Industry News

Asheville’s WWNC Adds FM Signal

iHeartMedia’s Asheville news/talk outlet adds an FM signal to its broadcast as it begins simulcasting on translator W225CJ-FM, Asheville. iHeartMedia Carolinas area president Drew Salamon states, “Extending News Radio 570 WWNC to 92.9 FM gives Western North Carolinaimg greater access to trusted news and talk at a time when local information matters more than ever. This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to serve Asheville and the surrounding communities with credible voices, local connection and meaningful conversations.” iHeartMedia area SVP of programming Zac Davis adds, “After our post–Hurricane Helene broadcast, it became clear just how essential WWNC is to Western North Carolina. Over the past year, we’ve focused on expanding our ability to serve the community, and this next step allows us to reach even more listeners. It’s a natural extension of the incredible work our Asheville team has already done.”

Industry News

WWNC, Asheville Gets Recognition for Post-Helene Work

When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina last fall, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WWNC, Asheville was a lifeline for residents of the area as cell service was down and power was lost in so many areas. Fast-forward to today and the station is getting some press from CBS News for its work in the ongoingimg recovery efforts. The piece singles out WWNC personalities Mark Starling and Tank Spencer for “amplifying the messages of groups such as Valley Strong Disaster Relief” and more to keep the recovery information flowing. Spencer is quoted saying, “You don’t really notice until times of disaster what your community is really made of. They’re gonna make sure that everybody in that community, that nobody wants for anything.” Spencer adds that in the immediate aftermath of the storm, their work was crucial. “The access to the information saved lives. The only thing that was left standing was AM and FM radio, and I think there’s been a rediscovery of that.” See the CBS News piece here.

Industry News

BFoA Adjusts Grant Guidelines and Application Process

In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helene and the impending Hurricane Milton, the Broadcasters Foundation of America is taking immediate steps to make sure every broadcaster who qualifies for emergency aid receives it quickly. BFoA president Tim McCarthy states, “We’ve temporarily adjusted ourim already streamlined Emergency Grant Guidelines and Application Process to make it even easier and faster to get funds into the hands of broadcasters hit hardest by these storms. The situation is catastrophic for many of our colleagues and with insufficient or total lack of internet service, an individual or families cannot even submit an application.” Under the adjusted guidelines, broadcasters who have suffered catastrophic loss contact their market or general manager, who then fills out the Hurricanes Helene and Milton Group Submission Form for all of those within their station who are applying. To access the new temporary application form market or general managers may click here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

Industry News

Yesterday’s (10/8) Top News/Talk Media Stories

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and today’s expected landfall of Hurricane Milton in Florida were the most talked-about stories, followed closely by the presidential race, Bob Woodward’s report of Donald Trump’s close relationship with Vladimir Putin, and the escalation of violence in the Middle East.  Climate change, the economy, abortion rights, the migrant crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the MLB playoffs were also among the most-talked-about stories in news/talk media yesterday (10/8), according to ongoing research from TALKERS.