Saturday Aircheck: Casey Kasem Before AT40

Here's an aircheck of the legendary radio personality Casey Kasem...10 years before AT40!

Kasem made a short stop at Buffalo's WBNY 1400 AM in the summer of 1960. He is 28-years-old.

June 21, 22 In Radio History

In 1992...legendary WABC 770 AM Program Director and consultant, Rick Sklar, died from complications during routine surgery.

Rick Sklar

Sklar grew up in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. He graduated from New York University and volunteered at WNYC radio as a writer. He then worked at WPAC in Patchogue, New York, and in 1954 moved to 1010 WINS where he was assistant program director.

In 1960, Sklar became program director at crosstown competitor WMGM 1050 AM.

He moved to WABC in 1962 and became program director there in 1963. Under his management, WABC became the model for tight-playlist, teenager-targeted Top 40 programming, with a strong signal and famed disc jockeys such as "Cousin Brucie" Bruce Morrow, Dan Ingram, Chuck Leonard, and Ron Lundy.

His relationship with some of the DJs he oversaw was contentious at times. Scott Muni departed from WABC after a number of confrontations with Sklar over playlists including Sklar's refusal to remove Louis Armstrong's version of the #1 smash hit "Hello, Dolly" from the playlist at Muni's request.

In March 1977, Sklar was promoted to vice president of programming for ABC’s radio division. In 1984 he left ABC to start his own consulting firm, Sklar Communications. His autobiography, Rocking America: An Insider's Story: How the All-Hit Radio Stations Took Over America (ISBN 978-0312687977), was published by St. Martin's Press the same year.

In an interview recorded in 1982, when WABC switched from music to talk programming, Sklar said:

Everything has to end, that's life, WABC is … like anything else it's part of life, couldn't go on forever. But … it was a wonderful thing … it was a one-of-a-kind … I don't think there'll ever be another station quite like that. I mean, the scope of the thing was so huge, was so grand; everything that was done was on such a massive scale. We gave out buttons, we gave out 14 million with the WABC call letters and if we spot you we'll give you $25,000. You know, this stuff is … it's just not done today.… We'll miss it. 

Radio will go on and on forever. Radio's the most adaptable medium there is, and … the old WABC's place in radio will be remembered by everyone who ever heard it, who ever grew up with it, it'll be part of millions and millions—tens of millions of people's lives, and certainly the lives of everyone in the radio business. Now we just have to go on to new things, and I think we will.

Prior to his death, Sklar had been an avid runner for more than ten years, taking it up in the late 1970s. He ran his first New York City Marathon in 1982, finishing 4 hours, 21 minutes, and 36 seconds; coming in 642nd out of 857 who finished the race in his age group.

He began to have problems with his left foot, which necessitated him quitting the sport by 1990. In June 1992, he entered Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan for a minor operation that would allow him to run again.

Although in good health, he died on the operating table due to a lack of oxygen and other mistakes made by the hospital staff.

Rick Sklar was posthumously inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame the following year.



In 1998...WXLO Personality Rick Shaw died age the age of 53.  (Not to be confused with Rick Shaw in Miami)

Bruce Bradley

In 2013...Veteran radio personality (WBZ-Boston, KMOX-St. Louis) Bruce "Juicy Brucie" Bradley died at the age of 79.

Glen Campbell's Wife Defends His Care

Glen Campbell with wife Debby

Glen Campbell's Alzheimer's disease has progressed to the point where he needs full-time professional care, and The Hollywood Reporter reports his wife has explained her decision to place the singer in a long-term care facility and responding publicly for the first time to criticism from Campbell's eldest daughter.

In an email to The Associated Press, Kim Campbell wrote that doctors persuaded her earlier this spring to discontinue care at the family's home, drawing criticism from Campbell's daughter, Debby.

"It is crushingly sad to see him afflicted with Alzheimer's but indulging those feelings does not help him," Campbell wrote, adding, "I am his wife and no one wants him home more than me but I must do what is in his best interest."

Debby Campbell told Country Weekly magazine last week that she objected to the move and that she and Campbell's eldest children heard about it through news media reports. She also said she did not believe family members in Nashville, where the Country Music Hall of Fame member now lives, were spending enough time with him.

Campbell, 78, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2011. He issued two albums and went on a world tour following the diagnosis. At the time, Kim Campbell said the tour was a way to help her husband combat the brain-ravaging disease and spend time with his family members, including Debby, who made up his band and traveled with him.

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LA Radio: CBS Names Chris Ebbott New PD For KRTH

Chris Ebbott

CBS Radio/LA has announced that Chris Ebbott has been named at PD for its Classic Hits KRTH 101.1 FM K-Earth.

Ebbott starts July 16.

He succeeds Rick Thomas, who recently moved to CBSRadio/NY to program Top40 WNOW 92.3 FM.

Ebbott returns to  LA after programming Top40 CKFM 99.9 FM in Toronto. Previously, Ebbott spent almost seven years with CBS Radio/LA -- as OM of KCBS-FM he was instrumental in the station's flip from Arrow 93 to Adult Hits 93.1 Jack FM, and he was also involved in the launch of Top 40 KAMP 97.1 FM Amp Radio in 2009. Ebbott's previous programming stops include the former WMWX/Philadelphia and KZON/Phoenix, plus he served as APD/MD of the former KYSR 98.7 FM Star 98.7/LA, and as Marketing Director of KFI 640 AM.

“While we talked to many talented candidates, CHRIS’ track record of success with the Classic Hits format, success in developing on-air talent and past history with our cluster made him an excellent choice," CBS Radio/LA SVP/Market Manager Dan Kearney said.

"I fully expect K-EARTH to continue to grow under Chris’ leadership and vision."

KRTH 101.1 FM (51Kw) 50dBu Coverage

"K-Earth is one of the premier radio brands in the world and to be a part of the team responsible for its future success is both an honor and thrill,” Ebbott said.

“Thank you to Dan Kearney and Kevin Weatherly for the opportunity.  CBS Radio Los Angeles is a second home for me and I’m looking forward to once again working with the whole crew."

SF Radio: Cumulus Moves Metheny From WJR To KGO, KSFO

Kevin Metheny

Cumulus Media announces that Kevin Metheny has been named Operations Manager of KGO 810 AM and KSFO 560 AM  in San Francisco, effective July 14.

Metheny currently serves Cumulus as Program Director of WJR in Detroit. Cumulus is engaged in a nationwide search for Metheny’s replacement at WJR.

Metheny is a career content creator whose other recent work includes the successful launch of CBS Radio’s Country KMNB, “BUZ*N @ 102.9” in the Twin Cities; Program Director of WGN, Chicago; and 13 years with Clear Channel in various roles, including Regional Vice President of Programming.

John Dickey, Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Cumulus Media, said: “Kevin Metheny’s reputation and accomplishments are unparalleled. His deep understanding of spoken-word radio and ability to work with bigger-than-life talents make him the ideal candidate to lead the legendary KGO and KSFO.”

Metheny said: “It’s been a privilege to be Program Director of WJR. Though I will miss my Michigander friends and colleagues, I look forward to returning to the Bay Area and total immersion in the challenges and opportunities at KGO and KSFO, with sincere appreciation to Randall Bloomquist, Mike McVay, and John Dickey for their confidence.”

Chicago Radio: WKQX Inks PJ Kling To Multi-Year Deal

PJ Kling

Cumulus Media announces that it has signed WKQX 101.1 FM Chicago Program Director PJ Kling to a new multi-year contract.

Kling has served as Program Director of WKQX since 2012.

He was Interim Operations Manager of WLUP from 2011-2012, and prior to that, was Director, User Insight for Tribune Interactive.

He has held Program Director positions at WLDI in West Palm Beach and at KKRD/KZCH in Wichita. Kling also worked in programming for Clear Channel Corporate.

WKQX 101.1 FM (5.7Kw)  54dBu Coverage

Troy Hanson, Corporate Programming/Rock Formats, Cumulus Media said: “It became evident quite quickly upon acquiring WKQX earlier this year that PJ was a tremendous asset for Cumulus as we continue to build our content creation arsenal. We look forward to tapping into his wealth of knowledge and acumen in digital and interactive strategies for Alternative for years to come.”

Kling said: “After a great conversation with Troy and Mike McVay, they showed me the direction Cumulus was headed in, and I’m so thrilled to be a part of it. This is an amazing city full of great people, many of whom work in this building. I’m so glad I get to continue to call Chicago home!”

Chicago Radio: Joe Walsh OFF WIND After Racial Slurs

Tried to talk about racial slurs tonight. Radio station sent me home. Don't know what's going to happen next. We'll find out Friday at 5pm.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) June 20, 2014

According to posts on former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh’s Twitter account Thursday night, the conservative radio talk-show host was kicked off the air on WIND-560 AM for using racial slurs while trying to have a discussion about racial slurs.

In a series of tweets posted about 7 p.m.,

Tweets by @WalshFreedom

The posts said the discussion involved the ethical debate about the name of the pro football team in Washington, D.C.: the Redskins.

Walsh is the host of the weeknight “Joe Walsh Show” on WIND from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On his website, Walsh describes his on-air attitude: “I do with this program what I did as a U.S. Congressman — speak plainly, speak directly, not worry about political correctness, and engage in respectful, engaging debate with all viewpoints. This is just too important of a time for all of us to do anything less.”

Walsh was a tea party-backed member of the House from the northwest suburbs who took office in 2011 and was unseated two years later by Democrat Tammy Duckworth.

St.Louis Radio: Former TV Anchor Larry ConnersTo Join KTRS

Larry Conners

Beginning June 30, Larry Conners — fired by KMOV (Channel 4) in May 2013 — will become the full-time, nighttime host on KTRS 550 AM.

“This is a chance for me to have three hours to make contact with people and to give my opinion about important issues,” Conners told Joe Holleman at stltoday.com.   “I started out in radio, so it’s one of my first loves,” Conners said, adding that he was still looking at possible television opportunities.

Mark Dorsey, KTRS president and general manager, said Conners would be on from 9 p.m. to midnight, Mondays through Fridays. The move was announced officially this morning on McGraw Milhaven’s show, Dorsey said. Last week, Millhaven was named as the station’s program director.

“Larry is a proven broadcaster, and we believe people in St. Louis will be dialed in and interested to hear what he has to say about issues,” Dorsey said.

Back on the air again! Read: http://t.co/Y6aHNSPmeG
— Larry Conners (@LarryConnersUSA) June 18, 2014

Conners’ dismissal from KMOV came after he implied on Facebook that he may have been targeted by the IRS after interviewing President Barack Obama in 2012. The IRS says Conners owes $85,000 in back taxes, and it has placed a lien on his home in Clayton. Conners said he had been on a payment plan, but the IRS canceled it after the interview.

Little Rock Radio: N/T KARN Adds Miller, Washburn

Kevin Miller

Cumulus Media and Newsradio KARN 102.9 FM,  has announce KARN’s new local programming lineup for mornings and afternoons.

First News with Kevin Miller kicks off weekdays from 5:30am-9:00am. Miller is a longtime market veteran taking over as permanent morning show host. A native of Little Rock, Miller has been a part of Little Rock’s most successful radio stations for more than 25 years, including B 98.5 and Alice 107.7.

Beginning Monday, July 7, Doc Washburn hosts a new local show weekdays from 2:00pm-6:00pm, featuring his signature blend of news, commentary and entertainment for the ride home. Doc comes to KARN from WBT in Charlotte, NC. Prior to that he was a popular talk radio host in Southern markets including Savannah, Panama City, FL, and Fort Walton Beach, FL.

KARN 102.9 FM (50Kw) 60dBu Coverage

Doc Washburn

Adam Thomas, Program Director of Newsradio 102.9 KARN, said: “Kevin and Doc bring passion, experience and a love of local radio to mornings and afternoons on Arkansas’ legendary news radio station.”

Miller said: “There is so much history here and so many great broadcasters have worked to build KARN into the station it is. I know I’ve got some big shoes to fill, and I’m excited to get started.”

Washburn said: “I’m a Southern boy at heart and a recovering DJ who loves to talk. Arkansas is a great place to live, work and play and I can’t wait to join the Newsradio 102.9 KARN team!

St.Louis Radio: CCM+E Flips 103.7 FM Translator To Rock

CCM+E/St.Louis has given birth to rock formatted Louie 103.7 FM, translator W279AQ / 103.3 FMHD2.

Using the positioner'Man Up St.Louis, Louie 103-7 says it will will play everything from Metallica, AC/DC and Aerosmith to Green Day, Sick Puppies and Local H.

LISTEN LIVE: Click Here

"Louie 103.7 will be a real man's station-for guys who like beer, BBQ and really good rock music," said Regional Programming Manager Stephen Stewart. "We're excited to bring a rock station to St. Louis that we know will really resonate with our listeners."

W279AQ 103.7FM (250watts) 60dBuCoverage Area

NYC Radio: CCM+E Adds Angie Martinez To WWPR, WMIB

Angie Martinez

CCM+E has announced that longtime NYC personaility Angie Martinez will be joining Urban WWPR 105.1 FM Power105 for PM Drive and host mid-days on Urban WMIB 103.5 FM The Beat in Miami.

"Angie is the Queen of New York City radio ­ she is an incredible talent who continues to blaze trails and we are excited to have her join the team at Power 105.1 and The Beat in Miami," said Thea Mitchem, SVP of Programming ­ Major Markets, CCM+E. "Angie has a long, successful history and we look forward to expanding her distinctive style and compelling content to more of our listeners."

"I want to thank, Thea Mitchem, Tom Poleman and Doc Wynter for this incredible opportunity," said Martinez.  "I¹m excited to join Power 105.1 in New York and The Beat in Miami and expand my brand even further in the coming months."

Power105.1's DJ Prostyle will move to middays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For more than 15 years Martinez's 3-7 p.m. show has helped define Hot 97 WQHT, 97.1 FM Hot97 as America's most influential hip-hop station.  She resigned Wednesday.

Orlando Radio: Cox Launches Alternative X107-3

Cox Media Group (CMG)/Orlando has launched a new Alternative format at translator 107.3 FM /WCFB 94.5 FM HD2.

X107-3, launched Thursday at 12 noon and is currently airing 10,000 songs commercial free.

The target audience is adults 18-34 and features today’s hottest Alternative artists such as Imagine Dragons, Lorde, Bastille, Black Keys and more. X107.3 will be the seventh radio station for the Orlando cluster including WDBO-FM, WDBO-AM, WWKA, WMMO, WCFB and WPYO.

W297BB 107.3 FM (250watts) 60dBu

“It’s time for an Alt Revolution!” said Stevie DeMann, Operations Director for WPYO, WWKA, X107.3.

“X107.3 will be reaching an audience of alternative music fans that no Orlando radio station was serving until now. It will also super-serve the new alternative music fan by focusing on acts like Grammy champions Imagine Dragons and Lorde. The station is establishing a modern music library that delves deep into acts like Bastille, The Black Keys, Muse, Awolnation, and Artic Monkeys. It’s been many years since traditional alternative radio landed on America’s radar. X107.3 is ready to invade Orlando radios and mobile devices with the new X107.3 App.”

LISTEN LIVE: Click Here

CMG VP and Market Manager Susan Larkin said, “The Orlando community is ready and it’s the perfect time to hear X107.3 Orlando’s New Alternative. We will have the opportunity to introduce new artists and music, along with those that are familiar, over- the- air and digitally to an audience that we expect to be responsive and engaged.”

Tom's Take: Listeners should checkout the station on-line. The 250-watt flamethrower has signal issues even inside its 60dBu coverage area.

IL Radio: WYKT Flipping To Syndicated Sports

"The Southland's Rock & Roll Animal" is being put down, according to CRM.   Far south-suburban WYKT-FM/The Kat 105.5 (Wilmington IL) is dropping its current hard rock format and flipping to an all-syndicated sports talk format, branded as 105.5 The Ticket.

The format change at the STARadio-owned station will take place on July 10th.

Kankakee's new 105.5 The Ticket will have the majority of its programming come from CBS Sports Radio, making it the closest that the syndicated sports network has come to Chicago since its launch in September 2012. Some CBS Sports Radio content is heard in Chicago on CBS-owned WSCR-AM/670 The Score.

WYKT 105.5 FM (1.3Kw) 60dBu Coverage

 STARadio Kankakee General Manager Bill Jones said in today's announcement: "We are very excited about the launch of '105.5 The Ticket,' bringing the area something unique and brand new, a 24/7 FM Sports station. This initial announcement is just a sample of things to come!"

At the end of March, STARadio released Freak, The Kat 105.5's Program Director, afternoon host, and driving force. The move was done for budgetary reasons. At the time, the station tried its best to calm down upset fans, assuring them on-air and on social media that the hard rocking format started by Freak would continue on. Less than three months later, the station is announcing the end of the rock music.

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S-A Radio: KTFM Teams Blondie & Nugget For Mornings

Blondie

L&L Broadcasting has announced that Blondie & Nugget will take-on mornings at its Top40 KTFM 94.1 FM in San Antonio.

They start July 14.

L&L is teaming Bondie from WABD Mobile and Nugget from KHTT Tulsa.

Morning show consultant Randy Lane has signed-on to mold the duo and guide the new show.

KFTM 94.1FM (40Kw) 60dBu Coverage

Mr. Nugget

PD Mark Landis commented, “We’ve searched the country for months to find the perfect morning show that can connect with our target demo.  Blondie &Nugget are incredibly talented, understand the importance of social media, and are future morning stars.  The KTFM full-time staff is now complete and we’ll have live talent from 6a-midnight that live in San Antonio!”

L&L EVP/Dir. Programming Scott Mahalick stated, “Blondie &Nugget bring a dynamic, unique and memorable local morning show to KTFM -- and believe or not, they sound as good as they look!”

Ford Customers to Get Multiyear Sub To SiriusXM Traffic

SiriusXM and Ford Motor Company have announced customers purchasing any Ford brand vehicle equipped with navigation will get a five-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, starting with model year 2015.

"Ford was the first automaker to market SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link in 2009," said Rodney Pickett, Senior Vice President, Automotive Partnerships, SiriusXM. "SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link offer a wealth of information that drivers will find helpful and use daily, and we are thrilled to work with Ford to give its customers the best in-vehicle experience available on the road."

"Giving our customers SiriusXM's unparalleled diversity of information and entertainment services enhances the experience of driving a new Ford vehicle equipped with navigation," said Chantel Lenard, U.S. Marketing Director, Ford Motor Company.

Ford drivers and passengers using SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link will have access via satellite from SiriusXM to a suite of services with features that include:

• Traffic speed: Color-coded roads on the vehicle's navigation screen show traffic speed in major metro areas 
• Accidents, construction and road closures: Receive traffic alerts, including information about accidents, disabled vehicles, construction and road closures 
• Alternate route guidance and mapping: In-vehicle navigation system and detailed traffic data allow drivers to choose alternate routes and receive updated directions to avoid congested roads 
• Fuel prices: Get detailed information on fuel prices and the ability to sort by lowest price, fuel type, distance or brand name 
• National weather information: Receive coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions, five-day forecasts and weather maps 
• Sports scores: In-game and final scores, as well as weekly game schedules, for world-class professional sports and college programs 
• Movie listings: Access detailed local movie theater listings, including start times and ratings 

Customers purchasing any new Ford brand vehicle equipped with satellite radio also receive a six-month subscription to SiriusXM's All Access Package with access to SiriusXM's premium programming lineup.

Survey: Radio Producing Less Local News

The Radio/TVDigital News Association has released new data which shows a drop of 10-minutes of news compared to last year produced by local radio.

The information comes from the newsroom survey conducted by Hofstra Professor Emeritus Bob Papper.

The survey also indicates weekend new flat with most stations most stations running no local news Saturday or Sunday.

Gallup: American's Confidence In News Media Hits New Low

Americans' faith in each of three major news media platforms -- television news, newspapers, and news on the Internet -- is at or tied with record lows in Gallup's long-standing confidence in institutions trend.

This continues a decades-long decline in the share of Americans saying they have "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in newspapers or TV news, while trust in Internet news remains low since the one prior measure in 1999.

R.I.P.: Composer/Character Voice Actor Johnny Mann Is Dead

Johnny Mann

Johnny Mann, the Hollywood composer who worked with the likes of Nat King Cole, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, died late Wednesday night in Anderson, according to sources close to the family.

They say Mann died at his home in Anderson, SC.   He was 85 years old, according to wyff4.com.

A statement issues by the family said Mann had been active until the end, having just attended a two-hour rehearsal Tuesday night.




Mann is best known for the 42 albums he arranged and conducted for his Johnny Mann Singers resulting in five Grammy Award nominations and two Grammy Awards. He also produced radio jingles and was the voice of Theodore and Alvin of The Chipmunks.

Mann and his wife Betty retired to Anderson, S.C., in 2005, where he continued to produce radio station jingles, guest conduct around the country and participate in local choirs, the family statement said. He was presented an honorary doctorate by Anderson University in 2010, and wrote the university’s new alma mater, “The Sounds of Anderson.”

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R.I.P.: Pop Songwriter Gerry Goffin Has Died

Carole King, Gerry Goffin

Gerry Goffin, who collaborated with Carole King to write 59 of the biggest hits of the 1960s, songs that endured through generations and became classics, including “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?,” “Up on the Roof,” “One Fine Day” and “The Loco-Motion,” died on Thursday at his home in Los Angeles.

He was 75, according to The NY Times. No cause was specified.

Goffin and King were students at Queens College when they met in 1958. Over the next decade they fell in love, married, had two children, divorced and moved their writing sessions into and out of 1650 Broadway, across the street from the iconic Brill Building.

Together they composed a catalog of pop standards so diverse and irresistible that they were recorded by performers as unalike as the Drifters, Steve Lawrence, Aretha Franklin and the Beatles. They were inducted together into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

In 2004 the Recording Academy presented them jointly with a Trustees Award for lifetime achievement.

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June 20 In Radio History

In 1966…The Beatles released the album "Yesterday and Today" with the controversial "butcher" cover, showing the Beatles smiling amongst decapitated baby dolls. The original photo became a huge publicity problem for Capitol Records. It was quickly replaced by a more conventional cover, glued over the old one and resulting in one of the band's most prized collectibles.

George Harrison said he thought the whole idea "was gross, and I also thought it was stupid. Sometimes we all did stupid things thinking it was cool and hip when it was naïve and dumb; and that was one of them." "Yesterday and Today" was the only Beatles record to lose money for Capitol.


In 1981…Lee Arnold leaves Country WHN 1050 AM to capitalize on TV and radio syndication opportunities.

In 1981… WXLO-FM is changing its name to WRKS (Kiss 98.7) – just as soon as the FCC approves the change.

In 1981…Actor Gordon Jump who portrays the station manager in “WKRP in Cincinnati” is starring in a series of 10 and 30-second spots for radio’s Charter Broadcasting Group. You can see the Jump ad in these markets, for these stations – KCBQ/San Diego, K101-FM/San Francisco, WOKY-AM/Milwaukee, KSLQ-FM/St. Louis and WDRQ-FM/Detroit.

In 1982...Consultant Mike Josephs said he believes top-40 is at the beginnings of an incredible resurgence. “I feel like it’s 1956 all over again.” His “Hot Hits’ format is now heard on WCAU-FM Philly and WBBM-FM Chicago.

He says the music of today is “very good.” “We’re back to a strong beat and diversified playlist, which is the way to keep radio from sounding stale. And we’re seeing an exciting mix of new and standard artists, a truly mass appeal approach. There’s something for everyone.”

In 1982…WCBM 680 AM Baltimore is switching from adult contemporary to news talk next week. KEZL 102.9 FM in San Diego dropped Shulke II (The automated vocal/lite AC service) in favor of live adult contemporary.

In 1982….ABC Radio kills its much-promoted “SuperRadio” satellite fed A/C format. The network was due to premier July 1. The DJ lineup was completed only a few weeks ago when Jack Spector, Bob Dayton and Steve York were signed for weekends.  A lack of affiliates has been cited – with only three-full time stations ready to go. The network just signed WACJ/WWOL Buffalo and KBRA Wichita.

In 1988...WABC 770 AM officially becomes the NJ Devils new home radio


In 1996…Westinghouse Electric agreed to buy Infinity Broadcasting for $3.9 billion, a deal made possible after the U.S. Congress in February passed the Telecommunications Act permitting expansion of TV and radio station holdings, and removing restrictions on how many stations in one market could be owned by one corporation.

In 2004…Ken Rank died at age 66 from lung transplant complications. Rank worked on KRMG in Tulsa and as “Ken Knight” and on KTCS in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Radio's “Share of Ear” Measures At 52 Percent

Despite a constantly changing audio landscape, broadcast radio controls more than half of the more than four hours a day that Americans spend with all sources of audio. But the audio space is vibrant and changing – and newer sources of audio, from Internet-only services like Pandora and Spotify, to Satellite Radio, and even TV music channels like Music Choice now account for nearly a quarter of all listening.

Those are just a few of the findings from Share of Ear, the groundbreaking new syndicated study from Edison Research that provides the first consistent measurement of all audio consumption, including AM/FM radio stations, online radio stations, podcasts and even listeners’ own music collections.

Edison’s Share of Ear results are from a nationally representative sample of 2,096 Americans ages 13+ who completed a 24-hour audio listening diary during May 2014.

The study reveals that Americans spend an average of 4 hours and 5 minutes each day consuming audio, and more than 52% of that time goes to broadcast radio on all its various platforms. But other sources of pre-programmed audio now control 26% of listening time, while listening to one’s own music collection receives more than 20% “share of ear.”

The Edison Research Share of Ear study allows users to look at audio usage across many parameters, such as location of listening, the devices on which audio is consumed, listening by time of day, the type of audio content (music, news, sports, or talk/personalities), and even across individual brands within the Online Radio space.

Share of Ear is being made available on a subscription basis to all interested parties, including broadcasters, audio suppliers, agencies and advertisers, the investment community, academicians, and the music business.

For further information, interested parties can call Edison at 908-707-4707.

T-Mobile Sets Music Streaming Services Free

The “Un-carrier” said it will offer subscribers unlimited access to the top six music streaming services including Pandora, Slacker, iHeart Radio and Spotify without incurring data charges on their 4G plans, according to recode.net. Samsung’s Milk Music and the forthcoming Beatport music app from SFX – will also be offered to customers free of data charges.

The announcement recognizes the growing popularity of streaming music as well as the fact consumers have a tough time knowing how much data such services will use.

Consumers increasingly are tuning in Spotify and other music services to listen to millions of songs on-demand. Global revenues from music subscription services exceeded $1 billion for the first time last year, according to the IFPI, the music industry’s international trade group.

T-Mobile cited the results of a CivicScience poll in which 37 percent of mobile phone users said they avoid streaming on their phones – the majority out of fear that they’ll use up their data and run into overages.

“We want people to enjoy their music worry-free – the way it’s meant to be,” T-Mobile Chief Marketing Officer Mike Sievert said in a statement.

Some in the music industry expressed skepticism that data limits are restricting mobile consumption, noting that songs don’t take up as much data as video — and most consumers tend to use Wi-Fi for such services.

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Indy Radio: WNDE Imports Rover For Morning Drive

Shane 'Rover' French

WNDE 1260 AM has yanked Fox Sports Daybreak with Andy Furman & Mike North in favor of Rover’s Morning Glory, a syndicated news commentary show out of Cleveland, according to ibj.com.

WNDE will continue to play in the sports-talk game, airing the Dan Patrick Show from 9 a.m. to noon, Jay Mohr’s show from noon to 3 p.m., and the locally based Query & Schultz show from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., according Rob Cressman, director of operations for CCM+E/Indianapolis, which owns WNDE.

Cressman emphasized WNDE is not transitioning out of sports-talk, but rather attempting to bring on a morning show that WNDE’s mostly male, sports-loving audience will appreciate. He also stressed the move has nothing to do with changes at other stations in the market.

“This [Rover’s Morning Glory show] is a rising star in the world of morning talk radio,” Cressman said. “It’s done well in Cleveland and Rochester and we think it will do well here.

“We think this show is a good mix with what we have and the audience [WNDE] attracts,” Cressman added. “Rover does talk some sports, but it’s a little broader than that. It’s a show for guys, kind of a Maxim Magazine type of radio show.”

Hosted by radio personality Rover (Shane French), the show launched in 2003 and quickly became one of the top-rated shows in the Cleveland radio market. It is now syndicated by San Antonio-based Clear Channel and covers a wide array of topics, from politics to pop culture.

Chicago Radio: Report..Eddie & Jobo Flirting With WLS-FM

Ed Volkman and Joe Colborn, the iconic Chicago radio duo known as Eddie & Jobo, could be headed for yet another comeback — this time, according to chicago media blogger Robert Feder,  on classic hits WLS 94.7 FM.

Talks first began in May when the two met with John Dickey, co-chief operating officer and executive vice president of Cumulus Media, sources said. No agreement was reached, but negotiations are expected to start up again this week on plans to sign them for mornings.

Feder reports Volkman is enthusiastic about the prospect, but Colborn acknowledged misgivings about returning to the morning grind he first undertook with Volkman at CBS Radio contemporary hit WBBM 96.3 FM in 1988.

Except for Facebook, Twitter and their ubiquitous United Auto Insurance commercials, the two have been sidelined since December 2012 when CBS Radio dropped them from classic hits WJMK 104.3 FM.

Brant Miller, veteran chief meteorologist at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5, has been doubling as morning host on WLS FM since October 2012. He previously hosted mornings on the station from 2008 to 2010.

Ratings have skyrocketed in recent months for WLS FM, which currently ranks sixth overall with a 4.3 percent 6+ share and a cumulative weekly audience of 1,418,800. While middays, afternoons and evenings all finished in the top 10, mornings continue to underperform for the station. Miller’s show is tied for 13th with a 2.9 share.

Syracuse Radio: WAER Adding More News, Less Music

Eric Cohen (Post-Standard)

Starting Monday, June 30, WAER 88.3 FM will eliminate its daytime jazz programming to make room for more news content, according to syracuse.com.

The station will feature syndicated news programs throughout the day and jazz programming in the evening with longtime host Eric Cohen. Cohen currently hosts afternoon jazz from noon to 4 p.m. on weekdays. He will now be on air from 8-11 p.m.

"We don't consider it a format change," said program director Joe Lee. "We're simply getting rid of the awkward news-to-music-to-news-to-music and going to just news to music."

The change, Lee said, comes in response to research that shows an "increased demand for news and information" as well as "less listening to the music programs."

Much of the station's current afternoon and evening programming -- "All Things Considered," "Marketplace" and "Fresh Air" -- will remain the same. The new programs include "BBC Newshour," "On Point," "Here and Now," "The Takeaway" and "The World." Morning and afternoon jazz will be eliminated.

WAER is licensed, owned and operated by Syracuse University. The station uses a mixed format of music and news. Cohen has been hosting the afternoon jazz program for about 18 years.

VA Radio: WAMU Expects To Acquire Non-Com WWED

WAMU, the leading National Public Radio station in Washington, is poised to purchase Spotsylvania County’s classical music station WWED 89.5 FM, according to federicksburg.com.

According to the asset purchase agreement, WWED 89.5 FM will transfer its tower, building and all FCC licenses to WAMU for $375,000.

The station is owned the by Educational Media Corp., a nonprofit Christian ministry based in Spotsylvania. The company also owns WWEM 91.7 FM, which simulcasts WWED to the Lynchburg area.

Formed in 1961, WAMU 88.5 is member-supported, professionally staffed and licensed to American University. The station’s 24-hour format offers a mixture of news, public affairs talk programming and bluegrass.

WWED 88.5 FM (8Kw) 60dBu Coverage

WAMU released this statement about the purchase but declined to comment further:

“WAMU is interested in the possibility of purchasing WWED 89.5 in Spotsylvania, Va. We have filed an assignment application with the FCC and the American University Board of Trustees is reviewing the purchase. We would hope to have the purchase complete this fall.”

However, an application filed with the FCC in 2011 to renew WAMU’s license remains pending, the station disclosed in the asset purchase agreement. Dr. John Nelson has filed a petition questioning the qualifications of American University to hold the license.

In the agreement, WAMU stated that it is confident the FCC will rule in its favor.

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Judge Orders 'Piolin' To Pay Legal Fees

Radio personality Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo has been order by an LA judge to pay more than $100,000 in legal fees.  The judge ordered the payment to six people Piolin target in a failed lawsuit.  The suit was tossed in March.

Piolin, which means "Tweety Bird", had a long-running radio show called "Por la Manana" on Univision until it was abruptly canceled last year.

Sotelo later sued six former Univision employees, alleging they engaged in a $4.9 million extortion plot and false accusations of sexual harassment.

He  now has a program on SiriusXM satellite radio.

Seattle Radio: U-W Sports Moves to KOMO

The University of Washington Huskies announced Wednesday that they have parted ways with longtime radio partner Sports KJR 950 AM and agreed to a new deal for Newsradio KOMO 1000 AM / 97.7 FM to broadcast football and basketball games.

The Huskies’ football season opener at Hawaii on Aug. 30 will be the first game to air under terms of the new contract. Games will air on 1000-AM and 97.7 FM.

The deal runs through 2020. KJR had served as UW’s flagship station since 2002.

KOMO served as the home of the Huskies from 1978 to 2002, except for a three-year period from 1986-88.

Bob Rondeau will continue to serve as the Huskies’ play-by-play voice, again paired with former UW quarterback Damon Huard in the broadcast booth.

“We are excited about this new partnership with the KOMO News Network and the exposure it will provide the University of Washington through radio, television and digital,” Andre Riley, General Manager of Washington IMG Sports Marketing said in a press release. “KOMO’s multi-platform distribution will help more Husky fans hear game broadcasts through AM and FM simulcast signals, and will also allow for more UW coverage in the community throughout the year. I would also like to thank KJR for their many years of partnership.”

KOMO 97.7 FM (69Kw) 60dBu Coverage

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Huskies back home to KOMO Newsradio,” Janene Drafs, Vice President and General Manager of Sinclair Radio Seattle, said in the release.  “As a UW alum, I am proud and honored to once again be partnering with this outstanding athletic and academic institution.”

CCM+E Launches AuDiO Targeting Tool for Political Advertisers

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment (CCM+E) has launched the Audience Delivery Optimizer (AuDiO), a groundbreaking, proprietary radio targeting tool developed specifically for political advertisers.

This first-of-its-kind radio optimization tool enables local and national political campaigns across the country to precisely target key voter segments using radio -- which was confirmed by recent research to be one of the most effective and efficient consumer advertising vehicles. AuDiO will be available to political candidates nationwide for the 2014 campaign cycle.

AuDiO matches key information about 245 million Americans who listen to Clear Channel's 840 U.S. terrestrial radio stations to leading political databases to make actionable predictions about which desired voter segment is listening to which stations at which times.

Using the 10 most common political segments (from "Super Democrats" to "Ultra Conservatives"(1) ) AuDiO can ascertain how many target voters radio reaches in any political district around the country. Moreover, AuDiO can identify the media preferences of any target segment, giving advertisers key information about which media are best to reach which voters. AuDiO works at all levels of national, statewide and local elections.

Nathan Daschle

The launch of AuDiO means that Clear Channel is now uniquely able to match broadcast listener data -- for any of its 840 stations, at any time of day and in any political district nationwide -- to multiple third-party data sources to identify which listeners fall into any given political district and, within that district's listening audience, which segments are present and in what numbers.

In a recent Clear Channel study using data from Pennsylvania's 13(th) Congressional District, AuDiO revealed that a key swing voter segment there, representing 11 percent of all voters in that district, spend more time listening to radio than they do with any other medium. The same research showed Clear Channel stations reach 95 percent of these voters.

"Ninety-two percent of Americans listen to radio every month -- but despite radio's incredible reach, campaigns have never had a tool like AuDiO for radio before," said Nathan Daschle, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment's Executive Vice President for Political Strategy. "AuDiO takes the guesswork out of radio buying by replacing wild hunches with actionable and precise models so that campaigns know which of their desired target audiences are listening, when and to whom. This means that campaigns, political parties and other groups across America have the ability to use radio in a much smarter way to reach their target voters."