Industry News Bits THU 2/6/25
Fundraisers .. WGTS/Wash DC (Compassion) .. Let us know when your Station Fundraiser takes place… news@hisair.net
Christian Radio Ratings on HisAir.Net are sponsored by Dunham+Company.
Jan PPM arrives on 2/24. Go HERE for latest PPM ratings
After nearly a decade hosting mornings on WPHN/Gaylord (The Promise FM) PD Fred Young has announced his moving to afternoon drive.
“As a single dad, it is important that I be present with my kids at home, and moving to afternoons will afford me that. It’s a win-win, because this move will also allow me to be in the office throughout the business day, and I believe it will help me more effectively program our two music formats,” says Young.
Executive Director Pat Scott says, “We are excited as God leads us into a new season, and believe we will continue to see amazing growth in the ministries of Northern Christian Radio as a result of the changes we’re making.”
Veteran morning personality Dennis Hutchinson will join host Sarah Schieber, to create “The Morning Perk with Sarah & Hutch,” beginning Monday, March 3rd.
Pictured L-R R Fred Young, Sarah Schieber, Dennis Hutchinson
HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners
A rare opening for a growing Christian media company in southwest Ohio is looking for an evening air talent.
The successful candidate needs to have a dynamic relationship with Jesus. The position requires an ability to connect with listeners and be a great story teller. As a part of the staff, there will be opportunities to represent the station in the community at station events.
If interested go HERE
HisAir will be located at booth 1435 (Christian FM) with reports sponsored by Convoy of Hope at NRB 2025 in Dallas.
Podcasting pioneer Adam Curry is sounding the alarm: as technology reshapes the media landscape, the power of local voices in broadcasting risks being under-utilized. He calls local programming the “gaping hole” in the new media landscape. At the NRB 2025 forum “The Future of Radio is Local,” Curry and Focus on the Family’s John Fuller will discuss how community-focused content can revitalize the industry.
“I will be discussing the trend in live audio podcasts that are starting to appear outside of traditional broadcasters and programmers, mainly because of an enormous shift in technologies,” Curry explains.
Don’t miss the discussion. “The Future of Radio is Local” will take place on Wednesday, February 26, from 9:00 a.m.–9:50 a. m. at NRB 2025.
The NRB 2025 International Christian Media Convention is in Grapevine, Texas, February 24–27, 2025. Register at nrbconvention.org .
KGGN/Hemet, CA (The Vine) presents the Vine FM’s Worship World Tour. Stop #4 will be this Saturday, February 8th with Unspoken in concert.
The international disability ministry Joni and Friends announces that Pastor Shawn Thornton has been selected as its new President. He will step into his new position in March, overseeing outreach and evangelism efforts to bring practical help such as wheelchairs and the saving love of Jesus Christ to the world’s most vulnerable citizens. Pastor Thornton replaces President Laura Gardner, who stepped down at the end of 2024 to care for family. Laura joined Joni and Friends in 2011, served as Chief Financial Officer, and was appointed President in 2022.
“This opportunity to work alongside the ministry’s Founder, Joni Eareckson Tada, and help advance the Gospel within a community of people so close to our hearts is one we believe God has unmistakably called us to pursue,” Shawn said.
Joni and Friends Founder and CEO Joni Eareckson Tada said, “Shawn Thornton’s tenure as President will secure the fidelity of this ministry for generations to come. As we look to the next decade, a healthy theology is paramount and Shawn has not only the credentials for that, but the heart.”
Artist Resource Services (ARS), the label services arm of New Day Distributors, continues to add to its impressive roster of artists by welcoming Chronicle, 8th Street, Phillips & Banks, Mark Dubbeld Family, Hyssongs and Jay Stone Singers.
Appleton (91.9FM), Green Bay (91.5FM), Wausau/Stevens Point (88.5FM), Sheboygan (91.3FM), Eau Claire (99.9FM), Milwaukee (102.5FM), WI – The Family’s Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive will run from February 23 through March 16. The 33rd annual drive will be collecting personal hygiene and cleaning products for over 130 Wisconsin crisis agencies in 22 communities across Wisconsin. All donations, including financial support, remain in the communities where they are collected. The goal of the drive is to supply a year’s worth of products to each participating agency.
Bott Broadcasting is purchasing KIHI/Cheyenne (88.1) for $100,000 and an additional $25,000 deal for translator K201HM in Laramie.
Mitten News is donating WWMN (1110) to West Central Michigan Media Ministries, valued at $125,000, marking the first Strong Tower Radio station in the Traverse City-Petoskey market.
Bott Broadcasting is also acquiring K258DV (99.5) /Casper, WY translator for $25,000 to provide a 24-hour signal for KUYO (850).
American Family Association has finalized a $750,000 deal to buy WRYD (97.7) and WKUA (88.5) in Alabama from TBTA Ministries, adding to its three existing FMs in the state.
BMax Media has purchased WRBS/Baltimore (1230) for $375,000 from the Peter and John Radio Fellowship.
Every week songs “Going For Adds” (all Christian formats) can be previewed on the HisAir playlist located on Spotify HERE
To submit a song to be included in the playlist please fill out the form HERE.
HisAir INDUSTRY NEWS FLASHBACK – On This Day FEB 6, 2020
WBGL/Champaign midday personality and network music director Joe Buchanan (pictured below) has been named station manager at Northwestern Media sister station WCIC/Peoria. Joe succeeds Dave Brooks who after nearly 33 years as WCIC Station Manager announced last week he would step down from his full-time role and transition into a consulting role with the station.
On the appointment Joe told HisAir today, “I’m so grateful to be entrusted with this amazing opportunity to lead this team as we serve the Peoria community. I’m honored to continue the legacy of excellence in ministry modeled by Dave Brooks. My family and I are beyond excited to follow God’s leading into this next assignment.”
Milestones:
Joe Buchanan 5 years at WCIC/Peoria
Jason Crabb 5 years ago signed with Red Street Records
Lucy Holmes 16 years at The Light/Melbourne, AUS
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
