Headlines

The road has been especially rocky between the radio industry and its primary ratings firm over the past several months. Wednesday's announcement that Nielsen would increase PPM panel sizes may have filled in a few potholes. It's no secret industry executives are quite upset to have Portable People Meters malfunction the way they did in November, especially with the amount of money radio doles out to Nielsen.

That was one of the questions we asked Chris Kampmeier, iHeartMedia's veteran programmer who's retiring New Year's Eve. In the final installment of our interview with Chris, we asked him for his thoughts on the Portable People Meter technology, whether programming a radio station is easier today than it was decades ago when he started, and the skills the program director of 2017 will need to win. Here's what he had to say...

According to a fourth-quarter survey of advertising agencies, STRATA reports that confidence among agencies heading into 2017 is high. Forty-three percent of agencies report their business will increase in the first quarter, while only 11% expect a decrease.

Who says Millenials have no interest in the radio industry? How about this great story. Andrew Adams and Matthew Glaser are the proud owners of WELJ-FM on Long Island. The two friends purchased the East Hampton station from Cumulus and they are calling themselves Bold Broadcasting. It's the first step in what the two hope to turn into a media empire.

(by Radio Ink Publisher Deborah Parenti) In November, many of radio's leaders and other key executives gathered at Forecast to debate, discuss, and deliberate what might be in store next year for the industry. As always, it was a lively exchange. Coming on the heels of a tumultuous election and a new set of dynamics heading into the new year, this year's Forecast was also one of the most thought-provoking ever.

Word Broadcasting is picking up Salem’s three Louisville stations (WFIA-AM, WFIA-FM, WGTK-AM) under a local marketing agreement starting January 3. Word owns and operates 12 AM, FM, and shortwave radio stations in Louisville. This arrangement between the two companies is an LMA until further notice.

Boston rocker WAAF will debut a new lineup January 3 with a shift in dayparts for two of its hosts, and two new personalities coming onboard. Matty Blake (right) and Nick Stevens take over the PM drive slot. Midday host Mike Hsu rejoins the Hill-Man Morning Show, and afternoon driver Mistress Carrie moves to middays.

iHeartMedia is partnering with audio creative agency Jingle Punks for what it's calling National Jingle Day. On Monday, new jingles will debut from the ACLU, Aloe Gloe, Axe Hair, Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Glade, Outback Steakhouse, Suave, Ziploc, and others.

When the holiday season ends, iHeartMedia's Alternative Rocker, which is now airing Christmas music, will flip to Mainstream Adult Contemporary music. Beginning December 26, Star 102.1 will feature music from artists such as Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Pink, and Madonna.

Hot on the heels of the announcement that Portland’s 750/102.9 The Game (KXTG) has added Brock & Salk to The Game’s weekly lineup, comes the news that the station will be Portland’s home for Seattle Mariners baseball for the 2017 season.