Industry News Bits THU 7-27-23

Fundraisers this week .. WGTS/Wash DC

Nielsen AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid – JUN 23

WKDD HD2/Akron – 1.0
WJNI/Charleston, SC – 2.7
WSPO/Charleston, SC – 1.5
WALC/Charleston, SC – 1.4
KGBI/Omaha – 3.4

Nielsen AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid – SP 23

WMBJ/Myrtle Beach – 1.1

Christian Radio Ratings on HisAir.Net are sponsored by Dunham+Company. Go HERE for latest.

WKJA/Barberton, OH (Heartfelt Radio) welcomes Kailen Boggs as the new Listener Engagement Specialist. Kailen was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, where she graduated in 2013 from Springfield High School. She attended Kent State Stark University and graduated in 2018 with a Major in Organizational Communications and a minor in Marketing

WKJA General Manager Mark Channon says, “We’re delighted that God brought Kailen to Heartfelt Radio after we prayerfully sought His will for for the right person to fill this important role.”

Libby Oswald exits WTGN/Lima. Libby serves 3 years as WTGN Office Assistant.

WTGN FM Jered Slusher told HisAir, “She was exceptional — an amazing co-worker. God called her to work with children at her church — a calling that’s been on her heart for a long time. She will be missed.”

Provident Entertainment’s publishing division, Essential Music Publishing, announces the promotion of Jamie Rodgers to Vice President. In her new capacity, Rodgers will spearhead the development of Essential Music Publishing’s personnel and artist-writer lineup, while also overseeing the expansion and outreach of their catalog.

Having previously served as EMP’s Senior Creative Director, Rodgers has been an integral part of the company since June 2017. Her tenure has witnessed the addition of more than 20 new artists and staff writers to their roster, including notable names such as David Leonard, Ryan Ellis, David Spencer, Sam Ash, and Cecily Hennigan. Before joining the EMP team, Rodgers held the position of Manager of National Promotions and Commercial Partnerships at Capitol Christian Music Group.

Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment, expresses her admiration for Jamie’s unwavering dedication to supporting and recognizing the talents of the entire roster throughout the past six years. Zabka is immensely thankful for Jamie’s contributions in driving the growth, legacy, and impact of Essential Music Publishing.

CMB and Liberty University announce a new partnership.

“We are thrilled to announce Liberty University’s partnership with CMB and our unwavering support for those within the Christian radio industry,” said Ron Kennedy, Liberty’s Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing. “Our mission is to prepare radio professionals who will make a profound impact on the world for Christ. We are committed to standing alongside CMB members and their listeners, assisting them in achieving personal career and educational aspirations while equipping them for their future endeavors. With our affordable and flexible education options, 100% online courses, expert faculty, and carefully crafted curriculum, Liberty offers the best in higher education without compromising core beliefs. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with CMB to advance the Gospel of Christ.”

Each month, Liberty provides CMB and its members with multimedia content to help them engage with their audience both online and on-air, offering insights into how the university equips professionals worldwide to further the Gospel.

Michelle Younkman, CMB’s Executive Director, expressed, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone as we continue to prioritize education. Through this partnership, we aim to leverage the unique strengths and resources of Liberty to enhance the reach and impact of Christian music radio. Their esteemed reputation and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our shared vision of reaching more people for Christ. We look forward to the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.”

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which saw increased backing in the Senate this week with four additional co-sponsors endorsing the bill, has successfully passed the Senate Commerce Committee through a voice vote. A corresponding House bill is also gaining traction, raising optimism that both bills will be enacted during the upcoming fall session, as anticipated by the National Association of Broadcasters.

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of TWR360, the flagship digital media platform and mobile ministry app of TWR. TWR360 is a premier online tool for accessing Christian media resources in over 140 languages – a number that continues to grow. The site delivers audio, video and text-based resources with a wide variety of content, including worship music, Bible teaching and other practical materials for men, women and children.

In the past decade, TWR360 has collaborated with nearly 400 ministry program partners and expanded its capacity to more than 123,000 programs, which draw over half a million visits to the site every month.

“It took 10 years to get to that point, to build that level of respect and legitimacy on the internet,” said David Creech, the TWR360 operations manager and digital media marketing specialist.

Launched in 2013, TWR360 showcased programs in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Russian and Mandarin. Now, the number of languages in which content is available has grown by a factor of 28, including Arabic, Japanese, Hindi, Korean and dozens more.

Vision Christian Media/Australia announce the launch of Vision Kids, an exciting Australian first digital audio channel dedicated to children 12 years and under. Streaming 24/7 across all Vision platforms Vision Kids will bring the Good News and Gospel-focused music to every child in a fun-filled way for entertainment, education and adventure. 

 Vision’s CEO Phil Edwards says, “As a father and now also a grandfather myself, this brand-new initiative to plant seeds of faith and cultivate young minds with the transformative power of God’s love, really warms my heart.”

Vision Kids is available through the free Vision Christian Media app or at visionkids.org.au.

AMR Songs (AMR), a renowned global independent music publishing, rights management, and catalog marketing company, established by music industry veteran Tamara Conniff, has recently unveiled its new Christian division. As part of this expansion, AMR has acquired a substantial repertoire of songs by top artists and songwriters in the genre.

The impressive lineup of artists includes GMA Dove Award-winner and Grammy-nominated Christian rock band Sanctus Real, GMA Dove Award-winner and Grammy-nominated artist Phil Wickham, GMA Dove Award-nominated contemporary Christian artists Christy Nockels and Nathan Nockels, as well as chart-topping GMA Dove Award-winning hip-hop artist and songwriter Kevin “KB” Burgess.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of AMR Songs’ Christian division and the acquisition of interests in songs by some of the most talented and celebrated artists and writers in contemporary Christian music, including Sanctus Real, Phil Wickham, Christy Nockels, Nathan Nockels, KB, and Ryan Stevenson,” shared Conniff, AMR’s co-Founder and CEO. “It is a tremendous honor to have been entrusted with the responsibility of caring for these musical works, ensuring that their profound messages continue to resonate with new audiences for many years to come. AMR’s diverse catalog comprises a powerful collection of perennial hits and Christian music gems that we are immensely proud to represent as we forge ahead in this market.”

Milestones:
Rick Snavely 47 years at Family Life Ministries/Bath, NY
Dusty Rhodes 2 years at WGTS/Wash DC
Chaz Lowder 8 years at PraiseLive/Minneapolis

Prayer List:
Tim Cardascia

Submit your station or label news HERE