People in the News

WWCN-FM in Fort Myers is a Beasley sports station that mixes in ESPN with local shows. On Thursday, the company announced Pete Sheppard would take over afternoon drive with co-host Craig Shemon. Sheppard most recently worked at WEEI in Boston as a part-time fill-in host.

Brian Hall has been named Senior VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Asheville, NC. iHeartMedia’s Ashville presence includes News Radio 570 WWNC, 880 The Revolution, 97.7 The Brew, 99.9 Kiss Country, Star 104.3, and Rock 105.1. Hall will be responsible for spearheading the programming, promotions, and digital strategies for all six stations in the market.

The announcement was made by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, meaning Michelle M. Carey will continue the work she has been doing as acting chief. Before serving in this role, Ms. Carey served for six years as deputy chief of the bureau she now leads.

Chris Berry has been named Senior VP for News, Talk and Sports at iHeartMedia. Berry will oversee all of iHeart's News, Talk and Sports brands and continue to in his role as Senior VP and GM for NBC News Radio and 24/7 News Network.

Regional Manager Dan Seeman announced this week that Jeff Hilborn will take over as the new GM for Hubbard's six-station cluster in Brainerd, MN. In 2015, Hubbard purchased 16 stations in northern Minnesota from Omni Broadcasting. Hilborn replaces retiring GM Mike Boen, who managed the market for 24 years. Hilborn was most recently GSM for Hubbard in Brainerd.

Chris Kroeger will continue to host afternoon drive on Entercom's sports talker WFNZ in Charlotte after signing a new multi-year deal. Market Manager Matt Hanlon said, “Chris Kroeger leads the conversation in all things sports for Charlotte on WFNZ. His depth of knowledge and relationships with everyone in town related to sports makes him an invaluable resource and sports leader."

As of June 12, Jay Philpott will be the new night host on Cumulus' Classic Rocker KQRS in Minnesota. Philpott moves to Minneapolis from Cumulus Rocker WNNX in Atlanta where he was Afternoon Drive. Philpott is also part of the Classic Rock 24/7 format for Westwood One, and will continue with those network duties.

iHeartMedia has moved Rob Whiteside to Digital PD for its 54-station Virginia/Carolina Region. Whiteside was in iHeart's Central Division where he worked as the Digital Operations Director and spearheaded digital operations for 55 markets.

Maxon will assume the role for iHeartMedia in Hartford, CT, on June 5. His domain will involve brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital – that include KISS 95.7, The River 105.9, Country 92.5, 97-9 ESPN, and News Radio 1410 WPOP.

Ten inductees will add those extra steps as WGN Radio inducts them into its WOF. The induction ceremony will be broadcast live from Pioneer Court, in front of Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago, with Wendy Snyder and Steve Bertrand acting as hosts.