Bay Area Radio: Jacent Jackson Named KFOG PD

Jacent Jackson

Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed 20-year Rock programming professional Jacent Jackson as Program Director for San Francisco’s legendary Rock station, KFOG 104.5FM and 97.7FM.

Jackson was previously Program Director for KITS-FM in San Francisco.

Prior to that he was Program Director for Alternative Rock station WLUM-FM/FM 102.1 in Milwaukee, WI, and was Assistant Program Director and Music Director for Emmis Media-Chicago’s Alternative Rock station Q101. Jackson was also Program Director for Active Rock station KQXR-FM/100.3 The X in Boise, ID.

He holds a B.S. degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Doug Harvill, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Media-San Francisco, said: “Jacent knows rock music and Jacent knows great radio. He’s a natural choice to lead the programming team at KFOG. I’m pleased he’s joining the Cumulus-San Francisco team.”

KFOG 104.5 FN (7.1 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

Jackson said: "I couldn't be more thrilled to continue my broadcasting career here in the Bay Area with Cumulus. KFOG has some incredible talent between The Woody Show in mornings and No Name in the afternoons. I can't wait to join the fun, or as Woody would say it, #joinfun. Much, much gratitude to Doug Harvill, Troy Hanson, Mike McVay, Dave Milner, and the team at Cumulus for this incredible opportunity."

ESPN Radio Re-Signs Dan Le Batard & Stugotz

Dan Le Batard, Stugotz

Dan Le Batard and Jon “Stugotz” Weiner, hosts of the popular daytime ESPN Radio program The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz have signed multiyear agreements to remain with ESPN.

The duo will continue to host their Miami-based program, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET, on ESPN Radio (and simulcast on ESPNEWS). Le Batard will also continue to co-host Highly Questionable alongside his father Gonzalo “Papi” Le Batard and another of a rotating crop of guest hosts. Le Batard will also conduct six longform interviews each year that will live across multiple ESPN platforms including TV and digital. Weiner will make appearances on SportsCenter and continue hosting and guesting on other ESPN Radio shows.

"ESPN has given us ridiculous freedom to have fun, and made us more popular than we deserve,” said Le Batard. “A whole lot of people have supported our nonsense in a way that isn't always easy to support but easy to grow. As an added bonus – and we're especially thankful for this – they also pay us."

Added Weiner: “I was hoping for the lifetime contract, to be honest. I'm a little disappointed. Maybe next time."

Known for its offbeat take on sports and culture, The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz is one of ESPN Radio’s top-rated programs. The show is heard by 2.2 million people a week in 258 stations in 151 markets, and its podcast, a daily digital offering of the original radio program, is the network’s No. 1-downloaded show-to-podcast product, with more than 53 million downloads in 2017.

ESPN Senior Vice President, Audio and Talent, Traug Keller said: “Dan and Stugotz have a chemistry and a viewpoint that is among the most unique in the business. They take what they do seriously, but not themselves, which bonds them with a growing group of loyal listeners. Dan’s sensibilities and intelligence combined with Stugotz’s incredible lack of either quality is a winning combination. I look forward to the stress of having to listen to the show in the years to come!”

RTDNA Survey: Slight Uptick For Women of Color As Radio GMs

Highlights

• The percentage of women and people of color in TV newsrooms and in TV news management are at the highest levels ever measured, but while the minority population in the U.S. has risen 12.4 points in the last 28 years, the minority workforce in TV news is up just 7.
• The disparity in representation of people of color in TV management is shrinking.
• The percentage of TV news employees overall and of TV news directors who are women is at an all-time high.
• There are fewer women and people of color in radio this year than last.
• The percentage of people of color in radio is up from its low in 2010, but down from the high 22 years ago and far from on par with the population overall.
• There are twice as many men as women in radio news, and just under half of radio news staffs include at least one woman, but the percentage of women news directors has increased in the past year.

The Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and Hofstra University just released its annual newsroom survey on newsroom diversity, which covers 2017 and shows slight progress over 2016.

The good news is that women are slowly seeing themselves reflected in a wider variety of broadcast newsroom jobs. The bad news is that people of color are still struggling to reach proportional numbers of representation in newsrooms, reports Niemanlab.org.

RTDNA and Hofstra surveyed 1,683 non-satellite TV stations and a sample of 3,542 radio stations in the fourth quarter of 2017. 1,333 TV stations responded (79.2 percent of those asked), and 415 radio news directors and general managers representing 1,110 radio stations responded.

More women of color are in TV management than ever before — barely. Beating the record of 24.6 percent in 2001, this year 24.8 percent of respondents in local TV news are people of color. That’s up from 17.8 percent in 1990, but it’s not representative of the general U.S. population, which is 38.3 percent non-white.

Women are better represented in TV and radio newsrooms than in previous years. The percentage of women in the local TV news workforce was 44.4 percent in 2017, up 0.4 percent from 2016. But as markets get larger, the percentage of women in the newsroom gets smaller: Women made up 47.2 percent of TV newsroom staffers in markets 101-150, 44 percent in markets 51-100, and 43.1 percent in the top 50 markets.

“The big picture for people of color in local radio news shows an industry going nowhere.”

Radio station leadership in 2017 included fewer people of color, and fewer women, than in 2016.

Less than half of radio news staffs have even a single woman on the team. The percentage of staffs with any women at all dropped nearly four percent between 2016 and 2017. While more women are becoming station general managers and news directors (up 1.2 percent and 5.3 percent, respectively, over 2016), women are twice as likely to be news directors at non-commercial stations than at commercial ones — though “overall their representation decreased at non-commercial stations, too.”

And, overall, the percentage of women working in radio news is slipping: “Women fell from 36.1 percent of the radio news workforce [in 2016] to 34.3 percent” in 2017.

Radio newsrooms are also doing poorly when it comes to racial diversity. People of color made up 11.3 percent of radio newsroom staffs in 2017, down from 11.7 percent in 2016.

MSNBC's Chris Matthews: 'There'll Be Hell To Pay"

Chris Matthews, the host of MSNBC's "Hardball", warned the Democratic leadership "will have hell to pay" with voters if the party fails to block President Donald Trump's pick to replace Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who announced Wednesday that he is retiring at the end of July.

According to USAToday, Matthews said that because Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, refused to even meet with former President Barack Obama's pick to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia, Democrats have to do everything in their power to stop Trump's pick from being confirmed.

"I don’t think the Democrats should allow even meetings to occur with Trump’s nominee to fill this vacancy by Justice Kennedy," Matthews said. "I think they have to fight eye for an eye for what happened in ‘16 where the Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, refused to even consider or even meet with Merrick Garland."

Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead on Feb. 13, 2016, when Obama still had nearly a year remaining in his second term. McConnell said that the vacancy should not be filled in an election year and that the nominee should be up to the next president.

Despite McConnell's declaration, Obama proceeded to nominate Judge Merrick Garland. Senate Republicans refused to consider Garland and he was not granted a hearing. Instead, the Supreme Court operated with eight justices until Trump took office and nominated Neil Gorsuch.

McConnell apparently does not intend to follow the precedent set in 2016, saying that the Senate will vote on a Trump nominee to the Supreme Court this fall. That would ensure that Trump's pick is confirmed by a Republican-controlled Senate, even if the Democrats managed to regain a majority in the election.

Matthews said that if the Democratic leadership under Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., allows Trump's nominee to go forward it would anger the party's core voters.

Former Top Editor Says The NYTimes Blew It

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Former New York Times executive editor Jill Abramson expressed dismay at her former paper on Wednesday for not covering an important Democratic party election taking place in New York that resulted in 28-year-old millennial Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez unseating 10-term incumbent Rep. Joe Crowley, stating on Twitter that "missing her rise is akin to not seeing Trump."

According to The Hill, the commentary from Abramson, who served as executive editor of the Times from 2011 to 2014, comes one day after Ocasio-Cortez stunned the political establishment by easily beating Crowley, who was seen as a possible candidate for House Speaker if Democrats take back the House this fall.

"Kind of pisses me off that @nytimes is still asking Who Is Ocasio-Cortez?" wrote Abramson. "When it should have covered her campaign. Missing her rise akin to not seeing Trump's win coming in 2016."

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Philly Radio: WPHT Adds Mark Levin to Line-Up

Syndicated radio host and best-selling author Mark Levin will hit the Philadelphia airwaves on weeknights, giving the popular host a dedicated slot in his hometown market.

Entercom has announced that Talk Radio WPHT 1210 AM will begin broadcasting Levin's show nightly from 6 to 9 p.m., a time slot that had been filled by the Sean Hannity show, which is moving to 9 p.m. to midnight.

Slipping off the schedule is the Dave Ramsey program, which offered financial advice to listeners.

“We couldn't be more excited to add Mark Levin to our already impressive list of marquis hosts at Talk Radio 1210 WPHT,” said David Yadgaroff, senior vice president and market manager at Entercom. “As a native Philadelphian, Mark’s show is the ideal complement to our local hosts, Chris Stigall, Dom Giordano and Rich Zeoli.”

WPHT 1210 AM (50 Kw)

Levin's show, produced by Westwood One, ranks in the top five nationally among talk radio programs and has broadcast daily on nearly 400 stations since its inception in 2002.

FCC Nominee Gets Panel Approval

Starks During Hearing

The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday approved Geoffrey Starks, a Democratic nominee for the FCC, sending his nomination to the full Senate.

Starks, a current official in the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, would replace Mignon Clyburn, another Democrat who served nearly a decade at the commission. The Senate panel approved him in a unanimous voice vote.

Prior to joining the FCC in 2015, Starks was a senior counsel to former Deputy Attorney General Jim Cole during the Obama administration.

If he is confirmed by the full Senate as expected, Starks will join Jessica Rosenworcel as the only Democrats on the five-member commission.

He’ll be joining the FCC at a time when the Republican majority has been rolling back major regulations on the broadcasting and telecom industries.

John Kesler Named COO For Bob & Tom Show

The BOB & TOM Show announces that it has promoted radio industry veteran John Kesler to Chief Operating Officer of the nationally syndicated morning radio show, broadcast on over 100 affiliates across the U.S. Kesler rises from his previous role as General Manager for the award-winning show, which was named to the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2015.

He steps into the newly-created position on the heels of The BOB & TOM Show’s recent signing of a new multi-year deal with Westwood One.

John Kelser

Prior to joining The BOB & TOM Show in March 2016, Kesler served in a variety of positions at Indianapolis based WIBC/Emmis Communications for almost 20 years. He served on the Board of Directors of Abacast prior to its acquisition by WideOrbit. Kesler started his career as a “marginal” board operator/announcer when in high school at WDAN-AM in Danville, Illinois, and holds a B.A. degree in Telecommunications Management from DePauw University.

Tom Griswold, Co-Host of The BOB & TOM Show, said: “John Kesler is the perfect guy for this job. He knows the ins and outs of the world of media sales, and he knows how to deal with the chaotic world of radio personalities. He is all about forward motion in the fast moving and quickly changing radio landscape. Most importantly, John knows what he doesn't know... meaning that he's quick to consult with people who know what they're talking about in the multi-layered digital cosmos of contemporary media. He's also a wonderful person, and our staff hasn't tried to kick him out of our building... yet.”

Kesler said: “I tell anyone who will listen that this is an absolute dream gig for a radio geek like me. The really cool part is we generate an idea about every 20 seconds… the downside is; we generate an idea about every 20 seconds. We need to get Concerta as an advertiser on trade.”

For more information about The BOB & TOM Show, visit: www.bobandtominfo.com or contact Todd Alan at 212.735.1107.

“Tino Cochino Radio” Adds Two More Stations

YEA Networks announces that nationally syndicated Tino Cochino Radio has signed two new stations to its fast-growing affiliate group.

With the addition of two Top 40 stations, American General Media’s KKDG-FM/99X in Durango, CO, and East Kentucky Broadcasting’s WZLK-FM/Z107.5 in Pikeville, KY, Tino Cochino Radio is now heard on 30 affiliates across the U.S., including over 50% of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic Markets.

The next-generation audio brand launched nationwide just three months ago.

Tino Cochino, Host of Tino Cochino Radio, said: “When Dave Stanford and Dustin Nolen reached out, it gave us the opportunity to break down the method to our TCR madness. Instantly, we knew that they cared about creative, original, engaging, personality-driven radio and believed their listeners would respond to the show. I'm thrilled to welcome both Durango and Pikeville to our TCR fam!”

Dustin Nolen, Operations Manager, 99X, Durango, CO, said: “Durango's Hit Music Station 99X couldn't be more excited to add Tino Cochino and the crew to the family. The show brings flavor and pizzazz. From fresh entertainment to current events, Tino Cochino Radio isn't shy and adds a much-needed element to our weeknights. Unlike any other syndicated program on the market, this show is something listeners can relate to, it gets you thinking, it makes you laugh and it doesn't star some washed up, outdated, half celebrity from decades past. Cheers to the future of Top 40 formats!”

Dave Stanford, Program Director, WZLK-FM, Pikeville, CO, said: “We love TCR! It’s gives us the energy and personality that we needed in the afternoons!”

Hosted by Tino Cochino and newly-named co-host Jackie Hollywood, Tino Cochino Radio provides Rhythmic and CHR stations with an innovative combination of topical and relatable on-air content, engaging, original video and social content, and a popular podcast.

Now airing on 30 stations in markets including Colorado Springs, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; San Antonio, TX; and Albuquerque, NM, Tino Cochino Radio is a PPM and diary-friendly modular show with same-day content, and is available for weekday afternoons/nights for barter, customizable for each market and daypart, with up to 11 songs per hour (programmed locally). See more at: http://tinocochinoradio.com.

For more information about Tino Cochino Radio, contact Scott Kerr, Director, Affiliate Sales and Content, YEA Networks, at 843.270.2836.

Erie PA Radio: Chuck Poet To Manage Cumulus Cluster

Chuck Poet

Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed Chuck Poet as Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus Media-Erie, PA.

Poet brings over 20 years’ experience to Cumulus’ five-station group in Erie, which includes: WXKC-FM/Classy 100; WXKC-H2/104.3 The Vibe; WXTA-FM/NASH FM 97.9; WRIE/CBS Sports Radio 99.3 FM-1260 AM; and WQHZ-FM/Z102.3.

Poet joins Cumulus Media from Results Radio in Parkersburg, WV, where he was Sales Manager. Prior to that, Poet was Market President for iHeartMedia’s Parkersburg, WV, and Wheeling, WV, radio stations for 15 years. He was previously General Manager, Sales, for WCLR, WZLR, and WPTW in Piqua/Xenia/Dayton, OH.

Ron Giovanniello, Regional Vice President, Cumulus Media-Pennsylvania, said: “We are excited to have Chuck join our Cumulus Erie team. Chuck’s talent, skills and experience make him a great asset to Cumulus and will drive our continued success in Erie.”

Poet said: “I am looking forward to continuing Cumulus’ heritage of service to the Erie community. I am fired up to work with the Cumulus Erie team, our Erie stations and all the other assets Cumulus brings to the table for our listeners and business partners. Exciting things are happening at Cumulus and I’m thrilled to be joining CEO Mary Berner, EVP Bob Walker and RVP Ron Giovanniello.”