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Cumulus' WKIM-FM in Memphis is the first station (that we've heard from) that has flipped to holiday music. With Christmas still 54 days away, the station is now called Christmas 98.9 and playing holiday favorites.

Beasley's Oldies 94.7 HD2 in Detroit began airing Christmas music at midnight November 1, making it the second station (that we've heard from) to kick off the holiday season. PD Jerry Tarrants said, “We’re interrupting our normal HD2 programming, which features great oldies’ stars like Elvis and the Beach Boys to bring listeners the very best Christmas music experience."

The previous format at 105.3 in Norfolk was CHR. Market President Angel Brown said, “The opportunity to launch a station like ALT 105.3 in the number one radio company in the country in Hampton Roads is beyond exciting. By analyzing song requests, digital streaming, downloads, and talking to our listeners, we know the area is passionate about Alternative Rock."

Next Tuesday we get our first look at Townsquare earnings since the company made major management changes. This month, founder Steven Price transitioned out of the CEO Chair to become Executive Chairman of The Board and Bill Wilson and Dhruv Prasad were promoted to Co-CEO's. The company reports Q3 earnings next Tuesday at 8AM. Saga CEO Ed Christian checks in with his numbers next Tuesday at 11AM. This corrects our Tuesday story that reported these earnings were coming out yesterday.

Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan has been named the recipient of this year’s Mike Carroll Award, given in memory of former deputy mayor and civic leader Mike Carroll. The award, selected by the Indianapolis Business Journal, honors a community member who has demonstrated determination, humility, and devotion to the community.

After holding second spot on the Media Monitors weekly chart last week, GEICO is back at the summit, having run 43,410 radio commercials nationwide during the past week. Not surprisingly, Home Depot was a very close second with 43,008 spots.

Gen Media Partners and The Tacher Company have formed GMPT Media, a joint venture that brings together the sales and management resources of both companies. Cherry Creek Media, a 53-station group, is the first radio partner to sign on for the collaborative ad sales representation.

For 15 years, Forecast has been the one conference that focuses on the near- and long-term economic future of the radio industry, and the trends, policies, and expectations that will impact its future. Held every year at New York's prestigious Harvard Club, it is capped by honoring the 40 most influential people in the radio industry.

New 103.7, Kiss 95.1, Power 98, V 101.9, 94.7 SMOKE, and K 104.7 have partnered with Hendrick Automotive Group and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to host a massive food backpack collection on Saturday, November 4, at Coyote Joe’s (4621 Wilkinson Blvd) in Charlotte.