Broadcasting Industry News
Detroit Radio Icon Buzz VanHouten Passes Away at Age 81
VanHouten had a successful decades-long radio career in sales and management at Detroit radio stations, including WABX, WJR, WRIF, WLLZ and 97.1 the Ticket. Following his radio days, he became a digital consultant in the advertising and marketing industry. He most recently was a consultant to Blarney Stone Broadcasting in Graying.
Read MoreDetroit TV Veteran Ryan Ermanni Joins WJR As New Afternoon Host
Cumulus Media has announced that longtime Detroit media personality Ryan Ermanni is joining the company’s WJR-AM (Detroit) as afternoon host. Ermanni is best known as co-host of “The Nine” on “Fox 2 Detroit” WJBK-TV. He began his new shift this past Monday (7/7) and is on the air from 2 – 4 p.m. Eastern.
Read MoreWOOD-TV Employees Spend Time Volunteering for Annual Day of Caring
Last Friday (6/20), employees of Nexstar’s WOOD-TV participated in the company’s annual Founder’s Day of Caring event. The event celebrates Nexstar Media Group’s founding with a day of giving back. Employees across Nexstar’s over 100 stations are asked to spend a portion of their day volunteering.
Read MoreWDIV-TV to Open Coffee Shop in Detroit Suburb
“At Fourgrounds, we’re bringing journalism out from behind the screen and into your daily rhythm, as familiar and approachable as your morning coffee,” said Bob Ellis, our Vice President and General Manager. “We want our reporting to be accessible, rooted in community, and part of the conversations that matter most.”
Read MoreLongtime Marquette Sportscaster Ed Holmgren Dies at 85
The MAB has learned that veteran Marquette area sports announcer Ed Holmgren passed away June 6 at the age of 85. Holmgren was a beloved and comforting voice on the radio at multiple stations in the west-end communities of Ishpeming and Negaunee for his calling of sports contests, particularly football and basketball, for more than a half century.
Read MoreBlarney Stone’s WQON to Present Battle of the Bands
Blarney Stone Broadcasting’s WQON-FM (Grayling), in partnership with Odawa Casino, has announced the Odawa Casino Battle of the Bands 2025, a high-energy competition spotlighting Michigan’s best unsigned musical talent. The event offers local artists the chance to win $4,000 cash, radio airplay and live performance opportunities!
Read MoreWLUC-TV’s Andrew LaCombe Departs Michigan for Wisconsin Opportunity
This past Monday (6/16), Gray Television’s WLUC-TV (Marquette) announced that station News Director Andrew LaCombe will be leaving the station after four years. LaCombe will become the news director at WLUK-TV in Green Bay beginning in July. LaCombe previously worked at WLUK.
Read More2025 Regional EMMY® Winners Announced
Michigan broadcast stations and networks receiving awards included Bally Sports Detroit, WDIV-TV, WGVU-TV, WILX-TV, WJBK-TV, WJRT-TV, WKAR-TV, WSYM-TV, WTVS-TV, WXMI-TV, WXYZ-TV and WZZM-TV.
Read MoreMike Murri and George Blaha named 2025 Michiganians of the Year by The Detroit News
The Detroit News has announced their 2025 Michiganians of the Year honors. Every year, the publication selects the “most impressive fellow citizens” to receive the distinction based on nominations by the readers and staff. Among the 10 picked this year are Mike Murri, of WMYD/WXYZ-TV and broadcaster George Blaha, the voice of the Detroit Pistons.
Read MoreWWJ Reporter/Anchor Mike Campbell Dies at Age 65
“We are deeply saddened to learn of Mike Campbell’s passing. Mike was more than a colleague at WWJ Newsradio 950; he was a friend to us all and a trusted voice for our listeners, bringing the stories of Detroit and Southeast Michigan to life. We are truly heartbroken by this loss and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” said WWJ news director Rob Davidek in a statement.
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