April 29 Radio History

➦In 1940..."Young Dr Malone" was first broadcast on the CBS Radio Network. It was an American soap opera which had a long run on radio and television from 1939 to 1963. The producer was Betty Corday who later was a co-creator with husband Ted Corday of NBC Daytime's Days of Our Lives.




Sponsored by General Foods and Post Cereals, the radio serial began on the Blue Network on November 20, 1939. The 15-minute program aired daily at 11:15am, continuing until April 26, 1940. Without a break, it moved to CBS on April 29, 1940, where it was heard for two decades, first airing at 2:00pm weekdays (1940–1944) and then 1:30pm (1945–1960).

In 1945, Procter & Gamble assumed sponsorship of the program.


➦In 1953...Coke Time with Eddie Fisher began a simulcast run on NBC-TV and Mutual radio. Fisher, a pop music singer, was seen and heard on more TV and radio stations in 1954 than any other entertainer.


➦In 1963...KRE-AM in Berkeley CA changed call letters to KPAT.

KRE circa 1922

The Maxwell Electric Company put KRE on the air on March 11, 1922, with studios and transmitter at the Claremont Resort Hotel. In May of that year, KRE was sold to the Berkeley Daily Gazette. It was bought in January 1927 by the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, which moved the studios and built a new transmitter. In January 1930, the Chapel of the Chimes (an Oakland funeral home) bought KRE. Ownership passed in December 1936 to Central California Broadcasters, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chapel of the Chimes.

On June 11, 1972, KRE commemorated its fiftieth anniversary with a huge celebration. In an unusual event, the FCC gave permission to KPAT to revert to its previous three-letter call sign.  However, today the call letters are KVTO 1400 AM and is airing a Chinese format. Licensed to Berkeley, California, USA, the station serves the San Francisco Bay Area.


➦In 1996...the "Howard Stern Radio Show" debuted on KFRR-FM, Fresno, California.

NYC Radio: Francesa Bashes WFAN Staffers

WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FM officially announced the news of Francesa’s return on Friday morning, calling it a partnership among the station’s parent company, Entercom, Mike Francesa and CAA Sports.

The NY Post reports Francesa went on sister station 1010 WINS Friday morning to say that WFAN has been in a “bit of a slump,” a shot mostly at the ratings of the program he is replacing in the afternoon, Chris Carlin, Bart Scott and Maggie Gray, who barely lost to WEPN 98.7 FM’s “Michael Kay Show” in the last book. It was also a dig at the morning show, “Boomer and Gio,” whose ratings were a little down as well.


The morning duo of Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti, who have been mocking Francesa, replayed the 1010 WINS clip moments later.

Francesa “retired” in December after three decades on the air and a year-and-a-half celebration of himself. He had planned to work again, but found few substantial offers, so he went over the heads of WFAN executives and to the president of Entercom, David Field, to accept a pay cut, according to sources.

Francesa could have remained at his old salary at many times during his retirement tour. He tried to get a substantial pay raise when Craig Carton was arrested, but Entercom said no. Now, Entercom took Francesa back at a discount, according to The Post.

There was no local interest by any regional TV networks to broadcast Francesa’s show, as YES turned to the “Michael Kay Show” years ago and MSG and SNY wanted no part of Francesa. Francesa’s national simulcast on FS1 was a failure in the past.

Starting MAY 1, Francesa’s new show will run from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, while “The Afternoon Drive” will need a new name as CMB will be on from 1 to 3 p.m. Meanwhile, Evan Roberts and Joe Benigno are thrilled that Francesa made the move back to the afternoons. According to The Post, the duo is the only regular team that likes Francesa and, after adding an hour and a pay increase, following Francesa’s departure, Benigno and Roberts will keep the money but lose the hour as they go back to their old 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Francesa, 64, is taking a substantial pay cut from the around $3 million he was making, according to sources. The exact money figure is not yet known. Newsday reported the contract will run until 2020.

L-A Radio: Yesi Ortiz Joins KAMP For Middays

Yesi Ortiz

Entercom has named Yesi Ortiz as midday host for KAMP 97.1 AMP Radio in Los Angeles. Assistant Program Director John Michael was also named as Music Director for the station, in addition to his current responsibilities.

“We are amped to have Yesi join Entercom. Her long and successful on-air history here in Southern California makes her an incredible addition to the already strong AMP team,” said Jeff Federman, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Southern California.

“Yesi connects deeply with her loyal and passionate audience on air as well as online- she is currently one of the top social media influencers among radio personalities in the country.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the Entercom family,” said Yesi. “To be valued for my achievements and influence in the city is a great honor and I am looking forward to making an impact at AMP radio.”

KAMP 97.1 FM (21 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

Yesi Ortiz, the “Queen of LA” spent the past 12 years on air at KPWR Power 106 FM in Los Angeles where she was known for breaking new artists with the iconic ‘New at 2’ feature, as well as contributing to the music department as an Assistant Music Director. She is currently working on a television drama series project in development with the E! Network, which will be loosely based on her real life journey raising six adopted children and her rise to success.

San Jose Radio: Dave Numme Content Director For KBAY, KEZR

Dave Numme

Alpha Media, San Jose, CA has  named Dave Numme Content Director of Classic Hits KBAY 94.5 FM and Rock KEZR Lazer 103.3 FM.

Upon discovering an undeniable passion for radio while still in high school, Dave never needed to figure out what to do with his professional life. His career led him to multiple stations in the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest.

In 1991, Dave was hired as the first Program Director for Rock 101 KUFO, in Portland where he led the station for over 15 years.

As Operations Director he oversaw multiple stations for the CBS Portland cluster including formats in Modern AC, 80’s Hits, Classic Hits, and Talk. Numme returned to San Francisco in 2006 as VP of Rock/Alternative formats and Program Director at Live 105 KITS. Most recently he resided in Seattle at Hubbard Radio's KVRQ.

Alpha Media, San Jose Market Manager, Lori Heeren commented on the announcement, “I am honored to be able to work with someone with Dave’s breadth of experience in radio and the Bay Area. He’s a perfect fit for our team in Silicon Valley!”

KBAY 94.5 FM (44 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

“I am excited to return to the Bay Area and join Alpha Media to work with Lori Heeren and her team to continue to grow these two awesome brands,” remarked Numme.

Bay Area Radio: Bill Vidal Promoted To KRBQ PD

Entercom has announced that current mid-day host and Music Director Billy Vidal has been promoted to Program Director for San Francisco station KRBQ Q102.1.

Billy Vidal

Vidal’s new role is in addition to his current on-air responsibilities hosting Q102.1’s midday show on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PST.

“Billy has a great understanding of this format and more importantly the Bay Area market,” said Gregory Nemitz, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom San Francisco. “I have no doubt he will excel in his new role and will continue the upward trajectory of Q102.1.”

“I’ve been with Q102.1 since the station launched and I am grateful to Greg Nemitz and Michael Martin for this incredible opportunity,” said Vidal. “There is a real resurgence with the music and culture in this format and I truly believe Q102.1 is poised to do big things in San Francisco.”

KRBQ `102.1 FM (33 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

Vidal has been an on-air personality on Q102.1 for over three years and was named Music Director in June of 2017.

NBC's Tom Brokaw Says It Ain't So

Longtime NBC News journalist Tom Brokaw is pushing back hard at allegations by Linda Vester, a former network correspondent who said he sexually harassed her in the mid-1990s.

The LA Times reports Brokaw sent a lengthy letter to colleagues Friday that disputes the accounts of Vester, 54, who told Variety and the Washington Post in stories published Thursday night that the former "NBC Nightly News" anchor made unwanted sexual advances toward her when they worked together at NBC in the 1990s.

In his letter, obtained by the Los Angeles Times, Brokaw described the stories as a "drive by shooting" by Vester, who had a grudge against NBC News because her career stalled at the division.

Linda Vester

Vester alleged that Brokaw forcefully tried to kiss her in 1994 when she was staying at the Essex House Hotel in New York, where he showed up uninvited. A similar incident occurred in May 1995, she alleged, when Brokaw appeared unannounced at her flat in London when she was assigned to the network's bureau there.

Vester alleged that in both instances, Brokaw pressured her to have a sexual relationship with him. She said she feared that reporting the incidents would hurt her career.

"Linda Vester was given the run of the Washington Post and Variety to vent her grievances, to complain that I tickled her without permission (you read that right) that I invaded her hotel room, accepted an invitation to her apartment under false pretenses and in general was given a free hand to try to destroy all that I have achieved with my family, my NBC career, my writing and my citizenship," Brokaw wrote.

"My family and friends are stunned and supportive. My NBC colleagues are bewildered that Vester, who had limited success at NBC News, a modest career at Fox and a reputation as a colleague who had trouble with the truth was suddenly the keeper of the flame of journalistic integrity."

Brokaw said after Vester's contract was not renewed at NBC News in 1999, he made a call on her behalf to then Fox News Chief Executive Roger Ailes, who hired her as anchor.



Meanwhile, Former news anchor Tom Brokaw has withdrawn as a Connecticut university's commencement speaker after facing allegations of sexual harassment, the school said. Sacred Heart University said Brokaw notified school officials of the cancellation Friday.

University president John Petillo said he respects and agrees with Brokaw's decision to keep the focus on students at the May 13 ceremony.

NBC won’t be launching a full internal investigation into new sex harassment allegations against former news anchor Tom Brokaw, network sources told Page Six on Friday.

“She’s given her side, and he’s responded. They don’t feel there’s anything left to investigate in the case,’’ an NBC source said, adding, “We may make further inquiries if more information emerges.”

Women Issue Support For Tom Brokaw

Following allegations of sexual misconduct against longtime NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw – and Brokaw’s denial of any wrongdoing – more than 60 of Brokaw’s past and present female colleagues at the Peacock Network have come to his defense.

Signers of a letter in support of Brokaw include some of the network’s biggest names, including Rachel Maddow, Andrea Mitchell, Mika Brzezinski and Maria Shriver, according to Fox News.

They write that Brokaw, “has treated each of us with fairness and respect. He has given each of us opportunities for advancement and championed our successes throughout our careers,” according to Deadline.com.

The colleagues add that they view Brokaw as “a man of tremendous decency and integrity.”

The letter was composed by Elizabeth Bowyer, co-head of brand and content strategy at Goldman Sachs, who then distributed it to some staffers at NBC, where Bowyer previously worked for Brokaw and NBC News, Variety reported.

Brokaw, 78, is now a “special correspondent” at NBC after many years as anchor of the “NBC Nightly News” and co-host of the “Today” show.

'The Simpsons' Make History This Weekend

"The Simpsons" will celebrate a milestone on Sunday. After airing its 636th episode, the animated show will become the longest-running primetime scripted series, surpassing CBS' "Gunsmoke," which aired 635 episodes from 1955 to 1975, reports CBS News.

The show is in its 29th season and began in 1989. In last week's episode, Homer mentioned that their show was about to surpass "Gunsmoke," when Bart pointed out that the Western show also had radio episodes.

In the upcoming episode's opener, Maggie helps Springfield beat Dodge City in a duel against Marshal Matt Dillon. The episode, titled "Forgive and Regret," will focus on Grampa Simpson, who becomes deathly ill and makes a confession.



Gunsmoke was an American western radio series, which was developed for radio by John Meston and Norman Macdonnell. The series ran for nine seasons and was broadcast by CBS Radio Network. The first episode of the series originally aired in the United States on April 26, 1952, and the final first-run episode aired on June 11, 1961.

Salem Media Purges 'Red State' Staff

Conservative outlet RedState fired most of its staff Friday while its owner, Salem Media, froze the site, citing an inability to "no longer support the entire roster of writers and editors."

"The site name will linger, but RedState is all but dead now. I have invited the fired writers here," Erick Erickson, a RedState founder who left the site in 2015, wrote in a blog post.

According to The Hill, fired staffers said the cuts focused on writers who have been critical of President Trump. RedState had often distinguished itself since 2016 as a home for Trump critics within the GOP.

RedState staffers were reportedly locked out of their accounts on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on job status, while the firings were being carried out.

Patrick Frey, a RedState blogger who goes by the name of "Patterico" online, wrote on Twitter that "those let go are all Trump critics" while "his supporters remain."

Erickson also echoed Frey's sentiment in his Friday blog post, stating the dividing line was drawn between supporters of the president while "those insufficiently loyal to the President were fired."

A memo to staff obtained by CNN by a general manager of Salem-owned Townhall.com confirmed the "tough changes" made at RedState.

Male-Skewing Jury Convicted Cosby

According to AdAge, Friday's Daily News front page does three things well:

First, it dramatically conveys the big news about Bill Cosby.

Second, it draws attention to the fact that a male-skewing jury convicted Cosby. (The composition of the panel was the subject of much pre-trial maneuvering and battling by the lawyers on each side.)

And third, it dispenses with one of the go-to means by which some men attempt to dismiss sexual assault claims—i.e., the "He said, she said" line that implicitly asks "Who are you going to believe?"

With regard to Bill Cosby and Andrea Constand, the Daily News bluntly points out, seven men and five women believed Constand.

Lancaster PA Radio: WJTL DJ Arrested For Sexual Assault

Philip Smith

A longtime WJTL 90.3 FM radio personality  has been charged with 18 criminal offenses for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl repeatedly beginning in 2013.

According to lancasteronline.com, police arrested 52-year-old Philip Smith on Thursday. Charges were filed after consultation with the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office.

They include forcible rape, two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under 16, aggravated indecent assault of a person under 16, sexual assault and 13 other offenses.

Police said two officers met with the alleged victim Thursday when she came to the city police station to report a sexual assault.

She told police Smith had committed sexual offenses against her about 10 times. She said the offenses began when she was 15 and that Smith raped her after she turned 18.

The station released the following statement Friday:

"It is with great sadness that we need to report that Phil Smith was arrested Thursday night. Phil has served for many years as a WJTL DJ, most recently on the 3pm-7pm shift. At this time we only know what we read in the press. Please join us in praying for all those involved and that truth and justice will prevail."

April 28 Radio History

➦In 1922...WOI-AM, Ames, Iowa, became the country's first licensed educational radio station.

The history of WOI can be traced back to 1911 when Physics Professor "Dad" Hoffman set a transmission line between the Campus Water Tower and the Engineering Building and set up a wireless telegraph station. By 1913 this was known as experimental station 9YI and it was sending and receiving weather reports by morse code on a regular basis. The first sound broadcast was an hour of concert music on November 21, 1921.

The Commerce Department issued a full radio license for station WOI in April 1922 and the first regular broadcast took place on April 28, 1922. It is the oldest fully licensed noncommercial station west of the Mississippi River. The original callsign 9YI is now W0YI and is retained by the ISU Campus Radio Club, with the amateur radio station located in the Electrical Engineering building.  The first regular programming on WOI was farm market reports gathered by ticker tape and morse code and broadcast throughout the state.


➦In 1932..."One Man's Family" was first broadcast on the NBC Radio Network.

One Man's Family, was an American radio soap opera, heard for almost three decades, from 1932 to 1959. It was the longest-running uninterrupted dramatic serial in the history of American radio. Television versions of the series aired in prime time from 1949 to 1952 and in daytime from 1954 to 1955.



One Man's Family debuted as a radio series on April 29, 1932 in Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco, moving to the full West Coast NBC network the following month, sponsored by Snowdrift and Wesson Oil. On May 17, 1933, it expanded to the full coast-to-coast NBC network as the first West Coast show heard regularly on the East Coast. The show was broadcast as a weekly half-hour series (1933-1950) [sustained by Standard Brands from 1935 through 1949], then shifted to daily 15-minute installments, initially originating from the studios of San Francisco radio station KPO, NBC's flagship station for the West Coast, eventually moving to Los Angeles.

➥In 1958...Herb Oscar Anderson starts at WMCA.  HOA died last year.


 

➦In 1972...Arthur Godfrey does last CBS Radio Network show.

Godfrey 1948

Godfrey became nationally known in April 1945 when, as CBS's morning-radio man in Washington, he took the microphone for a live, firsthand account of President Roosevelt's funeral procession. The entire CBS network picked up the broadcast.  Unlike the tight-lipped news reporters and commentators of the day, who delivered news in an earnest, businesslike manner, Godfrey's tone was sympathetic and neighborly, lending immediacy and intimacy to his words. When describing new President Harry S. Truman's car in the procession, Godfrey fervently said, in a choked voice, "God bless him, President Truman." Godfrey broke down in tears and cued the listeners back to the studio. The entire nation was moved by his emotional outburst.

Godfrey made such an impression on the air that CBS gave him his own morning time slot on the nationwide network. Arthur Godfrey Time was a Monday-Friday show that featured his monologues, interviews with various stars, music from his own in-house combo and regular vocalists. Godfrey's monologues and discussions were usually unscripted, and went wherever he chose. "Arthur Godfrey Time" remained a late morning staple on the CBS Radio Network schedule until 1972.


➦In 1965...at 3 p.m., Top 40 radio visionary Bill Drake took over KHJ-930 AM in Los Angeles, and introduced the ‘Boss Radio‘ format, featuring the top hits of the day, quick jingles, fast DJ talk, and fewer commercials. Drake installed his protege Ron Jacobs as PD.  KHJ hit #1 within six months and was quickly copied across North America.

The format featured a restricted playlist and restrained commentary by announcers (although a few, such as Robert W. Morgan, Charlie Tuna, Humble Harve and The Real Don Steele, were allowed to develop on-air personalities). Other DJs from 1965-68 included Roger Christian, Gary Mack, Dave Diamond, Sam Riddle, Johnny Williams, Frank Terry, Johnny Mitchell, Tommy Vance, Scotty Brink, Steve Clark, Bobby Tripp, Tom Maule and Bill Wade. Part of the format, known as "Boss Radio", were jingles by the Johnny Mann Singers.

"Boss Radio" spread throughout the U.S., bringing high ratings to KFRC in San Francisco, WFIL in Philadelphia, KGB in San Diego, WQXI in Atlanta, CKLW in Windsor, Ontario and WRKO in Boston. Drake and Gene Chenault brought many of their announcers from the other "Boss" stations, using them as a proving ground for talent.



The format brought high ratings to the station until the late 1970s, when FM radio became the dominant form of music broadcasting. In November 1980, during the Bob Shannon show, "93 KHJ" switched from top-40 to country music. The country format, with the slogan "We all grew up to be cowboys", lasted three years before it was changed to an oldies format: "The Boss is Back", with the original Johnny Mann Singers "Boss Radio" jingles, on April 1, 1983.

In 

➦1975…Influential radio disc jockey/programmer/manager (KSAN-San Fracisco, KMET-Los Angeles, KPPC-Los Angeles, KMPX-San Francisco, KYA-San Francisco, WIBG-Philadelphia)/record label owner (Autumn)/concert promoter (Beatles at Candlestick Park)/Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tom Donahue, inventor of "free form,""deep cuts" and "classic rock" radio, died following a heart attack at age 46.

➦In 1987…For the first time, a compact disc of an album was released before its vinyl version. The album was "The Art of Excellence" by Tony Bennett.

➦In 2006…After radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh was accused by Florida prosecutors of "doctor shopping" for painkillers, his attorneys announced a deal under which a single prescription fraud charge would be dismissed after 18 months, provided Limbaugh remained drug-free and did not violate any laws.

Orlando Radio: CMG's WPYO Flips To CHR

Cox Media Group Orlando today announced that WPYO Power 95.3 F.M Friday changed its music format from hip hop to today’s top hits from popular genres.

 “Cox Media Group Orlando’s has an unmatched footprint in Central Florida because we focus on our audience,” said CMG Orlando Market Vice President Paul Curran. “Our listeners told us they wanted a new hits station, and we are excited to provide them with Orlando’s new, No. 1 choice for all the hits.”

The new format will feature today’s top artists including, Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Post Malone, The Weeknd, Cardi B and Selena Gomez. The station will also give listeners 2-hour COMMERCIAL FREE music 3 times a day, weekdays at 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

WPYO 95.3 FM (12 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

The evolution of Power 95.3 fortifies our Orlando Radio portfolio and strengthens CMG’s national footprint of best-in-class brands,” said Tim Clarke, VP of Audience and Content for CMG Radio. “I am truly excited for listeners in Orlando to have a new premium option for music and pop culture content.”

NYC Radio: Official! Mike Returns To WFAN

Entercom, Mike Francesa, and CAA Sports today announced a partnership spanning broadcast radio, digital, and live events.

The partnership includes the debut of the “Mike’s On” radio show, featuring Mike Francesa, airing Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. ET on WFAN 101.9 FM/660 AM, beginning Tuesday, May 1.

The partnership also includes the launch of a mobile app and online destination by the same name, “Mike’s On,” which will feature exclusive live video streaming of Francesa’s weekday radio program on WFAN.

“We are excited about this partnership with Mike and CAA Sports,” said David Field, President and CEO, Entercom. “We are proud of the terrific lineup on WFAN and are looking forward to bringing Mike back into the mix in this new, multiplatform and innovative way.”

“After exploring several options, this partnership with CAA Sports and Entercom was the perfect fit,” said Francesa. “This partnership allows me the chance to return to WFAN and all of our loyal listeners, as well as significant opportunities, including the app and live events, that are completely new. I look forward to working with both companies on making this a very successful venture.”

The “Mike’s On” app and website will be the exclusive home of the “Mike’s Football Sunday” show, beginning with the 2018-19 football season. It will also provide exclusive audio and video archival content of Francesa dating back through his storied 30-year career at WFAN, in addition to a live audio stream of Francesa’s WFAN show for sports fans in New York and throughout the country. The app will be free to download in summer 2018 and will offer a subscription option for fans who want to hear and view additional content. WFAN and “Mike’s On” will be hosting live events across formats and venues, including live broadcasts, one-on-one interviews, and a speaker series. For more information, visit www.mikesonnetwork.com.

Tom Brokaw Denies Sexual Harassment Accusations

A woman who was an NBC correspondent in the early 1990s has claimed legendary news anchor Tom Brokaw tickled her and tried kiss her on separate occasions while she worked there.

Linda Vester told Variety in an interview published Thursday that she was going public with the allegations because she was unhappy with how the network was handling sex-harassment allegations against former “Today” host Matt Lauer.

She alleged Brokaw tickled her in an NBC conference room in Denver in 1993 while they were covering a papal visit.

“I’m standing there, and Tom Brokaw enters through the door and grabs me from behind and proceeds to tickle me up and down my waist,” she says in a video interview.

“I jumped a foot and I looked at a guy who was the senior editor of ‘Nightly [News],’ and his jaw was hanging open. Nobody acted like anything wrong was happening, but I was humiliated.”

Linda Vester

According to The NYPost, Vester also claimed Brokaw tried to kiss her in her hotel room in 1993, then again at a London restaurant the next year.

Brokaw, 78, who has been married since 1962 and retired in 2004, denied any misconduct.

“I met with Linda Vester on two occasions, both at her request, 23 years ago, because she wanted advice with respect to her career at NBC,” he said in a statement issued by NBC to Variety.

“The meetings were brief, cordial and appropriate, and despite Linda’s allegations, I made no romantic overtures towards her, at that time or any other.”

NBC News did not respond to The NYPost’s request for comment on Thursday.

Vester, who was 28 at the time of the alleged incident, told Variety she didn’t report Brokaw’s conduct to the police or NBC human resources because she was scared it would end her career. She left NBC in 1999 and went on to anchor her own show on Fox News through 2006.

She’s speaking out now, because she believes her story sheds light on the culture at NBC News, where she believes male bosses treated their female colleagues as objects. After “Today” co-host Matt Lauer was fired for inappropriate conduct involving an NBC employee last November, NBC launched an internal review of its practices but didn’t bring in an outside firm to investigate — a step Vester believes is necessary to fix NBC’s culture.

Bill Cosby Faces Prison, House Arrest Or Probation

Bill Cosby will likely spend several of his final years in prison for the drugging and molesting of a woman at his home more than a decade ago.

The comedian was convicted of three counts of aggravated indecent assault Thursday for a sexual encounter in 2004 with Andrea Constand, 45, then a Temple University employee.

According to USAToday, Michael Donio, a retired New Jersey superior court judge, said Cosby will get fewer than five years in prison and will not avoid incarceration. ABC News reports if the judge follows state sentencing guidelines, the comedian will be in prison until he is at least 85 years old.

The crime does not come with a minimum sentence, Donio said, but each of the three counts carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A hefty sentence could mean the 80-year-old Cosby, once America's beloved television father, would spend his remaining years behind


 Donio said an average person with no prior criminal record would likely get five years in the case. However, extenuating circumstances affect the Cosby sentencing. Donio said Cosby's lawyers, who've promised to appeal, likely will argue a prison will be unable to take care of Cosby, who has said he is completely blind. If they can successfully argue this position, and a jail assessment agrees, Cosby could get house arrest or probation.

St. Louis Radio: Jules Riley Named iHM SVP/Programming

Jules Riley

HeartMedia has announced that Jules Riley has been named Senior Vice President of Programming for St. Louis.

iHeartMedia St. Louis cluster includes: Classic Hits KLOU-FM, Country KSD-FM, CHR KSLZ-FM, Urban KATZ-FM, Alternative KLLT-FM, UrbanAC W279AQ / KATZ –HD, Gospel KATZ-AM, and franchises — both broadcast and digital.

As Senior Vice President of Programming, Riley will oversee all 7 stations in St. Louis and will report to Greg Chance, Region Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia St. Louis Region.

“Jules has done an amazing job programming 103.3 KLOU and 93.7 The Bull since joining us last year and has truly earned this leadership role,” said Derrick Martin, President of St. Louis Region. “

Riley has over 15 years of experience in radio, which included roles such as Operations Manager, Brand Manager, Program Director, On-air Personality and Voice Talent. Before she began programming 103.3. KLOU and 93.7 The Bull in April 2017, she served as Operations Manager/Brand Manager for KVOO-FM in Tulsa, OK. Prior to that, Riley was Program Director for WARH-FM and WMVN in St. Louis, where she was named one of Radio Ink’s Best Program Directors in America in 2007.

Her extensive programming background also includes stations in Phoenix, AZ; Philadelphia, PA; Wilkes-Barre, PA; and Wichita, KS

“I have truly enjoyed working with the KLOU and KSD teams.  I look forward to working with the entire iHeart St. Louis group to continue further growth and to keep our stations and brands leaders in the market.  Thanks to Derrick Martin, Greg Chance, Tony Coles and Maynard for this opportunity.”

Ft. Collins Radio: Lance Tidwell New OM At Townsquare Media

Lance Tidwell

Townsquare Media/Ft. Collins has announced Veteran programmer Lance Tidwell as Ooperations Manage of the four-station cluster, which includes Country KUAD, Hot AC KKPL, Classic Hits KTRR, and Alternative KMAX.

Tidwell succeeds Justin Tyler.

"I’ve respected Lance’s solid work and track record in multiple formats for years," said Townsquare EVP/Programming Kurt Johnson. "So glad to have him join Townsquare’s programming team leading our Northern Colorado stations."

Most recently OM for Cumulus/Kansas City, Tidwell's radio resume includes a SVP/Programming role for iHeartMedia in the Tucson and San Antonio markets, plus serving as PD for Country outlets WWYZ/Hartford, KKWF/Seattle, KQFC/Boise, and WGKX/Memphis.

"I had a lot of admiration for Townsquare Media before we started the interview process, and I came away from it with even more," commented TidwelL. "Thanks to Kurt Johnson, Bob Freeman and [Market President] Pat Kelley for the opportunity to be a part of a great team of people in Northern Colorado."

Amazon Doubles Profit, Raises Prime Price

Amazon.com Inc more than doubled its profit on Thursday and predicted strong spring results as the world’s biggest online retailer raised the price for U.S. Prime subscribers, added U.S. football games and touted its cloud services for business.

The results showed the broad strength of the company, which has been expanding far beyond shipping packages, the business that has drawn the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The forecast beat expectations on Wall Street, sending shares up 7 percent to a new record high in after-hours trade and adding $8 billion to the net worth of Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s chief executive and largest shareholder.

Seattle-based Amazon is winning business from older, big box rivals by delivering virtually any product to customers at a low cost, and at times faster than it takes to buy goods from a physical store. It is expanding across industries, too, striking a $130 million deal to stream Thursday night games for the U.S. National Football League online and working to ship groceries to doorsteps from Whole Foods stores nationwide.

Sales jumped 43 percent to $51.0 billion in the quarter, topping estimates of $49.8 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Amazon’s fast ascent has made it a lightning rod for the ire of Trump. Bezos privately owns the Washington Post, which Trump has described as Amazon’s “chief lobbyist.” Bezos has no involvement in news coverage, the paper’s top editor has said. Trump has also claimed without evidence that Amazon is costing the U.S. Postal Service money and ordered a task force to investigate.

Prime, Amazon’s loyalty club that includes fast shipping, video streaming and other benefits, has been key to Amazon’s strategy. Its more than 100 million members globally spend above average on Amazon.

The company announced Thursday it will increase the yearly price of Prime to $119 from $99 for U.S. members this spring. The fee hike is expected to add a windfall to Amazon’s subscription revenue, already up 60 percent in the first quarter at $3.1 billion.

“We do feel it’s still the best deal in retail,” Brian Olsavsky, Amazon’s chief financial officer, said on a call with analysts. He said the number of items Prime members can get within two days had grown fivefold since the last price increase four years ago.

SD Radio: KKLS, KMXC Working To Get Back On-Air

Argus-Leader photo

For Sioux Falls radio listeners wondering why they couldn't get KKLS Hot 104.7 FM on their radios, the answer lies in a field northwest of Humboldt, SD, reports the Argus-Leader.

There, nearly two weeks ago, the storm that walloped Sioux Falls also decapitated an 875-foot radio tower standing high above the field, dropping the top 275 feet of the tower to the ground in a twisted mass of cables and metal.

The tower had been broadcasting the radio signal for FM stations KMXC Mix 97.3 and Hot 104.7, both owned by Results Radio - Townsquare Media in Sioux Falls.

Engineers were able to resurrect Mix 97.3's signal at a lower power, but Hot 104.7 has been off the air for nearly two weeks awaiting the installation of a new antenna. It's a tough situation for Sioux Falls' No. 2 most popular radio station.

Hot 104.7 may come back on the air today or Saturday, said Don Jacobs,  market manager and vice president with Results Radio Townsquare Media, owner of the stations and five others based out of studios in Sioux Falls.

KKLS 104.7 FM (100 Kw) Red=Local Coverage

"At this point, all we're waiting for is nice enough weather to haul the coax cable up," he said.

St. Louis Radio: FCC Urged To Pull KQQZ-AM License

Missouri State Senator Jamilah Nasheed wants the FCC to pull the broadcasting license for 1190 KQQZ 1190 AM because of a radio host’s racist and homophobic comments on his show, reports Fox-TV2.

Radio host Bob Romanik, who hosts Kool Killer Kountry, has used the n-word on his show. Romanik said it’s his First Amendment right to say what he wants and asserts half his audience is African-American.

“I promise you when the rap artists quit using the n-word and as soon as Chris Rock quits using the n-word, I'll quit using n-word,” he said.

Senator Nasheed wants Romanik off the air, adding that he’s full of hate.

“To call individuals out of their names and call African-Americans the n-word, it’s unacceptable,” she said. “That’s why I’m calling for the FCC to remove (the station’s) license.”

Romanik said half his audience and callers are black and that he wants people to judge him but what he does, not by what he says.

An FCC spokesperson said the organization would review Sen. Nasheed’s complaint but declined further comment.

Nielsen Revenue Increases 5.5 Percent

Nielsen Holdings plc has announced its first quarter 2018 results. Revenues were $1,610 million for the first quarter of 2018, up 5.5%, or 2.4% on a constant currency basis, compared to the first quarter of 2017.

“In the first quarter, we continued to execute on our key initiatives while focusing on our Path to 2020 objectives. Through continuous innovation, we are transforming our business in three major areas, Watch, Buy, and Operations, to drive a faster growing, higher margin business and create incremental value for our shareholders,” said Mitch Barns, Chief Executive Officer of Nielsen.

Mitch Barns

Barns continued, “Watch had another great quarter with growth driven by Total Audience Measurement. Our ability to provide independent, comparable measurement to the industry is pivotal as media and audiences continue to fragment. In our Buy business, Developed Markets continued to see pressure in the fast moving consumer goods industry in the U.S., but we are confident that our investments in the Connected System, Total Consumer Measurement, and retailer partnerships will drive improved results despite this environment. Emerging Markets saw broad-based growth across markets in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and China. Our significant competitive advantages, including our balanced client portfolio and global footprint, position us well here.”

Net income for the first quarter of 2018 increased 1.4% to $72 million, compared to $71 million in the first quarter of 2017, as higher revenues were partially offset by our retailer investments and other growth initiatives. Net income was flat on a constant currency basis. Net income per share on a diluted basis was $0.20 per share for each of the first quarters ended 2018 and 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2018 increased 0.7% to $423 million, compared to the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 0.7% on a constant currency basis. Adjusted EBITDA margins contracted 125 basis points to 26.3%, or 83 basis points on a constant currency basis, due to our retailer investments and other growth initiatives.

D/FW Radio: Entercom Stations Ink Partnership With NBC

Entercom and its Dallas-Fort Worth radio outlets have announced a media partnership with KXAS-TV (NBC 5) and KXTX-TV (Telemundo 39) in Dallas.

The multi-platform partnership includes distribution of both English and Spanish content across all partner channels including NBC 5, Telemundo 39 and Entercom's KRLD (Newsradio1080), 105.3 The Fan, 100.3 Jack FM, 98.7 KLUV, ALT 103.7 and La Grande 107.5. In addition to broadcast channels, content will also be distributed across each entity's websites and social media platforms.

"We are thrilled to join forces with NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 to expand the reach of our content and better serve the Metroplex communities," said Entercom/Dallas Regional President/Market Manager Brian Purdy. "We're looking forward to continuing to bring our loyal listeners expanded live coverage of the local topics they care most about."

"The opportunity for NBC 5 and Entercom stations like Newsradio 1080 KRLD to share news gathering resources and report 24/7 what's happening across the region will truly be exceptional," said NBC 5 President/GM Tom Ehlmann. "In your home, in your car, on your computer, on your phone - North Texans can look forward to unparalleled coverage of what matters most to NBC 5 viewers and Entercom listeners."

"We've teamed with La Grande 107.5 in the past and found them to be terrific partners," said Telemundo 39 President/GM John Trevino. "Formalizing our relationship now will allow us to be creative in how we use television, radio, the internet and social media to communicate with the Spanish-speaking community."

Politico: Reporters Covering TWH Are Tired

Politico Illustration by Michael Byers

An article at Politico does a deep drive into the realities of the White House beat, looking at what it’s like to cover the presidency and how that shapes what we know about the most powerful office in the world.

According to Politico, reporters, often the biggest names at their news organizations, find themselves having to bend to the whims of an early-rising 71-year-old who starts making news by blasting out aggrieved and, at times, outrageous tweets before the end of “Fox & Friends.” What was once one of the most prestigious gigs in journalism has become a daily slog. Craggy veterans crank out stories at odd hours as they scramble to report out the mercurial musings of a president who, with apologies to Lewis Carroll, believes as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

Major news organizations, including the New York Times and the Washington Post, rotate reporters each week to ensure that someone is up for the tweetstorms at dawn, and are hiring new correspondents to help with the expanded workload. Where presidential news once arrived on a fairly predictable schedule, the Times’ Peter Baker says the on-duty reporter now might have to knock out two stories before getting out of his or her pajamas.

“There’s no question that we’re all exhausted,” says Baker, who has covered the Clinton, George W. Bush and Obama White Houses. But, he continues, you “have to stop and remember this is an extraordinary story and is something we’re going to be talking to our kids and grandkids about.”

Other top White House reporters felt the same way—bone-tired, but still infused with the sense that they’re on a historic mission covering a norm-busting presidency. “I think we all want to say in 50 years we covered Donald Trump’s White House,” says the Washington Post’s Josh Dawsey.

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Chattanooga Radio: Bill Poindexter Retires At WUSY

Entercom bids farewell to beloved WUSY US101 host Billy “Dex” Poindexter, one of Country Radio’s most well-known personalities and one-half of the award winning “Dex and Mo Show.” Dex announced that he is retiring from the Chattanooga station after 25 years on the air, with plans to focus on his health, his family and travel. His last day at the station was Thursday.

 “It’s been a great 25 years and it has truly been my pleasure serving this community. US101 has the greatest listeners on earth; they are open and always so giving. From our annual efforts to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to various disaster relief efforts through the years, the US101 listeners have always stepped up,” said Dex.

“I am proud of all that we have accomplished together and US101 will always be my home.”

 “When it comes to wit, personality, comedy, and a genuine love for the business, there is no one greater than Dex. I am so thankful for the opportunity I was given to learn from such an iconic figure and I cannot thank him enough for all that he has taught me about this business,” said Mo. “He will be greatly missed, but I wish him the best in retirement following his hall of fame career.”

“Dex has impacted the careers of countless country artists over the years and there has been an outpouring of support from artists and listeners. Super stars like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Garth Brooks have called and sent videos to congratulate Dex,” said Justin Cole, Senior Vice President of Programming, Entercom Chattanooga. “Dex was an integral part of making US101 the No. 1 station in Chattanooga and he has an open invitation to come sit in on the show anytime. While we are going to miss having him in the building, we wish him all of the best in this next chapter.”



During his tenure at US101, Dex was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. He was honored with five Country Music Association (CMA) and two Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards for Radio Personality of The Year. The well respected broadcaster has been a part of more than twenty CMA awards, including station of the year trophies. Other accolades include a multitude of Country Radio Broadcaster (CRB), Radio and Records (R&R), Country Aircheck, and Billboard awards for Personality and/or Music Director of the year.

R.I.P.: Longtime Lafayette IN Personality Bob Vizza

Bob Vizza

Radio personality  Bob Vizza died April 19 after an extended illness.  He was 65.

Vizza first hit the airwaves in Lafayette in the 80s on what was then known as WXUS-FM. He made the switch to country music at WKOA 105.3 FM in 1989 and worked there until last year.

Vizza's former boss, WKOA Program Director Shamus, told WLFI-TV18  he's going to miss Bob dearly.

"I used to come in here during his shift if I needed a pick me up," Shamus said. "Come in [the studio] and spend 10 minutes talking to Bob Vizza and he'd make you feel better about what you were doing and better about yourself. That's what I'm going to miss the most."

Shamus said Vizza never worked a day in his life.

"When you love what you're doing, you never work. Bob believed that 100 percent. He loved coming in here. He couldn't wait to get on the air. A cup of Coffee, a microphone and some headphones and he was good to go," Shamus said.

Vizza once told an interviewer that he decided to become a disc jockey because the radio was his companion during a lengthy hospital stay as a young child.

April 27 Radio History

Samuel Morse 1840

➦In 1791...Samuel Morse was born.

Samuel Finley Breese Morse (April 27, 1791 – April 2, 1872) was an American painter and inventor.

After having established his reputation as a portrait painter, in his middle age Morse contributed to the invention of a single-wire telegraph system based on European telegraphs. He was a co-developer of the Morse code, and helped to develop the commercial use of telegraphy.

Original Morse Telegraph

In 1825 New York City had commissioned Morse to paint a portrait of Lafayette in Washington, DC. While Morse was painting, a horse messenger delivered a letter from his father that read, "Your dear wife is convalescent". The next day he received a letter from his father detailing his wife's sudden death.   Morse immediately left Washington for his home at New Haven. By the time he arrived, his wife had already been buried.  Heartbroken that for days he was unaware of his wife's failing health and her death, he decided to explore a means of rapid long distance communication.

While returning by ship from Europe in 1832, Morse encountered Charles Thomas Jackson of Boston, a man who was well schooled in electromagnetism. Witnessing various experiments with Jackson's electromagnet, Morse developed the concept of a single-wire telegraph. The original Morse telegraph, submitted with his patent application, is part of the collections of the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution.  In time the Morse code, which he developed, would become the primary language of telegraphy in the world. It is still the standard for rhythmic transmission of data.

➦In 1927..Pacific Coast Biscuit Company launched KPCB in 1927 from Seattle.  Queen City Broadcasting took over the station in 1935, changing the call letters to the KIRO.  The station boosted its signal to 1,000 watts in 1937, and CBS soon moved its Seattle affiliation to KIRO. On June 29, 1941, KIRO's new, 50,000-Watt transmitter on Maury Island became operational.

During the radio’s golden age in the 1940s and 1950s, KIRO recorded countless hours of CBS programming for time-delayed broadcast.  Many of these discs are the only extant recordings of CBS’ news coverage of World War 2, according to Faded Signals.

Bonneville International purchased KIRO-AM-FM-TV in 1964. By this time, KIRO-AM was carrying a full-service format of news, talk and middle-of-the-road music.  In 1973, it dropped CBS and affiliated with Mutual.  The station became “KIRO Newsradio 71” in 1974, replacing most music programming with news and talk.  The station spent the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s at the top of Seattle’s radio ratings.



On August 12, 2008, KIRO began simulcasting their programming on sister station KBSG-FM, which dropped their long-running classic hits format. This began the transition of KIRO Newsradio from AM to FM.  To complete the transition, KIRO switched to a sports radio format (as 710 ESPN Seattle) on April 1, 2009, and began carrying Seattle Mariners games, beginning in the 2009 season.[6] KIRO also simulcasts the Seattle Seahawks games with KIRO-FM, and has extensive team-related programming throughout the year. KIRO-FM continues the news/talk format.

Bonneville sold KIRO-TV to Belo in 1995 and then sold KIRO-AM-FM to Entercom.  Bonneville bought back the stations in 2007.

In 2008, KIRO-AM’s news/talk format moved to Bonneville-owned KBSG-FM.  The FM station’s call letters were changed to KIRO-FM.  KIRO-AM flipped to a sports format, picking up the ESPN affiliation in Seattle.

As of 2014, Bonneville owns the KIRO radio stations.




➦In 1932...Radio personality, Casey Kasem, was born in Detroit, Michigan.

Casey Kasem on 1110 KRLA

He is best known for hosting "American Top 40" and for playing the character Shaggy in the Saturday morning cartoon franchise Scooby-Doo. Kasem, Don Bustany and Ron Jacobs founded the American Top 40 franchise in 1970, hosting it from 1970 to 1988 and from 1998 to 2004. Between January 1989 and early 1998, he was the host of Casey's Top 40, Casey's Hot 20, and Casey's Countdown. Also beginning in 1998 Kasem hosted two adult contemporary spinoffs of American Top 40, American Top 20 and American Top 10. Kasem retired from AT20 and AT10 on July 4, 2009 and both shows ended on that day.

In October 2013, Kerri Kasem said her father was suffering from Parkinson's disease, which a doctor had diagnosed in 2007; a few months later, she said he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, which is often difficult to differentiate from Parkinson's. Due to his condition, he was no longer able to speak during his final months.

On June 15, 2014, Kasem died at St. Anthony's Hospital in Gig Harbor, Washington at the age of 82.

➦In 1933...Karl Jansky reported receiving cosmic Radio signals in Washington, D.C.


➦In 1965...the legendary CBS journalist & news executive (and chain smoker) Edward R Murrow, succumbed to lung cancer at age 57.





➦In 2008...Radio Personality Big Ron O'Brien passed away at age 57.

O'Brien grew up in Des Moines, IA, and worked at the high school radio station.  Ron worked at KBAB in Indianola, IOWA and then in May of 1970, he arrived at KUDL (1380 AM) where he did the 6 PM to 10 PM shift.  KUDL-FM (98.1 now KMBZ-FM) was automated with a MOR format but did simulcust KUDL-AM at 9 each night.  Ron left KUDL to go back to Des Moines (his hometown) in February of 1971 where he did afternoons at KYNA-FM.

During the ensuing years,he worked for many stations, including KTLK in Denver, WCAR in Detroit, WQXI in Atlanta, WCFL (now WMVP) in Chicago, WOKY in Milwaukee, WFIL in Philadelphia, KFI and KIIS in Los Angeles, KWK (now WARH) in St. Louis (where he stayed for nine years), KZDG in Denver, WYXR (which became WLCE during his tenure and is now WRFF) in Philadelphia, WNBC (now WFAN) and WXLO (now WRKS) in New York, WPGC in Washington, D.C., and WRKO in Boston.

WOGL, also in Philadelphia, was his employer for the final six years of his life.