News

Kiss 108 (WXKS-FM), iHeart Media, Boston, is hoping to help fill the technology gap in schools. The station is partnering with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and the Massachusetts Department of Education to purchase Chromebooks for local students to use at home and in the classroom.

ESPN's 30 For 30 Podcasts kicks off the new season with Heavy Medals: Inside the Karolyi Gymnastics Empire. Bela and Martha Karolyi are the most successful and controversial coaches in the sport.

Journalist and Commentator Roland S. Martin will be heard on the Black Information Network. According to BIN originator iHeartMedia, Martin will create custom commentary segments that can be heard daily.

CMT Radio’s Digital and Social Producer Lauryn Snapp is joining radio and CMT personality Cody Alan. Premiere Networks has added Snapp for CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan and CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan.

Before the coronavirus pandemic stifled economic growth in the United States, the IAB projected podcast revenue would grow nearly 30% in 2020. That number has been revised to 14.7% due to the impact of COVID-19.

Jacobs Media's Seth Resler is hosting a webinar with UK-based mobile journalist Peter Stewart (pictured) Thursday at 2pm Eastern. The topic is the value of using livestreaming video to promote your radio show. Register HERE.

How many times have morning show hosts been told by consultants over the years to run that money giveaway in the 7:00 hour, or to break that big news in the 7:00 hour? COVID-19 has thrown a monkey wrench into all of that thinking.

The price is $325 million, with $265 million of cash upfront, for SiriusXM to become a player in the podcasting space. An additional $30 million will be paid based on 2020 financial results (paid in 2021). And up to $30 million based on 2021 results to be paid in 2022.

Dianna Ploss brokered time from Russell Broadcasting's WSMN in Nashua, New Hampshire. Following a Facebook Live rant where she yelled at workers that they needed to speak English in the United States, WSMN dropped her program issuing a statement that said they will not tolerate discrimination. TMZ has the Ploss video HERE.

Patrick Ellis, host of 96.3 WHUR-FM's Gospel Spirit Show has been hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19. Ellis has been hosting for more than 40 years. He is the recipient of many awards including NAB Radio Host of the Year.