People in the News

Natasha Castles has been hired as the new night host for CBS Radio's KMLE-FM in Phoenix. She takes the mic next Monday, replacing Kimmie Caruba who took the night gig on WUSN a couple weeks ago.

On Wednesday, Sept. 21, ESPNLA 710AM will debut a new, live-and-local weekday lineup, and focus on all Los Angeles sports. The day will begin with a new local morning show featuring Keyshawn Johnson, Jorge Sedano, and LZ Granderson.

As of today, DJ KG is the new afternoon host on 100.9 The Beat, iHeart's Hip Hop and R&B station in New Haven. DJ KG is a 15-year veteran of the Connecticut airwaves and one of the most sought after DJs in New England.

Mike Marino, who was afternoon drive host from 2013 until early this year, returns to afternoons with a new three-year contract. Marino most recently produced The Jeff & Jenn Show with Jeff Dauler and Jenn Hobby during its launch.

The Columbia, SC, station can now add ESPN Radio to a new FM signal on 94.9FM. The move now brings ESPN Radio to the FM band in addition to the current signal on 1230AM WOIC. Alpha Media also announced Friday that it’s bolstering its college sports coverage with the addition of SEC analyst Paul Finebaum.

Announced Friday was the news that The Marco Show will launch on Channel 96.3, beginning September 12. Hosted by the energetic Marco Benitez, the program will air nightly 7 p.m.-midnight.

Cox Media Group Jacksonville has promoted Cody Black to Director of Branding and Programming for both Alternative WXXJ/X102-9 and Classic Hits WJGL/96.9 The Eagle. Black started at CMG Jacksonville as a part-timer in 2010.

Cox Media Group Atlanta’s 97.1 The River (WSRV-FM/Atlanta), is moving English Nick to middays. He shifts from his position as the weeknight host into the midday slot.

Longtime Milwaukee broadcaster Eric Von has died. Local reports say he died of a heart attack. Von worked in both radio and TV for more than 25 years. He could be heard in Milwaukee hosting mornings on Courier Communications' WNOV 860. More details at Milwaukee Public Radio WUWM.

Todd Johnson is an experienced radio and TV sales leader, and as of Monday he will be the new local sales manager for Scripps radio in Wichita. Johnson will be responsible for generating local business for KFDI-FM, T95 (KICT-FM), The Fox (KFXJ-FM), Radio Lobo (KYQQ-FM), and Classic Country 1070 (KFTI-AM).