Industry News Bits FRI 7/31/26

Fundraisers this week  .. Let us know when your Station Fundraiser takes place… news@hisair.net

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Les Lanser Owner and Founder, of WJQK/Grand Rapids (Joy99) and WPNW/Grand Rapids (JoyWorship) passed away and went home to be with his Lord on July 30, 2026. He was 91.

For 58 years, Les gave his life to a radio signal and the people on the other end of it. He came to the station as a young man and never really left. He worked there for 58 years. He owned it for 43. And in all that time, the mission never drifted: use every watt to point people to Jesus.

A Signal Worth Betting On In January of 1987, Les made a decision a lot of people in the industry thought was a gamble. Contemporary Christian music was still finding its footing — an unproven format in a crowded market. Les went all in anyway. He wasn’t chasing a trend. He believed West Michigan deserved a station where a mom driving her kids to school, a guy working second shift, and a college student in a rough season could all hear the same thing: you are not alone, and God has not forgotten you.

Carrying It Forward – We are forever grateful for Les’s life, and for the legacy he leaves in our hands. The mission he gave everything to doesn’t end today. It continues every morning the transmitter comes on. We will keep bringing encouragement and the love of Jesus to this community, because that is the assignment Les handed us. And we’ll keep telling people what Les told anyone who would listen — and plenty who only came to sell him something: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38-39 Les is not separated from that love today. He is home in it. — The Joy99 and JoyWorship Family.

HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners

Centricity Music has named Isaac Hubbard Manager, National Promotions. In the role, Hubbard will manage radio relationships and promotion efforts for the label’s roster.

A Nashville native, Hubbard has been around Christian music and radio his whole life. Outside of work, he’s a musician himself, and he lives in Middle Tennessee with his wife and kids.

The National Association of Gospel Radio (NAGR) is pleased to announce that three nationally respected leaders in gospel music, broadcasting, and media have accepted nominations to serve as Members-at-Large on the NAGR Board of Directors, pending confirmation by the Board of Directors.

The nominees are Kerry Douglas, Cheryl Jackson, and Henry W. Harris—three accomplished professionals whose leadership has significantly impacted gospel radio, music, and ministry across the nation.

If confirmed, Douglas, Jackson, and Harris will serve as Members-at-Large.

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HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – July 31, 2025

Godcaster.fm announced the public beta release of its highly anticipated new app, The Godcaster. The announcement was made nationally by Adam Curry, co-founder of podcasting and partner in Godcaster, during a special appearance on The Glenn Beck Podcast.

The Godcaster app combines the timeless simplicity of radio with the freedom and power of modern on-demand listening. Listeners can follow their favorite stations, ministries, and programs, stream live and on-demand, and access exclusive content — all in one unified, censorship-free app.

“We believe it’s time to put the power back in the hands of listeners and ministries,” said Curry. “Godcaster is built on the open Podcasting 2.0 standards, ensuring direct connection, real engagement, and no algorithms or third parties deciding what you experience. This is a game-changer for anyone who wants to stay connected to faith-based audio content.”

HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – Aug 1, 2022

Clayton Bjelan has been named and voted in by the Board of Directors of Positive Media Incorporated as the new CEO effective immediately. Bjelan replaces Jarrod Graetz who resigned the position last December.

Bjelan. who joined the organization in 2004, has held a number of key roles with Positive Media including Announcer, Content Director, Chief Operating Officer, and most recently served as Interim CEO.

Milestones:
Dan Parker 25 years at Atlantic Coast Communications
Matthew Hogan 3 years at KVNE/Tyler
Tom Steigleman 21 years at KATB/Anchorage
Brittany Champion 13 years at CMB

8/1
Joy Ware Miller 9 years at WEEC & WFCJ/Dayton
WNKJ/Hopkinsville, KY celebrates 45 years on the air
Peggy Campbell (Ambassador) celebrates 49 years of service
Nathan Burnett 9 years at Gods Pit Crew
Tim Maranville 4 years at WMIT/Asheville
Kevin Krueger 13 years at WGTS/Wash DC

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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