WDAY-AM, Fargo Sale Overcomes Informal Objection
The proposed sale of news/talk WDAY-AM/K226CL, Fargo, North Dakota from Forum Communications Company to Bakken Beacon Media LLC’s subsidiary Flag Family survived an informal objection from private citizen Leann Wolff. Flag Family has been operating the station for the past four years and when the proposed sale was announced, Wolff filed an objection with the FCC citing social media comments from Flag Family co-owner Scott Hennen about the state of journalism in the U.S., including the statement, “journalism is dead.” Wolff questioned Flag Family’s fitness to operate the station in light of the comments but the
Commission stated that Hennen was expressing “his own individual opinion on the current state of journalism,” but “even if it was assumed that such an opinion might be expressed on WDAY under BBM’s ownership, that is not a ground for the FCC to deny or withhold consent to the instant assignment.” The Commission further states, “We reject the assertion that Hennen’s social media comments justify a denial of the proposed assignment applications. The Objection does not cite to any provision under the Act or the rules, any cases, or any Commission policy for its argument that Hennen’s social media comments are pertinent to our review of the Applications. We disagree with Wolff’s argument that Hennen’s viewpoint on the state of journalism, as expressed in his social media comments, is in any way relevant to our determination of BBM’s qualifications to hold a license or whether the proposed assignment would serve the public interest. As the Commission has stated, licensees have broad discretion based on their First Amendment right to free speech to choose, in good faith, the programming they believe serves the needs and interests of their communities. Indeed, the Commission does not interfere with the programming decisions of licensees, nor does it consider issues of programming choice when reviewing an application for the assignment or transfer of a broadcast license.”
received a letter that also contained a “suspicious white, powdery substance” and forced the company to evacuate the building for several hours. Station employees continued to broadcast from the parking lot while authorities, including a hazmat team, investigated. They were allowed to return to the building after a period but so far authorities have offered no details on the letter or the powdery substance. 
direction. Thirty-year company veteran Dave Doetsch – who’d been managing the company’s South Bend and Southwest Michigan operations – is elevated to chief operating officer and chief revenue officer. Rockford, Illinois cluster manager Mike Paterson is promoted to chief financial officer. As a result, Kim DiGiovanni rises from VP/director of sales to general manager for Rockford. The company is in the process of selling its Springfield, Illinois stations to Woodward Communications and after that deal closes, Mid-West Family will own and operate 41 stations in seven markets: Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Madison, Wisconsin; Rockford, Illinois; South Bend, Indiana; St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Springfield, Missouri.
2025, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company’s Class D Common Stock must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive business days. The company says it intends to actively monitor the closing bid price of its Class D Common Stock and will consider all reasonable available options to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, which may include seeking stockholder approval to effect a reverse stock split. There can be no assurance that the company will regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement during the 180-day compliance period, maintain compliance with the other Nasdaq listing requirements or be successful in appealing any delisting determination. The Notice also has no impact on the Company’s Class A Common Stock which trades under the symbol “UONE.”
International Day of the United Nations, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD). Each year WRD focuses on a specific theme involving radio that is timely, and important. This year the theme is “Radio and Climate Change.” UNESCO points out: Radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations through climate disasters such as tropical storms and floods. It helps with the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, and dedicated radio shows. 
for millions in ad investment were surveyed about why audio lags in media investment and why brands stand to benefit from a larger feature in media plans. The study reveals that audio has what brands need most: spectacular reach, high levels of attention, tremendous audience, and powerful performance. As an example, Audacy points to a skin care brand that used a podcast and streaming campaign to drive increased sales. 
11:00 pm to 2:00 am ET. The program says that Smart, who worked as an Apple repair technician and with Steve Jobs in the late 1980s at the computer firm NeXT, “has been at the forefront of innovation. He built large-scale telecommunications networks, is an inventor, a former child actor, and a VO artist. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, pop culture fanatic, or just love to consume interesting content, ‘Online Tonight’ offers something for everyone.”
documentary “features expert insight from RAAN hosts, including John Catsimatidis, Rita Cosby, Greg Kelly, Roger Stone, Jeanine Pirro, Dominic Carter, and more.” It asks the questions: What are the opportunities? What are the obstacles? Will there be fewer freak-outs about social media posts? Will there be more focus on economic issues? 
Amazon’s ART19 hosting platform marks a major evolution for PodcastOne that enhances operational efficiencies while strengthening our monetization capabilities and audience engagement. This strategic move positions us to better serve advertisers and maximize the value of our content across our growing network.” He adds, “PodcastOne remains committed to delivering premium content while expanding our host and advertiser relationships. To date, we have grown our programming slate to 196 shows and surpassed 3.9 billion network downloads through key expansion deals, including our collaboration with A&E’s The History Channel, and the renewal of flagship podcasts hosted by Adam Carolla, Brendan Schaub, and Kaitlyn Bristowe. Looking ahead, we are focused on leveraging our leadership position in podcasting to drive sustainable growth through organic expansion, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives, creating long term value for our creators, partners, and shareholders.”
presented to Brian Lawlor, president, Scripps Sports. Additionally, Scott Herman, former COO of CBS Radio and Chair of the BFOA, will pay tribute to Dan Mason, former CEO of CBS Radio and past Chair of the BFOA, with the 2025 Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, and Katz Media Group will be recognized with the 2025 Philip J. Lombardo Spirit Award. Katz Media Group CEO Mark Gray will accept the award. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We’re excited about this year’s honorees and presenters and extend our thanks to Deborah for serving as the evening’s emcee. While we gather to honor these highly respected and accomplished broadcasters for their contributions to our industry, we must always keep in mind, and in our hearts, the broadcasters who we help when they need us the most.”
of the Senate’s final vote on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. The exclusive interview will air during “The Ingraham Angle” on FOX News Channel this evening at 7:00 pm ET. FNC says Kennedy Jr. will discuss the Senate vote, the Make America Healthy Again movement and other news of the day.
Stephanie Prince-Springmeyer says, “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Inter Miami CF to include English-language broadcasts on ESPN 106.3… The beautiful game has the unique ability to unite communities, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of bringing this excitement to all fans in South Florida via ‘Deportes 760AM’ and ‘ESPN 106.3FM.’” 
the fourth quarter of 2024 and the full year ending December 31, 2024 on Thursday, February 27. The company will conduct a conference call at 4:30 pm ET, following the release of its earnings announcement, to discuss its financial results and business outlook.
Townsquare Media, Inc also announces that it will release fourth quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Monday, March 17. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain fourth quarter 2024 financial results on that day at 8:00 am ET.
According to a story by reporter Louis Krause in yesterday’s (2/11) Minnesota Star Tribune longtime KDWB-FM Twin Cities radio host Dave Ryan was suspended from appearing on his talk show Monday morning, three days after a segment aired during which Ryan and co-hosts snorted powder food ingredients as part of a Super Bowl trivia game. He returned to the show yesterday following a one-day suspension. The segment on Friday’s episode of “The Dave Ryan Show” was titled “Super Blow,” according to three listeners who spoke with the Star Tribune and others who discussed it on the Reddit online forum. To read the full Star Tribune story, 
The syndicated “Armed American Radio” live stream hosted by successful broadcaster-Second Amendment defender Mark Walters is now available Monday through Friday 4:00-5:00 pm ET and Sundays 8:00-11:00 pm ET on You Tube at Armed American Radio, on Rumble at Armed American Radio, on Facebook Live at 
iHeartMedia St. Louis announced today (2/11)that media veteran Libby Nolan has been named market president, effective immediately. Nolan will oversee all aspects of sales and programming for the St. Louis cluster, driving business strategy and revenue growth. A highly respected veteran with 30 years in the radio industry, Nolan’s expertise spans programming, sales, marketing and executive leadership, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the evolving radio landscape. She will report to John Karpinski, division president for iHeartMedia. “Libby’s exceptional leadership, extensive industry knowledge and passion for innovation have driven tremendous local growth across both our radio and digital offerings. With experience spanning nearly every role in a radio station, she is uniquely positioned to lead from a place of deep understanding and drive continued success,” said Karpinski.
iHeartMedia Seattle’s Sports Radio 93.3 KJR-FM, announced (2/10) the debut of the new “MJ in the Midday” show, effective immediately. “MJ in the Midday” will broadcast weekdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. MJ in the Midday’s host Marc James, started his sports talk radio career in Miami and Fort Lauderdale in 2004. His career highlights include afternoon drive host for an ESPN radio affiliate in Tampa, FL, WFNZ afternoon drive radio host in Charlotte, NC and morning host on 92.9 “The Game” in Atlanta, GA. His radio career led him to a TV studio anchor position for New England Sports Network (NESN) in Boston, MA, where he also hosted shows on WEEI radio station. Since 2020, James has worked for Sports Talk Florida covering sporting events in the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida. He also hosted a college football podcast on the BLEAV Network. “Sports Radio 93.3 KJR-FM is literally my dream job,” James tells TALKERS. “I am honored and eternally grateful to become part of this legacy station and its extremely bright future in Seattle.” 
“Marc James joining our family is big for us,” said Rich Moore, VP of programming for iHeartMedia Seattle. “We’re extremely excited to be bringing in a new passionate voice to the Seattle market. Marc’s experience and love for our market will win our listeners over for years to come.” “We’re excited to welcome Marc James to the iconic call letters of KJR,” said Mark Glynn, area president for iHeartMedia Washington. “Marc’s infectious energy plus his dynamic and engaging personality will bring an exciting new spark to Seattle sports talk.”
Mix-minus is handled internally by Gagl. Since guests or reporters are using equipment they are already familiar with, Gagl is accessible to everyone. Even if no conferencing is desired, Gagl provides a simple way to bridge the audio from computer and smartphone browsers to Comrex codecs, avoiding the need for a hardware codec in the field.
Audacy, Inc. announced the resignation of chief financial officer, Rich Schmaeling, effective immediately (2/10), to pursue other business opportunities. Schmaeling will remain available to the company as needed to ensure an orderly transition of his responsibilities. 
Audacy will not name a new CFO in the near term. “On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank Rich for his contributions to Audacy,” said Kelli Turner, interim CEO and president, Audacy. “We are well positioned with the finance team in place.” Schmaeling joined Audacy as EVP, chief financial officer in 2017.
Just hours after the series of devastating wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, iHeart LA and the Dream Center – a resource center focused on providing support to those affected by homelessness, hunger and crisis – launched a national and local media campaign that asked local listeners to contribute essential items and cash to support those affected by the fires, many of whom had lost everything. 
What followed was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded any expectation, and which – thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbors and communities – has become one of the largest grassroots giving efforts in iHeart’s history.
The Miami Marlins announced this morning (2/7) the hiring of Jack McMullen as the lead play-by-play announcer on the Marlins Radio Network. McMullen takes over for Kyle Sielaff, who is the 