News Bites for July 21…
AudioSphere LLC has shifted its country station, KZAL Manson, WA (94.7) to classic country as “The Bull 94.7,” positioning it as “True Country From the 90s Beyond.” The station has Randy Roadz in mornings and Jeff Conwell in afternoon drive. AudioSphere purchased KZAL, which had been known as “Z Country 94.7” for more than a decade, in 2025. The Wenatchee, WA, area has two other country stations, Townsquare Media “Kissin’ 97.7” KYSN and Connoisseur Media “Country 104.7” KKRV.Northeast Broadcasting adult alternative “92.5 The River” WXRV Boston, in conjunction with The Salisbury Beach Partnership, will host the station’s 24th annual free Riverfest Music Festival Aug. 22 with headliners Spin Doctors – best known for their hits “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” – along with Buffalo Tom, Fantastic Cat and Gavin Marengi. “There’s something magical about live music by the ocean, and this year’s lineup captures everything our listeners love about 92.5 the River—iconic artists, exciting new discoveries and outstanding local talent,” WXRV Music Director Olivia Lowe says.
The Michigan Association of Broadcasters has announced its 2026 award recipients, to be honored Sept. 1 as a part of the MAB’s Evening of Excellence. Former WDBI-FM Tawas City owner, President and General Manager Don Backus will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while MAB’s Hall of Fame includes Detroit Pistons radio play-by-play announcer Mark Champion; VP and General Manager of Results Broadcasting country WJNR, CHR WOBE and classic hits WHTO Marquette Trisha Peterson; and journalist, author, musician and former WDIV-TV Detroit news anchor Devin Scillian. Audacy WWJ “Newsradio 950” and sports “97.1 The Ticket” WXYT Detroit anchor and reporter Luke Sloan will receive the MAB Foundation’s Young Professional award.The nationally syndicated “Anna & Raven Show,” a joint venture between Connoisseur Media and Compass Media Networks, has added three new affiliates for a total 90 markets: hot ACs Federated Media WMEE (97.3) Fort Wayne, IN and American General Media “Mix 105.1” KKRG Albuquerque, and Cromwell Media classic hits “Totally Hits 93.3” WBUZ-HD4 Nashville. “Our affiliates are our family, and we are committed to delivering our humor and authenticity to each market,” the show’s Anna Zap says.