by the SoftBank Latin American Fund, along with current Univision investor ForgeLight LLC, with participation from Google and The Raine Group and $2.1 billion of debt commitments arranged by J.P. Morgan.

"This strategic combination generates significant value for shareholders of both companies and will allow us to more efficiently reach all Spanish-language audiences with more of our programming," said Televisa Board of Directors Executive Chairman Emilio Azcarraga. "Together, Televisa-Univision can more aggressively pursue innovation and growth through digital platforms as the industry continues to evolve. Our new investors at the SoftBank Latin America Fund, Google and The Raine Group are just as excited about the opportunities presented by this combination."

"This transformative combination brings together the leading network serving U.S. Spanish-language audiences with the leading media platform in Mexico powered by the most powerful Spanish-language content engine in the world," said Univision CEO Wade Davis. "Televisa-Univision will emerge as the leading global Spanish-language multi-media company, uniquely positioned to capture the significant market opportunity for Spanish speakers worldwide."

Davis continued, "The composition of our new investor group reflects confidence in our strategy, the progress of our digital transformation and the magnitude of the opportunity ahead of us. I would like to thank Chairman Emilio Azcárraga for his confidence in us, to continue as partners growing the incredible company he and his family have built. I would also like to thank Televisa Co-CEOs Alfonso de Angoitia and Bernardo Gómez for their continued support and partnership as we work together to provide our audience with even more access to even more powerful, compelling and engaging Spanish-language content, however they choose to access it."

Johnjay and Rich Show Celebrate 20 Years On the Air

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

iHeartMedia's 104.7 KISS-FM Phoenix is celebrating the 20th anniversary of "The Johnjay & Rich Show." The popular morning program launched on April 9, 2001 on KRQQ in Tucson, Ariz., and moved to its current flagship 104.7 KISS-FM in 2006, where it continues to thrive.

Premiere Networks, a division of iHeartMedia, added "The Johnjay & Rich Show" to its national lineup in 2014 and the program can be heard on 25 stations nationwide in markets including Portland, Oreg., Tucson, Ariz., Bakersfield, Calif., Colorado Springs, Colo., Ft. Collins, Colo., and Springfield, Mo. The program can also be heard on iHeartRadio, with additional content available via the After Words podcast.

"iHeart has been my home for the past 20 years, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn, laugh and #LoveUp alongside Rich, Kyle, Suzette and our listeners," shared Johnjay Van Es. "I'm living out my childhood dream and I have the biggest audio company in the world to thank for that. I'm humbled by the continued support, guidance and vision of Bob Pittman, Kevin LeGrett, Linda Little, Steve Geofferies, John Ivey and Dennis Clark. And I'm thankful for everyone at iHeart for believing in our show."

"Johnjay and Rich, and the entire show crew, have dedicated themselves to creating must-listen radio every morning for the past 20 years," said Linda Little, iHeartMedia Region President, Phoenix. "From feeding frontline workers during the pandemic, to giving foster kids life-changing experiences, to finding forever homes for dogs, Johnjay and Rich demonstrate the power of radio every day, and we could not be prouder to celebrate this incredible milestone with them."

In addition to hosting their daily radio show, Johnjay and Rich are dedicated to helping those less fortunate. The Arizona Broadcasting Hall of Famers created The Johnjay & Rich #LoveUp Foundation, a nonprofit organization that strives to be a force for positive change and impact the lives of children and adults in the community, with a primary focus on improving the quality of life for children living in the foster care system. The Foundation raises funds through the sale of #LoveUp t-shirts and merchandise, as well as private donors, corporate sponsorships and community grants.

Hi-Fi Radio: Vinylthon Returns to Over 100 Radio Stations Saturday

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Across the USA and the world, radio stations will celebrate the unique format of vinyl records by going vinyl-only on the air for Vinylthon 2021, this Saturday, April 17. Organized by the non-profit College Radio Foundation and open to all radio stations, commercial and non-commercial, Vinylthon is the radio industry's response to the remarkable vinyl renaissance that continues around the world.

This year the Vinylthon event has support and interviews for participating stations from artists such as Andrew Farriss (INXS), Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians, Kate Rusby, Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators), Ritchie Kotzen (Poison, Mr. Big, The Winery Dogs, Smith/Kotzen), and Gordy Marshall (The Moody Blues, The Go Now Band). The experience of listening to vinyl records is still unique, according to artist Myles Kennedy who says, "When I was a kid, the very first record I ever bought was Queen's News of the World. I remember seeing that album cover and being like, wow, this is so cool. And then opening it up and reading the lyrics and the sitting in front of the turntable. I think people are rediscovering that ritual... When you put on vinyl, that's how it's supposed to sound. That's the sound that the producer in the band wanted you to hear. I think people on some primal level can sense that when they listen to vinyl."

"This last year has been tough, and we could use some cheering up," said Vinylthon founder, Rob Quicke. "This event is a genuinely fun day for both listeners and broadcasters alike. People are still very passionate about the magic and warmth of vinyl. Playing vinyl on the air is an amazing, hands-on experience for many of today's radio broadcasters, and a trip down memory lane for the listeners." Quicke is also GM at WPSC 88.7 FM at William Paterson University of New Jersey.

In addition to the USA, there are also participating radio stations in eleven countries: Canada, Colombia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Sweden, Philippines, and Wales.

Research Director Inc. Celebrates 30 Years of Service

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Research Director Inc.

Research Director Inc. is celebrating service to the radio industry for 30 years. Founded during the analog age in the basement of an Arlington, VA home, the company has served over 800 radio stations, providing both sales and programming research and consulting services -- including a roster of proprietary reports, custom sales materials and experience, which have enabled clients to maximize both ratings and revenue over the years.

Founding partner Marc Greenspan reflected on the past 30 years of working with its radio partners, "I'd like to express my appreciation to the thousands of customers we've worked with over this period. I hope they've learned as much working with us as we've learned from them. I'm also deeply appreciative of our team of uniquely experienced, dedicated professionals."

In 1991, Research Director, Inc. forged its first partnership with US Radio Group, founded by Ragan Henry. Over the years, the company has worked with current and former radio companies like Radio One, Entercom/Audacy, CBS, Cumulus, ABC, iHeartRadio and more.

''Dede In The Morning'' Now Heard in Over 50 Markets

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 14, 2021

DeDe McGuire

In less than 2 years of national syndication, "Dede In The Morning" is now heard nationwide in over 50 markets. New affiliates onboarding the program this week include KMEZ-FM/New Orleans, KVMA-FM/Shreveport LA, WUSY-FM-HD2/Chattanooga TN, WUFO-AM/Buffalo, KZXL-FM/Lufkin TX, WYJJ-FM/Jackson TN, WQVE-FM/Albany GA and WBXB-FM/Edenton NC.

"So excited. So humbled. So appreciative of our new DeDe Nation affiliates and looking to embrace these listeners and these new communities," said DeDe McGuire.

SBG Head of Content Geo Cook commented, "DeDe's deep and unique understanding of the complexity of content creation and consumer engagement has continued to fuel her dominant ratings performances - even in today's pandemic environment. Our new partners will greatly benefit from DeDe's leading-edge content and her team's commitment to their service and success. We are absolutely ecstatic to welcome these new markets and brands into the DeDe in the Morning entertainment platform ecosystem."

Skip Cheatam Named Majic 94.5/Dallas Program Director

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Skip Cheatam

Urban One/Dallas-Fort Worth appoints Skip Cheatam as Program Director of Urban AC KZMJ-FM (Majic 94.5). Raised in the Philadelphia area, Cheatam is the Executive Producer and Program Director for "The DL Hughley Show," heard in over affiliates in 70 cities across the U.S. He currently has his own show on Saturdays from 2-6pm.

Urban One Vice President of Programming Colby Tyner stated, "Skip is a legend in the DFW, excited to have him back as a PD in a region he knows intimately."

Concurrently, Veda (Loca) Emery, makes her debut to middays from noon to 3 pm on Majic 94.5. She's currently the anchor for the House Party on Majic 94.5, which airs Saturday nights from 6pm-midnight. Previously, Emery spent 19 years across the hall at sister station, KBFB-FM (97.9 The Beat).

Urban One Dallas VP/General Manager Tami Honesty said, "Veda is a big market voice and influencer that is woven into the fabric of Dallas/Fort Worth."

2021 NAB Crystal Radio Award Winners Announced

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Crystal Radio Awards

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced the ten winners of the 34th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their year-round commitment to community service. The winners were selected from 50 finalists and honored Tuesday during NAB Show Premiere, available on NAB Amplify.

The winners of the 2021 Crystal Radio Awards are:

• KSL-FM/Salt Lake City
• KRSP-FM/Salt Lake City
• KSTP-FM/Saint Paul, MN
• WBAP-AM/Dallas
• WDRV-FM/Chicago
• WFXE-FM/Columbus, GA
• WJJY-FM/Brainerd, MN
• WMMR-FM/Philadelphia
• WSB-FM/Atlanta
• WWRM-FM/Tampa

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges representing the broadcast industry, community service organizations and public relations firms. Five-time NAB Crystal Radio Award winning station WHUR-FM/Washington, DC also recieved the Crystal Heritage Award during the special event. Only nine other stations have received this honor.

Woofy Ramone Named JVC Media/Fort Walton Beach OM

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Woofy Ramone

Woofy Ramone is appointed Operations Manager of JVC Media of Florida's Fort Walton Beach cluster, beginning in early June. Ramone is a 30-plus year Fort Walton Beach-Destin market veteran and former staple at crosstown Cumulus Media's WKSM-FM. He'll oversee JVC's CHR WECQ (Q92), Country WHWY (Highway 98.1), Classic Hits WWAV (102.1 The Wave), and the Entertainment Talk WZLB (Florida Man Radio 103.1).

"JVC's commitment to the Emerald Coast and all of our markets is to grow our culture of great local radio for our listeners and clients," said JVC Executive Shane Reeve. "The addition of Woofy as our Operations Manager for JVC Fort Walton Beach is great for everyone in the market. Woofy is synonymous with the Emerald Coast, having been involved in many local charities, broadcasting and helping listeners through our area's big hurricanes, and having a top-rated show for almost 30 years. I'm thrilled to work with Woofy again and to have someone of Woofy's experience and stature on board with the JVC family."

Ramone added, "I moved to the JVC family because I want our work - radio broadcasting, public service, client relationships - all to matter more than those being just a report or bottom line on a spreadsheet. JVC is an organization that still believes in radio that entertains and informs the community, while helping local businesses market their products, especially in a time where everything local needs the most help. I'm excited for what the future holds for the JVC family of stations here on the Emerald Coast."

JVC's Florida Director of Programming Stevie DeMann said, "I'm excited Woofy is joining the JVC team. It is going to be fun to watch him lend his knowledge and expertise of the Emerald Coast to our brands and staff. He's a natural to continue our culture of fun radio that works for the community, clients, and our loyal listeners."

IBA National Cash Contest Generates 13x ROI for Stations

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Independent Broadcasters Association

The Independent Broadcasters Association's (IBA) first national cash contest exceeded all expectations for driving new revenue from local advertiser sponsorships. The two hundred member stations participating in the Spring, 2021 contest have seen an average of 13 times return on their investment. The on-air contest will launch on April 19 and run for eight weeks (Monday-Friday), with a $1,000 cash prize given to one lucky listener of an IBA-member station.

IBA is already locking down plans for a second contest for Fall. Any IBA member of record on July 1 will be eligible to participate in the Fall contest. The investment is $250 per station, plus the IBA membership fee.

"This contest is an example of how important the IBA is, and how the scale of many stations working together can create enormous opportunities," said IBA President Ron Stone and CEO of Adams Radio Group. "Every independent station that is not already a member should be thinking hard about becoming one. The IBA has generated over $3,500,000 in new revenue for members since forming last June, and that figure is projected to grow another $700,000 following our first cash contest. IBA membership has saved stations substantial money in many other areas, as well."

The IBA cash contest is produced by IBA member station volunteers. Vipology will serve as an independent source for all random drawings. Content leadership and management was provided by Renda Broadcasting's Steve Granato, Ron Antil, and Alan Serena and Adams Radio Group's JJ Fabini.

Stations that missed participating in the spring contest can sign up for IBA membership at www.iba.media by July 1 to participate in the Fall. Stations must be an IBA member to participate.

EMF Closes on Buy of Two Outlets in Minnesota

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Educational Media Foundation

Educational Media Foundation has closed on its acquisition of of 0.9 kW KZGO-FM (95.3)/St. Paul and 19 kW KQGO-FM (96.3)/Edina, both in Minnesota from The Pohlad Companies. KZGO has changed calls to KNOF, while KQGO is now KMWA. The Pohlad Companies, is a Minnesota-based company and Educational Media Foundation is a California-based non-profit that runs the KLOVE and Air1 radio networks.

Kalil & Co., Inc. was the exclusive broker for this transaction.

Theodore Turner Returns to KBFB-FM/Dallas as PD

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Theodore Turner

Theodore "Big Bink" Turner returns to Urban One's KBFB-FM (97.9 The Beat)/Dallas as Program Director. Born and raised in Chicago, Big Bink started his radio career at Urban One/Dallas as the midday host and Music Director before being promoted to the Operations Manager for the Urban One radio cluster in Columbus, OH.

Urban One Vice President of Programming Colby Tyner said, "Every programmer has a dream job and KBFB is where Bink got his start. We are excited to have him back in the PD chair."

Additionally, the Hip Hop station is launching a new midday show from 9am-3pm with Jazzi Black, formerly a member of the Veda Loca in the Morning show. Plus, St. Louis native P-Skillz takes afternoons from 3-7pm and Boston native Hollywood Zay will close out the day from 7pm to midnight with a new evening show.

Cox Ups Kim Dallow to Director of Radio Operations in Tulsa

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Kim Dallow

Radio veteran Kim Dallow has been selected to lead the Cox Media Group (CMG) Tulsa cluster as the new Director of Radio Operations effective immediately. Dallow brings to this role 26 years of experience in radio, including 14 years with CMG in the Tulsa market. She has served as the Marketing and Promotions Director for the cluster for the last 11 years and the Director of Branding & Programming for KJSR-FM 103.3 The Eagle for the last five years. She will continue to program 103.3 The Eagle.

"Kim has been serving unofficially as our operations manager for about a year now and our cluster has only improved with her at the helm," says Cathy Gunther, Regional VP, Cox Media Group. "I look forward to seeing what she can do in her new role as we continue to lead the radio market in Green Country with top-tier ratings, community events, and innovative promotional efforts."

"It's such a privilege to work with this team of outstanding broadcasters," says Dallow. "I'm so proud of the local programming and community support that CMG Tulsa consistently provides, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to help ensure that it's legacy of excellence continues."

WSOU Celebrates Birthday with New Hall of Fame Inductees

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 13, 2021

To celebrate its 73rd birthday, Seton Hall University's WSOU 89.5 FM will induct three new alumni into its legendary Hall of Fame on April 14. Dave Packer '88 and Cristina Del Giorno '88 will be Hall of Fame honorees in a virtual celebration. In addition, Victoria Haffner will also be presented with the WSOU Distinguished Young Alumna Award.

The WSOU Hall of Fame and Young Alum Award honors notable alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions and recognizes their involvement with Seton Hall University's radio station. Inductees are chosen based on their professional accomplishments, WSOU student career activities, service to WSOU and Seton Hall University after graduation, support of current students, personal examples of servant leadership and involvement with alumni activities.

"Cristina, Dave, and Victoria are each well deserving of the honor WSOU is bestowing upon them," said Mark Maben, the station's general manager. "They have not only enjoyed successful professional careers but have also supported their peers and mentored younger individuals to help them find a path to success as well. WSOU is legendary for giving its students a foundation to be industry-ready when they start their careers, yet it is an ethos of giving back that makes our alumni community extraordinary."

KRCC/Colorado Springs Celebrates 70 Years On-Air

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 13, 2021

KRCC-FM

KRCC, Southern Colorado's NPR station (and part of the Colorado Public Radio network), is celebrating 70 years on the air in 2021. Its hometown of Colorado Springs is also celebrating a big birthday. It was founded in 1871, making this year the city's 150th anniversary.

To celebrate the sesquicentennial, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum has a new exhibit, "COS@150," consisting of 150 objects illuminating 150 stories examining 150 years of history. One such object is a vintage tape editing kit used by KRCC in its pre-digital days.

"When we were planning this exhibit, we knew we had to include something from KRCC," said Leah Davis Witherow, curator of history at the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum. "KRCC has been a vital part of the culture of our community for the past 70 years, and the tape kit provides an interesting window into its history."

KRCC was the first nonprofit FM license in Colorado when it went on-air in 1951. Initially used for speech and drama classes at Colorado College, it grew into the public radio station it is known as today, adding NPR programming and local news and music shows along the way. KRCC is now operated by Colorado Public Radio in partnership with Colorado College.

In its 70 years in Colorado Springs, KRCC has had various homes on the Colorado College campus, including its current location in a historic house on Weber Street. Legend has it the station first broadcast from a World War II surplus transmitter relocated from Fort Carson to the campus. In 2021, KRCC will move into the new Southern Colorado Public Media Center (SCMPC), which will house the station along with Rocky Mountain PBS Regional Innovation Center, Colorado Public Radio and the Colorado College Journalism Institute.

"Going through the archives to find materials for the exhibit was a great trip down memory lane," said KRCC Station Manager Jeff Bieri. "Before the digital age, it was all analogue - vinyl records, magnetic tape, record players and reel-to-reel machines. Today, it's hard to remember that we used to get tape from NPR in the mail and splice it together manually for broadcasts in Colorado."