iHeartMedia announced Thursday that Jeremy Rice has been named Program Director for WXXL XL1067 and WMGF Magic 107.7 in the Orlando market.
As Program Director, Rice will oversee all on-air content as well as music and digital programming operations for XL1067 and Magic 107.7. He will report to Rick Everett, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Orlando and Jacksonville. Rice replaces Brian Mack, who was recently promoted and transitioned to iHeartMedia’s National Programming team.
Jeremy Rice
“Jeremy has an extensive background and knowledge in the CHR and AC format and Is a perfect fit to lead our programming team in Orlando at XL1067 and Magic 107.7. His unique perspective, positive energy and creativity make him a perfect fit,” said Everett.
“Jeremy has big shoes to fill,” said Barbara Latham, President for iHeartMedia Central Florida. “We are confident he has the experience and expertise to continue the success of our brands here in Central Florida, welcome aboard, Jeremy.”
Rice joins iHeartMedia Orlando from Cox Media Group. For over 20 years, he was the Top 40 Format Leader for all CMG stations, including Hot 101.5 Tampa Bay and WAPE Jacksonville, while serving as Program Director for the legendary WBLI, Long Island.
“iHeart has built an extensive portfolio of assets and the leadership team has a clear and exciting vision for the future,” said Rice. “ I am thrilled to join the iHeart team and be a part of that winning culture. XL 106.7 and Magic 107.7 are amazing Superbrands that exemplify the success of iHeartMedia Orlando.”
Cox Media Group gas announced that radio veteran Lorenzo “Ice-Tea” Thomas has been named afternoon drive host for STAR 94.5 in Orlando.
Thomas previously enjoyed success at CMG as afternoon host for 99 JAMZ in Miami from 2003-2014. While there, he developed content for the urban-format station and was rated number one in the 18-34 demographic for over four years. His award-winning radio career has spanned markets in Norfolk, Va., Baltimore, Md., and Washington, DC. He has also gained a following as contributing correspondent for Celebrity Page TV, Miami where he conducts interviews on the red carpet, sports reporting, and voice-over work.
Lorenzo Thomas
“I’m thrilled to have Lorenzo join CMG Orlando and STAR 94.5,” said Elroy Smith, Director Branding & Programming for CMG in Orlando and Jacksonville. “I admire his charisma, infinite knowledge of radio, and clever way of communicating with his audience. Lorenzo is commanding, compelling, relatable, social media savvy, content-driven and well-connected, so I am sure there will be a steady parade of celebrities and movers-and-shakers showcased on his afternoon show. Welcome to the team, Ice-Tea!”
“Having the wealth of talent like Lorenzo’s is exactly what we strive for at CMG and we know that his impact will be felt immediately with the STAR 94.5 community,” added Steve Stewart, Director of Operations for Orlando Radio.
“It’s great to be back with the CMG family,” said Thomas. “I extend my sincere thanks to Elroy Smith, Jason Meder VP & GM, Steve Stewart, Chris Eagan, VP of Audience and Operations, and Rob Babin, SVP, Head of Radio for this great opportunity. I look forward to embracing the Orlando community and taking them on a great ride with Lorenzo rockin’ on the radio!”
Townsquare Media Tri-Cities, WA announced today that Dan Roberts has joined the Company as Brand Manager/PM Drive at KOLW 97.5 KISS FM.
Dan Roberts
“We are tremendously proud to have Dan join our already amazing, first-in-class digital content team in Tri-Cities. Dan brings a wealth of experience as an on-air personality, award-winning copywriter, producer, and voice talent (Dilbert). This is a huge win for us and we’re very excited to have him join the team,” said Paul Drake, Townsquare Tri-Cities Director of Content.
“I’m excited to join 97.5 KISS FM and Townsquare, who I believe are doing it right; hyper-local radio and hyper- local digital content that can’t be found anywhere else,” added Dan. “We’re going to have a blast together, which is dangerous since we’re so close to a nuclear facility.”
A stand-up comic and podcast host, Dan most recently served as PM Drive personality and producer at KZZU- FM/Morgan Murphy Media, Spokane.
The longtime Phillies radio announcer is reducing his role further, calling just 40 home weekend games at Citizens Bank Park alongside play-by-play announcer Scott Franzke. The Phillies will turn to four former players — Michael Bourn, Chad Durbin, Erik Kratz, and Kevin Stocker — to call the remaining 122 games during the regular season alongside Franzke, reportsthe Philly Inquirer.
During an interview on 94.1 WIP Wednesday afternoon, Andersen said he made the decision to pare back in part to spend more time with his family. But the Phillies voice also made it clear it wasn’t an easy choice, and that he didn’t want to be a distraction for a team he has a lot of optimism about heading into the season.
“Trust me, there’s been tears,” Andersen said. “It was hard to make the decision to do it. But I just felt like it was time. A lot of heartbreak, a lot of emotion when into this. It’s not something I took lightly.”
Andersen said most weeks, he’ll call the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games that take place at Citizens Bank Park. While the longtime broadcaster will get some well-earned free time, the new arrangement will keep him around the team and the game he’s been a part of for more than a half century.
“I want to be around the game. I didn’t want to cut ties with the ballclub — I’m still a huge fan,” Andersen said. “I’m still going to broadcast the same way. If I’m disappointed or the team’s not playing well, I’m going to call people out.”
Andersen joined the Phillies as a color commentator in 1998, replacing the late Richie Ashburn following his death in 1997. But Andersen’s relationship with the team dates back to 1983, his first of two stints pitching for the team during his 17-year MLB career.
“After 50 years in the game, Larry has decided that he would like to have more personal time to enjoy life outside of baseball,” Phillies executive vice president David Buck said in a statement, reiterating it was “a tough, emotional decision for Larry.”
Andersen called Phillies games on both radio and television during his first eight seasons with the team before moving exclusively to the radio in 2007. Over the years, he’s developed a well-earned reputation for telling fans what’s on his mind, and he’s unafraid to offer negative opinions about the team or its players.
FOX News Media has signed Caitlyn Jenner as a contributor, announced its CEO Suzanne Scott. Jenner, a television personality, Olympic gold medalist, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and former California gubernatorial candidate, will offer commentary and analysis across FOX News Channel (FNC) programming and various FOX News Media platforms.
In making the announcement, Scott said: “Caitlyn’s story is an inspiration to us all. She is a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community and her illustrious career spans a variety of fields that will be a tremendous asset for our audience.”
Jenner added, “I am humbled by this unique opportunity to speak directly to FOX News Media’s millions of viewers about a range of issues that are important to the American people.”
A California resident for nearly five decades, Jenner made history entering politics as a gubernatorial candidate in the 2021 California recall election. Jenner is the parent of 10 children and 20 grandchildren and is also the author of the New York Times bestselling book, “The Secrets of My Life,” a memoir about her journey as a transgender woman and her fight for the LGBTQ+ community. In recent years, Jenner appeared alongside her family on E!’s popular reality programs Keeping Up with the Kardashians from 2007-2021 and I Am Cait from 2015-2016, a series based on her journey as a trans woman. She also recently returned to motorsport, founding Jenner Racing, an auto racing team in the all-female W Series.
➦In 1932... Alexander Gordon Jump born (Died at age 71 – September 22, 2003). He was an actor best known as the clueless radio station manager Arthur "Big Guy" Carlson in the TV series WKRP in Cincinnati and the incompetent "Chief of Police Tinkler" in the sitcom Soap.
Gordon Jump
Jump first began his acting career in the 1960s with minor roles in television on such shows as Get Smart, Lancer, Here Come the Brides, and Green Acres. He also guest-starred in a number of series during the 1970s including The Rockford Files, A Touch of Grace, Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers, The Incredible Hulk (in an October 1978 episode called "Ricky"), The Lost Saucer, Starsky & Hutch, Lou Grant, Kojak, The Bionic Woman, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. He had a brief speaking role as a farmer in the 1976 television movie Sybil.
In 1978, he landed his signature role of Arthur "Big Guy" Carlson on the situation comedy WKRP in Cincinnati, portraying a bumbling radio station manager whose main qualification for the job is being the son of the station's owner.
In 1989, Jump took over the Maytag repairman role from Jesse White. In the 1990s, Jump starred in a short-lived revival of WKRP in Cincinnati entitled The New WKRP in Cincinnati. He also appeared in the ninth and final season of Seinfeld, in which he played George Costanza's boss at a playground equipment company over two episodes. Jump's last movie role was in the 2004 film Changing of the Guard, released after his death.
➦In 1936..Don Steele born as Donald Steele Revert (Died at age 61 from lung cancer – August 5, 1997). He was one of the most popular radio personalities in the U-S from the middle of the 1960s until his retirement (for health reasons) in May 1997.
He was better known as "The Real Don Steele," a name suggested by his program director, Steve Brown, at KOIL-AM in Omaha, Nebraska. Brown hoped the moniker would click with listeners and make him stand out from other radio personalities.
Born in Hollywood, California, Steele served in the U-S Air Force and then studied at a local radio school, the Don Martin School of Broadcasting, where he also taught for a short time. Shortly thereafter, Steele began his radio career working outside of L.A. at a small station, KBUC in Corona, CA then moving on to KEPR Kennewick, KIMA Yakima and KXLY Spokane, all in Washington; KOIL Omaha, Nebraska; KISN Portland, Oregon, and KEWB San Francisco before returning to Los Angeles to help kick off what would become one of the most influential radio stations in the country, 93/KHJ, Boss Radio, in April 1965.
Steele became nationally-known as a DJ on radio station KHJ in Los Angeles, where he helped to promote the "ultrahip" top-40 Boss Radio format which began at 3pm on April 27, 1965. He also appeared on TV as host of Boss City and The Real Don Steele TV Show, a show which ran from 1965 to 1975 on KHJ-TV channel 9 in Los Angeles. When the popularity of AM radio gave way to FM stereo in the 1970s, Steele continued to remain a popular personality at the station. Following the years at 93/KHJ, The Real Don Steele continued to be heard on Los Angeles radio stations, including KIQQ (K-100), KTNQ (Ten-Q), KRLA, KCBS-FM and KRTH-FM (K-Earth 101), until his death in August 1997.
Steele also gained additional notoriety due to an ill-fated promotion which KHJ undertook on behalf of his show during the summer of 1970. The promotion was dubbed a “Super Summer Spectacular” and involved Steele driving around the Los Angeles-area in a flashy red car. Throughout the day, KHJ would broadcast clues about Steele’s location, and listeners who successfully tracked him down would receive cash prizes of about $25. On July 16, 1970, two teenagers attempting to track Steele by car at speeds of roughly 80 miles per hour forced another car into a highway center divider, causing the death of Ronald Weirum. Weirum's family sued various parties, including KHJ, asserting that the tragedy was a foreseeable consequence of the recklessness inherent to the nature of the "Super Summer Spectacular" promotion. The family's lawsuit eventually reached the Supreme Court of California, which held for the plaintiffs. The Court's opinion in the case, Weirum v. RKO General, Inc., 15 Cal.3d 40 (1975) has since become a well-known holding on the subject of foreseeability in torts law, and is often studied in American law schools.
"Robert W. Morgan was the first one hired for Boss Radio," RKO program consultant Bill Drake said. "He recommended Steele. He flew down from San Francisco. I was a little leery because I had heard he was kind of a crazy man, but it turned out he was very dedicated to his work." One of Steele's ongoing on-air bits was the refrain, "Tina Delgado is alive, alive!" Legends grew as to the meaning of the phrase, but Steele never did reveal what it really meant, or who the girl was who uttered the words.
The Real Don Steele stayed at KHJ until June 1973, then moved on to L.A. radio stations KIQQ, KTNQ, KRLA, KODJ / KCBS and arrived at KRTH in July 1992. He recorded commercials and at one time had a successful, nationally syndicated radio show.
That show, "Live From the 60's", was created by Steele along with friend and contemporary M.G."Machine Gun" Kelly, who followed Steele at KHJ-AM, then D.J'd with him in the '70s at 10Q. "Live From the 60's" was a three-hour program that featured oldies exclusively from the 1960s.
A poll seeking the top 10 disc jockeys in Los Angeles from 1957 to 1997 rated Steele second (behind Gary Owens) among the 232 personalities nominated.
➦In 1951…the ABC Radio Network debuted Paul Harvey News and Comment "Commentary and analysis of Paul Harvey each weekday at 12 Noon". Harvey was also heard originally on Sundays; the first Sunday program was Harvey's introduction. Later, the Sunday program would move to Saturdays. The program continued until his death on February 28, 2009 at 90-years-of-age.
Chet Huntley
➦In 1956...News anchor Chet Huntley began his career with NBC.
Huntley began his radio newscast career in 1934 at Seattle's KIRO AM, later working on radio stations in Spokane (KHQ) and Portland. His time (1936–37) in Portland was with KGW-AM, owned by The Oregonian, a Portland daily newspaper. At KGW he was writer, newscaster and announcer. In 1937 he went to work for KFI in Los Angeles, moving to CBS Radio from 1939 to 1951, then ABC Radio from 1951 to 1955. In 1955, he joined the NBC Radio network, viewed by network executives as "another Ed Murrow".
After NBC successfully teamed him with David Brinkley for 1956 election coverage the duo became coanchors of the nightly Huntley-Brinkley Report. Huntley (in New York) and Brinkley (in Washington) closed each broadcast with the trademark, “Good night Chet. Good night David. And good night from NBC News.”
➦In 1958...WMCA began playing Top 40 music. Among its disc jockey staff were future legends Scott Muni, Frankie Crocker, Harry Harrison and Murray "the K" Kaufman.
Mick Jagger
The WMCA "Good Guys" (1964): Joe O'Brien, Harry Harrison, Jack Spector, Dan Daniel, B. Mitchel Reed and Johnny Dark.
In 1960, WMCA began promoting itself by stressing its on-air personalities, who were collectively known as the Good Guys. Led by program director Ruth Meyer, the first woman to hold the position in New York City radio, this was the era of the high-profile Top 40 disc jockey with an exuberant personality aimed at a certain audience segment. With the advent of the Good Guys format, WMCA became more "on top" of new music and started to become known for "playing the hits."
In the early 1960s, the top 40 format was still young, and the field was crowded in New York City. Two major 50,000-watt stations, WMGM (frequency now occupied by WEPN-AM) and WINS, had battled each other, playing pop music for years. Then in 1960, WABC joined the fray and started featuring top 40 music. Ultimately, it was WMCA's earnest competition with rival WABC that forced WMGM (in early 1962) and then WINS (in spring 1965) to abandon the top-40 format. There was so much attention on the high-profile WMCA-WABC battle that WMGM and WINS were each summarily forced to find a new niche.
For four consecutive years (1963 through 1966) WMCA had the highest ratings share of all radio stations in New York City, according to Arbitron–in spite of its directional, 5,000-watt signal which geographically reached about one-third of the audience ratings area of non-directional, 50,000-watt WABC. WMCA's ratings strength was concentrated within New York City itself, along with the suburban areas immediately north and east. However, WABC proved more popular in outlying areas where WMCA's signal didn't come in as well on standard 1960s-era AM radio receivers. The areas where WMCA did not have a strong signal were southwest, west, and northwest of its transmitter in Kearny, New Jersey. By 1967 and 1968, WMCA still demonstrated a strong showing in total audience surveys, and as late as February 1969, Pulse ratings surveys showed that WMCA continued to best WABC in New York City.
➦In 1966...Chickenman, a radio comedy serial, debuted during the Jim Runyon Show on Top40 WCFL 1000 AM in Chicago. (Exact start date is unknown, but the first episodes aired during Spring '66.)
Dick Orkin
Dick Orkin conceived and wrote the Chickenman radio series. Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1933, Orkin was 16 when he began his radio career as a fill-in announcer at WKOK 1070 AM in Sunbury.
After college he attended the Yale School of Drama, then returned to Pennsylvania to become the news director at WLAN 1390 Lancaster in 1959. Later he joined the staff of KYW 1200 AM in Cleveland.
In 1967 Orkin moved to WCFL and created Chickenman, which chronicled the exploits of a crime-fighting “white-winged warrior” and his secret identity as mildmannered shoe salesman Benton Harbor. Chickenman’s 250-plus episodes have been syndicated around the world and can still be heard on Internet radio, making it the longest-running radio serial of all time. At WCFL Orkin also produced more than 300 episodes of another popular serial, The Secret Adventures of the Tooth Fairy.
Inspired by the commercial parodies on Stan Freberg and Bob & Ray’s radio shows, Orkin created the Famous Radio Ranch in 1973 to produce his own comedic radio spots. Stationed in California since ’78, the Radio Ranch, currently helmed by Orkin and his daughter Lisa, has produced hundreds of memorable ads for a variety of clients, ranging from Time magazine to First American Bank to the Gap, and garnered more than 200 awards in the process. Dick Orkin was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2014.
Orkin died December 24, 2017 at age 84.
Here are two episodes to enjoy:
➦In 1970…U.S. President Richard Nixon signed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act.
The Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act is a 1970 federal law in the United States designed to limit the practice of smoking. As approved by the United States Congress, the act required a stronger health warning on cigarette packages, saying "Warning: The Surgeon General Has Determined that Cigarette Smoking Is Dangerous to Your Health". It also banned cigarette advertisements on American radio and television.
The Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act was one of the major bills resulting from the 1964 report by the Surgeon General, Luther Terry. The report found that lung cancer and chronic bronchitis are causally related to cigarette smoking. One of the major advocates of the cigarette advertising ban was the FCC. The FCC argued that since the topic of smoking is controversial, numerous TV and radio stations continued to break the Fairness Doctrine when airing these commercials because they did not give equal time to the opposing viewpoint that smoking is dangerous.
The actual cigarette advertising ban did not come into force until January 2, 1971, as per a compromise that allowed broadcasters to air these commercials during their telecasts of college football bowl games on New Year's Day. The last cigarette ad on U-S television, advertising Virginia Slims, was carried on the last possible legal minute at 11:59 p.m ET/PT, 10:59 p.m. CT/MT that evening on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
➦In 1971...For April Fool's Day, WCFL Chicago published a special edition of its music survey. If you're of a certain age, you'll appreciate the humor.
➦In 1974...WWDJ 970 AM in the NYC market flipped from Top40 to religion.
The station was put up for sale in the fall of 1970. Around that time, future sister station WMCA dropped top 40 for a talk format, leaving WABC as the only Top 40 radio station.
WJRZ was sold to Pacific and Southern Broadcasting (which merged with Combined Communications Corporation in 1974) on January 6, 1971 and the call letters were changed on May 16 of that year to WWDJ (known on the air as "97-DJ"), and the station attempted to take on WABC and replace WMCA as the New York market's second Top 40 outlet.
The station was hampered by a directional signal that covered Manhattan and parts of New Jersey well but suffered in the rest of the Five Boroughs and was virtually nonexistent on Long Island and western New Jersey. Eventually, FM competition from WCBS-FM and adult top 40 station WXLO (now WEPN-FM), and an evolution to adult Top 40 by WNBC (now WFAN), began to eat into WWDJ's ratings. In November 1973 it was ranked 15th in the Arbitron ratings.
By 1974, the station was losing money and unable to sell enough advertising. In the fall of 1973, the station began selling airtime to religious groups on weekends, which brought much-needed revenue for the station as it continued with Top 40 during weekdays into 1974. But as a result of the religious hours making money, WWDJ abruptly dropped the top 40 format on April 1 and switched to a religious format full time. Because the change took place on April Fool's Day, many listeners thought the switch was some sort of joke.
Initially, WWDJ sold two-thirds of its daily airtime to outside ministries and played traditional Christian music the rest of the time, with the exception of a few hours on Saturdays devoted to a then-new genre, contemporary Christian music. WWDJ was sold to Communicom Corporation of America in April 1978,[31] about a year before Combined Communications' merger into the Gannett Company in 1979.
Today 970 is owned by Salem Media and airs talk format, with call letters WNYM.
➦From 1986...Flashback to the first week of April edition of Radio&Records.
➦In 1988...James Edward Jordan died at age 91 (Born - November 16, 1896). He was an actor who played Fibber McGee in Fibber McGee and Molly and voiced the albatross Orville in Disney's The Rescuers (1977).
Fibber McGee and Molly aired as a weekly series, becoming one of radio's most popular programs, until 1953. The show would transition to a pre-recorded daily sitcom from 1953 to 1956, then to a short-form weekly series (under the name Just Molly and Me) for NBC's weekend show Monitor from 1957 to 1959.
➦In 2007…Charles Herbert "Herb" Carneal died of heart failure at age 83 (Born - May 10, 1923). He was a Major League Baseball sportscaster.
From 1962 through 2006, he was a play-by-play voice of Minnesota Twins radio broadcasts, becoming the lead announcer in 1967 after Ray Scott left to work exclusively with CBS. Prior to 1962, he was the voice of the Baltimore Orioles, partnering with Ernie Harwell from 1957 to 1959, and with Bob Murphy in 1960–1961.
Ali McGraw is 83
🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAYS:
Actor Don Hastings (“As the World Turns”) is 88.
Actor Ali MacGraw is 83.
Singer Rudolph Isley (Isley Brothers) is 83.
Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff is 74.
Hillary Scott is 36
Keyboardist Billy Currie of Ultravox is 72.
Actor Annette O’Toole (“Smallville”) is 70.
Singer Susan Boyle is 61.
Actor Jose Zuniga (“Mission Impossible: 3,” ″Twilight”) is 60.
Country singer Woody Lee is 54.
Actor Jessica Collins (“The Young and the Restless”) is 51.
Rapper-actor Method Man is 51.
Filmmakers Albert and Allen Hughes (“Menace II Society,” ″Dead Presidents”) are 50.
MSNBC host Rachel Maddow is 49. Actor David Oyelowo (“Selma,” ″The Butler”) is 46.
Actor Sam Huntington (“Superman Returns,” ″Jungle 2 Jungle”) is 40.
Actor Taran Killam (“12 Years A Slave,” ″Saturday Night Live”) is 40.
Actor Matt Lanter (“90210”) is 39.
Singer Hillary Scott of Lady A is 36.
Drummer Arejay Hale of Halestorm is 35.
Actor Asa Butterfield (“Hugo,” ″Nanny McPhee Returns”) is 25.
Audacy announced an expansion to their broadcast partnership with the New York Mets that will make the Audacy app the exclusive free digital streaming home for all Mets games as part of the WCBS 880 AM's flagship partnership with the team. English and Spanish language broadcasts of Mets baseball will be available on the Audacy app for consumers within the Mets broadcast territory and Mets.com beginning Opening Day on April 7.
“Following one of the most successful offseasons in franchise history, we’re thrilled to gear up for the 2022 season by making our outstanding coverage of the Mets even more accessible to millions of local fans,” Chris Oliviero, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy New York. “In the car, on their phone or however they may be listening – in English or in Spanish – the Amazin' faithful will now have the ability to seamlessly catch every pitch during what is sure to be an exciting season.”
“We continue to enjoy a great partnership with Audacy and their ability to reach Mets fans,” said Sandy Alderson, President, New York Met. “We are also thrilled with the different platforms, both in English and Spanish, that will give our fans the opportunity to follow the team for each and every game.”
Additionally, WCBS 880 has also reached a content sharing agreement with ESPN 1050 (WEPN-AM) that will bring WCBS 880-produced Spanish language broadcasts of all regular and postseason games to ESPN 1050 for the 2022 season.
The station also announces the broadcast teams for both English language broadcasts on WCBS 880 and Spanish language broadcasts on ESPN 1050. Veteran broadcaster Howie Rose will continue as the lead voice in the Mets radio booth where he will be joined by Wayne Randazzo. Hispanic voice of the Mets Max Perez Jimenez will call the games on ESPN 1050 alongside Nestor Rosario.
WCBS 880 has served as the radio home of the Mets since 2019. The partnership includes all regular season, spring training, and postseason games as well as Spanish-language broadcast rights.
CNN has refused to deny a report that the company is bracing for layoffs as soon as May due to subpar subscription signups for its brand new CNN+ streaming service, reports The Daily Mail.
Fox Business News' Charles Gasparino reported on Wednesday that CNN+, a $120 million venture that launched Tuesday, is already failing and may not survive on its own for much longer.
'CNN + employees bracing for layoffs possibly as soon as May amid projections of lackluster sales of new streaming channel; CNN employees say new streaming channel could be merged into larger Discovery+ as early as May unless subscriptions pick up,' Gasparino wrote on Twitter.
CNN officials rebuked statements that the launch of their streaming service was unsuccessful, but did not provide information oh how many subscribers CNN+ currently has nor deny that possible layoffs were in store in the near future.
CNN+, a $5.99-per-month streaming service, represents the media outlets step into the world of streaming, similar to how Fox launched its own Fox Nation streaming service in 2018.
CNN says that its new streaming service will feature live daily news programming, original series, true crime shows and food and travel docuseries.
Breaking: @CNNplus employees bracing for layoffs possibly as soon as May amid projections of lackluster sales of new streaming channel; CNN employees say new streaming channel could be merged into larger @discoveryplus as early as May unless subscriptions pick up 130 @FoxBusiness
The start of CNN+ coincides with veteran television executive Chris Licht stepping up to replace CEO Jeff Zucker, with Licht hinting that he will scrap the network's opinion-heavy content and return to the station's roots as a hard-hitting news source.
The change in leadership, merger with Discovery, and launch of CNN+ could together mark the start of a new era for the Atlanta-headquartered network, which first went live in 1980.
Joe Rogan, the hugely popular, and hugely controversial, podcast host is threatening to quit the music streaming giant, leaving their $200 million deal on the table, reports The NY Post.
During a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Podcast,” the former mixed martial arts commentator got into a conversation with MMA fighter Josh Barnett about the cutthroat podcast industry ring.
“I will quit. If it gets to a point that I can’t do it anymore, where I have to do it in some sort of weird way where I walk on eggshells and mind my p’s and q’s, f–k that!” Rogan said.
Referring to recent headlines spawned by his problematic banter — from using the N-word to spreading COVID-19 misinformation — Rogan, 54, described his fear of being picked apart by the public for “every little thing.”
Rogan first signed with the streaming music platform in 2020 for $100 million. With still about a year left to complete the contract, the deal has already since doubled in valuation.
Jon Stewart defended fellow podcaster Joe Rogan against claims the Spotify star should be "cancelled" for allegedly promoting "vaccine misinformation."
His pandemic rhetoric culminated recently when a group of 270 doctors and health care experts called Rogan a “menace to public health” in an open letter to Spotify.
Their signed warning couldn’t move the app to act, so musician activists Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Nils Lofgren did, announcing a boycott of the platform.
Spotify has since slapped a content advisory on some of Rogan’s episodes containing questionable discussion of COVID-19.
Jose Castillo, a current Walt Disney Company employee who is running for Congress in Florida as a Republican, told Fox News Digital that the "silent majority" of Disney employees support the parental rights law H.B. 1557, despite the loud minority leading Disney to take a stance against the law, which critics have branded the "Don't Say Gay" law.
"There is immense pressure to toe the company line," Castillo told Fox News Digital. "However, the reality is that those drawing attention to this issue are in the minority. The Disney cast members who support the parental rights defended by HB 1557 far outnumber those who are protesting against it."
Fox News reports Castillo claimed that "Disney and similar corporations listen to the loudest voices in the crowd," even though the "silent majority" of employees disagree. "That is why I am standing up for our shared conservative values; to show other conservative cast members like me that we need to speak up and stand strong."
LGBTQ employees at Disney staged a protest earlier this month in response to what they regarded as an insufficient condemnation of the Florida bill, which prohibits classroom instruction – not casual discussion – on "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" with children in third grade or younger, "or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards."
Despite critics branding it a "Don't Say Gay" bill, H.B. 1557 does not ban the word "gay" in school settings. Neither does it ban casual discussions of topics relating to sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom. It does not require schools to notify parents if their child identifies as gay or transgender.
Disney condemned the bill in an official statement Monday.
"Florida's HB 1557, as the ‘Don’t Say Gay' bill, should never have passed and should never have been signed into law," the statement, posted on the Walt Disney Company's Twitter page, reads. "Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that."
"We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and across the country," the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, Fox News reports Disney parks are axing gendered language such as "boys and girls" in their park greetings to promote gender inclusivity, according to video of a company executive.
"We’ve provided training for all of our cast members in relationship to that. So now they know it's ‘Hello, everyone,’ or ‘Hello, friends,'" Disney's diversity and inclusion manager Vivian Ware was heard saying in a video conference call recorded by City Journal's Christopher Rufo.
Parkgoers will no longer hear "ladies and gentlemen" and "boys and girls" in park greetings, according to the video.
SCOOP: Disney diversity and inclusion manager Vivian Ware says the company has eliminated all mentions of "ladies," "gentlemen," "boys," and "girls" in its theme parks in order to create "that magical moment" for children who do not identify with traditional gender roles. pic.twitter.com/OWsGTUoeCA
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) March 29, 2022
Parents around the country are pushing back on Disney after it publicly denounced a new parental rights law in Florida, which bars teachers from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.
New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz, B.E.S.T. Executive Director Laura Zorc, and Heroes of Liberty Editor Bethany Mandel spoke out against Disney's stance on "Fox & Friends," warning the company is making a mistake.
"Disney is making a huge mistake," Markowicz told co-host Steve Doocy. "They're opposing parents who are their core consumers with their opposition to this Florida law."
"This isn't difficult," she continued. "Leave the kids alone. They shouldn't be indoctrinated by Mickey Mouse. Let them be kids. Disney used to understand that.".
Longtime San Francisco radio personality Dayna Keyes has died at age 41. Most recently Keyes was weekend host at Cumulus Classic Rock KSAN 107. FM The Bone and midday host at Classic Rock KIOO 99.7 FMin Visalia-Tulare, CA.
Chasta, 107.7 The Bone Program Director, shares that “Dayna and I met years ago and became instant dear friends. We bonded over our love of the south, skincare, and a great inappropriate joke. She was one of my favorite humans on Earth and every chance I got I told her what a badass she was. She knew exactly how I felt about her, she was just so easy to love. It’s hard to find the words to express the love of a woman so unique and special. Dayna will burn bright as the biggest star in the night sky. I love you my southern Sister,” Chasta stated on The Bone website.
Tonelli, Morning Show host of the Lamont & Tonelli Show, says “The Bone family is beyond devastated by Dayna’s sudden passing. She was a true talent. She grew up a true rocker, and she brought that passion with her to The Bone. Air shifts, voice-overs, commercials, she could handle it all with ease, and with incredible enthusiasm. More than that talent, she was a bright light. Dayna’s smile, energy, and easy laugh will always have a special place in our hearts. She will be dearly missed.”
Veteran Central New York personality Dave Frisina has been unceremoniously removed from The Rebel radio streaming service and will no longer be hosting the radio shows “Soulshine” or “Soundcheck,” the longest-running local music broadcast in the world, according to CNYCentral.com citing a statement shared on Facebook.
Frisina says The Rebel, owned by Cumulus Media, informed him during the final hour of his Monday show that the station would be “going through a transition” and his position had been eliminated.
“I spent yesterday trying in vain to negotiate a way that I could remain in the limited capacity of just hosting Soulshine and Soundcheck on Sundays,” said Frisina. “I was flatly rejected.”
Frisina has worked in radio at WAQX and WTKW and streaming for over 45 years and is a founding member of The Rebel, which began as WXTL in 2012 before transitioning to an online streaming service.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address last night that the country's defense against Russia is at a "turning point" as he again pushed for more help from the U.S. Even as he thanked the U.S. for another $500 million in aid announced yesterday, Zelenskyy said, "If we really are fighting for freedom and in defense of democracy together, then we have a right to demand help in this difficult turning point. Tanks, aircraft, artillery systems. Freedom should be armed no worse than tyranny."
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy says his country’s defense against the Russian invasion is at a “turning point” hours after the Kremlin’s forces reneged on a pledge by bombarding areas around Kyiv and Chernihiv and intensified attacks elsewhere. https://t.co/7Dq7gVjOAK
Hours earlier, what had been Zelenskyy's, as well as the U.S. and others', skepticism about Russia's pledge Tuesday to scale back operations near the capital of Kyiv and the northern city of Chernihiv was validated, as it shelled areas around those cities and intensified attacks in other parts of the country, including in the eastern Donbas region, where Ukraine said Russia had redeployed troops from other areas. The intensified attacks happened after Ukraine and Russia held talks earlier this week, which are set to resume Friday.
U.S. Says Putin Being Misinformed: U.S. intelligence has determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin is being misinformed by his advisers about Russian troops' performance in Ukraine, AP reported, citing a U.S. official, and that Putin has felt misled by the Russian military. Intelligence has also determined he isn't fully aware of the extent to which the Russian economy is being damaged by economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies. The official said this indicates Putin's senior advisers are, quote, "afraid to tell him the truth."
U.S. intelligence says it believes Vladimir Putin is being misinformed by his advisers on his troops' performance in Ukraine "because his senior advisors are too afraid to tell him the truth," U.S. official tells @ABC News. https://t.co/IWj6V5AMg4pic.twitter.com/diDn6pzUfZ
Ukraine Refugees Pass Four Million: The U.N. refugee agency said yesterday that more than four million people have now fled Ukraine since Russia's invasion. That number of refugees, half of whom are children, according to the agency, exceeds worst-case predictions made at the start of the war.
➤BIDEN PLANNING TO TOP STRATEGIC OIL RESERVE: President Biden is planning to order the release of up to one million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve, in an effort to try to control energy prices that have shot up as the U.S. and other allied nations have imposed tough sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Bloomberg first reported yesterday. The daily release could last for several months. The announcement could be made as early as today, with Biden planning to speak about plans to fight rising gas prices.
➤REPORT...ADMIN. TO END COVID ASYLUM LIMITS AT BORDER BY LATE MAY: The administration is expected to end asylum limits put in place at the U.S-Mexico border to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 by May 23rd, the Associated Press reported yesterday, saying the decision is not yet final. White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said that whenever the limits are removed, there will be an influx of people to the border, and said, "We are doing a lot of work to plan for that contingency." The limits were put in place in March 2020 under the Trump administration as the pandemic struck the U.S., and President Biden has so far kept them.
➤BIDEN GETS SECOND BOOSTER, ANNOUNCES NEW 'COVID.GOV' SITE: President Biden got his second booster of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine on Wednesday, one day after the FDA and CDC okayed a fourth vaccine dose for those over age 50 and people younger than that with severely weakened immune systems. Biden also announced the launch of the new site COVID.gov, which allows users to see local levels of community transmission and get information on how to order tests, masks, vaccine doses and treatments. A White House official described it as a "one-stop shop website."
➤JUDGE IMPOSES DAILY FINES FOR ALEX JONES AS LONG AS HE MISSES DEPOSITION: A Connecticut judge on Wednesday imposed daily fines on Infowars host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones for each weekday until he appears for a deposition in a lawsuit brought by relatives of some victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting. Jones defied court orders last week to attend the deposition, citing a health problem that turned out to be a sinus infection, and was found in contempt. The judge noted that while claiming to be too sick for the deposition, Jones appeared on his website show every day. The fines will begin at $25,000 per weekday beginning Friday and increase by $25,000 per weekday until he appears for the deposition. Jones' testimony is being sought ahead of a trial to determine how much he should pay in damages to the families for promoting a conspiracy theory that the Sandy Hook massacre never happened. Jones was found liable for damages to the families.
➤REPUBLICAN COLLINS WILL VOTE FOR SUPREME COURT NOMINEE JACKSON: Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will get at least one Republican vote in the Senate, with Senator Susan Collins of Maine saying yesterday that she will vote to confirm Jackson. Collins had met with Jackson a second time this week after her confirmation hearings last week. The news all but assures that Jackson will have enough votes in the 50-50 split Senate to be confirmed and become the first Black woman on the nation's highest court.
➤PENNSYLVANIA INTERSTATE SNOW SQUALL PILEUP KILLED SIX: Pennsylvania state police said Wednesday that the multi-vehicle pileup on Interstate 81 amid a snow squall Monday killed six people, double the three people that had originally been reported. They also said it involved 39 commercial vehicles and 41 passenger vehicles for a total of 80 in all. Earlier estimates had said 40 to 60 vehicles were involved.
➤GOP LAWMAKER ADMITS EXAGGERATING CLAIMS OF ORGIES, COCAINE USE: House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy said yesterday that he'd met with Rep. Madison Cawthorn, and that the 26-year-old North Carolina Republican told him he'd exaggerated his claims in an interview about being invited to "orgies" in Washington, D.C., and seeing leaders do cocaine right in front of him. McCarthy stated, "In the interview, he claims he watched people do cocaine. Then when he comes in he tells me, he says he thinks he saw maybe a staffer in a parking garage from 100 yards away." McCarthy said he told the freshman congressman that he'd, quote, "lost his trust," stating, "He's going to have to earn it back." McCarthy told reporters that what Cawthorn said was "unacceptable," stating, "You can't just make statements out there," and noting, "he's got a lot of [GOP House] members very upset."
A federal probe into Pres. Biden’s son Hunter is underway. Sources tell @CBSNews it is broader than previously known. White House declined to comment + referred reporters to earlier statement POTUS never “considered being involved in business w/his family.”pic.twitter.com/44YaRSoS9B
➤CHRIS ROCK ADDRESSES THE SLAP HOURS AFTER THE ACADEMY ANNOUNCES DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS FOR WILL SMITH: Chris Rock briefly addressed the Will Smith slap during his Boston comedy show, just hours after the Academy revealed that disciplinary proceedings have begun for the Best Actor winner.
According to TMZ, when Rock took the stage at the Wilbur theater Wednesday night, he was greeted by a standing ovation from a sold-out crowd. However, the comedian was prepared to disappoint anyone who showed up to hear about the Oscar incident.
He said, "I don't have a bunch of s*** about what happened, so if you came to hear that, I have a whole show I wrote before this weekend. I'm still kind of processing what happened," adding, "So, at some point, I'll talk about that s***. And it will be serious and funny."
Deadline reports that a member of the Academy’s top leadership did ask the King Richard star’s rep to have him leave the awards show.
The Academy said of the incident, “While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.”
The outlet also reports that disciplinary proceedings have begun for the former Fresh Prince. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Scientists' Board of Governors ruled Wednesday (March 30th), “At the next board meeting on April 18, the Academy may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct.”
Disney has betrayed the very values that were responsible for its success, Orthodox rabbis warnhttps://t.co/DRl0rUXJ60
➤ERIC CHURCH FANS UPSET OVER CANCELED CONCERT: Some fans of country music star Eric Church are upset after he canceled a sold-out show scheduled for Saturday in San Antonio so that he can go to the NCAA men's basketball tournament's Final Four game between archrivals Duke and North Carolina. In an email sent to ticketholders, Church, who's a huge North Carolina fan, said having those two schools, quote, "matchup in the Final Four for the first time in history of the NCAA Tournament is any sports enthusiast's dream." He continued, "This is most selfish thing I’ve ever asked [fans] to do, to give up your Saturday night plans with us so that I can have this moment with my family and sports community. However, it’s that same type of passion felt by the people who fill the seats at our concerts that makes us want to be part of a crowd at a game of this significance." Some fans blasted Church online, including by pointing out there were people who'd bought plane tickets and hotel rooms so they could attend the concert. But a rep for Church told Variety most of the feedback in his closed Facebook fan page was positive.
➤BRUCE WILLIS RETIRES FROM ACTING AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH APHASIA: Bruce Willis has retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, a medical condition that can affect a person’s ability to speak, write and understand language.
The 67-year-old star’s family members, including both his wife, Emma Herming and his ex-wife, Demi Moore, posted the announcement to Instagram Wednesday.
Bruce Willis
The family wrote, “To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities. As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.
“This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him.”
The post, which was also signed by Willis’ daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn, concluded with, “As Bruce always says, 'Live it up' and together we plan to do just that.”
According to a report published by the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday, rumors had been swirling about the action star’s decline in recent years. The outlet reports that while working on recent projects - 22 in the last four years - Willis’ lines were fed to him through an earpiece and his action scenes, especially those where his character was required to handle a gun, were filmed using a body double.
➤STUDY...PEOPLE WHO GREW UP IN THE COUNTRY HAVE A BETTER SENSE OF DIRECTION THAN THOSE WHO GREW UP IN CITIES: If you grew up in a rural area you have at least one advantage over someone who grew up in a city. Researchers from several universities tested the spatial navigation skills of nearly 400,000 people from 38 countries using a video game called Sea Hero Quest. They found people who grew up in more structured, grid-like cities performed better on game levels with grid-like layouts. But those who grew up outside of cities, or in cities with more sprawling, complex layouts, were better at navigating disorderly routes. The scientists say this could be because the countryside has more disorderly road layouts, which prime the brain for remembering and navigating environments. Study author, Professor Hugo Spears adds, “[…] we found that people who grew up in areas with gridded streets can have comparable navigation skills to people five years their senior from rural areas, and in some areas the difference was even greater.” Future research could focus on finding out whether living in a rural area could help guard against dementia conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
🏈ARIANS RETIRES AS BUCCANEERS COACH: Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians announced yesterday that he's retiring, an unexpected move that comes shortly after quarterback Tom Brady reversed himself and said he was coming back 40 days after retiring in February. Defense coordinator Todd Bowles is taking over from Arians as the new head coach. The 69-year-old Arians will move into a front-office position with the Bucs, working with general manager Jason Licht. Arians led Tampa Bay for three seasons, which included a Super Bowl championship after the 2020 season, Brady's first with the team.
🏀COACH HOLLOWAY LEAVING SAINT PETER'S FOR SETON HALL: Coach Shaheen Holloway is leaving Saint Peter's to join Seton Hall, the news coming days after the small New Jersey school was eliminated from the men's NCAA basketball tournament after making history as the first Number 15 seed to reach the Elite Eight. Seton Hall announced the news yesterday evening. The 45-year-old Holloway, who played for Seton Hall, is succeeding Kevin Willard, who's leaving for the head coaching job at Maryland.
Beasley Media Group announces Tim Jorgenson has been named Integrated Sales Manager of the company’s the Motor City radio properties.
In his new role, Tim will be responsible for leading the digital sales efforts of 101 WRIF-FM, 94.7 WCSX-FM, 105.1 The BOUNCE, 105.9 KISS-FM, Detroit PRAISE Network, and Motor City Sports Talk The ROAR.
He most recently served as the National Digital Automotive Specialist on behalf of the company. Previously, Tim spent two years as an Account Executive at iHeart-Detroit and 15 years as General Manager of Jorgensen Ford in Detroit.
“Tim Jorgenson is the ideal candidate to head up our digital efforts in Detroit,” said Tina Murley, Vice President of Sales at Beasley Media Group. “Not only does he bring an intimate knowledge of the automotive industry, he understands how to deliver results for clients.”
“I’ve been impressed with Tim since the first time I met him back when he was a client,” said Beasley Media Group Vice President and Market Manager Mac Edwards. “He’s all about results and is determined, diligent, and more than willing to put in the work to get there.”
“We are beyond excited to have Tim move into the position as Integrated Sales Manager for Detroit,” said Beasley Media Group Director of Sales, Patti Taylor. “Tim’s depth of knowledge in the automotive industry, coupled with his skill and passion for digital, will drive Beasley-Detroit’s efforts to the next level. Tim’s approach is thoughtful and smart – and our team is so excited to be working with him.”
“Beasley Detroit has an incredible team which makes for a great environment,” said Jorgenson. “This culture is the result of a strong leadership team that empowers its employees- something you can see each day through the positivity in the building!”
Cox Media Group (CMG) announced Wednesday that affiliates of each company have entered into a definitive agreement involving the sale of CMG television stations in twelve markets.
The transaction furthers the strategic evolution of CMG’s broadcast station portfolio and marks INSP’s expansion into broadcast television.
Upon the close of the transaction, Imagicomm Communications, an affiliate of INSP, will acquire the following CMG stations:
Alexandria, LA – KLAX
Binghamton, NY – WICZ
Eureka, CA – KIEM/KVIQ-LD
Greenwood, MS – WABG/WNBD/WXVT
Idaho Falls, ID – KPVI
Medford, OR – KMVU/KFBI-LD
Memphis, TN – WHBQ
Spokane, WA – KAYU
Syracuse, NY – WSYT
Tulsa, OK – KOKI/KMYT
Yakima, WA – KCYU-LD/KFFX
Yuma, AZ – KYMA
“These are important local journalism and community service brands powered by incredible media professionals and journalists who work tirelessly to inform, entertain, and elevate the communities they serve,” said CMG’s President and CEO, Dan York. “We are pleased to advance the strategic evolution of our portfolio, are proud of our team members at these stations, and are confident they will continue to excel in their important work as part of the Imagicomm / INSP family.”
David Cerullo, Chairman & CEO of INSP, said, “We are excited to be entering the broadcast television market with this strong collection of brands that are integral to informing and entertaining the communities they serve. We look forward to working with the stations’ talented staff and building upon their rich legacy of journalism and serving their communities, advertisers, and audiences. This acquisition is part of our broad corporate strategy to expand our media ownership across multiple entertainment platforms.”
The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. The parties expect to close the announced transactions in the second half of 2022.
