8/28 WAKE-UP CALL: Tropical Storm Idalia To Intensify

Tropical Storm Idalia, which formed on Sunday, was expected to strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane by the time it reaches Florida’s Gulf Coast on Tuesday in what forecasters said would be a “very significant and impactful hurricane.” Winds were predicted to reach a peak of 100 miles per hour, Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, said in an update on Sunday evening. “Evacuations may be necessary for this storm later today or tomorrow,” Mr. Rhome said.

“The hazards absolutely will extend beyond the cone,” he added, referring to the forecast maps showing the storm’s potential path. “Do not focus exclusively on the cone to determine your risk.” Idalia, the latest named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, also threatens to bring heavy rains to Georgia and the Carolinas, forecasters said.

The Hurricane Center noted in an advisory on Sunday that from Tuesday into Wednesday, parts of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia could get up to six inches of rain, with higher isolated totals of 10 inches. Heavy rainfall was also expected to spread into portions of the Carolinas Wednesday into Thursday, the center said.

DeSantis warns Florida residents Tropical Storm Idalia will likely be hurricane, says 'remain vigilant' https://t.co/aOcmXEJiPw

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 28, 2023

It's the weather prediction your community doesn't want to hear: Jim Cantore is on the way. Cantore, the meteorologist known for heading to the heart of where a storm disaster is about to happen, confirmed Sunday night that he indeed is coming to Florida on Monday ahead of what's expected to become Hurricane Idalia. But where? That's to be determined.

Monday morning imagery of #Franklin and #Idalia

It's not a stretch to think they could both be major hurricanes at the same time (maybe Wednesday). Lets hope not. Also both these storms could impact #Bermuda in some fashion at different times going forward. pic.twitter.com/pBSjerFemN

— Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) August 28, 2023

NYC Radio: Scott Stanford Lands Morning Drive News At 1010WINS

Audacy welcomes Scott Stanford as morning news anchor on 1010/92.3 WINS in New York. Stanford will be heard between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. ET, beginning September 5.

“As we continue to reshape mornings on WINS, we’re delighted to welcome Scott Stanford into the mix,” said Ivan Lee, Brand Manager, 1010/92.3 WINS. “His impressive resume and wealth of experience in this market will undoubtedly enhance our commitment to delivering top-notch news coverage and engaging content to our listeners every morning.”

Scott Stanford

“Like most life-long New Yorkers, my Dad was always listening to 1010 WINS in the car when I was a kid,” said Stanford. “As an adult, WINS has been my go-to station for news, traffic and weather. As a New York broadcaster, it's an honor to now be one of the morning voices on this legendary station.”

Stanford is a seven-time Emmy-winning broadcaster, currently co-hosting “The Suki & Scott Show” on Gannett's USA Today Network. He served as PIX11 morning show co-host from 2013 to 2019. He was previously the station's 5:00 and 10:00 p.m. News Anchor and Main Sports Anchor. Additional roles included Sports Anchor at NBC4-NY, UPN9-NY, WCBS 880, CBS Sports HQ and Boxing30 on YES. Since 2009, Stanford has worked as a commentator and studio host for WWE. Stanford joins Susan Richard, who was recently promoted to top-of-the-hour morning news anchor, becoming the first woman in the station's history to do so.

📻Listeners can tune in to 1010/92.3 WINS (WINS-AM/92.3 FM) in New York on air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via X, Facebook and Instagram.

Study: Differences Revealed Between Radio, Podcast Listeners

More than half of Americans, 56%, now listen to podcasts, and nearly a quarter listen 5+ hours per week, a new report finds.

YouGov’s new report, The Podheads: Audience Profile & Brand Rankings 2023, details how frequent podcast listeners are younger, more likely to be working full-time, and also consume more on-demand video than the average American.

The report identifies that among US Podheads: 

• 75% are under the age of 44 (compared to 46% of the general population)
• 49% work full-time (vs 38% gen pop), and 45% listen to podcasts while commuting to work (vs 22% gen pop)
• 69% also spend 5+ hours per week streaming video on-demand (vs 48% gen pop)

“While the rapid investment in podcasting from publishers and tech companies seems to have cooled, the longtail impact of those investments have begun to manifest,” said Victor Gras, SVP, Head of Commercial at YouGov America. “Advertisers can’t count on everyone to listen to the ads, but those who do are engaged, interested, and growing in number.”

Elton John Briefly Hospitalized Following A Fall

Elton John

Elton John was briefly hospitalized over the weekend after falling at his villa in Nice, France, reports The NY Post.

The “I’m Still Standing” crooner, 76, was transported to the Princess Grace hospital’s orthopedic center in Monaco where he received precautionary treatment.

“We can confirm that following a slip yesterday at his home in the South of France, Elton visited the local hospital as a precautionary measure,” John’s rep told the Daily Mail Monday morning.

“Following check ups, he was immediately discharged this morning and is now back at home and in good health.”

John, 76, has been spending the summer on the French Riviera with his husband, David Furnish, and their two kids after wrapping his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour in early July.

Newspaper Attorney Alleges Computer Data Was Cloned

Marion County is expected to turn over a piece of evidence confiscated during a raid on the Marion County Record on Aug. 11 that was not included when authorities were ordered to return the items last week.

KWCH-TV12 reports Bernie Rhodes, the attorney representing the Record, submitted a letter to Marion County Counselor Bradley Jantz on Thursday regarding the items that were seized, stating that one item was missing.

“I wake up every day, and there’s a new constitutional violation that has occurred,” said Rhodes.

In the letter, Rhodes wrote that on Aug. 16, Judge Ben Sexton ordered that the evidence be “released and returned,” and that same day Undersheriff Larry Starkey transferred the seized items to a forensic examiner commissioned by Rhodes. But not everything was returned.

Earlier this week, Rhodes said he examined the inventory list that was filed with a court. It records an additional item than the list his forensic expert received last week - after the search warrant was pulled - when retrieving the items taken during the seizure two weeks ago.

“No one has been able to explain to me yet, despite the publicity, despite my threat of contempt, despite the threat we’re having to go back to get a second court order, why there are two lists. The whole point of an inventory list is to maintain what we call a chain of custody so that it’s clear what was taken so that can be used in court later. Without a valid chain of custody, all of it is just garbage.” He said, “The fact that we have two different versions of the same inventory sign apparently by the same officer, on the same date, using the same form, with the same official number on it, it’s garbage.”

Pentagon Protested False Fox News Report

The U.S. Marine Corps went up to the highest levels of Fox News last month to challenge a story that falsely claimed a fallen Marine’s family had to cover the cost of transporting her remains.

The Washington Post reports Fox News Digital quietly amended the digital story and then removed it from its website following more complaints from the Marines but still has not apologized or corrected the erroneous report, which had been based on a false claim quickly retracted by a congressman.

The Marines’ communications with Fox were first reported by Military.com, which obtained the emails this week under a Freedom of Information Act request. Media Confidential reached out to Fox News for comment. The following statement was issued Sunday: “The now unpublished story has been addressed internally and we sincerely apologize to the Gee family.”

Gee was one of 13 US service members killed in a terrorist attack outside Hamid Karzai International Airport two years ago that left more than 170 other people dead. At least 20 US Marines were among the hundreds of people wounded.

Gee holding Afghan toddler was widely circulated by news media

The July 25 FoxNews.com story relied on an account from freshman Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), who stated that the family of Sgt. Nicole L. Gee had shouldered “a heavy financial burden” of $60,000 to retrieve her body from Afghanistan. Gee, 23, was one of 13 U.S. service members killed in a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport in the frantic final days of the U.S. withdrawal.

Study: College Football's Most Passionate Fans Tune To Radio

The wait is nearly over for college football fans, with the new season kicking off this weekend. The excitement is revving up for brands as well - especially if they're planning to advertise during radio broadcasts of college football games. Katz Radio Group's latest sports fan study finds that college football's most engaged and valuable fans tune into the action on AM/FM radio. 

Katz conducted a survey of over 500 college football fans at the conclusion of last year's regular season to tap into the fan experience while it was freshest in their minds. 44% of those surveyed considered themselves to be "big fans" of college football and engaged with different aspects of the sport last season, but a number of respondents proved to be even bigger fans - those who listened to games on the radio.

Compared to a typical college football fan, those who tuned-in on the radio were more passionate all around, +40% more likely to be "big fans," including being more likely to deck out their homes or cars with their favorite team gear. They were more active and engaged with the sport last season, and more likely to invest time and money into their passion. Local economies benefited from these listeners as more went to games in-person (+80%), watched at bars or restaurants (+52%), tailgated (+103%), and bought team apparel (54%). Listeners proved to be ideal sports betting targets as well, with +84% more placing bets on college football action than the average fan.

Listeners to college football games were not only active consumers this past season, but they were also receptive to advertising. When it came to engaging with brands that advertised during college games, listeners were +31% more likely to notice the brands, and +66% more likely to consider using the brands compared to the average college football fan.

Oliver Anthony Defends 'Rich Men' From Political 'Characterizations'

Unexpected current Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping Virginia-based country performer Oliver Anthony released a ten-plus minute-long Friday afternoon YouTube video, continuing his song's conversation about sociopolitical divisions in America while also clarifying what he believes are misconceptions about him, reports The Tennessean.

His "Rich Men North of Richmond" recently interrupted Morgan Wallen's surge toward topping Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road's four-year-old record-setting 19 consecutive weeks on top of the Hot 100. Also, it added unexpected depth to a broadening revival of country's mainstream in popular culture and pop music.

Recently, his song was mentioned during Wednesday night's first GOP 2024 United States presidential election debate. Moderator Martha MacCallum asked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis why he felt Anthony's song was impacting so many lives.

DeSantis alluded to his misgivings about President Joe Biden's economic policies and the numerous policy impasses that have plagued the past four years of America's history.

Jason Aldean Addresses Controversy During Iowa State Fair Show

Jason Aldean performed at the Iowa State Fair

Jason Aldean performed his greatest country hits at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on a week ago Sunday night amid controversy.

The Des Moines Register reports concertgoers braved the mid-90-degree excessive heat for a chance to see the country chart-topper. A crowd of 12,581 attended the concert, which ranks behind Eric Church and The Chicks, the second and third most-attended respective Grandstand performances in recent history.

"What's up, Iowa?" Aldean asked as he walked onstage in a Cheap Trick cutoff T-shirt and signature cowboy hat. The three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year performed his specialty rock country steeped with lyrics about backroads and growing up in Georgia.

What’s Going On With Scooter Braun and Hybe?

Scooter Braun and Ariane Grande

Scooter Braun has been one of the biggest behind-the-scenes names in the music industry for years, but a growing number of reports indicate that empire might be swaying—and that could have a notable impact on Hybe America, the U.S. division of the South Korean music conglomerate that bought his management company two years ago.

Variety reports at least three high profile artists represented by Braun could be moving on to other managers. Demi Lovato “amicably” parted ways with Braun earlier this month, and there are reports that Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande are considering a departure, as well.

In June, Bloomberg reported that Hybe was seeking to raise about $380 million to fund more acquisitions in the U.S. and expand its business beyond K-pop. If Braun is having problems holding onto talent, that could stand in the way of that deal-making and the company’s larger quest to diversify its holdings.

Braun, Justin Bieber

Fast Company reports the status of Bieber and Grande with Braun is murky, though. Some outlets say they’re headed separate ways. Variety’s sources indicate that’s not happening. In any event, there’s lots of “they went that’a way” finger pointing and off-the-record misdirection that has only made things more unclear.

All of the whispers and speculation come as Braun, who has guided several musicians to superstar levels of fame, attempts to focus on his new job: sole CEO of Hybe America.

Hybe, which declined Fast Company’s request to comment on the situation, is the company behind BTS and several other K-Pop superstars. Two years ago, it bought Ithaca Holdings, the parent company of Braun’s SB Projects, for $1.05 billion.

R.I.P.: Jerry Starr, Longtime Youngstown Radio Personality

Jerry Starr

One of Youngstown, OH  long-running and most popular radio disc jockeys has died.

81-year-old Jerry Starr passed away on Tuesday. His real name was James Viele but everyone knew him as Jerry Starr.

He had a radio career spanning 45 years.

James was a DJ and Production Manager for 45 years, started his career at WFRA in Franklin, Pennsylvania; was a DJ at WHOT in Youngstown;, created WSRD Wizard /Jerry Starr DJ production director and was the last of The Good Guys retiring in 2002.

He was a member of National Radio Club, past president of Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association, Mercer County Amateur Radio Club, Broadcasters Hall of Fame, ARRL W8JV call sign Honors Award. He also was a Hot Air Balloon Pilot N4031V and member of Twin State Auto Racing Club.

R.I.P.: Ken Orchard, Influential California Radio Owner

Ken Orchard (1938-2023)

The 85-year-old Ken Orchard, a radio giant in California's Victor Valley, died on Aug. 17 in Hemet, CA, after battling heart disease and Parkinson’s in his later years.

Orchard enjoyed a long life with many successes, twists and turns, and a broadcast career that spanned six decades. He never worked a day in his life because he loved radio as much as he loved his family, his daughter said. 

The Daily Press reports KVVQ took the High Desert by storm as the Victorville-based station flooded nearly every home, office, school bus, and car with waves of popular music by singers such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Prince and Billy Joel.

Born in Blunt, South Dakota, Orchard married his high school sweetheart, Millie, at age 19 in 1957 in Van Nuys. They spent their honeymoon traveling to Crescent City for his first job in radio.

After radio jobs in Georgia and Tennessee, the Orchards headed back to Los Angeles, where Orchard took an engineering job with RKO General-owned KHJ radio and television in 1959. He spent 21 years at KHJ while also becoming a real estate broker. His dream was to build, own and operate a radio station through money made in real estate investments.

R.I.P.: Bernie Marsden, Former Whitesnake Guitarist

Bernie Marsden (1951-2023)

Bernie Marsden, original guitarist of the British rock band Whitesnake, has died. He was 72. Marsden died on Thursday with his wife and daughters by his side, his family confirmed in a statement.

"On behalf of his family, it is with deep sadness we announce the death of Bernie Marsden," a statement read on his Instagram page.

"Bernie died peacefully on Thursday evening with his wife, Fran, and daughters, Charlotte and Olivia, by his side. Bernie never lost his passion for music, writing and recording new songs until the end."

A cause of death has not been revealed.

The English hard rock band formed in London in 1978. Marsden was a former guitarist for Whitesnake and played with the original band members frontman David Coverdale, drummer Dave Dowie, bassist Neil Murray and guitarist Mick Moody.

Marsden was born in Buckingham in 1951 and got his start in rock ‘n’ roll with the band UFO in 1972 before performing with Whitesnake from 1978 until 1982. The musician was part of several bands during his career, including Alaska and Moody Marsden Band. 

During his time with Whitesnake, Marsden was listed as a co-writer on the band’s popular track "Here I Go Again." 

Radio History: August 28

➦In 1922...In February, the American Telephone & Telegraph Company (AT&T) announced it planned to begin establishing stations that would be dedicated to selling their airtime to interested parties, which AT&T called "toll broadcasting".

Its primary station, WEAF in New York (now WFAN), aired its first paid $100 for a 10-minute radio commercial on August 28, 1922 for the Queensboro Corporation, advertising a new apartment complex in Jackson Heights, Queens, near the just-completed #7 subway line.

Based on a series of industry cross-licensing agreements, AT&T initially claimed that its patent rights gave it a monopoly on commercial radio transmissions. Although the courts upheld this contention, the practice was widely disliked, and AT&T soon came up with a licensing scheme to allow individual stations to begin selling airtime.

➦In 1954...Elvis Presley got Memphis airplay on his first official release “That’s All Right (Mama)” b/w “Blue Moon of Kentucky”.  Local DJ Dewey Phillips had debuted the single on his “Red Hot and Blue” radio show on WHBQ.

➦In 1961...Cousin Brucie Morrow started at 77WABC. 

Morrow's first stint in radio was in Bermuda at ZBM-AM, where he was known as "The Hammer."

Morrow began his stateside career at New York Top 40 station WINS in 1959. In 1960, he moved to Miami for a brief stint before returning to the New York airwaves the following year on AM 770 powerhouse WABC, another Top 40 outlet. Morrow's return to New York City came at the precise moment that rock and roll music was exploding across the Baby Boom demographic and Morrow found himself on the most powerful radio station on the East Coast. His main competition came from his previous station WINS, which featured "Murray the K."

"Cousin Brucie" quickly became a success on WABC's teen-oriented evening shift in the 6:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. slot. Morrow became a commercial radio powerhouse and household name through his ability to maintain a rapport with his listeners while smoothly mixing the diverse musical genres of the time (Motown soul, pop, hard rock, surf music, novelty records), and then seamlessly segueing into commercials for youth-oriented sponsors and events such as concerts and drag-strip races.

He served at WABC for 13 years and 4,014 broadcasts until August 1974, when he jumped to rival station WNBC.

➦In 1966...the Beatles played Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. It was their next-to-last live performance.  The Beatles performed before 45,000 people in Los Angeles. Tickets were priced at $3, $4.50, $5.50 and $6. The cheapest were reserved for members of the US Army.

The support acts for the concert were The Remains, Bobby Hebb, The Cyrkle and The Ronettes. The Beatles performed a set consisted of 11 songs: Rock And Roll Music, She's A Woman, If I Needed Someone, Day Tripper, Baby's In Black, I Feel Fine, Yesterday, I Wanna Be Your Man, Nowhere Man, Paperback Writer and Long Tall Sally.

➦In 1967...WCBS 880 AM flipped to all news.