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Top Radio News
WOZZ/Wausau-Stevens Point Flips to Mainstream Rock
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 25, 2024 |
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In September 2021, WOZZ-FM/Wausau-Stevens Point, WI transitioned from Rock 94.7 to Adult Hits. Since that time, an enigmatic creature has been wandering the backwoods of Central Wisconsin, yearning for Rock. This mysterious Beast has finally seized control of the WOZZ Studios in Wausau and is determined to bring Rock back to the masses. Over the past three years, the demand to revive Rock in Central Wisconsin has been immense. The Beast has now taken over the airwaves at WOZZ (94.7) and W275AC (102.9).
The Beast is a Mainstream Rock outlet that features the greatest hits from legendary artists such as AC/DC, Five Finger Death Punch, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, Linkin Park, Metallica, Nirvana, Shinedown and more.
Initially, The Beast will broadcast without any air talent for the first few days. However, long-time Central Wisconsin radio personality Terry Stevens will soon be joining the 94.7 The Beast lineup for afternoons.
Magellan AI Brings Cookie-Less IDs to Audio Measurement
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 25, 2024 |
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Magellan AI, an audio intelligence, analytics and measurement company, adds new cookie-less identifiers for podcast and streaming audio campaign measurement. The new identifiers provide Magellan AI's customers with enhanced measurement capabilities in a privacy-focused environment. Known for its database of podcast advertising data, Magellan AI ensures that advertisers and publishers can continue to measure and optimize their campaigns effectively, as the industry moves away from traditional cookie and IP-based identifiers.
"We are excited to bring UID2.0 and ID5 to podcast and streaming audio measurement for the first time," said Magellan AI Co-Founder and CEO Cameron Hendrix. "These next-generation identifiers not only align with the growing emphasis on user privacy, but also enhance our ability to deliver precise and actionable insights."
Magellan AI Head of Publisher Partnerships Jim Ballas added, "Advertisers are increasingly seeking solutions that respect user privacy while retaining reliable performance metrics. By integrating these new identifiers, we are solving today's demands, while future-proofing as podcasting adds additional programmatic capabilities to compete across mediums."
Cookie-less identifiers are available for all Magellan AI customers that utilize ad tags supporting UID2.0 and ID5.
iHeartRadio to Carry the Olympic Games Audio Live
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 25, 2024 |
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With the Olympics kicking off this week, all eyes and ears will be on Paris following the biggest sporting events and the world's top athletes. iHeartMedia is NBCU's audio partner for the 2024 Summer Olympics and will be bringing games to listeners as they happen. Fans can tune-in to these events live on iHeartMedia broadcast stations as well as anywhere they are through dedicated 24-7 digital stations on the iHeart app including, NBC Olympics Radio Plus and NBC Olympics Radio.
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NAB Expresses Concerns Over Proposed New FM Station Class
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 24, 2024 |
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A new proposal before the FCC to create an FM broadcasting class known as "A10" is receiving mixed reactions. This proposal, aimed at enhancing coverage in rural and underserved areas, would allow for power upgrades for approximately 1,400 Class A FM stations, permitting a maximum of 10,000 watts. Approval would be contingent on the station's geographical zone, tower height and separation requirements.
Commander Communications, the entity behind the proposal, believes it would significantly improve coverage in areas that need it most. However, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has expressed reservations, recognizing the potential benefits for listeners, especially during emergencies, but urging caution due to possible negative impacts.
In their filing, the NAB stated, "While this could lead to improved service for additional listeners, it could also further squeeze the band in more markets and impact more FM services." They also highlighted the financial burden of such upgrades, suggesting that some operators might not proceed due to the costs involved.
Cumulus Media is also opposed to the proposal, citing an "unacceptable risk" to stations already grappling with competition from streaming services. On the other hand, the Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council supports the proposal, emphasizing that many stations eligible for the upgrade are owned by minority and small-scale operators.
This new proposal would replace an earlier FCC proposal for a Class C4 FM station category.
RTDNA Finds Radio News Salaries Head Backwards by 11.5%
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 24, 2024 |
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After three years of meager salary increases -- all of which lagged inflation -- is worse in 2024. According to the the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), overall radio salaries actually fell 2.5%. With inflation at 3.1% for the year, that means real wages dropped by 5.6%. But why they fell may surprise you. In terms of real wages (actual wages minus inflation), radio salaries lost 0.5% in 2021, 6.6% in 2022, 1.9% in 2023, and 2.5% in 2024. That's a total wage loss of 11.5% over the last four years.
There is some good news in radio salaries. For News Directors, the median salary stayed the same, but the average salary went up 6.7%. Reporters are also mixed, with the average salary dropping 0.9%, but the median salary is going up 12.5%. News producers did even better with average salary up 5% and median salary up 10.4%. But that's where the good news stops. News anchor, sports anchor and sports reporter all lost ground in both average and median salaries. Web producer/editor dropped slightly on average and held even on median.
Now we see more clearly what's happening in radio salaries. Historically, non-commercial radio salaries have been substantially higher than commercial radio salaries. This year, that's not the case. When RTDNA looked at large and major markets, all the average commercial salaries are higher than non-commercial salaries, and median salaries are fairly close. But the actual story is what took place between last year and this year.
Overall, commercial radio salaries -- for the four positions above in large and major markets -- went up a whopping 23.5%. Non-commercial salaries went down 8% from a year ago. So the drop in radio news salaries lies almost entirely in the non-commercial world.
iHeartMedia Sacramento Names Steve Darnell Metro President
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 24, 2024 |
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iHeartMedia appoints Steve Darnell as Metro President for its seven stations in Sacramento, CA, effective immediately. Darnell most recently served as the Area President for iHeartMedia's Pacific Area. He also served as the Market President for iHeartMedia's Fresno Market, as well as Fresno Senior Vice President of Sales. Darnell is a graduate of Fresno State University.
As Metro President, Darnell will be responsible for managing all operations of the cluster, while working closely with other business leaders in the market. He will report to DJ Hodge, Division President for iHeartMedia.
"After many years of successful leadership in our Pacific Area, it was clear early-on that Steve was the perfect candidate to lead our Sacramento Market as Metro President," said iHeartMedia Division President DJ Hodge. "Steve is the ideal choice to continue the great work done by Sara McClure, who is moving into our Unified Partnerships Division."
"I'm excited for the opportunity to lead our Sacramento team and market leading iconic station brands. Sacramento is a dynamic, thriving city and I'm thankful that DJ Hodge, Hartley Atkins and Rich Bressler have entrusted me with continuing our growth in this very important market," added Darnell.
WKTI Milwaukee Extends Partnership with Marquette Basketball
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 24, 2024 |
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Good Karma Brands has announced that WKTI-FM (94.5 ESPN)/Milwaukee will remain the official radio home of Marquette University basketball through the 2027-28 season. This longstanding partnership ensures that Marquette Golden Eagles fans will continue to enjoy coverage of their team for the next four years. As part of this agreement, ESPN Milwaukee will provide live play-by-play broadcasts of all Marquette men's basketball games, along with pre-game and post-game analysis.
"Good Karma Brands has been a tremendous teammate over the years, and we are thrilled that 94.5 ESPN Milwaukee will again be the radio destination for Marquette fans," said Marquette University Vice President and Director of Athletics Bill Scholl. "It takes community-wide support to operate a program at the level of Marquette basketball and Craig Karmazin and his team are an important piece of this equation. We are excited that this relationship will extend into the future."
"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Marquette University and continue to produce high-quality broadcasts and content for their passionate fanbase," added GKB Milwaukee, Market Manager Greg Scalzo, which owns and operates 94.5 ESPN Milwaukee, 620 WTMJ and 101.7 The Truth. "Marquette basketball has a rich tradition and a passionate fan base, and we are committed to delivering the best coverage and content to our fans."
Listeners can also look forward to an increase in easily accessible digital content and exclusive interviews with coaches and players, giving them an unparalleled view into the Marquette basketball program.
In addition to game broadcasts, 94.5 ESPN Milwaukee will feature a weekly "Marquette Basketball Hour" on Thursday nights throughout the season. GKB Milwaukee and Marquette Athletics will engage with the Marquette community through special events, fan experiences and social media interactions.
Fifth Circuit Overturns FCC's Universal Service Fund
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 24, 2024 |
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In a landmark decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has ruled the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF) unconstitutional, a decision that has sparked immediate reactions from key FCC officials.
Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel's Response:
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel expressed strong disapproval of the court's 9-7 ruling. "This decision is misguided and wrong," Rosenworcel stated. She emphasized the long-standing bipartisan support for the USF, which has been crucial in providing communications access to rural and underserved areas, as well as to schools, libraries, and hospitals across the nation. Rosenworcel criticized the court's understanding of the statutory framework that established the USF, which she argues has facilitated the creation of the world's most extensive communications network. She vowed to explore all available options to challenge the ruling.
Commissioner Geoffrey Starks' Reaction
Commissioner Geoffrey Starks also voiced his disappointment with the decision, labeling it as a significant setback in efforts to bridge the digital divide. Starks highlighted that the Fifth Circuit's ruling contradicts recent decisions by the Sixth and Eleventh Circuits, both of which upheld the constitutionality of the USF. "This decision is a monumental blow in our long-running effort to close the digital divide," he stated, underscoring the potential negative impact on vulnerable households, rural communities, and young learners who depend on the USF for connectivity. Starks indicated that he is currently reviewing the decision to determine how the FCC can continue to pursue its mandate of universal service as outlined in the Communications Act.
Implications of the Ruling
The ruling has immediate and far-reaching implications for the USF, which has been a cornerstone of the FCC's mission to ensure that all Americans have access to essential telecommunications services. Established nearly 30 years ago, the USF has supported various programs aimed at extending telecommunications services to rural and low-income areas, as well as providing critical support to schools and libraries through the E-Rate program, and healthcare facilities via the Rural Health Care program.
With this ruling, the future of these programs is uncertain, raising concerns about how the FCC will continue to support underserved communities in their access to essential communications services. Both Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Commissioner Starks have made it clear that they will seek avenues to counter the court's decision and uphold the principles of universal service.
Next Steps
As the FCC evaluates its next steps, stakeholders across the telecommunications industry, as well as the communities reliant on USF support, will be closely monitoring the developments. The FCC's leadership is expected to pursue legal and regulatory strategies to address the court's ruling and continue advocating for the importance of universal service in the nation's communications landscape.
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iHM Names Sara McClure VP/Unified Partnerships CA
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 24, 2024 |
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iHeartMedia names Sara McClure as Vice President of Unified Partnerships for California, effective immediately. This company division has a 22-year history of providing advanced media resources for its ad agency partners. McClure joins from iHeartMedia Sacramento, where she most recently served as the Market President. After graduating from Chico State, McClure has spent nearly 30 years as a media executive. In her new role, she will report to Unified Partnerships EVP Breeanna Malik.
"I am extremely excited to have Sara join our division. She will be broadening her responsibilities and offering her incredible expertise to leading agency partners throughout California," said iHeartMedia President of Unified Partnerships Michael Preacher.
"I look forward to advancing my career by joining the Unified Partnership division. This incredible team has unlimited possibilities and I'm excited to bring my scope of marketing and big idea thinking to our partners," added Sara McClure.
Mike Hohler Named PD for Cumulus Bay Area Sports Outlets
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 23, 2024 |
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Cumulus Media promotes Mike Hohler to Program Director for its San Francisco Bay Area Sports stations KNBR-AM (680), KGO-FM (104.5), KGO-AM (The Spread 810 AM) and KTCT (1050). Hohler is currently Assistant Program Director for the stations, and joined the San Francisco cluster in 2002 as midday producer for KNBR. In addition, John Kerley, Producer of the Murph and Markus morning show on KNBR, rises to Assistant PD for KNBR-AM & FM, KGO and KTCT. He will continue in his role as KNBR morning show producer. The appointments are effective Monday, July 29.
Cumulus San Francisco-Los Angeles Regional Vice President/Market Manager Larry Blumhagen said, "I am excited to see Mike Hohler take the reins as Program Director of these dynamic, listener-driven stations. Mike has been a dedicated member of this terrific team for over two decades and knows every working part of our programming operations. He has meaningful relationships with our broadcast partners, which he will continue to build upon and grow in his new leadership role."
Blumhagen added, "John Kerley brings a strategic approach to the Assistant Program Director role for our Sports stations. We are fortunate to have such a talented and collaborative sports programming team and are in very capable hands with Mike and John at the helm. Our all-star lineup - including all the great talent in our Bull Pen - makes for a winning team and positions these stations for continued success."
Paragon Adds Consultant Seth Resler for Community Building
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 23, 2024 |
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Seth Resler joinn Paragon as Community Building consultant, a new position at the firm. Resler has developed a blueprint for community building that capitalizes on existing digital platforms and enables public radio stations to launch, grow and monetize their own micro-communities. Prior to spending over 8 years as Digital Strategy Consultant for Jacobs Media, Resler worked at WXRK in New York, WBCN in Boston, KNDD in Seattle, KPNT in St. Louis, WBRU in Providence and KEZR in Silicon Valley.
In 2024, Resler opened Community Marketing Revolution, which he will continue to operate. His clients have included a range of companies from both inside and outside the broadcast industry, including the National Association of Broadcasters. He will be based in Detroit.
Paragon CEO Mike Henry said, "Seth brings a new dimension to the table with his accomplishments and vision for building community. At a time when content is not always the differentiating factor, creating communities is the new hyper-local. The evolution from promotions to engagement and now to community building, this has significant marketing ramifications and revenue potential for public radio stations. Paragon and Seth look forward to helping stations master a new toolset."
Resler added, "As the way people create and consume content has changed, what Americans need from public media has changed. At the top of the list today? Community. Public radio stations are in a unique position to build community in their local markets. I'm thrilled to join Team Paragon, where I can show stations how to use digital tools to connect their listeners to one another."
Radio's Only Air Talent Study Extends Deadline to July 26
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 23, 2024 |
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The country's only survey of air talent in commercial radio has extended its deadline to Friday, July 26. In collaboration with Don Anthony's Morning Show Boot Camp, Jacobs Media's AQ6 is seeking feedback among air personalities, shows, teams and producers across the U.S. This sixth study is the only one of its kind, tracking the talent mindset, their perceptions of careers, and how their jobs and lives are changing in a fluid media environment.
Last year, AQ5 began to explore their understanding and concerns about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on radio. In this new study, Jacobs Media will take a deep dive into how AI is being used at the station level, both in the studio and behind the scenes.
AQ6 will again examine talent relationships with their home companies, the progress of women on the air, what motivates talent and disheartens them, and how many personalities are starting their own companies to prepare for an uncertain future.
The true value of AQ6 lies in the demographic and lifestyle breakdowns. Once again, this confidential survey will include crosstabulations by market size, company type, daypart, along with a trended look at how many "hats" they're wearing and their perceptions about the state of broadcast radio and the companies that employ them.
Jacobs Media's sixth edition of this study will again cover the basics of being on the air -- the excitement, aspirations and disappointments. It will also help broadcast leadership better understand how air talent thinks, both on-the-air and in their personal lives. It will also measure how personalities are adapting to new technology, and how they perceive their changing roles.
As in past years, a summary of the findings will kick off Morning Show Boot Camp 36 in San Diego on August 8 by Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs. Air talent in commercial radio in the U.S. can take the survey here.
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Pushkin, IHP Launch New Podcast ''Where's Dia?''
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 23, 2024 |
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iHeartPodcasts and Pushkin Industries announced a new six-part true crime podcast that will dive into the 2020 disappearance of Lydia "Dia" Abrams in the beautiful mountain town of Idyllwild, CA. Throughout the series, journalist Lucy Sherriff will reveal the culmination of her four-year investigation into Dia's disappearance, uncovering a tangled web of manipulation, power, estranged families, and greed.
"When someone goes missing, they leave a vacuum. And everyone left behind scrambles to fill that space with reasons why or explanations of how," said Sherriff. "When Dia went missing, she didn't get to tell her own story. Her narrative has been crafted by friends, family, lovers - and yes, even enemies. And it's left to us to decide whose version of events we believe."
"Where's Dia?" will be available to listeners beginning July 23 with new episodes posting on Tuesdays.
Musburger Media Acquires VSiN Sports Betting Network
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 22, 2024 |
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Musburger Media has agreed to acquire VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, from DraftKings Inc. Original VSiN founders Brian Musburger and Bill Adee, who were part of the team that previously launched and led the multi-platform broadcast and content company, will lead it moving forward. VSiN will continue to deliver the news, analysis, and insights that bettors need to inform their betting decisions, with 18 hours of unique sports betting content each day.
"While a lot has changed in the sports betting industry over the past three-and-a-half years, our original vision for VSiN still holds and we are committed to delivering the most credible, independent information and analysis sports bettors can find anywhere," said Brian Musburger. "We truly appreciate the work we've done with DraftKings and look forward to continuing to collaborate on future projects. Bill and I couldn't be more excited about leading VSiN into the future and cementing our position as a trusted authority in sports betting."
With the strategy and team already in place, the sports betting network will focus immediately on expanding partnerships and distribution to educate and entertain even more of the growing number of Americans betting on sports.
"DraftKings continues to optimize its investments in content and media to align with the most critical areas and needs of our business strategy, objectives, and goals," said DraftKings Chief Marketing Officer Stephanie Sherman. "We want to thank Brian, Bill, and the entire team at VSiN for a great relationship, and we look forward to continuing to advertise on the network."
Customers should expect no interruptions to programming or news coverage at VSiN.com. In addition to its 24/7 stream, VSiN's original content is accessible through multiple video and audio channels including YouTube TV, Rogers' Sportsnet, NESN, AT&T Pittsburgh, Marquee Sports Network, a dedicated channel on iHeartRadio and TuneIn, as well as more than 300 terrestrial radio stations.
Voting Begins For 2024 Texas Radio Hall of Fame Inductees
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 22, 2024 |
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The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) has released the names of the fifty (50) nominees for its 2024 Induction Class. The voting portal will be open and accessible to voting members via TRHOF.net through midnight on Monday, August 5. Over two hundred broadcast professionals with ties to Texas radio were nominated for consideration by the TRHOF Review Committee, which reached a consensus on the final fifty.
"We've been continually working to refine, streamline, and demystify the nomination and voting process," observed TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris, "and each year we continue to make major steps forward. Once again, we have a group of outstanding broadcasters for our voting members to consider with a balloting platform that includes their photos and biographical information for review."
"We are very pleased with this slate of nominees, which spotlights the depth and breadth of Texas radio talent," added Harris. "From the tower to the boardroom to the conference room, this list of nominees touches the geographic boundaries of the state and connects to a variety of markets, formats and virtually every position of service in the broadcast world."
Voting members of the TRHOF will now determine the twenty individuals who will be honored in the TRHOF's Annual Induction Ceremony at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, TX.
Those selected for the 2024 Induction Class will be honored during the organization's Annual Induction and Reunion Weekend, November 1-2 at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications in Kilgore, TX. Information on becoming a TRHOF voting member is available on the organization's website and interested parties may still join-and vote-in this year's selection.
What Madison Avenue Can Learn About How Advertising Works
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 22, 2024 |
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To understand the magnitude of the brand Steve's Pest Control built with long-term advertising on AM/FM radio, the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group commissioned MARU/Matchbox to conduct a study of 98 consumers in the Columbia-Jefferson City DMA in December, 2023. This week's blog examines the results of the study and from them, outlines what Madison Avenue can learn about how advertising really works.
- Steve's Pest Control offers Madison Avenue a master class on creating future demand and how building a brand is the main driver of long-term growth and profit
- Through its long-term use of AM/FM radio advertising, Steve's Pest Control dominates unaided brand awareness; Across all stages of the consumer journey, Steve's Pest Control leads the market
- Compared to other categories, Steve's Pest Control owns its category as the best-known brand
- Every advertiser has two jobs: Creating future demand and converting existing demand; Steve's Pest Control excels at creating future demand
- AM/FM radio advertising works: Among AM/FM radio listeners, Steve's Pest Control awareness is 18% greater than in the overall market
- According to System 1 creative testing, Steve's Pest Control's AM/FM radio ads achieve nearly a three star, one of the best test radio ads in the U.S.; AM/FM radio ads are most associated with Steve's Pest Control
Radio Group Digio Strategies to Acquire Darkhorse Press
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 22, 2024 |
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Digio Strategies, a radio group which owns six radio stations and a digital company, based in Mississippi and Alabama, is merging with Darkhorse Press. Therese Apel, owner of Darkhorse Press will make her return to radio news on US 96.3, Mix 98.7, 93.5 The Legend and Blues 93.1 on Monday, August 5 at 6am with morning news updates at 6, 7 and 8am. She will also provide breaking news coverage to the 6-station cluster, including Y101 and 102.1 The Box.
These two local, family-owned businesses have been bringing news and entertainment to the local communities, and will now pack double the punch every single day.
"I'm honored to be taking my decades of experience in journalism and joining forces with some of the most respected talent in the radio and media industry in Mississippi," said Apel. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow in a way that keeps us authentic, local, and Mississippi-centric while enabling us to bring you the news and stories that you want to see and hear with much more momentum."
"We are building our business for continued success for decades to come and by adding one of the most respected journalists to our team, this helps solidify our position in our state," said Digio Strategies General Manager Kelly Crocker.
"We were searching for more ways to serve our local community and by adding Therese and Darkhorse Press, we are accomplishing that goal. When most companies are replacing local talent with automation or national services, we are continuing to build our local team to better serve and be an even more trusted source of news, information and entertainment," said Digio Strategies Operations Manager Jan Michaels.
Darkhorse Press, Mississippi's Hometown News Source, will continue to operate as another tool in Digio Strategies' toolbox with Apel at the helm. Making a return will be the popular police ride along series, "Front Lines," which will feature first-hand on-the-ground looks at local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as they protect Mississippians around the state.
"The goal of Darkhorse Press has always been to bring you fair, unbiased news with integrity. I can't even express how God's hand has led this partnership and how unmistakeable He's been throughout these talks," added Apel. "We look forward to many years, and we want to give Him all the glory for all He's done to bring us to this point and beyond."
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