Headlines

Jim Leven (pictured) and Bruce Mittman started Community Broadcasters back in 2006. Today their growing company owns 15 stations in 4 small upstate New York markets and three South Carolina markets. Both are featured in our upcoming May 23rd issue that focuses on independent operators. And boy does Leven have an opinion on HD Radio.

Cumulus Media announced that, for the third consecutive year, the Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Association has named WLS-AM as Best Newscast in the Large Market category.

The ten new members will join 12 returning members to help plan CRS 2017. The CRS Agenda Committee is made up of volunteers from Country radio and the record industry. Heading up this year’s agenda committee are Tom Hanrahan (WDXB/iHeart) as Chairman and Greg Frey (Cumulus Media) and Judy Lakin (Cox Media Group) as Co-Vice Chairman. So who are the new members?

Premiere will now provide the domestic and international distribution for Aiir. Aiir provides stations with the tools to manage and create websites, mobile applications, social networking and direct marketing.

96.9 The Kat, Charlotte, announced Wednesday that "Kat Country Jam" raised more than $20,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The benefit concert was held on April 13 at the Fillmore at the NC Music Factory. Country artists Kip Moore, Dan + Shay, Brandy Clark, and High Valley performed live to raise awareness and funds for the hospital.

We interview John Tesh and Connie Sellecca about how they've built a media empire out of an idea they drew up one late night in their home. We also highlight many Fantastic Facilities from around the country. Many of you spent time and treasure to construct these outstanding new studios and we are proud to show them off for you. Randy Michaels reminisces about the Telecom Act of 20 years ago. "It was either eat or be eaten." And wait until you read this salute to Bob Fuller. Did you know Doc has been in radio for 60 years? And he's still going strong. Want a digital copy of this issue - and an entire year delivered to your device - for only $49 - pull out your plastic and CLICK HERE.

CEO Tim Westergren and his new team get a very long profile piece by John Titlow in Fast Company as Westergren dives into his new role as CEO replacing Brian McAndrews. The article, entitled "Inside Pandora's Plan To Reinvent Itself—And Beat Back Apple And Spotify," details why Westergren has his work cut out for him.

KCAA Riverside, CA, CEO Fred Lundgren tells Radio Ink comedian Dave Shelton is sueing the station and morning host Gary Garver (pctured) because he claims he was supposed to be paid for being a recurring guest. Garver and Lundgren said no promise was ever made, that his appearances were in exchange for free publicity

The sell-off of radio stations by Jeff Wilks is complete. Reno broadcaster Jerry Evans is purchasing two Wilks stations in Reno, KWFP-FM 92.1 and KURK-FM 100.9, for $750,000. In another deal, which has not been filed yet, Wilks will spin-off adult alternative KTHX-FM to Lotus Broadcasting.

The Friends of KPLU have submitted a Letter of Intent to Pacific Lutheran University to purchase the radio station. The Friends of KPLU have been raising money to purchase the station and have accumulated 13,000 donations and $4.4 million so far. They have a deadline of June 30 to raise the total amount needed.