Broadcasting Industry News

Nexstar’s WXSP-TV (Grand Rapids) has announced that for the third consecutive year, the station will serve as the exclusive live in-market television partner for the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team.  The station will televise 10 home games live from Van Andel Arena.

This past Thursday, October 13, Nexstar’s WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids) hosted the first of two televised debates between the two candidates seeking the role of Governor for the State of Michigan in the November 8 general election.

The MAB has learned that longtime WSGW-AM/FM (Saginaw) Morning Show Anchor and Alpha Media Saginaw Operations Director Dave Maurer has left the station after 43 years. In a post on the WSGW Facebook page, it was announced that October 7 was Maurer’s final day at the station.

McKibbin Media Group (MMG) has announced the grand opening and ribbon cutting for its new downtown broadcast studio. The ribbon cutting event will take place on Tuesday, October 18.

Grand Valley State University has sold silent WGVU-AM (Kentwood/Grand Rapids) to non-commercial broadcaster Smile FM for $60,000. The assignment was filed with the FCC on October 4. This is the second station Smile has purchased from the University.

Lilly Broadcasting’s WZMQ-TV (Marquette) has announced that it has begun airing live newscasts from new studios in downtown Marquette.  The station operates with a new set, studios and newsroom at 142 W. Washington in Marquette.

On October 6, WDIV-TV (Detroit) announced that veteran Detroit television anchor Christy McDonald will join the station as a special correspondent and fill-in anchor on Local 4 News and streaming platform Local 4+.  McDonald will start these new roles beginning October 10.

Beasley Media Group has announced that Mean Jean Fremont has been named as the new Morning Personality and Assistant Program Director at 105.1 The BOUNCE (WMGC-FM) in the Motor City. He will officially begin his new position on October 17, 2022.