During our newsletter break for the 4th of July, your MAB learned of three stations with format adjustments here in Michigan. In Grand Rapids, Townsquare Media has rebranded Classic Hits 98.7 WFGR-FM as “98.7 The Grand.”
WGHN-FM (Grand Haven) Morning Host Mary Ellen Murphy has announced the launch of the station’s “Coast Guard Barbie™” Campaign. Murphy, opened up about her journey with Barbie Millicent Rogers™ (her real name) during her cancer treatment last year in a heartfelt conversation with WGHN’s Jesse Bruce.
Latitude Media (Mt. Pleasant) has announced the addition of two talented individuals to its esteemed broadcast team at My1043 WCZY, Buck92 WMMI, and My Michigan Podcasts. Joe Walters joins the morning show on My1043 WCZY alongside Lizz G, bringing over a decade of experience in radio and a deep connection to the local community. Additionally, Kyle Sandel steps into the role of Sports Director.
The MAB is sad to pass along the news that former Grand Rapids market radio and television engineer Larry Kozal, Jr. passed away June 29 at the age of 81. Kozal was born October 1, 1942, grew up in Muskegon. In 1965 he received his B.A. degree from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the longstanding Chevron doctrine, which required courts to defer to expert regulatory agencies, like the FCC, when interpreting ambiguous statutes, unless the agency acted unreasonably.
Krol Communications Inc., today (6/28) announced the hiring of longtime Radio air personality, Chuck Edwards, as Morning Drive co-host on the company’s WHMI-FM (Howell). Chuck will join Madison June during the Monday-Friday, 5 – 10 a.m. drivetime daypart beginning July 15th, 2024.
Swick Broadcasting’s WBET-FM (Sturgis) recently held their 15th annual Radiothon to benefit the St. Joseph County United Way recently and the event broke all previous year’s numbers with a record breaking $165,508.00 raised over an 18-hour period.
On June 27, WKAR Public Media (East Lansing) invited viewers and the public to join the conversation with renowned experts and local artists at a special event as the station premieres the original short form video, “Pixels and Perspectives: The Intersection of AI and Art.”
On Saturday, June 22, McKibbin Media Group’s (MMG) WCSR-FM (Hillsdale) joined with County National Bank to present “Smoke Show 3” at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds. Contestants smoked and served BBQ pork for chances to WIN CASH prizes!
The lazy days of summer continue to provide little respite from the regulatory actions of importance to broadcasters. This month brings quarterly requirements, including most importantly, the obligation to upload Quarterly Issues Programs Lists to a station’s online public file, and a number of comment deadlines in important FCC proceedings, as well as the opening of political windows in this major election year.