Frusher brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit and Christian ministry leadership. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, his career includes pastoral ministry, international missions leadership, and donor development for Christian organizations. Most recently, he served as Director of Advancement for TeachBeyond, where he led major gift development strategies and cultivated partnerships with churches and nonprofit organizations.

As Senior Director of Development, Frusher will lead KHCB’s fundraising and donor engagement strategies, with a particular emphasis on cultivating relationships with major donors, strengthening donor retention, and creating new opportunities for ministry supporters to participate in KHCB’s continued growth.

“Vance brings a heart for ministry and an understanding of the importance of building meaningful relationships with those who support our mission,” said Scott Krus, President of KHCB Media Group. “We’re excited to welcome him to our leadership team as we continue expanding our reach and helping more people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.”

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The University of Northwestern – St. Paul’s Department of Media Arts has launched a new Hall of Fame tradition, recognizing alumni whose professional achievements and faithful service have significantly shaped Christian broadcasting and ministry. The inaugural Hall of Fame class includes three respected leaders in Christian media: Dan Wynia (’76), Neil Stavem (’95), and Lisa (Nagell) Barry (’87).

The induction, held October 9, was part of the larger Eagle Awards Celebration hosted by the Alumni office. Celebrating careers spanning more than four decades of influence through Christian radio, media leadership, audience engagement, and Gospel-centered communication, the three Media Arts Hall of Fame inductees were grateful to be honored.

“This Hall of Fame recognizes the kinds of creative, faithful lives we hope to inspire in every student who passes through Media Arts at Northwestern,” said Ann Sorenson, dean of the School of Arts & Humanities and professor of film at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul.

Honoring Service Across Christian Broadcasting
Dan Wynia dedicated 43 years to Christian radio with Northwestern Media, serving in numerous leadership and on-air roles. Throughout his career, he hosted radio programs, coordinated listener cruises and Holy Land tours, and helped oversee the growth of the Joyful Noise Music Festival. His commitment to ministry through media impacted listeners across generations.

Neil Stavem spent 46 years with Northwestern Media before retiring in 2022. His career included on-air service, network leadership, and directing the development of the Faith Radio Network. He also played a key role in providing broadcast coverage of major evangelistic events and supporting stations nationwide.

Lisa Barry launched her broadcasting career at KTIS while still a student at Northwestern. She went on to become a well-known radio personality, contribute to the Christian FM Media Network, and expand her ministry through podcasting and social media platforms. In 2024, Barry received the Christian Music Broadcasters Industry Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to Christian broadcasting.

Equipping the Next Generation of Christian Communicators
The Media Arts program at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul continues to prepare students for careers in animation & illustration, art, digital media, film production, graphic design, podcasting, and communication ministry. The newly established Hall of Fame reflects the department’s commitment to celebrating alumni who exemplify excellence, innovation, and faithfulness in media.

Collectively, the inaugural inductees represent decades of service dedicated to sharing the Gospel and encouraging believers through Christ-centered media. Their careers demonstrate the enduring impact of Christian communicators who use their gifts to serve both audiences and ministry partners around the world.

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“I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of years now, and I’m ready for a change,” said Fred Jacobs. “I appreciate all the opportunities I’ve had over the years, and the people, organizations, and companies we’ve worked for and collaborated with. From theearly days of the company and the birth of the Classic Rock format to our focus on technology in the 2000s, it’s been quite a journey.”

Jacobs Media to Focus on Strategy and Digital Revenue

“The core of the company will remain intact, but true to the Jacobs Media tradition, we’ll be making some changes to ensure we’re aligned with client and industry needs,” said Paul Jacobs. “Director of Digital Revenue Chris Brunt and Bill Jacobs will remain in their roles, and we’re still working through some additional changes. Our primary focus will be helping clients with their overall strategies, including digital transformation and building profitable digital revenue programs. That’s what broadcasters need in 2026 and beyond, and that’s where we’ll focus.”

Jacobs Media will continue its Techsurveys for commercial, public, and Christian music radio, with Fred participating in the design and implementation of those studies. Registration for Techsurvey 2027, conducted in collaboration with Inside Radio, opens this week. The study will field in January and February 2027 and will be the company’s 22nd survey of commercial radio listeners.

Fred Jacobs’ Legacy

Under Fred’s leadership, Jacobs Media introduced numerous innovations, several of which changed the direction of the radio industry. These include jacapps, launched in 2008 as radio’s first mobile app developer; the Techsurveys; the DASH Conferences; and executive tours of CES in Las Vegas.

Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2022, he and Paul received the NAB National Radio Award. He has also received numerous other industry honors in Michigan and beyond.

“It’s been an amazing run, and I’m feeling nothing but gratitude,” Fred said. “Starting next year, my day-to-day life will change, but I’ll still be reading the trades, checking the ratings, offering suggestions to Paul, talking strategy with select clients, giving the occasional speech or presentation, and working on the Techsurveys. But after nearly 4 million miles on Delta (mostly domestic), it’s time.”

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“I’m excited and grateful to be joining Pillar Media and STAR Digital Strategies,” said Dietrich. “It’s a privilege to be part of a team whose work supports a greater mission, and I’m looking forward to contributing in a meaningful way.”

Before joining Pillar Media, Dietrich held marketing roles in the healthcare industry, including at Aeroflow Health and Discovery Senior Living. Dietrich is based out of the STAR 99.1 (WAWZ) New Jersey office. Her first day was November 3.

Dan Watts, Director of Digital Sales at Pillar Media, commented, “We’re thrilled to welcome Julia to STAR Digital Strategies. Her digital marketing experience will help us build on the tremendous growth we’ve experienced in our first 14 months and continue serving our clients well. Just as importantly, her longtime connection as a STAR 99.1 listener means she already understands the heart behind our ministry. She’s a wonderful fit for our team.”

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From beloved classics like Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and Frank Sinatra’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to modern favorites like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and Pentatonix’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” STAR 93.3 is your festive soundtrack for the season.

“Over the years, the arrival of Cincinnati’s Christmas STAR has become a beloved tradition for our listeners,” said Matt Stockman, Chief Programming Officer at Pillar Media. “We’re thrilled to take part in the unofficial kick-off of the holiday season.”

Kristen James of Middays on STAR said, “Christmas is such a joyful time for so many people who listen to STAR. We start getting requests for Christmas music in July! So, to be able to get the season started a little early for those who enjoy it, and to have the opportunity to brighten their day with holiday tunes they love, is such a blessing.”

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Among this year’s honorees, KCBI/Dallas will receive a 50-Year Milestone Award, recognizing five decades of ministry through radio. Additional radio honorees include Moody Radio (WMBI/Chicago), celebrating 100 years, and WMCA/New York, named Radio Station of the Year.

The awards will be presented February 23, 2027, during the NRB International Christian Media Convention in Washington, D.C.

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Read the full announcement from NRB

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Over the past year, religious radio added 68 stations while country declined by 58. Religious radio has held the top spot in total station count since February. Contemporary Christian radio also continues to see growth, ranking fourth nationally and among just three top-10 formats to gain stations both year-over-year and year-to-date.

The latest numbers highlight the continued expansion of faith-based broadcasting across the country.

Read the full report from Inside Radio

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McFarland succeeds Rob White, who has been promoted to Vice President of Sales for CRISTA Ministries.

With more than 30 years of experience in Christian music radio, McFarland has spent the past eight years contributing to programming and content for CRISTA Media’s radio stations, as well as its Purposely podcast network and AllMomDoes online community.

Earlier this year, McFarland was named one of Radio Ink’s inaugural Christian Radio Champions.

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“We deeply appreciate Bill’s many contributions to our community. He’s touched many lives and has clearly been an inspiration for us all. Thanks for including us in his worthwhile and very deserving tribute.” NORMAN FUNDERBURK, MAYOR OF HUMBLE, TEXAS

Ingram began his broadcasting career in 1975 while still in high school. Over five decades, he has served as an on-air personality, program director, music director, morning show producer, and traffic reporter at stations including KILT, WTAW, KFRD, KIKR, KPXE, KJCH, and KSBJ. Beginning in 1991, he was a national traffic and weather anchor for Roadwatch America Network, and he has also worked in television production with Three Star Productions.

Ingram joined KSBJ in 1997 and has spent nearly 30 years serving Houston listeners. A Houston native, he created and hosted “Welcome to Houston” and launched the “Welcome to Texas” podcast in 2020. Many across the region know him from community events, concerts, and outreach, where he represented KSBJ in the station’s broadcast van, affectionately known as “the Purple People Eater.” He was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2017.

The four recognitions presented to Ingram:

■ City of Houston: Mayor John Whitmire proclaimed October 14, 2026, “Mr. Bill Ingram Day.”

■ City of Humble: Mayor Norman Funderburk dedicated October 14, 2026, as “Bill Ingram Day.”

■ State of Texas: Governor Greg Abbott recognized Ingram’s 50th anniversary in broadcasting.

■ Montgomery County: County Judge Mark J. Keough issued a proclamation recognizing and honoring Ingram.

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Records brings extensive experience in strategic communications, including writing and communications strategy for NASA and Boeing. She has also operated her own business, providing communications services to a variety of organizations and nonprofits.

Records and her husband recently relocated to Asheville from Beaumont, TX.

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