August 21 Radio History

➦In 1900... Announcer Ken Carpenter born (Died – October 16, 1984). He was best known for being the announcer for singer and actor Bing Crosby for 27 years.

Ken Carpenter

Carpenter moved to Hollywood in 1929, one year after resolving to move there after listening to radio legend Graham McNamee call the Rose Bowl. In 1930, he was a newspaper copywriter. Not long afterward, he became a staff announcer for KFI radio. As part of that job, Carpenter announced USC and UCLA football games for the Pacific Coast and the NBC radio networks from 1932 until 1935.  In 1935, Carpenter announced the Rose Bowl for NBC radio. Carpenter became the color man for Bill Stern for all NBC-originated radio programming from Los Angeles from 1938 until 1942, which included the Rose Bowl.

In 1936, Carpenter became Crosby's announcer after Crosby began hosting the Kraft Music Hall radio variety program. Carpenter continued to announce for Crosby on various programs for the next 27 years. Crosby famously once called Carpenter "the man with the golden voice." Carpenter also announced for Al Jolson and Edgar Bergen as well.  By virtue of his extensive announcing career, he wound up with uncredited roles in well-known movies, including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Susan Slept Here. He was also the narrator for producer Jerry Fairbanks' theatrical short-subject series Unusual Occupations, released by Paramount Pictures from 1938 through 1948.

From 1949 until 1952, Carpenter was the announcer for the NBC Radio sitcom The Halls of Ivy. He was also the announcer for Lux Radio Theater from 1952 through the end of the series in 1955; from 1955 until 1957, Carpenter hosted NBC's Lux Video Theatre program during its summer seasons. Other programs for which Carpenter was an announcer on radio included The Great Gildersleeve, The Chase and Sanborn Program (featuring Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy) and a stint on The Life of Riley from 1947 through 1949.

He died following a brief illness Oct. 16 1984 at age 84.

➦In 1923...Sportscaster Chris Schenkel born (Died at age 82 – September 11, 2005).  Over the course of five decades he called play-by-play for numerous sports on television and radio, becoming known for his smooth delivery and baritone voice.

Chris Schenkel - 1964

He began his broadcasting career at radio station WBAA while studying for a premedical degree at Purdue University where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He worked in radio for a time at WLBC in Muncie, IN and then moved to television, in Providence, RI, and in 1947 began announcing Harvard football games. For six years he did local radio and called the Thoroughbred horse races at Narragansett Park.

In 1952, Schenkel was hired by the DuMont Television Network, for which he broadcast New York Giants football and hosted DuMont's Boxing From Eastern Parkway (1953-1954) and Boxing From St. Nicholas Arena (1954-56), replacing Dennis James as the network's primary boxing announcer.

Schenkel was at the microphone for DuMont's last broadcast and its only color telecast, a high school football championship game held on Thanksgiving in 1957.

He then moved to CBS Sports, where he continued to call Giants games, along with boxing, Triple Crown horse racing and The Masters golf tournament, among other events. Along with Chuck Thompson, Schenkel called the 1958 NFL Championship Game for NBC. He was the voiceover talent for the first NFL Films production ever made, the 1962 NFL Championship Game between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants.

ABC Sports hired Schenkel in 1965, and there he broadcast college football, Major League Baseball, NBA basketball, golf and tennis tournaments, boxing, auto racing, and the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. He became widely known for covering professional bowling, mainly for the Professional Bowlers Association (with the program becoming known as the Professional Bowlers Tour). He covered bowling from the early 1960s until 1997


➥In 1924...Sportscaster Jack Buck was born (Died from lung cancer at age 77 – June 18, 2002).  He was best known for his work announcing Major League Baseball games of the St. Louis Cardinals. His play-by-play work earned him recognition from numerous Halls of Fame, such as the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the National Radio Hall of Fame. He has also been inducted as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum.

Jack Buck

After completion of his military service in 1946, Buck enrolled at (and graduated from) Ohio State University. His early sportscasting career included work for the minor league affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1954, he was promoted to radio play-by-play of Cardinal games on KMOX, a position that he maintained for nearly all of the next 47 years. He was known in St. Louis for his trademark phrase "That's a winner!", which was said after every game that the Cardinals had won.

In addition to his work with the Cardinals, Buck also earned assignments on many national sportscasts, including radio coverage of 18 Super Bowls and 11 World Series. Some of his famous play-by-play calls include the dramatic walk-off home runs hit by Ozzie Smith in Game 5 of the 1985 National League Championship Series, by Kirk Gibson in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, and by Kirby Puckett in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series.

The later part of his career found him working side-by-side in the Cardinals booth with his son Joe Buck, who also has risen to national sportscasting prominence.

In addition to Joe, Buck has three daughters who worked in broadcasting. Two are from his first marriage - Bonnie Buck, who currently works in television in Los Angeles, and Christine Buck, who started her career at KPLR-TV in St. Louis. From his second marriage is Julie Buck most recently on KTRS 550 AM 550, St. Louis. In addition, Buck's late younger brother, Bob Buck was a sportscaster and sports director at KMOX/KMOV-TV in St. Louis.

➦In 1958...Non-Com KUT-FM in Austin Texas signed-on

➦In 2003...Longtime voice of the Boston Red Sox Ken Coleman died of bacterial meningitis at age 78 (Born - April 22, 1925).

Coleman broke into broadcasting in Rutland, Vermont in 1947, working for station WSYB. He called the play-by-play of the minor league Rutland Royals baseball team. He also was a newscaster and a deejay on the station. He then was hired at hometown team WJDA in Quincy MA, where he worked as a sports reporter until 1951; he then worked for a year at WNEB in Worcester.

Ken Coleman

During this time, he was broadcasting Boston University football. He received critical praise for his college football play-by-play, which led to his big break: in 1952, he got the opportunity to broadcast for the NFL Cleveland Browns (1952–1965), calling play-by-play of every touchdown that Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown ever scored. He also began his MLB broadcasting career in Cleveland, calling Cleveland Indians games on television for ten seasons (1954–1963). In his first year with the Indians, Coleman called their record-setting 111-win season and their World Series loss to the New York Giants.

In 1966, Coleman was chosen to become a play-by-play announcer for the Boston Red Sox, replacing Curt Gowdy, who resigned after fifteen years of calling Red Sox games, to become a play-by-play announcer for NBC. Coleman joined a broadcast team that also included Ned Martin and Mel Parnell. Coleman broadcast the 1967 World Series (which the Red Sox lost to the St. Louis Cardinals) for NBC television and radio. From 1975 to 1978 Coleman worked with the Cincinnati Reds' television crew.

Coleman returned to Boston in 1979. He broadcast the Red Sox' 1986 World Series loss to the New York Mets and two Red Sox ALCS (1986 and 1988). Coleman remained in the Red Sox radio booth until his retirement in 1989.

He was the father of the late Cleveland sports and newscaster Casey Coleman, who died in 2006 from pancreatic cancer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:

Kacey Musgraves is 32

• Actor-filmmaker-writer Melvin Van Peebles is 88. 
• Guitarist James Burton (with Elvis Presley) is 81. 
• Actor Clarence Williams III (“The Mod Squad”) is 81. 
• Singer Jackie DeShannon is 79. 
• Actor Patty McCormack (“The Ropers”) is 75. 
• Singer Carl Giammarese of The Buckinghams is 73. 
• Actor Loretta Devine (“Boston Public”) is 71. 
• Newsman Harry Smith is 69. 
• Singer Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath) is 68. 
• Guitarist Nick Kane (The Mavericks) is 66. 
• Actor Kim Cattrall (“Sex and the City”) is 64. 
• Actor Cleo King (“Mike and Molly”) is 58. 
• Singer Serj Tankian of System of a Down is 53. 
• Actor Carrie-Anne Moss (“The Matrix,” ″Chocolat”) is 50. 
• Musician Liam Howlett of Prodigy is 49. 
• Actor Alicia Witt (“Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” ″Cybill”) is 45. 
• Singer Kelis is 41.  
• TV personality Brody Jenner (“The Hills”) is 37. 
• Singer Melissa Schuman of Dream is 36. 
• Comedian Brooks Wheelan (“Saturday Night Live”) is 34. 
• Actor Cody Kasch (“Desperate Housewives”) is 33. 
• Country singer Kacey Musgraves is 32. 
• Actor Hayden Panettiere (“Nashville,” ″Heroes”) is 31. 
• Actor RJ Mitte (“Breaking Bad”) is 28. 
• Actor Maxim Knight (“Falling Skies”) is 21.

Detroit Radio: WWJ Celebrates 100 Years

One hundred years ago today, WWJ radio — Detroit's very first station — was born when Detroit News publisher and radio enthusiast William E. Scripps had a 200-watt transmitter set up in a corner of the sports department. (Today? It's 50,000 watts.) WWJ will air a special show, "WWJ at 100, a Century of News," at 7 p.m. Thursday to celebrate.

The Detroit News reports WWJ wasn't just first in Detroit. Depending on how you slice things, it was the first commercial broadcaster in the U.S., though when it went on the air that Aug. 20 a century back, it was probably picked up by only a few dozen households in possession of what was, at the time, shockingly high-tech radio equipment.

Asked where he'd locate WWJ in American broadcasting history, Specs Howard, founder of the School of Media Arts in Southfield that bears his name, said without hesitation, "Oh, right near the top."

One-time WRIF program director Fred Jacobs, now head of Jacobs Media Strategies in Bingham Farms, agreed, saying, "It's really been a remarkable run, especially in a world where brands come and go."

Despite WWJ's launch on Aug. 20, regular broadcasting didn't begin until Aug. 31, 1920, when The Detroit News announced on its front page that the "Detroit News Radiophone" service would be on the air every evening, except Sundays. Programming that first night included regularly updated primary election returns, and a recording of singer Lois Johnson.

While The News founded WWJ, it no longer owns it. After Gannett bought the newspaper in 1986, it had to sell the station to comply with an FCC ruling that a single company could no longer own a newspaper and broadcast outlet in the same market.



Full on-air programming schedule for Thursday is as follows.

• 8:20 a.m. ET:  David Field, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Entercom
• 9:30 a.m. ET:  Ajit Pai, Chairman, FCC
• 12:30 p.m. ET:  Ike McKinnon, former Detroit Police Chief

In addition to on-air programming, WWJ News Radio 950 will also be featured during a one-hour special following local CBS News at 7:00 p.m., where host Jason Scott will spotlight some of the major stories covered by WWJ as well as the importance of local news.

WWJ News Radio 950 launched on August 20, 1920 and served as a vital news source for Detroit during the world’s most trying times, including World War II, the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and the Detroit race riots in 1967. Most recently, the station has been a crucial lifeline throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout its history, the station has achieved a long list of illustrious and groundbreaking accomplishments, including being the first radio station to broadcast election returns on August 31, 1920, the first sportscast on September 1, 1920, the first missing person report on March 15, 1922, the first Detrioit Tigers play-by-play broadcast on April 19, 1927, and more.

It should be noted however that the question of the 'first' publicly targeted licensed radio station in the U.S. has more than one answer and depends on semantics. Settlement of this 'first' question may hang largely upon what constitutes 'regular' programming

It is commonly attributed to KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which in October 1920 received its license and went on the air as the first US licensed commercial broadcasting station on November 2, 1920 with the presidential election results as its inaugural show, but was not broadcasting daily until 1921. (Their engineer Frank Conrad had been broadcasting from on the two call sign signals of 8XK and 8YK since 1916.) Technically, KDKA was the first of several already-extant stations to receive a 'limited commercial' license.

On February 17, 1919, station 9XM at the University of Wisconsin in Madison broadcast human speech to the public at large. 9XM was first experimentally licensed in 1914, began regular Morse code transmissions in 1916, and its first music broadcast in 1917. Regularly scheduled broadcasts of voice and music began in January 1921. That station is still on the air today as WHA.

On August 20, 1920 8MK, began broadcasting daily and was later claimed by famed inventor Lee De Forest as the first commercial station. 8MK was licensed to a teenager, Michael DeLisle Lyons, and financed by E. W. Scripps. In 1921 8MK changed to WBL and then to WWJ in 1922, in Detroit. It has carried a regular schedule of programming to the present and also broadcast the 1920 presidential election returns just as KDKA did.[90] Inventor Lee DeForest claims to have been present during 8MK's earliest broadcasts, since the station was using a transmitter sold by his company.

The first station to receive a commercial license was WBZ, then in Springfield, Massachusetts. Lists provided to the Boston Globe by the U.S. Department of Commerce showed that WBZ received its commercial license on September 15,  1921; another Westinghouse station, WJZ, then in Newark, New Jersey, received its commercial license on November 7, the same day as KDKA did.  What separates WJZ and WBZ from KDKA is the fact that neither of the former stations remain in their original city of license, whereas KDKA has remained in Pittsburgh for its entire existence.

The Industry Celebrates National Radio Day

Radio allows audiences worldwide to access music, talk shows and information, but it also provides a human connection, reports The Orlando Sentinel.

“When we put a caller on the air, and someone else hears the experiences … or difficulties that they’re facing, they realize that they’re not alone,” said Johnny Magic (real name John Hill), host of Johnny’s House on iHeartMedia's 106.7 FM.

And that connection is something Hill feels many people need amid the coronavirus pandemic, which is limiting travel and keeping many close to home. Luckily, most places are within reach of a radio signal, according to Kayonne Riley, director of WUCF 89.9 FM.

“Even in the middle of the ocean, you can pick up a radio signal,” she said. “Radio is free. It’s easily accessible.”

Johnny Magic

Hill and Riley shared their thoughts about radio, their shows/stations and why people should listen in honor of National Radio Day today.

Johnny Magic has been reaching Central Floridians from XL106.7 for 30 years — first with Doc and Jonny, followed by Johnny and Jade and now with Johnny’s House, which he describes as a fun, entertaining show.

“A lot of stuff is going on in the world today. We just try to keep it light and just have fun in the morning,” he said.

Hill hosts his morning show — which airs 6-10 a.m. weekdays — with Brian Grimes, Sondra Rae, Selena and Detroit. The group discusses entertainment, local happenings and more. They also take listeners’ calls and engage audiences in competitions.

Johnny Magic believes listening to local radio is important because it’s tailored to communities.

Kayonne Riley

“We research what you want to hear right here,” he said. “If you’re listening to the national show, the syndicated show, they may never come to town. We’re your neighbors, we’re your friends and we’re here to get up every morning to entertain you.”

Riley not only works for WUCF, but she also teaches radio programming and production for the Nicholson School of Communication and Media at University of Central Florida. She can trace her love of the medium back to her childhood when she listened to the radio during car rides or picked up faraway stations from her attic bedroom in Texas.

At Texas A&M University, she worked at the student radio station KANM before landing her first job at KAMU. In 1994, she accepted a position at WUCF, where she continues her 34-year radio career today.

“In Orlando, we’re very fortunate,” she said. “We’ve got oodles of formats to serve our diverse populations.”

The Rundown: Kamala Harris: "We Have..To Change Course of History"

Seven takeaways from the DNC's third night https://t.co/oBDtEjZwK6 pic.twitter.com/ewuiUfaIvq

— CNN (@CNN) August 20, 2020

California Senator Kamala Harris accepted the vice presidential nomination on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention last night, becoming the first Black woman on a national political ticket. That historic moment when Harris officially became Joe Biden's running mate came as Democratic speakers repeatedly pushed the message of the importance of voting and having a "voting plan," throughout the night's two-hour presentation.

The starkest message came from former President Barack Obama, who warned American democracy is at stake as he spoke from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, urging voters, "Don't not let them take away your democracy." He also had harsh words for his successor, stating, "Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t," and saying Trump has shown, "No interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves." Hillary Clinton, the Democratic party's 2016 nominee, also urged voting in overwhelming numbers, saying, "Vote like our lives and livelihoods are on the line,” she added, “because they are."

The convention focused on several issues last night, including gun violence, climate change, immigration, and the economy, and as Harris readied to accept the vice presidential nomination, women were celebrated all  night. Other speakers included Senator Elizabeth Warren, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and former Rep. Gabby Giffords, who became a gun control advocate after being seriously wounded in a gun attack.

➤RUSSIAN OPPOSITION POLITICIAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER BEING POISONED: Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny is in the hospital after having been poisoned, a spokesperson for the 44-year-old said this morning. Navalny, a top opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is unconscious and on a ventilator in an intensive care unit, with Russia's state news agency, Tass, reporting that he's in grave condition. Navalny felt unwell while on a flight back to Moscow from Siberia and the plane made an emergency landing in the city of Omsk.

➤PELOSI: DEJOY HAS NO INTENTION OF RESTORING POSTAL SERVICE REMOVALS: Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said earlier this week that he will make no more service changes until after the November election to avoid "even the appearance" of affecting mail-in voting. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday that DeJoy told her her has no intention of restoring the post office sorting machines and street mailboxes that have been removed since he took over as head of the Postal Service in June. There has been a public outcry over mail delays and concerns about disrupting the November election, when millions more Americans than usual are expected to vote by mail because of the coronavirus pandemic. Pelosi said she told DeJoy that the temporary pause on service changes is, quote, "wholly insufficient and does not reverse damage already wreaked." More than 20 states are suing over the actions taken under DeJoy, a Republican donor installed by President Trump who didn't came from within the ranks of the Postal Service.

CA Gov @GavinNewsom says a massive heatwave and nearly 11,000 lightning strikes in the last 72 hours are to blame for igniting more than 350 active wildfires. One photographer took a terrifying journey through the heart of a raging inferno. pic.twitter.com/7kVRAM5u5z

— Pattrn (@pattrn) August 19, 2020

➤HUNDREDS OF WILDFIRES BURNING ACROSS CALIFORNIA: Hundreds of wildfires are burning across California, including 23 major ones, that Governor Gavin Newsom blamed on lightning strikes -- nearly 11,000 in 72 hours -- and what he called "extraordinary weather." Smoke filled the air in San Francisco, which is surrounded by wildfires to the north, east and south, and an eight-day-old fire in Southern California grew to nearly 50 square miles near Lake Hughes. Tens of thousands have been ordered evacuated in the state.

➤EX-FBI LAWYER PLEADS GUILTY TO ALTERING EMAIL IN RUSSIA PROBE: Former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith pled guilty yesterday (August 19th) to altering an email related to the surveillance of a former Donald Trump campaign adviser during the Russia probe in 2017. Clinesmith admitted to altering the email the FBI relied on as it sought court approval to eavesdrop on Carter Page. He changed the email he got in June 2017 from another government agency to say Page was "not a source" for that agency. The agency isn't named, but Page has said he worked as a source for the CIA. Clinesmith said that when he altered the email, he'd believed the information he included in it was factually accurate. He could be sentenced to zero to six months in prison.
 
➤TRUMP PRAISES QANON CONSPIRACY SUPPORTERS: President Trump yesterday offered praise for supporters of QAnon, the baseless far-right conspiracy that claims Trump is fighting a cabal of "deep state" government insiders and Hollywood elites involved in a child sex trafficking ring run by Satanic pedophiles and cannibals. An FBI bulletin last May warned that conspiracy theory-driven extremists have become a domestic terrorism threat and specifically mentioned QAnon. Asked about QAnon during a news conference yesterday, Trump, who has retweeted from QAnon-affiliated accounts, said, "I don't know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate." When a reporter partially explained what QAnon believes, Trump said, "Well, I haven't heard that, but is that supposed to be a bad thing or a good thing?" and continued, "If I can help save the world from problems, I'm willing to do it."

Meanwhile, Facebook said yesterday that it has removed hundreds of QAnon Pages, accounts and Groups from Facebook and Instagram and restricted thousands more, saying they violate its newly-expanded policy on "dangerous individuals and organizations. However, Facebook didn't ban QAnon entirely.

➤APPLE BECOMES FIRST COMPANY WITH $2 TRILLION MARKET VALUE: Apple on Wednesday became the first U.S. company with a $2 trillion market value, as its shares passed $467.77 in early stock market trading. After hitting the high mark, Apple stock later reversed a little and closed at $462.83. The achievement came just two years after Apple became the first U.S. company with a $1 trillion market value. Although the coronavirus pandemic has sent the economy into recession and unemployment to its worst levels since the Great Depression, tech giants have been doing very well as homebound people having to work, go to school, shop and do more from home are turning to technology, and Apple's stock has risen nearly 58 percent his year.

➤ARMY INVESTIGATING SOLDIERS WHO WERE IN DNC VIDEO: The Army is investigating two soldiers who appeared in uniform in a brief videotaped segment during the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night. The two soldiers, who were both wearing face masks, stood on either side of officials from American Samoa while the territory awarded its delegates during the roll call of the states. Under Defense Department regulations, troops are banned from appearing in uniform at partisan political or campaign events. A DNC official caused the unformed soldiers' appearance in the video an "oversight," explaining, "Each state was asked to highlight issues and values that matter most and the American Samoa delegation wanted to highlight their commitment to military service when they filmed their segment."

➤REPORT: MICHIGAN TO PAY $600 MILLION TO FLINT TAINTED WATER VICTIMS: Michigan is expected to announce this week that it will pay $600 million to victims of the Flint water crisis, according to the New York Times. The report says tens of thousands of Flint residents are expected to be eligible to receive settlement money, with most of it to go to children. Residents of Flint were exposed to lead-contaminated water for nearly two years after the city switched its water supply from Lake Huron to the polluted Flint River in 2014. Residents were ignored for months as they complained about the water, with people saying it tasted metallic, and reporting feeling sick after drinking it, developing rashes, losing their hair, and more. Flint's water now comes from Lake Huron again, and the city is finishing a project to replace lead service lines.

Newsday 8/20/20

➤NBA PLAYOFFS: Results from first-round playoff games yesterday (April 19th):

• Toronto Raptors 104, Brooklyn Nets 99 -- Toronto leads series 2 game to 0
• Utah Jazz 124, Denver Nuggets 105 -- Series tied 1-1
• Boston Celtics 128, Philadelphia 76ers 101 -- Boston leads series 2 games to 0
• Dallas Mavericks 127, L.A. Clippers 114 -- Series tied 1-1

➤NHL PLAYOFFS: Results from first-round playoff games yesterday (April 19th):

• Tampa Bay Lightning 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 4 (OT) -- Tampa Bay wins series 4 games to 1
• Boston Bruins 2, Carolina Hurricanes 1 -- Boston wins series 4 games to 1
• Colorado Avalanche 7, Arizona Coyotes 1 -- Colorado wins series 4 games to 1
• Montreal Canadiens 5, Philadelphia Flyers 3 -- Philadelphia leads series 3 games to 2
• Vancouver Canucks 4, St. Louis Blues 3 -- Vancouver leads series 3 games to 2

➤ASTROS' ALVAREZ TO HAVE SEASON-ENDING KNEE SURGERY: Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker announced Wednesday (August 19th) that reigning American League Rookie of the Year Yordan Alvarez will have to undergo season-ending surgery for a partial tear of a knee tendon. Alvarez underwent an MRI on Monday after having discomfort in his right knee. The 23-year-old outfielder just made his season debut last Friday, after being on the injured list because of a positive coronavirus test before summer camp.

➤NBA REPORTS NO CORONAVIRUS CASES: The NBA's Walt Disney World "bubble" is continuing to work, with the league and the Players Association announcing Wednesday (August 19th) that again none of the 341 players tested since results were last released a week earlier had tested positive for the coronavirus. The players, who are now in the postseason, are tested daily.

As of 11am Thursday 8/20/20

➤TROPICAL DEPRESSION STRENGTHENS: Tropical Depression 13 is first of 3 Atlantic systems to strengthen. Florida is in its path. Tropical Depression 13 formed late Wednesday night in the mid-Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center. It could turn into Tropical Storm Laura by the end of Thursday.

The early models show the storm is bound for the Sunshine State and could reach the southwest coast of Florida on Monday.

The hurricane center announced the system’s development in its 11 p.m. advisory. As of then, the system had sustained winds of 35 mph. If it generates winds of 39 mph, then it would become classified as Tropical Storm Laura, the 13th named storm of what has been an extremely active hurricane season.

Reds Announcer Is Suspended For 'Hot Mic' Homophobic Slur

A Fox Sports announcer who has been calling Major League Baseball games for more than 30 years was suspended on Wednesday night, the Cincinnati Reds said, after he used a homophobic slur during a live broadcast of a Reds doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals, reports the NY Times.

Thom Brennaman

“The Cincinnati Reds organization is devastated by the horrific, homophobic remark made this evening by broadcaster Thom Brennaman,” the team said in a statement. “He was pulled off the air, and effective immediately was suspended from doing Reds broadcasts.”

Brennaman, 56, was suspended after videos circulated widely on social media showing him apparently caught on a live mic on Wednesday night describing a place as “one of the fag capitals of the world.” It was not clear where he was referring to.

After the slur was broadcast, Mr. Brennaman segued into a promotion of the Reds’ pregame show.

The comment stirred outrage on social media, with some fans calling for him to be fired. Later Wednesday night, Mr. Brennaman apologized for his remarks, saying he was “deeply ashamed.”

Thom Brennaman says a homophobic slur on a hot mic, is forced to apologize and sign off early, but still manages to get one last home run call in.pic.twitter.com/dKjhRjwZXg

— Korked Bats (@korkedbats) August 20, 2020

“I don’t know if I’m going to be putting on this headset again,” Brennaman said in the on-air apology, which he briefly interrupted to announce a home run by the Reds’ Nick Castellanos. “I don’t know if it’s going to be for the Reds. I don’t know if it’s going to be for my bosses at Fox.”

Brennaman said he wanted to apologize to the “people who sign my paycheck,” to the Reds, to Fox Sports Ohio and to “anybody that I’ve offended here tonight.”

“I can’t begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am,” he said. “That is not who I am. It never has been. And I’d like to think maybe I could have some people that could back that up. I am very, very sorry and I beg for your forgiveness.”

NH Radio: Binnie Media Announces 2 Key Promotions

Binnie Media has named Dave Andreesen as Director of Programming and Operations for New-Talk-Sports Brands.

Dave Andreesen

"Dave has been an amazing captain of our Dover, NH properties and I'm extremely proud of what he and Mike Pomo have accomplished over the years. Dave will continue in his role with 98.1 WTSN Dover, NH as well as 107.7 The Pulse WTPL-FM, Concord, NH," said Binnie Media VP/Programming Heath Cole.

"It's an honor to continue in a new role at WTSN, one of the oldest radio stations in the state with a long history of local programming and the personalities who have set the standard for broadcasting," said Andreesen. "And WTPL is a powerhouse of locally originating programming led by a group of exceptional broadcasters with decades of experience who give the community a voice. Binnie Media is proud to be the home of the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots in these two markets."

Andreesen prebiously was the clusters production director.

Leif Erickson

Binnie Media also has announced that Leif Erickson has been promoted from Assistant PD/Music Director of WFNK 107.5 FrankFM in Portland,and WBQX 106.9 Frank FM in rocklandRockland to Director of Programming and Operations for the company's FRANK Brands.

"We are incredibly excited to see Leif elevated within the Binnie Media family, his in-depth knowledge of our brands, and commitment over the years to our team will provide us continued-growth, and opportunity oversight for FRANK FM," said VP/Programming, Heath Cole.

"My predecessor, Stan Bennett, built a powerful brand and taught me a lot," said Erickson. "After 15 years of being his right-hand man, it's an honor to step up and take the reins. Frank FM has been my passion, and I'm excited to keep our winning streak going, aided of course by the best team in the Portland market."

Key Networks Picks-Up The Billy Madison Show

Key Networks, a next generation syndication company serving the radio industry, announced today that it is now representing Rock morning radio’s The Billy Madison Show for ad sales and affiliate sales/syndication.

The Billy Madison Show airs live Monday through Friday from 6:00am-10:00am CST on flagship station 99.5 KISS-FM in San Antonio, TX.

The funny, irreverent show built for guys by guys is currently heard on stations in four U.S. markets, including: KCLB-FM, Palm Springs, CA (Alpha Media); KKBA-FM, Corpus Christi, TX (Malkan Broadcasting); and WZBH-FM, Salisbury, MD (Adams Radio Group).

The Billy Madison Show features host Billy Madison and his band of passionate, curious and “unique” individuals – including co-host, Derek Allgood and Executive Producer, Jared Dey. Together, they work hard to deliver fresh content and lifestyle focused entertainment targeted to active adults along with a very active social media presence and imprint on Twitter.

'Suttering John' Sues SiriusXM

John Melendez, who became known as Stuttering John as a longtime sidekick to radio and television host Howard Stern, has sued Sirius XM Holdings Inc for using his name, likeness and voice without permission on channels dedicated to Stern, reports Reuters.

Melendez, who left Stern’s radio show after more than 15 years in 2004 and became the announcer for NBC’s “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” accused Sirius of exploiting his celebrity to attract more listeners and advertising.

John Melendez

He said Sirius responded to his recent cease-and-desist letter by marginalizing his contributions to Stern’s show and threatening to take his current show, “The Stuttering John Podcast,” off its Pandora streaming service.

The complaint filed on Wednesday in Manhattan federal court seeks unspecified damages for Sirius’ airing of old recordings of Melendez on two channels dedicated to Stern, which Melendez said violated California law and his right of publicity.

Melendez said he averaged a $35,000 annual salary while working for Stern. His departure came just before Stern moved his show to Sirius from nationally syndicated radio.

Melendez, who has had a speech impediment since childhood and got his Stuttering John moniker from Stern, became known for asking impertinent and outlandish questions in what he called “gotcha” interviews with celebrities and politicians.

He said his encounters with people like Billy Crystal, Ringo Starr and the Dalai Lama were beloved by his fans and fans of Stern, “a fact that is well-known” to Sirius.

Melendez estimated that more than 13,000 hours of “The Howard Stern Show” feature his voice, name and identity.

DE Radio: WJBR Offers $50K In Advertising Grants

Beasley Media Group’s WJBR-FM will award $50,000 in advertising grants to assist small businesses in need in Wilmington, Delaware.

To assist in the reopening efforts, the station will offer a total of five $10,000 advertising grants (all to air on Mix 99.5/WJBR-FM) over a six-week period from 9/7/20- 10/18/20.

Online submissions will be accepted at www.wjbr.com from 8/17/20- 8/30/20. A total of five winners will be chosen and announced on the air on 8/31/20.

“We are thrilled to be able to help local businesses during the reopening process during these unprecedented times,” said Marta DeLisi, general sales manager of WJBR-FM.

R.I.P: Jeff Levine, Longtime L-I Radio Programmer

Jeff Levine

Jeff Levine, former program director of WBAB /102.3 FM Radio Long Island, has died from an apparent heart attack at age 58. During his career he ascend the ladder to occupy the key slot in one of Long Island’s most popular media outlets.

Levine, who also served as program direct at WLIR in the 1990s and was an executive at newspapers including Newsday, The Hartford Courant and the South Florida-based Sun Sentinel, died of cardiac arrest on Aug. 17.

Levine got his professional start at WBAB in 1979 as an intern while attending the upstate university. He moved back to Long Island after graduation, and stayed with the company until 1996, becoming program manager.

“Jeff pushed himself and everyone else in a quest for excellence,” said Bob Buchmann, who was vice president at the station for more than two decades. “And that’s what made me happiest about awarding him the program director position. He was incredibly creative and loved the music we played.”

Paul Fleishman, former vice president of public affairs at Newsday and one-time general manager of WBAB, said: "Jeff was a rare blend of talent, smarts, boundless energy and a big heart. Through his passions for media, marketing and music he made a difference wherever he worked, and with the lives and careers of those lucky enough to work with him. His passing at such an early age is a great loss.“

August 20 Radio History

Alan Reed

➦In 1907...Actor and voice artist Alan Reed born Herbert Theodore Bergman (Died  from a heart attack at age 69 – June 14, 1977).  He was best known as the original voice of Fred Flintstone on ABC-TV cartoon series The Flintstones and various spinoff series. He also appeared in many films, including Days of Glory, The Tarnished Angels, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Viva Zapata! (as Pancho Villa), and Nob Hill, and various television series.

As early as 1930, Reed (billed as Teddy Bergman) co-starred with Herbert Polesie in Henry and George, a CBS program that featured "minute dramas, popular laugh makers ... interspersed with dance music selections."

Reed's radio work included having two roles in Valiant Lady, the role of Solomon Levy on Abie's Irish Rose, as the "Allen's Alley" resident poet Falstaff Openshaw on Fred Allen's NBC radio show, and later on his own five-minute show, Falstaff's Fables, on ABC, as Officer Clancey and other occasional roles on the NBC radio show Duffy's Tavern, as Shrevey the driver on several years of The Shadow, as Chester Riley's boss on the NBC radio show The Life of Riley, as Italian immigrant Pasquale in Life with Luigi on CBS radio, various supporting roles on Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar and The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show, and as Lt. Walter Levinson in several episodes of Richard Diamond, Private Detective.

Reed was "heard regularly on the Crime Doctor series," and "was the original Daddy to Fanny Brice on Baby Snooks." Billed as Teddy Bergman, he had the title role on Joe Palooka.

Billed as Teddy Bergman, Reed appeared on Broadway in Double Dummy (1936), and A House in the Country (1937),  and Love's Old Sweet Song (1940).

Andre Baruch

➦In 1908...veteran golden-voiced announcer André Baruch born in France (Died at age 83  – September 15, 1991).  He was a film narrator, radio announcer, news commentator, talk show host, disc jockey and sportscaster.

Baruch began his career as a pianist for NBC Radio. He got into the wrong line of applicants; he had entered the announcers' line and was hired on the spot.

After World War II, Baruch and his wife worked as a husband-and-wife disc jockey team in New York on WMCA, where they were billed as Mr. and Mrs. Music. Their show was later presented on the ABC and NBC networks.

Baruch was an announcer for such programs as The American Album of Familiar Music, The Fred Waring Show, The Kate Smith Show, The Shadow, Your Hit Parade and The United States Steel Hour.

Fulfilling a 20-year dream, in 1954 he was named to the Brooklyn Dodgers broadcast team, for whom he worked for two years on WMGM radio and WOR-TV.

In 1973, Baruch and Wain moved to Palm Beach, Florida where they did a top-rated daily four-hour talk show on WPBR 1340 AM. Baruch was the host of the show and ran the control board.

After nine years, Baruch and Wain relocated to Beverly Hills, California. During the early 1980s, the pair hosted a syndicated version of Your Hit Parade, reconstructing the list of hits of selected weeks in the 1940s and playing the original recordings.

1920 Front-Page Ad for 8MK Radio

➦In 1920...WWJ owned by The Detroit News inaugurated daily broadcasts from a studio established in the newspaper's headquarters building, located at the corner of Lafayette and 2nd Avenues. These initial broadcasts, by what was then called the "Detroit News Radiophone", were sent under an amateur station license operating with the call sign "8MK"

The person most responsible for establishing the Detroit News Radiophone service was the newspaper's vice-president and managing director, William E. Scripps. The Scripps family had a long history of interest in radio developments.

8MK began nightly trial broadcasts, in order to check if the equipment was ready for regular service. However, because the station was still un-publicized the original audience consisted only of a small number of interested local amateur radio enthusiasts. The test programs proved satisfactory, so on August 31, 1920 the Detroit News announced on its front page that, starting that evening, nightly (except Sunday) broadcasts would be transmitted by the "Detroit News Radiophone" service. That evening's debut program featured regularly updated returns for a primary election held that day, plus vocal performances by Lois Johnson. Malcolm Bingay, managing director of the Detroit News, was the broadcast's master of ceremonies.

The front page of the next day's News contained enthusiastic reports attesting to the success of the election night broadcast, which had begun "promptly at 8:10 p. m.", with the newspaper declaring: "The sending of the election returns by The Detroit News Radiophone Tuesday night was fraught with romance and must go down in the history of man's conquest of the elements as a gigantic step in his progress." The paper also reported receiving "numberless telephone calls to The News office asking for details of the apparatus".

Daily broadcasts, most commonly between 7 and 8 p.m., continued through September. Although the initial programs consisted mostly of phonograph records interspersed with news announcements, programming also included fight results from the heavyweight championship bout between Jack Dempsey and Billy Miske on September 6, and, in October, play-by-play accounts as the Cleveland Indians bested the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1920 World Series baseball championship. In March 1922, the call-letters were changed to WWJ, which they have remained ever since. Today the station is owned by Entercom Communications and airs news/talk.


➦In 1960...19-year-old Marv Alpert, a journalism major at Syracuse University and future sportscaster was working at WMGM 1050 AM radio in New York during the summer in the record library and news department.

➦In 1963...It was announced that all-night talk show host Long John Nebel - heard on WOR 710 AM in New York would also be heard on WNAC 680 AM in Boston, also owned by RKO-General.




➦In 1963...NYC Deejay Stan Z. Burns at 1010WINS, New York had the magic touch. After playing “That Sunday, That Summer” off of Nat King Cole’s latest album with tremendous response, Capitol Records announced it will release it as a single.

Rick Sklar

➦In 1963...Many in the industry were stunned by the promotion of Rick Sklar, director of community services at 77 WABC Radio in New York, to Program Director, replacing Sam Holman. The announcement was made by newly-appointed vice-president and general manager Walter Schwartz. “Sam Holman, who has done so much to bring WABC to its present enviable position in the market, will continue to be a front-line piece of talent for us" (Holman was also a DJ).

Under his management, WABC became the model for tight-playlist, teenager-targeted Top 40 programming, with a strong signal and famed disc jockeys such as "Cousin Brucie" Bruce Morrow, Dan Ingram, Harry Harrison, Chuck Leonard, and Ron Lundy.

His relationship with some of the DJs he oversaw was contentious at times. Scott Muni departed from WABC after a number of confrontations with Sklar over playlists including Sklar's refusal to remove Louis Armstrong's version of the #1 smash hit "Hello, Dolly" from the playlist at Muni's request. Under Sklar, the station's ratings soared and was often the most listened to radio station in North America through the mid-60s into the late 70s.

In March 1977, Sklar was promoted to vice president of programming for ABC’s radio division. In 1984 he left ABC to start his own consulting firm, Sklar Communications.

➦In 1963...CBS radio network launched its Net Alert systems.  Units were installed in more than 200 affiliate stations of the CBS radio network. Net Alert allowed the network newsrooms in New York or Los Angles to notify affiliates of important breaking news stories.

➦In 1967...With FM radio making some ratings noise in New York, it was announced that a new kind of transmitting antenna was available to improve FM reception. WABC 95.5 FM & WCBS 101.1 FM in New York, began transmitting in September with a circularly polarized antenna from the Empire State Building.

FM transmissions are either horizontal or vertical or both, which means your radio antenna must be positioned the same way. Circularly polarized transmitting antennas means you will be able to set your FM antenna anyway a listener wanted.

➦In 1997...Talk show host Bob Grant sued his former radio station – Talkradio 77WABC New York which he says, tried to blacklist him after he made controversial remarks about deceased commerce secretary Ron Brown.

➦In 2009...Larry Knechtel died from a heart attack at age 69 (Born - August 4, 1940). He was a  keyboard player and bassist, best known as a member of the Wrecking Crew, a collection of Los Angeles-based session musicians who worked with such renowned artists as Simon & Garfunkel, Duane Eddy, the Beach Boys, the Mamas & the Papas, the Monkees, the Partridge Family, the Doors, The Grass Roots, Jerry Garcia, and Elvis Presley, and as a member of the 1970s band Bread.

As a  studio musician, he played  on such classic recordings as Bridge Over Troubled Water, Mother And Child Reunion, Swayin' To The Music, Rockin' Pneumonia-Boogie Woogie Flu, Mac Arthur Park, Stoned Soul Picnic, Good Vibrations, Up Up And Away, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Monday Monday, Dream A Little Dream Of Me, Christmas-Baby Please Come Home, Eve Of Destruction, Summer Breeze and many others .

Martin & Lewis 1949

➦In 2017...Comedian Jerry Lewis died of heart-related issues at age 91. At first,  he was partnered with Dean Martin, with whom he starred in NBC radio (1949-1953) & early TV series.  Nicknamed the “King of Comedy” he is best known by recent generations for annually hosting a Labor Day telethon raising funds to fight Muscular Dystrophy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:

Meghan Ory is 38

• News anchor Connie Chung is 74. 
• Trombone player Jimmy Pankow of Chicago is 73. 
• Actor Ray Wise (“Reaper,” ″Twin Peaks”) is 73. 
• Actor John Noble (“Lord of the Rings” films) is 72. 
• Singer Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) is 72. 
• Singer Rudy Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers is 68. 
• Singer-songwriter John Hiatt is 68. 
• Actor-director Peter Horton (“thirtysomething”) is 67. 
• “Today” show weatherman Al Roker is 66. 
• Actor Joan Allen is 64. 
• Actor James Marsters (“Angel,” ″Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) is 58. 
• Actor Colin Cunningham (“Falling Skies”) is 54. 
• Actor Billy Gardell (“Mike and Molly”) is 51. 
• Singer Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit is 50. 
• Actor Jonathan Ke Quan (“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”) is 50. 
• Guitarist Brad Avery of Third Day is 49. 
• Actor Misha Collins (“Supernatural”) is 46. 
• Singer Monique Powell of Save Ferris is 45. 
• Actor Ben Barnes (“Westworld,” ″Prince Caspian”) is 39. 
• Actor Meghan Ory (“One Upon A Time”) is 38. 
• Actor Andrew Garfield (“The Amazing Spider-Man”) is 37. 
• Actor Brant Daugherty (“Pretty Little Liars”) is 35. 
• Singer-actor Demi Lovato is 28. 
• Actor Christopher Paul Richards (TV’s “The Kids Are Alright”) is 17.

Jax Radio: Jules Riley Named O-D for CMG Cluster

Cox Media Group (CMG) Jacksonville announced today that Jules Riley has been named Operations Director effective August 24. In this role, Riley will be responsible for all cluster content for CMG Jacksonville Radio.

Jules Riley

Riley, a 20-year radio veteran, possesses a multi-format career spanning roles as on-air talent, program director and brand manager. She most recently served as iHeartMedia’s Senior Vice President of Programming, an integrated position overseeing all aspects of programming and promotions for iHeartMedia’s seven-brand footprint in St. Louis.

“Jules brings a wealth of experience and talent to CMG Jacksonville,” said Katie Reid, Vice President & General Manager of Cox Media Group Jacksonville. “We are extremely excited she will be leading and growing our team, our brands and the future of our programming.”

Riley will provide artistic, creative and professional leadership and oversight for programming, promotions and production for WAPE (95.1), WJGL (96.9 The Eagle Jacksonville), WXXJ (X 106.5), WOKV (News 104.5), and WEZI (Easy 102.9); and all HD radio formats on Power 106.1, HOT 99.5 and ESPN 690. “It is an honor to join Cox Media Group Jacksonville and its stable of recognizable brands,” said Riley. “A great team is already in place and their dedication to excellence is legendary. Thank you to Katie Reid and Tim Clarke for giving me the opportunity.”

NuVoodoo Launches Consumer Insights for Radio Sales

NuVoodoo Media Services, a data-driven media marketing, programming and content intelligence provider, announces that it has launched NuVoodoo Consumer Insights, a sales-driven research product where NuVoodoo’s experienced research operations team collects local samples quickly in markets of all sizes to help get meetings and close deals with prospective advertisers. NuVoodoo Consumer Insights is designed using specifications that fit the station’s sales goals, with findings delivered in a custom dashboard with presentation-ready results. The research is fast, relevant and affordable, with barter options available.

As part of the Radio Advertising Bureau’s ongoing Open for Business webinar series, NuVoodoo presented new research last week solidly focused on radio sales efforts, fueled by consumer insights gathered in daily interviews conducted to keep track of coronavirus concerns. Those interviews numbered close to 2,000 per day nationwide.  NuVoodoo asked consumers questions covering a variety of current topics, from COVID impact to purchase intent. In addition, NuVoodoo had the RAB ask its membership to respond to a quick interview prepared by NuVoodoo. In all, 259 radio sales professionals responded, revealing, among other things, that they regularly deal with clients and prospects who tell them “no one listens to the radio anymore” – despite evidence to the contrary from Nielsen and many other sources.

The sample of RAB members told NuVoodoo about the tools they need; at the top of that list: awareness and perceptions of local businesses, research about local consumers, and how people feel about going to businesses. NuVoodoo’s data from thousands of people just this month says they are trying to get back to life – but are looking for ways to feel safe while doing it.

And safety concerns ranked high among copy points and positioning that would pay dividends in commercials.

Leigh Jacobs, EVP, Research Analysis, NuVoodoo Media Services, noted: “It’s clear from the information we gathered from radio sales professionals and the information we gathered from consumers that nothing is normal right now. Information gathered prior to the pandemic might as well have been gathered in 1919. Between piggybacking on our daily national interviews and doing quick custom projects in local markets, NuVoodoo has a lot of ways to help close the information gaps for sales.”

As a demonstration for the RAB webinar participants, NuVoodoo fielded 400 respondents 18-54 in Chicago over the August 8-9 weekend. They found that nearly 70% recalled recent radio ads for Dunkin Donuts. Among those recalling the ads, most were left with a positive opinion of the brand from the ads and 19% of the sample reported that they’re more likely to purchase from Dunkin Donuts based on hearing the ads on the radio.

Carolyn Gilbert, President and Chief Executive Officer, NuVoodoo Media Services, commented: “While we can’t show any of the specific research we’ve done this year for local sales departments, we collect samples quickly to help local sales teams get meetings and close deals. Our research ops team sets up the output in a custom dashboard with presentation-ready results: as the sample fills up, you can literally copy and paste charts from the dashboard,” adding, “It’s all to specifications that fit your goals and comes with NuVoodoo’s reputation for research excellence and strict adherence to data integrity. NuVoodoo Consumer Insights is a highly effective local sales tool whose time has come.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to get NuVoodoo Consumer Insights for your station, contact Carolyn Gilbert, NuVoodoo Media Services, at: cg@nuvoodoo.com or at 888.9VooDoo (888.986.6366).

The Rundown: Clinton Lectures Trump Over Oval Office Conduct

Bill Clinton Lectures Donald Trump About His Conduct In ‘The Oval Office’ During DNC Convention Speech https://t.co/d8Sq2xT2eg pic.twitter.com/y7AgXxpjld

— The Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) August 19, 2020

➤CITIES FILE SUIT OVER CENSUS ENDING COUNT EARLY: A number of U.S. cities, counties and civil rights groups filed suit against the Trump administration yesterday (August 18th) over its decision to cut the 2020 Census count short by a month. The federal lawsuit asks a judge to reinstate a plan that had the count ending in October instead of September, saying the shortened timetable will lead to an undercount of minority communities and an inaccurate population count. The Census Bureau had pushed back the once-a-decade count from the end of July to the end of October because of delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, but then the end date was moved to September. The cities involved in the suit are Los Angeles, San Jose and Salinas in California, along with Harris County, Texas and King County, Washington, joined by several civil rights organizations.

➤TRUMP PARDONS SUSAN B. ANTHONY: President Trump on Tuesday (August 18th) pardoned woman's suffragist Susan B. Anthony, who was arrested after voting illegally in 1872 and fined $100. Trump signed the pardon on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution that gave women the right to vote. The president announced the pardon at a White House political event, saying, "She was never pardoned. What took so long?"

➤SHOE RETAILER PAYLESS RETURNING: Shoe retailer Payless is returning, debuting a new website yesterday, a relaunch that comes after it announced in January that it was reemerging from its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019 that closed its remaining 2,100 locations in North America. In addition to selling online, Payless plans to open 300 to 500 stores across North America over the next five years, beginning with a first prototype store in Miami. Payless says the stores will have an updated design, which will include things like smart mirrors and touchscreen wall panels, but offer the same footwear, accessories and apparel it did before.

#DWTS is BACK in the ballroom September 14! Check out which of your favorite pros are joining us! pic.twitter.com/PxygHdy6c5

— Dancing With The Stars #DWTS (@DancingABC) August 18, 2020

➤ABC CONFIRMS DANCING WITH THE STARS PREMIERE: Dancing With the Stars will return to the airwaves on September 14, ABC says. The show will go on Monday nights between 8 pm and 10 pm. The network has revealed a number of changes, with Sharna Burgess and Keo Motsepe returning, while Britt Stewart and Daniella Karagach will get celebrity partners for the first time. ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke told Deadline: “I have seen the presentation from the Dancing with the Stars producers on how we are planning to produce this show, post-COVID and with the health regulations in place because they have the advantage of making it in other territories and I am blown away by the ingenuity and the care which they are producing it. We are bringing all of those innovations to the American broadcast. I’m really confident in their plan.”

➤NBA PLAYOFFS: Results from first-round playoff games yesterday (April 18th):

• Orlando Magic 122, Milwaukee Bucks 110 - Orlando leads series 1 game to 0
• Miami Heat 113, Indiana Pacers 101 - Miami leads series 1 game to 0
• Houston Rockets 123, Oklahoma City Thunder 108 - Houston leads series 1 game to 0
• Portland Trail Blazers 100, L.A. Lakers 93 - Portland leads series 1 game to 0

➤NHL PLAYOFFS: Results from first-round playoff games yesterday (April 18th):

• Vegas Golden Knights 4, Chicago Blackhawks 3 - Vegas wins series 4 games to 1
• Philadelphia Flyers 2, Montreal Canadiens 0 - Philadelphia leads series 3 games to 1
• Dallas Stars 2, Calgary Flames 1 - Dallas leads series 3 games to 2
• Washington Capitals 3, New York Islanders 2 - New York leads series 3 games to 1

➤RANGERS' PITCHER GIBAUT, MANAGER SUSPENDED: Texas Rangers pitcher Ian Gibaut was suspended Tuesday for three games for throwing a fastball behind the San Diego Padres' Manny Machado and manager Chris Woodward was suspended for one game. Gibaut appealed the suspension, while Woodward served his last night. Gibaut threw behind Machado after the Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a grand slam on a 3-0 pitch against previous Rangers pitcher Juan Nicasio with San Diego leading by seven runs in the eighth inning, breaking an unwritten baseball rule against running up the score.

Eric Sogard breaks up Kenta Maeda's no-hitter#Brewers pic.twitter.com/KcjnDCpWA8

— FOX Sports Wisconsin (@fswisconsin) August 19, 2020

➤TWINS' MAEDA COMES WITHIN THREE OUTS OF NO-HITTER: Minnesota Twins pitcher Kenta Maeda came within three outs of a no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers last night, giving up a single to start the ninth inning to Eric Sogard. Maeda threw a Twins record eight consecutive strikeouts and a total of 12 during the attempt. He was taken out of the game after giving up the hit and the Twins blew a 3-0 lead, but they came back to win in the 12th inning 4-3.

➤CELTICS' HAYWARD OUT FOUR WEEKS WITH ANKLE SPRAIN: The Boston Celtics said Tuesday that forward Gordon Hayward will be out for about four weeks with a severe ankle sprain. Hayward suffered the injury in Boston's win over Philadelphia Monday night in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series when he rolled his ankle after going up for a rebound.

Sacramento Radio: Barling & Caraway Hosting Middays On KIFM-AM

Kenny Caraway and Damien Barling

Entercom has announced the addition of Damien Barling and Kenny Caraway to ESPN 1320 (KIFM-AM) in Sacramento. “D-Lo and KC” can be heard weekdays from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. PT on air and on RADIO.COM.

“Damien and Kenny are two incredibly talented, local personalities that bring passion, energy and enthusiasm to 1320,” said Stacey Kauffman, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Sacramento. “Damien’s market experience coupled with Kenny’s passion for Northern California sports make this a winning combination. I couldn’t be more excited to see what they’re able to accomplish right out of the gate on air and on our digital platforms.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Danny [Freisinger, Brand Manager, ESPN 1320], Kenny, and everyone at Entercom Sacramento to solidify ESPN 1320 as the premier destination for live and local sports content in Sacramento,” said Barling. “Through our show and digital content, we’ll be the most interactive and accessible station in the market.” ​

Barling launched his radio career in 2001 with an internship at sister station 102.5 KSFM (KSFM-FM). His sports talk show, “The Lo-Down” launched in April of 2016. In addition to broadcasting, Barling is one of the founders of Be Heard, a podcast platform focusing on Black and female content creators launched to give underutilized voices an outlet to showcase their storytelling skills and share their opinions in front of a digital audience eager to support local personalities.

“The opportunity to work with someone as talented and respected as Damien, especially in my hometown of Sacramento, has me over the moon right,” said Caraway. “I can’t wait to bring energy to 1320 and to cover local sports for a passionate sports fanbase.”

Caraway is a native of Sacramento, where he was a standout basketball player for both C.K. McClatchy High School and Cosumnes River College. Caraway is a seasoned content creator who has held roles across multiple mediums, including podcasting, sports radio host, podcast and radio producer as well as co-host for The Athletic’s Sacramento Kings podcast Throne Room Breakdown.

Listeners can tune in ESPN 1320 (KIFM-AM) in Sacramento, as well as nationwide on the RADIO.COM app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.