Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Cat Country 98.7 nominated for a Marconi Award – July 29, 2026

Posted on: July 30th, 2026 by brent

LOCAL RADIO STATION WYCT NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL MARCONI AWARD

WYCT – Cat Country 98.7, Pensacola’s locally owned and operated radio station, has been nominated for the prestigious RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR Marconi Award, presented by the National Association of Broadcasters for 2025-2026, one of five nation-wide radio stations to receive a nomination for the award.

Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Awards are given to radio stations to recognize excellence in radio. The winners will be announced October 20^th at the Marconi Radio Awards Dinner held during the NAB Show in New York City.

“We are so honored to be nominated for this prestigious national award. Cat Country 98.7 is a team of passionate professionals who put our listeners and our community first every day.”

-Station Owner and General Manager, Mary Hoxeng

News Radio Pensacola’s Andrew McKay Named Top ‘50 Over 50’

Posted on: April 24th, 2026 by Chris Clare

News Radio Pensacola’s Andrew McKay named top ‘50 Over 50’ from Florida News Service

Pensacola’s Andrew McKay has been named to 2026 “50 over 50” list by the News Service of Florida. This year’s list is led by Senator Rick Scott.

Andrew McKay is morning show host on NewsRadio 92.3 / 95.3 / AM1620.

The “50 over 50” list consists of Florida residents who make their presence felt and make significant contributions across the State of Florida, including in energy, government, healthcare, higher education, and related services. McKay is the only member of the Florida broadcasting community to be included in the list for 2026.

McKay has succeeded as host of the Pensacola Morning News on NewsRadio 92.3 / 95.3 / AM1620 for more than a decade by closely monitoring our communities and delivering concise and accurate information to the audiences in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

McKay lends attention to many public meetings in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and routinely interviews local officials live on the radio. During the Covid 19 pandemic, McKay created his own charts and graphs to clearly communicate the effects of the disease locally and nationally. This work earned him the coveted National Association of Broadcasters Service to America Award for 2021.

Andrew McKay:

“It’s a tremendously humble honor to be included in a list with so many highly accomplished people. I’m so grateful for all the warmth and encouragement I receive daily from my Pensacola community.’”

Mary Hoxeng, General Manager:

“Andrew McKay is beloved by his audience of smart people who are deeply engaged in our community. Andrew is at his best when he is explaining his take on the world to me and I love listening to his radio show.”

NewsRadio 92.3 / 95.3 / AM 1620 is locally-owned by Mary & Dave Hoxeng of Pensacola.

For more: https://www.newsserviceflorida.com/recognition_lists/2026-news-service-of-florida-50-over-50/article_1098cac4-fbd8-45dd-85fd-0e99cfd8a18e.html.

Cat Country 98.7 wins ACM Station of the Year 2026

Posted on: March 19th, 2026 by brent

Cat Country 98.7, Pensacola’s locally owned and operated radio station has won the 2026 ACM Radio Station of the Year Award from the Academy of Country Music (ACM). The announcement was made yesterday in Nashville by the Academy of Country Music at the annual Country Radio Seminar. Cat Country 98.7 previously received the award five times for ACM Radio Station of the Yearin 2005, 2008, 2010, 2019, and 2022.

The winners of the 61st Annual ACM Awards will be honored at the Academy of Country Music Awards show on May 17^th, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Our Cat Country 98.7 team’s dedication to our communities has always been our main priority and it’s deeply satisfying when that commitment is recognized. To receive the ACM Station of the Year for these efforts is humbling and energizing for everyone here. We are equally thrilled for our listener family; we all share this honor. -Mary Hoxeng – General Manager, Owner, WYCT, Cat Country 98.7

Attachment:

Brent Lane, Morning Host and Program Director of Cat Country 98.7 receiving the ACM award from Country artist Parker McCollum on 03.18. 26.

National Association of Broadcasters – The 2025 Service to America Awards – Cat Country 98.7 wins

Posted on: December 23rd, 2025 by brent

Manna Hat 2025 raises $2500

Posted on: December 10th, 2025 by brent

Congrats to Larry and Shotzi Clemons on winning this years Manna Hat and raising $2500 for Manna Food Pantries!

This year’s 2025 Manna Hat is a Resistol – George Strait Collection in size 7 3/8, beautifully autographed by a host of country artists. This one-of-a-kind collectible supports a critical local cause.

About Manna Food Pantries

Manna Food Pantries has been fighting hunger in Northwest Florida since January 3, 1983 — first as Manna Food Bank. Over more than four decades, Manna has:

Served more than 500,000 people in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties since its founding.
Distributed thousands of tons of food to families, children, seniors, veterans, and individuals in need.

In the most recent year, Manna helped 71,005 local neighbors through its food pantry and community support programs — a clear sign that demand for assistance remains high. Manna Food Pantries

Manna is a private, not-for-profit organization that is nonsectarian, community-focused, and volunteer-supported, grounded in the philosophy “waste not, want not.” Everyone deserves to live free from hunger and with dignity and respect. Manna Food Pantries

💛 100% of the proceeds from this auction will go to support Manna Food Pantries so neighbors in Pensacola, Pace, Milton, and surrounding communities can continue receiving nutritious food and support.

Who’s Autograph is on the Hat?
I will send you a signed certificate that these are 100% Authentic Signatures.

Artist	Date/Location	Location on the Hat
Russell Dickerson	March 1, 2025 – The Sandshaker	Left Bill
Chayce Beckham	March 23, 2025 – Juana’s Pagodas	Rear Bill
Dylan Schneider	March 23, 2025 – Juana’s Pagodas	Right Rear Bill
Kelsey Hart	March 23, 2025 – Juana’s Pagodas	Right Rear Bill
Chase Matthew	May 22, 2025 – The Wharf	Left Front Bill
Keith Urban	May 22, 2025 – The Wharf	Right Bill
Alana Springsteen	May 22, 2025 – The Wharf	Left Front Stack
Tucker Wetmore	June 28, 2025 – The Wharf	Front Bill
Thomas Rhett	June 28, 2025 – The Wharf	Front Bill
The Castellos	June 28, 2025 – The Wharf	Right Front Bill
Parker McCollum	July 26, 2025 – The Wharf	Right Front Stack
Scotty McCreery	September 6 – Wind Creek	Left Front Bill
Sawyer Brown	October 18 – Pensacola Fair	Left Front Stack
Rodney Atkins	October 20 – Pensacola Fair	Left Rear Stack
George Birge	October 26 – Pensacola Fair	Right Dimple
Thompson Square	November 23, 2025 – The Saenger	Rear Right Stack
Mackenzie Carpenter	November 23, 2025 – The Saenger	Rear Stack
Vincent Mason	November 23, 2025 – The Saenger	Rear Bill

Download the APP

Posted on: November 5th, 2025 by brent

The new Cat Country 98.7 App Version 12.0 is ready! You could win music, trips and interact with your Cat Crew like never before.

Download your App Here:

Redesigned and your Control Center for Music. Get alerts when songs you want to hear are on. Let us know what you think… You can vote Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down. Flash Contests mean more ways to win… Tickets, Fly Aways and music just for using the App.

Job Opening – Electronics Technician – Job Description

Posted on: August 19th, 2025 by brent

Electronics Technician (Broadcast Technician)

Overview

ADX Communications is a family-owned broadcaster located in the beautiful beach town of Pensacola, Florida. We are seeking an experienced Electronics Technician with a successful track record who loves supporting electronic systems and working with engaging teammates.

ADX operates:

WYCT / Cat Country 98.7
WNRP / NewsRadio 92.3 – 95.3 – AM 1620
WEBY / ESPN Pensacola AM 1330 – 99.1
Pensacola Playlist 94.5 (and 98.7-HD2)

For us, broadcasting is all about serving our communities, listeners, team members, and advertisers.

Position Overview

The Electronics Technician will manage the installation, maintenance, and repair of studio, transmitting, and ancillary equipment to maintain high-quality radio signals while complying with FCC technical standards.

This position includes responsibility for:

Audio systems
AM & FM transmitters
Satellite receivers
Telecommunications gear
Computer & networking systems

Our radio stations are full of creative, fun team members, and we hope this will be an enjoyable position for you too.

Key Responsibilities

Maintain station operations through preventative and corrective maintenance.
Establish routine maintenance procedures and documentation for all broadcast equipment.
Install and maintain:
- Wheatstone control consoles and AOIP audio distribution
- PC and server-based audio editors
- Skimmer and streaming computers
- Transmitters, antennas, and control systems
- Remote broadcast equipment
Support local broadcast talent during remote broadcasts.

Qualifications

Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
Experience with audio recording, audio routing, digital audio, and delivery.
Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Internet-interfaced proprietary gear, iMediaTouch, and WheatNet automation software.
Ability to troubleshoot broadcast and business computer equipment.
Capable of working independently and learning to repair high-power AM and FM transmitting facilities.
IT skills, including LAN and WAN operations.
Knowledge of electrical systems, UPS, and standby generators.
Knowledge of POTS and VOIP telephone systems.
Ability to lift 50 pounds and climb stairs/ladders.
Must qualify for company auto insurance coverage.

Education & Licensing

Associate or technical degree in Electronics Technology (or related field), or equivalent experience.
Military experience highly valued.
SBE CBRE Certification a plus.
Valid driver’s license with proof of personal vehicle insurance.
ADX is open to sending experienced techs to school for specific systems training.

What We Offer

Competitive pay
Fun, fast-paced team atmosphere
Collaborative environment that encourages innovation
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401K with company profit-sharing match
Paid PTO (Vacation, Sick, Holiday)
Paid life insurance ($125,000 for full-time staff)

Equal Opportunity Employer

ADX Communications is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

“This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), prohibiting discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requiring affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.”

Contact

Dave Hoxeng, Owner
CatCountry 98.7 Radio
ADX Communications
7251 Plantation Road
Pensacola, Florida 32504
📞 850-262-6000

For immediate consideration, apply here: Cat Country Application

Cat Country Cares for Kids raises $301,400

Posted on: August 18th, 2025 by brent

The 7th annual Cat Country Cares for Kids Radiothon, presented by Hanto & Clarke General Contractors, raised $301,400 to acquire state-of-the-art equipment that utilizes heat to treat tumors or epilepsy — a first for Northwest Florida. Hosted by Cat Country 98.7’s Team (including Brent Lane, Jordan Glass, and Chris Clare) and WEAR ABC 3 News Pensacola’s Sue Straughn, the one-day broadcast featured heartfelt stories from patient families and highlighted the critical role the Children’s Hospital plays in delivering advanced, compassionate care close to home. All of the funds raised will directly support Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), a minimally invasive, precision-guided laser therapy that offers new hope for children with complex brain tumors and epilepsy. The technology allows for safer, more effective treatment, improving outcomes and quality of life while reducing the need for open surgery.

“It’s an honor to play a part in raising funds for technology that will have such a powerful impact on children and families in our community,” said WEAR host Sue Straughn.

“Every year, I am inspired by the generosity of local businesses and listeners who step up to make a difference.”

“To see listeners give from the heart and see real results at the Hospital is everything” said Brent Lane, Morning Host of Cat Country 98.7. “There’s no greater feeling than knowing we’re supporting a hospital that provides outstanding care for the children in our community. It’s a privilege to utilize our radio platform to make such a meaningful impact and be able to tell stories that are lights to families in our area going through some of the scariest times they will experience!”

“Year after year, I am deeply moved by the remarkable generosity of our community,” said Adrienne Maygarden, president of Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. “The community’s commitment to advancing care for children in Northwest Florida is truly inspiring. I’m grateful to the families who courageously share their stories. These children are true miracles, and it is a privilege to highlight the exceptional care they receive at Studer Family Children’s Hospital.”

Dave Hoxeng to be honored by the Florida Broadcaster Association

Posted on: June 6th, 2025 by brent

The Florida Association of Broadcasters (FAB) has announced Dave Hoxeng as the 2025 recipient of FAB’s prestigious William J. Brooks Award. Established in 1988, this award honors legendary Florida broadcasters whose exceptional service and dedication set a standard of excellence in the industry. Presented annually, the award celebrates individuals who embody the high ideals exemplified by its namesake, William J. Brooks.

FAB said Dave Hoxeng, owner of ADX Communications, has profoundly influenced the radio landscape of Northwest Florida through an unwavering commitment to local content, community service, and broadcast excellence. Since launching Cat Country 98.7 (WYCT-FM) in 2003, Dave and his wife Mary have grown their media presence to include NewsRadio 92.3/AM 1620 (WNRP), ESPN Pensacola 1330/99.1 (WEBY), and Pensacola’s Playlist 94.5. These locally owned and operated stations serve Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with a dynamic mix of music, news, sports, and talk programming.

Hoxeng’s dedication to local broadcasting has been central to the stations’ success and national recognition. Cat Country 98.7 was named the 2024 CMA Radio Station of the Year, adding to previous wins in 2017 and 2019. The station has also earned multiple honors from the Academy of Country Music (ACM), and has been recognized by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) with the NAB Crystal Radio Award and the NAB Service to America Award for outstanding community service.

Beyond the airwaves, the Hoxengs are deeply rooted in the local community. They established the Dave and Mary Hoxeng Endowed Scholarship at Pensacola State College to support aspiring journalism students. Their commitment to ethical leadership and civic engagement has also been recognized with awards such as the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics and the PACE Award for Spirit of Pensacola.

“These honors and accolades reflect Dave’s dedication to the industry and the impact his stations have on the communities they serve,” said Pat Roberts, President and CEO of the Florida Association of Broadcasters. “He is a pillar of our industry, and I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”

The William J. Brooks Award will be presented at the Florida Association of Broadcasters’ Annual Luncheon on Thursday, June 26, at The Breakers Palm Beach, as part of the FAB’s Annual Convention.

Brent and Mel win ACM Award

Posted on: April 17th, 2025 by brent

Ella Langley called The Cat Pak Morning Show this morning to announce that for their work in 2024 in the Pensacola community and on the air, Brent and Mel were named ACM Personalities of the Year.

NASHVILLE, TN (April 17, 2025) – The Academy of Country Music® revealed today the winners of the ACM Radio Awards for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards™, taking place Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX and streaming exclusively on Amazon’s Prime Video. The announcement was made with the help of this year’s top nominee at the ACM Awards with eight nominations, Ella Langley, who called the radio on-air personalities and radio stations to surprise them with the exciting news of their ACM Award win.

Winners announced include multiple first-time honorees. In the On-Air categories, first-time winners include: Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase of Crook & Chase Countdown for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year, Josh Holleman, Rachael Hunter, and Steve Grunwald of Josh, Rachael and Grunwald In The Morning for Major Market On-Air Personality of the Year, Joey Tack and Nancy Barger of Joey & Nancy for Medium Market On-Air Personality of the Year, and Mel McCrae of The Cat Pak Morning Show for Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year. Big D and Bubba both receive their fourth win for Big D & Bubba for National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year, Big Dave receives his fourth win and Stattman receives his third win for The Big Dave Show for Large Market On-Air Personality of the Year, and Brent Lane receives his third win for The Cat Pak Morning Show for Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year.

In the Radio Station categories, KYGO in Denver, CO took home its second win for Major Market Radio Station of the Year,WQDR in Raleigh, NC took home its fourth win for Large Market Radio Station of the Year, WIVK in Knoxville, TN took home its ninth win for Medium Market Radio Station of the Year, and WXBQ in Bristol, VA took home its second win for Small Market Radio Station of the Year.

Below is a complete list of the Radio Award winners for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards:

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR WINNERS:

NATIONAL DAILY: Big D, Bubba | Big D & Bubba
NATIONAL WEEKLY: Lorianne Crook, Charlie Chase | Crook & Chase Countdown
MAJOR MARKET: Josh Holleman, Rachael Hunter, Steve Grunwald | Josh, Rachael and Grunwald In The Morning – WYCD – Detroit, MI
LARGE MARKET: Big Dave, Stattman | The Big Dave Show – WUBE – Cincinnati, OH
MEDIUM MARKET: Joey Tack, Nancy Barger | Joey & Nancy – WIVK – Knoxville, TN
SMALL MARKET: Brent Lane, Mel McCrae | The Cat Pak Morning Show – WYCT – Pensacola, FL

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR WINNERS:

MAJOR MARKET: KYGO – Denver, Colorado
LARGE MARKET: WQDR – Raleigh, North Carolina
MEDIUM MARKET: WIVK – Knoxville, Tennessee
SMALL MARKET: WXBQ – Bristol, Virginia

The Country Music Celebration 60 years in the making will feature unforgettable performances by the genre’s most legendary and multi-award-winning stars, including Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Lainey Wilson. A limited number of tickets to the 60th ACM Awards are available now at SeatGeek, offering fans exclusive entry into a night packed with their favorite Country stars performing the biggest hits.

Fans can also stream the Official ACM Awards playlist available now on Amazon Music in celebration of this year’s nominees. Fans can listen to country music’s biggest stars, such as Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, and Jelly Roll, directly on the Amazon Music app HERE.

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Raj Kapoor is executive producer and showrunner, with Patrick Menton as co-executive producer. Damon Whiteside serves as executive producer for the Academy of Country Music, and Jay Penske and Barry Adelman serve as executive producers for DCP. John Saade will also continue to serve as consulting producer for Amazon MGM Studios.

Established in 1966, the Academy of Country Music Awards is the longest-running Country Music awards show and made history in 2022 as the first major awards ceremony to exclusively livestream, in partnership with Prime Video. This year’s show marks its return to Texas for the third consecutive year.

The 60th ACM Awards performers, presenters, and ACM Awards week ancillary events will be announced in the coming weeks.

Follow the Academy of Country Music on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, join the conversation with #ACMawards, and sign up for the FREE ACM A-List for the latest news and updates in your email inbox.

About the Academy of Country Music:

Founded in Southern California in 1964 as a regional trade organization, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) has grown in the 60 years since into a leading association for the Country Music industry. Headquartered in Nashville, TN and boasting record-high membership of more than 5,000 worldwide, the Academy serves as a powerhouse advocate for Country fans, artists, and all facets of the business, as well as a supporter of philanthropic work through charitable partner ACM LIFTING LIVES, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music and providing aid in times of need, with a focus on health initiatives. 2025 is a landmark year for the Academy with the 60th ACM Awards, hosted by entertainment icon Reba McEntire, returning to the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys in Texas for a third consecutive year and streaming live for a global audience on Prime Video. The Academy also remains relentlessly committed to creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in Country Music, from the boardroom to the stage, and proudly presents ACM LEVel Up, a two-year professional development and enrichment curriculum for rising leaders, among other initiatives. For more information, visit ACMcountry.com or ACMLiftingLives.org.

Cat Country 98.7