News Bites for Thursday, October 22…

Terry Meiners, longtime host on iHeartMedia’s “NewsRadio 840” WHAS Louisville, has been named the 2026 Louisvillian of the Year by the American Advertising Federation Louisville, recognizing his contributions to broadcasting, civic engagement and charitable service. Meiners joined WHAS in 1986 and has spent nearly five decades connecting with Louisville audiences through his afternoon drive show. He is also the longest-serving host of the “WHAS Crusade for Children,” supporting the organization for 27 consecutive years. Since 1954, the Crusade has raised more than $230 million to help children with special needs and their families. Meiners has also supported organizations including Metro United Way, the Louisville Police Foundation and the Louisville Urban League. AAF Louisville will honor Meiners at a reception Dec. 2 at The Olmstead in Louisville.University of Pennsylvania adult alternative WXPN (88.5) will host two free concerts at its Philadelphia headquarters to celebrate “Philly Anthems,” a project featuring 13 original songs by nationally recognized and emerging local artists. The performances are scheduled for Nov. 11 and Dec. 10 at 3025 Walnut St., with both shows beginning at 7:30pm. The project, supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, explores themes of freedom and independence through music. The Nov. 11 lineup includes Eric Bazilian, Eliza Hardy Jones, Moustapha Noumbissi, The Flying Vees, The Bul Bey and Second Star. The Dec. 10 concert features Devon Gilfillian, Lady Alma, Sug Daniels, Grace Gardner, Black Buttafly and JR Everhart. The “Philly Anthems” project will conclude with a 13-song vinyl release on Record Store Day 2027.
Amplified Voices continues its “Countdown to the Midterms,” a five-part livestream series offering political and cultural analysis of national and local races ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The 30-minute episodes focus on issues affecting Black voters, providing context on key races and explaining what is at stake. Hosted by American Urban Radio Networks White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris, the series features contributors including Joy Reid, Angela Rye and Kevin Rojas. The next episode streams tonight at 7pm ET, with guests including Reid, Dr. David Johns and Rye. The remaining episodes are scheduled for Oct. 29 and Nov. 5. The series streams Thursdays on Amplified Voices TV and its social platforms, with previous episodes available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) has graduated eight participants from its 2026 Rising Leaders Fellowship, an MBA-style program designed to develop emerging leaders in radio and television. The curriculum combines personal leadership development with training in revenue development, news and content leadership, broadcast accounting, strategic planning and community engagement. Graduates include Danielle Ashworth, Sales Manager at Regional Radio Group; Candace Curby, Promotions Director and on-air personality at Albany Broadcasting; Josh Koumjian, News Director at WNYT and WNYA; Kathleen O’Hare-Stewart, Controller at WHEC-TV; Rob Taylor, News Director at NewsChannel 9 WSYR; Brielle Travis, Account Executive at Pamal Broadcasting; Veronica Volk, Executive Producer and Director of Podcast Strategy at WXXI; and Natasha Yurek, Senior Executive Producer at Nexstar/WIVB-TV. “The future of local broadcasting depends on leaders who understand both our evolving business and the responsibilities of serving our local communities,” said Heidi Raphael, President and Executive Director of NYSBA. “This year’s graduates represent the talent, dedication and potential that will move our industry forward.”Former Columbus Blue Jackets radio voice Bob McElligott has launched Clear Breakaway, an independent sports media platform, after 17 years covering the NHL team. McElligott, who was let go over the summer, partnered with former ABC 6 digital producer Adam Dell to build the venture, which centers on a YouTube channel, the TV station reports. McElligott and journalist Aaron Portzline host programs twice a week, with additional postgame and solo shows. McElligott said the postgame programs have been particularly popular, giving him an opportunity to interact directly with fans. Dell oversees digital production and social media, with plans to expand Clear Breakaway across podcast and streaming platforms and introduce live community events. McElligott said the independent format gives him greater freedom to express his opinions, although managing all aspects of the new business has proved more demanding than his former radio role.