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| Before news breaks, it must bend... and that’s where we come in. |
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The Cumulus Cuts Painfully Continue...
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| The company's Atlanta cluster was particularly hard hit... "Scorched Earth" is how one market observer described the wholesale dismantling of the core of WNNX (99X)/Atlanta, three and half years after it was revived -- The entire cast of The Morning X is out -- Host/Executive Producer Steve Barnes (left), co-host Crash Clark (right) and producer Leslie "LT" Tillery.
In a statement for RAMP, Barnes said, "I am happy to report that I am happy and healthy after this 3.5-year hostage situation. Negotiators were able to secure my release, and I have been set free from my 4am alarm clock. I am incredibly grateful to Cumulus for ANOTHER amazing run on the legendary 99X, but I will be spending the next month at an undisclosed, off-grid location detoxing from the 900 gallons of Diet Coke that has kept me alive. Special thanks to Brian Philips, Justin Shaflander, Leslie Fram, Steve Craig, Crash Clark, Leslie Tillery and everyone else in that building. Now back to my other show... check me out on THE OVAL on Paramount+. Scene!! Reach out to Barnes at barnes@barnescreativestudios.com.
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| • Also out: 99X PD/midday talent Steve Craig (left), another charter member of the original 99X for 16 years. Craig went on to help launch 101.9 WRXP/New York in 2008 alongside Leslie Fram and Matt Pinfield before spending a decade at CMG Classic Rock WSRV (97.1 The River)/Atlanta. He rejoined the relaunched 99X in July 2023. RAMP hears that only Will Pendarvis and several part-timers remain aboard. Contact Craig at radioflyer99x@yahoo.com.
• Across the hall, Laura Dickerson (right) has been released from her dual market responsibilities as APD/nights for WWWQ (Q99.7)/Atlanta and MD/nights for 104.1 KRBE/Houston.
Dickerson joined KRBE as a weekend talent in 2021, and earned her MD stripes the following year. In January 2025 she was named APD/midday personality for sister WWWQ (Q99.7)/Atlanta and relocated to the ATL, while retaining her MD duties for KRBE/Houston, and host of H-Town Nights with Laura weeknights from 7-Midnight.
Prior to joining KRBE, Dickerson was MD/middays at former Urban One Top 40 KROI (Radio Now 92.1)/Houston. She earlier worked at KMVA/Phoenix, and started her career at Kiss 108/Boston. She can be contacted at onairlaura@gmail.com.
• Also downsized: Jake Bennett, Promotions Director for the Atlanta cluster -- Q99.7, WKHX (New Country 101-FIVE), WNNX (99X), and OG 98.9 (WWWQ-HD2). Bennett joined the company fresh out of college in 2022. He can be reached at JakeBennett255@gmail.com.
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Still More Cumulus Restructuring
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| • Nashville: Amy Paige exits middays on 95.5 WSM-FM. In a Facebook post, Paige said, "I am so grateful for the four years I spent with Cumulus radio. I was given a compassionate and gentle sendoff, yesterday. It's a new year and a new era for me."
Paige (left) joined Cumulus Country 103.3 WKDF for middays in Jan. 2022, following a nine-year run at iHeartMedia rival WSIX. She crossed the hall to WSM-FM last Labor Day, swapping shifts with Lucas Phelan. She's also been heard on SiriusXM's Prime Country and The Highway. Earlier in her career Paige worked at the late WRQX (Mix 107.3)/Washington.
• Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: Chad Valentine exits the PD post at heritage Top 40 WBHT (Hot 97.1) after an eight-year run. This had been Valentine's second tour of duty at 'BHT... he did nights there from 2001-2004. In between, Valentine programmed iHeart Top 40 WLDI (Wild 95.5)/West Palm, followed by five years as APD/MD of WHYI (Y100)/Miami. Reach out at radiovalentine305@gmail.com.
• Saginaw, MI: Tim Brandow exits as Production Director and midday talent at Classic Rock WILZ (Wheelz 104.5). Brandow is a 40-year Saginaw radio veteran who got his start at age 14 at his high school station, and has "worked at damn near every station in the market," including 20 years total at Wheelz over several tours, with a stint at 92 WZEW/Mobile, AL in between. He's also been doing freelance voice work since the '90s. Brandow can be reached at tbrandow@aol.com.
• We are updating this list online at RAMP247.com. If you or a colleague has been similarly affected and would like your info shared with a large audience, please email Kevin@RAMP247.com.
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| • After building one of New York State's most successful independently owned media and entertainment companies, Galaxy Media Partners Founder, President & CEO Ed Levine announced his plans to retire later this year.
Levine's broadcasting career began at WAER/Syracuse. In 1978, he co-founded WAQX (95X), one of Central New York's most influential rock stations. After holding leadership positions in Albany, Houston, and Washington, D.C., Levine returned to Upstate New York in 1990 to launch WKLL, which became the foundation of Galaxy Media Partners. He was later inducted into the WAER Hall of Fame.
Following the sale of Galaxy's Albany stations in 2006, the company expanded its focus on Syracuse and Utica while developing some of the region's premier live events, including Taste of Syracuse, the Syracuse Nationals, Lights on the Lake, and the Wine & Chocolate Festivals.
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| "It's been a wonderful ride over the past 36 years," Levine said. "It's hard to believe I was 33 when I started the company, and now I'm 70. Where did the time go? As the years have passed, my priorities have changed. A year ago, I was blessed with a beautiful grandson, and my daughter and son-in-law live just minutes from us in Charlotte, North Carolina. Spending more time with my family has become increasingly important, and I know this is the right time to begin a new chapter."
"I have no intention of retiring from building businesses," Levine added. "I believe the experiential media and live events industry have an incredibly bright future, and I intend to focus my efforts on building a new events company based in the Carolinas."
Additional info regarding leadership succession at Galaxy Media Partners and the effective date of Levine's retirement will be announced in the coming weeks.
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| • You don't have to look too far past our recent lead stories to understand that radio appears to be a shrinking industry. Veteran programmer Tim Moore, currently President & CEO of the Maine Association of Broadcasters (MAB) notes: "Despite the stats from the RAB showing that radio listening still commands a huge following -- that over 80% of adults listen each week (dwarfing most of the other, 'cooler' digital platforms), it seems a bit, well, misleading. Their conclusion is that radio is still thriving...
Moore added, "It is not -- and the industry has only itself to blame. The good news is that there is a path back to dominance, if only industry leaders will wake up and take action."
Tim's RAMP guest editorial, "Fixing Radio Means Taking A Chance Or Two" is posted in its entirety HERE.
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Kennedy Achieves Airblazer Status
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| Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing female leadership in radio broadcasting, in partnership with Talentmasters MSBC, is proud to announce that Kennedy Elsey, co-host of the Karson & Kennedy morning show on Audacy's WBMX (Mix 104.1)/Boston, officially accepted the 2026 MIW Airblazer Award during last Friday's Talentmasters MSBC Luncheon in Cleveland.
Established through a partnership between MIW and Talentmasters MSBC in 2015, the MIW Airblazer Award recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to the radio industry while using their platform to positively impact the communities they serve. As tradition dictates, each year's recipient is selected by the previous year's Airblazer honoree. Kennedy was chosen by 2025 recipient Karen Carson of Audacy's WNEW (NEW 102.7)/New York.
Previous MIW Airblazer recipients include Delilah (2024), Dana Cortez (2023), Patty Steele (2022), DeDe McGuire (2021), Angela Yee (2020), Kellie Rasberry (2019), Mercedes Martinez (2018), Roula Christie (2017), Angie Martinez (2016), and your inaugural Airblazer honoree, Ellen K (2015).
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CBA Reveals '2026 Hall Of Fame
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| The Colorado Broadcasters Association (CBA) is proud to announce the 2026 Colorado Broadcasters Hall of Fame Class, honoring the extraordinary individuals whose talent, leadership, and dedication have left an enduring mark on broadcasting in Colorado -- Alan Berg • Peter Boyles • Bob Gourley • Stu Haskell • Steve Kelly • Bob Martin • Reynelda Muse • Roger Ogden • Ron Zappolo. (Alan Berg, Stu Haskell, Bob Gourley and Bob Martin will be inducted posthumously).
The CBA will once again honor Colorado's broadcasting pioneers during a special induction ceremony on Friday, Oct. 23, returning to The Dome at AMG in Greenwood Village. The evening will celebrate the careers and accomplishments of this year’s inductees while bringing together broadcasters, industry leaders, family, friends, and supporters from across the state.
"The CBA's Hall of Fame has quickly become one of the most meaningful events in Colorado broadcasting," said Justin Sasso, President & CEO of the CBA. "These remarkable broadcasters connected Colorado communities and planted the seeds that have grown to be today's industry. Their influence extends well beyond the airwaves, and we’re honored to celebrate their extraordinary contributions to our industry."
Tony Garcia, Chair of the CBA's Hall of Fame Committee, added, "The Hall of Fame preserves the stories and achievements of the broadcasters who helped shape Colorado's media landscape. We're proud to recognize another outstanding class whose impact will be remembered for generations to come."
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| • The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) announced that former Major League Baseball greats Ralph Garr, Gary Matthews, Sr., Reggie Smith, and Andre Thornton make up the 2026 class of inductees into the museum's Hall of Game. The distinguished class will be officially inducted in ceremonies on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Gem Theater in Kansas City, MO.
During the ceremony, acclaimed journalist Rob Parker, co-host of the Odd Couple on Fox Sports Radio, the creator of MLBbro.com, and an analyst for MLB Network and KNBC/Los Angeles will receive the 2nd Annual JL Wilkinson "Innovator" Award.
This is the latest accolade for Parker, who was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Hall of Fame in 2023 and the Black Sportswriters Hall of Fame in April 2026. He was also named a 2026 National Sports Media Association (NSMA) Hall of Fame Sportswriter finalist, and his alma mater, Southern Connecticut State University, recently honored him with a press box dedication at Jess Dow Field.
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| • Christian FM Media announced that veteran broadcaster Lisa Barry has officially joined the Today's Christian Music (TCM) Network, marking a major expansion of her daily program that will also continue on the AC Total network. The Lisa Barry Show now airs on 126 stations across the U.S. and Canada.
"Lisa is one of Christian radio's most trusted and beloved voices," said Geoff Moore, National Affiliations Director, Christian FM Media Group. "Her ability to speak directly to the heart -- while keeping things fun, honest, and deeply encouraging makes her a perfect fit for Today's Christian Music. We're thrilled to see her reach expand to even more communities."
The Lisa Barry Show is available through Christian FM Media's delivery platform. Questions? Contact Geoff@ChristianFM.com.
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We Require Photographic Proof
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| • Hubbard's WIRK (New Country 103.1)/West Palm Beach just played host to back-to-back "Secret Sessions," the first one last Wednesday featuring The Band Perry, followed on Thursday by Stephen Wilson Jr.
"The 'Secret Sessions' are invite-only show for our listeners," said Tim Leary, morning co-host on New Country 103.1. "There's something really special about the intimate setting of 100-200 people and the artist. They tell their stories between the songs, and have just as much fun as the listeners. I promise once you see a Secret Session you'll never hear the artist's song the same way again."
Leary added, "The Band Perry came out sounding better than ever. Hearing them do acoustic versions of 'If I Die Young,' 'Better Dig Two,' and 'Done' were next level. And their single, 'Psychological' (Nashville Harbor) is great. On top of everything else, they're just great people!"
Pictured, (l-r): Eddie E (nights), Nick Rivers (APD/afternoons), Johnny Costello (The Band Perry), Tim Leary (mornings), Kimberly Perry (The Band Perry), Chelsea Taylor (mornings), Grover Collins (PD, WIRK)
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| • The intrepid crew at Connoisseur's suburban Chicago Classic Alternative WERV (95.9 The River)/Aurora, IL had to get extra creative recently after two separate storm-related tower incidents. As morning personality Scott Mackay explains, "Our 300-foot main tower was taken out by a storm about a month ago. We quickly got a smaller temporary replacement -- and a week and a half later that one was knocked out for three days by another storm."
Mackay added, "We finally got the smaller tower back up and are now trying to find a way to keep our audience engaged." Video of their clever efforts is posted to Instagram.
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| Peter Katsis, founding partner of The Firm, who managed the careers of Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, Backstreet Boys and many more, died August 6 due to congestive heart failure. He was 69.
As NME reports, "Starting out in the '80s, Katsis first turned heads when he took on the industrial rock group Ministry in his Chicago hometown. He would relocate to Los Angeles in the '90s and go on to work with The Cramps, Jane's Addiction, Limp Bizkit, Audioslave, and KoRn. As his notoriety grew, he began taking on pop and hip-hop artists as well, including Snoop Dogg and Backstreet Boys, as well as One Direction, 311, Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair and more.
Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan shared his condolences on Instagram: "Heartbroken that Pete is gone. He meant a lot to Chloe and I as a dear friend and extended member of our family. He will be missed and I'll always cherish his intense candor and deep love of great music; which was infectious. And he deserves immense credit for helping to usher in the alternative revolution of the '80s and '90s and beyond. He was truly one of a kind. One of us. And Chicago royalty through and through."
Radio and television host Matt Pinfield posted, "Rest in Peace my dear friend. So many memories... you will always be in my heart and thoughts. Thank you for all the incredible times we shared in our brotherhood. From the laughter to the tears, the beauty of living was and Is the ability to feel... Peter Katsis I will miss you so much... my heart remains broken today."
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