RadioInsight

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SummitMedia Makes Double Flip In Richmond

Posted: 04 Mar 2021 12:50 PM PST
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...p-in-richmond/



SummitMedia relaunched two of its stations in Richmond VA at 3pm today.

After four and half months of stunting as Santa 100.9, 100.9 WJSR Lakeside
has flipped to Classic Hits as Awesome 100.9 Positioned as Totally 80s &
More, the move brings the station back to a similar playlist that it
featured until September 2020 as Variety Hits 100.9 Jack-FM and as Classic
Hits Star 100.9 from 2016 to 2018.

The moves did not end there as Hot AC 103.7 Play WURV relaunched as 103.7
Your Variety. That station is positioning as The Best of 2K & Today and
More Variety While You Work.

With the changes Jack Lauterback exits after ten years in mornings
alongside OM/PD Melissa Chase. He joined the station when it was Adult
Alternative 103.7 The River and remained through the 2013 shift to Hot AC
under the now-former Play brand.

WURV ranked tenth in the Richmond market in the January 2021 Nielsen Audio
ratings with a 3.2 share. WJSRs Christmas Music was a near non-factor with
a 0.6 share.




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KISW Promotes Ryan Castle To Brand Manager; Taryn Daly To Assistant Brand
Manager

Posted: 04 Mar 2021 10:19 AM PST
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...brand-manager/



Following the promotion of Dave Richards to SVP/Programming for the
company, Entercom has announced the new programming leadership for Rock
99.9 KISW Seattle.

Ryan Castle, who as served as APD and midday host since joining the station
in 2003, will rise to Brand Manager. Castle will also continue to program
Classic Rock 92.3 KGON Portland. Prior to joining KISW, Castle served as
APD/Creative Director of WZTA Miami and KXXR Minneapolis, PD of WRLR
Birmingham, Production Director of KAZR Des Moines, on air at WLZR
Milwaukee and Active Rock Imaging Specialist for Saga.

Evening host Taryn Daly will rise to Assistant Brand Manager. Daly joined
KISW as a weekend host in 2013 from KISM Bellingham and has hosted nights
since 2015. She previously served as Assistant Music Director and Digital
Captain and also is currently Social Media Director for Entercom Seattle.

Entercom announced leadership promotions for 99.9 KISW (KISW-FM) stations
in Seattle. Ryan Castle has been promoted as Brand Manager of the station
and Taryn Daly has been elevated to Assistant Brand Manager of the station.
Both moves are effective immediately.

“I am extremely proud to elevate these two tremendous leaders who have
already contributed much success to KISW and reward their hard work and
dedication,� said Jack Hutchison, Senior Vice President of Entercom
Seattle. “I have full trust in Ryan and Taryn’s ability to lead this iconic
brand celebrating in its 50th year in Seattle and beyond.�

“I’d like to thank Dave [Richards], Jack and Pat [Paxton] for entrusting me
with this legendary brand,� said Castle. “This radio station and this staff
mean the absolute world to me and I’m stoked for the opportunity to
continue the legacy of the Northwest’s most entertaining radio station.�

Castle had previously served as the station’s Assistant Brand Manager since
joining Entercom in October 2003. In addition to this role, Castle will
continue as Brand Manager for Portland sister station 92.3 KGON (KGON-FM).

“Joining this team eight years ago was an absolute dream come true, and
that dream continues with the incredible honor of growing my career at this
legendary radio station,� said Daly.




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United Stations Launches Bootleg Kev Into Syndication

Posted: 04 Mar 2021 09:07 AM PST
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...o-syndication/



United Stations will launch former Real 92.3 KRRL Los Angeles evening host
Bootleg Kev into syndication starting Monday, March 9.

Bootleg Kev will debut in three markets, including two stations where he
used to work: Beasley Media Rhythmic CHR Wild 94.1 WLLD Tampa and Riviera
Broadcasting Rhythmic CHR Power 98.3 KKFR Phoenix. He will also be heard on
Gold Coast Broadcasting Rhythmic Q95.9 KCAQ Oxnard CA. The show is
available to affiliate to air in afternoons or evenings and will also
feature No Cap News with James Andre Jefferson Jr. and producer Nico Blitz.

Kev co-hosted nights at KRRL with DJ Hed from 2016 until exiting last
December. In addition to stints in afternoons at KKFR and WLLD, he has also
worked at KVEG Las Vegas and KWYL Boise.

United Stations, an independent leader in content and services for radio
stations, is thrilled to announce that beginning March 9, 2021, Bootleg Kev
will officially launch his content into network syndication with United
Stations. The Bootleg Kev lineup will include a daily 4-5 hour show for
afternoons and nights along with a companion two-hour weekend mix show. As
part of this announcement, we also welcome the first Bootleg Kev
affiliates, with those being KKFR-FM in Phoenix, WLLD-FM in Tampa and
KCAQ-FM in Oxnard, CA. Along with Kev, the show features the No Cap News
with James Andre Jefferson Jr. and show producer Nico Blitz. This
announcement comes from Stefan Jones, SVP/Content and Affiliation at United
Stations, and USRNs newly appointed content specialist/consultant Tim
Richards of TR Media; jointly with the Bootleg Kev team, which includes
network operations consultant Brian Samson.

Bootleg Kev, originally from Phoenix, Arizona, has been doing radio for
over 15 years with stops in Las Vegas, Tampa, Phoenix, and for the last
four years at REAL 92.3 in Los Angeles. He has established himself as one
of the biggest hip-hop DJs in the country on the radio. Kev is currently
married, and he and his wife Esmeralda have two children, ages 5 and 13.
Kev is an avid video gamer, and he also likes to travel, geek out on
technology and watch sports in his spare time. Most importantly for his
radio content, Kev lives and breathes the Hip Hop format and he has spent
his entire career building relationships with the whos who of the format.

In marking the Bootleg Kev Shows addition to the companys lineup, Stefan
Jones of United Stations commented, This format requires complete
authenticity, and Bootleg Kev delivers that. His connection to the music,
the artists and his listeners is unmatched. Kev added, This show is
something that is currently missing from the syndication world, and one
that Im very excited about bringing to airwaves across the country. I am so
excited about our partnership with United Stations. Stefan Jones, Andy
Denemark, Tim Richards and the whole team see the vision, and I look
forward to shaking up radio with them in my corner.



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95.1 FM Chicago To Move Online Only

Posted: 04 Mar 2021 06:00 AM PST
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...e-online-only/



Tracey Bells Integrated Brand Marketing has announced that Adult RB 95.1 FM
Chicago W236CF Chicago/W236CG Bolingbrook IL will move to streaming only at
the end of March.

Bell began operating the translators in August 2019 replacing Lamont Watts
RB Oldies “Clubstepping 95.1. A deal to acquire the two translators, fed by
SBS 107.9 WLEY-HD3, from John Bridge’s Windy City Broadcasting for $3.5
million was filed at that time. Despite being approved by the FCC the deal
never closed. The translators are currently listed for sale for a $2.8
million asking price.

The stations current mix of RB, Gospel, Smooth Jazz and House Music, led by
Program Director/midday host First Lady will remain in place after the
move. The station spins the shift as claiming to be moving to the European
style Digital Audio Broadcasting transmission system, which is not correct,
but rather to an app based platform. They claim that while the station was
off-the-air for three weeks in May 2020 during the flood at the Willis
Tower listenership grew 25%.

Owned by Tracey V. Bell, 95.1 FM, Chicago will become a 100% Digital Audio
Broadcasting (DAB) station, at the end of March, 2021.

At the initial launch of the station, station officials developed and
launched a digital App which can be accessed wherever there is Wifi direct
from Apple and Android playstores. Unlike other streaming apps, it
maintains audio in real-time even when switching between devices.

An unintentional dress rehearsal, in May 2020, 95.1 FM operated solely from
its digital App, due to a flood at the Sears Tower, which stripped the
station of its FM signal, for 3 weeks. During that month, the station’s
audience grew 25%.

A 24-hour music station, 95.1 FM Chicago, now streams across the US, 79
other countries, and has more than 300K listeners. Its APP earns more than
2MM impressions a month and on average, the station adds more than 20K new
digital listeners each month. Moreover, the station’s number of weekly
digital listeners exceeds all competitors in Chicago, the nation’s 3rd
largest market, who vie for the same listener.

As such, 95.1 Chicago is set to become the first Black-Female owned, radio
station to proactively go ALL digital, and compete on the national scale,
with international in its sight. Bell made the strategic decision so that
the station can focus on enhancing digital solutions in this budding
digital age. Immediately, the decision elevates the station to be
considered with streaming leaders, Pandora and Spotify. Taking streaming to
another level, the 95.1 Chicago App has become the first and ONLY to
innovate audio AND visual via inclusion of a digital theater, within the
same app. With successful performances in 2020 that included international
Smooth Jazz artist Nick Colionne and the RB legendary Whispers, the
performances streamed coast to coast through the 95.1 Chicago App.

When asked about the impact to Chicago, the station’s birth city, Program
Director, First Lady, who also dubs as Midday Personality and Mixer on the
station, said; “New York has its fashions. LA has its movie stars and
Chicago has its Musiclike Curtis Mayfield, The Emotions, The Chi-Lites, Sam
Cooke, Earth Wind Fire, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, Minnie Ripperton,
Common and the list goes on. It makes sense that we share this music with
the world. That’s what it means to take Chicago around the world. We are
the only station systematically playing this kind of musicand we go deep
not just what charted. So now, we elevate our culture to the next level by
launching on Digital Audio Broadcasting, aka DAB in Europe. 70% of our
audience already listens via our App so we are just giving the people more
of what they asked us for. As far as our local advertisers, small
businesses with an online business model will receive incremental
opportunities.�

Excited to lead Black-Female owned radio into the digital age, Bell
emphasized that none of this is possible, without God. “He [GOD] combined
music, message and mission. The timing of it all epitomizes Victor Hugo’s
meaning of nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.�



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Meruelo Media Launches Talk KLOS 2

Posted: 04 Mar 2021 05:00 AM PST
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...s-talk-klos-2/



After quietly launching it last September, Meruelo Media has officially
unveiled its new Talk KLOS 2 that will air online and on 95.5 KLOS-HD2 Los
Angeles.

The channel is currently running KLOSs Heidi and Frank Show 24/7, but
intends to add additional original programming in the coming months. KLOS
morning host Frank Kramer will serve as Program Director of KLOS2 as his
Toad Hop Entertainment will co-operate the channel. Kramer launched Toad
Hop Entertainment in 2009 following his and Heidi Hamiltons exit from 97.1
FM Talk KLSX when it flipped to CHR.

Today, Los Angeles rock station 95.5 KLOS, in connection with Toad Hop
Entertainment and the Toad Hop Network, announced the launch of their HD2
radio station, “KLOS 2.� Helmed by morning show host Frank Kramer, the
all-talk HD channel has also revealed a fresh, new logo.Â* Kramer also adds
“KLOS2 Program Director� to his resume.

“I’m excited to bring all-talk radio back to Southern California,� said
Frank, of “The Heidi Frank Show.â€�Â* “The listeners have been hungry for it
since KLSX ended in 2009, and now that over half of the cars on the road
have HD radios, it’s perfect timing.�

Initially, KLOS2 will be a 24-hour Heidi Frank Show channel, giving the
duo’s loyal fan base more access to their edgy talk show throughout the
day.Â* But Kramer says it won’t stop there. “The 24-hour loop is just phase
one.Â* In the coming months, my team and I will be adding original
programming, special features and even more surprises.Â* KLOS2 will
ultimately become a full-fledged talk radio station, courting new
advertisers and personalities.Â* I appreciate Meruelo Media for trusting my
vision to double-down on personality-driven radio, and I can’t wait to get
started.�

“We’re excited to offer Frank a second audio platform to expand his
creative brand and explore bold new ideas,� stated Otto Padron, President
of Meruelo Media. “While 95.5 KLOS-FM will continue to be the flagship
station for the daily live version of ‘The Heidi Frank Show,’ we are
certain that fans will love more listening options; which includes the
KLOS2 mobile app.�

“KLOS 2� is immediately available at 95.5 KLOS HD2, the KLOS2 mobile app
and KLOS2.com




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Edison Research: 30% of all Audio Listening in the U.S. now done on Mobile
Device

Posted: 04 Mar 2021 04:30 AM PST
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...mobile-device/



Listening on a mobile device now accounts for 30% of all time spent
listening to audio by those age 13+ in the U.S., an increase of 67% since
2014, according to the latestÂ*Share of Ear® report fromÂ*Edison Research.
ListeningÂ*on a mobile device has been growing steadily since Edison
Research’s Share of Ear study began tracking audio consumption among
Americans in 2014.

The gap between listening on a traditional radio receiver and a mobile
deviceÂ*among those age 13+Â*has narrowed remarkablyÂ*quicklyÂ*since 2014: 31
percentage points separated the two in 2014 and only five percentage points
separate the two today. The traditional AM/FM radio receiver does account
for the largest share of audio consumed but has decreased the most since
the survey began, now accounting for 35% of all audio consumption compared
to 49% in 2014.

Mobile devices have already surpassed traditional radio receiversÂ*in the
youngerÂ*age groups. Among those age 13-34,Â*46% of total daily audio
consumption is done on a mobile device and 20% is done on a traditional
AM/FM radio receiver.

It is important to note that these statistics speak to device only, not the
audio product that is delivered by the device. Mobile devices can deliver a
wide range of audio products, including radio station programming.

“MobileÂ*devices, particularly of course the phone,Â*haveÂ*been gaining on the
traditional radio receiverÂ*as the primary listening deviceÂ*forÂ*as long as
we have been measuring Share of Ear, butÂ*with the disruptions of the last
yearÂ*the gap has narrowed dramatically.â€� said Edison Research President
Larry Rosin.Â* “As fewer people have a standard radio receiver in their
homes these days,Â*naturally more listening comes through digital devices.â€�

COVID-19 disruptionsÂ*meant Americans spent moreÂ*time consumingÂ*audio at
home in 2020 and lessÂ*time consumingÂ*audio in-car, the prime location for
listening to a traditional AM/FM receiver, which could explain some of the
change in the past year. Further data analysis in the coming year will be
needed to see if these audio habits remain post-quarantine.

How the Share of Ear® study is conducted: Edison Research conducts a
nationally representative study of Americans ages 13 and older to measure
their time spent listening to audio sources. Respondents complete a 24-hour
diary of their audio listening on an assigned day. Diaries are completed
both online and by-mail using a paper diary. Diaries are offered in both
English and Spanish. The Share of Ear study is released quarterly and is
available on a subscription basis.





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Seattle Kraken Released Onto KJR

Posted: 03 Mar 2021 04:47 PM PST
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...ased-onto-kjr/



The NHLs new Seattle Kraken franchise starting play this fall has announced
a multi-year broadcast agreement with iHeartMedia.

All of the Krakens games will air on Sports 950 KJR, with some simulcast on
Variety Hits 96.5 Jack-FM KJAC. The deal will also include a promotional
partnership with the entire iHeart Seattle cluster and the 80+ concerts and
events to be held annually at Climate Pledge Arena.

The Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena today announced a multi-year
partnership with iHeartMedia Seattle that will benefit both hockey and
music and entertainment fans across the Pacific Northwest. Beginning with
the Kraken’s inaugural 2021-2022 season, iHeartMedia Seattle’s Sports Radio
950 KJR will serve as the official flagship radio home for Kraken games,
broadcasting all home and away games.

iHeartMedia Seattle’s 950 KJR will cover the Kraken’s Northwest region
games in Seattle, with selected games broadcasting on 96.5 JACK-FM. Fans
around the world will be able to stream games via iHeartRadio.com and the
iHeartRadio app. 950 KJR will broadcast live regularly from Climate Pledge
Arena and Kraken Training Center, sharing all the latest team news and
content.

I couldnt be prouder to join forces with Seattle Kraken,� said Mark Glynn,
Market President for iHeartMedia Seattle. “This alliance not only
encompasses Sports Radio 950 KJR as the flagship radio station but also
strategically aligns our brands with Climate Pledge Arena in a
groundbreaking agreement. Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke and Kraken COO
Victor de Bonis and their team have been incredible to work with in
creating this partnership.�

“Since our ticket drive in 2018, iHeartMedia Seattle and KJR have been with
us every step of the way,� said Tod Leiweke, CEO of Seattle Kraken. “With
hosts that are entertaining and informative, we have found the perfect home
for our fans to listen to Kraken games, wherever they are.�

Play-By-Play from Everett Fitzhugh

The radio broadcast will be led by Kraken Team Broadcaster Everett
Fitzhugh, who will provide play-by-play for all games. Fitzhugh was hired
in September 2020 and will continue with his digital hosting duties in
addition to calling games on 950 KJR.

“We are extremely excited to bring Seattle’s newest professional franchise
to the airwaves,� said Rich Moore, Senior Vice President of Programming for
iHeartMedia Seattle. “It will be beyond fun helping build up this great fan
base from the start, offering additional content and unique access on
multiple platforms. Sports Radio 950 KJR and its entire team are proud to
be the home of the Kraken!�

In addition, iHeartMedia Seattle also joins as a key promotional partner
for music and entertainment. Climate Pledge Arena will be the home of more
than 80 concerts and live events each year.

“We are thrilled to partner with iHeartMedia in Seattle,� added Rosie
Selle, Vice President of Marketing for Climate Pledge Arena. “We look
forward to seeing their vast promotional power support the world-class
music and events we intend to attract to Climate Pledge Arena.�

The Seattle Kraken will begin their inaugural season in 2021 at Climate
Pledge Arena on the campus at Seattle Center. Construction continues
on-track at the arena for a fall 2021 opening.