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Radio Tops WSAB Statewide Media Landscape Study


Washington State Association of Broadcasters
Washington State Association of Broadcasters

The Washington State Association of Broadcasters is sharing results of its recent statewide media landscape study -- performed by Smith Geiger -- to address media trends in the state of Washington. The study found local AM/FM Radio continues to lead as Washington state's preferred audio platform, with daily usage surpassing 5 hours across various devices -- including in-car, digital, mobile and social platforms -- marking a 34% increase over paid audio.

The highlights of the study include:

  • The widespread availability of radio content on diverse platforms has greatly improved access, leading to increased engagement with local AM/FM stations. Notably, 77% tune into terrestrial radio, with 63% listening in their cars; 52% stream AM/FM radio, while 27% access it via their smartphones.

  • Local radio advertisements play crucial roles in introducing new products and services, capturing 48% and 33% of consumers respectively. This highlights the significant impact of both platforms, with television ads slightly leading and radio, especially talent-endorsed spots, closely following as key discovery sources.

  • Support for local journalists, who report on community news, is deemed important by more than half (52%), highlighting the substantial impact of local radio stations on consumer sentiment.

  • Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu rank as the leading subscription-based video services in our state, with significant cross-subscription among these platforms. Meanwhile, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram emerge as the top social media channels, with YouTube engaging 8 in 10 consumers weekly in Washington state.

  • More than 8 in 10 (84%) are registered to vote, and nearly 6 in 10 (59%) routinely seek out political news and information each week. Adults 55 and older primarily depend on national TV news (56%) and local TV (39%) for political insights, whereas those aged 18-34 lean towards social media channels not associated with local TV or radio for such information.

WSAB initiated this research to offer insights to its members and community leaders, demonstrating the vital and lasting impact local broadcasters have in connecting with and informing their communities.

SBS Receives Multi-Million Dollar Settlement from VOZ


Spanish Broadcasting System
Spanish Broadcasting System

Spanish radio broadcaster Spanish Broadcasting System has reached a multi-million dollar out-of-court settlement with VOZ Media regarding VOZ's default of its $64 million acquisition of the SBS Mega TV division. The amount of the settlement was not disclosed. The settlement is in addition to a $3.8 million deposit SBS had previously retained after VOZ failed to close on the TV transaction in 2023.

An SBS spokesperson stated that the company was pleased with the out-of-court settlement and the outcome of the litigation.

Audacy Restructuring Could Force Station Divestment


Audacy
Audacy

Audacy is seeking approval from the FCC to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In a move prompted by restructuring, Audacy is set to divest one of its stations in South Carolina. Since it is essentially becoming a new company, the transition means its forfeit its legacy status at its Greenville-Spartanburg cluster. The change necessitates the departure of an FM station there to comply with regulatory requirements, where it owns seven stations, five of which are FM stations, surpassing the legal limit by one.

Documents submitted to the FCC reveal plans to sell 100kW AC WSPA (Magic 98.9), previously known as WYRD-FM. This station has been part of Audacy's lineup since 1999, following Entercom's purchase of 41 stations from Sinclair Broadcast Group. WSPA is set to be transferred to "The Greenville Divestiture Trust," under the management of Kalil & Co.'s Kalil Holding Group LLC.

At present, Greenville and Kansas City, where it hold nine stations, are the only markets where Audacy might need to divest.

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FNN's Heckman Named 2024 Jesse H. Neal Awards Finalist


Jory Heckman
Jory Heckman

Federal News Network reporter Jory Heckman has been honored as a finalist for one of the industry's most prestigious awards programs, the SIIA 2024 Jesse H. Neal Awards. Jory has been nominated for the Neal awards as a result of his reporting on the U.S. Postal Service. The network airs on Hubbard Radio's WFED-AM in Washington, DC.

Federal News Network Publisher Jeffrey Wolinsky said, "Jory is living our mission at Federal News Network, helping federal employees deliver on their mission. His work has brought about tangible results within the federal community, and he continues to cover compelling topics with a multimedia level of journalism that raises the bar for everyone," said Wolinsky. "Jory's work deserves the recognition that comes along with the nomination for an award like this and our team is extremely proud of him."

Since 2018, Jory Heckman has worked at Federal News Network reporting on the labor and technology issues that matter most to the federal workforce and those doing business with the federal government. His coverage focuses on the Postal Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the IRS. Heckman is also the host of "All About Data," a biweekly radio show and podcast that features the work of chief data officers and the people who are making data work better in government.

"It's an honor to be named a 2024 Jesse H. Neal Award finalist for covering the Postal Service and its transformation in the digital age. USPS employees provide an essential public service to all Americans, and it's now more important than ever that we tell their story," said Heckman. "Thanks to all current and former postal employees, at all levels, who have taken the time to tell me what's going on at such a vital institution. And thanks to my team at Federal News Network and Hubbard Radio for helping to break the news that matters most to this community."

The Neal Awards, encompassing both journalism and design excellence, are judged by more than 100 judges in a peer-review format. Winners will be announced during the Neal Awards Ceremony, which will be held Friday, April 26 at the Pier Sixty venue at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

Auddia Inc. Closes on $3.5 Million in New Financing


Auddia Inc.
Auddia Inc.

Auddia Inc. has closed on $3.5 million of new financing by selling 1.3 million common shares from its previously announced equity line. Management believes that by strengthening the balance sheet and improving the premium listening experience available on faidr, which includes commercial free AM/FM listening with the ability to skip content and the enhanced podcast listening experiences, that the company is better positioned to execute on its M&A strategy.

"We have a number of product enhancements to faidr that are in our pipeline in addition to the innovative Seamless Play and Forward capabilities we announced as part of our Enhanced Podcasts suite last week," said Auddia Chief Product Marketing Officer Theo Romeo. "This financing allows us to lock these products into our roadmap in an ongoing effort to improve the user experience and performance metrics."

"One of the key synergies that makes our M&A strategy so attractive is upselling premium subscriptions to consumers already listening to standard AM/FM streams and podcasts," said Auddia CEO Michael Lawless. "We expect that everything we do to enhance the premium experience on faidr will translate directly to increased subscriptions not only from our own user base but from the user bases we are able to acquire and those we are able to reach through our upcoming SAAS offerings."

Townsquare Q4 Net Revs Down 4.6% to $114.7 Million


Townsquare Media
Townsquare Media

Townsquare Media reported fourth quarter net revenue decreased 4.6% to $114.7 million from $120.2 million in 2022. Excluding political, net revenue declined 2.7%. Broadcast Advertising net revenue was down 2.5% to $57.9 million from $59.3 million. Digital Advertising net revenue fell 1.5% to $36.4 million from $36.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA was down 12.7% for the quarter. The company posted a net loss of $2.3 million (14 cents per diluted share) as compared to a net income of $3.4 million (20 cents) in the year-ago period.

"I am pleased to share that Townsquare's fourth quarter results met or exceeded our previously issued guidance, and our full year results met the guidance that we issued at the start of 2023," commented Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson. "In total, Digital now represents 51% of Townsquare's 2023 net revenue and 55% of our 2023 Adjusted Operating Income, and maintained a 30% Adjusted Operating Income margin, consistent with 2022's margin."

Wilson continued, "Despite the lack of tailwinds at our back in 2023, I am very pleased with how the Townsquare team navigated the progressively challenging economic landscape. We outperformed competitors and gained market share due to our local focus and our digital platform. I believe that our performance over the past several years has demonstrated the efficacy of our Digital First Local Media strategy, and validated our focus on local markets outside of the Top 50 U.S. cities, reinvigorating my confidence in our business model and our path moving forward."

The company also announced that its board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1975 per share. The dividend will be payable on May 1, 2024 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 5. As of yesterday's closing price that reflects a dividend yield of approximately 8%.

Audacy Digital SVP Tim Clarke to Exit at the End of March


Tim Clarke
Tim Clarke

Audacy Senior Vice President of Digital Audio Content Tim Clarke exit at the end of March, as part of the company's realignment plan coming out of bankruptcy. According to an internal memo obtained by RADIO ONLINE, the company will not be replacing Clarke's role. His teams will instead move into various teams including Product, Marketing and Programming based on their respective job functions.

"Since Tim will be with us for another three weeks, we'll have plenty of time to say a proper farewell, and to share more information on transition items that may be relevant to you and your teams. In the meantime, we will continue to focus on growing our streaming uniques, listening hours and revenue," the memo said.

Clarke joined the comapny as Market Manager in Boston in March, 2021, before being promoted to his current position after eight months. Prior to Audacy, he served as Vice President of Content and Audience for Cox Media Group (CMG). In this role, he oversaw all content, programming, marketing and digital audience strategies for the company's radio properties. Prior to that, Clarke was Senior Director of Digital Audience, where he was responsible for digital content, audience and product strategy for CMG's radio stations.

Other positions he held with Cox Media Group include Director of Branding and Programming for CMG Tampa's "Hot 101.5" WPOI-FM, Director of Social Media for all six of CMG's Tampa properties, Program Director at CMG Jacksonville's WAPE-FM and Music Director for CMG Long Island's WBLI-FM. In 2011, Clarke was honored by Edison Research as one of their "Top 30 Under 30" in media.

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Navaquest Set to Join the Radio Vendor Alliance


Radio Vendor Alliance
Radio Vendor Alliance

Navaquest, a digital sales trainer for small and medium size radio markets, is joining the Radio Vendor Alliance. The company joins the eight charter members of the RVA including RadioFX, Envisionwise, Big Deals Media, Cool Radio Streaming, Rumple, Silverback Advertising, Radio Consulting Services and Frank Gerard Voiceovers.

Navaquest founder Theresa Timm commented, "The alliance prides itself on providing the radio industry a trustworthy source for important services. To be part of an organization with some of the most respected names in the business is an honor."

"I am very familiar with Theresa's products and impeccable reputation and feel she makes an important addition to the RVA's offerings and scope," added Radio Consulting Services President Jon Holiday.

Each vendor has submitted to a review process and their inclusion in the RVA has been based on their proven track record of delivering fair market value services backed by inclusive support. As a result, RVA offers a network of trusted partners that radio operators can rely on to help them grow and succeed.

"One of the internal goals of the RVA is to align our services with each other, so radio stations can succeed in today's ever-changing marketplace. Navaquest's training modules and digital marketing certification process can work together with a variety of existing RVA member products like Envisonwise's webpages or Silverback's advertising platform," added Timm.

The RVA plans on a formal grand opening presence at the 2024 NAB Show in Las Vegas with a sponsorship of the Small and Medium Market Radio Forum (SMMRF) on the event's opening day, Saturday April, 13.

Audacy Returns ''You Better You Bet Countdown To Tip-Off''


Audacy
Audacy

Audacy returns "You Better You Bet Countdown to Tip-Off," a four-episode series of special men's college basketball tournament programming. The series will air on March 17, March 23, March 30 and April 6 from 8-10am ET on 90 Audacy stations nationwide, including WEEI in Boston, WSCR-AM (670 The Score) in Chicago and WFAN in New York, as well as BetQL Network, Audacy's network of sports betting content.

Led by Nick Kostos and Ken Barkley, co-hosts of "You Better You Bet" podcast, "BetQL Countdown to Tip-Off" will serve as breakdowns of the men's college basketball tournament, featuring a mix of sports betting insight. The show will also welcome talent from across Audacy's portfolio of sports stations.

The show on March 17 marks the first time the show will air on Selection Sunday.

Cumulus Becomes Broadcast Home for Select RIFC Matches


Rhode Island Football Club
Rhode Island Football Club

Cumulus Media enters into a new partnership with Rhode Island Football Club (Rhode Island FC) to broadcast select matches for the club's inaugural 2024 season on Sports WPRV-AM (790 The Score) in Providence, RI and News/Talk/Sports WXLM-AM in New London, CT. The first Rhode Island FC match against New Mexico United on will air on Saturday, March 16 on WWKX-FM (Hot 106.3) in Providence, RI and on WXLM. An additional nine matches will air on WPRV and WXLM.

Rhode Island FC is independently owned and operated and is the only homegrown men's professional team in the state. It's led by co-founders Brett Johnson and former MLS and USMNT player Michael Parkhurst, a Rhode Island native. The club will begin play in March, 2024 in its temporary venue Beirne Stadium on the campus of Bryant University, while its permanent home stadium is completed for the 2025 season. The Stadium at Tidewater Landing in downtown Pawtucket will have a 10,000 plus capacity.

Cumulus Media Regional Vice President and Market Manager Holly Paras said, "I am delighted that our stations will enter into this new broadcasting partnership with Rhode Island FC, and help to bring the Southern New England community the passion and drama of this new team and exciting sport."

"We are beyond excited to be partnering with Cumulus Media to broadcast Rhode Island FC matches on their stations," added Rhode Island FC President Brett Luy. "As a Club for All Rhode Island, it is imperative to be able to provide our fans with access to our matches through as many platforms as possible, and this partnership is another critical step in accomplishing that objective."

iHeartMedia Chicago Presents Women Who Win Class of 2024


iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia/Chicago and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago present "Women Who Win Class of 2024," an annual celebration of dynamic women leaders who have made a significant impact in the community as a direct result of their exceptional leadership. On March 15 through April 15, iHM and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago will pay tribute to six women leaders who have shaped Chicago's history through dedication and perseverance.

The tributes will include a series of on-air and digital vignettes on iHeartMedia Chicago's six radio stations, websites and social media. The "Women Who Win Class of 2024" is featured on each station's website.

iHeartMedia Chicago and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago will also host a Facebook Live "Women Who Win Class of 2024 Virtual Exchange" on April 24 from 12-1pm. The honorees will share insights and answer questions from the radio stations' listeners and the community.

"iHeartMedia Chicago is proud to present the 'Women Who Win Class of 2024,'" said iHeartMedia Chicago President Matt Scarano. "iHeartMedia Chicago has honored the 'best of the best' women leaders in Chicagoland since 2021. We are continuing the tradition this year with six women leaders who have made a superior impact locally and around the world."

"For the fourth year, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is proud to partner with iHeartMedia Chicago to honor some of the most inspiring women leaders in our city," said Nicole Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. "Chicago's women are leading with strategy, empathy, and resiliency. Their contributions to our community deserved to be celebrated."

iHeartMedia Chicago "Women Who Win Class of 2024" honorees:

  • Deborah Brooks, First Lady, Grace Central Church
  • Megan Chody, Proud Owner, Garrett Popcorn Shops and Frango Chocolate
  • Perri L. Irmer, President and CEO, The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
  • Dr. Jacqueline L. Jackson, Civil, Human and Women's Rights Advocate, Rainbow PUSH Coalition
  • Margaret Mueller, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago
  • Sally Ramirez, Senior Vice President, News, NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago

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ACM Reveals the 59th ACM Radio Awards Nominees


Academy of Country Music
Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music has announced the ACM Radio Awards nominees for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards, including double nominations for KATI-FM in Jefferson City MO, KCLR-FM in Columbia MO, KFRG-FM in Riverside, KKWF-FM in Seattle, KXKT-FM in Omaha, WGGY-FM in Scranton PA, WLHK-FM in Indianapolis and WUBE-FM in Cincinnati. Winners of the ACM Radio Awards will be announced ahead of the 59th ACM Awards and celebrated during ACM Awards week.

The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards will take place Thursday, May 16 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX and will stream live on Prime Video. The show will give fans in Texas and around the world a nonstop party to celebrate Country Music's biggest stars. Tickets are available to purchase now at ACMawards.com.

The full list of 59th ACM Awards nominations will be announced in the coming weeks, as will talent bookings for the show including hosts, performers and presenters, and detailed plans for ACM Awards week events in Frisco, including opportunities for fans to take part in ticketed as well as free and open-to-the-public programming marking Country Music's Party of the Year.

59th ACM Radio Awards nominees are:

National Daily On-Air Personality Of The Year

  • Bobby Bones, Amy, Lunchbox, Producer Eddie, Morgan, SZN, Mike D, Abby, Pitts, Kevin, Lauren, and Scuba Steve The Bobby Bones Show
  • Ania Hammar The Highway/Nights with Ania
  • Katie Neal Katie & Company
  • Elaina Smith Nights with Elaina
  • Rob Stone and Holly Hutton The Rob Holly Show
National Weekly On-Air Personality Of The Year
  • Kix Brooks American Country Countdown
  • B-Dub B-Dub Radio Saturday Night
  • Lon Helton Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton
  • Buzz Brainard Hot 30 Countdown with Buzz Brainard
  • Wayne D and Tay iHeartCountry House Party
  • Kelly Sutton Y'all Access with Kelly Sutton
On-Air Personality Of The Year - Major Market
  • The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister - Matt McAllister, Gabe Mercer, and "Captain Ron" Koons KKWF-FM Seattle, WA
  • The Jason Pullman Show - Jason Pullman KPLX-FM Dallas, TX
  • Paul Schadt and Sarah Lee in the Morning - Paul Schadt, Sarah Lee, and Producer Geoff WKKT-FM Charlotte, NC
  • Angie Ward - Angie Ward WUBL-FM Atlanta, GA
  • The Most Fun Afternoons with Scotty Kay - Scotty Kay WUSN-FM Chicago, IL
On-Air Personality Of The Year - Large Market
  • Dale Carter Morning Show - Dale Carter KFKF-FM Kansas City, MO
  • Anthony - Anthony KFRG-FM Riverside, CA
  • Annie & Cole - Annie Fox and Cole Dunbar WLHK-FM Indianapolis, IN
  • The Wayne D Show - Wayne D and Tay Hamilton WSIX-FM Nashville, TN
  • Jesse & Anna - Jesse Tack and Anna Marie WUBE-FM Cincinnati, OH
On-Air Personality Of The Year - Medium Market
  • Drive Home with Jody Jo - Jody Jo KSKS-FM Fresno, CA
  • Steve & Gina in the Morning - Steve Lundy and Gina Melton KXKT-FM Omaha, NE
  • The Doc Show - Doc Medek and Chewy Medek WGGY-FM Scranton, PA
  • New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody - Nancy Wilson and Aaron Woods WHKO-FM Dayton, OH
  • Mo & StyckMan - Mo and StyckMan WUSY-FM Chattanooga, TN
On-Air Personality Of The Year - Small Market
  • Hilley & Hart - Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart KATI-FM Jefferson City, MO
  • Liz & Scotty in the Morning - Liz DelGrosso and Scotty Cox KCLR-FM Columbia, MO
  • Morning Show with Pat James - Pat James KHUT-FM Hutchinson, KS
  • The Eddie Foxx Show - Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx WKSF-FM Asheville, NC
  • Steve, Ben and Nikki - Steve, Ben, and Nikki WXBQ-FM Bristol, VA
Radio Station Of The Year - Major Market
  • KILT-FM Houston, TX
  • KKWF-FM Seattle, WA
  • KSON-FM San Diego, CA
  • WXTU-FM Philadelphia, PA
  • WYCD-FM Detroit, MI
Radio Station Of The Year - Large Market
  • KFRG-FM Riverside, CA
  • KNCI-FM Sacramento, CA
  • WDSY-FM Pittsburgh, PA
  • WLHK-FM Indianapolis, IN
  • WQDR-FM Raleigh, NC
  • WUBE-FM Cincinnati, OH
Radio Station Of The Year - Medium Market
  • KUZZ-FM Bakersfield, CA
  • KXKT-FM Omaha, NE
  • WBEE-FM Rochester, NY
  • WGGY-FM Scranton, PA
  • WTHT-FM Portland, ME
Radio Station Of The Year - Small Market
  • KATI-FM Jefferson City, MO
  • KCLR-FM Columbia, MO
  • WFLS-FM Fredericksburg, VA
  • WNGC-FM Athens, GA
  • WRTB-FM Rockford, IL

The 59th ACM Awards will mark a return to Frisco, Texas for the second consecutive year, after debuting in 2023. Ford Center at The Star in Frisco opened in 2016 and serves as the state-of-the-art practice facility for the Dallas Cowboys, as well as the home for many major sporting events throughout the year. Last year's ACM Awards was the first awards show to take place at Ford Center.

The 2023 show, hosted by Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, was a two-hour concert event which streamed live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions.

Q104.3's Jim Kerr Celebrates 50 Years On-Air in NYC


Jim Kerr
Jim Kerr

WAXQ (Q104.3) air personality Jim Kerr, host of the "Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show" will celebrate 50 years on the air in New York. Kerr began hosting morning radio in New York on March 18, 1974. To commemorate this incredible achievement, Q104.3 planned a week of special events. Kerr is the longest running morning radio personality in New York market history.

Kerr began his career at age 14 in Ypsilanti, MI and has been on the air ever since. After working at stations in Howell and Ann Arbor, Kerr joined WORJ, a progressive rock station in Orlando. He returned to his hometown at 18 and joined the air staff of WKNR Detroit. At 19, he served as morning host at WDAI Chicago, and at 20 he moved over to the legendary WLS. When Kerr was 21, he became New York's youngest morning show host at WPLJ. Kerr has been the morning show host on six NYC stations, most notably 15 years at WPLJ and 22 years at Q104.3.

"This milestone is impossible to comprehend," said iHeartMedia Q104.3 Program Director Eric Wellman. "50 years of mornings in the number one market is a record that will never be touched. It makes my job so much easier knowing I have a legend like Jim Kerr to pencil into the lineup every single day. I am humbled that he calls me 'boss' when I know that I really work for him. Congratulations Jim, here's to the next 50."

Westwood One Launches ''Today In Women's Sports''


Westwood One
Westwood One

Westwood One will launch a new two-minute feature entitled "Today in Women's Sports" beginning Monday, March 18. The feature will cover the athletes, coaches, teams and sports that have contributed to the worldwide growth of women's athletics in recent years. A rotating cast of women in the sports broadcasting business will highlight the headlines, highlights and storylines.

With 60 seconds of content followed by a 60-second network commercial, the feature will be available for affiliates to air each weekday between 5am and 8pm each weekday, local time. "Today in Women's Sports" is available via satellite or the Content Delivery Network (CDN).

"Today in Women's Sports" will include a rotating line-up of notable sports broadcasters. Among the hosts will be Laura Okmin, Maggie Gray, Olivia Harlan Dekker, Amber Theoharis and Amy Lawrence.

Triton Digital Releases February 2024 U.S. Podcast Ranker


Triton Digital
Triton Digital

Triton Digital releases its February 2024 (January 29-February 25), U.S. Podcast Ranker. SiriusXM Podcast Network remained in the #1 spot on the Top Sales Networks Report for February, with 42.7 million Average Weekly Downloads and 13.6 million Average Weekly Users. NPR came in again at #2 with 25.9 million AWDs and 7.3 million AWUs, followed by Wondery again at #3 with 21.3 million AWDs and 7.1 million AWUs.

During thereporting period, the top three podcasts based on downloads included NPR News Now (NPR) again at #1, Dateline NBC (NBCUniversal News Group) climbing to #2 and Up First (NPR) stayed at #3.

For listeners, the top three podcasts included NPR News Now (NPR) again at #1, Crime Junkie (audiochuck) again at #2 and Up First (NPR) again at #3.

Debuts for both downloads and listeners in the month of February include The Megyn Kelly Show (SiriusXM Podcast Network), MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories (Wondery), In The Dark (Soundrise/PRX), SERIALously?! (Audioboom) and more.

Dateline Originals (NBCUniversal News Group), Dr. Laura Call of the Day (SiriusXM Podcast Network) and The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell (NBCUniversal News Group) debuted for downloads.

Rhode Island Broadcaster Ron St. Pierre Dies at 69


Ron St. Pierre
Ron St. Pierre

Sad to report the death of iconic Providence, RI air personality Ron St. Pierre. He was 69. With a career spanning several decades, St. Pierre became a prominent figure in RI's broadcasting scene, contributing significantly both on-air and off-air at leading Talk stations, including WPRO-AM and WHJJ-AM. He earned prestigious inductions into the Rhode Island Radio & Television Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Pawtucket Hall of Fame in 2017.

Reflecting on his career during an interview with Rhode Island College's student newspaper in 1984, St. Pierre shared, "I just love the business. It's fun. I'm fortunate. This is what I always wanted." His passion for broadcasting was evident in his dedication and approach to radio.

A native of Pawtucket's Darlington section, St. Pierre's journey in broadcasting began early. After graduating from St. Raphael Academy and enrolling at Rhode Island College, he embarked on a broadcasting career that started with a weekend photography job at WJAR-TV. His professional radio career kicked off at WNRI in Woonsocket in 1977, eventually leading him to become the program director at WHJJ in the 1980s, where he was instrumental in transforming the station into a ratings leader, notably by bringing Cianci on board as a host.

St. Pierre's move to WPRO in 1988 to oversee its transition from music to a News/Talk format underscored his visionary approach to broadcasting. His career also included stints in Florida and New York City, before returning to Rhode Island airwaves on WPRO in 1997.

His ability to connect with listeners through his "unassuming, authentic style and natural quick wit," as described by fellow Pawtucket native Herb Weiss, was a key factor in his on-air success. Despite being let go by WPRO in 2013, St. Pierre's resilience shone through when he took over the morning show on WHJJ, where he remained until 2020.

Ron St. Pierre leaves behind his wife, Patti, and a legacy in Rhode Island broadcasting that will be remembered for generations. The couple resided in East Greenwich.

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