Nashville's WSIX House Foundation Coming to An End

* "Gerry House and the House Foundation" on Clear Channel Country WSIX, Nashville, will call it quits, Dec. 15.
The long-running morning show with House and co-host Mike Bohan will end as House decides to leave radio, he told listeners. He announced on the air that he's ending his nearly three-decade career in Country radio, most of that at WSIX. "After long, painful consideration, we are leaving the air. We're leaving radio." House says he wants to devote more time to other major projects he is involved in, especially writing. “I wanna sleep late, contemplate and feel great," House told his listeners. "I will miss everyone on and off the air, but it's time for me to do the other things I think about. The mostest fun ever is working with your friends. I also plan to travel and spend less time with my family.” Following House's announcement, Clear Channel Nashville Market Manager Tom English said: “Working with Gerry has been a highlight of my career. He and the rest of the House Foundation are absolutely the best and they have meant so much to our listeners, our station and our industry. Just saying Gerry House will be missed is the understatement of the decade, but I understand his desire to take time and enjoy the fruits of his success.” House will continue to work with WSIX as a writer and contributor. WSIX Program Director Keith Kaufman says, "A worldwide search is now underway. We will find Nashville’s next big thing. Anyone who can make me laugh within three minutes of turning on the radio every morning for the next 20 years can call my cell phone. If it'll take four minutes on some days, we'll take it.”

Emmis Again Delays Shareholder Vote — Next Try Set for September 8, Agreement Unlikely

* Thursday night, for a seventh time, Emmis Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan delayed a vote on his plan to take the company private, saying instead shareholders of the Indianapolis-based radio company would gather Friday morning at 8:30 to decide the fate of Smulyan’s $90 million buyout bid. Friday morning (Sept. 3), Emmis adjourned the re-scheduled special shareholder meeting without a vote, setting another session for Wednesday, September 8. Smulyan is continuing to negotiate with both the "lock-block" group of preferred shareholders that have been holding up Smulyan's bid to take the company private, and with Alden Global Capital, which backed away from its part in financing a "sweetened" transaction that would have broken the lock on the block of preferred shareholders who collectively control 38%. The tender offers on both preferred and common stock shares is also being extended until September 8. Emmis, in a news release, says this morning: "Although we believe that an agreement among the various parties remains unlikely, we believe the extension is warranted due to the continuing discussions." The Indianapolis Business Journal reported last night that for weeks, Smulyan has failed to strike a deal with a group of preferred shareholders that also appeals to the liking of his financier, New York-based Alden Global Capital. Smulyan announced August 30 that Alden had backed out of an “agreement in principle” to sweeten the terms for the preferred shareholders. That move rendered the entire deal “unlikely” to happen, according to Smulyan’s own press release. IBJ writes that Emmis’ stock swooned on the news, falling by nearly 27% at one point Tuesday. The shares bounced back a bit Thursday to close at $1.59 apiece—which is still well shy of Smulyan’s offering price of $2.40 per share. Smulyan and Alden agreed in April to take Emmis private. But in July, nine dissident investors emerged to block the deal. They collectively hold 38% of the preferred shares—more than enough to prevent Smulyan from securing the necessary two-thirds vote required to approve his plan. The dissidents balked at Smulyan’s initial offer to convert their shares into bonds worth only 60% of the value of the shares, but paying an interest rate nearly double the 6.25% the shareholders currently enjoy. Smulyan’s proposal also requires approval from the holders of a majority of Emmis shares, a threshold he already has the votes to meet.

Dave Wellington Exits 'DC101'

* Alternative "DC101" WWDC-FM and "Jack FM" WQSR-FM, Washington, Program Director Dave Wellington exits.
Wellington says he has amicably decided to leave after two years with Clear Channel Washington-Baltimore. Wellington added "Jack FM" PD duties last November. He was programming Alternative "Channel 104.3" WCHH, Baltimore until the the station switched to CHR-Top40 as "Z104.3." Wellington previously was as PD at CBS Radio Alternative WBCN, Boston for four years and Alternative KXTE, Las Vegas, for six years. "I've thoroughly enjoyed the last two years programming Jack FM and DC101. I'd like to thank Tom Schurr, Clay Hunicutt, Hartley Adkins and Thea Mitchem and Booger for allowing me the wonderful opportunity to steer two great properties," says Wellington. "Currently, I'm looking at all available programming and on-air opportunities, both within Clear Channel and at other broadcasting companies."

* AC “Star 107.3” KRSR, Corpus Christi, flips to “We Play Everything” Adult Variety Hits “107.3 Jake FM”.
The flip comes after stunting with an all-Beatles format, following the August 30 demise of “Star 107.3” and "Today's Refreshing Light Rock" — leading to a September 3 launch of the new format. The www.star1073radio.com now displays a splash screen for "Jake" which also has its own url at 1073jakefm.com that is currently redirecting to the former “Star" address. The flip leaves rhythmic-leaning KKBA as the only AC station in Corpus Christi. There remains a question about 107.3's (new?) call letters. Some promotional material is claiming "Jake" Corpus Christi is now KJKE. However, as best as we can determine, those calls continue to belong to Country "93.3 Jake FM" in the Oklahoma City market (licensed to Newcastle-Oklahoma City, OK). That appears to be verified by the latest data available from the FCC's FM station database.

* The Truth is that Denver's conservative FM Talker "The Truth" KTNI, Strasburg, CO, is replaced by "Jammin' 101.5".
The Max Media station positions itself as "Denver's Old School" with core artists that include Janet Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson. The station is launching with 5,000 songs in a row commercial-free. The Truth Website has vanished, and the new site is up and streaming at www.jammin1015.com. Visitors to the new site are told: "The people's choice is back...and here to stay!! JAMMIN’ 101.5...DENVER'S OLD SCHOOL is playing all your favorite jamz from back in the day!" Join our E-Club "CLUB JAM" and receive VIP e-mails on the hottest concerts, on-air giveaways, jammin' events an more! SIGN UP NOW and you could be one of 10 "CLUB JAM" members to win $101.50!! We won't send you an e-mail everyday either, just the important stuff!!" KTNI had only been a Talker for about a year, having made the move from Alternative "Indie 101.5" in July 2009.

* Rhythmic CHR "Hot 93.9" KIKI-FM, Honolulu, flips to Rhythmic Gen X, with Hawaiian influences, as "93.9 Jamz."
The Clear Channel station's new slogan is "Your Generation's Ol' Skool" with new call letters KHJZ-FM. Sister Talk KHBZ-AM will assume the heritage KIKI calls as KIKI-AM. The new format is launched under Program Director Ryan Sean. "We're excited to unveil a new era for 93.9 today," says Clear Channel Hawaii VP and General Manager Chuck Cotton. "Radio listeners in Hawaii now have a new choice on the airwaves, something unlike any other station they've heard in the market." Cotton adds that "Hot 93.9" will still be avalable on the station's HD2 multicast channel. Clear Channel Hawaii Director of Programming Jamie Hyatt says the new "93.9 Jamz" will "feature the old school music Generation X grew up with, and certainly not their mom's old school tunes."

* Howard Stern: I'm definitely, 'pretty sure' I'm not going to re-sign with Sirius XM – unless I decide that I will.
Stern's latest update on the status of his contract with Sirius XM Radio — despite the "pretty sure" he will be leaving at the end of the year when his contract expires — leaves one still unsure what he will actually do. We hear that even Robin Quivers still can't say for sure what Howard will finally decide. That may depend on what the satcaster does to satisfy him with a final offer. Stern tells his listeners he'd be interested in staying and adding a third channel, possibly a music channel, to his present Howard 100 and 101, while doing 15 hours of his own show per week. He says, however, he's also considering streaming options, including a mobile app with subscriptions. Stern's five-year contract with the satcaster ends in December. He says he doesn't want another five-year deal, if he does re-sign — although he's "pretty sure" he won't re-sign, unless he decides to do so after all. Stern now wants a yearly contract, although Sirius XM Radio is seeking to sign him to another five-year deal. He said that he is considering five options, but one, to "get the f**k out of the business," is off the table and he will continue in radio, although he said it would take "almost a miracle" for Sirius XM to re-sign him. However, Stern apparently believes in "almost miracles" as he added that his "priority" is to remain with the satcaster. Still, he complained that the company has "forgotten about the past." Our TPMedia analysts, after pouring through the full audio, have determined that it is 100% definite that Howard will ultimately either sign a new deal with Sirius XM or leave the satcaster at the end of the year. Unless somehow he can come up with a totally different option that miraculously involves neither.

* A New Jersey personal injury law firm is looking for unhappy HD Radio consumers who've had problems.
Law firm Keefe Bartels is asking car buyers who have experienced "problems" with their factory-installed HD Radio receivers to contact them. The personal injury firm has posted an "investigation" of HD Radio on its Website that appears to be setting up a possible class action lawsuit over alleged deficiencies of HD Radio. Keefe Bartels says there have been "numerous complaints about HD Radio from not only the radio industry but also consumers." Keefe Bartels appears to be targeting both HD Radio developer iBiquity and automakers that are factory installing HD Radio. The NJ law firm points to problems that have been widely reported, suggests deception by the use of "HD" which doesn't stand for High Definition, and suggests car buyers are being forced to pay for a technology they don't actually want or need that's pre-installed and for which they're charged in the total auto price.

* Beasley Las Vegas names Justin Chase [left] as Operations Manager for all of its FM stations, and Sean Lynch [right] joins Beasley Las Vegas as Program Director of KOAS and KVGS.
Programmer Carmy Ferreri exits immediately. The two new stations join Beasley's current FM group that includes Classic Hits KKLZ and Country KCYE. "Not only do we believe the management addition of these two stations creates an excellent opportunity for our company, importantly it also reflects our belief in the strength of this market and our long-term commitment to Las Vegas," says VP of Operations Brian Beasley. Chase will continue as PD for KKLZ and KCYE. Lynch, who will program KVGS and KOAS, was instrumental in the successful launch of KKLZ before leaving the company to consult various entertainment companies. Market Manager Tom Humm assumes additional management responsibilities adding the two new stations. "I have worked closely with both Justin and Sean for many years," says Humm. "They are incredibly talented, dedicated and driven to providing the best possible radio products for Las Vegas listeners and advertisers. All five stations remain committed to providing meaningful community service and compelling content to Las Vegas in the months and years ahead." As we reported earlier, George Beasley's GGB Las Vegas closed on its $8.5 million purchase of KVGS-FM and KOAS-FM. GGB is separate from Beasley Broadcast Group, which George Beasley heads as Chairman and CEO. His GGB purchased the stations from Riviera Broadcast Group, and has aready been operating them under an LMA. Beasley Broadcast Group is providing management services for the stations under a contract with GGB Las Vegas, formed specifically to acquire the two stations. Said George Beasley, "This transaction allows Beasley Broadcast Group to leverage its existing Las Vegas operating and management capabilities to immediately generate new cash flow through a structure that requires no capital commitment. Beasley Broadcast owns Country KCYE-FM, Classic Hits KKLZ-FM and News-Talk KDWN-AM in Las Vegas.

* Clear Channel promotes Joe Haze to Program Director of CHR-Top40 "Channel 933" KHTS-FM, San Diego.
Haze, who has been with the station for 13 years, takes over as PD from Jimmy Steele, who is now Operations Manager of the San Diego cluster. Haze has been Music Director and night host at "Channel 933" and is also an air talent at sister Hot AC "Star 94.1" KMYI-FM. "I am pleased to announce the promotion of our own 'Haze' to Program Director of Channel 933," says Steele. "His passion for the station, level of experience and knowledge of the San Diego market, along with the respect of his peers make him the right choice to lead our programming efforts and continue to grow the Channel 933 brand." Haze adds, "This promotion is truly a dream come true for me. I have so much respect for the staff of Channel 933 and I look forward to working with this talented team to take the station to the next level of success. I am grateful for the continued guidance and leadership of my mentor and Operations Manager, Jimmy Steele and for the confidence placed in me by our President and Market Manager, Debbie Wagner."

* Cumulus Media names Carey Edwards as Program Director of CHR-Top40 "Y102" WHHY-FM, Montgomery, AL.
Edwards will also host morning drive. He replaces Jeff Andrews, who accepts an opportunity to travel north to program Cumulus-owned "i106" in Nashville. "After a long series of positive conversations with SVP Jan Jeffries, I am energized with the concept of continuing the winning tradition at WHHY," says Edwards. "Much thanks to Market Manager Bill Jones and PD Jeff Andrews for getting me pumped up for this great gig! After hearing Jan's vision of my role with Y102 I knew that I wanted to be with Cumulus." Edwards formerly was afternoon co-host, Music Director and Assistant Program Director of Entercom's "Mix 94.7" Hot AC KAMX-FM, Austin. His resume aso includes stops as PD at KZPT-FM, Tucson; afternoons at KHPT-FM, Houston; and KZZP and KZON Phoenix.

* Citadel Country Program Director Dave Kelly adds KSCS-FM, Dallas, to WKDF-FM Nashville, WGKX-FM Memphis.
At KSCS-FM he replaces Chris Huff. He will continue as PD in both Nashville and Memphis, while working with Huff, who remains for a significant role with the station. Kelly joined Citadel as PD of WKDF in May 2001 and was promoted to Operations Manager in June 2002. Previously, he programmed Nashville's WSIX-FM from 1995-2000.

* Recording artist Kix Brooks will take his radio 'American Country Countdown' show on the road.
Brooks, who just completed the final tour with longtime recording/performing partner Ronnie Dunn, will soon Kix off a new tour, broadcasting the "American Country Countdown" from different affiliates at least once a month throughout 2011. The show has about 350 affiliate stations. Also, Brooks is set to host the American Country Countdown Concert series, six live shows featuring new and established Country music acts. Shows are set for next year in Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington DC. "Having Kix in our portfolio provides our network a true leadership position in Country syndication," says Citadel Media SVP of Programming and Distribution Carl Anderson. "His level of dedication to the show and our affiliates is unmatched and has taken ACC to new heights. Partnering with him to take the program on the road while also delivering a magnificent concert series for our listeners will drive 2011 success for our advertisers and our stations."

* Country WQYK-FM, Tampa, signs stand-up comedian Cledus T. Judd to a multi-year deal to co-host mornings.
Judd joins morning host Dave McKay from 5-10am, beginning today (Sept. 3), returning to the 99.5 WQYK morning show after a two-year absence. He is best known for his Country music parody work, including "I Love NASCAR" - "I Love This Bar" and "Paycheck Woman." Most recently, Judd co-hosted "Nashville Star" and is a regular co-host for CMT's "Most Wanted Live."

* Dial Global signs with the American Forces Radio Network for a new "PowerTalk" format for AFRN.
The new Talk menu will feature Dial Global talk personalities Neal Boortz, Ed Schultz, Bill Press, Thom Hartmann and Stephanie Miller. The launch of of the new format is expected in mid-late October. "PowerTalk will feature the very best of American talk talent," says Dial Global SVP of News and Talk Amy Bolton. "We're thrilled that Neal, Ed, Bill, Thom and Stephanie will entertain our service men and women overseas and serve as a shining example worldwide of how diverging views can co-exist in a democracy such as ours."

* New York Radio Market Association (NYMRAD) is set to host "Rated R" during Advertising Week in New York.
Sir Richard Branson is slated to keynote, Westwood One syndicated personality Dennis Miller is set to appear, and Hot 97's Angie Martinez will interview Mary J. Blige, September 28. This year's event is aimed to educate marketers about radio and show it's not a "dirty little word." Says NYMRAD Executive. Director Deborah Beagan, "The landscape continues to change. All media is fragmented today but radio remains highly effective, efficient and is also a tremendous collaboration with digital." NYMRAD Chair and Emmis New York Market Manager Alexandra Cameron tells us, "An integrated lifestyle program designed by a radio station or group with the brand objectives as guidance can turn a message into an experience and bring a brand to life both on and off air for the target consumer, on their terms, where they live. Radio today is far more sophisticated than given credit." More about the five-letter "Dirty Little Word" – including places where you "do it" – is available at www.DirtyLittleWord.com.

* WADV, the official Web-based radio station for Advertising Week in New York, returns for 2010.
The annual Ad Week station, available online and via the iheartradio mobile app, will focus on all things advertising and will feature interviews with industry and marketing leaders interspersed with news reports on conference content. This year's revamped format features roving on-site reporters with coverage of headlining events and panels. Advertising Week 2010 begins September 22, running through October 4. Highlights can be heard on select Clear Channel Radio News-Talk stations and online at advertisingweek.com/wadv.php.

* Greater Media Philadelphia signs with Xfinity Studios for new marketing program with Sports Talk WPEN-AM-FM.
Greater Media Philadelphia signs a one year agreement with Xfinity Studios as the official broadcast studio sponsor of Sports Talk 97.5 FM and 950 WPEN-AM-FM. "The Fanatic Broadcasting Live," was officially launched Thursday (Sept. 2)) by afternoon host Mike Missanelli. As part of the marketing program, the GM stations are promoting "Xfinity Studios, only from Comcast." The naming rights will be in effect for a one year period. The deal includes a full studio naming rights program, including Interactive, streaming, on-air giveaways and listener sit-in program elements. In addition, the station will have an official "Xfinity" chair located in the studio, which professional players coaches, and other timely guests will be able to sign when they stop by the Fanatic. At the end of the one-year program, the station will auction off the chair and give 100% of the proceeds to charity. "Comcast was looking for an innovative communications technology platform to highlight the additional choice and control Xfinity delivers to consumers," says Greater Media Philadelphia Director of Sales Matt Cowper. "Partnering with Philly's First FM Sports Station, WPEN 97.5 The Fanatic, gives XFinity the opportunity to reach consumers in a new, unique, engaging and innovative way. The partnership highlights the benefits of both brands giving Philadelphia consumers a new choice for sports and entertainment."

* The Ins and Outs of Radio
Adult Variety Hits WFNQ-FM, Nashua, NH, Progfram Director and morning personality Sarah Sullivan exits ... CHR-Top40 KTFM, San Antonio, morning co-host Robynne is exiting. Co-host Woody remains solo until a new co-host is found ... Country WCKT-FM, Fort Myers, morning hosts Rick McGee and Melanie Heinkel exit ... Triple-A KFMU, Steamboat Springs, CO, Station Manager and afternoon host Eli Campbell exits ... Christian CHR KFMK-FM, Austin, Program Director Gary Walsh is tagged as interim PD of co-owned Country stations KASE-FM and KVET-FM. following the exit of Mac Daniels... Clear Channel Austin Regional VP of Programming Mac Daniels is out. A 35-year industry veteran, he joined the Austin Group in April 2005, and oversaw the programming of Clear Channel's South/Central Texas Trading Area. He also handled the day-to-day programming of Country stations KASE-FM and KVET-FM ... Longtime AC WMGF, Orlando, morning host Dave Collins exits... Charles "Chachi" Angelo joins Country WGGE-FM, Parkersburg, WV, for Program Director and afternoons... Country WWKA-FM, Orlando, morning co-host Doc of the Doc & Grace show exits after three years. Co-host Grace and producer & sidekick Skid both remain... After celebrating his 20th anniversary on Citadel CHR-Top40 KKOB-FM, Alburerque, John Forsythe is out of mornings after his contract was not renewed.

Recent Headline Reports are on TPM NewsPage2
• Citadel Talk WLS-AM, Chicago, promotes Assistant PD Tracy Slutzkin to Program Director...
• Greater Media appoints Steve Kosbau as Market Manager of its Detroit radio group...
• "710 ESPN" KSPN-AM, Los Angeles, Program Director Larry Gifford will exit September 13...
• The St. Louis Cardinals are returning to CBS Radio's "NewsRadio 1120" KMOX-AM next season...
• CBS Radio flips Smooth Jazz WSJT, Tampa Bay, to Hot AC as "Play 98.7" ...
• Midwest Communications flips "Classic Rock 102.5," Duluth-Superior, MN, to CHR-Top40 as KDWZ-FM...
• George Beasley's GGB Las Vegas closes on its $8.5 million purchase of KVGS-FM and KOAS-FM, Las Vegas...
• Peconic Public Broadcasting gets 72-hour extension to come up with $637,000 to purchase WLIU, Long Island...
• ICBC Broadcast Holdings VP and General Manager Deon Levingston is appointed to the NAB Radio Board...
• Media Monitors releases August political advertising totals for radio, broadcast TV and local cable outlets...
• Consolidation, cuts, reorganization, and "massive innovation” come to Deseret Media Group in Salt Lake City...
• The U.S. Bankruptcy Court appoints federal Judge Kevin Gross as a mediator for the Tribune Co. bankruptcy...
• Westwood One founder Norman Pattiz retires from the Board; Mark Stone is the new Chairman...
• Lincoln Financial Media is acquiring Big League Broadcasting's Sports Talk "The Zone" in Atlanta...
These stories, and much more, are available now on TPM NewsPage 2 ...