Billboard: MJ's 'Billie Jean' #14 With A Bullet

A week after becoming the first artist to reach the Billboard Hot 100's top 10 in five different decades (and six including his work with the Jackson 5), as "Love Never Felt So Good," with Justin Timberlake zoomed 22-9, Michael Jackson makes news again, as his 1983 No. 1 "Billie Jean" returns.

The song re-enters at No. 14 thanks to the popularity of a viral video featuring the track.

Meanwhile, Jackson scores his milestone 50th Hot 100 hit, as "Slave to the Rhythm," from his new album "Xscape," debuts at No. 45.



Billboard reports "Billie Jean" revisits the Hot 100 with 95 percent of its chart points from streaming, thanks to the stylings of Brett Nichols, a junior at Pitman High School in Turlock, Calif. Nichols performed Jackson's iconic dance sequence from 1983's "Motown 25" TV special for his school's talent show, with the clip featuring the song's original audio. The video went viral and Jackson's classic bows on Streaming Songs with 11.2 million U.S. streams in the week ending May 25 (a 320 percent surge), according to Nielsen BDS. It debuts with 95 percent of its streams from YouTube (non-Vevo) activity.

"Billie Jean," from "Thriller," the best-selling studio album of all time (it's been certified 29 times Platinum by to the RIAA), spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in a 24-week run in 1983. It and 1991's "Black or White" mark the longest reigns of Jackson's 13 Hot 100 No. 1s, the most leaders among solo males.

Midwest Comm To Acquire Nine Stations From South Central

Wausau-based Midwest Communications is acquiring nine additional radio stations.

The deal announced late Wednesday has Midwest Communications agreeing to a deal with Evansville, Indiana based South Central Communications for an undisclosed price.

Midwest Communications President and CEO Duke Wright believes he’s fortunate to acquire one of America’s best run radio groups. The stations include WIKY, WSTO, WABX, and WLFW in Evansville, Indiana, WJXA and WCJK in Nashville, Tennessee, and WJXB, WVRX, and WIMZ in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Duke Wright

Wright says Midwest will not begin operating the nine radio properties until the sale is approved by the FCC. “That will take several months. That’s usual. We would expect to, pending FCC approval, be involved in operating these stations sometime in September.”

South Central CEO J.P. Englebrecht issued a statement saying, “We have found a great steward for our radio stations and people in Midwest Communications.”

Wright says South Central is a lot like Midwest Communications in many ways.  “(They’re) family owned, began operations in 1947, third generation of the founding family is now running South Central, and they have diversified into some other fields that they wish to pursue, and decided to sell their radio division, and believe you me, these are wonderful radio stations in terrific markets.”

Wright started Midwest Communications with WRIG-AM in Wausau, Wisconsin in 1958. The nine stations included in this deal brings Midwest Communications portfolio up to 72 radio stations including this one in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

The Midwest Communications home page lists the company's existing radio stations and cities they are located in.

L&L Broadcasting Names Phil Becker VP of Programming

Phil Becker

L&L Broadcasting has announced Phil Becker has been named VP of Programming.

Becker is a 20-year veteran in the industry with experience in several areas including Program Director in Buffalo, NY (CKEY/Citadel Communications), Orlando, FL (WPYO/ Cox Radio), Fort Wayne, IN (WJFX/Fort Wayne Radio Corp) and Dothan, AL (WBCD/New South Communications). Becker has also worked as Operations Manager in Ft. Wayne (WJFX, WBTU, WJOE/ Oasis Radio Group), and most recently Co-owner and General Manager of Oasis Radio Group in Ft. Wayne, IN.

Becker was named “America’s Top 50 Programmers” by Radio Ink in 2010, “Most Influential Programmers” by R & R in 2005, and “Talent Development Spotlight” by Mark Ramsey Media and “Station of the Year” from the Indiana Broadcasters Association in 2009.

President and CEO of L&L Broadcasting, Bob Proffitt said, “As a continuation of our rapid growth, we have been searching for the ideal candidate to help Scott and our programming teams execute strategies for on-air, online and mobile audience growth. Phil is the absolute perfect fit for us and will not only be a dynamic addition to our corporate structure, but a welcoming face to our markets as he helps them continue to evolve.”

Scott Mahalick, L&L Broadcasting Senior VP and Director of Programming commented on the announcement, “We are thrilled to have such a visionary programmer join our team with a winning track record, great passion for the art of the product, business sense and stellar leadership traits.”

“I am elated to be joining the L&L Broadcasting team. They are truly focused on their brands, as well as hiring the best people. The direction and vision of the entire corporate team is an exciting and refreshing approach to the industry that I love,” said Phil Becker.

Ryan Seacrest: Do More With Social Media

Ryan Seacrest

Using social media to build a stronger bond with TV and other entertainment audiences is already working, but  Hollywood needs to do a lot more with it, Ryan Seacrest,  said at the Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, according to deadline.com.

“I believe that the dialogue [with audiences] needs to live on, not just during the broadcast,” said the man with 12 million Twitter followers and a bewildering array of TV and radio shows, Internet investments and more.

“We’re trying to do that. As an industry, we need to be doing more of that. One of the great things about [American] Idol when it first started was that it brought family together. When you watch Idol now, you can re-create that [in social media conversations]. I believe that conversation about your show is important. Whether that translates to a rating point, I don’t know.”

Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, who joined Seacrest onstage along with Kara Swisher of conference sponsor Re/Code, said studies by Nielsen, Fox and others back up Seacrest’s belief that a strong social media presence on Twitter and beyond can boost a TV show’s success.

“A Nielsen study last year found three things that drive ratings: 1) last year’s ratings, 2) the amount spent on advertising and 3) Twitter,” Costolo said. “Twitter can extend and aggregate attention for shows. What we saw to be true anecdotally, they documented.”

Seacrest said his team makes a point of using social media to support their new programs. “When we make a deal with a network, we genuinely do whatever we can to promote the show,” Seacrest said.

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Nielsen Settles Arbitron Case Against Renda

Nielsen has reached a settlement agreement with Jacksonville-based Renda Broadcasting, which Arbitron had accused of using its radio ratings information without paying.

Last June, prior to its acquisition by Nielsen, Arbitron filed a suit in the District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleging that Renda had continued to use its ratings for more than eighteen months after its contract for them expired in December 2010.

At the time, Arbitron said the broadcaster had ‘illicitly obtained copies of its reports and database... from an advertising agency in or near the Jacksonville, Florida area’, via Renda’s General Manager Bill Reese. The suit also claimed other execs at the company had requested and made use of Arbitron’s figures.

Arbitron claimed at least $150,000 per ‘infringing act’ along with other amounts totalling well over $500,000. While terms of the agreement between Nielsen and Renda have not been disclosed, the case was dismissed ‘with prejudice’ and each party will be responsible for paying its own legal costs.

Cincy Radio: Eric Deters To ReLaunch Talk Career

Eric Deters

Cincinnati-area Attorney Eric "Bulldog" Deters is returning to the non-commercial "ClassX" classic rock stations to host 6-9 a.m. weekdays on June 30, after a 15-month absence, according to Media Write John Kiesewetter at cincinnati.com.

Deters left the ClassX stations in March last year, after only six months, because he was too busy with his law practice.

"I had a sense over a year ago to take a sabbatical from radio. I was right. I now have the same sense it's time to return," he said.

Kiesewetter reports it's the right time for a radio comeback because Deters needs a radio show to be part of the reality TV series he's trying to launch. He has a talent agreement with a trio of New York TV producers, who have filmed him here and in New York, he said.

"A current television opportunity also requires my being on the air," he said.

It's easy to understand why TV producers could see the outspoken, controversial Deters who uses radio to promote his law practice clients as a possible reality TV show star:

• In May of 2011 he was let go from WLW-AM, where he did weekends and filled in for Bill Cunningham, because of a video "joke about Africa (which) crossed the line" posted on his blog.
• Weeks later, he started doing morning on old "Real Talk 1160" WQRT-AM. He resigned 14 months later (August 2012) because he didn't "have any respect" for the program director.

On ClassX stations WMWX 88.9 FM Miamitown/Liberty Township, WKCX 89.1 FM Crittenden and WYNS 89.3 FM.

Jean Kasem Ordered to Appear In Court Friday

Jean Kasem

The wife of legendary radio host Casey Kasem was served papers Wednesday that ordered her to appear before a Kitsap County Superior Court Judge, according to KING5.com.

Jean Kasem has been involved in a bitter family feud over the care of her 82-year-old husband, who suffers from Parkinson's.

Casey Kasem's daughter from a previous marriage is fighting for custody of her father.

The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office confirms that Jean Kasem was served at 4:17 p.m. She was served in the parking lot of Harrison Medical Center in Silverdale. It's unclear if Casey Kasem was with her at the time.

According to court documents, if Jean Kasem does not appear in court at 9 a.m. on Friday, she could be arrested.

Phuket Radio: Live 89.5 FM Ordered Off-Air

That's Phuket as in Phuket, Thailand.

The country's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBT) has ordered all radio stations to cease broadcasting due to the recent coup.  According to Phuket News only government or government affiliated radio stations may continue to broadcast.

As a result radio stations such as The Phuket News' sister company Phuket Live 89.5 FM (also part of Class Act Media) have been ordered to suspend broadcasting.

Class Act Media Managing Director, Simon Samaan, has issued the following statement:

"Dear valued listener. As you may already be aware, the current political situation in Thailand has also meant that local/community radio stations have been ordered to stop broadcasting on FM. 

"Unfortunately this order remains in effect, and affects all non-government controlled/owned radio stations in Phuket and in the rest of Thailand. 

"We would like to assure you that we are in daily contact with the relevant authorities. We anticipate this will be a temporary measure and that we will be able to resume normal broadcasts very shortly. 

"We thank you for your understanding and look forward to being back on the airwaves as soon as we're allowed to do so."

Live 89.5 Program Director Dave O'Connor can be reached at wakeup@classactmedia.co.th.

Oops: Fox Station Reports 'Canceled' Appearance

Fox26 in Houston posted a graphic Wednesday indicating the late Poet Maya Angelou had canceled a scheduled appearance Friday.

Throwback Thursday: Programmer Chuck Geiger

Programmer/Personality Chuck Geiger Nov 1, 1975 at KCBQ San Diego.  Geiger is currently Operations Manager for Townsquare Media in Cheyenne, WY.

May 29 In Radio History

In 1939…The radio serial "When a Girl Marries" began its 18-year run, first on CBS, then on NBC starting in 1941, and switching to ABC in 1951.


In 1942…Bing Crosby, backed by the Ken Darby Singers and the John Scott Trotter Orchestra, recorded Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," which became the biggest-selling single of all time until Elton John surpassed it with "Candle In The Wind (Princess Diana Tribute)" in 1997. Crosby re-recorded "White Christmas" in 1947 and the re-recording is the version heard most often on the radio at Christmastime.

In 1961...Jack Spector starts at WMCA 570 AM NYC.




In 1963…Del Shannon's cover of the Beatles' "From Me to You" became the first song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney to appear on the American record charts.

In 1977...the NBC News & Information Service, which was a 24-hour-a-day news service, came to an end.

NBC launched the NBC News and Information Service (NIS) in 1975.  According to Faded Signals, it allowed local radio stations to launch all-news formats, providing affiliates with up to 55 minutes of news per hour.

NBC aired the service on its Washington station, WRC.  It also added the all-news format on its network-owned FM stations in New York City, Chicago and San Francisco.

Many stations signed on with the service, but by 1976, NBC was not sure if its network would ever become profitable.


In 1979..."The Source", considered Radio's first rock news network, debuted.


In 2012…Radio actor Dick Beals, for many years the voice of "Speedy" in Alka-Seltzer TV commercials, died at the age of 85.

In January 1949, as a senior at MSU, Beals got a call to do a radio commercial for WXYZ, Detroit. After the show, the director asked him to be on call for all the children's voices as well as those of small, talking animals on all three network radio shows produced by WXYZ - The Lone Ranger, Green Hornet and Challenge of the Yukon.

In 1952, after performing in an episode of The Green Hornet, WXYZ station manager Jack McCarthy referred Beals to Forrest Owen of Wade Advertising. Owen showed Beals a rendering of a proposed product spokesman for their client, Alka-Seltzer and had him record a voice audition. Four months later, Beals was notified that he had been selected as the voice for Speedy Alka-Seltzer as well as the voice of Sticky, the Vaseline mascot.

Standing just 4'7" tall due to a glandular problem that also gave him his youthful voice, Beals provided the voices of 10-year-old boys well into his 70s.

Houston Radio: Dan Patrick Wins GOP Slot

Dan Patrick

Houston radio owner and  talk show host Dan Patrick soundly defeated the Texas Republican lieutenant governor in another primary runoff election, demonstrating the continuing power of the tea party.

WSJ reports Dan Patrick, a radio personality turned state senator who has won broad support among conservatives, outpolled Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst according to the Associated Press, which projected Mr. Patrick as the victor after early results showed him holding a commanding 63% to 36% lead.

The 64 years old Patrick now becomes the favorite to win the state’s general election in November and occupy a powerful office that presides over the state senate and helps set Texas’ legislative agenda.

A hard-liner on illegal immigration, he has vowed to run the senate in a more partisan fashion, appointing fewer Democrats to serve as committee chairmen.

Allen Blakemore, a spokesman for the Patrick campaign, said we are “very comfortable and confident in the results.” He said he hadn’t yet heard from the Dewhurst campaign so he declined to say more.

Apple, Beats Deal Just Got A Bit Cheaper

Apple is expected to announce its acquisition of Beats Electronics this week — at the slightly reduced price of $3 billion, The NY Post has learned.

A report earlier this month tipping the deal put the price at $3.2 billion.

That may have been the case, but negotiations between Apple CEO Tim Cook and the company co-founded by Dr. Dre were not helped by a leaked report that had Beats Music with just 111,000 subscribers to its streaming service in March.

Spotify, the industry leader, has 10 million paying subscribers — plus 30 million users who use it for free.
That factor may have led Apple’s lawyers to value the firm on a slightly lower basis.

Still, the company is understood to place a high value on the profitable Beats audio business, which retails headphones — costing up to $450 — and speakers around the globe.

That business recorded sales of $1.3 billion in 2013.

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