News

(By Robert Lee)“Elections have consequences,” and, “Someone moved the goalposts.” In reading the objections by a couple of LPFM advocacy groups about the recent deluge of FM translators-for-AM stations applications, I see two things going on: politics, first; and, second, misguided policy by a government agency, the FCC.

Our good friend and programming consultant Gary Berkowitz recently purchased a new car. In the dashboard of Gary's shiny new GM vehicle was an HD radio. Here's what happened when the salesperson got around to explaining what HD radio was to her new customer. And you can bet this doesn't happen when the salesperson gets around to discussing -- or turning on -- SiriusXM.

(By Radio Ink Publisher Deborah Parenti) Last week, Radio Ink ran a series of interviews with radio group owners focusing on deregulation; specifically, what they would like to see the FCC consider when it reviews the ownership caps later this year. As we found out in that series, many of Radio Ink's rank-and-file readers believe lifting current ownership caps will simply give more stations to the bigger groups and nothing will really change.

Spanish Broadcasting System has appointed David Bailin VP of National and Network Sales. Most recently, Bailin was Senior VP of National Sales for Entravision, where he oversaw network and national spot duties in the New York office.

Thirty-year Chicago radio sales executive Jeff Hill has been appointed VP Sales for Cumulus Media-Chicago. Hill will head sales for Alternative Rock station 101 WKQX-FM, Classic Hits station  94.7 WLS-FM, and Talk Radio station WLS 890 AM.

Nick Wize has been named APD for KRQQ, KOHT, and KMIY effective June 11. He will also take over afternoon drive on KRQQ. Wize was mostly recently with iHeart Detroit, where his roles included APD and on-air talent for WKQI.

Local Media San Diego has re-signed XHTZ and XHRM Program Director and afternoon personality R Dub! to a new, multi-year deal. R Dub! joined the stations in April of 2011.

Seattle-based ReelWorld has added Charlie Maxx to the Prep+ affiliate relations team. Maxx’s radio resume includes stops in Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Corpus Christi, and the Jersey Shore.

The company officially filed its financials with the SEC Tuesday after an announcement last week that they'd be coming. Revenue from iHeart's radio division was $744.6 million, down 1.7% from 2017, which was $757.1 million. Excluding political, the radio division was down 2% for the quarter, $739.1 million, compared to $754.6 million in 2017.

Salem Media Group announced on Tuesday that it is selling Christian Contemporary Music Station KGBI, 100.7 FM, in Omaha to the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. Financial details of the deal were not released.