Tuesday, October 8, 2024

FCC To Activate Hurricane Milton Disaster Reports

The FCC has announced it will activate the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) in response to Hurricane Milton, which is expected to impact Florida. 

This activation, effective from October 9, 2024, is in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Communications providers in the affected areas are required to submit and update information through DIRS regarding the status of their communications equipment, restoration efforts, and power sources (commercial or backup). This helps ensure that critical communication infrastructure remains operational during and after the hurricane.

Hurricane Milton, now a Category 4, will reach the west coast of Florida late Wednesday or in the predawn darkness of Thursday morning as a major hurricane,

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says there’s still much uncertainty about Hurricane Milton, but the state is preparing to open highway shoulders for mass evacuations to come.

Individual counties make evacuation calls. “Once those orders come down from all the counties, I think it’s going to be a significant number of people,” DeSantis said. 

The Florida Department of Transportation is monitoring traffic, and as soon as travel speeds are down to 40 mph, the state will begin to open shoulders for travel to relieve congestion, according to state Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue. 

Tampa Mayor's Dire Warning: If You Stay, You Will Die


The mayor of Tampa Bay, a city that’s in the crosshairs of Hurricane Milton, issued a grave warning to Florida residents who don’t heed calls to evacuate ahead of the monster storm.

“If you choose to stay … you are going to die,” Mayor Jane Castor bluntly said on CNN while talking about the dangers of Milton, a “literally catastrophic” Category 5 hurricane that’s barreling toward the Sunshine State’s coast.

The powerful storm could hit Florida as early as Wednesday and may be more destructive than deadly Hurricane Helene, which ripped through parts of the Sunshine State just last week.

Castor emphasized that attempting to ride out the storm would – not could – prove fatal. The time to flee is now, she urged residents in evacuation zones.

Hurricane Milton surged Monday into a monster Category 5 storm with 180 mph winds in the Gulf of Mexico, and is forecast to remain a dangerous major hurricane ahead of landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast.



As of 11 p.m., the NHC said Milton had weakened slightly, with it maximum-sustained winds at 165 mph, which is still a powerful Category 5 hurricane, the highest level in its wind scale. Sitting amid the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and low wind shear, it was located 630 miles southwest of Tampa and 35 miles north-northwest of Progresso, Mexico moving east at 9 mph north of the Yucatan peninsula.

“The [winds] decrease is likely the result of an eyewall replacement reported by the Hurricane Hunters,” the hurricane center said. “Notwithstanding, Milton still remains an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane”

The intensity forecast projects that Milton will maintain its 160-165 mph winds through the next 24 hours before beginning to lose steam as it turns toward Florida.

Radio Listening Levels Expected To Grow An Estimated 10%


In a series of private meetings with customers, Nielsen has revealed potential plans to enhance the way it generates average quarter-hour audiences in the 48 markets which utilize the Portable People Meter. 

Crediting to AM/FM radio listening in local PPM markets will increase by +24%. 

For national marketers and media agencies, the expected impact in 2025 will be a +10% increase in total U.S. listening levels. 

This week’s Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group® blog examines the implications for AM/FM radio.



The trend of AM/FM radio surpassing TV in ratings will accelerate: Over the last five years, AM/FM radio has overtaken linear TV in ratings. Based on TV and AM/FM radio audience forecasts, 2025 will see AM/FM radio overtake TV in the all-important 25-54 demographic by 13% and widen its ratings lead over TV among 18-49s by 47%.

 2025 post-buy analyses will overachieve 2024 media plans: In PPM markets, expect up to +24% increases in audience deliveries based on prior year schedules. For local buys, outcomes will vary by demographic, markets utilized, and AM/FM radio programming format mix.

 

Lawmakers Ratchet-Up Soros, Audacy Deal


Republican lawmakers on Monday ratcheted up the investigation into billionaire George Soros’ purchase of a wide swath of Audacy radio stations.

Soros is a major donor to Democratic and liberal causes whose purchase of American radio stations just before the election raised eyebrows and drew Congressional inquiry.

The deal began when the large radio company Audacy filed for bankruptcy. Via a complicated business deal, Soros gained control of the stations.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers said in a release Monday that the deal would include "25% of the company being indirectly foreign owned,” something that normally would trigger Federal Communications Commission review.

However, that review was waived, fast tracking the deal.

Rodgers led the lawmakers in a letter to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel demanding answers on the issue. That letter, which was signed by about 40 Republican lawmakers, is the latest Congressional scrutiny of Soros’ purchases.

“We write to better understand the recent decision made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to waive its foreign ownership rules to fast track the purchase of more than 200 radio stations in the United States (U.S.) by a Fund backed by a Democrat mega-donor,” the letter said.

“This process seemed to deviate from the regular order with which the FCC has historically reviewed transactions under Section 310(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 … and with this approval happening just before a Presidential election, the timing seems suspect,” the letter continued.

KJP Storms Out Of Briefing Room When Challenged


White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stomped away from her briefing Monday after a back-and-forth with a reporter about whether a question related to the federal response to Hurricane Helene was “misinformation.”

The NY Post reports Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked Jean-Pierre to explain why the Harris-Biden administration had nearly $157 million at-the-ready to assist displaced people and refugees in Lebanon, but needs to beg Congress for additional funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as FEMA  faces a shortfall in the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. 

“We’ve taken this very seriously,” the White House spokeswoman responded. “More than $200 million that we have provided to the impacted areas, but instead, people want to do disinformation, misinformation, which is dangerous.” 

When Doocy asked what the lack of additional funding for FEMA – noted by President Biden in a recent letter to congressional leaders – but available funds for Lebanon says about Biden’s “values,” Jean-Pierre again charged that his question was “misinformation.” 

“Your whole premise of the question is misinformation, sir,” Jean-Pierre said. 

“Excuse me?” Doocy shot back. 

“Yes, yes, it’s misinformation,” the White House press secretary tripled-down. “I just mentioned to you that we provided more than $200 million to folks who are impacted in the area.” 

The 81-year-old president warned the leaders of the House and Senate on Friday that “without additional funding, FEMA would be required to forego longer-term recovery activities in favor of meeting urgent needs.”  

“The Congress should provide FEMA additional resources to avoid forcing that kind of unnecessary trade-off,” Biden added, noting that in addition to the parts of the country devastated by Hurricane Helene, “many other communities are also in urgent need of disaster assistance.” 

CBS News Chastises Co-Host for 'Hostile' Interview


A top CBS News executive said in a staff meeting on Monday that morning show co-host Tony Dokoupil did not uphold the network’s editorial standards when he grilled author Ta-Nehisi Coates during a Sept. 30 interview, according to The Washington Post.

During the interview, Dokoupil confronted Coates right from the start and questioned the credibility of the award-winning author’s new book, “The Message,” which he said “delegitimizes the pillars of Israel” and could have been written by an “extremist.” (Coates writes about his visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank and delves into how this experience has informed his criticism of “apartheid” in Israel.)

During the all-staff meeting on Monday morning, CBS News executive Adrienne Roark said an internal review determined that the interview was not in line with the network’s commitment to neutrality. She added that the matter has been “addressed” internally, without providing any specifics.

“We all must conduct ourselves in a way that avoids raising any questions about our journalistic independence and integrity,” said Roark, who did not mention Dokoupil by name. “We have to check our biases at the door.”

Roark’s sentiment was seconded by Wendy McMahon, the executive ultimately in charge of the network, according to an employee who listened to the call and spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter.

In a moment that surprised CBS News employees, chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford pushed back on Roark and argued that the interview upheld the network’s journalistic purpose and mission. While network morning shows are normally geared toward lighter fare that is more palatable to a daybreak audience, “CBS Mornings” has distinguished itself by being more news-heavy.

“I thought our commitment was to truth,” Crawford said, according to an audio recording of the meeting published by the Free Press. “And when someone comes on our air with a one-sided account of a very complex situation, as Coates himself acknowledges that he has, it’s my understanding that as journalists we are obligated to challenge that worldview so that our viewers can have that access to the truth or a fuller account, a more balanced account. And, to me, that is what Tony did.”

After Crawford’s comments, many CBS News employees who attended via Zoom turned off their video cameras, the employee on the call said. Roark’s comments were first reported by Puck.

The interview with Coates drew immediate backlash from observers on social media, including many who said the guest was ambushed. Some also pointed out that Dokoupil has two children who live in Israel, which could be seen as a conflict of interest. (Dokoupil has previously talked about his children on the show. “Just as a father, I think people can understand if somebody, anybody, is firing rockets in the direction of your children, without regard to whether they are struck or not, you’re going to feel a thing or two,” he said two days after the Hamas attack.)

Podcaster Alex Cooper Scoops SiriusXM's Howard Stern


Howard Stern, once the King of All Media, is reportedly spiraling after rival SiriusXM podcast Call Her Daddy scored an interview with Kamala Harris before he did.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "This is the latest sign Howard is losing his grip on his mega-money deal as the face of Sirius.

"He was raging behind the scenes Kamala did Call Her Daddy first, and he’s now gripped with fear this could be the start of the end of his career."

Cooper
Call Her Daddy getting the jump on Stern comes just a couple of months after host Alex Cooper signed a multi-year $125million deal with the broadcasting giant. A move some interpreted could be a sign the 70-year-old shock jock and his controversial The Howard Stern Show are on their way out at SiriusXM.

The 30-year-old podcaster confirmed the news in an Instagram post: "THANK YOU @siriusxm DADDY GANG GET READY. WE ARE AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE AND DOING IT EVEN BIGGER IN 2025."

Cooper's $42million per year SiriusXM deal puts her earnings higher than any network television host.

The only media personalities who earn more are Stern and Joe Rogan, according to Outkick.

Stern, who became the face of SiriusXM when he landed one of the biggest deals in radio history in 2006, reportedly makes $80million a year. He signed a five-year deal in 2020, which is set to expire next year.

It's unclear if he will resign with Sirius or retire, but as RadarOnline.com previously reported, Cooper landing the Harris interview before him and her massive deal could suggest the platform is looking to draw in a younger audience.

Call Her Daddy consistently ranks in the top three podcasts on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. It also draws in the lucrative 18 to 36-year-old demographic.

Immediately after Cooper released a clip of her surprise interview with the Democratic presidential nominee, 59, fans blasted her in the comments for getting too political on her pop-culture-focused podcast.

Another fan wrote: "Oh nooo why did we have to get THIS political. Listening to your podcasts was a nice escape from everything we hear about politics daily."

Cleveland Radio: Keith Britton Named Brand Manager at 92.3 The Fan


Audacy elevates Keith Britton to Brand Manager of 92.3 The Fan (WKRK-FM) in Cleveland. In this role, Britton will oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations, and branding. Britton had previously served as the station’s Assistant Brand Manager since 2019.

“Keith’s deep understanding of the station, his passion for sports radio, and his proven leadership make him the ideal person to drive The Fan’s continued success,” said Jeff Miller, Senior Vice President, Market Manager and Director of Sales, Audacy Cleveland. “Keith has played an integral role in shaping the station’s identity over the years, and we look forward to seeing him grow in this new position.”

Twin Cities Radio: Audacy, MLB Twins Extend Broadcast Partnership


The Minnesota Twins and Audacy has announced a multi-year extension of the club’s radio broadcast rights partnership, ensuring widespread distribution of Twins baseball on the legacy flagship 830 WCCO (WCCO-AM) and simulcast on the FM dial with the 100,000-watt 102.9 The Wolf (KMNB-FM), along with free live streaming via the Audacy app for fans in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, western Wisconsin and northern Iowa. 

The extension begins with the 2025 season and includes exclusive local radio broadcast rights for all Twins spring training, regular season and Postseason games.

This renewed partnership also continues a longstanding relationship between the Twins and 830 WCCO, which has served as the flagship radio home of Minnesota Twins baseball for 53 of the club’s first 64 seasons.

Emergency Grants For Broadcasters Foundation Available


The Broadcasters Foundation of America is delivering emergency financial assistance to qualifying colleagues in the radio and TV industry who have been personally hit hard by Hurricane Helene. The Foundation’s Emergency Grant Program is set up with a streamlined vetting process that enables the charity to get emergency funds to those in desperate need quickly.

“Broken pipes, power outages, displacement, and more have brought devastation to many of our colleagues,” noted Tim McCarthy, President of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. “We’ve already approved over half a dozen requests and that’s just the beginning. Based on the number of requests from previous disasters, we know that figure will grow significantly as those impacted by the storm assess their damage and determine the costs.

“We’ve also reached out to groups and state associations in the areas impacted by Hurricane Helene and asked them to inform their employees and members that we are here to provide aid to those who need it most,” McCarthy added. “Our colleagues cannot be left alone to struggle.”

Individuals in radio and television may apply for emergency aid to see if they qualify by clicking here.

For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

Jane Roe Alleges Trisha Yearwood Was Complicit

Garth Brooks

A woman has filed a lawsuit against Garth Brooks for alleged sexual battery and assault. She has now told the court in her case that Trisha Yearwood knew what her husband was allegedly doing. While Garth has denied all the charges against him, things look like they will get bad for the country music superstar.

TVShowsace.com reports Jane Roe, who worked as a hairstylist for Garth Brooks, 62, and Trisha Yearwood, 60, for years, has sued the country music star. The woman says she began working for Trisha in 1999 and Garth in 2017. She said he hired her more when he learned she was financially struggling.

Roe said after this, Brooks subjected her to sexual harassment on numerous occasions. She then claims that Garth raped her in 2019. In her lawsuit, she claims he sent her sexually explicit text messages and pressured her to engage in sexting with him. She is suing Brooks for sexual battery and assault.

With Trisha Yearwood

However, she has also named Trisha Yearwood, saying that she knew what her husband was doing. Roe claims that Trisha heard Garth’s explicit talk at least once (via In Touch). She said that things got worse after his alleged assault. She also claims he talked about threesomes with Trisha and said he has had sex all over the country.

Jane Roe is seeking unspecified damages in her lawsuit.

Garth Brooks has denied all the allegations against him. Not only that, but he said that he filed a lawsuit against Jane Roe a month before she filed hers against him. Garth said she was attempting to extort him for money. He also said he did not list the names in his lawsuit since he wanted to keep things anonymous for his family and hers.

Audacy To Spread Holiday Cheer Across the Country


Audacy is celebrating the upcoming holiday season with the return of the Company’s annual “Deck The Hall Ball” and “Alice in Winterland” events. Andy Grammer, Benson Boone, Dasha, Haven Madison, Mark Ambor, ONEREPUBLIC, Teddy Swims and The Fray will stop in Baltimore, Boston, Denver and the San Francisco Bay Area for four unforgettable nights of good tunes and electrifying performances.

🎄Thursday, December 5 – Alice 105.9’s “Alice in Winterland” at Fillmore Auditorium, Denver CO...Starring Benson Boone, Dasha and more. Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1E006139B39930B0

🎄Thursday, December 12 – Mix 106.5’s “Deck The Hall Ball” at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, Baltimore, MD.. Starring Teddy Swims, The Fray and DashaTickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15006138B6183C4C

🎄Friday, December 13 – Alice 97.3’s “Alice in Winterland” at Paramount Theatre Oakland, Oakland, CA Starring ONEREPUBLIC, Andy Grammer and Haven Madison Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1E006139B39930B0

🎄Saturday, December 14 – Mix 104.1’s “Deck The Hall Ball” at Agganis Arena, Boston, MA Starring Teddy Swims, The Fray and Mark Ambor Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/01006138B4DE38EF

Tickets for Baltimore, Boston and Denver shows are on sale now. The pre-sale for Alice 97.3’s “Alice in Winterland” begins Thursday, October 10, at 10:00 a.m. PT, and tickets go on sale Friday, October 11, at 10:00 a.m. PT.

For more information on the “Deck The Hall Ball” and “Alice in Winterland” tour, visit Audacy.com.

R.I.P.: Cissy Houston, Gospel Singer, Mother of Whitney


Cissy Houston, a two-time Grammy-winning gospel singer who was the mother of late pop titan Whitney Houston, died Monday. She was 91, according to The LA Times.

In a statement to The Times, the estate of Whitney Houston said that the matriarch, who performed with Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, died Monday morning in her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease. She was surrounded by family.

“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts,” Pat Houston said in the statement. (Pat is married to Cissy Houston’s son, former NBA player Gary Houston.)

R.I.P.: Ben Manila, Former WLIR Personality

Ben Manilla (1953-2024)

Ben Manilla, a legendary DJ with a legendary station — Hempstead's WLIR/92.7 — who decamped from New York to San Francisco 33 years ago to launch his own celebrated radio production company, has died. 

Newsday reports he was 71, and had been battling multiple myeloma over the past several years, according to former WLIR news director Steve North, who announced Manilla's death on Facebook. North, who said Manilla died Sept. 30, added that he had been hospitalized over the summer for treatment for a blood disease.

Manilla was one of the DJs over a ten-year span in the 1980s who turned a scrappy station into a music industry dynamo and one of the most influential radio stations in the U.S., by embracing punk, synth and New Wave long before its rivals in the big city just off to the west.