Industry News Bits TUE 6/2/26
Fundraisers this week .. Worship 24/7 .. Rhema 99.7/AUS .. Let us know when your Station Fundraiser takes place… news@hisair.net
Christian Radio Ratings on HisAir.Net are sponsored by Dunham+Company.
The APRIL Nielsen PPM release is complete. The MAY PPM starts 6/15 .. Go HERE for latest PPM ratings.
AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid APRIL 26
WYKV/Albany – 0.7
WKLZ/Syracuse – 0.8
KCVO/Springfield (Spirit FM) Creative Services Director Jaden Nybakken has moved up to afternoons from evening host. Jaden joined KCVO in February this year.
At the time of his hire Spirit FM station manager Jenn Pooler said, “Jaden is packed with talent and is hungry to serve God with all he’s got. Not only does he bring a high level of skills, but he has a heart that fits the culture of our team well. Jaden is driven, passionate, and a great addition to the Spirit FM Team.”
Jaden is a graduate of University of Northwestern and will be on the air from 2pm to 6pm each weekday.
The Religion radio format — which includes stations airing religious teaching programs, hymns, and other faith-based content — has become the most widely programmed radio format in the United States, according to Inside Radio/PrecisionTrak monthly station counts. Religion has more than doubled Country, formerly the long-standing leader as the nation’s most prevalent format.
Religion’s lead has continued to grow in recent months. After holding a 22-station advantage over Country in February, that margin expanded to 48 stations by May, an increase of 118%.
The format has also posted strong year-over-year growth, adding 73 stations for a 3.4% increase. Notably, 32 of those additions have occurred since the start of 2026, underscoring the format’s continued momentum.
HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners
Minnesota Christian Broadcasters, Inc. (The Word & The Pulse) is seeking a fun & creative AM show co-host. Being involved in promotions and production will be a part of the job too. If you love bringing smiles to people’s faces first thing every morning, and you love helping bring people one step closer to Jesus every day, we would love to hear from you.
If interested in this opening go HERE.
Provident Entertainment announced the promotions of John Loessy to Senior Director, Marketing, and Josh Schiffman to Senior Director, A&R, recognizing their significant contributions to the company’s artist development, creative strategy, and continued growth.
Since joining Provident Entertainment in February 2022 as Director, Marketing, Loessy has played a key role in accelerating the growth and visibility of some of Christian music’s most impactful artists. His strategic leadership has helped drive the success of artists including Brandon Lake and Matthew West, while also spearheading the marketing strategy behind Leanna Crawford’s emergence as a Dove Award New Artist of the Year winner. I
“John’s promotion reflects the tremendous impact he has made at Provident Entertainment. I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how he champions our artists, strengthens key partnerships, and invests in those around him,” shares Todd Stepp, SVP, Provident Entertainment. “His leadership has helped elevate emerging talent and broaden opportunities for established artists, contributing meaningfully to our continued growth. He leads with excellence, integrity, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed. We are excited for the continued impact he will make in this new role.”
Schiffman, who joined the Provident family five years ago through Essential Music Publishing, has built a reputation as a trusted creative partner and relationship builder throughout the music community. In this new role, Schiffman will continue focusing on artist acquisition and development while assuming broader strategic responsibilities across the A&R function.
“Josh has made a tremendous impact since joining Provident five years ago. He brings a rare combination of creative instinct, strategic thinking, and a genuine heart for people. This promotion reflects both the influence he has already had on our team and the strong leadership he will bring as we enter our next phase of growth,” shares Sam Featherstone, VP of A&R at Provident Entertainment.
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Dunham+Company wrapped up a two-part conversation on Trent Dunham’s (President and CEO of Dunham+Co) Top 10 for 2026. Trent is joined by Eric Gomez, COO of Dunham+Co, for a practical conversation on key trends and opportunities facing churches and nonprofit organizations in 2026.
You’ll hear:
- How to use data visualization to make better organizational decisions, without drowning in it
- Why every communication channel matters and how they work together to drive response
- What a documented AI strategy looks like and why most organizations don’t have one yet
- The leadership modeling your team is watching for… whether you realize it or not
Listen HERE
WCIE/Tampa “The JOY FM” celebrates its 50th anniversary this week. WCIE launched in May 1976 as one of the country’s first successful, full-time CCM stations in Lakeland, FL. The call letters WCIE originally stood for Where Christ Is Everything. The JOY FM operates under the ownership of the Radio Training Network (RTN).
WCIE alum and JOY FM executive staff gathered together to surprise CEO Jim Campbell and 50 years of excellence. (courtesy Roger Roth)
Watch HERE
And here’s the video ‘The Story of The JOY FM” HERE
HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – June 2, 2021
Minnesota Christian Broadcasters, Inc. (MCBI) is announcing that veteran broadcaster Paulette Kutzler will assume the role of General Manager for its group of stations on July 5. Listener-supported MCBI produces two formats out of its flagship studios, airing contemporary Christian music branded ‘The Pulse’ on WZFJ-FM (Pequot Lakes/Brainerd) and a mix of adult contemporary and talk branded ‘The Word’ on KTIG-FM (Pequot Lakes/Brainerd) and KCFB-FM (Saint Cloud).
Milestones:
Bart Wagner 31 years at WAYR/Brunswick GA
Jim Collins 31 years at WAYR/Jacksonville
Mike Harper celebrates 37 years at KVNE/Tyler
The JOY FM/Tampa signed on 40 years ago
Bumper Morgan (Bumper Productions) passed 6 years ago
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.
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