News

A new podcast from Sony Music Entertainment's Somethin' Else division highlights innovators who made significant social contributions yet have been largely overlooked by history books.

Jonquilyn Hill will remain the host of Vox Media's policy podcast The Weeds, where she has served as an interim host since September. The announcement was made Wednesday morning by Vox editor-in-chief Swati Sharma and executive director for audio Katherine Wells.

Bob Lima, a stalwart of the Southern radio industry whose career spanned several stations, died Wednesday morning after a lengthy battle with cancer. Lima's work spanned several decades, with roles at stations owned by iHeartMedia (then Clear Channel), New South Radio and others.

iHeartMedia has promoted Nick Gomez to music director at its Washington, D.C. Top 40 station WIHT (99.5 FM). Gomez will report to Rob Kruz, the station's program director, and will be responsible for music programming and other content.

Cox Media Group has appointed Chris Crawford as assistant program director at Atlanta-based news station WSB (750 AM, 95.5 FM). Chris will work with the WSB team to support all aspects of the station's on-air and off-air strategic executions.

On Tuesday The Federal Communications Commission set deadlines for comments in its latest attempt to look at broadcast ownership, which it is required to do by law. The issue has gotten bogged down in the courts whenever The Commission attempts to make a change.

The Radio Advertising Bureau has hired Rob Lawrence as its general manager to oversee the National Radio Talent System (NRTS), a division of the trade organization. Lawrence will be based in Madison, Mississippi and report to RAB President and CEO Erica Farber.

On Tuesday Audible announced a multi-project development and first look deal with actor, director, and producer Daniel Dae Kim.

That's according to The Verge which has published an article that says the number of new shows that debuted in 2022 is down 80 percent since 2020. The articles says that creators have recognized that until podcast discover improves, launching a show may be a losing proposition. Read the article HERE.

Beasley Media Group has named Rick Thomas Brand Manager of their Tampa cluster, which includes WLLD-FM, WQYK-FM, WRBQ-FM, WYUU-FM, WPBB-FM and WHFS-AM. Thomas will also program WQYK-FM in Tampa.