On June 17, Eastern Michigan University held ceremonies to dedicate a memorial garden in honor of the late Lisa Barry, WEMU-FM radio host and reporter, who passed away on November 30, 2021. The garden is on the west side of King Hall, between Hover and King. Lisa Barry was a lifelong metro Detroiter with a… read more
The Museum of Broadcast Communications has announced the Radio Hall of Fame 2022 nominees. Among the 24 were three past and current Michigan-based personalities: Mojo in the Morning at WKQI-FM (Detroit); former Grand Rapids personality Kevin Matthews and former Grand Rapids personality Laurie DeYoung. Mojo in the Morning is currently heard on WKQI-FM as well… read more
Judson Beck is the new Vice President/General Manager of Nexstar’s WJMN-TV (Marquette) and sister station WFRV-TV (Green Bay). Judson, a 37-year broadcasting veteran, replaces Mike Smith. Smith has retired after 7 years at the helm of the two stations and after 35 years in the business, working as a National Sales Manager, General Sales Manager… read more
Tegna’s WZZM-TV (Grand Rapids) has announced the hiring of market veteran Brooks Blanton as its new News Director. Blanton previously served as News Director of crosstown WXMI-TV from 2013-2021. “Brooks knows West Michigan so well which is such a benefit. He knows what’s important and relevant to our audience,” said WZZM-TV President and General Manager, Dan… read more
On June 9, WNEM-TV (Flint/Saginaw/Bay City) opened its vault and took viewers back in time to 1993 local radio with a look at WMAX-AM’s “Max Air-One.” piloted by “Captain” Kevin Hawley. Hawley was the market’s “eye in the sky” with daily morning and afternoon traffic reports on the station… not with a helicopter, but with… read more
Eastern Michigan University’s WEMU-FM has announced the hiring of two new staff members. Cathy Shafran has joined the station as News Anchor/Reporter. Shafran brings nearly 40 years of broadcast experience to the station, having worked as an anchor/reporter at WMAX-AM (Grand Rapids) from 1978-1980 and at WJRT-TV (Flint) as a reporter from 1980-2011. Among her… read more
Prabu David, dean of Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences has announced that he has accepted the position of associate provost for faculty and academic staff development at MSU, effective July 1, 2022. He will stay on as ComArtSci dean until a new dean is appointed. A search will begin in the… read more
On May 30, Nexstar Media’s WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids) wrapped up Mental Health Awareness month with a special broadcast focusing on programs in West Michigan working to support mental health. The 30-minute special, hosted by anchors Teresa Weakley and Donovan Long, spoke with doctors, therapists and pastors about their mental health work, plus students who are… read more
AutoTech: Detroit and the WardsAuto Interiors & UX Conference bring together the full automotive tech industry to immerse attendees in the future of automotive, by showcasing the newest tech and the latest vehicles. We gather the automotive and technology communities like no other event. The event will take place next week, June 8-9 at the… read more
The MAB is mourning the loss of former board chairman and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mario Iacobelli. The owner of Heritage Broadcasting (WWTV-WWUP-TV/Cadillac) passed away May 25 at the age of 83. “Mario was a titan in the broadcasting industry and his reach extends far beyond the work he did in Michigan,” said MAB President… read more