NYC Radio: WFAN’s Mike Francesa Inks Contract Extension

Mike Francesa

WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM afternoon man, whose contract expires after next year's Super Bowl, has re-signed to remain with the station.

Mike Francesa has signed a long-term agreement to remain as afternoon drive personality for several more years. Some reports have put it as through 2017, according to a story by longtime NYC Media Writer Vince Santarelli at examiner.com.

Francesa first started with WFAN when they first went on the air back in 1987. He started as afternoon host with partner Mad Dog Russo on September 5, 1989. Russo, of course, left the show in 2008 and Francesa has been running solo ever since.

In his time at WFAN, Francesa has been honored with two NAB Marconi Awards and has been voted top sports personality by Talkers Magazine and Radio Ink.

“Mike has earned his place in radio history as a great broadcaster,” said CBS Radio president/CEO Dan Mason.

Added Mark Chernoff, Vice President, Sports Programming, CBS RADIO and WFAN Program Director, “Mike represents the heart and soul of WFAN, and we’re proud he will continue to make the station his long-term broadcast home. Like no one else, Mike can take a story to the next level and involve his listeners in thought provoking ways with topical and opinionated conversation. He has set the standard for what represents an entertaining and informative radio program.”

“I’m very proud of what we have accomplished at WFAN,” says Francesa. “I am also honored and thankful to CBS RADIO for its continued commitment, and most of all to the listeners for their enduring loyalty.”

According to the New York Daily News, as part of his deal, the Pope’s (as he's often referred to in Gotham sports circles) Sunday morning sermon, aka “The NFL Now,” will now be heard on CBS Sports Radio (it will still be on WFAN) and will be made available to more than 250 affiliates across the country.

Atlantic City, NJ Radio: Mary Walter Talks Relationships

Mary Walter

Talk radio will be taking a personal tone as host Mary Walter brings her relationship advice show to weekday evenings on WTKU-FM 98.3 in the Ocean City, NJ market..

"Life! With Mary Walter" will broadcast 9 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Fridays starting April 8.

According to a story at pressofatlanticcity.com, Walter is probably best known for her work hosting "Passion Phones" on WKXW-FM 101.5.

Walter said Monday her new show would follow a similar format, with listeners seeking - and offering - relationship advice.

"Seeking out relationship advice is as old as the hills," Walter said. "We are going to let the audience call in and give the advice."

"People love to give advice. People love to tell other people what they are doing wrong," she said.

Walter will have an all-talk format, a change for the station, which normally plays songs from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

"It's a change for us," said Paul Kelly, vice president of broadcast operations for Longport Media, which owns the station, in a prepared statement. "But it's a change we believe our listeners will enjoy."

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Tampa Radio: Sports Talker Steve Duemig Returns To WDAE

tampabay.com photo

After being off-air for about a week over a contract dispute WDAE-AM (620) host Steve Duemig has returned to the air.returned.

And Eric Deggans at The Feed at tampabay.com reports, though he stops short of saying he’s happy how his negotiations turned out, the host insists his absence was a result of WDAE owner Clear Channel Radio’s hardball negotiating tactics.

“I was told to sign a document before our negotiations were done,” noted Duemig, who said back when he left the air that the company wanted him to sign a new agreement before a window opened in his contract allowing him to negotiate with competitors. When he refused, Duemig said, he was taken off the air.

He now declines to say if he talked with any competitors – most obviously WHFS-FM 98.7 The Fan owned by CBS Radio. But Duemig does say that he didn’t get any extra money from the deal, which lasts three years from his current contract’s end in mid-May.

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TB's Take:  Steve could use some guidance from Todd Schnitt on how to negotiate a deal.

FCC To Review Radio/TV Decency Policy

U.S. regulators on Monday launched a review of policy governing the way it enforces broadcasts of nudity and profanity on radio and television and asked for public comment on whether its current approach should be amended.

According to Reuters, the Federal Communications Commission issued a public notice inviting comment on whether it should focus its efforts on pursuing only the "most egregious" cases in which rules are broken, or focus on isolated cases of nudity and expletives uttered on radio and TV shows.

The public notice follows a Supreme Court ruling in June 2012 against a government crackdown some 10 years ago on nudity and profanity.

"We now seek comment on whether the full Commission should make changes to its current (egregious cases) broadcast indecency policies or maintain them as they are," the FCC said on Monday.

It asked for public input over the next 30 days on whether, for example, it should treat cases of nudity in the same way as profanity, and whether "deliberate and repetitive" use of expletives is necessary to prove indecency.

Since the Supreme Court ruling, the FCC said it had focused its enforcement on "egregious cases" and had handled a backlog of more than 1 million complaints since June 2012.

The Supreme Court said that the FCC rules were vague and that it had not given fair notice of a tougher stance that resulted in three-high profile incidents that resulted in complaints and fines against U.S. networks.

Read More Now.

Boston Radio: The TJ Show Launches On The Amp

The TJ Show officially launched April Fool’s Day on Boston’s WODS The amp 103.3.

Last Week,  TJ hit the streets of Boston to introduce himself to people.

Fort Myers Radio: WWGR Suspends Two Over Prank

Val St. John, Scott Fish

UPDATE: The two hosts returned to the air Wednesday

Earlier Posting...

Two personalities have been taken off the air following a fake water advisory apparently meant as an April Fool's joke.

During their Monday morning show on WWGR Gator Country 101.9-FM, Val St. John and Scott Fish used a decades-old hoax, announcing that "dihydrogen monoxide" was coming out of Lee County taps. Dihydrogen monoxide is another name for water, based on its molecular composition of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Tony Renda, general manager at the Bonita Springs country music station, told the Fort Myers News-Press he immediately pulled Val St. John and Scott Fish off the air when he heard about the April Fool’s joke they had been playing on their 5 to 9 a.m. morning show and then started having the joke recanted and an apology aired during station breaks. “Every break we have we’re telling listeners it was a goof, a bad joke,” he said.

“It is one thing when radio stations change their format or other crazy things they do,” Renda said. “But you are messing with one of the big three, food, water or shelter. They just went too far; I just knew I didn’t like that.”

Renda said the pair have been doing their show for years and usually do a very family friendly April Fool’s joke. “Every year they do a joke,” he said. ”But it’s been a fun joke.”

Renda, also vice president of Pittsburgh, Pa., based Renda Broadcasting, said the suspension is indefinite for now. “We take this very seriously. We take our FCC license very seriously,” he said.

The station’s bit got the attention of Patty DiPiero from Lee County Utilities. She said Lee County residents began calling the utility this morning saying they heard on the station that county water was unsafe and should not be used for drinking, showering or for any use.

DiPiero stressed in an email to media outlets that the utility was not having any issues with the water supply and the water is safe to use.

Read More Now.

Also Read: 12 Google April Fool's Day Jokes, Click Here.

Fired Christian Personalities Plan iNet Ministry

Chris, Emilee

Christian radio personalities Chris and Emilee, who disappeared from the airwaves at WJQK-FM in Holland, near Grand Rapids, MI,  last week (see original posting, Click Here), plan to return to an internet ministry they set aside when they joined WJQK-FM four years ago.

According to mlive.com, the former hosts of “The Chris & Emilee Show,” formerly heard on JQ99 in West Michigan, unveiled the next steps in their career and ministry on their Facebook page.

Chris and Emilee Danielson also offered insight into their departure from WJQK-FM after their final show on March 22.

“There’s no smoking gun,” Chris Danielson said. “Nobody did anything outrageous. There’s nothing that warranted termination.”

Chris Danielson said the station owned by Lanser Broadcasting decided to let the couple go to pursue a new direction for the Contemporary Christian station.

“Over the last year, it was quite clear they weren’t happy with our style and there was a difference in philosophy,” Danielson said. “They called us in and told us our job performance was 100 percent solid, they just wanted to make a change.”

In Danielson’s opinion, the station wants to take a broader approach to their programming while the Danielsons prefer depth.

Before moving to West Michigan four years ago, the Danielsons were on the air on Family Life Radio in seven cities including Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tuscon and had formed “Because I Believe Media Group” to pursue ministry through other media platforms.

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Bob & Sheri Enlist In AFN

Bob & Sheri

Greater Media, Inc announced Monday that Joe Radio on the American Forces Network will launch The Bob & Sheri Show on Monday, April 8, 2013 as the new morning show on the AC Programming Format.

The popular morning show, with hosts Bob Lacey and Sheri Lynch, will be carried live daily on AFN to members of the U.S. Military serving abroad and their families.  Joe Radio on AFN carries the programming to 177 countries and on all U.S. ships at sea (approximately 150).

“After visiting with the Bob & Sheri team in Charlotte and hearing their very professional and entertaining show, we knew almost immediately that they’d be a perfect fit for our ‘Joe Radio’ service,” said Jef Reilly, Director of American Forces Radio Network. 

“Bob & Sheri are very popular among military audiences stateside and we’re sure that will be the case on AFN Radio overseas where our heroes are stationed and listening.“

“We are absolutely thrilled that Bob and Sheri will be sharing their entertaining show with our valued members of the United States Military and their families both here and now abroad,” said Greater Media Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter Smyth. “Bob and Sheri will be a fantastic edition to Joe Radio on the American Forces Radio Network. As a company, we consider it a privilege to be able to serve our dedicated men and women who continue to sacrifice to keep our families and country safe.”

Bob & Sheri have a history with military involvement supporting the Wounded Warrior organization.  In 2012, Bob & Sheri participated in a military devoted Flag Day Parade in Hudson, NY.  They attended the Army Birthday Celebration at Ft. Bragg Military Base where over 13,000 soldiers were in attendance at times, cheering and calling them by name as they ran past the live broadcast.

The Bob & Sheri Show is based in Charlotte, NC and currently is heard on 42 stations across the country.

Steve Chessare Named Market Manager in Detroit

Steve Chessare

Steve Chessare has been promoted to Market Manager of Greater Media’s Detroit radio stations, including WRIF-FM, WCSX-FM and WMGC-FM. He most recently served as Director of Sales for Greater Media Detroit.

“Steve brings a tremendous wealth of experience, knowledge and leadership to our team,” said Greater Media Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter Smyth. “We look forward to having him take our Detroit cluster to the next level.”

“I’m in this business because I love and believe in radio,” said Chessare. “Having the opportunity to work with these heritage radio stations, these incredibly professional people and this great organization is the best next step in my career. People that I’ve worked with and respected over the past 25 years in New York City have asked me ‘Why Detroit?’ and my answer is simple, ‘Greater Media.’ I couldn’t be more excited!”

Chessare is no stranger to radio. An accomplished veteran, prior to joining Greater Media he served as the senior vice president of sales for Westwood One Companies.

Prior to that, he was the General Sales Manager of Clear Channel’s WLTW-FM in New York City and also held various positions within the CBS Radio organization that culminated in the role of Vice President/General Manager of CBS Radio Sales, the national sales division of the company’s radio division.

LA Radio: Thousands Attend ‘Bugstock’

K-EARTH photo

Thousands of K-EARTH 101 listeners and Volkswagen enthusiasts flocked to the Orange County Market Place Saturday for KRTH K-EARTH 101′s Bugstock 2013 car show and festival!

The weather was a beautiful, sunny mid-70s without a rain cloud in sight as guests enjoyed all the festival had to offer around the grounds. K-EARTH’s Charlie Tuna broadcasted live on air from the show with all our DJs in attendance for listener meet and greets and introductions on stage.

Beatles tribute band Hard Day’s Night rocked the stage playing the Fab Four’s greatest hits from three different eras – early years, Sgt. Pepper Lonely Hearts Club, and the later years – getting everyone groovin’ out on the dance floor.

Of course the VW car displays were the main draw of the day with Galpin Volkswagen bringing custom-designed cars like The Mystery Machine, Herbie The Love Bug, the Zinger and more. Star Car Central brought in a radical Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle bus that even play its own theme music!

Check out the entire photo gallery from K-EARTH 101′s Bugstock 2013, Click Here!

Jay, Jimmy Sing ‘Tonight’ Duet

Jimmy Fallon and Jay Leno sing their version of the classic duet "Tonight" from the Broadway musical "West Side Story."

Fed Court Ruling Favors Aereo Video Service

In a blow to major TV broadcasters, a federal appeals court ruled Monday that start-up Aereo can continue to stream live local TV through its website and app.

According to USAToday, the decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York, affirms an earlier ruling that Aereo doesn't violate broadcasters' copyrights in airing programs over the Internet from its farm of mini-antennas in Brooklyn.

Consumer groups applauded the decision because it ushers in greater flexibility in choosing TV shows without paying a hefty cable bill. However, it also signals that more legal fights will likely be waged by broadcasters eager to hold on to advertising revenues and retransmission fees that cable companies pay to carry their channels.

Backed by Barry Diller's IAC InterActive, Aereo enables subscribers to stream live broadcast content from local stations -- including the networks, public television and Spanish-language channels -- on their desktop computers, tablets or smartphones.

Each subscriber leases a small Aereo antenna that's stored in the company's warehouse, a point that Aereo emphasizes in differentiating its service from other streaming companies. The antenna receives the TV signal, and subscribers can view or record content through Aereo's streaming technology, which requires an Internet connection. Subscription fees range from $1 a day to $80 a year.

Streaming is available only in areas where Aereo operates.

The lawsuit's plaintiffs -- including ABC, CBS, NBCUniversal, Telemundo and Public Broadcasting Service -- sued Aereo last year in federal court, asking for an injunction barring the company from transmitting programs because it lacks the proper license.

The National Association of Broadcasters, an industry group representing TV networks, said it was "disappointed" by the decision, and sided with the dissenting opinion issued by Judge Denny Chin.

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Barbara Walters: ‘I Have No Announcement To Make’

Barbara Walters sidestepped rumors of her retirement in Monday's broadcast of "The View."

"There were many reports last week that I was retiring from ABC and there was an assumption that I would be making an announcement today," Walters said at the top of the show. "The paparazzi were outside my home today. However, here I am, and I have no announcement to make."

Rumors surfaced last week that Walters, 83, was planning to retire in May 2014 after a bout of health problems including a falling accident and chicken pox.

SLC Radio: 'Radio From Hell' Returns To X96

UPDATE 12Noon TUESDAY: Kerry Jackson, Bill Allred and Gina Barberi back on-air live this morning following reports that their contract had expired on Sunday. A new contract reportedly was worked out Monday night.

Original posting....

Three of Salt Lake City's most popular radio personalities were MIA today – and it doesn't appear to be an April Fool's Day joke.

Kerry Jackson, Bill Allred and Gina Barberi were not on the air this morning on Alternative KRXK X96's "Radio From Hell" show – except in recycled segments from past shows – as the trio's contract with the station expired Sunday night, according to sltrib.com. 

Apparently negotiations are continuing today and the trio is still listed on the station’s website.

LA Radio: Elisha Krauss Joins KRLA For Mornings

Elisha Krauss

Elisha Krauss, Sean Hannity’s former radio producer, was was unveiled as co-host for KRLA 870 AM The Answer.

She replaces Heidi Harris (although as of 2pm eastern Monday, she’s still listed on The Answer's website, bad eh? Afterall, they've had since last Thursday to scrub Heidi off the site) and joins Brian Whitman and Ben Shapiro for wake-up duty.

The move reunites Krauss with Salem VP/Director Spoken Word Format Phil Boyce, who first hired her as a 18-year old college freshman intern when he was PD at WABC/New York.

Salem VP/Spoken Words Formats Phil Boyce comments” “Elisha impressed me from the day we first met when she applied to be an intern at WABC. She had been home schooled in Oklahoma, but here she was in Manahattan making a name for herself as a freshman and I was immediately impressed with her character, integrity and maturity."

Commenting on the new morning trio KRLA Program Director Chuck Tyler said, “Elisha is a great addition to the team. This is a truly unique show for Los Angeles morning drive and I know Brian and Ben are very anxious to get her into the mix.”

NBC Sports Radio Now Live 24/7

NBC Sports Radio goes live today with full, 24/7 sports-talk programming to entertain, inform and engage sports fans nationwide. In addition to a starting lineup of 257 affiliated stations, the network introduces a newly designed, revamped website at NBCSportsRadio.com.

NBCSportsRadio.com features a fresh, modern look with a number of new features - such as programming schedules, talent bios and photos, and a terrestrial radio station finder - plus added capabilities, including live streaming, station streaming and social media streaming.

The NBC Sports Radio mobile app, created by Abacast, showcases a branded home page with rotating sponsorship panels and an integration system that syncs audio ads and rotating display ads - a feature that will help advertisers extend their brands. Among its many features, the mobile app also delivers programming content, Facebook and Twitter promotion, and a station information page linking to phone request lines.

Chris Corcoran, executive vice president, general manager of NBC Sports Radio, said, "Game on! We are pumped and ready to take the field. When you combine our unmatched talent with our stations, our digital assets and our social media presence, it all adds up to an amazing listening and interactive experience for sports fans everywhere."

Rob Simmelkjaer, SVP of NBC Sports Ventures, said, "We couldn't be more excited to be launching our 24/7 format today. In just a short time, NBC Sports Radio has become a relevant player in the market, and we're looking forward to continuing our growth. Today we also launch new ways for listeners to hear our content, from our new online webpage to our mobile app. Audio content is now consumed in more ways than ever, and we're pleased to provide multiple touch points for listeners."

CBS Sports Radio Debuts On Cumulus’ The Ticket

No foolin’..there’s more sports on the radio in Minneapolis, as Cumulus flips a trimulcast to CBS Radio Sports.

WGVX 1051 FN, WGVZ 105.7 and WRXP 105.3 are now known as TheTicket.  The three were previously airing an AC format.

CorporateProgrammer/Sports for Cumulus Jim Mahanay stated, “Minneapolis/St. Paul is an amzing sports market.  We’re excited to enter the competition with an all-star line-up of talent..at Sports Radio 105 The Ticket.”

Cluster Om Scott Jameson added, "the passion for sports combined with the power and credibility of the CBS brand makes for engaging and entertaining content. Sports fans in The Twin Cities now have a choice for their daily fix of news and conversation delivered by the best in the business.”

The Ticket joins Clear Channel's KFXN The Fan at 100.3, 99.3 and 103.5 FM, plus Hubbard’s KSTP ESPN 1500-AM.   There’s also plenty of Minnesota Twins baseball talk on Modern ACKTWN  96.3 K-Twin.