October 7 Radio History

➦In 1939…The drama series "Kate Hopkins, Angel of Mercy," starring Helen Lewis, Peggy Allenby, Constance Collier, and Clayton "Bud" Collyer began a 2½-year run on CBS Radio.

➦In 1940…"Portia Faces Life," starring Lucille Wall, debuted on the CBS Radio Network after starting in syndication seven months earlier. The soap opera bounced back and forth between CBS and NBC until 1953.

➦In 1952...The Philadelphia dance show Bandstand , hosted by Bob Horn and, later, by Dick Clark as American Bandstand , debuts on WFIL-TV.

➦In 1966...WOR 98.7 FM New York, which has been broadcasting top-40 music without deejays since late July, begins broadcasting with personalities. The DJs are Murray (the K) Kaufman, Scott Muni, Johnny Michaels and Bill (Rosko) Mercer. Robert S. Smith, vice president of the WOR, said the station was negotiating with the union, which wanted the new FM deejays to be paid on the same scale as WOR-AM announcers. The station wanted a lower scale for the FM people, because the operation is beginning from scratch. The minimum weekly salary for performers on WOR-FM will be $175 per week, a little less than half the scale applying to WOR-AM. Murray The K was formerly the teen DJ for WINS, New York before it went all-news last year. Scott Muni was with WABC radio until he was fired in January of ‘65.

➦In 1970...Intel introduces computer memory chip.

➦In 1985...a Spokane AM radio station heard at 590 on the dial for decades, KHQ signed off for the last time.

➦In 1988....WNBC 660 AM's final transmission took place and WFAN moved from 1050 AM to 660 AM. Concurrently, WUKQ began on 1050 AM.

In November 1987, General Electric, which now owned NBC through its purchase of RCA two years earlier, announced that it would sell off the NBC Radio division. In February of that year GE made a multi-station deal with Emmis Communications and, in New York, the WNBC license for 660 was included in the sale. Emmis announced it would move WFAN to the 660 frequency. At the time, WFAN was located at 1050 AM, and had a somewhat marginal signal in portions of the New York area. As the deal only included the license for WNBC and not the station's intellectual property, GE would proceed to shut down the station for good.



On October 7, 1988 at 5:30 pm, the WFAN call letters, studios, programming and staff moved to WNBC's old frequency at 660 AM, which has a much better signal.

Earlier in the day, the station aired a 90-minute retrospective titled "WNBC-The First 66 Years," hosted by Dale Parsons. The program was written and produced by Parsons and his wife, Ginny, who spent nearly six months researching the station's history.



The last voice heard on WNBC was that of Alan Colmes, who said "I'm Alan Colmes. Thank you, God bless you, and for the last time, this is 66 WNBC New York. Let's do the countdown." and counted down the seconds to WNBC's demise with the legendary NBC chimes (the notes G-E-C) playing in the background.



Earlier in the day, regular music programming ended at 6 am; Jay Sorenson played "Imagine" by John Lennon followed by the NBC chimes and a 5-second pause.  Although the FCC regards the 660 frequency as the same license dating back to WEAF, and merely changed its calls from WNBC to WFAN on that day, WFAN does not claim WNBC's history. It did, however, sign up Imus to take Greg Gumbel's place in the morning. Imus would remain on the morning drive-time slot for 19 years, until his firing in 2007 for comments about the Rutgers University women's basketball team. He moved to WABC near the end of that year.

In the complicated switch that saw WFAN move to the 660 frequency, the 1050 frequency that was formerly the home of WFAN became that of Spanish-language WUKQ, owned by Spanish Broadcasting System. However, SBS already owned an AM station in the market, Newark-based WSKQ at 620 kHz, and at the time, FCC rules stipulated that companies could own only one AM station per market. As a result, SBS received a temporary waiver to run 1050 while exploring the sale of either AM frequency. SBS chose to keep 620 (it is now WSNR), and 1050 was traded to Forward Communications, which owned WEVD, then at 97.9 FM. After that deal was approved, WEVD's call letters and programming moved to 1050 AM, and SBS took over 97.9 as WSKQ-FM. The October NBC-Emmis switch also saw Emmis's WQHT (then at 103.5 MHz) move to 97.1 MHz, which had been the home of NBC's WYNY. Emmis sold the 103.5 frequency to Westwood One, who also acquired the WYNY call letters and its country music format.

In all this, WFAN retired two of the oldest radio call letters from the dawn of commercial radio: WHN and WNBC.

➦In 1989...Radio talk show host Larry King married Julie Alexander

➦In 1989...The Hot 100..After peaking at #4 on March 25 and then dropping out of the Top 10, Paula Abdul completed an amazing run to the top with her album Forever Your Girl, in its 64th week of release.  Girl You Know It's True by Milli Vanilli was toppled and Steel Wheels, the best Rolling Stones album in well over a decade, was #3.  New Kids On the Block were Hangin' Tough at #4 and Motley Crue had #5 with Dr. Feelgood.

The rest of the Top 10:  Full Moon Fever from Tom Petty, the self-titled Skid Row, Repeat Offender, the great album by Richard Marx, was #8, Aerosmith moved from 23 to 9 with Pump and Fine Young Cannibals were down with The Raw & the Cooked.

➦In 1996…The Fox News Channel debuted on U.S. cable systems

➦In 2005...Tracey Miller of brain cancer at age 51. Miller and Terri-Rae Elmer co-hosted KFI's TNT in the Morning, the first morning-drive show in a major market to feature two women in the lead roles. One reason KFI "took the risk" of putting a female team on in the morning was because it "was something different," the station's management said at the time.➦

iHM's Pittman On Why Audio’s Hot Again

Ross Kaminsky

In a wide-ranging radio interview broadcast Friday, iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman talked about the company’s podcasting strategy, how smart speakers will boost at-home listening (it’s already a double-digit percentage of digital radio listening) and why audio is suddenly hot again. The 30-minute Q&A also provides a peek into the CEO’s personal life.

Speaking with Talk Radio KHOW 630 AM Denver morning host Ross Kaminsky, Pittman compared the podcast audience to the roughly 10% of online Americans who click “read more” in a news story.

“Podcasting is to talk radio and information on the radio as streaming was to music on the radio,” he said. “It’s a perfect place to get more in depth, get more control and add to it.”



With iHeart’s purchase of podcast publisher Stuff Media narrowing the gap between it and NPR, iHeart will strengthen its leadership position as commercial radio’s top podcaster, Pittman said.

More than merely time-shifting their radio shows, many of the broadcaster’s top hosts have introduced new, original podcasts unrelated to their radio show or, in the case of Bobby Bones, an entire podcast network. “The audience already knows him, they trust him, they want to hear his perspective and get some depth on things that he doesn’t have time to get into on the air.”

InsideRadio reports the company’s ambitious podcast stance has also produced original shows with talent outside radio, including programs from actress Anna Faris, New York City real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran and author, columnist, businesswoman Ariana Huffington.

NYC Radio: iHM Renews WKTU's Hollywood Hamilton

iHeartMedia/New York has signed a long-term agreement with veteran air personality Sean "Hollywood" Hamilton to renew his relationship with WKTU 103.5 FM.

Under the new deal, Hamilton will continue as host of his weekday afternoon show on the Hot AC outlet. He also renewed and extended his partnership with Premiere Networks to syndicate his trio of radio programs -- "The Remix Top 30 Countdown with Hollywood Hamilton," "Weekend Top 30 with Hollywood Hamilton" and "Weekend Top 30 with DJ Pup Dawg."

"Hollywood Hamilton is one of the most loved, respected and recognized voices and names in radio," said iHeartMedia Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman.

"His unparalleled ability to connect with both listeners and music's biggest artists is a true representation of what makes radio the most powerful medium in the U.S. It's the reason he's been a fixture on New York City radio for the past decade, and we're excited for the opportunity to continue our long-standing relationship with him."

"One of the many reasons why it was so easy to re-sign is because of the friends I work with in our building," added Hamilton. "iHeartMedia, and more specifically KTU, are like family. I'm so happy to be associated with an incredibly talented group of people. Not to mention the extraordinary continuing support of my friends at Premiere Networks."

Hamilton began his radio career in 1979, when the 17-year old constructed an illegal pirate radio station in the basement of his parents' home. The station was the basis for the 1990 New Line cinema film, "Pump up the Volume" starring Christian Slater. Hamilton landed his first job in commercial radio in his hometown of Reno, NV. He later held on-air posts in Las Vegas and Tampa before moving to New York City to help launch Z100 in 1983. After five years at Z100, Hamilton spent ten years at KIIS-FM in Los Angeles and was consistently rated in the top 3 for his time slot.

He returned to New York City in 1996 to help launch KTU and created the three-hour "Weekend Top 30 with Hollywood Hamilton" in 1997, which features interviews and a countdown of the top 30 hits of the week. In 2009, he launched "The Remix Top 30 Countdown with Hollywood Hamilton," a three-hour EDM-intensive weekend dance show. In January 2013, Hamilton signed a deal with Premiere Networks to syndicate all three of his radio programs.

WKTU 103.5 FM (6 Kw) Red=Local 54dBu Coverage Area

"We're pleased to continue having Hollywood as a part of our iHeart family here in New York," said iHeartMedia Northeast Division Executive VP/Programming Thea Mitchem. "His passion for this industry is apparent every time he's on air, and we're happy that our listeners will continue to have him as a part of their afternoons."

L-A Radio: KAMP Adds DJ Vice, Krystal Bee

Entercom Communications has announced the addition of DJ Vice to KAMP 97.1 AMP Radio in Los Angeles as on-air host of “DJ Vice in the Mix.”

Krystal Bee

The show airs weekdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT.

The station also welcomes Krystal Bee as weekend on-air personality. Both moves are effective immediately.

“DJ Vice and Krystal Bee have been household names in the Southern California radio and music scene for more than 25 years collectively,” said Jeff Federman, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Los Angeles. “Both are quality additions to 97.1 AMP Radio and we look forward to them delivering a fresh listening experience for fans.”

“As someone who was born and raised in Los Angeles, it’s an honor to be a part of the 97.1 AMP Radio family and take over the airwaves,” said DJ Vice. “This mix is so fulfilling to do for my city, and hopefully I can ease the pain of our listeners as they sit in L.A. traffic.”

DJ Vice has extensive on-air experience, as well as conducted nightclub residencies and performances at festivals across the country. He was named as one of “America’s Best DJs” by DJ Times in 2011. Prior to joining Entercom, Krystal Bee held on-air roles for KPWR in Los Angeles since 2011.

KAMP 97.1 FM (21 Kw) Red=Local 54dBu Coverage Area

“AMP has a vision for radio that is so exciting,” said Krystal Bee. “I have loved working with the team and I am excited for everything the future holds for me, the station and our amazing listeners.”

Augusta Radio: Austin Rhodes Staying With N/T WGAC

Austin Rhodes

Austin Rhodes has signed a long-term renewal deal with Beasley Media Group Augusta.

Rhodes, who recently celebrated his 26th year on the air at NewsTalk WGAC in July, will continue to host afternoon drive from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. at the station.

“Austin is the longest running radio talk show in Augusta, Georgia history,” said Beasley Media Group Augusta Vice President and Market Manager Kent Dunn. “His commitment to WGAC listeners, the community and Beasley Media Group is tremendous. We are fortunate to have him on our team for the future.”

“Beasley is committed to top quality local content across our platforms and Austin Rhode’s show is loved by our clients and listeners in the Augusta market,” said Executive Vice President of Programming Justin Chase. “Austin has been with Beasley for many years and we are thrilled that he’ll be with us for many more!”

Charlotte Radio: Beasley Stations Add Tremaine Sloan

Tremaine Sloan

Tremaine Sloan, also known as “QCB”, has joined several Beasley Media Group Charlotte Stations as a part-time Sports Entertainment Talent. In addition, he will host a podcast called “3 with the QCB”.

The Carolinas know him from his time serving as a Co-host on SportsRadio WFNZ 610 AM  / 102.5 FM. Audiences tuned in to hear QCB creatively & humorously discuss sports topics on the station’s highly-rated afternoon show, Primetime, as well as The Call Up.

“Q”, as his friends refer to him, also delivered two of the most listened to features on the station, including “Talkin’ Bleep with QCB” and “The Whiner Line,” as well as his “Backroom Clip of the Day” segment on Twitter, @RealQCB.

When he is not on the airwaves, Q performs stand-up comedy at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte and as well as at similar clubs across the Southeast region of the United States. The entertainer has opinions on everything from sports and politics to TV shows and celebrities!

“I’m really excited to be reunited with QCB and hear him on our airwaves,” said Beasley Media Group Charlotte Vice President and Market Manager Bill Schoening. “We look forward to listening to his great sports entertainment commentary.”

Boston Herald Whittles Staff

MediaPost reports that leadership at Digital First Media executed planned layoffs across the Boston Herald’s editorial and non-editorial staff, cutting 14 employees. The layoffs were announced in June.

The paper began 2018 with about 240 employees. It now counts approximately 100.

Those laid off include Donna Marks, who was the head of the paper’s union, and worked in advertising as a graphic artist, along with another member of the advertising department.

Mark Garfinkel, an award-winning photographer who had been with the paper for decades, was laid off alongside another photographer for the paper, as well. Additionally, six copy editors were laid off; their work will be consolidated at Digital First Media’s Denver location.

Two additional non-union positions will be eliminated, as will two additional advertising graphic artists and two prepress page control technicians on Nov. 29. The work of the graphic artists will also be outsourced. 

The layoffs come on the heels of subscriber price hikes, which are extended to longtime readers. The Boston Herald now costs $11 a week and the company will charge extra fees ranging from $1.75 to $9.99 for “special editions” approximately four times a year.

TV Ratings: NFL Up 3 Percent

In somewhat of a surprise, early regular-season NFL TV ratings are up so far versus a year ago -- 3% more.

Four weeks into the 2018 NFL TV season, viewership is at an average 16.3 million TV viewers -- higher than 15.8 million a year ago -- when looking at the four national TV network games on CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, according to analysis from MoffettNathanson Research.

Week Four witnessed its biggest gains of the season so far -- up 19% (to 16.5 million) -- versus the same week a year ago.

According to MediaPost, the biggest improvement: Sunday afternoon games on CBS, which features AFC teams, 8% higher so far to average 16.3 million viewers.  All Sunday afternoon games -- CBS and Fox -- are up 2% to average 17.1 million.

Looking at other individual NFL programming: NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” improved 2% (20.1 million viewers), while “Thursday Night Football” (now all on Fox when it comes to broadcast TV airings) is down 1% to 14.5 million and ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” is down 4% to 11.4 million viewers.

We didn’t see this coming!” writes Michael Nathanson, senior analyst of MoffettNathanson.

Outside of Sunday, ratings have been a harder nut to crack. The combined Fox-NFL Network "Thursday Night Football" package is flat versus last year's averages (10 million viewers/6.1 rating), while ESPN's "Monday Night Football" is down 3 percent to 11.4 million viewers and off 4 percent in household ratings (7.1).

Although still earlier in the season, he said: “If this strength does continue, we would expect that the NFL’s four television partners -- most notably Fox (due to ownership of Thursday and Sunday games) -- could see a real benefit to advertising growth in fourth quarter of this year.”

CA News Anchor Resigns After Defending Kavanaugh

Kris Long

Kris Long, a veteran Coachella Valley news anchor for KESQ CBS Local 2, has resigned after penning a 400-word Facebook post defending Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh from an accusation that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted an acquaintance while in high school.

According to USAToday, Long’s public post ignited debate on Facebook over Kavanaugh’s confirmation, the assault claim and journalistic ethics. Long has been off the air since the Sept. 17 evening newscast.

In a written statement on Oct. 5, Gulf California Broadcast Company General Manager Jerry Upham wrote that the Palm Springs CBS affiliate had accepted Long's resignation “effective immediately.”

“Kris Long has been an integral part of this company’s news organization and we’d like to thank him for his many years of service,” Upham wrote.

Long also commented in the same written statement.

“I want to thank those who have offered support and apologize again for any I may have offended,” Long said. “ I hope to return to the news business in the future.”

In an earlier interview with The Desert Sun, Long said he stood by his initial Facebook post, but would further emphasize that he condemns rape. He also said he understood why some victims of sexual assault opt not to report the crime immediately.

"CBS Evening News" To Broadcast From Key Battleground States

"CBS Evening News" anchor Jeff Glor will be traveling to key battleground states ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Beginning next week, Glor will be interviewing candidates and voters about the issues most important to them.

According to CBS News, broadcasts will also feature coverage from CBS News correspondents across the country, in addition to long-form reporting through the series "Eye on America."

"Midterms are such a fascinating way for Americans to engage. Whether it's in the middle of the biggest city or the smallest town, we want to have open, honest, fair conversations with viewers, voters, and candidates, now and for years to come," Glor said. "We can't wait to hit the road."

"With control of the House and Senate at stake, our goal is to listen to voters and report on the issues that are most impacting their families and their communities," said Mosheh Oinounou, executive producer of the "CBS Evening News." "The best way to do that is to get out of the studio and into the field." 

Expanded coverage starts Tuesday, Oct. 9, with Glor anchoring from Phoenix, Arizona. He will later head to Texas, Missouri and Florida.

Bianna Golodryga Joins 'CBS This Morning'

"CBS This Morning" co-hosts John Dickerson, Gayle King, Norah O'Donnell and Bianna Golodryga

CBS News correspondent Bianna Golodryga is joining "CBS This Morning" as a co-host with Gayle King, Norah O'Donnell and John Dickerson. Golodryga, who has been a reporter and fill-in co-host for the broadcast since 2017, begins Wednesday and will be based in New York.

According to CBS News, Golodryga began reporting for CBS News in August 2017. On her debut at the network, she reported live from her hometown of Houston during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Subsequently, she anchored CBS News coverage of major breaking news including the Las Vegas concert shooting and the funeral of first lady Barbara Bush.

Bianna Golodryga

"CBS has the best morning news team in the business," Golodryga said. "It's an honor to be joining Gayle, Norah and John and everyone at CTM as we continue to do what CBS News does best – reporting on issues that matter to our viewers, along with enterprising, smart and objective storytelling."

Golodryga's expertise in financial issues and Russian political matters.

"In the last year Bianna has become a tremendous asset to all of us at CTM," said Ryan Kadro, executive producer of "CBS This Morning." "She is a superb broadcaster and journalist, and we look forward to having her at the table, or reporting in the field, every day."

"Viewers know us as the real news destination in the morning – which is why Bianna is the perfect addition to our team," CBS News president David Rhodes said. "We are so fortunate to have her curiosity and global perspective on every broadcast of 'CBS This Morning.'"

Golodryga is also a contributor to various CNN programs.

October 6 Radio History

Reginald Fessenden

➦In 1866...Radio pioneer Reginald Aubrey Fessenden was born at Milton [East Bolton] Quebec; he died in Hamilton, Bermuda July 22, 1932 at age 65.

After studies at Bishop University, Fessenden went to work for Thomas Edison, then the Westinghouse labs and the US Weather Service. In 1902, he started his own company to develop his superheterodyne discoveries, and in 1906 accomplished the first two-way radio voice transmission between Scotland and his shore station at Brant Rock Massachusetts.

That Christmas he broadcast the world’s first public program of music and voice transmitted over long distances, from Brant Rock to the ships at sea. He had over 300 patents, and was awarded $2.5 million by the US Radio Trust for his inventions, many of which were used by the US in World War I without his permission.


➦In 1949...Japanese-American broadcaster, Iva Toguri D'Aquino (Tokyo Rose), was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined $10,000 for treason.

D'Aquino broadcast as "Orphan Ann" during the 15-20 minute D.J. segment of the 75-minute program The Zero Hour on Radio Tokyo (NHK). The program consisted of propaganda-tinged skits and slanted news reports as well as of popular American music.

After World War II ended in 1945, the U.S. military detained Toguri for a year before releasing her for lack of evidence. Department of Justice officials agreed that her broadcasts were "innocuous". But when Toguri tried to return to the US, a popular uproar ensued because Walter Winchell (a powerful broadcasting personality) and the American Legion lobbied relentlessly for a trial, prompting the Federal Bureau of Investigation to renew its investigation of Toguri's wartime activities. Her 1949 trial resulted in a conviction on one of eight counts of treason. In 1974, investigative journalists found that key witnesses claimed they were forced to lie during testimony. U.S. President Gerald Ford pardoned Toguri in 1977.

➦In 1953...at a low point in his recording & movie career, Frank Sinatra debuted as star of the new radio adventure series, ‘Rocky Fortune’ on NBC.  25 episodes later, and still without a sponsor, the series reached its end.

➦In 1973...The hot 100..Cher had the #1 song with "Half Breed". Paul Simon moved to #2 with "Loves Me Like A Rock", Marvin Gaye's former #1 (Let's Get It On") was third followed by the previous #1 "We're An American Band" by Grand Funk.

The rest of the Top 10:  "Higher Ground" from Stevie Wonder, "That Lady" by the Isley Brothers, the Allman Brothers Band had their biggest hit with "Ramblin' Man", the Rolling Stones collected their 30th career hit and 15th Top 10 when "Angie" reached #8, Helen Reddy slipped with "Delta Dawn" and former Temptations member Eddie Kendricks said "Keep On Truckin'".

➦In 1976...“Disco Duck” by deejay Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots was certified to be a Gold Record. The novelty number eventually went platinum, becoming only the 4th single to do so.

➦In 1984...The Album Charts..The count reached 10 for weeks at #1 for Prince's excellent Purple Rain album.  The previous #1 from Bruce Springsteen, Born in the U.S.A., however, had been in the Top Three every week since being dethroned and was not going away.  Sports by Huey Lewis & the News, itself a #1 album, was now moving back up after 53 weeks of release!  Private Dancer from Tina Turner was now at 4 and the Cars held steady with Heartbeat City.
So great were these five albums that they had made up the Top Five in various order for the past seven weeks.  Another note:  the debut album from Madonna reached the Top 10 for the first time--in its 58th week of release.

➦In 1985....bandleader/arranger Nelson Riddle died at age 64 of liver ailments and heart failure.  He had worked frequently (on their Capitol Records) with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and Linda Ronstadt.

➦In 2004...Howard Stern announced he would move his show to SIRIUS Satellite Radio beginning January, 2006.

➦In 2012...“Sheriff” John Rovick, the beloved Los Angeles children’s TV host whose gentle, fatherly persona made him a welcome guest in homes throughout the 1950s and ’60s, died in his sleep at age 93. Beginning in radio, Rovick was a newly hired announcer at KTTV-TV when the station went on the air in 1949.  His popular late afternoon “Cartoon Time” began in 1952.

➦In 2014...longtime Philadelphia sportscaster Bill Campbell, who once called games for the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers and Warriors, and whose on-air career extended to age 90, died of complications from a fall at age 91.

Bay Area Radio: Cumulus Media Makes Power Moves

• Jack Swanson Returns To Program
• Scotty Bastable Named VP/Director of Sales

Cumulus Media has  announced that it has appointed Jack Swanson as Program Director of KGO 810 AM and KSFO 560 AM in San Francisco.

JackSwanson

The legendary San Francisco radio programmer returns to the stations he helped build, as former Program Director of KGO and KSFO, where he led programming from 1994 until 2011. Swanson was previously Director, News and Programming for KCBS in San Francisco and prior to that, was a general manager and major market news anchor. Swanson is also an attorney admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court and a pilot who flies rescue dogs.

Doug Harvill, Vice President and Market Manager, Cumulus Radio Station Group-San Francisco, said: “Jack Swanson is the best talk show programmer on the planet. He is visionary, a showman and a leader. I’m thrilled to work with Jack again.”

Swanson said: “People have asked why I’m returning. Simple. This is the most exciting time in the history of these iconic stations. I’m jazzed about their future. Returning to work with Doug, and the support of a re-energized Cumulus is going to be an amazing adventure. I’m excited to be a part of the new Cumulus!”

Also, Cumulus Media has announced that it has appointed media sales executive Scotty Bastable as Vice President/Director of Sales for its San Francisco radio station group, effective November 15, 2018.

Scotty Bastable

Bastable was previously Agency and Corporate Development Manager for CBS 360 in San Francisco. Prior to that, he was General Sales Manager for Entercom-San Francisco radio station KOIT and Director of Sales for Clear Channel Radio-San Francisco.

Doug Harvill, Vice President and Market Manager, Cumulus Radio Station Group-San Francisco, said: “Scotty is a solid sales management leader who is admired by his employees, advertisers and competitors. I’ve both competed and worked with Scotty and I’d much rather work with him and have him on the Cumulus team. He will be an incredible asset to our stations and client partners.”

Bastable said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am thrilled to join Cumulus Media, where teamwork and collaboration thrive. I have always had a special relationship with radio, and I am thrilled at this amazing opportunity with Cumulus Radio Station Group-San Francisco. The future belongs to those who think big, and I am all in with Cumulus’ vision.”

Charlotte Radio: Country WKKT To Serve Up Sarah Lee For Breakfast

Sarah Lee

iHeartMeda/Charlotte has named Sarah Lee as its new morning drive co-host for Country WKKT 96.9 The Kat, effective October 15th.

Lee will broadcast as Paul Schadt and Sarah Lee in the Morning weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Lee joins Country Radio Hall of Famer Paul Schadt to bring the latest country music hits from the biggest stars, blending music and family-friendly, fun conversation. She will report to Meg Stevens, Regional Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Virginia-Carolina Region and Program Director of 96.9 The Kat.

“We are delighted to bring Sarah Lee home to Charlotte,” said Stevens.

“Her knowledge of the area, extraordinary work ethic, and intellect make her the perfect fit to join country radio’s renowned host Paul Schadt in the morning.”

“I'm ecstatic to return to Charlotte and work on-air with one of my idols in the genre my parents raised me in,” said Lee.

“Paul Schadt is not only a talent that I have respected for years, but he is a legend in the format, a mentor, a peer and a friend. It is my deepest honor to be able to call him partner, and a dream come true to wake up the Carolinas on 96.9 The Kat.”

WKKT 96.9 FM (100 Kw) Red=Local 60dBu Coverage Area

Lee joins the Charlotte market from Black River Entertainment, where she most recently served as an artist social media manager. In addition, she also served as on-air talent for several radio stations including, WRJY, the former WNOW and WNYL. Lee began her career as an intern for CBS Radio’s syndicated Ace & TJ Show in Charlotte, NC.

FCC Totals: Broadcast Stations As Of September 30

Day 4: PPMs Released for Austin, Nashville, 10 Final Markets

Nielsen on Thursday 10/04/18 released the final batch of  September 2018 PPMs results.  The markets  included are:

33  Austin

38  Raleigh-Durham NC
 

39  Indianapolis

41  Milwaukee-Racine

43  Nashville

44  Providence-Warwick-Pawtucket RI

45  Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News VA

46  Jacksonville FL

47  Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point NC

48  West Palm Beach-Boca Raton 

51  Memphis

52  Hartford-New Britain-Middletown CT

Click Here to view Topline numbers for subscribing Nielsen stations

Pew: Newsroom Grads Earn Less Than Other College Grads

Newsroom employees are more than twice as likely as other U.S. workers to be college graduates. But they tend to make less money than college-educated workers in other industries, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data.

Nearly eight-in-ten (79%) newsroom employees in the newspaper, broadcasting and internet publishing industries – including reporters, editors, photographers and videographers – have at least a college degree, according to the analysis of 2012-2016 American Community Survey data. Among employees in all other occupations and industries, only about a third (36%) have graduated from college. Very few newsroom employees have a high school education or less (4%), compared with a third of all other workers.

When it comes to earnings, newsroom employees do better than the average U.S worker when considering employees of all education levels. The median annual earnings of newsroom employees are about $48,000, compared with about $39,000 for all other workers.

However, college-educated newsroom employees make less than college-educated workers in other industries and occupations. The median earnings of newsroom employees with a college degree are about $51,000, compared with roughly $59,000 for all other college-educated workers.

Nashville Radio: WQQK Launching Local Morning Show

Cumulus Media announces that Nashville Urban AC radio station WQQK 92Q will debut its new live and local morning show, “The Kenny Smoov Morning Show”, on Monday, featuring longtime Nashville air talent and The Tennessean’s 2017 Favorite Radio Personality of the Year, Kenny Smoov.

“The Kenny Smoov Morning Show” will air weekdays from 5am-10am on 92Q.

Smoov, a veteran radio programmer and air talent, will continue to serve 92Q as Program Director, in addition to his new role as Morning Show Host. Smoov has served as Red Carpet/Backstage talent for the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and The Grammys. He is also the Afternoon Host for Westwood One’s The Touch Format airing nationwide, and is a well-respected club and concert DJ.

Joining Smoov on “The Kenny Smoov Morning Show” is Sissy Brown, radio personality, social media maven, and former Tennessee Titans cheerleader. Brown will bring “The Get Down”, hourly entertainment and gossip updates, and “Sissy’s Inbox” to the show. 92Q Evening Host, C-Dub, will round out the morning team as Producer and Social Media Director.



Charlie Cook, Operations Manager/Program Director, Cumulus Media-Nashville, said: "Allison (Allison Warren VP/MM of Cumulus Nashville) and I have complete faith in Kenny, who is passionate about both 92Q and this new morning show, to give Nashville its first big live and local show that serves the African-American community. Kenny has worked hard to provide a locally focused show for the Nashville audience.  It will be like nothing the community has now.”

WQQK 92.1 FM (3.5 Kw) Red=Local 60dBu Coverage Area

Smoov said: “All Middle Tennesseans want to have a good time and that’s what we are going to deliver every morning on the show. You get enough vitriol and nastiness on TV and some of these other radio shows. I want to put on a show that you can drink your coffee to because you know we’re going to give you a smile, some information, a great contest, some music, and BAM...you’re at work! Thank you Allison Warren, Charlie Cook, Mike McVay, and Ken Johnson for this amazing opportunity in the Hottest City in the country.”

Edison, Triton Release New Canada Podcast Insights

Edison Research and Triton Digital released The Podcast Consumer 2018 earlier this year, marking the company’s 10th year of issuing the most extensive analysis of American podcast listeners available. Today Edison and Triton Digital are proud to release The Podcast Consumer Canada 2018.

This report includes new, unreleased information on the demographics of podcast listeners, frequency and location of podcast consumption, smart speaker ownership, and other podcast listening behaviors in Canada. Data is derived from The Infinite Dial Canada 2018 by Edison Research and Triton Digital.

“All of us here at Edison and Triton are honored to be able to provide our latest data on podcasting to the Canadian public,” said Edison’s Senior Vice President, Tom Webster. “We are also very excited to announce that Edison and Triton will once again collaborate on The Infinite Dial Canada in 2019.”

“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Edison Research on the Infinite Dial Canada in 2019," said John Rosso, President of Market Development at Triton Digital.  "We look forward to presenting the latest in digital audio consumption and usage, including AM/FM radio, streaming audio, podcasting, the utilization of smart speakers, and more.”

Key findings from The Podcast Consumer Canada 2018 include:

• Nineteen percent of Canadian adults 18+ are weekly podcast listeners. Forty-seven percent of adults 18+ have ever listen to a podcast, and 28% are monthly podcast listeners. The younger the listener, the more likely they are to have listened in the past week. Twenty-seven percent of Canadians age 18-34 are weekly podcast listeners. 
• Podcast listeners have higher incomes and education levels than the average Canadian 18+. Twenty-nine percent of monthly podcast consumers have an annual household income of $75K-$150K compared with 22% of the total population. One-third of monthly podcast consumers have some graduate school or an advanced degree. 
• Podcasts can range from a few minutes to well over an hour or even two. Weekly podcast listeners spend an average of six hours per week listening to podcasts. Thirty-six percent of weekly podcast listeners spend at least five hours per week or more listening to podcasts.
• Weekly podcast listeners listen to an average of five podcasts per week, with 21% listening to six or more in that same period.
• Over half of monthly podcast listeners say they typically listen to the entire podcast. Another 35% say that they listen to most of the podcast.
• In-home is the top listening location for podcasts. Sixty-three percent of monthly podcast listeners say that “home” is the place they listen to podcasts most often. In-car/truck is in second place at 14%, followed by “at work,” at 11%.
• Almost half of podcast listeners listen to podcasts from Public Radio producers. Just under half of all monthly or weekly Canadian podcast listeners 18+ (47%) listen to podcasts from Public Radio producers such as CBC, Radio Canada, or NPR.

Entercom To Stream NHL Devils, Islanders Games

Entercom, the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders have announced, in an exclusive partnership, that all regular-season and postseason games for both teams will stream live from Radio.com, the exclusive digital home for all Entercom content.

As part of the agreement, the broadcasts will be available free via Radio.com’s app and website as well as the NHL, New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders mobile apps and website.

The digital stream commences on Thursday, October 4 at 7 p.m. EST with the New York Islanders game vs. the Carolina Hurricanes. The first New Jersey Devils streamed competition features the team’s matchup against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, October 6 at 1 p.m. EST from the Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden. In addition, SportsRadio WFAN 101.9 FM / 660 AM will promote all live, digital streams and air select head-to-head matchups between the two teams.

The partnership marks WFAN’s 14th consecutive season as the flagship station for the New Jersey Devils, who exclusively streamed 53 games last season on The One Jersey Network. Both teams are expected to roll out additional, exclusive content and develop new pregame, postgame and weekly shows on the new platform as the season progresses.

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with the New Jersey Devils and add the New York Islanders,” said Jeff Sottolano, Senior Vice President, Entercom. “As the fastest growing digital audio app in the United States and unrivaled leader in local sports coverage, Radio.com aims to become a daily habit for the millions of users we reach each month, including tri-state hockey fans.”

“Technology continues to evolve the ways fans follow their teams, over the last few years we have been focused on creating new platforms for our fans to engage with our teams,” said Hugh Weber, President, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. “Specifically in terms of our audio rights, we have taken a conscious, phased approach in digitally streaming our games with the mission of making our broadcasts available when and where our fans choose.”

Scott Lindy Joins Team At Futuri Media

Veteran programmer Scott Lindy has joined the Partner Success team at Futuri Media.

Scott Lindy

In his new role, Lindy will work with Futuri’s radio partners to devise station-specific strategies for using the company’s audience engagement technology, like POST, TopicPulse, and #engage, to drive ratings and revenue growth.

Lindy, most recently Program Director at Cumulus Media’s country WKHX Kicks 101.5 Atlanta and Cumulus corporate Program Director, adds his more than 30 years programming experience to Futuri’s Partner Success team. In addition to Cumulus, he’s held programming positions at companies including iHeartMedia and SiriusXM Radio, and he’s served on the boards of directors for several industry organizations, including the Country Music Association and Country Radio Broadcasters.

“I’ve been a fan of Daniel Anstandig since the day we met,” said Lindy of the Futuri Media CEO. “I’m so excited to join the talented team and invigorating culture he’s built here, and to help our partners best use Futuri’s truly innovative technology solutions to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.”

Gen Z Said To Be More Receptive To Advertising

A funny thing is happening with “Gen Z,” the generation growing up in the wake of millennials. Whereas millennials are often thought to shun advertising, Gen Z appears willing to embrace it.

That is one takeaway from a discussion between Hulu CMO Kelly Campbell and Vice CEO Nancy Dubuc, held during Advertising Week New York Thursday, reporrts Alex Weprin at MediaPost.

Campbell revealed research that Hulu conducted, specifically looking at Gen Z, which the company defines as around 15-25 years old.

"We offer choice, we offer different versions of our products, including our ad-supported model, which is our lowest price point,” Campbell said. “What we find with Gen Z is that they understand the value trade-off — and are actually more receptive to advertising.”

“We did research recently that showed Gen Z-ers are 39% more likely than the base population to watch an ad, and 29% more likely to actually pay attention to it,” she added.

Of course, that doesn’t mean evolution isn’t needed in the advertising space. Consumption habits for younger viewers are quite different than older viewers, with a heavier emphasis on mobile, and according  to Campbell a desire to stream order shows from start to finish.

“They don’t think of television as channels or networks; they think of it as shows, galleries of shows,” Campbell said. “They are also more likely to want to binge. They want to watch an entire library, from the pilot to the final episode of the final season. We see more and more interest in slightly older content, slightly less interest in newer content.”