Industry News Bits FRI 7/24/26

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Local Christian Radio will remain in place on KGGN/Hemet, CA (102.5 The Vine FM) as owner Cornerstone Church, has signed an agreement to donate the noncommercial to The Vine Media Network, a new California nonprofit corporation formed to continue the station’s local Christian ministry. The parties filed a voluntary assignment application with the Federal Communications Commission on July 22, 2026.  The former owner had considered selling to a national organization. 

“This agreement protects what matters most: 102.5 The Vine FM will remain local, Christ-centered, and committed to serving Southwest Riverside County,” said Chris Thompson, CEO of The Vine Media Network and General Manager of 102.5 The Vine FM. “Cornerstone Church had the faith to launch and sustain this ministry. Our responsibility is to honor that legacy, strengthen the station, and carry its Gospel mission into the future.”

The agreement, signed June 14, 2026, provides for the donation of the station’s FCC license, broadcast tower, transmitter and studio equipment, selected intangible property, and operating contracts. The proposed transfer must receive Federal Communications Commission approval before closing.

The agreement marks a planned transition from one local nonprofit ministry to another. Following FCC approval and closing, The Vine Media Network will assume responsibility for station operations and will govern the ministry through a local board representing churches, businesses, organizations, and communities across Southwest Riverside County.

The Vine Media Network was organized to preserve and expand The Vine FM’s local Gospel witness. The new organization will begin without the financial support structure previously provided by Cornerstone Church, making sustained participation from listeners, families, churches, and business supporters essential to the station’s future.

“This is not the end of a ministry. It is a new chapter of local stewardship,” Thompson said. “The same community The Vine FM serves now has the opportunity to help keep local Christian radio strong, accountable, and focused on Gospel impact.”

For the 2nd year in a row Christian Radio consultant John Frost has been named a finalist for the 2026 class of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.

John Frost’s 45-year broadcast career includes two decades as an air personality, then as program director, corporate programming, and consulting for companies such as CBS, Gannett, Cap Cities, Westinghouse, and Sandusky.

John served with Alan Mason as VP of Programming for a 47-station group headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, where John and Alan’s involvement with Christian radio began as a result of a tithe from Bud Paxson to WAY-FM. Mr. Paxson believed that Christian radio could have the greatest impact if it embraced the strategic principles and disciplines of Paxson Communications.

In 1999, John and Alan formed Goodratings Strategic Services as a resource for Christian ministries. Over the last twenty years John has been involved in the significant growth of Contemporary Christian radio, being a part of developing some of America’s most successful Christian music stations including WPOZ/Orlando, Salem’s Fish stations in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Portland, CRISTA’s Spirit stations in Austin and Seattle, KLTY in Dallas, and KSBJ in Houston, as well as stations in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

John helped create “You Think About That” for Steve Brown’s Key Life network, as well as the

“Lead Like Jesus” radio campaign for Ken Blanchard, author of “The One Minute Manager” best sellers. The Gospel Music Association honored John in 2004 with the Scott Campbell industry achievement award. Radio and Records and Christian Radio Weekly have recognized John as one of the most influential people in the Christian music industry.

TX Hall of Fame voting ends Aug 10th with the 2026 class inducted on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore, TX

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HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – July 24, 2018

KNWS/Waterloo (Life 101.9) Station Manager Doug Smith is transferring to Northwestern Media’s KFNW/Fargo (Life 97.9) Doug will serve in the same capacity, Station Manager, as he did in Iowa for the past 19 years.

Jason Sharp, Sr. VP for Media at Northwestern, said, “Doug is a steady, consistent, and purposeful leader who is passionate about pointing listeners to Jesus.  Doug loves people, builds a great team, and I’m confident his leadership will help the Life 97.9 team soar to new and greater heights.”

Milestones:
Niki Corbin 14 years at KDNW/Duluth
Alexandra Horn 7 years at Moody Radio

7/25
Ricky Bybee 3 years at WHIF/Palatka
Paul Perrault 12 years at Faith Radio Network
Brian Driver 11 years at WAY Media
Matt Pelishek and Aaron Perlman 14 years on KAXL/Bakersfield

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