Broadcasting Industry News
Michigan Learning Channel Launches their 2022 Summer Learning Program
The Michigan Learning Channel (MLC) has announced its Summer 2022 program. The free eight-week program, which runs through August 14 encourages kids to “Learn, Do, and Explore” with literacy and math lessons, hands-on science and fitness activities, career exploration and virtual field trips. MLC can be seen on digital subchannels of all Michigan Public Broadcasting…
Read MoreFCC Notes: Marks Stations Transferred; WMPA Sale Closes
Some items of note from the FCC files this past week include the transfer of stations owned by the late Stephen Marks were transferred to Mary Marks, as personal representative under his will. In Michigan, this includes WBKB-TV (Alpena), WBKP-TV (Calumet), WBUP-TV (Ishpeming), WHKB-FMWCCY-AM/WOLV-FM (Houghton) and WIKB-FM/WFER-AM (Iron River). Marks also owned television and radio…
Read MoreLansing Lugnuts Broadcaster Called Up to the Big League
Lansing Lugnuts Radio Broadcaster Jesse Goldberg-Strassler has received the call to step up, at least temporarily, to major league baseball play-by-play. Strassler, who has been calling the Lugnut games since 2009, was called up by affiliate-team the Oakland Athletics for help with three games this past week with the Boston Red Sox. Goldberg-Strassler told WSYM-TV,…
Read MoreMichigan Radio to Host Local Live(s), a Unique Storytelling Event
Michigan Radio has announced that they are thrilled to partner with Back Pocket Media to bring a captivating live storytelling event featuring journalists, music and community on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Local Live(s) is a show that brings together journalists and locals for a night of entertainment and conversation. It’s a national storytelling event that…
Read MoreEastern Michigan University Dedicates Garden to Honor Lisa Barry
On June 17, Eastern Michigan University held ceremonies to dedicate a memorial garden in honor of the late Lisa Barry, WEMU-FM radio host and reporter, who passed away on November 30, 2021. The garden is on the west side of King Hall, between Hover and King. Lisa Barry was a lifelong metro Detroiter with a…
Read More3 Current and Former Michigan Broadcasters Nominated for 2022 Radio Hall of Fame
The Museum of Broadcast Communications has announced the Radio Hall of Fame 2022 nominees. Among the 24 were three past and current Michigan-based personalities: Mojo in the Morning at WKQI-FM (Detroit); former Grand Rapids personality Kevin Matthews and former Grand Rapids personality Laurie DeYoung. Mojo in the Morning is currently heard on WKQI-FM as well…
Read MoreJudson Beck Appointed WJMN-TV VP/GM as Mike Smith Retires
Judson Beck is the new Vice President/General Manager of Nexstar’s WJMN-TV (Marquette) and sister station WFRV-TV (Green Bay). Judson, a 37-year broadcasting veteran, replaces Mike Smith. Smith has retired after 7 years at the helm of the two stations and after 35 years in the business, working as a National Sales Manager, General Sales Manager…
Read MoreWZZM Hires Brooks Blanton as News Director
Tegna’s WZZM-TV (Grand Rapids) has announced the hiring of market veteran Brooks Blanton as its new News Director. Blanton previously served as News Director of crosstown WXMI-TV from 2013-2021. “Brooks knows West Michigan so well which is such a benefit. He knows what’s important and relevant to our audience,” said WZZM-TV President and General Manager, Dan…
Read MoreWNEM-TV Revisits 1993 Local Radio in Flint/Saginaw/Bay City
On June 9, WNEM-TV (Flint/Saginaw/Bay City) opened its vault and took viewers back in time to 1993 local radio with a look at WMAX-AM’s “Max Air-One.” piloted by “Captain” Kevin Hawley. Hawley was the market’s “eye in the sky” with daily morning and afternoon traffic reports on the station… not with a helicopter, but with…
Read MoreWEMU Announces Two New Staffers in Newsroom
Eastern Michigan University’s WEMU-FM has announced the hiring of two new staff members. Cathy Shafran has joined the station as News Anchor/Reporter. Shafran brings nearly 40 years of broadcast experience to the station, having worked as an anchor/reporter at WMAX-AM (Grand Rapids) from 1978-1980 and at WJRT-TV (Flint) as a reporter from 1980-2011. Among her…
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