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RadioInsight

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Great Eastern Radio Expands In Burlington/Plattsburgh

Posted: 30 Sep 2021 01:26 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213498/great-eastern-radio-expands-in-burlington-plattsburgh/


Great Eastern Radio is adding a third signal in Burlington VT/Plattsburgh
NY with the purchase of 97.9 WXMS Au Sable NY from Randy Michaels
Radioactive LLC for $99,999.99.

The station has been operated by Loud Media the past few years as Classic Country 97.9 The Moose. Great Eastern will be taking over the station via
LMA ahead of closing, with a format change as soon as tomorrow.

WXMS becomes Great Easterns third signal in the Burlington/Plattsburgh
market joining Country Froggy 104.3/100.9 WJKS Keeseville, which simulcasts 100.9 WWFY Berlin VT and Classic Rock 107.1 Frank-FM WWFK Plattsburgh West
NY, which simulcasts 100.9 WRFK Barre VT.


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Bonneville To Take Over Operations Of 1280/97.5 The Zone

Posted: 30 Sep 2021 01:02 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213496/bonneville-to-take-over-operations-of-1280-97-5-the-zone/


Bonneville International is taking over management of Jazz Communications Sports The Zone Sports Network 1280 KZNS Salt Lake City/97.5 KZNS-FM
Coalville UT.

As part of the deal, Bonneville will simulcast select Utah Jazz games from KZNS/KZNS-FM on News/Talk 1160 KSL/102.7 KSL-FM. The Sports simulcast joins
a Bonneville Salt Lake City cluster that also includes AC FM 100 KSFI,
Classic Rock 103.5 The Arrow KRSP and KSL-TV.

New Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith acquired the stations from former owner
Larry H Miller Communications in April for $100.

The Utah Jazz and Bonneville International Corporation announced a
partnership shifting day-day-day operations management of The Zone Sports Network to KSL Sports, under the Bonneville umbrella.

The partnership creates a powerhouse for fans and will bring Utah Jazz
games and the rest of The Zone’s lineup to more fans across the state.

The Zone Sports Network (1280 AM/97.5 FM) will continue to broadcast all
Jazz games and will be joined in a simulcast on KSL NewsRadio (1160
AM/102.7 FM) for a select number of regular-season games as well as all potential Jazz playoff games.

“Bonneville is proud to partner with the Utah Jazz, and we are grateful for the trust the Jazz have placed in us with their radio assets,” said Darrell Brown, president of Bonneville International Corp. “Our two companies are uniquely aligned, sharing deep roots in Utah and a focus on serving local audiences with a commitment to high-quality content and operations. We look forward to bringing The Zone Sports Network together with KSL NewsRadio,
KSL TV, and KSLSports.com to create a new Utah sports powerhouse.”

This historic partnership completes an all-star line-up of sports across
KSL properties: KSL NewsRadio is the radio home for BYU football and basketball, KSLSports.com is the exclusive streaming partner for RSL and
high school sports, and KSL TV is Utah’s place to watch the NFL and the Olympics.

“Our radio and streaming alignment with the KSL platform for Utah Jazz
games is a tremendous opportunity to bring our team to more fans over a
much larger broadcast footprint,” said Jim Olson, president of the Utah
Jazz. “The Zone has been the top-rated sports radio station in the market, and this partnership with KSL’s digital assets, equipment and experience
will only further enhance the listening experience for Jazz and sports
fans.”


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We 100.1 Debuts In Reno

Posted: 30 Sep 2021 10:20 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213363/the-x-100-1-reno-heading-to-retirement/


Lotus launched Variety Hits 100.1 We-FM at 10:00am this morning.

With new KWEE call letters pending, the station is offering a broader than usual style of Variety Hits with a more distinctive pop lean that makes it almost a pop version of a AAA. The station is stressing their brand as
being a community effort with the We name .

The first five songs on the new 100.1 We-FM were Pink Get The Party
Started, Montell Jordan This Is How We Do It, Dua Lipa Dont Start Now,
Ricky Martin Livin La Vida Loca and Salt N Pepa Push It.

Update 8:20pm: As expected AAA The X 100.1 KTHX-FM Dayton/Reno NV signed
off at 5:15pm today with the Sundays Heres Where The Story Ends. After a
sound effect of a person walking out of the studio and slamming the door
shut, a couple minutes of dead air was followed by a sweeper stating 100.1
is on hold as the station began playing instrumental jazz similar to what
is used by many businesses as their on-hold music.

KTHX-FM will debut its new identity on Thursday, September 30 at 10:00am.

Original Report 9am: Lotus Communications AAA The X 100.1 KTHX-FM
Dayton/Reno NV is teasing it will head into retirement this evening after
31 years in the market.

The AAA brand and KTHX calls debuted on 101.7 in 1990 before moving to 94.7
in 1994 and finally 100.1 in 1997. The Reno News Review reports that the
brand will be retired at 5:15pm this evening prior to a new format
launching on Thursday, September 30 at 10:00am.

Lotus Reno General Mike Murray told the News Review, “I’ve been through a format change in the past and it feels like you are losing a member of you family I think that there’s going to be quite a few people that will have similar feelings, and of course we understand. It’s a difficult transition here, too.”

In explaining the rationale for the change, Murray explained, When people
are looking for deeper cuts or longer versions of songs, they are typically finding them. They are digging out their own music library or they are
going to stream some of that stuff, He continued, We’re looking to attract
a new audience that can appreciate a wide variety of music, maybe a little newer.”




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Jon Comouche Joins Valentine In The Morning Following Kevin Manno's
Departure

Posted: 30 Sep 2021 05:00 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213469/jon-comouche-joins-valentine-in-the-morning-following-kevin-mannos-departure/


iHeartMedia Hot AC 104.3 My-FM KBIG Los Angeles has added Jon Comouche as co-host of Valentine In The Morning alongside Sean Valentine and Jillian Escoto.

Comouche joins KBIG from sister CHR 102.7 KIIS-FM where he has been a
producer and phone screener for On-Air with Ryan Seacrest for the past two
and a half years. Comouche has been with iHeartMedia Los Angeles since 2017 starting as an intern and promotions assistant. He also co-hosts the Almost On-Air podcast with fellow Seacrest producer Erica Shea.

Comouche fills the slot on Valentine In The Morning that had been held for
the past eight years by Kevin Manno. Manno exited the show at the end of
August after relocating to Nashville. Manno joined KBIG in 2013 after
working at Q101 WKQX Chicago and hosting The Seven on MTV and Abbys
Ultimate Dance Competition on Lifetime.












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Chicago Public Media Votes To Pursue Chicago Sun-Times Purchase

Posted: 29 Sep 2021 07:49 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213472/chicago-public-media-to-purchase-chicago-sun-times/


Chicago Public Media has signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire
the Chicago Sun-Times.

Pending a final agreement, Chicago Public Media would purchase the daily newspaper where it would join Public News/Talk 91.5 WBEZ, Urban Alternative Vocalo 91.1 W216CL/WBEZ-HD2 and 89.5 WBEW Chesterton IA, and Jazz 90.7 WRTE Chicago under the non-profit ownership.

Chicago Public Media also announced that it has removed the interim title
from Chief Executive Officer Matt Moog, giving him the permanent leadership reins a year after taking the role. Moog served on CPMs Board of Directors
for eleven years and has previously served as CEO of PowerReviews, Q Interactive, Wavetable Labs and Executive Chairman of Pocket Casts.

In an interview with WBEZ, Moog stated that the purchase would come from
major philanthropic organizations and public support. He does not expect
there to be any layoffs from either company upon completion of the deal,
which they hope to complete by the end of the year. The deal would see WBEZ
and the Sun-Times share content from both newsrooms across broadcast,
print, podcasts and public events.

Today Chicago Public Media, Chicago’s largest public media organization and home to NPR news source WBEZ Chicago, and the Chicago Sun-Times, the “hardest-working paper in America” and Chicago’s oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the city, announced they have signed a
non-binding letter of intent while they explore joining together as one organization to grow and strengthen local journalism in Chicago.

Upon reaching a final agreement, Chicago Sun-Times would become a
subsidiary of Chicago Public Media, to create one of the largest local nonprofit news organizations in the nation and be a national model for the future of local journalism. The two news brands, WBEZ and Sun-Times, would continue to serve their respective audiences.

“This opportunity arrives at an urgent time for local journalism, as newsrooms across the country and in our own region are being diminished or disappearing altogether amid significant disruption in traditional news business models,” said Matt Moog, interim CEO of Chicago Public Media. “Local journalism has never been more important, nor has it ever been at greater peril, and this has the potential to be both a light and a hope for Chicago news. Community-centered, independent, inclusive and
representative, fact-based journalism is a public good that contributes to
a healthy democracy and stronger communities.”

Chicago Public Media and the Chicago Sun-Times are exploring this
opportunity with a shared vision of making a deeper impact on millions of Chicagoans by investing in local journalism. This combination would create
and secure growth opportunities for journalists and staff.

“Chicago is an innovator in and across many industries. Nothing precludes
it from being an innovator in journalism, too, and I am excited about the chance to establish a new model of local journalism in Chicago for many
years to come,” said Nykia Wright, CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times. “This would allow us to invest in our people, improve the news products we
create, and strengthen our digital future.”

As one organization, Chicago Public Media and the Chicago Sun-Times would invest in journalism through expanded capacity to better serve Chicago;
expand and engage with diverse audiences throughout the region; and expand digital capabilities to deliver a compelling digital experience across platforms and reach audiences where they are. Once together, the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ would reach millions of Chicago area residents,
connecting them to each other and to the news that impacts their
communities.

“Chicago Public Media’s mission is ‘to serve and inform the public and connect diverse audiences by telling stories that matter, that provoke
thought, entertain, capture emotion and inspire action,’” said Tracy Brown, chief content officer for Chicago Public Media. “Together we will better serve our mission with journalism that is human-centered,
solutions-oriented and transformational, but reach more people whose lives
our work greatly impacts. We talk a lot about building a more empathetic Chicago. This is an opportunity to do just that.”

As leading news brands in Chicago with dedicated and loyal audiences, WBEZ
and the Chicago Sun-Times would broaden their impact by sharing content
from both newsrooms across more platforms – broadcast, print, websites, podcasts, newsletters, mobile apps, social media, and community engagement
and live events.

Along with appealing directly to the audience to support local nonprofit journalism through donations, Chicago Public Media will partner with philanthropic organizations and individuals to seek their support, Moog
noted.

In addition to Sun-Times investor Michael Sacks, other organizations who
have stepped forward with early and enthusiastic support are the John D.
and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Pritzker Traubert Foundation.

“This will be a new model of local nonprofit journalism, and we anticipate support for this initiative through the generosity of philanthropy,
individuals and organizations who share the same belief in journalism’s
role in having an informed citizenry, connected community and healthy democracy,” said Moog.

“The primary goal of every Sun-Times investor has been to strengthen and secure the future of the paper. The right transaction with Chicago Public
Media can do that by creating a strong and sustainable Sun-Times for the journalists and for Chicago,” said Jorge Ramirez, Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Sun-Times. “The current ownership remains committed to the Sun-Times and is proud of the progress that the Sun-Times has made. A successful partnership with Chicago Public Media would further secure the future and the Board would be pleased to see that happen.”

The letter of intent was approved by Chicago Public Media’s Board of Directors and follows rigorous exploration by its Board of Directors and leadership, as well as the Chicago Sun-Times’ owners and management team, that will continue through the diligence process prior to any transaction taking place. The Lenfest Institute for Journalism has served as a probono advisor to Chicago Public Media.

As part of this news, the Chicago Public Media Board of Directors is naming Moog as CEO of Chicago Public Media, effective immediately, and Wright will remain CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times.


“The Chicago Public Media Board of Directors is overwhelmingly supportive
and deeply enthusiastic about this partnership,” said Board Chair Piyush Chaudhari. “It is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create an essential new asset for Chicago – bringing together two of the city’s most respected news organizations to establish a new model of local nonprofit journalism that is entirely focused on serving the public good here in
Chicago and our region.”






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Indian River State College Launches WQCP and WQJS

Posted: 29 Sep 2021 03:32 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213464/indian-river-state-college-launches-wqcp-and-wqjs/


Following its $950,000 acquisition of Black Media Works Hip Hop/RB 91.1
WJFP Fort Pierce and 88.5 WJCB Clewiston FL, Indian River State College has begun expanding the programming from Public News/Talk/Classical 88.9 WQCS
Fort Pierce.

WJFP flipped to Classical under new WQCP call letters on Tuesday at 1:00pm. WQCPs programming will include Performance Today from 4-6pm and other
specialty shows from 6am to 6pm. Jazz, Opera, and Standards shows will air
on weekends.

In mid-October, WQCS will drop all of its music programming and shift to a
24/7 Public News/Talk format.

88.5 WJCB Clewiston is simulcasting WQCS-HD2 under new WQJS call letters,
with its programming targeting the area around Lake Okeechobee. WQJS is currently airing a mix of Jazz and BBC World Service programming.



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Skyview Networks To Rep Murphy, Sam & Jodi

Posted: 29 Sep 2021 03:01 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213460/skyview-networks-to-rep-murphy-sam-jodi/


Skyview Networks has announced it is partnering with Colbert Media Groups Murphy, Sam Jodi to take over ad sales for the morning show.

Based at iHeartMedias 96.1 The River KRVE Baton Rouge LA, the trio have
been together since 1997 (with Murphy and Sam first partnered in 1992). The show is currently heard on 60 stations targeting AC, Classic Hits and
Country formats.

Colbert Media Group’s morning radio show that mixes real life, pop culture and laughs, Murphy, Sam and Jodi, and leading independent broadcast
technology, audio network sales and syndication provider, Skyview Networks, announced today a partnership to grow network radio sales revenue for the program, which airs on over 60 stations nationwide.

“Skyview Networks is an innovator, turning compelling content into results for its advertisers. Colbert Media Group is the catalyst of Murphy, Sam and Jodis national growth and success. Blending Colberts exceptional service to
our program’s partner stations with Skyviews relentless commitment to its clients is naturally synergistic,” commented hosts Murphy, Sam and Jodi. “We are excited about the partnership.

With a live and local feel, Murphy, Sam and Jodi is an upbeat and
good-humored program featuring female lead, Jodi, and her husband Murphy
and their best friend Sam. The trio’s genuine friendship and light-hearted approach captivates their listeners, which are real people, living real
lives just like them.

“Murphy, Sam and Jodi are a very successful morning drive team airing on strong Adult Contemporary stations. They connect in a meaningful way that resonates and starts listeners’ days out just right,” said Jeanne-Marie Condo, Executive Vice President of Skyview Networks. “The show is receiving
a strong agency response as we enter an exciting Upfront season.”

Murphy, Sam and Jodi is a five-hour weekday morning drive program that is
fully customizable, both on-air and on-line. For more on the Murphy, Sam
and Jodi program, please visit colbertmediagroup.com/murphy-sam-and-jodi
and for affiliation information, contact june@colbertmediagroup.com.

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