Industry News Bits TUE 7/28/26

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K-LOVE, Inc., (K-LOVE and Air1) has hired Centricity Music co-general manager and senior vice president of Marketing, Andrew Lambeth, as their new chief marketing and communications officer, effective Sept. 1, 2026. In his role, Lambeth will serve on the Ministry Leadership Team and lead the Ministry’s communications, creative and marketing departments.

“I’ve spent my entire career inside Christian music because I believe these songs and artists do something special. They encounter people with the truth of the Gospel in the way and at the time that people need it the most,” said Lambeth. “At Centricity, I got to help launch artists and build stories around that belief, and I’m so grateful for a decade alongside the talented people there. K-LOVE is where many of these songs and stories meet the most people, and I’m honored to join K-LOVE’s excellent team in working to inspire people to move closer to Jesus.”

“Andrew is an industry leader who brings a brilliant strategic focus to this Ministry,” said Tom Stultz, K-LOVE chief executive officer. “We believe he will help us continue to expand and grow the K-LOVE audience and impact for the cause of Christ. His inside knowledge of the Christian music industry along with his many established contacts position him to make meaningful contributions to this Ministry quickly and in ways that are sustainable for year to come. His passion for helping others draw closer to Jesus makes him an excellent fit for K-LOVE.”

On Tuesday, July 28, Moody Radio officially celebrated 100 years of broadcasting in Chicago. The first broadcast of WMBI (90.1 FM Chicago), one of the first noncommercial Christian radio stations, took place on July 28, 1926.

“As we celebrate a century of broadcasting, Moody Radio stands at the intersection of a rich history and a dynamic future,” said Wes Ward, vice president of Moody Radio. Moody Radio is the broadcast ministry of Moody Bible Institute, a Christian Bible college founded in 1886 by 19^th century pastor D.L. Moody, and education leader, Emma Dryer. “Moody Radio continues to be an industry leader and a trusted voice in broadcast ministry. When Moody Bible Institute went live on air via Moody Radio it was pioneering new ways to reach wider audiences. We continue in that same spirit today as we seek to reach new and existing audiences with podcasts, social media, apps, websites and other digital channels.”

For the past year, Moody radio has been celebrating a century of broadcasting. In addition to specials such as “52 Names You Should Know” airing weekly across Moody Radio’s network of stations and numerous affiliates, it launched a special web page, “Celebrating 100 Years of Proclaiming the Unstoppable Gospel”, at www.moodyradio.org/100years.

Read more on Moody Radio’s anniversary HERE

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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced finalists for the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, with winners to be honored during a special awards dinner Tuesday, Oct. 20, in New York City. The ceremony, held the evening before NAB Show New York 2026, recognizes excellence across the radio industry, honoring outstanding stations, on-air personalities, podcasts, and industry leaders.

Finalists – Religious Station of the Year
WFMV-AM/Columbia, SC
WGTS/Washington, DC
WJOU/Huntsville, AL
WLVU/Nashville, TN
WMCA/New York, NY

Regarded as “radio’s biggest night,” the annual Marconi Radio Awards celebrate the nation’s top broadcasters and recognize exceptional achievements in radio programming and leadership. Established in 1989 and named in honor of inventor and Nobel Prize recipient Guglielmo Marconi.

Vida Unida, Hope Media Group’s Spanish-language Christian media network, launched a new weekday lineup on July 7, marking the first time in the network’s history that Vida Unida will be live from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT each weekday.

The expanded live schedule represents more than a programming change. It marks a significant step in Vida Unida’s growth as the network increases its live weekday presence to serve Spanish-speaking listeners with encouragement, prayer, and hope-filled music throughout the day.

“More live programming means more opportunities to build relationships, encourage listeners, pray with them, share hope, and point people to Jesus,” said Tony Luna. “This is an exciting new chapter for Vida Unida, and we believe the best is yet to come.”

The new weekday lineup will feature:

• Mornings: Rocío Madrid will move from middays to mornings, joining Carlos Manuelle on Vida en la Mañana.
• Middays: Coppelia will host middays, bringing a heart for ministry, encouragement, and audience connection to Vida Unida listeners.
• Afternoons: Sadiel Castro will move into afternoons, helping listeners navigate their day with encouragement, faith, and hope.
• Evenings: Cristina Sáenz joins Vida Unida with more than 10 years of television, radio, and digital media experience, bringing faith-centered storytelling to evenings.

With the expanded schedule, Vida Unida will be present in more moments of listeners’ lives. Whether someone is beginning the morning, driving home from work, or winding down at night, Vida Unida will be there with hope-filled music, encouragement, and prayer in real time.

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HisAir Christian Radio & Records Industry News TIMELINE – July 28, 2025

Hope Media Group closed another WayFM office recently. Former WayFM staff came to town to say farewell to the original WayFM studios at WAYJ/Ft Myers. HMG is in the process of streamlining operations. In March this year  it was announced that, “Over the next two years, HMG is projected to expand its portfolio of offerings and bring at least 50 positions to its new, state of the art Houston headquarters funded by generous donors, with the capacity to hold more than 220 team members alone. This move celebrates HMG’s ultimate vision to streamline operations, go from nine national offices to two hubs, and strategically increase content to engage more listeners.”

Pictured L-R Bob Augsburg, Bill Scott, Mike Shelley, Dusty Rhodes, Steve Dees, Johnny “Hale” Fussell and Mike Becht.

Milestones:
Les Lanser celebrates 58 years at WJQK/Grand Rapids
Bob Shaw 9 years at KWVE/Santa Ana, CA

Prayer List:
Collin Lambert

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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