Industry News Bits Tue 11-1-22

Fundraisers this week ..  Kinship Radio/Mankato, MN ..

Day 2 of the Nielsen Oct PPM is here. Markets released today include Tampa, Wash DC, and Baltimore. See the results HERE.

Christian Radio Ratings are sponsored by Dunham+Company on HisAir.

A mom who has not seen her kids or grandkids in seven years will get the chance to this Christmas as part of Family Life Radio’s (FLR) Home for the Holidays contest. After several years of hardships, four unplanned surgeries (this year alone) and overcoming a difficult divorce, Janice will be flying back to California to surprise her family after having relocated to Missouri.

“It’s a blessing to help listeners experience hope in a tangible way by bringing them home to their loved ones they haven’t seen in years,” said Mike Kankelfritz, director of programming and host of the FLR morning show. Janice shared she borrowed a friend’s car that had FLR playing, and hasn’t been able to stop listening since. “The only thing that has gotten me through being separated from my kids is Family Life Radio, I never turn it off,” Janice shared.

FLR listener Bob, who recently found out he has cancer, wanted to fly home to see his brothers, nieces and nephews. Another listener Sarah, who’s own husband has cancer, called in after the contest had ended and offered to pay for Bob to be able to travel to see his family.

Financial hardships, among other tribulations, have kept people from seeing the people they love most. Three $500 travel vouchers were awarded to listeners who will now be able to visit with their family and friends.

WPOS/Holland, OH (Proclaim FM) has made the ballot in the Best of Toledo. WPOS is being considered for Best Radio Station, and for The Morning Mix with Rebecca and The Afternoon Drive with Robin are on the ballot for Best Radio Show. Voting takes place thru December 15th.

KJTH/OKC (The House FM) and KLVV/Ponca City (My Praise FM) CEO/Program Director Tony Weir (at left) celebrates his 30 year anniversary with the stations November 1st.

Weir told HisAir today, “What a privilege to share music that changes lives and glorifies God… and get paid to do it. I’m consistently humbled at how God has used someone like me for so long. So very thankful for His blessings on this ministry and for so many great people that I’ve had the privilege to work with and get to know.”

Weir was the first employee of the radio networks when he was hired as program director 1992. Since then, Weir has played an integral role in the radio networks, setting the music programming for both networks and working with the on-air staff, and being promoted to CEO in June 2018.

WBCL/Ft Wayne evening host and Production Director Ron Schneeman has retired. 

WBCL executive Director Ross McCampbell tells HisAir, “Ron Schneemann is now officially retired (October 31st last day). He worked at WBCL for 30+ years. He was our Production Director but also over the years covered virtually every on-air shift including newscasts for those who were sick or on vacation. It didn’t matter what needed to be done, he’d do it well, without complaining and without an inflated ego. He will be missed but of course we wish for him a very happy retirement.

Renaissance Communications Inc President Joe Battaglia celebrates the 30 year anniversary of his media company on November 1st.

Prior to forming Renaissance Joe was with WWDJ/NYC for 18 years and also co-owner of WLIX/Long Island.

Joe says, “It has been my true pleasure and delight in being involved in Christian radio my entire career, and to have seen the birth of CCM as well as the rising impact of Faith Films, and to have the privilege to continue to work in both fields. The amazing growth in both mediums could only have come from the hand of God.  I’m fortunate enough also to have had my talented colleagues: Operations Manager, Wendy Bucceri who has been with me both at WWDJ and Renaissance for over 30 years, Media Manager, Joe Silvey who has been with us for over 25 years and Social Media/Account Manager, Danielle Dolphin who joined our team 6 years ago.”

The Don Kroah Show is one of the longest running local talk shows in the DC market, It airs on Salem‘s WAVA/Wash DC and is marking its 25th anniversary on the air this month

Milestones:
Carrie Parsons 23 years at KVNE/Tyler
KVNE/Tyler celebrates 39 years on the air
Tony Weir 30 years at KJTH/OKC
Joe Battaglia 30 years at Renaissance Communications

Prayer List:
Fred Young
Al Ross

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