Dr. James
Dobson's will return to the airwaves on Monday, May 3rd as over
500 outlets with launch of the new daily "Family Talk with Dr.
James Dobson" radio program. Joining Dr. Dobson on each day's
broadcast will be co-hosts Ryan Dobson and LuAnne Crane as the
program covers a wide variety of topics concerning today's
family. "Our country is facing desperate circumstances now, and
the family needs all the help it can get. Frankly, we're
circling back to 1977, when I left USC to address the same
concerns. I'm very excited as we look ahead" says Dobson. (4/30)
Salem
Communications has launched 57 mobile applications for its
listeners with iPhone or BlackBerry devices. Salem tapped
digital content and advertising service provider AirKast Inc.
for the creation of the applications. In total, 71 Salem radio
stations will have iPhone and BlackBerry mobile applications
available to listeners, with the iPhone versions letting users
buy music tracks via iTunes, BlackBerry users via Amazon.com.
“Salem understands that providing an interactive mobile
experience alongside favorite music or personalities will help
attract and retain listeners,” said Larry Leung, CEO of AirKast,
Cupertino, CA. “This interactive content changes radio from
being a passive to an engaging experience.” (4/30)
Arbitron
Winter 2010 P 12+ AQH: WCVO/Columbus 2.7... (4/30)
WJBC/Jacksonville
(91.7 The Truth) has gone on the air with a Christian talk
format. The new owners are River Educational Media, who also own
WCRJ/Jacksonville (88.1 The Promise). The company purchased the
station for over $2 million
from West Jacksonville Baptist Church.
"We've had several of our listeners and friends ask us if
we're ever going to put any Christian ministries on the
station," said Henry Hoot, general manager. They will keep WCRJ
(which has been on the air for about 20 years) music. (4/28)
During
the month of March, WAWZ/New York (STAR 99.1) collected more
than 8,000 gently used children’s books. The staff sorted and
cleaned the books before delivering them all over the state of
New Jersey during their
Children’s Book Drive with Thing 1 and Thing 2 from The Cat
in the Hat. “To know that kids in
tough situations will find comfort in these books is a great
thing,” says Johnny Stone, STAR 99.1’s Morning Show Host and
Director of Programming. “It’s a little touch that reminds these
kids that someone cares about what they are going through.”
(4/27)
TWR
has launched a newly revitalized, user-friendly Web site
spotlighting ministry efforts to women around the world
www.projecthannah.org. Project Hannah, a TWR ministry,
offers compassion, encouragement and hope to suffering women
worldwide through prayer, awareness and radio programming.
Project Hannah's radio program Women of Hope broadcast is aired
in 56 languages globally. The program provides a spiritual
lifeline for women of all ages, races and walks of life.
(4/27)
Arbitron
March
2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: KZLV/San Antonio 219,000... KFIS/Portland
238,300... WAKW/Cincinnati 140,100... KKFS/Sacramento 117,600...
KARA/Sacramento 51,100... WFHM/Cleveland 200,200... WCRF/Cleveland
94,200... KLRX/Kansas City 215,200... KLJC/Kansas City
114,100... KSOS/Las Vegas 131,000... (4/23)
Arbitron
March
2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WCIE/Tampa 139,700... KCMS/Seattle
462,600... KWPZ/Seattle 35,600... WRBS/Baltimore 280,600... KTIS/Minneapolis
448,700... KHZR/ST Louis 61,100... KLVA/Phoenix 192,000... KGSB/Phoenix
56,900... KLDV/Denver 284,900... KXWA/Denver 82,100... WPKV/Pittsburgh
127,200... WORD/Pittsburgh 96,100... WMUZ/Detroit 201,100...
(4/22)
Salem
Communications is entering the Washington, D.C. market
with the purchase of WWRC/Wash DC and will flip to conservative
news-talk format under an LMA May 15.. "There is no better place
to have a platform for our brand of talk radio than in our
nation's capital, and this acquisition provides us with just
such an opportunity," David Santrella, division president for
radio, said in a press release. When the deal closes Salem
will own 95 radio stations in 37 markets. (4/22)
Arbitron
March
2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WGTS/Wash DC 326,000... WAVA/Wash
DC 156,100... WFSH/Atlanta 667,900... WVFJ/Atlanta 188,600...
WAWZ/New York 312,600... WJKL/Chicago 355,500... WMBI/Chicago
273,100... WONU/Chicago 84,800... KLTY/Dallas 952,300... KCBI/dALLAS
222,600... KSGN/Riverside 187,000... KSBJ/Houston 643,400...
KFSH/Los Angeles 478,100... KKLA/Los Angeles 275,400... KWVE/Los
Angeles 254,400... (4/21)
KSBJ/Houston
announces the promotion of Tammy Johnson to executive director
of Special Events. In this capacity, Johnson is responsible for
providing overall direction and leadership for Special Events
and Ticket Servant including interfacing between Special Events,
Ticket Servant and the community; identifying, negotiating and
booking concert tours, brown bag events and festivals; and,
establishing and maintaining relationships with the music
industry, sponsors and venues. Previously, Johnson held
the position of Special Events Director. “We have the
utmost confidence in Tammy and her ability to lead the Special
Events and Ticket Servant teams, providing motivation, counsel,
and spiritual leadership to the staff necessary to meet our
goals, as well as to serve Him in all our efforts,” said KSBJ
President and General Manager, Tim McDermott. (4/21)
Bott
Radio Network (BRN) launched a new station on 91.7 in Poplar
Bluff, Missouri Monday, April 19th. BRN President/CEO Rich Bott
noted, "For 48 years, Bott Radio Network has served families
with Quality Bible Teaching, Christian News and Information. We
are excited about expanding our coverage to Poplar Bluff at 91.7
FM. This new radio station will help listeners grow in their
faith and keep informed with a Biblical worldview." In
addition to Southeast Missouri, BRN serves the state of Missouri
with 37 radio stations. (4/20)
Tate
Luck has exited the WAY FM National Program Director position
and is on the hunt for a new opportunity. Reach out to Tate at
615-714-5586
or tateluck@gmail.com.
(4/19)
The
Christian music-based show "The Full Breakfast", has been
cancelled after 13 years on West Yorkshire radio station Pulse
2. The show which is one of the longest-running shows on
UK commercial radio, first started on Easter Sunday in 1997 and
included the popular 'Toaster Challenge', in which listeners had
60 seconds to say why they believed in God, and and 'Thoughts in
Shorts' - funny commercial-type reflections on Christian themes.
The show was produced by Whistling Frog Productions, a division
of the HCJB Global radio ministry and had won no less than 28
radio awards. Host Colin Lowther commented, "We've had a good
run and enjoyed every minute of it. More than anything we'll
miss the listeners - they really are like family to us. Most of
them don't go to church but they still tuned-in every week.
We've got a long list of people to keep praying for!"
He said: "There are still plenty of
opportunities out there to tell listeners about Jesus on
mainstream commercial stations. "Many people would never even
consider tuning-in to a Christian radio station, so it's
essential that we keep the rumour of God alive on the stations
that they love." (4/16)
CIAM/St.
Catharine's, ON (Victory FM) is in the process of moving to a
stronger signal. The non-profit station started
broadcasting at 100.1 FM in December 2008 in the Rural
Municipality of Buckland and is moving closer to the city. Part
of getting the proper license from the CRTC is to get a letter
of welcome from the city, which station officials say they will
do. (4/16)
CHRSN
General Manager, Faron Dice has announced the promotion of Jeff
Connell to CHRSN Network Program Director, effective April 12,
2010. Connell assumed the duties immediately, but will
transition to Nashville over the next few months. His most
recent role has been Program Director for WAY-FM Denver.
According to Dice, “I’m excited to have Jeff stepping into this
role for our company. He has already done a great job for
WAY-FM in Denver and I believe that now he’ll be able to
continue to take our network to the next level in the coming
years.” Connell adds, “I am beyond excited to have the
opportunity to work alongside Brant Hansen and the Mornings with
Brant team, Donna Cruz, Wally on Total Axxess, and the entire
team at CHRSN and our WAY-FM stations. Radio is evolving and I
couldn’t be happier to work with these talented communicators
and a company who both understands what lies ahead and is poised
to do big things. I can’t wait to get going.”
(4/14)
At Colorado’s
WAY-FM (KXWA/Denver) Paul Van Sickle has joined the team
as Operations Coordinator/Morning Show Producer, replacing
Michelle Bowers who was promoted to Promotions Director. For
the past 7 years, Paul has worked at KCWJ/Kansas City, operated
his own dj company, and has taught Radio Broadcasting at Mid
America Nazarene University. KXWA PD Jeff Connell said, “
Paul brings with him a ton of energy, excitement, and gifts and
talents that make him the perfect fit for our team in Colorado.
We’re excited to get him here. His first day will be May 10th,
and we’re eagerly counting down the days.” (4/14)
Arbitron Phase
2
Winter P 12+ AQH: KBIQ/Colorado Springs 7.2... (4/9)
BITS: Today’s
Family with Beth Warden” is now airing weeknights on Life 97-3
KDNW/Duluth... The Brian Mason Show airing on mainstream
station WJXA/Nashville will celebrate its 30th anniversary on
May 2nd 2010... (4/9)
Christian radio
manager and consultant Jerry Grimes has joined Advocace Media as
a Development Consultant. Paul Martin, President of Advocace
said “Jerry’s skills in donor development, marketing, strategic
planning and leadership training have impacted many stations
through the years. We’re excited to see him put his skills to
work for Advocace Media clients.” Martin continued, ”Combined
with his certification as a Ministry Coach, he brings a powerful
combination of skills to stations who desire to fund their
vision.” Before joining Advocace, Jerry served as a
development consultant in the industry, as General Manager for
WMHK/Columbia SC and as Donor Marketing Director for WAY-FM
Media Group, Colorado Springs, CO. Grimes notes about Advocace,
"I've long admired the professionalism and integrity of the
Advocace team. It’s a privilege to now be a part of the team."
(4/9)
The
GMA has announced the Radio Stations of the Year for 2010.
The 2010 Radio Stations of the Year are:
Southern Gospel Radio Station of the Year - JOYFM,
Winston-Salem, NC
Contemporary Christian Radio Station of the Year - WAYFM
Network, Colorado Springs, CO
Gospel Radio Station of the Year - WTLC, Indianapolis, IN
The Radio Stations of the Year 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 Gospel, Southern Gospel, and Contemporary
Christian stations. The recipient in each market category was
determined by a panel of judges who based their judgments on
community involvement, ratings, broadcast programming and air
talent quality, and industry leadership. "On behalf of the
entire GMA membership, Board of Directors and staff, I want to
extend to Hillsong United, JOYFM, WAYFM and WTLC our heartfelt
congratulations for being chosen to receive these awards,"
stated Ed Leonard, Chairman of the Board of the GMA. "We are
thankful for their invaluable contribution to Gospel music and
at the impact they are each making around the world."
(4/8)
WPOZ/Orlando
(Z88.3) listeners gathered Easter morning at SeaWorld for the
33rd annual Easter Sunrise Service. Over 6,000 in attendance
enjoyed watching a spectacular sunrise over the bay as the
service began. Worship this year was led by Word Records artist
Meredith Andrews. Guest Speaker, Steve Brown (Key Life Network),
gave a captivating sermon asking the question, "If you aren't
saved, why are you up this early?". After the service, Z
listeners had the opportunity to meet and talk to Steve Brown
and Meredith Andrews along with the entire Z88.3 Air Staff.
SeaWorld and Z88.3 along with Easter Sunrise Service, Inc. put
together this free service for the community each year. A love
offering was taken at the end and put toward future services.
(4/8)
On February 1,
2010, WAWZ/New York (STAR 99.1) listeners donated more than
$118,000 for immediate relief work in the earthquake affected
areas of Haiti. Now, with all of the HD resources available,
STAR 99.1 and Compassion Intl. are working to change the lives
of 400 Haitian kids for the long term through child
sponsorships. STAR 99.1 will also be relying on the websites,
e-blasts, blogs, tweets and Facebook messages to update
followers on the number of children sponsored. For the first
time, the programs on the HD channels have been preempted for
the live broadcast from STAR 99.1 of these children’s stories
and the plea for sponsors to help stop malaria, dysentery, child
trafficking and other dangers these young people face.
Compassion, Intl. has been on the ground in Haiti working with
local churches for more than 40 years and they are currently
organizing multiday camps to help address the psychological,
physical, nutritional and cognitive needs of the registered
children. They started in the last week of February. “It
is a cause that is worth putting all of our HD channels, social
media and streaming channels towards to impact the lives of
these children.” says Scott Taylor, Station Manager of STAR
99.1. “We have a calling to help; STAR 99.1 listeners are
responding.” (4/7)
Arbitron Phase
2
Winter P 12+ AQH: WJQK/Grand Rapids 2.3... KPEZ/Austin 1.6...
WHJT/Jackson .6... (4/7)
K-LOVE has hired
Sterling as it's new mid-day host. Chuck Pryor, EMF VP of
Programming stated, “After an extensive search over several
months we’ve found the perfect fit for K-LOVE and it turned out
she was already part of the family!” Pryor also commented,
“Sterling has a very rare, God-given ability to be real, honest,
and vulnerable in a way that is very difficult to teach and I
know our listeners will love her. She is the real deal and I am
thrilled to have her on the KLOVE team.” Sterling joined EMF
over two years ago on K-LOVE’s sister network, Air 1. After a
short time away she returns to host mid-days on K-LOVE starting
April 12th.
Sterling said, “It is such an honor to work with
the amazing talent at K-LOVE and to do what I love, while
encouraging my brothers and sisters in Christ... It's a gift
that could have only come from God. I'm humbled and grateful to
be part of the K-LOVE family, and I can't wait to see what God
is going to do!". K-LOVE is heard on over 200 stations
in 44 states. (4/7)
“The
ChristianNetcast.com Peoples Choice Award” was presented
at this years National Religious Broadcasters convention.
The Peoples choice award is given to the stations that
ChristianNetcast receives the most votes for. The streaming
company allows listeners to choose the stations they like best
and then vote for them. This year’s winners were KMOC/Wichita
Falls and The Gospel Station network/ Ada OK. “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” For more information on
ChristianNetcast and its services, visit
www.ChristianNetcast.com, or call toll-free (866) NET-CAST.
(4/6)
The southern
Iraqi city of Basra has it's first Christian radio station. The
Voice of the New Testament broadcasts mostly religious hymns and
Bible readings from the station’s office in Basra’s National
Evangelical Church. Saad Matti Petros, the head of the
Minorities Committee on the city council says the radio station
will promote the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence in
society. Mr Petros, who is a Christian, said the opening of the
radio is “a historic event” as it is the first time Basra has
had a Christian radio station. He insisted that the radio does
not have any missionary purposes. He said the director of the
radio station, Father Maher, has also signed a written statement
that the broadcasts will not offend the followers of other
religions.
The deputy head of the Basra city council, Sheikh Ahmad al-Sulayti,
welcomed the opening of the radio station. “We consider this a
big achievement in the new Iraq,” he said. “It proves there is
an opening to all the other cultures [in the country]. It also
reflects that other cultures have the freedom to express
themselves…. We are blessing this good step.” He added that the
city council gave immediate permission for the radio station.
The new station can be heard in most of Basra Province. (4/6)
Arbitron Phase
2
Winter P 12+ AQH: WDJC/Birmingham 2.3... KAIM/Honolulu 2.3...
(4/5)
WFSH/Atlanta
(104.7 The Fish) morning hosts Kevin and Taylor auctioned off an
autographed guitar from Amy Grant to raise money for Food for
the Poor and their relief efforts in Haiti.
WFSH listener Brian Conn outbid everyone with an offer of $700!
Brian is pictured here with his new guitar along with Kevin and
Taylor. (4/5)
Arbitron Phase
2
Winter P 12+ AQH: KGBI/Omaha 2.3... WFFH/Nashville 3.0...
(4/1)
EMI CMG Label
Group Manager National Promotion Josh Lauritch is leaving the
label to become Director of Brand Management at Word Label
Group. (4/1)
WJQK/Grand
Rapids (JQ99) held the "United Hands For Haiti" fundraiser to
benefit the Children of Israel Orphanage in Les
Cayes, Haiti
that was destroyed by the recent earthquake. JQ99 sold ceramic,
mannequin hands to local artists and celebrities. Each artist
then decorated their hand in whatever style they chose. The
completed hands were auctioned off at a black tie evening
featuring Live Music, Dinner, and a Fashion Show. The evening
raised over 18,000 dollars, which is enough money for two full
housing units at the orphanage. Each housing unit will
accommodate 4-6 children and a caregiver. (3/30)
Arbitron
February
2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: KZLV/San Antonio 224,600... KFIS/Portland
235,800... WAKW/Cincinnati 135,100... KKFS/Sacramento 122.700...
WFHM/Cleveland 177,600... KLRX/Kansas City 229,800... KLJC/Kansas
City 102,900... KSOS/Las Vegas 123,300... (3/27)
Betsy Sharp
informs HisAir.Net she will depart her Assistant Promotions
Director position at KZTH/Ponca City (The House FM) and KLVV/Ponca
City (Praise 88.7). Her last day will be March31st. (3/26)
Terese
Taylor has been named PD of Bath, NY based Family Life Network
overseeing the programming of their 68 stations in New York and
Pennsylvania. Previously Taylor was with mainstream AC WRMM/Rochester.
Terese will also do a 9a-noon airshift. She'll be on the job at
FLN starting April 5th.
FLN Manager tells HisAir.Net We’re
reorganizing and splitting up duties. Cecil VanHouten had been
PD and Music Director while also handling a lot of
administrative duties. His new title is Radio Administrator and
Music Director. Terese will take the PD responsibilities to
allow Cecil to spend more time in the other areas. (3/26)
Arbitron
February
2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: KSIV/St Louis 98,500... KHZR/St Louis
75,000... WMUZ/Detroit 207,300... WRBS/Baltimore 276,400... KLVA/Phoenix
177,700... KFLR/Phoenix 148,200... KLVK/Phoenix 99,900... KGCB/Phoenix
53,300... WPKV/Pittsburgh 126,000... WORD/Pittsburgh 105,600...
KLDV/Denver 286,100... KXWA/Denver 79,100... KLVJ/San Diego
47,500... KCMS/Seattle 438,400... KTIS/Minneapolis 434,100...
WCIE/Tampa 132,100... (3/25)
VoiceHangar.com
owner Mike Schlote checks in with HisAir.Net to announce the
upcoming launch of a brand new internet station. He and partner
Doug White have created ClassicChristian247.com. According to
Schlote "It’s finally time for a station like this.” The
launch is set for 9:00am CT on March 31st. The
station website is at
www.ClassicChristian247.com. Schlote was formerly with WQFL/Rockford,
WMCU/Miami and KZZQ/KPUL/Des Moines. (3/25)
KLOVE has gone
on the air in Salt Lake City at 107.5 (KKAT/Orem). The station
was formerly mainstream Country owned by Citadel. Look for EMF
to purchase the station. (3/25)
Arbitron
February
2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WGTS/Wash DC 323,000... WAVA/Wash
DC 155,800... KSTN/San Francisco 78,600... WFSH/Atlanta
649,800... WVFJ/Atlanta 156.900... KLTY/Dallas 872,600... KCBI/Dallas
220,500... WAWZ/New York 302,600... WJKL/Chicago 374,600... WMBI/Chicago
277,800... WONU/Chicago 69,000... KFSH/Los Angeles 444,000...
KKLA/Los Angeles 285,500... KWVE/Los Angeles 244,900... KSGN/Riverside
183,300... KSBJ/Houston 637,800... (3/24)
Kevin
and Taylor in the Morning from WFSH/Atlanta (104.7 The
Fish) made good on a promise made during a Food for the Poor
fundraiser to run the ING Georgia Marathon.
Kevin set a personal best marathon
time at 3:54:24.
Taylor finished in
just over 4 and one half hours. More importantly it was a HUGE
fund raiser for Food for the Poor-Haiti! You can still make
donations to their on-going efforts in
Haiti
at
www.foodforthepoor.org
(3/24)
Katie McCaffrey
joins the Bott Radio Network in Kansas City as Marketing
Coordinator. She is a native to the Kansas City area, and
after graduating from K-State, she came back to the area to
pursue a career in marketing and be near friends and family.
(3/24)
WZFI/Bridgeton,
NJ (LiftFM) has added "Mornings With Brant" (Brant, Nikki and
Pablo) every morning Monday - Friday, from 8:30 - 10:30 am.
(3/22)
WJQK/Grand
Rapids (JQ99) celebrated the first day of Spring by hosting
their 14th annual "Spring Swim" Saturday, March 20th. Hundreds
of JQ99 listeners took an icy swim in Lake Michigan for charity.
The weather was far from Springlike...it was snowing and the
wind was creating 3-4 foot waves on the Lake. The station raised
40,000 dollars for Living Water International, enough money to
drill 2 fresh water wells. JQ99 will send a team of listeners to
drill a well this August in El Salvador and later this year in
Liberia. In the 14 years of the Spring Swim, JQ99 has raised
approximately 360,000 dollars for different local and
international charities. (3/20)
BITS:
KTSY/Boise GM Mike Agee has resigned to take a position with
Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX... WVYN/Bluford, IL (90.9 The Vine) is thisclose to FCC approval to double it's power from 4,500 watts to 11,000 watts, and
increase the tower height from 150 feet to 250 feet...
WWSJ/St Johns, MI now also heard on 100.3 in Lansing... WLFJ/Greenville
(His Radio) introduces their new mobile app... (3/18)
KLRC/Fayetteville
has been selected as a finalist for the NAB Crystal Award for
Community Service. KLRC general manager Sean Sawatzky said the
nomination would not be possible without the outstanding support
of KLRC listeners. “Our listeners are the best anywhere. They
always respond with enthusiastic support when presented with an
opportunity to impact the community," he said. "I'm so grateful
for a staff that loves to serve and for the ownership of John
Brown University that encourages us to make a difference." The
NAB has been honoring radio stations for their outstanding
year-round commitment to community service since 1987. (3/18)
KTFY/Twin Falls
GM Ty McFarland has been named PD at KLOVE starting April 12th.
Previously McFarland was with KTSY/Boise and WGTS/Wash DC in
programming roles. McFarland said, "I can't wait to begin
working with the K-LOVE team. I know good days are ahead and I'm
looking forward to joining the team. Oh, and I’m pretty sure
California is looking forward to me becoming a taxpayer."
"Adding TY to the programming team is the next step in our
efforts to have more impact across the network and in our local
markets. TY is the right PD to oversee the day-to-day operations
of K-LOVE and I'm thrilled to have him on our team," said EMF
VP/Programming Chuck Pryor. (3/17)
KSBJ/ Houston
has entered a mentoring partnership with WAYR/Brunswick, Ga
(90.7 WAY Radio). With the goal of offering guidance and
assistance in nearly every aspect of radio station operation,
KSBJ’s work with WAY Radio will focus on four areas: the
station’s music library and song rotations, bylaws and
non-profit compliance, coaching the on-air team, and working
with the station on managerial initiatives. KSBJ President, Tim
McDermott, and Senior Director of Programming, Jon Hull,
traveled to Georgia in late 2009 to meet with staff and
determine the goals of the mentoring program. WAY Radio, the
first small-market radio station to participate in the
mentorship program, reciprocated with a visit to KSBJ for two
days in December. To fulfill the needs of WAY Radio, KSBJ will
continue this partnership for two to three years.
“God has given KSBJ a passion to share our radio expertise and
training with other Christian radio stations,” said KSBJ
President, Tim McDermott. “We are thrilled that God has brought
us this wonderful radio station to work with.”
(3/17)
Air1 Radio
Network has hired Nikki Martinez for onair duties. Nikki is
currently with KSBJ/Houston and previously was with KVMV/McAllen.
In addition to hosting a regular air shift, Nikki will
contribute to Air1’s social media properties including the Air1
Blog, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages. Nikki stated, “To be
able to work with Air1 is such an amazing feeling, and I am
blessed beyond my own understanding! God has surrounded me with
some great people to help me use the gifts the Lord has given
me. Air1 APD Paul Goldsmith stated, “My first introduction to
Nikki was via her video resume on YouTube. Then, I started
following her on Twitter and eventually had the opportunity to
hear an aircheck. Nikki is exactly the kind of multi-dimensional
talent we need to connect with people where they are and,
hopefully, point them back to God.”
Chuck Pryor, EMF VP of Programming, stated; “I
am so excited to see the Air1 team come together. Nikki
compliments our already extraordinary staff and will be a huge
asset for Air1 both on-air and online.” Air1’s “positive
alternative” CHR Christian format is heard on over 200 radio
signals in 40 states. (3/17)
WIBI/Carlinville
welcomes Joe Muench as Production Director and Midday Host.
"Joe brings a wealth of experience, talent, and stability to a
ministry that has experienced tremendous growth over the past
five years" says Program Director Rob Regal. Joe's career
includes stops as Network Music Director for Family Life
Communications and Program Director for KLMP/Rapid City. (3/16)
Former
Christian radio programmer Doug Hannah has launched "The
Christian Radio Show" a brand new podcast just for those
who work in Christian radio and media. "The show is a place
where those in Christian Radio can give and receive good advice,
vent, hear from those who can teach us, and THINK, together.
The goal is to be THE must-hear show for Christian Radio each
week." says host Hannah. Doug's first guest is WAY FM's Brant
Hansen from "Mornings With Brant". You can listen and subscribe
here. (3/16)
Congratulations
to the staff at KNKT/Albuquerque for receiving the "2009 Medium
Market Station of the Year" from Focus on the Family during the
National Radio Broadcasters convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
The award was presented in recognition of the station's
commitment to local families and excellence in partnership with
Focus on the Family. Focus on the Family President Jim Daly
presented the award to KNKT General Manager Chip Lusko. "Awards
are, for the most part, not my deal. But as a matter of fact,
Focus is the one media group I really admire for their pro
attitude and excellent quality. So to be chosen out of all the
stations they deal with was a genuine honor," Chip commented.
(3/16)
Mainstream
oldies WTHZ/Lexington (Majic 94.1) has flipped to CCM airing
K-LOVE. "It was just an economic decision, like any other
radio-station-format change," said Stacy Hilton, the general
sales manager for WTHZ. "It was a financial decision. It didn't
have anything to do with listenership." Davidson County
Broadcasting, the family-owned company that owns WTHZ is
leasing the station to K-LOVE. (3/15)
Arbitron Phase 1
Winter P 12+ AQH: KBIQ/Colorado Springs 5.7... KPEZ/Austin 1.1... KAIM/Honolulu 2.5... WDJC/Birmingham,
4.3... WJQK/Grand Rapids 2.1... (3/9)
BITS:
Congratulations to Centricity group Downhere member Jeremy
Thiessen and his wife Erin on the birth of a baby daughter Karis
Joy Thiessen. Mom and daughter are doing great and Jeremy is a
very proud papa... Bill Pearce, the voice of the Christian
radio program “Nightsounds,“ has died of complications from
Parkinsons disease at the age of 83, recordings of Pearce’s
“Nightsounds” will continue to be broadcast on more than 300
radio stations... WRTK/Niles, OH (1540 AM) flips from
contemporary Christian to sports... (3/9)
The Texas
Associated Press Broadcasters has awarded Honorable Mention in
the Best Newscast contest category to KCBI/Dallas Senior News
Director Sharon Geiger, and KCBI Reporter and Midday News Anchor
Chris Howell. Nikela Pradier, KCBI News Reporter, also won 2nd
in the Best Sports Story/Series category for her feature on
“Football, Faith & Music.”
Sharon Geiger, Senior News Director gives all the credit to God
for the Texas AP prestigious awards, “I’m very grateful to God
because He gives us the opportunity to do this. It’s a matter of
honoring Him with our work.” KCBI Senior Vice President and
General Manager Mike Tirone said, “The only approval that
matters to KCBI is God’s approval. I’m proud of our news team
led by Sharon Geiger. This award is God’s blessing and God’s
favor encouraging us to persevere. To God be the Glory!”
(3/9)
The Rev.
Don Wildmon has resigned as chairman of the American Family
Association. AFA said Wednesday that the 72-year-old Wildmon's
resignation follows months of hospitalization, including
treatment for encephalitis and cancer of his left eye. Wildmon
said his son Tim is expected to lead the ministry. The retired
Methodist minister founded his group in Tupelo in 1977 as the
National Federation for Decency. The name was changed in 1988.
Wildmon built the organization into a ministry with a $20
million annual budget that owns 180 radio stations. (3/4)
Arbitron Phase 1
Winter P 12+ AQH: WFFH/Nashville 2.8... KGBI/Omaha 2.2...
WDCX/Buffalo 1.1... WFHM/Cleveland 2.8 (Akron book)...
(3/4)
Salem
Communications Corporation released its Fourth Quarter 2009
results ending December 31, 2009 compared to the quarter ended
December 31, 2008. Total revenue decreased 7.9% to $50.8 million
from $55.2 million. Net broadcast revenue decreased 8.8% to
$43.3 million from $47.5 million. Non-broadcast revenue
decreased 2.1% to $7.5 million from $7.7 million. (3/4)
KHZR/St
Louis (Joy-FM) has been busy raising funds for the down
payment for the purchase of a 100,000 signal in the heart of the
market. Monday morning JOY-FM achieved their goal of $2 million
and listeners continued to call, adding an additional $15,000.
to the total. The FCC is processing the application to purchase
KFUO/St Louis. (3/2)
As the nation of
Chile continues suffering from the aftermath of Saturday’s
massive earthquake, international Christian media ministry TWR
was also affected as its partner office there, Radio Trans
Mundial (RTM), sustained severe damage. According to RTM-Chile
National Director Sigisfredo Alvarado, “All of those involved in
the [RTM] ministry here in Chile are physically well,” he writes
in an e-mail from a communication center with electricity, “but
the office ended up in a heap of rubble. Part of the roof fell
in, and the furniture came tumbling down destroying other things
in its path.” Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the
time the quake hit. The extent of the damage and what it may
cost to repair are still being assessed.
TWR’s Member Care Radio, in
partnership with Dr. Brent Lindquist of Link Care Center, is
responding to comfort the people of Chile by distributing a
series of radio programs in Spanish for caregivers and survivors
of crisis and catastrophe titled “Growth Through Hardship.”
These radio programs, based on the Biblica (formerly
International Bible Society) book “When Your Whole World
Changes,” present a clear Christian context throughout while
bearing witness to the love and care of God in the midst of
tragedy and devastation. The book will also be distributed as
part of an on-the-ground ministry to earthquake victims. (3/2)
Arbitron January
2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: KSOS/Las Vegas 126,300... WFHM/Cleveland
182.100... WAKW/Cincinnati 146,800... KLRX/Kansas City
199,500... KLJC/Kansas City 92,600... KFIS/Portland 254,200...
KZLV/San Antonio 201,400... KKFS/Sacramento 118,300...
KARA/Sacramento 65,100... (2/26)
James Dobson
made his last Focus on the Family radio broadcast Friday (2/26)
"I have a lump in my throat, but God's in control," Dobson told
listeners. He plans to start a new show, "Family Talk with
James Dobson," next month. Dobson said Friday the new show
isn't competition for Focus on the Family, noting that Focus
agreed to donate $1 million to help him start. (2/26)
Arbitron January
2010 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WCIE/Tampa 125,800... KTIS/Minneapolis
418,500... WRBS/Baltimore 293,200... KLVA/Phoenix 160,200...
KGCB/Phoenix 25,400... WPKV/Pittsburgh 128,400...
WORD/Pittsburgh 89,200... KLDV/Denver 262,500... KWXA/Denver
64,900... KLVJ/San Diego 47,900... WMUZ/detroit 217,400... KCMS/Seattle
466,900... KWPZ/Seattle 29,800... KSIV/St Louis 90,800... KHZR/St
Louis 76,800... (2/25)
Congratulations
to KTIS/Minneapolis morning co-hosts David Christian and Pam
Lundell will receive the 2010 NRB Media Award for Air
Personality of the Year (Music Format). The award is presented
to a personality who is compelling, relevant, informative,
personable and entertaining, while demonstrating an authentic
Christian faith in their on-air announcing. David commented,
“This is really about our listeners - our show is a just a
conversation we are having with them as we do life together.”
Pam added, “They’re the stars of the show!” “At 98.5 KTIS, we
are blessed to have two Twin Cities radio veterans spearheading
our morning show,” said Program Director Jason Sharp. “Called to
the ministry of Christian Radio, David & Pam have been working
together for two years and I am thrilled with how they connect
to the audience each day!” The two will be presented the
award at NRB’s 67th Annual Convention in Nashville this
Saturday. (2/25)
Arbitron January
2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WGTS/Wash DC 340,300... WAVA/Wash
DC 151,800... WFSH/Atlanta 648,500... WVFJ/Atlanta 157,700...
WJKL/Chicago 325,000... WMBI/Chicago 284,000... WONU/Chicago
70,500... WAWZ/New York 286,000... WMCA/New York 215,400... KLTY/Dallas
974,900... KCBI/Dallas 269,900... KSBJ/Houston 604,300... KROI/Houston
409,800... KHCB/Houston 189,700... KSGN/Riverside
184,200... KFSH/Los Angeles 476,500... KKLA/Los Angeles
295,300... KNDL/San Francisco 68,100... (2/24)
On Feb. 1st a
new Christian station in Lubbock, TX hit the air. KRBL/Idalou
(Praise 105.7) launched with 5500 watts covering parts of
west Texas including metro Lubbock. Local minister and
disc jockey Robert Cortez is directing the operation says he
broadcasts a little contemporary Christian music, a few Gospel
hymns, some Christian hip-hop and Latino beats. He claims he's
just trying to create a station that radiates the heartbeat of
West Texas’ Christian community. “For years and years and
years, we’ve been preaching,” he said. “It’s time to come
together.” Cortez, who currently serves as a minister at
Grace Beyond Walls Church, had been preaching over the airwaves
throughout his career, but backed off after a Christian AM
station he was a part of failed in 1998. He decided only an act
of God could get him back into broadcasting. “If God wants me to
do radio, he knows exactly where I live and where I hang out,”
he told his wife. Shortly after he ran into KRBL owners
Rick and Bobby Benavides. While there are plenty of
satellite Christian radio stations, Cortez said, Praise 105.7 is
the only local FM station that plays the variety of music that
represents the people living in West Texas. “Finally, we have
a choice,” he said. “Finally, we have a voice.”
While the station was launched earlier
this month, Cortez said he is in the early phases, still trying
out new programs. He said he wants the station to be centered
around music, but Lubbock pastors will have the chance to
broadcast 15-minute sermons between blocks of music.
(2/24)
BITS: Get 2010
CMB Radio Station Of The Year Awards details online
here...
41st annual Dove Awards were released, click
here
for list... (2/24)
EMF has expanded
KLOVE into market #4 on KLVS/Stockton, CA. The format is
now on 107.3, a signal that covers the San Francisco Bay area
including San Jose, Stockton/Modesto, and also reaches well into
the Sacramento market. KLVS previously was a Regional Mexican
format as KSTN-FM. Chuck Pryor, VP of Programming for K-LOVE
stated, “God has blessed us with an amazing opportunity to reach
this major market, on 107.3FM, most of which is not currently
being served with this format.” David Pierce, Chief Creative
Officer stated; “reaching from the Golden Gate to the foothills
of the Sierra’s allows us to impact communities and lives in a
way that was not possible before going on 107.3FM. Needless to
say we’re excited about bringing something new to the Bay Area &
Northern California!” K-LOVE’s reach now includes these
major markets: Chicago, Phoenix, Denver, Portland, Pittsburgh,
Sacramento, Cincinnati, Kansas City, San Antonio, Milwaukee,
Indianapolis and Norfolk. . K-LOVE’s is now heard on over 200
stations in 46 states. (2/23)
Best Christian
Workplaces Institute, a research-based organizational and human
resources consulting firm, has named KSBJ/Houston as one of the
United State’s 30 Best Christian Workplaces of 2010.
Organizations were selected based on a comprehensive survey
administered by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI)
in October and November 2009. “Of all the awards that KSBJ
has received, being recognized as one of the best Christian
Workplaces is the greatest honor to me personally as this is a
goal that we have been working hard to achieve over the past few
years,” says Tim McDermott, president and general manager of
89.3 KSBJ. “And, while we have received this honor, we will
continue (awards or not) to strive to make KSBJ a great place
for all of us to work.”
The survey encompassed 6,700 employees in 62 organizations
across North America to identify workplaces with a Christian
mission and/or values. Organizations were evaluated on issues
including job satisfaction, organizational commitment, Christian
witness, supervisory effectiveness, work satisfaction, personal
growth and development, management effectiveness,
customer/supporter satisfaction, teamwork, communications,
salary and benefits. (2/19)
Salem
has acquired the popular right-of-center blog HotAir.com.
HotAir.com, combined with Townhall.com, creates the largest
conservative commentary, analysis, and news network on the Web
with more than 3 million unique readers. Best-selling author,
blogger, and syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin, who started
HotAir.com in 2006, said of the acquisition, "HotAir has
experienced phenomenal growth -- beyond our wildest
expectations. With its established radio platform and
fast-growing Internet brands, Salem is perfectly positioned to
take HotAir to the next level as a conservative multimedia
powerhouse." (2/18)
Good
news from KSLT/Rapid City, SD as PD Dave Masters checks in with
HisAir.Net to report some sizeable recent growth with sustained
high ratings. The station was #1 in women 25-54 in the TSA and
tied for #1 in the Metro for the whole year. KSLT continues to
expand their 5 state signal as well, getting approval for full
power stations in Pierre SD & Dickinson ND. (2/15)
WVFJ/Atlanta
(J 93.3) has made some budget cuts resulting in jobs being lost.
Leaving the station is five year PD/Afternoons Don Schaeffer and
APD/Marketing and Promotions Director
Steve Williams.
(2/15)
Founder
Dick Bott is retiring as the Bott Radio Network President/CEO
and his son Rich will take his place. Rich has been with Bott
since 1981. "The need for the clear teaching and preaching
of God's Word has never been greater, " said Rich. "I intend for
Bott Radio Network to honor the past, serve in the present and
anticipate the future. I'm excited about the future with its new
technology innovations, together with the power and reach of
today's terrestrial AM and FM radio."
Dick
and his wife Shirley started out in Kansas City in 1962 with a
single radio station and a vision. He will
remain as Chairman of the Board. (2/15)
BITS:
KTIS/Minneapolis afternoon guy Jake Sommers can now be heard
doing weekends on Way-FM in Northern Tasmania, Australia...
Bryan Hunter most recently with KADI/Springfield, joins KHRT/Minot,
ND as production director/on air... (2/12)
WFSH/Atlanta
(104.7 The Fish) will present Valentine’s Vows this Saturday,
February 13, 2010 when 50 couples will renew their wedding vows
in a special ceremony. The ceremony will feature a performance
by Brandon Heath. All couples attending will receive a copy of
the book The Five Love Languages and tickets to the upcoming
Love Worth Fighting For marriage event featuring Kirk Cameron.
One grand prize package will be given out featuring a diamond
necklace from David Douglas Diamonds and VIP access to the
marriage event including the opportunity to meet Kirk Cameron.
(2/11)
WIBI/Carlinville
Program Director Rob Regal checks in with HisAir.Net to say that
a case of WIBI Pay-It-Backward broke out yesterday (2/10) at a
Starbucks in Springfield, IL. Between roughly 7:30a & 2:30p,
172 cars paid for someone behind them at the drive-thru window.
"Our station is really all about what God is doing through our
listeners," Rob says, "and the community of Springfield,
including TV and newspapers, took notice". (2/11)
ChristianNetcast.com
VP of Sales and Marketing David Palmer will speak at this years
National Religious Broadcasters Convention to be held in
Nashville at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center. "We have
been a part of NRB for almost ten years now and it is a true
honor to be asked to speak at the national convention" states
Palmer. Palmer will be speaking in a session entitled Internet
Evangelism & Social Networking. This past year
ChristianNetcast.com Inc. has seen continued growth in an
unpredictable and unstable economy. Earlier this year
ChristianNetcast.com announced the acquisition of NWR Network, a
streaming company based out of Colorado Springs.
MainstreamNetwork.com is another streaming company that falls
under the ChristianNetcast umbrella. ChristianNetcast has
recently opened an office in Maine where the company was
founded. Palmer says the reason for this was to enable he and
his wife to be closer to family. The company now has offices in
Virginia Beach VA, Williamsburg VA, Colorado Springs CO, St
Louis MO and Los Angeles CA. (2/10)
WMIT/Black
Mountain (106.9 the Light) listeners pledged $272,250 during an
on-air pledge drive to support ongoing ministry in Haiti being
conducted by Christian international relief agency Samaritan’s
Purse. Listeners responded to the fund drive by meeting the
immediate needs of 1,815 Haitian families. Each gift of $150
will provide a family of six with temporary shelter, clean
water, a medical supply kit, and emergency supplies (blankets,
hygiene kits, etc.). “Last Tuesday’s response from listeners
ranks among the biggest outpourings to any mission project 106.9
the Light has ever presented,” stated Jim Kirkland, executive
director of the radio station. “And in these times when money is
tight, some listeners had to make sacrifices to provide for
Haitian families. Every bit of the credit belongs to God.”
(2/10)
UK's
Premier Christian Radio says its thrilled with the results of a
new survey showing that listeners are tuning in longer. The
latest RAJAR figures show listening hours for the station
doubled in the last quarter to 16.6 a week. The results place
the radio station, which went digital nationwide late last year,
second only to Gold Crawley, which averages 20 hours a week.
"Listening hours for Premier Christian Radio have shot up, we're
all thrilled," said Controller, Dave Rose. "We've been working
hard to broadcast the best Christian music, cover topical news
from a Christian perspective as well as lining up great guests.
This month, Premier launched a new gospel music radio station,
broadcasting in London and the surrounding area. Chief
Executive, Peter Kerridge said: "We're hoping that Premier
Gospel will grow to be as popular as it's sister station,
Premier Christian Radio". (2/10)
KSBJ/Houston
will receive the prestigious NRB Station of the Year Award
(Major/Large Market) during the February 27th Radio Reception at
the NRB Convention & Exposition. “KSBJ has demonstrated to their
listeners in Houston that they are interested in meeting needs,
and their listeners have responded in kind—giving $700,000 more
than their Sharathon goal last year,” said NRB President & CEO
Dr. Frank Wright. “And the KSBJ leadership has demonstrated that
servant heart yet again through mentoring other Christian
stations in several countries—and continents. We are therefore
delighted to recognize KSBJ for their presence in their market
as well as around the world.”
The NRB Station of the Year
Award (Major/Large Market) is presented to a radio station that
is innovative, locally-focused, and effectively impacts a market
of more than 1.5 million in potential population through
community service, promotions and marketing, outreach, ratings,
and/or other means. (2/10)
This
Valentines Day WBGL/Champaign is remembering troops serving in
every branch of the military by collecting treats and other
items from listeners and sending them all around the world.
Packages include everyday items like candy, shaving cream,
peanut butter, lotion, and much more that is readily available
to Americans, but items the troops miss while away on active
duty. WBGL is working with Operation Support Our Troops, based
out of Naperville, IL to assemble and send the packages. (2/9)
KDNW/Duluth
(Life 97-3) has hired Nicole Matthews to co-host the afternoon
show with Scott Michaels. Matthews has previous on-air and
promotions experience at KZPK/St. Cloud and KKJM/St. Cloud.
According to KDNW GM Michaels “Nicole has a great ability to
reach our listener where she’s at. She is a “real” air talent
and has the passion and drive we need to transform Life 97-3.
Plus, she used to work at Starbucks and makes a mean cup of
coffee.” (2/8)
KSBJ/Houston
recently teamed up with radio stations across the country to
raise awareness of the needs in Haiti. KSBJ suspended its
regular programming on Feb 1st to raise a total of $356,093.65
for “Heart for Haiti” campaign which will benefit several
nonprofit organizations including World Vision, Living Water
International, Compassion International and Samaritan’s Purse,
each of which is committed to making a difference in the lives
of Haitians and are on the ground providing medical services,
emergency supplies, food and blankets as well as repairing
incapacitated handpumps to ensure clean, fresh water for the
area.
“KSBJ exceeded its fundraising goal of $50,000 by 712 percent
thanks to our generous listeners,” said Tim McDermott, president
and general manager of KSBJ. “These funds will help us spread
God’s hope to those in Haiti who were affected by this
devastation.” (2/8)
Salem
Communications has hired Jeff Reisman for General Manager for
its Chicago cluster including WYLL (AM 1160) and WIND (AM 560).
For the past 5 years Jeff has served as General Sales Manager of
WIND and in November of 2008 was promoted to Director of Sales
for the Chicago cluster. Additionally Salem named Andrew Adams
as General Manager for its Seattle group of radio stations (KGNW,
KKMO, KKOL, KLFE, KNTS). (2/8)
The
FCC has approved a Christian group's application for a new radio
station in Hibbing, MN. We Have This Hope Christian Radio, Inc.
was granted a construction permit for a new non-commercial
station on 88.7 FM with a 6,000-Watt signal. We Have This Hope
Christian Radio, Inc. is a non-profit group based in Park
Rapids, MN. and owns a station in Blackduck, MN. and has FCC
approval for another station in Warroad, Minn. (2/8)
About
1,000 radio stations partnered with Compassion International on
Feb 1st with "Help Haiti with Compassion' to raise much needed
funds for the people of Haiti as a result of the massive 7.0
earthquake. Nearly $1.2 million was raised. The funds will be
used to provide immediate aid to the victims of the Haiti
earthquake in the form of food, water, shelter, and medical and
counseling services. In addition, funds will be used to re-equip
Compassion’s local support structure to aid in the rebuilding of
Haiti long-term.
“On behalf of our Haiti
staff, the church partners in Haiti, and the more than 64,600
Haitian children we serve, I wish to express my deepest
gratitude to our radio partners and their listeners,” said Mark
Hanlon, senior vice president of Compassion International, USA.
“The funds raised will bring hope to a people who have lost
family members and friends, their livelihoods and their homes.
It will equip the churches we serve with the tools necessary to
continue our more than 40-year mission in Haiti – rebuilding a
nation by releasing families and communities from the vice grip
of poverty one child at a time. Current estimates indicate that
about 50 of Compassion’s church-based child development centers
were seriously affected by the earthquake. Although the full
extent of the loss is yet to be assessed, it has been confirmed
that the ministry has suffered the loss of babies, children and
students in Compassion’s programs. In addition, although all of
Compassion’s 75-member Haitian staff have been accounted for,
one died later due to injuries. Compassion’s work in Haiti began
in 1968 and has more than 64,600 children in 230 child
development centers. (2/4)
WAWZ/New
York (STAR 99.1) partnered with Compassion International and
Help Haiti with Compassion to raise $100,579.00 for those
suffering in Haiti. Starting at 6:00 am Mon (2/1) with Johnny
Stone in the Morning, the request went out for one-time
donations to help those who survived the earthquake and
subsequent tremors in Haiti. With more than 300,000 children in
Haiti under the age of 2 needing nutritional support and
Compassion’s 40 year history in Haiti, people in the New York
metro opened their hearts and their wallets to help. Because
Compassion was serving in Haiti prior to the earthquake, they
have the systems and sponsorships set up to immediately help the
people of Port-au-Prince. STAR 99.1’s Morning Show host Johnny
Stone summed it up, “It’s reassuring that Americans really do
step up and care for others in a time of crisis. I thank
everyone who gave.” (2/3)
Arbitron
HOLIDAY 2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: KZLV/San Antonio 96,700...
WORD/Pittsburgh 82,500... WPKV/Pittsburgh 133,200... WAKW/Cincinnati
320,800... KSOS/Las Vegas 141,800... WRBS/Baltimore 287,400...
KKFS/Sacramento 131,600... KLRX/Kansas City 167,600... KFIS/Portland
289,100... KLDV/Denver 280,200... KXWA/Denver 75,300... WFHM/Cleveland
275,300 (2/1)
Trans
World Radio (TWR) will be available to DAB listeners in the
North West of England in April 2010. DAB can now be received in
over 85 per cent of the United Kingdom. Trans World Radio will
now be made more accessible to the 6 million people who inhabit
the North West of England. Russell Farnworth, CEO of Trans World
Radio, said of the launch: “We have been hoping and praying for
the opportunity to launch our radio ministry on DAB digital
radio for several years now! This is an exciting development and
an important first step towards national coverage. (2/1)
NewReleaseTuesday
announces a partnership with Westar Media Group to represent
NRT's "New Music Update" to radio stations world-wide. Westar’s
marketing launch began Monday, January 25, 2010 and over 70 new
affiliates were added in the first week. "New Music Update" is
produced by Bill Lurwick of KJIL/Dodge City, KS, (2/1)
Word
artist Francesca Battistelli (left) on the red carpet at the
52rd Grammy’s Sunday night in LA. The singer/songwriter received
a nomination in the Best Gospel Performance category for the
track "Free To Be Me" off her debut album My Paper Heart. (2/1)
Arbitron
HOLIDAY 2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WGTS/Wash DC 322,100... WFSH/Atlanta
755,600... WVFJ/Atlanta 150,000... KTIS/Minneapolis 436,900...
KSIV/St Louis 81,900... KHZR/St Louis 49,800... KLVK/Phoenix
115,500... WCIE/Tampa 136,600... WMUZ/Detroit 200,400... KCMS/Seattle
589,700... (1/28)
Arbitron
HOLIDAY 2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: KSBJ/Houston 590,200... KSGN/Riverside
145,200... KFSH/Los Angeles 539,900... WBMI/Chicago 316,800...
WAWZ/New York 307,000... KLTY/Dallas 1,031,600... (1/28)
Syndicated
talk-show host Janet Parshall is leaving the Salem Radio Network
this weekend to start up a new show with the Chicago-based Moody
Broadcasting Network. Her last day on the air will be Friday, butnthat
show will be a rebroadcast of this past Monday. Salem Radio did not
renew her contract. "Personally, I love Janet Parshall," said Tom Tradup,
VP of news and talk programming for Salem. "This transition is about as
smooth a one as I've ever had. She has always been a joy to work with."
Parshall's time slot will be filled by KWRD/Dallas host Janet Mefferd,
who will start on Salem this Monday. Mefferd is the wife of Salem OM
Charley Mefferd. Parshall will debut a late-afternoon issue-oriented
show with Moody this spring. (1/27)
Sudan
has a new Christian radio station called "Good News FM" (89 FM).
The station is part of Sudan Catholic Radio Network (SCRN). With the new
station, SCRN now has six stations broadcasting in a good part of
southern Sudan: Bakhita Radio, in Juba, Voice of Peace, in Gidel Nuba
Mountains, Voice of Love, in Malakal, Radio Emmanuel in Torit, Easter FM
in Yei and now Good News FM in Rumbek. (1/27)
Congratulations
to WAYJ/Fort Myers (WAY-FM) Operations Director Steve Shore and
his wife Kim on the birth of their son Jonas, at 4:44am 1/27/2010. Mom
and baby are both healthy and resting. (1/27)
We've
got new AC & CHR format data FREE from Hit Music Research and
HisAir.Net. Click here... (1/25)
MORE
BITS: WAY-FM Media Group is selling KWYA/Astoria, Oregon (89.7) to
Oregon Public Broadcasting for $85,000-cash... Former KFSH/Los Angeles
(95.9 The Fish) morning guy Ted Ziegenbusch joins KOST/Los Angeles for
weekends... Former KAIM/Honolulu (95.5 The Fish) PD (1988-2006) Michael
Shishido is back on the air at KUMU/Honolulu... Calvary Chapel Costa
Mesa in Santa Ana, Calif., is selling WGPS/Elizabeth City, NC, WPGT/Roanoke
Rapids, WJIJ/Norlina, N.C., and WAJC/Zebulon, N.C. to Liberty
University. (1/25)
BITS:
Joey Krol exits WIBI/Carlinville to become a Youth and Children's
Pastor... Darren Marlar says he will exit mornings at WQFL/Rockford on
January 29th, to do comedy fulltime, he will be replaced by Sky Drysdale
at WQFL... After 32 years on Sunday mornings on KYKY/St Louis (Y98),
Stel Pontikes "The Answer Radio Show" is moving to KEZK/St Louis
(102.5FM) beginning Sunday, January 24... KTLF&KTPL/Colorado Springs GM
Lynn Carmichael will exit the station in May to relocate to Louisiana...
(1/22)
A
100-foot broadcasting tower was blown over by high winds knocking KUPR/Alamogordo,
NM and KVCC/Stockton off the air Friday . In addition three television
stations were knocked out of commission. Officials don't know when the
tower will be repaired and said it could take 30 to 60 days, depending
on the weather. (1/22)
ChristianNetcast.com
announces the acquisition of NWR Network of Colorado Springs. Several
NWR Network staff members have joined the ChristianNetcast.com team
according to a ChristianNetcast.com spokesperson. David Palmer, Vice
President-Sales and Marketing for ChristianNetcast.com, said the
acquisition has been in the works for about a year. He added the deal
brings both companies enhanced production capabilities. "NWR has
provided production and streaming services to Christian radio stations
and ministries. They were a perfect fit into our future plans for
growth. ChristianNetcast.com and NWR will continue to operate as they
always have but now both companies will be able to provide added value
services with no increase in cost to the customers." Over the next 12
months, the acquisition will increase the ChristianNetcast.com customer
base and provide NWR with a more stable network infrastructure according
to Todd VanTasel, Vice President-Technology for ChristianNetcast.com.
"With the addition of NWR we have doubled our tech support staff and now
are able to provide our customers with production services using a
stable of radio talent with a combined 70 years of experience.” (1/22)
Focus
on the Family will air a 30-second Super Bowl ad featuring former
Florida QB Tim Tebow and his mother Pam. "Tim and Pam share our respect
for life and our passion for helping families thrive," says Jim Daly,
president on Focus of the Family. The Tebows decided to participate in
the ad "because the issue of life is one they feel very strongly about."
Focus on the Family spokeswoman Lisa Anderson would not reveal how much
her organization paid for the ad or provide further details about it.
But she told CNNMoney.com that the funds were donated specifically for
this purpose by unnamed individuals. She said the money did not come
from the group's general fund. CBS is charging about $3 million for
30-second spots, according to spokesman Dana McClintock. But CBS would
not reveal how much it charged Focus on the Family for their ad. (1/20)
ARB Fall '09 Phase 2 Mon-Sun 6a-mid 12+: WCVO/Columbus 3.2... (1/20)
WSAE/Spring
Arbor (Home FM) GM Malachi Crane has been promoted to Executive
Director of SAU Radio as well as Donor Relations for Spring Arbor
University as a whole. In his new position Malachi will still supervise
HOME.fm and SAU Radio. Malachi joined SAU Radio in 2007 and previously
worked for WJIS/Sarasota (The Joy FM) . He has started a search for a
new General Manager to oversee the day to day operations. Jump over to
jobs page to check it out. (1/19)
WFSH/Atlanta
(104.7 The Fish) listeners responded in a big way following the
earthquake in Haiti last week and raised over $375,000 to benefit
recovery efforts. The station started an emergency relief campaign
asking for donations the morning after the earthquake hit with the money
going to benefit Food for the Poor. (1/19)
Due
to the extraordinary tragedy happening in Haiti right now Compassion has
postponed Global Food Crisis Day until later in 2010 and is
urging all Christian broadcasters to join in a special one-day event
"Help Haiti with Compassion" on February 1st. The Help Haiti radio
website is now online and contains resources including spots, scripts,
talking points, logos, banners and more. Click
here for the
website. (1/18)
Sunday,
January 17th, WLAB/Ft Wayne (STAR 88.3) and area churches,
organizations, and the community at large joined together for Mission of
Hope for Haiti event. The evening which raised nearly $14,000 featured 4
local bands, testimonials about Haiti, video of the destruction, a
“live” call from Haiti and special prayer time for the people of Haiti.
(1/18)
As
the beleaguered nation of Haiti suffers from mass devastation caused by
Tuesday’s earthquake, international Christian media ministry
TWR will provide
Creole language messages of hope into Port-au-Prince by radio. Beginning
tonight and continuing indefinitely, TWR will provide a simulcast of
local Christian programming from Haiti’s Radio 4VEH via TWR’s
100,000-watt AM outlet on the island of Bonaire. Broadcasts of Radio
4VEH’s live Internet audio stream will be aired from 10:15 p.m. until 2
a.m. local time in Haiti. “Two solid Christian stations on Haiti are
Radio 4VEH and Radio Lumiere,” explains TWR Americas International
Director Tim Klingbeil. “Since Radio Lumiere is off the air due to a
damaged transmitter facility, we believe broadcasting Radio 4VEH’s
programs from Bonaire will reach people who currently are not able to
receive much-needed gospel messages.” Radio 4VEH is located on the
northern part of Haiti, and broadcasts do not effectively reach
listeners in Port-au-Prince.
According to sources
from Radio 4VEH, the station plans to make adjustments to its regular
programming in an effort to address the needs of those who are suffering
and looking for help. “Our thinking is that we will continue providing
simulcasts at least until Radio Lumiere is able to go back on the air,”
Klingbeil says. (1/18)
Hundreds
of thousands of people in two areas of Ghana have access to local
Christian broadcasts for the first time as the result of a joint effort
between Accra-based Theovision and HCJB Global. Test broadcasts
began December 7th at Asamankese, a town outside of Accra. Eight days
later, test transmissions went on the air in the central Ghana city of
Assin Fosu, making Christian broadcasts available to an estimated
700,000 people. Upon installation of the first FM station “almost
immediately the team heard the broadcasts being listened to in taxis and
cafes across the town,” said Jeremy Maller, HCJB Global’s chief engineer
for the Sub-Saharan Africa Region which has an office in Accra.
Maller said the outlet in Assin Fosu
is especially strategic because the “local population has no other
private FM station broadcasting in the area – only the local government
station. The new station, broadcasting at 88.1 MHz, offers Christian
content tailored to the local audience, “something they have not had
very much access to up to this point. (1/18)
Trans
World Radio has announced that it has delivered more than 100,000
"Radio Church Kits" to interested parties in China since the program
started in 1994. The actual number is now over 101,000. Each "kit"
consists of a portable shortwave radio, a Bible in the Chinese language
and additional literature.
TWR aims for
distribution of the kits in the more rural areas of China, which often
have limited communications options. TWR started broadcasting in 1954
from Morocco with a single army-surplus transmitter. It now provides
programming in more than 200 languages and dialects, in more than 160
countries. (1/14)
WPOZ/Orlando
(Z88.3) midday air personality Melony McKaye is among a group of
Central Floridians who are stuck in Haiti after Tuesday afternoon's
devastating earthquake. McKaye traveled to the island nation with New
Missions, a nondenominational group that has operations in Haiti. The
group was staying at the New Missions compound in Leogane Plain when the
earthquake struck. None were injured. Members of the group hope to be
able to return to Florida beginning Friday. Mckaye is providing updates
to WPOZ. (1/14)
WBGL/Champaign
facilitated the Random Acts of Christmas program for the 4th year,
kicking it off the week of November 23rd. The program allowed listeners
to nominate people they know who are in need during the holiday season.
It also encouraged listeners to give back during the Christmas season,
as they stepped forward to meet the needs of others. Over 300
nominations were received, and thanks to generous people throughout the
WBGL listening area, over 280 families were helped over the Christmas
season. The various needs ranging from baby clothes, toys for kids,
blankets, groceries, and home repair went to many deserving families who
needed an extra helping hand this Christmas. The program ran through
January 7th, with the hope that every need would be fulfilled. (1/14)
Lighthouse
Radio Network (WHCF/Bangor and WHMX/Bangor 105.7 Solution FM) have
re-structured their staff. The staff has moved to roles over both
stations. Staff positions and their roles are re-aligned to the
following: Marc Tischart/General Manager, Tim Collins/Operations
Manager/ Group Program Director, Morgan Smith/Group Assistant Program
Director/ Group Music Director, Joe Polek/Group Assistant Music
Director/ Group Promotions Director, Penny Ayer/Group Programming/ Ops
Assistant, Pencil Boone/Solution FM On-Air Staff, Mike Couchman/Solution
FM On-Air Staff, Shelly Mitchell/WHCF On-Air Staff.
In addition effective, January 25,
2010, “Tim & Morgan in the Morning” will move from Solution FM to
mornings on WHCF. “Penny & Joe in the Morning” will move to PM drive on
WHCF. Pencil Boone will move up from evenings to take over morning drive
on Solution FM. Tim, Morgan, and Joe will all have a shift during
Mid-day hours on Solution FM. Mike Couchman will remain on PM Drive on
Solution FM, while Shelly Mitchell will remain in Evenings on WHCF.
Morgan will be taking all Inspo/Soft AC and CHR tracking calls as of
January 28th at 207-947-2751 x 426. Her new tracking
times for both formats will be Thursday afternoons from 1pm to 3pm EST.
If she is not available, you may speak with Joe, or email
morgan@solutionfm.com (1/13)
Fox
News Senior Political Analyst Brit Hume explained why he had to say what
he did about Tiger Woods during an exclusive KCBI/Dallas Morning
Show interview. Hume recently said during comments on The O’Reilly
Factor show and on Fox News Sunday about Tiger Wood’s infidelity that
“Jesus offers something that Tiger Woods desperately needs”. Hume
recalled the tragic event in his own life that lead to his boldness in
sharing his faith and about how his decision was not popular.
“Mentioning Christ in a public setting was like dropping a boulder off
the 14th street bridge and into the Potomac River because it caused a
tremendous stir,” said Hume, “there were some ferocious attacks that led
to a week of debates.” Morning Show host Jim Wilson, said the interview
was especially meaningful to him, “To hear the boldness of a man who’s
in such a secular environment not only stand up for God, but to actually
name Jesus….is incredible” . (1/12)
WPOZ/Orlando
(Z88.3) partnered with the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, who was seeing
over 100 extra people each night during the unusually cold weather
Florida recently experienced. Z88.3
asked their listeners to help by donating extra winter coats, gloves,
blankets and anything else they had to keep people warm. Z listeners
answered the call. Within a few hours of going on the air with the
Coats for OURM campaign, Z’s conference room was filled to capacity with
hundreds of blankets and coats. The Orlando Union Rescue Mission was
overjoyed by the kindness of Z listeners. The
Mission sent a full size van everyday for
six days to pick up another full load. Z88.3’s conference room filled up
just as fast as it was emptied, a testimony to the generosity of the
Central Florida Z community! Daily highs are
expected to reach the 70’s this weekend, but lows are still expected to
be in the 40’s. Z88.3 will continue collecting coats until the
temperatures get back to normal. (1/12)
KCBI/Dallas
will debut the new feature, “Gospel Weekends” airing on Sundays at
12:30pm CT. Producer, host, and 33-year KCBI broadcast veteran, Charlie
Campbell, said, “This program brings the opportunity to expand on the
Gospel music I routinely play on Sunday mornings”. Charlie is the
long-time host of Sunday Morning Sounds of Sonshine which airs on KCBI
from 6am to 12 noon. (1/9)
WEOM/Thomasville,
NC has received a notice to vacate, even though station operators
thought it owned the building. Earl Harrison, head of the World
Evangelistic Outreach Ministry, operatesthe station in a building
donated to the organization by High Point Bank nearly 15 years ago. But
an unpaid tax
bill has suddenly surfaced, surprising both the minister and the
president of the bank. Harrison said he received a letter from the bank
telling him the station had to vacate the building. According to
Davidson County records, High Point Bank still owns the property, and
owes nearly $16,000 in back
taxes on the property. "We’re not evicting anyone," according to
High Point Bank president Charles Myers. Myers said the letter sent to
the ministry was intended to get someone from ministry to contact the
bank, and protect the bank’s liability for a piece of property no one
knew about until this week.
Myers said their
early investigation into what happened indicates there was intent to
donate the building to the ministry 15 years ago, but why the deed to
the property wasn't changed remains unclear. Myers added that none of
his administration was in charge at the bank 15 years ago. He said he
hopes to work things out with the ministry. (1/9)
WTIX/Winston-Salem
(980 AM) has changed owners, call letters and formats, switching from
ESPN Radio to Spanish-language Christian programming. Truth Broadcasting
Corp. has bought the station from GHB Radio Inc. for $400,000. The
station switched formats Wednesday night and has changed its call
letters to WEGO-AM.
"There's an exploding Hispanic population here in
Winston-Salem," Epperson said. "Some people are critical of immigrants,
but we wanted to reach out to them and show them the love of God." Truth
Broadcasting, based in Winston-Salem, owns nine Christian radio stations
in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Raleigh, Charlotte, Utah and Virginia.
(1/9)
KWND/Springfield
(88.3 The Wind) has hired
Aaron
Dicer as new morning
show host . He arrives at 88.3 The Wind from WPRJ/Saginaw (Fuse FM)
where he was PD/mornings. Aaron will start Monday, February 8. (1/8)
AndoMedia
has released new audience data on Internet radio listening for the month
of November 2009. There’s a small decline in AAS (a term similar to AQH)
of about 10% to some of the leading stations or networks, possibly due
to the Holidays. EMF and
Salem are demonstrating that
their listeners listen more than twice as long as
Pandora and some of the larger
radio groups. (1/5)
WAY-FM
and World Vision announce a national tour featuring Jeremy Camp, The
Afters, Chasen, with special guest Jason Gray. The tour will kick off
January 20 in Charleston, SC and will travel to a total of 8
WAY-FM radio markets, finishing up in Louisville, KY on February 12.
Steve Quant, Director of Media Acquisition for World Vision stated, "I'm
always amazed at the generosity of God's people. Audiences in these
eight cities will not only enjoy a night of powerful music, but will
also fuel World Vision's efforts by forever changing lives of children
all over the globe." The tour is a component of the partnership between
the two organizations that began last summer. Lloyd Parker, WAY-FM Chief
Operating Officer noted, “The tour was designed to bring the outstanding
ministry of World Vision to the local station level. Working with key
WAY-FM artists like Jeremy Camp and also The Afters will give a great
evening of music to our listeners.” (1/4)
Arbitron
DEC 2009 PPM P 6+ Weekly Cume: WJKL/Chicago 325,800... WONU/Chicago
57,800... WMBI/Chicago 285,700... KLTY/Dallas 939,800... KCBI/Dallas
219,600... WAWZ/New York 321,900... WFSH/Atlanta 712,600... WVFJ/Atlanta
197,000... KSBJ/Houston 653,300... KHCB/Houston 225,300... KFSH/Los
Angeles 356,700... KKLA/Los Angeles 249,700... KWVE/Los Angeles
227,600... KSGN/Riverside 158,600... WMUZ/Detroit 200,400... KNDL/San
Francisco 69,600... WGTS/Wash DC 321,100... WAVA/WASH DC 155,100... WJYJ/Wash
DC 54,900.. WRBS/Baltimore 285,800... KLRX/Kansas City 211,400... KLVJ/San
Diego 56,200... Denver 280,100... KXWA/Denver 69,900... KSOS/Las Vegas
118,100... KCSM/Seattle 505,000... WPKV/Pittsburgh 135,100...
WORD/Pittsburgh 87,700... KFIS/Portland 262,500... KSIV/St Louis
94,700... KHZR/St Louis 71,900... WAKW/Cincinnati 275,500... WNLT/Cincinnati
79,100... KKFS/Sacarmento 130,100... KARA/Sacramento 81,700... WCIE/Tampa137,200...
WJIS/Tampa 26,300... WFHM/Cleveland 225,500... WCRF/Cleveland 95,000...
(1/4)
James
Dobson will launch a new 30 minute
daily radio program with his son Ryan called "James Dobson on the
Family". The program will deal with marriage, child-rearing, family
finances, medical and psychological concerns, national issues, the
sanctity of human life, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Look for the new
program to be available sting this March. (1/4)
BITS:
Laura Hamby (Liz Kelly) joins
KHRT/Minot, ND (106.9 FM K-Heart) as announcer/Production Director...
WTHU/Thurmont,
MD flips from Christian talk to mainstream newstalk...
Horizon Christian Fellowship of Fitchburg buys WJWT/Gardner and WFGL/Fitchburg
from Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa for $200,000... (1/4)
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