Chicago Radio: WGN 720 AM To Simulcast On FM

UPDATE 4PM 12/30/2014:  Weigel Broadcasting, Chicago-based parent company of The U, Me-TV and other iconic television channels, is about to extend its brand into local radio for the first time.

Chicago media writer Robert Feder cites "sources" as saying the company has reached an agreement with Venture Technologies Group to lease WGWG LP 87.7, now home of Tribune Media’s ill-fated sports/talk format known as The Game 87.7 FM.

Contracts have not yet been signed, but insiders said it’s a done deal.


Original Posting...

Chicago radio listeners can get ready to ring in the new year with WGN 720AM 720 on the FM band.

But don't get used to it, according to The Chicago Tribune.

WGN's AM signal will be simulcast on 87.7 FM beginning Wednesday night at 11 p.m., filling the programming void left by the imminent demise of sports talk station The Game, and keeping the frequency warm for an operator and format to be named later.

The FM simulcast of WGN's news/talk programming is a one-month deal, executives said.

Tribune Media, which owns WGN-AM 720, signed an 18-month lease for FM 87.7 and launched The Game in February. Low ratings doomed the sports talk format, which will end its run on New Year's Eve.

While the lease runs through September, WGN has no obligation to operate the FM station beyond the one-month simulcast.

WGWG 87.7 FM Red=47dBu Coverage Area

Los Angeles-based Venture Technologies Group owns the frequency, and is expected to announce a new long-term broadcasting partner next month. WGWG-LP is a low-power television station that has been operating as an FM radio station since it went on the air in 2008. The station has been through a variety of operators and formats, with smooth jazz and alternative rock achieving far greater ratings success than its recent foray into sports talk.

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Detroit Radio: Mike Wheeler Named New OM For Cumulus

Mike Wheeler

Cumulus announces that WJR Detroit Program Director Mike Wheeler has been promoted to the new position of Operations Manager for Detroit radio stations WJR 760 AM, WDVD 96.3 FM, WDRQ 93.1 FM, and WDRQ-HD2.

In his new role, Wheeler will oversee all programming for Cumulus’ four Detroit stations. He will work with programmers Lori Bennett and Robby Bridges on the programming of WDVD, NASH (WDRQ), and NASH Icon (WDRQ HD2).

Raised in Detroit, Wheeler started his radio career in on-air posts at Motor City stations WNIC, WABX, WHYT and WCZY. Wheeler joined Cumulus in September from Clear Channel, where served for five years as Regional Program Manager for Clear Channel’s Connecticut stations. Prior to that, Wheeler was Program Director for CBS’ DaveFM in Atlanta, and was Regional Vice President of Programming for Clear Channel in Atlanta, St. Louis, and Toledo.
 
Mike McVay, Senior Vice President, Corporate/Programming for Cumulus said: "Mike Wheeler brings a wealth of experience to the table. His history in Detroit, abilities at coaching talent and his knowledge of programming gives us another strong programming presence within Cumulus. He is deserving of this promotion."

Wheeler said: “What a thrill to work with Robby and Lori on these great Detroit radio stations. I’m grateful to John Dickey and Mike McVay for the opportunity to drive the FunBus in Detroit!”

MSNBC Chief Vows To Target Young Progressives

Phil Griffin

MSNBC president Phil Griffin, whose CableTV news network is the only one among the big three to lose primetime viewers this season, told staffers he would look to turn things around by continuing a push in 2015 for younger viewers.

Griffin, according to The NY Post, also promised “to get on the road — and outside of Washington” to broaden the network’s coverage.

“It’s no secret that 2014 was a difficult year for the entire cable news industry and especially for msnbc,” Griffin wrote in a memo to staff.

“We have a long history of finding and nurturing great talent — and with an eye toward 2016 — we continued to build our next generation of top-notch journalists,” Griffin wrote.

The memo then singled out such twenty-something hosts as Ronan Farrow, Kasie Hunt and Alex-Seitz Wald.

It also touted Shift, MSNBC’s just-launched streaming news service, which “is already allowing us to reach new, younger audiences.”

MSNBC’s push to embrace youth makes sense for the only cable news network to see its prime time audience erode in the current season, as measured by Nielsen.

Its 548,000 primetime viewers aged 2 and older — down 18 percent from the comparable season a year ago — ranked third to No. 2 CNN’s 560,00 (up 15 percent) and Fox News Channel’s 1,845,00 (up 1 percent).

MSNBC’s ratings slide suggests that Griffin’s making the network “the place to go for progressives” has outlived its usefulness as an audience builder.

A Pew Research study last year identified MSNBC as the most opinionated news network, with factual reporting accounting for just 15 percent of its content.

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Liberty Media Extends Greg Maffei Contract

Greg Maffei

Liberty Media Corp. Chief Executive Greg Maffei reached an agreement to remain at the helm of the media company through 2019 just days before his prior contract was set to expire, according to The Wall Street Journal.

His previous contract is set to end Wednesday.

A new compensation agreement calls for Maffei to receive an annual base salary of $960,750, increasing annually by 5%, and an annual target cash bonus equal to 250% of the applicable year’s base salary. For 2013, Maffei received a salary of $868,219 and total compensation of $3.57 million, made up mostly of incentive-plan compensation.

Liberty Media’s holdings include a majority stake in SiriusXM Holdings Inc. and full ownership of the entity that owns the Atlanta Braves. Its minority investments include Live Nation Entertainment Inc.

Liberty Interactive has many home-shopping and e-commerce holdings including QVC Inc., CommerceHub and Evite.

In November, Liberty Media said third-quarter revenue and operating earnings improved, reflecting strong SiriusXM results.

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SiriusXM Launches 'Resolution Radio'

SiriusXM has announced special programming to help listeners with their 2015 resolutions, offering tips, strategies and valuable self-improvement advice from a wide array of world-class expert hosts. The timely advice found on multiple SiriusXM channels spans the areas of health, spirituality, finances, family and beyond.

SiriusXM's "Resolution Radio" programming will be available on Joel Osteen Radio, Doctor Radio, Entertainment Weekly Radio, SiriusXM Stars, Road Dog Trucking, OutQ, Business Radio, and Kids Place Live. Hosts will welcome calls from listeners looking for support with their personal goals for 2015.

"Resolution Radio" programming will start on Thursday, January 1, 2015.

Doctor Radio powered by NYU Langone Medical Center (SiriusXM channel 81)

• "Rehabilitative Medicine" - Host Jonathan Whiteson assists listeners to "kick the habit" with smoking cessation strategies. Monday, January 5
• "Primary Care Medicine" - Dr. Marina Kurian will discuss finding the right exercise routine to get in shape in 2015. Wednesday, January 7
• "Doctor Radio Reports" - Perri Peltz, veteran journalist, documentary filmmaker and public health advocate, will host "Resolution Solutions" exploring a variety of health and wellness goals for 2015. Thursday, January 8
• "Nutrition and Exercise" - Samantha Heller, registered dietician, certified nutritionist and exercise physiologist presents healthy eating strategies to aid listeners in achieving weight loss goals. Friday, January 9

Joel Osteen Radio (SiriusXM channel 128) 

• "A Night of Hope" - Joel Osteen welcomes 2015 with "A Night of Hope" live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.Friday, January 2 at 8:00 pm ET.
• "Joel Osteen Live" - Join Joel Osteen as he shares inspiration and insights on how to have a closer walk with God throughout the New Year. Monday, January 5
• "Victoria Osteen Live" - Victoria Osteen shares tips on being the best you can be for your family in 2015. Wednesday, January 7

Business Radio powered by Wharton (SiriusXM channel 111)

• On New Year's Day, business, career and finance experts share their best advice for improving your professional and business life in 2015. Thursday, January 1
• "Knowledge @ Wharton" - Host Dan Loney is joined by financial planner Eric Brotman for a conversation about financial resolutions. Monday, January 5
• "Your Money" - Will cover the psychology behind making resolutions to "get out of debt." Tuesday, January 6
• "Dot Complicated with Randi Zuckerberg" - Randi Zuckerberg will assist listeners resolving to be better with technology and social media. Wednesday, January 7

SiriusXM Stars (SiriusXM channel 109)

• Celebrity host and parenting author, Jenny McCarthy, is joined by "The Moms," Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein to talk about being the best parent you can be in 2015. Monday, January 5
• SiriusXM host and author Jenny Hutt will provide advice to listeners looking to lose weight in 2015. From apps to help listeners monitor their calories to the latest workouts, Jenny will kick off 2015 with a guide to getting the weight off and keeping it off. Wednesday, January 7
• "Financially Fearless with Alexa von Tobel" – The Learnvest CEO takes listener questions about getting out of debt and saving more money in 2015. Thursday, January 8

Entertainment Weekly Radio (SiriusXM channel 105)

• If your resolution is to get up-to-speed with the latest TV shows, movies, books and music, join "EW Morning Live" for a discussion about what you should be watching, reading and listening to in 2015. Monday, January 5

Road Dog Trucking (SiriusXM channel 146)

• For truck drivers, Freewheelin' with Meredith Ochs and Chris T. will explore the many ways you can accomplish your health, financial and educational goals without ever leaving your truck. Tuesday, January 6

OutQ (SiriusXM 106)

• For the LGBT community, on "Derek & Romaine," SiriusXM host Romaine Patterson encourages listeners to get involved in charities, advocacy groups and community-service projects.  Tuesday, January 6

Kids Place Live (SiriusXM channel 78)

• Hosts Kenny Curtis and Absolutely Mindy help families set goals to spend more quality time together by sharing ideas to make the most of your time with the kids. Friday, January 9

Nielsen Releases Final Batch Of PPM Data For December

Nielsen on Monday released the final batch of December PPM results.  Markets released were:

35 Austin

38 Milwaukee-Racine

40 Indianapolis

42 Raleigh-Durham

43 Norfolk-Virginia Breach-Newport News

44 Providen-Warwick-Pawtucket

45 Nashville

          46 Greensboro-Winter Salem-High Point NC

48 West Palm Beach-Boca Raton

50 Jacksonville

51 Memphis

52 Hartford-New Britain-Middletown CT

To See the Topline Numbers for Nielsen subscribing stations: Click Here.

Westwood One SportsTo Air NFL Playoffs

Westwood One Sports presents broadcast coverage of the NFL postseason, beginning with audio play-by-play coverage of all four Wild Card Playoff games on January 3 and January 4, 2015, followed by the Divisional Playoffs on January 10 and January 11, 2015.

Below is the schedule of games and broadcast crews for Westwood One's Wild Card Weekend and Divisional Weekend.  Scott Graham hosts the pregame, halftime, and postgame shows for all eight broadcasts.
                                   
WILD CARD PLAYOFFS

         Saturday, January 3, 2015

               4:00 pm, ET:  Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers
               Dave Sims (play-by-play), Mark Malone (analyst), and Steve Tasker

               7:45 pm, ET:  Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
               Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), James Lofton (analyst), and Hub Arkush

         Sunday, January 4, 2015

               12:30 pm, ET:  Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts
               Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Mike Mayock (analyst), and Laura Okmin

               4:15 pm, ET:  Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys
               Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (analyst), and Ross Tucker

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS

           Saturday, January 10, 2015

               4:00 pm, ET:  TBA @ New England Patriots
               Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Boomer Esiason (analyst), and Tony Boselli

                7:45 pm, ET:  TBA @ Seattle Seahawks

               Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), James Lofton (analyst), and Scott Kaplan

           Sunday, January 11, 2015

              12:30 pm, ET:  TBA @ Green Bay Packers
              Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (analyst), and Hub Arkush

              4:15 pm, ET:  TBA @ Denver Broncos

              Tom McCarthy (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst), and Mark Malone

Mason City Radio: KLKK PD Facing Deportation

James Shaman

A familiar voice of north Iowa radio is taking to the airwaves to address immigration reform, as he himself faces deportation, according to KIMT.com.

On Monday, Classic Rock KLKK 103.7 FM The Fox Program Director, James Shaman, shared his story with listeners after finding out his court date to determine whether or not he will be deported back to Canada.

Shaman is scheduled to appear at a hearing in Bloomington with federal officials on his immigration status.

At an early age, Shaman admits he broke the law and because of this, he has a criminal record.

He says up until only three years ago, his legal status was protected by a permanent residential visa. With his criminal record, Shaman says his green card was rescinded and he was placed on parole legal status.

KLKK 103.7 FM (25Kw) 60dBu Coverage

Shaman says through this experience, he’s been able to gain more perspective on the importance of immigration reform.

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VA Radio: Personality's Wrongful Death Suit To Continue

Seth Williamson

A judge has declined to dismiss a lawsuit claiming that a Roanoke public radio personality died from an overdose of painkillers administered by a faulty medication pump, according to Roanoke.com.

The decision by U.S. District Court Judge Michael Urbanski clears the way for a trial next month that could explore the medical device’s role in the death of Seth Williamson, who was the long-time host of several radio shows on WVTF 89.7 FM in Charlotesville..

Williamson died in 2011 after undergoing surgery for a hernia at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery. A lawsuit later filed by his family alleged that while in the hospital, Williamson received a fatal dose of Dilaudid, a potent painkiller, from a medication pump that was unnecessarily confusing to operate.

The products liability action seeks $10 million in damages. A trial date has been set for Jan. 12, according to Robert Hall, a Reston attorney who represents Williamson’s family.

Named as defendants are Hospira Inc. of Lake Forest, Illinois, the manufacturer of the pump, and Abbot Laboratories Inc., which the lawsuit said once owned Hospira.

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Gallup: Bill O'Reilly Makes 'Most Admired' List

Bill O'Reilly

According to a new Gallup poll, Americans continue to name Hillary Clinton as the woman living anywhere in the world whom they admire most, and name Barack Obama as the man they admire most.

Clinton has held the top women's spot in each of the last 13 years and 17 of the last 18, with that streak interrupted only by first lady Laura Bush in 2001 after the 9/11 terror attacks.

Obama has been most admired man in each of the last seven years, beginning with 2008, the year he was elected president.

The sole media personality to make the list is FNC's Bill O'Reilly.

For nearly seven decades, Gallup has asked Americans, using an open-ended question, to name the man and woman living anywhere in the world whom they admire most. The current results are based on a Dec. 8-11 poll.

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R.I.P.: 'Mother' Of Minnesota Radio Joyce Lamont

Joyce Lamont

For more than five decades, Joyce Lamont’s folksy, familiar voice was a fixture on Minnesota airwaves.

“She was a pioneer,” said retired WCCO radio announcer Charlie Boone, who worked with Lamont for many years.

Lamont died Sunday at age 98,  according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

She grew up in Duluth and began her career in the Twin Cities at a time when few women were heard on radio. She started behind the scenes, as a “continuity director,” writing copy for others to read on the air. But once she got the opportunity to be a substitute host, she became a regular on-air presence for more than 40 years at WCCO 830 AM  and later at KLBB 1220 AM, until her retirement in 2003.

“She had a marvelous voice,” Boone said of Lamont, who was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2001. She became the voice of “Dayton’s Musical Chimes,” the long-running “Best Buys” and other programs. She worked with many of the best-known personalities in Minnesota broadcasting, including Bob DeHaven, Howard Viken and Jergen Nash.

“She loved it (radio), and loved her listeners,” said longtime friend Dee Larson.

Lamont’s listeners returned the love. She received as many as 10,000 letters a month, more than any other broadcaster at WCCO, according to her Hall of Fame biography.

1986 AUDIO SAMPLE: Click Here   (More at RadioTapes.com)

She became an on-air broadcaster purely by accident. While working at WCCO radio as a script and ad writer in 1950, she was asked to read a couple of lines on air because a woman's voice was needed and no other woman was in the office. Her voice was perfect for radio. Soon, she was recruited for on-air segments that led to the popular "Morning Program." There she served as the on-air home economist despite the fact that she had little time to cook herself.

Lamont left WCCO in 1989, after her contract was not renewed, but soon found a home at KLBB, where she rejoined several of her former WCCO colleagues. Leaving WCCO was “very painful,” according to her friend Larson. “But she was happy to be invited over to KLBB, and she loved it there.”

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