Soft AC WMGA (Magic 97.9)/Huntington switches to CHR as Hits 97.9.

The Baltimore Sun reports Rock WIYY afternoon talent Stephen "Stash" Smith is no longer with the station. WIYY PD Dave Hill stated, "We have parted ways with Stash. Both he and we have agreed. I can't say more than that because it is a personnel matter." Smith was recently involved in a car accident, sending five people to the hospital with minor injuries which resulted in Smith being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving, and other traffic offenses, according the paper.

Keith Hastings resigns from the PD post at WHQG/Milwaukee.

Jack Silver is named PD of the NBC Sports Radio Network, a partnership of Dial Global and NBC Sports Group slated to launch this fall. Most recently Silver handled programming for Cumulus News/Talk KABC-AM and Classic Rock KLOS.

WGBH/Boston has acquired Public Radio International, the Minnesota-based national public radio syndicator. According to an announcement, PRI will continue to operate on its own as a non-profit and remain in Minnesota. "Joining forces with WGBH will benefit every group PRI serves, including stations, talent, producers and the public. PRI will increase its production of inspiring content, and represent a broader diversity of voices by increasing our investment in our marketing and distribution activities," said Alisa Miller, PRI President/CEO.

FMQB offers condolences to the family and friends of longtime WDAS-FM/Philadelphia radio legend, Joe "Butterball" Tamburro, who passed away this morning. He was 70. A statement on the station's website reads, "We want to sadly inform you that our on air personality, Butter, has passed away this morning at 10am. We are honoring his memory by playing the music and the artists that he broke. RIP to our good friend, legendary broadcaster, civil rights leader, the soul of the station for 50 years and Philly icon, Butter. We'll miss you dearly."
     Clear Channel Media+Entertainment-Philadelphia President Dennis Lamme said. "Butterball was a broadcasting icon" and WDAS/WUSL PD Ken Johnson adds, "I have met and worked with quite a few legends in my career. Butter was the pinnacle.  He will be missed but never forgotten."
     "Butterball" joined the station in 1964 in sales and was on-air soon after. He spent years as PD of WDAS-FM and AM, and stepped down to just his on-air duties recently due to illness.