Riverside-San Bernardino Radio: KHTI Adds Kelly J For Evenings

KHTI Hot 103.9 FM in Riverside-San Bernardino has announced Kelly J as the newest member of the All Pro Broadcasting's Hot AC air staff, beginning Tuesday, January 2 weekdays from 7pm-12midnight.

Kelly has previously worked for several Southern California stations doing afternoons traffic reports and also as co-host of "Radio Slade" with "Real Housewives of Orange County" star Slade Smiley.

"At the ripe age of 'older than you need to know,' I realized I wanted to get into radio and, boom here I am! A radio chic with a big honkin' mohawk! Since those early days, I've won an award, had a great show called The Meltdown Show, been on several SoCal radio stations dishin' afternoon traffic, co-hosted with Slade Smiley from Housewives of OC on 'Radio Slade' which landed me on TV and I'm not done yet," said Kelly J.

KHTI 103.9 FM (180 watts) Red=Local Coverage Area

"We are very excited to have the talents and skills of Kelly J at KHTI. She brings a positive energy and commitment that fits perfectly into our team," added KHTI Program Director John DeSantis.

NYC Radio: WNYC Fires Lopate, Schwartz

Leonard Lopate

Two weeks after their abrupt suspensions, longtime WNYC hosts Leonard Lopate and Jonathan Schwartz have been fired, according to WNYC.org.

In a statement, spokesperson Jennifer Houlihan Roussel wrote “New York Public Radio has terminated the employment of Leonard Lopate and Jonathan Schwartz following two separate investigations overseen by outside counsel. These investigations found that each individual had violated our standards for providing an inclusive, appropriate, and respectful work environment.”

It’s a stunning end for two of WNYC’s most recognizable voices: Lopate interviewed everyone from Barack Obama to Liza Minnelli on his long-running weekday show, while Schwartz maintained a devoted following for his weekend program dedicated to the American Songbook.

Schwartz declined comment when reached shortly after the announcement. Lopate said he was “really sad and totally shocked.” He called the decision “unjust.”

NYPR placed Lopate and Schwartz on leave on Dec. 6, pending investigations into “inappropriate conduct.”

Jonathan Schwartz

Earlier this week, Schwartz told WNYC News, "This episode in my life truly is the most hurtful, outrageous and saddest I’ve ever experienced — and more.” Lopate said he was “stunned” by his suspension.

This investigation by reporters at WNYC News has not determined the specific reasons for the termination of Lopate and Schwartz. However, it has learned of multiple complaints against both hosts over the course of more than a dozen years. In several cases, they involved allegations of inappropriate comments and bullying.

Some of these incidents were brought back to the attention of management after news of the behavior by the former host of The Takeaway, John Hockenberry, became public. NYPR declined to comment on the incidents described in this article and would not say whether they contributed to the decision to fire Lopate and Schwartz.

The organization has been in crisis since Dec. 1, when New York magazine's The Cut published an article detailing how Hockenberry made sexual advances toward some colleagues and undermined and insulted others, including several women of color who had co-hosted the show. WNYC News followed that story with its own report. In a statement, Hockenberry said, "My behavior was not always appropriate and I’m sorry."

Lopate, 77, has been the host of his eponymous show for more than 30 years. During that time, he’s won numerous awards, including a George Foster Peabody Award. He has interviewed luminaries including Jimmy Carter, Margaret Atwood and Tom Hanks. Within a single show, topics can range from the rise of ISIS to the virtues of mustaches.

For those who worked on the show, the experience could be exhilarating, placing them at the center of current political debates and cultural events. Some of the show’s longtime contributing producers said they couldn’t imagine Lopate saying anything inappropriate.

But other producers described a turbulent workplace, with a host who has exhibited emotional outbursts and, they said, has made sexually suggestive comments.

Jonathan Schwartz, 79, has been a fixture of New York City radio since the late 1960s. In 1999, he joined WNYC, serving up programs heavy on Frank Sinatra, Norah Jones, and his own stories about the music business. Until Schwartz was suspended, he hosted a total of eight hours on WNYC-FM on the weekends, and had his own digital stream called The Jonathan Channel.

He has also been volatile on occasion. In one instance about three years ago, he shouted insults and obscenities at another WNYC host inside the newsroom. Reporters and editors who heard the commotion rose from their desks in alarm. Schwartz quickly left.

NFL Media Exec David Eaton Resigns Over Sex-Tweet Scandal

David Eaton

David Eaton, VP and executive editor of NFL Media, has resigned after reports that he engaged in hundreds of sexually explicit exchanges on Twitter with porn stars and prostitutes over several years.

“Last night, David Eaton tendered his resignation from NFL Media effective immediately,” the league said in a statement Wednesday.

Eaton, who joined the NFL in 2011, oversaw news operations for the NFL Network and NFL.com. Before joining the league, he had been a bureau chief at ABC News in L.A. and Atlanta.

Eaton’s resignation — and his Twitter history — were first reported by Deadspin. According to Deadspin, the NFL exec on Dec. 12 deleted interactions on his Twitter account with several hundred adult-film stars, prostitutes and paid escorts before deleting the account entirely.

The exit of Eaton comes as NFL Network has been accused of widespread sexual harassment. Last week, NFL Network suspended on-air analysts Marshall Faulk, Ike Taylor and Heath Evans as it investigated claims in a lawsuit by former wardrobe stylist Jami Cantor, who alleged being the target of multiple instances of sexual harassment and assault.

Google's Eric Schmidt Stepping Down

Eric Schmidt will be stepping down as the executive chairman of Alphabet's board of directors and transitioning to technical advisor, the company announced. He will continue to serve on the company's board, according to CNBC.

Schmidt first joined Google as CEO in 2001, back when the company only had several hundred employees, and become its executive chairman 10 years later. He maintained that role when Google restructured to become Alphabet in 2015.

"Larry, Sergey, Sundar and I all believe that the time is right in Alphabet's evolution for this transition," Schmidt said in a statement. "The Alphabet structure is working well, and Google and the Other Bets are thriving. In recent years, I've been spending a lot of my time on science and technology issues, and philanthropy, and I plan to expand that work."

Schmidt tweeted "adult supervision no longer needed," a reference to a comment co-founder Sergey Brin made on the Charlie Rose show when Google first hired him.

In the past several years, Schmidt has become increasingly involved in philanthropy through his own family foundation, which just launched a $25 million science fellowship, as well as Rise of the Rest, which invests in startups in middle America, and the Alliance for Southern California Innovation. He also serves as a board member of the Broad Institute, which focuses on medicine and disease prevention.

December 22 Radio History

➦In 1899...Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America registered.


In 1901...orchestra leader Andre Kostelanetz was born in Russia.

Arriving in the US in 1922, he conducted concerts for radio, and in the 30s he was given his own weekly show on CBS, Andre Kostelanetz Presents. He was known for arranging and recording light classical music pieces for mass audiences, as well as orchestral versions of popular songs and Broadway show tunes. His numerous recordings garnered sales of over 50 million and became staples of Beautiful Music radio.

He succumbed to pneumonia Jan. 13 1980 at age 78.

➦In 1917...game show host/announcer Gene Rayburn was born in Christopher Illinois.

He was half of the first two-man radio morning show team on WNEW 1130 AM New York (Rayburn & Finch), and broke into TV as announcer for Steve Allen on the original Tonight Show.

Besides Match Game, for which he is best remembered, he also hosted the TV games Make the Connection, Choose Up Sides, Dough Re Mi, and Tic Tac Dough. He died Nov 29, 1999 at age 81.


➦In 1920...WEAF in New York City, aired the first broadcast of a prize fight from ringside. The fight was broadcast from Madison Square Garden where Joe Lynch defeated Peter Herman to retain the bantamweight title.

➦In 1922...pioneer New York radio station WEAF once again proved to be the pillar of radio promotion. This time they broadcast radio’s first double wedding ceremony. 4,000 spectators watched as the two couples exchanged vows at Grand Central Palace. The broadcast was made in conjunction with the American Radio Exposition. The couples each got $100; a hefty sum in 1922.



➦In 1962...The Tornados became the first British group to have a #1 record in the U.S. when they topped the singles chart with their instrumental "Telstar."

➦In 2000...SIRIUS Satellite Radio completed its satellite system




➦In 2010...Radio and TV announcer (The Lone Ranger, The Green Hornet, The Dick Cavett Show, The Generation Gap)/National Radio Hall of Famer Fred Foy died at the age of 89.

Shortly after graduating from high school in 1938, Foy began in broadcasting with a part-time position at WMBC, a 250-watt independent station in Detroit. He moved to WXYZ in 1942, but World War II interrupted his radio career.

He was inducted August 28, 1942, entering the American armed forces September 11, 1942.

Attached to the 14th Special Service Company, Sergeant Fred Foy became the American voice on Egyptian State Broadcasting, delivering news and special programs to the Allied Forces in Cairo. He handled the distribution throughout the Middle East of American recordings, in addition to local broadcasts of Command Performance, Mail Call, Personal Album, Radio Bric-a-Brac and Front Line Theatre. He also announced The American Forces Programme. For Stars and Stripes he did American News Letter, a weekly summary of news from America, plus sport flashes and items from various theatres of war. For Cairo cinemas, he announced Headline News of the Day. Foy helped stage and announce USO sponsored programs, including a Jack Benny broadcast from Cairo to New York and an Andre Kostelanetz concert with Lily Pons.

After the war, Foy returned to WXYZ in Detroit. He took over the position of announcer and narrator for radio's The Lone Ranger beginning July 2, 1948 and continuing until the series ended on September 3, 1954.

CBS' Charles Osgood Announces Retirement

Broadcasting legend Charles Osgood‘s announcement on the radio Wednesday afternoon:           

“Although I was very much looking forward to continuing to see you on the radio, unfortunately my health and doctors will now not allow it. So I will retire from ‘The Osgood File’ and radio at the end of the year.”

Osgood has been hosting “The Osgood File” since 1967, a span of 50 years.  It was just two weeks ago that Osgood renewed his contract, after giving up his host duties on TV’s CBS Sunday Morning, last year.

“Best wishes to a giant who’s been an inspiration to generations of storytellers,” WCBS  880 AM anchor Alex Silverman tweeted.

Where have you gone, Charles Osgood? The nation loses a gentle voice of civility when we need it most. His "Osgood File" signs off next week. #Mentor pic.twitter.com/wUFZkJVwHc

— Wayne Cabot (@WayneCabot) December 21, 2017

Radio Legend Charles Osgood announces his retirement effective the end of next week. A lifelong @wcbs880 talent, cherished friend and colleague. A storyteller without equal. We honor you Charlie!!! pic.twitter.com/vqqlnk8gwb

— Tim Scheld (@TimScheld) December 21, 2017

While stationed adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery at Fort Myer during his service with the U.S. Army Band, he used stage names working as an announcer for radio stations in the Washington area to supplement his income and experience.

He hosted the morning show on WEAM (WZHF today) as "Charlie Woods."  At WGMS, he called himself “Carl Walden.” At WPGC-AM (WJFK-AM) today), a Top40  station, he referred to himself as “Chuck Forest.”

In 1963, Osgood became one of the writers and hosts of Flair Reports which related human interest stories on the ABC Radio Network.

He began using the name "Charles Osgood" at ABC because the network already had an announcer named "Charles Woods." In a 2005 interview with InsideRadio, Osgood related the story:

"They didn't want to have a Charles Woods and a Charles Wood. When they told me to pick a name, I used my middle name as my last name. It’s worked out well and is a little more distinctive and professional."

Osgood moved over to CBS Radio in 1967 when it became clear, in his words, that he "wasn't going anywhere" at ABC.

Osgood worked as a reporter and anchor for WCBS. In August 1967, he anchored the first morning drive shift for WCBS after its conversion to an all-news format. The first day of all-news programming aired on WCBS-FM after an airplane crashed into the AM station's antenna tower on New York's High Island, keeping WCBS off air until a temporary tower could be erected.

Each three-minute syndicated Osgood File focused on a single story, ranging from a breaking development of national importance to a whimsical human-interest vignette. Some of these he did in rhyme, which is why he is known as CBS's "Poet in Residence."

On television, Osgood joined CBS news in 1971. He was a reporter, and anchored the CBS Sunday Night News from 1981 to 1987, the weekday CBS Morning News from 1987 to 1992, as well as the CBS Afternoon News and the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. In one of his best known roles, he hosted CBS News Sunday Morning from April 10, 1994, to September 25, 2016, succeeding the original host Charles Kuralt. Osgood's tenure of twenty-two years as host exceeded Kuralt's fifteen years.

Among his personal trademarks were his bow-tie, his weekly TV signoff "Until then, I'll see you on the radio," and his propensity for delivering his commentaries in whimsical verse. Example: When the Census Bureau invented a designation for cohabitant(s) as "Person(s) of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters", or "POSSLQ", Osgood turned it into a pronounceable three-syllable word and composed a prospective love poem that included these lines, which he later used as the title of one of his books:

"There's nothing that I wouldn't do""If you would be my POSSLQ."

Osgood is also known for being the voice of the narrator of Horton Hears a Who!, an animated film released in 2008, based on the book of the same name by Dr. Seuss. He published a memoir of his boyhood in 2004.

Facebook, Universal Music Group Reach Global Licensing Deal

Facebook Inc and Universal Music Group signed a global agreement that will give users access to Universal’s music catalogs to be used in videos uploaded across the social media network as well as Instagram and Oculus.

The multi-year agreement will be expanded later to include Facebook Messenger, Universal Music Group, according to Reuters.

”“Together, Facebook and UMG are creating a dynamic new model for collaboration between music companies and social platforms to advance the interests of recording artists and songwriters,” said Michael Nash, executive vice president of digital strategy, Universal Music Group.

The partnership comes days after Bloomberg reported that Alphabet Inc’s YouTube had signed a new long-term agreement with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.

In an internal memo on Thursday, UMG's chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge told staff: "As with our deal with Spotify earlier this year and our license renewal with YouTube, our deal with Facebook leverages the experience we've gained and the wealth of data we've amassed to win both greater flexibility as to how our music is offered to the public as well as fairer compensation for our artists -- as we continually refine the balance between direct promotion and monetization."

The companies explained that the partnership will give Facebook and Instagram users the ability to upload and share videos that contain licensed music. "In time," a press release on the partnership noted, "functionality will expand to enable access to a vast library of music across a series of social features."

The other major record companies are nearing similar deals, sources tell Billboard. A joint statement from the company said the deals will "serve as a foundation for a strategic partnership roadmap that will deliver new music-based experiences online." All told, such licensing deals with the social media giant could generate roughly $1 billion for the music industry over the next two years, sources said.

Boston Radio: Beasley Media, Entercom Close On Station Swap

Beasley Broadcast Group has announced that it completed the previously announced asset exchange with Entercom Communications Corp., whereby Beasley exchanged WMJX 106.7 FM and $12 million cash for WBZ 98.5 FM Boston.

Caroline Beasley, Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Broadcast Group, commented, “The addition of WBZ-FM to our broadcast portfolio highlights Beasley’s focus on premium local programming and content and is complementary to our five other radio stations and digital operations in the Boston market. Throughout Beasley Broadcast Group’s 56 year history, we have actively managed our station portfolio with the goal of serving the communities where we operate with the best local programming and brands, diversifying our operations, managing risk and improving financial results. The addition of WBZ-FM to our portfolio addresses all of these strategic objectives as it strengthens our company’s presence and commitment to locally originated content in the Boston market.

“Focusing on strong core programming and targeted original local content is the foundation of Beasley’s operating strategy and has proven vital to the Company’s long-term ratings strength and success. Professional sports are unique in that strong bonds are formed between local fans across multiple generations based on shared traditions and a continued passion for their teams. This transaction further diversifies our Boston market content offerings with marquee sports programming and live game broadcasts of several of the most prominent and competitive professional sports teams in the country.

“The asset exchange is also expected to be accretive to the Company’s financial results and represents another unique and innovative means for Beasley Broadcast Group to enhance shareholder value. We look forward to leveraging our knowledge of the Boston market for the benefit of WBZ-FM listeners while creating an even stronger marketing platform for local area advertisers and businesses.”

GM Turns 1M Cars Into Rolling Podcast Destinations

General Motors is turning a million of its newest models into rolling podcast speakers, part of an ongoing effort by automakers to woo drivers with technology and not horsepower.

The automaker announced Thursday that it has partnered with eight news and entertainment companies — ranging from Fox Sports to the New York Times to USA TODAY — to provide podcasts through apps that are downloadable via the vehicle's onboard 4G LTE connection, thereby turning the car into its own content provider even if you leave your cellphone at home.

While the apps and their content are free, they will only work for those driving 2017 and 2018 GM models equipped with the Shop icon found in the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and an active data plan that is distinct from a user’s cellphone plan.

The apps also features podcast offerings from The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, NPR One, People magazine and Dash Radio. They join other apps already living on the GM in-car platform, including Pandora and The Weather Channel.

For years, drivers have been able to bring their digital preferences into vehicles through smartphones connected to vehicle infotainment systems featuring Apple Car Play and Android Auto, both of which are supported by General Motors.

But having a suite of news, sports and entertainment apps that live in the car and not just on a smartphone should make it easier for the driver, while content companies get a valuable new way to connect with their audience outside of a website or phone.

McFarland said this initial eight-app rollout aimed to spotlight "partners who could make the driving experience more interesting." Future app additions could be focused on home automation features that allow drivers the ability to access in-home electronics such as lighting and garage doors.

Digital Media Revenues Gain 9% in November, Radio Up 2%

Standard Media Index (SMI) Thursday unveiled updated advertising revenue figures for November 2017.

In November 2017, the total advertising market was up +5%. Digital continues to increase with +9% more spend in the month. A +14% increase in out-of-home, and +2% increases in both National TV and Radio, contributed to the overall positive ad market as well.

With just one month left in the year, SMI looked at overall ad market growth year-to-date (Jan – Nov) which continues to trend positive at +4%. While Digital is carrying the overall market with a +12% increase year-to-date, out-of-home is also up +3%. This includes both traditional out-of-home, and digital out-of-home components.

NATIONAL TELEVISION BY THE NUMBERS

In November 2017, the National TV market was up +2% with Cable seeing a +3% increase and Broadcast, registering a +1% increase. The year-to-date market continues to hover at around -3% with Cable down -2 and Broadcast down -4%.

Across the National Television market in November 2017 Entertainment programs saw +1% more advertising spend, Sports saw +5% and News continues to grow at +1%. Looking at the same breakdown year-to-date, or Jan-Nov, Entertainment programming is currently down -1%, compared to the same period in 2016, and Sports is down -11% - this is mostly due to the Olympics in 2016. The shining star of 2017 has been, and continues to be, News, which is currently up +8% year-to-date.

CABLE NEWS ONE YEAR AFTER THE ELECTION

The overall +8% year-to-date growth on news programming increases to +14% when you look at news programs on the three big cable networks, FOX News, CNN and MSNBC. That then increases to a +15% more spend when you look at the twelve-month period on those networks since the November 2016 election (Dec. 16 – Nov. 17 vs. Dec.15 – Nov.16). While you expect a double digit increase during an election year, seeing Cable News continue to grow was certainly unexpected.

By network, FOX News has increased revenue +12% looking at that same twelve-month period in comparison to that timeframe in 15/16. CNN similarly saw +15% and MSNBC has seen an astounding +26% increase during that period. It must be noted however, that MSNBC had the farthest to climb, since by volume it is still lower than its competitors.

Looking at the same time period, the average cost of a :30 second spot during Prime Time (7 pm – 10:59 PM) has grown for each network. FOX News now sees $8,286 compared to $7,843 before the election. CNN went from $5,122 to $5,467 and MSNBC, saw the biggest growth going from $2,553 to $3,139. This jump in unit cost, also illustrates why MSNBC’s growth seems more profound over the past year.

Looking specifically at November 2017, year-over-year, across the big three networks – cable news increased +3%. FOX News carried the bunch at +9% across news programming. CNN is up +1%, while MSNBC is down for the second month in a row at -8%. As we noted last month, while MSNBC is down, it also had the starkest increases during the election.

Tony Romo, Jim Nantz

NFL CONTINUES TO SEE REVENUE INCREASES

Since the NFL kicked off on Sept. 7, 2017 through the end of November, 2017 – the networks that air nationally televised NFL games have seen a +2% increase in advertising revenue. This is mostly due to the schedule, as during that period in 2017, there has been one additional nationally aired linear TV game compared to the same time period in 2016.

Interestingly, the percent of ADUs, or makegoods, has decreased slightly through the first three months of the 2017 season, compared to 2016. In 2016 22% all spots were ADUs, while only 21% have been ADUs in 2017. This represents percentage of ADUs across all networks that air games. Similarly, the average cost of a :30 second spot across all networks has increased slightly from $468,434 in 2016 to $473,775 in 2017.

Breaking down spend in the first three months of the season by advertiser categories, we see that Auto has decreased its spend on NFL games by -4%, Telecommunications has decreased by -8% and Financial Services has decreased by -6%. But, many large advertiser categories have also increased spend. Consumer Electronics added +4%, Quick Serve Restaurants increased its spend by +11%, Insurance has added an incredible 41% more spend to the market, and Alcoholic beverage is not far behind with a +23% increase.

All of the above represents in-game advertising, and does not include pre, or post, game spend.

BREAKING DOWN BROADCAST IN NOVEMBER

The +1% increase on Broadcast stems directly from Sports, which registered a +5% increase in Nov 2017, year-over-year. Entertainment and News genres both saw decreases, -2% and - 3%, respectively. Across the big four networks NBC saw a +16% increase, CBS saw a +1% increase, ABC decreased -5% and FOX saw a -13% decrease in spend, mostly around its entertainment programs.

The increase on Sports comes from additional spend on NCAA Football, and NFL. NCAA specifically grew +23% on broadcast, mostly due to a much more robust schedule on FOX, which nearly doubled the number of nationally aired games in 2017 compared to 2016. The NFL also saw one extra Thursday night game in November 2017, due to an extra Thursday in the month.

On the Entertainment front, while the total market declined, NBC had a fantastic November 2017. Its entertainment programming increased nearly +12%. Not only did This Is Us see a double digit increase in revenue, but so did the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and The National Dog Show, giving the network a big bump. The other major broadcast networks all saw a decrease in spend around their entertainment programming.

CATEGORIZING CABLE

In November 2017, Cable again saw increases across all three major programming genres. By network, ESPN continues to be the largest network in terms of spend by volume, and saw a +3% increase in November, year-over-year. TBS and HGTV both saw a +7% increase in spend, Nickelodeon increased by +4% and AMC increased by +7%. Of the top ten cable networks by volume, the only network to see a decrease in ad spend was TNT.

NOVEMBER TELEVISION BY CATEGORY

Looking at advertiser categories across National TV, both the Auto industry and Pharma-Prescription were flat. Insurance, on the other hand, increased spend by +18%, Telecommunications increased spend by +9% and Food, Produce and Dairy increased by +1%. Traditionally strong November advertisers like Specialty Retailers, Consumer Electronics and Toys & Video Games decreased advertising spend - -4%, -9% and -1%, respectively.

Tax Reform: Media Companies Among Those Giving Bonuses

Expect a stampede of companies handing out bonuses, raising pay, spending on capital projects and giving to charities, with the windfall from the massive corporate tax cuts passed Wednesday.

In the hours after Congress approved the GOP tax cut plan, a handful of companies jumped to announce plans to share some of the proceeds on their employees and spend on infrastructure. Boeing was first out of the gate, followed by AT&T, which said it would give more than 200,000 unionized employees a special bonus of $1,000 once the tax bill is signed. CNBC reports the company also said it would increase its capital expenditures by $1 billion.

Comcast, which owns CNBC parent NBCUniversal, said it would pay 100,000 frontline and non-executive employees special $1,000 bonuses. The company also said it is making the move because of the FCC's recent change in broadband rules and tax reform. It also said it plans to spend well in excess of $50 billion over the next five years on infrastructure improvements.

"This is exciting stuff. This is good. This is not just a whole bunch of guys saying I can buy back a lot of stock here and jazz up my numbers through financial engineering. This is a bunch of business leaders saying we can use this tax benefit to grow our company, keep our loyal employees and assist the community," said Dick Bove, banking analyst at Vertical Group.

The corporate tax rate is being cut to 21 percent from 35 percent.

"It looks like they are going to use that money to stimulate more employee loyalty by increasing spending. They are also going to get more liberal with their stock programs. They are going to increase philanthropic activity because it's one of the ways they stimulate business," he said. "I was convinced they were going to cut prices and go to war with each other, which I'm sure they will still do."

Bove said the fact companies have immediately given money to workers is a positive surprise, and it could boost the economy if enough do it.

NYTimes Decides To Not Fire Political Reporter

Glenn Thrush (Times photo)

The New York Times said on Wednesday that Glenn Thrush, one of the paper’s most prominent political reporters, would remain suspended until late January and then be removed from the team covering the White House after he faced allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior.

The decision came a month after the website Vox published a report that contained allegations from four female journalists of inappropriate behavior by Thrush. After learning Vox planned to run its article, which was published on Nov. 20, The Times began an investigation into Thrush’s conduct.

The inquiry was led by Charlotte Behrendt, a lawyer in the Times newsroom, and involved interviews with more than 30 people in New York and Washington, both inside and outside The Times, according to a person briefed on the process. Ms. Behrendt compiled a report with her findings that was reviewed by Dean Baquet, the executive editor, and a group of top editors.

In a statement, Mr. Baquet said the company had completed its inquiry and found that Mr. Thrush had “behaved in ways that we do not condone.”

“While we believe that Glenn has acted offensively, we have decided that he does not deserve to be fired,” Baquet said.

Baquet also said Mr. Thrush was undergoing counseling and substance abuse rehabilitation on his own and that he would receive training “to improve his workplace conduct.”

“We understand that our colleagues and the public at large are grappling with what constitutes sexually offensive behavior in the workplace and what consequences are appropriate,” Baquet added. “Each case has to be evaluated based on individual circumstances. We believe this is an appropriate response to Glenn’s situation.”

Mr. Thrush, 50, has been suspended without pay since late November. The four women in the Vox article described Mr. Thrush’s behavior as including unwanted kissing and touching. One of the women, Laura McGann, wrote the article, which was presented in the first person. The three other women cited in the article were not identified by name.

Penske Media Buys Stake In Rolling Stone

Penske Media Corporation has acquired a controlling interest in Wenner Media, parent company of the iconic magazine Rolling Stone, the company announced Wednesday.

PMC will invest in Wenner Media at a valuation just over $100 million, according to sources close to the transaction. BandLab, a Singapore-based company that acquired a 49% share of the magazine, will retain its stake.

Jann Wenner, who co-founded Rolling Stone in 1967 as a countercultural voice that went on to transcend the world of rock ‘n’ roll, will remain with Rolling Stone as editorial director, continuing to guide strategy for the brand.

“I am so proud of our accomplishments over the past 50 years and know Penske Media is the ideal match for us to thrive in today’s media landscape,” said Wenner in a statement.

As part of the deal, Wenner Media will retain “majority control and editorial oversight” of Rolling Stone, according to Variety.

Lawmaker Introduces Possible Net Neutrality Solution

In new legislation released this week, Congress offered net neutrality advocates what they claim to have wanted for the last decade—enforceable, bright-line rules prohibiting ISPs from blocking, throttling or otherwise discriminating against some Internet traffic for anticompetitive reasons.

The Open Internet Preservation Act, introduced by House Energy and Commerce Vice Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), would give the FCC authority to enforce the rules.

If passed, it would end a contentious process that has seen at least half a dozen policy reversals over the last ten years, as the Commission and the courts fought over whether the agency ever had authority from Congress to regulate the Internet in the first place.

Democrats in Congress will now have to choose between securing their stated goal of open Internet protections enforceable by the FCC or continuing to lobby for what has long been the openly-stated actual goal of advocacy groups—the nationalization of broadband as a government network or a quasi-governmental public utility.

In a tweeted video introducing the legislation, Blackburn said  "[FCC Chairman Ajit Pai] has done his job, now it's up to Congress to do theirs.”

There's been a lot of confusion around the term "net neutrality." People have been led to believe the Obama-era rules mean a free and open internet for users. This is simply not true. pic.twitter.com/D1RKpAE1DS

— Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) December 18, 2017

The White House had argued that in the absence of legislation from Congress, so-called “reclassification” of broadband services was the only avenue open to the agency to pass Internet-based regulations, including net neutrality rules.

That reclassification, however, was left largely to the discretion of the FCC, including future expansion of its public utility powers.

Democrats, expecting to win the 2016 election and maintain control of the Commission, had refused to negotiate with Republicans on net neutrality, either before the FCC’s public utility decision or since, assuming that the next FCC chairman would choose not to reverse the public utility decision.

That gamble proved fatal to the 2015 net neutrality order, which a majority of the Commission, as expected, voted last week largely to undo.

Philly Radio: Fans To Protest Laby B's Firing From WRNB

Lady B

For decades, Lady B has been a mainstay of Philly culture. She was a pioneering female rapper (known for her 1979 hit "To the Beat Y'all") and an integral member of the hip-hop scene as one of the first DJs to play recordings by local artists like Will Smith. But she was also known for her cultural insights and philanthropic efforts around Philly.

Earlier this month, those decades of history came to a screeching halt when Lady B was let go from her position deejaying classic R&B and hip-hop at Old School 100.3 WRNB.

According to MetroUSA, no clear explanation has yet been given for the firing, but Lady B’s supporters aren't taking it without a fight. At a news conference on Tuesday at the offices of the NAACP’s Philly branch, they promised to assemble “B’s Army” for a rally on today outside her old station's offices to demand a spot for Lady B on the airwaves.

Lady B, also known as Wendy Clark, started as an intern to Mary Mason, the queen of Philly radio. She made her name in the 1980s at Power 99 FM, and in recent years DJed "The Lady B Show" on weekdays from 2 to 7 p.m. on 100.3 FM. Fans recalled her as a positive influence on Philadelphia.

Urban One, which owns WRNB, has not respond to requests for comments on the firing.

Lady B herself has not complained, announcing the end of her career on Dec. 12 with positivity:


“I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from all of you,” she wrote in a Facebook post thanking her fans. "I am still here for you. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll still be in the community."

But activist, civil rights attorney and Lady B supporter Michael Coard questioned why Lady B was let go and said he believes there were disputes over her “culture-oriented programming.”

CBS Sports Radio Launching Taz & The Moose Morning Show

CBS SPORTS RADIO has announced the debut of its new morning show, Taz and the Moose, which launches nationwide on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from 6:00 – 9:00 am ET.

The three-hour block of entertaining, energetic, and engaging sports talk will be anchored by professional wrestling world heavyweight champion and popular podcast host Taz (Pete Senerchia) and CBS SPORTS RADIO talent and TV host Marc “The Moose” Malusis. Taz and the Moose replaces Gio and Jones.

 “We’re extremely excited for the debut of Taz and the Moose,” said Eric Spitz, Director of Programming for CBS SPORTS RADIO. “As the host of an extremely successful podcast, Taz has done an amazing job of transitioning from a successful career as a professional wrestler into sports broadcasting.  Moose has hosted two popular weekend shows on CBS SPORTS RADIO since our launch five years ago. I know he is ready for this opportunity. Taz and the Moose will deliver entertaining and highly-spirited sports talk to our affiliates and listeners. Hopefully, Taz will keep the pile drives, elbow drops, and arm bars to a minimum.”   

 Pete “Taz” Senerchia is a multiple professional wrestling world heavyweight champion, celebrated TV color commentator, and award-winning podcaster with more than three decades invested in both wrestling and broadcasting. His no-holds barred style, along with his impeccable comic timing and sarcastic wit, have helped to propel the popularity of his live digital streaming program, The Taz Show, which recently hit the 500th episode milestone. A former college football player, Taz has a storied past with WWE, ECW and TNA.

Marc “The Moose” Malusis kicked off his sports broadcasting career at Syracuse University’s WAER-AM and WJPZ-FM. After part-time work at New York’s City’s WFAN Sports Radio, Malusis became the full-time board operator for the station’s wildly-popular Mike and the Mad Dog program. Eventually he was promoted to show producer. From that point, he became an overnight and fill-in host on WFAN and was part of the original schedule on CBS SPORTS RADIO, doing a Saturday morning show with Maggie Gray called Moose & Maggie. In March of 2008, Malusis was hired as a personality for SNY, where he worked as a debater on SportsNite and appeared on DNL, The Wheelhouse, LoudMouths, and BNNY.

 Stations interested in airing Taz and the Moose can contact Jon Wilson at (972) 406-6824 or jwilson@westwoodone.com.

Philly Radio: TV Simulcast Set For WPEN's Mike Missanelli

 NBC Sports Philadelphia and the Beasley Media Group have announced a partnership which will bring WPEN 97.5 FM The Fanatic’s popular afternoon show hosted by Mike Missanelli to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s air beginning in 2018.  The announcement was made by NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Brian Monihan and Beasley Media Group Philadelphia’s Vice President and Market Manager Joe Bell.

“NBC Sports Philadelphia continues to be Philadelphia sports fans’ go-to source for game, news and opinion, on their favorite teams,” said Monihan.  “With the addition of the Mike Missanelli Show to our lineup, we are providing our audience with yet another platform to hear from experts and fans on the state of Philly teams.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to have Mike Missanelli’s show on both 97.5 The Fanatic and NBC Sports Philadelphia,” said Joe Bell, vice president and market manager of Beasley Media Group Philadelphia. “We recently signed a multi-year extension deal with him. This exciting new partnership will be an added bonus for the dedicated Philadelphia fans who are passionate about their sports teams.”

The “Mike Missanelli Show” will air NBC Sports Philadelphia weekdays from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. “Philly Sports Talk” will air at its regularly scheduled time at 5 p.m.

Mike Missanelli is a well-known media personality and host of  the  #1 evening drive show–“The Mike Missanelli Show”—on Philadelphia’s 97.5 The Fanatic.  Missanelli has served for the past 20 years as a sports talk host in Philadelphia and New York.  He graduated from Penn State University, where he played varsity baseball and received a degree in journalism.  The media veteran spent 15 years as a newspaper reporter (10 with The Philadelphia Inquirer), before branching off into positions in radio and television. He is a graduate of Widener University Law School and is a member of the Pennsylvania bar.