With its major programming realignment on Monday, May 20, Wisconsin Public Radio sent an email to members providing plans for its HD Radio subchannels: the new WPR News network will be carried on the HD2 channels of WHAD/90.7 (Delafield-Milwaukee) and WHHI/91.3 (Highland). Meanwhile, the HD2 channels of WERN/88.7 (Madison) and WHRM/90.9 (Wausau) will carry WPR Music. The network also released more information on plans for “Wisconsin Today,” the new one-hour program combining the efforts of previous morning and afternoon drive shows. And WGTD/91.1 (Kenosha), which carries WPR but is not owned by the network, released additional information on how the changes will impact its local programming.
Here’s previous coverage detailing the WPR changes:
- Overview of Format Changes
- Station-By-Station Look at Changes
- How Changes Affect Hosts, Programs
- Data Dump: Comparing Statewide Public Radio Networks
- Commentary: A Twin Ports View of WPR’s Format Changes
The Star Tribune and other outlets report that the University of Minnesota’s “Radio K” (KUOM Minneapolis) has hired market veteran Mary Lucia as its new program adviser.
Good Karma’s WTMJ/620 (Milwaukee) announced that Sandy Maxx’s “What’s On Tap?” is being expanded to two hours, airing from 6 to 8 p.m.
Good Karma’s “101.7 The Truth” (W269DL/101.7 Milwaukee and WGKB/1510 Waukesha) announced that midday show “Nothin’ But The Truth” with Melanie Ricks is leaving the airwaves. It will be replaced in the noon hour by “Jammin with Juice,” co-hosted by Ben Hooks and Carrie Mahone, starting May 20.
As noted by the Journal Sentinel, WNOV/860 (Milwaukee) has added Tavis Smiley‘s syndicated show from 5 to 8 p.m. weekdays.
Scripps announced that Jeff Kiernan, whose resume includes leadership roles at WTMJ-TV/4 (Milwaukee) and WCCO-TV/4 (Minneapolis), will become now the company’s vice president of local news on June 10.
WTMJ-TV reports that former longtime anchor Bill Taylor has died at the age of 79. Taylor worked at the station for nearly three decades before his 2001 retirement and created the station’s “Positively Milwaukee” series.
Former KFYR/550 (Bismarck) morning host Mark Armstrong has died at the age of 67. Armstrong joined the station in 1990 and later served as a county commissioner for 12 years. His obituary says Armstrong is survived by his wife, 10 children, and 20 grandchildren.
Weigel’s CBS58 (WDJT Milwaukee) recently announced the hiring of Kathryn Merck as a reporter, moving from a previous job at WISC-TV/3 (Madison).
Meteorologist Brandon Weatherz recently announced plans to depart Hubbard ABC affiliate WDIO/10 (Duluth).
Gray TV announced that American Association of Professional Baseball games will air on its stations in Cedar Rapids, Mankato, Rockford, and Sioux Falls.
Gray TV’s KEYC/KMNF-LD (Mankato) reported that tower work is underway and that viewers may need to conduct a new channel scan in the coming weeks. KMNF-LD has a construction permit to move from RF channel 7 to channel 8.
This year’s RTDNA Murrow Award region 4 winners for overall excellence include Tegna’s KARE/11 (Minneapolis), Gray’s WMTV/15 (Madison), and Minnesota Public Radio. In the best newscast category, winners include Hearst’s WISN-TV/12 (Milwaukee), Allen Media’s WXOW/19 (La Crosse), Audacy’s WCCO/830 (Minneapolis), and Midwest’s KFGO/790 (Fargo).
In case you missed it here:
- WRJN Flips Back to Full-Service Oldies Format
- Northfield Radio Station To Be Sold to News Director (Updated)
- Spirit Catholic Radio’s 8th Full-Power Signal Signs On
- FCC Monitor: FM Translator Applies to Move Into Milwaukee
News tips? Press releases? If you don’t see yours here, I probably didn’t receive it! Please send them to jonellis@northpine.com!
Disclosure: Jon Ellis was an employee of Gray Media Group at the time this item was posted. The statements and views expressed in this posting are his own and do not reflect those of Gray Media Group.