Quick Takes
Employees at WBUR vote to join SAG-AFTRA union
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Ninety-six percent of eligible employees voted in favor of joining.
Tech
Aid from Apple would deliver ‘critical mass’ for NPR’s podcast analytics tool
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The company has not signed on with Remote Audio Data, which can give podcast producers expanded analytics tracking their listeners’ habits.
Quick Takes
WGBH and former woodworking host end legal dispute
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The former host claimed a new WGBH woodworking show used his name, image and trademark without permission.
System/Policy
WBUR employees set to vote on joining union
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“We appreciate management working with us and can’t wait to get started making WBUR an even better place to work,” a producer said.
NPR
NPR White House reporter Scott Horsley moves to business desk
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Scott Horsley replaces John Ydstie, who retired in November.
Programs/Content
WNYC hires Vox VP as chief content officer
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Golis will lead editorial strategy, program development and the integration of radio and digital for WNYC News, WNYC Radio and WNYC Studios.
Programs/Content
NPR refreshes ‘Morning Edition’ music to update sound, appeal to new listeners
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Coming to the air in May, the new suite of music will “better reflect what ‘Morning Edition’ is today,” said NPR CEO Jarl Mohn.
Programs/Content
Ohio’s WYSO to become independently owned
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The station will be owned by a nonprofit run by GM Neenah Ellis.
Obituaries
Steven Meuché, former leader of Michigan’s WKAR, dies at 74
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“WKAR is the community institution it is today because of Steve’s leadership, innovative spirit and business acumen,” a colleague said.
System/Policy
Illinois stations consider management agreement to preserve Peoria’s WCBU
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WGLT approached Bradley University, WCBU’s licensee, after plans to tear down the station’s building were announced.
Quick Takes
Oversight board suggests privatizing Puerto Rico pubcaster
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The board said the transfer could help “provide increased growth opportunities, enhance the programming offering provided to the people of Puerto Rico, and save the Government money.”
System/Policy
Union accuses KUOW of unfair labor practice
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The claim alleges that KUOW management’s decision to eliminate seven positions “interfered with, restrained, and/or coerced public employees” in their rights to collectively bargain.
Quick Takes
BizLab picks six stations to experiment with revenue strategies
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The stations will work with the WBUR innovation lab for six months.
System/Policy
KUT hires Austin newspaper editor as GM
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Debbie Hiott, a 26-year veteran of the Austin American-Statesman, signs on with the station Jan. 14.
Quick Takes
SAG-AFTRA membership expands at New York Public Radio
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Gothamist reporters are now part of a bargaining unit of station staff.
System/Policy
FCC takes new look at how it settles competing applications from noncoms
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A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also suggests some changes affecting low-power FM broadcasters.
Quick Takes
New York’s WMHT expands Triple A service to new FM signal
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WMHT acquired an FM station in September that will now simulcast its WEXT signal.
Programs/Content
Alaska station’s forums ‘break down walls’ between community members
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The winner of Current’s Local That Works contest, Alaska Public Media’s “Community in Unity” events tackled topics including racism, immigration and incarceration.
System/Policy
Emily Donahue leaves Austin’s KUT for public-relations post
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Formerly news director at the station, Donahue will join Stratfor, a geopolitical intelligence firm.
Quick Takes
New NPR tool provides richer data about podcast listening
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Remote Audio Data aims to help podcast creators and advertisers better understand their audiences.