On January 24, Thunder Bay Broadcasting’s WBKB-TV (Alpena) became, what may be the first station in the nation to carry all four major networks on separate digital subchannels. The station added NBC (on channel 11.2) to its roster of networks that include CBS (11.1), ABC (11.3), Fox & MyNetworkTV (11.4). The station welcomed NBC to…
Longtime Lansing air personality Joe Schneider has joined the airstaff of Krol Communication’s WJSZ-FM (Ashley/Owosso) as afternoon (3-7 p.m.) personality. A 2002 graduate of Specs Howard School of Media Arts, Schneider got his start at then-oldies WJIM-FM (Lansing), hosting the 60’s at 6 and 70’s at 7 as Smokin’ Joe. He later moved on to…
Inside Radio reports (1/28) that Ed Christian, CEO of Michigan-based Saga Communications, has inked a two-year extension to his contract that will keep him as head of the company he founded through March 31, 2027. The previous contract would have expired March 31, 2025. The new amendment also adds a new “change of Control” definition…
By: Mitchell Stabbe, Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP via the Broadcast Law Blog There was record viewership for the last-second victories in each of the 2022 NFC and AFC Divisional Round games. Thus, the interest in this year’s Super Bowl game may be unprecedented and advertisers may want to take advantage. For the last six years,…
The Academy of Country Music® announced this past Monday (1/24) Radio Awards nominees for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards™, including a double nomination for Audacy’s WYCD-FM (Detroit). WYCD was nominated for Major Market Radio Station of the Year. Its morning show, Josh, Rachael & Grunwald In the Morning with Josh Holleman, Rachael Hunter…
On January 20, Nexstar Media Group’s WJMN-TV (Escanaba) announced that effective January 21, the station will no longer be affiliated with the CBS Network. In a story on its website, the station said it will “continue to provide the news, weather, sports and entertainment that we have for over 50 years across the Upper Peninsula.” …
Cadillac Telecasting’s WFQX-TV (Cadillac), which is operated by Heritage Broadcasting Group (WWTV/WWUP-TV) through a shared services agreement, has announced that it has added three new subchannels to its roster. WFQX, a dual Fox/CW affiliate, has added Newsy, Court Mystery and Defy TV for viewers in northern Michigan. The station says, “Newsy offers coverage of top…
By: Seth Resler Jacobs Media Strategies In recent years, thankfully, the broadcasting industry has engaged in more conversations around the mental health of on-air talent. Industry conferences have hosted sessions on the topic, while some of our industry peers, like Lynn McDonnell and Dan Mason, have found second acts in their careers by addressing mental…
Former WXYZ-TV Vice-President and General Manager (1979-1987) Jeanne Findlater recently penned an op-ed piece for the Detroit Free Press celebrating the elevation of women to key roles in media and other corporate environments. Headlined “One responsibility of women leaders in the 1980s – don’t spoil it for other women.” In her post, Findlater writes about…
WXMI-TV (Grand Rapids) has announced that Meteorologist Reece Cole has joined the station as the newest member of the Fox 17 Weather Team. Reece made his on-air debut during Sunday’s (1/16) 10 p.m. newscast. He will appear on-air weekend evenings and some newscasts during the week. Cole joins the station from KSWO-TV in Lawton, OK, where…