MLB SF Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow revealed Thursday that he will cut his schedule to 120 games this season, with former relievers Jeremy Affeldt and just-retired Javier Lopez taking his place on the others.
Krukow said by phone he plans to broadcast all of the Giants’ 81 home games and National League West road games, but “nothing east of Denver until the playoffs.”
Affeldt and Lopez will team with Duane Kuiper and sometimes Dave Flemming in place of Krukow, who has worked about 156 games a year.
Krukow’s mobility is hampered by a progressive but non-life-threatening disease. He revealed his reduced schedule Thursday morning on KNBR 680 AM, saying it was “not by the Giants’ design. It’s all I can do.”
Later, speaking to The Chronicle, he said, “The problem with me was just being able to maintain strength getting up and down stairs, getting out of the plane. I have to respect it.”
However, the 64-year-old former pitcher said he has no plans to retire, saying, “Hopefully I can do this many more years. I want to.”
Krukow has broadcast Giants games on TV for 26 seasons.
WTIC AM dates back to 1925 when it came on the air with 500 watts of power from the 6th floor of the Travelers 26 Grove St bulding in Hartford where there were seven studios, most or all with control rooms. The station was licensed to the Travelers Insurance Company ("TIC") and had studios in downtown Hartford.
The 1931 CT State Register shows WTIC, owned by Travelers Broadcasting Service, operating on 1060 Khz with 50,000 watts, the most powerful station in the state. The transmitter, referred to as "old number one" was the first 50,000 watt transmitter ever manufactured by RCA and has serial number 001. This RCA 50 transmitter was the first high power commercial transmitter to use 100-kilowatt tubes, the first to use mercury-vapor type rectifiers throughout, and the first capable of true 100 percent modulation of its full rated 50-kilowatt carrier output.
By 1941 they had changed frequency to 1080 khz. WTIC is now owned by CBS Radio.
Bob Steele
WTIC is known for its historic time tone, which is a broadcast of the Morse code letter "V" every hour on the hour since 1943. This makes it one of the oldest continuously broadcasting radio time tones in the world. WTIC employs a GPS master clock system that fires the custom-built time-tone generator shortly before the top of the hour, timed such that the final tone of the sequence occurs precisely on the hour (Even though everything else heard on the station is on a 10-second delay), and listeners have been setting their watches to WTIC for many years. The notes of the sequence were pitched to mimic the famous opening sequence of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, whose "short-short-short-long" rhythm matches that of the Morse code letter "V". The Morse code letter "V" for Victory was selected during the height of WWII.
WTIC's best-known personality was Bob Steele, who started with the station in 1936 and stayed with WTIC for his entire sixty-six year career, ending with his death on December 6, 2002 at the age of 91.
Steele continued to broadcast a 5:30 - 10:00 AM Monday-Saturday morning show for WTIC for fifty-five years, scaling back to Saturdays only after September 1991; by the time of his last broadcast in November 2002, he was only heard on the first Saturday morning of every month. Despite WTIC's various format changes over the years, Steele's show (which featured musical standards, farm news and prices early in the morning, novelty songs, silly jokes, horrible puns ("...and the weather for Mexico City is chili today, hot tamale") and a regular "Word of the Day" segment - even long after WTIC itself had abandoned music for a focus on news/talk remained unchanged throughout its run, making it perhaps the longest-running radio program in history to have never undergone a significant format change.
In 1959...Link Wray performed his controversial instrumental "Rumble" on ABC-TV's "American Bandstand." Many radio stations had refused to play the record only because of the danger implied in its title.
In 1960...country singer, Lionel Cartwright Ohio, was born. He was famous for the song "I Watched it on the Radio".
In 1964...Johnny Holliday starts at 1010 WINS
In 1989…Hockey broadcaster Dan Kelly, best known for his radio play-by-play coverage of the St. Louis Blues for more than two decades, died of lung cancer at 52.
In 1996...“The New” WKTU officially debuts at 103.5 FM.
After dropping its previous Country format, WYNY then began stunting on February 5 at 6am with a simulcast of WRCX/Chicago. On February 6, at 6 AM, the simulcasting switched to Mainstream Urban-formatted KKBT/Los Angeles. On February 7, at 6 AM, the simulcasting switched to Talk-formatted WLUP/Chicago. On February 8, at 6 AM, the simulcasting switched to AC-formatted KIOI/San Francisco. On February 9, from 6 AM to 6 PM, the simulcast switched to Alternative-leaning Top 40 WXKS-FM/Boston. At 6 PM, the simulcasting of sister stations ended.
On February 10, the station changed its call letters back to WKTU and returned to a dance-based CHR format; WKTU's first song was "Gonna Make You Sweat" by C&C Music Factory. The station instantly skyrocketed to number one in the Arbitron ratings, although in the decade since, they have cooled down considerably. Drag performer RuPaul co-hosted mornings with Michelle Visage, Lisa Taylor and Freddie Colon around this period, further helping their ratings. Sean "Hollywood" Hamilton and Goumba Johnny followed in mornings from 1998-1999.
By 2002, the moderate amount of rap played on the station was gone and the station evolved into more of a Hot Rhythmic AC.
In 2004...Rick Dees announced he was leaving the morning show at KIIS-FM, Los Angeles, after 22 years at its helm. (Video is from 2007.) Click Here for his final KIIS-0FM Show.
In 2015…"NBC Nightly News" managing editor and anchor Brian Williams was suspended by the network for six months without pay following an internal review of comments he made on the air about his experiences in the early days of the Iraq war. In June, NBC announced that Lester Holt would be the new anchor of "Nightly News" and Williams would transfer to the company's cable channel, MSNBC.
Fitch Ratings in New York on Wednesday upgraded San Antonio-based iHeartMedia Inc.’s long-term credit rating after the company — which is struggling under $20 billion in debt — extended the maturity of a portion of its bonds due in 11 months.
According to the News-Express, the upgrade came after a “mechanical process” downgrade that happens automatically when a company conducts and completes what Fitch calls a “distressed debt exchange.” IHeart’s subsidiaries owned $503 million of the bonds, while $235 million of the debt exchanged was held by outside investors.
Fitch said the distressed debt exchange “modestly improved the liquidity by reducing the next maturity hurdle coming due in January 2018,” but it’s financial health “remains unsustainable, and iHeart could pursue a broader restructuring of its capital structure over the near term,” Fitch said in its ratings announcement.
Fitch initially dropped iHeartMedia’s long-term debt rating to “RD” from “C” and then upgraded the rating to “CC,” one step higher than “C.”
The rating changes indicate that Fitch believes the debt exchange was successful and improved the company’s short-term liquidity, said Fitch analyst Patrice Cucinello on Wednesday.
IHeartMedia has debts totaling $330 million in December. “And iHeart faces an $8.3 billion maturity wall in 2019,” Fitch noted.
Media-ratings firm Nielsen Holdings PLC said revenue rose in its latest quarter but profit slipped as the company continues to adapt to changing media consumption habits.
According to Marketwatch, the company said it expects 2017 constant currency revenue growth of 5% to 6.0% and unadjusted earnings per share of $1.40 to $1.46. Analysts expect unadjusted earnings per share of $1.46.
Historically, the company generated ratings from a panel of sample households, used by networks and advertisers to determine the value of television commercials and the popularity of shows. Nielsen has been under fire from some networks for a methodology they say isn't adapting quickly enough to changing media-consumption habits such as smartphone viewing and streaming media.
Nielsen has launched its "total audience measurement" framework that tracks viewership across live TV, DVRs, streaming devices and video on demand. Chief Executive Mitch Barns said the initiative excelled in the quarter as the company saw adoption growth from both media buyers and sellers.
This month Nielsen completed its $560 million purchase of media metadata provider Gracenote from Tribune Media Co.
Nielsen's Watch segment for media producers and advertisers had core revenue rise 8.4% to $828 million as a decrease in audio audience measuring was offset by increases in video and text measuring and marketing effectiveness revenue.
Core revenue in the Buy segment, which provides market research for consumer firms, increased 0.4% to $828 million as a decline in developed markets was offset by an increase in emerging.
Nielsen reported a profit of $160 million, or 44 cents, down from $254 million, or 68 cents, a year earlier as the previous quarter was boosted by higher other income.
Revenue grew 2% to $1.66 billion.
Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had projected $1.65 billion in sales.
After serving as NBC's prime-time Olympic host since 1992, Bob Costas is stepping down and handing duties over to Mike Tirico beginning with the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, NBC announced Thursday.
"I'm going to be like the rest of the country, watching Mike Tirico, who will be an able successor in Korea for the Winter Olympics beginning a year from today,'' Costas told Matt Lauer on TODAY Thursday.
The two broadcasters also have a special connection through their college alma mater. Tirico was the first recipient of the annual scholarship in Costas's name at Syracuse University.
"Someone who I grew up idolizing,'' Tirico said about Costas on TODAY Thursday. "I went to Syracuse in large part for college because Bob did. I received a Bob Costas scholarship 30 years ago."
During his award-winning 25-year stint, Costas hosted 11 Olympics between the Summer and Winter Games. He's won 27 Emmy Awards, more than any sports broadcaster in history.
"Bob has long been the gold-standard of Olympic hosts," NBC Olympics executive producer Jim Bell said in a statement. "We thank him for his unmatched work on the signature event in sports television, and we’re thrilled to have Mike, with decades of big-event experience, on our team and excited to step in."
Costas, who has been with NBC for 37 years, will continue to serve in multiple roles with NBC Sports and NBC News.
Viacom Inc. today reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 ended December 31, 2016 and provided an update on strategic priorities.
Bob Bakish
Bob Bakish, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Today we share a strategy that will enable Viacom to realize the full potential of its premier global portfolio of entertainment brands. Building on our leading domestic and growing international footprint, this strategy will expand the depth and reach of our flagship brands across multiple platforms and around the world, while also providing for more competitive differentiation and increased adaptability for our business overall. There is much work to be done, but we are confident we have the plan and people to take our brands to greater heights and build a bright future for our company.”
“Viacom’s first quarter results reflect improvement in our core businesses, with increases in revenues and operating cash flow, continued strong international performance, including initial contributions from the acquisition of Telefe, and a return to positive growth in affiliate revenues. We are already benefiting from changes made early in the second quarter and seeing green shoots in our strongest businesses, as well as those that are poised for a turnaround. As we implement our strategy across the company, we believe we can drive significant value for shareholders.”
Revenues in the first fiscal quarter were $3.32 billion, an increase of 5%, or $170 million, compared to the previous year. This increase reflects improved theatrical revenues, a return to growth in domestic affiliate revenues, continued strength internationally and ancillary revenue growth. Operating income declined 16% to $706 million, and adjusted operating income declined 11% to $748 million. Reported operating income reflects restructuring costs related to executive severance incurred in the first fiscal quarter. Net earnings attributable to Viacom declined to $396 million, and adjusted net earnings attributable to Viacom declined to $413 million. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter declined to $1.00, and adjusted diluted earnings per share to $1.04.
MEDIA NETWORKS
Media Networks revenues increased 1% to $2.59 billion. Excluding the adverse 2% impact of foreign exchange, worldwide revenues increased 3%, including a 1-percentage point favorable impact from the acquisition of Telefe. Domestic revenues remained flat at $2.06 billion, while international revenues grew 5% to $534 million.
Affiliate revenues improved 2% to $1.14 billion, with domestic and international affiliate revenues increasing 2% to $985 million and 3% to $159 million respectively. The increase in domestic revenues reflects rate increases and the impact of SVOD and other OTT agreements, partially offset by a modest decline in subscribers. The increase in international revenues reflects the impact of rate increases, subscriber growth and new channel launches, as well as SVOD and other OTT agreements. Excluding an unfavorable 9-percentage point foreign exchange impact, international affiliate revenues increased 12%.
Advertising revenues declined 2% to $1.29 billion, as a 1% increase in international advertising revenues was more than offset by a 3% decrease in domestic advertising revenues. The decline in domestic advertising revenues reflects softer ratings at certain networks, but were positively impacted by higher pricing. Excluding a 15-percentage point unfavorable impact of foreign exchange, international advertising revenues increased 16%, driven by the acquisition of Telefe and growth in Europe.
Ancillary Revenues increased 20%, to $151 million in the quarter. Domestic ancillary revenues increased 10%, principally driven by higher home video sales. International ancillary revenues increased 33%, reflecting growth in consumer product revenue.
Media Networks reported adjusted operating income of $987 million, compared to $1.06 billion in the first fiscal quarter of 2016, representing a decline of 7% and reflecting increased programming expenses.
Performance highlights:
Nickelodeon extended its winning streak in all major kids’ demos (#1 with kids 2-11 and kids 2-5 for six quarters), taking the #1 spot with ages 6-11, its best performance in this demo in five years. Nickelodeon’s performance this quarter was buoyed by the launch of more than 140 new episodes of new and returning series and specials
MTV closed the quarter with a strong December, showing its first ratings growth since 2014
At Comedy Central, The Daily Show wrapped the year on a ratings high for Trevor Noah, driven by debate and election coverage. The show was #1 with millennial men for the 5th consecutive quarter and ranked #2 with all millennials for the first quarter
Domestic advertising revenue performance improved 500 basis points versus Q4 2016
International revenues increased 5%, with gains in advertising, affiliate and ancillary revenue FILMED ENTERTAINMENT
Filmed Entertainment revenues grew 24% to $758 million. The increase was primarily driven by improved theatrical revenues of $192 million, an increase of 104%. Domestic theatrical revenues increased 128% and international theatrical revenues increased 73%. Foreign exchange had a 3-percentage point unfavorable impact on international theatrical revenues.
Today Viacom also provided an update on the Company’s strategic priorities following a comprehensive review of its operations and performance.
Going forward, Viacom will be focused on a five-point plan to:
Put the full power of Viacom behind six flagship brands: BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Paramount
Revitalize and elevate approach to content and talent
Deepen partnerships to drive traditional revenue
Make big moves in the digital world and physical world
Continue to optimize and energize the organization
Viacom’s flagship brands will be the company’s highest priorities and will benefit from significant and increased resource commitments. These six brands each have compelling, valuable and distinct brand propositions. They serve diverse, substantial audiences with largely-owned content, have global reach and distribution potential across linear, digital, film, and consumer products, events and experiences. Viacom’s other brands - some of which hold strong positions in their categories and maintain diverse and loyal followings - will be realigned to reinforce the six flagship brands.
The company has also identified opportunities to bring the best of Paramount to the network business, and the best of the network business to Paramount. Paramount’s film slate will now include co-branded releases from each of the flagships, along with Paramount branded films focused on franchises, tentpoles and other projects. In an initial step, the company today is announcing a commitment between Nickelodeon and Paramount to move forward on a slate of four films. The first of these films, Amusement Park, will premiere in theaters in summer 2018 and will launch a TV series on Nickelodeon the following year.
Additionally, Spike will be rebranded in early 2018 as The Paramount Network, and will serve as Viacom’s premier general entertainment brand. The Paramount Network will take Spike’s strong and growing programming expertise and amplify it with the globally-recognized Paramount brand - an iconic symbol of cinematic production with a history of rich, compelling storytelling. The network will leverage the very best in Viacom original scripted and non-scripted programming, and incorporate even more high-quality original and third party programming.
Viacom today announced plans to invest in new content experiences, and will establish its first ever dedicated short-form content unit, building on existing programming as well as all-new original IP. In addition, the company plans to further extend the reach of Viacom’s brands through live experiences and consumer products - creating valuable new channels for marketing, talent development and connecting with audiences.
For most of his tenure as FCC Chairman, Tom Wheeler was at war with the broadcast industry. It started with an out-of-the-blue sucker-punch disallowing joint sales agreements (JSAs) by broadcasters.
Even though JSAs have been integral to the growth and profitability of broadcasters for decades, Wheeler initiated a rule that penalized JSA arrangements for ownership attribution purposes. New Chairman Ajit Pai immediately reversed the FCC's ban on JSAs. In another move to reclaim lost ground, Pai is expected to reinstate the UHF discount, and to lift the broadcast ownership cap above 39 percent.
According to The Hill, not far behind will be the end of the TV-newspaper cross-ownership ban, which has long since outlived its utility and sustainability.
Each of these actions, while not fodder for daily news, is a big deal for the broadcast industry, and represents millions of dollars for the bottom line. As the failed broadcast incentive auction nears an end, Pai has thrown his weight behind ATSC 3.0, a cutting-edge technology that is expected to give life and value to broadcast spectrum.
Where Wheeler fought the rollout of the new standard, Pai is rolling out the red carpet. Along with his efforts to revitalize AM radio, the war on broadcasters is officially over.
(Reuters) -- Twitter Inc reported its slowest quarterly revenue growth since going public as the company continues to face intense competition from Snap Inc's Snapchat and Facebook Inc's Instagram.
The company's shares fell as much as 10 percent to $16.81 in premarket trading on Thursday.
Twitter said its user base increased 4 percent to 319 million average monthly active users.
Analysts on average had expected 319.6 million monthly active users, according to market research firm FactSet StreetAccount.
Revenue rose just 1 percent to $717.2 million, missing analysts' average estimate of $740.1 million, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. The company's adjusted profit, however, beat sharply lowered estimates.
"While revenue growth continues to lag audience growth, we are applying the same focused approach that drove audience growth to our revenue product portfolio," Chief Executive Jack Dorsey said in a statement. "This will take time, but we're moving fast to show results."
Twitter's user growth benefited from the social media frenzy that surrounded the U.S. Presidential election as well as the growing follower base of President Donald Trump.
Trump has been using Twitter to air his views, bypassing traditional media outlets.
Twitter was abuzz with takeover chatter last year involving big names such as Salesforce.com Inc and Walt Disney Co. The rumors died down due to the lack of concrete offers.
Twitter has also upgraded its offerings with several new features, including live video broadcasts from its app.
"While none of them will likely materially change Twitter's user/usage growth, these product innovations are a positive step," RBC Capital Markets analysts wrote in a pre-earnings note.
San Francisco-based Twitter was also hit by a string of executive departures in 2016, including in its product team, which has had three heads in less than a year.
Twitter's net loss widened to $167.1 million, or 23 cents per share, in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, from $90.24 million, or 13 cents per share, a year earlier.
Restructuring charges in the latest quarter ballooned to $101.2 million from $12.9 million a year earlier.
Twitter said in October it would cut 9 percent of its global workforce as part of a broader restructuring.
Excluding items, the company earned 16 cents per share in the fourth quarter, beating the average estimate of a profit of 12 cents per share.
Cumulus Media has announced that it has promoted Katie Neal to Midday Host on NASH FM WNSH 94.7 FM in New York City.
Neal joined Cumulus in 2011 as Evening Host for 101.5 WBNQ in Bloomington, IL. She moved to Cumulus Media-New York in 2013 as Weekend/Swing talent for NASH FM 94.7. She has also served Cumulus Media-New York as Account Executive for 95.5 WPLJ. Neal holds a B.A. in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management from Illinois State University.
Mike McVay, Senior Vice President, Content & Programming, Cumulus Media and Westwood One, said: "Katie is the epitome of the American dream and underscores the new Cumulus' commitment to talent. A small town girl from Illinois proves her abilities by working weekends and excelling at every job she is given. If that isn't a country song waiting to be written, I don't know what is."
Chad Lopez, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Media-New York, said: “There's nothing better than growing your own... Katie's drive, passion, and commitment to success is exciting to watch everyday. We've installed a new culture with FORCE values that has created an environment for Katie to achieve her goals. Katie is a great extension of the NASH FM 94.7 brand in New York.”
John Foxx, Program Director, NASH FM 94.7, said: “Katie's skill set, love for country music, passion for this city and understanding of the NASH FM 94.7 brand creates the perfect alignment. There's a lot of creativity in Katie's execution. The investment that Katie has made in this product and in the relationship she has built on the dial, digital and social space has been explosive!”
WNSH 94.7 FM (23.5 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area
Neal said: “I’m over the moon… This is more than a dream come true. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to play the music I grew up listening to for the most passionate listeners in the format. Thank you to Mike McVay, Chad Lopez, John Foxx and Mike Allan. I’m looking forward to an amazing 2017.”
Beasley Media Group’s Country KCYE 102.7 FM The Coyote has released details of a series of staff alignments.
Beasley’s current APD/MD/ Morning Host Kris Daniels resumes Program Director duties. Kris will remain Host of the “Kris & Mad Dog” morning show heard Monday – Friday from 5:00am to 10:00am.
After an extensive search, Las Vegas Market Manager Tom Humm determined the person most deserving the Program Director opportunity remained within our Beasley Las Vegas building.
“Kris Daniels has worked for Beasley Las Vegas for the past three and a half years serving as PD/APD/MD and Morning show host, noted Tom. “She has an impressive work ethic and passion for the Program Director position. She knows the market competitive landscape very well and is ready to focus on Programming KCYE to new levels.
“Now that I have a seasoned, experienced support team around me, I am excited and rejuvenated about the opportunity to lead the Coyote!” added Kris.
Joining Kris Daniels on the KCYE Programming Management team as Afternoon talent and Music Director is Las Vegas market veteran Emmanuel “Ransom” Garcia. Ransom has more than 13 years in this market, working at a variety of formats, however he admits Country is his true passion.
“Ransom Garcia’s music scheduling and social media skills are incredible and he will be enormously helpful!” added Kris. “Ransom and I look forward to working on finding our perfect musical recipe for Country Listeners in Las Vegas.
KCYE 102.7 FM (96 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area
Finally, Paul Knight is coming back to 10:00am-3:00pm talent. Paul recently took a break from radio, but after a year and a half away he realized that radio and country are his true passions. Paul says, “ The Coyote is in my blood! I miss the energy, listener interaction, events, and concerts. Let’s face it, I wanted to come home and be a part of my 102.7 Coyote family”.
WWBA 820 AMhas announced that it has signed an agreement to air the Bubba the Love Sponge® Show starting February 13, 2017.
Bubba Clem
The agreement will make WWBA the new “Flag Ship Station” for Bubba, returning the nationally syndicated and extremely popular radio program back to the Tampa airwaves for the Bubba Army to listen on 820’s 50,000 watt signal.
The show will air live during its traditional morning drive time slot between 6am and 10am.
The Bubba the Love Sponge® Show is nationally known for its everyman approach to various radio topics including celebrity interviews, sports, politics, and news of the day humor. The shows assortment of on-air personalities and its loyal listeners known as the “Bubba Army” not only support the show, but also support various charities within the region. During the course of the shows existence it has held numerous fundraising events through The Bubba the Love Sponge® Foundation that is primarily focused on providing aide to the families of first responders and law enforcement that are killed in the line of duty. Total aide to date is approaching $1,000,000.
“We are extremely excited to enter into a partnership with the Bubba the Love Sponge® Show,” said Tom Paleveda, Program Manager of WWBA – AM820. “The show has an incredibly engaged audience across West Central Florida and we felt we could serve that audience exceptionally well with our distribution platform. We have assurances that Bubba will do his best to be a good boy while providing his unique brand of content.”
WWBA is is licensed as part of the Tampa Bay radio market and airs news and talk-show programming. WWBA, which is known as "820 News" on air, is owned by Genesis Communications.
WWBA 820 AM (50 Kw-D, 1 Kw-N, DA-2)
Clem has been at the center of several controversies in recent years. according to tampabay.com.
In 2001, Clem was charged with animal cruelty after the castration and slaughter of a pig on air. He was later acquitted. Three years later, he lost his job at Clear Channel after racking up $755,000 in fines for indecent behavior from the Federal Communications Commission.
In 2006, he recorded a video of Hulk Hogan having sex with Clem's wife, a tape that was later leaked to the Gawker website. Hogan and Clem settled a lawsuit out of court. In 2013, Clem won a high-profile defamation suit against a rival radio personality Todd Schnitt.
In January, Beasley Broadcast Group's WBRN-FM 98.7 said it would no longer broadcast radio shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem's show in Tampa Bay following a ratings-tampering lawsuit filed against him by Nielsen, which is claiming $1 million in damages. Clem admitted to the ratings tampering charges at a news conference last year.
Dean Blundell, who attempted to morph from shock jock to morning sports-radio host on Toronto CJCL 590 AM The Fan, never delivered the ratings bump in the target audience of men aged 25 to 54 or with younger listeners. His show was cancelled “effective immediately,” according to a news release from Sportsnet, which is owned by Rogers Media.
station Sportsnet
Replacing him on Feb. 27 will be a trio of broadcasters, including veteran Greg Brady, the man who was pushed out of The Fan’s morning show in March, 2015, to make way for Blundell. Brady will co-host the show with Montreal broadcaster Elliott Price and Hugh Burrill, another former Sportsnet broadcaster, according to The Globe&Mail.
“I’m beyond thrilled,” said Brady, 45, whose severance pay from his previous run at The Fan, which ended a year ago, was about to run out. “I live and breathe [sports], so it’s been hard to be away from it.”
Burrill’s most recent post was as a television reporter for Sportsnet, until he, too, was caught in layoffs in March, 2016.
CJCL 590 AM (50 Kw DA-2)
Officially, Blundell’s contract, which expires soon, was not renewed by mutual agreement. Dave Cadeau, The Fan’s program director, said the decision was not made because of unhappiness with Blundell, whose sophomoric brand of humour made him a controversial figure for years. Cadeau said the station simply wanted to return the show to an all-sports format.
“I’d say Dean’s show was successful from a ratings standpoint,” Cadeau said. “This was about changing the tone of the show.”
Blundell tweeted that the move was “mutual and in both our best interest to not renew.”
Cadeau said Blundell is the only person from the morning show who is leaving the station. Ryan Fabro will continue as the producer of the new show but will have a lesser on-air role. Sidekick George Rusic will be reassigned at The Fan. And staying with the show is popular traffic reporter Halina Balka.
This is the fifth major change to the station’s morning show in less than seven years, despite the fact The Fan has always ruled the sports-radio ratings – even though Bell Media launched rival station TSN 1050 Toronto in April, 2011. TSN 1050 has never seriously threatened The Fan in the morning ratings, but Rogers is always searching for a way to increase its dominance with the only demographic sports-radio advertisers care about: men 25-54.
Salem Media Group has announced that Chicag
o-based talk show host Joe Walsh will be joining the network lineup in the 9pm to midnight ET time slot, replacing Steve Deace on February 20th.
Walsh, a former U.S. Congressman, comes to the network from WIND 560 AM The Answer, where he holds down the 5pm to 7pm slot. Walsh will continue with the local show, and add the national show later in the evening.
"From the time I left Congress and picked up a microphone, my fight has always been to get America back," said Walsh. "I'm excited, and grateful, to continue that fight, now with a larger microphone."
WIND 560 AM (5 Kw, DA-2)
The addition of Walsh to the SRN lineup continues the network's practice of providing live, issue oriented programming from 6am ET to Midnight, to its many affiliates. Walsh has been live in PM Drive on the Salem owned talk station in Chicago since 2013.
"We have been watching Joe work locally in Chicago and have seen outstanding development. His audience there continues to grow, and we felt he would continue to do well on the national stage," said Salem Senior Vice President Phil Boyce.
"Joe is a courageous and fearless warrior on the conservative side, who encourages his audience to take a strong stand for what is right," said Boyce.
For more information on how to affiliate with Salem for the Joe Walsh show, call SRN at 972-707-6885.
Walt Disney Co. is restructuring how its entertainment television networks and their respective digital platforms sell advertising, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Currently each of the networks in the Disney/ABC TV Group, which includes the ABC broadcast network and cable channels Freeform and Disney Channel, operate as individual fiefdoms. Under the new design, ad sales for all the channels will be combined under one umbrella. ESPN, which is majority owned by Disney, isn’t part of the new structure.
Disney/ABC TV Group President Ben Sherwood said the move will untangle the unit’s dealings with advertisers as well as allow the company to better leverage its assets. It comes in the wake of longtime ABC sales chief Geri Wang’s December announcement of her decision to retire in March.
“This new, simplified structure will create innovative and targeted opportunities that showcase the quality and reach of our content,” Mr. Sherwood said in a statement.
Tapped to lead the effort as president of advertising sales for Disney/ABC is Rita Ferro, who had served as executive vice president of media sales and marketing for Disney Channels Worldwide since 2010.
Ferro takes over ad sales at a pivotal time in the industry. Streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu are wooing viewers with commercial-free, on-demand options. Broadcast and cable television networks are struggling to find a balance between the need for commercial revenue and the risk of driving viewers away with too much clutter.
On an earnings call for Disney’s latest quarterly results on Tuesday, Chief Executive Bob Iger acknowledged the problem of advertising over-saturation.
