CC Seeks to Extend Debt Deadline

Clear Channel Communications, Inc. announced Monday that it is seeking, subject to market and customary conditions, to extend $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding term loans B and C due January 2016 until July 2019.

The new extended term loans will have the same security and guarantee package as the outstanding term loans B, C and D. Consummation of the term loan extension is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including the submission for extension of at least $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding term loans B and C and other customary closing documentation.

CCU also announced  it has commenced a private offer (the "Exchange Offer") to holders of CCU's outstanding 10.75% Senior Cash Pay Notes due 2016 and 11.00%/11.75% Senior Toggle Notes due 2016 to exchange any and all Outstanding Notes for its newly issued Senior Notes due 2021. The New Notes will be issued as "additional notes" under the indenture governing CCU's outstanding Senior Notes due 2021 that were issued on June 21, 2013. New Notes issued upon the initial settlement date for the Exchange Offer will, upon issuance, trade fungibly with the Existing 2021 Notes.

Penetration of Smartphones, Tablets Grows Among US Teens

Both smartphone and tablet use saw a large leap among US teenagers ages 13 to 17 between 2012 and 2013, according to an October 2013 survey from the nonprofit Family Online Safety Institute (FOFSI) conducted by Hart Research Associates, according to eMarketer.com.

The poll found that smartphone penetration jumped to 64% in 2013, from 43% the previous year, among this age group. The climb in tablet use was just as dramatic, climbing to 67% in 2013 from 45% in 2012. The survey also found that smartphone penetration was highest among males ages 16 to 17, at 74%.

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Magid Says Video Prime Source of Communication

The world has changed and according to the researchers at Frank N. Magid Associates smartphones and tablets are now the heart of the connected content universe.

According to their research, 74% of Americans now own a smartphone. That figure jumps to 89% for those who are 18-34. As for tablets, 52% of us have them and 63% aged 18-34 have one. According to Magid for those 18-34 the gadgets are now the primary source of entertainment.

Not only that, but Magid believes video is now the primary source of communication. They cite the growth of Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Snapchat, and Vine as showing that consumers are increasingly preferring to communicating through visual means. YouTube, Buzzfeed, and Reddit are top sources of informational content and transforming the way news is consumed, according to the researchers.

NJ Radio: WOND's Pinky Kravitz Celebrates 50-Years

Pinky Kravitz

Pinky Kravitz was celebrating 55 years in the broadcasting business, so naturally he was presented with a 55-pound cake — with the likeness of his personalized bobblehead doll drawn in icing.

Kravitz was at the Borgata Casino Hotel and Spa in Atlantic City, NJ last Friday for his special anniversary broadcast on WOND 1400 AM, complete with visits from morning host Don Williams — who credited Kravitz with his own radio career in the first place.

“Blame it all on him,” Williams joked. “Fifty-five years in our line of work is really admirable. All the awards and rewards he received in a highly competitive industry, he did it in a town you know is not an easy place to accomplish your life’s goals.”

Kravitz, who is also a Press of Atlantic City columnist, began his broadcast career on WLDB in 1958, “sitting in front of the Chelsea Hotel with 50 chairs in front of me, a mic and telephone on a table. And nobody called. The thing was, WLDB did not have equipment that would allow people listening on the radio to hear callers. I repeated what people said, and had to fake some calls when no one would call. ... I would argue with myself until someone called me.”

That first year, he interviewed Eleanor Roosevelt, who he had met while in the Army, as well as six-time Socialist presidential candidate Norman Thomas, and actress Joan Fontaine.

“I’ve had so many guests I’ve been fortunate to be able to get,” Kravitz said. “Atlantic City had conventions, always had big names. It just worked out pretty well.”

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R.I.P.: Morning Personality Caroline Corley From WXPK the Peak

Caroline Mure Corley

Iconic Westchester morning show personality Caroline Corley died unexpectedly Monday, shortly after finishing The Morning Peak at Pamal Broadcasting's WXPK 107.1 FM The Peak, in Briarcliff Manor, NY., according to The Hudson Valley Reporter.

She was just 52.

“My former wife Caroline Mure Corley suddenly just died this morning. Apparently felt dizzy and a neighbor somehow got involved and called the medics who got there quickly,” Christopher Corley wrote, taking to social media to confirm the news. “But after working with her for somewhere around 30-45 minutes, they were unable to revive her. This was after she had done her morning show at 107.1 the Peak, which she loved doing.”

“Caroline was part of The Peak from its very first hours some 9 1/2 years ago. A brilliant broadcaster and seeker of truth, Caroline had the biggest personality of anybody I’ve ever met,” wrote WXPK PD Chris Herrmann, who voiced the late morning time slot after Corley.  "The Peak will never be the same without her. Rest In Peace my friend.”

Colleagues and fans flocked to her Facebook page to express condolences as word of her death spread, and shared stories about her irreverent wit and feisty personality.

“Thanks for sharing your colossal humor and personality with me and all the students you met in my radio classes. Quite an instant positive impression you made on all you met, everywhere you went. At a coffee shop, a parking lot, a store…..and of course, on the radio,” said Tom Zarecki, a DJ and adjunct professor at Western Connecticut University. “Your radio skills were always highly-polished and ready to drop on an unsuspecting person at a moment’s notice. But hey, that was part of the fun. To quote your favorite band the Stones, Caroline, from all of us, we know your memory will ‘Not Fade Away.’ That’s a promise. Thanks for everything, my friend. “

Her previous stops included WLIR and  Country WYNY. The cause of Corley’s death remains unknown.

November 26 In Radio History

In 1962…At EMI's Abbey Road studios in London, the Beatles recorded "Please Please Me" and "Ask Me Why." "Please Please Me" was a re-recording of the song in a more uptempo style after producer George Martin told the band that their original ballad version was "too bloody boring for words."

In 1969…At EMI's Abbey Road studios in London, John Lennon spent the afternoon mixing the Beatles songs "What's The New Mary Jane" and "You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)" with the intention of releasing them as the two sides of a Plastic Ono Band single. When this plan fell through, "Number" was released as the b-side of the Beatles' "Let It Be" single, making this the last time John Lennon was in the studio working on a Beatles song.

In 1973…Elton John released the single "Step Into Christmas."

In 1979...Dan Ingram did his first morning show at 77 WABC after many years as the afternoon drive personality.

In 2003...longtime Washington, D.C. Radio broadcaster, Eddie Gallaher, died at age 89. He worked at stations including WTOP-AM, WASH-FM, and WWDC-AM.

In 2009…Paul McCartney told a BBC interviewer that his concerts are a way of helping him "revisit" other members of the Beatles and his late wife Linda. "If I'm doing songs by the Beatles, I obviously remember the sessions when we recorded. Similarly with John and Linda - in a way you're kind of in contact with them again and it's sad, it's emotional."

R.I.P.: The Voice Of Richmond Mitch Malone Passes

Mitch Malone

Central Virginia radio personality Mitch Malone died Monday morning of natural causes, according to WTVR News.

James D. Mitchell, who was known as Mitch Malone on the radio, hosted the highly rated Quiet Storm radio show weeknights from 7 p.m. to midnight at Radio One-WKJS KISS 99.3 / 105.7 FM.

The Petersburg native graduated from Virginia State University and later served as music and sports director for the university radio station.

He also worked in several other markets, including Greensboro, Baltimore, Norfolk and Raleigh-Durham.


Additionally, Malone served as a fill-in traffic reporter on WTVR’s morning news in the early 2000s.

KISS-FM Vice-President and General Manager Linda Forem said Malone had one of the best and most soothing voices to ever grace Richmond radio or television.

READ ALSO: Radio Legends Document Music History: Click Here.

On Sunday, Malone posted what turned out to be his final Facebook entry:

Post by WTVR CBS 6 News.

iHeartRadio Launches 'AIR Chicago' Smooth Jazz Station

iHeartRadio and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today launched "AIR Chicago" - the first 24-hour-a-day airport radio station dedicated to keeping O'Hare and Midway travelers in tune with Chicago Department of Aviation information, airport traffic, weather, business news, smooth jazz music and much more.

Just in time for the busy holiday travel season, the approximately 85 million annual travelers going through O'Hare and Midway can now access "AIR Chicago" through iHeartRadio.com, www.flychicago.com and Clear Channel's local HD2 station - WKSC-FM/103.5 KISS FM.

"On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, we are proud that O'Hare and Midway, in partnership with Clear Channel, are the first airports to offer a radio station specifically devoted to keeping passengers in touch with real-time information," said Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation.

"AIR Chicago is a great example of our efforts to provide a 'best-in-class' experience for the millions of travelers who fly through our busy transportation hubs."

NYC Radio: Geraldo To Go Live&Local On WABC

Geraldo

Report: Syndication ending

Cumulus has announced award-winning journalist and iconic media personality Geraldo Rivera will launch “Geraldo” exclusively on WABC 770 AM as a live radio show focusing on his hometown beginning January 1, 2014. The program will also stream simultaneously for fans across the country and worldwide.

“Geraldo” will air weekdays from 10a-12p ET and will focus on the most talked about topics involving the nation’s largest city ­– everything from social issues to politics. Rivera will also continue his fight against unemployment by broadcasting live from upcoming “Put Americans Back to Work” job expos and events hosted by Cumulus.

“For the last four decades, in war and peace I’ve been chasing the news around the world. But there’s a universe of stories right here in my hometown. Energized and excited by this opportunity, I’m taking our show to the four corners of the five boroughs. I’ll be on the streets and in the face of lawbreakers and newsmakers, ready with a hot mike and a helping hand,” Geraldo said.

“We are excited that one of the most recognized and respected names in media will be sharing his perspectives on New York issues and supporting local causes that matter most to listeners in one of our top markets,” said John Dickey, co-COO and Executive Vice President of Cumulus.

Rivera, who is also with Fox News, first signed onto WABC radio in January 2012. A few weeks later, he also began hosting a separate live show for Los Angeles’s KABC before Cumulus Media Networks took “Geraldo” national on over 40 stations in August of that year.

Politico is reporting the syndicated show is ending. And there's not word on how KABC will fill Geraldo's currents 10a-Noon time slot.

Taylor Swift 'Artist Of the Year' At The AMAs

Lady Gaga arrives via horseback, sort of.. (ABC/Richard Harvaugh photo)

All genres of music were in one room last night at the American Music Awards. The live ABC-TV broadcast from the Nokia Theater in L.A. contained a slew of performances, legendary duets and a tribute to the late Celia Cruz.

Taylor Swift made the most trips to the podium last night, taking home four awards including Artist of the Year and Favorite Country Album for her record, Red. Justin Timberlake didn't trail very far behind receiving three nods, including Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Album.

Other winners for the night were Macklemore & Ryan Lewis -- who were not present due to a show in Miami, newcomer Ariana Grande, One Direction and Rihanna -- who took home the first-ever Icon Award.



Katy Perry opened the show on a high note with an Asian-influenced performance of her new record, "Unconditionally." The singer perfectly displayed her vocal range while accompanied by dancers twirling colorful parasols and wearing kimono robes.

Shortly after, Pitbull made his award show host debut with a small tribute to the evolution of booty shaking dances. With help from four dancers, the rapper/host refreshed the audience's memory of the Tootsie Roll, the Doo-Doo Brown and the Hydrolics dance.

The night's performances included One Direction, Ariana Grande, Imagine Dragon, and Luke Bryan, to name a few. Pitbull went into performer mode and hit the stage to perform his record with Ke$ha. Justin Timberlake familiarized the audience with his other area of expertise, playing the guitar. JT strummed on his guitar as he performed a record from the second installation of The 20/20 Experience. TLC -- who teased fans that they were performing, but with a special guest, brought out Lil' Mama to perform, "Waterfalls."

Jennifer Lopez put on her frilled mini-skit and her dancing shoes for a tribute to the late Celia Cruz. Let's not forget that Lady Gaga and R.Kelly put their acting faces on to add an extra theatrical oomph to their duet.

Artist of the Year (highlighted contains embedded audio)
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Justin Timberlake
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Rihanna
Bruno Mars

Single of the Year
WINNER: Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly - "Cruise"
Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell & T.I. - "Blurred Lines"
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz - "Thrift Shop"

Icon Award
WINNER: Rihanna

New Artist of the Year
WINNER: Ariana Grande
Florida Georgia Line
Imagine Dragons
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Phillip Phillips

Favorite Male Artist -- Pop/Rock
WINNER: Justin Timberlake
Bruno Mars
Robin Thicke

Favorite Band, Duo or Group -- Pop/Rock
WINNER: One Direction
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Imagine Dragons

Favorite Album -- Pop/Rock
WINNER: One Direction - Take Me Home
Taylor Swift - Red
Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience

Favorite Male Artist -- Country
WINNER: Luke Bryan
Hunter Hayes
Blake Shelton

ABC/Richard Harbaugh photo

Favorite Female Artist -- Country
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood

Favorite Album -- Country
WINNER: Taylor Swift -- Red
Luke Bryan - Crash My Party
Florida Georgia Line - Here's to the Good Times

Favorite Album -- Rap/Hip-Hop
WINNER: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist
Jay Z - Magna Carta... Holy Grail
Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d. city

Favorite Male Artist -- Soul/R&B
WINNER: Justin Timberlake
Miguel
Robin Thicke

Favorite Female Artist -- Soul/R&B
WINNER: Rihanna
Ciara
Alicia Keys

ABC/Richard Harbaugh photo

Favorite Album -- Soul/R&B
WINNER: Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
Rihanna - Unapologetic
Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines

Favorite Artist -- Alternative Rock
WINNER: Imagine Dragons
The Lumineers
Mumford & Sons

Favorite Artist -- Latin Music
WINNER: Marc Anthony
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos

Favorite Artist -- Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
WINNER: Avicii
Daft Punk
Zedd
Calvin Harris

Cumulus Media Sets Up Shop At The AMAs

Cumulus Media Networks hosted the American Music Awards radio remotes this weekend with 20 stations in a variety of formats from coast to coast. The radio remotes were at LA Live in Los Angeles leading up to the AMA show.

                              Billy Ray Cyrus and David Stewart at the Cumulus AMA radio remotes

                                           Lance Bass at the Cumulus AMA radio remotes

Blair Garner was still in LA after the ‪#‎AMAs‬ so listeners heard America's Morning Show on from 2 places and the cast used Google Hangout to see each other.

Report: 'Artpop' Caused Lady Gabe, Troy Carter Split

Lady Gaga’s refusal to add more poppy “radio-friendly” songs to her latest album, “Artpop,” was the fatal wedge between her and ex-manager Troy Carter, sources tell Page Six at The NY Post.

Gaga and Carter, who had managed the singer since 2007, announced earlier this month they were parting ways because of “creative differences.”

But sources told Page Six Lady Gaga and Carter hit an impasse after Gaga and her record label disagreed over the musical direction of “Artpop.”

Executives at Gaga’s label Interscope had concerns over her third album “not having any big “hits” on it.” They asked Gaga to go back to the studio and rework a few tracks.

Execs at Interscope suggested she could release “Artpop” as an EP, to complement an album of more radio-friendly hits. But she refused.

Interscope asked Carter to try to get through to the defiant singer, but Gaga refused “to adulterate her art,” one source said. Shortly before the album hit stores, Carter and Gaga announced they’d no longer be working together.

In its debut week, “Artpop” sold 258,000 records and was the No. 1 album. But that’s a fraction of the 1.1 million albums Gaga sold during the launch week of her last album, “Born This Way.” Sales of that were boosted by a promotion offering the album for 99-cent sale on Amazon.

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Report: Katie Couric Leaving ABC for Yahoo! News

Katie Couric

UPDATE 11/25/2012 NOON:  Yahoo! News has confirmed that Katie Couric is joining Yahoo as our Global Anchor. Starting in early 2014, Katie will lead a team of correspondents at Yahoo News.

Original Posting....

Less than three years after joining ABC in a lucrative and wide-ranging deal that included a daytime talk show and a role at ABC News, Katie Couric is negotiating an exit package, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The move comes as Couric is close to finalizing an extensive deal with Internet giant Yahoo, according to multiple sources.

Couric's daytime talk show is in its second and almost certainly final season on ABC. She will complete the season and sources at Disney-ABC insist that a decision about the future of Katie will not be made until sometime in December after executives get a look at the November sweeps ratings.

The original deal -- said to be worth $40 million -- encompassed two seasons of the daytime talk show and three years at ABC News; it is standard for news contracts to be three years. It's unclear how much the news division is paying toward Couric's contract or how much she'll walk away with in an early exit.

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Willie Nelson Off The Road Again

KOKE-FM photo

Singer Willie Nelson will not be on the road again until December after three of his band members were injured in a weather-related bus wreck in northeast Texas early Saturday, according to chron.com.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the 80-year-old Nelson was not aboard the motorcoach when it crashed into a bridge pillar along Interstate 30, about 80 miles northeast of Dallas.

State Trooper Sylvia Jennings said the driver lost control of the bus while dealing with heavy rains and high winds.

Drummer Paul English injured his ankle, band member Billy English had a bruised hip and crew member Tom Hawkins cracked a rib, according to Nelson's website.

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List: The Least Influential Celebs Of 2013

GQ Magazine named President Obama one of the least influential celebrities of 2013, citing the White House's inability to work with Congress.

NY Post