Radio Broadcasting
iHM Promotion: iHeartMedia has named Ben Marcotte program director of active rock Rock 105.3 KIOZ and heritage classic rock 101.5 KGB-FM in San Diego.
Cumulus Exit: Kenny Smoov has left Cumulus Media after 23 years, including 21 as program director of Nashville’s 92Q (WQQK), to launch independent projects through his new firm, Nashville Brown LLC.
Connoisseur Layoffs: Connoisseur Media layed-off almost 70 employees across its radio stations in a companywide round of cuts that began Tuesday, according to staff who were let go. More specific details are not available.
Media Industry
9/11 Observances: Broadcast and cable newsrooms are treating Friday’s 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks as a full commemoration day, with live reports from New York, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa., plus primetime specials.
ABC Refutes Kimmel Story: ABC refuted a report that Jimmy Kimmel's show will end in 2027, stating the claim is inaccurate and speculative, as the 25th season launches with guest appearances and the host remains under contract through May 2027.
CMA Noms Thursday: CMA and ABC have revealed that 12-time CMA Award winner Lainey Wilson will return to host “The 60th Annual CMA Awards,” marking her third consecutive year in the role and second consecutive year as solo host.
U-S News
Trade Wars: The Trump administration announced bans on a range of Canadian imports, including dairy, alcohol, whey protein, and motorcycles, set to take effect in about three weeks as part of an escalating trade dispute.
Hold-Out Juror 'Arrogant': Jurors from Lindsay Clancy's murder trial described an arrogant holdout juror who refused to consider reasonable doubt, leading to a mistrial after a week of deadlocked deliberations.
Missing Kids Found: A monthlong operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service found 79 reported missing and endangered children across Ohio, officials announced Tuesday, calling it the "largest missing child operation" in state history