News Bites for June 23…
Audacy news/talk WCCO Minneapolis (830) raised more than $82,000 for NMDP during its fourth annual “Cure Blood Cancer Radio Auction” on June 18. NMDP is a global nonprofit dedicated to helping patients with blood cancers or disorders find matching blood stem cell donors. The 12-hour event, broadcast live from NMDP’s Minneapolis headquarters, featured bidding on exclusive experiences ranging from luxury vacations and VIP sports and concert packages to local dining opportunities. Throughout the day, WCCO personalities shared stories from transplant recipients and patients while interviewing NMDP executives and frontline staff about the organization’s mission to connect blood cancer patients with life-saving stem cell donors. “This event wasn’t just a fundraiser,” WCCO Brand Manager Brad Lane said. “It was a reminder that radio still matters. It still creates community, inspires generosity, and has the power to turn listeners into neighbors united behind a common cause.” NMDP recently marked its 150,000th facilitated transplant.Few radio personalities can claim a half-century at the same station, but John “U-Man” Ulett has reached that milestone at Hubbard Radio classic rock “K-SHE 95” KSHE St. Louis (94.7). Ulett, who joined the station in May 1976 at age 19, recently marked 50 years on the air, a tenure believed to be among the longest active runs by a major-market radio personality at a single station. Today, he continues to host the station’s long-running “K-SHE Klassics” program on Sunday mornings. To celebrate the achievement, the station hosted “A Klassic Evening Celebrating John Ulett” on June 12 at The Pageant, featuring appearances by station alumni and commemorative merchandise. “For 50 years, John has been part of the soundtrack of St. Louis,” Brand Content Director Marty Linck said, while Ulett credited the station’s stable format and ownership for his longevity.
Fox Sports Radio’s “Covino & Rich” took its show on the road June 19, broadcasting live from Naval Base Coronado as part of NASCAR’s inaugural San Diego race weekend and celebrations marking the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. Presented by the nonprofit We the Veterans and Military Families through its Vet the Vote campaign, the remote aired from 2-4pm PT and was heard on more than 330 affiliates, iHeartRadio and FoxSportsRadio.com. The broadcast spotlighted veterans and military families who contribute behind the scenes in sports and elections while building excitement for the three-day NASCAR event. Race weekend activities included the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on June 19, the United Rentals Driven to Serve 250 on June 20, and the Anduril 250 Race the Base on June 21.Katz Digital Audio has announced that it plans to make podcast ad inventory available through the Amazon DSP. For now, programmatic ad buyers will be able to find other digital audio inventory sold by Katz, reaching streaming audio, mobile app audio, and connected devices, including Alexa-enabled devices.Fisher House Foundation has made its annual Independence Day edition of “The Fisher House Story” available to radio stations, offering a patriotic special focused on the experiences of military service members, veterans, and their families. Hosted by WMAL Washington, DC and Salem Radio Network morning host Larry O’Connor, the program is available free in three-hour, one-hour, 25-minute, and 30-minute versions, including a public affairs edition suitable for all radio formats. The special features interviews with wounded warriors and veterans from conflicts ranging from World War II and Vietnam to Operation Enduring Freedom, highlighting their military service, recovery journeys, and the support provided by Fisher House Foundation. The organization operates no-cost lodging near military and VA medical centers, allowing families to remain close to loved ones receiving medical treatment. The program is designed to air during the Independence Day holiday period and is available for download through Fisher House’s affiliate portal.