September 14 In Radio History

In 1814...Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the "Star-Spangled Banner," originally a poem known as "Defense of Fort McHenry," after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, Maryland during the War of 1812. On March 3, 1931, the song became the official U.S. national anthem.


In 1966…Actress Gertrude Berg, whose creation "The Goldbergs" aired on radio for 27 years (1929-1956) and television for two years (1949-1951), died of heart failure at the age of 67.




In 1968...on The Hot 100..The Rascals remained at the top spot with "People Got to Be Free", the fifth week at #1 for the song.  Jeannie C. Riley was determined with "Harper Valley P.T.A.", Jose Feliciano's version of "Light My Fire" peaked at #3 and Steppenwolf was down with "Born to Be Wild".  The rest of the Top 10:  "1,2,3, Red Light" by the sugary 1910 Fruitgum Company, Aretha Franklin and "The House That Jack Built", Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell edged up with "You're All I Need to Get By", Deep Purple was up strong (13-8) with "Hush", the Doors' former #1 "Hello, I Love You" and the Beatles made history with the highest debut ever (#10) for "Hey Jude".


In 1974…Actor (The Green Hornet Strikes Again!, The Spider Returns, Mandrake the Magician, The Spider's Web, Bowery Blitzkrieg, The Lone Wolf Meets a Lady, The Girl from Rio, Star Reporter)/ radio-TV game show host (Strike It Rich, Top Dollar, Beat The Odds, Who In The World, Spin To Win, Vox Pop) Warren Hull died of heart failure at age 71.

In 1986...Radio pioneer/station owner (KLIF-AM and KNUS-FM in Dallas, KOST-Los Angeles, WYNR and WNUS-FM in Chicago, WWWW-FM in Detroit, KEEL-Shreveport, WAKY-Louisville, KABL-Oakland, KILT-Houston, KTSA-San Antonio, KELP-El Paso)/National Radio Hall of Famer Gordon McLendon, widely credited with perfecting the Top 40 radio format created by Todd Storz, died of cancer at age 65.

McLendon, who nicknamed himself "The Old Scotsman", is also noted in radio history as the founder of the Liberty Radio Network (noted for its daily national broadcasts of Major League Baseball) in the 1940s. Liberty was the second largest radio network in the U.S. at the time with over 458 affiliated stations. Most of Liberty's MLB broadcasts were re-creations of games, utilizing McLendon himself and future sportscasting stars such as Lindsey Nelson and Jerry Doggett on play-by-play.

McLendon and his father founded radio station KLIF (The Mighty 1190) in Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas in 1947, and introduced the Top 40 format there in the early 1950s to great success. KLIF enjoyed a long run at the top of the Dallas radio ratings in the 1950s and 1960s, but its standing in the market fell in the early 1970s thanks to growing competition from FM radio. One of the FM stations most instrumental in the downfall of KLIF was its former sister station KNUS (now KLUV), of which McLendon retained ownership after selling KLIF and revamped as a rock-oriented Top 40.

The McLendon family built a communications empire that included radio stations across the United States. In addition to KLIF, McLendon owned KNUS–FM in Dallas, KOST in Los Angeles, WYNR (later WNUS) & WNUS-FM in Chicago, WWWW–FM in Detroit, KEEL in Shreveport, WAKY in Louisville, KABL in Oakland, KABL–FM in San Francisco, KILT in Houston, KTSA in San Antonio, and KELP in El Paso. McLendon introduced the all-news format to Southern California through XETRA in Tijuana. McLendon was one of the originators of the "beautiful music" format on his KABL in Oakland, California in 1959; and as the founder of the first all-news radio station (WNUS in Chicago) in the 1960s.

He is credited by most broadcast historians with having established the first mobile news units in American radio, the first traffic reports, the first jingles, the first all-news radio station, and the first "easy-listening" programming. He also was among the first broadcasters in the United States to editorialize. McLendon especially attracted attention for his stern denunciations of French president Charles De Gaulle, whom he described as "an ungrateful four-flusher" who could "go straight to hell."

The McLendon family sold KLIF in 1971 to Fairchild Industries of Germantown, Maryland, for $10.5 million, then a record price for a radio station. By 1979 the family had sold all of its broadcasting properties, including fourteen radio and two television stations, worth approximately $100 million. By 1985 Forbes magazine estimated McLendon's net worth at $200 million.

CBS' Moonves: "We Still Believe In Radio"

Les Moonves (CNBC)

Appearing Thursday on CNBC's Closing Bell show, host David Faber asked CBS CEO Les Moonves about radio in his company's portfolio.

Moonves admitted the company might "trim down radio" in smaller markets.

"We still believe in radio. It is a slow growth radio. Not as fast as some of our other businesses. We like it."

Mooves re-iterated that radio's "a great business. Radio is a content business."

He pointed out that CBS has developed our Sports Radio Network which works in concert with other divisions: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports and Showtime.

And  Moonves ruled out CBS selling out of radio completely.  The smaller markets may include Hartford, Las Vegas, Orlando, Palm Springs and Riverside.

In the past, Moonves has stated CBS has always been willing to sell some stations, but the asking price has been way too steep.

CBS' Dan Mason: Radio Is 'Content, Not An Appliance'

Radio execs Bob Pittman and Dan Mason traded war stories and management philosophies in an informal, well-attended Thursday session here at the Radio Show in Indianapolis, according to RadioWorld.

Pittman is chairman/CEO of Clear Channel, the U.S. radio industry’s largest company and owner of iHeartRadio among other media assets. Mason is president/CEO of CBS Radio, one of the largest big-market station owners and industry revenue generators.

Both started in radio — Pittman recalled that “I needed a job to pay for flying lessons,” and Mason joked that, as a 12-year-old, “I was the biggest contest pig who ever lived” — though their careers have taken much different paths since.

Both spoke about the continuing power of the medium while also emphasizing that content trumps technology. In radio, “we’re content, not an appliance,” Mason said. He noted the industry’s expansion to other platforms. “We have to be passionate about content and where we put it. It might not be on radio all the time.”

He and Pittman kept returning to that theme. Mason quoted a colleague telling him, “People will not listen to bad content on a good device.” Pittman described Clear Channel and CBS Radio as “companies that put talent first” and said, “There’s no franchise in the world better than a radio station. … We [also] need to express that through new devices.”

The Clear Channel executive brought applause when he said the industry tends to hurt itself through a lack of collective marketing.

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The Radio Show: 2014 Marconi Award Winners Are...

Winners of the 2014 National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) Marconi Radio Awards were announced Thursday night at the 25th Anniversary NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show held at the Radio Show in Indianapolis.

Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio.

This year's NAB Marconi Radio Award recipients are:

Legendary Station
WFAN-FM New York, NY

CHR Station of the Year
KQKS-FM Denver, CO

Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year
Rush Limbaugh, Premiere Radio Networks

Country Station of the Year
KCYY-FM San Antonio, TX

Major Market Personality of the Year
Kevin and Bean KROQ-FM Los Angeles, CA

News/Talk Station of the Year
WLW-AM Cincinnati, OH

Large Market Personality of the Year
Ryan and Shannon KSTP-FM St. Paul, MN

Oldies Station of the Year
WOGL-FM Philadelphia, PA

Medium Market Personality of the Year
Kevin Miller KIDO-AM Boise, ID

Religious Station of the Year
KLTY-FM Dallas, TX

Small Market Personality of the Year
Dottie Ray KXIC-AM Iowa City, IA

Rock Station of the Year
KROQ-FM Los Angeles, CA

Major Market Station of the Year
KKBQ-FM, Houston, TX

Spanish Station of the Year
KLZT-FM Austin, TX

Large Market Station of the Year
WTMJ-AM, Milwaukee, WI

Sports Station of the Year
WBZ-FM Boston, MA

Medium Market Station of the Year
Brian Byers, WOWO-AM Fort Wayne, IN

Urban Station of the Year
WHQT-FM Coral Gables, FL

Small Market Station of the Year
KFGO-AM, Fargo, ND

Non-Commercial Station of the Year
WRHU-FM Long Island, NY

AC Station of the Year
WBEB-FM, Philadelphia, PA

Marconi finalists were selected by a task force of broadcasters, and the winners were voted on by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy. The votes were tabulated by an independent firm.

The NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show also featured a performance by Warner Music Nashville and Atlantic Records country music artist Hunter Hayes. Five previous hosts served as emcees and presenters: Ron Chapman, Edgar "Shoboy" Sotelo, "Big Boy," and Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold of the "The Bob & Tom Show." Also serving as presenters were NAB Radio Board Chair Don Benson of Lincoln Financial Media, Radio Show Steering Committee Chair and Cox Media Group's Kim Guthrie and NAB Joint Board Chair Charles Warfield of YMF Media LLC.

Scott Shannon To Host "America's Greatest Hits'

Scott Shannon

CBS Radio and United Stations Radio Networks announced Thursday the launching of Scott Shannon Presents "America's Greatest Hits."

The new four-hour weekend show will debut the weekend of Oct 18, 19 on CBS Radio’s 10 Classic Hits stations across the country, including WCBS 101.1 FM in New York, where Scott Shannon hosts morning drive. Additional affiliates will be announced at a later date.

Each hour of "America's Greatest Hits" will be highlighted by artist interviews, song countdowns, one-hit-wonders, among other features.

Shannon previously was the founder and voice of the nationally distributed “True Oldies” channel which was broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide from 2004-14.  His career has spanned more than four decades, having spent in excess of 25 years as a broadcaster in New York. He is credited with developing the "morning zoo" format, driving stations to the top of the ratings and reshaping broadcast radio. Shannon has won numerous awards including a Marconi Award from the National Association of Broadcasters, a group that has also inducted him into their Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

“I love the medium of radio…everybody knows that…and I’ll grab any chance possible to play the greatest hits of all time and tell stories about the artists, and the songs and the era that they come from,” said Shannon.

“Scott has established himself as one of the leading authorities on music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, and is among the best storytellers to ever grace the airwaves – it’s why he’s been so successful anchoring the lineup at WCBS-FM,” said Chris Oliviero, CBS Radio EVP/Programming. “Today’s announcement takes what he does on a day-to-day basis and expands it to millions of listeners nationwide.”

“Scott is a legend in radio and having the opportunity to work with him and his team which includes his representative John McConnell and all the folks at CBS Radio, well, it’s a dream come true,” said Andy Denemark, Executive Vice President, Programming, United Stations.

Florida Georgia Line To Host First-Ever ACCAs

Superstar duo Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard are set to host the inaugural television broadcast of the American Country Countdown Awards airing live Monday, Dec. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Broadcast live from the Music City Center in Nashville, TN.

The two-hour show will honor the year’s best country music with awards, performances, special moments and additional surprises. Country music’s biggest stars will celebrate and pay tribute to the first-ever “NASH Icons” award winner.

The ACCAs are based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show, “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” which is distributed by the Westwood One division of Cumulus and currently celebrating its 41st year. Launched in 1973, the radio show now airs on more than 280 radio stations in 155 markets, covering 90% of the country.

“Brian and Tyler are incredible artists and friends with undeniable chemistry that will make them the perfect hosts for the first-ever American Country Countdown Awards," said Mark Bracco, EVP, Programing and Development, dick clark productions.

Florida Georgia Line is continuing their record-breaking momentum with Gold-certified “Dirt,” the lead single from their highly anticipated sophomore album “Anything Goes,” slated for release on Tuesday, Oct. 14 (Republic Nashville). Already dominating with a No. 1 debut on the Country Digital Singles chart, “Dirt” shot to No. 1 on both the iTunes all-genre and Country charts in the U.S. and Canada, while also sitting atop the Country chart in Australia shortly after release. Exploding onto Country radio, Top 10-and-climbing “Dirt” earned the highest one-week add total in Country Aircheck history, in addition to rave reviews from critics nationwide embracing FGL's fresh sound.

The Ad Council Honors CCM+E With Crystal Bell Award

The Ad Council, a national non-profit organization and the largest producer of public service advertising (PSAs) in the United States, announced today that Clear Channel Media and Entertainment received its Crystal Bell Award at the Radio Show.

The Crystal Bell Award is presented each year to a radio outlet that demonstrates leadership and provides exceptional support in disseminating Ad Council public service messages.

Through partnerships with non-profit organizations and federal government agencies, the Ad Council works to stimulate action and social change on public issues through PSAs and innovative communications programs. All Ad Council PSAs are aired and run in donated time and space.

The Crystal Bell Award was presented to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment for its commitment to airing pro bono public service campaigns focused on a variety of social issues including Texting while Driving, Buzzed Driving, Bullying and Stroke Awareness. This year Clear Channel also partnered with the Ad Council through its community engagement division, Clear Channel Communities, to launch a unique initiative called "Safe Summer Driving." In an effort to help keep roads safe in local communities throughout the country, three new radio PSAs were created to raise awareness about summer driving dangers, including drinking while driving and distracted driving.

Twin Cities: WCCO Snags Steve Simpson As News Anchor

Steve Simpson

Former WIBC 93,1 FM Indianapolis morning news host Steve Simpson has landed a new job in the Twin Cities.

On Oct. 8, Simpson will join CBS Radio's WCCO 830 AM, as part of host Dave Lee’s morning show, Simpson will anchor the news at the top and bottom of the hour from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Simpson, 50, told the Indianapolis Business Journal,  he wasn’t sure he wanted to remain in radio after he was terminated by WIBC in mid-June. He had discussions with stations in this market and others, but nothing seemed right, he said. Then WCCO called.

“When a heritage radio station owned by a legendary company calls, you answer the phone,” Simpson told IBJ on Thursday. “If you are a radio person, this is a station you know when you are very young. And Dave Lee is a legendary broadcaster. This is just amazing for me that I have this opportunity.”

Simpson was swept out of WIBC after 22 years as the station moved to a format driven by conservative and opinionated talkers.

The host of WIBC’s morning news show, he was replaced by conservative host Tony Katz.

Columbia SC Radio: Alpha Starts FM-FM Simulcast

Alpha Media Columbia has announced that it has added the signal of WSCZ 93.9 FM in Columbia, South Carolina to simulcast Urban powerhouse WHXT 103.9 FM Hot 103-9.

According to Alpha meda, the new signal will be the perfect geographic compliment to 103.9 as it covers the North East area of town that is currently not serviced well by 103.9. Despite the lack of full market coverage up until now, Hot 103.9 has still has managed to become the #2 station in the Columbia metro with the coveted A25-54 demographic.

WSCZ 93.9 FM (8.9Kw) 60dBu Coverage

Senior VP/Market Manager Mike Hartel commented on the announcement, “I’ve been amazed at what this station has been able to accomplish through the support of a very loyal and very passionate fan base, and I am thrilled to be able to serve the entire market and most of Central South Carolina with Hot 103.9-93.9.”

WHXT 103.9 FM (5.8Kw) 60dBu Coverage

Station Operations Manager Chris Connors added, “Hot 103.9 has done such great work in the community over the last 15 years of our history, and we are excited to expand that footprint into the Northeast corner of town. Let the fun begin!”

“The addition of the simulcast to WHXT not only means more opportunity for station awareness within the community but more opportunity for our listeners to feel connected to our live and local brand,” remarked Phil Becker, Alpha Media VP of Programming.

Nielsen Revises DMA Ranks

According to Nielsen’s latest Local Television Household Universe Estimates for the upcoming 2014-15 television season, there are 113,808,820 TV homes in the U.S. That’s a 1.7% decrease from Nielsen’s 2013-14 TV Household Universe Estimate.

TV NewsCheck reports of Nielsen’s 210 Designated Market Areas, 46 increased their positions, while 52 dropped. There were no changes in the top 10 markets, but right below that, four DMAs swapped spots:

• Phoenix moved up from 12 to 11.
• Detroit from 11 to 12.
• Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla., went from 14 to 13.
• Seattle dipped from 13 to 14.

Rounding out changes in the top 30:

• Pittsburgh (23 last year) and Portland, Ore. (22) swapped slots.
• Charlotte, N.C., (25 last year) and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (24) traded places.
• Baltimore (27 last year) and Indianapolis (26) flip-flopped.

Most of the remaining moves were only one or two spots. The two biggest gainers were Greenwood-Greenville, Miss., which jumped from 199 last year to 190, and Odessa-Midland, Texas, which rose four slots, from 150 to 146.

For the full list of DMA rankings: Click Here

R.I.P.: Pop Lyricist Bob Crewe Has Died

Bob Crewe

Music legend Bob Crewe, whose work can be heard in the Broadway musical Jersey Boys, died Wednesday.

He was 82 years old.

Crewe was born on November 12, 1931 in Newark, New Jersey and despite a natural talent for music, he initially attended Parsons School of Design in New York. Throughout his music career, he still remained active as a visual artist, having designed various album covers.

In 1953, he partnered with Frank Slay Jr., and in 1957, their song “Silhouettes,” performed by The Rays, became a recognized doo-wop hit. Beginning in the early 1960s, Crewe worked with Bob Gaudio on many singles for The Four Seasons as both a producer and co-lyricist. Among the memorable numbers that Crewe collaborated with Gaudio and are featured in the Tony-winning musical are “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Rag Doll” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

In addition to his contributions to The Four Seasons, Crewe co-wrote Patti LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade” with Kenny Nolan, which became a #1 chart-topper in 1975. He also produced hit singles for artists including Diane Renay, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Michael Jackson and more.

In 2009, Crewe launched The Bob Crewe Foundation, which funds fellowships, scholarships, training and mentorships for aspiring young artists and musicians. The Trust also supports AIDS research and promotes LGBT rights and initiatives. Though Crewe rarely spoke openly of his sexuality, he is considered to be a gay icon in the music industry and beyond.

R.I.P.: Ole Miss Broadcaster Stan Sandroni Dies

Stan Sandroni

Stan Sandroni died of a heart attack late Wednesday night.

He was 64, according to wtok.com.

In his 26th season with the Ole Miss Radio Network, Sandroni handled the football sideline reports and Locker Room Show. In his career in Oxford, he had also announced men's and women's basketball games and served various other roles on the Ole Miss Radio Network.

To honor Sandroni, the Ole Miss Radio Network has decided to have a silent microphone on the sideline for Saturday's home football game against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Sandroni has been a sales representative for WQLJ 93.7 FM in Oxford for several years. He was also co-host of Rebel Yell Hotline with Chuck Rounsaville. Sandroni was named Mississippi Sportscaster of the Year eight times, most recently in 2008.

Before moving to Oxford, Sandroni was the play-by-play voice of Delta State University for 17 years. The Shaw, Mississippi, native was sports director at WCLD radio in Cleveland and then news and sports director of CBS affiliate WXVT-TV in Greenville.

September 12 In Radio History

In 1970..."Fire and Rain" by James Taylor was released to radio, becoming his first hit single.


In 2001...XM Satellite Radio began service.

The company has its origins in the 1988 formation of the American Mobile Satellite Corporation (AMSC), a consortium of several organizations originally dedicated to satellite broadcasting of telephone, fax, and data signals. In 1992, AMSC established a unit called the American Mobile Radio Corporation dedicated to developing a satellite-based digital radio service; this was spun off as XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. in 1999.

On July 29, 2008, XM and former competitor Sirius Satellite Radio formally completed their merger, following U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval, forming SiriusXM Radio, Inc. with XM Satellite Radio, Inc. as its subsidiary. On November 12, 2008, Sirius and XM began broadcasting with their new, combined channel lineups. On January 13, 2011, XM Satellite Radio, Inc. was dissolved as a separate entity and merged into Sirius XM Radio, Inc.  Prior to its merger with Sirius, XM was the largest satellite radio company in the United States.


In 2013…Inventor Ray Dolby, who pioneered the noise-reduction and surround-sound technologies used in movies, cinemas, personal computers and home theater equipment, died of Alzheimer's disease and leukemia at age 80.

Rochester Radio: WQBW Rebrands, WODX Flips

Brother Wease welcomes Kimberly and Beck To 95.1 FM

Longtime morning hosts Kimberly and Beck have returned to the air...this time they're on 95.1 FM and can be heard afternoons 2pm to 7pm rather than morning drive.  AM Drive  is the turf of iconic Brother Wease.   Kimberly and Beck will also join the NewsRadio WHAM 1180 AM programming lineup weeknights from 8-9 p.m.

The addition to WQBW 95.1 FM is all part of the rebranding set in motion at noon Thursday by CCM+E.  The format remains Classic Rock.

Kimberly and Beck were fired from WBZA 98.9 FM The Buzz after comments about the transgender community. The hosts' comments were in response to the city's recent decision to offer transgender health benefits to employees.

WQBW 951.FM (50Kw) 54dBu Coverage

But there's more!

CCM+E/Rochester also today launched 107.3 The Bull as WODX 107.3 FM  dropped Oldies for country.

107.3 The Bull, Rochester’s New Hit Country, is now offering listeners a new choice for Country music. Launching commercial free with 10,000 songs in a row, the station is designed for the new generation of Country music fans and gives listeners a front-row seat to Country’s biggest artists and concerts, featuring core artists like Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean.

The Bull will bring a rimshot 650-watt competitor to the shootout with Entercom's Country WBEE 92.5 FM The Bee (50Kw).

WODX 107.3 FM (650 Watts) 60dBu Coverage

107.3  The Bull features award-winning Country morning program The Bobby Bones Show, beginning later this fall from 6-11 a.m. EST.

And in a third move announced today... Raphael “Raph,” joins CCM+E's WKGS 106.7 FM KISS to host weekday afternoons from 4-7 p.m. Raph had spent the past seven years on WPXY.

Tom's Take: CCM+E creates another country outlet to give Bobby Bones another market.

Pandora, BMG Agree On Rights Deal

Brian McAndrews

Pandora and international music rights management company BMG, today announced a multi-year agreement for a US license for its complete BMI and ASCAP catalog of musical works. The direct publishing deal creates marketing and business benefits for Pandora, BMG and the songwriters it represents.

“Millions of Pandora’s listeners have long enjoyed the great music from BMG’s songwriters,” said Brian McAndrews, CEO of Pandora. “Our agreement with BMG ensures that we can continue expanding the audience for one of the world’s most storied music catalogs and demonstrates that collaboration between the music industry and Pandora creates opportunities and value for publishers and songwriters.”

Laurent Hubert

BMG represents many of the most successful songwriters in contemporary music. The artistry and skill of BMG’s US songwriters has created hits for the likes of Adele, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, David Bowie, David Guetta, Frank Sinatra, Jay-Z, Jessie J, One Direction, Rihanna and The Beach Boys. BMG also represents the music rights of some of the biggest names in contemporary music, including Bruno Mars, Duran Duran, The Flaming Lips, Frank Ocean, John Legend, Kings of Leon, Valerie June, Wilco, and will.i.am.

“BMG looks forward to a prosperous relationship with Pandora in which our songwriters can benefit from their platform,” said Laurent Hubert, President, Marketing & Creative at BMG Chrysalis North America. “We also want to take this opportunity to emphasize our strong, continuing relationship with the US performing rights organizations as they play a vital role for songwriters and music publishers alike.”

President's Press Secretary Tweets 9/11 Moment-By Moment

President George W. Bush's Press Secetary, Ari Fleischer,  is Tweeting a moment-by-moment account of the events of 9/11.  Makes for a facinating insight into the tragic events of that day.

Tweets by @AriFleischer

FCC's Wheeler: 'Redskins' Name Should Go

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler says he thinks the "Redskins" name for Washington's NFL team is offensive and should be changed, but thinks public pressure is the best vehicle for that exit.

Former FCC Chair Reed Hundt, who is leading an effort by former FCC officials and others to get Redskins owner Dan Snyder to change the name of the team, had asked FCC commissioners to speak out. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel has said she knew the name was offensive to a number of people and had concerns herself, but Wheeler had yet to weigh in--the other commissioners have declined comment.

"I don't use the term personally and I think it is offensive and derogatory," Wheeler told B&C/Multichannel News. "I am a Civil War buff," he pointed out, "and there were a lot of terms that were appropriate at that time that aren't appropriate any more."

Hundt has said he thinks the term could be indecent by FCC standards or its use could disqualify Snyder's under character qualifications for ownership.

George Washington University law professor John Banzhaf has gone further, challenging the license of Snyder's WWXX-FM Washington ESPN 980 over the broadcast of the name "Redskins," arguing that it could be indecent, or borderline obscene, or possibly hate speech, and in any event its use is not in the public interest, which broadcasters must serve as the condition of their license.

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Detroit Radio: Mike Wheeler Named New PD For WJR-AM

Mike Wheeler

Cumulus has announced that programming veteran Mike Wheeler has been appointed Program Director of WJR  760 AM in Detroit. Raised in Detroit, Wheeler started his radio career in on-air posts at Motor City stations WNIC, WABX, WHYT and WCZY.

Wheeler comes to Cumulus from Clear Channel, where he has served for the past five years as Regional Program Manager for Clear Channel’s Connecticut stations. Prior to that, Wheeler was Program Director for CBS’ DaveFM in Atlanta, and was Regional Vice President of Programming for Clear Channel in Atlanta, St. Louis, and Toledo.

John Dickey, Executive Vice President, Programming and Content for Cumulus said: "We're thrilled to have Mike Wheeler join Cumulus. His proven skill as a programmer combined with his Detroit roots makes him the perfect choice to lead the legendary WJR-AM. Mike's years of multi-format experience also makes him a great asset to the Cumulus programming team."

Wheeler said: “WJR is a part of the fabric of Detroit. The station is deeply connected to the people of Detroit and widely intertwined with the local business community. I look forward to nurturing and building on that tradition."

Jackson MS Radio: Tom Joyner Helps Set New McDonald's Record

Celebrated national radio host Tom Joyner donned a visor and red apron with his "Fly Jock" nickname on a button and greeted hundreds of fans and a few unsuspecting lunchers Wednesday morning at drive-through at McDonald's, U.S. 80, in Jackson, according to clarionledger.com.

On the heels of a morning simulcast of his "Tom Joyner Morning Show" from Alpha Media's  WKXI 107.5 FM Kixie 107, Joyner and show co-hosts J. Anthony Brown and Sybil Wilkes helped Joyner's brother, Al Joyner, set a new regional record for the most cars served in a McDonald's drive-through in an hour.

WKXI 107.5FM (98Kw) 60dBu Coverage

"Anything that gets hugs and kisses from listeners, I love it," he said beforehand. Could he reach that far out a drive-through window? "I'm sure going to try. You think my arms are too short?"

As it happened, time was too short. A rolling stop was the order of the day as Tom Joyner collected the tickets and Jackson police and Brown's booming, "Go, go, go!" from the second window kept wheels turning at a fairly steady pace.

Tom Joyner's reputation as "The Hardest Working Man in Radio" was intact. The count by noon was a whopping 419, blowing a previous 288 Baton Rouge-set record straight out of the soda dispenser.

The usual hour-long lunch count at that location? About a hundred cars, said Al Joyner, whose My Joy, Inc. McDonald's Inc. has 17 McDonald's in the metro area. Flush with the record, Al Joyner said, "We've got another hour. We're going for 420 now!" in the second hour, yet ultimately drove in at 763 cars at the end of two hours.

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Radio Show: Farber Says 'People Love Radio'

Erica Farber

Erica Farber, president and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), addressed those attending the 2014 Radio Show Opening Event Wednesday in Indianapolis. The Radio Show is produced by RAB and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).

"People love radio. They loved it in the 50s and they love it now. They love music, they love news, they love the social nature of radio, the personalities, the callers, the discussions and even the ads. The good ones, anyway. 244 million people tune in every week, most for more than a couple hours a day.

It's still the number one way people listen to music. In fact, only a few days ago the Wall Street Journal published a story discussing the fact that over 86% of Americans still listen to radio while driving, way more than any other medium. I'll happily agree with them radio remains “the king of the road.”

In another recently released study, over 70% of respondents described radio personalities as friends who they would 'truly miss if they were gone'.

Sweet, right? And more than sweet. Powerful."

Farber also made the claim that wew technology has allowed listeners to fall even more deeply in love with radio. "Now they can text or tweet or follow or 'like' their favorite stations, or personalities. They email, they comment, they interact. This is not just dating anymore, people. This is marriage."

Looking forward, Farber stated, "While we all know that digital is radio's new frontier, we have some work to do. Our trade association partners at the IAB just released a Digital Audio Ad Serving Template and it's open for public comment. I encourage everyone to review this document, discuss it with your digital teams, understand the implications to your business and share your opinions. As is always the case in a love story, there are new things to learn and adjustments to be made. This will only help us grow to deliver what our video counterparts already do and it will strengthen our relationships and partnerships with advertisers."

Radio Show: Gov. Pence Welcomes Attendees

Indiana Governor Mike Pence spoke Wednesday at the opening of the National Association of Broadcasters and Radio Advertising Bureau 2014 Radio Show in Indianapolis. He addressed President Obama's anticipated remarks regarding ISIS.

"On this eve of the anniversary of that tragic day in September 2001, we do well to acknowledge the vital role that each of you play in informing the nation in troubled times.

"When Pres. Franklin Roosevelt spoke about that 'day of infamy,' Americans were huddled around the radio.

"When the towers and the Pentagon were hit, most Americans first learned of that tragedy as they went about their busy lives from the radio on their dashboard or desk.

"And so as our commander-in-chief prepares to address the nation tonight about the American response to the barbarism of ISIS in Iraq, each of you will again play a vital role in ensuring that our citizens are informed of the nature of the threat and the necessity for action.

"It will be on the radio that most Americans learn the details of the strategy and debate the American response.

"Because of your efforts, I believe we as a nation will find the will to do what is necessary and remain firm in our convictions until we have ended this threat to our peace and security.

"And, once again, more than anywhere else, it will be on the airwaves of American radio that Americans will come together, will be informed, discuss, and find the courage and resolve to prevail."

NextRadio Smartphone App Introduces 'Live Guide'

Emmis Communications and TagStation unveiled groundbreaking updates to NextRadio Smartphone App at RAB/NAB Radio Show Wednesday.

Imagine turning on your radio and being able to see what’s playing on all your local stations at that exact moment. You see your favorite song, click on it, and are instantly hearing its live broadcast. Tuning to the radio content you want to hear is now that simple with NextRadio’s new Live Guide. Much like the days before caller ID on your telephone, blindly searching the radio dial will soon be a thing of the past.

NextRadio is a smartphone app that connects over-the-air FM broadcasts with the internet to give users an enhanced radio listening experience including album art and program information as well as station feedback and other interactive features with the touch of a button. The NextRadio app is currently available for use with 27 different devices on the Sprint Network, as well as new HTC smartphones on all major wireless carrier networks.

Live Guide, a first-of-its-kind visual tuning interface that displays local station choices by real-time album art or custom schedule content, is just one of several major improvements to the NextRadio app which will be available to the public in mid-to-late October.

Other exciting enhancements include:

• A streamlined navigation drawer that puts all user options in one easy-to-find place as well as in-app tutorials showing listeners how to interact with their local stations, a behavior change that can grow radio’s position in the exploding mobile ad business. 
• Dynamically-driven related content “cards” will accompany station songs and programming events to provide the listener with more information about the live broadcast while providing the station with extended advertiser and promotion options. These may include upcoming concerts, record release dates, recently played, next up on-air, and more. All of this, along with improved frequency locating accuracy, is sure to make the radio listening experience easier, more immersive, and more enjoyable.

Paul Brenner

“From the beginning of NextRadio and TagStation we have looked for ways to make the broadcast radio experience consistent with today’s listeners’ expectations for consuming media and entertainment. Anyone that looks at this major update to NextRadio immediately relates with Live Guide and active Card Stacks in making broadcast radio cool again.” said Paul Brenner, Senior Vice President of TagStation “I am proud of what our creative and talented team has accomplished, and everyone in radio should be proud to show off NextRadio as a new way to listen to radio.”

With this new release of NextRadio and its pioneering ability for listeners to visually navigate their station options, there has never been a more imperative time for broadcasters to get up and running on TagStation and ensure that their broadcast channels are providing the best content possible. “The eyes of wireless carriers, handset makers and regulators are watching to see if our industry as a whole can deliver on something innovative. Consumers are telling us that the visual content makes radio interesting again,” said Brenner.

Net Neutrality Comments Hit New Record

The net neutrality debate has generated a record 1,477,301 public comments to the FCC, the agency said Wednesday, surpassing the 1.4 million complaints sparked by Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction at the 2004 Super Bowl.

FCC chair Tom Wheeler went back to the drawing board on net neutrality after a federal court tossed the agency's previous set of rules for ensuring all web traffic's treated equally. But Wheeler's new proposal has sparked controversy for allowing internet service providers like Verizon, AT&T and Comcast to charge content companies for an online fast lane - a move critics say would undermine the goal of net neutrality.

Expect the comment total to climb as a result of the symbolic "internet slowdown" protest that went on Wednesday. Netflix, Reddit, Mozilla, Etsy, Vimeo, KickStarter and other sites featured an image of a loading symbol to illustrate the dangers of internet slow lanes and make the case of more robust net neutrality rules.

According to a Sunlight Foundation analysis, about two-thirds of the comments pressed the FCC to adopt stronger regulation by treating broadband like a utility. Republicans in Congress and major telecom firms have warned Wheeler against going that route, saying it would harm innovation and spark a flood of innovation

Knoxville Radio: Kevin King Named PD At Country WCYQ

Kevin King

Journal Broadcasting Group/Knoxville has announced that programmer Kevin King is the new PD for its Country WCYQ 100.3 FM Q100.3.

He starts September 18th.

King most recently has been PD for WYCT 98.7 FM Cat Country in Pensacola, FL.

"We are excited to welcome Kevin to the Journal family of talented programming specialists," stated Journal OM Rich Bailey. "He is a strategic programmer who understands our mission, is passionate about the format, and fits the Journal culture."

WCYQ 100.3 FM (98Kw) 60dBu Coverage

Previous stops for King include Cumulus Country WSM-FM in Nashville, Cumulus Rock WXZZ in Lexington and sister station Country WLXX, as well as a stop at WYGY in Cincinnati. He's also programmed in Richmond and Harrisburg, PA.

King replaces Mike Hammond who left radio for politics.

SF Radio: 49ers Suspend Radio Voice For Two Games

Ted Robinson

The 49ers suspended radio broadcaster Ted Robinson for two games Wednesday for inappropriate comments regarding domestic violence on KNBR 680 AM.

Bob Fitzgerald will replace Robinson the next two games, according to mercurynews.com. Fitzgerald served in the same capacity during the 49ers' exhibition broadcasts, and he's been the Warriors' longtime broadcaster.

Robinson, while co-hosting KNBR's drive-time show Monday with Tom Tolbert, weighed in on the domestic violence case involving former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. According to The Associated Press, Robinson said Rice's now-wife, Janay, was partly to blame for not speaking up.

"That, to me, is the saddest part of it," he said on the air.
Robinson also was suspended by the Pac-12 Networks, which stated he will not call any Pac-12 games for two weeks and will undergo sensitivity training.

"I want to unconditionally apologize for my comments the other day," Robinson said in a statement. "As a professional communicator, I am responsible for my words. My choice of words was careless and does not reflect my true feelings about domestic violence. I understand that the cycle of abuse keeps people in unhealthy relationships. No blame or responsibility for domestic violence should ever be placed on a victim."

Tim Ryan, the 49ers' radio analyst, declined to comment on Robinson's suspension and had not heard Robinson's remarks Monday that led to the suspension.

IL Radio: WRXQ Launches 'Save Q-Rock' Effort

South suburban WRXQ 100.7 FM Q Rock licensed to Coal City, IL is concerned about the new radio station coming soon to a downtown Chicago translator, which will also be on the 100.7 frequency.

According to CRM, Q-Rock is asking fans to fill out a form on their website, which they will then submit to the FCC to insure that the upcoming low-powered translator broadcast will not interrupt their fans' enjoyment of the full-powered radio station.

Integrity Radio Communications, owned by former Chicago radio programming great Elroy Smith, recently signed a contract to spend a record-setting amount for the Chicago translator W264BF. Calvary Radio Network agreed to sell its 2 watt translator to Smith's company for an incredible $4.6 million.

W264BF 100.7 FM (2-watts) 60dBu Coverage

 While translator W264BF broadcasts at only 2 watts from Willis Tower, it does have an FCC-approved construction permit to increase the wattage to 10 watts via a new antenna. The construction permit expires on November 18th of this year.

W264BF currently simulcasts the Calvary Radio Network's religious programming from WHLP-FM from Hanna, IN on the Chicago airwaves at 100.7 FM. The translator is legally licensed to Englewood, IL, a neighborhood of Chicago, not its own city.

However, its weak, 2 watt signal does not reach very far, and for the most part, does not disturb any other radio station on the 100.7 frequency in the areas surrounding Chicago.

According to the FCC, the proposed 10 watts broadcast via W264BF after its upgrades will not interfere with WRXQ-FM/Q Rock 100.7 in the south suburbs, WBYT-FM/B100 in northwest Indiana, or Milwaukee's WKKV-FM/V100.7.

Digity-owned WRXQ-FM strongly does not agree with that assessment.

WRXQ 100.7 FM (2.45Kw) 60dBu Coverage

WRXQ-FM is a Class A radio station broadcasting at 2,450 watts. The signal originates from south Will County, between Wilmington and Coal City, and reaches all across the southern suburbs of Chicago.

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L-A Radio: Fred Roggin Inked For KFWB Show

Fred Roggin

KFWB Asset Trust/Los Angeles has announced that longtime radio/TV sportscaster Fred Roggin will be hosting a show on KFWB 980 AM The Beast, which is morphing from N/T to Sports this month

The new mid-day show will following Jim Rome and debut later this month.

“I’ve been fortunate to be on NBC4 for over 30 years and I look forward to it every day,” Roggin said. “I started my career in radio and can’t wait to be part of one of the most exciting things to happen on L.A. radio in years. I’m ready to go Beast mode!”

“We are ecstatic to have the dean of L.A. sports join our team.” The Beast's PD Owen Murphy stated. “His credibility and knowledge is unquestionable and no one connects with the L.A. sports audience as well as Fred does.”

NYC Radio: WPLJ's Todd Pettengill 'Domestic Terrorism' Here

Brendan Tevlin

The New York radio personality is calling for increased attention to the June murder of a 19-year-old Livingston man, calling it evidence that “domestic terrorism is already here,” according to nj.com.

Todd Pettengill, host of  “The Todd Show” on WPLJ 95.5 FM, discussed the death of Brendan Tevlin for more than eight minutes Wednesday morning, asking why the case has not received more attention despite the alleged murderer’s admissions that he killed Tevlin as an act of vengeance for U.S. military actions in the Middle East.

“It was in fact an act of jihad, perpetrated by a fellow American who sympathized more with those who want to annihilate us than with his own country and its people,” he said.

Lake Charles Radio: Radio Personality Dale Mann Signing Off

Dale Mann

For five decades, Dale Mann has been a familiar voice on the radio. Now that voice is being retired, according to kplctv.com.

Dale got his start at KPLC radio in 1964. From there, he did stints at KLCL, Q101, KYKZ and Gator 99.5. He even spent time in country music management in Nashville. Along the way he met a lot of people, including some of the top names in the business.

"My favorite artist as far as an entertainer is probably Neil McCoy," said Dale. "Neil is one of the nicest guys. He's a personal friend. He is one great entertainer."

Dale says he plans on spending more time with family.

"I want to make that up with my kids and be with their kids. A lot more than I spent with them, because I was always busy and was always looking after my own agenda. Then when you grow older you think, that isn't the right way to go."

KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana

R.I.P.: Baltimore Radio/TV Personality Bob Callahan

Bob Callahan

Robert I. Callahan, a veteran Baltimore broadcaster who worked in radio and television and was honored in early June with a star on Maryland Public Television's Walk of Fame, died of cancer Aug. 28 at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Miami.

He was 76, according to The Baltimore Sun.

"I always think of Bob as someone who could do so many things," said Donna Hamilton, the WBAL-TV news co-anchor who worked with Callahan at WJZ-TV. "He was just an extremely capable and versatile person who could do just about anything and do it well, and he was a super-nice guy in the process."

Callahan began his broadcasting career while a senior in high school hosting "Teen Turntables," which aired mornings on WNAV-AM in Annapolis.

From 1955 to 1957, he attended what is now Towson University and then began his career as a disc jockey at WJDY-AM in Salisbury in 1958.

From 1959 to 1960, he worked as a record promoter for Decca Records and was on air at WFBR-AM from 1960 to 1962.

Drafted into the Army in 1963, Callahan served as an announcer for Armed Forces Radio.

After being discharged in 1965, he joined WBAL radio as the station's overnight man and later became host in 1966 of a disc-jockey show that aired from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

One of his broadcasting feats included staying awake for 66 consecutive hours in 1966 while broadcasting live from Memorial Stadium in support of the Orioles, who went on to win the World Series that year.

Callahan left WBAL in 1970 and joined WVOB-AM in Bel Air, where its general manager was former WBAL colleague Jim McMahan Jr., and soon the two were on the air hosting "Bob and Jim in the Morning."

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September 11 In Radio History

In 1945...At WSM Radio's Studio B in Nashville, Ernest Tubb recorded "It's Been So Long Darling," at what is believed to have been just the second recording session ever to take place in Music City.


In 1965...the Beatles' "Help!" album went #1 on American radio and stayed there for for 9 weeks.


In 1995..."Runaway" by Janet Jackson became the first single by a woman to make its debut in the top 10 of Billboard's Hot 100.


In 2000...John R. Gambling does the last “Rambling With Gambling” show on WOR 710 AM


In 2001...Terrorist attack on New York City silenced four FM and nine TV stations.

Video produced by Art Vuolo Jr:



Since three of the major television broadcast network owned-and-operated stations had their transmission towers atop the North Tower (One World Trade Center), coverage was limited after the collapse of the tower. The FM transmitter of National Public Radio station WNYC was also destroyed in the collapse of the North Tower and its offices evacuated. For an interim period, it continued broadcasting on its AM frequency and used NPR's New York offices to produce its programming.

The satellite feed of one television station, WPIX, froze on the last image received from the WTC mast; the image (a remote-camera shot of the burning towers), viewable across North America (as WPIX is available on cable TV in many areas), remained on the screen for much of the day until WPIX was able to set up alternate transmission facilities. It shows the WTC at the moment power cut off to the WPIX transmitter, prior to the towers' collapse.

During the September 11, 2001 attacks, WCBS-TV channel 2 and WXTV-TV channel 41 stayed on the air. Unlike most other major New York television stations, WCBS-TV maintained a full-powered backup transmitter at the Empire State Building after moving its main transmitter to the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The station was also simulcasted nationally on Viacom (which at the time owned CBS) cable network VH1 that day. In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the station lent transmission time to the other stations who had lost their transmitters, until they found suitable backup equipment and locations.

The Emergency Alert System was never activated in the terrorist attacks, as the extensive media coverage made it unnecessary.



Television coverage of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and their aftermath was the longest uninterrupted news event in the history of U.S. television. The major U.S. broadcast and cable networks were on the air for days with uninterrupted coverage from the moment news first came that the first plane hit the World Trade Center. Millions of shocked television viewers watching live pictures of the World Trade Center saw the second plane hit and both buildings come down. In order to keep up with the constant flood of information, at 10:49 a.m. EDT, Fox News Channel began running continuous updates in the form of a news ticker that crawled along the bottom of the screen. This was so well received by viewers that it became a permanent feature on the channel and was adopted by many other news channels.


In 2005…Radio/Television sportscaster (CBS, ABC, NFL Films) Chris Schenkel, who covered professional bowling for 35 years along with various other sports, died of emphysema at the age of 82.

HD Radio Satisfaction is High Among Users

iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, has announced findings that show 91% of HD Radio users are ‘completely’ or ‘very’ satisfied

75% of all Adults 12+ listen to HD Radio stations each week. With almost 20 million HD Radio-equipped cars on the road, there is over 56 million hours of in-car HD Radio listening per week.

Research recently completed by the RDA Group, an automotive consumer research firm, shows growing HD Radio Awareness, satisfaction and advocacy. A survey of 1,022 new car buyers, including 500 HD Radio users revealed:

HD Radio Awareness is Growing: 71% of consumer are aware of HD Radio Technology, up from 60% in 2012.

There is Broad Satisfaction with HD Radio Services: 92% of users are ‘completely’ or ‘very’ satisfied with the digital audio quality, 89% with program info (song title, artist and album display), 86% with the service being free, 82% with HD2, HD3, and HD4 channels, 74% with artist experience (album art and station logos), and 72% with real time traffic updates.  All of these numbers represent increases over the 2012 data.

There is Strong Advocacy among HD Radio Users: 97% of HD Radio Technology users would ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ recommend HD Radio technology to their friends and relatives.

Consumers Want HD Radio Receivers in their Cars: 91% of all consumers ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ want an HD Radio receiver in their next vehicle; 80% expect it to be a standard feature.

MA Radio: CCM+E Closes On Four Cape Cod Stations

The ownership of four Cape FM radio stations was transferred Tuesday to Clear Channel Communications, the general manager of the stations confirmed.

The stations HotAC WCOD 106.1 FM, Classi Hits WCIB 101.9 FM, N/T WXTK 95.1 FM  and Sports WEII 96.3 FM were formerly owned by Qantum Communications, based in Stamford, Connecticut.

Allison Makkay-Davis, the general manager for the stations, said Tuesday that there would not be any changes to the staff or the programming.

"The entire staff has been hired by Clear Channel," Makkay-Davis told the Cape Cod Times.

She said the stations will be able to take advantage of the resources available to a large company like Clear Channel, which is the largest owner of radio stations in the country.

"We'll be able to customize for the Cape Cod market," Makkay Davis said.