Sinclair Broadcasting appears to have emerged as the leading candidate to win the auction of the 21st Century Fox’s Regional Sports Networks Opens a New Window. , having placed what people close to the deal call the top bid to acquire the properties, FOX Business is reporting.
The auction, which began in November, came to an end earlier in the week, when bankers at Allen & Co., accepted final bids from several companies including: Liberty Media, the BIG3 basketball league led by hip-hop impresario Ice Cube, and Sinclair, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.
Major League Baseball had been a solo bidder on the networks, known as RSNs, but recently pulled out and joined cable honcho John Malone’s Liberty Media in the bidding war, these people say.
Sinclair is said to have bid around $10 billion for the RSNs, which must be sold as part of Disney’s $71 billion purchase of Fox’s entertainment assets to meet federal regulatory requirements since Disney already owns the cable sports network giant, ESPN. The RSNs are a group of cable networks that provide a variety of sports broadcasting throughout the country.
Bankers are said to have determined late Friday that Sinclair had the leading bid at least for the moment, though it’s unclear if they will be declared the official winner of the six-month bidding process. Sources add that bankers are continuing to work the deal heading into the Easter and Passover holiday weekend, looking for a better offer from other bidders, so it’s possible another player could step up with a higher price.
People close to the deal say the winner is likely to be announced in the coming days.
Fox News was the most-watched broadcast or cable news network on Thursday for the release of special counsel Robert Mueller's report, according to The Hill citing early reports from Nielsen Media Research.
Fox averaged 2.8 million total viewers from the time period starting with Attorney General William Barr's press conference at 9:30 a.m. through 1 p.m., about two hours after the report's release.
MSNBC was second with 2.01 million total viewers, while CNN finished third with 1.17 million viewers during the same time period.
In the key demographic of 25- to 54-year-olds, Fox News was first with 441,000 viewers. MSNBC was second with 307,000 in the category and CNN third with 286,000.
Prime-time numbers also showed Fox News on top in delivering an average of 3.2 million viewers on Thursday night.
MSNBC was second with 2.57 million viewers and CNN third with 1.11 million.
In the younger demographic, Fox News registered 591,000 viewers in the category, while MSNBC had 445,000 and CNN had 315,000 viewers.
The top five cable news programs for Thursday were Fox's "Hannity" at 3.63 million viewers, followed by MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show" with 3.23 million and Fox's "Tucker Carlson Tonight" with 3.15 million.
Fox's "The Five" and "The Ingraham Angle" round out the top five with approximately 2.92 million viewers each.
Harry Hamm, a longtime KMOX 1120 AM broadcaster and entertainment editor, was charged Friday with child pornography possession and child sex abuse.
The 77-Year-Old Hamm was charged with second-degree statutory sodomy, incest and possession of child pornography, all felonies.
Court documents say that on Wednesday, Hamm had “deviate sexual intercourse” with a relative younger than 17.
Hamm also had images on his phone of children under 18 “partially and completely nude in sexual positions displaying their genitals,” charges say.
.A statement from KMOX owner Entercom said the company “just learned of the troubling allegations” Friday afternoon.
“We take these matters very seriously and have placed him on immediate leave as we investigate,” the statement said. “We do not have any further comment at this moment.”
Bail for Hamm was set at $250,000, cash only. Conditions include no contact with the alleged victim nor any children.
According to KMOX’s online biography of Hamm, which was deleted after this article posted to STLtoday.com, Hamm started his broadcasting career with KMOX in 1975 by sharing entertainment reviews on the Jack Carney show.
“His assignments today include leading theater openings and major motion pictures,” the profile said.
He is also “a regular on Total Information AM Weekend Edition and is a contributor on the Charlie Brennan Show,” the profile said. Hamm has conducted numerous interviews with celebrities and was a founding member of the St. Louis Theater Circle, a local arts critics organization.
SiriusXM wants to cater consumers without cars, or cars without compatible stereos, with a new $8 plan for mobile and in-home listening.
Dubbed SiriusXM Essential, the plan offers access to 200+ channels featuring the network’s entire music programming, as well comedy, news and select sports channels. Consumers will be able to test the new plan for just $1 for 3 months.
Not included in the offer are Howard Stern’s channels, as well as NBA, NHL and NCAA channels. SiriusXM is making that programming available for in-home and mobile listening via its Premier Streaming plan, which will be priced $13 per month starting in mid-May.
SiriusXM vice president of marketing Matt Epstein told Variety that the new $8 plan was part of an effort to attract younger audiences. “They don’t spend a long time driving to make it worthwhile,” he told Variety. Many younger listeners didn’t own cars, and possibly never had any exposure to the service. “A lot of people just don’t know about it.”
Another key factor for the launch of the Essential plan was the growing use of smart speakers, explained Epstein: “Over the past year, we have seen a massive increase in in-home listening.” Engagement on Alexa-powered speakers doubled after SiriusXM began a promotion with Amazon, and smart speaker listening as a whole was up 60% year-over-year, he said.
Entercom is the proud recipient of a National Headliner Award, presented by The Press Club of Atlantic City. All-News KCBS 740 AM / 106.9 FM, The Bay Area’s News Leader, was awarded first place in the “Best Breaking News or Continuing Coverage (Radio)” category for “California on Fire,” a compilation of coverage surrounding the 2018 wildfires in Yosemite, Redding, Mendocino and Lake Counties, and Paradise, along with follow-up coverage of the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa.
The station’s entry included reports by Holly Quan, Jenna Lane, Doug Sovern, Megan Goldsby and Jeffrey Schaub, and was anchored by Stan Bunger. This marks the second consecutive year KCBS All News has been recognized with this honor. The award comes ahead of the station’s May celebration of its 51st year anniversary as an all-news station.
The National Headliner Awards program was founded in 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City. Now in its 85th year, the program is one of the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic merit in the communications industry. Since the first awards in 1935, more than 2,600 Headliner medallions have been presented to outstanding writers, photographers, daily newspapers, magazines, graphic artists, radio and television stations and networks, and news syndicates.
Complete audio of the station’s winning entry “California on Fire” can be found here.
A full list of the National Headliner Award winners can be found here.
Earlier this week, KCBS Radio proudly won two Gracie Awards for reporting on the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County, which killed more people and destroyed more buildings than any in the state's history.
Eboni K. Williams, a former co-host of "The Fox News Specialists" on The Fox News Channel, spoke out about her experience working at the network in an interview with The Breakfast Club on WWPR Power 105.1 FM in NYC, podcast this week, addressing those who say the network is "bigoted and racist."
Eboni Williams
According to The Hill, Williams attributed the reputation of the network to its founder, Roger Ailes, tapping into conservatives' "fear of the intrinsic devaluation of whiteness in this country."
"Fox has a reputation for being bigoted and racist, all for very good reason," Williams said in the interview. "In his book, [Roger Ailes] very plainly, in plain sight says he is forming a network to speak to one thing and one thing only: the demonizing of the other."
“I don’t know what his beliefs are, but what he knew was it would be very profitable,” Williams continued. “OK, when you find a fear-based thing like that and you can capitalize on it, in a unique way, no one had ever done this before."
She said Ailes was a "smart businessman" who "saw a void" and "filled it" by offering conservative viewpoints.
Williams, who left the network amicably after her show's cancellation, went on to say that it is important on an "intellectual level" for people to understand Fox News's audience and acknowledge where their viewpoints originate.
“I went there because I felt I was going to be a savior of sorts, and talk to the people in the middle, that still watch that network because whether we like it or not, Fox is No. 1 for a reason," Williams said.
The future of San Diego sports talk radio station XPRS The Mighty 1090 FM remains in doubt after Andreas Bichara, the Mexico-based signal operator, alleging nonpayment of lease fees, this month replaced conversations about the Padres, Gulls and Lakers with Spanish-language music simulcast from a station in Brownsville, TX.
While the station is off the air, some programming is still available via the station’s website and app.
According to timesofsandiego.com, The Mighty 1090, operated by Broadcast Company of the Americas, had a good run since launching in 2003 with opinionated talk-show hosts, loyal listeners and promotions that engaged the community. In 2004, the year Petco Park opened, 1090 began a 12-year run as the flagship radio station for the Padres. The Padres switched to KBZT 94.9-FM for the 2017 season, and it was the first time in history for Padres game broadcasts to be heard on the FM dial.
After losing the Padres, the station focused on its broadcasts of San Diego State Aztecs football and basketball and San Diego Gulls hockey. It also aired the University of San Diego (USD) Toreros football and men’s basketball games beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.
Last year, the station made headlines again by becoming the San Diego flagship station for the National Football League’s Los Angeles Rams. Rather than having XPRS hosts focus on the departed Chargers franchise, the choice was made to stay engaged with the NFL by forging a new partnership with the Rams.
“It was a valuable property at one time, but now I’m afraid it’s gone,” said Mike Shepard, a BCA executive for seven years and former VP of programming. “It’s an incredibly sad and heartbreaking situation that affects a group of very talented people and our community.”
Actor Wendell Pierce has big plans for WBOK 1230 AM, the African American-focused radio station that he and partners have agreed to buy.
Pierce, who started his career hosting a jazz show on WYLD FM in New Orleans before going on to international fame in roles such as Detective Bunk on HBO’s “The Wire,” says the revamp of WBOK will include bringing in well-known local and national broadcasters, broadening the diversity of the on-air talent (including more women), simulcasting live events and having a much bigger variety of cultural, political and sports content.
“We’re going to broaden the platform not just for people in New Orleans but to reach out to folks, understanding that people listen to a lot of different broadcasts on different platforms around the world now,” said Pierce, speaking from London, where he is making is stage debut at the Young Vic Theater, playing Willy Loman, the lead role in Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman”.
WBOK 1230 AM (1 Kw)
WBOK had been up for sale for some time by owners Danny Bakewell Sr. and his son Danny Jr.’s Bakewell Media, which is based in California. The Bakewells, though from New Orleans, had felt they’d become too remote from WBOK to ensure its future development.
“I’ve never known the radio landscape in New Orleans without WBOK,” Pierce told The New Orleans Advocate. “It’s a great opportunity to preserve a great legacy station with deep roots in the community and rejuvenate it and bring it back to the station that I grew up with.
“But it’s not just a labor of love, it’s a business venture,” Pierce continued. “We have some of the greatest culture in the world but we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface delving into that, (including) the opportunity to have culture itself on the radio instead of just discussion of it.”
“We want to do shows that can be syndicated nationally, also on the various internet platforms like podcasts. We’re talking to some nationally-known names now that I’m excited about, also some well-known New Orleans folks,” Pierce says.
Pierce’s partners, including local businessmen Cleveland Spears, Troy Henry and Jeff Thomas, are taking an equity stake, with Liberty Bank providing the balance of the undisclosed purchase price in debt financing. They expect to complete the purchase this quarter and aim for a relaunch of WBOK in the summer.
➦In 1935...'Your Hit Parade' debuted on NBC, as a 60-minute program with 15 songs played in a random format.
Initially, the songs were more important than the singers, so a stable of vocalists went uncredited and were paid only $100 per episode. In 1936-37, it was carried on both NBC and CBS. The first number one song on the first episode was "Soon" by Bing Crosby. The dramatic countdown to the #1 song was adopted several years later, after the show had moved to CBS.
Hugely popular on CBS through the WWII years, Your Hit Parade returned to NBC in 1947. The show's opening theme, from the musical revue George White's Scandals of 1926, was "This Is Your Lucky Day", with music by Ray Henderson and lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva, Stephen W. Ballantine and Lew Brown.
Dozens of singers appeared on the radio program, including "Wee" Bonnie Baker, Dorothy Collins, Beryl Davis, Gogo DeLys, Joan Edwards (1941–46), Georgia Gibbs, Dick Haymes, Snooky Lanson, Gisèle MacKenzie, Johnny Mercer, Andy Russell, Dinah Shore, Ginny Simms, Lawrence Tibbett, Martha Tilton, Eileen Wilson, Barry Wood, and occasional guest vocalists. The show featured two tobacco auctioneers, Lee Aubrey "Speed" Riggs of Goldsboro, North Carolina and F.E. Boone of Lexington, Kentucky. The radio series continued until January 16, 1953.
The success of the show spawned a spin-off series, Your All-Time Hit Parade, sponsored by Lucky Strike and devoted to all-time favorites and standards mixed with some current hits.
➦In 1952...the "Big Show" finished a two year run on the NBC Radio Network.
The Big Show was radio 90-minute variety program featuring top-name comics, stage, screen and music talent, and was aimed at keeping American radio in its classic era alive and well against the rapidly growing television tide. For a good portion of its two-year run (November 5, 1950-April 20, 1952), it was hosted by legendary stage actress and personality Tallulah Bankhead,
The show's success was credited to Bankhead's notorious wit and ad-libbing ability in addition to the show's superior scripting. She had one of the funniest writers in the business on her staff: Goodman Ace, the mastermind of radio's legendary Easy Aces. She included renowned ad-libbers in the show—particularly Fred Allen (he and his longtime sidekick and wife, Portland Hoffa, appeared so often they could have been the show's regular co-hosts) and Groucho Marx, both of whom appeared on the first season's finale and appeared jointly on three other installments.
As Bankhead recorded in her memoirs, she took the show because she needed the money but nearly changed her mind when she feared she'd be little more than a glorified mistress of ceremonies with nothing to do but introduce the feature performers. "Guess what happened?" she continued. "Your heroine emerged from the fracas as the Queen of the Kilocycles. Authorities cried out that Tallulah had redeemed radio. In shepherding my charges through The Big Show, said the critics, I had snatched radio out of the grave. The autopsy was delayed."
➦In 1961…The U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved FM stereo broadcasting.
Invented in 1933 by American Edwin Armstrong, wide-band FM is used worldwide to provide high-fidelity sound over broadcast radio. FM broadcasting is capable of better sound quality than AM broadcasting
In the late 1950s, several systems to add stereo to FM radio were considered by the FCC. Included were systems from 14 proponents including Crosby, Halstead, Electrical and Musical Industries, Ltd (EMI), Zenith, and General Electric. The individual systems were evaluated for their strengths and weaknesses during field tests in Uniontown, Pennsylvania using KDKA-FM in Pittsburgh as the originating station.
The Crosby system was rejected by the FCC because it was incompatible with existing subsidiary communications authorization (SCA) services which used various subcarrier frequencies including 41 and 67 kHz. Many revenue-starved FM stations used SCAs for "storecasting" and other non-broadcast purposes. The Halstead system was rejected due to lack of high frequency stereo separation and reduction in the main channel signal-to-noise ratio.
The GE and Zenith systems, so similar that they were considered theoretically identical, were formally approved by the FCC in April 1961 as the standard stereo FM broadcasting method in the United States and later adopted by most other countries.[
➦In 1985...Flashback..From the pages of Radio&Records...
➦In 2011…Ted Quillin died (Born Theodore Quillin: February 17, 1930 in Oklahoma City). He was a radio personality who was one of the original "Swingin' Seven DJ's" who brought rock and roll into its first major market in 1958 at KFWB in Hollywood. He was in radio for over 60 years.
Ted Quillan
Born in Oklahoma City, Quillin moved to El Paso, Texas where he finished high school and attended Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy now known as UTEP. During this time, while still in high school Ted started his broadcast career at KEPO, an ABC station in El Paso. He started as a ‘gofer’ on a morning show from 6 to 7 AM, before he went to school. He graduated to staff announcer. After that he took a job in Corpus Christi, Texas at KSIX. The program director from KXYZ in Houston heard him, and hired him as a staff announcer. From there he went to WACO in Waco, Texas. Ted moved to KELP which was a Gordon McClendon station, doing top 40. This is where he met Chuck Blore and when Chuck got the call to Hollywood he took Ted with him and Ted became one of the original "Seven Swingin’ Gentlemen", who took Rock and Roll into its first major market, at KFWB. His listeners became known as the "Quiverin' Quillin Clan."
Quillin's years in radio include: KFWB–Hollywood, 1958–61; KRLA–Pasadena, 1962–64; KORK–Las Vegas, 1964–1966, KFI- L.A, 1969; KFOX-Long Beach 1969-71; XPRS-1972, and finally, KORK-Las Vegas, 1972, when he became a permanent resident of Las Vegas.
In 2005 Ted was inducted into the Broadcasters' Hall of Fame in Nevada.
The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) Group has announced Kellie Rasberry, longtime co-host of “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show” as the recipient of the 2019 MIW Airblazer Award.
Now in its 5th year, the MIW Airblazer Award stems from an alliance formed in 2015 between the MIW Group and Talentmasters Morning Show Bootcamp (MSBC). It is an honor bestowed annually to a deserving on-air personality in radio broadcasting. The 2019 Airblazer Award will be presented to Rasberry this August during the 31st Annual MSBC in Chicago.
In addition to her work as co-host of “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show,” Rasberry also co-hosts the twice-weekly podcast "A Sandwich and Some Lovin’” with her husband, Allen Evans. Kellie is also on the Board of Directors for Kidd’s Kids, a non-profit organization which takes children with life-altering conditions and their families on all-expenses paid trips to Disney World.
After more than two decades in radio, Kellie has won several Favorite Female Radio Personality of the Year awards, and was just announced as the 2019 Gracie Award winner for Co-Host, National Radio, by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation. She was a co-host on FOX Television’s “Dish Nation,” co-hosted the syndicated radio show, “Love Letters with Matthew & Kellie,” co-hosted the webcast of the “Blockbuster Entertainment Awards,” co-hosted “Live! With Regis” during their Women of Radio Week, and played a role in the made-for-TV movie “Holiday In Your Heart” starring LeAnn Rimes. She has also commentated for the REELZ Channel docuseries “The Price of Fame.”
“It is the MIW Group’s privilege to acknowledge one of morning radio’s brightest stars, Kellie Rasberry. She is a key voice in a remarkable show that continues to build personal relationships with its listeners and stay relevant in their lives, now more than ever. She also uses her influence to improve the communities she serves,” said MIW Group Spokeswoman Denyse Mesnik.
Last year's honoree MIX 94.1/Las Vegas' Mercedes Martinez who, like previous recipients was charged with selecting the following year's recipient, said, “Kellie has been an inspiration to so many women! I’ve always looked up to her for not just her talent as a radio personality, but for her strength, sense of humor, and intelligence. Not only does she continue to dominate with the Kidd Kraddick show, she herself has emerged as one of our industry’s most beloved leading ladies."
MSBC Host and Jockline Publisher Don Anthony commented, "I can't imagine a more deserving recipient of this year's award than Kellie - She's an airblazer in every sense of the term. Plus, she’s a genuine inspiration to others on-air for her continued success and dominance as a morning host.”
“It is such an honor to receive the MIW Group Airblazer Award the same year I’m celebrating my 25th anniversary in Dallas radio," said Rasberry. "When Kidd Kraddick hired me to be his radio wife back in 1994, he taught me the most valuable lesson I’ve learned in radio — to be myself. Sometimes, that’s a lot harder than it sounds! But taking that advice led to creating a bond with our audience that runs so deep, they stuck with us when Kidd suddenly passed away six years ago. One of the greatest joys I now receive is meeting women who grew up listening to our show as their moms drove them to school, and now they’re introducing me to their kids who listen as they drive them to school! It doesn’t make me feel old. It makes me feel abundantly blessed! And to receive the Airblazer Award this year is the most delicious icing on the cake. Thank you, Mercedes Martinez, for choosing me to receive it.”
The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show is syndicated by YEA Networks and heard on more than 65 Top 40 and Hot AC radio stations across the country, as well as the American Forces Radio Network, weekdays from 5am-10am CST.
As of Thursday, KTWV 94.7 The Wave, Talaya Trigueros has exited KTWV 94.7 The Wave after some 30-years hosting middays.
A native of New Mexico, she moved to San Francisco to attend San Francisco State University to study Broadcasting after volunteering for a few years in college radio.
In San Francisco, she got what she calls her dream job at radio station KRE in Berkeley playing Jazz and Latin Jazz. After the format got tweaked and call letters were changed to KBLX, she was offered the full-time shift during the midday.
She eventually relocated to Los Angeles and soon landed at KTWV.
Trigueros also does voice-overs in English and Spanish, including vocing promos promos for Fox Sports and CBS TV. Trigueros has enjoyed an extraordinary career filled with awards, accolades and number one ratings.
Alpha Media/Portland OR has appointed Sara Perrin as Marketing Director, effective May 1.
Alpha Media Portland includes KXL News/Talk, KBFF/Top 40, KUPL/Country, KINK/AAA, KXTG/Sports, KWEE/Hip Hop, KUFO/Conservative Talk, and the Bloodworks Live Studio.
Sara Perrin
Portland SVP/Market Manager, Lisa Decker, commented on the announcement, “Sara is a dynamic leader with 25 years of experience creating ingenious strategies, effective solutions, and unforgettable tactics to attract, activate, and retain target audiences. Her vast experience working with the biggest brands in Portland, along with her innovative, imaginative, and resourceful problem-solving abilities make her uniquely qualified for this position. We are thrilled to have Sara join the Alpha team.”
“I am excited to partner with Lisa and her creative and talented team in Portland to deliver memorable live and local experiences. I am dedicated to deepening relationships with Alpha’s iconic stations’ fans, advertisers, musicians, and community partners. Years ago, I started my career working at KINK Radio as its Marketing Associate, so to return is a full-circle dream come true,” said Perrin.
Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed radio personality Gordie Daniels as Co-Host, Mornings, on WHHY Y102 FM in Montgomery, AL.
Daniels debuted on the Top 40 station this week, joining Co-Host Tommy Fields for Mornings. The Gordie and Tommy Morning Show airs weekdays on Y102 from 6am-10am. Daniels was previously heard on WJHM-FM in Orlando, FL, and WLLD-FM in Tampa, FL.
Jay Rio, Program Director, Y102/WHHY-FM, said: “It will be exciting to hear a new fresh and real sound from Gordie Daniels for the Y102 morning show. His experience, work ethic and extensive background in mornings, working with Orlando & The Freak Show in Tampa and The Wake Up Posse morning show in Orlando as co-host and morning show producer makes Gordie the best talent to begin our day for Y102.”
Daniels said: “I want to thank the Cumulus team of PD Jay Rio, Greg Frey, Louie Diaz, Rick Hendrick, and Marvin Kopman for giving me the opportunity and platform to host my very own show on Y102. PD Jay Rio made this decision easy and I knew this was the right opportunity because we had radio lineage in common and we were on the same page as to what type of show Y102 needed.”
Major League Baseball won’t get a shot at controlling the nation’s regional sports TV networks, reports The NY Post.
MLB has resigned itself to becoming a minority investor — as Disney wraps up its auction of the 21 so-called RSNs — giving up on a dream to become the operator of a nationwide chain of sports-focused TV channels, sources told The Post.
“MLB preferred majority but have come to the conclusion that it is not going to be possible and they want to be part of a consortium,” according to a source close to the talks.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred surprised media executives in November when he jumped into the auction. At the time, sources close to MLB said the league was angling to centralize the media rights of MLB’s various teams, boosting its ability to resell games to a fast-growing array of online streaming services.
The problem: MLB is owned by the 30 teams it encompasses — and those teams want to charge the RSNs as much as they can for the rights to broadcast their games.
“MLB wants to make sure rights fees go up,” according to a source close to the process.
That wouldn’t sit well with Charter Communications, the cable giant whose biggest shareholder is billionaire John Malone’s Liberty Media, which is a leading bidder in the auction. Ditto for Sinclair Broadcast Group, which some insiders believe is poised to scoop up the RSNs for around $10 billion in the coming days.
Bonneville Denver announced Thursday it has reached an agreement with Tom Nalen to join Sports Radio KKFN 104.3 The Fan as a full-time on-air talent, starting Monday. He will join Darren “DMac” McKee on “The Drive” weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m.
Nalen is a member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame and one of the most honored players in franchise history. A two-time champion from Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII, he’s been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. During his celebrated career, Nalen served as team captain and was named to the Pro Bowl five times. Underscoring his longevity and historical importance, only John Elway has started more games than Nalen in a Broncos uniform.
Darren McKee and Tom Nalen
“I’m still pinching myself. I cannot believe Tom Nalen is my new radio partner,” McKee said. “Our friendship goes back to his days playing for the Broncos and continued after he retired. I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited or happy professionally following this move. To host ‘The Drive’ every day with Tom Nalen is an absolute dream come true.”
In addition to his time in the NFL, Nalen brings significant radio experience to his new role with Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan. Previously, he co-hosted weekday programs in Denver with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment and Front Range Sports Network.
“Similar to Kevin Durant, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em right?” Nalen joked. “I’m thrilled to be joining The Fan, it’s going to be a blast challenging DMac and having fun with him every day.”
“While Tommy’s football credentials are unquestionable, it’s his personality that made him the perfect fit as our new co-host of ‘The Drive’,” said Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan program director Raj Sharan. “His sense of humor mixed with blunt honesty and a heart of gold add up to one of the most loveable figures in Denver sports history. During our audition process, his chemistry with DMac was instant and undeniable, as was the overwhelming feedback we received from our listeners. It was clear and obvious that Tommy was the people’s choice, and I’m thrilled all of Broncos Country will enjoy his insight and charm every weekday on their drive home.”
Nalen graduated from Boston College with a degree in accounting. Following his retirement, he and his wife Denise chose to remain in Denver while raising their three children.
Cox Media Group’s WALR KISS 104.1 FM has officially added Dyron Ducati to the weekday line-up as the new midday host, starting Monday.
“My dad always said that life is what goes on while you’re making plans for it. While life has taken me in some unexpected directions, I’m thankful it has led me to KISS 104.1 and blessed to be back in front of the microphone as an on-air talent here in Atlanta,” says Ducati.
Ducati’s radio career began 16 years ago in New Orleans where he was the co-host and morning show producer for Q93.3. Since then, he’s been the voice of various national brands, including iHeartRadio Urban formats, and has been reporting traffic for multiple southeast stations. Ducati joined the KISS 104.1 on-air team in 2018, filling in on weekends and middays.
“It’s good to know that after searching all over the country, the person for the job was right in our camp. Dyron brings a smooth, unobtrusive sound to the KISS 104.1 midday. We are proud to have him represent us,” says Terri Avery, director of branding and programming.
Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed award-winning radio personality Alana Lynn as Midday On-Air Host for Boise, ID, Country radio station KIZN Kissin’ 92.3 FM.
Alana joins Cumulus Boise from Country station KMLE 107.9 in Phoenix, AZ, where she was Music Director and Host for The Breakfast Buzz morning show. She has also been heard on Country radio stations including: KUAD-FM in Windsor, CO; KAWO-FM in Boise, ID; and KUPL-FM in Portland, OR. Alana is a former Rusty Walker Scholarship recipient for the Country Radio Seminar and holds awards for Best Overall Personality, Best Midday Personality, and Best Morning Show from the Colorado Broadcasters Association.
Hank Aaron, Program Director, KIZN-FM, said: “When I heard Alana Lynn was coming back to the Treasure Valley I had one thought: She needs to be on my team at Kissin’ 92.3! Alana is going to be a great fit in middays on Kissin’ 92.3 from 10am to 3pm. Oh did I mention she is doing a live show? Kissin’ 92.3 is live and local ALL DAY!! Welcome to the best country station in Boise!”
Alana said: “Who says you can't go home? I feel blessed to be back doing what I love in the Treasure Valley! Boise, I've missed you! From the incredible people to four seasons, to tailgating before BSU games, or just walking through the foothills! The Treasure Valley has always felt like home, after making brief stops in Northern Colorado and most recently Phoenix, life with a toddler has made me realize that the Treasure Valley is the best place to raise a family.”
She added: “I count my blessings every day and don't take this life for granted. Each time I open the mic I aim to make someone's day a little brighter. I'm always up for a good adventure. My newest adventures include marriage and motherhood. Where some days I feel like a superhero, and others I consider it a victory when I remember pants. I'm a fan of doing great radio, serving the community, working hard, the Boise Foothills, CrossFit, and ice-cold beer. Cheers!”
The weekday programming lineup for Kissin’ 92.3 is:
5am-10am Cory and Shawnda
10am-3pm Alana Lynn
3pm-7pm Hank Aaron
7pm-12 Midnight NASH Nights Live With Shawn and Elaina
iHeartMedia Pittsburgh announced this week an extension of its broadcast agreement with the Pittsburgh Steelers, effective through the 2023 NFL season.
The new agreement includes The Steelers Radio Network originating from WDVE 102.5 FM and WBGG 970 AM & 106.3 FM, with additional promotional support across all six iHeartMedia Pittsburgh stations and websites. The partnership also includes Steelers Nation Radio (SNR), broadcasting 24 hours of Steelers programming on WDVE 102.5 HD-2, iHeartRadio, Steelers.com and the Steelers Official Mobile App.
Steelers play-by-play coverage will air on WDVE and WBGG, where games have been broadcast from since the 1999 season.
The broadcast agreement includes the debut of several new Steelers programs, including the “The Point After”, a weekly wrap up program featuring the Steelers radio broadcast team, as well as “The Steelers Preview Show” on Thursday nights. Both programs will be simulcast on WDVE-102.5 and SNR.
The agreement outlines a schedule of year-round Steelers audio programming, which includes over 1,000 hours of live and original Steelers ancillary programming during the regular season alone.
"iHeartMedia Pittsburgh and the Steelers have a longstanding partnership," said Tim McAleer, Market President, iHeartMedia Pittsburgh. "We are thrilled to continue to bring millions of sports fans throughout Pittsburgh Steelers broadcasts and programming for years to come."
“We are excited to announce our continuing partnership with iHeartMedia Pittsburgh that will serve our fans through the 2023 season,” said Ryan Huzjak, Steelers Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Through our partnership, we continue to develop new programming for Steelers Nation which can be found on iHeartMedia Pittsburgh and Steelers digital platforms. We are excited that our fans will be able to continue listening to the programs they love and also enjoy new programs which will provide most extensive coverage of the team in 2019 and beyond.”
Bradley University is ending its daily operation of WCBU 89.9 FM. WGLT, the public radio station operated by Illinois State University in Normal, will manage Peoria Public Radio's operations.
Bradley University and Illinois State University announced the five-year management and programming agreement Thursday, April 18.
The plan ends months of speculation regarding WCBU's future.
Bradley University announced its intent to forge a partnership between WCBU and another broadcast outlet last August. At the time, university president Gary Roberts cited financial constraints including the cost to move the station from its current location in Jobst Hall. The building is slated to be torn down this year. The demolition makes way for a parking lot and phase two of the school's new business and engineering complex.
Bradley University has employed Peoria Public Radio staff since it started in 1970. Under terms of the agreement, WCBU staff will be employed by Illinois State University. The new organizational chart shows 5 full-time equivalent positions and at least two part-time employees. WCBU currently employs six full-time, two part-time, and three hourly, temporary workers.
R C McBride
“Operational roles will be combined with staff in Bloomington-Normal, but there will be staff committed solely to WCBU, and they will be housed on Bradley’s campus,” said WGLT General Manager R.C. McBride. “We know some have been concerned about a potential loss of localism at WCBU. We plan to increase WCBU’s local content, just as we have been able to do at WGLT over the last several years.”
Full-time professional positions moving forward will be subject to a competitive hiring process. Illinois State University will post the remaining WCBU professional staff positions on its website.
“Because we know there will be a reduction in staff, we are working with WCBU employees to identify opportunities that fit their skills,” said Zach Gorman, Bradley University’s Chief Information Officer.
The 15-page agreement outlines a transition period. All operations will transfer to WGLT by June 1. The transitional period ends September 30 when WGLT assumes all management and programming responsibilities.
Bradley University retains the broadcast license for WCBU. It’s signal remains at 89.9 FM and HD-1.
The agreement states the station’s programming format will remain news-talk-information during the weekday. This includes Peoria-based news. Evening and weekend programming will change to a music format. The date for the programming changes is not specific. Bradley University retains the right to approve or reject programming under the agreement.
WCBU’s digital stations, known as HD-1 and HD-2, will also remain. WGLT will end it’s programming on station 103.5, which can be heard in greater-Peoria. That channel will air WCBU’s digital classical music programming. It’s unclear exactly when the change will occur.
CNN political analyst April Ryan called for the firing of White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders on Thursday, claiming Sanders “lied” to the media following the release of the Mueller report, according to Fox News.
In May 2017, following the turbulent firing of FBI Director James Comey, Sanders told reporters that “countless” FBI agents had lost confidence in Comey despite one reporter’s assertion that the “vast majority” of them supported his leadership. According to Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s office, Sanders told investigators her claim was a “slip of the tongue” and was “in the heat of the moment,” admitting that it was not founded on anything.
April Ryan
Ryan, who is also a White House reporter for the American Urban Radio Networks, blasted the press secretary on Thursday night for “lying” to the American people.
“Not only does she not have any credibility left, she lied,” Ryan told CNN anchor Erin Burnett. “She outright lied and the people, the American people can't trust her. They can't trust what's said from the president's mouthpiece, spokesperson, from the people's house. Therefore, she should be let go. She should be fired. End of story. When there is a lack of credibility there, you have to start and start lopping the heads off. It’s ‘Fire Me Thursday’ or ‘Fire Me Good Friday,’ she needs to go."
The CNN pundit suggested that since President Trump “won’t take the fall” that Sanders might instead.
Sanders appeared on “Hannity” on Thursday night and reiterated that she shouldn't have used the word “countless,” but insisted it was “not untrue” that “a number of current and former FBI agents agreed with the president” about Comey, whom she called a “disgraced leaker.”
Amazon officially began offering free ad-supported music for owners of Echo speakers Thursday, even if they don't subscribe to Prime, Amazon's expedited shipping and entertainment offering, reports USAToday.
Amazon already provides some 2 million songs free, but without ads to Echo owners who also pay $119 yearly to subscribe to Prime.A more full-featured ad-free music offering, Amazon Music Unlimited, is available for $9.99 monthly, or $7.99 monthly for Prime members. Amazon says it has access to around 50 million songs.
The new free service has limitations, more akin to online radio station Pandora than Apple Music in that customers can't request a specific on-demand song. Instead, the request will lead to a music station "based" on that song, or a pre-existing Amazon playlist.
“Customers now have access to play a station based on a song, artist, era, and genre, and to hear some of Amazon Music’s top global playlists including Country Heat, Fuego Latino, Pop Culture, and more," Amazon said in a statement.
On Spotify, you can request specific songs to listen to, but first, you'll need to listen to an ad. Pandora operates differently, by offering radio stations based on artists you like. You can request specific songs, which may or not be played. All come with spoken ads.
YouTube shows visual ads before many songs play.
Spotify has nearly 100 million subscribers globally to 56 million from No. 2 Apple Music. Apple offers free trials of its service but doesn't offer a free tier for listening to music with ads, beyond genre radio stations.
Amazon has said it has 100 million subscribers to the Prime service.
Some suggested music requests, per Amazon on its company blog:
"Alexa, play the playlist Pop Culture" to hear the ultimate global playlist for today's pop music.
"Alexa, play the Imagine Dragons station" to hear a station inspired by the popular rock band.
"Alexa, play 80s music" to hear a station filled with music from the era.
"Alexa, play country music" to hear a station with some of the best in the genre.
It will compete with existing free services from Spotify Technology and Sirius XM-owned Pandora.
Google announced a similar service on Thursday. Owners of Google Home speakers can sign up for a free, ad-supported version of the YouTube Music streaming product. Users can request playlists and stations to stream different types of music to suit different moods and situations.
“I don’t see this changing anything major in the music ecosystem,” analyst Russ Crupnick of MusicWatch told Variety. “It will probably have little impact on the established players — Spotify has incredible loyalty with its listeners and I don’t see people marching off to Amazon because it’s going to have a free tier. Amazon has a much more casual audience — it’s large, but they spend much fewer hours [on the platform] and are generally less engaged with music.
“However,” he notes, “it may bite into Spotify’s advertising, if not its audience. This clearly fits in with Amazon’s larger advertising plan: It’s not hard to imagine, after a consumer asks Alexa to play a song, the voice then saying, ‘After you’re done listening to the song, check out this product, available now on Amazon…’.”
Westwood One News is the winner of The National Headliner Award for its reporting and coverage of the Parkland school shooting in Florida last year.
This award recognizes the entire Westwood One News staff for its in-depth live coverage, newscasts, special reports and long form coverage. The First Place award was in the “Breaking News or Continuing Coverage of a Single News Event” category. The Headliner Award judges said Westwood One News’ reporting was "precise and eloquent coverage of the Parkland shooting. Radio at its best: the sound and the actualities tell the story; clear and compelling writing."
Westwood One News dominated this important category by also winning Third Place for its coverage of Hurricane Michael.
Founded in 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City, the National Headliner Awards program is one of the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic merit in the communications industry. The first National Headliner Awards were presented in 1935. Medallions are presented to outstanding writers, photographers, daily newspapers, magazines, graphic artists, radio and television stations and networks, and news syndicates.
Westwood One News, launched in January 2015, was created to offer radio stations greater flexibility and local branding opportunities, enabling them to integrate comprehensive network news coverage into their local operation. What can Westwood One News do for your station? Learn more by contacting Jim Jones at jimjones@westwoodone.com or (202) 840-7933.
