News

WXXI Public Broadcasting in Rochester, NY has closed on the acquisition of silent WJZR Rochester from North Coast Radio for $ 1.2 Million. It gives WXXI a second full-market FM signal to augment its NPR news-talk WXXI-AM along with classical-music WXXI-FM.

Some experts believe Spotify's recent layoff announcement could signal a shift in its approach to podcasts and other forms on-demand audio, while others — including an executive at a Spotify competitor — believe there's still room to grow, as long as some restraint is shown.

Alpha Media's hot AC station WXLC (102.3 FM) in Chicago is adding XYZ with Erik Zachary on weeknights. The addition of WXLC as an affiliate brings the host back to his hometown of Chicago, distributor Skyview Networks said.

The deadline for entries in the 2023 Edward R. Murrow Awards is fast approaching. This year's deadline is Tuesday, February 7 — just two weeks away. In January, the RTDNA said it would likely not extend the deadline. For more information, or to enter, go HERE.

Colleagues and friends of WXRT's Lin Brehmer held a tribute for the Chicago broadcaster on-air Monday. The tribute comes one day after Brehmer passed away following a battle with cancer. To listen to WXRT's on-air tribute, go HERE.

Broadcaster and activist Ninoska Pérez Castellón is returning to radio in South Florida with a new program on Salem Media's WWFE (670 AM, La Nueva Poderosa) in Miami. Castellón previously worked for more than two decades at WAQI (710 AM) until it changed ownership.

Veteran journalists Lynda Lopez and Brigitte Quinn will take over middays New York City news stations WINS (1010 AM, 92.3 FM) and WCBS (880 AM).

Keith Raad is expected to join WCBS-AM and broadcaster Howie Rose for coverage of the New York Mets. The New York Post reported Raad, who still has to be approved by the Mets, would replace Wayne Randazzo, who left in December for a TV gig.

The FCC has proposed a $504,000 fine against Fox for a promotional spot aired across some radio stations that misappropriated emergency alert system tones. The promotion apparently aired on Fox Sports-affiliated iHeartRadio stations and on the Fox Sports SiriusXM channel in November 2021.

Independent podcast marketing firm Soundrise has hired Jay Green to serve as its senior vice president of strategy and operations; he previously worked for Audacy's Cadence13 in a similar role.