Industry News Bits THU 8/20/26

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AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid – JULY
WBKL/Baton Rouge – 4.1
KNOL/New Orleans – 3.1
WYLD AM/New Orleans – 1.2
KYLV/OKC – 3.3
KOKF/OKC – 1.5

AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid Spring 26
WSVV/Bangor – 1.9
WZVV/Bangor – 1.3
WRVL/Roanoke – 1.9
WLRX/Roanoke – 1.1

Salem Media today announced the completion of its acquisition by The Christian Community Foundation, Inc., d/b/a WaterStone, officially taking Salem private and beginning a new chapter focused on long-term growth and expanding its Christian and conservative media mission.

Under the terms of the transaction, WaterStone acquired all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1.00 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium over Salem’s trading price prior to the announcement of the transaction.

The partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to Christian ministry and faithful stewardship. As a private company, Salem will continue operating its radio, digital, streaming, podcasting, television and publishing platforms while working with WaterStone to pursue new opportunities for investment and growth.

“This is an exciting day for Salem and the beginning of an important new chapter for our company,” said David Santrella, Chief Executive Officer of Salem Media. “Salem enters this partnership with strong momentum, an extraordinary portfolio of talent and brands, and more ways than ever to reach audiences across the country. With WaterStone alongside us, we are positioned to invest for the future while remaining firmly committed to the mission that has guided this company from the very beginning.”

The transaction comes during a period of significant momentum for Salem as the company continues to outperform broader industry trends. Salem has also continued expanding its national radio, streaming and podcast platforms, bringing together one of the strongest talent lineups in Christian and conservative media. That includes influential Christian broadcasters such as Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, David Jeremiah, Alistair Begg and Allen Jackson and conservative voices including Scott Jennings, Larry O’Connor, Alex Marlow, Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt and Lara Trump.

Richard von Gnechten, President of WaterStone and Chairman of Salem Media’s Board of Directors, said, “Today is not about changing what Salem is. It is about giving Salem an even stronger foundation to build on what it does best. What excites us about Salem is not only what the company has built, but how much opportunity remains ahead.”

K-LOVE, Inc announces the appointment of Evan Masyr as the Ministry’s Chief Financial Officer. Masyr will lead the accounting, finance and tax departments while serving on the Ministry Leadership Team. He spent the last 26 ½ years at Salem Media Group and held the position of CFO for 19 years. Prior to that, he worked for the global accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers for nearly seven years.

“It is a tremendous blessing and a calling to join K-LOVE and serve a ministry that shares the hope of Jesus Christ with listeners across the country and around the world,” says Evan Masyr. “I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside the outstanding leadership team and dedicated employees, continuing to advance K-LOVE’s mission of inspiring people to move closer to Jesus. I am honored to join an organization whose mission 100% aligns with my personal faith.”

Maysr adds, “As I begin this new chapter with K-LOVE, I do so with appreciation for the 26½ years I spent at Salem Media Group. Salem provided incredible opportunities to grow as a leader and serve alongside remarkable colleagues, all while advancing the mission of Christian media. I am forever thankful for the friendships and experiences that shaped both my career and my faith.”

“We are delighted to have someone with Evan’s deep industry experience and relationships, along with his record of integrity and heart for ministry,” says K-LOVE Chief Executive Officer Tom Stultz. “Evan has been on the frontlines of practically every major media innovation for the past two decades. He adds depth to everything we do. And he is committed to financial transparency, integrity and stewardship.”

Evan Masyr will be moving to the Franklin, Tennessee area with Christy, his wife of more than 33 years. They have four adult children. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo.

His first day at K-LOVE will be September 14, 2026.

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The Heart Share Group will host its Fifth Annual Small Market Station Summit from January 6–9, 2027, in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Designed specifically for radio professionals serving smaller markets, the intimate gathering will combine industry training, roundtable conversations, peer-to-peer learning and relationship building.

The summit is intended to equip radio leaders with practical ideas they can apply at their stations while also creating space for encouragement, reflection and candid conversations with peers who understand the opportunities and challenges of small-market broadcasting.

“Small-market radio leaders are often asked to accomplish extraordinary things with limited resources, and they deserve a place where the conversation can be practical, honest and personal,” said Jack Eason, president and team leader of The Heart Share Group. “Our goal is for every participant to return home encouraged, better connected and equipped with ideas that can make an immediate difference for their station, supporters and community.”

Scheduled sessions will address some of the most important issues facing radio organizations today. Speakers and topics include Keith Sanderson on life as a general manager, Jack Eason on understanding what donors want, Mike Shelley on succession planning, Kim Willey on funding through underwriting and Todd Stach on creating programming that matters. Heather Erbe is also scheduled to lead a session during the summit.

In addition to the educational program, attendees will participate in shared meals, a special afternoon outing, an evening session featuring a guest artist and informal opportunities to exchange ideas. Participants will arrive and check in Wednesday, January 6; attend the primary sessions Thursday and Friday; and depart Saturday, January 9.

The conference hotel is the Hyatt Place Greenville Downtown, located at 128 E. Broad Street in Greenville. The registration fee is $399, and attendance is limited by available space. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own hotel accommodations.

Radio professionals interested in attending are encouraged to register through The Heart Share Group’s Small Market Station Summit event page.
www.theheartsharegroup.org/smss

HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – Aug 20, 2025

WPOS/Holland (Proclaim FM) afternoon host Robin Sullivan announced she will be leaving the station Sep 24th. Robin says, “The Lord has directed me to enter the foreign and domestic mission field.”

Milestones:
Crystal Thornton 2 years at K-LOVE
Ron Briggs 2 years at WeLit Gospel Radio
Chris Thompson 6 years at KGGN/Hemet, CA
Lindsey Crane 5 years at Awakening Events
Charles Burge 3 years at Leading The Way w/Dr Michael Youssef
Kim Harrison 8 years at Hope Media Group
Samantha Arana 4 years at WGTS/Wash DC

Prayer List:
Brian Wright
Ted Semper

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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