"Dora" Voice Talent Settles Nick Suit

The voice of the bilingual cartoon explorer has settled her ugly lawsuit against the show's producers charging that they were ripping her off.

According to nypost.com, Caitlin Sanchez, 14, had accused Nickelodeon and its parent company, Viacom, of having signed her to an "unconscionable contract without adequate compensation" in 2007.

The suit says the companies "used Caitlin, unjustly enriching themselves with millions of dollars in profits from the series and branded products which Caitlin performed and promoted," while providing Caitlin with "minimal" and "non-competitive" compensation for her voice and singing work and personal appearances.

The suit, which was filed in October, also charged she'd been completely stiffed for "hundreds of hours" of work.

Nickelodeon called the suit "baseless" and said Sanchez had been "well-compensated." The company suggested the New Jersey girl was acting like the Grumpy Old Troll Who Lives Under the Bridge because she'd been told it was time to hang up her backpack and map.

"Unfortunately, Caitlin's voice changed and she was no longer able to portray the Dora character, as happened with the actress who originated the role," a spokesman said at the time.

Nickelodeon later accused Sanchez's side of trying to shake them down with threats of bad publicity.

That's all in the past now - court records show that Sanchez and the producers have settled their differences.

Read more here.

TV Guide Denies Lightening 'Top Chef' Host Skin

TV Guide Magazine is denying accusations that the publication lightened Indian-American Padma Lakshmi's skin on its latest cover.

According to a story at nydailynews.com, After the Dec. 6 issue of the television-themed mag hit newsstands Thursday, PopEater.com posted a story suggesting the "Top Chef" host's skin color was digitally altered.

Lakshmi, 40, appears on the cover alongside with Tom Colicchio, a judge on the Bravo reality show.

In a statement given to PopEater Friday morning, TV Guide insisted Lakshmi wasn't retouched.

"If her skin appears lighter, it's because we shot her in a brightly lit diner as part of the cover concept. We did our normal color correcting, which is standard for printing," the magazine said.

The statement continued, "Padma's skin tone is beautiful, and we did nothing to adjust it."



Read more here.

The Sunday Funny

The HD Radio Alliance has spent millions of dollars on promotion, ads and educational efforts. Yet even after years of this, most people still dont have any idea what HD radio is. In this Tech Talk video David Pogue demonstrates several HD Radios and also "interviews" several confused members of the public.



Editor's note:  The video was originally posted a year ago.

The Saturday Aircheck

WABC Radio 770 AM in New York City

WABC was the biggest radio station in the USA during the 1960's & 70's during it's "Musicradio" days when they were a Top 40 formated station.

This video is from the WABC "Rewound" show from 2008.  WABC "Rewound" was a unique radio show that aired just once a year - Memorial Day - From 1999 to 2008.

The show was unique in that it was actually a playback of authentic "air checks" from WABC's Musicradio days during the 1960's to early 1980's when playing Top 40 current pop music was it's format.

On Memorial Day from about 6 AM to 6 PM, WABC would play original air checks from their original DJ's, such as: Dan Ingram, Cousin Brucie, Bob "Bob-A-Loo" Lewis, Harry Harrison, Chuck Leonard, Ron Lundy, George Michael and others.

What was great was that since WABC is an AM station, you got to hear for the first time in decades the music played over AM on it's original radio station exactly the way you heard it if you were around in the 60's & 70's listening to WABC. It was a retro experience that would be hard to duplicate ever again!

The annual "Rewound" was a success, and drew a huge audience from the New York City area, however, it has not run since this last show on 2008 due to a number of factors.

This is an actual in studio video tour while the show was in progress. Everything was pre-recorded with the audio running off the station's hard drive using a software program called "Enco". The CD's shown at the end were there as backup in case or computer problems.

The show's producer is former WABC DJ, and current director of production Johnny Donovan, and co-producer Peter Kanze. The original air check tapes were carefully restored by Rob Frankel.

The DJ you hear on this video is the great late Chuck Leonard.

KGLK Houston Offers Fightin' NFLers $50K

Cox Owned Classic Hits 107.5 FM KGLK hosts Dean Myers and Rog Beaty have offered Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans and Cortland Finnegan of the Tennessee Titans $25,000 each to participate in a three-round boxing match after the season. The money would be donated to the charity of their choice.

Myers says the fight “would be like a ballet, except with no music, no choreography and the dancers hit each other.” Beaty forecasts “an epic Super Fight, the likes of the Super Bowl, with knockdowns instead of touchdowns, and a stare down instead of a coin toss.”

Johnson and Finnegan were involved in a brutal fistfight that got both players ejected in the fourth quarter of last Sunday's NFL game. Both drew fines of $25,000 (but no game suspensions) each from the National Football League. The two had been pushing and jawing earlier in the game. Last season, Johnson was fined $7,500 for taking Finnegan to the ground by the facemask during a scuffle after a play.



In segments for NFL Network and for Showtime’s Inside the NFL, Johnson is shown saying to an official, “31, when he (Finnegan) gets frustrated, he’s starting to put his hands in my facemask,” and the official replies, midway through the sentence, “Believe me, I watch him every play, everywhere.”

Inside the NFL analyst Cris Collinsworth said he was surprised Johnson was not suspended but added, “There are some times you just gotta fight, and if you get ejected, you get ejected. But in this league, if you just back down all the time, it’s not gonna be just that game. It’s gonna be every game when people see you backing away like that. $25,000, sometimes it’s worth it.”

Of Finnegan, Collinsworth added, “Cortland Finnegan plays like that all the time … in the game, in practice he’s doing the same things to his guys. He’s a scrappy, fighting guy. But don’t think of him like this jerk. If you talked to him, he would answer every question with ‘Yes, sir.’ His mom is a police officer. But when you get between the lines, it’s a fight.”

Ben Sherwood Named President of ABC News

Former Executive Producer of 'Good Morning America'

After an extensive search, award-winning journalist, bestselling author and Internet entrepreneur Ben Sherwood has been named the new President of ABC News, it was announced today by Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and President, Disney/ABC Television Group, to whom he will report.

In this position, Mr. Sherwood will be responsible for all editorial and business aspects of the News Division, including all ABC News programs on the ABC Television Network, ABC News Radio, ABC News.com and ABC News NOW.

Incoming ABC News president Ben Sherwood and outgoing news boss David Westin this morning at ABC News headquarters as Sherwood was re-introduced to the ABC News staff.

In making the announcement, Ms. Sweeney stated, "Ben combines an intimate knowledge and success in the news business with a creative flair and entrepreneurial spirit that are second-to-none. While at ABC News, he delivered GMA's two most successful seasons in history, and guided prize-winning coverage of some of the biggest stories of the day. Since then, he's become a best-selling author whose work has been adapted into feature films, and a digital media entrepreneur. This success, combined with a keen intellect and a truly gracious and generous spirit, make Ben the ideal person to lead our News efforts into the future."

Read more here.

Also read here:

Ben Sherwood: ‘There’s not been a syllable about cuts or more shrinking’ (TV Newser)

From The House Floor: Grayson Attacks

Outgoing Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL) launched a rhetorical attack against Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity and other conservative talkers and pundits. Grayson also included Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich and George W. Bush.  Grayson condemned the hosts for their private earnings and what they stood to lose should upper-bracket tax cuts increase in 2011.

PPMs: Sports Hub #1 In Boston 25-54

Looks as if there could be a new sports talk radio king in Boston as “98.5 The Sports Hub” (WBZ-FM) boasts its best ratings yet in the fierce battle for listeners with jock-talk titan WEEI.

“We’re very happy,” said Sports Hub program director Mike Thomas told the bostonherald.com. “Everybody’s working hard.”

New ratings for November show the Sports Hub tied for first place with classic rock station 100.7  WZLX-FM among the coveted 25-to-54-year-old male listeners, scoring an overall 7.5 share of the Boston market. That’s up from fourth place and a 5.9 in October.

Read more here.

Latest markets released by Arbitron:  Boston, Detroit, St. Louis, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Denver, Seattle, Phoenix, San Diego, Tampa and Miami. 

To see the 6+ results, click here.

WGY's Don Weeks Looks Forward to Retirement

Radio talk show host Don Weeks (810 AM WGY, 103.1 FM, Albany, NY) says goodbye December 3 after 50 years in the business. He's got a lot of plans for his retirement, which was moved up because of a medical condition.

Idea: The B101 Christmas Choir Competition

Best Promotion of the Week

Top rated 101.1 WBEB-FM (B101) in Philadelphia has come up with a terrific holiday promotion that capitalizes on the popularity of the Fox TV Show "Glee!"

They are sponsoring a Christmas Choir competition inviting Philadelphia area school choirs, kingergarten through 12th grade, to submit song submissions which could lead to prizes and honors.

B101(website) is currently in the process of selecting the (18) eighteen finalists which will be featured on their morning show beginning Monday, December 6, 2010 at 7:00am. Each day listeners will be able to vote online for your favorite choir and help choose this year’s Christmas Choir winners!

Winners each receiving $5,000 for their school’s music program, courtesy of B101 and a local Mercedes-Benz dealer and perform live on stage December 19th at Holiday Pops Concert with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops!

For more information, click here.

Companies OK With FCC Net Neutrality Rules

All those meetings Internet providers held with the Federal Communications Commission over the last few days have paid off in an FCC net neutrality agenda item the companies can live with, at least until Congress gets a hold of it.

Katy Bachman at mediaweek.com reports the proposed net neutrality rules will officially be voted on at the Commission's Dec. 21 meeting.

The rules would establish an open Internet framework, prohibiting Internet providers from blocking or discriminating against lawful Internet traffic, yet allowing providers to manage their networks, address congestion and continue to employ usage-based pricing.

Nothing in the FCC's proposal seem to adversely affect business.  In statement after statement, from companies such as AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast and industries organizations including NCTA and USTelecom, the stakeholders gave the FCC high marks for "compromise" and "consensus" while questioning the authority of the FCC to regulate the Internet.

Read more here.

HD Radio Alliance Announces Marketing Plans

The HD Radio Alliance member companies this week announced a continuation of their joint partnership and an aggressive marketing campaign for 2011. The estimated media value for 2011 is in excess of $110 million on more than 650 radio stations in the top 100 markets.

Despite an otherwise difficult economic environment, the HD Radio Alliance and iBiquity Digital have been successful this past year in advancing HD Radio technology, consumer awareness and most importantly, HD Radio™ sales. With key announcements and partnerships from Apple, Microsoft, Best Buy, Sears, Ford, Hyundai, BMW and others, HD Radio Technology has continued to grow and gain momentum.

"2011 will bring some very exciting and perhaps surprising announcements that will be watershed events toward mass adoption," said Peter Ferrara, President of the HD Radio Alliance. "It is rewarding to see the continued commitment on the part of the member radio companies to help assure that success."

Bob Struble, President of iBiquity Digital commented, "The HD Radio Alliance has been instrumental in not only advancing consumer awareness but helping secure key deals with automotive manufacturers, receiver makers and national retail partners."

Additionally, Ferrara called on other radio broadcast companies that are not currently members of the HD Radio Alliance to join its ranks.  Unlike earlier requirements, there are no financial obligations, no format restrictions, and no commercial limitations to participate in the HD Radio Alliance. "With only a modest commitment of inventory, other radio groups can make a significant difference in our efforts. We invite all to participate," said Ferrara.

The 2011 creative and strategic planning will continue to be consulted by Jacobs Media along with Kevyn Howard and the production team at CBS Radio.

"Working with the HD Radio Alliance has been uniquely challenging and immensely rewarding. We are delighted to continue to provide guidance for 2011," noted Fred Jacobs, President of Jacobs Media.

The HD Radio Alliance also oversees the consumer information web site HDRadio.com where information on local HD Radio stations and formats are listed.

The HD Digital Radio Alliance is a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters to accelerate the successful rollout of HD Digital Radio. Current members include major radio groups and independent station owners: CBS Radio, Clear Channel Radio, Greater Media, Emmis, Entercom, Bonneville International, Beasley Broadcasting, Buckley Radio, WBEB- FM Philadelphia.  For more information on HD Digital Radio, visit www.hdradio.com.

BET Founder Reflects On Boomer Generation

Robert Johnson became one of the most important members of the Baby Boom generation by being in the right place at the right time — and having a plan, writes David Lieberman at usatoday.com.

As a lobbyist for the cable television industry in 1979, he saw an opportunity to create the first cable channel that targeted African-American viewers: Black Entertainment Television.

Critics, including director Spike Lee, attacked BET's broadcasts of music videos that seemed to glamorize violence and degrade women. But with the cable industry booming, BET in 1991 became the first black-controlled company to go public on the New York Stock Exchange. When Viacom bought BET for $3 billion in 2003, Johnson became the first African-American billionaire.

Johnson went on to build The RLJ Companies, a financial services empire. He also invested in enterprises such as the Charlotte Bobcats basketball team, and became a supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton in her 2008 presidential campaign.

It's been an unusual ride for the Hickory, Miss., native who began his career in public relations after earning a master's from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.



For his thoughts on his generation and career, click here.

Christian Group Plea Ignored By Apple

Begins petition to reinstate app

The Christian organization that had its iPhone app removed from Apple’s App Store is now utilizing the same strategy to get the app reinstated that gay rights activists used to get it banned.

Jeff Winkler at The Daily Caller reports The Manhattan Declaration organization asks followers to sign a lengthy document, also called the Manhattan Declaration, that  “speaks in defense of the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty.” The Manhattan Declaration App, which had been available since October, asked readers to answer a “survey” before encouraging users to sign the petition and pass it on to virtual friends.

Gay rights activists, however, derided the declaration as “gay-hating” and “homo-hostile,” although no bigoted language can be found in the document. After circulating an online petition and delivering it to Apple, the company quietly took down the app late last week.

Now, after sending several letters (one of which is available to the public) to Apple requesting the app be reinstated and getting no response from the company, the Manhattan Declaration has begun its own petition drive.

“We’re asking people to — in a very respectful, kind manner — e-mail [Apple CEO] Steve Jobs and ask that app be reinstated, or to call Apple itself,” Michelle Farmer, the Manhattan Declaration spokeswoman told The Daily Caller. “We’re also them to go to the Manhattan Declaration and to sign the petition.”

Read more here.

Opinion: Ryan Seacrest, Clear Channel's Face of Firing

From Jerry Del Colliano, Inside Music Media:

If the overpayment of Ryan Seacrest to continue as the face and voice of Clear Channel is representative of the second coming of Bob Pittman to the radio industry, then we’re all in trouble.

Pittman’s first official act was to announce the rehiring of Ryan Seacrest for double the pay he was previously getting -- $60 million for three years.

And if that doesn’t rankle you, then you’re obviously not one of the thousands of Clear Channel professionals who made a lot less and did a lot more before you were fired from live and local radio.

So, Pittman throws lots of Lee and Bain money around in his current role as chairman of Clear Channel’s media and entertainment division.

It seems so easy.

The cutbacks that occurred for years – once over a thousand in one day -- are erased by a venture capital poster boy who clearly doesn’t get it.

Or does he?

Does Pittman know how to run the largest radio group ever put together on the face of the earth or do you?

And does it even matter when Clear Channel is head over heels in debt that can only lead to bankruptcy?

Pittman is likely to be the heir apparent to Mark Mays as Clear Channel CEO when Mays steps down next year so he had better know.

But paying Seacrest more than Glenn Beck and less than Rush Limbaugh shows you how easy it is to play monopoly when the venture capitalists are the bank.

Why?

Because $60 million is chump change to them even if $60,000 is called a living to their thousands fired employees.

This is not a slap at Seacrest who is a good and talented guy, but a criticism of how stupid radio consolidators are when they come up with crazy cutback plans, overpay their CEOs (are you listening Tricky Dickey and Fagreed Suleman?) and are quick to pull the plug on the one thing Apple, Pandora – the entire Internet cannot compete with – live and local radio.

I get that Seacrest will be a busy guy – helping Clear Channel not rehire local talent in markets as he continues to replace them with his syndicated work so to them his salary is a bargain.

I get that Seacrest will do some developmental work with Clear Channel – whatever that is. And in the scheme of things – doesn’t really matter.

But there is another side to this story that may well show you what 2011 is going to be like at many other consolidated radio groups.

Three things.

So, sit down and remove any sharp objects from sight while I lay it all out.

Read more here. (Subscription required)

Did You Pay for Andy Griffith to Promote ObamaCare?

Documents obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services reveal that the Obama administration spent $3,184,000 in taxpayer funds to produce and air national television ads promoting Democrats’ health care overhaul plan.

Meredith Jessup at theblaze.com reports the ads, starring television icon Andy Griffith, were meant to educate “Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers and family members about forthcoming changes to Medicare as a result of the Affordable Care Act.” However, multiple media outlets, including the nonpartisan FactCheck.org, called the ads misleading.

“Mr. Griffith is featured in three Medicare television ads and provided his services to the government at no charge pursuant to a gratuitous services agreement. These three spots, ‘1965,’ ‘Music to My Ears,’ and ‘Cozy Chair,’ are only airing in September and October 2010. The production for the three advertisements cost $404,000; the total amount budgeted for the national media placement is $2.78 million, which breaks down per ad to $754,000 (‘1965’), $1,112,000 (‘Music to My Ears’), and $1,390,000 (‘Cozy Chair’).”

Read more here.

Radio Talker Announces $50K "Reward"

Tampa-based talker Todd Schnitt has announced a $50,000 reward for "credible information" leading to the arrest of Julian Assange, a founder of Wikileaks. Schnitt's talk show is syndicated by Compass Media Networks.

A posting on schnittshow.com states Schnitt is putting his money where his mouth is:

“ASSANGE IS A TERRORIST, AN ENEMY COMBATANT, AND NEEDS TO BE TREATED AS SUCH”, SCHNITT HAS SAID REPEATEDLY ON HIS PROGRAM WHICH AIRS WEEKDAYS FROM 3:00pm-6:00pm EST"

The website states Assange is wanted on an arrest warrant sworn by Sweden on alleged rape charges and is responsible for the third massive publication of hundreds of thousands of ducoments stolen from the U.S. Government, and he is on Interpol's most wanted listed.

"IF YOU HAVE CREDIBLE, ACTIONABLE INFORMATION WHICH WOULD LEAD INTERNATIONAL OR FEDERAL AUTHORITIES TO ASSANGE, LOG ONTO SCHNITTSHOW.COM AND FOLLOW THE PROMPTS."

Oh yes, there is some fine print also posted:

"Deliver all tips to schnittshow@aol.com. All credible information will be handed over to Interpol or other authorities. If your information submitted to The Schnitt Show results in his arrest, you could (emphasis added) be eligible for the $50,000 bounty."