On July 31, Family Life Broadcasting System closed on its $10 million acquisition of WDRQ-FM (Detroit) from Cumulus Media and launched its Christian network programming on the station at midnight under new WUFL call letters.
On July 31, Billy Sours’ Whiskey Sours Broadcasting and Productions closed on its $140,000 deal to buy WYPV-FM (Mackinaw City) from John Yob’s Mitten News. The station had been silent since March 31 and returned to the air August 2 as WSBX, featuring a classic rock format.
On July 17, Radio Ink Magazine released its 2023 list of the “40 Most Powerful People in Radio,” and joining the ranks of the elite this year is Midwest Communications President/CEO (and former MAB Chair) Peter Tanz. A 38-year company veteran, Tanz was appointed to his current role in January, 2023 following the unfortunate passing of founder Duke Wright.
FEMA and the FCC announced August 3 that this year’s Nationwide EAS Test is scheduled for October 4, 2023 (with a back-up date of October 11). FEMA issued this Release about the test. The FCC issued a Public Notice which includes a list of recommended steps that broadcasters should take to prepare for the alert.
PBS has announced the appointment of former WKAR Public Media Director of Broadcasting and General Manager Susi Elkins as Senior Vice President, Station Services. As head of Station Services, Elkins will oversee the department that serves as a central communication point for member stations.
Liggett Communication’s WHLS (Port Huron)(Rock 105.5) has announced that it will partner for the second straight year with the Blue Water Area Humane Society and several local businesses for Rockin’ the Rescue, a day-long fundraising and awareness event to take place at the International Flag Plaza Plaza in Port Huron.
This past Monday (7/31), the FCC’s Media Bureau announced the rules for the filing window for new LPFM stations that is to open on November 1, 2023.
The most important click on your website (and app): LISTEN LIVE. You’d be shocked at how hard that is to find on many radio sites. Same goes for your app.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has revealed the finalists for the 2023 NAB Marconi Radio Awards. This year, Debbie Kenyon, SVP/Market Manager at Audacy’s Detroit cluster is a finalist in the Legendary Radio Manager of the Year category. Kenyon was the recipient of MAB’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
Gray Television’s WNEM-TV (Bay City-Saginaw) has announced that Diane Phillips has joined the station’s First Alert Weather Team as their new meteorologist. Phillips comes to WNEM after spending two years at WTOL-TV (Toledo, OH).