Industry News Bits FRI 7/17/26
Fundraisers this week .. KTIG/Pequot Lakes .. Let us know when your Station Fundraiser takes place… news@hisair.net
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JUNE 2026 Nielsen PPM release is complete. JULY PPM starts 8/10….. Go HERE for latest PPM ratings.
Salem Media announced a leadership transition for Salem Surround, the company’s digital marketing agency, as longtime Salem executive Jon Latzer prepares to retire following his many years of service to the company. Latzer has been instrumental in the growth of Salem Surround, helping expand the company’s digital marketing capabilities while supporting local markets, sales teams, clients, and vendor partnerships across the country. His leadership has helped position Salem Surround as a key part of Salem’s broader digital strategy.
“Jon has been a tremendous leader and trusted partner throughout his time at Salem,” said Jamie Cohen, Chief Digital Officer of Salem Media. “He has helped shape Salem Surround into the business it is today through his commitment to our people, our clients, and our local markets. We’re incredibly grateful for everything he’s contributed and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) renewed constitutional challenge to the decades-old Johnson Amendment is gaining significant support from conservative legal organizations, religious liberty advocates, and Republican lawmakers. Multiple friend-of-the-court briefs are urging the Fifth Circuit to overturn a lower court’s ruling that dismissed the case before addressing its merits.
The appeal targets the Johnson Amendment, a provision in the Internal Revenue Code that bars nonprofits — including churches and religious broadcasters — from engaging in certain speech about political candidates and elections. NRB, along with Sand Springs Church, First Baptist Church Waskom, and Intercessors for America, argues the restriction violates the First Amendment by suppressing speech they consider central to their religious mission.
A federal judge in Tyler, Texas, dismissed the lawsuit in March. The plaintiffs are now asking the Fifth Circuit to revive the case.
A new Nielsen report finds that 90% of monthly podcast consumers listen to podcasts, while 62% also watch them.
Even with emphasis on video podcasts, Nielsen reports that audio remains the foundation of podcast consumption. Listening continues to significantly outpace viewing, even as video platforms transform how audiences discover and engage with creators.
In its latest report, Nielsen contends that podcasting should no longer be treated as a single medium. Instead, listening and watching represent fundamentally different consumer behaviors — attracting distinct audiences, producing unique engagement patterns, and delivering varied advertising results.
HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners
Voice Tracker/KGBI – The Voice Tracker creates compelling, ministry-centered programming through professionally delivered, pre-recorded segments that align with Life 100.7’s format and mission. This role engages listeners with warm, authentic on-air presence, while collaborating closely with station leadership to ensure consistent, high-quality content. As a visible ambassador at events and broadcasts, the Voice Tracker helps bring the station’s vision to life on-air and in the community.
If interested in this opening go HERE.
WMIT/Asheville (The Light) partnered with Don Sunshine Ministries and Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church to host another Make A Difference Training in Kings Mountain, NC. Over 140 people joined to learn easy, practical ways to share their faith with more people.
WJQK/Grand Rapids (Joy 99) welcomed Ellie Holcomb to a “Best Summer Ever Concert Series” The sold out concert took place 7/16 JoyPark, right behind the Joy99 studios. Joy99’s Best Summer Ever Concert Series features a season of music, connection, and unforgettable summer nights.
Pictured L-R are Ellie and WJQK midday host Elsie
WIHS/Middletown, CT is receiving excellent feedback on the new series of segments containing fascinating insights on Connecticut history. Christians, Churches & Culture in 1776 Connecticut is airing throughout every day and will continue to do so until the fall.
Animated video versions of these segments are now posted and archived on the WIHS YouTube Channel.
College of the Ozarks radio station KCOZ/Point Lookout, MO has earned statewide recognition after taking first place in the Small Market Radio Social Media Star category at the 2026 Missouri Broadcasters Association Awards. The award recognizes radio stations that excel in social media through creativity, audience engagement and strong station branding.
KCOZ is the college’s student-run radio station, featuring indie and alternative Christian music around the clock. Students handle everything from on-air programming to social media, giving them hands-on experience in broadcasting and communications.
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Gold-certified songwriter and worship leader Josh Baldwin released his new single, “Spirit of the Living God,” Friday 7/17. The song marks the first release from Baldwin’s forthcoming worship project Spirit of the Living God”
“I’ve been leading this song for a while now, and every time I sing it, I’m reminded of what it’s really all about,” shares Josh Baldwin. “It’s just a simple prayer asking God to move in our hearts and in our churches. More than anything, we want His presence. It also takes me back to the songs I learned on my acoustic guitar growing up. The kind of worship songs that shaped my faith.”
TMCR Broadcasting has filed a $250,000 deal to buy CCM WAIS/Buchtel, OH (770) from Nelsonville TV Cable Inc. The deal also includes the Nelsonville, OH-licensed translator W280FZ at 103.9 FM that simulcasts WAIS.
HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – July 17, 2023
Lisa Barry tells HisAir this is her last week on the air at KTIS/Minneapolis and Friday will be her last day. Lisa has been on KTIS a total of about 23 years.
Lisa says, “From here I plan to focus on my network show with an expanding social media presence.”
Milestones:
Betty Rock 17 years at WayFM
Andrea Herron 5 years at Hope Media/Houston
7/18
Alicia Hoskins 24 years at Salem Media
Wanda Taylor (WXRI/Winston Salem) passed 8 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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