People in the News

Seton Hall University's WSOU-FM has long been recognized as a key part of radio's "farm system." Now comes the news that the student-run station's news director, Bob Towey, was honored this past weekend with two awards from the College Media Association.

BMI has announced that longtime political strategist Michael Collins is joining the company as Vice President, Government Relations, effective November 5. Collins will be based in Washington, DC, and report to BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill.

American Public Media Group has named Chandra Kavati as its VP of Content Distribution and Partnerships. Since 2012, Kavati has served as the Managing Director of Development Strategy and Operations for Minnesota Public Radio and APM. 

Kimmi Couture is the new midday host for Q102.1 (KRBQ-FM) in San Francisco, and will be on air weekdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT. Couture was previously a contributor for the station’s morning show.

Twenty-year radio programming vet Robert Elfman takes up the position of Program Director of Wilmington, NC, Adult Contemporary radio station WGNI-FM (102.7 GNI) and Classic Rock station WKXS-FM (94.5 THE HAWK). Elfman pent the past 11 years with Eagle Communications.

Premiere Networks has announced a Thanksgiving special for Country radio stations hosted by award-winning radio and CMT personality Cody Alan. The four-hour, barter-free CMT After MidNite Friendsgiving Special with Cody Alan will be highlighted by conversations with country stars and celebrities.

Marty Griffin, who announced he has throat cancer back in September, will be back on the air Monday. Griffin tells Trib Live he lost 40 pounds and he's very weak but he's recovering and says "he's going to be healthy."

Dave Jansen has been named VP of Sales for the iHeart cluster in Minneapolis. Jansen joins iHeart from Comcast, where he served as a Digital Sales Manager. He previously worked at iHeart as an AE from 2007 to 2009. He's also worked in sales for The Star Tribune.

Business is good for syndicated morning show Murphy, Sam and Jodi with the recent addition of six new affiliates in Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Tennessee, and Illinois.

Rob Rush is the new PD and Brian Orlando the new APD for Connoisseur's WWSK/Long Island, NY (94.3 The Shark). Rush has been with the 94.3 FM frequency since December of 2003 and has served as Music Director for The Shark since August of 2017. Orlando, The Shark’s current morning show host, is taking on the additional responsibilities as Assistant Program Director.