News

James Attwood (pictured) has been named non-executive chairman of its board. He replaces former Nielsen CEO David Calhoun who was executive chairman since 2014. Attwood is managing director and head of the global telecommunications and media group at private equity firm The Carlyle Group.

Scripps owned KTI Country in Milwaukee has hired Shane to host Afternoon Drive. He joins the New Country station from CBS Radio’s Amp 101.9 (WJHM) Orlando, where he hosted nights.

Alpha Media Louisville has hired Jessica Taylor as the new Director of Urban Promotions for WGHL, WGZB, and WMJM. She replaces 15-year vet, Valerie Sickles, who was promoted to be Alpha Media’s Corporate Marketing Manager.

NewsTalk 1260 WFTW has signed longtime local broadcast personality Rob Brown to host mornings as of January 11. Brown comes to the Cumulus station from local ABC affiliate WEAR-TV.

jacapps says the company's V4 app platform will begin offering support for, and integration of, Google's Android Auto, the connected-car extension to its Android smartphone platform. The new functionality will be available as part of jācapps' App Everywhere product and will enable Android smartphone users with an Android Auto-enabled car to access apps, including radio stations, from their car's infotainment system, and to use voice commands.

LaMusica, MegaTV, and the top-rated radio stations owned by Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. in South Florida – El Nuevo Zol 106.7 FM, La Nueva I95.7FM, Z92.3FM – are giving away more than 1,000 toys to their viewers and listeners

Calling it the "All New 102.7 The Beach," Entercom is relaunching its classic hits station in South Florida. The station will now feature artists such as Pet Shop Boys, Madonna, Duran Duran, Prince, Blondie, Guns and Roses, and others. The station has been playing some form of classic hits for over 25 years, with some songs as far back as the '50s and '60s.

The new format is called “FUN 96.9 FM (KQOB), it's a rock-leaning Classic Hits format featuring a mix of pop and rock hits from the `60s, `70s, and `80’s. Artists now being heard on the station include: The Eagles, Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Journey.

Cumulus in New York also announced that Mike Allan, Music Coordinator for WPLJ, has been promoted to APD at NASH-FM and WPLJ. Meanwhile, Melony Torres (pictured), former Assistant Program Director/Music Director/Middays Host for WRQX in Washington, D.C., is moving to New York to become Late Night Host for 95.5 WPLJ.

It's astonishing to think of how much has changed since attending my first CES in 2008. Our society has become attached to mobile devices, which has created good/bad outcomes and opportunities for many industries (including ours).