News Bites for Friday, July 31…
Beasley Media Group rock WMMR Philadelphia (93.3) will celebrate longtime personality Pierre Robert’s birthday with a 24-hour “Pierre Robert Day” marathon on Saturday, Aug. 1. Beginning at midnight, the station will revisit Robert’s career through archival interviews, rare audio, live performances, station IDs, “Pierre Presents,” Live Aid memories, holiday traditions, favorite Philadelphia bands and more. The programming will also feature a massive Grateful Dead block, vintage moments from WMMR’s original Rittenhouse Square studios and conversations with guests including Leonard Nimoy, Robin Williams and Tom Selleck. Weekend Warriors Jason Fehon, Ray Koob and Markus Goldman will host portions of the day, while Ryan Shuttleworth – Robert’s former producer – will anchor the overnight and Saturday afternoon hours. Listeners can also call or text the station with memories and requests as WMMR pays tribute to the longtime Philadelphia radio icon who passed away in October 2025.iHeartMedia and TikTok will team with Grammy-nominated artist Alex Warren for a live premiere event on Aug. 6 at 10pm ET, streaming across the iHeartRadio and TikTok platforms and Warren’s TikTok account. Hosted by Warren from the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles, the event will also air on iHeartRadio CHR stations nationwide, select hot AC outlets and digital station “Hit Nation.” The event will feature the first listen to Warren’s new single “RESCUER,” ahead of its Aug. 7 release, along with a performance and debut of the song’s official music video. Warren will also host a fan-driven conversation about the song and his upcoming album, “WILDCHILD,” due Aug. 28. Fans can submit questions through Hit Nation’s talkback feature, with selected responses featured during the broadcast.
Audacy rock “93.3 The Planet” WTPT Greenville, SC, will become the new market home of the Carolina Panthers beginning with the 2026 season. The station will carry all preseason, regular-season and postseason games, starting with the Panthers’ Aug. 6 Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals. Anish Shroff will handle play-by-play, joined by former Panthers Super Bowl quarterback Jake Delhomme and Hall of Fame linebacker Luke Kuechly. Fans can also find season coverage on “The Fan Upstate,” including “Panther Updates” weekday mornings and afternoons and “Panther Talk with Coach Dave Canales” Monday nights.Roberts Metro Broadcasting urban oldies “Foxy 106.9” St. Louis and The Gloss Vault Car Wash will host the first annual “Back-to-School Supply Giveaway” on Aug. 22 from 1-4pm at The Gloss Vault Car Wash. The free community event will provide school supplies to local students while supplies last, with children required to be present to receive items. The event will also feature a live broadcast from the station – which airs on the St. Louis-licensed FM translator K295CQ with programming originating on KXBS-HD2 – music from the Derrty DJs, family entertainment, snacks, raffle prizes including gas cards and a flat-screen TV, and “Foxy 106.9” swag bags. The event will also serve as the official grand opening celebration for The Gloss Vault Car Wash. “When local businesses, media partners, and community leaders come together, we can make a lasting impact,” said Program Director Don Williams.University of South Florida news/talk WUSF Tampa (89.7) is expanding its 2026 election coverage with additional reporting focused on races ranging from Governor and U.S. House to school boards across Florida. The listener-supported public radio station is working with WUSF journalists, University of South Florida student reporters and nearly 30 public broadcasters and nonpartisan newsrooms statewide to provide free, nonpartisan election information across radio, digital and social platforms. The effort includes an expanded voter guide covering local, judicial and state House races, as well as school board, county commission and city council contests in seven Tampa Bay-area counties. WUSF will also lead coverage of the governor’s race and collaborate on digital coverage of every school board race statewide. Social media content with Central Florida Public Media will address voting topics ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. The coverage is led by veteran election journalist Amy Tardif.