Eric Rhoads' Blog
Glenday Named CCR President/National Advertiser Development
Greg Glenday is promoted to president/national advertiser development at Clear Channel Radio. The company vet was most recently EVP in CCR's Marketing Solutions division and before that was VP/DOS for Clear Channel Radio Sales/Los Angeles.
Journal Picks Hipcricket Companywide
Journal Broadcast Group expands its partneship with Hipcricket to cover Journal's 33 radio and 13 TV stations in 12 markets.
Citadel Media Adds 'Just For Kix'
Citadel Media adds a new daily 60-second feature hosted by Kix Brooks, "Just for Kix," with the country artist and American Country Countdown host answering listener questions.
Strickland New Partner In Broadcast Affiliate Sales
Satellite Radio Network and Satellite Music Network co-founder Charlie Strickland is the newest partner at Broadcast Affiliate Sales.
Global Traffic Revenues Up In Q2
Global Traffic Network, which provides custom traffic and news to radio and TV, reports that revenues were up 84 percent in its fiscal Q2, with much of that gain coming from the company's UK operations.
WHIO-AM/Dayton Turns 75
Cox Media's Talk WHIO-AM/Dayton is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell has named today WHIO Radio Day.
Morris Named President At Harris
P. Harris Morris is named president of Harris Corp.'s broadcast communications business, moving up from VP/GM of the media and workflow areas.
Fritts, Reese To Receive Quaal Pioneer Awards
The Broadcasters Foundation has named the recipients of its 2010 Ward L. Quaal Pioneer Awards. Among the honorees: former NAB President/CEO Eddie Fritts (pictured), Bonneville President/CEO Bruce Reese, and Forever Broadcasting owner Kerby Confer.
Snow Delays FCC Forum On Emergency Response
With the DC area under a National Weather Service winter storm watch, the FCC has postponed a scheduled Wedneadsy forum to discuss emergency response interoperability. The FCC's Thursday agenda meeting will also be delayed.
BizRadio Founder Banned From Investment Advice
In an administrative proceeding following an earlier consent decree, Albert Kaleta, one of the founders of BizRadio, has been banned by the Securities and Exchange Commission from associating with any investment adviser. Kaleta was sued by the SEC last year.
Katz Radio/New York Promotes Two
Katz Radio Group ups Robert Mahoney to VP of sales for Katz Radio in New York while Matthew McCausland rises to senior AE with Christal Radio/New York.
Katz: National Spot Market Continues To Grow
The word from Katz Media Group CEO Stu Olds is that the national spot market "remains very robust" in the first quarter. KMG Consolidated Radio was up 26 percent in January, he writes, and is pacing up 11 percent for this month and 13 percent in March.
AWRT Offers Blizzard Special
American Women in Radio and Television is offering a "Blizzard 2010 Membership Special," offering memberships this week only for $75.
TM Studios Distributes Microjams
Dial Global's TM Studios is now distributing Microjams, an imaging service for CHR and Rhythmic stations with short "mini-songs" that replace traditional jingles.
Salem Picks GMs In Chicago, Seattle
Salem Communications names Jeff Reisman GM for its Chicago duo, while Andrew Adams is the new GM for Salem/Seattle. Reisman has been serving as GSM for the Chicago stations, and Adams was most recently an SVP with Mapleton Communications.
Consultant Frank Magid Dies At 78
Frank N. Magid Associates founder and chairman Frank Magid has died of cancer at age 78.
WROW-AM/Albany Flips To WKLI Simulcast
Albany Broadcasting's News/Talk WROW-AM/Albany, NY, has flipped to a simulcast of AC clustermate WKLI (Magic 100.9 FM), and the FM is on its way to a yet-to-be-announced new format.
O'Reilly's 'Talking Points' Tops 200
"Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points," daily commentaries by the O'Reilly Factor host, tops 200 affiliates, Westwood One announces.
Jackson's Doctor Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter
Conrad Murray, MD, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death last June of pop superstar Michael Jackson. The Los Angeles County District Attorney says Murray, a cardiologist, acted "without due caution and circumspection" in administering drugs to Jackson
PWC: Media Deal Market Could Rebound In '10
PricewaterhouseCoopers says there could be a "rebound in deal activity" in the entertainment and media industry in 2010, following a 49 percent decline in mergers and acquisitions in the sector in 2009.
SBS/Miami's Rodriguez Transitions To TV
Spanish Broadcasting System moves radio vet Albert Rodriguez, most recently GSM for SBS Radio/Miami, to the GM post for Mega TV in the market. SBS chief Raul Alarcon Jr. said, "Albert will serve as the perfect liaison between our TV and radio divisions."
Report: Iran Arrests Seven, Alleging Ties To U.S.-Backed Station
The Iranian government has reportedly arrested seven people, accusing them of ties to U.S.-backed Radio Farda, with state media saying two of those arrested are CIA operatives. A station exec tells CNN that Radio Farda has no employees inside Iran.
iBiquity Sets License Fees For 2010
iBiquity Digital has set its license fees for 2010 and expanded its payment options, including a monthly plan. iBiquity CEO Bob Struble says, "HD Radio technology has enjoyed tremendous broadcaster support and seen breakthrough progress in receiver sales, automotive adoption, and product expansion over the past year. Based on this success and heightened broadcaster enthusiasm, we have created flexible, cost-effective licensing options to make upgrading easier."
Irvin Out At ESPN Radio/Dallas
Former NFL star Michael Irvin is off the air at KESN (ESPN 103.3) in Chicago, after a civil suit was filed alleging Irvin raped a woman in 2007. An ESPN representative said the decision to drop Irvin's show had already been made.
FCC Procedures On The Agenda At Open Meeting
The FCC is set to hold its next open meeting on February 11, and a notice of proposed rulemaking "to enhance the efficiency, openness, and transparency of the commission's proceedings" is among the topics up for discussion.
Jackson's Doctor In Court Monday
Curtis Jackson, MD, the doctor who was treating Michael Jackson at the time of the singer's death in June, is set to be charged Monday, the New York Times reports.
WSKQ/New York Draws $16K NAL For Phone Prank
Spanish Broadcasting System's Tropical WSKQ/New York may be on the hook for a $16,000 FCC fine as the Enforcement Bureau issues a notice of apparent liability over a prank call recorded without notification to the person called. The woman called was told, as a purported joke, that her husband had been killed in a motorcycle accident.
Borrell Ups Political Spending Projection
Borrell Associates' annual political spending report is out, and the researcher is adding 10 percent, or about $400 million, to its 2010 forecast following the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn some restrictions on corporate spending.
FCC Worried iPad Will Jam Networks
The FCC hasn't yet granted its approval to Apple's upcoming iPad, and on the commission's broadband blog, FCC Director/Scenario Planning Phil Bellaria and Wireless Bureau Deputy Chief John Leibovitz say the iPad will bring even greater demand for mobile broadband, and the FCC "must ensure that network congestion doesn't choke off a service that consumers clearly find so appealing."
Report: Idol Producers Want Stern
After Howard Stern told listeners he'd had an offer of a slot on an unnamed TV show, the New York Post says the producers of American Idol would love to hire Stern to replace Idol judge Simon Cowell, who's leaving the top-rated Fox show after this season.
Bustos Launches W Radio In Portland
Bustos Media Oregon launches Spanish News/Talk W Radio 1010 on KOOR-AM/Portland, with the Grupo Latino de Radio syndicated format.
RadioTime Debuts Traffic Builder Campaign
Internet radio search engine RadioTime introduces Traffic Builder Campaign, which lets broadcasters sponsor the results of user searches on the RadioTime.com guide.
Research Group Opposes Performance Royalties
Communications policy researcher the Media Institute has taken a position against performance royalties for broadcast radio, saying the fees "would impose an undue economic burden on broadcasters already racked by the recession."
Stern Says He Turned Down TV Gig
Howard Stern, whose contract with Sirius XM is up at the end of the year, told listeners that he was offered an existing TV show, but turned it down.
Sirius XM Arrives On BlackBerrys
Sirius XM Radio has released a free BlackBerry app for Sirius and XM Premium Online subscribers.
Four Move Up At Katz/Chicago
Katz Radio Group promotes Ted Rosen to VP/manager at in the Chicago office of Katz Radio while Kristina Presern becomes VP of sales. At Eastman Radio/Chicago, Chris Shellgren becomes VP/manager and Sam Vangelovski is upped to senior AE.
Citadel Files Restructuring Plan
Citadel Broadcasting has filed a restructuring plan that will put about 90 percent of its equity in the hands of lenders who are owed more than $2 billion.
Survey: Most Say Recession Isn't Over
The latest "American Pulse" survey from BIG Research found that 85 percent of American say the recession is not yet over.
RAB Board Goes To ANA Conference
The RAB's fall board meeting will be held in Orlando, co-locating with the Association of National Advertisers' annual conference. RAB President/CEO Jeff Haley says, "We are thrilled to be working in concert with the ANA and offer our board and clients an opportunity to meet and share ideas together."
StreamTheWorld Has New Radio App On iLaunchPad
StreamTheWorld is set to launch a new radio application designed for the Apple iPad computer.
Alpha Broadcasting Stations Launch Blackberry App
Alpha Broadcasting's music stations have launched a mobile phone app for BlackBerry devices, giving KINK, KUFO, and KUPL listeners the option to enjoy their favorite stations on the go.
Soltano Recruited As Katz Recruitment Director
Katz Media Group has named Paige Soltano director of Recruitment, Human Resources.
Woman Accused Of Rigging Radio Contest, Pocketing Winnings
A decision by Seattle police is expected this week on whether to charge a former KVI-AM Seattle employee with rigging a station contest so her friends could win.
Clear Channel Radiothon To Benefit St. Jude's
A group of 32 Clear Channel stations nationwide are holding local radiothons this month to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The fundraising event will air February 11 & 12.
NAB Debuts 'Call To Service' Collegiate Competition
The NAB Education Foundation and the McCormick Foundation are sponsoring “Call To Service,” a collegiate competition that pairs students' community service projects with local broadcasters.
Capuano Moves Up At Entercom New England
John Capuano has been promoted to director of AM sales at Entercom New England. In his new position, Capuano will oversee Entercom New England's AM sales, including WEEI and the WEEI Network, WRKO, Red Sox Baseball on radio, and more.
Smyth: Haitian Radio Steps Up
In his monthly "Corner Office" column at the Greater Media website, CEO Peter Smyth writes that local radio in Haiti "swung into nonstop action" for earthquake survivors, "providing information about the rescue mission and where to find food and water, and reconnecting a terribly dislocated community."
Bridge Ratings: 'Net Radio TSL Will Grow
Bridge Ratings predicts that TSL for both AM/FM simulcasts and Internet-only online radio will improve over the next few years, but says AM/FM audiences may peak and start to slip in 2012.
Broadcasters For Haiti Day
Broadcasters nationwide are taking part in the NAB-supported "Broadcasters for Haiti Day" today, with information on how to donate to relief efforts after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12.
Remington Heads CCR/Colorado Springs
Mark Remington is named president and market manager for Clear Channel Radio's three stations in Colorado Springs, coming in from the GSM post at WKLS-FM/Atlanta.
Hendrie To Keynote NAB Radio Luncheon
Talk Radio Network personality Phil Hendrie is set to keynote the Radio Luncheon at the NAB Show in April.
Metro Traffic Plane Lands On Jersey Turnpike
Another Metro Traffic aircraft makes an emergency landing, as a small plane with traffic reporter Mike Lankford on board landed safely on the New Jersey Turnpike. A Metro helicopter in Detroit made a safe emergency landing last month after a fire broke out on board.
$353 Million Budgeted For FCC In 2011
The budget submitted by President Obama to Congress includes $352.5 million in funding for the FCC, including funds to continue implementing the new national broadband plan and improve consumer information programs.
Taylor Swift Is A Grammy Winner
Country superstar Taylor Swift was nominated for eight awards at last night's Grammys, and at press time had already won for Best Country Song "White Horse" and Best Female Country Vocal. And right on the heels of those first career Grammy wins, Swift will appear on the cover of the February 15 issue of Radio Ink, with an exclusive interview that shows this young and vital artist is in the middle of a real love affair -- with radio.
Corus Pulls Plug On Two Montreal Stations
Corus Entertainment has taken two Montreal AMs off the air -- one of which, AM940, Montreal's Greatest Hits, was a "direct descendant of Canada's first radio station," Canada's National Post reports.
Vandalism Suspected In GA Tower Collapse
WLHR/Lavonia, GA's 284-foot tower came down Saturday, and the station's ownership suspects sabotage. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI are looking into the matter.
KSL Broadcast Makes Sales Moves
Todd Larson becomes LSM for KSL Broadcast Group's KSL-AM & FM and KRSP-FM in Salt Lake City, while Paulette Cary becomes GSM for KSRP and KSFI.
CCR Picks Pritchett As Columbia MM
Scott Pritchett has been named market manager for Clear Channel Radio's six Columbia, SC, stations, coming in from the same job in Melbourne, FL.
NAB Revamps Website
The NAB has redesigned its website at www.nab.org, with better navigation, "issue pages," and more multimedia.
Clear Channel Makes More Movie Deals
Clear Channel says it's seeing more activity from major film studios across its various ad platforms, including radio, digital, mobile, and outdoor, and has deals in place with Disney, Fox, Lionsgate, Sony, and Warner Bros.
Myine Radio Promises Commercial-Free FM
A new $250 radio from Myine Electronics, the Abbee 101, offers an FM tuner that record radios and splits songs into MP3s for playback on an included portable player, while stripping out commercials and DJ talk.
Kelly: What Other Industries Do Right In Online Surveys
In the latest entry in its series on research methodology, Kelly Music Research looks at other industries using online surveys to see what they're doing right -- and that includes both broader panel recruitment and paid incentives.
FCC OKs Power-Up For FM HD Radio
The FCC's Media Bureau has adopted an order letting FM stations increase power for HD Radio digital signals up to 10 percent of analog power. Most stations will be allowed to increase power by 6 dB -- a fourfold increase -- immediately, and an application procedure is being set for upgrades to 10 dB. NAB EVP Dennis Wharton said, "Today's ruling will result in greatly improved indoor reception for HD Radio listeners and greater service reliability for portable HD Radio devices."
FCC Sets Ownership Workshop In SC
The FCC's Media Bureau has scheduled a media-ownership workshop on February 23 at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia. Separate panels will address television and radio ownership issues.
Prometheus Says Clock Is Ticking On LPFM Bill
The Prometheus Radio Project says the Local Community Radio Act, which would open the door for many new LPFMs, must pass this year, "or thousands of community groups across the country will lose out on the opportunity to have low-power FM radio stations."
Arbitron Sends Solar Radios To Haiti
Arbitron has partnered with Eton Corp. to send solar- and crank-powered radios to Haitian earthquake victims. Also, an FCC-led U.S. team of experts is in Haiti assessing the country's post-earthquake communications needs.
Westwood One Calls Forbes 'Risk List' Story Misleading
Westwood One says it "strongly objects" to having been included on Forbes.com's "Risk List" of companies showing financial warning signs, saying the article is "misleading and based on outdated and inaccurate information."
MediaNews Files To Put Stations In Trust
MediaNews Group -- whose parent company, Affiliated Media, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week -- has filed with the FCC to put its four Texas radio stations into a trust.
Scarborough's Plane Makes Emergency Landing
A Delta Connection plane with Citadel Media's Joe Scarborough and his MSNBC Morning Joe co-host, Mika Brzezinski, on board had to make an emergency landing in Myrtle Beach after a pilot reported smoke in the cockpit.
Gerberding Joins Mediaguide
Joan Gerberding has joined business media and technology company Mediaguide as EVP of advertising sales.
Entercom Makes Moves In Austin, Milwaukee
Alan Kirshbom is headed to Entercom/Austin as VP/market manager, while Michael Keck returns to Entercom to succeed Kirshbom as Milwaukee VP/MM.
Stephen Launches 'Good Day Supermarket Guru'
Stephan Multimedia adds to its weekend lineup with Good Day Supermarket Guru, co-hosted by Doug Stephan and Phil Lempert.
Verizon FiOS Adds 'Net Radio App
Verizon has introduced an Internet radio application for users of its FiOS TV and Internet products, letting listeners hear webcasts over the TV as well as their computers. The deal includes streams from Clear Channel's iheartradio.
Unauthorized Transfer Of LPFM Draws $20k NAL
Ethics Inc. has been issued an $20,000 notice of apparent liability by the FCC for fraudulently filing a license application for an LPFM on which another company held the construction permit and "hijacking" the station. The commission notes that staff errors compounded the situation.
SCBA: Look For Growth In L.A. In 2010
Southern California Broadcasters Association chief Mary Beth Garber says the "indicators of recovery are there" for radio in Los Angeles, although obstacles remain. The SCBA is projecting 3 to 5 percent year-over-year growth in L.A.
Apple's New Baby: It's An iPad
The details are out on Apple's hotly anticipated iPad, announced by CEO Steve Jobs at an event in San Francisco this morning. The iPad offers a 9.7-inch touchscreen, HD video capability, WiFi with optional 3G, and support for both iPhone apps and its own library of applications. And of course it'll run iTunes. The price: $499-$829, depending on specs.
NRRC Names New Officers
The Network Radio Research Council has named its new officers: Westwood One Radio Networks VP/Research Paul Bronstein becomes chair, while USRN VP/Sales Support Services Susan Moore is picked as vice chair. The NRRC's members include American Urban Radio Networks, Citadel Media, Crystal Media Networks, Dial Global, Premiere Radio Networks, USRN, and Westwood One.
NAB Board Resolutions On Haiti, Texting & Driving
The NAB Joint Board met earlier this week, and passed resolutions to continue to work closely with relief organizations in Haiti. The board also resolved that the NAB will work to promote a message against texting and driving, and commended a number of TV stations for news coverage. Also, the date has been set for the joint NAB-RAB Radio Show: September 29-October 1 in DC.
Hayes Named WLS/Chicago Ops Director
Drew Hayes has been named operations director at Citadel Talker WLS-AM/Chicago. Hayes will arrive for his second stint at WLS, which he helped flip to Talk in 1989, on February 1.
Apple Reports Record Revenues
Apple brought in revenues of $15.7 billion in its fiscal first quarter, a record high and up from $11.9 billion in the same period a year ago. Apple's net profit in Q1 was $3.4 billion ($3.67 per share), compared to $2.3 billion ($2.50).
Schiller To Keynote AWRT Forum
NPR President/CEO will be a keynote spekaer at American Women in Radio and Television's Women's Media Forum, set for March 5-6 in Washington, DC. Author Dr. Robert Rosen will deliver the opening address.
Nielsen To End SpotScan
Nielsen is set to shut down radio spot-monitoring service SpotScan, MediaWeek reports. The service was launched in 2007.
CCR Partners With Weinstein Co. For Movie Premiere
Clear Channel Radio is partnering with the Weinstein Company, presenting on-demand video via iheartradio to support the Sundance Film Festival premiere of the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy.
Oregon Station Ordered To Shut Down
The FCC has ordered KBUG-FM/Malin, OR -- currently dark -- to cease broadcast operations and has deleted its call letters, saying that licensee Malin Christian Church no longer exists and that its only known principal, Sandra Soho, has been convicted of multiple felonies. Soho was also the licensee of KRAT/Altamont, OR, which was ordered off the air in November of last year.
Forecast: Some Retailers Likely To See Same-Store Gains
Prosper Technologies' January ForecastIQ tracking service predicts that, out of 27 retailers tracked, eight -- including Aeropostale, Buckle, and Ross -- are likely or almost certain to see an increase in same-store sales in February and March.
Kucharz Named President, CBS Local Digital Media
Ezra Kucharz is the new president of local digital media for CBS, overseeing online strategy for CBS Radio's 36 News, Sports, and Talk stations and the 29 CBS television stations. He comes in from personal finance site FiLife.com.
Timeless Cool Sets Lineup
RASS's new Timeless Cool format is on the air, with KFSH/Los Angeles personality Lara Scott in mornings and WFSH/Atlanta's Mike Stoudt in afternoons.
Garcia Named CCR Dir/Presentation Development
Clear Channel Radio names Louis Garcia director of presentation development, working in the newly formed Sales Operations Center and reporting to SVP/Sales Operations Chris Soechtig. Garcia comes in from the NSM post at Clear Channel/Tampa.
Savage Returns To San Francisco
Talk Radio Network personality Michael Savage will soon be back on the air in San Francisco, as he's set to join the lineup at Pappas Radio's Sports KTRB.
Study: iPod Ownership Zooms Among Young People
A new survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 76 percent of 8-18-year-olds own an iPod or other MP3 player, up from 18 percent in 2004. The young people spend an average of two hours, 19 minutes each day with music, with 32 minutes of that going to radio, the same as for music on a computer.
Hayworth Leaves KFYI To Start Senate Run
JD Hayworth has left KFYI/Phoenix in order to run for a slot in the U.S. Senate. Hayworth hasn't officially announced his candidacy but told AP, "We're moving forward to challenge John McCain."
CBGB Launches On iheartradio
Clear Channel Radio has teamed with CBGB Holdings to launch CBGB Radio on iheartradio, featuring artists who performed at the famous New York club.
Industry Tributes To Quello
Tributes continue to come in to former FCC Commissioner James Quello, who died Sunday at age 95. The NAB Joint Board has passed a resolution honoring Quello, and former FCC Chairman Michael Powell said, "Jim was the lion of the communications industry."
Smith Talks Business, Royalties On C-SPAN
NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith appeared on C-SPAN's The Communicators over the weekend, calling the Supreme Court's overturning of part of the McCain-Feingold campaign-finance law "a good decision for free speech" that might bring more ad money to broadcasters. He also said imposing performance royalties on radio would be "a mistake."
Report: FBI Docs Show Friendship Between Harvey, Hoover
FBI documents released to the Washington Post show a long-running friendship between Paul Harvey and J. Edgar Hoover that included, the paper reports, Harvey's sending advance copies of broadcast scripts to the FBI chief.
James Quello Dies At 95
Former FCC Commissioner James Quello died Sunday at his home in Virginia. Quello was with the FCC from 1974-1997, including a term as interim chairman, and before that headed WJR/Detroit.
Arbitron Reschedules Q4 Call
Arbitron will release its fourth-quarter and full-year results on February 18, with a conference call at 10 a.m. ET. The reschedule comes after the company's change in CEOs.
Pandora Again Leads Ando Rankings
Ando Media's top 20 for December shows Pandora on top again in the domestic ranker, with CBS Radio the top broadcast streamer.
Metro Networks Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing
A fire forced a Metro Networks helicopter with WWJ/Detroit traffic reporter Bill Szumanski on board to make an emergency landing in a community college parking lot. No one was injured in the incident.
Liberman Re-Ups At Entravision
Entravision President/Radio Jeffery Liberman has signed a new three-year employment agreement with the company.
Journalists To Look At Facebook, Twitter And The News
As part of a France-based experiment on journalism and social media, Radio Canada's Janic Tremblay and four other broadcast journalists will try to follow news using only information received via Facebook and Twitter.
Media Deals Down In 2009, But Value Rises
Berkery Noyes reports that there were 441 media-industry mergers and acquisitions in 2009, down 37 percent from 700 in 2009, with the largest volume in '09 seen in Internet media. But the investment banking firm reports that transaction value was up by 12 percent last year, to $36.51 billion from $32.68 billion. Last year's biggest deal: Comcast-NBC Universal.
Radio's Haiti Relief Efforts Continue
Westwood One and the MTV Radio Network and KGO/San Francisco are among the outlets set to simulcast the two-hour live Hope for Haiti Now telethon for earthquake relief on Friday, as radio's efforts to help Haiti roll on.
FCC Names Panelists For Minority Radio And Broadband Workshop
The FCC has announced the panelists for its January 26 workshop on "Broadband and New Media Strategies for Minority Radio." Among those set to appear are Spanish Broadcasting System Radio Chief Revenue Officer Frank Flores, NABOB Exec. Director Jim Winston, and Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth attorney Frank Montero.
PPM Looks At NFL Playoffs
A new TV study using Arbitron's PPM shows that one in five people 18 and older who watched the NFL AFC divisional playoffs last weekend did so away from home.
Orkin Says He Won't Share HOF Honors With Limbaugh
Citing what he calls Rush Limbaugh's "reckless insensitivity" following the Haitian earthquake, Radio Ranch founder Dick Orkin is asking the NAB to remove his own plaque from the Broadcast Hall of Fame. Orkin says he is "embarassed" to be honored in a venue that honors Limbaugh.
Univision Sells One In Waco
Univision has made a deal to sell KHCK-FM/Waco, TX, to Waco Entertainment Group for $650,000 -- the same group that earlier this month bought Border Media's KWOW in the market.
Harvey To Host 'Family Feud'
Steve Harvey will add another job this fall, taking on hosting duties of the daily syndicated Family Feud TV game show. He'll continue his Premiere morning show.
Broadcast Radio: Will Stern Return?
Howard Stern talked with Bubba The Love Sponge about the possibility that Stern may come back to terrestrial radio when his Sirius XM deal is up -- though Stern said he doesn't have a "bona fide" offer.
Air America Media To Shut Down
A memo went out to the staff of Air America Media from Chair Charlie Kireker Thursday saying the broadcaster is ending its live programming today and will go off the air entirely as of Monday night. Kireker said the search for new investors continued into this week, but was ultimately unsuccessful. Air America, launched in 2004, will soon file for Chapter 7 and wind down its business.
Party FM Ends NY Simulcast
JVC Media has announced that it will no longer simulcast its "Party FM" Rhythmic WPTY in Long Island on WNYZ/New York the low-power TV station that was formerly home to Mega Media's Pulse 87.7.
Schreck To Director/Sports Sales At Westwood One
Michael Schreck rejoins Westwood One as director of sports sales, coming back after a stint in sports ad sales at Dial Global.
FCC Examines Future Of Media
The FCC has launched an initiative on "the future of media and the information needs of communities in the digital age." The commission plans to look at the current state of broadcast and online news and information services, potential future technologies, and other issues as part of a report to be produced later this year.
Supreme Court Ruling Could Bring More Political Advertising
The Supreme Court has overturned restrictions on direct corporate and union funding of political advertising near election days in a ruling that could bring more political money to advertisers in the 2010 election season.
Radiothons Raise Funds For Haiti
Alpha Broadcasting/Portland's Tuesday radiothon for Haitian earthquake relief came in with a final tally of $129,376 for Mercy Corps. Emmis/New York's WRKS, meanwhile, raised more than $76,000, while clustermate WRXP is taking donations all this week.
NABEF Calls For College PSA Entries
The NAB Education Foundation and the Broadcast Education Association are accepting entries from college communications students for a PSA contest on the importance of free speech.
FCC Forms Consumer Task Force
The FCC is launching a Consumer Task Force -- made up of all FCC bureau chiefs, the chief of the office of engineering and technology, the general counsel, and the managing director -- to promote the agency's consumer agenda and collaboration across the agency. The task force will be headed by Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief Joel Gurin.
Ex-Nielsen Exec Dimling Joins Arbitron Board
John Dimling, formerly chairman/president/CEO of Nielsen Media Research, has joined Arbitron's board of directors. Dimling was with Nielsen from 1985-2008.
GAO: FCC Needs To Improve Communication
A report from the Government Accountability Office recommends procedural and other changes at the FCC to improve communications between bureaus and streamline decisionmaking. The GAO proposes, among other things, clarification of how commissioners get information from the various bureaus, and the release of the actual text of proposed rules or rules changes before the commission votes.
Black Crow Media Signs With Nielsen For Huntsville Ratings
Black Crow Media, with 22 stations in five markets, has signed up for Nielsen radio ratings for its three Huntsville, AL, stations.
Canadian Broadcast Sales Reps SparkNetworks
SparkNet Communications' content and syndication division, SparkNetworks, has made a rep deal with Canadian Broadcast Sales.
Catalanello Joins McGavren Guild
Doug Catalanello, former VP and director of research for Interep, joins independent rep firm McGavren Guild as research and marketing director.
Hendrie Hits A Hundred
Talk Radio Network's Phil Hendrie Show has added 12 new affiliates in the past three months, including KFXR/Dallas and WAXY/Miami, and now has 100 affiliates on board.
BIA/Kelsey Points To Media Trends
BIA/Kelsey has released its top five "trends and industry developments to watch in interactive local media in 2010," including search, geotargeted advertising, and mobile. For broadcast, BIA/Kelsey says the trend is to "win with localism."
Sirius XM Subs Up In Q4
Sirius XM Radio won't release its full fourth-quarter results until next month, but the company said today that it ended 2009 with 18.8 million subscribers, adding 257,028 net subs in Q4. CEO Mel Karmazin said the company expects to report positive free cash flow again for Q4.
Fargo Station Offers O'Brien A Job
With Conan O'Brien coming off the air at NBC soon, James Ingstad Top 40 WDAY (Y94) in Fargo has offered the outgoing Tonight Show host a new gig, as morning show sidekick. The job is one of the choices in a poll on which of several job offers O'Brien should take, now up at the Tonight Show website.
Emmis Wins Slager Case In Hungary
Emmis says Slager Radio in Hungary may soon be back on the air, after Emmis won as court case challenging the award of a national radio license -- formerly held by Slager -- to a bidder that had an interest in another Hungarian station. Hungarian regulators last year awarded the country's two national radio licenses to politically connected groups in widely criticized decisions.
Corrected: Magna Predicts Flat Ad Revenues In 2010
Magna has updated its 2010 U.S. ad revenue forecast to all but flat -- a 0.1 percent decline -- compared to its earlier prediction of a 1.3 percent drop for the year. For radio, Magna projects revenues will fall 2.5 percent this year, to $12.8 billion, following a 20.9 percent drop in 2009. Correction: An earlier version of this story included an incorrect percentage in Magna's radio revenue projection for 2011.
Garber Again Defends Radio
Southern California Broadcasters Association President Mary Beth Garber has a guest column up at MediaLife, refuting an earlier piece that painted a bleak picture for radio in 2010. Garber writes that "there's a big disconnect between reality and perception when it comes to radio."
Debut Restructuring Continues; Dees Makes A Deal
Debut Broadcasting's Impact Radio Networks makes a syndication deal with Rick Dees for broadcast and online content, as Debut announces that it has completed some major steps in its restructuring.
WBZW/Pittsburgh To Go Sports
CBS Radio will make a move at Top 40 WBZW (B94)/Pittsburgh next month, flipping it to "SportsRadio 93.7 the Fan." The new Sports outlet will take the calls KDKA-FM and be programmed by Terry Foxx, coming over from ESPN Radio. B94's programming and personalities will be "blended" into Hot AC clustermate WZPT (Star 100.7).
Furst, Wood Head Programming At Emmis/Indy
Alan Furst is the new director of Talk programming at Emmis' hometown Indianapolis stations and PD of Talker WIBC, while David Wood comes in to program the cluster's AC WIXB and Sports WFNI (The Fan).
Radio Continues To Reach Out For Haitian Relief
Alpha Broadcasting/Portland and Clear Channel/Jacksonville are holding radiothons Tuesday for earthquake relief in Haiti. Meanwhile, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says the commission is continuing to support efforts to get communications in Haiti back online.
Astral Media Revenues Up In Q1
Canada's Astral Media reports that its revenues rose by 3 percent in its fiscal Q1, but radio revenues fell by 1 percent in the quarter.
Broadcast Not Part Of Affiliated Media Chapter 11
Affiliated Media has reached an agreement with its lenders for a prepackaged Chapter 11, but it's told vendors and suppliers that its MediaNews Group operations -- which include a TV station in Alaska and four radio stations in Texas -- are not part of the filing.
WRKO Goes Wall-To-Wall On MA Senate Vote
Entercom News/Talker WRKO/Boston will go wall-to-wall Tuesday on the hotly contested election for Massachusetts' open Senate seat. Nationally, Salem Radio Network is providing special election coverage.
CBS Debuts 'Grammy Radio' Stream
CBS Interactive Music Group has launched "Grammy Radio," a streaming station dedicated to music nominated for Grammy awards. The awards will be presented January 31.
CPB To Distribute Stabilization Grants
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is set to distribute $25 million in stabilization grants to public radio and TV stations. The grants are designed to help stations that have seen revenues fall due to the economic downturn.
Donnelly Re-Ups With Sirius XM
Sirius XM EVP/General Counsel Patrick Donnelly signs a new four-year deal with the satcaster. Donnelly has been with Sirius since 1998.
FCC Sets Next Ownership Workshop
The FCC's Media Bureau will hold its next media-ownership workshop on January 27, looking at how the ownership rules affect minority and female ownership.
FCC Proposes National EAS Testing
The FCC has issued a second further notice of proposed rulemaking, looking for national EAS testing and pointing out potential vulnerabilities in the current system.
Damsky Leads Citadel/Chicago Duo
Michael Damsky takes over as President/GM of Citadel's News/Talk WLS-AM and Oldies WLS-FM, succeeding Michael Fowler. He moves up from DOS for Citadel/Chicago.
More Haiti Relief Initiatives From Radio, FCC
Univision is partnering with the American Red Cross on Haitian relief efforts, with radio, TV, and online efforts to help its audience contribute. ABC News Radio is set to simulcast next week's "Hope for Haiti" global telethon. Locally, KPRS in Kansas City, meanwhile, will hold a "Heart for Haiti" radiothon on Monday. Also, the FCC is coordinating with other government agencies to help get communications in Haiti back online.
Radio To Take A Cut Of Census Spending
The Census Bureau has unveiled a $133 million ad campaign, with ads in 28 languages, and radio will get a chunk of that, the Washington Post reports.
AURN Promotes Feldman To VP
American Urban Radio Networks has promoted Barry Feldman to VP/Research. Feldman has been with AURN since 1998.
Broadcasters Foundation Introduces Mays Excellence In Broadcasting Award
The Broadcasters Foundation of America has created a new honor, the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award. Nominations for the award will be accepted until February 15, and the first recipient will be named at the Foundation Breakfast at the NAB Show. The Clear Channel Foundation and Wiley Rein LLP have donated $125,000 to the foundation in honor of Mays.
Limbaugh: 'I Did Not Discourage Donations To Haiti'
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs called comments Rush Limbaugh made about Haiti ""sad" and "stupid" after Limbaugh said on the air, "We've already donated to Haiti. It's called the income tax." But Limbaugh said he was urging listeners to make private contributions to earthquake relief rather than going through a White House website, and said, "I did not discourage donations to Haiti."
Erdahl Joins McVay New Media; Jessica McVay Moves Up
McVay New Media brings in former Clear Channel RVP Jon Erdahl as VP of digital strategy. He was most recently with 3D MediaVentures. Additionally, Jessica McVay moves up to VP of operations.
Laboe To Receive LA Radio Lifetime Award
Los Angeles radio icon Art Laboe will receive the 2010 LARadio Lifetime Achievement Award later this month at a luncheon that will include a one-hour interview with Don Barrett of LARadio.
Clear Channel Launches In-Context Ads
Clear Channel Radio goes public with a new "contextual advertising" program that can automatically insert any length of audio spot immediately after specific programming or spots, based on content, similarly to context-based Internet ads. CCR President/CEO John Hogan said, "We just leveled a very lucrative playing field."
Slacker Expands To Canada
Customizable Internet radio service from Slacker is now available in Canada, on the Web and as a free BlackBerry and Android app, with an iPhone version coming soon.
NAB Sets Initiative For Haitian Relief
The NAB is launching a voluntary nationwide initiative for broadcasters that want to join in relief efforts after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti earlier this week. The program includes radio and TV PSAs featuring First Lady Michelle Obama, and "Broadcasters for Haiti Day" on February 1. Meanwhile, Dial Global is promoting a text campaign that automatically generates donations to the Red Cross.
Citadel Wants Court's OK To Pay For Sports
Citadel Broadcasting Is asking the bankruptcy court to add Major League Baseball, the NFL, and the NCAA to its "must pay" list of programming providers, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Arbitron Study Shows 35 Million Satellite Listeners
An Arbitron study of satellite radio conducted in October and November found that more than 35 million adult listeners hear Sirius XM talk, news, and other commercial programming, and most of those people listen every week. Sirius XM listeners also index high on education and income, and are "highly receptive" to commercials.
Appeals Court Skeptical Of FCC 'Fleeting Indecency' Policy
The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals addressed the FCC's tightened policy on "fleeting indecency," with the judges reportedly criticizing the policy for vagueness and a chilling effect on speech.
Black Crow Files For Chapter 11
Daytona-based Black Crow Media, which owns stations in four Southeastern states, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Alpha Offers iPhone Apps
Alpha Broadcasting's three Portland music stations -- KUFO, KINK, and KUPL -- have launched free iPhone apps, and BlackBerry versions are on the way.
TRKN Tips 200
The Tom Kent Radio Network adds five new affiliates, bringing the total to 200 nationwide.
iheartradio Sells Out
Clear Channel Radio reports that display ad inventory for mobile streaming app iheartradio is sold out. At the same time, CCR says its new Android iheartradio app is outpacing early downloads for the iPhone and BlackBerry versions.
SBS Sets Radiothon For Haiti Earthquake Relief
Spanish Broadcasting System's Miami radio and TV stations have launched a fundraising drive for earthquake relief in Haiti. SBS radio will hold a 12-hour radiothon Friday.
RTT Talks With Newsmakers At Forecast '10
RTT News was on hand at Radio Ink's Forecast conference, held last month in New York, talking with many of the executives and newsmakers in attendance, including Citadel Media Networks personality and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (pictured) and NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith. Click the headline for all the video interviews.
Corus Profits Up In Q1
Canada's Corus Entertainment reports that its consolidated revenues were up 3 percent in its fiscal first quarter, with profit up 2 percent. But radio revenues fell by 6 percent in the quarter, to $71.1 million.
Police Shoot Gunman At Renda/Tulsa
Tulsa police have shot an armed and agitated man who walked into the lobby of Renda's Tulsa stations and demanded to talk to KBEZ morning co-host Carly Rush. A staffer called police, the Tulsa World reports, and officers shot and wounded the man after he brandished a gun.
Radio Reaches Out To Help After Haitian Quake
Radio quickly launched efforts to help the people of Haiti after Tuesday's devastating earthquake. Emmis' WRKS/New York has dedicated a big part of its homepage to ask for donations to Yele, an organization founded by Haitian musician Wyclef Jean, while Clear Channel stations are offering information on aid organizations with a presence in Haiti. Additionally, the FCC is offering noncommercial stations waivers that will let those stations raise funds for relief efforts.
Report: Emmis Sues URBan Over Hughley Deal
Emmis Communications' Urban AC WRKS (Kiss-FM)/New York has filed suit against URBan Radio over a threat to take Kiss morning host D.L. Hughley off the air, the New York Daily News reports.
Skarzynski's Exit Package Includes Legal Fees
After the abrupt resignation of President/CEO Michael Skarzysnki yesterday, Arbitron reports to the SEC on his settlement agreement, which includes $750,000 in cash and legal fees up to $100,000 "in connection with matters that culminated with his resignation." Skarzynski left after he and the board concluded that he'd violated a company policy that hasn't yet been specified by Arbitron. His resignation was followed Monday night by a statement from House Oversight Committee Chairman Ed Towns, who said Skarzynski "may have given false testimony" at a hearing in December.
Arbitron: Skarzynski Lied To Congress
On a conference call with investors this morning, Arbitron revealed that former President/CEO Michael Skarzynski resigned over incorrect testimony to the House Oversight Committee in a December 2 hearing. The company reported to committee Chairman Ed Towns (D-NY) and committee staffers that Skarzynski wrongly testified that he personally participated in a training visit to PPM panelists in November of last year.
Chapman Joins NAB Hall Of Fame
Dallas radio icon Ron Chapman is set to be inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame during the NAB Show Radio Luncheon on April 13.
KIRN/L.A. Host Sued By SEC
John Farahi, host of a financial talk show on Persian-language KIRN/Los Angeles, has been sued by the SEC over allegations that he defrauded investors of more than $20 million.
WRKO's Finneran Disbarred
WRKO/Boston talk host and former Massachusetts House Speaker Tom Finneran has lost his license to practice law over false testimony in a 2003 lawsuit. The State Judicial Court accepted a State Board of Bar Overseers recommendation that Finneran be disbarred, AP reports.
Rivlin Consulting RTTNews
Former Triton Digital and ABC Radio Networks exec Ron Rivlin signs on as a consultant for content and tech company RTTNews. RTT provides news, video, custom e-mails, and other content to broadcast and other websites.
Orbyt Syndicates Osmond In Canada
The upcoming Donny Osmond Show from McVay Syndication gets a Canadian deal, with Orbyt Media. Citadel Media will be syndicating the show, due to launch January 18, in the U.S.
WSJ Radio Network Launches Web Widget
The Wall Street Journal Radio Network has launched a new multimedia widget for affiliate stations' websites, with news and business news, video, and other WSJ content.
Kelly Looks At 'Prize Pigs'
In the latest installment of its study of callout versus website database music tests, Kelly Music Research looks at the potential effect of contest "prize pigs" on station databases and research.
Senator Calls For PPM Investigation
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is again calling for a "thorough investigation into the PPM methodology" after the resignation of Arbitron President/CEO Michael Skarzynski. Skarzynski left Arbitron Monday over testimony he gave at a House Oversight Committee hearing in December, when he said he personally attended a PPM training session that he did not in fact attend.
Automakers Race To Adopt HD
HD Radio announcements have been coming quickly from automakers at the Consumer Electronics Show, with Volkswagen adding HD to models equipped with its DVD navigation system, Kia putting HD in select 2010 models, and Hyundai announcing that HD Radio will be standard in the 2011 Sonata.
CRB Calls For Humanitarian, Promotion Nominations
Country Radio Broadcasters has extended its deadline for nominations for the annual Radio Humanitarian Award and Radio Promotion Awards through January 15. The awards will be presented next month at CRS 2010.
Dubuque Legend Hemmer To Retire
KGRR/Dubuque OM/morning host Paul Hemmer is due to retire Friday, after 42 years doing mornings in the market.
Modavox To Spin Off VoiceAmerica
Tech company Modavox has signed a letter of intent to transfer the assets of its VoiceAmerica online Talk network to World Talk Radio , a new company founded by former Modavox Internet radio chief Jeff Spenard.
Slacker Adds ABC News Channel
The Slacker online radio service is adding ABC News content in a dedicated channel. Slacker is available online and for iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android devices.
Regent Delisted
Regent Communications' stock will be suspended from trading on Nasdaq, effective Friday morning. The company earlier received two notices that delisting was imminent.
FCC Opens Website For Public Input
The FCC has launched a new website designed to seek public input and "improve citizen interaction" with the agency. The new site, at http://reboot.fcc.gov, also has the first official FCC blog.
HD Emergency Alert Shown At CES
SpectraRep and Sage Alerting are showing an enhanced emergency alert delivery system for HD Radio receivers, in the iBiquity booth at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Saunders Tapped As OM For CBS Radio/DC
Michael Saunders has been named OM for CBS Radio's five-station cluster in DC, moving up from the PD post at the company's WJHM/Orlando.
BMP Sells Another Station
A day after announcing a deal to sell KFON in Austin, Border Media Partners is set to spin off KWOW-FM/Waco, TX, to Waco Entertainment Group for $1.3 million in cash.
Austin Pirates Draw $10K Fine
The FCC's Enforcement Bureau has sent a $10,000 forfeiture order to two people who operated a pirate FM in Austin, rejecting their argument that the commission has no jurisdiction.
Radio Vet Hillier Heads Online Station
Chuck Hillier, longtime WKQX/Chicago GM and co-founder of Interep's Hillier, Newmark, Wechsler & Howard Radio Sales, joins Standard Media Group as VP/GM of Internet radio station Martini in the Morning. Additionally, the 24/7 Martini programming is now available for terrestrial syndication.
Stakelin, Vasconcellos Re-Up At Regent
Life goes on at Regent even as the company works through its financial difficulties, with CEO Bill Stakelin and EVP/CFO Anthony Vasconcellos signing new three-year employment agreements.
HD Radio At CES
More HD Radio products than ever will be on display at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, taking place now in Las Vegas.
Doyle Book On Sale Now
A new book by Talk Radio Network host Jerry Doyle, Have You Seen My Country Lately?, is out now from Simon and Schuster.
Broadcasters Foundation Names Golf Tournament For Lombardo
The Broadcasters Foundation board has voted to rename its annual NAB golf fundraiser the Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament. This year's event will be held April 11, right before the NAB Show in Las Vegas.
New Book Supports MIW Programs
A new book by Eric Shoars, Women Under Glass: The Secret Nature of Glass Ceilings and the Steps to Overcome Them, is due out next week, and a dollar from each sale of the book will support programs by the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio group.
Kapugi Heads New Tribune Division
Jeff Kapugi rises to SVP/Representation at Tribune Co., heading up Tribune Interactive's newly formed representation division.
Pandora Reaches Into Cars With Pioneer Deal
Leading pure-play webcaster Pandora has made a deal with electronics manufacturer Pioneer that will put Pandora settings -- by way of the streamer's iPhone app -- on the screen of a new navigation system.
Border Media Sells KFON, Moves 22 To Trust
Border Media has agreed to sell KFON-AM/Austin to REO Radio Group for $1.4 million, and moved its remaining 22 stations to Border Media Business Trust.
New Top 40 Now In Minneapolis
Northern Lights Broadcasting has flipped its Rhythmic KHTC/Minneapolis to Top 40 as "96.3 Now." Northern Lights President/CEO Steve Woodbury says, "Our vision is to build the next powerhouse radio station in the Twin Cities."
MMTC Responds To NAB On Channel Freeze
The NAB is opposing a Minority Media and Telecommunications Council request that the FCC freeze applications for Channels 5 and 6 while the commission looks at proposals that they be used for FM broadcasting, and the MMTC has responded to the NAB's objections, saying "there is really no comparison in terms of the public interest" between the potential damage of a freeze and the possible benefits.
Hungarian Court: Radio License Award Illegal
A Hungarian court has ruled that a decision by broadcast regulators to award one of two national radio licenses to a politically backed group was unlawful in a case brought by German-Austrian company Danubius. Emmis, which formerly held Hungary's other national radio license, has a similar case pending later this month.
Citadel Launches 'Donny Osmond Show'
The first offering from McVay Syndication, The Donny Osmond Show, is set to launch January 18 via Citadel Media. The lifestyle and music show will air weekdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and has 60 affiliates already on board.
Towers Consulting For CCR
Clear Channel Radio brings in Jay Towers, most recently in mornings at CBS Radio's WXTY/Detroit, as programming and talent consultant for the company.
FCC Sets Agenda For Next Ownership Workshop
The FCC has announced the panelists and agenda for its January 12 media-ownership workshop, covering financial and marketplace issues affecting broadcasters.
Angels Broadcaster Markas Dies
Rory Markas, play-by-play voice for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, has died at age 54.
Miller Adds PD Duties At WXNR/Greenville
Cindy Miller, PD of Beasley's Classic Rock WSFL/Greenville, NC, adds duties at Alternative clustermate WXNR.
Apple Acquires Mobile Ad Provider Quattro
Apple is moving into the mobile advertising market as it buys Quattro Wireless. The price for the deal is reportedly $275 million.
Alaska Sets Statewide EAS Test
The FCC, FEMA, the state of Alaska, and the Alaska Broadcasters Association are set to conduct a statewide test of the Emergency Alert System on Wednesday at 10 a.m. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says the exercise "will help determine how to further improve the nation's alerting system and better prepare us in our ongoing efforts to implement next-generation EAS."
PPM Meets 'Virtually All' Benchmarks In December
In the monthly conference call reviewing the December PPM numbers, Arbitron reported that its DDI benchmarks were met in "virtually all" metrics in the 33 commercialized PPM markets, with compliance and response rates also improving. SVP/Marketing Bill Rose also pointed to some Spanish-language stations that are getting better results under the PPM than with the diary.
Arbitron: No PPM For New Orleans This Year
New Orleans had been set to to move to the PPM in December, but Arbitron now says it will keep using diaries in the market until further notice, in part because broadcasters are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.
Westwood One Buys Sigalert
Westwood One has acquired traffic information provider Sigalert from Jaytu Technologies, and plans to expand the regional service from eight markets to about 65 this year.
Regent Misses Debt Payment
Regent reports in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it did not make debt payments that were due December 31, and also failed to pay some professional fees and payments related to interest-rate swaps.
Morgan Leaves 'America's Morning News'
Melanie Morgan, co-host of Talk Radio Network/Washington Times joint venture America's Morning News, announced on her website that she has resigned from the DC-based show "with a tremendous amount of sadness." Morgan says she is returning to California to deal with some health issues.
Pandora Tops Ando Media November Ranker
Pandora was the top single streamer in Ando Media's November Internet audio domestic top 20, with 251,066 average active sessions for the month.
Bennett Textbook Series On The Way To Schools
A textbook series from Salem Radio Network host Bill Bennett is available to schools now through a distribution deal with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The America: The Last Best Hope program also includes an extensive online presence.
SRN To Launch Janet Mefferd Show
Salem Radio Network will be launching a new nationally syndicated talk show hosted by Christian radio veteran Janet Mefferd.
Calvert Moves To Mornings At WCSX/Detroit
Ken Calvert is taking on morning duties at Greater Media's Classic Rock WCSX/Detroit, moving from afternoons and succeeding Deminski & Doyle. OM Doug Podell adds afternoon drive duties.
Winter Station Name Previews On The Way
Arbitron has sent out the Winter 2010 Station Name Previews to stations in the winter survey.
Smyth: Q1 Is Critical
In his first "Corner Office" column of the new year, Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth says this quarter "stands out as the most critical Q1 in years."
NY Post: Inner City Founders Sue Company
In a reported headed "Fall of the House of Percy Sutton," the New York Post says two co-founders of Inner City Broadcasting have sued the company, saying it hasn't met the requirements of a 1999 agreement that settled earlier allegations.
CCR Debuts 'Brighter Day' PSAs
Clear Channel Radio this week launches the "Brighter Day" PSA campaign on all stations, with tips on recycling, saving water, and using fewer items that could harm the environment.
Judge OK's Citadel's Suit Against Dolan
A judge has declined to dismiss Citadel's suit against former ABC Radio Networks President Mitch Dolan, Courthouse News Service reports. Citadel claims Dolan isn't entitled to the severance pay awarded by an arbitrator because he attempted to lure Sean Hannity into a separate business deal with him.
McHugh Programs Two For CCR/St. Louis
Jeff McHugh is picked as program director for Clear Channel Radio/St. Louis' Top 40 KSLZ and new Alternative WSDD (100.3 the Sound).
Rush To Return Wednesday
Rush Limbaugh will be back on the air Wednesday, Premiere Radio Networks announced Sunday evening. Limbaugh was hospitalized December 30 after suffering from chest pains, and was released from the hospital Friday after saying in a press conference that he did not have a heart attack and doctors' tests had found no underlying heart disease.
After FOTF, Dobson Will Launch New Show
James Dobson and his son Ryan Dobson are set to launch a new daily 30-minute radio show, to debut after the elder Dobson leaves Focus on the Family in February.
Eastlan Allies With Bustos, Campesina On New Product
Eastlan Ratings is working with Bustos Media and Radio Campesina on a new ratings product "focused exclusively on understanding the impact of Hispanic radio listeners."
Churchill Media Shuts Its Doors
Eugene, OR-based Churchill Media, which owns three Spanish-language radio stations in Eugene and Portland, has ceased operations and is liquidating its assets.
NRG Sells Nine In Iowa
NRG Media is selling nine stations in Iowa to newly formed company Community First.
Ex-Car Dealer Makes Successful Move To Radio
The Dallas Morning News profiles Jerry Reynolds, who three years ago left his job managing a car dealership to focus on his Saturday-morning auto-advice show on Citadel's WBAP/Dallas. The show is now set to expand into Los Angeles.
Rational Radio Leaving KMNY/Dallas
Multicultural Broadcasting's KMNY/Dallas is set to make a move on January 1, as Rational Radio's liberal Talk programming is moving online-only. Who'll take over the station isn't yet public.
Coming In Radio Ink: Gordon Borrell
Beginning with the January 4 issue, Radio Ink presents an exclusively monthly column by leading media analyst and consultant Gordon Borrell. In his debut column, Borrell writes about the upside of the Internet for radio -- it's huge -- and why the opportunity is worth a real investment. Only in the print edition of Radio Ink! Click the headline to subscribe.
Walker Wakes Up WKIS/Miami
Kenny Walker is set to join Beasley's WKIS (99.9 Kiss Country)/Miami in mornings on January 6, teaming with Matt Walker for the Walker & Walker Morning Show.
Sportscaster George Michael Dies
Veteran TV and radio sportscaster George Michael has died of cancer at age 70. Michael began his career as a radio personality and hosted the Sunday-night TV roundup George Michael Sports Machine for more than 20 years.
FCC Grants Extension For Cross-Ownership Waivers
The FCC's Media Bureau has on its own motion granted a 90-day extension to Cox Enterprises, Bonneville International, Scranton Times, and Morris Communications to file requests for permanent waivers of the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rule, amendments to pending waiver requests, or renewal applications. The extension gives more time to the FCC to consider the media companies' request to delay the filing deadline while the modified cross-ownership rule goes through the courts.
HD Alliance Sets Q1 Campaign
New spots for Q1 2010 from the HD Radio Alliance focus on the added stations available on HD with no monthly fees, and spotlight local content.
iheartradio App Comes To Android
Clear Channel Radio's iheartradio mobile app will be available Thursday for smartphones with Android version 1.5 or higher.
Envision Launches 'Fame Games'
Envision Radio Networks is partnering with Meer Music International on the U.S. launch of Fame Games, a daily music and weekly music competition for independent and unsigned artists.
Mammone Tapped As Westwood One SVP/Finance
Edward Mammone arrives at Westwood One as SVP/finance and principal accounting officer. He was most recently SVP/chief accounting officer for Revlon Inc.
Obama Makes Congrats Call To VA Gov On WTOP
President Obama -- introduced initially as "Barry from DC" -- called in to congratulate outgoing Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine on WTOP's Ask the Governor.
Radio One Shareholders OK Reverse Stock Split
Radio One's shareholders have approved a reverse stock split of not less than one-for-two or more than one-for-50, any time before the next shareholders' meeting. If the split goes ahead, the Radio One board will set the exact amount.
Report: Citadel Expects To Exit Bankruptcy Within A Year
A lawyer for Citadel Broadcasting told the court Monday that under its deal with lenders, the company could exit bankruptcy in 300 days, Reuters reports.
Curtis Ups Two To VP
Curtis Media promotes WPTF/Raleigh GM David Stuckey and group NSM Cameron Poston to VP posts.
ESPNLosAngeles.com Debuts
ESPN has launched the latest in its network of locally oriented websites, ESPNLosAngeles.com, with original, locally oriented content from ESPN's platforms and local contributors.
Bloomberg To Receive Golden Mike Award
New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg is set to be honored in March by the Broadcasters Foundation with the 2010 Golden Mike Award. Bloomberg founded Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg News.
Smulyan Signs New Employment Agreement
Emmis Communications Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan has signed a new three-year employment agreement with the company, effective March 1, 2010.
Nielsen: More Homes Going Cellphone-Only
The newest edition of Nielsen's "Convergence Audit" survey shows that 21 percent of U.S. homes are cellphone-only, up 16 percent year-over-year.
New Citadel Media Deals With ABC News Radio, ESPN
Citadel Media has signed a long-term agreement with ABC News Radio to provide ad-sales support and affiliate relations, and a multiyear extension of its ad-sales deal with ESPN Audio.
Arbitron Speeds Up Diary CPO Plans
Arbitron has moved up a scheduled increase in its cellphone-only sample target for diary markets and is now planning to raise the proportion of its sample coming from CPO households to 15 percent in all diary markets by spring 2010.
NextMedia Files For Chapter 11
NextMedia has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a prearranged agreement with its creditors. The filing, NextMedia said, will have no effect on its day-to-day operations, with no management changes or job cuts. The news follows yesterday's Chapter 11 filing by Citadel Broadcasting.
Clear Channel Outdoor Ups Bond Offering To $2.5 Billion
Clear Channel Outdoor has distributed a preliminary circular offering $2.5 billion in notes, the company reported in an SEC filing Friday. Moody's has reportedly cut its rating on the notes with the increase -- CCO earlier set a note offering of $750 million.
Nikki Sixx Gets A Co-Host: Kerri Kasem
Kerri Kasem is joining Nikki Sixx as co-host of Premiere's upcoming Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx and The Side Show Countdown with Nikki Sixx. Kasem has hosted and produced on radio and for cable nets MTV, ESPN, and Spike.
Envision, HK Make Programming Deal
Envision Radio Networks has made a deal with HK Productions for new weekly shows to begin in January. The new shows will be programmed by Howard "HK" Kessler for Top 40, Urban, and Rhythmic.
Next Media Ownership Workshop Set
The FCC's Media Bureau will hold its next workshop on media ownership on January 12, as the 2010 quadrennial ownership review gets rolling. This workshop will focus on ow current economic factors should be taken into account during the review.
RMLC, ASCAP Reach Deal On Temporary Fees
The Radio Music License Committee and ASCAP have reached an agreement on temporary fees for radio, effective January 1. The fees reflect a provisional discount of 7 percent from 2009 levels and will be in effect until a New York court sets interim fees.
Alpha To Bring Stations Under One Roof
Alpha Broadcasting, which over the course of this year has bought six stations in Portland, OR, will next year move the stations into a single facility, at Pacwest Center.
Alpha's Reynolds Heads To KINK
Susan Reynolds moves over to the post of director of marketing & promotion at Alpha Broadcasting Triple A KINK/Portland, OR. She's been doing the same job at clustermate KUFO since 1996.
WFLZ Turkey-Frying Stunt Goes Wrong
A WFLZ/Tampa stunt -- attempting to deep-fry a turkey inside a station van -- went wrong Friday morning, destroying the van and leaving a veteran firefighter and a station staffer injured, the Tampa Tribune reports. Tampa Fire Rescue said the station had no permit and no proper safety crews on site.
KFYI Host Draws Complaint From Former AG
Former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging that KFYI/Phoenix host JD Hayworth (pictured) is illegally using his show to promote a campaign for U.S. Senate, AZCentral reports. Hayworth has not declared his candidacy.
Clear Channel Outdoor Looks At Increased Note Offer
Clear Channel Outdoor says in an SEC filing that it is exploring an increase in the $750 million note offering announced earlier this month. The net proceeds of the offering are set to go to pay down debt to the parent company. Additionally, some lenders have written to CCO claiming the note offering is an "event of default" -- an assertion the company says is "without merit."
Westwood One Adds RadioCraft Programming
Westwood One has added RadioCraft's Open House Party and Party Playhouse to its programming lineup. The shows are heard in 30 markets nationwide.
CC, Katz See Ad Demand Rising
Internal memos from Clear Channel and Katz cite stats showing ad sales recovering. CC SVP/Sales Operations Chris Soechtig points to "impressive improvements in business conditions" for December 2009 and Q1 of 2010.
Clear Channel Partners In New Fuller Venture
Clear Channel will be a key part of the plan for a new entertainment project, If I Can Dream, coming up next year from Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment. Hulu, MySpace, Pepsi, and Ford are also partnering in the venture.
House Passes LPFM Bill
The House on Wednesday night passed the Local Community Radio Act, which would open the door to potentially hundreds more low-power FMs. A similar bill has passed in the Senate Commerce Committee, with no vote in the full Senate yet scheduled.
NAB, RAB Expand Relationship, Combine Radio Shows
The RAB and the NAB are expanding their relationship and working together on communications and events, including combining their radio conventions into a single show set for next fall in DC. The organizations will also work together on the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas.
KDKA's Fred Honsberger Dies At 58
KDKA/Pittsburgh personality Fred Honsberger has died at his home in Monroeville, PA. He had been with the station, both behind the scenes and on the air, since 1979.
Sawyer Takes Over Gibson's Radio Duties
With ABC World News anchor Charles Gibson set to retire at the end of the week, Diane Sawyer, who's taking over TV anchor duties, takes over Gibson's daily radio newscast as well.
SparkNet Launches SparkNetworks
Vancouver-based SparkNet Communications has formed a new syndication company, SparkNetworks, focusing on the Canadian radio industry.
Affinity Task Force Taps Broadcasters Foundation For Donation
The Radio Affinity Metric Task Force has chosen the recipient of a $15,000 donation to be made on the task force's behalf by Arbitron: The Broadcasters Foundation, selected for its mission of helping broadcasters in need.
Who Are Radio's Top Country PDs?
It's time for Radio Ink to name the Top Country PDs in Radio -- with your help. Click the headline to learn more.
Wells Leaving Newsweb Radio
Harvey Wells, VP and group station manager for Newsweb in Chicago, is stepping down when his contract ends in February, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Bill Would Add Engineers To FCC Staff
A bill introduced in the Senate this week would let each FCC commissioner add a new staff assistant for technical consultations. The new staffer would have a degree in electrical engineering or computer science.
FM In The Google Phone?
Widespread online reports are saying that the upcoming Google-designed and Android-powered Nexus One phone will include an FM radio chip and stereo speaker. That and other specs were leaked by blog These Are the Droids.
Big D And Bubba Re-Up With Premiere
Country morning personalities Big D and Bubba renew their long-term contract with Premiere Radio Networks, their synidcation home since 2005.
Salem Completes Note Offer
Salem Communications has completed its previously announced tender offer for senior notes, saying it has purchased $85.7 million in notes, or 100 percent of the notes tendered before expiration.
SoCal Talent Gather For 'Radio Family Grinchmas'
More than 50 Southern California radio personalities are set to take part in "Radio Family Grinchmas" at Universal Studios Hollywood next week. The event is sponsored by Universal Studios and the Southern California Broadcasters Association.
Salem Makes Management Moves, Santrella Named Radio President
Salem Communications is realigning its management ranks, with David Santrella moving up to president of the radio division. He succeeds Joe Davis, who becomes senior adviser/special projects and strategic development to Salem CEO Edward Atsinger. The changes -- along with several other management moves -- are effective January 1.
Bridge Ratings: New Media's Effect On Radio Lessening
An updated report from Bridge Ratings says "consumer fatigue" with new technologies has been a factor in the lessening effect of new-media competition on terrestrial radio.
Dial Global Picks Paul For Country
John Paul joins Dial Global as senior director of country programming, overseeing four Country formats and serving as Hot Country's PD. Paul has previously programmed KUPL/Portland and WYRK in Buffalo.
Survey: 78% Spend Time With Broadcast Radio
Research from NPD Group found that TV is still the leading entertainment choice for Americans, with 81 percent of respondents spending TV time. But music radio came in a close second, as a choice of 78 percent of Americans.
FCC's Lloyd Blames 'Right-Wing Smear Machine' For Distorting Views
FCC Chief Diversity Officer Mark Lloyd, whose published views on radio and regulation have been widely criticized by conservative media outlets, on Monday said at a Media Access Project event that reports by the "right-wing smear machine" that he supports the return of the Fairness Doctrine have generated "hate mail and death threats." Lloyd has long denied that he supports the return of the FCC policy.
Cannon To Take Mornings On New York's 92.3 NOW
Actor, entrepreneur, and America's Got Talent host Nick Cannon is coming to mornings on CBS Radio Top 40 WXRK (92.3 NOW)/New York. The show, a mix of music, interviews, and lifestyle features, is set to debut on January 19.
CBS Interactive Abandons Ad Networks
CBS Interactive is bringing online ad sales in-house, Ad Age reports, ending its relationships with third-party advertising networks in favor of its own premium network.
NuVo Tunes With RadioTime
RadioTime is providing its Internet radio guide and tuner for NuVo Technology's upcoming Music Port Server under a new partnership deal.
Kelly Research Seeks Broadcasters' Input
Kelly Music Research has begun a nationwide study on music-testing methods, and is inviting broadcasters to share their point of view on the company blog.
Dial Global Leads RADAR 103
Dial Global takes three of the top five slots in the latest RADAR network ratings. Arbitron reports that spots in the 56 RADAR networks reached 74 percent of people 12 and older in the survey.
Woods Joins NPR As VP/Diversity
NPR has picked Keith Woods to the newly created post of VP of diversity in news and operations. Woods has spent the last five years at journalism school the Poynter Institute, most recently as dean of faculty.
Kersting Named Tribune Broadcast COO
Jerry Kersting has been named COO for Tribune Broadcasting, working with President Ed Wilson to oversee Talk WGN-AM/Chicago, 23 TV stations, and the WGN America cable network.
McVay Syndication Debuts
McVay Media President Mike McVay (pictured) and Tom Embrescia officially launch McVay Syndication, with the first program offering to be announced later this week.
Pohlman Heads Up CBS Radio/Phoenix
Tim Pohlman is back on board at CBS Radio, as SVP and market manager for the three-station Phoenix cluster. Pohlman was market manager for CBS Radio/Los Angeles before becoming CEO of Riviera Broadcast Group.
Clear Channel Names New CFO
Tom Casey is set to join Clear Channel Communications in January as the new EVP/CFO, succeeding Randall Mays, who recently announced plans to step down. Casey comes to CC from the same post at Washington Mutual.
SBS Gets Delisting Notice
Spanish Broadcasting System has been notified by Nasdaq that it is in danger of delisting after failing to get its share price up above $1. SBS has requested a hearing with the Nasdaq Listing Qualification Panel.
Spector Succeeds Michaels As Tribune COO
Gerry Spector moves to COO at Tribune, succeeding Randy Michaels, who last week was upped to CEO of the multimedia company.
Herbster To PD At WIOQ/Philly
Tim Herbster comes in as PD at Clear Channel's Top 40 WIOQ (Q102)/Philadelphia, and director of digital content for the CC/Philadelphia cluster.
Herbster To PD At WIOQ/Philly
Tim Herbster comes in as PD at Clear Channel's Top 40 WIOQ (Q102)/Philadelphia, and director of digital content for the CC/Philadelphia cluster.
Copps: Media Harmed By 'Bad Choices'
In a speech Thursday to the Practicing Law Institute in DC, FCC Commissioner Michael Copps said "bad choices" had been made in traditional media, including consolidation and heavy debt loads, and by the FCC, with what Copps called a "massive frontal assault" on public interest protections. He'd like to see stations demonstrate their news and information initiatives during license renewal. "Not," he said, "in a burdensome way but in a credible way."
Clear Channel Outdoor Raising Funds
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings is offering $750 million in notes, with the net proceeds going to pay down debt to parent Clear Channel Communications.
Radio Bilingue Hires Paragon For Research Project
Public media network Radio Bilingue has retained Paragon Media Strategies to do the research for its new L.A. Public Media project.
Genachowski Names Three At FCC
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has named Joel Gurin chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Thomas Wyatt as chief of the Office of Workplace Diversity, and law professor Stuart Benjamin as the commission's first Distinguished Scholar in Residence.
McGavren Guild Signs Entravision/El Paso, Sacramento
McGavren Guild Media has signed rep deals with Entravision for English-language stations in El Paso and Sacramento.
U.S. Ad Spending Down 11.5% Through Q3
Nielsen reports that U.S. ad spending fell by 11.5 percent in the first three quarters of this year, to $83.4 billion. Spot radio was down 9.6 percent, with network down 10.2 percent.
Senate Judiciary Passes Shield Law
Federal legislation that would let journalists protect their sources under some circumstances has been passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. NAB EVP Dennis Wharton said, "NAB looks forward to our continued work with Congress, the White House and our media partners to ensure journalists have the continued ability to report the news without fear of prosecutorial reprisal."
Report: Citadel Prepping For Bankruptcy
Citadel is getting ready to file for Chapter 11, the Wall Street Journal reports. If it happens, it won't come as a surprise: Citadel said last month in its Q3 filing that it expected to be unable to meet debt covenants in January, and in that case a bankruptcy filing would be "likely."
Pandora Eyeing Auto Market
Popular webcaster Pandora is working with automakers to get its programming into cars, Slashgear reports. Pandora CTO Tom Conrad told the SF Music Tech Summit that many Pandora fans are already working out ways to hear the streaming in the car.
Gores COO Page Joins Westwood One Board
Gores Group COO Joseph Page has joined the board of directors at Westwood One. He succeeds Ian Weingarten, who has resigned from the board and from Gores Radio Holdings.
Nielsen Sells Billboard, Other Publications
Newly formed e5 Global Media, a joint venture of Pluribus Capital management and Guggenheim Partners, is buying Billboard, Adweek, Brandweek, The Hollywood Reporter, and other publications from Nielsen Business Media.
WSJ: Will Stern Return?
Sirius XM is "facing a possible decline in its star wattage," the Wall Street Journal reports, as Howard Stern may not be back. Stern has already told listeners he's considering leaving the satcaster, and now, as negotiations for a new contract near, the situation remains uncertain.
CBS Gets An Upgrade
Caris & Co. analyst David Miller has upped his rating on CBS Corp. to "below average" from "sell," citing strong ratings for the TV network, but notes that the company is still facing long-term issues.
Stehney Heads Up CC/Chattanooga
Jared Stehney has been picked as VP/market manager for Clear Channel's three-station cluster in Chattanooga, TN.
FCC Cancels $7,000 Fine On IA Station
The FCC has agreed to cancel a $7,000 forfeiture on Wennes Communications for a late renewal filing and unauthorized operations of KNEI-FM/Waukon, IA, recognizing that the station actually filed on time, though without including the filing fee.
Greater Media Looks At 'Millennial Moms'
A new white paper from Greater Media looks at "Millennial Moms," women 25-54. The paper, prepared by Greater Media/Charlotte Affiliate Marketing Coordinator Angela Snider, looks at research showing women as busy, self-reliant, and technologically savvy.
House Condemns Hungarian License Grant
The House of Representatives has passed a resolution condemning the decision of Hungarian regulators not to renew Emmis Communications' license for Slager Radio and instead award one of only two national licenses to a politically affiliated group.
Wide Range Of Topics At Forecast '10
From the opening address by CBS Radio President/CEO Dan Mason to the closing group heads' panel, Radio Ink's Forecast '10, held Tuesday in New York, covered all the major topics and issues racing the industry: financial, regulatory, technology, the state of the economy, and much more.
NPR Adds New Mobile Offerings
NPR has launched a new, expanded mobile version of NPR.org, and says an NPR News app for Android will be out soon.
Dees Gets An iPhone App
Rick Dees Entertainment debuts a new Dees Digital Network Rick Dees iPhone application, with multiple channels.
