Saturday, February 4, 2017

February 5 Radio History


In 1916...Radio pioneer Ernst Alexanderson successfully tested the multiple tuned antenna. In his 45 years with General Electric he was responsible for 322 patents.




In 1924...The BBC time signal was first transmitted at 9.30pm, introduced by Sir Frank Dyson, the Astronomer Royal. Ever since that date, equipment at the Greenwich Observatory generates six short “pips” starting at five seconds to the hour and ending exactly on the hour.


In 1931...Eddie Cantor made his radio debut singing on Rudy Vallée's musical variety show, "The Fleischmann Hour" on NBC.

In 1940..."Amanda of Honeymoon Hill" first aired on radio.

In 1940...WTIC-FM was one of the two pre-World War II FM stations in Connecticut, signing on the air originally as W1XSO and using a frequency of 43.5 MHz. In December 1941, it became a commercial operation using the call letters W53H. In 1943, the call letters were changed for the last time to WTIC-FM. On April 17, 1948, the station moved to 96.5 MHz where it has remained, and switched to a classical music format. It switched from classical to CHR/Top 40 on May 12, 1977; the first song played as a Top 40 station was "Feels Like The First Time" by Foreigner.


The station's classical music library was donated to the University of Hartford radio station WWUH a few months later.

WTIC 96.5 FM (20 Kw) Red=60dBu Coverage Area
The station switched to its current Hot AC format on June 15, 1994. This was done in order to remove controversial rap music from its playlist.

After the switch, the station's sound has become decidedly softer in subsequent years compared to its past, though this has changed in recent years, as the Hot AC format as a whole has embraced more upbeat music. Since 1977, the station has referred to itself on the air variously as "Hot Hits 96 Tics","96TIC-FM", and "The New 965 TIC-FM".

The original WTIC-FM Top 40 format in the late 1970s consisted of only current hit songs (no oldies) in a high-energy, jingle-heavy presentation designed by consultant Mike Joseph, and it was an instant success. Joseph would later term this formatic approach "Hot Hits" and put it into use at other stations around the United States, most notably WBBM-FM in Chicago.


In 1941...WNYC FM signs on as W39NY and was located at 43.9mc in the early FM band. On September 21, 1943, it became WNYC and in 1946 it moved over to 98.1 on the current FM band. By 1948, it settled on its current position of 93.9 FM.

It has always featured classical and other cultural programming.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 destroyed WNYC-FM's transmitter atop the World Trade Center. The station's studios, in the nearby Municipal Building, had to be evacuated and station staff was unable to return to its offices for three weeks. The FM signal was knocked off the air for a time. WNYC temporarily moved its offices to the studios at National Public Radio's New York bureau in midtown Manhattan, where it broadcast on its still operating AM signal transmitting from towers in Kearny, New Jersey and by a live Internet stream.


In 1955...New York radio station WNEW announced the winners of its annual music popularity poll: Perry Como (Male Singer), Patti Page (Female Singer), the Crew-Cuts (Vocal Group), and Ray Anthony (Orchestra).

Ringo Starr 10/1961 w/"Rory Storm & the Hurricanes"
In 1962...Ringo Starr appeared with the Beatles for the first time when he filled in for ailing Pete Best. They played two shows that day, a lunchtime date at the Cavern Club and an evening show at the Kingsway Club in Southport.


In 1963...At the Columbia Recording Studio in Nashville, exactly one month before her death in a plane crash, Patsy Cline recorded three songs, including the Don Gibson composition "Sweet Dreams (Of You)." The song was later used to title the 1985 Patsy Cline biopic starring Jessica Lange and Ed Harris.


In 1968...American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN)  Detachment 5 stations at Hue South Vietnam was overrun after a fierce fire fight. Three AFVN’ers were killed, others taken as prisoners, to spend the rest of the Vietnam war as captives.


In 1977..."General Mills Adventure Theater" first aired on the CBS Radio Network.


In 1979...the "Sears Radio Theater" first aired on the CBS Radio Network.


In 1989...the Z-Rock Radio Network broadcasted Metallica's concert at Reunion Arena in Dallas, TX.


In 2015…After operating for nearly a century, the consumer electronics chain RadioShack filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, saying it planned to sell 1,500 to 2,400 stores to its largest shareholder and close the remainder of its 4,000 stores.

Sac Radio: Entercom Moving The End To 106.5 FM


Entercom, which announced Thursday its intention to merge with CBS Radio, said Friday that its KDND 107.9 FM The End Sacramento station format will move to what is now KUDL Star 106.5 FM on Monday morning, according to The Bee.

On Monday morning, the transfer will create The End 106.5 and replace the current Star 106.5 format, Entercom said.

The company said in a statement: “After careful consideration, Entercom determined it is in the company’s best interests to voluntarily turn in the KDND license to facilitate the timely FCC approvals for the planned combination with CBS Radio announced on Thursday.”

107.9 The End was embroiled in controversy after Jennifer Lea Strange, 28, died from water intoxication during a 2007 contest called “Hold Your Wee for a Wii.” Strange’s family won a $16.6 million award during a jury trial and media watchdogs petitioned the FCC deny the station a license renewal.

The FCC last year acknowledged that there were “serious questions as to whether Entercom operated Station KDND in the public interest” during its previous license term. The FCC referred the license renewal to an administrative law judge for review.

Lawyers for the radio broadcaster said Friday that Entercom on Feb. 8 will permanently discontinue KDND 107.9 and submit its license to the FCC for cancellation, according to a letter obtained by media watchdog Sue Wilson, a petitioner who asked the FCC to block the station’s license.

Wilson issued the following in a statement:  "This is a huge victory for the Public Interest, and I am grateful that due to the loss of this key station, FCC compliance issues will be on the minds of this and every broadcaster moving forward. But to conclude that Entercom is the good guy here ignores the fact that rather than surrendering their license upon the FCC Hearing Designation Order, they have instead litigated this issue with a huge team of expensive attorneys. Only now that the FCC must approve the company's pending merger with CBS Radio is this mega corporation doing the "right thing."

Entercom had no comment Friday on whether the FCC battle they played a role in giving KDND’s license back to the FCC. Wilson called the termination of the station “a huge victory for the public interest” in a statement.

KUDL 106.5 FM (50 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area
The combined Entercom/CBS company, which will keep the Entercom name pending regulatory approvals of the proposed merger, will own more than 240 radio stations in 23 of the nation’s top 25 markets.

Entercom has said that it expects to sell about 15 radio stations in order to meet federal government ownership limits in some markets, including Sacramento.

In Sacramento, Entercom currently operates KDND-FM (107.9 The End), KRXQ-FM (98 Rock), KSEG-FM (Eagle 96.9), KKDO-FM (Radio 94.7), KUDL-FM (Star 106.5) and KIFM-AM (ESPN 1320),

FCC Drops "Sponsored Data" Probe

(Reuters) -- The FCC said on Friday it was closing inquiries into sponsored data programs and TV services offered by AT&T Inc, Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N), Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O), T-Mobile USA Inc (TMUS.O) without taking any action.

Under the Obama administration, the Federal Communications Commission had sent letters raising concerns about whether some data practices by AT&T and Verizon violated net neutrality rules. The FCC had also sent letters to Comcast about its "Stream TV" service and to T-Mobile about its "Binge On" service in 2015.

Millions of mobile phone users benefit from free data video services but critics warn that the practice may prod users into avoiding competitors' services. Net neutrality rules imposed by the FCC in 2015 require broadband providers to treat all data equally and bar service providers from slowing consumer access to web content.

Tom Wheeler, who was FCC chairman until Jan. 20, told Reuters last month that its investigation found some free data practices were abusive and anticompetitive.

But in an about-face on Friday, the regulator now under Republican control said it was closing its investigation.

"These free-data plans have proven to be popular among consumers, particularly low-income Americans, and have enhanced competition in the wireless marketplace," new FCC chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement.

Sponsored or zero-rated free data programs allow mobile phone users free data if they use certain video services. AT&T phone subscribers can watch DirecTV, which is owned by the company, on their phones without incurring data charges. Verizon also offers mobile phone subscribers some sponsored "go90" video content that does not count against data caps.

In a Jan. 11 report, the FCC's wireless bureau said Binge On did not violate net neutrality rules, but it found concerns with AT&T and Verizon's data programs.

Pai voted against the net neutrality rules and said last month he thought the regulation's "days are numbered."

"It is clear that net neutrality is public enemy number one for Chairman Pai," Democratic U.S. Senator Edward Markey said on Friday. "He is starting his campaign by protecting harmful zero-rating plans."

Verizon spokesman Rich Young said the company has always believed its free data programs benefit customers.

Joan Marsh, an AT&T's senior vice president said the decision was a "win for the millions of consumers who are reaping the benefits of services made available through free data programs."

Comcast declined to comment, but has said its "Stream TV" is an IP-based cable service that is not covered by net neutrality rules.

Tucson Radio: Mike Saffer Named Market President For iHM

Mike Saffer
iHeartMedia Tucson has announced that Mike Saffer has been named Market President. 

The iHM Tucson cluster includes: Top40 KKRQ 93.7 FM, AC KMIY My 92.9 FM, Urban/Hip Hop KOHT Hot 98.3 FM , Country KYWD 97.1 FM The Bull, Tejano KXEW 1600 AM, and news talk brands KNST 790 AM and KTZR 1450 AM.

As Market President, Saffer will work with the programming and sales teams for iHeartMedia Tucson’s seven radio station brands to oversee on-air and digital programming as well as create new revenue opportunities for local clients and partners. Saffer will also manage the market’s live concerts, community events and promotion initiatives.

“I am elated to make the transition into the iHeartMedia family here in Tucson,” said Saffer. “Being raised in Tucson, the talent at these stations has always played a major role in my life. I am excited to work with those same stations to build upon their legacy and strengthen our relationship with both advertisers and the community.”

Saffer previously served as the VP/Sales for Clear Channel Outdoor Tucson. He is a Tucson native and has spent over 15 years in outdoor sales and sales leadership roles.

“I am excited to have Mike bring his 15 years of sales and leadership experience in out of home media to the team. Mike has strong relationships in the community and I know that he will take iHeartMedia’s Tucson market to the next level,” said Linda Little, President of iHeartMedia’s Arizona Region. “We have a big year ahead for Tucson with this new addition to an already great leadership team!”

NC Radio: Beasley Spins Six Station Cluster To Curtis


Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. has announced that Beasley Media Group, Inc. has
entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell Beach-formattedWNCT 1070 AM, Classic Hits WNCT 107.9 FM, Rock WSFL 106.5 FM, HipHop WIKS 101.9 FM, HotAC WMG 103.3 FM and NewRock WXNR 99.5 FM, which serve the Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, North Carolina market, for $11 million in cash to CMG Coastal Carolina, LLC, a subsidiary of Curtis Media Group.

Beasley Broadcast Group intends to use proceeds from the divestiture to reduce debt.

CMG Coastal Carolina, which is affiliated with Curtis Media Group, intends to spin-off WNCT-FM to Inner Banks Media, LLC.

Caroline Beasley, Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Broadcast Group, commented, “Since the Company’s founding in 1961, Beasley has established a long-term record of successfully optimizing its station portfolio through both strategic acquisitions and divestitures to drive returns for our
shareholders. Last November we completed the accretive acquisition of Greater Media, adding 17
stations (net of divestitures) and four attractive new markets to our operating footprint. We are
making continued progress with the integration of the new stations as we apply our proven strategies
that focus on strong core programming and targeted localism to support ratings and market
leadership. We are confident that the stations being divested will continue to offer listeners in
Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville great local programming.”

The sale of the six Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville stations, expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2017, is subject to FCC approval and other customary closing conditions.

Analyst: ESPN Paying 'Steep Price' For MNF

ESPN is paying more for Monday Night Football than broadcasters pay for other NFL rights, but the declining viewership may not make it a good deal, MoffettNathanson analyst Michael Nathanson says.

According to fiercecable.com, ESPN pays the most annually for its NFL rights, shelling out $1.9 billion every year. Meanwhile, Fox and CBS both pay about $1 billion per year for Sunday games and NBC pays $960 million per year for Sunday night games. In addition, CBS and NBC each kick in $465 million per year to split right for Thursday Night Football, according to a new MoffettNathanson report.

Michael Nathanson
In terms of gross ratings points (GRPs), ESPN is paying $43 per thousand GRPs while, for the same reach, NBC pays $11, CBS pays $9 and Fox pays $8. According to the report, ESPN pays more than four times as much per viewer than the broadcasters for Monday Night Football.

“It is worth noting calling out that ESPN’s deal includes access to more than just MNF (including the NFL Draft, the Combine, the Pro Bowl in addition to extensive highlights rights). Still, it seems ESPN is paying a steep price for a program this is down -15% over two years,” Nathanson wrote.

Nathanson cites a report from Leap Media that says fewer people feel strong loyalty to the NFL and more people are willing to sacrifice watching Monday Night Football.

Monday Night Football’s troubles are part of a bigger ratings issue for the NFL this season. Though ratings bounced back some in the back half of the season—leading NFL viewership to be down 7% on a two year basis according to Nathanson—the first half of the season was affected year-over-year by a contentious presidential campaign and the sudden dry-up of fantasy football service advertising.

LPFM's Getting Hacked

A series of hackings have occurred at a number of low powered radio stations across the country over the last couple of weeks, playing the YG and Nipsey Hussle song “F*** Donald Trump.”

According to radiomagazineonline.com, stations in Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Indiana and South Carolina have all been hacked since President Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20. The common theme for all these stations appears to be the use of Barix Exstreamer line products.

The Exstreamer device from Barix is described as a simple internet-connected antenna that isn’t secured by default. This is in fact the second hacking incident that has occurred to stations using the Barix equipment in the last year, with a previous incident occurring in April 2016.

Following the incident, Barix issued a press release in which it pushed its users to take the appropriate security measures:
“Barix would like to emphasize that its devices are secure for broadcast use when set up correctly and protected with a strong password… We recommend that our customers: 1. Immediately change the password of their devices to use the full 24 characters. 2. Review their network security; no device should be openly connected to the Internet. All devices should be secured behind firewalls, or connected using a VPN.”
Barix says that its response to last April’s hacks still applied.

However, it appears that the stations that were hacked these last few weeks did not follow Barix’s instructions. According to a report by Heat Street, Crescent Hill Radio WCHQ 100.9 FM in
Louisville, KY had no set password for the device. Crescent Hill’s founder and president Kathy Weisbach said other hacked stations that contacted her did not have a set password either.

In addition to Crescent Hill Radio, stations that have confirmed hacking in recent weeks include 107.9 WFBS(FM) in South Carolina.; 100.5 KCGF(LP) in Texas; W244CW El Jefe 96.7 in Tennessee; and Mother of the Redeemer Radio WIAH(LP) in Indiana.

February 4 Radio History


In 1935...the CBS Radio Network first aired "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch".


In 1927...KGA-AM, Spokane, Washington began broadcasting.  KGA was a successful country music outlet for most of its life until 1994, when it switched to a news/talk format.

On July 15, 2008, KGA reduced its nighttime power to 15,000 watts, changed its class from Class A to Class B (Class A stations are required to operate at 50,000 watts at all times) and changed its directional antenna system, all so that its sister station KSFN 1510 AM in Piedmont, California, which serves San Francisco could increase its nighttime power to 2,400 watts, up from 230 watts.

KGA 1510 AM (50Kw-D, 15Kw-N) Red=Local Coverage
The justification for this change was gaining several hundred thousand potential listeners in San Francisco while sacrificing a few thousand potential listeners in the Pacific Northwest. The hope for a larger audience did not materialize.

Today, the station airs CBS Sports Radio Network.


In 1940...one of the many Frank and Anne Hummert radio soap operas, ‘Amanda of Honeymoon Hill‘ began it six-year run, the first half on NBC Blue, and then on CBS.


In 1976...Fleetwood Mac released the single "Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win)" in North America.


In 1977…Fleetwood Mac released "Rumours."


In 1978..."Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees peaked at number one on the pop singles chart.


In 1983…Radio announcer (WHN- New York, WQXR-New York, The Chase And Sanborn Hour) Jim Ameche, radio's original Jack Armstrong on "Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy," died of lung cancer at age 67.

He portrayed Alexander Graham Bell in the 1957 film The Story of Mankind, the role his older brother Don had played in the film biography of Bell in 1939. The two brothers' faces and voices were a close match.


In 1992...veteran actor John Dehner died from emphysema & diabetes at age 76.

On radio he had played a succession of bad guys on Gunsmoke, Escape & other dramas, and was the star of two 1950’s westerns, Frontier Gentleman and Have Gun Will Travel.  On television he had recurring roles on The Doris Day Show, Gunsmoke, The Don Knotts Show, The Virginian, The Colbys, Baileys of Balboa, Rawhide, Tales of Wells Fargo, The Winds of War.


In 1996...WYNY 103.5 FM, NYC drops Country.

In September 22, 1988 at 5:30pm, a frequency swap took place between WYNY 97.1 and 103.5. 103.5 became country as WYNY "Country 103.5" and 97.1 became WQHT "Hot 97."

DJ's during this time included Joe Marino, Jim Kerr, Dan Taylor, Kim Ashley, Bill Walker, Del DeMontreux, Jesse Walker, Frank Sata, Bill Rock, and Ray Rossi.

Charlie Cook became the PD in 1992, replaced by Johnny Michaels, Fred Horton, Rusty Walker, and finally Chris Kampmeier (now Operations Manager for iHeartMedia/Orlando).

Country lasted on 103.5 until February 4, 1996 at 6:15pm when it was dropped in favor of resurrecting the old calls of WKTU (which had been on 92.3 in the 1970's and early 1980's - but by this time, the WKTU calls were being used at a station in Ocean City NJ and when WKTU was acquired for 103.5 on February 28, 1996, the Ocean City station switched to WTKU.)

The last song played on WYNY was Garth Brooks', "The Dance."

WKTU now features a Rhythmic/Dance CHR format.


In 2004...11 years ago, Facebook was launched as a social networking Web site limited to Harvard University students.

In 2009...Eddie Schwartz died at age 62. Schwartz worked late night and overnight at WGN 720 AM, Chicago from 1982 to 1992.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Tampa Radio: CMG Names Rick Thomas OM For Cluster

Rick Thomas
Cox Media Group (CMG) Tampa has named Rick Thomas as Operations Manager for WWRM 94.9 FM Magic 94.9, WSUN 97X FM, WPOIFM HOT 101.5 FM, WHPT 1025 FM The Bone, WDUV 107.3 FM, The Dove, 107.3 The WXGL 107.3 FM The Eagle, and all digital content.

Thomas will also serve as HOT 101.5 WPOI-FM's Director of Branding and Programming.

“CMG is very fortunate to have Rick join our Tampa team,” said Keith Lawless, CMG Tampa’s Vice President and Market Manager. “Rick is a successful and innovative leader in our business with an exceptional track record. I’m proud to partner with Rick and I have no doubt that his contributions will help Tampa compete and win, even more.”

Previously, Thomas served as Program Director of CBS New York City’s 923 Amp Radio. Other programming highlights include successful time at KEarth 101 and 947 The Wave in Los Angeles, as well as Magic 925 and Z90 in San Diego. Rick and family will relocate to Tampa in early March.

"The quality of the people, and the company that one chooses to go to war for are just as important as the yearning for a great competitive challenge.” said Thomas, “As soon as I met Keith Lawless, I realized we would do big things together. I'm so pumped and excited to partner with Keith, CMG CHR format boss JJ Rice, and reuniting with CMG Sr. VP of Programming Steve Smith, whom I have known for three decades, in implementing a high level cluster growth strategy as well developing and curating these key brands for CMG Tampa."

WPOI 101.5 FM (100 Kw)
Smith added, “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Rick in one way or another for most of my career. He is a great strategist and a warrior! I am so proud that Rick is joining the strongest programming team and media company in the business"

Google Now The World's Top Brand

Apple, the most valuable brand in the world for the past five years, has yielded the top spot to Google, reports USAToday.

The iPhone maker's brand value has plummeted 27% to $107 billion since the start of last year, according to Brand Finance’s Global 500 2017 report. Google’s brand, however, is now worth $109 billion, making it the most lucrative in the world. It is the first time the search giant has topped the list since 2011.

After Google and Apple are Amazon, AT&T and Microsoft.

Google’s place as the dominant search engine safeguards its stream of advertising revenue, which increased 20% last year. The uptick occurred even though marketers are paying less for page views generated by those searching online.


Apple, meanwhile, is losing its grip on some tech-crazed consumers. The Apple Watch has not been the moneymaker the company had hoped it would become. A company that was once renowned for its innovation is not signaling that it has another unique product coming anytime soon. And Apple’s list of competitors in the smartphone space is continuing to grow, the report says.

This week, however, Apple showed that its signature iPhone still has the potential to be a profit machine, buoying investors.

Report: Radio Industry To Become Stronger

BIA/Kelsey makes that conclusion after shifting through the numbers.

Assuming the deal gets regulatory approval, BIA/Kelsey believes the result will be a stronger radio industry. The combined Entercom-CBS Radio group would be closer to the size of the industry leader – iHeart Media – which only can foster the radio industry’s ability to compete against its many new competitors.

Here’s how the revenue landscape will be changed by this merger. Below are the shares of the major radio groups, pre-and post-acquisition, according to BIA/Kelsey’s estimated revenues. Where CBS Radio was more than 50% lower than iHeart, and Entercom was over 66%, in terms of over the air advertising revenue, now the combined company is only approximately one-third lower.



While the total share has increased, it is important to realize that in the local markets, the markets in which these stations compete, the competitive outlook has not changed much. Of course, the combined company will have to divest itself of some stations in markets where they exceed the present local ownership caps – Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, Boston, MA, Seattle-Tacoma, WA, San Diego, CA and Sacramento, CA. But, in most markets there is little, if no overlap.

The competitive outlook in those markets will remain the same except that the name of the parent company will be different and that parent company will be stronger to invest and compete.

Founded In Philly, 'CBS Radio' Returns As Entercom

Ninety years after broadcaster William Paley took over Philadelphia’s WCAU radio station and used it to start the giant Columbia Broadcasting System networks, CBS is folding its radio group into Entercom Communications Corp., the Bala Cynwyd chain founded in 1968 by chairman Joseph M. Field and run by his Wharton-educated son, David J. Field.

According to philly.com, the combined companies, which will be known as Entercom, will be the second-largest U.S. radio station group, with 244 stations in large and midsized metro markets, grossing $1.7 billion in ads and other revenue a year. That trails only iHeartMedia, with 862 mostly smaller-market stations bringing in $2.6 billion last year, according to the industry analyst BIA/Kelsey.

Entercom shares rose on the news and briefly traded above $16.50, a 10-year high. Entercom went public in 1998 at $22.50 a share. Shares topped $60 in the telecom boom that ended in 2001, then slipped below $1 in the 2008 recession, and have remained mostly in the $5 to $15 range since then, as audio investors moved on to such digital platforms as Pandora and Spotify.


Though the partners own almost equal numbers of stations, CBS, with multiple outlets in New York, Chicago, and other large markets, has nearly triple Entercom’s sales, and its investors, including mutual funds, will hold 72 percent of the combination under a tax-free arrangement.

But from a managing perspective, Entercom is the acquirer. The joint company will be run by David Field, the headquarters will be at Entercom’s Bala Cynwyd offices, and Entercom investors will fill five of the nine board seats in the combined company, if the deal closes as planned later this year.

Radio chains such as Entercom and CBS have lost value as more Americans get their music from digital and internet platforms. But Field said his company still sees opportunity: “Radio reaches more Americans than any other medium, and offers advertisers outstanding" returns and local customer reach.

Field said the merger would allow for cost savings. Both companies own stations in Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, among other markets.

CBS’s Philadelphia stations include KYW (news), WIP (sports), WPHT (talk), WXTU (country), WOGL (“classic hits”), and WTDY (Top 40). Entercom owns stations in Boston, Denver, Miami, San Francisco, and more than 20 other metro markets. It also owns five stations in the Wilkes-Barre market but has not operated in Philadelphia.

From Entercom website

In a business often run by loud impresarios, the Fields “have been flying under the radar for a while,” said Philadelphia radio veteran Steve Martorano, who runs Recovery Radio, a sponsored show on WPHT.

CBS boss Les Moonves had hoped to spin off the stations as an independent company, but recent deals such as last summer’s purchase of Massachusetts-based Greater Media Inc. by Florida’s Beasley Broadcast Group for just $240 million — a price Martorano said might have bought a single ad-rich station such as Philadelphia rocker WMMR in its 1990s heyday — discouraged plans to sell to the public in an initial public stock offering (IPO).

He noted that CBS founder Paley is supposed to have bought WCAU after noting the rising advertising bills his father’s cigar company was paying the station to reach smokers, and built up his radio — and later television — network from that beginning.

CBS, one half of Sumner Redstone’s family media empire, has been looking to get out of the terrestrial radio business for at least the past year, with listeners fleeing and advertising revenue in a tailspin amid tough online competition from Pandora and Spotify. The CBS TV network under Leslie Moonves is much more profitable, still the most-watched in the U.S. After striking out with potential buyers, the company pursued an IPO, similar to what it did with its outdoor segment. That effort also came up short.

According to Bloomberg, the deal with Entercom gives CBS a way out using a Reverse Morris Trust, a tax-free transaction in which one company merges with a spun-off subsidiary, according to a statement Thursday. CBS shareholders will receive 105 million Entercom shares, valued at more than $1.6 billion currently, and own 72 percent of the combined company, while Entercom holders will get 28 percent. Entercom will be the surviving public company.

Shares of CBS were little changed at 11:00 a.m. in New York Thursday after rising as much as 1.2 percent to $65.35. Entercom soared as much 17 percent to $16.55.

The New Entercom Must Divest In Some Markets

Sweeping changes are likely to come to the FCC under new leadership and President Trump in office, but will most likely not have any impact on the merger between Entercom and CBS Radio, accoridng to The Boston  Herald.

“You can’t just suddenly change the rules, you have to go through a whole notice and comment procedure, then rule-making. You have to propose the rules,” said T. Barton Carter, a journalism law professor at Boston University.

As part of the merger announced yesterday, Entercom will have to sell 15 radio stations around the country — including two in Boston — to comply with current rules that limit broadcast companies to five FM stations in each market. New Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai has already signaled he will look to eliminate some of the agency’s regulations, including relaxing how many radio stations a company can own in a single market.

Carter said any effort to change the market limit rules will have to go through the standard rule-making process, which includes a 30-day public comment period and specific requirements for notifying and creating the rules. “That’s not going to affect this particular merger. They’re going to go under the current rules,” Carter said.

A combined CBS/Entercom would put the new company over the government limit in Boston (9 FMs and 4 AMs), Los Angeles (6 FMs and 1 AM), Sacramento (9 FMs and 2 AMs), San Diego (6 FMs), San Francisco (9 FMs, 1 AM), Seattle (7 FMs and 1 AM).

“Swaps are a very likely outcome here,” Entercom CEO David Field told investors during a Thursday morning conference call after the deal was announced. According to InsideRadio, trading rather than selling avoids tax penalties and Entercom can use the beachfront radio real estate to bolster its presence in other market where it doesn’t have a full boat. “They could do swaps with iHeart or Cumulus or Emmis,” said Justin Nielson, senior research analyst, Media & Communications at SNL Kagan.


The merger and subsequent spinoffs came as welcome news to brokers and analysts. “It definitely puts a positive spin on the radio deal market,” Nielson said. “We’re actually going to have some real comps and real metrics on what radio values are going to be.”

Field promised the company would “move quickly” to make the required divestitures

FCC Chairman Pai Vows Transparency

New FCC chairman Ajit Pai announced Thursday that he wants the commission wants to be more transparent in how information on its proceedings is made available to the public.

According to engadget.com, Pai detailed a new pilot program that will make documents relating to upcoming FCC Open Meetings available through the agency's website before those meetings take place. In the past, any documents circulated among members of the commission were kept under wraps until after the final vote on a matter.

Pai said that releasing the supporting documents ahead of time will help the public understand the decision-making process and allow the FCC to develop final rules that are more in line with the public interest. As part of the pilot phase, Pai released two documents that pertain to items that will be discussed at this month's Open Meeting on February 23rd. Those topics are allowing TV stations to use ATSC 3.0, the next-gen broadcast standard, and giving AM radio stations more flexibility with FM translators.

If the new policy becomes the norm, we could be privy to info in advance on how Pai plans to relieve the "unjustified burden" that net neutrality transparency rules place on wireless carriers and ISPs.

Michael O'Rielly
Fellow Republican FCC Commissioner Michael O’Reilly also applauded the move, saying, “Today is a major step forward for the agency in terms of transparency and accountability. While it may make our jobs a bit more challenging, it is the right thing to do for the American people, the practitioners before the Commission and the professional press who report on Commission activities. It should make your jobs a whole lot easier and eliminate the wasted time chasing down dead ends!”

In response to the FCC circulating two draft items that will be voted on at the Commission's February meeting, the following statement can be attributed to NAB Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton:

"NAB strongly supports the FCC moving ahead on two proceedings of significant importance to broadcasters – a rulemaking on Next Gen Television and an AM revitalization order. Both items will foster technological innovation, increase opportunities for minority and female owners, and create new and unique services for consumers.

"Chairman Pai deserves credit for departing from the past practice of both Republican and Democratic-controlled Commissions, and publicly releasing the proposals early to inject greater transparency in the FCC rulemaking process. We believe this action will provide greater clarity for stakeholders and greater trust from the public in dealing with the FCC going forward."

FCC To Vote On Advanced Broadcast TV Standards

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is moving forward to advance a new broadcasting standard that would improve television picture quality, allow better access to programs via mobile phones and let broadcasters turn on a television set to send emergency alerts.

Republican FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said the commission will vote Feb. 23 on whether to grant initial approval on a rule to allow broadcasters to use the new standard on a voluntary basis. Pai had been urging this move for months last year while Democrats controlled the FCC.

"The FCC should enable innovation in the broadcasting business," Pai said Thursday at FCC headquarters.

A non-profit industry committee including the broadcasting,  consumer electronics, cable, computer and motion picture industries, has created a new standard dubbed ATSC 3.0 that would allow for much more precise geolocating of television signals, ultra-high definition picture quality and more interactive programming.

The National Association of Broadcasters, which represents Tegna Inc, Scripps Networks Interactive Inc, Walt Disney Co, Twenty-First Century Fox Inc and others, along with the Consumer Technology Association and America's Public Television Stations, petitioned the FCC in April to approve the new standard.

Ajit Pai
The standard uses precision broadcasting - targeting emergency or weather alerts on a street by street basis. The system could allow broadcasters to "wake up" a receiver to broadcast emergency alert information.

The FCC is proposing to require broadcasters to keep the existing signals as they roll out advanced broadcasts. The Advanced Televisions Systems Committee Inc, the nonprofit group that develops voluntary standards for digital televisions, earlier rolled out the ATSC 1.0 standard that current digital broadcast televisions operate on.

Pai said in a blog post Thursday that the new internet protocol-based system will "enable better audience measurement, which in turn will make for higher-quality advertising - ads relevant to you and that you actually might want to see."

A local TV station in the Washington, D.C. area, for example, could broadcast separate newscasts for Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. residents.

The signals could allow for panoramic views of sports programs, with multiple views of an event, broadcasters said in the April petition. Users could pan, zoom or select different angles.

The downside is the next generation signals will not work on existing televisions. Users will need to buy new sets or converter equipment to receive 3.0 service.

One issue is whether broadcasters will be able to pass on the costs of advanced broadcast signals through higher retransmissions fees.

AT&T Inc and others have said the system would lead to higher retransmission costs.

Many nations are considering using the new standard. South Korea adopted the ATSC 3.0 standard in 2016.

Report: Steve Harvey Image Needs Mending

Embattled radio/tv host Steve Harvey is working to mend his image following on-air joke demeaning Asian men and a meeting with the highly divisive President.

A source tells Confidential at the NY Daily News that handlers for Harvey have been in contact with crisis control expert Judy Smith, the real-life fixer upon whom the TV show “Scandal” is based.

Smith, one of the best in the business, has been linked to scandals involving infamous White House intern Monica Lewinsky, disgraced TV host Paula Deen, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, former NFL star Michael Vick and tax cheat Wesley Snipes.

Judy Smith
Harvey apologized Jan. 17 for implying that neither black nor white women find Asian men attractive on his eponymous show, which will end its five-season run in May. He plans to return to television with a new chat program in the fall, under the guidance of a different production company.

The 60-year-old broadcaster’s radio show will soon leave Chicago for L.A. — a move that came at Harvey’s request, we’re told. The transition will happen amidst an active campaign from competitor Tom Joyner, who has urged listeners who are “angry with Steve, come on back home to me!”

While being associated with President Trump has proven unpopular for some black performers, including singers Chrisette Michele and Kanye West, one prominent radio insider says that Harvey’s radio career won’t necessarily be damaged by his ties to The Donald.

“It’s a mistake to assume that all African-Americans have the same political point of view,” says industry vet Michael Harrison, of Talkers magazine. “Some of the most successful African-Americans on talk radio have done so by appealing to the conservative audience,” he said.

Harrison says it’s too early to measure post-inauguration radio ratings, but when all is said and done, Harvey will be fine unless the networks become convinced that he can no longer sell advertising.

Reps for Premiere Networks, which syndicates Harvey’s radio program, declined to comment, as did reps for Harvey’s TV show.

Report: Megyn Kelly Destined For Today With Matt Lauer

Megyn Kelly, Savannah Guthrie
After the dramatic departure of Tamron Hall from “Today,” TV insiders are buzzing that Megyn Kelly could next unseat Savannah Guthrie as the star co-anchor with Matt Lauer.

Multiple sources tell Page Six at The NY Post that Kelly is likely to take the lead role on the NBC morning show with Lauer when she starts in September. Guthrie, who recently signed a new long-term deal with “Today,” could be bumped to another role or even take over Hall’s 9 a.m. slot, we’re told.

“NBC is not paying Megyn $12 to $15 million a year to be on at 9 a.m. The word is that Savannah could take the 9 a.m. slot and Megyn will go right in at 7 a.m. Andy Lack is completely behind all of this,” a source told us, adding, “There’s no way Megyn would have signed with NBC unless she was promised a big role down the line.”

But NBC execs insist they will not be swapping out Guthrie for Kelly. “Let me say this for the last time and as clearly as possible: This is never ever going to happen,” Noah Oppenheim, SVP of “Today,” told us.

Kelly’s rep added, “This is unequivocally false.”

Report: NBC Accused Of 'Whitewashing" 9AM Today Hour

Al Roker, Tamron Hall
The National Association of Black Journalists is slamming NBC for Tamron Hall's abrupt departure on Wednesday, accusing the network of  “whitewashing” to make way for Fox News star Megyn Kelly’s arrival, according to The Hill.

NBC hired Kelly away from Fox earlier this year in a deal that may have led to Hall’s departure. Hall had co-hosted the third hour of “Today” with Al Roker since 2014, a time slot Kelly is expected to take over.

“NBC has been a leader for diversity in broadcasting, but recent reports that Hall and Roker will be replaced by former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly are being seen by industry professionals as whitewashing,” the group said in a statement.

The organization has requested to meet with NBC executives to discuss “the top-rated show's dismantling.”

“We look forward to dialogue and resolve regarding black journalists and their continuing roles at NBC both in front and behind the camera.”

Hall, 46, broke ground as the first black female “Today” co-host when she was named to the position in 2014. She had been with MSNBC since 2007.

NBC defended itself from the criticism in a statement.

"NBC News has a long and proven history as an industry leader in newsroom diversity," the network said in a statement. "We will continue to engage in the running dialogue we've had for many years with the National Association of Black Journalists and other advocacy groups to advance those goals."

Amazon Reports Lower Operating Profit

By Anya George Tharakan and Jeffrey Dastin

(Reuters) -- Amazon.com Inc forecast an unexpected dip in operating profit for the current quarter, sending shares down more than 4 percent due to concerns about the costs of investments including new warehouses and video content.

The world's largest online retailer also reported lower-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue and missed Wall Street targets for its closely watched cloud computing unit.

The Seattle-based company is spending heavily to take greater control of package delivery and to expand its video service around the world. Key to its plan is to entice sign-ups for Amazon Prime, its $99-per-year shopping club, which has led to users buying more goods, more often.

"The story is an investment story," said Amazon Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsavsky on a conference call with reporters, noting "stepped-up" spending levels have continued into 2017.

GlobalData Retail analyst Anthony Riva warned of profit erosion.

"Low cost and fast delivery are a fundamental part of Amazon’s appeal to consumers. However, they are also its Achilles' heel," he said in a note.

For years, Amazon has posted roller-coaster results as founder and Chief Executive Jeff Bezos emphasizes building up businesses rather than making an immediate profit. He has sunk profits into new areas that have either built new markets - as with cloud services or its Kindle e-readers - or have floundered, like its Fire Phones.

"Failure and invention are inseparable twins," Bezos wrote in a letter to shareholders last year.

This has made some investors uneasy and, after periods of Amazon's growth, quick to sell shares when forecasts miss expectations.

Sales in the first quarter will have a tough comparison to the year prior, Amazon's Olsavsky said, when foreign exchange rates were more favorable and the Feb. 29 leap day gave shoppers an extra 24 hours to spend.

The just-ended holiday season was Amazon's best-ever. It was a heavily promotional period for Amazon, said Olsavsky, though he did not comment on how discounts compared with prior years.

Net sales for Amazon rose 22.4 percent to $43.74 billion in the fourth quarter, compared with the average analyst estimate of $44.68 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Amazon is now producing television shows for Prime subscribers to watch online. It is developing gadgets with an artificially intelligent assistant, Alexa, so users can buy toilet paper and other goods by voice command. And it is building out a system of trucks, planes and warehouses so orders are sped to Prime members in two days or less, a convenience that few online retailers can afford to match.

The company also said it was making a large investment in its India operation.

"After these periods of intense investment or spending, then we see acceleration in sales and profitability, or at least historically we have," said Edward Jones analyst Josh Olson.

The company forecast first-quarter operating income between $250 million and $900 million, below the consensus estimate of $1.34 billion, according to market research firm FactSet StreetAccount.

Amazon had reported operating income of $1.1 billion for the same period last year.


Amazon Web Services, the company's fast-growing and lucrative cloud business, posted a 47 percent jump in revenue to $3.54 billion, but fell short of the average analyst estimate of $3.60 billion, according to FactSet StreetAccount. Amazon is the market leader in the space, selling computer services, hosting websites and storing data.

The company said it would delay its annual financial filing so it can revise its disclosure of net product and service sales, following a letter it received from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This does not impact its financial results, it said.

NYC Radio: Francesa, Mad Dog Reunite On Radio Row


Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, who pioneered the idea of radio station remotes at the Super Bowl, appeared together from Radio Row in Houston for 45 commercial-free minutes on Thursday.

According to Newsday, the joint appearance was simulcast on WFAN and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Russo’s home since he left WFAN and his “Mike and the Mad Dog” partnership in 2008.

Francesa and Russo were partners at WFAN for 19 years, from 1989 to 2008. The two have made several joint appearances since then, including in the week before Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, and held a three-hour reunion for charity at Radio City Music Hall last March.



This is scheduled to be Francesa’s final Radio Row appearance, at least as a WFAN employee. He plans to leave the station after Dec. 15.

Super Bowl Radio Row A Show Within Itself

Thousands of reporters have converged on Houston for the week to cover the Super Bowl, and the accompanying hysteria.

That media spectacle is on full display inside the George R. Brown Convention during Radio Row, reports KHOU-TV11.

"This event has just exploded," explained longtime radio host Mike Francesa. "This is sports on steroids."

Francesa has watched coverage of the event grow over the past three decades.




"We used to go to the Super Bowl and take the 'Mike and the Mad Dog Show' there, and be the only station there. We didn't even notice other stations showing up for three or four years," Francesa said. "The first year I remember there being even a little bit of a radio row was out in L.A. for Dallas-Buffalo. And after that, more and more stations, as sports radio started to grow."

He said he couldn't believe how much the coverage has grown over the years.

"It's gotten crazy. I mean, it really has. It's really almost like a trade show now, or a convention. That's what I always tell people. The Super Bowl is now a convention or a trade show, and then on the weekend, it's a football game," said Francesa, adding that many who come to Houston for the Super Bowl don't make it to the game.

Twin Cities Radio: Zannie K Gets APD At WGVX

Zannie K
Cumulus Media has announced that it has appointed programming and on-air veteran Zannie K. as Assistant Program Director and Afternoon Drive Host for Classic Hip Hop WGVX 105.1 FM The Vibe in Minneapolis, MN.

His show debuted on Monday, January 30, 2017, and airs weekdays from 4PM-7PM. He also hosts “Zannie K’s Throwback Theory” on 105 The Vibe on Saturday nights at 10PM. In addition, Zannie will host the Sunday, Midday show for Westwood One's 24/7 AC, Hot AC and Top 40 affiliates across the U.S.

This marks a return to the Twin Cities for Zannie, who served two tours of duty on-air at both KDWB and the former KTTB (B96) for four and seven years, respectively. His other stops include: three years as Assistant Program Director/Music Director at iHeart Media-Austin's KHFI and KPEZ, WPYO in Orlando and most recently, three years as Music Director and On-Air Personality, Evenings, at KCLD in St. Cloud, MN.

Scott Jameson, Operations Manager/VP Classic Rock for Cumulus Media said: “We’ve seen consistent growth with The Vibe, and adding Zannie to Afternoon Drive will no doubt sustain the positive momentum for our listeners and advertisers.”

WGVX 105.1 FM (2.6 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area
Zannie said: "I am freaking out at the chance to work for this iconic Cumulus cluster here in the Twin Cities! I have been addicted to the Throwback format for years and to have this chance to return to the city I love and rock the mic for the ultimate Afternoon party is a DREAM! Thanks to Scott Jameson, Shelly Wilkes and Brian Curski for your vote of confidence. And a big shout to Tony Fly for the alley-oop! I'm ‘bout to dunk on ‘em, son!”

Cleveland Radio: J-G Spooner Sentenced To 30-Months

J G Spooner
Former Cleveland radio personality J.G. Spooner has been sentenced for profiting from a fundraiser intended for a woman with cystic fibrosis.

According to Fox8, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Brian Corrigan sentenced Spooner to 30 months in jail on Thursday. He must also pay $16,000 in restitution.

Spooner was a producer at sports WKRK 92.3 FM The Fan and the in-arena host for the Monsters hockey team. In November, he pleaded guilty to money laundering and theft charges.

Court documents said he stole more than $7,300 from a GoFundMe account set up for a woman with cystic fibrosis. He offered to use his role at the radio station to promote the fundraiser and make it go viral, prosecutors said.

When the family started asking about the money, Spooner blamed GoFundMe. But prosecutors said he was spending the cash to live beyond his means.

In December, Spooner was charged in a second scam. According to court documents, he took rent payments from seven people for a house in Cleveland he didn’t own. The alleged crimes happened between July 28 and Oct. 22.

February 3 Radio History


In 1927...the FCC, then known as Federal Radio Commission, was created by a law signed into effect by U.S. President Calvin Coolidge.


WEAV 960 AM (5 Kw DA-2)
In 1935...WEAV-AM, Plattsburgh NY signed-on as WMFF, owned by Plattsburgh Broadcasting Corporation (in turn controlled by the Bissell family), and operating on 1310 kHz.  The North American Radio Broadcasting Agreement in 1941 moved the station to 1340 kHz.

On October 23, 1948,  the station changed its call letters to WEAV and relocated again, this time to the current 960 kHz. At one time an affiliate of ABC Radio  and its predecessor, the Blue Network, WEAV switched to CBS Radio in the late 1950s.

The station inaugurated FM service on February 3, 1960, with the launch of WEAV 99.9. FM (now WBTZ-FM) as a simulcast of the AM station.

WEAV-AM currently airs Sports Talk.



In 1935...Martin Block starts at WNEW-AM (now WBBR 1130 AM) in NYC at a salary of $20 per week. In 1935, while listeners to New York's WNEW in New York (now information outlet WBBR 1139 AM) were awaiting developments in the Lindbergh kidnapping, Block built his audience by playing records between the Lindbergh news bulletins.



This led to his Make Believe Ballroom, which began February 3, 1935 with Block borrowing both the concept and the title from West Coast disc jockey Al Jarvis, creating the illusion that he was broadcasting from a ballroom with the nation’s top dance bands performing live. He bought some records from a local music shop for the program as the radio station had none. Block purchased five Clyde McCoy records, selecting his "Sugar Blues" for the radio show's initial theme song.

Because Block was told by the station's sales staff that nobody would sponsor a radio show playing music, he had to find himself a sponsor. Block lined up a producer of reducing pills called "Retardo"; within a week, the sponsor had over 3,000 responses to the ads on Block's radio show. Martin Block's style of announcing was considerably different than the usual manner of delivery at the time. Instead of speaking in a voice loud enough to be heard in a theater, Block spoke in a normal voice, as if he was having a one-on-one conversation with a listener.

Abbott & Costello
When one of Block's sponsors offered a sale on refrigerators during a New York snowstorm, 109 people braved the elements for the bargain Block advertised; by 1941 potential sponsors for his show had to be put on a waiting list for availabilities.


In 1938...the kids radio adventure drama Challenge of the Yukon (about Sgt. Preston & his ‘wonder dog’ Yukon King) debuted in a 15 minute format on WXYZ Detroit.  It completed George W. Trendle’s trilogy of juvenile adventures preceded by The Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet.  The show went to the networks (ABC, then Mutual) in 30 minute form 1947 to ’55.

In 1938...the comedy team of Abbott & Costello made their debut as cast members on CBS Radio’s “The Kate Smith Hour.” They remained with the weekly program for two years while their film career got underway.



In 1959…At about 1:00 a.m. CST, shortly after taking off from the Mason City, Iowa airport, the chartered airplane containing Buddy Holly (Peggy Sue, That'll Be The Day), Ritchie Valens (Donna, La Bamba), and the "Big Bopper" J.P. Richardson (Chantilly Lace), crashed into an Iowa field, instantly killing all three and the pilot Roger Peterson.


Headed for the next "Winter Dance Party" tour stop in Fargo, North Dakota, the plane had been chartered by Holly so that the band members could travel in heated comfort (their tour bus had a broken heater) and arrive early for the next show. The pilot, not informed of worsening weather conditions, decided to fly "on instruments," meaning without visual confirmation of the horizon, which led to the crash.

Richardson was 28, Holly was 22, and Valens was 17.



Don McLean later immortalized the tragedy in his classic song "American Pie," calling this "the day the music died."




In 1968…At EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London, the Beatles began recording "Lady Madonna." All four of them played and/or sang on the track, with four studio musician saxophonists added, finishing February 6. Issued in mid-March, the single was their last release on Parlophone in the UK and Capitol Records in the U.S. All subsequent releases, starting with "Hey Jude" in August 1968, were issued on their own Apple Records label.


In 1971...actor Jay C Flippen died after suffering an aneurism during surgery.  He was 72.   He was a radio announcer for the New York Yankees, one of the first game show hosts, and on TV is best remembered as C.P.O. Nelson on the 1962 sitcom ‘Ensign O’Toole.’


In 2003...Recorded producer Phil Spector was arrested for allegedly murdering actress Lana Clarkson in his Alhambra, CA home.

Spector remained free on $1 million bail while awaiting trial, which began on March 19, 2007. The retrial of Spector for murder in the second degree began on October 20, 2008, with Judge Fidler again presiding. The case went to the jury on March 26, 2009, and nineteen days later, on April 13, the jury returned a guilty verdict.  In addition, he was found guilty of using a firearm in the commission of a crime.  Spector was immediately taken into custody  and was formally sentenced, on May 29, 2009, to 19 years to life in the California state prison system.


In 2003…Longtime St. Louis radio personality Ron Morgan died of a heart ailment at age 60.

Ron Morgan came to St. Louis in 1973, taking an on-air position on Pulitzer powerhouse KSD. It was the beginning of a stay in St. Louis radio that would span nearly twenty years.

Known as "Morgan in the Morning," he peppered his programs with droll humor supplemented with an infectious laugh and gave his program team plenty of opportunities to share the spotlight. He also did mornings at KSD-FM and KLOU, as well as other shifts at KMOX and KHTR.

Morgan was also program director at CBS-owned KLOU when it hit the air with an oldies format, giving the station a strong group of personalities to complement the music, and he served as operations director at KSD-FM. Ron Morgan was visible in the community as a long-time supporter of the Easter Seals Society.