iHeartMedia' WAXQ/Q104.3 is set to celebrate Jim Kerr's 50 years on the air with a week-long celebration. It kicks off with the annual Jim Kerr Irish Breakfast live broadcast on March 16 and culminates with a special Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show broadcast on March 22, live from the top of the Empire State Building.
According to his Radio Hall of Fame bio, all it took was a 2nd grade field trip to WWJ, Detroit for Jim Kerr to know what he wanted to do with his life. He began his career at age 14 in Ypsilanti, Michigan and has been on the air ever since. At 21, he became New York’s youngest morning show host at WPLJ. Kerr is now recognized as the longest running morning radio personality in NYC history.
Kerr adds: "50 years waking up New York? (New Jersey too!) How did that happen? It seems like I arrived here yesterday. (the actual date was March 18, 1974).
Cumulus Media announces the launch of Sports/Talk station 106.1 The Ticket (WRKN-FM) in New Orleans, The new station debuted on Friday, March 1st and moves from its previous Country format to Sports/Talk programming with the addition of FOX Sports Radio’s industry-leading lineup and exciting local weekday programs.
106.1 The Ticket now features the FOX Sports Radio weekday shows including: “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe,” “The Dan Patrick Show,” “The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard & Rob Parker,” “The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon,” and “The Ben Maller Show.” The station’s weekday lineup will also include several local programs, including: “Inside New Orleans with Eric Asher,” “All Access with Ken Trahan,” and “Nola’s Team Radio Show with Tim Duncan.” Plus, 106.1 The Ticket will broadcast FOX Sports Radio around the clock on weekends.
As of January 2024, YouTube Music and YouTube Premium have surpassed 100 million subscribers worldwide, including trial subscribers. This remarkable milestone reflects the platform’s growth and impact on the music industry.
Let’s break it down:
YouTube Music: Launched in October 2015, YouTube Music offers a dedicated streaming service for music lovers. Despite initial skepticism, it has thrived and is now available in over 100 countries and regions. Users can enjoy personalized playlists, discover new artists, and access an extensive music library.
YouTube Premium: Formerly known as YouTube Red, YouTube Premium provides an ad-free experience across all YouTube content, including original shows and movies. It also includes YouTube Music as part of the subscription. YouTube Premium is thriving in over 100 countries and regions, with more expansion planned for 2024.
In comparison to other streaming giants:
Spotify, a market leader, had 226 million premium subscribers worldwide in Q3 2023.
Apple Music, although less transparent about subscriber numbers, was estimated to reach 110 million subscribers by 2025.
YouTube’s unique blend of advertising and subscription revenue continues to drive its success, making it a powerhouse in the streaming landscape. As the industry celebrates this achievement, former YouTuber and current Warner Music Group CEO, Robert Kyncl, reflects on how 100 million subscribers once felt like a distant possibility. Now, it’s a monumental moment for music on YouTube, artists, and subscribers alike.
Nikki Haley defeated Donald Trump in Sunday's Republican primary in Washington, D.C., her first win in what remains an uphill battle to somehow overtake the former president for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, claimed all 19 convention delegates and carried more than 62% of the vote among the small pool of DC Republicans who participated in the three-day primary. She now takes her challenge to Trump to more than a dozen primaries being held on "Super Tuesday" — Trump is favored to win those contests, but the surprising result in Washington could augur better days for her campaign. "Let’s do it," Haley said on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. "Thank you, DC! We fight for every inch."
➤TRUMP RULING EXPECTED TODAY: The Supreme Court has indicated it will issue at least one opinion on Monday, raising speculation that it will decide on the eve of Super Tuesday if Colorado and other states can use an anti-insurrectionist provision of the Constitution to keep former President Donald Trump off the ballot. Colorado and Maine, two of the three states where the validity of votes for Trump is waiting for a decision from the high court, are among the many states holding primaries Tuesday. The court heard oral arguments Feb. 8 on Trump's challenge to the Colorado Supreme Court's decision that Trump is ineligible to return to the White House because of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
➤POLLING..BIDEN STRUGGLING: President Biden is struggling to overcome doubts about his leadership inside his own party and broad dissatisfaction over the nation’s direction, leaving him trailing behind Donald J. Trump just as their general-election contest is about to begin, a new poll by The New York Times and Siena College has found. With eight months left until the November election, Mr. Biden’s 43 percent support lags behind Mr. Trump’s 48 percent in the national survey of registered voters.
Former President Donald Trump is leading President Biden among likely voters, according to new CBS polling. pic.twitter.com/mlPzd2SuCY
Only one in four voters think the country is moving in the right direction. More than twice as many voters believe Mr. Biden’s policies have personally hurt them as believe his policies have helped them. A majority of voters think the economy is in poor condition. And the share of voters who strongly disapprove of Mr. Biden’s handling of his job has reached 47 percent, higher than in Times/Siena polls at any point in his presidency. The poll offers an array of warning signs for the president about weaknesses within the Democratic coalition, including among women, Black and Latino voters. So far, it is Mr. Trump who has better unified his party, even amid an ongoing primary contest.
➤TRUMP CALLS OUT BIDEN 'CONSPIRACY': Republican frontrunner Donald Trump accused President Joe Biden on Saturday of engaging in a "conspiracy to overthrow the United States" through lax security policies that have allowed millions of migrants to stream across the U.S. border with Mexico. Speaking at a campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Trump appeared to be suggesting, as he has in the past, that Democrats are hoping to convert migrants who enter the country illegally into reliable voters. Biden’s administration, Trump contended, seeks “to collapse the American system, nullify the will of the actual American voters and establish a new base of power that gives them control for generations.” Trump elaborated at an evening rally in Richmond, Virginia, after repeating the allegations. Referring to the Biden White House, he said, "They're trying to sign (migrants) up to get them to vote in the next election."
Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades, died Sunday morning at the age of 72, his family announced.
Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991 and was a regular contributor to the network's NFL shows and "SportsCenter." He was a regular news breaker for ESPN, including the news in 2016 that Peyton Manning was retiring from the NFL.
Cumulus Media vp of country Charlie Cook is set to exit the company, with his last day being May 31. Cook has made significant contributions to the world of country music broadcasting.
Let’s explore his remarkable journey:
Career Overview:
Charlie Cook’s radio career began in Michigan back in 1972. Since then, he has crisscrossed the United States, leaving his mark on various stations and formats.
During the 1980s and 1990s, he served as the SVP of Country Programming at McVay Media.
Later, he joined Westwood One as the Vice President of Programming.
His expertise and passion for country music led him to Cumulus Media, where he held several key roles.
Charlie Cook
Cumulus Media Roles:
Vice President of Country Music: Charlie Cook’s influence extended across Cumulus Media’s country music portfolio.
Programming Operations Manager: He oversaw programming operations for the Cumulus Nashville group, which includes five stations.
Program Director:
95.5 Nash Icon (WSM-FM): Cook shaped the format and content of this station.
103.3 Country (WKDF): His programming expertise also impacted WKDF.
Awards and Recognition:
Country Radio Hall of Fame: In 2011, Charlie Cook was inducted into the prestigious Country Radio Hall of Fame.
ACM Service Award: He received this honor alongside Bill Mayne in the previous year.
Charlie Cook’s departure from Cumulus Media is bittersweet. After nine years of dedicated service, he is stepping down from his roles. His final day is set for May 31, 2024. Cook expressed gratitude to everyone at Cumulus and in Nashville, emphasizing that it’s time for a new adventure.
In 2024, cord cutting has become simpler than ever. Most Americans can get what they want for less than cable TV, and it’s a lot easier than it was even a few years ago. Cord Cutters News has explored the reasons why cord cutting might be a cost-effective choice:
Streaming Services: There are numerous live streaming services available, and many of them offer free trials. Whether you want to stream live TV or enjoy on-demand content, there’s a service for you. Here are some popular options:
Live TV Streaming Services: If you want channels like ESPN and AMC, consider services like Sling TV, Hulu, YouTube TV, fuboTV, Philo, or DIRECTV NOW. These services also offer built-in DVR options so you won’t miss your favorite shows.
On-Demand Streaming Services:
Netflix: With a vast library of movies and TV shows, including original content, Netflix remains a top choice.
Hulu: If you want recent shows from networks like FOX, NBC, ABC, FX, and Spike, Hulu is a great option.
Amazon Prime Video: Not only does it offer free two-day shipping and music, but it also provides access to thousands of movies and TV shows. Amazon Prime includes HBO shows and recently released movies for rent.
Pick Your Device: To stream content to your TV, you’ll need a compatible device. Options include streaming sticks, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.
HD Antenna: Don’t forget about over-the-air programming! Using an HD antenna, you can access local channels for free.
In summary, cord cutting offers flexibility, choice, and often cost savings compared to traditional cable TV. As the landscape continues to evolve, more people are embracing this trend and enjoying the benefits of streaming services.
The management at The New York Times has denied the allegations made by the union representing Times journalists.
The union accused the paper of racial targeting in its internal investigation regarding the leak of information about an unreleased episode of “The Daily” podcast. This episode reportedly covered Hamas’ use of sexual violence in its attacks on Israel on October 7.
The NewsGuild of New York asserted that staff members were “targeted for their national origin, ethnicity, and race” during the investigation.
However, the paper’s management refuted these charges, emphasizing that they did not target individuals based on their associations or ethnicity. They emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration within their newsroom and expected all colleagues to adhere to these values.
Additionally, the paper defended its original reporting while addressing concerns about a freelance journalist who had liked posts containing controversial language about Israel. The union, in response, demanded that The Times cease what they called a "destructive and racially targeted witch hunt."12
The situation highlights the complexities of internal investigations and the need for transparency and fairness in such processes. As the debate continues, it remains essential to uphold journalistic integrity while respecting the rights and well-being of all involved parties.
“The local news crisis in the US is deepening,” according to the latest edition of the State of Local News in 2023, published by Northwestern University’s Medill School.
The Press Gazette reports half of counties in America have either one news outlet or none at all, finds the 2023 report, as many publishers are still struggling to find a model for local news in the digital era.
Some local publishers have hit upon a model, however, bucking the decline and finding success through digital subscriptions.
This second and updated list of paid digital subscriber counts at local news publishers reveals that there is a small but sizeable group of independent titles growing their paid subscriber base.
Kara Swisher, a prominent tech journalist, has been a keen observer of the digital culture’s ascent in Silicon Valley. Her extensive coverage of the tech industry since the early 1990s has given her unique insights into the lives of iconic moguls who shaped this digital revolution.
In her book titled “Burn Book: A Tech Love Story,” Swisher delves behind the scenes, revealing intriguing anecdotes about tech luminaries:
Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo, was caught off guard when Swisher inquired about a recent board decision. His response? “That literally just happened in the boardroom. Who is leaking to you?” Swisher’s witty reply: “Look to the left, look to the right. It’s the whole room.”
Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, engaged Swisher in a conversation about parenting. As he prepared to become a first-time father, he sought advice on how lesbians have children. Swisher guided him through the sperm donation and insemination process, playfully noting that while Bezos was rich, he was “too short and bald.”
Bill Gates, during a live interview with rival Steve Jobs in 2007, sulked after Jobs compared working with Microsoft to “giving a glass of ice water to somebody in hell.” Gates retorted backstage, “Why would I know that? I run hell.”
Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, struggled with nerves during public speaking. Swisher witnessed him sweating profusely and wondered if he might faint right at her feet.
Swisher’s candid accounts underscores the importance of transparency, trust, and collaboration in an ever-evolving tech world
The BBC recently confirmed that one of its top radio hosts, Justin Webb, broke its “impartiality rules” last year. During a discussion on the network’s Radio 4 channel in August, Webb referred to a trans woman as a “male”. This statement sparked controversy and led to viewer complaints. A listener raised concerns that Webb was expressing his “personal view” on gender identity rather than maintaining impartiality.
The BBC’s editorial complaints department reviewed the situation and agreed with the complaint. They concluded that Webb had given the impression of endorsing one viewpoint in a highly controversial area. The discussion centered around whether trans women chess players have an advantage over biological female chess players due to their biological male characteristics.
Corus Entertainment has named Tammy Cole as National Director of FM Programming, as the company announced changes to its FM radio leadership team, according to Broadcast Dialogue.
Cole will now oversee all Corus FM stations across the country, in addition to retaining her current FM Program Director responsibilities in Toronto.
Tammy Cole
With the change, Regional Program Director Dave Blezard will take over Energy 95.3 (CING-FM) Hamilton, and Program Manager Samantha Payne will take on the role of Senior Program Manager in Toronto, with additional oversight of Corus’ Barrie market. Senior Brand Associate Maggie Tulecka will now cover Hamilton stations 900 CHML, Energy 95.3 and Y108 (CJXY-FM) Hamilton.
Ekta Patel, currently the Promotions Manager in Hamilton and London, will take on the role of National Promotions Director, overseeing promotions for stations across Canada. She’ll also manage 102.1 the Edge (CFNY-FM), Q107 (CILQ-FM) and 640 (CFIQ-FM) Toronto.
Chelsea Robinson, Promotions Manager in Kitchener and Guelph overseeing 107.5 Dave Rocks (CJDV-FM), The Beat 91.5 (CKBT-FM) and Magic 106 (CIMJ-FM), will also add London and Hamilton stations Country 104 (CKDK-FM), 103.1 Fresh (CFHK-FM), Energy 95.3 and Y108 to her promotions portfolio.
Finally, Lisa Fuoco will take on the newly-created role of National Sales Promotions and Integrations Manager, Audio. In the new position, Fuoco will manage and develop national sales, products, and client-facing opportunities across the audio division.
In a release, Corus said the changes were made “to better position us for the future.” A spokesperson told Broadcast Dialogue that no staff departures are tied to today’s announcement.
Paul Houde, a beloved Quebec actor, television host, and radio personality, passed away suddenly at the age of 69 on Saturday.
His family shared the heartbreaking news on social media.
Houde’s wife, Francine Audette, revealed that his death was a result of complications following a major surgery to remove a mass from his brain.
Throughout his prolific career in Quebec media, Houde made a significant impact as a radio host on the BPM Sports network, CKAC, and 98.5 FM. He also left his mark in the beloved comedy film series Les Boys, where he portrayed the character Fern, an erudite goalie with an impressive knowledge of professional player statistics.
Fans, politicians, and fellow media professionals have expressed their grief and admiration for Houde’s public kindness, private warmth, and memorable humor.
iHM Celebrates International Women’s Day with “Women Take the Mic” on March 8
The Special Includes Women Taking Over Mics and Music on iHeartRadio Stations
Celebration Also Includes a Special Podcast Series from Top Female-Hosted Podcasts Including Angela Yee’s Lip Service, Chiquis and Chill, Dear Chelsea with Chelsea Handler, The Nikki Glaser Podcast, Therapy for Black Girls and More
In honor of International Women's Day on March 8, iHeartMedia today announced the fourth annual celebration of women who make music, influence change, and create a culture with “Women Take the Mic” on March 8, 2024.
This year’s celebration includes:
Women Taking the Mics On-Air:
Women will lead the conversation all day across every iHeartRadio music station nationwide on March 8, 2024.
Women Take the Mic Music Hour: On March 8 from 5-6 p.m. local time iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations will also devote the hour to playing the biggest hits and new music from today’s female artists and offer special playlists on the iHeartRadio App.
Women Take the Mic: The Podcast: New this year, iHeartRadio will have 10 International Women’s Day special episodes from top female-hosted podcasts including Angela Yee’s Lip Service, Chiquis and Chill, Dear Chelsea with Chelsea Handler, The Nikki Glaser Podcast, The Psychology of Your 20s, Reasonably Shady, Therapy for Black Girls, There Are No Girls On The Internet with Bridget Todd, Very Special Episodes with Dana Schwartz, and Womanica. Each one of these shows will share their personal stories of shattering stereotypes, creating opportunities, and inspiring the next generation to find their own voice and share it with the world. Fans can tune-in to the special podcast episodes on the iHeartRadio App.
“At iHeart we speak to 9 out of 10 Americans monthly in communities across the nation through our broadcast radio and podcast networks,” said Gayle Troberman, Chief Marketing Officer for iHeartMedia. “Today on International Women’s Day women take the mic -- highlighting the women who elevate this entire medium and connect with listeners everywhere, delivering powerful content, music, news and entertainment in authentic and inspiring ways.”
🎧Listeners can join in on the conversation online by using #iHeartWomensDay throughout the day and learn more at iHeartRadio.com/womensday.
In 1877...Emile Berliner, the man behind so many inventions, came up with a thing called the microphone. The Bell System, run by Alexander Graham Bell, came up with a compact way to put Berliner’s microphone on a wooden box, with a crank, an earpiece, a cradle hook for the earpiece and some wires, and called it the telephone.
Pat McGeehan and Red Skelton
➦In 1907...Radio actor and announcer Pat McGeehan was born in Harrisburg PA (Died - January 8, 1988 at age 80 in Burbank, CA). He was most active during much of radio's classic period of the 1930s and '40s.
For many years, McGeehan was one of a series of announcers who were the brunt of some of Skelton's best known-lines. He also was an actor on the "Maisie," "Stars Over Hollywood" and "Aunt Mary" series and a guest on such programs as "The Jack Benny Program" and the "Fibber McGee and Molly" comedy series. At his peak, McGeehan did more than 40 shows a week, Mrs. McGeehan said. He was the voice of the "Hour of St. Francis," a Catholic radio show, where he gained worldwide recognition for his recitation of the peace prayer of St. Francis.
➦In 1910...Radio pioneer Lee DeForest conducted an experimental broadcast from New York City. Radio as we know it was still a decade away. DeForest broadcast a live performance by Enrico Caruso at the Metropolitan Opera.
Lee de Forest (August 26, 1873 – June 30, 1961) was an inventor with over 180 patents to his credit. He named himself the "Father of Radio," with this famous quote, "I discovered an Invisible Empire of the Air, intangible, yet solid as granite,".
In 1906 De Forest invented the Audion, the first triode vacuum tube and the first electrical device which could amplify a weak electrical signal and make it stronger. The Audion, and vacuum tubes developed from it, founded the field of electronics and dominated it for 40 years, making radio broadcasting, television, and long-distance telephone service possible, among many other applications. For this reason De Forest has been called one of the fathers of the "electronic age". He is also credited with one of the principal inventions that brought sound to motion pictures.
He was involved in several patent lawsuits, and spent a substantial part of his income from his inventions on legal bills. He had four marriages and 25 companies. He was indicted in 1912 for mail fraud, but was acquitted.
➦In 1925... the first national radio broadcast of an inauguration occurred when 21 stations aired President Calvin Coolidge taking the oath of office on the East Front of the Capitol. Elected Vice President in 1920, Coolidge first took the oath of office when President Warren Harding died suddenly in 1923.
NY Times radio mention 3/5/1925
After winning election to a full term in 1924, Coolidge followed his predecessor’s example and insisted upon a modest inaugural ceremony. “I favor the policy of economy, not because I wish to save money, but because I wish to save people,” Coolidge said about his governing philosophy. “The men and women of this country who toil are the ones who bear the cost of the Government.” The simple inaugural proceedings did, however, make headlines. The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company installed a series of loud speakers and microphones on the inaugural platform.
The new equipment, operated from a room below the Capitol's steps, enabled people in attendance to better hear the proceedings and allowed those not in the nation’s capital to “listen in” on the day’s events. For the occasion, a radio announcers’ booth was constructed on the inaugural platform. More than 20 radio stations broadcast the proceedings to an estimated 23 million listeners, including many children whose school auditoriums had been fitted with electronic equipment to facilitate the broadcast of the historic event. People who tuned in heard detailed descriptions of the Capitol grounds and the history of past inaugurations.
➦In 1930...“The ole Redhead”, sportscaster Red Barber, began his radio career on WRUF-AM, while attending the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Barber pioneered a colorful, reportorial style of play-by-play narration that generations of broadcasters have imitated: He gave his listeners a scrupulously detailed but carefully nonpartisan version of the events on the field, so that they could feel like they were sitting in the stands themselves.
Barber’s baseball-broadcasting career began with the Cincinnati Reds in 1934, when the 26-year-old announcer called the first major league game he had ever seen, and ended in 1966 when the New York Yankees fired him for noting on air that only 413 people had come to watch the last-place Bombers play. But from 1939 to 1953, his years as the play-by-play announcer for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Barber became a citywide celebrity. He invented an entirely new vocabulary that was nevertheless almost instantly familiar to anyone who listened to his broadcasts for more than a few minutes. To Barber, the baseball diamond was “the pea patch.” An argument was “a rhubarb.” A sure-thing game was “tied up in the crocus sack” and a team that had a game well in hand was “sitting in the catbird seat.” Everyone who heard Barber say that the bases were “FOB” knew he meant that they were full of Brooklyn players; likewise, listeners knew that a player who was “assuming the ballistic burden” was coming in to relieve the pitcher.
Barber broadcast some of baseball’s most important moments: the first night game and the first televised game, for example, along with Jackie Robinson’s first game as a Dodger and Roger Maris’ record-breaking home run. During baseball season, his voice was everywhere. “People tell me you could walk through Brooklyn without a radio and still hear Red describe the game,” sportscaster Bob Costas said. “You wouldn’t miss a pitch because it would come from an apartment windowsill, from a storefront, from a car radio with its window open.”
In 1978, Red Barber and Mel Allen were the first announcers to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
