News

(By Bob McCurdy) The power of the spoken word — amazing and often under-appreciated. Every now and then, it is important for us to remind our clients about its impact, as it is easy to take for granted.

(By Gary Berkowitz) Some programmers think that we've lost traffic and weather to our phones. I disagree. It still has a place on radio, especially if you believe that local counts. Here are some tips on how to make your weather and traffic breaks more effective.

A man burst into an Orlando church last Thursday, destroying equipment to the tune of $100K, according to wftv.com. The incident happened while WAMT (1190 AM) "L'Voix Evangelique D'Orlando" (The Gospel Voice of Orlando) was broadcasting from a Pine Hills church. The man, Sergo Hippolite, was finally subdued and taken into custody.

Stations with a Benztown library subscription get this sack full of Christmas programming --  which includes over 5,000 tracks of sweet and savory bites of Christmas cheer -- free. Additionally, Benztown is offering 30 free Christmas audio elements produced by their award-winning creative production team.

Don't let the door close on your chance to be part of the conversations at Forecast and the "Top 40" reception that will set the tone for business over the coming year, and bring together old and new associates for a day of exclusive networking.

Those of you hoping to own more radio stations so you could compete on a more level playing field with digital will have to wait a little longer. On Thursday, the FCC announced specifics on Chairman Pai's plan to change the commission's Media Ownership Rules and the radio caps will stay the same.

On Wednesday syndicated host Michael Baisden asked a federal judge in Texas for a new trial after a jury entered $800,000 in damages against him for his alleged refusal to return a $1 million overpayment to Cumulus.

Gregory Simonson has been named the new GSM at Beasley Media Group's Fayetteville, North Carolina cluster. Simonson began his career in New York with the Katz Media Group in 1995 and spent 15 years in management roles in Detroit, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Most recently, Simonson was the Southeast Regional VP of Advertising Partnerships at Inc.’s iAd division.

WGN Radio has promoted Stephanie Menendez to Director of News & Operations. Menendez has been an integral part of WGN Radio since 2008. A native of Louisiana, she rose through the ranks from producer and Assistant Program Director to Operations Manager.

KIDO Talk Radio/Boise (107.5 FM, 580 AM) signed the extension with Kevin Miller -- Brand Manager for KIDO Talk Radio and host of the Kevin Miller Morning Show. His show focuses on news, politics, community advocacy, and events that affect the lives of people throughout the Treasure Valley.