Industry News Bits THU 1/29/26
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.
HOL Nielsen PPM release completes today. Day 4 markets include Austin, Nashville and more Go HERE for latest PPM ratings.
Nielsen AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid – DEC 2025
WHLH/Jackson – 8.7 (#3)
WJLV/Jackson – 8.0 (#4)
WCSG/Kalamazoo – 4.9
KLXB/Palm Springs – 1.6
KSLY/San Luis Obispo – 1.8
KARQ/San Luis Obispo – 1.2
KLSB/Santa Barbara – 1.7
Nielsen AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid – FALL 2025
KLWV/Cheyenne – 2.7
KRKA/Ft Collins -1.3
KLVN/Modesto – 4.5 (#2)
KLXF/Modesto – 4.2 (#3)
KAMB/Modesto – 1.2
Educational Media Foundation (EMF) has finally closed on its purchase of Milwaukee stations WDLB and WLUM. The $4 million sale officially closed after an extended approval process. The deal, announced in August, was originally expected to be finalized by September 30.
EMF adds to its existing Wisconsin footprint of WPCK/Green Bay), WPFF/Sturgeon Bay, and WLCW/La Crosse).
A K-LOVE spokesperson told RBR+TVBR, “We are excited for the opportunity for K-LOVE Radio to have one of the best signals in Milwaukee and bring our vertical worship format, Air1, to the market for the first time. These signals represent an opportunity for us to reach more listeners in the downtown area as well as areas north of the city.”
Finney Media will hold special speaking sessions at NRB 2026 in Nashville.
NRB Talks: Finney Media Why Listen® Presentation*
DATE: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
TIME: 10:15am to 11am
LOCATION: Ryman A, Talks Stage
SPEAKER: Chuck Finney
Workshop: Radio Research Findings*
DATE: Thursday, February 19, 2026
TIME: 11:15pm to 12pm
LOCATION: Ryman A, Talks Stage
SPEAKER: Chuck Finney
The Finney Media team (Chuck Finney, Jon Hull, and Vance Dillard) will at NRB 2026 and wants to connect with you.
HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners
KXOJ is seeking an exceptional on-air talent to join Tulsa’s leading Contemporary Christian music station. KXOJ brings something unique to the Tulsa market—a commercial Contemporary Christian station that operates with the full competitive energy of a large market station. As a commercial station, our budgets are derived from advertising, not the audience. We never ask the audience to give to our expenses. Therefore, we compete for listeners across the entire Tulsa market and our success proves that Contemporary Christian music resonates far beyond traditional boundaries.
If interested in this opening go HERE
Family Life/NY/PA PD Dave Margalotti checks in with HisAir.
Dave says, “The ministry outreach of Family Life has expanded greatly over the last few years thanks to a significant increase in online listening. In 2025, the ministry’s digital music streams reached nearly 850,000 listeners, a 60% increase from 2024. And the message of hope found in Jesus that is shared by Family Life was heard in more than 170 countries around the world. The ministry’s leadership team is in awe of what the Lord has done as they say, “To God Be the Glory”
Tallahassee based Faith Radio is selling two AM / FM translator combinations covering Panama City and much of Bay County, FL. Both are available for immediate purchase. The stations are currently on the air, have excellent equipment, and are well-maintained. Both of these stations have excellent coverage. Asking price is $180,000 for each combo or $325,000 for both. You must say you saw this on HisAir to get the special price.
Complete equipment lists and coverage maps are available from Scott Beigle, 850-201-1070 or by email: scott@faithradio.us.
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HisAir.Net will be in Nashville for the NRB 2026 Feb 17-20. We would love to meet our readers so stop by our booth (#112) in the exhibit hall and say hello. We look forward to seeing you in Nashville next month. NRB reports are sponsored by Convoy of Hope.
HisAir readers receive 10% off NRB 2026. Use code NRB2026HISAIR when you register. Register HERE.
The best way to experience the convention is right at your fingertips. Download the official NRB 2026 App today to plan a personalized, next-level experience at the 2026 NRB International Christian Media Convention. From the moment you arrive to the final session, the app is your guide to navigating the entire week with ease and confidence.
Search for “NRB Convention” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the app.
The new streaming station UP – THE STREAM is now live. Branded as “UP,” the station delivers extended playlists of today’s Christian pop, hip-hop, and rock hits. It officially launched earlier this week and is available at UPSHIA.com, as well as on streaming platforms and TV apps.
Owner and Program Director Josh Strickland describes the sound as fun and fresh, but says what truly sets UP apart is its strong Shiawassee County (Michigan) focus and commitment to featuring local talent — a rarity among Christian-formatted stations in the region.
Salem Media announces that “The Real Story,” hosted by Jeanne Ives, will expand to a weekday time slot on WIND/Chicago (AM 560 The Answer) airing Monday through Friday from 11am-noon CT, beginning Monday, February 2. The move also marks the addition of longtime Chicago broadcaster Amy Jacobson as co-host.
Since 2023, “The Real Story” has aired on Sunday evenings from 7-9 p.m. CT, with Ives hosting solo. The weekday expansion brings the program to a daily audience and reunites Jacobson with AM 560 The Answer in a new role, following her previous tenure as co-host of “Chicago’s Morning Answer.”
HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – Jan 29, 2025
Part of the Salem Media Group/EMF transaction includes a $10 million advertising and marketing agreement. Salem will receive an additional $10 million upfront payment that will be used for advertising Salem’s religious radio stations and other ventures. Additionally, EMF will be able to promote its K-LOVE and Air1 at Salem events, on its digital platforms, and in its podcasts at a 10% discount. EMF can use this advertising credit through Dec. 31, 2029.
Salem plans to use proceeds from its $80 million station sale to EMF to fully repay its $159.4 million long-term debt. On Dec. 23, Salem repurchased its outstanding 2027 debt with funds from EMF and will pay off the remaining balance once the sale closes. The transaction, pending FCC approval, is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025.
Milestones:
Bill Ingram 29 years at KSBJ/Houston
Joel Dearing 16 years at Virtual News Center
James Mott 8 years at Hope Media Group
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