Broadcasting Industry News
Fire Destroys WOOD-FM Transmitter
iHeartMedia’s WOOD-FM (Muskegon/Grand Rapids) was knocked off the air temporarily due to a fire at the station’s transmitter site on June 20. This occurred during a weather system that brought two lines of severe thunderstorms to Michigan that resulting in a tornado sighting, downed trees and structural damage. The fire was reportedly set by the…
Read MoreWILX Teams With Red Cross for Telethon
On June 23, WILX-TV (Lansing) partnered with The America Red Cross to make it easy for people to sign up for a blood donation appointment. The Give Blood Telethon was held at the station’s studios from 4:30 – 9 a.m. and again 4 – 8 p.m. WILX encouraged the community to call to make an…
Read MoreWKAR Welcomes Megan Schellong As New Morning Edition Host
WKAR-AM/FM in East Lansing has announced that Megan Schellong has been promoted as the station’s new local host for NPR’s Morning Edition. Schellong joins the station from WLNS-TV (Lansing),where she spent the last one and a half years as a digital producer. Prior to joining WLNS, Schellong worked at KPCC-FM in Southern California as a…
Read MoreRegional Emmy Winners Announced
On June 19, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS)/Michigan presented the 43rd Annual Regional EMMY® Awards. The ceremonies were held virtually. Public stations winning in various categories include WCMU-TV, WKAR-TV and WTVS-TV. Commercial stations receiving awards in various categories include WDIV-TV, WEYI-TV, WJBK-TV, WJRT-TV, WNEM-TV, WOOD-TV, WWTV/WWUP-TV, WXMI-TV, WXYZ-TV and WZZM-TV. Three…
Read MoreWDIV’s Marla Drutz to Retire After 4 Decades in Detroit
WDIV-TV (Detroit) and Graham Media Group has announced the retirement of Marla Drutz, Vice President and General Manager of the station, after more than 13 years of distinguished service, effective in the upcoming months once a replacement is hired and transitioned into the job. Drutz is a broadcast industry legend with more than 35 years…
Read MoreWDET Announces ‘Artist Next Door’ Initiative
Six Southeast Michigan artists have been selected by a jury of artists and journalists to demonstrate their art, heritage and culture through an innovative program, The Artist Next Door, hosted by WDET-FM (Detroit) and made possible by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The artists representing mixed media, painting,…
Read MoreTownsquare Names Mary Fork at Market President/CRO for Southwestern Michigan
Townsquare Media Inc. announced June 15 that Mary Fork has been appointed as Market President/Chief Revenue Officer for Southwest Michigan, leading its “Digital First” strategy and driving strategic multi-platform sales and content initiatives across the region, which includes Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. Mary spent nearly the last decade leading teams for Comcast/Effective throughout Southeast Michigan.…
Read MoreSummit Technology Group Named Exclusive Engineering Partner of IBA
On June 15, the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) announced a new partnership with Keego Harbor-based Summit Technology Group, making them the exclusive provider of broadcast engineering solutions to the over 1500 member stations that make up the IBA. Effective June 16th, all association members will have direct access to the national team of broadcast, electrical…
Read MoreMichigan Radio’s Sarah Cwiek Wins McCree Advancement of Justice Award
Michigan Radio reporter Sarah Cwiek has been selected as a winner of the 2021 Wade H. McCree Advancement of Justice Awards, sponsored by the Michigan Press Association Foundation. Cwiek was recognized for her investigation “Tax foreclosure lawsuit asks: How much can government take from property owners?” The story shows how citizens, especially those at risk…
Read MoreDan Boers Hired as WXMI News Director
Dan Boers has been hired as News Director at WXMI-TV/FOX 17 (Grand Rapids), effective June 23, 2021. He comes to the station after nearly a 20-year career at WOOD/WOTV/WXSP in Grand Rapids, where he was most recently news director for the past 6+ years. “Dan has a record of leading a high-performing news team and…
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