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Saturday, June 28, 2014

Saturday Aircheck: Big Jay Sorensen On WCBS-FM From 2011

Big Jay Sorensen
As his website puts it...Jay Sorensen has been assaulting the airwaves for four decades, in some really extraordinary places, as Disc Jockey, Talk Show Host, News Anchor, Beat Reporter, Commercial Production Director ... and occasionally even as Program Director and Operations Manager.

Currently, Jay can be heard on the much-heralded and world-famous WCBS 101.1 FM in New York City.

Previous stops have included Sirius Satellite Radio, the legendary 66 WNBC-AM in NYC, New Jersey 101.5 FM, KLIF-AM in Dallas, and various radio places in Philly.

A three-time Clio Award nominee, Jay has also been recognized by the New Jersey Broadcasters Association for his expertise in commercial production.



Videography and editing by Scott Lowe.

On June 29 In Radio History


In 1947..."Strike It Rich" made its debut on CBS Radio with Todd Russell as the host. Warren Hull took over host duties a few years later.


In 1951…The radio sitcom, "The Life of Riley," starring William Bendix as Chester A. Riley, ended after a 10-year run. The TV version of the show ran for for a total of six years between 1949 and 1958, with Jackie Gleason as Riley in the first year and Bendix in the title role from 1953 to 1958.




In 1959...DJ turned "American Bandstand" host, Dick Clark, announced he was going to join with Irvin Feld for a number of "Dick Clark Caravans" to be staged in various cities highlighting pop stars.


In 1978...Radio Personality and Hogan's Heroes TV star Bob Crane died in a still unsolved murder. He was 49.



In 1950, Crane started his broadcasting career at WLEA in Hornell, New York. He soon moved to WBIS in Bristol, Connecticut, followed by WICC in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This was a 1,000-watt operation with a signal covering the northeastern portion of the New York metropolitan area where he remained until 1956. At that time CBS radio network executives plucked Crane out partly to help stop his huge popularity from affecting the suburban ratings of their New York flagship WCBS, and partly to re-energize their flagging West Coast flagship KNX in Los Angeles. Crane moved his family to California to host the morning show at KNX. He filled the broadcast with sly wit, drumming, and guests such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Hope. It quickly became the number-one rated morning show with adult listeners in the Los Angeles area, with Crane known as "The King of the Los Angeles Airwaves."

Crane, Valdis
Crane's acting ambitions led to his subbing for Johnny Carson on the daytime game show Who Do You Trust? and appearances on The Twilight Zone (uncredited), Channing, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and General Electric Theater. When Carl Reiner appeared on his show, Crane persuaded him to book him for a guest shot on The Dick Van Dyke Show, where he was noticed by Donna Reed, who suggested him for the role of neighbor Dr. Dave Kelsey in her eponymous sitcom from 1963 through 1965.

In 1965, Crane was offered the starring role in a television comedy pilot about a German P.O.W. camp. Hogan's Heroes became a hit and finished in the Top Ten in its first year on the air. The series lasted six seasons, and Crane was nominated for an Emmy Award twice, in 1966 and 1967. During its run, he met Patricia Olson, who played Hilda under the stage name Sigrid Valdis. He divorced his wife of twenty years and married Olson on the set of the show in 1970.

Trivia: It's Bob Crane playing the drums on Hogan's Heroes theme song.


Ron Lundy, Joe McCoy
In 1981...Joe McCoy became the Program Director at WCBS-FM, New York.

When Joe McCoy took over as program director in 1981, WCBS-FM began to gradually shift its focus to the 1964–1969 era, but would also feature a more pre-1964 oldies than most other such stations. The station continued to also feature hits of the 1970s and some hits of the 1980s while cutting future gold selections to one per hour. Also in the 1980s, after WABC and later WNBC (AM) abandoned music in favor of talk, WCBS-FM began employing many disc jockeys who were widely known on other New York City stations, most notably Musicradio WABC alumni Ron Lundy, Dan Ingram, Bruce "Cousin Brucie" Morrow, Chuck Leonard and Harry Harrison, as well as Dan Daniels and Jack Spector.

Friday, June 27, 2014

R.I.P.: Soul Singer Bobby Womack Is Dead

Bobby Womack
Bobby Womack, the legendary soul singer whose career spanned seven decades, died Friday.

He was 70 according to Rolling Stone.

 A representative for Womack's label XL Recordings confirmed the singer has died to Rolling Stone, but said the cause of death was currently unknown.



Womack was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

"My very first thought was — I wish I could call Sam Cooke and share this moment with him," Womack said.

Grand Rapids Radio: Funds Collected For John Balyo's Wife, Son

John Balyo
After the arrest of former Christian radio host John Baylo of WCSG  on child-sex allegations, supporters of his wife, Bethany, and her son are raising funds on her behalf, according to mlive.com.

Organizers set a $50,000 goal for the online fund drive.

“I hope many small donations turn into a river of blessing for you,” a donor wrote. “May God's love show through these tokens of support for you and your son.”

The website said: “On June 20, 2014, Bethany and her son's world was turned upside down by unforeseen circumstances. A new bride of just seven weeks, this now single mom is now experiencing something that no person should have to endure. Bethany has always been the first one to reach out and help others, now it's our turn to help her and her son.”

The funds are expected to cover expenses for counseling, medical care, loss of income and typical living expenses as result of “these tragic circumstances.”

As of noon friday, more than $10,000 has been raised, the website showed. Donors include friends and strangers who want to help after John Balyo’s arrest.

Balyo is charged with first-degree criminal-sexual conduct involving an 11-year-old boy. Police say he paid a Battle Creek man to arrange encounters with children. He was arrested at a Christian musical festival in Gaylord.

On Wednesday, federal authorities confirmed that Balyo rented a storage unit where he kept a “bondage” kit that included handcuffs and chains. Police say they also found a padlock, rubber gloves and children’s socks.

Investigators also found folders with magazines and articles about missing children, and children's obituaries, according to a Homeland Security source.

Nielsen Segments The Audio Consumer


UPDATE 8PM FRIDAY 6/27/2014:  Kevin Lee, a communications analyst at Nielsen reminds M-C readers that the study was conducted in the English Language only.

Original Posting...

Audio is an integral part of the daily lives of most Americans. According to Nielsen’s Audio Today report, more than 244 million of us (aged 12+) listen to radio each week; that’s nearly 92 percent of the U.S. population.

And to maximize ratings potential, radio should focus on Information-Seeking Loyalists and Music-Loving Personalizers. The two groups make up nearly half (47%) of all audio listening.  They’re part of the new way Nielsen is going beyond traditional demographics to better understand audio consumers.


But in addition to the widespread reach of radio, today’s audio landscape offers a large variety of options for listeners to choose from. The upside, however, is that content creators and advertisers have a host of ways to engage listeners that didn’t exist even a few years ago. The key to capitalizing on this potential is to understand audio consumers, what motivates them to listen and how to use that information to tailor audio offerings and advertising to be most effective.

The Audio Demand Landscape, a new study that debuted this week at Nielsen’s Consumer 360 conference, provides new insight into the different kinds of audio consumers and how different types of audio serve those listeners.

First and foremost, the Audio Demand Landscape segments audio consumers into six different groups based on their habits and what they’re listening for when they tune in. Ranking the groups based on population size (the percentage of all audio consumers they account for) they are:
  • Music Loving Personalizers are passionate music listeners who are mainly seeking an emotional benefit by listening. They prefer free services and often play music in the background.
  • Discriminating Audiophiles are highly engaged consumers who listen to and prefer a wide variety of audio, and are willing to pay for specific content.
  • Convenience Seeking Traditionalists prefer broadcast radio, listening to their favorite stations and hosts; and they routinely listen in the car.
  • Information Seeking Loyalists are heavy broadcast listeners who usually listen to their favorite talk programs for news, education and to stay informed of current events.
  • Background Driving Defaulters are less engaged and typically have the radio on in the car for background entertainment or occasionally news and information.
  • Techie Audio Enthusiasts are avid consumers of many types of audio. These listeners are early adopters of new platforms to satisfy their audio needs.

Philly Radio: WIP Extends Deal With Ray Didinger

Ray Didinger
SportsRadio WIP 94.1 FM has reached a new agreement with Veteran Broadcaster and Pro Football Hall of Fame writer Ray Didinger, it was announced Thursday by Marc Rayfield, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, CBS RADIO Philadelphia.

Didinger has signed a multi-year deal which will expand his role on WIP and will include work on Talk Radio WPHT 1210 AM and Newsradio KYW 1060 AM.

The highly popular Ray Didinger and Glen Macnow show that has been heard on Saturday (10 am – 1 pm) will be expanded to include a Sunday edition heard on air and on line. He will make more frequent appearances on WIP throughout the year. Didinger will also be heard with Chris Stigall on Fridays during the football season and he will be doing commentary on KYW Newsradio.

“I’m very happy to continue my relationship with WIP. I’m delighted that I will now be able to partner with my good friend Glen Macnow on Sundays as well as Saturday. With the level of interest in this Eagles season, we will have plenty to talk about,” added Didinger.

On Didinger’s expanded role, WIP FM/AM Operations Manager Andy Bloom commented, “Ray is one of the most respected and revered authorities in Philly sports. Our simple goal was to ensure Ray spent his entire radio career playing for one team, CBS Radio Philadelphia. We think with this agreement we’ve accomplished that goal.”

Philly Radio: Tony Bruno Decides To Leave The Fanatic

Tony Bruno has abruptly resigned from Grater Media's WPEN 97.5 FM The Fanatic, according to a statement from the station.

"Tony Bruno has chosen to resign his position at 97.5 The Fanatic. We thank him for his contributions and wish him well." 

Matt Nahigian, 97.5's program director declined further comment but said that Bruno's co host Harry Mayes would continue in Bruno's shift while a permanent replacement was found.





TSR Fires Radio Personality Chris Treece

Chris Treece
Tennessee Sports Radio fired on-air personality Chris Treece after police charged him with domestic violence.

Treece sent a statement to Local 8 News in Knoxville confirming that charge has since been dropped.

Chris Treece said, "Unfortunately in the eyes of some, I was immediately labeled guilty. Even though the charge was dismissed less than 48 hours after it began, great damage was done. Thank you to the many family members, friends and supporters of the VolNation for your words of support and encouragement for me and my family."


Tennessee Sports Radio General Manager Jason Bailey said, "Tennessee Sports Radio, our advertisers and our partners do not condone violence in any form. For this reason, we immediately removed a member of our staff this week as soon as we were notified of the arrest. This person is no longer part of Tennessee Sports Radio."

Treece is a former U.T. football player.

Canadian Radio: More Cutbacks Expected At CBC

Hurbet T. Lacroix
The CBC is shifting its priorities from television and radio to digital and mobile services, a move that will reduce staff, and supper-hour news broadcasts and programs produced in-house, says CBC president and CEO Hubert T. Lacroix.

“We used to lead with television and radio. Web came and then mobility came. We are reversing, we are inverting the priorities that we have,” Lacroix said, referring to the broadcaster’s 2020 strategy. “We’re going to lead now with mobility, we’re going to lead with whatever widget you use.

"You’re going to see an investment in mobility that’s going to rise as the investment in perhaps television ... is reduced.”

Lacroix said there will be job cuts over the coming years, but they will be made in "prudent steps."

In 2020, the corporation will have 1,000 to 1,500 fewer employees. This would be in addition to the reductions announced to date.

Currently, 1,000 employees are eligible for retirement. And through attrition, about 300 leave every year, according to the broadcaster.

“The goal is that to be able to meet a financially stable and sustainable CBC/Radio-Canada, we have to reduce the infrastructures ... but we also have to reduce the number of people who are working at CBC/Radio-Canada,” Lacroix said.

In April, Lacroix announced that funding shortfalls and revenue losses had forced the broadcaster to cut $130 million from its budget this year, a move that the CBC said will eliminate 657 jobs over the next two years and take the network out of competing for the rights to broadcast professional sports.

NewsMaxTV Signs J D Hayworth To Host TV Show

J D Hayworth
Radio talk host and former U.S. Congressman J.D. Hayworth has officially been named as host of the daily news and conversation show "America's Forum" on the just-launched Newsmax TV.

The new show is one of the first programs on Newsmax TV as it ramps up with a soft start that will lead to a hard launch this fall.

Hayworth's "America's Forum," airing live weekdays 9 a.m. to noon Eastern Time with encore airings during the day, features the six-term House member from Arizona in conversation with newsmakers and analysts, discussing the latest news developments and the day's most pressing issues.

"J.D. Hayworth is a smart, informed, and passionate host who is not afraid to speak his mind, and as a result we expect him to be one of our most watched and discussed personalities," Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy said in announcing Hayworth's appointment. "With his experience in Washington, D.C., we believe he can give our viewers unique insight into how Washington works."

With its full launch this fall, Newsmax TV will present a full range of informational programming and lifestyle content for baby boomers in the areas of health, finance, and personal well-being.

With headquarters in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, Fla., plus additional studios in New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, Newsmax TV is initially airing on a 24/7 basis with nine hours of live programming, expanding to 18 hours of live programming by year's end.

Newsmax TV reaches more than 35 million cable and satellite homes, and is available online via NewsmaxTV.com and through iPhone and Android apps.

Hatyworth's resume includes a three year stint on KFYI 550 AM Phoenix, followed by a morning show on KSFO 560 AM.  Last year Hayworth co-hosted mornings XEPRS 1090 AM 1090 in Tijuana/San Diego.

SiriusXM Looks To Increase Used Car Penetration

While Sirius XM’s radio penetration in the new car market stands high at 70%, growth in this metric has slowed down in the last few years, according to Forbes.

The penetration rate increased substantially from 55% in 2009 to 67% in 2011, but it grew by only 3 percentage points in the next two years, indicating that the penetration rate is stabilizing. With a stable penetration rate in the new car market and moderating new car sales, subscriber growth for Sirius XM is getting stagnant. During Q1 2014, the company added just 267,000 net subscribers, which was significantly less than 453,000 subscribers added in Q1 2013.

As the new car market matures, Sirius XM is turning its attention towards the used car market.

Companies like CarMax and Vehix, which sell used cars, report that satellite radio penetration in the used car market is around 30%. This market is turning attractive for Sirius XM and the penetration levels could rise in the future driven by the company’s efforts to tap this opportunity. Over the years, the satellite radio provider has deployed several initiatives such as two-week free subscription, pre-owned vehicle program and Service Lane, to encourage used car buyers to subscribe to its services.

Read More Now 

Chicago Radio: Former Host Pleads Guilty To Fraud Charges

Kathleen Niew (Chicago Tribune)
Former WIND 560 AM radio host and  disbarred attorney pleaded guilty this week to federal fraud charges alleging she bilked more than $2.3 million from a couple who entrusted her with their life savings.

Kathleen Niew, 58, pleaded guilty "blind" to all 10 counts, meaning there was no agreement with prosecutors on a recommended sentence. Dressed in a black blazer and striped skirt, Niew put her left hand on her attorney's shoulder -- apparently to balance herself -- as U.S. District Judge John Grady asked her questions about her scheme.

"Are you having trouble standing?" Grady asked her at one point.

"No sir," she replied.

Preliminary calculations called for Niew to face up to 11 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, but Grady would be free to sentence Niew to whatever he deemed appropriate.

Sentencing was set for Oct. 1.

She still faces separate federal charges in South Carolina.

Federal agents arrested Niew last August at her suburban law office, where she had specialized in estate planning and probate law. A 10-count indictment alleged that an Oak Park couple had transferred $2.34 million into Niew's escrow account, money meant to be used for closings on commercial real estate transactions. Niew is accused of using the money for various mining operation investments between January 2010 and December 2012, prosecutors said.

Report: Ecstacy Prevalent At Avicii Concert

Ecstasy played a central role in the 911 emergency Wednesday night that sent dozens of Avicii concertgoers to the hospital ... TMZ is reporting.

Law enforcement sources in Boston tell TMZ ... some of the concertgoers were high on ecstasy and it created a dangerous situation, because the pit area was extremely hot and crowded.  Dehydration is a common side effect for ecstasy users.  Many of those taken to the ER were severely dehydrated.

What's unclear ... where all the concertgoers got the ecstasy and if a particular batch feuled the emergency.

One concertgoer tells TMZ ... in addition to hard drugs, the place smelled like weed and puke and some people were so wasted they were falling down stairs, urinating in the back rows, and passing out.

In all, 36 people were taken to local hospitals and additional 50 were treated at the scene.


The Boston indicents is the latest headache for EDM.

Drug-related injuries and deaths have followed many of the major festivals and even small tours, which often draw very young and inexperienced fans.

Last weekend at least two people died in connection with Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, a festival that drew a total of 400,000 people.  These incidents followed numerous others at recent dance events, including the deaths of two people last year at Electric Zoo, a festival in New York, after taking the drug MDMA, known as molly.

Protecting fans — and avoiding bad publicity — has become a priority for festival promoters, which now count among them some of the biggest corporate powers of the music industry. SFX Entertainment has taken steps like using drug-sniffing dogs and undercover narcotics officers at festivals, and also restricting admittance to events to people 18 and older.

Big Shakeup At 'The View'

A stunning housecleaning at “The View” has left Whoopi Goldberg solo.

ABC officials said Thursday night big changes were coming to the show, and soon afterward Sherrie Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy took to social media to confirm they were leaving the morning talkfest.

“ ‘The View’ will be moving in an exciting new direction next season and ABC has made decisions to evolve the show creatively,” said Lauri Hogan, a spokeswoman for the program.

Sources told the NY Daily News talks broke down between Shepherd and network officials, who had also opted not to renew McCarthy’s deal with ABC, which ends in July.


Pttsburgh Radio: WWCS Facing Fines Over Fencing


Birach Broadcasting is facing a $12,000 fine becuase the FCC says the company has failed to enclose two transmitting towers for its WWCS 540 AM, in Cannonsburg, PA.

The commission says Birach needs to install locked fences for the two-tower array.  Currently, each is surrounded by trees and brush.

During an inspection field agents found “large sections” of the wooden fence surrounding the site had completely fallen onto the ground and a “significant amount” of vegetation had grown over them, indicating they’d been down for quite some time.

District Director David Dombrowski says the Birach has a history of not following its fence rules, saying in the notice that Birach “may have a systemic compliance issue with the antenna structure fencing rules.”

He points out that since 2012 the Bureau has issued $27,000 in penalties for similar problems.

The Bureau has ordered the company to report to the agency within 30 days on the status of all the fences around its towers.

Birach also has a month to ask that the fine be reduced or cancelled.

SiriusXM, YouTube Tap Jenna Marbles For Show

Jenna Marbles
SiriusXM and YouTube Thursday announced the launch of The YouTube 15, a new weekly show featuring the top emerging and breakout songs based on YouTube data of the previous week and selected by SiriusXM for the Hits 1 audience.

The YouTube 15 represents SiriusXM and YouTube's shared goal of supporting great new music from today's biggest names and emerging stars

The YouTube 15 will air each week starting July 11 on Fridays at 6 p.m. ET on SiriusXM Hits 1, and replay throughout the weekend, and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com. To fully capture the voice of the YouTube community, SiriusXM has selected popular entertainer and highly successful YouTube creator Jenna Marbles to host the show.


Jenna Marbles has more than 13 million subscribers on her YouTube channel and her videos have been viewed more than 1.5 billion times.  Jenna Marbles has just uploaded her 200th video to her YouTube channel, youtube.com/jennamarbles, which is updated each Wednesday.

"I'm incredibly excited to be working in a new medium with SiriusXM," Marbles said. "I think we are going to make a really cool show, and I'm honored that they picked me to do it."

"We are excited to work with YouTube on creating The YouTube 15 and to put a spotlight on the songs and artists emerging out of the world's largest music video platform," said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM.  "Our nationwide audience tunes to SiriusXM Hits 1 as the home of the best pop music and the first place to play new artists and new music. With The YouTube 15, we will take that promise of music discovery even further, delivering songs emerging from YouTube directly into the car and also through the SiriusXM app for smartphones and tablets."

Pittsburgh Radio: Salem GM Chuck Gratner To Retire

Chuck Gratner
Salem Communications Corporation has announced long time Pittsburgh General Manager Chuck Gratner is retiring effective July 1st, after 50 years in radio.

Gratner has worked for Salem Communications for the last 23 years, managing the company's cluster in Pittsburgh. He will be replaced by the stations' General Sales Manager Tom Lemmon who has been with Salem in Pittsburgh almost 12 years.

"We have been so fortunate to have Chuck's wisdom and expertise all these year's managing our stations in Pittsburgh," said Salem regional Operations VP Linnae Young, who oversees the Pittsburgh market. "While Chuck will be sorely missed we are pleased to have Tom in place in the market who has been working alongside Chuck all these years and is ready to take on this new responsibility."

Chuck has worked at some very big stations during his storied radio career including KRLD, KCBI, and KLTY in Dallas, KCRA TV/Radio and KROY in Sacramento, and was part owner of KCNO in Grass Valley, CA. His first job was on-air at KNJO in Thousand Oaks, CA. During his 50 years in radio, Chuck has been an air talent, seller, program director, GM and part owner of a radio station.

"Salem is blessed to have so many outstanding General Managers taking care of business in our markets around the country, and Chuck has been one of our strongest for all these years," said Salem Radio Division President David Santrella. "Chuck has earned his reward for a job well done, and we wish him many more years of success, only this time with a fishing rod instead of a radio tower."

Casey Kasem Still Not Buried

Casey Kasem’s daughter Kerri opened up about her feud with stepmother Jean Kasem, including how the dispute could affect Casey’s burial and her trust fund on Thursday’s The View.

Kerri Kasem said that her father’s body is still in Washington and hasn’t been buried despite her father’s wishes to be buried at Forest Lawn cemetery in Los Angeles.

The Hollywood Reporter previously noted that Jean Kasem is in charge of Casey’s burial.

Kerri also said that Jean last week sent a letter to the lawyer in charge of his will saying she’s “coming after” the irrevocable trust Casey set up for his kids 30 years ago, which Kerri said is “the only thing our dad left us.”

Casey’s daughter said she has no idea when the animosity between her and Jean began or why.

June 27 In Radio History


In 1949…Gene Autry recorded "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." The record sold 2.5 million copies the first year and eventually sold a total of 9 million.





In 1956...Clarence Henry released "Ain't Got No Home" to Radio. It became his first hit song.






In 1995...Former WMMS engineer William Alford is sentenced to 10 days & $1,000 fine for cutting feed during Howard Stern's broadcast on WNCX  from Cleveland.

Among the most notorious broadcasts of The Howard Stern Show occurred on June 10, 1994.  Stern had arrived on the Cleveland airwaves less than two years earlier, and in that time took his syndicated program on rival WNCX from an Arbitron ranking of thirteen to number one.  As promised, Stern held a party for his fans on the streets of Cleveland – a "Funeral" for his local rivals, much like similar events held in New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia – and broadcast it nationwide.

During the now infamous broadcast, WMMS engineer William Alford snipped a broadcast wire used for the Stern show's satellite feed.  Stern continued on with the program over a phone line as engineers worked to quickly patch together the severed broadcast wire. Alford was subsequently caught, arrested and later sentenced to ten days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Station management initially claimed that Alford acted alone, however WMMS Promotions Director Heidi Klosterman – working under the name Heidi Kramer – later pled guilty to a felony charge of attempted disruption of a public service and a misdemeanor of receiving stolen property; Greg Smith, a former Klosterman colleague, pled guilty to a misdemeanor of breaking and entering.





In 2005...WRAL 101.5 FM became the first commercial station in North Carolina and only the second commercial station in the nation to utilize the "multicasting" cababilities of HD Radio technology to broadcast multiple high definition digital channels.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

NYC Radio: Cumulus Has Party For New Urban Station


UPDATE 7/4/2014: Urban AC “Radio 103.9” WNBM  made its debut at 1:03pm July 4. Regular programming led by The Tom Joyner Morning Show will kick off on Monday, July 7.

Earlier Posting...

Cumulus has announced the launch of  WNBM “Radio 103.9” featuring New York’s best mix of R&B with an urban adult format that extends the station’s signal to reach listeners across the New York metropolitan area, including 80% of the region’s African American population.

The station launches on July 7.

“Radio 103.9” will include a heavy focus on community engagement, with the station’s on-air talent participating in local events and collaborating with leading community service organizations.

Cumulus celebrated the launch of “Radio 103.9” last night at world famous Sylvia’s in the heart of Harlem. Guests included Tom Joyner and D.L. Hughley, as well as community leaders including Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth P. Thompson, New York Urban League President and CEO Arva Rice and Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association President Norman Seabrook. The event featured performances by Calvin Richardson and Eric Benet.

“Radio 103.9” joins the Cumulus New York cluster of popular stations including 77 WABC, 95.5 WPLJ and NASH FM 94.7.

The launch of the new format was made possible by a 10.4 mile move from a site in Bronxville, NY to atop a hospital in the Bronx allowing the Class A signal to reach much more of the New York market.

SEE EARLIER POSTING: Click Here.

D L Hughley, Tom Joyner chillin at Radio 103-9 Roll-out Party
The station’s star-studded lineup includes the nationally syndicated morning drivetime program “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” and the afternoon drivetime program “The D.L. Hughley Show” that are both part of the Cumulus partnership with Reach Media.

The station’s local shows include “LaLoca” with host Sharon “La Loca” Montero, who joins “Radio 103.9” from WPYO 95.3 FM Power in Orlando, and “Hanging Downtown” with Marc Clarke, a host widely known for his three years hosting the popular “Hang Suite” on WHUR 96.3 FM in Washington, DC.

The “Radio 103.9” lineup will be:
  • 6am – 10am: “The Tom Joyner Morning Show”
  • 10am – 3pm: “LaLoca” 
  • 3pm – 7pm: “The D.L. Hughley Show”
  • 7pm – 12am: “Hanging Downtown”
“Women ages 35-44 who enjoy urban format music and stars from the last few decades through today are underserved in the Big Apple and we’re changing that now with an urban radio renaissance,” said Kim Bryant, Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus New York.

103.9 FM (600watts) 60dBu Coverage
“New York is the greatest city in the world and the radio programmers and personalities that came before me are a part my philosophy on radio today,” said Ken Johnson, Program Director of “Radio 103.9.” “The only thing greater than my love for New York radio is my respect for its listeners.”

More Calls To Change Radio Royalty Rules


On Wednesday, the House Judiciary subcommittee heard from more executives that the licensing system is broken, and once again there was no agreement on how to fix it.

The NY Times reports nine witnesses, including representatives of record labels, broadcasters and technology companies like Pandora Media, along with the singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash, spoke about the patchwork of laws and regulation underlying the music business, and the strange disparities that have resulted from this system.


The most vigorously debated topic was AM/FM radio stations’ longstanding exemption under United States law from paying royalties to performers and record companies. These stations pay songwriters, but, unlike stations in almost every other country, do not pay for the recordings they play. This has long angered record companies, but the law has become especially contested in the age of Internet and satellite radio, which pay both kinds of royalties.

Charles M. Warfield Jr., the joint board chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, defended the practice, saying, “Our unique system of free airplay for free promotion has served both the broadcasting and recording industry well for decades.”

Radio's Case: Don't Rock The Boat

Ed Christian, the chairman of the Radio Music License Committee, which represents broadcasters in royalty negotiations, took a harder swipe at the issue. “The radio industry is not some vast pot of riches,” he said, “that can be tapped as a bailout for a recording industry that has failed to execute a digital strategy.”



Aereo's Copyright Problem Explained In 90-Seconds


The Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision yesterday that Internet TV service Aereo, which transmits broadcast TV channels over the Internet to subscribers, is just like a cable TV service, and therefore must pay licensing fees to broadcasters to show their programs. Aereo had argued it only rented a small, dedicated broadcast antenna to each of its customers, who have a right to watch the programs, and shouldn't have to pay licensing fees. Broadcasters had filed suit against Aereo, whose estimated hundreds of thousands of subscribers are now set to lose the service.

The Supreme Court has ruled that Aereo is violating broadcaster copyrights, but why? And how does the service work? 

Bloomberg's Sam Grobert explains what Aereo does.



Aereo CEO: Court Ruling Hurts Consumers


Bloomberg’s Cory Johnson reports on Aereo CEO, Chat Kanojia, comments on the Aereo ruling by the Supreme Court.

He speaks with Stephanie Ruhle and Erik Schatzker on “Market Makers.

Moonves: It's Good To Be Us


CBS CEO Leslie Moonves weighs in on the Supreme Court decision that Aereo violates broadcasters’ copyrights. 

He speaks with Bloomberg’s Trish Regan on “Money Clip.”



Springfield MA Radio: Brad Shepard OUT At WHYN-AM

Brad Shepard
Another radio veteran has been displaced by the old budget cuts monster.

After 14-years morning co-host Brad Shepard is no longer part of the morning team at CCM+E's N/T WHYN 560 AM in Springfield, MA.

"As of today, Brad Shepard is no longer part of WHYN mornings," said Jennifer Powers, director of marketing and  communications for Clear Channel Media & Entertainment told MassLive.com. "We appreciate all of his contributions during his time with us and wish him well."

Shepard and Bo Sullivan have co-hosted the  "Morning Show with Brad & Bo" from 5 to 9 a.m. weekdays since May 2003.

Sullivan will continue to host the morning program, Powers said.

Shepard had been associated with 11 New England radio stations since 1975. He joined WHYN in 2000 after seven years with nearby WMAS 94.7 FM.

Magnum Com To Acquire Four Wisconsin Stations

WBWI 92.5 FM (17.5 Kw) 54dBu Coverage
West Bend radio stations N/T WBKV 1470 AM and Country WBWI 92.5 FM have been sold to Tomah, Wis.-based Magnum Communications Inc., according to sheboyganpress.com.

Bliss Communications Inc., publisher of The Janesville Gazette and parent company of Racine Broadcasting, LLC and West Bend Broadcasting, Inc. also sold radio stations N/T WRJN 1400 AM and AC WEZY 92.1 FM in Racine to Magnum.

WEZY 92.1 FM (2.1Kw) 60dBu Coverage
Sidney H. “Skip” Bliss, president of Bliss Communications, and Dave Magnum, president of Magnum Communications, jointly made the announcement to both staffs yesterday.

Bliss has owned the two West Bend stations for 43 years.

The transfer of the radio stations must be approved by the FCC before the sale can be finalized. Bliss Communications will continue to operate the stations until approval is obtained.

When completed, Magnum will be licensed to operate 16 radio stations, one Class A TV station and two LPTV stations, all in Wisconsin.

Savannah GA Radio: Reid Spivey Named New PD AT KISS-FM

Reid Spivey
CCM+E has named Reid Spivey as new program director fo Top 40 WAEV 97.3 FM KISS-FM in Savannah, Ga.

He starts July 14.

Spivey arrives at WAEV from CCM+E's Top 40 WHQC in Charlotte.

Savannah OM Travis Dyland stated, "97.3 KISS FM is such an iconic brand, and Reid will no doubt step in and continue the outstanding legacy of talented programmers that have called Savannah home. We are building a dream team in Savannah [and Spivey] will have a major impact on the success of KISS-FM and the cluster."

WAEV 97.3 FM (100Kw) 60dBu Coverage
"I’m excited to join the 97.3 KISS FM team, Spivey said. "Thanks to Rod Phillips, LJ Smith, Market Manager Sheryl Collison and Travis Diylan for this amazing opportunity."

Spivey will also be voicetracking a night shift.

Philly Radio: The Fan Catches World Cup Fever


In an unprecedented move, Greater Media Philadelphia’s WPEN 97.5 FM The Fanatic will take a break during their midday programming to air the USA VS Germany World Cup game, Thursday, June 26th at Noon.

WPEN 97.5 FM (26Kw) 54dBu Coverage
Both midday shows, The Tony Bruno Show with Harry Mayes and The Jon & Sean Show, will be broadcasting from Pagano’s, 2001 Market Street in Center City, that day.  Tony & Harry will be live from 10am – Noon leading up to the match and then The Fanatic will go to coverage of the game with Jon & Sean broadcasting live at halftime.

The US vs Germany game will be shown outside on the largest outside television in the city; a 20 foot by 17 foot screen, as well as on the televisions inside Pagano’s.

“World Cup fever is sweeping the nation”, said 97.5 The Fanatic Program Director, Matt Nahigian.

“We had an overwhelming amount of listeners asking us to air the game and when we made the announcement we were going to do it, the response was unreal.”

The Fanatic is inviting listeners and fans to come down and join the two midday shows to watch the game, enter to win prizes including Fanatic Fantasy Fest and Philadelphia Union tickets, and enjoy drink specials at Pagano’s.  If you can’t come out to the broadcast, tune into 97.5 The Fanatic for all your FIFA World Cup action.

Boston Radio: EDM Concertgoers Treated At Hospitals

DJ Avicii
Dozens of concertgoers, many of them minors, were taken to hospitals from the TD Garden Wednesday night suffering mainly from drug and alcohol problems, according to boston.com.

Michael Bosse, deputy superintendent for Boston EMS, said at the scene that over 50 people were treated or evaluated at the scene, and 36 other patients were transported to hospitals from the Garden. There were no fatalities, and all of the patients’ symptoms were minor, an EMS worker said.

The medical problems happened during a packed and steamy electronic dance concert featuring the Grammy-nominated electronic dance music DJ Avicii.

The concert took on heightened urgency when medical emergency services declared a Phase 2 MCI, indicating about 30 people needed to be taken to hospitals. There were numerous ambulances and a Boston EMS emergency trailer, along with Boston police, at the scene.


Wednesday’s concert marked the opening of the Swedish DJ’s tour in the eastern United States and Europe, scheduled to end in Spain in September. At a May Avicii concert in Toronto, 29 people were reportedly hospitalized with various degrees of health problems.

Whether the drug Molly was a contributing factor, as it has been in past medical events at concerts, in Wednesday’s illnesses was uncertain, according Bosse.

Casey Kasem Inspired Bill Advances In California

Casey, Kerri Kasem
California Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Los Angeles) legislation to provide reasonable accommodations for adult children who want to visit their parents cleared its biggest legislative hurdle yet, passing the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6-0, according to the California Newswire.

The legislation, AB 2034, seeks to protect children from being denied access to a parent by a parent’s future spouse or child.

Currently, adult children are not afforded the legal right to visit an ailing parent. With divorce and remarriage becoming more prevalent, there is a greater possibility of conflict between a subsequent spouse and an ailing parent’s children from a previous marriage. Gatto’s legislation would help resolve these situations by creating a legal process for adult children to petition a court for visitation with their parent if a caretaker stands in the way.

Since introducing the legislation in January, Assemblyman Gatto has been contacted by hundreds of people who have been denied access to their ailing parents, and has been working closely with several of them, including radio and television personality Kerri Kasem. Kerri is an outspoken advocate of visitation rights for adult children as a result of her struggle to see her beloved father, broadcasting legend Casey Kasem, who died last week.



Speaking publicly for the first time since her father’s passing, Kerri shared her struggle to obtain even basic visitation rights during Casey’s final hours. She also emphasized that her story is not unique to celebrities, a point underscored when she presented a stack of letters representing a small sample of the thousands of letters she has received from folks across the country with similar stories of heartache.

Grand Rapids Radio: John Balyo Facing More Federal Charges

John Balyo
New information has been uncovered in the case of a former Christian radio host charged with having sexual contact with a child.

John Balyo, a former morning personality at Christian radio station WCSG 91.3 FM was charged with two counts of felony criminal sexual conduct on Monday.

Police say his victim is a 12-year-old boy, according to Newschannel 3 in Grand Rapids.

Federal officials confirmed that Balyo had been renting a storage unit. When searching the unit, police found kids clothing, duct tape, handcuffs, and chains. They also found children's obituaries, and body parts from a mannequin.

Police officers testifying to a judge say Balyo took his victim to a hotel room at the Fairfield Inn in Battle Creek on May 17.

"During this time at the hotel room, the victim did state that John Balyo did have him perform oral sex on John Balyo," the officer testified.

Also in court documents, police say Balyo admitted his guilt.  "John Balyo did advise that he in fact did have sexual contact, being oral sex, and the fondling of (the victim)," the officer testified.

Balyo is accused of using another man who was arrested in the case, Ronald Moser, to arrange the meeting at the hotel.

R.I.P.: Longtime Radio Owner Alexaner M. Tanger

Alexander M. Tanger
Longtime radio owner Alexander M. Tanger died last week at his home in Newton, Ma.

He was 94.

His career started in sales at WHDH-AM and WHDH-TV in Boston.  In 1966, he bought WLKW AM/FM in Providence, RI.  Tanger partners with General Cinema Corp. to several others stations.

He founded Marlin Broadcasting and operated Classical WFLN in Philadelphia and Classical WTMI in Miami.  The company still owns Classic Rocker WCCC-FM in Hartford.  He also founded Mariner Broadcasting n New England, which operated the the Classical W-BACH stations.

He was also inducted into the New England Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Hartford Radio: Fundraiser Planned For DJ Craig G Family

Craig Moore, son
A fund-raiser is slated for Thursday to aid the family of a 3-year-old son of hip hop radio personality Craig "CJ" Moore, who choked to death on Sunday during a family vacation in Florida, according to mlive.com.

Moore, who works for CBS Radio's WZMX 93.7 FM, Hot 93.7 in Hartfod,  was heading down to Florida to join his family when he received news of the death of his son.

Friends and relatives set up an online gofundme.com campaign to raise $20,000 to cover medical, transportation and funeral costs. More than $31,000 has already been raised and the surplus will go to a scholarship fund in CJ's memory.

“The outpouring of love and support we have received from so many people has been unbelievable and incredibly comforting. We can’t thank everyone enough for immediately rallying and helping out in a time of unimaginable shock, loss and pain for me and my family,” Moore said. “I don’t know how we pick up the pieces from here, but having the financial means to be able to bring our whole family home together and plan a memorial and funeral for my lil' man thanks to everyone’s donations has meant the world to me and my wife, Josie.”

DJ Craig G has been a part of the CBS family at Hot 93.7FM for the past 13 years. Hehas been ranked the No. 1 DJ in Connecticut by readers of the Hartford Advocate for the past 12 years in a row.

June 26 In Radio History


In 1933…"The Kraft Music Hall" premiered on the NBC Radio Network.


In 1959…"Mad Daddy" Pete Myers broadcast his last show on WHK-AM, Cleveland, Ohio.

Pete Myers 1959
In January 1958, Pete "Mad Daddy" Myers joined WJW-AM  from WHKK 640 AM in Akron. His "Mad Daddy" persona later was adapted by Ernie Anderson for his "Ghoulardi" character on sister station WJW-TV in 1963. Myers' show was heard nightly from 8 pm to 12:30 am. Myers had a brief but meteoric career at WJW, lasting only until May 13, 1958, when he resigned to go to Metromedia's WHK which was establishing itself as the new Top 40 powerhouse in Cleveland.

WJW enforced a 90-day noncompete clause, and "Mad Daddy" could not be heard on WHK until August 10. To keep his name in front of the public while he was off the air, Myers concocted a publicity stunt on June 14, 1958, parachuting from a Piper Cub 2200 feet over Lake Erie, and composing a poem on his way down.

He was fished out the waters shortly thereafter, and handed out copies of the 45 record "Zorro" to hundreds of fans who greeted him when he got to shore.




"Mad Daddy" reached the peak of his popularity at WHK, hosting record hops and live after-midnight shows dressed in a Dracula costume. In July 1959 he moved to WHK's sister station in New York, WNEW 1130 AM, where "Mad Daddy" was not well received. He played it straight as Pete Myers there until 1963, when he moved to 1010 WINS and resumed the "Mad Daddy Show." This show was syndicated to other stations until WINS changed format to all-news in 1965.

As again just Pete Myers, he returned to WNEW once more. Myers lived until October 4, 1968, when he took his own life in New York City.


In 1971…WNEW-FM in New York City became the first radio station to play Don McLean's "American Pie," aired in its 8-minute, 36-second entirety.



In 1977…Elvis Presley's final concert took place at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis. Before the show Elvis was presented with a plaque commemorating the 2 billionth Presley record to come out of RCA's pressing plant. He appeared pale, weak, and overweight, but the only thing out of the ordinary about this show was that Elvis inexplicably introduced almost everyone in his life while on stage. Some took this as "proof" that he knew his end was near.   He died 51 days later.


In 1990...8 Radio stations in Kansas and Oklahoma boycott k d lang, due to her anti-meat ad.

k d lang
LS Radio Inc., a Wichita-based company with seven stations in Kansas and one in Oklahoma, pulled k.d. lang's records Thursday. So did the Shepherd Group, which has three stations in Missouri and one in Montana.

The spot also irritated Larry Steckline, a Wichita broadcaster who owns five country stations in Kansas, the top beef state in the United States. Steckline, a farmer-rancher, said he had ''no problem with her being a vegetarian. . . . My problem is somebody with a name in this industry coming down hard on the number one industry in our state. That's not what I call ladylike.''

Great Empire Broadcasting Inc., another Kansas chain with 10 stations in five states, gathered listener reaction as it considered joining the boycott. Mike Oatman, Great Empire's chief executive officer and general manager of a station in Wichita, reported that 60 percent of the callers favored continuing to play k.d. lang's records and 40 percent favored banning them.