– Ryan Springer, Program Director, WBGL

The post CMB Industry Shout-out – Alan Bonde first appeared on CMB.

The post CMB Industry Shout-out – Alan Bonde appeared first on CMB.

FLR earned an Award of Excellence in the category of General Marketing for its thorough approach to research, planning, implementation and the execution of both digital and on-air efforts for the 2025 “Your New Home for Christmas” campaign. The awards are judged by an impartial panel from a partner PRSA chapter in a different region, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment.

The campaign utilized a variety of tactics including outdoor advertising, social media promotions and on-air messaging to invite listeners to make Family Life Radio their destination for Christmas music.

FLR looks forward to once again inviting listeners to enjoy commercial free Christmas music beginning Friday, Nov. 20, at 9 a.m. MST. As one of the ministry’s biggest outreach opportunities of the year, the Christmas season provides an opportunity to reach new listeners, deepen connections with existing audiences and share the hope of Christ with people and communities across the country.

The post Family Life Radio Receives Award of Excellence first appeared on CMB.

The post Family Life Radio Receives Award of Excellence appeared first on CMB.

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.”

The post KHCB Media Group Welcomes Vance Frusher as Senior Director of Development first appeared on CMB.

The post KHCB Media Group Welcomes Vance Frusher as Senior Director of Development appeared first on CMB.

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.

The post University of Northwestern Department of Media Arts Inducts First Alumni into Hall of Fame first appeared on CMB.

The post University of Northwestern Department of Media Arts Inducts First Alumni into Hall of Fame appeared first on CMB.

From Kevin McCallister learning the value of family to George Bailey discovering how much one life matters, these stories deliver heartwarming reminders that love, hope, and kindness are always in season. The Grinch learns that Christmas is bigger than the presents, Ralphie captures the wonder of childhood, and Buddy the Elf spreads enough joy to make even the grumpiest Scrooge crack a smile!

At the heart of Christmas is the greatest gift of all: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Luke 2:10-11 KJV tells us that Christmas brings “good tidings of great joy” because our Savior has been born! And Acts 20:35 KJV reminds us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

This Christmas season, enjoy those Christmas movie marathons—and remember, the best part of Christmas isn’t a mountain of presents or the perfect holiday feast. It’s celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, loving our neighbors, and sharing the joy of our Savior’s presence with us!

The post The Reel Meaning of Christmas: The Top 5 Christmas Movies first appeared on CMB.

The post The Reel Meaning of Christmas: The Top 5 Christmas Movies appeared first on CMB.

“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.”

The post Fred Jacobs Stepping Back at End of the Year first appeared on CMB.

The post Fred Jacobs Stepping Back at End of the Year appeared first on CMB.

“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.”

The post Pillar Media Welcomes Julia Dietrich first appeared on CMB.

The post Pillar Media Welcomes Julia Dietrich appeared first on CMB.

– Sam Dye, Station Manager, Way Truth Life Radio (WTLR)

The post CMB Industry Shout-out – Kai Elmer first appeared on CMB.

The post CMB Industry Shout-out – Kai Elmer appeared first on CMB.

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.”

The post Cincinnati’s Christmas STAR 93.3 Rings in the 2026 Holiday Season first appeared on CMB.

The post Cincinnati’s Christmas STAR 93.3 Rings in the 2026 Holiday Season appeared first on CMB.

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

The post NRB Announces 2027 Award Recipients first appeared on CMB.

The post NRB Announces 2027 Award Recipients appeared first on CMB.