Liberty Media Touts Strong Performance By SiriusXM

• Subscriber base grew to 27.3M

Liberty Media issued its earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2014 on Wednesday, revealing an increase in revenues over the equivalent quarter in 2013.

Liberty, which owns interests in companies including SiriusXM Holdings and Live Nation Entertainment, also reported $1.095 billion in earnings,versus $1.025 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013.

According to The Wrap, that put the company right in line with the predictions of analysts, who had forecast that the company would report revenues in the $1.09 billion range.

The company touted a strong fourth quarter for SiriusXM, which Liberty owns a 56.7 percent ownership stake in as of Feb. 3, and whose subscriber base grew to 27.3 million in 2014.

“Once again, SiriusXM posted record results for the fourth quarter and full year. Subscriber growth in the fourth quarter was a particular highlight, marking the largest fourth quarter increase since 2007. SiriusXM enters 2015 with a strong trial funnel, an unmatched offering of exclusive content and focused on the opportunities around a future connected car environment,” said Greg Maffei, president and CEO of Liberty Media

Nashville Radio: iHM Gives Michael Bryan New Title

Michael Bryan

iHeartMedia/Nashville Operations Manager and WSIX 97.9 FM Big98 Program Director Michael Bryan has been given a new title: Senior VP/Programming.

Bryan will also become Executive PD of Premiere Networks-syndicated "Bobby Bones Show" and "Tige & Daniel" shows. Bryan joined the Nashville five-station cluster in 2012 as OM.

Prior to joining the Nashville cluster, Bryan served as Digital Program Director for Clear Channel/Orlando and Program Director of Top40 WXXL 106.7 FM in Orlando.

Bryan said, "Great programming is built on connecting incredible personalities with our collective audience. It's a true privilege to lead such legendary brands in Nashville. I can't think of a bigger honor than getting the opportunity to work more closely with both The Bobby Bones Show and Tige and Daniel."

"Michael's incredibly intuitive programming ability and top-notch leadership qualities make this a very well-deserved promotion," says Nashville VP/MM Dan Endom.

Memphis Radio: Flinn Goes From 'Boom' To Bumpin'

Flinn Broadcasting has rebranded its Classic HipHop format in the Memphis market after a lawsuit filed by Radio for it's use of the trademarked 'Boom' brand.

Flinn is now using "Bumpin' 96' on its WIVG 96.1 FM and WOFX 96.3 FM in the Memphis-area

Meanwhile, a Federal judge has granted Radio One's request for a permanent injunction preventing Flinn Broadcasting from using Radio One's trademarked term "Boom" on its radio stations.

Radio One has been using the trademarked slogan "Boom" since October of 2014 on the Throwback/Classic Hip Hop stations the company launched in Houston, Philadelphia, Dallas and Atlanta.

See Original Posting: Click Here

Radio One, Inc. subsequently filed suit against Flinn, alleging trademark infringement, false designation of origin, deceptive acts and practices and unfair competition over the use of the "Boom" name.

Salem Media Group Signs Eric Metaxas For New Daily Show

Eric Metaxas

Salem Media Group has announced  that its newest talk show host will be noted author, columnist, speaker and TV personality Eric Metaxas. Eric will be joining Salem Radio Network on Monday, April 20th with a new afternoon talk show. The two-hour program will air live weekday afternoons 2pm to 4pm ET.

"We are extremely enthusiastic to have Eric join the Salem platform," said Phil Boyce, Senior Vice President of Salem Radio Network.  "I have tried to get Eric to join us for two years, and this opportunity seemed to be a perfect match.  He'll do a great show every day that will inspire listeners and help stations grow their audience."

Eric Metaxas is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for mobilizing people to ask bigger questions and live more meaningful lives. His smash best-seller Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet Spy is ranked #21 by Amazon in "most highlighted books of all time," and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Eric created a national stir in 2012 when his keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast created a tidal wave of support and his recent Wall Street Journal article "Science Increasingly Makes the Case for God" is the most popular article ever published at the WSJ online. Eric lives in Manhattan with his wife and family and will broadcast the daily program from Salem Radio Network studios in the Empire State Building.

"I've waited for the right opportunity, and this is it," said Eric. "Stu Epperson, Ed Atsinger, Dave Santrella, Phil Boyce, Hugh Hewitt, and Dennis Prager and all the rest are names I've revered for years. To be a part of what they are doing is an honor and a privilege. What's more, it will be fun and I'm champing at the bit to get started."

"In our continuing efforts to add value to all of our platforms, we are delighted to have Eric Metaxas join us to create a new and exciting daily radio program that will be entertaining, enlightening, and will truly make a difference," said Salem Media Group CEO, Ed Atsinger.

"Our goal is to create a great talk program that Christian stations will feel proud to carry, but could also be a true cross-over to the News Talk arena," said Dave Santrella, Salem President of Broadcast Media.

Detroit Radio: Dave Shore Named New PD For WMGC

Dave Shore

Greater Media has announced Dave Shore has been named as the new program director at Detroit Sports WMGC 105.1 FM in the Motor City. He will begin his new position on Monday, March 23, 2015.

“Dave’s experience in overseeing sports radio in major markets like LA, along with his relationship with the Lakers made him the perfect choice to lead the Detroit Sports 105.1 team,” said Steve Chessare, vice president and market manager of Greater Media Detroit. “We are absolutely thrilled to have him help us take the station to the next level.”

Shore most recently served as the operations manager of ESPN Radio’s KSPN 710 AM/ ESPN LA, where he was responsible for overseeing  daily operations and special events, as well as managing team relationships for the past four years. In addition,Shore was heard on the  air as the pre-game host of the Los Angeles Lakers broadcasts.

Prior to that, he worked for Capitol Broadcasting in North Carolina,where Shore launched 99.9 FM/The Fan in 2007, as well as managed AM Sports sister stations 620The Buzz and 1550 ESPN Desportes.

He also served as the sports director and talk show host/reporter for seven years at ESPN Radio’s 103.3FM in Dallas. Texas. While there, he hosted the pre-game show as well as did side-line reporting for both radio and television for the NBA Dallas Mavericks broadcast team.

In addition to continuing to work sidelines for ESPN Radio’s national college football radio coverage, he did TV play by play for Bob Knight’s last four years coaching at Texas Tech. The broadcasting veteran has also worked in Portland,Oregon, Lexington, Kentucky and Evansville,Indiana.

Radiodays Europe To Host US Talent Experts

Elvis Duran, one of America’s most popular radio personalities, is a headliner at this year’s Radiodays Europe in Milan, Italy.  Duran will take the stage and pull back the curtain on the Z-100 Morning Show which is based in New York and heard in 70 markets across the country. Duran is excited for the opportunity, “I'm honored to be participating in this event. This is a great chance to show how connected we all are through the power of radio.”

Joining him on stage is the Vice President of Talent Development for iHeartMedia, Dennis Clark. Dennis’ role is to nurture the best and most talented radio people in the industry and he works directly with key radio personalities, such as Duran and Ryan Seacrest. They’ll discuss how to create a show that consistently delivers huge audiences, and will reveal the ingredients that makes Elvis Duran the most listened to Top 40 Morning Show in the states.

The U.S. radio industry will be well represented at this year’s Radiodays Europe. Here are just some of the other notable U.S. presenters and workshop leaders making the pilgrimage to Milan March 15-17.

• Anna Sale, producer at WNYC, is leading a session on “Death, Sex and Money; How to Start and Succeed with Podcasting.”
• David G. Hall, media strategist, is presenting a session titled, “Five Simple Tools to Make Your Show Better.”
• Larry Gifford, programming & talent consultant, is co-presenting the “30 Ideas in 45 Minutes” session and is a leader at the “Fast & Furious” workshop.
• John Vorhaus, creative consultant, is leading a workshop on “Your Radio Brand” and presenting a session on “How to be Funny When You’re Not.”
• Steve Jones, music industry veteran, is hosting the session, “Be Like a Rock Star!”
• Larry Rosin, Edison Research, is diving deep into the “Stream Battle.”
• Marty Garrison, VP Technology for NPR, is co-presenting “What if Technology Was Your Best Friend After All.”
• Joel Sucherman, Sr. Dir. Digital Developments for NPR, will discuss “Mobile Apps; More Than Just Live Radio.”
• Dennis Clark, VP Talent Development for iHeartMedia, is presenting a session on “Making Radio Personalities Relevant in 2015.”
• Warren Kurtzman, President & COO of Coleman Insights, is discussing, “Aristotelian Dramaturgy - How to Create Compelling Personality-Driven Content.”
• Bryce Clemmer, CEO of Vadio, is co-presenting a session on “Radio Worth Watching.”
• Rob Green, VP of Streaming for WideOrbit, is presenting “From Linear to Digital.”

The complete list of sessions and speakers and ticket information for Radiodays Europe is available at www.radiodayseurope.com

Launched in 2010, Radiodays Europe is the largest and most important international radio conference in the world. It is also considered to be the best with high quality content, great speakers and a huge program with over 100 speakers in 55 sessions over 2½ days. In 2014, it attracted 1300 delegates from over 60 countries.

NOLA Radio: ExTalk Host Jennifer Gaubert Avoids Jail

Jennifer Gaubert

A New Orleans attorney and former radio personality avoided jail time Wednesday in a bizarre case in which she was accused of filing a bogus police report against a taxi driver who filmed her making sexual advances in his cab.

The lawyer, Jennifer Gaubert, faced up to six months in jail for criminal mischief — a lesser offense she was convicted of last month after standing trial on the felony charge of making a false statement. But Criminal District Court Judge Arthur Hunter, who handled the proceedings without a jury, sentenced Gaubert to a suspended sentence of one day in Orleans Parish Prison and one day of probation.

The sentence capped a saga that began in April 2012 with Gaubert’s drunken cab ride to Lakeview from Galatoire’s restaurant on Bourbon Street, where she had enjoyed several drinks during a three-hour lunch.

The cab driver, Hervey Farrell, shot a cellphone video, since published online, in which Gaubert, having climbed into the front seat, pleads for sex while exposing her genitals to him.

Chicago Radio: WMVP, MLS Fire Renew Partnership

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Wednesday that the club has renewed its partnership for two years with WMVP 1000 AM ESPN Chicago and will continue to broadcast the live, weekly Fire-themed soccer show beginning on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7 a.m. CT. Returning hosts Fred Huebner and Kevin Egan will be joined in the booth by former U.S. Women’s National Team defender Danielle Slaton to anchor “Chicago Fire Weekly” presented by The PrivateBank.

“It’s a great opportunity for the club to continue this weekly radio show, allowing our fans another unique outlet to enjoy Fire coverage,” said Fire COO Atul Khosla. “The partnership with ESPN Radio allows us to keep reaching a wider audience and continue to engage with soccer fans in the Chicagoland area.”

"Chicago Fire Weekly" presented by The PrivateBank will continue its live, one-hour show covering the Chicago Fire and other soccer news from around MLS and the world. The show is scheduled to run for 33 weeks in 2015, beginning on Feb. 28 with an option to extend the show through the MLS playoffs. All shows will also be available via live streaming at ESPNChicago.com, as well as via downloadable podcast.

“ESPN Chicago is pleased to renew our partnership with the Chicago Fire Soccer Club,” said ESPN Chicago Vice President and General Manager John E. Cravens. “'Chicago Fire Weekly' will continue to air on Saturday mornings where fans will be updated and entertained on Chicago Fire team happenings.”

Cousin Brucie To Host British Invasion Special On SiriusXM

Bruce Morrow

Several of the stars of the British Invasion 2015 Tour -- Denny Laine from Paul McCartney and Wings, Chad & Jeremy, Billy J. Kramer, Mike Pender of the Searchers and Terry Sylvester of the Hollies -- performed at the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square Feb. 24 to tape a new radio specialm according to The Eximiner.

The special for Sirius/XM Satellite Radio is titled “Cousin Brucie Presents the British Invasion Stars.”

The show was emceed by veteran disc jockey Cousin Bruce Morrow of Sirius/XM Radio. who hosts “Crusin' With Cousin Brucie” and “Cousin Brucie's Saturday Rock 'n' Roll Party” for SiriusXM.

Though Sirius/XM often tapes at their studios, this special was taped at the Hard Rock Times Square, which stands on the site of the former Paramount Theater.

According to British Invasion tour producer Keith Putney, the show was done before an invited audience.

The taping lasted roughly an hour and 20 minutes, and included extensive interviews with each artist about their musical influences. Terry Sylvester told Morrow he was influenced by the Everly Brothers and the first record he ever bought was Elvis Presley's “Hound Dog”/“Don't Be Cruel.”

Denny Laine said his big influence was Lonnie Donnegan's recording of “Wabash Cannonball,” while Chad & Jeremy cited Josh White. The show will premiere 5 p.m ET Friday (Feb.27) and will be repeated at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.

Read More Now

Billings Radio: Livin' Large Larry Freezin' For A Reason

A two-year old awaiting heart surgery has inspired the sixth annual "Freezin' for a Reason."

Billings morning personality Livin' Large Larry was not planing this year's event until he heard about Malachi Hosa.

Malichi turns three on Friday and already has had two open heart surgeries.

Livin' Large Larrry hosts the Billings Morning News on NewsTalk KCHH 95.5 FM.

He's camping out for three nights in the Stockman Bank parking lot on King Avenue West.

Larry says he knows what it's like to receive help in overcoming a medical issue.

"Out of six years of doing this, this is the first time I've talked about this part," Larry said. "I had cancer 18 years ago and my kids were three years old and six months old at that time, and I vowed that when I beat my disease, I would come back and be that radio guy that just gives back, gives back. My wife will tell you a longer version of that story, but in a nutshell, that's why I do Freezin' for a Reason, to be quite honest with you."

He started this year's fundraiser at 5pm Wednesday - and he'll stay out until 5pm Friday.

R.I.P. Former WDAY Fargo Morning Host Earl Williams

Earl Williams

Earl Williams, co-host of “The Earl and Don Show” on WDAY 970 AM radio, kept listeners laughing from the late 1960s to 1981 has died from the effects of a stroke.

He was 79-years-of-age, according to Inforum.

Whether your radio was tuned to WDAY, or you met Williams at a coffee shop, you’d know him as the man with the wit that wouldn’t quit.

“Earl was the kind of guy, who you always walked away from smiling and laughing. He always had a funny story,” said Larry Gauper, a copy writer and radio commercial producer for WDAY from 1967 to 1975.

“Every time you’d see a group of people (at WDAY), and they’d be standing around in a circle and they’d be laughing and roaring, I’d go over there and there would be Earl, telling a story,” Gauper said.

He began his radio career May 15, 1954, in Glendive, Mont., at KXGN. Williams also worked at radio stations WJON and KKAM in St. Cloud, Minn., and at KOVC Radio in Valley City, N.D., before moving to Fargo in 1965. He worked for a time at KXGO radio in Fargo, before joining WDAY.

Williams ended his run on the WDAY morning show in 1981, returning to the air at Fargo’s KVOX 1280 AM in April 1983.

Williams worked in radio until 1986.