The AM Rundown: GSA OKs Biden Transition Process

General Services Administration Administrator Emily Murphy yesterday ascertained that President-elect Joe Biden is the, quote, "apparent winner" of the presidential election, clearing the way for the start of the official transition, which allows Biden's team to coordinate with federal agencies and frees up federal funds allocated for the process. Murphy had refused to acknowledge Biden as the "apparent winner" until yesterday, nearly three weeks since the election and more than two weeks since Biden's victory was called by AP and all the news networks, and she'd been under increasing bipartisan pressure to do so. President Trump tweeted yesterday around the same time that he's directed his administration to cooperate in the transition, but vowed to continue his fight challenging the election results. Yesterday's developments came after Michigan certified Biden's victory in the state earlier in the day, despite effects by attorneys for Trump to prevent it, the latest failed effort in their legal challenges. Murphy said in a letter to Biden about her ascertainment, "Please know that I came to my decision independently, based on the law and available facts. I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official . . . "

Philadelphia Inquirer 11/24/20

Biden Cabinet Picks: Biden revealed some Cabinet picks yesterday, including: former deputy secretary of state and deputy national security adviser Antony Blinken as secretary of state; Cuban-American Alejandro Mayorkas as homeland security secretary; Linda Thomas-Greenfield as ambassador to the United Nations; Jake Sullivan as national security adviser; and Avril Haines, a former deputy director of the CIA as director of national intelligence, the first woman in that position. Former Secretary of State and 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry will be given the administration's lead role in fighting climate change, and former Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen will reportedly be named treasury secretary.

➤THIRD VACCINE TRIALS SHOW EXCELLENT RESULTS: Late-stage trials for a third coronavirus vaccine have now shown excellent results, with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca saying its vaccine was shown to be up to 90 percent effective. In comparison to other vaccine candidates, including the ones from Pfizer and Moderna that in the last couple of weeks said their late-stage trials showed effectiveness results of some 95 percent, AstraZeneca's vaccine is both cheaper and easier to distribute.

 

But vaccines are likely to not be widely available in the U.S. until the spring, and the nationwide fall surge is continuing across the country, leading state and local officials to impose new restrictions, with worries about hospitals being overwhelmed. Many people are also traveling ahead of Thanksgiving, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urging Americans to avoid holiday travel and not spend Thanksgiving with anyone from outside their household. Some 83,000 people are now hospitalized with the coronavirus in the U.S., according to The Covid Tracking Project, leading to a shortage of hospital beds and health care workers. Deaths have also been spiking, with the U.S. now averaging more than 1,500 coronavirus deaths per day, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, up from less than 1,000 two weeks ago.

➤SUSPECT ARRESTED IN CALIFORNIA CHURCH STABBING THAT KILLED TWO: Police said yesterday that they'd arrested a suspect in the stabbings the night before at a church in San Jose, California, that was being used as a homeless shelter in which two people were killed and others wounded, including three who were hospitalized. No services were taking place at Grace Baptist Church at the time of the stabbings. Police described the suspect as an adult male, but had not yet released his identity.

➤ONLINE SALES, SPREAD-OUT DEALS EXPECTED FOR ATYPICAL BLACK FRIDAY: Black Friday isn’t going to be like traditional Black Fridays of the past this year. Since COVID-19 cases spiked recently, some state and local leaders have put fresh lockdowns in place, and/ or limited indoor capacities for non-essential businesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that Americans shop “online rather than in person” on Black Friday and the following Monday. It lists shopping in “crowded” stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving as a “higher-risk” activity.” The annual ShopperTrack report predicts that Americans will spread out their shopping this year instead of going into stores on business weekends or sales days, such as Black Friday. Following suit retailers have adjusted Black Friday deals to last for weeks, as opposed to just days. 

➤AL ROKER RETURNS: Al Roker returned to the Today Show Monday, two weeks after undergoing prostate cancer surgery. “I’m back! I’m so excited to see all of you,” the 66-year-old meteorologist wrote on Instagram. During the first hour, he said that he’s feeling better and “trying to exercise,” adding, “Great medical care and the love of friends and family, it goes a long way.”

WATCH: Richard Wilbanks saved his puppy from the jaws of an alligator in Florida, springing into action when the gator attacked. The 74-year-old and his dog are doing well after the incident. pic.twitter.com/cTrqMznEs9

— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 24, 2020

➤MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z ARE OVER THE WORKPLACE ROMANCE :   Office romances are dead, and it’s not just the fault of Millennials—but also Gen Zers. The Wall Street Journal reports that several societal shifts in the past decade have basically killed office romances. Krithika Varagur writes, “With the job market so precarious and workplace harassment under the microscope, many young people see dating a colleague…as a bad idea.” Research backs this up, with a Stanford University study finding the percentage of couples who reported meeting through work dropping from 19 percent to 11 percent between 1995 and 2017. Part of this drop could be attributed to online dating, but the #metoo movement likely contributes as well. And we can’t forget the pandemic, which has forced many into working from home, meaning they’re not stuck staring at their co-workers all day long catching feelings.

FINAL: @RamsNFL take over first place in the NFC West! #RamsHouse #LARvsTB

(by @Lexus) pic.twitter.com/UHWzfjNvUc

— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2020

🏈RAMS TOP BUCCANEERS 27-24: The Los Angeles Rams topped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-24 in Monday Night Football last night (November 23rd) in Florida. Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns, and Matt Gay kicked in the winning points on a 40-yard field goal with 2:36 left. 

Jordan Fuller's second INT of the night! @RamsNFL take over with 1:49 left.

📺: #LARvsTB on ESPN
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/TIcsVC5VZ1 pic.twitter.com/ymAbEIrzSV

— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2020

Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady was under pressure all night from the Rams' defense, which sealed the win with Jordan Fuller's interception with 1:49 remaining, the safety's second of the night.

🏈BENGALS QB BURROW DONE FOR SEASON WITH INJURED KNEE: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow tore the ACL and MCL and suffered other structural injuries in his left knee Sunday, ESPN reported Monday (November 23rd), and head coach Zac Taylor said the rookie is out for the rest of the season. An MRI showed the extent of the injuries, which were worse than had been anticipated, and Burrow, who was this year's top overall draft pick in April, is expected to have to undergo surgery. It's unclear if he'll be ready at the start of next season. Burrow suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Bengals' 20-9 loss to Washington when he was hit by two defenders at once.

🏈BILLS SWEENEY DEVELOPS COVID-RELATED HEART ISSUE: Buffalo Bills tight end Tommy Sweeney has developed myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, related to his Covid-19 illness last month, and will miss the rest of the season, head coach Sean McDermott said Monday (November 23rd). Myocarditis, which is known as a potential development from Covid-19, can lead to heart failure, heart attack, stroke, or even sudden cardiac death. Sweeney's is the NFL's first known case, but Boston Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez was diagnosed with myocarditis after several months of battling Covid-19.

🏈BROWNS STAR GARRETT TO MISS SECOND GAME WITH COVID: Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett will miss a second game this weekend as he continues to recover from Covid-19. Garrett tested positive Friday and missed Cleveland's 22-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday. The Browns will play the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday. Head coach Kevin Stefanski didn't give any details on Garrett’s condition Monday, only saying they were following the NFL's protocols.

🏈NFL REQUIRING PLAYERS TO WEAR MASKS ON SIDELINES: The NFL issued new coronavirus requirements Monday (November 23rd), which include that players will now have to wear face masks on the sidelines unless they have their helmet on and are readying to enter the game. Positive coronavirus cases have been rising in the league as they've been surging across the country. There have been a total of 108 positives among players and staff in the past two testing periods, compared to 146 cases in the previous 11 periods.

🏀COUSINS AGREES TO ONE-YEAR DEAL WITH ROCKETS: DeMarcus Cousins told Marc Spears of ESPN's The Undefeated that he's agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets. The 30-year-old four-time All-Star missed all of last season with a torn ACL in his knee that he suffered after signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ken Jennings To Guest Host New Jeopardy Episodes

Ken Jennings

Weeks after the passing of legendary “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek, Sony Pictures Television has announced that popular contestant and “Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time” tournament winner Ken Jennings will serve as the first of a series of interim guest hosts when the trivia game show returns to production on Monday, Nov. 30, reports Variety.

“Alex believed in the importance of ‘Jeopardy!’ and always said that he wanted the show to go on after him,” said ‘Jeopardy!’ executive producer Mike Richards. “We will honor Alex’s legacy by continuing to produce the game he loved with smart contestants and challenging clues. By bringing in familiar guest hosts for the foreseeable future, our goal is to create a sense of community and continuity for our viewers.”

Trebek died on Nov. 8 from pancreatic cancer, after being first diagnosed in March 2019. His last day in studio was Oct. 29.

A long-term replacement host will not be named at this time, said the studio. Jennings has long been a favorite to assume Trebek’s iconic position at the “Jeopardy!” podium, having first emerged on the scene in the early aughts with a 74-game win streak and an all-time record for highest winnings in regular-season play with $2.52 million in earnings. He also became a consulting producer on the show after winning the “GOAT!” tournament earlier this year. Other names, including Anderson Cooper and George Stephanopoulos, have been floated as potential new hosts.

More guest hosts will be announced in the weeks to come, says Sony Pictures Television.

Between Dec. 21 and Dec. 28, “Jeopardy!” will air a selection of 10 of Trebek’s best episodes in celebration of the beloved host. The last episodes that Trebek filmed will air the week of Jan. 4, 2021; the episodes hosted by Jennings and other interim hosts will air starting Jan. 11.

Chicago Radio: It's Official... Bruce St. James To Wake-up WLS-AM

Bruce St. James

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that legendary Chicago News/Talk radio station WLS 890 AM has named Bruce St. James as Morning Host for the station. St. James opens the morning mic beginning Monday, December 14, 2020, and can be heard on the station weekdays from 5:30am-9:00am.

A native of Washington, D.C. and Tucson, AZ, St. James started in radio at the age of 17 and has worked both sides of the microphone as a DJ, Talk Host and Program Director. For the last 10 years, he was a media mainstay in Phoenix, AZ, where he hosted The Bruce St James Show on News-Talk KTAR News 92.3. Prior to that, he programmed stations in Phoenix including KMLE and KKFR. St. James has also worked for stations in Los Angeles, CA, and San Diego, CA.

Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director, WLS 890 AM, said: “WLS 890 AM has served our Chicagoland audiences for 96 years. From John Landecker to Roe Conn to Mancow, every host has left his mark on the Big '89 and none more so than Rush Limbaugh. In 2021, we will bring the focus back to those who matter most – our listeners. Bruce St. James is here to have a conversation with our listeners, not a lecture. He is not here to change formats. He is here to continue what 890 already does best - inform and entertain our listeners. We are thrilled to welcome Bruce to mornings on the New ’89. Bruce knows radio. And, now Chicago will know Bruce.”

St. James said: “’Thrilled’ doesn't begin to describe my feelings. It is an honor and privilege to host a show on the legendary WLS, and I accept the responsibility of living up to the standard set by those before me. Now, more than ever, people need to connect, as well as be informed in an entertaining way. That is our goal every morning and I look forward to getting to know the amazing city of Chicago. Now, about the weather…”

Insights: Radio Turns To the Virtual Remote

Before the pandemic, remote broadcasts and appearances were staples of the AM/FM radio industry. This week’s Westwood One blog looks at how social distancing measures and shelter-in-place mandates have paused this type of station remote but offers solutions for how a virtual event could deliver similar results. 

• The media plan for a station event is the engine of impact: An example weekly campaign has twenty ads, twenty promos, and eight live reports. They promote the station’s presence at the store, give listeners the important details, and, most importantly for advertisers, give consumers the necessary call to action.
• The media plan: Average remote broadcast schedules have massive audience reach and generate significant frequency: According to Nielsen, a typical AM/FM radio buy of twelve weekly commercials reaches 43% of a stations’ 25-54 audience an average of 1.7 times. The average remote broadcast schedule includes significantly more ads, promos, and live reports – forty-eight announcements in all. It generates a massive reach of 76% of a station’s audience with exposure to the campaign an average of 4.1 times.
• AM/FM radio stations can create a virtual remote using a strategic media schedule and messaging: For example, a virtual remote, supported by a 48+ spot buy in the week leading up to it, can drive consumers to a website to chat with customer service representatives.
• LeadsRx, the leading attribution measurement company, found that auto dealer website visitors spiked up dramatically as the number of daily radio ads run in the market increased: 40 ads a day drove eleven times more website traffic than 1-9 ads a day.
• A virtual radio sales event with a strong media campaign along with an exciting offer can generate comparable results to an in-person remote broadcast.

Pew: Americans Paid Close Attention To Election Returns

As election returns rolled in – albeit more slowly than in recent years – Americans were tuning in closely, with about a third of U.S. adults (36%) following the results of the presidential election “almost constantly.” And although U.S. adults generally gave their own sources positive marks for news coverage of the returns (38% said their own news sources did “very well,” 40% said they did “somewhat well”), Republicans were less likely than Democrats to say their news sources did very well at helping them understand the election results, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis.

The survey of 11,818 U.S. adults conducted Nov. 12-17, 2020, as part of the Center’s American News Pathways project, also found that cable TV was the most relied-on platform for election night news, with three-in-ten Americans (30%) turning to results this way. The next most-used platforms were news websites and apps (24%) and national network TV (22%), with only 9% of U.S. adults turning most to social media.

Among the report’s other key findings:

• Consistent with earlier data on attention to political and election news, adults with more education were more likely to follow the incoming election results “almost constantly”: 44% of those U.S. adults with postgraduate degrees said this, compared with 37% of those who have a college degree, 36% of those with some college experience and 33% of those with a high school diploma or less.

• Democrats followed presidential election returns more closely than Republicans: 42% of Democrats and independents who lean Democratic followed the results “almost constantly,” with 31% of Republicans and Republicans leaners saying the same. Partisans used the various platforms for election news in generally similar shares, but differences emerged when it came to attitudes about how well their own news sources explained the results.

• And attention to election news differed among partisans with different media diets. For example, Republicans who use only Fox News and/or talk radio were more likely to say they followed election results “almost constantly” than Republicans who mostly get news from a mix of sources. (Learn how researchers grouped survey responses based on the political composition of an outlet’s audience.)

• U.S. adults who turned to cable TV most to follow election results were more likely than people turning to other pathways to say they followed the results “almost constantly.” Fully 51% of this group said this, compared with 35% of those who mostly used news websites or apps, 34% of those who mostly used national network TV, and 25% of those who mostly used social media for coverage of the results.

• A solid majority of Democrats (54%) said the sources they used most did “very well” at helping them understand the election results, but the same is true of just 21% of Republicans. Instead, 46% of Republicans say their sources did “somewhat well,” while about a quarter (23%) say their sources did “not too well” or “not at all well” in helping them understand the results. In contrast, just 6% of Democrats offered a negative assessment of their news sources’ performance.

• U.S. adults who mainly turned to social media for election results gave their sources lower ratings for explaining election results. Only 22% of those who used social media most for election results said their sources did “very well” at helping them understand the results, compared with 43% of those who used national network TV most, 43% who used news websites and apps most and 46% of those who used cable TV most.

• Americans who followed the election closely were much more likely to say their news sources did “very well” at helping them understand election results. Of those U.S. adults following the results constantly, 58% say their news sources did very well at this, versus 35% of those who say they checked in on the results fairly often and just 21% of those who say they checked in occasionally.

The margin of sampling error for the full sample of 11,818 respondents is plus or minus 1.6 percentage points.

➤Read More Now.

Warner Music Group Gets Bigger Boost From Streaming

A growing share of Warner Music Group Corp.’s revenue in the latest quarter flowed from music streaming and other digital channels, a sign of how the coronavirus pandemic is reshaping listeners’ habits amid an altered landscape for the music industry, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Revenue for the music label was roughly flat year over year in the July-through-September period, rising by 0.2% to $1.13 billion. Digital revenue made up a significantly larger share of that sum, growing 15% to $778 million, from $674 million in the year-ago quarter.

In Warner Music’s recorded-music segment, revenue from physical sales was roughly flat in the fiscal fourth quarter, while digital sales grew 13%. Revenue from artist services, expanded rights and licensing all dropped as the pandemic disrupted touring and merchandising.

Music-publishing revenue declined 2.3% year over year, but digital music-publishing revenue was up by 32% from last year’s fourth quarter.

In its full fiscal year, which ended on Sept. 30, Warner Music’s digital revenue grew 11%, making up 65% of the company’s total revenue, compared with 58% in the previous 12-month period.

The rising importance of digital channels could persist beyond the pandemic if listeners’ social-distancing habits prove hard to break, Chief Executive Stephen Cooper told analysts on a call Monday.

Warner Music’s $1 million loss in the latest quarter—a break-even result on a per-share basis—fell short of the FactSet consensus estimate for a 4-cents-a-share profit.

The New York City-based company owns labels including Atlantic Records, Elektra Records and Warner records. It is also the parent of Warner Chappell, a music publisher.

Richard Stern Named CEO At Tune-In

TuneIn, the leading live global streaming and on-demand audio service, Monday announced the appointment of Richard Stern to Chief Executive Officer. 

Formerly, Stern held the position of Chief Product Officer for Audible. Also announced today, a new investment in TuneIn led by Innovation Endeavors. The investment will serve to fund the acceleration of TuneIn’s technology innovation and market share as one of the most widely used streaming audio platforms in the world with an unparalleled offering that brings together live sports, news, music, podcasts and radio. With premiere distribution across 200 platforms and connected devices, TuneIn broadcasts over 100,000 radio stations from around the globe.

Richard Stern

“Over 75 million listeners have come to depend on TuneIn to stay connected and informed in our fast moving world,” said Stern. “It’s my privilege to lead the TuneIn team on our mission to reinvent radio as a digital medium and continue to drive the live audio streaming revolution well into the future.”

Stern is an experienced digital consumer product executive with more than 25 years of industry experience. Previously, Stern led Audible’s global product and design organizations as the company grew to become the leading subscription spoken word audio company. Before joining Audible, Stern served as Head of Global Media Products for Sony PlayStation, where he was responsible for PlayStation Originals, PlayStation Video, and PlayStation Music. Prior, he was Head of Product Management for Amazon Studios, the company’s award-winning original TV and film development arm. Stern is also a founder in Four Daughters Entertainment, a mission-driven film and television production company devoted to inclusion and diversity in the media industry.

Gillian Coldsnow Named Program Director For CPR News

Gillian Coldsnow

Colorado Public Radio announced today the hiring of public radio veteran Gillian Coldsnow as the program director for CPR News. Coldsnow comes to CPR with over 25 years of experience in a wide range of public radio positions. She will start Jan. 16, 2021.

“I am tremendously excited for Gillian to join CPR News,” said Sean Nethery, CPR’s senior vice president of content and planning. “We are lucky to have found someone with experience as a host, producer, trainer, reporter, editor, fundraiser, programmer and manager. Her experience, sensibility and commitment to excellence in public radio will be instrumental in making CPR News an even more important service — both for the existing audience and for new listeners.”

Coldsnow comes to CPR from a 27-year stint at Northwest Public Broadcasting in Pullman, Washington, where she most recently served as the program director since 2014. Prior to NWPB, she worked for MediaCorp (formerly Singapore Broadcasting Corporation) as a host of live classical, jazz, popular and world music programs and a children’s television series.

“I am deeply honored to join CPR, where every person is dedicated to the spirit of public radio,” said Coldsnow. “CPR’s national standing among our public radio peers is impressive and one I will embrace and continue to build. I look forward to advancing CPR’s commitment to providing a trusted service that brings Coloradans together while celebrating our diversity with respect, joy and understanding.”

At CPR News, Coldsnow will be focused on bringing a younger and more diverse audience to CPR News, scheduling the ideal mix of national programs, working closely with the CPR News team for the best integration of Colorado content, coaching hosts and reporters, and leading the development of special content.

AC/DC Debuts at No. 1

AC/DC’s first album in six years 'Power Up' debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, giving the legendary rock band its third chart-topping set.

The new studio effort was released via Columbia Records on Nov. 13 and starts with 117,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Nov. 19, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. 

AC/DC previously hit No. 1 with 2008’s Black Ice and 1981’s For Those About to Rock (We Salute You). All told, Power Up is AC/DC’s 26th charting album, and 10th top 10.

Also in the top 10, Future and Lil Uzi Vert’s first collaborative album, Pluto x Baby Pluto, debuts at No. 2, Chris Stapleton’s Starting Over enters at No. 3, Queen's Greatest Hits reaches the top 10 for the first time and the prolific YoungBoy Never Broke Again clocks his fourth top 10 of 2020 with the arrival of Until I Return at No. 10.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units. Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. The new Nov. 28-dated chart (where Power Up debuts at No. 1) will be posted in full on Billboard's website on Nov. 24. For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram.

Of Power Up’s 117,000 units earned in the tracking week ending Nov. 19, album sales comprise 111,000, SEA units comprise 5,000 (equaling 7.8 million on-demand streams of the album’s songs) and 1,000 comprise TEA units.

Power Up charges in with the largest sales week of 2020 for a rock album. The last rock set to log a larger sales frame was Tool’s Fear Inoculum (248,000; chart dated Sept. 14, 2019).

Power Up’s sales were assisted by some retailer exclusive editions, vinyl variants and an elaborate limited edition deluxe CD package that retails for $49.

The limited edition deluxe CD package is a pricey affair because the CD is housed in a box that features a red light-up AC/DC logo on its cover and has a built-in speaker that plays the opening bars of the album’s lead single, “Shot in the Dark.”

Entercom, Ad Council Partner For Coping-19 Campaign

Entercom has teamed up with the Ad Council as the exclusive audio production partner for COPING-19, a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign aimed at raising awareness and providing Americans tips and resources to help people who are experiencing mental health challenges, in conjunction with the CDC, the CDC Foundation, The HHS, and the White House.

As part of the campaign, Entercom will develop and provide bilingual audio PSAs that help Americans address mental health, as well as donate time and space to support the campaign across its robust portfolio of broadcast, digital and social media assets.

“Entercom is dedicated to supporting the health and success of the communities that are the heart of our business,” said Sarah Harris, Vice President, Social Impact, Entercom. “With so many Americans struggling with mental health, we are delighted to use the reach of our platform to share helpful self-care and coping tips with our 170 million listeners and so many more in partnership with the Ad Council. We know talk is a powerful tool in the struggle for mental health, and are committed to using our voice to break the stigma and help people find the resources they need to thrive.”

“With the prolonged health crisis and the isolation and economic challenges stemming from Covid-19, many aren't talking about what's happening with our mental health,” said Heidi Arthur, Chief Campaign Development Officer, Ad Council. “COPING-19 is a far-reaching platform that provides self-care and coping tips, as well as resources, to address the struggles people are facing. We're so grateful to our creative and media partners for developing the creative content and resources that will empower audiences throughout the country to take steps to protect their mental health.”

The campaign will also see the launch of a new website, Coping-19.org, which will serve as a central hub where visitors will be able to access over 100 vetted resources in English and Spanish to help with their mental health needs. Coping-19.org will also feature a set of self-care best practices and principles in accordance with CDC and leading scientists, as well as links to more in-depth information by category.

Morbidity and Mortality Week Report survey shows more than 40% of Americans are struggling with mental health conditions as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Nov 24 Radio History

➦In 1890... French inventor Edouard Branly coined the term "radioconductor"; the first use of the word "radio".

Experiments with tubes of metal filings, as reported in "Il Nuovo Cimento" in 1884, led to the development of the first radio wave detector, the coherer, by Branly some years later. It was the first widely used detector for radio communication. This consisted of iron filings contained in an insulating tube with two electrodes that will conduct an electric current under the action of an applied electrical signal. The operation of the coherer is based upon the large electrical contact resistance offered to the passage of electric current by loose metal filings, which decreases when direct current or alternating current is applied between the terminals of the coherer at a predetermined voltage. The mechanism is based on the thin layers of oxide covering all the filings, which is highly resistive. The oxide layers are broken down when a voltage is applied of the right magnitude, causing the coherer to "latch" into its low-resistance state until the voltage is removed and the coherer is physically tapped.

The coherer became the basis for radio reception, and remained in widespread use for about ten years, until about 1907. British radio pioneer Oliver Lodge made the coherer into a practical receiver by adding a "decoherer" which tapped the coherer after each reception to dislodge clumped filings, thus restoring the device's sensitivity. It was further developed by Guglielmo Marconi, then replaced about 1907 by crystal detectors.

Ireene Wicker

➦In 1905...Ireene Wicker born (Died at age 81  – November 17, 1987). She was best known to young radio listeners in the 1930s and 1940s as “The Singing Lady”, which was the title of her radio program.She added the second 'e' in her first name on the advice of an astrologer.

Her radio show was first sponsored by the Kellogg Company, beginning in 1931. Her show was promoted as America’s first radio network program for children. Despite the title of her show, The Singing Lady, most of it involved Wicker telling adaptations of stories for children, ranging from fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen through to Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories. Also in the 1930s and early 1940s, she portrayed Jane Lee on the serial Judy and Jane on NBC-Blue.

In the 1940s, Wicker was a regular on Deadline Drama on NBC and the Blue Network. In the 1950s, she told stories on Big Jon and Sparkie on ABC radio.

Wicker came to television at WJZ-TV in 1949 with The Ireene Wicker Show in which she told fairy tales. She also had a program, The Singing Lady, on ABC-TV (1948-1950).

➦In 1906...Actor Don MacLaughlin was born in Webster, Iowa.  MacLaughlin originated the role of lawyer Chris Hughes on As the World Turns in 1956, and played the role until his death in 1986.

Prior to TV, MacLaughlin was active on radio, beginning in 1933. He starred as the title character on radio's David Harding, Counterspy in the 1940s and 1950s. In 1945, he joined the cast of The Romance of Helen Trent, in the role of Dwight Swanson, "a rancher who becomes interested in Helen Trent."

Howard Duff

He died at age 79 on May 28 1986.

➦In 1913...Radio-TV-Film actor Howard Duff was born in Bremerton, WA.

Duff's most memorable radio role was as Dashiell Hammett's private eye Sam Spade in The Adventures of Sam Spade (1946–50).With his TV and film career starting to take hold, he ultimately left the program in 1950 at the start of its final season; Stephen Dunne took over the voice role of Spade.

He died following a heart attack July 8, 1990 at age 76.

➦In 1920...The first radio play-by-play broadcast of a football game was aired by Texas A&M University station 5XB, later known as WTAW in College Station, Texas. The University of Texas defeated Texas A&M, 7-3.  The call letters stood for Watch The Aggies Win.  Today, the calls are used by a locally-owned station at 1620 AM.

➦In 1926...WLAC Nashville signed-on. The call letters were chosen to contain an acronym for the first owner of the station, the Life and Casualty Insurance Company of Tennessee. Studios were located on the fifth floor of the Life and Casualty building in downtown Nashville. In 1928, it became Nashville's CBS Radio affiliate, while its main competitor, 650 WSM, was affiliated with NBC, the other major Radio network in the early days of broadcasting.

The early years of the station featured, as most big-city stations of that time, network programming, local news, studio-orchestra musical features (accompanied by an in-studio pipe organ), farm reports, and some educational programming. Its main competitor in that era, WSM, became known as the radio station where country music essentially developed and became a national phenomenon. When country music became a big business in the late 1940s, WLAC added early-morning and Saturday-afternoon shows in an attempt to steal some of WSM's thunder. Otherwise, the station prided itself as a pillar of the community and placed emphasis on general full-service programs.

➦In 1926...KVI-AM, Seattle, Washington began broadcasting.

KVI's legacy can be traced back to its debut on November 24, 1926, where it was licensed to Tacoma, Washington at 1280 AM. By the spring of 1928 its signal would be shifted to 1060 AM, followed by a larger shift to 760 AM, in the fall. By September 1932, it had moved to its permanent 570 AM frequency. In 1949, KVI relocated its studios and city of license to Seattle. KVI broadcasts from a single tower on Vashon Island.

In 1959, Gene Autry's Golden West Broadcasters added KVI to its portfolio. KVI switched to a very successful personality adult contemporary format in 1964. By 1973, KVI had evolved into a middle-of-the-road (MOR) direction. It was during this period that it became established as a dominant player in the market. KVI was the original flagship station for the ill-fated Seattle Pilots in 1969 and for the Seattle Mariners, from their inaugural season of 1977 until 1984.

By 1982, KVI had begun to gradually add more talk programming. In July 1984, KVI switched to oldies. That direction would last less than a decade. By 1992, KVI had a talk-format again. At first, the station used the slogan "the balanced alternative" with a lineup alternating liberal and conservative talk hosts, but in 1993, KVI dropped all its liberal hosts except Mike Siegel. Siegel, formerly a liberal, swung right in his views during this period and remained on the station. By May 1994, the year KVI was sold (along with KPLZ-FM) to Fisher Communications, KVI had an almost entirely conservative-talk format.


Seattle Radio History - 570AM (KVI) from Twisted Scholar on Vimeo.

KVI returned to a full service format at 4 p.m. on November 7, 2010, with a base music rotation of classic hits along with news and traffic updates.

Due to the failure of the format, which only garnered an average of a 0.5 share of the market, and losing the ratings battle against KJR-FM and KMCQ, KVI began stunting with Christmas music on Thanksgiving Day. On January 3, 2012, the station flipped back to talk, this time as "Smart Talk", with an emphasis on entertainment news, lifestyle and health reports, and local news.

On April 11, 2013, Fisher announced that it would sell its properties, including KVI, to the Sinclair Broadcast Group. Although Sinclair primarily owns television stations, the company intends to retain KVI, KPLZ-FM, and KOMO. The deal was completed on August 8, 2013.

➦In 1958…

• Jackie Wilson released the single "Lonely Teardrops," co-written by Berry Gordy, Jr.
• Ritchie Valens released the single "Donna" b/w "La Bamba."
• Brenda Lee released the single "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree."

➦In 1963…On live national television, Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, President John F. Kennedy's accused assassin, as authorities were preparing to transfer Oswald by armored car from the police basement to the nearby county jail.

Ruby's 1964 conviction and death sentence were overturned in 1966 when an appellate court ruled that his motion for a change of venue before the original trial should have been granted.

In December 1966, before a new trial could be arranged, Ruby died of pneumonia while suffering from liver, lung, and brain cancer.

🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAY:

• 

  Katherine Heigl is 43

  Country singer Johnny Carver is 80. 
• Former Beatles drummer Pete Best is 79. 
• Actor-comedian Billy Connolly is 78. 
• Singer Lee Michaels is 75. 
• Actor Dwight Schultz (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “The A-Team”) is 73. 
• Actor Stanley Livingston (“My Three Sons”) is 70. 
• Drummer Clem Burke of The Romantics and of Blondie is 66. 
• Record producer/musician Terry Lewis (The Time) is 64. 
• Actor Denise Crosby (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) is 63. 
• Actor Shae D’Lyn (“Dharma and Greg”) is 58. 
• Guitarist John Squire of the Stone Roses is 58. 
• Guitarist Gary Stonadge of Big Audio Dynamite is 58. 
• Actor Garret Dillahunt (“Raising Hope”) is 56. 
• Actor Conleth Hall (“Game of Thrones”) is 56. 
• Comedian Brad Sherwood (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?”) is 56. 
• Actor Scott Krinksy (“Chuck”) is 52. 
• Guitarist Chad Taylor of Live is 50. 
• Actor Lola Glaudini (“Criminal Minds”) is 49. 
• Comedian-actor Stephen Merchant is 46. 
• Actor Colin Hanks (“Life in Pieces,” ″Roswell”) is 43. 
• Actor Katherine Heigl (“Grey’s Anatomy,” ″Roswell”) is 42. 
• Actor Sarah Hyland (“Modern Family”) is 30.

Bay Area Radio: Vanessa Hale Joins KLLC for Middays

Vanessa Hale

Entercom welcomes Vanessa Hale as midday show host for Adult Hits KLLC Alice @ 97.3 in San Francisco. Hale will be heard weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT, effective immediately.

“I’m happy to welcome Vanessa Hale back to the airwaves to join Alice’s impressive slate of on-air talent,” said Greg Nemitz, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom San Francisco. “Her passion for her craft and willingness to engage with her audience will translate to a dynamic midday program for our listeners as they move through their days.”

“I’m super excited to be back with Entercom and couldn’t ask to be a part of a better team,” said Hale. “Alice is a legendary station with amazing talent and I’m honored to join the lineup.”

Hale began her on-air career at KYSR in Los Angeles where she served as a weekend host for a year before moving to Santa Rosa, CA to become the afternoon drive host for KHTH. Hale later joined Entercom in 2013 as a midday host for former sister station WODS-FM, a role she held from until 2016. She most recently served as the station’s afternoon drive host until June 2020.

Listeners can tune in to Alice @ 97.3 (KLLC-FM) in San Francisco on air, as well as nationwide on the RADIO.COM app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Alpha Media To Import Cannon and Cortez

Dana Cortez and Nick Cannon

Alpha Media has announced the expansion of its WE format in San Antonio and Amarillo, Texas and Portland, Oregon to feature Skyview Networks’ nationally syndicated programs, Nick Cannon Radio and The Dana Cortez Show. 

Under this new agreement, these shows will anchor mid-days and afternoons in three of WE’s lineups. Earlier this year, Skyview Networks launched Nick Cannon Radio on weekdays and weekends to stations across the US. Since then, the show has become #1 in mornings in Louisville and expanded to a dozen additional markets.

The Dana Cortez Show is a fast-growing, ratings success already heard on several Alpha stations. Featuring Dana Cortez along with co-host DJ Automatic and comedian Anthony A., the trio said, “We are very happy to be a part of the WE family as it adds new markets! The WE brand is something I know listeners are craving, and we are excited to add our fresh take to this new approach in radio!”

“Our relationship with both The Dana Cortez Show and Nick Cannon Radio has always been a good one,” said Phil Becker, EVP of Content, Alpha Media. “I’m excited to lengthen our partnership as well as welcome them to some new stations. The work intensity, customization and team mentality of both The Dana Cortez Show and Nick Cannon Radio continue to impress me." For additional information on either show, visit skyviewnetworks.com/dana-cortez-show or skyviewnetworks.com/nick-cannon-radio. For affiliation information, email affiliation@skyviewsat.com.

OKC Radio: iHM's KXXY Gets Bud & Broadway for AM

Houston-based SuiteRadio has announced that iHeartMedia's KXXY 96.1 FM Oklahoma City  will add Bud &  Broadway Show starting Tuesday December 1.

“We are especially excited to announce that KXXY 96.1 FM (iHeart Media) is our latest network affiliate to add Bud and Broadway in mornings to their programming lineup,” said SuiteRadio’s Pat Fant.

KXXY PD JJ Ryan “I’m excited to be working with Bud & Broadway once again and look forward to their debut on 96.1 KXY so Oklahoma City can experience their unique and fun take on mornings.”

SuiteRadio’s Cruze added, “This is particularly exciting for me because I’ve loved Oklahoma City ever since I cut my teeth there as a morning guy at KJ103! Bud and Broadway are perfect for OKC, and we are so thrilled to have them on the air at KXXY!”

Oklahoma City now joins the other Bud and Broadway affiliated stations in Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, as well as New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas, and affiliates like what they are hearing.

Rowdy Yates, Head Talent Wrangler at SuiteRadio offered, “The Bud and Broadway Show makes it easy for your station to “be funny in 48-hours or less.” Contact us directly. 

https://suiteradio.net/budandbroadway/ or Contact Affiliate Sales at SuiteRadio directly: ed@suiteradio,net or call 832-220-5696

SuiteRadio offers your choice of just grabbing the daily Bud and Broadway content breaks (either manual or automatic) or taking the fully dressed 4-hour feed with music (Today’s Country) and custom produced imaging package that we create for each affiliate.

Westwood One And Santa Team for Radio Specials

CUMULUS MEDIA’s Westwood One, America’s largest audio network, will offer four distinct holiday specials designed for Adult Contemporary and Hot Adult Contemporary formats. The Goo Goo Dolls’ Johnny Rzeznik, Carrie Underwood, Meghan Trainor, and Taylor Swift will each host their own special, which will include stories, holiday memories, or favorite holiday music as well as music from the host artists’ Christmas albums.

Stations can air one of the Christmas specials or all four on Saturdays or Sundays from November 28th through December 20th.

The Christmas specials include:

Weekend of 11/28-11/29 - Johnny Rzeznik - Goo Goo Dolls ...This one-hour Christmas Special will feature the new Goo Goo Dolls Christmas album "It's Christmas All Over"

Weekend of 12/5-12/6 - Carrie Underwood ...This one-hour Christmas Special will feature Carrie's new Christmas album "My Gift"

Weekend of 12/12-12/13 - Meghan Trainor ...This two-hour Christmas Special will feature Meghan's new Christmas album “A Very Trainor Christmas” only with Meghan’s favorite Christmas music.

Weekend of 12/19-12/20 - Taylor Swift ... This one-hour Christmas Special will feature Taylor's favorite Christmas playlist.

For more information, contact Julie Bell at 212.735.1114 or email jbell@westwoodone.com

The AM Rundown: Some Republicans Social Distancing From Trump

Wall Street Journal 11/23/20

'A NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT': Some prominent Republicans are edging away from President Donald Trump's continuing legal challenges of his November 3rd loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Trump ally, called the conduct of the president's legal team in challenging the election results "a national embarrassment." In an appearance yesterday on ABC News' This Week, Christie said the lawyers have made serious allegations of voting fraud that they have been not supported with any evidence. "Elections have consequences," Christie said, "and we cannot continue to act as if something happened here that didn’t happen." 

On CNN's State of the Union, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, also a Republican, said the president's continued challenge of the election results are "beginning to look like we're a banana republic."

Republican Senator Kevin Cramer, of North Dakota, said it's "past time" for the Biden transition to begin.

Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey, a Republican, said the president "has exhausted all plausible legal options" in Pennsylvania, and congratulated Biden on his victory.

➤PENNSYLVANIA RULING APPEALED: In Pennsylvania, Trump's legal team has filed a notice of appeal over a lower court's dismissal of its claim of voter fraud. On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann dismissed the Trump team's attempt to throw out all seven million votes cast in the state. The judge used harsh words in his dismissal. "This Court has been presented with strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations, unpled in the operative complaint and unsupported by evidence." He wrote. "…Our people, laws and institutions demand more."

In Georgia, all five million votes will be counted for a third time. The recount was requested by the Trump campaign on the grounds that the winning margin was narrow enough to justify it. Joe Biden won the state's votes by a margin of 0.26%. The first recount, last week, closed the gap by fewer than 300 votes.

President Trump attacked both Judge Brann and Senator Toomey in a single tweet in which he called it "all a continuation of the never ending Witch Hunt."

Biden expected to announce Tony Blinken as secretary of state https://t.co/VDOZtgJrW7

— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 23, 2020

➤BIDEN CABINET TAKING SHAPE: President-elect Joe Biden is expected to name Antony Blinken, a veteran foreign policy professional, as his secretary of state, according to a report last night in The New York Times. Blinken was Biden's national security adviser when he was vice president and was his top aide on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Other announcements on cabinet picks are expected tomorrow.

CDC recommends against Thanksgiving travel. https://t.co/0mH42dIdws

— NBC News (@NBCNews) November 22, 2020

➤NO SHOPPING ON THANKSGIVING DAY: Whatever your plans for Thanksgiving are, don't count on a shopping expedition this year. A number of major retailers that usually open their doors on the holiday will stay closed this year, partially as a thank you to their hard-working employees. Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Macy's all will be closed. Other big chains haven't opened on past Thanksgivings, and won't do it this year either. They include Costco, Home Depot, Nordstrom, Publix and Trader Joe's.

➤CA CURFEW RULES TIGHTEN: New restrictions including a curfew kicked in for Californians over the weekend, as coronavirus cases in the state hit a new high. The state recorded 15,442 new cases on Saturday, bringing the total numbers infected there to nearly 1.1 million. For the next month, a 10 PM curfew has gone into affect in most counties as a way to discourage social gatherings. In Los Angeles, indoor eating at restaurants is banned beginning Wednesday.
On the other side of the country, in Philadelphia, new restrictions related to COVID-19 have forced the closure of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center until at least January 1.

Guitar Center filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy over the weekend, as music lovers moved their shopping online and health restrictions forced many of the company's nearly 300 stores to close https://t.co/MOdUhQpuHG pic.twitter.com/hwBCmSFcCf

— Reuters (@Reuters) November 23, 2020

🎸GUITAR CENTER GOES SILENT: The Guitar Center, America's biggest musical instrument retail chain, is the latest victim of coronavirus. The retailer, which operates 269 stores, is filing for bankruptcy but hopes to make a comeback after renegotiating its debt.

MAHOMES TO KELCE FOR THE LEAD 🔥

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/a2dTBeDsCb

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 23, 2020

🏈BAD DAY FOR JOE BURROW: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was carted off the field yesterday with an injury to his left knee, suffered in the third quarter of the Bengals game against Washington. Ryan Finley replaced him at quarterback. Burrow might not return this season. "Thanks for all the love," he wrote later on Twitter. "Can't get rid of me that easy. See ya next year."

🏈NFL SCORES -- WEEK 11:

• Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 3
• Los Angeles Chargers 34, New York Jets 28, 
• Dallas Cowboys 31, Minnesota Vikings 28
• Carolina Panthers 20, Detroit Lions 0
• Denver Broncos 20, Miami Dolphins 13
• Tennessee Titans 30, Baltimore Ravens 24
• Washington 20, Cincinnati Bengals 9
• New Orleans Saints 24, Atlanta Falcons 9
• Houston Texans 27, New England Patriots 20 
• Cleveland Browns 22, Philadelphia Eagles 17
• Indianapolis Colts 34, Green Bay Packers 31 
• Kansas City Chiefs 35, Las Vegas Raiders 31

Tonight's Monday Night Football game: 

• Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers on ESPN (8:15 PM).

🏀TATUM WITH THE CELTICS FOR THE LONG TERM: The Boston Celtics are making sure that Jayson Tatum is with the team for the long term. They agreed to a five-year, $195 million deal that incudes a player option in 2025, ESPN reports. 

Donovan Mitchell reportedly agreed to a similar deal for five more years with the Utah Jazz over the weekend.

🏈COLLEGE PLAYOFFS STAY AT 4 GAMES: It's official. This year's College Football Playoff will remain at four teams this year. The announcement was released yesterday ahead of Tuesday night's first rankings release of the season.

AMAs: Taylor Swift Wins Big

Taylor Swift was named artist of the year at the American Music Awards on Sunday and won two other trophies in a ceremony held live in Los Angeles amid tight coronavirus curbs, reports Reuters. 

It was Swift’s record sixth win of the top prize at the fan-voted show, although she was absent from the ceremony and thanked fans on video for their support of her surprise lockdown album “folklore.”

Canadians Justin Bieber and The Weeknd - the latter sporting a large white face bandage - were the other big winners, with three awards each.

Bieber was named favorite male pop/rock artist and picked up his two other wins for his collaboration with country singers Dan + Shay on “10,000 Hours”. The Weeknd took home trophies for best soul/R&B male artist as well as for his album “After Hours” and song “Heartless.”

He gave no reason for his bandaged appearance, which confused fans on social media, but appeared to be an artistic choice that started with his March album cover on which he sported a bloodied and broken nose.

The show featured a mix of live and pre-recorded performances across Latin, country, pop, rap and R&B music soul in front of a handful of socially distanced fans.

Click Here For The Winners List

Seattle Radio: John Clayton Maintains Presence On KIRO 710 ESPN

Pro Football Hall of Fame writer and longtime NFL analyst and radio host John Clayton will continue to have a presence on 710 ESPN Seattle and 710Sports.com.

According to a website posting, Clayton will remain in his regular timeslots of 7:15 a.m. with Danny and Gallant and 4 p.m. with Wyman and Bob from Monday through Friday on 710 ESPN Seattle, beginning this Monday, Nov. 23, to provide his expert analysis and reporting on the NFL.

The John Clayton Show will also air Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. on the station, his Seahawks columns will appear on 710Sports.com, and new episodes of Schooled with the Professor will be available wherever you find podcasts. Clayton also is maintaining his role as a sideline reporter on broadcasts by the Seahawks Radio Network, of which 710 ESPN Seattle is a flagship station.

The Seattle-based sports talk radio station made recent changes to its local programming lineup following layoffs due to significant loss of ad revenue specifically as a result of COVID-19, which ended Clayton’s show that previously aired Monday through Friday.

Here is 710 ESPN Seattle’s weekly lineup: Monday through Friday

• Danny and Gallant: 7-10 a.m.
• Paul Gallant: 10-11 a.m.
• Jake and Stacy: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Wyman and Bob: 2-7 p.m.

‘Multicultural News Network’ To Launch in 2021

Multicultural News Network (MNN), a non-partisan, national news network that will bring an unbiased national forum for the voices of America’s underserved multicultural communities, will launch in the second half of 2021. 

MNN will produce live, daily news and other programming serving multicultural communities including, but not limited to: Blacks, Hispanics, LGBTQ communities, Asians, Native Americans, people of Middle Eastern descent, and others. Much of MNN’s content will be produced and delivered by its respective multicultural community to ensure their authentic voice is being heard on a regular and national basis.

MNN will be based in Indianapolis, in a 69,000 square foot facility – also home to Circle City Broadcasting’s WISH-TV and MyINDY-TV 23. Additional news bureaus will be located around the country. Launch advertisers, sponsors, and distribution partners will be announced in the near future. 

DuJuan McCoy

MNN was founded by DuJuan McCoy, owner and CEO of Circle City Broadcasting. McCoy will serve as MNN’s chairman & CEO. MNN has also begun to forge strategic relationships with Circle City Broadcasting and Cox Media Group (CMG). MNN plans to utilize stations, newsrooms, and news bureau resources in dozens of markets across the US including Washington, DC.

“MNN has been in development for a few years, and I am very excited to make this announcement alongside many valued and supportive partners,” said McCoy. “We believe MNN will change the way Americans view news while providing a national platform for many underserved, diverse communities that are voiceless in America’s current national news media landscape. Numerous multicultural communities will now have a regular platform for their stories and perspectives to be heard.  Additionally, I believe MNN can become for the city of Indianapolis what CNN became for Atlanta.”

CMG’s Executive Chairman Steve Pruett said, “CMG strongly supports increasing diversity in media and providing authentic, unbiased platforms for underserved voices to be heard. We too, look forward to helping change and diversify the landscape of news in the US, which is the objective of MNN.”

Circle City Broadcating is an Indianapolis based media company founded and headed by 30+ year TV veteran, DuJuan A. McCoy, former owner and CEO of Bayou City Broadcasting.  Through its brands, CCB exemplifies an unwavering commitment to broadcasting, diversity in media, community service, and providing high-quality news content to its viewers. CCB brands include: WISH-TV, Central Indiana’s affiliate of The CW network and producer of more local news than any other station in Indiana; MyINDY-TV 23, an affiliate of MyNetwork which airs over 100 local live sporting events annually;  WISHTV.com;  Circulus Digital, a market leader in local digital advertising; and the All INdiana Podcast Network.  Learn more about Circle City Broadcasting and its brands at CircleCityBroadcasting.com.

D-C Radio: Entercom, Urban One Swap Means EXIT For 3

In the first big move made since WJFK 106.7 FM and WTEM 980 AM / W20DJ 95.9 FM became partners in a radio station swap earlier this month, three well-known figures were laid off from their roles at The Team 980: hosts Rick “Doc” Walker and Scott Linn, and program director Chris Johnson.

There are no immediate plans for additional layoffs, though nothing has been finalized, reports The Washington Post.

At 980, Walker hosted “Doc & Galdi” with Al Galdi while Linn worked with Brian Mitchell and Steve Czaban on their shows from noon to 7 p.m. Johnson will continue to produce Washington Football Team game broadcasts as an independent contractor for WTEM, as he has done since 2018.

Walker, who worked at the station for 27 years, said he holds no ill will over the move and will continue to give his thoughts on the Washington Football Team during and after games.

The former Washington tight end said he’ll fondly remember the “friendships” and “brotherhood” he formed at the station, especially with those who work behind the scenes.

Linn, who has been with WTEM since Christmas 1993, said he’s “overwhelmed, humbled and honored” by the outpouring of support he’s received since announcing his departure from the station on Twitter. He’ll continue hosting the “Linn Murray Solly” podcast on Patreon and has “lots of ideas pending” for his next move.

“If I told you you could do something you loved for 27 years with people you liked and loved, you’d be like, ‘Sign me up,’ ” Linn said in a phone interview with The Post.

Earlier this month, Entercom and Urban One made a swap involving six stations across four markets. The move, which had been in the works since July but was announced on Nov. 5., netted Entercom The Team 980, a competitor of 106.7 The Fan, which Entercom already owned. WTEM’s FM station, 95.9, was not included in the swap and there is no plan for Entercom to air WTEM content on an FM station.

The underperforming 980 was a throw-in in the deal for Urban One, which purchased the station from Washington Football Team owner Daniel Snyder in 2018. Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins had described WTEM as “breaking even or slightly losing a little” in revenue.

WTEM 980 AM (50 Kw-D, 5 Kw-N)

Today marks the beginning of an operating lease agreement until Entercom’s acquisition of 980 is finalized in early 2021. Entercom plans to continue to run 106.7 and 980 as live and local sports stations independent of each other without any nationally syndicated shows in the daily lineups.