January 27 Radio History

➦In 1926...John Logie Baird, a Scottish inventor, gives the first public demonstration of a true television system in London, launching a revolution in communication and entertainment.

According to History, Baird’s invention, a pictorial-transmission machine he called a “televisor,” used mechanical rotating disks to scan moving images into electronic impulses. This information was then transmitted by cable to a screen where it showed up as a low-resolution pattern of light and dark. Baird’s first television program showed the heads of two ventriloquist dummies, which he operated in front of the camera apparatus out of view of the audience.

Baird based his television on the work of Paul Nipkow, a German scientist who patented his ideas for a complete television system in 1884. Nipkow likewise used a rotating disk with holes in it to scan images, but he never achieved more than the crudest of shadowy pictures. Various inventors worked to develop this idea, and Baird was the first to achieve easily discernible images. In 1928, Baird made the first overseas broadcast from London to New York over phone lines and in the same year demonstrated the first color television.

➦In 1927...With the creation of the "United Independent Broadcasters" network in Chicago by New York talent-agent Arthur Judson. The fledgling network soon needed additional investors though, and the Columbia Phonograph Company, manufacturers of Columbia Records, rescued it in April 1927; as a result, the network was renamed "Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System". Columbia Phonographic went on the air on September 18, 1927, with a presentation by the Howard Barlow Orchestra from flagship station WOR in Newark, New Jersey, and fifteen affiliates.

William S. Paley

Operational costs were steep, particularly the payments to AT&T for use of its land lines, and by the end of 1927, Columbia Phonograph wanted out. In early 1928, Judson sold the network to brothers Isaac and Leon Levy, owners of the network's Philadelphia affiliate WCAU, and their partner Jerome Louchenheim. None of the three was interested in assuming day-to-day management of the network, so they installed wealthy 26-year-old William S. Paley, son of a Philadelphia cigar family and in-law of the Levys, as president. With the record company out of the picture, Paley quickly streamlined the corporate name to "Columbia Broadcasting System".

He believed in the power of radio advertising since his family's "La Palina" cigars had doubled their sales after young William convinced his elders to advertise on radio. By September 1928, Paley bought out the Louchenheim share of CBS and became its majority owner with 51% of the business.

➦In 1927...KXO 1230 AM went on the air in El Centro, California. (Today the station airs oldies)

➦In 1931...The NBC Radio Network first broadcast "Clara, Lu ’n’ Em" on its Blue network.

Elvis 1956

➥In 1948...the Wire Recording Corporation of America introduced the magnetic tape recorder, the first audio recording system that didn’t involve acetate disks or wire. The “Wireway” machine, complete with a built-in oscillator, sold for $149.50.

➦In 1956...'Heartbreak Hotel' by Elvis released

➦In 1957...The "CBS Radio Workshop" debuted.  This first broadcast featured Aldous Huxley narrating his classic, “Brave New World”.

➦In 1997...WNYC 820 AM / 93.9 FM taken over by “WNYC Foundation”

➦In 2003...WNEW 102.7 FM dropped talk format in favor of music.

The station tunted for the next couple of months with Contemporary hit radio music, using a limited playlist of approximately 50 songs from artists like Pink, Eminem, Bowling for Soup, and Avril Lavigne, as well as nightly simulcasts of CBS's Late Show with David Letterman.

Sounders during that period teased listeners about how "a new station" would soon be coming to the 102.7 frequency, and it arrived in April, when WNEW became "102.7 Blink" (keeping the WNEW call letters) and adopted an unusual "Entertainment AC" format.  The station mixed old and contemporary pop hits with talk shows and entertainment news from sources such as E!; on-air personalities during this period included the morning team of Chris Booker and Lynda Lopez (who were also dating during this time), game show host Todd Newton and afternoons with Tim Virgin and now-MSNBC Anchor Alison Stewart. Other personalities included, Rick Stacy (now with WOCL Orlando), Maze, and reporters Matt Wolfe and Lisa Chase, who provided hourly entertainment updates. The station also used AOL Instant Messenger to take requests, and 24 star Kiefer Sutherland did the station IDs ("It is physically impossible not to Blink", etc.).

However, the station's ratings sank further. The station's pink logo led to the derisive nickname "Barbie Radio", and Booker & Lopez did little more on the air than talk about Jennifer Lopez, Lynda's older sister. After less than six months, the station fired most of the staff and changed its branding to "102.7 Blink FM: Music Women Love" with an (again, unusual) explicit appeal to a female audience. This format also failed to draw audiences. By October, it adopted a more mainstream adult contemporary format and ratings began to go up slightly. That November, the station (like many AC stations) adopted the increasingly popular "all Christmas music, all the time" format, dropping the "Blink" format after less than 11 months for the name "New York's New 102.7 FM".

In 2004...The Federal Communications Commission fined Clear Channel Radio for apparently airing indecent material over several broadcast stations during several days. The Commission proposed the highest fine the law provides resulting in a $27,500 for each of 26 apparent indecency violations for a total of $715,000.



In 2013…Philadelphia television pioneer/radio disc jockey/recording artist (the album Our Gal Sal, on which she was backed by Bill Haley & His Comets)/actress (The Outlaws Is Coming, The In Crowd, Holiday Journey, Mannequin on the Move) Sally Starr, who, in her blonde cowgirl persona, hosted children's TV shows on WFIL-TV (which became WPVI-TV in 1968) from the 1950s until the early 1970s, died at the age of 90.

➦Click Here for more historical events that happened on January 27.

The Newseum Sells It's D-C Building

The Freedom Forum — the creator and primary funder of the Newseum — has announced the sale of the building in which the Newseum is located to Johns Hopkins University, a premier academic institution. The University will use the building as a new consolidated center for its DC-based graduate programs.

The deal remains subject to all necessary regulatory approvals, and the Newseum will remain open to the public through 2019.

The sale comes at the conclusion of a 16-month strategic review, announced in August 2017, of the Freedom Forum’s funding priorities, including an assessment of the Newseum’s unsustainable operating costs. The purpose of the review was to identify financially responsible solutions for the building through creative partnerships, a partial sale, leaseback scenarios, or other joint ventures. Despite those efforts, the Freedom Forum review made clear that a sale of the facility was the best path forward to enable the organization and its affiliates to continue their First Amendment-based mission. Johns Hopkins will acquire the property for $372.5 million.

Since its opening in 2008, the Freedom Forum has committed more than $600 million to build and fund the Newseum, one of the largest gifts to any museum anywhere in the world.

“This was a difficult decision, but it was the responsible one,” said Jan Neuharth, chair and CEO of the Freedom Forum. “We remain committed to continuing our programs – in a financially sustainable way – to champion the five freedoms of the First Amendment and to increase public awareness about the importance of a free and fair press. With today’s announcement, we can begin to explore all options to find a new home in the Washington, DC area.”

“The Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue has delighted millions with its entertaining and educational exhibits, garnering five-star reviews from critics and visitors alike,” said Peter Prichard, chair of the Newseum board of trustees. “Our patrons learned about the joys, the duties, and even the dangers journalists experience in their work, and why a free and fair press is so important to a well-functioning democracy.

“We stand ready to continue much of the Newseum’s important work for decades to come — through digital outreach, traveling exhibits, and web-based programs in schools around the world, as well as hopefully in a new physical home in the area.”

“All of the artifacts on display in the museum will remain on exhibit for our visitors to learn from while the details of the agreement are settled,” said Carrie Christoffersen, curator and executive director of the Newseum. “Our collection preserves journalism and news history, and we will continue to be responsible stewards of our permanent collection of historic artifacts and newspapers.”

The mission of the Newseum, located in Washington, DC, is to increase public understanding of the importance of a free press and the First Amendment. Visitors experience the story of news, the role of a free press in major events in history, and how the core freedoms of the First Amendment — religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition — apply to their lives.

Established July 4, 1991 by founder Al Neuharth, the Freedom Forum is the principal funder of the Newseum and the Freedom Forum Institute, and sponsors work to educate the public about the importance of the First Amendment. It also supports newsroom diversity and excellence in journalism, with programs including the Power Shift Project, the annual Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, the Chips Quinn Scholars, and the Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in the Media.

San Diego Radio: Meryl Klemow Joins The Cantore Show On KFMB-FM

KFMB 100.7 FM San Diego has announced that Meryl Klemow will be joining “The Cantore Show” every weekday from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. beginning this Monday, January 28. The announcement follows the appointment of Cantore as morning host earlier this month and is the first addition to the team, which Cantore will be building over time.

Klemow has a vast amount of experience in the media, music and digital landscape in San Diego. She was the show marketing manager and podcast host at the Belly Up, comedy writer for “Tonight in San Diego,” and current podcast co-host of “Campfire Shit Show” and “What’s Good” digital series on ListenSD.

Director of FM Programming, Mike V. Vasquez, said, “Meryl lights up the room when she walks into it. I know that her loveable and hilarious personality will similarly light up the airwaves every morning too! Chris and Meryl are long-time friends, so they already have natural chemistry. I’m excited to have her join our 100.7 San Diego family.”

Klemow stated, “This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m looking forward to having a lot of fun with Chris and our audience every morning. Similar to what the station, Chris himself, and the show represent, I love a variety of things about San Diego and the world of radio and content creation. I look forward to meeting and connecting with the listeners and the entire radio family.”

Cantore added, “They say everything in life is based on timing, that’s certainly the case here. Meryl and I have collaborated on-mic, on-camera, and online over the years, but never on a stage this big. I couldn’t be more excited to go on this adventure with her.”

D-C Radio: MASN Names New Hosts for Nats Pre/Post-Game Shows

Johnny Holliday (Andy Ockershausen photo)

For the first time in more than a decade, the Nationals pre- and postgame shows on MASN won’t be anchored by local radio, TV legend Johnny Holliday and former major league player and manager Ray Knight.

Their full-time replacements should be familiar to fans who have followed the team since its first playoff berth in 2012, according to The Washington Post.

The Nationals and MASN announced Friday that Dan Kolko, who spent the past five years as the on-field reporter during Nationals broadcasts, is moving to the studio for the half-hour shows that bookend every game. He will be joined by analyst and former Nationals third base coach Bo Porter.

Kolko assumes the host role previously held by Holliday, the longtime voice of Maryland football and men’s basketball, who announced in December that he was stepping away from the network after 13 years to spend more time with his family. Knight served as Holliday’s unfiltered, heart-on-his-sleeve studio partner since 2007, but his 2019 contract option wasn’t picked up after he was involved in a verbal altercation with a member of the MASN production team last season and pulled off broadcasts in mid-September.

Holliday  began his radio career at WBBN in Perry, Georgia, then worked at WFEC in Florida, WVRM in Rochester, New York, WHK in Cleveland. He worked closely with Murray the K at WINS in New York City and hosted the station's final music broadcast in 1965. This led him west to Top 40 giant KYA in San Francisco where in 1965 Holliday was named America's number one disc jockey by the Bill Gavin Radio "Gavin Report."

His radio work is featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In connection with the station he hosted record hops and concerts, including co-hosting the final concert by the Beatles at Candlestick Park in 1966.
Holliday moved to Washington, D.C., in 1969, handling morning drive time duties for WWDC until 1978, and sports for WMAL from 1978 to 1991.

Verizon Media Lay-Offs Include The Huffington Post

On Thursday, 20 employees with The Huffington Post were given pink slips just one day after Verizon Media (parent company) decided to cut 7% of its staff, according to The Daily Wire.

"About 750 Verizon Media employees were expected to lose their jobs," reports HuffPo. "That announcement came more than a month after Verizon took a $4.6 billion write-down on HuffPost’s parent company, Oath (now called Verizon Media), which includes AOL, Yahoo and HuffPost."

"HuffPost unionized with the Writers Guild of America, East in 2017," the report continued. "A spokesman for the union said at least 15 members had lost their jobs. Two full teams ― the opinion and health sections ― were eliminated."

In a statement on Thursday, HuffPo Editor-in-Chief Lydia Polgreen said that the media will be aligning more dollars to areas with "high audience engagement."

"It’s a tough day for HuffPost, and we’re losing some talented and beloved colleagues," Polgreen said Thursday. "We are deeply committed to quality journalism that reflects what matters most to our diverse audiences across the globe. HuffPost is aligning its talents and investments to areas that have high audience engagement, differentiation and are poised for growth at a time when our mission means more than ever."

Regional Media to Acquire Princeton Illinois Stations

Regional Media – Virden Broadcasting (RM), announced Friday that they have entered into a definitive agreement to purchase, WZOE 1490 AM, WZOE Z98 FM and WRVY 100.5 FM, as well as, numerous digital assets serving Princeton Illinois and the surrounding area.

Commenting on the acquisition, Regional Media – Virden Broadcasting President and CEO, Fletcher Ford said, “We’re very happy to be able to expand to the Princeton area; they fit nicely into our overall plan of concentration in Illinois and will allow us to further support local communities.”

“For over half a century, WZOE and its sister stations; Z98 and WRVY have brought local content and care to the Illinois Valley and the surrounding areas. I cannot think of a better group of people to continue this tradition than Fletcher Ford and his Team at Regional Media. I am excited to assist with bringing their excellence in broadcasting to Princeton and the surrounding markets” says current WZOE Inc Chief Operating Officer Mike Samet.

Tom Clark has been named General Sales Manager with current Regional Media Vice President of Operations Jason Gilbraith taking an active role in the day to day operations.

Regional Media – Virden Broadcasting will take over operations on February 1, 2019.

Location of Princeton, IL

Regional Media, is one of the largest and one of the most diversified broadcasting companies in Illinois and Iowa with affiliations with many local communities. The company regularly uses its website as a key source of company information which can be accessed at www.RegionalMedia.info

Streaming Dominates Home Entertainment Spending

You will find more infographics at Statista

by Felix Richter, Statista

Marking a major milestone in home entertainment’s shift to digital formats, video streaming subscription revenues surpassed DVD / Blu-ray sales in the United States for the first time in 2016. This trend continued through 2018, when subscription-based streaming accounted for more than half of consumer spending on home entertainment.

While U.S. consumers spent $12.9 billion on subscriptions to services such as Netflix (up 30 percent compared to 2017), DVD and Blu-ray sales dropped another 15 percent last year, with consumer spend amounting to $4.0 billion, according to the Digital Entertainment Group's year-end report.

Looking at the home entertainment market as a whole, it is clear that the future of video distribution for home use is digital. While consumer spending on streaming subscriptions and electronic sell-through continued to increase in 2018, all physical formats, both sell-through and rental, suffered double-digit declines. Digital distribution models now account for three quarters of total home entertainment spending and surpassed box office earnings for the second consecutive year in 2018.

Total home entertainment spending grew by 11.5 percent last year, reaching $23.3 billion. That’s more than twice the domestic box office revenue of the past twelve months, according to Box Office Mojo, illustrating how much Americans like to cuddle up on their own couch and binge a few episodes of their favorite show instead of going to an actual movie theater.

Shreveport Radio: Jay Michaels To Program Q97.3 FM

Jay Michaels

Cumulus Media has  announced that it has appointed radio programming professional Jay Michaels as Program Director of HotAC KQHN Q97.3 FM in Shreveport, LA.

Michaels will also be on-air on Q97.3 weekdays from 3pm to 7pm. Michaels was previously Program Director for Cumulus Media’s WJJK and WYNG in Indianapolis, IN.

Aaron Criswell, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Shreveport, said: “We are extremely excited to have a proven programmer join us in Shreveport, Louisiana. Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our cluster along with a superabundance of ideas on how to win.”

Jay Michaels said: “I’m so excited to be joining the amazing team at Cumulus in Shreveport. Big thanks to Mike McVay, Grey Frey and Aaron Criswell for welcoming me back to the Cumulus family!  I’ve fallen in love with this city and can't wait to get going!" 

St. Louis News Anchor Pulled Off Air For Alleged Slur

News/Talk KMOX 1120 AM reports FOX 2TV news personality, Kevin Steincross, has been pulled off the air indefinitely.

After negotiations with FOX2, Tribune and the St. Louis County NAACP President John Gaskin, Steincross made the announcement Friday , via video, that he would be absent from the station, for now, to regain the trust of the community.

"Station management and I have agreed that I need to step away from the anchor desk for now. I will begin working to regain your trust. I know the work I need to do will take time, and I will do everything I can to address the pain I caused."


Late last week, Steincross was accused of using a racial slur on air when mentioning Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Steincross insisted he misspoke and tripped over his words and even apologized on air.

Calls for his dismissal were almost immediate from those who claim the racial slur in question was intentional.

According to his bio, Steincross has been with FOX 2 for 22 years, beginning in 1996 and moved to the morning newscaster role in 1998.

Jacobs Media Launches 'CES For Radio' Podcast Season

Jacobs Media Strategies has released the first episode of its 2019 season of the “CES for Radio Broadcasters” podcast.

The series features interviews from the floor of CES in Las Vegas, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, where thousands of companies from around the world debut their latest gadgets and technological innovations. The podcast focuses on the technological trends on display at the annual trade show and how they will impact radio broadcasters.


➤LISTEN HERE: For Podcast


The premiere episode features an in-depth conversation with Tyler Suiters, VP of Communication for the Consumer Technology Association, the organization that produces CES. Suiters offers an overview of some of the new themes at the 2019 event, including smart cities, artificial intelligence, and 5G networks.

Seth Resler

Hosted by Jacobs Media Digital Dot Connector Seth Resler, “CES for Radio Broadcasters” takes listeners inside the convention and provides a unique audio perspective on this iconic event.

“Every year, more and more radio broadcasters attend CES,” says Resler. “It’s become apparent that our industry’s fortunes are tied to the larger technological landscape, so it’s important for broadcasters to keep up with the latest developments.”

Adds Jacobs Media’s VP/GM Paul Jacobs, “Seth takes his mic to the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center to capture the spirit and vibe of this amazing show with an eye and an ear on what it means to broadcast radio.”

Upcoming episodes of the podcast will cover topics that include autonomous vehicles, drones, voice assistants, and innovations through hackathons.

St. Jude's Hospital Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Country Cares

More than 900 people in the country music industry – including radio personalities, artists, executives, label representatives and media ­– are gathered in Memphis this weekend for special performances and industry-insider events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® radio program.

Since its inception in 1989, led by Alabama's Randy Owen, Country Cares has pioneered radio philanthropic fundraising, raising a record more than $800 million for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children.

In celebration of this historic fundraising landmark, and in recognition of his steadfast commitment to the St. Jude mission, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has presented Randy Owen and his family with the dedication of a patient family room. Owen has lead the charge to establish St. Jude as the charity of choice for the country music industry through his 30-year dedication. Country Cares is anchored by annual radiothons, comprised of 200 radio stations who share the mission of St. Jude with their listeners through various promotions and programming methods.

Randy Owen with patient Caleb and his mom

"Randy Owen has rallied the country music community like no other for 30 years to make a tremendous difference in helping St. Jude fulfill its lifesaving mission for our patients and their families," said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"He is proof, like our founder Danny Thomas was, that one person can make a remarkable difference in this world. With the help of his friends in the country music industry, he was instrumental in starting the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids program, and we are forever indebted to Randy and his family for their years of generosity."


➤Also Read: St. Jude and country music -- 30 years of harmony


Country Cares for St. Jude Kids was born in 1989 when Randy Owen addressed the Country Radio Seminar in Danny Thomas' place, asking his friends in the industry to make a difference. Now in 2019, more than 200 radio stations around the country take part in the program, and musicians like Randy Owen are serving as mentors for up-and-coming artists to work with St. Jude. Artists who have participated include Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, Brad Paisley, Hunter Hayes, Kelsea Ballerini, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Justin Moore, Big & Rich, and many more.

"The most important thing I'll ever do, apart from being a father and a husband, is helping children at St. Jude," said Country Music Hall of Famer and Alabama lead singer Randy Owen. "Over the past 30 years, I've watched children at St. Jude grow up to be happy, healthy adults. This room dedication shows that the country music industry has made a true impact, and I'm glad I could be part of that."

Following the Country Cares format, St. Jude radio programs now reach beyond country music – including gospel, rock and Hispanic platforms. Because of programs like these, families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

January 26 Radio History

➦In 1899...writer/producer Wyllis Cooper was born in Pekin Illinois. He was the creator of NBC Radio’s scary series “Lights Out.” Besides writing, producing and directing, he hosted the show from its start in 1934 to 1936, when Arch Oboler succeeded him. He also was creator/writer/producer of “Quiet, Please!” on Mutual (1947-1948 ) and ABC Radio (1948-1949), and producer/narrator of the early TV series Volume One.  He died June 29 1955 at age 56.

1936 group of breakfastclubbers "start the day with a smile, music and an extra cup of cawfee." L-R: Carl Fasshauer, Bill Short, Earl Roberts, Walter Blaufuss, Helen Jane Behlke, Don, Frank Papile, Clark Dennis, Bill Krenz and Eddie Ballantine

➦In 1907...bandleader Eddie Ballantine was born in Chicago. He was musical director of the Don McNeill Breakfast Club on NBC Blue/ABC Radio for almost thirty years.  When that program ended in 1968 he became a stock market reporter for a Chicago TV station.  He died Nov. 14 1995 at age 88.

➦In 1922...pianist Page Cavanaugh was born in Cherokee Kansas. He formed & led his own trio from 1943-1960, which was featured on NBC Radio’s Jack Paar Show in 1947.  They worked as backup to Mel Torme recordings, and also were featured repeatedly on CBS Radio’s Songs by Sinatra.  He died of kidney failure Dec. 19, 2008 at age 86.

This ad for KNOW appeared in a 1947 issue of Broadcasting

➦In 1932...KUT AM in Austin Texas became KNOW 1490 AM.  Today, the station airs Christian Talk as KLGO.  KNOW for several years “was one of the best medium-market Top 40 stations…One thing that set KNOW apart from many other Top 40 stations was its dedication to news.  It had a top-flight news department that won tons of awards.  The call letters live-on as KNOW-FM and are assigned to Minnesota Public Radio at 91.1 FM.

➦In 1947... “The Greatest Story Ever Told” began a 10-year run on ABC radio. It was the first radio program to dare to simulate the voice of Jesus Christ.

➦In 1969...The Beatles and Billy Preston recorded "The Long And Winding Road," a song Paul McCartney had written at his farm in Scotland inspired by the growing tension within the group.



When issued as a single in May 1970, a month after the Beatles' break-up, it became the group's 20th and last number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It was the final single released by the quartet.

The main recording of the song took place in January 1969 and featured a sparse musical arrangement. When preparing the tapes from these sessions for release in April 1970, producer Phil Spector added orchestral and choral overdubs. Spector's modifications angered McCartney to the point that when the latter made his case in the British High Court for the Beatles' dissolution, he cited the treatment of "The Long and Winding Road" as one of six reasons for doing so. New versions of the song with simpler instrumentation were subsequently released by McCartney and by the Beatles.

Edward G./ Robinson

➦In 1973...actor & movie star Edward G Robinson died of bladder cancer at age 79.   Rising to stardom in Warner Bros. movies of the 30’s, his most important broadcast credit was the lead role of crusading newspaperman Steve Wilson in CBS radio’s “Big Town” for 5 years beginning in 1937.

Tucker

➦In 1975...The NBC Radio Networks aired “Monitor” broadcast for the last with (John Bartholomew Tucker as host.

Big Wilson

Monitor spent its last 12 hours looking back on its 20-year history with hosts Big Wilson and John Bartholomew Tucker. Many clips were played, including Dave Garroway's interview with Marilyn Monroe on the show's first day, Frank McGee's talk with Martin Luther King Jr. in the early 1960s, Bob and Ray spoofing "Miss Monitor" and reporter Helen Hall riding on a roller-coaster.

On January 26, Big Wilson hosted from noon to 3pm (Eastern) while Tucker hosted from 3-6 pm. The program's last guest was Hugh Downs, who talked about his earlier days on Monitor with Tucker. The final sound heard on Monitor was of the "Beacon", followed by the NBC chimes at 5:58:50pm.

 Click Here for Monitor's final six hours.



On June 12, 1955, the NBC Radio Network inaugurated an innovative new program called "Monitor". On the following Saturday, June 18, "Monitor" began broadcasting 40 consecutive hours each weekend, from 8:00 AM on Saturday to midnight on Sunday. The show aired from a mammoth NBC studio in New York City called Radio Central, created especially for the program, on the fifth floor of the RCA Building in midtown Manhattan.

"Monitor" offered a mix of news, sports, comedy, variety, music, celebrity interviews, and other short segments.

Click Here for the History of Monitor



➦In 2007...Former DJ Tommy Donaldson KFXM-San Bernardino, California died t age 73.  He reecorded a tribute to  Buddy Holly-Ritchie Valens-Big Bopper as Tommy Dee.

Bob Green and Anita Bryant at a 1977 press conference in Des Moines, Iowa, where she was famously "pied" on camera by a gay-rights activist.

➦In 2012...Former WINZ DJ Bob Green, who was married to singer Anita Bryant (1960-1980) and managed her career as an entertainer and Florida citrus spokeswoman, then led her into anti-gay activism which ultimately destroyed their careers and marriage, was found dead at the age of 80.

➦Click Here for other historical events that happened on January 26.

iHM Promotes Brad Hardin To COO/National Programming

Brad Hardin

iHeartMedia announced today that Brad Hardin has been named Chief Operating Officer of its National Programming Group, effective immediately. Hardin will report to Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia.

In his new role, Hardin will continue to manage programming efforts for iHeartMedia’s 850 radio brands in 150 markets and provide a vast array of national programming assets, services and resources to local programmers across the U.S. He will oversee iHeartMedia’s Executive Vice Presidents of Programming, the Brand Management in-house format team, Talent Development, Research and Marketing.

“I couldn’t ask for a better partner than Brad in leading the programming for our stations,” said Poleman. “His extensive programming experience gives us tremendous insights into the nuances of station dynamics and opportunities. I’m excited to get to collaborate with him for years to come as we continue to grow iHeart’s programming.”

Hardin has held programming leadership roles with iHeartMedia for over 20 years, most recently serving as EVP/GM for the National Programming Group. He previously served as EVP of Programming for Major Markets. Hardin’s extensive programming background also includes SVP of Programming for Major Markets, RVP of Programming for Southeast Markets and programming leadership positions in Tampa, Cincinnati, Dayton and Louisville.

“It’s an exciting time for iHeartMedia – audio has never been hotter,” said Hardin. “I look forward to continuing to work very closely with our programming leadership, market leading brands and influential talent.”

PPM Day 3: Still Happy Holidays For Christmas Stations

Nielsen Thursday released the third batch of Holiday 2018 PPM data for the following markets.:

   22  Portland OR

   23  Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill NC

   25  San Antonio

   27  Sacramento

   28  Pittsburgh

   29  Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo UT

   30  Las Vegas

   31  Orlando

   32  Cincinnati

   34  Cleveland

   35  Kansas City

   36  Columbus OH

Click Here for Topline Numbers for subscribing Nielsen stations.

Lew Dickey Company To Acquire Music Streaming Platform

Modern Media Acquisition Corp. has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to combine with Akazoo Ltd, a global digital music streaming platform based in the United Kingdom, in a transaction that would value the combined company at approximately $469 million.

Under the definitive agreement, MMDM and Akazoo will combine under a new holding company, which intends to list on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “SONG” following completion of the transaction.

Founded in 2010, Akazoo is an on-demand music streaming subscription company with a focus on emerging markets.

Akazoo’s Premium service provides subscribers with unlimited online and offline high-quality streaming access to a catalog of over 45 million songs on a commercial-free basis. Akazoo’s free, ad-supported Radio service consists of over 100,000 stations and exists as a separate application. With a presence in 25 countries and growing, Akazoo’s platform includes 37 million registered users and 4.3 million premium subscribers as of September 30, 2018.

Lew Dickey

Akazoo directly licenses music from thousands of labels and provides both online and offline listening platforms, social media integration, and a patented, AI-driven new music recommendation engine. 

MMDM is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, acquisition or similar business combination sponsored by Modern Media, LLC, an entity jointly owned by Lew Dickey, MMDM’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and an affiliate of Macquarie Capital.

The combined company will continue to be led by Akazoo’s experienced management team under the leadership of Apostolos N. Zervos, Akazoo’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Lew Dickey will serve as Chairman of the combined company.

Release Date Set For 'The Infinite Dial'

Edison Research along with Triton Digital announced Thursday that the results of the 2019 U.S. Infinite Dial survey will be available live online on Wednesday, March 6 at 2pm ET. The Infinite Dial is the longest running study of consumer behaviors related to media and technology in America. As in previous years, the study will provide a comprehensive look at the digital media consumption habits of Americans, including time spent with digital audio, podcasts, smart speakers, video, mobile, social media and more.

"Together with Triton Digital, we are thrilled to bring another year of thought-provoking consumption insights to broadcasters, podcasters, streaming audio publishers, ad agencies, and the financial community at large," said Edison Research Senior VP Tom Webster. "We look forward to revealing the results of the 2019 Infinite Dial survey, which will undoubtedly help to shape media strategies for the next year."

"The Infinite Dial study continues to provide vital insight around the growth and progression of the digital audio and podcast industry," added Triton Digital President of Market Development John Rosso. "We are pleased to present the latest in consumption and usage for streaming audio, AM/FM radio, podcasting, smart speakers, and more."

To RSVP and receive notifications about the 2019 U.S. Infinite Dial, click here.

Entercom Promotes David Mayurnik To PD Of CBS Sports Radio

David Mayurnik

Entercom has announced David Mayurnik as Program Director of CBS Sports Radio. Mayurnik joined CBS Sports Radio in 2013 at its inception, as Executive Producer. Mayurnik will report to Mark Chernoff, Senior Vice President overseeing CBS Sports Radio Network and WFAN.

“I am confident in David’s ability to lead CBS Sports Radio’s programming efforts,” said Susan Larkin, Regional President and Market Manager, Entercom. “As the leader in sports radio coverage nationally and in New York, I’m certain that Mark, David and the team will continue to provide listeners with top-tier sports content every day.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue working with the best team in radio,” said Mayurnik. “It truly is a dream job to lead this network and the amazing line up of talent. I look forward to being a part of the continued growth of CBS Sports Radio.”

Prior to his role as Executive Producer, Mayurnik was a producer for the Yankees Radio Network as well as Newsroom Operations Manager for sister station WCBS 880 from 2005 to 2012. Mayurnik began his radio career at sister station WFAN/FM-AM in 2000.

SoCal Public Radio Names Herb Scannell As President/CEO

Herb Scannell, who has successfully led global media and digital organizations ranging from Viacom’s Nickelodeon, Next New Networks, BBC Worldwide North America and Mitú, has been selected by the Southern California Public Radio (SCPR) Board of Trustees to be its new President and Chief Executive Officer.

Herb Scannell

Scannell will join SCPR in February and succeeds founding president and CEO Bill Davis, who announced his retirement last June. SCPR operates Los Angeles’ award-winning local journalism leader KPCC and is the publisher of the newly re-launched innovative digital Angeleno news website LAist.

“I began my career in radio, and I couldn’t think of a better time, place or city to return to this medium I love,” Scannell said. “We’re experiencing an audio renaissance. Podcasts are blossoming and local public radio is filling a journalistic void left by the diminishing number of local newspapers. At the same time technology is changing the game with the emergence of smart speakers and – very soon – smart cars. California and Los Angeles are the hub of both culture and innovation, and what happens here matters everywhere. I want to congratulate Bill Davis for what he has accomplished, and I thank the SCPR Board for giving me the opportunity to build upon his legacy.”

“We are incredibly excited that Herb will lead SCPR through its next period of innovation and growth,” said SCPR Board Chair Ana Valdez. “Herb has the perfect mix of media experience and commitment to public service journalism. And through his Puerto-Rican heritage, he brings a very deep and personal understanding of the power of diversity and the importance of authentically representing the audience we serve. We are also thrilled that Bill Davis will continue his relationship with SCPR as President Emeritus.”

Bob & Tom Show Adds 7 Affiliates To Start 2019

The BOB & TOM Show announces that it has added seven new radio station affiliates in January alone, jump-starting 2019 with monthly growth of almost 8% and bringing the Radio Hall of Fame comedy, talk, news and sports show to 103 stations across the U.S.

The new BOB & TOM Show affiliates span multiple markets across Ohio, Oregon and Kentucky and Rock and Classic Rock formats. They include:

• KURT-FM (Kurt 93.7), Bend, OR
• WCJZ-FM (Classic Rock CJ 105.7), Owensboro, KY
• WEGE-FM (104.9 The Eagle), Lima, OH    
• WJQQ-FM (Double Q 97.1), Somerset, KY
• WQTT-AM (Rock 96.7 FM/1270 AM), Marysville, OH
• WVXG-FM (Classic Rock 95X), Mt. Gilead, OH
• WYFM-FM (Y-103), Youngstown, OH

Tom Griswold, Host, The BOB & TOM Show, said: “It took us longer to find Bill Kelly’s phone number at Cumulus-Youngstown --  than it did for him to say “YES”, when he learned The BOB & TOM Show was available. And Bud Walters was an early adopter of The BOB & TOM Show… so, it’s great to be working with him in Owensboro. It's such a pleasure to work with people who get what we're out there doing every day. So, here it comes... more listeners, more money, and more fun for everyone!”

John Kesler, Chief Operating Officer, The BOB & TOM Show, said: We’re thrilled to welcome Woof Boom to The BOB & TOM Show family. We are especially pleased to work with Bud Walters’ Cromwell Group again. Somerset, Kentucky is a new market for us  -- and we have a strong track record with its sister station, Double Q, in Lexington.

The new stations in both Youngstown and Delaware, Ohio are heritage markets for us, and I know that the staffs there are excited to make even more money with our show in their cities.”

J. Chapman, Owner, Woof Boom Radio, said: “When we learned BOB & TOM might be available for 104.9 The Eagle, we didn’t think twice. We grabbed it. The show has performed for nearly 20 years in Lima. We look forward to continuing the history and growing our revenue with BOB & TOM on WEGE, the Eagle.”

Bill Kelly, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Youngstown, OH, said: “We’re excited that The BOB & TOM Show was made available to Y-103. It’s a great addition to our station. Probably should have happened earlier. The BOB & TOM Show will make our great radio station even greater. Here’s to a long association.”

The BOB & TOM Show is exclusively distributed by Westwood One and airs live weekday mornings from 6am-10am Eastern on 103 stations across the U.S. and on the American Forces Network worldwide. Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, The BOB & TOM Show features comedy, news, sports, lifestyle content, and interviews with today’s top actors, celebrities and newsmakers. The show is America’s leading media outlet for the best and developing comedians on the circuit.

FL Radio: WYYX Adds Bill Madison Show For Mornings

United Stations Radio Networks, Inc. has announced that Panama City’s Rock WYYX, “97X” is the latest US radio station to add The Bill Madison Show as its morning drive program.

97X is WYYX-FM, an active rock station in the Panama City, Florida market owned by Magic Broadcasting. The “97X” slogan has a roughly 20-year history in Panama City, and, after a brief move up the dial, the rock format of 97-X has been heard on 97.7 FM consistently for the past nearly two years.  97X’s Program Director Greg Fitzgerald commented, “These are some bad boys, and we’re glad to have them… they are a perfect fit for The Panhandle.”

The Billy Madison Show is flag-shipped at Cox Radio’s KISS-FM, San Antonio where the show went from 17th in the market to #1 in just seven incredible weeks back in 2011. The program launched into syndication through a partnership between Cox and Nineball Radio, and it became a United Stations property after USRN acquired Nineball in early 2016.

The show has been growing steadily, and adding Panama City is a great way to ring in 2019. Recent growth in the show has been aided by a new a web-based distribution method for program segments of The Billy Madison Show, which in turn, opens up new opportunities for other stations to create flexible playback options for the material including re-clocking the show to add music.

WYYX 97.7 FM (100 Kw) Red=60dBu Coverage Area 

The New York-based company maintains programming, sales and affiliate marketing offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington and Nashville. USRN was founded in 1994 by radio pioneers Dick Clark and Nick Verbitsky.