Pittsburgh Radio: 4 Decades & Counting For WDVE's Sean McDowell

WDVE radio personality Sean McDowell put on Don McLean’s “ American Pie,” an 8-minute-and-33-second tune, thinking there was plenty of time to get to the men’s room and back.

Well, McDowell got locked inside the bathroom.

The year was 1986 and he was working on a Saturday, back in the days before everyone had a cellphone. One of his co-workers noticed the dead air — it had been close to 40 minutes — and came to the station and found him.

WDVE's Sean McDowell

“That wouldn’t happen today,” says McDowell from his studio at WDVE 102.5 FM. “With all the digital technology and cellphones … and the main bathroom doors here swing in and out, so they don’t lock.”

According to to triblive.com, that’s just one of many quirky tales McDowell has to tell about his four decades in radio, 25 at WDVE, Pittsburgh’s preeminent classic rock station that plays international, national and local music. He’s watched the industry transform from turntables and vinyl records to a computer system where — with the touch of a button — you can change songs, artists and genres.

His father Al McDowell, a broadcast pioneer and Pittsburgh icon, wanted his son to be a journalist. He thought radio was too cut throat and too down-and-dirty.

But the lure of radio was strong for Sean McDowell. He got his first radio job at WYDD in New Kensington but was fired after two years when a new program director said the station was going in a different direction.

He then worked at WYTK in Washington, Pa., for one year but left to sell cable television door-to-door for five months before getting a job at FM 97. He worked there from 1981-1993 before settling in at WDVE.

“There aren’t a lot of stations left that play classic rock and local rock because there is so much competition,” says McDowell, 63. “But Pittsburgh is the kind of city where people grew up listening to WDVE because their grandparents and parents did. I know I always listened to WDVE.”

McDowell had to take a short hiatus from the station last summer to have open-heart surgery. It was an operation he knew he had to have for about a year. It was time for a valve to be repaired.

McDowell quit smoking in 1999 — after a pack a day of Marlboro Red for years — and then stopped drinking alcohol in 2017 because he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

It was hard to be away from the profession while he recovered from the surgery because it’s all he has known his entire life, but it helped to have the support of his wife, Cindi, McDowell says.

“This is not an easy business,” he says. “You work late nights and holidays and weekends. Radio never shuts down. I definitely have a face for radio. I also can’t really sing. I hum along. It’s best if I don’t sing. I flip around the stations when I am in the car.

“I have always loved music,” he says. “I grew up listening to local radio. I was fascinated by radio. People don’t recognize me too much visually, but they often recognize my voice and say ‘Don’t I know you?’

Syndicated Tino Cochino Radio Adds Two Markets

YEA Networks announces that nationally syndicated Tino Cochino Radio has signed two new stations to its fast-growing affiliate group.

With the addition of two Top 40 stations, KORQ/96 Q in Abilene, TX (3pm-7pm), and KHQT/HOT 103.1 in Las Cruces, NM (7pm-11pm), Tino Cochino Radio is now heard on nearly 40 affiliates across the U.S., including over 50% of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic Markets. The next-generation audio brand launched nationwide in 2018.

George Laughlin, CEO, YEA Networks, said: “The growth of Tino Cochino Radio in our first year of syndicating the show has been amazing, and listeners across the country are responding to the program in a big way. After just a few weeks on KLIF Hot 93.3 in Dallas, TX, Cumulus is already seeing a nice jump in the ratings. That really speaks to the power of Tino!”

Tino Cochino, Host of Tino Cochino Radio, said: “What a way to kick off the year!!! I’m extremely excited about our Abilene and Las Cruces additions. I’m beyond confident that our personality-driven product will connect with both markets and create engaging radio for all to enjoy.”

Hosted by Tino Cochino and co-host Raquel, Tino Cochino Radio provides Rhythmic and CHR stations with an innovative combination of topical and relatable on-air content, engaging, original video and social content, and a popular podcast.

Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Tino Cochino broke into radio at the age of 13 as an intern. At age 16, he was given his first full-time on-air shift and worked his way to the #1 night show in his hometown. Nearing his 21st birthday, Tino took his show to San Antonio, TX, building a buzz that took him to Bakersfield, CA, and finally, to Power 98.3/KKFR-FM in Phoenix, AZ, where he now hosts Tino Cochino Radio weekday mornings from 6:00am-10:00am. Tino also has produced television content for CW.

For more information about Tino Cochino Radio, contact Scott Kerr, Director, Affiliate Sales and Content, YEA Networks, at: scott@yeanetworks.com or at 843.270.2836.

Report: Liberty Media Kicking Tires At CAA

According to a report in the Financial Times, Liberty Media is ‘in talks’ to acquire a stake in Creative Artists Agency, which represents the live careers of artists ranging from Lady Gaga to Ariana Grande, Bob Dylan, Carrie Underwood, Ed Sheeran and Kanye West. CAA also represents a host of talent in the world of sport – an industry Liberty knows well as the owner of motorsport giant Formula One.

Los Angeles-headquartered CAA’s current shareholders include private equity firm TPG – also an investor in Spotify – which owns 60% of the agency.

When TPG upped its stake in CAA in 2014 in a $225m deal, the talent agency was valued at more than $1B.

CAA and Liberty Media declined to comment on today’s rumor.

According to musicbusinessworldwide.com, Liberty is likely to be keen to acquire a “substantial stake” in CAA, although it cited sources briefed on the negotiations who said there was no guarantee of a deal being reached.

Liberty Media is run by CEO Greg Maffei and Chairman John Malone. Maffei is also Chairman of SiriusXM, Live Nation and TripAdvisor.

Miami Radio: Freddie Cruz Retires From WHQT-FM

A legendary South Florida radio host announced he is signing off for the last time.

Freddie Cruz ended his 34-year reign as the “king of evening radio” for Cox Media Group's  WHQT Hot 105 FM in Hollywood, late Thursday night.

The Cuban-born personality was the original evening host on The Quiet Storm, a show that airs classic and contemporary R&B, as well as other hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.

January 11 Radio History

➦In 1927...the Royale Theater opened at 242 West 45th in New York City. It became home to several Radio program including "CBS Radio Playhouse".

➦In 1947..."Murder and Mrs. Malone" first aired on ABC radio.

➦In 1964...‘Louie Louie’ by Seattle’s The Kingsmen was the number one song on the Cash Box music chart. For a while, the record was banned by a handful of US radio stations because of its indecipherable lyrics, which were rumored to contain some naughty words. Even the FBI investigated the song, but finally concluded that they could find nothing wrong.

➦In 1993...Howard Stern's radio show began airing on WKBW 1520 AM, Buffalo, New York.

➦In 2006...Ray Hoffstatter died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident from November 20, 2005. Hoffstatter was "Cowboy Ray" on the Mancow Morning Madness radio show.



➦In 2013…Former disc jockey (Los Angeles radio stations KRLA, KFWB, KDAY; WCAE-Pittsburgh) and network TV host (Shindig!) Jimmy O'Neill died after many years with a heart condition and diabetes at 73.

O'Neill was born in Enid, Oklahoma.  After taking a broadcasting class at Enid High School, he began his career in radio at WKY in Oklahoma City, OK. One year later O'Neill landed a job at KQV in Pittsburgh, PA at age 19.  He also worked at WCAE. He was hired at KRLA in Los Angeles, CA a year after working at KQV.

O'Neill was the first voice heard on KRLA-AM when it switched from a country-western format to top 40.  He worked at KRLA-AM from 1959-1962, then moved to KFWB from 1963 to 1967. He spent two years at KDAY from 1969 to 1971. He also hosted The Jimmy O'Neill Show on KCOP-TV.

After O'Neill moved to Los Angeles, Chuck Barris, then-ABC daytime programming executive, green-lit the pilot for Shindig!. The nationally syndicated show ran from 1964-1966.  He and his show were depicted on The Flintstones television animated sitcom in the season six episode "Shinrock A Go-Go," which originally aired on December 3, 1965. This episode featured O'Neill, as "Jimmy O'Neillstone", hosting the Bedrock analogue of Shindig, called "Shinrock"; that program featured as one of the guest performers The Beau Brummels (as "The Beau Brummelstones") performing their recent hit, Laugh, Laugh.

In the 1970s, he worked at KOB in Albuquerque, then it was on to Omaha, Nebraska, radio stations WOW (now KSXP) and KOIL. He returned to Los Angeles for two more stints at KRLA from 1984-1985 and from 1990-1993.

He retired in the mid 1990s and lived in West Hollywood, California. O'Neill died in his West Hollywood home five days after his 73rd birthday.

Ben Freedman

➦In 2013...Ben Freedman, owner of the oldest continuously operated radio ID jingle company, died  in Plano, TX at age 64.   Freedman was recovering from an October heart attack when he died.  He was also forced to cope with injuries sustained in a car accident a few years previously.

Freedman established WAY Productions and started producing jingles when he was just 14-years-old in his hometown of Buffalo, NY.

Ben had formed an admiration for the truly great jingle companies PAMS, Pepper and CRC, while serving as a "go-for" at WKBW 1520 AM with the famous jocks including Joey Reynolds, Dan Neaverth, Rod Roddy, Jay Nelson, Jeff Kaye, Stan Roberts and others.

In 1966, he landed his first air shift at Gordon McLendon’s WYSL FM in Buffalo under direct supervision of the Old Scotsman himself.

He first visited Texas in the late 70s and formed a new marketing association with several other audio producers including International Programming Services in Los Angeles, Tommy Calandra Productions in Buffalo, House Q Studios in Buffalo and ATB Productions in London. The new association is called Creative Productions Marketing Group or CPMG Incorporated for short.

➦In 2013...Cumulus took control of WFME 94.7 FM with simulcast of WPLJ in NYC

The 94.7 FM frequency signed on in 1947 as WAAT-FM, and was owned by the Bremer Broadcasting Company along with sister station WAAT (970 AM, now WNYM).

On January 6, 2012, Family Radio applied to the FCC  to change the license of WFME from noncommercial to commercial. This move followed the sales by Family Radio of stations in the Philadelphia (WKDN-FM, now WKVP) and Washington-Baltimore (WFSI, now WLZL) markets, and quickly prompted conjecture from radio industry monitors that WFME would be sold next. The application was approved on February 7, 2012.

The sale rumors were confirmed on October 16, 2012, when Family Radio announced that it would sell WFME to Atlanta-based Cumulus Media; the originally undisclosed price was later confirmed to be $49.5 million. In addition, Family Radio acquired Cumulus' WDVY 106.3 FM in Mount Kisco, NY. The FCC approved the sale/station trade January 4, 2013, making 94.7 FM a sister station to Cumulus' two existing New York market stations, WABC and WPLJ. Four days later, on January 8, 2013, Cumulus completed the purchase of WFME.  Family Radio programming on 94.7 FM ended on January 11, 2013; prior to signing off of the frequency, station manager Charlie Menut stated that the network's programming would be transferred to 106.3 FM, which became the new WFME on January 15, and that efforts to acquire an AM frequency that would cover the New York City area were being made.  Family Radio would announce in 2014 its acquisition of WQEW 1560 AM, the former East Coast flagship of Radio Disney, which is set to end terrestrial distribution.)

WNSH 94.7 FM (23.5 Kw) Red=60dBu Coverage Area

On January 11, 2013, under Cumulus's new ownership, 94.7 FM began a simulcast of WPLJ, which broadcasts a HotAC format. The frequency's call sign was changed three days later to WRXP, a call sign previously used on the 101.9 FM facility in New York City under two different owners and two different stints as an alternative rock station. The WPLJ simulcast ended on January 18 in favor of stunting with a self-described "Wheel of Formats."

The stunting continued until January 21, when WRXP adopted a new country music format branded as Nash FM 94.7.  The first song on "Nash FM" was "How Country Feels" by Randy Houser.

Emmis Reports 3Q Earnings As 'Strong'

Emmis Communications Corporation today announced results for its third fiscal quarter ending November 30, 2018.

Jeff Smulyan

Emmis' radio net revenues for the third fiscal quarter were $28.7 million, down from $34.0 million in the prior year. Sales of radio stations (KPWR in LA in August 2017 and four radio stations in St. Louis on April 30, 2018) make Emmis' reported results not comparable year-over-year.

Pro forma for all radio station sales, Emmis' third quarter radio revenues, as reported to Miller Kaplan, which excludes barter and certain other revenues, were up 5% in markets that were up 2%.

"With this quarter's strong performance, Emmis is now outperforming its markets through the first nine months of this fiscal year– quite an achievement," said Emmis Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan.  "Political revenues certainly helped, but we also saw growth in our core advertising categories, all of which contributed to Emmis having its strongest quarter in four years.  New York and Indianapolis both outperformed their markets and continue to produce strong ratings, which should help sustain Emmis' revenue growth. That certainly appears to be the case in January and February, where both months are pacing up mid-to-high single digits."

iHeart Media + SiriusXM: 'Never Say Never'

SiriusXM finance chief David Frear on Wednesday poured water on media speculation that the satellite radio company's parent Liberty Media will increase its investment in iHeartMedia, at least for now, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

David Frear

"You never say never. But there will come a day with the combined SiriusXM and Pandora when the multiple starts to contract as the business matures, and then maybe there's something that makes sense, but maybe it's a little further away," Frear said of SiriusXM making a play for iHeartMedia or another AM/FM radio company.

Frear's comments made to the Citi 2019 Global TMT West Conference in Las Vegas during a session that was webcast follow SiriusXM parent Liberty Media pulling a proposed deal to inject $1.16 billion into iHeartMedia. That move followed iHeartMedia, which owns Internet station iHeartRadio, rebuffing the proposed cash injection for a 40 percent stake.

Frear said SiriusXM has eyed the free radio sector for possible acquisitions, but "you don't have to look further than our strategy with Pandora and where we see the growth coming."

SiriusXM in 2018 bought music streaming service Pandora Media in an all-stock deal valued at about $3.5 billion to create the world's largest audio entertainment company. Frear said that transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019, just after Pandora shareholders vote on the deal on Jan. 29.

The SiriusXM finance chief said Pandora will enable his company to expand its presence beyond vehicles into the home and other mobile areas. But Frear also told the Citi conference that Pandora's music platform will also help SiriusXM hedge against losing satellite radio subscribers by encouraging car drivers to listen to ad-supported digital radio in the car.

Coincidentally, CEO Bob Pittman told Bloomberg that  iHM is open to all potential 'partnerships'.

Philly Radio: Market Vet Valerie Knight Joins WISX

Valerie Knight, former cohost of 98.1 WOGL’s The Breakfast Club, is back on the airwaves in Philly with a newly announced gig at WISX The Breeze 106.1.

According to philly.com, Knight announced her return to local radio in a Facebook post. According to a posting on the 106.1 website, Knight will helm the station’s “Show Biz Buzz” entertainment news report at 6:25 and 7:25 a.m. on weekday mornings, as well as a block of commercial-free music programming that begins at 8 a.m. Knight’s broadcast day will conclude at 10 a.m.

Back in 2016, Knight parted ways with 98.1 WOGL after 15 years at the station. Her departure came at a tumultuous time for the company, which previously ended ties with fellow former Breakfast Club host Ross Brittain, as well as longtime nighttime jock Bob Charger, and afternoon drive host Cadillac Jack Seville. Similar cuts also cropped up in 2018, with Harvey Holiday wrapping his run at the station in December.

The Breeze, meanwhile, launched in November following a format change from Real 106.1 WISX.

As part of the format change, the station ended its relationship with its on-air staff, including longtime hosts Chio Acosta and Shila Nathan, and began focusing on relaxing adult contemporary music. Previously, 106.1 was home to throwback hip hop hits as Real 106.1.

In addition, syndicated host Delilah will broadcast weekday nights, interacting with listeners through phone calls, music and dedications. The line-up will also include Helen Little, former Operations Manager of Power 99 and on-air personality of 106.7 LITE FM and Dan Blackman, former afternoon host of Philly’s B101.

“This incredible line-up gives our listeners voices they have been familiar with for years in Philadelphia,” said Brian Check, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Philadelphia. “We now have an array of popular on-air talent who each have a strong following of fans and will be the perfect hosts of our new format.”

Sacramento Radio: Paul Robbins To Host PM Drive On KBEB

Paul Robbins

Sacramento radio listeners will soon hear a familiar voice on Sacramento’s KBEB 92.5 The Breeze.

According to The Bee, former Fox 40 morning anchor and longtime Sacramento radio personality Paul Robins recently announced he would be leaving the TV station to lead the digital communication and design degree program at William Jessup University.

According to an announcement from iHeartMedia, KBEB 92.5 FM, Robins will begin hosting the station’s afternoon drive show beginning Friday, Feb. 1.

Robins, who is currently traveling overseas with his wife, according to several posts on his Facebook page, will host the show from Jessup’s on-campus studio, which will provide an opportunity for students to gain some hands-on learning experiences with broadcast and digital content.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that Paul has agreed to join 92.5 The Breeze,” Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia in Sacramento Curtiss Johnson said in an announcement. “Nobody in Sacramento knows this music more than Paul Robins. He is a trusted and beloved personality and a downright institution in our city. I can’t wait for him to keep Sacramento relaxed on the drive home every workday.”

Robins announced his departure from Fox 40 in late November of last year. Robins was with the news station for 10 years, hosting the morning show for much of that time.

In radio, he’s worked for stations in Detroit and Dallas, in addition to Sacramento. Robins is perhaps most well-known for his many years of bantering back and forth on Sacramento radio with co-host Phil Cowan.

San Diego Radio: Chris Cantore Hosting Mornings On KFMB-FM

Adult Hits KFMB 100.7 FM has announced the permanent addition of veteran market host Chris Cantore for morning.  He had been filling in on the morning progeram over the past several months.

Cantore began his career as a morning show assistant at 100.7 after graduating from San Diego State in 1993. He is best known for hosting the longest running morning show at XTRA-FM. His local roots run deep with stints at KPRI and KBZT in the San Diego market.

Director of FM Programming Mike V. Vasquez said, "Cantore has that cool, laid-back vibe that is so easy to connect with. He's not only entertaining, but he's an authentic guy who cares about our community. He epitomizes all things San Diego and is an ideal ambassador for our station. I'm thrilled to have him joining our 100.7 San Diego family!"

Cantore stated, "I don't believe in coincidences and it's no coincidence that after a two-year hiatus, I am returning to the San Diego airwaves on the same frequency I started my broadcasting career, exactly 25 years ago. It honestly feels like home, or a comfortable hoodie. I am beyond thankful and humbled by this incredible opportunity and look forward to building something pretty special for San Diego in 2019 and beyond."

D-C Radio: iHM Launches WONK-FM

iHeartMedia Washington, D.C. has announced the debut of Washington’s WONK-FM, Smart People. News.

The launch of the new station comes after iHeartMedia’s recent on-air and on-line celebration of “National WONK Day,” a day created for listeners that have a keen interest for Inside the Beltway news. WONK-FM will broadcast on WWDC-FM 101.1 HD2, simulcast on W284CQ 104.7 and is available on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio app.

Michael Czarnecki

WONK-FM is a news and talk station serving thought leaders, influencers and stakeholders inside the Washington, D.C. beltway.

The new station will broadcast renowned anchors Stacy Lyn and Alexandra Lane weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature the latest breaking news and headlines from Washington, D.C. In addition, WONK-FM will air instant reactions from opinion leaders and on-air talk personalities originating from iHeartMedia’s 130-plus News and Talk stations throughout the United States.

“WONKs are the behind the scenes people in D.C. who are innovators, experts and are passionate about their work,” said Michael Preacher, Region President for iHeartMedia. “D.C.’s WONKs are the unsung heroes who solve the world’s most difficult problems and they deserve to have a dedicated platform.”

As part of the new station launch, Michael Czarnecki will transition from iHeartMedia’s WRKO-AM 680 in Boston to lead Washington’s WONK-FM team as Program Director.

“With the accelerated pace of the today’s news cycle, we look forward to providing a contemporary approach to delivering a ‘wonk-centric’ and uniquely D.C. view of the news,” said Czarnecki. “I’m thrilled to be joining the iHeartMedia team in Washington D.C. as part of Washington’s WONK-FM.”

Chicago Radio: WKSC, WGCI Hosts Supporting #MuteRKelly

Angi Taylor, a WKSC KISS 103.5 FM morning show host, and Kendra G., a WGCI 107.5 FM morning show host, were front and center Wednesday at a protest march  that made its way to the front of R. Kelly’s West Town recording studio.

According to WGN-TV9, the two are part of the #MuteRKelly that’s putting pressure on radio stations to stop playing Kelly’s music in light of the sexual abuse allegations against him. They said many have been so willing to overlook the accusations because his music is such a huge part of people’s lives.

The morning show hosts both said they are speaking out despite their radio stations refusing to say whether they plan to stop playing Kelly’s music.

WGCI and KISS FM are part of iHeart Media, but the two hosts said they have refused to allow the artist’s music to be played during their shows. Neither expects to be punished for speaking out.


Two other stations in Chicago, WPWX Power 92 and WSRB Soul 106.3 said they made the decision to stop playing Kelly’s music eight months ago.

Two radio stations in Dallas have stopped playing Kelly's music. Larger radio companies, like iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, have not made any policy changes yet.

Kenyette Barnes, co-founder of the #MuteRKelly campaign, has been working to get all of R. Kelly's concerts cancelled and his music pulled from radio and streaming platforms.

Columbia SC Radio: Urban WLXC Adds Rick & Sasha

Cumulus Media announces that its R&B radio station in Columbia, SC, WLXC 103.1 KISS -FM has launched a new morning show, Rick and Sasha. The show airs Monday through Friday from 6am-10am, and Saturday mornings from 7am-9am.

Rick and Sasha, nationally syndicated by Westwood One, features two of the most popular Urban voices in the country - former Hot 105 FM/Miami personality Rick Party and former Kiss 104.1 FM/Atlanta personality Sasha the Diva -- both of whom have major market ratings success and plan to leverage that experience into ratings gold in national syndication.

WLXC 103.1 FM (6 Kw)  Red=60dBu Coverage Area

Rick and Sasha will entertain and engage 25-54 Urban AC listeners looking for great music, hot conversation, a connection to community, and interactive discussions, while super-serving females 35-44.

Mike McVay, EVP, Content & Programming, Cumulus Media and Westwood One, said: “Rick and Sasha will be the next big stars for the Urban AC format. Stations need programming and talent that can win not just now, but for the next five and 10-year cycles. Rick and Sasha’s on-air chemistry is so natural and memorable. They’re the most exciting duo to hit Urban AC radio in a very long time.”

Robyn Simone, WLXC Program Director, said: “I’m thrilled to kick off the New Year with a brand new morning show, Rick and Sasha! With the years of radio experience these two have, it’ll be amazing to see them build a successful morning team together. Columbia has been yearning for some new energy in the morning and now we have it! Rick and Sasha can be heard weekdays, Monday- Friday from 6am to 10am and Saturday mornings from 7am to 9am only on KISS 103.1.”

Steve Harvey Show Searching for New Syndicator

Radio-TV personality Steve Harvey has admitted that he was surprised when NBC announced that a new show hosted by Kelly Clarkson would take over his time-slot on its owned-and-operated stations.

Harvey, a headline speaker at the Variety Entertainment Summit at CES, was asked by interviewer Variety co-editor-in-chief Andrew Wallenstein whether he going to stay with NBCUniversal. Harvey responded, “I thought I was, until they made an announcement a couple weeks ago that they wanted to give Kelly Clarkson the [NBC] O&O networks – that’s my slot.”

Insiders confirmed to Variety that NBCUniversal, which had been distributing Harvey’s daytime yakker, “Steve,” will no longer be doing so after the end of this season. IMG, which produces the show, has been shopping the show to various syndication, cable, streaming, and broadcast outlets. A source said Harvey has options on the table, and is confident “Steve” will continue elsewhere after this year.

Harvey launched “Steve” in 2017, replacing “The Steve Harvey Show,” another daytime talk show that had been produced by EndemolShine North America. Unlike “Steve Harvey,” Harvey owns a stake in “Steve” with IMG.

Harvey, TV personality and actor-comedian-producer-author, said about daytime TV that “it’s a very tough space right now,” noting that technology lets viewers watch shows whenever they want. He also blasted Nielsen ratings as “the most archaic thing ever created.”