R.I.P.: Radio's Jingle Guy Ben Freedman Was 64

We are saddened to report that Ben Freedman, owner of the oldest continuously operated radio ID jingle company, died Friday in Plano, TX.

He was 64.

Freedman was recovering from an October heart attack when he died.  He was also forced to cope with injuries sustained in a car accident a few years ago.

Freedman established WAY Productions and started producing jingles when he was just 14-years-old in his hometown of Buffalo, NY.

Ben had formed an admiration for the truly great jingle companies PAMS, Pepper and CRC, while serving as a "go-for" at WKBW 1520 AM with the famous jocks including Joey Reynolds, Dan Neaverth, Rod Roddy, Jay Nelson, Jeff Kaye, Stan Roberts and others

In 1966, he landed his first air shift at Gordon McLendon’s WYSL FM in Buffalo under direct supervision of the Old Scotsman himself.

He first visited Texas in the late 70s and formed a new marketing association with several other audio producers including International Programming Services in Los Angeles, Tommy Calandra Productions in Buffalo, House Q Studios in Buffalo and ATB Productions in London. The new association is called Creative Productions Marketing Group or CPMG Incorporated for short.

The 70s

Late in 1980,  CPMG, Ken R. Music of Toledo and Toby Arnold formed a loose association to individually market Ben and Ken’s resings of the classic PAMS tracks.

In 1988, he returned to Dallas and for eights year marketed all of the old and newly created PAMS materials to over 500 stations including WCBS FM. He eventually became Vice President of jingle sales for the "new and upcoming" Century 21 Programming, Inc.

In 1995, Ben went into business for himself.

At the time of his death, Ben was planning a recording session for next month.

Tom’s Take:  Ben was a unique personality and truly talented. He made radio better. He was a friend and will be dearly missed.

Saturday Aircheck: A Tribute To Bill Mouzis 1922-2013

Bill Mouzis, an integral piece to the success of Boss Radio 93 KHJ Los Angeles, passed away this past week.  See original posting here.

Boss Radio architect Ron Jacobs pays tribute to Mouzis:

Incredible people leave us with compelling memories. We bear the responsibility to pass on their most virtuous traits to others so they will attempt the same. The last time I spoke with Bill we talked about how well he maintained the Cadillac that he had purchased when he retired. I kidded him about it having less mileage than the scooter he just ordered so he could move around. His laugh took longer, but it came. That is among the ways I will remember him, his laugh. And his intensity, the way he began, "Let me tell you, Ron...”

Read More Now.

Jacobs also has posted the following one-hour audio montage features a parade of 93/KHJ promotional announcements. KHJ Production Engineer Bill “The Blade” Mouzis performed each splice, every fade, and the totality of the sounds you hear.

This is a free clinic on radio production and the quality of the following is excellent!  CLICK HERE.

NYC Radio: Standby For New Format On 94.7 FM

54 dBu Coverage Map

Family Radio stations signed-off on 94.7 FM, their last commercial FM station, Friday afternoon around 3:30. The sign-off follows the closing of the $40-million sale to Cumulus Media earlier in the week.  (To Listen, Click Here.)  The frequency joins the Cumulus-NYC cluster which also consists of WABC 770 AM and WPLJ 95.5 FM.

Following a few moments of open carrier, 94.7 FM began a simulcast of Hot AC WPLJ.

LISTEN LINE, Click Here.

During the simulcast, a listen seem to indicate tweaks and adjustments being made to the audio processing.  The adjustments apparently were being made between the company’s studios at 2 Penn Plaza in Manhattan and the transmitter site about 15-miles west, in West Orange, NJ.

The simulcast is another step in the evolution of 94.7FM.  The frequency has a long history of religious programming. Family Stations had owned and operated 94.7 FM since 1967. Prior to that the company purchased airtime.

 There quite a bit of anticipation of the format to come.  Guesses have ranged from simulcast of WABC, to alternative rock, to country to CBS Sports Network.

94.7 FM  is shortspaced to multiple stations, including Cumulus’ 94.7 WMAS-FM Enfield CT/Springfield MA.  If Cumulus intends to move the transmitting equipment closer to Manhattan, there would have to be  a downgrade in terms of power for one or both of the stations.

Checkout the Raido Discussions message board for ongoing comments and opinions, Click Here.

Emmis ‘Pleased’ With Earnings Report

Emmis Communications Corporation today announced results for its third fiscal quarter ending November 30, 2012.

Pro forma for station divestitures, Emmis' domestic radio net revenues for the third fiscal quarter were up 5 percent. On a reported basis, total radio net revenues were up 1 percent and total net revenues were down slightly.

"I couldn't be more pleased with the company's outstanding operating performance," Jeff Smulyan, Emmis Chairman & CEO, said. "Emmis radio station's revenue growth continues to outpace its markets. While our markets were up 1 percent this quarter, Emmis stations saw an increase of 5 percent."

"With the refinancing of our entire capital structure that was completed after our quarter-end, we have dramatically reduced our interest expense and increased our ability to generate free cash flow going forward, completing the transformation of Emmis," Smulyan concluded.

Station operating income during the period was $13.8 million, compared to $10.0 million for the same quarter of the prior year. Diluted net income per common share from continuing operations was $0.02, compared to $1.26 for the same quarter of the prior year. 

The decline is due primarily to the gain on the sale of stations WKQX-FM (101.1 MHz, Chicago, IL), WLUP-FM (97.9 MHz, Chicago, IL) and WRXP-FM (101.9 MHz, New York, NY) to Merlin Media coupled with related tax benefits recognized in the prior year.

DC Radio: WPGC Becomes WRG3!

Washington, D.C. radio station WPGC has changed its call letters this weekend to "WRG3" in support of Robert Griffin III, the injured Redskins quarterback. The change has already taken place on both the station's website and on radio dials around the greater Washington, D.C. area.

Hail to the Redskins!! WRG3 95.5!!! #HTTR twitter.com/WPGC/status/28…
— WRG3 95.5 (@WPGC) January 11, 2013

DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

More Bull As KILT-FM, KUPL-FM Rebrand

As of 5pm Thursday, CBS Radio has rebranded Country KILT 100.3 FM as “The Bull”.

It previously used “Real Country Varierty”.

The station will go all-music and commercial-free now through the weekend before launching its new program lineup at 5:30 a.m. Monday with The Foley & Thunder morning show until 9 a.m., followed by Erin Austin until 2 p.m., Keola from 2 to 7 p.m. and Zack from 7 p.m. until midnight.

One report has The Bull, promising "less twang, more bang" for their mainstream country listeners.  Listeners can expect "grittier," more rock-oriented pop-country vibe.

At 5 p.m. Thursday evening, after a spinning of George Strait's current single "Give It All We Got Tonight," Eric Church's "Drink In My Hand" kicked off the new era of The Bull.

That was followed by RodeoHouston 2013 performer Luke Bryan's "All My Friends Say".

"The Bull is about bringing the spirit of the city to the airwaves.  As much as the station is about the music, it will be equally about HOUSTON, and the great state of TEXAS, which we are all proud to be a part of,” according to Sarah Frazier, GM of CBS Houston.

She added, the new brand is designed to capitalize on CBS’ partnerships with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and with the Texans “and the awesome new music where country is trending.”

LISTEN LINE: Click Here

PD Mark Adams commented, "We’ll also provide an enhanced live, local and interactive experience that will enable us to connect with listeners in a way we’ve never done before.  It’s going to be an exciting ride."

In recent years, KILT's biggest rival, KKBQ, has shown Arbitron ratings strength comparable with KILT, and the two have often exchanged between first and second place among country stations in some demographics.

Besides involving themselves in a ratings war with KILT, KKBQ has also poked fun at the station for its supposed airing of "the most commercials" in Houston compared with KKBQ, which claims to air the most music of any radio station in Houston.

In return, some KILT listeners, and even musicians whose songs are given airplay on KILT, have lauded KILT for not "badmouthing" other stations.

Another Bull made it presence known Thursday when Alpha Broadcasting rebranded KUPL 98.7 FM in Portland, OR.

The change happened at 12am Thursday with the station is now playing 10,000 songs-in-a-row with no commercials.

The relaunch means Scott Simon and Joylnn Winter in AM Drive and midday host Lola have left the building. Afternoon host B-Dub will return after the 10,000 songs in a row conclude.  Nightime Danny Dwyer remains in an off-air position.

LISTEN LINE: Click Here

In the December PPM’s KUPL was fourth in the market with a 5.5 share. The other Country station in the market, Entercom’s KWJJ 99.5 The Wolf” trailed in eight with a 4.4.

Jax Radio: Power 106.1 Launches

After stunting since the first of the year as Easy The Dove 106.1, Cox Media has launched Power 106.1, Where Hip Hop Lives.

Tell your Mama, your baby's mama, your Sister, and your crazy Uncle. We got 10,000 songs in a row to play! We do it for Duval! #Beatdown
— POWER 106.1 (@POWER1061) January 11, 2013

The frequency is a translator W291CI with 225 watts.

LISTEN LINE: Click Here.

PD Todd Shannon says the station is now playing 10,000 songs in a row.

NYC Radio: Eventually 'The Fan' Will Be On FM Only

CBS Sports Radio launched last week and can be heard in many major markets, but for now its primary presence in New York is brief commentaries heard on WFAN from personalities such as Boomer Esiason and Doug Gottlieb.

According to Newsday’s Neil Best, the key words: "For now."

Currently, CBS' iconic local station, WFAN, is simulcast on 660-AM and 101.9-FM.

More people still listen on AM but as that ratio shifts, at some point in 2013, CBS plans to install more national programming on 660.

"I think the company purchased a $75-million FM station to not only expand WFAN but also to expand our sports offerings," CBS Radio president Dan Mason said. "There's a natural migration of listeners that will want to hear FAN on FM and that's in process.

Read More Now.

Syracuse Radio: The Robinson Show Rocks 95X

WAQX 95X Syracuse and filled the morning show position left vacant with the fall departure of Hunter Scott and Josh Grosvent for WKRL/WHRH K-Rock.

According to cnyradio.com,  the Cumulus-owned active rocker debuted The Robinson Show today.  The new wake-up host worked for 95X once before, as the station’s night host in 2003. 

In between, he’s been working at Rochester stations WCMF and WBZA.

Robinson will host weekday mornings from 6am to 9am, followed by a jockless hour of “All Rock Radio,” before PD/midday host Joe D enters the studio at 10:00am. 

Big Smoothie, who had been filling-in on mornings since the shift became vacant in October, gets to change his alarm clock back to the normal time, as he resumes hosting The People’s Show in its original afternoon drive timeslot, 2-7pm. 

And Scott “dXn” Dixon is also back to his original shift, 7pm to midnight.

Cumulus Syracuse VP/Market Manager Shane Bogardus said, “Robinson was engaging and eager to come back home to Syracuse from our first conversation. He instantly fit the attitude of the station and his talents in producing a real and raw morning show strengthens the lineup each day to deliver the music and entertainment the 95X listener has come to expect.”

Read More Now.

NYC Radio: Cumulus Files For Calls WRXP

There a flurry of comments on the Radio Discussions Message Board concerning Cumulus filing for the calls WRXP.

The filing with the FCC on January 7 was made by Radio Licensing X LLC, the holding company that is the licensee for WABC and WFME.

Of course, the WRXP calls were used twice in the NYC market for 101.9 FM.    Could the filing signal an intention to rock on 94.7 FM or could it be a decoy?   After all, if a brand name for a new car failed twice, why try a third time?    There has been a lot of speculation that Cumulus would bring country music to the metro using the calls WNSH. Perhaps as a flagship for its Nashville format believed to be in development.

Respected radio engineer and Northeast Radio Watch blogster Scott Fybush opines even though the WRXP calls have been requested specifically for 94.7; that wouldn't stop them from, say, swapping again and putting "WNSH" on 94.7 and moving WRXP to the Minnesota station where WNSH is now being parked.

Others point to the recent Greater Media stunting in Boston with its 96.9 FM.   In any event, the format choice for 94.7 FM is getting a ton of street talk…chances are something will be happening very soon.

Seattle Radio: Dave Ross Rides To Rescue KIRO-FM

Dave Ross, the 35-year-veteran at Bonneville's news/talk KIRO 97.3 FM, on Monday took over the morning drive-time reins on the FM side after a two-month experiment with long-form conversationalist John Curley as host flopped big-time with listeners, according to Eric Lactis at The Seattle Times.

At age 60, he has just marked 35 years at KIRO, hosting shows in every time slot, he says, except overnight. In those years, he's won his share of journalism prizes and reported from the world's hot spots, whether Ground Zero after Sept. 11 or the fall of communism in the Soviet Union.

Now, after management asked him, Ross is switching from the midmorning show he co-hosted with Luke Burbank to begin work at 6 a.m.

Ross says that in his three-plus decades at KIRO, he's been through plenty of format changes.

"They always happen. That's part of the job," he says.

These days, with new technology to measure listenership, it's a tumultuous industry.

"Instead of ratings going every three months, now they come weekly, so we can track — at least we think we can track — what's working and what's not working," says Ross. "Change comes more suddenly than it did 20 years ago."

But, he says, the essence of radio still is the same: "Trying to make a connection with listeners."

Ross's shift to early a.m. is KIRO's attempt to fix what it acknowledges was a programming mistake.

Read More Now

Tiki Talks Sports For CBS

"I really feel good about this gig," he said of his week-old job hosting CBS Sports Radio's new national morning show, alongside Brandon Tierney and Dana Jacobson ("TBD in the AM"). The show currently airs on 75 stations.

Neil Best at Newsday writes the radio gig is not as visible or as lucrative as the one NBC hired him for in 2007, when he was to be a crossover personality who would talk football on Sundays and everything else on weekday mornings.

It did not work out on either front. That, combined with the very messy, very public failure of his marriage, damaged his image in addition to his employment prospects in broadcasting.

Then about six months ago he heard of CBS' plan to launch a national sports network to complement local powerhouses such as WFAN.

Chris Oliviero, CBS Radio's senior VP of programming, said Barber's long history of outspokenness made him attractive.

"Tiki has proven he will speak his mind," Oliviero said. "It might upset some people sometimes. It might cause some aggravation sometimes. But if you want to be a sports commentator you need to give your opinion. Tiki definitely gives his opinion."

Read More Now.

News/Talk: Market Size Does Matter

Clear Channel’s Newsradio WOOD 130 AM / 106.9 FM was Arbitron rated No. 1 in the Grand Rapids radio market for the fall of 2012, according to Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk atmlive.com.

A news or talk format leading a market isn’t unusual, but it isn’t common. Of the 66 radio markets that Arbitron has released figures for in the past week through Wednesday, just 10 were led by a news or talk station among all listeners ages 12 and over.

What’s intriguing is five of those 10 markets are close in size as Grand Rapids, the 69th largest radio market in the United States, with some 722,000 listeners.

Five radio markets from the 65th to 69th in size, Albany, N.Y.WGY; Tulsa, Okla. KRMG; Fresno, Calif.KMJ ; Albuquerque, N.M.KKOB; and Grand Rapids, occupy very different corners of the country. But all five, with populations ranging from 722,000 in Grand Rapids to 802,300 in Albany, saw a news or talk station capture No. 1 in its market for the final quarter of '12, according to Arbitron.

On the other hand, of the 12 biggest markets in the United States, from New York at No., 1 through Detroit at No. 12, only two cities – San Francisco KABC at No. 4 and Washington D.C.non-com WAMU at No. 7 -- also have been topped recently by news-talk radio.

Read More Now.

Larry Disses Piers: ‘Show Is A Lot About Him’

Larry King criticized Piers Morgan, his successor in CNN's 9 p.m. time slot, in an interview with HuffPost Live on Thursday (January 10th) in which he said, "I never gave opinions. Piers gives his opinions. The show is a lot about him as much as the guests. . . . He's so different from me."

King's comments come as Morgan has been drawing attention since the Newtown massacre by forcefully calling for tougher gun laws, bringing him into conflict with gun rights activists who appear as guests on his show.

He has, for instance, called Gun Owners of America president Larry Pratt "dangerous," "stupid" and an "idiot," and aired a contentious interview with conspiracy theorist radio host Alex Jones earlier this week, who led a petition to have Morgan deported back to England over his calls for stronger gun laws.

King also lamented the state of cable news shows in general, stating, "It's not the quality that counts anymore. It's how loud did you yell, how vituperative can you be."

In response to King's comments, Morgan tweeted simply, "Zzzzzzz."

Rush Limbaugh Takes Swipe At CNN Anchor

On his radio show Thursday afternoon, Rush Limbaugh challenged CNN to ponder how they’d react if President George W. Bush had invoked an executive order on abortion, in contrast to what he sees as a supportive attitude towards President Obama‘s invoking executive order on gun control.

Mediaite.com quotes Rush:  “If George Bush, and Dick Cheney, and Alberto Gonzales got together and decided too many people were dying because of abortion in this country, and said that they were looking at ways to curb abortion, and one of the things they were doing was using executive orders on abortion,” Limbaugh said to CNN in particular, “what do you think your reaction would be? I’m telling you: outraged panic would set in.”

Limbaugh continued on to say that if Cheney had gotten up, the way VP Joe Biden has, and advocated for the use of executive orders as a means to mitigating a problem, CNN would be “having cows,” shouting, “You can’t do that! You can’t do that! You can’t do that! Abortion’s protected by the Constitution!”

The conservative radio host took a direct swipe at CNN anchor Carol Costello, who he believes laughed off the argument that “executive orders” may put the Second Amendment at risk.

Read More Now.

WAAF Air Personality’s Foundation Helps Others

Greg Hill

The effort to assist a Massachusetts family of six displaced after a fire ghot a boost from the WAAF Hill-Man Morning Show radio program on station 97.7/107.3 FM.

According to Katrina Powell at wickedlocal.com, the show hosted an on-air fundraising effort, raising nearly $9,000 for the family.

Greg Hill, 46, host of the Hill-Man Morning show, explained that the Greg Hill Foundation donated $5,000 to the cause, and asked listeners to pitch in as well.

The foundation was formed nearly three years ago, Hill explained, in order to celebrate having been on the air for 20 years with WAAF. He wanted to find a way to give back to people, and respond to the immediate needs of families that have been touched by tragedy.

Over the years, the foundation has given thousands of dollars to many families, each with a different story.

Hill explained that everyone at the radio station and the Greg Hill Foundation was inspired to get involved after hearing about the fire from one of his co-hosts, Swampscott native Danielle Murr.

“Danielle has friends who are close friends with the family and she actually ended up being [at the scene of the fire],” Hill said. “She told us what happened and right away, we knew this was right in line with the foundation’s mission, so we’re going to do whatever we can to help these people.”

Read More Now.

New Jimi Hendrix Music to Premiere on 'Hawaii Five-0'

"Hawaii Five-0" is about to undergo the Jimi Hendrix experience.

Tim Kenneally at The Wrap reports CBS's hit cop drama will feature previously unreleased music from the late guitar legend Hendrix on a special episode airing Sunday, Jan. 20.

The episode -- which revolves around Chin Ho Kelly (portrayed by Daniel Dae Kim) being kidnapped and dropped off in Halawa Prison dressed as an inmate -- will include seven tracks recorded by Hendrix, including "Bleeding Heart," "Mojo Man," "Hey Gypsy Boy," "Inside Out," "Crash Landing," "Hear My Train A Comin'" and "Somewhere." Following the airing, the tracks will be released on a new Hendrix album, "People, Hell and Angels," which goes on sale March 5.

Chances are, plenty of people will hear the new tracks on "Hawaii Five-0" -- the episode will air in a special timeslot, at 10 p.m. on a Sunday, following the AFC Championship Game on CBS, which is expected to draw a robust audience.

Read More Now.

Shreveport Radio: 'The Dean' Frank Page Dead At 87

Frank Page

Frank Page, veteran regional broadcaster and a legend in the music world through his work at the Louisiana Hayride, died late Wednesday — a day after what would have been Elvis' 78th birthday — after a bout with a severe respiratory infection.

According to the Shreveport Times, the 87-year-old Page had been in the intensive care unit at WK Pierremont Health Center.

Survivors include his widow, Helen, and a brother. Funeral details are pending.

Page, long considered the dean of Shreveport broadcasters, retired from KWKH Radio in 2005 after 65 years behind microphones.

It was during the 1950s when Page cemented his place in history by introducing Elvis Presley for the first time to a paying audience in 1954 at the Louisiana Hayride.

"Unbeknownst to me, it was what some since have called 'a seminal moment in the history of the world,'" Page told The Times in an interview several years ago. "He was a shy, well-mannered young man and just impressed the hell out of everybody."

Read More Now

Fisher Explores ‘Strategic Alternatives’

Fisher Communications, Inc. announced today that its Board of Directors has decided to explore and evaluate potential strategic alternatives intended to enhance shareholder value, which could result in, among other things, a possible sale of the Company.

The Company has retained Moelis & Company as its financial advisor and White & Case LLP and Perkins Coie LLP as its legal counsel.

The Company has not made a decision to pursue any specific strategic transaction or any other strategic alternative, and there is no set timetable for the strategic review process.

There can be no assurance that the exploration of strategic alternatives will result in the consummation of any transaction.

Due to the Board's decision to explore and evaluate strategic alternatives, the Company announced it will delay the date of its 2013 annual meeting of shareholders to a date that is not earlier than June 9, 2013.

Fisher Communications, Inc. is a Seattle-based communications company that owns and operates 13 full power television stations, 7 low power television stations, 3 owned radio stations and one managed radio station in the Western United States. Owned-station are in Seattle and include Talk KVI 570 AM, News KOMO 1000 AM and Adults Hits KPLZ-FM 101.5.

The Company also owns and operates Fisher Interactive Network, its online division (including over 120 online sites), and Fisher Pathways, a satellite and fiber transmission provider.

Glenn Beck Radio Hires The Doctor

TheBlaze, Glenn Beck’s news, information and entertainment web network, has announced  the exciting expansion of TheBlaze Radio Network to 13 hours of live programming with the addition of Doc Thompson’s new show during morning drive.

The Morning Blaze with Doc Thompson, which will debut on January 21st, will be a mix of topical stories and politics tackled with passion, fun and entertainment and will cover everything from day-to-day life to personal freedom and responsibility.

Thompson brings years of radio experience to the network, including hosting shows in major markets like Detroit and serving as a regular guest host of the Glenn Beck Radio Program since 2008.

Chris Peterson also joins TheBlaze Radio Network as Assistant Program Director after over five years at Premiere Radio Networks, most recently as Director of Affiliate Relations. As Assistant Program Director, Peterson will work on traditional and digital marketing and management of TheBlaze Radio Network.

TheBlaze Radio Network’s line-up is now:

 6am – 9am: The Morning Blaze with Doc Thompson

9am – Noon: The Glenn Beck Program

Noon – 2pm: Pat and Stu

2pm – 5pm: Jay Severin

5pm – 6pm: Glenn Beck TV (simulcast of Glenn’s TV show)

6pm – 7pm: Real News from the Blaze (simulcast of TV)

TheBlaze Radio Network can be heard on iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s free industry-leading digital radio service, TheBlaze.com and TheBlaze iPhone and iPad apps.

Atlanta Radio: PD Mark Richards Out At WKHX

Mark Richards, one of the longest-running program directors in Atlanta, is out at country station  WKHX Kicks 101.5 FM.

According to Rodney Ho at ajc.com, he survived two regime changes.

He joined the station early 2003 when ABC owned Kicks, survived the switch to Citadel in 2007, then lasted another 16 months under the latest Cumulus ownership change.

While the station has been the dominant country station in Atlanta for much of the past decade, 94.9/The Bull has given Kicks a serious kick in the rear the past six years.

For a brief time, the Bull even pulled ahead of Kicks. But for the most part, Kicks had kept an edge among older listeners while the Bull does better among younger country music fans.

Ho cites Arbitron calculations he did, Kicks averaged a 3.7 share while the Bull averaged 3.3 in 2012, excluding the final three weeks of the year. Among 25 to 54 year olds, Kicks averaged 3.9, ahead of the Bull at 3.5. Among 18 to 34 year olds, the Bull averaged 3.94, just barely edging Kicks’ 3.9. Cadillac Jack and Dallas McCade at Kicks won the 25-54 battle in mornings in 2012, but Jason Pullman and Kristen Gates at the Bull won among 18 to 34 year olds.

Read More Now.

San Diego Radio: CC RIFs Jimmy Steele

Earlier this week it was WKQI Detroit PD Nick Craig to be released by Clear Channel, Wednesday it was Jimmy Steele's turn.

CC-San Diego RIFFed OM/VP/Programming Jimmy Steele after seven years.

He programmed Hot AC KMYI STAR 94.1 and Rhythmic AC KOGO-F 95.7 KISS FM.  During his tenure, he was PD at Top 40 KHTS CHANNEL 93.3, before turning over those duties to JOE HAZE.

Steele says he’s looking forward to new opportunities and a fresh start.  

Steele has also logged time at WNCI Columbia, WZEE Madison and WRVW, Nashville. He can be reached at  jimmylsteele@gmail.com. 

No official word on his replacement. 

FCC Chair Vows MoreWiFi Space

In his appreciative introduction of FCC chairman Julius Genachowski at the Consumer Electronics Show Wednesday, Consumer Electronics Assn.’s Gary Shapiro dubbed Genachowski "the Spectrum Chairman" for his tireless efforts to free spectrum for new uses.

A story by Daniel S. Cohen at variety.com reports, moments later Genachowski earned the moniker all over again, announcing that the FCC is moving next month to free up "a substantial amount" of spectrum for Wi-Fi with the aim of improving speed and relieving congestion.

"We've talked a lot about the spectrum crunch, and the focus has really been on the mobile spectrum crunch and licensed spectrum," said the chairman. "There's also a Wi-Fi traffic jam. When...you see how much more video wants to travel over Wi-Fi networks you realize we've got to do something about this."

Genachowski also addressed the planned incentive auctions for broadcasters' spectrum, saying that after initial resistance from the National Assn. of Broadcasters, more and more broadcasters are taking another look at the auctions.

He also said the FCC is eager to help broadcasters reach their audiences on new platforms.

Read More Now.

SiriusXM Adds Two Million Subscribers

Despite a year filled with chronic headwinds and uncertainty, SiriusXM declared today that 2012 was actually a breeze.

According to Forbes.com, the satellite radio giant just announced that it ended 2013 with 23.9 million subscribers. Not only is this a 9% improvement year-over-year, but the subscriber total is 3% above the company’s original guidance to start 2012.

In other words, what investors have long known about Sirius still proves true – the company under promises and always over-delivers. Likewise, management said that it expects to meet or exceed all of its 2012 financial guidance, which is due out in a couple of weeks in the company’s Q4 earnings announcement.

Read More Now.

Tom’s Take:  I offer two reasons:  1. SiriusXM offers unique programming and 2. More people are not happy with traditional radio.

Chicago Radio: What Happened To Black Talk Radio?

The title doesn't sound like the kind of show you'd expect to hear on a gospel radio station — The BootyButt Naked Truth Show, writes Alisa Valentin at Medill News Service in Chicago.

Broadcasting on WBGX (1570 AM), the black radio program strives to keep up with the popularity of today's music stations by bringing in younger guests to talk about issues.

"We try to bring a perspective, awareness and a consciousness to the things we see are hurting our community," says the show's host, Harold Davis.

The program has aired since 2010. It took an approach similar to longtime black talk radio station WVON by engaging the African-American community in conversation. The Naked Truth show attracts young listeners by bringing in younger guests. The show recently had a 17-year-old, Englewood resident talk about the aspects of living in his community.

But black music stations have taken some of the bite out of black talk radio, according to one industry watcher.

Black radio historically has had a large cultural and political influence in Chicago. It was here that radio personalities Tom Joyner and Steve Harvey got their start. Robert Feder, a longtime, prominent Chicago media critic says the music side of black radio is still very healthy, whereas the talk radio side is struggling.

The latest Arbitron radio ratings list WGCI (107.5 FM), a hip-hop and R&B station, No. 1 among listeners ages 18 to 34. WVON (1390 AM), however, is ranked 45th in the market, despite its historical influence in the city dating back to the 1960s. Black music station WVAZ (102.7 FM), which syndicates The Steve Harvey Morning Show, ranks No. 3 three among listeners ages 25 to 54.

Read More Now.

TWH Denies Petition to Deport CNN’s Piers Morgan

Piers Morgan, Alex Jones

The White House has responded to a petition seeking to deport CNN's Piers Morgan over his strong advocacy for gun control measures in the wake of the Newtown massacre, denying the request with an explanation of the First Amendment.

The response came after the petition on the White House website got over 100,000 signatures, well over the 25,000 required for an administration response.

The petition, which was led by conservative radio host Alex Jones, read, "British Citizen and CNN television host Piers Morgan is engaged in a hostile attack against the U.S. Constitution by targeting the Second Amendment. We demand that Mr. Morgan be deported immediately for his effort to undermine the Bill of Rights and for exploiting his position as a national network television host to stage attacks against the rights of American citizens."

In a statement from explaining the denial of the deportation request, White House spokesman Jay Carney wrote, "Americans may disagree on matters of public policy and express those disagreements vigorously, but no one should be punished by the government simply because he or she expressed a view on the Second Amendment -- or any other matter of public concern."

CBS Plans ‘Big Game’ Coverage Like Never Before

Whichever team plays in the Super Bowl Feb. 3 in New Orleans, CBS said Tuesday that it plans to make the biggest television event of the year bigger than it's ever been—and a lot longer, according to Crain’s NewYork.

In an all-star presentation at the company's West 57th Street studios, CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves outlined the broadcaster's plans for what he described as "the greatest broadcast day of the year" and "probably the biggest day of the year for this entire corporation."

The CBS Sports division will begin its coverage six days before kickoff, rather than at the traditional starting point, the morning of the game. The CBS Sports Network cable channel—which has just 46 million subscribers, but which CBS is focused on growing—will carry the lion's share of that programming. Super Bowl XLVII will also provide a promotional kickoff for the recently launched CBS Sports Radio Network, a joint venture with Cumulus Media that is carried on 250 affiliates.

Beginning on Monday, Jan. 28 (6:00AM, ET) with the morning show featuring Tiki Barber, Brandon Tierney and Dana Jacobson, CBS Sports Radio will present a daily all-access look at the world’s biggest sporting event with expert analysis and commentary. Broadcasts will continue with John Feinstein (9:00AM-12:00Noon, ET), Jim Rome (12:00Noon-3:00PM, ET) and Doug Gottlieb (3:00-6:00PM) live from Radio Row at the Super Bowl XLVII media center. All CBS Sports Radio programs will originate from CBS’s dedicated broadcast position.

The CBS Evening News will broadcast from New Orleans the Friday and Saturday before the game. Daytime show The Talk will do a week of live broadcasts targeting female viewers, 43 million of whom watched last year's Super Bowl, the show's host (and Mr. Moonves' wife) Julie Chen pointed out.

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‘The Big Game’ Is Sold Out

CBS is completely sold out of air time for Super Bowl 47. Network president Leslie Moonves confirmed the news to the New York Times on Tuesday (January 8th) and added that some exceptions will be made for companies willing to pay more than usual for their spots.

The Times also reports that this year has been record-breaking with some commercial spots selling for over $4 million. Ad agency executives estimate that CBS got an average of $3.7 to $3.8 million for every 30 seconds of airtime.

•  Sketchers, Toyota, Chrysler, and Taco Bell are a few of the advertisers viewers could expect to see this year.
• Anheuser-Busch has announced plans to unveil a new beer during one of their ads.
• The game itself has broken ratings records for the past three years.

This year's game will be held on Sunday, February 3rd.

Behind The Scenes: Cubes Visits Meredith Studios

The MediabistroTV crew got an inside look at Meredith’s Midtown Manhattan lair. Meredith owns 12 TV Stations and publishes magazines like Better Homes and Gardens and Fitness, it also produces a nationally syndicated lifestyle show called, the “Better Show.”

“Better” co-host Audra Lowe showed off Meredith’s state-of-the-art TV studio that comes complete with a Mohawk red carpet that can withstand the nastiest celebrity spill, a green room the size of some Manhattan apartments and a test kitchen where Meredith’s staff of chefs dream up recipes to rival what mom used to make, only ‘Better.’

Behind The Scenes: Lilo’s Crib

Bravo producers and Million Dollar Decorator Kathryn Ireland were reportedly so furious over Lindsay Lohan's refusal to appear in the reveal shoot of her home makeover that they tried to take back the furniture. Ireland spent almost $250k redecorating the Beverly Hills home that Lindsay was renting at the time.

A source told Radar Online that Bravo's attempt to take everything back failed because Lindsay had already sent it all to an unknown storage facility. The source also said that Kathryn isn't expecting Lohan to give any of it back and nobody would be surprised to see the actress try to sell the goods to pay off some of her debt.

According to reports, Lindsay approached Ireland at a New Year's Eve party in 2011 to ask to appear on the show.

The second part of Lindsay's two-episode stint aired Tuesday (January 8th) on Bravo.

R.I.P.: Bill Mouzis, Boss Radio Pioneer

STLMedia photo

Radio engineer Bill Mouzis died in LA Monday.  He was 90.

In an appreciation of Mouzis, lbreport.com notes, Mouzis' career is indelibly tied to KHJ radio (930 AM) in Los Angeles, which rose from near worst to first place during its "Boss Radio" period. It included legacy work on the station's groundbreaking 48 hour "History of Rock and Roll," written by KHJ's programmers, voiced by its air talents (initially Robert W. Morgan, later "Humble Harve" Miller) and delivered by Mr. Mouzis in a tour de force of musical montages, "time sweeps" and elegant mixing and editing.

Mouzis was already at AM station KHJ (930) as an engineer and board operator when the station shifted in 1965 to a rock and roll format promoted as Boss Radio.   He was the format’s first production director.

KHJ became a big deal in baby boomer Los Angeles, with on-air personalities such as Sam Riddle, Robert W. Morgan and The Real Don Steele.

1965

Mouzis became the production director for the station and for its signature piece of work, an ambitious compilation of records and interviews that KHJ aired as a 48-hour special "The History of Rock and Roll" — radio's first "rockumentary," they called it.

Every edit, mix and montage in this massive project was done by Bill Mouzis. Copies of the 48 hour edition are now in the Library Of Congress, the Lincoln Center in New York and the libraries of Juilliard and UCLA.

FLASHBACK:

Emmy-winning television writer and radio broadcaster Ken Levine remembered Mouzis in a blog post:

Among the people I wanted to be when I grew up was Bill Mouzis. You’ve probably never heard of him, but he was a hero of mine. He sat in a tiny windowless closet surrounded by archaic equipment and made magic. If ever there was an artist and alchemist in radio it was Bill Mouzis. 

He was the production director for 93/KHJ Boss Radio back in the ‘60s. Today we have audio editing programs on our computers and can do multi-tracks, sound effects, equalizing, reverb, any number of tricks with just a click of a mouse. Back then it was a couple of old reel-to-reel tape recorders and a razor blade. Yet, Bill’s promos sounded better and more complex with antiquated facilities than any of today’s whiz-bang high tech digital productions. 

One of the hallmarks of KHJ was their creative contests. And even more creative promos. A three-man team collaborated on them. Creative genius Ron Jacobs conceived and wrote the spots, Robert W. Morgan voiced them, and Bill Mouzis assembled them. He laid in music, effects, added drama and distinction to them. They were better than any Madison Avenue commercial.

Also See Previous Post: "Ron Jacobs, Inside Boss Radio", Click Here. 

NYC Radio: Jerry Crowley Segues to Salem Stations

Jerry Crowley

Jerry Crowley, Buckley Broadcasting last Market Manager for WOR, has crossed the street.

He’s been appointed as VP/GM for Salem Communications WNYM 970 The Answer and clustersmater MCA 570 AM, Christian talk.  He started his new position this week.

Concurrent with Crowley’s arrival, WNYM/WMCA GM Sean O’Neil has been elevated to a new position as New York Market Manager, reporting to Salem Radio Division President David Santrella.

“With Jerry’s longtime tenure running one of the nation’s leading Talk radio stations, we could not have found a better match for our stations in New York City,” said Boyce about Crowley’s pending arrival.

Crowley had been with WOR for 18 years, most recently as Vice President and Director of Sales for WOR and the WOR Radio Network.  Prior to that, Crowley was a sales manager in New York for WCBS-AM, WAXQ-FM, WNCN-FM, The New York Daily News and Lamaze Publishing.  Previously Crowley served as president of his own Westchester, N.Y. based ad agency.

Atlanta Radio: Q100’s Bert Admits Being A ‘Binge Drinker’

WWWQ Q100 host Bert Weiss told listeners Wednesday morning that he has been a binge drinker but feels he is not an alcoholic, according to Rodney Ho at ajc.com.

“I’m not the guy who craves alcohol every day or even every two weeks,” he said. “My problem and my concern is when I do go out, if I’m with a whole bunch of friends, it’s difficult for me to put the brakes on. That means I’ll be hung over the next day. I’ll do stupid things and I’ll spend a large amount of time the next day texting apologies.”

Weiss dubbed himself a “binge drinker,” saying he’s been following this pattern going back to college. But now he’s in his mid-40s and feels it’s time to grow up.

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Last month, he first told listeners about the issue and 11 Alive talked to him about it.

Sprint: 'Yes' To FM Tuner On SmartPhone

Sprint Tuesday announced a preliminary arrangement with representatives of the American radio industry that will enable Sprint customers to listen to local FM radio stations from a broad spectrum of radio companies and aggregators on select Android and Windows smartphones during the next three years.

FM radio could be delivered through the NextRadio tuner application or other radio apps or services.

This announcement marks the first time a U.S. wireless carrier would offer the ability to access local FM radio on a broad array of its devices. Consumers now listen to radio on smartphones by streaming over the Internet. As part of this plan, Sprint customers could use their smartphones and the NextRadio tuner to listen to local FM radio stations.

With the NextRadio tuner – expected to be available later in 2013 – Sprint customers would enjoy a wide range of interactive listener features not available today and would have the availability of local FM radio at their fingertips to access all forms of broadcast information. Demonstrations of NextRadio ware being offered during CES.

Gordon Smith, president of the National Association of Broadcasters, said, "This opportunity combines the strengths of the Sprint network with the impact of America's radio stations.

It is the type of business-to-business partnership that recognizes the unique strengths of the wireless networks and the radio industry and provides services that are so important to the American people."

Bob Pittman, CEO of Clear Channel, noted, "This is a great development for the radio industry, one which will help us bring the content and services that only radio can provide to the wireless system.

It's an important benefit for consumers across America, and we are pleased to participate in this effort."

Jeff Smulyan, CEO of Emmis Communications, who acted as principal negotiator for the radio industry, added, "Today is a remarkable day for our industry. I am gratified by the unity I have seen in our industry. It seems every broadcaster I know has supported this effort, and I am grateful to the tireless efforts of industry leaders, from the largest companies to the owners of the smallest stations ... all of whom have helped us reach this agreement. While there is much work to be done, today is a critical first step."