Saturday, July 26, 2014

Boston Radio: Minihane Suspended, FOX Pulls Radio Ads

Kirk Minihane
WEEI 93.7 FM sports radio host Kirk Minihane has been suspended without pay for a week by Entercom Communications for disparaging on-air comments he made about Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews during two recent programs, according to boston.com.

Minihane’s suspension was announced Friday night by Entercom president and chief executive officer David Field.

His statement came hours after Fox Sports informed him with a terse letter it was pulling all advertising from the company’s more than 100 stations nationwide, including WEEI.

David Field
“Kirk Minihane’s statements regarding Erin Andrews were offensive and deplorable,” said Field. “It is clear by the response from our listeners, advertisers, and employees that Kirk’s efforts to apologize and make this right have been insufficient and ambiguous. We want to make it unequivocally clear that his comments were unacceptable and do not reflect Entercom’s values and standards.”

Minihane, one of three co-hosts of the morning drive “Dennis and Callahan” program, referred to Andrews as a “gutless b----” last Wednesday while discussing the sideline reporter’s awkward interview with Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright during the All-Star Game.

Upon returning from vacation this past Wednesday – his first day on the air since the original comments—he punctuated a verbal apology by suggesting that Andrews’s success is based on looks rather than ability, saying if she “weighed 15 pounds more she would be a waitress at Perkins.”

Entercom’s announcement of Minihane’s suspension came approximately two hours after a letter from Fox Sports president Eric Shanks to Field was obtained by Boston.com. In the letter, Shanks informed Field that all advertising would be pulled and no Fox Sports personalities would be permitted to be guests on WEEI.

P-I Solves Mystery Of Casey's Remains In Montreal

Casey, Jean Kasem
A private investigator believes he's solved the mystery of why Casey Kasem's widow shipped the radio icon's body to Montreal last week, accoridng to The NY Daily News.

Logan Clarke, hired by Kasem's daughter Kerri Kasem, says Montreal is the hometown of a man who's allegedly been living in Kasem's Malibu condo for months.

Clarke said the 46-year-old man, identified as John Paul Gressy, is a Canadian businessman.

Clarke told the Daily News he has evidence that Jean Kasem and Gressy are romantically involved.

“Neighbors have seen them holding hands and acting close,” Clarke said Thursday. “I welcome her to sue me if I'm wrong.”

Gressy is apparently the mystery man was mentioned in the May 7 court filing that helped daughter Kerri Kasem win a conservatorship over her dying dad in his final weeks.

Kasem's eldest daughter from his first marriage, Kerri has been fighting with Jean for the last year over visitation and allegations of elder abuse.

“Witnesses will testify that Mrs. Kasem has been lying to Mr. Kasem for at least two years, telling him that they are divorced,” a legal letter attached to Kerri's May 7 petition for conservatorship said. “What possible motive could Mrs. Kasem have for such cruelty? Perhaps the younger gentleman that has been staying at the Malibu house and driving Mr. Kasem's car could answer that question for us.”

Read More Now.

On July 26, 27 In Radio History



In 1940...Billboard published first recorded music sales chart


In 2003...Bob Hope, (born Leslie Townes Hope) died at age 100.


Jerry Colonna, Bob Hope

Hope was an English-born American comedian, vaudevillian, actor, singer, dancer, author, and athlete who appeared on Broadway, in vaudeville, movies, television, and on the radio. He was noted for his numerous United Service Organizations (USO) shows entertaining American military personnel—he made 57 tours for the USO between 1941 and 1991. Throughout his long career, he was honored for this work. In 1997, the U.S. Congress declared him the "first and only honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces."

With a career spanning over 60 years, Hope appeared in over 70 films and shorts, including a series of "Road" movies co-starring Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. In addition to hosting the Academy Awards fourteen times (the most of any host), he appeared in many stage productions and television roles, and was the author of fourteen books. He participated in the sports of golf and boxing, and owned a small stake in his hometown baseball team, the Cleveland Indians. He was married to performer Dolores Hope for 69 years.



In 2005... Progressive talk-formatted KNRC 1150 AM, Denver, went silent. 22 people lost jobs and the station went up for sale. Syndicated conservative host Bill O'Reilly's was the last voice heard on KNRC, which went silent at 10:12 a.m.

Today the frequency is home to Spanish KNRV.


In 2013...Former radio/television news reporter Herbert Kaplow, who was a correspondent for ABC and NBC between 1951 and 1994, died following a stroke at the age of 86.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Boston Radio: Report..NESN To End D&C TV Simulcast

Dennis, Callahan, Minihane
Several sources are reporting that NESN will be ending its four-year agreement with WEEI 93.7 FM to simulcast the Dennie & Callahan program.

NESN informed WEEI and its parent company, Entercom, in recent days that the Dennis and Callahan simulcast will not continue after their contract comes to an end in September, according to boston.com.

Dennis and co-host Gerry Callahan's contracts with WEEI also expire at that time. They signed five-year deals in September 2007, then had two more years added to their contracts when the simulcast was launched. Negotiations are ongoing.

The third co-host, Kirk Minihane, joined the program in February. His contract is not expiring.

The decision to cancel the simulcast is not specifically related to the controversies surrounding Minihane's controversial comments about Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews, according to industry sources.

NESN was considering going in a different direction -- possibly with more localized programming featuring its own on-air talent -- even before Minihane caused significant backlash last week when he referred to Andrews as a "gutless bitch."

Minihane again caused a stir yesterday when, upon returning to the show from vacation, he apologized for his comments but punctuated the apology by saying that if Andrews were "15 pounds heavier she'd be a waitress at Perkins."

There has been backlash elsewhere to the recent controversies. Fox Sports personnel have had internal discussions on the possibility of banning its talent from appearing on WEEI programming, or at the least “Dennis and Callahan.” Respected Fox Sports baseball writer Ken Rosenthal already has said he will no longer appear on D&C.

Read More Now

SCBA Releases Research On Radio Commercials

The Southern California Broadcasters Association has published its latest SCBA White Paper Research Report entitled, Consumer Response to Broadcast Radio Commercials vs. Digital and Social Media. The full report is available at www.scba.com under SCBA White Paper Reports. The SCBA White Paper Research Report provides in-depth analysis on subjects having a direct impact on Southern California Radio. This report is focused on new SCBA-commissioned research that compares the strong recall and attention by consumers to Radio commercials and then compares that data to digital platforms.

“The consumer clearly recalls and pays attention to Radio commercials much more than to any digital, search engine, or social media ads,” said SCBA President Thom Callahan. “This new research survey showcases Radio’s favorable commercial environment and effectiveness in a way that will surprise and delight both advertisers and the Radio industry,” said Callahan.


The SCBA White Paper Research Report provides consumer recall and attention data that showcases why more Adults 18+ recalled noticing an advertiser when listening to Radio than while using a social network or search engine. The SCBA report also showcases Radio’s strong recall and attention to commercials from both the Millennial and Gen X age groups and how non-Radio digital platforms performed poorly from a consumer recall and overall attention basis.

The rush to non-Radio digital platforms by Radio clients is being done without the benefit of this research. The SCBA’s goal is to change minds and hearts about Radio’s place in advertising today and provide even more proof that the commercial environment of Radio is clearly superior to that of non-Radio digital platforms such as search engines, mobile ads, and social media. The SCBA White paper also makes reference to another study stating that 61% of online viewership is to non-human traffic to many digital sites and that 48% non-human traffic to video ads is recorded on non-content web sites. Read “A Responsibility to the Truth” at www.scba.com under “thought Leaders” for more on fraudulent web sites and mobile apps and the study cited.

“The comparison of consumer recall and attention to Radio commercials vs. digital ads could not be any clearer,” said Callahan. “We are urging every advertiser to look at this compelling data to not only improve the effectiveness of their advertising but to gain a new appreciation and recognition of Radio’s enduring and measureable strength.”

DC Radio: Sarah, Ty & Mel To Do Mornings At WRQX


Cumulus has announced its new morning show on WRQX  107.3 FM will be  “The Sarah, Ty, and Mel Show”, a fresh take on mornings featuring radio personalities Sarah Fraser, Ty Bentli and Melanie Glazener, set to launch on July 30. 

Melanie, Ty and Sarah
The station promises an interactive, informative, and inspirational show that will connect with the DMV’s listeners through real stories and phone calls. The show will have a robust presence across social media, and will offer special podcasts to its listeners.  

The show marks the return of the popular Fraser. The former co-host of WIHT 99.5 FM  “The Kane Show” for six years, Fraser spent the past year in New York City pursuing television opportunities while staying connected to the area as a contributor to Fox 5’s “Good Day DC.”  However, the call to return to the DC airwaves was too strong.

“The opportunity to talk with and entertain an audience with real stories and issues that affect their everyday lives while working with such huge talents like Ty and Mel was too good to pass up,” said Fraser.  “To do this in DC – my home for nearly eight years – makes it all the more exciting. DMV – your mornings just got real.”

Bentli is also a familiar voice in the DMV, where he was heard on WMZQ in DC and WPOC in Baltimore from 2010 to 2012. His career in radio spans from coast to coast, reaching top-rated shows in the afternoon on Chicago’s KISS-FM and then Los Angeles’ KBIG-FM. Bentli most recently succeeded Nick Cannon as Morning Drive-time host of “Ty Loves NY” on CBS’ Mainstream flagship 92.3 NOW-FM in New York City.

Bentli said: “I’ve known how special DC is since my first visit as a 12-year-old from South Dakota. The patriotic grandeur of Mt. Rushmore was quickly eclipsed by the unique history and vibrancy of the DMV!”

The show will also feature another familiar voice: that of Melanie Glazener, another former co-host on “The Kane Show.” Glazener’s radio resume also includes five years on Tampa’s WILD 94.1 FM. Glazener will be moving from Tampa to DC to join the show, as well as finish her college degree.

WRQX 107.3 FM (16.5Kw) 54dBu Coverage
Mike McVay, Senior Vice President, Programming, Cumulus said: “We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to assemble a team like Sarah, Ty and Mel for mornings. There is a high level of competition in DC. I believe in Gillette. He believes in the team. That makes me a big believer in this show."

Gillette, Program Director of WRQX said: "Sarah, Ty and Mel are all in the demo-- and are fully plugged into the lifestyle of fellow Millennials. These are down-to-earth people who will talk about their lives with listeners and share their experiences in a completely authentic way. The show will be fun and edgy, but totally relatable. No fake prank calls or canned humor here. We're getting real with our listeners and believe the show will be a breath of fresh air and unlike anything that's on the air."

Beasley Reports 3.6 Percent Revenue Decline


Beasley Broadcast Group today announced operating results for the three-month and six month periods ended June 30, 2014:

The $1.0 million, or 3.6%, year-over-year decline in net revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2014, primarily reflects lower advertising revenue at the Company’s Philadelphia, Wilmington and
Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville market clusters. The decline in net revenue was partially offset by $0.7 million in other revenue, resulting from an agreement with an electronics company and its affiliate concerning the use of our and their respective logos.

Lower net revenue in the 2014 second quarter was partially offset by a $0.4 million, or 2.3%, reduction in station operating expenses.

Commenting on the results, George G. Beasley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Second quarter revenue levels reflect slower advertising spending across most markets where we operate which led to declines in seven of our eleven markets and lower station operating income.

George G. Beasley
“Overall, we outperformed in our five market clusters that report to Miller Kaplan. In these markets, which accounted for approximately 78% of total second quarter revenue, Beasley station cluster revenue declined 5.2%, compared with the total revenue for all reporting radio stations in these markets which were down 6.0% for the quarter. Our year-over-year revenue decline is partially attributable to difficult comparisons with 2013 second quarter results when we generated double digit revenue gains in markets including Philadelphia and Las Vegas. However, our initiatives to expand our digital offerings are delivering results as we recorded an approximate 24% rise in digital revenue during the quarter. Notwithstanding the challenges faced in the second quarter, our market positions remain healthy based on our organization-wide focus on strong core programming and targeted localism.

“Looking forward, we remain focused on ensuring that our station clusters match or exceed their market’s revenue performance while further strengthening our balance sheet."

Pandora: Summer Impacting Listening

  • Pandora insists the competitive landscape hasn't changed, noting it has an estimated 77.6% U.S. Web radio listening share among the top 20 properties (per Triton Digital), and argues seasonality hurt June figures.
Pandora Media Inc., the biggest Internet radio service, dropped in late trading after listener growth missed some analysts’ estimates. Quarterly profit beat projections and the company raised its 2014 outlook, according to Bloomberg.

Active listeners grew 7.5 percent to 76.4 million users in the second quarter, the Oakland, California-based company said in a statement yesterday. That was shy of the 76.6 million estimate of Corey Barrett, an analyst at Pacific Crest Securities, and a projection of 77 million by Mark Mahaney at RBC Capital Markets.

“Usage is stagnating, I think that’s the fundamental challenge, competition has been starting to take its toll,” Rich Greenfield, an analyst with BTIG LLC, said in a telephone interview. “That’s going to scare the market for what’s supposed to be a rapid growth Internet company.”

Larger companies are building services to compete with Pandora, such as Google Inc.’s purchase of Songza Media Inc. and Apple Inc.’s acquisition of Beats Electronics LLC. The number of Pandora listeners and the amount of time they spend using the service is little changed on a monthly basis from December to June, said Greenfield, who rates the stock a sell.

Brian McAndrews
Pandora fell as much as 13 percent to $24.99 in extended trading yesterday after the results were announced. The shares had gained 8 percent this year to close at $28.72 in New York.

“We expected to see some seasonality in June, that’s typical,” Brian McAndrews, Pandora’s chief executive officer, said on a conference call with analysts. “We see pick up more in September and relative slowdown in the summer.”

Pandora expects to earn 5 cents to 8 cents a share on an adjusted basis in the third quarter, with sales of $235 million to $240 million. Analysts had seen 8 cents and $234 million.

Read More Now

McAndrews: Research Shows Pandora 'Clear Market Leader'

Pandora began measuring market share on its own, because no third-party measurement firm could provide accurate market share numbers across web and connected devices, according to CEO Brian McAndrews.

He told analysts on Thursday's earnings call that their estimates, which include third party data show ots share of total U.S. radio listening increased from 7.04% a year ago to 8.9%. "We are pleased to say that now several third-party measurement sources are available. Specifically, Triton, comScore and Edison published estimates at Pandora’s audience," stated McAndrews.

"Edison Research’s inaugural share of the year report estimated Pandora’s overall radio market share at 9.2% of total broadcast satellite and Internet radio listening, slightly above our own estimates. The most recent comScore multiplatform top 100 properties report has Pandora at 81.8 million monthly unique; and finally Triton Digital top 20 U.S. ranker has Pandora at an all-time high market share for U.S. Internet radio at 77.6% of the top 20 properties."

McAndrew acknowledges that all of these pieces of research have slightly different methodologies and objectives, but he said "they all lead back to the central theme, that Pandora is the clear market leader in Internet radio and a growing force in radio overall."

"As our market share and hours streamed have grown, our focus on monetizing listening hours has continued to drive strong results and as a result RPMs are on the rise despite much higher volumes of hours to monetize."

Pandora: Local Ad Efforts Already Paying Off

Mike Herring
On Thursday's earning conference call, CFO Mike Herring told anaylists Pandora's investment in penetrating the local radio advertising market is paying off.

He stated local advertising revenue in the second quarter reached approximately 20% of total ad revenue to $35.3 million, an increase of 144% from approximately $14.5 million in the same period last year.

According to Herring, Pandora now has 109 local sellers in 37 markets and an inside sales force that addresses another 150 DMAs.  Pandora aims to extend its market share for the foreseeable future.

He also told analysts "we ended the second quarter of 2014 with total revenue of $218.9 million, representing 38% growth on a non-GAAP basis from the year ago quarter, above the high-end of our guidance range.

Advertising revenue increased 39% in the second quarter of 2014 to $177.3 million compared to $127.6 million in revenue in the same quarter last year. Strong execution in mobile continues to drive ad revenue and for the second quarter, mobile ad revenue was $134.4 million, an increase of 54% over the same period last year, accounting for a record high 76% of total ad revenue as we continue to close the mobile monetization gap."

McAndrews: Connected Car Is Long-Term Growth

Pandora CEO told analysts on Thursday earning call that Pandora has seen some great growth in the auto business in terms of  native integrations.

McAndrews reports 7 million unique users who have  activated Pandora through their native automotive integrations and that’s up from 2.5 million a year ago.

"So we are seeing momentum there, which we feel good about, and on average at this point, people in the car are listening about six a hours a month per listener and that compares to the 21.1 number for the average Pandora listener."

McAndrews admitted car penetration is going to take a while.  He said there are now 145 models of cars, including ten of the ten best-selling vehicles featuring Pandora.

He added, we are very encouraged about the long-term trajectory. We know it will take time, but we are feeling very positive. Just as an aside, if you were seeing more and more automobile advertisers come to Pandora. In fact, that category is up 85% over last year for the first half. So to the extent that automobile advertisers or any kind of proxy for wanting to advertise the people driving, certainly we are starting to see a lot more – we're seeing a lot of strength there.

NYC Radio: Jay Dixon Named New PD At WQHT


Jay Dixon
Emmis' WQHT 97.1 FM Hot 97 New York and parent company Emmis Communications has announced the appointment of Jay Dixon as Program Director.

Dixon has served as Interim Program Director for Hot 97 since Ebro Darden vacated the position in March 2014 to focus on hosting Ebro in the Morning.

“Jay’s extensive knowledge of radio broadcasting and ratings, as well as his familiarity with the Emmis brand, makes him the perfect fit for WQHT,” states Deon Levingston, General Manager of Emmis New York.

“Over the past few months, Dixon has initiated innovative and creative ideas to the Hot 97 platform, further demonstrating his capabilities of leading and continuing to expand the global presence Hot 97 has in Hip Hop and music.  We are thrilled to welcome him back to the Emmis family.”

“I am excited to be back with Emmis and to continue my work with WQHT.  I’d like to thank Rick Cummings, Jimmy Steal, Deon Levingston, Ebro Darden and the entire Emmis community for this opportunity.  Look out of big things ahead for WQHT, Hip Hop, and New York!” adds Jay Dixon.

WQHT 97.1 FM (6.7Kw) 54dBu Coverage
Dixon began his career in broadcasting while still in High School, reporting for WILD in Boston.  Over the course of his career, Dixon has worked in multiple formats including Top 40, Country, Classic Hits and Urban, and has held positions with Cox Media as Program/Operations Manager for WBHK Birmingham and WALR Atlanta, as well as with Emmis’ former 98.7 KISS FM, serving as both Production/Creative Services Director and Program Director during his tenure.

FCC Clears Modified Sinclair-Allbritton Deal

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc.'s $985 million purchase of TV stations owned by Allbritton Communications Co., clearing the way for the deal to close, according to wsj.com.

The FCC's approval, which comes 10 days after the Justice Department signaled its approval for the deal, followed a number of concessions made by Sinclair to resolve regulatory issues.

Sinclair had already agreed to sell Allbritton's Harrisburg, Pa., ABC affiliate to Media General resolving Justice Department concerns. Sinclair won approval from the FCC after agreeing to restructure the deal to resolve the FCC's concerns about so-called sidecar arrangements, which broadcasters use to sidestep the FCC's limit on owning one of the top-four broadcast stations in a local market. Sinclair has become the largest TV station owner and operator in the U.S. in part through the use of such arrangements.

To gain approval for the Allbritton deal, Sinclair agreed to abandon proposed sidecar arrangements with two stations in Birmingham, Ala. (WCFT and WJSU) and one in Charleston, S.C. (WCIV). The programming previously carried on those stations will be broadcast on subchannels owned by Sinclair in both markets, and the station licenses will return to the FCC.

Read More Now (Paywall)

Son: Casey’s Widow Jean Kasem Is ‘Bat-Shit Crazy’

Mike Kasem
Asked why Casey's widow, Jean Kasem (who prefers to be called Jeannie), might be hiding his father's corpse in Montreal  from his children, Mike Kasem tells The Hollywood Reporter that she's "demonstrated what we have known for 30 years: She's bat-shit crazy."

Mike Kasem also poses 10 questions regarding the sincerity of his stepmother's love for his father:
  • "If she loved him, then where was she at the end of his life when we reached out to have her by his side?
  • Why would she leave his remains for weeks before making a move?
  • Why would she recite scripture while hurling raw hamburger meat at my sister?
  • Why would she cut him off from everyone he loves, friends included — are we all assholes?
  • Why would she rip him out of a care facility at 2 a.m. against doctors' orders to take him on a road trip he is not equipped to handle?
  • Why would she list their residence on the death certificate for the last 18 years as 'Jerusalem, Israel'?
  • Why would she play actress, fall to the floor in front of cameras outside the courtroom, screaming, 'They have blood on their hands,' and then go hang out with her boyfriend? Or tell a judge he's incompetent?
  • Why would she call a nurse at the hospital a fat-ass?
  • Why wouldn't she ask the doctors why we took him off life support? Because your husband was choking on his own fluids! Which you would have known if you had cared to be there or inquire! Pattern much?
  • Would anyone care for some nuts? I've had too much over the last 30 years, no thanks."
Mike Kasem is a successful personality on 'Class95' in Singapore. He also was a VJ at MTV and hosted one season of Americas Funniest Home Videos.

Mike's sister Kerri Kasem is pursuing an elder-abuse case against Jeannie Kasem for allegedly accelerating Casey's decline when she took him on what Mike's aunt Mary Kasem calls a "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" from a Santa Monica hospital to Las Vegas to Arizona to Las Vegas to rural Washington State. She is also backing a bill to make it illegal to forbid adult children visitation rights with their aging or incapacitated parents.

Tom Petty Radio Returns To SiriusXM

SiriusXM has announced that Tom Petty Radio will return to SiriusXM on today at 6:00 pm ET on channel 25.

Tom Petty Radio, the exclusive, limited-run channel, will feature music spanning Tom Petty's entire career, from his first album with The Heartbreakers up to their new album Hypnotic Eye, including personal stories from Petty and his bandmates in The Heartbreakers about each track on the new album.

The channel will also feature songs Petty recorded as a solo artist and as a member of the Traveling Wilburys as well as live tracks from Petty's most recent tour. Listeners will also hear highlights from Petty's exclusive SiriusXM show, Tom Petty's Buried Treasure. Tom Petty Radio will air on SiriusXM's Classic Rewind channel through Sunday, August 3.

Tom Petty Radio, which previously aired for a limited time in 2013, will also feature an exclusive "Town Hall" with Tom Petty, during which Petty will sit down for an intimate Q&A session with a select group of SiriusXM listeners in Los Angeles.

Moderated by SiriusXM host Jim Ladd, "SiriusXM's Town Hall with Tom Petty" will air on Saturday, July 26 at 3:00 pm ET on Tom Petty Radio via satellite, channel 25 and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com. For rebroadcast times, please visit www.siriusxm.com/townhall.

"SiriusXM's Town Hall with Tom Petty" will feature Petty answering questions from fans about his career, including the release of their new album Hypnotic Eye, scheduled for release on July 29.

L-A Radio: Weird Al Visits KFI


Weird Al sat down Thursday with KFI 40 AM's Handel to talk about his new album "Mandatory Fun".  The album just went to #1 on Billboard becoming the first comedy album since 1963 to do so.

NYC Radio: Angie Martinez Talks With Khloe, French Montana


French Montana and Khloe Kardashian joined Angie Martinez on WWPR 105.1 FM Thursday for their first interview joint together.

In the full interview, French discusses recording with Kanye West, appearing on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Bobby Shmurda having a southern flow, getting TMZ coverage and more.



Gallup: Russians Rely On State Media For Ukraine News

Most Russians have been following the news about Ukraine and Crimea over the past few months, with nearly nine in 10 paying attention before Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down last week in Ukraine, according to a new Gallup Poll.

While the U.S. government maintains that Russia has "repeatedly put out misinformation and propaganda throughout this conflict in Ukraine," Russians who have been following the news consider their state media the most reliable source for information about the situation. Just 5% say Western media are reliable.

State-owned media dominate Russians' news choices, from television to radio to newspapers. Only 1% of those following news about Ukraine say they do not use state media, compared with nearly three in 10 or more who say they do not use independent media (26%) or Western media (36%). But Russians' reliance on their state media doesn't necessarily mean they trust everything being reported in it, including the conspiracy theories currently circulating in Russian media about the downing of the jetliner. Instead, the high percentage who say state media are reliable more likely reflects Russians' current record-high faith in the state and their record-low trust in the West.

Read More Now

NYC Radio: Report..Luis Jimenez Producer Promises Return


Popular radio morning host Luis Jimenez will be back soon, his producer promises.

The NY Daily News reports Jimenez abruptly disappeared last week from WXNY 96.3 FM, where he had hosted mornings since 2008.

The station confirmed his departure, but has had no further comment. There has been speculation about graphic content, which has always been part of Jimenez’s show, and about whether parent Univision wants to cut costs in anticipation of a sale it has been pursuing.

Jimenez’s show was replaced with a music-intense format in the morning.

Maria Alma, Jimenez’s longtime producer, said Jimenez can’t comment on the situation, but that the show “will be back soon on another media outlet.”

His co-host Carolina Cadillo had posted a message on Facebook saying, “The best is yet to come.”

Fans have been wondering on social media whether Jimenez could return to WSKQ 97.9 FM, where he co-hosted the morning show “El Vacilón de la Mañana” until 2007.

He made city radio history there in 2004 when “El Vacilón” became the first show on Hispanic radio to reach No. 1.

In the most recent Nielsen radio ratings, his WXNY show was No. 9 in the city, slightly ahead of WSKQ. It was the top-rated morning show on all Univision stations around the country.

Grand Rapids Radio: John Balyo Expected To Plead Guilty

John Balyo
John Balyo, the former Christian radio host accused of creating pornographic images of a 12-year-old boy, is scheduled to plead guilty to federal charges.

According to mlive.com, the 35-year-old Balyo on Wednesday was charged with sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. Balyo on Thursday, July 24, agreed to plead guilty to both counts, records show.

As part of the plea, Balyo will forfeit his computers, photographic equipment and material used to sexually abuse or exploit children. The U.S. Attorney's Office will not seek additional charges.

The former morning show host for WCSG, a Christian station based in Grand Rapids, faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 50 years. He will be arraigned and enter the guilty plea July 29.

Read More Now

Interview: Kidd's Co-Hosts A Year After His Death

Kidd Kraddick
A year ago on July 27, nationally syndicated morning personality Kidd Kraddick collapsed and died at a Louisiana golf tournament benefiting his charity, Kidd’s Kids.

He was 53.

One year after his death, his radio show lives, his co-hosts cope and the ratings are up.

Kraddick’s four co-hosts, Al Mack, Kellie Rasberry, Jose “J-Si” Chavez and Jenna Owens have achieved a remarkable bit of alchemy. They are currently in first or second place in 95 percent of their markets.



July 25 In Radio History


In 1925…In Schenectady, New York, WGY-AM (then at 790 AM) became the first radio station in the U.S. to broadcast with a 50,000-watt transmitter.


In 1944...New York Times takes ownership of WQXR AM & FM.


WQXR-AM was the first in New York to experiment with stereo broadcasting, beginning in 1952.  It used two microphones positioned six feet apart.  One fed the AM station, the other was broadcast over FM.  A home listener could position two radios six feet apart, one tuned to WQXR 1560 AM, the other to WQXR 96.3 FM, and listen in stereo.


In 1965, the FCC required commonly owned AM and FM stations to broadcast separate programming for at least part of the day.  The New York Times tried to sell the radio stations in 1971, but later got an FCC waiver of the simulcasting rules.  WQXR-AM/FM continued their simulcast until 1992.

WQXR-AM dropped classical music and adopted a format of adult standards, becoming WQEW-AM.  In 1998, the Times leased the AM station to Radio Disney.  Disney purchased WQEW in 2007.

WQXR-FM continued its classical music format. In 2009, it traded the 96.3 frequency to Univision Radio in exchange for Univision’s 105.9 FM frequency, which broadcast WCAA-FM.  WNYC-FM, a municipally-owned station, then bought WQXR from the New York Times, converting the station to a non-commercial education station.

The new frequency has a smaller broadcast range than the 96.3 FM facility.  The station uses two translator frequencies to increase its reach.  It also broadcasts over cable television and the Internet.



In 1964...WCBS does last broadcast from 485 Madison Ave. moving to 51 W. 52nd Street. nicknamed 'The Black Rock'.


In 2002...WNNY 1380 AM switches format to “Regional Mexican Music”


In 2008...WWDJ 970 AM Newark, NJ changes calls to WHTT.

Back in the '70s, WWDJ was Top40 challenging WABC.  Courtesy of Airchexx.com:


There were many excellent DJ’s who passed through the 97 DJ doors. They include Al Brady, (went on to become Program Director at WABC), Ronnie Grant, Howard Clark, George Taylor Morris, Sean Casey (who was the last Program Director WWDJ, had), Joe Conway, Steve Clark (who was for a short time a WMCA Good Guy in 1967, plus on WOR-FM & CBS-FM), Mark Driscoll (also of WOR-FM and WNBC), Bob Lockwood, Don Cannon (he can be heard on the radio in the original Rocky movie), Bob Savage, Bobby Finck (aka Robert K. Oliver, or Rokko from 99X) and many more.

Sean Casey worked at WOR FM and WPLJ before DJ, and then went on to work for a while at CBS FM. Steve O'Brien of ABC and YNY fame worked afternoons for a period of time as well as Jim King of 99X fame. During the summer of 1971, Dean Anthony left the station and was replaced by a DJ named Chuck Cooper (ala Radio City Bill, Bill Rock who has worked at WYNY and WNBC among other stations).



Bwana Johnny (aircheck starts at the 1:36-mark) had two separate tours with the station. So did Gary Russell, who worked mornings and weekends in separate tours. That was a real no-no in those days.) He was also the last DJ on the air before WWDJ’s music format changed to inspiration on April 1, 1974.  


In 2012...WEMP changes call letters back to WRXP

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Townsquare Media Sets IPO At $11 Per Share

Townsquare Media, Inc. announced today the pricing of its initial public offering of 8,333,333 shares of Class A common stock at a price to the public of $11.00 per share.

The Company has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,250,000 shares at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any. The Company’s Class A common stock is expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSQ” today. The offering is expected to close on July 29, 2014, subject to customary closing conditions.

BofA Merrill Lynch, Jefferies, RBC Capital Markets, Guggenheim Securities and Macquarie Capital are acting as joint bookrunning managers.

Bressler: 'Efficiency Initiatives' to Continue At Clear Channel

Richard Bressler
National advertisers pulled back on outdoor ad spending in the second quarter, according to CC Media Holdings Inc., the parent company of Clear Channel Communications and Clear Channel Outdoor.

For the quarter, Clear Channel posted a loss of $186.6 million, down from a profit of $7.2 million a year earlier.

Speaking on a second quarter earnings call, CC Media chief financial officer Richard Bressler said Wednesday that the latest period “was a tough quarter.” He said the national advertiser pullback had cut the occupancy rate of billboards and posters in the quarter.  According to wsj.com, some of the loss of these accounts, Mr. Bressler said, was attributable to a shift in buying patterns.

“Several large advertisers… decided to use spot buys throughout the year,” he said.

Bressler added the company is starting to regain traction with these national accounts, while local and regional businesses remain strong.

Bressler told financial analysts that  Clear Channel maintains its "commitment to tightly managing our expenses seeking new efficiencies and driving more revenue dollars down to the bottom line. As a result, while continuing to invest in strategic revenue and efficiency initiatives, we expect to see OIBDAN growth in a second half of the year."

Report: Mobile Drives Facebook Revenue

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has officially silenced the skeptics, according to The NY Post.

For all those wondering if the Harvard dropout could keep his winning streak alive, the social network Wednesday beat Wall Street’s expectations for a fifth straight quarter and saw its shares hit new highs.

Mobile advertising drove a 61 percent increase in revenue in the second quarter. Analysts predicted revenue of $2.8 billion, 55 percent higher than a year ago.

Facebook said that mobile advertising accounted for 62 percent of total sales, up from 41 percent a year ago, as users migrate to mobile devices from desktop computers.

“This is a good quarter for us,” Zuckerberg said in a call with analysts Wednesday, sounding almost blasé.

Read More Now

Jacobs Media Outlines Public Radio Strengths

Six years of annual technology surveys on behalf of public radio stations throughout the U.S. has created an exciting narrative about the impact of digital media on broadcast radio.

In Jacobs Media’s PRTS6, in partnership with the Public Radio Program Directors Association (PRPD), radio listeners paint an amazing picture about the strength of public radio, as well as the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital revolution.

PRTS6 shows the following trends, impacting the entire public radio system:
  • The “why” of public radio:  Credible programming, deeper news perspective, ongoing learning, and respect for the intelligence of the listener emerge as the four pillars of public radio’s value proposition. Each is mentioned by more than seven of every ten respondents as main reason for listening to public radio stations.
  • The trust factor:  Three-fourths of PRTS6 respondents agree that public radio news efforts are not influenced by advertisers or sponsors – another indication that credibility and trust are core assets.
  • Streaming rising: Streaming – both audio and video – continues to grow at rapid space.  On a weekly basis, six in ten (61%) access online video, while nearly half (49%) now stream audio every week.
  • The mobile revolution: Seven in ten (71%) PRTS6 respondents own a smartphone, while over half (56%) carry a tablet.  And by far, Apple is the preferred platform of choice.
  • WOM: When it comes to recommendation, public radio stations are off the chart.  Overall, the Net Promoter Score for public radio – which measures word of mouth - is an impressive 71 – nearly 30 points better than the NPS for commercial stations in Jacobs Media’s Techsurvey10.
  • Cars, cars, cars: The “connected car” continues to play a more significant   role for public radio.  In this year’s study, nearly six in ten public radio listeners (58%) are able to pair a phone or mp3 player in the vehicle they drive.
  • Socializing: Three-fourths of these public radio respondents have a social media profile, led by Facebook and LinkedIn.  But these platforms vary considerably by public radio formats and individual station brands.
  • Big news: More than a third (36%) of these public radio fans say they’re increasingly accessing news from digital sources (websites, texts, etc.).
  • Twitter momentum: Of the most popular social media platforms, Twitter showed strong year to year growth.  And more respondents agree they’re using Twitter more than they were one year ago.
Arthur Cohen, President of PRPD comments, “The survey results reinforce the strength of public radio’s offerings – on our traditional platform (radio) as well as the many digital channels. Maintaining those core values in all we offer is an opportunity to remain of service to our communities, even as their media habits change.”

And Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs notes, “PRTS6 points to the opportunities and challenges faced by public radio stations and the networks that provide its programming content.  The audience’s rapid migration to digital signifies the potential to satisfy their informational and entertainment needs on their preferred channels.”

Fred Jacobs will moderate a special session at the Public Radio Program Directors Convention in Portland, OR - September 9-11, as well as a special “stakeholders only” session for station participants in PRTS6.

Weird Al Is Number One

“Weird Al” Yankovic has collected his first No. 1 album, as the antic musician’s latest release became the first comedy album to top the U.S. chart in more than half a century.

Yankovic’s “Mandatory Fun” (RCA) captured the pinnacle with sales of 104,000 copies in its debut week, according to Nielsen SoundScan data for the week ending July 20.

His previous peak came in 2011, when “Alpocalypse” reached No. 9. The veteran parodist’s album was pushed by a video campaign led by “Tacky,” his spoof of Pharrell’s “Happy.”

Comedy last reigned on the chart in 1963, when Allan Sherman’s “My Son, the Nut” became the Chicago-born comic’s third No. 1 LP.

Talker Andy Dean OUT At Premiere

Andy Dean
Premiere Networks announced Wednesday that talk host Andy Dean has decided to step down as host of America Now on August 8, 2014.  The company stated  Dean is leaving to focus on "some exciting projects".

Details regarding a new host for the popular News/Talk program will be announced after the Labor Day holiday. Joe Pags, host of the Premiere Networks-syndicated The Weekend, as well as The Joe Pags Show on WOAI-AM/San Antonio, KPRC-AM/Houston, KHOW-AM/Denver and KEX-AM/Portland, will serve as guest host of America Now beginning Monday, August 11.

Dean stated, "Julie Talbott and Premiere Networks have been wonderful to me, and I am extremely grateful. I have to step down to run my technology company full-time. I started ConnectPal.com to help radio stations and hosts make more money, and the company has grown so fast, it is now expanding to all content creators. The idea is simple - anyone can create a profile on ConnectPal, then you post any type of content (podcasts, video, etc.) on your profile - and then you set a monthly price for people to see your profile. This allows any person or station to have a Glenn Beck-style subscription business in less than 60 seconds at no cost."

Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott stated, "Andy is a tremendous talent and we're proud of what we've accomplished together over the past three years with America Now. We wish him all the best as he starts this new chapter of his career."

Dean joined Premiere Networks for the launch of America Now in August 2011. Today, the program featuring discussion on the news and information that matters most to the daily lives of Americans reaches 130 affiliates nationwide. Broadcasting live on weekdays from 3 - 6 p.m. PT/6 - 9 p.m. ET

Cleveland Radio: Bob Frantz Talks About Losing Job

Bob Frantz
On Tuesday July 8, popular WTAM 1100 AM  nighttalk show host Bob Frantz found out that his services were no longer required by CCM+E.

 The 46-year-old Frantz had 11 years in at the station. He worked the 7-11 p.m. shift for the last eight years and had a show on Sundays as well. Often controversial, he tackled news, politics, sports and popular culture.

He spoke on the phone from his home in Elyria and in emails with Plain Dealer reporter Michael Heaton.

Frantz says 'it's always a surprise when your number is called'.  Although he stated further "I was well aware of the financial challenges that the company faced at the corporate level, as they had been tightening their belt and trimming payroll for the last several years. Every year, I watched a lot of talented people exit the building through no fault of their own, so I would have to be pretty naive to think it could never happen to me."

According Frantz, "It was presented to me as "corporate restructuring," which I understood to mean that the decision came from San Antonio, and not management in Cleveland. I know it was not an easy thing for my former bosses -- who are my friends -- to do, and that's why I bear them no animosity. There has always been a mutual respect there, and I know it continues."

Read More Now

TV Newsroom Salaries Described As "Flat"


A new survey of 1,300 local television news directors produced by RTDNA and Hofstra University paints a mixed picture of the staffing and spending patterns in local television news.

According to Fact Tank at Pew Research, the overall number of staff working in local TV newsrooms declined slightly in 2013, and salaries for on-air anchors and reporters stagnated. At the same time, news budgets were generally higher last year, and more stations than ever are now airing regular newscasts.

Total newsroom employment was down for local television in 2013, and the biggest stations were hit the hardest. The survey identified 27,300 full-time jobs in local television news — down about 400 jobs from 2012. The steepest drop in staffing levels occurred in the 25 biggest TV markets, where the median number of full-time employees dropped by 11%. But the median staff size for all local stations in the survey was unchanged from 2012 to 2013, at 31 employees.

Salaries for on-air staffers were flat. The median salary for a news anchor dropped from $64,000 in 2012 to 62,500 last year. Meteorologists’ salaries were almost the same, at $55,500, in 2013 and $55,000 in 2012. But they are down from $60,000 in 2011. Sports anchors earned the same pay — $45,000 — in each of the past three years. News reporters saw a slight uptick — from $30,000 in 2012 to $31,000 in 2013 — but they earned $32,000 in 2011. The staffers who saw the largest increase in pay (10%) in 2013 were the stations’ graphic specialists, highlighting the growing value of those skilled at producing better storytelling TV visuals.

Read More Now

Milwaukee Radio: WTMJ Adding "Tauscher and Kuhn' Show


Mark Tauscher and John Kuhn will have a one-hour radio show on WTMJ 620 AM starting in September.

"Tauscher and Kuhn" is to air from noon to 1 p.m. on eight select Tuesdays, two shows a month.

Tauscher and Kuhn are former Packers teammates. Tauscher, a native of Marshfield, played offensive tackle and guard from 2000-'10 in Green Bay. He played his college football at Wisconsin. Kuhn has been with the Packers since 2007 and remains the team's fullback.

The release says that "Tauscher and Kuhn" is not a sports talk show, but will feature the two "discussing current events, pop culture and more."


The exact show dates have not been set. Much rests on Kuhn's practice and playing schedule.

CBS Radio To Acquire Eventful

CBS Local Media has entered into an agreement to acquire Eventful, Inc. a leading digital media company in the events discovery, communication and personalization business, it was announced today by Anton Guitano, Chief Operating Officer, CBS Local Media.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Eventful connects consumers with information on millions of concerts, movies listings and local events by using its proprietary algorithms to aggregate, and deliver an ever-growing volume of content from across the United States and around the world. Serving its users via multiple platforms, including online, mobile and email, Eventful creates fan interest profiles and delivers highly personalized recommendations on behalf of artists, publishers and marketers to each of their more than 21 million registered users.

The combination of CBS Local Media and Eventful will:
  • Provide users with more engaging content, whether they’re interested in music, entertainment, sports or where to go in their hometown;
  • Create new opportunities for marketers to reach consumers through a combination of digital, broadcast and live event platforms;
  • Enable Eventful’s growing publisher network of licensees to access CBS Local Media’s award-winning news, information and best of content;
  • Empower fans to influence programming and events via its patented crowdsourcing service, Demand it! ®;
  • Assist more than 500,000 musicians, comedians, film-makers and others who have already used Demand it! ® to expand their relationships with fans.
Anton Guitano
“By offering audiences comprehensive local information all in one place, Eventful has amassed an engaged community that is passionate about finding experiences that match their lifestyle and personal tastes,” said Guitano. “This strategy reflects that of CBS Local Media, making this union a terrific complement to our growing digital business. Broadcast and online audiences will now have more insight into more events. Simultaneously, we are thrilled to offer our clients more options to reach their target customer.”

“The large volume of content available to consumers has created an environment where they are looking for credible brands to aid in the discovery process,” said Ezra Kucharz, President, CBS Local Digital Media. “Eventful’s talented and veteran team has created a best-in-class product that users have grown to trust. In combination with CBS Local Media’s assets and under the division’s leadership, we look forward to satisfying the increasing demand for customized event information regardless of how someone chooses to access it.”

Wichita Radio: Suspect To Trial For Station Beating Death

Antwon Banks
A man accused of killing a radio station employee will face a jury.  The trial of Antwon Banks is scheduled to begin Aug. 25, according to kwch.com.

He is charged with first degree murder in the death of 25-year-old Daniel Flores, who was found beaten to death last February at Steckline Communications, 1623 South Maize Road. Police say he died from blunt force trauma. (See original posting: Click Here)

During the beginning of  aWednesday's hearing last week, a Wichita police officer testified about finding Flores down in the basement of the building. He said there was blood on the wall when officers arrived on the scene.

Daniel Flores
Banks' ex-girlfriend also testified. She said she drove Banks to the station that same morning to pick up his wallet.

The witness in Wednesday's hearing, who asked not to be identified, said Banks admitted to  the murder.

A Sedgwick County inmate, who was in the same pod as Banks, said Banks didn't mean to kill Flores. The inmate said Banks admitted to hitting Flores with a fire extinguisher, then later put it in a Walmart dumpster.

Grand Rapids Radio: Balyo Now Facing Federal Charges

Former Christian radio host John Balyo now faces federal child porn and exploitation charges stemming from alleged incidents involving a 12-year-old boy, according to mlive.com.

The former radio host for WCSG, a Christian radio station based in Grand Rapids, was charged Wednesday, July 23, with a count each of sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids.

Authorities allege Balyo on April 19 took sexually explicit photos of a 12-year-old boy in Kalamazoo County using an iPhone, a computer and digital camera. Balyo in June allegedly possessed at least nine images of child pornography, some involving prepubescent minors.

Balyo, in June was charged in Calhoun County with first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving an 11-year-old boy in Battle Creek in May. He allegedly admitted to some of the conduct and is jailed without bond.

Federal authorities said Moser had photos on a website of a young boy in underwear bound to a bed.

With the federal charges, Balyo is ordered to forfeit his computer, hard drives, all photographic equipment seized from his home, all material seized from his storage unit and all material transferred to a third party in June that relates to sexual abuse of children.

Balyo for eight years worked for WCSG, which is operated by Cornerstone University. The station cut ties with him shortly after the allegations came to light.

Read More Now

Boston Radio WGBH Talks Misogyny In Sports Radio

Talk radio is known for pushing the boundaries of good taste.

But every now and then, we're reminded that there are some lines that even that medium can't cross.

WEEI's Kirk Minihane learned that the hard way last week after some crude comments about sports reporter Erin Andrews, but as Minihane's comments draw condemnation, his better-known colleagues may be getting off easy.

From WGBH's 'Beat the Press':