Clear Channel Radio Donates Two Stations to MMTC

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Clear Channel Radio will donate two additional stations to the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) through the MMTC-Clear Channel Ownership Diversity Initiative, an ongoing program to expand ownership and training opportunities for minorities, women and other underserved groups. Also, Clear Channel and the MMTC announced that two of four AM stations previously donated to MMTC along with other equipment will be re-launched with new minority operators and executives.

"By donating these two additional stations, we're helping to create more opportunities for those who want to excel in the radio industry," said Clear Channel Radio President/CEO John Hogan.

The two newly donated channels are KFXN-AM/Minneapolis, MN, and WTOC-AM/Newton, NJ. Last year at MMTC's conference, the company donated a transmitter to the MMTC, as well as four AM stations: WHJA-AM/Laurel, MS, KYHN/Fort Smith, AR, KYFX/Wabasha, MN and WYNF/North Augusta, SC.

WYNF-AM has been awarded to Shannon Renee deMedicis of Medici Media and WHJA-AM was awarded to Jeffrey Hedgemon, CEO of Full Spectrum Broadcasting. The MMTC is now working with Renee deMedicis on WYNF and Jeffrey Hedgemon on WHJA. Pending financing and final diligence, the stations will be operated under LMAs.

"Shannon and Jeffrey have demonstrated exceptional work and decades of experience in media and broadcasting," said MMTC President David Honig. "We're confident that, with the resources provided by Clear Channel Radio and MMTC's cooperation with the NAB Education Foundation, we can further support Shannon and Jeffrey so that they can provide a meaningful resource for news and entertainment to their communities."

deMedicis is owner and President of Medici Media. She brings nearly 25 years of advertising and broadcast experience to her new responsibilities at WHJA-AM. Previously, she handled radio sales for Billboard as well as several local radio stations in Georgia. Shannon also served as the LMA operator for WNRR-AM/August, GA.

Hedgemon serves as President/CEO of Full Spectrum Broadcasting and has 40 years of experience in broadcasting. He began his broadcasting career in 1970 at WXOK AM in Baton Rouge, LA, as a parttime radio announcer while in high school. During his career, Jeffrey has worked on-air as well as in programming, production and sales and corporate management.