Industry News Bits FRI 1/17/25
Fundraisers .. Let us know when your Station Fundraiser takes place… news@hisair.net
Christian Radio Ratings on HisAir.Net are sponsored by Dunham+Company.
Nielsen DEC PPM release is complete. Holiday PPM arrives 1/28/25.
Go HERE for latest PPM ratings.
AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid FALL 24
WWEG HD2/Hagerstown – 0.8
KJTM/Lincoln, NE – 0.5
WMBJ/Myrtle Beach – 1.2
AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid DEC 24
KGBI/Omaha – 3.6
WALC/Charleston – 2.8
WSPO AM/Charleston – 1.2
WKDD HD2/Akron – 0.5
Carriage Radio Group, led by David Basha & Darien Southerland, announces the acquisition of WLJA/Ellijay, GA (101.1 FM) and WPGY/Ellijay, GA (93.7 FM) from Tri-State Communications. The sale was first announced in Oct 2024. With this Carriage Radio plans to offer a unique blend of faith-based programming, contemporary Christian music, and country hits for North Georgia audiences.
WLJA’s lineup will now feature a fusion of Christian and country music artists, including Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Brooks & Dunn, Jason Crabb, Lauren Daigle, Steven Curtis Chapman, and The Isaacs.
“We’re thrilled to bring a new level of programming to the people of North Georgia. WLJA has always been a cornerstone of the community, and now, we’re adding a new dimension with our unique mix of faith and country,” said Darien Southerland, CEO of Carriage Radio Group. “This is more than just a radio station—this is an experience for families and individuals who want their music to inspire and uplift.”
Southerland adds, “As part of this transition, Carriage Radio will be introducing new on-air personalities on January 24, 2025. Along with a fresh new logo and information. These fresh voices will bring an added spark to the station, providing engaging content and fostering a deep connection with the North Georgia community.”
WLJA is also the home of Atlanta Braves baseball and Georgia Bulldogs football.
The National Association of Gospel Radio (NAGR) has announced its 2nd annual National Radio Convention, scheduled to be held in Cincinnati from May 1-3, 2025.
The National Radio Convention is a significant gathering for industry professionals, offering a platform for networking, education, and the celebration of Gospel radio. The decision to reschedule was made with careful consideration, ensuring that the event will continue to provide the valuable experience that attendees have come to expect.
Additional details including registration will be shared in the coming weeks.
KLTY/Dallas is planning a special “Goodbye KLTY” event for listeners on Saturday, January 25th from 1 – 3pm at Compass Church Colleyville.
The station is encouraging listeners to come by so “We can hug your neck and say goodbye.” KLTY also has an on air special planned for Friday, January 31st the last day before switching to K-LOVE.
And, WFSH/Atlanta (104.7 The Fish) will host their final listener event before their last day on the air January 31st. That will be Sunday, January 25th at Mt Paran Church from 12p-2p. WFSH air staff will be saying goodbye to listeners and giving away the remainder of the Fish prize closet.
Watch a 104.7 “Goodbye” video HERE.
HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners
If you love creating and producing compelling multimedia content, engaging on-air with the message of Christ, and are ready to join a talented team, Des Moines could be your next home! Life 107.1, a locally programmed Northwestern Media station in Des Moines, IA is looking for a dynamic Creative Services Director / On-Air Host.
If interested go HERE
WBDX/Chattanooga (J103) PD Ted Gocke tells HisAir, “Our 25th Jfest will be Sat May 17th with five headliners (11 artists in all) Zach Williams, Lecrae, Anne Wilson, Terrian, Gable Price and Friends and others.
Programming veteran and consultant Ron Harrell has joined WP Media (owner of Radio Content Pro) in a strategic partnership through his consulting and marketing company, Harrell Media Group (link here) to represent Radio Content Pro Spirit brand (RCP Spirit) to religious broadcasters.
This collaboration will enhance the reach and impact of WP Media’s Radio Content Pro, the innovative AI-powered service designed to inspire creativity and efficiency among radio broadcasters.
Launched in January 2024, Radio Content Pro has rapidly become a favorite tool among hundreds of broadcasters worldwide. RCP offers products tailored to every radio format and brand, empowering broadcasters to create more engaging content, save time, and create new cost and revenue efficiencies by elevating their on-air, online, and social media presence.
HisAir.Net will be in Dallas for the NRB 2025 Feb 24-27. We would love to meet stations so stop by the Christian FM Media booth (#1435) in the exhibit hall and say hello. We look forward to seeing you at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine next month.
To download the new app search for “NRB 2025 Convention” on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
HisAir INDUSTRY NEWS FLASHBACK – On This Day Jan 18, 2023
Following the resignation of Jarrod Graetz as CEO of The Light/Melbourne last month, the Board of Positive Media has appointed Clayton Bjelan as Interim CEO. Graetz announced in December he would step down in January 2022 after 10 years with the organization.
Clayton has been with Positive Media for 17 years in a number of key roles, including Content Director, Chief Operating Officer, and most recently Group Transformation Manager, as well as host of In Conversation with Clayton. The Board will begin the recruitment process for the new CEO over the coming months.
Milestones:
Dave Koch 30 years at Westar Media
Suzanne Cheesman 2 years at WGTS/Wash DC
Ken Burns 3 years at Faith Radio Network/Tallahassee
1/18
Brittany Minard 7 years at WRVL/Lynchburg
Charis Edwards 3 years at Fair Trade
Brian Miller 14 years at WBGL/Champaign
Jim Berni WNPQ/Canton passed away 4 years ago
Sally Buchanan WPRZ/Culpeper, VA passed away 4 years ago
Prayer List:
Susan O’Donnell
The HisAir Prayer group is a place where the Christian Radio & Records industry can post prayer requests, and pray for others. Go HERE to join the group.
Submit news items HERE
