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 1940...John Winston Ono Lennon born (murdered December 8, 1980)

Consumers Likely To Cut Back On Groceries Before Streaming Subs

When it comes to cutting back in the face of inflation, Americans prioritize their subscription services over eating out, apparel and even groceries, according to MediaPost citing a new survey by National Research Group (NRG). 

U.S. adults report buying 22% fewer goods and services due to inflation, and 66% expect to have to make further cuts in their spending. 

But just 31% report having cut back on their total number of subscriptions over the past 12 months, and just 28% plan to decrease that number over the next six months. Nearly two-thirds (63%) plan to keep the same number, and 9% plan to increase the number.

The news is even better for video and music streaming services in particular.

Just 18% and 10% say they have cut back on TV/film streaming or music/podcasting streaming services, respectively, in the past 12 months, versus about 45% saying they’ve cut back on restaurant dining and groceries (chart above). 

Further, just 23% say they’re likely to consider cancelling TV/movie streaming services in the future. Only Amazon Prime —(which includes Amazon Prime Video access) is even less likely to be cancelled (20%). In addition, only about a quarter (26%) say they’re likely to consider cancelling music or podcast subscriptions. 

Top Saudi Official: It's Biden's Fault US Gas Prices Are High

Daily Mail 10/8/22

Adel al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State, spoke to Fox News Friday and said it's Washington's fault for not increasing domestic production. 

Al-Jubeir said, 'With due respect, the reason you have high prices in the United States is because you have a refining shortage that has been in existence for more than 20 years. You haven't built refineries in decades.' 

His comments are a response to Washington's outrage at the Saudi-led OPEC+ decision to cut oil production by two million barrels a day that, in a huge boost for Putin ahead of the European oil ban, shows it is aligning with Russia.

Union Says Spotify Decisions Led to Audience Collapse

Union members at two of Spotify Technology SA’s podcast studios said a decision by the company to put their shows exclusively on its own streaming service led to a drop in listeners, and a subsequent decision to cancel programs and fire workers, reports Bloomberg.

Spotify said Thursday that it was ending 11 podcasts and terminating employees. Union representatives at the company’s Parcast and Gimlet Media studios issued a joint statement in response on Friday saying each had 30% of their members let go. About 38 people lost their jobs in total. Some of their programs had lost up to 75% of their listeners after going exclusive, the employees said, and Spotify management didn’t do enough to stop the decline.

“Shows languished without marketing support, and teams were not given clear audience goals to meet,” the union representatives wrote. “The strongest indication these employees received that their shows were not meeting Spotify’s goals was when they were laid off yesterday.” Spotify declined to comment. The music streaming giant has made a big push into podcasting in recent years, acquiring studios and launching new shows. But the company now seems to be in a period of retrenchment.

CNN Pundit Claims She Was Blackballed By Jeff Zucker

A CNN contributor said she was kept off the air by ousted network boss Jeff Zucker after she publicly criticized his handling of the suspensions of Chris Cuomo and Jeffrey Toobin — without being informed that she was being punished.

Mary Katharine Ham

The NY Post reports Mary Katharine Ham, a journalist who has contributed to publications such as Townhall Magazine and The Federalist, claims she was “quiet suspended” by Zucker.

Ham wrote on her Substack blog that she recently discovered that she was kept off the air after she engaged in a Twitter spat with a CNN colleague, Andrew Kaczynski, in January.

The spat began when Ham reacted to a tweet by New York Times correspondent Maggie Haberman, who disagreed with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ criticism of the press for not adequately covering the 2017 mass shooting that targeted Republican congressmen playing baseball.

Ham claimed that a similar mass shooting targeting Democrats would generate disproportionately more media coverage.

Disgruntled NY Times Staffers Want A Strike Paper

If contract talks continue to deteriorate, the New York Times may find it has a new competitor — an independent paper being put out by angry employees on strike.

While both the News Guild union, which represents journalists, photographers and some business side people and management remain in negotiations, the talks are growing more acrimonious.

Some union organizers are prepping for a potential strike and a strike newspaper, The Post has learned.

“A lot of people are saying we should go on strike,” said one insider at a gathering of Times employees Thursday night.

Union leadership, however, is not quite there yet. But a one-day walkout is being contemplated, a source said.

Greenville Radio: WHZT Imports Tino Cochino For Evenings

The Yea Networks nationally syndicated Tino Cochino Radio show and Summit Media LLC partner once again.

A year ago Summit put TCR on in Knoxville, TN and now Tino and the crew will grace the airwaves in Greenville, SC from 6-10pm on WHZT Hot 98-1 Carolina’s Party Station.

Maurice DeVoe Brand Content Leader Rhythmic and R&B said: “We are very excited about having Tino Cochino on Hot 98.1 in Greenville. Our night show has always been Top rated in this market and now that our former night talent Ant Dizzle has taken over Afternoon Drive, we feel that Tino Cochino Radio will be a perfect fit to help us continue to dominate at night!”

A very proud Tino added… Summit Media is a company that believes in personality driven radio. Our experience with them in Knoxville has been amazing and we look forward to duplicating the same success in Greenville.

Get TCR on your station today via barter by reaching out to scott@yeanetworks.com or mikey@tinocochinoradio.com

WI Radio: Civic Media Closes on WISS AM/FM

Civic Media has expanded it footprint into the Fox Valley, Wisconsin with the purchase of WISS 1100 AM 98.3 FM, and the relaunch of the station as Oshkosh Air Support: News, Talk, Brewers.

“Civic Media is ecstatic to add WISS, a heritage station in the Fox Valley and the home of the Milwaukee Brewers, to our network. We thank Tom and Joanne Boyson from Hometown Broadcasting for giving us this opportunity. I love everything about how Tom makes radio and hope to emulate his success,” said Mike Crute, President of Civic Media.

WISS is just the latest in a series of station acquisitions for Civic Media, following the recent addition of WXCE and WDMO in the St. Croix Valley, WBZH in Hayward, and WRCO and WRCE in Richland Center. The growing network now has nine stations broadcasting across the state, and several others awaiting FCC approval.

“Civic Media would also like to thank WBA Hall of Famer Ron Fruit and his wife Beth,” said Crute, “for allowing us to continue their community serving legacy in Richland Center.” Civic Media is preserving WRCO’s “Country and Community” format while changing the WRCE AM and FM translator to a News/Talk format, “News from the Center.” “We also thank Marcus Jaeger for his friendship and good will in the purchase of his stations in Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa,” Crute continued, in reference to WFHR and WIRL, which joined the network in August.

SiriusXM Radio Adds 'Grown Folk JAMZ'

SiriusXM has announced Grown Folk JAMZ® as the latest channel to join the suite of programming under its “Project Amplify” initiative. The station is available now on SiriusXM channel 362. Project Amplify is a SiriusXM effort aimed at promoting diverse viewpoints across SiriusXM’s Music and Talk channels.

Serving a listenership ranging from ages 25-64, Grown Folk JAMZ® features music hits from R&B, Gospel, Old School, Hip-Hop, Smooth Jazz, Funk, Classic Soul, and Love Ballads. The Grown Folk JAMZ® format was originally conceived by D-R JAMZ, the Operations Director of Grown Folk JAMZ. Long-time terrestrial radio program director and host, as well as Grown Folk JAMZ® online radio program director, Todd “T-O” Reynolds, will serve as the program director for its SiriusXM channel. The legendary voice of Al Twitty, CEO of Urban Radio Group, will continue to provide imaging for Grown Folk JAMZ®.

R.I.P.: David Beckwith, Reporter Broke Roe Abortion Ruling Story

Pro Life Demonstrators - 1973

David Beckwith, who scored a scoop for Time magazine in 1973 when he reported the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade abortion-rights ruling hours before it was officially announced, a feat that gained new attention this year after a draft of the court’s opinion overturning Roe was leaked in advance, died on Sunday at his home in Austin, Texas. He was 79, reports The NY Times.

David Beckwith

His wife, Susan Beckwith, said the cause was lung cancer.

In May, about two months before the Court eliminated the constitutional right to abortion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the news outlet Politico published Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.’s draft opinion in the case.

The leak was widely described as an unprecedented violation of the court’s rules. But as several news organizations noted, Mr. Beckwith had achieved a similar result 49 years earlier with a Time article headlined “Abortion on Demand,” breaking the news about Roe.

R.I.P.: Al Primo, 'Eyewitness News' Creator

Al Primo, a television station executive who transformed local newscasts into fast-paced “Eyewitness News” programs by putting rarely-seen reporters on the air — as witnesses to the events they covered — and having anchors banter about the day’s events, died on Sept. 29 at his home in Greenwich, Conn. He was 87, reports The NY Times.

His daughter Valerie Primo Lack said the cause was lung cancer.

In a format that he developed in Philadelphia, brought to New York City and then helped spread nationwide, Primo strove to make his news teams seem like on-air families that viewers could relate to at 6 and 11 o’clock. He did away with the staid, usually white anchorman delivering the news and switched to two anchors, often a man and a woman.

He sent reporters into the field (after learning that he did not have to pay them extra if they left their newsroom desks) and assigned them to beats, as newspapers do.

After completing their on-site reports, the reporters went into the studio and engaged in on-air discussions about their stories with the anchors. Those conversations and the chitchat between the anchors, intended to highlight their personalities, drew criticism as “happy talk.”

October 8 Radio History

➦In 1906..William N. Robson born in Pittsburgh (Died at age 88 – April 10, 1995).  Robson spent most of his career involved with radio. His radio debut came in 1936 as director of Big Town. He succeeded Irving Reis as head of the Columbia Workshop.

William Robson

Perhaps the most notable of Robson's productions was Suspense, followed closely by the similarly formatted Escape. Suspense lasted more than two decades on the air with more than 900 episodes broadcast. Ronald L. Smith wrote about Suspense and Escape in his book, Horror Stars on Radio: The Broadcast Histories of 29 Chilling Hollywood Voices: "Both used the same format: a challenging (if anonymous) host introducing a story of murder or perhaps classic horror. Robson favored adaptations of anything from Poe tales to a good yarn in the latest issue of Esquire magazine."

Robson left CBS in 1939 to become director of an advertising firm's radio department, and after the United States entered World War II he helped to prepare broadcasts for the Office of Emergency Management and the War Production Board. He returned to CBS in May 1942 to help the network prepare programs related to the war.

On June 22, 1950, a pamphlet called Red Channels appeared, focusing on the field of broadcasting. Robson was among 151 entertainment industry professionals (erroneously) named in the context of "Red Fascists and their sympathizers".  During the ’50′s he wrote TV dramas, and in 1961 joined The Voice of America, where he was reunited with Edward R. Murrow, and won four Peabody Awards.

➦In 1935...“The O’Neills” first aired.  The serial drama also aired on Mutual, CBS and NBC Red and Blue from 1934 to 1943. Created by actress-writer Jane West, the series was sponsored at various times by Gold Dust, Ivory Snow and Standard Brands.

➦In 1937...The radio series Grand Central Station started a long run long run on the major networks from 1937 to 1954.  Each program opened with an announcer intoning that Grand Central was "the crossroads of a million private lives, a gigantic stage on which are played a thousand dramas daily."

➦In 1944...the first broadcast of The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet was heard on the CBS radio network. The show would continue on radio until 1953 and on ABC-TV from 1952 to 1966.

Bay Area Radio: N/T KGO Says Goodbye

Global Aviator Amelia Earhart At A KGO Mic

KGO, last of the old-time news talk call-in radio stations in San Francisco, announced a format change Thursday, after 80 years at 810 on the AM dial.

In a sign of the times and the end of terrestrial talk radio, the announcement was issued on Twitter:

pic.twitter.com/FRqrN9XnV9

— KGO 810 (@KGO810) October 6, 2022

The shake-up happened around 10 a.m. while the station was airing “The Mark Thompson Show.” In the middle of the program, the audio feed suddenly switched to a pre-taped announcement about the format change, reports The Desk.

On Monday, KGO Radio will re-launch with a new format focused on sports talk and related programming, a person familiar with the change told The Desk. The shows will incorporate aspects of sports betting as a central theme; some syndicated sports analysis shows are also expected to be on the schedule, the source said.

Here's how the abrupt change sounded...

KGO Abruptly Signs-Off - https://t.co/fBtytYjN0p pic.twitter.com/otuMc5BeNx

— FormatChange.com (@FormatChange) October 6, 2022

Shows that are slated to air on KGO Radio under the new format include “Bet MGM Tonight” and “Bet QL Daily,” the source said, and the name of the station will change to “The Spread 810AM.” Other syndicated and locally-produced programming will be announced over time.

KGO Radio will become the second sports betting radio station owned by Cumulus Media. Last month, the company relaunched WPRV 790 AM in Providence, Rhode Island with a sports betting format.

It was not clear if the format change will result in job losses at the station. Two people who work at KGO Radio told The Desk they were unaware of the planned format change until they heard about it on the air. Officials at KGO Radio and Cumulus were unavailable for comment.

Ronn Owens

It is the second time in less than a decade that KGO Radio has flipped formats on a dime. In 2016, the station eliminated most of its reporters, producers and other news talent in favor of broadcasting local and syndicated talk programs.

The change to a sports-betting format comes as Californians are set to vote on two initiatives that could make mobile sports betting legal in the state for the first time. Sports betting companies like Fanduel, MGM Resorts and others have spent millions of dollars in advertisements across local television and radio stations urging voters to pass the initiatives, while most Native American tribes in the state have opposed them.

Iconic morning host Ronn Owens left the station about a year ago, after more than four decades hosting a talk show, mostly in the morning-drive time slot.  “KGO is gone. It’s history, turn off the lights,” said Owens by phone from Arizona where he is living in retirement.

“We were the No. 1 station out of 80 stations in the market for 31 years, which is amazing. They tried to make KGO all news on the cheap and it was terrible,” he said.

At its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, what was discussed on KGO’s airwaves set the Bay Area’s daily agenda.

“Every single bit of it was live and local,” said Mickey Luckoff, the retired former president and general manager. KGO claimed to have invented the term “Newstalk,” which it tried to trademark.

“We were the original and the best station that combined news blocks with polished personality talk shows,” he told The S-F Chronicle.

Nominations Deadline Approaching For Country Radio Hall

Country Radio Seminar has set an October 28 deadline for Country Radio Hall of Fame nominations for the Class of 2023 (submit here). 

Submissions received after the deadline will be considered for the following year. The Class of 2023 will be revealed at CRS 2023, held Monday, March 13 - Wednesday, March 15, at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame nomination portal is open all year; however, in order for the 2023 inductee selection process to be completed in a timely manner, the above deadline must be in place.

Chairman of the Country Radio Hall of Fame Committee, Joel Raab, emphasizes, "The Hall of Fame Committee is eager to review the latest nominees in order to select the Class of 2023 who represent Country Radio's finest."

Jury Gets The Alex Jones Damages Case

Jury deliberations began late Thursday in the damages trial of the Infowars fabulist Alex Jones, who defamed the families of eight victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre and unleashed years of abuse and threats against them from people who believed Mr. Jones’s lies on his online and radio broadcast that the Dec. 14, 2012, shooting was a hoax.

The NY times reports Chris Mattei, a lawyer on the families’ legal team, Thursday walked the jurors through a litany of the abuse inflicted by Mr. Jones and his followers, who believed the families were complicit in the plot.

“You saw — he’s going on 10 years of defaming these families, and it’s not stopping,” Mattei told the jury during his closing remarks. “This is their one chance, and your one chance — your one chance — to render a verdict on just how much devastation Alex Jones has caused.”

Wake-Up Call: Z Calls For Pre-Emptive Strike To Head-Off Armageddon

Daily Mail 10/7/22

 President Joe Biden said on Thursday evening that Vladimir Putin was not joking about using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, and said the risk of of Armageddon was the highest it had been since the Cuban missile crisis. 

He delivered his doomsday warning at a fundraising event for Democrats at the New York home of James Murdoch, son of media mogul Rupert. 

It comes amid growing fears that Putin is backed into a corner and could use tactical nuclear weapons to push back advancing Ukrainian forces. 

'We’ve got a guy I know fairly well,' said Biden said at the reception for the reception for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. 'He's not joking when he talks about potential use of tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons because his military is — you might say — significantly underperforming.' Don't be fooled by the idea that smaller, tactical weapons were not a major threat to the world, he continued at the reception for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. 'I don't think there's any such thing as the ability to easily [use] a tactical nuclear weapon and not end up with Armageddon,' he said.

The Kremlin has warned of potentially 'monstrous consequences' after Volodymyr Zelensky appeared to suggest NATO powers should bomb Russia to deter Vladimir Putin from employing his nuclear arsenal against Ukraine. Russia said such comments risked starting 'yet another world war' after the Ukrainian president seemed to tell Australian think tank the Lowy Institute that he believed 'preemptive strikes' on Russian territory were necessary. 

However Kyiv later insisted he was actually calling for 'preemptive sanctions', just as he did 'before February 24', when the invasion was launched. It comes as an increasingly desperate Putin continues to suffer losses in the south and east of Ukraine ahead of his 70th birthday on Friday and amid alleged serious health conditions - leading many analysts to fear he will use 'tactical nuclear weapons' in a bid to secure a victory. 

The dictator previously hinted at their use, saying on September 21: 'When its territorial integrity is threatened, Russia will use everything it can, this is not a bluff.' Speaking in an online video on Thursday, Zelensky said: 'What should NATO do? Make it impossible for Russia to use nuclear weapons.' He added: 'What is important, I once again appeal to the international community, as I did before February 24: We need pre-emptive strikes so that (the Russians) know what will happen to them if they use them (nuclear weapons), and not the other way around.'

Las Vegas Radio: Beasley, Audacy Swapping KDWN and KXTE

Beasley Media Group announced Thursday that it entered into an asset exchange agreement with Audacy, Inc. whereby Beasley will exchange the radio station KDWN 720AM and the translator for 101.5 FM for Alternative KXTE 107.5 FM, in Las Vegas.

As part of the agreement, longtime Las Vegas-based syndicated morning personalities Dave and Mahoney will continue to be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. on KXTE-FM under Beasley’s ownership.

The asset exchange highlights Beasley’s focus on premium local programming and content and is complementary to the Company’s four other radio stations and digital operations in Las Vegas, the 31st largest designated market in the country.

ESPN, Draft Kings Reportedly ThisClose To New Partnership

Graphic Courtesy of Awful Announcing

Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN is nearing a large new partnership with sports-betting firm DraftKings Inc., according to people familiar with the matter.

Bloomberg reports the agreement would pave the way for the media giant to capitalize on the growing wave of legalized sports betting, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. The structure and details of the partnership couldn’t be immediately learned.

DraftKings shares jumped as much as 14% in extended trading in New York. They had declined 42% this year through Thursday’s close, valuing the company at $7.2 billion. Disney was little changed in late trading.

ESPN declined to comment. A spokesperson for DraftKings said it doesn’t discuss conversations it has with other companies, while noting it has “a great, long standing relationship with ESPN.”

Media companies are looking for ways to cash in as more states legalize sports betting. Many TV networks have seen a flood of ad dollars from sportsbooks that are competing to sign up bettors.

ESPN has already invested heavily in sports gambling, though it has steered clear of taking actual bets. The broadcaster has betting-related shows such as Daily Wager and marketing deals with DraftKings and Caesars Entertainment Inc. where links to the sportsbooks are integrated into ESPN’s website. Disney also acquired a stake in DraftKings as part of its acquisition of Fox’s entertainment assets in 2019.

FCC Proposes Changes In Foreign Sponsorship Requirements

The Federal Communications Commission Thursday released a Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Second Notice) to strengthen the process for identifying foreign governmental entities in the wake of the D.C. Circuit’s ruling in National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) v. FCC. Thursday’s Second Notice proposes, among other things, a certification process with standardized language for broadcasters and lessees to use in order to demonstrate that the appropriate inquiries have been made in determining whether a foreign governmental entity has sponsored the programming.

On April 22, 2021, the Commission released a Report and Order requiring broadcasters to transmit clear disclosures with programming provided by a foreign governmental entity and establishing a definition of a foreign governmental entity. Subsequently, the NAB and others filed a Petition for Review of the action with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In its July 12, 2022 ruling, the D.C. Circuit determined that the Commission lacked the statutory authority under sections 317(c) and (e) of the Act to require licensees to independently check two federal databases to verify whether a lessee is a “foreign governmental entity” and vacated this requirement of the Commission’s rules.

Kanye West Talks To Tucker Carlson About 'The Shirt'

'I thought the shirt was a funny shirt'

Kanye West on Thursday offered a simple explanation for his “White Lives Matter” t-shirt — saying he wore the controversial attire at a Paris fashion show because “they do.”

The NY Post reports the 45-year-old rapper doubled down on his decision to wear the shirt in an hour-long sit-down with Fox News’ Tucker Carlson, where he also appeared shocked by the backlash the stunt caused.

“I do certain things from a feeling,” West said. “I just channel the energy, it just feels right. It’s using a gut instinct, a connection with God and just brilliance,” he said about wearing the shirt.

West, who now legally goes by the first name Ye, said his father had reached out to him about the shirt, which he found hilarious.

“I thought the shirt was a funny shirt. I thought the idea of wearing it was funny. And I said ‘Dad why do you think it’s funny?’ And he said ‘just a black man stating the obvious.’”

West has been criticized publicly by many — including Vogue editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and supermodel Gigi Hadid — for wearing the shirt to his fashion show on Monday. Other models in the show wore the same shirt.

“They’re looking for an explanation — as an artist you don’t have to give an explanation but as a leader you do,” the “All of the Lights” rapper told Carlson.

“So the answer to why I wrote ‘White Lives Matter’ on a shirt is they do. It’s an obvious thing,” West said.

In the wake of the controversy, West’s contract with Adidas was reportedly “under review.”

Audacy To Import Ed Lover Into 5 Stations Nationwide

Ed Lover

Audacy has announced the launch of “The Ed Lover Experience” starring on-air host Ed Lover. The nationally syndicated program, which launches October 17, will be heard in various dayparts on 104.3 Jams (WBMX-FM) in Chicago, Q100.5 (KXQQ-FM) in Las Vegas, 94.7 The Block (WXBK-FM) in New York, 102 Jams (KRBQ-FM) in San Francisco and HOT 103.7 (KHTP-FM) in Seattle.

On “The Ed Lover Experience,” Lover brings his humor, stories, and his philosophy to Audacy’s classic hip-hop brands. The show will also feature music key to each respective market during talk breaks.

“Ed Lover is the guy who introduced an entire generation to hip-hop, and became arguably the face of hip-hop as it blew up across America,” said Dave Richards, Senior Vice President of Programming, Audacy. “Since his days at MTV, Ed has established himself -- amongst other things -- as a tremendous radio host, and now we're proud and excited to take this icon nationwide. Look out for ‘The Ed Lover Experience.’”

“Life is all about discovering new adventures. Throughout my career I’ve been lucky enough to do so,” said Lover. “I’m excited about this new opportunity to spread love and laughter to so many people!”

“The Ed Lover Experience” weekday schedule is as follows.

• 104.3 Jams in Chicago: 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Q100.5 in Las Vegas: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• 94.7 The Block in New York: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• 102 Jams in San Francisco: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• HOT 103.7 in Seattle: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Buffalo Radio: Tiffany Bentley To Program Non-Com WBFO

Buffalo-Toronto Public Media's Triple-A WBFO 88.7 FM The Bridge has appointed Tiffany Bentley as Program Director. 

Tiffany Bentley

Previously, Bentley served as Assistant Program Director and Music Director at crosstown Cumulus Alternative WEDG 103.3 The Edge. Before that, her past stints include Alternative outlets at Cumulus Media and Audacy-Entercom as well as Lehigh Valley Public Media's WDIY/Bethlehem, PA.

"Bentley's experience in the format as well as her commitment to multi-platform expertise and to connecting with the community made her a natural choice for the station's first program director," said Buffalo Toronto Public Media SVP and Chief Content Officer David Rotterman.

"When we envisioned the kind of Program Director, we wanted to launch our new music service to the next level, which includes the power of our television station as well as all of our digital platforms, we wanted someone with exactly the kind of experience and vision Bentley has," said President & CEO of Buffalo Toronto Public Media Tom Calderone. "We couldn't be more excited about Bentley joining our team."

NYC Radio: McGuirk's Other Ills Hastened Cancer Death

Legendary NYC radio host Bernard McGuirk (right) died on Wednesday, October 5, at 64 following a battle with prostate cancer, as announced by his station. 

McGuirk hosted 77WABC’s 'Bernie & Sid in the Morning' with co-host Sid Rosenberg and was a longtime executive producer and personality of the program 'Imus in the Morning'. He had been on the air in New York City since 1986 and had moved to WABC with Don Imus, the late radio icon.

Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez announced McGurk’s death on Thursday morning with a touching statement. "It is with profound sadness that I must share this news with you. Bernard McGuirk, husband, father and our friend passed away yesterday, Oct. 5, in the company of his family. Bernie courageously battled cancer for all to see and hear, in a manner that was inspiring to all of us," Lopez said, according to Fox News. 

According to the New York Post, his friends stated that McGuirk had been off the air in recent months as his cancer was aggravated by appendicitis and pneumonia. 

October 7 Radio History

 

➦In 1939…The radio soap drama Kate Hopkins, Angel of Mercy debuted CBS Radio.  It remained on-the-air until April 3, 1942.  The show's initial premise was that after Kate Hopkins' husband died in a fire, she became a visiting nurse to support herself and her young son in the mythical American town of Forest Falls.

➦In 1940…"Portia Faces Life" debuted on the CBS Radio Network after starting in syndication seven months earlier. The program starred veteran radio actress Lucille Wall, who had been on Your Family and Mine and other radio dramas since the mid-1920s.

Stations airing the series included WNAC in Boston, WLS in Chicago, KRLD in Dallas, KGW in Portland, Oregon and KFI in Los Angeles, according to newspaper advertisements.

Portia Faces Life continued on CBS until April 25, 1941. Three days later, it moved to NBC where it continued until March 31, 1944. It then returned to CBS as a summer series from April 3 to September 29, 1944. Heard on NBC from October 3, 1944 to June 29, 1951, the series continued until 1953, according to scripter Mona Kent who wrote every episode.  General Foods remained the sponsor through all 13 years of the radio series.

➦In 1952...“Bob Horn’s Bandstand” aired for the first time on WFIL-TV Philadelphia.  Dick Clark joined in 1955 as a substitute-host, and took over permanently in July ’56.   The program went network on ABC-TV as “American Bandstand” this same date in 1957.

➦In 1966...WOR 98.7 FM New York, which had been airing Top40 music without DJs added personalities to the air. The original WOR-FM disc jockeys were Scott Muni (formerly of WABC and WMCA), Murray “the K” Kaufman (formerly of WINS), Rosko (Bill Mercer) and Johnny Michaels.

Even though the format began on July 30, there were union problems with AFTRA.  RKO did not want to pay FM disc jockeys the equivalent pay of their AM counterparts.  As a result, the station segued from one record to another.

➦In 1970...Intel introduced the computer memory chip.

Chicago Radio: WDRV Promotes Janda Lane To Music Director

Janda Lane

Hubbard Radio Chicago’s WDRV 97.1 FM The Drive Brand & Content Director Keith Hastings announced today that Janda Lane has been promoted to permanent midday show host and Music Director at The Drive.

For the past four years, Janda co-hosted afternoons with Steve Seaver before temporarily stepping in for legendary midday host Bob Stroud who semi-retired in June of 2022. Stroud will continue hosting his daily features Ten at 10 and One 45 at 1:45 during Janda’s midday program. Along with her new show, Janda will also add Music Director duties and continue to host her Marconi Award-nominated podcast, Behind The Song.

Janda says, “I am beyond thrilled to move into middays on The Drive, and am honored to fill the space around the one and only Bob Stroud’s long-standing Ten at 10 and One 45 at 1:45 features. Life is a winding road and I am so happy that the road has led me here to Chicago, to The Drive, and last and most importantly, to our awesome listeners. Thank you so much for listening!”

R.I.P.: Bernard McGuirk, 77WABC Morning Host Dead From Cancer

Billed as the brains of the 77 WABC ‘brains and muscle’ team of Bernie & Sid in the Morning, Bernard McGuirk passed away last evening, following a bout with prostate cancer, just a few weeks shy of his 65th birthday.

McGuirk, who had been co-host of WABC’s Bernie & Sid in the Morning with Sid Rosenberg since April of 2018, helped bring WABC back to the top in New York, reaching #1 in share of the 12+ audience in morning drive in the August Nielsen ratings. There will be a tribute and moment of silence for McGuirk on 77 WABC today, during the morning drive program. A special tribute for McGuirk, including memories and thoughts from the WABC staff, will air on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

John Catsimatidis, who bought WABC in 2020 and made it the cornerstone of his Red Apple Media, commented, “We are all devastated by the loss of Bernie. He was a true New Yorker whose talent and intelligence propelled him to the top of New York morning radio. He had incredible insights on local, national, and world news that his listeners respected. He will be missed by everyone at WABC and his fans around the world.”

In an email to the 77 WABC team late last night, Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC, wrote, “Bernie was not just half of Bernie and Sid in the Morning; Bernie was part of the fabric of WABC. Listeners from all around the world started their days with Bernie’s charismatic wit and insight, from tragic events to American’s day to day life. His absence will leave a hole not just at WABC but across the airwaves and in America’s hearts. Bernie was our brother, our friend, our mentor, our colleague. We will all miss Bernie more than words can express.”

Study Confirms: Gen Z Is World’s Most Digital Audience

New WARC analysis has found that Generation Z is the most digital generation to date, spending two-thirds (67.7%) of total media time with digital channels, higher than any other age group. These findings are published today by WARC, the international marketing intelligence service, as part of its WARC Media product offer.

Gen Z is commonly defined as those aged between 13 and 25, although WARC Global Ad Trends: Finding Gen Z focuses on consumers aged 16 or older.

These individuals spend huge amounts of time with digital media. However, in total consumption terms Gen Z lags behind. Since 2018, 16-24s globally have consumed less media per day than 25-34s, and the gap is getting larger, with Millennial audiences consuming greater quantities of both linear and online streaming TV.

Social media leads consumption by 16-24s across all regions. Yet growth in total global social usage levelled off in 2017, and is even forecast to dip slightly (-0.5%) year-on-year in 2022. This means that platforms find themselves battling to win share of Gen Z’s finite attention, with any gains by newer platforms like TikTok or BeReal likely to be at the expense of other apps.

NOLA Radio: Building Housing iHM Cluster Sells for $3.5M

After spending two years on the market, the three-story, 17,765-square-foot iHeartMedia Building in downtown New Orleans has been acquired by a Florida-based investment group, according to New Orleans City Business.

The building was built in the mid-1990s for office space and a radio production studio, the property has a 250-kilowatt generator, 60 parking spots with a secured gate and two adjacent lots. It sold Sept. 29 for just over $3.579 million, around $201 per square foot, according to Orleans Parish land records. The property hit the market in August 2020 for $3.7 million.

According to the Secretary of State’s website, the buyer is New Orleans Property Partners LLC, a company established in September with a Miami address. Officers in the company are listed as Wayne Chapman, Steven Becker, Bennett Glazer and Lee Hager. The company’s address, 1600 N.W. 163 St., is the home of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, one of the largest beverage distributors in the U.S. The company has a location in St. Rose.

When its building was listed for sale, iHeartMedia planned to relocate in New Orleans, according to a news release. Tori Kahl, market president of iHeart Media, did not immediately respond to a request for comment this week. The company’s automated phone message still lists 929 Howard Ave. as its New Orleans location.

Cipolla Analytics Names Dr. Ed Cohen as Chief Research Officer

Cipolla Analytics announces the appointment of Dr. Ed Cohen as Chief Research Officer for the company, overseeing the expansion of its SpotGPS™ advanced intelligence software for radio. 

Dr. Ed Cohen

SpotGPS™ is a powerful tool for radio programmers that transforms airplay data into powerful and actionable commercial content analysis in a compelling, visual, and intuitive form that is a game-changer for radio stations. Developed especially for PPM markets, SpotGPS™ makes it easy to get the listening credit you deserve. SpotGPS™ reveals content placement and quantity on your stations and the competition in a way that is clear, colorful, and compelling. Then, you can make informed adjustments, fix on-air issues before they become a real ratings problem, and seize opportunities as they develop.

One of the radio industry’s foremost research minds, Cohen was previously Vice President, Ratings and Research, for Cumulus Media, and led Nielsen Audio’s connected car streaming audio research initiative as Vice President, Measurement Innovation. 

Wake-Up Call: Biden, DeSantis Tour Devastation Together

President Joe Biden went to Fort Myers, Florida, yesterday, to see some of the worst of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida. The visit marked a brief ceasefire in his relationship with Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, a frequent critic and possible rival for the presidency in 2024. DeSantis praised the White House for its quick work in getting help to the disaster-stricken area. At least 109 people are confirmed dead in the storm, and more may be found as a door-to-door search continues.

Supporters of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis got excited on social media Wednesday when the Republican gave remarks introducing President Biden while standing at a lectern with the presidential seal on it. It’s not uncommon for local officials to grace the presidential speaking apparatus, especially after natural disasters such as Hurricane Ian. But with DeSantis widely tipped to run for president and potentially unseat Biden in 2024, some believed they were getting a glimpse two years into the future as DeSantis spoke while Biden stood off to the side.

➤GOVERNOR THINKS NATIONAL MEDIA WANTED FLORIDA DESTROYED:  Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis had an unexpected answer when a reporter for Florida’s Voice asked him why the national media got it wrong when they said Hurricane Ian was headed straight for Tampa a day or so before it veered off to land near Fort Myers. DeSantis said the media, which he refers to as “the national regime media,” wanted Tampa to be hit hard because it would “be worse for Florida.” He added: "They don't care what destruction's [left] in their wake. They don't care about the lives here. If they can use it to pursue their political agenda, they will do it."

😮WATCH YOUR MOUTH! President Biden stunned viewers of a Hurricane Ian recovery briefing Wednesday by saying into a hot mic that “no one f—s with a Biden” shortly after he told devastated residents of southwest Florida that he can commiserate due to a minor house fire that destroyed an “awful lot” of his own home almost 20 years ago.  The 79-year-old president made the unexpected vulgar remark about family loyalty to Fort Myers Mayor Ray Murphy (left) after taking several questions from reporters.

🌉FLORIDA ISLAND GETS ITS BRIDGE BACK: A temporary bridge connecting Florida’s Pine Island to the mainland opened yesterday to cheers from residents who have been cut off since the hurricane hit. The Miami Herald reports that the first vehicles over the bridge included emergency response vehicles and a delivery truck from Publix, the local supermarket chain. Pine Island is near hard-hit Cape Coral.

Twitter Deal: The Devil Is In The Details

Representatives of Elon Musk and Twitter Inc. are still grappling with terms of an agreement that would enable his purchase of the social-media company to proceed, continuing a months-long drama surrounding the fate of the blockbuster deal.

The Wall Street Journal reports the discussions are the latest the two sides have held as a courtroom clash draws nearer. They quietly held unsuccessful talks about a possible cut to the price of $44 billion for the social-media platform before Mr. Musk reversed course Monday and said he would return to the original agreement’s terms, people familiar with the matter said.

As of late Wednesday, representatives of Mr. Musk and Twitter were trying to hash out the details of his proposal this week to stick to that original agreement, the people familiar with the matter said. Sticking points include what would be required from both sides for litigation over the stalled deal to be dropped and whether the deal’s closing would be contingent on Mr. Musk’s receiving the necessary debt financing, some of the people said.

B-Dub Radio Adds 8 Stations, Including KUPL Portland

B-Dub Radio, through its syndication partner, Skyview Networks, announces the expansion of the show’s reach with eight new stations joining its affiliate roster. The addition marks nearly 100 station relationships for B-Dub Radio across six nights a week, with the newest DMA markets being:

• WGNE-FM Jacksonville, FL – Renda Broadcasting Corp.
• WUSJ-FM Jackson, MS – New South Radio, Inc
• KBAY-FM/KKDV-FM – San Francisco/Oakland, CA – Alpha Media
• WHUG-FM Buffalo, NY – Media One Group
• WOKK-FM Meridian, MS – Mississippi Broadcasters, LLC
• KUPL-FM Portland, OR – Alpha Media
• KYSM-FM Mankato, MN – Alpha Media

ACM Radio Award winner and host of B-Dub Radio, Bryan “B-Dub” Washington commented on the growth saying, “2022 has been a year focused on providing an A-level product for our affiliate stations that can be sustained as we continue to grow B-Dub Radio. Nearing the 100-station mark between our weekday and Saturday shows, including the most recent addition of Afternoon Drive at 98.7 The Bull (KUPL) in Portland, shows that we are delivering on that promise!”

Detroit Radio: WMGC Adds Jean Fremont As APD/Morning Show Duty

Beasley Media Group has named Mean Jean Fremont as the new morning personality and Assistant Program Director at WMGC 105.1 FM The Bounce in Detroit. 

He will officially begin his new position on October 17. Fremont most recently served as the Program Director of WKHT Hot 104.5 in Knoxville and worked as the station's afternoon personality. In his new role, he will work alongside morning co-host 105.1 The Bounce while also serving as APD.

Jean Fremont

"Jean impressed us with his abilities on and off the air. He truly understands the dynamics of our business, and his experience in the format will help The Bounce continue to grow," said Beasley Media Group Vice President of National Content and Director of Detroit Programming Scott Jameson.

"Mean Jean got our attention the first time we heard his engaging show," added Beasley Media Group Detroit Vice President and Market Manager Mac Edwards. "He definitely jumped to the top of the list after getting to know him and hearing his insight and appreciation for The Bounce's Party/Throwback format. We're excited to have Mean Jean join Shannon Renee on The Morning Bounce and make his mark as APD with Beasley Media in the Motor City."

"I am humbled and honored to be chosen to join the Morning Bounce," said Fremont. "I have admired Beasley Media from afar for quite some time, and excited to join an amazing team in Detroit. Thank you to the leadership team for this amazing opportunity to grow, learn and win."