Friday, September 2, 2022

Wake-Up Call: Biden..Trump-Led Extremism A Threat To Democracy

President Biden warned in a prime time speech from in front of Philadelphia's Independence Hall last night about what he said is a threat to America's democracy from the, quote, "extreme ideology" of former President Donald Trump and his "MAGA Republican" followers -- using the shorthand for Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan -- which he said dominates the Republican Party. Biden said he wasn't condemning everyone who voted for Trump in 2020, and tried to separate his "MAGA" followers from the Republican Party as a whole, as he tried to rally Americans of all kinds against, quote, "an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our republic." He said, "They promote authoritarian leaders. They fanned the flames of political violence," and stated, "Too much of what’s happening in our country today is not normal." Sending his message just two months ahead of the midterm elections, Biden urged Americans to vote to protect democracy, saying, "For a long time, we’ve reassured ourselves that American democracy is guaranteed. But it is not." Republicans blasted Biden over the speech, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy delivered a pre-buttal earlier in which he charged it was Biden trying to divide Americans and who has, quote, "launched an assault on our democracy."

The speech was carried live by few TV outlets. Only CNN and MSNBC ran the remarks live. ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS, Fox News and Fox Business did not air it.


☢U.N. TEAM ARRIVES AT UKRAINE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT: A U.N. inspection team of experts arrived at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine yesterday on a long-sought mission to protect against a disaster at the plant, which has been in the middle of fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The 14-member delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency entered the facility, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, for its first look at the conditions, with their arrival delayed as both Russia and Ukraine accused the other of shelling the area. Russian forces took over the plant soon after the invasion, but it's still being operated by Ukrainian engineers. The head of the team, IAEA director Rafael Grossi, said they were able to tour the entire site and meet with staff, stating they collected important information, and will stay to continue their assessment. He said, "The IAEA is now there at the plant and it’s not moving. It’s going to stay there. We’re going to have a continued presence there at the plant with some of my experts."

➤JUDGE SEEMS INCLINED TO GRANT TRUMP'S REQUEST FOR SPECIAL MASTER: A federal judge appeared inclined during a hearing yesterday to grant former President Donald Trump's request for a special master to be appointed to review the documents taken by FBI agents from his Florida estate early last month as they executed a search warrant looking for classified material. Judge Aileen Cannon didn't rule on the request, saying she'd do so later, but said in response to the Justice Department's arguments against it, "Ultimately, what is the harm." Trump's attorneys argue a review by an independent third party would allow for personal information to be returned to Trump, along with documents that may be protected by claims of attorney-client privilege or executive privilege. But the Justice Department said investigators have already completed a review and identified a "limited set of materials that potentially contain attorney-client privileged information." They also said Trump has no legal standing to demand the return of presidential documents because they don't belong to him since he's no longer president, and said a special master would needlessly delay its investigation, in part because they'd need to get a security clearance and special authorization from intelligence agencies to review the documents.

💉CDC ENDORSES UPDATED COMBINATION COVID VACCINES: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walenksy endorsed updated combination Covid-19 vaccine boosters from Pfzier and Moderna yesterday, shortly after independent advisers to the CDC voted earlier in the day to recommend them. The vote was 13-1 in favor for the vaccines that combine the original vaccine with one that targets the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants that are now the most widespread across the country. Pfizer's vaccine is for people 12 and older and Moderna's is for adults 18 and over. The Food and Drug Administration approved the updated boosters on Wednesday.

🚨EX-NYPD OFFICER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN JAN. 6TH CASE, LONGEST SO FAR: Retired New York Police Department officer Thomas Webster was sentenced to 10 years in prison yesterday for assaulting a police officer trying to hold off rioters during the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. The sentence is the longest given so far in a January 6th case. The 56-year-old Webster, who prosecutors said led the charge against police barricades at the Capitol's Lower West Plaza, was convicted by a jury on all six counts against him. They rejected his claim that he was defending himself when he tackled Metropolitan Police Department officer Noah Rathbun and grabbed his gas mask after having swung a metal flag pole at him, saying an officer punched him in the face.

➤TEXAS NOW BUSING MIGRANTS TO CHICAGO:  Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has been busing migrants who've crossed the border from Mexico and are seeking asylum to Washington, D.C., New York City and now Chicago. Abbott has been sending the migrants to Democratic-run cities to protest the administration's immigration policies, charging, "President Biden's inaction at our southern border continues putting the lives of Texans -- and Americans -- at risk and is overwhelming our communities. To continue providing much-needed relief to our small, overrun border towns, Chicago will join fellow sanctuary cities Washington, D.C. and New York City as an additional drop-off location." Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot blasted Abbott, accusing him of being "without any shame or humanity" and of "racist practices of expulsion." New York City officials have also slammed Abbott, with Manuel Castro, the commission of immigrant affairs, accusing him of, quote, "trying to dehumanize people" and "trying to foment anti-immigrant hatred."


🏫STUDY: SHARP DECLINE IN MATH AND READING SCORES DURING PANDEMIC: There was a sharp decline in math and reading scores for U.S. nine-year-olds during the first two years of the pandemic, according to a new federal study from the National Center for Education Statistics. The study compared results from early 2020, shortly before the pandemic, and early 2022. Reading scores had their biggest drop in 30 years, down an average five points, and math scores had their first decline in the history of the testing system behind the study, down seven percentage points. The declines were seen in all parts of the country and in students of most races, however students of color had some of the largest decreases. The results reflect the upheaval in education as a result of the pandemic, with students spending months or even more than a year learning from home, and Covid outbreaks among staff and students continuing the disruption even after they returned to school.

🏫PARENTS' CONCERNS ABOUT SAFETY IN SCHOOL AT 20-YEAR HIGH: Amid ongoing mass shootings across the country, including the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in May in which 19 children and two teachers were killed, a new Gallup survey found that parents' concerns about school safety are at a 20-year high. Gallup surveyed parents of students from kindergarten through 12th grade and found 44 percent said they fear for their children's physical safety at school -- more than any year since 2001 -- and 20 percent said their children have independently raised concerns about their safety. In addition to the Uvalde school shooting, two other recent high profile mass shootings were the supermarket attack in Buffalo, New York, that left 10 people dead, and the attack on a Fourth of July parade in Highland, Park, Illinois, in which seven people were killed.

'Suicide' victim
➤HEAD OF RUSSIAN OIL GIANT THAT SPOKE AGAINST UKRAINE WAR DIES AFTER FALLING OUT WINDOW: The chairman of Russian oil and gas giant Lukoil, which spoke out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, died Thursday after falling out of a sixth-floor hospital window, according to state news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS. RIA Novosti cited a law enforcement source who said it was "most likely" suicide. Lukoil, Russia's second-largest oil company, said in a statement that Ravil Maganov (right) died, quote, "following a severe illness," but didn't mention a fall. Lukoil's board of directors released a statement in March, shortly after the invasion began, expressing its, quote, "deepest concerns." It stated, "Calling for the soonest termination of the armed conflict, we express our sincere empathy for all victims, who are affected by this tragedy. We strongly support a lasting ceasefire and a settlement of problems through serious negotiations and diplomacy." CNN reported that at least five prominent Russian businessmen have reportedly died by suicide since late January.


➤U.S. NUN FREED MONTHS AFTER BEING TAKEN HOSTAGE IN BURKINA FASO: An 83-year-old American nun has been freed nearly five months after being taken and held hostage by terrorists in the African nation of Burkina Faso. Media reports said Sister Suellen Tennyson was released to Nigerians on Monday (August 29th) and then turned over to US officials. Nigeria borders Burkina Faso. The exact circumstances of her release are unclear, but US Africa Command spokesman Lieutenant Commander Timothy Pietrack told CNN that US Africa Command personnel, quote, "facilitated the safe turnover" of Tennyson from the terrorists, and that it worked with "African and international partners" to get her released.


🎾SERENA AND VENUS WILLIAMS FALL IN FIRST-ROUND U.S. OPEN DOUBLES MATCH: Serena Williams has made it into the third round of the U.S. Open in what's expected to be the final tournament of her career, but she and sister Venus Williams lost in the first round of the doubles tournament, falling to the Czech team of Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova last night. It was the first time the Williams sisters had teamed up since the 2018 French Open.

In other matches yesterday, top-seeded women's player Iga Swiatek won in the second round in straight sets over American Sloane Stephens, but fourth-seeded Paula Badosa was upset, falling to unseeded Petra Martic. On the men's side, Number 2 Rafael Nadal beat unseeded Fabio Fognini and Number 3 Carlos Alcarez also advanced.

🏀CAVALIERS ACQUIRE MITCHELL FROM JAZZ: The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired three-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell in a trade with the Utah Jazz, according to media reports yesterday (September 1st). ESPN reported the Cavaliers are trading forward Lauri Markkanen, rookie guard Ochai Agbaji, guard Collin Sexton, three unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps for Mitchell.

🏈DENVER QB WILSON AGREES TO FIVE-YEAR, $245 MILLION EXTENSION: Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million extension Thursday that includes $165 million in guarantees. The contract is the largest in Broncos history and one of the biggest ever in the NFL, and keeps Wilson with Denver through the 2028 season. Wilson had two years and $51 million left on his deal when the Broncos acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks in a trade six months ago. Wilson led Seattle to two Super Bowl appearances and one championship over a decade.

⚾BRAVES' ROOKIE PITCHER STRIKES OUT 16 FOR FRANCHISE RECORD: Atlanta Braves rookie pitcher Spencer Strider struck out 16 batters in a 3-0 win over the Colorado Rockies last night, setting a franchise record. Strider allowed just two hits in eight innings and didn't walk anyone. In only his 30th career appearance and 17th start, Strider had his fifth game with at least 10 strikeouts, with a previous high of 13 strikeouts against the Philadelphia Phillies in early August. The previous Atlanta record had been 15 strikeouts by Hall of Famer John Smoltz, who did it twice, in 1992 and 2005.
 
🏈COMMANDERS' ROBINSON TO MISS AT LEAST FOUR GAMES AFTER BEING SHOT: Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. will miss at least the first four games of the season after being shot twice in the leg during an attempted robbery in Washington, D.C., last weekend. The Commanders put the 23-year-old on the non-football injury list yesterday (September 1st), making their October 9th game the first he'll be eligible to play, with head coach Ron Rivera saying the decision was made on the advice of doctors. He added, "After four weeks we’ll go from there."



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Seattle Radio: The Wolf Adds Gabe Mercer To Mornings

Gabe Mercer

Audacy welcomes Gabe Mercer as morning show co-host on KKWF 100.7 The Wolf  in Seattle. 

Mercer will join “The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister,” weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PT beginning September 6. This is in addition to her role as the station’s midday host from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT. She is also heard on Phoenix sister station KMLE Country@107.9 (KMLE-FM) in the same time slot.

“We are excited to welcome Gabe Mercer to the Morning Wolfpack team,” said Jack Hutchison, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Seattle. “This Washington native is one of Audacy's rising stars and our listeners are going to love her contributions to the show.”

“It’s a dream come true to be joining ‘The Morning Wolfpack’ in Seattle,” said Mercer. “I cannot wait to connect with all of my fellow Northwest country music fans. The Wolf is a legendary station and I can’t wait to get started!”

Mercer is originally from Wenatchee, WA and most recently hosted various positions for Audacy Phoenix radio stations KMLE Country@107.9, 94.5 KOOL FM (KOOL-FM) and Live 101.5 (KALV-FM).

➤Listeners can tune in to 100.7 The Wolf (KKWF-FM) in Seattle on air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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Syracuse Radio After 25-Yrs, Tom Mitchell OUT At 93Q


Market veteran Tom Mitchell announced Thursday that he is no longer with Cumulus Media Syracuse after 26 years as operations manager for its radio stations, including 93Q (WNTQ-FM), 95X (WAQX-FM), and The Score 1260 (WSKO-AM), and as program director for 93Q. 

Wednesday was his last day, he said on Facebook, reports syracuse.com.

Tom Mitchell
“It’s an amicable departure, and now I look forward to any discussions of future opportunities that fit what I have to offer. It has been my privilege and pleasure to work with a team of talented, hard-working professionals who will enjoy continued success,” he wrote, noting that 93Q ranked No. 1 in total audience across the board in spring’s Nielsen ratings.

“Because of the terrific people I have come to know in this industry, I have enjoyed every minute of my 45 years in radio. Here’s to the next adventure,” Mitchell added.

Mitchell’s decades-long career included serving as operations manager when 95X added Howard Stern’s then-syndicated radio show, boosting its morning ratings to No. 1 in 2004 and lifting the whole radio station from seventh to third place in the market. Mitchell also led the company in events like 93Q Summer Jam and Amy’s Slumber Party.

A replacement for Mitchell was not immediately announced.

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Madison Radio: 93.1 Jamz To Import The Breakfast Club


Mid-West Family Madison’s WJQM 93.1 JAMZ – Sounds like Madtown! – announced today the addition of “The Breakfast Club,” the most-listened-to Hip-Hop and R&B morning show in America, to its weekday morning lineup. Effective September 14, 2022, the top-rated program featuring Radio Hall of Famers Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee and DJ Envy will air weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET. 

The station will also air “Weekends with The Breakfast Club” on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. ET.

“The Breakfast Club” is not only a show, but also a platform, a spotlight, a think-tank for all things Hip-Hop, pop-culture, politics and community. Known for their unrivaled interviews and ability to connect with and engage audiences through their unique blend of honesty, wit and humor, “The Breakfast Club” has created a must-stop destination for musicians, entertainers and politicians alike. The results are the best interviews to be found on radio and digital. The award-winning trio also hosts “Weekends with The Breakfast Club,” a three-hour weekly program featuring a countdown of the top 20 hits of the week. Please visit PremiereNetworks.com for more information.

“There is NOTHING like this show, not here, not anywhere,” said Randy Hawke, Mid-West Family Vice President of Brands and Content. “We are extremely proud to become part of their amazing story by starting a new chapter in Madison, WI. Shows like this should be on in every city in America and Madison radio is better now because ‘The Breakfast Club’ is on here.”

The Breakfast Club succeeds Krista Hatcher, who  has moved to middays at co-owned AC “Magic 98” WMGN.
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Midsouth Radio: iHM Promotes Ronnie Bloodworth To Area President


iHeartMedia announced that Ronnie Bloodworth has been promoted to Area President of the Midsouth Area, which encompasses Alabama, Mississippi, and Memphis.

As Area President of the Midsouth area, he will add oversight to his portfolio of stations and be responsible for all operations across the Birmingham, Gadsden, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa markets. Bloodworth will also continue to oversee the Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Laurel, Memphis, Mobile, Pensacola, and Tupelo. He will continue to report to Shosh Abromovich, Division President for iHeartMedia.

Ronnie Bloodworth
“This is a very exciting announcement to bring these markets together; the alignment of these outstanding leaders, talent, teammates and communities are set up to truly flourish,” said Shosh Abromovich, Division President for iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group. “Ronnie’s culture-first attitude, drive for success and high bar he sets for himself and his team will take this newly combined Area to all new levels of achievement and opportunity.”

Bloodworth is a 25-year media veteran. He joined iHeartMedia in 1998. He oversaw the sales teams for the Mobile Market for 15 years before becoming the Market President for Mobile, Biloxi and Pensacola. He was recently elected on the board of Alabama Broadcasters Association.

“Helping people identify their strengths, find their motivation and then achieve their goals is something I have enjoyed from Day 1. Helping our teams in Mobile, Pensacola, Memphis and Mississippi find their stride and excel is something I take pride in,” said Bloodworth. “We strive to be the best in the business and enjoy what we do and where we do it. I look forward to having the high quality and high performing teams across the state of Alabama join us as I move into this new role.”
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Townsquare Media Launches Washington State News Net


Townsquare Media Inc. announced today that the Company has launched the Washington State News Network. WSNN is the only source of local, regional, and statewide news that is available to broadcasters and listeners in the State of Washington. 

Short form news reports will broadcast on select Townsquare Washington radio stations, including KONA-AM 610 (Tri-Cities), KFLD-AM 870 (Tri-Cities), KIT-AM 1280 (Yakima), and KPQ-AM 560 (Wenatchee), as well as third party affiliates throughout Washington State. These short form news reports will come in the form of eight 90-second reports per day, Monday – Friday. Breaking news ston Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/washingtonstatenewsnetwork.

“We are thrilled to bring quality local, regional and statewide news to the many communities in Washington State that are starving for more local information in their communities. Many broadcasters were forced to cut news staff and content during the pandemic and we couldn’t be more excited to fill that void for both broadcasters in need of the service and listeners wanting the latest breaking news,” commented Kevin O’Rorke, Vice President of News & Ag Networks – Western Region for Townsquare Media.
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Dayton-Canton OH Radio: Clay Church New OM for Alpha Media


Clay Church has been named Operations Manager for Alpha Media’s Dayton and Canton, OH stations that include Rhythmic CHR WDHT, Urban AC WROU, Adult Hits WGTZ, Country WCLI, and Sports WING/DAYTON and Hot AC WHBC-FM and News/Talk WHBC-AM/CANTON.

Clay Church
Church has 24 years of Operations and Programming experience and most recently held the position of Director of Content/Operations Manager at Townsquare Media, Flint, MI, where he’s spent the past 20 years.

Alpha Media SVP/Market Manager Brett Beshore commented on the announcement, “After a lengthy, nationwide search, we found the best possible candidate to lead our successful teams in Dayton and Canton, and Clay brings all of Alpha’s core values to the market. He knows how to lead a team, build strong brands, and execute digital strategies to grow our` ratings and revenue. We’re excited to welcome him aboard.”

Clay Church stated, “I’m very excited to take the next step in my career with Alpha Media and the incredible people in Dayton and Canton. The great stations in both markets are a direct reflection of the talent inside the buildings. I hope to add my skillset to the outstanding teams already in place.’
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Twitter To Roll Out Edit Button To Paid Subscribers


Twitter Inc will launch a widely requested edit button for its paid subscribers in the coming weeks, the social media company said Thursday.

For years, Twitter users have demanded the ability to edit their tweets after publishing in order to fix errors like typos. Those requests have led to jokes online that Twitter would rather introduce any other product, such as newsletters, before giving users their top-requested feature.

Reuters reports subscribers who pay $4.99 per month for Twitter Blue will soon be able to edit their tweets "a few times" within 30 minutes of publication, Twitter said in a blog post.

Nearly every other social media platform, including Meta Platform's Facebook and Instagram, Reddit and Pinterest, have for years offered features allowing users to edit posts.

The San Francisco-based company is embroiled in a legal fight with billionaire Elon Musk, who is trying to back out of a $44-billion agreement to buy Twitter.

In April, on the same day that Musk disclosed a 9% stake in Twitter, he tweeted a poll asking his millions of followers whether they wanted an edit button. Over 70% said yes.

Twitter and its observers have debated whether allowing tweets to be edited could lead to harmful effects, such as the spread of misinformation.

Edited tweets will have an icon and timestamp to display when the post was last edited. Users will be able to click on the label of an edited tweet to view the edit history and previous versions of the post.

Twitter has experimented with versions of an edit button. Subscribers of Twitter Blue, the company's paid subscription product, currently have access to a feature that holds tweets for up to one minute, allowing users to review the tweet and "undo" it before the post is published.

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King of Late Night TV: 'Here's.....Gutfeld'?


Fox News Channel’s “Gutfeld!” has overtaken the mainstays of late-night network television — including “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” — in average total viewers for August, the first time a cable late-night show has sustained a total-viewership win across an entire month, according to TheWrap.

“Gutfeld!” averaged 2.19 million viewers for August, beating CBS’ “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” at 2.16 million, according to Nielsen Media Research. Trailing in total average viewers were NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” at 1.34 million; ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (on hiatus for part of August) at 1.14 million and Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” with 383,000.

“Gutfeld!” has topped individual days and weeks before, but August was a first for any cable show.

But comparisons between “Gutfeld!” and the broadcast network lineups are not apples-to-apples, with notable key differences. While “Gutfeld” gets the most eyeballs of any late-night show on TV right now — the old standard for the informal “King of Late Night” title held by names like Johnny Carson, Jay Leno and lately Colbert — the Fox News show is still middling among its broadcast counterparts in key demographics.

In the advertiser-coveted 25-54 cable demo, “Gutfeld!” came in third place for August (358,000); the Fox News show drops to fourth overall (222,000) in 18-49, the age group most important to broadcast networks and their advertisers. In the younger categories, the big winner for August was “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” which led both 25-54 and 18-49 with 382,000 and 270,000 viewers, respectively.

Though the numbers point to an aging audience for the Fox late-night entrant, that race is tightening, too. “Gutfeld!” has been surging in viewership since it was relaunched in April 2021, and has shown signs of life in younger demographics in the past.

But TV network insiders caution that the viewership comparison doesn’t completely square for scheduling reasons. “Gutfeld!” gets off to a 30-minute head start on the East Coast at 11 p.m., and is shown live from coast-to-coast, hitting much of primetime in some markets. Meanwhile the networks delay Colbert, Fallon and Kimmel for 11:35 p.m. starts in Western time zones, when fewer people are awake and watching TV.

But in some ways, the fact that “Gutfeld!” is on cable, with a smaller audience to draw from, makes the network-beating viewership numbers all the more impressive.

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Indy Radio: Former WFYI Staffer Charged With Embezzling


A woman who worked for WFYI Public Media is accused of embezzling more than $270,000 from the public broadcast company.

The Indy Star reports Mindi Madison, 52, of Indianapolis began working as an accounting specialist for WFYI in 2018. She has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the Southern District of Indiana's United States Attorney's Office announced in a news release.

Madison had access to WFYI's accounting software and presented at least 156 fake claims and invoices for payment, according to the release. She and a co-conspirator are accused of falsifying invoices using versions of the co-conspirator's name and businesses connected to her. WFYI checks were tendered to the co-conspirator, who then deposited the checks into her account and withdrew cash investigators say was split with Madison.

The stolen funds were used for personal spending, including rent, restaurants, groceries, fuel and utilities, the release said.

If convicted Madison faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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NAB to Honor Ryan Seacrest With Distinguished Service Award

Ryan Seacrest

Award-winning media and entertainment entrepreneur, radio personality, television host and producer Ryan Seacrest will receive the 2022 National Association of Broadcasters' Distinguished Service Award (NAB DSA), the organization's highest honor, which recognizes those who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the American system of broadcasting. 

The award presentation will take place during the Marconi Radio Awards dinner on October 19 at NAB Show New York.

In addition to Seacrest's successful career in radio and television broadcasting, the honor will recognize his work as the Chairman and Founder of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring today's youth through entertainment and education focused initiatives.

As the host and producer of the #1 Los Angeles morning drive-time show for iHeartMedia's 102.7 KIIS-FM, the nationally syndicated "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" and "American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest," Seacrest has become one of the most recognized and trusted voices in media today.

Additionally, Seacrest has been a television fixture for over two decades on programs including ABC's "American Idol" and "LIVE with Kelly and Ryan" – for which he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host. Also, Seacrest hosts the annual live broadcast of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest."

Over the past 12 years, Seacrest has dedicated his time to a cause that is important to him through The Ryan Seacrest Foundation (RSF). After visiting various children's hospitals and speaking with patients and families, Seacrest built Seacrest Studios committed to providing entertainment for children in the hospital and those receiving medical care. RSF's aim is to contribute positively to the healing process for children and their families during their stay, by allowing children to experiment with radio and television broadcasting in these media centers, to bring an uplifting spirit to the hospital community. Today, the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, for which he serves as chairman, has successfully installed 11 broadcast media centers in pediatric hospitals nationwide and will open its newest studio at Cohen Children's Medical Center in Queens, NY in 2023, with additional new studios to be announced later this year.

"Ryan Seacrest has made an indelible mark on broadcasting while demonstrating a strong commitment to public service," said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. "For decades, Ryan has produced and hosted hit radio and television programs that have entertained millions worldwide, while dedicating his time to bring joy to children in need. NAB looks forward to celebrating his contributions to our industry and our community at NAB Show New York this October."

The NAB DSA honors broadcasters who have made a significant and lasting contributions to the industry. Previous recipients include former NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith, Jim Henson, Alan Alda, Robin Roberts, Bob Schieffer, Michael J. Fox, Mary Tyler Moore, President Ronald Reagan, Edward R. Murrow, Bob Hope, Walter Cronkite and Oprah Winfrey.

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September 2 Radio History


➦In 1896...Amanda Randolph(right) born (Died from a stroke at age 70  – August 24, 1967).  She was the first African-American performer to star in a regularly scheduled network television show, appearing in DuMont's The Laytons.

She is best remembered as Kingfish’s mother-in-law in Amos & Andy, both radio & TV. In the late 1930’s she had been featured on the radio soaps Young Dr. Malone, Romance of Helen Trent and Big Sister.  She was one of several actresses to play Beulah on TV, and was a cast member on The Danny Thomas Show.

➦In 1906...Radio actress Barbara Jo Allen was born in NYC.

In 1933, Allen (left) joined the cast of NBC's One Man's Family as Beth Holly, followed by roles on Death Valley Days, I Love a Mystery and other radio series. According to Allen, her Vera Vague character was “sort of a frustrated female, dumb, always ambitious and overzealous… a spouting Bureau of Misinformation.”

After Vera was introduced in 1939 on NBC Matinee, she became a regular with Bob Hope beginning in 1941. In the early 1940s, she was a regular on Signal Carnival, a weekly program on NBC-Pacific Red stations.

Allen appeared in at least 60 movies and TV series between 1938 and 1963, often credited as Vera Vague rather than her own name.

She died Sept. 14 1974, just 12 days after turning 68.

➦In 1929...WOR (NYC) ends affiliation with CBS radio network.

➦In 1931...Crosby made his solo radio debut on the radio show, "15 Minutes with Bing Crosby", on CBS Radio Network.

Bing Crosby
In 1923, Crosby had been invited to join a new band composed of high school students a few years younger than himself. Al Rinker, Miles Rinker, James Heaton, Claire Pritchard and Robert Pritchard, along with drummer Crosby, formed the Musicaladers, who performed at dances both for high school students and club-goers. The group did perform on Spokane radio station KHQ, but disbanded after two years.

By 1925, Crosby had formed a vocal duo with partner Al Rinker, brother of singer Mildred Bailey. Bailey introduced Rinker and Crosby to Paul Whiteman, who was at that time America's most famous bandleader. Hired for $150 a week in 1926, they made their debut on December 6 at the Tivoli Theatre in Chicago. Their first recording was "I've Got The Girl", with Don Clark's Orchestra, but the Columbia-issued record did them no vocal favors, as it was inadvertently recorded at a speed slower than it should have been, which increased the singers' pitch when played at 78 rpm. Throughout his career, Crosby often credited Mildred Bailey for getting him his first important job in the entertainment business.

Even as the Crosby and Rinker duo was increasing in popularity, Whiteman added a third member to the group. The threesome, now includdc pianist and aspiring songwriter Harry Barris and were dubbed "The Rhythm Boys". They joined the Whiteman touring act, performing and recording with musicians Bix Beiderbecke, Jack Teagarden, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Eddie Lang and Hoagy Carmichael, also appearing together in a Whiteman movie.

Crosby soon became the star attraction of the Rhythm Boys, and in 1928 he had his first number one hit with the Whiteman orchestra, a jazz-influenced rendition of "Ol' Man River".

However, Crosby's reported taste for alcohol and his growing dissatisfaction with Whiteman led to his quitting the Rhythm Boys to join the Gus Arnheim Orchestra.

During his time with Arnheim, the other two Rhythm Boys were increasingly pushed to the background as the emphasis was on Crosby. Harry Barris wrote several of Crosby's subsequent hits including "At Your Command", "I Surrender Dear", and "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams". But the members of the band had a falling out and split, setting the stage for Crosby's solo career.

From 1942...

Before the end of 1931, he signed with both Brunswick Records and CBS Radio. Doing a weekly 15-minute radio broadcast, Crosby quickly became a huge hit.  His songs "Out of Nowhere", "Just One More Chance", "At Your Command" and "I Found a Million Dollar Baby (in a Five and Ten Cent Store)" were all among the best selling songs of 1931.


➦In 1945…Japan formally surrendered to the United States aboard the USS Missouri, ending World War II, six years and one day after it began.

➦In 1963..."The CBS Evening News" became the first TV network to extend the 15-minutes newscast to 30-minutes. Walter Cronkite was anchor.  The program has been broadcast since July 1, 1941 as 'CBS Television News'. The competing Huntley-Brinkley Report on NBC expanded to 30 minutes exactly one week later on September 9, 1963.

➦In 1968...Music Directors at radio stations across the country received a new 45 from a new group called Creedence Clearwater Revival.  They didn't know much about them other than their first single was called "Suzie Q".  They played it, and the rest is history.


➦In 1974...Reunion released "Life is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me)". Many custom versions were made for Top40 stations across the country. WCFL 1000 AM in Chicago had one. Here is the version for crosstown rival WLS 890 AM...

➦In 1986...WAPP changed to WQHT 103.5 FM.

The 103.5 signal became easy-listening WTFM in 1958, licensed to Lake Success, N.Y.  The transmitter later was moved to the Chrysler Building in New York City, boosting its signal coverage.  The easy listening format continued until 1978 when WTFM flipped to an adult contemporary format.

Doubleday Broadcasting purchased the station in 1982, renaming it WAPP-FM, and flipping to an album-oriented rock format.

WAPP flipped to a Top 40 format in the fall of 1984.  After failing to dent the ratings of rivals WPLJ or Z-100, WAPP reverted to rock in 1985.

Emmis Broadcasting purchased the station in 1986, flipping to a Dance format as WQHT-FM.  The change was a major ratings success.

Emmis purchased NBC’s radio stations in 1988 and moved WQHT to 97.1 FM, where it became known as “Hot 97.”  WYNY moved its country format from 97.1 to 103.5.  Ratings were mediocre.

Evergreen Media, which later was acquired by the company that became iHeartMedia, ended country music on 103.5 in 1996 and launched a dance-based format, renaming the station WKTU.

Jimmy Clanton is 84

🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAYS:

  • Singer Jimmy Clanton is 84. 
  • Singer Rosalind Ashford of Martha and the Vandellas is 79. 
  • Sportscaster Terry Bradshaw is 74. 
  • Actor Mark Harmon is 71. 
  • Tiffany Hines is 45
    Actor Linda Purl (“Happy Days,” “Matlock”) is 67. 
  • Drummer Jerry Augustyniak of 10,000 Maniacs is 64. 
  • Drummer Paul Deakin of The Mavericks is 63. 
  • Actor Keanu Reeves is 58. Actor Salma Hayek is 56. 
  • Actor Tuc Watkins (“One Life To Live”) is 56. 
  • Actor Cynthia Watros (“Lost,” ″Titus”) is 54. 
  • Singer K-Ci of K-Ci and JoJo is 53. 
  • Actor Nicholas Pinnock (“For Life”) is 49. 
  • Comedian Katt Williams (“Norbit”) is 49. 
  • Actor Michael Lombardi (“Rescue Me”) is 48. 
  • Actor Tiffany Hines (“Nikita,” “Bones”) is 45. 
  • Bassist Sam Rivers of Limp Bizkit is 45. 
  • Actor Jonathan Kite (“2 Broke Girls”) is 43. 
  • Actor Joshua Henry (“Hamilton”) is 38. 
  • Actor Allison Miller (“A Million Little Things”) is 37. 
  • Drummer Spencer Smith (Panic! At the Disco) is 35. 
  • DJ-music producer Zedd is 33.

✞DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
  • Actor Bob Denver, who starred as Gilligan in TV's Gilligan's Island, died on this day in 2005. He was 70.
  • Novelist J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, died on this day in 1973. He was 81.

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Thursday, September 1, 2022

Nielsen Shareholders Green Light Sale


Nielsen Holdings plc today announced that at a court meeting and special meeting of its shareholders held earlier today, its shareholders have approved the previously announced definitive agreement for Nielsen to be acquired by a private equity consortium composed of Evergreen Coast Capital Corp. 

Evergreen is an an affiliate of Elliott Investment Management L.P., and Brookfield Business Partners L.P. together with institutional partners. Shareholders approved the $28.00 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $16 billion, including the assumption of debt.

The transaction, which is expected to close in October 2022, remains subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of the scheme of arrangement to implement the transaction by the UK Court and the delivery of a copy of the court order approving the transaction to the UK Companies Registry, as well as to the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in the Transaction Agreement.

Upon closing, Nielsen will become a private company, and its shares will no longer be traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
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Changing Labor Market: Potential Good News For Traditional Radio


In the spring of 2020, the Labor Department reported that over 30 million jobs were lost because of the pandemic. Labor reports show that this July, payrolls were not only back up to pre-pandemic levels, but were even higher than February 2020. While the jobs are back, they have shuffled around to different places. Changes in the way consumers live, shop and play means jobs have not been filled where they were lost, reports MediaPost.

The transportation and warehousing sector saw the most growth, with July payrolls up 12.9% from pre-pandemic levels. As warehouse and delivery infrastructure is added to satisfy more ecommerce demand, more people are employed on the roads (or on their feet) all day.

Why should marketers care? 

Changes to what people are doing with 40 hours per week (or more) strongly affects their media diet. Per MRI, 32% of people working in transportation and moving materials are heavy terrestrial radio users, more than any other occupation. If we attribute that to job conditions and environment (and we should because radio has always had a strong correlation with vehicle usage), we may have just added 239,000 Americans heavily dialed in to their AM/FM radio.

Sources: Edison Research, 'Share of Ear" Q2 2021, Q1 2022


The most recent Edison Share of Ear Study, a quarterly report on audio consumption habits, confirms that Americans are spending even more time with digital audio; listening is up 9% YoY. Listener tastes change throughout the day based on where they are and what they are doing.

The study finds that people are 20% more likely to listen to personalities or talk at work, and 8% more likely to save the news and informational content for the privacy of their car or truck.  With the retail industry as a whole rocking 207,800 more jobs last month than February 2020, it’s also interesting to note that people are 13% more likely to listen to music at retail locations.

Audio amplifies beyond vehicles: more people are working with earbuds in

As many as 58% of professionals have the opportunity to work from home at least one day per week, and 35% work remote full-time, per McKinsey’s Spring 2022 American Opportunity Survey.   A study by Broadbeam Media found that 66% percent of professionals always or often listened to audio while working remotely, a significant increase from their listening habits when on-location. Digital audio growth is supported by the numbers, led by the daily growth we’ve seen in podcasts; 29% of adults 18-34 can now be reached daily by podcasts, per the Q3 Edison Share of Ear study.

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FS1 Shake-Up Unveils Craig Carton-Led Line-Up

WFAN's Craig Carton

As football season kicks off, FS1’s daily studio slate returns in full force – offering 12 consecutive hours of coverage on the network each weekday. The day begins with THE CARTON SHOW, followed by FS1 cornerstones SKIP AND SHANNON: UNDISPUTED and THE HERD WITH COLIN COWHERD. The slate continues with FIRST THINGS FIRST in a new timeslot, followed by a fresh lineup on SPEAK, with NASCAR RACE HUB rounding out the day.

The all-new THE CARTON SHOW kicks off at 7:00 AM ET, featuring Craig Carton taking on the day’s breaking stories alongside a rotating group of co-hosts. Carton, a new addition to the FOX Sports family, is one of New York’s best-known voices, hosting a variety of popular radio shows on WFAN across his lengthy broadcasting career.

At 9:30 AM ET, SKIP AND SHANNON: UNDISPUTED remains the backbone of FS1’s daily lineup, featuring the indomitable Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe. The duo is joined by a new moderator, Jen Hale, a longtime FOX Sports sideline reporter with extensive NFL, NBA and college football experience. UNDISPUTED remains one of the tentpoles of FS1’s programming, continuing to post double digit year-over-year growth entering its sixth year on-air.

THE HERD WITH COLIN COWHERD continues at 12:00 PM ET, featuring Colin Cowherd alongside a new co-host but familiar face, Jason McIntyre. Cowherd, the most interesting voice in sports, applies his unique lens to a variety of topics while featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry. THE HERD remains one of FS1’s most-popular daily studio shows, notching four record-setting months in the past calendar year.

FIRST THINGS FIRST moves to a new studio and a new timeslot at 3:00 PM ET, helmed by Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Kevin Wildes. The trio offers their take on a bevy of sports stories alongside special guests from across the sports world.

At 4:30 PM ET, the revamped SPEAK takes over the airwaves with Emmanuel Acho, LeSean McCoy and Joy Taylor. Acho, a #1 New York Times Bestselling author and two-time Emmy winner, anchors the show alongside FOX Sports newcomer and former Philadelphia Eagles teammate, McCoy, a two-time Super Bowl Champion and six-time Pro Bowler. They are joined by Taylor, a longtime contributor to FS1’s studio shows and former host of UNDISPUTED and THE HERD, who offers her distinctive opinion from the desk each weekday.

Finally, the day’s programming is rounded out by FS1’s longest-running studio show, the Emmy-nominated NASCAR RACE HUB at 6:00 PM ET. Co-hosted by Adam Alexander, Shannon Spake, Kaitlyn Vincie and Josh Sims, and featuring a rotation of prominent active NASCAR Cup Series drivers as analysts, NASCAR RACE HUB delivers the latest industry news and highlights each weekday and throughout the race weekend.
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San Diego Radio: iHM Moves XTRA Sports to 760 AM


iHeartMedia San Diego announced today that it will be flipping two of its AM stations on Thursday, September 1.

XTRA 1360 will move from its current position at 1360 AM to 760 AM where it will become San Diego Sports 760, and utilize the KGB-AM call letters. San Diego Sports 760 will feature the same lineup that listeners were accustomed to on XTRA 1360, now with a vastly greater reach.

“We are committed to delivering an audio sports platform with massive reach for our listeners and partners,” said Noreen Ippolito, President of iHeartMedia’s San Diego/Riverside Region. “Our goal is to reach fans wherever they are through the iHeartRadio App, KGB-FM HD2 simulcast, and on 760 AM’s massive day and night-time signal which can be heard all over the west coast.”

760 AM (5 Kw)

The timing of San Diego Sports 760’s launch coincides with start of football season. As the official radio broadcast partner of San Diego State University Athletics, San Diego Sports 760 will be on hand with live play-by-play coverage of the SDSU Aztecs’ first game at the new Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on Saturday, September 3.

Sports San Diego 760 – Programming Lineup:
  • 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. Big Rich, TD & Fletch
  • 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The Herd with Colin Cowherd
  • 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Darren Smith and Marty
  • 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Jon & Jim
  • 6 p.m. – 6 a.m. FOX Sports Radio
1360 AM will now be home of The Patriot 1360 AM and utilize the KLSD-AM call letters. The Patriot 1360 AM will bring True American Values to San Diego listeners with a lineup of nationally renowned, conservative talk shows.

The Patriot 1360 AM – Programming Lineup:
  • 4 a.m. - America In The Morning
  • 6 a.m. - The Glenn Beck Program
  • 9 a.m.  - The Chad Benson Show
  • 12 p.m. - The Dana Show
  • 3 p.m.  - The Jesse Kelly Show
  • 6 p.m. - The Mark Levin Show
  • 10 p.m. - Red Eye Radio


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Report: Disney Explores Membership Program


Walt Disney Co. is exploring a membership program that could offer discounts or special perks to encourage customers to spend more on its streaming services, theme parks, resorts and merchandise, according to The Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with the discussions.

The program would be somewhat akin to Amazon Prime, which offers advantages such as free shipping, discounts at Whole Foods and a complementary streaming video service for a monthly or annual fee, the people said. Internally, some executives have referred to Disney’s initiative as “Disney Prime,” although that won’t be the name of the program, one of the people said.\

Discussions at Disney are in the early stages. It couldn’t be learned how much the company would charge for membership and how long it would take to launch such a program.

By creating a membership program, Disney would be betting it could offer customers more value, prompting them to spend more on the company’s products and services, while providing Disney with a trove of information about their preferences.

The effort is supported by Disney Chief Executive Bob Chapek, who has been vocal both internally and publicly about the opportunity for Disney to do more to cross-sell to customers, the people familiar with the discussions said.

Disney already has a special program for superfans, the D23 Official Fan Club, which costs $99.99 to $129.99 a year and comes with access to exclusive events and merchandise. That program offered members a discounted three-year subscription to Disney+ in 2019. A new membership program would be different in that it would be targeted at more casual Disney fans and customers.



As an early step to better link Disney products and services, Disney is working to enable subscribers to its Disney+ streaming service to buy merchandise such as T-shirts, themed accessories and children’s costumes associated with some of its shows by scanning a QR code on the service that links to the Shop Disney website, people familiar with the plan said.

Disney has a range of products and services based on its vast stable of entertainment content. In addition to its movies and streaming programming, the company has theme parks and sells a host of travel experiences, from cruises to private-jet trips, as well as clothing and toys.

Chapek in May highlighted Disney’s “unique synergy machine, or franchise flywheel” on a call with Wall Street analysts, saying the company was different from competitors because it could reach people in many different ways.

Membership programs have gained popularity among retailers from Amazon.com Inc. to Walmart Inc. to Starbucks Corp. because they help companies better understand customers’ purchasing habits, while offering discounts or perks that encourage them to remain loyal.

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