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| Before news breaks, it must bend... and that’s where we come in. |
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Rock Hall Of Fame Reveals 2026 Inductees
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| The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced its 2026 Inductees, spotlighting a standout group of artists whose impact has left a lasting mark on music and culture. The names were revealed live Monday evening on ABC and Disney+ by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 Inductee Lionel Richie during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode of American Idol.
• Performer Category: Phil Collins • Billy Idol • Iron Maiden • Joy Division/New Order • Oasis • Sade • Luther Vandross • Wu-Tang Clan
• Early Influence Award: Celia Cruz • Fela Kuti • Queen Latifah • MC Lyte • Gram Parsons
• Musical Excellence Award: Linda Creed • Arif Mardin • Jimmy Miller • Rick Rubin
• Ahmet Ertegun Award: Ed Sullivan
"Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music's highest honor," said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. "We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony - it’s going to be an unforgettable night."
To be eligible for induction, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Phil Collins, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan are first-time nominees, while Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, and Sade have all been nominated in the past.
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will tape on Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and will debut in December on ABC and Disney+.
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Richards Takes On DFW's Eagle & Lone Star
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| Vince Richards is right back in the action, as the newly named Program Director of iHeartMedia Active Rock KEGL (97.1 The Eagle) and Classic Rock KZPS (Lone Star 92.5)/Dallas. He will report to EVP of Programming Marc Sherman.
Richards, who has been back in DFW since 2020, spent the past eight years with Audacy, most recently serving as VP of Rock Programming while also overseeing Operations and the company's music stations in Dallas-Ft. Worth, as well as Mainstream Rock KRXQ (98 Rock) and Classic Rock KSEG (96.9 The Eagle)/Sacramento until leaving the company last November.
"Any time you have the opportunity to add someone with Vince's experience and reputation to your team, it's a tremendous win for everyone involved," said Chris Long, Region President for iHeartMedia DFW. "We're excited to welcome Vince to our Dallas team and look forward to the impact he'll make."
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| Richards, who had spent most of his career in Texas, was named OM of Entercom's six-station Sacramento group in early 2018. He returned to DFW in December 2020 as Brand Manager of Audacy Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 Jack FM) and was later elevated to VP of Rock Programming.
Richards earlier served as National Operations Manager for Townsquare Media, and he notably put in a decade of service with Clear Channel -- six years as Director of FM Programming for Clear Channel Houston and OM of CC Dallas and PD of Alternative KDGE (102.1 The Edge). Richards' history with Entercom/Audacy originally started back in 1996 with a five-year stint as OM of Entercom Kansas City and PD of KQRC (98.9 The Rock). He began his career at WQLZ/Springfield, IL.
"I'm excited, focused and motivated to lead the talented teams at these two iconic radio stations in the DFW market, and I look forward to maximizing our positions in North Texas," Richards remarked. "Thanks to the iHeart team for the opportunity to take the reins of 97.1 The Eagle and Lone Star 92.5."
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Quu Report: 'Radio Must Be Visual'
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| Quu Inc., the trusted industry leader providing easy deployment of visual content for radio, has released its 2026 In-Vehicle Visuals Report. Now in its third year, the report offers an updated view of radio's place in the top 100 best-selling vehicles in the U.S. and includes a database with: A) vehicle data; B) Expanded vehicle analysis; C) Updated scorecard of dashboard features; D) Six key findings with actionable recommendations.
Radio industry experts Fred Jacobs (President, Jacobs Media), Paul Jacobs (VP/GM, Jacobs Media); Joe D'Angelo (SVP, Global Broadcast Radio, Xperi Inc.), and Mike McVay (President, McVay Media Consulting) contributed analysis and commentary in the report. All four will join Quu CEO Steve Newberry to discuss the findings in a free webinar tomorrow, April 15 at 3pm ET. Register HERE.
The Six Key Findings: 1) Screens are everywhere -- radio must be visual. 2) Infotainment systems are more familiar and intuitive. 3) AM/FM is still ubiquitous but increasingly harder to find. 4) Earning the 'last touch' matters more than ever. 5) HD Radio is growing. 6) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto hold steady while SiriusXM loses ground.
"In our 3rd year, trendlines are emerging. Screens are everywhere in vehicles. Dashboards are getting smarter and more intuitive to use. Audio is now almost always paired with a visual," said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu. "What listeners see impacts what they hear. For radio, the challenge isn't availability -- it's discoverability. Ensuring sound is seen isn't optional. It's essential." Access the full 2026 In-Vehicle Visuals Report HERE.
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| • Ricci Filiar, a fixture in the hallways of iHeartMedia San Francisco for more than 16 years, has exited as PD of Soft AC KISQ (98.1 The Breeze) and KOSF (Classic Hits 103.7). Ironically, Filiar's departure just happened to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the launch of The Breeze.
Filiar (left) arrived in San Francisco in late 2009 as APD/MD of then Urban AC KISQ (98.1 Kiss FM), was upped to PD in 2010, and oversaw its transformation into The Breeze on April 13, 2016.
The front half of Filiar's extensive radio resume was spent in Los Angeles, where early on he was PD of KRLA. He went on to serve as APD/MD of former Jammin Oldies KCMG (Mega 100), ran Art Laboe's Oldies radio network for several years, followed by a stint with KTWV (94.7 The Wave) before going to work for Emmis as APD of the late KMVN (MOViN 93.9).
"While today is certainly a disappointing day, I'm proud of what we accomplished during my time at iHeart San Francisco and I’m so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people at KISQ and KOSF," Filiar said. "While our industry continues to evolve, I still believe in broadcast radio. I'm hopeful that I'll have the chance to work and collaborate with others who share my passion and optimism for our wonderful business. I look forward to what the future holds." You heard the man -- Filiar can be contacted at 818-321-4991 or riccifiliar@aol.com.
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| • As initially reported by Country Aircheck and confirmed by RAMP, Black River Entertainment is undergoing a restructuring of its promotion department and has parted ways with VP of Promotion Bill Macky, Midwest Regional promo rep Joe Carroll and West Coast Regional promo rep Jim Malito.
Macky (pictured) joined Black River in 2012 and was elevated from Sr. Director, Nat'l Promotion & Strategy to VP of National Promotion in March 2024. Macky's three decades of music industry experience includes 16 years programming Country radio stations in Pittsburgh, San Jose, Sacramento, and San Diego. His previous label stops include MCA Nashville, Sony Nashville, Category 5 Records, 1720 Entertainment, Stroudavarious Records, and Rodeowave Entertainment. He can be reached at billmacky@comcast.net.
Carroll has been with Black River since early 2008, following runs with Category 5, Equity and Rust; Malito joined Black River in Oct. 2024, after stints with Stone Country, BBR Music Group and Warner Nashville. Malito can be contacted at jmalito@cox.net.
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| • Country Aircheck also reports that Rachel Elliot has exited as iHeartMedia Director of Country Programming for Kentucky & West Virginia after two years in the role. Elliot had been responsible for the programming and brand leadership of WAMZ/Louisville, WBUL & 98.5 The Bull Icons (WBUL-HD2)/Lexington, KY; WSEK & WSEK-AM/Somerset, KY; WTCR/Huntington, WV; WOVK/Wheeling, WV; and WNUS/Parkersburg, WV, as well as WEZL/Charleston, SC and WCOS/Columbia, SC.
Prior to her elevation, Elliot was Digital Program Director and on-air talent at WEBN/Cincinnati, while also serving as a national talent for the iHeartCustom/Format Center brands with a specific focus on Country and Rock. Elliot began her journey with iHeartMedia as an intern at WKSC (Kiss 103.5)/Chicago.
• If you or a colleague has been recently downsized from your position at any company and would like your information shared with potential future employers, please email Kevin@RAMP247.com.
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Pfeffer Joins PRG As Chief Commercial Officer
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| Concert production leader PRG welcomes industry veteran Darren Pfeffer as Chief Commercial Officer. In this newly created role, Pfeffer will lead PRG's revenue strategy and partner across the organization to drive growth, deepen client relationships, and expand PRG's position in the global marketplace.
Pfeffer brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience spanning live entertainment and venue management, the past two years as President of DPS (Diversified Production Services), a Live Nation Entertainment company, where he led global operations across hundreds of live entertainment, broadcast and corporate events each year. Pfeffer's prior experience includes five years at Madison Square Garden Entertainment as as Executive Vice President of MSG Live, overseeing the company's live entertainment portfolio across venues including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre in New York, the Chicago Theatre, and The Forum in Los Angeles. Pfeffer most notably spent more than 20 years with iHeartMedia, rising to SVP, Music & Entertainment Marketing.
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| Pfeffer reports to PRG CEO Lawrence Burian, who said, "Darren brings a perspective few people in this industry have -- he's seen how the best productions come together from the rights holder side, the venue side and the production management side. That experience is exactly what we need as we continue to grow. He is equally known for building terrific internal working cultures where teams are empowered to serve clients with passion and excellence. I'm confident he will be a strong partner to our teams and our clients."
"PRG has built something rare in this industry: a truly global operation with the people, the inventory, and the expertise to deliver at any scale," Pfeffer remarked. "I've worked alongside this team from multiple sides of the business and have long admired what they've built. I'm excited to be part of what comes next."
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And speaking of which... Lundy is currently President & CEO of Mile High Sports, overseeing comprehensive, multi-platform coverage of Colorado's major pro sports teams. A seasoned host-turned-executive-turned-host again, Lundy's career spans more than three decades, most of it spent in the Mile High City.
"Nate's encyclopedic sports knowledge and deep ties to the Denver community make him an incredible asset," said Mike Peterson, Brand Manager of The Bet 1430. "We're excited to see him engage our listeners and elevate the conversation on The Bet."
"I've spent more than 35 years in radio and television, the last 16 right here in Denver," said Lundy. "I am so happy to join Audacy as a local voice, and more importantly, as a local fan. This is going to be a fun ride!"
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| • Christian FM Media Group has expanded Jayme Summers' role to include on-air duties on the Today's Christian Music (TCM) network.
Summers (pictured), who also serves as the network's Program Director and Operations Director, will now be heard live as the on-air connector in multiple markets across the country, including Indiana, Alabama, Ohio, and additional markets -- weekdays from 3-7pm ET, starting this week.
"Jayme Summers is talented in so many areas. Her charm, wit, and creativity will connect with listeners in meaningful and uplifting ways," said Geoff Moore, National Affiliations Director at Christian FM Media Group.
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CBA Honors Colorado Radio & TV
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| The Colorado Broadcasters Association (CBA) brought together more than 400 industry professionals Saturday night at the swanky Ritz-Carlton Denver for its annual Awards of Excellence Gala, spotlighting the strongest work in Colorado radio and television.
The 2026 competition set a new high-water mark with 1,013 entries -- 546 from radio and 470 from television -- reinforcing continued investment in local content and production. Entries were judged by more than 200 broadcast professionals nationwide. The program recognized standout performance across markets, with "Station of the Year" honors awarded based on cumulative points for first-place Awards of Excellence and second-place Certificates of Merit:
• RADIO: Small Market: KBVC-FM/Buena Vista • Medium Market: KYSL-FM/Frisco • Major Market: KKMG-FM/Colorado Springs • Metro Market: KCFR-FM/Denve
• TELEVISION: Small Market: KKCO-TV/Grand Junction • Non-Metro: KOAA-TV/Colorado Springs • Metro Market: KUSA-TV/Denver
In remarks to attendees, CBA President & CEO Justin Sasso pointed to trust as the industry's defining asset, while underscoring recent advocacy outcomes, including blocking legislation that would have limited open records access in Colorado and building bipartisan support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The event also highlighted the next generation of broadcasters, recognizing students from Rampart High School and Colorado State University with Future Broadcaster Awards.
The full list of winners and Certificates of Merit recipients is posted HERE.
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Slow Jams Blows Up Even Bigger
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| Benztown proudly announces that Sunday Night Slow Jams™, the No. 1 weekend radio show in America, has added four new affiliates this month, including Hot AC KEZR (Mix 106.5)/San Jose, CA; Classic Hip Hop 98.7 The Vibe (KNUQ-HD3)/Maui, HI; Rhythmic Top 40 WMVN (96.5 The Beat)/Syracuse, NY; and Top 40 KDUC (94.3 The Duck)/Barstow, CA.
J. Love, Operations Manager of Connoisseur Media San Jose, said, "We're thrilled to welcome Sunday Night Slow Jams to Mix 106.5. It's the show that turns regular Sunday nights into something special... candles optional, feelings guaranteed. Our listeners are going to love every second."
R Dub!, Creator, Producer & Host of Sunday Night Slow Jams, commented, "It's like a family reunion, Slow Jams style! J. Love and I go way back, and it's great to be on in The Bay with him at Mix. And so good to be working with Sam Furco again in Syracuse -- longtime friend and supporter. Same with Larry Fuss in Maui -- and what a great addition to our other Hawaiian Slow Jams family of affiliates in Honolulu and Hilo. And Barstow? Does it get any cooler than being on a station called 'The Duck?' No, it does not! The world needs more love these days. The world needs more Slow Jams."
Sunday Night Slow Jams is available in multiple delicious flavors for Top 40, Hot AC, Urban, Urban AC, Rhythmic/Hip-Hop, and Classic Hip-Hop. The weeknight version Slow Jams with R Dub! airs Monday through Thursday, and together are heard every week on well over 200 stations across the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit benztown.com or contact Mark Wilson at mw@benztown.com.
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