Audacy announced significant changes Monday to its executive leadership team. Kelli Turner, who had been serving as interim President and CEO since January 2025 following the departure of long-time CEO David Field, was officially appointed to the permanent role of President and CEO. This decision marked the removal of her interim tag, solidifying her position at the helm of the company.
Kelli Turner
\Turner has been a member of Audacy’s Board of Directors since September 2024 and brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including Managing Director and CFO of Sun Capital Partners and President and COO of SESAC Holdings.
Alongside Turner’s permanent appointment, Audacy revealed a broader executive shakeup.
The company parted ways with four C-suite executives: Chief Operating Officer Susan Larkin, Chief Digital Officer J.D. Crowley, Chief Marketing Officer Paul Suchman, and Executive Vice President and General Counsel Andrew Sutor. These departures signal a significant restructuring of the leadership team as Audacy aims to navigate its next phase of growth following its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024.
To fill some of these vacated roles and bolster the leadership team, Audacy promoted two internal executives: Chris Oliviero was named Chief Business Officer, having previously served as Market President for Audacy New York, and Bob Philips was appointed Chief Revenue Officer, transitioning from his role as President of Audacy Networks and Multi-Market Sales. Both Oliviero and Philips have extensive histories with Audacy and its predecessor companies, bringing deep institutional knowledge to their new positions. Additionally, Mike Dash, a nearly 20-year veteran of the company, was named Executive Vice President and General Counsel, succeeding Andrew Sutor, who will remain temporarily to ensure a smooth transition.
Turner expressed enthusiasm about her permanent role, stating, “It’s a privilege to lead Audacy at this exciting moment in its impressive history and the evolution of audio,” and highlighted her excitement to work with Oliviero and Philips, praising their expertise in management, programming, and sales. Audacy Chairman Michael Del Nin also commended Turner’s appointment, noting her as an “exceptional media executive” poised to lead the company through reinvention and growth, alongside the newly configured leadership team.
Oliviero, Phillips
Oliviero started at CBS Radio as a production assistant for the Howard Stern Show in New York and rose through the ranks to serve as chief content officer. After about 18 months as a media consultant, Oliviero joined Audacy in 2020 as market president for New York.
Philips climbed the executive ranks to chief revenue officer at CBS Radio before it was acquired by Audacy, then called Entercom. Philips served as chief revenue officer at Entercom until 2021, at which time he was named president of networks and multi-market sales for the rebranded Audacy.
It was not immediately clear if Turner, Oliviero or Phillips will relocate to Audacy’s Philadelphia headquarters. Both Turner and Oliviero are situated in New York and Phillips is based in Baltimore.
Turner is the first person who is not a member of the Field family to lead Audacy since its inception in 1968. Joseph Field founded the company and his son David Field became CEO in 2002, three years after it went public.
It is now the second-largest U.S. radio station operator behind iHeartMedia.The company owns over 220 radio stations across 47 media markets.Joseph M. Field founded the company as Entertainment Communications (which would later be shortened to Entercom) on October 21, 1968, on the conviction that FM broadcasting, then in its infancy, would eventually surpass AM broadcasting as the leading radio broadcast band.
This executive overhaul comes on the heels of other recent changes at Audacy, including layoffs earlier in March 2025 that affected hundreds of employees, reflecting the company’s efforts to streamline operations and position itself for long-term success in the competitive audio entertainment landscape.
Audacy's bankruptcy recovery is a significant chapter in the company's recent history, reflecting its efforts to restructure and emerge stronger in the competitive audio entertainment industry. Audacy, one of the largest radio broadcasters in the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 7, 2024, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. This filing came after the company faced mounting financial pressures, primarily driven by a substantial debt load of approximately $1.9 billion, which had been exacerbated by challenges in the traditional radio industry, including declining advertising revenues and the shift toward digital media.
Dan Bernstein, a veteran midday host on Chicago’s WSCR 670 The Score, is off the air this week, following a heated social media exchange that escalated into controversy.
Bernstein, who has been with the Audacy-owned sports talk station for nearly 30 years, typically co-hosts the Bernstein & Harris show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT alongside Marshall Harris. However, this week, he has been replaced by fill-in host Leila Rahimi, with Harris announcing on-air that Bernstein is taking the week off.
The situation stems from an incident on X that began Thursday when Bernstein posted a photo of himself with a northern pike he had caught, captioned, “This was a helluva fight.” A follower responded, accusing Bernstein of killing a pregnant fish instead of releasing it, sparking a contentious back-and-forth. Bernstein initially defended himself, asserting the fish was “released successfully.” The exchange quickly turned hostile when the user called him a liar, prompting Bernstein to retort, “Wanna fight? I’m a bad enemy, f***er,” and later threaten to dox the individual by revealing their address and phone number. He escalated further, asking, “Want your kids involved?” and demanding an apology to halt his threats.
Although Bernstein deleted the initial photo and some posts, screenshots of the exchange circulated widely, drawing significant backlash. By Monday, the fallout intensified: Camp One Step, a Chicago-based charity for children with cancer, announced it had removed Bernstein from its board of directors, citing his social media behavior. The charity did not elaborate further, but the decision sparked debate.
Former 670 The Score host Danny Parkins, now at FS1, defended Bernstein, arguing that his fundraising efforts for the charity—amounting to substantial support—should outweigh what he called an “awful decision” by Camp One Step, suggesting it hurt their mission more than it addressed the issue.
Neither 670 The Score nor its parent company, Audacy, has issued an official statement on Bernstein’s absence as of Monday afternoon, leaving it unclear whether this is a planned break, a suspension, or a voluntary step back. Posts on X and reports from media outlets and the Chicago Sun-Times indicate it’s widely perceived as a response to the controversy, though the station has not confirmed this.
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards took place on March 17, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by LL Cool J and broadcast live on Fox. The event celebrated the most-played artists and songs of 2024 across iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app, while honoring several artists with special awards.
Here’s a rundown of the key winners and highlights based on available information as of March 18, 2025.
Swift, Trophy
Taylor Swift emerged as a major winner, reinforcing her dominance in the music industry. She secured the Artist of the Year award, adding to her record as the most awarded artist in iHeartRadio Music Awards history, with 25 wins prior to 2024. Swift also received the Tour of the Century award for her record-breaking Eras Tour, a new category recognizing her monumental cultural impact. Leading the nominations with 10 nods alongside Morgan Wallen, her wins underscored her continued popularity and influence.
Morgan Wallen, tied with Swift for the most nominations, won Country Song of the Year for “Heartless,” a track praised for its raw emotion and widespread airplay. Despite his strong showing in nominations, this was a standout victory for the country star, who competed fiercely across multiple categories.
Sabrina Carpenter took home Pop Artist of the Year, beating out Swift, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Tate McRae. With nine nominations, Carpenter’s win highlighted her breakout year, driven by hits like “Espresso” and “Taste,” marking her as a rising force in pop music.
Kendrick Lamar, also with nine nominations, won Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, affirming his lyrical prowess and influence in the genre. His victory over competitors like Drake and Future reflected his strong 2024 performance, bolstered by tracks like “Not Like Us.”
Billie Eilish claimed Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather,” a hauntingly beautiful track from her album Hit Me Hard and Soft. This win edged out strong contenders like Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” and Carpenter’s “Espresso,” showcasing Eilish’s ability to resonate with listeners.
Post Malone, another artist with nine nominations, won Duo/Group of the Year alongside Morgan Wallen for their collaborative work, notably “I Had Some Help.” This victory highlighted their successful partnership blending country and pop sensibilities.
Jelly Roll secured Country Artist of the Year, a testament to his gritty rise in the genre. Celebrated for his authenticity, his win over nominees like Wallen and Lainey Wilson signaled a bright future for his career in country music.
Teddy Swims won Best New Pop Artist, marking the start of what many predict will be a legendary career. His soulful hit “Lose Control” propelled him past contenders like Benson Boone and Gracie Abrams, earning him early recognition at the awards.
Hozier celebrated a dual milestone—winning Alternative Song of the Year for “Too Sweet” on his birthday, March 17. The track’s brooding allure outshone entries from Linkin Park and Green Day, making it a fitting birthday gift.
In the rock categories, Shinedown won Rock Artist of the Year, surpassing Metallica and Foo Fighters, while Linkin Park took Rock Song of the Year for “Friendly Fire,” a poignant posthumous release featuring Chester Bennington’s vocals, beating out Metallica’s “Lux Æterna.”
MARIAH CAREY IN THE BUILDING ✨🦋#iHeartAwards2025 MC Receiving the Icon Award at the iHeart Radio Music Awards 🏆 This warmed my heart ❤️ you deserve everything queen ❤️🦋 We love you 🐑✨💋 pic.twitter.com/7mJmrXpD0a
Special honors included Mariah Carey receiving the Icon Award for her unparalleled career, Lady Gaga earning the Innovator Award for her creative risks and activism, and Nelly accepting the Landmark Award for his culture-shaping albums spanning decades.
Additional notable wins included SZA for R&B Artist of the Year, continuing her streak in the category, and Peso Pluma for Regional Mexican Artist of the Year, reflecting the diversity of the night’s honorees. The show featured performances from artists like Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and Nelly, alongside a tribute to Los Angeles’ resilience following recent wildfires.
Dolly Parton’s heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean, titled "If You Hadn’t Been There," has made a significant impact on the music charts, crowning the Country Digital Song Sales chart. Released on Friday, March 7, 2025, just days after Dean’s death at age 82, the song quickly resonated with fans and listeners, reflecting both Parton’s personal loss and her enduring artistry.
The ballad, a sweeping and emotional ode to nearly 60 years of marriage, features lyrics like, “I wouldn’t be here / If you hadn’t been there / Holding my hand / Showing you care / You made me dream / More than I dared,” capturing the depth of their bond. Parton announced the song’s release on Instagram, writing, “Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end. They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him.” Accompanied by a throwback photo of the couple, the post underscored the personal significance of the track, which was produced by Gregg Perry and bolstered by a gospel choir in its stirring climax.
Following its release, "If You Hadn’t Been There" surged to No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes chart, as noted in posts on X, signaling immediate fan support. By mid-March 2025, it topped Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart, a testament to its commercial success and emotional resonance.
Carl Dean, a private Nashville businessman who owned an asphalt-paving company, had been Parton’s steadfast partner since they met outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in 1964, marrying in 1966. Though he shunned the spotlight—famously avoiding her public events after an early red-carpet appearance—Dean inspired classics like “Jolene” and supported Parton’s career from behind the scenes. His death, after a reported battle with Alzheimer’s in his final years, prompted an outpouring of condolences, which Parton acknowledged in a separate Instagram post on March 6, thanking fans for their support and affirming, “He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that.”
At 79, Dolly remains a towering figure in country music, having recently collaborated with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Beyoncé, and released her rock album Rockstar in 2023, partly inspired by Dean’s love for hard rock. "If You Hadn’t Been There" joins her pantheon of big-hearted ballads, blending personal storytelling with universal appeal, and its No. 1 status on the Country Digital Song Sales chart underscores her ability to connect with audiences even in grief.
Morgan Wallen, Garth Brooks, and Taylor Swift are among the most successful artists in country music history when it comes to dominating Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. This chart, which began in 1964 as Hot Country Albums, tracks the most popular country albums based on sales, streaming, and other metrics. Here’s a look at how these artists, along with others, have racked up the most weeks at No. 1.
Morgan Wallen currently holds the record for the most cumulative weeks at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart. As of March 15, 2025, his album One Thing at a Time had spent 77 weeks at the top, bringing his career total to 176 weeks. This surpasses all other artists in the chart’s 61-year history. Wallen’s rise is remarkable given how quickly he’s achieved it—his first No. 1 came on August 15, 2020, with Dangerous: The Double Album, which itself holds the record for the longest single-album run at No. 1 with 97 weeks. His follow-up, One Thing at a Time, is the second-longest-running No. 1 album on the chart. Wallen’s dominance reflects his massive popularity, driven by streaming and fan support, even amidst controversies.
Garth Brooks previously held the top spot for most weeks at No. 1, with a career total of 173 weeks until Wallen overtook him in early 2025. Brooks’ reign began in 1990 with No Fences, which spent 41 weeks at No. 1—still the longest run for any of his albums. His tally includes a diverse range of projects: live albums like Double Live, Christmas albums such as Garth Brooks & the Magic of Christmas, and box sets like The Limited Series. Brooks’ success spans decades, with his most recent week at No. 1 coming in 2017, showcasing his enduring influence in country music during the ‘90s and beyond.
Taylor Swift ranks as the highest-charting female solo artist on this list, with a notable total of weeks at No. 1, though exact figures have shifted over time. Her standout album Fearless logged 35 weeks at No. 1 starting in 2008, a cornerstone of her early country career before her pivot to pop. Swift’s tally also includes both the original and Taylor’s Version re-recordings of albums like Fearless, Speak Now, and Red, which have added to her weeks atop the chart. Her success highlights her early dominance in country music, bolstered by massive sales and awards like the Grammy for Album of the Year for Fearless.
Other artists have also left their mark. Alabama, a legendary country band, amassed 125 weeks at No. 1, largely from their ‘80s heyday. Willie Nelson, with 106 weeks, has a tally that includes collaborations and live albums like Willie and Family Live, with his longest run being Always on My Mind at 22 weeks in 1982. Shania Twain’s Come On Over spent 50 weeks at No. 1, tying her with Luke Combs’ This One’s for You for one of the chart’s longest runs, reflecting her crossover appeal in the ‘90s. Randy Travis (Always & Forever, 43 weeks) and The Chicks (Fly, 36 weeks) also rank high, showcasing the diversity of artists who’ve dominated the chart.
These artists’ achievements highlight different eras and styles within country music, from Brooks’ ‘90s boom to Swift’s early 2000s rise and Wallen’s streaming-era success. Their weeks at No. 1 reflect not just sales, but cultural impact and fan loyalty over time.
The music industry has undergone a profound transformation in the first quarter of the 21st century (2000–2025), driven by technological advancements, shifts in consumer behavior, and evolving business models.
Her's an overview of the key changes that have reshaped the industry during this period.
1. The Digital Revolution and the Decline of Physical Sales
At the turn of the century, the music industry was heavily reliant on physical formats like CDs, cassettes, and vinyl. In 2000, global recorded music revenue peaked at around $23.8 billion, with CDs accounting for the vast majority of sales. However, the rise of the internet and digital file-sharing platforms, most notably Napster (launched in 1999), disrupted this model. Illegal downloading led to a steep decline in physical sales, with global revenue plummeting to $14.6 billion by 2014—a drop of nearly 40% from its peak.
The industry initially struggled to adapt, with record labels pursuing legal action against file-sharing services and individual users. However, the introduction of legitimate digital alternatives, starting with Apple’s iTunes Store in 2003, marked a turning point. By offering individual song downloads for $0.99, iTunes shifted the focus from albums to singles, fundamentally altering how music was consumed and purchased. By the late 2000s, digital downloads had overtaken physical sales in many markets, though they never fully restored the industry’s former revenue highs.
2. The Rise of Streaming
The most transformative change came with the advent of music streaming, which began to dominate in the 2010s and solidified its position by 2025. Spotify, launched in 2008, pioneered the subscription-based streaming model, offering access to millions of songs for a monthly fee or through an ad-supported free tier. Other players like Apple Music (2015), Amazon Music, YouTube, and Tidal followed, creating a fiercely competitive landscape. By 2025, streaming accounted for over 80% of global recorded music revenue, according to estimates from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).
Streaming reversed the industry’s revenue decline, with global recorded music revenue reaching $28.8 billion in 2023 (the latest full-year data available) and projected to grow further by 2025. In the U.S. alone, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reported that streaming generated $14.4 billion in 2023, up from virtually zero in 2005. This shift democratized access to music, allowing listeners to explore vast catalogs instantly, but it also sparked debates over artist compensation, with payouts per stream (e.g., $0.003–$0.005 on Spotify) criticized as insufficient by many musicians.
Salem Media Group, Inc. has announced the sale of their remaining radio stations and digital assets in Honolulu, Hawaii to Malama Media Group. Malama intends to keep all radio stations in their present formats.
Salem CEO, David Santrella, said, “While Salem closes our chapter in Honolulu, I am thrilled to know that these stations are going to a buyer that has a shared passion for the formats we have there and plans to keep those formats intact, particularly the Christian Teach and Talk and Conservative News Talk formats.”
Monroe D. Greer, General Managing Partner for Malama Media Group, said, “Malama Media Group is thrilled and honored to serve Honolulu and continue the rich legacy established by Salem Media Group. We are highly committed to building a strong family of radio stations that serve our listeners and advertisers well, rooted in strong biblical values and a deep love for the community we serve. Our mission is to meet the needs both physical and spiritual of the Hawaiian community and beyond while reflecting Christ's love in all we do. We are humbled and excited to become part of the Hawaiian Ohana and look forward to this exciting new chapter.”
The sale of the stations will close pewnding FCC approval.
Audacy’s Newsradio WRVA 1140 AM/96.1 FM in Richmond has announced the addition of Rich Herrera as the new morning host of Richmond’s Morning News.
Herrera steps into the role previously held by John Reid, who resigned in late January 2025 to run for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.
Herrera brings over 30 years of broadcasting experience, primarily in sports radio, to WRVA. His career spans major markets including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tampa, Miami, St. Louis, and Tucson, with stints at prominent stations and networks such as Fox Sports Radio, SiriusXM, and CBS Sports Radio.
Most recently, Herrera served as Head of Marketing for Charlotte’s Web, a CBD company, while also hosting weekends for Audacy’s Infinity Sports Radio.
Prior roles include programming and hosting afternoons at Cumulus’ “Wildcats Radio 1290” KCUB in Tucson (2020–2022), and serving as Assistant Program Director and Senior Executive Producer for Audacy’s “97.3 The Fan” KWFN in San Diego, where he also hosted pre- and post-game shows for the San Diego Padres radio network (2016–2020). Earlier, he worked with the Tampa Bay Rays and hosted at stations like WHFS Tampa, KMOX St. Louis, and WAXY Miami.
Herrera’s shift from sports talk to news/talk radio reflects a personal evolution. A self-described lifelong conservative and son of a migrant farm worker, he expressed a desire to contribute to the nation that shaped his opportunities.
In a statement on X, Herrera said, “I’m thrilled to join NewsRadio WRVA as the new host of Richmond’s Morning News! As [WRVA] turns 100 & America nears 250, I’m honored to be in Virginia, where history comes to life. Let’s get to work, Richmond!” He also highlighted his excitement after meeting with Audacy Virginia Senior Vice President Bennett Zier and Market Manager Zach McHugh, noting that hosting the morning show made him “fall in love with the station.”
WRVA has a storied history since its first broadcast on November 2, 1925, and remains a 50,000-watt Class A station with a strong regional presence. Herrera’s hiring signals Audacy’s intent to maintain WRVA’s prominence in news and talk radio while blending his seasoned broadcasting skills with a fresh perspective for Richmond listeners.
Tracy Morgan experienced a health scare while attending a New York Knicks game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.
The comedian and actor, known for his roles on 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live, was sitting courtside when he reportedly became ill during the third quarter.
According to accounts from the game’s broadcast and posts on X, Morgan threw up on the court and appeared to have a nosebleed, prompting a pause of several minutes in play to clean up the area. He was seen blotting his face with a towel and was wheeled out of the arena in a wheelchair by medical staff, though he remained conscious.
Morgan, a devoted Knicks fan often spotted courtside, has a history of significant health challenges, including a near-fatal car accident in 2014 that left him in a coma for two weeks, a kidney transplant in 2010, and ongoing diabetes management.
No official statement from Morgan’s representatives has clarified the cause of this incident.
A Madison Square Garden spokesperson expressed hope for his recovery, saying, “We hope Tracy feels better soon and look forward to seeing him back courtside.”
Speculation on X ranged from a serious medical event to overindulgence on St. Patrick’s Day, but nothing has been confirmed.
The Knicks won the game 116-95 after play resumed. Updates may follow as more information becomes available.
Kayleigh McEnany, the 36-year-old former White House Press Secretary, appeared on Outnumbered to share a joyous announcement on Monday morning. With excitement in her voice, she revealed, "Sean and I are expecting our third child, which we're absolutely thrilled about," prompting enthusiastic cheers from her fellow hosts.
McEnany (right) is married to Sean Patrick Gilmartin, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Tampa Bay Rays before retiring. The couple already has two children: five-year-old daughter Blake and two-year-old son Nash.
Having served as White House Press Secretary from April 2020 until the conclusion of President Trump's first term in January 2021, McEnany dropped hints about her exciting news throughout the morning broadcast. For the occasion, the former White House aide turned television host donned a vibrant pink blazer and heels, though she quickly clarified that the color choice "isn't a hint" about the baby's gender.
McEnany promised an on-air gender reveal at a future date and shared that the baby is expected to arrive in June. She even displayed a photo of her ultrasound scan, expressing how she has been cherishing this "truly special time" with her family.
Cumulus Media announces the launch of a new installment of its original multi-part audio series, Your Music Plus, featuring Country superstar Miranda Lambert’s single, “Run.” The Your Music Plus feature takes Country fans behind the making of “Run,” the second single from Lambert’s album, Postcards From Texas. The new Your Music Plus feature runs for the next eight weeks on Cumulus Media’s Country stations across the U.S.
Greg Frey, VP of Music Partnerships, Cumulus Media, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with our friends at Republic and Big Loud to land Miranda Lambert’s “Run” as the next Your Music Plus campaign across our Country stations. “Run” is an honest look at the end of a relationship, and Miranda brings a real vulnerability to the words and melodies she wrote herself. Paired with Miranda’s exclusive content about her new music, career, and life, our listeners will get an unprecedented view of this Country superstar.”
Your Music Plus highlights new music in a unique way by sharing with radio listeners the thoughts of the biggest stars in different formats in a series of revealing and exclusive vignettes across AC, Alternative, CHR, Country, Hot AC, Rock and Urban formats. The shows feature artist commentary on the song, with artists presenting different aspects of their song’s personal meaning, the inspiration behind the music, and insights on their life and career.
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon recently made claims about experiencing sexual harassment from women during his 17-year tenure at the network. In an appearance on Bill Maher’s podcast, Club Random, on March 16, 2025, Lemon discussed multiple instances of alleged harassment, shedding light on what he described as a "dark part of his past" while exploring gender and power dynamics.
One specific incident Lemon recounted occurred in a CNN cafeteria in Atlanta, where he alleged a female colleague "tweaked" his nipples and made a comment, saying, “Oh, it’s cold in here!” Lemon stated that he refrained from reporting this to human resources, noting a perceived double standard: “If I did that, they’d be walking me out the door right now.” He explained his reluctance to escalate the matter by saying he "didn’t care to go to HR" and chose not to speak out due to the potential repercussions.
"She tweaked my n*pples."
Don Lemon says he was harassed by a female while working at CNN as he details instances where he was harassed by men and women throughout his life.
Lemon also alluded to another unreported incident involving a female superior at CNN, who he claimed sexually harassed him off company property. He suggested this woman, aware of his sexual orientation as a gay man, pressured him to stay at her home after a business event in Atlanta.
According to Lemon, she insisted he stay in her guest room rather than leave, and he described her behavior toward him afterward as “so mean.” He rationalized not reporting this incident by expressing fear that, given her stature at the company, management might not believe him or could use it as a pretext to terminate him. Lemon did not name the individuals involved in either case.
During the podcast, Lemon framed these experiences within a broader discussion about gender dynamics, asserting that as a man, he felt able to say "no" in these situations—a luxury he believes women may not always have when the roles are reversed. These claims mark the first time Lemon has publicly accused unnamed female colleagues at CNN of sexual harassment, contrasting with his prior public persona as an advocate for the #MeToo movement during his time at the network.
The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has elected Kristin Cantrell, Owner/CEO, Seven Mountains Media and CapCity Communications, Kate Riley, President and CEO, America’s Public Television Stations (APTS), and Peter H. Smyth, former Chairman and CEO, Greater Media, to its Board of Directors.
Chair of the Broadcasters Foundation, Scott Herman, said, “We are delighted that broadcast executives of this caliber will serve on our Board. Their advocacy for our charitable mission is exemplary. Their input and ideas will help us continue to reach out to broadcasters across America to help those in our business who are in critical need.”
The Broadcasters Foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of highly respected broadcast executives who are committed to “giving back” through the Broadcasters Foundation. The members of the Board represent a wide array of broadcast and broadcast-related companies.
For information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to make a donation or apply for aid, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact the BFOA at 212-373-8250, or info@thebfoa.org.
➦In 1911...Lester Alvin Burnett was born (Died at age 55 from leukemia – February 16, 1967).
Smiley Burnette
He better known as Smiley Burnette, was a country music performer and a comedic actor in Western films and on radio and TV, playing sidekick to Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and other B-movie cowboys. He was also a prolific singer-songwriter who could play as many as 100 musical instruments, some simultaneously. His career, beginning in 1934, spanned four decades, including a regular role on CBS-TV's Petticoat Junction in the 1960s.
He began singing as a child and learned to play a wide variety of instruments by ear, yet never learned to read or write music. In his teens, he worked in vaudeville, and starting in 1929, at the state's first commercial radio station, WDZ-AM in Tuscola, Illinois.
Burnette came by his nickname while creating a character for a WDZ children's program. He was reading Mark Twain's "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" at the time, which included a character named Jim Smiley. He named the radio character Mr. Smiley and soon adopted the moniker as his own, dropping the title.
He made 80 western movies with Autry, then in TV became a regular on Ozark Jubilee, and played Charlie the railroad engineer on Petticoat Junction.
➦In 1912... Art Gilmore born in Tacoma, WA (Died at age 98 – September 25, 2010) . He was an actor and announcer heard in on radio and television programs, children's records, movies, trailers, radio commercials, and documentary films. He also appeared in several television series and a few feature films.
Art Gilmore
Raised in Tacoma, Washington, Gilmore attended Washington State University in 1931, where he was a member of the Chi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity and a member of the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Theta Chi fraternity. In 1935, he got hired to work as an announcer for Seattle's KOL Radio. In 1936, he became a staff announcer for the Warner Brothers' radio station KFWB in Hollywood and then moved to the CBS-owned station KNX as a news reader. During World War II, he served as a fighter-director U.S. Navy officer aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean.
Leaving the Navy, he decided to become a professional singer and returned to Hollywood. With a group of notable Hollywood radio stars, including Edgar Bergen, Ralph Edwards and Jim Jordan, Gilmore founded Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters in 1966.
Gilmore's announcing voice became a part of many classic radio programs. Drawing his inspiration from the radio sports commentators of the 1930s, he became the announcer for Amos 'n' Andy, The Adventures of Frank Race, Dr. Christian, Sears Radio Theater, Stars over Hollywood, The Golden Days of Radio and other radio shows. It was Gilmore who introduced Herbert W. Armstrong and Garner Ted Armstrong, reminding listeners to request free religious literature at the conclusion of "The World Tomorrow" on radio and television.
He narrated 156 episodes of syndicated TV’s Highway Patrol with Broderick Crawford, 39 segments of Mackenzie’s Raiders with Richard Carlson, and 41 episodes of Men of Annapolis
➦In 1922...WHN-AM, NYC signed-on at 833Kc
According to Faded Signals, WHN, New York City, signed on in 1922 as the radio station of The Ridgewood Times newspaper. It was one of the city’s first radio stations, featuring a format of jazz and dance music of the era, as well as children’s shows, variety programs and newscasts. The Loew’s Theater Organization bought the station in 1928.
The station played jazz and contemporary dance music, including Sophie Tucker, Fletcher Henderson, and Duke Ellington, as well as broadcasting Columbia University football games. In 1928 the station was bought by the Loew's Theatre Organization.
During the 1920s the station's frequency changed to 830, 760, and then 1010.
In the 1930s it broadcast the Major Bowes Amateur Hour, which was picked up by the CBS Radio Network.
WHN made its final frequency change to 1050 in 1941.
During the 1940s the programs Radio Newsreel and Newsreel Theater were prototypes for what would later become the all-news radio format. The station broadcast Brooklyn Dodgers games with Red Barber as well as the New York Giants and New York Rangers with Marty Glickman.
In 1948, WHN became WMGM, reflecting the Loew’s then-ownership of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer movie studio. The station continued its diversified format until flipping to Top 40 and rock music in the mid 1950s. While it included some R&B, country and instrumentals in the Top 40 mix, WMGM carried a narrower, more up-tempo playlist.
By the early 1960s, WMGM 1050 AM had several competitors in the Top 40 radio market. WINS, WABC and WMCA all were playing rock, and WMGM was falling behind in the ratings.
Storer Broadcasting bought the station in 1962, renaming it WHN and dropping the Top 40 in favor of slow-paced “beautiful music” and standards.
WHN also became New York City’s Mutual Radio Network affiliate. Bob & Ray, WABC legend Herb Oscar Anderson and Jim Ameche were some of WHN’s on-air personalities.
The station picked up New York Mets baseball and launched Marv Albert’s sportscasting career.
WHN’s ratings were low and skewed toward older demographics. After researching the market, Storer converted WHN to a country format in 1973. Here’s an aircheck from WHN’s Bruce Bradley in 1973:
Mutual bought WHN in the late 1980s. An FM competitor flipped to country from 1980 to 1984, hurting WHN’s ratings.
Doubleday Broadcasting bought WHN in 1985, and Emmis Communications bought it the following year. Emmis added sports talk in the evenings, keeping the country format during the day.
In 1987, Emmis announced WHN would become all-sports WFAN. When Emmis purchased NBC’s New York radio stations in 1988, the company moved WFAN from 1050 AM to 660 AM, formerly occupied WNBC.
Spanish Broadcasting System purchased the 1050 AM license and became WUKQ, a Spanish Adult Contemporary station. Spanish Broadcasting System wanted to swap 1050 AM with cash for the Jewish Daily Forward’s FM station, WEVD 97.9. The deal was approved in 1989.
WEVD’s call letters and programming moved to the 1050 AM frequency. The station mainly carried a brokered format of ethnic programs, talk shows and foreign-language programming. By the mid-1990s, WEVD moved to a left-leaning news-talk format.
An agreement with ABC/Disney brought ESPN’s “The Dan Patrick Show” to WEVD in 2001. A public campaign to save the old format failed. On the final day of the news/talk format, soon-to-be-terminated staffers occasionally interrupted portions of the brokered programming with sometimes-profane audio clips. On September 2, 2001, WEVD became “1050 ESPN Radio.”
The call letters were changed to WEPN in 2003 after Disney bought the station, competing directly with WFAN’s all-sports format. In 2012, WEPN’s programming moved to 98.7 FM. ESPN Deportes later moved the 1050 AM frequency.
On June 11, 2019, ESPN announced that it would be discontinuing the ESPN Deportes Radio network on September 8, 2019. It was stated that WEPN would switch back to an English-language sports format at this time.
WEPN-AM is now owned by Good Karma broadcasting. Good Karma also rents airtime on Audacy's 880 AM (formerly WCBS-AM). Both frequencies air sports.
➦In 1937...the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued its first construction permit for an FM radio station to W1XOJ in Boston, Massachusetts. This station, which later signed on in 1941 as WGTR, marked a significant milestone in the development of FM (frequency modulation) broadcasting. FM technology, pioneered by Edwin Howard Armstrong, offered superior sound quality and less interference compared to AM (amplitude modulation), paving the way for its eventual widespread adoption in the radio industry.
➦In 1939...saxophone player Frank Mane, who knew Frank Sinatra from Jersey City radio station WAAT where both performed on live broadcasts, arranged for him to audition and record "Our Love", his first solo studio recording.
➦In 1940...the daytime drama “Light of the World” began airing on the NBC Blue Network. It aired for 10years and was unique in that it featured the Bible as the center of the story line.
➦In 1974...Jim Kerr started mornings on WPLJ 95.5 FM NYC
He began his career at age 14 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. After working at stations in Howell and Ann Arbor Michigan, Kerr joined WORJ, a progressive rock station in Orlando, Florida. At 18, he returned to his hometown and joined the airstaff of WKNR, Detroit. At 19, he served as morning host at WDAI, Chicago, at 20 he moved to the legendary WLS, and when he was 21, he became New York’s youngest morning show host at WPLJ.
Kerr has been the morning show host on six NYC stations, most notably 15 years at WPLJ and as of 2018, 15 years at WAXQ Q 104.3 FM.
➦In 1985... Capital Cities announced that it would purchase ABC Radio for $3.5 billion, which shocked the media industry, as ABC was some four times bigger than Capital Cities was at the time.
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