Jerry Woods, Director of Marketing & Morning Show Host, WGTS 91.9
“One of the most powerful things we get to do is point the spotlight at big needs and ask our audience to help meet those needs. In 2025, when the government shut down, many people in the Washington, DC, region didn’t get paid for more than a month. We had people with six-figure salaries who hadn’t been paid in six weeks and were having problems putting food on the table. WGTS listeners stepped up and donated over 20,000 pounds of food, and Convoy of Hope gave another 50,000 pounds, and together we were able to feed thousands of people in our community.”

TJ Jackson, Community Engagement Director, Life 88.5
“One in seven families in Kansas City experiences food insecurity and may not know where their next meal will come from. During the eight Tuesdays leading up to Thanksgiving, Life 88.5 hosted eight Terrific Tuesday food drop-off locations across the listening area, encouraging listeners to care intentionally for their neighbors. Listeners responded by providing a record 10+ tons of food (20,096 pounds) throughout Terrific Tuesday. All food remained in the communities where it was collected, strengthening neighborhood food networks.”

Jennifer Bailey, VP of Marketing & Community Connections, Encouragement Media Group
“While larger cities often get most of the attention, we made a deliberate effort this summer to show up in smaller communities across our listening area. Through consistent on-air promotion, we invited listeners to meet us in their towns, with each stop also featured online so people could easily see when we’d be nearby. Partnering with local coffee shops, our promotions team and on-air personalities created space for prayer, conversation, and genuine connection over a cup of coffee. The response was incredibly encouraging – we even marked each stop on a large office map to visualize the reach. Because of that strong engagement, Small Town Summer Stops is becoming an annual outreach, with plans to expand through a Summer Stop Tour T-shirt and listener voting to help choose our next destinations.”

Haley Radeka, Director of Brand & Marketing, The JOY FM
“Miracle on Your Street was a promotion new to The JOY FM in 2025.  We had over 6500 entries, thousands of real families and individuals who responded to the opportunity to have their rent or mortgage paid for 3 months in 2026. The winners included a single mom of twins, a dad supporting his wife through cancer and job loss, a sister raising her nephews, a widow and soon-to-be grandma, and a single mom recently out of a tumultuous relationship. With support from a local credit union, The JOY FM awarded 5 families across our 5 states, totaling more than $30,000. The best part, though, was that we got to step into the lives of everyday listeners, share their stories, and be the answer to prayers for provision that have been prayed for a long time. Our hope is to expand this promotion in the future and share more stories with our listening community.”

Marina Rojas, Promotions & Marketing Director, Spirit Radio
“We worked with our local Minor League Baseball team to co-host Sunday Family Fun-days. We promoted all the Sunday games, and were given 200 tickets a game to donate to local youth groups and churches. It was a great way to connect with the local church and provide an experience for smaller congregations that wouldn’t normally be able to have a group outing like that. The ballpark saw a spike in attendance on a day they usually do not, our local churches got a free experience, and we got brand exposure on a larger scale.”

Inspired by these stories? Noise Makers Vol. II is packed with creative ideas from across Christian radio to help you bring moments like these to life in your own community.

The post Making Moments Matter: CMB Promotions Day first appeared on CMB.

The post Making Moments Matter: CMB Promotions Day appeared first on CMB.

– Joe Pitt, National Music Director, Moody Radio

The post CMB Industry Shout-out – Josh Lauritch first appeared on CMB.

The post CMB Industry Shout-out – Josh Lauritch appeared first on CMB.

Simmons is also widely recognized for her heart for service. As the founder of the “I’m Me Foundation”, she has dedicated herself to empowering middle and high school girls through leadership development. A graduate of Houston Christian University, she is currently deepening her impact by pursuing a Master of Divinity at Fuller Seminary.

“Joining Hope Media Group feels both humbling and exciting,” said Simmons. “I have long respected the organization’s commitment to meeting people where they are with messages of hope and faith. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve listeners and contribute to this incredible ministry.” The move marks a significant addition to the KSBJ and Worship 24/7 talent rosters, blending professional broadcast excellence with a profound commitment to spiritual growth and community engagement.

“J.J.’s love for people and her passion for sharing Hope make her a natural fit for our ministry,” said Jeff Evans, Vice President of Radio for Hope Media Group. “We’re excited for listeners to experience her heart not only on KSBJ but also through Worship 24/7, where worship continues to draw people closer to God.”

About Hope Media Group

Hope Media Group is a family of brands that engage people to love Jesus, serve others, and spread Hope through radio, events, online content, and mobile apps. Its platforms include KSBJ/Houston, the WayFM and Worship 24/7 national networks, Spanish-language Christian network Vida Unida, digital content outlets NGEN Radio (Christian hip-hop and pop), Hope Nation, WAYLOUD (Christian rock), the God Listens Prayer App, and a concert and event producer, Hope Events. For more information, visit www.hopemediagroup.com.

The post Hope Media Group Welcomes Jillian “JJ” Simmons to On-Air Team first appeared on CMB.

The post Hope Media Group Welcomes Jillian “JJ” Simmons to On-Air Team appeared first on CMB.

Wright Media Group is not rolling into Spring, 2026 quietly. The firm announced a major expansion this week, assembling what President Brian Wright calls a “street-level alliance team” designed to help broadcasters win in ratings and revenue right now, in what he believes is radio’s most critical and opportune moment in decades.
Wright says, “Local radio, done correctly, has its greatest opportunity in nearly a century because many are satisfied with just being average and listeners don’t gravitate to average.”

“For the last few years I have been looking for the right timing and the right people,” Wright said. “All of this came together within the last few months.” Wright didn’t hedge on the industry outlook.

“We all believe local radio has its greatest opportunity ever, starting right now. While others debate the challenges, WMG is conquering them. We build custom plans that help stations reach their highest levels of ratings and revenue. Many radio stations are moving away from what makes radio great. We do just the opposite.”

This expansion brings together nearly two centuries of combined experience across programming, ownership, sales leadership, marketing, newsroom management, and digital strategy.

The New Team:

Scott Meier: A 50+ year industry veteran with experience in markets ranging from 2,000 to 17 million people. He has strong experience in ownership, management, and strategic growth leadership across radio and television.

Kevin Walker: A 30+ year broadcaster with senior leadership experience in programming and sales. Background spans multiple markets plus video production and podcasting, aligning programming and revenue in today’s evolving audio ecosystem.

Wes Bleed: A 30+ year broadcaster including the legendary WGN Radio in Chicago. Wes is a specialist in podcasting, video & Marketing & Communications. Wes brings executive-level media strategy and brand clarity expertise in all forms of media.

Rebecca Wildeboer: Client Relations Director specializing in integrated marketing strategy, community positioning, and measurable engagement growth.

Wright says the firm’s philosophy is simple: Strategy without execution doesn’t move ratings or revenue. “Our industry does not need more commentary,” Wright said. “It needs leadership, precision, and belief. Local radio wins when it decides to win.”

Contact Wright Media Group at 616-498-2651 or brian@wrightmediagroup.net. Website: wrightmediagroup.net

*Photos in the link below

The post Wright Media Group-Major Expansion first appeared on CMB.

The post Wright Media Group-Major Expansion appeared first on CMB.

Why It Matters

The weeks surrounding Easter consistently represent one of the most significant times of the year for Christian music engagement. Listeners are naturally drawn to songs that point them to hope, redemption, and the resurrection story.

Christian Music Month builds on that momentum by encouraging fans to listen, share, and rediscover the music that strengthens their faith. It’s also an opportunity for stations to spotlight the artists and songs that continue to shape the Christian music landscape.

How Stations Can Participate

Christian Music Month is a collaborative effort across the Christian music industry, bringing together artists, labels, streaming platforms, tours, and radio. Stations have a unique opportunity to help amplify this celebration within their community.

Stations can participate by:

• Highlighting Christian Music Month on-air and online
  
• Featuring artists and songs that have impacted listeners’ faith
  
• Sharing stories about the role Christian music plays in people’s lives
  
• Encouraging listeners to engage with and share the music they love
  

By leaning into this moment together, Christian radio can continue to lead the way in connecting audiences with music that points them to Jesus.

Resources for Stations

To help stations participate, Christian Music Month resources and artist liners are available for download: https://christianmusicmonth.com/resources 

The post Celebrate Christian Music Month with CMB first appeared on CMB.

The post Celebrate Christian Music Month with CMB appeared first on CMB.

– Larry Castro, Program Director, Christian Family Radio

The post CMB Industry Shout-out – Troy West first appeared on CMB.

The post CMB Industry Shout-out – Troy West appeared first on CMB.

The voices below are a snapshot of what happens when leaders choose to be stretched. They show what it looks like to grow in clarity, confidence, and purpose, and to come out stronger not just as professionals, but as people.

“I love emotionally and intellectually wrestling with complex concepts and self-development.  Every single week in the CMB Leadership Mentoring program there was something in the curriculum that stopped me in my tracks and made me think deeply about what I am doing and why – challenging me to rethink the status quo of my own leadership in my organization. I’ve changed many things about the way I work due to the program – some just subtly and others boldly and with great conviction. I cannot more highly recommend participation in the CMB mentoring program.” Kelly Brandon, Managing Director, Donor Ministries / Blue Ridge Broadcasting (WMIT)

“CMB Leadership Mentoring provided many valuable insights for personal growth and leadership development. I particularly benefited from learning more about communicating and collaborating with others in the organization that have different personality styles. Learning to prioritize tasks has been extremely beneficial both personally and professionally.” Colleen Dick, GM, The Truth Network

“Useful. Applicable. Transformative. These are just a few of the words I would use to describe my experience with the CMB Leadership Mentoring program. The wide range of topics we explored challenged me to think deeply—not only about how to lead others, but also about how to lead myself. It was an experience that strengthened my self-awareness, sharpened my leadership approach, and equipped me with practical tools I will carry forward.” Bryan Harada, PD/On-Air, BOOST

“This mentorship program will have a lasting impact on my faith and my career. I have valued every aspect of this program: the pages of notes from the workbook sessions, the nuggets of wisdom from industry leaders, the one-on-one meetings with my mentor, and the meaningful classroom dialogue.  Every month offered valuable leadership principles, real life applications, and practical ideas I could implement right away. I would do the program again in a heartbeat.” Brittany Riva, PD, WCSG

“I’m incredibly thankful to Hope Media Group for getting me into the mentorship program. Incredibly grateful. I’m also incredibly grateful for my mentor Dave St. John. During our time before the “official” start and even now past the actual program, I continue to learn from him and his leadership. Learning from other leaders who have gone before me in the program was a blessing as well. It is always great to get other perspectives. One of the biggest takeaways from my time in the program was just the constant theme I had with my mentor and that theme was “clarity and expectations” this was so huge for me. It came at a perfect time in my own leadership. I would encourage anyone who is trying to figure out where they are going or wants to be challenged to rise above mediocrity to take a step into being challenged by industry veterans and a curriculum that will cause to look inward to better serve outward.” Brent Sears, Station Manager, WayFM Denver 

Investing in tomorrow’s leaders starts today. Learn more about CMB Leadership Mentoring >>

The post Lessons in Leadership: Insights from Mentoring first appeared on CMB.

The post Lessons in Leadership: Insights from Mentoring appeared first on CMB.

The post CMB Update – February 2026 first appeared on CMB.

The post CMB Update – February 2026 appeared first on CMB.

DESPAIR • “Make It Well” – MercyMe

When a season feels long and heavy, it’s easy to believe you’re stuck. But Scripture reminds us that God is still writing your story. “It Is Well” was born from profound loss, yet Horatio Spafford declared, “Whatever my lot… it is well with my soul.” That same anchor carries through generations, echoed by Bart Millard and Tim Timmons in I Can Only Imagine 2, where we see a shift from deep pain to quiet surrender. Nothing was instantly fixed; Jesus was simply present. Philippians 1:6 assures us that the God who began a good work will carry it to completion. Your story isn’t over. You’re not forgotten. This season is not the end, but the middle of God’s work—and in His presence, the heart can still say, “It is well with my soul.”

UNCERTAINTY • “The Way” – Jon Reddick

“The Way” speaks directly to listeners living in uncertainty. With competing ideologies, endless voices claiming truth, and growing pressure to believe all paths lead to the same place, many are watching foundations shift and wondering what’s truly solid. This song gives people permission to plant their flag with bold clarity, declaring that Jesus isn’t one option among many, but the only way. It’s an anthem for listeners tired of chasing worldly solutions and ready to stand confidently in what’s true, reinforcing your station’s role as a trusted voice of conviction and hope in a culture of compromise.

HEAVINESS • “Jesus Is Why” – Hannah Kerr

This song has been described as an absolute “joy bomb” – a message your listeners truly need right now. It offers a refreshing break from the heaviness of the world, pairing an easy-to-sing, unforgettable chorus with a clear message of faith and hope. With its upbeat, fun energy, Jesus Is Why is a smile-inducing addition to any playlist.

DISAPPOINTMENT/MEANING IN SUFFERING • “The Long Way” – Natalie Layne

Sometimes CCM paints a picture where the miracle always comes, the healing always happens, the prodigal always comes home, and the hard season ends quickly. But real life doesn’t always work that way. Many listeners are walking long, unseen journeys that have lasted years, not weeks. This song is for them. While we often ask God for the fastest way through the pain, He more often leads us along the slower, scenic roads. And it’s there, over time, that we come to know Him more deeply, discovering that He was what we truly needed all along.

LONELINESS • “What A God” – SEU Worship 

“What A God” is a song for the listeners who can testify to what God has done in their lives during hard and lonely seasons. When they felt unworthy of the goodness of God, He drew them back to Him with a song of praise and a story to tell. This song will remind your listeners of His faithfulness and who He is! No matter what they are walking through, they can lift their hands and sing with all they have, “What A God, What A God!” 

HOPELESSNESS • “Hope’s Gonna Find You” – Ellie Holcomb

Hope can be a hard thing to find. When the pressure is on us to rally, to gather any shreds of hope we see, it can feel slippery somehow. Like it’s just around a corner, but right when we feel like we have it in reach, it seems far away again in the blink of an eye. In Ellie Holcomb’s song “Hope’s Gonna Find You,” her lyrics flip the chase for hope on its head. Hope is going to find YOU. Hope has YOU in its sights. Hope is holding onto YOU. Hope is personified in Jesus Christ, and this song reminds your listeners that it isn’t all up to them to manufacture hope for their days. Hope is actually where they find rest – in the strong, everlasting arms of Jesus. 

The post Songs for the Moment first appeared on CMB.

The post Songs for the Moment appeared first on CMB.