WBCL/Ft Wayne is gearing up for the Indianapolis 500.  WBCL is conducting a promotion that involves an enormous amount of cars—Matchbox Cars, that is.  During the month of May, men will be able to sign up on the WBCL website for a chance to win 4 tickets to the Indianapolis 500. Kelley Automotive Group of Fort Wayne has donated hundreds of  Matchbox Cars for this contest.  To enter, men will need to guess how many cars are actually in the trunk of a car. The winner will receive the tickets, with a personal visit from the WBCL Race Team, Scott Tsuleff, Ken Church and Jill Johnston, on May 20^th.  But there’s more to this giveaway.  Once the tickets have been delivered and the winner is off to the races, WBCL and Kelley Automotive Group will donate the cars to Lutheran Hospital Pediatrics of Fort Wayne, IN.  Those Matchbox Cars will brighten little faces that are fighting a race of a different kind. (4/29)

WVFJ/Atlanta (J93.3)/ Production Director/midday talent Michael Stuart exits after nearly four years with the station. The 24-year radio vet was previously APD/Creative Services Director and Afternoons at WMEZ/Pensacola, PD of KKMG/Colorado Springs, and WABB/Mobile. He is also the producer of the nationally syndicated Christian music program, "Sonrise".  Reach him at 678-386-6941 or michael@audiomsp.com. (4/26)

Jon Rivers, host of 20 the Countdown Magazine, joins the daily 1-minute Parenting Todays Teens production team as the feature's announcer. The program is hosted by teen expert Mark Gregston.  Rivers previously voiced his recommendation of the feature, and is now putting his voice to work within it as well.  Due to its unique ministry content, many stations have been successful at finding local churches, youth groups or counseling services to sponsor it. Others are running it as a ministry, non-sponsored filler, or as a public service.  Stations can register to pick it up at www.parentingtodaysteens.org.  (4/25)

KRNG/Reno (Renegade Radio) William E. Bauer checks in with HisAir.Net and says the station adds JJ Tom to an early morning shift $am-6am). Completing the on air line-up is Robert Alou, Stace Cupples and the Notorious V.I.C in mornings. Dan Graf handles Monday evenings, and Chairlie Firus on Wednesday evenings,  and Ashley Clements handles CDs on Thursday evenings. Bauer says music at night after 9:00 becomes hard with the Nighwatch.  (4/24)

Winners in the GMA Dove Awards included: Male Vocalist of the Year - Chris Tomlin, Female Vocalist of the Year - Natalie Grant, New Artist of the Year - Brandon Heath, Group of the Year - Casting Crowns, Songwriter of the Year - Cindy Morgan. Click here to get complete list of winners.  (4/24)

KSBJ/Houston’s President and General Manager, Tim McDermott, and Vice President of Programming, Jon Hull, have both been elected to serve as chairmen of two leading Christian music broadcasting associations. McDermott was elected as National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Radio Chairman and Jon Hull was elected as Educational Track Chairman to the Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB) for a second term.  (4/23)

GMA Week Update: 2008 Radio Echo Awards were presented at GMA this week, The winners were:

Station Of The Year: Small Market KLRC Fayetteville, Medium Market KTSY Boise, Large WPOZ Orlando, Major KSBJ Houston.

PD of the year: Small Tom Greene WMIT Asheville, Med Chris Lemke Grand Rapids, Large Chuck Pryor KSBJ Houston.

Music Director of the year: Small Mike Couchman WAYK Kalamazoo, Med Jeff Cruz WPOZ Orlando, Large Sarah Taylor KCMS Seattle.

Air Personality of the year: Small Mike & Stacy WAYK KALAMAZOO, Med Brant Hansen WAY FM W. Palm Beach, Large Kevin & Taylor WFSH Atlanta.

Promoter Of the Year: Michael Johnson Top 5 Promotions.

Rob Gregory Award: Jeff McFarlane The Joy Network.

Scott Campbell Award: Bob Augsburg WAY FM.

Industry Impact Award: Linda Myers Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB)   

(4/21)

WAWZ/New York (Star 99.1) was awarded the National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Radio Award at the NAB show going on this week in Las Vegas. In his acceptance speech Station Manager Scott Taylor stated “We’ve got a dedicated team that is passionate about doing great radio and considers it a privilege to serve the New York Metro area audience and are really great at serving their listeners.” PD/Morning Show Host Johnny Stone chimed in “It is a blessing to win the Crystal Radio Award but the real reason the staff at STAR 99.1 super-serves the local New York Metropolitan community is because it is the right thing to do.” Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service.  (4/16)

STUFF: The GMA announced that XM Satellite radio will air the Dove Awards Thursday live on "The Message" (XM32)... WNWC/Madison PD Brian Christopher will transfer at the end of May to Northwestern Media's WSMR/Sarasota for same duties...  (4/16)

Linda Myers checks in with HisAir.Net with an alert for those headed to GMA Week... "Due to circumstances beyond CMB’s and Play MPE’s control, the DARTS session will NOT be digital this year!  So, bring your recording equipment and get your liners from your favorite artists. DARTS IS NOT CANCELLED.  It’s simply gone retro.  So, PACK YOUR RECORDING EQUIPMENT and your typed liners." See you in Nashville!  (4/15)

As first reported on HisAir.Net (Newsroom 4/10) KSBJ/Houston PD Chuck Pryor will exit the station at the end of April and today KSBJ has promoted Jon Hull to Vice President of Programming. In this new role, Hull will take on day-to-day decision making in programming, as well as crafting concepts for two additional Christian HD formats to be launched in the next 12 months in KSBJ’s current coverage area. These new duties will be in addition to his current responsibilities including spearheading KSBJ’s worldwide mentoring and outreach efforts to other Christian radio stations and leading the station’s annual fundraising team.  (4/15) 

KXOJ/Tulsa welcomes David Waggoner to the staff starting on May 5th. David takes over as Promotions Director for Cody Joiner, who left the station to pursue a management position in retail promotions. Waggoner served in the KXOJ building once before, as an intern in the summer of 2004 for sister rocker KCXR (The Kross). Waggoner was previously in a similar position at Salem's KGBI/Omaha.  (4/14)

STUFF: Former WFZH/Milwaukee (The Fish) MD Rick Hall lands at secular AC WCFS/Chicago for PM drive... WBCL/Ft Wayne Radio Network has won 2nd place for "Best News Series" in Indiana AP awards... (4/11)

KSBJ/Houston PD Chuck Pryor is stepping down from the position and will exit the station at the end of April. Chuck tells His Air.Net the decision to leave was a personal one made by him and his wife. At this time he has no definite plans but is trusting the Lord to lead and he will follow.  Chuck joined KSBJ in June 2005 coming from WBGL/Champaign. (4/10)

WPRJ/Saginaw (101.7 The Fuse) has elevated PD Aaron Dicer to Operations Manager affective April 15th. also, overnight personality Josh Thompson becomes WPRJ Music Director and IT Manager. In Addition WPRJ owners Come Together Ministries enters an LMA agreement with Passion Communications a company headed by President Rick Welke who has consulted the station for the past three years.  “I’ve been honored to work with the great staff at The Fuse and have watched them transition into a strong team that is passionate about impacting mid-Michigan and beyond for the sake of sharing the Gospel through music,” states Welke. “The way that this has transpired has been no less than a miracle and something that the new management team will not take lightly. Our intentions are not only to make a larger dent in the Midland-Bay City-Saginaw, MI tri-city area, but to develop a new format in the Top 40 mindset that will position us distinctly in the pursuit of touching individual lives.”  (4/10)

KPSM/Brownwood, Texas (The Rock) welcomes back Angie Schum as the GM.  She had taken a two year leave of absence.  Also the station also welcomes morning air duo "John and Don In The Morning".  (4/10)

WAY-FM Media Group COO Lloyd Parker has announced the appointment of Bret Bremberg as GM of the new WPAL/Charleston, SC.  Bremberg comes to WAY-FM after stints at WRFJ/Duluth (The Refuge) as Ministry Development Director and KJIA/Spirit Lake, IA where he was GM.  He also worked at KMBI/Spokane as well as KTSL/Spokane. In bringing Bremberg to WAY-FM, Parker stated, “I am excited that Bret is joining our team. He brings a lot of experience to the table in management, operations, sales and marketing. Bret has a passion to reach youth and young adults with the message of Christ. He is a perfect fit to lead our efforts in Charleston.”  

WPAL 100.9 FM in Charleston, SC, (soon to be WAYX, pending FCC approval), will launch with the WAY-FM format in June 2008. This marks the second new station for WAY-FM in 2008 following the launch of WAYI/Louisville. (4/9)

KJIL/Abilene, KS announcer and indie artist, Gabriel Peter and his band, will be featured doing two songs as well as sharing a testimony on the Christian Television Network on the program Bridges this Friday (4/11) at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm.  The flagship station for the Christian Television Network is WHTN in Nashville.  Bridges is hosted by Monica Schmelter who is the WHTN station manager.  Gabriel Peter has three albums to his credit as well as the book "East from West."  Gabriel has also been name Air Personality of the Year twice by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. (4/9)

Jan Markowitz from Moody Radio's WCRF/Cleveland checks in with HisAir.Net to say the station had a record breaking SHARE 2008 that wrapped up last week. Listeners contributed 100.7% of their goal which was $ 1,550,000.00.  (4/8)

David Bolthouse, producer of Parenting Today's Teens, announces two production improvements to its daily 1-minute feature.  First, beginning April 11 the program will be offered with 3 background music options, to better fit with all station formats. The three versions will be voice only (no music bed), Inspirational music bed, and Contemporary music bed. All 3 versions are available by monthly CD or via FTP, but only the inspirational music version is available via the SRN satellite feeds. Secondly, the feature's closing few seconds will now be voiced by veteran voice talent, Bob Allen. To hear the new demos, or to add your station to the over 1,500 radio outlets that now air the 1-minute feature, visit www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.  (4/7)

Amid changes at EMI CMG Manager National Promotion Josh Lauritch checks in with HisAir.Net to say "Grant Hubbard, Betsy Jones, Brian Thiele and myself are still in place, and radio needs to add our records"  (4/4)

STUFF: Three staffers at WJTL/Lancaster have received awards from the Pennsylvania Association Of Broadcasters... Congratulations to WRCM/Charlotte PD Dwight Harrison on the birth of his new baby daughter... (4/4)

Kris Love has been promoted to Music Director at WYLV/Knoxville (Love 89). Kris has also joined the morning show team "The Breakfast Bunch" with Marisa Lykins, and will also continue to host Love 89's regional artist showcase program on Sunday nights called The Detour. Former MD Jonathon Unthank remains with the station as afternoon personality. As first reported by HisAir.Net on March 4 Marshall Stewart has been hired as WYLV PD.  (4/1)

GMA/CMB 2008 Radio Station of the Year winners have been announced. Small Market: KLRC/Fayetteville, Medium Market: KTSY/Boise, Large Market: WPOZ/Orlando, Major Market:
KSBJ/Houston.  (4/1)

SONICFLOOd headlined WIBI/Springield's Opening Act Finale/Concert on Sunday, March 30th. This American Idol-like competition saw winning contestant Andy Whitten (a youth pastor from nearby Vandalia, IL) win the right to open the evening with Myrrh recording artist Mark Roach. "This promotion was both a huge undertaking and a huge success." said WIBI PD Rob Regal.  "The idea came from Alan Mason's suggestion that we hold a church praise band competition.  However, the idea morphed into what has now become a WIBI franchise, and would never have been possible without the tireless efforts of our good friend Mark Roach".  (4/1)

Mike Scott joins WMSJ/Freeport, ME (Positive 89.3) as morning show co-host from WRFJ/Duluth...  (3/31)

STUFF: Jennifer James moves from morning to afternoon news at AIR1... SOS Radio listeners sponsored 609 children through Compassion International during a 2 day SOS Radio's Days of Compassion... WQFL/Rockford PD Johnny V now taking music calls Wednesday 10:30am-noon CT... (3/31)

WIBI/Springfield-St. Louis just completed it's spring sharathon with a goal to raise $57,000 in ongoing monthly support.  "This was a huge and aggressive goal that didn't seem attainable in human terms." said Program Director Rob Regal, "but leadership- specifically Station Manager Jeremiah Beck- felt this was God's direction, and WOW did God provide!".  The goal was met and exceeded Friday (3/28) morning when a listener called with a "$5,000 in 5 minutes" matching-funds challenge. (3/31)

Prayer Request: On Tuesday March 25th, Dorothy DeBruler, the office manager for WCLN/Fayetteville was struck by a delivery truck while riding her bicycle to work. Her injuries are serious but not life-threatening. Dorothy also is the wife of WCLN GM Dan DeBruler. Pray for the entire DeBruler family as they travel down the long road to recovery. (3/27)

radio2dot0 has launched a mobile phone news and weather service called OnMyCell.info. radio2dot0 has partnered with GotVoice, the voice messaging company, to provide news and weather information updates directly into the voice mailbox of subscribers. "As local radio seeks ways to expand into the mobile and online content markets, we're making this move to give affiliates a clear way to monetize their efforts," said Scott Roberts, President, radio2dot0. "Creating this new service enables our affiliates to fully connect with their audience at home, at work, or anywhere in the world, day or night." 

Radio stations can find out more about the services offered and receive a free demo alert by visiting http://onmycell.info, (3/27)

KSBJ/Houston has been recognized as the 2008 GMA/CMB’s Major Market Radio Station of the Year for the sixth time in the station’s history. Recipients are selected based on the criteria of industry leadership, community involvement and ratings.  Adding to their accomplishments, KSBJ has been nominated for three CMB Echo Awards, including Program Director of the Year, Music Director of the Year and Air Personality of the Year. Congratulations to the staff at KSBJ!  (3/26)

Chuck Bentley, Crown Financial Ministry CEO and host of the new "MoneyLife" (formerly "Money Matters"), announces the launch of the first program April 1, 2008. To quote Greg Fast, President of GSF Media, who is assisting in the launch, "I have known Chuck and Ann Bentley for the last seven years. We could not be more excited about this new era of broadcast ministry from Crown. Chuck's innovative spirit birthed "The Money Map." His ability to connect to the hearts of listeners will bring a fresh voice to the airwaves! It's been our privilege to represent Crown for the past twelve years...we are excited about the future!"  (3/26)

Sara Rohm has joined WCVO/Columbus104.9 the River as full-time Promotions Coordinator.  Sara started her radio career in 2005 as Promotions Coordinator at WFHM/Cleveland (95.5 the Fish). (3/25)

BITS: SOS Radio hosted the largest Easter Egg hunt in Las Vegas covering an entire football field in Easter eggs. Over 10,000 people attended!.. WCVO/Columbus (104.9 The River) Promotions Assistant Shara Dyer has left the station... KZZQ/Des Moines (call letters now KPUL Pulse 99.5) PD Mike Schlotte checks in to say  “Mike at the Mic in the Morning” is back on the air... "Positive Radio News" has re-launched offering fully produced local market newscasts for Christian radio find out more at www.positiveradionews.com   (3/25)

Great Plains Christian Radio CEO Don Hughes wants to make fellow Kansas Christian radio broadcasters aware of the following. In the past the Kansas Department of Revenue has exempted NCE radio stations from state sales tax. However, just recently the Kansas Department of Revenue has ruled that this applies only to state funded public broadcasting stations even though this is not what the law says.  I consulted our attorney and he said according the the way the statute is written we should be exempt. However the Kansas Department of Revenue has been revoking this tax exemption.  I contacted State Senator Tim Huelskamp who has now entered an amendment to HB 2641 which would clarify the issue and halt the actions of the Kansas Department of Revenue.  The provision has passed the Senate, but needs to be approved by the House and the Governor.  This amendment is part of a fifty-eight page document so hopefully legislators and the governor will just let it pass. NCE Christian stations in Kansas should contact their elected representative. (3/25)

MOVEMENT: KSBJ/Houston Production Director Jim Pivero has resigned. His last day will be Friday 3/28. If interested in filling this opening to over to the HisAir.Net jobs page for details.  (3/24)

WAYI/Louisville (104.3 WAY FM) is on the air. GM Matt Hahn says the station is the first commercial property for WAY FM Media. Hahn has hired Bryan Johns from KLRC/Fayetteville as OM.  (3/24) 

Family Life Network (FLN) is the first radio broadcaster (according to a press release) in the country to localize its radio programming with a new IP over satellite delivery system. The network localized weather reports and sponsor messages and is currently in the process of localizing newscasts and traffic updates as well. The new system was installed at all 12 of FLN’s radio towers, and divides the network’s listenership into seven regions across New York and Pennsylvania.  “As a radio broadcaster covering a large geographical area, we want to be as effective as possible,” said Rick Snavely, president of Family Life Network.  “This means addressing more things locally.  We now deliver more unique and meaningful information to the areas we reach, ultimately making better use of our listeners’ time.” Satellite-delivered content from a central studio expands Family Life’s programming reach, and saves real estate costs and operational expenses such as insurance and utilities, plus other expenses associated with maintaining separate studios. 

“There are a couple major broadcasters in the country using satellite Internet for split programming, but we’ve worked with tech providers to create a system that’s much more affordable, added Snavely.” Similar to satellite TV, satellite-powered Internet is a relatively new way to transmit audio data between satellite towers.  The system is known for delivering fast and reliable high-speed Internet to satellites in isolated areas—a unique selling point for Family Life Network.  But up until now, the technology was never affordable. Family Life Network can now be heard on 65 outlets. (3/24) 

Pillar of Fire's WAKW/Cincinnati has rebranded itself as "STAR 93.3". "The Star brand gives us a wonderful opportunity to reach even more people in Cincinnati," according to station manager, Art Garza.  "WAKW has reached thousands over the past 47 years and we look forward to serving thousands more in the next 47, as Cincinnati's New STAR 93.3!"  The on-air line-up stays the same with morning team Scott & Sam, 9a-noon Julie Pierce, APD Rob Lewis noon-3p, PD Kurt Wallace in afternoon drive 3-6pm, and sister station WAWZ/New York (STAR 99.1) mid day personality Beth Bacall heard in evenings. The new WAKW website is online at  www.mystar933.com    (3/23)

Christian Family Radio’s (WEMI/Appleton) 16^th Annual “Help for the Homeless” campaign received more than $70,000 worth of new personal hygiene and cleaning products, restocking the shelves of 33 area homeless programs – and in some cases with a years worth of supplies. Working directly with the area homeless coalitions Help for the Homeless encouraged area residents to help their neighbors in need. Participation records were shattered this year with more than 250 area businesses, schools and churches joining in to contribute $73,600 worth of product – more than tripling last years total of $22,000!  (3/20)

Sounds like something's up at WAKW/Cincinnati. Their legal ID is telling listeners to listen Easter Sunday for the same music, the same message, and something new for Cincinnati. Hmmm. HisAir.Net will keep you posted.  (3/19)

KDUV/Visalia, CA and The Gospel Station from Ada OK are the winners in the ChristianNetcast "Peoples Choice Award” presented at the NRB convention last week. The streaming company allows listeners to vote for their favorite station. “We provide streaming for more Christian radio stations than any other streaming company out there, over 500 of them, states David Palmer, VP of Sales and Marketing for ChristianNetcast.com. “These awards will recognize the leaders in the Christian Broadcast Industry and their forward thinking. What I like best about the Peoples Choice Awards is that they are chosen by the on line listeners from around the globe”

Rick Cody of The Gospel Stations stated, “Its humbling to know that we are trying to do what the Lord wants us to do and to have the on line community select us as a ministry that is touching lives”.  KDUV GM Bob Croft was excited to hear that his station had won saying, “I appreciate the fact that our listeners are passionate enough about what we are doing to rally others to listen and vote for us”.  (3/19)

EMF has entered into an agreement to purchase WCYI/Lewistin, ME (Portland 93.9) from Last Bastion Station Trust LLC and plans to program the station with Air1.  (3/19)

Advocace Media has hired Zayne Rose as it's new Director/Sales. He was previously Interep. "I am excited about joining Advocace," according to Rose. "It is the only organization I can think of where I can combine my talents, past experiences, long-time passions, and faith to serve Christian Radio stations around the country. With Advocace, I anticipate serving our stations in new and unique ways, while helping them set new income records for their ministries. Advocace Media represents hundreds of non-profit radio stations and organizations in their efforts to find underwriting dollars. (3/19)

STUFF: EMF is buying the construction permit for WKEN/Fredonia, Ky... Glory Communications VP of Programming Tony Gee to do "Word of the Day" vignettes on Life Radio Network... Daniel Britt & Friends program, heard on XM Satellite Radio's enLighten 34, will feature audio from Gospel Groups in very first National Quartet Convention held in Oct 1957... (3/18)

JP Morgan has exited the PD/Morning position at WJLZ/Virginia Beach (The Current FM). Look for an announcement on his replacement soon. (3/17)

K L V V/Ponca City (Praise 88.7) will air music remembering the passion of Christ and the celebration of the resurrection Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday.  All music during Passion Week will focus on the events of Christ, with an emphasis on the sacrifice made on the cross and the victory over death on Resurrection morning.  (3/17)

WHIF/Palatka, Fl (Hope FM) held their annual Sharathon last week and raised 102% of their goal.  The week included lots of craziness when they hit short-term goals, including hula-hooping on top of the city’s bridge (which made the front page of the local paper), staff members going down an 18-foot inflatable slide in the rain, and station staff and local pastors taking pies in the face. (3/17)

2008 Radio Echo Awards finalists have been announced. The Echo Awards recognize leaders in the Christian Music Broadcasting industry who have displayed professionalism, demonstrated excellence in helping their station "raise the bar," and have made an exceptional contribution to their field. Click here to see the complete list of finalists.

Founded in 2005, the Echo Awards include eleven awards that are voted on by CMB Membership and Gospel Music Week Radio Community. New this year will be the inclusion of the Rob Gregory and Scott Campbell Awards during the Echo Awards Ceremony. "We are excited to have the opportunity to present these awards during the Echo Awards Ceremony," says Linda Meyers, Executive Director of CMB. "This allows us to celebrate the accomplishments made by our stations and personnel at a single industry event."

Final voting for the awards begins on March 17. The 2008 Radio Echo Awards will be presented on Sunday, April 20 at 11:30 am in the Renaissance Nashville Hotel Ballroom as part of GMA Music Week 2008. (3/14)

Salem Communications announced fourth quarter 2007 results: Compared to 4th Qt 2006: Total revenue decreased 0.2% to $59.1 million from $59.2 million; -- Operating income decreased 28.8% to $7.1 million from $10.0 million; -- Net income decreased to $0.2 million, or $0.01 net income per diluted share, from $3.3 million, or $0.14 net income per diluted share; -- EBITDA decreased 29.3% to $10.9 million from $15.4 million; -- Adjusted EBITDA decreased 8.7% to $13.8 million from $15.1 million; Broadcasting -- Net broadcasting revenue decreased 1.8% to $52.2 million from $53.2 million; -- Station operating income ("SOI") decreased 7.7% to $18.0 million from $19.5 million; -- Same station net broadcasting revenue decreased 2.1% to $50.8 million from $51.9 million; --Same station SOI decreased 7.2% to $18.2 million from $19.6 million; -- Same station SOI margin decreased to 35.7% from 37.7%; Non-broadcast Media -- Non-broadcast revenue increased 14.1% to $6.9 million from $6.0 million; and -- Non-broadcast operating income increased 23.5% to $0.5 million from $0.4 million.  (3/4)