RadioInsight

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RAB To Acquire National Radio Talent System

Posted: 12 Aug 2020 12:15 PM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/1...talent-system/



The Radio Advertising Bureau has announced it will acquire the National
Radio Talent System from founder Dan Vallie.

Vallie, the longtime programming consultant, will advise the RAB through
its integration of the National Radio Talent System into the RAB. The six
year old program runs programs at multiple universities to find and train
entry-level candidates for all facets of the radio industry.

Radio Advertising Bureau announces today the planned acquisition of the
National Radio Talent System to offer a unified and integrated system of
radio talent institutes across the United States, which will continue to
discover and prepare the next generation of broadcasters.

The national system will continue to operate under its brand name and
network of Radio Talent Institutes across the country with the oversight of
the RAB, thus enabling it to operate as a feeder to radio broadcasters. RAB
plans to continue the important work started by National Radio Talent
System founder and president, Dan Vallie, who will advise the RAB as it
integrates the institute into the organization.

“An integral part of the RAB’s mission is providing the industry with the
tools and resources to help broadcasters attract new sales talent to the
medium and enhance radio’s professionalism through training and support,�
said RAB’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Erica Farber, “The
integration of the National Radio Talent System into the RAB delivers on
the mission in so many ways, and we are just delighted to continue to grow
Dan Vallie’s vision and take it to the next phase.�

“The future of our companies is dependent on the next generation of
committed, prepared, and talented radio professionals,� said Susan Larkin,
Entercom Communications’ Chief Operating Officer and RAB Board Chair, “The
National Radio Talent System is unique in that it provides a radio talent
farm for the industry, an incubator of well-rounded, well-educated college
talent with a passion for radio; that’s why investing in this program is
good for the RAB and the industry.�

RAB’s curriculum has been an essential component of the institutes’
curriculum with RAB’s Professional Development training. College students,
recent graduates and radio interns have to apply to be accepted into the
intensive 10-day Institutes. Sessions include almost every aspect of radio
including on-air, programming, sales, writing, news, sports, promotions,
videography, podcasting, social media, engineering and management. Each
student participates in RAB training and takes the exam to earn their Radio
Marketing Professional Certification.

“The National Radio Talent System began as a labor of love because of the
need the industry has had, and today more than ever, to discover, and
prepare the next generation of broadcasters, who can be hired today and be
leaders in our industry tomorrow�, said Vallie. “Today’s visionary
broadcasters, universities and sponsors working together have made it a
reality, and RAB has been there with us from the very first Radio Talent
Institute. With Erica and the RAB’s passion, vision and infrastructure, I’m
confident the National Radio Talent System will continue to grow and
maximize it’s potential; assuring the industry of young talent on through
this 21st century. I truly believe over the next 100 years radio will be
the keystone of a golden age of audio, even more so by attracting these
young talent to the industry. It’s people that make the difference, always
has been and always will be�.

As previously announced, all 2020 programs were re-scheduled for 2021 due
to COVID-19.



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KRSN To Cease Operations

Posted: 12 Aug 2020 11:57 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/1...se-operations/



David and Gillian Suttons 1490 KRSN/107.1 K296GI Los Alamos NM will cease
operations on August 30.

The Los Alamos Reporter states, With the cancellation of high school
sports, events, the closure of small businesses and the struggles of those
remaining, KRSN can no longer raise the advertising revenues it takes to
run your free to you community radio station. The Suttons purchased KRSN in
2006 from the bankruptcy trustee of Real Radio LLC for $67,000. They state
that they are in negotiations with other parties in hopes it remains a
community radio station.

The Full Service Classic Rock station wrote the following message regarding
the shutdown on the stations website:

KRSN AM 1490 and FM 107.1 will be going dark after Sunday August 30. David
and Gillian Sutton have proudly owned and operated the community radio
station for the last 15 years, broadcasting local news, weather, sports and
a variety of programming for your enjoyment. David and Gillian both grew up
in Los Alamos listening to KRSN, and when the station was in bankruptcy and
for sale, they felt it was important to keep the community station
broadcasting. Gillian had worked at KRSN when she was in high school, and
with Davids skills as an engineer, they took a leap of faith and embarked
on a career as radio broadcasters. KRSN broadcasted high school sports, and
relatives of local athletes tuned in from all around the country.

With the Voice of the Hill Toppers Gene Mortenson and crews called
football, soccer, basketball, volleyball and baseball, and Rick Pickard
joined David announcing ice hockey, the recordings of the games created
valuable memories for Topper families. Thats approximately 150 Topper
football games, 500 basketball games, 300 baseball and softball games, 150
hockey games and a few hundred more volleyball, and soccer games.

In 2010, Nancy Coombs joined David as a co-host of the Morning Show, which
featured local news, off the wall stories in Daves World, Earth Date and
Science in the Sea, and interviews. Coombs says, I love interviewing
people, letting them talk about things they are passionate about. It is a
fantastic way to start the day. That is about 7,500 interviews, including
Senators, congressman, governors, County Councilors, County Managers,
County personnel, doctors, lawyers, artists, authors, heroes, teenagers and
children. KRSN has won numerous broadcasting awards including Radio Station
of the Year, National Crystal Radio Award finalist, Broadcaster of the Year
and New Mexico Presswomens awards. Our show hosts have won awards of
excellence, and our sportscaster Mr. Gene Mortenson is in the New Mexico
Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

KRSN mentored DJs into their careers in broadcasting. Gillian reflects, It
has been an honor to run the community radio station and we will miss it.
David added Weve had a lot fun and hope you enjoyed our shows. With the
cancellation of high school sports, events, the closure of small businesses
and the struggles of those remaining, KRSN can no longer raise the
advertising revenues it takes to run your free to you community radio
station. We appreciate all our loyal listeners over the years, as we say
farewell. We are negotiating with other parties to purchase the station in
hopes it remains a community radio station. We are still fulfilling all FCC
and FAA requirements in maintaining all of KRSNs assets.



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Julian Nieh Joins Movin 92.5 For Nights

Posted: 12 Aug 2020 09:53 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/1...-5-for-nights/



Hubbard Radio CHR Movin 92.5 KQMV Seattle has announced the addition of
Julian On The Radio Nieh as evening host.

Julian has most recently been in San Francisco as afternoon host at
iHeartMedias Wild 94.9 KYLD and in a part-time role at Bonnevilles 99.7 Now
KMVQ. Hes also hosted afternoons at 104.7 Kiss-FM KZZP Phoenix, nights and
mornings at B96 WBBM-FM Chicago, and nights at Hot 99.5 WIHT Washington DC.

MOViN 92.5, Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station, announces an addition to its
On-Air line up. Julian Nieh, Julian on the Radio, will take over the MOViN
92.5 Night Show, weeknights 7pm to Midnight.

“Julian has always impressed me with his energy, excitement and content,�
stated Cat Thomas, MOViN 92.5 Brand and Content Director. “We’re thrilled
to have him join the team at MOViN 92.5, Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station!�

Julian’s resume includes morning, afternoon and evening shows in San
Francisco, Washington D.C., Phoenix and Chicago before joining the Seattle
Hubbard family.

Im beyond blessed to be added to a team of insanely talented individuals
and management,� said Julian. “Ive learned and been blessed to work with
some of the best managers in this industry, and continue to do so. Much
appreciation and thank you to Greg Strassell, Scott Mahalick, and
especially Cat Thomas for bringing me aboard. I knew Cat was one of those
special managers and all around good people when I first met him at Boot
Camp last year. Plus, he returns emails LOL! Lets kill it. Im ready.�




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A Gospel Light Shines Into Boston

Posted: 12 Aug 2020 07:00 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/1...s-into-boston/



Delmarva Educational Association has closed on the receipt via donation of
Spanish CHR Rumba 1430 WKOX Everett/Boston MA from iHeartMedia’s Ocean
States Trust and has flipped the station to Gospel 1430 The Light.

Matching the Ultimate Gospel Experience positioning used by Delmarvas
similarly formatted stations in Jacksonville and Norfolk, the station will
feature a mix of syndicated and brokered shows including Reach Medias Get
Up Mornings with Erica Campbell.



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BIA Lowers 2020 Revenue Projections Again

Posted: 12 Aug 2020 05:43 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/1...ections-again/



For the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, BIA
Advisory Services is lowering its projections to total advertising revenue.

In June, BIA revised the radio industrys projected over-the-air revenue
down from $13.1 billion to $11.4 billion. The new projection brings it down
to $11.2 billion.

BIA notes that it sees an increase coming from political ad spending from
$7.1 billion to $7.3 billion across all platforms, however only an
additional $5 million of revenue is projected to make its way to
over-the-air radio as opposed to $138 million to TV OTA, $40 million to
Cable, and $26 million to Online/Digital.



Examining the continuing economic fallout from the coronavirus in recent
months, BIA Advisory Services has adjusted its estimate for the total local
advertising market for 2020 to $140.4 billion, down from $144.3 billion in
April. BIA’s updated forecast estimate represents a 6.1 percent decline
from 2019, even with strong political advertising anticipated this year and
a few business verticals showing advertising strength.

“To update our post-COVID forecast from April, we analyzed the continuing
impact on local advertising by the weakened economy, continuing job loss
reports, and the downturn in some key business verticals,� said Mark
Fratrik, SVP and Chief Economist, BIA Advisory Services. “Right now, we
believe a realistic view of the economy overall and the advertising
marketplace is that after a dramatic decrease in the second-quarter and a
bumpy start to the third, the remainder of the year will turn positive but
end up with an overall decline in local advertising for the year.�

Local political ad spend continues to be one positive area. As campaigns
continue to migrate to online rallies and events, both presidential and
down ballot candidates are spending significant dollars in local broadcast
and digital advertising.

Since its April forecast, BIA increased the expected political ad spend
from $7.1 billion to $7.3 billion. Of the $209 million increase, the
distributed share to different media include $138 million to TV OTA, $40
million to Cable, $26 million to Online/Digital, and $5 million to Radio
OTA.

The verticals showing some COVID resilience include healthcare and finance
& insurance. While both are down in terms of overall ad revenue spend,
these industries have solid areas of steady and even slightly increasing ad
spend.

Within healthcare, health and personal care stores are estimated to spend
$97.6 million in 2020 and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturers are
forecast to spend $658.3 million to promote wellness products and services.
In terms of finance & insurance, as people want help rebuilding their
savings, college funds and retirement accounts, companies in consumer &
lending stores are forecast to spend $1.6 billion while investment &
retirement stores are projected to spend $3.0 billion in local advertising
this year.

As for overall media ad spend, when comparing ad revenue estimates of both
pre- and post-COVID, all media, except over-the-top (OTT), are experiencing
a decline in ad revenue, as shown in the chart below.

“The economic situation caused by the pandemic continues to create a
difficult local advertising market,� said Tom Buono, CEO and Founder BIA
Advisory Services. “It’s critical to examine where the advertising dollars
are flowing and what your particular business can go after. As ad budgets
shift, an understanding of what is happening in your local market
represents a real opportunity to expand your share of wallet.�

BIA will join SalesFuel to present local advertising data and analysis
during the webinar, Accelerating 4th Quarter Revenue: Planning for 2021, on
Tuesday, August 18 at 11 am eastern. The webinar will help executives
organize their sales plans and prepare revenue assessments.



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1090 XEPRS Begins Stunting In Preparation Of Mightier Launch

Posted: 12 Aug 2020 05:16 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/1...ghtier-launch/



Ahead of its relaunch as Sports The Mightier 1090, XEPRS Tijuana/San Diego
has begun stunting with a loop featuring The History of 1090.

The loop focuses on the history of the frequency discussing some of the
stations eras with Wolfman Jack, The Soul Express, and its first run as
Sports Mighty 1090 taking pot shots at previous management running it into
the ground. It also is promoting the newly relaunched station as the first
radio station in the cloud, with no studios. Listen to the stunting here.





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Virtual Jock Joins Key Networks

Posted: 12 Aug 2020 04:47 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/1...-key-networks/



Key Networks has partnered with New Generation Radios Virtual Jock to offer
their suite of talent, formats, remote programming, and commercial
production via barter.

Led by former programmer and 94.7 The Drive WIAD Washington DC morning host
Jason Kidd, Virtual Jock has over 40 talents available for any daypart as
well as custom 24/7 formats for stations.

Key Networks, a next generation syndication company serving the radio
industry, announced today that it has partnered with Virtual Jock to
provide radio stations of all formats and market sizes with the opportunity
to access Major Market on-air talent and programming services for their
stations on a barter basis. Virtual Jock is a product of New Generation
Radio, a cutting-edge, one stop shop media services company for radio
stations. Virtual Jock offers experienced Voice Talent customized for any
daypart. The company also offers innovative music formats, as well as
programming stations remotely through its Virtual PD/MD services and
voicing and producing all commercial production through its Killer Spots
division– all on barter.

Staffed with the biggest talent and voices for all formats, Virtual Jock
currently offers 40 full-time in-house voice talent pros offering high
quality and fully produced audio programs and imaging with a quick
turnaround. Virtual Jock also offers 24/7 Formats that include: CHR,
Adult/Classic Hits, Country, Classic Rock, Hot AC, Urban, Jammin Hits/RB,
Dance/EDM and others – all designed to move the PPM needle or make an
impact in diary ratings.

Â*Â*

Jim Higgins, President COO, Key Networks, said: “The ongoing disruption
from COVID-19 has severely impacted each and every radio company and all
have eliminated some on-air positions and daypart shifts as cost-cutting
moves in order to retain financial stability. Virtual Jock can now assist
these groups and others by offering a no-cost barter option to fill some of
these numerous holes and to also reconnect with those disenfranchised
listeners. We want to work closely with stations to fill this void as radio
is beginning to rebound and Jason Kidd and Virtual Jock are the best in
class to align ourselves with to help move this business forward.�

Dennis Green, Chief Revenue Officer, Key Networks, said: “Jason and his
team have developed a concept that offers stations a chance to bring
top-notch talent across all formats to markets from coast-to-coast. Key
Networks is delighted to partner with Virtual Jock to provide a marketing
opportunity that is cost-effective for stations both large and small to
have dynamic and proven talent on their air.�

Jason Kidd, President/CEO and Founder, Virtual Jock, said: “Right before
launching Virtual Jock 5 years ago, many stations were downsizing and
losing strong local talent in the process. Fast forward to now and the need
is greater than ever before. Teaming up with Key Networks will allow us to
take things to an even higher level, expanding and offering our Major
Market talent roster to radio stations across all formats—all on barter.
Jim Higgins along with Dennis Green and Rich Baum are the dream team of
marketing and syndication and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with
them!�

For more information and to get Virtual Jock talent and programming
services for your market and station, contact Dennis Green, Chief Revenue
Officer, Key Networks, at 844.KEY.NETS or .Â*

For advertisers and sponsors, contact Rich Baum, EVP, Advertising Sales,
Key Networks, at 847.502.8329 or .




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Brian Davis Joins Cumulus Appleton As Operations Manager

Posted: 11 Aug 2020 03:32 PM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/1...tions-manager/



Cumulus Media has announced the addition of Brian Davis has Operations
Manager for their Appleton WI cluster and Program Director of Country 99.5
Nash-FM WPKR.

Davis returns to Cumulus from Townsquare Media Dubuque IA where he
programmed Classic Rock Eagle 102.3 KXGE and Classic Hits Q107.5 WDBQ-FM
and hosted afternoons on CHR Y105 KLYV. He previously programmed Cumulus
CHR 101.5 WBNQ Bloomington IL from 2011-2016 and previously spent seven
years in Appleton as APD at Woodward Radio Groups CHR 95.9 Kiss-FM WKSZ and
AC 104.3 The Breeze turned Variety Hits Chuck-FM WCHK.

Cumulus Appleton also includes Alternative 96.9 The Fox WWWX, Classic Hits
103.9 WVBO, Standards 1280 WNAM, and News/Talk 1490 WOSH.

Davis succeeds Dayton Kane, who announced his intent to depart the cluster
earlier this year.