News

Broker Michael Bergner tells Radio Ink that the $11 million purchase of five Greenville-New Bern Beasley stations by Curtis Media has closed. This transaction was announced back on February 6. The stations Curtis picks up are WNCT-AM and FM, WSFL-FM, WIKS-FM, WMGV-FM and WXNR-FM. Curtis will spin-off WNCT-FM to Inner Banks Media.

The News/Talk station celebrated 95 years on the air, Tuesday. Regional VP Dan Bennett said, “Our celebration of 95 years is not just an honor for our current staff but for the incredible talent that span 95 years on a signal that covers 38 states. WBAP is truly one of radio’s iconic brands and we look forward to the next ninety-five."

Bruce Demps started his radio career in sales with WIVY Y103 in Jacksonville back in 1983, when it was one of four stations in the market owned by Infinity Broadcasting. He went on to work for Clear Channel and Radio One, among other companies. He told us about his long and winding road through the radio industry and beyond, and we wanted to share his story with you because we know so many of you can relate.

Portafolio is a new cross-platform content development division being launched by SBS. Carolina Santamarina will run that division which SBS says is "designed to create and expand brand strategies utilizing all of SBS’ assets, including digital, mobile, television, radio, social media, and live experiences."

Last week, 20-year WIBC veteran Greg Garrison (pictured) announced his retirement from his weekday show. PD David Wood said, “There's no replacing an icon like Greg. What is the best way to serve, inform, and entertain our growing audience? What we arrived at is a lineup that offers familiar personalities with the addition of energetic voices to engage listeners in spirited conversation and conservative viewpoints.” And here it is...

Mayor Karen Weaver will be using WFLT-AM in Flint in a series of Town Hall's in May to discuss the ongoing water situation. MLive reports the radio Town Hall's follow one regular town hall meeting that saw six people get arrested after Weaver recommended the city stay on the Detroit water system.

The St. Louis region flooding continues and New Country 92.3 (WIL) in St. Louis has been non-stop on air and online Tuesday spreading the word. Led by its live and local New Country morning show, Bud and Broadway, the entire on-air home team is broadcasting from flood zones and posting Facebook live videos while simultaneously shoveling and bagging sand.

The legendary band is the latest addition to the SiriusXM menu. The Beatles Channel will launch May 18 at 9:09 am ET on SiriusXM Channel 18. All programming is in collaboration with, and fully authorized by, The Beatles' Apple Corps Ltd. The channel will explore The Beatles' entire career.

According to The Detroit News, WDFN-AM morning man Matt Shepard was fired from his morning show Monday. He hosted mornings since 2001. The paper is reporting there were other cuts made by iHeart on Monday, including multiple layoffs in Grand Rapids.

That's according to Premiere which syndicates Ryan Seacrest. On Monday Kelly Ripa announced Seacrest was her new, permanent co-host on Live. Premiere says Seacrest will continue to host "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" and "American Top 40" from New York. ABC7 will house a brand-new iHeartRadio studio for him.