The Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association has honored WGRC/Lewisburg with the Joe Snyder Award for Outstanding News Service once again. WGRC News Anchors Jim Diehl and John Callahan accepted the top AP award. "It is such a privilege to be a part of a team which aims at bringing the "GOOD NEWS" to those listening.   As for winning the top notch spot for a second year in a row; I just thank God for the opportunity and ability to serve Him in this capacity and to be one of only a handful of Christian Radio stations nationwide that actually provide a reliable news service to their listeners," says Diehl. The news team also received eight first place awards for Enterprise Reporting, News Documentary, Spot News, Continuing Coverage, Feature, Radio Sound, News/Sports Talk Program, and Sports Feature.  (4/27)

WAWZ/New York PD Johnny Stone checks in with HisAir.Net to tell us that Star 99.1 is increasing the amount of music it plays up to nearly 22 hours. “People said they wanted more music so we’re giving it to them.  It’s all about being consistent on STAR 99.1.”  As a result, the 6 pm – 10 pm on-air shift has been created and Stone is looking for a host.  Minimum 5 years on-air experience.  Tape and resume to Johnny@star991fm.com  (4/27)

Chris Tomlin grabs six GMA Dove awards! Click here for complete winner list.  (4/25)

BITS: KYCC/Stockton afternoon personality Sheldon Vicks is leaving for the PD slot at KCFY/Yuma... WBCL/Fort Wayne News director Larry Bower took 2nd place in the Best Reporter category of Indiana AP Awards...   (4/25)

Special awards given out at GMA Week in Nashville this week include: The Scott Campbell Radio Award honoring outstanding efforts and contributions in broadcasting. This year’s honoree is EMF Broadcasting’s Alan Mason. Mason has been an active contributor to the Christian music industry since his career began nearly forty years ago. From his humble beginnings at a small daytime radio station in Vancouver, Wash., that featured religious talk and underground rock, to his current role as Director of Research at EMF Broadcasting, Mason has been impacting the world of Christian broadcasting nationwide. Mason’s impact on Christian radio includes top rated KCMS in Seattle, a station that has achieved top tier rankings in one of the most unchurched areas of the country. His involvement in the initial research project for WAY-FM was a catalyst for the company’s growth to more than 400,000 listeners and nine owned and operated radio stations. Mason’s expertise was instrumental in helping WGTS in Washington, D.C. to grow to one of the most listened to Christian stations in America, strategically positioned in the nation’s capital to help influence the entire globe. Now with his current work as Director of Research for EMF, Alan is in a key position to monitor trends, develop strategies, and influence a company that is a major player in the industry.

The Rob Gregory Award is given for major contributions made to the community through the medium of radio. This year’s honoree is Allen Henderson of HIS Radio. Henderson began his career in broadcasting 35 years ago. Obtaining a degree in theology and as an ordained minister, Henderson fulfills his life-long passion for ministry through broadcasting. He also is involved in local church ministry leading worship and speaking. Henderson has been with HIS Radio since the beginning 24 years ago, and became General Manager in 1990. During his tenure, HIS Radio has expanded to over 30 frequencies across the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama. A major goal of Henderson’s has always been to reach out to local communities and make a difference for Christ by serving on various boards and advisory councils. Allen encourages the next generation of Christian broadcasters by serving as an Adjunct Professor in the Communications Department of North Greenville University.   (4/24)

At GMA, currently underway in Nashville, 2007 Echo Radio Awards Program Director of the year awards were presented. The winners are: Small Market: Jason Sharp WCQR Gray, TN... Medium Market: Dean O'Neal WPOZ Orlando... Large Market: Chuck Finney KLTY Dallas. In addition Alan Mason was given the Industry Impact Award. Check back with HisAir.Net for GMA updates.  (4/22)

The American Association of Christian Counselors and Xtreme Youth Alliance Ministries announce a brand new live radio program targeted to students. Hosted by Bill Scott, Xtreme Radio debuts June 23rd and will air live every Sunday night from 7pm-9pm Central Time on the Focus on The Family Satellite Network. The two hour talk show will will focus on real issues facing today’s students. Already cleared to air the program are WYLV/Knoxville, WPER/Wash DC, and the Spirit FM Network/Lynchburg. To get more info on Xtreme Radio contact Bill Scott at Bill@billscottlive.com or 615-525-5570.  (4/22)

The GMA has announced the recipients of awards in the 2007 GMA/Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB) Radio Station of the Year contest. The radio station awards are presented to those Christian radio stations that meet the highest standards of quality and have the strongest impact on their listening areas. Awards are given to major, large, medium and small market stations.

Major Market
KSBJ - Houston, TX - Tim McDermott, Station Manager

Large Market
WPOZ - Orlando, FL - Jim Hoge, Station Manager

Medium Market
WMHK - Columbia, SC - Jerry Grimes, Station Manager

Small Market
KSWP - Lufkin, TX - Dwyan Calvert, Station Manager

The recipient in each market category was determined by a panel of judges who reviewed the following areas - community involvement, ratings, air check and industry leadership. The radio stations will be acknowledged during the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards on April 25, 2007 in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry House. The Doves are the culminating event for GMA Music Week 2007, which includes radio specific programming through the CMB.  (4/20)

Tim Sinclair's Green Eye Creative has just launched "For the Record..." a free blog providing tips, tricks and other helpful insights for radio imaging.  You can check out the inaugural posts right now at http://greeneyecreative.blogspot.com.  (4/17)

KTSY/Boise welcomes Chris Gilbreth as the station group’s new Operations Manager. Gilbreth most recently was the owner of KFFR/Pullman, WA ( 97.7 The Fire).  He also worked as network operations director at Positive Life Radio in Eastern Washington. Gilbreth is currently working on remodeling the KTSY studios, working on the existing signals to give them the best coverage possible and working on potential new stations for KTSY in and around Idaho and in Eastern Oregon.  He’s also working on giving sister station KTFY in Twin Falls its own studio and automation system.  The station currently simulcasts KTSY.  (4/12)

MOVEMENT: WYLV/Knoxville MD Danielle Hedges is leaving the station to be closer to family in  West Virginia... WONU/Chicago morning co host Abbie is exiting the station April 13...  Bob Heaster is now corporate controller for Provident Label Group...   (4/12)

Crista Broadcasting owners of KCMS/Seattle "Spirit 105.3 FM", KCIS/Seattle, and KWPZ/Lynden "Praise 106.5",  has named Scott Michaels Director of Operations and Research. “We are delighted to have his enthusiasm, and experience as a full time member of our management staff and Leadership Team,” said CRISTA Broadcasting General Manager, Melene Thompson.

Michaels formerly programmed KSGN/Riverside, WQCK/Baton Rouge and KKJM/St. Cloud will be overseeing all operations activities and assist the Program Directors at each station with research and support.

 Michaels joined KCMS in October 2006 as a Programming Assistant for PD Scott Valentine. "Joining CRISTA is a dream come true for my family and I.  Not only being close to family, but also working for a ministry that truly understands how to reach people with the power of 'radio for Christians' is an amazing blessing.  Spending time with our leadership team these past few months made this opportunity even more appealing."  (4/10)

Jason Miller is leaving the promotions team at Provident. He will be with PLG through GMA Week then he says he will start his own Promotion and Marketing company May 1. Details forthcoming.  (4/10)

Congratulations To WAYK/Kalamazoo PD Mike Couchman and wife Jennifer who welcomed their new baby son (Ephraim Michael) into the world last week.  (4/9)

Mark Guy has been named as the person to fill the long standing PD opening at KAFC (93.7) and KATB (89.3)  Anchorage. He'll also host Midday's on KAFC. Mark comes joins KAFC/KATB from cross-town mainstream oldies station KEAG/Anchorage.   (4/6)

Audible Genesis, the first imaging and production library exclusively for Christian radio will release this fall.  Three years in the making, Audible Genesis offers music beds, Christian artist audio, unscripted Christian listener audio, plug and play imaging templates, production elements and more with multiple weekly mp3 updates at AudibleGenesis.com.  Developer Dave Meffert will unveil Audible Genesis during GMA week in Nashville and award someone a lifetime subscription.  Such libraries have been used by secular stations for years, but on a barter basis.  Audible Genesis is available for the discount pre-release rate of $100/month.  It's testing now on CHRSN, Way FM, And Total Axxess.  (4/5)

UPDATE: After over four years as a Christian Rock station Adonai Radio Group officially flipped KCXR/Tulsa (100.3 The Kross) today at 3pm to the new KXOJ Muskogee.  The airstaff including PD Scott Herrold (see breaking news below) was let go. Heard at 3PM today at the top of the hour.....

"Your Home of Christian music...100.3 KXOJ, Muskogee"  Voice of Jeff Collins, same as KXOJ/Tulsa.

First 4 songs:

1. Rich Mullins - Sing Your Praise to the Lord
2. The Fray - How To Save a Life
3. Matt Kearney - Nothing left to lose.
4. Jeremy Camp - This Man

Management says the 100.3 signal puts a city grade signal into Muskogee, OK. (southeast of Tulsa) and that the station will be programmed specifically for that community. KXOJ Muskogee features much of the same AC artists heard on KXOJ/Tulsa as well as personalities Craig West hosting the morning show (6am-10am), Caryn Cruise in the midday (10am-3pm) and Dave Gordon during afternoon drive (3pm-7pm). Personalities will focus on events and lifestyle stories specifically for Muskogee listeners.

Adonai has owned and operated 100.3FM as a different format for several years.  "We are constantly looking for ways to extend the KXOJ brand while serving the local community,” stated KXOJ General Manager David Stephens.  “KXOJ Muskogee 100.3FM serves both of these purposes."    (4/4)

EMI CMG has named David Crace to the newly created position of Senior VP/Chief Marketing Officer. Crace will oversee the development of the company’s marketing and technology innovation, strategic partnerships, consumer understanding and research, retail channel management and catalog development strategies, and will be responsible for advancing those initiatives through EMI CMG’s labels and other businesses.  (4/4)

BREAKING NEWS: What's going on at KCXR/Tulsa (100.3 The Kross)?  Currently the station is stunting by tracking non stop classic CCM albums. Is a change on the horizon?  KCXR PD Scott Herrold was let go this morning by the station and is looking for his next opportunity. Reach out to Scott at Scott.Herrold@gmail.com or 918.346.3432 cell. (4/4)

Former KXOJ/Tulsa APD and current Cox Radio Datyon/Tulsa personality Gary Thompson checks in with HisAir.Net and says he's picked up tracking evenings and weekends at KVMV/McAllen/Brownsville Tx. (Christian 96.9). Thompson is eager to add other members to his family of stations. For a chat, a demo, or both contact Gary at GaryTheThompson@gmail.com   (4/4)

KJTH/Ponca City  (89.7 The House) has expanded their airwaves with the addition of a translator (98.3 FM) in Norman, OK. This makes the fifth station that rebroadcasts The House programming. Norman is the third largest city in Oklahoma and home for Oklahoma University.  (4/3)

WFFH/Nashville (94.1 The Fish) is making a few changes to their line-up. Added is CJ McKay from WEZB/New Orleans who will do afternoons. Jamie Mayberry shifts to nights and Jeremy Sweat will take middays from Solid Gold Network. (4/3)

WRCI/Rochester launched it's new all music format this morning. "The New 102.7 The Light" on-air line-up has changed as well:  In Mornings it's Gina Jones, middays are covered by KB Cooper, afternoon host is PD Mark Shuttleworth, and evening jock is Jay Matthews. Weekenders include Ben Martin, Maggie Strickland, and John Ebel. The station also has a new address: www.1027thelight.com.  (4/2)

Northwestern College & Radio has appointed Reid Holsen as the Assistant Vice President. "Reid has provided valuable advice to Northwestern Radio as a full-time management and programming consultant for the past two and a half years and has helped our stations move from heavy reliance on generic satellite programming to local programming."  said Dr. Paul H. Virts, Northwestern Senior Vice President for Media.

After holding several on-air and leadership positions at stations in Minnesota and South Dakota from 1977 - 1992, Reid became the general program director of Midcontinent's cluster of radio stations in South Dakota in 1992. He left broadcasting to pursue a life-long dream of directing healthcare marketing in 2001 but returned to broadcasting to serve as Northwestern's full-time consultant in 2004.  (4/2)

MOVEMENT: WAWZ/New York hires Jennifer Garibay-Weiss as Promotion Coordinator... Marvin Sparks is named GM at WCDR/Dayton replacing Paul Gathany who is retiring... WMKL/Miami moves back to it's original 91.9 frequency... KXOJ/Tulsa morning guy Craig West is doubling up with mornings on sister station KCXR/Tulsa via VT... (3/29)

The Gospel Music Association has announced the finalists for the 2007 GMA/Christian Music Broadcasters Radio Station of the Year contest. The radio station awards are designed to publicly acknowledge those Christian radio stations that meet the highest standards of quality and have the strongest impact on their listening areas. Awards are given to major, large, medium and small market stations.

Major Market
KSBJ - Houston, TX - Tim McDermott, Station Manager
WFSH - Atlanta, GA - Mike Moran, Station Manager
KCMS - Seattle, WA - Melene Thompson, Station Manager

Large Market
WRCM - Charlotte, NC - Joe Paulo, Station Manager
WPOZ - Orlando, FL - Jim Hoge, Station Manager
WCVO - Columbus, OH - Dan Baughman, Station Manager

Medium Market
WMHK - Columbia, SC - Jerry Grimes, Station Manager*

Small Market
KKJM - St. Cloud, MN - Deb Huschle, Station Manager
KGCB - Flagstaff, AZ - Steve White, Station Manager
KSWP - Lufkin, TX - Dwyan Calvert, Station Manager

*Only one station entered in the Medium Market category.

The winners in each market category will be determined by a panel of judges who review the following areas - community involvement, ratings, air-check and industry leadership. The winners in each market category will be announced before the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards on April 25, 2007.

The 2006 Radio Station of the Year winners were KLRC in Fayetteville, Ark. for small market; WMHK in Columbia, S.C. for medium market; WPOZ in Orlando, Fla. for large market; and KSBJ in Houston, Texas for major market.  (3/27)

Joshua Michael joins KNEO/Neosho, MO as Production Director. This is his first time working in Christian broadcasting.  “I felt that it was a crossing to a ministry,” Joshua said.  Through his creative talents, listeners will hear some changes to the station and the website at www.kneo.org.  Launch date is expected around the end of May. (3/27)

Spirit FM Network in Missouri has expanded its reach with two new stations.  Spirit FM's flagship station is KCVO/Camdenton, and can now be heard on 7 seven other stations in Missouri.  Recently added to the network were 25kw KFFW /Cabool, reaching south-central Missouri and 100kw KHGN/ Kirksville, reaching northeast Missouri. Spirit FM president, Jim McDermott said, "Our goal is to touch as many lives as we can through Christian music radio."  (3/26)

Brian Dishon has been named Senior Director National Promotion for the Provident Label Group effective April 2nd. Brian was most recently with EMI CMG leaving there this past January.  (3/26)

Congratulations to KXOJ/Tulsa, celebrating 30-years of continuous ownership (Adonai Radio Group) and operation by the same family. In observance, the radio station is hosting a four-month parade of events and on-air promotions. KXOJ is giving away vacations to Hawaii and the GMA Dove Awards plus hosting free concerts featuring Mercy Me, Audio Adrenaline, Aaron Shust, Point of Grace, Michael W. Smith, among others. Some staff has changed over the 30 years since Mike Stephens “flipped the switch” to turn KXOJ on the air February 22, 1977. Stephens continues to maintain regular hours at his cluster of radio stations to this day while his son David is currently GM.

Over the last 30 years, KXOJ has received numerous honors and recognitions including three Dove Awards for Radio Station of the Year (1999, 2002, 2004), Radio and Records Station of the Year (2003), Radio and Records Market Impact Award (2004) and the prestigious Rob Gregory Award (2004). In addition PD Bob Thornton was named Program Director of the Year in the 2005 Radio and Retail Echo Awards.  (3/20)

As reported on HisAir.Net first (3/9) KTIS/Minneapolis has announced the appointment of a new station manager. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of David Fitts as the new KTIS station manager,” said Dr. Paul Virts, Senior Vice President for Media. “David is a 23-year radio veteran with experience both in secular and Christian radio, commercial and non-commercial radio as well as music- and talk- formatted stations.”

David became a Christian in 1990 and began his career in Christian broadcasting by managing KTSL/Spokane in 1993. He also managed KCMS/Seattle and most recently managed a cluster of five talk and music stations for Salem Communications in Seattle for six years.

“I have watched the growth of KTIS over the years while working in other parts of the country,” said Mr. Fitts. “And I count it a privilege to be asked to provide leadership at the station. I look forward to working with the team of Christian broadcasting professionals at KTIS.”  (3/20)

On April 2nd WRCI/Rochester (Crawford Broadcasting) will go all music. Currently the station airs mintries programs with blocks of music. Check out the video for the change here... or on the station website www.wrcifm.com.  (3/20)

Bits: The Dennis Miller Show debuts (3/26) on over 80 stations including many Salem owned talk stations... Brad Anderson is named GSM for Salem's KTIE/Riverside... Jimmy Swaggart's Sonlife Radio Network picks up a translator in Bonham, TX from La Promesa for 15K...   (3/20)

WCRJ/Jacksonville PD Roger Henderson checks in with HisAir.Net to let us know a hot topic on his station is  American Idol finalist Phil Stacey. Stacey, who is from Jacksonville, is currently on leave from First Coast Christian Center as Minister of Music and is already receiving some airplay on 88.1 The Promise.  (3/19)

WLAB/Ft Wayne (Star 88.3) Promotion Director/Afternoon Host Brian Michaels is exiting the station at the end of March to take on a Network Administrations position for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, owners of WLAB. Michaels says " I have had an incredible time over the last 4 ½ years at Star and have seen the station grow to one of the top stations in the Mark. I may pop up somewhere in radio later, but for now I plan on looking for stations to voice track. Star 88.3 is currently looking for my replacement.".Anyone interested should contact Melissa Montana at Melissa@star883.org.   (3/19)

Movement: Mike Stiles exits mornings at WVFJ/Atlanta to concentrate on his own "The Stiles Company"... KLTY/Dallas hires Ryan Cox as producer of Night Light with Andi Jaxson...  Al Skop is named format manager for Sirius Spirit replacing Doug Hannah who remains on the air... Charlie Kendall exits OM at KKSP/Little Rock... (3/16)

The WAWZ/New York Morning show is featured in an article in the Washington Post today (3/15). Star 99.1 PD Johnny Stone says “Be very careful when you pray for God to expand your territory.”  The article written by David Segal, cab be viewed online here www.washingtonpost.com . Johnny shares his testimony and the goals of Star 99.1 to reach New York City and bring them to Christ. The entire show including Johnny, Stacey Stone, Dawn Wheeler and David A. Dein, are described as a Christian morning-zoo show but the differences outlined are tremendous. From the Post article: Stone says “Yeah, of course, we want to make money; we want to be good stewards of this facility. But we also want to be real people who let other people know about the joys of Jesus Christ.”

The article goes on to quote the National Religious Broadcasters organization that Johnny Stone in the Morning is the only Christian morning-zoo show on the dial and also includes comments from John Frost of Goodratings Strategic Services. “Entertainment used to be a bad word in Christian radio,” says Frost. “It was designed to appeal not merely to a small percent of people, but a small percent of Christians.”  (3/15)

KWOF/Cedar Rapids ( 89.1 'The Spirit') has concluded it's "Spirit Talent Search" and picked Julia Taylor as the stations new Morning Co-host joining PD Jack Davis. The station started with on air open tryouts of 43 contestants. Julia will start on the air March 26th.  (3/15)

CHRSN General Manager Faron Dice announces the addition of radio industry veteran Gary “Wally” Wallace as the new host of its award-winning program, Total Axxess. Current host Jayar will move to PM drive on CHRSN, effective April 30.  Wallace joins Total Axxess after recent stints with secular stations 99X/Atlanta and Radio Disney.  CHRSN Network Program Director Dave Senes stated, “Total Axxess is the flagship program of CHRSN. I’m very optimistic about this opportunity to strengthen two key dayparts - adding Gary to Total Axxess and keeping Jayar in the lineup during PM Drive.” Total Axxess has been on the air since January 2004 and broadcasts live from Nashville.  (3/14)

WAY-FM Media Group Chief Operating Officer Lloyd Parker has announced that WAY-FM now airs on over 100 signals with the recent CHRSN affiliate signings of WONU/Chicago and WJQK/Grand Rapids. CHRSN General Manager Faron Dice stated, “These are two great radio stations and we’re excited to expand into these new cities”. Although WONU is new to CHRSN, WJQK had been an affiliate previously. JQ-99 GM Troy West expressed that they “received a lot of response to bring Total Axxess back to JQ-99.”  (3/13)

Salem Communications Corporation today announced results for the 2006 4th quarter ending December 31. Commenting on the company's results, Edward G. Atsinger III, president and CEO said, "We achieved total revenue growth of 10.9% in the fourth quarter of 2006 due to the strong performance of our non-broadcast media business, continued development of our News Talk stations and our consistent block programming business. Our Internet and publishing businesses posted $6.0 million in revenue, more than doubling their revenue from the prior year. Radio broadcasting grew revenue by 5.5% to $53.7 million, led by a 19.6% increase in revenue from News Talk stations and by a 9.3% increase in revenue from block programming on our Christian Teaching and Talk stations.  (3/12)

Changes: Kelsey Thomas (formerly with WYZB/Ft Walton Beach) joins WAYH/Huntsville for morning co-host duties replacing Dedra Herod... Tyson Paoletti has been promoted to General Manager of BEC Recordings. Paoletti, formerly Director of Marketing at Tooth and Nail Records, has been with the label for six and half years... Campbell University officials say their non commercial FM Christian station WCCE/Buie's Creek will go dark on May 31st ... (3/12)

Spoken Word Images Inc. announces new clients for imaging and voiceover: WLES/Richmond VA, KJIL/Meade KS, and KVTT/Dallas/Ft. Worth. Spoken Word Images president Pete Bunch said, " We thank the LORD again for allowing us this expanded opportunity to serve the body of Christ through radio."  (3/12)

David Fitts joins KTIS/Minneapolis as Station Manager.  (3/9)

The deadline is this Monday March 12 to register for GMA Music Week 2007 and save up to $50. GMA Music Week (April 21-25) in Nashville is quickly approaching. Click here to register on line now.  (3/8)

Robin Tefft has been named the new Copy and Continuity Manager at WAWZ/New York (Star 99.1). Tefft will start her new position on March 12.  (3/8)

Kurt Wallace Creative adds KSBJ/Houston to it's growing number of voice over clients."Kurt comes across as sincere, genuine, friendly, and sounds like someone you would be best friends with." says Chuck Pryor, KSBJ Program Director.  www.kurtwallacecreative.com  (3/8)
 

Colin "Cruz" Strombeck tells HisAir.Net he is now programming  "The Blast" (www.TheBlast.FM) , a Christian modern rock/alternative/hip hop internet station based in South Dakota. Cruz was formweky with KLYT/Albuquerque and KSBJ/Houston. The Blast launched this past New Years Eve. (3/8)

Movement: Former WISG/Indianapolis morning guy Kurt Wallace now doing nights (via voice track) on WCVO/Columbus... Weekender Danny Barrios is now doing night fulltime at KCXR/Tulsa...  (3/5)

Bits: Ben Howard Sr. is new VP/Marketing at Provident...  WJTH/Atlanta ups morning guy Reggie Gay to Asst GM... Salem will report its fourth quarter 2007 financial results after the market closes on Monday, March 12...  (3/1)

The GMA and CMB are accepting nominations for the "Scott Campbell Award" and the "Rob Gregory Award" that will be given out at GMA week in April. The "Scott Campbell Award" is presented for outstanding contributions to the growth of Christian music radio. The "Rob Gregory Award" is an award presented to a broadcaster, radio station or associated professional who through their work have positively impacted their community. If you want to nominate someone explain why in 300 words max and email it to cmb@kylefentonpromotions.com by March 13th. (2/28)

The National Religious Broadcasters has named it's 'Radio Station of the Year - Talk Format'  WAVA/Wash DC (780 AM/105.1 FM). In addition The 'Best Radio Talk Show' award award goes to The Frank Pastore Show on KKLA/ Los Angeles. And The 'Best Broadcast Website' honor goes to OnePlace.com. All three of these winners are Salem properties.

"These NRB awards constitute the Religious Broadcasting industry's version of the Emmys, so this is indeed a very high honor," said Joe Davis, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Salem Communications. "To win three of them is not a small thing, especially when they represent a cross-section of what we do - best station, best talk show, and best broadcast website. Our people at all levels deserve a great deal of credit for this recognition by their peers. As Salem's reputation develops from a pure-play radio business to an emerging multimedia enterprise, we aim for consistent quality and fresh, family-friendly content in all that we offer to our listeners and users."  (2/20)

Koon's career began in the mid-1970s in Shreveport, La., where he pioneered the first contemporary Christian radio station for that market. He was most recently with Salem Media of Georgia where he was sales manager for the Atlanta cluster of stations. Previously, Koon served as sales manager for WVFJ/Atlanta and KCFO/Tulsa. (2/12)

Word Entertainment announces it will release WOW Hymns March 6. WOW Hymns will feature 30 songs on two CDs, with performances from today's top Christian artists, including five exclusive new recordings.

The songs offered on the double-disc feature include Chris Tomlin's, " Take My Life, " BarlowGirl's, " For The Beauty Of The Earth ," Third Day's, " All The Heavens ," Jeremy Camp's, " Wonderful Maker ," Natalie Grant's, " Fairest Lord Jesus ," Jars of Clay's, " I Need Thee Every Hour ," Nichole Nordeman's, " Just As I Am ," Amy Grant's, " This Is My Father's World ," and Michael W. Smith's, " The Wonderful Cross" among others.  (2/6)

BITS: MD Jennifer Walker is now Interim PD at KSLT/Rapid City... Barry Landis will head the new Kosmos Records created by KOCH Records... Gospel Truth Magazine founder and CEO of Worldwide Music Kerry Douglas, will host his own gospel radio show on the VoiceAmerica Channel... (2/6)

At WRCI/Rochester AM Driver/MD Kelly McKay exits the station for family reasons. Mid-day personality Ben Martin slips into AM drive. PD Mark Shuttleworth will handle the music duties for now.  (2/5)