R.I.P.: WPDH Morning Host Mark Cooper Dies at 49

Mark Cooper

WPDH 101.5 FM morning show host Mark 'Coop' Cooper has died. He suffered a stroke on Sunday, Andrew Boris, program director for WPDH, said today.

He was 49, according to poughkeepsiejournal.com.

Cooper had been off the air prior to that because of health issues, he said.

A City of Poughkeepsie resident, Cooper for more than a dozen years has helped Hudson Valley residents wake up with his gravelly voice, irreverent humor, conversational vocal tone and

“Everyone at WPDH is completely devastated,” Boris said in a prepared statement. “ Coop was a friend to so many people in the Hudson Valley and had an incredibly infectious joy for life.

"He was a caring and dedicated advocate for so many causes both on and off the air, it's hard to imagine mornings without his voice. Those of us who were fans of his show, or lucky enough to know Mark on a personal level will miss him deeply," he said.

"Our hearts go out to his family and friends. Coop would certainly want us to celebrate his life and continue to entertain the Hudson Valley as he did for so many years. The show will certainly go on and we will make all decisions and announcements about the future of the WPDH morning show at an appropriate time.”

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Digital Radio Listeners To Pass 50% In 2014

More than one in five Americans will listen to music on their mobile phones this year, eMarketer estimates, after usage nearly doubled in 2012. Listening to music on their phones is now a regular activity for more than 70 million people in the US, and double-digit growth is expected to continue through 2015, when well over a third of all mobile phone users will participate.

Included in this figure are mobile phone users who listen to streaming music, such as via Pandora, Spotify or another digital radio station, as well as those who download music directly onto their phone, via the iTunes Store or a similar service. eMarketer’s forecast does not include listeners who only sideload music from their PC to their phone.

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Report: Nielsen, Abritron Merger Hits Bump In The Road

TV ratings giant Nielsen is running into rising regulatory static over its $1.26 billion deal for Arbriton, the dominant radio measurement firm.

Rather than wrapping up its months-long review of the deal as expected, the Federal Trade Commission is busy sending out additional requests for information, The NYPost has learned.

The latest round of questionnaires went out to TV station owners that stand to be affected by the merger of the two measurement giants, according to sources.

The FTC will decide whether to let the deal go through or move to block it. It could also enter into a settlement with Nielsen, in which the company agrees to divest assets or make other changes to win approval for the deal.

Nielsen said at the end of July that it expects to have an indication of where the merger stands by the end of this month. Nielsen CEO David Calhoun, speaking on a call with investors, said the company had complied with the FTC’s latest request for information and was just awaiting a signal.

The FTC has already held up the deal once after issuing a second request for information on March 8. After the companies comply with the request, the FTC has 30 days to complete its review and take action.

In December, Nielsen reached a deal to buy Arbitron for $48 a share, or $1.26 billion. It also agreed to pay a $131 million breakup fee — more than 10 percent of the purchase price — should the deal fail to pass regulatory muster.

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Philly Radio: CBS Radio On The Move, Palladino Leaving WPHT

Ed Palladino

CBS Radio Philadelphia is on the move. WPHT and WOGL will move from their City Line Avenue home to Old City, at the 4th and Market location housing WIP.

Accoridng to philly.com, KYW Newsradio, on the other hand, will join CBS3 and CW57 at 1555 Hamilton St.

 "An expiring lease brought the question of moving to the surface. By uniting KYW Newsradio and CBS3/CW57, we will have the largest news-gathering organization under one roof in the Delaware Valley and be capable of great things synergistically," said Marc Rayfield, CBS Radio Philadelphia's senior vice president and marketing manager.

"Plus, for the first time ever, our remaining [three] stations will be in a single location. We finally have marquee facilities as good as the people who inhabit them."

But that's not the only change at CBS Radio: WPHT will say goodbye to program director Ed Palladino, who is leaving after more than six years with the station. "I've been doing this for 31 years and it's time for something new," said Palladino, who will be heading to a nonradio job he wasn't ready to reveal.

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Palldino joined The Big Talker WPHT 1210 AM, in 2007, filling-in anchoring news and hosting weekend talk. Prior to WPHT, Ed spent 8 years in station management at Nassau Broadcasting in Central New Jersey. He served as Operations Manager and Program Director at WHWH 1350 AM, Princeton, and ESPN 920 AM, Trenton.

Prior to that, he co-hosted and produced mornings at Greater Media’s WCTC 1450 AM in New Brunswick, NJ. Ed’s radio career started at Philadelphia’s original FM talker, WWDB 96.5 FM. Ed worked at WWDB for 12 years, starting as a part-time producer.

Boston Radio: David O’Leary Gets Mornings At Magic 106.7

David O'Leary

Greater Media has announced veteran radio broadcaster David O’Leary has been named as the new co-host of Morning WMJX MAGIC 106.7 FM in Boston.

He will begin his new position on Monday, August 19th.

The radio and television veteran has been charming Boston-area listeners with his personal style and affable manner for over 25 years. A native of Natick, O’Leary joined Greater Media in 1997 as the morning drive host on WBOS, 92.9FM. He joined the MAGIC 106.7 air staff in 2004, before going on to become Production Director of the station in 2007.

In addition to hearing him on the radio, you’ve also seen him on WGBH/Channel 2, and as an afternoon VJ on Boston’s Music Video TV, V-66.

“Several good candidates surfaced during our extensive talent search, and after careful consideration, David O’Leary stood out as the natural choice to best help propel Magic’s morning show into the future,” said Greater Media Boston Director of Programming Cadillac Jack.

“David’s experience, warmth, and great judgment with respect to content are just some of the reasons I’m thrilled to once again promote from within our valuable roster of “A” talent here at Greater Media Boston. The combination of David and Candy promises to be an exciting new chapter for Morning Magic!”

“I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Magic air staff,” said O’Leary. “This station, in this city, working with a team I know and respect… It’s a dream come true!”

Detroit Radio: Jason Dixon Named PD At Sports 105.1

Jason Dixon

Greater Media has announced Jason Dixon has been named as the Program Director of the newly launched Detroit Sports 105.1 in the Motor City. He officially began his new position today.

Dixon most recently served as Operations Manager and Program Director for the past three years at Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM 99.9 The Fan, WDNC-AM 620 The Buzz, WCMC-HD-3 99.9 HD3 The Ticket, and WCLY-AM 1550 ESPN Deportes in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“Jason is the right quarterback to lead our winning team at Detroit Sports 105.1,” said Market Manager Steve Chessare. “He lives and breathes the format. His experience, ability, passion and track record made him the perfect choice to help as we provide our Detroit sports fans with best sports experience possible in the Motor City.”

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work in one of America’s great sports cities along-side Market Manager Steve Chessare and with the leadership of Greater Media Chairman and CEO Peter Smyth and VP of Program Development Buzz Knight,” said Dixon. “With Motor City radio icon Drew Lane anchoring Detroit Sports 105.1 in the afternoon, combined with a commitment to cover our local Detroit teams, a partnership with ESPN and additional local programming that will be announced soon; we feel that we building a great sports station for the incredible and dedicated fans of Detroit.”

A native of Tampa, FL, Dixon began his radio career in 1989 with 970 WFLA-AM. He transitioned into music radio as an air personality and morning show producer for the legendary WFLZ-FM in Tampa . Dixon was tapped as The Program Director when Clear Channel launched The Sports Animal WDAE-AM in Tampa in 1996.

He transitioned into the world of professional sports in 2000 while working as the Senior Director of Broadcasting and Programming for The NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and Arena Football’s Tampa Bay Storm while employed by Detroit based Palace Sports and Entertainment.

Station Owner Protests Arbitron Policy Change

Gary E. Burns

Owner and CEO of 3 Daughters Media stations Gary Burns of Lynchburg, VA.  is taking his protest of a new Arbitron policy up a notch.

Arbitron plans to make its Total Line Reporting, in which the ratings of simulcast stations are combined into one number, for subscribers-only beginning in 2014. Under the updated policy, only licensed subscribing stations “in good standing” will be eligible to combine audiences for their stations and Internet streams that are 100% simulcast on a single reporting line in Arbitron ratings reports and data services.

Burns recently protested the change to Arbitron CEO Sean Creamer, saying the change will result in a different application ratings methodology for stations in the same survey and will change the station rankings. “Stations most likely to incur damages as a result of this new policy are stations with limited coverage, stations owned by small business and minorities. Measurement of radio listening in metro markets should be subject to the same methodology and rules for every station qualified to be in the measured market,” said Burns in a letter he shared with Radio World.

Now, Burns has taken his concerns to the FCC, the DOJ and the FTC.

Specifically, he’s saying the planned acquisition of Arbitron by Nielsen “will have unintended consequences in the marketplace.” As the DOJ and FTC review that deal, Burns asks the regulators to require “all measured entities be treated equally” without regard to whether such a company is an Arbitron subscriber and to consider “all of the other ramifications of the merger” before allowing the pending $1.26 billion transaction to close.

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3 Daughters Media currently owns 7 stations in Virginia and Tennesee.

Albany Radio: Former Yankees OF Victim Of Hoax

Mike Lindsley

Former Yankees outfielder Shane Spencer issued a statement Tuesday saying a person who called an Albany radio station the previous day posing as him — and admitting to “dabbling” with steroids — was an imposter.

“In response to an interview that (WTMM The Team) ESPN Radio 104.5 FM host Mike Lindsley claims to have done with me on (Monday) afternoon, I would like to set the record straight that I did not participate in any such interview,” said Spencer, who now serves as the hitting coach and third base coach for the Somerset Patriots in the independent Atlantic League.

“Someone called into the station claiming to be me and spoke on my behalf regarding some very sensitive topics surrounding baseball. This caller spoke as me about topics ranging from steroids, to my time with the New York Yankees, Roger Clemens and my feelings about the great Mariano Rivera. I am outraged that someone would do this and at the same time disappointed that the station believed it to be me despite not coming from the contact information they had for me.”

Spencer, who played for the Yankees from 1998-2002 and for the Mets in 2004, added that he heard about the alleged interview from friends, family members, former teammates and fans the past two days.

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Pittsburgh Radio: Pete Rose Apologizes For Radio Comments

Pete Rose

It’s not often Pete Rose says he’s sorry, but baseball’s all-time hit king has done so in the wake of his candid comments regarding his banishment from baseball.

During a radio interview with John Phillips of KDKA-FM 93.7The Fan in Pittsburgh, Rose was asked if he felt a 2nd chance would come his way and his reinstatement to the game of baseball could happen.

According to the station website, Rose told Phillips 

“I made mistakes. I can’t whine about it. I’m the one that messed up and I’m paying the consequences. However, if I am given a second chance, I won’t need a third chance. And to be honest with you, I picked the wrong vice. I should have picked alcohol. I should have picked drugs or I should have picked up beating up my wife or girlfriend because if you do those three, you get a second chance. They haven’t given too many gamblers a second chances in the world of baseball.”

 Since airing those comments, Rose has come under fire for the ‘beating up my wife or girlfriend’ part of what he said.

In a rare Mea culpa, Rose has issued a statement apologizing.

From Pete Rose: 

“If I’ve learned anything over the past 24 years since my banishment from baseball, it’s to own up to my failures right away. I was feeling sorry for myself when I compared my vice to others, including abuse and drinking. Of course, all vices are not to be excused. I know gambling almost destroyed baseball and I have accepted the way Commissioners Giamatti, Vincent and Selig acted toward me.”

Rose has been serving a lifetime ban since 1989 for gambling on the Reds.

NPR Host Parties With The Obamas

Michelle Norris

President Barack Obama attended a cocktail party at the home of NPR host Michele Norris Johnson on Monday night, according to Dylan Byers at Politico.

Norris and her husband, Broderick Johnson, who was an adviser on the Obama 2012 campaign, hosted the president, the first lady and others at their home in West Tisbury, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard, where the Obamas are vacationing.

Norris, a former host of NPR's "All Things Considered," left the organization in October 2011 after her husband accepted a senior adviser position with the Obama campaign. She returned in February 2013 in an expanded role as both host and special correspondent.

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Tom’s Take:  Well, la-dee-da!  Norris by the way pronounces her first name ‘Me-Shell’.

Charlotte Radio: WBT, NFL Panthers Extend Deal

The Carolina Panthers have announced the extension of a long-time partnership with Greater Media’s WBT-AM/FM in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Having served as the radio flagship of the Carolina for 13 of the team’s 18-year history, WBT-AM/FM and the Panthers have agreed on a three-year extension to keep the radio broadcasts there through 2015.

“With such a long and successful history between our two organizations, we are excited about continuing to look for new ways to improve our broadcasts” said David Langton, Executive Radio Producer.

“WBT AM/FM and the Carolina Panthers histories are rooted in tradition, passion and performance. The first touchdown in Panther history was heard on WBT, and that tradition will continue into the foreseeable future,” said Trip Savery, VP and Station Manager of WBT AM/FM and Greater Media Charlotte.

“Carolina Panthers fans and PSL holders fit the profile of the WBT listener perfectly. The Panthers are a significant part of our 90 year history of serving the greater Charlotte region, and we look forward to many more years working together.”

Carolina Panthers color analyst and WBT sports director, Jim Szoke is the only broadcaster to have seen every home and away Carolina Panthers game in the history of the franchise. Joining Jim in the booth for the 9th season will be play-by-play man Mick Mixon and former Carolina Panther and 16-year NFL veteran Eugene Robinson.

Gig Alerts: Openings In Nashville and Orlando

Anthony Allen

Anthony "Antman" Allen will be leaving WSIX 97.9FM Nashville and heading to sister station KNIX 102.5 FM Phoenix. And so, WSIX's OM/PD Michael Bryan is looking for someone to fill Ant's shoes. .

"This is really bittersweet," says Bryan. "Ant has been my partner in crime as we've completely rebuilt The Big 98 over the past 18 months. I really hate to lose him. We're looking for the very best air talent and APD/MD available in the format. This really is one of the best jobs in Country radio and it's wide open."

Airchecks and resumes should be sent here.

Also, WWKA K92 Orlando's PD JR Schumann is looking for an outstanding midday personality due to the exit of Grace Vasquez. Vasquez has been with the station for six years and was moved to middays in March 2012. She had been doing mornings for four years.   Send your package to Schumann here jrschumann@coxinc.co.

Eddie Sotelo Lands at SiriusXM

Eddie Sotelo

Sirius XM Radio announced today that Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo, Spanish-language radio's top personality, will launch a new entertainment channel exclusively on SiriusXM, anchored by his own daily, morning-drive show, "El Show de Piolin."

Piolin, credited with popularizing the Spanish-language morning drive format in major Hispanic markets, will now have his first true national platform, reconnecting with his massive base of loyal fans while reaching new listeners nationwide who have heretofore been unable to hear his compelling, entertaining, and unpredictable style of radio. 

The addition of Piolin solidifies the SiriusXM Latino suite of channels as the most comprehensive lineup of Latino programming in radio today.

"I am honored SiriusXM believes in me.  As I tell my listeners, 'We came to succeed.' And now, as we step up to a new level, I will be doing that on the biggest radio platform possible," said Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo.  "I can't wait to fly free and for the first time be truly available coast-to-coast.  I am excited that my listeners will be able to tune in to Piolin Radio at home, in the car or anywhere mobile.  I am looking forward to reconnecting with my fans and reaching out to new listeners everywhere across the country."

"Piolin's fans nationwide are loyal and supportive, and we are thrilled to welcome Piolin back to radio," said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. "With our growing Latino audience and our national reach, SiriusXM's 'Piolin Radio' will truly be coast to coast.  Piolin will draw subscribers and advertisers alike, and represents our commitment to bring the best and most comprehensive lineup of Spanish-language radio programming to a nation of listeners."

Piolin will host the live, four-hour call-in show, expanding on the format that made him the most popular Latino radio host in the United States. Building on the fast wit and humor he is known for.

His exclusive show and the channel, Piolin Radio, will launch on SiriusXM later this year. Piolin Radio will cover the spectrum of entertainment. Details on launch date of the channel and Piolin's daily show will be announced soon. Piolin's channel joins the expanding Spanish-language programming lineup on SiriusXM.

Piolin's previous show was top-rated in multiple markets nationwide and ultimately syndicated to more than 50 markets.  In Los Angeles, the show was the region's No.1-rated morning program in any language.  Piolin has won numerous broadcasting awards, including several NAB Marconi Radio Awards and was voted one of the most influential entertainers by the Los Angeles Times.  He is scheduled to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in November 2013.

CBS Radio Promotes Chris Oliverio To VP, Programming

Chris Oliverio

CBS Radio Tuesday announced the promotion of Chris Oliviero to Executive Vice President, Programming.  The appointment is effective immediately.  Oliviero has served as Senior Vice President, Programming for the past four years, and has worked at CBS Radio in various capacities since 1996.

 In this new role, Oliviero will lead programming development and operations for CBS Radio’s 126 news, sports, talk and music stations nationwide, as well as manage talent relations and explore new business partnerships and acquisitions.  Additionally, he will maintain his role overseeing CBS Sports Radio.

“Chris has been a valued member of our senior leadership team, creating opportunities and initiatives that provide an exceptional listening experience and extend the CBS Radio brand,” said Dan Mason, President and CEO. 

“He has demonstrated a profound understanding of collaboration across our local station management, sales and digital teams to drive growth, and brings a contemporary perspective into the ever changing media landscape.  Chris is a true industry leader and a respected colleague to everyone at CBS Radio.”

Dan Mason

 “CBS Radio has afforded me the chance to work with an amazingly talented group of professionals – all who share my enthusiasm for radio and its unquestionably bright future,” said Oliviero. 

“We’ve assembled an outstanding line-up of multi-platform assets that not only showcase our unmatched collection of exclusive content, but also provide additional opportunities to introduce our industry leading brands to new audiences each and every day.  I look forward to continuing these efforts by partnering with (SVP of Programming) Greg Strassell along with all our program directors in the years to come.”

Oliviero was named Senior Vice President of Programming for CBS Radio in 2009, while taking on a supervisory role for CBS Sports Radio in 2012.  He provides creative oversight of the division’s search for both established and up-and-coming talent, and has been instrumental in CBS Radio’s expansion of sports radio on FM, including launches in New York, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Tampa, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Cleveland.  Oliviero has recruited a highly sought after roster of personalities to CBS Radio stations and also manages the division’s national public service initiatives.

He began his career with CBS Radio in 1996 as an intern for Howard S. Upon his graduation from New York University in 1998, Oliviero joined Sportsradio 660AM WFAN as producer. In 2000, he was named Executive Producer for WNEW 102.7FM. Oliviero became part of CBS Radio's corporate staff as program coordinator in January 2004, and from July 2004 until July 2005 served as Director, Original Programming before being named Vice President of Programming.

Reach Media Inks Afternoon show Deal With D.L. Hughley

Hughley, Kantor

REACH Media Inc. has announced that comedian, author, actor and television personality D.L. Hughley has been signed to host a weekday radio broadcast, with a launch date to be announced in the near future.

THE D.L. Hughley Show will be a daily themed, music intensive afternoon drive program from 3-7pm ET hosted by one of the brightest comedic minds. The show will be distributed by REACH Media Inc. which currently reaches an audience of over 12 million listeners, predominantly African American, through radio, as well as digital media.

Hughley, ready to take people on a no holds ride of humor and reality in the afternoons, stated, “I’m very excited to get back to radio and it couldn’t have come at a better time.  I think radio fits my sensibility.  I want to be fast, I want to be funny, I want to be topical.  I want to make people laugh a lot and think a little. Some people want to push the envelope – I want to see if I can singe it a little.”

Hughley established himself as a stand-up comedian propelling to stardom with the Original Kings of Comedy Tour and a subsequent movie release. He went on to have a hit television show, The Hughleys, and has followed that up with a successful best-selling book, comedy specials, and television appearances.  Known for being astute and politically savvy in true comedian style, D.L. served as host of his own talk show on CNN, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News. In 2013 Hughley was awarded a Peabody Award for his work on The Endangered List, a satirical documentary that sought to get “American black men the same EPA protections afforded snail darters.”

According to REACH Media CEO David Kantor, “D.L. is the right personality to provide a new style of content in afternoon drive time. The D.L. Hughley Show will be engaging and fun, along with great music.”

Cumulus Media Networks will partner with REACH Media Inc. in affiliation and other aspects of the show.