What’s News? 

February 2019


Very Special Happy Birthday      2-1-19
Nineteen year veteran WOMX-FM 105.1 morning show co-host Erica Lee will celebrate her (my wife Wilma says I can't tell Erica's age) birthday on Feb. 2. Happy birthday Erica! 

Drew Anderssen Gets New Assignment      2-1-19
Continuing as Cox Media Group’s news, talk, and sports format coordinator, Drew Anderssen is appointed senior operations/program manager for the company’s Atlanta news/talk outlet, WSB-AM. Anderssen previously oversaw programming, news, digital, and social media planning as OM/PD at co-owned WDBO-FM 96.5

Tom Taylor To Be Honored       2-1-19
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is presenting its Spirit of Broadcasting Award to veteran radio industry reporter Tom Taylor at the 2019 NAB Show in Las Vegas. Taylor will accept the award Monday, April 8, at the NAB Show Opening. He retired at year-end after covering radio for three decades. Taylor’s journalism career included serving as editor of the daily “Tom Taylor NOW” newsletter, launched in November 2012, published with partners Robert Unmacht and Kristy Scott. He also was editor of Inside Radio, M Street Journal/M Street Daily and the TRI newsletter from Radio-Info.com. The second-generation broadcaster is the son of Bill Taylor, a former radio/TV personality at WDBO-AM 580 in Orlando and radio GM in Charlotte.

WIXC Flips To Regional Mexican       2-5-19
NIA Broadcasting, in a joint sales agreement with Genesis Communications I has flipped WIXC-AM 1060 to a Regional Mexican format. They are now broadcasting NIA's Caliente format simulcasting Tampa's WTMP-FM 96.1/WMGG-AM 1470/101.9 FM.

Academy Of Country Music Award Nominees       2-5-19      
Cox Media Group's WWKA-FM 92.3 has been nominated in the large market category in the 2019 Academy of Country Music Awards. Hall Communications WPCV-FM 97.5's Roger Todd, Julie Kay and DJ Thee Trucker, are Medium Market Personalities of the Year nominees. The 54th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be held Sunday, April 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Dr. Frank A. Franco Passes     2-6-19
Dr. Frank Franco passed on Feb 3. Dr. Franco was a co-founder of City Broadcasting Co. Inc. the company that purchased
WMMY-FM 95.1 and WMMB-AM 1240 in 1962. Read more here In Memory

BBQ 4 The Blue Family Picnic     2-8-19
Orlando’s New Country + All Time Favorites WOTW-FM 103.1 The Wolf, and Bud 94.1-The King of Rock (WOTW-HD2) are pleased to announce the return of the annual BBQ 4 The Blue Family Picnic.  This FREE event for all Central Florida law enforcement officers, support staff, and their families is Saturday February 16th, 2019 at Freedom Park in Ocoee.  The BBQ 4 The Blue Family Picnic features FREE BBQ and food from local restaurants, beer for those 21 and up from City Beverages, live music, and family fun. 

Ganoudis Has Left The Building      2-9-19
JVC Orlando's, General Manager, Chris Ganoudis has joined the Curtis Media Group in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Movin' on Up      2-16-19
WMFE-FM 90.7 has announced Nicole Darden-Creston has become the permanent local host of “All Things Considered” heard weekdays at 4PM. She had been the temporary host since last August. Nicole has been with the station for nine years. Shawn Burke, will continue to be substitute host.

On The Move     2-13-19
On Valentines Day,  at high noon, WMYZ-FM 88.7 will move from Clermont to The Villages.  The new 35,000 watt facility will be licensed to The Villages and cover Leesburg, The Villages and Ocala with a crystal clear signal.  This move was made possible because Clermont is now completely covered by the 100,000 watt upgrade of  WPOZ-FM 88.3, Orlando.  

Happy Birthday!       2-11-19
WTKS-FM 104.1 Morning Host, Russ Rollins celebrates number 54, tomorrow. WLBE-AM 790 Morning Host Ron Bisson turns 67 on Friday as well as "Capn'" Chris Hill turns 55. Happy birthday to all of you!

Bruce Williams Passes At 86      2-11-19
"The Bruce Williams Show" ran for 29 years in syndication and online. Bruce answered listeners phone calls until he retired in 2010. Bruce died on Saturday at his home near Tampa. In Central Florida Bruce was heard on WDBO-AM 580 and WLBE-AM 790In Memory

Happy Birthday!       2-19-19
Celebrating tomorrow, WUCF-FM 89.9's
Alan Rock. On Saturday Carole Nelson and Paul Delaney blow out the candles. Happy birthday to all of you.

Crystal Radio Award Finalists           2-22-19
The National  Association Of Broadcasters has announced the 50 finalists for the 32nd annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service. Two central Florida stations are finalists. WCFB-FM 94.5 and WXXL-FM 106.7. Winners will be revealed and the finalists honored at the "We Are Broadcasters Celebration," held Tuesday, April 9th during the 2019 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Happy Birthday!      2-22-19
Dr. Ken Rabac blows out the candles on Saturday. On Monday Mark "Mr. News" Williams formerly of WNDB-AM 1150 will blow out the candles as will Michael W. Lowe

Cox Media Signs With Westwood One          2-22-19    
Westwood One News has signed a new agreement to provide breaking news on 45 Cox Media Group music stations including Orlando.

Latest Orlando Ratings      2-23-19
The January PPM Ratings are in for Orlando. Read them here.

Soccer On The Radio      2-25-19
Orlando City Soccer has announced its radio broadcast homes and talent for the 2019 MLS season. Coverage will be provided in both English and Spanish. WDYZ-AM 990  "La Nueva 990" will serve as the home for Spanish radio, while WYGM-AM 740/96.9FM "The Game" or "Real Radio 104.1"  WTKS-FM 104.1 will have English coverage all season long. 

WQMP Looking For Talent     2-26-19
Entercom Orlando seeks an On-Air Program Director for its Alternative format WQMP-FM 101.9  "FM 101.9".  The On-Air Program Director will be the solo talent for mornings and responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the station’s brand experience, including on-air content, events, promotions, contesting, and digital presence.  In addition to prior on-air experience, applicants should have proven leadership and management skills and experience, strategic thinking skills with the ability to communicate a clear vision, and motivate and inspire those around them. Experience with talent coaching, event management, copy writing, a deep knowledge and understanding of branding/imaging and effective digital engagement are required and creativity is mandatory! Applicants should have at least 5 years of programming experience, understand PPM audience measurement, FCC rules and regulations, have the ability to work hand-in-hand with sales to develop new and existing business and programming opportunities, meet deadlines, and have fun.  Entercom Careers Portal of Destiny

WWLC Donated       2-26-19
The University of Florida is becoming the new owner of silent WWLC-FM 88.5.  Spirit Radio of North Florida (Roman Catholic Diocese) is donating the station.

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