News

Hubbard Radio's WTMX (101.9 The Mix) is parting ways with Eric & Kathy co-host Kathy Hart, who abruptly vanished from the successful morning show back in April. On Thursday, Hubbard announced that Hart won't be back. Hubbard Chicago Market Manager Jeff England said, "We wish her all the best as she moves on to the next stage of her career."

Reps. Bill Flores (R-TX) and Gene Greed (D-TX) on Thursday introduced the Radio Consumer Protection Act, which would establish a fund to reimburse radio for costs associated with the broadcast TV spectrum repack. NAB EVP/Communications Dennis Wharton said the bill would "help fulfill the promise to hold local broadcasters harmless during the incentive auction."

We've been hearing from a number of radio companies with word of how their Florida stations are preparing for Hurricane Irma, and what services they will be providing. Beasley Media Group sent us the following thorough rundown...

Radio’s invaluable service in an emergency is about to shift into high gear yet again. With Texas still recovering from Hurricane Harvey, Florida is bracing for Hurricane Irma. iHeartMedia got in touch with Radio Ink to tell us how they’re preparing.

The five-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and CBS Radio have agreed to a multi-year contract extension to keep Patriots games on Boston’s WBZ-FM, 98.5 “The Sports Hub.” The partnership began in 1994. Bob Socci and Scott Zolak will continue as play-by-play host and color analyst, respectively.

BMI brought in $1.13 billion in its 2017 fiscal year, and — for the first time — distributed more than $1 billion in royalties. The $1.023 billion that went out to songwriters, composers, and publishers was up 10 percent from last years's figure.

Cumulus and WideOrbit have made a new licensing agreement under which Cumulus will install WO Traffic and other WideOrbit products companywide. WideOrbit is expected to begin replacing Cumulus' proprietary Stratus system before the end of the year.

iHeartMedia has launched 104.5 KISS FM --  “Houston’s Best R&B.” The station will feature Urban Adult Contemporary hits, including artists like Mary J. Blige, Luther Vandross, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind and Fire, Anita Baker, and Usher. 

The Philadelphia Eagles and SportsRadio 94WIP have together raised $207, 970 with the 2017 Eagles Radiothon two-day auction, Tuesday, September 5 and Wednesday, September 6. Listeners bid on exclusive experiences involving their favorite Eagles players and 94WIP radio personalities.

Gregg will host a new 30-minute program, Flashpoint, on KYW Newsradio as a forum for local and national influencers, as well as listeners, to share their points of view on the most relevant Philadelphia news stories of the week. The show airs Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m.