NBC's Brian Williams Admits Chopper Whopper

Brian Williams

NBC News anchor Brian Williams acknowledged yesterday (February 4th) that a story he's told for years about being on a helicopter in Iraq in 2003 that was forced down after coming under fire and being hit by an RPG isn't true.

Williams was called on this story after he told it last Friday during a tribute to a retired soldier and the Stars and Stripes contacted crew members who were on the helicopter.

They said Williams wasn't on board, and instead arrived on a different aircraft an hour later. Williams apologized, saying he "misremembered" the details of the story.

He said, "I would not have chosen to make this mistake. I don't know what screwed up in my mind that caused me to conflate one aircraft with another." He stated, "Nobody's trying to steal anyone's valor. Quite the contrary: I was and remain a civilian journalist covering the stories of those who volunteered for duty."

The admission is a rare black mark for Williams, a poised, veteran newsman who has anchored NBC's news since 2004 and has endeared himself to non-news audiences through appearances on "30 Rock." "The Tonight Show" and other shows. No word from NBC on discipline or not.

Meanwhile, Brian Williams MisRemembers is trending on Twitter.

#BrianWilliamsMisremembers Tweets

Wheeler Proposes Strongest Net Neutrality Rules Ever

Tom Wheeler

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday proposed the "strongest open Internet protections" the Web has ever seen, according to The Washington Post.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said by placing broadband Internet providers such as Comcast and Verizon Wireless under a stricter regulatory regime, consumers would be ensured an open Internet. Under the new regime, broadband providers would be explicitly banned from blocking content or creating fast lanes for Web services that can pay for preferential treatment into American homes.

The proposal is the latest in a year-long struggle by Wheeler, a former lobbyist for the cable and wireless industry, to create so-called net neutrality rules, amid great public interest in the creation of strong rules and fierce opposition by deep-pocketed telecom and cable companies.

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday proposed the "strongest open Internet protections" the Web has ever seen.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said by placing broadband Internet providers such as Comcast and Verizon Wireless under a stricter regulatory regime, consumers would be ensured an open Internet. Under the new regime, broadband providers would be explicitly banned from blocking content or creating fast lanes for Web services that can pay for preferential treatment into American homes.

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Broadband internet service is now classified as an "information" service under the FCC's rules, which allows it to escape some types of regs that are applied to telecommunications services such as wired phone lines. A federal appeals court tossed out previous net neutrality rules last year and web activists have been calling for action. Nearly 4 million comments came in.

In Congress, Republicans have raced to write new legislation that would enshrine in law some net neutrality protections - such as a ban on blocking, slowing or speeding up people's access to particular websites - but would ban the FCC from treating the web like a utility, among other new restrictions. Nothing will happen until after the FCC votes on 26 Feb

Nielsen: 23M Listen Weekly To Sports On Radio

Fans’ insatiable appetite for sports spans all forms of media, including radio, according to Nielsen.

A new report notes Sports radio attracts 23 million weekly listeners, who tune in for an average of 4 hours a week.

Contrary to what one might expect, a full 29% of that listening occurs at home.

Compared to the U.S. population, sports radio listeners trend highly educated and wealthy. Over 50% earn more than $75,000 a year, and 46% have a college degree.

The information is contained in a new report on the Year in Sports Media from Nielsen. The report highlights consumers’ global love of sports, which continues to grow. 2014 was a big year for sports, beginning with the Sochi Winter Olympics and then featuring one of the most exciting World Cups ever held.

These big events and the ubiquity of mobile apps and devices throughout the world made 2014 the year sports consumption on mobile truly went mainstream. The growth in digital video viewing from 2013 to 2014 was nothing short of extraordinary, and not just among younger consumers.

While the 18-34 set posted a 53% increase in digital viewing from Q2 2013 to Q2 2014, viewing grew an even more impressive 80% and 60% among Americans 35-49 and 50-64, respectively.

Fans continue to increase consumption and engage with sports content in a variety of different ways across a multitude of devices.

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Sun Broadcast Group Launches VH1 Radio Network

Sun Broadcast Group, KMG Networks and VH1 announced today that they have entered into an agreement to bring the VH1 Radio Network to stations across the country beginning today.

The new network will include exclusive radio content and experiences based on VH1 brands as well as expanded services and artist access never before offered to radio. VH1 will produce and distribute the content from their Times Square studios while Sun will handle advertising and affiliate sales.

“Our mission at Sun continues to be bringing best-in-brand, exclusive content to listeners across the country.” said Jason Bailey, CEO of Sun Broadcast Group.  “Nothing says music and entertainment like VH1. They are pioneers in creating amazing connections between the artists and their audience and we couldn’t be more excited to finally bring this level of artist access to the great listeners of radio.”

“Radio is always in need of great content.  They type of content and how it is used differs from station to station and market to market.  Our goal is to not just provide stations with the right programming to help them succeed both on air and digitally, but to form a relationship and an ongoing dialogue that will help stations take full advantage of all VH1 has to offer,” said Roger Coletti, Vice President,  VH1 Radio.

The new VH1 Radio Network will include multiple services, long-form shows, as well as  daily and weekly features for stations in the CHR, Hot AC, Rock, and Classic Rock formats. Stations will also have access to VH1 audio archives, radio tours, event coverage and content from VH1 franchises such as “VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown” and “VH1 Storytellers.” . Other produced products available to stations are “VH1 Radio News Briefs,” “This Day In Music,” “VH1 Radio Movie Minute,” “VH1 Throwback Thursday” and “Post This Audio,” a unique service that includes exclusive artist drops and interviews perfectly timed to hit song posts.

For more information on the VH1 Radio Network contact Ron Rivlin, SVP of Programming and Affiliate Relations at 212-380-9303 or RRivlin@sunbgi.com.

Benztown To Offer Customized News to Radio

Benztown Radio Networks announces that it will offer high quality, localized news content from Remote News Service (RNS) to radio stations across the U.S. on a barter and cash basis.

RNS is a fully customized and cost-effective news solution that delivers hyper-local, market specific professional newscasts that give listeners a feeling of community through a local voice and format-complementary sound. With a staff of experienced major market-trained broadcast journalists, RNS offers stations full-time, part-time and fill-in news. RNS also provides a combination of Local, Regional, National and International news so stations can save money on network news feeds.

Dave Denes

Dave “Chachi” Denes, President of Benztown Radio Networks said: “The demand for high quality, customized local news content has never been greater. In this 24/7/365 news environment, stations can depend on the professional news team at RNS, who collectively bring more than 50 years experience providing outstanding and award-winning news coverage to stations and networks of all market sizes and formats. If stations need a quick one-minute newscast or five minutes with sports, weather and traffic, RNS takes the worry and the cost from the equation.”

Lesley Lotto

Lesley Lotto, President of Remote News Service said: “We’re very excited to work with Benztown to extend our services to stations on a barter basis. When news breaks, we’re on it. There’s no need to worry or spend extra time tracking down staff members to get the story. We’re the dependable choice for customized, accurate news, tailored specifically for the unique needs of each of our station partners and their communities. Whether stations need an authoritative News/Talk sound or a young, hipper feel for an Alternative Rock station, RNS has it covered at a cost that is easy on today’s lean operating budgets.”

RNS serves stations of all formats and market sizes, and recently entered into an agreement with iHeart Media to provide customized news reports through its Alabama Radio Network and Alabama flagship station, WERC.

For more information and to get Remote News Service for your stations, visit www.benztown.com/remotenewsservice or contact Masa Patterson at Benztown at mp@benztown.com or (818) 842-4600.

Chicago Radio: Dan McNeil Turns Down Return Offer

Dan McNeil (Tribune photo)

Chicago radio personality Dan McNeil reportedly has  turned down a multiyear contract offer to reclaim his old job as midday host at CBS Radio sports/talk WSCR 670 AM /The Score.

McNeil had been considered the top choice to succeed Patrick Mannelly, according to Chicago Media writer Robert Feder.  Mannelly announced Monday he was stepping down as midday co-host alongside Matt Spiegel, effective February 13.

The decision means the Score has to conduct its second search for a midday co-host in five months. “We’re looking at all options,” said Mitch Rosen, operations director of the Score.

It’s no longer clear whether one of those options is the hiring of David Kaplan and David Haugh since Tribune Media would have to release Kaplan from the remaining 11 months of his contract with news/talk WGN 720 AM, where he has been a fixture for 20 years. Haugh is a Chicago Tribune sports columnist.

Kaplan and Haugh hosted middays on Tribune Media’s short-lived FM sports/talk venture on WGWG LP 87.7, known as The Game 87.7 FM. Their program continues streaming on WGNplus.com and simulcast on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

CA Radio: iHM Signs Trevor Carey For N/T Simulcast

Trevor Carey

iHeartMedia/Modesto, Stockton has announced Trevor Carey as new afternoon talk for its N/T KFIV 1360 AM and KWSX 1280 AM simulcast.

Carey was most recently at AC WJYE 96.1 FM in Buffalo and previously  at KBOS 94.9 FM in Fresno, KHQT 103.1 FM San Jose and KERN 1180 AM in Bakersfield.

He comments, "To have the opportunity to come home and connect with listeners, about life in the Valley and the lead up to this 2016 election showdown, is my dream coming true. When I wake up each morning, I don't feel like I'm going to work because I love what I do and there is nowhere I'd rather do it than back home in Cali."

OM Dennis Martinez added, "We are absolutely thrilled to add Trevor to our Power Talk lineup. He is a magical radio personality who will quickly establish himself as the 'can't miss' radio show in the valley."

Philly Radio: Bruno, Innes Officially Team For 94WIP

As we tipped you last week, SportsRadio WIP 94.1 FM / 94WIP Wednesday officially announced that Josh Innes and Tony Bruno are the station’s new afternoon hosts.

Innes and Bruno will be broadcast weekdays from 1:00-6:00PM.

Innes joined WIP in 2014 as evening host from CBS Radio station Sports Radio 610 in Houston.  In Houston, he was part of 610’s top-rated afternoon drive show.  Since arriving in Philadelphia, Innes has drawn widespread attention and is one of the most talked about personalities to be heard in the market in decades.

Tony Bruno

Bruno began his sports radio career on the WIP morning show with Angelo Cataldi and Al Morganti in 1991.  He also was part of the original crew to launch both ESPN Sports Radio and Fox Sports Radio before beginning his own night time syndicated program “Into the Night.”

“We’re excited about the partnership of Innes & Bruno in afternoons on WIP,” said WIP-WPHT Operations Manager, Andy Bloom.  “Josh clearly understands what makes WIP the legendary station that it is and brings his unabashed approach to covering sports each and every day.  Tony is a Philadelphia legend with roots going back to the earliest days of WIP.  Together the two build a bridge that will allow listeners who have been listening to WIP for 25 years and those just finding us today to enjoy entertaining sports talk on the ride home each day.”

“Philly has quickly become home for me,” said Innes.  “I spent every Eagles game this year sitting in the stands with fans to learn what Philadelphians think and feel about their teams.  I am tremendously excited to team up with Tony to deliver an entertaining show that we’re confident will quickly become Philadelphia’s most popular program in the afternoon.”

Added Bruno, “25 years after helping WIP build the morning show and pursuing my dreams in national radio, it’s great to be back at the station, helping  to take WIP to No. 1 in afternoon drive.  With my local ties to Philadelphia combined with the energy and talents of Josh, Philly sports fans will experience something they’ve never heard before.”

Rob Ellis returns to host evenings from 6-10pm. Ellis has been with WIP since 2007.

Salt Lake City: Grant Nielsen To Retire At KSL

Grant Nielsen

After 21 years hosting a popular morning radio show, Grant Nielsen announced Wednesday that he is retiring from his daily role at Newsradio KSL 1160 AM / 102.7 FM.

Nielson, co-host of "Utah’s Morning News" with Amanda Dickson, will retire from the show in March but will continue to be a voice on the station, said KSL program director Kevin LaRue.

The Deseret News reports Brian Martin will take over for Nielsen beginning March 23. Martin, who has worked at KSL since 2010, currently hosts an hour-long newscast weekdays at noon on KSL Newsradio and reports national news for the morning show.

“I realize I have enormous shoes to fill, but I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity to help grow the institution that Grant and Amanda have created,” Martin said in a prepared statement. “To work with Amanda to deliver news to Utahns driving into work each morning is something I will never take for granted.”

Nielsen said he is looking forward to sleeping on weekday mornings.

“I will miss working with Amanda every morning, but I will not miss the 3 a.m. wake-up call,” he said, adding that he believes he's leaving the show in good hands. “I am excited for new opportunities.”

KSL 102.7 FM (25 Kw) 60dBu Coverage Area 

Before coming to KSL, Martin spent 15 years anchoring and reporting TV news in Texas, New Mexico, New York and Utah.

iHM Names Rob Scropio Program Manager For CA

Rob Scorpio

iHeartMedia has appointed radio programmer Rob Scorpio as Regional Programming Manager for California, effective immediately.

In this new post, the veteran Scorpio will oversee all programming operations for the Riverside, Fresno, Bakersfield, Modesto, Stockton and Monterey markets. He most recently served as Operations Manager for iHM's Riverside-Temecula cluster, which includes KGGI-FM.

"Rob is a proven leader with a great track record," said iHM Senior VP/Programming Tony Coles. "We are thrilled to be able to expand his role within the company."

"One of the many great things about iHeartMedia is their commitment to promote within company," added Scorpio. "I would like to thank Tony Coles, Brian Olson, Jeff Negrete and Mark Thomas for this opportunity."

Scorpio's resume includes programming duties at KKBT-FM in Los Angeles, KREV-FM inSan Francisco, KBXX in Houston, WPGC-FM Washington, DC and KFRH-FM in Las Vegas.

GMA Blurrs CNN Logo In Repackaged Story

ABC’s “Good Morning America” repackaged a story from CNN Money, blurring out the CNN logo in the process.

According to TV Newser, the original story titled “Why I choose non-monogamy” ran on CNN Money January 29 and is often quoted in Juju Chang‘s “GMA” version.

Chris Messina, who is credited with inventing the hashtag, wrote the original piece that was paired with an interview by CNN Money’s Laurie Segall. This morning “GMA” edited in a Zac Efron quote to their own Messina interview and refereed to the CNN Money story as a “provocative blog” without crediting Segall.



Segall noticed and called out “GMA” on Twitter.

That time @gma did a story based off our sex, drugs, Silicon Valley series and blurred the CNN logo on our report. pic.twitter.com/14dnhtB5AO
— Laurie Segall (@LaurieSegallCNN) February 4, 2015

Westwood One Goes To The Grammys

Westwood One "Backstage at the GRAMMYs" Radio Row is kicking into high gear with two exclusive Red Carpet Radio Row performances on Thursday, February 5th and Friday, February 6th, from inside the Staples Center. In addition to two days of interviews between hosts, presenters, and performers at the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards, Westwood One’s backstage event will also feature exclusive performances from singer-songwriter and social media star Shawn Mendes and British singer-songwriter James Bay.

More than 100 national and international radio stations, NASH/America's Morning Show, Rdio, and Benztown will join sponsor Gibson Brands at the Westwood One Backstage at the GRAMMYs Radio Row for two days of interviews and live broadcasts leading up to the Music's Biggest Night® -- happening live on Sunday, February 8 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8:00–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Westwood One’s GRAMMYs coverage continues with live Red Carpet Radio coverage from the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, February 8, featuring a five-hour radio special that salutes and recognizes outstanding achievement in the music industry. Programming begins at 7:00 pm ET with Kerri Kasem and Ty Bentli hosting a one-hour “Countdown to the GRAMMYs” preview.  At 8:00 pm ET, Westwood One’s Zach Sang & The Gang will bring all the excitement of this year's GRAMMY Awards to listeners nationwide, featuring music, winners’ acceptance speeches, and special behind-the-scenes artist interviews.  The content will be distributed through audio, digital and social platforms.

Red Carpet Radio is Westwood One’s umbrella platform for the company’s exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of year-round entertainment award shows. Red Carpet Radio brings red carpet moments to life, offering broadcast partners and advertisers access to live broadcasts, exclusive content, celebrities, backstage performances, social media buzz, and parties and events.

“There’s no better way to leverage the power of sound than with the biggest music awards show in the world," said Steve Shaw, Westwood One President. "We're proud to be an exclusive partner with the GRAMMYs. Only Westwood One can align our advertising partners with custom, high-profile multi-platform marketing experiences reaching the right consumers across our expansive Red Carpet Radio platform.”

CBS Radio News Sends Steve Portnoy To The Hill

Steve Portnoy

Veteran news correspondent Steven Portnoy is joining CBS Radio News as the network’s Congressional Correspondent, effective February 23.

Most recently Portnoy was working for ABC News Radio and previously was as a local news reporter for WMAL 630 AM in Washington.

While the multiple Edward R. Murrow Award winner specializes in political news coverage.

“Steve is one of the finest broadcasters in our industry who has distinguished himself time and time again,” said Harvey Nagler, VP/CBS Radio News.

“He truly understands the needs of our affiliates and the importance of the role of servicing them.”

Commenting on his move to CBS News Portnoy said, “Under the leadership of Harvey Nagler, who has maintained a standard of excellence first established by Paul White, journalists at CBS Radio News are at the top of our craft. As a lifelong listener and fan, I am honored and humbled to be joining the extraordinarily talented members of the CBS Radio News team.”

Judge Fines Ryan Seacrest Company $860K

Ryan Seacrest

A U.S. district court on Wednesday sanctioned television host and KIIS 102.7 FM personality Ryan Seacrest's Typo Products LLC for violating an injunction barring it from selling a $99 iPhone case found to have likely infringed on BlackBerry Ltd patents.

Accoridng to Reuters, U.S. District Judge William Orrick in San Francisco ordered Typo on Wednesday to pay BlackBerry $860,600 in sanctions, plus attorneys' fees and costs incurred in connection with Typo's violation of the injunction.

BlackBerry had filed a suit in January 2014 against Typo, co-founded by "American Idol" host Seacrest, alleging that the physical keyboard it makes for some of Apple's iPhone devices infringed on the Canadian smartphone maker's design patents.

In March, the court issued a preliminary injunction that barred Typo from selling the physical keyboard iPhone case.

A spokeswoman for Typo in an email said that the ongoing litigation and fine relates to the initial Typo product and does not impact its since redesigned keyboard product.

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One Dead As Small Plane Hits Lubbock TV Tower

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One person was killed Wednesday night when a small plane crashed into a television station's transmitter tower in Lubbock, Texas, according to CNN.

The plane, a single-engine Piper PA-46, crashed about 7:30 p.m. as it approached Preston Smith International Airport, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The plane hit the transmitter tower of KCBD-TV11, knocking both the station off the air and power out in the surrounding neighborhood, before crashing into a field. Lubbock fire officials feared the tower, located just north of the station's studio, was unstable and had the studio evacuated, CNN affiliate KCBD said.