Industry News Bits WED 2-8-23

February 8, 2023February 20, 2023

Former WMIT/Asheville (The Light) PD Jon Wood has joined CMB in the newly created position of Operations Manager.

Wood exited WMIT in Jan 2022 to become the new Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for Montreat College. Jon joined WMIT in 2008 and served in various roles including Assistant Program Director in the time. He was named The Light’s Program Director in 2018. Jon served with the ministry for 10 years.

“We are beyond thrilled with the addition of Jon to the CMB team. I’ve had the privilege of knowing him for many years and have seen how amazing he is,” says Executive Director, Michelle Younkman. “His experience, talent and passion will be a great asset to an already stellar CMB team. We look forward to seeing his contribution impact us both internally and externally as we continue to serve our radio community.”

Jon says, “I’m humbled by the privilege of joining the amazing team at CMB. For years, CMB has impacted the lives of countless people and empowered the careers of so many including mine. It’s incredibly exciting to join in that mission and contribute alongside this talented group of people. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our industry!”

Starting today Wednesday, February 8th, Salem Radio Network hosts will join forces with nonprofit international relief agency FOOD FOR THE POOR to rush emergency relief to victims of this week’s massive earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Additionally, SRN News and TOWNHALL News will help generate donations for earthquake victims.

The Gospel Industry Network (G.I.N.) recently held its Winter Summit Board Meeting in Los Angeles, CA. From February 2-4, 2023, attendees enjoyed a three-day interactive summit that provided a platform for sharing and discussing topics related to the evolution of gospel music and the need to connect with the next generation.

Special sessions focused on perfecting gifts and talents, balancing gospel, entertainment and money, the influence of radio charts, and the relationship between church and hip hop. Notable musical performances were given by gospel hip hop artists Canton Jones, EMCEE N.I.C.E., Shari, and TRAXX (Christian Williams).

Hope and encouragement are being delivered to thousands of American troops stationed on U.S. soil and points all over the globe, thanks to the WCQR/Gray “Letters from Home” listener engagement project.

This month, almost 4,000 letters collected from schools, churches, scout troops, daycares and more will be distributed via local armories to soldiers everywhere. The letters, some with hand drawn artwork from schoolchildren, all have messages of gratitude, hope and encouragement to our troops who keep Americans safe at home and abroad, according to Adam McCain, General Manager of WCQR.

“This is a powerful way to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women of our armed forces,” McCain said. “Many of these letters also let soldiers know that they are loved and being prayed for. And some share the simple, yet profound Gospel message.”

The letters were collected during January, he explained. Listeners were asked to drop their letters off at designated locations throughout WCQR’s listening area. Marsh Regional Blood Center, a blood bank in the area, served as a sponsor of the project, McCain said.

As reported on HisAir Hope Media Group (HMG) has expanded its Spanish language Christian radio network, “Vida Unida” to South Florida going on the air at WLFE/Miami (90.9) with the debut of a new morning show, “Myrka en la Mañana,” hosted by Emmy award-winning broadcast personality, Myrka Dellanos.

“Vida Unida goes beyond entertaining, it also empowers our listeners to serve others, give back to their community, live their best lives, and establish closer relationships with those around them,” says Dellanos, who also hosts Telemundo Network’s top-rated afternoon talk show, La Mesa Caliente. “We want to help your entire family start their day with compassion, optimism, and expectation in the power of faith in Jesus.”

Broadcasting “Myrka en la Mañana” on Vida Unida from her hometown, Miami Sadiel joins Myrka from Houston.

“Myrka en la Mañana,” intends to bolster the network’s appeal among age groups 24-54 by offering a lively mix of music, real-life discussion topics, interviews and special segments with notable figures in the faith community, such as the greatest Latin Christian music artists. Dellanos is joined on-air by her co-host Sadiel Castro, Program Director for Vida Unida.

The Awakening Foundation, powered by Awakening Events, announces the 3rd Annual KLOVE Presents Live at Red Rocks. The two-night event will be held August 1 and 2 at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre located in Morrison, Colorado, and feature a stellar lineup of artists that includes Zach Williams, MercyMe, We The Kingdom, Jeremy Camp, CAIN, Unspoken, Anne Wilson, Ryan Stevenson, Blessing Offor, Jon Reddick, and Hope Darst.

“It’s an honor to be back at Red Rocks with such an outstanding lineup,” shares David Pierce, Chief Partnership Officer for K-LOVE. “We are excited to welcome people from all over the country to worship and celebrate God’s goodness! In addition, our involvement with Awakening Foundation, Altrua, and the Salvation Army during these two nights is a privilege that allows us to help people in need throughout Colorado.”

Last year’s Live at Red Rocks was its most successful to date. With sold-out audiences both nights

Milestones:
Jeff Atherholt celebrates 23 years at WRBS/Baltimore
Erin Branham celebrated 18 years at WRBS/Baltimore
Peggy Stapleton celebrates 16 years KSGN/Riverside
Jon Yinger 30 years at Christian Broadcasting System
Rick McConnel 37 years at Monumental Studios
Joseph Kudlacik 3 years at Salem Media
Brian Dumont 5 years at Family Life Radio/Tucson
Drew Cain 1 year at vCreative
KTIS/Minneapolis celebrates 74 years on the air
KeepTheFaith Radio celebrates it’s 12th anniversary