Albert, Micheletti to Call NHL Hat Trick

There’s a rare hockey hat trick happening this weekend and Westwood One and NBC Sports Radio are part of the action. Popular hockey broadcasters Kenny Albert and Joe Micheletti will be calling three NHL games over a 24-hour period (involving five teams) for MSG Networks, Westwood One, and NBC Sports Radio.

Kenny Albert

On Saturday at 1:00 pm ET, the New York Rangers host the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Micheletti, in his 13th season as Rangers in-game analyst on MSG Networks, will be joined in the broadcast booth by play-by-play announcer Sam Rosen.

Albert, now in his 23rd season as the radio voice of the Rangers, will simultaneously call the play-by-play action on ESPN 98.7, the radio home of the Rangers, alongside analyst Dave Maloney.

Joe Micheletti

Following the game, Albert and Micheletti will go straight to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and team up to broadcast Westwood One/NBC Sports Radio’s national radio coverage of the NHL Stadium Series matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night at 8:00 pm ET. Albert and Micheletti will be joined onsite by rinkside reporter Kelly Chase and host Steve Mears.

After the game, the duo will then travel down south to Washington, D.C. for MSG Networks’ television and radio broadcast of the New York Rangers/Washington Capitals game on Sunday at 12:30 pm ET at Capital One Arena. Micheletti will be joined again in the booth by Rosen, with Albert on the radio call with Maloney.

“We couldn’t be more excited,” said Albert. “If you love the sport of hockey, it will be a dream weekend. Ernie Banks would be proud. And we definitely won’t forget our scarves and gloves for the Stadium Series game in Philadelphia on Saturday night!”

Albert and Micheletti serve as Westwood One/NBC Sports Radio’s lead NHL broadcast crew and will be on the call together for select playoff games this year, including their fourth straight season calling the Stanley Cup Final.

Sports Betting Startup The Action Network Raises $17.5M

Sports betting media startup The Action Network said on Thursday it has raised $17.5 million of funding from private equity, team owners and media and eSports investors.

Reuters reports the investments come as the sports and media industries try to figure out how to capitalize on the nascent American sports betting market.

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in May allowed states to legalize, regulate and tax the activity. The decision instantly created a new national market, sparking a rush of activity by states, companies, leagues and others seeking to profit.

Eight states now offer legal sports wagering. At least two more and the District of Columbia have legalized it, and 21 more states have active sports betting legislation to consider.

“We see an incredible opportunity as we focus on securing the necessary approvals in regulated U.S. sports betting jurisdictions as well as those around the world,” The Action Network CEO Patrick Keane in said a statement.

In anticipation of the new market, firm was formed in October 2017 by The Chernin Group, founded by media titan Peter Chernin.

It quickly lured high-profile writers and personalities from sports media giant ESPN Inc., a unit of Walt Disney Co.

David Blitzer, of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns a stake in the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, is also an investor in The Action Network.

The Chicago Cubs, German esports investor BITKRAFT Esports Ventures GMBH & Co KG and former Twitter Inc. COO Anthony Noto also bought in.

Sportscaster Kevin Burkhardt To Call Some MLB Rays' Games

Kevin Burkhardt

Fox’s Kevin Burkhardt will be part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ TV broadcast team this season, The NYPost reports.

Burkhardt, Fox’s lead MLB host, will call approximately 20 Rays games on Tampa’s regional sports network.

“I think it is the perfect opportunity to add to my workload,” Burkhardt, 44, said.

Dewayne Staats, the former Yankees broadcaster, is the longtime TV voice of the Rays. Staats is not going anywhere, but Burkhardt will take some road games to alleviate Staats’ schedule.

While Burkhardt does NFL and college basketball, he only called a handful of baseball games last season — albeit high-profile ones on Fox on Saturday nights — so this will help keep his craft strong.

A decade and a half ago, Burkhardt was selling cars in his native New Jersey, unsure if he would make it in broadcasting and trying to make ends meet when Eric Spitz, then WFAN’s program director, took a liking to his work and put him on the radio in a full-time role.

Burkhardt’s next big break came when SNY’s Chris Cotter asked off the Mets’ dugout role, paving the way for Burkhardt to land the job, which he probably did as well as anyone has ever done it.

AOC Slams Media For Reporting Where She Lives

AOC rips Media

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez scolded media outlets for reporting that she lives in a luxury high-rise building in Washington, DC, around the time she and other high-profile Democrats appeared on a hit list compiled by a Maryland man arrested for allegedly planning a mass terror attack, according to The NY Post.

“Journalists are sharing stories about where I live the same day it’s shared that myself + others were targeted by a mass shooter,” the New York Democrat tweeted late Wednesday. “All this paired w/ amplifying unvetted conspiracy theories. It’s reckless, irresponsible & puts people directly in danger. This isn’t a game.”

Court documents show Coast Guard Lt. Christopher Hasson, who was arrested last Friday, drafted a list of politicians and media members whom he was targeting.

The list included Ocasio-Cortez, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic presidential candidates Sens. Cory Booker and Kamala Harris, among others.

Hasson, who had an arsenal of 15 firearms in his Silver Spring, Md., home, searched on the internet for “Where in DC do Congress live?” and “Best place in D.C. to see Congress people,” according to police officials.

A number of outlets reported in the past week that the freshman lawmaker, whose congressional salary is $174,000, lives in a tony section of the capital in a building where rents range from $2,000 for a studio apartment to more than $5,000 for a three-bedroom.

While most of them did not give an address, they did provide identifying information and photographs about which stores were in the neighborhood and the amenities offered by her complex, which is under construction.

ESPN Adds 'Big Piece' to MLB Coverage

Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard, the former Phillies slugger who officially retired in September, has been hired by ESPN as a baseball analyst.

According to philly.com, terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it’s a multiyear agreement that will position Howard as one of the network’s analysts across many different shows and platforms, including Baseball Tonight, SportsCenter, Get Up!, First Take, and ESPN Radio.

Howard had been talking to ESPN about a role since last year, and has done a handful of television spots on the network over the last few weeks. He also did two days of guest appearances on the MLB Network in January.

Veteran ESPN producer Phil Orlins, who oversees the network’s baseball coverage and its Sunday Night Baseball telecasts, said the three-time All Star already possesses poise and charisma, in addition to knowledge of the game.

Bob Stei Joins Media Staffing Network

Bob Stei

Media Staffing Network (MSN) has hired radio industry professional and recruiting specialist Bob Stei as Account Manager and Recruiter. In his role, Stei will guide a variety of functions for the media staffing and consulting firm.

“Over the past two years, MSN has significantly increased its number of hiring solutions, ranging from placing a wider array of positions across media to developing hands-on and online tools that help media companies hire more effectively, strategically, and proactively,” stated Laurie Kahn, CEO and Founder.

“Bob brings a passion and knowledge about broadcasting and recruiting that will help MSN expand into new areas, such as our ‘0 to 3 Talent Bank,” which puts aspiring talent together with hiring broadcasters,” continued Kahn. “I am thrilled to have someone of Bob’s caliber join our team, and I look forward to working with him to deliver more hiring solutions to our clients.”

Stei, who has been a full-time headhunter and recruiter for over 15 years and an accomplished radio broadcaster, commented, “This is a dream opportunity for me, to combine my passions for the media industry and recruiting. I am excited to join MSN during this period of growth and grateful to Laurie Kahn and Vice President and General Manager Patty Kincaid for putting their faith in me. I can’t wait to get started!”

Stei began his radio career as an intern at WNEW-FM in New York while completing his Bachelor's Degree from Manhattan College. He spent the past six years on-air at WCHR-FM, Toms River, NJ, and WMGK, Philadelphia, PA. Additional on-air stops during his radio career include, WBAB, Long Island; WZZO, Allentown; WRFF, Philadelphia; WCZT Cape May, NJ, and more.

Broadcasters who want to learn more about Media Staffing Network’s placement services and hiring programs can reach Stei at (215) 885-3429 and bob@mediastaffingnetwork.com.

Bill Mayne To Be Honored With CRB President's Award

The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. have announced long-time music industry veteran and outgoing Country Radio Broadcasters Executive Director, Bill Mayne, as the recipient of the 2019 CRB President’s Award.

The award will be presented during the Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards ceremony, to be held at the Vanderbilt Marriott in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday, June 19th at 6 p.m. CDT.

In April of 2018, Mayne announced he would be leaving his post following the 50th Anniversary year of Country Radio Seminar. He is a past board member of the Country Music Association and has served over 35 years on the Academy of Country Music Board of Directors covering every officer roll including Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Board of Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the ACM.  Additionally, Mayne was one of the original industry advisory members for the St. Jude Country Cares for Kids Radiothon Program, which has raised over $700 million dollars for St. Jude since 1989 and serves as National VP for MDA. He also is a member of Leadership Music and the Mayor’s Nashville Music Council.

Mayne, who has led the Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Radio Seminar for nearly a decade, has an extensive background in the radio and record industries with senior level experience in Country radio broadcasting, major and independent record labels, artist development, and management.

His extensive and lengthy resume includes radio broadcast programming and management at KZLA/KLAC Los Angeles, KSCS/WBAP Dallas, KASE Austin. During his record label days, Mayne was Sr. VP/General Manager and VP Promotion at Warner Bros Nashville, VP of Promotion and Artist Development at 903 Music and in more recent years and prior to his term at CRB, he was the President and owner of Mayne Entertainment, an artist management company as well as the owner of Mayne Street Consulting, a private entertainment consulting firm providing analysis and guidance to a wide range of clients in the entertainment field.

Country Radio Broadcasters Board President, Kurt Johnson commented, “Over four decades, Bill Mayne has been a fixture on Music Row. He’s had success in Country Radio, promotion, label management, artist management and, for the past ten years, leading Country Radio Broadcasters and Country Radio Seminar.  When you consider the breathtaking span of Bill’s influence on Country, he’s the obvious choice for this year’s President’s Award.”

This year’s Country Radio Hall of Fame event will also honor the “Class of 2019” radio inductees that were recently announced during Country Radio Seminar (CRS). Four off-air broadcasters and two on-air personalities will be honored and are Mac Daniels (KPLX and KSCS/Dallas) formerly KALM, KBOX/Dallas, KPLX, WMXQ/Washington, KASE & KVET/Austin, WYCD/Detroit, iHeartMedia, KSKS/Fresno, and NASH-FM/San Francisco; Bobby Denton (WIVK/Knoxville); Jeff Garrison (KCYY/Cox Media), formerly KKBQ, WESC, WFNQ/Greenville, KMLE/Phoenix, KILT; and Gregg Lindahl (Cox Media) formerly KOMA/Oklahoma City, WSM-AM/FM, WKY, WSOC-A/F/Charlotte, KUPL/Portland, and WKXK/Chicago; representing the off-air category and Charlie Monk (SiriusXM’s “Willie’s Roadhouse”) formerly of WGEA/Geneva, AL, WMTS; and Kyle Cantrell (SiriusXM) formerly WMTS/Murfreesboro, WSM-AM/Nashville, and WKDF/Nashville, representing the on-air category.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the Country format.  The Country Radio Hall of Fame was founded in 1974 to recognize outstanding individuals working in the broadcasting industry who are promoting the Country radio format.

NAB Announces Finalists For Crystal Radio Awards

The National Association of Broadcasters announced the 50 finalists for the 32nd annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service. Winners will be announced and the finalists honored at the We Are Broadcasters Celebration, held Tuesday, April 9 during the 2019 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

The finalists are:

KBFB-FM Dallas, Texas...WHO-AM Des Moines, Iowa...KBHP-FM Bemidji, Minn....WHUB-AM Cookeville, Tenn....KCLY-FM Clay Center, Kan....WHUR-FM Washington, D.C....KCVM-FM Cedar Falls, Iowa...WHYI-FM Miami, Fla....KEEY-FM Minneapolis, Minn...WIL-FM St. Louis, Mo.

KHKS-FM Dallas, Texas...WJJY-FM Baxter, Minn.... KMVP-FM Phoenix, Ariz....WKRQ-FM Cincinnati, Ohio...KNDE-FM College Station, Texas...WKST-FM Pittsburgh, Pa....KNIX-FM Phoenix, Ariz....WKXD-FM Cookeville, Tenn....KRMG-FM Tulsa, Okla....WMBX-FM West Palm Beach, Fla.

KRWM-FM Seattle, Wash....WMGK-FM Philadelphia, Pa....KSL-AM Salt Lake City, Utah...WOWI-FM Norfolk, Va....KSNE-FM Las Vegas, Nev....WPHT-AM Philadelphia, Pa....KSTP-FM St. Paul, Minn....WQHT-FM New York, N.Y....KTCZ-FM Minneapolis, Minn....WRAL-FM Raleigh, N.C.

KTMY-FM St. Paul, Minn....WRLT-FM Nashville, Tenn....KUPL-FM Portland, Ore....WTAM-AM Cleveland, Ohio...KWBG-AM Boone, Iowa...WTKX-FM Mobile, Ala....WBLS-FM New York, N.Y....WTMJ-AM Milwaukee, Wis....WCCO-AM Minneapolis, Minn....WVLI-FM Bourbonnais, Ill

WCFB-FM Orlando, Fla....WWOZ-FM New Orleans, La....WDNS-FM Bowling Green, Ky....WWPR-FM New York, N.Y....WDSY-FM Pittsburgh, Pa....WXXL-FM Orlando, Fla....WDVE-FM Pittsburgh, Pa....WYCT-FM Pensacola, Fla....WGTS-FM Washington, D.C....WZTU-FM Miami, Fla.

Ten Crystal Radio Award recipients will be chosen by a panel of judges representing the broadcast industry, community service organizations and public relations firms. Also at the We Are Broadcasters Celebration, five-time NAB Crystal Radio Award winning station KFOR-AM will receive the Crystal Heritage Award.

A-List of Broadcast Execs, Celebs Set For BFA Golf Outing

The Broadcasters Foundation of America has announced a new time for this year’s Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament. Attracting an A-List of broadcast industry executives, the charitable event will begin at 8am PST for registration and breakfast, followed by a shot-gun start at 9am, on Sunday, April 7, at   the Bali Hai Golf Club, in Las Vegas. 

Held during the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, the annual fundraiser is named in honor of the Broadcasters Foundation Chairman Emeritus, Phillip J. Lombardo and raises money to help broadcasters in acute need.

Every year, top-level broadcast industry leaders and celebrities turn out in support of the Foundation’s mission and to enjoy a morning of golf with their colleagues before the NAB kicks into high gear. For more information on purchasing a spot or a foursome, please click here, or contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.

A longtime advocate and supporter of the Broadcasters Foundation, Lombardo served as its Chairman for many years and continues to be active on the Board. He also is a past Joint Board Chairman of the NAB. Lombardo is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Citadel Communications Company, Ltd., which owns and operates TV stations.

The Broadcasters Foundation has distributed millions of dollars in aid to broadcasters who have lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease or unforeseen tragedy. Personal donations can be made to the Foundation’s Guardian Fund. Corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative, and bequests can be made through the Legacy Society. For more information, please visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250, or email info@thebfoa.org.

R.I.P.: Fred Foster, Iconic Nashville Producer

Fred Foster

Fred Foster — a Nashville music legend who helped launch the careers of Dolly Parton and Roy Orbison and founded Monument Records — died Wednesday.

He was 87, according to The Tennessean.

His singular, 60-year career as a producer, songwriter and
label owner was celebrated in grand fashion in 2016, when Foster was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. That evening, Parton stood on stage and paid tribute to the man who “saw things in me that nobody else did.”

“You started my life with my first record,” she said.

Introducing Parton to the world is just the start of Foster’s accomplishments. He did the same with Kris Kristofferson and Orbison, recognizing each artist’s inimitable gift and bringing it to the forefront of their sound.

“I tried to do the best I could every time,” Foster told The Tennessean in 2016. “I tried to do something time would not be critical of. It’s like Orbison said to me one time, ‘What’s the most important thing we’re going to do?’ I said, ‘We’re going to eliminate every gimmick you come up with. They don’t endure.’”

Foster was born July 26, 1931, in rural North Carolina. At 15, he took over the family farm when his father died. Two years later, he moved to Washington, D.C., where his sister lived. Foster wanted to be anything but a farmer, and he started to write songs.

A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Foster was involved in the careers of such greats as Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Tony Joe White, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Jeannie Seely, Ray Stevens, Connie Smith, Larry Gatlin, Boots Randolph, Grandpa Jones and Charlie McCoy.