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A religious broadcaster that is expanding with the purchase of two Denver-area FMs from Gene Loving’s Max Media is giving three key team members new, higher positions within the organization.

Pillar Media has announced that Courtney Dee and Diana Gibbs have been promoted to Local Sales Manager roles for the company’s Central New Jersey and Cincinnati clusters, respectively. Cindy Alexander, with more than three decades of expertise in advertising support, has been elevated to the role of Sales Administrator.

Pillar operates WAWZ-FM “Star 99.1” in the Middlesex, N.J., Nielsen Audio market and can be heard across much of the New York market west of the Hudson River. It also owns WAKW-FM “Star 93.3” and Denver’s KPOF.

Dee has over 30 years in radio sales, with 15 of those at WAWZ as a Senior Marketing Specialist. She will also undertake the role of Pillar Media National Sales Manager alongside her new responsibilities.

Gibbs has served as a Senior Marketing Specialist at WAKW for the past seven years. Alexander, who joined the organization in 2022 as Sales Administrator for WAKW, will now collaborate with all Pillar Media sales teams.

Pillar Media Senior Director of Sales Eric Case remarked, “Courtney, Diana, and Cindy continually motivate me to be better and anyone who has had the pleasure of working with these ladies is better off for it. This is a great opportunity for them to have an even bigger impact moving forward.”

— Reporting by Cameron Coats

How will AI affect the ability of people to communicate on a human level? It’s a question public speaking coach and veteran public relations executive Rosemary Ravinal tackles by offering some her favorite quotes. They provide insights, she says, into the essence of public speaking and its role as the foundation of leadership.

 

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In June 2017, noted media broker Richard A. Foreman shared the news that all of Radio Vermont Group’s radio stations were up for sale. This would end the Squier family’s time as a radio station owner, which began in 1935.

On Friday, employees of the radio stations were told that a buyer has emerged.

It will mark a historic change in ownership for Class B WDEV-AM 550 in Waterbury, Vt., which was acquired by the Squier family in 1935. Later, in 1991, came Class C3 WDEV-FM 96.1 in Warren, Vt.; and WLVB-FM 93.9 in Morrisville, Vt. At the end of 2012, Radio Vermont added WCVT-FM 101.7 in Stowe, Vt., which it has owned since the late 1990s.

A trio of FM translators — W243AT-FM 96.5; W252CU-FM 98.3; and W273AM-FM 102.5 — most recently came into the mix.

Now, Radio Vermont has signed off on an agreement to sell the entire group of properties to Mermel & McLain Management LLC of Manchester, Vt. Mermel & McLain is known for office and residential real investments in the City of New York.

The sale was announced to Radio Vermont employees on Friday morning (1/2). General Manager Steve Cormier, Myers Mermel, and Scott Milne publicly announced the transaction live on WDEV at 12:35pm.

Ashley Jane Squier of the Radio Vermont Group said, “While these past couple months have been a sad time for our family, we are gratified to have found Vermonters to step up and continue the rich tradition of our treasured radio stations. During the last months of his life, my father Ken Squier was involved in our search for a buyer who would continue the independent radio legacy our family has built at WDEV and its sister stations for over 92 years. Beginning with my grandfather Lloyd Squier in 1931, the Squier family has been honored to serve Vermonters’ families and communities. We now feel confident that the stations will be in good hands to hold true to their legacy.”

Myers Mermel added, “We are thankful to the Squier family for their years of dedication to Vermont and to community radio. WDEV is the leading News/Talk/Sports station, and its community format builds social trust across our community. It keeps Vermont, and all its people, knit together. We look forward to continuing and enhancing community radio at WDEV with the same emphasis on even-handed reporting and commentary — as well as humor — which has been its hallmark.”

Mermel most recently was President of the conservative think tank Ethan Allen Institute and previously was a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. Milne is the President of Milne Travel and has been a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor and governor.

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) is giving individuals a little more time to submit entries for the 49th annual Gracie Awards.

One now has through January 25 at 11:59pm Eastern to get their entry in, with no additional fee.

The Gracie Awards, presented by AWMF, has recognized programming and individual achievement by women across all media for nearly five decades. Submissions from television, streaming, radio, audio, and digital media are encouraged.

A full list of the categories, including new categories for 2024 can be found here.

“It has undoubtedly been a unique year in our industry, and the dedication to continue producing outstanding content by, for, and about women is something to be celebrated,” said AWMF President Becky Brooks.

The Gracie Awards Gala are scheduled for May 21 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire hotel; the Gracie Awards Luncheon will be held on June 18 at Cipriani 42nd Street in the City of New York.

The 2024 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates are from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.

Entry details, including pricing and updated categories, can be viewed at
https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/call-for-entries/.

TEGNA Inc. will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full-year 2023 earnings results on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 10am Eastern.

The conference call will be webcast through the company’s website, and is open to investors, the financial community, the media and other members of the public.

What do analysts anticipate from the company that is home to Chief Financial Officer Victoria Harker? 

Five analysts polled by Yahoo! Finance anticipate earnings per share to come in between $0.49 and $0.56, with a consensus estimate of 51 cents.

Six analysts weighed in with their revenue estimates, and the consensus estimate comes in at $763.12 million, down 16.8% year-over-year for TEGNA.

 

A broadcast television station owned by the company that owns the most over-the-air facilities in the U.S. has been handed a proposed fine for its failure to timely file its quarterly issues/programs lists with the FCC.

A Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture was handed on Thursday to Nexstar Media Group‘s KAMR-4 in Amarillo, Tex., an NBC affiliate branded as “LOCAL 4.”

Nexstar faces a $6,000 penalty — and it is another example of self-incrimination. On April 1, 2022, Nexstar filed a license renewal application for KAMR. In the filing, Nexstar shared that it was tardy in the filing of the issues/programs lists.

Then came a July 6, 2023 amendment to the license renewal application, in which Nexstar shared with the Commission that additional late-filed issues/programs lists.

Specifically, KAMR-TV failed to upload copies of its issues/programs lists for nine quarters. KAMR uploaded five lists more than one year late, two lists between one month and one year late, and two lists between one day and one month late, respectively.

KAMR offered the Commission no explanation for its tardiness.

For Barbara Kreisman, Video Division Chief in the FCC’s Media Bureau, “under the
facts of this case, including the number of late filings and the extent by which they were late, a forfeiture in the amount of $6,000 is appropriate for the Licensee’s apparent failure to timely upload its issues/programs lists.”

The 2024 Consumer Electronics Show is now over, and among those raving about this year’s conference and expo is none other than Radio + Television Business Report President/Publisher Deborah Parenti, who saw first-hand how AI “was front and center at virtually — and we use that word in both meanings — every display and booth at the show.”

Meanwhile, the nation’s No. 1 audio content creation and distribution company was in Las Vegas but not as a CES exhibitor. Rather, iHeartMedia’s top brass co-hosted a VIP Executive Dinner in partnership with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp parent Meta.

“As to be expected, CES did not disappoint this year,” Parenti said. “It would be difficult to imagine anything less of a show that incorporates so much eye-popping, futuristic technology, integrated with environmental and social considerations wrapped into its DNA.”
The demonstrations of this high-end technology, Parenti noted, were applications that have been under development since the mid-1950s and have since become an integral part of advancements in health care, finance, and automotive among other industries — “not the potentially dangerous scenarios that have become the topic of such deep and warranted concern over the past year.”

Parenti continued, “It’s the technology on display in the automotive arena that should have every radio group swarming over this show. That should be the obvious lure. But there’s more. Innovations in smart homes represent another category that radio should be checking out because wherever ‘audio’ belongs, radio needs to find a way to be in the mix.”

Parenti, who is also Publisher/President of Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink, took note of the radio industry-centric tours hosted by Jacobs Media’s Fred and Paul Jacobs. “[They] offer a fascinating tour that targets some of the more important CES highlights that belong on radio’s radar,” Parenti said. “It’s a great way to take in what can otherwise be an overwhelming venture, especially for the uninitiated. But whether you sign up for their tour or try to cover the convention on your own (good luck – it’s the biggest show you will probably ever attend), you need to be there. Listeners are consumers. The Consumer Electronics Show is about what consumers will be buying and how tech will impact their choices and usage in the future.”

RIVERS CUOMO, RICH BRESSLER ENJOY A NIGHT AT ZOUK

On Tuesday (1/9), ahead of the January 10 invitation-only Cocktails & Conversation event hosted by Jacobs Media Strategies, Beasley Media Group, Benztown, Quu, Skyview Networks, Xperi, vCreative, RBR+TVBR, and Radio Ink, iHeartMedia hosted a VIP Executive Dinner that featured a special performance by longtime Alternative rock act Weezer at the trendy Zouk nightclub inside Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip.

Rich Bressler, President/COO and CFO of iHeartMedia, addresses attendees at an executive dinner party hosted by iHeartMedia and MediaLink, in partnership with Meta, at Zouk Nightclub in Resorts World during the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Taking a cue from its Cannes parties, iHeart’s MediaLink co-hosted party in partnership with Meta brought together “the senior-most influential decision makers and thought leaders in the media ecosystem,” including brand, agency, media, emerging technology and financial executives.

Guest attendees included an array of celebrities, business leaders and advertising partners.

Among the notables in attendance: Paris Hilton, Wilmer Valderrama, and Megan Rapinoe.

The business, media, entertainment and technology leaders in attendance included iHeartMedia President of Entertainment Enterprises John Sykes and Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman alongside UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer and Vice Chairman Jay Sures; Google VP of Agencies, Platforms & Client Solutions Kristen O’Hara; Time CEO Jessica Sibley; Disney President of Global Advertising Rita Ferro; and Netflix Advertising President Amy Reinhard.

The presence of “Big Tech” leaders at an event hosted by the owner of 800+ radio stations fighting on Capitol Hill for the future of AM radio through the NAB and key legislators in Congress is intriguing, as it shows iHeartMedia is very willing to do business with the “GAFAN” group, which many have assailed for poaching clients from broadcast radio.

Several Chief Marketing Officers were also present at the Zouk affair, including Delta Air Lines CMO Alicia Tillman, Unilever Chief Growth and Marketing Officer Esi Eggleston Bracey, Omnicom Group Chairman/CEO John Wren, Hyundai CMO Angela Zepeda, and Sir Martin Sorrell, among others.

MediaLink, led by entrepreneur Michael Kassan, “helps companies accelerate change and growth, with business practices spanning across media, advertising, investment, and emerging technologies.” It is a UTA company.

 

It airs on Channel 44 for those with over-the-air digital antennas and enjoys Cable Channel 12 across many MVPDs serving the San Francisco Bay Area. It is a property formerly known as KBCW, with a call letter change coming in September 2023 to better align itself with its CBS-owned sibling.

Now, CBS News & Stations faces a small financial penalty for failing to adhere to a FCC rule.

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A principal NPR and PBS Member serving the Commonwealth of Virginia has petitioned the FCC to add a channel to its Table of Allotments for a city between the college town of Charlottesville and Staunton, along the busy I-81 corridor to the south of the home of James Madison University.

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Rob Quicke, founder of the global event College Radio Day, has announced the release of his debut book, “Finding Your Voice in Radio, Audio and Podcast Production,” published by Routledge. Quicke says the textbook provides a “unique identity-centered approach” to the world of radio, audio and podcast production, aimed at helping readers build confidence and create audio content that matters to them.

The book draws from Quicke’s own experiences in radio, audio and podcasting, and features practical exercises and interviews with audio creators from around the world. “It has a truly international scope, and students will find someone that they identify with when they read it,” said Quicke in a press release.

The text is centered around Quicke’s R.E.A.L. method, which stands for creating audio that is Relatable, Engaging, Authentic and Liberating. “Throughout the book, readers will learn how to apply this concept to every step of the production process, from initial planning and writing to conducting interviews, broadcasting and effectively responding to feedback,” read the release.

“By the time readers finish ‘Finding Your Voice in Radio, Audio and Podcast Production,’ they will have not only gained a working knowledge of podcast, audio and radio production but also discovered their unique means of self-expression,” said Quicke.

Paul McLane, editor in chief of Radio World, said in a review: “Rob Quicke lays out a philosophy of what it takes to create great audio content, with an emphasis on the role of personal awareness and discovery.”

“Finding Your Voice in Radio, Audio and Podcast Production” is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all booksellers. It is also available directly from Routledge.

Rob Quicke is currently a professor and director of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism & Mass Communications at Marshall University. He holds degrees from the University of Oxford, the University of London and Regent University.

Quicke was also general manager of WPSC(FM) in Wayne, N.J., from 2007 to 2021. Before that, he was the general manager of Chicago’s WXAV(FM) at St. Xavier University from 2002 to 2007, where he served as the director of student media.

Submit business announcements to radioworld@futurenet.com.

The post Rob Quicke Releases Debut Book on Audio Production appeared first on Radio World.

She grew up watching Gray Television-owned WALB-10 in Albany, Ga., the company’s very first station. Today, this longtime TV sales executive has risen to become General Manager of the station and its low-power TV sibling that brings The CW Network to the Georgia market.

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What kind of engineering-related tools did the recent holidays bring you?

Broadcast engineer Archie Stulc wrote in to emphasize the importance of carrying your own tools and of choosing tools of decent quality. “It’s just so much better to have what you need with you, and to know that what you have will work for the job in front of you,” he said.

What’s in your bag? This one is full of crimpers.

This got me thinking about what engineers carry — in one or multiple cases — beyond their usual meters, screwdrivers, nutdrivers, pliers, cutting tools, duct tape and clip leads. 

What else is a “must have” in your tool kit? What adaptors, devices or spares do you choose not to live without?

Shoot me a brief email at johnpbisset@gmail.com. We’ll cover the suggestions in a future column.

Oh, and what about the bag or tool case itself? What’s your favorite?

You may have met retired radio and television engineer Fred Baumgartner serving as master of ceremonies at a Society of Broadcast Engineers Ennes Workshop. Steve Keeney, one of his favorite general managers, once gave Fred a great Delsey brand briefcase, the type carried by many broadcast engineers in the mid-’80s.

It became a perfect field case for crimp tools, wire strippers and punch tools, as you can see in the first photo. As you look over those contents, you’ll see nothing but history. Fred says every new cable seemed to require a new crimper and dedicated stripper.

Fred’s relics

The second photo, also from Fred, shows relics from WIBA’s 5 kW Westinghouse AM transmitter, which was built into three safety-interlocked rooms inside an Art Deco transmitter building. A new RCA replaced the Westinghouse in 1950.

On the left is a B+ fuse that uses a spring in PCB oil to instantly quench an arc when blown, typically when a final tube or capacitor shorted, thus saving the mercury vapor rectifiers, transformers and the like. Note that this fuse can be “refilled.” Sand-filled cartridge fuses do the same job but at lower voltages.

Westinghouse transmitter relics.

Big relays constantly needed contact “burnishing” or they would corrode, overheat, arc and fail. However, if the contacts were mercury (as with tower flashers, for example) the problem is solved. The mercury is pooled in the glass tubes and the coil, when energized, drives the contacts into the mercury for this double-pole, single-throw “contactor.” Mercury-whetted contacts are the little brother.

In the days before broadcast engineers set current trip limits with a smartphone or a greenie, we adjusted the spring tension and contact placement on the device shown at lower right in the photo, in order to achieve the correct current trip point. This one trips in the 100 mA neighborhood.

Given the maintenance required for transmitters of the 1950s and ’60s, it’s no wonder stations needed a flock of engineers to keep a station on the air.

Are your breakers labeled?

In the Alabama Broadcasters Monday Morning Coffee and Technical Notes e-newsletter, Larry Wilkins shared a great reminder about breaker panel labeling. 

Larry conducts a lot of station inspections as a part of the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program. He finds that many panels have no labels at all. 

This is an important safety concern. In an emergency, having a clear breaker label can be the difference between life and death.

If the panels at your studio and transmitter sites are not labeled, or if you’re not sure that the labeling is correct, be aware that Amazon and the big box stores have circuit tracers that will identify breakers without having to turn them off. A Sharpie or similar brand marker will work, though if your handwriting is sloppy, use a label maker. (You can also print small labels to identify the panel and breaker and place these on each electrical outlet.)

Another approach is to print out an electrical panel map from your computer, slide it into a clear plastic sheet protector and tape it inside the breaker box door. 

Finally, always replace the breaker cover panel after your work is completed. 

If you’d like to receive Larry’s free weekly newsletter, send him an email at lwilkins@al-ba.com. 

Workbench submissions are encouraged and qualify for SBE recertification credit. Email johnpbisset@gmail.com.

[Read Another Workbench by John Bisset]

The post What’s in Your Tool Bag? Let’s Start a List appeared first on Radio World.

NAPLES, FLA. — For the last several years, iHeartMedia‘s Southwest Florida radio group, overseen by veteran industry figure Louis Kaplan, has included a Hot Adult Contemporary brand known as “Y100.1,” a homage to WHYI in nearby Miami.

Now, the facility with the call letters WZJZ is taking a cue from WHYI’s sibling by adopting a “Only in Florida” Soft Adult Contemporary format with Spanish-language hosts and commercials.

As of today, WZJZ, a Class C1 FM licensed to Port Charlotte, Fla., that best covers Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties and most of affluent Collier County, is now “Magic 100.1.”

The music may be very similar to what listeners to locally owned “WAVE 101.1” or Beasley Media Group’s “Sunny 106.3” may hear. The big difference? El Gato, Ailyn Luaces, Tony Rodriguez, and Santiago Duarte are on the air offering en español presentations.

It’s a concept that recently arrived at WMIA-FM 93.9 in Miami, which iHeartMedia transitioned to “Magic 93.9” during the holiday period. The result? A 3.2 overall share in the December 2023 Nielsen Audio ratings for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market.

For iHeart, that spelled instant success, and also presented an opportunity to revive a station in Southwest Florida that has been a consistent 1.5 share overall; Fort Myers-Naples Nielsen Audio ratings are being released at 5pm Eastern on Friday (1/12).

“After seeing the instant success in Miami, it is exciting to bring this format to Fort Myers. The unique blend of English language music and Spanish language personalities sounds amazing on-air and is very appealing to the diverse Hispanic community in Fort Myers,” said Chris Soechtig, Division President of iHeartMedia.

At 4:30pm Eastern, ballads from Rod Stewart and Michael Bolton could be heard alongside songs from Simple Minds and UB40.

Issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture in the amount of $1,500 to Spokane Translator Association for failure to timely file a license renewal application for Station KVFS-LP, Spokane, Washington

The Petitioner requests the allotment of reserved noncommercial educational television channel *12 to Waynesboro, Virginia as the community's first local television service and its first noncommercial educational television service.

Issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture in the amount of $1,500 to Cascade Community Radio for failure to timely file a license renewal application for Station KVRN-LP, Portland, Oregon

Issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture to Nexstar Media Inc., in the amount of $6,000 for violations of Commission rules.

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Issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order and Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture to San Francisco Television Station KBCW, Inc., in the amount of $3,000 for violations of Commission rules.