News

One of the legends of American popular music is getting her own SiriusXM channel, for a limited run. The Cher Channel will launch Wednesday, April 17 to coincide with the release of the original cast album from Broadway’s The Cher Show.

In a memo sent to Cumulus employees Monday, CEO Mary Berner said selling KLOS in Los Angeles was all about portfolio optimization, which is one of the company's key strategies to position Cumulus for long-term success.

Meruelo Media has spent $126 million on two radio stations in Los Angeles. KPWR was purchased from Emmis in 2017 for $83 million and the announcement this week that the company was buying rocker KLOS from Cumulus for $43 million.

Jeff Warshaw's Connoisseur Media is picking up two Southern Connecticut stations and sending four stations in and around Allentown to Cumulus. The stations being acquired by Connoisseur are licensed to Westport (WEBE-FM) and Bridgeport (WICC-AM).

That's what he said Monday on his SiriusXM show. Stern said after his current contract expires in 2020, he's done with radio because it affects his health. Of course, Stern followers know this isn't the first time Howard has said he's quitting, only to sign another deal.

Just when radio thought the smart speaker craze was bringing radio back into the home, Amazon has thrown a monkey wrench into that theory. The online retail giant is getting ready to launch a free, ad-supported music service, specifically for their smart speaker device, as early as this week.

Hubbard Radio Seattle VP/Market Manager Ann Marie Mulholland has announced the return of Fitz in the Morning to the Seattle airwaves on New Country 98.9 FM. Legendary programmer, Scott Mahalick, is joining The Bull simultaneously as Brand/Content Director.

Los Angeles’ REAL 92.3 is adding The Cruz Show hosted by J Cruz, to its afternoon program lineup Mondays through Saturdays beginning April 18. Landing J Cruz is a coup for iHeart.

Cumulus is selling KLOS-FM in L.A. to Meruelo Media for $43 million in cash. Cumulus has also entered into a swap agreement with Connoisseur Media whereby Cumulus will obtain four stations in and around Allentown, in exchange for two Cumulus stations in Southern Connecticut.

Radio veteran Karen Blake is the new afternoon drive host for Magic 106.7 WMJX-FM/Boston. The move marks Blake’s return to Boston after serving as morning drive host for WQRC on Cape Cod for the last five years.