R.I.P.: Radio Talk Host Wes Minter Dead At 63

Longtime talk host Wes Minter died from cadriac arrest Tuesday at the age of 63.

He worked as a talk show host who evoked emotion in the hearts and minds of those who listened to him on radio stations WSB-Atlanta, WCCO- Minneapolis, WHIO-Dayton, KRMG-Tulsa, and KDKA- Pittsburgh over the years.

Most recently he was an senior account executive for Waste Management in Pittsburgh.

April 21 Radio History

➦In 1940... the radio quiz program, “Take It or Leave It”, made its debut on CBS. Host Bob Hawk offered contestants a top prize of just $64. Hawk left in a salary dispute after the first year, and was succeeded by Phil Baker.  Despite the tiny prize money by today’s standards the show was a bona fide hit and ran for 12 years, the last two as “The 64 Dollar Question” on NBC Radio. Jack Paar and Eddie Cantor also took a turn or two at being the quizmaster.

Dick Clark

➦In 1960…Dick Clark testified before a congressional committee investigating payola. He admitted that over a period of 28 months he'd had a financial interest in 27 percent of the records he played on his "American Bandstand" TV show. Clark was ordered to sell off some of his conflicting interests, but had his name cleared -- unlike disc jockey Alan Freed, who refused to admit that payola was an illegal or immoral practice.

Alan Freed and Dick Clark both played important parts in the rise of rock ’n’ roll (Freed embodied the incendiary spirit of the music more than Clark, refusing to play white cover versions of black songs, such as Pat Boone’s “Tutti Frutti”). And though they both denied ever accepting payola, it’s almost impossible to imagine two young, popular jocks not succumbing to a little temptation. Guilty or not, it was Freed who ended up taking the fall for DJs everywhere.

Why did the committee single him out? Freed was abrasive. He consorted with black R&B musicians. He jive talked, smoked constantly and looked like an insomniac. Clark was squeaky clean, Brylcreemed, handsome and polite. At least on the surface. Once the grilling started, Freed’s friends and allies in broadcasting quickly deserted him. He refused—“on principle”—to sign an affidavit saying that he’d never accepted payola. WABC fired him, and he was charged with 26 counts of commercial bribery. Freed escaped with fines and a suspended jail sentence. He died five years later, broke and virtually forgotten.

Previous to the trial, Dick Clark had wisely divested himself of all incriminating connections (he had part ownership in seven indie labels, six publishers, three record distributors and two talent agencies). He got a slap on the wrist by Committee chairman Oren Harris, who called him “a fine young man.” As Clark told Rolling Stone in 1989, the lesson he learned from the payola trial was: “Protect your ass at all times.” Surprisingly candid words from the eternal teenager.

After Freed went down in 1960, Congress amended the Federal Communications Act to outlaw “under-the-table payments and require broadcasters to disclose if airplay for a song has been purchased.” Payola became a misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to $10,000 in fines and one year in prison.


➦In 1970…Sportscaster Curt Gowdy received the George Foster Peabody Award for achievement in radio and television.

➦In 1982...the final episode of “WKRP in Cincinnati” was telecast (after four seasons and 90 episodes).  A new syndicated version of “WKRP” surfaced on September 1991 and ran for two seasons.




➦In 1998...actor/singer & radio-TV host Peter Lind Hayes died at age 82. He and his wife Mary Healey appeared together in latter day radio & early TV, and costarred in the 1960 sitcom Peter Loves Mary.  Together they introduced the commercial jingle ‘See the USA in Your Chevrolet’ in 1950, two years before Dinah Shore made it her own.

FCC Votes to Loosen TV Ownership Rules

UPDATE 4/20 3:15 PM:  The FCC voted 2-1 on Thursday to reverse a 2016 decision that limits the number of television stations some broadcasters can buy.

The decision could lead to a possible acquisition by Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc of Tribune Media Co, some Democrats in Congress said.

Tribune did not discuss any tie up, but said in a statement the FCC decision "will serve the important interest of localism by enabling broadcasters to better serve their communities."

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said he plans to take a new look at the current overall limit on companies owning stations serving no more than 39 percent of U.S. television households.

Mignon Clyburn

Democratic FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn called the vote a "huge gift for large broadcasters with ambitious dreams of more consolidation." She said it "will have an immediate impact on the purchase and sale of television stations."

Meredith Corp spokesman Art Slusark said on Thursday the vote "may open up the opportunity for more acquisition opportunities ... We are always interested in adding quality properties to our broadcast portfolio."

Under rules adopted in 1985, stations with weaker over-the-air signals could be partially counted against a broadcaster's ownership cap. But last year, the FCC under Democratic President Barack Obama said those rules were outdated after the 2009 conversion to digital broadcasting, which eliminated the differences in station signal strength. It revoked the rule in September.

There is a dispute over whether the FCC has the authority to amend the 39 percent ownership limit.

The 2016 decision did not require any company to sell existing stations, but could bar acquisitions. Twenty-First Century Fox Inc in September challenged the FCC rule in court.

Reuters reported in March that Sinclair had approached Tribune to discuss a potential combination, which would hinge on regulations being relaxed.
Pai said the FCC previously effectively tightened ownership rules and then companies previously below the national cap suddenly exceeded it. He said the FCC "did not examine whether the facts justified a more stringent cap."

Pai, who was named by U.S. President Donald Trump to head the FCC in January, said it will begin a comprehensive review of the national cap this year. That could launch a new wave of consolidation in the broadcast television industry.

Clyburn cited comments from CBS Corp Chairman and Chief Executive Leslie Moonves in February that Pai would be "very beneficial to our business." Moonves said the company would like to acquire more stations if the cap is lifted.

Report: O'Reilly To Receive $25M In Severance

(Reuters) -- Bill O'Reilly's amended contract says that the ousted Fox News host will receive up to one year's salary — as much as $25 million, sources said.

According to CNBC, the contract says he will get up to one year's salary, a person familiar with the matter.

His annual salary is worth about $25 million, according to NBC News, which cited a person with direct knowledge of O'Reilly's contract.

Neither Fox, nor an attorney for O'Reilly, Michael Bowe, had any immediate comment.

On Wednesday, the network's parent company 21st Century Fox announced that O'Reilly would not be returning to Fox News.

His removal came after The New York Times reported that O'Reilly and Fox settled five cases of sexual harassment allegations for about $13 million.

O'Reilly has vigorously denied the claims, saying Wednesday that he found it "tremendously disheartening" to leave Fox on "completely unfounded claims."

Earlier this month, a slew of major brands pulled their advertisements from Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor" in the wake of the allegations.

In an internal memo circulated Wednesday, Fox said the decision to remove O'Reilly was made in collaboration with outside counsel.

"By ratings standards, Bill O'Reilly is one of the most accomplished TV personalities in the history of cable news," the memo said. "In fact, his success by any measure is indisputable. Fox News has demonstrated again and again the strength of its talent bench. We have full confidence that the network will continue to be a powerhouse in cable news."

The memo, signed by Rupert Murdoch and his sons, Lachlan and James, also reiterated Fox's "consistent commitment to fostering a work environment built on the values of trust and respect."

Baltimore Radio: iHM Promotes Jeff Wyatt To SVP/Programming

Jeff Wyatt

iHeartMedia announced today that Jeff Wyatt has been named Senior Vice President of Programming for Baltimore, MD, effective immediately.

Wyatt will be responsible for spearheading the programming, promotions and digital strategies for all four stations in the Baltimore market. As Program Director, Wyatt will also oversee the day-to-day programming operations of WPOC 93.1 FM and WQSR 102.7 JACK-FM.

“I am excited to have Jeff return to iHeartMedia’s Washington, D.C. Region and lead our four amazing brands in Baltimore,” said Jeff Kapugi, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Washington, D.C. Region. “He already knows the area extremely well and his experience in both p
rogramming and on-air is unmatched.”

Wyatt is a noted radio veteran with over thirty years of programming experience, most recently as Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Virginia-Carolina Region and Program Director for 96.9 The Kat in Charlotte, North Carolina. Early in his career, he worked as a Program Director and afternoon on-air personality at KIIS-FM in Los Angeles, California. He later was named Vice President of Programming for Emmis Broadcasting and held Program Director duties at Power 106 in Los Angeles. His background also includes serving as the Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Washington, D.C. Region and Program Director of 98.7 WMZQ in Washington, D.C.

“Although I will miss working with the incredibly talented team in iHeartMedia’s Virginia-Carolina Region, I’m thrilled for the opportunity to build on the success of our Baltimore stations,” Wyatt said. “I can’t wait to get started. It’s going to be fun!”

DC Radio: Tommy Chuck Adds WASH-FM To His Programming Plate

Tommy Chuck

iHeartMedia/Washington, D.C. announced today that Tommy Chuck has been named Program Director for WASH 97.1 FM, Washington’s Variety of the 80’s, 90’s and Today, effective immediately.

As Program Director, Chuck will work closely with on-air personalities and oversee 97.1 WASH-FM’s on-air programming, promotions, digital and social strategies. He will continue to Program HOT 99.5, DC’s #1 Hit Music Station.

“Tommy Chuck is a solid as they come,” said Jeff Kapugi, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Washington, D.C. Region. “I’ve worked with Tommy in some fashion since he got into this business and I’m thrilled to have him focused on such an important brand as WASH-FM in addition to the amazing things he has been doing on Hot 99.5.”

Tommy joined the iHeartMedia team in 2000 at WKXJ Chattanooga, TN. Since then he has programmed WQEN/Birmingham, AL, WXXL/Orlando, FL, and spent eight years as Program Director and Digital Director for WFLZ and WMTX in Tampa, FL. He spent the last two years programming HOT 99.5 and 93.1 WPOC in the Washington, D.C. Region.

WASH 97.1 FM (17.5 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

“I am honored to now lead the two most listened to radio stations in Washington, D.C.,” said Chuck.
“Like HOT 99.5, 97.1 WASH-FM is a blue-chip brand with an incredible history and even brighter future. Thanks to iHeartMedia for believing in me. Thanks to my family for supporting me. I am blessed to have this opportunity.”

Analyst: Fox News Will Be Fine Without O'Reilly

Don't expect Bill O'Reilly to appear on another major cable network anytime soon, FBR Capital Markets senior analyst Barton Crockett said Thursday.

"Given what happened, given the advertiser boycott, I just can't imagine him showing up on MSNBC or CNN. I could imagine him on a new cable network, on some type of internet service. And I think that is something that he could draw a big part of his audience," Crockett said on  CNBC's Squawk Box.

Following the news that the conservative talk-show host got the ax, some on social media drew comparisons to former Fox News star Megyn Kelly leaving the network for NBC, although the circumstances are very different — Kelly left of her own accord, while O'Reilly was fired.

Still, people questioned whether O'Reilly could appear on another network.

Crockett also said that despite Fox News' parting ways with its biggest star, the network will do just fine without him.


"Cleary time will tell, but they lost Glenn Beck, they lost Megyn Kelly, they lost Roger Ailes, and ratings are at an all-time right high now," he said. "Fox's strength stems from its formula, it stems from its production values, it stems from its positioning on the political spectrum."

Crockett added that he doesn't think Fox News will replace O'Reilly with any "losers."

"They'll put up people who are good, talented presenters on television. But that, combined with their positioning and with their formula and their brand, makes it a good bet they'll continue to be a winner."

Bill O'Reilly: Firing "Tremendously Disheartening'

Bill O’Reilly’s reign as the top-rated host in cable news came to an abrupt end on Wednesday as Fox News forced him out after the disclosure of a series of sexual harassment allegations against him and an internal investigation that turned up even more, according to The NY Times.

During an appearance at an event in New York on Wednesday evening, James Murdoch stopped to answer a question about the decision, saying: “We did a thorough investigation, a thorough review, and we reached a conclusion. Everything that we said in our statement is all you need to know.”

The news of Mr. O’Reilly’s ouster came while he was on a vacation to Italy; on Wednesday morning, he met Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Mr. O’Reilly’s tickets to the Vatican were arranged by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the archbishop of New York.

In a statement later in the day, O’Reilly praised Fox News but said it was “tremendously disheartening that we part ways due to completely unfounded claims.”

O’Reilly’s departure is the latest development in a tumultuous nine months at Fox News. In the aftermath of Mr. Ailes’s dismissal in July, the Murdochs pledged to clean up the network’s culture. But since then, it has been hit with new sexual harassment allegations, and female staff members said they remained fearful of reporting inappropriate behavior.

“This is a seismic cultural shift, when a corporation puts a woman’s rights above the bottom line,” said Wendy Walsh, a former guest on O’Reilly’s show, “The O’Reilly Factor,” who made allegations against him. “Today, we have entered a new era in workplace politics.”

But even on Wednesday, after the ouster, some employees said they were skeptical about whether the treatment of women at Fox News would actually change.

The decision to force out Mr. O’Reilly, who was considered the network’s top asset, was a stunning reversal for a company that had long stood by him. After the dismissal of Mr. Ailes last July, the company reached two settlements involving sexual harassment complaints against O’Reilly.

The Wall Street Journal reports O’Reilly’s show had been the anchor of the evening, and his ratings power had boosted viewership for the shows that followed him.

To many, he was the face of the network, and it remains to be seen what he may do next, though speculation ranges from syndicated TV show to a radio broadcast or streaming service.

“He is what people think of when they think of Fox News,” said Andrew Tyndall, a television news consultant. If Mr. O’Reilly “goes somewhere else, that could be a real threat to Fox News,” he said.

Mr. O’Reilly also has a lucrative book career to fall back on.

Henry Holt & Co., an imprint owned by Macmillan Publishers that publishes Mr. O’Reilly’s books, said its “plans have not changed” regarding future titles written either by Mr. O’Reilly or with his cooperation. More than 17 million copies of Mr. O’Reilly’s books published by Holt are in print in all formats, and his latest title “Old School” is No. 1 on the New York Times hardcover nonfiction best-sellers list.

FNC After O'Reilly

In the wake of Bill O'Reilly's departure, Fox News Channel will introduce a new evening and prime time lineup that promises exciting guests, lively debate and compelling news coverage.

"The Factor" will continue for the remainder of this week at 8 p.m., with guest hosts Dana Perino Wednesday and Thursday night, and Greg Gutfeld on Friday night.

Beginning Monday, April 24, "Tucker Carlson Tonight" will take over the 8 p.m. timeslot, broadcasting live from the Washington, DC bureau of The Fox News Channel. Additionally, "The Five" move into the 9 p.m. timeslot, starting Monday.

New programming and debut dates are as follows, with all times Eastern:

➦5 p.m. -- A one-hour program hosted by Eric Bolling will debut on Monday, May 1. For the week of April 24-28, "Special Report with Bret Baier" will fill the 5-7 p.m. timeslot.

➦7 p.m. -- "The Story with Martha MacCallum" airs live, debuting on Monday, May 1. MacCallum will continue anchoring "The First 100 Days" through April 28

➦8 p.m. – "Tucker Carlson Tonight"

➦9 p.m. -- "The Five" airs live with co-hosts Kimberly Guilfoyle, Dana Perino, Bob Beckel, Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters and Juan Williams

➦10 p.m. – "Hannity" remains in its current timeslot, hosted by Sean Hannity

Fox Decision: It Was The Money and Reputation

In the end, Fox News star Bill O'Reilly was undone by the herd of advertisers that stampeded for the exits, reports USAToday.

Although over the years Fox and O'Reilly paid $13 million to settle sexual harassment accusations from a number of women, according to a New York Times investigation, the tipping point that led to Wednesday's ouster of the talk show host was likely caused by an exodus of brand names that feared a consumer backlash.

Rem Reider, a longtime media critic and contributor to Columbia Journalism Review, says "the dramatic exodus of advertisers was really an exclamation point, even as viewership held up. It really was well past time to clean house, even if the clean-up meant the departure of such a dominant force."

Investors don't seem to be penalizing Fox's parent company for dismissing their controversial money-maker. 21st Century Fox stock was down 0.8% and remained flat in after hours trading. Some analysts expect that cutting the cord with O'Reilly will ultimately prove in the company's best interest.

"Investors don't like uncertainly or distraction," says Tuna Amobi, equity analyst with CFRA Research. "The market reaction to this is muted because there's a sense this won't be earth-shattering."

Amobi estimates that O'Reilly's long-running show, "The O'Reilly Factor," which continued to enjoy high ratings even in past weeks, brought in roughly $150 million in advertising last year, a small fraction of the $7 billion raked in by Fox News. "It's a drop in the bucket for them," he says.

The bigger liability, Amobi says, would have been keeping O'Reilly after a very public dismissal of Fox News boss Roger Ailes after he was hit with charges of sexual discrimination by Megyn Kelly and other female Fox anchors and contributors. "It was no longer just about finances, it was reputation," he says, noting that more than 60 big brands abandoned O'Reilly's show in the wake of the scandal.

Nielsen Releases PPMs For Boston, Detroit, Phoenix, 9 Other Markets

Nielsen on Wednesday  4/19/17 Released the second batch of March 2017 PPM Data for the following markets:

    7   Washington DC

    10  Boston

    11  Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood

    12  Detroit

    13  Seattle-Tacoma
   
    14  Phoenix

    16  Minneapolis

    17  San Diego

   18  Denver-Boulder

   19  Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater

   21  Baltimore

   22  St. Louis

Click Here to view topline numbers for subscribing Nielsen stations

Austin Radio: Alex Jones Says He Means What He Says

Alex Jones (American-Statesman photo)

Testifying at his child custody trial, Alex Jones said Wednesday that he means what he says on Infowars, though he also indulges in satire and comedy on the show, reports the Austin American-Statesman.

On its multiple platforms Jones’ show reaches at least 70 million people a week, he said.

“I believe in the overall political program I am promoting of Americana and freedom,” said Jones, discounting any suggestion that, in his on-air persona, he is “playing a trick on the public.”

Jones, who testified for a little more than an hour at the end of the day and will return to the stand on Thursday, described a life in which he successfully melds his on-air role and leadership of a successful media “combine,” and what he described as his most important role as a parent to three children, ages 9, 12 and 14.

State District Judge Orlinda Naranjo, who is presiding over the child custody dispute between Alex Jones and his ex-wife Kelly Jones, has banned all electronic devices from the courtroom. She said it would be in the best interests of the Jones children.

Amid the testimony, the real story of the morning has been Alex Jones’ ability to rattle his ex-wife’s counsel with his smirks and head shakes. The lawyers twice protested to Judge Orlinda Naranjo. They offered the same protests Tuesday.

The judge said she is not going to stop Jones from communicating with his counsel, but asked him to switch his seat so he is facing her and not his ex-wife’s lawyers.

San Antonio Radio: iHM Flips KZEP To Latino CHR

iHeartMedia/San Antonio has announced the debut of KZEP 104.5 FM Latino Hits, the new home of Spanish Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) music for San Antonio, TX. The station will kick off today at noon with 10,000 songs of commercial-free music featuring around-the-clock Spanish and English songs as well as contest opportunities for listeners to win cash.

104.5 Latino Hits will broadcast hit music from artists such as Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Nicky Jam, Shakira, and Mana. Beginning May 1, Enrique Santos will host Tu Manana con Enrique Santos from 5-9 a.m. The full local programming lineup will be announced at a later date.

“We are so excited to introduce the new 104.5 Latino Hits to the San Antonio community,” said Brian Gann, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Central Texas. “We truly believe this format will resonate well with our San Antonio listeners, and is a perfect complement to our other stations in the market.”

“I am thrilled to help wake the great people of San Antonio on weekday mornings with the best music and entertainment,” said Santos, Morning Show Host and Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino, iHeartMedia’s new Hispanic platform. “Everything is bigger in Texas…but better in Spanish! I’m proud to represent mi gente on the new 104.5 Latino Hits.”

KZEP 104.5 FM (100 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

“The addition of this new Spanish-language station adds a new dimension to our cluster and the San Antonio community,” said Matt Martin, President of iHeartMedia Central Texas. “We have an amazing team in place and I am excited for what’s to come!”

Savannah Radio: Mike Bell Named WEAS PD

Mike Bell

Cumulus Media has announced that it has appointed 15-year radio broadcasting professional Big Mike Bell as Program Director for WEAS 93.1 FM, Savannah’s Hip Hop and R&B Leader.

Bell moves to the Mainstream Urban station from Cumulus Media-Florence, SC, where he is currently Program Director for Mainstream Urban WYNN-FM. Prior to joining Cumulus, he held Assistant Program Director and on-air posts in Tyler, TX, and Madison, WI.

Eric Mastel, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Media-Savannah, said: “Mike’s creativity, positive energy and experience programming successful Urban-formatted stations make him a tremendous addition to the E93 team. Our listeners are going to love what they hear.”

WEAS 93.1 FM (100 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

Bell said: "I'm #Geeked about joining the market leaders, Eric Mastel, Gil Jones, K.Michelle and Kenya Cabine, in Savannah. Lowkey, I've ALWAYS wanted to hit up the #E93FamilyReunion! I'm truly grateful for this opportunity, under the leadership of VP Ken Johnson. This is just the beginning of my growth within the #FORCE known to the world as Cumulus! C-port let's get it!"

SBS Q4 Revenue Increases, Defaults On Debt

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (the “Company” or “SBS”) (SBSAA) today announced its recapitalization strategy and reported financial results for the quarter- and year-ended December 31, 2016.

“Our fourth quarter results marked the end of a highly successful year for SBS as we generated our strongest performance in over a decade,” said Raúl Alarcón, Chairman and CEO.

“Key highlights of our operational momentum include audience gains across our media platforms, radio leadership in many of the nation’s largest Hispanic markets, a highly successful experiential platform and increasing roster of concerts and events, the further expansion of our AIRE Radio Network and a strengthened presence in mobile entertainment through the addition of exclusive video content to our unique LaMusica streaming app, while achieving industry-leading operating margins in the radio sector.  Likewise, 2017 is pacing to be another year of expansion and innovation, including the debut of our second mobile video app during the second quarter.

To address the repayment of our outstanding 12.5% Senior Secured Notes (the “Notes”) which matured on April 15, 2017 and were payable on Monday, April 17, 2017 and as further discussed below, the Company has been pursuing a series of options, with the assistance of our legal and financial advisors, including discussions with third party capital providers (including a top-tier banking institution) and with representatives of the holders of our Notes and preferred stock.”

Alarcon also disclosed SBS recently defaulted on a debt payment.

Raul Alarcon

"We are working with a team of financial and legal advisors in evaluating all options available to us in executing a comprehensive recapitalization plan.  These options include, but are not limited to, selling certain non-core assets (whose net proceeds would be used to repay a portion of outstanding Notes), new financings (including debt, equity-linked securities and equity offerings), an exchange offer with the holders of our Notes (the “Noteholders”), with or without exit consents to amend the terms of the indenture under which the Notes were issued (the “Indenture”), use of cash on hand, and a combination of these options.

"We have been pursuing the sale of certain non-core assets, including certain of our television stations and real estate assets.  In connection with our recapitalization plan, we have initiated conversations with representatives of the Noteholders and holders of our 10¾% Series B Cumulative Exchangeable Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series B preferred stock”) regarding these matters. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in our recapitalization efforts.

"We did not repay the Notes at their maturity, as a result of which there was an event of default under the Indenture on April 17, 2017, which is the payment date following the Saturday, April 15, 2017 maturity date. In addition, we are in default with the security agreement covenant relating to deposit account control agreements and the related Indenture covenant regarding compliance with the security agreement, and we are in default under the Future Guarantors covenant of the Indenture (though we have delivered documentation to the Trustee to have the subsidiary become an additional guarantor of the Notes). The Notes will continue to earn interest after the maturity date. We face various risks regarding these matters which are summarized in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016."