Gray CBS/NBC affiliates KEYC/KMNF-LD (Mankato) are now simulcasting morning, noon, and weekend newscasts from sister Gray station KTTC (Rochester), with an unannounced number of jobs cut. The station’s announcement says the newscasts originating in Rochester will include content from Mankato. KEYC continues to produce local 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts.
Ross Peterson announced he has been let go by iHeartMedia Sports outlet KXNO-FM/106.3 (Ankeny-Des Moines), while John Kuhn announced he has been let go by iHeart’s “97.3 The Game” (WRNW Milwaukee). RadioInsight reports they are part of a round of cuts nationally at iHeart that also included Kia Becht at “K102” (KEEY/102.1 St. Paul-Minneapolis).
Tim Lethlean has departed Audacy’s WMYX/99.1 (Milwaukee), writing in a social media post that the decision was his. RadioInsight and the Journal Sentinel have more coverage.
Cumulus Media’s “98-3 The Vibe” (KWQW Boone-Des Moines) has added Taylor J from 9-2 and DJ Sweezy from 2-6. RadioInsight notes that Taylor J worked in the same daypart at a competing station until last year.
Wisconsin Public Media announced that Jordan Siegler has been named interim executive director of the organization, which oversees PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Media.
Sharon DeRycke announced she is changing her schedule at Gray NBC affiliate KWQC/6.1 (Davenport), leaving the 10 p.m. newscast after 29 years. She will anchor at 4, 5, and 6.
Gray ABC affiliate WBAY/2.1 (Green Bay) announced that Brittany Schmidt is departing for a new job outside TV.
Gray ABC affiliate KCRG-TV/9.1 (Cedar Rapids) is posting updates on the installation of a new antenna at its tower, which will be shared with Sinclair CBS affiliate KGAN/2.1 (Cedar Rapids) and Iowa PBS’ KRIN/32.1 (Waterloo). Iowa PBS notes that KRIN will be at reduced power for two to three more weeks as work continues.
Multi-Cultural Diversity Radio’s WPAK-FM/106.9 (Tigerton) suspended regular programming on Election Day for a looped announcement urging people to vote.
The number of Upper Midwest stations making a switch to All-Christmas in the first few days of November this year was slightly less than last year. There had been a dozen flips by Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, but only ten flips in the first several days of November 2024. That includes two new/move-in station sign-ons. Here’s the full list. Tips on flips are appreciated at jonellis@northpine.com.
In case you missed it here:
- Milwaukee Gets Another Country Outlet As “Fonz” Goes AM/HD2-Only
- New Upper Peninsula Commercial FM Station Signs On
- KRWB Becomes “The Northern Star” with News and “Super Hits”
- FCC/CRTC Monitor: Upgrades for Sioux Falls, La Crosse FM Translators
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 is an employee of Gray Media Group. The statements and views expressed in this posting are his own and do not reflect those of Gray Media Group.