Stephens Media Group Effort
• By all accounts, Wednesday was busier than usual inside the Stephens Media Group buildings in Medford, OR and Spokane, WA. Let’s start in Medford, where earlier this week the company disconnected the Top 40 format (93.7 Now FM) from its longtime location on 93.7 KTMT and moved it down the dial to 93.3 (KCMX-HD3/K227AA) and rebranded it the all new HiTS 93.3, “Medford’s Party Station.”
At the stroke of noon on Wednesday, July 14, the gaping vacancy on 93.7 was filled with the launch of Contemporary Christian Joy 93.7. According to Market Manager Joe Mussio, the choice of format was in response to an outpouring of support from local businesses. “This station became a reality at a grassroots level,” Mussio said. “Businesses started telling us they wanted a station like this where they could advertise and be a part of a local Christian music station. That’s how it all began.”
Joy 93.7 will feature Kevin & Taylor in the morning, Gary Thompson in middays and Mekela Rae in afternoon drive, followed by Keep The Faith from 7-midnight. The station’s programming will be overseen by Stephens’ SVP of Programming Bob Thornton and SMG CCM Branding Manager Jeremiah Richardson. “We’re excited to bring a local, commercial CCM station to the Rogue Valley,” said Thornton, adding, “We’ve made a commitment to the local business and church communities, and look forward to connecting with families across the region. Mekela, in particular is going to be a fabulous ambassador for the station in Medford, with more coming to the team soon.”
• And in scenic Spokane, Anthony Imbrunone is joining the team as APD and midday personality on Top 40 KZBD (105.7 Now FM), starting August 2. Imbrunone (left) earns the transfer from SMG Tri-Cities, WA, where he was co-host of the Reka & Anthony morning show on KUJ (Power 99.1). Prior to that, he worked with Beasley Detroit hosting the Saturday Night House Party on WMGC (105.1 The Bounce) and assisting the morning show on the station’s earlier incarnation as Detroit Sports 105.1.
Tommy Del Rio, who doubles as KZBD PD & SMG CHR Format Captain, said, “I’m thrilled to have Anthony on board as he will bring a fresh perspective to the station. By having his finger on the pulse in the market, we will be able to take our NOW-FM brand to the next level of success.” OM Kent Jones said, “Anthony a great talent on the air, in production, and with social media engagement. His skillset and energy combine to make him the perfect addition to KZBD and the team here at SMG Spokane.”
Imbrunone commented, “I’d like to thank David Stephens and everyone in the SMG management team for believing in my abilities to execute our shared vision we have for KZBD. This is an incredible opportunity, and one I don’t take lightly.”
• Hey, and speaking of Stephens Media Group… the company is actively seeking a new Operations Manager for its four-station group in Ardmore, OK who can also program Active Rock KTRX, as Chris Stevens exits after nearly three years. The other stations in the group are Country KKAJ, Classic Hits KYNZ (GTO 107) and Sports-Talk KVSO-AM (1240 The Sports Animal).
Intrigued? Candidates with prior programming, on-air and other management experience are urged to get your stuff in front of SMG SVPP Bob Thornton ASAP at bob.thornton@smgnational.com. EOE.
