News Bites for Wednesday, September 16…
Audacy rock stations “98 Rock” KRXQ Sacramento and KISW (99.9) Seattle have announced lineups for their 2026 editions of “Unwrapped: An Acoustic Holiday,” featuring unique acoustic performances from Jakob Nowell and Zayno of Sublime, Ice Nine Kills, Zakk Wylde and Dario Lorina of Black Label Society, The Warning, Ayron Jones, Kurt Deimer and Everlast. Sacramento’s event is set for Dec. 6 at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, while Seattle’s takes place Dec. 5 at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, WA. The Sacramento lineup also includes the special appearance by Everlast, while Seattle adds The Funeral Portrait.After announcing his retirement earlier this year, WMMR Philadelphia midday host Matt Cord is returning as the Philadelphia 76ers’ in-arena announcer for the 2026-27 NBA season. Cord’s decision marks a change of course for the longtime voice of the Sixers, who has spent nearly three decades behind the microphone for Philadelphia sports fans. The move comes after the offseason arrival of LeBron James, which prompted fans to call for Cord to return and introduce James in a Sixers uniform. In July, Sixers legend Allen Iverson added to the push, sending Cord a text that read, “Matt, your book’s not complete. You’ve got one more chapter. We need you, brother. AI.” Cord will return to the announcer’s table as the Sixers begin a new season. The announcement was made Wednesday morning on the “Preston & Steve” show.
Benztown and Zeno Media have partnered to give radio broadcasters expanded tools for streaming, digital monetization, audience distribution and AI-powered content creation. Through Benztown, stations can access Zeno’s omni-channel audio platform, with cloud-based streaming infrastructure and programmatic advertising capabilities. Zeno’s AI-powered Podcast Bot can automatically turn live broadcasts into on-demand podcast content, extending the reach and lifespan of existing programming. The platform also includes SoundExchange-formatted music reports and logs, campaign management and audience targeting tools. Zeno says its infrastructure can integrate with existing streaming workflows, while stations moving from other providers can receive dedicated migration support.Heartland Signal news/talk “AM950 Radio” KTNF Minneapolis will air live coverage of a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service honoring former Minnesota State Representative Karen Clark this Friday (Sept. 18) from Orchestra Hall. The broadcast will begin at 7pm. Clark served in the Minnesota House from 1981 to 2019, becoming one of Minnesota’s longest-serving legislators and the first openly LGBTQ+ woman elected to the state Legislature. During her tenure, she was the primary author of the 1993 amendment to the Minnesota Human Rights Act that prohibited discrimination against LGBTQ+ Minnesotans in housing, employment and public accommodations. She also served as chief House author of the 2013 legislation legalizing marriage equality.