Industry News Bits Mon 6-7-21
Taylor University Broadcasting Incorporated (TUBI) owners of WBCL/Ft Wayne, have purchased WBNI/Ft Wayne (94.1) from Northeast Indiana Public Radio (NIPR). Pending FCC approval, the transfer of ownership will take place later this summer.
TUBI Executive Director, Ross McCampbell, shares, “It is reassuring to see two organizations that have a heart for serving the community at their core work together to create mutual situations where both can do exactly that with more efficiency and impact.”
TUBI is acquiring 94.1 for its sister station, Rhythm and Praise. This community-minded transaction will allow a first for the Fort Wayne radio market, an Urban Gospel station that covers the entire city and county 24/7 on an easily accessible FM frequency.
20 The Countdown Magazine host William Ryan lll announces the show is now a listener supported 501(c)3 non-profit ministry. Meaning donations can be accepted to support the production of the show.
Salem Media Director of Publishing Operations Randy Maricle has exited.
Obadiah Haybin exits mornings at RadioU/Columbus. Watch his sign off HERE. Obadiah continues to host shows at KOAY/Boise (Project 88.7) and SOS Radio/Las Vegas.
Long time KYTT/Coos Bay (sales manager and director of donor development Brad Owens is taking the position of Marketing director with “International Cultural Exchange”, a student exchange program. KYTT is searching for a replacement ASAP. Go HERE for the listing.
KNMI/Farmington, NM (Vertical Radio) aired its last broadcast May 27 after 41 years on the air. EMF purchased KNMI (88.9 FM) and translators 90.5 K213AD Durango, 90.9 K215AX Pagosa Springs, and 100.9 K255DC Cortez CO from Navajo Ministries for $225,000. KNMI-FM began serving Farmington in 1980 and was the first Christian music radio station in the Four Corners, according to a news release from the station’s spokeswoman, Annette Reich.
“Over the years, Vertical Radio has adapted its style of music and programming to best serve the market,” Reich said. “Currently, there are approximately eight radio stations broadcasting Christian programming to Farmington.”
The CMB 2021 Awards were announced at Momentum in Orlando.
2021 CMB Station of the Year Winners
Small Market – Spirit 92.9 • KKJM • St. Cloud, MN
Medium Market – 88.3 Life FM • KAXL • Bakersfield, CA
Large Market – Life 88.5 • KJNW • Kansas City, MO
Major Market – KSBJ • Houston, TX
Industry Achievement Award
for outstanding and long-term contributions to the growth of Christian music radio.
Bill Scott – Vidare Creative
Community Service Award
for outstanding effort in community service in the past year.
The JOY FM • WCIE • Tampa, FL
Rich Mullins Artist Impact Award
for their long-time contributions to the music and ministry of Christian music radio.
for KING & COUNTRY
Sea Walker Media Corporation has announced the formation of Singing News Television, an expansion of the Singing News brand the organization acquired recently from Salem Media Group. Singing News Television joins Singing News Magazine, Singing News Radio, and The Gospel Greats. Ray Flynn and Scott Godsey made the announcement during an invitation-only press event held Tuesday, June 2, 2021, in Gallatin, TN.
The new network will include a vast variety of gospel music, Christian-based television shows, original and organic programming with gospel artists, movies, series, inspirational moments, news, and ‘on demand’ options that will be exclusive to the Singing News Television network. The network will be available on all platforms to include ROKU, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Google TV and can be streamed on all Smart TVs and tablets. The new Singing News Television Network will be available to the public beginning in August 2021.
Ray Flynn, Sea Walker Media President, stated: “With the recent acquisition of Singing News and the Singing News Radio Network, the creation of Singing News Television allows us to further expand the most recognized brand in gospel music while providing quality Christian programming for all ages.”
“This is an exciting time for the gospel music world,” said Scott Godsey, Sea Walker Media CEO. “This provides opportunities for us to offer programming through all forms of media: television, radio, printed and digital publications, as well as future opportunities for growth of the overall genre.”
Finney Media is releasing its findings from the 2021 Why Listen® Survey. The nationwide survey takes a look into the attitudes and behaviors of Christian radio listeners in Listenership Reasons, Tuneouts, Giving and other key measures. Expanded this year was a look into how listeners are engaging with their Christian radio stations and programs through podcasts and social media.
“The past year has changed the way many of us work and live,” said Chuck Finney, President. “Christian radio has been that safe haven for so many during a very difficult year.
The Christian broadcaster’s role continues to evolve.”
Christian radio professionals and those interested in gaining more insights from the survey findings can sign up for a special Why Listen® Results Webinar happening on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 12 p.m. central time/1 p.m. eastern time. To register go HERE.
Milestones:
Ryan Springer 17 years at WBGL/Champaign
Kevin Anderson 26 years at Salem Media
Carol Davis 19 years at Blue Ridge Broadcasting
Prayer List:
Dan Craig
