Advertisement |
Top Radio News
Matt Cooper Named PD for WCYQ (100.3 The Wolf) Knoxville
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
SummitMedia appoints 15-year programming vet Matt Cooper as Program Director and afternoon talent for WCYQ (100.3 The Wolf). He comes to Knoxville from the company's cluster in Louisville where he was the Assistant Program Director, Music Director and afternoon personality on WQNU (Q103.1) for three years. Before that, he was the evening host on Country WUBE in Cincinnati.
"Matt has been an incredible asset in Louisville and comes to Knoxville ready to make an impact. He is consumer-focused and results-driven. His talent and drive make him a great fit to lead the team," said Randy Chase, Executive Vice President of Programming.
Cooper joins Hanah May weekday afternoons from 3-7pm on 100.3 The Wolf.
RTDNA Issues Study on Trust in Local News Elections Coverage
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Most U.S. local news consumers want journalists to ask tough, but respectful, questions of candidates and regularly fact check those running for office. That was one of many key takeaways from a fact-finding research project on trust in elections coverage, commissioned by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and conducted by Magid. The findings were released publicly for the first time Thursday at RTDNA23 in Minneapolis.
According to the study, 62 percent of local news viewers and listeners say it is "very important" that local sources and journalists "ask tough, but respectful questions to get answers," and 61 percent said it is very important they fact-check those candidates. Fifty-eight percent of the local news audience said it was very important those outlets have regular fact-checking segments.
"In our highly polarized society, Americans need to rely on their trusted local sources of news to get the facts about candidates, campaigns and other political issues," said RTDNA President and CEO Dan Shelley. "These findings offer a clear roadmap to ensure local reporters and news managers are providing voters with the information they crave to make critical decisions in the voting booth."
"This project on building and maintaining trust in news gathering is some of the most important work RTDNA has done in recent years," added RTDNA Chairman Tim Scheld. "This is a critical moment in our nation's history where truth, transparency, accuracy and context are needed more than ever as we cover the Presidential Campaign. This work shows consumers want journalists to go deeper and to explore multiple angles in stories that matter. They want facts not opinions. They want depth not just headlines"
The study asked local news consumers to evaluate a variety of political issues and journalist practices and rate them from 1 (totally disagree) to 10 (totally agree) on how they impacted trust in local news. The findings revealed strong agreement (8-10 scores) by more than 50% of local news consumers on more than two dozen actions and qualities.
In addition to tough questions and fact-checking, there was consensus around several other issues, including:
- Explaining complicated issues (60 percent)
- Transparency about coverage and policies (56 percent)
- In-depth and investigative coverage of the candidates' backgrounds (55 percent)
- In-depth and investigative coverage of candidates' past actions or votes on issues (54 percent)
Overall, 47 percent of those surveyed said they were in strong agreement that the information they get from local news sources are accurate and correct. That number drops to 41 percent when local news outlets cover political issues. Just 39 percent of people were in strong agreement that local news sources were balanced and represented all sides of an issue.
Cumulus VP Charlie Cook Receives ACM Service Award
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Country radio executive Charlie Cook, who is VP, Country, for Cumulus Media, was honored by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) with the ACM Service Award. Cook was presented with the award by former ACM Award winner Chris Janson at the 16th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors, dubbed the "Country Music industry's favorite night" and honoring some of the top talent in Country Music.
The star-studded awards show was held on Wednesday, August 23rd at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium and was nationally televised on FOX on Monday, September 18. The 16th Annual ACM Honors program is now available on demand on Hulu.
In addition to his role as VP, Country, for Cumulus Media, Cook is Programming Operations Manager for Cumulus' five-station cluster in Nashville and Program Director for WSM-FM and WKDF-FM. He is the former Chairman, President and Radio Committee Chair of the Academy of Country Music's Board of Directors and continues to serve as the longest-serving ACM Board Member in ACM history. Cook was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2011.
Cook began his Country radio career in 1972 at WSDS in Ypsilanti, MI. In the '70s, Cook spent time at KLAK in Denver, Wheeling's WWVA and WHN in New York. He was named "DJ of the Year" by Billboard in 1977. In 1980, he joined KHJ in Los Angeles, flipping the station to Country. Cook then went to KLAC before joining McVay Media in 1983 as SVP of Country Programming, where he consulted more than 40 Country stations over the next 12 years. In 1996, Cook joined Cumulus Media's Westwood One as VP Programming/Formats, and in 2006 he joined Cumulus as VP Programming for the company's 67 Country stations.
Advertisement |
Nina Montgomery Adds PD Duties for Two Shreveport Outlets
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Nina Montgomery is elevated to Program Director Hot AC KQHN (Q97.3 FM) and AC KRMD (Lite Rock 100.7) in Shreveport, LA. A staple in Shreveport radio for over twenty years, she'll continue to serve as Program Director of co-owned Urban AC KVMA (Magic 102.9), a post she'd held for over 14 years, and as KVMA's midday host.
Cumulus Shreveport Vice President/Market Manager Tish Boden said, "I am so excited about this deserved and earned promotion for Nina. Nina taking on these additional leadership roles as Program Director for Q 97.3 FM and Lite Rock 100.7 is a win for Cumulus Shreveport. She has done a phenomenal job programming Magic 102.9 FM for over 14 years. Nina is a proven leader in the Shreveport Market."
Cumulus Media Vice President, Urban Formats Kenny Smoov commented, "Nina is a hardworking and creative programmer that deserves a chance to spread her wings and tenacity to a new challenge and format! I know she will fly high! #GoGetEmNina."
Montgomery remarked, "I am thrilled for this opportunity to work closely with such a great group of talent. My gratitude to the leadership team at Cumulus Media for entrusting me with these phenomenal brands. From working closely with our sales team, to finding creative ways to generate revenue, to playing the music that speaks to our target audience, each day will bring new opportunities. As we grow our reach and solidify a stronghold in our community, we will make great radio and have fun doing it."
Atlanta Radio Host Moby Loses Battle with Stomach Cancer
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Atlanta Country radio host James "Moby" Carney, who was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame in 2011, has lost his battle with stage 4 stomach cancer. He was 69. Moby was a 40-year veteran air personality who worked in Rock radio for ten years then moved to Atlanta and WKHX (Kicks 101.5), where he proceeded to win a major morning battle in the Country format and enjoy success for the next decade.
Moby, who retired in 2016, was the recipient of numerous national Air Personality awards, including winning Billboard's Major Market Country Morning Show of the Year five times. He formed his own syndication company, The Moby Network, in 2004 and was heard on Country stations around the nation.
Former Senator Alfonse D'Amato Joins WABC as Contributor
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Former U.S. Senator from New York state Alfonse D'Amato joins Talk WABC/New York as a regular contributor. D'Amato will provide insights from his years of political service across WABC's talk programs, including Cats & Cosby, the afternoon drive show co-hosted by Red Apple Media and WABC owner John Catsimatidis and journalist Rita Cosby.
"Senator D'Amato is one of the smartest, most common sense, and knowledgeable people I know," stated Catsimatidis. "From his many years in the U.S. Senate, Al has a deep understanding of the underpinnings of politics -- local, national, and global - and will help 77WABC listeners discern the truth about what's really going on in Washington and the world."
"I am pleased to be part of the greatest news/talk programming in the nation," added Sen. D'Amato. "77WABC is a station whose people call it the way it is and aren't wed to a political party but are wed to doing what's right in America."
Sen. D'Amato represented the state of New York in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 1999 and was re-elected in 1986 and 1992. Sen. D'Amato was a member of the President's Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism (PCAST); Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; and a member of the Senate Finance Committee. Following his departure from the Senate, Sen. D'Amato founded Park Strategies, a lobbying firm.
Radio Veteran and ''Good Guy'' Burt Sherwood Dead at 95
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Burt Sherwood, whose long career in radio spanned over 70 years including on-air work as a WMCA/New York "Good Guy" in the station's Top 40 days died peacefully in hospice care in Sarasota, FL on September 21. He celebrated his 95th birthday this past May. Sherwood previously served as General Manager of WMAQ/Chicago during its highly rated run as a Country station, General Manager at WMEE-WMEF/Fort Wayne, WIBG/Philadelphia and WNHC-AM/New Haven, CT.
Sherwood is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Ellen and son Jason.
Last Call for Behind The Mic Mentorship Program Apps
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio has issued a reminder that the 'Behind the Mic Mentorship' window for applications will close this Sunday, September 24. This program is designed specifically to support the growth and evolution of women on-the-air. The 'Behind The Mic Mentorship' program is a year-long experience exclusively for female personalities that have been in an on-air position for at least 3-5 years in local or national radio programming and have demonstrated a desire to grow their on-air career.
The selected mentee will receive personalized conversations and advice from a wide range of industry professionals including three of radio's top stars; co-host of The Bobby Bones Show and host of Women of iHeart Country, Amy Brown, national radio & television personality and Gracie Award winner, Elaina D. Smith of Nights with Elaina, as well as New York's Broadway and WLTW Morning Show talent, Christine Nagy. In addition, the program affords the mentee the chance to attend Radio Show 2024 this April in Las Vegas, the premier event for the audio community.
The mentorship is available to one female on-air personality from any U.S. based music format. Applications are open now and are being accepted Here through September 24.
Advertisement |
NAB Show New York Launches New Broadcast Content Summit
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
NAB Show New York is introducing the new Broadcast Content Summit, offering customized tracks for radio and television. Produced by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), this exclusive conference scheduled for Thursday, October 26, is tailored for content creators, programmers, talent and station managers.
The Summit features a wide array of industry thought leaders and experts providing in-depth strategies and solutions as well as key networking opportunities. Attendees will learn how to expand their audience reach, decode audience preferences for content and engagement, master recruitment strategies, optimize operational efficiencies, hone content preservation and repurposing skills and gain invaluable insights into the cutting-edge trends and technologies shaping the television and radio landscape, including Artificial Intelligence.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt will host a special one-on-one conversation with CBS Hall of Fame sportscaster and broadcasting legend James Brown. The discussion will include Brown's insights into the state of the broadcasting industry, his multi-award-winning career and how he developed his approach to TV and radio broadcasting, mentoring, charity work and much more.
The Broadcast Content Summit rounds out a two-day lineup of programming dedicated to broadcasters. On Wednesday, October 25, the Radio Insights Executive Seminar will explore the topics that are top of mind for radio's C-suite and top decision-makers.
"The priority is to deliver strategies and solutions on key issues and discuss opportunities for broadcasters," said April Carty-Sipp, NAB Executive Vice President for Industry Affairs. "We launched the Summit to help broadcasters navigate the ever-evolving media landscape, focusing on content creation and insights, but also technology and innovation breakthroughs, recruiting the next generation of broadcasters, audience engagement and so much more."
DVE Rocks for Children's Radiothon Raises Over $1 Million
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
WDVE/Pittsburgh held their 16th-annual "DVE Rocks for Children's Radiothon" and raised over $1.06 million in support of UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. The "DVE Rocks for Children's Radiothon" raised vital funds that enable UPMC Children's Hospital to provide the highest level of care to each patient when they need it most.
From September 13-15, WDVE air personalities including Randy Baumann, Bill Crawford, Val Porter, Mike Prisuta, Michele Michaels and Chad Tyson, interviewed current and former patients and their families on-air, as well as UPMC Children's staff who shared personal experiences and stories from the hospital.
"We are beyond thrilled to raise over one million dollars in donations this year for UPMC Children's," said Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation President Rachel Petrucelli. "We can't thank the WDVE staff, the listeners and the sponsors enough for going above and beyond to make this year unforgettable. "This again showcases how UPMC Children's has and always will be supported by the Pittsburgh community."
"It is truly amazing the response to the DVE Rocks for Children's Radiothon," added iHeartMedia Pittsburgh Market President Tim McAleer. "WDVE has engaged listeners in the Pittsburgh community and around the country who rally for the kids, and I am continually impressed with the DVE talent for the effort they put forth, which is reflected by this year's funds raised."
For the past 16 years, DVE Rocks for Children's Radiothon has raised over $10 million to benefit UPMC Children's.
For more information about the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation or to donate, please visit givetochildrens.org.
Hot Radio Maine's Hayley Competes on Netflix's Reality Show
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Netflix has announced their new reality show, "Surviving Paradise," will premiere on October 20. In the announcement it was shared that Hot Radio Maine's night host and Maine's own Hayley Smith-Rose is going to be one of twelve contestants competing for $100,000. The premise of the new Netflix show is that contestants will enter a fabulous villa only to have their summer flipped upside down when they're forced to live in the wilderness. They'll have to form alliances, compete in challenges, and stay on their A-game for a chance to end up back in the villa to win the $100,000 prize.
Smith-Rose was born in Nashua, NH and has lived in Maine for the last 13 years. She currently lives in Scarborough, ME and is a 2010 graduate of Nashua High School North in New Hampshire and a 2014 graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington. Hayley, aka Haylstorm, said, "I can't wait to represent my home state, MAINE, on Surviving Paradise. I am so excited to take you on this wild adventure with me and give you your newest Netflix binge obsession."
Hot Radio Maine morning host and Program Director Ryan Deelon added, "there's no doubt in my mind that Hayley has the skill to win this contest. On October 20th, we're all going to be locked into Netflix and rooting for her. Win or lose, we can't wait to share with the world what the Hot Radio Maine listeners already know, Hayley is a star."
See the Netflix trailer here.
iHeartPodcasts and The Meteor Debut ''In Retrospect''
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
iHeartPodcasts and The Meteor launch "In Retrospect," a new weekly series that transports listeners back in time to the iconic pop culture moments of the 80's and 90's. The program is hosted by journalist Susie Banikarim and New York Times editor Jessica Bennett. Each week the duo revisit a pop culture moment from the '80s and '90s that shaped them -- to try to understand what it taught us about the world, and a woman's place in it.
The podcast boasts a lineup of guests, including the likes of Pamela Anderson, Pulitzer Prize-winning cultural critic Salamishah Tillet, journalist and advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, media studies professor at the University of Michigan Susan J. Douglas, and New York Times culture editor Maya Salam.
The first two episodes are available on Thursday, September 21, with new episodes releasing every Friday. "In Retrospect" is a production of iHeartPodcasts and The Meteor.
Advertisement |
Wondery, Audible Announce ''Class of '88'' Podcast Series
RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 21, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Wondery will launch a new limited audio series, "Class of '88." Hosted by actor Will Smith, the podcast collaboration takes a celebratory look back at the year that defined the global cultural phenomenon of hip-hop. Listeners will hear interviews with the artists that helped define the genre, including Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels, Rakim, Fab 5 Freddy, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Chuck D, J.J. Fad, and DJ Red Alert. All eight episodes of Class of '88 release Thursday, October 26 on Amazon Music and Audible.
"Hip-hop has been a central part of my life for over four decades," said Smith. "I'm hyped to share my first-hand experiences and those of some of hip-hop's greatest legends as we delve into the origins of one of the most influential genres of music in history."
Class of '88 is produced by Wondery, Audible, Westbrook and Awfully Nice.
WCMF/Rochester Appoints Bob Edwards as Brand Manager
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 20, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Audacy appoints Bob Edwards as Brand Manager of Classic Rock WCMF-FM in Rochester, NY. He'll continue as Brand Manager of KQRC-FM (Rock 98.9) in Kansas City. Edwards is a long-time broadcast professional, including stints as Program Director of Classic Rock WZZU-FM in Raleigh from 1994 to 1996 and Operations Manager of CHR WDCG from 2000 to 2003 before joining the Audacy team in Kansas City at KQRC as Brand Manager in 2003.
"Bob's long history of success in the rock and classic rock arenas makes him the perfect choice to continue and expand the WCMF legendary brand," said Audacy/Rochester Senior Vice President and Market Manager Sue Munn. "We're excited to have him join our team."
"WCMF is one of a handful of truly legendary rock stations with more than 50 years of success in the format," added Edwards. "It's a real honor to be named Brand Manager of WCMF and work with Rochester's dominant morning show, 'The Break Room.' I thank Jeff Sottolano, Dave Richards, Vince Richards and Sue Munn for this opportunity."
Edison Research Finds More SiriusXM Listening in New Cars
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 20, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Edison Research's Share of Ear confirms a link between newer car models and time spent with satellite radio. Newer autos have newer in-dash systems equipped with satellite receivers, and many new car acquisitions in the U.S. come with a complimentary trial of SiriusXM, so it stands to reason that SiriusXM sees bigger shares in newer vehicles.
The graphic below shows the percent of daily in-car audio consumption to SiriusXM by those who primarily drive or ride in older model year cars, versus newer model year cars.
For those who primarily drive or ride in model year cars 2010 and older, 5% of their daily in-car listening time is with SiriusXM. For those who drive or ride in model year cars 2019 and newer, the listening to SiriusXM is over four times that much - 22%. The data in between, for model years 2011-2018, follows the pattern of newer models = more listening.
KTIS/Minneapolis Names Jen Driskill as APD/Midday Host
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 20, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
Contemporary Christian KTIS/Minneapolis-St. Paul names Jen Driskill as Assistant Program Director and midday host. For the past 15 years, she's hosted middays at KSBJ in Houston. Driskill will begin her new role at KTIS on October 12.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jen to the 98.5 KTIS team," said KTIS Program Director Matt Deane. "Jen possesses all of the skills necessary to excel as an on-air talent and leader within Northwestern Media, and we are excited to watch how God uses her in her new role here in the Twin Cities."
Driskill added, "My goal has always been to leave people better than I found them, because that's what Jesus has done for me. I'm eternally grateful for the people I've met and the experiences I've had while at KSBJ. I'm eager to continue this mission in the Twin Cities along with Matt and his amazing team."
iHeartMedia Flips W242CJ/Brunswick, GA to ''Real 96.3''
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 20, 2023 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
iHeartMedia flips W242CJ in Brunswick, GA to the new Real 96.3, The Wick's New #1 for Hip Hop 'N R&B. The station will air songs from artists including Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna and Drake. The station will also feature "The Breakfast Club," with DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God in mornings, weekdays from 5:30-10am. Middays will be occupied by "Way Up with Angela Yee," followed by Kali Kold, who will hold down afternoons.
"We're always looking for ways to serve the community, add to the conversation, and give people an excuse to enjoy themselves," said iHeartMedia/Brunswick VP/Programming Scott Ryfun. "We think we've hit on a recipe that delivers on all of those fronts. 'The Breakfast Club' has long been part of the national conversation, Angela Yee continues to grow as a personality, and Kali is one of those people I can always count on to deliver. Brunswick's been waiting for something like this. It's time."
Advertisement |