State Dept. Acknowledges Censorship Incident

The State Department, in a stunning admission, acknowledged Wednesday that an official intentionally deleted several minutes of video footage from a 2013 press briefing, where a top spokeswoman seemed to acknowledge misleading the press over the Iran nuclear deal, according to Fox News.

“There was a deliberate request [to delete the footage] – this wasn’t a technical glitch,” State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday, in admitting that an unidentified official had a video editor “excise” the segment.

The State Department had faced questions earlier this year over the block of missing tape from a December 2013 briefing. At that briefing, then-spokeswoman Jen Psaki was asked by Fox News’ James Rosen about an earlier claim that no direct, secret talks were underway between the U.S. and Iran – when, in fact, they were.

Psaki at the time seemed to admit the discrepancy, saying: “There are times where diplomacy needs privacy in order to progress. This is a good example of that.”

However, Fox News later discovered the Psaki exchange was missing from the department’s official website and its YouTube channel. Eight minutes from the briefing, including the comments on the Iran deal, were edited out and replaced with a white-flash effect.

Officials initially suggested a "glitch" occurred.

But on Wednesday, current State Department spokesman Kirby said someone had censored the video intentionally. He said he couldn't find out who was responsible, but described such action as unacceptable.


While saying there were “no rules [or] regulations in place that prohibited” this at the time, Kirby said: "Deliberately removing a portion of the video was not and is not in keeping with the State Department's commitment to transparency and public accountability.”

Kirby said he learned that on the same day of the 2013 briefing, a video editor received a call from a State Department public affairs official who made "a specific request ... to excise that portion of the briefing."

Kirby says he has since ordered the original video restored on all platforms and asked the State Department's legal adviser to examine the matter. He said no further investigation will be made, primarily because no rules were in place against such actions.

Kirby said he has ordered new rules created to prevent a recurrence.

The Psaki footage took on new significance last month on the heels of a New York Times Magazine profile of Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes, who boasted of creating an “echo chamber” to sell the Iran deal.

TMZ' Levin: "Traditional media... They gotta wake up."

Harvey Levin

TMZ's Harvey Levin, on stage Wednesday night at the Code Conference 2016, talked about the "crisis" facing major media companies: Aging audiences and a reluctance to try new things that will appeal to younger viewers/readers."

According to the CNNMoney Media Team, Harvey lampooned cable news ads for "drugs and death" and mocking TV reporter packages while responding to the recent New Yorker story about TMZ's practices. Talk of TMZ paying for info has been "overblown," he said. While defending his payments for photos/videos by saying "everybody" does it, and admitting he's not against paying for tips, he said "I cannot remember the last time we paid for a tip."

In fact, founder Harvey Levin told the crowd Wednesday at the Code Conference, when TMZ reported that former First Lady Nancy Reagan had died in early March, the tabloid broke the story before Reagan's own daughter even found out.

"I was at the gym on Sunday, and Patti Davis, [Reagan's] daughter came up to me and asked 'How did you get this before I found out?'" Levin recounted. "We got a tip, and it happens to be someone I know, and we started making calls."


He said that when TMZ recently broke the story of Prince's death, the news helped set a traffic record of 18 million unique visitors for the site.

Redstone Granddaughter Supports Viacom Board

(Reuters) -- Sumner Redstone's granddaughter Keryn said on Wednesday she plans to support the independent directors of Viacom Inc to help free the 93-year-old media mogul from the "clutches" of his daughter, Shari.

The independent directors have questioned Sumner Redstone's mental competence, and said they will legally contest any move by his purported representatives to remove them from Viacom's board.

"I will soon be announcing legal steps to join with the Viacom directors in our common cause to liberate my grandfather from Shari's clutches and protect my fellow trust beneficiaries and myself from her machinations," Keryn Redstone said in a statement issued by attorney Pierce O'Donnell, who also represents Sumner Redstone's ex-girlfriend Manuela Herzer.

Philippe Dauman

Herzer had challenged Redstone's mental competence after she was ejected from his mansion last October. She had sought to be reinstated as his designated healthcare agent, but a Los Angeles judge dismissed that case in May. Herzer's lawyers have said she planned to appeal the decision.

Keryn Redstone, who supported Herzer's lawsuit, said she had been prevented from seeing her grandfather by her aunt, Shari Redstone, who is vice chair of Viacom's board.

A spokeswoman for Shari Redstone had no comment. She had previously denied allegations that she was manipulating her father. "Shari has made it abundantly clear that she has no desire to manage Viacom nor chair its board," she said in a statement on Tuesday.

Sumner Redstone, in a statement issued last week by his spokesman, said he was considering replacing Viacom's chief executive, Philippe Dauman, and its board of directors.

Legal experts said Dauman and the directors would face a tough legal battle to prevent their ouster because Redstone's National Amusements Inc (NAI) had the ability to immediately remove Viacom's board at any time under Delaware law.

NAI controls 80 percent of the voting shares in Viacom and CBS Corp. Earlier in May, Redstone ejected Dauman and a Viacom board member from the seven-person trust that will control the voting shares after Redstone's exit.

Fred Jacobs Presents 'TechSurvey 12' At The Conclave

Fred Jacobs

The Conclave, which celebrates 41 years of educating radio broadcasters this year, announces that Fred Jacobs, President, Jacobs Media, will join the all-star speaker line-up for its annual summer learning conference, Conclave 41. Jacobs will present “Techsurvey 12” in a special session that is open to all Conclave 41 registrants.

Conclave 41 will be held July 13-15, 2016, at the Crowne Plaza in Minneapolis.

Jacobs’s “Techsurvey 12” presentation will help the industry understand what radio listeners are doing when they are not listening to radio, and will address topics including:

• What “jobs” are your listeners hiring your station to do in 2016? 
• Does radio have a “commercial addiction” problem?
• Is podcasting really “the next big thing?” 
• Why is everyone so fixated on cars? 
• Does radio still “own” traffic reports? 

Jacobs said: “The Conclave’s long commitment to learning is in-sync with our belief at Jacobs Media that young broadcasters are at the core of radio’s future. We have supported this conference for many, many years, and I’m honored to a part of this year’s truly iconic lineup.”

Among the esteemed speakers and mentors attending Conclave 41 are: Ginny Morris, Chair and CEO, Hubbard Radio; Caroline Beasley, CFO/EVP, Beasley Broadcast Group; Jim Ryan, SVP, CBS Radio; Kevin LeGrett, President, Los Angeles region, iHeart Media; Gary Pizzati, SVP, Cumulus Media; and Susan Larkin, RVP, Cox Media Group; plus Dan Mason, former CEO, CBS Radio, who will speak at a very special industry luncheon.

A special registration rate of only $299 is available for a limited time at: http://www.TheConclave.com.

Indy Radio: Laura Steele To Join WJJK-FM LineUp

Laura Steele

Media personality Laura Steele is returning to rock 'n' roll radio.

The former midday host at WFBQ 94.7 FM will join the staff at Classic Hits WJJK 104.5 FM, beginning with a 6 p.m. shift on Saturday, June 4, according to the Indy Star.

Subsequently, Steele will be heard from 7 p.m. to midnight on weekdays.

"I know WJJK will be a perfect fit because when I listen to the station I turn the volume up as loud as it can go," Steele said of the station that focuses on music made in the 1970s and '80s. "I have such a love for this music. It truly stands the test of time."

Adult Hits WJJK ranked No. 1 in listenership among all Indianapolis residents ages 6 and older in April. Classic rock station WFBQ ranked No. 7, according to Nielsen.

Pike High School alum Steele exited the airwaves of Q95 in May 2015. Pop station WZPL 99.5 FM provided Steele's first job in Indianapolis radio and she raised her profile as a classic rock expert at WNAP 93.1 FM, beginning in 1999, and then at Q95, beginning in 2000.

WJJK 104.5 FM (50 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

Steele, who became the first woman to join the Indianapolis Motor Speedway public address team in 2004, served as an Indianapolis 500 contributor last month for TV station WISH-8.

Seattle Radio: Report..KIRO Adds John Clayton

John Clayton

ESPN football commentator John Clayton is adding to an already-hefty Seattle radio presence with his own local morning show.

Starting Monday, Clayton, known as “The Professor,” will host a daily 10 a.m. to noon segment on KIRO 710 AM ESPN Seattle, replacing the Justin & Gee show that began airing in March 2015.

Sources close to the station confirmed that Justin Myers, one of that show’s co-hosts, was dismissed on Wednesday while Gee Scott has been reassigned to other duties with the station, reports The Seattle Times.

Clayton, 62, a longtime Seattle area resident, will continue hosting “The John Clayton Show” on Saturday mornings, which he has hosted since shortly after the all-sports station’s 2009 inception. He will also maintain all of his national duties for ESPN in addition to hosting the show.

KIRO 710 am (50 Kw, DA-N) Red=Local Coverage Area

The move comes as 710 ESPN and rival network Sports Radio KJR 950 AM gear up for Seahawks training camp in August. The Hawks are a major ratings source for both stations, which have ramped up coverage accordingly across all shows in recent years.

Beasley Adds Industry Vet Bob McCurdy as VP/Sales

Bob McCurdy

Beasley Media Group, Inc., Wednesday announced the appointment of Bob McCurdy to Vice President of Sales.

He will be based in the Corporate Headquarters in Naples, Florida.

According to the Beasley press release McCurdy has earned his stellar reputation as a leading sales authority in the radio industry, most recently when he served as president of Upping the Volume a sales consultancy, which uses data to help clients better position radio to prospects. Over three decades, Bob has trained hundreds of sales people in addition to being one of the key voices for the radio industry with both advertisers and agencies.

He has held prominent sales and management positions in Chicago, Minneapolis and New York, where he became President of Katz Radio in 1990. In 2009, Bob became the President of Katz Marketing Solutions, then the new business arm of the Katz Radio Group.

Bob commented, “I’ve known the Beasley folks for a long time and I am thrilled to be joining their team. They have a terrific lineup of stations around the country, staffed by talented people. It’ll be a privilege to be able to work even more closely with their sales and management teams, as we move forward.”

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Bob to Beasley’s corporate office,” said Interim CEO Caroline Beasley. “He is a champion for the radio industry, and well-known by both advertisers and agencies.”

“As we continue to focus on bringing our partners more value, Bob’s unique ability to analyze research and repurpose it for our clients’ benefit will certainly accelerate this initiative!” added Chief Revenue Officer Heather Monahan.

Las Vegas Radio: Deirdre Palmer New GSM For Beasley

Deirdre Palmer

Beasley Media Group, Inc. has hired Deirdre “Deedy” Palmer to serve as General Sales Manager for the Company’s Las Vegas cluster.

Deirdre's experience in the Las Vegas market includes two decades of radio industry experience, along with magazine and custom publishing, and most recently, Vice President of Sales at a Las Vegas-based media company.

“Deedy’s professional success and client relationships have secured millions of dollars in business over the years,” stated Beasley’s Las Vegas Market Director of Sales Mark Sturcken. “I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside my colleague Deedy for ten years as Senior Account Executives and most recently, I competed against her! Her talent, relationships and passion for our business in the Las Vegas market are second to none.”

“I am ready to start working with Beasley’s Las Vegas team, particularly DOS Mark Sturcken and Market Manager Tom Humm, whom I greatly respect,” added Deedy. “They make me feel right at home, here at Beasley. It’s my honor to be part of a company that has such an incredible reputation. I have watched Beasley’s growth and I’m so proud to be contributing to this winning team!

Amarillo Radio: Alpha Names Robert Mueller New MM

Robert Mueller

Alpha Media has anniounced Robert Mueller aka "Cisco Kidd" is the new Marketing Manager for hte three station cluster for Alpha Media/Amarillo.

He was most recently Alpha Media Corporate Project Manager, handling digital initiatives for the company.

The cluster includes Country KGNC 97.9 FM, Classic HIts KXGL 100.9 FM The Eagle and Talk KGNC 710 AM.  This is a return to the market for Mueller who worked in a programming/on-air capacity at several Amarillo stations before moving on to Citadel/Oklahoma city in 2000.

Alpha Media Executive VP/Western Division Larry Bastida commented on the announcement, "I've worked with Robert in varying capacities for over 16-years and he's always delivered, he's smart and competitive. Radio and digital run in his blood. More than anything, he has always had great appreciation for his fellow teammates, as well as being mindful of the obligation we have to our advertising partners. Not only am I excited for Robert to have this great opportunity, I'm excited for Alpha to have him in Amarillo."

"Being able to work with a talented staff in the market I grew up in and being only 5 minutes away from my family makes this a win win. I am truly blessed to be part of a company that believes in the power of Live & Local radio. A big thank you to Bob Proffitt, Larry Wilson, Larry Bastida and Stefan Brock for this opportunity," remarked Mueller.

Las Cruces Radio: Adams Group Names Mike Jensen GSM

Mike Jensen

Mike Jensen has been named General Sales Manager for Adams Radio of Las Cruces.

Adams owns and operates Country  KGRT 103.9 FM, Classic Hits KSNM 98.7 FM, Top40 KHQT 103.1 FM  and Fox Sports KWML 570 AM in Las Cruces.

Jensen comes to Adams Radio from Las Vegas with extensive experience in media and event sales. He began his career in broadcast media in Nebraska and Colorado and spent 10 years at CBS Radio in Las Vegas as a Senior Account Executive. In addition, Jensen, was a Sales Manager at Global Experience Specialists and most recently served as an Account Executive for Lamar Outdoor Las Vegas. Mike will be relocating to Las Cruces in June.

Aaron Criswell, Adams Radio DOS in Las Cruces commented: “Mike’s client focused approach to selling and customer focus will be a huge asset to us in Cruces. His background in radio, outdoor and events will be extremely beneficial to our growth.”

Mike added, “As a passionate believer in the ability of local radio to transform and grow businesses, it is an absolute pleasure to join Adams Radio Group in Las Cruces. I look forward to guiding the sales team and contributing to the success of Adams Radio Group and local businesses in the community. “

ESPN Re-Signs Mike Breen

Mike Breen

ESPN announced Wednesday it has re-signed its lead NBA play-by-play commentator Mike Breen, the voice of the NBA Finals, to a long-term deal. Breen joined ESPN in 2003 and began calling the NBA Finals in 2006.

He is entering his 11th season as the voice of the NBA Finals – the most ever for a play-by-play commentator.

John Wildhack, ESPN executive vice president, production and programming:

“Mike is a second-to-none talent whose passion for storytelling, depth of basketball knowledge and distinctive style is a difference-maker for ESPN. His class and professionalism has earned him the universal respect of his peers and has made him synonymous with the NBA Finals. Mike’s excellence makes his team better and enhances the overall quality of our NBA coverage. We couldn’t be happier that Mike will continue his incredible run with ESPN for many years to come.”

In his new deal, Breen will continue to serve as the play-caller for the NBA Finals on ABC, the Conference Finals on ESPN, plus a premier package of NBA regular-season games, including NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC, and marquee playoff games.

Mike Breen on new deal:

“With all due respect to Mr. Gehrig, I think I’m the luckiest man on the face of the earth. To be able to work for ESPN with so many talented people, and broadcast the game I have loved since I was a boy, it really is a dream come true. I feel truly blessed that ESPN has put their trust in me to broadcast the NBA, including the NBA Finals. I am fortunate to be a part of an amazing broadcast and production team with Jeff, Mark, Doris and many more, and I can’t wait for the 2016 NBA Finals to start.”

Breen, alongside analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson and reporter Doris Burke, are the longest-tenured NBA Finals television broadcast team, currently in their 7th year as a quartet.

The 2016 NBA Finals – exclusively on ABC – will begin with Game 1 on Thursday, June 2, at 9 p.m. ET.

FNC Tops Basic Cable, Holt Wins Total Viewers During May

Fox News Channel topped all of basic cable in total day in total viewers again in May, marking the first time the cable news network has topped the basic cable ratings chart three months in a calendar year, and this year is only five months old. FNC led basic cable for two months of the full calendar year during the Iraq War.

In primetime, FNC ranked No. 3 among basic cable networks, Behind NBA playoff-fueled TBS and ESPN. CNN ranked No. 13 in primetime, and MSNBC was No. 15, according to Deadline.

CNN noted it has bested MSNBC for 23 consecutive months in total day in both overall audience and in the news demo. In primetime, CNN also has outstripped MSNBC for 23 consecutive months in the news demo and for six consecutive in total viewers.

MSNBC, meanwhile, pointed out it delivered the highest percentage of total-day growth in cable news for the month – 61% in total viewers and 49% in the news demo. Except MSNBC did even better, percentage-wise, in primetime: up 78% among overall audience and 66% in the news demo.

In the world of evening news, May 2016 sweeps belongs to the Peacock. NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt won its 35th consecutive sweep among total viewers and its 4th consecutive sweep in the A25-54 demo. Nightly was up 3 percent in total viewers and up 6 percent in the news demo from May 2015 sweeps.

ABC World News Tonight with David Muir took No. 2 spot among total viewers and A25-54. The program was up 3 percent in total viewers versus May 2015 sweeps, but down 7 percent in the news demo.

CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley held No. 3 spot in key categories, and it saw year-over-year improvement for the May sweep: +1 percent in total viewers and +3 percent in the news demo. The 6.686 million is the program’s best total viewer delivery for a May sweep in 10 years, and its 7.35 million total viewer delivery for the entire TV season is also the best in 10 years.