and WHIF/Palatka (Hope FM) spearheaded a community pep rally for teachers.  The almost-200 teachers in attendance were treated to breakfast, a motivational speaker, games, prizes and they all left with bags filled with supplies they'll need in their classrooms.

Pictured left: WHIF Station Development Director, Craig Beckler, watching where the prize wheel will land for this teacher. (8/27)

The House FM has expanded again!  KTHF/Hammon, OK (26.5kw @ 89.9 FM) has signed on the air in Western Oklahoma and a translator was added at 100.1 in Wichita. These new additions bring The House FM network to 10 frequencies and it can now be heard from the Texas Panhandle to Wichita, KS.   

Pictured L-R (standing in front of the House banner) Darcey Christianson - Chief Engineer, Doyle Brewer - CEO & Founder, Don Burns – Station Manager from The House FM Radio Network surrounded by local leaders and ministers for the KTHF ribbon cutting and dedication.  (8/26)

Arbitron Summer 2010 Phase 1 AQH 12+: KBIQ/Colorado Springs 3.3... WJQK/Grand Rapids 1.9... (8/24)

Worship-FM has expanded it’s coverage area, by adding an additional six frequencies to it’s network. Six of those frequencies are translator frequencies, which were operational under it’s sister station, WMDR/Augusta. An additional frequency, WFYB/Fryeburg, ME (91.5FM) will be added this fall.

With the addition of seven frequencies, WORSHIP-FM will cover all four Arbitron® markets in the state, which include Bangor, ME (#223), Augusta/Waterville, ME (#271), Lewiston/Auburn, ME (#283) and now Portland, ME (#167, the state’s largest market). The new Fryeburg, ME station will cover the Southern
Western portion of the state, as well as the Mt. Washington Valley region in New Hampshire. “We are very excited with this new opportunity for WORSHIP-FM to reach a whole new area that we were never able to reach before”, says Ryan Gagne, Operations Manager. “This will allow the ministry to reach thousands more with encouraging music & programming that many in Central Maine now enjoy.” Ryan was promoted from Program Director to Operations Manager in August 2010. He has served at Worship-FM for 12 years.

Worship-FM has other construction permits granted by the Federal Communications Commission for new transmitter sites in New Hampshire, as well as the North Shore of Massachusetts. Combined population areas of these two new station area exceed one-million residents. (8/24)

The SOS Radio Network has hired Rick Hall as its new Music Director. Rick joins SOS from mainstream AC WCFS/Chicago (Fresh 105.9). Previously he has worked in Christian radio at WFZH/Milwaukee (The former Fish in Milwaukee) and programmed WQFL/Rockford. In addition to MD duties Rick will be on the air from 1pm-4pm at SOS Radio. Rick says, "My wife and I have been praying for God to reveal the next chapter in our life, so we're thrilled to be able to call SOS Radio and the city of Las Vegas home."  Rick will start at SOS on September 2. SOS Radio Program Director, Scott Herrold says, “Rick’s going to be a great leader on our team!  I’m excited his wife isn’t fearful of raising their new baby girl in Vegas!”
 
SOS Radio is currently heard on 43 frequencies in 9 different states. 

MORE MOVEMENT: Scott Saunders joins WVMC/Mansfield as GM replacing Josh Hooper who is exits for afternoons/production at WCVO/Columbus (104.9 The River)... Al Gross joins 50,000 watt blow torch KXEN/St Louis for Christian talk weekday afternoons at 1pm... EMF is selling KRLJ/Jackson, MO to Pure Word Communications for 220k...  (8/23)

WPOZ/Orlando (Z88.3) increases it's coverage with the addition of WHYZ/Palm Coast (9200 watts at 91.1) WPOZ VP/GM/PD Dean O'Neal says "It has been a long journey. We filed an application for the signal in 1999. It took 10 years to wind its way through the halls of the FCC and almost a year to get all the necessary paperwork and permits in place from the county in which it is built. 91.1-WHYZ now provides a crystal clear signal of the Z to Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Beverly Beach (all of Flagler County) and Ormond Beach, Holly Hill and Daytona Beach (northeast Volusia County)". (8/23)

WAY-FM/Christian Hit Radio Satellite Network's Mornings with Brant host, Brant Hansen, interviewed Actor, Director, Filmmaker, and  “well-known-liberal” Rob Reiner last week about his new family movie, Flipped.  Who would have thought they would ever hear Rob on Christian radio?  You check out the podcast on the Mornings with Brant Facebook page, or at www.morningswithbrant.com.  (8/23)

Arbitron Spring 2010 AQH 12+: KGNZ/Abilene 2.4... WEMI/Appleton 2.1... WMIT/Asheville 4.5... WAFJ/Augusta 2.6... KTSY/Boise 3.7... WAYR/Brunswick, GA 5.9... KNWS/Cedar Rapids 3.9... WBGL/Champaign 2.8... WRCM/Charlotte 2.0... WMBW/Chattanooga 3.1... KRWA/Colorado Springs 1.0... WMHK/Columbia 4.7... KNWI/Des Moines 4.2... KDNW/Duluth 3.6... KFNW/Fargo 2.9... KLRC/Fayetteville 5.8... KGCB/Flagstaff 6.5... WAYJ/Ft Myers 1.4... WBCL/Ft Wayne 5.2... WCSG/Grand Rapids 4.8... WAYG/Grand Rapids 1.4... WLFJ/Greenville 4.5... WAYH/Huntsville 2.7... WGNR/Indianapolis 1.2... WJTL/Lancaster 3.9... KAVX/Lufkin 3.9... WNWC/Madison 2.1... KVMV/McAllen 3.8... KDOV/Medford 4.5... KAMB/Merced 1.4... WBHY/Mobile 2.3... WAYM/Nashville 1.3... WPOZ/Orlando 4.5... WCIC/Peoria 4.7... WDLM/Quad Cities 1.9... WUGN/Saginaw 1.4... WJIS/Sarasota 2.0... KWND/Springfield 2.5... WAYT/Tallahassee 1.0... KGTS/Tri Cities 1.3... KTFY/Twin Falls 2.1... KVNE/Tyler 4.4... KDUV/Visalia 2.4... KNWS/Waterloo 4.5... WGNV/Wausau 2.1... KPLW/Wenatchee 2.3... WAYF/W Palm Beach 1.8... WRMB/W Palm Beach 3.4...  (8/19)

WXRI/Winston Salem (Joy FM) unveiled the “World’s Largest Get Well Card” to benefit & encourage the Bowling Family, as they recover
from a tour bus crash earlier this summer. The over-sized greeting card measures 7 feet in height and 8 feet wide, with the purpose of receiving well wishes, prayers, and signatures of Joy FM listeners and Gospel music artists. Brian Sanders, GM of Joy FM, said “the creativity of the Joy FM staff is paired with the generosity of Joy FM listeners to assist a family that is struggling. We are called to love God and people. This is an effort to give back to a talented family that has given
so much to us.”  Joy FM will embark on a multi-city tour, holding rallies & live broadcasts to attain signatures on the giant Get Well card, and encouraging donations. The final stop on the tour will be the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky in mid-September, before making the official presentation to the Bowling Family. The tour dates and locations will be posted at www.joyfm.org. The first public appearance took place on August 13, 2010 in Winston-Salem, NC at a sold out Booth Brothers concert. Video of that unveiling is available at: http://www.vimeo.com/14298961  (8/19)

Sales/Possible Sales: EMF is buying KKAT/Salt Lake City from Wasatch Radio for $5.75 million ($2 mi cash, rest in a promissory note; if EMF pays the entire amount in cash, it gets a $250,000 discount), KLOVE has been on KKAT since March... Trevecca Nazarene University has received an offer to purchase WNAZ/Nashville (89.1 FM). As it has with previous offers, the University will evaluate and consider that offer within the context of current market values and the University’s overall programs. (8/19)

Arbitron Summer 2010 Phase 1 AQH 12+: WDJC/Birmingham 3.7... KGBI/Omaha 1.5... WDCX/Buffalo 0.5... WFHM/Cleveland (Akron) 2.1... (8/18)

WMIT/Black Mountain (106.9 the Light) will broadcast live for it's "Day Of Hope" tomorrow. “It’s our second annual Day of Hope,” according to Executive Director Jim Kirkland said. “Last year we were in Rutherford County. It gives us the opportunity to let people know Cleveland County is important to us. We are here for them, here to provide encouragement through Christian music and teaching and to reach out to people one-on-one.”

The day begins at 6 a.m. with a morning show live broadcast with show hosts Matt Stockman and Heather Shelley. Overnight host Louis Grant will join Stockman and Shelley at the morning event, and afternoon host Jerry Woods will also be involved during the day. Next the crew moves to Chick-fil-A at Cleveland Mall in Shelby for the lunchtime show from noon to 3 p.m. with host Carol Davis.  (8/18)

WFSH/Atlanta (104.7 The Fish) announced the line-up of their Celebrate Freedom® concert-festival event. The event is an all-day free family event featuring artists, fireworks, children’s entertainment, rides and exhibits. 104.7 The Fish has teamed up with Atlanta based WinShape Foundation for the first time to provide this event to the public for free. This year’s concert lineup will feature Switchfoot, Natalie Grant, Big Daddy Weave, Point of Grace, Jonny Diaz, Echoing Angels, Anthony Evans, Seabird, KJ-52, Chris August, Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers, and The Oswald Brothers Band.

Along with this, 104.7 The Fish is teaming up with Safe America Foundation to give five local artists the opportunity to compete to be the Opening Act. The grand prize winner of this competition will perform in the evening on the main stage, receive a $10,000 cash prize, $1,500 worth of merchandise from Ken Stanton Music, and have $10,000 donated to the church, ministry, or organization of their choice. “This is the 3rd Celebrate Freedom® event we have had the privilege of bringing to the Atlanta area. Our 2010 event features some of the world’s finest artists and groups in the Adult Contemporary Christian format. Celebrate Freedom® is a place where people can bring their families to enjoy a vast multitude of fun activities along with the absolute best free concert from these world-renowned artists.”  says Mike Moran, VP of Operations, Salem Media of Georgia. (8/17)

WAY-FM Media has closed on the $2,325,000 sale of KKHI/Denver (Centennial, Colorado). Smooth jazz programming was replaced in early May, as part of an LMA with seller Bustos Media. (8/17)

Arbitron July 2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: KZLV/San Antonio 167,400... KMLR/San Antonio 21,800... KLRX/Kansas City 217,000... KLJC/Kansas City 98,500... KKFS/Sacramento 99,800... KLRS/Sacramento 52,800... KARA/Sacramento 38,200... WAKW/Cincinnati 177,500... WNLT/Cincinnati 76,100... WORI/Cincinnati 41,800... KSOS/Las Vegas 112,200... KKAT/Salt Lake City 84,600... WFHM/Cleveland 203,800... WCRF/Cleveland 95,800... WJMO/Cleveland 48,200... KFIS/Portland 258,600... KPDQ/Portland 57,600... KLVP/Portland 51,100... KZRI/Portland 62,900... KHPE/Portland 48,100... (8/13)

Arbitron July 2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WCIE/Tampa 150,900... WBVM/Tampa 106,400... WKES/Tampa 45,1000... WJIS/Tampa 30,900... WMUZ/Detroit 226,900... KLVJ/San Diego 47,500... KPRZ/San Diego 65,200... WRBS/Baltimore 292,400... KCMS/Seattle 451,100... KWPZ/Seattle 31,200... WEZE/Boston 59,800... WROL/Boston 29,300... KLVA/Phoenix 252,200... KFLR/Phoenix 98,900...  KZAI/Phoenix 112,100...  KGCB/Phoenix 29,200... KLJY/St Louis 206,900... KHZR/St Louis 48,100... KSIV/St Louis 87,300... KLDV/Denver 293,100... KXWA/Denver 106,300... KRKS//Denver 52,200... WPKV/Pittsburgh 142,200... WORD/Pittsburgh 91,500... KTIS/Minneapolis 429,600... (8/12)

 Arbitron July 2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WGTS/Wash DC 304,100... WAVA/Wash DC 179,300... WJYJ/Wash DC 43,400... KSBJ/Houston 524,200... KROI/Houston 321,400... WAWZ/New York 283,900... WMCA/New York 181,800... WFME/New York 164,000... WFSH/Atlanta 547,200... WVFJ/Atlanta 177,100... WPZE/Atlanta 664,200... KFSH/Los Angeles 460,600... KKLA/Los Angeles 270,300... KWVE/Los Angeles 185,000... WJKL/Chicago 322,600... WMBI/Chicago 235,400... WCFL/Chicago 75,000... WONU/Chicago 58,800... KSGN/Riverside 170,100... KLRD/Riverside 151,100... KLVS/San Francisco 131,500... KNDL/San Francisco 39,400... WPPZ/Philadelphia 322,600... WKVP/Philadelphia 46,800... WFIL/Philadelphia 44,600... WBYO/Philadelphia 53,800... KLTY/Dallas 919,900... KCBI/Dallas 269,100... (8/11)

WNLR/Churchville, VA (1150 AM) is building a house in hopes of selling it to raise money for the station. "The only way we are able to stay on the air is through donations by Christian people and some advertising from local businesses. We've been running month to month," said Bill Garvey, president of New Life Ministries. Garvey said he worked for a building company for years and knows the business, believes the station stands to bring in a large amount of money. "This is a house for Jesus Christ, so we'll let him take care of the sale," he said. The two-story house when finished in the fall, will measure 1,800 square feet with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. It sits on 2.3 acres and is surrounded by farmland. "We just think we can do it really inexpensively and having it financed by a foundation, it doesn't put us at any risk," Garvey said, speculating that his ministry could make between $20,000 and $30,000 after expenses. "We can't sell enough advertising in one year to generate that kind of money for the ministry." (8/11)

BITS: Paul Easter joins Houston Christian Broadcasters, Inc. (HCB) as Technical Director, Easter previously was the Technical Manager for Salem Radio/Chicago...WDYN/Chattanooga sold to Bible Broadcasting Network for 2.5 mil... Sarasota's WUSF Public Media buys WSMR/Sarasota for $1.28 million and has changed the format to all classical music..... Congratulations to KXWA/Denver (101.9 WAY-FM) PD Mike Couchman and wife Jennifer on birth of new son Ezra Thomas (8/10)

Salem Communications announced a profit for the second quarter, reversing a loss seen in the same period last year. Reported net income was $799,000 million, compared to a loss of $5 million in the same period last year. Operating income from continued operations increased to $10.1 million from a loss of $6.5 million last year. Salem cut operating expenses by more than 24 percent, lowering costs to $43 million from $57 million last year. Net broadcast revenue was up 3.5 percent, to $45.5 million. Station operating income advanced 4 percent, to $16.5 million, while same station net broadcast revenue was up 3.3 percent. (8/10)

Word Records Point of Grace member Denise Jones is co-hosting the morning show at WFFH/Nashville (94.1 The Fish) this week for Kim Ford who is out on maternity leave. “The Fish is a part of our morning drive to school and I’m really looking forward to hanging out with Doug this next week and chatting about all kinds of things!” says Denise. “Also, my boys think it’s really cool that I’m going to be on the radio!” Denise is working alongside Doug Griffin from 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM for the “Doug and Kim” morning show. Shelley Breen from the group was on The Fish last week to help fill in the co-host spot. (8/10)

WSAE/Spring Arbor (Home FM) makes additions/changes to its staff. Tonya Hernandez has joined as the  new PD shifting Rachel Buchanan over to Promotions Coordinator. Hernandez was previously at WLEN/Adrian, Mi. Home FM also hires Kaitlyn Tracy as Underwriting Coordinator. According to Executive Director of SAU Radio Malachi Crane "The additions of Tonya and Kaitlyn are a positive sign of growth for our stations. They will help further our mission and reach of HOME.fm and SAU Radio."  (8/9)

Integrity Label Group Director National Promotions Grayson Long and wife Cori welcomed a new baby boy (their fifth child) Curtis David Long born Friday morning. (8/6)

Streaming services provider ChristianNetcast.com announces the company will show growth in profits and earnings for the eleventh consecutive year. "When you consider the state of the current economy, seeing a company continue to grow is amazing." states David Palmer VP of Sales and Marketing for ChristianNetcast. "What's even better to hear is that the slump of the economy seems to be changing and more radio stations and organizations are once again looking to add more on line services."  In June of this year ChristianNetcast and MainstreamNetwork launched its own iPhone app on the Apple iStore. The app can be used to listen to the streaming companies stations on an iPhone, iPod Touch or the new iPad. In April of 2009 ChristianNetcast completed the acquisition of NWR Network of Colorado Springs. This past week ChristianNetcast.com announced it will launch a TV network in 2011. Set top boxes will be used for viewers and cable companies to receive the programming via the internet. (8/4)

Joe Polek moves to mornings at WHMX/Bangor (105.7 Solution FM) ... Focus On The Family is laying off 110 people, including 15 managers... Curb artist Natalie Grant is hosting an online listening party for her upcoming album "Love Revolution" on Aug 17 starting at 9pm ET at www.nataliegrant.com... (8/4)

Wayne Shepherd Communications has announced the launch of the new weekly program "First Person With Wayne Shepherd" debuting October 1, 2010. “I constantly run into people and ideas and think to myself that I wish I had an outlet to talk to that person and share the conversation with others,” says Wayne. “There are so many interesting people and stories that my life intersects with on a weekly basis.  Whether I'm traveling on a freelance assignment somewhere here in the U.S., or even overseas, I often have to walk away from interview opportunities because, until now, I've had no outlet to turn to for general interviews.  First Person With Wayne Shepherd will be made available to radio stations via an Internet ftp site and archived on the program’s website which is under development.  A demo program will be available soon at www.wayneshepherd.net  (8/4)

Available: Steve Tuzeneu (formerly with WAY FM) looking for management or engineering contact stuzeneu@gmail.com... Julie Belcher looking for on air, production in the DC, MD area contact juliab1stborn@aol.com...  Larry Hild seeking sales position at a station central Florida (near Lakeland, FL) contact hild7@yahoo.com .   (8/2)

Prayer Request: For KBRT/Costa Mesa Rich Buhler (Dean of Christian Talk Radio) host of "Talk From the Heart" who has been diagnosed with an inoperable "mass on his pancreas".  Buhler is also an ordained minister with a 40-years-plus career in broadcasting.  (8/2)

Shelley Breen from Word Vocal Group Point of Grace will be filling in on WFFH/Nashville's  “Doug and Kim” morning show the week of Monday 8/2.    “I am absolutely thrilled for the opportunity to work with Doug and the team at The Fish. They always do such a great job with the morning show and I know we will have a great time,” says Shelley. “I’m going to impress Doug by actually dressing up, wearing make-up and bringing Starbucks on Monday. However, Tuesday through Friday – he will see the real me!”  (8/2)

Patton House Entertainment President Andrew Patton annouces the company will expand its operations and launch two new divisions, Patton House Booking and Patton House Music Publishing. Patton House Booking will focus on providing unique opportunities in non-traditional venues for established and independent clients.  Launching Patton House Music Publishing will be Adam Edelstein, who was recently promoted to Director of Business and Strategic Development.  “It’s an exciting time at Patton House Entertainment as we expand our operations with two new divisions,” says Andrew Patton.  “By developing these new opportunities for our artists, we’ll be able to offer them a well-rounded approach to their careers that will expand their opportunities.  Of course none of this expansion would be possible without the incredible talents of the Patton House Entertainment team, which includes: Adam Edelstein, Tiffany Rockhold, Michael Hare and Matt Ingle.  Matt has done an incredible job with our promotion and marketing division and in one short year has achieved five Top 10 singles, seven different songs being the most-added record for eleven weeks and working with Michael W. Smith to promote the Music City Haiti relief effort for Come Together Now.”  (8/2)

New websites: International Christian media ministry TWR announces the launch of a newly revitalized website to increase engagement and awareness of its global outreach, the site (www.twr.org) offers an intuitive design and integration of the newest media platforms... and  Curb recording artist Natalie Grant recently unveiled a redesign of her official website (http://www.NatalieGrant.com)... in addition, Grant has also launched another website focusing on the message and movement behind the music of Love Revolution—StartALoveRevolution.com (http://www.StartALoveRevolution.com).  (8/2)

WSMR/Sarasota (Life 89.1) has been sold and is going off the air this Wednesday Aug 4th at 5pm. "The proceeds from the sale of WSMR will be sown back into the ministry of Northwestern Media and the parent organization, Northwestern College. In a letter to listeners Station Manager Douglas Poll stated that "most of the staff has made transitions to new employment. And while Northwestern Media generously offered me a position in the network, God was clear to me that He wants the Poll family to remain in the Sarasota area." To read the entire letter click here. (7/30)

The NAB announced finalists for Religious Station Of The Year in the 2010 NAB Marconi Radio Awards. The winner will be announced on September in Wash DC. Finalists stations include: KFSH/Los Angeles, KSBJ/Houston, WFMV/Columbia SC, WLIB-AM/New York City, WMIT/Black Mountain, NC  (7/19)

Arbitron June 2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: KZLV/San Antonio 179,400... KMLR/San Antonio 30,000... KLRX/Kansas City 235,800... KLJC/Kansas City 93,900... KKFS/Sacramento 84,000... KARA/Sacramento 40,400... WAKW/Cincinnati 127,300... WNLT/Cincinnati 78,000... WORI/Cincinnati 36,100... KSOS/Las Vegas 132,000... KKAT/Salt Lake City 64,000... WFHM/Cleveland 196,600... WCRF/Cleveland 103,800... WJMO/Cleveland 45,100... KFIS/Portland 218,700... KPDQ/Portland 58,100... KLVP/Portland 50,600... KZRI/Portland 53,700... KHPE/Portland 34,500..  (7/19)

WFSH/Atlanta (104.7 The Fish) morning co-hosts Kevin and Taylor were featured on the Atlanta-NBC TV news for “Operation Cool Down” To watch click this link: http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=146970&catid=40   (click on the story, wait through the 14 second ad and then the story will come up).   (7/19)  

WAY FM/CHRSN GM Faron Dice gives HisAir.Net a clarification  "Due to budget cuts at WAY FM, air personality Donna Cruz's full-time salaried position has been eliminated, but Donna will still continue in her midday shift as a voicetracker and is available and looking for additional VT work.   (7/19)

KLJY/St Louis (JOY-FM) PD Greg Cassidy checks in with HisAir.Net. Greg tells us they held their first "sticker stop" after making the move to 99.1 and a 100,000 signal in the heart of the market.  Over 1,000 listeners showed up to get window stickers, t-shirts and other goodies bearing the new JOY-FM logo.  Scheduled as a two hour event, it took three hours for all that came by the studio to visit to get their prizes and enjoy the day. JOY-FM switched to the new signal July 7th at 7am and already has over 4,000 friends on their new Facebook page.  (7/19)

Due to budget cuts at WAY FM air personality Donna Cruz's position has been eliminated from the line-up.  Donna will still be on as a  voicetracker and is available and looking for additional VT work.  If you want to talk to the Christian radio on air vet call her at...615-584-1977.  (7/16)

Bits: Kara Bird joins KJIL/Meade as station announcer/assistance production director... Lorraine Shaw joins WAWZ/New York (Star 99.1) as Sales Manager... EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network will go on the air on WBIX-AM/Boston this November... Integrity Media and Sony extend their arrangement to distribute Integrity Music, INO Records, and Integrity Music for five years... WLAB/Ft Wayne morning personality Ace McKay and "The Marriage Playbook Ministries" release its new marriage workbook resources for couples called "The Marriage Playbook."... Jordyn Thomas is promoted at Provident Music Group to Sr. Dir. of A&R... (7/14) 

Shamrock Media is expanding its services to include Digital Consulting and Audio Production.  For more information about Shamrock Media and their new services, please visit them at www.rocktheshamrock.com.  (7/9)

We've got updated music research courtesy of Ken Farley at Hit Music Research. Check out the latest here.  (6/27)

Centricity adds Jon Sell to its Radio Promotion Department. Jon joins the promotion team after working a year in Centricity Music’s management division. Jon will work alongside Jennifer Allen in all tracking and radio needs, handling all Indicator stations, while Jennifer will concentrate on Monitored stations.  Another addition to the Centricity Promotion Department is Penny Brown. Penny has been with Centricity since 2004 and will work from the Seattle office. Penny handle giveaways, artist drop-bys, interviews, etc. (6/25)

KHZR/St Louis (JOY-FM) PD Greg Cassidy checks in with HisAir.Net " It was announced on the Morning Show with Greg & Sandi today that JOY-FM will be making the move to 99.1 FM on July 7th at 7 AM."  JOY-FM is currently at 97.7 and 94.1 but doesn't fully cover the market.  The switch to 99.1, a 100,000 stick will cover 5 times the population of those signals. The FCC has approved the sale of KFUO/St. Louis (a longtime classical music station)  to the owners KHZR last month. (6/2)

WAY-FM asked listeners to help them find World Vision sponsors for 1203 kids in El Salvador this week, and they responded in a huge way! Over 1500 kids were sponsored! Early in the week, Pablo from “Mornings with Brant” offered to shave off all of his hair if they hit the goal. well here's the before and after pictures.  (pictures left)

Congratulations to Curb's Selah Todd  Smith who is the proud father of a baby daughter. Wife Angie gave birth to their fifth daughter Charlotte Olivia on MAY 19th. (5/28)

WOLC/Salisbury (Joy! 102.5) held a special Spring Fundraiser this week to raise $150,000 for operating costs with a portion going toward upgrading some radio equipment. They are rejoicing as they met and exceeded their goal a full day and a half early! The grand total was $156,525. (5/28)

Dr. Larry Flegle has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Cherokee FM Radio, Inc. owner of WPCG/Canton, Georgia. (5/28)

WCIC/Peoria will distribute 1,150 books for all the first graders in Peoria’s District 150 on June 2, 2010 starting with Charter Oak Primary School at 10 a.m. “We’re so excited that every first grader in District 150 will break for the summer with a brand new book to call their very own,” says station manager Dave Brooks. “First grade marks an important milestone for children's literacy. This makes it so important that each child has access to books.”  91.5 WCIC partnered with Barnes & Noble and Hoerr’s Berean Bookstore to kick off the book drive on April 21. The event concluded on May 14 when a total of 1,150 books were collected for the school district. “The fact that we wrapped up the book drive two weeks early thanks to the generous hearts of our listening family and community is extraordinary,” says Brooks. “We hope these children continue to embrace reading well into their high school years and adulthood.”  (5/28)

WAY-FM Denver General Manager, Zach Cochran has announced that Mike Couchman is the new Program Director for WAY-FM Denver, effective June 21, 2010. Couchman will assume the programming duties vacated by Jeff Connell who recently was promoted to the position of the Nashville based Network Program Director of CHRSN.

According to Cochran, “Mike is a recognized leader in the Christian CHR format and I am excited to have him on our team to lead the continued growth of WAY-FM’s second format.”  Couchman adds, “I fell in love with the young-focused WAY-FM as a 7th grader. To actually serve on the Denver team, being a part of that vision is beyond thrilling.” Most recently Couchman was APD/MD/air personality with SOS Radio/ Las Vegas and prior to that PD at WAYG/Grand Rapids.  Recently WAY FM purchased  KKHI/Denver from Bustos Media.  (5/25)
 

Rick McConnell, founder of Monumental Studios in Denver has announced the launch of Voice and Production Depot. This is a new low-cost service for radio stations nationwide billing itself as "your new production department."  Voice and Production Depot offers access to over 15 professional voice over announcers. Complete production - including music and sound effects - is also included. "Most medium and small size stations tell me that they just get tired of hearing their same station announcers on every spot," McConnell says. "And they want to lighten their production load. This answers that concern with some really affordable prices. Most voice over folks charge maybe $75 to $100 for one spot and that only gives you access to one guy or gal's voice. The Depot offers 15 voices to choose from, and you can get 5 or 6 times that many spots for that price."

Voice and Production Depot has enlisted the skills of seasoned radio and TV voice over professionals, actors, comedians and Christian radio veterans. This includes notable names such as Dave Kirby, Karen Veasy, Tom Carter and Jim Taylor.  Rick McConnell is a 30 year veteran of Christian radio who began Monumental Studios in 1986 by creating concert tour spots for Christian music artists. He is most known for the popular radio imaging package, "The Airshow".  For more information on Voice and Production Depot: http://www.monumentalstudiosdenver.com/depot/    (5/24)

New Christian station WMVW/ Peachtree City, GA (91.7 Newlife FM) officially went on the air last week. WMVW is 13kw Class C3 Non-Commercial FM. According to station president Joe Emert, the format is 60-percent music and 40-percent talk with programming aimed at a more mature audience.  "As a Christian Broadcaster, we don't see the need to duplicate what others are already doing. Folks like J93.3 and they provide a great service to their listeners. They're friends of ours, actually. We see ourselves as another plate of food at the listening buffet," Emert explained.  "We will be offering Fayette listeners a little more of a mature format. You will hear instrumentals, choir music and some more modern songs that are rooted in traditional inspirational music." The programming includes nationally syndicated news and radio dramas, as well as local disc jockeys Jim Stewart (mornings) and Pete Chagnon (afternoons). On Saturday nights, a traditional Southern Gospel Show will pour over the airwaves. Several local pastors and religious leaders will host special shows, but Emert is quick to point out that the station's ministry is strictly non-denominational.  95/24)

KPEZ/Austin (The River) will change frequencies from 102.3 to 105.9 on May 31st. The flip is with Clear Channel sister station mainstream Top 40 KFMK/Austin. CC officials say the change is "a proactive business move to feature the mainstream, advertiser-friendly Hip-Hop format on a stronger signal that can better serve its larger audience at 102.3FM, which broadcasts at 25,000 watts."   (5/24)

“Family 1020,” KJJK /Fergus Falls MN is on the air. The station features Doug and Kim in the morning, “ Family 1020,” owner Result Radio, INC., say the format switch was made to coincide with the ongoing strong growth in Christian music.  “Family 1020,” owned by Result Radio, INC., makes this format switch to coincide with the ongoing strong growth in Christian music.(5/24)

Arbitron April 2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WCIE/Tampa 132,200... KLVA/Phoenix 262,600... KGCB/Phoenix 53,400... WRBS/Baltimore 285,400... WPKV/Pittsburgh 138,800... WORD/Pittsburgh 98,600... KLDVDenver 290,800... KXWA/Denver 84,900... KCMS/Seattle 412,300... WMUZ/Detroit 229,600... KSIV/St Louis 100,200... KHZR/St Louis 77,700... KTIS/Minneapolis 442,000...  (5/20)

Arbitron April 2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WGTS/Wash DC 301,000... WAVA/Wash DC 158,300... KSBJ/Houston 681,200... WAWZ/New York 344,200... WFSH/Atlanta 687,400... WVFJ/Atlanta 219,000... KFSH/Los Angeles 483,600... WJKL/Chicago 361,900... WMBI/Chicago 289,000... WONU/Chicago 92,600... KSGN/Riverside 210,900... KLTY/Dallas 899,800... KCBI/Dallas 225,500...  (5/19)

KXGM/Cedar Rapids PD Don Burns is leaving the station to join KJTH/Ponca City (The House FM) as station manager. Meanwhile Scott Sanborn is new to the KXGM morning show and Gator becomes MD. (5/19)

The ChristianNetcast iPhone app will be available from the Apple iStore this summer. To have your station listed on the only Christian Radio Station app available from the iStore call The ChristianNetcast sales department at 1 866-Netcast. (5/18) 

Mornings with Kevin and Lorri premiered today on Family Life Radio’s Arizona stations in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Payson and Prescott.  “I’m excited about the energy and experience Kevin and Lorri bring to Family Life Radio,” says Program Director Adam Biddell. “Our listeners have always appreciated our family and faith point of view. Add to that compelling content, heart-touching stories and wholesome fun—and you get your day off to a great start. We will give you something to share later at the water cooler and advice to make your day better.”

Kevin Harris comes to Family Life Radio from Dallas, where he worked for Salem Broadcasting. Kevin is excited for what the new program will bring to audiences, saying: “My family and I are thrilled about continuing our ministry in Arizona. Family Life Radio transforms lives. What an honor to be part of an organization like that.” Lorri Allen makes the move from Atlanta, where she was co-host of a morning show simulcast on radio and television. Lorri says, “I love Arizona! The mountains are beautiful, and the people are friendly. I look forward to getting to know our listeners and helping people prepare for their day.”   (5/17)

Gabriel Peter Hughes exits KJIL/Abilene, KS to pursue a career as the music leader of First Southern Baptist Church in Junction City. Gabriel is the son of Don Hughes President of Great Plains Christian Radio. (5/17)

“Mornings with Brant” on WAY-FM is offering listeners a chance to win an iPad.  In order to win, listeners were asked to submit their photo of “Extreme Toasting” because host, Brant Hansen, loves toast.  To see the listener photos, click here.

In response to the flooding Tennesseans flooding WAYM/Nashville (88.7 WAY-FM) launched a multi-phased response. From 10am to 2pm Saturday, May 8, the station broke away from normal programming for a live, local 4-hour broadcast originating from the new Spring Hill Kroger. 88.7 WAY-FM’s Donna Cruz along with operations director, Jeff Brown, hosted.  Joining them were several artists, including Johnny Diaz, Shaun Groves and MIKESCHAIR, plus community leaders and local pastors. 

During the broadcast, listeners were asked to gather any new or gently used sleeping bags and/or tents, as well as any hygiene-related items they may have, and bring them to the event.  In all, WAY-FM staff collected 400 hygiene kits, 300 lbs. of canned food, 400 rolls of toilet paper, 40 tents, 40 sleeping bags, 30 cases of water and $1000 in monetary donations.  (5/11)

Congratulations to PD Dean O'Neal and the staff at WPOZ/Orlando (Z88.3) on reaching NUMBER ONE in the Winter 2010 12+ survey with a 6.0 AQH! As far as we know this is the first time a Christian formatted station has achieved a number one ranking overall in top 50 market.  (5/10)

Arbitron  Winter 2010 P 12+ AQH: WRCM/Charlotte 2.4... WMHK/Columbia 3.0... WCSG/Grand Rapids 5.4... WAYG/Grand Rapids 1.0...  (5/12)

 Great Plains Christian Radio has added an eighth full-power station.  KNGM/Guymon, OK  began broadcasting at 88.9 FM with 25,000 watts today.  Great Plain Christian Radio also has forty translators.  The first station in the group, KJIL/Copeland, KS  went on the air in 1992 and has been named Station of the Year by GMA, NRB, NAB, KAB and Focus on the Family.  Don Hughes is Pres. CEO of Great Plains Christian Radio and Michael Luskey is the Station Manager of KJIL. (5/10)

 The FCC has approved the sale of KFUO/St. Louis (a longtime classical music station)  to the owners KHZR/St Louis (Joy FM) for $18 million. Exactly when the license will be transferred is not yet known but will happen on a mutually agreed upon date, said Vicki Biggs, a spokeswoman for sellers the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  Joy FM currently broadcasts simultaneously on two signals, 97.7-FM and 94.1-FM.  There were numerous objections to the sale. Petitions were filed by the Radio Arts Foundation and the Lutheran group the Committee to Save KFUO-FM. Many private individuals also wrote informally against the sale.  Joy FM PD Greg Cassidy adds "They say timing is everything.  It was Wednesday afternoon, during the first afternoon of Shareathon that JOY-FM received the call that the FCC had approved the purchase of KFUO in St. Louis.  This will move JOY-FM from the two existing signals to the 100,000 watt stick at 99.1.  The move is expected to happen in the next 30-45 days.  JOY-FM is a totally listener supported, 24 hour AC".  (5/6)

In St. Louis, another acquisition for Carlinville-based Illinois Bible Institute / New Life Media. It’s acquiring Class A WCBW/East St. Louis, IL (89.7) from New Life Evangelistic Center.  WIBI began LMAing the station in April with the intent of delivering programming starting in May 2010.  WIBI Station Manager Jeremiah Beck said "I am looking forward to finally providing Family Friendly WIBI's programming to the donors and listeners who've been asking us to improve our coverage in the St Louis area for years.  It was a great opportunity, and we'll continue investigating every way to maximize this new signal to reach as many people for Christ in the Metro East and Downtown as possible in the years to come."   Beck says additional prayers are also appreciated as WIBI looks to begin the next phase of their planned expansion into the Marion/Carbondale/Murphysboro, IL area later this year. (5/3)

Andrew Patton named GM/VP Label Operations at Inpop Records, he'll continue with Patton House Entertainment as well... Christian radio owner Fred Westenberger buys KQPN-AM/West Memphis, AR. from Simmons Media Group...  WAYM/Nashville (88.7 WAY-FM) collecting donations of tents, sleeping bags and basic hygiene needs for area homeless affected by the recent flood... (5/3)

WAY FM improves it's signal in the mile high city with the purchase of KKHI/Centennial, CO from Bustos Media. KKHI operates at 9500 watts at 535 feet and puts a city grade signal over most of Denver.  (5/3)