News

Same-station net revenue for Saga Communications in Q4 of 2017 decreased 4.2% to $29.5 million and that was blamed on a $1 million decrease in political advertising. CEO Ed Christian said automotive and health care are way down for the company. Looking at Q1, January was down slightly, February was flat, and March is pacing up.

Westwood One did not release any specific details about the study other than to say it involved a major personal care brand that showed a $12 return for every $1 spent on advertising. Westwood says a Nielsen Catalina Solutions study concluded that a radio campaign lifted sales 8% for the personal care brand and heavy category users were activated.

Farmington Hills, Michigan-based New Radio Media is launching its digital streaming entertainment network offering original online audio and video content accessible across connected platforms.

Technology Vipology has introduced its smart speaker skills product, Vipology Smart Speaker System (‘VS3’) to radio stations as consumer adoption of smart speakers continues to grow at record levels.

An official objection was filed by the unsecured creditors in the Cumulus bankruptcy case regarding millions of dollars in bonuses the company wants to pay out to CEO Mary Berner, CFO John Abbot, General Counsel Richard Denning and Westwood One President Suzanne Grimes.

James Pitaro has been named President of ESPN and Co-Chair Disney Media Networks. Pitaro, who has served as Chairman of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media since 2016, replaces John Skipper as ESPN President, who resigned in December after admitting he had a substance abuse problem.

WSHE-FM, “The New SHE 100.3,” announced Monday that Jenny Milkowski, aka Jenny Milk, formerly of Fox TV Chicago, will team with Jay Styles to host the new afternoon show 2-7 p.m. beginning March 29.

Cats At Night with John Catsimatidis makes its debut on WNYM 970AM, New York City, at 5 p.m. this Wednesday, March 7. This is the second radio program hosted by Catsimatidis, whose successful Sunday morning interview show, The Cats Roundtable, airs on seven radio stations.

Philadelphia Hip Hop/R&B station Power 99 announced Monday that Roxy Romeo will join the Rise & Grind Morning Show on March 12, co-hosting with Mikey Dredd and Mutha Knows. The show broadcasts weekdays 6–10 a.m. Romeo joins Power 99 from REAL 103.9 in Las Vegas.

Longtime Louisville Public Media host Susan Sweeney Crum will retire from 89.3 WFPL later this year. Crum, who began as the local host of All Things Considered in 2006, will host her last broadcast on April 16. Crum began her news career at WHAS Radio.