Broadcasting Industry News
WOOD Reporter Barton Deiters Dies After Battling West Nile Virus
After a seventh-month fight against the West Nile virus, WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids) Barton Deiters passed away April 16. Deiters spent a professional career of more than 30 years in journalism, first as a print journalist at the Grand Rapids Press and then later at WOOD-TV. In a tribute story on the station’s website, it was…
Read MoreChris ‘Boatman’ Herlein Passes
The MAB is sad to pass along word that Chris Herlein, affectionately known as “Boatman” by friends and listeners of WWKR-FM (Hart/Ludington), passed away April 18 at age 54, reportedly after contracting the COVID-19 virus. Herlein passed away at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. In a article pubished in Shorelinemedia.net, his daughter Heidi Bennet recalled that…
Read MoreFormer WXYZ Anchor Diana Lewis Honored by Detroit Urban League
On April 8, The Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan (ULDSEM) virtually held its 42nd Annual Salute to Distinguished Warriors Event. This annual event, which honors the legacy and impact of individuals that have contributed immeasurably in the areas of human and civil rights. Among the honorees is retired WXYZ-TV news anchor Diana Lewis.…
Read MorePaul Jacobs to Receive MSU Outstanding Alumni Award
Michigan State University’s school of Communication, Arts and Sciences has announced Paul Jacobs, Vice President/General Manager of Jacobs Media and President of jācapps is a recipient of its Outstanding Alumni Award. The announcement was made by Dean Prabu David on behalf of the department’s Alumni Board. Jacobs is one of five MSU graduates receiving the…
Read MoreTimothy Nicholson Elected Chair Of Detroit Public TV’s Board Of Trustees
Detroit Public TV’s (DPTV) Board of Trustees has elected as its new chair Timothy Nicholson, the chief operating officer of PVS Chemicals, Inc. He replaces Hannan Lis, principal and chief operating officer of The WW Group, Inc., who served two years and will remain on the board as a trustee. The board also elected the…
Read MoreWDIV Presents ‘Coronavirus Crisis: The Vaccines’
On April 14, WDIV-TV (Detroit) presented a live, hour-long special called “Coronavirus Crisis: The Vaccines.” The hour-long primetime special was hosted by anchors Devin Scillian and Kimberly Gill along with the station’s Good Health Medical Expert Dr. Frank McGeorge. McGeorge interviewed Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden, about why he thinks things…
Read MoreAudacy Study Finds Radio, TV News Sway Those Who Are Hesitant To Get COVID-19 Vaccine
Audio has the power to sway those reluctant to get a COVID-19 vaccine, followed closely by TV news, according to a new survey from Audacy (formerly Entercom). Results from the radio company’s Vaccine Hesitancy Custom Survey show that audio is the most trusted source of information about the COVID vaccination (46%), just ahead of TV…
Read MoreSpecs Howard School of Media Arts in Transition
The Detroit Free Press reports that The Specs Howard School of Media Arts, responsible for the careers of thousands of radio and TV professionals in Michigan and beyond, is poised for a major transition. The paper reports that the 51-year-old broadcasting school is in talks with “another highly regarded school” to absorb the Specs Howard…
Read MoreWCFX Sold to Black Diamond
In an application filed with the FCC on April 9, Traverse City-based Black Diamond Broadcast Group is acquiring Grenax Broadcasting’s WCFX-FM (Clare/Mt. Pleasant). Black Diamond Broadcasting, owned by life-long Michigan residents and long-time broadcasters Mike Chires and Norm McKee, own and operate radio stations throughout central and northern Michigan, including Houghton Lake based 98.5 WUPS,…
Read MoreWDIV’s Larry Spruill Honored among Michigan Chronicle’s ’40 Under Forty’
On April 1, the Michigan Chronicle honored 40 professionals who inspired others through vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and community service participation. WDIV-TV (Detroit) reporter Larry Spruill, was one of those recognized during the virtual ceremony. Spruill was nominated because of his extensive coverage during the George Floyd Protests in the summer of 2020 as…
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