Industry News Bits TUE 4/14/26
Fundraisers this week .. Family Life Radio/Tucson .. KAXL/Bakersfield .. K-LOVE .. WCQR/Gray, TN .. Family Radio/Nashville .. WBNH/Pekin, IL .. WKNZ/Milford .. KPAR/Dickinson, ND .. KCVO/Camdenton, MO .. KTIS/Minneapolis .. KFNW/Fargo .. Let us know when your Station Fundraiser takes place… news@hisair.net
Christian Radio Ratings on HisAir.Net are sponsored by Dunham+Company.
FEB Nielsen PPM release is now complete…. Look for MARCH PPM’s starting 4/20. Go HERE for latest PPM ratings.
AQH Share for Persons 12+, Mon-Sun 6AM-Mid FEB 26
WMHK/Columbia – 4.3
WCFJ/Columbia – 1.4
KVNB/Little Rock – 1.2
WNKL/Toledo – 2.3
At WKJA/Barberton (Heartfelt Radio) Brian Brooks has been promoted to Program Director after the retirement of Denise Pennington who was Business and Program Manager. Brian also hosts middays.
Brian has 46 years of radio experience including WPIT-AM/Pittsburgh, WHLO-AM/Akron, and WCRF/Cleveland before coming to Heartfelt Radio in June of 2020.
WKJA GM Josh Booth adds, “Shari Prichard joins Heartfelt Radio as our new Radio Development Lead (Business and Listener Engagement). Shari comes to Heartfelt Radio from Malone University where she served in the Advancement Department, however she has a broad background in media, television, non-profits, and ministry.
Christian FM Media Group announced today that The Brant Hansen Show, hosted by Brant Hansen, has officially expanded into multiple markets across the TCM (Todays Christian Music) network of stations. The show will also continue its long-standing presence on Christian FM Media’s AC Total format and available on their FTP format, where it has been a cornerstone for more than a decade.
Blending humor, honesty, and faith, The Brant Hansen Show is a nationally recognized, afternoon-driven program known for its refreshing take on life, culture, and spirituality. Hansen’s relatable storytelling, self-deprecating wit, and unique perspective—often shaped by his openness about living with autism—have earned the show widespread acclaim and a loyal audience.
The Brant Hansen Show now serves as a key afternoon connection point for listeners across newly added TCM markets, delivering meaningful, entertaining, and conversation-starting content every weekday. The show now reaches over 200 radio markets in the US and Canada.
“At the end of the day, we’re here to serve listeners with content that matters. Brant brings authenticity, encouragement, and a perspective rooted in faith that people don’t just hear—they feel. Expanding this show means more people get that kind of daily connection.” – Geoff Moore, National Affiliations Director.
Christian FM Media Group is America’s leading provider of content for Christian music radio, serving more than 400 stations daily across the U.S. and Canada. With three distinct music formats, cutting-edge delivery platforms, and a lineup of beloved, proven personalities, Christian FM equips local stations to grow, compete, and thrive in today’s CCM landscape.
HisAir Job Alert – sponsored by FaithSearch Partners
Vision Christian Media is seeking a seasoned, mission-driven Director of Fundraising and Supporter Development to provide strategic leadership across fundraising, philanthropy, and supporter engagement. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer and working closely with the Executive Team, this role is responsible for designing and delivering Vision’s end-to-end fundraising and supporter strategy, ensuring strong, sustainable revenue streams that enable the long-term impact of Vision’s ministry.
If interested in this opening go HERE
KAXL/Bakersfield (88.3 Life FM) is celebrating a major milestone after receiving two top honors at the inaugural Golden Empire Awards, hosted by KGET TV Bakersfield. The station was named both Best Arts & Entertainment and Non-Profit of the Year, recognizing its impact across the Bakersfield community. As part of the Non-Profit of the Year award, 88.3 Life FM will also receive $17,000 in advertising credit from KGET, which will further support the station’s mission and outreach.
“This is a breathtaking honor,” said Program Director Matt Pelishek. “Bakersfield has such a vibrant assortment of non-profits doing impactful things throughout our community. To be chosen for both of these awards is humbling. Our goal as a community-based station is to bring hope and encouragement to anyone struggling, and remind them they are loved and have purpose.”
Also at KAXL comes the announcement of a significant expansion in its broadcast reach, as American General Media (AGM) has officially donated 1180 AM to the station as of today.
“We are pleased to partner with 88.3 Life FM and gift 1180 AM to enhance and extend the important work that Life FM does in our community,” said Rogers Brandon, owner of American General Media. “We wish them great success with the new station and hope it will broaden the vision of the ministry.”
KAXL Station Manager Jon Engen shared his enthusiasm about the opportunity: “It’s always been our dream to find a way to grow deeper into the community of Bakersfield and the surrounding areas. We simply could not be more thrilled with the opportunities that have been provided for us with this new signal. Our thanks to AGM and Rogers Brandon for the generosity of helping us bring more hope to our area.”
Inside Radio reports radio station sales activity surged in the first quarter of 2026. According to BIA Advisory Services, 119 radio stations were sold during the period for a combined value of nearly $56 million — more than triple the $16.3 million reported in Q1 2025, when 103 stations changed hands. March was the strongest month so far, with 60 stations trading hands for approximately $25 million. That dollar volume was significantly higher than the roughly $15 million recorded in both January and February.
While large deals have become less common in recent years, Q1 2026 saw several seven-figure transactions. The largest deal in March was Connoisseur Media’s $5.75 million purchase of NRG Media’s cluster in Lincoln, Nebraska. The second-biggest was Bible Broadcasting Network’s $4.2 million acquisition of hot AC “Mix 100.9” WLNK in Charlotte from Urban One.
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HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – April 14, 2023
Starting this week Lecrae launches a new weekly radio program named “Unashamed Radio with Lecrae.” The show will delve into everything music, culture, and faith, exploring the past, present, and future.
It will be broadcasted on Amp, an innovative live podcasting and music application that enables users to create shows, take call-ins, chat, and select music from a vast library of millions of songs.
Milestones:
Ryan Bair 9 years at WCLQ/Wausau, WI
Laura Kruzewski 10 years at Family Life Radio/Tucson
Elisa Meyer 10 years at Family Life Radio/Tucson
Nicole Koester 6 years at Integrity Music
Kai Ordonio 3 years at Encouragement Media Group/Tyler
Cynthia McAndrew 3 years at Encouragement Media Group/Tyler
Matthew Hogan 3 years at Encouragement Media Group/Tyler
Prayer List:
Rhonda Nelon
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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