Saturday, October 10, 2020

October 11 Radio History


➦In 1919...Actress/voice actor Jean Vander Pyl was born in Philadelphia.  Her two main broadcast roles were as the wife Margaret in NBC Radio’s Father Knows Best, and as the voice of Wilma Flintstone in several cartoon series on TV.  She also provided the voice of Rosie the robot maid from the animated series The Jetsons,

She succumbed to lung cancer April 10 1999 at age 79

➦In 1936...the first radio quiz show premiered, "Professor Quiz".




➦In 1940...in New York City, Glenn Miller recorded “Make Believe Ballroom Time” for RCA Victor’s Bluebird label, featuring the vocal group The Modernaires for the first time. It would become the theme song for Make Believe Ballroom on WNEW, New York, with host Martin Block.

Martin Block
Block created the aura of doing a “live” radio program, complete with performers (on records) like Harry James or Frank Sinatra, from the “Crystal Studios” at WNEW. Copycat versions of the ‘Ballroom’ featured Keith Sandy at CKEY in Toronto, and Al Jarvis at KHJ Los Angeles.

In 1935, while listeners to New York's WNEW-AM in New York (now information outlet WBBR) were awaiting developments in the Lindbergh kidnapping, Block built his audience by playing records between the Lindbergh news bulletins. This led to his Make Believe Ballroom, which began February 3, 1935 creating the illusion that he was broadcasting from a ballroom with the nation’s top dance bands performing live. He bought some records from a local music shop for the program as the radio station had none. Block purchased five Clyde McCoy records, selecting his "Sugar Blues" for the radio show's initial theme song.



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

➦In 1948...One of radio’s last premiering soap operas, “The Brighter Day”, took to the air for the first time on NBC. It’s interesting to take a look at the cast and see which names are still recognizable, like Hal Holbrook and William Redfield.  After six years on radio “Day” moved to TV.

➦In 1976...“Disco Duck (Part 1),” by Rick Dees & His Cast of Idiots was the Number One songs on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart. At the time he was a morning DJ at Memphis radio station WMPS.


➦In 1987...New York radio personality Sebastian Stone died.  During other stints in other markets, he was known as Johnny Holiday at KCBQ/San Diego in 1959, as Johnny Mitchell at KHJ in 1965 and Sebastian Stone at KFRC/San Francisco in 1967.  One of his goofy stunts early in his career was setting a world record of 195 "stay-awake" hours while on WYDE-Birmingham. In Billboard's 1966 polling of djs, Johnny was one of the leading early evening Top 40 personalities.

➦In 1998...Actor Richard Denning died at age 84. On radio, Denning starred with Lucille Ball in CBS's My Favorite Husband, which led to a role on CBS television's series adaptation of Mr. and Mrs. North.

➦In 2008...Actor & sportscaster Gil Stratton Jr. died at age 86.

Gil Stratton
In addition to acting in several films, Stratton began working as a radio actor in the late 1940s, performing in such shows as Lux Radio Theater, The Great Gildersleeve, and My Little Margie He worked opposite Judy Garland in the 1950 radio adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, and acted opposite Shirley Temple in a radio version of The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer.

Stratton was hired by Los Angeles television station KNXT-TV (now CBS-2) in 1954 as a sportscaster and sports news anchor. He spent sixteen years as sports anchor of the show The Big News during the 1960s and 1970s.   He also served as a sportscaster for California CBS AM radio station, KNX 1070, from 1967 to 1984 and from 1986 to 1997 and for KTTV for a time in the 70's and 80's.

Stratton won five local Emmys during his television career, and was also awarded seven Golden Mike awards from the Radio-Television News Association.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:
  • Country singer Gene Watson is 77. 
  • Singer Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates is 74. 
  • Actor Catlin Adams (“The Jerk,” ″The Jazz Singer”) is 70. 
  • Saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk (Earth, Wind and Fire) is 70. 
  • Country singer Paulette Carlson (Highway 101) is 69. 
  • Emily Deschanel is 44
    MTV VJ Mark Goodman is 68. 
  • Actor David Morse (“St. Elsewhere”) is 67. 
  • Actor Stephen Spinella (“24″) is 64. 
  • Actor Joan Cusak is 58. 
  • Guitarist Scott Johnson of Gin Blossoms is 58. 
  • Actor-writer Michael J. Nelson (“Mystery Science Theater 3000”) is 56. 
  • Actor Sean Patrick Flanery is 55. 
  • Actor Lennie James (“The Walking Dead”) is 55. 
  • Actor Artie Lange (“MADtv”) is 53. 
  • Actor Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock,” ″Ally McBeal”) is 52. 
  • Actor Andrea Navedo (“Jane the Virgin”) is 51. 
  • Actor Constance Zimmer (“UnREAL,” ″Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) is 50. 
  • Rapper MC Lyte is 50. 
  • Actor Darien Sills-Evans (“Superior Donuts,” “Treme”) is 46. 
  • Singer NeeNa Lee is 45. 
  • Actor Emily Deschanel (“Bones”) is 44. 
  • Actor Trevor Donovan (“90210″) is 42. 
  • Actor Michelle Trachtenberg (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” ″Inspector Gadget”) is 35. 
  • Rapper Cardi B is 28.

Trump Drops F-Bomb During Rush Limbaugh Show


President Trump dropped an f-bomb Friday during an appearance on "The Rush Limbaugh Show,” telling listeners that Iran would face severe consequences if its leaders “f--k around” with the United States.  

“If you f--k around with us, if you do something bad to us, we are gonna do things to you that have never been done before,” the president said.  

Trump joined the syndicated radio host for a two-hour interview promoted as an “unprecedented radio rally.”  

Earlier in the interview, Trump said Iran has been “put on notice.”  



It’s unclear if Trump’s colorful language will land Limbaugh in hot water, as many radio programs operate on a brief delay to avoid such occurrences.  

The FCC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.  

Limbaugh had missed several shows this week to undergo treatment but returned for his Friday chat with Trump, reports Fox News.

Trump’s call into the Limbaugh show was billed as “the largest radio rally in history,” in deference to the syndicated talk show host’s estimated 15.5 million listeners per week by the reckoning of Talkers Magazine. In a sense, it served as a proxy for campaign rallies Trump did not hold during his recovery.

Seattle Radio: Seahawks Host Dori Monson Suspended


Dori Monson has been suspended indefinitely by Bonneville Seattle from hosting the Seahawks’ pregame and postgame radio shows after a tweet he sent mocking transgender people, The Seattle Times reports.

Monson sent the tweet Wednesday night during the Washington gubernatorial debate between Gov. Jay Inslee and Republican challenger Loren Culp.

Monson, who also hosts a daily show on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM from noon to 3 p.m., tweeted: “Inslee: we follow science in WA. The state where I could go to Olympia tomorrow and change my birth cert to say I was a girl on 10/2/61 HAHAHAHAHA.”

KIRO Radio 97.3 FM and 710 AM ESPN, the Seahawks’ flagship station, are owned by Bonneville Seattle.

Monson, who declined to comment Friday when reached by The Times, has been part of the Seahawks’ game-day coverage since 2002 and has hosted a Friday segment on 97.3 FM with coach Pete Carroll.

Monson was not on the air Friday, and the tweet has been deleted.

KIRO Radio program director Bryan Buckalew declined to comment Friday, adding that the company does not comment on personnel matters.

Monson’s tweet Wednesday drew immediate criticism on social media, with many directing comments to the Seahawks, who have recently taken public stances denouncing racism and police violence against Black people.

The Seahawks, who declined to comment, suspended Monson, 59, on Friday, and Bonneville followed suit.

NFL Network Taking Insider Ian Rapoport Off Air

Ian Rapoport is among the most plugged-in NFL reporters out there, but viewers of the NFL Network will not see the insider on air over the next two weeks. 

USAToday reports Rapoport took to Twitter on Friday night to announce he would be off air until Oct. 22 due to a violation of NFL Network guidelines.

"Recently, I posted something to my social channels without clearance from NFL Network, which went against its guidelines. As a result, I will be off-air until October 22," Rapoport said in a statement. 

"I respect and understand the decision made by the network and am deeply sorry for my mistake," he added. 

Rapoport was suspended after he violated the network's guidelines when he posted an advertisement for the Manscaped Lawn Mower, which according to the company's website is a grooming product for "sensitive areas."


It's not immediately clear if Rapoport will continue to provide news updates via his popular Twitter account (he has 2.3 million followers) while he's off TV, or if his reporting will continue to be seen on NFL.com. 

Philly Radio: WBEN-FM Adds Villanova Sports


Villanova University basketball and football games will air this season on pop music station WBEN 95.7 FM.

The Philly Business Journal reports Beasley Media Group, the owner and operator of BEN and five other Philadelphia stations, did not disclose financial terms of the one-year deal.

“The affiliation with BEN FM expands our reach in the Delaware Valley and gives the Nova Nation a prominent new home on the FM dial,” said Drew Young, General Manager of Villanova Sports Properties.

The question, though, is whether there will be sports to air. Villanova is a member of the Big East Conference, whose board of directors announced on Aug. 12 the cancelation of the league’s entire fall sports schedule due to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. Football is one of 11 Villanova varsity sports programs impacted by that decision, though Big East officials and member institutions have said they are evaluating moving fall sports competition to the spring.

Villanova football is the one sport not part of the Big East but rather the Colonial Athletic Conference, competing on the 1-AA level instead of the Division 1 station the school maintains for all of its other programs. The CAA also suspended football competition and is looking to possibly move it to the Spring.

The NCAA did announce a start date of Nov. 25 for men’s and women’s basketball but the Big East has not yet announced schedule details.

Broadcasts of Villanova Basketball, the 2016 and 2018 NCAA national champion, will feature Ryan Fannon and Whitey Rigsby for their 23rd season together. Football coverage includes play-by-play announcer Fannon and analyst Kevin Reilly.

Villanova football and basketball could be heard in recent years on 610 ESPN (WTEL-AM). Beasley leased that station in August to rival radio station operator iHeartMedia, which will use it for its Black Information Network, a recently launched national audio news service dedicated to providing a Black voice and perspective.

WTEL has been branded as 610 ESPN, giving Beasley a second sports station to go along with 97.5 The Fanatic (WPEN-FM), which is the radio home to Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers games. Villanova basketball games would most likely conflict with some of those broadcasts, so Beasley had to choose between BEN FM, rock station 93.3 FM (WMMR), classic rock station 102.9 FM (WMGK), country station 92.5 WXTU or talk station WWDB (860 AM).

Philly Newspapers to Lay-Off Half Of Work Force


The Philadelphia Inquirer plans to close its printing plant on River Road in Upper Merion Township and lay off roughly 500 employees there.

In a letter to employees obtained by the Business Journal, Publisher Lisa Hughes announced the decision on Friday, saying the newspaper is pursuing a plan to move the printing of the Inquirer and Daily News to Gannett’s unionized facility in Cherry Hill. It will close and sell the what it calls the Schuylkill Printing Plant but did not confirm the identity of the potential buyer.

“These decisions are the result of a strategic planning process that significantly addresses the decades-long disruption of the newspaper business, made worse by the impact of Covid-19,” Hughes told employees. “Like many other newspapers, we concluded that moving our manufacturing to a neighboring unionized plant while maintaining the same level of service to our readers and advertisers is the best option for the long-term sustainability of our business and the journalism it delivers.”

Hughes said while the sale is not yet final, management recognizes “how deeply unsettling and distressing this is to employees at the printing plant. They have served our readers tirelessly, with dedication and devotion to the craft. Many of them have spent decades with the company — and all performed their jobs valiantly when the pandemic arrived. We are working closely with the unions that represent those employees to address the impact with severance and outplacement services.”

An article in the Inquirer said that “up to 500” employees could be impacted. When asked for comment, an Inquirer spokesman referred the inquiry to the Tierney Agency, who said the company would have no other comment other that the statement from Hughes. Asked about potential job loss, Timothy Spreitzer of Tierney would only say that what was reported by the Inquirer was accurate.

The layoffs account for about half of the The Inquirer's workforce. The company also published the Daily News.

NewsGuild of Greater Philadelphia President Diane Mastrull told members in a note Friday that “it is with great frustration and a heavy heart that we learn today that some 500 of our colleagues at The Inquirer will lose their jobs”

Since Covid-19 shut down the economy in March, the Inquirer has had two rounds of buyouts. Almost half of the Inquirer’s advertising department — a total of 32 people — either accepted a buyout package or were laid off in May. And in August, four more employees accepted buyout packages offered by the newspaper. Ross said Friday that negotiations are ongoing about whether there would additional impact, as management hoped 12 employees would accept that round of buyouts.

The Inquirer cuts are part of a larger trend at print and broadcast media outlets who have been hit hard by steep declines in advertising revenue during the pandemic.

Keith Olbermann Exits ESPN for YouTube

Keith Olbermann’s third stint at ESPN has ended not quite three years after it began. 

Sportscating.com reports Olbermann revealed this week that he was leaving in order to launch The Worst Person in the World, a commentary show on YouTube. That project, which launched the day after his announcement, will free up Olbermann to return to left-leaning political musings that got him in hot water at some of his previous gigs.

“I think it’s fair to say that conservatives in politics and media know a little bit better what to bring to a knife fight,” Olbermann told the Washington Post. “Liberals — and I’m hearing it from Joe Biden — say, ‘Well, there are Republicans we can work with,’ and I’m like, ‘I can’t hear you; I’m getting the flamethrower ready.’ I’m going to bring the flamethrower.”


Olbermann, 61, had returned to ESPN in January 2018 to host SportsCenter, do some baseball play-by-play, and appear on various studio shows. He described this departure as amicable, a narrative that makes sense. Olbermann gets to focus on politics, which he has long loved at least as much as sports, and ESPN gets to cut what is likely a relatively large salary.

Outkick.com was first to report this week that ESPN is expected to go through another substantial round of layoffs this fall affecting some of its 4,000 employees at the Bristol, Connecticut, headquarters, and 2,500 others worldwide. Disney, the parent company o ESPN and ABC, recently announced 28,000 layoffs, primarily at its theme parks, movie properties, and cruises.

ESPN went through a purge of on-air talent in 2017. Whatever they save with job cuts this time will possibly be plowed into the next NFL contract in which Disney is trying to pick up a bigger slice of the pie.

Keith Olbermann has worked on the air at ESPN intermittently since 1989. In the early 1990s, Olbermann and Dan Patrick formed the network’s No. 1 anchor team for SportsCenter, attracting a loyal following in an era before the internet overtook cable TV as the most popular delivery system for sports news and highlights.

Olbermann is said to have clashed with management, which didn’t embrace the free-wheeling style that Olbermann and Patrick had created. Whether it was a firing, a resignation, or a mutual decision, Olbermann left in 1997 and job-hopped in syndicated radio for a time. He hosted Countdown with Keith Olbermann, a politics-centric show on MSNBC – where he crafted his “Worst Person In The World” segments — from 2003-11. During that time, he also did some work for ESPN Radio and as part of NBC’s Football Night in America studio crew.

Olbermann returned to ESPN to host his own show in 2013 before leaving again in 2016 to dabble in political commentary for GQ on its YouTube Channel.

He came back to ESPN for a third stint in 2018.

Nashville Country Drama Becomes A Podcast

 


An undiscovered talent moves to Nashville to chase her country music dreams, and finds herself in a town "where relationships come and go, and you always have to watch your back."

That's a familiar story — but it's now being told in an unprecedented way, reports The Tennessean.

The new podcast "Make It Up As We Go" released its first two episodes this week. It's a scripted audio drama, complete with original songs and cameos from real country music stars. The result sounds a lot like TV's "Nashville," minus the cameras, and with a focus on the craft instead of soapy scandals.

It's a crucial project for Jared Gutstadt and his company, Audio Up Media, which has entered the space with a bold series of scripted musical podcasts. 

"I took it as an opportunity to say, 'How can music really play a part in this inherently audio form?'" Gutstadt tells The Tennessean. "Is this maybe a discovery platform, the same way that music videos were for MTV in the early days? And, and to me, the answer was, 'Well, we should try.'"

The scripted country music podcast 'Make It Up As We Go' premiered October 8.

Miranda Lambert, Bobby Bones and Lindsay Ell make appearances, and the cast includes Billy Bob Thornton and Craig Robinson. The podcast's pivotal voice, however is its star, creator and director, Scarlett Burke.


Burke plays Charlotte Sayles, who makes a sudden move to Nashville from Texas, after a producer sees her perform in an Amarillo bar. In reality, Burke is an actor and singer/songwriter, bouncing between Los Angeles and Nashville.

"You can hear her struggle with this decision of leaving, and being away from her family to pursue a career that she's not quite sure she wants yet," she says.

"Whether you're an artist or a nurse or whatever, it's that feeling of sacrifice to pursue what your gut is telling you to go forward with."

The first seeds of the project came from six songs Burke wrote — before she even knew what a podcast was, she recalls with a laugh. At the same time, she was looking for a alternative route to take in her music career.

Key Networks To Rep Sales For Clear Media Network


Key Networks
, a next generation syndication company serving the radio industry, announces that it has entered into an exclusive partnership agreement with Clear Media Network to manage all network advertising sales and network advertiser inventory operations for the new 24/7 music radio network. The Dallas, TX-based Clear Media Network was launched on September 1, 2020, and offers AC, Country and Adult R&B formats that are uniquely positioned, formatted and dynamically programmed for the unique needs of the independent radio operator. Clear Media Network recently signed affiliate stations in Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR. 

Clear Media Network’s music programming is designed to operate 100% self-sufficiently and operator free, with no expensive satellite equipment, payroll expenses or heavy start-up fees required. A virtual “radio station in a box”, each of Clear Media Network’s formats are designed with chart-topping hits, songs that have been highly researched, tested and meticulously selected to provide listeners with a positive, uplifting and feel-good sound. 


Mark McCray, President of Programming and Operations, Clear Media Network, was most recently VP/Programming and Operations for Radio One/Dallas and Reach Media, and has network programming experience at ABC Radio Networks and the Texas State Network. Gary Spurgeon, COO, Clear Media Network, is a 42-year broadcasting veteran who was most recently SVP at Salem Media and prior to that, was VP/GM for Radio One/Houston.

Rich Baum, EVP, Ad Sales, Key Networks, said: “Mark McCray and Gary Spurgeon have a tremendously successful track record in radio management at both the local and network levels and their Clear Media Network’s 24/7 music products have already been cleared in two Top 20 markets. That speaks volumes to their credibility and the value of their network product to local stations nationwide. Key Networks is thrilled to partner with them as they build out their network going forward.”

Gary Spurgeon, COO of Clear Media Network, said: “We are excited about having Rich Baum and the team at Key Networks represent our new music network. This partnership will only enhance our market position and affiliate opportunities.”

For more information and to get Clear Media Network 24/7 music programming for your AC, Country or Adult R&B station, contact Gary Spurgeon at 972.674.3100 or gary@clearmedianetwork.com.

For advertisers and sponsors, contact Rich Baum, EVP, Ad Sales, Key Networks, at 847.502.8329 or rich@keynetworks.com.

cabana Publishes 2020 Podcast Buying Guide V3.0


cabana has published its much-anticipated 2020 Podcast Buying Guide V3.0, featuring new insights into how brands can maximize the medium’s benefits. This is the third edition of the Podcast Buying Guide and, like the first two, it is comprehensive and easy to digest. Where previous editions focused on explaining ‘why' brands should utilize podcast advertising, the 2020 Podcast Buying Guide V3.0 puts emphasis on ‘how’ brands can navigate the expansive podcast marketplace and use the myriad measurement and attribution tools to make the most of the medium’s high engagement factor.

“The conversation has definitely shifted from why advertise on podcasts to how,” noted Ilwira Marciszek, Vice President of Digital Sales and Partnerships for AdLarge and cabana. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in podcast advertising, and brands want to get a better handle on how to use the medium more effectively to achieve their campaign goals.”

“Our goal with the Podcast Buying Guide has always been about informing the advertising and buying communities about best practices in podcast advertising,” added Donelle Brown, Vice President Marketing and Client Solutions for cabana. “As the medium has grown and evolved, so has the Guide.”

The 2020 Podcast Buying Guide V3.0 from cabana is divided into four sections:
  • Navigating 1M podcasts How to find an audience using podcast rankers and audience data
  • Standing out How to fit in and stand out, including a case study with a host-read ad
  • Driving Results The rise of attribution and how to unlock that power to measure key KPI’s, plus a Q&A with Podsights
  • Getting Started Podcast advertising strategies for marketers

The 2020 Podcast Buying Guide V3.0 can be downloaded by clicking here.

Fresno Radio: KMJ Feeding Families Drive Raises Record $541K+


Fresno’s NewsTalk KMJ 580/105.9 recently teamed with local agriculture company Gar Bennett to raise money for The Central California Food Bank, and WOW did our listeners respond! 

Due to COVID19, our day-long broadcast at The Market in NW Fresno, didn’t happen. Despite these trying times and lack of a remote event, KMJ listeners came through with amazing generosity - donating a whopping $361,000.

Gar Bennett Inc. matched every donation with 50 cents on the dollar to the tune of $180,500 for a grand total of $541,500.

The funds will help the Central Valley’s less fortunate residents by providing more than 3.6 MILLION meals! Farm Credit and The Market were also fabulous sponsors.

"Once again, KMJ listeners were absolutely incredible. Our goal this morning was $500,000. In the last 1.5 hours we were flooded online and in person and our total raised from KMJ listeners was $361,000 bringing our total with the Gar Bennett match to $541,500 or more importantly 3,685,500 meals!!!!" – Kim Dildine Co-CEO of the Central California Food Bank.

This annual one-day event has raised more than $3 MILLION DOLLARS and provided 10 MILLION MEALS in 7 years.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support of our community. We can always count on the generosity of our highly-valued KMJ listeners. A special thanks to Karen and Greg Musson of Gar Bennett for their massive contribution and the hard work of our talented on-air team.” – Patty Hixson VP/GM KMJ.

D/FW Radio: The Ticket Raises $105K+ to Help Clothe Homeless


CUMULUS MEDIA has announced that DFW Sports/Talk radio station, Sportsradio KTCK 96.7 and 1310 The Ticket raised $105,972 for Dallas non-profit organization, Cornerstone Clothes Closet through its 7th annual Drop Your Pants Clothing Drive. 

The two-week fundraiser culminated on Wednesday, September 16th, with all proceeds benefiting Cornerstone Clothes Closet and its mission to clothe DFW’s homeless. Cornerstone Clothes Closet is a branch of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas. 

Bob Sturm, afternoon co-host of The Hardline from 3pm-7pm on The Ticket, spearheads the annual Drop Your Pants Clothing Drive. Sturm remarked: “Absolutely floored that our listeners got behind this in such a big way and helped us manage a virtual Drop Your Pants this year. I could not believe we broke $100,000 in donations after our initial goal of about $30,000. The listeners of this radio station never cease to amaze me with their generosity in supporting incredible causes in our community. Cornerstone Clothes Closet will be changed for years because of it. Along with Pastor Chris Simmons and the amazing Nancy, thank you!”

Drop Your Pants is The Ticket’s third major fundraiser since August to drive donations and awareness of local non-profit organizations benefiting the DFW community. Other efforts include: Jub Jam IX on August 21st, which raised over $66,500 for The Senior Source, and Donnie’s DFW Domino Classic on September 4th and 5th, which raised over $122,000 for At Last Boarding, benefiting Dallas-area children. In just over a month, The Ticket, its partners, sponsors, and listeners have joined together to raise a total of more than $294,000 for local charities.

October 10 Radio History


➦In 1900...actress Helen Hayes was born Helen Brown in Washington DC. After honing her craft on the stage Ms. Hayes began a 55 year big screen career in 1931. She had her own popular radio anthology series in the 1940′s; on  TV she played one of the Snoop Sisters in the 70′s, and Miss Jane Marple in the 80′s.

The First Lady of the American Theater died Mar 17, 1993 at age 92

Orville Gibson, Undated
➦In 1902...Mandolin maker Orville Gibson founded the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co, Ltd. in Kalamazoo, MI.   In 1936 it would create the first commercially successful electric guitar.

Gibson began in 1894 in his home workshop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. With no formal training, Gibson created an entirely new style of mandolin and guitar, with tops carved and arched like the top of a violin. His creations were so different that he was granted a patent on his design.  More importantly, they were louder and more durable than contemporary fretted instruments, and musicians soon demanded more than he was able to build in his one-man shop.

On the strength of Gibson's ideas, five Kalamazoo businessmen formed the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co., Ltd., in 1902. Within a short period after the company was started, the board passed a motion that "Orville H. Gibson be paid only for the actual time he works for the Company." After that time, there is no clear indication whether he worked there full-time, or as a consultant. Julius Bellson states in his 1973 publication, The Gibson Story, that "Orville Gibson had visions and dreams that were considered eccentric."

Starting in 1908, Gibson was paid a salary of $500 by Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Co., Limited (equivalent to $20,000 a year in modern terms). He had a number of stays in hospitals between 1907 and 1911. In 1916, he was again hospitalized, and died on August 19, 1918, at 62 years of age, in St. Lawrence State Hospital in Ogdensburg, New York.  Gibson is buried at Morningside Cemetery in Malone, New York


➦In 1911...Leo "Zeke" Manners was born (Died - October 14, 2000). He was a country musician and radio performer. While most of his radio work was at local stations in LA & New York, for a time he had a 15-minute network show that allowed him to integrate ‘hillbilly’ recordings with his live accordion, piano & banjo playing ”The One-Man Variety Show.” He died Oct 14 2000, four days after his 89th birthday.


➦In 1932...a syndicated adventure series for juveniles, Chandu the Magician was heard for the first time on KHJ radio Los Angeles.  It would continue with varying casts in various formats and networks until 1950.

➦In 1937...the Mutual Broadcasting System debuted Thirty Minutes in Hollywood. 48 sponsors shared the cost of the program that aired in 72 cities across the US. It was the first Mutual co-op radio show. George Jessel and Norma Talmadge starred, with music by the Tommy Tucker Orchestra.

➦In 1959...Ken Brown decided to leave the Quarrymen, which also consisted of  John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison.  The decision came after the group played at the popular Casbah Coffee Club in Liverpool, and Brown was unable to perform due to a heavy cold.  McCartney felt that Brown should not get a share of the performance fee since he did not perform.  So Brown quit the group.

➦In 1962...the BBC radio service banned the Halloween novelty song “Monster Mash”by Bobby “Boris” Pickett. Like many other songs, it was banned under a catch-all regulation prohibiting the broadcast of anything deemed “offensive.”


➦In 1985...Orson Welles suffered a fatal heart attack at age 70.  Welles was a star of early radio; his Mercury Players produced The War of the Worlds in 1938, and dozens of other hour-long dramas.

➦In 2003...Syndicated radio talk host Rush Limbaugh, told his audience that he was addicted to painkillers and would be entering rehab for 30 days.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
  • Actor Peter Coyote is 79. 
  • Actor Charles Dance (“Game of Thrones”) is 74. 
  • Actor-dancer Ben Vereen is 74. 
  • Singer Cyril Neville of The Neville Brothers is 72. 
  • Jodi Lyn O'Keefe is 42
    Actor Jessica Harper (“Pennies from Heaven,” ″My Favorite Year) is 71. 
  • Singer-guitarist Midge Ure is 67. 
  • Singer David Lee Roth (Van Halen) is 66. 
  • Country singer Tanya Tucker is 62. 
  • Actor Julia Sweeney (“Saturday Night Live”) is 61. 
  • Actor Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing”) is 61. 
  • Bassist Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet) is 59. 
  • Guitarist Jim Glennie of James is 57. 
  • Drummer Mike Malinin of the Goo Goo Dolls is 53. 
  • Actor Manu Bennett (“Arrow”) is 51. 
  • Actor Joelle Carter (“Justified”) is 51. 
  • Actor Wendi McLendon-Covey (“The Goldbergs,” ″Reno 911!”) is 51. 
  • Actor Mario Lopez (“The X Factor,” ″Saved By The Bell”) is 47. 
  • Actor Jodi Lyn O’Keefe (“She’s All That,” ″Nash Bridges”) is 42. 
  • Singer Mya is 41. Actor Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”) is 38. 
  • Singer Lzzy Hale of Halestorm is 37. 
  • Singer Cherie is 36.

Friday, October 9, 2020

Chicago Radio: Matt Moog Named Interim CEO For WBEZ


The Chicago Public Media Board of Directors today appointed technology entrepreneur Matt Moog as interim CEO, effective immediately.

Moog was the founder and CEO of several innovative digital start-ups, including Chicago-based PowerReviews, and has served as a member of CPM’s Board of Directors for more than 11 years. He was a past board chair and also recently served as the executive chairman of Pocket Casts, a podcast listening app.

“My background as a technology entrepreneur over the last 20 years has taught me the importance of starting with people to ensure the
Matt Moog
ir voices are heard,” Moog said. “Together we will evolve our strategy to take advantage of emerging digital platforms to reach larger and more diverse audiences. … I’m excited to work with the team to find new and innovative ways to engage more listeners and readers.”

Since October 2019, Steve Edwards has been CPM’s interim CEO, a role he assumed when former CEO Goli Sheikholeslami left to run WNYC in New York City. Edwards will resume his role as vice president and chief content officer.

“[Moog’s] proven ability to lead organizations to collaboratively evolve and execute a compelling strategy will help Chicago Public Media continue to serve its mission,” according to a written statement by the Board of Directors. “[Moog] is committed to prioritizing a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that values learning, excellence and professional development.”

The news follows last month’s announcement that the previously selected CEO, Andi McDaniel, withdrew from the job. McDaniel had previously been chief content officer at the public radio station WAMU, where questions had arisen about management’s handling of misconduct complaints.

CPM’s board said the search for a permanent CEO will recommence in 2021.

Sac Radio: Rick Carmean Named GSM For Entercom Cluster


Entercom has announced the promotion of Rick Carmean to General Sales Manager for Entercom Sacramento. 

In this role, Carmean will oversee sales efforts for 102.5 KSFM (KSFM-FM), 106.5 The End (KUDL-FM), 96.9 The Eagle (KSEG-FM), 98 Rock (KRXQ-FM), ALT 94-7 (KKDO-FM) and ESPN 1320 (KIFM-FM), as well as their respective digital assets via RADIO.COM.

Rick Carmean

“We are excited to welcome Rick to both Entercom and Sacramento,” said Stacey Kauffman, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Sacramento. “Because of the rich history and success of the Entercom Sacramento portfolio of brands and assets, expectations are high for this team. Rick’s vast experience in audio, sports, and digital, coupled with his track record of producing winning results, makes him an excellent and valuable addition to our strong leadership team.”

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to represent the top-rated radio stations in the market and work with a talented team of sales professionals and on-air talent,” said Carmean.

Prior to joining Entercom, Carmean served as Market President and Chief Revenue Officer for Townsquare Media in Boise, ID and previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer for

The Rundown: Arrests Made In Plot To Kidnap Michigan Governor


Federal and state officials announced yesterday that 13 men had been charged in an alleged far-right domestic terrorism plot to kidnap Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Six face federal charges of conspiracy to kidnap, and the other seven, who are associated with the militia group Wolverine Watchmen, were charged by the state. The suspects also targeted law enforcement. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said, "The individuals . . . are suspected to have attempted to identify the home addresses of law enforcement officers in order to target them, made threats of violence intended to instigate a civil war, and engaged in planning and training for an operation to attack the capitol building of Michigan and to kidnap government officials, including the governor of Michigan." The plots were foiled due to undercover agents and informants.

>

Whitmer has faced virulent anger from some far-right extremists over her handling of the coronavirus pandemic. She yesterday put some blame on President Trump, referring to him saying, "Stand back and stand by" when asked during the first debate to condemn the violent far-right group the Proud Boys. She said, "Hate groups heard the President's words not as a rebuke, but as a rallying cry, as a call to action. When our leaders speak, their words matter." Trump tweeted in response that he doesn't tolerate any extreme violence and that Whitmer, quote, "has done a terrible job."

➤TRUMP SAYS READY TO RESUME RALLIES THIS WEEKEND: President Trump said on Thursday, one week after his diagnosis with the coronavirus and three days after his return from Walter Reed hospital, that he's feeling good and is ready to resume rallies as early as this weekend. His physician, Dr. Sean Conley, said in a memo that Trump had, quote, "completed his course of therapy" and was showing no evidence of his illness getting worse or of any bad reactions to the experimental treatments he received. Conley also said Trump would be able to safety resume public activities on Saturday. Trump said in a Fox Business interview, "I'm feeling good. Really good. I think perfect." Trump also said, "I don't think I’m contagious at all," although it's not known if that's true. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people can end isolation 10 days after the onset of symptoms, which for Trump was October 1st.

➤NEXT TRUMP-BIDEN OFF AFTER SWITCHED TO VIRTUAL AND TRUMP REFUSES: The second presidential debate between President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden is off -- at least as of now -- after the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates announced yesterday  that it would be switched to a virtual format for safety reasons in light of Trump's coronavirus infection, and Trump said he wouldn't participate in a virtual debate. The debate was to be held next Thursday in Miami in a town hall format, with the candidates taking questions from voters. After Trump's physician, Dr. Sean Conley, released a letter saying the president had, quote, "completed his course of therapy" and could return to campaigning this weekend, Trump's campaign called on the commission to reverse its decision to hold the debate virtually. But Commission chairman Frank Fahrenkopf said the decision was guided by its medical advisers and it wouldn't be changed. The final debate, planned for October 22nd, is as of now scheduled to go forward as planned in person. Soon after Trump declined yesterday to do a virtual debate, ABC News announced that Biden would be doing a town hall sponsored by the network that night instead. Trump's campaign manager said he would do a rally.
Weather.com graphic 10/9/20

➤HURRICANE DELTA SET TO MAKE LANDFALL IN LOUISIANA TODAY: Hurricane Delta intensified into a Category 3 storm yesterday and is set to make landfall in southwestern Louisiana late today at around that same strength, according to the National Hurricane Center. Delta is expected to come onshore in the same area of Louisiana were Hurricane Laura hit just six weeks ago. 


It's forecast to bring what's being described as a "life-threatening" storm surge, as high as 11 feet in some places, and dangerous winds.

➤FED. GOV'T. SUES YALE, ALLEGING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST APPLICANTS: The Justice Department sued Yale University on Thursday, allegeing that it discriminates based on race and national origins in its admissions process. The lawsuit comes about two months after the Justice Department said its investigation found that Asian American and white students have, quote, "one-tenth to one-fourth of the likelihood of admission as African American applicants with comparable academic credentials." Yale said the lawsuit was "baseless" and that its admissions practices are fair and lawful.


⚾BRAVES, ASTROS, DODGERS MOVE ON TO LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: The Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros and L.A. Dodgers are moving on to MLB's League Championship playoff round after winning their Division Series yesterday. The only remaining Division Series that's still undecided is the one between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays, which is tied at two games each. The Braves and Dodgers both swept their Division Series 3 games to 0 against the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, respectively, and the Astros eliminated the Oakland A's 3 games to 1.

MLB PLAYOFFS: Results from Division Series yesterday:
  • Atlanta Braves 7, Miami Marlins 0 -- Atlanta wins series 3 games to 0 (NL)
  • Houston Astros 11, Oakland A's 6 -- Houston wins series 3 games to 1 (AL)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers 12, San Diego Padres 3 -- Los Angeles wins series 3 games to 0 (NL)
  • New York Yankees 5, Tampa Bay Rays 1 -- Series tied at 2-2 (AL)

🏈BEARS EDGE BUCCANEERS 20-19: The Chicago Bears beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-19 last night at home, with a possible mental mistake by Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady sealing Chicago's victory. Brady appeared to lose count of the number of downs on his final play, holding up four fingers as if he had one more play left after his fourth-down pass with 33 seconds left was broken up and Chicago got possession. But Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said Brady didn't lose track of downs, saying, "He knew." Cairo Santos scored the winning points for the Bears with a 38-yard field goal with 1:17 remaining. Bears quarterback Nick Foles was 30 of 42 for 243 yards and a touchdown.

BILLS-TITANS AND BRONCOS-PATRIOTS GAMES POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS POSITIVES: The NFL has postponed this Sunday's  Buffalo Bills-Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos-New England Patriots games because of positive coronavirus tests. The Bills-Titans game was moved to Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET on CBS as long as the Titans don't have any more positive tests. Tennessee had two more positives yesterday for a total of 23 since September 29th. The Broncos-Patriots game was moved to Monday at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Patriots have had two players and one player on the practice squad test positive. If the Bills-Titans game is played Tuesday, the Bills-Kansas City Chiefs game scheduled for Thursday will move to next weekend.

D/FW Radio: Vince Richards Named Brand Manager At KJKK

Vince Richards
Entercom, home to the nation’s most influential collection of podcasts, digital and broadcast audio content, and premium live events and experiences, announced the promotion of Vince Richards to Brand Manager of KJKK 100.3 JACK FM, Dallas-Fort Worth’s only adult hits station, effective November 1.

“Since 2018, Vince has consistently led the operations efforts for six iconic brands in our Sacramento market, and we look forward to bringing him back to his roots to revamp JACK FM,” said Brian Purdy, Regional President and Market Manager, Entercom Dallas. “JACK FM is a state of mind here in DFW, and Vince’s leadership qualities and rich experience will only fuel its growth.”

“I am beyond excited to be heading home to the Metroplex and joining the great team at Entercom Dallas,” said Richards. “This opportunity on a personal and professional level is off the charts. Thanks to Pat Paxton [Chief Programming Officer, Entercom], Dave Richards [Senior Vice President of Programming and Operations, Rock Format Captain, Entercom], Brian Purdy and Stacey Kauffman [Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Sacramento] for their support and for entrusting me to lead this iconic station.”

Richards most recently served as Operations Manager for Entercom Sacramento since 2018. He joined the company in 1996 under the same role for Kansas City sister station 98.9 The Rock (KQRC-FM). Other roles include National Operations Manager for Townsquare Media and Operations Manager for iHeart Houston/Dallas.

Sac Radio: Joe Calgaro Named O-M For Entercom Cluster

Joe Calgaro
Entercom hasannounced the promotion of Joe Calgaro to Operations Manager for the company’s Sacramento market. In this role, Calgaro will lead operations efforts for 102.5 KSFM, 106.5 The End (KUDL-FM), 96.9 The Eagle (KSEG-FM), 98 Rock (KRXQ-FM), ALT 94-7 (KKDO-FM) and ESPN 1320 (KIFM-FM), effective November 1.

“Joe has a long track record of working with rock, sports and high-profile talent, which lends to the Sacramento portfolio in working with the biggest radio brands and engaging personalities in the market,” said Stacey Kauffman, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Sacramento. “His experience leading three very different brands in Boston will allow him to strategically position our stations to collectively represent our audience.”
“I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to continue the tradition of excellence that Vince Richards has cultivated with his programming team at Entercom Sacramento,” said Calgaro. “Thank you to Susan Larkin [Chief Operating Officer, Entercom], Pat Paxton [Chief Programming Officer, Entercom], Jeff Sottolano [Executive Vice President, Programming, Entercom], and Dave Richards [Senior Vice President of Programming and Operations, Rock Format Captain, Entercom] for their belief and trust in my ability to fill some pretty big shoes. Special thanks to Mark Hannon [Regional President and Market Manager, Entercom] for his mentoring and leadership here in Boston. While I will certainly miss this fantastic group, I look forward to joining the Sacramento family and being a part of the winning culture that Stacey and her team have established.”

Prior to this role, Calgaro served as Operations Manager for Boston sister stations WEEI (WEEI-FM/AM), Big 103 (WBGB-FM) and WAAF (WAAF-FM). His previous programming stints include Rock 106 (WWCT-FM) in Peoria, IL, WAPL and Razor 94.7 (WZOR-FM) in Appleton-Green Bay, WI, and 102.9 The Hog (WHQG-FM) in Milwaukee, WI. Additionally, Calgaro served as the Lambeau Field public address announcer for the Green Bay Packers from 1999-2018. Calgaro will succeed Vince Richards, who assumes the role of Brand Manager of Dallas sister station 100.3 JACK FM (KJKK-FM).

NYC Radio: 77WABC Adds Live 'n' Local Show Overnights

Frank Morano

Talkradio 77 WABC and Red Apple Media are pleased to announce that “The Other Side of Midnight” hosted by Frank Morano has launched this week and airs every weekday morning from 1 to 5 AM ET.

The program features newsmakers, insightful commentary, expert guests, lively exchanges with callers, and a healthy dose of satire. Just this week, Morano welcomed former Trump adviser Roger Stone, subway vigilante Bernard Goetz, former radio talker Doug McIntyre, and radio legend John Gambling. There are also regular discussions exploring the world of the paranormal, including UFOs and conspiracy theories.

In addition, Morano will continue to host a show Mon-Fri, 10 AM -11 AM ET on Talk Radio 107.1 FM.

“Frank has already proven to be one of the most entertaining young voices in talk radio today,” said Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and WABC. “We’re thrilled to add Frank to our ranks as we continue to cement our place as New York’s premiere news and talk station. This is the city that never sleeps and New Yorkers deserve a live and local overnight show.”

“I grew up listening to overnight radio,” Morano said. “To me, there’s nothing more intimate and more fun. There’s no daypart where you can combine long form interviews, wacky topics, off the wall guests, and a bit of irreverence. When I’d fall asleep, or wake up early, listening to the likes of Alan Colmes, Brian Whitman, Art Bell, Jay Diamond and Doug McIntyre, I’d quickly find those voices becoming the soundtrack of my dreams; I was absolutely hooked. I’m hoping to give insomniacs one more reason to stay awake.”

“Frank has already contributed a great deal towards furthering civic discourse in New York. Since returning to WABC, it has been a real treat to have Frank as both a fill-in and on the weekend, and we know he’ll be an essential building block in making radio fun again,” added Dave LaBrozzi, Senior Vice President of Programming for WABC. “This show further demonstrates our commitment to making WABC New York’s live and local news talk leader.”

“We are proud to launch this overnight show, which will eventually be seven days a week, much to the satisfaction of all the insomniacs in our country,” said John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media. “‘The Other Side of Midnight’ will air all of the mysterious stories that the normal news networks never report, and Americans deserve to know.”

On WABC’s 50,000-Watt clear channel station, ‘The Other Side of Midnight’ can be heard from 1AM to 5AM in as many as 26 states, and can also be heard 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and worldwide on wabcradio.com and the WABC App.

Bay Area Radio: KGMZ Revamps Line-Up


Entercom has announced a revamped weekday programming lineup for 95.7 The Game (KGMZ-FM), effective October 12. The station subsequently welcomes Kate Scott as morning show co-host.

As part of the changes, midday show co-host Bonta Hill and night show host Joe Shasky will move to morning drive to join Scott for “The Morning Roast,” weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PT. Current morning show host Dan Dibley will join the station’s midday show “Steiny, Guru and Dibs” alongside Matt Steinmetz and Daryle “The Guru” Johnson from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On-air personality and former morning show co-host Lorenzo Neal will join the show every Monday and serve as the station’s NFL contributor. Station contributor John Dickinson will succeed Shasky as night show co-host, joining Ryan Covay for “Covay and JD.” The station’s afternoon and evening programming will remain the same.

“Our new 95.7 The Game lineup brings a unique combination of passion, energy, enthusiasm and experience to an already accomplished radio station and will allow us to better serve our listeners,” said Gregory Nemitz, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom San Francisco. “Kate Scott has continued to demonstrate that she is a rising star in the format and will excel with Bonta [Hill] and [Joe] Shasky in mornings.”

“As a lifelong Bay Area sports fan, getting to help launch a new morning show covering the teams I grew up cheering for in one of the greatest cities in the world is truly a dream come true,” said Scott. “I know I speak for all of us when I say we are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to get started.”

Kate Scott is an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster who most recently spent the last five years in a variety of roles with the Pac-12 Networks. Scott served as a play-by-play announcer for multiple men’s and women’s collegiate sports, as well as a reporter, studio anchor, public address announcer, and host of the award-winning features show "Our Stories.” The first woman to call an NFL game on the radio, first woman to call football for the Pac-12 Networks, and play-by-play announcer for the first all-female NHL broadcast in the United States, Scott also previously spent six years as the first full-time female voice on Bay Area sports radio at KNBR. During her KNBR tenure, Scott spent three seasons as the television sideline reporter for the San Jose Earthquakes, a season as the television sideline for the San Jose Giants, and anchored Saturday night sports for NBC Bay Area.

New weekday programming is as follows.
  • 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. PT:  “The Morning Roast” with Bonta Hill, Kate Scott and Joe Shasky
  • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT:  “Steiny, Guru and Dibs”
  • 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT:    “Damon, Ratto and Kolsky”
  • 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PT:    “The Football Hour with Sean Salisbury”
  • 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. PT:   “Covay and JD”
Listeners can tune in to 95.7 The Game (KGMZ-FM) in San Francisco on air, as well as nationwide on the RADIO.COM app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Rush Limbaugh To Air Radio Rally


Rush Limbaugh has announced that President Trump will host what he is calling the “largest radio rally in history" on his show Friday.

“I’m thrilled to announce that our commander-in-chief, President Donald Trump, will be right here tomorrow hosting the largest virtual rally in radio history,” Limbaugh posted on his website. He said that the event will be “special” and that he is “really looking forward to it.”

Trump tweeted that he is also excited to host the show, saying, “Looking forward to speaking with the Great Rush and guests!”

The president awarded Limbaugh with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during this year’s State of the Union Address with Trump stating that Limbaugh is the “greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet.”

The Rush Limbaugh Show averages 15.5 million listeners every week.

Report: SiriusXM Stocks Could Tank Without Stern

Howard Stern
A legion of Sirius XM Holdings (SIRI) subscribers are likely praying the self-imposed ‘King of All Media’ Howard Stern inks a new contract soon, writes Brian Sozzie At Yahoo! Finance.

Sirius shareholders best pray right along with subs — because without the headline-making Stern’s top rated morning program, the company’s stock could go right down one of the toilets the shock jock has used on his show for comedy bits for years. That’s at least the message from the sell-side number crunchers at Credit Suisse.

“While years of consumer surveys have helped inform a belief that only a minority of SiriusXM subscribers listen to the show, on 5/15/19 Mr. Stern gave a television interview on Good Morning America where he disclosed that 60% of subscribers listen to him (no qualifiers were given in terms of listening frequency). If true, we believe this reflects more risk to SIRI were Mr. Stern to depart than many investors believe; however, it does not address the key question of how many subscribers would cancel service,” discussed Credit Suisse analyst Brian Russo in a new note to clients on Wednesday.

Sirius shares shot up 5% in early afternoon trading Wednesday on a Bloomberg report that Stern was nearing a new $120 million, five-year deal with the company. Stern’s contract is slated to end later this year. On his show today, Stern said “there’s not anything close” to a new deal with Sirius.

Stern made Sirius a household name when he signed a five-year deal in 2004 for a reported $500 million. He re-signed for another five years at a reported $80 million in 2010. In 2015, Stern re-upped for five years for an undisclosed amount. That deal included a 12-year agreement for Stern’s extensive audio and video library — which some say will prevent him from jumping to Sirius-rival Spotify this time around.

SiriusXM Radio: Howard 101 To Remember 'Guests Gone Too Soon'


SiriusXM announced today that Howard Stern will host a week-long tribute to some of his greatest guests who have passed away over the years. "Gone But Not Forgotten" will feature brand new commentary from Stern, who will weave his memories throughout replays of his best conversations with the late guests. The special programming will take over Stern's exclusive SiriusXM channel Howard 101 for the week of October 12.

Known as one of world's best interviewers, throughout his career Howard Stern has sparked fascinating conversations with legendary figures spanning the fields of music, comedy, sports, and beyond. In "Gone But Not Forgotten," interviews with 30 different celebrity guests from Stern's rich and varied archives will play throughout the week, including special tributes to several members of Stern's home-grown fringe guests known as the "Wack Pack." 

The interviews include:

  • First appearances from comedians Sam Kinison (1986), Flip Wilson (2004), and Don Rickles (2007)
  • Musical moments from James Brown (1998), Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland (1996), and Soundgarden's Chris Cornell (2007), which includes a haunting acoustic performance of "Black Hole Sun."
  • The final appearance from legendary comedian, and one of Stern's all-time favorite guests, Joan Rivers, who passed away in 2014 (2014).
  • "Wack Pack" legends beloved by Stern fans including Eric the Actor (1996), Hank the Angry Drunken Dwarf (1996), Crackhead Bob (1995), Evil Dave (1999), and Riley Martin (1996). 

Next week's "Gone but Not Forgotten" special follows this week's tribute by Howard Stern to Eddie Van Halen, which originally aired on October 7 following the news of the legendary guitarist's passing. That edition of The Howard Stern Show is airing this week on Howard 100 and is also available on-demand.

Listeners can catch a sneak peek of "Gone But Not Forgotten" by watching video highlights from Stern's interviews with Chris Cornell, Stan Lee, and the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown.

SiriusXM now has special offers for new subscribers including three months of a SiriusXM Essential Streaming subscription for Free, which includes Howard 100 and Howard 101. To see Offer Details and to subscribe, visit www.SiriusXM.com/free3.

October 9 Radio History



In 1890...Aimee Elizabeth Semple McPherson born (Died – September 27, 1944), also known as Sister Aimee or simply Sister, was a Canadian-American Pentecostal evangelist and media celebrity in the 1920s and 1930s, famous for founding the Foursquare Church. McPherson has been noted as a pioneer in the use of modern media, because she used radio to draw on the growing appeal of popular entertainment in North America and incorporated other forms into her weekly sermons at Angelus Temple, one of the first megachurches.

In her time she was the most publicized Protestant evangelist, surpassing Billy Sunday and her other predecessors. She conducted public faith healing demonstrations before large crowds; testimonies conveyed tens of thousands of people healed.  McPherson's articulation of the United States as a nation founded and sustained by divine inspiration continues to be echoed by many pastors in churches today.

News coverage sensationalized her misfortunes with family and church members; particularly inflaming accusations she had fabricated her reported kidnapping, turning it into a national spectacle. McPherson's preaching style, extensive charity work and ecumenical contributions were a major influence on Charismatic Christianity in the 20th century

➦In 1935...the "Cavalcade of America" first aired on he CBS Radio Network.   It was initially broadcast on radio from 1935 to 1953, and later on television from 1952 to 1957. Originally on CBS, the series pioneered the use of anthology drama for company audio advertising.

Cavalcade of America documented historical events using stories of individual courage, initiative and achievement, often with feel-good dramatizations of the human spirit's triumph against all odds. The series was intended to improve DuPont's public image after World War I. The company's motto, "Maker of better things for better living through chemistry," was read at the beginning of each program, and the dramas emphasized humanitarian progress, particularly improvements in the lives of women, often through technological innovation.

➦In 1937...program director John Rook was born in Chillicothe Ohio. Beginning in the late 1960’s he took first WLS Chicago, then WCFL Chicago and then KFI Los Angeles to dominance in audience share, and consulted dozens of other stations to success. He died March 1 2016 at age 78.

➦In 1943...The radio fantasy series "Land of the Lost" began its five-year run, first on ABC Radio Network. It was written and narrated by Isabel Manning Hewson, about the adventures of two children who traveled underwater with the fatherly fish Red Lantern. Each week the show opened with the line, "In that wonderful kingdom at the bottom of the sea...", and then Red Lantern showed Billy and Isabel where different lost objects were stored beneath the waves.

The Land of the Lost radio series aired from 1943 to 1948 on the Mutual Broadcasting System and NBC. Betty Jane Tyler was the voice of the young Isabel, and Ray Ives was the voice of Billy. Several actors voiced Red Lantern, including Art Carney, Junius Matthews and William Keene. The announcer was Michael Fitzmaurice, and Cyril Armbrister directed.

With music by John Winters and lyrics by Barbara Miller, Peggy Marshall did the vocal arrangements. Organist Bob Hamilton provided background music.




➦In 1967...Legendary New York DJ Murray The K was fired from station WOR-FM, where he had moved to when the station switched from a locally programmed free form rock approach to a Drake Top 40 format heavily spiced with oldies. He was fired because of his "inability to live with direction" as the DJs were no longer allowed to pick their music and talk as much.

He did weekends on WMCA Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons in late 1968 and '69

In 1972, Murray the K left New York radio to host programs in Toronto - on CHUM 1050 AM -and on WHFS 102.3 FM in Bethesda, MD. He returned to New York after his short stint on WHFS on the weekend show NBC Monitor and as a fill-in morning personality, and then in 1972 moved to a regular evening weekend program on WNBC radio where Don Imus was broadcasting; he was joined there by the legendary Wolfman Jack, a year later. Although it was low-key, Murray's WNBC show featured his own innovative trademark programming style, including telling stories that were illustrated by selected songs, his unique segues, and his pairing cuts by theme or idiosyncratic associations.

In early 1975, he was brought on for a brief stint at Long Island alternative rock station WLIR, and his final New York radio show ran later that year on WKTU-FM after which — already in ill health — he moved to Los Angeles.   Kaufman died of cancer a week after his 60th birthday on February 21, 1982.

➦In 1979...Howard Stern began his first morning show on WCCC in Hartford Conn. Stern had spotted an ad in Radio & Records for a "wild, fun morning guy".   He used some morning air time to assemble an aircheck with more outrageous bits, including Robert Klein and Cheech and Chong records with added flatulence routines and one-liners.



It was at WCCC where Stern first met Fred Norris, the overnight disc jockey, who went on to become Stern's writer and producer since 1981. Stern left WCCC in early 1980 after he was denied a "lousy, stinking twenty-five-dollar-a-week raise".  At the same time, local rival station WHCN had assembled tapes and press clippings of Stern and forwarded them to Burkhart/Abrams, a radio consulting firm, to get Stern out of the Hartford market as a rise in his ratings increased his threat to the station's numbers. The tapes were received by Dwight Douglas, a consultant at Burkhart/Abrams, who offered Stern work in Columbus, Ohio, but Stern declined.

Fred Norris
From 1976 to 1982, Stern developed his on-air personality through morning positions at WRNW in Briarcliff Manor, New York, WCCC, WWWW in Detroit, Michigan, and WWDC in Washington, D.C. Stern worked afternoons at WNBC in New York City from 1982 until his firing in 1985.

In 1985, Stern began a 20-year run at WXRK in New York City; his morning show entered syndication in 1986 and aired in 60 markets and attracted 20 million listeners at its peak.

Stern won numerous industry awards, including Billboard’s Nationally Syndicated Air Personality of the Year eight consecutive times, and is the first to have the number one morning show in New York City and Los Angeles simultaneously. He became the most fined radio host when the Federal Communications Commission issued fines totaling $2.5 million to station owners for content it deemed indecent. Stern became one of the highest paid radio figures after signing a five-year deal with Sirius in 2004 worth $500 million.

➦In 2011…New York City personality (WCBS 101.1 FM for parts of five decades) Bill Brown died at age 69.



In 1969, WCBS-FM traded in their easy listening 'Young Sound' format for an album rock format similar to WABC-FM (later WPLJ) and WNEW-FM. Brown was on the original air-staff.

Unfortunately, WCBS-FM did could not lay claim to sizable ratings in the New York City radio market while other stations such as WNEW-FM and WPLJ gained most of the rock n'roll radio audience. After research and several years of very low ratings WCBS-FM dropped the AOR format on July 7, 1972 at 6 AM and began playing Oldies from 1955 to then current product. Initially the station played both rock and roll songs and non rock songs of the 1950s and early 60's and only softer rock and pop hits of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Brown stayed on with the Oldies format. By the end of 1972, Brown was on the station weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

In 1975, Brown also became Program Director of WCBS-FM. For a few months he gave up his midday airshift. By the end of 1976, Brown was on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays along with his Saturday morning shift. Under Brown, WCBS-FM moved away from easy listening and began to play more 60's rock. In 1978, Brown gave up his program director position but retained his airshifts. His shift was still 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturdays.

In 1984, when Ron Lundy arrived, Brown was moved to 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. while Ron moved to the 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. slot. Harry Harrison now aired from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. (vs 6 to 10 a.m.). Bill's Saturday shift was then 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. every second week. Bill Brown also continued doing voiceovers for many commercials airing on WCBS FM and other radio stations.

Brown continued on consistently from noon to 3 p.m until 2005, when his air-shift was moved to 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. With his years of service, age, and retirements of other well known staffers it was speculated that his retirement was not far off.

Bill Brown remained at WCBS-FM until June 3, 2005. Although ratings were decent and the station was profitable, CBS executives abruptly laid off the entire airstaff at 4 p.m. that day.

Bill Brown was the last live air personality to sign off several minutes before 4 p.m.. He came out of Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett and played Rescue Me by Fontella Bass. It was unclear whether or not he knew the end was happening from his last statement, though he did not say a typical goodbye. His last words were, "CBS-FM 101.1, Fontella Bass... Do you ever feel the urge to just kinda scream, "RESCUE ME!?"... I'm beginning to get that feeling, here's Fontella Bass."

Brown then retired from CBS-FM after 33 years of playing oldies, as well as nearly 36 years of service. He is the only air personality to be with the station through their entire first run using live on-air personalities. He did one of their first shifts the day WCBS-FM adopted the rock format in 1969 and the very last live airshift doing oldies in 2005.

➦In 2012…Longtime Detroit radio, TV announcer Budd Lynch died as age 95. He had on-air stints  at WWJ, WXYZ, WJR, CKLW and  was the Detroit Red Wings' public address announcer, a position he held from 1985 to 2012. He began his career in 1949 as the team's radio play-by-play announcer.  He is also a member of  Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:
  • R&B singer Nona Hendryx (LaBelle) is 76. 
  • Singer Jackson Browne is 72. 
  • Actor Gary Frank (“Family”) is 70. 
  • Actor Robert Wuhl (“Arli$$”) is 69. 
  • Manager-TV personality Sharon Osbourne is 68. 
  • Actor Tony Shalhoub (“Monk,” ″Wings”) is 67. 
  • Accordion player James Fearnley of The Pogues is 66. 
  • Actor Scott Bakula is 66. 
  • Actor John O’Hurley (“Dancing With The Stars,” ″Seinfeld”) is 66. 
  • Actor-turned-producer Linwood Boomer (“Little House On The Prairie”) is 65. 

  • Actor Michael Pare (“Eddie and the Cruisers”) is 62. 
  • Jazz saxophonist Kenny Garrett is 60. 
  • Singer-guitarist Kurt Neumann of The BoDeans is 59. 
  • Country singer Gary Bennett (BR549) is 56. 
  • Director Guillermo del Toro (“The Shape of Water,” ″Pan’s Labyrinth”) is 56. 
  • Singer P.J. Harvey is 51. 
  • Director Steve McQueen (“12 Years A Slave”) is 51. 
  • Actor Steve Burns (“Blues Clues”) is 47. 
  • Singer Sean Lennon is 45. 
  • Musician Lecrae is 41. 
  • Actor Brandon Routh (“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” ″Superman Returns”) is 41. 
  • Actor Zachery Ty Bryan (“Home Improvement”) is 39. 
  • Actor Spencer Grammer (“Greek”) is 37. 
  • Comedian Melissa Villasenor (“Saturday Night Live”) is 33. (shown right)
  • Actor Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”) is 28. 
  • Country singer Scotty McCreery (“American Idol”) is 27. 
  • Actor Jharrel Jerome (“When They See Us”) is 23.