Industry News Bits 3-11-16

KCBI/Dallas PD Joel Burke announces he has hired Denise Pagano (left) in a newly created position of morning show producer. Most previously Denise was with CBS KHMX/Houston, and KSBJ/Houston as well. Denise tells Hisair.Net, “When God asks you to lay down your headphones for a season, it’s really a step in faith. I did that for 2 years. Then out of the blue, God has led my husband and I to Dallas and KCBI! Really excited to work with Joel and the team!” Denise will start at KCBI April 6th. 

Well-known Christian relationship counselor Dr. Gary Smalley has died at the age of 75. Focus on the Family president Jim Daley said Smalley was able to help a lot of couples through his books and talks. He also appreciated the Christian counselor’s grace and wit in both his personal and professional life. For Daley, Smalley’s sense of humor helped made their daily radio broadcast a lot lighter.

K-LOVE Radio Network along with Memphis Based Company John Sanders LLC were honored with two EMMY® Awards at last Saturday Night’s 30th Annual Midsouth Regional EMMY® Awards, given by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). The wins come in the categories of Lighting and Set Design, assisted by Tony Fransen and Scott More (Go Live Pro). Marking the first for the national fan-voted awards show, the K-LOVE Fan Awards is now in its fourth year. 

“God is so good to us, I’m very thankful for this team and their amazing work!” shares David Pierce, Chief Creative Officer for K-LOVE & Air 1 Radio. “John Sanders has put his heart into the K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend and it shows! Scott Moore and his team really did an amazing job! This recognition is both rewarding and humbling.”

Salem Q4 revenue was up 5.2% to $51.3 million. Radio revenue grew 4% on a same-station basis. Radio division president David Santrella says the 0.2% rise in same-station expenses is possible due to the cuts they made in early 2015. Salem’s block-programming revenue (from Christian ministries) was strong (up 5.7%), and CEO Ed Atsinger says there were “impressive increases” in the areas of NTR (non-traditional revenue) and events. 

Submit your station or label news HERE...