Industry News Bits Thu 4-15-21

Blue Ridge Broadcasting (BRB) has purchased station W205CU (88.9 FM) in Clemson, SC, from Georgia-Carolina Radiocasting, Inc. The FCC approved the purchase on March 15. This addition to BRB will provide a much-improved signal featuring the music and Bible teaching of The Light FM to listeners in Pickens, Oconee and portions of Anderson County, South Carolina. Pending FCC approval, Georgia-Carolina will also donate WSNW/Seneca, South Carolina (1150 AM ) to BRB.

“The Light FM is now free from the obstructions of mountainous terrain to serve this portion of the Upstate with Christ-centered music and teaching,” said Jim Kirkland, executive director of BRB. “The region from Clemson and Pendleton up to Walhalla and over to Pickens can now turn to 88.9 FM to find The Light FM.”

BRB was founded by Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth, in 1962 to serve their home region with Christian radio. The Light FM’s operations are based in Asheville, on the grounds of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove

WKJA/Barberton, OH (Heartfelt Radio) welcomes Chad Spurlock as Listener Engagement Specialist. He will start on Monday, May 3rd.

Heartfelt Radio GM Mark Channon tells HisAir they are partnering with Trans World Radio in a campaign called, “Radios for Africa”.  Listeners are being encouraged to donate $50 in order to get a windup radio into the hands of a needy African so that they can hear Christian programming from TWR.  A $50 donation covers the cost of the windup radio, shipping, customs and delivery to an African.  Marks  says, “That’s quite and investment when you realize that Amazon typically sells windup radios for $53!  John Summerville, Andy Napier and Kelly Gilbert from TWR will be on Heartfelt Radio April 27th and 28th to encourage listeners to help get the Gospel and solid Bible teaching into the ears of Africans through their donations.”

KKEQ/Grand Forks (Your QFM) PD Josh Jones tells HisAir today, “Thank you everyone for your prayers during our pledge drive last week! We did reach fully funded a half-day earlier than anticipated! God is moving through his people in NW Minnesota, and they rallied their support to help Your QFM continue shining the light of Jesus! We’ll be praying for your spring pledge drives!”

This weekend’s edition of The Singing News Top Twenty Weekly Countdown will include artist guest appearances: Squire Parsons talks about “I Call It Home”, Karen Peck Gooch/ Karen Peck & New River, Jeff Steeles/ The Steeles, Danny Riley/ Gold City, Adam Brown/ The Browns, Donna King/ Zane & Donna King, Ricky Carden/ Down East Boys, Ernie Haase/ Ernie Haase & Signature Sound.  Plus classic segments with The Crabb Family and The Cathedrals.

The Singing News Top 20 Weekly Countdown is heard on more than 140 radio stations each week in the US and Canada.

WWIB/Chippewa Falls (103.7) together with Markquart Motors and other local businesses, challenged their listeners to fill ‘Wisconsin’s Biggest Tip Jar!’ to in turn give back to local restaurants and wait staff that was adversely affected by the closures and restrictions of the past year. Local TV covered the promotion. Watch HERE.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced the 10 winners of the 34th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their year-round commitment to community service. The winners were selected from 50 finalists and honored today during NAB Show Premiere, available exclusively on NAB Amplify.  Winner list is HERE.

Milestones:
Melissa Montana 32 years at WLAB/Ft Wayne