Industry News Bits MON 1/6/25
-We hope all had a great New Year and that 2025 is off to a great start!
Fundraisers this week .. Let us know when your Station Fundraiser takes place… news@hisair.net
Christian Radio Ratings on HisAir.Net are sponsored by Dunham+Company.
Nielsen DEC PPM release is complete. Holiday PPM arrives 1/28/25.
Go HERE for latest PPM ratings.
WPOZ/Orlando (Z88.3) adds Grace Vasquez to the afternoon show with Shadow as his co-host. Grace joined WPOZ in 2021 as weekend swing air talent. Prior to joining WPOZ she was with Orlando mainstream stations XL 106.7 and Sunny FM.
Shadow has been going solo since his previous co-host Coppelia Acevedo left for Hope Media Group (HMG) in Houston in July 2023.
Many Salem staff at CCM stations will lose their jobs at the end of this month. But some remain with Salem after the sale to EMF due to their multiple roles within the cluster. They are:
Chris Kelly / Operations Director with the Salem Portland/Seattle stations
Michael Wilson / Salem Sacramento
Big Wave Dave / Production Director of Salem Los Angeles
Josh Booth / Salem Cleveland
HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners
HIS Radio is looking for a dynamic Morning Show Co-host that brings energy, creative ideas, and fresh content to the table daily! As our new co-host, you’ll be part of a team of pros; becoming a vital part of an audio/video Morning Show that shares Jesus, serves the community and likes to have FUN.
If connecting with the community and leading families to Christ drives your passion, then we need to hear from YOU!
If interested go HERE
Long-time Operations Manager Scott Curtis retired from WGNB/Grand Rapids (89.3 Moody Radio) today.
Scott says, “It’s been quite a ride, but today marks my retirement from WGNB/Moody Radio. I never imagined when I started I would be staying for more than 35 years and a career in radio that spans more than 50 years. God has been good.”
WGNB Station Manager Dodd Morris says, “Scott has embraced many roles at Moody Radio since 1989, including nearly 8 years as the sole-staff member of WGNB.”
The countdown to NRB 2025 International Christian Media Convention is underway. NRB announced the lineup of speakers and musicians for main stage events.
At the Opening Session (Monday, February 24, 7:00–9:00 p.m.), attendees with full registration* can hear from Jack Hibbs and enjoy musical segments by Matthew West.
At the Closing Gala (Thursday, February 27, 6:00–8:30 p.m.), a special dinner event featuring the presentation of the 2025 Special Service awards, a message from Dr. Robert Jeffress, and musical segments from The Erwins.
NRB 2025 will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas from February 24–27, 2025.
KGGN/Hemet, CA (102.5 The Vine) GM Chris Thompson needs a studio console.
Chris says, “Growth is great, but its growth on a budget . . . So, if you have something similar in storage, in the old prod room, the old board that the last PD bought but you already upgraded, that board you found at a yard sale, and since you are a hoarder, you bought for a rainy day, or your station just got purchased and Nashville is bringing in some new studio equipment, or you have a used board and you are interested to “see what you can get for this,” please let me know.”
If you can help reach out to Chris at chris@1025thevine.org.
Blubrry reported that 6,366,128 podcast episodes were released on its platform in 2024, a significant increase from 2.1 million five years ago and 600,000 more than in 2023. October was the peak month for episode releases, while summer saw the lowest activity.
The most popular genre was News (22.2%), driven by major global events like the U.S. election and international conflicts, followed closely by Religion and Spirituality (21.3%). Other top genres included Sports (8.2%), Business (7.9%), and Society & Culture (7.6%), reflecting a growing diversity in podcast listener preferences.
StowTown Worship Live From Praisefest Branson, Volume 1 releases on January 17, capturing a worship experience that bridges genres and generations. Recorded live at the annual Praisefest in Branson, Missouri, the 11-song collection features timeless hymns and worship favorites. Esteemed artists, including TaRanda Greene, Alvin Slaughter, Travis Cottrell, and Charles Billingsley, deliver heartfelt performances, creating a joyful and authentic worship atmosphere.
HisAir INDUSTRY NEWS FLASHBACK – On This Day Jan 5, 2024
With Pillar Media purchasing 2 Denver stations WAWZ/NYC/NJ (Star 99.1) Brand Director Matt Stockman is relocating from NYC to Denver. His role and responsibilities will remain the same while being expanded within the ministry.
As far as the plans for new Colorado properties KFCO/Bennett (107.1) & KJHM/Watkins (101.5) Pillar Director of Broadcasting Art Garza says, “We’re working on those details now. We’ve not finalized yet.”
Milestones:
Corey Mann 17 years at WPHZ/South Bend
Rockinron Corino 22 years at KBCU/Wichita
Paul Batura 27 years at Focus on the Family
Geoff Moore 2 years at Christian FM
Cindy Garrett Swanson passed 5 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 group.
Submit news items HERE
