Industry News

WHBY, Appleton Updates its Brand

Woodward Community Media’s Appleton, Wisconsin news/talk WHBY says that following a historic year celebrating a century of service to Northeast Wisconsin, it is launching its new brand identity and logo. Woodward says, “The rebranding effort comes on the heels of WHBY’s year-long, 100th-anniversary celebration, which concluded last week. While the festivities honored the station’s deep roots and legacy since 1925, the new visual identity is designed to carry that legacy into a multi-platform future. The new look is encapsulated by the station’s rebrand slogan: Brand New Look. Same Trusted Voice. Woodward Fox Valley market manager B.J. DeGroot says, “We spent the last year lookingimg back at a century of service to the Fox Valley, but today, we turn our gaze forward. After retiring our special 100-year commemorative look, we didn’t want to just go back to ‘business as usual.’ We’re kicking off our second century with a fresh new look that reflects the evolution of WHBY and our unwavering commitment to the next generation of listeners.” WHBY brand manager Alex Thomas adds, “We are excited to usher in a new era of WHBY. Our rebrand represents a new chapter of WHBY and reflects who we are today and where we are heading next. This transformation goes beyond a new logo. It represents our vision of strengthening community awareness, enhancing the way we deliver news and conversation in the Fox Cities and beyond. While our look may be changing, our core values remain the same. Being trusted, local, and community driven remains a pillar of WHBY.”

Industry News

Woodward Announces Talk Programming Leadership Changes

imgimgWoodward Community Media makes talk programming leadership moves that it says “strengthens its talk radio leadership with a key promotion and new hire.” Alex Thomas is promoted to brand manager fornews/talk WHBY-AM/W278AU and sports talk WSCO-AM/W256DD in Appleton, Wisconsin. At the same time, Paul Johnson joins the company as the new assistant brand manager for the Woodward Community Media Talk Team. Johnson most recently served with Midwest Communications. Thomas says, “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to be brand manager of such prestigious stations of WHBY & The Score. With WHBY celebrating its 100th year Anniversary and WSCO’s local sports presence, it’s an honor to represent Woodward Community Media as the talk station brand manager. I look forward to continuing our community impact and highlighting the Fox Valley with great local radio programming.” Johnson comments, “I’m excited to be part of the team at Woodward Community Media! So many talented individuals on staff, and I feel very fortunate to join the team at WHBY and WSCO with the goal of providing great local radio to the listeners of the Fox Valley.”

Industry News

Woodward Taps DeGroot to Lead Wisconsin Stations

Woodward Communications names B.J. DeGroot market manager for its six-station cluster in Northeast Wisconsin that includes news/talk WHBY and sports talk WSCO-AM/W237AA “The Score” in Appleton. DeGroot has been serving as brand manager for WHBY and “The Score.” Woodward says that DeGroot’s understanding of the local market and his success in brand management has prepared him to lead thisimg diverse group of stations. DeGroot comments, “Leading the entire portfolio of Woodward Community Media stations in Northeast Wisconsin is a significant honor. I’m committed to working with our talented local teams to continue delivering relevant content and strengthening our connection with the community.” The company also announces that Kelly Radandt, who was named director of broadcast in November 2024, will oversee broadcast brands across both Northeast Wisconsin and the company’s Springfield, Illinois stations. DeGroot and Kevin O’Dea, market manager of Springfield, will both report to Radandt. Radandt comments, “This expanded role presents a unique opportunity to unify our broadcast efforts and innovate across markets. I am eager to contribute to Woodward Community Media’s continued success and evolution. Onward!”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

The Buffalo Bills and Audacy’s sports talk WGR, Buffalo say that interim play-by-play announcer Chris Brown – who took over for John Murphy at the end of last season as Murphy recovers from a stroke – will continue in that role for the 2023-2024 NFL season.

Woodward Radio Group radio stations – including news/talk WHBY and sports talk WSCO in Appleton, Wisconsin – in partnership with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, hosted the 5th annual Combat Hunger event that raised money and food to provide 52,580 meals for veterans facing hunger in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley.