XPost: alt.radio.broadcasting

RadioInsight

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Jeremy Rice Joins iHeartMedia Orlando As WXXL/WMGF Program Director

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 01:57 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/221480/jeremy-rice-joins-iheartmedia-orlando-as-wxxl-wmgf-program-director/


iHeartMedia Orlando has announced the appointment of Jeremy Rice as Program Director of CHR XL106.7 WXXL Tavares and AC Magic 107.7 WMGF Mount Dora FL.

Rice joins iHeartMedia after a long tenure at Cox Media Group from 1998 to
2021 that included programming CHRs Hot 107.9 WWHT Syracuse NY and then
106.1 WBLI Patchogue NY for two decades. During his tenure with Cox, Rice
also served as Top 40 Format Leader for the company.

Rice succeeds Brian Mack, who is moving to a yet to be announced position
with iHeartMedia’s National Programming Group after nine years in Orlando.

iHeartMedia announced today that Jeremy Rice has been named Program
Director for XL1067 and Magic 107.7 in the Orlando market, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Orlando has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing twelve stations comprised of music, talk and news formats.  

 

iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As Program Director, Rice will oversee all on-air content as well as music and digital programming operations for XL1067 and Magic 107.7. He will
report to Rick Everett, Senior Vice President of Programming for
iHeartMedia Orlando and Jacksonville. Rice replaces Brian Mack, who was recently promoted and transitioned to iHeartMedia’s National Programming team.

“Jeremy has an extensive background and knowledge in the CHR and AC format and Is a perfect fit to lead our programming team in Orlando at XL1067 and Magic 107.7. His unique perspective, positive energy and creativity make
him a perfect fit,” said Everett. 

 

“Jeremy has big shoes to fill,” said Barbara Latham, President for iHeartMedia Central Florida. “We are confident he has the experience and expertise to continue the success of our brands here in Central Florida, welcome aboard, Jeremy.” 

 

Rice joins iHeartMedia Orlando from Cox Media Group. For over 20 years, he
was the Top 40 Format Leader for all CMG stations, including Hot 101.5
Tampa Bay and WAPE Jacksonville, while serving as Program Director for the legendary WBLI, Long Island.

 

“iHeart has built an extensive portfolio of assets and the leadership team has a clear and exciting vision for the future,” said Rice. “ I am thrilled to join the iHeart team and be a part of that winning culture. XL 106.7 and Magic 107.7 are amazing Superbrands that exemplify the success of
iHeartMedia Orlando.”


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Keith Hastings Joins WDRV As Brand/Content Director

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 01:56 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222513/keith-hastings-joins-wdrv-as-brand-content-director/


Hubbard Radio Chicago has announced the appointment of Keith Hastings as
Brand and Content Director for Classic Rock 97.1 The Drive WDRV
Chicago/96.9 WWDV Zion IL.

Hastings joins Hubbard from Cox Media Group where he served as Director of Operations for their San Antonio cluster, Program Director of Rock 99.5
KISS and Classic Rock 106.7 The Eagle KTKX, and corporate Rock Formats
Leader. Prior to going to San Antonio in 2013, Hastings previously has also programmed WAAF Boston, WCSX Detroit, WHQG/WLZR Milwaukee, and WAQY-FM Springfield MA.

Hastings fills the position that had been held by Rob Cressman until his retirement in February after six years programming WDRV.

Hubbard Radio Chicago Vice President / Market Manager, Jeff England,
announced today that starting Monday, April 18th Keith Hastings will join 97.1FM The Drive, as Brand and Content Director.

Hastings comes to The Drive from San Antonio where he served as Director of Operations while programming KISS, KTKX and serving as Rock Formats Leader
for Cox Media Group. Prior to San Antonio, Hasting programmed Rock formats
in Boston, Detroit, and Milwaukee.

“There is no greater opportunity anywhere for a Classic Rock programmer
than The Drive. I want to thank Jeff England, Greg Strassell, Dave
Bestler, and Ginny Morris for welcoming me. Hubbard Broadcasting is a world-class company and The Drive is the crown jewel in the greatest city
in the world. It’s an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with leading
The Drive’s supremely talented and creative staff.” said Hastings.

Hubbard Chicago Vice President / Market Manager Jeff England added, “We are thrilled to welcome Keith to Hubbard Radio Chicago. His extensive knowledge
and experience in both the Classic Rock and Rock formats, coupled with his proven leadership skills, makes him the ideal person to lead our talented
team at Chicago’s Classic Rock, 97.1FM The Drive.”

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Lorenzo 'Ice-Tea' Thomas To Host Afternoons At WCFB

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 01:25 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222509/lorenzo-ice-tea-thomas-to-host-afternoons-at-wcfb/


Cox Media Group Adult RB Star 94.5 WCFB Daytona Beach/Orlando FL has
announced the addition of Lorenzo Ice-Tea Thomas as afternoon host.

Thomas returns to Cox after previously hosting afternoons on Hip Hop 99
Jamz WEDR Miami from 2003 to 2014. He has also worked at WKYS Washington DC
and stations in Baltimore and Norfolk. Most recently he has served as a correspondent for Celebrity Page TV.

Thomas takes the afternoon slot that has been held remotely since 2020 by
WEDR afternoon co-host Supa Cindy.

Cox Media Group (“CMG”) today announced that radio veteran Lorenzo “Ice-Tea” Thomas has been named afternoon drive host for STAR 94.5 in Orlando effective April 4.

 Thomas previously enjoyed success at CMG as afternoon host for 99 JAMZ in Miami from 2003-2014. While there, he developed content for the
urban-format station and was rated number one in the 18-34 demographic for
over four years.  His award-winning radio career has spanned markets in Norfolk, Va., Baltimore, Md., and Washington, DC.  He has also gained a following as contributing correspondent for Celebrity Page TV, Miami where
he conducts interviews on the red carpet, sports reporting, and voice-over work. 

“I’m thrilled to have Lorenzo join CMG Orlando and STAR 94.5,” said Elroy Smith, Director Branding & Programming for CMG in Orlando and
Jacksonville.  “I admire his charisma, infinite knowledge of radio, and clever way of communicating with his audience. Lorenzo is commanding, compelling, relatable, social media savvy, content-driven and
well-connected, so I am sure there will be a steady parade of celebrities
and movers-and-shakers showcased on his afternoon show. Welcome to the
team, Ice-Tea!” 

“Having the wealth of talent like Lorenzo’s is exactly what we strive for at CMG and we know that his impact will be felt immediately with the STAR
94.5 community,” added Steve Stewart, Director of Operations for Orlando Radio.

A native New Yorker, Thomas majored in English and Communications at
Virginia State University. 

“Its great to be back with the CMG family,” said Thomas. “I extend my sincere thanks to Elroy Smith, Jason Meder VP & GM, Steve Stewart, Chris
Eagan, VP of Audience and Operations, and Rob Babin, SVP, Head of Radio for this great opportunity. I look forward to embracing the Orlando community
and taking them on a great ride with Lorenzo rockin’ on the radio!”

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Yaya Martinez Joins 93.7 KRQ/92. 9 The Bull

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:20 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222502/yaya-martinez-joins-93-7-krq-92-9-the-bull/


iHeartMedia Tucson has welcomed Yaya Martinez to the cluster as afternoon
host on CHR 93.7 KRQ KRQQ and evening host on Country 92.9 The Bull KHUD.

The Arizona native has previously worked on air at Hip Hop Power 98.3 KKFR Phoenix and co-hosted mornings at both Wild 102.9 KWYL Reno and Hot 103.5
KHHL Sacramento.

Martinez fills the slot that had been held by Celina Martinez, who is
remaining with iHeartMedia moving up to a larger market.












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Audacy App To Carry New York Mets Broadcasts

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:13 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222464/audacy-app-to-carry-new-york-mets-broadcasts/


Audacy has announced its app will serve as the exclusive free streaming
home for all New York Mets games in both English and Spanish.

The Mets have not had a network of stations carrying their game broadcasts beyond flagship 880 WCBS New York the past few years, so this deal will
make Mets games available to listeners throughout their broadcast territory.

As part of the deal, WCBS will produce the Spanish language broadcasts for
the Mets that will air on Good Karma Brands 1050 WEPN. The Spanish language broadcasts move from former Univision Spanish AC Que Buena 92.7 WQBU-FM
Garden City NY after previously being on WEPN from 2013 to 2019.

Audacy announced an expansion to their broadcast partnership with the New
York Mets that will make the Audacy app the exclusive free digital
streaming home for all Mets games as part of the WCBS 880’s (WCBS-AM) flagship partnership with the team. English and Spanish language broadcasts
of Mets baseball will be available on the Audacy app for consumers within
the Mets broadcast territory and Mets.com beginning Opening Day on April 7.

“Following one of the most successful offseasons in franchise history, we’re thrilled to gear up for the 2022 season by making our outstanding coverage of the Mets even more accessible to millions of local fans,” Chris Oliviero, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy New York. “In
the car, on their phone or however they may be listening – in English or in Spanish – the Amazin faithful will now have the ability to seamlessly catch every pitch during what is sure to be an exciting season.”

“We continue to enjoy a great partnership with Audacy and their ability to reach Mets fans,” said Sandy Alderson, President, New York Met. “We are also thrilled with the different platforms, both in English and Spanish,
that will give our fans the opportunity to follow the team for each and
every game.”

Additionally, WCBS 880 has also reached a content sharing agreement with
ESPN 1050 (WEPN-AM) that will bring WCBS 880-produced Spanish language broadcasts of all regular and postseason games to ESPN 1050 for the 2022 season.

The station also announces the broadcast teams for both English language broadcasts on WCBS 880 and Spanish language broadcasts on ESPN 1050.
Veteran broadcaster Howie Rose will continue as the lead voice in the Mets radio booth where he will be joined by Wayne Randazzo. Hispanic voice of
the Mets Max Perez Jimenez will call the games on ESPN 1050 alongside
Nestor Rosario.

WCBS 880 has served as the radio home of the Mets since 2019. The
partnership includes all regular season, spring training, and postseason
games as well as Spanish-language broadcast rights.

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Dan Roberts Joins KOLW As Brand Manager/Afternoon Host

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 05:00 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222403/dan-roberts-joins-kolw-as-brand-manager-afternoon-host/


Townsquare Media CHR 97.5 Kiss-FM KOLW Basin City/Kennewick WA has
announced the appointment of Dan Roberts as Brand Manager and afternoon
host.

Roberts most recently hosted afternoons at Morgan Murphy Media CHR 92.9
KZZU Spokane until exiting in October 2020. He previously had served as
morning show producer there from 2013 to 2019 after a previous stint there
from 1990 to 1997. In between, he spent fifteen years in Seattle as
Creative Director and evening host at Clear Channel Classic Hits 95.7
KJR-FM. He is also a voice actor for animation including Dilbert.

Townsquare announced last week it will be placing KOLWs license in a divestiture trust as part of its acquisition of Cherry Creek Media.

Townsquare Media Tri-Cities, WA announced today that Dan Roberts has joined
the Company as Brand Manager/PM Drive at 97.5 KISS FM (KOLW-FM).

“We are tremendously proud to have Dan join our already amazing, first-in-class digital content team in Tri-Cities. Dan brings a wealth of experience as an on-air personality, award-winning copywriter, producer,
and voice talent (Dilbert). This is a huge win for us and we’re very
excited to have him join the team,” said Paul Drake, Townsquare Tri-Cities Director of Content.

“I’m excited to join 97.5 KISS FM and Townsquare, who I believe are doing it right; hyper-local radio and hyper- local digital content that can’t be found anywhere else,” added Dan. “We’re going to have a blast together, which is dangerous since we’re so close to a nuclear facility.”

A stand-up comic and podcast host, Dan most recently served as PM Drive personality and producer at KZZU- FM/Morgan Murphy Media, Spokane.

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Dave Frisina Retires After Cumulus Syracuse Eliminates Position

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 04:00 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222408/dave-frisina-retires-after-cumulus-syracuse-eliminates-position/


Nearly three years after Cumulus Media Classic Rock 105.9 The Rebel WXTL
moved online only, longtime Syracuse NY talent Dave Frisina has retired
after Cumulus cut his position this week.

Frisina had been with the Rebel brand since shortly after its launch in
2012. The brand was moved online after WXTL was part of the 2019 Cumulus
sale of six stations to EMF. He continued to program the brand and host afternoons and his two long-running specialty shows Soulshine and
Soundcheck on Sundays. Focusing on local music, Soundcheck debuted in 1979, with Frisina stating, I spent yesterday trying in vain to negotiate a way
that I could remain in the limited capacity of just hosting Soulshine and Soundcheck on Sundays. I was flatly rejected.”

CNYCentral.com reports that Cumulus would not let Frisina host a farewell
show with him stating, “This was not exactly the graceful send-off into retirement, as the founding member of the station, that I had imagined.”

Frisina spent 25 years at Rock 95X WAQX from 1978 to 2003 in multiple
on-air and programming roles before moving to Galaxy Communications TK99
WTKW Bridgeport/WTKV Minetto as APD/midday host through 2011.

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Steckline Expands In Wichita With KHLT Purchase

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 02:10 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222368/steckline-expands-in-wichita-with-khlt-purchase/


Steckline Communications is purchasing Regional Mexican La Raza 99.7
KHLT-FM Belle Plaine/Wichita KS from La Raza LLC for $1.4 million.

A Time Brokerage Agreement will take effect on Friday, April 1. With a condition in the sale that La Raza will terminate all employees ahead of closing it is expected a new format will launch.

Steckline currently owns Conservative Talk 1480 KQAM/102.5 K273CX and
Sports 1410 KGSO/93.9 K230BY Wichita along with Mid-America Ag Network and
five other stations across southern Kansas.

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WTTC-FM Shifts To Classic Rock Following Sale Closing

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 01:39 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222361/wttc-fm-shifts-to-classic-rock-following-sale-closing/


Radigan Broadcasting Group has closed on its purchase of Classic Hits “95.3 The Bridge” WTTC-FM and Oldies 1550 WTTC/107.7 W299CM Towanda PA from Cantroair Communications.

With the closing, the company has moved WTTC-FM to Classic Rock, which eliminates format overlap with the companys Classic Hits “Choice 102” WAVR Waverly NY. WTTC-FM is utilizing programming from Local Radio Networks.
Former morning hosts Ken Lane and Heather Bohner remain with Cantroair,
which they manage as part of the family that owns it.

A new format should launch on 1550 WTTC once the CP to relocate its
translator across the New York state line where it will serve Waverly NY
and Sayre PA is built out.

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Cox Breaks Up Combined Radio/TV Cluster In Tulsa As Part Of Twelve Market Divestiture

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 11:32 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/222357/cox-breaks-up-combined-radio-tv-cluster-in-tulsa-as-part-of-twelve-market-divestiture/


Cox Media Group has announced a deal to sell eighteen television stations
in twelve markets to Imagicomm Communications, an affiliate of INSP LLC,
the owner of Western themed cable network INSP for an undisclosed amount.

One of the markets to be sold has radio ramifications as Cox will break-up
the combined radio and television cluster it operates in Tulsa OK. Imagicom will acquire Fox 23 KOKI-TV and My 41 KMYT-TV. Cox will retain its radio holdings of News/Talk 740 KRMG/102.3 KRMG-FM, Country K95.5 KWEN, Hot AC
Mix 96.5 KRAV, and Classic Rock 103.3 The Eagle KJSR.

Both the radio and television stations are currently co-located within the
same facility.

Cox Media Group (CMG), an industry-leading media company, and the general entertainment cable network INSP, LLC (INSP) announced today that
affiliates of each company have entered into a definitive agreement
involving the sale of CMG television stations in twelve markets. The transaction furthers the strategic evolution of CMG’s broadcast station portfolio and marks INSP’s expansion into broadcast television.

Upon the close of the transaction, Imagicomm Communications, an affiliate
of INSP, will acquire the following CMG stations:

Alexandria, LA KLAX
Binghamton, NY WICZ
Eureka, CA KIEM/KVIQ-LD
Greenwood, MS WABG/WNBD/WXVT
Idaho Falls, ID KPVI
Medford, OR KMVU/KFBI-LD
Memphis, TN WHBQ
Spokane, WA KAYU
Syracuse, NY WSYT
Tulsa, OK KOKI/KMYT
Yakima, WA KCYU-LD/KFFX
Yuma, AZ KYMA


“These are important local journalism and community service brands powered
by incredible media professionals and journalists who work tirelessly to inform, entertain, and elevate the communities they serve,” said CMG’s President and CEO, Dan York. “We are pleased to advance the strategic evolution of our portfolio, are proud of our team members at these
stations, and are confident they will continue to excel in their important
work as part of the Imagicomm / INSP family.”

David Cerullo, Chairman & CEO of INSP, said, “We are excited to be entering the broadcast television market with this strong collection of brands that
are integral to informing and entertaining the communities they serve. We
look forward to working with the stations’ talented staff and building upon their rich legacy of journalism and serving their communities, advertisers,
and audiences. This acquisition is part of our broad corporate strategy to expand our media ownership across multiple entertainment platforms.”

The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. The parties expect to close the announced transactions in the second half of 2022.

Advisors

Truist Securities, Inc. served as financial advisor to INSP and Imagicomm Communications in connection with the Transaction and is acting as left
lead arranger on the debt financing. Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP served as
lead M&A counsel to INSP and Imagicomm Communications, and Bradley Arant
Boult Cummings served as their financing counsel.

Moelis & Company, LLC and LionTree served as financial advisors to Cox
Media Group, and it was represented on the transaction by Davis Polk &
Wardwell LLP, with Cooley LLP and Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP serving as
special regulatory counsel.

About CMG

CMG Media Corporation (d/b/a Cox Media Group) is an industry-leading media company with unparalleled brands, award-winning content, and exceptional people. CMG provides valuable local content to viewers in the communities
in which it serves. The company’s operations primarily include 31 high-quality, market-leading television stations in 20 markets, 53 top-performing radio stations delivering multiple genres of content in 11 markets, and numerous streaming and digital platforms. CMG’s portfolio includes primary affiliates of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo and
MyNetworkTV, as well as several valuable news and independent stations. Additionally, the company also offers a full suite of national, regional,
local and digital advertising services with CMG Local Solutions, CoxReps and Gamut. For more information about CMG, visit www.coxmediagroup.com.

About INSP

INSP, LLC is a 24-hour-a-day general entertainment cable network that
provides a trusted viewing experience with a lineup of exclusive and
original series, timeless Westerns, action-filled dramas and films focused
on adventure and heroic characters. The network’s audience continues to
grow at a time when most cable networks have experienced declines, and its average monthly HH ratings increased by more than 1300% from 2010 through
2022. INSP is available nationwide to more than 62M households via MVPDs including DISH (channel 259), DIRECTV (channel 364), Cox Communications, Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), Verizon Fios (channel 286), AT&T U-verse (channel 564) and on
vMVPDs including SLING TV, fuboTV, Philo, Frndly TV, Vidgo, SelectTV and
Evoca.

About Imagicomm Communications

Imagicomm Communications is an affiliate of INSP, LLC responsible for the ownership and management of broadcast-related functions for the
organization, including content distribution in the broadcast environment, station ownership, oversight and development.

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Fresh Listen: WPSC (Brave New Radio)

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 09:00 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/blogs/221837/fresh-listen-wpsc-brave-new-radio/


We are just under a month away from Vinylthon 2022, the College Radio Foundation’s seventh annual fundraiser. Organizer Dr. Rob Quicke is also
the faculty advisor of William Paterson University’s WPSC (Brave New
Radio), which rebranded last year as “New Jersey’s Home for Alt Hip-Hop.” So now is a good time for a Fresh Listen.

WPSC is the winner of the 2021 Marconi Award for College Station of the
Year. Licensed to Northern New Jersey, it also fills a relatively
underserved niche in Hip-Hop’s backyard. If you’re a First Generation or ‘90s Hip-Hop listener who fell away from the genre over the last few
decades, it’s a good place to hear current artists still doing the sort of writing and storytelling that powered early Hip-Hop.

I heard WPSC on midday Wednesday with PD Vont Leak (11 a,m.-1 p.m.). He’s
on again at 5 p.m., Thursday. Quicke also recommends the station’s “Morning Commute” show, winner of the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System’s Best Morning Show award; they’re heard Mondays 7-9 a.m. 

Here’s WPSC at 11:45 a.m., March 23:

Megan Thee Stallion, “Outside”
Koffee, “Pull Up”
Earthgang, “Waterboyz”
Buddy f/Blxst, “Wait Too Long”
Jack Harlow, “Same Guy”
Drake, “Passonfruit”
Kanye West, “Good Morning”
Lil Nas X, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name”)—Leak set up the hour’s most mainstream moment by recapping iHeart Awards winners and with a listener request for Lil Nas X
Saba f/6LACK & Smino, “Still”
Vic Mensa, “Cocoa Butter Kisses”
Blxst f/Zacari, “Sometimes”
Shottie, “K Lo K”
Rosalia, “Saoko”


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Domain Insight 3/30: Who's Squatting On Bay Area Country Domains?

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 08:04 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/netgnomes/222343/domain-insight-3-30-whos-squatting-on-bay-area-country-domains/


With the upcoming demise of the Country format on 95.3 KRTY Los Gatos CA, a squatter has locked down domains pointing to the format at a number of potential candidates.

Plus impending changes in Trenton NJ and Florence SC.
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