News

Marc Smerling and Zac Stuart-Pontier, co-creators of the chart-topping Crimetown podcast series and the Emmy and Peabody award-winning The Jinx — The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst have launched The RFK Tapes, a new podcast series that re-examines the murder of presidential candidate Robert Kennedy.

The Radio Advertising Bureau, BMI and the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group will present the 11th annual “Rising Through the Ranks” Seminar on August 15-16 at BMI’s Nashville office. The deadline to apply for one of the 20 scholarships BMI is offering is today.

Vegas Stats & Information Network, a network dedicated to sports gambling information, has announced a partnership with former CBS Radio CEO Dan Mason, who will join VSiN as an advisor and investor, participating in all aspects of the company’s operations. Mason is also an advisor to iHeartMedia and that role will not change with this new position at VSiN.

Kathy Smith is the new VP/Market Manager for Cumulus' six radio stations in Eugene, OR. Smith moves to Cumulus from Alpha where she was GSM for Alpha's seven radio stations in Portland, OR. Prior to that, she was Director of Strategic Sales and Marketing, and GSM for Entercom's six-station cluster in Portland.

WKKO-FM/K100 Toledo PD and morning show host Gary Shores will pass the programming duties over to Ohio native Jerry Mac. Mac joins K100 from Community Broadcasters in Elmira, where he was Operations Manager.

(By Ray Cole) I have fond memories of my friendship with longtime local radio executive Joe Bilotta. Sadly, he passed away on June 1, 2018 after putting up one helluva fight against pancreatic cancer over the last two years-plus. He was only 69.

Chris Winkle, President, CEO, and controlling partner of WCYN Radio in Cynthiana has been named the new President and CEO of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association. Winkle began his radio career at WCYN as the age of 19 as the business and traffic manager.

Beginning Friday, August 10, with the Jets vs. Atlanta Falcons game, Dan Graca is expanding his role on 98.7 ESPN New York as he joins the New York Jets game-day radio team. Graca will work alongside former Jets linebacker Greg Buttle during the pregame, halftime, and post-game shows.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America has established the Joseph Bilotta Memorial Fund in honor of the veteran broadcaster. Foundation President Jim Thompson said, “Joe was a friend and champion of the Broadcasters Foundation and our industry. He devoted time and energy to advancing broadcasting and to helping colleagues in need. He will be missed by many, personally and professionally.”

Tom Griswold hosted The Bob & Tom Show at the 25th Anniversary Miracle Ride in Indianapolis, Sunday, June 3. Griswold is a longtime supporter of the Miracle Ride, one of the largest motorcycle charity events in the U.S., with 100% of the funds raised helping sick and injured kids at Riley Hospital for Children.