People in the News

Starting September 18th, listeners in Richmond have a new resource to stay abreast of the latest developments this election season. Radio One Richmond's Praise 104.7 has launched Richmond Grand Update with political analyst Gary Flowers.

California-based Results Radio LLC has appointed Lu Valentino as the new Regional Marketing Director for its 12-station network covering Chico, Redding, Yuba City-Marysville, and more. Starting her role on September 25, Valentino takes over from Marla Silva.

Beasley Media Group Vice President of Talent Development and 93.3 WMMR/102.9 WMGK Program Director Bill Weston has declared his retirement effective at the end of 2023, concluding a 45-year cross-country career in radio.

John Wanamaker is departing Minnesota Public Radio to join the team at Iowa Public Radio. Wanamaker, who has been a fixture on Twin Cities' radio for two decades, will exit MPR on September 21 and commence his new role in Iowa in early October as local host of All Things Considered.

iHeartMedia has appointed Bill Davis as the new Vice President of Sales for its Chicago Region, effective immediately. In his new role, Davis will oversee the local sales team for all seven stations spanning music, talk, and news formats.

Veteran announcer Jon Bloom is set to become the new radio voice for the Phoenix Suns for the 2023-24 NBA season. He will be taking over from Al McCoy, who retired last season after decades of being synonymous with Suns broadcasts.

Southern California Public Radio President and CEO Herb Scannell is set to retire after four years in the position. Scannell, who previously had leadership roles at Nickelodeon, BBC Worldwide North America, and Mitú, will stay onboard until a successor is named.

Greg Solk, Audacy Chicago's Vice President of Programming and Operations, will transition from his current role to become the Head of Brand Strategy for the company's six Windy City stations. The news comes from an internal memo distributed by Audacy Regional President Rachel Williamson.

Don Barrett, a revered figure in Southern California's radio landscape, has passed away at the age of 81. Barrett was the creator of the "Los Angeles Radio People" website, which documented radio professionals in the Los Angeles market from 1957 to 1997.

Cumulus Media has named Melissa Forrest as the new Vice President/Market Manager for its Atlanta market. This is a return to the area for Forrest, as she served as the Atlanta Market Manager for iHeartMedia/Clear Channel Radio between 2008 and 2012.