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RadioInsight

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More Names Affected By Last Week's Cox Media Group Layoffs

Posted: 29 Sep 2021 12:30 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213217/large-round-of-layoffs-hit-cox-media-group-stations/


Update 9/29: More names have been revealed as being affected by last weeks round of layoffs at Cox Media Group.
Athens GA

Alichia Cruz departs the dual role of morning host at AC Magic 102.1 WGMG
and midday host at CHR Power 100.1 WPUP. Prior to joining Cox in 2018, Cruz served as a producer/co-host at 92Q WERQ Baltimore and hosted middays at
Magic 98.9 WSBY Salisbury MD.

Natalie Rae exits nights at Country Your Georgia Country 106.1 WNGC. Rae started with the station in January.
Jacksonville

Clarence Natto departs as Program Director at Adult RB Hot 99.5
W258CN/WOKV-HD2 and Hip Hop Power 106.1 W291CI/WJGL-HD2. Natto joined then
Hot 106.5 WHJX in 2014 after spending fifteen years as Promotions Director
at Coxs Kiss 104.1 WALR Atlanta.
Orlando

Hildy Brooks is out as Program Director/afternoon host at Classic Rock 98.9 WMMO. Brooks had been with Cox since 2001 hosting afternoons at Classic
Rock 96.5 WHTQ until 2011 when she moved over to WMMO. She added Program Director duties in November 2012. Brooks also spent eight years in middays
at CHR XL 106.7 WXXL. Melissa Quinones, midday host at Country K92.3 WWKA,
is now also hosting afternoons at WMMO.

Dawn Campbell exits as Program Director of Adult RB Star 94.5 WCFB after a decade at Cox. Campbell served as Music Director for WCFB and then Rhythmic
CHR Power 95.3 WPYO from 2011 to 2016 before rising to Program Director of
WCFB in 2016. Campbell has also spent fifteen years at 102 Jamz WJHM
Orlando starting as a promotions/research assistant in high school before rising to APD and later MD and Promotions Director.

Tony Marino departs as anchor of Orlandos Evening News from 6-7pm on
News/Talk 580 WDBO/107.3 W297BB. Marino joined WDBO in 2013 after stints at KRLD Dallas, WEAT West Palm Beach, Business Talk Radio Network, and Total Traffic/Weather.

Darrell Moody exits as a reporter at WDBO. Moody joined the station in 2013 from 540 WFLF Orlando and Metro Networks.

Ray Caputo exits as an anchor and reporter at WDBO after eleven years at
the station. Caputo previously spent thirteen years as a traffic reporter
for WSYR Syracuse and other Clear Channel stations in Albany and Rochester
NY. He also is a professor at Bethune-Cookman University.

Updated 9/24: Cox Media Group has made a significant number of layoffs
across their radio properties.

The layoffs stretched from corporate executives down to part-time staffers
at local market stations. The cuts come as Cox Media Group owner Apollo
Global Management seeks to acquire another large television group operator
in TEGNA.

An inquiry for comment to Cox management has gone unanswered so far.

Among the names who have gone public with their departures are:
Houston

Morning hosts Dan Gallo and Chuck Akers depart Classic Country Country
Legends 97.1 KTHT Houston. Gallos 50+ year career has been spent mostly in Houston with stations including 1070 KENR, 101.1 KLOL, 100.3 KILT-FM, 107.5 KHTC, and KTHT.

Jason Skaggs departs as Production/Creative Services Director.
Long Island

Jeremy Rice exits as Program Director of CHR 106.1 WBLI Long Island NY
after 22 years at the station. Rice also served as corporate CHR Format
Leader for the company since 2000. Prior to coming to WBLI, Rice worked at
WPXY and WDKX Rochester and WWHT Syracuse NY.

CHR 106.1 WBLI Long Island NY morning co-host Dana MJ Parisi. Parisi joined WBLI as night host in 2014 after previously serving as APD/afternoon host
at Dance Party 105.3 WPTY. She then joined Syke in afternoons before the
duo moved to mornings in 2018. Syke and producer Ally Ali remain in
mornings.

Ted Lindner exits as News Director and Traffic reporter for the cluster. Lindner had been part of the cluster since 2003 and was also part of WBABs Roger & JP morning show.
Miami

Jill Strada departs as Director of Operations for Cox Miami. Strada joined
Cox in 2014 as Program Director of CHR Hits 97.3 WFLC and added oversight
of Hip Hop 99 Jamz WEDR in 2015 before rising to her current role in
February 2018. Strada has previously programmed Hot 97 WQHT New York and
Power 96 WPOW Miami.

Rappers Trina and Trick Daddy have exited Hip Hop 99 Jamz WEDR Miami just
shy of two years at the station. The duo joined the station in January 2020.

Ahead of the relaunch of CHR Hits 97.3 WFLC, morning hosts Kimmy B. and Al
P. have exited. Kimmy had been with the cluster since 2004 working at Urban “99 Jamz” WEDR before moving to WFLC in August 2014. She also tracked nights at CHR Hot 101.5 WPOI Tampa. Al previously hosted nights before
joining Kimmy in mornings in 2016.
Orlando

Matt Holiday exits as Music Director/afternoon host at CHR Power 95.3 WPYO after five months. Holiday moved to Orlando in April from weekends at 106.1 WBLI Long Island and has also worked at WNFN Nashville.
San Antonio

Randy Bonillas exits as APD/MD and afternoon host at Rock 99.5 KISS-FM San Antonio TX. To replace Bonillas, Chris Sifuentes moves from middays to
3-8pm, while Jill Munroe from nights to middays.

Jared Dey departs as producer of the syndicated Billy Madison Show based at KISS-FM. Dey joined BMS in 2019 after stints at WNNX Atlanta, WPOI Tampa,
KLUC Las Vegas, and XETRA-FM San Diego.

Chris Cardenas departs as morning show producer and night host at Country
Y100 KCYY.
Tampa

The Soul Brother Kevin Show is out at Hot Talk 102.5 The Bone WHPT. Soul Brother Kevin joined WHPT as co-host of the Drew Garabo Show in afternoons
in 2015 and moved to the 6-9pm slot in May 2018. He previously worked at
WBTT Fort Myers and two stints at 104.1 WTKS-FM Orlando including five
years hosting nights.
Tulsa

Ken Gus August departs mornings at Classic Rock 103.3 The Eagle KJSR Tulsa after three years. August previously co-hosted mornings at KKBZ Fresno.


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Premiere Networks Launching Mark Moss Show

Posted: 29 Sep 2021 07:37 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213448/premiere-networks-launching-mark-moss-show/


Premiere Networks has announced it will launch a syndicated weekend talk
show hosted by cryptocurrency expert Mark Moss.

The Mark Moss Show will be available to air between 6am and 12am on
weekends, which will then be distributed as a podcast broken up into three parts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Premiere Networks announced today the launch of “The Mark Moss Show,” effective October 2.  Hosted by Moss, an investor, entrepreneur, cryptocurrency expert, and host of the popular “Market Disruptors” podcast/YouTube series, the new three-hour weekend program will be
available for stations to air between 6 a.m. and midnight local time. “The Mark Moss Show” will also be available as a podcast on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Each week on “The Mark Moss Show,” Moss will help audiences understand and navigate Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies, as well as why they’re important, including the business, politics, financial markets, and more. He’ll share his knowledge for why this isnt just a new technology, but a technological revolution with the biggest opportunity and potential ever seen. With more
than 25 years’ experience building seven and eight-figure business and investment portfolios, Moss will deliver valuable experience and
perspective as he teaches audiences how to invest their money to find true success and security.

“We’re witnessing the most important technological revolution right now – it’s the greatest ‘asymmetric opportunity’ of our lifetime,” said Moss. “But to take advantage of this opportunity, you need to have asymmetric information and you need to know what most others do not. That’s what I’m excited to share with listeners each and every week, so they can
participate in this revolution today!” 

“Mark is uniquely qualified to inform and educate audiences on how to make smart investments, grow their money, understand the financial markets and prepare for the future,” said Julie Talbott, President of Premiere
Networks. “He doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk. We look forward to sharing Mark’s knowledge and expertise with listeners every weekend!”

Fans can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to the program on their favorite device, anywhere they are. “The Mark Moss Show” replay podcast is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and will be available on demand following the broadcast as three one-hour shows on
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.



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After 35 Years In Mornings, Storm Roberts Retires From WKTK

Posted: 29 Sep 2021 06:57 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213445/after-35-years-in-mornings-storm-roberts-retires-from-wktk/


Storm Roberts will retire from mornings at Audacy AC 98.5 WKTK Gainesville
on Friday, October 1.

Beginning his career at WSHE Miami in 1970, Roberts has been with WKTK
since 1987. He has also worked at 105.3 WGVL during his career in
Gainesville.

Co-host Chris Malone will remain in mornings at WKTK.

Storm Roberts, the iconic voice that started the day of countless radio listeners, is retiring from 98.5 KTK (WKTK-FM) in Gainesville, FL. His
final day on the air will be Friday, October 1, 2021, concluding a 51-year broadcast career.

In an unmatched tenure of 35 broadcast years at WKTK-FM, Storm has been the voice of unpredictable hurricanes to crazy car and money giveaways, and has been the largest cheerleader in making the heart of Florida a great place
to call home. But perhaps the most important legacy of Storm Roberts is the millions of dollars raised for hundreds of local charities, including
hosting countless charity walks, black tie fundraisers, and his tireless efforts with the Childrens Miracle Network, Stop! Children’s Cancer and the Sebastian Ferro Foundation.

“We extend our sincerest gratitude, Storm, from all of us, for your dedication to our industry, our community, and our amazing company,” said Peter Rothfuss, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy
Gainesville.


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Central Pennsylvania Sees More Red

Posted: 29 Sep 2021 04:30 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/213424/central-pennsylvania-sees-more-red/


Radio Carlisle Country Red 102.3 WCAT-FM Carlisle/Harrisburg PA has added a simulcast in Shippensburg PA expanding its coverage further south and west.

1480 WEEO and its newly launched translator 100.3 W262DL Shippensburg are
now simulcasting WCAT-FM with WEEO taking on new WRDD call letters to match
the branding. WEEO had been simulcasting Classic Country Country Gold 1000 WIOO/97.9 W250AP/107.3 W297CO Carlisle. Its previous translator 93.9 W230AX Shippensburg is now being fed via WIOO as well keeping the Classic Country programming available in that area.


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Lotus Closes On Purchase Of Sinclair's Seattle Radio Properties

Posted: 28 Sep 2021 04:50 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/209052/lotus-broadcasting-acquires-sinclairs-four-stations-in-seattle/


Update 9/28: Lotus Communications has announced it has closed on its
purchase of News 1000 KOMO Seattle/97.7 KOMO-FM Oakville/97.7 K249DX
Redmond, Hot AC Star 101.5 KPLZ Seattle and Conservative Talk 570 KVI
Seattle from Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Lotus Communications announced today that they have closed on the
acquisition of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc’s radio stations in the
Seattle, Washington metropolitan area. The deal includes News Radio KOMO
1000 AM 97.7FM, KPLZ “Star” 101.5 FM, and Talk Radio KVI 570 AM.

Lotus First SVP Jim Kalmenson commented, “Today begins an exciting era as
we begin working with the amazing staff at these heritage radio stations
KOMO, KPLZ, and KVI. These are legendary stations which share Lotus’s
vision of producing local programming to serve the community and support
our hometown businesses. Seattle is home to several excellent broadcasting companies who have made this a great radio market.”

Richard A. Foreman Associates, Inc initiated the transaction and acted as exclusive broker representing Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Update 6/14: The FCC filing for Lotus Communications purchase of News 1000
KOMO Seattle/97.7 KOMO-FM Oakville/97.7 K249DX Redmond, Hot AC Star 101.5
KPLZ Seattle and Conservative Talk 570 KVI Seattle from Sinclair Broadcast Group reveals a number of unique quirks to the deal.

At closing Lotus will pay just $5 million in cash for the stations. The remaining $13,058,604 will come at Lotus choice in either cash or
advertising made available to Sinclair owned properties on 21 of Lotus
English language stations in Bakersfield, Boise, Fresno, Las Vegas, Reno, Seattle and Tucson. If Lotus sells any of those 21 stations, Lotus can
transfer the obligations of that station to carry the Sinclair advertising
with it.

Lotus will not receive the rights to the KOMO and KOMO-FM call letters as Sinclair will retain exclusive rights to them for their KOMO-TV.

The deal also includes a Transition Agreement allowing Lotus to utilize Sinclairs traffic systems, IT and web services, human resources, and
microwave for up to 18 months as needed for a share of the costs. The
company can also sub-lease the stations current studios during that term if needed.

Original Report 6/3: Sinclair Broadcast Group is selling its four radio stations in Seattle to Lotus Communications for $18 million.

The deal will see Lotus acquire News 1000 KOMO Seattle/97.7 KOMO-FM Oakville/97.7 K249DX Redmond, Hot AC Star 101.5 KPLZ Seattle and
Conservative Talk 570 KVI Seattle.

Founded in 1962 with the purchase of 1330 KWKW Los Angeles, Lotus currently owns 44 stations in nine west coast markets: Bakersfield, Boise, Fresno,
Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Onxard/Ventura, Reno, Sacramento and Tucson. The company also has low-power television properties in Houston and Phoenix.

Sinclair had acquired the Seattle radio stations as part of its 2013 acquisition of Fisher Communications. The company has no other radio properties.

Lotus Communications announced today they have entered into a definitive agreement with Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc.s wholly-owned subsidiary,
Sinclair Television Group Inc., whereby subject to FCC approval, Lotus Communications Corporation will acquire Sinclairs radio stations in the Seattle, Washington metropolitan area for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $18 million in cash and other considerations. the deal
includes News Radio KOMO 1000 AM 97.7 FM, KPLZ Star 101.5 FM, and Talk
Radio KVI 570 AM.

Lotus First SVP Jim Kalmenson commented, “We are excited to work with the amazing staff at KOMO, KPLZ, and KVI. These are legendary stations which
share Lotus’s vision of producing local programming to serve the community, enhance local neighborhoods, and support our home town businesses. Seattle
is home to several excellent broadcasting companies who have made this a
great radio market.”

Richard A. Foreman Associates. Inc initiated the transaction and acted as exclusive broker representing Sinclair Broadcast Group

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