Is radio smart enough to keep up with speakers?
The adoption of smart-speaker technology is sweeping across the country so rapidly that radio stations have had to incorporate the new device into their business strategy at cyber speed.
Radio Stations
Articles
iHeart Radio parts ways with market manager, hires replacement
Brad Polston is out as iHeart Media’s local market manager after 14 months of leading the cluster of stations that includes WFBQ-FM 94.7 and WNDE-AM 1260. His replacement has been working in billboard ad sales.
WNDE sacks ‘Flagrant Foul’ morning sports show with Stuck, Gunn
After less than a year on the air, the local drive-time show has been replaced by a nationally syndicated program. Ratings indicate it struggled to gain ground on a rival broadcast.
Emmis suffers quarterly loss on lower revenue
The Indianapolis-based media company reported a money-losing quarter as radio revenue continued to slump.
Cumulus ditches old-school hip-hop format at 93.9 FM
WRWM-FM 93.9 once again is changing its format—and its call letters. Despite some listener discontent, Cumulus officials say they are confident in the change.
WFYI to end ‘Art of the Matter’ in overhaul of arts, culture coverage
The public radio station plans to create a new arts-focused program and an arts-and-culture desk in its newsroom, giving such coverage similar weight as education, health and economic issues.
Radio giant Cumulus files for bankruptcy protection
The company, whose Indianapolis holdings include WFMS-FM 95.5 and WJJK-FM 104.5, said station operations will continue as normal as it seeks to shed more than $1 billion in debt.
Longtime local radio executive Wheat dies at 66
Chris Wheat, a radio executive for more than 40 years, was general manager of Q95 during the station’s run of ratings and revenue dominance.
Emmis reports big quarterly profit thanks to radio station sale
Emmis said it used the $82.8 million sale of Los Angeles radio station KPWR-FM to drastically slash its debt obligations.
FCC boss sides with Emmis in battle over iPhone’s FM feature
In the wake of devastating hurricanes, FCC Chaiman Ajit Pai is urging Apple to enable its iPhones as FM radio receivers. If Apple complies, that would give Emmis’ NextRadio operation a big boost.
Grady leaving WRTV, Pacers for Nets job in New York
Michael Grady, a sports reporter at WRTV-TV Channel 6 and public address announcer for the Indiana Pacers, has taken a position as sideline reporter for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.
Radio ‘rebel’ WTTS unlikely success story
It’s one of the few stations in Indiana where listeners can hear—in the same hour—old-timer Bob Dylan, up-and-comer Imagine Dragons, superstar Adele and an unknown basement band.
Emmis Communications takes quarterly loss as revenue declines
Revenue declines were expected because Emmis sold off four radio stations and most of its publishing assets over the past year.
Emmis reports quarterly loss on shrinking revenue
Radio revenue fell from $36.5 million to $34 million and publishing revenue dropped from $14.2 million to $9.2 million in the period.
Emmis sells powerhouse Los Angeles hip-hop station for $83M
KPWR-FM, which Emmis has owned for 32 years, has long been one of the most popular stations in the massive Los Angeles media market. Emmis shares soared after the announcement.
WIBC overhauling on-air lineup as Garrison departs
“Chicks on the Right” and “Hammer & Nigel” are changing time slots. Abdul-Hakim Shabazz’s weeknight show is going off the air. And local listeners will get more Tony Katz.
Emmis to sell off more radio assets after new agreement with lender
Under the terms of a newly renegotiated credit agreement, Emmis has until next summer to sell off at least $80 million in assets.
Garrison to step down as WIBC talk-show host after 20 years
Conservative radio host Greg Garrison plans to retire from his weekday show in June, he announced Monday on the air.
The Fan putting local shows on new frequency to cure interference issue
Starting soon, many central Indiana sports-talk fans will no longer be able to hear programming from The Fan on 93.5 FM, where it’s been heard since November 2015.
Emmis sells four of its five remaining magazines for $6.5M
With the deal, Emmis Communications Corp. has divested all its publishing assets except for Indianapolis Monthly, which it intends to continue to operate.