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| Before news breaks, it must bend... and that’s where we come in. |
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Executive Action At Civic Media
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| Civic Media announced a restructuring of leadership at the three-year-old radio and Internet publishing startup. To that end, Civic CEO Sage Weil has named several key executives to expanded roles as the company continues its growth across the Upper Midwest.
The new leadership structure includes former VP of Operations Kory Hartman being promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO), overseeing day-to-day operations across Civic Media's expanding footprint.
Regional leadership has also been restructured to better serve the company's markets, as Chris Moreau is named President, Southern Region, and Darla Isham has been appointed Vice President, Northern Region. Additional executive appointments include Aaron Carreno as Senior Vice President of Product; John Scott as Vice President of Marketing; and Drew Smith as Vice President of Technology
"This leadership restructuring reflects our commitment to providing exceptional service to our listeners and communities across our coverage areas," said Weil. "Each of these executives brings deep experience and a passion for local broadcasting that aligns perfectly with our mission to serve as the voice of our communities."
Hartman added, "I’m excited about the accountability and transparency this new structure creates for both our team and the communities we serve. Having dedicated regional leadership ensures we can maintain our local focus as we grow strategically across the region."
The reorganization comes as Civic Media continues to expand its presence across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota, with recent acquisitions strengthening the company's ability to deliver local news and programming to underserved markets via multiple platforms.
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This week: A deep dive into Alt and Rock P1s: why they listen, why they tune out, and how important those stations are to them in 2025. NuVoodoo goes deep -- again -- in their latest "Moneyball for Radio" column, "Alt and Rock P1Deep Dive (and a new webinar)," now posted at RAMP247.com.
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Gillham Named COO, Concord Label Group
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| Concord has promoted Fred Gillham to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, Concord Label Group. Gillham will be based in Concord's Los Angeles office and is now directly responsible for Concord's unrivaled label services teams and serves as an integral part of the group’s senior executive team, reporting to Tom Becci, Chief Executive, Concord Label Group.
Gillham's team serves as an extension of Concord's labels (Concord Records, Easy Eye Sound, Fearless Records, Loma Vista Recordings, PULSE Records, Rounder Records, Concord Theatricals Recordings, and Craft Recordings, as well as the KIDZ BOP brand) to provide the reach that enables the labels to maintain global responsibility for their release campaigns.
Becci remarked, "Fred has the uncommon ability to understand and anticipate the needs of the artists he serves and develop the necessary plans and systems to help them achieve their goals. This ability, combined with his talent for building great teams, makes him perfectly suited for this new role."
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| Gillham joined Concord in 2019 as Managing Director of the UK, opening Concord's first UK Label Group office. Gillham previously spent over a decade at Universal Music Group as VP, International.
Gillham commented, "It's been an incredible journey since joining Concord in 2019. We have successfully proved the concept of our global approach to marketing and I’m excited to push that even further in this new role. Our setup and approach are totally unique in the market, and the mission is to use that to be even more competitive, both in scaling up our frontline business, and continuing to develop our already best-in-class approach to catalogue marketing. I must thank Tom for this incredible opportunity. I'm very excited about the future of Concord Label Group." [Photo Credit: Derek Bremner]
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Hampton Roads Rumbles For 30 Years
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| Sending our most sincere best wishes to Hampton Roads' morning radio icon Rick Rumble, who is celebrating an extraordinary radio milestone: 30 years on-air as host of Rumble in the Morning on Saga Active Rock WNOR (FM99)/Norfolk.
Rumble's radio career started in his hometown of Grand Rapids, MI, before taking him to St. Louis, Memphis, Philadelphia, San Diego, and New Orleans, before landing in Norfolk in 1995 -- making him, as he jokes, "radio's version of Carmen Sandiego."
In addition to hosting his top-rated morning show alongside Rod Fitzwell, Sean Hood, Rina Rizzo, and Mike Alexander, Rumble is an accomplished comedy writer and producer for an international syndicator. His voiceover credits include ESPN, Ford Motor Company, McDonald's, Disney, PBS Kids, and other major brands. Rick and the Rumble in the Morning crew were recently named "Best Radio Personality/Show" by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters, although Rumble insists, "Clearly my mom got a vote."
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| A proud father of two and husband to his wife Mary -- "the real talent in the family" Rumble has dedicated himself to giving back. Over the years, he has helped raise millions of dollars for local charities, including ForKids, area Foodbanks, and FM99's Christmas Wish Fund.
"Rick Rumble isn't just a radio personality -- he's part of the fabric of Hampton Roads," said Carol Commander, GM of Saga's Hampton Roads Media Group. "For three decades, he's been making us laugh, making us think, and helping us give back. We're proud to celebrate his 30 years of extraordinary contributions."
Reflecting on this major career milestone, Rumble said, "I've been lucky enough to spend 30 years doing what I love, in a community I love, with listeners who feel like family. It's been the ride of a lifetime."
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Gracies Leadership Awards Update
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| The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) will recognize eight extraordinary leaders whose vision and impact are shaping the future of media and entertainment at the 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards, happening Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Tribeca 360° in New York.
Among this year's distinguished honorees -- award-winning journalist Katie Couric will receive the prestigious Gracies Icon Award, and Michelle Duke, President of the NAB Leadership Foundation and Chief Impact Officer at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), will be honored with the AWM Legacy Leadership Award.
The 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards will also celebrate six additional outstanding executives whose achievements continue to redefine leadership and innovation across the industry: Martha Benyam, COO, Kino Lorber • Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising, The Walt Disney Company • Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming, Music Strategy and News, BET Networks • Alissa Pollack, EVP, Global Music Marketing and Strategy, iHeartMedia • Valari Dobson Staab, Chairman, NBCUniversal Local • Jenna Weiss-Berman, Head of Audio & Podcasts, Paper Kite Productions.
"Each honoree embodies innovation, leadership, and the profound influence women continue to have across every facet of media," said Becky Brooks, President of AWM/F. "This year, we are especially proud to present the Gracies Icon Award to Katie Couric, who was the first woman to solo anchor a network evening newscast and has continued to shape the evolving media landscape as founder of Katie Couric Media. Recognizing her, along with Michelle Duke and six additional exceptional leaders, is a powerful reminder of why the Gracies Leadership Awards exist: to celebrate those whose vision and impact are reshaping our industry and inspiring its future." A more in-depth version of this story is posted at RAMP247.com.
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| • RAMP has learned that Erin Carman has inked a swell new multi-year agreement to continue as midday talent on Cumulus Classic Hits 94-7 WLS-FM/Chicago.
The news was shared in a staff memo from Todd Cavanah, Cumulus VP of Classic Hits & PD of WLS-FM, obtained by RAMP, which reads, in part: "There is a reason why [Erin] is always at the top of the ratings ranker 10a-3p Monday through Friday. Her style is so unique, and I always tell her that the bond she has with our audience is because of how she tells a story that relates to so many listeners. Her ability to entertain both men and women is so hard to do, however, she makes it seem so easy. Erin, congratulations on being at the top of your game! We are very lucky having you as our star midday talent, but most importantly, a great mother and travel baseball mom."
Carman enjoys a lengthy Chicago radio history, with earlier stops at the late, legendary WLUP (97.9 The Loop), the former 104.3 K-Hits, WTMX (101.9 The Mix), WKQX (Q101), and WGN. She was elevated from part-time to afternoon drive on WLS-FM six years ago, and moved up to middays in May 2021.
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| • Audacy's sold-out 12th annual We Can Survive concert, presented by VEG, announces that Lola Young will join Ed Sheeran, Goo Goo Dolls, Audacy LAUNCH artist Alex Warren and Shaboozey for its annual night of music supporting the company’s I'm Listening mental health initiative. The show, hosted by WNEW (NEW 102.7)/New York, returns to Newark, NJ on Friday, Sept. 26.
"It's incredible to see the power music has to connect us -- truly bringing people together through voices they trust and content they love," said Michael Martin, Audacy SVP of Programming & Head of Music Initiatives. "We believe in creating opportunities for our audiences to come together with the stars they know and love, and we're fired up to enjoy another powerful We Can Survive with them alongside this stacked lineup."
A portion of the event's proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and their life-saving work of delivering education, loss support, advocacy efforts and community-based programs and events in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
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| • On Monday, Sept. 15, Audacy Country 99.5 WYCD/Detroit played host to broke Records' emerging Country artist Julia Cole, who performed several songs during a well received Sound Space appearance. Ms. Cole also took time for a recorded interview and a meet-and-greet with fans.
Pictured, (l-r): Tim Roberts (Audacy Country Format Captain & WYCD PD), Julia Cole (broke Records), Holly Hutton (WYCD MD/co-host of the Audacy-syndicated Rob & Holly), Lou Newman (Lyric Ridge Promotion), and Rob Stone (co-host, Rob & Holly). [Special thanks to Chris Moradi / broke Records].
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CBA Announces Inaugural HOF Class
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| The Colorado Broadcasters Association (CBA) is proud to announce the launch of the CBA Hall of Fame, a prestigious new initiative honoring the individuals who have shaped, elevated, and defined the broadcasting landscape in Colorado.
Here now is the Inaugural 2025 CBA Hall of Fame Class (in alphabetical order): Mark Cornetta • Tom Green • Rex Howell • Harry Hoth • Murphy Huston • Lee Larsen • Dick Maynard • Gene O'Fallon • Denise Plante.
This inaugural induction will take place during a special ceremony on Friday, Oct. 24, at The Dome at AMG in Greenwood Village. The evening will begin with the Hall of Fame ceremony, followed by a Casino Night celebration featuring networking, casino-style games, a silent auction benefiting Firefly Autism, and a raffle, with proceeds supporting the CBA's Broadcast Education and Development Scholarship Fund.
"This is a long-awaited opportunity to recognize the true titans of Colorado broadcasting," said Justin Sasso, President & CEO of the CBA. "These individuals have inspired generations, broken new ground, and set standards of excellence throughout Colorado. Their legacies deserve to be celebrated not only by our industry, but by the communities they've touched."
Tony Garcia, Chair of the CBA's Hall of Fame Committee, added, "This recognition is long overdue, and now stands as Colorado's highest broadcast honor. The CBA is proud to promote and memorialize Colorado's greatest broadcasters through the Hall of Fame, ensuring that their achievements are remembered and celebrated for generations to come."
Early Bird tickets ($95-$110) are available through Friday, Sept. 19. More info about the Hall of Fame, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities are available at ColoradoBroadcasters.org.
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Atlantic Teams Up With Limosa Nostra
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| Atlantic Music Group has officially joined forces with Limosa Nostra Records -- the label founded by artist, entrepreneur, and designer Ricky Hil (left, son of Tommy Hilfiger) in a new joint venture. In addition to Hil's own music, the collaboration will launch future releases from acclaimed New York City hip-hop disruptor, SosMula, among other artists.
"In addition to creating his own fanbase through his music, Ricky has been able to identify influential and promising artists along the way," said Elliot Grainge, CEO of Atlantic Music Group. "We are thrilled to join forces with Ricky and his team at Limosa Nostra to work alongside them to develop and support his roster of talent." Hil commented, "I have one goal in life, and that's to put out great music with like-minded people. I'm very excited to be working with Atlantic Music Group."
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| Hil will continue to serve as CEO of Limosa Nostra Records, while his manager, Louie Reed (pictured), Founder & CEO of Welcome To The Hotel (W2TH) -- has been appointed President of Limosa Nostra. [Ed. note: Louie is the son of a very proud Quincy McCoy -- veteran programmer, consultant, author of No Static -- and my longtime friend and former Gavin colleague]
Sam Cohen, GM of 10K Projects & SVP at Atlantic Records, will oversee operations for Limosa Nostra within Atlantic, while Grammy-winning engineer Mike Gaydusek will take on the role of Chief Engineer and lead Limosa Nostra Studios, based in Woodland Hills, CA.
Hil is readying his new album, 10,000 Grams, with multi-platinum producer, Lex Luger. SosMula is preparing to release his next solo album, KAMP KRYSTL LAKE, this fall, and SosMula's Killa Season Tour with Ricky Hil kicks off in February 2026. [Hil photo by Jack Pekarsky] A more in-depth version of this story is posted at RAMP247.com.
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All Things Considered, Masters Is The Move
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| Following a national search, Minnesota Public Radio's MPR News promotes from within, announcing that political correspondent Clay Masters will be the next host of the flagship show All Things Considered (ATC). Masters (left) follows 20-year All Things Considered veteran Tom Crann, who announced in April his plans to transition from MPR News to YourClassical MPR.
"All Things Considered was the first public radio show I listened to regularly and I look forward to being the local host in Minnesota for a program I've long respected," Masters said. "I'm excited to work with MPR News' talented All Things Considered team to connect with Minnesotans across the state, and am eager to bring my experience in the studio and on the ground reporting to this role."
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| Before joining MPR News in early 2024, Masters spent 12 years at Iowa Public Radio (IPR), first as a statehouse correspondent before becoming the lead political reporter and host of IPR's Morning Edition. A native of Lincoln, NE, Masters holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He began his career in public broadcasting at Nebraska Public Media.
"We're thrilled to have Clay on All Things Considered, keeping Minnesotans informed each day," said Stephanie Curtis, Director of Programming for MPR News. "He brings not only hosting experience, but decades of reporting expertise. We needed someone who connects with audiences on a personal level and embodies our commitment to fact-based, non-partisan journalism. Clay is exactly that."
Masters will debut as host of All Things Considered, weekdays from 3-6pm on MPR News (91.1 in the Twin Cities, streaming on mprnews.org) on Sept. 29. [Photo Credit: Dani Werner]
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WLUM Loudly Going Out In Style
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| The clock continues to slowly tick down to zero for legendary Alternative WLUM (FM 102.1)/Milwaukee, as its sale -- along with AC sister WLDB (B93.3) -- from Milwaukee Radio Alliance to Christian broadcaster K-Love, Inc. will soon close.
Not content to just run out the clock and let FM102/1 slowly peter out on autopilot, VP of Programming Michelle Rutkowski and her dedicated team have made the conscious decision to basically let anarchy rule -- hence, the monthlong "Homecoming" theme. A quick glance at this ambitious schedule posted to WLUM's Facebook page shows a different theme each day for the remainder of the month -- until the station goes dark. "Listen over the next few weeks as we say farewell to FM102/1 with music, laughter and old friends," the post notes.
The action kicked off yesterday with "Hot 102 Day," a tribute to the station's Top 40 past, and continues for the next several weeks with a bunch of fun theme days, like: "NO Red Hot Chili Peppers," and "ONLY Red Hot Chili Peppers," etc. We are told that these themes will run daily from 9 to 5 -- outside those hours listen as a bunch of your favorite former FM102/1 personalities from the past 19 years will be dropping in!
"It was important to me, as we're saying goodbye, to celebrate the music and the people that built the foundations of what eventually became FM102/1," Rutkowski tells RAMP. "I wanted to give something back to Milwaukee, by providing an opportunity to relieve some of their favorite memories one last time." She added, "The support we've received for doing this has been overwhelming -- a powerful reminder of the magic of local radio."
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