Industry News Bits MON 8/18/25

Fundraisers this week. .. WCVO/Columbus .. Let us know when your Station Fundraiser takes place… news@hisair.net

Christian Radio Ratings on HisAir.Net are sponsored by Dunham+Company.

July PPM is complete. Look for August PPM starting 9/8. Go HERE for latest PPM ratings.

AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid SPRING
KBMK/Bismarck – 3.0
WXKV/Jackson, TN – 1.4
KLRW/San Angelo – 7.1 (#2)
KNAR/San Angelo – 2.4
KILV/Sioux City – 4.3
KSFS/Sioux Falls – 1.9

The 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards winners have been announced. Hosted by BeBe & CeCe Winans, the show was taped August 16, 2025, at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. It will premiere August 30 on the Stellar Network and air again August 31 on BET.

Gospel Radio Winners were:
Syndicated Gospel Radio Show – with Erica Campbell
Station of the Year –
Top market WBBP/Memphis
Medium Market – WXHL/Wilmington, DE
Small Market – WTSK/Tuscaloosa
Internet – God Radio1.com
Gospel Announcer – Melissa Wade (WNNL/Raleigh)

KJNW/Kansas City (Life 88.5) listeners showed generosity during 816 Day, the annual event named after the local area code. Together, they donated $7,171 in gift cards, entrusted to local law enforcement officers who use them to bless families and individuals facing hardship across the area.

The day spanned 8 communities, 252 miles, and 15 hours of service in extreme heat, with listener stories that revealed the heart behind the giving:

• On listener gave 45 gift cards in honor of her wedding anniversary.
• Another contributed $1,000 in cards, the largest single donation.
• A father and his young daughter both gave, demonstrating how generosity inspires across generations.

These donations allow officers to respond with compassion in real time – helping a stranded driver, covering groceries for a struggling family, or offering encouragement during an unexpected crisis. Officers shared stories of families impacted by these gifts, including an 8-year-old girl who lost her parents in a tragic murder-suicide. Gift cards provided food, clothing, and gas for her and her grandmother during a season of grief and transition.

The station hasn’t forgotten the Kansas side of their listening audience. “913 Day” is already on the calendar.

Georgene Rice (host of the The Georgene Rice Show) announced today that after nearly three decades of broadcasting and faithful service to listeners across the Pacific Northwest, will retire from both KPDQ/Portland and KGNW/Seattle (820 AM The Word). Her final broadcast will air on Friday, August 29, 2025, marking the end of a remarkable career in Christian radio.

“For over 30 years, Georgene Rice has been more than a host—she’s been a mentor, a spiritual sister, and a friend to so many of us,” said Dennis Hayes, General Manager for KPDQ and KGNW. “Her retirement is a huge moment not only for our station, but for all the communities her voice has reached.”

Georgene’s show aired weekday afternoons on KPDQ and KGNW, where she has consistently invited listeners into honest, biblically grounded conversations about life, faith, politics, and culture. Her guest list has included national and local leaders, Christian thinkers, pastors, authors, and everyday believers making a difference in their communities.

“In my 36 years I have interviewed dozens of local and national leaders and traveled much of the world as a station correspondent, helped raise thousands of dollars for local, national, and international ministries, and engaged in debate and discussion on the major issues of our day. It has been a grand adventure, but like all adventures, it is time for this one to come to an end.” Georgene shared, “I have appreciated the honor of speaking to Portland and Seattle listeners nearly every weekday for 36 years! It has been one of the greatest thrills of my lifetime.”

HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners

Kinship Radio is seeking an Operations Manager for its Christ-focused growing network of stations and online platforms! Located in one of the “nicest” areas of the country (Mankato, Minnesota), this network touches the lives of people living in the south Minneapolis suburbs all the way into Story City, Iowa. The scope of oversight includes oversight of the network’s operational functions, including its automation system as well as satellite functions. This position will assist in ministry operations including logging, program modifications, and other activity relating to smooth on-air presentations and transitions.

If interested go HERE

Podcast Movement 2025 opened today at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas. It’s the 12th Annual Podcast Movement returning to Dallas where it all began, hosting the premier global gathering for all things podcasting. 

The annual conference runs Aug 18-21 and many say is the ultimate destination for forging meaningful connections, gaining actionable insights, discovering cutting-edge innovations, and building partnerships that will transform your podcasting journey.  More info HERE. 

Early bird registration for NRB 2026 is now open. 

From February 17–20, 2026, more than 6,000 broadcasters, filmmakers, podcasters, content creators, church-media teams, and ministry leaders will gather at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville for four full days of training, networking, and Gospel-centered renewal.

Go HERE.

KGGN/Hemet (102.5 The Vine) invited listeners to take part in their 5th Annual Operation Hydration, a community-wide bottled water drive. The initiative aims to collect 10,000 bottles of water to benefit local families through Mission Hope Food Pantry and to support local fire crews who are working in extreme heat conditions this summer.

“It’s a simple, powerful way to care for our neighbors and those who serve our community on the front lines,” said Chris Thompson, General Manager of 102.5 The Vine FM (pictured on left) . “Whether it’s one case or several, each donation goes straight to someone in need.”

Participants can drive through each collection event and drop off cases of bottled water, with volunteers on site to unload. For those short on time, a $5 donation at any WSDM Water store (in Murrieta at 39872 Los Alamos Road or in Temecula at 31821 Temecula Parkway) this month sends a case of drinking water on behalf of the donor.

Inspired by the words of Jesus, “I was thirsty and you gave Me drink,” the campaign lives out this mission “One Case at a Time.”

Milestones:
Josh Lauritch 12 years at 55 Promotion
Mark Green 13 years at KLJJ/Houston
Matt McNeilly celebrates 9 years at Moody Radio/Chicago

8/17
Larry Nowak 2 years at KSOS/Las Vegas
Atlee Wolfard  2 years at KWND/Springfield
Jess Blaylock 2 years at WBDX/Chattanooga
Brian Curee 15 years at Killer Bee Marketing

Prayer List:
Donna Cruz
Dave Kirby

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