Business briefs
Entercom names Spacciapolli to oversee KDKA radio
Michael Spacciapolli will oversee KDKA and three other CBS Local radio properties as part of Entercom’s emergence in Pittsburgh. He succeeds former CBS Local chief Michael Young, who left the company in May. Philadelphia-based Entercom took over CBS Local in a tax-free merger last year. Mr. Spacciapolli, whose title is senior vice president/market manager, had been serving in an interim capacity since then.
Highmark partnering with German company
Highmark Inc. has contracted with German company Boehringer Ingelheim to examine how Boehringer’s Jardiance oral medication impacts the cost and quality of care for adults with Type 2 diabetes who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Terms of the one-year contract were not released.
Temple business school dean forced out over falsified data
The dean of Temple University’s business school has been forced out over falsified data submitted to rankings organizations about its online master’s program. Temple president Richard Englert said in an email to the university community that Moshe Porat was asked to resign Monday. Mr. Porat refused, but the university said he no longer heads the school. He still retains a teaching appointment. In January, the Fox School of Business reported that Temple had submitted inaccurate data to U.S. News & World Report. As a result, the publication removed the school’s No. 1 online MBA program ranking for 2018. The university retained a law firm to review the business school’s data reporting processes.
BMW to make electric MINIs in China with Great Wall Motor
BMW Group and China’s biggest SUV brand, Great Wall Motor, have announced a partnership to produce electric MINI vehicles in China. Tuesday’s announcement comes as automakers pour billions of dollars into creating electric models for China, the biggest market for the technology, under pressure from Beijing to accelerate development.
Keurig parent completes merger with Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, the nation’s third-largest soft drink maker, is officially part of the Keurig family. The new company, Keurig Dr Pepper, said it had
completed the merger of Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple Group. The transaction creates the seventh-largest U.S. food and beverage company with annual revenue of about $11 billion.
Peanuts no longer fly at Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has touted fares so low passengers can “fly for peanuts.” But as of Aug. 1, the nuts will no longer fly. Dallas-based Southwest cited concerns about passengers with allergies in the decision to drop the free packets of peanuts from the in-flight snack menu. The airline will continue to pass out free pretzels and other free snacks on longer flights.