Spears Selected for 2025 MIW Erica Farber Impact Award 1:00 AM (37 minutes ago)
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing female leadership in radio broadcasting, has named Dan Spears, presently the Vice President of Industry Relations and Licensing for BMI, as the recipient of the 2nd Annual MIW Erica Farber Impact Award.
The award recognizes individuals “who drive meaningful change by actively engaging with impactful organizations and generously contributing their time, expertise, and resources. Honorees are true champions of service, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering growth and progress within the industry.”
Spears was presented with the award by Farber on Monday night at the “MIW Lipstick & Lobster Dinner” at Maggiano’s during the 2025 NAB Show in Las Vegas.
“Dan is the epitome of a leader who not only advocates for progress but actively makes it happen,” said Sheila Kirby, MIW’s Board President. “His dedication to mentorship, industry collaboration, and fostering new events and opportunities for women is invaluable. We are honored to recognize his contributions with this award.”
At BMI, Spears plays a pivotal role in developing sponsorships and strategic partnerships that feature BMI songwriter performances, providing new revenue opportunities for affiliates and licensees. He also collaborates closely with industry organizations, including the National Association of Broadcasters, National Restaurant Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, Council of State Restaurant Associations, Radio Advertising Bureau, and the International Society of Hotel Associations to support legislative and business initiatives.
Spears has been a dedicated leader at BMI since joining in 1988, where he has held multiple roles, including Broadcast Manager, Regional Director, Senior Director, and Assistant Vice President. Before his tenure at BMI, Spears worked as a Morning News Anchor and Talk Show Host at WCBM-AM in Baltimore.
Dan Spears is the second recipient of the Erica Farber Impact Award, following Erica Farber herself, who was honored with the inaugural award in 2024 at NAB.
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Delilah Accepts 2025 LABF Insight Award 8 Apr 10:33 AM (15 hours ago)
Syndicated radio host Delilah was recognized for her five decades in broadcasting with the fourth annual Insight Award from the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation during the Morning Session of the 2025 NAB Show in Las Vegas.
Delilah, the most-listened-to woman on radio in the United States, reaches more than eight million listeners each week on approximately 160 radio stations.
Her career milestone of 50 years on the air was marked in 2024, and she has hosted her current program format since 1984. Known for creating a deep sense of companionship with her audience through song dedications, storytelling, and advice, she has built one of radio’s most enduring relationships with listeners.
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation presents the Insight Award to individuals or organizations whose work enhances public understanding of the role, operation, history, or impact of media in society. Previous recipients include actor, director, and educator LeVar Burton, CBS News program 60 Minutes, and award-winning journalist and producer Soledad O’Brien.
During her acceptance speech, Delilah shared with the NAB Show audience how early challenges shaped her perspective, eventually leading her to focus on serving and honoring every individual she encounters through the medium.
Delilah said, “Radio has given me the ability and paid me far better than KLSY ever did, given me the ability to experience that five hours a night, five days a week. Who else gets to do that? Who else gets to paint pictures?” She added, “No medium exists that can transport and transform and inform like radio. And I thank God that I have had this career, all these amazing opportunities. Thank you for this honor, thank you for blessing me, thank you for believing in radio.”
LABF Co-Chairs Beasley Media Group Chief Communications Officer Heidi Raphael and communications attorney Jack Goodman commented, “Delilah’s extraordinary ability to connect with listeners, her passion for storytelling, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others exemplified the essence of the Insight Award,” they said. “We were thrilled to honor her remarkable contributions to broadcasting.”
Scripps Selects Stations Managers In Detroit, SLC 8 Apr 10:25 AM (15 hours ago)
LAS VEGAS — The E.W. Scripps Company has appointed new Station Managers for its duopoly serving the Motor City and for its FOX affiliate along the Wasatch Front.
The new leader for WXYZ and WMYD begins his role on April 14. At KSTU, the new local head takes on her new duties a week later.
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Ahead Of Tax Day, A Big Brand Push At Spot Cable 8 Apr 10:00 AM (15 hours ago)
Federal income tax returns are due in one week, and for those that still need to prepare and file them, there’s one brand that stepped up last week to help build its sales. And, that effort was seen at Spot Cable, the latest data from Media Monitors show.
Now Available: RBR+TVBR’s Spring 2025 Magazine 8 Apr 9:30 AM (16 hours ago)
Comment Period Set For ATSC 1.0 Shutoff Proposal 8 Apr 6:59 AM (18 hours ago)
LAS VEGAS — With key executives of the leading broadcast television companies in the U.S. gathering Monday at the 2025 NAB Show to push their EdgeBeam broadcast data services business, the FCC’s Media Bureau is moving forward with seeking comment on the NAB’s Petition for Rulemaking seeking the Commission to “establish a clear timeline to complete the transition” from ATSC 1.0.
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WQXR, WNYC Go To Reno For CFO Role 8 Apr 6:00 AM (19 hours ago)
The parent company of WNYC Radio and Classical WQXR in the City of New York has a new COO and CFO. And, he’s coming on board from a Washington, D.C.-based strategic communications agency.
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Imagicomm Finds A Buyer For Remaining Properties 8 Apr 4:30 AM (21 hours ago)
In mid-January, Imagicomm Communications confirmed it was selling all of the stations it acquired as Cox Media Group spinoffs linked to the non-consummated Standard General acquisition of TEGNA. The first deal involved Marquee Broadcasting. On April 2, Todd Parkin’s Rincon Broadcasting struck a bigger deal. Now, Imagicomm’s remaining properties have found a buyer, with Kalil & Co. serving as a strategic advisor.
Imagicomm properties in Alexandria, La. (KLAX-31); Binghamton (WICZ-40) and Syracuse, N.Y. (WSYT-68); Idaho Falls, Idaho (KPVI-6); and Greenville, Miss. stations WABG (ABC), WABG-HD2 (FOX), WNBD (NBC), and WXVT (CBS) — properties once owned by Brian Brady and his Northwest Broadcasting — are being sold to Deltavision Media.
It’s an entity owned and operated by Webb Collums, who has a strong family history in media in southwest Mississippi and is currently invested in the Mississippi Delta region.
How much is Imagicomm, the South Carolina-headquartered parent of MVPD-distributed channel INSP led by CEO David Cerullo, earning from the sale?
That’s not yet known, with paperwork to be filed with the FCC for its regulatory approval the source for the financial details.
What is known is that Imagicomm is poised to exit broadcast ownership some three years after it stunned many in the industry with its $488 million transaction to purchase the CMG spins. And, it is believed Cerullo opted to exit because of costs associated with ATSC 3.0 transition and retransmission consent questions linked to at least some of the stations.
NAB Show 2025: Broadcast Media’s M&A Outlook 8 Apr 4:00 AM (21 hours ago)
For weeks, the No. 1 topic of conversation involving the future of broadcast media has involved deregulation. With the FCC under Brendan Carr looking to “delete, delete, delete” any outdated regulatory policy, it is a matter of when — not if — ownership rules will be loosened or removed altogether.
How will this impact mergers and acquisitions? An Monday afternoon 2025 NAB Show Panel sought to tackle that question in an informal chat featuring a prominent veteran Washington, D.C., attorney; a top media broker; and BIA Advisory Services‘ Managing Director.
TEGNA Expands Its Two-Decade MLB Partnership In Cleveland 7 Apr 8:09 PM (yesterday, 8:09 pm)
For 20 years, the NBC affiliate serving Cleveland owned by TEGNA has enjoyed a relationship with the Major League Baseball franchise formerly known as the Cleveland Indians. Now, the station has expanded its relationship with the team today known as the Cleveland Guardians.
This means WKYC-3 will air 10 Guardians games via a simulcast agreement with the team’s full TV game-day rightsholder.
WKYC will also produce a weekly show, “Guardians Tonight,” which will air every Sunday night following the late news at 11:35pm. “The show will give fans a front row seat to game highlights, player profiles, community events and more,” TEGNA says.
Additionally, WKYC and the Guardians will partner on “various community initiatives,” including the annual Guardians “CLE Inspires” Giveathon on August 26. And, WKYC continues as the official weather partner of the team.
“Our ongoing relationship with WKYC has been incredibly valuable,” said Alex King, Cleveland Guardians Executive Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy. “Throughout our 20-year partnership, Channel 3 has consistently demonstrated their dedication to serving our fans and our community. We are thrilled to expand our partnership to ensure our games are broadly accessible and our fans can experience exciting and impactful Guardians programming.”
WKYC President/GM John Trevino added, “We’re incredibly proud to extend this long-standing creative partnership, which not only strengthens our connection with the team but also deepens the bond fans feel with the players, the moments, and the stories that make baseball so special. With thoughtful coverage and behind-the-scenes access, we’re committed to bringing fans closer to the heart of the game.”
TEGNA will work with partner broadcast companies to announce additional Ohio markets.
The 10 broadcast simulcast broadcasts include:
May 30 vs. LAA 7:10pm
June 6 vs. HOU 7:10pm
June 24 vs. TOR 6:40pm
July 4 vs. DET 7:10pm
July 18 vs. ATH 7:10pm
July 25 at KC 8:10pm
August 15 vs. ATL 7:10pm
August 26 vs. TB 6:40pm (CLE Inspires Giveathon)
Sept. 5 at TB 7:35pm
Sept. 19 at MIN 8:10pm
AWM Annual Las Vegas Gathering Tackles Media & AI 7 Apr 4:00 PM (yesterday, 4:00 pm)
LAS VEGAS — How does Artificial Intelligence truly impact media companies today? What does the consumer really want in the always-on, multi-platform, world of ever-changing content tastes–and can AI really find those?
An esteemed group of panelists tackled those questions and more during a panel discussion conducted during the annual Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) breakfast held Monday morning at the 2025 NAB Show.
Datacasting United: Joint Venture Sees ATSC Pact With Big TV Broadcasters 7 Apr 4:00 PM (yesterday, 4:00 pm)
LAS VEGAS — Broadcast data services have been eyed for years as a potential gold mine for broadcast television in an ATSC 3.0 world. At a press conference held Monday afternoon, the executive leaders of four of the nation’s biggest TV ownership groups shared more about their joint venture created to provide robust wireless data services powering the “Internet of Things.”
RBR+TVBR, Radio Ink President/Publisher Honored As MIW ‘Trailblazer’ 7 Apr 11:00 AM (yesterday, 11:00 am)
The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting has selected Streamline Publishing Radio, TV & Broadcast Conference Division President/Publisher Deborah Parenti as its 2025 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer.
The Trailblazer Award, named for music industry pioneer and longtime Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) President/CEO Frances Preston, is the group’s highest accolade. It is presented annually to a woman who, through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers.
Parenti will be honored with the award Monday evening (4/7) at the “MIW Lipstick & Lobster Dinner” at Maggiano’s, in the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas. A public presentation will be held Tuesday at 10am Pacific on the Main Stage at the 2025 NAB Show, during the “We Are Broadcasters” session with NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
In her role at Streamline Publishing, Deborah oversees Radio Ink, Radio + Television Business Report, and multiple industry conferences, including Forecast and the Hispanic Radio Conference. Parenti’s career began at WING-AM in Dayton, Ohio, where she advanced to VP and Assistant General Manager. She later became General Sales Manager of WDJX in Louisville before returning to Dayton as VP/GM of WWSN-FM (which 32 years ago last week became WMMX “MIX 107.7.”).
Parenti the first woman to manage a station in the Dayton market. She later led American Radio Systems’ six-station Dayton group, developing one of the first consolidated radio sales platforms, “Radio First!” She went on to manage WXTU-FM in Philadelphia and served on the board of Vox Radio.
A champion for the industry, Parenti has served on the boards of the Alliance for Women in Media, the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, and the Radio Hall of Fame’s nominating committee. She is a National Radio Hall of Fame inductee and has received numerous accolades, including the Broadcasters Foundation of America Leadership Award and a Gracies Leadership Award from the Alliance for Women in Media.
MIW Board President Sheila Kirby commented, “Deborah has not only broken barriers in radio but has also consistently paved the way for women to follow. Her leadership, vision, and advocacy continue to shape the future of our industry, and MIW is honored to recognize her contributions.”
Parenti added, “I am incredibly humbled to receive this honor from MIW, an organization that has done so much to elevate women in radio. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with and mentor talented women, and I remain committed to fostering opportunities for future generations.”x
Parenti joins an esteemed list of past honorees, including Corinne Baldassano (2024), the late Laurie Kahn (2023), Michelle Duke (2022), Christine Travaglini (2019), Julie Talbott (2018), Mary Quass (2017), Beth Neuhoff (2016), Kim Guthrie (2015), Diane Sutter (2014), Weezie Kramer (2013), Caroline Beasley (2012), Ginny Hubbard Morris (2011), Lynn Anderson (2010), and Erica Farber (2009).
To learn more about the organization, please visit RadioMIW.com.
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Nielsen-Powered NABOB Report Demonstrates Audio’s Engagement Power 7 Apr 5:15 AM (yesterday, 5:15 am)
Black America continues to grow, and the outsized impact of their cultural and economic influence cannot be ignored or taken for granted.
A new Nielsen report released Monday on behalf of the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) illustrates how brands can connect with the African American community to impact, grow and win with inclusion.
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Financial Issues Leads To Space Coast AM’s Sale To Church 7 Apr 4:00 AM (yesterday, 4:00 am)
It bills itself as a travelers’ information station offering information on lodging, sightseeing and other items of interest to those visiting the Space Coast of Florida. But, this Class B AM with an FM translator has fallen on hard times. Its owner has unpaid debt to the FCC. To resolve the matter, the facilities are being sold to a parochial operator.
An asset purchase agreement has been filed with the FCC seeking its regulatory approval for the sale of WKQK-AM 1300 in Cocoa Beach, Fla., and FM translator companion W283DJ at 104.5 MHz in Cocoa, Fla.
Buying the 321 Corporation-licensed properties from owner Will Standley is First Baptist Church Inc., and the purchase price is equal to the outstanding debt Standley owes the FCC: $11,629.96.
First Baptist Church is headquartered in nearby Melbourne, Fla.
