Industry News Bits THU 6/11/26
Fundraisers this week .. UCB/Canada .. KTLF/Colorado Springs .. Rhema 99.7/AUS .. Let us know when your Station Fundraiser takes place… news@hisair.net
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The APRIL Nielsen PPM release is complete. The MAY PPM release starts 6/15 .. Go HERE for latest PPM ratings.
AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid APRIL 26
WHLH/Jackson – 11.5 (#1)
Peter & John Ministries announced today that Steve Lawhon, General Manager of Brighter Media Group (BMG) and Executive Vice President of Peter & John Ministries (PJM), has decided to retire after more than 40 years of service to the ministry. Lawhon will continue serving in his current roles through March 2027 to support a smooth and orderly leadership transition.
“Steve led one of the most significant transformations in the history of our ministry,” said Jon Bisset, President of Peter & John Ministries. “Under his leadership, our media ministry evolved from a heritage teaching and talk station into BRIGHT-FM, a dynamic, multi-platform ministry that impacts hundreds of thousands of lives across our region. Steve never viewed media as an end in itself, but as a way to help people encounter the hope and love of Jesus. More importantly, he has served this ministry with remarkable faithfulness and dedication for more than four decades. His creativity, vision, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting mark on both our ministry and the communities we serve.”
Lawhon joined the organization in 1985 as an on-air announcer. Over the next four decades, he rose to become one of the longest-serving ministry media leaders in the country. During his tenure, he led Brighter Media Group through a period of tremendous change in both media and broadcasting while helping expand the ministry’s reach, influence, and impact throughout the region. Under his leadership, the ministry grew across multiple platforms, entered new markets, and strengthened its ability to connect people with the hope of Christ.
That leadership has earned national recognition. Under Lawhon’s direction, BRIGHT-FM has become one of the nation’s most respected Christian media ministries, receiving multiple national honors from Christian Music Broadcasters, including being named Major Market Station of the Year.
“It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve this ministry for more than four decades,” said Lawhon. “When I look back on my career, I realize that all I ever really wanted to do was help move people toward the Lord. Everything else, the technology, the growth, the awards, and the business itself, existed to support that purpose. I am grateful for the people who shared that mission, for the friendships formed along the way, and for God’s faithfulness through it all.”
Following Lawhon’s decision, Peter & John Ministries has begun a thoughtful succession planning process to identify the next leader of Brighter Media Group while ensuring a smooth transition over the coming months. Lawhon will remain with the organization through March 2027.
With 1 in 4 radio stations in the U.S. having a religious focus, More local stations are getting noticed for their work. CCM stations KEEH/Spokane (Shine 104.9) and KCMS/Seattle (Spirit 105.3) were recently highlighted in a piece the local Spokane newspaper.
Read HERE
HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners
Are you a Jesus follower with a passion for connecting with people on-air and through podcasts? The WBCL Radio Network is looking for an engaging communicator to become the next co-host of our beloved morning team while helping lead and grow our expanding podcast ministry as Podcast Director.
If interested in this opening go HERE.
K-LOVE Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Bethany Davis announces she will be leaving the organization after three years service. She joined K-LOVE in November 2024 after nine years as Senior Director of Communications at Brentwood-based CoreCivic, Inc. Previously, she served as Senior Manager of Public Relations with Varallo Public Relations following nine years at CBS affiliate NewsChannel 5 WTVF in Nashville.
Bethany says, “I am excited to share more on my next chapter soon, but for now I am focused on supporting the ministry through the transition.”
No word on her future plans.
Also at K-LOVE Pastor Adam Davis recently transitioned into the role of Associate Pastor, Team Lead. As he steps into his new role, Pastor Adam sees God expanding his calling even further. While continuing to minister directly to listeners, he now also has the opportunity to support the pastors who serve them each day.
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With help from well-known names in the Christian radio business, Muzooka has launched charts for Christian Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Worship formats (with others coming soon). The charts include features like audio and video playlists, detailed artist info, and the ability to embed them on other websites.
Muzooka also offers valuable services to radio stations and networks, such as affordable automated SoundExchange reporting and a radio analytics portal that allows users to see detailed spin data from over 9,000 radio stations.
Go HERE to get Muzooka now.
Kingdom Impact Group has announced a team expansion as Jay Heilman (at left) joins the faith-driven artist services company, while Joey Evangelist has been elevated to Director of Campaign Operations.
Heilman joins Kingdom Impact Group as Director of Promotions and Publicity, bringing more than two decades of experience in Christian entertainment, publicity, media outreach, artist interviews, public relations and faith-based content development. He is best known as the founder of Today’s Christian Entertainment and Kingdom Builder, platforms dedicated to highlighting music, film, books and entertainment that point audiences back to Christ.
“Jay has been a trusted friend and respected voice in Christian entertainment for many years, and I’m incredibly grateful to have him become part of what we’re building with Kingdom Impact Group,” said Mike Laxton, founder and CEO of Kingdom Impact Group. “He brings experience, wisdom, relationships and a genuine heart for helping artists tell their stories in a way that points people back to Christ.”
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Iglesia Pentecostal Vispera del Fin has filed a $750,000 deal to buy Spanish religious “Radio Amor” KMIA/Auburn-Federal Way, WA (1210) and Auburn, WA-licensed translator K266CP at 101.1 FM from Bustos Media.
Somerset Educational Broadcasting Foundation has closed a $100 deal to buy WIMV/Owingsville, KY (89.3) from Corban Broadcasting.
HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – June 11, 2020
Last weekend KFSH/Los Angeles (95.9 The Fish) hosted a “WayMaker” Prayer Rally in Long Beach. People were clearly missing fellowship! KFSH PD Scott Valentine says, “People listened to KFSH on their FISH app, and sang along to Waymaker and other worship songs. Some people spoke. More faith than social distancing!”
Milestones:
Lisa Marie 15 years at KSBJ/Houston
Laura Boyd 10 years at TWR
His Radio/Greenville is celebrating its 42nd anniversary
George Rath (K-LOVE) passed 7 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 private HisAir Prayer Group group.
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Or email Station and Label Promotional pictures (events, appearances, remotes, etc) with captions to news@hisair.net
