Following his exit as VP/GM of Scripps Milwaukee following its sale to Good Karma Brands, Tom Langmyer is seeking to invest in radio and digital platforms in the Great Lakes region as he launches Great Lakes Media Corp.
Langmyer, who is seeking opportunities in smaller markets in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, began his career in programming in his native Buffalo and programmed 1120 KMOX St. Louis before moving to VP/GM there. He also served as VP/Programming for CBS Radio’s News/Talk stations and VP/GM of 720 WGN Chicago before joining Scripps in 2013.
Great Lakes Media Corp. today announced its intentions to invest in local broadcasting and digital media opportunities through the acquisition of local radio stations and digital platforms in small markets.
The company is looking to acquire properties in small markets, focusing on opportunities in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
“Smaller communities are making a big comeback. This new generation of people, to whom quality of life and community are very important, are building their lives and businesses in these places,” says Tom Langmyer, President & CEO of Great Lakes Media Corp. “Over the years, the shifting economy and technology had ended an era of localism in media. Today, people are once again in search of real community and the greater connection that comes with being a part of a ‘place.’ Local media builds that connection – particularly in smaller markets.”The company is meeting with investors and brokers – and others who are interested in specific markets; and plans to announce appointments of officers and partners in the weeks ahead.
Langmyer, a longtime media executive, believes in the opportunity to better develop a deeper local content experience in markets – and he looks favorably at radio as the way to bring more consumers to the mix.
“The need is clear as many of the broadcast media platforms have been providing white-labelled, generic, unremarkable content. And while it’s growing, the digital space is in dire need of compelling content to make it a more robust advertising and revenue platform. Radio and Digital complement each other, as it’s not an either/or proposition. There’s great open space in creating more personal local experiences by leveraging these platforms – and expanding the emotional connection between consumers and local brands,” stated Langmyer.
Following the move of Corey B from nights at Entercom CHR “B96” WBBM-FM Chicago to an undisclosed job in New York, Robert Feder reports that Corey is headed to Entercom’s “Alt 92.3” WNYL New York to host afternoons.
With the upcoming move of Country “92.5 The Bull” KBEB Sacramento to 107.1 K296GB and launch of Soft AC “92.5 The Breeze“, Program Director/afternoon host Chris Matthews is exiting. Matthews joined KBEB in March after previously serving as APD/MD and then morning host at 107.9 KMLE Phoenix.
‘Amanda McGraw’ Burd, who served as APD/MD/midday host will remain through the format change while also adding programming oversight of The Bull.
Amanda Jo Parker moves from Assistant Program Director/afternoon host at iHeartMedia Country “Kix 100.9” WRNX Amherst/Springfield MA to APD/MD/evening host at co-owned “101.7 The Bull” WBWL Lynn/Boston. Parker had been tracking nights at WBWL, but will now be based in Boston and voicetrack the WRNX afternoon shift.
iHeartMedia Rhythmic CHR “Wild 94.9” KYLD San Francisco is revamping its on-air lineup as ‘Julian On The Radio’ Nieh has stepped down from his afternoon slot after three years with the station. Gabby Diaz moves from nights to afternoons, while JV Show associate producer/co-host Crystal Rosas steps into the evening shift.
With Amber Hoback moving to 92.3 WTTS Indianapolis, Sinclair Communications AAA “95.9 The Krush” has promoted Andre De Channes from Promotions Director/midday host to Program Director/morning host.
Eric Michaels has exited Midwest Communications Country “Hi 99” 99.9 WTHI-FM Terre Haute IN after 17 years with the station. Michaels started with the station as an intern and rose to Program Director/afternoon host in 2012. Operations Manager Steve Cannon has absorbed Michaels’ programming duties.
