For the fifth consecutive year, Peak Broadcasting CHR KSAS (103.3 Kiss FM)/Boise morning host and PD KekeLuv (Steve Kicklighter) broadcast 175 consecutive hours to raise awareness for child abuse prevention. This year he broadcast live while encased inside a traveling glass box to coincide with April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year’s theme was "No Place To Hide" and he was locked inside a small custom built glass box that has been traveling across the Treasure Valley in an effort to help put an end to child abuse. You can see pictures and coverage of the "Live For 175" marathon at www.1033kissfm.com.

Louisville radio vet Mike Shannon is named the new afternoon host at AC WSB/Atlanta. Shannon, who most recently was doing weekends at Country WQNU/Louisville and also enjoyed 15 years at CHR WDJX/Louisville doing nights and afternoons, takes over for Atlanta radio legend Kelly McCoy.
 
Hot AC WISX/Philadelphia adds Premiere Networks syndicated talent Mario Lopez for afternoon drive. Clear Channel's Jay Towers will still be heard on the station, serving as weekend host and consultant.

Woody, co-host at AC KGBX/Springfield exits leaving co-host Janet Layne to go it alone for now.

Time Out Chicago's Robert Feder reports that Merlin Media-Chicago will name Jim Richards as Operations Director of both Rock WLUP (The Loop) and the Modern Rock station it is expected to launch on 87.7 soon. As of today, Merlin takes over Low Power WLFM under a LMA. Feder says that Merlin will bring back the WKQX call letters and position the station as "Q 87.7 - Underground. Alternative." Jim Richards was most recently PD of Modern AC KWJZ/Seattle.
     In related news, WIQI (FM News 101.1) has adjusted its lineup, as Chicagoland Radio and Media reports that three staffers exit: news anchor Mike Wilson, anchor/reporter Katherine Kelly and anchor/meteorologist Ed Curran.

As of tomorrow (5/1), Entercom begins operating Urban AC KBLX/San Francisco under a LMA agreement. Entercom has already announced the syndicated Steve Harvey show will begin airing in mornings, starting May 7. Entercom announced its acquisition of KBLX from Inner City Media Corporation and its subsidiaries for $25 million in cash earlier this month.
 
Cumulus Media will be flipping Classic Hits WYAY/Atlanta to an all-News format in mid-May, reports the Atlanta Business Journal.

Ryan Seacrest adds yet another job, as The Wrap reports he will become a special correspondent for NBC's Today show as part of his new contract with NBCUniversal. Seacrest's new contract also extends his on-air duties for E!, his various production deals with the NBCUniversal family of networks and also makes Seacrest a host for this summer's coverage of the Olympics.

On Wednesday, May 9 at 2 p.m. CT, Brian Wright of Audience Development Group will be the featured presenter on the next Conclave webinar. Titled "Across The Universe: A New Way To Look At Ratings," Wright suggests considering this one simple statement, "You need not affect your entire listening universe to have a universal affect on your ratings. These steps will change the way you program, market; manage your station and how you choreograph your music. It will lead to audience and revenue growth, without compromising your message." Conclave webinars are free; however preregistration is required via the Conclave’s website at www.theconclave.com.

The National Association of Broadcasters anounced today that it will begin accepting nominations for the 2012 NAB Marconi Radio Awards on May 1. The Marconi Radio Awards recognize overall excellence in radio broadcasting. To be considered for a 2012 NAB Marconi Radio Award, general managers may nominate their station in the categories of "Station of the Year by Market Size," "Station of the Year by Format," "Personality of the Year by Market Size," "Spanish Format Personality of the Year" and "Legendary Station." Stations may also submit nominations for the category of "Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year."  Nominations must be submitted online and received by May 31. Finalists will be announced in July.