Industry News Bits TUE 12/23/25
Fundraisers this week .. Let us know when your Station Fundraiser takes place… news@hisair.net
Christian Radio Ratings on HisAir.Net are sponsored by Dunham+Company.
NOV 2025 Nielsen PPM numbers are complete… DEC arrives 12/30. Go HERE for latest PPM ratings.
AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid NOV
KMLV/Omaha – 2.2
WKHL/Harrisburg – 2.8
KJRN/Keene, TX (88.3 The Journey) announced today the addition of Christian Radio veterans Laura Chase and Denise Pagano to their on-air lineup!. Denise will be heard on weekends and also weekday fill-ins beginning January 3rd and Laura will be the new Monday – Friday midday host beginning Monday, January 12th.
Laura says, “It’s truly amazing to watch how Father directs our steps and weaves our stories together. What an honor to jump on board with this stellar team!” Laura is a Stewardship Director for Trans World Radio (TWR), and has daily shows on WRVL, WAFJ, WBIJ; plus she joins in on fundraising efforts each spring and fall.
Denise states, “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be even a small part of 88.3 The Journey! Getting to be on the air with Laura Chase, who feels like a sister to me, and working alongside such an amazing team is an absolute blessing.” Denise has spent decades in CCM radio, including WPOZ Orlando and most recently at KSBJ in Houston.
Mike Prendergast, Fractional PD / Consultant continues, “I’m so excited for the direction we are headed at 88.3 The Journey. Both Laura and Denise are amazing talents and will be big time contributors to help expand the footprint of 88.3 The Journey across all of north Texas.”
The new 2026 lineup on KJRN will continue with Rich & Tanya in the Mornings, Laura Chase middays, Frank Reed afternoons and Keep the Faith with Penny in the Evenings. Weekend and fill-in talent will include Johnny Stone, Denise Pagano, Rob Conway & Danae Songy.
Cedarville University alumnus Craig Vinson has returned to lead Resound Radio after a 17-year tenure as station manager at WayFM. Mentored by founder Jim Leightenheimer—who launched the student-operated station (originally WSRN) in 1990—Vinson stepped in as the new manager this year following Leightenheimer’s retirement.
During his time as a Cedarville student, Vinson served as Resound’s operations manager for two years and station manager for one. Upon graduating with a degree in electronic media, he transitioned directly into the station manager role at WayFM.
Now back at his alma mater, Vinson is committed to providing students with practical broadcasting experience while fostering Christ-centered communication, continuing the legacy that has equipped hundreds of young broadcasters both on-air and behind the scenes.
“He wondered what I would think of coming back,” said Vinson. “Resound meant so much to me, so I was very excited to come back and reinvest in the program.”
“Resound and Cedarville are blessed to have a person like Craig to lead this extremely valuable training ground for professional communicators,” said Leightenheimer. “Craig has the heart and vision for this role, the mind, and the experience.”
Pastor CeJay, National President of the National Association of Gospel Radio (NAGR), has announced his intent to appoint five prominent leaders to key national positions. The nominations will follow NAGR’s governance process, first going to the Executive Board and then to the full Board of Directors for confirmation.
The proposed appointments are:
- Lonnie Hunter – National Director, Radio MENtality Will lead initiatives supporting mental health, wellness, and personal development for men in radio and media.
- Damon Stewart – National Director, Streaming Service Broadcasters Will oversee engagement with digital streaming platforms to bridge traditional gospel radio with modern distribution channels like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
- Devante Arbet (aka “The Gospel Guru”) – National Director, Digital Content Creators Will develop strategy for digital creators, bloggers, and online broadcasters amplifying gospel music on social and digital platforms.
- Terrance Howell – Special Advisor to the President for Strategic Partnerships Will advise on building high-impact partnerships across music, media, and entertainment to expand NAGR’s influence.
- Bill Carpenter – National Director, Industry Research Will drive research, data analysis, and industry insights to make NAGR more data-informed and establish growth standards for gospel radio.
CMB announced updates to its Board of Directors for 2026. Grant Hubbard, Founder & President (Grant Hubbard LLC), and Dave Gordon, Senior Director-Media Markets (Northwestern Media), will return for their second terms. K-LOVE/Air 1 Senior VP of Radio Mandy Young is joining the Board this year.
Michelle Younkman, Executive Director of CMB, shared, “It’s a privilege to serve alongside these outstanding industry leaders who are deeply committed to strengthening our radio community. As we look ahead, we remain focused on advancing our mission – creating more opportunities for the gospel message to be heard, so more people, in more places, can be reached for Jesus.”
HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners
Live and work in beautiful Northwest Michigan/Traverse City area with a community that loves and supports Christian radio. Northern Christian Radio needs a new Station Manager to lead our dedicated team across a group of 12 stations broadcasting CCM, Worship, and Teaching. The Station Manager oversees all aspects of station operations, including personnel, programming, finances, fundraising, community relations, and FCC compliance, while advancing the station’s mission and Christian values. A passion for reaching more people for Jesus is essential.
If interested in this opening go HERE
Christian radio stations seeking mission-aligned short-form content can still access the complete 52-episode series Craving Community, hosted by Jack Eason and available on AMB-OS—providing a full year of ready-to-air programming. The series encourages listeners to build authentic relationships, practice compassionate action, and live out faith daily, blending personal stories, thoughtful reflections, and a global missions focus to combat isolation and foster purposeful community.
No new episodes will be produced, but the existing library remains fully downloadable for AMB-OS users, offering stations consistent, high-quality weekly features without ongoing production needs. Jack Eason’s work continues through The CUPS Mission, which is developing new podcasts and resources centered on faith, culture, and global compassion.
For more information about Craving Community, available resources, or future Podcast content, please contact: Jack EasonJack@cupsmission.com
HisAir remains open and available through the holiday so you can report your Christian Radio stations or labels news.
Call 225-306-8383, email news@hisair.net or submit online HERE. Merry Christmas!
Each year, UCB Radio’s Hope Together This Christmas campaign exists to meet people in the middle of grief, illness, financial strain, or deep uncertainty—making an already difficult season feel even heavier. Through listener nominations, community partnerships, and donor generosity, UCB Radio steps into some of the hardest stories of the year—offering practical support, heartfelt encouragement, and a reminder that no one is forgotten.
This week, UCB Radio revealed three Christmas Miracles, blessing families in Nipigon, Ontario; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Belleville, Ontario. While each story is unique, they share a common thread: loss met with love, hardship met with hope, and families reminded they are not alone.
A Miracle for Laura’s Family — Nipigon, Ontario (Video: https://youtu.be/8st1R5AySEU)
Hope for Jamie — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Video: https://youtu.be/l_St7WH6lDo)
A Christmas Miracle for the Roy Family — Belleville, Ontario (Video: https://youtu.be/ XOMuHL9wDBc)
“Hope Together This Christmas exists to remind families that they are seen, loved, and supported,” said Liz Latchford, Director of Development & Marketing at UCB Radio. “These stories are powerful reminders that when community and generosity come together, light can break through even the darkest moments.”
Registration is now open for the 2026 NAB Show, the world’s preeminent event for the broadcast, media and entertainment industry taking place in Las Vegas April 18-22, 2026. For more information and to register go HERE
WCDE/Elkins, WV Station Manager Richard McGraw checks in with HisAir. This month (12/14) WCDE (89.9) is celebrating 14 years in the Christian format.
Richard says, “It has been a true blessing to have been with this station from the beginning and having the opportunity to watch our Lord take our efforts and make a successful ministry outreach to the community.” “Just to background you, when we went on the air in 2011, we affiliated with WAY network. When that network was discontinued, we reached a unique agreement with EMF to air their Air1 format. Our arrangement allows us to do a complete local wrap-around which allows us to maintain a local service and identity, yet continue the quality programming offered by the network.”
Congratulations to SOS Radio/Las Vegas VP Chris Staley who celebrates her 51st year with SOS Radio this week!
She started as a weekend air talent in the 1970’s, but climbed the ranks through practically every daypart on the SOS Radio Network and has served as music director & program director through the years too.
SOS Radio celebrated it’s 53rd anniversary as a station this past summer of 2022.
HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – Dec 23, 2022
Longtime KLTY/Dallas morning host Frank Reed made his final sign off from the station this morning. After 21 years on the KLTY morning show, Frank said goodbye to his morning co-hosts John Hudson and Starlene Stringer by reminiscing, telling inside stories about the crew together, and sharing special moments from over the years.
In a 2020 HisAir interview Frank said, “Personally this is the most fun and fulfilling time in all my years here. ‘Frank, Starlene, and Hudson in the Morning’ (the brainchild of my boss, Mike Prendergast) is breaking barriers and reaching a very diverse and mainstream audience. I’ve always enjoyed what I do, but now so more than ever.”
Frank joined KLTY in 1991, and became morning host in 2001, the current team of Frank, Starlene, and Hudson was formed in 2017. The show’s “Farewell tour” this past fall took the show on the road so listeners could say goodbye to Frank in person.
Milestones:
WQRR/Tuscaloosa flipped to Christian AC 1 year ago
Becky Garzone (WRBS/Baltimore) passed 1 year ag
12/22
Ken Burns 4 years at Faith Radio Network/Tallahassee
Prayer List:
Paul Martin (wife)
Shannyn Caldwell
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 private HisAir Prayer Group group.
Submit news items HERE
