What's happening at your station?
Changes in staff...promotional pictures... artist appearances...
Send all your press releases, news, pictures etc to
news@hisair.net
Prayers
going to WCQR/Johnson City GM/morning co-host Mike Perry who is
in the hospital today. Mike had a stress test on Thursday of last week
and they scheduled him for a heart catherization on Friday. Doctors
found 3 blockages and did 1 stint Friday, the other 2 this morning.
Things are looking good according to his wife Stacy. If you get a chance
reach out to Mike
mike@wcqr.org
(8/31)
EMF
Broadcasting has entered into an LMA with
Keymarket Communications to begin broadcasting KLOVE on the former
Country WOGI Pittsburgh (FROGGY) at 98.3 tomorrow 9/1. (8/31).
The
FCC has granted approval for new Christian station WPFG/Carlisle, PA
( 91.3 FM The Bridge) to begin broadcasting. According to Bruce Apgar,
Project Manager for the nonprofit station. "Under the terms of the FCC
approval, WPFG FM targets spring of 2012 to begin broadcasting. “The
timing is all in God’s hands,” according to Apgar. “We spent $26,000 on
the engineering and legal technicalities required for FCC approval. Our
projections show it will take an additional $150,000 in new funding to
establish and operate our local studio and transmission equipment for
the first year.” (8/31)
Bryant
Seabrooks has returned as PD/MD at WJNI/Charleston SC. Bryant who is
known as the "Baad Boy of Gospel" Born Again and Delivered... is on the
air from weekdays 3-7pm. Meanwhile at WJNI Lorie "LJ" Johnson now hosts
the rise and rejoice morning show from 6-10am. (8/31)
Salem
Communications has appointed Pat Ryan General Manager of its
three Boston radio stations, WEZE (590 AM), WROL (950 AM) and WWDJ Radio
Luz (1150AM). Ryan has more than 14 years of broadcasting
experience all in the Salem Boston cluster. Most recently she served as
General Sales Manager. (8/30)
WCVO/Columbus
(104.9 the River) has hired Olivia Lomeli as Listener
Impressions Agent. Her primary duties will include assisting
in organizing and implementing station appearances and events while
keeping the station’s image as the highest priority and to super-serve
the listener with the highest standards with only about 30% of the job
being spent in the office. She will also be communicating with
listeners via Facebook and Twitter all day and every day. Head of
Listener Impressions, Lori Midkiff says, “It’s so amazing to be a part
of shaping this new type of department and I’m thrilled to have Olivia
on board as we venture together in ‘WOW-ing’ our listeners.”
(8/26)
A
new show prep service specifically designed for Christian radio stations
will launch next week. "Show Prep Solution" promises fresh,
relevant content Monday through Friday, and will save you time and
energy and provide content that your target listener will actually care
about. Show Prep Solution comes to you from former morning show
consultant and morning show producer, Sherri Jachelski (previously
Sherri Hull). In addition to her experience as a morning show consultant
and producer, Sherri was the author of Show Prep Starters™, a feature
from the former PDAdvisor publication. Sherri also authored “The Show
Prep Habit”, a feature article in one of Mike McVay’s client-exclusive
newsletters.
In addition to the
daily prep, Show Prep Solution features a “Planning Ahead” section so
you’re not scrambling to make last minute plans. A bonus feature is the
“Artists Updates” page which provides the latest news on all your
artists at just a glance.
Beginning Monday, August 31, for a two-week period, Show Prep Solution
will be a free service. Contact Sherri at
admin@showprepsolution.com
or 770-235-0439... (8/25)
WCCE/Blues
Creek, NC (His Radio) has increased power giving the station a
stronger signal in Fayetteville. The increase is from 3,000 watts to
15,000 watts and a move of their tower closer to the city. WCCE (90.1
FM) is owned by the Radio Training Network of Lakeland, Fla. WCCE
operates from studios in Raleigh. (8/25)
e
responsible for the creative content of the current and future EMF
multi-media ventures. Pierce has held the VP Programming position for
the last two years. EMF has begun a search for Pierce's replacement.
Jump to the HisAir.Net
jobs page
for the listing. (8/24)
Trans
World Radio Missionary Care Coordinator Carol Detwiler sent this
request for help from the Christian radio community. They need somebody
to fill in right NOW. Maybe that someone is you.
"It is always a pleasure to hear from the fields. Some
of the staff we know personally and many have passed through our offices
and spent time sharing their hearts with us. But I received a phone
call last evening from Dave Butler on Guam that has deeply burdened me.
Our staff on Guam is bare-bones. One couple is home on furlough
and you know that Jim McIntyre is back in the states after the passing
of his dear Doris. I listened as Dave talked earnestly about a
troublesome transmitter, people wearing 2 and 3 hats and having to pull
frequent rotating night shifts.
In HR we are working as quickly as we can to try and find the right
people for Guam, but even if we had an army of candidates tomorrow, they
would not be ready to lend a hand for over a year as they worked to
raise their support. And looking ahead on Guam this year, November
and December are the most active storm months. Being short-handed leaves
them really vulnerable to meet the potential of having to repair
antennas.
What we need are people who could go NOW! People with the
skills they need and the experience that would make them invaluable from
the moment they stepped on the plane. Dave told me
that they can use all kinds of help, but that their highest priority is
someone with electrical/technical skills. Someone who can read
schematics and troubleshoot.
What are you doing for the next 3 months, 6 months – or even better –
for the next year? Do you have the skills and the freedom to
consider a short term trip back into service with TWR? Guam has
the housing and the transportation ready and waiting. We just need
the hands and the heart for service."
Please pray about this need and contact us if the Lord is speaking to
you about what you can do to help.
And if you cannot go? Would you put Guam on your prayer list?
The situation is critical enough to need your prayer NOW.
Contact Carol at 919.460.3714 or visit the "Serve" section at
www.twr.org.
(8/21)
Sweden
will soon have a Christian radio station! On March 2, 2009,
KCBI/Dallas partnered with the National Religious Broadcasters to
help fund HopeFM in Sweden. KCBI listeners raised over $45,000.00
in just a few hours. “There is nothing more exciting than being
involved with an International project because of the eternal
ramifications and rewards,” said Mike Tirone, General Manager of KCBI.
“It blows me away to imagine someone walking up to us in heaven and
saying, I found Jesus because your station stepped out in faith and
trusted God to bring the Gospel to my country.”
Ron Harris, NRB Senior Vice-President for Strategic Partnerships
attributes, “After years of prayer, planning, and preparation, a
dedicated group of evangelical Christians is launching HopeFM in Sweden.
Europe’s most secular country has not had a professionally-run Christian
radio station, but this week HopeFM will begin 24/7 Internet radio and
might have an FM frequency within weeks. Sweden has a rich
Christian heritage and gave us great hymns of the faith like “How Great
Thou Art,” but now 83% of Swedes don’t believe there is a god of any
kind. And though Sweden’s small group of evangelical believers – less
than 5% of the population – find it hard to have a strong voice, change
is coming. With the help of NRB and its members, Christian radio will be
that growing voice of hope, heard on HopeFM. (8/20)
WAWZ/New
York (STAR 99.1) is causing talk again! The STAR 99.1 Virtual
Concert for the Capital Campaign has the phones ringing wondering what
is going on because performances include Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Chris
Tomlin, Third Day, tobyMac, the Newsboys, Tenth Avenue North, Todd
Agnew, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Nicole Nordeman, The
Fray, Big Daddy Weave, Amy Grant, The David Crowder Band, Jeremy Camp,
Matthew West, Lincoln Brewster, Mark Schultz, Mat Kearney, Jars of Clay,
Switchfoot and many others!
Hosting from the Virtual Stage will be
Star 99.1 personalities Johnny Stone, Stacey Stone, David A. Dein, Dawn
Wheeler, Beth Bacall, Keith Stevens, Dave Moore and roving reporter
George Flores.
“We wanted to do something special for
everyone listening to STAR 99.1,” says Johnny Stone, STAR 99.1 Morning
Show Host and Program Director, “so we virtually put together all of the
artists we could think of.” The bottom line, since STAR 99.1 is a
listener supported radio station, we are raising funds to move the radio
station out of the flood plain within which it currently resides.
It’s all in one location and you can’t
buy tickets. The virtual concert will be on Friday, August 28th.
(8/20)
KVMV/McAllen
General Manager James Gamblin moves to Director of Broadcast Operations
of the World Radio Network in McAllen, Texas. Ann Gamblin picks up
GM duties. Nikki Martinez joins the team for the soon to be Ann, James &
Nikki in the morning. Also KVMV has signed Smilin' Tom Fridley for 6-8pm
voice track duties. (8/19)
UK's
Premier Christian Radio is set to launch on national digital
radio. The station currently broadcasts to the London area, as well as
on digital TV and online, is has reached an agreement with the national
commercial DAB operator Digital One to begin transmitting across the
country on September 21st. (8/19)
American
Family Association founder Don Wildmon has been hospitalized in
critical condition at a Tupelo hospital for treatment of meningitis.
According to AFA President Tim Wildmon his 71-year-old father was
diagnosed with the disease over the weekend. On Monday, Wildmon said his
father's condition had improved over the last 24 hours. Meningitis is an
inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
In 1991 Wildmon founded American Family Radio (AFR), which is now a
network of more than 200 US radio stations. (8/18)
American
Family Radio is launching a sports show from a Christian
perspective.
"College Football This Week" will be hosted
by AFR President Tim Wildmon and
ESPN college football analyst
Mike Gottfried. Gottfried says the
show will feature the latest on college football teams, coaches, and
players. Plus, he says the program will feature human interest stories
about players and coaches and the role faith plays in their lives on and
off the field.
"The stories of all the people's lives and what they've gone through,
mistakes they made are all a part of trying to get the message out there
of salvation," Gottfried notes, "so I think it's going to be
interesting to find out even about the past and future of a lot of the
sports celebrities out in our country." (8/17)
is celebrating both its 60th anniversary and
the legacy of its founder, evangelist Billy Graham. To celebrate, KTIS
has launched a community-wide service initiative, called "60 Days of
Service." The station is encouraging people to volunteer, especially in
such areas as hunger, schools and homelessness. Rev. Billy Graham
founded KTIS in 1949. KTIS FM and AM are owned by Northwestern College
in St. Paul. (8/17)
WBDX/Chattanooga
(J103) has entered and agreement with local TV station WRCB Channel 3
Eyewitness News and Storm Alert Weather for the television station to
provide news coverage and weather updates. The news feeds will start
Monday morning. (8/14)
WTNE/Jackson,
TN owners Grace Broadcasting have entered an LMA local businessman
James Wolfe who says he will change the format of the station from
newstalk to gospel. Wolfe said Thursday that he was excited to
take over the station, which will change call letters to WTGP
(West Tennessee Gospel Power). "We are looking forward to empowering
people through gospel and great contemporary talk," he said. (8/14)
WNLR/Churchville,
VA (New
Life Radio 1150 AM) is making some changes to their on-air format.
Beginning this Monday WNLR will roll out their new music format of
contemporary Christian Music. According to PD Russ Whitesell "We
wanted to freshen up the programming, we wanted to get things out there
that aren’t heard in the area at all.” (8/14)
Arbitron
July 2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly AQH/Cume: WFSH/Atlanta 3.0-624,500... KTIS/Minneapolis
3.3-386,900... KLVA/Phoenix 1.3-183,400... KGCB/Phoenix .1-61,800...
WMUZ/Detroit .8-197,300... WGTS/Wash DC 5.1-425,100... WAVA/Wash DC
1.0-183,000... KCMS/Seattle 3.8-426,500... (8/13)
KZTH/Oklahoma
City (The House FM) and K L V V/Ponca City (Praise 88.7) have hired
Betsy Sharp as Assistant Promotions Director and announcer.
Most recently Sharp worked mornings and promotions at WAY FM/Huntsville.
When asked about her move to Oklahoma Betsy said, "For years now I've
heard nothing but great things about both The House FM and Praise 88.7.
The success they've had in their own backyard and over the Internet is a
real testimony to the hard work behind the scenes. I'm excited and ready
to come along side of them and work towards furthering the Kingdom here
and beyond." The House FM is a listener-supported Christian radio
station established in 2004. Sister station Praise 88.7 launched
in 1992. Betsy started Monday 8/10. (8/13)
Arbitron
July 2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly AQH/Cume: WMBI/Chicago .9/293,100... WJKL/Chicago
.8/325,800... WONU/Chicago .1/80,100... KLTY/Dalas 3.0/779,200... WAWZ/New
York .6/390,800... KSBJ/Houston 3.8/515,800... KFSH/Los Angeles
1.2/528,800... KSGN/Riverside 2.0/117,500... (8/12)
Tuesday
on the KCBI/Dallas Morning Show, Dr. Charles Stanley weighed in
on Texas rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton’s relapse, “I always think
about David, a man after God’s own heart but in a moment of weakness and
being out of God’s will he should have been out there with his generals
fighting the war instead of staying at home. And I think of what
David said in the Psalms, thy word have I hidden in your heart that I
might not sin against God. It isn’t just learning some scripture
every once in a while; it is every single day, every day in God’s word,
every day relying upon him, every day recognizing that we are totally
dependent upon him, that we never reach a stage in our life where we
don’t need to depend upon the Holy Spirit to give us warning and
direction and guidance and protection for our life. Everybody no matter
who they are, no matter if it’s a preacher or whatever the issue may be
we all have the same propensities and we all need Christ every single
day.”
General Manager, Mike Tirone said, “When I heard about Josh’s mistake
it reminded me of what the Bible says in Proverbs 24:16, ‘For though a
righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.’ When Josh fell a
lot of people in his life were walking out, that is why believers need
to walk in to encourage and pray for our brother in Christ. This
is why we are calling on KCBI listeners to encourage Josh to press on
and finish the race.” KCBI is inviting
all listeners to visit KCBI.org and write Josh an encouraging note.
All notes from the listeners will be hand delivered to Josh.
(8/11)
A
collision between INO artists MercyMe’s tour bus and a car has
killed two passengers in the car and the 18-year-old driver’s unborn
baby. The woman is in critical condition following the crash, which
occurred in Fort Wayne. The bus was headed to Six Flags St. Louis in
Missouri for the band to play to a sell-out crowd. At 1:15 a.m.
Saturday, according to witnesses, the bus was going through a green
light when the car made a turn in front of it. No-one on the bus was
injured, and the band rescheduled the show for September as a result of
the incident. A photograph of the damaged bus was posted on the band’s
website, depicting moderate crumpling to the front area of the vehicle.
Following the accident MercyMe gave the following statement:
"MercyMe would like to express their incredible heartache over this
horrible accident. They are praying for the families of all who this
will affect, and are asking others to please pray as well. The band and
crew sustained minor bumps and bruises, however their hearts are heavy.
They appreciate the concern they have received from people all over the
world." (8/8)
WCVO/Columbus
(104.9 the River) transitions Lori Midkiff to
position of Head ofListener
Impressions. Her primary duties will include oversight
of everything that gives an impression to the listener. WCVO Program
Director, Todd Stach says, “I'm excited to have Lori working with my
team to ensure brand integrity to match the on-air concepts of faith and
family. Everything we do must be consistent, and Lori has earned my
trust to passionately oversee our River brand.” Lori joined WCVO
in 2002. (8/7)
Salem
Communications released its results for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2009.
Second Quarter 2009 Results. For the quarter ended June 30, 2009
compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2008:
-- Total revenue decreased 12.8% to $50.1 million from $57.5
million;
-- Net broadcast revenue decreased 12.8% to $43.6 million from
$49.9
million;
-- Station operating income ("SOI") decreased 12.6% to $15.8
million from
$18.0 million;
-- Same station net broadcast revenue decreased 13.2% to $42.2
million
from $48.7 million;
-- Non-broadcast revenue decreased 13.0% to $6.5 million from $7.5
million; and
-- Non-broadcast operating income increased to $1.1 million from
$0.7
million.
(8/6)
WAWZ/New
York (STAR 99.1) Morning Show Host and Director of Programming
Johnny Stone declares after learning his station was nominated for NRB
Radio Station of the Year, “I am humbled by these nominations, and
because of them, dedicated to raising the bar and working harder for
those who listen to STAR 99.1.” STAR 99.1 was 2007 and 2008
winner of Radio Station of the Year (Major Market). The station is also
nominated for Air Personality of the Year (Music Format) - Johnny Stone;
Radio Program of the Year (Long Form) - Johnny Stone in the Morning;
Radio Program of the Year (Short Form) - Go For It with Rob Cruver; and
for the Internet nominations for Best Broadcast Website -
www.star991fm.com and Best Use of
Social Media -
www.star991fm.com.
Station Manager Scott Taylor says, “It is an honor to be recognized
with these nominations, and they drive us to work even harder to serve
Christian radio listeners in the NY metro area.” (8/6)
WAKW/Cincinnati
(STAR 93.3) has named Randy James as the new Program Director.
The PD position at WAKW has been open since Kurt Wallace departed for
PD/Mornings at WHZN/Indianapolis (88.3 The Walk) in April. James career
includes programming multiple formats across the country at WMVX/Cleveland,
WMMX/Dayton, KHMX/Houston, WRQX/Washington D.C., and KDMX/Dallas/Ft.
Worth. STAR 93.3 General Manager Art Garza says, “After a thorough
search, speaking with many talented and committed Program Directors, we
invited Randy because his heart resonates so much with where the station
is headed and where the parent organization, Pillar of Fire, is headed.”
In addition to WAKW, Pillar of Fire also owns and operates WAWZ/New
York and KPOF/Denver. . (8/5)
WGCX/Pensacola
(Praise 95) has entered into an LMA with EMF Broadcasting and the
station is now airing KLOVE. WGCX owners Michael and Dara Glinter tell
HisAir.Net EMF has an option to purchase. No local staff was displaced
with the change. (8/5)
WRBS/Baltimore
MD Chris Scotland checks in with HisAir.Net
"Just sending this to let you know that our station has changed and
some of our contact info as well! 95one WRBS is now the NEW
95.1 SHINE-FM. Please be sure to
update my email to:
cscotland@951shinefm.com. Our Street
Address has changed to: 3500 Commerce Drive, Baltimore, MD 21227. Phone
numbers stay the same. (8/3)
Doug
Hannah is tracking afternoons on WXRI/Winston-Salem (Joy FM)
family beginning today Aug 3. The station is heard in 26 markets in the
southeast and online at
www.joyfm.org. Doug's a busy guy as he
remains on-air daily on Sirius/XM's "The Message" as well as Mainstream
AC WJXA/Nashville (Mix 92.9) and tracking for Family Life Radio in
addition to doing freelance production and voiceover work. (8/3)
Long-time
Music of Your Life® Radio Network CEO Kerry Fink, has joined
Christian FM Radio Networks as
Executive Vice President. In making the announcement today,
Christian FM President Jon Hamilton, said, “We could not be more pleased
that Kerry has become such a major part of Christian FM. Kerry has
an amazing set of skills and has distinguished himself as a broadcaster,
a researcher, and a well recognized network executive. Kerry will
be a great help to the partner stations who are working with Christian
FM.”
“We
built the Music of Your Life brand and are building the Christian FM
brand to help local radio stations excel by delivering the absolute best
quality and most researched programming, combined with an unparalleled
commitment to treating our affiliate stations with a spirit of
excellence, and serving them faithfully with a combination of marketing
and revenue-generating,” says Fink. “What a privilege it is to
take this to the next level by adding the superior technological
capacities available via STORQ technology and knowing that is for a much
higher Kingdom-building purpose!” Christian FM offers up to 24/7
Contemporary Christian Music customized programming via satellite or
broadband to Radio Affiliates across the country.
(8/2)
Today
(7/31) was the last day for local personalities on KOBC/Joplin.
Lisa David and
Dave Garrison said goodbye for
the last time to their listeners on the
KOBC Morning Show. KOBC was purchased by EMF Broadcasting and
will switch to KLOVE programming. The morning hosts say it's been an
emotional week for everyone. "Very nostalgic, very sentimental, sad that
a big part of my life is coming to an end," says Lisa. "Phenomenal, the
last couple days the callers have been calling like crazy and saying
what an incredible blessing this station has been to them," says Dave.
"We just appreciate that so much." (7/31)
As
reported earlier on HisAir.Net WQFL/Rockford
(101QFL) PD/MD and former PD/Morning Host at WBVM/Tampa (SPIRIT-FM)
Johnny V. has accepted the Promotions Manager position with EMF’s
K-LOVE and will be based in Milwaukee. Johnny will continue to
voicetrack the afternoon show for 101QFL from his home studio.
WQFL was recently purchased by EMF. (7/30)
Garrett
Novak joins Christian Family Radio Program Director for their
group of radio stations in WI including
WEMI/Appleton/Oshkosh, WEMY/Green Bay, WGNV/Wausau/Stevens Point.
He was previously with WHEM/EauClaire. (7/30)
UPDATE:
WNFN changes to mainstream CHR not CCM....Rumor
on the streets of Music City today that Cumulus owned sports radio
WNFN/Nashville (ESPN 106.7) will be flipping to a CCM format soon
calling itself "Praise 106". Currently the station is airing a produced
liner saying, "The sound you are hearing is the construction of a brand
new radio station. Target date for completion July 30th at 1:06PM"
HisAir.Net will keep you posted. (7/30)
KRKR/Lincoln,
NE (95.1) has been sold by owner Chapin Enterprises to Mission
Nebraska for $1 million and will return to the air by Aug. 3 with a
Christian format calling itself "My Bridge Radio". The station air both
CCM music and talk. The former mainstream AC station has been shut down
since May 21 for financial reasons. "We're excited about it," said
Mission Nebraska co-director Stan Parker, a former Nebraska football
player who founded the nonprofit organization with Nebraska assistant
football coach Ron Brown. "We're not just music. It's music with a
message." KRKR also has requested FCC approval to operate at 50
kilowatts. (7/28)
The
WAWZ/New York (STAR 99.1) balloon made its premiere this past
weekend at the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning. This was the fourth
year that STAR 99.1 has been on-site with a booth for the entire weekend
and the second year a balloon has carried their logo. “They always said
we were full of hot air,” exclaimed Johnny Stone, Morning Show Host and
Program Director for STAR 99.1. “And now they have proof.”
“This was our opportunity to reach out
to the crowds who attended and offer the hope that the radio station
provides every day,” explained Scott Taylor, Station Manager. “In
today’s economy there are families that are looking for an affordable
day away from worry and the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning provided
that get away.” (7/27)
WQFL/Rockford
morning personality Darren Marlar is launching a new radio product called MARLAR 24/SEVEN.
According to Marlar, the product is a blending of both syndication and
voice tracking – allowing a station to have a major market quality
syndicated show, but have it be virtually local and yet remain
affordable. “This is something I’ve been thinking about for close to
five years now,” says Marlar. “I’ve run it through my mind a
million times but the timing never felt right until now.” The
first affiliate for the new service is WWIL/ Wilmington. To find out
more about MARLAR 24/SEVEN, you can visit the website at
www.Marlar24Seven.com, or call Bryon
Poirier at 815/988-3210. (7/24)
His
Radio’s Morning Friends Rob and Kristin took to the streets on a
5-city tour this month. Each morning, for a week, the morning show
broadcast live and an artist joined them at each stop. Matt Maher
was on the Summer Tour for 3 days, followed by Jars of Clay for the last
2 days. The hundreds of people who came out were treated to watch a live
broadcast, participate in a school supply drive, check-out a local
church praise team, and a mini-concert with the artist followed the
broadcast. Cities visited included: Spartanburg, SC; Fayetteville, NC;
Summerville/Charleston, SC; Savannah, GA; Greenville, SC. Watch the
video for a special morning show moment with Matt and a His Radio
listener live on the air. (7/23)
UPDATE:
Family Life Network PD
Cecil VanHouten remains in the hospital
recovering from a heart attack last week. Cecil met with with doctors
today to determine their course of treatment. We understand no
date has been set for his return to work but he’s in great spirits and
looks a ton better than the few days before he went into the
hospital. Cecil wants to pass a huge "Thank You" to the HisAir.Net
community for the continued support during this time. (7/23)
On
the heels of receiving two Marconi Award nominations (see below) KFSH/Los
Angeles PD Chuck Tyler checks in with HisAir.Net and some good
ratings news for 95.9 The Fish. Chuck says "With PPM we now have the
benefit of looking at monthly ratings. It’s great to see that the
latest numbers show high water marks for KFSH, 95.9 The Fish in Orange
County. Top 10 ranking in Adults 25-54, # 4 ranking in Women 25-54."
Congratulations to the Salem staff in LA. (7/21)
BITS: Salt & Light Radio is purchasing two AM stations
from Journal Broadcasting KGEM/Boise and KCID/Boise and plans to carry
“Catholic Christian” programming in English and in Spanish...
Graham Hasler has been appointed General Manager of LightFM/Melbourne,
Australia... Mike James takes OM at WOAY/Oak Hills, WV... KWRD/Dallas
pulls the plug on afternoon program Scott Wilder Show for budgetary
reasons... (7/21)
Family
Life Radio (FLR) hosted “A Day of Hope” at Youth Haven Ranch. and
raised over $207,689 was raised which will supply food and Bibles for
6,922 disadvantaged children. "It was a privilege for Family Life
Radio to put the spotlight on the work of Youth Haven Ranch and help
raise support to feed over 6,900 children, and to be able to provide a
Bible to each child as well, knowing that they need both physical and
spiritual food,” stated Dr. Randy Carlson, President of Family Life
Radio. Youth Haven’s goal was to raise funds to cover the cost of food
and Bibles for approximately 3,500 children over the course of one year
which costs approximately $105,000. Thanks to the compassion and
faithfulness of FLR listeners, Youth Haven received nearly double its
goal. (7/21)
The
NAB has announced 2009 Marconi Award nominees. For religious
station of the year the nominated stations are:
KFSH/Los Angeles
KKLA/Los Angeles
KLRC/Siloam Springs, AR
KLTY/Dallas
WFMV/Columbia, SC
The winner is announced at the NAB Radio Show Sept. 24 in
Philadelphia. (7/20)
Family
Life Network CEO Rick Snavely checks in with HisAir.Net "
Cecil VanHouten who is PD with the Family Life Network suffered a
heart attack this past week and is still in the ICU at Strong Memorial
Hospital in Rochester, NY. As you can imagine this has been quite
a shock for the entire FLN team. We’re asking that brothers and
sisters in Christian radio ministry across the country pray for Cecil
and his wife Connie. Because of the damage to the heart, the
doctors have not yet determined a final course of action."
HisAir.Net will keep you posted on Cecil's condition. (7/19)
AFR
morning co-host/producer Eric Faulds
tells HisAir.Net, "It
is with the heaviest of hearts that we must share the news that Cooper
Jasper, JJ and Melanie Jasper's 5-year-old son, tragically passed away
Friday evening, after an accident involving a go-cart on the family
farm. JJ Jasper is the morning show co-host on American Family Radio's
Inspirational Network. Please be in prayer for the Jasper family, as
well as the AFR family, during this extremely difficult time.
We don't understand why tragedies
like this happen, but we do know that God's plan is perfect and we are
only seeing just a small part of it. "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give
to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be
troubled or fearful." - John 14:27
If you would like to send
condolences or a note of encouragement, you may send it through their
blog at
http://jjanderic.afr.net. You may also
send cards and letters to: Jasper Family, c/o American Family
Radio, P.O. Box 3206,Tupelo, MS 38803.Arrangements are pending. (7/18)
Congratulations
to SOS Radio Network PD Scott Herrold and wife Kristine on birth
of their first child, daughter Naomi Claire 7/12/09. (7/13)
Not
many people would voluntarily shave their heads unless it was really
worth it. Well WAWZ/New York (STAR 99.1) PD/mornings Johnny
Stone is. With the popularity of social networking sites that instantly
connect people, Johnny decided to pick up on the idea of reaching as
many listeners as possible. If STAR 99.1 can reach a goal of
500,000 followers on the official STAR 99.1 Twitter site by Labor Day,
then the tresses will have to go. Plus he will have to grow a beard as
well. However, the greatest reason for undertaking this challenge is to
help collect Teddy Bears for children in crisis situations. Stone
emphasized “There’s no down side. You can stay in touch with STAR 99.1
via Twitter, you can help give a Teddy Bear to a kid that is going
through a tough time in their life, and I save money on hair gel!”
If the challenge is met, then David A. Dein, Morning Show Funny Guy,
will have the joy of shaving Johnny’s head in front of scores of STAR
99.1 listeners. Anyone who brings a new Teddy Bear to the event will
receive admittance. (7/13)
In
a nearly unanimous vote, members of First Baptist Church of Dallas voted
July 8 to end their 40-year ownership of Criswell College, owners of
KCBI/Dallas, and KCRN/San Angelo, reports Baptist Press.
The fate of the radio stations had been a "distraction" since talk of
a proposed sale by the college became public several years ago. "It's
time for all of that to come to an end," school's current chancellor,
Robert Jeffress said, explaining that the station would be jointly owned
by the church and school as the two members of a newly formed nonprofit
corporation. (7/11)
K-LOVE
has posted a Jon &
Sherry update on their
website. In the letter to listeners written by Jon he states "We
realize that we have not given you much detail about all that has been
happening with us, and that our quick exit from the K-LOVE Morning Show
left many confused, but that has not stopped our radio family from
relentless prayers and intercession and for that we are eternally
grateful. Jon continues to explain "Sherry, Lexi, and I have been on
quite a journey the past few months. All of the hardship that has come
our way has been due to an addiction that I have had to prescription
drugs for the last several years. Yes, this is completely my fault.
Sherry, Lexi, or K-LOVE had nothing to do with the events that
occurred." Read the entire letter
here.
The letter makes no mention of a return to K-LOVE. Jon and Sherry
exited mornings in March. Let's all join in prayer for our brother in
the Lord asking for a total victory for him and his entire family
regarding this matter. (7/9)
WSRM/Coosa,
GA (Rome market 93.5 FM), has flipped to a mix of secular and
contemporary Christian music. The station was previously WRGA and
simulcasting the newstalk format of it's sister station at 1470 AM.
“With the growing popularity of Contemporary Christian music within our
society, we feel that this format meets a need not currently being
served in Northwest Georgia,” said Randy Quick, general manager of Rome
Radio Partners. (7/9)
The
House FM Network KZTH/Oklahoma City
(88.5 FM) increases power from 35,000-watts to 50,000-watts in
the Oklahoma City metro area. 88.5 FM is the third full-power
station along with five translators to broadcast the CHR format of The
House FM in Oklahoma. (7/9)
WAY-FM/CHRSN
Network Program Director Tate Luck announces a shuffle in time slots for
the air talent, including a big move for Total Axxess to PM drive (from
evenings)… Effective July 20, New CHRSN weekday personality lineup
(all times are central) 5a-9a Mornings with Brant, 9a-2p The Midday Cruz
(Donna Cruz), 2p-7pm Total Axxess (Wally), 7p-11p Jeff Connell.
Luck added, “Mornings with Brant and Total Axxess shows are also
available for stations via FTP downloads, so some stations will continue
to air Total Axxess in the evenings.” (7/8)
KCMS/Seattle
(SPIRIT 105.3) mid day host Matt Case will journey to the remote village
of Narok, Kenya this summer to witness first hand World Concern making a
difference. World Concern establishes hope in communities through clean
water, food, education and disaster assistance. Case will leave
Saturday, July 11th and return one week later. “My focus is
to get the story and share what World Concern is doing and see the
impact of Jesus,” Case shares. He will see new things each day
including local schools, orphanages, wells, healthcare clinics and banks
that World Concern has established. (7/8)
WBGL/Champaign
will host the largest Single Mom Saturday yet, on July 11, 2009 with
multiple locations in Champaign, Decatur, Roberts and Romeoville,
Illinois, and Terre Haute, Indiana. WBGL has hosted this event for
several years, but this year combines the event into a one day,
multi-city, station wide event. (7/8)
Hoping
to feed thousands, WUGN/Midland, MI will kick-off a food drive in
the Great Lakes Bay Region to meet growing need. WUGN, a Family Life
Radio, station kicked off the drive Monday 7/6. The need is great among
homeless shelters this year with the downturn in the economy, said David
Borowsky, Family Life Radio community transformation coordinator. "We
just think they really do amazing work there, and we want to come
alongside them," he said. "The more we can do for them, the better."
Family Life Radio hopes to amass 7,000 pounds of food in food drives
around the country for distribution around the nation, he said.
(7/7)
Vatican
Radio, the voice of the Roman Catholic Church, is starting to air
advertisements for the first time in the station's nearly 80-year
history. The first company to run its commercials will be an Italian gas
and electricity company - Enel. Until now Vatican Radio has been wholly
funded by the Catholic Church at a cost of some $30m a year. But the
latest finances show that it is suffering from the global economic
downturn. (7/7)
Bott
Radio Network's Nebraska flagship station at KLCV/Lincoln (88.5 FM)
is now pushing ten times the power from one of the tallest radio towers
in the state at 1,250 feet high and 100,000 watts The new signal expands
the listening area to cover over 600,000 new people. BRN will continue
to broadcast from three repeater signals in the Omaha area to fill in
any locations where there may be interference or terrain obstructions to
receiving the main 88.5 FM signal. Those repeater signals are at 93.7 FM
in Omaha, 92.7 FM in La Vista, and 102.9 FM in Fremont. (7/7)
BITS: Marketers
Affinity4 has added Sky Angel faith and
family television and radio programming to its product lineup... WJQK
Grand Rapids (JQ99) adds former KXOJ/Tulsa and KKCM/Tulsa air talent
Rachelle Renee for weekend voicetracking... KGCN/Roswel and
KQGC/Belen, NM. are now airing God's Country format...HisAir.Net
congratulates WMHR/Syracuse celebrating 40 years as a Christian
formatted radio station... (7/1)
BITS:
Meredith Hupp
has joined INO RECORDS promotions staff
replacing Valerie Stone who is remains with the label in another
capacity... Keith Smith is now GM of Glory Communications
Columbia, stations include Gospel WFMV/WGCV-A/ WQXL/WEAF... The first
dedicated iPhone application for a Christian inspirational program has
been released for Voice of Prophecy, founded in 1929 and now the
second-oldest gospel radio broadcast still on the air... WJJD
The Country Giant, a new Internet only station based in Tallahassee
is now streaming a hybrid format of country and contemporary Christian
music at
http://www.wjjd1160country.com.(6/29)
Christian
Concert Spots has been tapped
as the official radio spot provider for the upcoming Mark Schultz /
Point of Grace “Come Alive” co-headlining tour. Pete Bunch of Christian
Concert Spots & Spoken Word Images, Inc. commented, “We are blessed and
thrilled to be a part of this Christ-honoring tour.” (6/29)
BITS:
KYTT/Coos Bay, OR (K-LIGHT) adds Zsa Zsa Palagyi for
midday Voice tracking... Rex McNeil exits weekends at
Salem/Sacramento... Look for major air shift changes coming to WAY
FM/CHRSN... KSBJ/Houston has pulled the plug on the station
on-line stream citing "royaly fees" as the reason... Urgent prayer
requests for Lion Chase Entertainment rep Jason Miller and family
whose 18 month old son was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer and is
starting treatment immediately... (6/22)
Arbitron
May 2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly AQH/Cume: WFSH/Atlanta 2.9-577,300... WVFJ/Atlanta
.8-180,700... WMUZ/detroit .6-175,400... WGTS/Wash DC 4.4-439,900...
WAVA/Wash DC .7-164,900... (6/22)
KTIS/Minneapolis
PD Jason Sharp checks in with HisAir.Net to report his station's first
PPM numbers. Jason tells us, "KTIS had a record 417,800 cume for the
month of May! This is our first full month of the people meter
ratings. KTIS' impact for the Kingdom continues to grow! (6/19)
WBGL/Champaign
celebrated Life during its spring fundraiser and focused on raising
funds for Life FM, one of the first Christian stations in Cork, Ireland.
Over $500,000 was pledged in total, which allowed WBGL to meet its
operational goal and add an additional 10 percent to its building
campaign. For each pledge made during the fundraiser, WBGL donated
$2 to Life FM. HCJB Global then matched the donations, doubling the
effort to help “Shine the Light over Cork”. WBGL donations came in at
$5,629, bringing in a total of over $11,000 after HCJB’s contribution.
This is the first time WBGL partnered with HCJB Global. WBGL Station
Manager, Jeff Scott explained the reason for the partnership, "I felt
like it was time to stretch our faith. If we truly believe God is
leading this ministry, He alone can do exceedingly, abundantly more than
we could ever imagine. That He did!" Even in uncertain times, listeners
responded and were eager to give to further the kingdom of God in
Ireland. WBGL is looking forward to future partnerships with HCJB
Global. (6/18)
Indianapolis
has a new Christian radio station today as WHZN (88.3 The Walk)
launched Monday morning. PD/mornings Kurt Wallace says "This has been a
12 year adventure for the church that received the station, but, God's
timing couldn't be better for a brand new "locally" operated station in
Indy!" Indianapolis has been without a a fulltime Christian music
station since Cumulus
pulled the plug on WISG/Indianapolis (93.9 The Song) in
December 2006 and changed format to talk.
WHZN will begin streaming later this week. The station
website is
www.883thewalk.org. (6/15)
Congratulations
to Curb Rep Charles Van Dyke who married his fiancé Jennifer
Saturday 6/13 in Nashville. The couple will be honeymooning in Cancun.
(6/13)
KSBJ/Houston’s
popular show Enter His Gates recently celebrated its 10th anniversary on
the air. Enter His Gates first hit the airwaves on Sunday, March 14,
1999 with President and General Manager Tim McDermott hosting the
program. “They say that the church is the most divided on Sunday
mornings as people from different cultures, denominations and
backgrounds worship separately,” says Tim McDermott, President and
General Manager for KSBJ. “The vision of Enter His Gates was and
still is to bring the church together as one. And, by the response we’ve
received, we’re doing just that! We also want to help prepare people for
worship and bring some peace to their home for what can be a hectic
Sunday morning.” (6/12)
Former
WBYO/Sellersville, PA (The Word FM network) PD Kristine McClain
is now hosting the late morning shift at WGRC/Lewisburg, PA, as well as
the evening show on WPFF/Sturgeon Bay, WI via voice tracking.
She’s looking to bring on additional voice tracking shifts, as well as
voice-over, production and copywriting jobs and can be reached at
Kristine@RethinkCreativeServices.com.
(6/12)
KDNW-KDNI/Duluth
Station Manager/Personality Paul Harkness ends his 26 years at
the station today. “I feel like the dad of a graduate,” Harkness said.
“I’ve been there from the beginning, struggled through the toddler
years, got through the teen years of turmoil, and now I’m just proud.”
Harkness says he doesn't have definite plans at this point. “I can tell
you what I feel in my heart, but I can’t tell you exactly how it will
unfold,” Harkness said. “My heart is in international Christian
broadcasting. I traveled in Africa and have seen the power of radio to
reach nations.”
Harkness started the stations in 1983 for Northwestern College Radio
Network. (6/12)
"Don
Moen & Friends", the new syndicated three hour Sunday morning radio
show hosted by Platinum-selling recording artist, songwriter and worship
leader Don Moen, launched this past weekend in over 150 USA markets,
plus internationally in over 20 nations.
The program features new and classic worship music, interviews with
leading musical artists, pastors and Christian leaders, and noted
personalities, as well as testimonies of how God is working around the
globe. This program's core themes are hope, comfort and
encouragement--themes which embody what Don Moen is all about in his
ministry, whether on stage or off. Stations interested in carrying
the show should contact: Joe Silvey at Renaissance Communications at
201-847-1292, or at
jsilvey@renn.com. (6/12)
KCMS/Seattle
(SPIRIT 105.3 FM) made a difference for Seattle’s homeless and hungry byraising meals during a recent fundraiser. Over 60,000 meals
were provided by the listeners and supporters of SPIRIT and Seattle’s
Union Gospel Mission. Scott Valentine, Program Director of SPIRIT 105.3
FM shares, “Everyone could use a little encouragement these days and
SPIRIT wants to help create opportunities for people to give back.
Thank you to our listeners for impacting so many people.” SPIRIT
continues the theme of making a difference with new and ongoing
partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Union Gospel Mission, and
Seattle Urban Academy. (6/11)
WAFJ/Augusta
is offering listeners a job board on the station’s website. John Bryant,
co-host of “John and Cleve in the Morning”, says he started the
board after hearing about a similar offering in Louisville, Ky. “We were
hearing all of the gloomy stats about unemployment and wanted to do
something to provide hope to those who are without jobs,’ Bryant said.
“It has been available for 5 months and the reaction has been
phenomenal.” Bryant said visitors to the station’s website can browse
the listings for free, and employers are encouraged to submit jobs to be
posted free of charge. Listings are occasionally featured on the air
during the morning show. “We believe that, as a Christian radio
station, our audience is full of good people with great values,” Bryant
said. “The employers tell me they like knowing that because it gives
them a quality pool of applicants.” (6/11)
Covenant
Educational Media has sold KVTT/Dallas (91.7 The Truth) for $18
mi. making it the biggest sale this year. The buyer is North Texas
Public Broadcasting, the owner of Dallas public radio station KERA
(90.1). The station reportedly will change it's format to Adult
Alternative to compliment news/talk KERA. (6/9)
Word
Entertainment announces the appointment of Mark Cabaniss as
Senior Vice President of Word Music. Cabaniss will report directly to
Word Entertainment’s President & CEO Mark Bright. "Word
Music makes an impact on an estimated 30 million people every week
through songs, hymnals and printed music used in church,"
says Bright. "Our efforts and products help thousands of local church
musicians facilitate and lead worship for their congregations, and I am
excited to announce the addition of Mark Cabaniss to the Word Music
team. He brings with him a proven track record and renowned work within
the industry, and will be an incredible asset to our team." (6/9)
UPDATE:
Currently EMF is studying whether to convert WQFL/Rockford and
WGSL/Rockford to to its K-LOVE
and/or Air 1 formats, keep
them as they are, or make some kind of blend. The decision is said
to come in the next two months. “It depends on what the community wants,
what it needs, how well the station is doing,” EMF President/CEO Mike
Novak said. “If the station is really doing very well, we come alongside
them and provide the knowledge that we have in our ministry to sort of
raise the bar.” EMF purchased the Rockford pair last month from local
church Rockford First who had owned the two for more than two decades.
The stations’ 15 employees will be asked to reapply for their jobs once
EMF decides on formats and staffing. (6/5)
BITS:
Trustees of Criswell College (owners of KCBI/Dallas) have decided
to pursue separation from First Baptist Church of Dallas...
His Radio (89.3 Greenville, SC) has teamed up with the local CBS
affiliate’s daytime show, “Your Carolina with Jack & Kimberly” (WSPA,
channel 7) and a local foundation, “Heart Step” to help develop the
“Hearts For Hope Network”, where people can nominate someone in need.
People can also read those needs and see how they can help fulfill them
with the resources they have... KXOJ/Tulsa kicked off it's
3rd annual Summer Concert Series at Riverwalk Crossing with Francesca
Battestelli and Jonny Diaz. The crowd swelled to over 3,000 people with
more giving up when all adjacent parking lots became full. Some families
walked from over a mile away to attend the free show...
Family Life Network helped
support Joni & Friends Disability Center by collecting over 600 used
wheelchairs within the network’s NY and PA listening areas. Once
repaired, the wheelchairs will be shipped and distributed to disabled
people in developing countries around the world... WBSN/New
Orleans (LifeSongs 89.1) began the 89 Days of Summer Fun on Memorial
Day with a kick-off party. Ninety-seven listeners stopped by the studio
to pick up a Summer Fun Prize Packs and enjoyed a free New Orleans Style
Sno-Ball courtesy of Greater New Orleans Teen Challenge... (6/5)
According to the story on the R&R website just before it was taken
down, "The current state of affairs has left The Nielsen Company with no
other alternative but to immediately cease all services, products and
events related to Radio & Records. The magazine’s final edition is the
June 5 issue. Electronic products end today, the Web site will be taken
offline soon."
R&R Founder Bob Wilson said today, "It's a sad day and the industry
has changed. It was, at one time the information leader in the industry,
and when we started it 1973, it was revolutionary for its time."
We'll miss Radio and Records dearly and I am grateful for the
contribution the organization has made to the radio industry as a whole.
(6/3)
BITS:
KEZK-HD2/St Louis
(The
Spirit) is now streaming on online at KEZK.com... Lee
Geysbeek has resigned his position as VP Broadcasting at Cornerstone
University.to take a new job as radio marketing director for Compassion
International... Former KZZQ/Des Moines PD Mike Schlotte is blogging at
cavu.voicehangar.com... (6/1)
SOS
Radio PD Scott Herrold checks in with HisAir.Net, "I wanted to
share some blessings over the last two days. We had a two day pledge
drive planned, but we met our total pledge drive goal by 6pm on the
first day! So we outlined a few special projects we'd like to fund for
the next year, and our listeners met those by noon today. Our listeners
just kept calling after we met the second goal, so we decided to pay it
forward & raise money for HCJB Global's "Turn The Radios On" program. It
provides radios fixed-tuned to a great Christian Spanish station called
"Radio Impacto" in Northern Guatemala & Southern Mexico spreading the
message of Jesus. We just broke our goal of 1000 radios at $35 each and
a donor from HCJB Global is matching the number to make it 2000 total
radios to get Christian music into more homes! (5/28)
KFSG/Los Angeles President Rolf K. McPherson has died at the age
of 96. KFSG radio, which his mother Aimee Semple McPherson founded in
1924. was one of the first radio stations in Los Angeles and was among
the oldest continuously operating Christian radio stations until it went
off the air in 2003. (5/28)
Arbitron
(NYC Reissue) April 2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly AQH/Cume: WAWZ/New York
.7-509,700.. (5/28)
VOAR
Christian Family Radio, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, an
inter-denominational Christian radio station is expected to hit the air
in a few weeks. The station will carry programs such as Insight for
Living with Chuck Swindoll, Focus on the Family with James Dobson and
children’s programs like Adventures in Odyssey. “We are at the moment
just waiting for the cement to harden,” said pastor Charles Aguilar. The
relay tower was expected to be up after the cement hardened on church
grounds last Friday and a test run done this week, he said.
The hope is that the station, VOAR, which is the oldest Christian
radio station in Canada and the country’s largest Christian radio
network, will go live in three weeks, he added. The vision to have a
Christian/family-friendly radio station here has been around for more
than a couple of years and belongs to Steve McPherson, who worked on the
applications, said Aguilar. Programming also includes a variety of
music, from hymns to contemporary praise and worship to country gospel
to instrumental, and programs specifically for women, children and
seniors.
McPherson’s vision is to have a high-powered Christian radio station
that will feature local content, such as local musicians and sermons, in
two years, said Aguilar. (5/27)
WHCF-WHMX/Bangor
GM Pencil Boone has resigned his position and will be replaced by
Marc Tischart. After three years in the GM seat Pencil will leave
June 1st to become Pastor of Student Ministries and Education for Bangor
Baptist Ministries. In addition at the stations Program
Director/Music Director Joe Polek will join the morning show as Co-Host
joining Penny Ayer for “Penny & Joe in the Morning”. And even more
changes at WHCF Shelly Mitchell jumps on board starting June 8 as 8pm –
11pm personality. Shelly was most recently with WRCM/Charlotte. (5/26)
Texas
Ranger outfielder Josh Hamilton shares his amazing story of faith in a
KCBI/Dallas exclusive! The American League All-Star will share
his story of fame, faith, drug addiction, and sports in a special
feature this Friday airing on the KCBI Morning Show. Josh talks about
how God has used tattoos and drug addiction for His glory and he tells
the one thing that he knows will cause God to close doors in his
life. (5/26)
Arbitron
April 2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly AQH/Cume: WGTS/WASH DC 4.6-446,000... WFSH/Atlanta
3.2-584,400... (5/21)
Arbitron
April 2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly AQH/Cume: KLTY/Dallas 2.9-834,000... KSBJ/Houston
4.0-612,500... KSGN/Riverside 2.3-144,100... (5/20)
WAY-FM
and World Vision announce the renewal of their extensive partnership for
an additional year. The agreement covers joint ministry efforts whereby
the two organizations will continue to share various marketing
opportunities and strategies. Once again, a national concert tour will
be an element of the joint partnership. The tour will run in the early
winter of 2010 and will visit 10 – 12 of the markets WAY-FM serves. It
also includes WAY-FM air personalities visiting the field work World
Vision does in international settings. World Vision President Rich
Stearns commented, "We are thrilled to continue this unprecedented
ministry partnership. WAY-FM is a strong Christian voice serving
the communities in which they broadcast and World Vision is honored to
serve with them in this important Kingdom work."
“The overall relationship between World Vision and WAY-FM has been
outstanding. Our listeners have enjoyed getting to know the ministry and
heart of both staff members and artists associated with World Vision.
The joint tour we did last winter was a huge success and I really look
forward to another year of working together.” noted Lloyd Parker, WAY-FM
Chief Operating Officer. (5/20)
For
Mother’s Day WBGL/Champaign allowed listeners to nominate the mom
in their life to win a customized gift package created by the nominator.
Wishes were fulfilled over the 3 week period leading up to Mother’s Day,
and Tim & Pam from the Morning Show surprised each of the selected moms
with a phone call telling them what they won. Over 800 entries came in
with the stories of each of the very deserving moms ranging from moms
who gave of their time to help sick children and grandchildren and moms
who overcame cancer, to those who work tirelessly each day to make the
everyday details work and still tuck their kids in at night. The winners
received a range of gifts including: a day at the spa, jewelry, a
customized home office, restaurant gift certificates, flowers, patio
furniture, a dress for her granddaughters wedding, a video camera for a
mom who has Alzheimer’s, a family portrait session, and even a
collection of books donated to a local hospital in memory of a mom who
lost her fight to cancer. Most of all, every entry wanted their mom to
know she was loved and appreciated. (5/20)
West
Sussex based Christian broadcasting
Feba UK has appointed Jonathan Frank as its new Chief
Executive. Feba UK broadcasts in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
(5/20)
Salem
Communications announced that Ron Stone has been appointed as
General Manager of its three Minneapolis radio stations, KKMS (980AM),
KYCR (1570AM) and WWTC (1280AM). Stone has more than 25 years of
broadcasting experience. He comes to Salem from Midwest Communications,
where he served as General Manager for their six station cluster.
Dave Santrella, Vice President of Operations, commented, "Ron is a solid
broadcaster with a passion for our formats and the drive and creativity
we need in today's challenging environment. I'm thrilled to have Ron in
a leadership role in our company. (5/19)
The
overall goal for the five day WAFJ/Augusta
“Friendraiser” was $206,000. That goal was met before the third day was
in the books. That is something that has never happened in all of
WAFJ’s nearly 15 years of serving the Augusta area. Even after the goal
was met, phone calls continued to come into the studio, resulting in
WAFJ actually exceeding its goal! “We are humbled and grateful to God,”
exclaimed WAFJ Station Manager, Steve Swanson. “Our prayers were
answered through hundreds of listeners who believe in the value of this
station for their families,” Swanson added. As an added benefit
during the “Friendraiser”, every time a “faith partner” gave their
donations through electronic funds transfer, WAFJ donated three cans of
food to the Golden Harvest Food Bank. The final tally meant 1,257 cans
of much needed food were placed on the Food Bank shelves for residents
having a hard time during this recession. As 88.3 WAFJ, looks ahead to
increasing its services to listeners and area churches, Swanson
declares,” We believe the best is yet to come!” (5/18)
BITS:
St Joseph Missions
has purchased WAMO/Pittsburgh AM&FM from Sheridan Broadcasting for
8.9mil... Selling price of WQFL/Rockford and WGSL/Rockford to EMF is 2mil,
changes expected in 90 days... Mark Ross
and Amy James
exit GMA due to re-structuring... (5/15)
WLAB
Update: The offer to buy the station made by the not-for-profit group
(Star Educational Media Network) formed by WLAB GM Melissa Montana
and PD Don Beuttner, was accepted today by the BOD of the current
ownership. Star 88.3 will be able to continue on as it is with it's
programming and current staff. Details of the sale were not yet
available. The sale is pending FCC approval. (5/14)
KDUV/Visalia PD
Shannon Steele
will exit the station to enter the exciting world of record promotion.
She relocate to Nashville to join EMI CMG beginning June 15.
Shannon replaced longtime
KDUV PD Joe Croft in January 2009 ND joined KDUV in 2001 coming from
WDJC/Birmingham. If interested in the programming opening contact KDUV
manager Bob Croft. (5/13)
Despite
pleas from local radio stations, listeners, and civil rights leaders,
the House Judiciary Committee today passed a bill by a vote of 21
to 9 that would levy a new fee on local radio stations for music aired
free to listeners. If enacted, 50 percent of the new fee would go
directly into the coffers of the major record label companies, three out
of four of which reside outside the United States. Outside the
Judiciary Committee, a bipartisan group of 192 House lawmakers are
already on record in opposition to the legislation, which is being
pushed by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
NAB Executive Vice President Dennis
Wharton issued the following statement:
"We were pleasantly surprised by the
considerable bipartisan opposition to a performance tax, even in a
committee where support for the record labels is strongest. NAB applauds
these nine members for standing with America's hometown radio stations,
their 235 million weekly listeners, and the yet-to-break artists who
will lose their number one promotional platform if this bill is enacted.
"Nearly half the House of
Representatives already opposes RIAA efforts to feather the nest of
foreign record labels. Record label abuse of artists from Count Basie to
Prince is well-documented, as evidenced by scores of lawsuits filed by
musicians cheated out of royalties. Moving forward, the fundamental
question is this: If the debate is about 'fairness to artists', why
should the record labels get one penny from a performance tax on radio
stations?"
"Congress should not impose any new
performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public
performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for
broadcasting sound recordings over-the-air, or on any business for such
public performance of sound recordings," reads The Local Radio Freedom
Act. (5/13)
KSLT/Rapid
City recently hosted a free
Mother-Daughter event named after the Jonny Diaz hit “More Beautiful
You”. The invitation only luncheon and concert featured speakers Jenn
Buell from KSLT who shared her miracle baby story, and Jennifer Crawford
from sister station KTPT, who shared on the importance of a woman’s true
inner beauty. Jonny Diaz topped off the afternoon with a live
performance. (5/12)
BITS:
Jacob Bluebaugh joins KLJC/Kansas City (Calvary 88.5) as
Underwriting Coordinator... Longtime gospel radio air personality Joe
Bagby has passed away... (5/12)
Educational
Media Foundation (“EMF”) has agreed to purchase WQFL/Rockford
(101 QFL) and sister station WGSL/Rockford (91.1 FM) from owners
Christian Communication Network (CCN). CCN Chairman Jeremy DeWeerdt
announced the purchase today. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. The
sale is pending final approval from the FCC. Deweerdt stated, “We are
excited about EMF’s acquisition of the stations because they bring the
resources of a national radio group to Christian radio ministry in
Rockford and are like-minded with the Christian Communication Network’s
values. By transferring ownership of the radio stations to EMF, the
largest Christian radio network in the U.S. that has a proven track
record of top-notch Christian programming and spiritual life change, the
legacy of WQFL and WGSL will continue to flourish.” (5/11)
New
Christian station KPHL/Pahala (on Big Island of Hawaii) signed on
last week for 48 hours to comply with FCC technical requirements, but
station officials requested permission to take the station dark right
away because "the tower we are currently licensed to, and operating from
is considered nonpermitted for co-location of broadcast properties by
the County of Hawaii," they said in an FCC filing. The station
construction permit was purchased in 2007 for $1,500 from Memphis based
owner George S. Flinn.
KPHL's plansto go on the air permannently this
fall and primary programming will come from K-Love and Air One. (5/11)
Salem
Communications released its First Quarter 2009 results for the three
months ending March 31, 2009.
Results compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2008:
-- Total revenue decreased 10.7% to $48.3 million from $54.1 million;
-- Operating expenses decreased 4.2% to $39.5 million from $41.2
million;
-- Operating income from continued operations decreased 31.3% to $8.8
million from $12.8 million;
-- Net income was $2.9 million.
(5/7)
David
K. Rehr, Ph. D., president and CEO of the National Association of
Broadcasters, announced today that he is resigning. "I have enjoyed
leading America's broadcasters through this time of change and
challenge," Rehr said. "Our efforts to educate America about the digital
television transition have been enormously successful, and our effort to
reinvigorate radio through the Radio Heard Here campaign is positioning
radio broadcasters well for the future." "I am looking forward to
building on these experiences and working with the broader Washington
community to further advocacy efforts through marketing, communications
and education," he continued. "David made a significant contribution and
has been extremely dedicated to making NAB a stronger organization," NAB
Joint Board Chairman Jack Sander said. "On behalf of the board of
directors and our member stations, we thank him for his leadership and
wish him well in the future." Rehr said he plans to continue in his
current role during a transition phase. During an interim period, Janet
McGregor, NAB's chief operating and financial officer, will work closely
with Rehr and assume day-to-day duties until a successor is named. Rehr
joined the NAB in 2005.
Rehr's sudden resignation comes less than three weeks after the NAB
held its major event of the year, the annual spring convention in Las
Vegas, which in good times, generates nearly $50 million in revenue for
NAB. This year's attendance was dramatically lower than in previous
years, just under 84,000, the decline blamed on the recession. However,
under Rehr's leadership, the NAB has lost several significant battles,
the most obvious the group's expensive attempt to stop the Sirius-XM
merger. Both the Department of Justice, and then the FCC, approved the
merger with inconsequential stipulations. (5/6)
BITS:
Patton House Entertainment has promoted Tiffany Rockhold to the
artist management staff within the agency... WJTL/Erie received
two awards from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters... Flame
FM, based in Old Town, England (80 mi from London) returned to the
air and will run for 28 days with community radio shows and Christian
rock...
Syndication programmer Joel Dearing joins VirtualNewsCenter as
Vice President of Affiliate Relations... (5/5)
KCBI/Dallas
presents “Family Matters…Forum on the Family,” a live radio broadcast
from CenterStage at First Baptist Dallas on Wed., May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Not
only will this event be live on the “air” but televised as well! This
KCBI Family Town Hall will be recorded and aired nationally as well as
internationally on Family Net TV. “People are frustrated and exhausted,
and they don’t know what they are doing wrong … they have no idea why
their families are falling apart,” said Mike Tirone KCBI’s General
Manager. “But like the Word of God says in Psalm 127:1, ‘Unless the Lord
builds the house, those who labor, labor in vain.’ I want people to go
home with practical steps to improve their marriages and families,
rooted in God’s word.” (5/5)
Russ
Hauth of Salem Communications; Harv Hendrickson of Northwestern Media, a
ministry of Northwestern College; Don Crawford of Crawford Broadcasting;
and Dan DeBruler of Christian Listening Network have joined together to
oppose H.R. 848 and S. 379, the performance tax legislation being
pushed by foreign-owned record labels.
In a letter to members of Congress, they wrote, “Radio companies like
ours that air ministry programming are trying to weather the economic
storm ahead, but some members of Congress — at the urging of the
foreign-owned record labels — have introduced legislation that could
make it impossible for radio ministries to survive … Even if the
legislation included exemptions that actually meant something, we would
oppose this measure on principle.”
They added, “Why would we legislatively and financially reward an
industry that consistently displays bad behavior at the expense of local
jobs and local communities? Local religious radio stations like ours
exist to help people. And the entire radio industry is formed around the
notion that it has the responsibility to not only entertain and inform,
but also to serve the great people in this country. We take pride in
doing that every day, and it is why we need your help.” (5/4)
Trans
World Radio Missionary Care Coordinator Carol Detwiler sent this
request for help from the Christian radio community. They need somebody
to fill in right NOW. Maybe that someone is you.
