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Saturday, December 20, 2014

December 21 In Radio History






In 1965...actor Andy Dick was born in Charleston South Carolina Dick starred as "Matthew" in the TV sitcom "NewsRadio".


In 1988...WWPR NYC switched back to WPLJ.


In 1996...Barry Gray died.  He was an influential American radio personality, often labeled as "The father of Talk Radio".

Barry Gray 1951
Initially a disc jockey, Gray was working for New York's WMCA radio station in 1945 when he, bored one evening with simply spinning music, decided to put the telephone receiver up to his microphone and share his conversation with the listening audience. The caller that evening just happened to be bandleader Woody Herman, one of the most popular celebrities of the day. This spontanenous live interview was such a hit with both his listeners as well as station bosses, that the talk radio format resulted. Gray subsequently began doing listener call-ins as well.

Rival station WOR also saw the attraction of the talk format, and Gray worked an overnight shift there from 1945 to 1948 or 1949,  interviewing everyone from Al Jolson to Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. He also broadcast for WMGM from the Copacabana night club in the late 1940s.  In addition during 1947 he hosted the New York-based show Scout About Town for the Mutual Broadcasting System, during which he would present an Award of the Week to popular stars of the stage such as Mitzi Green and Morey Amsterdam.


Gray broadcast on WMIE AM radio from three Miami Beach nightclubs, the Copa Lounge, Danny and Doc's Jewel Box and the Martha Ray Club nightly in the fall of 1948 and into 1949 before he left the Miami area under some pressure. Gray bopped someone from his audience with his microphone,and this happened on the air. The impact was audible and the impact had been preceded by hot words of anger.

Barry Gray returned to WMCA in 1950, and stayed there for 39 years, refining the talk show format still utilized today. During the 1960s, he was in the odd position of having an 11 p.m.-1 a.m. late night talk show on a station otherwise dominated by Top 40 music and the youth-targeted "Good Guys" disc jockey campaign.

After WMCA changed to an all-talk format in 1970, Gray was again fully in his element.  By the 1980s he had shifted from a late-night to a mid-day slot at the station.

Gray left WMCA in 1989 when it dropped its talk format, and went to work slightly up the dial for a return to WOR where he enjoyed national syndication. By the time of his death, his show was considered to be politically conservative.




In 2009...The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) released its Top 10 list of 2009's most-played holiday songs on U.S. radio stations, representing an aggregation of all different artist versions of each. "Sleigh Ride" was ranked #1, followed by "Jingle Bell Rock," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "White Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland." "The Christmas Song" came in sixth on the list, then "A Holly Jolly Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy," "Feliz Navidad" and "Frosty the Snowman."

TV Building May Have Been Original Sydney Terror Target


Sydney's Channel 7 may have been the original target of Man Haron Monis last Monday.  It's a revelation that serves as an alert for security at TV and radio facilities in the States.

The Saturday Telegraph has learned Monis arrived at Martin Place early on Monday morning with the possible intention of taking hostages within the TV network’s studio during the live morning Sunrise broadcast.

Man Haron Monis
But it appears that, due to increased security at the studio following the Islamic State threat in September to behead someone in Martin Place, Monis instead rerouted his plot to the Lindt Chocolate Cafe a short distance from Channel 7 studios.  There he staged his deadly ­17-hour siege, which ended with the deaths of two innocent civilians.

A high-placed government source claims police — both the NSW State Police and the Australian Federal Police — have not ruled out that Channel 7 may have been Monis’s main target.

The shocking revelation comes as recently released Channel 7 security footage shows Monis pacing outside the Martin Place studios — known within the network as Sunrise Alley — as early as 8.30am on the morning of the siege.

“There are several things to suggest that (Monis) may have initially set his sights on Channel 7 during their live morning broadcast,” a government source told The Saturday Telegraph.

Monis had a very public and open resentment of the network.

A damning 2009 report on Today Tonight, which dubbed him a “Fake Sheik”, exposed his history of writing letters to the families of fallen soldiers. The program led directly to High Court charges about letters to war widows, and Monis was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond for the offensive letters — as was his co-accused and widow, 34-year-old Amirah Droudis, who pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting.

Soon after that report aired Monis visited Seven’s Martin Place studios on at least two occasions to hand out pro-Islamic leaflets.

Pandora Sues The Turtles

Pandora Media Inc. urged a California federal judge Friday to toss copyright class action claims brought by members of the 1960s rock band The Turtles alleging the online radio company infringed copyrights for pre-1972 songs, saying the rockers are claiming nonexistent rights to threaten Pandora's free speech rights.

In a motion to strike the claims under California's anti-Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation statute, Pandora argued that the plaintiffs hadn't asserted their alleged rights in the 47 years since they created their recordings.

Pandora claims that The Turtles' recordings enjoyed no state law copyright right protection because California sees publishing a work as extinguishing its state copyright protection, which happens as soon as a record is released and sold, allowing those who buy the record to use it in any manner they choose. The 1982 revision to California state copyright law -- which cleared away state statutes made redundant by federal law in the 1976 Copyright Act and clarified and narrowed other provisions of state law -- does not "resurrect" copyright protection, after its been published, according to the the Pandora motion. That's why the state law rights that the Flo & Eddie complaint cites, "do not exist," as the motion states.

As such, the "Flo & Eddie's complaint is legally defective on its face and burdens Pandora's First Amendment rights," reads Pandora's motion. "Plaintiff seeks to enjoin a broadcaster from communicating media to the public. The anti-SLAPP law was created precisely for baseless attacks like this." Pandora added the the California Code of Civil Procedure "expressly recognizes that anti-SLAPP motions can be brought to strike lawsuits of exactly this type."

According to Billboard, even if the Judge strikes down the motion, it allows Pandora to file an appeal, which could move the case immediately to another judge in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. As the Flo & Eddie lawsuit currently filed against Pandora is before the very same judge, U.S. District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez, who ruled in their favor on the very same issue against SiriusXM, a change of venue is something that Pandora is likely aiming for with this motion.

Orlando Radio: The Wolf Launches With 10,000 Songs-In-A-Row

  • Bubba the Love Sponge Returns
Orlando's second Country station hit the air Friday at 1:03 pm.  WOTW 103.1 FM The Wolf is launching with 10,000 songs in a row.

JVC Broadcasting is promising The Wolf to be a cutting edge country station, which will include the big, bad wolf himself, “Bubba the Love Sponge”, in the morning and today’s hottest country music and throwbacks served up all day and night!

To lead the programming, JVC has hired Shadow, former PM Drive host/MD at crosstown Cox Media's WWKA 92.3 FM K92.  Also on board is Murph Dawg, current PD at JVCs WPTY 105.3 FM on Long Island.



JVC has also announced the hiring of Chris Ganoudis,  former GSM of Cox’ WMMO 98.9 FM  in Orlando as General Manager. Steve Avellone joins from iHeartMedia as General Sales Manager.

WOTW 103.1 FM (22Kw) 60dBu Coverage
JVC Media is an independently owned company headed by partners John Caracciolo and Victor J Canales.  The company operates four FM stations in the 20th ranked Nassau-Suffolk NY radio market.  They also own and operate four radio stations serving the Gainesville-Ocala Florida market and have entered into agreements to acquire three radio stations and two translators serving the West Palm Beach Florida market.

December 20 In Radio History


In 1939...Radio Australia began its overseas short-wave service.



In 1957...Elvis Presley received his draft notice from the U.S. Army. He immediately applied for, and was granted, a 60-day deferment that allowed him to complete the filming of "King Creole."


In 1971...Talk show host Larry King was arrested in Miami on charges of grand larceny. He'd accepted money on a promise of influence he couldn't deliver, and didn't have the money to pay it back. The charges were eventually dropped because the statute of limitations ran out. King pled guilty to passing a bad check, however, and was out of radio for three years.


In 2002...MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM became the first licensed commercial radio station on the east coast to broadcast in HD Radio.


Les Tremayne
In 2003...Les Tremayne died. Tremayne was a leading man during Radio's Golden Era.  On radio during the 1930s and 1940s, Tremayne was heard in as many as 45 shows a week. Replacing Don Ameche, he starred in The First Nighter Program from 1936 to 1942. He starred in The Adventures of the Thin Man and The Romance of Helen Trent during the 1940s. He also starred in the title role in The Falcon, and played detective Pat Abbott in The Abbott Mysteries in 1946–47.

AUDIO: Click Here

Tremayne was married four times. He did a morning talk show: The Tremaynes with his second wife, Alice Reinhardt. When Tremayne died in 2003, he was married to his fourth wife, Joan.  Tremayne was once named one of the three most distinctive voices on American radio. The other two were Bing Crosby and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Friday, December 19, 2014

L-A Radio: Dr. Drew To Air Mid-Days on KABC


Cumulus announces the launch of Dr. Drew Midday Live with Mike Catherwood airing weekdays in Los Angeles on TalkRadio 790 KABC beginning early January. As part of Dr. Drew and Mike Catherwood’s expanded relationship with Cumulus, the company’s Westwood One syndication division also will begin syndicating Loveline starting January 1, 2015.  Loveline, currently with an impressive list of affiliates, will now be airing on a total of 35 Cumulus-owned stations.

On TalkRadio 790 KABC, Dr. Drew Midday Live with Mike Catherwood will offer LA listeners unique access to Dr. Drew’s comprehensive advice on a broad range of topics. Listeners will be encouraged to call in Monday through Friday and enter the discussion with one of the country’s most trusted physicians and media personalities. Dr. Drew Midday Live with Mike Catherwood is part of TalkRadio 790 KABC’s new reenergized lineup that will make its debut in early January.

Westwood One currently handles ad sales for Loveline and beginning January 1 will also be responsible for syndicating the nightly show to local radio stations nationwide. Loveline will continue to be available digitally via PodcastOne.

"I'm really looking forward to becoming part of the Cumulus family and proud to be on the air at the legendary KABC in Los Angeles,” said Pinsky. It will be a great platform to connect with listeners during the daytime. And while Loveline continues to be anchored at KROQ, I am thrilled that the show is expanding into new markets at night. This is a tremendous opportunity and I am grateful.”

“Dr. Drew’s passion for helping others has resonated with radio listeners for 30 years. He and Catherwood, one of radio’s youngest and brightest personalities, have become two of Westwood One’s most valued hosts,” said John Dickey, Executive Vice President of Content & Programming for Cumulus. “We are pleased to expand our relationship with Dr. Drew and Mike through the expansion of Loveline and the introduction of Dr. Drew Midday Live with Mike Catherwood.”

Loveline is radio’s longest running call-in advice show. The show airs Sunday-Thursday from 10PM-12AM PST and provides relationship, sexuality and drug addiction advice to young adults. Co-host Catherwood brings a unique viewpoint to the show as a cutting-edge humorist, pop culture commenter and new dad.

FCC Rules 'Redskins' Not Offensive

The Washington Redskins are having a losing season in National Football League play but on Thursday the team and its owner, Daniel Snyder, won a victory from the Federal Communications Commission against those who claim the nickname of the team is offensive, indecent and profane, and that Snyder is not fit to hold a broadcast license.

Accoridng to The Hollywood Reporter, The FCC has dismissed a series of claims against Snyder and his company Red Zebra concerning a Virginia radio station it owns, WWXX 94.3 FM, seeking to strip their license because the outlet broadcast the name Redskins which opponents claim is offensive to American Indians.

The FCC not only granted WWXX a license renewal, but also rejected arguments in petitions filed by opponents both on technical grounds and on the substance of the arguments.

The initial petition was filed Oct. 13 with the FCC by John Banzhaf III, an activist attorney and college professor, urging rejection of the WWXX license renewal and charging that Snyder does not “possess the character qualifications required of a commission licensee.”

The petition got a lot of publicity later in October when FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said he agreed the name Redskins was offensive. He indicated the commission would examine the issues raised by Banzhaf.

Wheeler later backed off on his comments, softening his stance, but the impression remained that the FCC might be on the war path over the issue.

Bee Gees, George Harrison Among Special Grammy Winners

The Recording Academy announced its Special Merit Awards recipients Thursday, and this year's honorees are: the Bee Gees, Pierre Boulez, Buddy Guy, George Harrison, Flaco Jiménez, Louvin Brothers, and Wayne Shorter as Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.  Also, Richard Perry, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, and George Wein as Trustees Award honorees; and Ray Kurzweil as the Technical Grammy Award recipient.

A special invitation-only ceremony will be held during Grammy Week on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, and a formal acknowledgment will be made during the 57th Annual Grammy Awards telecast, which will be held at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 and broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network. For Grammy coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook.

"This year we pay tribute to exceptional creators who have made prolific contributions to our culture and history," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "It is an honor and a privilege to recognize such a diverse group of talented trailblazers, whose incomparable bodies of work and timeless legacies will continue to be celebrated for generations to come."

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors performers who have made contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording, while the Trustees Award recognizes such contributions in areas other than performance. Both awards are determined by vote of The Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees. Technical Grammy Award recipients are determined by vote of The Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing Advisory Council and Chapter Committees, as well as The Academy's Trustees. The award is presented to individuals and companies who have made contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field.

SiriusXM Sets Holiday Concert Line-Up

SiriusXM has announced that it will broadcast a diverse and extensive line-up of live concerts, DJ sets and special performances on New Year's Eve.

SiriusXM listeners will hear exclusive live broadcasts of concerts from across America with a wide-ranging lineup including Willie Nelson at ACL Live, in  Austin Texas (Willie's Roadhouse, channel 59); Phil Lesh from Capital Theatre in Port Chester, New York (Grateful Dead, channel 23); Erasure from Terminal 5, New York (First Wave, channel 33), Southside Johnny from the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey (E Street, Channel 20) and Jam_ON, channel 29 will air a Widespread Panic performance from the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina.

SiriusXM's New Year's Eve lineup will also include live DJ sets by internationally-renowned DJs. SiriusXM listeners will hear Skrillex and Diplo from Madison Square Garden in New York City (BPM, channel 51), as well as Martin Garrix from Pier 36 in New York City (Electric Area, channel 52) and Armin van Buuren from White Wonderland in Anaheim, California (Electric Area, channel 52.)

Additionally, The Pulse, channel 15, will broadcast performances from the "Live in the Vineyard Concert" featuring performances by Meghan Trainor, Train, Matt Nathanson and others; and, on New Year's Day, The Bridge, channel 32, will broadcast an Elton John concert from Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, New York on New Year's Day.

Special encore presentations of an expansive lineup of exclusive concerts that were broadcast live on SiriusXM earlier in the year, including;
  • the Allman Brothers' final concert from the Beacon Theater in New York City (Classic Vinyl, channel 26) 
  • a Coldplay concert recorded at the Beacon Theater in New York City (The Spectrum, channel 28) 
  • the Black Keys from a private concert for SiriusXM listeners from the Mercy Lounge in Nashville (The Spectrum, channel 28)
  • Alt Nation, channel 36 will broadcast Foo Fighters recent concert from Irving Plaza in New York City and a Foster The People concert from Music Hall in Brooklyn.  
  • Listeners will hear a 1992 New Year's Eve Pearl Jam performance at The Academy Theater in New York City (Pearl Jam Radio, channel 22)
  • Young Jeezy from Echostage in Washington, DC (Hip Hop Nation, channel 44)
  • Cole Swindell from the Exit In in Nashville (The Highway, channel 56)
  • Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators at Santos Party House in New York City, August Alsina from The Fillmore in Silver Springs, MD (The Heat, channel 47)
  • The Bar-Kays with Confunkshun and The Dazz Band from the Cannon Center  in Memphis (The Groove, channel 50)
  • In This Moment from Webster Hall in New York City (Octane, channel 37.)

Nashville Radio: Bobby Bones Named 'Pink Tie Guy'

Bobby Bones
Country radio host and performer Bobby Bones can add a new title to his name — Pink Tie Guy.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure has added Bones to its class of 2015 Pink Tie Guys for his efforts fighting breast cancer.

The Bobby Bones Show, based at WSIX in Nashville,  raised $50,000 this year for the foundation as part of a bet with Jason Aldean, who agreed to perform with Bones' band The Raging Idiots if they raised the money.

The Pink Tie program recognizes men who use their influence in the community to fight breast cancer.

CT Radio: WEBE, WICC Fund Provides Holiday Toys


Cumulus Bridgeport, CT, stations WEBE 107.9 FM WeBe 108 and WICC 600 AM, with thanks to a very generous donation from the Norma F. Pfriem Foundation and the WICC 600/WEBE 108 Holiday Fund provided over 2,000 holiday toys to children throughout Bridgeport, CT.

Louisville Radio: Calhourn Concert Raises $245K

Coyote Calhourn
iHeartMedia Communities and WAMZ 97.5 FM Louisville report that Coyote's Acoustic Concert raised more than $245,000 for children's charities, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The star-studded event took place Wednesday, December 3, 2014 and paid tribute to Coyote Calhoun, a 97.5 WAMZ veteran who has served Louisville's Country listeners for 35 years.

Country artists including Toby Keith, Justin Moore, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Chase Rice, Chris Young, Eric Paslay, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Craig Campbell, John Michael Montgomery, Kristian Bush, Brothers Osborne, and Maddie & Tae donated their time to perform at Coyote's Acoustic Concert, which drew 17,000 Country music fans to the sold out KFC YUM! Center.

The concert brought the Louisville community together to celebrate Coyote Calhoun's 35-year long career. 97.5 WAMZ will donate the event's net ticket proceeds to charities that serve children across the country, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and their lifesaving care facilities.

R.I.P.: KHAG Morning Personality Scott Steele

Scott Steele
A long-time Cedar Rapids radio personality has lost his battle with cancer.

Scott Steele, who worked for seven+years as a morning personality at Country KHAK 98.1 FM, died Thursday.

In October, he and his wife, Misty, had a baby boy.  The couple didn’t expect to be parents until until Misty went into labor.

Scott had been through extensive chemotheraphy and was told he would likely never become a father, until Briggs was born.

Scott was diagnosed with stage-four colo-rectal cancer about five years ago.

December 19 In Radio History


In 1932...The British Broadcasting Corp. began transmitting "Empire Service" to Australia and New Zealand, the BBC's first overseas service.




In 1956...Elvis Presley had 10 singles on the Billboard chart, a record high number for an individual act, which stood until 1964 when the Beatles had 14 simultaneous chart hits.


In 1958...the first radio broadcast from space occured when President Dwight D. Eisenhower said "To all mankind, America's wish for Peace on Earth & Good Will to Men Everywhere".


In 1985...ABC Sports announced that it was parting company with Howard Cosell and released him from all TV commitments. He continued on ABC Radio for another five years.


In 2004...a single-engine Cessna 182 crashed into the KFI 640 AM radio tower knocking the station off-the-air for an hour and killing the two people in the plane.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

NYC Radio: Z100's Sharon Dastur Goes National

Sharon Dastur
iHeartMedia as announced that Sharon Dastur will join its National Programming Platforms team as Senior Vice President of Programming Integration, effective Jan. 5.

Dastur most recently served as Program Director for WHTZ 100.3 FM /Z100 in New York and Nick Radio, Nickelodeon's exclusive digital only station on iHeartRadio.

In her newly created position, Dastur will create cutting-edge programs that leverage the company's assets for brands and partners and will assist with the program execution with artist, managers and labels. In this role, she will develop cross promotion partnerships between label groups and agencies, and in addition she will work with in-market programmers, lending her knowledge and ability to help refine current programs and initiatives. She will also work together with the Artist Relations team on booking and talent negotiations for all iHeartRadio national events and industry events.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Sharon for more than 20 years. She's a professional that excels with every new challenge. When we look at where we're taking iHeartMedia, Sharon's experience and skills are perfectly suited for this role," said Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Platforms.

"Sharon is a top line talent with great programming, event and artist expertise. Her programming and station knowledge will be an incredible asset across our entire organization nationwide," said Clay Hunnicutt, Executive Vice President of National Programming Platforms, iHeartMedia.

"When Tom and Clay first approached me about this incredible new position, and knowing the direction where iHeartMedia is going, it seemed like the perfect next step in my career," said Dastur. "After more than 18 years at the world-famous Z100, I am extremely proud of all of the accomplishments the team has achieved. From guiding the station to its highest ratings and revenue, to recently coming off of our biggest and most successful Z100 Jingle Ball, it will be exciting to take those things we've successfully built locally over the years and integrate them into the national platform and throughout organization across the country. I'm thrilled to be joining this incredible NPP team and getting started on this next chapter in my life!"

Dastur is one of iHeartMedia' premiere programming talents. Under her leadership, Z100 became the No. 1 billing station, leading in all the target demographics 18-34 and 18-49, and was named the "2014 Station of the Year" at the Worldwide Radio Industry Awards. Dastur also previously served as National CHR Brand Coordinator, advising CHR stations across the country with her programming expertise and mentoring other Program Directors throughout the company to develop and strengthen their stations' branding, strategy, music and imaging. She has also been recognized by the industry with honors including being named one of the top "Women in Music" by Billboard, "Most Influential Women in Radio" for the past five years and as well as Best Program Director in America for four consecutive years by Radio Ink and honored as the "2014 Women of Influence" by the TJ Martell Foundation.

NYC Radio: Mark Medina Named New PD for Z100

Mark Medina
iHeartMedia/New York announced today that Mark Medina has been named Program Director for WHTZ 100.3 FM /Z100 effective January 5, 2015.

Medina most recently programmed HOT 99.5 in Washington, D.C. and Z104.3 WZFT in Baltimore. His programming experience also includes KZZP and KNIX in Phoenix and KRQQ in Tucson. Medina will also continue to be part of iHeartMedia's talent development coaching team, where he has been instrumental in developing and coaching some of iHeartMedia's top talent including The Kane Show, Toby Knapp and Johnjay & Rich.

"Mark is the perfect choice to continue to build on the success of Z100," said Thea Mitchem, Senior Vice President of Programming -- Major Markets, iHeartMedia. "He is an exceptional Program Director who has proven himself to be one of the most creative, innovative and strategic programmers at iHeartMedia."

"Mark Medina's move to New York is a testament of how iHeartMedia recognizes performance and works to create a clear path of advancement for the very best," said Joe Puglise, Market President, iHeartMedia New York. "I'm excited to work with Mark again and I¹m confident that his programming expertise will lead Z100 to new heights."

"Z100 is one of the most important media brands in the world,² said Medina. "The opportunity to work with the best in class staff at Z100 and play a role in the legacy and heritage of this radio station is thrilling. I couldn¹t be more ecstatic, and want to thank Thea Mitchem, Hartley Atkins, Joe Puglise, Tom Poleman, John Ivey and everyone who has played a role in my career development to help me reach this point."

D/FW Radio: Rebecca Kaplan Promo Director For KSCS, KPLX

Rebecca Kaplan
Cumulus announces that Rebecca Kaplan has been named Promotions Director for KSCS 96.3 FM and KPLX 99.5 FM.

Kaplan moves to Cumulus Dallas/Fort Worth from iHeart Media Tampa, where she was Promotions Director. Prior to that, she was in marketing for The University Athletic Association at the University of Florida and for the University of South Florida Athletics Department. Kaplan began her career as Promotions Coordinator for WKZY in Gainesville, FL.

Dan Bennett, Regional Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus said: “We look forward to Rebecca’s leadership in driving the promotions department for two of America’s best Country radio stations.”

J.R. Schumann, Operations Manager for Cumulus Dallas/For Worth said: “We’re excited to announce Rebecca as our new Promotion Director for KSCS and KPLX! Rebecca’s experience in radio promotion and events management puts her in a great position to hit the ground running and take our promotions departments and these two stations to the next level!”

Kaplan said: “This Florida girl is extremely excited to have the opportunity to continue my career in Dallas with Cumulus and to be a part of the ongoing success of KSCS and KPLX.”

D/FW Radio: KSCS's Terry Dorsey Offically Retires


Morning Show personality, Terry Dorsey, at Cumulus' KSCS studios in Dallas Wednesday.Cumulus President and CEO, Lew Dickey was there to  congratulateTerry Dorsey on his retirement after 46 years in radio, 33 years in Dallas, and 26 years at KSCS!

Westwood One News Live On-Air


Correspondent Michael Toscano anchored the very first broadcast on Monday, December 15 at 12 am.

Westwood One News launched on radio stations around the country this week, and what a week it’s been… Westwood One News is powered by CNN, with the only network bureau and staff reporting out of Cuba today on the major breaking story of a change in relations and the release of Alan Gross, who was held hostage for five years.

And on launch day Monday, correspondent Steve Kastenbaum was in Philadelphia, reporting live on the unfolding story of six people shot dead and the killer’s subsequent suicide.  Westwood One news allows stations around the country to select newscasts based on needs and preferences, seamlessly integrating network news into their local operation.

For more information, contact jimjones@westwoodone.com.

TX Weather Forecaster Shot In TV Station Parking Lot

Patrick Crawford
UPDATE 12/18/14 2PM:  The search continued Thursday for the man who shot KCEN-HD Meteorologist Patrick Crawford.

He was shot multiple times in the parking lot of the KCEN studios, NEAR tEMPLE, TxWednesday morning.  He remains in the hospital in stable condition.

The lead investigator with the Texas Rangers tells KCEN they have little go on as they search for the gunman.

Patrick was shot in the stomach, the shoulder and a bullet grazed his head.  Investigators say he managed to get in his car and speed off as the man continued shooting at him.

He crashed his car near some construction workers along I-35 who pulled Patrick out of the car to help him.  Investigators say his ability to get in his car and drive off likely saved his life.

The shooter is described as a white or hispanic man in his mid-30s with a receding hairline.  He was wearing a black hoody and dark jeans.

The man is considered armed and dangerous.

Crawford was taken to Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, where he was underwent surgery late Wednesday morning.

FCC's Michael O'Reilly Confirmed To Full Term

Michael O'Reilly
FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly was confirmed by he Senate Tuesday for a full five-year term on the commission.

He had been filling out the unexpired term of Rob McDowell, which ended June 30, though commissioners are allowed to continue serving for what can be an extended period before being officially confirmed to a new term.   The President re-nominated him in October.

O’Rielly has been a commissioner since November 2013. Before that he was policy advisor in the Office of the Senate Republican Whip.  

“I sincerely appreciate the Members of the U.S. Senate for considering and ultimately confirming me to a new term at the Federal Communications Commission," O'Rielly told MultiChannel News. "I will do my best to fulfill the trust they have placed in me and continue to meet the obligations of my role at the Commission.  My colleagues have been enormously supportive and I look forward to working with them on the complex communications issues before us. “

NJ Radio: Delmarva To Acquire Two Jersey Stations

Delmarva Broadcasting Company (DBC) has entered into an agreement to acquire WFAI 1510 AM in Salem, NJ and WJKS 107.1 FM/Kiss in Canton, NJ from QC Communications.

Delmarva will add the pair to it’s current Wilmington cluster that already includes WDEL 1150 AM, WSTW 93.7 FM and WXCY 103.7 FM.

Delmarva will begin managing the stations on January 1st, via a Local Marketing Agreement with QC that will continue through all customary regulatory approval and final closing.

WJKS 101.7 FM (3.3Kw) 60dBu Coverage
 “We’re thrilled to bring these stations into the Delmarva family,” said DBC VP/GM Michael Reath.

“Wilmington is a terrific market for local radio and this transaction further strengthens our ability to to deliver original content to even more audiences and thus provide more value to our advertisers.” DBC, which has owned and operated radio stations in Delaware since 1927, currently owns 11 stations in The First State and eastern Maryland.

Philly Radio: WIP Extends Contract of Angelo Cataldi

Angelo Cataldi
CBS Radio's SportsRadio 94WIP 94.1 FM announced Wednesdayday the re-signing of morning show host Angelo Cataldi to a new long-term contract.

“Angelo Cataldi and the Morning Team” is broadcast weekdays from 5:30-10:00AM, ET and can be heard on-air, online at www.cbsphilly.com or by downloading the Radio.com app for mobile devices.

The outspoken Cataldi is one of the most powerful personalities in sports radio, annually appearing on several prominent industry trade publication lists of top sports hosts.

He has been waking WIP listeners up since 1990 and his show consistently is among the most highly-rated programs in Philadelphia. Cataldi is known for his strong opinions, honesty, extravagant stunts and events, the most famous being the station’s annual Wing Bowl. Before joining WIP, Cataldi was the Inquirer’s Eagles beat writer where he earned two Pulitzer Prize nominations.

“It’s a true thrill and honor to know that all my years on the radio will be working for WIP,” said Cataldi. “It’s a rarity for an on-air personality to have their entire broadcasting career, spanning nearly three decades, all at one station. I am grateful to have a great supporting cast and privileged to work for CBS RADIO who trusts me with the morning show on the best sports radio station, in the greatest sports town anywhere.”

Added Marc Rayfield, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, CBS Radio Philadelphia, “Angelo is a legend in Philadelphia radio. He has been the foundation of WIP since it became one of the first all-sports radio stations in the nation. This new contractshows the mutual commitment between CBS RADIO and Angelo Cataldi.”

In a related announcement, SportsRadio 94WIP also signed two members of Cataldi’s morning show ensemble, Al Morganti and Keith Jones, to new contracts.

CBS News' Bob Schieffer 'Stunned' By Cuba News


Bob Schieffer of CBS News has witnessed many major events in his more than 50 years in the news business. When he uses the word "bombshell" to describe a news item, it is clearly a major story.

The "Face the Nation" host described Wednesday's announcement that the U.S. would normalize relations with Cuba as just that, a "bombshell."

"I kind of came of age in a time when Fidel Castro was the enemy, and now we see a total reversal of that," Schieffer said Wednesday on CBSN. He noted that at the time, Castro was seen as potentially behind the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy, and decades later President Obama has decided to re-establish ties with the Castro government.

Another aspect that shocked Schieffer was how secret the Obama administration was able to keep its negotiations with the Cubans. "Every once in a while I guess Washington can keep a secret and this time it certainly did," he said.

The political fallout from this shift in policy will be felt in Congress and on the presidential campaign trail. Schieffer said that all of the candidates will have to voice their opinions on the matter, which can have a big impact on one of the most important states in presidential elections.

"One of the main reasons that our policy towards Cuba has not changed over the years is that presidential candidates wanted to carry the very important state of Florida," Schieffer said. "The Cuban vote there was so strong that you couldn't much think about doing that unless you were against Castro."

TRN Adds Affiliates, Hours To America's Morning News

Talk Radio Network Entertainment has announced a number of new affiliates who have added America’s Morning News to their roster of excellent News Talk programming.

New affiliate stations include:
  • Iorio Broadcastings’ News Talk 1320 WJAS, Pittsburgh, 
  • iheartMedias’ News Talk  1440, KFNY, Riverside,
  • Beasley Broadcastings’ KDWN AM 720, Las Vegas,
  • Compass Broadcasting’s News Talk 1680, KGED AM, Fresno,
  • Gerard Schroeder’s News Talk 790, WPNN, Pensacola,
  • iHeartMedia’s KMJM AM 1360, Cedar Rapids,
  • Intermart Broadcastings’ WNZF AM/FM, Daytona Beach,
  • Rutherford Groups’ WGNS AM/FM, Murfreesboro (Nashville)
  • KGGF-KUSN, Inc.’s KGGF AM 690, Coffeyville (Tulsa)
  • David Barters’ WRTA AM 1240, Altoona, PA
  • Bicoastal Media’s News Radio 1440, KMED, Medford,
  • Heartlands 4-cluster group including WERL AM 950, Eagle River, WI, WATW AM 1440, Ashland, WI, WFER AM 1230, Iron River, WI and AM 980, WPFP, Park Falls, WI.
These new affiliates will bring the number of affiliates to 165 stations.

CEO Mark Masters says, “America’s Morning News continues to deliver a great product every morning to over 160 markets across the U.S., including markets like San Francisco (Cumulus Media’s KSFO 560 AM, Seattle (Bonnevilles’ KTTH 770 AM and San Diego KFMB 760 AM 760. We are very proud of our morning news offering, and its growth is a testament to its quality.”

America’s Morning News also added a 4th hour of content and now airs 5am to 9am (Eastern) and is hosted by broadcaster radio veteran Matt Ray.

Nielsen: Public Radio TSL Increases With Age


According to a new Nielsen report—which specifically focused on this type of programming at over 900 stations in large and small markets—public radio reaches 32 million people 12 years old or older on a weekly basis.

And the diverse programming of public radio draws a diverse mix of listeners. In fact, nearly 8% of English or Spanish speaking Hispanics in the U.S. and almost 10% of African-Americans tune in to public radio each week.

However, it seems the older the listener is, the more apt that listener will adopt in-home listening to public radio.

For instance, while 6.3 million Millennials 18-34 tune in to public radio each week, a little over one-third (35%) of them do so at home. Generation X, those 35-49 years old, exhibit similar at-home listening behavior when it comes to public radio (37%). But when it comes to Baby Boomers (aged 50-64), in-home and out-of-home listening of public radio is nearly equal—49% and 51%, respectively. Listeners also spend more time listening to public radio as they get older. Boomers spend six hours listening to public radio, nearly double that of Millennials (3 hours 15 minutes).

Volvo To Provide 4-Year Sub to SiriusXM Traffic and Weather

SiriusXM and Volvo Cars of North America Wednesday announced that Volvo customers will automatically receive a 4-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and weather information when purchasing any new Model Year 2015.5 vehicle equipped with the latest generation of Volvo Sensus Connect, Volvo's connected car platform.

Volvo drivers and passengers will be able to access a suite of traffic and weather information through the Volvo Sensus Connect in-car display. SiriusXM Traffic provides easily viewable traffic speed and flow information as well as detailed accident information to assist in routing around congested areas.  In addition to traffic updates, customers can view local and national weather radar maps, receive on-screen weather alerts, storm information as well as check detailed current and 5-day forecasts.
  
"Volvo Cars of North America is committed to offering our customers innovative in-vehicle technology that guides drivers and passengers safely to their destination," said Art Battaglia, Manager, Lifecycle, Business and Brand Strategy, Volvo Cars of North America. "We are thrilled to give our customers access to SiriusXM Traffic and weather information, combined with SiriusXM's wide variety of entertainment, so they can enjoy even more of what our Sensus Connect has to offer."

"In keeping with Volvo's commitment to safety, the suite of traffic and weather information delivered via satellite from SiriusXM allows Volvo customers to get the most out of the Volvo Sensus Connect," said Rodney Pickett, Senior Vice President, Automotive Partnerships, SiriusXM.

"SiriusXM is thrilled Volvo has chosen to enhance its Sensus Connect system with SiriusXM's wide-variety of Infotainment services, making every trip even more enjoyable."

Volvo Cars of North America will continue to give customers purchasing new Volvo vehicles equipped with satellite radio a six-month subscription to SiriusXM's "All Access" package with access to SiriusXM's premium programming lineup.

R.I.P.: Longtime Texas Broadcaster Bill McReynolds

Bill McReynolds
Bill McReynolds, a Texas radio legend who work as the Farm and Ranch Director at Newsradio WOAI 1200 AM for fifty years, greeting people across the southern half of the state and beyond with his trademark greeting, "Howdy, friends!" has died of natural causes at the age of 93.

McReynolds was a broadcasting fixture in the state.  He did the Farm and Ranch program at 5AM daily and also an hour long agricultural program in the middle of the day right up until his retirement in 1997 at the age of 76.

According to WOAI, he was also very active in community and agricultural affairs, and in groups like the Future Farmers of America.

McReynolds was born on a farm in Seymour Texas, which is near Abilene, and used to joke that he remembered the hottest temperature ever recorded in Texas, a 121 degree reading that was recorded in Seymour in 1936.

He attended the University of Florida and was a veteran of World War Two and worked in news and sports, but found his true love in farm and ranch reporting.

R.I.P.: CBS Radio/TV Newsman Richard C. Hottelet

Richard C. Hottelet
Richard C. Hottelet, the last living member of the famed "Murrow's Boys," whose World War II radio reports for CBS under the direction of Edward R. Murrow set the standard for broadcast journalism, has died.

The former CBS News correspondent was 97 and passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home early Wednesday in Wilton, Conn.

"Richard C. Hottelet was the ultimate CBS News reporter," said Jeff Fager, CBS News chairman and executive producer of 60 MINUTES. "He was one of the true gentleman reporters, a real 'Murrow boy,' an elegant combination of reporter and storyteller."

Hottelet had a distinguished 40-year career on CBS News radio and television contributing countless foreign reports, most as the United Nations correspondent for 25 years.

His status as one of "Murrow's boys" - a clique of World War II broadcast journalists all hired and favored by the legendary CBS newsman - put him in a revered group whose battlefield radio reports formed the template for electronic news reporting.


Hottelet was the last to join the team when he presented himself to Murrow in London and was hired in January 1944 to help report the imminent Allied invasion of Europe.

R.I.P.: Bellingham WA Radio Broadcaster Walter Fay

Haines Fay
Longtime KGMI 790 AM radio announcer and former Bellingham City Council member Walter “Haines” Fay died Wednesday morning.

He was 87-years-of-age, according to The Bellingham Herald.

Fay retired from KGMI in March 1992 after being a radio announcer for 48 years. Fay, who went by Haines rather than Walter, was immensely well-known in the community as a distinctive voice in local radio news, for his play-by-play coverage of high school football and basketball, and as the host of a daily call-in talk show, “Impact,” which first aired in 1970.

A hometown figure, Fay began his broadcast career while a Bellingham High School student by announcing football and basketball games for Rogan Jones, then the owner of KVOS radio.

While home for Thanksgiving in 1946, Jones offered Fay a full-time job at KGMI. Fay worked there for the next four decades as a disc jockey, program director, news reporter, news director, and a radio and TV sports reporter.

KGMI and KSIM radio stations, owned by the Rogan Jones family, were sold to a Michigan corporation in 1998, putting an end to local ownership of one of the oldest family-owned radio stations in Washington.

December 18 In Radio History






In 1890...Edwin Howard Armstrong was born in New York City. He was an early radio pioneer and also the inventor of FM, Frequency Modulation. A motorcycle visit to the Armstrong Tower in Alpine, NJ, the world's first FM radio tower.

Rather than varying ("modulating") the amplitude of a radio wave to encode an audio signal, the new method varied the frequency FM enabled the transmission and reception of a wider range of audio frequencies, as well as audio free of "static", a common problem in AM radio. (Armstrong received a patent on wide-band FM on December 26, 1933.

Edwin H. Armstrong
In 1934 Armstrong began working for RCA at the request of the president of RCA, David Sarnoff. Sarnoff and Armstrong first met at a boxing match involving Jack Dempsey in 1920. At the time Sarnoff was a young executive with an interest in new technologies, including radio broadcasting. In the early 1920s Armstrong drove off with Sarnoff's secretary, Marion MacInnes, in a French sports car. Armstrong and MacInnes were married in 1923. While Sarnoff was understandably impressed with Armstrong's FM system, he also understood that it was not compatible with his own AM empire. Sarnoff came to regard FM as a threat and refused to support it any further.

From May 1934 until October 1935, Armstrong conducted the first large scale field tests of his FM radio technology from a laboratory constructed by RCA on the 85th floor of the Empire State Building. An antenna attached to the spire of the building fired radio waves at receivers about 80 miles away.  However RCA had its eye on television broadcasting, and chose not to buy the patents for the FM technology.  A June 17, 1936, presentation at FCC headquarters made headlines nationwide. He played a jazz record over conventional AM radio, then switched to an FM broadcast. "[I]f the audience of 50 engineers had shut their eyes they would have believed the jazz band was in the same room. There were no extraneous sounds," noted one reporter. He added that several engineers described the invention "as one of the most important radio developments since the first earphone crystal sets were introduced."

In 1937, Armstrong financed construction of the first FM radio station, W2XMN, a 40 kilowatt broadcaster in Alpine, New Jersey. The signal (at 42.8 MHz) could be heard clearly 100 miles away, despite the use of less power than an AM radio station.


In 1956...Phil Rizzuto contracted to be a New York Yankee radio-TV announcer. He held the position for 40-years.


In 1958...U.S. launches SCORE (Signal Communication by Orbiting Relay Equipment) to transmit radio message from President Eisenhower, effectively becoming the first communications satellite



In 1967...Radio Personality Scott Muni started at WNEW 102.7 FM.

Born Donald Allen Muñoz in Wichita, Kansas, Muni grew up in New Orleans. He joined the United States Marine Corps and began broadcasting there in 1950, reading "Dear John" letters over Radio Guam. After leaving the Corps and having considered acting as a career, he began working as a disc jockey; in 1953 he began working at WSMB in New Orleans. His mentor was Marshall Pearce. In 1955 he began broadcasting at station WAKR in Akron, Ohio, and after that worked in Kankakee, Illinois.

Muni then spent almost 50 years at stations in New York City. He became a Top 40 broadcaster at WMCA in the late 1950s, just before the start of their "Good Guys" era, and did a number of record hops in the New York area. In 1960, he moved to rival Top 40 station WABC. There he did an early evening show called "Scotland's Yard" and was the first WABC DJ to capture the attention of the teenage audience the station would become famous for. He also participated in the competition to cover The Beatles on their first visits to the United States, and thus began a long association with them.

In 1965, Muni left WABC and ran the Rolling Stone Night Club while doing occasional fill-in work for WMCA. Muni had explored some opportunities beyond radio: he had recently co-hosted a local weekly television show on WABC-TV with Bruce "Cousin Brucie" Morrow.

In 1966, Muni joined WOR-FM, one of the earliest pioneers of freeform-based progressive rock radio. The notion did not last at that station, but in 1967 Muni moved to legendary rock station WNEW-FM, where the format really took hold. Muni stayed there for three decades as the afternoon DJ and sometimes program director. Muni was described by fellow WNEW-FM DJ Dennis Elsas as "the heart and soul of the place". Under assorted management changes during the 1990s WNEW-FM lost its way, and in 1998 Muni ended up as a one-hour noontime classic rock personality at WAXQ "Q104.3", where he worked until suffering a stroke in early 2004.


In 1971...the CBS Radio network cancelled Saturday morning band concerts.


In 1993...WNCN changes to rock WAXQ in NYC



In 2010...NYC Radio/TV Personality Clay Cole died from a heart attack at age 72


In 2012…Two global audience-measurement giants announced plans to join forces as Nielsen, the dominant source of TV ratings, agreed to buy Arbitron for about $1.26 billion to expand into radio measurement.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

S-F Radio; iHM Expands Don Parker's Duties To Scramento

Don Parker
iHeartMedia has expanded the duties of Don Parker, currently VP/Programming San Francisco.

Effective immediately, Parker duties will include overseeing the iHM's five stations in the Sacramento market.

Parker has more than 25 years of radio experience and has been with iHM since 2009 has been Operations Manager for the San Francisco cluster.

Prior to that, he served as Consultant and Program Director for KNGY 92.7 FM /Energy 92.7 in S-F. He's also been  VP of Programming for NextMedia and has programming experience in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Las Vegas and Fresno.

"Our Sacramento stations have evolved greatly," Parker said. "With market veteran John Geary at the helm, our leadership team and talent, the Sacramento market is shaping up to be among the best in the business. I look forward to expanding my role and would also like to thank iHeartMedia for the amazing opportunity."

Brad Hardin, EVP of Programming for iHeartMedia commented, "Don's programming leadership in San Francisco has resulted in significant increased listenership and engagement for our brands and defined iHeartMedia as the dominant cluster in the Bay Area."

D/FW Radio: Veteran Skip Mahaffey To Morning Drive At KPLX

Skip Mahaffey
Cumulus announces that award-winning Country radio personality Skip Mahaffey will join KPLX 95.5 Dallas-Fort Worth as Morning Show Co-Host of “Wake Up With the Wolf Show”.

Mahaffey replaces Ken Buckner, who recently left the station. Current KPLX Mornings Co-Host Lisa Taylor will team up for mornings with Mahaffey on 99.5 The Wolf beginning Monday, December 29, 2014.

Mahaffey comes to KPLX from WWJB/WXJB in Hernando County, FL, where he was Midday Talk Show Host. He also has a successful voiceover career and media consultancy, and was also air personality for Number1Country.com. Prior to that, Mahaffey was an air personality and producer for WWKA in Orlando. He was also Morning Show Host for WFUS and WQYK in Tampa, WCOL in Columbus, OH, KSON in San Diego, and KVOO in Tulsa, and hosted Dial-Global’s nationally-syndicated Country music show, True Country, with more than 60 affiliates. Mahaffey has been honored for his work with three CMA Air Personality of the Year awards.

Mahaffey said: "Co-hosting the Wake Up With the Wolf Show in Dallas is hands-down the biggest and most exciting job in Country Radio. I cannot begin to express my excitement and gratitude for this opportunity. I am so honored, humbled and proud to be working alongside Mark Phillips, Lisa Taylor and Smokey Rivers! Thank you to Mike McVay for keeping the faith, to John Dickey and Dan Bennett for taking the chance, and to J.R. Schumann for the opportunity. This is going to be fun."

J.R. Schumann, Operations Manager for Cumulus Dallas/Fort Worth said: "I'm so excited about the future of the Wake Up With The Wolf Show! Skip brings a long history of success in Country morning radio, a tremendous knowledge of our format, and let's not forget the three-time CMA Personality of the Year stripes!"

Dan Bennett, Regional Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus said: "Skip is a tremendous talent with a great track record of success in ratings and industry awards and truly understands the air talent’s role on a great music station.”

KPLX 99.5 FM (100Kw) 60dBu Coverage
Mahaffey is an active community servant, raising significant funds and awareness for a plethora of charities and through “Skip’s Kids”, a group that provides VIP trips for underprivileged children to places including Sea World, Disney World, Adventure Island, Busch Gardens and more. In addition, Mehaffey is an Honorary Sergeant, Recruiting Battalion, in the U.S. Army and is a graduate of the FBI Citizen’s Academy and winner of the FBI’s prestigious Director’s Community Leadership Award.

CBS Sports Radio To Host Inaugural Classic

CBS Sports Radio today announced that they will broadcast the new college basketball showcase, the “CBS Sports Classic,” featuring four of the nation’s most prestigious college basketball teams.

Affiliated stations will air the doubleheader, taking place at the United Center in Chicago, Ill., on Saturday, Dec. 20 beginning at 1:00 PM, ET with North Carolina versus Ohio State followed by UCLA against Kentucky. This will be the first of three events in the series, as announced earlier this year by CBS Sports.

Gary Cohen, current play-by-play announcer for Mets baseball, Seton Hall men’s basketball and Westwood One’s NCAA men’s basketball coverage, will provide play-by-play for the games.  He will be joined by analyst Alaa Abdelnaby, current college basketball studio and game analyst for CBS Sports Network.  Lance Meadow will contribute to pre-game programming beginning at 12:45 PM, ET, as well as halftime and post-game updates.

“This showcase is noteworthy for CBS Sports Radio as it marks the first time we will broadcast live game coverage across our stations,” said Eric Spitz, Director of Programming, CBS Sports Radio. “CBS Sports has assembled a group of legendary college basketball teams, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that our play-by-play debut is happening with this distinguished event.”

In addition to experiencing the games on CBS Sports Radio stations and the CBS Television Network, live video and audio will be available on www.cbssports.com and www.cbssportsradio.com, respectively. Apps for both entities will feature live coverage, as will XM 204/Sirius 136. The games will be produced by Westwood One for CBS Sports Radio. (check local listings for radio broadcast outlets).