KMJ Fresno Boots Rush, Hannity & Beck

Fresno Fans of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck will soon need to find their favorite talkers somewhere other than KMJ (AM 580 and FM 105.9).

Peak Broadcasting, the parent company of KMJ, announced Friday morning that its 25-year relationship with Premiere Radio Networks, which syndicates Limbaugh and the others, is ending.

Mike Osegueda  at The Fresno Bee writes Peak Broadcasting didn't say exactly when the shows would stop airing, only that they'd be phased out in the next 90 days.

Premiere Radio Networks owns syndicated radio shows such The Rush Limbaugh Show, The Sean Hannity Show, The Glenn Beck Show and Coast to Coast AM.

"We have a clear plan," said Peak Broadcasting marketing director Chris Miller, "but due to the obvious competitive situation, we are not going to divulge our plan at this time."

Read More Here.

Tom's Take: Listen for one of Clear Channel’s 8 stations in the market to become the new home of the Premiere’s programming at New Years.

RIP: Chuck Crane Dies At 58

Charles Evan Crane, DDS. died September 27th at his home in Sarasota, Fl. He was 58 years old. 

Radio reporter Vince Santarelli writes Crane was the mid-day guy at Z-100 back when they first went on the air in August of 1983. On-air, he used the name Dr. Christopher Reed. He also became the operations director in January of 1984.

In June of 1984, he left Z-100 and travelled to Chicago where he became the program director of WLS. The on September 29, 1986, he came back to New York to become the program director at WYNY. This was during their AC years and he would leave WYNY right before the switch to country.

Read More Here. 

Turn-Out Small To Protest CC-Milwaukee Talker

A Milwaukee talk radio host is being criticized for comments he made about the Derek Williams case.

WISN-TV (not affiliated with WISDN Radio) is reporting protesters gathered Thursday outside the Milwaukee offices of Clear Channel Radio to rally against WISN-AM host Mark Belling.

Belling referred to Derek Williams, the man who died in police custody in July of 2011, as a "thug."

He went on to ask why groups angry about Williams' death don't give the same attention to co-sleeping deaths, referring to mothers as "pigs as they roll over on their children."

"This is the day we stand up and tell people 'No more,'" said  Rev. Willie Brisco of the Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied Hope. "You're not going to be able to discriminate against us without us having something to say and do something about it."

Clear Channel Radio released a written statement stating that Belling is a "tough, thoughtful critic with a clear, well-known point of view."

The statement went on to say "His discussion of the Derek Williams issue had absolutely nothing to do with race, and the claim that it did is a transparent attempt by a few opportunists to manufacture a controversy they can exploit for their own benefit."

Read More Here.

Mariah Tells Barbara That Nicki Threatened Her

Barbara Walters called Mariah Carey to get her statement on the fight between her and Nicki Minaj. Yesterday (October 4th) on The View.

Mariah Carey Tells Barbara Walters Nicki Threatened to Shoot Her - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe

Keith Urban also told Extra that he felt like he was at "the UN" during the fight, but added, "I love it, I gotta say. I love working with passionate people. I love artists. Everyone just sort of expressing themselves. It's a very alive and very invigorating work environment."

Nicki took to Twitter yesterday (October 4th) to finally respond to the drama, she tweeted, "The struggle to be a victim is real in these streets. Lmaooooooooooo...The struggle to not have the kid on the show is real in these streets. Lmaooooooooo.... Lets just say nicki said smthn about a gun. ppl will believe it cuz she's a black rapper. Lmao. I'll then hit up Barbara n milk it. Ironically no camera or mic heard the gun comment tho. Lol @ the struggle. Not even the producers believed u. Say no to violence barbz."

Nicki continued, "Barbara walters didn't reach out from our team barbz. I guess we're too dangerous. Don't shake if u don't wannA get shook!!!! LmAooooooooooo."

She then added, "I guess it hurts 2 have the producers tell u to ur face that nicki is the best judge we've had since simon. Awww, poor u. Keep them lies cmn. All I do is compliment u. That's not enuff? Ur a legend, cheer up. U don't have to run down ur resume or feel intimidated. Shady McGrady..."

Nicki then threatened to spill some secrets. She tweeted, "Tried to keep quiet but let's go!!!! I thought we resolved it yesterday but I see u want ur pity party to continue. So I'm bout to po dot tea."

Opinion: AM…Drop the Doom And Gloom

By Saul Levine for Radio World

The AM radio band has been serving the needs of the American people for more than 80 years, and remarkably well. The future of AM can continue to be remarkable, but only if those of us in the broadcast industry adopt a new attitude.

Gloom and doom have overtaken our industry.

Even though there are hundreds of millions of radios in service in the United States, and the erosion of listenership has only been slight, many in radio broadcasting have become passive in response to the attempts of outsiders to raid the successful and profitable radio broadcasting industry….

AM radio can become robust again if we overcome the self-doubt and lethargy that is consuming the thinking of radio operators. We have the infrastructure and resources to push back. We must invigorate programming and invest in improvements in the technical side of the AM facilities…..

AM has become a dumping ground for lackluster programming, a lack of investment and a dismal outlook. The good news is that there are immediate steps that AM broadcasters can take to turn this around.

First, get over this belief that everything must be digital, and that analog is a bad word. There are immediately available technical improvements that can bolster the analog AM signal.

AM operators should dump the ancient RF and audio equipment it is using, and replace with state-of-the-art new transmitters, antenna phasing systems, new ground systems, new audio equipment, new processing equipment and anything else that replaces gear producing a negative impact on the signal.

This one change alone will amaze many.

My message for the redemption and survival of AM radio is to get the best transmitting and studio equipment that is available, and present programming that is unique, innovative and filling a need for the public.

Just think of this: Taylor Swift releases a new song that can only be heard on AM radio. Suddenly, nearly every young person in the USA is listening to AM radio.

Read More Here.

The Framing of Joe Paterno: Website Background

Documentary Filmmaker John Ziegler explains the premise behind his website www.FramingPaterno.com, which is the site of record for the defense of Joe Paterno in the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

Ziegler is researching the story, and the media coverage of it, for a possible documentary.

WABC’s Bob Grant Ready to Sign-Off

It’s been a remarkable ride for cantankerous and controversial Bob Grant. The influential talk show host will leave his one-hour Sunday show this weekend, his third stint at WABC. Grant, 83, rejoined the station in September 2009.

Jeremy Barmash at mediabistro.com is report Grant wrote Thursday on his Web site, bobgrantonline.com: ”I am not sick, I am just a tired of life member of the chorus.”

Grant, who had a highly successful 12-year stint as afternoon WABC host, added: “I will miss you as much as you say you miss me.”

In 1970, Grant made his splash in New York when he arrived at WMCA. For the next seven years he was the station’s ”house conversative.” Grant also worked at WOR twice.

Read More Here.

Kellet To Wake-Up Mornings at WPTF

Starting Monday, veteran talker Doug Kellet will be waking up Raleigh-Durham on WPTF 680 AM.  He takes over from Demetri Ravonos, who resigned  to pursue writing and other interest. 

Kellet has made previous stops at WWTN Nashville as host and PD, KNRC Denver and WRCG in Columbus, GA.

In other Revolving Door changes…

• Former WRZX Indianapolis morning man Don Struck joins Top 40 WSVX-AM / W24CL-FM in Shelbyville, IN for Pm Drive.
• Matt James, formerly with WZZL/WREZ Paducah, KY joins rocker WKLC Charleston for nights.
• Janita “JJ” Jones named to morning show co-host at CHR KDUK / Eugene, OR
• Steph Duran joins AC KEZK-FM St. Louis for middays.
• Wayne Coy is morning co-host at Hot AC KKIQ and AC KKDV San Francisco.
• Jack Broady, OM for RR Broadcasting-Palm Springs for the past six month is appointed to the GM job.

Cox To Create Georgia News Service

Move Comes After CC Announces End to its GNN

Cox Media Group Thursday announced its intention to create a statewide Georgia news service in order to fill the significant void that will be left when the current Statewide News Network ceases operations later this year.

The new Georgia News Service powered by Cox Media Group will be headquartered in CMG’s Atlanta flagship facilities at WSB radio. Scott Smith will head=up the news effort.  “The Cox name has long been synonymous with excellent news coverage throughout the state of Georgia,” said Ben Reed, VP / General Manager of CMG Atlanta. 

“This gives us the opportunity to bring our experience and assets together in order to provide a high-quality news service to outlets across the state of Georgia.” In addition to WSB Radio, the Georgia News Service will also have access to the nationally recognized combined resources of Cox Media Group which owns WSB TV, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. This means more than 150 daily news reporters will be available for the most comprehensive news coverage for the State of Georgia.

“We believe the Georgia News Service will very quickly become an invaluable audio, visual, and digital resource for news outlets across the state,” said Reed. “We look forward to providing them with the high-caliber news coverage that has become a Cox tradition.”

Cox Media Group is currently contacting potential network affiliates across the state of Georgia and intends to be fully operational by Jan 1, 2013.

Publisher Larry Kramer Talks USA Today Changes

WSJ: Facebook Reaches 1 Billion Users

PBS CEO Fires Back At Romney Over Big Bird

The CEO of PBS fired back at Mitt Romney Thursday, saying that it was "stunning" that the Republican candidate had singled her network out in Wednesday's debate.

Romney had one of his most memorable moments when he vowed to cut the federal subsidy to public broadcasting.

New James Bond Movie: Adele's 'Skyfall' Released

UPDATE 10a Friday: “Skyfall” was released at 7:07pm Eastern and it’s already number 1 on iTunes this morning. It may be the fastest trip to number 1 on the downloading service ever. Numbers aren’t in yet for how many people plunked down $1.29 for Adele’s first new record in almost two years.

Earlier posting...

After snippets had begun to surface online, "Skyfall," Adele's title song for the new James Bond film of the same name, has been unleashed in its entirety. A 77-piece orchestra and the singer's sultry voice combine to produce a 007 song that harkens back to the best.

The version posted to the singer's YouTube channel, below, features an animation based on the the song's cover art, and incorporates some of the song's lyrics.

Directed by Sam Mendes, Skyfall opens in the U.S. on Nov. 9th.

The Beatles ‘Love Me Do’ Turns 50

It was 50 years ago today (October 5th, 1962) that the Beatles' first single "Love Me Do"'/"P.S. I Love You" was released on EMI's Parlophone Records in England. Although the song went on to top the U.S. charts two years later, it's initial release in 1962 saw the Beatles score a sizable, but still minor, Top 20 hit with "Love Me Do" peaking at a respectable Number 17. The song, which was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney was far from being one of their most recent collaborations, having been written along with the duo's first batch of songs from 1957 and 1958.

The history of the "Love Me Do" single is one of the more confusing sagas in the Beatles' history. After the group's June 6th, 1962 audition -- in which a runthrough of "Love Me Do" was taped -- producer George Martin, who was unhappy with then-drummer Pete Best's playing, told the Beatles' manager Brian Epstein that he would be using a session drummer for future work with the band. Despite that, when the Beatles -- with new drummer Ringo Starr -- showed up to their first proper session on September 4th, a version of "Love Me Do" was recorded with Ringo behind the drums.

Unsatisfied with Ringo's performance, for their September 11th session, Martin hired studio ace Andy White to drum on the two sides of the single -- with Ringo being relegated to tambourine on "Love Me Do" and maracas on "P.S. I Love You." Despite George Martin's dissatisfaction with the first version of "Love Me Do," the original Ringo recording from September 4th was accidentally released as the original single version -- and was the version that shot the song up the British hit parade. The mix-up wasn't noticed until the song had long peaked on the charts and was replaced by the "Andy White" version for the Please Please Me album in March 1963 and single's second UK pressing about a month later. The actual master and mixdown tapes of the "Ringo" version of "Love Me Do" have long been lost and the version that's now included in the Beatles' catalogue was taped from a collector's pristine mint version of the single.

Amazingly, the confusion over the two versions of "Love Me Do" continues 50 years on, with EMI this week recalling all their copies of the commemorative 50th anniversary reissue of the original "Red Parlophone" single release because the powers that be mixed things up once again by this time using Andy White's -- rather than Ringo's -- version on the single's A-side.

Robin Roberts Said To Be Recovering Well

Robin Roberts is doing well in the wake of her September 20th bone-marrow transplant. The Good Morning America revealed on Thursday that she's been making progress over the past couple of weeks.

In a blog post, Roberts, 51, wrote, "Today is what I like to call "Thankful Thursday, aka Friday Eve." I have been in the hospital 25 days now. My bone marrow transplant took place exactly two weeks ago. The only numbers that matter are my blood counts and they are ... GREAT! My sister Sally-Ann's stem cells apparently feel right at home in my body -- an answer to so many prayers."

She added, "I am hopeful that I MAY be well enough to continue my recovery at home next week and my sister's plan to come back to NYC for that milestone in my journey. I truly FEEL and thank you for your love, prayers and good wishes. And I return it to you tenfold. Light Love Power Presence. XO"

Earlier this year, Roberts revealed that she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome, for which she needed the transplant.

Read More Here.

The Morning After: Bad Reviews For Jim Lehr

"I hope Jim Lehrer gets the license plate of the truck that drove over him in this debate."

That was the learned assessment of Today show anchor Al Roker on Twitter following the end of the first presidential debate Wednesday, assailing the work of the PBS news legend.

Eric Deggans  at TampaBay.comwrites the online network lit up with criticism of the semi-retired host's performance, as everyone from Bill Maher to Rob Lowe blamed Lehrer for letting the pace of the debate be controlled by GOP challenger Mitt Romney, who insisted he be allowed to respond to points made by President Obama even when the rules dictated the discussion should move on.

Both Obama and Romney regularly talked over the time allotted to them for responses, with the president even chiding Lehrer at one point when the moderator tried to break in. "I believe I had 5 seconds left before you interrupted me," Obama said with a smile, before continuing for much longer than that time.

Lehrer seemed to decide early in the debate that allowing each man to make his case the way he wanted was better than refereeing the agreed-upon rules or interjecting with too many questions. But the practical result was that the debate often got bogged down in select topics -- huge amounts of time spent on discussing taxes and little spent on other domestic issues -- and Romney controlled the flow of the discussion with a more aggressive performance.

Read More Here.

Mumford, Green Day, No Doubt Take Top 3 ‘Billboard’ Spots

Rock ruled the Billboard 200 album chart on Wednesday (October 3rd) as new albums from Mumford & Sons, Green Day and No Doubt debuted in the Number One, Two and Three spots respectively. Mumford & Sons pulled away from everyone, however, with second album Babel selling 600,000 copies in its first week of release for the biggest debut of the year and the second-largest week ever for a digital album. The Christian folk-rockers' first effort, 2010's Sigh No More, ended up selling 2.4 million copies in the U.S. but never hit Number One.

Green Day arrived in the second spot with Uno!, the first of three new albums from the veteran punk trio. Uno! sold 139,000 copies to become Green Day's eighth Top 10 release and the fifth to reach the Top Two. It did, however, sell far less than the 215,000 copies moved by the act's last record, 2009's 21st Century Breakdown.

Finally, No Doubt's first album in 11 years, Push And Shove, landed in the third slot with sales of 115,000 copies -- less than half of the 255,000 discs moved by 2001's Rock Steady, which only got to Number Nine on the chart.

Mumford & Sons will tour the U.K., Australia and New Zealand through the rest of 2012, but should be coming to North America sometime in early 2013.

The first single from Babel, "I Will Wait," currently tops the Modern Rock radio chart.

Green Day recently scrapped promo appearances for Uno! as frontman Billie Joe Armstrong entered rehab after a tirade at a radio festival two weeks ago.

The band's next two albums, Dos! and Tre!, will come out in November and January.

No Doubt's only announced live dates so far are a series of six shows at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, beginning on November 24th and ending on December 4th.

Rush, Deep Purple Among Nominees for Rock&Roll HOF

Deep Purple

UPDATE 3:30P Thursday: Traditionally, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are determined by the hall's voting body of roughly 600 artists, historians and music industry professionals. But for the first time since its 1986 inaugural ceremony, fans will have a say in the outcome.

A small say, according to USA Today.

Beginning today and through Dec. 5, fans are invited to cast votes for the 2013 class at rockhall.com, hbo.com, cnn.com and rollingstone.com. The top five artists selected by the public will comprise a single ballot to be tallied with membership picks. The five will be culled from this year's slate of 15 diverse artists, announced today.

Original Posting....

Rush and Deep Purple are among the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2013, according to Rolling Stone. The list, unveiled late Wednesday night (October 3rd), also includes Albert King, Chic, Donna Summer, Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Kraftwerk, the Marvelettes, the Meters, N.W.A., Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Procul Harum, Public Enemy and Randy Newman. The five acts who get the most votes will be inducted next April 18th at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.

For the first time, the public will get to vote alongside other artists, music historians and industry insiders. Fans can vote from now until December 5th at RollingStone.com for the nominees they'd like to see inducted.

The top five acts compiled from fans' votes will be submitted on a "fan's ballot" and will count as one of the more than 600 ballots that determine the inductees. The results will be announced in mid-December.

Rush

Rush is nominated for the first time, although they've been eligible since 1998 and fans have been demanding their inclusion for years. The Canadian power trio's career has lasted for nearly 40 years and 20 albums, they still regularly pack arenas and they've influenced generations of heavy and progressive rock bands.

Deep Purple is considered one of the biggest influences on the heavy metal genre, alongside Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Several of the group's albums, like Machine Head and In Rock, are considered masterpieces of the genre, along with songs such as "Smoke On The Water" and "Highway Star." Both Slash and Metallica's Lars Ulrich have lobbied for their induction.

Shawn Parr Returns To Mornings at 'Go Country' 105

Pardon the pun, writes Gary Lycan at ocregister.com,  but Shawn Parr must know by now it's "par for the course" that anything can and will happen at KKGO "Go Country" 105. And just like every country song tells a story, so does KKGO in returning the popular Parr to morning drive radio Oct. 1.

Parr was quick to use social media to get out the word during the Sept. 29 "Go Fest" concert in Irvine:

"Starting Monday I am BACK ON AT 6am!!! So looking forward to waking up Southern California!! Most of you knew 'cause (you're) GOOOOOD like that. Thank you for an amazing ride and I wont let you down!! God Bless, Shawn Parr"

A quick recap: Parr exited morning drive in late 2010, replaced by Jay Coffey. Five weeks later, Coffey was gone, with Ginny Harman filling in. Then, on Feb. 7, 2011, Ryan Fox took over with Ashley Paige as his sidekick. Fox said at the time, "I like to entertain. I like to make some people laugh. If there is a mom listening, I want her to know that she can keep listening while taking the kids to school because I will keep them all entertained."

This was Fox's big break in a major market, and based on audience feedback here, he was also popular. Parr, meanwhile, had settled into 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with Paul Freeman from 2-7 p.m.

So, what happened? Fox did not respond to a request for comment, but KKGO station owner Saul Levine said "Ryan continues to be a KKGO employee, and will be provided assignments to be determined".

Read More Here.

Tara Servatius Joins WTMA Charleston For Mornings

Talk radio personality, Tara Servatius has joined WTMA 1250 AM in Charleston, SC as morning show host.  Her “Tara on TMA” morning show debuted Wednesday.  Her background includes stops at WBT Charlotte and in Myrtle Beach. 

Tara seems more than happy to be starting a new adventure in the Holy City.

"I'm thrilled to be in Charleston... This is the place my husband and I used to vacation, so this is like moving to the ultimate vacation destination; so I'm really excited about being here," Tara said. 

Tara stressed the importance of the community's input to the show. She says she would like to focus the show around the listeners and their opinions on hot-button issues in our community.

Bob Vernon

Other Comings/Goings….

• Kim Field join Tom Kents affiliation team in Ohio.
• Hunter Quinn exits as PD at CC’s Top 40 WZEE Madison.
• “Vernon With A V’ Bob Vernon has passed away. Vernon worked at WIMA, Lima, OH, WGAR-AM Cleveland and at WNBC in NYC. He also anchored TV news in Raleigh and the Twin Cities.
• Nikki Nite joins Entercom’s  CHR KDND & Hot AC KBZC, Sacramento as Station Manager & PD from sister Austin cluster.

RIP: Singer R. B. Greaves Dies at 68.

If you are a fan of soul music, you have heard of the song “Take a Letter Maria,” sung by the artist R.B. Greaves. Unfortunately, this talented artist passed away this past Thursday (September 27th, 2012).

R.B. Greaves (Ronald Bertram Aloysius Greaves III) was born in Georgetown, Guyana on an American Air Force base, and at the age of 20, moved to London, England. While in England, Greaves started up his musical career under the name of Sonny Childe.

In 1969, Greaves released the single “Take a Letter Maria”. The song reached the #2 position on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

After Greaves’ success with “Take a Letter Maria,” Greaves began to cover many other songs as singles, such as: “Always Something There to Remind Me”.

R.B. Greaves died at the age of 68 on September 27th, 2012.

Nicki Minaj Goes Off On Mariah Carey On ‘Idol’ Set

Rumors that Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey were beefing on the set of American Idol have finally been confirmed. TMZ.com obtained a video that shows Nicki going off on Mariah during audition rounds in Charlotte, North Carolina yesterday (October 2nd).

On the tape, Nicki said, "I'm not going to take it back, and if you've got a f---ing problem, handle it. I told them, I'm not f---ing putting up with her f---ing highness over there. Figure it out!"

Mariah then responds to Nicki, "Ohhhhh, why, why, why?"

Nicki also told Mariah that she was "boring as f*ck" and allegedly threatened to knock Mariah out -- but that part wasn't shown on the tape.

According to Mouth to Ears, the drama escalated to the point that producers had to shut down production so that Nicki and Mariah could cool. off.

Coca-Cola Remains Top Global Brand

The 13th annual Best Global Brands report out yesterday (October 2nd) from brand consulting company Interbrand found that Coca-Cola remains the top global brand, based on criteria including financial performance, the role the brand plays in influencing the choices made by consumers and the brand's ability to help its parent company's earnings. Coca-Cola has been the top brand every year since the report started, with Interbrand estimating its brand value this year at $77.8 billion, up eight percent from 2011. 

Among the changes this year in the top 10 on the list of 100 brands, Apple rose to second place from Number 8 last year and Samsung went up to 9th place from Number 17. In the other direction, Disney fell to 13th place from Number 9 and Hewlett-Packard dropped to Number 15 from 10th place. The top 10 global brands on the 2012 list are:

Coca-Cola

Apple

I.B.M.

Google

Microsoft

General Electric

McDonald's

Intel

Samsung

Toyota

Analysis: How Pop Songs Came To Dominate Top 40 Radio

A pure pop boom coincides with the Pop Songs radio airplay chart's two-decade anniversary.

By Gary Trust for billboard.com

Happy birthday, Billboard's Nielsen BDS-based Pop Songs chart! Two decades in, the ranking continues to track the trends at, and reveal the realities of, U.S. mainstream top 40 radio. 

The chart's 20th anniversary - it launched the week of Oct. 3, 1992 - also coincides with an unprecedented pure pop boom, as mainstream top 40 radio is playing more pure pop than ever before. And, as station ratings soar, such a focus on the format's musical middle ground is reinforcing that the format works best when deemphasizing such extremes as rock and rap.

A year-by-year analysis of Billboard's Pop Songs chart reveals that pure pop - i.e., melodic, often synth-driven, uptempo fare from the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry - has made up at least 60% of the survey's total top 10 hits each year from 2008 through 2012 (from January through July annually). Last year, the style accounted for a whopping 79% of the list's top 10s - the highest percentage in the chart's history - as 30 of the 38 top 10s during that period fit a pop classification. 

What's behind the pure pop boom? It's no coincidence that 2008 marked the arrival of two of the format's reigning stars: Perry and Gaga. Rihanna, meanwhile, continued to solidify her star status as an almost constant chart staple, adding touches of R&B and reggae to her overall pop focus. Add the continued domination or resurgences in that span of such acts as Christina Aguilera, Clarkson, Maroon 5 (which, in recent years, has segued from rock to a more pop lean), P!nk and Britney Spears, and it's clear that pop became tops at mainstream top 40 radio. 

In turn, ratings have reflected that audiences' appetites for pop are robust.

Read More Here.

Your Career: Best Questions To End An Interview

From Margaret Heffernan for Moneywatch.com:

Toward the end of a job interview, there's always a moment when you're asked if you have any questions. It's tricky. You don't want to sound too pugnacious (will they think I'm too aggressive?), but neither do you want to pass on the opportunity (will they think I don't have a mind of my own?)

I've rarely heard anyone use this moment to the fullest, so here are some suggested questions that will leave a strong impression while also prying loose some valuable information about your prospective employer:

• Why did you want to interview me? Learning specifically what is in your resume that attracted a company's interest gives you a sense of how the organization, and other potential employers, view your talents. For instance, if you're looking to spread your wings and learn some new skills and they like you because you can already do the job, it may not be a good fit.
• Why is this job important to the business as a whole?
• How would you describe the best people you have in this company?
• Are there any internal candidates for this job?

Read More Here.

MARGARET HEFFERNAN is an entrepreneur, Chief Executive and author. She was born in Texas, raised in Holland and educated at Cambridge University. She worked in BBC Radio for five years where she wrote, directed, produced and commissioned dozens of documentaries and dramas.

‘Too Fat’ Anchor Fires Back At Critic

UPDATE Friday 3:30P:  Letter writer apologizes to TV news anchor.

Watch More News Videos at ABC | 2012 Presidential Election | Entertainment & Celebrity News

Original posting....

A Wisconsin television anchor’s bold retort to a viewer who suggested she was too fat to be on TV has spurred a heartwarming response -- and a new discussion about the boundaries of bullying.

Jennifer Livingston, 37, an anchor/reporter at WKBT-TV in LaCrosse, Wis., received an email last week from a viewer criticizing her size.

JT, ONJ Record Christmas Album

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John are making music again. The Grease costars are releasing a holiday album on November 13th called This Christmas.

The project comes nearly 35 years after the pair became famous as lovers Danny and Sandy.

The album will feature an original song, called "I Think You Might Like It," as well as a star-studded line up that features Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, James Taylor and Kenny G performing Christmas classics.

In a statement about the project, Travolta said, "From the moment we decided to do this, magic happened. Everyone we contacted agreed to do it. My desire was to make This Christmas an intimate album, not something too ostentatious or showy. I wanted people to be able to play it around the house or in the car during the holidays, and make us part of your celebration."

Newton-John added, "We all felt a wonderful, joyful energy while recording this album. We want to make a lot of people smile and happy."

Likely Voting By Radio Format

Former TV Weatherman Offers Emotional Video

David Grant Stops Cancer Treatment

From Eric Deggnas, Tampa Bay Times:

Former WFLA-Ch. 8 (Tampa) health reporter Irene Maher wrote an amazing story for Sunday's newspaper detailing the decision by a former colleague -- David Grant, WFLA's onetime chief meteorologist -- to stop chemotherapy treatment for pancreatic cancer.

It's the kind of decision you don't hear much about, especially involving such a public personality. But Grant, who was always an affable and energetic presence on local TV, delivers his decision with that same good natured charm in a video which was sent to friends and family.

Maher describes visiting Grant with another WFLA alum, ex-forecaster Laura York, and being amazed at how much Grant and his wife Beverly still thought of others while describing the toughest decision any couple might face. Grant was at WFLA for 23 years, retiring in 1999 just as social media and the recession were redefining local media for everyone.

Maher wrote: "Three-quarters of patients die within a year of diagnosis; some last just weeks. Grant feels lucky to have had time to get his affairs in order and plan his funeral.”

Those hoping to contact the Grants can send letters to P.O. Box 271084, Tampa, FL 33688.

NYC Ratings: WLTW Still #1, WCBS-FM Returns to #2

By Jerry Barmash for Fishbowl New York:

It’s no news that WLTW/Lite FM is the city’s top-rated station. The September Arbitron overall ratings show Lite FM increasing its audience slightly to 7.2.

However, its cushion is slipping. WCBS-FM is back in second place, within .6 of the Clear Channel mainstay. CBS’ Classic Hits offering had an impressive month, gaining .5 after dropping to third position for August.

CBS-FM leapfrogs WBLS, which took a .5 nosedive to 5.8.

As for WHTZ/Z100, a perennial Top 5 participant, is fourth but fell .6 for the month. Its sister station WKTU also went in negative territory, also lost .3 to stand at 4.7.

It’s a steady month for Spanish station WSKQ, holding at 4.2. It’s rival WXNY saw slight gains to 3.8.

Erasing the memory of WEMP and FM News, Merlin’s Alternative Rocker WRXP jumped .5 to 2.1. As a news station, WEMP never eclipsed a .6.

Read More Here.

MLB Inks TV Deals Through 2021

Major League Baseball's national television landscape is set through 2021.

MLB on Tuesday announced an eight-year national media rights agreements with FOX and TBS, and combined with the recently announced ESPN deal, the three contracts will deliver a combined $12.4 million -- more than a 100-percent increase in annual rights fees to MLB over the current arrangements.

The new deals go into effect starting in 2014, and it means the World Series and All-Star Game will remain on FOX, while the League Championship Series and Division Series will be shared across FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG), TBS and MLB Network. Both deals also include digital "TV Everywhere" rights to stream televised games and other MLB-related programming online and through mobile devices.

"I have often said in recent years that we are living in the golden age of baseball and that the game has never been more popular," Commissioner Bud Selig said. "But to see the unprecedented and historic commitment these networks have made to televising Major League Baseball for years to come is truly amazing. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I am thrilled that we will continue our relationships with both FOX and Turner. Both networks are passionate about baseball and are committed to covering, promoting and growing the sport, and I want to thank them for their continued support."

Under the terms of the new agreements, FSMG will retain the rights to the World Series, the All-Star Game and one LCS while adding coverage of two Division Series starting in 2014. FSMG also will double its number of regular season national windows on Saturdays from 26 to 52, with 12 of those windows exclusive to FOX and as many as 40 non-exclusive windows on another nationally distributed FOX channel.

TBS will retain rights to air one LCS, two Division Series and one of the Wild Card games presented by Budweiser. TBS will also air afternoon games with new co-exist rights on the final 13 Sundays of the regular season. FSMG and Turner will alternate each year which league's DS and LCS games they telecast, with MLB Network airing two Division Series games each year from the same league as FOX.

Tom's Take:  The total deal is said to be worth a bit north of $12 Billion, that's with a B

Forbes: Oprah Tops List Of Entertainment's Highest-Paid Women

But Her Reign May Soon End

Although she’s no longer on syndicated TV, Oprah Winfrey still seems to be everywhere. She’s got three shows on her still struggling OWN Network, her face still graces the cover of every O magazine and she recently appeared on the cover of our Forbes 400 issue.

Now she tops Forbes’  list of Hollywood’s Highest-Paid Women. Winfrey earned an estimated $165 million between May 2011 and May 2012, according to a story by Dorothy Pomerantz at forbes.com.

Her net worth, which we peg at $2.7 billion, will keep her on Forbes' 400 list for years to come, but this might be one of the last years she tops our highest-paid women list. Winfrey was still earning money from her syndicated show during the time frame we used for this list, but she shut it down in May 2011 (reruns went through the summer). She has yet to take a salary at OWN, so her sources of revenue are now the shows she produces through her Harpo production company (like Dr. Phil and Rachael Ray), her satellite radio station and her magazine.

Full List: Hollywood’s Highest-Paid Women

But don’t cry for Winfrey — even though she’ll earn less than $165 million next year, she’ll still pull in enough to keep her on the list, even if she’s not at the top.

Her nearest competitor this year is Britney Spears, who earned an estimated $58 million between May 2011 and May 2012, $107 million less than Winfrey. Television and music were the best ways for women to make our highest-paid list this year and Spears works in both mediums. As the newest judge on The X Factor, Spears is earning praise for her tough criticism of early contestants but she hasn’t helped the ratings. The show’s premiere episode earlier this month was down 32% from last year’s.

Rounding out the Top 5:  Taylor Swift checks in at #3 with Rihanna and Ellen Degeneres tied at #4.

Read More Here.

Pew: The Future of Mobile News

From Amy Mitchell, Tom Rosenstiel and Laura Houston Santhanam of PEJ and Leah Christian of the Pew Research Center

Half of all U.S. adults now have a mobile connection to the web through either a smartphone or tablet, significantly more than a year ago, and this has major implications for how news will be consumed and paid for, according to a detailed new survey of news use on mobile devices by the PewResearch Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ) in collaboration with The Economist Group. 

At the center of the recent growth in mobile is the rapid embrace by Americans of the tablet computer. Nearly a quarter of U.S. adults, 22%, now own a tablet device-double the number from a year earlier. Another 3% of adults regularly use a tablet owned by someone else in their home. And nearly a quarter of those who don't have a tablet, 23%, plan to get one in the next six months. Even more U.S. adults (44%) have smartphones, according to the survey, up from 35% in May 2011. 

News remains an important part of what people do on their mobile devices-64% of tablet owners and 62% of smartphone owners say they use the devices for news at least weekly, tying news statistically with other popular activities such email and playing games on tablets and behind only email on smartphones (not including talking on the phone). This means fully a third of all U.S. adults now get news on a mobile device at least once a week.

 Among the detailed findings of the study:

• The advent of the new lower-priced tablets in late 2011 brought in a new crop of tablet owners. Now, just over half, 52%, of tablet owners report owning an iPad, compared with 81% a year ago. Nearly half, 48%, now own an Android-based device; about half of them, 21%, Kindle Fires. iPad owners, however, stand out from Android owners: they use their tablet more often in general and more often for news. Android users are more likely to use social networks and follow news that comes from friends and family.

• People who get news on both a smartphone and a tablet may carry added appeal for news organizations. These people tend to be more engaged news users than those who get news on just one device. They are more likely to read deeply (fully 82% sometimes or regularly read in-depth articles on their tablet compared with 62% of those who get news on just the tablet), to send or receive news through email or social networks and to read past issues of magazines. And, while the numbers are still small, dual-device mobile news user are also more likely than others to have paid for digital news content.

Read More Here.

Also Must Read:

Forbes: How many tablets are in the USA? And does it matter? Read More Here.

WLS-AM’s Don Wade Home After Brain Surgery

Robert Feder at timeoutchicago.com is reporting WLS-AM (890) morning star Don Wade was recovering at home from brain surgery.  Wade and his wife, Roma, could take an added measure of comfort from an unexpected source — the Arbitron ratings.

In figures released Monday for the period from August 16 to September 12, the Cumulus Media news/talk station ranked No. 1 in morning drive (from 6 to 10am weekdays). The first-place finish and 7.0 percent share among listeners age 12 and older was the best performance by Don Wade & Roma in more than four years, according to WLS executives. Not bad for the longest running morning team in Chicago radio.

 Don Wade, 71, underwent surgery Thursday to remove a growth from his brain. “The surgery went as expected and Don came out of it really well,” said the Wades’ agent, Eliot Ephraim. “We’re awaiting the results of tests and that will determine what’s next.”

Read More Here.

Streamer Rdio To Pay Artists For Fan Referrals

Musicians looking for a new revenue stream can now get commissions from music service Rdio.

According to a story at USAToday, under a new artists program, the 2-year-old streaming service will pay musicians $10 for each subscriber they bring to the service. Among the artists already on board are Snoop Lion (the artist formerly known as Snoop Dogg) and members of alternative rock bands The Raconteurs and Scissor Sisters.

Musicians can share tracks and playlists on Facebook and Twitter, and that could lead some followers to subscribe to the service ($5 a month unlimited Web streaming; $10 a month for mobile, too.) "Fans can discover new music by seeing what their favorite artists are doing on Rdio," company CEO Drew Larner says. "It's sort of like Twitter meets music."

The new program could help Rdio stand out in the crowded and growing music-streaming category, which is expected to grow fourfold in 2012 to about $413 million, according to Strategy Analystics.

Read More Here

Official: Chris Williams OM To CC-Cincy

Atlanta radio veteran Chris Williams has joined Clear Channel Cincinnati as OM of the company's cluster. Williams will serve as PD of long-standing Rock station WEBN. Williams also remains Clear Channel's National Brand Coordinator for Active Rock Formats as well as the Active Rock Premium Choice PD. Williams most recently programmed Clear Channel Active Rocker WKLS/Atlanta until it flipped to Top 40.

"Chris was chosen for his programming skills and knowledge so that he can continue to evolve 102.7 WEBN as an iconic entertainment brand," stated Chuck Fredrick, President/Market Manager, CCM+E Cincinnati.

"Clear Channel Cincinnati is an amazing cluster," added Williams. "Among its top-rated stations is WEBN, a landmark rock station with a rich history. It is a privilege to have this opportunity to contribute to the cluster's legacy and to make a positive impact on the next generation of rock fans."

Other Comings/Goings:

• CBS Sports Radio signs Scott Ferrall, who will host Ferrall on the Bench weeknights from 10pm-2am, starting January 2, 2013.
• CC/Tulsa moves Corbin Pierce & Biggie Shay from rhythmic KTBT to sister-station rock KMOD. The duo replace long-time morning hosts Phil Stone and Brent Douglas, who couldn’t reach new contract deal. The new show starts 10/22.
• Spokane market fixture Victoria Frederick has exited as PD of Clear Channel Classic Rock KKZX as her position is eliminated.
• Cox Media's WDBO/Orlando announced that due to strong evening ratings, The Clark Howard Show is returning to daytime 1-3pm, starting Oct. 12.
• Jim Bosh to WXXK and WKKN Keene, NH. Bosh most recently was Country WWYZ/HARTFORD. The veteran Bosh will also be PD.  Co-host is Amy Beaulieu.
• One of Cumulus Media’s co-founders is out in San Francisco.  Market manager Bill Bungeroth has exited. No successor has been announced for the six-station operation.

LA Ratings: KBIG Catches KIIS

For most of 2012, KBIG-FM (104.3) has been hot on the heels of its sister station, Top 40 outlet KIIS-FM (102.7), the pop powerhouse that has led Los Angeles-Orange County radio ratings for most of the last three years.

Steve Carney at LATimes.com is reporting in September, the sibling finally caught up, according to figures released Monday by the Arbitron ratings service.

KBIG, the adult-contemporary station that features a varied playlist ranging from Aerosmith to Usher, tied KIIS for the top spot, with each attracting 5.2% of the audience in the survey of listeners 6 and older from Aug. 16 to Sept. 12.

In the previous month, KIIS had taken first with a 5.5% share, while KBIG had come in second at 4.9%. Both are owned by Clear Channel, the nation's largest radio chain, which also operates six other stations in Los Angeles.

A year ago, KBIG — known as "MYfm" — was in 11th place, and sat there as recently as November 2011. But the station jumped to fourth in January, and was in second place by May, where it remained until grabbing a share of the pinnacle in the September survey.

Read More Here.

How Did Bob Goen End Up In Cincinnati?

How did former TV game show host and “Entertainment Tonight” co-host Bob Goen end up on Cincinnati radio?

Why did Goen leave Los Angeles, where he was born and raised, to do a morning radio show with his wife Marianne Curan at WRRM-FM (98.5, WARM98) in Cincinnati?

According to John Kiesewetter at cincinnati.com, here’s the deal:  Bob and Marianne wanted to do a radio show, after hosting an audiostreamed game show for GSN (Game Show Network) a few years ago. They ran into a Cumulus radio exec in LA, followed up with an audition tape, and Cumulus steered them to their WARM98, where program director Chris Lynn had been covering mornings and middays (5 am-2pm) since Dean Miuccio was fired two years ago.

LISTEN HERE.

They moved here two weeks ago, and love it. They debuted their “BMR”s show (“Bob & Marianne Radio”) 5:30-10 a.m. Monday.

Read More Here.

Opinion: The Future of Radio

From Bob McCurdy for mediapost.com

To ensure its continued vibrancy and significance, the future of broadcast radio will rely on growth in several areas.

In the sales arena, radio is already evaluating Shazam-like technology, which will greatly enhance radio’s accountability. This will allow radio to close the “performance” loop and enable advertisers to distribute additional “bonus” programming, coupons, video and other messaging to smartphones while providing key performance metrics. Radio is gearing up to compete in two new areas of revenue, mobile and display dollars, through its growing cache of registration data and larger streaming audiences. In addition, multi- and crossplatform campaigns will become the norm, drawing from radio’s 13 channel offerings to produce truly customized, comprehensive and cohesively integrated marketing solutions. 

And to better quantify AM/FM’s impact, new technology is currently being developed by Arbitron that will allow Audio Beacons to be deployed throughout leading retail locations and automotive dealerships. 

With these tools, radio will be able to empirically demonstrate its impact on increased foot traffic and sales to advertisers and agencies. 

Looking ahead, radio will continue to focus on enhancing the one quality that truly sets it apart from all other audio options—live on-air talent. Radio personalities will play a larger and more important role at many stations as educators, entertainers and trusted guides in the daily lives of listeners. As we move into an increasingly digital world, the power of one-to-one personal connections will become even more valuable and important. In addition, it’s likely that Talk programming options will multiply in the coming years.

Read More Here.

Bob McCurdy is the president of Katz Marketing Solutions, the national marketing unit of the Katz Media Group, a division of Clear Channel Communications.

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