News

WWCN-FM in Fort Myers is a Beasley sports station that mixes in ESPN with local shows. On Thursday, the company announced Pete Sheppard would take over afternoon drive with co-host Craig Shemon. Sheppard most recently worked at WEEI in Boston as a part-time fill-in host.

Brian Hall has been named Senior VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Asheville, NC. iHeartMedia’s Ashville presence includes News Radio 570 WWNC, 880 The Revolution, 97.7 The Brew, 99.9 Kiss Country, Star 104.3, and Rock 105.1. Hall will be responsible for spearheading the programming, promotions, and digital strategies for all six stations in the market.

The deal between Artificial Intelligence provider Veritone and CBS Radio gives CBS Radio a license to the Veritone Platform. That enables CBS to leverage artificial intelligence-based cognitive computing to process, transform, and analyze its audio data. CBS will now have near real-time ad and content tracking, comprehensive analytics, faster content extension, and smarter media management for their broadcasts from 117 radio stations in 26 markets.

The announcement was made by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, meaning Michelle M. Carey will continue the work she has been doing as acting chief. Before serving in this role, Ms. Carey served for six years as deputy chief of the bureau she now leads.

(By Georgia Beasley) While I’m sure many general managers may think attracting Millennials is as simple as throwing a few beanbags on the floor and supporting a local non-profit, if our industry is serious about growing and retaining young, talented superstars, then keep reading...

(By Deborah Parenti) Over the years, David Benjamin (pictured here) has launched, operated, and sold two successful radio groups. Today, he presides over Benjamin Media Investments, which is focused on investing in radio deals. What criteria do investors look for in placing their money?

(By Tom Zarecki) Show prep rule of thumb: It’s a fact — the more planned your next show is, the more casual, conversational, and spontaneous it will sound. Obviously, when there’s a one-time event in your market, you’ll talk about it (concert, flood, local bank robbery, etc.), but what do you do on the days when there’s not much going on?

Because iHeartMedia wants consumers to be able to listen to its radio stations anywhere and everywhere, the company has announced that iHeartRadio is now available in the backseat of the 2018 Honda Odyssey. The vehicle has a ceiling mounted 10.2-inch high-resolution screen with built-in streaming apps in its rear entertainment system that now includes iHeartRadio.

The station is called "PK’s Throwback 105.5," and kicked off commercial-free for 105 days. Papa Keith is the driving force behind the station and has strong ties to South Florida and the hip hop community. Keith honed his skills in hip hop and reggae clubs. He was given a show on Miami's most notorious underground station, Mixx 96, which set off his career in radio after appearing regularly on the popular The Luke Show.

You can add another five Members of the House of Representatives to the list of cosponsors of the bipartisan resolution that opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act now has 185 cosponsors in the House and 22 in the Senate.