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| Before news breaks, it must bend... and that’s where we come in. |
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SonicTrek.ai: The Future Arrived Early
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| SonicTrek.ai, a groundbreaking AI syndication company, proudly announces its launch today, introducing a new era of hyper-localized, 24/7, AI-infused audio content for brands worldwide.
SonicTrek.ai is spearheaded by industry pros Joel Denver and Mike Agovino in partnership with Futuri Media, combining Futuri's cutting-edge AI technology with a proprietary process that blends top-tier voice talent, curated musical selections, and dynamic writing, delivering 100% localized audio formats tailored to engage diverse audiences.
"SonicTrek.ai is about creating authentic, localized experiences that resonate with listeners while leveraging the power of AI to deliver unmatched creativity and efficiency," said Denver, Partner & CEO at SonicTrek.ai. "We're not just building brands; we're crafting immersive audio worlds." Agovino, Partner & Chief Revenue Officer at SonicTrek.ai, remarked, "SonicTrek delivers on the long failed promise of localized syndication and conversational AI. It's real or maybe it isn't, but it's here today."
SonicTrek launches with four unique 24/7 formats, including its flagship AI brand, Phoebe.fm -- Curiously Alternative, a female-leaning Alternative station sculpted by Dennis Constantine and hosted by Phoebe, a captivating virtual with real talent. Alongside Phoebe.fm, SonicTrek.ai simultaneously launches three additional 24/7 AI brands: MyCountry.fm: An innovative Country experience mastered by Charlie Cook with heartfelt storytelling local to your market • Starship.fm: A reimagination of Classic Rock, designed by Lee Abrams, with a deep and stellar mix of anthems, deep tracks, and surprises anchored in cinematic production • CoolClassics.ai: A vibrant Classic Hits format delivering your favorite music with a contemporary twist crafted by Brian Kelly. Stream them now at SonicTrek.ai.
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Safe lists may not be as "safe" as they used to be. NuVoodoo has tools to help stations make sure their libraries are on track. Learn more in NuVoodoo's latest "Moneyball for Radio" column, "How Safe is Your 'Safe' List?" now posted at RAMP247.com.
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iHeart Presents ALTer EGO & Power Sessions
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| • iHeartMedia announced the lineup for the annual iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Presented by Capital One, as the biggest names in Alternative Rock convene at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 -- please welcome Green Day, Twenty One Pilots, Cage the Elephant, Sublime, Good Charlotte, Myles Smith, Gigi Perez, and Almost Monday!
The event will be hosted by Woody of KYSR (ALT 98.7)/LA's nationally syndicated The Woody Show and will stream live on iHeart Alternative and Rock stations and on iHeartRadio.com.
"This year's iHeartRadio ALTer EGO brings together a powerhouse lineup that reflects the full diversity of Alternative and Rock, with absolute legends like Green Day and Twenty One Pilots mixed in with breakout artists like Myles Smith, Gigi Perez, and Almost Monday," said Lisa Worden, PD of ALT 98.7 and iHeartMedia SVP of Rock & Alternative. "We are honored to have such a brilliant collection of artists on the show this year. Sublime has had the No. 1 song at Alternative radio for the past four weeks, eclipsing their previous No. 1 singles, Good Charlotte will play their first show in Los Angeles in over 10 years, and Cage the Elephant is fresh off a U.S. tour with Oasis. All of these artists are ready to bring it! We cannot wait."
Complete ticketing details are posted HERE. A more in-depth version of this story is posted at RAMP247.com.
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| • Meanwhile, some 3,000 miles to the east... iHeart sister WWPR (Power 105.1)/New York announced the initial lineup for its upcoming holiday show, Power Sessions, happening Saturday, Dec. 13 at Hammerstein Ballroom, produced by Mateo Productions and Monami Entertainment and starring Mariah the Scientist, G Herbo, Zeddy Will and Cash Cobain, with more acts TBA.
"We're closing out the year with something special for our listeners," said Thea Mitchem, EVP of Programming and PD of Power 105.1. "This event is a celebration of the culture, the artists, and the fans who make Power 105.1 what it is. This lineup is going to bring unforgettable energy to Hammerstein Ballroom." Power Sessions tickets will be available on Oct. 17 at noon ET at Ticketmaster.com.
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Cornerstone's Schreiber Wrapping It Up
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| Sending our most sincere best wishes to industry pro Mark Schreiber, VP/GM of Cornerstone Research, who, after a distinguished career in the radio industry -- the past 37 years dedicated to radio software -- announced his impending retirement, effective at the end of the year.
"This has not been an easy decision," said Schreiber. "I love what I do and will deeply miss not only our longtime clients, but especially my close-knit Cornerstone family. But our most valuable asset is time, and I'm looking forward to being on my own schedule -- and catching more late-night West Coast Dodgers games!"
Schreiber was the first hire when Brad Riegel founded Cornerstone Research in 2000. "Mark and I met and worked together at Tapscan, when it was a software company and not just a product," said Riegel. "I knew he was the right person to help lay the foundation for Cornerstone. His talent, dedication, and leadership have been instrumental to our success."
During his tenure, Schreiber helped establish Cornerstone's flagship products -- XTrends, The Analyst, and Hook Exchange -- which are now widely used by major radio groups across the U.S. and around the world.
Reflecting on his lengthy career, Schreiber added, "I'm tremendously proud that Brad, our colleagues, and I built a successful company from the ground up -- and that after 25 years, it's still thriving. I can't thank enough the many programmers, researchers, and managers who have supported us and have been such a pleasure to work with." Your good wishes can be shared with Mark at mark@cstoneresearch.com.
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Mike O'Brian Unplugging After 40 Years
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| Mike O'Brian, longtime morning radio fixture on Beasley Classic Hits 96.3 KKLZ/Las Vegas announced that he will retire at the end of October, concluding an extraordinary career spanning nearly 40 years with Beasley Media Group and leaving an indelible mark on the Las Vegas radio landscape.
KKLZ will celebrate O'Brian's legendary career throughout the month of October with on-air tributes, special guests, and listener memories, leading up to his final broadcast on Friday, October 31.
"Mike is one of those rare broadcasters who truly becomes part of people's lives," said Justin Chase, Beasley Chief Content Officer. "For close to 40 years, he's been the voice Las Vegas wakes up to -- making us laugh, think, and feel connected. His passion, talent, and heart have made a lasting impact on KKLZ and Las Vegas. We are very grateful for all he's done."
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| "Hosting this show has truly been the honor of a lifetime," said O'Brian (left, with longtime co-host Carla Rea). "When I started in radio, I never imagined I'd spend decades waking up with Las Vegas -- with our listeners, sharing stories, and being part of their daily lives. I'm humbled by the recognition and deeply grateful for the memories. I'd like to thank Carla, my KKLZ family, and the Beasleys for an incredible journey -- one filled with joy, laughter, and connections I'll treasure forever."
Carla Rea added, "Working with Mike has been the highlight of my career. He's more than a co-host -- he's a partner and a dear friend. I couldn't be happier for him as he begins this next chapter, and I know our listeners feel the same!" A more in-depth version of this story is posted at RAMP247.com.
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Swap Shop, With Rob, Holly & Coop
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| Audacy Country 99.5 WYCD/Detroit announced a revised on-air lineup -- The Rob and Holly Show, hosted by ACM and CMA Award-winning duo Rob Stone and Holly Hutton, is moving from evenings to afternoon drive, swapping shifts with Sean "Coop" Tabler, who takes over the 7-midnight spot. The Audacy-syndicated Rob & Holly Show remains in evenings for its other affiliates.
"We are excited to refresh our daily lineup with voices that we know Detroit's country music fans love," said Debbie Kenyon, SVP/Market Manager, Audacy Detroit. "Bringing the award-winning live and local energy of The Rob and Holly Show to our afternoons, and of course Coop, a beloved and familiar voice, back to host Detroit's Country Nights, allows us to deliver a powerhouse of Country entertainment from sunrise to sunset."
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| Coop (left) is based at Classic Hits sister WOGL (Big 98.1)/Philadelphia, where he does mornings; he's also heard in afternoon drive on KKWF (100.7 The Wolf)/Seattle and WKIS (Kiss Country 99.9)/Miami, and nationwide on Coop's Rockin' Country, Saturday nights from 7-midnight. Coop previously anchored evenings on WYCD from 2010 to 2015, and rejoined the station in 2020. Concurrent with these moves, RAMP has learned that afternoon co-host Sarah Thomas has exited. She can be contacted at SarahThomas.Radio@yahoo.com.
• The revamped 99.5 WYCD weekday lineup look like this -- 5-10am: Josh, Rachael and Grunwald in the Morning; 10am-3pm: Katie and Company; 3-7pm: The Rob and Holly Show; 7-midnight: Coop; midnight-5am: Mo & Styckman.
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Nashville Harbor Executive Action
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| Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, a division of Big Machine Label Group, announces the appointment of Bridget Herrmann as Sr. Director of Promotion & Marketing, Dexter Bensman as Head of Digital Marketing and Christina Hunt as Label Coordinator.
The Chicago-based Herrmann (left) most recently served as Director, Regional Promotion at Red Street Records after nearly six years as Manager of Regional Promotion at Warner Music Nashville. Her previous stops include Crush Music Management, Megaforce Records and A&M/Octone Records. Herrmann succeeds Andrew Thoen, who transitions into his new role as Director of Streaming & Digital Partnerships,
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| Bensman (center) segues from Sr. Director, Digital Marketing for BMLG to Head of Digital Marketing for Nashville Harbor, where he will oversee digital marketing strategy and elevate online presence for artists across the imprint. Bensman's earlier stops include Brown Sellers Brown Management, and Innovo Management.
As Label Coordinator, Hunt (right) will support Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment President/CEO Jimmy Harnen and the label team, coordinating day-to-day operations across release planning, artist relations, marketing, etc. A 2025 graduate of the University of Alabama, Hunt garnered first-hand industry experience with internships at UMG, CMA, Make Wake Artists, and more.
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College Radio Fights For Its Rights
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| College radio is experiencing a Gen Z renaissance -- for example, Montclair State University's WMSC 90.3 FM alone has 977 undergraduate student members. But while some universities embrace this growth, others are moving in the opposite direction...
On October 3rd -- ironically, World College Radio Day -- student staff at Cleveland State University's WCSB 89.3 FM arrived for their shows and found campus police waiting to clear them out. The locks had been changed. As RAMP and other outlets recently reported, Cleveland State had partnered with Ideastream Public Media to take over the operation of WCSB, converting the formerly student-run station to JazzNEO. With less than 24 hours notice, decades of content couldn't be properly archived. This is the third university this month to remove students from their own station.
College Broadcasters, Inc. (CBI) works to educate administrators on a critical reality: once a broadcast license is transferred or relinquished, reclaiming it is nearly impossible. The FCC licensing process is complex, competitive, and takes years. Available frequencies are limited, especially in urban markets. CBI advocates for keeping these licenses student-centric because college radio serves as both a recruitment and retention tool where students dedicate time for no pay and no grade because they love it. They serve their community through public airwaves while creating transformative change in their lives.
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| After CSU's shutdown, CBI immediately mobilized -- connecting WCSB students with expert support, providing complimentary membership, and creating the first-ever NSMC Travel Fund to provide transportation for WCSB's student leadership to next week's National Student Media Convention (NSMC), which is taking place at the Denver Embassy Suites Downtown from October 22-25.
WCSB's student General Manager Alison Bomgardner and student Business Manager Liam Main will be in Denver to lead a session at NSMC on Friday, October 24 -- Cleveland Doesn't Rock: WCSB vs CSU, will discuss how they lost their signal and how they're fighting back.
PS: Both Bomgardner and Main are available to discuss the station's future and the impact of these changes. For interview requests, contact Alison Bomgardner at allynb2104@gmail.com and Liam Main at liammain729@gmail.com. Support student media in crisis at AskCBI.org. [Special thanks to CBI President Anabella Poland]
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| D'Angelo, the legendary and elusive R&B singer who helped pioneer the musical genre known as "Neo-Soul," died Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was only 51 years old.
D'Angelo's family released this statement that reads, "The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life... After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D'Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D'Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025. We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world."
Described in Variety's excellent coverage as "An elusive figure who burned bright in the spotlight," D'Angelo released three albums throughout his career, including his 1995 debut, Brown Sugar, 2000's Voodoo, and his most recent album, 2014's Black Messiah with his group, The Vanguard. He won four Grammy Awards for his latter two records, and was a crucial figure in ushering the era of neo-soul."
The AP noted, "With an idiosyncratic spirit not unlike Prince, D'Angelo's devotion was always to the craft -- not the machinery around it. In a 2000 interview with The Associated Press, he spoke candidly about the cost of chasing commercial success: '[Musicians] have gotten trapped into that mode of thinking marketable and commercial. That destroys art, that destroys the essence of what it is about,' he said. 'You cannot, you cannot work like that. You cannot make music like that. That's not what this is about.'"
D'Angelo is survived by his son, Michael Archer II, 27, whose mother was R&B star Angie Stone, who tragically passed away on March 1 of this year. [Photo Credit: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images]
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