Chicago Radio: WGN 720 AM Selling Mobile Studio

WGN Radio is selling their fully-equipped mobile broadcast studio, which is fitted inside a 35' mobile home, as well as the Ford pickup truck that pulls the studio on wheels.

The asking price is $90,000.

For specs: Click Here.

Interested parties can contact Jackie Paulus at 312-222-4751.

Akron Radio: Newsman Larry States Is Retiring

Larry States

After over 40 years in radio news, the last 30-plus at Rubber City Radio Group talk WAKR 1590 AM Akron, Larry States is calling it a career, according to ohiomediawatch.com.

States tells Akron Beacon Journal writer Rich Heldenfels that there’s a very personal reason he’s stepping away from the microphone:

States said Tuesday that he was retiring to take care of his wife, Wanda, who has ataxia, a brain disorder that affects coordination. “Intellectually, it is not a problem,” States said. But the physical challenges can be enormous.

Larry States has most recently been WAKR’s midday and afternoon anchor, following a long stint as its morning news anchor alongside morning drive host Ray Horner.

States worked his way into Akron from a first job at WINW 1520 AM in Canton, to the former WCUE 1150 AM in the Akron market.

Larry worked at Susquehanna talk WHLO 640 AM when its newsroom was active and fully staffed in the 1970s, before moving to WAKR in 1982.

As you might expect for someone so good at what he does, it will be difficult to replace Larry States…so, it won’t be done by one person.

Starting October 1st, existing station staffers will adjust their schedules to cover Larry’s midday and afternoon newscasts…

Phoenix Radio: Beth McDonald Celebrates 30-Years At KESZ

Beth McDonald

Most radio personalities have transitory careers, moving from market to market, station to station. Then there's Beth McDonald, who will celebrated 30 years at CCM+E's KESZ 99,9 FM 99-9 KEZ on Thursday.

Not only is McDonald still a star — "Listeners treat her like royalty," producer and co-host Chad Mitchell says — she is also a trailblazer. After all, morning radio still is predominantly a man's game, with women usually relegated to supporting roles.

McDonald's enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors. She's charming, funny and remarkably candid. She shares a lot of her life with the public, whether it's a divorce or the death of her former on-air partner, Bill Austin.

In an interview with azcentral.com, she shared highlights from her life and career. Click Here

Cincy Radio: Host's Wife Describes Violent Marriage

Misty, Blake Seylhouwer

A Cincinnati brokered radio show host accused of shooting at his wife last month has been ordered to stay away from her and their two children for five years. According to wcpo.com, the civil protection order came after a court hearing and documents loaded with allegations of violence, lies and sex addiction.

Authorities said Blake Seylhouwer, who's Sunday afternoon show aired on WKRC 550 AM fired a rifle at his wife Misty Seylhouwer after an argument outside their Madeira home on Aug. 12.

Misty filed for divorce Aug. 27, accusing Blake, 36, of adultery, extreme cruelty and gross neglect of duty. She also asked for custody of their children and spousal support.

In divorce filings, Misty said Blake "intended to kill" her after she discovered porn on his computer involving a 14-year-old. She said she learned he was having "sexual relations with prostitutes and that he had a 'daddy-daughter' fetish," court documents state.

"He took his rifle and shot me," Misty wrote. "Seconds before he pulled the trigger, he said, 'You will never have to see me again.'"

Before the couple married in Sydney, Australia in 2008, court documents show Blake was indicted in Columbus, Ohio for charges of pandering sexual-oriented matter involving a child, importuning and the illegal use of a minor in a nudity-oriented material or performance.

Read More Now

WB/Scranton Radio: 'Radio Home Visitor' Marks 40 Years

Sue Henry, volunteers

Radio Home Visitor turned 40 this week, with no signs of slowing down for middle age.

The hour-long program aimed at keeping the blind, visually impaired and homebound informed about their community has aired daily on non-com WRKC 88.5 FM, the King’s College radio station, since Sept. 2, 1974.

King’s students and volunteers read community news items from local newspapers, including The Citizens’ Voice, at 10 a.m. each morning, seven days a week. The program reaches 15,000 listeners daily at 88.5 FM, according to the station’s website.

On Tuesday, the program marked its anniversary in low-key fashion, said Sue Henry, general manager of WRKC. Volunteer readers who worked on the program over the decades shared memories and vignettes that spanned nearly the entire run of the show, she said.

“A lot of those folks offered their recollections,” Henry said, adding that she was especially pleased to hear from the Rev. Tom Carten, who founded Radio Home Visitor and spent countless hours working on it until his retirement last year.

“I can’t think of a better public servant,” she said, describing the Rev. Carten as a friend and mentor to many.

Volunteer dedication is the key to the program’s success, according to Henry, who also hosts a talk show for news radio station WILK 980 AM / 103,1 FM.

“I can’t even tell you how much time it takes to get this thing on the air every day,” she said.

The program tapes in the afternoon and is broadcast the following morning.

Radio Home Visitor focuses on hyper-local and community news — including quirky stories and even local obituaries, Henry said.

Read More Now

Remembering Joan Rivers' Passion For Radio

Joan Rivers

Thursday on “The Alan Colmes Show,” Alan spoke with David Bernstein, General Manager for Broadcast Operations for Talkers and former program director of WOR Radio in New York.

David hired Joan Rivers in the late 1990s to host a daily talk show, a program that aired both locally and nationally for five years.

David and Alan discussed the comedy icon’s passion for radio and her desire to talk about current events while still keeping true to herself. David also talked about her incredible work ethic, even coming in on vacations to do her show.

Watch The Video: Click Here.

R.I.P.: Chicago Radio/TV Personality Roy Leonard

Roy Leonard

One of Chicago’s most popular and respected broadcasters for decades, Roy Leonard died after a brief illness Thursday at Evanston Hospital.

He was 83, according to Chicago Media write Robert Feder.

“Our Dad passed away at 10:15 p.m. surrounded by all his sons, their wives and grand kids,” Kelly Leonard, executive vice president of Second City, wrote on Facebook. “He waited until the priest came. Literally. We said the Our Father and then he went. Thanks for your love and prayers. We will be in touch as soon as we figure out our plans.”

From 1967, when he first joined WGN 720 AM after more than 10 years on the air in Boston, until he chose to sign off in 1998, Leonard was one of Chicago’s most trusted and influential critics of the arts. For actors, authors, musicians and celebrities of any prominence, an interview on his show was a highlight of their media rounds. Best known for his long run as midday personality on the news/talk station, Leonard held various weekday shifts until 1995, when he cut back to weekends. Even then, his ratings remained as solid as ever.

Read More Now

September 5 In Radio history

In 1938…The inspirational soap opera "Life Can Be Beautiful" began its 16-year run on radio, shifting its home back and forth between NBC and CBS, occupying five different time slots during its tenure.


In 1957...WPOW 1330 AM (now WWRV) became first NYC station to play Rock & Roll regularly




In 1965...The Rolling Stones began recording "Get Off My Cloud" at RCA Studios in Los Angeles




In 1966...A new group had been created to serve as "the American version of the Beatles".  On this date, the Monkees released their first single--"Last Train to Clarksville".

In 1981...Bella Donna from Stevie Nicks moved into the #1 position on the album chart, taking over from Foreigner's 4, which slipped to 2.  Journey's great album Escape locked in the #3 spot while Pat Benatar was fourth with Precious Time and Billy Squier landed #5 with Don't Say No.  The rest of the Top 10:  Rickie Lee Jones with Pirates, Rick Springfield and Working Class Dog, Street Songs from Rick James, the Moody Blues fell to #9 with Long Distance Voyager and REO Speedwagon closed the list with Hi Infidelity in its 39th week of release.


In 1981..."Endless Love" by Ross & Richie made it four weeks at #1, holding off "Slow Hand" from the Pointer Sisters.  "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" from Stevie Nicks with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers came in third before the hard-charging "Urgent" from Foreigner.  The rest of the Top 10:  Ronnie Milsap and "(There's) No Gettin' Over Me", Juice Newton remained the same with "Queen of Hearts", Journey was up to #7 with "Who's Crying Now", the Commodores with "Lady (You Bring Me Up)", "Jessie's Girl" from Rick Springfield and Joey Scarbury had #10--"Theme From Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)".




In 1987...After a full three decades on ABC, Dick Clark's American Bandstand is canceled, largely due to MTV's influence on the younger generation. The show will limp along on the USA cable channel and in syndication for another three years, with a different host, before finally throwing in the towel.


In 1989...Mike & the Mad Dog debut on WFAN 660 AM




In 2012...Joe South, singer, songwriter and guitarist who did "Games People Play" and "Walk a Mile in My Shoes", died of heart failure in Buford, Georgia at age 72.  South also wrote songs for Elivs Presley, Deep Purple, the Osmonds, Gene Vincent, Lynn Anderson ("Rose Garden") and Billy Joe Royal and worked with Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Tommy Roe and others.

DC Radio: Stable or Stagnant..You Decide

In August, the Top 5 remained the same as July. The August PPM's released Wednesday by Nielsen show Hubbard's News WTOP 103.5 FM gained 8.0—8.5 to retain the top spot , followed by American University's N/T WAMU 88.5 FM remain #2 again finishing 6.4—6.2.

CCM+E Top 40 WIHT 99.5 FM Hot ends up #3. Howard University's UrbanAC is #4 and CCM+E AC WASH 97.1 FM checks-in at #5.

25-54: WIHT...WTOP...WWDC...WASH..WHUR

18-34: WIHT...WKYS...WPGC tied WWDC...WMZQ

18-49: WIHT...WWDC...WASH...WPGC...WKYS

Cume: WIHT-FM 1,252,000...WASH-FM 1,202,100...WTOP-FM 1,138,600...WBIG-FM 898,500...WPGC-FM 825,600

Philly Radio: WUSL Power 99 Continues Upward Momentum

Continues Upward Mo

Despite a flat 6.5—6.5 August, WEAZ-FM Radio's AC WBEB 101.1 FM MoreFM retains #1 (AQH) honors according to the August PPM's from Nielsen.

Close behind at #2 is CBS Radio Classic Hits WOGL 98.1 FM. Its up from July 5.8—6.2. Beasley's Country WXTU 92.5 FM dropped 6.3—5.5 to drop a notch to #3 in the 6+ rankings. Tying WXTU is CCM+E Urban AC WDAS 105.3 FM which was flat 5.5—5.5.

CCM+E  clustermate Urban WUSL 98.9 FM Power99 spiked a full share 4.2—5.2 and claim the #5 spot.

25-54: WMMR...WXTU...WUSL...WMGK...WRFF

18-34: WUSL...WXTU...WRFF...WBEB...WMMR

18-49: WUSL...WXTU...WBEB...WMMR...WRFF

Cume: WBEB-FM 1,597,800...WOGL-FM 1,192,100...WIOQ-FM 1,132,800...WMGK-FM 1,057,100...WRFF-FM 1,020,600

Nielsen Releases Second Batch Of August PPM Results

Nielsen Wednesday released August PPM numbers for the following markets:

• Washington DC
• Boston
• Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood
• Detroit
• Seattle-Tacoma
• Phoenix
• Minneapolis-St. Paul
• San Diego
• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater
• Denver-Boudler
• Baltimore
• St. Louis

To view Topline number for Nielsen subscribing stations: Click Here.

© 2005-2014 Arbitron Inc. All Rights Reserved. Arbitron radio audience estimates and data are federally copyrighted by and proprietary to Arbitron Inc. All Arbitron data are protected under U.S. copyright law, state misappropriation law, and other state and federal laws. Violations of Arbitron’s rights under U.S. copyright law may result in statutory damages per act of infringement and the recovery of Arbitron’s attorneys’ fees required to enforce Arbitron’s rights, in addition to other rights and remedies under other applicable laws, such as the Lanham Act.

Cumulus Makes Dan Bennett RVP For Houston, Dallas

Dan Bennett

Cumulus has announced that Dan Bennett has been promoted to Regional Vice President, overseeing its station operations in Houston and Dallas.

Bennett has been Vice President/Market Manager of Cumulus’ seven-station Dallas cluster since 2006, when the company acquired Susquehanna Radio. His role at Cumulus was expanded in 2011 with the company’s addition of the Citadel/ABC stations. Under his leadership, Cumulus Dallas has been recognized for its outstanding performance as the winner of multiple Cumulus President’s Cup awards, which honor the Cumulus station clusters with the highest revenue gains nationwide each quarter.

Jon Pinch, Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer for Cumulus said: “Dan Bennett’s exemplary leadership in Dallas is laudable and this promotion is well deserved. In his new role, Dan will build upon the strengths of our Houston and Dallas operations and will identify regional opportunities that exist between these two dynamic markets. One of Dan’s first duties will be to head our recruitment of a new Houston Market Manager. ”

Bennett said: “I am looking forward to working with the talented team at KRBE Houston, one of America’s legendary CHR stations. Along with our seven powerhouse stations in Dallas, we believe there is a great Texas partnership between the two markets that will serve our listeners and advertisers better than ever.”

Westwood One Bolsters Sales Force

Westwood One has announced nine new hires in its national sales division.  The new team members, based in offices around the country, will work closely with the company's agency client partners to create integrated brand activations and multi-platform solutions.

"Moving the mark for our agency and client partners is a priority," says Steve Shaw, President, Westwood One. "We've modernized our product line to offer the best networks, as well as multi-platform platforms like Red Carpet Radio, Rdio, Westwood One Sports, and NASH. We are confident we have the right sales team in place to design custom advertising solutions that deliver with creative excellence."

Here are the new hires, by office:

LOS ANGELES

• Adam Gilbert – VP, Talk Sales

Adam comes to Westwood One from Newmark Advertising, where he was Vice-President.  His career has spanned across top radio stations in the Los Angeles area as National, Local, and General Sales Manager; he also held the position of VP of Western Sales at ABC Radio Networks. He began his 20 year radio career at Katz Radio.

NEW YORK CITY

• Matt Caruso – National Account Manager

Matt was recently promoted to Account Manager after having served as a Sales Planning Manager for Westwood One.  Before that, he worked as both Account Manager and Traffic Coordinator for United Stations Radio Network.

ATLANTA

• Evan Crocker – National Account Manager

Evan has an extensive background in radio sales, most recently working for Lincoln Financial Media (790 The Zone) in Atlanta and Big League Broadcasting prior to that.

• Danielle Ross – Sales Associate

Prior to joining Westwood One, Danielle worked for the Sales division at Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.

DALLAS
David DeRoche – National Account Manager
David has enjoyed a 25+ year career in media prior to rejoining Westwood One.  With previous stints at Fox Sports, Westwood One (2000-2007), Triton Digital, and CBS Radio, he brings an incredible knowledge of the Texas ad community to the team.
Brooke Collins – National Account Manager
Brooke is an innovative sales professional with more than seven years of progressive experience in the Texas area, with stints at Univision, Radio One, and CBS Radio under her belt.

DETROIT

• Jenny Shebib – National Account Manager

Jenny comes to Westwood One with years of experience in the Detroit market from time spent at the agency level, national spot, TV, internet, and magazine.

CHICAGO

• Joanna Vardikos – National Account Manager

After proving herself as an expert sales associate in Westwood One’s Chicago office, Joanna was promoted to National Account Manager.

• Adam Shifrin -  Manager, Sports Sales Midwest

Adam comes to Westwood One with a stable full of sales experience across a wide range of industries.  He started his career in the paper and packaging sector for Fidelity Container Corporation, as well as its successor International Paper Company.  He has also served in sales roles for Ruby Robinson Company Inc. and well as Jet International.

Adam Gilbert reports directly to Steve Shaw.  Matt Caruso reports to Darrin Klayman, SVP, Network Sales.  Adam Shifrin reports to Brandon Berman, SVP, Sports Sales & Marketing.  All the other team members report to Jim Daunais, SVP, Sales.

CS Radio Names John Vilade VP/National Digital Sales

John Vilade

John Vilade has been named Vice President, National Digital Sales, for CBS Local Media, it was announced today by Anton Guitano, COO of CBS Local Media. Vilade will lead sales development and strategy for CBS’s digital assets associated with its owned television and radio stations.

The appointment is effective immediately.

In this new role, Vilade will work directly with the executives in charge of sales for CBS Television Stations (Jim Sullivan), CBS RADIO (Michael Weiss) as well as CBS Local Digital Media President Ezra Kucharz in order to create and maximize opportunities for advertisers and drive revenue growth.

“John is a well-respected executive with a deep understanding of how to build successful client and agency relationships by offering marketing and advertising solutions that resonate with brands and consumers,” said Guitano. “We are thrilled to have someone of John’s caliber leading our digital sales efforts, capitalizing on the significant reach and scale of our portfolio of assets.”

CBS Local Digital Media combines the assets of CBS’s television and radio stations to create more than two dozen major market specific portals featuring extensive coverage of news, traffic, weather, sports and entertainment headlines; leading music and lifestyle websites, including Radio.com and its variety of live and on-demand audio and video content, and Eventful, the destination for events discovery, communication and personalized recommendations; mobile apps and local commerce platforms, as well as CBS Local Offers, Best-Of Guides and business directories.

Report: Judge To Decide Next Step In HD Suit

An attempt by 14 radio broadcast groups to unite efforts to fend off a patent infringement lawsuit targeting their HD Radio data and voice transmissions is facing a new challenge, according to RadioWorld.

Wyncomm and an affiliated company, Delaware Radio Technologies LLC, in court filings have asked a federal judge to deny a request by broadcasters to consolidate 14 separate lawsuits so the case may proceed.

HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital Corp. filed suit in July against Wyncomm and DRT claiming the patents in question are invalid. Broadcasters then requested iBiquity, as the developer and seller of HD Radio technology, go first with its suit to determine the validity of three patents at the center of the lawsuits.

Judge Gregory Sleet will decide whether the broadcasters can consolidate their cases and then be granted a stay while the iBiquity suit continues forward.

The broadcasters named as defendants are Beasley Broadcast Group, CBS Radio, Clear Channel parent CC Media Holdings, Cox Media Group, Cumulus Media, Entercom, Entravision, Greater Media, Hubbard Radio, Radio Disney, Radio One, Saga, Townsquare Media and Univision.

Read More Now