Longtime South Dakota Public Broadcasting radio host Karl Gehrke has died. Current reports Gehrke had been living with cancer and was 64. Gehrke joined SDPB as Arts Advocate in 1991, became host of “Dakota Midday” in 2012, and began hosting “Jazz Nightly” in 2015, in addition to other duties with the network. SDPB is planning a tribute program later this summer. A statement on its website reads, “Matt Weesner will host new episodes of Jazz Nightly for the foreseeable future as SDPB determines the best way to continue serving the Jazz music community in South Dakota.”
Former Des Moines meteorologist Mike Lozano, who worked at worked at WHO-TV/13 and KCCI/8, has died at 84. His obituary notes that Lozano became such a fixture at the Iowa State Fair that he is commemorated with a brick placed near the administration building. The Texas native also worked at stations in San Antonio and Austin.
Longtime news anchor Susan Siman is stepping away from the anchor desk at Morgan Murphy Media CBS affiliate WISC-TV/3 (Madison). The station says Siman has anchored every one of its newscasts at one time or another since joining in 1996, currently anchoring the 4 and 5 p.m. shows. She will continue to work with WISC as a special projects contributor.
Meanwhile, meteorologist Jason Carlson has joined WISC-TV.
Hearst ABC affiliate WISN-TV/12 (Milwaukee) has hired Lakyra Banks as weekend morning anchor and reporter.
Meteorologist Kit Thomas has joined Hubbard ABC affiliate KSTP-TV/5 (St. Paul).
News anchor Erin Sullivan has departed Gray NBC affiliate WOWT/6 (Omaha).
Morning news anchors Sydney Witte and Madisan Green are departing Gray NBC/CBS affiliate KBJR/6 (Superior-Duluth). Natalie Hoepner will return to the morning shift.
Reporter Matthew Freeman is departing Lakeland PBS (KAWE/9 Bemidji) for a new job with Forum ABC affiliate WDAY-TV/6 (Fargo).
The Star Tribune profiled WCCO-TV meteorologist Lisa Meadows‘ work as a volunteer for Northstar Search and Rescue.
The NAB Leadership Foundation has presented a Celebration of Service to America Award to Gray Media’s KOLN/10 (Lincoln).
In case you missed it here:
- Connoisseur Shuts Down Four More Iowa Radio Stations
- FCC Monitor: KSMQ Transfer to TPT OK’d; Cedar Rapids TV Sale Closes
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