Headlines

Jingle company TM STUDIOS announces a new product line created for six radio formats. TM EVO is a customizable, interactive jingle service, allowing programmers to create their own unique sound in real-time. It's available for six formats; CHR, AC, Country, Hot AC, Hot Country and Classic Hits.

The New York State Broadcasters Association has honored ESPN New York’s 98.7FM with three Excellence in Broadcasting Awards: Best On-Air Broadcast Personality/Team— Hahn, Humpty & Canty (pictured); and Best Station-Sponsored Event— The Michael Kay Show was recognized for “The Great Sports Debate”; and, Outstanding Commercial (second year in a row) for, and made in conjunction with, NY Sports Clubs.

In a letter addressed to "Entercom Users," CEO David Field gave an update on the massive merger with CBS Radio. In the letter, filed with the SEC, Field also reminded his employees to stay focused on their jobs as the $1.7 Billion deal heads toward becoming a reality later this year.

One of the greatest radio programmers of all time is ready for his next assignment. After two years with KCBS, Jack Swanson is leaving the building. Swanson tells Radio Ink it was entirely his decision. "I feel my mission here is accomplished. KCBS sounds great and the ratings are great. I had a blast these past two years and will miss everyone at CBS. Just time for a new chapter."

The sale of news/talk station WCHB-AM is to Crawford Broadcasting and is expected to close this summer. Radio One Detroit Market Manager Kathy Stinehour said, “We view this as an opportunity to move the WCHB voice to a larger FM platform and intend to super-serve our listeners with urban music, community engagement and inspiration – what we do best."

The new Reno station is called NV89. The music discovery channel will focus on emerging artists and Nevada musicians. NVPR CEO Florence Rogers said NV89 will complement the current public media offerings available and be a catalyst for new content and partnerships. Mike Henry of Paragon Media Strategies was project consultant for the station.

The new product is being called a "sales enablement platform and audience extension solution" by Marketron. The goal is to help companies sell digital and traditional media more efficiently.

(By Deborah Parenti) The recent United Airlines debacle is a good lesson for every company including radio groups and stations. Most of us have, at one time or another, had to deal with issues involving our customers, both listeners and clients, as well as the PR that swirls around those that play out in public.

The National Association of Broadcasters and the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation have unveiled an online toolkit called Awareness in Reporting to help journalists and newsrooms cover race and racially sensitive news stories.

In Cedar Rapids, the owners of KZIA have launched a new radio station for Eastern Iowa called “ROBfm.” For years, a version of this station has been heard only on HD Radio receivers at 102.9-2. Now it will be heard on translators at 98.5 in Iowa City and 95.1 in Cedar Rapids.