News

Local or syndicated is one of the most difficult decisions a manager or programmer can make. Syndicated talent brings the buzz of a well-known name, the access to major artists and entertainers, and high production quality. Yet that national star cannot drive your auto association’s new car or open a new club or venue.

(By Ronald Robinson) Radio, for the most part, is made up of the moderates – those who go along with the ingrained or imprinted traditions, keep their heads down, and who also realize the diminishing returns that come from challenging any of the litany of radio’s vaunted edicts.

Power 107.7 (Hip Hop/R&B) and 96.3 Kiss FM (R&B and Old School) in Augusta, have made some programming changes. The Breakfast Club will broadcast from 6 -10 a.m. on Power 107.7, and Steve Harvey will broadcast from 6 – 10 a.m. on 96.3 Kiss. The Fattz and Cher Morning Show will now broadcast on weekdays from 3 - 7 p.m. on 96.3 Kiss FM.

In a big night for the company, iHeartMedia received 11 Stevie Awards at the 11th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service in Las Vegas. The awards honor companies that set the industry’s highest standards of excellence for sales, business development, contact centers, and customer service.

This is all part of Entercom's restructuring in Charlotte since purchasing 5 stations from Beasley in January. Beasley spun the stations to Entercom as part of the $240 million merger with Greater Media in 2016. Darrin Arriens is hired as the Director of Operations for WBT-AM/FM, WFNZ-AM/FM and WLNK-FM and the syndication of the “Bob and Sheri Network”

Bill Reese has been named Vice President of Sales for iHeart's 11 radio stations in Orlando. Reese previously worked for 15 years for Renda in Jacksonville, most recently as GM. He began as D.O.S. with Renda. Prior to his radio career, Reese was the Division Manager for Nabisco Biscuit Company.

Kavi Halemane is the new General Manager of Digital Programming for iHeartRadio. Halemane was VP of Premiere Digital Media, where he led the revamp of its digital network. He also worked as the Executive VP and Head of Digital for The Collective, as well as a variety of digital, marketing, and product management roles at Interscope Geffen A&M Records.

Entercom Denver’s Alice 105.9 (KALC) have decided to keep Slacker & Steve for another five years. Slacker & Steve have been together in afternoons for Alice 105.9 for 10 years.

Nathan James has been named Director of Marketing for Philadelphia where the company has six stations. James will oversee the promotions and digital departments for the stations and will be responsible for building and executing revenue opportunities for advertisers using remotes, events, social media, station contesting, and talent appearances.

Joel Katz is teaming up with Maryann Morgan to co-host mornings, 5:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, on Magic 98.3 New Jersey. Program Director Debbie Mazella said, “I have been pushing for this for a long time and it’s finally here."