November 26 Radio History

Eric Sevareid

In 1912...CBS newsman & commentator Eric Sevareid was born in Velva, North Dakota.

At the age of 18, Sevareid entered journalism as a reporter for the Minneapolis Journal, while a student at the University of Minnesota in political science. He continued his studies abroad, first in London and later in Paris at the Sorbonne, where he also worked as an editor for United Press. He then became city editor of the Paris Herald Tribune. He left that post to join CBS as a foreign correspondent, based in Paris; he broadcast the fall of Paris, and followed the French government from there to Bordeaux and then Vichy, before leaving France for London and finally Washington.

He was one of a group of elite war correspondents dubbed “Murrow’s boys” because they were hired by pioneering broadcast newsman Edward R. Murrow. Sevareid was with CBS for 38 years.

He died of stomach cancer July 9, 1992 at age 79.


In 1933...singer Robert Goulet was born Stanley Applebaum  in Lawrence, Mass,  but within months his family moved to Northern Alberta.

He worked as disk jockey on Edmonton’s CKUA for two years and was a semi-finalist on CBC TV’s “Pick the Stars” in 1952.  He spent a summer at Vancouver’s Theatre Under the Stars.  In 1955 he became a regular on CBC TV’s Cross Canada Hit Parade. He was awarded a Grammy as the best new artist of 1962.  His best-selling album was the million-selling 1964 release “My Love Forgive Me,” which reached No. 5.

Goulet died awaiting a lung transplant Oct. 30 2007 at age 73.

In 1945...the daily radio program, “Bride and Groom”, debuted on the NBC Blue network. It is estimated that 1,000 newly-wed couples were interviewed on the program before it left the airwaves in 1950.




In 1962…At EMI's Abbey Road studios in London, the Beatles recorded "Please Please Me" and "Ask Me Why." "Please Please Me" was a re-recording of the song in a more uptempo style after producer George Martin told the band that their original ballad version was "too bloody boring for words."  Also on this day in 1994, the first Beatles record ever to be played on radio fetched more than $23K at an auction in London. It was a world record price for a commercially produced record. The recording of “Love Me Do” was played by Radio Luxembourg in 1963.


In 1969…At EMI's Abbey Road studios in London, John Lennon spent the afternoon mixing the Beatles songs "What's The New Mary Jane" and "You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)" with the intention of releasing them as the two sides of a Plastic Ono Band single. When this plan fell through, "Number" was released as the b-side of the Beatles' "Let It Be" single, making this the last time John Lennon was in the studio working on a Beatles song.

In 1970...George Harrison became the first Beatle to earn a #1 solo hit as "My Sweet Lord" climbed to the top.  The 5th Dimension was second with "One Less Bell to Answer".  The previous #1 "The Tears of a Clown" from Smokey Robinson & the Miracles was third, followed by Dawn's "Knock Three Times" and "Black Magic Woman" from Santana.

The rest of the Top 10:  The former #1 "I Think I Love You" from the Partridge Family, the Supremes remained at #7 with "Stoned Love", Chicago wouldn't budge with "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", Brian Hyland was still at #9 after 17 weeks with "Gypsy Woman" and Badfinger finished the list with "No Matter What".


In 1973…Elton John released the single "Step Into Christmas."


In 1979...Dan Ingram did his first morning show at 77 WABC after many years as the afternoon drive personality.


In 2003...longtime Washington, D.C. Radio broadcaster, Eddie Gallaher, died at age 89. He worked at stations including WTOP-AM, WASH-FM, and WWDC-AM.

Gallaher (dcrtv photo)

Gallaher's career in Washington began on WTOP-AM in 1947. Gallaher stayed on the air in one market for 53 years, working at two other stations before retiring in 2000.

"Eddie Gallaher was certainly one of the premier, if not the premier disc jockey, here in Washington," said Ed Walker. Walker and "Today"show weatherman Willard Scott were the "Joy Boys" on a rival morning program that ran on WRC-AM in Washington from 1955-1972.

Gallaher spent 21 years at WTOP, where celebrities passing through the  nation's capital made sure to stop by his studio.

When WTOP switched to a news and talk format in 1968, Gallaher moved to WASH-FM, then, in 1982, to WWDC-AM where he stayed until retiring in December 2000.


In 2009…Paul McCartney told a BBC interviewer that his concerts are a way of helping him "revisit" other members of the Beatles and his late wife Linda. "If I'm doing songs by the Beatles, I obviously remember the sessions when we recorded. Similarly with John and Linda - in a way you're kind of in contact with them again and it's sad, it's emotional."

Jian Ghomeshi

In 2014…After surrendering to Toronto police, former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi was charged with four counts of sexual assault and one of choking in a sexual assault investigation. The CBC had fired the 47-year-old broadcaster a month earlier amid sexual misconduct allegations against him and what the company termed  "graphic evidence" that he had physically injured a woman.

After a trial in February 2016, the judge acquitted Ghomeshi of all charges saying there was insufficient evidence to establish proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

November 25 Radio History

WJAX mics at March 1936 news event. Future FL Gov. Warren Fuller is third person from the right

➦In 1925...the City of Jacksonville FL installed a broadcast station. The city appropriated $19,960 to put the station on the air and operate it through 1926. The station manager/engineer, John T. Hopkins was paid $250 a month and his assistant, James Brock made $165. The station, WJAX, made its first broadcast on Thanksgiving 1925 operating on 890 Kc. with 1000 watts using an antenna wire strung between two large tapered towers. WJAX shifted to 880 Kc. in 1928 and 900 Kc. in 1930.(Jacksonville radio historian Billy Williams).   Today, the station is WFXJ, branded as Sports Radio 930 AM and is owned by iHeartMedia, Inc.


➦In 1949...“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” first appeared on the music charts and became THE musical hit of the Christmas season. Although Gene Autry‘s rendition is the most popular, 80 different versions of the song have been recorded, with nearly 20,000,000 copies sold.


➦In 1960...radio actors were put out of work when CBS radio axed five daytime serials from the airwaves. We said so long to The Second Mrs. Burton (after 14 years), Whispering Streets, Young Dr Malone & Right to Happiness (both after 21 years) and Ma Perkins (after 27 wonderful years.)  In 1940, the high point for radio soap operas, there were as many as 45 on the air each day!


➦In 1960..."Amos 'n' Andy," in its final incarnation as "Amos 'n' Andy's Music Hall," was heard for the last time on CBS Radio. Created, written and voiced by Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, the show had been heard nationally since March of 1928. It ran as a nightly serial from 1928 until 1943, as a weekly situation comedy from 1943 until 1955, and as a nightly disc-jockey program from 1954 until 1960.

Show from 1941...




➦In 1976...a Viking 1 radio signal from Mars help to prove Einstein's general theory of relativity.

Boston Radio: iHM Fires WBZ 1030 PD Peter Casey

iHeartMedia has parted way with the Program Director/News Director of  NewsRadio WBZ 1030 AM.

Peter Casey

Peter Casey, who’d been with the station for 24 years, was terminated the day before Thanksgiving after iHeartMedia assumed ownership a week aho of WBZ 1030 following the merger of Entercom Communications Corp. and CBS Radio.

The Boston Globe reports Casey got emotional as he made the announcement to the WBZ newsroom Wednesday morning. In a note to the staff later in the day, he cited many of the great WBZ personalities he’d been privileged to work with, citing Dave Maynard, Gary LaPierre, Diane Stern, Anthony Silva, David Brudnoy, Paul Sullivan, and Dan Rea, in particular.

“The city has changed. The people have changed. What has never changed is the connection New Englanders have to this blowtorch of a radio station that pumps it out across the six states and beyond,” Casey wrote. “From the three towers on that sleepy little street in Hull to this address where Hall of Famers spend their days cranking out news all day every day. The audience knows that you care about them. They know because when the city is sheltering in place, you do, too. 

“I will cherish the memories of this place, of all of you and those that came before you,” he wrote. “I will keep those memories with me. I will keep them a part of me even as I walk out the door today on my very last day at WBZ NewsRadio 1030.”

Reached on his cell, Casey told The Boston Globe it had been a difficult day, but he had only nice things to say about the station’s new bosses.

“The [iHeartMedia] people have been terrific with me — respectful and impressive,” he said.

At least one local media critic said the firing of Casey, was the beginning of the dismantling of WBZ 1030.  An internal staff memo from iHM Regional VP/Programming Dylan Sprague used the word 'transition':

"This past weekend marked the beginning of the transition of WBZ-AM to iHeartMedia, and I want to let you know how excited we all are to have the WBZ-AM team join the iHeart family. WBZ is a Boston institution, and we have enormous respect and admiration for what you have accomplished to date — and what we know you will continue to accomplish. 

"I also wanted to update you on a change in programming leadership as we continue this transition.  Bill Flaherty, WBZ-AM’s Assistant Program Director, will now serve as interim Program Director for WBZ-AM.  I am impressed with Bill’s operational knowledge, strategic thinking and can-do attitude, and believe he will be the perfect leader to guide us through the transition. I also know that change can be hard, but when we embrace change we often discover fresh opportunities for growth and innovation. I am excited for what the future will bring for you, for us and for this great brand, and I’m committed to working with you to ensure that WBZ continues on its path as Boston’s most respected news and information leader. 

"I also want to say a few words about Peter Casey. There is no doubt that under his leadership this brand has excelled and established its leadership in the market. We deeply respect Peter and the contributions he has made to WBZ-AM over the years, and the impact he has left on WBZ and Boston radio will be felt for years to come. I also know that the WBZ-AM brand is strong and will continue to be powered by a team of expert, skilled professionals performing at the highest level, and I look forward to partnering with you to help WBZ reach its full potential."

Report: Charlie Rose Got Josh Elliott Fired

Disgraced “CBS This Morning” co-host Charlie Rose was behind the firing of the one colleague who could have stepped into his role on the a.m. show, Josh Elliott, multiple sources tell Page Six at The NY Post. But Rose says he was only supportive of Elliott.

“CBS This Morning” has been left without an heir apparent to Rose after the veteran anchor was fired for sexual-harassment allegations — and there’s no big-name replacement within CBS News’ ranks to take over. Insiders say it was Rose who, this year, helped get Elliott fired from CBS after he decided the younger anchor was a threat.

Charlie Rose

A source said, “Josh was ousted by Charlie and his monstrous ego. Charlie flattered Josh to his face, invited him to cover on his PBS show, then stabbed him in the back by issuing an ultimatum to [CBS News President] David Rhodes, who has made a huge mistake. CBS would be in a very different place if they’d kept Josh on . . . They’ve got no big names and nobody to step up and save them amid this crisis.”

Elliott, a former news anchor at ABC’s “Good Morning America,” was dumped by CBS in February after he made an announcement that he was stepping down from CBS’s digital channel after he was promised a correspondent role at the network. Elliott was fired days later by Rhodes, for the fishy reason of “showing bad judgment with his on-air news.” At the same time that Elliott announced his bigger role at CBS, Rose was out recovering from heart surgery.

Threatened Rose felt ambitious Elliott was making a play for his job “at a weak moment,” a source says. “Because of Charlie, they cut Josh off at the knees.”

Backlash Building Over FCC Plan To Rollback Net Neutrality

The Republican-helmed Federal Communications Commission is expected to pull the plug on net neutrality rules in three weeks — but tech companies, entrepreneurs and other concerned users are vowing to not go down without a fight, reports MSNBC.

On one side are internet service providers, who believe rolling back the Obama-era rules will allow them to innovate and offer customers new options at more competitive prices. Tech companies, including Google, Facebook and Apple, have warned that this could set a dangerous precedent, allowing these internet service providers to become gatekeepers of information and entertainment.

Google and Facebook released statements on Tuesday saying they were "disappointed" and expressed concern for the effect that changes could have on consumers.

Engine, a nonprofit group representing more than 1,000 start-ups and investors, released an open letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai detailing how they're worried they won't have a fair chance under his proposal.

"Without net neutrality, the incumbents who provide access to the internet would be able to pick winners or losers in the market. They could impede traffic from our services in order to favor their own services or established competitors," the letter said. "Or they could impose new tolls on us, inhibiting consumer choice."

The FCC's plan to destroy #NetNeutrality may be making many small business owners anxious this Thanksgiving. That's why over 600 businesses have spoken out through https://t.co/elCh05Izn6. Learn more here: https://t.co/Su3u2LGv6e

— Fight for the Future (@fightfortheftr) November 23, 2017

The signatories said they're worried these actions could hinder the ability of new entrepreneurs to start a business and have a global reach — shifting the focus away from the quality of their ventures to whether they have the "capacity to pay tolls to internet access providers."


Pai released his plan on Wednesday for ending the Obama-era rules in favor of a "light-touch approach" that would give internet service providers free rein to control your online experience.

That means internet service providers will be able to act as toll keepers, prioritizing traffic to their own sites, controlling the speed a certain page loads — a practice known as "throttling" — and even blocking access to certain sites.

The one caveat: They'll have to disclose these practices, either through an easily accessible public website or by informing the FCC.

In addition, it would return the power to the Federal Trade Commission to advocate for consumers against any anticompetitive practices.

November 24 Radio History

➦In 1890... French investor Edouard Branly coins the term "radioconductor"; the first use of the word "radio".


➦In 1906...actor Don MacLaughlin was born in Webster, Iowa.

He was the star of ABC Radio’s ‘David Harding, Counterspy’ in the 1940’s, and continued in the role when it moved to NBC Radio and Mutual in the 1950’s.  In 1956 he created the role of lawyer Chris Hughes on CBS-TV’s ‘As the World Turns’ and continued to play him over the next 30 years!

Howard Duff

He died at age 79 on May 28 1986.


➦In 1913...actor Howard Duff was born in Bremerton Wash.

He first hit the bigtime on radio in The Adventures of Sam Spade, Detective in the CBS series sponsored by Brylcreem.  On TV he starred in the series Felony Squad, Mr. Adams and Eve, Flamingo Road, Knots Landing, and Dallas.

He died following a heart attack July 8, 1990 at age 76.

➦In 1920...The first radio play-by-play broadcast of a football game was aired by Texas A&M University station 5XB, later to be known as WTAW in College Station, Texas. The University of Texas defeated Texas A&M, 7-3.  The call letters stood for Watch The Aggies Win.  Today, the calls are used by a locally-owned station at 1620 AM.

➦In 1926...KVI-AM, Seattle, Washington began broadcasting.

KVI's legacy can be traced back to its debut on November 24, 1926, where it was licensed to Tacoma, Washington at 1280 AM. By the spring of 1928 its signal would be shifted to 1060 AM, followed by a larger shift to 760 AM, in the fall. By September 1932, it had moved to its permanent 570 AM frequency. In 1949, KVI relocated its studios and city of license to Seattle. KVI broadcasts from a single tower on Vashon Island.

In 1959, Gene Autry's Golden West Broadcasters added KVI to its portfolio. KVI switched to a very successful personality adult contemporary format in 1964. By 1973, KVI had evolved into a middle-of-the-road (MOR) direction. It was during this period that it became established as a dominant player in the market. KVI was the original flagship station for the ill-fated Seattle Pilots in 1969 and for the Seattle Mariners, from their inaugural season of 1977 until 1984.

By 1982, KVI had begun to gradually add more talk programming. In July 1984, KVI switched to oldies. That direction would last less than a decade. By 1992, KVI had a talk-format again. At first, the station used the slogan "the balanced alternative" with a lineup alternating liberal and conservative talk hosts, but in 1993, KVI dropped all its liberal hosts except Mike Siegel. Siegel, formerly a liberal, swung right in his views during this period and remained on the station. By May 1994, the year KVI was sold (along with KPLZ-FM) to Fisher Communications, KVI had an almost entirely conservative-talk format.


Seattle Radio History - 570AM (KVI) from Twisted Scholar on Vimeo.

KVI returned to a full service format at 4 p.m. on November 7, 2010, with a base music rotation of classic hits along with news and traffic updates.

Due to the failure of the format, which only garnered an average of a 0.5 share of the market, and losing the ratings battle against KJR-FM and KMCQ, KVI began stunting with Christmas music on Thanksgiving Day. On January 3, 2012, the station flipped back to talk, this time as "Smart Talk", with an emphasis on entertainment news, lifestyle and health reports, and local news.

On April 11, 2013, Fisher announced that it would sell its properties, including KVI, to the Sinclair Broadcast Group. Although Sinclair primarily owns television stations, the company intends to retain KVI, KPLZ-FM, and KOMO. The deal was completed on August 8, 2013.

➦In 1958…

• Jackie Wilson released the single "Lonely Teardrops," co-written by Berry Gordy, Jr.
• Ritchie Valens released the single "Donna" b/w "La Bamba."
• Brenda Lee released the single "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree."

➦In 1963…On live national television, Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, President John F. Kennedy's accused assassin, as authorities were preparing to transfer Oswald by armored car from the police basement to the nearby county jail. Ruby's 1964 conviction and death sentence were overturned in 1966 when an appellate court ruled that his motion for a change of venue before the original trial should have been granted. In December 1966, before a new trial could be arranged, Ruby died of pneumonia while suffering from liver, lung, and brain cancer.

➦In 1974…During his infamous "Lost Weekend," John Lennon rehearsed with Elton John for Elton's upcoming Madison Square Garden performance, at which Lennon planned to make a surprise cameo appearance.


➦In 1991...Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury died of AIDS-related pneumonia at age 45. Queen’s biggest hits were the No. 1 songs “Another One Bites the Dust,” which sold more than 2 million copies, and the million-selling “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” The group is also well known for the double-sided hit “We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You.”


➦In 1991...Kiss drummer Eric Carr died of cancer at age 41. Doctors removed a cancerous tumor in Carr’s heart in April but the cancer had already spread to his lungs. He joined Kiss in 1982 when founding drummer Peter Criss left the group.


➦In 1993...Michael Jackson, embroiled in sex and drug addiction scandals, managed to pull off the biggest deal in music publishing history. Jackson sold his publishing operation, A-T-V Music, to E-M-I Music Publishing, in a deal worth more than 200-million dollars. Sources said Jackson himself received half that amount. Among the four-thousand titles under A-T-V’s control are most of the classic Lennon-McCartney Beatles compositions.

November 23 Radio History

➦In 1887...Boris Karloff was born William Henry Pratt in London.

In a 50 year acting career highlighted by four Frankenstein films, he found time to make an impact in horror radio & TV productions.  He is still heard today as the narrator of the annual TV cartoon favorite, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

He died at age 81 Feb 2, 1969 from emphysema.

For his contribution to film and television, Boris Karloff was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at 1737 Vine Street for motion pictures, and 6664 Hollywood Boulevard for television.

➦In 1889…In San Francisco, the Palais Royal Hotel installed the first coin-operated machine that, by about 1940, was known as a "jukebox." In the beginning it was a crude slot-machine apparatus connected to an Edison phonograph which, upon receiving a coin, unlocked the mechanism, allowing the listener to turn a crank that simultaneously wound the spring motor and placed the reproducer's stylus in the starting groove. This was before the time of vacuum tubes, so there was no amplification. The music was heard via one of four listening tubes. Despite its then-high price of a nickel a song, the new contraption took in $1000 in its first six months of operation.

John Dehner

➦In 1915...actor John Dehner was born in Staten Island NY.

After starting as a Disney animator & radio deejay, he started playing heavies in films & on radio shows such as Gunsmoke, Suspense, Escape and Yours Truly Johnny Dollar.  He starred in The Hermit’s Cave and Frontier Gentleman on radio, and was Palladin in CBS Radio’s Have Gun Will Travel.  TV series credits include Young Maverick, How the West was Won, Temperatures Rising, the Doris Day Show & the Don Knotts Show.

He died of emphysema & diabetes Feb 4 1992 at age 76.

➦In 1938…Bob Hope and Shirley Ross recorded his future theme song, "Thanks For The Memory," for the soundtrack of the motion picture "The Big Broadcast of 1938."

Also on this date in 1996,  Hope set a record for the longest continuous contract in the history of radio and television when his last TV special aired. Hope had been with N-B-C for 60 years.

➦In 1959…Alan Freed was dismissed from his daily television show, "The Big Beat," over allegations that he accepted money to play certain records. Freed denied any wrongdoing.

➦In 1962…The Beatles did a ten-minute audition for BBC Television at St. James' Church Hall in London. Four days later, Brian Epstein received a polite rejection letter from the BBC. They eventually made it on the BBC in 1963.

➦In 1964…The Rolling Stones were late arriving for the BBC radio shows, "Top Gear" and "Saturday Club" and as a result were banned by the BBC for "unprofessionalism."

➦In 1967…San Francisco disc jockey Tom Donahue, inventor of "classic rock" and "deep cut" radio, told Rolling Stone magazine, "Top Forty radio, as we know it today and have known it for the last ten years, is dead, and its rotting corpse is stinking up the airwaves."

➦In 1992...country music legend Roy Acuff died of heart failure at age 89.

Considered the most influential figure in the history of country music, Acuff rose to fame in the 1930’s when radio was more important than records, so his chart hits were relatively few. But he made country standards of songs like “The Wabash Cannonball,” “The Great Speckle Bird,” “Fireball Mail” and “Night Train to Memphis.”

➦In 1993….FCC makes C-QUAM AM stereo standard.  WBZ-AM Boston playing Christmas music on Christmas Eve 1993 in C-Quam AM Stereo. This was recorded via skyway 480 miles from Boston in Lockport, NY, near Buffalo.

➦In 2004…pioneering sports radio talk show host Pete Franklin died at age 76. Franklin's stops included Cleveland and New York with his last job at KNBR, San Francisco.

➦In 2014…Veteran radio personality (WEEP-Pittsburgh, KSON and KDEO in San Diego, WJET-Erie) Bob Connors, who spent 33 of his 47 years at WTVN-Columbus, Ohio as the station's morning host, until retiring in 2011, died of mantle cell lymphoma at age 80.

D-C Radio: Ty Bailey Joins WMZQ As APD

Ty Bailey

iHeartMedia announced today that Ty Bailey has been named Assistant Program Director for Country WMZQ 98.7 FM in Washington, D.C., effective November 27, 2017.

As Assistant Program Director, Bailey will assist in overseeing the station’s on-air and music programming. She will report to Jeff Kapugi, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Washington, D.C. Region.

“I’m very excited to bring Ty Bailey back to Washington,” said Kapugi. “She’s a proven programming leader and will fit right in at 98.7 WMZQ.”

Ty Bailey returns to the Washington, D.C. Region from WXTB in Tampa, FL, where she most recently served as the Program Director and Morning Show Host. She previously served in the Washington D.C. Region as the Midday host for WWDC and prior to that, Assistant Program Director for WCHH in Baltimore, MD. She began her career at WZNE in Rochester, NY and is a graduate of Ithaca College.

WMZQ 98.7 FM (50 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

“Being given an opportunity to work alongside Jeff Kapugi and a list of superstar artists such as Garth, Brad, Carrie and others is a dream,” said Bailey. “I could not be more thrilled to return to iHeartMedia DC and help WMZQ conquer our nation’s capital!”

Houston Radio: Zierlein, Granato Reunite On KFNC

Lance Zierlein and John Granato, whose top-rated morning show led Houston’s sports talk radio market for years, will once again share a broadcast studio starting on Monday, November 27, 2017.

The talented duo will cover morning drive on KFNC ESPN 97.5 FM from 7:00 to 9:30 AM each weekday.

“Reuniting John and Lance is a homerun”, said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “For years, people have asked me when those two could do a show again, and now the stars have aligned.”

Recognized by the Houston Press for Best Radio Show and as Best Radio Host, and a longtime analyst for NFL.com, Zierlein began his career at rival KILT-AM, before joining Granato for the launch of Gow Media’s 1560 AM in 2007. Zierlein left his most recent post at KBME-AM in June of this year, and has been counting the days until his sanctioned return to terrestrial airwaves.

KFNC 97.5 FM (100 Kw)

“I’m really excited about getting back together with John Granato and being part of what David Gow is building with 97.5, Sports Map and Culture Map,” says Zierlein. “John and I had the most talked-about show in Houston because of our chemistry and the fun we had on the air. That’s missing from a lot of the radio shows out there today. It’s time to bring that back in the mornings.”

John Granato, who was been a key player in the growth of Gow Media’s sports properties, enjoyed a successful ten-year run with Zierlein at KILT-AM, where the two shared morning show duties. He shares Zierlein’s enthusiasm for this new chapter in their personal and professional relationship.

“It’s huge for me to have Lance back” reports Granato. “Not only is he a great friend but I owe a lot to him in my career. And he’s one of the funniest guys I know. A lot of people woke up to us over the years. Hopefully they’ll be back and we’ll get a bunch of new people as well. I’m really excited about being in morning drive again (Except that whole waking up early thing).”

Music Mogul Russell Simmons 'Sexually Assaulted Me'

Former model Keri Claussen Khalighi told Megyn Kelly this morning that music mogul Russell Simmons has privately apologized to her for sexually assaulting her, despite his public insistence that what happened in 1991, when she was 17 years old, was consensual.

“Russell and I have had a face-to-face about what happened, where there was no dispute about what happened,” Khalighi told Kelly during a live interview from her home in Los Angeles with the NBC morning show host.

“He actually apologized,” Khalighi added, saying it was “completely different from what has come out publicly.” She called Simmons’ claim that what happened between them as producer Brett Ratner looked on was with her assent was “ludicrous” and “repugnant.”

Deadline-Hollywood reports Khalighi, who is about to deliver her third child, recalled 1991 incident in detail.

Simmons and Ratner, she said, after meeting her, invited her to Simmons’ apartment on the pretext of seeing a music video they had produced. As the video played, she said, Simmons began sexually assaulting her, ripping off  clothes, forcing her to  perform oral sex and later intercourse, in Ratner’s presence.

FCC Pai Moves To Ease TV Station Ownership Rules

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is moving forward with a controversial proposal to ease restrictions on the ownership of broadcast TV stations, reports The Hill.

In a statement Tuesday, Pai said he is seeking comments on raising the cap on how much of the nation's TV audience a single broadcaster can reach and on reinstating the so-called UHF discount, which allows owners to surpass that cap in some circumstances.

The UHF discount, originally created in 1985, allows broadcasters to exceed a cap which mandates that no single broadcasting company can have an audience reach above 39 percent of U.S. television households.

Pai wants both rules reconsidered.

The move is certain to spark opposition from consumer groups and Democrats and comes as Pai's FCC is already moving ahead to kill the Obama-era net neutrality rules in December.

The FCC, under former President Barack Obama, deemed the UHF discount outdated as broadcast television moved to digital frequencies.

Pai began the process of reinstating the rule in April. Opening the UHF discount for public comment is the next step in advancing the proposal toward becoming a regulation again.

When it was originally created, the UHF discount allowed broadcasters to exceed the 39 percent cap under the premise that UHF bands were weaker than VHF bands, and should not be treated the same.

Accordingly, UHF bands’ reach were only counted as half of their actual reach, when determining a broadcasters’ total potential audience.

Critics of Pai say that bringing back the UFH discount and raising the national cap will lead to more consolidation in broadcast ownership. They worry that will lead to less minority ownership and less diversity of viewpoints on the airwaves. They add that no one company should be able to gain too much access to American audiences.

Cox Media Resets Market Management

Cox Media Group (CMG) has named veteran broadcast leaders to take on senior leadership roles in seven CMG markets.

Boston: With Tom Raponi’s upcoming retirement, Joe Pomilla will lead CMG Boston as VP/General Manager for WFXT-TV, reporting to Regional VP Ray Carter. Previously, Pomilla, a 30-year broadcasting veteran, was VP/General Manager for CMG Charlotte. Before joining CMG, he was VP/General Manager at WCBD-TV in Charleston, S.C.

Charlotte: Cedric Thomas has been promoted to CMG Charlotte’s new VP/General Manager for WSOC and WAXN TV stations, reporting to Regional VP Ray Carter. Most recently, Thomas was Director of Sales for CMG Pittsburgh. Thomas joined WPXI from WEWS-TV in Cleveland where he was Director of Sales.

Memphis: Susan Connor has been promoted to VP/General Manager of CMG Memphis for WHBQ-TV, reporting to Regional VP Ray Carter. Connor previously was the Creative Services Director at KIRO-TV in Seattle. She has a 33-year career in broadcast television and served as the Station Manager for KOB-TV in Albuquerque, N.M., before joining CMG.

Orlando: In this newly integrated market, Jason Meder has been promoted to General Manager of CMG Orlando, where he will report to Market VP Paul Curran. Meder comes to Orlando from CMG Tampa Radio, where he has spent the last 16 years, most recently as the Director of Sales.

Pittsburgh: Cox welcomes Kevin Hayes back to CMG. He will be CMG Pittsburgh’s new General Manager for WPXI-TV, reporting to Regional VP Ray Carter. From 2010 to 2013, Hayes was the VP/General Manager of WJAC-TV in Johnstown, Penn., a property previously owned by CMG. Most recently, he was General Manager for Sinclair’s KFOX-TV and CBS4 in El Paso, Texas.

Jacksonville: Market VP Dan Lawrie has promoted Bob Longo to work with him on the market’s integration strategy as CMG Jacksonville’s new General Manager. Longo, whose broadcast career began in radio, has most recently been the News Director at Jacksonville’s WFOX and WJAX TV stations. Prior to joining CMG, he spent five years as News Director at WESH in Orlando and nearly 10 years as News Director at WTAE in Pittsburgh.

Miami: Regional VP Rob Babin has promoted Ralph Renzi to General Manager of CMG Miami Radio. Renzi most recently was the Director of Sales for Miami Radio. Prior to joining CMG Miami, Ralph was a member of the sales management team at WTOP Bonneville/Hubbard Radio in Washington D.C.

“I am pleased that we have proven leadership talent at Cox Media Group to fill these critical positions,” said CMG President Kim Guthrie. “We have the best media professionals in the business. Our entire team of proven leaders will take CMG into the future and position us for continued growth and success.”

These new leaders will transition into their roles between now and the end of the year.

Entercom 'Town Hall' Highlights Values And Principles

An Entercom “Town Hall” call Tuesday, with 7,000 of the company’s new and legacy employees. During the call, president and CEO David Field provided updates on the newly combined company following its completed merger with CBS Radio.

Field outlined Entercom’s strengths, spoke of the path ahead “We are in the best position of any radio company today,” he said. “We are a leading American entertainment company reaching over a hundred million people every week, not just through our highly rated radio stations but also through our wonderful digital platforms and live events.” Regarding the scale of the company, Field added, “Most importantly we are essentially tied with iHeart in the country’s top 50 markets, which is what really matters at the end of the day to our customers.”

According to InsideRadio, Field spoke of Entercom’s strengths and the broadcaster’s leadership in “live and original audio content,” and being “the unrivaled leader in news and sports radio.” The new Entercom is made up of “top folks from CBS Radio, top folks from Entercom and also a number of stars from outside the organization,” Field said.

Regarding the launch of the new company that was officially signed and sealed with Friday’s closing, Field said, “We came out swinging... making a big statement about who we are and where we’re headed. We achieved what was unequivocally the fastest start of any company in radio history.”

Click Here For Entercom Stations By Format

RadioInk reports during the call, Field went over the Entercom mission statement which describes the “Values and Principles” of the company:

We are a mission-driving company. We care. A lot. About our communities, our listeners, our customers, our brands, our partners, our company, our work, and our teammates. The following principles guide every action and decision:

"Local is at the core of everything we do.

• We are passionate about our brands, working to deliver consistently great radio, content, events, and experiences. We never take our audiences for granted.
• We lead with grit, confidence, and a positive, make-it-happen spirit. We have an unwavering pride of ownership, and zero tolerance for negative thinking.
• We set high standards for integrity and performance. We follow through our commitments and are each accountable for delivering exemplary results.
• We are relentless advocates for radio. We vigorously compete for our fair share of ad spending and promote radio’s unmatched value to advertisers.
• We strive to be a great partner to our customers and provide exceptional service.
• We offer a great place to work where the most talented high-achievers can grow, thrive, and have fun.
• We are committed to being outstanding corporate citizens. We endeavor to make a true difference in our communities and our nation.
• We make smart, strategic, business decisions. We balance short-term goals with long-term growth. We do not sacrifice our future value for quick gains.
• We are curious and have an open, learning mindset. We never stop exploring new ideas, better solutions, and innovation."

Boston Radio: Chris Tyler Named PD At WZLX

Chris Tyler

iHeartMedia/Boston has announced that Chris Tyler has been named Program Director of Classic Rock WZLX 100.7 FM effective immediately.

“I am excited to bring Chris back to Boston to program WZLX,” said Dylan Sprague, SVP/Programming, iHeartMedia Boston Region. “His knowledge and experience in the format, exceptional leadership and vision and maybe most importantly, his knowledge of Boston and its legendary radio brands, uniquely qualify him to lead this heritage station and its iconic personalities.”

Tyler most recently served as Program Director for iHeartMedia Cleveland at WMMS and WAKS (KISS-FM). He began his radio career at WPRO-FM in Providence, RI. Tyler then spent time with WJMN (JAM’N) and WXKS (KISS 108) in Boston, followed Program Director of WHJY and as SVP/Programming in Providence.

WZLX 100.7 FM (21.5 Kw) Red=Local Coverage

“I can’t think of a better way to commemorate my 20th year with iHeartMedia than by returning home to program the legendary WZLX!,” said Tyler. “I’ve been a huge fan of WZLX and its incredible airstaff for as long as I can remember. I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started rockin’ Boston.”

Baltimore Radio: Francesca Presti Added To WPOC Morning show

Francesca Presti

iHeartMedia/Baltimore announced Tuesday that Francesca Presti has been named the new co-host for “Laurie DeYoung Morning Show” on WPOC 93.1 FM, effective December 4, 2017. The “Laurie DeYoung Morning Show” broadcasts weekdays from 5 – 10 a.m.

Presti will join current hosts Laurie DeYoung and Jeff St. Pierre to bring the best Country music and lifestyle topics to the Baltimore morning commute.

“Francesca Presti is a force,” said DeYoung. “Fierce Francesca is what comes to mind when I think of her enthusiasm and unique take on life. Baltimore will never be the same.”

“Francesca is the perfect complement to our amazing on-air personalities on ‘The Laurie DeYoung Show,’” said Jeff Wyatt, Senior Vice President Programming for iHeartMedia Baltimore. “I can’t wait to hear it all come together on 93.1 WPOC!”

Presti joins “The Laurie DeYoung Morning Show” from WBMX-FM in Boston. During her five year tenure on the station’s “Karson & Kennedy Morning Show,” she served as Traffic Reporter and Associate Producer. Presti’s background also includes working as an on-air personality and Assistant Marketing Director for stations in New Hampshire. She is a graduate Worcester State University.

WPOC 93.1 FM (16 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

“This really is a dream come true,” said Presti. “I couldn’t be more elated to be given the privilege of joining ‘The Laurie DeYoung Show’ on heritage 93.1 WPOC. I can’t wait to get to work waking Baltimore up every morning!”

Detroit Radio: iHM Flips WDTW To Alternative

iHeartMedia/Detroit has announced the debut of an Alternative format on WDTW 106.7 FM, with the slogan "Detroit's New Alternative."

The station launched with 10,000 songs commercial free, and will broadcast music from a variety of Alternative artists, including The Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Linkin Park, twenty one pilots, Blink 182, The Killers and more. The station will also feature local on-air personalities to connect with the Detroit community throughout the day. A full programming lineup to be announced soon.

WDTW 106.7 FM (61 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

"The city of Detroit is going through a renaissance now-a big comeback," says Tony Travatto, iHeartMedia Senior Vice President of Programming.

"This station will be a cool new piece in the renaissance. ALT 106.7 will be the go-to destination for listeners to find the best in alternative music. We're committed to helping listeners discover new music and serving as an ambassador for up-and-coming local bands."

ESPN Radio’s Golic and Wingo Debut Monday

ESPN Radio’s new morning drive program, Golic and Wingo, hosted by Mike Golic and Trey Wingo, will debut Monday, Nov. 27.

The show will air weekdays from 6 – 10 a.m. ET on ESPN Radio and will initially be simulcast on ESPN2 before moving to its simulcast home on ESPNU in the spring.

Mike Golic Jr.

Mike Golic, Jr. will join Golic and Wingo from 6 – 7 a.m. daily. He will continue to host ESPN Radio’s First & Last from 4 – 6 a.m. every weekday before contributing to the new morning show.

On Monday, Golic and Wingo will welcome NBA commissioner Adam Silver to the show, and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred will join the program on Tuesday, while Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney will guest Wednesday.

Golic and Wingo will also be available via ESPNRadio.com, the ESPN app, SiriusXM Channel 80, Apple Music, Slacker Radio and TuneIn.  A daily podcast will also post on ESPNRadio.com and will be accessible through the ESPN app.

NJ Radio: Mike McGinn Lands PM Drive At WMGQ

Mike McGinn

Beasley Media Group has announced Mike McGinn was recently named as the new Afternoon Drive Personality from 3pm-7pm on WMGQ Magic98.3 FM in New Jersey.

The radio veteran was most recently heard doing weekends on 92.3 AMP Radio in New York.

“I am really excited to have Mike on the air and make MAGIC 98.3 his home,” said station Program Director Debbie Mazella. “He’s got the energy we are looking for in afternoon drive. Take a listen and you will hear what I mean!”

“This has been a crazy journey and I am only getting started,” said McGinn. “I’m ready to begin the next chapter of my career with my new family at Magic 98.3.”

WMGQ 98.3 FM (1.2 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

The Brooklyn, New York native currently resides in Staten Island.

Cumulus Stock Delisted From NASDAQ

An appeal by Cumulus Media, the nation's No. 2 radio broadcasting company by number of stations, to stay on the Nasdaq Capital Market has been denied.

As a result of Tuesday's notification from The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, revealed by Cumulus in an SEC filing, Cumulus' Class A common stock has been delisted, effective with Tuesday's Closing Bell.

The company notified the SEC in a filing that because the stock traded below the required $1 per share mark for 30 consecutive business days and failed to regain compliance, resulting in NASDAQ removing Cumuus Class A common stock off the NASDAQ Capital Market.

Cumulus Class A common stock will trade on the OTCQX market tier under its current CMLS symbol.  The company said in the filing that the move "will have no effect on the Company's business or operations."

Louisville Radio: Alpha Stations Raise $131K+

Alpha Media, Louisville, KY hosted a two-day radiothon in support of Norton Children’s Hospital on November 16th and 17th. Louisville stations; WXMA, WDJX, WGZB, WMJM, and WGHL, raised $131,586 and shared heartfelt stories of patients and families impacted by the hospital while taking donations from listeners through the Horseshoe Southern Indiana phone bank.
In conjunction with the radiothon, the 2017 Festival of Trees & Lights, Norton Children’s Hospitals Home and BMW raffle, and Snow Ball, the community has pledged nearly $1 million to the hospital over the past week.

Alpha Media, Louisville Market Manager, Bill Gentry commented on the announcement, “Norton Children’s Hospital is an integral part of this community and we are proud to partner with them. The entire Alpha Media staff, once again went above and beyond all expectations and helped deliver some outstanding results.”

“We’re so grateful to everyone for their support of the radiothon and Norton Children’s Hospital! Alpha Media is so happy to be a part of a community that truly cares about kids,” remarked Ben Davis, Alpha Media, Louisville Operations Manager.

The radiothon helps the hospital purchase new technology and equipment, expand patient care and develop life-saving research for more than 170,000 children every year. The broadcast, held in partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network, has helped raise nearly $2 million over the years and is one of the largest radiothons in the country.

More Accusations Made Against Charlie Rose

CBS News and other networks said on Tuesday they had fired Charlie Rose, one of the most prominent American interviewers, the day after the Washington Post reported the television host had sexually harassed eight women.

Reuters reports PBS and Bloomberg, which broadcast the “Charlie Rose” show, also said they were terminating their relationships with Rose and canceling distribution of his programs.

Rose was a co-host on the morning show “CBS This Morning” and a correspondent for its long-running Sunday night news magazine “60 Minutes.”

”A short time ago we terminated Charlie Rose’s employment with CBS News, effective immediately,“ CBS News President David Rhodes said in an internal message that was shared with media. ”This followed the revelation yesterday of extremely disturbing and intolerable behavior said to have revolved around his PBS program.

A spokesman for Rose said the TV host would not comment further, pointing to Rose’s Monday statement in which he apologized for his “inappropriate behavior.” Rose, 75, however, also questioned the accuracy of the allegations in the Washington Post.

”I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior,“ Rose said Monday. ”I am greatly embarrassed. I have behaved insensitively at times and I accept responsibility for that, though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate.

“I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken,” he added, saying he had “come to a profound new respect for women and their lives.”

Eight women accused Rose of making unwanted sexual advances toward them, the Washington Post reported on Monday, the latest in a wave of sexual harassment allegations against prominent men in the entertainment and media industries and American politics.


The women, who were employees or aspired to work for Rose at the “Charlie Rose” show from the late 1990s to as recently as 2011, told the newspaper he made unwanted sexual advances toward them, walked in the nude around them and groped their breasts, buttocks and genital areas.

Three new accusers, women who work at CBS News, came forward on Tuesday, the network reported.

After the report on Monday, PBS and Bloomberg suspended Rose’s signature interview show, distributed on both outlets, citing the allegations.

“In light of yesterday’s revelations, PBS has terminated its relationship with Charlie Rose and canceled distribution of his programs,” PBS said in a statement on Tuesday. “PBS expects all the producers we work with to provide a workplace where people feel safe.”

Bloomberg said on Tuesday it also terminated its rebroadcast agreement for the TV show.

Rose’s co-hosts on “CBS This Morning”, Norah O‘Donnell and Gayle King, on Tuesday voiced their dismay at the allegations.


“Let me be very clear: there is no excuse for this alleged behavior,” Norah O‘Donnell said.

Gayle King said she was shaken by the report. “I really am still reeling,” she said. “What do you say when someone that you deeply care about has done something that is so horrible?” She added that Rose “doesn’t get a pass.”

The women said neither had spoken with Rose since the allegations were published.

CBS News president David Rhodes' statement in full below:

A short time ago we terminated Charlie Rose's employment with CBS News, effective immediately. This followed the revelation yesterday of extremely disturbing and intolerable behavior said to have revolved around his PBS program. 

Despite Charlie's important journalistic contribution to our news division, there is absolutely nothing more important, in this or any organization, than ensuring a safe, professional workplace-a supportive environment where people feel they can do their best work. We need to be such a place. 

I've often heard that things used to be different. And no one may be able to correct the past. But what may once have been accepted should not ever have been acceptable.
CBS News has reported on extraordinary revelations at other media companies this year and last. Our credibility in that reporting requires credibility managing basic standards of behavior. That is why we have taken these actions. 

Let's please remember our obligations to each other as colleagues. We will have human resources support today and every day, and we are organizing more personal and direct training which you will hear about from senior management shortly. 

I'm deeply disappointed and angry that people were victimized-and that even people not connected with these events could see their hard work undermined. If all of us commit to the best behavior and the best work - that is what we can be known for.